11.11.21 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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Sally Lofton, 105, has lived through two pandemics. 3.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Imani gets her heart The 6-year-old Lake Whitney student is home and thriving after her Oct. 12 heart transplant. PAGE 4.

YOUR TOWN SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding the upcoming holidays? Are your dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated? The West Orange Dream Center is hosting a free seminar called Surviving the Holidays at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. This seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. Breakfast will be served. Space is limited. Register by contacting the Dream Center at info@wodreamcenter. com or griefshare.org/findagroup.

All the right notes Downtown Winter Garden came to life with music, food and fun for the city’s Heritage and Music Festival. SEE PAGES 10-11.

ST. LUKE’S TO HOST HOLIDAY MARKEPLACE

The United Methodist Women at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is holding its 40th annual Holiday Marketplace from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, in the Building C Welcome Hall, 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. Folks are invited to shop for handmade crafts, goodies, and gifts for friends and family. The Blessed Treasures gift shop also will be open in the annex behind Building C. For more information visit st.lukes.org/marketplace.

Jim Carchidi

Michael Andrew and Swingerhead take the stage at Winter Garden’s Heritage & Music Festival. Andrew was the headline singer and bandleader at the Rainbow Room in New York City, and band leader and singer at Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club.

DBi Services’ sudden closure leaves locals without jobs The national company had an office in Winter Garden. Former employees speak out. 2.

Making her debut West Orange High senior Jordan Mohr released her first single and performed her first show. PAGE 13.

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Rain can’t stop Donut Dash 5K Runners laced up to raise funds for the Winter Garden Police Athletic League. SEE PAGE 4.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

DBi Services’ abrupt closure leaves locals unemployed Winter Garden employees were among the thousands who were jobless when the nationwide company closed Oct. 22. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Thousands of DBi Services employees — including all who worked in the company’s Winter Garden office — are unemployed, uninsured and confused after the company closed its doors abruptly at the end of October. DBi Services was a nationwide asset management and infrastructure services company. It was responsible for repairing potholes, damaged signs and guard rails, closing lanes during accidents, and taking care of drainage ditches and trees. The company also managed care of rest areas along interstates. In Central Florida, DBi was providing services for the massive I-4 Ultimate project. Guy Huffer started working at DBi’s Winter Garden office at 100 Second St. about two-and-one-half years ago as a lead technician who specialized in operating heavy equipment. Huffer said he loved his job and enjoyed the people with whom he worked. He considered them to

be like brothers and sisters. “They are wonderful guys — they’re like family,” Huffer said. “They are just beautiful people.” Huffer said at about noon Friday, Oct. 22, all employees received an email saying there was a web meeting giving an important company update scheduled for 4:30 p.m. In a three-minute web meeting, thousands of employees across the United States were laid off when the company unexpectedly closed its doors with no prior announcement or information. The company also sent a follow-up email for those who were unable to attend the scheduled web meeting. “As you are aware, DBi Services LLC has been facing a number of challenges as a business,” the email read. “As a result, the company’s Board of Directors has determined that it is necessary to permanently close the company’s operations, at your employment site and virtually all sites throughout the country. This means that your employment with the company will terminate, effective today, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.” By midnight the same day, the company had locked the employees out of their work website and email log-ins. That meant those who didn’t attend the

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about the job loss. He was completely locked out of his email before he was notified. “I was shocked and angry,” Henry Wiggins said. “They didn’t even have the guts to tell us to our face. I don’t even know what we are going to do.” He said he and the other employees with whom he worked dedicated years of hard work and time. “This company was bad news and not good to its employees,” Evie Wiggins said. “They mistreated their workers and had them work in unsafe working conditions with lack of safety equipment. I don’t know what we are going to do now. We need help.” Evie Wiggins said she worries the unexpected job loss will leave their family homeless. “We are so heartbroken,” she said. “We worked our butts off to lose everything we had. We need a miracle.” Since DBi announced its closure, the company has gone silent on social media. The company also is deleting comments and posts within 24 hours, especially on LinkedIn, where its employees are speaking out regarding the closure. DBi released the following statement on Monday, Oct. 25: “DBi Services today confirmed that due to continued operating and financial challenges, and sudden and unexpected setbacks, particularly the decision of its primary lender to discontinue all funding, the company

determined that a wind down of substantially all of its business is necessary at this time.” However, the employees are not giving up. Kayla Tucker, whose husband worked at DBi, started a Facebook group, which now has more than 1,000 members. A class action lawsuit was filed Tuesday, Oct. 26, by Leonard Jankowski, who worked for DBi for more than 18 years at the company’s corporate headquarters in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit states the company violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, which requires a company to provide a 60-day advance written notice of termination. The suit seeks unpaid wages; paid time off; accrued holiday, vacation and sick leave pay; and benefits, including pension and 401K contributions, for a period of 60 days following the employees’ termination, in addition to interest, and legal fees and costs. “I hope that all my guys from Winter Garden and throughout the United States bounce back from this,” Huffer said. “I have met so many people and made so many connections in this Facebook group already, and they truly are wonderful people and they deserve to stand up and speak their minds for what’s right. God bless them.”

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meeting or check their email that day were not notified of their job loss or the company’s closure. Employees were left with no job, no severance packages and no health insurance and were left stranded with uninsured company trucks and equipment. Huffer said many of his crew members had no idea, and he had to call them to tell them the news. “I was more worried about my crew guys than anything else,” Huffer said. “I have a Class A License. I can bounce back with anything. But I was so worried about all my crew guys, because a lot of them can’t find jobs like that.” Huffer said there were about 15 guys on his crew who worked at the Winter Garden location. Since the company’s closure, Huffer has been keeping in touch with his former crew members. “I don’t know what most of those guys are going to do,” Huffer said.“A lot of them are filing for unemployment, but with how the system is right now, it’s a hard, long and slow process.” Winter Garden resident Henry Wiggins and his wife, Evie, also are feeling the impact of the company’s decision. Henry Wiggins started working for DBi in 2018 as a highway technician and picked up litter along the highways. He said one of his friends and employees was the one to notify him

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LIFE IS GOOD AT 105 AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Tibballs and Davis — still come easily to her. She went to the Plant Street grocery stores on occasion but was a frequent shopper at one in the black neighborhood owned by Hezekiah “Mr. Ki” Richardson. It was located on Center Street, and Lofton would eventually go to work for Mr. Ki, spending 12 years as a clerk. “I was working for Mr. Ki, and one day, I told him I wanted to do more than I had done,” she said. “He said, ‘More power to you.’ He helped me, and I went to nursing school after that. The head nurse said I was the best shot giver.” Lofton attended nursing school in Orlando for one year and earned her practical nurse license. On her days off, she continued handling the washing and ironing for white families in Winter Garden. East Winter Garden was a thriving community when Lofton and her husband, Ernest, were raising their three daughters, Ernestine Brown, Addie Grier and Karen Daniel. “They had cafes — about six cafes and restaurants — (and) before 5, you could go in and dance, eat and I guess anything else you want,” she said. “We called them jook joints.” Two of her brothers owned a bar on Center Street: Brown’s Bar and Package Store. Lofton said her father worked there, but she never did. “I’d say it was pretty good living here,” she said. “Most of the time people treat you right here.” Life was good in east Winter Garden but venturing outside the community meant facing the racism that was part of everyday life. “There was one liquor store uptown,” she said.“White people went in the front door, and we went (up to) a side window to buy our liquor.” The same rules applied at doctor

Members nominated 17 residents to a Reapportionment Advisory Committee to create a more equitable map that was last updated following the 2000 Census, before the growth in Horizon West. COMMUNITY EDITOR

A 17-member committee of Central Florida business men and women has been meeting regularly to learn about the seven districts that make up the Orange County School Board. They were selected by board members to equalize the districts that have become lopsided as growth continues at a rapid pace in certain areas, such as Pam Gould’s District 4. The Reapportionment Advisory Committee’s goal is to better balance the number of students in each School Board district. The committee is meeting in each of the seven districts and discussing one at a time. The group met Wednesday, Oct. 20, at Windermere High School, to talk about District 4, which includes most of the schools

Amy Quesinberry

Courtesy photos

Sally Lofton earned her LPN degree and spent 12 years at West Orange Memorial Hospital. Left: Sally Lofton and her girls.

and dentist offices. “Back in those days, my husband worked in the orange grove picking oranges,” Lofton said. “In the summer he didn’t have a job, so we always went to Connecticut and worked in the summertime. We worked one year in dry cleaners, and the next year I worked for Hamilton Aircraft washing dishes.” Lofton sought a new career path when she enrolled in the licensed practical nurse program at Orange County Vocational School and went on to become the first black LPN in West Orange County. She accepted a position at West Orange Memorial Hospital, in Winter Garden, where she was one of three black nurses. One was an aide, another worked in the operating room, and she worked on the floor, she said. She stayed at the hospital for 12 years before retiring, and then she merely shifted next door to the nursing home for part-time work. She said she

OCPS committee tasked with redrawing School Board district lines AMY QUESINBERRY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Sally Lofton, who turned 105 Nov. 1, has more than a century of memories of growing up in Georgia and raising three children in Winter Garden.

