07.30.20 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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Meet Windermere High’s new football coach. SEE 15.

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YOUR TOWN OCPS CHANGES SCHOOL START DATE — AGAIN Orange County Public Schools on Monday, July 27, announced all students will begin virtual learning starting Monday, Aug. 10. OCPS was approved to go forward with what it is calling its Distance Learning Days, which will run the course of nine days — from Aug. 10 to 20 — and allow students registered for both face-to-face and LaunchEd@Home to use the virtual platform at home. As of press time, OCPS said face-to-face schooling will begin Friday, Aug. 21. These will be instructional days that include many of the typical exercises done at the beginning of a school year and will give those in the school system time to get acclimated to the platform, OCPS officials stated. For more information and to stay up to date, visit ocps. net.

Winter Garden sets 2020-21 millage rate Commissioners voted to keep the city’s millage rate at 4.50 mills for the 2020-21 fiscal year. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Despite loss of revenues statewide because of the coronavirus pandemic, Winter Garden leaders will not be raising the city’s millage rate this year. The City Commission voted unanimously during its July 23 meeting to establish the proposed millage rate for Fiscal Year 2020-21 at 4.50 mills. It SEE MILLAGE PAGE 2 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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A place for peace

Health care professionals at Health Central have a new place to relax. 3.

How do they do it? As K-12 schools grapple with the idea of reopening to students, some West Orange-area childcare centers never closed. And they’ve also never had an outbreak. SEE PAGE 4.

Troy Herring

Cynthia Crawford, executive director at The Goddard School, takes the time to clean around the school’s lobby Monday morning.

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Health department reports COVID outbreak in Ocoee A total of 66 residents and 30 staff members tested positive for the coronavirus at Ocoee Health Care Center. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Meet the three candidates for Orange County School Board District 4 in our exclusive Q&A. SEE PAGES 6-7.

Close to 100 residents and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at Ocoee Health Care Center, a long-term care and rehabilitation center at 1556 Maguire Road in Ocoee. Dr. Raul Pino, with the Florida

Department of Health-Orange County, made the announcement during a press conference held by Orange County Thursday, July 23. Pino called it a significant outbreak; 66 residents tested positive — 22 of those were hospitalized — and 30 staff members were SEE OCOEE PAGE 8

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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

IN OTHER NEWS

Millage will remain steady CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

is the same rate that has been in place since FY 2018-19. Previously, the city’s millage rate had remained static for eight years at 4.25. The Truth in Millage legislation timetable requires city staff to advise the property appraiser of its proposed millage rate by Aug. 4 this year. TRIM also states the millage rate established by vote of the commission cannot be increased after Aug. 4, unless each property owner is notified by mail. The rate can, however, be lowered at either the first or second public budget hearing without any required notification. City Manager Mike Bollhoefer told commissioners that despite facing a decrease in sales tax and state-shared revenues, the city is

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in a good place financially and staff does not believe a millagerate increase is necessary. “This year, we’re facing a possible $3 million to $3.5 million drop-off in the sales tax and the revenue shared funds from the state all because of COVID-19,” Bollhoefer said. “We’re still recommending this year that we go with the 4.50 millage rate. Reason No. 1 is this (situation) with COVID (hopefully) is a one-year issue, and it’ll resolve itself next year. Two, we’ve already had all of our department heads who are doing our budgets this year, we’re making certain cuts and finding ways … so we can stay within budget considering losing those funds, and we have — finally — sufficient fund balance. We try to keep our targeted fund balance, and it’s approximately there at 30% of yearly revenues.” One of the primary purposes of always having a fund balance is to have money set aside to cover emergencies and unforeseen cir-

cumstances such as COVID-19, Bollhoefer said. “One of the main reasons you want to have money aside is so when you have these things come up, it doesn’t stop you from moving forward,” he said. “We’re fortunate enough that we’re in good financial shape. Between the budget … and the fund balance, we don’t believe it’s necessary and we’re not recommending to increase the millage rate.” According to city documents, the current gross taxable value for the coming year is projected at $4,100,661,214, a 9.71% increase — or $362,973,738 — in taxable value over FY 2019-20. “I can tell you we feel very confident, and we don’t think it’s going to be necessary (to raise the millage rate),” Bollhoefer said. “Now, for some reason, if things drag on for another year, I think we’re in a whole different ball game. But we feel comfortable, and we’re good at the 4.50 millage rate with the budget cuts we’re doing and with the fund balance we have.”

n Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget for mid-year adjustments. n City leaders also approved two ordinances rezoning and changing the future land-use designation of a 0.26-acre property at 543 S. Lakeview Ave. The applicant plans to convert the existing garage on the property into a hair salon.

“It’s amazing how we’re not having to increase the rate to cover something like this,” Commissioner Lisa Bennett said. “It shows a lot of good planning.” The first public budget hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, with the second taking place at the same time Thursday, Sept. 17. CODE ENFORCEMENT LIEN REDUCED

Commissioners also unanimously approved reducing a codeenforcement lien for a property at 509 S. Lakeview Ave. Community Development

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Director Steve Pash told commissioners the property was damaged in 2017 during Hurricane Irma when a tree fell on the house, rendering it uninhabitable. “Unfortunately, there was never any work done on that home to correct any of the damages, because the owner passed away early in 2018,” Pash said. “Staff moved forward with a condemnation of the home, and we demolished the structure at a cost of $5,000. We also had the tree removed — we did not remove the stump, we just took all the branches away — which was $500. It was purchased from the bank through an auction, and now the current owner has a contract to sell it.” According to city documents, the owner acquired the lot in March and recently wrote a letter to the city requesting a reduction in the total amount of the lien. Pash told commissioners the owner is asking to settle for the money the city has put into the property. The lien has been reduced to $6,725.70 — $5,500 plus $1,225.70 in delinquent utility bills — if paid by Aug. 14.

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Ocoee Commission approves 96-bed assisted-living facility Memory Care Cottages at Ocoee will have 96 beds that will be divided among four residential buildings. A fifth will be a commons building. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Troy Herring

The courtyard sits in the rear of Health Central Hospital, next to where the hospital’s staff come and go.

Made with love

The COVID-19 monument and courtyard at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital will give hospital staff a quiet place to relax. SPORTS EDITOR

t Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, a small crowd gathered Friday, July 24, for the unveiling of a new, quiet part of the bustling hospital. With representatives from Health Central, CEMEX USA and Edwards Concrete watching, the hospital showed off its new courtyard that sits just to the left of the hospital’s staff entrance. “We all know how trying the last few months have been for communities and hospitals everywhere, and this community and Health Central Hospital are no exception,” Health Central COO Amy DeYoung said. “We’re thankful for our team members and physicians who work tirelessly. Day after day, they show up, they mask up, and they show the highest level of care to our patients that they deserve in this time of their need. “This courtyard will be providing an area of respite and reflection for our team members and physicians, but it’s also going to provide a constant reminder to them as they come and go through these doors that their community acknowledged their sacrifice and their commitment,” she said. The courtyard features patterned-white concrete as fake grass rises from open spaces,

while in the center is a large, lightblue heart that acts as a symbol of love and support for health care workers, said Jenna Emerson — public affairs manager for CEMEX Florida. In the far corner of the small courtyard, two benches sit on opposite sides of a tree that provides shade for weary workers. At its base is a memorial plaque with the following inscription: “This courtyard is dedicated to the frontline healthcare workers who went above and beyond during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In appreciation for your extraordinary service, loyalty and commitment to your profession and community.” Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said he was pleased to see the hospital construct a respite for its staff. “This is super,” he said. “This is a great place to come out and sit and think about things when you’ve gotten yourself worn out during the day, and I think it’s a benefit to the hospital.” The courtyard is CEMEX Florida’s latest means of honoring health care workers, which started at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Emerson said. The company had lit up its silos in blue lights but felt the need to do something more meaningful. That’s when a coworker of Emerson’s mentioned the idea of doing a blue heart in concrete at a hospital.

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CEMEX partnered with Edward’s Concrete Company and Bruns Inc., which completed the courtyard’s design. Along with the design, local organizations in the community donated other items such as the two benches and railing. All the work was accomplished behind barrier walls, so the months of curiosity regarding the construction added to the special moment on Friday morning, Emerson said. “That was kind of cool, too, that we got to keep it hidden with the big walls, because it meant so much more to do that unveiling to get all of those feelings in one hour,” Emerson said. “I think a lot of us needed it — even outside of the health care workers — because it’s such a feel-good (moment).”

“We’re thankful for our team members and physicians who work tirelessly. Day after day, they show up, they mask up, and they show the highest level of care to our patients that they deserve in this time of their need.” — Health Central COO Amy DeYoung

1920 MEMORIAL EVENT

A majority of the four-hour meeting was spent on a presentation by Human Relations Diversity Board Chair-Elect William Maxwell on plans for the memorial event to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Ocoee Massacre. Before Maxwell’s presentation, Chairperson Kathleen Crown approached the commission with what the HRDB needed to host the event.

