11.10.17 Winter Park/Maitland Observer by Orange Observer

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 29, NO. 45

YOUR TOWN THE LEARNING TREE TURNS 45 The Learning Tree is celebrating 45 years of service to the Winter Park community and surrounding areas. The Learning Tree, a ministry of First Baptist Church of Winter Park, was founded in 1972 by a group of church members in need of childcare services. During that time, a need was growing for full-time childcare, because of more mothers returning to the work force. In 1975, the church proclaimed that by the recommendation from its body of deacons, this ministry shall be continued with the full support of the church.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Party for preemies Rescheduled after Hurricane Irma, the Gift of Life Gala was worth the wait. SEE 7.

HHHHH S A L U T E T O V E T E R A N S HHHHH

Winter Park’s Red Tail Richard Hall Jr. served with the Tuskegee Airmen in segregated skies during World War II.

Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

Things are about to get hairy as officers from the Maitland Police Department participate in No Shave November. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It’s become a national trend around the country, and the Maitland Police Department is looking to get involved. Every November, men around the United States will grow out their beards, mustaches and sideburns as a fun SEE FACIAL PAGE 2

Winter Park war hero and Tuskegee Airman Richard Hall Jr. was on honored on Saturday, Nov. 4, for his service.

SPORTS

Opera singer, longtime columnist Louis Roney dies Mr. Roney, 96, was born and raised in Winter Park. JOY RONEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Three local teams prepare for their 2017 playoff runs. PAGE 13.

Louis Roney, internationally acclaimed opera star, died on Sunday, Nov. 5, at his home in Winter Park, Florida. He was 96. Born in Atlanta, Mr. Roney was raised in Winter Park. He was the 1937 football captain at Win-

ter Park High School and a 1942 honor graduate of Harvard College. Mr. Roney served some five years as a commended gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. For 40 years, he was a leading operatic tenor in Paris, Vienna, SEE CELEBRATING PAGE 4

Tim Freed

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

VETERANS GOLF PLAY DAY 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Winter Park Golf Course, 761 Old England Ave., Winter Park. Play nine at the newly renovated, nine-hole Winter Park Golf Course with a Veterans Golf Play Day. Tee times begin at 12:30 p.m.; veterans play for free. Walk-ins welcome or reserve your tee time for a patriotic round of golf at (407) 599-3419. 11TH ANNUAL PEACOCK BALL 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. This event salutes those who lived in Winter Park during World War II and those who served our country. Join the 11th annual Peacock Ball honoring Dr. Rita Bornstein. Cocktails will be served between 6 and 7:30 p.m. A dinner, dancing and auction will be between 7:30 and 11 p.m. The event features live entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Winter Park History Museum. Cost is $200. For more information, call (407) 647-2330. WINTER PARK’S SEVENTH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. The city will present its seventh annual Veterans Day Celebration to honor all of the veterans of Winter Park. The city calls all veterans that have served in any military campaign or military branch in honor of our nation’s freedom. This event pays tribute to their dedicated service to our country and the community is invited to join us in honoring

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

these distinguished men and women. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be entertaining guests as they visit with organizations and services that offer resources specifically for veteran needs. At 10 a.m., the official program will begin with musical tributes, anecdotal speakers, and recognition of veterans according to the various military branches served. The program will include remarks by guest speaker Col. Jay Voorhees, who currently serves as Florida Hospital’s assistant vice president of Global Outreach & Strategic Initiatives. For more information, call (407) 599-3428.

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

DON’T PITCH IT — FIX IT! 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. Created by the city of Winter Park and presented in partnership with Winter Park Public Library and Orange County Pollution Prevention. This community event will provide the opportunity for residents to have broken items repaired by skilled volunteers and/or swap items with other members of the community. For more information, call (407) 623-3300. EIGHTH ANNUAL PUMPKIN RUN 5K 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. The annual Pumpkin Run is for runners, race-walkers and casual walkers. This familyfriendly event is a fundraiser supporting mission projects for our parishes in Haiti, and is sponsored by St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and St. Stephen Catholic Community. It

is a chip-timed race and on-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. All race participants receive a race T-shirt and are invited to enjoy an after-race celebration, supported by local sponsors and vendors, and the 5K awards ceremony. Free digital photos are available to all participants. Sponsorship packages are available and greatly appreciated. Cost is $20 to $30. For more information, call (407) 421-2151. AN EVENING WITH GILBERT KING 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Bush Science Center Auditorium, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Devil in the Grove,” will speak. The book is a true account of the Groveland Four, four young black men charged with raping a white woman in 1950 in Lake County, Florida. The case has repercussions today and involves a cast of characters including the KKK, notorious Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall and NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall, who came to town to argue in favor of the young men. In the spring, King will be releasing another book about a civil rights case in Central Florida. For more information, call (407) 6462000.

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

‘DADDY LONG LEGS’ AT THE WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. From the Tony Award-winning director of “Les Miserables,” this OffBroadway musical is based on the classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred

THE FLORIDA PROJECT Final Week! Fri - Sun: 3:30PM, 6:30PM, 9:30PM Mon, Wed, Thurs: 6:30PM, 9:30PM Tues: 9:30PM

Facial expression CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

means to raise cancer awareness and help raise money that goes toward cancer charities and other causes. It’s called No Shave November, and the department is jumping into the fray for the first time by growing out their beards and mustaches — despite rules regarding officers and facial hair. “It’s something that is pretty well known, and in the past we really have not done anything — because as our policy is set, we have a pretty strict policy on facial hair, so no one really has any,” said Public Information Officer Lt. Louis Grindle. “Chief (David Manuel) thought it would be a good way to raise awareness and for the police to become involved, and then at the same time let officers do something that is a little off the beaten path that we normally don’t do here.” The department started Nov.

“They’re very excited about it — especially the people that can grow it in. … Of course, they are going to keep it trimmed and professional looking — we don’t want them coming to work … (in) kind of a Duck Dynasty or ZZ Top style.”

Saturday Matinee Classics:

FANNY AND ALEXANDER

— Public Information Officer Lt. Louis Grindle

Cult Classics:

KRULL

Tues: 9:30PM

4, and the plan is to run with it until Dec. 4. Although No Shave November takes place throughout the entire month of November, the department had to start a bit late because it had an award ceremony Saturday. The idea to participate in No Shave November came up a couple of months ago, when a few officers were discussing about possibly doing the event. Since its founding in 2009 by the Hill Family in suburban Chicago, the online based nonprofit No Shave November has raised awareness and funding for cancer research as part of the overall tradition known as Movember — a movement focused on men’s health. For the department’s first year participating, Manuel chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida. With a minimum donation of $25 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Maitland, officers will be able to grow out their mustaches and beards however they like — although they will still have to be properly trimmed up, Grindle said. “They’re very excited about it — especially the people that can grow it in,” Grindle said. “You have some people who just can’t grow facial hair, and then you have some that can definitely grow a goodsized beard. Of course, they are going to keep it trimmed and professional looking — we don’t want them coming to work … (in) kind of a Duck Dynasty or ZZ Top style.”

