06.29.17 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

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ARTS & CULTURE

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6-year-old musical prodigy Windermere suggests alternate routes during Park Avenue closure

Artist Kathy Bee has come up with a way to create stainedglass art.

BY DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

PAGE 7.

YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE GARDENER AWARDED

Courtesy photo

Abigail Huang, 6, is a musical prodigy who can play classical piano pieces after hearing a song once.

Abigail Huang, 6, can perform classical piano pieces by Beethoven, Bach and Liszt after hearing the song once.

Vicki Hearst, a Windermere Garden Club member, received an “Inspired Gardener” Award from District VII of the Florida Federated Garden Clubs of Florida at its spring luncheon May 4. Hearst was honored for her extraordinary work helping Windermere Garden Club. She planned the landscaping at the Historic Schoolhouse, coordinates the maintenance of the butterfly garden at Windermere Elementary School, organizes the decorations for the club’s annual fundraiser and the Crazy Card Party and plans the decorating of the Christmas tree in Town Hall.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE No one ever played the grand piano that sat in the front hall. No one in the family was musically inclined. And no one ever expected 4-year-old Abigail to sit down at the keys and begin playing Beethoven. Abigail’s mother, Chris Huang, still remembers that day vividly. She was in the kitchen when the sounds of “Für Elise” filled the house. At first, she thought it

was someone playing music on a phone or iPad. Then she looked around the corner and saw her daughter perched on the piano bench, her small hands flying across the keys. Initially the family thought it was a phase she would grow out of. But in the last two years, Abigail hasn’t stopped playing. “This is what she was born to do,” Huang said. SEE LEARNING PAGE 4

WINDERMERE Drivers traveling through Windermere might have to plan an alternate route for the next four to five weeks. Starting June 19, town officials closed a segment of Park Avenue to local traffic only, between Maguire Road and the pass-through street to Lake Butler Boulevard. The road closure is in effect to expedite the construction of new turn lanes, sidewalks and a drainage system in front of Windermere Elementary, Public Works Director Scott Brown said. “This is a corridor enhancement,” he said. “It’s not only a road widening; it’s also adding pedestrian features in that didn’t exist before. When done, we’ll have eastbound and westbound turn lanes into the school. In the past, it was just a two-lane road,

SEE SEGMENT PAGE 4

Windermere seeks public input for police department relocation Starting in July, the town will host a series of workshops to gather residents’ opinions on how to approach the issue of the town’s police department building.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR WINDERMERE Windermere

police officers and council members are well aware that the former schoolhouse currently housing the town’s police department is not suitable as a facility for a law-enforcement agency. But reaching a consensus on how to resolve the situation involving the inadequacy of the police department’s current building is easier said than done, as the issue has been an ongoing challenge spanning several years that all boils down to money. Despite the lack of significant progress so far, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden holds hope the town will soon come up with an option all can agree with

and that the town will commit to a plan that can help the agency reach national accreditation. “Everything in the building needs to be upgraded,” Ogden said. “It’s a nice, quaint little building, but it’s simply not a police department. Five years ago, I was hired to rebrand, rebuild and re-image the agency, and I was specifically asked to bring in a level of professionalism and seek accreditation measures for the police department … but we simply can’t do that because 90% of accreditation measures is through policy procedure – and we certainly can do that – but a strong 10% is about building security measures that we can’t make there. It’s not a police department. It was never designed to be a police departSEE POLICE PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

fairy house using recycled materials. Ages 6 to 12. Seating is limited; registration recommended at (407) 835-7323.

BUNCO 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocoee, 4 N. Lakewood Drive, Ocoee. Enjoy an evening playing a fun game with this group of women. (407) 656-7115.

HOMESCHOOL CLUB: STARS AND STRIPES JUBILEE 1 p.m. Monday, July 3, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Wear something red, white or blue to this Fourth of July celebration. Learn about America’s independence and have fun with patriotic stories, crafts and activities. Ages 6 to 12. Seating is limited; registration recommended at (407) 835-7323.

POSITIVE APPROACH TO CAREGIVING 1 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Serenades West Orange, 720 Roper Road, Winter Garden. Learn tips and techniques to a positive approach to caregiving and interacting with aging loved ones. (407) 614-8680.

MONDAY, JULY 3

MONDAY, JULY 4

DIY FAIRY HOUSE NIGHT LIGHTS 3 p.m. Monday, July 3, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Light up the world by designing your own

SEE PAGES 11&12 OF THIS WEEKS PAPER

THURSDAY, JULY 6

HISTORY OF WINTER GARDEN 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Heller Hall in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Hear about the unique history of Winter Garden and West Orange County in this program presented by Jim Crescitelli. No charge; refreshments will be provided. (407) 656-3244.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

SING AND DANCE WITH ALINA CELESTE 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 7, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Internationally touring family musician and teaching artist Alina Celeste combines classic folk songs with simple and melodic original tunes. Ages 3 to 12. Seating is limited; registration recom-

mended at (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

BUTTERFLIES AND HUMMINGBIRDS 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. This open day in the gardens will feature classes focused on gardening to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, led by native plant expert Alan Shapiro, as well as a plant sale of wild sage, native lantana, firespike and more. Classes are at 10 a.m. and noon; the plant sale is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit nehrlinggardens.org/event/. PAINTING FOR THE SOUL 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Jeffrey Plettinck, 3D artist, modeler, designer and painter, will lead you through a

meditative painting experience. Focus on relaxing and clearing a path to creativity. Painting materials will be provided. Ages 18 and up. Suggested donation fee $15. Space is limited. Registration required at ocls.info or call (407) 835-7323.

