09.15.17 Winter Park/Maitland Observer by Orange Observer

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

ONE ROUGH NIGHT

Photos by Troy Herring

One of Park Avenue’s street lamps fell victim to Hurricane Irma.

Days after Hurricane Irma ripped through Central Florida, Winter Park residents and government officials still are evaluating the damage left in its wake. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

n the days leading up to Hurricane Irma’s Florida arrival on Sept. 10 and 11, Winter Park-area residents were preparing — but not panicking. Meteorologists projected the

storm first to come up Florida’s East Coast and later revised that to the state’s West Coast.

COVERAGE ON PAGE 4-6

A stop light was ripped from its wiring on the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

MONDAY, SEPT. 18

YOUR CALENDAR

Open Hous e Sept. 22 a t 9:00 a.m.

WINTER PARK EXECUTIVE WOMEN — WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at the Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Ave., Winter Park. Featured speaker is Bernadette Spong, CFO of Orlando Health. Spong oversees all facets of the financial operations of the multi-million-dollar organization. She has received multiple national awards for her expertise and excellence in her field of finance and health systems. In her role, she has demonstrated the power of women in executive leadership positions and will share her story and advice for other women leaders. Cost is $25 for chamber members; $50 for non-members. For more, visit winterpark.org.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

NEIGHBORHOOD MUSIC JAM 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, on the stage behind the Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Musicians of all ages, instruments and abilities are invited to go make new friends and play a variety of songs, from pop to rock to blues to country. For more, visit cityofwinterpark.org.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

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HOPE AND HELP OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ‘HEADDRESS BALL 2017 — IMAGINARIUM’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Marriott World Center, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando. Headdress will feature entertainment by “America’s Got Talent” illusionist Drew Thomas, whose “Transparent” show complements the evening’s Steampunk-Rouge theme. Other notable talents include Orlando’s own BLUE and

writer Michael Wanzie, among several local dancers, acrobats and singers. This year, Headdress is a strolling affair, where guests are free to enjoy custom cocktails and French cuisine at food stations, interact with performers, dance, network and bid on high quality silent- and live-auction items. Guests are encouraged to join the fun and wear their own steampunk outfit and hat or headdress. General admission is $250, and VIP admission is $500. VIP ticket-holders receive exclusive access to the VIP pre-party, gift bag, special dessert and more. For tickets and more information, visit HeaddressBallOrlando.org or call (407) 645-2577.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27

WINTER PARK INSTITUTE SPEAKER SERIES: JON MEACHAM 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Knowles Memorial Chapel, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. Presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize winner and contributor to TIME and The New York Times Book Review, Jon Meacham is one of America’s most prominent public intellectuals. A regular guest on Morning Joe, he displays an in-depth knowledge of politics, religion and current affairs. He understands how issues and events impact our lives and why historical context matters. Meacham’s latest Presidential biography, “Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush,” debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestsellers list in November 2015. He is currently at work on a biography of James and Dolley Madison. For more, visit rollins. edu/rollins-winter-park-institute/ box-office/index.html or call (407) 646-2559.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

training, tweaking his form and trimming down his best times at CrossFit Firebase Orlando and Live2Row in Ocoee. He even put his skills to the test at Florida competition in Melbourne back in January. “It’s totally a different feel from when you’re practicing,” Streger said. “It was huge; there were rowers everywhere. It was a gym full of rowers, a sea full of rowers.” Streger had about six months to train for the World Police and Fire Games, continuing to put in work and building his leg strength. He continued to improve his times little by little. “It’s just challenging yourself to go faster and harder,” Streger said. “Tiny little tweaks here and there really help.”

“There’s camaraderie. It gets everybody together from all parts of the world, because we all do the same job. I don’t care if you’re from here or from Australia, we all help and do the same job. It was really cool to talk to some of the guys there and just be involved.” — Keith Streger

Back in Los Angeles, Streger’s heart is racing. He’s lying on his back next to his rowing machine in recovery mode. He just rowed a 2K race in 6 minutes, 33 seconds, beating his personal goal by just a second — a significant jump in a competition measured by fractions of second. A Chinese firefighter walks over to Streger and stands over him, extending a hand to help pull him back up. The Winter Park firefighter manages to get back on his feet, although slightly wobbly. Streger realizes he didn’t win the race but still shows respect to the other firefighters with the best times, high-fiving them and shaking hands. “We all want to win, but we appreciate fast times,” he said. “It’s hard work.” ‘WE’RE ALL BROTHERS’ Tim Freed

Keith Streger finished in fourth place out of eight rowers from around the world.

