07.16.20 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Build it & they will come Three parents partner to launch new travel softball team. SEE PAGE 15.

Foreclosure imminent for golf course

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Realtor/investor Steve Fusilier is working with the city and Stoneybrook West HOA to create a plan for restoring the course. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Restoration of the Stoneybrook West golf course could be coming soon, but not without a multimillion-dollar price tag. Steve Fusilier, a Realtor and SEE A VISION PAGE 4

MEET THE CANDIDATES

YOUR TOWN STUDENTS WIN BARREL CHALLENGE Fifteen students in West Orange County schools painted rain barrels that were selected for display in the Orlando Utilities Commission’s Water Color Project. The rain barrels are on display at CityArts and will be auctioned off to OUC and Orange County Public Schools employees. The money from the sales goes to the school’s art program. Eighty-nine students on 16 teams were selected to paint a rain barrel. Local participants were Isabella Baez, Declan Currance, Sarah Dinh, Olivia Martez, Nelgine Cesaire, Richard Daves, Lincoln Paul and Alan MoralesIbarra, all of Ocoee Middle School; Brian Pierre Louise, of Ocoee High; and Gabby Bull, Madison McFarland, Sabrina Konradt, Issabell Ogborn, Rylee Bryant and Maria Rodriquez, of SunRidge Middle.

West Orange community mixed on school plans Stakeholders hold differing views regarding the emergency order to open school buildings. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Caiyan “Luisa” Luo, sisters Fanghai “Helen” Yu and Fangwen “Wendy” Yu, and Jasmine Goyarrola — along with Xinyu “Yuki” Shen, not pictured — decided to take action and develop their own COVID-19 website.

A group of Windermere Prep underclassmen, led by twin sisters Fanghai “Helen” Yu and Fangwen “Wendy” Yu, launched a website to help keep the public informed during the coronavirus pandemic. STORY ON PAGE 2.

As COVID-19 case numbers statewide continue to rise with students slated to return to school next month, leaders and stakeholders in education are facing some tough decisions. Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued an emergency order Monday, July 6, stating that “all school SEE OPINIONS PAGE 4

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Local students create COVID-19 website SPORTS EDITOR

efore the coronavirus pandemic made waves and induced chaos in the United States, it was spreading across China. As sickness and death ran rampant, sisters Fanghai “Helen” Yu and Fangwen “Wendy” Yu watched in horror as COVID-19 quickly shut down their country. They were 8,000 miles away from their home of Shanghai — what could they do? “On Jan. 18, the coronavirus started to spread from my home in China and seeing the case numbers soaring and everything, and we could do nothing except for hope for the best,” Wendy Yu said. “Also there was a lack of information that we could get from China, and we could not really know a lot about it. That made us feel very helpless.” It wouldn’t take long for the sisters — both rising sophomores at Windermere Prep — to find the answer to that question. By March, the virus was spreading in the United States, and it was then that the sisters decided to start up an information-gathering website that could help guide people to credible resources in regard to COVID-19 news. “Our school closed — our normal life was affected dramatically,” Wendy Yu said. “So we can’t go out to school and go out for dining or shopping. A lot of people have died, and millions have suffered in pain from this terrible disease.

“My sister and I really panicked — misinformation and misguidance left us very confused and anxious, too,” she said. “We as twin sisters often talk to each other about our feelings. … We thought that we need to know the truth and how to prepare, and to help others with the right information to prevent them from getting infected.” And with school being out for summer, what better time is there to start on a project than now, Helen Yu asked. “Although it is a time we cannot go out — it’s kind of boring — but we think this is also a good time to do a lot of things,” Helen Yu said. “During this time we don’t have much work to do, and it is a time we can really think and really contribute to our community.” GETTING THINGS GOING

Early on in the project, the sisters used the free website creator Weebly, but as luck would have it — after speaking with friends and parents — they met a volunteer who helped them build up an independent website, covid19oc.com. After a month of work, the sisters had the website’s foundation solidified. The next step was recruiting friends who would be interested in getting the project off the ground. The Yu sisters found the help they needed in friends Caiyan “Luisa” Luo, Jasmine Goyarrola and Xinyu “Yuki” Shen — all sophomores at Windermere Prep, and each offered up her own unique talents to the site. “One of the significant (skills)

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that they saw that I had was that I spoke Spanish, (because) a lot of the community in Florida speaks Spanish,” said Goyarrola, who has an interest in medicine. “I helped a lot with translations on the website. I’m also very knowledgeable in social media, so I managed the Instagram.” Meanwhile, Luo, an active member of the community, became a de facto marketing machine, while Shen did research and whatever she could do to help. Throughout the entire process, the group met regularly for hourlong Zoom sessions to discuss ideas for content and layout of the website. They settled on six sections: the homepage, COVID-19 info, news, articles, InstaLife and Keep Active. The homepage is loaded with valuable information, ranging from a map featuring Orange County testing sites to a Florida hospital-bed census. The information is collected and updated daily, and the statistics used are from Orange County’s website. In the news and articles sections, the group continues to highlight important information regarding the ongoing pandemic — there’s even a section of news entirely in Chinese. But one of the most popular sections among the group is the InstaLife page — which is divided into subsections such as cooking and fine art — that gives the group and others a chance to offer their life experiences like one would do on Instagram.

The students’ website is available covid19oc.com. ORHE-0204 ER_ObserverMedia_Halfpg_HW_PRESS.pdf 1 5/6/20 at 9:39 AM 5977-247492 Safety Assurance FY20 - Print Ads_West Orange Times-Windermere Observer_10.375x8.pdf

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KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED

next goal is just to transfer this website-based platform to a healthrelated website with pandemic information from all around the world, but also retain the interactive part — like the InstaLife part,” Wendy Yu said. “And our second goal is to help families know how to deal with this problem and stay healthy, because we want to serve our community better.”

Since the website launched in March, the group has seen more than 8,300 visitors. It’s a number the group is proud of, but getting people to the website has been the biggest challenge they have faced collectively, Goyarrola said. But after sending out email after email to local organizations and other members of the community, the group found its biggest accomplishment to date when Windermere Mayor Jim KEEPING WEST ORANGE O’Brien responded to an email RUNNING FOR 83 YEARS! the group had sent. What followed was the town of Windermere adding the website to its list of COVID-19-related sources July 6. Although the Family Owned group already has and Operated accomplished a few goals, there are plenty more that need to be worked Since 1937 The Joiner family has been proud to provide toward in the our community with the best care and quality available. future, WenWith our fast, friendly, and knowledgeable staff, we are here dy Yu said. to help you with all of your automotive needs. “Our

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“For one month, we just worked on the InstaLife section, because that’s the one you want to keep active and keep a lot of participation inside the section,” Luo said. “I talked with my friends and gathered a lot of people … to post something on this part just to give it more of a variety of content.”

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Seven-year-old Emery Dennis-Lima had a fun birthday surprise when a caravan of police officers helped him celebrate.