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A new assisted-living facility is officially coming to Ocoee, after the Ocoee City Commission approved the preliminary/ final site plan for Memory Care Cottages at Ocoee during its meeting Tuesday, July 21. The facility will be located at 1900 E. Silver Star Road on a 6.29-acre parcel, said Kiel Gajadhar — the city’s zoning manager. The property is surrounded by single-family building zoning on all sides. Overall, the facility will consist of five buildings — four residential buildings that will include 96 beds and one commons building — totaling about 66,723 square feet. All of the buildings will be one story, and each will be surrounded by fencing, while the perimeter of the property will feature a 15- to 25-foot landscape buffer. During his quick overview, Gajadhar addressed a variety of topics, including traffic. “It’s going to produce less traffic than a typical residential, because you’re only going to have staff changes at offpeak hours, as well as whatever visitors you have,” Gajadhar said. Applicant Chuck Pigeon — of Pigeon-Roberts & Associates LLC — thanked the commission for its consideration. “This has been about a twoyear process of getting the project to this point,” Pigeon said. “We appreciate all the staff’s assistance and all of the guidance — you do have a really good staff at your city. It’s been a pleasure.” The commission approved the plan unanimously.

“So many things have changed because of CDC guidelines … so we’re not 100% sure what we’re going to be able to do,” Crown said. “I’d like to ask that the City Commission give the HRDB exclusive rights for Oct. 31 through Nov. 8 for city property — including this building (city hall), the Lakeshore Center and Bluford (Avenue), because we’re probably going to have to shut that down for the unveiling for the first Sunday afternoon deal.” Along with the use of city buildings, the HRDB asked for financial backing and other items such as portable toilets. Crown said the weeklong memorial will include a variety of events, including a discussion on the research done on the massacre and a surprise speaker. “I do ask that you do give us approval to continue the planning to completion, to assemble the necessary resources to turn this into a ceremony that will be memorable, that will pay the appropriate respects and dignify all of the negatives that occurred on that unbelievable day,” Maxwell said. “The purpose of that ceremony — as you’ve probably heard me say many times before — will serve the specific service of telling the story while we’re honoring the memory of all of the fallen victims.” Although the HRDB is opting for a somber event, State Sen. Randolph Bracy — with the support of the July Perry Foundation — is looking to put on another event that would include bringing in nationally renowned entertainers and presidential candidates, he said. The commission discussed how to handle the discrepancy between the HRDB’s and Bracy’s plans, before finally settling on a motion from Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen that all of the events from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 be coordinated by the HRDB. The motion carried in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner George Oliver dissenting.

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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

COVID-19 and the classroom DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

s leaders in education nationwide scramble to put together best practices and procedures for safely reopening schools, they may have a thing or two to learn from childcare centers. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many preschools, day cares and other childcare facilities have remained open for the children of parents working on the front lines and beyond. The pandemic itself has wreaked havoc on many, but for families with children, the waters have been especially rough. Lost income, increased child-care responsibilities, home-schooling and mental health all have been stressors playing into already uncertain times. With the start of the 202021 school year approaching, the potential health risk seems to outweigh those stressors for some families making the choice of whether to send their children back to campus. A recent poll by advocacy group ParentsTogether — which surveyed more than 1,200 parents about reopening schools — found that 59% of respondents agreed schools should remain closed until they are certain there is no health risk. This is compared with the 19% who responded that schools should reopen as soon as possible to ensure students don’t fall further behind. Now, though, some are turning to childcare centers for the guidelines they follow that largely have prevented major COVID-19 outbreaks. In West Orange County, three preschools/child-care centers — The Learning Experience in Horizon West, The Goddard School in Winter Garden, and Ocoee Oaks Preschool — are among those that have implemented strict health and safety guidelines to protect staff, students and families from the virus. None of them has seen a COVID-19 outbreak.

The protocol for each starts with drop-off, when children have their temperature checks and health screenings. No parents are allowed in the building. Instead, teachers and administrators will come collect the children and bring them back to their classrooms. SCREEN AND SANITIZE

At The Learning Experience, both parents and children 2 and older must wear a mask before entering the school’s vestibule outside the lobby. Parents are asked questions such as “Have you been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19?” and “Have you had any symptoms such as cough or sneezing?” “We clean three times a day, so teachers now are allowed to actually mop the floors and do those things once the kids are sleeping,” said Sheila Verdugo, a lead teacher at the school. “When the children go out to the playground, we make sure to sanitize the classroom — the carpets and everything, because they’re constantly sitting on them.” Cleaning and sanitization is key; everything from chairs, tables and toys to paint brushes and bathrooms are scrubbed multiple times daily. A company comes in over the weekend to do intensive cleaning throughout the building. Masks also are required for both staff and students. The only times children don’t wear masks is on the playground and while sleeping or eating. “They bring their own masks, and if the parent doesn’t have one, we provide one for them,” Verdugo said. “The kids are really good with it now. Sometimes, the kids have to get a breather — they are kids, they’ll take their masks down for a few seconds and put it back up — but our kids are doing pretty good. They don’t complain … they know it’s a routine for them now. … We started early on and we’ve been very communicative with them, and we show them visuals of how germs spread. … You’d be surprised how much they know. They’re like, ‘No COVID, we have

“They understand, they talk about it, they call it ‘Rona.’ It’s cute, but it’s also really good, because they understand they have to wash their hands, they have to wear masks — some of them — because they are aware of the risk even at a young age.” — Pam King, The Goddard School

to be safe!’ and they’ll put their mask on.” Children also nap in alternating head-to-toe with a 2-foot minimum distance between mats and cribs. Verdugo added the school’s currently smaller class sizes help when keeping children spaced out, making it easier to prevent sharing any germs. CLEAN AND COMMUNICATE

At The Goddard School, owners Pam and Shawn King are following similar guidelines and procedures. The school offers a courtesy curbside pick-up and drop-off, along with the health screening at the door. “Goddard has strict procedures for the sanitization of toys and tabletops — that was common to us before this all began — so we’ve kept our standards for what we do in terms of our bleach-water solution for our toys, and we have a whole procedure we follow,” Pam King said. Goddard also uses a special Halo disinfecting fogging machine, which uses a water-based solution with hydrogen peroxide that is then infused using oligodynamic technology. During this process, the hydrogen peroxide is stabilized and boosted with silver ions. “Originally, we were going to just use it a couple days a week to fog, but now we’re using it every night,” Pam King said. “It helps us feel comfortable that when we leave at night and we hit our little button, our school gets fogged. It kills everything … any surface living virus and bacteria.” Although children at The Goddard School aren’t required to wear masks, they understand more about COVID-19 than one would think. Social distancing is nearly impossible to teach toddlers, Pam King said, but children are still aware of the virus at a young age. “They understand, they talk about it, they call it ‘Rona,’” Pam King said. “It’s cute, but it’s also really good, because they understand they have to wash their hands, they have to wear masks — some of them — because they are aware of the risk even at a young age. … We did invest in some really cool face shields for our older children, and they decorated them themselves and they’re beginning to wear them on and off in their classroom. They’re actually really receptive to them and very excited about their face shields because … they think they look like space rangers.”

Although the school has not experienced a COVID-19 outbreak, Shawn King said there was one isolated case involving a teacher who did not spread and has since been cleared. One challenge, though, is thinking about the families impacted by the virus, he said. “The most difficult thing we have had is really so many of our families that were impacted financially that we lost,” Shawn King said. “That was very difficult.” INNOVATE AND EDUCATE

Pivoting business models and offering new solutions for the community at large has been the name of the game for many local businesses and organizations during the pandemic. For example, Ocoee Oaks Preschool has many families that have been sending their children to the school for a long time. When talks of school reopenings and what it would look like — along with Orange County Public Schools’ innovative learning plan, OCPSLaunchED@Home — surfaced, school staff had an idea. “For fall, we’re offering parents the opportunity to put their child here in a much more safe environment for LaunchED,” School Director Lin Lindsay said. “So some of our families are going to be doing LaunchED here for parents who are working and don’t have the ability to do both. … We were just talking about things we could do to help families because a lot of the staff here have schoolage children and we’ve done a lot of discussion on, ‘What’s going to be safest?’ … It just seemed like a natural thing to do.” Ocoee Oaks has been implementing enhanced safety procedures as it continues to offer preschool programming and camps; these will carry on into the fall semester. Those include recommending masks for children older than 2, giving each child his or her own box of art supplies, using an ionization system for sanitation, and using a rotating schedule throughout the day. When the school year kicks off, each child participating in OCPSLaunchED@Home at Ocoee Oaks will have his or her own cubicle and face shield. “The younger kids don’t have the reading skills yet or the ability to focus,” Lindsay said. “They just need extra help, so we can provide that and keep the children safe, provide exercise breaks and still help them stay on track.”