MONDAY, JULY 10

BRADSHAW FUNDRAISER 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, July 10, at Crooked Can, 426 W. Plant St, Winter Garden. Ten percent of the proceeds from drink sales will be donated to the Bradshaw family, whose 20-year-old son, Gunnar, is battling bone cancer. A basket will also be set out to collect gift cards for groceries and gas. (407) 395-9520.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

Vera Carter: 1931-2017 County’s first female commissioner harbored passion for environment Vera Carter had no fear of standing up for what she believed in as a government official and protector of the land. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

WEST ORANGE

o appreciate the open green spaces in Orange County, the protected wetlands and rivers, the wildlife at the Tibet Butler Preserve and linear parks such as the West Orange Trail — one must appreciate the hard work and dedication of Vera Murray Carter. She was the first female elected to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, in 1980, and she served three terms totaling 12 years fighting for the environment. She represented District 1, which includes West Orange County. Carter, 86, of Windermere, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017. She was born April 1, 1931, to Thomas and Gladys Murray in Jessup, Georgia. She was married to Jack Carter for 44 years, and they had three children. Her devotion to the community began long before she was an Orange County commissioner — as a PTA president, Girl Scout leader and a Cub Scout den moth-

er, as well as Red Cross first-aid instructor and swim instructor. She was a lifelong Sunday school teacher, as well. After becoming a government figure, Carter took on a number of community challenges. She led the fight for the county’s wetlands protection regulations and pushed for regulations that protect the Wekiva River. She established the 440-acre Tibet Butler Preserve, and as a result, the Vera Carter Environmental Center was named for her. Carter served the community in various capacities, including on the West Orange Memorial Hospital board, the South Florida Water Management District board, Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission and East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Then-Florida Gov. Bob Graham appointed her to the Growth Management Advisory Committee. She supported protection of the Econlockhatchee River and championed the county’s openspace requirements and mandatory garbage collection and recycling. “She was a tireless advocate for the environment, and her leadership helped Orange County look hard at our environmental policies,” said current District 1 County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. “She loved the community and did whatever was in her power to improve the area. … Her hard stance has informed

Vera Carter was an Orange County commissioner from 1980 to 1992 and was a big proponent of managing growth.

a better way of developing and influenced Horizon West policies greatly.” Carter loved the outdoors and gardening and was one of the founding members of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, the gardening club in West Orange County. She was active in landscaping yards for West Orange Habitat For Humanity homes and helped the garden club obtain land and establish the Path of Life at Chapin Station on the West Orange Trail. “The Path of Life was a joint partnership with Trail Friends from the very beginning,” said past club president Jackie Brown. “Vera and I met together with Orange County Parks & Recreation to discuss our plans for installing a brick pathway and having a quiet garden area. … When I came up with the idea of putting in a public garden by selling bricks, Vera was an Orange County commissioner at the

Courtesy photos

Vera Carter was an environmental watchdog as an Orange County commissioner.

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time and knew about the county’s plan to put another 26-acre park along the bike trail. They named it Chapin Station.” Bloom & Grow members dedicated their 2017 Spring Fever in the Garden festival to Carter. Carter was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and siblings, Margie Tyre, Laverne Murray, Kenneth Murray, Bernard Murray and Nina Jones. She is survived by two sons, Jack (and Audrey) Carter and Mark (and Nikki) Carter; and one daughter, Lynne (and Russ) Erickson; as well as six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister and one brother. A celebration of Carter’s life was held June 19 at the First Baptist Church of Windermere. Contributions can be made in her memory to 1000 Friends of Florida or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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“She loved the community and did whatever was in her power to improve the area. … Her hard stance has informed a better way of developing and influenced Horizon West policies greatly.” — District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey

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talk much and wouldn’t engage in developmental activities, such as reading or math. When she started playing piano, everything changed. “It was like, once that outlet cracked open, it was an outburst,” Huang said. “I guess that opened her ear, her mind and her heart.” Now, Abigail has become more strong-willed and independent — typical characteristics of musical prodigies, Huang said. She also loves the spotlight. Abigail has already performed at her church and at several assisted-living facilities. “She has no fear out in the stadium,” Huang said. “She loves to play for a big crowd.” Huang hopes that as Abigail’s talent continues to blossom she’ll use it to better the lives of others around her. “I want her to be able to do something different and carry a special message,” she said. “I hope that through this she can spread the word of God.” This summer, the family plans to take a trip up north to The Juilliard School in New York City to learn how to assist Abigail’s growth as a prodigy. “It’s been nothing but an amazing journey for us,” Huang said. “We want to give her a lifetime journey of musical enjoyment.”

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At 6:30 every morning, Abigail sits down for at least an hour of practice. Since she doesn’t know how to read music, she learns everything by ear. “She can hear something once or twice and she can play it pitch perfect,” Huang said. Her favorite composer is Ludwig van Beethoven, but she plays all varieties of classical music from Bach to Liszt. When she isn’t playing, she’s listening to songs or watching YouTube videos. “Every day she learns a new classical piece that she hears in the car or at church,” Huang said. Nine months ago, the family decided to invest in a higherquality grand piano for Abigail. They enrolled her in piano lessons. And, every day, she spends up to three hours practicing. She knows up to 100 pieces. When Abigail listens to piano music, she can not only pick out the melody lines, but she can also determine the harmonies. She can hear every note played and know which note it is on the keyboard. “It’s a God-given talent,” Huang said. THE MAGIC OF MUSIC

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and people coming to the school had to stop and stack and back up traffic on the through street. That held everyone up and was a safety concern coming in and out of the school.” In addition to adding turn lanes into the school, the project includes the extension and widening of the school-zone area, pushing the sidewalk farther back from the road and adding raised curbs to enhance pedestrian and student safety. Additionally, nearly a mile of Park Avenue will be completely rebuilt and repaved, stretching north toward town limits. Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn added that the nearly $1 million project has been paid for by the town taxpayers, along with $200,000 in road-improvement funds received as part of the negotiations with the Estancia residential development. “…(It) will relieve congestion at drop-off and pick-up times at Windermere Elementary School and eliminate grid lock at the

Maguire Road and Park Avenue roundabout,” Bruhn said. “It is critical to keep that roundabout open, as it represents the only way emergency vehicles can get to the school and our town.” The project would typically take seven to eight months to complete under a normal timeline, but the town chose to expedite the process with a complete road closure. The goal is to have the corridor enhancement complete in August when school starts. Until then, those driving through the town this summer will need to take alternate routes to avoid the closed section of Park Avenue. Locals may use the passthrough street from Park Avenue to Lake Butler Boulevard, which allows access to Maguire Road. The general public’s suggested route is entering onto Lake Butler Boulevard from County Road 535 and following McKinnon Road up to Windermere Road, which then meets Maguire Road. “This is all paid for by the town of Windermere — it’s the town of Windermere tax dollars at work,” Brown said.

