05.26.16 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

SUMMER 2016

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VOLUME 1, NO. 34

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THIS ISSUE

2016

Olympia alumna and recent Johns Hopkins University graduate Monica Rex recently led a student team that designed a reusable cryotherapy device to help with breast cancer treatment in rural South Africa. See story on page 4.

Let the caps fly!

Graduating Class of 2016

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Monica’s mission

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF

Congratulations West Orange Schools

•

Celebrate the Class of 2016 with our Grad Tab.

YOUR TOWN

Observer office closed Monday The Observer Media Group office will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31.

Win your dad a Big Green Egg! Observer Media Group and Toole’s Ace Hardware are looking for the Best Ace Hardware Project Dad of West Orange. To enter, all you have to do is write an essay on the theme, “Why My Dad Is the Best Ace Hardware Project Dad in the West Orange Community.” Children ages 5 through 18 are eligible; essays should not exceed 500 words. Entries must include the name and age of the writer, the dad’s name, phone number and email address. The winner will receive a Big Green Egg. Submit them at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, or by email to contest@orangeobserver.com. Deadline is 9 a.m. Monday, June 13.

Courtesy photo

Monica Rex, center, and members of her student design team meant business at a departmental “Design Day” May 3 at Johns Hopkins University.

Local doctor selected for Olympics Dr. Rhode G. Mesidor will travel from MetroWest to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for Team USA. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER METROWEST The stories of Olym-

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Dr. Rhode G. Mesidor, a chiropractor, leaves Aug. 15 to support USA Wrestling in the summer Olympics.

Mother-daughter duo pours hearts into new candle biz.

pic dreams on the networks of NBC Universal every two years tend to focus on athletes who ground through countless hours of training for their particular SEE OLYMPICS PAGE 4

ARTS & CULTURE

Courtesy photo

PAGE 9

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 26

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

CALLING ALL PIRATES AND PRINCESSES 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at 530 Main St., Windermere. Ahoy, mateys! Come to our royal romp full of swashbuckling stories, side-splitting sea shanties, and other fairy fun. Come dressed in your royal princess finery or scurvy pirate garb for what promises to be a rousing time filled with stories and crafts. Ages 3 to 12. (407) 835-7323. FOUNDATION ACADEMY GRADUATION 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Foundation Academy South Campus, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden.

MEET THE LADY WARRIORS 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St. The West Orange High School Lady Warriors softball team won the state championship, and Mayor John Rees has invited the players to the next city commission meeting to be recognized. The community is invited for refreshments. (407) 656-4111.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

DONNIE LEE 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Suite 100, Windermere. (407) 258-7028. FOOD TRUCK BAZAAR 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 27, at 520 Main St., Windermere. Trucks scheduled to participate Cajun in a Truck, Cilantro, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Curbside Chef, Eat My Treat, It’s All Greek to Me, Over the Top Pita, Philly’s Best, Rubio’s Baja Grill, Slide on Over, Tamale Co., The London Fish & Chippy, Tuk Tuk, VooDoo Kitchen and Willy T’s Crab Shack. For more, visit thefoodtruckbazaar.com. OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Olympia Graduation 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the University of CFE Arena at UCF, 12777 Gemini Blvd. N., Orlando.

WINDERMERE PREP GRADUATION Windermere Prep Graduation 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

SPEED LIMIT 70 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Suite 100, Windermere. (407) 258-7028.

MONDAY, MAY 30

MEMORIAL DAY AT PLANT ST. MARKET 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Plant Street Market, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The market is partnering with VFW Post 4305 Auxiliary, in Winter Garden. Event will include a flag ceremony and color guard presentation by Dr. Phillips High School’s Air Force JROTC, as well as speakers from the Veterans’ Administration and the VFW auxiliary. Food and toiletries are also being collected for local veterans in need. Jennifer@avenueeventgroup.com.

Williams II and U.S. Marine Sgt. Stephen Trovet. Refreshments will follow the service. (407) 293-1361. WINTER GARDEN MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden. U.S. Navy Capt. Frank Winget, a SEAL veteran for more than 30 years, will be the featured speaker. A roll call of veterans and a placement of wreaths will be presented with patriotic songs. Refreshments will be served. Theo Graham, (407) 656-2021.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Amway Arena, 400 W. Church St., Suite 200, Orlando.

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. Guest speakers will be former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings, U.S. Army Maj. John M.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

ADULT COLORING 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Men and women ages 18 and older can spend an hour de-stressing. Supplies are provided, or you can take your own. (407) 8357323. SCRIBBLESPACE FIRST ANNIVERSARY 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at Scribblespace, 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., No. 1080, Windermere. Leah Emmanoulidis, (725) 222-1080.

The FACES of Heart Failure • Fatigue • Activities Limited • Chest congestion • Edema or ankle swelling • Shortness of breath

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Zoës Kitchen serves up Mediterranean fare in Dr. Phillips Zoës Kitchen offers fresh, healthy food in a fast-casual environment. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER DR. PHILLIPS A new eatery on Res-

Greg Wright, Maureen Wright, Dawn Trenholm and Jamie Trenholm enjoyed the night.

TOTALLY TUBULAR! T

Louis and Kimberly Lorenz enjoyed the event.

he West Orange community got in their DeLoreans and headed back in time for the Throwback to the ’80s 17th Annual Down to Party and Auction, which was held May 20 at the Pines of Windermere. The event was a benefit for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. Guests enjoyed a night of 1980s-themed décor, activities and music. A silent auction and dinner completed the evening.

— JENNIFER NESSLAR

John Magaw, Matthew Murray and Adam Pickett enjoyed the evening.

taurant Row is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Dr. Phillips. Zoës Kitchen, a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in healthy foods made from scratch each day, opened April 21 and boasts dishes ranging from kabobs and salads to pitas, hummus and more. “The menu is inspired by Mediterranean food philosophy with an emphasis in eating an abundance of fresh produce, whole grain, lean protein and nutritionrich veggies,” said Justin Hurd, a manager at the new location. “Zoës Kitchen offers the chance to experience the benefits of living Mediterranean with high quality meals. We have a very affordable menu for lunch, dinner and catering.” According to the restaurant’s website, “Zoë” means “life” in Greek, and that’s the mantra the chain goes by — live Mediterranean, live Zoës. Aside from its main, dine-in menu, the restaurant also has a separate menu for catering, which includes options for grill-outs, fresh-packed lunches, salads, soups, sandwiches, party trays, desserts and more. Guests can also try a piadina, an Italian flatbread sandwich with fresh and grilled ingredients. Additionally, more food options come in the form of the Simply 500 and Gluten-Free menu, which offers dishes that are under or around 500 calories and caters to guests who cannot eat gluten. Vegetarian and vegan dishes make their appearances on all menus. “Dr. Phillips is a vibrant community with families and individuals looking to lead an active and balanced lifestyle,” Hurd

IF YOU GO ZOËS KITCHEN 7341 W. Sand Lake Road, Suite 1081, Orlando PHONE: (407) 730-5022 HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily PRICE RANGE: $2.39 to $11.89

Below: Kenly Boyett and Lynn Cyr love the ’80s.

THREE TO TRY CHICKEN KABOBS — $9.29; comes with two kabobs, grilled peppers and onions, tomato, rice pilaf, side Greek salad and pita bread. “There’s a lot of flavor and they’re full of the lean chicken protein with the veggies and rice,” Hurd said.

GREEK SALAD — $7.89; tomato, cucumber, peppers, olives, onions, feta, pita bread and greens over potato salad. “(This is the) epitome of Zoës Kitchen and eating healthy,” Hurd said. SPINACH AND MUSHROOM PIADINA — $8.19; Italian flatbread sandwich with fresh grilled spinach, mushrooms, feta parsley spread, parmesan and fresh mozzarella. “It’s a great vegetarian option,” Hurd said.

said. “We call that living Mediterranean. It’s so awesome to have Zoës in Dr. Phillips because the community has responded in such a phenomenal manner. They’re very accepting of us as an organization and our brand as a whole, paving the way for a healthy lifestyle.” For frequent guests and those who are always looking to save some money, Zoës has a mobile app that gives users the opportunity to earn free items each time they submit a Zoës Kitchen receipt. Users also can complete weekly challenges for surprises. “We’re really happy to be here and part of the Orlando community, we look forward to continued growth within Orlando and we are happy to be serving such a quality way of life to each and everyone who comes through our doors,” Hurd said. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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Zoës Kitchen features fresh fare, including this quinoa salad. Lindsay Roth and April Ciarlone came ready to party in the ’80s.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Rex spearheads cancer project STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Monica Rex, left, and member of her student design team take a break from their work on a reusable cryotherapy device at Johns Hopkins University.

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

ack when Monica Rex was a junior at Olympia High School, along the way to graduating in 2012 with a 5.46 GPA and serving as the school’s National Honor Society president, the star student didn’t quite know what she wanted to study in college or what she wanted to do for a career. What Rex did know is that she wanted to use her talents in math and science to help people. As it turns out, that proved to be as good a starting point as any. “I literally Googled ‘math, science, help people, majors,’ and biomedical engineering came up,” Rex said. Fast-forward five years, and Rex has just graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore with degrees in biomedical engineering and Spanish. Her college commencement May 18 came on the heels of her having led a project that goes straight toward the heart of her original goal: helping people. Rex was chosen to lead a student design team at Johns Hopkins in January 2015, and after assembling the five-member team in April, it went about identifying a problem to solve over the summer of 2015. In July, the team’s quest for a project and an academic sponsor crossed paths with Dr. Susan Harvey, the director of breast imaging at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Harvey was looking to improve access to breast cancer diagnostics in South Africa, having identified

LEARN MORE Want to learn more about Monica Rex and her student design team’s project? Check out the team’s website, designteam92015.wix.com/ teamkubanda.

sport, having to prove themselves as one of the best at their skill among a nation of more than 300 million people to earn a chance at becoming the best in the world. Focus can often shift to coaches and family, but behind the scenes are teams of some of the nation’s greatest support staff, without whom not even qualifying would be possible. Chief among these staffs are the medical professionals who ensure athletes are in peak health, such as MetroWest chiropractor Dr. Rhode G. Mesidor. That’s right — Mesidor is going with Team USA to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a dream come true to practice her skill at the most international athletics gathering on Earth. “When they did the Olympic Games in London, I was like, ‘Man, how cool would it be to be one of the doctors taking care of those athletes?’” Mesidor said. “I put it on my vision board, actually. I was like, ‘You know what — next time they have the Olympics, I’m going to be one of the doctors that takes care of them.’ And I

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor /

Courtesy

Amy Quesinberry Rhode,

photo

aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Danielle Hendrix,

a need in low- and middle-income countries for a low-cost ultrasound. After Skyping with Harvey July 17, it was just over a month later that Rex was on a plane with her to Johannesburg, South Africa. “(Dr. Harvey’s) excitement and her passion for the project — her vision was just overwhelming,” Rex said. “We said, ‘This is the sort of sponsor that we’re looking for.’” IDENTIFYING THE NEED

After arriving in South Africa, Rex and Harvey visited hospitals in Johannesburg and traveled to a rural area named Hoedspruit to investigate the problem firsthand. There, the Olympia alumna learned what she calls a valuable lesson about context. While there was a need to improve breast cancer diagnosis in Hoedspruit and other rural areas like it, they learned about another problem area: treatment. As it stands, treatment for breast cancer in those kinds of rural areas is available only at regional hospitals. In addition to the distance and travel being problematic for those seeking care, the main treatments available — mastectomy and lumpectomy — have long recovery times and high rates of complications afterward. Because of that problematic path to care

after receiving diagnoses, many women in these rural areas would rather not know they had breast cancer, as such a diagnosis can be similar to being given a death sentence. So instead, the team turned its attention to how it could improve access to low-cost breast cancer treatment, settling on developing a cryotherapy device that is less expensive than standard cryotherapy treatment and — most importantly — reusable. THE PROTOTYPE

The prototype the team worked on and produced was well-received at the university’s “Design Day” May 3 and earned the Linda Trinh Memorial Award. The project is moving forward in the testing process into the summer, with hopes of eventual animal and clinical testing. The end result could be a game-changer for how breast cancer care is delivered in rural areas of low- and middleincome countries. “We think (the device) could start sort of a cascading effect that would not only influence the lives of the women who are treated, but hopefully more women will seek out diagnosis if treatment is an option,” Rex explained. As the project moves forward

into the summer, Rex’s role with it will change because of graduation. A new team lead will take over, and Rex will serve as an adviser on the committee for the project.

kind of threw it out there, but I was kind of like, ‘Eh, you know, it’s a long shot.’” Mesidor said she held that mentality throughout a process of two interviews, thinking she was too young to be picked for a team of 50 from among 500 applicants. She learned later she will work for USA Wrestling and some USA Track & Field runners, including some athletes she has been familiar with via Clermont’s National Training Center, she said. To enhance her chances and knowledge, she said she has continued scouring for seminars, articles and even online broadcasts for the latest techniques and information. “For a lot of them that are competing, you have to make sure to get lactic acid out of their system,” Mesidor said. “For the London Olympics, I just stayed up on extremity adjusting, making sure that I could do anything that was related to helping the back, spine or nervous system function correct and heal better, because that’s what controls functions as a whole.” Alternative treatments will be important to have in mind,

WHAT DO OLYMPIC DOCS DO? Maximized Living Sports Council has provided doctors such as Mesidor for U.S. Wrestling, judo, weightlifting and volleyball teams since 2009. These doctors use chiropractic, advanced nutrition, mental preparedness and metabolic fitness programs for strength enhancement, endurance, hastening recovery and injury prevention.

because Brazil will not have every tool that would be available for athletes in the U.S., she said. “Athletes are so hard on their bodies that their bodies are more prone to injury, and if you’re an athlete, everyone’s competing; everyone’s training; everyone’s going through preliminaries — you want your body to repair as soon as possible,” Mesidor said. “If you can’t actually use physical therapy or an MRI right away, you have to know other ways to really address that problem, stabilize them and get them to a point where they can continue to com-

dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Sharlene Dewitz, sdewitz@Orange Observer.com

THE FUTURE

In the wake of her graduation, Rex has accepted a position with McKinsey & Company, a global consulting firm, and will be relocating to work at the firm’s Denver office. That exciting opportunity will afford her the ability to work as a generalist consultant on any number of projects in myriad industries. And, as she embarks on the next stage of her budding career, Rex said she takes with her added inspiration from the work she helped begin on the reusable cryotherapy device. “It’s incredibly motivating to think about the fact that we’re not just working inside a vacuum and creating something that will be shelved,” Rex said, reflecting on the project. “We are really working on a technology that has the potential to change the way that breast cancer treatment is delivered to women in developing countries.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

MetroWest doctor bound for Rio CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

WINDERMERE

pete. That’s where a lot of people get hurt; they don’t make it all the way through because of injury.” Beyond her time caring for athletes, Mesidor hopes to gain understanding of the myriad countries’ cultures and witness the majesty of Brazil, she said. She also wants to see more behind-the-scenes work of athletes and others during trials and events that are not televised. “I’m excited about … seeing all the different countries and how they approach things differently,” she said. “I think it’s going to be cool because we live in an American bubble, and that’s all we see here and think about. But I’ll get to see all the different countries do their thing.” Mesidor will begin her journey Aug. 15 with 22 hours of flying, including layovers. She said her return flight would begin on Aug. 23 and end the next day. “I am hoping I can be back in my office (Aug.) 24,” she said. “If I get in early enough, I want to be there, because I’m not going to miss seeing my patients.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

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The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.

