12.03.20 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

INSIDE:

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 6, NO. 10

FREE

•

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Painted Lady This 1954 American La France fire engine is back in Winter Garden — where it belongs. SEE PAGE 2.

Troy Herring

BREAKTHROUGH

PARTNERSHIP AdventHealth has partnered with Moffitt Cancer Center to launch a clinical trial of a new combination therapy to treat lung cancer. The trial is underway at their clinical research unit at AdventHealth Celebration. SEE STORY ON PAGES 4-5

YOUR TOWN

Live and in-person West Orange chamber members enjoyed a face-to-face get-together. SEE PAGE 7.

SPORTS

Henry Goehres and Dennis Turner share the same birthday. Both served our country in different wars.

DECEMBER 2020

Matthew’s Hope typically holds its Harvest of Hope Garden Party in November — and raises more than $250,000. The ministry is hoping people and companies that usually sponsor, host a table or attend the party to host a “Party in a Bubble” at their home or other location any time before Dec. 12. Pick a theme, share information about Matthew’s Hope with guests, take photos for the annual Table Theme Contest to be featured in the ministry’s Moving Forward magazine and collection donations for the homeless program. For more, call (407) 9059500.

Two West Orange-area friends spearheaded the Cast Member Toy Box, their final act of making magic as Disney cast members. SEE PAGE 4.

Birthday buddies

Health Matters

HOST A BUBBLE PARTY FOR MATTHEW’S HOPE

Spirit of the season

Laura Bartlett and Erin Blackketter have poured their hearts into the success of this toy drive.

Observer

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

*****************ECRWSSEDDM****

Postal Customer

Neighbors and friends Henry Goehres and Dennis Turner celebrate their Nov. 4 birthdays together each year.

Two Winter Garden veterans who share a birthday will share the limelight Sunday, Dec. 6, when they take their front-row seats SEE HELP PAGE 6

OBSTACLE OVERCOME The Foundation Academy Lions earned their first regional title last Friday. SEE PAGE 15.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Classic engine returns to downtown W.G. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

How many cities do you know of that showcase a caboose, fire truck and tractors in their downtown sector? There is at least one — the city of Winter Garden — which recently saw the return of an iconic piece of its fire department history. The 1954 American La France fire engine No. 1 is back in the space it shares with a 1907 citrus sprayer, 1948 railroad caboose, a Case grove tractor and a Fordson tractor — all surrounding the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. “The fire truck has been a part of Winter Garden for many years,” said Frank Chase, president of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

board of directors. “During that time, it has had several different lives. The WGHF is grateful to have it back on display for everyone to enjoy and interact with.” The WGHF started displaying the historical equipment in 1998 and ended up with the five currently sitting out front. A fundraising campaign began in 2016 to restore the four smaller pieces. The Companies of Nassal, Wes Pullen Automotive by Design and PCL Construction were instrumental in bringing the truck back to its pristine state. Brian Sanders, retired battalion chief, and Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department Fire Chief Matt McGrew also played a role, as did other donors. MEET ‘GRANDMA’

Fire Chief Hoyle Pounds — in a bid to acquire updated equipment to better serve the growing city — purchased the American La France

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Ward Britt drove passengers through the streets of Winter Garden during the 2002 Christmas parade.

Courtesy photos

The American La France fire engine originally was red but later received a bright yellow coat of paint.

fire truck in 1954 for $8,633 and donated it to the city. It transported Winter Garden crews to fires and other emergencies for two decades before being replaced with more modern vehicles.

It was nicknamed Grandma because of its durability and performed alongside newer vehicles well into the 1970s. It was sold to the Brecheen family, of Montverde, who loaned it to the Woodlands Lutheran Church camp,

IN STOCK NOW!!

Models include: Dump, Utility, Tilt, Deck Overs, Flatbed Goosenecks, Equipment, Landscape and Car Haulers!! 5932-260080 Horizon West ER Expert Care + Safety Message_Observer Media (regular)- 1-2P4C 10.375" w x 8" t .pdf

according to the WGHF; and when the Lake County Fire Department was established, Grandma began a new life as a primary response unit in the Montverde-Minneola area. The truck eventually was returned to the Brecheen family. In 2001, Eva Brecheen gave the truck to Winter Garden resident Mark Austin, who was a district chief with the Orlando Fire Department. The original color was red, but in the early 1970s someone authorized a new paint job in bright yellow. It was returned to its original color during a 2002 renovation at Pounds Motors funded by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. After its facelift, the engine spent the next 16 years in various locations, including in front of the museum. In 2018, it was removed for a complete restoration, which was finished this summer. “Along with being an icon that has pride of place in the downtown historic district, our 1954 American La France is a kid magnet, drawing young and old from all over the area for a hands-on experience of Winter Garden history,” WGHF Operations and Program Director Jim Crescitelli said.

407-654-9299 12403 W Colonial Dr ∙ Winter Garden, FL 34787 12:27 PM www.mainstreetmower.com

346222-1

7/28/20

OPEN 24 HOURS

CMY

OrlandoHeath.com/HorizonWestER

Horizon West A Service of Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital

344308-1 344334-1

CHOOSE SAFE AND EXPERT EMERGENCY CARE YOU CAN TRUST.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

PICNIC WITH A PURPOSE Edgewood Children’s Ranch staff and ranchers are gearing up for a holidaythemed picnic and silentauction fundraiser.

“It’s a chance for us to be able to invite friends and family out to the

DANIELLE HENDRIX

ranch to see us,

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

and to see that

even though it’s been a tough year, we’re still able to carry on — and it’s through the generosity of Ranchers learn a lot about responsibility, friendship and family while in the program.

“We didn’t know how many people would even be coming to the picnic, because there’s still a lot of concerns, so we thought we might have very few tables,” Vinson said. “A little over a week ago, I was concerned with the numbers. … By this morning, I have about the 20 tables that I normally sell. We do have a good turnout, and then we’re having a small Christmas auction with it.” The picnic is an outdoor event that allows friends and family to enjoy some good barbecue while getting to know the Edgewood Children’s Ranch and its mission. Since 1966, the ranch has provided children and their families a safe environment to change their behaviors and the course of their lives. It is a “cottage life” residential program that allows children to live with others in a family-style unit and emphasizes the development of responsibility, accountability, self-control and faithfulness. “It’s very casual,” Vinson said of the picnic. “Normally, there’s no auction. It’s just our children

KidneyCareCentralFlorida.com

CLERMONT

�� Citrus Tower Blvd., Ste A Clermont, FL ��1 Phone: (��) ��-��

our community.”

Courtesy photo

on the playground and families on the playground just enjoying fellowship and food. It’s just a nice, simple social event for families and friends of the ranch. People can come out and get to know us and take a tour of the ranch through the eyes of one of our ranchers.” This year, the ranchers will be a bit more separated from guests for safety precautions. However, Vinson said, the ranchers will be singing Christmas songs and enjoying one another’s company. For the Christmas auction, items that guests can bid on include Christmas trees that ranch volunteers have decorated, Santa décor, ornaments made by the ranchers, wreaths and even reindeer lawn ornaments. “Once again, God is blessing us with that — because at first I thought I was going to have like six items — but I have much more,” Vinson said. “It’s a small fundraiser, and we didn’t know what it would turn into, but the bottom line also is it’s just a fun way to come out and see us casually and safely, and (a way to) let people

come out and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.” As part of the COVID-19 precautions for the outdoor picnic portion of the event, tables will be spaced out and servers will wear masks and gloves. Ranchers also will eat separately from guests. Inside the gym where the auction will take place, bidding tables will be more than 6 feet apart, and masks are recommended. Staff will limit the number of people going inside at a time. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event. “It’s a chance for us to be able to invite friends and family out to the ranch to see us, and to see that even though it’s been a tough year, we’re still able to carry on — and it’s through the generosity of our community,” Vinson said. “It’s rewarding that people want to come out and support us and see us. It’s rewarding to know that we have a community that’s behind us no matter what. I love that people get to see our ranchers being ranchers.”

m a.co d i r TING alfo NOW ACCEP entr c e r TS NEW PATIEN neyca d i k @ f cc Email: ak

WINTER GARDEN �� Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Ste �� Winter Garden, FL �� Phone: (��) ��-��

DAVENPORT

�� North Blvd W, Ste A Davenport, FL �� Phone: (��) ��-��

· Comprehensive, Compassionate, Latest Evidence-Based Care · Focus on Education, Prevention, and Treatment of Kidney Disorders to Avoid Dialysis · Anemia Management · Accepting All Major Insurances including Medicare and Medicaid · On Staff at ALL Local Dialysis Centers

— Kimberly Vinson, Edgewood Children’s Ranch development and event coordinator

PICNIC WITH A LITTLE CHRISTMAS WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 WHERE: 1451 Edgewood Ranch Road, Orlando TICKETS: This event requires advance purchase of tickets or tables because of limited seating and safety precautions. Most tickets have already been sold, but you can check with the ranch’s development office by calling (407) 295-2464, Ext. 5. Tickets start at $15 for children and $30 for adults.

Specializing in diseases of the Kidney, Urine, Hypertension, Kidney Stones, Dialysis and Transplantation American Society of Hypertension Designated Clinical Hypertension Specialist

WINTER HAVEN �� Ave K SE, Suite � Winter Haven, FL �� Phone: (��) ��-��

346246-1

fter the year everyone has had, some Christmas cheer and fresh air is good for the soul. At the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, staff and ranchers have been whipping up just the solution — a holiday picnic — for weeks. Picnic With a Little Christmas will take place at the Southwest Orange ranch from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Typically, the ranch hosts its picnic fundraiser in the spring, but COVID-19 disrupted those plans this year. However, staff is confident it can host a fun and safe picnic just in time for the holidays. “We’re doing a picnic that will be outdoors and combining it with a small Christmas auction, because we have Christmas items that normally we would’ve sold at our big auction that happens in November, which was not able to happen this year,” Edgewood Children’s Ranch Development and Event Coordinator Kimberly Vinson said. “We’re doing a savethe-date for Feb. 19 for our annual gala, but we figured in February, people will not be wanting to buy Christmas items. So we’re trying something new and different this year thanks to Gaby (Acks) coming up with this idea.” Tickets and available tables are limited to help with social distancing and proper safety measures. Already, Vinson said, most of the tables are sold out.