Winter Park firefighter Keith Streger recently competed in the rowing competition at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

he air is thick with competition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, as Winter Park firefighter Keith Streger locks his feet into place and prepares to race. There’s a crowd of people watching inside a wing of the convention center, yet a 2K race is just about to start. Streger intently locks his eyes on a screen in front of him before an alarm sounds and one word appears on the monitor. “Row.” Streger was one of several firefighters who competed in the 2017

World Police and Fire Games Aug. 13, taking home a fourth-place finish in the 35-to-39 age group for the rowing competition. Out of eight competitors in his age group, Streger was the only American on the floor, going up against firefighters from China, Sweden, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and the country of Georgia. “The Winter Park Fire Department was definitely supportive of me going and competing,” Streger said. “There’s camaraderie. It gets everybody together from all parts of the world, because we all do the same job. I don’t care if you’re from here or from Australia, we all help and do the same job. It was really cool to talk to some of the guys there and just be involved.”

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A WAY TO WORK OUT

The Winter Park firefighter’s journey toward the rowing competition came from his desire to mix things up. With working out being part of his normal routine as a firefighter, Streger wanted to try something different — he gave rowing a try at a local gym about two years ago and was hooked instantly. “I started doing it, and I realized I’m pretty good at it, because I’m long and just have the right body type for it,” Streger said. “I’ve always run and done competitions and 5Ks around town, but I get smoked a lot, because I’m too big and heavy. Rowing also uses a lot of legs and a lot of back, so I find I’m pretty good at that.” Streger eventually looked into rowing competitively. He started

Ballet on the Big Screen:

It’s the same respect that firefighters show one another for the work they do. With 16 years of experience in the Winter Park Fire Department, Streger knows exactly what it takes to do this kind of job. Many of the seven other rowers in the competition didn’t even speak Streger’s language, but the close bond remains. “I don’t know how to describe that feeling,” he said. “It’s more of a warm ‘wow.’ It’s really cool to be a part of it. We’re all brothers.” Streger plans to keep rowing competitively, practicing on a new rowing machine ordered by the fire department at Station 62. He’s already set to compete in February 2018 at a Florida competition, followed by the United States Police and Fire Games in San Diego next June. He’s looking to shave a few more seconds off his best time, and also hopes to return to the World Police and Fire Games, hosted in Beijing, China, in 2019.

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Donahue Johnson trimmed some loose branches on the tree outside of his mother’s home.

LARGE TREE DEBRIS, BUNDLED DEBRIS AND PILE PICK-UPS

LEGAL ADVERTISING To place a legal notice for Orange County, please call Kim Martin at (407) 654-5500 or email to legal@businessobserverfl.com.

Winter Park has contracted with a private debris management company to pick up large tree debris, bundled debris and piles. Debris pick-ups will begin Monday, Sept. 18. A full schedule wasn’t available by press time Wednesday. Place the debris piles at the curb in the public right of way. Do not place debris in the street and do not block sidewalks or stormwater drains.

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GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS Because so many individuals are still without power, generator use will continue to be widespread. Use the following safety precautions when using generators:

Damage to the kitchen ceiling at 600 Northwood Circle was caused by a tree falling through the roof.

IRMA STATISTICS TIME WIND SPEED PRESSURE 10 p.m. Sept. 10 105 mph 948 mb 11 p.m. Sept. 10 100 mph 952 mb Midnight Sept. 11 100 mph 952 mb 1 a.m. Sept. 11 100 mph 952 mb 2 a.m. Sept. 11 85 mph 960 mb 3 a.m. Sept. 11 75 mph 965 mb

n Generators should only be used in wellventilated locations outside and at least five feet away from all doors, windows and vents.

Source: Weather Underground

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

n Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open. n Place generators so exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings; the exhaust must be directed away from the building. n Uses carbon-monoxide detectors.

Photos by Troy Herring

Insulation was scattered everywhere in a home on Northwood Circle.

However, it wasn’t until hours before Irma’s Central Florida arrival just after midnight that the prediction changed yet again — with the eye coming closer to Central Florida and over eastern Lake County and West Orange County. “Based on our preliminary assessments coming in this morning, the damage from this storm appears to be far greater than what we experienced with Hurricane Charley in 2004,” Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said in a press conference Monday morning. The storm — a Category 2 hurricane with up to 100-mph wind gusts when it ripped through Central Florida — knocked out power for nearly 400,000 residents in Orange County. Duke Energy had reported that out of its nearly 370,000 customers in Orange County, 208,000 had lost CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Photos by Troy Herring

A large tree cut off traffic after falling on South Ranger Boulevard.

WINTER PARKER ELECTROCUTED BY DOWNED POWER LINE

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the Winter Park Police Department received a call at about 7:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, about a man lying at the corner of Leith and Westchester avenues. When police arrived to the scene, they found 51-year old Brian Buwalda unresponsive and declared him dead at the scene. Police believe the death was caused by electrocution by an apparent downed power line but will not know the exact cause until the medical examiner’s office completes an autopsy.