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OCPS responds to transgender directive Orange County Public Schools announces it will follow federal guidelines, but its office of legal services is looking into the school system’s policies. JENNIFER NESSLAR

Orange County Public Schools will continue to examine its policies following the May 13 U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education directive regarding transgender students. The joint letter, which does not carry the force of the law, advised schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms that correlate with their gender identity and to refer to students with the pronoun they prefer. Failing to comply could result in loss of federal funding, the letter said. It remains unclear whether Orange County transgender students will be able to use the rest-

room that correlates with their gender identity. “How this is going to change things — it’s still evolving,” said Lorena Hitchcock, senior specialist of media relations at OCPS. “That transgender students are going into either of the opposite sex restrooms at this moment, I don’t know if that’s going to be accommodations at the school. That is something that we’re working on. Those students, we are providing them with services.” Currently, parents provide information about their child to the school, according to Shari Bobinski, senior manager of media relations at OCPS. The school and district then work with the family to provide mutually agreed upon accommodations.

“How this is going to change things — it’s still evolving. That transgender students are going into either of the opposite sex restrooms at this moment, I don’t know if that’s going to be accommodations at the school. That is something that we’re working on. Those students, we are providing them with services.” — Lorena Hitchcock, senior specialist of media relations, Orange County Public Schools

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

PERSPECTIVE FROM A TRANSGENDER WOMAN After graduating from Ocoee High School, Kendall Butler transitioned to become a transgender woman. But while she was in high school, she noticed many of her peers already accepted her as a female. Butler, now 22, is glad to see support for a transgender person to be able to use the restroom he or she chooses but suspects the controversy isn’t coming from peers. “I have no doubt that a lot of the controversy is from the parents on this issue,” Butler said. “(I think) the parents should be more accepting, because the kids already are.” Butler rarely has experienced pushback when inside a restroom. Kendall Butler’s mother, Julie Butler, supports her but also has noted her daughter’s lack of issues with entering restrooms in the past. “As far as public schools having a safe place for a transgender person to use the bathroom, I’m all for it,”

as Lauryn Boyd Lane, whose 9-year-old daughter attends Tildenville Elementary School. “Kids at the elementary age and middle-school age, I don’t think they should be exposed to (that) …I think it’s too much for them right now to be able to understand why everything’s going on the way it is,” said Boyd Lane, who hopes the district will keep boys out of her daughter’s restrooms and future locker rooms. Other parents have chosen alternative ways of schooling

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Julie Butler said. “In that same breath, a lot of public schools have bathrooms that are single bathrooms. They aren’t all multiple-stall bathrooms. … I think they’re making a big issue about something that’s been going on for years and years and years.” She also does not support the method by which President Barack Obama is addressing the issue. “My whole problem with the president stepping in is No. 1, anybody who’s ever attended any kind of history class knows that’s not the way that works, for the president to step in and say, ‘Here’s what I’m going to do, and here’s what’s going to happen,’” she said. “That’s not how that works. So many people in the Senate and Congress are opposed to — for lack of a better term — letting transgenders be like everyone else, that I don’t think his directive will ever come to fruition.”

their children to avoid situations such as this. “One of the main reasons I homeschool is the government’s overreach into the educations of American children,” said Mindy Hungerford, a Winter Garden resident who chooses to homeschool her two sons. “Many, many families have chosen to homeschool for fear of exactly what’s happening.” Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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“It means we work with the family and all parties involved to come to a mutual decision on what accommodations are made,” Bobinski said. “Not all families feel the same way, so each case is addressed based on what all parties agree to in each individual case.” The services students receive are based on the students’ situations. Some students are given accommodations to use faculty restrooms or similar services. In an official statement, the district said the directive does not change its current practices. “OCPS has been and continues to follow all federal guidelines and cases regarding gender equity and gender identity,” the statement read. “At this time, the letter issued … does not modify or change any existing practices within OCPS.” OCPS’ office of legal services currently is looking into the system’s policies. Some local parents are in favor of the directive and hope it applies to OCPS. “As an OCPS parent and former teacher, I wholeheartedly agree with Obama’s directive,” said Diahann Messeguer. “It’s 2016 and enough with bullying. Stop with the ignorant thinking, and stop making big deals out of nothing.” However, the directive is unnerving to other parents, such

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Students snag National Merit scholarships Deesha Desai, of Olympia High, and Anli Chen, of Dr. Phillips High, both received corporate sponsorships as part of the National Merit Scholarship Program. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER SOUTHWEST ORANGE

National Merit scholarships are hard to come by, but five students in Orange County Public Schools have received them this year, including two in Southwest Orange County. Deesha Desai, of Olympia High, and Anli Chen, of Dr. Phillips High, met the criteria of their corporate sponsors, which provide scholarships for finalists in the community or those who plan to pursue careers the corporations encourage. Desai was sponsored by Sagar G. Patel Memorial, and Chen by Northrop Grumman. Scholarships can be awarded in single, lump-sum payments, or in annual stipends ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year. To be considered for a National Merit scholarship, students must be U.S. citizens, be enrolled as a high-school student and plan to enroll in college full time after, and must take the PSAT/NMSQT test before their junior year of high school. To become a finalist and earn a scholarship, many factors are considered, including academic records, the finalist’s essay and letters of recommendation.

Dr. Phillips High senior Anli Chen is one of two Windermere-area National Merit Scholar finalists.

ANLI CHEN

Chen is a senior at Dr. Phillips High who plans to go into the neurobiology field and is receiving a scholarship from Northrop Grumman. Throughout her highschool career, she has taken about 18 AP classes and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She also started the school’s History Club, is president of the science honor society and is a talented artist. She will attend Harvard University this fall and plans to double major in biology and art history to explore the scientific aspect of art. One of her current aspirations

is to be involved in art therapy for Alzheimer’s disease patients, after being inspired by helping care for her grandmother, who suffers from dementia. She also spent a day volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Association in Longwood, and both of these factors sparked her curiosity. With Alzheimer’s disease, one of the ways to slow down the onset is to think spatially and use creativity and social skills. The association in Longwood holds art therapy sessions for patients, where they use watercolor paints and get to explore colors and creativity. “I walked in, and there was a bunch of strangers and people whose age gaps with me were over half a century, and I would talk to them and art was the common ground we shared where we can form connections,” she said. “While we were painting I’d talk to some of them and ask about their life and past and what their youth was like. I felt like I was doing something to help and from then on I was determined to see what I could do to combine art and science.” Her advice to high-school students who aspire to follow in her footsteps of academic success is to be involved in things you love, not just the things you think will look good on a college application. “They’re looking for someone with true passion and who wants to make a difference, not a robot,” she said. “Figure out what you love to do and do your best to become the best.”

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Olympia High senior Deesha Desai is one of two Windermere-area National Merit Scholar finalists.

DEESHA DESAI

Desai is a senior at Olympia High who plans to go into the medical field and is receiving a scholarship from the Sagar G. Patel Memorial. Throughout her high-school career, she has taken 16 AP classes and seven dual-enrollment courses through Valencia College. In addition to her academics, she started Olympia’s UNICEF club, has been the vice president of the National English Honor Society and had an internship in India the summer of her freshman year. Next up for Desai is an eight-year medical program at the University of Pittsburgh. Desai already has a guaranteed spot in the medical school and will figure out what in the medical field she wants to specialize in over the next four years. One

of her biggest inspirations is her brother, who is six years older and has gone through a seven-year program for medicine. “Having his guidance and knowing someone who’s been through the same thing as you have and the challenges you’re going through, it helps,” she said. “I can call him anytime and he’s been that backbone throughout the whole process.” For Desai, time management was an important aspect throughout her high-school career, and she held on strong knowing that while she didn’t want to let her academics or extracurriculars fall to the side, she also wanted to have her social life. Her advice for high-school students on the path to success is to focus on the things they care about and want to be involved in, rather than having a checklist of things to do that their heart isn’t in. “If you really follow what you want and hope to do, success will automatically follow,” she said. “Get the things you need to get done and enjoy the ride. Don’t tangle yourself up if you mess up; everything will eventually work itself out.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

CFCA Class of 2016 turns its tassels

entral Florida Central Academy celebrated its Class of 2016 with a commencement ceremony May 19 in the worship center. CFCA graduated 22 students during its ceremony. Graduates and families participated in the singing of the hymn “Majesty,” and the graduates were commissioned toward the end of the ceremony.

Senior class salutatorian Yazmin Diaz addressed the crowd.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Senior class valedictorian Andrew McCabe addressed the audience. Andy Arribas was all smiles as he headed to his seat. Charline Santana, Christney Saintilmond and Aline Pereira were ready for the ceremony to begin.

Micah Parker enjoyed his time in the spotlight.

Senior class president Luke Noah presented the senior gift.

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Headmaster Dr. Robert Gilliland presented the “Old Eagle” award to students who have been at the school for a long period of time.

See more CFCA graduation photos at OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Dirty departure

Parents arrived early to decorate their senior’s car before the walkout.

The seniors will celebrate commencement Friday, May 27.

rmed with silly string, shaving cream and streamers, the members of Olympia High School’s Class of 2016 stormed out of school May 19 during the ceremonial senior walkout celebration. Members of Olympia’s drumline performed as the seniors enjoyed their final few minutes on campus. Then, the students made their way to the parking lot to their cars, which parents had decorated. Olympia’s graduation will take place 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the UCF Arena.

The senior class even doused the Olympia drumline in silly string, shaving cream and confetti.

By the end, nearly every student was covered in shaving cream.

Lorissa King, left, Sarah Merriman and Avery Turner spent most of their time in the middle of the fray.

— MICHAEL ENG

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PILARS JAZZ TRIO JAZZ JAM WEEKEND 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Pilars Martini. For three evenings in a row, May 27-29, the Pilars Jazz Jam Trio will perform at Pilars. The trio features Chris Rottmayer, Charlie Silva and Walt Hubbard, with special guest trumpeter Joe Breidenstein.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

SEAGULL 6 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. The Dr. Phillips High theater magnet performs for a final time this year at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival with its competition piece, “Seagull.” $5. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/1RitFvg.

“We wanted to create something that we can use in our house, that people will love, that have many, many purposes. People have candles for relaxation, for memory, for honoring someone, for romance. Candles are used in so many different types of activities in our lives.”

SPEED LIMIT 70 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove, Suite 100, Windermere. Grab a drink and a bite to eat and enjoy Speed Limit 70 as they return to Dexter’s of Windermere. Speed Limit 70 is a cover band, performing classic rock, dance and funk hits audiences know and love. (407) 258-7028.

RAVE OF THE WEEK

ELIZABETH OKEEFE RAVE! OK, seriously, how lucky are we to have Jill at the downtown Winter Garden Post Office! I’m convinced this woman is no mere mortal and is an angel that was sent from the heavens to touch people’s lives and make their day exponentially better simply by crossing her path. While I was waiting to mail something, I witnessed her help an elderly woman whose husband had passed and this woman was sending some things to relatives — Jill made me tear up from the genuine loveliness with which she treated this woman even before knowing about her loss, and the compassion and class she showed after finding out about her loss. After that, a man with his young daughter came to her counter, and she offered the little girl a sticker (a priority sticker) saying, with her smile, she knew the little girl was a priority. And she has personally treated me and my elderly mother so beautifully over the years we’ve been here with patience and kindness that has had a ripple effect in more ways than she can imagine. … I am thankful for her, and I am thankful to live in this community that has people like her in it (and a shout-out to her co-worker Gerald, too — I guess birds of a feather do flock together because he’s just delightful, as well). Thank you for all you do, Jill.

— Leah Thompson

Jennifer Nesslar

Mother-daughter duo Leah Thompson and Liz Jennings launched Collective Kindness two years ago.