Dr. Bao Huynh

Dr. Said Malas

Dr. Usman Lone

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Observer

Last act of magic F

“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 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

HARD TIMES, BIG HEARTS

Bartlett and Blackketter are among the more than 28,000 cast members who recently received notice of separation from their roles at Disney. It was a heartbreaking blow; each had been with the company for 10 years. Fortunately, they both have their own small businesses,and their husbands also are Disney cast members who have remained with the company. Despite their own heartache, they knew there were other families hurting even more. Bartlett, a Horizon West resident, had the idea of giving back to cast members and their families by starting a toy drive — the Cast Member Toy Box — that would benefit the children of cast members. “We’re both moms to small children, and the thought of kids not having Christmas this year — after everything that they’ve been through — was just something that I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that was happening,” Bartlett said. Blackketter, an Ocoee resident, said she is the more mellow and realistic of the pair, while Bartlett tends to dream big. However, she was all in to help run the toy drive. “I said, ‘You know, that would be so fun to do as our final act as cast members — to do some big magic for these families that aren’t as fortunate as we are — so let’s do it,’” Blackketter said. As it would turn out, dreaming

Troy Herring

Erin Blackketter and Laura Bartlett are thankful for the generosity of the community.

big would be necessary on their endeavor to brighten the holidays for the children of cast members. When they began the toy drive, they expected to help about 20 families. As the toy drive wraps up, the pair — along with lots of community support — are providing toys to the children of more than 300 families. “We’ve spent at least seven hours a day doing toy drive stuff,” Bartlett said. “One day, we spent 16-and-a-half hours bagging toys, the two of us. That was quite the day. There were some tears, there was some laughter, but it’s been really rewarding, and we’re so excited to give these kids these toys. We’re getting some amazing donations … really awesome toys that these kids are going to be so excited to open. We’re really, really blessed in how amazing our community has been.” Because of the time commitment, it’s also been a balancing act between family time and tending to the Cast Member Toy Box. As cast members, though, the need to help others runs deep. “When we started this, we were talking about how people right now are just trying to figure out how they’re keeping a roof over their head, how they’re keeping food on their table, how they’re keeping their kids supplied with school supplies and things they need,” Bartlett said. “Then, all of a sudden, you throw in that Christmas is coming around, and there’s expectations from your children that you as a parent don’t want to disappoint them.” “There are kids that still believe in Santa, and how can you keep that magic alive when you don’t have a job?” Blackketter said. “It’s not just explaining to your children, ‘Sorry, we don’t have the money for this.’ It’s them saying,

CAST MEMBER TOY BOX Although the toy drive officially ended Dec. 1, you can see a timeline of the process, photos, updates and more. Additionally, there is room for 20 more families in need on the waitlist. For more, visit linktr.ee/castmembertoybox.

‘Santa can’t come here.’ That’s heartbreaking for me.” MAGIC-MAKERS

Bartlett and Blackketter began collecting toys for the Cast Member Toy Box in mid-October. There have been multiple in-person toy drop-offs, and people also could buy gifts off the Amazon wish list. When families signed up for the Cast Member Toy Box, they filled out a Google form with their information, including how many children they had, each child’s age and gender, and their children’s wants and needs. That could range from a specific toy the child wanted to providing a general list of what their interests were. Early on, the two decided they wanted to extend their toy drive to include teenagers up to 18. However, getting gifts for teens turned out to be one of their biggest challenges, because many are interested in items such as electronics and bicycles. Luckily, the response from generous donors following a Facebook post helped fill in much of the gap to provide items for the teens, too. Bartlett and Blackketter said the response from those wanting to help has been overwhelming. “It’s kind of amazing how many people want to show up for other people,” Blackketter said.

Bartlett said many people have hosted their own small toy drives to bring to the Cast Member Toy Box. Some have arrived with SUVs and trunks full of toys. The toy drive officially ended Tuesday, Dec. 1, and Bartlett and Blackketter already have distributed toys to 75 of the families on their list. They now are working through their waitlist to help as many children as possible. “We’ve had such a fantastic response,” Blackketter said. “We want to make sure that all of these toys find themselves in the homes of these families.” With the light at the end of the tunnel, the two friends reflect on the process and how it brought them even closer. For Blackketter, it’s also served as an opportunity to teach her 4-year-old son the importance of giving back. “He sees so much of what we’re doing, and I feel like it really helped him understand things a little better,” Blackketter said. “He’s talking about toys he doesn’t want anymore that he wants to donate and help other people. … As cast members, I feel like we are a special kind of people. We do volunteer a lot and we are always making magic for people, and I feel like sometimes at home, you don’t get to see how much our kids kind of envelope that same personality.” Both agree that one of the most rewarding aspects of their project lies in knowing that other families will be able to have a good Christmas this year. “We just are two women that want to really help,” Bartlett said. “We don’t want anything other than these kids and their families to have a great holiday. That’s just been our goal, our driving force, and what gets us through these long days, long hours and the time spent away from our own families.”

Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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 and at our office. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-5509

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

David, it has been a year 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. With All Our Love, Mom, Dad, Robert, Caroline, Jessica & Family and all your wonderful friends

346194-1

illed with boxes and bags full of stuffed animals, “Frozen” dolls, craft kits and toy cars, the storage unit that houses the Cast Member Toy Box resembles an oversized toy chest. Inside, Laura Bartlett and Erin Blackketter are hard at work organizing the donations that soon will make their way to more than 650 local children — each part of a family affected by the Disney furloughs and layoffs. What the two friends initially envisioned would be a small toy drive turned into a true labor of love. It’s also their last act of making magic as Disney cast members themselves.

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

346228-1

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

The Medicare you earned. The flexibility you deserve. The new Visa Flex Card. Only from WellCare. Get $1,500 up to

Courtesy photo

Windermere resident Lowell Teal was recognized with the Florida Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award for 2020.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have made lasting contributions to their communities and Florida agriculture. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Lowell Teal has received the most prestigious honor the Florida Farm Bureau can bestow on a member — the 2020 Distinguished Service Award. Teal, an Orange County advocate and former executive director of Orange County Farm Bureau, was recognized for his dedicated service to agriculture in the state of Florida and his lasting contributions to the organization. FFB president John L. Hoblick presented the award Oct. 8. A statement issued by FFB said: “Teal was a tireless advocate for farmers at the local, state and national level. He worked with Orange County elected officials on various agricultural issues, including private property rights and natural resource conservation.” He also was instrumental in pioneering the microjet irrigation system for Florida citrus growers. Teal served more than 20 years as executive director of the Orange County Farm Bureau. During his tenure, he developed relationships with government officials, municipal leaders and public agency staff members. Teal’s involvement with the Farm Bureau started when a friend, the late Billy Arrington, asked if he would be interested in helping the Orange County bureau. “What he was interested in was figuring a way to get the directors

Courtesy of the Orange County Farm Bureau

Windermere resident Lowell Teal was recognized with the Florida Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award for 2020, presented by FFB President John Hoblick.

more involved with what was happening,” Teal said. “My job then was to kind of coalesce the membership and pull them together and take charge of all the meetings.” He always felt welcomed into the group and felt everyone present was there for the common good, he said, and he left with a sense of accomplishment after those meetings. “When you look back at Orange County’s success and you draw in Lowell Teal into that picture, he could bring consensus among his entire board, he could bring consensus among the county commissioners,” Hoblick said. “He was a consensus-builder. He was also the kind of person who — after you had a conversation with him — you felt like he was your best friend.” Others in the bureau community were quick to praise Teal for his accomplishments. Robbie Roberson got to know Teal when he joined the Orange County Farm Bureau. “Lowell’s influence on Florida agriculture, and certainly Orange County agriculture, has been influential,” he said. He recalled Teal’s frequent visits to Orange County government meetings and Tallahassee to defend agriculture issues and stances. Bobby Beagles, executive director of Orange County’s bureau, said Teal was working with the St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts, and he traveled to South Africa to research how the country was watering its crops and returned with the plan to use microjets for irrigation. “It’s been a great relationship with our water districts,” Beagles said. “We have had that for over 35 years I’ve been on the board. … Lowell always made sure we had a meeting once a year with our water district president. It wasn’t a personal issue, it was a company issue.” Mark Byrd, a board member with the state bureau, said Teal leads and mentors by example. “He walks beside you, explains what’s going on, but then puts you in the mix; he certainly lets you find your way,” he said. “Lowell Teal served Farm Bureau with dedication, skill and passion,” Hoblick said. “He was a steadfast leader and a respected mentor to everyone he met. I am pleased to present this award on behalf of our Florida Farm Bureau members.”

When you choose select WellCare Medicare Advantage plans, you can personalize your coverage with the NEW Flex Card. The Flex Card is a pre-funded Visa debit card that could give you an extra $1,500 in benefits per year. Use your Flexible Spending Card to pay for hearing, dental or vision needs beyond what your plan covers. With the Flex Card, you get:

Coverage:

Choice: Visit in-network and out-of-network providers

Pay for dental, vision and hearing expenses with no out-of-pocket costs to you

Extras: Upgrade your plan offering on items like dentures, eyeglasses, hearing support and more

You have from October 15 to December 7 to choose your Medicare coverage for 2021! Choose your Medicare plan today.

Call to get your Visa Flex Card! 1-844-986-0046 (TTY: 711) 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Visit WellcareSeminars.com to find a virtual or local event.

