12.02.21 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 7, NO. 9

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Small Business Saturday bolsters local businesses. 10.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Wheelie good cause A local bike club is helping kids at Maxey Community Center. PAGE 2.

INSIDE: HE ALT H MAT T E RS T H E O B S E RV E R ’S GU ID E TO YOU R B EST YOU

Opening for a princess Horizon West Theater Company will present “Once Upon a Mattress” this weekend. SEE PAGE 4.

Photo by Melissa Kratish Depot

The evil duo — the Wizard (Alex Pommells) and Queen Aggravain (Gabriella Spotts) — get into character at rehearsal.

Boathouse discussion continues Windermere town leaders consider lease terms at Nov. 29 workshop. SEE 7. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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IT’S FUN TO HAVE FUN! The Cat in the Hat was just one of many guests to appear at Matthew’s Hope’s 2021 Garden Party. SEE PAGE 6

D EC E M B E R 2 0 2 1

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING Phil Collins sang, “Somehow when you smile, the day seems brighter.” Indeed, there are psychological and physiological benefits of turning that frown upside down. Inside, Winter Garden-based psychologist Dr. Kate Ionelli shares the many ways smiling can have positive effects. PAGES 6–7.

YOUR TOWN ATTENTION BIRD-WATCHERS

The sixth annual North Shore Birding Festival on Lake Apopka, sponsored by Orange Audubon Society, will take place Dec. 2 through 6. The birding festival features expertled trips into the Lake Apopka North Shore and other Central Florida birding hotspots. Trips drive into parts of the North Shore otherwise inaccessible except on foot or bicycle. Workshops for photographers, as well as youth and family trips and those targeting college students, are among the 65 trips at this year’s festival. A number of hotshot birders are participating. Among the field trips is a loop around the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and an afternoon at Newton Park in Winter Garden. The cost of the fields trips varies. For more information and registration, visit northshorebirdingfestival.com or call (407) 637-2525.

CHURCH TO HOST HARP CONCERT The Central Florida Chapter of the American Harp Society will perform its first live concert since the pandemic at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave. The program will feature holiday music with a dozen harps played by participants ranging from young students to senior citizens. There will be a reception with refreshments following the concert. Masks are required for this event. Tickets are a suggested donation of $5, with proceeds going to the local chapter. Call (407) 656-1135.

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Cycling club gears up for bike drive The Central Florida Cyclist group is raising funds to provide bicycles to deserving children through the Maxey Community Center. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A group of children at the Maxey Community Center will be getting a nice surprise during the Christmas season when the Central Florida Cyclist club delivers new bicycles and helmets later this month. This is the second year the CFC club, led by founder James Bertrand, has collected money to purchase bikes and accessories for children at the Winter Garden center. Cycling plays an important role in Bertrand’s life, and he wanted to pay it forward. “Last year, with the pandemic and everybody staying in the house, cycling really became big, everybody became interested, and they were

buying bikes and riding,” Bertrand said. He realized not everyone could afford a new bike, and he wanted to provide some local children with the gift of cycling. He presented the idea to his cycling friends, and they were all in favor of raising money to buy a few bikes, helmets, headlights and taillights. They ended up purchasing seven and giving them to youth at the Maxey Community Center based on recommendations he received from Sharee Hodge, who works with the children in the after-school club. “We asked for deserving kids who deserve bikes,” Bertrand said. “I wanted to give them something that will last for a long time, and if they needed repairs, they could go right to the bike shop and get them fixed. “I grew up in one of those neighborhoods, so I know what it’s like,” he said. “I know if we give them something, they will cherish it and keep it for years or give it to their brother or sister after they outgrow it.” A GoFundMe account has been set up this year — with a goal of $7,500 to purchase 14 quality bicycles. Bertrand wrote on the fundraising page: “Our goal is to provide deserving kids at the Maxey Community Center with a bike and helmet.

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We hope to not only promote health but inclusion in the sport of cycling. We understand how a bicycle can be more than just a leisure item. It can be transportation, it can be an outlet, it can offer a lifetime of memories and the epitome of life lessons.” The club hopes to raise the money by Dec. 12. CFC is a cycling group with about 60 active members that rides throughout Central Florida and is on the West Orange Trail weekly. “Every Tuesday, our ride comes out of the Winter Garden station, so that’s why I chose a place in Winter Garden to give back,” Bertrand said.

TO DONATE To make a monetary donation to the Central Florida Cyclist group’s bicycle drive, visit bit. ly/3o36jVF.

and started riding as a group, too. “It really is a family-based group,” Bertrand said. “I used to ride by myself and go to different clubs, and cyclists are very friendly people — but you don’t always feel like family. So, I wanted to create that kind of culture with a cycling group. “One of the key things we look for is someone who just wants to improve,” he said. “We have people who are always sharing information with the group. If they need parts … we have a real tight network, and when we have people we see want to get better and push, we bring them in and smother them to make them successful.”

“A large percentage of our rides are out of Winter Garden.” He started the club in 2016 after taking up cycling. His wife joined him, and then their son started riding with them, and then a nephew. “I had a house full of bikes and bike gear,” the cycling enthusiast said. His brother, sister-in-law and several friends brought their bikes R INDE P GR M U T S

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Central Florida Cyclist members raised enough money to buy bikes for seven children. This year’s goal is $7,500 and 14 bikes.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

WINTER GARDEN

HORIZON WEST

ONGOING

FOUNDATION ACADEMY SHOEBOX COLLECTION The “Our Christians in Service” club at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus has been collecting supplies and shoeboxes for the annual New Missions Haiti Shoebox Drive. More boxes are needed, and the Plant Street Campus is collecting through Dec. 8. Visit bit. ly/3rsW2Ei.

HAMLIN HOLIDAYS FAIR Celebrate the season with thrill rides, a Kiddieland for children, fair food and skill games from Dec. 3 to 19 at 16313 New Independence Parkway.

Holidays are here!

CITY HALL LIGHT SHOW The lights display is 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 10-12, 17-19, 23. ‘BIG, THE MUSICAL’ “Big, the Musical” appears on the stage of the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., through Dec. 10. Visit gardentheatre.org.

’Tis the season to be jolly, so find a few events that sound like fun, and let the holiday spirit ring.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE TOUR Rides are available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 10-11, 17-19, 2224, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. Reservation/fee required. (407) 656-4111. WINTER GARDEN FIRE RESCUE SANTA RUN Between 5:45 and 9 p.m. Dec. 13 to 18, the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will escort Santa Claus through the neighborhoods of Winter Garden. An alternate date is scheduled for Dec. 20 if weather interrupts one of Santa’s visits. Santa will be in the city’s northwest on Dec. 13; the northeast on Dec. 14; the west side of the County Road 545 corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 15; the east side of the County Road 545 corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 16; County Road 535 and the Daniels Road corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 17; and the Beulah Road and Windermere Road corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 18.

No matter what your December traditions are, you should be able to find a few events on this list to help you ring in the holidays throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. — AMY QUESINBERRY

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE STROLL 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in downtown Winter Garden. Make shopping a fun holiday experience with special sale offers and complimentary sips and snacks in downtown Winter Garden. Visit cwgdn.com.

SUNDAY DEC. 12

WINTER GARDEN GOLF CART PARADE 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, beginning at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park. Get ready for a different kind of parade when dozens of decorated golf carts roll through downtown. Visit facebook. com/wgchristmasgolfcartparade.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3

SUNDAY, DEC. 12

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS PARADE 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Winter Garden. The parade begins on South Dillard Street, heads north and goes west on Plant Street. 12TH ANNUAL JINGLE JOLLY JOG 5K 6 p.m. Saturday Dec. 4, in Oakland Park. Run or walk this evening race among the festive holiday decorations through the community in Winter Garden. Visit wojsl.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 5

HARP CONCERT 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave. The Central Florida Chapter of the American Harp Society will perform holiday music. Masks are required for this event. Tickets are a suggested donated of $5. (407) 656-1135.

GARDEN CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The Orlando Choral Society presents The Winter Garden Community Choir & Voci del Cuore (Voices of the Heart), perform classic Christmas music. Free; reservations required. Patrons wishing to donate can reserve seats and purchase a $5 suggested donation ticket at gardentheatre.org/ more. 21ST ANNUAL JOHNS LAKE HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Johns Lake. Spectators should take chairs or blankets to the Johns Lake Public Boat Ramp, 13620 Lake Blvd., Winter Garden. Visit bit.ly/3kue2tJ.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18

ANNUAL SANTA BIKE RIDE 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at Winter Garden Wheel Works, 101 W. Plant St. Riding two miles at a casual pace, riders will be caroling and strolling the streets, with Santa himself leading the ride. Helmets and lights will be required; it will be dark around this time. Visit facebook.com/ wgwheelworks.

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‘FINDING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS SPECIALS’ 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec.19, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave. Rudolph, Frosty and The Grinch — the most beloved Christmas characters of all time —illustrate timeless truths in this interactive one-man show by Jason Korsiak. Free. (407) 656-1135.

OCOEE

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. Visit Santa and his special guest, share Christmas wishes and take pictures. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available. Space is limited; register early at Twise@ocoee.org or (407) 905-3180. Cost is $5 per person.