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power during the storm. Orlando Utilities Commission Vice President of Marketing Roseanne Harrington predicted the outage will be “the largest utility restoration and rebuild project in the history of the United States.” In Winter Park, Mayor Steve Leary said the local government has been responding as quickly as possible since crews have been able to get out and assess damages. “Within the first night after the hurricane, we restored 4,300 customers out of — I think we had 10 to 11,000 people out — so we restored almost half of our outages within the first 24 hours of our crews being back out,” Leary said. As of Tuesday afternoon, 4,700 Winter Park Electric customers still were without power — about one-third of the utility customers in the city. City officials estimated full restoration won’t take place

A pickup fell victim to a tree that stretched across a neighborhood road in Winter Park.

until early next week. Leary also said although overall damage costs were not yet known, the city will take the time to ensure damages to buildings and other issues are assessed carefully. The storm also brought issues of water safety in a couple of spots in Winter Park — specifically Park North, Clay Street and Gilbert Road, where the city placed a boil water alert for residents in the area. Irma presented a threat to one of the city’s biggest concerns — preserving the tree canopy. Following the storm, streets in and around the area have been clogged with fallen branches and trees, but it could have been much worse, Leary said. “The tree damage we have seen

is nowhere near any past incidences we’ve had in Winter Park, and that’s due in large part to the Urban Forestry Management Plan — which kind of created that proactive plan to manage our canopy,” Leary said. Part of the UFMP is to monitor for trees that need to come down because of their condition. Before the hurricane, trees that were on the list were either trimmed or taken down. Since the storm, the city has received 297 reports of trees and limbs being down in the right of ways throughout the area, as forestry crews continue to clean up the roadways. As of press time Wednesday, most properties are now accessible; Leary said he expects to have everything cleaned

by Monday, Sept. 18. He also noted he took a drive to assess damage with City Manager Randy Knight and admired Winter Park residents’ willingness to help their fellow neighbors. “We saw families out working with one another, neighbors helping one another,” Leary said. “People walked up to our car and said, ‘Hey we are just out here clearing the road for you guys, so you can get through and get to where you need to get to.’ We’re really fortunate to live in the community where we do.” Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs placed a countywide curfew from 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Orange County Public Schools has been closed since Friday, Sept. 8.

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A bridge for the ‘Bridge Builder’ The late Rev. Kenneth Crossman will be remembered with a bridge named in his honor. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

They called him the “Bridge Builder.” He fought from his pulpit against the racism and inequality that ran rampant during the Civil Rights era with a divine grace. Now, the late Rev. Kenneth Crossman is being remembered in the most fitting way possible — with a rail bridge that passes over South Orlando Avenue being named in his honor. “It’s been energizing for me to see the overwhelming support from all different people, from all different backgrounds,” said John Crossman, son of the late reverend. “I think that we are in a time in U.S. history when there are debates on tearing down monuments or building up walls — but take a bridge and use it to remember somebody who worked so hard to get people to love each other.” The dedication of the bridge comes as a part of Senate Bill 368, which renames 37 different Florida roads, highways and bridges in honor of fallen soldiers, law-enforcement officials and community leaders. Winter

Parker and former House Rep. Mike Miller sponsored a house version of the bill. It’s fitting that this specific bridge was chosen to honor Crossman, because it is the same one the reverend had approached Rick Baldocchi, a former Maitland City Council member, about possibly painting. Unfortunately, it did not happen before Crossman died in 2004. The idea of renaming the bridge didn’t surface until 2013, when John Crossman befriended Baldocchi. The renaming of the bridge would be both a symbolic and literal representation of the work Crossman had done bridging communities together. “Before my dad died, he was a part of a group called Bridge Builders in Winter Park and worked in bringing communities in Winter Park together,” John Crossman said. “The bridge connects Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville — and that’s just cool.” The reverend grew up in Toledo, Ohio, with a great understanding of equality under the tutelage of his father, who ran a dry cleaning business that employed both whites and African-Americans. That early upbringing around diversity helped establish a core belief system in equality, which

Courtesy photo

The Rev. Kenneth Crossman dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights for all.