Cosmetic procedures are not covered under this benefit. Benefits may vary by region. WellCare Health Plans, Inc., is an HMO, PPO, PFFS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-877-699-3552 TTY 711. There is no obligation to enroll. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat WellCare members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the costsharing that applies to out-of-network services. Y0070_WCM_60959E_FINAL13_M CMS Accepted 09212020 NA1WCMADV60959E_BASE ©WellCare 2020 J155567_39_West Orange Tim_FLE_5.092 X 16_FC21ENEWC60959FP.indd 1

10/9/2020 9:53:26 AM

344715-1

Lowell Teal receives farm bureau service award

DEBIT

GOOD THRU

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Help two Winter Garden veterans celebrate their birthdays this weekend CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

as guests of honor at a drive-by birthday celebration. Henry Goehres, a World War II veteran, turns 104, and his buddy, Vietnam War veteran Dennis Turner, will celebrate his 70th birthday. The two are neighbors in Trails of Winter Garden and celebrate their birthdays together every year. Both are survivors — Goehres has lived through the Spanish Flu, World Wars I and II and COVID-19, and Turner has survived the Vietnam War, Agent Orange and the coronavirus.

Courtesy photos

Above: Henry Goehres, right, served in the Philippines with the U.S. Army during World War II.

SPEC 4 DENNIS TURNER

Dennis Turner lived in Orlando most of his life, graduating from Edgewater High School in 1969. Growing up in Central Florida at that time meant freedom, adventure and independence at a young age. It also helped him transition to responsibility as a young adult. He joined the U.S. Army at age 19 and served as a Specialist 4 from 1970 to 1973. He trained as an air-traffic controller before being sent to Vietnam, and he worked at the same airfields used for loading Agent Orange, an herbicide and defoliant mixture used during the war. Dennis Turner said the airfields suffered numerous mortar attacks and he and his fellow soldiers could hear the bombing of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Left: Dennis Turner, photographed on his 21st birthday, said he grew the mustache to look older.

As an air-traffic controller, Turner was responsible for directing civilian and military aircraft at various airfields. During a regular shift, he directed commercial passenger jets and military aircraft, including fixedwing and helicopters of all types. Although he was close enough to hear mortar fire and was in danger of sniper fire wherever he

went, Dennis Turner considers himself a “combat-support veteran” because he wasn’t “a soldier in the trenches.” “He said it changes your life to know that you’re so close to death, and you don’t take anything for granted,” Sue Riley Turner said of her husband. “Henry is unbelievable at 104, but Dennis is amazed that he is turning 70. He consid-

ers himself lucky to have made it to 30.” Today, Dennis Turner lives with Type 2 diabetes, considered a presumptive illness caused by Agent Orange. Now retired, he worked 25 years in the construction industry and 20 years for the city of Winter Garden as a building code administrator. He was married to his first wife, Elaine, for 28 years before she died. He has a son and a daughter living in Central Florida, four grown granddaughters and a stepson. He met his second wife, Sue Riley Turner, at their 30-year high school reunion, and they have been together for 21 years. His first four years of retirement provided opportunities for adventure once again. The Turners have ridden elephants in Thailand, tracked wild animals in Africa, ziplined in Costa Rica and snorkeled with hammerhead sharks and penguins in the Galapagos Islands. Dennis Turner said he would like to make a return visit to Vietnam. PRIVATE 1ST CLASS HENRY GOEHRES

Goehres was a steel-mill welder in Pennsylvania when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. He was a World War II sharpshooter and private first class who was sent to the island of Luzon in the northern Philippines. During a stopover in New Guinea, he recognized his brother

IF YOU GO To participate in the drive-by birthday celebration parade for Dennis Turner and Henry Goehres, visit 1715 Winged Elm Place, Winter Garden — in the Trails of Winter Garden neighborhood off East Crown Point Road. The moving party takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

George’s troop ship in the harbor — and he found himself face to face with his brother, 9,000 miles from home in the middle of a world war. When he was discharged in February 1946, he resumed his welding position at the steel mill, building railroad cars. His career there lasted 43 years. In that time, he met and married his wife of more than 54 years, Mildred, and they had a son and a daughter. Fourteen years ago, he moved from Pennsylvania to Florida to live with his daughter, Ruth Oyler. They have lived in Winter Garden for 10 years. Goehres remained active until he was 90, keeping up with his yard and vegetable garden. Now, he spends his days reading magazines, keeping up with the Pittsburgh Steelers and watching game shows such “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune” — and he’s proud of the fact that he still gets many of the answers correct. Because of the coronavirus, Goehres has stayed at home for much of 2020. He watches his church’s Sunday services online and is hoping he can soon don his fedora and attend in person and interact with his friends.

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

21st Annual Holiday Rememberance Lighting Celebration Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 5pm-8pm Woodlawn Memorial Park 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd. Gotha, Fl 34734

Holiday Remembrance Lighting Display Carolers I Refreshments

407-293-1361 WoodlawnMemorialParkGotha.com We Proudly Support

In observance of Covid-19 protocol, this year’s Remembrance Celebration will be held indoors at the funeral home.

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

345908-1

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Mask and mingle F

or the first time since the pandemic began, West Orange-area professionals gathered to safely network in person during the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours. Held Thursday, Nov. 19, at the 429 @ Crown Point in Ocoee, the event gave chamber members a chance to get out of the house and meet other local stakeholders. Everyone was required to wear a mask and wore colored wristbands used to indicate their comfort level with personal space.

Fall is coming

Time to $ave

ANTAGE OF THESE DEALS! Boyer Building Corp President Gary Boyer

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

$100 OFF

Tracy Solly, Stina D’Uva, Krista Carter, Carrie Wilson and Tracy Seebach

Any Full Leaded Glass

$50 OFF

Any 1/2 Leaded Glass RETRACTABLE SCREEN DOORS Jo Barsh, Gina Schmidt and Kari Larsen

Ocoee Mayor Rusty and Marilyn Johnson

NOW AVAILABLE!! Lisa Bailey, Gary Boyer and Kizzy Ferrer

ANY DBL DOOR, SWAP OUT or PRE-HUNG UNIT

BUY MORE & SAVE MORE

ror Wrap

F OR F

Home for the ! s y a d i l F o a ll H i s c oming FREE

it’Chs risTtmimasDeOtOo R$Save

In-Home Estimates

ATE TAKE P ADac VAkaNge TADeals!

GE OF THESE DE

50 OFF $100 DOORS Any Sliding Shower Door $

ALS!

SHOWERS O F F Any Full Leaded G lass ANY 50 OFF $50 DBL DOOR, Any Clear Swinging OF Any 1/2 Leaded GF FREE Shower Door upSWAP to 25OUT s/f lass

ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

OR ETRACT BLE PRE-HUNGSR CREEN DA OORS Any Clear Swinging UNIT

100 OFF

In-Home Estimates

Look out your window at stunning skyline views and enjoy a lifestyle emphasizing wellbeing and lifelong learning when you choose Westminster Towers. Enjoy maintenance-free living with stellar services like flexible dining options, 24-hour security, housekeeping and more. Choose from a wide variety of spacious apartments, all backed by the assurance of a full continuum of care, including assisted living and nursing care, if it should be needed.

Shower Door over 26 s/f

W AVAILABLE! $75 OFF $100 OFF !$50 OFF Glass Cleaner Purchase ANY Shower 1/2 DOOR ANY FULL w/Any & 1 SIDELIGHT ANY SLIDING SHOWER DOOR NO

DOOR PANEL MIRRORS

$150 OFF

$100 OFF

$200 OFF

$50 OFF

ANY DBL DOO R, SWAP OUT or PRE-H$50 UNG OFF UNIT ANY CLEAR SWINGING SHOWER DOOR UP TO 25 S/F

ANYto 1/2 Publix ANY FULL DOOR Next 22 Bichara Blvd, DOOR PANEL & 2 SIDELIGHTS $100 OFF $100 OFF Route 441/27 1on 0% ANY CLEAR SWINGING ANYF MATCHING O F TRANSOM 15% OFF OR FR SHOWER DOOR OVER 26 S/F EE 2 OR MORE w.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 In-Home ... (OVER 5 SQ. FT)

346283-1

rry’s Decorative Glass After Mirror Wra ANY 1/2 DOOR ANY FULL DOOR p Before Mirror Wra & 1p SIDELIGHT & 2 SIDELIGHT

Call (877) 525-9983 today to learn more!

(LEADED GLASS DESIGNS ONLY) GOOD THRU 12/31/2020

Estimatdown. es IRR orders,M promos or O closeouts Lic. #SCC131151683 R Malready marked

50 OFF 50 OFwww.entrypointbyperrys.com F Any $

Any Sliding Sh 1122 Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, FL ower Door (352) 751-0833 $

Clear Swinging

ower *Not good with sales, prior Sh orders, promos closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683 Doororup to 25 s/ f $

SHOWERS

100 OFF ng

Any Clear Swin gi

www.WestminsterTowersFL.org

70 West Lucerne Circle Orlando, FL

Active Living | Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation

344869-1

DOO TE Cleaner with Any RS Purchase* FREE Can ofAGlass Shower

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @Horizon West Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

REAL ESTATE

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $1.26 million

home in the Keene’s

HORIZON WEST

Pointe community in

dential real-estate trans-

The home at 4777 Terrace Bluff St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $529,383. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,036 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.37. Days on market: 116.

actions from Nov. 20 to 26.

HAMILTON GARDENS

Windermere topped all West Orange-area resi-

The home at 11227 Ma-

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

caw Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $1.26 mil-

Windermere Union Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Windermere (407) 876-2112 Adult Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. WindermereUnion.org

lion. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,030 square feet. The price per square

ENCLAVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 16564 Silversaw Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $456,415. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,890 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.93. Days on market: Zero. HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16237 Taliesin St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $399,900. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,546 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.07. Days on market: Six.