OAKLAND ONGOING

ONGOING

21ST ANNUAL OPERATION SANTA Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will ride through Ocoee neighborhoods aboard a festive holiday float built by the Ocoee Fire Department and volunteers. When the holiday float arrives in neighborhoods, residents are encouraged to give Santa new, unwrapped toys. The toys will be donated to the Ocoee Police Department’s Holiday Toys for Kids in Need drive. Santa will travel the streets from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2; 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7; 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9; 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14; and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16. If needed, rain dates will be Dec. 3, 10 and 17. For a complete list of subdivisions, visit ocoee.org/OperationSanta.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3

EVENING WITH SANTA 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. Join the city of Ocoee for a meet-and-greet with Santa. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required at twise@ocoee.org or (407) 9053180.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. Ocoee’s annual Holiday

HOLIDAY MARKET AT HAMLIN 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. Shop local and have some holiday fun at this market, presented by Legacy Events for Education. Visit legacyeventsfored.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

DREAM FINDERS HOMES 12KS OF CHRISTMAS 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way. Don’t miss this fun, Christmas-themed run the whole family can enjoy. Register at floridarunningco.com/12ks-ofchristmas.

TREES OF THE SEASON Oakland is hosting its first holiday tree-decorating contest, “Trees of the Season,” at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 Petris Ave. Families, schools, non-profits organizations and businesses can participate. “Trees of the Season” will be on display through Jan. 3. Interested participants can email arts&heritage@oaklandfl.gov.

THURSDAY, DEC. 2

HANUKKAH CELEBRATION 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 Petris Ave. Join Jay Marder, a rock, folk, blues and klezmer musician, and sing along to your favorite Hanukkah songs on the porch. Additionally, step inside to view some of Marder’s personal collection of Judaica as part of the “Places of Worship” exhibit, on display through Jan. 14, 2022. Visit oaklandfl.gov.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

2021 SANTA’S LANE 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in Oakland’s Historic Town Center at Tubb Street. Spend a few hours with Santa and his elves, pose for photos and take home a special treat from the North Pole (while supplies last). Santa’s route will be posted at oaklandlf.gov and on Facebook.

CAST MEMBER PANTRY’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Noon to 5 p.m Saturday, Dec. 11, at 8464 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando. Join the pantry for a day with games, food, local vendors and, of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. All proceeds benefit families in need.

SUNDAY, DEC. 12

APARTMENT 20 EVENTS HOLIDAY MARKET AT HAMLIN Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. This event will feature vendors, music, a kid zone and more. LAKE HANCOCK BOAT PARADE 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Overlook Boat Ramp. Register your boat for a parade on Lake Hancock. Entry into the parade is an unwrapped toy to be donated to one of two children’s charities.

DR. PHILLIPS SATURDAY, DEC. 4

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: ‘A GIFT FOR THE KING’ 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6.50 for children under 12. Visit st.lukes.org.

GOTHA SATURDAY, DEC. 11

10TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. The gardens will feature beautiful and rare amaryllis bulbs for sale, as well as blooming amaryllis and other plants for the holidays. Contact info@ nehrlinggardens.org.

WINDERMERE SATURDAY, DEC. 18

WINDERMERE BOAT PARADE 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, on the Butler Chain of Lakes. Residents are encouraged to deck out their boats in holiday cheer for the annual Windermere Boat Parade.

AKCCF is proud to welcome Dr. Milton Ray to our amazing team of doctors.

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SATURDAY, DEC. 11

SUNDAY, DEC. 19

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

SANTA’S COMING TO HAMLIN 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. Join neighbors for an afternoon of family fun, crafts, music and pictures with Santa.

Tree Lighting will feature the countdown to the tree lighting, Santa’s Village, a kids zone and more. Visit ocoee.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9

DE-LIGHT-FUL DECORATIONS CONTEST Festive presentations of outdoor decorations could win up to $100. Register at cwgdn.com. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, and Wednesday, Dec. 15. LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, on Plant Street, downtown Winter Garden. Join Winter Garden as it welcomes the season with the lighting of downtown, live entertainment, vendors, shopping, children’s activities and more.

Dr. Ray and his family recently moved down to Florida from Bronx, NY, where he specializes in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. He is fluent in Spanish and will be accepting new patients to provide high-quality care to.

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Dr. Milton Ray

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Observer “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 Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Jim Carchidi, jcarchidi@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

Choreographer Kristi Hill taught ‘Song of Love’ to the ladies in waiting. From left: Rhys Stedman, Hill, Deborah Ferraz and Elisa Mouta.

Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com

Happily ever after JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

orizon West Theater Company will spotlight the talents of younger thespians with its upcoming production of “Once Upon a Mattress.” The musical comedy, based on the beloved fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea,” follows the story of Princess Winnifred the Woebegone and the tests she must pass to marry Prince Dauntless and free the kingdom from a curse. The original production opened in 1959 and marked the Broadway debut of entertainer Carol Burnett, who also starred in its television adaptations. “There’s something really special about a classic musical theater piece,” Horizon West Theater Company President and show director Melissa Kratish Depot said. “It’s one of those shows that transcends time; the kids may not know the songs, but they know the story.” This will be the theater company’s first time producing “Once Upon a Mattress,” but it has a special meaning for Depot. “I was able to perform in this show when I was a kid, and it was also one of the first shows I directed 15 years ago,” she said. Depot grew up performing in South Florida and was part of Orlando-based Florida Theatrical Associ-

ation from 2002 to 2004. Her career has since focused on the hospitality industry, but her heart remains in theater. She is a founding member of Horizon West Theater Company and has been involved with every production since it opened with “The Music Man” in 2019. Horizon West Theater Company’s version of “Once Upon a Mattress” is a youth production and more familyfriendly than the original. “It’s slightly different from the traditional version in the sense that there were some themes that maybe weren’t as appropriate for kids,” Depot said. “We did something unique with this production. It’s not the typical kids theater offering, which is sometimes pay-to-play. This is free for the entire community to be involved in. We posted an audition notice and had kids of all ages come. The youngest in our cast is 8, and the oldest is 16.” The cast has been in rehearsals twice per week, with dress rehearsals scheduled every night beginning Nov. 29. The performance will be hosted at Winter Garden’s Church of the Messiah, but Depot and her team are working on a permanent location. “We’ve been all around town,” she said. “We are currently fundraising and working with partners in the community.” Past productions have taken place at area venues such as the Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas at Hamlin Town

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The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. Photos by Melissa Kratish Depot

Gabriella Spotts, right, who plays Queen Aggravain, models as costumer Emily Johnson Cohen adds the finishing touches to her ensemble.

Center and the Cypress Center for the Arts at Windermere Preparatory School. But the lack of a permanent venue does not hold the company back or impact its creativity. “The really special thing is that we are 100% volunteer-based,” Depot said. “Every single person involved has another day job, and then they come to work with us.” The company’s wardrobe volunteer is a full-time costumer for Disney Cruise Line; actors flock to auditions when community casting calls are posted; volunteers sign up for a waiting list to be part of future productions. “We have a volunteer form on our website,” she said. “When we’re ready to staff a show, we reach out to anyone who has indicated interest and we build our teams from there. They do it because they love the arts.”

IF YOU GO “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” YOUTH EDITION WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4 WHERE: Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden SAFETY PROTOCOLS: Masks are required for audience and the cast. TICKETS: Available at horizonwesttheatercompany.com

I am writing through tears after reading your exquisite article about the Windermere High School band. As a student without personal involvement in school activities, it was as a band parent that I grew to appreciate the enormous commitment of a marching band organization. Now with a granddaughter in the color guard at Windermere and after attending every competition and football game just to watch her, your article was such an education. I was already so proud of what she had accomplished and of her mother for being there the countless hours as a chaperone. You broadened my focus to more fully appreciate the extended challenges for which I had heard rare complaints. Thank you so much for this amazing article. I believe it will have a far reaching impact.

LYNN EVANS

WINTER GARDEN

Editorial attacks Oxford Moor Your article with its attack on Oxford Moor fails to explain that the real villains in building the high school on its current location are OCPS and the developers of Horizon West. OCPS purposely purchased land around 2005 in a location designated as a rural

community under Orange County ordinances. Schools were barred from being built in the rural communities. OCPS felt confident (it) could circumvent county ordinances, because (it) always (acts) outside the law. County planners repeatedly held a school could not be built there. But the schools never give up, because they are bureaucracies that believe they answer to no one. It’s the same philosophy that we recently saw at work in Loudoun County, Virginia. The corner where the school sits and the Aldi was a working orange grove a decade ago. However, once OCPS forced a school into the site, it opened up the remainder of the corner for development. The developers of Horizon West promised several new schools in Horizon West. WHS is not Horizon West. They broke their promise, and OCPS bureaucrats went right along with them. I usually enjoy your stories. Typically, they’re very factual. But your current “hit piece” on Oxford Moor is unwarranted and not factual. I have lived in Oxford Moor since 2005 and know what really happened. If your information is coming from the WHS band folks, maybe you could ask them to explain why the award-winning band fails to show up and support the football team at about half the home games and virtually none of the away games. The band doesn’t seem to understand the game when

they actually show up, (because) they play at all the wrong times. The band is completely integrated into the football experience at Dr. Philips and West Orange high schools. It certainly is not at Windermere.