“It’s been energizing for me to see the overwhelming support from all different people, from all different backgrounds.” — John Crossman

would prove to be an important aspect in Rev. Crossman’s life. After spending a few years as a salesman in South Florida, Rev. Crossman decided to go into the ministry and attended Emory University. From there, he had found his calling in preaching sermons that were filled with love of all people and a call to end racism. In one particular moment, John Crossman recalled a trip he took with his parents as a child to Georgia, during which his father participated in a revival back in the late 1960s/early 1970s.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

“We were at this diner for lunch, and the waitress told us there was this Klan rally that night, so when we went to church my dad just went off and he completely denounced the Klan,” John Crossman said. “Later that night when we were at the hotel room, I looked at my dad and said, ‘Dad I don’t think you should have done that.’ And he was just as calm as could be and said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’” After going back and doing some research just a couple of years ago, John Crossman realized the magnitude of what his dad had done. Rev. Crossman hadn’t just denounced the Klan during a peak period for the group; he had done it in Stone Mountain, Georgia — the Klan’s headquarters. “He was taking on the Klan in their backyard,” John Crossman said. “In the core of his faith, he felt like, ‘This is the right thing, this is the right moment.’” That moment was just one of many during which Rev. Crossman took a strong stand for humanity and equality, even though many times it was an unpopular one — especially during those days during the Civil Rights era. Now is a different day, and honoring the late Rev. Crossman shows a commitment to forwarding the message of love and bringing people together, John Crossman said. “It’s really cool to honor my dad, but the big message for me is that I love living in a community that believes in bridge building, and I think our community really does embrace that as a concept,” he said.

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Winter Parker accepted into prestigious program Trevor Brown is continuing his education in the master’s program at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Hunting down that perfect school is, more often than not, treacherous. Other times, it just falls right into your mailbox. That’s how it all started for former Winter Park resident Trevor Brown, who found his path with the arrival of a simple flyer he received from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Brown had just recently finished taking the GRE and had been searching for a place to continue his education before that flyer promoting the new Master of Art in Teaching arrived. “I have always loved geology and Earth science, and I have always saw myself teaching down the road in more of a professor capacity,” Brown said. “When the MAT flyer arrived to my door, I pretty much dropped everything — I didn’t realize it was an option to become an earth science teacher, and that they were actually looking for people to teach this for seventh through 12th. The second I saw this opportunity, I had to apply.” The process itself was incredibly

quick for Brown, who filled out the usual paperwork before doing an interview soon after. Not even a week later, Brown received an acceptance email from the American Museum of Natural History, and it was just a matter of getting up to New York City. “I was absolutely elated to receive that email,” Brown said. Originally from Salem, Oregon, Brown did his undergrad at Western Oregon University, where he graduated in 2012 with a degree in Earth science. After a few years of working in Oregon, Brown decided to move in 2015 to Winter Park to check out the job market and be with his partner. In the years he was in Central Florida, he continued his education by taking a few classes at Valencia College as a means to help round out his education. Brown said his time at Valencia was a huge boost to inspiring him to go to graduate school. “I really appreciated my time at Valencia — I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for the extra work I did at Valencia,” Brown said. “And specifically not the course work, but the professors involved. My calculus professor (Abdul Zainulabdeen) was really there for me

Courtesy photo

Trevor Brown currently is working through the MAT program at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

and really helped me to succeed in his class, and other teachers have made an impact on my life, and I want to give back in that capacity.” Of all the students who applied to the MAT program at the museum, only 16 were chosen.

The MAT residency program itself is actually fairly new and incredibly unique. It originally started as a pilot program in 2011 that focused on Earth science and was conferred by the New York State Board of

Regents, but by last year was fully approved by the board — allowing the museum’s Richard Gilder Graduate School to directly confer the degree. Although the program includes plenty of academic classes, which started June 5 for Brown, it is also largely a residency program that requires students to act as a student teacher in actual classrooms and helps educate visitors checking out the museum. “One of my classes — it’s my residency class for the museum — they had me interacting with the public just a few weeks in and teaching in that capacity,” Brown said. “Not in a formal situation, but just someone who would stand in one the museum halls and interact with people who would come up to where I was stationed, and I would just have a friendly conversation with them. “That was really engaging with me, and I really appreciated that,” he said. “Being able to teach so early on — not just getting all this information and being tossed into a classroom being told, ‘Here, teach’ — that was great.” Brown will be getting a lot of experience in New York after he graduates. As a part of the MAT program, he will spend four years teaching in the state. “I’m really excited that I’m going to be given all these tools to become an extremely effective teacher,” Brown said. “And being able to teach Earth science to a wide variety of students from different backgrounds — this is New York and there are going to be students who are first-generation American, there are students who are going to be rich, poor, black, white … it’s incredible diversity, and I’m going to be teaching that. It’s really exciting.”

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Winter Park considers solar arrays A total of $250,000 has been earmarked for solar arrays on the top of the city’s water plants. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

starting to be cheaper than other forms of energy at a utility scale.” The city hopes to acquire around one megawatt of power, dispersed among Winter Park’s facilities, Stenger said. “When solar gets to be cheaper than other sources of energy production, then it just makes financial sense, regardless of the sustainability aspects of it, which we’re certainly trying to move forward,” Stenger said. “I think this will help us identify how much the citizens of Winter Park are interested in solar. Are they willing to pay for a community solar program? It’s getting an idea of what

our citizens might be looking at.” Winter Park’s sustainability action plan has set a goal of 60% renewable energy by 2040. Solar arrays aren’t the only sustainable effort on the new budget. Like last year, $25,000 has been pulled from the general fund for Keep Winter Park Beautiful and Sustainability initiatives, which have included improving recycling within the city through consistent labeling of bins and education. The budget for the upcoming 2017/2018 fiscal year is planned to go before the Winter Park City Commission for final approval on Sept. 25.