Sally Lofton, the first black LPN in West Orange County, has celebrated 105 birthdays, survived two pandemics and two bouts with breast cancer.

ally Lofton was in her 20s when she moved to Winter Garden with her husband and oldest of three daughters — close to 80 years ago. Monday, Nov. 1, marked her 105th birthday, and she reminisced about her life that spans more than a century in Georgia and Florida. She doesn’t get around Winter Garden as much as she used to, preferring to stay in her home on Pennsylvania Avenue — the same property she has lived on for more than 70 years. But she still has her memories of the city’s past and her life in it. Lofton’s first home in Winter Garden was “a little old shack on Story Road,” she said. She was 27 when she and her family moved here in 1943. She later moved to a home on Pennsylvania Avenue. She earned her money through a variety of jobs throughout her life. Born in Baker County, Georgia, Lofton’s first jobs were shaking the dirt off the peanuts she pulled from the ground and picking cotton. She married when she was 18, soon after her mama died. After moving to Central Florida, she attended night school and earned her high school diploma in the Charles R. Drew Adult Education program in 1964. “I was determined to do more than washing and ironing,” Lofton said. Even when she became a nurse, though, she would continue to offer her laundry services for many years. Lofton recalls the Winter Garden of her young adulthood was “a little old stove-up town,” with two grocery stores, a handful of shops downtown and a railroad station. “One person got off the train every other day,” she said. She remembers the Williams Department Store on Main Street and Leaders Department Store on Plant Street. The names of the drug stores —

in West Orange County. A handful of schools in Winter Garden and Ocoee are in Melissa Byrd’s District 7. The districts are redrawn the year following a U.S. Census, when population changes are recorded. Prior to the 2020 census, the last one was taken in 2010 — before the rapid growth in Horizon West. The purpose of this committee is to draw the district lines for each School Board member; it is not to redraw the attendance zones of the schools. It was stressed at the meeting that parents need not worry that their children might be rezoned to another school. There are three main redistricting criteria: Equal Population, Federal Anti-Discrimination Law and consideration of the “Traditional Redistricting Principles” — compactness; contiguity;

preservation of political subdivisions, communities of interest and corers of prior districts; and avoiding pairing incumbents. Part of the committee’s role is to look at maps and school feeder patterns and decide which communities should stay together in a district. It is important to create as much equity as possible in resources and other factors among all districts, said committee chair Diego “Woody” Rodriguez. “I’m always a firm believer (that) the free and reduced meals is a good indicator,” he said. Thomas Moore, a demographer for Orange County Public Schools, said in the last decade, OCPS has gained more than 12,100 students and built 11 new schools. Krista Carter, vice president of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and one of the 17 committee members, said in 2019, 53% of all building permits in Orange County were in Horizon West.

“I was working for Mr. Ki, and one day, I told him I wanted to do more than I had done. He said, ‘More power to you.’ He helped me, and I went to nursing school after that. The head nurse said I was the best shot giver.” — Sally Lofton

REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE n Diego “Woody” Rodriguez, Sharon Warner and Elisha Gonzalez-Bonnewitz — nominated by School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs n Joie Cadle and Tom Beard — nominated by District 1 Board Member Angie Gallo n Soraya Smith and Sami Haiman-Marrero — nominated by District 2 Board Member Johanna Lopez n Michael Daniels and Jim Doherty — nominated by District 3 Board Member Linda Kobert n Krista Compton Carter and Sharod Kelly — nominated by District 4 Board Member Pam Gould n Kran Riley and Deborah Denise Settles — District 5 Bord Member Vicki-Elaine Felder n Julien M. Serrano-O’Neil and Stephanie Vanos — nominated by District 6 Board Member Karen Castor Dentel n Monique Morris and Rob Richmond — nominated by District 7 Board Member Melissa Byrd

stopped working when her husband died. “I enjoyed it,” Lofton said. “I miss it a lot, but I was tired of working.” Lofton is the oldest member of the Ninth Street Church of Christ and was baptized in Black Lake in 1947. This was her second baptism, she recalled, as she also was baptized in a Baptist church in Georgia. Lofton is the picture of health and proof of a life well lived. She has survived breast cancer twice and is old enough to have lived through two pandemics. The first, the Spanish Flu in 1918, killed her oldest brother when she was 2. Lofton has had her share of big parties through the years. When she turned 80, her family celebrated at the Yacht & Beach club. Her 90th birthday party was held at Barnett Park, and her milestone 100th birthday was recognized at the Jessie Brock Recreation Center. The 105th was more low-key. “I’m just glad to be living,” she said with a smile.

Moore said Village I, another community within Horizon West, remains to be built. This will bring thousands more students to District 4. Future growth can be determined by looking at the development plans being presented to the county and municipalities — whether it’s single family, multi-family, high-rise or another option. To explain the disparity of school placement in the districts — as determined by growth — Moore said six of OCPS’ 22 high schools currently are in District 4. Each district should have three or four, he said. Another factor to consider is where the students live. For example, he said, Dr. Phillips High is in District 4, but not all of the students who attend actually live in the district. A majority of the students attending West Orange High, in District 4, live in District 7. Residents can participate in the RAC meetings virtually or in person to voice their opinions on how the lines are drawn. For information, visit bit. ly/3Gjm9CT. Anyone with questions can email 2020RAC@ocps.net. The School Board has until Dec. 31 to approve the adjustments to the district boundaries and the new district map.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

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Heart of the matter

“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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

AMY QUESINBERRY

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Jackie McGriff learned in March her daughter, Imani Harvey, then 5, had a failing heart, and the family has been in survival mode ever since while waiting for a heart to become available. That day came Oct. 12 — 237 days after Imani went to the hospital after passing out and being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. “She’s feeling good, and she’s happy to be home,” McGriff said. “She hasn’t had any setbacks, and she started eating on her own and started taking her medicine by mouth, which was really good.” Imani was treated for a blood clot in her brain, and she had a seizure and three open-heart surgeries prior to receiving her new heart. She has endured physical, occupational and speech therapy on her road to recovery. Imani and her twin brother, Amari, are students at Lake Whitney Elementary School. The last seven months have been difficult for the 6-year-olds, who were allowed only a few visits because of COVID-19. When news of the available heart reached Imani’s mother, she drove to Orlando to pick up Amari, and the three of them spent time together at UF Health Shands Hospital. Amari was able to spend the night with his sister. The next morning, he and his mother walked Imani to her surgery. When Imani was well enough to come home Oct. 28 —she and her

Courtesy photos

Amari and Imani Harvey are happy to be together now that she is home following a heart transplant.

HOW TO HELP To make a donation to Jackie McGriff and her children, Imani and Amari Harvey, visit the family’s original GoFundMe page at bit. ly/3cG8WXA. More than $20,000 has been raised of the $30,000 goal.

mother visited Lake Whitney to surprise Amari. Imani has nearly a dozen medications to help with the healing process. She will have to go to therapies to strength her right side, which was weakened after a stroke earlier this year. She must avoid large crowds because she is immunosuppressed, so that means being homeschooled for now. Her mother hopes she will be well enough

Imani Harvey and her mother, Jackie McGriff, are all smiles after the 6-yearold’s heart transplant.

to return in January. Money has been tight for McGriff since Imani has been in the hospital. The single mother quit her job at Publix to be with her daughter in Gainesville and was scheduled to return to work just before a heart was located. Now, she’s afraid to leave Imani with a sitter. “I can’t leave her with just anybody,” McGriff said. “She has too much going on to trust her with anybody.” In the meantime, Amari is doing his part in taking care of his sister,

McGriff said. The two trick-ortreated a few weeks ago — she dressed as Moana, and he went as Buzz Lightyear. It lasted no more than 15 minutes, because Imani’s right foot gets tired, but the two had a blast together. As part of her care plan, Imani goes weekly to Shands for checkups. After one month, that switches to twice a month. McGriff said she hopes to return to work once Imani’s schedule lightens up in January 2022. She said she’s concerned about the upcoming holidays and making them special for her children. “Christmas is going to be tighter than in previous years, but we’ll make do with what we’ve got,” she said. The real blessing is having her daughter home.

Soggy start — but a sweet finish C

loudy skies and sweet treats were forecast for the Donut Dash 5K Saturday, Nov. 6, at Newton Park in Winter Garden. An estimated 300 runners and walkers were registered for the event, which raises funds for the Winter Garden Police Athletic League. Ponchos and doughnut-themed couture were all the rage as showers cleared out before the 8 a.m. start time. Runners were encouraged to eat their fill at three “donut zones” along the route. And — as if anyone needed an excuse to partake — every runner received a 30-second deduction from his or her final race time for each doughnut eaten. So the more you ate, the faster you ran — sort of.

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David Livingston and Chad Morrill were ready to run.

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Scott Samuelson was first to finish the race — and first to show off his medal. Every 5K participant scored a medal. Left: The McKelvy family — Jake, Caroline, Jane, Catherine and Abby — were excited to run.

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Right: Tracy and Emma Kristoff were ready to run in style.

Ellie, Sarah and Skyla Price sported stylish headgear.

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Parents, teen killed in apparent murder-suicide A Dr. Phillips High School student was among three people found dead in what Orlando police are calling a murder-suicide. According to police, a woman called 911 because she couldn’t get ahold of her family in Orlando. Officers went to the Residences at Villa Medici Condos on Conroy Road Friday morning, where they forced their way into the home. Police discovered the bodies of a 53-year-old man, his 48-year-old wife and a 16-year-old girl, officials said. Police believe the man shot his wife and daughter before killing himself. The victims have not been identified.

Target to open new location Sunday Horizon West will welcome one of the largest department stores in the United States this weekend. Target will host the grand opening of its Flamingo Crossings location Sunday, Nov. 14. The new store is located at 204 Ruby Red Place at State Road 429 and Western Way. The new location will be about 29,000 square feet, with is smaller than its larger stores, which can be close to 100,000 square feet. Target, first opened in 1962, now has more than 200 locations in Florida and nearly 2,000 in the United States.

Oakland plans clearing of invasive negation The town of Oakland will remove invasive vegetation this week at the Historic Oakland Cemetery. Cardno, the town’s consultant for the Historic African American Cemetery project, planned to clear the vegetation from Nov. 9 to 11. Cardno is a national firm based in Tampa and includes experts in the specialized area of historic preservation of black cemeteries. The clearing will allow the historic preservation and management plan to continue moving forward. Personnel will remove invasive trees, such as chinaberries, without disturbing existing gravesites. The town’s Public Works Department also will participate by hauling away the debris.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Ocoee leaders approve proposal to turn shed into living space However, Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said she is concerned about the precedent the approval will set. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORT EDITOR

After several hearings regarding its newly adopted pet store ordinance, the Ocoee City Commission reconvened Nov. 2 for a less contentious meeting. After discussion, commissioners approved resident Salvadore Cataldo’s request to turn an existing backyard shed into a living space for family on the property at 1910 Shari Lynn Terrace. Cataldo asked the city to reduce the minimum rear building setback reduction from 25 feet to 10 feet to allow him to convert an existing shed in his yard into a living space for family members when they visit. The minimum rear yard setback is 25 feet, and Cataldo’s shed is 10.5 feet from the rear property line. Cataldo wants to build a loft bed and a kitchenette in the space. Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen

expressed concerns about the proposal. “We are taking a single residence and making it higher density,” Wilsen said. “When you bring in another residence, the potential is that it could be rented as an apartment. Now, you have changed the dynamics of the neighborhood from a singlefamily neighborhood to higherdensity living arrangements.” A representative for Cataldo replied there is space for additional parking at the house and that there is no chance for the space to be rented, because the utilities would have to be connected to the home. She also said it would not be disruptive to neighbors because there would be no construction going on outside. Development Services Director Mike Rumer said the city code allows a guest apartment or cottage on property of up to 600 square feet so this would not be a radical change to the city code if approved.