IF YOU GO COLLECTIVE KINDNESS 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden HOURS: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays FACEBOOK: facebook.com/collectivekindness

Killing them with

KINDNESS A Winter Garden candle business ignited out of a desire to fund doing good. JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WEST ORANGE

indness is priceless. Those were the three words that spurred Leah Thompson into action. Thompson was tired of seeing negative stories on Facebook, but one day, a friend posted “Kindness is priceless.” That was all she

needed to realize that a simple act of kindness could change someone’s whole day. Thompson, who lives in Windermere, was looking to get her daughter involved in community activities and serving, so she started the Kindness is Priceless Project. She took her daughter and mother with her to feed the homeless and take gift packs to firefighters. It was difficult to

find places where all three could serve together, and on top of that, the ways they were serving became expensive. Not wanting to stop, they built a business out of it. Because Thompson and her mother, Liz Jennings, loved candles, they decided to make a business around the craft. They spent CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Kindness through candles CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

If you’re looking for a furry friend to sweeten up your life, Cocoa (A345010) make be just the one for you. Cocoa is a 5-year-old dog looking for a forever home. She is a little shy, but with some patience, she will warm up to you quickly. She is a sweet, loving dog who enjoys being pet. She is laid-back and walks well on a leash. Cocoa will make a great cuddle buddy if you are looking for a calm, mellow dog. The adoption fee for dogs is $55, which includes sterilization, vaccination and a microchip. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando Florida near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m Sundays. For more, call (407) 836-3111 or visitocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. To participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

hours researching wicks, essential oils and candle-making. “We wanted to create something that we can use in our house, that people will love, that have many, many purposes,” Leah Thompson said. “People have candles for relaxation, for memory, for honoring someone, for romance. Candles are used in so many different types of activities in our lives.” Collective Kindness was born. A BEAUTIFUL MISSION

They started out selling candles at markets but soon moved to a permanent location at the Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. Each quarter, Thompson and Jennings pick an organization, charity, cause or person to support. One quarter, they supported family trying to raise funds for adoption. They’ve supported OCA — A Special Place for Special Needs, not only raising funds but also volunteering. This quarter, they are working with the VFW Auxiliary in Winter Garden as

well as helping to plan a Memorial Day event at Plant Street Market. They call their business “Beautiful Candles with a Beautiful Mission.” Thompson’s daughter had severe allergies, so they felt it important to make candles without the most harmful chemicals such as phthalates and nitro musk. Their candles contain a soy wax vegetable base. Candles range in price depending on line and container, but candle containers are completely reusable. Many containers are made of recycled glass, and those who bring the glass containers back will get a 25% discount on a refill. But they fill more than just glass. They put candles in bowls, antique tea cups and even a 1910 Artstyle Chocolates Candy Tin. IN LOVING MEMORY

A man ran through Plant Street Market, exclaiming, “I smell honeysuckle. Where is that?” Jennings, who lives in Winter Garden, told him they sold honeysuckle jasmine candles and

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held one out for him to smell. As he inhaled, tears filled his eyes. His mother died a few weeks ago, he told Jennings. She alway grew honeysuckles and jasmine, so the candle reminded him so much of her. He bought it and every time he returned since, it was the only scent he would buy. “Who knew candles could be so emotional?” Jennings said. “But they are. They evoke a lot of emotion, because people light candles in memory of other people. So when the container is also special, it will remind them of that person.” IN BUSINESS TOGETHER

At the beginning of the week, Thompson and Jennings work out of a studio in Ocoee, creating the candles. It is a laborious process, as candles take time to pour correctly. But they find the process cathartic, and they love being in business together. “We’ve always been extremely close, but it’s just such an awesome opportunity for us to be able to work together,” Thompson said. Ultimately, they hope to open another space where they can combine a storefront with a production space, allowing them to teach classes and get others involved. However, they plan to retain their place in the Plant Street Market, as well. Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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PARENTING:

It’s a science Winter Garden resident Norine Dworkin-McDaniel worked with a longtime friend on a humorous book that features situations encountered in parenting. JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

It was in the middle of a “career crisis” that inspiration hit. Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, a magazine journalist based in Winter Garden, found herself being swept up in the changes of the print industry. While mulling over her next move, her son Fletcher came home from school talking about Newton’s Laws of Force and Motion. As he told her that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an external force, Dworkin-McDaniel was struck by the thought that described Fletcher playing video games.

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“Science of Parenthood” is currently being recognized for excellence in independent publishing. The book won the Gold Benjamin Franklin Award for parenting and family-themed books from the Independent Book Publishers Association. The book is also a finalist in the Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFab Book of the Year Award for Humor. Dworkin-McDaniel and the book will be featured on the Dr. Oz show, expected to air this summer.

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“I quickly jotted down, ‘Newton’s First Law of Parenting,’ she said. “A child at rest will remain at rest until you need your iPad back.” Dwo rk i n - Mc Da n i e l h a d received a gift book and studied the structure of the book, which featured a quotation on the left and a picture on the right. She thought she could take parenting jokes similar to her Newton’s First Law of Parenting and make a gift book of her own. She reached out to her friend Jessica Ziegler, a web designer, illustrator and cartoonist, and asked her if she would be willing to create images for her book. “You know, this could really be

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a whole lot more than a gift book,” Ziegler said. So they started the blog called Science of Parenthood, which humorously discussed parenting situations. After three years of running the blog, their book, “Science of Parenthood,” was released. It takes concepts from the blog and goes deeper. The book and blog take situations from parenthood and subtly weave in jokes that will tickle the ears of math and science-savvy readers. But those who fell asleep in high-school science class still will appreciate the parent-related humor. After trying for 18 months to snag a traditional book deal, Dworkin-McDaniel and Ziegler attended a blogging conference called BlogU, where the faculty at the conference awarded Science of Parenthood “mostly likely to snag a billion-dollar book deal.” They decided to choose a hybrid-publishing model through She Writes Press, in which the author pays to have work reviewed by professionals in the traditional publishing world. A designer created the final glossover on Ziegler’s design work, and the book was edited by other professionals. She Writes Press has a deal with Ingram Publisher Services, which ensures the books are available in bookstores and returnable. For more information, read the blog at scienceofparenthood. com.

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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Jonah Cohn, 2, was one of the younger climbers at the Israel Independence Day Festival.

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

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Meet the man in the rave cave

Sean O’Neill launched the Facebook group, Winter Garden — Rants, Raves and Reviews, 18 months ago. Story on 13. ARTS+CULTURE

ALL FIRED UP Winter Garden single mom Erin Akers has found her passion — firefighting.

West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

Emergencies Welcome

STORY ON PAGE 4

Two former West Orange Wildcats and West Orange Warrior football players competed in a recent SEC game. Garrett “Juice” Johnson is a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Sean Kelly is a punter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. With them is Eric Poole, who was one of their coaches during their Wildcats years.

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appelling down the side of a sevenstory building was easy for Erin Akers because she’s not afraid of heights, but confined-spaces training was a bit of a challenge for the Winter Garden resident, who is working toward becoming a firefighter.

YOUR TOWN ALUMNI MEET ON GRIDIRON

HISPANIC HERITAGE

David W. Boers DDS

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR

PAGE 15

Ocoee is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. Motorists traveling on Clarke Road will see festive “Ocoee Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month” pole banners dotting the street. Viewers can tune in to Ocoee TV to watch a fourpart series titled “Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation.” The show will air at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on Channel 493, Bright House Networks.

David Haynes

Erin Akers is nearly finished with her firefighting training, and then she’s hoping to get a position with a local fire department. She and her 6-year-old son, Liam, live in Winter Garden.

Parker Boudreaux chooses Notre Dame — much to the delight of longtime supporters of his school. SEE STORY ON 25

Car-show organizers search for new sponsor The Sept. 19 Cruz-N-Car Show in downtown Winter Garden might have been the last. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN Droves drove to the large parking lot on West Plant Street for what might have been the last Cruz-N-Car Show, a tradition each third Saturday of the month for about seven years. The longstanding sponsorship of the show from the Winter Garden Merchants Association ended recently, based on cost increases that caused the association to lose money with the show each

SEE CAR SHOW PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

A lack of sponsorship has led to the possible finale of a monthly downtown Winter Garden car show fervently supported among community members.

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Executive Sous Chef Ricky Lopez served authentic Israeli cuisine for Zayde’s Kosher Catering.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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Coal was king in Kyle, West Virginia, along the Pocahontas district where Dorothy Martin was born April 11, 1947. She is the daughter of coal miner Jesse James Martin and Elizabeth Martin. Dorothy was the sixth child born, and she has three brothers and three sisters. Dorothy graduated from Northfolk High School, and later she and Howard were married. Their family grew with the addition of five children, Valerie, Pamela, Elizabeth, Lorraine and Terrance. Later, their family moved to New Jersey,

where Dorothy graduated from nursing school. In the 1980s, her family relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she attended Tidewater Community College and received her associate’s degree in aging and social work. Dorothy became a YWCA

small flower arrangements for windowsills and in small areas. The club also received the FFGC District VII “Traveling Trowel” Award for the most awards received in the Central Florida district. Windermere Garden Club meets monthly and welcomes new members interested in gardening, plants, flowers and socializing. For information, call Peggy at (407) 876-4239. counselor for battered women. In the 1990s, Dorothy became an entrepreneur when she started Outstanding Cleaning Services. Two of her wellknown clients were NCIS and Northrop Grumman. Dorothy retired in 2002 and relocated to Orlando. Three of her children live in Florida, and two live in Virginia Beach. Her extended family includes 16 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. She joins the West Orange Seniors for bingo and month luncheons and has gone on trips with the group to Hard Rock and Biloxi.

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to maintain the immediate area around the building. The Butterfly Sanctuary at Windermere Elementary has been ongoing for almost 10 years. The garden was designed by the club, and each year before school, members show up to refresh, mulch and replant. The Community Service Design Award was given for the monthly hospice flower donation given to the Ocoee Health Care Center. Members design six

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Vicki Hearst, Mary Black, Peggy Collins, Jackie Rapport and President Bonnie Baum, of the Windermere Garden Club, received four Florida Federation of Garden Clubs first-place awards for the club’s ongoing community projects. The Arbor Day Award was presented for Windermere’s 25-year sponsorship of Treebute Weekend in January. The club also received the Arbor Day Award for first place in the Deep South Region, which includes the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The Historic Preservation Award was given for the landscaping around Windermere’s 1887 Historic Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was dedicated in December. The club has supported the restoration since 2000. Members designed, weeded, planted and continue

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RAYMOND “JUNIOR” CRAWFORD died May 20, 2016.

Raymond “Junior” Crawford, age 84, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016. He was born July 11, 1931, in Winter Garden. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond Crawford, and mother, Artielou Casteel. He was a proud Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an Ocoee City Commissioner for seven years, as well as an active lifetime member of the American Legion Post 109, Florida Elk’s Club 2165 and VFW Post #4305. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Ocoee (now known as Quest Church). He was married to Margaret Crawford for 64 years and had four children, Teresa Crawford (Tommy), Susan Sullivan, Gary Crawford (Dana) and Greg Crawford (deceased). He also had eight grandchildren, Jason Vandergrift (Jennifer), Jennifer

Perrodin (Corey), Kendall Sein, Julie Crawford, Nathan Crawford (deceased), Brian Crawford (Bree), Melissa Crawford and Allison Petruccelli (Rick). There are also five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Crawford, Ryan Stalvey, Reagan Vandergrift, Hailey Vandergrift and Bella Crawford. In 1967, he opened a Gulf Station on McKey Street in downtown Ocoee. He later started Crawford Tire Service. In 1980, Junior retired from the business and his son, Gary, took it over. During his retirement, he enjoyed his antique tractor col-

lection and building cabins in Georgia. He had many friends everywhere he went and spent a lot of time at his favorite restaurant, the Ocoee Café, with the Coffee Club. They would meet for breakfast at 6 a.m. and come back for lunch at noon. The Crawford family would like to thank West Orange County for their continued support. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Quest Church, 9600 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, Florida 34761; or Mike Conley Cornerstone Hospice House, 2100 Oakley-Seaver Drive, Clermont, Florida 34711. Services: Viewing was held at Loomis Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Apopka, from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 23. Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Quest Church) 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha. Crawford Tire was closed on Tuesday, May 24, for the services.

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Day in Orlando, Tallahassee and Savannah. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Eunice B. Gray; and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Valerie E.E. Gray; children, Carol Suzanne “Cookie” Sorrie (Mike Raabe), John Gordon “Gordy” Gray (Blair) and J.S. Murray Gray (Brenda); stepsons, Mark A. Austin (Lesley) and Grant S. Austin (Alexandra); 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. June 11, at Park Lake Presbyterian Church, 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32801. A reception immediately follows at Sorosis Woman’s Club of Orlando, 501 E. Livingston St., Orlando, Florida 32803. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Habitat for Humanity of Central Florida, 4116 Silver Star Road, Orlando, Florida 32808; or Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714.

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ANGEL VALENTIN died May 14, 2016.

Angel Valentin, 60 years old, born June 12, 1955, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Luis Valentin and Felicia Rosario, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, in Winter Garden, Florida. Survivors: wife, Debbie Williams Valentin; children, Mandy Creatura Valentin, Shawn Valentin and Christopher Pfeiffer; grandchildren, Paige Valentin, Mikki Creatura and Capri Creatura; and siblings, Felix Aponte, Evelyn Valentin, Gloria Root Valentin, Ron Shaw, Margie Valentin and Daniel Valentin. Angel was a dedicated duct mechanic for 30 years. He started his career at Normax Mechanical, in Winter Garden. He lived in Winter Garden for 29 years, and he was a loving and supportive father, grandfather brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed by all. Celebration of Life funeral service was on May 18, 2016, at Becker Chapel in Clermont. Love messages were read from his son, Shawn Valentin; daughter, Mandy Creatura Valentin; and granddaughter, Paige Valentin; and a love letter was read for his wife, Debbie Valentin. Pastor Steve Groves and Pastor Steven Cardwell officiated. His niece, Jessica Cardwell, sang “Amazing Grace.”