— Kris Stenger

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Winter Park may be taking a new step toward sustainability during its upcoming fiscal year. A tentative version of the city’s budget includes $250,000 earmarked for solar arrays on top of the city’s five water plants — a move that would not promote sustainability, but would help save money in the process. Assistant Director of Building, Permitting and Sustainability Kris Stenger said the city’s water plants are the largest consumers of electricity in Winter Park. Two of the water plants also reside outside the city’s electric utility and thus have to be powered through another party. “If we could reduce our consumption, that saves us from having to pay a third party for the energy that we need at our watertreatment facilities,” Stenger said. “I don’t anticipate that the amount

of solar that we’d be producing would be able to offset completely these water treatment facilities based upon how much energy they consume, but it would help reduce those costs.” Winter Park installed its first and only solar array on its Fleet Maintenance building at the Public Works Compound in early 2014. At the time of installation, the array generated 100 kilowatts of clean, green energy. That’s in addition to residents who have purchased solar for their own homes throughout the city. Stenger added that how much solar the city could acquire with the budgeted money all depends on how its financed — solar arrays typically have a 25-year lifespan, so payment plans can reflect that. “We’ve been looking at it over the course of at least the last two years, because we’ve seen the price of solar drop dramatically in the payback period,” Stenger said. “That’s why we really wanted to move forward, because prices have gotten to the point where they’re

“I think this will help us identify how much the citizens of Winter Park are interested in solar. Are they willing to pay for a community solar program? It’s getting an idea of what our citizens might be looking at.”

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Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment Options However, snoring may just be a sign of a more serious underlying sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. A form of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep apnea are episodes of decreased airflow — or even loss of airflow to the lungs — resulting in decreased vital oxygen to the body during sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea actually stop breathing dozens or hundreds of times a night. Common symptoms include: • Daytime sleepiness • Generalized lack of energy • Trouble concentrating Untreated sleep apnea can lead to other serious medical conditions such as hypertension, heart or lung disease, stroke, or even sudden death.

Confirming Diagnosis

Since sleep apnea occurs while you’re asleep, it can oftentimes be dismissed as just snoring — if it’s even noticed at all. If you think you’re suffering from sleep apnea and you visit your family physician, they may initially recommend a sleep study (polysomnogram). Once the diagnosis of sleep apnea is confirmed, treatment options can be discussed with a sleep physician.

Treatment Options

The therapy mainstay for sleep apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask while sleeping. A CPAP mask provides air pressure to the upper airway so it stays open, allowing air to flow properly to the lungs for oxygenation. However, studies have shown only about half of the people who are prescribed CPAP are able to use it. For those who are not able to tolerate CPAP, alternative therapies are now available. These treatments include non-surgical options such as a simple oral appliance put on before bed, similar to a retainer following braces. If you or someone you know has signs of sleep apnea, consult with your family physician to find out your treatment options.

Kiran Tipirneni, MD

Otolaryngologist, Florida Hospital Dr. Tipirneni is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He focuses on endoscopic sinus surgery, sleep disorder surgery, head and neck surgery, allergy treatment and general pediatric ENT surgery

To request an appointment, please call (407) 303-1700. 244000

The average person spends one-third of their life asleep — it’s why a healthy and restful sleep is paramount to our wellness and quality of life. Many factors can influence our ability to get a good night’s rest, but one of the most common hindrances is snoring.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