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Agave Azul set to open Winter Park location The modern Mexican concept is coming to Orlando Avenue in February 2018. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Coming full circle The Winter Park Playhouse will host the regional premiere next week of “Daddy Long Legs,” a critically acclaimed musical from a Winter Park producer. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The work of a renowned theater producer from Winter Park has come full circle. On Nov. 17, the Winter Park Playhouse will host the regional premiere of “Daddy Long Legs” — an off-Broadway musical produced by Michael Jackowitz, who grew up in Winter Park. Based on the classic novel that inspired the 1955 movie, “Daddy Long Legs” tells the story of a witty and winsome young orphan, her mysterious benefactor and the deep friendship that develops. “It’s a show that Heather and I saw in New York a couple years ago,” Winter Park Playhouse Artistic Director Roy Alan said. “We immediately fell in love with a very special piece. “The book is all letters — it’s purely correspondence,” he said. “This show is all about the letters that are written and how this young woman grows from an 18-year-old orphan and through her years in college becomes this very intelligent woman who becomes a writer and novelist. Watching her grow through the course of the show is just mesmerizing.” Jackowitz fell in love with theater while growing up in Winter Park. He remembers when the stage captured his imagination as

a child, watching productions of “The Fantasticks” and “Pippin” at Theater on Park when he was in the fourth grade. He fell in love with “A Chorus Line” after he saw it in seventh grade. “That’s what really blew me away,” Jackowitz said. “I played that record so many times, and my mother was ready to kill herself, because I played it over and over. That was the first time I saw the theater was a major thing.” He also recalls how he discovered his calling for working behind the scenes. Jackowitz was attending Winter Park High School at the time and was cast in several roles in Ann Derflinger’s drama class, as well as outside of school at the Jewish Community Center. During his junior year, he auditioned for a show and wasn’t cast, so Derflinger asked him if he could work the soundboard instead. “I kind of got thrown into doing the soundboard of a show we were doing, and I didn’t really know how to do it, but I didn’t want to tell her that,” Jackowitz said. “We’re in the first performance, and I totally did it wrong, and the sound was terrible. I remember she came marching up the aisle and came bursting into the sound room and said, ‘What are you doing!’ She went crazy. “It became very clear to me that

you take this very seriously,” he said. “She is what made me kind of switch and realize this is an art, it’s a craft. …. That inspired me to get better and to do it and I did.” Jackowitz continued his work behind the scenes during his college years before starting his career as a producer. In 2009, Jackowitz launched “Daddy Long Legs” — a production that received critical acclaim for its story and music. It’s been performed throughout the United States and as far away as Japan, South Korea and Canada. The producer said he is excited for his newest work to make it to Winter Park. “It’s like a big full-circle moment,” Jackowitz said. “We just tried to do a little three-member consortium in 2009. That threemember consortium became a six member-consortium, and then that became an 18-city tour, and then we went to Broadway. Now for it to end up in my hometown at the regional premiere is very exciting.”

“We created a beautiful show and people responded to it, so it’s always nice when that happens.” — Michael Jackowitz

Courtesy photo

Agave Azul has grown in popularity at its west Orlando location.

Rios’ start in the food industry can be traced back through his mother’s side of the family, who own about 73 restaurants across the East Coast. It began with the family’s first Mexican restaurant in Virginia Beach called La Fiesta, where Rios saw the business firsthand. After graduating from Lake Brantley High School, Rios decided he wanted to follow in his parents footsteps and run his own restaurant. He was put in charge of the Port Orange La Fiesta location at age 17. “My dad left me there; he gave me the keys to an apartment and said, ‘I’ll be back in a month,’ so I had to learn kind of quick,” Rios said. “The first year was tough, but after that, I learned the ropes.” The young restaurateur went on to open Agave Azul at age 20. He currently runs two La Fiesta locations in Ormond Beach and Port Orange as well, along with a Saint Anejo location in Winter Springs. Rios said he’s excited to spread the Agave Azul concept throughout the Central Florida area. “It’s just something that’s been on hold,” he said. “I have a family with a 4-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. We were thinking about expanding years ago, but I decided to take some time for the family. Now that they’re growing up and going to school, we decided to hit the gas pedal, floor it and see how big we can expand. I’m excited just to bring Agave Azul to Winter Park and give that community some good Mexican.”

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“Daddy Long Legs” tells a moving story with a cast of only two people.

Get ready Mexican food fans: Agave Azul is coming soon to Winter Park. Residents can expect the modern Mexican eatery to open its doors sometime in February 2018 at the former location of Square 1 Burgers at 900 S. Orlando Ave., owner Juan Rios said. The new location is just one of three slated to open throughout Central Florida in the next couple years, including a Maitland location, expected to open in mid 2019 at the Shoppes at Trelago at 1070 Maitland Blvd.; and a Windermere restaurant, set for late 2018 at the Windermere Village development at 5799 Winter Garden-Vineland Road. “Winter Park is a thriving area, and our clientele base is kind of in that area, as well,” Rios said. “It was actually spur of the moment. We were focused on our Windermere location and Maitland. … I got a phone call from our broker, and they said there was an opportunity but that it was going to go fast, because Winter Park real estate is quick. We went for it, and we got it.” The Mexican restaurant has built a reputation from its west Orlando location at the corner of Conroy and Kirkman roads, blending fresh ingredients with a modern atmosphere and taste all in one family-friendly package since 2008. From fajitas and enchiladas to queso fundido and sweet churros, Agave offers a tasty range of Mexican dishes with a unique twist. “It’s a little bit more modern,” Rios said. “We still have the traditional aspect of it, but we can threw in more of a modern touch and more of a current cuisine in Mexico. Everyone thinks in Mexico its just tacos and enchiladas, but when you go to Mexico City nowadays, the culinary food experience is way more than what people think.”

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

Tim Freed

Winter Park war hero and Tuskegee Airman Richard Hall Jr. was honored on Saturday, Nov. 4 for his service alongside fellow Tuskegee Airman John M. Gay.

He fought two wars “There’s not too many left. To be able to honor a group of people that have gone through what they went through and were ostracized when they were in the military … they were such heroes.” — Cpl. George Wanberg

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ichard Hall Jr. was fighting not one but two wars when he was drafted by the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. From the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang and on the ground as a flight engineer, he battled the Nazi war machine many miles away from home. But Hall also faced another enemy: racial prejudice and segregation within America’s military. Hall, who grew up in Winter Park, is one of about 996 African-American pilots and 15,000 ground personnel who served in the U.S. Air Force’s all-black units during World War II — the first in the nation’s history and known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Hall, 93, was honored for his service by Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care at a ceremonial salute leading up to Veterans Day Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Hannibal Heritage Center. There, he received an American flag pin and a salute from numerous veterans. “These guys are living history,” U.S. Marines veteran Cpl. George Wanberg said. “There’s not too many left. To be able to honor a group of people that have gone

through what they went through and were ostracized when they were in the military … they were such heroes.” Hall has been thanked countless times for his mark on American history, from the Congressional Gold Medal he received from President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., to the lifesized sculpture in his likeness that sits outside the Hannibal Heritage Center, forever sporting a red Tuskegee Airmen hat and jacket. It still feels nice to be recognized, Hall said. “It’s very special,” he said. “People say a lot of nice things about you.” The Tuskegee Airman has deep roots in Winter Park area and still lives here today. His family moved in 1924 from Georgia, when Hall was only 6 months old. He went to high school at Robert Hungerford Boarding School in Eatonville. RED TAIL TALES