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Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

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Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

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YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

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“That’s My Wish”

The long and prestigious life of James Stewart Murray Gray, 93, ended Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Born April 7, 1923, in Canada to Scottish parents, Jim grew up in Brechin, Scotland. Jim first served with the Royal Air Force (ground crew for the “Dam Busters” 617 Squadron). He then fought in Korea with Canadian Forces (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry P.P.C.L.I.) and went on to serve 23 years with the U.S. Army Reserves M.P. Battalion in Tallahassee, Florida. Jim was employed by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Structures for 30 years designing bridges and interstate rest areas around Florida. On retirement, he volunteered five years with Habitat for Humanity and three years with the Orlando Science Center (History of Flight and Exhibit). Jim was an outstanding member of the Scottish community, taking the Clan Stewart tent to many games in the Southeastern U.S. and serving as drum major of Massed Bands. He was the founding president of the Clan Stewart Society in America, a charter member of the St. Andrew Society of Tallahassee, a former president of the Scottish American Society of Central Florida and Drum Major of the

Serving Orange, Seminole & Osceola Counties. HHA# 299993681

THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

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MAY 26, 2016

Laker alumnus to race in Indy 500 At just 22 years old, Spencer Pigot, of the Windermere Preparatory School’s Class of 2011, hopes to win one of racing’s most illustrious events this weekend.

HIGH

SPORTS

Matt Corrales represented Olympia High and Orange County in the senior all-star volleyball game May 11. Page 16

JENNIFER NESSLAR

WATCH LIVE

STAFF WRITER

Watch Windermere Prep alumnus Spencer Pigot as he competes in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, May 29. The famous “Drivers, start your engines” directive will be given at 12:14 p.m., and the race begins at 12:19 p.m. The event will be televised nationally on ABC.

A 22-year-old Windermere Preparatory School alumnus is set to race in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. Spencer Pigot, who graduated from Windermere Prep in 2011, is no stranger to car racing. In 2015, Pigot won the Indy Lights Championship, which is the developmental automobile series sanctioned by IndyCar. He also was

1 Coutesy photo

SEE PIGOT PAGE 17

Spencer Pigot will race in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time this year.

Dr. Phillips alumnus Nic Strasser, a sophomore at the University of West Florida, was named to the 2016 NCAA Division II South Region All-Tournament Team after hitting .474 (9-for-19) for the Argos in the tournament with a team-high seven runs.

Nate Schreckengost drove in Kole Enright for the West Orange baseball team’s first run May 20 in the FHSAA Class 9A State Semifinals in Fort Myers.

Chris Seise smacked an RBI double off the wall May 20 at jetBlue Park in Fort Myers for the West Orange baseball team in the Class 9A State Semifinals.

Robert Brand rushed for a touchdown and recorded several tackles for the Windermere Prep football team May 21 in its 13-6 victory over Berean Christian School.

Photos by David Jester

Rising senior Emare Hogan hauls in a reception for Dr. Phillips during its spring game May 20 against Bishop Moore.

Panthers show promise Dr. Phillips beat Bishop Moore 21-16 in a seesaw battle May 20, scoring all of its points via an offensive outburst in the third quarter. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER

DR. PHILLIPS

he Dr. Phillips football team will enter the 2016 season this August with great expectations and one of the most talented classes of rising seniors in the state. If the third quarter of the Panthers’ spring game against Bishop Moore May 20 is any indication, those great expectations may be warranted. Led by rising senior quarterSEE DP PAGE 17

Rising senior quarterback Marvin Washington ran for a touchdown and threw for another for the Panthers May 20 against the Hornets.

Marvin Washington ran for one touchdown and threw for another for the Dr. Phillips football team May 20 in its 21-16 victory against Bishop Moore.

Warrior softball ace, coach win awards The accolades keep pouring in for the West Orange softball team. Junior ace Lauren Mathis was named the Florida Dairy Farmers 2016 Miss Softball and head coach Todd LaNeave was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Softball Coach of the Year this morning. Mathis, a University of Georgia commit, was recognized for posting 25 wins and an astonishing 0.15 ERA. The West Orange pitcher struck out 272 batters this season over just 138 innings, allowing only 36 hits and three earned runs. LaNeave coached the Warriors to a 30-1 mark in his third year as coach.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

FITNESS

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Why slow, steady habits beat extreme weight loss

Matt Corrales Olympia High senior Matt Corrales was one of 13 players county-wide selected to represent Orange County in the senior all-star volleyball game May 11. Corrales had six kills, four aces and three blocks for the Orange County team in a 3-0 win over Seminole County.

Tell us about your experience in the All-Star game. I always grew up in high school watching the seniors go off and play and represent our school as one of the best players in Orange County, and for me to be chosen to play on that team was awesome. It was fun playing with all of my friends from other schools, because they also play on my club team. It was a good environment being there with other people who know as much about volleyball as you do. What’s your favorite memory of your highschool sports career? Probably beating Bishop Moore in the district championship this year. It was also the first time we’d ever beaten them in volleyball. It’s just been one of those goals I’ve had aside from winning states, which we couldn’t really do this year. Who would you say is your biggest inspiration

THE BASICS

AGE: 18 YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Orlando POSITION: Middle blocker and inside hitter HEIGHT: 6-foot-4

in sports? I follow the U.S. National Team, and my favorite player is Taylor Sander. He’s an outside hitter, and he played at BYU. He’s just a great all-around player, he’s young and it’s awesome to watch someone so good at volleyball because it makes me strive to be a better player.

KAREN REPASSY WINTER GARDEN YOGA

re you a fan of extreme weight-loss shows? You know, the reality television shows such as “The Biggest Loser” that have contestants race to see who can lose the most weight in as little time as possible? For many, these shows may be inspirational. After all, it can be inspiring to watch contestants put in the work and be rewarded by losing 10 pounds each week, in some cases. How do they do it, though? For these shows, contestants eat a low-calorie diet and perform four hours of extreme workouts daily. Some contestants eat as few as 1,000 calories a day, all under the close supervision of a professional while additionally being disconnected from the outside world. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic plan for almost everyone else. But, in part because of the success we see on TV, this is a format that has become ingrained in our culture. We think that to lose weight, we must eat a lot less — less than our body needs to function properly — and exercise a lot more. But what happens to contestants after they leave the facility and go back into the real world? A recent article in the New York Times reported many contestants end up putting much of the weight back on. Some contestants added 100 pounds to their frame once they returned to the real world. The question then becomes, “Why can’t they maintain and keep these incredible results?” First, an extreme weight-

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, because it’s easy and fast to make, and it’s the best-tasting cereal out there. If there was a movie about your life, who would play you? Matthew McConaughey, because he’s such a witty and awesome person and very funny, which reflects me very well. For which club team do you play? Ashley Schinzing, the head coach here, got me into playing club at Orlando Gold. I left there for Ocean Bay Volleyball Club, and now I’m going to Toreros for my last club season before I go off to college. What are your plans for after high school? I’m going to Webber International University and majoring in sports management. I plan on coaching and contributing to our society, helping them become better volleyball players, using my knowledge to help others and hopefully be part of a team and have good players who will be able to coach in the future. What’s your favorite play in volleyball? Hitting an overpass, when the other team gets the first contact and they pass it too far over the net and I’m able to go up and hit it.

Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.

loss program will wreak havoc on your metabolism. Dr. Jade Teta, a popular fitness, weight-loss and selfhelp author, said “As you diet using the flawed ‘Eat Less, Exercise More’ model, you set in motion a host of metabolic adjustments that lead to greater hunger, lower energy, increased cravings and decreased metabolic rate.” In other words, our bodies perceive these programs and their fast results as a form of stress. The body tries to defend itself from such radical change by increasing our hunger, increasing our cravings and lowering our ability to burn calories. Teta goes on to say, “As a result, (eating less and exercising more) halts or even reverses your dieting efforts.” If you are a “yo-yo” dieter, or someone who has experienced cyclical weight loss and gain, you are familiar with this. You will eat less and exercise more and, to begin with, you may get pretty good results — but then it all stops. When the results stop, you may feel discouraged. You are more likely to give into the uncontrollable hunger and cravings, which your body has heightened to protect itself from the stress of the extreme change. As a result, you pack on the pounds again — sometimes ending up heavier than you started. Such programs are also hard to comply with over the longhaul. Does it sound reasonable for these contestants to return home and continue exercising four hours a day while working a full-time job and supporting a family? Does it sound reasonable to live on fewer than 1,400 calories of food each day? I believe it’s impossible to stay the course when you’re starving, listless and feeling defeated. All of this begs the question: What does work? If you want to achieve longterm weight loss results, here are four questions to ask yourself. These are the questions

I used to break my own habit of “yo-yo” dieting, and these are the questions I ask my nutrition clients to get them on the path of slow and steady positive change: Can I commit to an hour of yoga twice per week? Can I commit to 20 minutes of weight-bearing workouts twice per week? Can I take one day off and rest? Can I eat protein and veggies and have healthy snacks when I need them to keep hunger and cravings at bay? That’s it — no four-hour workouts, no extreme caloriecutting. This works because compliance plus results will equate to long-term success. It is the perfect balance of energy output with calorie intake. Eating well (note: not starving yourself) curbs hunger, bolsters energy and controls cravings. The weight-bearing workouts build muscle. And, finally, yoga reduces stress. This is an easy regimen with which to comply, and the fact that it is do-able matters. You can do this for yourself right now. Check with your doctor first, and if you get the goahead, start applying all the above. Start with one thing. Comply to it and stick with it. When you notice results, add the next thing and keep going. It will take longer than what you might have witnessed on television, but if you sustain the changes to your lifestyle, your transformation also won’t come with the emotional roller coaster of losing the weight and putting it back on. Karen Repassy is a professional nutritionist and certified yoga instructor at Winter Garden Yoga, 12 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. She is certified in Functional Yoga Instruction and Metabolic-Effect Nutrition. You can learn more about Karen and the classes offered at Winter Garden Yoga by visiting wintergardenyoga.com, calling (407) 579-9889 or emailing admin@wintergardenyoga. com.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Warriors run ends in state semi DP football wins STEVEN RYZEWSKI

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR FORT MYERS It seems fitting that,

if the West Orange baseball team was going to lose, it was going to go down swinging. And so it was that the Warriors, ranked No. 9 in the nation by MaxPreps, went down swinging against Parkland’s Stoneman Douglas — ranked No. 3. West Orange fell 3-2 to the Eagles (26-2) in a thrilling Class 9A State Semifinal May 20 at jetBlue Park. It was just the third loss of the season for the Warriors (27-3), with those three losses coming by a combined four runs. The third and final loss ended West Orange’s best season in program history, one that saw the Warriors set program records in a number of statistical categories and — more importantly — win the program’s first regional championship to make it to state. “I’ve been here 12 years, and we’ve had some great teams, and it’s always been a problem getting over the hump (to state) because the school had never been there in 40 years,” Marlo said. “I just told these guys, ‘Whether you won it or not, you guys got here and that’s something that’s never been done. You opened the gateway (for the program).’” West Orange fell behind early as Stoneman Douglas pushed across a run in the top of the first on a passed ball. The Warriors would respond in the bottom half of the inning, with senior Nathan Schreckengost singling in senior Kole Enright. After the rocky start in the

Steven Ryzewski

West Orange coach Jesse Marlo addresses his team during the state semifinal May 20 in Fort Myers.

first, West Orange ace Tyler Baum settled in and allowed just one more run in five innings on the mound. Cole Beavin threw two innings in relief, allowing one unearned run. Although the Warriors made contact against Eagles ace Brandon Kaminer throughout his 5 2/3 innings of work, a number of little things didn’t break in their favor. After a leadoff double by Deandre Shelton in the bottom of the fifth, the standout junior was picked off on a controversial call. Shelton clearly beat the throw back to the bag but was called out because — according to Marlo, who sought an explanation afterward — the infield umpire said he was tagged while switching which hand was on the bag. Marlo said Shelton maintained that his hand was pushed off of the bag by the fielder for Stoneman Douglas. Shelton likely would have

scored on a double by Doug Nikhazy later in the inning. West Orange got a run back in the bottom of the sixth, to cut the lead to one, on a double by Chris Seise off the left field wall. Despite the defeat, Marlo expressed pride in his team. “All I wanted to do was come out here and not beat ourselves, make the other team beat us — and I think that’s what we did,” Marlo said. “The guys gave it their all and played great baseball. It just didn’t fall our way.” Particularly, the veteran coach had praise for a senior class that led the program to new heights in its final season on campus. “(The seniors) were huge,” Marlo said. “We knew from Day One, when they stepped onto campus as freshmen, that it was a special group.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

back Marvin Washington, Dr. Phillips’ offense exploded for 21 points in the third quarter — the final quarter of varsity play — to earn a 21-16 victory over the 2015 Class 5A State Champions and send the Panthers off into the summer on a high note. To start the third quarter, Dr. Phillips had its first complete drive of the game, ending on Washington’s 17-yard pass to rising junior Devodney Alford for a touchdown. The Hornets’ next play was a 75-yard touchdown run, but on the play after that, rising junior quarterback Keanu Kong chucked a 75-yard touchdown pass to rising senior Emare Hogan, leading to another tie score, 14-14. The Panthers limited Bishop Moore on the ensuing drive, but the Hornets could not prevent Dr. Phillips from scoring for the third straight possession. With 2:47 to go in the third quarter, Washington used a play fake on second

down en route to a 32-yard touchdown rush. In the fourth quarter, Bishop Moore could muster only a safety on the Panthers’ improper punt snap, leaving the score 21-16. On the night, Washington threw for 111 yards and a touchdown on 14 completions, and he led the Panthers with 83 yards rushing and another touchdown. The defense excelled in the first half, when rising senior defensive end Nick Smith plowed into the opposing quarterback for the Panthers’ first sack late in the first quarter. Rising junior Joe Gulla also earned a sack when he stripped Bishop Moore’s quarterback of the ball in the second quarter. The defensive line rushed well, and the secondary covered well apart from a few plays, but at times Dr. Phillips could not contain Bishop Moore’s playmakers on runs and quick passes. Dr. Phillips begins the fall season at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Jones High in a Kickoff Classic.