Westminster celebrates grand opening The new active seniorliving facility will aid seniors in the Baldwin Park/Winter Park area. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Westminster Communities of Florida officially extended its reach to the elderly in Baldwin Park on Wednesday, Sept. 6 as they celebrated the opening of its latest facility: Westminster Baldwin Park. The first phase of the active senior-living facility, located at 2687 Lake Baldwin Lane, comprises 80 dwelling units for seniors spread throughout three buildings, along with a 40-bed medical facility, a café and a pool area. Future residents and staff looked on as Westminster leaders cut the ribbon on the new $45 Tim Freed million location, which is already Assistant Executive Director Heather Kessler, Chief Executive Officer Roger Stevens, resident Patricia Lancaster and Executive at capacity. Director Mike Haye cut the ribbon on the new Westminster location. “The Westminster Baldwin Park campus is only three blocks from our Westminster Winter Park Campus — we have looked at this property for years to possibly buy it,” Chief Executive Officer Roger Stevens said. “We’re very excited — this phase sold out before we even moved a shovel of dirt. … There’s a high demand; we’re happy to serve the people.” Founded in 1954, Westminster is a church-related, not-forprofit community organization Everywhere Everywhere you look youaround look around your home, yourit’shome, it’s committed to providing services there.there. Stuff. Stuff. So much So stuff. muchLately stuff.itLately feels like it feels like to seniors through residential and care communities. It traces the things the things you own youactually own actually own you.own Maybe you.it’s Maybe it’shealth back to a goal of preserving and time time to simplify. to simplify. With our With senior ourliving senior options, living options,honoring each person’s dignity, and independence. you can youenjoy can enjoy the freedom the freedom of life —ofwithout life — all without allrights “We are so excited today to be opening Westminster Baldwin of theof stuff theholding stuff holding you back. you back. Park, which will be operating as a neighborhood of Westminster To learn To more, learn more, call (407) call933-1999. (407) 933-1999. Winter Park,” Executive Director Mike Haye said. “We have a strong foundation of over 50 years of service. The best organizations like ours put the residents first.” Wednesday was a sign of further growth for Westminster, which already has locations in Bradenton, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, All faiths orAll beliefs faithsare orwelcome. beliefs are welcome. Tallahassee and more. Stevens said this newest location also helps the organization address an outdated medical center at the nearby Winter Park campus. “We’re kind of landlocked on that campus, so we were looking for3:22nearby where we could shadow.indd shadow.indd 1 1 5/1/12 PM 5/1/12land 3:22 PM build a new health center,” Stevens said. “We’re moving some beds over into (the new health center) so that we can go back and renovate our existing health center on the Westminster WinAs Richard’s symptoms became more difficult for his family to manage, they needed support ter Park campus to make it topnotch also. We’ll be able to do that lasted through the weekend. Fortunately, Cornerstone’s seven-day case management great things.” model allowed us to stay in his corner every day of the week. Unlike hospices with a five-day Stevens said new residents will model, we know how important it is to a family’s peace-of-mind that we diligently maintain enjoy the organization’s focus on social interaction. their loved one’s care. Richard’s end-of-life needs don’t go off the clock. Neither do we. “The first thing is friends — you’re going to make a lot of wonderful new friends,” Stevens said. “The best thing about Westminster — on any of our campuses — are the residents. You’ll make friends, you’ll have choices. … We’ll keep you as well and independent as possible for as long as possible.” Stevens said phase two, which will include three more buildings made up of roughly 80 dwelling units, will start construction in 866.742.6655 // cornerstonehospice.org the spring and should be comCornerstone is committed to caring for all hospice patients regardless of payer source or ability to pay. 100% covered by Medicare & Medicaid pleted by fall 2019. 240853

ess stuff. ess stuff. LMore LMore life.life.

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I deserve care that never takes a day off.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

Thank you, VA LOUIS RONEY

My dear B.W. and I were sitting in our library just before the weekend when we heard a broadcast about a possible deadly hurricane headed our way. Being no idiots, we cognizant citizens decided we should immediately vacate our premises and find a place where we would be sure to have better protection from a wind of ill will. After Hurricane Charley, we had no electricity in our home for two weeks. This expected new hurricane (Irma) was reported to be far more dangerous than Charley. When my shipboard duties in World War II were over, I had assumed my services with the Navy were over. However, I surely did not realize my long-ago Navy career would provide a safe place for us to stay 75 years later when trouble was nearby. My father served in the Army in France in World War l and in the Navy in World War II. Our family has always been very patriotic, and I am proud to have served the greatest country in the world. For that fact I am deeply appreciative. Unbeknownst to me, even though I was a Navy gunnery officer on destroyers in World War II, I did not know that the Veterans Administration had things to offer me that in times of possible distress would be valuable indeed to us these days. Former Congressman John Mica was most helpful in securing VA assistance when we needed it. B.W. informed me that she had already received several helpful favors from the veterans administration at the VA, and we put in a call to them at the nearby office. Our call produced results that were extremely positive for us. The VA said we were on its longtime list as needing special help, because at 96, I am unable to walk and have macular degeneration, so I am blind. Then they sent a car that could accommodate my wheelchair and took us to the VA hospital at Lake Nona, where electricity was more likely to remain uninterrupted because it has its own power equipment. Safety was what we sought, and this was a welcome refuge in a possible disaster. The room we received was comfortable and provided us with all the safety we needed even though the food was well-nigh inedible. We had come to survive, not to dine! While we were there, we had reason to appreciate doctors Pasha, Jaller and Sheehan, and nurses and aids Carlos, Caesar, Seth, Kent, Jody, Mary, Kim, Grace, Natalia and many others. (Thanks especially to Carlos!) The VA Home Care team was spectacular. Even though our needs were few, we had the feeling we were special. On Tuesday, after determining that our home had electricity again, the VA brought us home. We found our lakefront porch was in pieces in our neighbors’ yards, the laundry room ceiling had fallen in, but our