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ment.” Although a clear necessity exists for a police department building that’s not from the 1800s, the going has been tough. Recently, council members were presented with a new option: to construct a new, modern building for the department at the northern end of town on Maguire Road. The property, which would be leased to the town by Jain Family Holdings, is located adjacent to the Estancia development. However, Windermere Mayor

“It truly doesn’t matter to me where a new facility would be located or what it looks like ... I care about the security of our structure, the safety of our personnel and residents who visit, fulfilling my commitment to acquiring accreditation measures and having a professional environment our town could be proud of.” – Police Chief David Ogden

Gary Bruhn said no final decision has been made yet, and the new proposed location on the northern end of town will simply be added to the list of options scheduled to be presented to residents in a series of workshops. The three options include relocating the department to the northern end of the town on Maguire Road, relocating it by the community center – which would require the relocation of the basketball courts — or demolishing and rebuild-

ing the agency at its current site. The town has contracted a private, independent company to conduct the charettes that begin in July. “There are so many different options available right now because we can either relocate the police department or rebuild the police department but we want to do is put these charettes together and gather input from the residents and see what they prefer and what are some of the options that they like,” Bruhn said. “I’m not advocating for a specific (option) right now, quite frankly. There are so many different options available, and I’d first like to hear about some of the pros and cons from the people.” Whatever happens, Ogden hopes the priority is to ensure the new building satisfies standards needed for accreditation and a typical police agency. Included in Ogden’s wish list for the new building are concrete walls, bulletproof windows, enough room to properly separate their computer servers, surveillance, equipment and electronics with gun lockers and an equipment room, enhanced security entry points, an automatic generator supply, a proper area for interviews with suspects and/or victims, adequate room for training and staff meetings, and proper ventilation so the staff does not need “to endure the stench of seized drugs and other items.” But Ogden knows they have a long wait ahead of them to because even if all goes well, the department is still looking at another two to three years before any construction would begin.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

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Garden Theatre names new executive director

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Nao Tsurumaki, the theater’s new executive director, got his start in performing arts in Central Florida. BRITTANY GAINES

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The Garden Theatre’s board of directors announced this week that Nao Tsurumaki has been hired as the theater’s new executive director. Tsurumaki has been in the performing arts industry for the last decade, having graduated from the University of Central Florida and worked as the general manager of the Orlando Repertory Theatre and executive director of the Children’s Chorus of Washington. And he’s always kept an eye on the progress at the Garden Theatre. “No matter what city you live in, it’s rare to see a new theater open like they did,” Tsurumaki said. “I watched the birth and beginning of the Garden Theatre very closely. It’s become this key player in the arts community, not just in Winter Garden but in Central Florida.” After former executive director Alauna Friskics announced her departure in March, the board issued a national call to find the right replacement as the theater prepared to head into its 10th anniversary season. “We are thrilled to have found someone with Nao’s talent, experience and passion for the arts to lead the Garden Theatre team into our next decade,” said board President Paul Oppedisano. Although he doesn’t begin his new role until July 10, Tsurumaki said he is looking forward to working with the team at the Garden Theatre. “The theater is on this amazing trajectory artistically and financially,” he said. “My goal and hope is to expand the success it’s had.”

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Nao Tsurumaki has been named as the Garden Theatre’s new executive director.

A LOVE OF THEATER

Tsurumaki’s love of theater dates back to his childhood days in Japan when he attended performances with his mother. He said he always yearned to know what was going on behind the scenes as the performance played out. After gradating from UCF, Tsurumaki worked with several performing arts organizations, including the former Seaside Music Theater in Daytona Beach, Disney Theatrical Productions on Broadway and the Orlando Rep. In 2011, his family relocated to Washington, D.C., so he could lead the Children’s Chorus of Washington; but he always knew he wanted to return to his roots in Central Florida. “My wife and I started here, and I really had my start as a theater professional in Orlando,” he said. “This was always my home in many ways.” After a few years in D.C., Tsurumaki and his wife decided to move back to Florida to start their own family. And when he heard the Garden Theatre was searching for an executive director, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “To be able to raise a family here and to have this opportunity at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden means a lot to me,” he said. “I always wanted to serve a community where I could serve family audiences. I think this is a wonderful marriage between what matters to me personally and how I can contribute as a professional.” Tsurumaki said he is eager to start a new chapter with the theater as it kicks off its 10th anniversary season. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the community,” he said. “I think this is a wonderful match, and I’m so glad I can be a part of it.”

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ARTS + CULTURE LISTEN TO THIS Chris Cortez Trio

8 p.m. Friday, June 30, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. The jazz trio features Chris Cortez on guitar, Chuck Archard on bass and Ed Metz on drums. Admission is $15. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com or call (407) 636-9951.

WATCH THIS

“The Wizard of Oz”

7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For this week’s Thursday Vintage Favorites, the theater will have a showing of the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased at gardentheatre.org or by calling (407) 877-4736.

ENJOY THIS

Fridays on the Plaza

Making

stained glass out of bottles

Photos by Brittany Gaines

Kathy Bee has been making stained-glass lamps for the last seven years.

Kathy Bee, owner of Soul Journey Designs, creates stained-glass lamps out of old bottles. BY BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 30, in downtown Winter Garden. This week’s featured artist is Jay McMullan. An Americana artist, McMullan combines guitar and harmonica to perform a variety of classic Americana songs and original pieces.

WINTER GARDEN As Kathy Bee would say, her life has been a series of detours all leading to the art of creating stained-glass lamps. Bee had never considered herself to be artistic — she left that to her mother and brother. But the first time she saw a stained-glass lamp, she felt an unexplainable pull to try creating lamps of her own. “I was just so drawn to it,” said Bee, who lives in Winter Garden. “I just knew without a doubt it was something I needed to work on.”