CHURCH DIRECTORY NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, CHURCH OF GOD Winter Garden Ocoee Church of God (407) 654-9661 Pastor Thomas Odom Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m. STARKE LAKE BAPTIST NGLICAN 1105 N. Lakewood NON-DENOMINATIONAL Ave.,Ocoee METHODIST CHURCH Sunday Brazilian Service: 7CHURCH p.m. OLANDO FIRST UNITED METHODIST PURPOSE GLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee (407) 656-8011 CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Saturday Service: 6 p.m. LLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor Jeff Pritchard 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden tor The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas purposechurchorlando.org (407) 656-2351 Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM,

OF GOD Church ofCHURCH the Messiah OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD APTIST 241 N. Main St., Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST Winter Garden 407-656-8011 or Casey Butner 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., Beulah Rd, WinterServices: Garden EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org 7 p.m. CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM ChurchoftheMessiah.com 241 N. Main, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICE 11:00AM

DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

ST BAPTIST CHURCH E Plant St., Winter Garden -656-2352 NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study 00 am Contemporary DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana or Tim Grosshans w.fbcwg.org Campus: UNDATION WORSHIP NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages ndation Academy High School 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden w.FoundationWorship.com -730-1867

Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

The home at 16735 Olive Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $398,809. Built in 2020, These are the highestit has five bedrooms, three baths Advertise your Services orand Events 2,608 square feet. The price selling homes in each per square foot is $152.92. Days on this page weekly. on market: Five. community in West OrThis page appears weekly in the

HICKORY HAMMOCK ange. West Orange Times & Observer and

The townhouse at 15641 Orange online at OrangeObserver.com. 316889-1

www.starkelakebaptist.org

EPISCOPAL

market: 192.

Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $285,000. Built To advertise in the Church Directory in 2017, it has two bedrooms, call 407-656-2121 or email two-and-one-half baths and

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LV14252

6 East Plant St, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM d us at: Theacf.net

foot is $250.50. Days on

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDERForYOUR those ready to make long lasting changes in their life Matthew’s Hope CUSTOM MADE • Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, offers the Moving Forward Program which offers the following and more. Barn Doors, and More CHRISTMAS • Repaired, Refinished and GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture

339996-1

Montessori Preschool Resume Building Employment Daycare Education Legal Credit Counseling Debt Reduction

TEXT

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 TO DONATE

This is a secure site for giving

CALL (407) 656-2121

or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

346299-1

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

341420-1

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

XNSP18213

Moving Forward

Check out the custom • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used made silent auction items Program Offerings Household Items Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at Transitional Housing the Garden Party on Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden November 9!! Mental Healthcare Counseling 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

realtor.com

The home at 11227 Macaw Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $1.26 million. This 5,000-square-foot custom-built home overlooks the fourth tee.

The home at 14263 Prunningwood Place, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $350,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,696 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.82. Days on market: 130. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6971 Nobleton Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $415,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,000 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.33. Days on market: 28. LATHAM PARK SOUTH

The home at 9145 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $534,400. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,090 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.94. Days on market: One. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14424 Brushwood Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $555,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,050 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.04. Days on market: Four. RAVENNA

The home at 7693 Bowery Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $509,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,164 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.87. Days on market: Zero. WATERLEIGH

The home at 9176 Sonoma Coast St., Winter Garden, sold Nov.

Total Sales: 65 High Sale Price: $1.26 million Low Sale Price: $218,000

23, for $489,841. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,866 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.91. Days on market: Three. WATERMARK

The home at 14676 Seton Creek Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $330,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,881 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.44. Days on market: Five. WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 13573 Gorgona Isle Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $420,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet. The price per square foot is $188.85. Days on market: 14.

Holiday Amaryllis Festival

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9014 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $480,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,987 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.70. Days on market: Two.

OCOEE

A free community event at

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1914 Lake Sims Parkway, Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $391,390. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,291 square feet. The price per square foot is $118.93. Days on market: Two.

Historic Nehrling Gardens 2267 Hempel Avenue, Gotha

SATURDAY, DEC. 12TH 9AM - 3PM

SEE REAL ESATE PAGE 10

I want to give a tremendous

Congratulations!

www.NehrlingGardens.org

To my Dad and Mom, Morris and Edna Bearden. As of November 25, 2020 they have been married 70 years!

go! e! o t y Wa Awesom ! ove l f o Lots

Spectacular and rare hybrid amaryllis bulbs as well as blooming amaryllis to purchase for the holidays

Nature Themed Vendors and Gift Shop Eco Activities for Kids Food Live Music

345258-1

INDEPENDENCE

SNAPSHOT

346312-1

1,877 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.84. Days on market: 15.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Duke Energy • Health Central Hospital • Fishback Dominick Law Stockworth Realty • Harbinger Capital • Foundation for a Healthier West Orange LaPorte Financial • Lincoln Financial Advisors • Observer Media Group

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

BUYING or SELLING?

THE WORLD’S GREATEST FIREARMS EXPERIENCE

ELITE PARTNERS III REALTY

TAKE YOUR FIRST SHOTS AT SHOOTERS WORLD FREE CLASS DAILY FOR BEGINNERS

FREE

*Please call ahead to confirm class time, as classes may change due to private events

346245-1

weekdays at 6pm, weekends at noon*

Children 7+ are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

home value report in 24 hours

850-628-4455

www.tennillebiggers.com TennilleBiggers@kw.com

407.500.GUNS | WWW.SHOOTERSWORLD.COM/ORLANDO | 4850 LAWING LANE ORLANDO, FL 32811

student physicals $30

346239-1

TELEMEDIC INE AVAILABLE 407-960-218 8 Quality healt hcare at your finge Seven Days rtips, a Week 9am-7pm

On-site services include X-Rays, IV rehydration, drug screens, work & DOT physicals, auto accident evaluation & injury care, and FDA Approved Covid-19 Testing

346240-1

Office Now Open 9am-7pm, 7 Days a Week

senses, the first word + the last word of 124-Across?) 31 Noted Chinese philosopher 33 A long way off 35 Marries in a hurry 36 Laughable 39 Penniless 42 Barbara Gordon’s alter ego (... 103-Across?) 44 Do the tango, say 45 Hex, for one 48 Distinctive time span 49 + or - particle 51 One might spin jumpers 52 Extreme dullness

54 Poker player’s giveaway 56 YouTube journal 58 Faint 60 Coll. senior’s test, perhaps 61 Pinot noir or sauvignon blanc 63 Got into a lather? 68 Dog walker’s handful 71 Shuts loudly 73 Sushi restaurant utensil (... 22-Across?) 75 “___ luck!” 76 Flying home? 78 Winter supply for a ground crew

79 Country in Asia’s Golden Triangle 80 Key near Ctrl 81 Brewery order 83 Peace Nobelist Desmond 85 Alternative to she or he 88 Certain fir 91 Wind direction indicators 96 Cacophony 97 Gold, in Acapulco 98 Pedal a bike 99 Garlicky mayonnaise 100 Corrode (... 39-Across?) 103 Inconsistent 106 Ends up costing 107 Maine’s third-most

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.

“UVM ANKEFPBK UVPU BMPTM NK WELJ SD KUPHHMYELH SL SNY DMMU PYM UVM SLMK UVPU YMPBBZ YMPFV DSY P BSU.” – BEL–APLNMB AEYPLJP “MAPSP’Y YVNA J MAHID JY MAPJMPS BHYNHWCHIP. XIP WCJTPS BXPYI’M JWWSXWSHJMP JIXMAPS’Y HIUPIMHXIY.”

– PMAPC RPSRJI Puzzle Two Clue: V equals U

ACROSS 1 Civil rights activist Chavez 6 Body part within “earmuff” 9 N.C. State is in it 12 Narcissist’s love 16 “Turn down this proposal!” 17 Average, in statistics 19 Beauty balm brand 21 History Muse 22 Move words around 24 Ball game in Las Vegas? 25 Computer operator 26 Wellness centers 27 Philadelphia’s time zone 29 Baseball or basketball marking (or, in different

46 Flashy events? 47 Some attract big fish 50 Have a snack 53 Arizona city or landform 55 Leg, for instance 57 “Well done!” 59 Variety 62 Hush-hush grp. 64 Act like 65 Letter after chi 66 “Yada, yada, yada” (Abbr.) 67 Try to lose weight 69 Chicken ___ king 70 Grime on Santa’s suit 71 Longtime Swedish automaker 72 Flowery air freshener option 73 Animation frame 74 “Phooey!” DOWN 77 Reciprocating reply 1 Brilliant triumph 79 Period between new moons 2 Blues singer James 82 ___ Rachel Wood (“West3 Slimy marine mollusk world” star) 4 Author Beattie 84 Windsor knot garment 5 Beverly Hills shopping 86 Part of QED destination 87 What comes easily to 6 Accumulate hand? 7 Took a break 89 Easy dupes 8 Australian buddy 90 Adjust, as tires 9 “All systems go” 92 Assists 10 Bass ___ (cello music 93 Person who roams symbol) 94 Magical drinks 11 Paddled at camp 95 Palindromic family 12 Carved artistically nickname 13 Beast of Borden 101 Mon. follower 14 Property encumbrances 102 Opposed to certain coats 15 Golfer’s “Watch out!” 104 Naval fighting force 16 Silicon Valley investors, 105 Slim briefly 107 Club regulation 18 Battle with foam projectiles 108 Biscotti flavoring 20 “Hold on ... back up a bit” 111 Signed 23 Congratulatory touch 112 R.R. stop 28 Billy’s partner 113 A portion of 30 Jeweler’s glass 114 Like show horses’ feet 32 “Positions” singer Grande, 116 Compensates to fans 118 One of Jackie Jackson’s 34 Track competition brothers 36 Help in crime 119 Musk who launched his 37 Undecorated Tesla into space 38 In a steadfast way 120 Dudes 40 Not even 123 Family card game 41 Stereotypical pro gamer 125 Fourth letter 43 Online chuckle populous city 109 Part of a jazz combo 110 Fate 113 Words with very similar meanings, or a theme hint 115 Tap, as savings 117 Tabloid twosome 121 Italian for oil 122 Diamond Head locale 124 Ordinary members of an organization 126 Covering in the news? 127 Japanese soup noodle 128 “Auld Lang ___” 129 Ancient German 130 Merino mothers 131 Big fuss 132 Barrett of Pink Floyd 133 “Great blue” bird

THIS AND THAT by Paul Coulter; Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: T equals V

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

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

12-3-20

OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

rooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,671 square feet. The price per square foot is $219.44. Days on market: 17.