FULLERS CROSS ROAD NOW OPEN After several months of work, Fullers Cross Road is now open to the public. Ocoee city commissioners Larry Brinson and Richard Firstner and Mayor Rusty Johnson gave their seals of approval on the road. “I’m very pleased,” Brinson said. “It’s very smooth. I have not driven it during rush hour, but I suspect it will do quite well. The sequencing of the lights seems to be doing well.” “It looks wonderful and operates just fine,” Firstner said. “I’m very pleased to see that intersection fixed.”

IN OTHER NEWS n Mayor Rusty Johnson read a proclamation commemorating the anniversary of the Ocoee Massacre of 1920. n A representative from the Ocoee Youth Council shared a music video the council created on managing yard waste set to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” as part of a challenge by the Florida League of Cities. n The commission approved unanimously the rezoning for plots of land in the city set to be used for commercial and service development.

“This variance is not creating the opportunity for (an on-site living space unattached to the home),” Rumer said. “It’s already there. We don’t have a code that says if you add an accessory structure, you have to do A, B, and C (to get it approved).” However, Wilsen did not budge. “If they had just built onto the house, they would not have had a problem with the 25 feet,” she said. “If we do this, other houses will come to us and ask for a variance to put an additional residence property. It would change the dynamics … to a higher-density neighborhood.” Ultimately, the commission voted 4-1 to approve the variance, with Wilsen dissenting.

St. Luke’s plans Veterans Day service

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church will honor those who served in the military with a special Veterans Day Service. The service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, in the sanctuary, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. It will be a time of reflection, testimony and prayer where the church will honor, celebrate and remember those who have served the country in the U.S. Armed Forces. A special offering will be collected during the service to benefit Soldiers’ Angels. The national organization has a chapter in Orlando and provides aid, comfort and resources to the military, veterans and their families. All donations collected will benefit the organization. For more information, visit the church’s website, st.lukes.org, or call (407) 876-4991.

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Challenge 22 seeks to bring awareness to veteran suicides The Challenge 22 RuckWalk walk is one part of the day’s events, which includes music, games, silent auction and a birthday celebration for two World War II veterans.

IF YOU GO CHALLENGE 22: RUCKWALK 2021 WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden INFORMATION OR REGISTRATION: (407) 6566261 or wgal63.org

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The monetary goal of the American Legion’s Challenge 22 is $100,000 — but the real goal is to eliminate the 22 suicides that take place every day among military veterans. American Legion Post 63 is hosting its annual Challenge 22 RuckWalk in Winter Garden, a free community event that offers live music, a patriotic ceremony, 2.2-mile walk around the city, car show and more. Local entertainer Billy Flanigan is the master of ceremonies. The program begins with a traditional military ceremony with the presentation of the colors and musical tributes to the Armed Forces. Walkers, runners, rollers and riders are welcome to participate in the walk, which starts and ends at Veterans Memorial Park. Active and retired military are being encouraged to wear their ruck sacks, but carrying a backpack is not necessary. A picnic starts at noon, and attendees who donate $22 will get a barbecue sandwich, drink tickets and chips. Tickets also are available for purchase for other activities taking place in the park. There will be beer and food vendors, silent auction, raffle, children’s games, a ninja course courtesy of event sponsor Gymnastics USA and music by the Josh Gilbert Band. “We’re talking about a serious subject, but we’re definitely going to make it fun,” said Kurt Gies, American Legion post commander. At 2 p.m., The American Legion will recognize the birthdays of two local World War II veterans, 99-year-old Mel Jenner and 100-year-old Gilbert Waganheim. Two veteran walls — the Patriot

Saturday, November 13, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Guard Riders’ Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism — and a special memorial for the 13 service members who died in the recent bombing in Afghanistan will be set up. “It’s off to the side where people can go off and have a quiet moment and read the names,” Gies said. During the day, attendees can go onstage and give shoutouts to family and friends who have or who are serving in the military. Community partners dedicated to providing services to military and first responders will be in attendance, as well. The community’s participation is key to the event’s success. All proceeds go to Project VetRelief and SOF Missions. Project VetRelief provides assistance to active duty and veterans and their families in the form of emergency funding assistance, benefits support and encouragement. SOF Missions is a non-profit organization that empowers warriors to find their purpose, be resilient and live well. They develop personalized care plans for veterans and walk with them through 365 days of psychological, social, spiritual and physical care. “You touch a nerve, and you touch a heart, and it’s pretty cool to see how people respond to that,” Gies said. Last year’s event raised about $77,000, even during a pandemic, Gies said. This year’s goal is $100,000, and he thinks it can be reached. “We dream high and shoot for the moon, and if we land on the moon, then we’re all good,” he said.

HARD WORK deserves to be

The City of Winter Garden will host a free document shredding event for its residents to commemorate America Recycles Day. Crown Information Management will provide safe and secure document shredding. You can watch your documents get shredded, plus all shredded material will be recycled!

RECOGNIZED .

Some are dreamers. Some are talented You are both.

e Your hard work, dedication and disciplin are have paid off. You’re graduating! We this know and you of proud ably unbeliev is only the beginning of your success.

When: Saturday, November 13, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or until the truck gets full

- Mom & Dad

Location: 848 E. Plant Street (across from the Library)

JENNIFER ANDERSON

Veterinary 3.97 GPA I University of Florida;

Medical Sciences

ONLY

*Please bring proof of residency with you.

$55

ry $75 regula

RD PER CA

LET’S CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2022 Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors at all of our area’s public, private and charter high schools. Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their accomplishments with a personalized congratulatory card in our 2022 Graduation section.

DEADLINE FOR EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT TUESDAY, NOV. 30, 2021 DATE OF PUBLICATION THURSDAY, MAY 19

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Order your Senior Shoutout: OrangeObserver.com/class-of-2022

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Firefighter set to return after brain surgery

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Shop Local, Support Local.

Taylor Pageau expects to begin orientation training Nov. 15. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Taylor Pageau, a firefighter in Ocoee, is finally set to possibly return to work within the month after being medically cleared to return following brain surgery to remove a noncancerous tumor during the Courtesy photo summer. Pageau said he expects to join the Taylor Pageau is anxious to return to orientation training Nov. 15 but add- duty with the city of Ocoee. ed there still are things needing to be taken care of before it can be official. Pageau’s benefits hadn’t yet kicked Even so, he is excited for the in because he only had been with the opportunity to return to work, department for a couple of months. whenever that may be. For several weeks, they began taking “I’m looking forward to getting Pageau’s shifts for him so he could back on the truck,” Pageau said. “I get paid. Then, the union got the city don’t care what happens next. I just to approve union members donatwant to get back on the truck.” ing their paid time off so he would His recovery was slow at first, get paid until short-term disabilhe said, but it has progressed at a ity kicked in. That gave the Pageaus rapid pace within the last couple of 67% of his income until he goes back months. Today, he said he is 100% to work. recovered from surgery. The fire department and union “At first, I couldn’t pick up more also set up a GoFundMe for the than 20 pounds,” Pageau said. “Now, couple and several events, including I’m deadlifting 215 pounds in the a poker tournament and bass fishgym.” ing tournament, and sold “Taylor Pageau suffered a seizure during a Tough” T-shirts. team exercise April 19. He later was Despite his improving condition, diagnosed with a benign epidermoid Pageau said he still has some brain tumor. He underwent an eight- lingering mental problems at times, hour surgery April 28 to remove the but they have not doused his fighting tumor. spirit. Since then, he has been on leave. “Keep fighting and don’t give up,” During that time, Cypress Grove Pageau said of his attitude. “Realize Fellowship and fellow firefighters that things are going to work out in H stepped in to help The the end. Don’t discouraged.” 20TPageaus. NOVget H & the T EMBERfor comment 9 1 R Y church started a meal train for the Repeated requests E A 19TH & B D NOVEMBER 19TH &Ocoee 20TH FRIDA 20 OVEM and SATUR assistance Ncouple offered taking from the Fire Department & Y Y & A S M ATURDA TH ID 4 Pand FRof T S O FRIDAY & SATURDAY T R 8 Y care the house their pets. I human resources director were not AM TO 4 8 AM , 1701 ADA ISasOof P N M Then,Nthe Ocoee Fire Department returned press time Tuesday. C R E E N TER, 170 8 AM TO 4 PM CE Tinto action in big ways. 1 ADAIR jumped ISON S

e m o c l e W

REFRESH YOUR

! l l HOME a F Coming Thursday, Nov. 18

The biggest shopping event of the year is just around the corner!

Gift Ideas: Find the perfect something for everyone on your list. Perfect Timing: Area malls stay open longer for all your shopping needs. Santa Stops: Don’t miss your chance to see St. Nick this season. Shipping Deadlines: Make sure your gifts get there in time.

CRAFT S W O CRAFT SHOW H S T H F OW A E E I R N O C O IN OCOEE C CO O

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T UN B1701 ADAIR ST FCENTER, ISON D N A E FUL ED ITEMS ! AUTIFUL AN I T U A HGAND-C D FUN BE -CRAFT -GIVIN R A FTED IT BEAUTIFUL AND FUN HANDT FO R GIFT PERFEC EMS T FOR GIF C E F R T -GIVING PE HAND-CRAFTED ITEMS IN DOG, TOCOEE O ! H F E BEIN ROCOEE A 0 !!