Initially, creating stainedglass lamps was just a hobby. Bee would make them and give them to friends and family. She never imagined how quickly her lamp business would grow. “When you don’t consider yourself an artist, when you do something, you don’t think anybody will like it,” Bee said. At her first farmer’s market, she sold 14 lamps and realized just how much people enjoyed her lamps. That was seven years ago, and since then, Bee, who now operates Soul Journey Designs, estimates that she has sold between 700 and 1,000 lamps.

“For me, it’s more than making lamps,” she said. “It’s transferring positive energy between people.” Every lamp starts with a blank bottle or vase, and Bee is always on the lookout for interesting and unique bottles to transform. Friends and neighbors often drop off odd-shaped bottles, and a friend who works at The Tasting Room knows to keep an eye out for Bee’s favorite wine bottles. “I have a relationship with my bottles,” Bee said. In her studio, shelves of blank bottles line one wall. Which one she chooses for a project all depends on her creative inspiration that day. And she never plans

Kathy Bee, owner of Soul Journey Designs, sells her stained-glass lamps in Winter Garden and Clermont.

SEE BUSY PAGE 8

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

Kathy Bee can spend several hours a day making her stained-glass creations.

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ahead what each one will look like. “I just use the inspiration around me,” Bee said. “I don’t know where it comes from. When I’m creating each one, it takes on its own personality and energy.” Often, she said, she taps into her surroundings, from the music playing to the weather outside, to determine how to paint and decorate each lamp. But the time it takes to make a single lamp varies depending on her creative inspiration. “Some days I can finish six lamps, and it’s like, ‘Wow, when did I do that?’” Bee said. “Other days, it takes all day just to finish one lamp.” For Bee, creating each lamp isn’t just about creating art but also about infusing each lamp with its own positive energy. “I think of it less as a creative art and more of an inspirational art,” she said. Once painted, each lamp is filled with a string of lights and capped with a decorative topper. “I wanted to light the lamp just enough to see the colors without it being too bright,” Bee said.

Bee currently has lamps for sale at The Sacred Olive and Cambridge Home I.D.E.A.s in Winter Garden and Highlights Market in Clermont. She also creates custom orders for her clients if they want to request a specific lamp size or colors. But many of her repeat customers often let her work her magic to see what kind of lamp she dreams up in her creative process. “I just listen to that inner voice,” Bee said. And the work, she said, is some of the most fulfilling work she’s ever done. “It filled a void I didn’t know I had,” Bee said.

SOUL JOURNEY DESIGNS n Locations: The Sacred Olive, 125 W. Plant St., Winter Garden; Cambridge Home I.D.E.A.s, 27 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden; Highlights Market, 155 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. n Phone: (407) 694-9052 n Website: www.souljourneydesigns.com

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Tuesday, July 4, 2017 This four mile run/walk event starts and finishes in Oakland, FL. This course will begin and end at Oakland Presbyterian Church in Oakland, FL. The race uses bib chips for timing and offer Top 3 Overall and Age Group Awards. Jogging strollers are welcome. Restrictions: For safety reasons, no headphones, inline skates, bicycles will be permitted on the race course.

Kids Run: FREE! Starts at approximately 8:45 a.m. Sign kids up day of race.

Post Race Food and Drinks!

Online registration available at www.trinrun.com Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable Register in person at: Tri & Run of West Orange, 56 W Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

Checks are payable to Tri & Run of West Orange

Time: 7:00 am start Cost: $25 - through June 25 $30 - June 26 - July 3 $35 - Race Day $20 - 17 & under / 65 & over

PACKET PICK UP Tri & Run of West Orange, 56 W Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

4th of July

CALENDAR

SATURDAY, JULY 1

EUSTIS HOMETOWN CELEBRATION — 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Ferran Park in downtown Eustis (west of Bay Street between Orange and Clifford avenues). Activities include music by Shakedown, a ski show, splash pad and bounce houses. A fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.; take a lawn chair or blanket. For more, call (352) 483-5491. HORIZON WEST INDEPENDENCE FIREWORK SPECTACULAR 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Commons, Avenue of the Groves, Winter Garden. This event will feature a KidZone, food trucks, music, vendors. It concludes at 9 p.m. with a fireworks display over Lake Hancock.

MONDAY, JULY 3

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS RED, HOT & BOOM — 4 to 11 p.m. Monday, July 3, at Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. Red, Hot & Boom will feature plenty of live music, food, drinks and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Performers include James Arthur, Austin Mahone, AJR, Hey Violet, Drey-C and Why Don’t We. For more, visit facebook.com/officialredhotandboom.

MOUNT DORA FREEDOM ON THE WATERFRONT — 5 p.m. Monday, July 3, at Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. The city of Mount Dora and 103.1 FM The Wolf will present this event, which features live music by Buddy Jewel and Spayed Koolie, children’s activities, food-truck vendors and more. The festivities conclude at dusk with fireworks over Lake Dora. For more, call (352) 735-7183 or visit mountdorafireworks.com. BALDWIN PARK BALDWIN PARK INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH — 6 to 11 p.m. Monday, July 3, in the Village Center and Harbor Park. Presented by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee and sponsored by Westminster Communities and Lake Baldwin Church, this event is a community highlight, with more than 100 vendors, a kiddie fun zone, a beer garden, food trucks, Baldwin Park’s own Room2 band and, of course, a 15-minute fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. It draws more than 20,000 attendees. Sponsorships and vendor spots available. For more information, visit baldwinparkevents.com/ independence-bash. THE VILLAGES THE VILLAGES CONCERT BAND PRESENTS A PATRIOTIC SPECTACULAR — Performances at 3 and 7 p.m. Monday, July 3, at Savannah Center, 1575 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Jean Butler,

Ward Green and Hugh Wicks from the Villages Concert, New Horizon and Home Town bands will share conducting roles. For more information, call (352) 753-2270.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