Hall still remembers the day he got his draft letter in 1942 at age 18. He was attending Xavier University at the time in New Orleans and had joined the Army Air Force Reserves to remain in college. He would have to fight anyway though: He received orders to report for active duty imme-

diately. World War II was well underway. “I just wanted to get home safe with all my limbs,” Hall said. “You see guys coming back blind, no legs, no arms. Other guys lost their minds, but I still had my right mind.” The “Red Tails,” as they were known because of the red tails on their planes, were the first African-American aviators in the United States military. Hall and the other brave soldiers reported to Tuskegee, Alabama, to receive their training. From there Hall joined the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Composite Group, which included the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 617th Bomber Squadron. According to Valencia College professor and U.S. Army veteran Capt. John Creighton, the Tuskegee Airmen accounted for more than 15,000 combat stories, 111 German airplanes destroyed in the air and another 150 on the ground, 950 railcars and vehicles destroyed, and a destroyer battleship sunk. Sixty-six pilots were killed in action, and 32 pilots were downed and captured. The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded 744 Air Medals, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars and eight Purple Hearts. It was the brave actions and perseverance of these African Americans during a time of racial prejudice that led to the desegregation of the military in 1948 under President Harry S. Truman. That allowed future Tuskegee Airman and Lake City resident John M. Gay to join the ranks of the military just three months later — he was honored and saluted at Saturday’s event as well. Hall served his country over a span of three decades across four continents, working his way up to the rank of chief master sergeant. When looking back at the blackand-white war photographs and the legacy the Tuskegee Airmen have left behind, Hall is just glad he was able to make a difference — even if it meant fighting two wars at once, he said. “I’m glad I was able to do something,” Hall said.

Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Brussels, Munich, Lisbon, Italy and Canada, and was engaged by the Metropolitan Opera and many other U.S. opera companies. Mr. Roney was engaged as a soloist by such symphony orchestras as San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Montreal, Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, and Vancouver. His managements were Columbia Artists Management, Sol Hurok and Ballhausen Agentur. His career highlights include starring in two movies of opera in Paris and Montreal; his debut at 27 as Cavaradossi in Tosca with Dmitri Mitropoulos and the New York Philharmonic; as the first American leading tenor to sing in the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Italy’s greatest opera festival in 1957; as Jesus opposite Regine Crespin in the American pre-

miere of Massenet’s Marie Magdeleine in New York’s Lincoln Center in 1976; and as Radames in the largest ever Aida in the Hartford Arena in 1981. For years, Roney starred as leading tenor in 12 major French and 21 German opera houses. Mr. Roney and his wife, Joy, founded and, for 17 years, headed, Orlando’s Festival of Orchestras, bringing worldclass international orchestras to Central Florida. Mr. Roney was writer of more than 2,000 published columns of his “cultural commentary,” “Play On!” In 2012, the Florida Press Association presented his column an award for writing the “best column of the year.” He was for 24 years a distinguished professor of music and artist in residence at the University of Central Florida, Orlando. As Jesus in Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives, he made his eighth solo appearance with the

Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Bach Festival Choir. Mr. Roney has been honored by the Orlando Chamber of Commerce and has received proclamations from the Orlando City Council and several Orlando mayors as a “Hero of the Arts.” Mr. Roney has letters of commendation from Harvard’s president; governors of Florida and Massachusetts; four secretaries of state; and several United States senators and congressmen for service to music in Florida and to the nation. Winter Park honored him with a “Louis Roney Day.” In 2004, a film made and archived by the state of Florida Alliance for the Arts in Tallahassee honored Mr. Roney in perpetuity for his long life as an outstanding Florida international performing artist and cultural innovator in performance and education. In 2012, he was honored with the highest award given an artist in the state of Florida, when

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

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Celebrating Mr. Roney CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame for significant contribution to the Arts in Florida with a plaque on the wall of the State Capitol in Tallahassee. From Berlin, conductor Ara Khachaturian said, “I consider Louis Roney the last legendary tenor of the Golden Age of Opera.” Mr. Roney leaves his wife of 37 years, Joy, of Winter Park; sister, Anne Marie Gary, of Atlanta; daughter, Beverley Huskes, and grandson, Eric Harrison, both of Huntington, Connecticut; and daughter, Madeliene Eckert, of Silvermine, Connecticut. Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to an open house to be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Roney residence. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Louis’ name to Opera Orlando, at operaorlando.org, or Opera Orlando, P.O. Box 533974, Orlando, FL 32853-3974, or call (407) 512-1900.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Enzian Theater hopes to expand in summer 2018 HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER

Enzian Executive Director David Schillhammer hopes his dream of a bigger, bolder theater will finally come true. The expansion plans, which date back to 2015, should commence by next summer, Schillhammer said. Those include two new screens, more parking for disabled guests and a greater focus on valet services. Originally, theater officials had hoped to be finished with the expansion for the 2018 Florida Film Festival in April. However, funding concerns forced the delay. Of the $6.5 million needed for the renovation, only $5 million has been raised. “We’re in a bit of a lull,” Schillhammer said. “Five million is nothing to sneeze at, but it’s not the $6.5 million we need.” Schillhammer, who became Enzian’s executive director in January after serving 16 years as executive director for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, said financing typically comes from foundations and philanthropic individuals. The Enzian Forever fundraising initiative has received $300,000 in 2017 so far. The executive director is hopeful the remaining $1.5 million will be secured within the next six months. With permits and funding permitting, he hopes construction on the expansion will start next summer following the film festival.

HOG HEAVEN

Chet Barton placed skewered bacon into a cooker as he got food ready for hungry customers during the Festival of Bacon.

overs of bacon around the area rejoiced last weekend as they took in the Festival of Bacon Saturday, Nov. 4, at Lake Baldwin Park. The event featured myriad local restaurants from around town, including The Ravenous Pig, Swine & Sons Provisions, and A Muddy Pig. — TROY HERRING

The Sean Holcomb band filled Lake Baldwin Park with jams as they played a set.

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Harry Sayer

Enzian Executive Director David Schillhammer is continuing to raise money for the movie theater’s expansion.

“We have a great story to tell,” Shillhammer said. “We just have to keep getting our message out through what is a crowded philanthropic field. … This isn’t us wanting growth for growth’s sake, it’s growth based on demand. I can’t begin to describe how busy Enzian is.” The theater, which shows a mix of independent films, classics, children’s flicks and off-beat offerings, seats about 200 people per showing. The two new screens would add 130 more seats. One of the more popular Enzian offerings has been “The Florida Project,” an acclaimed independent film following the inhabitants of a Central Florida motel. Schillhammer said the movie has had 22 sold-out shows in the few weeks it has been available.

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“We’ve had standby lines (for ‘The Florida Project’) of about 50 people,” Schillhammer said. “If you were under the number 10, you might get in. But imagine there was another showing 15 minutes later and you could fit those 50 people.” He also thinks the theater, which employs 14 full-time workers and around 50 service staff, is in need of a larger kitchen. The Maitland Development Review Committee hosted a review in April to discuss parking and landscape concerns with the expansion. Schillhammer is hopeful a preliminary meeting will be held with the city by the end of the year. “It’s been an amiable process; it just takes time,” Schillhammer said.