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CRAFT SHOW CRAFT SHOW ND 4 POU ED 1/ GRILL DRINK AND A S IP H C $4.0 ONLY-TAK M-3PM TICILKAEBTLSE 10AE A CHANCE$1.00 O AVA

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NOVEMBERF19TH 19TH 20TH FLES&& ES !20TH ! RAKFEFA LCHANCOE-R $5.00 NOVEMBER FRIDAY &SATURDAY SATURDAY FRIDAY & -TA R6F PM DRAWIN R 6 FOR 1.00 O HELD AT 2 $ S $5.00 G T S E TTO O BE4H 8 AM TO 4PM 8 AM TICK TO BE V 20TH S ELPM G D AT S A IN TU O

DRAW TURDAY, N SA

AnyRE FullFRESAny 1/2 H e m o c l e W Leaded Glass Leaded Glass YOUR OF DOG DAY$ ! l l HO OF a E M EKin doorF F Dress upDOG that pTlaADAY$

O E G A T N A50 V D 10 0 !DEALS! A son a se e th or f ESEF OFF THOF

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PACKAGE DEAL ARE BA BA Any Full Any DAYS 1/2 PACKAGE DEAL DAYS ARE INTERIO R DOOR Leaded Glass Leaded Glass

GRILLED 1/4 BEEF HO POUND CHIPS A T DOG, 2PM RDAY, N N D A DR O INK V ISONCENTER, CENTER, 1701 ST ST ISON 17012ADAIR 0TADAIR H O N L Y S $ 4 T . F 0 0 AVAPOUND GRILLED 1/4 ILABLE 1 CRA 0AM-3P KID’S 2 AND 1-3 M BEEF HOT DOG, 1

FULL GLASS HALF GLASS SLAB EE SPECIAL FREE FULL GLASS HALF GLASS $ $ FR We In se have COMPLETE DOOR a large selection of slabs: ou 100 OFF Door 50 OFF Door -H $ $ E K A se ou T 100 OFF Door 50 OFF Door -H Pantry, In Homegrown, Assorted es Styles, at m REPLACEMENTS NOW$125 $ ti Es AVAILAB LE! OF, Reedglass, OFF Door & 1 SidelightWheat-Frosted Door & 1 Sidelig $ $ 75 OFF GEates Es Atim T Are your Entry Doors wearing N out?Door &A 125 OFF 1D Sidelight 75 OFF Door & 1 Sidelight A V $ $ Laundry ! $ 100GLASS Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French AND OFF ANY HALF 150 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights OFF Door Door & 2 Sidelig with blinds!$50 ALSLEADED $ doors E D E 150 OFF DoorPANEL. & 2 Sidelights 100 OFF & 2 Sidelight S E H NOT GOOD WITH PROMOS $ T FRONT NEW DOORS 25-40% Matching Transom (over 5 sq. ft.) $100 OFF CLOSEOUT 100INTER OFF AND Matching Transom (over 5 GLASS. sq. ft.) ENTRY DOOR WITH YOUR IOR DOOR

RAFFLES!! FREE

10-TAKE S” DAAYCHANCER ENIOR F U CHIPS A DRINK T NGE S T JANE ATREE KID A S $1.00 OR“W6ESFOR TICKETS C ’S CRAND T ORA $5.00 A T A A T N CON OS HE F U T T IO R M Y T S B A D .C AY 10ONLY RM DRAWINGS AT 2PM SOREDTO BEFOHELD MAIL -12 AN$4.00 SPON VENDOR IN ENIORS@Y S T D 1-3 GE S CRAF AVAILABLE 10AM-3PM ORAN NOV 20TH PONSORED B FORSATURDAY, FO WEST Y

Any full leaded glass

BEAUTIFUL AND BEAUTIFUL ANDFUN FUN HAND-CRAFTED ITEMS HAND-CRAFTED ITEMS * OFF PERFECT FOR GIFT-GIVING! COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEME PACKAGE DEAL DAYS ARE COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMEN PERFECT FOR GIFT-GIVING! COMPLETE DOORBACK! REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! NOW AVAILABLE!

$AVING$

Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31

THE “W EST ORA VENDO NGE SEN WESTOR R INFORMATIO IORS” N ANGESE NIORS@ CONTACT JANE YMAIL.C AT OM

Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31/21 W/ 1 SIDE-LIGHT CHOICE of SLAB SPECIAL COMP LETE DOOR ½ or FULL We have a large selection of slabs: OR ANY IN-STOCK Pantry, Homegrown CEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! , Assorted Styles, 2REPLA SIDE-LIGHTS GLASS Wheat-Fros

R CRAFT

Are your Entry Doors wearing out?

ted, Reedglass, DOORS

Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French doors with blinds! Are your Entry NOW Doors wearing out? FULL GLASS HALF GLASS AVAILABLE! FREE KID’S CRAFTS FRONT NEW DOORS FREEAre 25-40 % doors with blinds! Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French ENTRY DOOR $ $ your entry doors wearing out? WITH YOUR entry wearing out? se Are 100 OFF DoorMIRR 50your OFF Door doors -HouR InO S W/ 1 SIDE-LIGH * T SATURDAY 10-12 AND CHOICE of GRILLED1-3 1/4 POUND RAFFLES!! ANY DBL INTERIOR DOOR DOOR, SWAP OUTDOOR OFF OR es ½ or at FULL INTERIOR $ $ tim Es Change out those BEEF HOT DOG, Change out those FRONT ENTRY 2 SIDE-LIGH 125 OFF Door & 1 Sidelight 75 Wrap OFF Door & 1 Sidelight TS GLASS After Mirror -TAKE A CHANCENEW DOORS SLAB SPECIAL or PRE-HUN G GRILLED 1/4 POUND UNIT old SLAB SPECIAL oldsliding slidingglass glass RAFFLES!! CHIPSSENIORS” AND A DRINK DOOR WITH $ $ SPONSORED BY$5.00 THE “WEST ORANGE TICKETS $1.00 OR 6 FOR Before Wehave haveaalarge largeselection selectionofof slabs: Wrap WITH YOUR We slabs: 150 OFF Door & 2Mirror Sidelights 100 OFF Door & 2with Sidelights doors new BEEF HOT DOG, doors with new 1 SIDE-LIGHT Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, ONLY JANE $4.00 FOR A CRAFT VENDOR INFORMATION CONTACT AT -TAKE S DRAWINGS TOCHANCEBE HELD AT 2PM R RO(over 5 sq. ft.)OR 2French CHOICE OFFrosted, 1/2 Reedglass, IR $ M ANY DBL DOOR, SWAP Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry doors Wheat Laundry French doors OUT CHIPS AND A DRINK 100 OFF Matching Transom SIDE-LIGHTS AVAILABLE 10AM-3PM WESTORANGESENIORS@YMAIL.COM NOV 20TH TICKETSSATURDAY, $1.00 OR 6 FOR $5.00 OR FULL GLASS or PRE-HUNG UNIT with withblinds! blinds! 25-40%OFF OFF* * 25-40% ONLY $4.00 DRAWINGS TO BE HELD AT 2PM FRONT ENTRY DOOR NEWDOORS DOORSWITH FRONT ENTRY DOOR NEW Laundry

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ANY IN-STOCK DOORS

After Mirror Wrap

Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31/21. Before Mirror Wrap

ANY ANY IN INSTOCK STOCKDOORS DOORS

W/1 SIDE-LIGHT YOURCHOICE CHOICE OF SIDE-LIGHT YOUR COMPLETE DOOR W/1 REPLACEMENTS 2 SIDE-LIGHTS ORFULL FULL GLASS GLASS OROR 2 SIDE-LIGHTS ½½OR INTERIOR SLAB DOOR SPECIAL FREE KID’S CRAFTS NOW AVAILABLE! After Mirror Wrap We have a large selection ofMirror slabs: After Wrap

SATURDAY, NOV 20TH

AVAILABLE 10AM-3PM

Serving the Community Since 1966

FREESHOWER SLIDING SLIDING SHOWE in-homeOFF any anyin i OFF $ e s t i m e 25-40% OFF* MIRROR ates slidin s MATE DOORS MIRROR MATE DOORS slidi 50 OFF 25-40% OFF SWING SHOWER SHOWER $ 10% OFF SWING

Before Mirror Wrap OFF SATURDAY 10-12 AND 1-3 entry doors10% OR 10% OF Are your wearing out? F OR Assorted Pantry, Homegrown, Styles, FFRRE EEE 15% INTERIOR DOOR OF F FREE KID’S CRAFTS In-HLaundry 15% Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, OFF I n o Change out those m H e SPONSORED BY THE “WEST ORANGE SENIORS” 2 OR MORE... SPECIAL imoam t e EsEtsitm 2 OR MORE...SLAB FOR CRAFT VENDOR INFORMATION SATURDAY 10-12 CONTACT AND JANE 1-3AT old sliding glass ates Before Mirror Wrap

FOR CRAFT VENDOR INFORMATION CONTACT JANE AT FRONT ENTRY DOOR WESTORANGESENIORS@YMAIL.COM W/1 SIDE-LIGHT Before Mirror Wrap

Now Offering PRP Injections

Homegrown, ANYPantry, IN STOCK DOORSAssorted Styles, Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry

10% OFF 50 OFF 50 OF F OFF Any 1 Frame $$ OFF Any 1 Frame Any Sliding Shower Door $ $ S R E W O SH 15% OFF $ 15% any carved design any OFF SLIDING SHOWER DOORS 10 0 OF F carved a 502 orOFF More swingany shower doordesign over 25 sf showe Any Sliding Shower Door

After Mirror Wrap

100

ANY IN STOCK DOORS $

NEW DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ½ OR FULL GLASS

OR 2 SIDE-LIGHTS

We have a large selection of slabs:

doors with new French doors SPONSORED BY THE “WEST ORANGE SENIORS” with blinds! WESTORANGESENIORS@YMAIL.COM

Any Clear Swinging Shower Door up to 25 s/f

Perry’s Decorative Glass 50 Perry’s Decorative Glas $50 OFF100 $100 OFF OFF

SHOWERS

Empowering Patients and Restoring Active Lifestyles.

Open Monday - Friday Call us at (407) 654-3505

Any Clear Swingi ng 2 or More THRU 8/31/21

Any Clear Swinging any installed Shower Door over 26 s/f OFF Shower Door up THRU 8/31/21

swing shower door over 25 sf

show

to 25 s/f

sliding *FREE Can of Glass Clean er w/Anydoor Shower Purchase $ 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27 ANY SHOWER DOOR ANY SHOWER DOOR 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27 Swinging www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 UP TO 21 S/F Any Clear 22 S/F and up

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SWING SHOWER DecoraDOORS tive Glass S Perry’s OWER 10% OFF SH www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 Shower Door over 26 s/f For Appointments: PressAny 3 1 Frame OFFra Blvd,$Next OFF Facebook.com/entrypointbyPerrys to Publix $ 1122 Bicha Facebook.com/entrypointbyPerrys on Route 441/2 7 Authorizations and Referrals 15% OFF *FREE Can of Glass Cleaner w/Any Shower Purchas any carved design any 1122 clear swing Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, FL e can be faxed to (407) 654-4956 www.Entry 2 or More

yPerrdoor ys.com swing shower door over 25Pointb sf shower 15 •sf751-0883 (352)over 751-0833

Perry’s Glass Decorative Perry’s Decorative

596 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761-4219

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THRU 8/31/21

www.westorangeorthopaedics.com

100

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already

Glass

marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683

www.entrypointbyperrys.com

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683

1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27

1122

Bichara Blvd, www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883

Next to Publix

*N clo

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

REAL ESTATE

OBSERVER

Rosser Reserve sells for $3.25 million A

home in the Rosser Reserve community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential realestate transactions from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6. The home at 1009 Down Reserve Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $3.25 million.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

125 N. Lakeview Ave. Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

market: 71. selling homes in each

The home at 4213 Oak Lodge Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $725,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,554 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

community in West Orange.