AVALON PARK FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT AVALON PARK — 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Town Park, 3651 Avalon Park Blvd. E., Orlando. Event will feature an apple pie bake-off, hot dog-eating contest, bike parade, wet/dry bounce park and performances. A 3-D fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. For more, visit eventsatavalonpark.com. CELEBRATION A SCI-FI FOURTH OF JULY — 9 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, in Celebration Town Center, 701 Front St. The event will feature live music by Katty Shack, Gina Marie Inacandela and DJ Tami. Attendees can compete in a sci-fi or superhero costume contest at 7 p.m. The Town Center’s KidZone will feature an assortment of inflatable games for kids and teens that will include a jousting area, bounce houses, face painting and more. The event will culminate at 9:05 p.m. with a fireworks display synchronized to a sci-fi-themed soundtrack. For more, visit celebrationtowncenter. com. CLERMONT RED, WHITE & BOOM! — 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Waterfront Park, 100 Third St., Clermont. The event will feature traditional Americana-type activities for all ages. Live music by Never Stop Believin’ — a Journey tribute band. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Minneola. For more, visit clermontfl.gov/ events. GROVELAND GROVELAND CELEBRATION — 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Lake David Park, 450 S. Lake Ave. Activities will include a wakeboarding tournament, Mr. & Miss Firecracker Pageant, skateboard tournament, car show, basketball

THEME PARK CELEBRATIONS WALT DISNEY WORLD ANIMAL KINGDOM —Guests can enjoy Rivers of Light at 9:15 and 10:30 p.m. July 4. MAGIC KINGDOM — The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” at 9 p.m. July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks display will illuminate the sky above Cinderella Castle. The fireworks are set to a musical score produced in a concert-band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration. DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS — Guests can enjoy the all-new “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks nightly, with the show beginning at a special time of 9:30 p.m. July 5. The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” features themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series. EPCOT — Guests visiting Epcot on July 4 will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire throughout the afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances on the American Gardens Theatre

stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. July 4. The American Music Machine will perform pop hits at noon, 1, 2, 3 and 3:50 p.m. July 4. The “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA — The resort will host an All-American July 4 cookout from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 4. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of Magic Kingdom’s July 4 fireworks. Tickets cost $120 plus tax for adults and $59 plus tax for ages 3 to 11; gratuity is included. To make a reservation, call (407) WDW-DINE. LEGOLAND FLORIDA PATRIOTIC FIREWORKS SHOW — 9 p.m. July 4 at LEGOLAND Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. As part of its new LEGOLAND Knight Lights event, the park will feature a patriotic display on July 4. (877) 350-5346. SEAWORLD ORLANDO ‘IGNITE’ AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO — 10 p.m. July 4 at SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. Guests can enjoy SeaWorld’s “Ignite” display, which features fireworks, pyrotechnics and lasers during a one-of-a-kind, patriotic finale to SeaWorld’s new end-of-day spectacle. Fireworks are included with park admission and can best be viewed from Bayside Stadium.

NOW OP WINDER

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KISSIMMEE MONUMENTAL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION — 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee. Event will feature live performances by Rose Royce, comedian Michael Winslow, Doubting Abby, Roco Monaco and Diamond Dixie. A fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. (407) 518-2503 or KissimmeeParks.org. LEESBURG LEESBURG JULY 4 CELEBRATION — 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Venetian Gardens, 201 E. Dixie Ave. The event will begin with a baseball game between the Leesburg Lightning and the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Pat Thomas Stadium/Buddy Lowe Field. Other activities include a performance by Mystic Dino, food, boat tailgate party and kids’ play zone and free inflatables. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Harris. For more, visit leesburgpartnership.com.

the 4th Run/Walk in Oakland. Cost is $30 through July 3; $35 on race day. To register, visit trinrun.com. ORLANDO CELEBRATE FOURTH OF JULY AT THE ORLANDO EYE 1 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, 8401 International Drive, Suite 100, Orlando. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities in the I-Drive 360 courtyard. Then, starting at sunset, the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye and the entrance fountain will turn red, white and blue in celebration. Take selfies with a variety of celebrity wax figures, including the all-new Justin Bieber, at Madame Tussauds. Plus, come face-to-face with more than 5,000 fish, sharks and turtles at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. For more, visit officialorlandoeye.com. FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN — 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando. Celebrate the 4th of July at Lake Eola Park. The city of Orlando’s Fireworks at the Fountain is a patriotic celebration filled with fun, food and fanfare at Lake Eola Park. Live entertainment starts at 4 p.m. and the event also features a large children’s play area. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. For more, visit cityoforlando.net/fireworks. ST. CLOUD ST. CLOUD LAKEFRONT CELEBRATION — 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Lakefront Park, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd., St. Cloud. The event will feature music, food, games, a beer tent and a tribute to veterans. There will be more than 15,000 people to enjoy food, fun, music and, of course, a fireworks display. For more, visit stcloudflchamber.com.

MOUNT DORA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE — 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, in downtown Mount Dora. The Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle and the city of Mount Dora will present its annual Independence Day parade, which will begin at North Donnelly Street and West Seventh Avenue and end at North Tremain Street and West Fourth Avenue. For more information, contact the City of Mount Dora Parks and Recreation Department, (352) 735-7183 or email carsonc@cityofmountdora. com. OAKLAND FOUR ON THE 4TH — 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Oakland Presbyterian Church, 218 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland. Celebrate our great country by joining the fourth running of the Four on

SANFORD SANFORD FIREWORKS AT STAR-SPANGLED SANFORD ON THE RIVERWALK — 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Ft. Mellon Park, 600 E. First St., Sanford. Celebrate Independence Day in Sanford with great entertainment, food and drinks. The event concludes with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Monroe. For more information contact the Sanford Recreation Department at (407) 688-5120 or email Eric. Griffin@sanfordfl.gov. TAVARES LET FREEDOM RING — 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St. Activities will include a parade at 5 p.m., performance by the Maiden Voyage Band, kids rides and activities, food trucks, photo booth and more. A fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. overlooking Lake Dora with an American flag-raising

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

white and blue, take a blanket or beach chair and gather with family and friends to enjoy this Winter Park tradition. For more information, call (407) 599-3463. WATERMELON 5K 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. Start your Independence Day the right way — with a 5K. Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration featuring ice cold watermelon and American pride. Cost is $30 to $38. Military personnel and family receive a $10 discount (through July 2) and a special bib. For more information, call (407) 896-1160.

over Lake Dora. Parking is free at the city parking garage at Main Street and Sinclair Avenue. (352) 742-6319. WINDERMERE FOURTH OF JULY PANCAKE BREAKFAST — 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St, Windermere. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets will be available at the breakfast.