house was otherwise undamaged. Winds blow, winds stop. Lucky survivors pick up the pieces and look forward to calmer times. We were blessed to have had the VA watching over us. Winter Park, in my long history here, has never suffered major destruction in a hurricane. May our future remain so fortunate! The protective way that Winter Parkers feel about their special town is quite understandable. In my childhood, we were warned of many destructive storms that were possible, but we escaped almost all of them. Now television brings our fears up closer to us and make us realize sooner that life is precious indeed. A break in routine makes us conscious of the regularity in our daily lives and generates a feeling of uncertainty we must address by getting back to routine ways. That necessity requires a bit of time, and that is the time that we are in right now. God bless America! An international opera star for more than 40 years, Louis Roney has entertained on stage and on screen. He founded and directed the Festival of Orchestras.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

SEPT. 18 TO 24

very nasty lady named Irma put the kibosh on several much-anticipated season openers scheduled for last week. All box offices have reopened, and in some cases, you may have been called about replacing tickets for canceled performances. If you have not heard from the theater or venue for which you had tickets, call the box office to reschedule your tickets for an upcoming performance. I applaud the box office staffers with whom I’ve spoken. At this difficult time for them, each person has been professional, patient and kind while dealing with their unfortunately increased workload.

THROUGH SEPT. 17

THE BROADWAY TOUR OF “THE KING AND I” 1860s Bangkok is the setting for one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s greatest musicals and winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. “The King and I” features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “Hello Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance.” This musical tells the story of the relationship between

THROUGH OCT. 8

the King of Siam and a British schoolteacher brought to Siam to teach his wives and children. This landmark production opened the Broadway season at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. THROUGH OCT. 1 ‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’ When Rob Winn Anderson brings the community together to produce a big musical at the Garden Theatre — it’s a touch of Broadway in Winter Garden. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s awardwinning musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the brilliant rock opera that follows Christ during his last days on Earth with lyrics adapted from the Gospels. From Jesus’ meteoric rise to popularity to his crucifixion, this production is a moving testament to the humanity in all of us. Call (407) 877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org.

THROUGH OCT. 8 ‘LIFE COULD BE A DREAM’ I know — life often is a dream at the Winter Park Playhouse, but this Florida premiere is “super dreamy” as it calls up those doo-wop days of the 1960s. A singing group prepares to enter the Big Whopper Radio Contest, and winning would, of course, launch them to stardom. With a score of classic hits including “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on My Pillow,” “Earth Angel,” “Unchained Melody” and more, this promises to be classic Winter Park Playhouse fun. Call (407) 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

THROUGH OCT. 22

DISNEY’S ‘NEWSIES THE MUSICAL’ The Orlando REP proudly announces the opening of its new season as the first theater in the southeastern United States to present the

CONTACT JOSH GARRICK AT JOSHGARRICK9@GMAIL.COM.

‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’ Having inspired audiences for decades, the Tony Award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha” opens the new season for Orlando Shakes, our brilliant Shakespeare company. “Man of La Mancha” tells of the aging Don Quixote as his flights of fancy transform his dungeon home into a magical landscape of epic battles and a “glorious quest.” Featuring Broadway legend Davis Gaines performing the classic, “The Impossible Dream.” Call (407) 447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org. Drama Desk and Tony Awardwinning “Newsies the Musical.” Inspired by the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells of publishing guru Joseph Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers … at the newsboys’ expense. Against all odds, one young leader rises up to help “the little guys” stand up and “seize the day.” For your thrilling dose of inspiration, call (407) 8967365 or visit orlandorep.com.

GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL 15TH ANNIVERSARY The 15th annual Global Peace Film Festival will include 34 films from around the world; the world premiere of three local films; a K-through-12 Student Peace Art Exhibit; and a photo exhibit from the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation (opening Sept. 21 at CityArts Factory in Orlando). GPFF opens with a screening of “The Promise,” directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Terry George. George will be present for the screening. Visit peacefilmfest.org for a complete schedule.

SEPT. 22

BRIAN REGAN: LIVE COMEDY TOUR Considered the “Comedian’s Comedian,” Brian Regan has set a standard of excellence that made history on Sept. 26, 2015, with the broadcast of “Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall,” the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. Revered as the best in the business, Regan’s success is unique, because his material relates to generations of fans. This show — at 8 p.m. in the big hall at the Dr. Phillips Center — will sell out. For tickets, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

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JOSH GARRICK

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CULTURE FOR YOUR CALENDAR

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

WinterJune Park/Maitland Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or Friday, 9, 2017

to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Winter Park/Maitland Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 Announcements EMAIL: classified@orangeobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm DEADLINES: Classified - Monday at 10:00AM • PAYMENT: Cash Check or Credit Card.