STILLWATER CROSSINGS

These are the highest-

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

DR. PHILLIPS

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

FOOD PANTRY

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 1-3pm in Education Bldg

CARING TABLE

4th Monday of the month at Elks Lodge from 5-7pm

LATHAM PARK SOUTH

ORCHARD HILLS

EPISCOPAL

VIZCAYA

The home at 8000 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 3, for $2.15 million. Built in 2005, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 7,161 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.

HORIZON WEST

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

The home at 8801 Fountain Palm Alley, Unit A, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $799,900. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,671 square feet of living area. Days on market: 54.

feet of living area. Days on

bedrooms, six baths, two

METHODIST

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

half-baths and 7,940 square

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011 Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

Total Sales: 88 High Sale Price: $3.25 million Low Sale Price: $135,000

The home at 9295 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $645,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,090 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

Built in 2021, it has five

CHURCH OF GOD

SNAPSHOT

The home at 14611 Avenue of the Rushes, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $580,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,565 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 4218 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $660,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,348 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12. WATERMARK

The home at 10055 Austrina Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $780,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,849 square feet. Days on market: 11. WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 14399 United Colonies Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 2, for $1.1 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 4,578 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm MOVIE Family Movie in Fellowship Hall NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

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For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

Moving Forward Program Offerings 367776-1

Personalized care with compassion and excellence. 351592-1

Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

TEXT

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 TO DONATE

Office Hours:

This is a secure site for giving

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12 By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761

Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

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WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE? CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

Wellington Esquea, PA-C Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani

Se Habla Español

Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com 366404-1

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

E! W NE LEAS SP K O

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 3312 Kentshire Blvd., Ocoee, sold Nov. 1, for $601,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,026 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

ROYAL CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 10510 Royal Cypress Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 2, for $897,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,361 square feet of living area. Days on market: 76. ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES

The home at 9488 Prince Harry Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 1, for $930,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,200 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE DAVIS SHORES

The home at 20 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $1.1 million. Built in 1955, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,188 square feet of living area. KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11615 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $880,000. Built in 2003, it has

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1238 Glenheather Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $814,500. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,924 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five. WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 2106 Willow Brick Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 2, for $780,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,545 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

realliving.com

The home at 1009 Down Reserve Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $3.25 million. This Mediterranean transitional castle is being built by Supreme International Construction.

BOOK DONATIONS Book Drop Off Locations I Now - Dec 1 HAMLIN

OAKLAND

16412 New Independence Pkwy #140

The French Cafe

Prairie House Coffee Co. 4 S. Tubb St.

OCOEE

WINTER GARDEN

Houseblend Cafe 17030 W Colonial Dr

Gymnastics USA 13175 W Colonial Dr

Ocoee Police Dept 646 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy

Roper YMCA 100 Windermere Rd

City of Ocoee 150 N. Lakeshore Dr.

First United Methodist Church 125 N Lakeview Ave

WINDERMERE

Children’s Lighthouse 220 Windermere Rd

WINTER GARDEN

LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 536 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $640,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,336 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15. LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3255 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $450,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,190 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

Dixie Cream Cafe 434 Main St Dr. Phillips YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd The French Cafe 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Ste 160

RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15381 Sandfield Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $589,900. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,776 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

Windermere Library 530 Main St. Sunset Park Elementary

West Orange Chamber of Commerce 12184 W Colonial Dr

Supporting children in our community ages 1-17 Call for more details (407) 656-2121 OrangeObserver.com

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The home at 11807 Cave Run Ave., Windermere, sold Nov. 1, for $670,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,914 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21. OCOEE

five bedrooms, four baths and 3,159 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Giving the Gift of Reading Since 1997

WINDERMERE TRAILS

Introducing a better way to bank in Winter Garden. And it comes with free checking. At VyStar we’re all about doing good. Good for our members, by helping them make the most of their financial futures, and good for the area by giving back to the communities we serve. Stop by our new Winter Garden branch and see all the good we can do for you. MEMBERS ENJOY: > Free checking with no minimums > Paid up to two days sooner with a VyStar checking account direct deposit* > Network of 20,000+ surcharge-free ATMs across North America > Reduced or zero fees for most services > Lower rates on loans

Opening soon at 14130 W. Colonial Drive 800-445-6289 vystarcu.org

367125-1

OBSERVER

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Tiana Ocasio and Enrique Nieves got into the groove. Left: Reese Miller navigated as her dad, Ethan, played shoulder chauffeur.

Could your school use an extra $2,500? If so, make sure you enter our Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest! The Observer Media Group and Healthy West Orange are teaming up to present this contest to celebrate West Orange’s wonderful education community. Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of anything you feel shows off the strength of your school. That could be anything athletics, arts, academics be creative!

Upload Your Photos Now through Thursday, Dec. 1

WIN $2,500 FOR YOUR SCHOOL!

Artist Kirstie Hosp showcased her work at an outdoor art show by the Masonic Lodge.

orangeobserver.com/2021-show-us-your-strength For more information, call us at (407) 656-2121 or email Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com. Good luck!

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Ocoee High students Olivia Brooks and Kaylee Mohabir spent the day volunteering at the festival.

Gamalier Reyes gets the crowd dancing with salsa and Latin beats.

History in the making D

owntown Winter Garden echoed with the sounds of celebration as the city marked its founding, 118 years ago, with the community-wide Winter Garden Fall Heritage & Music Festival Saturday, Nov. 6. The free event, presented by the city of Winter Garden and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, featured a variety of entertainment for all ages including art exhibits, games and live music by a range of performers, from homegrown bands to national acts. Bands performed on outdoor stages throughout the downtown area — all within earshot of outdoor dining areas.

Shawn Dennis’ boxer, Thanos, doesn’t fear the weather.

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Carmen Jones got her photo taken at the orange mural with We Flip Entertainment performers Johnny Tsunami and Narada. Left: Lisa Habersbrunner’s dog, Ellie, was dressed for the weather. 2021_CTW-30258_Print_Orlando_West Orange

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

HORIZON PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Less than a year after she was appointed to open Horizon High School, Principal Laura Beusse is retiring. Buesse, who has spent 39 years in education, announced last week she is retiring at the end of the semester. Beusse posted this comment on her Facebook page: “It has been my honor and privilege to work with so many truly amazing people — colleagues, staff members, students, parents, community members, etc. ... It has been a gloriously wild ride and one that I am grateful for and have loved. If you were part of my journey in any way — thank you!” Andrew Jackson, currently the principal at Bridgewater Middle, will take over for Buesse.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

AMANDA KOHMETSCHER, OAKLAND AVENUE CHARTER SCHOOL Amanda Kohmetscher is responsible for all things related to state testing, progress monitoring, student management systems, compliance and instructional technology. She was a primary point person for the school’s pivot to online instruction during the first COVID-19 closure and the continuation of online learning last year. She has managed to bring OACS current and purposeful technology to support student achievement and engagement year after year since taking this role. She calls herself a true tech geek.

OCSO NEEDS MORE CROSSING GUARDS The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its search for school crossing guards. Orange County is looking to add two dozen crossing guards to its team. The areas most in need of the help are south and west Orange County. Pay for the job starts at $15.53 an hour, with cash allowances for recruiting assistance and good attendance. According to OCSO, training, protective clothing and safety equipment are provided at no additional expense. For questions or additional information, call the School Crossing Guard Office at (407) 836-4082.

What brought you to your school? This was the first school (to which) I applied. I had just moved back to Central Florida, and my motherin-law knew someone whose kids went to OACS, and she had spoken very highly of it. So I put in my application and was lucky enough to get an interview and land a firstgrade teaching position. What do you love most about your school? I love the people. OACS is truly my second family. I have formed so many long-lasting friendships with fellow staff members and families who have attended this school. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is that I get to combine all of my passions: technology, leadership and working with students. What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend time with my family. My husband and daughter are avid golfers, so you will find us at West Orange Country Club often. I also love to travel and explore new places. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Miss G., my fourth- through eighth-grade math teacher. She was the perfect combination — strict but goofy. She used

REPORT CARD

innovative teaching strategies. I still remember rhymes and acronyms she taught us to help us remember things and some of the videos we watched in her class. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I actually always wanted to be a teacher. As far back as I can remember, that was my plan. I always loved school and had amazing teachers growing up. I always played “school” as a child. I guess it truly was my destiny. What is your favorite children’s book and why? When I was a young child I loved Dr. Seuss books because of the crazy characters, illustrations and fun rhymes. I still love reading them to students. As I grew older, I loved reading The Babysitter’s Club series and the Goosebumps series. And as a classroom teacher, I loved reading the Magic Tree House series with my classes. What are your hobbies? I am very interested in interior design and decorating, so I spend a lot of time watching HGTV, getting inspiration from Pinterest and working on my home. I also love planning and going on trips. If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Dave Matthews Band, Elton John

and Barenaked Ladies. These are three of my favorites, and I never get tired of their songs. These are three artists I couldn’t survive without! Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? I met my best friend, Stefanie, in third grade at Sunday school. We bonded over our matching denim purses that we had covered in New Kids on the Block buttons! We have been friends ever since. I just visited her this summer. What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I played soccer and volleyball in grade school/middle school. I also volunteered a lot. I taught Sunday school and worked at summer camps. I did earn awards in high school for the amount of volunteering I did throughout high school. I was also a member of National Honor Society. — AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

POSITION: Assessment and technology coordinator TIME AT SCHOOL: 15 years

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

One Mohr for the road West Orange High senior Jordan Mohr released her first single, “Haunted House,” last month. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

West Orange High School senior Jordan Mohr can’t remember a time when she didn’t love music. “I remember my parents told me when I was only 3 — we were watching some guy perform Christmas songs — and I just went up and grabbed the microphone and started singing,” Jordan said. Now 17, Jordan said she continues to fall more in love with music every day. The more she learns, the stronger that love grows. Most recently, Jordan celebrated two significant milestones in any budding musician’s career: She released her first debut single, “Haunted House,” and completed her first live performance last weekend at the Winter Garden Fall Heritage and Music Festival. Jordan hopes the single and performance serve as the foundation for living a dream she’s had her entire life.