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “To know the good from the bad, study a man or woman’s history of actions, not their record of intentions.” – Suzy Kassem Puzzle Two Solution: “Your wife is always right. Very simple. I think I’m going to get it tattooed on my forehead.” – Hugh Jackman

Caring for Winter Park’s Pets This week’s Sudoku answers and Their People Since 1955 1601 Lee Road, Winter Park

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Puzzle Two Solution: “Your wife is always right. Very simple. I think I’m going to get it tattooed on my forehead.” – Hugh Jackman

This week’s Sudoku answers

2017

This week’s Crossword answers

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY.

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When Karri Baumgardner’s son was bullied more than five times during National Bullying Prevention Month, she decided enough was enough. BLACK TIE REPORTER

Puzzle One Solution: “To know the good from the bad, study a man or woman’s history of actions, not their record of intentions.” – Suzy Kassem

Community rises in support of 11-year-old with autism HARRY SAYER

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Connor Baumgardner, an 11-yearold who recently entered the sixth grade, has a high-functioning form of autism. “There’s no physical difference between him and other kids,” Karri Baumgardner said. “He doesn’t have cerebral palsy or Down syndrome; he’s not in a wheelchair. He talks normally. … He can be on people’s level.” He differs from other children, however, in his energy. Although the 11-year old has learned to control the hand-flapping common with children with autism, he still has trouble sitting still in school. Connor stands up doing his schoolwork and even has permission to occasionally leave the classroom. To some of his classmates, that makes him a target. “Kids yelled at him to sit down … they called him an autistic freak or a moron,” Baumgardner said. Sometimes, the bullying became physical. Karri Baumgardner arrived at school pick-up one day to find her son with a great red mark across his face. “Connor got hit in the face ... there was a ‘slap game’ at the school, but he sure wasn’t playing,” Baumgardner said. “He cried the whole way home … that was when he first told me about all the other (bullying) incidents.”

The constant bullying in October has taken its toll. “He went to me and said, ’Mommy, I just don’t like my life anymore,” Karri said. Karri works as an assistant manager at retail store on Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard, close to where 15-year-old Winter Park student Roger Trindade was beaten unconscious and declared brain dead over a year ago. “When he got hit in the face, he asked me, ‘Am I going to end up like that little boy?’” Karri Baumgardner said. “He doesn’t know how far kids will go when it comes to this stuff.” A close friend of Karri’s thought of a novel way to help. She posted on a Facebook community page last week explaining Connor’s situation and asked for written letters to cheer him up. Since that post, Connor has received nearly 50 letters from people offering their support. Some are words of encouragement, while others offer solidarity in the face of bullying. Some are from as far away as Puerto Rico and London, and every single one has helped. “He was reading all the letters last night and goes, ‘I don’t feel down anymore, these have lifted me up!’” Karri said. “It really worked.” The community has reached out in other ways, too. Brian Smith,

managing partner at Hawaiian fusion restaurant Roy’s, spotted the Facebook post. “I wanted to do something nice for the kid,” Smith said. The restaurant is planning a special dinner for Connor, where he’ll be able to eat whatever he likes and make his own dessert. “We want him to feel like a king,” Smith said. The night will be something of a homecoming for Karri — she was a hostess at the same Orlando restaurant while pregnant with Connor more than a decade ago. Later this month, Karri is throwing Connor a birthday celebration at the Cinemark Artegon Marketplace. Connor, along with friends and visitors, will be dressing up as superheroes to see the new “Justice League” movie. “We want him to feel this outpouring of love,” Karri said. His mother doesn’t want to stop there, though. She went to her son’s school last week with Project 429, an anti-bullying organization, to pitch a program. She’s also in the process of writing a book about being part of a family with a child with autism. “We need to be more kind and loving to each other,” Karri said. “Everyone keeps telling me, ‘Everyone gets bullied in middle school; that’s just the way it is.’” I’m thinking, ‘Why does it have to be that way?’”

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ALSO INSIDE: Save the Children: Jewel Gala. 8 Habitat for Humanity: Rock the House. 8

BLACK

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Ventriloquist Jackie Manna put on a quick show for the kids in attendance. The children listened as ventriloquist Jackie Manna made her puppet talk.

Worth the wait H

The Santiago family spoke of its experience with prematurity. Their son Brody was born at 23 weeks.

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urricane Irma might have delayed The Gift of Life’s annual gala from its original September date, but it had no power in stopping the organization and its supporters from coming together to celebrate miracles. Its annual gala — held Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Heaven Event Center — serves as a fundraiser. This year’s theme, Dancing for Preemies, included performances from a Michael Jackson impersonator, glow stick dancer, flamenco dancer and ventriloquist. The Gift of Life was founded in 2014 by Rosie and Marcus Moore, parents of a preemie, and aims to offer hope, encouragement and support to parents of premature babies in neonatal intensive-care units. It is a registered nonprofit set up to work directly with NICUs to assess the units’ immediate needs, as well as the needs of NICU parents and babies. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

The Gift of Life founders Rosie and Marcus Moore thanked guests for their support.

The Gift of Life bear was a special gala guest.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s

TIE

Rock the House Fundraiser H

BLACK

undreds gathered in celebration of West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s 27 years of service to local, hard-working families during the organization’s first Rock the House fundraising event. Held Saturday, Nov. 4, behind the West Orange Church of Christ on Daniels Road, Rock the House encouraged guests to sponsor tables and decorate them to compete for various “Golden Shovel Table Awards.” Themes ranged from “Where’s Waldo?” and Mardi Gras to “Phantom of the Opera” and Italian night.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Above: This table was full of people dressed up as Waldo from “Where’s Waldo?” Right: City of Winter Garden staff and family members were happy to help support West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore team, led by Sally Lorenz, donned an Italian night theme.

Lemon Tree Lifestyle’s Jewel Gala

Dozens of women dazzled at the Jewel gala.

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uests rocked their finest outfits for a good cause at the fourth annual Jewel Gala Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The evening gala, hosted by Lila Limon, of the Lemon Tree Lifestyle organization, raised money for the Save the Children foundation’s Hurricane Irma relief fund and Mexico earthquake relief fund. Guests filled the Alexis & Jim Pugh theater on the second floor to see models strut their stuff during the fashion show.

Above: Kayla Henderson, Sarah Kanfer and Stephanie Wagner were part of Salon Dulay. Left: Brandon Bergler and event sponsor Laura Dulay had fun sipping drinks.

— HARRY SAYER

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— HARRY SAYER

Marisa Loerzel and her daughter, Hayden, loved traveling to Orlando. Marisa’s daughter, Addison, was honored at the gala.

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hildren’s dreams were answered at the eighth annual Sunshine Foundation Dream Village Gala Saturday, Nov. 4. Held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, the event raised money to fulfill the dreams of children with disabilities. Those often are trips to other states to go to theme parks or the chance to meet a celebrity. Gala guests bid at a silent auction before sitting down for a night of special cuisine and live entertainment.

