Windermere youth brings home silver from national pentathlon 1B Vol. 81 No. 34
In brief Sign up for Windermere Little League
Registration begins this week at George Bailey Park for fall baseball and softball with Windermere Little League. Returning players were given the chance to sign up starting Monday. For all others, the schedule is as follows: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, Thursday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Sept. 2; as well as from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. For more information, go to windermerell.org. For girls interested in playing softball, the boundaries extend to the following schools: Citrus, Ocoee, Spring Lake, Whispering Oak, Dillard Street, Sun Ridge, Tildenville and Maxey elementaries; Hope Charter; Montessori of Winter Garden Charter; and Foundation and Cranium academies.
Police to teach self-defense
Ocoee police officers will teach a self-defense and safety awareness class for women from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway. The class is free and limited to the first 15 eligible participants. Officer Patera Scott, the class’s lead instructor, will utilize the S.A.F.E. curriculum approved by the National Self Defense Institute. Participants must be at least 13 years old. Preference will be given to Ocoee residents, but others may fill available seats. For more information or to register, contact Scott at (407) 905-3160, Ext. 3024, or patera. scott@ocoee.org.
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Thursday, August 21, 2014
Winter Garden, Florida
2014 Football Preview Section!
Previews of each high school team and much more!
Three Sections, 42 Pages
Winter Garden postpones downtown parking garage
INSIDE
Opinion…4A Winter Garden…9A Oakland...10A Ocoee...11A Windermere...12A Social…13A Deaths…14A Sports…1-4B Schools…5B.
I WO This week’s winner is
MYRNA BARBA See her photo on PAGE 15A
First day welcome
Students began new school year Monday
Vote on proposal pushed back two weeks for further review of packet, still boasts strong support By Peter M. Gordon More than 50 people attended last week’s Winter Garden city Commission meeting, anxious to see which way the elected officials would vote on the Community Redevelopment Association’s (CRA) recommendation to build a three-story, four-level parking garage on the site of the city’s parking lot south of Tremaine Street. City Manager Mike Bollhoefer called this vote “a critical decision for the city.” The garage would help make downtown “big enough to be sustainable yet small enough to maintain small-town character and charm.” Bollhoefer and CRA Chairman Larry Cappleman cited the lack of easily available parking as one of the biggest obstacles preventing downtown Winter Garden from achieving sustainability. The CRA board unanimously recommended the Tremaine location and agreed to provide $6 million to help fund the project. The Downtown Merchants
Association and Garden Theatre sent letters in support. Bollhoefer cited several advantages for the Tremaine location, including traffic flow superior to other potential sites, the highest percentage of businesses within 400 feet of the location and known environmental costs. The city manager said the garage must be welldesigned and safe and fit the character of downtown. The garage would provide a net gain of 400 spaces and promote infill of downtown. He showed pictures of Winter Garden’s blighted downtown in 1992, and reminded everyone how much conditions have improved since the CRA started. “We are very proud of our downtown,” Commissioner Bobby Olszewski said. “It is our crown jewel.” Mayor John Rees asked to postpone the vote (See Garage, 9A)
DOWN ON THE
FARM
Photo by Shari Roach
Fresh produce thriving in West Orange County
Felipe Braga and his mom, Leticia Braga, right, were excited for the first day of kindergarten class. Felipe’s teacher, Sue Remsteck, gave him a warm welcome to Winderemere Elementary.
Windermere officials want to examine fate of town facilities Existing offices are 98 years old By Tony Judnich
chicken and ducks to produce local, high-quality eggs for the public and educate visitors about the “farm to table” experience. With a store on-site, the farm also has a variety of produce, cheeses, antibiotic-free poultry with no genetically modified organisms and no added hormones, as well as pork, lamb, goat and bison — also raised free of antibiotics, growth hormones,
Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith likens the town’s tiny police station to “a glorified doublewide.” And he said the main town administration building has been “repaired with Duct tape and bubblegum” for the past several decades. “Now it’s time to actually decide what we’re going to do with (the existing town buildings), whether we’re going to refurbish them or tear them down and rebuild,” Smith said after the Town Council meeting on Aug. 12. That’s when the council, after much discussion, unanimously approved paying $70,000 to two firms that will create a long-term master facilities plan. The existing town office complex in downtown Windermere is almost a century old. The council supported the Town Facilities Selection Committee’s recommendation of hiring the topranked firms of Wannamecher Jensen Architects, of St. Petersburg, and Detroit-based Wade Trim to form the plan. The firms’ work will include analyzing the functionality, security and architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing features of existing town buildings. “I think the town residents need some input (on the overall issue),” Council Member John Armstrong said at the meeting. “This is pretty big. They need to be allowed to have some kind of say.” That will happen, Smith assured him. He said the firms will conduct stakeholder meetings, at which Windermere residents and others can give input on the facilities’ future. Smith said he would try to negotiate with the two companies in order to have them perform asbestos and lead paint tests, and provide estimates of rehab and construction costs, as part of the $70,000 contract. The completion dates for the various tasks also will
(See Farms, 16A)
(See Facilities, 8A)
Last chance for summer film at Garden Theatre
The Garden Theatre on Plant Street in Winter Garden is holding its final summer movies this week: “High Noon” on Thursday, Aug. 21, and “Batman” on Friday, Aug. 22. Films begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $5 general admission.
50 Cents
Courtesy of Lake Meadow Naturals
Lake Meadow Naturals, in Ocoee, raises cage-free chickens that are fed a vegetarian diet and produce fresh eggs free of added hormones and antibiotics. Visitors to the farm can explore the grounds, pick out their own eggs and talk to the animals. By Shari Roach Wholesome food and produce has become increasingly more available throughout West Orange County, with farms offering distinct goods and services to residents — whether it be at farmers markets, door-to-door deliveries or on-site visits to see where it’s all created. Lake Meadow Naturals and Lee Farms Webster are two notable farms offering unique opportunities to
the area, such as farm-fresh eggs with public picking hours and assorted fruit and vegetable basket deliveries, respectively.
Lake Meadow Naturals
The inner workings of a local farm can be explored just down the road. Visitors can see exactly where their food comes from, help feed the animals and pick out their own eggs among the chickens. Lake Meadow Naturals, in Ocoee, raises cage-free
Oakland takes over historic black cemetery By Amy Quesinberry Rhode
Tucked deep in a wooded area just north of West Colonial Drive, mostly hidden among weeds, downed limbs, giant banana-spider webs and debris, are the final resting places of some of the earliest residents of Oakland. There’s James W. Walker, whose family was one of the first to settle in the town; another family member is buried nearby. There are many children, too, in the Oakland African-American Historic Cemetery, which the town now operates. The Cemetery Board quit-claimed the land, approximately three acres
in size, to the town so the cemetery could be better taken care of. The small board had not been active; one member moved out of state and another was an elderly man with health problems.
A history
The original land grant was documented in 1882, according to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. No one seems to know how many people are buried in this cemetery, some as early as the 1880s and as late as 1949. It is known that a large number died in the 1918 flu pandemic and are
Photo by Amy Quesinberry Rhode
A falling headstone stands among the weeds at the Oakland African(See Cemetery, 8A) American Historic Cemetery.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Briefs
Windermere softball team finishes as state runner-up
The Windermere Little League All-Star 9/10 Minors Girls Softball Team won its districts and sectional championships before falling in the State of Florida Championship, 3-1, finishing their run as state runner-ups. The team is pictured above; Front row- Lexi Scalzo, left, Cassidy Sweeney, Gaby Haycraft, Sammy Evans, Camille Mackedon. Second row- Mia Williams, left, Victoria Grieder, Sammy Posso, Sutton Janata, Arianna Bosch, Lily Anderson, Iman Labonowski The team’s coaches are pictured at top; Rick Evans, left, Ken Janata and Bill Labonowski.
Cameron Lawrence inks new racing deal
Can you dig it? 2014 Volleyball Preview
DP coach returns to sideline
Division I volleyball coach to parents: Keep perspective
Find us on
Every once in a while, you come across something, an opinion or a point of view held by someone, and you just want jump up and shout “Yes — that!” For me, such a moment came recently when I came across an opinion piece by UCF volleyball coach Todd Dagenais on ContextFlorida.com. Dagenais, who will be writing six more pieces as part of the statewide opinSTEVEN ion forum, titles his piece “Parents of RYZEWSKI young athletes need to keep everything in perspective” — and, I’ll be honest, it was love at first read. As someone who has been covering prep and youth sports in a hyper-local context for more than three years now, I’m all too familiar with the good and the bad that comes with dedicated parents. The good is great — parents, through volunteering their time, help make a world of opportunity and enjoyment open to kids. Some of my own fondest memories from being a kid are from playing sports. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t any good (I became a sports writer for a reason, you know), it
Lindsey Carter back leading Panthers after season off to focus on family By Steven Ryzewski Rachel Sawyer remembers getting the text earlier in the summer. It was from Lindsey Carter, who, after stepping down as the head coach for Dr. Phillips’ varsity volleyball program in the summer of 2013 to spend time with her children, is returning to the sidelines for the Panthers this season. “She was really excited,” Sawyer, a senior for Dr. Phillips, recalled. “She was already texting me ‘I have practice Staff photo planned out for the first day, I’m so exLindsey Carter has returned to lead Dr. Phillips varcited!’” For Carter, who compiled a 151-47 sity program after a year away from the program. record over her first seven years leading Being back on the sideline so soon, though, is the program at Dr. Phillips, that first day back in the gym was all it took to get right back certainly a bit of a surprise for Carter. When she stepped down a little more than a year ago, she in the swing of things. “It’s seriously just like riding a bike,” Carter was pregnant and expecting her second child. said. “My first day at open gym it just all clicked (See Carter, 2B) again.”
(See Perspective, 2B)
Inside
Check out our team-by-team varsity volleyball preview Page 2B
Mini‘machine’ takes on all foes
Fencing
TA2 points leader Cameron Lawrence, of Windermere, recently signed with Dodge SRT as a factory driver for the Trans Am Series. SRT Motorsports now partners with Miller Racing to enter the Trans Am competition this 2014 season. Lawrence, alongside his partner, Tommy Kendall, raced the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Aug. 15-16, an event Lawrence won in 2013. He drove the No. 1 Dodge Challenger in the race last week. As Miller Racing switches manufacturers to Dodge, Lawrence will retain his TA2 class status. The 21-year-old racecar driver has captured 14 wins in 21 series starts since 2012, and currently holds a 35-point margin over second place. “We definitely want to continue the success we’ve had and we’re really excited to bring Dodge on board,” said Lawrence, according to NBC Sports. “We want to stay on top and keep the season rolling with the momentum we’ve had. “It’d be really cool to get some wins for Dodge and SRT Motorsports this season, and although it’s going to be tough adapting halfway through the season, we’re going to do our best to get the Dodge Challenger SRT to victory lane.” Got a suggestion for a story? Let us know! Email Sports Editor Steven Ryzewski sryzewski@wotimes.com
Sideline scene
Winter Garden native Logan Gatza, 9, has become an elite fencer, participates in pentathlons By Steven Ryzewski
Photo courtesy of Lena Gotza
Logan Gatza poses with his sword. Gatza took up fencing after watching a competition during the most recent Summer Olympics and was immediately hooked.
Meet Logan Gatza Parents: Jeramy and Lena Gatza
What he’d like to be when he grows up: Video game designer
Hometown: Winter Garden
Other activities: Ballroom dancing, Cub Scouts, soccer
School: Orlando Science Charter School
Goals: Become an Olympian and an Eagle Scout
That Logan Gatza got an idea while watching television one day isn’t particularly unique. What the idea was and where it has taken him since, though, is. Gatza, 9, started fencing after watching the Olympics one day. He saw the sport for the first time and was hooked immediately. “I looked for a fencing club, and there was one in downtown Winter Garden, and I went to it, and I just stuck with it,” Logan, a Winter Garden native, said, adding that he was drawn in by “the swords and the hand-to-hand combat.” Since then, the local youth has seen his passion for fencing take him places. Logan is one of the top-ranked fencers in the Southeast Region (12 states), has won several medals since he took up the sport at age 7 and has even expanded upon fencing and starting doing modern pentathlons (an Olympic sport involving fencing, swimming, running, shooting and horseback riding, though youths do not participate in the horseback events). Most recently, Logan took home the silver medal at the USA Modern Pentathlon National Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. For Logan’s parents, Jeramy and Lena Gatza, it has been a joy to watch their son dedicate himself to something at such a young age. The Gatzas have a background in martial arts, but Logan’s interest in fencing, along with ballroom dancing, among other things, came out of the blue — not that they’re complaining. “It’s a very mental sport, and from a parent’s point of view it’s interesting because you can help them, you can work with them on training, but once he’s out on the strip — it’s [just] him,” Jeramy said. “He’s got to figure out what to do.” Logan is quite the busy kid, another thing his parents are proud of. In addition to practicing for fencing and pentathlons multiple times each week with his coach, Omar El Geziry, Logan is an ‘A’ student at Orlando Science Charter School and a Cub Scout (with aspirations of becoming an Eagle Scout) and even speaks French. “We try to stay up with him,” Jeramy said, referencing his son’s energy. “He’s just like a little machine. (See Fencing, 4B)
2A
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014 To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by email: news@wotimes.com; or by mail: 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 “Big Fish” The Musical — 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 23, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Enjoy a musical of mythical proportions set in the American south. The story centers around Edward Bloom, whose epic life adventures frustrate his son. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (407) 876-4991.
Chamber Orientation — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. The Chamber will host its new-member orientation and refresher meeting, known as Chamber Connections. The event is free for current members. For more information, contact Leslie Skillman at lskillman@wochamber.com.