Police sirens blare for birthday boy Winter Garden police officers formed a caravan to parade by Emery Dennis-Lima’s house to celebrate his seventh birthday. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Emery Dennis-Lima sat under a tent in his front yard to say hi to all the friends and family who drove by to wish the 7-year-old a happy birthday June 30. What he didn’t expect was the line of police vehicles that showed up to celebrate with him. The drive-by party was held in lieu of a real get-together — in part, because of the pandemic, but also because Emery has been in a leukemia battle since January and his blood counts have been low. Emery’s mother, Jennifer Dennis, had arranged for friends to

Courtesy photos

Emery Dennis-Lima’s family celebrated his 7th birthday with him: mom Jennifer Dennis, dad Jose Lima and siblings Xavier and Indira.

pass their house on golf carts or in their vehicles, but one of Dennis’ friends made a last-minute phone call to the Winter Garden Police Department to see if the officer who patrols the neighborhood

would be available to stop to wish Emery a happy birthday. Sgt. Jerald House did even better — in addition to Officer Jacob Gilzen, he sent nearly a dozen vehicles, including the K-9 unit,

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A home in the Stoneybrook West community that once was considered a safety hazard soon will have new life. Winter Garden commissioners voted unanimously during their July 9 meeting to reduce and remove a code-enforcement lien from the property at 13728 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden. According to city documents,

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a “considerable amount of time” working on the property over the years, and the homeowners association eventually foreclosed on the property. The home now has a potential buyer who plans to refurbish and sell it. In a letter to city staff, Realtor Barbara Waltman wrote that upon acquiring the property, the HOA “had no idea the amount of municipal liens on it.” She requested the liens be lowered, because the HOA now has the property listed and a pending contract to close. Although staff initially recommended reducing the lien to $20,000 to cover city expenses, it reviewed the numbers and suggested a reduction to $6,000 as long as it is paid by July 31, Pash said.

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Commissioners also heard the first reading of two ordinances regarding the property at 543 S. Lakeview Ave. — north of Story Road and west of South Boyd Street. The requests are to change the future land-use designation of the 0.26-acre property from LowDensity Residential to Residential Neighborhood Commercial and to rezone it from Residential District to Residential-Neighborhood Commercial. Pash said the applicants, Robbie and Thelma Robinson, intend to convert the existing garage to a hair salon. Currently, the property contains one single-story house, a garage and an accessory building. The parcel is the result of a

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“I just really wanted to praise the sergeant and the officer and the police department, because with everything going on in the news, they really demonstrate community involvement.” — Jennifer Dennis

IN OTHER NEWS Commissioners approved and authorized Mayor John Rees and Police Chief Steve Graham to execute a memorandum of understanding with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This involves crossswearing law-enforcement officers assigned to the West Orange Narcotics Task Force, which will provide those officers with jurisdiction in the unincorporated areas.

split/lot reconfiguration for 537 S. Lakeview Ave. and 39 W. Story Road, which the Planning and Zoning Board approved June 1. With unanimous approval, both ordinances will see a second reading and public hearing at the July 23 City Commission meeting.

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the property owners incurred the lien in 2010 because they did not maintain the house or pool area, creating a mosquito-breeding area with unsafe conditions. Such conditions include a ripped-open pool screen and a pool filled with black water. “The homeowners vacated the house, there were ripped screens, the pool was not being maintained — I guess there were multiple violations,” Community Development Director Steve Pash said. “Then, in 2017, the homeowners association asked the city to become a little more involved. We paid for a cover to be installed over the pool to make it safe and … to prevent any children or anybody from falling in.” City documents state staff spent

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

to the Dennis-Lima neighborhood in Winter Garden. “My son was overwhelmed at the time, but later he was really excited about it,” Dennis said. Officers gave Emery several officer’s badge stickers, they spoke to him for a few minutes, and they showed him one of the cruisers. At 7, his observations were that the sirens were loud and the computers in the cars were cool, and he was surprised that so many people knew of him. Dennis said the original plans were to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed all that. Emery is about six months into his two-year treatment. “It was definitely devastating news to our family when it happened,” Dennis said of the diagnosis. “But he’s been an incredible patient. Everybody at the hospital loves him. He’s a tough kid.” Emery is a student at Innovation Montessori Ocoee but had to switch to hospital homebound when the leukemia was discovered. Students who are in the homebound program must withdraw from their regular school — but Dennis said Emery’s teachers included Emery in the remote classroom setting. When school starts in the fall, Emery will need an extra few weeks to finish his active treatment and then is cleared to attend class in person. He will begin a maintenance treatment for 18 months. Emery is the son of Jennifer Dennis and Jose Lima, and he has two older siblings, Xavier and Indira — all of whom enjoyed the drive-by birthday celebration. “I just really wanted to praise the sergeant and the officer and the police department, because with everything going on in the news, they really demonstrate community involvement,” Dennis said. “They deserve special recognition for being truly officers of the community.”

Winter Garden approves lien reduction on neglected home The house at 13728 Fox Glove St. accrued codeenforcement violations and fines for years and required city involvement.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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Opinions differ on reopening schools CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

boards and charter school governing boards must open brick-andmortar schools in August at least five days per week for all students.” Under this directive, school boards must prepare to reopen physical buildings full time for all students in August, and the Department of Education will not waive the minimum number of instructional hours for students. The order has incited mixed opinions from parents, educators and community stakeholders. The School Board met after press time Tuesday, July 14, to finalize its reopening plans and hear from them. Some, like the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, have said they believe it would be “irresponsible and dangerous” for Orange County Public Schools to reopen schools for the fall semester. “While we know that face-toface learning is optimal, CTA will not support a reopening plan that could expose students, teachers or their families to illness, hospitalization or death,” CTA officials stated. “Lost academic time and lessons can be made up — a life cannot. We ask every leader to take responsibility for the protection

and well-being of every student, teacher and community member. Decisions must be made based on science, CDC recommendations, safety, compassion and common sense, and not on leaders’ political or economic agendas.” West Orange resident Debbie Calderon agrees. A teacher at an OCPS alternative high school, Calderon said she also has underlying health issues like asthma that could make her more susceptible to COVID-19. However, her concern is for her students. “As a teacher who basically would do anything for their students ... I can’t advocate to put them in that situation, either, because children will die,” she said. “Teachers and staff members will die. … No child should die because of something that has to do with peoples’ political agendas.” Although face-to-face learning

“This is a very unique situation. It’s a public health crisis, and we need to protect everybody as best as we can right now.” — Debbie Calderon

is optimal, she said, it isn’t safe to return to school with cases surging. “Teachers are retiring, they’re putting in for a year’s leave of absence, they’re quitting and going into other professions,” Calderon said. “It’s going to be much more devastating for the kids. The kids are the center of all this, and they’re going to be the ones that lose.” Winter Garden resident Adam Bates said as a parent with a child in each level of school, he sees the situation from different perspectives. He hoped for a hybrid education model, with cutting down class sizes and alternating days of attendance. “Technology should play a role in the solution in some form or fashion,” he said. “We need to go back in some form or fashion. Mental health is important in this equation. It’s a tough decision and process for all.” Denise Pellegrino, a Winter Garden resident, has a daughter who will be a senior in high school this year. Although she’s concerned about the virus, Pellegrino said her stance involves getting back to a new normal and returning to face-to-face instruction. “It seems the longer we delay, the longer and worse it will be in

A vision for Stoneybrook investor who recently purchased the mortgage note on the course, said he has initiated the process of foreclosure and is working on obtaining a writ of possession to assume ownership. Miguel Vidal — who also owned Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont — assumed ownership of the club last spring but incurred a multitude of code violations because of lack of maintenance. Vidal still has the right for possession and redemption should he choose to pay off the debt. However, Fusilier said that hasn’t happened yet, and he cannot begin any work until the courts grant him possession of the course. He’s optimistic that should happen within 30 to 45 days. “We’ve tried to work with the current mortgagee, and unfortunately, he hasn’t been proactive with it, so what we’re trying to do is make sure that the golf course doesn’t slide off the mountain, because it’ll get to a certain point where there’s no return,” Fusilier said. “Right now, we have a point of return, but if it lasts too much lon-

ger … then it may be in a position where financially it just doesn’t make sense to put the money back into it no matter what. That’s our big push, and that was our conversation with the community.” Fusilier met via Zoom Wednesday, July 8, with Winter Garden staff, Stoneybrook West residents and the homeowners association to discuss options moving forward. On the top of the list is revitalizing the golf-course community in which the homeowners purchased their properties. “We’ve got a lot of different options and really (are) just letting them pick what fits best for the community and the outside area,” Fusilier said. “We’ve kind of laid the candy bucket on the table and said, ‘Pick what you like and tell us, and we’ll get a game plan and move forward with it.’” Although there are no concrete plans, the think tank is brimming with ideas. Fusilier hopes to bring to fruition the renovation of the 17,000-square-foot clubhouse. His vision is to turn it into a multirestaurant venue — a pizza restau-