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

JOSH RECOMMENDS

‘COWS ’N CABS’

7 p.m. Nov. 11. Now in its seventh year, Central Florida’s “Cows ’n Cabs” returns with great food (and drink) for two deserving charities. With more restaurant participation than ever, the event promises serious tastings from more than 30 restaurants including 4 Rivers Smokehouse, The Ravenous Pig, Holler & Dash and Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen. The “down-home, cowboy-themed” evening is hosted by 4 Rivers Smokehouse founder John Rivers and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ David Larue. 4 Rivers Master Chef John Rivers knows fundraisers, and when he joined with David Larue to create a new fundraiser, they wanted the opposite of the tux-and-tie crowd. Trust me, switching to cowboy boots makes this one of the most fun FUNdraisers of the season, and

JOSH GARRICK

Josh Garrick, a West Orange resident, is a fine-art photographer, writer and curator. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University. He was the first non-Greek artist in history to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer named June 27 as “Josh Garrick Day” in perpetuity.

‘DADDY LONG LEGS’

Nov. 16 to Dec. 17. From the Tony Award-winning director of “Les Miserables,” this Cinderella-story-musical is based on the novel that inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. The musical takes place in an orphanage, where Jerusha is the “oldest orphan in the home.” Impressed by her writing, a trustee of the orphanage offers to pay for her to go to college — all expenses paid. The only condition is that he remains anonymous, but Jerusha is to write to him reporting her progress. As she begins her first letter, she decides to call him “Daddy Long Legs,” because of a shadow she has seen (having decided the shadow belongs to her benefactor). Call (407) 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org. Courtesy photo

all that fun benefits the AfterSchool All-Stars and Elevate Orlando. Held in Winter Park’s Central Park West Meadow. Visit cowsncabs.com. Tickets are $110, and you must be 21 or older.

‘THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER — THE MUSICAL’

Nov. 13 to Dec 30. One of the gems of our community is the professional children’s theater at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Every performance has a not-too-subtle message for our young ones, and for Christmas, the Rep is taking on bullying. So beware the Herdmans — a family of kids who lie, steal, swear, fight and light things on fire! When they crash into Sunday School and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the town

panics. In this musical adaptation of the holiday classic, there is no chance for a silent night, but sometimes, a little joyful noise can be just the ticket. Special note: Three examples of the Rep’s nurturing nature are an American Sign Language show on Nov. 27; a sensoryfriendly performance Nov. 26; and a Scout Workshop Dec. 2. The Orlando Rep is in Loch Haven Park with plenty of free parking. Call (407) 896-7365 or visit OrlandoRep.com.

PUCCINI’S ‘LA BOHÈME’

Nov 15, 17 and 19. “La Bohème,” one of the world’s most beloved (and most performed) operas, was composed by Giacomo Puccini with a libretto based on stories about young “bohemians” living in Paris in the 1840s. The world

premiere in 1896 featured a young Arturo Toscanini conducting. Exactly 50 years later, Toscanini conducted a performance of “La Bohème” on radio with the performance released on record and CD. With a story of love found and lost, Opera Orlando has updated the opera to Paris in the Roaring ’20s. Cecilia Violetta Lopez, of the Metropolitan Opera, makes her Orlando debut as Mimi, with tenor Ben Gulley as Rudolfo. Company favorites Bridgett Gan and Gabriel Preisser round out the opera’s lead quartet. Opera Orlando performs with Orlando Philharmonic musicians, and these performances will sell out. I recommend you order your tickets now by calling 844-5132014 or visiting drphillipscenter. org.

BEETHOVEN AND MOZART

8 p.m. Nov. 18. If you truly love classical music, I know when you saw the title “Beethoven and Mozart,” you smiled. As concert-goers, we feel fortunate when either name shows up on our program, but both on the same program — we get to sit back and enjoy unabashed genius. The Orlando Philharmonic will make this dream-come-true happen when Jeffrey Kahane, music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, conducts and performs at the piano with our orchestra. Both concerto and symphony begin with a slow introduction, with stately repetitions of a series of chords. In performance at the Bob Carr Theatre. call (407) 770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org.

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Bishop Moore, Winter Park finish strong in state tourneys The Bishop Moore Hornets tied for runner-up, while the Winter Park Wildcats finished in third place. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Bishop Moore Hornets had a terrific showing on the golf course and tied for runner-up at the state tournament.

to win,” Snyder said. “It’s been a building process. I’ve been with the school six years. Every year, we’ve gotten little bit better.” The Bishop Moore girls team made an appearance at the state tournament as well, tying for 10th place. WILDCATS WIN THIRD PLACE

Winter Park High School finished its state tournament at Mission Inn with an impressive third-place finish, missing first place by just two strokes. Wildcats Pierre Viallaneix, Sean McGinty, Andrew Clark, Tommy Davidson and Drew Lanier took to the green on Friday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 4, looking to make history — and walked away doing just that. Their overall score of 617 put them in third place behind Gulf Coast High School and Forest High School in Ocala — the program’s first top-three finish since 1999, when Winter Park finished as runner-up. “This year, our goal was to not only qualify for state, but to get in the top three with the champs and compete for the title,” said coach Rob Robison, who slowly has built up the program over the past six years. “To have that actually happen was amazing. It was exciting for the kids. I’m proud of their efforts — they competed hard and gave everything they had.” Robison said the team never

Winter Park High School came within two strokes of a state championship.

let the score get away from them, putting up consistent efforts throughout the tournament — including a tough stretch during holes three through eight that they referred to as “the gauntlet.” That was due in large part to senior Pierre Viallaneix and senior Sean McGinty. Viallaneix shot six over par and finished tied for sixth, while McGinty, an alternate turned starter, shot 10 over par and tied for 18th. Freshman Andrew Clark had an impressive outing as well, golfing a 77 and tying Viallaneix on the first day.

It was a step up from the team’s seventh-place finish in 2016, as well as their eighth-place finish in 2015. Coming just two strokes short of the state title gives the boys confidence that they have what it takes to go all the way, Robison said. “We talked about how that’s fuel for the fire; to be that close, you know you now can compete,” he said. “These younger guys have to step up and they have to put the time in. They’re ready.” The girls golf team finished in 13th place at the state tournament.

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“This year, our goal was to not only qualify for state, but to get in the top three with the champs and compete for the title. To have that actually happen was amazing” — Winter Park coach Rob Robison

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The Bishop Moore Catholic School Hornets were buzzing on the golf course at the recent state tournament, tying for runner-up in the state of Florida with defending champion American Heritage School with a score of 628 between two days. Golfers Ignacio Arcaya, Nicholas Diebel, Trey Diehl, Brad Hull and Ryan Hull put it all on the line Tuesday, Oct. 31, and Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Howey-in-the-Hills’ Mission Inn, making it a step further than their third place finish last year at state. The Hornets finished 15 strokes behind first-place finisher Ponte Vedra, whom they had defeated earlier in the season when they won the Qdoba Tournament of Champions. That tournament win gave the Hornets momentum going into the state tournament. Their second-place finish at Mission Inn was the best finish in a state tournament in program history. “It’s hard to be disappointed finishing runner-up,” coach Marvin Snyder said. “Golf is such a very tough sport mentally. I’m just so proud of them, to think about all the schools in the state that have golf teams. To finish as runnerup is just a tremendous accomplishment for them and shows the amount of work they’ve put in.” Senior Nicholas Diebel and senior Ignacio Arcaya were standouts for the Hornets in their highschool golf finales. Diebel shot eight over par and finished seventh, while Arcaya tied for 11th with 11 over par. Another top golfer was freshman Trey Diehl, who played solid golf down the stretch through the district, regional and state. The Hornets have set the bar higher and higher every year, and hope next season to capture the ultimate prize of a state title. “Although disappointed that they didn’t win, they’re proud that they put themselves in a position

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

2017 PLAYOFF PRIMER

OrangeObserver.com

A NEW DAY

Three Winter Park-area high schools hope to make a splash in the upcoming FHSAA Playoffs. for 179 passes. Whittemore also has rushed for 400 yards on 67 carries for three touchdowns. Mitchem leads all rushers for 734 yards on 140 carries while picking up 12 touchdowns on the ground. The Bobcats have multiple 200-plus-yard receivers, but Michel is the clear leader with 695 receiving yards on 38 receptions for seven touchdowns. If the Eagles win, they would make their way into the regional semis against either No. 3 Lee or No. 6 Fleming Island.