SEE JORDAN MOHR Jordan Mohr will perform at the DME Showcase Dec. 11 at Tin Roof in Orlando. For more information, visit jordanmohrmusic.com.

A SHINING LIGHT

Music wasn’t always Mohr’s only love. Her interest in theater started even before her musical journey began. Jordan and her brother, Alex, grew up sharing a passion for the arts. The pair formed a close bond through the multiple children’s programs in theater and music they attended. “Now that we are older, we are honestly closer than ever,” Jordan said. “Some of my favorite moments with him are when we just put on a good musical and belt our hearts out in our car jam sessions.” Like many creative types, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Jordan to re-examine her priorities. She decided to step away from theater to focus more on music. One of her first decisions was to connect with DME Artist Development in Gotha. Owned by Michael and Caroline Walker, the company offers a unique, wrap-around approach that enables artists to reach their goals and achieve their dreams as musicians, singers and songwriters. “We work with lots of young people Jordan’s age, but she took the initiative by herself to reach out to me,” Caroline Walker said. “What is there not to love about her? She has this great energy and has so many wonderful qualities and values. She is such a shining light.” Jordan said although she only started with DME this year, she already has been given instrumental instruction, vocal coaching, music production, day-to-day artist management, music business consultation and songwriting guidance. “I love that in music, I can express myself in my own way,”

Annabelle Sikes

At 17, Jordan Mohr balances her budding career in country music with her schoolwork at West Orange High.

she said. “Especially here, when we song write, it’s just this excitement of, we are all working together and everyone’s ideas are good ideas. You can put whatever you’re feeling or going through into a song and then create something from it and share it with others.” A COUNTRY GIRL

Another aspect the company has provided guidance in is the selection of a genre for writing and performance. After much consideration, Jordan decided to market herself as a country artist. “I love the storytelling aspect of country music and the authentic guitar,” she said. “It’s my favorite genre and pretty much the only thing I listen to now.” Jordan’s influences include Carrie Underwood, Maren Morris and

Kelsea Ballerini. Jordan’s first single, “Haunted House,” recently was reviewed by Southern Fellow, which praised it for its music and subject matter. Jordan said the Walkers pitched the song to her a few months ago. “It had such a deep meaning, and I think this song is something everyone needs to hear,” she said. BALANCING ACT

In addition to her budding career, Jordan also is busy completing her final year of high school at West Orange. She said she has a great support system from DME, her family, her school, her principal and her friends. “They know this is my dream,” Jordan said. Tracy Mohr said one of the things that impresses her the most about her daughter is her ability to not

take herself too seriously. “I am amazed by her work ethic,” she said. “She is just driven. You don’t have to remind her. She just does what she needs to do, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously, either. She still has fun, and that’s something I admire about her.” Jordan said she tries to stay in a positive mind space, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. “I am still learning and growing, and I am still working on not listening to everything people say about me,” Jordan said. “You are always going to have those people that don’t support you or say mean things and I want to continue to become stronger both personally and in my music. This is me, and if you don’t like it, then I want to be able to show others everything will still be OK.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION THROWBACK THURSDAY OCT. 30, 1975 If you want to bring in the crowds, try offering a piece of birthday cake to folks. That’s what the Winter Garden McDonald’s did in 1975 to celebrate its first anniversary. An advertisement in the Oct. 30 issue of The Winter Garden Times invited the community to participate in the festivities. The restaurant was a fun place for kids and included a full outdoor playground with a mini carousel, climb-in Officer Big Mac, Fry Kids ride-ons, a tall slide and other equipment. Inside, patrons could sit on cheeseburger stools and even hold private birthday parties in a special area of the eatery. The McDonald’s might look different today, but it sells burgers and fries from the same location 47 years after it opened.

85 years ago

The Tin Can Tourists were being welcomed back to Trailer City. Georgia Mink was chairman of the rummage sale being sponsored by the Winter Garden Welfare League for the benefit of Winter Garden Day Nursery. On her committee were Irene Britt, Rubie Harris and Kathryn Valdes. The newspaper noted it was strange to have two holidays in the same week: Armistice Day and Friday the 13th.

75 years ago

Dr. Gibbs Ashley of Gainesville announced he was coming to Winter Garden to practice his profession, erecting a veterinary hospital in the Johnson subdivision on West Washington Street south of the baseball park.

70 years ago

50 years ago

Several women gathered to discuss plans for the popular annual Holiday Bazaar at Tanner Auditorium: Louise Battin,

FROM THE ARCHIVES Veterans Day honors both living service members and those who died serving their country. Nettie Love De Guay and Gladys Ungaro are seen with photographs of their sons, Charles Love and Dominic Ungaro, who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam. Today, pay a visit to Veterans Memorial Park in Winter Garden, located in the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Story Road. If you have information or photographs of loved ones who served in the military, contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation to share, (407) 656-3244.

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

Episcopal Church of the Messiah; Mary Va. Tanner, First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden; Nellie Barnard, Ocoee United Methodist Church; and Nell Minor, Ocoee Lions Auxiliary. Also participating were the West Orange Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the West Orange Garden Club.

40 years ago

A party was held at the Ice Skating Palace in honor of West Orange Debutantes Nancy Barber,

Heather Field, Lisa Pinto and Sandy Holland. Hostesses were Carolyn Greer, Annette Spigener, Carol Dunn and Betsy Roper. Malissia Cruese was guest of honor at a benefit held at St. Pauls A.M.E. Church sponsored by the Gospel Choir and the CountyWide Charity Club. Lillian Bing and Eddie Ruth Jackson were in charge. A new school record was set by Lakeview Junior High’s Rena Heckman as she took first place in the girls county diving

championship — despite having 10 stitches in her knee.

30 years ago

The Palm Lake Elementary fifthgraders formed a new opera company called Opera-tune-ities. The students went through a month of auditions. Clarcona Elementary School celebrated its fifth birthday with all staff members wearing party hats.

crossword

celebrity cipher

STAGE PLAY by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg 55 Watts of “Birdman” 60 Former advice columnist Landers 62 In a sassy way DOWN 64 Game with many Wild 1 Stealthily emails cards 2 Pirate’s booty 65 Semester-ending test 3 Foam darts, for a Nerf 66 That doe toy 68 “On the Basis of Sex” 4 Relative of an autobimonogram ography 70 Closes in on 5 Guy 71 “___ whiz!” 6 Type of display, for short 72 “SNL” alum Morgan 7 Reads quickly 73 Fruit with a wrinkly rind 8 Move, in Realtor-speak 74 Mauve or baby blue 9 Top squad of athletes 78 Captains lead them 10 Coastal state in India 79 Despise 11 Onetime fountain 80 Personnel operators 82 In fashion again 12 State that John Denver 83 Org. fighting the fur aptly sang about industry 13 They’re counted in 84 Piles up darkness 85 Admit defeat 14 That stag’s 88 Enthusiastic response 15 Long-eared beast to “How’s your meal?” 16 ___ Speedwagon 90 Refuse to share 17 BIC product 91 San Antonio NBA 19 Accountants often player write them off 92 ___ Britain (art mu20 “Grand” letters in seum) Vegas 94 Rope-a-dope boxer 23 Never 96 Lube 28 Developer’s purchase 101 “___ was saying ...” 30 Rachel’s sister 104 Bring on board again 31 Raison d’___ 106 “Super-duper!” 33 “Honest” prez 107 Butcher’s discards 34 Spinning speed, for 109 Give moral guidance short to 35 Time for seaside 112 Depend (on) shucking 113 Useful connections 36 Fusses over oneself 115 Still competing 37 Tennis great Monica 116 Loch ___ monster 38 Cutting room? 117 Pale 39 With melodramatic 118 Dream sleep acronym flair 119 The Roaring Twenties, 41 Woodwind essential e.g. 42 Toasted barbecue 120 (I’m so angry!) staple 121 Running joke 45 Questlove’s hairstyle 123 Part of TGIF (Abbr.) 48 On pins and needles 124 Peace sign shape 50 Residence 125 Actress Mendes 52 “Stop it!” 53 Any day now 130 Easter flower 131 Vote for? 132 Online crafts store

ACROSS

40 Celestial sphere 43 App’s early phase 1 Explosion sound in a 44 Funeral blaze comic book 45 Contented sigh 5 L.A. Galaxy’s org. 46 Forbid 8 Tatters 47 Spay or geld 12 D-flat’s equivalent 49 Old term for a young 18 Entertainer’s resurwoman gence 51 Exit part of a show 20 Silence breakers’ rapidly? hashtag 54 Door handle 21 “Now it’s clear!” 22 Authoritative theater 56 Short-sleeved shirt 57 Horses with speckled star? coats 24 Moral of the story 58 Ref. for word lovers 25 Got up 26 “Aquaman” actor Jason 59 Shuttle-launching org. 61 Unwraps 27 Sunburn soother 63 Not fooled by 29 Most lazy 64 One returned for E.T. 32 Stage items for a 66 ID assigned at birth military character? 67 Requests at a restau38 Place to dance, per Martha and the Vandellas rant

69 Rehearsing every song? 74 Messenger bird 75 Before, to a bard 76 Band’s booking 77 Silicon Valley industry, briefly 80 Actor Baron Cohen 81 81, for a square of side length 9 83 Comrade 85 American Red Cross founder Barton 86 Grp. with prohibited items 87 Annoy 89 Scenery for a Broadway adaptation of “Breaking Bad”? 93 After a long wait 95 Honda rival 97 Salary

98 Be in the red 99 Toppled 100 South Asian garment 102 Petrol, across the pond 103 Illegal driving maneuvers, often 105 Showstopper such as “Defying Gravity”? 108 Peaceful 110 Actor Bana 111 Like many state fair treats 114 Home to the giant panda 118 Genre for Bob Marley 122 Insulting dialogue? 126 Mistakes in a book 127 Paperless exams 128 Frenetic 129 “Bombshell” actress Robbie

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

“TFBMEMVP MA KVT CFVCBF ZNV HTF AIHTFS UV EV UV NFBB. ACMTMUGHBMUX MA KVT CFVCBF ZNV NHYF HBTFHSX DFFP UNFTF.” – DVPPMF THMUU “LOZRLIZXLGI FLBB GMXCI DZWWK EA XG FGWBPA XTZX ICHCW FCWC. VEX FLXTGEX LX FC RG IGFTCWC.” – DZWB AZRZI “RUL YUVM RULV YCR, RUL VWCTX NXDZ JWCM, CGI RUL MGUY NXW NDBW’Z KUDGK NU TUBW YXWG RUL KU ACTM IUYG.”