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the end for many reasons,” she said. “I also think that across the board, schools do not have to be the same. I am personally disappointed they dismissed the flex plan — especially for high-schoolers — which would be pretty easy to accommodate.” Phillip Pacheco, who photographs many events at Windermere High, agreed that it’s time to return to the classroom. “I feel there should be an option for everyone,” he said. “If you or your child are at high risk and you do not feel comfortable sending your kids to school, don’t. You can do homeschool or virtual school. If you want to do a combination of online and traditional class, great. If you want to send your kids to traditional class with safety protocols, great. Everyone has to do what’s right for their family. … I can’t imagine not giving families the option of sending their kids back to school. “The risk of not going to school and all that it would cause by not doing so far outweighs the tiny risk of going,” Pacheco said. “We also need to come to the realization that COVID isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Whether we like it or not, it is something we have to deal with and find a way to move forward.”

“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

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rant/brewery concept, as well as a Dexter’s restaurant — along with a pro shop. This would include outdoor seating. “We’ve had over probably 100 to 150 community members reach out with some unbelievable weighted conversations and support,” he said. “They realize they’ve got a problem. … We’re trying to save (the golf course), trying to get a game plan that makes sense perpetually to keep it going and always have a golf course in the city of Winter Garden — and at the doorsteps of the golf-course community all those residents purchased in.” Fusilier estimates it will cost several million dollars to get the golf course back up to standards — which could take at least six to eight months — and to get the clubhouse renovated, along with other necessary maintenance. Some development, he said, is a conversation that has to happen to make this a reality. “Their goal is to keep the course and not do anything, but … without some support from the com-

munity in the area and some inherent dollars that are in the current entitlements of the property, there’s no way it’s going to be successful,” Fusilier said. “There’s only so many golfers that … golf it per day. If you have 40 or 50 golfers a day, do the math — $18 to $30 a round, there’s no way you can pay for 165 acres and a 17,000-squarefoot commercial center and a golf course and all the other stuff that goes along with it.” At the July 9 Winter Garden commission meeting, City Manager Mike Bollhoefer updated commissioners on Fusilier’s vision. “To make this work financially, he would need to be able to develop some property — townhomes, apartments, nothing’s set in stone yet or been designed,” Bollhoefer said. “At this point, the city’s listened to what the gentleman has to say and the HOA is listening, but it’s still an unknown. But I think the good news is getting it away from Miguel, getting (it into) another hand, I think we’re at least going to get closer and closer to a resolution.”

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INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY SUPPORT

Courtesy photo

Pastor Bob Hines has retired after nearly 19 years at the pulpit at Oakland Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Pat, will continue living in Oakland.

Bob Hines led Christians at the church for nearly 19 years. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

More than 70 vehicles lined up, most displaying homemade signs and posters and filled with families and individuals wanting to bid their longtime pastor farewell Sunday, May 31. Pastor Bob Hines and his wife, Pat, stood outside in front of Oakland Presbyterian Church for the goodbye parade, which took place in lieu of a proper retirement celebration because of social-distancing measures. His goodbye message was delivered virtually. For 19 years, Hines has shared the word of God from the pulpit and performed baptisms, weddings and funerals. He has been present for nearly 20 years of programs put on by the children of the church preschool, and he was there to witness the church celebrate its monumental 125th anniversary. “That was a lot of fun,” Hines said. “We did a lot of things through the year to mark the occasion. We had a big dinner, but we did a few other things to mark the history of the church, which was founded in 1887.” Hines said the church has grown tremendously under his leadership; about 350 people have become members of the church during his ministry. He is proud of the preschool, which was started under his ministry. Other programs established during Hines’ leadership include the Upward basketball program, flag football and cheerleading. The church’s gymnasium opened just as he arrived at the church, and one of his first tasks was to go through the punch list of last-minute issues that needed attention. Hines was pleased to announce the church was able to pay off the debt on the gym. Some of Hines’ fondest memories are of the annual Boar’s Head Pageant the church hosted for five years at Christmastime. It took about 100 church members to make the elaborate dinner and show a reality.

In his final message last month, Hines gave a regular sermon with words of encouragement. “In just a few words, I encouraged people to trust God — in the pandemic, in the change, on whatever’s going on in your life,” he said. The church’s organist and music director performed a couple numbers Hines requested. “Several people printed pictures of the members of the congregation and taped them to the pews so that I preached to a pretty full crowd that day,” he said. “We’ve been live since we shut down. We’ve been doing our regular church service but (with) nobody there. I’ve had to learn to preach into the camera.” Following his final sermon, Hines and his wife walked outside to accept the well wishes of their church community. Nineteen years at one church is quite an accomplishment, but Hines said he and his wife loved the community and the church so much they never thought of leaving. “There was no reason; I wasn’t looking to move on to something bigger and better,” he said. “And we liked Oakland to finish our ministry.” As rewarding as his nearly two decades of pastoring in Oakland were, Hines admitted he is enjoying having no responsibilities. He does, however, have his retirement plans laid out. On his Facebook page, Hines posted a photo of some of his upcoming activities that will involve a paint brush, camera, harmonica, and “Hamilton” and “Birds of Florida” books. The Hineses are eager to travel but are waiting until the pandemic settles down, he said. They want to visit family. “In the meantime, we love living in Florida, because there’s so many things to do with the beaches and the theme parks,” he said. The Hineses intend to remain in the home they built in Oakland. “We loved our time here, and we know that God has good things in store for the church,” Hines said. Paige McRight is serving as interim pastor until the congregation can elect a committee to begin the search for a new pastor.

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Pastor Bob steps down from Oakland Presbyterian pulpit

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BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

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something that my own kids would eat, I started going out to friends and other family members and said, ‘OK, my kids like it, but you’re a teenager or you’re an adult,’ I wanted to see how people responded to it,” he said. “Across TROY HERRING the board, they loved it.” SPORTS EDITOR A big part of why the bars have gone over so well is because they’re Finding a healthy snack for chil- incredibly minimalist in nature dren — and adults — can be a — the bars contain three differtough task, especially when so ent types of fruits, almonds and many options that claim healthi- hemp protein powder, Fuller said. ness don’t hold up. The hemp protein power is used in That’s something Dr. Marlon place of where whey protein or soy “Doc” Fuller — a physician and would normally be — making the Winter Garden resident — noticed bars gluten-free and vegan. when he was looking for snacks for Once he had the formula set, his own four children. Fuller began navigating the oftenSo, as a pharmacist, Fuller murky waters of patenting, branddecided to make his own healthy ing and marketing. snack bar. His snack, though, Fuller went through three difwould have a twist with an ferent law firms to get things ingredient he had learned about trademarked and approved by the in 2013. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. “I’ve always been an Two requirements made things entrepreneur really started difficult for Fuller: You can’t get Advertise yourand Services or Events thinking about this after learning a trademark on something that is on this page weekly. more about the medicinal benefits federally illegal, and you can’t have of cannabis and learning a little a descriptive name. This page appears the bit more about otherweekly thingsinthat Cannabis is federally illegal — West Orange Times & Observer and hemp isn’t — so Fuller had to prove didn’t have the THC and CBD in online—at(so) OrangeObserver.com. them I came upon hemp,” the bars had no THC or CBD. Fuller said. “After learning about The final legal hurdle was in To some advertise in benefits the Church Directory of the of hemp — Florida law itself that prevented hemp in the cannabis sativa Fuller from selling his bars until call is 407-656-2121 or email family, it’s just not going to get you January. AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com high and it’s a non-psychoactive “We were actually the first form of cannabis sativa, but it hemp-based food manufacturer does have medicinal benefits — it’s in Florida,” Fuller said. “Prior high iron, magnesium, protein and to January, you were able to sell omega fatty acids.” Out of that early stage of research and trial-and-error, CANNABAR was born, and Fuller found himself diving into a new realm of entrepreneurship.