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Commissioner faces scrutiny following clerical error The mistake has cost Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey a contract with an engineering firm and sparked an ethics complaint. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

An engineering firm has cut ties with Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey’s business following her revelation of a “clerical error” in her financial reporting. Engineering firm DRMP Inc. on July 27 announced it has ended its business relationship with VanderLey’s consulting firm, The Continuum Collaborative LLC. According to DRMP’s statement, the decision was mutual. “This decision is based on the recent concerns raised in what appears to be a conflict of interest with a client in Central Florida,” DRMP representatives wrote. “As a result, Betsy VanderLey canceled her month-to-month rental lease for office space at DRMP and moved out of her physical office.” In an email to constituents Monday, July 20, VanderLey — who represents District 1 — publicly announced her error in reporting. She wrote she submits her financial reports quarterly to the county (Form 6) and annually to the state (Form 8B) to ensure she isn’t being compensated by anyone who may benefit from her vote as a county commissioner. VanderLey wrote she recently discovered the same clerical error of not including her customer’s name on the Form 6 on each of those reports. She added she did

include the name on the Form 8B to declare the conflict. The documents have been amended. “In that financial disclosure report, there’s a section that basically says, ‘What’s your secondary source of income?’” VanderLey said. “I misunderstood it, and I took that to mean that my company is my secondary source of income to my salary as a commissioner. What … I misunderstood was that they wanted to know where my gross revenue comes from for my company — in other words, who are my clients?” DRMP does some engineering work for the county and the Central Florida Expressway Authority, of which VanderLey also is a board

“This is an intentional attempt to distract from my record of accomplishments for the district and work on behalf of our residents. I’m proud of my record of accomplishments as District 1 commissioner and have worked hard to earn the trust of our neighbors.” — Commissioner Betsy VanderLey

member. She said her work with DRMP was for its federal — not local — clients, adding that she had added a clause to their con-

tract specifying that she wouldn’t work on business-development efforts in Orange, Seminole, Lake or Osceola counties. Prior to DRMP announcing it had cut ties with VanderLey’s business, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings called for VanderLey to resign from the CFX Board. “This would resolve the potential for future conflicts of interest, or the appearance of conflicts of interest, related to her consulting business and the business of the Expressway Authority,” Demings said in a statement. VanderLey, though, believes Demings’ statement is “completely unwarranted and disappointing” because she has followed what the state prescribes to avoid a conflict. “Over three years, there have been thousands of votes and — for each of the 11 times in question — I abstained from voting and filed the appropriate disclosure paperwork,” she said. “These allegations are pure politics, initiated by the consultants of my opponent. I am disappointed the mayor would weigh in on what is obviously a political ploy.” VanderLey said it was not an error in ethics, citing her disclosures of any conflicts of interest and adding that she recused herself from such votes. However, the error sparked an ethics complaint. Steven Meyers — cofounder of local political consulting firm Meyers & Washington — filed the complaint against VanderLey July 22, requesting a formal investigation by the Florida

Commission on Ethics. Meyers & Washington also is the firm working on the campaign for VanderLey’s challenger, Nicole Wilson, in the upcoming District 1 race. Wilson — an environmental-law attorney — and VanderLey will face off in the Aug. 18 primary election. In the complaint, Meyers wrote that VanderLey failed to disclose to the County Commission that she had received substantial income from DRMP. The ethics complaint maintains that as a member of the CFX board, VanderLey also had a statutory obligation to disclose her financial dealings with DRMP. Additionally, Meyers wrote, he was concerned about the District 1 race being moved to August as a result of Hannah Burns filing as a write-in candidate. Burns is the stepdaughter of former county commissioner Scott Boyd, a friend and supporter of VanderLey’s. “Sadly, in this day and age of hardball politics, it is an unfortunate but common practice during elections for those with highly partisan agendas to mislead voters,” VanderLey said. “This is an intentional attempt to distract from my record of accomplishments for the district and work on behalf of our residents. I’m proud of my record of accomplishments as District 1 commissioner and have worked hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. With the cancellation of the DRMP contract, we can get back to discussing what is most important: the future of our community.”

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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4 W 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 introduces the three candidates running for Orange County School Board District 4. Candidates’ responses have been edited for space and grammar. Unedited answers can be viewed in their entirety online at orangeobserver.com.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

PRINCE BROWN Why do you want to represent District 4 on the OCPS School Board? I have held senior leadership positions in the health care field in both private and public service. I believe absolutely everything the School Board does should be an investment ... laser-focused on giving our students and staff the best opportunities for success in a safe and caring environment. Why are you the best candidate? I am both a veteran U.S. Naval officer and commissioned public health service officer. I have served as a rapid responder to multiple crisis situations globally. All of my global experiences and education have afforded me with the necessary skills to relate to the vital decisions the Orange County School Board is currently addressing. (I am) the only candidate in this race that can state the following: (I have) three children currently enrolled in OCPS; (I have) been married for 24 years to a veteran OCPS teacher;

(I am) a credentialed college educator (and have) taught in the classroom; (I am) the only public health expert and medical service officer in this race; (I am) the only candidate (who) has felt the pain of writing a letter to the parents of a deceased child or handled the remains before burial. What would be your priorities, if elected? No. 1: Provide a safe and secure environment for our students and staff while also providing them the necessary resources to be successful. No. 2: Resolve school overcrowding and lobbying for “right-sized” campuses to handle the influx of students. No. 3: Reward, attract and retain highly qualified, highperforming teachers (while) at the same time offering empathy and respect to all teachers who at times are bullied or treated poorly. No. 4: Fiscal responsibility. I currently monitor up to $12 billion in federal grant funds. I am a strong proponent of transparency.

How do you balance the varying needs of parents and students, and teachers’ concerns regarding COVID-19 and reopening schools? I am the only candidate in this race who is a parent of currently enrolled students. I am married to an OCPS classroom teacher. I am the only candidate who is facing the same crushing decisions that other parents, teachers and spouses of OCPS employees are trying to address. What has to happen for you to feel comfortable with reopening schools for face-to-face instruction? I would need to know that there are defined protocols in place to handle. There are so many questions that individuals with no teaching background are asking. For instance: n Students or staff that refuse to wear a mask. n (Making sure) the needed amount of PPE and resources for sanitizing a classroom are available and that there is a set regimen in place for how classrooms will be cleaned daily and in between classes (as needed). n What is the protocol for

quarantining students or staff, and how (will) students with disabilities be accommodated? n How are daily disruptions going to be handled on both virtual and face-to-face incidents? n No one has talked about the Title 1 schools. How are those children with special needs going to be provided for? Some teachers say Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent $500 million bill to raise teachers’ salaries favors new teachers rather than rewards veteran educators. What is your position regarding this bill and its implementation? How would you change it? Many of the senior educators have dedicated a deal of their adult life caring for our children. Because they are at the top end of the pay scale does not mean they should be punished for the love and dedication to teaching. What are the education challenges unique to West Orange County, and how would you address those as a member of the School Board? The education challenges are not unique for District 4.

Age: 57 City/town: Winter Garden Family: Married to wife, Darlene, for 24 years; three children Education: Graduate of University of Florida and University of South Florida Qualifications: Credentialed college professor and classroom teacher, veteran U.S. Naval officer and commissioned public health service officer

We find that often the sitting board members’ focus is not on the benefit or outcome of the student but enhancing business collaborations and partnerships. Students, educators and families deserve better than a sitting board member focused on the business aspect.

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2020 PRIMARY: MEET THE CANDIDATES

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

DAYNA GAUT

Why are you the best candidate? I’ve been a paramedic/firefighter, active mom, teacher and am currently an educational researcher finishing my doctorate. I’ve had (more than) 15 years of community-sports team-mom experience. I started as an involved parent serving on PTAs, SACs and Relay for Life teams, as well as volunteered in classrooms and even became a substitute teacher for my daughter’s elementary school — while being a subcontractor for the U.S. E.P.A. Headquarters

PAM GOULD Why do you want to represent District 4 on the OCPS School Board again? I want to continue thoughtful growth management by expanding on the 19 relief schools I have already advanced, continue the work of developing leadership skills in our youth, grow the programs that support the well-being for every child, and further advance on the 271% increase in career and technical training so every child graduates with workforce skills. Why are you the best candidate? I have always been very active in the community, serving in leadership roles with economic development, education, chamber, arts and not-for-profit boards, as well as through my executive roles in health care administration. I see firsthand many of the disparities, underlying issues and barriers to moving the needle for public schools. My approach to problem-solving is a combination of reviewing facts and facilitating collaborations. I seek input

What would be your priorities, if elected? We need the safest path possible through COVID-19. ... We currently do not have enough data to establish best practices. As more countries go back to school, we are learning more about this virus and children. We need guidance from doctors, but we also have to do our own homework. ... I will provide solutions for overcrowding, over-testing (and) overworked teachers and improve student social, emotional and mental well-being. How do you balance the varying needs of parents and students, and teachers’ concerns regarding COVID-19 and reopening schools? Parents have the choice to choose which type of educational model works best for their child and their family. Students with learning disabilities and special needs must receive their

from parents, community and students; review the facts and data; and, when I have to, create the short wins while working on strategies and tactics to advance long-term accomplishments. What would be your priorities, if re-elected? Growth management, increasing experiential learning, career and technical training, enhancing whole student support including mental health, combating the opioid and drug threats to our children, and advancing a new sixth-to-12thgrade Polytech School model that could focus on energy, autonomous technology and medical sciences. How do you balance the varying needs of parents and students, and teachers’ concerns regarding COVID-19 and reopening schools? I am dedicated to creating success for every student. With that in mind, the approaches are not one-size-fits-all. We need to provide an educationdelivery system for students and all our education staff. During COVID, for some this will mean

legally mandated accommodations. That being said, teachers and school staff have a right to a safe workplace. … To properly balance, you must stand on a firm foundation. I believe first, do no harm. What has to happen for you to feel comfortable with reopening schools for face-to-face instruction? I find the current OCPS plan lacking, (because) it takes unacceptable shortcuts. I want CDC compliance and a hotline to report non-compliance that is recorded for public record. ... It is the district’s responsibility to provide cleaning supplies — no more out-of-pocket expense for principals, teachers and parents. ... Additionally, the school ventilation systems need to be cleaned. Some teachers say Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent $500 million bill to raise teachers’ salaries favors new teachers rather than rewards veteran educators. What is your position regarding this bill and its implementation? I prefer a percentage raise

face-to-face, and for others remote learning. We need to provide options and meet each child and staff member’s needs to the best of our ability. This disease is scary and is wreaking havoc, but I also realize the longer some students are out of school, they may never recover from their loss of developmental and learning deficits. I believe education is the great equalizer, and we need to find a way to deliver it safely. What has to happen for you to feel comfortable with reopening schools for face-to-face instruction? I don’t feel comfortable with everyone going back face-toface. I have encouraged as many parents as it makes sense for to choose LaunchED until we see the spread of the virus better contained. The latest data shows the average age of most of Orange County cases are people in their 30s, and we are lucky to have one of the lowest mortality rates at a one-half percent. We need to build on these facts and continue to reduce the risks so we can resume a full life.

by salary step to be fair to all teachers. ... When I worked as a paramedic, all county departments, fire departments and ambulance companies worked together throughout the state as partners, hand-in-glove with legislators and the Department of Emergency Services under the Department of Health who promulgates the rules. I never understood why educators don’t do the same.