WINTER PARK 22ND ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 4, in Winter Park’s Central Park. Festivities will begin from the main stage with an “Oath of Allegiance” naturalization ceremony for 20 citizenship applicants. Mayor Steve Leary then will offer remarks and congratulate our new American citizens on their historic milestone. Wear your red,

WINTER SPRINGS WINTER SPRINGS CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM 17 — 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive, Winter Springs. Event will feature a kids zone, Freedom Fling prize toss, Winter Springs’ Got Talent competition, live music by Ennis Pruitt and the Breakers and a fireworks display at 9:10 p.m.

WINTER GARDEN ALL AMERICAN KIDS PARADE & BREAKFAST — 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay St. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10, and children eat free. There will be entertainment, activities and a child I.D. table. Parade lineup begins at 9:45 a.m. and starts at 10. Children will decorate their bikes, scooters and wagons and parade up and down downtown Plant Street. Sponsored by the lodge, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Winter Garden Downtown Merchants. (407) 656-3244. PARTY IN THE PARK — 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Attendees can take a chair or blanket for this annual tradition, which will include live music, family activities and food. Parking is available at Health Central Park and Dillard Street Elementary. For information, call Winter Garden City Hall at (407) 656-4111. In case of a potential rainout, call the rainout hotline at (407) 8775432.

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tournament, hot dog-eating contest and chili cook-off. The event concludes at 9:15 p.m. with a fireworks display. For more, visit lakecountyfl.gov.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

August 1, 2017

Dr. Jeanmarie Texier is going SOLO!

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and on the fundraising committees. She leaves a daughter “by choice,” Jean Miller of Orlando, Florida; a brother, Ronald Bach of Fort Myers, Florida; five nieces, one nephew; seven great-nieces, one great-nephew; five great-greatnieces and one great-great-nephew. She retired from Martin-Marietta, now Lockheed Martin, after 22 years. Serving alongside her husband, Dave, who was Santa Claus, she was Mrs. Claus for 37 years, delighting children and families and numerous organizations. Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 300 Main St., Windermere, Florida, at 11 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2017, with reception following. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, Florida. Guest book online at woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in M. Carol Bergman’s name to: The First Baptist Church Windermere, 300 Main St., Windermere, FL 34786; Vitas Healthcare, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751; or The Capital Campaign to build the Cornerstone Hospice Care Center at Health Central, 1414 Kuhl Avenue, MP 200, Orlando, FL 32806.

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Deacon James Edward Dyson, 84, a former resident of Winter Garden, transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, June 19, 2017. Deacon Dyson was born on March 2, 1933, to George Dyson and Annie Bell Campbell. He was a devoted and active member of The Hope Church of Orlando for several years. He was employed as a driver with Lynx Transportation. Deacon Dyson was a loving father, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Services were entrusted to Postell’s Mortuary, Orlando.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

Non-Denominational HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@orangeobserver.com

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JAMES EDWARD DYSON DIED JUNE 19, 2017.

M. “Carol” Bergman, age 94, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2017, formerly of Windermere, Florida. She was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, and moved to Windermere in 1956 from Packanack Lake, New Jersey. Her dear husband, Dave, of 48 years passed away in May 1994. Her family thanks Golden Pond, Winter Garden, Florida, for providing a loving home for her for the past few years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Windermere since 1969. Her mission was the Card Ministry for the church, sending cards since 1978, and she served on the Flower Committee for 20 years. She was chairman of the Bergman Spirit Award, sending people out into the mission field. She served on the Compassion Mission Team and went to Costa Rica on a mission trip. She was a member of the Central Florida Women’s League since 1988 and member of the Health Central Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers since March 1993, serving as president of the auxiliary for two years. She served as a sponsor of the West Orange Christian Service Center

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M. “CAROL” BERGMAN DIED FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

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Billie Ruth Austin, 94, a lifelong resident of Winter Garden, passed away at home in the care of her children on Saturday, June 24, 2017. Mrs. Austin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.N. Denmark, was a lovely lady of boundless energy who cherished her Lord, her family, her church and the activities and interests that enriched her life. A decades-long member at Beulah Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School and was deeply involved in the church’s WMU. An avid gardener, she surrounded her Dillard Street home with beautiful gardens and was a long-time member of the local Bloom & Grow Garden Society. Billie Ruth had a long and happy marriage to the late Lester Austin Jr., to whom she was married for more than 50 years until his death. They were both adventurous travelers and made frequent trips around the United States, Europe, Canada and Africa, bringing home wonderful memories and experiences. Mrs. Austin leaves behind three mar-

ried children and their spouses: Lester Austin III and his wife, Nannette; Beverly Hatley and her husband, John; and Billie Clyatt and her husband, Dudley. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Harold and Charles Denmark. With her, also, was Lillian Thomas, a three-year, full-time caregiver to Mrs. Austin who developed a deep relationship with both Billie Ruth and the entire Austin family. Her services were invaluable, and without her it’s hard to imagine how difficult the last few years would have been. Billie Ruth Austin was a remarkable woman who will be dearly missed by her community, her church and, of course, her many friends and loving family. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, Winter Garden. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. www.baldwinfairchild.com.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

BILLIE RUTH AUSTIN DIED SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017.

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ORANGE COUNTY Even with 1,700 troopers in its employ, the Florida Highway Patrol needs more, and it has been struggling to fill all the vacancies across its 10 troops statewide. On June 2, FHP added 63 new troopers on the road. Of those, 18 were assigned to the largest troop, which is composed of six Central Florida counties and is divided into three districts. The 18 new troopers, 16 of which have been assigned to the Orange/Osceola district, will join the 230 state troopers currently working in Central Florida. However, the state agency still has 13 remaining vacancies within the Orange/ Osceola district, which FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said is the busiest district in the state. “Statewide, we fluctuate between 200 and 250 vacancies at any given time, but here in Orange County we have 13 vacancies, even after the 18 new troopers we just added,” Montes said.