Life Coaching Seminar — 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. The seminar will be held in building B, room 201. The church is offering this free, interactive class for participants to engage in personal discovery and bridge the gap between desires and realization of goals. To register, call (407) 876-4991, Ext. 250. “Vintage Favorite” Film — showing of “High Noon” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The film is part of the theater’s Summer Movie Series. Tickets are $5 general admission. To purchase, go to gardentheatre. org.
Winter Garden’s Early Days — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Kay Cappleman, director of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, will present an informative discussion regarding the ups and downs of the city’s 110-year history. For more information, call (407) 835-7309.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
“Cult Classic” Film — showing
of “Batman” is at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The film is part of the theater’s Summer Movie Series. Tickets are $5 general admission. To purchase, go to gardentheatre.org. D is for Dinosaur — 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 22, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Preschool children ages 3 to 5 will participate in dinosaur stories, activities and crafts and have a roaring good time with Dino ABC’s. (407) 835-7323. Donate School Supplies — donations will be accepted until 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Stevi B’s Pizza, 9679 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. School supplies will be given to children at “Ocoee’s Community Safety Day” Saturday, Aug. 23. Anyone who donates on or before this date will receive a pizza gift certificate.
Totally Turtles — 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the TibetButler Preserve and Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. Find out the similarities and differences between humans and turtles, meet the preserve’s resident turtles and make shells to match them. Appropriate for pre-K children and is limited to 25 participants. To RSVP, call (407) 876-6696.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
Intro to Digital Photography — 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Participants will learn the art of composing and framing a shot, as well as experiment with ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings on a DSLR camera. Registration is required. (407) 835-7323.
Family Food Truck Night — 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, in front of the Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Bring friends, family, chairs, blankets and an appetite. For a list of the food vendors, visit town.windermere.fl.us.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
“The Little Mermaid” Puppet Show — takes place at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St. Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater will bring its version of the under-the-sea fairy tale to downtown Winter Garden, with string puppets, humor and music. All tickets are $6, and seating is reserved. To purchase, visit gardentheatre.org.
Paws to Read — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Kids can practice reading skills by reading aloud to a furry listener, presented by Be An Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry. For more information, call (407) 8357323. Pizza and Police — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Stevi B’s Pizza, 9679 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. The Ocoee Police
Department and Stevi B’s will host “Ocoee’s Community Safety Day” and will feature free school supplies, raffles, prizes, kids’ height and weight checks, fingerprinting and more. For more information, contact Officer Patera Scott at (407) 905-3160, Ext. 3024.
Self Defense Class — 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway. Officers will present a Self Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange for women using the S.A.F.E. curriculum. The class is free, but limited to the first 15 eligible participants; attendants must be at least 13 years old. To register, call (407) 905-3160, Ext. 3024.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
Caring for your Pet — 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the West Oaks Library, 805 E. Plant St. Learn practical tips about how to best care for your pets from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Attendees will also be taught the Five Freedoms every animal deserves and general animal care guidelines. For more information, visit petallianceorlando.org
Technology Petting Zoo — 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Windermere Library, 530
Main St. Attendees can get their hands on the latest devices, such as the iPad, Nook, Galaxy and more. Learn how to use them and download free music, videos and eBooks. Registration is required. To learn more, call (407) 835-7323.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
Write a Book Report — 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Students ages 9 to 12 can learn how to express themselves clearly and properly format a book report to earn an “A.” Registration is required. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.
ONGOING
American Legion Bingo Night — 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, at the post building, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. (407) 656-6361.
American Legion Meeting — 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, at the post building, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Members who are unable to drive to the post meetings can schedule a ride by calling (407) 399-9649 before 6 p.m. on the Wednesday before. (407) 656-6361.
Take a Hike — free hiking program takes place the second Saturday of every month, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. (407) 905-0054. Elks Lodge Bingo Night — games take place at 6 p.m. Thursdays, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 Ninth St. The public is invited to participate.
Cruz N-Car Show – 6-9 p.m. the 3rd Saturday of each month, at W. Plant St., downtown Winter Garden. A variety of cars will be on display, including some vintage vehicles. Free vehicle registration. Cash giveaways and food available. (407) 656-4111.
Fridays on the Plaza — 7-9 p.m. Fridays, at 56 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For more information, visit cwgdn.com.
Macaroni Mania Mondays — 3:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at the Windermere Branch
Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. (407) 835-7323.
English Conversation Class – 6-8 p.m. Mondays at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. The Adult Literacy League will lead the event. To register, call (407) 422-1540. Ocoee Food Truck Fridays and Movie in the Park — 6 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. Call (407) 905-3180 or visit ocoee.org.
Ocoee Lions Club — meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at the Ocoee Lions Club building, 108 Taylor St., Ocoee. For more information, visit ocoeelionsclub.org. Rotary Club of Ocoee — meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Withers-Maguire House, 16 W. Oakland Ave., Ocoee. For more information, visit ocoeerotary.org. Rotary Club of Winter Garden — meets at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. For more information, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.
Senior Time — 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at the West Orange Neighborhood Center for Families, 303 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden. The program is geared toward seniors. Participants can enjoy activities, exercises, games, reading and snacks. (407) 905-5100. West Orange Kiwanis Club — 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, at The Attic Door, 28 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For more information, visit floridakiwanis. com/clubview. Windermere Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. The event is presented by the Windermere Downtown Business Committee and features fresh produce, arts and crafts, breads, cheeses and more.
Ocoee Farmer’s Market – 3-8 p.m. Fridays in downtown Ocoee, on McKey Street and Bluford Avenue. For more information, visit ocoeelionsclub.com.
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2B
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
The West Orange Warriors, left, and Dr. Phillips Panthers varsity volleyball teams were hard at work this past week preparing for the season to begin on Aug. 26.
Staff photos
What 2 watch 4:
Varsity volleyball team-by-team previews
CFCA Eagles Coach: Charlita Washington Charlita Washington is in her first season at CFCA and will also be coaching the girls basketball program on campus. Washington will be working with a young squad this fall, featuring a roster that has four freshman and even two eighth graders. Juniors Aubrey Muench and Abigail Sides figure to key the Eagles’ attack this season. First game: Aug. 26 — vs. Legacy Charter Home games not to miss: vs. TFA-Leesburg (Oct. 6), vs. Orlando Christian Prep (Sept. 29) Foundation Academy Lions Coach: Danny Eleutiza The Lions fell in five sets in last year’s FHSAA Class 2A State Championship Match and, after coming so close to their goal, are optimistic about their prospects again in 2014. Eleutiza, who is starting his third year with the program (Foundation made the state finals in each previous season), will lean on returners like senior Megan Miller and Lauren Pitrozack, junior Elyssa Stimell and sophomore Lauren Miller. The Lions also have some fresh faces that will add to the equation, with sophomore Ann Mansfield and eighth grader Torey Baum looking to make an immediate impact. Eleutiza is optimistic a staunch defense and balanced attack on offense can see his team back to the state title game in 2014. First game: Aug. 26 — vs. Central Florida Prep Home games not to miss: vs. Apopka (Oct. 9), vs. Olympia (Oct. 14) Legacy Charter Eagles Coach: Larry Kimpel A young program, the Eagles will look to continue to set a foundation in 2014 and create a winning culture. First game: Aug. 25 — @ Cornerstone Charter Home games not to miss: vs. Trinity Christian (Sept. 2), vs. Foundation Academy (Sept. 30) Windermere Prep Lakers Coach: Amanda Serpa In her first season leading the Lakers, Amanda Serpa is excited about some of the experienced players she has inherited to lead the way. Serpa says senior Rachel Saunders is a key player both in terms of skill and leadership, as are seniors Katherine Bloom and Madi Grinell. Serpa is hoping to develop her team to be more consistent and make a run at the district championship this fall. FIrst game: Aug. 26 — vs. Orlando Christian Prep Home games not to miss: vs. Lake Mary Prep (Sept. 18), vs. CFCA (Oct. 15)
Perspective
was the act of playing competitive sports with friends that, more than a decade later, is so memorable. The volunteering of time by parents, including my own, made that possible. But, as we all know but perhaps don’t like to discuss as much, the bad can be pretty bad. I spoke to Dagenais last week about his piece, which was published on Aug. 7, and he used the term “helicopter parent,” which I became instantly fond of, picturing the way some parents will just hover around their child. I suggest you read the piece on your own, but here’s the short version of what I took away from it: too many parents are spending too much money with the intention of that money paying off in a Division I athletic scholarship. It’s not to say that the massive boon in participation in club sports, a trend that has created regional empires of sorts like Orlando Volleyball Academy and a demand for personal lessons, is bad. Quite the contrary, actually. “I think club sports and private lessons absolutely have their place,” Dagenais said. “I think it should be for somebody who wants to get better … enjoys playing the sport and has that passion for the sport.” What it comes down to, really, is the intent behind why a parent is spending considerable amounts of money on yearround club sports. In our interview, Dagenais — a coach of a Division I program, himself — acknowledged what most sports people already know, that most recruiting is done on the club circuits. Less and less often are college coaches scouting athletes at high school sporting events, preferring to see athletes compete against a higher level of competition at showcase events over the summer — when the coaches, themselves, tend to have a little more time to evaluate them. So, if an athlete in any sport has collegiate aspirations, club sports are necessary. And they can be fun — providing opportunities to make new friends and travel to new places through them. I wouldn’t dream of condemning the booming industry of club sports so much as to just encourage perspective, much like Dagenais’ piece does. It’s that fixation of so many parents on their child’s ability to earn a scholarship that leads to so many of those ugly
Dr. Phillips Panthers Coach: Lindsey Carter Lindsey Carter returns to the sideline this fall after a season away from the Panthers and is hopeful she can pick up where she left off — with Dr. Phillips as a force to be reckoned with in Class 8A. Four seniors that were present when she last coached in 2012, led by Rollins-commit Rachel Sawyer, are helping to lead the way while a pair of talented freshman, Morgan Grillier and Kelly Gauger are fresh faces to keep an eye on in 2014. First game: Aug. 26 — @ Colonial Home games not to miss: vs. Olympia (Oct. 7), vs. West Orange (Oct. 14) Ocoee Knights Coach: Cathy Edwards-Lee Under Cathy Edwards-Lee, the Knights showed great improvement in 2013, finishing 10-14 after going 2-22 in 2012. The upward trajectory is something Edwards-Lee and her squad will look to build upon this fall. First game: Sept. 2 — @ Apopka Home games not to miss: vs. Edgewater (Sept. 9), vs. Freedom (Oct. 7) Olympia Titans Coach: Mitch Sadowsky Mitch Sadowsky is leading Olympia’s program for a sixth season, making him the most tenured coach of our eight programs we cover, and for good reason. The Titans have had plenty of success under Sadowsky, most recently finishing 23-8 in 2013 and advancing all the way to the regional finals. Olympia returns 12 varsity players this fall — seven of whom have experience as starters as the varsity level — and will boast a ton of experience as it looks to make a run at the FHSAA Class 8A title. Seniors Martina Shamley, Heather Bowersox, Sadie Estrada and Camila Rivas will lead the way for the Titans. First game: Aug. 26 — @ Boone Home games not to miss: vs. West Orange (Sept. 11), The First Academy (Oct. 2) West Orange Warriors Coach: Ross Usie Ross Usie is the second longest-tenured coach in our coverage area, entering his fourth year leading the Warriors after seeing his program finish 16-9 a season ago. In the offseason the Warriors didn’t suffer any major losses via graduation or transfers, and even added a few talented newcomers. The bulk of West Orange’s roster has played together for three years, says Usie, and the team has plenty of chemistry as they enter the fall season. Outside hitter Jennifer Cook, libero C.J. O’Brien and setters Stephanie Garner and Jayden Davila-McClary will look to lead the program to new heights this year. First game: Aug. 28 — vs. Wekiva Home games not to miss: vs. Apopka (Sept. 23), vs. Olympia (Sept. 30)
(Continued from 1B) incidents, where parents get into it with coaches over playing time or get into verbal altercations with other parents. That intent is misguided, for more reasons than one. “I think that those that do it with the intent, with the sole intent, of trying to put [their child] in a position to get a Division I scholarship — I think they’re just making a mistake,” Dagenais said. “Just based on [the numbers] alone, the odds are not great.” Dagenais crunches the numbers in his piece — and they’re not super encouraging. As he tells it, there are thousands of girls (roughly 100,000) graduating each spring and looking to play college volleyball, with programs like his at UCF only having usually three scholarships a year to offer. What so often gets lost in all of this is the fact that this is supposed to be fun. That’s why, although it doesn’t figure to do much for an athlete’s recruiting prospects, he still encourages girls to play for their high school team. Representing your school and community, and bonding with your classmates, is something most athletes will remember for the rest of their lives. In three words towards the end of his piece, Dagenais perfectly sums up how both parents and their athletes, who also can be susceptible to a gross lack of perspective, should approach those teenage years that are filled with weekend showcases and practices on most weeknights — “Enjoy these years.” And he’s right. Enjoy these years, because, for the astronomical majority of athletes — across all sports — you’re actual playing career will end relatively soon. Even if an athlete does play a sport in college, after four years he or she is done, hopefully with a degree to show for it and hopefully starting a new career. It would be my hope that most former athletes will be able to look back fondly on those years. As for the parents, Dagenais offered one last bit of advice as we concluded our interview. “Let the coach coach, let the kid play, be a good supportive parent of the entire team,” Dagenais said. “That would really be my advice more than anything else.” Take it from him — he’s the guy who might be recruiting your daughter one day, anyway.