DAVID FRIEND OXFORD MOOR

Students lose in compromise Your article acknowledging the dangerous, expensive and sad sacrifice of the Windermere High School band was so needful and appreciated! If only the neighbors knew the credit and class these kids bring to the community! Did you know another (admittedly unverified) stipulation is the band is not allowed to have their own equipment truck? The degree to which selfish neighbors, shortsighted community “leaders” and county school administrators colluded in this most immature solution is shocking. But to the students’ credit once again, just last (week) these kids brought home second place among 5A schools at the 24th Florida Marching Band Competition in Ocala. So, thank you for knowing and articulating how difficult it has become for the youth and their families — not just among the band, but in all the sports, color guard, cheer and dance teams representing hundreds of kids annually. And as

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examples, the youth demonstrate far more maturity than the adults who permitted this situation. They persevere through inconvenience and in spite of (instead of because of) their own community. Of course the neighbors will say their quarrel is not with the kids — but the school district that never should have, etc. Their attitude matches that of a resident I once encountered who said those outside his gated community were from, “Winder-near,” hardly deserving the credit of his ZIP code. (Yes, he actually said that.) But whatever the argument made years ago — practically, functionally and in perpetuity the damage is done — to young people. Those who put the youth and their families in this situation should be ashamed. Of course they won’t be. Minds that can argue for the foolish and selfish nature of such decisions aren’t likely to feel shame for anything. But for your part, I’m glad you get it, sir! Thanks for your understanding.

MICHAEL WHITNEY

Column spotlights band challenges Very well done. You sound like a band parent. My granddaughter is in trumpet, and she never even talks about all this drama. She just works (hard at) each practice. If you didn’t write about this, I would not know half of the challenges. Thanks.

STEVE HOWARD

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The three members of the Mt. Eleanor band perform toe-tapping beats as the Garden Party kicks off.

Some of the Matthew’s Hope crew showed off their Southern roots at the fundraiser.

Fun, fundraising blossom at Matthew’s Hope Garden Party

esidents from across West Orange came together for Matthew’s Hope and its annual Harvest of Hope Garden Party fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. This year’s fundraiser featured unique themes from local organizations, bizarre costumes, music, food and fun — all for a good cause.

Winners of the new “Most Unique” theme and costume award at the Garden Party accepted a plaque from Pastor Scott Billue and Trooper Steve Montiero.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Minion Media Group members Tracy Lewis and Michelle Meachem showcased quite the clever costume for the Garden Party.

Miyar Agulla, Summer Wiggins, Ashley Dooley, Paul Dooley, Chris Bell and Kari Bell enjoyed the cooler fall weather on the patio of the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. They wore construction worker costumes for their company, DPR Construction. Right: Kellie Arthur and her husband, Austin Arthur, host of the Observer’s West Orange on the Go podcast, showcased their love for the United States at the fundraiser.

Jordan Breyer, Liann Breyer, Janna Sartin, Katie Carroll, Bailey Ringering and Greg Ringering from Advent Health dressed as royal princes and princesses.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Windermere town leaders resume boathouse discussions JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Windermere Town Council held a workshop Nov. 29 to attempt to settle the ongoing boathouse lease debate. Terms of a new agreement, repair costs and the process for reallocating the boathouses were among the issues discussed during the meeting. The previous workshop, held Oct. 25, ended with Town Council voting down a new 20-year lease agreement for existing occupants. “It was decided that we would have discussion about an alternative,” Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said at the start of the Nov. 29 workshop. “This conversation initially began eight or nine years ago. … It’s a challenging conversation and a difficult conversation, but it is not a new conversation. We just happen to be the six folks here at the expiration of the current lease.” The workshop began with public comments, including Windermere resident Judy Black’s proposition for Town Council to have right of first refusal to purchase boathouses when current occupants vacate; and Windermere Historic Preservation Board chairman George Poelker’s request for Town Council to consider offering new leases to boathouse occupants of fewer than four years. Town Manager Robert Smith presented a repair estimate of $35,000 for all five boathouses. Council members were in agreement to preserve the 100-year-old structures. “My No. 1 goal is to make sure these (boathouses) don’t get torn down and that we keep them as part of our history,” Council Member Bill Martini said. “This is quintessential Windermere charm and character in these structures.” Martini also recommended higher lease rates to recoup the cost of

repairs, and to keep pace with other facilities offering access to the Butler Chain of Lakes. According to current lease recommendations, the first three slips, located in boathouses 1 through 3, each would lease for $150 per month. Four smaller slips, in boathouses 4 and 5, each would lease for $125 per month. However, the rates were based on occupants footing the bill for all repairs and insurance. “I thought that was a fair offer for the current lessees going forward,” Martini said. “If we’re going to possibly open them up (to new lessees), we should take a look at that; especially in light of the fact that we may be doing a lot of repairs to put (the boathouses) back in relatively pristine condition.” Martini also cited significantly higher boathouse lease rates at Bay Hill and Orange County Sportsman’s Club as justification for an increase. A monthly rate of at least $200 for the three, single-slip boathouses, with a proportionate increase for the double-slip boathouses, was proposed. Poelker’s suggestion of special consideration for recent boathouse lessees was briefly discussed but did not seem possible. “I don’t see how we can do that without causing great consternation with the boathouse owners (who) have had them for 60 years or so,” Martini said. The proposed reallocation plan would call for the town to advertise a lottery with an outside entity chosen to randomize and pick the winners. All applicants would be required to show proof of residency and pay an entry fee equal to at least three months rent. The fee would be non-refundable for lottery winners, who also would have no more than five days to sign their lease contract. “I only want serious people engaged,” O’Brien said. The terms will be part of Windermere’s next Town Council meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Ring in the New Year WITH THE BLAKE AT HAMLIN!

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Join us at the community as we look forward to 2022. Enjoy a New Year’s champagne toast with your friends and find out about our VIP incentives including reduced community fee, free month of rent and choice suites at pre-opening rates. Happy New Year! RSVP by 12/27 to Frances Ortiz at

(407) 759-5448

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New lease terms and reallocation highlighted the Nov. 29 workshop.

License # Pending

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

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

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 Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

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

Courtesy photo

Jay Marder will perform on several instruments at Thursday’s concert on the porch.

Marder to perform Jewish CHURCH DIRECTORY

146 East Plant St, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM nd us at: Theacf.net

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

www.churchofthemessiah.com

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

classics at Oakland center

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the

Oakland Town West Orange TimesPlanner & Observer and IF YOU GO online at OrangeObserver.com. Jay Marder will share a JAY MARDER CONCERT collection oftheJewish To advertise in Churchsongs Directory WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, call 407-656-2121 or email Dec. 2 on guitar and keyboard AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com WHERE: Healthy West Orange Thursday afternoon. Arts and Heritage Center at the 316889-1

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

LV14252

Oakland has a musician on staff, and he will present a holiday concert of Hanukkah songs Thursday, Dec. 2, on the porch of the Healthy West MIKE YOAKUM Orange Arts and Heritage Center at PASTOR the Town of Oakland. P: 407.656.1520 Jay Marder, planning and zoning C: 407.758.3570 director since 2016, is a rock, folk, MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM blues and klezmer musician and has been playing musical instruments since he was a child. When the town was putting together its art exhibit on religion at the center, Marder 1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. offered a display of Jewish items and OCOEE, FL 34761 also said he can perform traditional Jewish music on guitar and keyboard. This is one of four shows Marder ORDER YOUR will give this week. He will perform CUSTOM MADE • Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, songs such as “Oh, Channukah”; Barn and More CHRISTMAS TuesdayDoors, of the month “Dreidel”; “S’vivon”; “Channukah, FOOD 2nd & 4th• Repaired, Bldg Refinished and Channukah”; and “Mi Yimalel.” GIFTS NOW! PANTRY 1-3pm in Education Repurposed Wood Furniture “I’ve been doing this Jewish music Check out the custom • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used basically since the mid-’80s,” Marder of the month at Items CARING 4th MondayHousehold made silent auction items said. “That seems to be the one that Elks Lodge from 5-7pm 125 N. Lakeview Ave. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at TABLE people call me on because nobody Winter the Garden Party on GardenVisit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden else does it, especially the kind of FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm music I play. Klezmer is a term for an November(407) 9!! 656-1135 407.905.9500 8am-4pm Mon -HallFri • 8am-3pm Saturday Movie in Fellowship MOVIE •Family East European style of Jewish music, NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg played by people who perished in the Holocaust. It’s a Yiddish word — it’s refreshments available for purchase two words, ‘kley’ and ‘zemer.’ ‘Kley’ sponsored by the united methodist men is like the instrument, and ‘zemer’ is the word for song.” Klezmer music is intended to replicate the human voice including sounds of crying, wailing and In 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase in the number of laughing. Generally, the violin is weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in our community. responsible for the imitation, which 368935-1

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Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

Town of Oakland, 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland DETAILS: Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of traditional Hanukkah songs performed by Oakland Town Planner Jay Marder. Inside the art center, Marder’s display of Jewish items includes a brass menorah he and his wife received as a wedding gift; a wooden charity box called a tzedakah; several dreidels; a mezuzah, a decorative case holding Hebrew verses on parchment; and a noisemaker called a grogger. INFORMATION: (407) 656-1117

is meant to sound like the cantor in a synagogue. Often, a klezmer band will include a fiddle, a bass or cello, a clarinet and a drum. Marder’s talents aren’t limited to playing this type of music. He plays contemporary Jewish music, and he performs blues, folk and rock as well, concentrating on the typical songs of the ’70s and ’80s performed by bands such as the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead. He learned to play music on the piano as a child; his mother is a pianist. Marder performs throughout Central Florida and is involved with the Roth Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando JCC. His father’s parents spoke Yiddish and were from the “old country,” Marder said, and his grandfather knew Hebrew. XNSP18213

Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like. Personal Hygiene Items: 139,300 Total Weekly Visits: 13,630 Clothing Items Distributed: 50,600 New First Time Guests: 639 Protective Masks: 53,900 Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Plus, we provided weekly Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 laundry service, showers, assistance with food stamps, Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs. Florida ID's, COVID Testing, and more.