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The FHSAA announced its football playoff brackets for Classes 1A through 8A Sunday morning via a webcast show that had Twitter abuzz with both excitement and disappointment. Of the teams covered by the Winter Park/Maitland Observer, three made the cut. Two will host in the first round of the playoffs Nov. 10. Below is a list of the teams that made it, with first-round opponent and other notes, in descending order based on classification. All first round playoff games — whether regional semifinals (1A-4A) or regional quarterfinals (5A-8A) — are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10. WINTER PARK WILDCATS No. 1 seed in 8A-Region 1 Overall regular season record: (10-0, 4-0) Class 8A, District 3 champions Regional quarterfinal matchup: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 vs. No. 8 Spruce Creek (8-1, 3-1) at Showalter Field

After a perfect 10-0 season in which Winter Park claimed another district title, the Wildcats will play host to Spruce Creek in regional quarterfinal play this Friday. With only a single loss on the season — a 17-14 stumble to Flagler Palm Coast in

mid-October — the Hawks shouldn’t be underestimated, as they will be a tough early test for the Wildcats. Just like the Wildcats, the Hawks thrive on a highpowered offense. They have outscored opponents 393 to 132 throughout the season — that’s an average of almost 44 points per game. In eight of nine games, the Hawks have put up at least 33 points. If the Wildcats win, they would face up with either No. 4 Seminole or No. 5 Apopka in the regional semis Nov. 17. EDGEWATER EAGLES No. 2 seed in 7A-Region 1 Overall regular season record: (8-2, 5-0) Class 7A, District 3 champions

Regional quarterfinal matchup: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, vs. No. 7 Buchholz (5-5, 2-2) at Edgewater

The Eagles will kick off postseason play against Gainesville’s Buchholz High School, who did enough in the regular season to sneak into the playoffs with a .500 record in both district and overall play. Although the Bobcats are 5-5, the Eagles’ defense will need to watch for four offensive standouts in quarterbacks Camden Orth and Trent Whittemore, running back Jakhai Mitchem and receiver Isaiah Michel. Orth and Whittemore have thrown for 18 touchdowns on a combined 1,453 yards on 100

BISHOP MOORE HORNETS No. 5 seed in Class 5A, Region 4 Overall regular season record: (7-2, 3-1) Regional quarterfinal matchup: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, vs. No. 4 Westwood (6-3, 4-0) at Westwood

After a season in which Bishop Moore fell just short of a Class 5A, District 13 title, the Hornets look to make some early noise in their regional quarterfinal matchup at Westwood. After starting off the season 0-2, the Panthers rallied back with a 6-1 run and a 4-0 record to seal up a district title and the automatic playoff berth. The matchup to really watch during this game will be a battle between the Hornets’ explosive offensive and the Panthers’ gritty defense.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

ORANGEWOOD ADVANCES TO SSAC SEMIS SSAC semifinal matchup: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 Orangewood Christian at Windermere Prep at Ocoee Bulldog Field The Rams (8-2) already are deep into the SSAC playoffs. In the 16-team playoff, the Rams took out Harvest Community (3-4) in a dominating 35-9 win over the Warriors before taking out Faith Christian (9-1) in an impressive 41-21 win in the quarterfinals. This Saturday, the Rams will take on their toughest test thus far, as they look to put a dent in Windermere Prep’s perfect year. The Lakers (9-0) beat up on Bishop Snyder (5-6) in a 45-6 blowout, before winning 49-48 in a surprisingly close game to Orlando Christian Prep (6-4) in the quarterfinals.

Through nine games, the Panthers have given up a rather low 22.4 points per game, while the Hornets’ offense has put up an average of 34.4 points per game. If the offense can put up their usual numbers, while the defense stymies the Panthers’ offense, the Hornets will be looking at a matchup against either the No. 1 American Heritage or No. 8 Merritt Island in the regional semis. There is also the chance, if the Hornets can make a run, to meet up with in-district foe Jones in the regional finals.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

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MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, NOV. 12 High: 80 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 60%

MONDAY, NOV. 13 Here is a lovely photo taken by Beth Giebler, of Winter Park, of Lake Maitland from Isle of Sicily. The Winter Park/Maitland Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured in the newspaper. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to tfreed@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love Winter Park” in the subject line.

See other photos at OrangeObserver.com

Nov. 3 Full

Nov. 10 Last

Nov. 18 New

RAINFALL Wednesday, Nov. 1

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YEAR TO DATE:

NOV. TO DATE:

2017 41.04 in.

2017

0 in.

2016 50.88 in.

2016

.17 in.

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ONLINE

High: 78 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 40%

Nov. 26 First

ACROSS

31 Old communications code 1 Its cups support 32 Needed a tourniquet 4 A bunch of gentlemen 33 Shed tool (Abbr.) 35 Antelope variety 10 Wet ordeal for a pooch 36 One of the California 14 Deli lunch order, someSantas times 37 Like heirs of the Beati17 Aircraft-related prefix tudes 19 It allows passage in a 38 Things athletes occaT-shirt sionally pull 21 Turkish general 40 113-Across, in the cham22 It’s well-circulated pagne world 23 Beef patty holder 41 Group of like animals 25 Thing for a rabbi to wear 42 Peruvian beast of burden 27 Provide support 44 U.K.’s military flyers 28 Lowly subjects 45 Move a picture from this 30 Thanksgiving pie variety wall to that wall

47 Alligatorlike reptile 48 “Eventually ...” 52 Aussie source of low-fat meat 53 Long, tapering flag 54 “Yada-yada-yada” relative 55 First name in legendary puppeteers 58 Unanticipated or without warning 59 Substance measured in octane 60 Anguish 61 Last word of a threeword place in Wisconsin 62 Jeweler’s magnifying glasses

64 It has the power to turn litmus blue 67 It passes through 19-Across 68 Mine deposit 69 8-8, e.g. 70 One’s professional calling 72 A New York Island 74 Missing ___ bureau 76 Certain nobleman’s domain 77 Be a good schusser 78 Levee up 79 Holds off, as a mosquito 80 Cause to be grounded, as a tree 83 One thing to stuff in a

Answers to this weeks puzzles can be fopund on Page 6

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

“NW EUWA NDG SWWM HIWC NDG XOM, LNBMV O COU WI AWCOU’L DYLNWIV WH OFNYWUL, UWN NDGYI IGFWIM WH YUNGUNYWUL.” – LBRV EOLLGC “TNDC XMOF MK BVXBTK CMHGA. LFCT KMYJVF. M AGMSW M’Y HNMSH AN HFA MA ABAANNFZ NS YT ONCFGFBZ.”