In an effort to improve response times, the Florida Highway Patrol assigned 16 troopers from its most recent graduating class to Orange County.

The vacancies are nothing new, Montes emphasized, and she suspects the difficulty in reaching the required number of staff stems from the strict vetting process and minimum qualifications, which requires standard polygraph tests, physical tests, drug tests and mental evaluations. However, the staff shortage has become more of an issue for the Orange/Osceola district because of an unprecedented increase in car crashes and fatalities. In 2016, FHP alone investigated 125 fatal crashes — a number that FHP has not seen since 2006, she said. “We’re seeing some of the crash numbers go up there,” Montes said. “For example, in 2015, FHP investigated 25 fatal pedestrian crashes. While in 2016, it jumped to 49, and we really don’t have an explanation why.” Montes said that during the summer months there are typically more crashes, presumably due to the increase in

rain. However, while looking for a trend that might partially explain the drastic increase, FHP found nothing. The increase in crashes, place a burden on the troopers assigned to the district, particularly when understaffed. Montes, describing a scenario she has seen repeatedly, explained that if FHP only has 10 state troopers on duty at a time and 20 crashes occur outside of a city’s limits within an hour, then 10 people will need to wait about at least an hour. “We are in charge, in Orange County, of investigating crashes outside city limits because the sheriff’s office does not,” Montes explained. “That adds to the workload of the troopers here in this county because there’s no assistance from the sheriff’s office.” Despite the lack of assistance, Montes said FHP has a goal of reaching 30-minute response times, with the exception of crashes that are made immediate priorities.

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Joe Cobb helps Power Baseball get first tournament championship. Page 16.

Taylor Head, a rising sophomore for the West Orange volleyball team, helped to bring home a national championship for the Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy’s South Rox Red 15 team at the 44th AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships last week at Disney. Additionally, Emma McElveen, a rising sophomore for Olympia, was part of OTVA’s South Rox Blue 15 team that won silver at the championships.

Ryan Larson (Dr. Phillips), Michael Byrne (Olympia) and Garrett Milchin (The First Academy) are members of the Florida Gators baseball team that advanced to this week’s best-of-three series to decide the 2017 College World Series. Results of the series were not available at the time of press, but the Gators had won Game One June 26, 4-3.

The Baseball Mom Life Life as a baseball or softball mom isn’t easy, but most would say it’s worth it — even in the heart of All-Stars season. Jaime Takacs, left, Kathy Frisch and Tracey Eidelman all have sons who play for Winter Garden Little League.

West Orange High softball alumna Amanda Nikhazy will continue her collegiate career at Stetson University in DeLand. Nikhazy, a utility player capable of playing several positions, makes the move as a rising junior after two strong seasons at Daytona State College.

Speaking of the Nikhazy family, Amanda’s younger brother, T.J. Nikhazy, pitched a complete-game shutout against a nationally ranked team from Louisiana in a travel baseball event in Georgia June 25. T.J. Nikhazy plays for the Florida Burn and compiled nine strikeouts on the day.

Jaylyn Whitehead, an Olympia High alumni and current pitcher for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, tossed a gem June 21. Whitehead went seven innings and earned the win in a 10-1 victory for Winter Park against Sanford, allowing just one run and six hits over the course of the outing.

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

Bleacher life is real life for moms of Little Leaguers. They’ve paced the sidelines with a case of nerves as their kid takes the mound. They’ve crunched across a pile of sunflower seed shells in the stands. Their laundry rooms are constantly overflowing with baseball gear in desperate need of a wash. And they can’t seem to get rid of the red clay in between the tiles of every bathroom in their home. But they love it. “You’re sitting on that bench filled with pride, watching him grow into a man,” said Kathy Frisch, whose 10-year-old son plays with the Winter Garden Little League. Life for a baseball, or softball,

mom can easily mean spending between four and six days a week at the field. A typical day at the diamond involves socializing with other parents while cheering and yelling helpful advice at their kid on the field. “It’s a big family affair,” said Tracey Eidelman, whose 10- and 11-year-old sons play with WGLL. “It’s where we all go to hang out.” For many moms, the Little League or travel ball life doesn’t have many breaks during the year, so the baseball diamond becomes like a second home to their entire family. “My husband and I have made tons of friends, and my children have made tons of friends,” said Leslie Lampshire, whose daughter plays softball with the Windermere Little League. “It’s definitely a community.”

Photos by Brittany Gaines

Leslie Lampshire, whose daughter plays softball for Windermere Little League, runs Team Moms Rock, a T-shirt business for softball and baseball parents.

And to up the supportive vibe at a game, many of the moms show up to games sporting baseball- or softball-themed T-shirts, courtesy of local T-shirt companies. The Sophisticated Closet, owned by Frisch, in downtown Winter Garden sells T-shirts with featuring phrases, such as “Baseball Mom,” “Summer Days & Double Plays” and “Eat. Sleep. Baseball. Repeat.” For Windermere Little League moms, many turn to Team Moms Rock for a T-shirt with their child’s name and jersey number on the back. “You see people with (the T-shirts) on, and they’re just cheering and rooting,” said Lampshire, who owns Team Moms Rock. “You’re showing your support, you’re getting in the mood of the sport and I think it gets the kids fired up.” But being a supportive baseball mom is more than wearing a flashy T-shirt and cheering on the sidelines. “Our biggest job is to remind them that it’s just a game, because everything is life and death to them,” said Jaime Takacs, whose 11-year-old son plays with WGLL. According to these baseball moms, talking about a game beforehand is a big no-no. It’s all about keeping the day as normal as possible so their kids don’t get a case of nerves. And after a bad day on the field, it’s sometimes up to the moms to calm down their upset

THE BASEBALL/ SOFTBALL MOM SURVIVAL KIT FOR A DAY AT THE BALLPARK n 1. Water n 2. Food n 3. Chair or seat cushion n 4. Umbrella n 5. Towels n 6. Sunflower seeds n 7. Gum n 8. Sunscreen

ballplayer. “In the car on the way home, we’ve had some talks,” Frisch said. Of course, not all kids want to talk after a loss. Some just need a big suicide soda to cure their losing blues. Most moms would say that the value of regular outdoor activity is invaluable for their children. “I’d rather have him immersed in a sport that he loves than playing video games,” Frisch said. And on big game days, everyone, sometimes even strangers, turns up to watch. “The fanbase is incredible,” said Eidelman. “It’s like Friday Night Lights, but baseball.”