Pigot to race in 500 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

named the Indy Lights’ Rookie of the Year in 2015. In 2014, he was the Pro Mazda Champion. This year, Pigot signed with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, which allows him to participate in three Verizon IndyCar Series events; the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Angie’s List Grand

Prix of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis 500. The legendary race itself is in its 100th running. Pigot will begin the race in the 29th spot, part of the 10th row, and will be driving the No. 16 car. The race was won in 2015 by Juan Pablo Montoya. To learn more about Pigot, visit spencerpigot.com.

CHAMPIONED BY:

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A special Thank You to all the vendors and volunteers who took part in educating our community this past weekend at West Orange High School.

Dave’s House • Orange County Office of Aging • Shema Yoga and Healing Arts • Winter Garden Fitness • Wrap Around Orange And a special thank you to former NFL stars Rogers Beckett and Kim Herring for signing autographs.

REAL ESTATE

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $3M Windermere, sold May 11, for $375,000 (short sale). Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,598 square feet. The price per square foot is $104.22.

MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

n estate in Keene’s Pointe topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate sales from May 6 to 12. The home at 9713 Endicott Court, Windermere, sold May 9, for $3 million. Built in 2007, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 7,818 square feet of living area on 1.74 acres. The price per square foot is $383.73. SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 61 High Sale Price: $3 million Low Sale Price: $50,000 REO/Bank Owned: Four Short Sales: One

RESERVE AT BELMERE

Keene’s Pointe Realty

This Keene’s Pointe home, at 9713 Endicott Court, Windermere, sold April 9, for $3 million. This Frenchcountry home is situated on 1.74 acres on the Butler Chain of Lakes.

DR. PHILLIPS

BRENTWOOD CLUB

The home at 9725 Camberley Circle, Orlando, sold May 12, for $474,900. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,206 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $148.13. BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9285 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold May 9, for $405,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,462 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $164.50. DIAMOND COVE

The home at 8019 Glitter Court, Orlando, sold May 10, for $380,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,724 square feet. The price per square foot is $139.50.

PHILLIPS LANDING/ BAY HARBOUR

The home at 8118 Lake Serene Drive, Orlando, sold May 10, for $1.045 million. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,264 square feet. The price per square foot is $245.08. SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 8352 Lake Crowell Circle, Orlando, sold May 10, for $405,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,096 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.81.

SUMMERLAKE

nade, No. 30, Orlando, sold May 10, for $580,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,549 square feet. The price per square foot is $227.54.

The home at 8139 Pacific Loon St., Winter Garden, sold May 12, for $320,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,662 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.21.

HORIZON WEST

SUMMERPORT

ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 2340 Aurelius Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $335,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,265 square feet. The price per square foot is $102.60. INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 8346 Lake Crowell Circle, Orlando, sold May 7, for $390,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,848 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.94.

The town house at 14449 Vashons Way, Winter Garden, sold May 12, for $157,500. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,088 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.76.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The condo at 8743 The Espla-

The home at 11738 Deltic Drive, Windermere, sold May 12, for $359,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,324 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.86.

The home at 7253 Derexa Drive,

The town house at 14512 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere, sold May 12, for $214,900. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,642 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.88. WATERMARK

The home at 9356 Woodcrane, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $253,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,758 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.91.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

No. 2412, Orlando, sold May 6, for $105,000. Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,062 square feet. The price per square foot is $98.87.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 323 E. Fourth Ave., Windermere, sold May 10, for $850,000. Built in 1921, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,807 square feet on .48 acres on Lake Down. The price per square foot is $470.39.

SERENATA

The condo at 6141 MetroWest Blvd., No. 205, Orlando, sold May 9, for $120,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,285 square feet. The price per square foot is $93.39.

WATERSTONE

The home at 6139 Orta Court, Windermere, sold May 6, for $1,517,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 4,899 square feet. The price per square foot is $309.66.

STONEBRIDGE RESERVE

The condo at 3356 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 102, Orlando, sold May 11, for $180,000. Built in 2008, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,810 square feet. The price per square foot is $99.45. The condo at 3326 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 303, Orlando, sold May 11, for $141,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet. The price per square foot is $113.07. The condo at 3326 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 209, Orlando, sold May 10, for $141,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,447 square feet. The price per square foot is $97.44. VILLA CAPRI

The town house at 3169 Capri Isle Way, Orlando, sold May 6, for $175,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,507 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.12. VISTAS AT STONEBRIDGE COMMONS

The condo at 6310 Castelven Drive, No. 106, Orlando, sold May 12, for $168,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,546 square

movoto.com

The home at 323 E. Fourth Ave., Windermere, sold May 10, for $850,000. This 1921 bungalow sits along the shore of Lake Down and features a dock with boat lift.

feet. The price per square foot is $108.67.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE LAKE SHEEN RESERVE

The home at 9778 Pineola Drive, Orlando, sold May 6, for $367,700. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,547 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.37.

WEST ORANGE

ORLO VISTA HEIGHTS

The home at 319 S. Buena Vista Ave., Orlando, sold May 6, for $121,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,120 square feet. The price per square foot is $108.04. The home at 20 S. Lancelot Ave., Orlando, sold May 6, for $50,000. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 860 square feet. The price per square foot is $58.14. VALENCIA HILLS

The home at 113 Dempsey

Way, Orlando, sold May 6, for $185,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,416 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.65.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11659 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold May 9, for $1.4 million. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 4,869 square feet. The price per square foot is $287.53. The home at 6422 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold May 6, for $1.215 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,102 square feet. The price per square foot is $238.14. The home at 5927 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold May 9, for $610,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,058 square feet. The price per square foot is $199.48.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 9850 Quail Cove Court, Windermere, sold May 10, for $545,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,799 square feet. The price per square foot is $194.71.

WINTER GARDEN BELLE MEADE

The home at 15415 Belle Meade Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $389,999. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three baths a pool and 2,922 square feet. The price per square foot is $133.47. BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 614 Setting Sun Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $249,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,022 square feet. The price per square foot is $123.15. CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 13918 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $438,740. Built in 2015, it has four

ONLINE

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,290 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $102.27. DEER ISLAND

The home at 17596 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $500,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,145 square feet on 1.02 acres. The price per square foot is $158.98. TWINWATERS

The home at 16599 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $625,500. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,048 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.52. WESTFIELD

The home at 827 Santee Terre Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $385,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,616 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.47. WINDTREE GARDENS

The condo at 170 Windtree Lane, No. 204, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $67,500. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet. The price per square foot is $73.53. WINTER GARDEN

The home at 311 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $195,100. Built in 1940, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,514 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.86.

Read more real estate transactions at OrangeObserver.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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W EAT HER

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MAY 26 High: 87 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, MAY 27 High: 88 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 20%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, May 26

6:31a

8:16p

Friday, May 27

6:30a

8:17p

Saturday, May 28

6:30a

8:17p

Sunday, May 29

6:30a

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Monday, May 30

6:29a

8:18p

Tuesday, May 31

6:29a

8:19p

Wednesday, June 1

6:29a

8:19p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 28 June 20 Full

High: 89 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 60%

June 27 Last

June 12 First

June 4 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, May 17

The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to aqrhode@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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High: 88 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 60%

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

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SUNDAY, MAY 29

Summerport resident Jay Williams snapped this photo of a beautiful sunrise on Lake Butler.

1.14

34 Take the bait 35 Bug to no end 38 Carell of “Evan Almighty” 39 Fines arbitrarily 43 End of a bridal path 44 Bocelli, notably 47 “___ Buttermilk Sky” 48 “Add to ___” (Amazon command) 49 Kedrova of “Zorba the Greek” 50 Welfare factor 51 Bed choice 52 Hellenic H 53 Shipping route since 1914 57 Rummy cakes

1 Adam and Eve’s place, in diner lingo 2 Albatross, so to speak 3 ‘80s TV alien 4 Tiny colonist 5 Bureau part 6 Did ranch work 7 Sacred creatures of Egypt 8 Old-style 27-Across 9 Jack Russell, e.g. 10 Spills the beans 11 First zodiac sign 12 Ashes holders 13 Figs. 14 Cheated on 15 Inn guest 58 Use a needle and Gaulle 16 Drooling dog of the thread 78 Betty of old cartoons comics 59 Like a squid’s dis79 Onetime rival of Nair 17 Goof-off’s opposite charge 80 Rent-a-car option 18 Blows it 60 Home run, in slang 81 Texter’s “I believe” 24 68-Across cohort 61 Peaceful state 82 Killjoy 26 Soda buy 62 Hayloft stack 86 Luxury hotel booking 30 Thomas ___ Edison 64 E.C. who created 87 Feline in a Scott 32 Baseball card tidbit Popeye Adams cartoon 33 Fulton’s power source 65 Showy garden flower 89 Former U.N. Secretary- 34 Bialy alternative 66 Placed at intervals General Kofi ___ 35 Duel distances 68 Longtime “Today” host 90 Least likely to crack 36 Make giddy 69 Cheshire Cat feature 91 Smelter loads 37 Unofficial vote 70 Debussy’s “La ___” 92 Easy to grasp 38 Spread outward 73 Raconteur’s repertoire 93 Brewer’s ingredient 40 Wild West shoot74 Most urgent 94 Trunk items ’em-up 76 “To a ...” work 97 Spanish inquisitor ___ 41 ___ Sports Bureau 77 Alternative to De de Torquemada

42 Feel in one’s bones 44 Sty sounds 45 Word before city or child 46 At hand 49 Like many swimming pools 51 Dances like Bojangles 53 Reactor parts 54 Absorbed eagerly 55 Hoops player 56 Classic arcade name 57 Jack who was Rochester’s boss 61 “Nick of Time” singer Bonnie 63 ___-deucey 64 Overly sentimental 65 Nosy sort 66 Showing no emotion 67 Italian cheese city 68 Rioter’s haul 69 Eco-friendly 71 Cuts and pastes 72 Odometer button 74 Law school course 75 Keeping up (with) 78 Hides nothing 80 Em or Bee 82 Shimon of Israel 83 Life line reader 84 Draft rating 85 Jackie’s Ari 86 Witch trials city 88 “Welcome to ...” sign spot 90 Respectful greeting 92 Makes the scene 93 Important tournament 94 Get rid of 95 India ___ ale 96 La Scala highlight 97 “Catch you later” 98 Gershon of “Cocktail” 99 Bob the TV handyman 100 RPI or MIT (Abbr.) 101 They may clash 103 Bunch of baloney 105 Letters on a fast-food bucket 106 Oom-___ band

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a beloved TV mom. Using the hints U=I and S=T, decipher the clues to name the character.

1. V U L L U A 2. R U D A Q O R 3. M A J U G U Y S 4. U G S A R R U T A G S 5. O Q P V U S A P S She is a wife and mother of four residing in Columbus:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63) through 9 in each row, column and box.