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

Age: 58 City/town: Orlando Family: Married; parent and new grandmother Education: Bachelor’s degree in organizational communication, Rollins College; master’s degree in education, Florida Southern College; doctoral candidate in educational leadership, Florida Southern College Qualifications: State-certified elementary school teacher; former paramedic/firefighter; certifications in emergency management

What are the education challenges unique to West Orange County, and how would you address those as a member of the School Board? The growth in Horizon West, Winter Garden, Windermere and Ocoee has not been handled well over the past 20 years. ... The proposed plan to use the new high school in Horizon West as both a middle school and high school — grades six to 12 — for a few years is unacceptable. Windermere High has (more than) 4,000 students. ... Another issue unique to West Orange is our Brazilian students who attend school for part of the year. Brazil does not offer free public education. Parents

2020 PRIMARY

Why do you want to represent District 4 on the OCPS School Board? Our current educational system needs vast improvement. The School Board is very important, (because it sets) the policies and standards for the school district. (It directs) the superintendent to carry out these expectations and is accountable to the citizens, parents and students. I envision a much more participatory School Board.

Community Involvement and Outreach Center. I am the only state-certified teacher who has actually worked in an OCPS classroom in this race.

can live here, have their child attend free school and go home for about the same price. I ... encourage more dual-language educational programs for all children.

Some teachers say Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent $500 million bill to raise teachers’ salaries favors new teachers rather than rewards veteran educators. What is your position regarding this bill and its implementation? The latest legislation did target increasing starting salaries. This is a first step. We absolutely need to find a way to balance compensation for our outstanding seasoned teachers. ... We need to not let (our) focus divert from this issue. COVID will pass, but this inequity between highly skilled teachers and other credentialed professionals will not if we don’t continue to advocate our legislature and governor on behalf of our veteran teachers. Also, we need OCPS to be allocated the appropriate dollars from the state to also increase our support staff salaries just so we can more rapidly close the wage gap.

Age: 57 City/town: Windermere Family: Married to husband, John, for 32 years; two adult sons, Gregory and Matthew Education: Bachelor’s degree from Cedar Crest College Qualifications: Incumbent; years of senior executive experience, including as CEO of Shepherd’s Hope

lenges is the rapid growth. ... We need to continue to advance relief schools, but we also need to work with the state to retool the education system by offering more experiential learning and exploring the best ways of delivering education to each child. That does not always have to be — nor should it be — the way we have done for the last 150 years.

What are the education challenges unique to West Orange County, and how would you address those as a member of the School Board? One of our greatest chal-

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

Ocoee outbreak CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

positive, as well. “We have … concerns about the number of people who are hospitalized, the number of residents, we don’t know the total volume of the facility, what is their case load,” Pino said. “We continue to monitor. We will use the same approach as we do the other facilities that had an outbreak. And this is not the only outbreak we have in long-term facilities. Remember, outbreaks are defined by two cases or more. And longterm facilities are typically more aggressive — one person is considered an outbreak.” Winter Garden resident Rob Haught’s cousin has been a resident of Ocoee Health Care since 2018. Ellen Silva, who is in her 70s, tested positive for the virus Friday afternoon and as of Monday did not require hospitalization. Haught said the family has had no issues with Silva’s care. So far, none of her caregivers has tested positive, he said. No deaths had been reported at the time of the news conference, but a later television news report featured a woman whose 92-yearold grandmother contracted the coronavirus two weeks ago and was taken to the hospital, where she died. Pino said the first positive test was reported June 25 and the facility and DOH-Orange conducted tests on the entire population July 2. Additional testing was done July 11, and it was from this test that the outbreak was discovered. “We have been watching this place,” he said. Orange County has nearly 200 long-term facilities, and Pino said several have been looked at more closely. “All facilities are monitored in one form or another,” he said. “But we always have a short list of a few facilities that we are concerned about due to infectioncontrol practice we noticed that may not be up to snuff. … This was on that list.” Assessment and education teams, infection-control officials and other health care officials have visited the facility, he said. Pino said residents and staff will continue to be tested every two weeks by the state health department. The administration at Ocoee Health Care Center directed phone calls to its corporate office. The following statement was released: “This continues to be a very fluid situation. We are continuing to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to deal with this ever-changing situation. At this point, all residents and active staff members have been tested for the virus. Ocoee Health Care’s dedicated health care professionals have implemented protocols

POSITIVE CASES The Florida Department of Health tracks COVID-19 statistics in the county’s nearly 200 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Staff is required to provide the changes daily. The data is not cumulative, so those who have recovered are not reflected in these numbers. In West Orange County, as of Monday, July 27, these numbers of positive cases were reported to the DOH-Orange: n Azpira of Windermere: 35 residents, eight staff members n Brookdale Dr. Phillips: One staff n Colonial Lakes Health Care: 16 positive residents, 12 residents hospitalized, 17 staff n Golden Pond: Three staff n HarborChase of Dr. Phillips: Two staff n Health Central Park: One staff n Inspired Living at Ocoee: Nine residents hospitalized, three staff n Madison at Ocoee: Three residents n MetroWest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: One staff n Ocoee Health Care Center: 53 residents, five residents hospitalized, 21 staff n Solaris Healthcare Lake Bennet: One resident, three staff n Solaris Healthcare Windermere: One resident, three residents hospitalized, one staff n Sonata West: One resident hospitalized n Winter Garden Rehabilitation and Nursing Center: One staff

DEATHS Although most of the nursing homes and assisted-living facilities have not reported a death due to COVID-19, two in West Orange County have. Sonata West and Serenades at Sonata — West Orange each reported one resident had died.

to isolate those residents and staff that have tested positive for the virus from the general population. The facility has dedicated various wings of the facility solely to treat the COVID-positive residents, implemented extensive cleaning procedures and contained the remaining residents in their rooms. The facility has been in contact with resident family members to apprise them of the situation. “Ocoee Health Care Center is proud of their dedicated staff and their efforts to halt the progress of this virus and would like to express our deepest sympathies to those families or residents lost and affected by the virus at Ocoee Health Care Center. Ocoee Health Care, in coordination with state and federal officials, will continue to fight for the health and safety of our residents and staff during these trying times.”

“This continues to be a very fluid situation. We are continuing to work closely with local, state and

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federal agencies to deal with this ever-changing situation. At this point, all residents and active staff members have been tested for the virus.” — from the Ocoee Health Care Center official statement

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

Chaine du Lac estate sells for $2,072,500 A

home in the Chaine

SUMMERPORT

dential real-estate trans-

The home at 14338 Red Cardinal Court, Windermere, sold July 22, for $432,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,211 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $134.54. Days on market: 145.

actions from July 17 to 23.

WATERLEIGH

du Lac community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area resi-

The home at 9518 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $463,396. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,866 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.69. Days on market: 16.

The home at 12564 Park Ave., Windermere, sold July 17, for $2,072,500. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, five-andrealtor.com

one-half baths, a pool

This Chaine du Lac home, at 12564 Park Ave., Windermere, sold July 17, for $2,072,500. This estate features two-plus acres of land and 200 feet of shoreline on Lake Butler.

and 5,528 square feet. The price per square foot

SADDLEBROOK

each community in West

The home at 1817 Thoroughbred Drive, Gotha, sold July 17, for $410,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,542 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $161.29. Days on market: 49.

Orange.

HORIZON WEST

GOTHA

The home at 13628 Darchance Road, Windermere, sold July 17, for $435,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,194 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.19. Days on market: 33.

is $374.91. Days on market: 241. These are the highest-selling homes in

The home at 10159 Windermere Chase Blvd., Gotha, sold July 17, for $475,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,180 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.37. Days on market: 52. The home at 10166 Windermere Chase Blvd., Gotha, sold July 17, for $389,900. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,466 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.11. Days on market: 47.

The home at 7594 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold July 16, for $515,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,566 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.42. Days on market: Nine. LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

WINDERMERE CHASE

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 6513 Point Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $1,415,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,167 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $273.85. Days on market: 183.