The home at 1967 Mountain Pine St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $382,030. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,291 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.08. Days on market: 18.

CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1831 Burdock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $399,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,780 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.53. Days on market: One.

GLADES AT SYLVAN LAKE

The home at 2607 Plumberry Ave., Ocoee, sold Nov. 23, for $384,900. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,898 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.82. Days on market: Two.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11760 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $1,094,600. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,431 square feet. The price per square foot is $247.03. Days on market: 70. LAKE BUTLER ESTATES

The home at 3352 Wax Berry Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 24, for $665,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,398 square feet. The price per square foot is $195.70. Days on market: 26. RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1607 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $670,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,114 square

COURTLEA OAKS realtor.com

The home at 12922 Canopy Woods Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $1,025,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Nov. 20 to 26.

feet. The price per square foot is $162.86. Days on market: 189. WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 9548 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $485,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,773 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.90. Days on market: 16. WESTOVER RESERVE

The home at 1816 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 23, for $638,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,136 square feet. The price per square foot is $203.44. Days on market: Two.

WINTER GARDEN BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14384 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $825,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,436 square feet. The price per square foot is $185.98. Days on market: 27. The home at 14541 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $725,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,436 square feet. The price per square foot is $163.44. Days on market: 29. CANOPY OAKS

The home at 12922 Canopy Woods Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $1,025,000. Built in 2018, it has five bed-

The home at 413 Courtlea Creek Drive sold Nov. 23, for $575,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,369 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.67. Days on market: 18. JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 935 Marsh Reed Drive sold Nov. 23, for $449,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,467 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.51. Days on market: Eight. OXFORD CHASE

The home at 14904 Ellingsworth Lane sold Nov. 30, for $466,549. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,779 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.88. Days on market: 18. RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15552 Sand-

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

field Loop sold Nov. 25, for $492,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,012 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.63. Days on market: 99. STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 2066 Sailborough Court sold Nov. 24, for $525,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,311 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.56. Days on market: Nine. WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 17404 Channel Way sold Nov. 23, for $462,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,842 square feet. The price per square foot is $162.56. Days on market: 22. WINDWARD CAY

The home at 3425 Turningwind Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $505,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,210 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.32. Days on market: Zero. WINTER GARDEN

The home at 223 S. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $401,500. Built in 1927, it has four bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 1,650 square feet. The price per square foot is $243.33. Days on market: Four.

FIRST INSERTION ELECTION NOTICE FIRST INSERTION TOWNELECTION OF WINDERMERE NOTICE TOWN OF WINDERMERE MUNICIPAL ELECTION MUNICIPAL ELECTION March 9, 2021 March 9, 2021 Health Insurance OPEN ENROLLMENT Nov. 15 thru Feb. 15 Notice is hereby with provisions of the Charter of the Notice given is herebythat given in thataccordance in accordance with the the provisions of the Charter of the Town of Windermere, Florida, a regular election shallshall be heldbe onheld Tuesday, 9, Health Insurance OPENour ENROLLMENT Nov.Neighbor 15 thru service Feb. 15 Town of Windermere, Florida, a regular election onMarch Tuesday, March 9, www.drbrianramski.com Call ANYTIME to receive State Farm Good 2021, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Town Hall located at 520 Main Street, 2021, from 7:00 a.m.for until 7:00 ofp.m., atThree the Town located 520 MainHealth Street, Call ANYTIME to receive our State Farm Good Neighbor service Windermere the purpose electing (3) TownHall Council membersat at large. Insurance OPEN ENROLLMENT Nov. 15 thru Feb. 15 open December 9, 2020 atThree 12:00 noon will close January 8, 2021 WindermereQualifying for thewill purpose of electing (3)and Town Council members at large. Craig Agent ChFC, service CLU, CLF at 12:00 noon at the Clerk’s office located at 501 West Forest Street, Windermere, Call ANYTIME to receiveMartin our State Farm Good -Neighbor Qualifying will open December 9, 2020 at 12:00 noon and will close January 8, 2021 Craig Martin Agent - ChFC, CLU, CLF Florida 34786 or via the website, www.town.windermere.fl.us Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com ✳ Dental Implants ✳ Sedation Dentistryat 12:00 noon at the Clerk’s office located at 501 West Forest Street, Windermere, AVISO DE ELECCION www.CraigMartinInsurance.com Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com Craig Martin Agent - ChFC, CLU, CLF PUEBLO DE WINDERMERE Florida 34786 or via the website, www.town.windermere.fl.us www.CraigMartinInsurance.com www.CraigMartinInsurance.com 13330 W. Colonial Dr., Suite 110 • Winter Garden, FL 34787 ✳ Cosmetic Clear Braces ✳ Pain Free Injections 17 de marzo de 2020 Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com 13330 W. Colonial • Winter Garden, FL 34787 14416 Shoreside Way,Dr., SuiteSuite 140 •110 Winter Garden, FL 34787 DE ELECCION Por la presente se notificaAVISO que, de acuerdo con las disposiciones de los Estatutos de www.CraigMartinInsurance.com ✳ Accepting New Patients la Ciudad de Windermere, Florida,DE se llevará a cabo una elección regular el Martes PUEBLO WINDERMERE 13330 W. Colonial Dr., Suite 110 • Winter Garden, FL Hablamos 34787 Español 9 de Marzo de 2021, de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m., en el Ayuntamiento. ubicado en 520 407-656-1040 Hablamos 17 de marzo de 2020 Español Main Street, Windermere con el propósito de elegir tres (3) miembros del Ayunta213 S Dillard St., Suite 140 407-656-1040 Hablamos miento general. Laque, calificación se abrirá elcon 9 de Diciembre de 2020 a las 12:00 del Estatutos Por la presente seennotifica de acuerdo las disposiciones de los degreatestLicensed Now The Hiring complimentInsurance Professionals Winter Garden, FL 34787 Español mediodía y cerrará el 8 de Enero de 2021 a las 12:00 del mediodía en la oficina del you can give iscompliment a referral! The greatest la Ciudad de Windermere, Florida, se llevará a cabo una elección regular el Martes Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 you can give is a referral! secretario ubicada en 501 West Forest Street, Windermere, Florida 34786 oa través greatest compliment 9 de Marzo de 2021, 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m., en el Ayuntamiento. ubicado en 520The del sitio web,de www.town.windermere.fl.us Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 you can give is a referral! November 26, 2020 con el propósito de elegir tres (3) miembros 20-04791W del AyuntaMain Street, Windermere Fri: 7-1 Call Today for Your Appointment! 346319-1 miento en general. La calificación se abrirá el 9 de Diciembre de 2020 a las 12:00 del mediodía y cerrará el 8 de Enero de 2021 a las 12:00 del mediodía en la oficina del secretario ubicada en 501 West Forest Street, Windermere, Florida 34786 oa través del sitio web, www.town.windermere.fl.us November 26, 2020 20-04791W

BR DENTAL 407-905-9965

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

Now Offering

346200-1 310499-1

346234-1

407-656-1040

The Compass Clinic 100 West Gore Street, Suite 406 Orlando FL 32806

The practice of Ira Goodman, MD, Sheila Baez-Torres, MD, and Anamaria Shanley, MSN, ARNP-CB, announces its closure as of December 1, 2020.

Dr. Goodman, Dr. Baez-Torres, and Ms. Shanley will be closing their private practice at the Compass Clinic. Transfer of care to another neurologist or to the primary care provider is necessary. The medical and office staff will provide referrals and/or plans for continued care. Patients in need of assistance in locating another physician may contact their health insurer or visit the physician referral website of local hospitals such as Orlando Regional Medical Center (orlandohealth.com) or Advent Health (adventhealth.com).

345485-1

345299-1

Written requests for medical records should be mailed to The Compass Clinic, 100 West Gore Street, Suite 406, Orlando, FL 32806 until February 1, 2021. This request may also be faxed to (321) 202-2582.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

ISAMARI MEDINA MONTES MAXEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Isamari Medina Montes is the parent engagement liaison at Maxey Elementary School, and her job is to foster partnerships between the school and families to support student achievement. She holds parent workshops that allow families to learn a new academic skill or concept, engage in a practice opportunity and receive feedback. She emphasizes a culture that prioritizes building relationships, addressing differences, supporting parent advocacy and shared decision-making. Her hard work was highlighted when she was named this year’s Support Person of the Year. “Students count on (Isamari) Medina to greet them with a smile and a warm hello,” Principal Carletta Davis-Wilson said. “She acts quickly to get students needed supplies to help them have a successful day in school. Her positive relationships with families fosters trust and builds an appreciation for the home-school connection. Mrs. Medina works collaboratively with community partners to stock the food pantry, get donations of essential items and even shelter for those experiencing hardships. She always shows a spirit of excellence behind the scenes to keep our students center stage.”

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Parent engagement liaison TIME AT SCHOOL: One-and-one-half years

What brought you to your school? Fate was the one who brought me to Maxey Elementary. After Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, I moved to Florida looking for a better life for my daughter. The school zoned for her was Maxey, and it could not have been a better school. The next school year, I became the treasurer of the PTA, and when the position of the parent engagement liaison became available, I did not hesitate for a minute. I knew I wanted to be part of this incredible family. What do you love most about your school? The best way I can explain it is: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” We work as a team, and we appreciate and value each other’s efforts. What is your motivation? My motivation is my daughter, Isis Nahir. I want her to be proud of me and to learn from me that life is not easy, but we have our destiny in our hands. We just must work hard to get where you want to be in life. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is when I can help parents and see them with tears in their eyes full of gratitude; and, of course, my daily dose of happiness in the mornings, greeting each kid and their parents in the car loop and receiving so much love.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Usually, I do not have too much spare time, because I have a second job, but when I can, I love to ride a motorcycle with my husband. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I would say it was my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Colón. She was the kind of teacher that would go the extra mile just to help you understand concepts and just be better in school. I would cry every day in the beginning of the semester, and she sat next to me for more than half the class just so I would not cry. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I wanted to be a veterinarian, because helping has been always in me. I wanted to help animals and take care of them; I wanted to have my sanctuary of animals.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? I grew up in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, and by then, the neighborhood where my school was located was in the countryside. I did not had access to books that I could read at home. I am visual, and I loved seeing Punky Brewster. Her story always touches me. What are your hobbies? I love to hear music, decorate, create things and do some light car mechanics when I have the time. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be the power of healing with my hands, because there are too many sick kids in this world (who) deserve to have a life free of sickness. If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? It would be Adele, Kany Garcia and Ednita Nazario, because they are whole-artist women — composers, producers, businesswomen that empowered me through hard times. How long have you been at your school and with OCPS? I have been at Maxey and OCPS for a year and four months. — AMY QUESINBERRY

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

Introducing …

346256-1

FULL CIRCLE IS THE OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP’S NEW PODCAST PLATFORM.