– GDHG UBEWYBS

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals C

34 Country whose flag features a dagger 37 Course list 38 Quick, simple sandwich 39 Consisting of three parts 41 Non-U.S. city near Niagara Falls 42 Does more than yardwork 43 One of many in a script 46 “Who, that lady?” 47 Let go formally, as land 49 One born in Des Moines 50 Roger who played James Bond 51 One side in a war 53 Wee pooch 54 Ice cream thickening agent 55 Place to 77-Across 56 Eunuch’s responsibility 57 Astringent and bitter 58 Seeks a court award 63 Sounded like a pig 65 It can magnify things 66 Important or vital 71 Geometry answer, often 73 Fuel for a furnace 75 Devilish 76 The Edgar who handed Charlie life? 77 Transmit 79 A step beyond anger DOWN 80 If you see these, get out of 1 Nation with many, many the water cays 81 Cause to grow very thin 2 Onetime Safer coworker 82 Did more than just ask for 3 Weapons buildup 85 Smallish kitchen offshoot 4 Small shopping place 87 Rap genre 5 Unit of energy 88 Fastened, as a gate 6 Took in a scent 89 More Soho-y 7 Shrill, ear-piercing cry 8 Immediately clothed after a 90 Nothing more than 91 Expels from the body shower, often 9 Slow-moving, slimy creature 92 Woman’s over-head securer? 10 Maryland’s Chesapeake 96 Certain Latin American 11 Some religious meals shared in love and fellowship dance 97 Great thing to break on a 12 “No ___ traffic” golf course 13 Flag symbols no more 98 Cupid’s Greek cousin 14 Albania’s Peninsula 15 Approving, Facebook-style 100 Common sandwich filler 16 What all the cool kids start 102 “I see your game!” 103 Sweet pastry 18 Some wraps in Japan 104 Conclusions 20 India-to-South Korea dir. 106 One fresh out of diapers? 24 Find a function for 108 Above, poetically 26 Elates or motivates 29 Medicine man 32 Obstacle in frigid waters

boot 84 “He’s ___ nowhere man” (Beatles lyric) 85 Eat with Mr. Fancy Pants, say 86 Nonfictional Ryan or fictional March 88 Popular morning combo 92 She’s a real deer 93 Doctors’ org. 94 “___ we all?” 95 “Gosh, Beaver” 96 Staffs, in a non-PC manner 97 Fatty nut for ice cream 99 Having a series of grooves or bands 101 Mark up, as a musical score 104 Rope to fasten a sail 105 It holds a filling 107 Civil War naval battle 109 Slithering fish 110 Obsessed by 111 Rotated around, as a planet 112 Dele’s reversal 113 All toweled off 114 Kiln for hops 115 Things in copiers 116 Predawn’s center?

HAM IT UP by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: X equals B

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

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

11-9-17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

HOUSE + HOME Lingering effects

BY THE NUMBERS

$51,676,838

total verified storm damage in Orange County

3,001

Orange County properties with verified storm damage

$225,000

median price of Orlando homes sold in September 2017

$205,000

median price of Orlando homes sold in September 2016

The Orlando Regional Realtor Association reported sales of single-family homes in September decreased by 20.8% in 2017. DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

ORANGE COUNTY

t’s been nearly two months since Hurricane Irma unleashed its winds and rains on Central Florida, but its impacts were felt beyond physical damage.

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Realtors expected a September sales decline. And compared with September 2016 — down by 20% — and August of this year — down by nearly 30% — sales did plummet. ORRA President Bruce Elliott, of Regal R.E. Professionals LLC,

HOMES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

consecutive months that increases in median price have been recorded

said hurricanes delay closings because of the extenuating circumstances brought on by the storms, including power loss and home damage, the latter of which requires repair and further inspection prior to closing. “Hurricanes also typically

94.8

percent increase in overall median price of Orlando homes since July 2011

2.3

percent increase yearto-date of home sales in Orlando MSA

SEE IRMA’S PAGE 18

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

De-clutter your space for increased productivity CHRISTINA RORDAM FLORIDA REALTY INVESTMENTS

Home organization. For some, these are dirty words, a topic to be avoided. Best not to discuss the looming pile of old toys and clothes in the garage. Maybe if we don’t talk about it, it will just go away — slowly absorbing into the concrete never to be seen again. Although it is unlikely that the clutter in our homes will spontaneously evaporate, it is likely that we all have some clutter and disorganized spaces in our homes. Whether it’s a fridge populated with items past their expiration date or a closet hosting a selection of clothes from the ’90s (be honest, you’re not going to wear that velvet crop top again), we all have opportunities to add some organization to our homes. Although the thought of de cluttering may not be appealing to some, the benefits of doing so are indisputable. The less time you spend pondering where to find your measuring tape or homeowners insurance policy, the more time you have to do, well, whatever you want. I’m a firm believer that a home is simply happier when things both have a place and are put there regularly. And if you are intent on selling your home anytime soon, you would be well advised to eliminate any visual noise (read: clutter!) post haste. Here are a few top-notch suggestions on how to organize your space with help from professional organizer Meg Whittman, of Neat Method Orlando.

of what you don’t need, use or have a surplus of. Fill that space with something you will use, or don’t. Less can definitely be more here. Another good rule of thumb is to evaluate the items you have in your pantry twice per year. Are there expired baking mixes or super old spices? Toss them and make a mental note not to repeat the cycle of purchasing these things again unless you really plan to use them. Take a good look at your fridge. Many of us just reorganized our fridge courtesy of hurricane Irma, but if you haven’t, now is the time. Set up your space to accommodate how you live and the items you store there regularly. Make sure all items are easy to see. It’s a simple tip but so helpful: If you can clearly see what you have in your fridge you wont waste money buying duplicate items. A cleaner, more organized kitchen is a healthier and happier place to be.

Another common corridor of clutter is the closet. Any closet can become overrun with items but the main culprit is the master bedroom closet. So often, we hold on to old, ill-fitting or simply unworn clothes. Whittman makes the point that at the start or the year you can really evaluate what clothing items you have or have not worn in the past twelve months. With apps such as Let Go and just about every town having a garage sale page on Facebook, it is quite easy to give unused

or unwanted clothing to someone who might really need or want it. Another rule of thumb Whittman follows is “one in one out.” Buying a hot new party dress? Donate or sell one of your existing dresses. This might be harder to adhere to, but even if you stick to every other item, you can maintain your sense of closet order. Speaking of order, try hanging like items together and in color coordination. You can save valuable time in the morning not ever having to wonder where that green sweater is hiding.