Carter
At the time, she figured her departure from the program would have had a bit more longevity — but life had other plans. “I thought I was really done for a good while,” Carter said. “I figured when my kids [currently ages 3 and 1] get into school, I may start coaching then. “I didn’t expect to [return so soon] but then when Dr. Phillips approached me … it was like a calling. At that point it seemed like a really good choice.” Four of the team’s 15 varsity players were on the roster when Carter coached the team in 2012. An additional six players were on the varsity team a season ago, when Ashley Schinzing coached the program. For Carter, having some continuity from when she coached the team two seasons ago has been pivotal in reestablishing her system and culture in the locker room. “A lot of them already know how I am,” Carter said. “They were already all on that page because those four girls told all of them what to expect.” Dr. Phillips, after reaching the state playoffs in 2012, had a down year in 2013. The Panthers finished 8-17, though Carter doesn’t believe
(Continued from 1B)
it was because Schinzing — who is a coach at Orlando Volleyball Academy — wasn’t up to the task. “Ashley is a great coach, it’s just change is always hard and I think that was part of the equation,” Carter said. “She did a great job with the girls.” The Panthers will be young in 2014, with two talented freshmen (Morgan Grillier and Kelly Gauger) on the roster. Though the hope is to contend for a district championship, and beyond, Carter has tempered expectations for her girls in the opening few weeks of the season — which begins on Aug. 26 with a road game at Colonial. “I expect somewhat of a regression because they’re trying to do things the right away and I hope that by midseason it’ll be habit,” Carter said. As for her seniors, who are excited to have their old coach back on the sidelines, succeeding this season is something they’re going to have to work for. “I think we just have to have the drive,” Sawyer said. “We obviously don’t want to end up like last year. We want to go much further and prove a lot of people wrong.”
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times
County gives tips on controlling virus
As the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus continues to spread — including reports of the first two locally transmitted cases in Florida — the Orange County Health Services Department’s Mosquito Control Division is urging people to protect themselves from possible infection while taking proactive measures to reduce the threat of an outbreak. Chikungunya (“chik-enGUN-ya”) produces flulike symptoms characterized by high fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus, which is seldom fatal and cannot be spread by humans or animals, usually resolves on its own. Tom Breaud, manager of the Mosquito Control Division, said the mosquitoes capable of transmitting chikungunya locally — the Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito) and Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito) — are small, black-and-silver insects. They bite primarily during the day and sleep at night and are not a threat to animals. Unlike most other mosquitoes, they are found near residences in containers — not in large bodies of water, such as lakes. “These mosquitoes breed in standing water found in areas close to homes, schools and playgrounds — in places like gutters, flat roofs, tire swings, children’s toys, bird baths, plant saucers, trash cans, and even something as small as a bottle cap,” Breaud said. “We need the help of every citizen to eliminate standing water on their property, because this disease is preventable. The mosquito can go from egg to adult in
seven days, so draining and dumping unnecessary water around your residence is essential to prevention.” In addition, Breaud recommends people protect themselves with insect repellent that contains DEET (N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), which is the gold standard in bug spray. Children and seniors are not more susceptible to the virus, but they are likely to suffer more serious symptoms. There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection, and the virus can only be treated symptomatically. The first case of chikungunya in the Western Hemisphere was documented in late 2013; since then, there have been 431,000 cases in the Caribbean. Now, health officials believe that infected mosquitoes have appeared in Florida for the first time, as the state’s 77 cases (as of July 22) include two people who contracted the virus locally; the other cases occurred during travel outside the continental U.S. The individuals in the two locally transmitted Florida cases were bitten by an infective mosquito that acquired the virus in Florida (probably from someone coming from the Caribbean). From 2006-13, an average of 28 people per year were diagnosed with chikungunya in the U.S. and its territories. This year, the number is 497. The Mosquito Control Division, which actively sprays to control the mosquito population, is a resource available to all citizens, including those who would like their property checked for these mosquitoes. Call (407) 2549120 for Mosquito Control, or dial 311 to learn more about related services provided by Orange County.
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Bloom & Grow joins Reading Reindeer in giving books for OCPS Migrant Education By Kathy Aber
Reading Reindeer, the literacy project of The West Orange Times, has been delivering new books to preschoolers in the Early Intervention Program of Orange County Public Schools since its inception in 1998. From the start, local civic groups like the Bloom & Grow Garden Society have partnered with the Times to expand and reach more children with books and literacy information. OCPS tutors with the Early Intervention program visit homes of migrant preschool students weekly to work with them on reading and writing skills. This is a 60-minute, homebased service for preschoolers up to 4 years old to prepare them for kindergarten. “Each week, the tutors bring the children a new book to enrich the literacy in the home and encourage the parents to become involved in learning,” said Dr. Debra Allen, OCPS’ senior administrator for Migrant Education. This OCPS program gradually builds home libraries for each family. This is also a primary goal of Reading Reindeer. “In the summer, when we have extra dollars, we replenish the home libraries by adding new books,” Dr. Allen said. This summer, Bloom & Grow supplied that need by donating 92 new books for this effort and, last week, the distribution took place. Nancy Connor, a garden club member, accompanied Lilly Carasquillo, a tutor with Migrant Early Education, to visit and deliver new books to the children of Sinto and Ivon Soto in Ocoee. The children, Jacqueline, a thirdgrader; Alex, 5; Thalia, 3; and William, 2, enthusiastically welcomed their guests and eagerly examined the new books, turning the pages, pointing out pictures to each other and talking excitedly about the stories. With Carasquillo acting as an interpreter, Ivon Soto explained how the program had helped her children by teaching them colors,
letters and shapes. Lilly added how much the tutors admire the Sotos for their family unity and the love they show each other. The older children attend Ocoee Elementary School, where, coincidentally, Connor was a volunteer last year. Through Reading Reindeer’s partnership with Bloom & Grow Garden Society and its generous book donation, the Migrant Early Intervention team was able to expand home libraries for 36 families. In addition to weekly home visits, the Early Intervention Program also hosts monthly family activity workshops in the Community Room at the West Oaks Mall to encourage parent-child interaction. The evening usually starts with pizza, and then, the entire group, sometimes 75 or more, divides into play areas for interac-
tive games and other activities. Typically, parents and children work side-by-side building tall skyscrapers out of colored blocks, solving puzzles, designing bridges and playing games to learn shapes, colors and numbers. These types of activities help parents realize their importance as their children’s first and most important teachers, according to literacy experts. Improving parent-child interaction is one way to improve literacy skills overall. OCPS Migrant Education also offers a program for mothers with infants and toddlers to improve parent strategies to motivate learning with their children, to engage them in learning activities and to encourage them to read to their children both in their native language and in English. For school-age children, OCPS Migrant Education has a school-
based advocacy program at selected sites. At each location, OCPS advocates work with migrant families to help parents get the right kind of services for their children and serve as personal advocates on each child’s behalf. The West Orange Times and Reading Reindeer will officially kick off the 17th annual holiday book drive in late September.
With a generous donation of 92 new books from the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, the Early Intervention Program of Orange County Public Schools was able to replenish home libraries for 36 families last week. OCPS tutor Lilly Carasquillo (left) and Bloom & Grow Garden Society member Nancy Connor (2nd from right) delivered a collection of new books to the Soto children, Alex, 5; Thalia, 3; William, 2; 3rd-grader Jacqueline; and their mother, Ivon (right).
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The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden had a packed house at this summer’s Vacation Bible School.
Church hosting back-to-school rally The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden is hosting a churchwide “Back to School Rally and Open House” this Sunday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. This event is open to the community regardless of church affiliation or beliefs. Participants can meet members of the congregation and find out what programs the church
WO play continues
offers to the Winter Garden community. Bring extra school supplies, gently used school uniforms and non-perishable food items to support local ministries and families as they return to the routine of the school year. Allow an hour to visit the different areas of the campus to earn a stamp toward a free Sunday sundae.
Ashley Adams, Alexandra Crosby and Avianna Tagerty are all vying for Isaiah Rothstein’s attention in West Orange High School’s production of “Red Hot Lovers,” which is being held over because it was so popular. The show will play this Thursday, Aug. 21, Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23, with all performances beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 and reservations are strongly suggested and may be made by calling (407) 905-2400, Ext. 6162462.
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times
Commentary:
My first journey on the West Orange Trail
At first, I felt like an imposter. There I was, reintroducing myself to my dusty, 10-year-old mountain bike during the mid-Sunday morning of Aug. 3, trying to fit in with the other bicyclists, joggers and walkers on the famous West Orange Trail. Many of them, it seemed, were in better condition than me. It was my inaugural trip on the trail, someTony thing I finally would Judnich experience after living in the area for several months. Before the ride, I often had dreamed like a kid on Christmas Eve about the gifts the trail would provide. With my tires rolling along the path’s smooth, 14-foot-wide pavement and up its gentle inclines, it didn’t take long to feel a sense of wonder that almost made me forget the burning sensation in my calves. It had been many months since I last rode my bike. I started my first WOT journey at the Ingram Outpost, which is adjacent to Ingram and Clarcona-Ocoee roads in Ocoee and roughly the halfway point of the 22-mile-long trail. Heading west, I looped around the Forest Lake Golf Club, where I glanced at golfers who were experiencing their own form of recreational freedom on this sunny, 87-degree morning. Next to the golf course, I cruised along a tall chain-link fence that curved at the top and served as a barrier between trail users and wayward golf balls. I imagined a fenceless scenario: “Fore!” And then the thunk! of a ball striking my plastic helmet: not a pleasant thought. Whizzzz: I then heard the real sound of a couple of other bicyclists flying by me. Decked out in matching outfits, they were riding what looked like expensive 10-speeds. The pair reminded me of Tour de France racers, who hardly ever stop pedaling. Continuing west, the trail took me below State Road 429, then back out beneath the quiet sky. More bicyclists passed me. After being humbled again, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and instead focused on the trail’s beauty. After all, at many places along the route, I experienced Mother Nature at her finest. There were sections of sweetsmelling woods, glimpses of birds and squirrels, and tree canopies that spread over the trail to form green tunnels. Those trees helped me enjoy a ton of clean air. And the trail itself was in great shape and a joy to travel on. Many other people seem to agree, as the trail sees more than 150,000 visitors per month. I pedaled past an Ocoee High School field, where some kids were tossing a football. I then entered the Winter Garden city limits, where I made a U-turn at Fuller’s Cross Road. Nearby, I departed from my bike to take a 10-minute rest on a trailside bench, where I guzzled some water and laughed at a squirrel hunting for snacks. Winding down, I suddenly acknowledged how sweaty I was. ‘This is a good workout,’ I thought. Just as importantly, I was having fun! Soon, I hopped back on my bicycle to resume enjoying the exercise burn and changing scenery while heading east to my starting point. After finishing the trip, I estimated my total trail mileage at about eight miles. The overall journey had lasted a little more than an hour. To me, it was a respectable first effort. I loaded my bike into my car and drove home with the A/C on, cooling down and feeling content for the moment, but hungry to explore another stretch of the West Orange Trail.
Game film: Youth football teams take to practice field
All around the area, youth football teams have begun their fall seasons on the practice field as they prepare to take the field for their respective first games. We stopped in at practices for the West Orange Wildcats and Ocoee Bulldogs Pop Warner teams to snap some quick photos. Photos by Steven Ryzewski
Members of Ocoee’s Midget team hit the blocking sled at practice.
A West Orange Wildcats receiver for the Jr. Pee Wees gets ready to catch a pass thrown at practice last week.
Prep football teams prepare for preseason contests
There’s a different feel to the third week of fall camp for area programs. With Kickoff Classics scheduled for Friday night, Windermere Prep coach Jacob Doss said he has seen a difference in his boys as they prepare for Friday’s preseason game at The Master’s Academy in Oviedo. “The sense of urgency,” Doss said, reflecting on the change in atmosphere. “We’re looking down the tunnel at a game.” That sense of urgency and excitement is contagious around the area, as programs eager to hit and tackle someone wearing a different color uniform will get just that opportunity on Friday night. Three coveragearea programs will be at home when they see their first action, while the rest will be on the road. Here’s the schedule for Friday night’s Kickoff Classics:
A running back for the Wildcats’ Tiny Mites proves tough to tackle.
Windermere Prep @ The Master’s Academy, 7 p.m. Foundation Academy @ Lake Highland Prep, 7 p.m. Santa Fe Catholic @ CFCA, 7 p.m.
FL RESIDENTS PLAY ALL DAY AND GE T A FREE DR AFT BEER OR FOUNTAIN SODA EXP 8/30/14
Ocoee @ Dr. Phillips, 7:30 p.m. West Orange @ Lake City Columbia, 7:30 p.m.
Fresh air, exercise and relaxation come together on The West Orange Trail.
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object as two Tiny Mites players for the Wildcats participate in a blocking drill.
The quarterback for the Bulldogs’ Midgets team delivers a pass at practice.
Seven Rivers Christian @ Legacy Charter, 7 p.m.