TEXT

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“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Stillroom focuses on the metaphysical

Would like to thank the following sponsors: — Presenting Sponsor — Amy Quesinberry

April Eckwielen owns The Stillroom, a metaphysical shop that caters to folks interested in naturecentered practices, crystals and herbs.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Old homes and castles had what was called a stillroom — a place that was part apothecary, part kitchen and part lab; a room where medicines, dried herbs, tinctures, ointments and other household items and healing properties were crafted. A metaphysical shop in downtown Winter Garden — called The Stillroom and owned by April Eckwielen — offers the same concept. “We’re like a spiritual store basically, New Age, very earth- and energycentered,” Eckwielen said. “This is my passion. I do consider myself a witch, I do practice. I am not Wiccan; a lot of people get that confused. I am into working with energy and nature and moon phases and putting out into the universe what I want.” The shop specializes in tarot cards, candles, books, journals, ethically sourced crystals, local artisan goods and other ritual and practice items. The organic herb apothecary — which Eckwielen calls her baby, her favorite part of the business — has 140 herbs. “Some people will make teas or tinctures or add them to lotions and oils that go on the body,” she said of her herbs. “There are a handful that you don’t really want to ingest or put on the body, because they are toxic. … Most of the ingredients can be used in cooking, so you can use them in a variety of ways. Some people will use them as loose incense and burn them on a charcoal disk. Some people will add them to their workings if it calls for a specific herb. Some people will put them in little sachets to carry with them.” Nearly 100 different crystals are available and include Rose Quartz (for love), Green Aventurine (for abundance), Tiger’s Eye (for grounding) and Obsidian (for protection). “Everything that we come into

31 S. Main St., Suite 5, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 614-7259 HOURS: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays

contact with has an energetic fabrication,” Eckwielen said. “With crystals, some people do just have them for the aesthetic, the décor, but a lot of people will use them for the energetic properties that are associated with them. … Some people put them around the space for the intention they want to put out there. Some people will put them out when they are meditating or praying. Some will carry them on themselves or in their car for protection.” Incense and burners, leather journals and local artisan goods including jewelry and handmade salves are for sale, too. Also available are ritual and practice items. “Those are items that are used for somebody who considers themselves a witch,” Eckwielen said. “Those are items that you would use for specific intentions. Like, you could do a whole thing on abundance. Some people will do a working or rituals, some people call them prayers. It’s just what resonates with them. … Some might call for specific candle color, or herb or crystal or incense, and those are also things I carry in the shop to help people with their craft.” The Stillroom also offers a variety of classes, such as tarot-card reading, understanding the moon phases, and working with crystals and herbs and how to use them. Classes currently are online, but Eckwielen said she has acquired the space across the hall from The Stillroom and will use it as a dedicated space for tarot readings and classroom space. “There are some people who get a little freaked out about the kind of shop I am,” Eckwielen said. “There’s nothing to be scared of — what I have or the type of shop that it is. “People can come up and ask questions, and they’re not going to be judged,” she said. “I have people who come in (and) look very conservative, and then I have people who come in and they’re in full cosplay costume.”

— Video Gold Sponsor —

— Media Gold Sponsor —

Read about The Stillroom tarot readings at OrangeObserver.com

AMY QUESINBERRY

THE STILLROOM

— Silver Sponsors —

ONLINE

The downtown Winter Garden shop is an energycentered spiritual store that taps into meditation, the use of herbs and the power of the universe.

— Community Sponsors —

Dr. David A. Clark 2/9/67 - 11/30/19

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David, it has been two years already since God called you to your heavenly home and gave you a cancer free body. Our hearts are still broken. We love you so very much and miss you everyday.

Saturday, November 12, 2022 5:45pm - 9:15pm Ocoee Lakeshore Center

With All Our Love, Mom, Dad, Robert, Caroline, Jessica & Family

To learn more and reserve your table call (407) 905-9500 or visit www.matthewshopeministries.org/garden-party www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SHOW US YOUR

STRENGTH PHOTO CONTEST Photos by Jim Carchidi

Shoppers browsed and bought artisan items at Driftwood Market.

Throughout the past three months, school photos were submitted in the Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest.

Winter Garden’s magic shines on Small Business Saturday

Now is your turn in picking a winner. Which one is your favorite? Head over to OrangeObserver.com to vote.The voting period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16. The winning school will receive $2,500 from Healthy West Orange.

Small-business owners enjoyed a busy holiday weekend as shoppers showed their support.

WIN $2,500

JIM CARCHIDI

FOR YOUR SCHOOL! The winning

VOTE NOW UNTIL DEC. 16

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

subm be announced ission will Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022!

The holiday season had a local flavor as Winter Garden residents celebrated Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27. Plant Street retailers welcomed a seemingly endless stream of shoppers who moved from shop to shop and browsed through sidewalk displays. Store aisles took time to navigate, with some check-out queues stretching to the front door. “The whole of November has been great for us; we have been busy every single day,” said Tina Butler, owner of Driftwood Market, 46 W. Plant St. Butler, who was barely visible through the mass of shoppers weaving through her store, has something in common with patrons in that she is also a small-business supporter. “We have a lot of local makers, and then we have U.S.-based small businesses that we use,” she said of her suppliers. Stocking artisan items sets Butler’s inventory apart from larger retailers, but shipping and supply chain issues remain a challenge.

www.OrangeObserver.com/2021-Show-Us-Your-Strength

Vote now, vote often! Presenting Sponsor:

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF USE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING

The shop window at Winter Garden Wheel Works advertises some seasonal shirt designs.

“The supply chain has been hard, but we have so much in stock,” she said. “But then the small makers have had issues, because they need items from the supply chain to produce their creations.” “It’s been an issue, but I was able to place orders in advance,” said jewelry maker Sonja Jeanette, one of Butler’s vendors. “It’s mostly been a shipping issue, but I’ve been able to work around it, and my customers have been very understanding and supportive.” And the support base extends throughout the downtown area. “We get lots of references from other businesses,” said Carlos Costa, who was working the register at Writer’s Block Bookstore, 32 W. Plant St. “And if our customers can’t find something, we’ll direct them where

THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning certain property generally located east of the Florida Turnpike on the south side of State Road 50/West Colonial Drive, containing approximately 32.8 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-19

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FROM C-1, COMMERCIAL TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR A PARCEL OF LAND APPROXIMATELY 32.8 ACRES IN SIZE, LOCATED AT 15900 WEST COLONIAL DRIVE IN OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF STATE ROAD 50/WEST COLONIAL DR. EAST OF THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Location Map:

A second and final public hearing by the Town of Oakland Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the following time, date, and place: Sarah Hoffer filled a customer order at Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery.

OAKLAND TOWN COMMISSION DATE: Tuesday, December 14, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: December 14th Town Commission Meeting Time: December 14, 2021, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

One tap mobile

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF MULTIPLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider a moratorium ordinance regarding all multiple family use, development, site plan, zoning and permitting.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-28

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM (180 DAYS) ON THE ACCEPTANCE AND PROCESSING OF NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES, REZONINGS, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS, AND ANY OTHER DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS OR PLANS PROPOSING TO INCREASE MULTI-FAMILY ENTITLEMENTS WITHIN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE Carol and Ella Amendola, Kim and Emma Cvetko, and Laurie Boculac enjoyed the day.

Location Map: A public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

Lily Grass + Pine specializes in wooden ornaments and other decorative items.

e m o c l e W

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

REFRESH YOUR

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

! l l HOME a F

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: December 14th Town Commission Meeting

Time: December 14, 2021, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82764187400 Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 5ztjh5

100 $50 Dre OFF OFF

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Winter Garden City Commissioner Ron Mueller checked out Small Business Saturday with his cat, Andrew.

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DOG D DOG DAY Any 1/2 Leaded Glass

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Left: Handmade jewelry items by Sonja Jeanette Designs.

DOG DAY$

$In-House Door -House 100 OFF $Door 50mOFF In ates INTERIO R DOOR es at $ $Esti tim Es 125 OFF Door & 1 Sidelight 125 OFF DoorSLAB & 1 Sidelight 75 OFF SPECIAL $ $ $ 150 & 2 Sidelights 150 OFF WeDoor & 2OFF have COMPLETE DOOR aSidelights largeDoor selection of slabs: 100 OFF $ Pantry, Homegrown, $ Assorted Styles, REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! 100 Transom OFF Matching 100 OFF Matching (over 5 sq. Tran ft.) Wheat-Frosted, Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on Reedglass,

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Laundry Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French doors with blinds! FRONT NEW DOORS COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! ENTRY WITH YOUR anyDOOR full door panel Are your * out? W/ 1 SIDE-LIGHT CHOICE of Entry Doors wearing Change out those old sliding glass doors with $ $ OR Door or FULL doors wearing Door Are your½ entry out? new your French doors with IN-STOCK blinds! Are entry doors wearing out? ANY 2 SIDE-LIGHTS GLASS$ $ NEW DOORS DOORS FRONT Door&&11 sidelight Sidelight Door &out 1 Sidelight any full door Change out those Change those WITH YOUR ENTRY $ old$ sliding glass DOOR old sliding glass CHOICE OF

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Before Mirror Wrap

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they need to go to find what they need.” “The community is just wonderful and very supportive,” said Diandra Culver, owner of Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery, 21 S. Main St. Culver is coming off what she describes as “a roller coaster of a year.” She opened in November 2019 and came out of the COVID-19 slump in September 2020. References and tips from neighboring businesses proved helpful when Sweet Dee’s opened, and Culver has even supplied cupcakes for in-store events at Plant Street retailers. Culver, another Driftwood Market supplier, spent some of her Small Business Saturday helping Butler decorate an ornament tree with Sweet Dee’s hot cocoa bombs. But that’s not the only time the two business owners have partnered. “She made the signs in my store,” Culver said of the wall menus Butler created for Sweet Dee’s front counter. “Everyone down here just wants to support one another,” she said. “That’s just the magic of Winter Garden.”