The home at 8073 Bowery Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $398,800. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,695 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.98. Days on market: 83. LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7490 Tattant Blvd., Windermere, sold July 16, for $438,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,979 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.03. Days on market: Five. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6885 Northwich Drive, Windermere, sold July 17, for $387,500. Built in 2002,

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 91 High Sale Price: $2,072,500 Low Sale Price: $85,500

it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 3,084 square feet. The price per square foot is $125.65. Days on market: 70. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 5030 Palmetto Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $450,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,957 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.18. Days on market: 17. OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

The home at 5536 Thomas Square Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 21, for $420,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,414 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.99. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 9561 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 21, for $454,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,267 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.97. Days on market: Two. WATERMARK

The home at 9930 Summerlake Grove St. Place, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $580,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,735 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.29. Days on market: 235. WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 7524 Loon Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 22, for $364,500. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 1,952 square feet. The price per square foot is $186.73. Days on market: 19. WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 12730 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold July 17, for $619,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,241 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.96. Days on market: 27.

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REAL ESTATE

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OBSERVER

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9206 Reflection Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold July 22, for $410,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,582 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $158.79. Days on market: 50.

REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 925 Keaton Parkway, Ocoee, sold July 17, for $410,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,296 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.39. Days on market: Nine. BROOKESTONE

The home at 454 Highbrooke Blvd., Ocoee, sold July 17, for $422,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,796 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.93. Days on market: 16. CROWN POINTE COVE

The home at 1738 Regal River Circle, Ocoee, sold July 21, for $380,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,830 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.28. Days on market: 21. WESMERE

The home at 248 Longhirst Loop, Ocoee, sold July 17, for $335,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,078 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.21. Days on market: 18. WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 121 Braelock Drive, Ocoee, sold July 22, for

$527,500. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,592 square feet. The price per square foot is $146.85. Days on market: Four.

BRONSON’S LANDINGS

The home at 2136 Rickover Place, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $495,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,078 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.82. Days on market: 20.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 614 Palio Court, Ocoee, sold July 22, for $429,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,337 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.56. Days on market: 130.

WEST ORANGE OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5657 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold July 17, for $1,075,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,185 square feet. The price per square foot is $207.33. Days on market: Four. PROVIDENCE

The home at 13326 Swansea Ave., Windermere, sold July 20, for $515,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,365 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.05. Days on market: 38.

WINDERMERE BALMORAL

The home at 9112 Balmoral Mews Square, Windermere, sold July 23, for $746,425. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,633 square feet. The price per square foot is $205.46. Days on market: 40. BUTLER BAY

The home at 12512 Butler Bay Court, No. 3, Windermere, sold July 17, for $725,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms,

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

zillow.com

This Signature Lakes home, at 6513 Point Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $1,415,000. This estate features 143 feet of shoreline on Lake Hancock.

four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,823 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.64. Days on market: 48. KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8354 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold July 21, for $725,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,530 square feet. The price per square foot is $205.38. Days on market: 27. LAKE BUYNAK ESTATES

The home at 3703 Lake Buynak Road, Windermere, sold July 20, for $694,500. Built in 1974, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,493 square feet. The price per square foot is $198.83. Days on market: 22. RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 6430 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold July 21, for $665,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,211 square feet. The price per square foot is $207.10. Days on market: 33.

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WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

MCALLISTER LANDING

WINTER GARDEN

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1433 Whitney Isles Drive, sold July 16, for $425,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,402 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.93. Days on market: 159. BELLE MEADE

The home at 15348 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $521,000. Built in 2010, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,234 square feet. The price per square foot is $123.05. Days on market: 28.

The home at 646 Brooks Field Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $506,785. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,616 square feet. The price per square foot is $193.73. Days on market: Zero. The home at 1249 Union Club Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 23, for $525,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,253 square feet. The price per square foot is $233.02. Days on market: Seven. STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 751 Reflections Lane, Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $370,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,365 square feet. The price per square foot is $156.45. Days on market: 27.

The home at 2449 Baronsmede Court, Winter Garden, sold July 20, for $470,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,364 square feet. The price per square foot is $139.71. Days on market: One.

BRADFORD CREEK

TWINWATERS

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 16623 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $1,057,500. Built in 2016, it has seven bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,141 square feet. The price per square foot is $205.70. Days on market: 80.

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3 Bdrm., 2B, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??? NOTHING TO DO HERE BUT BRING YOUR FURNITURE!!! FANTASTIC BUY WITH ALL AMENITIES THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY WANT. FANTASTIC BUY WITH ALL AMENITIES THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY WANT. OPEN THE FRONT DOOR AND IT SAYS “WELCOME HOME”. THIS HOME HAS JUST BEEN FRESHLY PAINTED AND READY FOR A NEW BUYER. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A HOME THAT HAS IT ALL INCLUDING CHARM, LOCATION AND CONVENIENCE? THEN THIS IS FOR YOU! Enjoy the whole pool scene from the open living room with plenty of room for big comfortable chairs and sofa. Look through a picture window when you dine, spacious but intimate. The eat-in kitchen with durable beauty and practical convenience plus sliding glass doors overlook the pool, making meal preparation a visual treat. Family room is highlighted by wood burning fireplace, tiled flooring makes this room “party proof”. This split bedroom plan is perfect with 2 bedrooms centered around the guest bath in the hallway. On the other side of the house is the Luxurious Master Bedroom adjoined by Master Bathroom that has his/her closets, garden tub and separate shower. The Master bedroom also has access to the patio/pool area Large privacy fenced back yard. ASKING ONLY $305,000

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LIKE HITTING THE JACKPOT!!! 4 BD. 4 BA. **PRIME LOCATION IN WINDERMERE**A BUYER’S DREAM** Step inside and be amazed at the BEAUTY of this home. Professional wall paintings, beautiful tile with inset in the foyer, glowing wood flooring in living/dining/family room and office with French doors and private entrance. Features include wood burning fireplace, screened lanai, heated pool/spa with rock fountain, granite countertops, walk in pantry, custom his/her closets, and BONUS room with wet bar, snack bar, and balcony with panoramic views!Conveniently located to 429,408, turnpike, shopping, restaurants and Fowlers Grove.***Pool table, cue rack and matching bar stools stay in Bonus room if desired *** GATED COMMUNITY WITH 24-HOUR GUARD... ASKING ONLY $839,000

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The home at 615 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, sold July 21, for $460,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,465 square feet. The price per square foot is $186.61. Days on market: One.

3Bd./2 Ba. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOME LOCATED IN THE HEART OF OCOEE...This home is a PAMPERED BEAUTY... Classic beauty of first quality construction, lovingly maintained, step inside and be amazed. If you like sitting outside then you have your choice of sitting on the covered screened porch in the front or the covered screened porch in the back. Attached 2 car garage. Great home for 1st time home buyer or down sizing. Some of the FEATURES INCLUDE: DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS-ENERGY EFFICIENT, NEW CARPET JUST INSTALLED IN 2 BEDROOMS, RE-PLUMBED, A/C SYSTEM INSTALLED IN 4/16 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LANDSCAPING PROFESSIONALLY DONE...VINYL FENCED BACK YARD WITH STORAGE SHED.

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The home at 409 W. Second Ave., sold July 21, for $830,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,288 square feet. The price per square foot is $193.56. Days on market: One.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 14456 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $523,450. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,069 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.64. Days on market: 78.

CALL ME TODAY! 407-656-7947

The home at 212 S. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 17, for $422,262. Built in 1926, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,630 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.56. Days on market: 83.

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OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

One of the closest election races in the history of Winter Garden occurred when V.E. Bourland and J.R. Carpenter tied in the race for county commission from District 3. Each had 1,193 votes.

85 years ago

To introduce its new Mechanicold soda fountain, Davis Pharmacy is holding a Fountain Day Sale. Everyone who visits the store may register for the drawing, which will determine the winners of the free hours at the fountain all during the day. Display ad of the week from Davis Pharmacy: Sundaes, 10 cents; malted milkshakes, 10 cents; Chocows, two for 5 cents; jumbo ice-cream sodas, one small nickel.

70 years ago

Two young men, Walter “Buster” Sheppard and Clarence Miller, compose the new team at Sheppard’s Drug Store, formerly McCollum’s Drug Store, at Main and Plant streets.

65 years ago

The completed chapel of the Winter Garden Methodist Church was formally opened. The chapel is part of the educational unit that was built during the ministry of Jesse E. Waller.

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

THROWBACK THURSDAY JULY 13, 1967 Instead of having to travel to Orlando for games and other hobby-related merchandise, local residents could make a stop at Winter Garden Camera Exchange, in downtown Winter Garden. The store had something for everyone with a hobby. In the July 13, 1967, issue of The Winter Garden Times, the business advertised its vast inventory offerings, including race car sets, train sets, used vinyl records, model airplanes, games, puzzles and crafts.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Citrus packinghouse workers are shown outside the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association plant on Second Street in east Winter Garden, sometime in the 1920s. It was served by the Tavares & Gulf Railroad, whose tracks ran along the south side of the complex. It served as the association’s second structure; the original stood on West Plant Street in the vicinity of the post office. A third iteration, constructed following a fire that destroyed the packinghouse in the photograph, operates today as the corporate office for Florida Paints.

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.

50 years ago

New Second-Class Scouts in Boy Scout Troop 210 were David Butler, Tim Hutchinson, Robert Struthers and Mike Ficquette.

40 years

SeaWorld of Florida has opened its $5 million Shark Encounter, a 600,000-gallon,

state-of-the-art aquarium more than 10 years in the planning and nearly a full year in construction.