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Sydney Black Orangewood Christian School cheerleading team captain Sydney Black is enjoying her senior year at school. She’s familiar with the role of being a leader, also serving as the captain of the lacrosse team and weightlifting team. She’s been a cheerleader all four years of high school.

The cheerleading team comes out to the football and basketball games. Which one do you prefer? I’d have to say football, because you’re more interactive.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

THE BASICS AGE: 17 YEAR: Senior HEIGHT: 5-foot-6

Paris or maybe even Hawaii. What’s your Starbucks order? I get a venti vanilla iced coffee with an extra shot of espresso in the morning. — TIM FREED

What got you interested in cheerleading? A lot of the older girls I looked up to did it, so I thought it would be really fun. What’s your favorite cheer? Probably, “Take That Ball Away” while we’re on defense. Are you and your family all prepared for Hurricane Irma? We have big windows we’re boarding up, and we’ve got to put everything away. We’re pretty ready. Do you have a favorite sports team? A lot of my family are Gators, so UF. What’s your favorite place to eat? It would probably be Chickfil-A, just because I live so close and go all the time. I’ll get the eight-count nugget meal and a sweet tea. What gets you fired up at football games? I have a lot of friends on the team, so when I see them doing good it just really puts me in a better mood. It gets me into it. What’s your favorite cereal? Probably Cap’n Crunch, I grew up eating it. If you could take a trip anywhere in the world? I’d probably want to go to

Cat scratch fever The Winter Park Wildcats are off to a strong start as they make their way into district play. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It was as though everything was moving in slow motion. The ball floated silently in the air, before it finally made its descent back down to Earth — no one could look away. After shaking off the defender, receiver Brian Gomez hopped into the air as he grabbed the perfectly placed ball — securing the go ahead touchdown with 40 seconds to go that would prove to be the fatal blow in a difficult 10-6 win over Wekiva. “I’m really proud of our kids and proud of our coaches,” head coach Tim Shifflet said. “They did a great job preparing — we came out here, and the kids played for all 48 minutes, they finished the game, and at the end of the day, we found a way to get a win.” The win pushed the Wildcats to a perfect 3-0 record, having beat Lake Nona and Oviedo before the game Sept. 7. So far, the season has been a healthy balance of offense and defense for the Wildcats, who have outscored opponents 94-15 through their three games thus far. The Wekiva game was the first real test for the Wildcats, who shellacked Lake Nona 42-3 before going on to throttle Oviedo 42-6 in a game mostly played on a Saturday morning because of weather. Offensively, everyone who was expected to contribute so far has, with quarterback Cameron LeGree slinging and running like a mad man. Through the air, the senior has gone 23-for-27, throwing 330 yards for six touchdowns. His average of 165 yards per game, completion percentage of 85%, and zero interceptions has given the QB an insane 163.6 quarterback rating. Just as he is dangerous through the air, LeGree also has been killing defenses with his speed on the ground. On 15 car-

Troy Herring

The Wildcats were ready to take on Wekiva in an early game Thursday, Sept. 7. Winter Park won the game, 10-6.

ries, he has picked up 113 yards and two touchdowns. “It’s always important to have a veteran quarterback coming back, because he makes clutch plays at the right times,” Shifflet said. It also has helped LeGree’s passing game to have multiple guys out on the wings. So far, receiver Brian Gomez has been the go-to target for LeGree this season, having pulled down nine receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Alongside Gomez is Cameron Bassa-Brown, who has been a efficient dual-threat player. His five receptions for 126 yards is a team best, and he also has hauled in two touchdowns. Bassa-Brown also stepped behind center during one game and tossed a 44-yard bomb for a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats’ defense has been just about as stout as they possibly could be — only giving up an average of five points through three games. The defense has been so stin-

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gy that the touchdown by Wekiva’s Birthel Bridges was the only time the Wildcats’ have allowed an opponent into the end zone this season. The Wildcats defense has seen a spreading of tackles across the board, with strong safety Cullen Honohan leading the way with 16, and Xylon Chatman second with 15 total tackles. Seniors JJ Valle-Smith, Jordan Ferrer and Alex Clarke each have 13 apiece. No one on this Wildcats team gets to the quarterback quite like Clarke and leads with twoand-a-half sacks so far. Ferrer is second in sacks with one-andone-half but leads the team with five hurries. With seven games left in the season, the Wildcats have a good shot at running the table. “If you have a great defense and a veteran quarterback, you have a great shot,” Shifflet said. “Now our offensive/defensive line need to bring it together to get it going, and if they do that, then we have the chance to go on a bit of a run this year.”

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