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Holiday

Amaryllis Festival Fun, Free Family Event

home in the Phillips Grove

The home at 7892 Wander-

Saturday, Dec. 11th 9am-3pm 2267 Hempel Avenue, Gotha

ing Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $1.15 million. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms,

Amaryllis flowers and bulbs Nature themed vendors Owls & Birds of Prey Eco-Activities for kids Food, live music

LAKE CANE ESTATES

in West Orange. DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The condo at 8990 Houston Place, No. 104, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $700,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,300 square feet. Days on market: 178. BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8055 Chianti Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 22, for $412,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,876 square feet. Days on market: Two. CITRUS CHASE

THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

The townhouse at 8444 Tangelo Tree Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $302,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,614 square feet. Days on market: 31.

The home at 7046 Delora Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $409,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,738 square feet. Days on market: Three. The home at 7023 Talbot Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $375,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet. Days on market: 78. SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 7645 Pointview Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 22, for $1,025,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,510 square feet. Days on market: 63. SOUTH BAY

The home at 7914 Summer Ridge Place, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $925,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,001 square feet. Days on market: 10.

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing and proposes to adopt an ordinance to annex property located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, Oakland, Florida, containing approximately 3.067 acres, as follows:

ORDINANCE 2021-24 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 21-22-270000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438), AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NONCODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. General Site Description: Approximately 3.067 acres, generally located on the south side of West Oakland Avenue and the east side of Catherine Ross Road, addressed as 15738 State Road 438. Legal Description per Deed: The North 430 feet of the Southeast ¼ of the Southwest ¼ lying and being West of a ditch in Section 21, Township 22 South, Range 27 East, Orange County, Florida, LESS the West 184 feet thereof. A public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

OAKLAND TOWN COMMISSION DATE: Tuesday, December 14, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: December 14th Town Commission Meeting

THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to change the Town’s Future Land Use Plan Map Designation of its Comprehensive Plan of the following property generally located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, containing approximately 17.2 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-25 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE TOWN’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM “COMMERCIAL” (TOWN OF OAKLAND) AND “LOW DENSITY” (ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN) TO “LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL”IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438) AND 21-22-27-0000-00-021 (15732 STATE ROAD 438), WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 17.2 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

Time: December 14, 2021, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82764187400 Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 5ztjh5

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82764187400 Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 5ztjh5 One tap mobile +19292056099,,82764187400#,,,,*545203# US (New York)

One tap mobile +19292056099,,82764187400#,,,,*545203# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 545203

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING

Location Map:

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368668-1

DIAMOND COVE

area. Days on market: 40. ing homes in each community

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNEXATION OF 3.067 ACRES

The home at 8346 Via Vittoria Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $850,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: 38.

4,474 square feet of living These are the highest-sell-

Duke Energy I Fishback Dominick Law I Orlando Health Healthy West Orange I Stockworth Realty I Orange Observer I The Warehouse

DELLAGIO

The home at 10520 Gleam Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $552,500. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,870 square feet. Days on market: 10.

four-and-one-half baths and

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Total Sales: 70 High Sale Price: $1.15 million Low Sale Price: $155,000

topped all West Orange-area actions from Nov. 5 to 11.

www.NehrlingGardens.org

SNAPSHOT

community in Dr. Phillips

residential real-estate trans-

Historic Nehrling Gardens

Bring a food item or toy for charity and receive a ticket in our raffle

Phillips Grove estate sells for $1.15 million

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 545203

369354-1

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

corcoran.com

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The townhouse at 7308 Yoder St., Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $340,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,786 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 5221 Hillview Lane, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $691,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,366 square feet. Days on market: 65.

HORIZON WEST CARRINGTON

The townhouse at 8618 Via Tavoleria Way, Windermere, sold Nov. 22, for $380,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,919 square feet. Days on market: Nine. CYPRESS CHASE

The home at 9530 Pecky Cypress Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 22, for $525,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,939 square feet. Days on market: Eight. ENCLAVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 15311 Calming Balsam Alley sold Nov. 22, for $625,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,921 square feet. Days on market: 43. The home at 15364 Arcadia Bluff Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $503,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,459 square feet. Days on market: Two.

The home at 14483 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $565,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,793 square feet. Days on market: 37.

The home at 6755 Thornhill Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $434,900. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,230 square feet. Days on market: 42. LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The townhouse at 8742 European Fan Palm Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $546,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,581 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-26

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FROM AG, AGRICULTURE, TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-016 (15752 E OAKLAND AVE), AND 21-22-27-0000-00-021 (15732 STATE ROAD 438), AND AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN RECENTLY ANNEXED PROPERTY FROM A-1 (ORANGE COUNTY) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438), WITH A COMBINED APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 19.2 ACRES IN SIZE, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF WEST OAKLAND AVENUE AND CATHERINE ROSS ROAD; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Location Map:

A public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

OAKLAND TOWN COMMISSION DATE: Tuesday, December 14, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

RAVENNA

The townhouse at 8143 Mosaic Lane sold Nov. 24, for $412,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,860 square feet. Days on market: 50. SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

The home at 7519 Mandarin Grove Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $701,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,100 square feet. Days on market: Four.

All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

STOREY GROVE

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

The home at 10055 Verse Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $455,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. Days on market: 41. SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The townhouse at 8045 Sweet Orange Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $375,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,600 square feet. Days on market: Four.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: December 14th Town Commission Meeting Time: December 14, 2021, 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82764187400 Meeting ID: 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 5ztjh5 One tap mobile +19292056099,,82764187400#,,,,*545203# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting 827 6418 7400 Passcode: 545203 SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 14 2021_CTW-30258_Print_Orlando_West Orange ID: Times_ENG_3.639x3.333_11-11-21-F.pdf

11/2/21

12:19 PM

BLAIR M. JOHNSON

BR DENTAL 407-905-9965

Attorney at Law

407-656-5521 blairjohnsonlaw.com

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INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning certain property generally located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, containing approximately 19.2 acres.

369353-1

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THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

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The townhouse at 7265 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 22, for $335,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,604 square feet. Days on market: 14.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF USE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING

The home at 7892 Wandering Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $1.15 million. This home features more than 4,000 square feet of living space, a 70-foot lot and a three-car garage.

STONEWOOD

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

SUMMERPORT

OAKLAND

WATERLEIGH

The home at 1348 Southern Sun Drive, Oakland, sold Nov. 25, for $550,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,638 square feet. Days on market: 19.

The home at 14557 Yellow Butterfly Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 22, for $460,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,178 square feet. The home at 9753 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $755,091. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,920 square feet. Days on market: 28. WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 7819 Bostonian Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $433,900. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,700 square feet. Days on market: Seven. WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8757 Lookout Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 24, for $620,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,450 square feet. Days on market: 19. The home at 16178 Harbor Mist Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $475,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,170 square feet. Days on market: Seven. WINDING BAY PRESERVE

The townhouse at 10509 Spring Arbor Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $375,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,868 square feet. Days on market: 11.

WINTER GARDEN

HULL ISLAND

COURTLEA OAKS

The home at 320 Forest Haven Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $630,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,899 square feet. Days on market: Six.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK SOUTH

COVINGTON PARK

The home at 1522 Arden Oaks Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 22, for $600,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,500 square feet. Days on market: 18. FENWICK COVE

The home at 2713 Glenbuck Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 22, for $415,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,846 square feet. Days on market: One. GREENS AT FOREST LAKE

The townhouse at 2519 Sweet Viburnum Way sold Nov. 19, for $345,825. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,808 square feet. The townhouse at 2563 Sweet Viburnum Way sold Nov. 22, for $329,770. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,566 square feet. The townhouse at 2540 Sweet Viburnum Way, Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $326,105. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,566 square feet.

The home at 721 Bainbridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $445,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,890 square feet. Days on market: 13. zillow.com

The home at 320 Forest Haven Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $630,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Nov. 19 to 25.

The townhouse at 2523 Sweet Viburnum Way, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $321,105. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,566 square feet. OAK TRAIL RESERVE

The home at 2950 Timber Hawk Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $375,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,853 square feet. Days on market: 46. The home at 3155 Timber Hawk Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $356,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,660 square feet. Days on market: Six. The home at 3086 Timber Hawk Circle sold Nov. 19, for $355,900. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,516 square feet. Days on market: 14. SAWMILL

The home at 5224 Mill Stream Road, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $350,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,752 square feet. Days on market: One. WATERSIDE opendoor.com

The home at 11934 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 22, for $788,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Nov. 19 to 25.

The home at 2777 Cullens Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 23, for $374,900. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,990

square feet. Days on market: Four. WEDGEWOOD COMMONS

The home at 1951 Rachels Ridge Loop, Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $350,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,878 square feet. Days on market: Six. WESMERE

The home at 527 Dunoon St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $337,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,576 square feet. Days on market: Three. WESTYN BAY

The home at 3255 Piccolo Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $500,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,718 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11934 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 22, for $788,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,332 square feet. Days on market: 15. WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 11365 Willow Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $765,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,706 square feet. Days on market: Two.