– BDVCGIC HCBAWVN

Puzzle Two Clue: J equals P

The carnival sponsored by the PTA of the Tildenville school netted $400. An outstanding feature of the entertainment was the Dixie Dances given by Linda Milan, Karen Moran and Jane Prince. The following Christmas greeting mailing rules were announced by Winter Garden Postmaster Ed Henderson: When addressed to box holders at the local P.O. and all other mailing of cards, including rural routes — sealed, 3 cents; unsealed 2 cents. Cards mailed at the 2-cent rate cannot be forwarded. Effective Jan. 1, 1952, 1-cent postcards will be discontinued and replaced by two-cent postcards.

Puzzle One Clue M equals F

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue K equals F

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

11-11-21

NOVEMBER 11, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

The Windermere High School volleyball team won the Class 7A Region 1 championship Nov. 6 with a 3-1 win over Lake Brantley. The Wolverines took the first two sets before winning in the fourth set to clinch the victory. The team now moves on to the state semifinals against Jupiter Nov. 13 for a chance to compete for the Class 7A state championship.

Foundation Academy’s swim teams performed well at the FHSAA Class 1A swimming championships Nov. 6 in Stuart. For the girls, Emily Sundermeyer placed second in the 200-yard freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle. The boys team’s Mason Williams took second in the 100 butterfly and fourth in the 100 backstroke. Windermere Prep’s Marcela Scaramuzza nabbed a pair of second places in the butterfly and in the 100 breaststroke.

Golfer Aaron Leach recently won the regional championship for Olympia High School. Page 16.

POSTSEASON PRIMER: PART 2

Time to shine CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

ith the regular season officially reaching its end, several West Orange football teams are poised to make playoff runs this fall. In our second and final playoff preview, we take a look at three of the area’s private school teams that will make postseason runs in 2021.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS 2021 SNAPSHOT Record: 7-3 Coach: Andre Walker Key Wins: Orangewood Christian, Northside Christian, West Oaks Academy Playoff Opponent: Victory Christian

With so many new faces and a new head coach, Foundation Academy managed to put together a strong 2021 campaign, finishing the year with a 7-3 record. The Lions used a strong, balanced attack on offense and a strong defense led by its defensive line to terrorize opposing teams all season.

“We always say, ‘What’s rule No. 1 of football? Don’t beat yourself. We’re going back to work on fundamental work and things we haven’t done enough of. We want to make sure we are sound in every element of the game.” First Academy Coach Leroy Kenard

SEE PLAYOFF PAGE 16

The Horizon football team closed out its first regular season as a varsity program with a win against Windermere. The Hawks won 29-13 to take the first Battle of the Groves. Horizon was paced by running backs Trenton Allen and Devon St. Clair, who scored two touchdowns apiece. Bo Kenney led the defense with 14 tackles, four of them for loss. The team finishes the season with a 2-8 record.

West Orange defensive end and tight end Eddie Kelly on Nov. 6 announced his commitment to play for the University of South Florida next year. Kelly has been a force on offense and defense for the Warriors during his four years at West Orange but has turned it up a notch in his senior season. On offense, he has 221 receiving yards with four touchdowns; on defense, he has 57 tackles and 20 for loss, including 3.5 sacks.

Playoff time has finally arrived for football. West Orange County has four representatives in the state playoffs this year. West Orange begins its journey against Durant (Plant City) after a 9-1 regular season. Foundation Academy, The First Academy and Windermere Prep will be playing as well. The Lions will play Victory Christian; the Royals will take on Lake Placid; and the Lakers will face Frostproof. Foundation, First Academy and West Orange will play home games. Fans can purchase tickets on the GoFan app.

File photos

Club experience bolsters budding West Orange star Freshman Georgianna “Georgie” McNeil brings the Warriors experience from her time with the Orlando City Youth Soccer Club ECNL-R. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

After an incredible summer, during which Georgianna “Georgie” McNeil was invited to compete in the Olympic Development Program and her club team earned a top 40 ranking nationally, the West Orange High freshman soccer player now is focused on contributing to her new team. McNeil is transitioning from her normal winger position with her

club team, Orlando City Youth Soccer Club ECNL in Sanford, to playing midfield for the Warriors. She has the soccer background, though, to make the transition as smooth as possible. “I’ve played for so long that I have played all positions before,” McNeil said. “I know what each role demands, but it’s harder when you get into certain habits playing one position.” So far, the results are favorable. The Warriors already have played two preseason games and another

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Georgie McNeil feels ready to contribute to West Orange’s soccer team as a freshman.

scrimmage. The other transition to high school soccer seems to be a more gradual one. “After the first preseason game, it was an eye-opener on how much more physical high school soccer is to club soccer,” McNeil said. “You’re playing kids two to three years older than you in high school.” That does not mean these are all unfamiliar faces for her. Throughout her career, McNeil has met and played with several girls on the West Orange roster. “It helps to work with them on the field better,” McNeil said. “(Because) I already kind of know them, I can get along with them on the field.” Off the field, McNeil is playful, always able to make a joke and friendly with everyone. Put her on the field, though, and the Georgie deep inside comes out — a sharp, focused player who is entirely about giving her team the victory on any given day. Having played soccer for 10 years, SEE PERFECT PAGE 16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Playoff Aaron Leach primer SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Aaron Leach is a golfer for the Olympia Titans. Having started playing golf at an early age, Leach has been a standout on the Titans golf team since he came to Olympia. He has won seven tournaments on the Florida Junior Tour, along with a state championship. Leach recently won the regional championship by one stroke after shooting a 70 (-2) at the FHSAA Class 3A Region 3 championships. He will compete at the Class 3A state championship Nov. 16. Leach hopes to go to a Division I college for golf, get on the PGA Tour and eventually win the Masters after he graduates from Olympia.

How long have you been golfing? I started when I was around 1-and-a-half. We have a putting green in our backyard, and my parents had plastic clubs for me. I would putt back there with them, and I thought it was fun. When I was 2-anda-half, we went to the driving range, and I started hitting balls for the first time. I played my first tournament when I was 7 and won that, so I figured I might as well play it. What do you enjoy the most about playing golf? You never know what is going to happen each day. Every time you hit a shot, something could happen. I like the competitiveness of it and the fact that no course is the same. It’s something new every time I play. What’s your favorite course that you have played? Orange Tree is pretty nice. I enjoy playing it a lot. The best course I have played on, though, is Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach.

THE BASICS AGE: 16 SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Junior SPORT: Golf

my shot, I stay in the moment by looking around where I’m at and finding something like it being a nice day. Over my shot, I stay in my routine. I hit my shot and don’t worry about the results. Who is your favorite golfer? Justin Thomas — I like the way he plays, his swing is good, and he stays very calm on the course. He’s also clutch like me. What are your hobbies outside of golf? I enjoy playing basketball and video games, and I like going to the gym a lot. What I like about going to the gym is it’s time to take to improve myself, because it’s a quiet place for me. I don’t watch much basketball, but I enjoy playing it.

Describe the best tournament or round of golf you’ve played. In match play, I played 128 holes in one week. That was one of the best tournaments I’ve played, because I was down a couple of times with a couple to play, then I would win the last four holes to win that match. There was no score besides winning a hole. That was the longest and most mentally tough week I had.

What is your favorite basketball team? Orlando Magic.

How do you stay focused out on the course? When I’m not over

Disney or Universal? Universal — my favorite ride is Revenge of the Mummy.

Favorite video game? “PGA 2K21.” Favorite movie? “Happy Gilmore” and the John Wick series. I like action movies a lot. Favorite TV/Netflix show? “Squid Game.”

Favorite kind of food? Mexican food. What’s an interesting thing about you that no one would expect to know? I’m really into cars. I like all sorts of them.

Quarterback Greg Jones performed well in his first season as the Lions’ quarterback, throwing 14 touchdowns and running for eight. He and running back Noah Kapusta have been a powerful two-headed monster on the ground, with Kapusta adding four touchdowns. Walker was impressed with how his team fought through adversity throughout the season — especially when fate dealt them the occasional bad hand. “The injury bug hit us hard this year at times, but I’m proud of the team and how they have fought during the season,” he said. “That tenacity and toughness is something that definitely characterizes this group.” On the defensive side, Foundation Academy is led by three Power 5 commits in Donovan Branch, Reggie Jean and Bryan Thomas Jr. Jean and Branch have committed to play at the University of Connecticut, while Thomas is slated to play for the University of South Carolina. Edward Byrd is the other cog in the machine on the defensive line. Thomas and Byrd led the team with 11 sacks and 10 sacks, respectively. Branch and Jean had eight and seven. Linebacker Sam Zagame led the team in tackles with 96. He is the standout in a linebacking core that has struggled at times to be consistent during the season. Walker said play at the linebacking position will be key heading into the playoffs. “We’ve got our two linebackers who are doing well,” he said. “We just need to get our third linebacker going. If that can happen, our defense as a whole is going to be even more sharp.” Foundation’s postseason journey begins against Victory Christian, which it will host Friday, Nov. 12. Despite all the adversity the team has faced this season, Walker is confident about his group’s chances in November. “We are looking forward to hosting a home playoff game in front of our fans,” Walker said. “It’s always special when you get to do that. I’m ready to go into battle with this team. They are a special group, and I couldn’t be more blessed to coach them.”