3 1

7 4 3

3 1

9 5 1

4 1 2

8 5 5

9 6 9

8 5

4 05-26-16

May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63)

4 7

8 6 2

6 3

9 7

8 4 3

4 5 5

9 5

9 7

8 2

8 4 6 3

9 1

cling

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY HEALTH SERVICES

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9 6

OrangeObserver.com

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

CLASSIFIEDS 9

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers 1) Hippie, 2) Liberal, 3) Feminist, 4) Intelligent, 5) Architect

Thursday, Thursday,DATE, MAY2015 26, 2016

Elyse Keaton

Windermere Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Windermere Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63) This week’s Sudoku answers LV11097

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

MISCELLANEOUS

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n sfunctiolth ErectilBeeDanDy gerous To Your Hea

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This week’s Crossword answers

LOTS AND ACREAGE

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SERVICES

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TFN

her.com

guis www.Firetechextin

Road

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sales@bluekitecom

SOLV ING PROBLEM SINCE 1990

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4/28/16

Branch Manager

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1081 9th Street 34787 Winter Garden, FL e (407) 654-9516 Offic le (407) 491-0355 Mobi (407) 654-0145 Fax als.com pcm050@sunbeltrent

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PRESBYTERIAN

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA Conroy-Windermere Rd. @Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits 407-291-2886 • www.pcol.org

205166

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75.00

6 3

6 7

REALTORS

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synthetic oil, lube, Includes up to 7 qts. full fee extra. See store & filter. Tax and recycling any other offers. for details. Not valid with 5.. 6/30/15 Expires 12/31/1

8 7

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CONSTRUCTIO

9 5

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• Regg

, Mercedes and Volvo Specializing in BMW

CHURCH DIRECTORY

COMPUTERS

-6646 Phone 407-656 ie Hudson

Keeping You On the

FIRE TECH

Proce lien holder & theft search. report, legal owner & Includes: Title history lien certificate mailed to all parties. Notice of claim of will be notified. law enforcement agency If address changed local for auction date. Auction at law office. sing , same day Newspaper adverti by private tag agency clean title will be issued If lien is not satisfied, service, fast clean titles. License by fax or email. MV order, copy of your repair Just send us your work is issued. e due when clean title and remaining balanc Down payment of $200 Fax 321-226-5000 .com 3060 www.mywaylien Phone 407-970-l.com gmai mywaylien@

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4 7

PLEASE READ THIS: Before You Buy a Hearing Aid

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

OrangeObserver.com

PLEASE READ Before Buy a Hearing PLEASETHIS: READ THIS: BeforeYou You Buy a Hearing Aid Aid

Why would you go anywhere else? Rating Rating www.floridamedicalhearing.com

TITUSVILLE

(Next to YMCA)

(Corner of 520/Sykes Cr. Next to AT&T)

(Between Applebee’s & Walmart)

(The Shoppes at St Lucie West Publix Plaza)

321-735-4942 772-878-5534 WINTER GARDEN WINTER PARK / ORLANDO KISSIMMEE (Under the Historic Arch) MELBOURNE/ TITUSVILLE TITUSVILLE PORT MERRITT MELBOURNE/ VERO BEACH MELBOURNE/ MERRITT PORT ST. LUCIE ST. LUCIE VERO BEACH MELBOURNE/ West ColonialBAY/ Dr. Suite 330BAY/ 501 North Orlando Ave. Suite 325 1310Applebee’s NorthApplebee’s Main Street Rating SUNTREE/VIERA ISLAND PALM Garden Street 13750 (Between (The SUNTREE/VIERA ISLAND PALM Garden Street (Between (The Shoppes at Shoppes at WinterPlaza) Garden, FL, 34787 Winter Park Rating , FL,(Corner 32789 FL 34744 (Next to YMCA) (Publix Plaza) & Walmart) St Lucie West of520/Sykes 520/Sykes (Next to YMCA) BEACHES (Publix & Kissimmee, Walmart) St Lucie West (Corner of BEACHES 407-745-4595321-610-8970 407-960-4770Cr. 407-978-6641 Publix Plaza)Publix Plaza) AT&T) 321-610-7972 Cr.Next Next totoAT&T) 321-610-8970 321-267-4222 321-267-4222 772-774-8208 321-610-7972 772-774-8208 321-735-4942 772-878-5534 EUSTIS HEARING CENTER THE VILLAGES HEARING CENTER LADY LAKE HEARING CENTER FRUITLAND PARK HEARING CENTER 321-735-4942 772-878-5534 2904 David Walker Dr 8732 SE 165th Mulberry Lane 877-B N. US Hwy 441 3261 Hwy 441 / 27Bldg C Suite C-3 Eustis, FL, 32726 MELBOURNE/ The Villages, FL 32162 Lady Lake, FL 32159 Fruitland Park, FL 34731ST. LUCIE MELBOURNE/ TITUSVILLE PORT MERRITT VERO BEACH 352-308-8318 352-205-7804 352-259-5855 352-314-0164

Garden Street (Publix Plaza)

0127

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Why would youyou go anywhere else? else? Why would goPORT anywhere ST. LUCIE MERRITT VERO BEACH ISLAND Rating Rating www.floridamedicalhearing.com www.floridamedicalhearing.com 321-610-7972 772-774-8208 Why would you go anywhere else?

MELBOURNE/ SUNTREE/VIERA Rating Rating

321-267-4222

PALM BAY/ BEACHES 321-610-8970

SUNTREE/VIERA (Next to YMCA)

321-610-7972

ISLAND

(Corner of 520/Sykes Cr. Next to AT&T)

(Between Applebee’s & Walmart)

772-774-8208

(The Shoppes at St Lucie West Publix Plaza)

205620

www.floridamedicalhearing.com

FT-0000560127

Garden Street (Publix Plaza)

MELBOURNE/ PALM BAY/ BEACHES 321-610-8970

SUMMER 2016

SEASON THE OBSERVERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE TO SUMMERTIME IN WEST ORANGE

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Go ahead. Stay the night.

Summer rates from $119. Book now at orlando.regency.hyatt.com, or call 407.284.1234.

205790

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

205800

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Welcome to Summer Season! Visit Nehrling Gardens and immerse yourself in a piece of old Florida! Stroll through the 1880’s wood frame vernacular home. Wander trails through towering oaks, magnolias, bamboos and palms that Nehrling planted over 100 years ago and relax on garden benches by colorful caladiums. Bring your binoculars or camera and sit on the observation deck to enjoy the bird life at the lakeshore wetlands.

MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

• OPEN DAYS for Visitors and Volunteers •

VOLUNTEERS are always welcome – please contact us if you need COMMUNITY SERVICE hours!

2267 Hempel Avenue | Gotha, FL 34734 (407) 445-9977 | Info@NehrlingGardens.org www.NehrlingGardens.org The Henry Nehrling Society Inc. dba Nehrling Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization.

everycritter@yahoo.com

Licensed/Insured/Bonded

Observer

We’re there when you can’t be! Peace of mind pet sitting and dog walking

everycritterpetsitter.com

www.

Kathryn W. Austin, PhD, MA, RDE 301 S. Tubb Street • Oakland, Fl

407.877.3388 “Using dance as a medium to advance every child at their own pace.”

www.dancecdpa.com Photo by Megan Moore Photography.

For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gustafson, (321) 239-3252, Kim Edwards, (407) 656-2121 or Sharlene Dewitz at (407) 656-2121. 205634

407-810-5569

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

OrangeObserver.com

We offer all dance genres and we incorporate full mind and body engagement in a non-competitive, age appropriate, yet progressive curriculum that will produce the most pleasing results both on and off the dance floor. We offer a one-of-a-kind approach. Please call to understand the difference we can make in your child’s life.

205719

Please check our website www.NehrlingGardens.org for upcoming activities or email info@NehrlingGardens.org for more information or to schedule a tour.

206291

First and Second Saturdays of the month from 9 AM – 3 PM PRIVATE TOURS are available by appointment. Admission is free but a $5/person suggested donation is much appreciated! There will be some special activities provided over the summer.

funny thing happens after you graduate college and get a job in the “real world.” Summer, as you had known it all your life, changes. No longer are the months of June, July and August filled with lazy days at the pool followed by sizzling barbecues with friends and family. For most in the workforce, the summer season means you’re doing the same thing you’ve done all year — it’s just hotter outside. Maybe you can manage a two-week vacation somewhere in there, but even that can be a challenge. Fortunately for all of us in

West Orange, we don’t have to go far for some summer fun. And most of it is so close that it’s feasible to keep the career on track and still have a blast making memories with your family. Here, in our summer Season magazine, we’ve made it easy for you to find Central Florida’s summertime destinations. Some of West Orange’s best offerings — including the amazing Butler Chain of Lakes, Oakland Nature Preserve and Nehrling Gardens — are as close as your backyard. And a short drive in any direction opens even more options. So, while the summertimes of childhood may be long gone, we should all consider ourselves lucky we live here. Vacationers flock from all over the world just to get here. We have it all at our fingertips. With that, sit back, pour a glass of ice-cold lemonade and let us help you plan your summer season! Special thanks to Gary Comstock for our cover image of a beautiful Winter Garden sunset.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

We can replace your joints because you can‘t replace: Take back your quality of life at Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, the ONLY Joint Commission Certified Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement facility in the Orlando area! To find an orthopaedic physician near you visit OrlandoHealth.com

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SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Henry Nehrling studied birds before he worked with horticulture, so he would be pleased to know these sandhill cranes enjoy mornings at the Nehrling Gardens.

A slice of nature Henry Nehrling’s famed garden lives on in Gotha. JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER GOTHA The sun shines brightly

on Lake Nally as a family of sandhill cranes walks along the shore. Each morning, the cranes can be spotted in the Nehrling Gardens, along with a number of other wildlife making the gardens home. A red-shouldered hawk enjoys the trees each morning, and a bobcat spends some time at the site. You might not realize it when you drive by, but these creatures are enjoying a large garden just off of Hempel Avenue in Gotha. In recent years, the Henry Nehrling Society has put work into the Nehrling Gardens to restore it to what founder Henry

IF YOU GO NEHRLING GARDENS 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha (407) 445-9977 WEBSITE: nehrlinggardens.org HOURS: Tours are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and second Saturdays of each month or by appointment. CONTACT: info@ nehrlinggardens.org

GET INVOLVED

Photos by Jennifer Nesslar

Angela Withers and Denise Harbin of the Henry Nehrling Society.

Nehrling would have wanted to see in his garden. Boy Scout troops, church volunteers and arborists help the society to remove invasive

“It’s a wonderfully unspoiled site. It’s never been sprayed with pesticides and insecticides. It’s a marvelous opportunity for conservation. Our whole purpose is we want to show people how you can have wonderful gardens that are wildlife-friendly.” — Angela Withers

plants and restore Florida native species to the garden — in a way that protects the garden from the harmful effects of pesticide. “It’s a wonderfully unspoiled site; it’s never been sprayed with pesticides and insecticides,” said Angela Withers, president of the Nehrling Gardens. “It’s a marvelous opportunity for conservation. Our whole purpose is we want to show people how you can have wonderful gardens that are wildlife-friendly.”

Nehrling Gardens is looking for volunteers or people who would like to get involved in the gardens. Volunteering is ideal for high school students seeking community service hours, church groups, Boy Scout troops or people who love the great outdoors. If you are interested, contact info@nehrlinggardens.org.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

STROLL THROUGH THE GARDENS Waves of color fill the gardens through the caladiums, which Nehrling introduced to Florida through the Gotha garden. He hybridized many different varieties, creating different colors, from bright pinks in the rosebud caladium to the white Florida Blizzard caladium. The caladium industry, based in Lake Placid, generates about $18 million each year.

When Henry Nehrling was alive, he called this place the “Palm Cottage Gardens.”

CARETAKERS Caroline Chomanics was riding her bike three years ago when she noticed a historical marker for Nehrling Gardens. The Gotha native rode on to the property where she met the caretaker and toured the garden. “It was so magical,” she said. “Like a secret garden that I didn’t know about.” She had visited when she was young as a girl scout and the garden was privately owned, but it was like a rediscovered treasure. At the time, the caretaker was moving across the country and needed to find a replacement. The timing couldn’t have worked better. Caroline was studying horticulture and her brother David studied environmental science, so it made sense for them to jump on board as the new caretakers. Each day, they do garden maintenance, eradicating invasive plants and reintroducing native plants. They work along the Henry Nehrling Society to help care for the garden. In their three years as horticulture and ecology specialists, they have seen the garden become even

The organization’s motto is “Historic Preservation. Horticultural Education. Environmental Conservation.” They feel

they support this motto with their understanding of the history of the site and by educating people about eco-friendly ways to keep a garden. “There’s very little of this,” said Denise Harbin, a director on the board. “When kids come over here, they just have such a great time.” HISTORY In 1885, Henry Nehrling bought land in Gotha, where he created Palm Cottage Gardens, one of Florida’s first tropical gardens. He moved there with his family in 1902. It was there that Nehrling worked with the USDA on horticulture. He hybridized a variety of plants that are essential to Florida’s horticulture today, such as caladiums, magnolias and palms. After Nehrling died, Julian and Maggie Nally purchased the land and continued to cultivate it. Following their deaths in 1977, the land was subdivided by developers, but six acres were preserved. Barbara and Howard Bochiardy purchased the remaining six acres to save the land. The Henry Nehrling Society formed in 1999 and got the property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places as well as received a Florida Heritage Landmark Marker. The land was privately owned home until the society purchased the property in 2009. Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

n The amaryllis is one of the plants hybridized by Nehrling. Coming from tropical climates, the flower can sustain Florida’s heat.

n The pollinator garden attracts bees and other pollinators. Pollinators, which are essential to honey supply, are in critical shortage due to pollinating flowers and plants being removed through development. The giant podocarpus nagi, located next to the greenhouse, has been on the property for nearly 130 years. n This sago palm is nearly 230 years old. To maintain it, the Nehrling Gardens uses sustainable methods, rather than fertilizers or pesticides. Using coffee grounds, caffeinated coffee and ivory soap, volunteers can keep the tree healthy and protected from insects. In many of Nehrling’s books, there were always advertisements for ivory soap — so gardeners have long understood the soap’s benefits. n The gloriosa lily, known for its L-shaped bulb, was introduced to the garden from Africa and India.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

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PEDAL BACK IN TIME

To schedule a five-mile historic bicycle tour along the West Orange Trail, contact the following: n Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden; (407) 656-3244 n Winter Garden Station, 455 E. Plant St., Winter Garden; call Winter Garden Wheel Works, (407) 654-1496 n Killarney Station, 17299 State Road 438 (Old State Road 50), Oakland; call West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades, (407) 877-0600 Bikes can be rented at the Winter Garden and Killarney stations. Amy Quesinberry Rhode

Jim Crescitelli offers bicycle tours of the West Orange Trail and shares the history of buildings and homes along the way.

A five-mile bike tour along the West Orange Trail gives folks a glimpse of yesteryear and a chance to learn about the history of Winter Garden, Tildenville, Oakland and Killarney. AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR WINTER GARDEN If getting a

little exercise and fresh air while learning the area’s rich history and hanging out with an entertaining guy sounds like a great way to spend a few hours, then consider signing up for a bicycle tour on a five-mile section of the West Orange Trail.