Photo by Tony Judnich
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Olympia @ Boone, 7:30 p.m. — Steven Ryzewski
Mon-Friday
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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
In our opinion
From our archives
These Times From 8-18 in a matter of seconds
By Amy Quesinberry Rhode
So, I’m watching TV with Adam when Allison hollers for me to “come quick.” I’m thinking, this spider had better be giant for all this squawking she’s doing. Nope, no spider. Her closet shelf was so loaded down that it broke away from the wall. (Coincidentally, this happened just hours after her younger brother had announced his grand idea of turning her room, which is right next to his, into his personal entertainment space — or, better yet, let’s knock out her closet wall and double the room size.) I ran to her rescue, and the clock was ticking, for this closet shelf is jam-packed with the fragile mementos of her childhood. I’m not sure if this was the best time to reminisce — with her going away to college this week and all — but there we were, together, unloading the giant bin holding her sweet little baby shoes and the adorable toddler outfits I couldn’t bear to get rid of, a stack of painted masterpieces from preschool, seven years of yearbooks, the butterfly bank she painted at her 6th birthday party, a Lisa Frank-brand scrapbook with all of her eccentrically wonderful
comments by each picture, the uniform she wore during her brief stint as an Orlando Flames cheerleader and the Dillard Street Elementary talent show trophy she won for a repeat of her dance recital performance from Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts. It was just yesterday that she was toddling and painting and scrapbooking and cheering and dancing. So how can it be that last weekend I was buying dorm room accessories and making an online payment for a college meal plan? This is the moment that the often-heard phrase, “the days are long but the years are short,” kicks you in the gut. If you’re reading this on Wednesday, I’m probably crying as our caravan is headed to Tallahassee to drop off precious cargo: my 18-yearold FSU freshman. If it’s already Thursday, chances are I’m still tearing up. She’s off. She’s ready. I spent 18 years getting her ready for this moment, this new adventurous phase of her life when she steps out on her own and applies all of those lessons I taught her through the years. I just forgot to prepare myself.
Old Times
70 years ago
Capt. Edwin H. Pounds of Ocoee was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters at a Ninth Air Force fighter station in Europe. Capt. Pounds flew the P-45 Thunderbolt and had completed 32 missions.
60 years ago
Cushman Radebaugh, prominent cattleman and past president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, addressed the members of the Winter Garden Rotary Club in the American Legion Hall. Hilton Teal, program chairman, presented the speaker as part of the Eat More Beef program being carried out nationally during the month of August.
45 years ago
From an editorial: We were never in favor of the change of the name of Cape Canaveral to Cape Kennedy, and now four of our elected officials have entered bills in Congress to rectify that situation — Sens. Ed Gurney and Spessard Holland and Reps. Lou Frey and William Chappell.…One of the main reasons people have been trying to get it changed back is that the name was tagged on to the Cape by none other than Ponce de Leon, and it was that way for
Reader opinions Keeping kids safe is priority
Editor, Reducing child deaths across the state is the Department of Children and Families (DCF) foremost objective and with the assistance of our community partners and friends this goal is certainly attainable. According to the most recent statistics the two highest causes of child deaths in our state are infantile unsafe sleep, and drowning. Sadly all of these deaths could likely have been prevented. In an effort to prevent these unfortunate tragedies DCF has launched preventable measure campaigns throughout the state educating adults and children on proper safety measures. To emphasize this, the leading cause of death of children ages 1-4 is drowning. Two thirds of drowning deaths occur during the summer months between May and August. These toddlers are dying young and together we can stop this awful trend. At times, a drowning can occur in the time it takes to answer the phone, or throw in a load of laundry. This tragedy can happen in drainage ditches, holding ponds, unattended “kiddie” pools, or even in water filled buckets. It can even happen in as little as two inches of water. Florida is home to the some of the most beautiful waterways. Caregiver vigilance is especially paramount because of this. Please keep your “Eyes on the Kids,” and avoid any distractions that could take focus away from children when they are swimming or near water. Furthermore, it is extremely important to teach your children to swim. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe in or around water. In 2014, 21 alleged reports of babies dying due to unsafe sleep have been reported across Florida. Undoubtedly, these fatalities could have been avoided. Parents must understand that sleeping with their children, placing blankets, pillows, toys and even bumpers in an infant’s sleeping space is the leading cause of suffocation. To that end, babies are most safe when they are placed on their backs in a crib of their own alone.
In 2013, seven of our state’s children have died of hyperthermia from being left in a hot vehicle. After just ten minutes, the temperature of a parked vehicle can rise 20 degrees. Children do not have the ability to regulate body temperature thus raising it three to five times faster than adults. It is hard to believe, but children can easily be left behind in the car when parents are distracted. Even the thought of “cracking” the window will prove to be of no match to combat vehicular heatstroke, especially under the Florida sun. A simple reminder can be to “Look Before You Lock.” More than 25 percent of child protective investigations last year involved a non-relative caregiver as the alleged perpetrator. Many cases involved single mothers with abusive partners. For some the mother’s continued involvement with an abusive partner cost the life of her child. This agency encourages parents to know the backgrounds and parenting skills of anyone who is watching their child. Choosing a caregiver could literally be a life or death decision. In response to DCF’s commitment to transparency, Secretary Mike Carroll launched the Child Fatality Prevention on the MyFLFamilies.com website. Here the public may navigate information regarding child death cases reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline. The site also includes information about DCF’s safety initiatives to prevent child deaths. The site will serve as a facilitator for local community leaders and citizens so they may identify areas of concern and place strategic emphasis on preventing these trends. While there is no single solution to end child fatalities, with community investment, outreach, education and parental awareness, we can stop the untimely deaths of Florida’s little ones. Children are our most valuable and precious resource and only together will we create better outcomes and bright futures. William S. D’Aiuto, DCF Regional Managing Director
Grass isn’t always greener
Editor, Last Sunday morning I walked into church feeling discouraged, as the night before we had some couples over and due to my problem with discrimination I really had a difficult time being part of the conversation. Just then, this gentleman came in with his wife in a motorized chair without any legs and half of an arm and sat in front of us. We introduced ourselves, and in talking with him we learned that he was a Vietnam veteran and that the explosion also affected his hearing and, even with hearing
aids, he had trouble with picking up some words. Bev shared with him that by using an iPad or iPhone, our church provides real-time captioning and showed him how to log on. After the service he thanked us for showing him and how much it helped him understand. As I walked away from church I thought, what a good reminder not to dwell on the negatives in life and start smelling the roses, especially when you see the challenges others face. Merv Daniels Winter Garden
The Travelin’ Times
Telethe Wery, left, and Pamela Waters, both of Gotha, took their copy of “The West Orange Times” with them to Miners Castle (that’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore behind them) in Munising, Mich., earlier this summer. Are you planning a vacation to a special place outside of West Orange County? Take The West Orange Times with you, feature it in a highquality photo and email the picture to news@wotimes. com. You can also mail or drop off the photo: The West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.
399 years.…
40 years ago
Judy Hart and Carl Patterson have, once again, moved Windermere Realty into a new and larger office space. When they established the firm in 1973, they occupied space in the old Windermere school and then moved into space occupied by the bakery next to the post office. Now they have moved just next door, and their landlords, Mildred and Bud Grice, have done a beautiful job of remodeling the former VW garage.
30 years ago
Downtown Gotha might be an improbable location for such an “uptown” establishment as “Salon of the Lakes,” but owner James Crapps says that after some 14 years in the business, that’s just where he wants to be. A special claim to fame for Crapps was the discovery of his expertise by Joan Lunden of ABC’s “Good Morning America” while filming at Walt Disney World. She didn’t have her own hairdresser with her, and he was asked to do her hair. After that, she flew him frequently to New York and offered him a job as her personal hairdresser for the TV show. In essence he said, “Thanks, but no thanks — I’m a Florida boy.” Dawn Willis, Publisher dawnwillis@wotimes.com
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Shari Roach, Intern The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $21.50 per year ($35.00 outside of Orange County) by The Winter Garden Times, Inc., 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to THE WEST ORANGE TIMES, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in The West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of The West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must be typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become property of the newspaper.
4B
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
Fencing
(Continued from 1B)
‘Pentathlon is a good fit for him because he likes to do a variety of things already.’
“Pentathlon is a good fit for him because he likes to do a variety of things already.” A kid who dreams plenty big, Logan openly aspires to be an Olympian one day. He looks up to El Geziry in part, he says, because he was nearly an Olympian himself. Logan enjoyed the trip to Colorado this summer and says he was inspired by many of the people he met, including plenty of former Olympic athletes. “It was really an interesting place,” Logan said. “It was really, really cool.” Logan keeps busy with other sports, too, and says he likes to play soccer — when he can find the time. An ambassador of sorts for fencing to other children, Logan encourages more to take up the sport because, after all,
— Jeramy Gatza, father
it’s rooted in practicality. “Well, it’s not like kicking a ball around into a goal,” Logan said. “You could actually have to do that [fencing] for your life someday.” The future is bright for Logan, whether he reaches his dream of becoming an Olympian or not. The Winter Garden youth also wants to be a video game designer when he grows up and hopes that perhaps he could fence in college. And while he says his coach is his role model, when push comes to shove Logan gives his supportive parents plenty of credit for helping him chase his dreams. “I think [their support] is very important,” Logan said. “They’re the ones who spend all the money for me to do this!”
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Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times 5A
Police and fire reports
MATTHEWS HOPE
Aug. 7 • A 24-year-old Orlando man was arrested on Olympus Drive on charges of burglary, loitering and prowling, and resisting an officer without violence. The suspect allegedly had looked through mailboxes and tried to enter two homes, one on Olympus Drive and the other on Adriatic Drive. Aug. 9 • A 21-year-old Ocoee man was arrested on Rewis Street on a charge of armed robbery. The suspect allegedly had pulled out a knife and robbed another man of $100 on Rewis Street.
Conventional & Holistic Health Care
Family launches fundraiser for teen’s funeral By Tony Judnich
The family of Alexandria Chery has launched an online fundraising campaign to raise money for the 16-year-old Olympia High School student’s funeral. As of press time, the family’s Go Fund Me campaign had raised $7,330; the fundraiser’s goal is set at $7,500. Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at gofundme.com/ cl4opg. According to Chery’s uncle, Ray Joseph, the family wishes to bury her at Woodlawn Park Cemetery. Her mother, Rosalie Joseph, does not have any insurance or funds to pay for the funeral, Ray Joseph said. Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Sanel St. Simon, 43, on July 29 on charges of attempted destruction of evidence and obstructing a criminal investigation/giving false information to a law-enforcement officer during a missing persons investigation, said Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jane Watrel. St. Simon, Rosalie Joseph’s live-in boyfriend at the Hawthorne Groves apartments at Good Homes and Old Winter Garden roads, is the prime suspect in Chery’s disappearance.
Alexandria Chery Three days after St. Simon’s arrest, a worker found the decomposed body of a young black female, later identified as Chery, in a wooded area off of Osceola Polk County Line Road, in Davenport. Rosalie Joseph had reported her daughter missing on July 28. On that day, she found most of Chery’s personal belongings gone from her closet and dresser, her bed stripped of all bedding, a stuffed bear that appeared to have blood on one of its feet and blood spatter on several areas of the residence, according to the arrest report. Also on July 28, after speak-
ing for about 15 minutes outside her residence with neighbors about her daughter’s disappearance, Rosalie Joseph returned inside and noticed a wet area on the carpet and a strong odor of bleach coming from male underwear found under Chery’s bed, both of which she did not believe were there before she stepped outside, the report stated. St. Simon had been alone in the residence while Rosalie Joseph was outside talking with her neighbors, the report stated. A crime-scene investigator would soon determine the spots of blood in the residence were human blood. St. Simon allegedly lied to investigators about his whereabouts on July 28, and about how he had borrowed his cousin’s car — a black Grand Prix — on July 27 to 28. Investigators said St. Simon was seen on surveillance video driving this car toward his apartment at 9:55 a.m. July 28 in this vehicle, and driving away from the apartment in the Grand Prix at 12:37 p.m. that same day. The worker who found Chery’s body told investigators he had seen a black Grand Prix parked along the roadway on Osceola Polk County Line Road on the afternoon of July 28.
Ocoee Police Dept. collects various guns
Ocoee police
Winter Garden police
Aug. 9 Police investigated a suspected counterfeit $100 bill at a business in the 3300 block of Daniels Road. Aug. 11 Police investigated the possible theft of a golf cart in the Regency Oaks subdivision. Stats The Winter Garden Police Department reported 575 calls for service from Aug. 7-13: Arrests — Adult, 41; juvenile, 6 Assault/battery — 13 Burglary (residential and business) — 6 Burglary (vehicle) — 3 Child abuse — 0 Criminal mischief — 2 Drug violations — 10 DUI — 2 Robbery — 0 Sexual assault/battery — 0 Thefts — 10 Vehicle accidents — 16 Vehicle thefts — 1 Missing/runaway adult — 0 Missing/runaway juvenile — 0.
Fourteen guns were turned in to Ocoee Police Department officers at the Aug. 14 Kicks 4 Guns event at HighPoint Church, 476 Ocoee Commerce Parkway. The annual event aims to get guns off the streets. People were encouraged to turn in firearms with no questions asked. In return, each participant received a $50 gift card. Most of the firearms turned in to Ocoee Police at this year’s Ocoee fire The Ocoee Fire Department’s event were shotguns, rifles and handguns, one of which was de- stations 25, 26, 38 and 39 reporttermined to have been stolen. ed 110 calls for assistance from Across Central Florida, a to- Aug. 7-13: Fire—4 tal of 802 guns were turned in to EMS—60 various law-enforcement agenVehicle accidents—4 cies during the Kicks 4 Guns Hazardous conditions—4 event, which was sponsored by Ocoee Police Cpl. Dewey Mullan inspects a rifle turned in Central Florida’s Crimeline and Public service—27 False alarms—11. at the Aug. 14 Kicks 4 Guns event in Ocoee. Real Radio 104.1.
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Vote Early H Vote August 26th! H Business Experience
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H Married to Debbie for 34 years with two children, Reed and Linda, and son-in-law, Doug H Member of First United Methodist Church
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bryan Nelson, Non-partisan, for Orange County Commission, District 2
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times 5B
Whispering Oak
Children’s Lighthouse
Whispering Oak Elementary’s preschool students from Ms. Mir’s class recently participated in the Young Athletes Program Culminating Event, showcasing the skills they learned. Wearing their new shirts with pride are Austyn Frazier, left, Amaya Ortecho, Iman Ansari, Jimmy Nguyen and Kaleb Moore.