FULLERS OAK

The home at 1719 Fullers Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $525,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet. Days on market: 92. GARDEN HEIGHTS

The home at 199 E. Crest Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $415,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet. Days on market: Four. OAKGLEN ESTATES

The home at 499 Newhearth Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $525,900. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,029 square feet. Days on market: 17. STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 13949 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $577,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,328 square feet. Days on market: Two. WALKERS GROVE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 724 Walkers Grove Lane sold Nov. 22, for $430,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,851 square feet. Days on market: Three. WESTFIELD LAKES

The home at 632 Westhampton Court sold Nov. 23, for $491,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,192 square feet. Days on market: Three.

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367128-1

REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Following Light Up Winter Garden: On the steps of the Historic Downtown First Baptist Church

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

Featuring First Baptist Worship Band Foundation Academy Steel Drums

125 Plant Street, Downtown Winter Garden

15304 Tilden Road, Horizon West

Christmas Eve Service

Sunday Services

6:oo pm

Traditional - 8:30 am Contemporary - 11:00 am

4:oo pm

Contemporary - 9:45 am

368548-1

One Church. Two Locations. Three Services. Love God. Share His Love with Others. I www.fbcwg.org

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

THEATER STUDENTS MAKE AN IMPACT The students of West Orange High School’s theater department are making an impact that goes beyond the walls of the classroom. The internationally recognized department recently was acknowledged for a multitude of awards and honorable mentions. The department’s Thespian Troupe 1983 will head to the Florida State Thespian Festival in March in Tampa for its one-act play “Ruby’s Story.” The play received the Critic’s Choice One-Act, Critic’s Choice Tech and Outstanding Student Design awards. Additionally, the show received superior ratings in both performance and tech. Two West Orange students also won “Best in Show” for their individual events. Those students were Gina DiGiovani for Solo Musical and Zachary Miles for Lighting Design. WOHS Director of Theater Tara Whitman said although the last few years have been challenging, the students have never faltered in their perseverance. “This validates the students’ hard work and their commitment to a program that isn’t always recognized as much,” Whitman said. “They get so much feedback from myself, the judges and other students in theater departments to help them learn and grow.” Furthermore, West Orange’s fall musical, “Pippin,” also has been invited to perform as a Mainstage at the state festival.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

ROSEMARY CARSELLO, LAKE BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL As school secretary at Lake Buena Vista High, Rosemary Carsello ensures systems are in place for the students’ safety and success. She tries to lead by example and is one of the 2021-22 Orange County Public Schools Support Person of the Year finalists.

HORIZON HIGH TO PERFORM CONCERT Horizon High School is hosting its first winter concert this week. The Holidays on the Horizon Prism Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the school’s auditorium, 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden. Tickets are $10. Online sales will remain open after the start of the event. Face coverings must be worn by attendees at all times during the event. For more information, contact Horizon High School, (407) 554-1814.

What brought you to your school? It was impossible to resist the opportunity to open a new OCPS high school — especially under the leadership of Guy Swenson. Having worked as Dr. Swenson’s secretary since his inaugural year as a principal at Olympia High School during the 2012-13 school year, I witnessed first-hand his incredible foresight, vision and commitment to education. I simply could not pass up being a part of opening Lake Buena Vista High School and watching it blossom.

are weekend Candy Crush tournaments I also enjoy and the occasional binge-watching of Hallmark Christmas movies.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? It is so rewarding working with an entire staff of such innovative and motivated professionals. Our teachers; office, cafeteria, custodial staff; and our administrators share a common and driven focus on our students’ success and safety. When I leave work each day, I know the staff at Lake Buena Vista High School has made a positive impact on our students and community. It is tremendously satisfying to be a part of the LBV team. What do you like to do in your spare time? I thoroughly love spending time with my family. Whether it is a drive with my husband, Marc, to visit my son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Kelsey, in Tampa, or simply having the pleasure of my daughter Emma’s company running errands, I feel so blessed. I enjoy theorem painting and practicing my baking and cooking skills — and I am taking great liberty using the word “skills.” There

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school and why? Hands-down and without question, Alice Guess, who was my freshman English teacher and class adviser my four years in high school. Going to my ninth-grade English class was the highlight of my day. Guess was a gifted teacher who opened my eyes to the great opportunity and joy of expression with the written word for which I am ever grateful. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a child, I wanted to grow up to be just like my mom, who was loving, nurturing and incredibly funny. My mom made all those around her happy, and I found her devotion to family motivating and inspirational. What is your favorite children’s book? Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat.’ Aside from the over-the-top antics of the Cat, the idea parents would leave two young children alone at home without a babysitter was something I found quite intriguing. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Time travel would be an incredible superpower to possess. The ability to travel back and perhaps meet some of the great people of history, or to travel to the future to witness the progress of mankind — The whole idea of time-travel ignites my imagination!

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Gordon Lightfoot, Coldplay and Alexander Bornstein would be a perfect lineup for the rest of my life. Lightfoot for the musical stories of his songs, Coldplay for their unique and always ear-catching music and the instrumental soundtracks by Alexander Bornstein, my oldest son. Alex’s joy and love and music is embedded in every note he writes and plays. … His music is simply exquisite. What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? I was a devoted PB&J kid and still am! Occasionally when expenses would allow, my mom would surprise me with a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet under my sandwich. Who was your best friend when you were in school? My twin brother, Michael Pierce. As our hometown and school were small, we shared many of the same teachers and our circle of friends overlapped. ... We had then, and still have, a strong relationship, as well as with our other five siblings. — JIM CARCHIDI

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POSITION: School secretary TIME AT SCHOOL: Since July 1, 2020

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Thornebrooke Elementary teacher is OCPS finalist Corin Metz is one of five Orange County Public Schools teachers in the running for Teacher of the Year honors. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Orange County Public Schools has announced its five finalists for the Teacher of the Year award, and Corin Metz of Thornebrooke Elementary School is one of the five nominated by their school. The winner will be announced at OCPS’ Stellar Awards Feb. 4, 2022, at Rosen Shingle Creek. “It still amazes me that I was chosen as a finalist,” Metz said. “I am so honored.” Metz has taught Exceptional Student Education at TES for 14 years and has been employed by OCPS for 24. Her journey to become an educator was inspired by an Orange County teacher who put her on the path to teach students with learning disabilities. “I am a product of (OCPS) and a student who grew up with a learning disability,” she said. “I have a personal connection with students who struggle with making academic progress. I understand how much harder they have to work to do what their classmates seem to be able to do so easily. “I remember feeling inferior to my friends,” Metz said. “There wasn’t any kind of ESE support for students with a minor disability like me. It wasn’t until I was in the seventh grade (that) I felt that college was an option

for me. My language arts teacher, Mrs. Kennington, was the first teacher that I had who made me feel like I could achieve more.” Metz said when she was completing the packet for Teacher of the Year, it made her reflect on what she does for her students and the school. “My student academic growth is not my only focus,” she said. “Their growth socially and behaviorally is just as important to me. My students will leave me, and they need to be prepared to be successful in their everyday (lives). I make it a priority for all of my students to have opportunities to be with their same-age typical peers.” Metz helped create a school-based service club called Kids Who Care with the school guidance counselor and behavior specialist. This club provides an avenue for students to be involved in their school and community. She coordinates Barracuda Buddies, a program within Kids Who Care that pairs up general education students with students in the selfcontained ESE classrooms who have significant cognitive, social and academic challenges. As part of this program, the general education students forgo their recess to spend time with these students. Their time together consists of playing games, working on art proj-

“My student academic growth is not my only focus. Their growth socially and behaviorally is just as important to me. My students will leave me, and they need to be prepared to be successful in their everyday (lives). — Corin Metz

ects, and participating in other social activities. “Through these interactions, the general education students provide positive social interactions and modeling of appropriate behavior for the students with cognitive and social disabilities,” Metz said. “With Barracuda Buddies, not only are students learning appropriate social interactions, they are also forging friendships which helps them feel included. Barracuda Buddies fosters genuine friendships between students who might not typically interact with (one another).” Metz’s classroom is self-contained with 10 first-, second- and thirdgrade students. Most of her students have autism, but she also teaches students with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities. They range from significant cognitive disabilities to minimal disabilities, and all of them require some sort of social emotional/behavioral support. “I love teaching these incredible students and can’t imagine doing anything else,” Metz said. “I work with incredible professionals and my students are amazing. My students make me a better person.” To help students attain academic success and skill acquisition, Metz creates adaptive materials to provide access for students with disabilities to the grade-level standards. Students’ learning gains confirm the academic decisions she makes for each student impacts their learning. “I have been instrumental in creating tools to monitor non-desired behaviors, the impact of interventions on student achievement, behavior and compliance at Thornebrooke Elementary,” Metz said. “Because of the nature of my students’ disabilities, it is difficult to measure student learning and success using grade level standards. Typically, my students do not perform well on grade-level standardized district assessments because of the presentation and

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question types.” Metz said she wants people to be more understanding of different severities of disabilities. “It is our job not only to teach students to be better scholars, but also important to teach our students the importance of empathy and understanding of those who are different from us,” she said. “My day-to-day experiences are what propelled me to pursue Kids Who Care and link together typical students with students with autism. The elementary age group is where we can change and mold a more inclusive society.”

T R A T S JUMP

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Corin Metz has taught students with exceptionalities for 14 years at Thornebrooke Elementary.

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W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION THROWBACK THURSDAY DEC. 6, 1979 Eckerd Drugs was known for its display cabinets full of perfumes and colognes that stood just inside the front doors of the store. During the 1979 holidays, the store took out a full-page advertisement in The Winter Garden Times to promote the various smells and scents for men and women. Some popular name brands of the time were Enjoli, Heaven Sent, Brut, Faberge, English Leather, Coty, Bonne Bell, Cachet and Jōvan. Attractive sets were available for holiday gift-giving.