Jim Crescitelli, program director for the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, will take groups of people on a leisurely ride that lasts about two-anda-half hours. As everyone pedals, Crescitelli shares the history along the scenic trail, which follows the old train tracks that carried produce and passengers through West Orange County. Tours begin at either the Winter

Garden or Killarney stations. “My whole passion is introducing natives and newcomers to their local history,” Crescitelli said. “So much survives … if you know where to look.” He has been conducting these tours for about four years, not on a regular basis but as locals or guests to the area request them. He said Wheel Works, which operates out of the Winter Gar-

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Courtesy photos

Clockwise from top left: The Brayton packinghouse, on Brayton Road in Winter Garden. L.W. Tilden’s home in Tildenville. South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association, in Tildenville. Business district of downtown Winter Garden, pre-1912. The Oakland Hotel, which opened in 1910.

den station, advertises locally and usually draws people who live in the area. Likewise, Bikes & Blades, in Killarney, tends to attract men and women who are in Central Florida for conventions. Out-of-towners can ask some interesting questions, Crescitelli said, from “Are we going to see any alligators?” and “Will there be ticks?” to “Where are all the orange trees we’ve heard about?” and “Does Disney know about this place?” FOLLOWING THE TRAIL Crescitelli tells tales about downtown Winter Garden, giving participants a glimpse of what it used to be like with its former railroad depots, Edgewater and Shelby hotels and movie theater. Just west of downtown Plant Street is Brayton Road and the old Bray packinghouse,

which was once a stop on the railroad to pick up produce. When the riders reach the Tildenville community, they can veer off the trail to see the old homes once belonging to Luther Fuller Tilden and his son, Luther Willis Tilden, as well as the South Lake Apopka packinghouse and the site of the Oakland-Winter Garden School. Crescitelli will point out Mile Marker 801, which signifies that this spot is 801 miles from Richmond, Virginia. He said the Atlantic Coast Line railroad placed the sign there to signify the distance to the rail line’s origins. Further west, cyclists learn about the town of Oakland and its former heyday as a community hub full of shops, a hotel, an opera house and two railroad stations. They explore the parks and sometimes see an alligator resting under the Oakland pier at Lake Apopka.

The next stop is a history lesson in Oakland’s cemeteries and historic black churches. Riders can peer through the fence at exotic animals at the Briley Farm and check out the adjacent Oakland Nature Preserve. Beyond, they can see Hull Island and the old Killarney Post Office. After crossing an old train trestle, cyclists arrive at Killarney Station. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation always is discovering new stories or pieces of history, so the tour is periodically updated to reflect that information. “My mantra: If you’ve moved to the area, learn the history so you’ll know why you moved here,” Crescitelli said. “There was a sense of the past that was appreciated because it stands all around you. Something drew you here.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

“Natives or newbies, you should know the history of the area and know why you live here.” — Jim Crescitelli, WGHF program director and bike tour guide

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

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Coming out of hiding Some call Oakland Nature Preserve a “hidden gem.” Its leaders are working to change the “hidden” part. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER OAKLAND With its inaugural

Night at the Preserve April 2, Oakland Nature Preserve had a coming-out party of sorts, introducing some programs intended to enhance visitors’ interaction with its untapped potential. Managing Director Taressa George, who has made enhancing the offering at ONP a greater part of the preserve’s mission since assuming her role last year, said one of the biggest programs officially begun that night was guided tours. “The idea would be to have folks come in and give regular tours,” she said. “You could learn about just the history …

If you are lucky, you can observe one of the gopher tortoises roaming Oakland Nature Preserve.

IF YOU GO OAKLAND NATURE PRESERVE 747 Machete Trail, Oakland WEBSITE: OaklandNature Preserve.org PHONE: (407) 905-0054

you could learn about the native wildlife, restoration or you could focus on the lake.” George said officials have noticed people are eager to get out on Lake Apopka, so ONP will be seeking expansion of its kayaking tours, which began fall 2015. Canoes, paddle boards and other modes will be welcome, too, she said. “I’ve been pushing the board here really hard to get out on the lake,” she said. “We have a dock; we have access; we have members and a captive audience; we have huge support from the community. For us to start offering regular things that incorporate the lake, that’s one of the reasons the preserve was created.” Firefly night hikes will be another offering, with wildlife tours along the entire boardwalk to Lake Apopka, George said. In addition to gopher tortoises, snakes, bobcats and other wildlife roaming the preserve, ONP officials have applied to have a captive possum, perhaps coming in July, she said. “He’s not releasable — he can’t go back into the wild, because he couldn’t take care of himself,” George said. “But he really does look pretty cute and cuddly.” Summer camps are now open to all ages from grades one through six for each week. This enables more personnel to focus on each camp and increase group sizes to about 30, George said. Ultimately, this enhances the total capacity from 60 to 120 campers, she said. “In previous years, we had six weeks of camp, and each week was specific to a certain age group,” she said. “Each week we had caps for the number of students in the class, at about maybe 20.” At the same time, campers can be split into groups so that firstgraders and sixth-graders are not out of place, she said. Plus,

Photos by Zak Kerr

The Briley Farm next to the preserve holds this emu, as well as other intriguing species.

parents no longer have to worry about splitting their children in different weeks — they can attend simultaneously. ONP also has added photography and yoga classes. And to mark this time of updates, there will be several new signs adorning the preserve soon to replace some that are past their prime. “Our logo is going to be updated,” George said. “It’s going to be with a different osprey — still going to have an O with an osprey — but he’s got a fish.” Another big idea she hopes the preserve will have in the near future is an enhanced presence along the West Orange Trail — maybe even to sell refreshments and souvenirs. “I rode by on the trail for years before I became affiliated with Friends of Lake Apopka or the preserve,” George said. “I always thought, ‘Oh, a nature preserve

EXOTIC ANIMALS? Next door to the preserve along its Green Trail is the Briley Farm, where visitors can observe various animals they might otherwise never see in Florida. Among species on the farm are the wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, emu and watusi, a type of cattle with exceptionally long horns.

Courtesy photo

As long as you leave them alone, snakes will leave you alone as interesting subjects of observation.

– neat. I wonder what they do there.’ And then I’d keep on riding. But it’s a missed opportunity, because we don’t have anything there right now that says ‘Summer camps, hikes, tours, boardwalk to Lake Apopka – it’s free!’ “People call us the hidden gem on our visitor logs. … We like the gem part. Hidden? Kind of hidden is OK, I guess — we don’t want to be in the middle of downtown. But we want you to know that we’re here, and we want you to know what we do and what we are. In terms of our visitor data, though, we’re more popular now than ever before.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

Courtesy photo

“The idea would be to have folks come in and give regular tours. You could learn about just the history … you could learn about the native wildlife, restoration or you could focus on the lake.” — Taressa George, Oakland Nature Preserve managing director

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

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Date night in Dr. Phillips For those heading out on a date night this summer, check out some of the eateries located in the infamous Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips.

long and near a stretch of Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips lies one of Orlando’s talking points for food fanatics and connoisseurs everywhere: Restaurant Row. More than 20 restaurants of varying

price ranges, cuisines and delicacies cater to consumers. Restaurant Row boasts a mix of steakhouses, seafood restaurants, sports grills and Lebanese, Mexican and Italian eateries, among others.

Whether for a girls’ night out or a date night this summer, here are a few ideas of foods and fares to try for every budget, based on two meals for two people. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

$30 DATE NIGHT ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR 7468 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 226-0550 WEBSITE: roccostacos.com HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily

DEWEY’S INDOOR GOLF & SPORTS GRILL 7720 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 203-2222 WEBSITE: deweysgolf.com HOURS: 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays to Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturdays

For a casual and energetic atmosphere filled with sports fans, Dewey’s is the place to be. Guests can eat, drink and play as they please with Dewey’s variety of sports simulators. Play a game of soccer, hockey, golf, football, baseball or basketball through

the simulators, which are customizable with settings to cater to each individual player. Once you’re done playing, celebrate with a platter of 20 wings — which come with celery and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing — for $21. Have a flatbread, enjoy some sliders or dig into any of Dewey’s unique burgers, ranging from vegetarian and ultimate bacon to double patties or a classic burger. Drinks available include a variety of draft beers, craft beers and pitchers of brands like Miller Lite, Coors Light and Yuengling. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close.

Rocco’s Tacos offers authentic Mexican food in a casual environment, but also stands out for its extensive collection of tequila — 425 varieties, to be exact. Guests can watch guacamole being prepared table-side and enjoy a wide range of kitchen specialties, salads, enchiladas, tacos with a twist and more. For a traditional and truly Mexican flavor, try the traditional tacos, which are served on three handmade tortillas. The traditional tacos are made with carnitas-style pork, chicharrones, cilantro, onions and salsa brava and cost $17. For a healthy and tasty option, indulge in the Mexican cobb salad for $14.50. The salad contains grilled chicken breast, cotija cheese, chopped romaine, charred corn, pico de gallo, chipotle-lime vinaigrette and more. Pick up a margarita, mojito, glass of wine, sangria or “cerveza” to go with your meal.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

$50 DATE NIGHT

THE MELTING POT 7549 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 903-1100 WEBSITE: meltingpot.com HOURS: 5 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturdays; 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays

CEDAR’S RESTAURANT 7732 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 351-6000 WEBSITE: orlandocedars.com HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Fridays; noon to 12:30 a.m. Saturdays; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sundays

Cedar’s specializes in Lebanese cuisine and was founded by owner Charbel Saab, who wanted to ensure that his restaurant

RESTAURANT ROW

The Melting Pot is a traditional fondue restaurant that allows guests to try fondue cooking styles and offers a varying menu of entreées, salads, desserts and more. It also offers a four-course dining experience, in which guests can choose a cheese fondue, salad, entrée and chocolate. Try the certified Angus beef

sirloin, which comes with seasoned vegetables and signature dipping sauce, for $24.50. Other entrees to try include sesamecrusted Ahi Tuna ($22.95), chicken potstickers ($16.95) and honey orange duck breast ($23.95). The Melting Pot is also accommodating of dietary and gluten-free restrictions.

reflected his homeland of Lebanon. Cedar’s self-proclaimed focal point is its “famous stone wheat bread,” which is made with an original, secret family recipe and baked in a wood-stone bread oven. Guests are immersed in the Lebanese culture through the music, belly-dancing entertainment on weekends and hookah available. Try some baked kibbeh — ground beef and cracked wheat stuffed with lamb, onions and pine nuts and served with

yogurt salad — for $21. From the grill, try a shish kabob — which includes three skewers of marinated lamb cubes, rice and vegetables — for $22. Cedar’s also offers a variety of seafood, sides, appetizers and traditional Lebanese desserts such as knafe and baklava.

n Amura Japanese Restaurant n Ayothaya n Bar Louie n Bento Cafe n Big Fin Seafood Kitchen n Bonefish Grill n Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine n BRAVO! Cucina Italiana n Cedar’s Restaurant n Chatham’s Place n Christini’s Ristorante Italiano n Corona Cigar Company’s Superstore and Cigar Bar n Craig Miller’s Field House Sports Bar n Dewey’s Indoor Golf & Sports Grill n Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi n Eddie V’s Prime Seafood n First Watch n FishBones n Flame Kabob n Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar n Fresco Cucina Italiana n Fusion 360 Lounge N Grill n Graffiti Junktion n Hot & Juicy Crawfish n Kokino Restaurant n Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant n Mama Louise Restaurant n Moe’s Southwest Grill n MoonFish Restaurant n Morton’s The Steakhouse n Nagoya Sushi n O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar n Ocean Prime n Peperoncino Restaurant n Pharmacy Orlando n Put A Cork In It n Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar n Roy’s Restaurant n Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse n Saffron Indian Cuisine n Seasons 52 n Seito Sushi n Slate n Stefano’s Grill n The Melting Pot n The Whiskey n Urbain 40 American Brasserie and Lounge n Vines Grille & Wine Bar n World of Beer n Zoes Kitchen

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

$80-PLUS DATE NIGHT CHATHAM’S PLACE

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD

7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando PHONE (407) 345-2992 WEBSITE: chathamsplace.com HOURS: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays

7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 355-3011 WEBSITE: eddiev.com/home HOURS: 4 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays

Eddie V’s is a prime seafood restaurant on Restaurant Row, with a self-proclaimed experience of “fine seafood expertly prepared and a charismatic vibe that words are powerless to define.” Indulge in the halibut filet, which is roasted with morels, spring peas, fennel and heirloom tomato broth, for $35. The swordfish steak, priced at $33, is broiled with fresh lump crab, avocado, cilantro and red chile. Other dishes to note include

G OWRIN

N GISTE RE

cold water lobster tails (price varies depending on market value), filet medallions with fresh crab and asparagus ($49) and a variety of center-cut filet

mignon ($39 to $46). Eddie V’s also boasts an oyster bar, which includes chilled gulf shrimp, shellfish towers and market oysters.

According to its website, Chatham’s Place opened in 1988 and specializes in seasonally driven dishes, attention to detail and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Indulge in a variety of dishes, ranging from seafood, lamb and duck to Italian specialties, salads and sides. If seafood is your weak spot, try the Florida black grouper, served in pecan butter with scallions for $45. If you’re more into meats from the dry land, try the duck breast, which is roasted and served thinly sliced, in a port wine demi-glaze with blueberries to accompany it, for $41. For dessert, Chatham’s offers anything from pecan pie to chocolate cake, and you can wash it all down with a house wine or imported and domestic beers.

2016 Winter Garden Squeeze

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Free Camp Tshirt and Admission to Winter Garden Squeeze games during camp week. • On field recognition at Squeeze game during camp week. • Instructors include Squeeze Head Coach Jay Welsh, Squeeze players, the staff at Turn 2, current/former professional and college players.