Lakeview Middle
Ready for students
Lakeview Middle School administrators and support staff welcomed teachers back to school on Aug. 11. Robert Ryner, assistant principal; Adrienne Sears-Colman, dean; Dr. Shirley Fox, principal;
Debbie Ruchti, bookkeeper; Brigitte Taylor, reading coach; Sara Collins, media specialist; Scheryll Murray, resource teacher; Cheryl Hite, staffing specialist; Jennifer Decker, secretary; and Dr. Sidney Moss, assistant principal, all look forward to moving every student toward academic achievement.
West Orange High
Connor Callahan and Makayla Carter, of Children’s Lighthouse room 12, enjoy playing hide-and-go-seek on the playground.
FUMC Learning Center
The West Orange High School Student Government officers attended the South Florida Leadership Training Camp last week at Nova Southeastern University. Nick Presti, left, Sam Moore, Alex Grill, Katie Passilla, Alex McIntyre and Gabby Capozza were The children and staff of First United Methodist Learning Center came together to wrap among 1,000 other students selected to attend from across the state. up their last week of summer camp.
Montverde Academy
Windermere Prep
Bello chooses FSU
Montverde Academy rising senior Abdul Bello, a native of Nigeria, verbally committed to attend Florida State University and play college football in the fall of 2015. Bello, an Eagle offensive tackle, is pleased with his decision to attend FSU – the home of the 2013 BCS national champions. After considering many colleges and universities, Bello selected the Florida State football program because of his admiration for, and eagerness to learn from, FSU offensive line Coach Rick Trickett. “Bello made a big decision this week, and the MVA football staff and coaches support Abdul Bello and wish him well at FSU in 2015,” MVA boys varsity Football Head Coach Brian Treweek attracted the interest of many said in an interview with Mont- other schools, such as the Univerde.org. “Until then, our goals versity of Georgia and Duke for Bello will be to continue to University because of his raw encourage him to do well aca- strength and potential. Prior to demically and conscientiously the end of his junior year, Belprepare and properly train for lo received scholarship offers Windermere Preparatory School competed at the National Junior Classical League Sixty-First Annual Convention at the upcoming MVA football from Florida State University, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Emory University in Atlanta. Windermere Prep Latin teacher Megan Wallis, left, accompanied students Nick LaFalce, season.” Bello is relatively new to the Indiana, Maryland and Mis- Tyler Gros, Alex Schwartz, Sonobar Viliani, Samantha Mayfield, Avina Harry and Chris Becker to the event. Mayfied will attend Brown University in the fall and Harry will attend Stanford University. game of football but has already souri.
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6A The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
6B The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
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Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times 7A
“How to Communicate When Logic Doesn’t Work” Jerry Hamilton MS-Ed
An overview of Alzheimer’s and related dementias with an emphasis on communication and behavior issues
Saturday, August 23, 2014 Registration: 9:00 AM • Program: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM At Golden Pond Communities 402 Lakeview Road, Building #404, (2nd Building on the left) Winter Garden, FL 34787 Seating is limited. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Cindi at 407.843.1910 EXT. 301
Assisted Living Facility 9626 Sponsored by ADRC, the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Senior Resource Alliance and the Orlando Health Memory Disorder Clinic.
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times 7B
Classifieds 010 ANNOUNCEMENTS
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620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES
FOR CLASSIFIED ADS CALL 407-656-2121 • FAX 407-656-6075 • DEADLINE: TUESDAY 10AM
ADOPT - loving married couple seeks to adopt, will be hands on mom and dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Dawn & Domenick 1(855)985-4592. Adam Sklar #0150789 fcan8/21
WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $695, 2BR $745, 3BR $935 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included. 407-656-7162. 8/28tfn
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035 SCHOOLS AND INSTRUCTION
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AIRLINE Careers begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Housing and Financial aid available for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-314-3469. fcan8/21
CHURCH FOR RENT $1200 per month. 1st and last due at leasing signing. 407-656-5750. 8/28ma
750 OUT OF STATE
090 MISCELLANEOUS DirecTV - 2 Year Savings Event! Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade! Call 1-800-481-2137. fcan8/21 DISH TV Retailer. Starting $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Find Out How to SAVE Up to 50% Today! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL 1-800-605-0984. fcan8/21 Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 FREE Shipping! 100 Percent Guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-800943-8953. fcan8/21 Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritus Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800605-6035 for $750 Off. fcan8/21
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The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for available positions Job descriptions and applications are available online.
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The West Orange Times
BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:
“FoUndATIon WoRSHIP”
Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com
WEST oRAnGE BAPTIST P.O. Box 278 • 200 Tubb St. Oakland, FL 34760 (407) 656-9749 Pastor David Pruett
CATHoLIC RESURRECTIon CATHoLIC CHURCH 1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113
CHRISTIAn WEST oRAnGE CHURCH oF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com
CHURCH oF God oCoEE CHURCH oF God
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCoPAL CHURCH oF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
EPISCoPAL CHURCH oF THE ASCEnSIon
4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32819. 1 block south of Conroy-Windermere Rd. on right. 407-876-3480
407-656-4111
407-877-2795
The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sunday Services 8:30am,10:30am. and 6:30pm. Sunday School for all ages 9:30am and Children’s Chapel at 10:30am. Childcare provided. www.ascension-orlando.org
LUTHERAn PEoPLE oF FAITH CHURCH 220 Windermere Rd, Winter Garden Serv. 8:30am & 10:45am 407-877-3937 www.PeopleOfFaith.ORG
METHodIST FIRST UnITEd METHodIST CHURCH
125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135
PEnTECoSTAL GRACE WoRSHIP CEnTER
Temporarily meeting at Baldwin Fairchild of Winter Garden
428 East Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 Pastor Ricky L. Faircloth
PRESBYTERIAn oAKLAnd PRESBYTERIAn CHURCH
218 E. Oakland Ave. Oakland, FL 407-656-4452 www.oaklandpres.org Near exit 272 off the FL Turnpike Worship at 8:45 am and 11 am Sunday School for all ages at 9:45am. Nursery provided during worship.
Dr. Robert P. Hines, Jr., Pastor. Call about our preschool.
PRESBYTERIAn CHURCH oF THE LAKES, USA
Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org
UnITEd CHURCH oF CHRIST WIndERMERE UnIon CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
8A The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
Facilities
(Continued from 1A)
be negotiated. “The sooner the better, so we know what direction we need to go in, as far as budgeting for not next year, but the year after that,” said Smith, who began working as Windermere’s town manager in October 2011. If the firms find that it’s not worth refurbishing the existing buildings, they could suggest constructing a single government complex that would house all town offices, including the police department. “(The study) will look at similar towns of similar size with similar services, and determine what’s going to be the best and highest use for this piece of property,” Smith said. He said constructing new town facilities could range anywhere from $1 million to $4 million. The firms would make suggestions on ways to
pay this cost, such as long-term loans.
Accommodating the future
According to project documents: “The town currently consists of 2,800 residents. There are possibilities of future development and annexations but (the town’s) staffing needs would remain at or near what they are now. A long-term master facilities plan based on the town reaching full build-out should be considered at this time.” The firms will analyze these town properties:
Administration complex
The administration currently operates out of several buildings. Originally built as a schoolhouse complex
in 1916, the schoolhouse was converted to town offices in 2000, town officials said. The complex consists of: • Building A: town administration, clerk, finance department • Building B: old finance department, public works supervisor office, storage • Building C: commercial rent space (Windermere Counseling, Kaley’s Alterations, Realty International) • Police Department (connected to Elizabeth Parson’s School of Dance) Also, the public works storage yard and facility are south of the police department.
1887 school site
“The school site cannot be moved and should be incorporated into the
overall master plan,” officials said in the project documents.
Town Square
Contains Town Hall, the commercially leased Cal Palmer Memorial Building, the Franklin W. Chase Memorial Library, a town community room and a basketball court. “The Town Square is not to be replanned . . . but should be a factor in any recommendations,” officials said. The small police station and town administration offices make it “difficult to function,” Council Member Mike Pirozzolo said at the Aug. 12 meeting. But Council Member Richard Gonzalez cautioned, “If we have to take (the buildings) down, people in town need to know why we’re taking them down.” When asked after the meeting
Photo by Amy Quesinberry Rhode
A banana spider spins an elaborate web in the wooded Oakland African-American Historic Cemetery.
Cemetery
laid to rest here. After the 1940s, when people were no longer being buried in the cemetery and visitors became scarce, vegetation grew rampant, concealing many of the headstones in their own mossy tomb. Castle & Cooke, a company that develops master-planned communities, purchased a twoacre section of the land about a decade ago to use as a connector between West Colonial Drive and a project the company proposed behind the cemetery. It also agreed to maintain
A rusted grave marker, nearly invisible in the weeds, is flagged so a PVC pipe can be placed there.
(Continued from 1A) the cemetery, but Oakland resident Betty Wade — who is a member of the small cemetery committee and has several relatives buried there — said when the construction industry plummeted soon after, Castle & Cooke no longer had the funds to keep up with cemetery maintenance. Once again, it became a neglected and forgotten parcel of land. The cemetery was rediscovered when Florida’s Turnpike Authority officials were at the site to discuss road-widening
plans. Ground-penetrating radar located the bodies, and a chain-link fence was installed around the perimeter. Clean-up began and some trees were removed, but that work eventually came to a stand still.
At rest
A roster of the deceased has been compiled from various sources, including a site file survey, actual headstones and a research team that met with older residents and asked them to list who is buried in the cemetery.
BR DENTAL
Mary McClarey, Thelma Sullivan, Samuel Woodall, Janice Mcamgo, Priscilla Taylor and Bulah Brunson. Headstones reveal the names of Mallie Pierson, Liza Fulton and Robert Moses Johnson (born 1899, succumbed to the flu in 1918).
Moving forward
A Boy Scout troop has taken on the challenge of helping clean up the cemetery and building a new entrance off of Oakland Avenue. Wade said the scouts received donated wrought iron that will be in-
stalled, and PVC pipe donated to the town will replace the old tin markers that are faded and rusted and no longer identify the person buried beneath them. “We’re hoping to be able to locate some kind of grant monies to start working on it,” Wade said. “Getting the town to take over the cemetery was big. They can better handle the day-to-day maintenance.” After the work is completed, the town will apply for entry in the National Register of Historic Places.
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James W. Walker was Wade’s grandfather. He lies near others who founded the town and whose names are emblazoned on street signs around old Oakland: Samuel Eliza Pollard and Lizzie Pollard, James and Juna Jefferson, Sing Jefferson and Aaron Herriot (although the street name has two T’s). Oakland resident Masrine Gibson’s mother, Catherine Gaddis, is buried there. Celeste Pierce and her sister, both midwives a lifetime ago, are there. So are Samuel and Mellie Pierce, Martha McClarey and
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about the most-pressing problems with the current facilities, Smith listed “functionality, space, soundproofing. (The complex) was built to be a schoolhouse and not a government agency, or a police department.” He added that one of the police department’s goals is to become state accredited. “But currently, the way that they’re oriented within that structure, there’s no way we’ll get it accredited,” he said. “It’s just not adequate.” Overall, Smith prefers keeping all of the town facilities in the central downtown area for various reasons. He said, for example, that 90% of the Public Works Department’s duties are done downtown. And that’s where the town stores the equipment used to maintain the numerous dirt roads cherished by Windermere residents.
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West Orange Real Estate
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LOCAL NEWS
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Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times
Garage
until the next commission meeting because he received the current information packet on Tuesday and wanted more time to review it. Commissioner Bob Buchanan said, “We started three years ago, got hot and heavy two years ago. I don’t see that waiting two more weeks is unreasonable.” Commissioner Colin Sharman said he would like time to study the packet longer, as well. The commission voted unanimously to postpone the matter. Even though a vote was not called and therefore the commission was not required to ask for public comment, commissioners gave citizens time to voice their opinions. Tim Meddalena, who lives near the Tremaine location, said the parking garage wasn’t needed. He said better crowd control and placing employees near the garage to direct visitors to other parking would alleviate any parking problems. Some members of the audience applauded after he asked commissioners, “Does everyone want to live in an attraction?” He then said, “This is our backyard.” Some citizens supported the garage. Johnny Gough, of Boyd Street, spoke at the meeting: “I think this will help growth in Winter Garden. I think we’re heading in the right direction.” A few residents who live near the proposed garage but did not speak at the meeting expressed concerns that a garage would reduce their property values, significantly increase traffic and reduce privacy by providing opportunities for people parking to look into their backyards. CRA Board member Alan Haughley, who has an office in Winter Garden and lives in Orlando, said to Mayor Rees: “I’m surprised you’re looking for another two weeks. The best way to help everyone in Winter Garden is to get critical mass downtown.” Rees said: “I’m not saying I’m against the parking garage, but I want more time to study the issue. I don’t need two weeks, but I need a couple of days.” The next commission meeting is Aug. 28, and the issue will be on the agenda. Bollhoefer said two weeks wouldn’t substantially affect the plans but waiting longer than that could result in a significant increase in construction costs. He estimated a cost of $7.2 million to build the garage. The current plan calls for design to begin as soon as possible and construction to occur during summer 2015. The garage would open September 2015. Pushing the decision past the next meeting would make it difficult, if not impossible, to meet that schedule, he said.