45 years ago

Robert and Helen Twigg and son Daniel, of Sand Lake Hills, reaped the rewards of a deepsea fishing trip purchased at

the Windermere Rotary Auction. Doug Fay and Jerry Fay took the Twiggs into the Atlantic off Stuart, where they snagged 15 scrappy bonito and one toothy barracuda, caught by Daniel.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

Haitian dish connects family HAITIAN CHICKEN INGREDIENTS 1 lb chicken 1/2 onion diced 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon lime juice 4 sprigs of fresh thyme 4 sprigs of fresh parsley 1 scotch bonnet pepper RUBY BERTHOLE FOUNDATION ACADEMY

I am a Haitian American, and food distinguished by Haitian culture has been a significant part of my family’s life — especially Haitian rice and chicken. In fact, it’s the earliest meal I can remember having with my family. Before becoming a nation, Haiti was a piece of land in the Atlantic Ocean populated by native tribes, slaves and the French settlers who owned them. The mountainous area, then called St. Dominique, was in French control until the slaves united to start a revolt. From Aug. 14, 1791, to Jan. 1, 1804, they rose against the French for freedom and land. At the end of nearly 13 years, the French gave up their power, and the land was named Haiti, meaning “mountainous land.” Because the French ruled over the first Haitian generation beforehand, Haitian culture was highly influenced by French culture. That’s why Haitian Creole and French share a lot of words

1 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 red pepper julienned 1 Maggi chicken bouillon cube 1 tablespoon of Adobo all seasoning 1/2 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste

METHOD 1. Clean the chicken using the Haitian meat-cleaning method. Clean the chicken with lemon or sour orange juice and vinegar. Rinse in hot water. 2. Create a marinade with garlic, parsley, thyme, black pepper, chicken cube and seasoning salt. 3. Season the chicken with the marinade and let it marinate at least 15 minutes. Marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator will give the meat more time to take on the flavor. 4. In a large saucepan, brown the chicken on both sides. Add a half cup of water to the saucepan along with the tomato paste, onions and peppers. 5. Stew the chicken on medium-high heat for 25 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it is ready to serve. Source: haitiancooking.com/recipe/haitian-stewed-chicken-poule-en-sauce

HAITIAN RICE AND BEANS INGREDIENTS 3 cups rice 1 cup dry beans 8 cups water 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 large onion (diced) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cloves (¼ teaspoon ground cloves) 3 cubes chicken bouillon 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper

2 cloves minced garlic ½ teaspoon thyme (2 sprigs) 1 cup coconut milk

METHOD 1. In a large pot, add the water, beans, salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil and allow the beans to cook for about 1 hour on mediumhigh heat, or until beans are soft. Once cooked, strain the water into a separate container for later use. 2. In another large pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sauté the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes. Add coconut milk, chicken bouillon, beans and mix thoroughly. 3. Add cloves and 6 cups of the bean water to the pot and bring to boil. 4. Mix in the rice and whole scotch bonnet pepper and allow the rice to cook for about 20 minutes, or until there is just a little amount of water left. 5. Reduce the heat to medium, add thyme and butter, and cover the pot with a lid and allow the remaining water to be absorbed. About 10 to 15 minutes. 6. Once cooked, fluff the rice and serve. Source: haitiancooking.com/recipe/haitian-rice-and-beans-diri-ak-pwa

and phrases, and it’s also why many French foods can be found at markets in Haiti. However, much of Haiti’s culture originated from various areas in Africa, where the first Haitians lived before being taken into slavery. It is also from those African regions that they learned to cook their famous rice and chicken. The main dish served during lunchtime would usually be Diri et Pois, which means “rice and

beans” in Haitian Creole. They commonly cook white, yellow or brown rice with pinto, red or black beans. Next to the rice and beans, they would have chicken cooking in a mixture of oil and tomato sauce. Even after setting the chicken beside the rice on the plate and drizzling it with sauce, the meal didn’t have to end there. Additions could be as simple as sliced green peppers or as intricate as Haitian legume, which is a vegetable mix made

of eggplant, cabbage and, sometimes, seafood. Because both sides of my family are Haitian, I’ve eaten this food many times. When I visit my grandparents’ house, I normally find them together in the kitchen, practically ready to serve. Still, I know that every plate they make is a way of bringing my family closer together. Yes, we get to talk about how our lives have been lately and catch

up, but there is another sense behind it. With every plate, I get a taste of where my relatives came from and how they lived. Every meal, we get to ask questions and learn more about our history. We get to dig deeper into our identity as a family. Whether it’s through Haitian rice and chicken or another cuisine, being able to get a grasp of your roots is something truly fascinating to bond over.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

High-schoolers share thoughts on returning to school T JULIA HIGH WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

he COVID-19 pandemic has created a multitude of unforeseen issues within our society. The most pressing issue for many families is the issue of sending their children back to school. Schools around the nation are working to ensure a safe, timely return, but that’s not feasible for everyone. Here in Orange County, OCPS has offered three options for returning to school: A face-to-face option, where students will return to traditional schooling with heightened safety measures in place; the LaunchED@Home program, an online version of in-person school; or Orange County Virtual School, a pre-established method of online schooling. Many groups have been consulted about sending children back to school, from medical professionals, school boards and more. One group that hasn’t had much of a say is the students themselves. So, how do students feel about returning to school? To get my answer, I interviewed two local high school students. Gabby Puryear-Lynch is a junior and student-athlete at Windermere High. Camila Perez is also a junior at Windermere High. Are you returning to school in person or online? Gabby: I will be going back to

school online, using a hybrid program where students go through the school day virtually. Camila: I’m returning to school online. How do you feel about your school’s proposed safety measures? Gabby: My school is still allowing kids to, if they choose to, go back to school in person, with required masks and social distancing. I understand the need for an in-person option, but I’m not very confident in the safety measures put in place and feel that online school is the best option for now. The online school plan is still vague, even as the school start date approaches, so I’m a little stressed about that. Did you have any choice in your decision, or was it up to your parents? Camila: I was the one who made the decision to go back to school online, at least for the first semester. I am still very aware of the virus, and I thought that going back would not only put myself at greater risk but others as well. As a student-athlete, have you been able to practice your sport during these times? Gabby: I’m very grateful that my swim club has had the

What are you going to miss the most about traditional school? Camila: I’m really going to miss seeing my friends on a daily basis as well as interacting with my teachers in person. Gabby: I’m going to miss the small interactions with people

and just being able to be around friends and see people in my classes. I now feel wary of going near my classmates and have lost a feeling of security and safety that I won’t be able to get back. I’ve spoken to many of my peers over the past few weeks, and there’s a diverse range of perspectives on the issue of going back to school. However, one common theme is that we all miss how things were before this pandemic. So don’t forget to wash your hands, wear a mask and follow CDC guidelines. We all hope to return to a sense of normalcy soon. Let’s work together to make our hope a reality.

ENSURE YOUR CHILD LOVES COMING TO SCHOOL SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 337693-1

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resources to return to the pool. We started workouts over Zoom, as well as open-water swims, from the start of spring break until late March. We then got the OK to come back, although with changed rules and smaller groups. We have to wear masks and sanitize our hands before entering the pool area, and every swimmer has a separate lane and side of the pool to maintain a proper distance from one another.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

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

CHURCH OF GOD

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m. ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

Courtesy photo

Code Ninjas owners Eileen and Ryan Lamb are excited to open their new facility in Ocoee.

Code Ninjas infiltrates Ocoee

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Students can learn coding skills important to software engineering and other computer-science careers.

Windermere Union Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Windermere (407) 876-2112 Adult Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. WindermereUnion.org

AMY QUESINBERRY

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom NON-DENOMINATIONAL 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee Purpose Church Orlando (407) 656-8011 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m. Saturday Service: 6 p.m. purposechurchorlando.org

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Ryan Lamb was looking for directions on how to teach coding to his children, and the result was a new business venture for him and his wife, Eileen Lamb. The Lambs have opened a Code Ninjas franchise in Ocoee and are looking for students ages 7 to 14 who are interested in learning how to create their own programs at the new educational center. “We do that through the vehicle of video games, so while they’re learning coding skills that will be used for lots of industries, everything we do is built into a game format, so they can have fun while learning something that can be difficult,” Ryan Lamb said. Students start by building simple programs with Scratch, a visual scripting language. When they are proficient in that, they progress through other languages, ultimately creating their own games and apps. Games such as Minecraft and Roblox are popular, too. “These kids are super smart,” Eileen Lamb said. “They come in here with a knowledge base that just blows me away.” To carry out the ninja theme, the Lambs came up with a belt system similar to the one used in martial arts. All students, regardless of their level, start as a white belt. “The way the program works — if they’re past the white belt, they’ll advance rather quickly,” Ryan Lamb said. “This is a dropin program. … You just come in whenever you want and pick up where you left off.” Participants also can learn 3D modeling to create their own content for their games and apps. “Coding is the language of the future, and it’s pretty much in everything we do — it’s in our phones, in our cars, in our banks,” Eileen Lamb said. “Kids are capa-

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2560 Maguire Road, Suite 210, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 618-0031 WEBSITE: codeninjas.com/fl-windermere

WHY IS CODING IMPORTANT? Code Ninjas owners Ryan and Eileen Lamb shared coding statistics: n 50% of jobs making more than $57,000 require some coding. n The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between now and 2026, software engineering jobs will grow at a rate of 24%. n The current average income for a software engineer in the United States is $108,080. n Nearly every industry in the world requires software engineers. Currently, 71% of all STEM jobs are in computing.

ble of these skills at an earlier age, so that’s why we start at age 7.” The Lambs hope to collaborate with schools and daycare centers to promote the importance of STEM and the coding programs. Code Ninjas signed on as a Partner in Education with Westbrooke Elementary and is in the process of doing the same with other area schools. Eileen Lamb is a former teacher, and she and her husband are making sure their 8-, 10- and 13-yearolds learn all they can before making their career choices. “It’s something that is used across every industry now,” Ryan Lamb said. Code Ninjas will offer summer and year-round camps, as well as birthday parties and Parents’ Night Out programs. Austin Lawrence is the center director. Costs vary depending on the program selected. Students can participate in single events or a subscription program that gives students two drop-in hours each week at the center. Virtual camps are another option, and students and teachers work together on a Zoom call. Opening a new business during a pandemic can be tricky, but Eileen Lamb said the space is large enough to safely accommodate participants using socialdistancing measures. “We’re excited to reach as many people as we can with our mission to educate kids in computer science,” Ryan Lamb said.