For more information about Full Circle, visit OrangeObserver.com.

346261-1

Featuring audio journalism from the Observer Media Group’s Central Florida bureau, Full Circle has launched with a four-part series, “A Century Removed: Truth and Reconciliation of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre.”

346514-1

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Eislinn Gracen wins playwright contest

First Academy unveils 2021 Homecoming theme The First Academy will celebrate Homecoming Week Jan. 24 to 30, and the tradition now has a theme. The 2021 Homecoming theme is Fire and Ice, the school announced last week via Facebook.

The West Orange High junior is one of seven students declared winners of the national competition, which focused on the theme of ending gun violence.

Foundation breaks ground on expansion

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Foundation Academy hosted a groundbreaking event Wednesday, Dec. 2, for its classroom and gym expansion at the school’s Tilden Road campus. The groundbreaking took place after two years of design and permitting work.

Orange County board member named to FSBA The Florida School Boards Association announced Orange County School Board member Dr. Karen Castor-Dentel as its newest board member. To earn this distinction, members must complete 96 hours of training in three different content areas. The bulk of this training falls under boardsmanship; school finance; policy governance; bargaining and personnel; curriculum and instruction; state/federal legislative processes; and school law. “I am proud to recognize Dr. Karen CastorDentel as a certified board member,” FSBA Director of Leadership Services Tina Pinkoson said. “Since her election in 2018, she has shown a willingness and desire to learn.” The distinction is one of several professional development programs offered by the FSBA to ensure board members obtain wellrounded and thorough understanding of his or her policy-making job responsibilities. The FSBA is the professional association for school boards in Florida.

Eislinn Gracen has written a second award-winning play — and this time, it’s a national honor. The West Orange High School junior was one of seven winners nationwide in the inaugural #Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence playwriting project and competition. A performance of Eislinn’s play, “Guns in Dragonland,” will be streamed digitally Dec. 14 through 20 on Broadway on Demand in collaboration with the Orlando Repertory Theatre. The title is a reference to children’s programming and a recollection of how that and school shootings have affected Eislinn. It also stems from an upsetting conversation she had with her younger brother about a recent school lockdown and the “bad man” he and his classmates had to hide from. She was unnerved by his innocence coupled with the thought of what she would do if she lost her brother to such a tragedy. In the play, Lilah Gordon and her best friend/imaginary dragon, Toucan, are on a special adventure to help Lilah earn her dragon

wings when they hear a noise at the nearby school. “Guns in Dragonland” originally was workshopped at Beth Marshall’s Top Teens this summer. Eislinn said she thinks her unique perspective on the subject gave her the winning edge. Her play originally was workshopped and produced as a virtual staged reading as the headliner for Beth Marshall Presents’ New Works Series; she said two people gave her productive feedback that helped her keep the story more focused. The budding playwright previously won the Florida Theatrical Association Award at the inaugural Be Original playwriting festival last year for her play “Wolf in a Concrete Jungle.” It was performed as a table read at the festival and as a staged reading at the University of Central Florida. She most recently wrote the part of The Pardoner in the Orlando Fringe Festival’s “The Canterbury Tales Project,” presented as a virtual reading for Howler’s Theatre. Eislinn’s creative mind is in overdrive. Her next play — to be submitted to this year’s Florida Regional Thespian Festival — is “Fun at Parties.” It depicts an

ACADEMIC HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS Pre-K3 through Grade 12 Offering 5 and 7 Day Boarding International Baccalaureate World School

Available to 9th Graders (2021-2022 school year) Must test in the 98% on national tests; 3.8 GPA or Higher

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! (407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com windermereprep.com

346266-1

APPLY TODAY

Increase the value of your home and save money with one simple phone call!

Increase the value of your home and money one simple Atsave Lake Apopka Natural with Gas, we’re helping families phone call! like yours connect to affordable, reliable, and

At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families like efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay yours connect to of affordable, reliable,and and efficient natural Increase the value your home Increase the value oftopay your home and dividends for years come. Studies show gas, with appliances that dividends for years to come. save money with oneone simple phone call! save money with simple phone call! a house with natural gas has a 6% greater Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families like Natural resale value than an all-electric home. gas is right resale value than an all-electric home. Atconnect Lake Apopka Naturalreliable, Gas, we’re yours to affordable, and helping efficient families natural like door.gas yoursoutside connect your to Natural affordable, reliable, efficient natural is rightand outside your door.

gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. gas,show with aappliances paygas dividends for years to come. Studies home withthat natural has a 6% greater Studies showan a all-electric home withhome. natural gas has 6% greater Discover services and offers available in your neighborhood resale value than Natural gasa is right resale value than an a all-electric home. Natural gas is right Discover and offers available outside your door. by giving us callservices at 407-656-2734 ext. 307 outside your door. in your neighborhood by giving us or email marketing@langd.org. Discover services and offers available in your neighborhood a callavailable at ext. 307 by giving us a services call at 407-656-2734 ext.407-656-2734 307 in your neighborhood Discover and offers or email marketing@langd.org. by giving us a call at 407-656-2734 ext. 307 or email marketing@langd.org or email marketing@langd.org.

www.langd.org

346276-1

346271-1

www.langd.org www.langd.org

Eislinn Gracen

alternate reality in which lawyers, doctors and scientists struggle to get by and entertainers such as clowns and mimes dominate the 1%. She also is working on “Topin Swineson: The Modern American Pig,” about a genetically created pig-man who lives in a government facility and his job is to read and create propaganda for the country. Another play idea is set in the future and takes place in a retirement home full of Gen Z kids and their stories about the 2010s. She not only writes plays but also performs in them, too. She currently is playing Perceval in West Orange High’s production of “Lord of the Flies.”

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY DEC. 3, 1970 Florida Power advertised in The Winter Garden Times in hopes of converting homeowners from gas ovens to electric, self-cleaning appliances. The Dec. 3, 1970, ad was aimed at convincing husbands to buy their wives a gift that would give her “true liberation — from one of the dirtiest jobs in keeping house.”

95 years ago

Hoodlums frightened campers and vandalized the lakefront area. As there was no telephone in the area, police were alerted through the rumor route. Offered by Davis Pharmacy — two goldfish and a bowl free with a purchase of 50 cents or more.

80 years ago

The rise in prices was a concern. The following is a breakdown of the dollar: Food, 33.9 cents; housing, 18.1 cents; transportation, 7.9 cents; recreation, 5 cents; household equipment, 4.2 cents; medical care, 3.7 cents; fuel, 2.5 cents; electricity, 1.6 cents; gas, 1.5 cents; and telephone, .7 cents. The movie program for the week at the Winter Garden Theatre was as follows: Johnny Mack Brown in “Pony Express,” “Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum,” James Cagney and Ann Sheridan in “City for Conquest,” Brian Ahern and Rita Haywood in “The Lady in Question,” and Edward G. Robinson in “The Confessions of a Nazi Spy.”

70 years ago

There was talk of a commercial seaplane base for Winter Garden. Preliminary plans called for the lagoon to be deepened with draglines, with the muck and dirt from the

FROM THE ARCHIVES This decorative fish pool once stood in Lakefront Park, later renamed Newton Park in honor of the city’s first mayor. It was constructed with WPA funds acquired by Mayor George Walker during the Great Depression. Check out the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Facebook page for more images and history covering the many civic projects in town during the 1930s.

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. bottom being used to enlarge the island between the lagoon and the lake. The Lakeview High PTA asked the School Board to help pave the road into the school from town.

60 years ago

The Winter Garden Inn is featuring a Tacky Party in the

Gold Lion Lounge, and attire requirements are “the tackier the better.” No one can say, “I don’t have a thing to wear.” A word of caution: Don’t say to someone who is walking into the inn, “Oh, I see you’re going to the Tacky Party, too.”

50 years ago

steadily on State Road 535/ Winter Garden-Vineland Road, which is presently the only road that connects Winter Garden with the Disney World north entrance. Funds have been set aside for widening and resurfacing south from Highway 50 to Reams Road.

Traffic has been increasing

SHOW US YOUR

STRENGTH PHOTO CONTEST Throughout the past four weeks more than 50 photos were submitted in the Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest. Now is your turn in picking a winner. Which one is your favorite?

WIN $2,500

OOL! R SCH FOR YOnnUing submission The wi d will be announce 21! 20 7, n. Thursday, Ja

Head over to OrangeObserver.com to vote. The voting period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. The winning school will receive $2,500 from Healthy West Orange

VOTE NOW UNTIL DEC. 18 www.orangeobserver.com/show-us-your-strength

Vote now, vote often! Brought To You By:

Presenting Sponsor:

344689-1

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

DECEMBER 3, 2020

HIGH

SPORTS

At 6-foot-11, Elijah Hulsewe is a large presence on the basketball court for Windermere Prep. Page 16.