Pharmacist Dr. Marlon ‘Doc’ Fuller created CANNABAR and became the first hemp-based food manufacturer in Florida.

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For the 18 months of developing CANNABAR, Fuller tinkered with a recipe that worked for him and the tastes of his family. “That led me to the kitchen just playing around with formulations on my own,” Fuller said. “After a year-and-a-half, I created a bar that everyone thought was tasty, and during this process I had a vision, so I started securing the intellectual property and domain names and things like that. “After I personally developed

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Courtesy photo

Dr. Marlon ‘Doc’ Fuller, far right, is hoping his CANNABAR snack becomes the goto health bar for children and adults alike.

hemp protein at a Publix, but you couldn’t actually manufacture it in the state. I got licensed toward the end of January, and what the inspector told me — at the time — (was) that not only was I the first hemp-based food manufacturer in the state, but they were also going to be utilizing the formula of what to do to help other hemp-based food manufacturers get their licenses.” LOOKING AHEAD

With most of the hard work behind him, Fuller now is focused forward on educating people about the medicinal perks of hemp, as well as the big picture for his business. Currently, Fuller’s CANNABARs are made at a commercial kitchen in Orlando, while he sells them online via his website. Part

of the money he earns from sales also goes into his and his wife’s nonprofit, coolkids.org, which focuses on elementary academic enrichment in underserved communities. Eventually, they want to build an actual school for kids, Fuller said. In the meantime, Fuller said he’s looking at continuing to build up CANNABAR. “We want CANNABAR to be a household name and a healthy option for families, for athletes and for everyone,” Fuller said. “Eventually, we want this to be in every store, and the only way to do that is to scale up, and that costs money. My long-term vision is get some investors involved. … I would love for that to be something we can grow out and make this the next $500 million company.”

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Vote Early, By Mail or on August 18th Our endorsed candidates: Betsy VanderLey Mayra Uribe Mike Miller John Mina Amy Mercado

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Paid political advertisement by the West Orange Political Alliance, Inc., 12184 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, FL 34787. For more information call 407-656-1304.

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ORANGE COUNTY

2020 PRIMARY: MEET THE CANDIDATES

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Orange County Property Appraiser (Democrats)

ith Orange County’s August primary elections a month away, candidates for various offices are working to earn the votes of the constituents they hope to serve. This week, the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer introduce the three Democratic candidates running for Orange County property appraiser. Candidates’ responses have

been edited for space and grammar. Their entire, unedited responses are available on OrangeObserver.com.

AMY MERCADO Why are you the best candidate? I have years of experience in enabling organizational innovation, which includes human resource management, risk mitigation, crisis management, policy development, financial compliance and responsible agency spending, with overall efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, I have public finance experience relating to multi-million-dollar realestate transactions, such as the financing of multifamily rental housing developments similar to the programs administered by the Orange County Housing Finance Authority. As a director of operations and a state legislator, I have and continue to invest a significant amount of time learning the laws and rules applicable to Florida real estate and beyond. As a legislator I have filed, researched, debated

KHALID MUNEER Why are you the best candidate? I am the only qualified candidate. ... I have the knowledge, experience, the skill set and integrity established with over a decade of serving the people of Orange County and working with the business, government and community leaders. A person’s home and his business are his biggest lifetime investments, and you want to make sure the person responsible for appraising them has detailed knowledge of the real-estate and appraisal process so assessments can be made accurately, so they do not overpay on their property taxes. ... We saw what happens when the correct appraisal methods are not chosen with the Disney case. (This was) where the judge ruled the hotels in Orange County were being appraised with the Rushmore method, which has been

and voted on laws affecting taxes, economic development, land use, housing, community development districts, condominiums, homeowners associations and agricultural land use. I am ready on Day One to lead the property appraiser’s office to ensure a fair and equitable tax roll.

How would you rate the performance of the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office and why? While the office itself has many talented appraisers and employees, the office is led by a man who has been hit with multiple lawsuits from former employees, including accusations of racist comments and sexual harassment. He has used taxpayer money for personal travel to India, Europe and all over the United States. Additionally, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has recommended charges of official misconduct after destroying documents while he was being investigated by WFTV for mishandling of finances in the office. Therefore, from Day One, my priority is to establish a capable transition team that can help outline proposed changes and address key issues which would likely include the initiation of a forensic audit.

What, if any, changes need to be made to the department? One of the main things that need to be changed is how litigious the office has become with taxpayer dollars. Finding ways of building consensus and negotiating better outcomes is necessary, not to mention lowering the number of staff turnover the office has faced.

overvaluing the hotels, and now the property appraiser’s office faces possible claim of hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars which the county can ill afford, not to mention millions wasted in legal fees all coming out of taxpayers’ pockets.

of) the seven theme parks and the 290 hotels and commercial property — which account for close to $97 billion in tax assessments. Appraisals are not a one-fit-for-all, and intricate knowledge of the appraisal processes is important.

What are the challenges of this office unique to Orange County? Honesty, integrity and transparency are the issues facing this Orange County office. The office is scandal-ridden, with the incumbent regularly making the headlines for the wrong reasons (and) wastage of taxpayers’ dollars on unnecessary lawsuits against employees and taxpayers. ... On top of this, wasting taxpayers’ money on personal promotion on vehicles, bags and other promotional items when the average person is struggling to put food on the table. Orange County is unique in the sense (that the) appraisal process is complicated (because

How would you rate the performance of the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office and why? Anyone who Googles his name is shocked to read (dozens of) articles on him about scandals, corruption and abuse of power. It is unbelievable that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has recommended to the state attorney that the incumbent be criminally charged with 10 counts of official misconduct after a year of investigation of his office by the FDLE. … Several elected officials have been removed in the last three months for lesser crimes. No trust or accountability.

What, if any, changes need to be made to the department? The changes that need to be made will start with transparency and reevaluation of the appraisal methods being used so that taxpayers’ biggest life investments — their home and businesses — are being appraised accurately and objectively. ... I will sit with the leaders of the corporations ... to discuss the issues relating to their taxes. ... I will work to stop the brain drain in the office as more than 120 employees left over the years due to harassments and the legal cases that are still going on.

What are the challenges of this office unique to Orange County? The situation the incumbent has created for himself is unfortunate, to say the least, but only he can answer to any of it. What is important to me is the restoration of the public’s trust in the property appraiser’s office and position. Our residents’ hardearned dollars must be managed and used appropriately. We need full transparency within the entire chain from the elected appraiser to customer-service representatives.