JULY 30, 2020

SPORTS

Will McElveen is a member of the volleyball teams at both Olympia High School and the Winter Park Volleyball Club. Page 16.

Uncertainty shrouds upcoming sports season The Florida High School Athletic Association continues to push back the start time of the fall season; OCPS has decided to postpone sports indefinitely. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

New coach in town Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive line coach Robert Couch is the new man in charge of the Windermere High School football program. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

ust a little over a mile down the road from Windermere High School, Robert Couch is getting in some workout time with his team at the offcampus football field. There, at Deputy Scott Pine Park, six different pods of Wolverine football players practice — some on the football field, some on the soccer field — while keeping in line with social distancing and other guidelines. His team has been participating in these practices for a few weeks now, and to say it’s been a strange experience is an understatement. Although it’s been nice to get back to the field, it’s also been challenging, said Couch — who recently was named the program’s head coach. “I haven’t even met the team yet,” Couch said. “I’ve met the nine guys that are in my socially

distanced pod — I’ve gotten to know them really well — but I’ve got another 120 kids I’d like to get to know. “It’s very weird; it’s very difficult,” he said. “The problem with pods is I don’t think we get anything out of it — other than we can cheer each other on and get in good cardio. What’s fun about playing football is hanging out with your buddies — your band of brothers — and you suffer together and fight together, and that’s what makes football great.” FROM ‘NO WAY’ TO A WAY OF LIFE

Couch never planned to coach football. During his time playing on the offensive line for the Vanderbilt University football team, he saw how little money was made on the journey to being a coach and how the time commitment could be unforgiving. Ironically, it was there at Vanderbilt, however, that offensive line coach Hal Hunter mentioned to Couch that he should consider coaching. Couch

shrugged off the notion and continued playing football — which included a short stint in the NFL. A few years later, though, following his time playing, Couch found himself back in the game — this time coaching. “I’m at church in 2001, and there is a private school at the church,” he said. “The coach … calls me at midnight on Friday night, ‘Hey, we’re 0-2, and I’m going to lose my job. … One of the church members said you played football in the NFL, would you come out and help?’ “I was like, ‘Sure — I’m single, I don’t have anything else to do,’” Couch said. “That was it — from that day on, the rest of my life has been, ‘OK, I have to go to work so I can hurry up and do what I want to do, which is coach football.’” Couch has devoted much of his life to the game of football. He coached in multiple aspects at the high school level in Texas before taking a role at Celebration High School in 2015. Then, the Cincinnati Bengals came calling. Couch spent the next three years as an offensive quality control and offensive line coach. There, Couch learned from Frank Pollack — who now coaches the New York Jets offensive line — before returning to Celebration as an assistant last season. SEE COUCH PAGE 16

Much has happened over the course of the last 10 days regarding high school sports in Florida. Last week, the Florida High School Athletic Association held two separate emergency meetings — the first on Monday, July 20, and a second Thursday, July 23. Although the first meeting lasted five hours, the 16-member FHSAA Board of Directors did not finalize a plan for the upcoming fall season and decided to stick with its option of having the season begin July 27. The decision was overturned that Thursday, when the board of directors decided in an 11-4 vote to postpone all fall sports until Aug. 24. The final decision — which also included a requirement that the board meet for an in-person meeting before Aug. 17 to discuss the latest information regarding COVID-19 — was preceded by a three-hour discussion during which the board addressed a variety of topics.

“When the data hits, that exposure was probably about a week prior, so our data is going to be delayed. I absolutely — and I’m not a voting member of this board — appreciate the pause button.” Dr. Jennifer Maynard, member of the sports medicine advisory committee

“When the data hits, that exposure was probably about a week prior, so our data is going to be delayed,” said Dr. Jennifer Maynard, a member of the sports medicine advisory committee. “I absolutely — and I’m not a voting member of this board — appreciate the pause button.” Although the season would start Aug. 24, a two-week period of practices is required before competition can begin — meaning the first games of the fall season would not occur until Sept. 7. Many public-school systems, however — including Orange County Public Schools — already announced postponements of the fall season with no date to return. Despite the delay, fall athletes across the state still will be allowed to participate in pod SEE FALL PAGE 16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

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

Will McElveen A member of the volleyball teams at both Olympia High School and the Winter Park Volleyball Club, Will McElveen has quickly become a foundation for both organizations at the setter position. Recently, McElveen also helped his WPVC team claim an AAU national title.

When did you first get into volleyball? I started playing AAU ball probably about three years ago. I got into volleyball because of my older sister, Emma. She grew up playing volleyball, so I grew up watching her, going to all of her games and tournaments, and I’d play with the ball and it would be a bunch of fun.

THE BASICS SPORT: Volleyball CLUB: Winter Park Volleyball Club POSITION: Setter SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Rising sophomore AGE: 15

— that’s the setter’s job. I love the feeling of that control. The hardest part is distributing the volleyball … getting everybody the ball when they need it, how they need it.

Since you first started playing volleyball, what is the biggest change that you’ve seen in yourself since then? I went from playing baseball to volleyball, so it’s a whole different tempo change for me going from a very slowtempo sport to a very fast one. I think it really changed how I look at things on the competitive side of things.

Is there a highlight moment during your time in volleyball that stands out? Just winning the national championship a few days ago. And (in) high school ball, we played Windermere High School, and I think that was one of the best performances as a player that I’ve ever had.

What was that first year of volleyball like for you? It was very different — I was a lot more tired after practice. We were learning fundamentals … but it was very different, especially during games when we were getting our butts kicked.

You recently won an AAU national title with Winter Park Volleyball Club. What was that like? It was crazy. We lost the first set badly — 25-12 I think — and all of our hopes were down, then I went back to serve, and I got us a couple of points in a row. Then our fire picked back up. Coming back to win that third set was absolutely amazing — my heart was pounding, and I thought I was going to throw up a little bit. It was crazy going from the second-tolast team ranked in AAU to being the best, that just keeps me in awe.

What’s your favorite part about playing at setter? I love playing setter because I get to touch the volleyball more than almost everyone on the court. I love being the most active, and I love controlling the offense

Is there anything you’re working on right now to get better at? I’d probably say my vertical. I’ve been going to workouts recently trying to get that up, my agility, trying to get to the ball quicker and being very physical. I’ve been working on beach, which helps me a lot I think — it makes me a 10-timesbetter player.

Couch takes over at WHS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

“To just sit in a room and watch that and absorb that — shoot, that is a multi-milliondollar education that I couldn’t beg for,” Couch said about his time in Cincinnati. “I learned so much from that.” NO TIME TO SPARE

Couch’s arrival comes just weeks after Derrick Bumpers resigned after five months on the job — and just in time for the start of the 2020-21 school year. Originally, Couch was one of a handful of coaches interviewed for the job following the retirement of former head coach Fred Priest, so the resignation of Bumpers offered him another shot at taking on his first head-coaching role. “As far as the high school — you don’t have a better situation,” Couch said. “You have a brand-new high school, you

workouts and conditioning. The decisions made at the higher levels of state athletics are choices that many — including West Orange High football coach Mike Granato — are glad they don’t have to make. “I know that everyone has safety on the mind, and that’s obviously going to play paramount for everybody, but the biggest thing for a lot of us coaches is not having a date,” Granato said. “Whether you’re going to make it October, November or if you’re going push it back to January, the word ‘indefinitely’ is kind of off-putting and upsetting a lot of people, because it looks like we’re not making any solid decisions.” Granato and his staff are working 10-hour days to keep the program’s pod workouts going, and it’s just not the same, he said. Granato isn’t alone. West Orange senior cornerback Jaden Floyd is trying to adjust to a final season he hopes can happen without further complications. “Life has been OK — just getting around the guys and us putting some quality work in and some quality time togeth-

er, it just feels good to be back,” Floyd said. “Hopefully everything is contained soon, and we can all be together as a team again.” As players and coaches continue to experience uncertainty, another vital group that keeps athletics going is experiencing its own existential crisis. Referees around the state have been sidelined since March. One of those referees is Horizon West resident Mark Doherty, who refs soccer and lacrosse. Although his two sports are in the winter and spring timeframe, Doherty has been affected all year and believes it will continue unless something changes. It already has affected refs — many of whom are generally older — in more ways than one, he said. “It’s hurt us in the development of officials, it’s hurt us in the pocketbook — because there are no games to do — and I know it has hurt us in recruiting and retention,” said

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school — you don’t have a better situation. You have a brand-new high school, you have one of the premier communities in the metro area, and you have a down program that has 125 kids coming out — wait until we start winning some ball games. It’s really a perfect situation.” — Robert Couch

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have one of the premier communities in the metro area, and you have a down program that has 125 kids coming out — wait until we start winning some ball games. It’s really a perfect situation.” It’s the perfect situation, but at the moment, there is much work to be done before the start of the season — which in itself is in question. Currently, practices are scheduled to begin Aug. 24, although that still could change. The pandemic also canceled football earlier in the year, so there’s a lot of time to make up for over the next month, Couch said. “We’re behind, but nobody had spring ball, so I guess we’re not that far behind,” Couch said. “Right now, we are just scrambling to write a playbook. I’m using my playbook from the Bengals, and I’m down-writing that a little bit to adjust for kids in high school.”