On to the final frontier of disorganization, the garage. I love my garage. I often show homes that have garages being used solely for storage purposes. I have to say I could never sacrifice my garage to be used only for storage, but to each their own. Whether your garage houses your belongings, car or both, shelving is the major key. The more shelves, the better, and don’t forget to use weather-proof storage containers, because it is unlikely your garage has A/C. Keep things easily accessible with clear containers and labels. Never dread taking down and putting away your holiday décor again by following these

essential pieces of advice. Whether you plan to sell your home or stay there forever, organization enables you to make better use of your time as well as enjoy your space more. Imagine, a home free of clutter, a place you never have to pick up before our guests arrive. Take a little time to set things up and maintain them. And if you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself, you can always hire an organizer to do it for you. Christina Rordam is a local Realtor with 12 years experience and a member of ORRAs Top Producer Club. For more, visit christinasellsorlando.com.

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A great place to start your organizing is the kitchen. It’s the place in your home everyone congregates to, and your family may spend a good portion of their home time in this room. By organizing this space you can save time and probably money. Surely, I’m not the only one to buy an item or a spice for a recipe only to discover later I already had it buried in the back of my fridge or in a cabinet. Whittman suggests homeowners make note of what they have. Do you have an abundance of a certain item, or items you simply don’t use and aren’t likely to? Time to get rid

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KEEPING IT REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

ORANGE COUNTY DAMAGE REPORT While the Orlando-area realestate market felt Irma’s impacts, it wasn’t the only thing that took a hit. The physical storm damage countywide affected a couple of thousand homeowners and businesses, too. And based on statistics from the Orange County Property Appraiser’s office, the final verified assessment of damage caused by Irma nearly doubled from initial mid-September reports. Initial reports after the hurricane totaled $24,866,775. But as homeowners and businesses continued to report damage throughout the month, as anticipated, the number increased to $51,676,838 by mid-October. According to the office, 2,873 residential properties and 128 commercial properties were damaged in the county. The property appraiser’s assessment of damage is part of what county leaders use to notify the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Anyone with questions regarding value of their property damage caused by Irma can call (407) 836-5044.

Irma’s effects assistance through Nov. 24. Thus far, FEMA has approved 720,588 applications for individual assistance across all 48 designated Florida counties. In total, it has also approved nearly $861 million for the individual and households program. “Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance,” according to its website. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program also has enhanced the flood insurance claims process in regards to how claims are filed. Some policyholders may be eligible for advance payments, which will be deducted from the final claim settlement, in which they can receive a check for up to $5,000 without an adjuster visit or additional documentation. They may also be eligible for up to $20,000 in advance payments if photographs and receipts validating the out-of-pocket expenses related to flood loss or a contrac-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

cause a decline in inventory as properties are taken off the market for repair, or as owners stall plans to list their homes while they deal with hurricane aftermath,” Elliott said. “It’s no surprise that new listings for the month of September dropped by 31% compared to September of 2016.” Among members of ORRA, sales of single-family homes this past September decreased by 20.8% compared to September 2016, while condo sales decreased 12%. Additionally, the overall inventory of homes available for purchase this September decreased 16.6% when compared to September 2016, and decreased 2.2% from August. But despite the hurricane and the drop in sales for September, ORRA representatives said that the overall median price of Orlando-area homes (all types) continued its upward trend, which is 9.8% above the September 2016 median price. DISASTER RELIEF

With Irma now far in the rearview, the focus of some Florida homeowners and the Federal Emergency Management Agency remains on recovery and repair. FEMA issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the majority of Florida counties, including all of Central Florida, Sept. 10, and continues to take applications for

“Hurricanes also typically cause a decline in inventory as properties are taken off the market for repair, or as owners stall plans to list their homes while they deal with hurricane aftermath. It’s no surprise that new listings for the month of September dropped by 31% compared to September of 2016.” — Orlando Regional Realtor Association President Bruce Elliott

Home & Auto. Smart & Easy. John Psomas RICP, Agent 922 Lake Baldwin Lane, Suite A Orlando, FL 32814 Bus: 407-277-2997 www.johnpsomas.com Hablamos Español

tor’s itemized estimate are provided, according to FEMA. Homeowners dealing with flood damage are encouraged to take photos and videos of their flood-damaged properties and immediately removed damaged items to help reduce health risks related to mold growth. NFIP also has waived the initial Proof of Loss requirement. Adjusters will visit and assess damage, help document claims and submit a report to the insurance agency. Homeowners will only need to submit a Proof of Loss if they find additional flood damage, disagree with the insurance company’s payout or if the contractor’s estimate is more than the estimate on the initial report sent to the insurance company. The deadline to submit the Proof of Loss is one year from the date of the flood loss. Additionally, insurers must provide policyholders with the following: a copy of the adjuster’s report supporting the recommended payment; a written explanation of the difference in payment if less than the adjuster’s report; and an Adjuster Report Claim Payment Letter. For more information on recovery efforts, visit FEMA.gov/ IrmaFL or visit FEMA’s Facebook page.

NOVEMBER

HARDWARE

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6' Fold‑in‑Half Table

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL

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Plastic Folding Chair 8197097

3499

Intex Pillow Rest Queen Air Bed Built-in pump. 8483141

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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*Ace Rewards card Instant Savings (“Instant Savings”) amount is available as mail-in savings for non-Ace Rewards members (see store for details). Where applicable by law, tax is charged on the sale price before application of Instant Savings or mail-in savings. You must present Ace Rewards card to receive Instant Savings in store. You cannot redeem Instant Savings and mail-in savings on the same purchase. Instant Savings (or mail-in savings for non-Ace Rewards members) listed in this advertisement are valid through 11/30/17, at participating stores.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 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.

RETIRED COUPLE providing personal services for individual needs. References available. 407-4912123 6/16fb

Open Houses

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

PRESENT

*DIVORCE SALE* Winter Park- All Top Quality- Clean and Immaculate! Mahogany Dinette Set, Off-White Leather Loveseat & Chair w/3 Tables, Brown Leather Couch, 2 Queen Beds (Stern’s & Foster), Dresser w/Mirror & Bureau, Pictures, Vases & Flowers, China, Dishes, Silverware, Oriental Rugs (4)(Paid $8,000 For One), etc. Call For Photos and Appt Times To See. Downsizing- EXCELLENT PRICING! Call (856)558-0183.

Homes for Sale

SUNDAY 1-3

2501 Tuscaloosa Trail, WP 5 BR | 3 BA | 3,000 SF $485,000 Beautifully Remodeled Dommerich Hills Home

Special finisher awards will be given to all 5K finishers and Fun Run participants! 5K Age Group Awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall and to the top masters male and female. Age group awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in standard 5 year age groups.

6:00AM - Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup 7:00AM - 5K Run 8:15AM - Kids Fun Run (T-Shirt Guaranteed)

SUNDAY 1-4

2016 COUNTRY SIDE CIRCLE SOUTH, ORLANDO, FL 32804 $289,000 3 Bed | 2.1 Bath | 2,074 SF Melissa Woodman + Kim Galloway 407-592-1234

L I S T I N G S fanniehillman.com 3773 ETHAN LANE, ORLANDO, FL 32814 $399,500 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,976 SF Megan Cross 407-353-9997

$30.00 - Late and Race Day Registration after November 26

1317 Druid Isle Road, Maitland 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,486 SF $589,000 Stunning, Completely Remodeled Lakefront Home

(T-Shirts available while supplies last) FREE - Kids Fun Run (Ages 3-7) Register Day of Race Only. (No Shirt Only Finisher award) please bring a “New” book for Reading Reindeer

For more information and to register online visit: www.trinrun.com