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If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as property appraiser? The office needs to be one of the most accessible and transparent offices in the county. ... The first thing I will accomplish is the removal of the veil of secrecy in the office. I will also expand community outreach and educational programs and resources. Unlike the incumbent, I will not use our residents’ hard-earned money for personal travel or personal gain.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as property appraiser? I will restore credibility, honesty and transparency to the office. The office has a terrible reputation ... due to properties not being appraised in an accurate and objective manner and the corruption and scandals.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Age: 46 City/town: Born and raised in the Bronx; has called Orange County home for 25 years Family: Mom of six adult children Education: Executive MBA, Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University; bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in management, American Intercontinental University Qualifications: Florida House District 48 representative; director of operations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Mango Board

Age: 68 City/town: MetroWest (Orlando) Family: Married for 40 years to Shabnam Muneer; five children Education: Bachelor’s degree with honors in behavioral science, University of Aston in Birmingham, UK; diploma in banking (London) Qualifications: Professional development; Leadership Orlando 1997; Political Leadership Institute 2017; Leadership International Drive Chamber 2019; Nomura Leadership Institute in Tokyo, Japan; real estate brokers license for 20 years; certified property appraiser course completed

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What are the challenges of this office unique to Orange County? Worldwide, there is simply no marketplace that compares to Orange County. As the home to every major theme park — as one of the largest resorts, din-

boosted the level of professional training and certification and it shows, with more than 99% of our valuations upheld by the courts. In terms of dollars, our performance is unparalleled, with more than $1 trillion of valuation accomplished since 2013, more than $1 billion recovered for taxpayers through fraud compliance, and, on average, more than $1 million returned annually through efficient operations and budget management. What, if any, changes need to be made to the department? In addition to continuing our customer service and appraisal-excellence programs, we will continue to incorporate cutting-edge technology — including machine learning, artificial intelligence and hightech data access to ensure we are a strategic resource for our residents, customers and local government partners. And the

How would you rate the performance of the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office and why? Under my leadership, performance has soared. We have passed eight independent audits flawlessly, with zero findings. We continue to win prestigious national and international awards for customer service and appraisal excellence. We have

same goes for high-wage, highvalue economic development. It is critical we continue to weigh economic incentives properly — through expanded data-analysis and other programs. If re-elected, what do you hope to accomplish as property appraiser? I want to continue to fight for the average taxpayer, the average homeowner, the single parent and the senior citizen struggling to balance a budget. In an area overflowing with opportunity, I am committed to making sure that big business and mega-tourism pay their fair share. And in the era of COVID, I am committed to finding ways to help all businesses get back to operating efficiently in our “new normal.” I am willing to stand up to very powerful special interests and to build upon my track record of providing real value to the people of Central Florida.

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2020 PRIMARY

Why are you the best candidate? For eight years, I have worked to transform the office of Orange County property appraiser. Through customerservice training and the innovative use of technology, we’ve revolutionized how we do business. Our approval ratings are nearly 100%, and the same goes for our appraisal valuations. We have also transformed access to data, allowing local government and business leaders to more accurately plan for affordable housing and economic development.

ing, entertainment and hotelroom inventories in the world — our valuation structure is intensely complex. Experience is absolutely critical in accurately assessing Orange County’s real-estate market. And the same goes for residential and non-tourism properties. We know that Orange County has an affordable-housing crisis — an inexperienced leader would not have any knowledge about Central Florida’s historic market fluctuations, particularly after the 2008 housing collapse.

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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RICK SINGH

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Author dedicates autism book to cousin

Be In Touch With Your Community.

Erin Strange, a special-needs teacher, wrote a book geared to children after discovering there were few books about autism for this age group.

Every. Day.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information about Horizon West, Winter Garden, Windermere and beyond with our Daily Headlines. Our breaking news, delivered straight to your inbox, is the best way to stay informed about your community.

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When Erin Strange decided to write a children’s book about autism, she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. She grew up with a cousin, Chad Cross, who is on the autism spectrum. “My Big Brother Ben: An Autism Spectrum Super Story” shares the tale of 6-year-old Max and his 8-year-old brother, Ben, and their special relationship. Strange, who lives in Winter Garden, has thought about writing such a book for a while, and she kept her Notes app open on her phone, jotting down her thoughts for the story. Her dream was realized when she self-published her book earlier this year. She dedicated her book to Chad Cross “for showing me the beauty in our differences.” She has a degree in exceptional student education, in part, because of her cousin. She said she has been getting positive feedback about “My Big Brother Ben.” “I’m excited that people are interested in it and want to read it,” Strange said. “I’m hoping it will start some conversations about it.” The book is appropriately written for ages 4 to 10 and is some-

Courtesy

Erin Strange, then 8, beamed as she held her new cousin, Chad Cross.

thing needed for this age group, she said. “If you go on Amazon (and search) children’s picture books about autism, you’re going to get maybe four pages and half of them are geared toward parents or more of a workbook,” she said. So she wrote a story about Max from his perspective. “Ben is not verbal, and he goes to a special school, but he does all these cool things,” Strange said. “But it’s not until the end of the story that Max’s parents say Ben has autism. … No matter what your abilities are, someone always looks up to you. That’s the positive message there.” The book is meant to start con-

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

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To everyone on the front lines,

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Florida Paints Congratulations to Florida Paints in Oakland for their official Ribbon Cutting, located at 16427 W. Colonial Drive in Oakland. To learn more about what Florida Paints has to offer, visit, www.floridapaints.com

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West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at Pammie’s Sammies

Office Hours:

The West Orange Chamber Ambassadors were happy to facilitate a socially distanced Ribbon Cutting at Pammie’s Sammies in Winter Garden (121 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden). To learn more about Pammie’s Sammies visit, https://pammiessammies.com/. Photo courtesy of Cannonfire Photography, www.cannonfirephoto.com

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One Year Anniversary & New Location Celebration for Titan Air Conditioning & Heating The WOCC Ambassadors were excited to celebrate the One Year Anniversary and New location of Titan Air Conditioning & Heating! Be sure to check out titanairfl.com for your AC needs. For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

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Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Amy Quesinberry

Erin Strange dedicated her children’s book, “My Big Brother Ben: An Autism Spectrum Super Story,” to her cousin, Chad Cross, who has autism.

versations with children to help them understand certain situations. “Like, if you’re in the grocery store and you see someone having a tantrum and he looks like a high-schooler,” she said. “We need to normalize this; it’s not scary. It’s someone’s family, someone’s child.” Strange would like to see her book available in school libraries. In the fall, she’s going to a local elementary school to read the story to students in a mentoring program. “(The book is) definitely based on family experience based on what I watched and observed, and, ultimately, it touched my heart,” Strange said. “I feel like the research I did, it mostly dealt with families whose kids were verbal and could mainstream into the classroom. “There weren’t any stories about Ben’s going to grow up and he’s still going to need someone to drive him places and go grocery shopping for him,” she said. “And that’s OK. And this little boy thinks his older brother is just the bee’s knees.” Chad Cross, 26, can respond when someone talks to him, and he can rattle off facts about any animated Walt Disney movie, but he does not initiate conversation. “He is super bright, he can read, he can work a computer, he can

text if he is told to text, but otherwise he just lives in this happiness bubble,” Strange said. “We’re a close family, and we’re always together, and I spent so much time over there (at the Cross house),” Strange said. “I was really able to process that this kiddo is different. It wasn’t wrong, because I loved him. … People are put in your life to teach and show you things, even if those people don’t have a voice.” She has three children who have learned from Chad Cross, too, and understand the difficulties some people have in public. “If that person is having a hard time communicating, … they realize, ‘Oh, they just need more help and they need a friend and if you want to go say hi, then go say hi,’” she said. “There is such a need for autism awareness,” said Rena Cross, Chad Cross’ mother. “This book gives some insight into the ‘autism life.’ … The entire family is affected. Autism is a journey. We are so blessed to have family and friends to help us through it.” Strange said people are reading the book and reaching out to her with photos of their children who are on the spectrum. “I did do this for these reasons, and it’s affecting families in such a cool way, and I’m just so proud that I did this,” she said.

HOW TO BUY “My Big Brother Ben: An Autism Spectrum Super Story” is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kindle.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Binge-worthy: My top 10 summer Netflix picks 2&3

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In the middle of a global pandemic, stuck at home, feeling alone, trying to stay safe, there is always an option to get you out of the funk you’re in. Watch Netflix! So, without further adieu, here are my top 10 summer Netflix picks to help you ward off boredom. Warning: Some of these shows contain adult content.