(Continued from 1A) On another matter, Bollhoefer asked Anthony Peterson, organizer of the Unity in the Community event in East Winter Garden, to address the commission. This would have been the seventh year of the event had city staff not denied Peterson’s request for a permit. Peterson requested time to state his case directly to the commission, saying his event was “full of positive people” and brought visitor and sponsorship money to the city. Bollhoefer said the permit was denied after Police Chief George Brennan, Pastor Xerxes Snell of the Citizens Advisory Board and Parks and Recreation Director Jay Conn expressed concerns about reported drug use in the crowd and foul language from some of the music performers. Bollhoefer said: “Philosophically, it’s a good event. We proposed a partnership this year where we focus the event on Winter Garden and not advertise outside of town.” Rees suggested that Peterson meet with the city manager again to discuss the proposal and the concerns raised about the event. In other business, commissioners: • passed on its second reading an ordinance to make approximately $3,605,601 of revenueneutral changes to the Fiscal Year 2013-14 budget. The largest expenditure adjustments were for $1,213,596 in road improvements and $1,156,063 in water and wastewater improvements. • postponed for the third time an ordinance to rezone approximately 34 acres at 562 Beard Road south of Florida’s Turnpike and east of Daniels Road from single-family residential to Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the request of city staff, pending an evaluation by the Planning and Zoning Board. • unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance to rezone roughly 14 acres of West Orange outparcels near Winter Garden Vineland Road to Planned Commercial Development (PCD). The second reading will be Aug. 28. • passed by unanimous consent the first reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 10.5 acres south of SunRidge Boulevard, north of Black Lake, east of Avalon Road and west of Siplin Road from city No Zoning (NZ) to city R-1 Single-Family Residential. Community Development Director Ed Williams said it was difficult to connect sewer and water to the property, which included some wetlands. The developer plans to build one house and market it as an estate. The second reading will take place Aug. 28. • unanimously passed the first
reading of an ordinance rezoning approximately 64 acres east of Avalon Road on the north and south side of SunRidge Boulevard at 505 and 807 Avalon Road to City Suburban Residential. Williams said this is one of the last vacant pieces of property near the schools on SunRidge and the rezoning is subject to the developer agreeing to make fair-share payments and other conditions. The rezoning is subject to state review and the second reading will be scheduled after that review is completed. Buchanan asked what the state review will consist of and if the Orange County School Board had reviewed the impact of the project on local schools. Williams said the state will mostly check to make sure there’s sewer and water available to the development and that “we wouldn’t be bringing the project to you if it did not receive approval of the school board.” The commission also passed the first reading for rezoning approximately 68 acres at 505 and 807 Avalon Road and at 14966 Siplin Road to PUD from SingleFamily Residential and No Zoning (NZ). The commission will schedule the second reading of the ordinances on the same date in the future. • approved city staff recommendation to enter into a fair-share agreement with Iota Sessions, LLC, the SunRidge developer. Director said the developer’s payments were based on the 68-acre parcel. The developer agreed to make its payment within 60 days after the completion of the road. • approved the site plan for Baer’s Furniture store located at 12105 W. Colonial Drive, subject to some conditions. Williams said the location is already zoned commercial. The site plan includes an 82,000-square-foot furniture store and 14,000 square feet of retail space. Rees said, “I’d rather see a nice store on that property than a barbed wire fence around it.” • approved Brennan’s request to utilize funds from an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase 10 officer-worn body cameras for $10,343. • approved the interlocal agreement for fire-dispatch services with Orange County from Oct. 1, through Sept. 30, 2019. Fire Chief Matt McGrew said the “agreement is cost effective and beneficial to Winter Garden.” Providing a similar dispatch service in-house would require the city to hire seven dispatchers; sharing costs with Ocoee and Maitland requires the city to pay the cost of only three dispatchers.
BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS? Carrington finishes OB/GYN residency
District gov. visits W.G. Rotary
Rotary District Gov. Jo Weber, left, spoke to the Winter Garden Rotary Club recently about her 2014-15 term. Despite a busy schedule, Weber said she intends to meet with every club in her district. This year’s motto is to “Light up Rotary everywhere you go!” To learn more about Rotary, contact Sheri Loiacono, president, at (407) 468-2025.
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Nateya Dena Carrington, a 2002 graduate of West Orange High School, has completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. She will begin her practice with Advance OB/GYN in Leesburg.
The Garden Theatre has formed a partnership with Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater for performances of “The Little Mermaid” this Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 24, at 1 and 2:30 p.m. at the Garden Theatre. Pinocchio’s, founded in 1999 and previously located in Winter Park and Altamonte Springs, has created a mobile set for these Garden Theatre performances and others in venues across the state. In this version of “The Little Mermaid,” string puppets enact the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale in an original musical version set in Florida. Mermaids and manatees sing, play and try to keep their spring clean while watching out for the sea witch. Tickets are $6, and seating is reserved. This show is appropriate for children of all ages. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Garden Theatre Box Office at (407) 877-4736 or online at gardentheatre.org. The theater is at 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.
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John Corkum, of Winter Garden, has been named to the president’s list at Benedictine College for the spring 2014 semester. Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college in Atchison, Kan.
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The Winter Garden Art Association has scheduled a series of art workshops for the fall season. Classes take place at the 127 SoBo Art Center. Residents can register at WGart.org for one or more of the following: • “Artist Way,” a discussion series with Shirley Fox, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 26 through Nov. 18. Cost is $25 for members. • “Intro to Jewelry Making” with Elizabeth McKinney, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 11. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for others. • “Intro to 3D Sidewalk Chalk” with Rudy Drapiza, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Cost is $35. • “Unleash Your Creative Spirit with Palette Knives & Sally Shisler,” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 24-26. Cost is $300 for members, $320 for others. • “Intro to Stained Glass” with Mary Keating, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 26 and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and 28. Cost is $125 for members, $145 for others. • “Bold & Dynamic Watercolors” with Kim Minichiello, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17. Cost is $200 for members, $225 for others. • “And the Sea Will Tell” acrylics for adults with Rudy Drapiza, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14. Cost is $150 for members, $170 for others. • “And the Sea Will Tell” acrylics for teens with Rudy Drapiza, 4:30-9 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14. Cost is $100 for members, $120 for others. • “Unleash Your Creative Art exhibit features Spirit with Palette Knives & area farmworkers Sally Shisler,” from 10 a.m. to 6 The Crealde School of Art p.m. Nov. 19-21. Cost is $300 for and city of Winter Garden will members, $320 for others. present “The Last Harvest – a History and Tribute to the Life Think you’ve and Work of the Farmworkers got talent? on Lake Apopka,” an Art in The American Legion AuxilPublic Places exhibit. It runs iary and the Winter Garden Pothrough Nov. 14 in the City Hall lice Athletic League are looking lobby during business hours. for residents who want to share A reception will take place whatrthey can do at eeves the Sept. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the City 6 “W.G.’s Got Talent” show. Hall lobby from 5:30-7 p.m. and Applications hirOpraCtOr are available at is open to the public. American Legion Post 63, 271
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Winter Garden Rotary Club welcomed Kate Martin as the guest speaker at a recent meeting. Martin spoke about UCP of Central Florida, a non-profit organization that provides education, therapy and support services to children with disabilities and their families. The goal of UCP is to provide opportunities for each child to learn, grow and excel. For more information about UCP, visit ucpcfl.org. The club meets at noon Tuesdays at Tanner Hall in Winter Garden. For more information on the club, go to rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.
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The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
P.D. creates safety net for elderly By Amy Quesinberry Rhode Steve Thomas, Oakland’s chief of police, is reaching out to his town’s older population in hopes that the residents will reach out in return — daily as a member of the police department’s new Oakland Partners. The well-being program is designed for senior citizens and shut-ins, but anyone can sign up, including single individuals or residents “who live alone and just want someone to know that you’re OK.” Every day, those who are registered must call the designated Oakland Partners number between 8:30 a.m. and noon to check in. “If contact isn’t made by phone, an officer responds to the home of the Oakland Partner to check on their well-being,” Thomas said. Many serious injuries and deaths resulting from falls could have been prevented if the victim could have contacted someone by phone,
the chief said. Residents who participate in the program must submit a registration form and house key to the police department. Forms are available at the Oakland Police Department or its website, oaktownusa.com. “The Oakland Partners program provides a measure of safety and security to those who need it most,” Thomas said. “We are hopeful that residents in Oakland will take advantage of this…” He said last week that he already had one elderly couple signed up — “He’s in a wheelchair; she just wants someone to have daily contact.” Registration is ongoing at the police department. The program began Monday and is provided with assistance from Orange County Fire Rescue. For more information, call the OPD at (407) 656-9797. Oakland has a population of about 2,700 residents, and 16% are 60 and older, according to Thomas.
Preserve getting a facelift
Sarah Miller from the Florida Public Archaeology Network will lead the Sept. 20 Science Saturday program about Timucuan technology.
Be a Timucuan architect for a day Join archaeologist Sarah Miller for an extraordinary ONP Science Saturday on Sept. 20. The Timucua are one of the largest indigenous groups that inhabited Central Florida. Miller will share fascinating facts about these ancient Native Florida inhabitants and engage participants in some Timucuan technology. Guests will learn how to make cordage (primitive rope) and thatch a shelter.
Start time for this interesting and fun morning is 9:30 a.m. Oakland Nature Preserve is at 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. This event is free to the public. Science Saturdays are offered on the third Saturday of every month. For additional information, contact Oakland Nature Preserve by e-mailing director@ oaklandnaturepreserve.org or calling (407) 509-0054.
Oakland commission Play in a to meet at charter homeschool band school Aug. 26 The Youth Christian MusiThe Oakland Town Commission will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Oakland Avenue Charter School. Elected officials are touring the school’s new classrooms before the meeting.
Help plan heritage festival
The Oakland Nature Preserve and the town of Oakland are making plans for the annual Oakland Heritage Festival and are looking for residents to volunteer. To help, contact Barbara Gugliotti at (407) 905-0054.
cians Concert Band program at Oakland Presbyterian Church allows students in fifth through 12th grades to discover the value of playing an instrument, develop musical skills and experience the joy of performing with an instrumental ensemble. There are no charges for instruction. No prior experience in music is necessary. Classes are available at the beginning and intermediate levels. Classes meet Wednesdays at the church: Beginning Band, from 2-3:30 p.m.; and Intermediate Band, 3:30-5 p.m. For more information, visit ycmband.com.
In an attempt to restore them to what they might have been more than 100 years ago, the forested wetlands and upland areas of the Oakland Nature Preserve have been in an ongoing process of habit renovation since the preserve’s acquisition in the 1990s. The upland areas were altered for growing citrus until the freezes of the 1980s. Later, they were planted in slash pine and sand pine. It is speculated that in the remote past ONP’s uplands were longleaf pinelands with a rich understory of native grasses and wildflowers. Florida’s uplands are maintained with low-intensity fires that kill the mid-story shrubs and trees and prevent the buildup of underbrush. The most recent upland restoration area is the 11 acres of the preserve visible from Simeon Road. The restoration process started with the logging of sand pines in May 2013. This month, the area was treated with an initial application of herbicide. More herbicide, rigorous weeding, prescribed fire and eventual planting of the understory and longleaf pines will, over the coming years, complete the restoration of the Red Trail. The community can be a part of this important habitat restoration. Besides help with weeding and planting, assistance is also needed keeping out things that are working against the process, such as trash and pet feces. Also, plant material that finds its way into the preserve from surrounding neighborhoods can introduce weeds and non-native, exotic vegetation that can over take the native restoration plantings, as well as impact the success of controlled fires. There is currently an overabundance of noxious weeds on the restoration site. Their control will be the most expensive part of the restoration process in terms of dollars and labor. To become involved in this important restoration project, contact ONP Board member Jim Helmers, who is also Red Trail Project chair, at (407) 905-0054 or ONP Outreach Coordinator Tina Meadows at outreach@oaklandnaturepreserve.org.
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014
Please vote for
Senator
Geraldine F. Thompson LEADING WITH INTEGRITY ENDORSED BY: AFSCME Apopka City Commissioner Billie Dean Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer Associated Builders & Contractors Bruce Antone Business Force Central Florida AFL-CIO Apopka City Commissioner Billie Dean Eatonville Council Member Rodney Daniel Emerge PAC Emily’s List Equality Florida Action PAC Florida AFL-CIO Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Florida Democratic Party Florida Education Association Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Florida Justice Association Florida Medical Association PAC
Florida Planned Parenthood Alliance Florida Professional Firefighters Grey2K USA International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Orange County Classroom Teachers Association PAC Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell Orange County Realtors Orlando City Commissioner Sam Ings Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Orlando Sentinel Police Benevolent Association Progressive Majority Reverend Randolph Bracy Ruth’s List SEIU Sheriff Jerry Demings Oakland Commissioner Joe McMullen
P o l i t i c a l A d v e r t i s e m e n t p a i d f o r a n d a p p r o v e d b y G e r a l d i n e F . T h o m p s o n , D e m o c r a t , f o r F l o r i d a S e n a t e D i s t r i c t 1 2 .