Despite the West Orange football team’s tremendous season coming to an end in an 18-9 loss to Apopka in the Class 8A regional semifinals Friday, Nov. 27, senior defensive back Lexus Jones had a big night. He racked up 17 total tackles and one sack. Teammate and fellow senior Joanes Polynice joined in with 17 tackles, while senior Tyson Schwalbach and junior Matthew McDoom added on 13 and 12 tackles, respectively. The Warriors end their season with a 6-4 record.

In Dr. Phillips boys basketball’s Blue Division semifinal 8370 win over Jones in the Metro Hoops Fest Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Well Center Activities Center, Denzel Aberdeen exploded for the best showing of the tournament. He picked up 34 points, going 13-of-14 at the free-throw line. The Panthers’ finals matchup against Windermere — along with the other championship — was called off because of a COVID-19 diagnosis on Apopka’s team.

In Windermere boys basketball’s 77-56 win over Edgewater in the Metro Hoops Fest Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Well Center Activities Center, Kanye Jones led the way for the Wolverines with 21 points. Teammate Sean Stewart tacked on 17 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.

West Orange basketball’s E.J. Yorke had a solid outing against Oak Ridge in the Warriors’ 85-69 loss at the Metro Hoops Fest at the Well Center Activities Center Tuesday, Nov. 24. Yorke went off for 24 points despite the defeat. Teammate Mike McCalister added 14 points for the Warriors.

Foundation Academy’s Braden Holcomb dominated in the Lions’ 79-44 thumping of Crooms Academy on the basketball court Monday, Nov. 23. Holcomb went off for a team-high 31 points for the Lions, while teammate Grayson Mullen picked up 15 points.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Lions head coach Brad Lord hands out a hug to senior co-captain Scotty West after the win.

LION KINGS A night of dominant defense for Foundation gave the Lions their first regional football title in school history, and their first berth into the state semifinals.

Photos by Troy Herring

Bryan Thomas and the Lions football team celebrate the big win over Victory Christian.

s the ball falls incomplete in the end zone on a last-ditch effort by Victory Christian, a celebration breaks out on the Foundation sideline and spills out onto the field. Head Coach Brad Lord runs onto the field, arms raised in victory, as he and his staff run in circles until finding players to embrace in a moment of jubilation the program has been waiting on for years. For the first time in school history, the Lions (8-1) have claimed the Class 2A, Region 2 title in a grinding 7-0 win over rival Victory Christian (7-5) on Black Friday — Nov. 27. “We lost in double overtime to them one year; we lost by throwing an interception on their 2-yard line one year; two games we got blown out of; and another game we played them tough,” Lord said. “They’re our rivals … and they’ve gotten the better of us, but Coach (Andre) Walker dialed up a gem and we played really good tonight — I’m just proud of the boys.” Victory Christian has been a consistent thorn in the side of Foundation for years, with the Storm besting the Lions four times in the playoffs — all of which were in regional final showdowns in the 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 seasons. Unlike those four regional final SEE FOUNDATION PAGE 16

Brian Gay soaks up recent success The Windermere resident and PGA Tour golfer recently won the Bermuda Championship and recorded his 600th start in September. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

As Brian Gay approached the tee on the final hole at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, he and his caddy had

a short conversation about the moment. The last leaderboard he had seen was on the 13th hole, which showed that he was in second place — three strokes behind Wyndham Clark — but the back-

to-back birdies on 14 and 15 had cut the lead to just one stroke, his caddy told him, despite Gay three-putting on 17 for a bogey. From the tee, there was a crosswind blowing right to left and down, and Gay wanted to avoid

the left, because it was a blind shot down a hill. So he decided to aim at the bunker and hit it hard, but he pushed it. “I actually took a drop — I was standing on the (golf cart) path, which actually helped me, because I got to drop at the spot where the grass was a little tighter like the SEE GAY PAGE 17

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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

Elijah Hulsewe It’s hard to miss Elijah Hulsewe on the court, who stands at 6-foot-11 and starts at center for the Windermere Prep boys basketball team. The senior is enjoying his final season with the Lakers and is polishing up his game before making the leap to college ball.

When did you first get into basketball? I first started taking basketball seriously a year and a half ago, when I transferred to Windermere Prep. When I was a freshman, I was on the freshman team, and I averaged under five points per game. I was un-athletic, and I didn’t have the right mindset. My grades went their own way — I had a 1.8 GPA, and I had to change my life around. I had a lot of haters, and they’re the ones who actually pushed me, because I wanted to prove them wrong.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Senior AGE: 18 SPORT: Basketball POSITION: Center

You’re the big man on the team at 6-foot-11. When did you get to be so tall? I’ve been tall all my life, but the change for my body from 6-foot-7 to 6-foot-11 — it’s just I would eat the right food. I was on special diet, going to the gym every day and changing my habits around the house.

When did you realize that something had to change? At home, I had a family meeting — I’ll never forget it — my sophomore year, I was at Orangewood Christian, trying to change my life around and (decide) if I still wanted to play basketball or not. I’m late into this game — all of these other great athletes started when they’re young. I started just now, and it was just a decision whether I wanted to go for it or leave it behind me. I decided to go for it.

Is there a highlight moment for you at Windermere Prep? When we won districts last year. We still never gave up, and we (then) lost by one point to Jackson, and we had to accept the loss and grow from it. The key moment was when we lost — it changed everyone’s mind. … They were more hungry, so we just have to be the more hungry team now. What has this season been like for you all? You just have to do your thing — put your mask on, come to practice, put your mask back on after your done. Obviously, there is a limited amount of people (who) can come to our games now. But I just say ‘Do what you got to do.’

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself over the last few years? I feel like talking with teammates is a big key. Talking, socializing and knowing who you’re hanging around with is the biggest key I had to learn, because the people who I hung around with were losers. … Then I came to Windermere Prep — people have different mindsets, I changed who I hung around with, and they helped me, and I helped myself.

What are your plans after school? I’m planning to go Division 1. I would have never thought I’d go Division 1, but I have a couple of offers coming my way. — TROY HERRING

Danny Stutsman and the Lions football team take in a moment of prayer following Friday night’s win.

Foundation riding high CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

losses — where the Lions gave up an average of just under 30 points per game — it was the defense and its gutsy performance that turned the tide in the game with its magnum opus performance of the season. Halfway through the first quarter, Foundation’s defense faced its first challenge, when the Lions stuffed Victory Christian on fourth-and-inches from the 12-yard line to prevent the Storm from finding pay dirt. Both offenses continued to struggle against strong defenses until senior Danny Stutsman broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run off a direct snap to give the Lions a 7-0 lead with 11:45 left in the first half. Stutsman should have had three touchdowns by the end of the night, but two running scores later in the game were called back because of blocking penalties. He finished the night with 151 rushing yards on 13 carries. The touchdown proved huge, but it was a defensive stand just a few minutes later that was the ultimate game-changer. After Victory Christian quarterback Tyler Vanderzee hit Jayden Paul for a 49-yard toss down to the Lions’ 7-yard line, and following a couple of short runs, Foundation defensive tackle Reggie Jean and a host of Lions stuffed a run on thirdand-goal at the 1-yard line. What followed was the play of the game. On fourth-andgoal from inches out from the end zone, the Lions once again dominated on the line and shut the Storm out. “A year ago, when we played The First Academy, they got

Photos by Troy Herring

Dominic Sanzone flies past a defender during a run.

down to the goal line in similar fashion, and we elected not to call the timeout,” defensive coordinator Andre Walker said. “This time, we learned from our mistakes from previous years. We learned from our mistakes, and we were able to capitalize because of the way our defense was playing. We were playing solid football and getting key stops in the game. “We knew this game was going to be a game of inches, so when we got down there and we had our opportunity to burn a timeout, we used it,” he said. “We got the guys settled, and then they executed like they had been doing all game.” By the end of the night, the Foundation defense had terrorized Victory Christian’s normally explosive offense and held the Storm to just 183 total yards of offense. It was a team effort. Bryan Thomas picked up 11 tackles (including five tackles for loss),

one sack and four hurries, while Reggie Jean recorded nine tackles (two for a loss) and a sack. Stutsman, Greyson Labiad and Edward Byrd each racked up 11 tackles apiece. “(The defensive coaches) talked about it — from the start of the game — that we hope that it has to fall on us, that we have to win the game by playing defense,” Walker said. “I’m overjoyed — that team over there is a really good team. The ball bounced our way this year. We were fortunate enough to execute and make plays when we needed to make plays.” It was a big win for the program, but now the Lions have to get ready to play University Christian (7-4) in the state semifinals Friday on the road in Jacksonville. “We’re going to heal up this weekend, and Monday, we’ll go to work,” Lord said.

Family. Family. Athlete of the Week Sponsored by...

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Friends. Friends. NEED Community. Community. Family. SPACE? Family. CALL NOW! Friends. Friends. Community. Community.

Shannon Till, Agent

Minneola Location 301 E. Washington St. Unit F

Minneola, FL 34715 (352) 394-0303 Have our Mobile Showroom come to you!

www.marksfloorsonline.com

346229-1

Winter Garden Location

731 S. Dillard St. Unit 101/103 Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 410-8998

Shannon Till, Agent Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 Shannon Till, Agent Toll Free: 855-742-1591 www.shannontill.com Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd

Garden, FL 34787 Fowler Groves Winter Toll Free: 855-742-1591 www.shannontill.com Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-4000 www.shannontill.com Hablamos Español 1211007

1211007

why proud why I’m to support proud toWest support West We’re allI’m in this together. county.. county.. StateOrange Farm has aOrange long tradition ® . State®. Getall to in a That’s better Getone totogether. State a better We’re this of being there. reason ®

why I’m proud to support West State Farm has a long tradition Orange county.. ofGet being there. That’s one reason . to a better State why I’m proud to support West Orange county.. Get to a better State . ®

346281-1

* Carpet * Tile * Hardwood * Vinyl * Laminate

State Farm, Bloomington, State Farm, Bloomington, IL IL State Farm, Bloomington, IL

LOCALLY OWNED SELF STORAGE “LIVE LOCAL, STORE LOCAL”

346213-1 XNSP17973

Shannon Till, Shannon Agent Till, Agent We’re allWe’re in thisalltogether. in this together. Fowler’s Grove Fowler’s 3279 Grove Daniels 3279 Rd Daniels Rd ® ® State hasFarm a long has tradition a long tradition Winter Garden, Winter FL Garden, 34787 FL 34787State Farm Toll Free: 855-742-1591 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. of being That’s there. oneThat’s reasonone reason www.shannontill.com www.shannontill.com

Maguire Road Storage

Stoneybrook West Storage

407-905-7898 WWW.MAGUIREROADSTORAGE.COM

407-654-3037 WWW.STONEYBROOKWESTSTORAGE.COM

IN OCOEE

MAGUIREROADSTORAGE@CFL.RR.COM

IN WINTER GARDEN

STONEYBROOKWESTSS@GMAIL.COM

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Gay gets the win

Attorney at Law

Our Services

Wills/Advance Directives Estates Corporation/LLC Commercial Transactions Landlord/Tenant Real Estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu And Other Matters 346198-1

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 40 years 425 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

We’ll take the first step with you

Courtesy photo

Brian Gay drives a ball deep during the Bermuda Championship.