85 years ago

It was announced that Winter Garden had been selected as the spring training grounds for the Baltimore Orioles baseball club of the International League for next year. The Oakland Shuffleboard Club planned to build two new courts in the park opposite the hotel. “Gay,” a comedy in three acts, was presented by members of the Dramatic Club of Lakeview High School. The play was directed by Albert C. Valdes. Among the cast members were Marie Smith, Jasper Joiner, Othella Anderson, Mary Jean Denmark, Ruby Shepherd, Marjorie Griffith, Harold Britt, R.P. Howard and Dora Vining.

75 years ago

50 years ago

New machinery rolls — The Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association’s brand-new packing house started packing fruit on schedule. Mervin Lee, district manager for Florida Power Corp., received

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.

the Citizen of the Year citation from the West Orange Jaycees, presented by Stan Smith, Jaycees president, at the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce banquet. Joe Walker took over as new president from Jimmy Pitchford.

40 years ago

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church celebrated the second anniversary of its charter and the

consecration of its first building.

20 years ago

The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life were chosen to decorate the 9-foot Christmas tree in the main lobby of Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee. Some of the youngest cancer survivors in West Orange County gathered to put pink and purple ribbons, ornaments and

beads on the tree: Benjamin Swick, Dalton Kress, Jenna Cross, Mary Daugherty, Tobi Pryor and Thomas Giallella. The four local mayors — Jack Quesinberry, of Winter Garden; Karen Ruenheck, of Windermere; Scott Vandergrift, of Ocoee; and Jon VanderLey, of Oakland, took part in the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Mayors’ Luncheon.

crossword OUT OF SORTS by Gary Larson. Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS

1 Soft, bland food 4 They’re usually closed before a bar closes 8 Word before “dust” or “rush” 12 Take from the top 16 “Skylanding” sculptor Yoko 17 Balm ingredient 18 Plains tribe 20 Wearies (of) 22 “Eww!” 23 Lopsided victory at a swim meet? 27 Submarine sandwich 29 Wrath 30 Tear roughly 31 What women do at a huge debutante ball?

54 Eaten up 124 “Stop right there!” 125 Enjoy caviar, perhaps 56 Legendary Himalayan beast 126 Put the kibosh on 60 Didn’t discard 61 Luggage attachment DOWN 62 Scottish skirts 1 Paste in Pukalani 63 Spheres 2 Fish in Caesar salad 64 Skewered Indonesian recipes dish 3 Mobile game whose 65 Apple product on a players catch creatures desk 4 Not allowed 66 Twosome 5 Everyone 67 Gumbo vegetable 6 “You stink!” 72 Stan’s partner in 7 Attach a zipper, e.g. comedy 8 Squashes and pump73 Habitual thief, briefly kins 74 Fish that are transpar9 Animal that sleeps in ent at birth a raft 75 Pose a question 10 British bathroom 76 Little devils 11 Absolutely, informally 81 Reassure 12 One of 12, in recovery 82 Was in battle 13 New Zealander 84 Sweetie 14 Tehran’s land 86 Full of green plants 15 Courage to keep going 87 Vogue alternative 19 ___ throat 88 Guinness of “Star 21 Waste conduit Wars” 24 Sounds from sows 89 Reckless 25 “You stink!” 91 Kind of instinct 26 Optimistic 92 Flexible 28 Cartoon chihuahua 94 Snaillike 31 Uber rivals 95 ___ noir 32 Noodle thicker than 37 Guitarist Paul batting cage? 97 Very dry, as cham96 Vacation with stops at soba pagne 38 Makeup maker 65 Nasdaq launches many parks 33 Train whistle’s sound 97 Ink stain 99 Grocery store section 39 Socially awkward 68 Menu for Cut and 34 Vexes 100 Sounds from ewes people Paste 98 Snorkeling spots 35 Most senior 40 Balm targets 69 Certainly not well-done 101 Actress Tyler 99 In addition 41 Each partner, at times? 70 Pay for a poker hand 102 Enable a purse to hold 36 Through, on an itiner- 100 Fella ary more items? 43 Storage container 71 Steal some kisses? 103 ___ further notice 41 Lauder of cosmetics 105 Stealthy way to walk 44 Oddballs 77 Broadcast 104 Starbucks serving 42 Compete 109 Math degree? 45 Hand-holding at a club, 78 Future J.D.’s hurdle 106 Mazelike furniture 44 Didn’t discard 110 Help illegally e.g., briefly 79 Smaller quantity store 45 ___ platter (Hawaiian 107 Left at sea? 111 Exercise routine 46 Greek letter within 80 Catholic rite tray of food) geared toward star “epsilon” 83 Seafood delicacies 108 Backside 46 Created a crossword 112 “Impressive!” athletes? 47 Portions dipped in butter sauce theme, say 117 Afflict 49 Regret 85 Moose’s relative 113 Part of a cell nucleus 48 En ___ (as a group) 119 Levels in a stadium 50 Frying in a little fat 86 2020 or 2024 114 Spoiled 49 Brazilian city by the 120 Sotomayor of the 55 Daytime TV drama 90 Rite ___ 115 Lilly of pharmaceusea, for short 56 Nervousness while 91 What knows the ways Supreme Court ticals 50 Yemen’s capital 121 Touched down putting, in golf of the world? (Abbr.) 116 Lust or pride 51 Oak nut 122 Shipwrecked sailor’s 57 What Clearasil targets 92 Quiet interludes 118 Psychedelic synthe52 Tech startup’s image? sized in 1938 signal 58 Company VIP 93 Bygone carrier 53 Colorful salamander 123 Off the beaten ___ 59 Miss three times in the 94 Wild shopping trip

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

“ALLV ZU RLC Z HPMFAK DZMIAK DZM TLUR IKGW ZMI IKGPMK URK IZOVMKHH.” – ZMMK GOZMV “WUG BDTO GX AUKO VDWA DSV COOZ GEZW. ... M DJJOXL LIDL M’K SUL XONCOJL DSV ML’A UT -- M JDS ALDNL UHON DEDMS LUKUNNUB.” – TDZOW JGUJU “E’OS NSVLUSK WGLYIXGYIW TF BYILUSF WGVW CSLJSMWEYU EZ WGS SUSTF YJ XLSVWUSZZ.”

– BVUSNNS TYUVS Puzzle Three Clue: M equals C

Elder Mitchell R. Garrett of Orlando was appointed pastor of the Winter Garden Seventh-day Adventist Church on Highland Avenue. Miss Margaret Holbrook, sponsor of the Junior Red Cross in Winter Garden Elementary School, reported during October and November the students made 142 washcloths for use in U.S. Navy hospitals.

As the weather grows colder up north, thoughts of Florida’s warm winters drew travelers to our region. “Snowbirds” established themselves in RV parks such as the Stage Stop Campground, shown here in an undated aerial view. A peaceful rural state road — State Road 50 — runs along the bottom of the setting from east to west; Florida’s Turnpike is seen along the top of the photograph. The property was purchased in 1920 by attorney John Thomas Ezzard. A farmhouse was built near the center of the site in 1930, and Ezzard raised citrus on the surrounding acreage. The Spigener family purchased the property in the 1970s and created the Stage Stop, which still operates today. From fishing camps to trailer parks, the Winter Garden heritage Foundation preserves a wealth of information about West Orange County’s tourist industry. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment of to share some memories.

Puzzle Two Clue H equals V

70 years ago

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Puzzle One Clue C equals W

Mrs. W.B. Burch and Mrs. Selby Burch attended the Burch Memorial Race at Bowie Racetrack near Baltimore. The race was run every year in honor of the late W.P. Burch, a noted trainer, and was won by True North, a horse trained by his son, Preston Burch. Happy Hour Club met with Dr. S.L. McCarty in charge. President Bennie Driggers led the hymns.

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

12-2-21

DECEMBER 2, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

Freshman diver Nathan Frette gave Lake Buena Vista High its first district title at the Class 2A Region 2 District 5 meet. Page 20.

Foundation Academy’s Ian Garcia was named one of Kicking World’s top performers Nov. 28. The list included high school players from around the country and even college kickers. Garcia kicked field goals of 45 yards, 39 yards and 32 yards during the Lions season, in addition to playing multiple positions for the team.

Olympia quarterback CJ Brooks led Class 8A in passing with 2,719 yards and 35 touchdowns. Brooks completed 59% of his passes as he propelled the Titans to a 5-5 record this season. He is still weighing offers from several Division I schools.

Olympia announced Nov. 10 that former assistant coach Rachel Bednarek will take over as the head water polo coach. Bednarek is an Olympia alumna and has been an assistant for the past four years before being offered the position. She will be taking over for former head coach Stephanie Johnson. Both of the Titans’ water polo teams had strong seasons during the 2021 season.

Taking flight Courtesy photo

Despite having only 18 players, Horizon’s girls soccer team is off to a strong start, winning their first three regular season games.

Horizon High School’s soccer team is off to a strong start in its inaugural season. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

ost first-year programs seek to establish what kind of team they would like to become. Finding that identity and building from there — knowing that there won’t be a lot of early success — is the sacrifice a team makes, knowing it is building toward the future. Horizon High’s girls soccer team isn’t a typical first-year program. The Hawks have started strong with three wins in the regular season, on top of a strong preseason.

Horizon’s boys soccer team picked up another win Nov. 22 to improve its record to 3-0 with one draw. The Hawks defeated conference rival Ocoee 2-1. Goals were scored by Christian Rodriguez and Caua Cunha, but it was the 10 saves by keeper Daniel Porto that made the difference for the Hawks. Horizon moves forward to take on Lake Buena Vista in their first meeting Dec. 7.