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times 11A
Ocoee Commission pours over budget By Tony Judnich
Each of the five Ocoee city commissioners plans to share his or her respective “wish list” for Ocoee at the city’s next budget workshop. It’s scheduled for 6 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 21, at Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive. At the commission’s Aug. 11 budget workshop, Mayor Scott Vandergrift asked his fellow commissioners to turn in their wish lists, with monetary estimates if possible, to City Manager Rob Frank for the upcoming meeting. Some commissioners on Aug. 11 hinted that their lists could include ways of improving Ocoee’s downtown. On July 15, the commission set a proposed, tentative property tax rate of 6.5 mills for the fiscal 2015 budget. Commissioners adamantly stated the
rate is an impermanent one and represents a “ceiling” that will come down. Commissioner Joel Keller, for example, had said the 6.5 was “just a play number” for now. And the tentative rate, commissioners agreed, would give them leeway to make adjustments before the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. If the city uses the 6.5 rate rather than sticking with the current 5.78 rate, it would have $1,244,540 “in contingency dollars that the City Commission may allocate based on strategic planning initiatives,” Frank wrote in his budget message to commissioners for fiscal 2015. In addition to discussing those possible funds, commissioners on Aug. 11 poured over the proposed budget, often page by page. Vandergrift said he prefers going through the budget line
by line to allow the public — including people who watch the commission meetings on TV — to know what’s happening. But Commissioner Rusty Johnson disagreed. “We don’t need to go through each page, line by line, going over silly little things we deal with every year,” he said. “All we need to do is find out what we’re going to do extra.” The commission went on to examine various-sized, possible expenses of different city departments, as well as proposed capital improvement projects. For example, the proposed budget calls for three new positions: two part-time/seasonal workers in the Parks Division, at a cost of $15,000, and an administrative assistant for the Support Services Department, at a cost of $49,120. Also in the proposed budget
are 2% pay increases for nonunion employees and a 2.3% on-average pay increase for police union employees. Other possible expenses include: • almost $1.3 million worth of storm-water capital improvements • a little more than $1 million in loan payments for various properties, including a $296,355 payment on the police station loan • $700,000 for the design of an Ocoee West Transmission System for the Utilities Department • $450,000 on paving improvements for roads such as Bluford Avenue, Ridgefield Avenue, Ocoee Hills Road and Olympus Drive/Acropolis Circle/Adriatic Drive • $180,000 for records-management and computer-aideddispatch systems for the police department.
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Police, pizza joint to promote safety
The Ocoee Police Department and Stevi B’s Pizza plan to host “Ocoee’s Community Safety Day” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the pizza parlor, 9679 W. Colonial Drive. The event will feature free school supplies while they last, as well as raffles, prizes, kids’ height and weight checks, fingerprinting, a fire truck on display, and more. Children must be present for the school supply giveaway. Also, through Aug. 22, anyone who brings in school supplies to Stevi B’s will receive a gift certificate. To learn more, contact Ocoee Police Officer Patera Scott at (407) 905- 3160, Ext. 3024, or Patera.Scott@ocoee. org.
Holding Old Glory are Legion Post Commander Judd Kuneman, left; Nancy Pender, principal at Spring Lake Elementary; Joe Cormier, dean of students at Orange County Public Schools; and Legionnaire Richard Sheridan.
Legion gives flags to school Members of the American Legion in Winter Garden recently donated 39 American flags to the newly renovated Spring Lake Elementary, in Ocoee. Joe Cormier, dean of students at Orange County Public Schools, was looking for a source of American flags when he con-
tacted Legion Post Commander Judd Kuneman. Kuneman, through the American Legion program, arranged for the purchase of the flags and mounting brackets and arranged the donation. The flags will be displayed in each of the new classrooms.
Senior of the Month Brooklyn, N.Y., the most populous of the five burroughs, had another addition on Aug. 25, 1924. Vincent Pizzo was born to Joseph and Rosina Pizzo. His father owned a sewing machine factory and his mother was a homemaker. He had five brothers and one sister. After school, he went to work in a factory that produced Army officers’ overcoats. Jane DeStio, while visiting the sewing machine factory with her parents, was introduced to Vincent. Then, on Sept. 9, 1945, they were married, and have celebrated 69 years together. They have one son, Joseph, who was born three months after Vincent went into the Army Air Force. During his service time, he was in Okinawa and Special Services, and was the manager of a club and the postmaster at Okinawa. After his military service, Vincent went back to a garment factory making military coats. Later, he was a supervisor for a home-delivery laundry and dry cleaning services company. He and Jennie semi-retired to Florida in 1990 as he went to work as a crossing guard, and fully retired seven years later.
Vincent Pizzo Music has always been in the family. Their son sings professionally with a group. Jennie’s oldest brother was a drummer for the famous Eddie Duchin Orchestra. This allowed Vincent and Jennie to be at Radio City Music Hall for many shows. Vincent and his wife have a 23-year-old grandson, a 20-year-old granddaughter and a 2-year-old great grandson. Vincent’s retired years have allowed him to be a regular at the senior’s casino trips and bingo sessions, as well as the monthly luncheons.
The post supports youth and community programs and advocates patriotism, strong national security and continued support of fellow service members and veterans. The post welcomes new members to participate in community events and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans.
Ocoee group to share history
The Sons of Confederate Veterans Capt. Bluford M. Sims Camp 1630 will host a free military history show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Tom Ison Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. The show will feature a variety of exhibits and artifacts from the Civil War and weapons from the Seminole Indian Wars, Civil War, World War I and II, the Korean War and other wars. To learn more, contact Camp 1630 Commander Glen Richardson at (407) 877-7472 or cappouch@ aol.com.
Appraiser to host Town Hall meeting
West Orange County residents are invited to meet with Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh at a Town Hall meeting from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive. The meeting will give residents a chance to ask questions about their 2014 property assessments and TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices. For more information, call (407) 836-5044.
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12A The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
Photo by Tony Judnich
The Grove at Isleworth is at 4744 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.
Growth at “The Grove” continues By Tony Judnich
Officials from the upscale Grove at Isleworth development have been busy working with new and prospective tenants for some of the project’s remaining spaces. The Grove is part of a 290,000-square-foot, mixeduse project. It opened in 2011 at 4744 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, on the southwest corner of Apopka-Vineland and Conroy-Windermere roads. The site is adjacent to the Isleworth Golf & Country Club and two miles east of downtown Windermere. And The Grove’s overall impact on Windermere has been a positive one, Windermere Town Council Member John Armstrong said Aug. 11. “If it’s impacted us, it’s probably given our residents more
options in restaurants,” he said. The Grove, which is anchored by Publix, includes Dexter’s Restaurant, BurgerFi and Panera Bread. One of its largest properties is a LA Fitness Signature Club. Armstrong said that while an Orange County project that widened the intersection next to The Grove improved the flow of traffic on Apopka-Vineland Road, the traffic on ConroyWindermere Road hasn’t been an issue. “I don’t think we have a lot more traffic because of The Grove,” he said. “I think it’s more from commuters between Winter Garden and the Disney area.” Windermere has only about 3,000 residents but sometimes sees between 17,000 and 27,000 vehicles cutting through Main
Street — the heart of downtown — on a daily basis, according to town information. Looking ahead, The Grove has pending contracts with a chiropractor and wellness practice, an engineering firm and a photographer, said Jessi Blakley, spokeswoman for the Orlando office of the Tavistock Group. The group is the Bahamas-based parent company of the Tavistock Development Co., which developed The Grove. Some of the development’s current office tenants are the Orlando Eye Institute and Dr. Jeannette Hudgens’ Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. According to data cited by the Tavistock Development Co., the average household income of the almost 2,000 households within a one-mile radius of the center is $145,304.
Upcoming events at the Tibet-Butler Preserve Free “Eco Saturdays” are scheduled through September at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. All programs start at 10 a.m. Here is the schedule: • Aug. 23 — Totally Turtles: Find out how people are similar and different from turtles, make shells to match those of turtles and meet the preserve’s resident turtles. Appropriate for Pre-K children; limited to 25 participants. • Aug. 30 — Endangered
Species of Florida: Discuss the plants and animals on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Learn why they are declining in numbers and ways to help them. Appropriate for ages 7 and up; limited to 50 participants. • Sept. 20 — Call of the Wild: Learn how people’s ears work and why animals make different sounds, and play “sound bingo” for prizes. Appropriate for ages 7 and up; limited to 30 participants. • Sept. 27 — Radical Rap-
tors: Enjoy a presentation of four birds of prey, including a bald eagle, from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. Participants will discover the senses and physical adaptations that make these birds masters of the sky. Appropriate for all ages; limited to 50 participants. Officials at the preserve ask participants to call ahead so they can better gauge the interest level of each class. The phone number is (407) 8766696.
Are you crafty?
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church needs crafters starting at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the first and fourth Tuesdays. Participants should bring a bag lunch and meet in the St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall.
Market day, Food Truck Night
The Windermere Farmer’s Market is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, in Town Square, 520 Main St. The market features fresh produce, fresh bread, hanging baskets, plants, homemade pasta, local honey and other items. To learn more, visit facebook.com/WindermereFarmersMarket. Also, Family Food Truck Night is scheduled for 5-9:30 p.m. Aug. 22 in Town Square.
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Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times EXPENDABLES 3 THE
PG-13
INTO THE STORM
PG-13
Fri & Sat 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:55 Sunday 1:10, 4:10, 7:10 Mon - Thurs 4:10, 7:10 Fri & Sat 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:45 Sunday 1:20, 4:20, 7:20 Mon & Tues 4:20, 7:20
The deadlines for film submissions has been announced for the fourth annual StarLite Film Festival, taking place Feb. 26 through March 1, 2015, at the Garden Theatre in downtown Winter Garden. The event is a juried exhibition for micro-budget narrative features and student shorts that take a closer look at untold stories, investigate fresh perspectives and magnify unfamiliar faces. The festival is seeking featurelength (70-120 minutes) narrative films that are produced, shot and completed for a total budget under $200,000. This year, the festival will also be accepting film shorts (total running time, including credits, must not exceed 10 minutes) from students that are produced, shot and completed for a total budget under $10,000. Films are to be submitted online at FilmFreeway.com. The regular deadline to enter is Sept. 19 (however, there are later deadDowney meets Cardinal lines with higher fees). Orlando resident Theresa Downey recently had the honor Award categories include jury of having a private meeting with Cardinal Timothy Dolan in New York City. Downey is a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando. Group bringing Celtic
Volunteer opportunities Health Central Park
Volunteers are needed at Health Central Park, 411 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, to assist with the spiritual and religious needs of the elderly residents and to assist with community trips, one-on-one visits and other recreational classes. Contact Judy Skilton at (407) 296-1656 for more information.
Nehrling Gardens
Open garden and volunteer days are on the first and second Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a tour on another day, contact info@ nehrlinggardens.org.
American Legion holding blood drive
American Legion, Hugh T. Gregory Post 63, in conjunction with Florida’s Blood Centers, will be conducting a blood drive from 2-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. The blood collection van will be in front of the post at 271 W. Plant St. in downtown Winter Garden. Donors receive free movie vouchers. The post will be open with sodas, coffee, tea, water, fruits and pastries available.
Duplicate bridge
N-S: 1. J. and R. Jett 2. H. Parker-M. Lesnik 3. S. Kmiec-M. Ryan 4. L. and T. Saulino 5. B. Ballenger-R. Kerkhoff; E-W: 1. S. and B. Binkley 2. M. Guthrie-B. Shelton 3. M. and D. Larson 4. J. DeLoachN. Velden 5. S. Horovitz-B. Aoxtif.
entertainment to W.G.
The Orlando New World Celts are coming to downtown Winter Garden to share music, authentic Irish fare and the film “Brigadoon” on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Garden Theatre. Tickets are $20 for dinner and entertainment and $5 for the movie only. To purchase tickets, go to gardentheatre. org/community. The movie starts at 4:30 p.m. with entertainment starting at 3:45 (weather permitting) on Plant Street followed by a short concert from Rosie’s in the theater. Following the movie, the entertainment goes upstairs to the Garden Room for Irish food, entertainment by Oddbins, a raffle and more. All profits go to support the Orlando New World Celts, Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders Pipe Band and the Orlando Hurling Club.
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prizes for Best Domestic Feature, Best International Feature, Best Domestic Student Short (College Level), Best International Student Short (College Level), Best Domestic Student Short (Pre-College Level) and Best International Student Short (Pre-College Level); as well as Audience Choice awards for Best Feature and Best Student Feature; the Spirit of StarLite Award (honoring the feature film that best represents the festival’s mission); and the StarLite Legends Award (honoring a filmmaker whose contribution to micro-budget cinema warrants special recognition). For more information, visit starlitefilmfest.com.