Doherty, who has more than 20 years of officiating experience. “We have referees I know (who) are like, ‘I’m not going back, I’m done.’ There are refs (who) don’t want to put themselves in any type of danger — because they have other underlying conditions — and others just don’t want the hassle.” The possible long-term effects of COVID-19 on the reffing community could be extensive, Doherty said. For now, the only option is to sit and wait as they — and everyone else — live with this new, strange time. “We can deal with coaches (who) may be passionate for the game and argue a call … and parents that are enthusiastic and are worried about the safety of the kids,” Doherty said. “We know how to handle those situations — but this is new territory.”

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

ANDREW JOSEPH “ANDY” GILLESPIE DIED JULY 17, 2020.

HANGJUN CHEN DIED TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020.

Hangjun Chen passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at the age of 62. She loved to socialize, was kind to everyone and lived life to the fullest. She will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.

HELEN R. MONTGOMERY DIED MAY 15, 2020.

Andrew Joseph “Andy” Gillespie, 90, passed away peacefully July 17, 2020, in Ocoee, Florida. Born in New York, he was the son of Andrew Gillespie and Nora Stoll Gillespie. He enjoyed a long career at Robins Air Force Base, working for the Air Force Reserve Command as a civil servant. Andrew was an enthusiastic collector of antique U.S. rifles and swords and an avid reader and lover of the arts. Andrew was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; sister, Regina Weilhamer;

MARK EDWARD STERNS DIED WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020.

Mark Edward Sterns passed away at home on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Mark was born in Orlando on Dec. 7, 1955, to Flip Sterns and Virginia Carris and was a lifelong resident of Winter Garden and Ocoee. After graduating from Lakeview High School, Mark spent his entire working career in the health care industry. For many years, he was an EMT and paramedic. In his late 30s, Mark returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. He subsequently worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room at Health Central Hospi-

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

tal in Ocoee until his death. Mark was a part-time disaster worker for FEMA and deployed to New Orleans, Texas and Puerto Rico during various hurricanes. In his later years, Mark developed a keen interest in photography. He was a kind, caring husband and father and a friend to many. Mark is predeceased by his

and brothers, Peter and Edward. Andrew is survived by nieces, Alice McCarty and Carol Brassfield; nephews, Martin Weilhamer and Andrew Gillespie; and stepdaughters, Cynthia Winter, Sandra Barclay and Donna Richter. He also is survived by great-nieces, greatnephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

mother, Virginia Carris; his sister, Mary Gombos; and his daughter, Lynellen SternsStack. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Powell Sterns; his daughter, Cassandra Sterns; his son, Christopher Sterns (Alexis Wenz); his father, Flip Sterns (Jean); his brother, Reggie Sterns (Cindy); his son-in-law, Christopher Stack; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is tentatively scheduled, subject to ongoing public health concerns, for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Vineland Road Christian Fellowship Church, 890 Vineland Road, Winter Garden.

Helen R. Montgomery, 91, of Winter Garden, Florida, and formerly of Schererville, Indiana, passed away and entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2020. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Allen L. Montgomery; and one daughter, Lisa Ann. Survivors include daughters, Janet Haddock (Henry) and Ruth Anne Davis (Craig); grandsons, Jackson, Carter, Harrison and Walker Davis; granddaughter, Lindsey Seehaver (Alex); her sister, Charlotte Miller; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She touched many lives as a pastor’s wife and during her long career as an elementary school teacher. Because of her limitless love and encouragement for her daughters and

grandchildren, and the friendship she gave to many, “Lala” will be missed beyond measure. A memorial service will be scheduled later due to the complications of the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cornerstone Hospice (cornerstonehospice.org), or Oakland Presbyterian Church (oaklandpres. org) in Helen’s memory.

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1 Black sheep’s feeling, often 6 Dragging along 11 ___ individual basis 15 Slow-cooked meal 19 Poet W.H. 20 Freeway-narrowing sign 21 G-flat, e.g. 22 Like panang curry 23 Someone who knows when to chicken out? 25 Part of a Gillette razor’s name 26 Strong desire 27 “That would be nice!” 28 Knotted garments 29 Superhero known for his

smash, with “The” 30 Election season survey 31 Painting and sculpture 32 Fine spray 34 In no need of a cosmetic pencil? 36 Like dimes and wafers 38 Harsh 41 Team’s possessive 42 Do something 45 Insects in hills 47 Go-betweens 49 “Yeah, right!” 52 Really impressing pedestrians? 55 Clasico coffee brand

57 Vowel-shaped seal 58 Cheer that rhymes with “Yay!” 59 Subj. for some nonnative speakers 61 Command 62 What frames may frame 64 Dangling palate part 68 Sweetie 70 Trees used to make longbows 71 Kindergartner’s exceptional skill? 75 Simplicity 78 Word before socks or shoes

79 Supply food for 80 Canadian capital 84 Pain in the neck 86 Rx overseer 88 UFO occupants 90 Desert refuge 91 It ironically prevents projects from wrapping up 93 Big challenge for a barber? 98 Employ 99 Circular graphic 101 Sushi seaweed 102 Wanted poster initials 103 Hoodlum 105 Symptom that Nexium

DOWN 1 Malia’s sister 2 Funny stuff 3 Novelize, maybe 4 Least significant 5 Otolaryngologists, briefly 6 Preface to a texter’s viewpoint 7 Small salamanders 8 Characteristics 9 Fairy tale antagonist 10 Gets married to 11 Going up 12 Anarchy, essentially 13 To any extent 14 One may flavor turkey gravy 15 Dazed state 16 Publicly insult 17 Keen-sighted bird 18 Use, as power 24 On the way 33 Bisected 34 Sport, like a uniform 35 Rene of “Nightcrawler” 37 One may hold your coat 39 Bugling beast 40 Compete

42 Illegally missing G.I. 43 Useless apple part, or useful Apple part 44 Womb companion 46 Acknowledged the general 48 Simmering 50 Not many 51 That ewe’s 53 Examine carefully 54 Jeans maker Strauss 56 Prophetic ball material 60 Abbreviate 63 Simple dog command 65 Chapel Hill sch. 66 Airport NNW of JFK 67 Fitting 69 Keanu’s role in “The Matrix” 72 Like some checking accounts 73 Rod attachment 74 “Zip your lip!” 75 Beige relative 76 Aphrodite’s love 77 Indirect look 81 Biggest continent 82 Flame holder 83 Silly question lead-in? 85 (Bam!) 87 Doesn’t deviate from 89 British pastry 92 Figures out precisely 94 Ungraceful people 95 Web address 96 A/C measure 97 Figure on a dais 100 Sticking your neck out 104 “Look at you!” 106 Holidays with stockings, informally 108 Like a very small band 109 Common sleep disorder 110 Tends (toward) 111 Game in which you can’t say certain words 113 Superfluous 115 Warning 116 Terse confession of defeat 117 Oar user 120 Almost shut 121 Queen of the Roman gods 123 Tap out? 127 Classroom helpers (Abbr.)

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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“UNCG GVBJMC RNJ’G HNXO NTG KC AFLADGAR, PTG HVKG VKLLAJC BJCGAKR NZGAJ GTXJC NTG GN PA GVA MNNR CGTZZ.” – ITRB RAJDV “OX’K IFWWH AYDW CFHK SLW’X BORD XL XJBR JZLFX PJRDFN. O’P BORD, ‘HLF RWLA HLF’ED ADJEOWC PJRDFN, EOCYX? AD JBB JED.’”

– MLW YJPP Puzzle Two Clue: I equals F

helps treat 107 Western alliance, briefly 109 Directive to a bouncer outside a super-exclusive club? 112 Encounter 114 Depilatory brand 118 Loud bell sound 119 Native of Copenhagen 120 Trojan War hero 122 Verdi opera based on a Shakespeare play 124 Granny 125 Sapporo sashes 126 Advice on communicating with your cat? 128 SASE, e.g. 129 Refuses to 130 “It’s the end of ___” 131 Determine the clauses of 132 On the ocean 133 Canceled, to NASA 134 Romantic flowers, in Mexico 135 Do Not ___ (road sign)

Puzzle One Clue: U equals M

WILL ONLY HURT A LITTLE by David Alfred Bywaters; CROSSWORD THIS Edited by David Steinberg

SUDOKU

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

07-30-20