“DEAD TO ME” There are twists and turns around every corner. “Dead to Me” turns the most inconceivable story lines into something extraordinarily suspenseful, leaving you on the edge of your seat. Stars Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. Rated TV-MA.

“CANDY JAR” “Candy Jar” features a story about young love with plenty of comedy, and viewers will come away understanding the value of enjoying the present moment. “Candy Jar” tells the story of two high school debate champs and their plans to earn acceptance into the colleges of their dreams. It stars Sami Gayle and Jacob Latimore. Rated TV-14.

“THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS” This movie displayed the true meaning of hard work, struggles and sheer determination. It is a reminder to never back down from the obstacles life throws in your way, no matter how impossible they appear to be. “The Pursuit of Happyness” stars Will Smith, Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith. Rated PG-13.

Courtesy photos

The cast of Schitt’s Creek: Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murshy, Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy

“Q BALL” “Q Ball” is a captivating documentary. It breaks down society’s stereotypes about prisoners. Additionally, it shows how important it is to have a hobby/an outlet for your energy. It was the winner of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival Documentary Grand Jury Award and was executive produced by NBA All-Star Kevin Durant. Rated TV-MA.

6&7

“TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE” AND “TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED PS: I STILL LOVE YOU” If you’re looking for a cheesy, adorable, feel-good, teen romcom, this movie and its sequel

are the movies for you. Based on the Jenny Han novel of the same name, both movies star Lana Condor and Noah Centineo. Rated TV-14.

“DUMPLIN’” “Dumplin’” follows the story of a Texas teen entering a pageant and teaches its audience about accepting, loving and standing by your loved ones while loving yourself for all that you are. “Dumplin’” stars Jennifer Aniston and Danielle Macdonald. Rated PG-13.

“SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO: WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?” This stand-up comedy special features clever material, and the physicality of the comedian’s movements are engaging enough on their own. Maniscalco began his career in 1998 and subsequently has released five comedy specials. He also has acted in the films “Green Book” and “The Irishman.” Rated TV-MA.

Co oking Classes for Ki ds grades 3, 4 & 5 9-2 beginning july 13, mondays

Space iS limited

make homemade bread, pasta and other foods. learn knife skills and become familiar with multiple kitchen utensils. 109 S Boyd St , Winter Garden www.pammiessammies.com 407-730-3212

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JULIA KAUFMAN

“SCHITT’S CREEK” AND “THE OFFICE” Both binge-able comedy series are extremely funny with outrageous plots and unique, relatable characters who are entertaining to watch. “Schitt’s Creek” stars Daniel Levy, Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy and Catherine O’Hara, while “The Office” stars Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson. Both shows are rated TV-14.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

BACK FROM THE BAHAMAS: One student’s experience with Champs Missions

THE FIRST ACADEMY

Just a few short months ago, my family and some friends had the opportunity to take a mission trip with Champs Missions to Freeport, Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian was recorded as the strongest hurricane to have ever hit the Bahamas, and after all of the devastation this country had suffered, many areas of the Bahamas were left in shambles, especially Freeport. When our group of 26 people arrived, the devastation in this place became obvious. We had two main tasks to accomplish at our time on the island. One of these tasks was a roofing project on a community preschool build-

return sometime soon, hopefully when the children have returned. On our last day on the island, our group got in the van and went down to the East End of the city, which was an area that suffered the most damage. Driving by all the houses and seeing how much this area had been affected was hard to watch, but it really changed all of our perspectives. Seeing how all of the houses were in ruins and had been destroyed entirely changed my perspective on a lot of things in life, and I was reminded to not take things like shelter and community for granted. My family’s favorite part of the trip was getting to know the people we encountered living in the area; we learned many things from them. Each person we spoke to had a sense of hope for how one day they would successfully rebuild, which inspired me. This trip was so amazing, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go on it and learn and experience so much. I look forward to the day that I will be able to return to this beautiful place and be back in this hopeful community.

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EMMA PASTIS

ing. The roof of the preschool had been totally destroyed as well as the area surrounding it. The second main task was to repair the damage done to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home. Most of the work I did throughout the week was done here. The Grand Bahama Children’s Home is a place for children to live who are unable to be raised in their own homes with their families. These homes encountered so much devastation that the children and staff had to evacuate in the middle of the storm to a shelter because the waters from the storm rose around them and into their rooms. The 32 children residing here had lost so much. This all became evident to us the first day we arrived at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home to begin working. There were remains from the storm scattered across the ground, including everything from furniture to children’s toys. We helped pick up and collect remains, as well as painted the houses in which the children living there now are staying. We were even able to form a relationship with the head of GBCH, and our group hopes to

Courtesy photo

Emma Pastis and her mission team worked at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY JULY 13, 1951 Winter Garden residents didn’t do their grocery shopping until they checked out the sales of the week in the Winter Garden Times. In the July 13, 1951, edition of the paper, Cappleman Bros. Grocery — the modern, home-owned independent establishment — announced some real deals in its “big value food festival.” Centercut pork chops were 50 cents per pound, a 1-pound bag of Chase & Sanborn coffee was 69 cents, potatoes were 39 cents for 10 pounds, a 4-pound container of pure lard was 79 cents, and a large box of Ivory flakes was 25 cents. Shoppers also could walk away with a real deal — if they bought a broom, they received a 5-pound bag of sugar. Cappleman Bros. was located on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden.

85 years ago

Winter Garden Theatre, the first theater in Central Florida built especially for sound, opened.

70 years ago

Many notable improvements around the grounds of the First Baptist church have been announced by the beautification committee. These improvements include the installation of a beautiful neon sign of the “Cross of Christ,” which flashes on and off.

50 years ago

Cam, age 4, and Matt, age 3, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Roper, celebrated their birthdays jointly when their mother, Marty, entertained for them with a picnic lunch and party at the City Park on the shores of Lake Apopka. Ruffles the Clown was the delight of the little guests when he arrived with his merry-go-round. Little friends helping in celebration were Sandy and Mark Holland, Kim and Kathy Hall, Glenn Joiner, Robin Barber, Larry and Mark Walker, Alison Roper, Cindy and Scott Kiphuth, Julie Jackson, George Emerson, Katrinka VanDeventer, Cindy Roper, and Karen and Mike Aubry. Mr. and Mrs. R.C. “Dick” Phillips, North Main Street, have returned to Winter Garden

FROM THE ARCHIVES Morgan C. Britt, who constructed the mansion located on Plant Street east of State Road 429, made his initial fortune in vegetable farming. His truck farms were located in the vicinity of his home. Workers are shown tending to lettuce seed beds in this 1925 photograph. The frames containing fragile plants would be covered with cloth as protection against strong sun. The Winter Garden Foundation preserves thousands of images documenting West Orange County agriculture. For many years, the region was the world’s busiest produce and citrus shipping center.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

from Adelphi, Maryland, to make their home. They are the parents of two little boys, Eddie and Bobby. Bobby arrived after his parents moved here, which makes him a native Floridian like his mother, the former Kay Petris.

45 years ago

The Winter Garden City Commission dedicated the newly remodeled Garden Avenue swimming pool and City Auditorium to the memory of Everett L. Farnsworth Jr. and E.M. “Doc” Tanner.

INITIALS by Wren Schultz; CROSSWORD ALPHABETIC Edited by David Steinberg

112 Late-night ABC show 116 Last letter on Lesbos 117 Counsel 118 The emperor’s new clothes, ultimately 119 Word before car or machine 120 Emceed 121 Professional grp. 122 Kentucky Derby hrs.