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FRIDAY, Aug. 22 thru THURS, Aug. 28 THE BEST MOVIE VALUE IN WO COUNTY
13A
WHEN the GAME STANDS TALL
Fri & Sat 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:55 Sunday 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Mon & Tues 4:15, 7:15 Wed & Thur 4:20, 7:20
PG
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES PG-13 Fri & Sat 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 9:50 Sunday 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 Mon & Tues 4:30, 7:30 Wed & Thur 4:15, 7:15
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Fri & Sat 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:50 Sunday 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 Mon - Thurs 4:00, 7:00
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Fri & Sat 1:40, 4:40, 7:40, 9:55 Sunday 1:40, 4:40, 7:40 Mon - Thurs 4:40, 7:40 Wed & Thur 4:30, 7:30
14A
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
Obituaries
PAUL VINCENT POSTEN, age 85, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014, in Orlando. Paul earned his a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Scranton, PA, in 1952. He continued his education at the University of Delaware and in 1957 earned a Master Degree in Chemistry. During college, Paul worked at Atlas Chemical (ICI Chemicals) as a bench chemist. Paul also earned a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1978. In 1955, he married the pretty young lady from the church choir, Marjorie Powell, and they began their married life in Westfield, NY, working for the Welch’s Grape Juice Company. After several cold winters, they relocated to New Jersey and Paul began his career in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as a chemist for Johnson and Johnson, eventually finding his way into sales. Sales afforded him the opportunity to use his knowledge of chemistry in educating and assisting customers with formulations. Paul began working at Amerchol Corporation in 1966 in sales and left in 1980 as the Director of Sales for America and Europe. Paul and Marge then moved to Central Florida and began the second half of their lives. Paul began the Paul Posten Co., represented numerous companies to the Cosmetic Industry in Florida and Georgia. In recent years, Paul worked part-time for the Walt Disney World Co. in Once Upon a Toy shop. Paul enjoyed working with interning college students, full-time staff and engaging with the guests. Paul was an example of what is best in mankind. During his lifetime he consistently showed kindness, a sense of grace and the willingness to help those in his life; choosing to serve family and community. Paul was a Boy Scout, earning the rank of Life, volunteered with Indian Guides and the Boy Scouts of America, served in various church capacities (Deacon, Session and committees), a life member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists
ADAM M. RICHARDSON, 46, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, after a sudden illness. He was a lifelong resident of Orlando. Adam was the cherished husband of Laine Reeves Richardson, formerly of Tildenville, and devoted son of Catherine Walschinski. He leaves behind a large group of family and friends. He held various positions in IT and A/V. In 2009, he fulfilled his dream of making a feature film. To find all the words to define him is impossible. He never met a stranger. He was well-known for his love of all things Star Wars. He was bawdy, he was loyal, he was kind-hearted. Friends and family RENEE CIRINOLAN, 43, of Winter Garden, are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Florida departed this life on Saturday, August Thursday, Aug. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Baldwin 9, 2014. Renee was employed as a program Fairchild - Ivanhoe Chapel at 301 Northeast Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32804. Please coordinator at MetroWcome share your memories of Adam. In honor of est Elementary School his signature style, please wear either a Hawaifor several years. She ian shirt or something Star Wars/sci-fi related. is survived by her loving In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to husband, Jeffrey Cirinotheir paypal account at mistresslaine@aol.com lan; sons, Donovan (Ashto help defray medical expenses. “Luminous beley) Gardner and Jaquan ings are we…not this crude matter.” The Empire Alexander; mother, Annie Strikes Back Gardner; sisters, Stephanie (Robert) Sanders, CARMEN GUZMAN, 91, Winter Garden, died Sharon (Johnny) Wright; Wednesday, Aug. 13. Funeraria San Juan, Bogbrothers, Ronnie Gardner and Willie (Tina) Gardner. A service of Celebra- gy Creek Road, Kissimmee. tion was held on Saturday. Postell’s Mortuary INDIANA HARRY, 87, Winter Garden, died Aug. provided service for the Cirinolan family. 4. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka. CIRA BODDENS, 85, Winter Garden, died Friday, Aug. 15. Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary, Orlando. MARGARETA JAKOBSSON, 68, Winter Garden, died Aug. 10. A Community Funeral Home ALEXANDRIA FRANSA CHERY, 16, Orlando, & Sunset Cremations, Orlando. died July 28, Unity Memorial Funeral Home East ANA JIMENEZ, 60, Winter Garden, died Aug. 9. Inc., Apopka. Orlando Direct Cremation Service. BARBARA JEAN COLEMAN, 66, Ocoee, died Wednesday, Aug. 13. Robert Bryant Funeral & BRENDA GAIL MINOR, 47, Ocoee, died Aug. 11. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha. Cremation Chapel, Orlando. and Past President of the Florida Chapter. In addition to his wife of 58 years, Paul leaves behind his three children and their families: Paul Douglas & Patti Posten and children Powell and Palmer of Stroudsburg, PA; Laurie Sepulveda and daughter, Jennifer Songer, husband Jonathan and children Collin, Alyssa and Madison of Clermont, FL; Leslie and Joe Carreiro and children Alexandria and Paul of Black Mountain, NC; a host of wonderful friends from childhood, Orlando and Clermont, Florida. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, August 1, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church of Clermont. A reception followed in the Wesley Center. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association for research: Alz. org or Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
AGNES BELL BREEDLOVE - On 8-13-2014, the family of Agnes lost a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Agnes was a kind and gentle person, loved by many. She was born in Oak Level, NC, attended East Carolina Teachers College, married in 1956 and moved to Orlando in 1957. She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Breedlove; daughters, Perry Fogle (Chuck) and Jamie Dedmon (Mike); grandchildren, Bradley Fogle (Victoria), Chris Dedmon, Tiffany Baisch (Mike) and Nick Fogle; and great-grandchildren, Preston, Riley and Lucas. A Celebration of Agnes’s life will be held on 8-23-2014 at 11:00 am Woodlawn Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Organization in memory of Agnes Breedlove. For service information, visit www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. CHARLES “BUTCH” JEFFERSON, 61, Ocoee, died Aug. 12. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. ROBERT ALLAN GARNETT, 70, Winter Garden, died July 31. Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary, Orlando. NANCY JEANNE NYLIN, 88, Winter Garden, died Friday, Aug. 15. Newcomer Family Funeral Home, East Orlando Chapel. MARTIN MATA REYES, 33, Ocoee, died Aug. 1. Robert Bryant Funeral & Cremation Chapel, Orlando. MARIA RIOS, 68, Winter Garden, died Aug. 7. Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary, Orlando. JOSE MARRERO, 61, Winter Garden, died July 17. Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary, Orlando.
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Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times
RAIN
WEST ORANGE
WEATHER
(INCHES)
WED.
Aug. 20
0.0
TEMPERATURES
THURS. Aug. 21
0.11
Thurs., Aug. 21 Fri., Aug. 22 Sat., Aug. 23 Sun., Aug. 24 Mon., Aug. 25 Tues., Aug. 26 Wed., Aug. 27
FRI.
Aug. 22
0.19
SAT.
Aug. 23
0.14
SUN.
Aug. 24
0.08
MON.
Aug. 25
0.36
TUES.
HIGH 94 92 95 95 89 91 87
LOW 72 72 72 71 72 71 70
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES MOON Thurs., Aug. 21 Fri., Aug. 22 Sat., Aug. 23 Sun., Aug. 24 Mon., Aug. 25 Tues., Aug. 26 Wed., Aug. 27
SUNRISE 6:59 a.m. 6:59 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:01 a.m. 7:02 a.m.
SUNSET 8:01 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:59 p.m. 7:57 p.m. 7:56 p.m. 7:55 p.m. 7:54 p.m.
WEEKEND AT A GLANCE FRI.
SAT.
PHASES
Aug. 25
Sept. 2
SUN.
Aug. 26
0.44
AUGUST TO DATE 7.5
Sept. 8
HIGH 92 LOW 72
HIGH 95 LOW 72
HIGH 95 LOW 71
Sept. 16
The winner of this week’s I Love West Orange Photo Contest is Myrna Barba of Winter Garden, who submitted this photo of magnificent orchids. The West Orange Times is hosting the contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 gift card. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to news@ wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Winners can pick up their prize at the Times office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.
I WO
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We pass each other as we go to work each day. We see you at the grocery store. Our kids play together after school. We are the people of Duke Energy. And we are working hard to keep the lights on – for your family and for ours. We’re proud to be a part of this community and to be a sponsor of Oakland Nature Preserve’s Environmental Summer Camps.
www.duke-energy.com
407-600-0013 321-806-2074
15A
16A
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
Robert Lee spends time with his grandchildren Madelynne, Tyler, Wyatt, Adreya and Brendyn Lee while they pick spaghetti squash.
Farms
preservatives and nitrates. The farm has made its food available to the broad public at retail stores, farmers markets, restaurants and hotels throughout Florida, including local places such as the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market and
(Continued from 1A) Urban Flats. “Lake Meadow is helping bridge the gap between small farms and restaurants,” Farm Manager Brandon Kunkel said. Dale Volkert, owner of Lake Meadow Naturals, moved from his family dairy farm in Wis-
consin to pursue his dream of raising cage-free chickens. He hoped to reconnect people with how their food is produced and create a place where they could see it — like he experienced when he was a child. Volkert’s father gave him his
Photos courtesy of Lee Farms
Cassidy Lee, 2, loves to play on the farm with her brothers and sisters, including, at right, Tyler, Adreya, Brendyn, Wyatt and Madelynne, who compete to gather the most snap peas.
first flock of chickens for a 4-H youth project back in 1960. In 2004, when he bought the Lake Meadow property, chickens were sent in honor of his father from the same hatchery. Volkert began raising the birds to lay hormone-free eggs, and soon
the demand for clean and locally produced foods led to restaurants wanting Lake Meadow Naturals on the menu. “The farm has grown slowly and steady, and we focus on what is sustainable and are in a constant state of educating
ourselves and our customers,” Kunkel said.
Egg collecting, tours
The farm is open for egg picking on Saturdays from 9
(See Farms, 17A)
Thursday, August 21, 2014 The West Orange Times
Farms
(Continued from 16A)
a.m. to 5 p.m. An employee will take visitors out to the hen house, teach how to find the best eggs and guide them along the way. Guests should bring their own recycled egg cartons, if possible. Tours are given by appointment and show the processing room where the eggs are cleaned and graded. Guests can see the many gardens and bee houses where fresh honey is made. Goats, ducks, geese, chickens, peacocks, swans and more are visible right from the driveway, and visitors are welcome to pet the animals that come close by. To schedule a tour, call (321) 206-6262, Ext. 2.
Lee Farms
17A
Dedicated to providing natural produce, Lee Farms is manned by three generations of the Lee family. Austin Lee; his father, Robert; his wife, Christina; and their children carry on the legacy of the land — begun many generations ago under the Lee name. They work together to create assorted, in-season fruit and vegetable baskets to a variety of locations, with new items to try each week. Customers can look forward to a fresh surprise either at the farmers market, local pick-up stations or even hand-delivered to their doorstep. The farm is located in Webster, but has made West Orange County a priority on its delivery route, currently serving those in Oakland and Winter Garden. Every Thursday from 3-6 p.m., the Lees can be found in the Mosaic Church parking lot, 608 W. Oakland Ave., Oakland, with pre-made baskets and other produce for sale. They also deliver directly to Oakland and Winter Garden homes on the same day. When the recession hit in 2010, the Lees began growing food to make it through the difficult time. Eventually, they had enough to sell at local farmers markets in Webster, and word began to get out about the family’s work — growing non-GMO, organic
products. “Local people started driving all the way to the Villages [market] to come buy our produce,” Christina Lee said. “We had one loyal customer who asked if I would consider putting a basket together each week and if I would meet her at the elementary school to bring it to her. Our first week, we sold one basket. By the next week, we were up to eight. Since then, through Facebook and word-of-mouth, we have grown and grown.”
Family teamwork
Austin and Christina have seven children — Brendyn, 13, Tyler, 9, Madelynne, 7, Adreya, 5, Wyatt, 4, Cassidy, 2, and Cade, 4 months. Working together as a team, the Lee family has formed a special bond. Brendyn assists with farming operation and deliveries, and Tyler can be seen at the Oakland/Winter Garden drop-offs. His mom said he has “quite a few fans” due to his basket-filling skills, along with his sister, Madelynne. Adreya loves to sing her “buy corn” cheer, to draw in customers at the market, and Wyatt is their “potato man,” keeping baskets filled. Even the younger kids help out on the farm, picking easy items such as green beans and squash. They hold bean-picking contests to see who can fill their bucket the quickest, and Christina said even little Cassidy helps pull squash off the vines. “They get the opportunity to learn very valuable life skills,” Christina Lee said. “They see exactly what goes into every dollar we make, and understand what a ‘bad’ week looks and feels like. They are able to take pride in what we do as a family. This is every bit as much their farm as it is ours.”
ly vegetables with a little fruit and offers more unique options such as beets, kohlrabi, Swiss chard and turnips. The Traditional also holds a majority of vegetables of a more popular variety. The Lees recently added the Fruit basket to the menu, a medley of the best of the harvest. All the baskets come in two sizes. The small serves one to three people for $15; the large serves four to six and is $25. To order, visit leefarmswebster.com. “We are in a rare place where we can see so much the blessings we have in our life,” Christina Lee said. “We value every single customer that has ordered from us and we appreciate them for giving us the opportunity to do this and Goats roam the farm at Lake Meadow Naturals and often come right up to the fence to be petted by visitors. be together.”
What’s in the baskets
Lee Farms offers three basPhotos courtesy of Lake Meadow Naturals ket options: Farmer’s Choice, Traditional and Fruit. The The chickens at Lake Meadow Naturals lay clean, quality eggs from small to jumbo. They are available in the farm Farmers Choice contains most- store, or visitors can pick them from the nests.
W.O.P.A.
WEST ORANGE POLITICAL ALLIANCE, INC: A non-partisan political committee with nearly 300 members, formed to represent the best interests of West Orange County,
REMINDS YOU TO:
VOTE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th Our endorsed candidates: ORANGE COUNTY
FLORIDA SENATE
Teresa Jacobs, Mayor - General Election Bryan Nelson - District 2 Jennifer Thompson - District 4 Eddie Fernandez - Clerk of Courts Tina Caraballo - Judge Group 10
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD Phil Stump - District 2 Linda Kobert or Chadwick Hardee - District 3
FLORIDA NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT Norberto Katz - Group 10 Margaret Schreiber - Group 12 Elaine Barbour - Group 18 Kevin Weiss - Group 30 Diana Tennis - Group 32 Heather Pinder Rodriguez - Group 33 Janet Thorpe - Group 35 Scott Polodna - Group 37
Democratic Party Geraldine Thompson - District 12 Republican Party Ed DeAguilera - District 12
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Eric Eisnaugle - District 44
Paid political advertisement by the West Orange Political Alliance, Inc.. For information call 407-656-1304
18A
The West Orange Times Thursday, August 21, 2014
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