West Orange County teams competed at the Metro West Conference girls basketball tournament at Wekiva High School from Nov. 18 to 22. Dr. Phillips defeated West Orange 66-55 to take third place in the tournament after losing to Apopka in the semifinals. Windermere defeated Evans to take seventh place. Wekiva won the tournament after defeating the Blue Darters 48-41.

Recently, they laid a large smackdown on Umatilla High School, winning 9-1. The team led 4-1 at halftime, but then took over in the second half with five more goals to make it the final score. Junior Kaia Pritchett scored a hat trick, with teammate Aida Bell adding two more goals. Five days earlier, the team notched a 3-0 victory against Dr. Phillips, marking one of its first marquee wins in the program’s history. With only 18 players on the team — small by most standards for a varsity girls soccer team at the high school level — the Hawks take their personality from head coach Thomas Brown:

scrappy and competitive. “I’ve been very fortunate that I chose 18 girls (who) are technically sound, willing to learn, enthusiastic and are committed to the program,” Brown said. “That makes my job much easier if they want to be there and want to learn. We worked hard in preseason, and now we are starting to see the fruits of our labor.” Brown is a native of South London, England. While living in the U.K., he played semi-professional soccer — on the youth teams for Premier League clubs Chelsea and Crystal Palace as a teenager, along with Fulham F.C. However, he did not make the roster for either club. “I got distracted and wasn’t as committed as I should have been,” Brown said. “So, I did the next best SEE HAWKS PAGE 20

ON THE PROWL: DP basketball ready to defend state title Dr. Phillips returns several key seniors, including Ernest Udeh Jr., Denzel Aberdeen and Riley Kugel. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

It’s hard to get to the top, but it’s a lot harder to stay there. After winning its first state championship last season in a 54-46 victory over Dwyer High School and a

combined record of 24-3, Dr. Phillips’ boys basketball team is set to defend its title this season. The Panthers have the players to do it in returning seniors Ernest Udeh Jr., Denzel Aberdeen and Riley Kugel. All File photo

SEE PANTHERS PAGE 20

Dr. Phillips High School expects continued excellence on the hardwood this year.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Panthers want a repeat

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

Nathan Frette Nathan Frette is a freshman diver for the new Lake Buena Vista High School diving team. During this past season, Frette secured LBV its first district title in diving at the Class 2A Region 2 District 5 meet in Sebring in early November. He scored 490.95 to win the 1-meter diving event. He went on to finish fourth in that same event at the Class 2A state championship meet in Stuart, with a score of 468.95. Frette and his family moved to the area from Houston, Texas, during the summer.

How has your experience at Lake Buena Vista High been so far? It’s been great — the teachers are all nice, my grades are good, and I still have time for practice in diving. What’s your favorite class at school? Science — I love space, astrology and seeing just how big the universe is. I’m really into that stuff. How does it feel to be the first LBV diver to win a district championship? It was pretty great, an awesome accomplishment. I did one of my best performances. Everyone at the school congratulated me on winning, which was pretty cool. You then went to state and took fourth. Did that surprise you? It was shocking (in that) I wasn’t expecting to do that well. I knew there were some divers that weren’t as good as others, but I was sure that there were going to be a lot more divers that were (at) a high level that were going to be better than me. It was awesome going there. If I did better, I could have even won. What do you like so much about diving? I love putting all this effort and energy, and seeing how I progress over the years. I love diving into that cold water, especially living in Florida now. It used to be cold, but now it’s nice and fun. I like jumping off the board and showing off to everyone, especially being good at the sport as everyone looks at you when you dive. It also allows you to get better at flipping on the trampoline, parkour and stuff like that.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

three of them have committed to Division I schools – Udeh signed with Kansas, Aberdeen with Florida and Kugel with Mississippi State. Having three players of this caliber is a dream for any coach, but Panthers head coach Ben Witherspoon knows that is only one component of a successful team. “Talent always gives you a chance, but the talent has to play hard,” he said. “If not, we’ll get beat. They’re going to do great things in college and be high-level players, but they have to show up every single day and every single possession.” Like all defending champions, DP has a huge target on its back. Where teams were once the hunters, they are now the ones being hunted. Because of this, many teams adjust their styles to fit this new designation. However, Witherspoon said he is not going to change a thing. “We want to be one of the best teams in the country,” Witherspoon said. He also added the team still has a way to go before it can lay claim to that title. “There is still another level we can get to, but it helps the guys knowing that nothing is guaranteed at all,” Witherspoon said. “We have to get better.” Although the Panthers know that they can rely on those three players, Witherspoon is looking down the roster for players who can help supplement their performance. Sophomore Jordan Tillery was the lone freshman on the team last year but now transitions into a starting role this season. Already, he is turning heads among the coaching staff. “He has gotten so much better from last year as an offensive player,” Witherspoon said. “His overall confidence has gotten a lot better, as well.” Mason Sheffield and Jackson Slater also are potential X-factors for the Panthers this season. Both

THE BASICS AGE: 15 SCHOOL: Lake Buena Vista GRADE: Freshman SPORT: Diving

What’s a pre-dive routine that you follow? If it’s a difficult dive, I’ll model on the ground. For my hurdle, I’ll model every action I will do leading up to the dive, step-bystep. For my dive, I will practice either tucking, piking or twisting — whatever motion it is. I model it to perfection so that when I’m on the board, I can do it for 10s against fives. Favorite Olympic diver? Greg Louganis. I love watching his videos, especially when he hit his head on the diving board at the 1988 Olympics and still (got) back up. It was inspiring to me, and makes me feel like I can do it too in a way. If I can perfect everything, maybe I can win the Olympics one day, too. What are some of your other hobbies? Going to my backyard and doing flips on the trampoline with my friends. It helps with practicing dives, and it’s fun flipping with friends. I also like playing video games as well. I’m playing flying games, because I want to be a pilot when I’m older. Why do you want to be a pilot? My mom’s a pilot with Frontier Airlines, and my grandfather was a private pilot. We have a chain of pilots in our family, and I want to be the next pilot that also happens to be a great diver. I can go around the world for free and see all these places.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

thing and went into coaching.” He came in 2010 to the United States and started coaching. At first, it was just a hobby but eventually became serious as he made his way up the ranks coaching within the Florida Rush soccer club. He started coaching the U10 girls team and worked his way up to the U14 team. Two of his former players on the U10 team now play college soccer. “It was a proud moment to see two girls who are now on the roster of a college soccer team,” Brown said. Brown was also the head coach for the Windermere Prep boys middle school team. However, he said he prefers coaching girls. “What I like about coaching girls is their attention to detail — they like to ask questions,” he said. “That’s what I thrive on. Rather than just me telling them what to do, there is a dialogue between them and me, which I really like.” Before coming to Horizon, he was an assistant coach under Leon Flores at East Ridge High School. That was where he heard about the position for the new Horizon girls soccer team. “He came to me and said that there’s a new high school coming in Horizon,” Brown said. “The next

What’s one Thanksgiving Day food you have to have with it? Pumpkin pie. If there’s no pumpkin pie, I will just walk out the door. One particular dive you like to do the most? An inward one-anda-half or two-and-ahalf, because I love the action of doing a front flip going backwards into the water. For those dives, I nail them more than my other dives consistently. — CHRIS MARTUCCI

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most. Anyone can score a top corner goal or one from outside the box, but I like the goals where players earn them.” Brown also said he liked the way Pritchett is a team player — an attribute he wants to see in all his players. “I never have individuals on the team,” Brown said. Brown said the Hawks’ preseason game against New Smyrna Beach was somewhat of a revelation of the team he would have this year. Although the game ended in a 0-0 tie, it showed Brown his team was not afraid to step out onto the pitch with anyone. “For a first-year program with no seniors … I was extremely happy,” Brown said. “I went, ‘We can move on from this.’ I told the girls that if you play the way you played tonight, you should fear no one. I believe in you, believe in yourself. Trust in the process, and good things will come.” Horizon will take on Lake Buena Vista Dec. 7 at home.

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ing 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Udeh ending with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Going forward, Witherspoon hopes the team can avoid becoming complacent after winning a state championship and executing good habits on defense. The Panthers will play their first regular-season home game Dec. 3 against Riviera Prep. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m.

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best thing you can do in high school soccer is be part of a brand-new school. You get the opportunity to build your own program. … It’s literally a clean slate you can put your mark on. That’s what drew me to the job.” Furthermore, he and his family live in the downtown Winter Garden area, so the new position meant a shorter commute. As the team came together, Brown felt quietly confident his team was going to turn some heads in its first year. He already is familiar with at least one of the players–Pritchett. He coached her while she played for the Rush’s U14 team, and now they have reunited at Horizon. “She’s a quiet girl — keeps to herself — and technically sound,” Brown said. “I call her the ‘trash guy,’ because she picks up all the rebounds if a goalkeeper makes a save, or a defender makes a mistake, she’s there to take advantage of it. That’s where she’s gotten most of her goals, and that’s what I like the

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played roles in the team’s playoff run in March and are off to a strong start in the preseason. “Seeing them improve has been great,” Witherspoon said. Dr. Phillips has started the season by splitting its first two games of the regular season. The team lost to Lake Highland Prep 61-60 and defeated Tri-City High School from East Point, Georgia, 79-69. Both Kugel and Udeh had double-doubles during that game, with Kugel hav-

Hawks off to a fast start

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

West Orange falls to Venice 49-7

Robert Bit le

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