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

Stage is set for district All-Stars tourney

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Joe Cobb Although Power Baseball just began last fall, its 2019 Power Baseball Blue team recently became the first in the organization’s history to win a tournament — the 2017 PGBA 16U Tucci Lumber Wood Bat Challenge in Ft. Myers. Rising high-school junior Joe Cobb was instrumental in the win, having pitched five innings and giving up just two hits and zero earned runs in a 9-1 victory over the FTB Game Changers.

How did it feel to be part of the team and make organization history? It’s pretty cool, I’ve never done it before. It’s (my) first one out of any organization, so it’s a different feeling. What made you want to be part of Power Baseball? Well my high-school coach for West Orange, Coach Marlo, he was running the organization and he just offered it to a ton of guys on the team, asking if they wanted to play for summer. What aspects of each do you like? The summer, I enjoy it because you get to win a lot more championships, and there’s a lot more on the line. But I like school play because it’s fun, you know the guys a lot more, and it becomes more of a routine throughout the whole school year.

THE BASICS

AGE: 16 YEAR: Junior SCHOOL: Windermere High TEAM: 2019 Power Baseball (Blue) HEIGHT: 5-foot-11 POSITION: Pitcher

the team, so that’ll be pretty cool. Who’s your favorite MLB team and player? The Mets, and I’d have to go with Noah Syndergaard. He’s a pitcher and he knows how to take over the game. He’s the hardest thrower in the league.

Dr. Phillips Little League All-Stars

Who’s one of your biggest inspirations or role models? My dad. He played baseball, made it with the Mets Minor League for a bit. Ever since he started getting into it, I learned more about it and it just caught my eye. I’ve been playing since I was 5. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

Windermere Little League All-Stars - American

WHERE TO GO Dr. Phillips Little League 8100 Wallace Road Fields are adjacent to Dr. Phillips YMCA.

How do you feel about the chance to be on Windermere High’s inaugural baseball roster? It’s going to be sad (to leave West Orange), but at the same time I’m going to be the top class of the school, and I’ll be one of the captains on

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

If the desired destination is Williamsport, Penn., for the Little League World Series, then the starting point for teams here in West and Southwest Orange are the fields of Dr. Phillips Little League, home to this summer’s Florida District 14 Little League Tournament. There, teams of 12-year-olds from Little Leagues in Ocoee, Winter Garden, Dr. Phillips and Windermere will take the field for pool play between Friday and Sunday of this weekend. Weather permitting, the championship game for the District 14 Tournament will take place at

6:30 p.m. Monday, July 3, pitting the top teams from pool play against one another.

DR. PHILLIPS ALL-STARS Schedule: 8 p.m. June 30 vs. Windermere - National; 9:15 a.m. July 1 vs. Winter Garden; 11 a.m., July 2 vs. Ocoee; 1 p.m. July 2 vs. Windermere - American Players: Ian Ballard, David Dupuis, Jeremiah Granatstein, Taylor Harris, Mason Henrichsen, Robert Hurlock, Johnny Jenkins, Zachary Miller, Carson Nordmann, Gabriel Rodriguez, Logan Roy, Logan Worth, Michael Zaccardo Manager: Dennis Pope

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Tournament, Manager Lou Massato is confident his boys can surprise some folks this time around. “I think we have stronger pitching and our defense is more solid,” Massato said. “Every single kid on the team hits the ball. I think we’re just, overall, a much better team.”

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WINDERMERE NATIONAL ALL-STARS

Windermere Little League All-Stars - National

Coaches: Dave Ballad, Mike Zaccardo and Phil Miller Outlook: A season ago, the Dr. Phillips Little League Majors AllStars team went all the way to Tallahassee for the state tournament. Though the roster is different this summer — those boys have moved on to Juniors (14-and-under) — the expectations are not. Boasting a talented pitching staff, the boys from DPLL feel they are contenders in the district and beyond. “We’re deep in pitching,” Manager Dennis Pope said. “I preach to the boys that if we play solid defense, have good pitching and timely hitting, we should be on the right side of the ledger as far as wins.”

WINDERMERE AMERICAN ALL-STARS

Schedule: 6:15 p.m. June 30 vs. Winter Garden; 9 a.m. July 1 vs. Ocoee; 12:15 p.m. July 1 vs. Windermere - National; 1 p.m. July 2 vs. Dr. Phillips Players: Austin Berman, Will Dizney, Luke Ellenback, Holden Fagen, Tom Ferraro, Chase Johnston, Alexander Nabavi, Oscar Perez, Blake Pyko, Logan Siemienas, Hudson Tinn, Alvin Torres, Logan Zack Manager: Lou Massato Coaches: Greg Berman and Mark Zack Outlook: More than half of the roster for this squad was together as an 11-year-old All-Star team last summer, and though that team won just one game in the District 14

Schedule: 6 p.m. June 30 vs. Ocoee; 8 p.m. June 30 vs. Dr. Phillips; 12:15 p.m. July 1 vs. Windermere - American; 11:15 a.m. July 2 vs. Winter Garden Players: Walker Curtis, Garret Milhausen, Patrick Parker, Hunter Sandbrink, Austin Smedley, Kento Wada, Kevin Mercier, J.R. Millar, William Robinson, Enzo Sioson, Sebastian Tusa Lavieri Manager: Troy Parker Coaches: Jeff Milhausen and Rich Millar Outlook: Among other things that will work in this team’s favor — from great attitudes to skills on the diamond — this group of kids has another thing working in its favor that changed between last summer and now. “They grew — they grew physically,” Manager Troy Parker said. “Some of these kids grew three inches. They’re beasts. They kind of came into their own.” With the added size — Parker says the number of kids with the power to hit a home run on the roster has more than doubled since they were 11-year-old All-Stars — this team will be a team to watch this weekend.

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