1 FedEx competitor 4 Beer or coffee 8 Like slanted type 14 Lie in a hammock, say 18 Most mushy 20 “Uncle!” 21 Call off 23 Goes downhill 25 Latin land? 26 One often has a red power button 27 Seven, in Spanish 28 Lao-___ 30 Place for a check mark 31 Pastry that may be filled with beef

34 Hotel room amenity stocked with drinks 36 NBA team in the Big Easy 42 ___-pitch softball 43 Haul 44 Ruffles alternative 45 Fly smoothly 48 Flaming projectile in Mario games 52 Waders with long bills 54 Not bad at all? 56 Is curious 57 Have good intentions 59 It comes before X, Y and Z 60 Pointy pub projectile 61 Beauty mark

62 Game-match connector 63 Bad way to go 66 Refrain before “With a moo moo here” 68 Minotaur’s island 70 Loch near Inverness 71 Through 72 “___ be OK” 73 Sound at the start of many MGM movies 74 What I can follow? 76 “Psych!” 80 Mongol leader Khan 84 Hiccup, for one 85 Descendants 86 College athlete whose

eligibility is extended 87 Complete and utter 89 Egyptian snakes 90 Weasel’s home 91 SeaTac overseer 92 Creamy, tangy salad topping 98 Plant whose blooms die by nightfall 100 Pasta cooker’s phrase 101 TV host Stewart 102 Grammy winner DiFranco 103 Judi of “Cats” 106 Grape leaf appetizers 110 “The Biggest ___”

40 years ago

Charles McMillan, director of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, requested left-turn signals be installed on State Road 50 at the intersections of Ninth Street, Dillard Street and State Road 535.

51 Will who voiced Lego Batman 52 “The shortest-lived profession,” per Will Rogers 53 Chimney sweeper’s target 55 Allows 57 ___ tai 58 Showed off one’s biceps 60 Truffle, say 63 Rental car company 64 Chickens (out) DOWN 65 Punjabi prince 1 The Beatles’ “Back in the 67 Types ___” 68 Negative aspects 2 Spread spelled with two 69 Piece of material for a diacritics certain doll 3 Type of email filter 70 Nearby, poetically 4 Resentful 72 “Something is fishy!” 5 Close again 73 Instruction after lather 6 “C’___ la vie!” 75 Helpful connections 7 Global commerce grp. 77 Lead-in to an ice cream 8 Navels for 90% of us date? 9 Sped 78 Spread, like dirt? 10 End of a Latin trio 79 “Awesome!” 11 Affectionate email signoff 80 Humor or horror 12 Provoked feeling 81 Bygone sound system 13 Bird, once 82 Tehran Times’ country 14 Long after one’s salad days 83 Unaccompanied at prom 15 Tallest prez 86 Foxx in films 16 Greek in a 1964 film 88 Destroy 17 Crossword clue problem 90 New ___, India 19 Kind of code that gives a 93 Frodo protrayer Wood discount 94 Fired 22 Landowner’s onus 95 “___ Game” (sci-fi novel) 24 Applying 96 Like hot goods 29 Glitch 97 Flies off the shelves 32 Poker players’ giveaways 98 Ensures the failure of 33 Singer Simon 99 Adams known for his 34 “Jellyfish” or “white Yosemite pictures chocolate” 101 A-Rod’s fiancee 35 “Unchained Melody,” 103 Places known for long originally waits (Abbr.) 36 (Don’t click on this at the 104 Give off office) 105 NASDAQ alternative 37 “Call Me by Your Name” boy 107 Lapel clip-on, informally 38 Unlike new clothes 108 Like Beliebers 39 Dress shirt fold 109 Folder for emails that 40 Make, as interest have gone out 41 France’s “capital of gas111 Big head tronomy” 113 Swear words? 46 Packed tightly 114 George W. Bush’s deg. 47 Enters slowly, with “in” 115 “Live ___” (Taco Bell 49 On pins and needles slogan) 50 Busy buzzer

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“OIK VPOWD PDKVOKM ATOI ITM WAG LRKMI VGZ JRWWZ VRR OIWMK OITGNM AITPI VRR OIK VDOM ODX TG MWUK AVX OW ZKMPDTJK.” – RKK MODVMJKDN “PZJ KJVRDT MDB SVJ OR S PZDBRSTI POYJR YDVJ OTPJVJRPOTC PZST PZJ AJRP SFPDV MDB FDBXI JLJV ZDKJ PD AJ.”

– F. RPSTORXSLRNO

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals K

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: U equals M

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

07-16-20

JULY 16, 2020

SPORTS

Hayley Clark has been a member of the Windermere Lakers Aquatics Swim Club for four years. Page 16.

A league of their own

Troy Herring

Brian Travis, Lee Liddick and Kamilah Holden — alongside their families — are hoping that Divergent becomes a game changer in the Central Florida softball realm.

A trio of locals — Lee Liddick, Brian Travis and Kamilah Holden — look to help girls accomplish their softball dreams with the new Divergent organization.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

ivergent. A simple word, “divergent,” according to the Cambridge English Dictionary, means being “to be different,” and its synonyms include words such as “varying,” “contrasting” and “disparate.” It’s also the perfect word that describes what the trio of locals

Lee Liddick, Brian Travis and Kamilah Holden — with help from their families — are hoping to do for the softball community in West Orange County. For them, it was the perfect name for their brand new travel-ball team that will reach into Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden and other areas for talent. “The old adage is, ‘If you don’t like what is going on, just go do it yourself,’ and that’s kind of what

we did,” said Liddick, who lives in Windermere. “We want to be different — we want to be a different travel-ball organization where we are going to be in the community.” ZERO TO 100

The idea to start the team originally came out of a desire to do more — for both the community and for the trio’s own daughters. SEE DIVERGENT PAGE 16

Squeeze embracing challenges of 2020 It’s been ‘so far, so good’ for the Squeeze, as players and staff adapt to new rules and weather delays early on in the season. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Things have been a bit different for this year’s edition of the Florida Collegiate Summer League. Thanks to COVID-19, the league started later than usual — the first

regular-season game was June 29 — and restrictions were put into place to help keep players and staff safe. It’s been a time of great change. But if you ask members of the Winter Garden Squeeze, it’s not anything too extraordinary, said Bryce Hubbart — a Windermere High alumnus and pitcher for the Florida State University baseball team. “I wouldn’t say it’s much different,” Hubbart said. “We have to wear masks, and a lot of pitchers aren’t allowed to be in the dugout, but some of the bullpen guys bring

tents — they literally bring a tent covering — so we can watch the games from inside the tent, and it’s pretty fun. At this point now, it’s one of those things where we have been so used to it the last six months. … I get it, but at the end of the day we’re fine, so it’s been normal.” Teammate Lucas Dunn, a utility player and member of the University of Louisville baseball team, feels the same way about life in the “bubble.” “Things have gone really smoothly,” said Dunn, who so far this season has been the team’s biggest offensive threat. “They’ve communicated really well, and I think the coaches and the players have followed the rules really well.” Photo courtesy of Julia Gardiner/Florida Collegiate Summer League

Ethan Brown has been one of the Squeeze’s go-to guys on the mound.

SEE SQUEEZE PAGE 16

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Hayley Clark Hayley Clark has been a member of the Windermere Lakers Aquatics Swim Club for four years and has become a staple in the pool. Most recently, she garnered a big honor as she was named to the 2019-20 NISCA Girls High School Swimming All-America list in the 500 free.

When did you first get into swimming? As a little kid, I (had) always been super energetic and wild and stuff, so my parents put me in swimming, and I just absolutely fell in love with it. Then around 9 years old, I got into competitive swimming and joined a swim team.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere High GRADE: Rising sophomore CLUB: Windermere Lakers Aquatics Swim Club EVENTS: 500, 1000, one mile and 400 IM AGE: 16

What is your favorite part about swimming the longer races? I feel like I love swimming distance because I’m able to keep a strong and fast pace for a long time, and I get into a rhythm. I just keep going, and I’m able to stay focus the whole entire time.

where we are all 6 feet apart, but we’re still able to practice two times a day. Is there anything you’re trying to work on during the summer? If we’re able to have highschool season, I’m definitely working toward that to get back in shape … and to improve my times and placings.