THE FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS

Favorite kind of car? Bugatti Chiron, but I also like Ferraris, as well. The Ferrari Pista is really nice, as is the LaFerrari. Ignoring price tag, what would your dream car be? Rolls Royce — those things are more than a house basically. I like sports cars, but I would say my dream car would be a Rolls Royce. — CHRIS MARTUCCI

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

2021 SNAPSHOT Record: 7-2 Coach: Leroy Kenard Key Wins: West Oaks Academy, Windermere Prep, Father Lopez Playoff Opponent: Lake Placid

The First Academy finished its regular season with a 35-6 win over North Florida Educational to improve its record to 7-2. Now, the

Royals will host Lake Placid Friday, Nov. 12, in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Royals’ bread and butter all season long has been the running back tandem of Terrence Mosley and Dinari Bennett. Mosley led the team with 1,040 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, while Bennett finished with 878 yards and 11 touchdowns. Opposing teams have had trouble stopping either one throughout the season, which gives head coach Leroy Kenard confidence in his team’s chances during the postseason. “Any time that you can get a home playoff game is great,” he said. “We like our chances. Terrence is quite a player, and he’s one of the best running backs that we’ve had at First Academy. He does everything well.” Not to be outdone, quarterback James McGinn has made plays when needed. Furthermore, the defense only has surrendered more than 10 points twice. However, one of those came when the Royals played Orlando Christian Prep on a Monday and then had to face Calvary Christian just a few days later. “We dropped a touchdown pass in the last two minutes of the game … and dropped an interception with 40 seconds left,” Kenard said. “We didn’t practice on Tuesday, had practice on Wednesday, then walkthrough on Thursday before playing Calvary Christian. If you can take that week out, we had a successful season.” In each of its victories, The First Academy has used Bennett and Mosley to pound opponents into submission and eat up as much clock as possible. Many of the teams the Royals played didn’t have an answer for the ground-and-pound. “A lot of people don’t run our style of offense anymore,” Kenard said. “They run elements of it … but they don’t run it enough. Going into games, it’s the first opportunity for teams to see how we play. If you haven’t seen it, that can be a tactical advantage for us.” Regarding Lake Placid, Kenard said the main keys to victory will be limiting mistakes and winning the field-position battle. With the team fairly healthy, the Royals have a chance to be successful in the postseason. “We always say, ‘What’s rule No. 1 of football? Don’t beat yourself,’” Kenard said. “We’re going back to work on fundamental work and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

McNeil has seen all sorts of things come her way. She first started with the Winter Garden Rush soccer club and had plenty of success there. In sixth grade, she was named player of the year at Lakeview Middle School. But then, two years ago, McNeil was at a bit of a crossroads. She had the chance to join the Orlando City Youth Soccer Club ECNL-R regional team — one of the top youth soccer programs in the country. As enticing as it was, the opportunity meant devoting all her time to soccer and possibly leaving the

group of friends she had on Winter Garden Rush. She looked to her mother, Gina, for advice. “Her dad and I said that we knew she was at the point that if she wanted to be challenged, (making the move) was (what) she had to do, but we didn’t want to force that on her,” Gina McNeil said. “It’s a 40-minute drive to practice, which is a big commitment. That’s an allin thing.” Ultimately, Georgie McNeil made the move, and that decision impressed her mom. “I don’t know that as a 13-year-

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2021 SNAPSHOT Record: 4-5 Coach: Brian Simmons Key Wins: Orangewood Christian, Space Coast, Cocoa Beach Playoff Opponent: Frostproof

The best way to describe Windermere Prep’s 2021 Lakers is that they are a tough team that found a way — despite the adversity thrown their way. With injuries decimating the roster at various points in the season, the Lakers had to make do with the group they had. It seems to have been worth it, because despite their 4-5 record, the Lakers are in the playoffs. They enter the Class 3A playoffs as the No. 5 seed and will travel to face Frostproof Friday, Nov. 12. Windermere Prep’s game against St. John Paul II Academy was supposed to take place Nov. 5, but because of illness and a short roster, coach Brian Simmons canceled the game. “With the amount of injuries we had and who we had hurt, I applaud this team for fighting the way they did and put themselves in position for the playoffs,” Simmons said. The Lakers only had their full roster in week one, when they faced Orangewood Christian. Heading into their playoff game against Frostproof, several players who had been nursing injuries this season would be back, he said. The Lakers earned their victories through a full-team effort. Players such as running back Jackson Bennett and quarterback Zane Fullmer have led the way on offense, along with receiver Hunter Goldberg. Meanwhile, Khamari Jones leads the defense with 41 tackles during the regular season. Now, as the Lakers being playoff play, Simmons hopes his team can stay injury-free and focused on the aspects of the game they can control. “We tell the kids, ‘Don’t worry about winning or losing. Go out there and worry about the process and play with a good effort. The results will happen, whatever they may be,’” he said.

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old, I would have willingly made the decision to throw myself out there and not be with any of my friends and make new friends,” Gina McNeil said. So far, Georgie McNeil said the move has been worth it. “I’ve really grown a lot since I have been with Orlando City,” she said. “Being on the lower team for a year made me train harder to get up to the elite team.” Now, she hopes to take that growth to West Orange. “(I want us to) be remembered for scoring and winning,” Georgie said of the Warriors.

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Maya Cohn ran 26.2 miles in the Belle Meade neighborhood while fans cheered for her. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

“Her willpower and self-discipline inspires me,” Laura Beth Cohn said. “She makes a plan, she makes a goal, and then she just does it.” Maya Cohn graduated from Windermere High School’s ESE program in 2020. She loves to sing and was involved in the school chorus. She now works full-time as an assistant teacher at The Goddard School.

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she discovered the Girls on the Run program. For her marathon, neighbors and friends came together to create a surprise by posting motivational signs, balloons and sidewalk-chalk messages around the neighborhood. “It made me feel special,” Maya Cohn said of the gestures. The neighborhood loop by the Cohn house is about one mile, and every time Maya Cohn passed their house, Laura Beth Cohn rang a cowbell and cheered. The family also had cold drinks and small snacks so Maya could refresh along the way. “I listened to a live running app while I ran, so I had coaches in my ears and music playing, too,” Maya Cohn said. She said one of the reasons she decided to run in the race was because of the unique medal offered for virtual runners. The medals feature the historic unicorn emblem and celebratory 125th anniversary year of the Boston Marathon.

Carr; brother, Walter Carr; and sister, Alice Carr Slack. Sharon is survived by her husband of 57 years, William Chapman Lewis III; and three children, William Chapman “Butch” Lewis IV, Katherine Lewis Waters and Warren Alec Lewis; her seven grandchildren, Kallie, Rebecca, Morgan, Savanna, Clay, Brooke and Billie; and six great-grandchildren. The love she had for each and every one of them was indescribable. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please send recognition gifts to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Nov. 20, 2021, at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida.

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Sharon Carr Lewis passed from this world, into heaven, on Oct. 31, 2021, at 77 years old. She was born on July 24, 1944, and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was a fifth-generation Floridian of notable Southern heritage. Her great-grandfather, Norman Fitzhugh, was a steamboat captain on Florida waterways. She graduated from Mainland High School in 1962. Sharon grew up in a lawenforcement family. Her father was a retired Captain from the Daytona BeachPoliceDepartmentandVolusia County Sheriff’s Department and Chief Security officer at the Daytona Beach International Speedway. Her husband is a retired Florida Highway Patrol trooper. Sharon was a dedicated wife and mother above all else. She devoted her life to her family, treasuring her children and embracing every moment she was given with them. She especially loved her role as a nana. She is predeceased by her father and mother, Charles and Norma

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Winter Garden resident Maya Cohn faced plenty of adversity. Born in China, Cohn, now 19, was adopted at 8 years old by Laura Beth Cohn and her husband, Adam, who brought her to the United States. She was considered a “medical special needs” adoption, because of several neurological issues, including a large arachnoid brain cyst and a Chiari 1 Malformation of the brain — a rare congenital condition in which the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal and causes severe headaches and neck pain. And, of course, there also was the language barrier. But even as a child, Maya Cohn overcame those early challenges. She has a cerebral shunt that helps regulate the pressure in her brain. And she became fluent in English in a matter of months. So, it was no surprise to her parents when Maya Cohn conquered her latest challenge — the Boston Marathon. She ran the 26.2 miles of the marathon around her community loop Oct. 11 in Winter Garden’s Belle Meade. It took her about six hours. “Any challenge that she has encountered, she has overcome — due to sheer determination and willpower,” Laura Beth Cohn said. Maya Cohn’s love of running began in elementary school, when

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

SHARON CARR LEWIS DIED OCT. 31, 2021.

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

Winter Garden resident completes virtual Boston Marathon

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Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Helping safeguard our drinking water through one correctly functioning backflow assembly at a time.

Call 407-656-2121

Dale B. Croft Backflow Tester & Repair Specialist since 1993

Need Affordable Health Coverage?

GROW

OVER 65 — MEDICARE

YOUR BUSINESS

Supplements - Advantage Plans Dual Needs

Advertise as low as $30 per week.

Dual Needs plans must have both cards to qualify

medicare

TFN 366935

Health

367167

(407) 795-7882 certifiedbackflowsbydale@gmail.com PO Box 568982, Orlando FL 32856

medicaid

UNDER 65

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

Affordable Care Act - Market Place Plans Reach out today to learn your options

(863) 353-5797

366938

JohnPruneski77@gmail.com

Call to reserve your ad space

407-656-2121

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com

366961

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395

407-656-1817

366940

The oldest active roofing license in Central Florida!

EXTINGUISHER

TFN

1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

TFN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

Roofing

366931

GARAGE

VIRUS & SPYWARE Winter Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 REMOVAL Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021

A FUSION OF FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • MUSIC • PASSION sive ctive r e ImmIntera & vities Acti

Unique L & Entert ive Music ainment

FLAVOR FEST

Beer & Wine

SAT • NOV 13th • 5 -9pm Hamlin area • HW town center

L Restauorcaanlts

u to yoby ught

Artisan

showcasing the Flavors of Horizon W est

bro

BitesBands Available Online - Save $5 Over Day of Food Tickets! presented by

DETAILS AT: HWFlavorFest.com

366470-1

SAVE 10% OFF on BitesBands + Admission DISCOUNT CODE: OBSERVER10P

Honor your loved ones

in love and remembrance this holiday season You and your loved ones are invited to join Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home’s

22nd Annual Holiday Rememberance Service Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 7pm Woodlawn Memorial Park 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, Fl 34734 Candle Light Service Carolers I Refreshments

407-293-1361 WoodlawnMemorialParkGotha.com

367181-1

We Proudly Support

Please bring an unwrapped toy so a child can have a special holiday season

. . . t i a But W

S ’ E R E H T ! E R MO

XNLV18913

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Holiday Shopping Kickoff Special Savings and Promotions Charming Winter Wonderland Unique Gifts at One-of-a-Kind Shops Expansive Outdoor Dining Patios Seasonal Menus at Locally-Owned Restaurants Shop Early and Stay Late

Holiday Moonlight Movie a free community event

Train Ride for Tots and Preshow Activities – 5:30 pm Movie – 7:00 pm Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue Bring chairs and blankets!

When you shop small, it helps big because a greater portion of your money spent stays local! Remember to support the independently owned businesses in your community this holiday season and throughout the year.

www.cwgdn.com

www.downtownwg.com

FREE ADMISSION

Historic Downtown Winter Garden Sidewalk Sale

FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, November 27, 2021