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SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Living the lake life Taking advantage of the area’s beautiful lakes, most notably the Butler Chain of Lakes, is one way West Orange families can get the most out of the summer months. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR WEST ORANGE As families in

West and Southwest Orange County consider their options for summer fun in the coming months, they would do well to remember a natural treasure located right here in their — in some cases, literal — backyard: the Butler Chain of Lakes. The 11 interconnected lakes that make up the Butler Chain present a myriad of opportunities for family fun either on the water or waterside. For those who enjoy fishing as a pastime, the Butler Chain is well-regarded as a destination to fish for largemouth bass. The various lakes are relatively deep — so far as lakes in Florida are concerned — with a number of areas that are 30, 40 and in a few cases even 50 feet deep, and

Residents can enjoy access to Lake Down via a public ramp.

the waters are clear with visible submerged vegetation. Access to the lakes can be found either at R.D. Keene Park (10900 Chase Road, Windermere) on Lake Isleworth or the

Lake Down Boat Ramp (9619 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere), though the Lake Down ramp does not offer public parking. Another unique way to enjoy

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

THE BUTLER GANG The world-famous Butler Chain of Lakes consists of 11 lakes: Lake Butler, Lake Tibet, Lake Down, Lake Sheen, Lake Louise, Lake Chase, Pocket Lake, Lake Blanche, Wauseon Bay, Lake Isleworth and Little Fish Lake.

being on the water beside fishing is water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding. Many local residents may not realize it, but the Butler Chain and several other lakes across Central Florida are generally regarded as a worldwide hub for water sports. “(Central Florida’s lakes are) the very best ski lakes in the world, the very best climate,” said Drew Ross, a professional water skier who is also the owner and operator of his Drew Ross Ski Academy. “The world’s best coaches are here. It’s the right place to be — if (water skiing is) where your passion is and it’s what you’re planning to do, then you end up here.” Ross’ academy operates on a manmade lake adjacent to Lake Hancock within the Isles of Lake Hancock development. The ski academy is open to multiple age groups and levels of experience. Of course, you don’t have to be

on or in one of southwest Orange County’s beautiful lakes to enjoy them. There are several public parks operated either by the Town of Windermere or by Orange County that are located waterside along the chain. In Orange County, R.D. Keene Park offers a large playground area, picnic tables, soccer fields and access to Lake Isleworth. West Beach Park (9227 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden) on Lake Sheen is a bit of a hidden gem but offers picnic areas and a pavilion for rental, as well as two sand volleyball courts. Within the town limits of Windermere, there are several more lakefront parks. Lake Down Park, located at Lake Street and Fifth Avenue, offers a swim area, a boat dock,picnic tables and a walking path, though there is no parking. Lake Street Park, located on Lake Down at Magnolia Street (between Third and Fifth Avenue), includes a fishing pier, a walking path and parking. Finally, Fernwood Park on Lake Butler, located at Butler Street and Seventh Avenue, has a boat ramp for residents (there is a $35 annual fee for the key), a boat dock and parking (although not for boat trailers). Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

LEARN TO SKI

For residents who want to give new meaning to spending their summer “on the water,” the Drew Ross Ski Academy located in the Isles of Lake Hancock development in Horizon West is one way to learn the skill of water skiing. Various rates and packages are available and more information can be found at drewrossskiacademy.com.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

Back in the saddle The West Orange area offers a multitude of options for horse lovers who want to get in some time in the saddle. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

Horse-lovers, rejoice. Now that summer is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to indulge in your inner equestrian. Whether you have ridden in the past and want to get back in the saddle, or you have a child who loves horses and begs for a pony every single day, West Orange County is full of options to meet your equestrian needs. Whether it’s lessons, summer camps, leisure riding or even showing that interests, multiple stables and equestrian centers are sprinkled throughout the West Orange area — and within an hour of it — to cater to horse lovers of all ages.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EQUESTRIAN CENTER 425 Faye St., Apopka PHONE: (407) 402-6454 WEBSITE: claudiaheathfarm. com

CFEC is located on 12 acres, across the street from the Wekiva State Park. The center is a English horseback riding stable that specializes in training riders in proper riding etiquette and horse handling. It offers summer and Christmas camps, riding lessons, an Interscholastic Equestrian Association competition team, extensive education in equine studies and an Equestrian Club. Private lessons cost $45 for 30 minutes or $65 for a full hour. Semi-private lessons are offered for $55, and smaller children can indulge in half-hour pony rides for $30 per session.

DREAMCATCHER HORSE RANCH RESCUE CENTER INC. 10639 Toad Road, Clermont PHONE: (407) 702-8332 WEBSITE: dreamcatcherhorses. com

DreamCatcher is a full-service equestrian facility located in Clermont that specializes in horse rescue. It offers a multitude of services for every age group,

including: English or Western riding lessons; hunter/jumper lessons; trail-riding tours; barn tours; pony rides; birthday parties; summer camps; teambuilding and corporate events; boarding; and photo shoots. Beginner lessons start at $35 or $30 for hunter/jumper lessons. Trail rides start at $40, and hourlong riding sessions (for intermediate to experienced riders) cost $35.

Kaelyn Gurdak, 11, has been taking lessons at DreamCatcher for about a year.

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

GOLD STAR PASO FINO ACADEMY 5859 Avalon Road, Winter Garden PHONE:(407) 797-7762 WEBSITE: pasofinoacademy. com

Paso Fino Academy specializes in Paso Fino horses, a Spanish breed famous for its smooth, fourbeat gait. The Academy’s 12.5acre stables is located in Winter Garden, near Windermere, and offers riding lessons, horse sales and boarding. Private lessons start at $45 for 30 minutes or $60 for an hour of instruction. The academy also offers summer camps and Saturday camps, where attendees get to interact with the horses and learn about equine care, as well as interact with other farm animals.

ROCK SPRINGS RUN TRAIL RIDES 31700 C.R. 433, Sorrento PHONE: (352) 266-9326 EMAIL: deb@rockspringsruntrailrides.com WEBSITE: rockspringsruntrailrides.com

For those who just want to sit back in the saddle and enjoy a relaxing trail ride with a trained guide, Rock Springs Run Trail Rides — run by Cactus Jack’s — in Lake County is a good option. Singles, couples and groups can go out on a ride on the trails that wind through the Rock Springs Run Reserve’s 14,000 acres. Rock Springs is located just west of the Wekiva River and very close to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Trail rides are priced at $50 per person for one hour, $60 for 90 minutes and $70 for two hours, plus applicable sales tax. Riders get to meander through pine forests, a meadow, oak hammocks and the old Ethel cemetery, according to Rock Springs’ website.

SEACREST EQUESTRIAN CENTER 4316 Avalon Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 512-6042 EMAIL: seacrestequestrian@ hotmail.com WEBSITE: seacrestequestrian. com

Seacrest is a state-of-the-art equestrian facility located in Winter Garden. The facility has a multitude of school horses that cater to all riding levels from beginner to advanced and the steps in between. It offers stable-management and specialized training courses, as well as lessons for all levels. Private lessons begin at $50 and lesson packages are available. Additionally, Seacrest offers boarding and horse sales and leases.

SUNNYBROOK FARM 14950 Tilden Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 402-5900 EMAIL: info@sunnybrookfarm.us WEBSITE: sunnybrookfarm.us

Sunnybrook offers a variety of services catering to people of all ages. Lessons are offered for all experience levels and tailored to the rider’s goal, whether that be riding for fun or for showing and competing. Private lessons range from $35 for 30 minutes to 55 for an hour, and lesson packages are offered, as well. All riders must have a signed waiver on file. Additionally, Sunnybrook offers boarding, horse sales and leases, camps, parties and events and a show team.

Horses being boarded at SeaCrest have roomy stalls and plenty of access to fresh air. Photos by Danielle Hendrix

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

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SEASON | SUMMER 2016

SUMMER STAYCATIONS

ummer break is often prime time to take a family vacation, see new places and try new things, but you don’t have to go far from home to have fun. If you’re looking

to save money and gas and go off the beaten path, here are a few ideas to enhance your summer staycation.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

BIOLUMINESCENT TOURS OF INDIAN RIVER AND MOSQUITO LAGOON — TITUSVILLE Beginning in June and running through the end of the summer, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon both come to life after sunset with bioluminescence, caused by small dinoflagellates that emit light and illuminate the waters. The bioluminescence highlights the fish and other wildlife lurking beneath the waters, including mullet, stingrays and manatees. Before you go, though, pay attention to the moon cycles — the best time to witness the illuminated waters is when it’s darkest out and five days before or after a new moon. In Titusville, A Day Away Kayak Tours — based out of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge — offers tours six days per week. The company also offers daytime and overnight tours and expeditions.

A DAY AWAY KAYAK TOURS

State Highway 402, Titusville PHONE: (321) 268-2655 WEBSITE: adayawaykayaktours. com PRICE RANGE: Nighttime bioluminescent tours start at $26.95 per child, $36.95 per adult or $20 with your own boat. See website for more information and pricing.

Courtesy photos

LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS — CLERMONT Ranked as Florida’s largest winery, Lakeridge has been around since 1989 and sits on a 127-acre estate. The winery grows, makes and sells native varieties, including red Noble, bronze Carlos and Welder Muscadines. Additionally, it grows hybrid bunch grapes, including Stover, Suwannee and Blanc du Bois. One of the draws for locals and tourists are the complimentary wine tours, which are offered seven days a week and typically last 45 minutes to an hour. Tours include a brief presentation, a guided walking tour of the facility and a wine tasting. Lakeridge runs a wine shop that sells gift baskets, wines, wine accessories and gourmet food. It also participates in multiple events throughout Central Florida, including the Harvest Grape Stomp, Corks for Cancer and a Wine & Chocolate Festival. LAKERIDGE WINERY

19239 U.S. 27 N., Clermont PHONE: 1-800-768-WINE WEBSITE: lakeridgewinery.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ LakeridgeWines PRICE RANGE: Tours are complimentary; wine prices vary

SEASON | SUMMER 2016

LAKE APOPKA WILDLIFE DRIVE — APOPKA

BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT RIDES — KISSIMMEE

Central Florida may be hours away from the Florida Everglades, but a company in Kissimmee provides much of the same experience through Boggy Creek Airboat Tours. Started by the Long family in 1994, the company now has two locations, eight 17-passenger airboats and four six-passenger, private airboats. Guests can choose from

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK — APOPKA

This state park is located at the source of the Wekiva River, where Timucuan Indians fished and hunted. Wekiwa Springs boasts 13 miles of trails good for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy the cool waters through swimming, tubing, kayaking and canoeing, or stay on dry land and enjoy a picnic or just taking in the sights and sounds with family and friends. The park has two campsites for primitive camping — Camp Cozy and Big Fork — as well as cabins and 60 campsites in the Sandhill habitat. Other activities supported include fishing, geocaching, playground areas and snorkeling.

a variety of tours and times of day to explore the wetlands, see the gators and learn about the ecosystem. Sunset tours offer views of the sun setting over the lake, while scenic nature tours enchant guests with views of the wetlands and wildlife speeding through the tall grass at 45 mph. Boggy Creek also offers nighttime expeditions, swamp excursions and an airboat/rodeo package in partnership with the Kissimmee Sports Arena and Rodeo.

WEKIWA SPRINGS

1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka PHONE: (407) 884-2009 WEBSITE: floridastateparks. org/park/wekiwa-springs PRICE RANGE: Admission is $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists; $4 for a single-occupant car; $6 per car with more than one passenger. Camping fees are $24 per night, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee (includes water and electricity), or $5 per person per night for primitive camping.

BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT RIDES

2001 E. Southport Road or 3702 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee PHONE: (407) 344-9550 WEBSITE: bcairboats.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ BoggyCreekAirboatRides PRICE RANGE: $21.95 to $57.95 per person, depending on type of tour

This 11-mile road on Lake Apopka’s north shore gives guests a firsthand view of the natural wildlife that abounds on it. The scenic route is popular for its diversity of birds. According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, more than 360 species of birds have been identified to date, 16 of which are exotics. Other wildlife includes otters, bobcats, coyotes and alligators. The one-way drive begins on Lust Road and ends on Jones Road, open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays anytime between sunrise and sunset. Guests with vehicles no longer than 25 feet are welcome to visit up until one hour before sunset. A slow speed limit of 10 mph encourages guests to meander and take in the view. LAKE APOPKA WILDLIFE DRIVE

2803 Lust Road, Apopka PHONE: (386) 329-4404 WEBSITE: sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/lakeapopka FACEBOOK: facebook.com/lake apopkawildlifedrive PRICE: Free

PLASTER COTTAGE — CLERMONT Plaster Cottage is a do-ityourself painting studio where people of all ages can gather and paint a plaster or ceramic piece, create mosaics and unique pieces of jewelry, play with clay or fuse glass. All pieces are priced to include paint, finish and firing, if necessary, and there is no studio fee. The cottage pours all of its plaster pieces, and these are the most popular among children, as they are less breakable and painted with non-toxic acrylic paint. Guests who want to paint ceramics can choose from anything ranging from plates, bowls and cups to figurines, piggy banks and keepsake boxes with an underglaze and have them fired. Plaster Cottage offers summer camps, classes, parties and ladies’ nights.

PLASTER COTTAGE OF CLERMONT

1203 W. S.R. 50, Suite E., Clermont PHONE: (352) 536-9946 WEBSITE: plastercottageofclermont.com FACEBOOK: http://bit. ly/1T4d5Be PRICE RANGE: $1 to $10 for plaster pieces; $4 to $50 for ceramic pieces; call for other prices

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Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floorplans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www. taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2016, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

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taylormorrison.com | 407.756.5025