Since you started swimming, what’s been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself? I definitely think the biggest change would have to be my mindset toward swimming. I definitely feel like my mindset has gotten stronger, and I’m able to have a way better positive attitude toward things — I feel like positivity has really helped me through the whole sport of swimming.

How did your freshman year of swimming at Windermere High go? It was a lot of fun. I would say that it was one of the best times of my life to kind of come together as a whole team and just have a lot of fun and not worrying so much about your times and everything. It was just kind of like a teambonding experience.

Is there a highlight moment or achievement that stands out to you? I feel like having the opportunity to be a part of that Southern Zone Select camp and this upcoming camp in December called the Diversity Camp that I also got selected for. Also, other opportunities like the USA Open, junior nationals and other open-water events that I also qualified for.

When you’re not swimming, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I really enjoy hanging out with my friends, and I really enjoy longboarding and watching movies. I like “The Quiet Place” — it’s a really good movie. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? I feel like I would go to Hawaii, because I feel like it’s a really cool and unique place to be. I heard the beaches are really pretty, so I’d go there.

What is your swim routine like now during the middle of this pandemic? We recently got back in the water June 1, and we have been having socialdistancing practices

— TROY HERRING

STORMS, HEAT AND PITCH LIMITS

Although life has been generally good, it hasn’t been without its challenges. With many pitchers not playing a real game in months, the FCSL decided to place a pitchlimit count on athletes, which has been met with a frustrated understanding. “I understand why it’s put into place — and it’s put into place for an extremely good reason,” Hubbart said. “My last start, I would have liked to throw more than 40 pitches. If you go out there and throw two scoreless innings, you’re kind of like, ‘I want to go back and throw the next one,’ but you can’t, because there is a pitch-limit count. That kind of aspect is frustrating.” Luckily for Hubbart, over the next couple of weeks, the pitch count will go up and allow for more work on the mound. Head Coach Terry Abbott said getting pitchers through the early pitch limit has been a challenge,

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Last week, the organization held its first workouts for its inaugural 12U and 14U teams. About 15 girls participated. It’s in the earliest of stages for these girls, but Holden said she has big plans for them. “My goal is to be able to develop girls — to develop their skill and mental understanding of the game so that they will be encouraged to take risks and to build the grit that they need to really be a threat on the field,” Holden said. The organization is only fielding two teams, but the hope is to

Squeeze adjusting

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A MORE DIVERSE GAME

but he isn’t worried about his guys. “We’re gradually working into shape the pitchers — of course, that’s with all the teams in the league,” Abbott said. “As the pitchers on all the teams start to get into better shape and they expand the pitch counts, I think you’ll get a better picture of where everyone is.” Besides the pitch limit, the biggest obstacle has been the everpresent hot, stormy weather brought on by summertime in Florida. The Squeeze have played seven games total but had backto-back games suspended and another canceled due to storms. “The one thing that is a little frustrating is with these lightning delays and you have to go to the car — that’s valuable team bonding time,” Dunn said. “It takes your motivation, but you kind of have to find it within yourself to keep pushing. It’s kind of out of our control, so you just take what you’re given and it’s how you respond to it.”

eventually add more and expand its boundaries across Orlando. Currently, the organization is working through plans to reach out into underprivileged areas and hold camps and other events to help give opportunities to girls who otherwise wouldn’t get to play the game. “I’ve been in touch with Commissioner Regina Hill with the city of Orlando, and we are currently in talks with branching off into the less-fortunate communities, as well as create a city league where we will have divisions,” Travis said. “That’s where I would like to see this thing grow into.” Travel ball is an expensive endeavor, and that often prevents some girls from participating, Holden said. Holden herself grew up with her grandmother in an underserved neighborhood. When she played Little League softball, she needed help from coaches to get her to and from practice. That’s why her passion to see the game embrace diversity is so important. “It costs money to play, to be a part of a team, and it costs money to travel,” Holden said. “Not a lot of practices are happening within the community itself — they would have to travel outside of the community to get those opportunities for their kids. It’s important that we build every community — that we do our part.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Not only is it frustrating to deal with, but also it is eating into precious time, which the league and its players say they don’t have. “When you drive an hour to a field, you play three outs and then go sit in the car for an hour and then get in the car and drive back home, and then you have to play the next morning at 11 o’clock — it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do,” Abbott said with a laugh. “Eventually it’ll work itself out.” To go along with the wet weather, heat has been an issue for some, as temperatures have floated in the mid-90s for a while. But despite the ongoing challenges, however, the team continues forward with its new — and unconventional — season. “It’s been an awesome experience — it’s exactly what I wanted out of my summer ball this year,” Dunn said. “The competition has been super good and I’m playing pretty well ... and I think it has definitely exceeded my expectations so far.”

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“We just wanted better things for our daughters, and we weren’t finding that as far as the softball world is concerned,” Liddick said. “The West Florida Crush was here — that’s what we were a part of — but that organization is kind of breaking up, which kind of helped prompt this whole journey we have started on.” Travis, who played football at the University of Florida and owns Milan Construction LLC, has also dealt with issues during the time his two daughters have been playing softball. “I got involved with putting this organization together because of the politics that are played in the softball community, and we have been a part of the since my daughters were 5 and 6 years old — so we’ve been a part of that for five-and-a-half to six years now,” Travis said. “We were with a team that I think the leaders of the organization, life happened for them — they got called into their personal business, and they had to go work.” With mutual interests in place, putting together the team was the logical next step. More often than not, establishing a sports team takes a long time to plan out and get organized, but that wasn’t the case for Divergent. In less than two weeks Liddick, Travis and Holden had settled on a name, branding — thanks to a graphic designer friend of Travis’ — and organizational

duties. The latter part was easy to put into place thanks to their respective backgrounds. Liddick took over the administration/ public relations work, Travis became president and the organization’s bank thanks to his successful business, and Holden — a collegiate softball hall-offamer at Bethune-Cookman University — became the acting head coach. “It has definitely been a journey, and it is moving fairly quickly, because each of us has such a great passion for what we are doing and for what we want to do for girls,” Holden said. “I’m loving to see how it unfolds. I’m one of those people who likes to work hard, and I expect hard work, and I’m one of those kind of people (who) doesn’t mind bringing people along, but we all have a different skill set, and we just gel so well together.”

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Jerry Lee Boldig, 87, died Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

We’ll take the first step with you

Kelly Frances Hosko, 46, died Saturday, July 11, 2020. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

Direct Cremation

Michael John Kalagian, 77, died Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

death by her husband, Charles J. Wittick Sr.; and brother, William Brackett. Adrienne’s funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations.

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Jordan Lee Trzecki, 28, died Sunday, July 12, 2020. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

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ADRIENNE A. (BRACKETT) WITTICK DIED WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020.

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mail your photo to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry at AmyQ@orangeobserver.com. You can also mail the photo: Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you.

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Observer Media Group 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 an Observer Media Group publication 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.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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Nothing is more important to us than you. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. That’s how AdventHealth received an A rating for patient safety from the LeapFrog Group. And we want you to know – whether you’re checking in for a check-up, needing a knee replacement, or making time for a mammogram, we’re taking every measure to keep you and your family safe when you’re here. • Social distancing in all our facilities • Temperature checks at every entrance • Masks worn by all team members and visitors • Frequent sanitizing of all spaces • Limited visitation • Designated area for those suspected of having, or those who have tested positive for, COVID-19

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