Direct Cremation

for this amount of time. Over the course of my career, I think I was a slow learner, but it took me eight or nine (years) before I won my first one — 200-some starts before I won, and then I really took off for a couple of years.” Gay’s time in the PGA has been filled with ups and downs, including neck and thumb surgeries in 2014 and 2015 that set him back. But now, the 49-year-old is looking to make the most out of this most recent win. “I’m looking forward to Mexico and going back to Maui the first of January,” Gay said. “It’s always nice to get off to a good start early in the year — it’s a jumpstart on the season, and it can make a lot of good things happen from here.”

$750

plus container 921 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola, FL One block north of Citrus Tower 352-394-8228 I CremationChoicesfl.com

@Observerorange

Let us tell the story

of your life

We Proudly Offer

Suite 200B in the TD Bank Building 12200 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Office: 407.654.8811 PEACE OF MIND Homebuyers can rest assured, knowing Cell: 407.758.4479 they are protected from many unforeseen financial or legal problems that may arise treasuretitle.com AND IT MEANS A LOT in the future. info@treasuretitle.com TO HOMEBUYERS.

Traditional Burial and Cremation Services Prearranged Funeral Services

Baldwin Fairchld Funeral Home Winter Garden

BaldwinFairchild.com I 407-656-2233 428 E. Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

346202-1

REDUCED RISK

an ALTA If there are any title discrepanciesAs caused by member, nobody knows more about the home closing process and title forgery, fraud or clerical errors, homebuyers insurance than you. That’s why homebuyers receive the benefit of the title insurer’s full rely on you for the most effective and accurate support throughout the claims process.

DON’T LET YOUR DEAL “Because You Care” CRUMBLE (407) 695-CARE (2273) 3

Family Owned & Operated

Full service funeral provider with onsite crematory.

information. Make sure you understand the latest industry changes so you can continue to provide homebuyers with peace of mind.

FRANK SCARLATA

All inclusive direct cremation only $895 Burial starting at $2,295

A SMART DECISION

A home is the largest purchase most of us will make in our lives. Owner’s Get titleyour ALTA Homebuyer Guide at insurance is the best way for homebuyersalta.org/homebuyer. to protect their property rights for as long as they or their heirs own the home.

www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com

346230-1

won, it’s always like, ‘How did this happen?’ (And) it’s always kind of a weird feeling, and it doesn’t happen very often except for Tiger.” The win at Bermuda was Gay’s fourth overall PGA Tour win since he joined in 1999 — although he officially turned pro back in 1994. Those wins came at Mayakoba (2008), Verizon Heritage (2009) and Humana Challenge (2013). Bermuda also served as Gay’s 602nd tour start, which came about two months after picking up his 600th start at the Safeway Open. “I never really thought about it years ago,” Gay said. “All I ever wanted to do was play on the tour, and I was fortunate enough to get out there and stay out there

THE SMALL Owner’s title insurance gives STUFF. homebuyers…

407-656-5521 blairjohnsonlaw.com

BECAUSE OF YOU, HOMEBUYERS YOU BUY WITH SWEAT CONFIDENCE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

BLAIR M. JOHNSON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

fairway,” Gay said. “Really, we were trying to figure out the yardage — it’s a significant amount uphill, probably 8 or 9 yards up the hill you can’t see the green itself … and from that angle, it was almost straight-down wind.” After a discussion about whether to go with a pitching wedge or gap wedge, Gay landed with the latter. He made the right choice, as he chunked the ball with precision to within a foot of the hole — the broadcast caught Gay’s lone words of, “Go in the hole,” as the ball trickled close to the pin for what would end up being a tap-in for birdie. With the shot, Gay forced a playoff after Clark missed on a 10-foot putt that would have won him the championship had he made it. Both ended regulation tied at 15 under par. “Riding out to the 18th tee for the playoff, I said to my caddy, ‘Let’s go birdie this hole and get out of here,’” Gay said. “That was the mindset.” On the playoff hole, Gay and Clark exchanged solid shots, and after Gay knocked in his putt for birdie, the unexpected happened. Clark missed his putt — handing Gay a one-stroke victory to claim his first win in seven years. “It’s relief and it’s like, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ and, ‘Holy cow,’” Gay said. “Every time I’ve

Pre-Planner

TODD DEGUSIPE Director/Owner

346209-1

Director/Manager

COLLEEN GILLIS

MAITLAND 9001 N. Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32771

SANFORD 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, FL 32771

OCOEE 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd Ocoee, FL 34761

UNIONTOWN 65 N. Gallitan Ave Uniontown, PA 15401

Download your free ALTA Homebuyer Guide at alta.org/homebuyer

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is a proud fixture of Windermere and West Orange County. We have built our homes and reputations here. We are here for you.

Winter Garden’s ONLY family owned funeral home. Direct Cremation for

895

Robert Bittle

Funeral Director In Charge

Including the alternative container. Call for details.

www.winteroakfuneralhome.com LIC #F080822

346221-1

1148 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, Fl careyhand.com 5.092”x4” Collison_Rob’19

(407) 614-8350 1132 E. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787

407-877-6700

346197-1

We make it personal.

Exceptional - Not Expensive

CLASSIFIEDS

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

really reach for a lot.” Lin–Manuel Miranda Puzzle Two Solution: “There’s such a thing asOrangeObserver.com theater discipline. One player doesn’t appropriate another’s inventions.” – Ethel Merman

This week’s Sudoku answers

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in an Observer Media Group publication to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

“The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot.” This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Lin–Manuel Miranda PuzzleTwo OneSolution: Solution: Puzzle “The musicals leave us kind of “There’s such athat thing as theater staggering on player our feetdoesn’t are the ones that discipline. One really reachanother’s for a lot.” inventions.” appropriate Lin–Manuel Miranda – Ethel Merman

Health & Medical

COMMUNITY WIDE - MULTIPLE HOMES

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY 12/5 I 8am-2pm

GET YOUR – MEDICAL MARIJUANA – CARD HERE

345698

Merchandise Wanted 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

Fast Easy Certification

NOW PURCHASING

346295

SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495

Puzzle Two Solution: “There’s such a thing as theater This week’s Sudoku answers discipline. One player doesn’t appropriate another’s inventions.” – Ethel Merman

Or email us at

Orlando: 407-755-0012

1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803 CMMDR.COM

This week’s Sudoku answers This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

FREE MARIJUANA DELIVERY Delivered directly to your home or business

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more!

Announcements

Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121 advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

Puzzle One Solution: “The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot.” Lin–Manuel Miranda Puzzle Two Solution: “There’s such a thing as theater discipline. One player doesn’t appropriate another’s inventions.” – Ethel Merman

346298

The Vineyards • Ocoee-Apopka Rd

LV16621

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • EMAIL: classifieds@orangeobserver.com • ONLINE: www.orangeobserver.com Solution: DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash,Puzzle Check orOne Credit Card

You NOW get the dry flower to

SMOKE!

This week’s Crossword answers

2020

This week’s Crossword answers

346447

Positions Wanted

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

CAREGIVER NEEDED - job is for 5 Days a Week – 5 Hours per Day – Salary is $20 per Hour. For more details about the position, email me (jholtty1477@gmail.com) jh12/17

T THER GET YOUR NAME OU

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business here Call 407-656-2121 to advertise

407-656-2121

AUTO SERVICE

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

LV11098

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY 2020

TFN

2020

407-656-1817

Call today to reserve your space 407-656-6075

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

“Your Complete Service Center” 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 REG# MV-01095

TFN

Phone 407-656-6646

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

346292

346291

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

DEAD ON TFN

346288

BUSINESS GROW YOUR e your space serv Call today to re 407-656-2121

TARGET The Observer Business Directory

Call 656-2121 to reserve your space

Explore the

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals. To place an ad call 407-656-2121

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020 19 OrangeObserver.com

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO SERVICE

POWER WASHING

LV11098

OrangeObserver.com 2 WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

REALTORS

PRESSURE CLEANING SERVICES

FREE See store for details

179.95

Ocoee, FL

89.95

199.95

343757

SERVICE

ONLY

Danny Motes

Includes up to 7 quarts Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor. of Full Synthetic Oil. Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 12/31/20

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

TFN

346287

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

346293

BMW 5 Series

EXTINGUISHER

Full Synthetic Oil Service

346290

199.95

Mercedes E-Class

TFN

346289

179.95

Mercedes C-Class

ROOFING

FIRE TECH

Financing

BRAKE PAD SALE

GemoftheHillsExteriors.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

STRESS

BMW 3 Series

352-217-0072

341599

344505

Residential & Commercial Cleaning Concrete, Pavers, Screen Enclosures Gutters, Rust Removal, & Decks

Personal Property Liquidation Services 343505

• Estate Sales • Consignment • Downsizing • • Clean-Outs (Storage Units & Hoarder Homes) • • Buy-Outs • 102 W. McKey Street Historic Downtown Ocoee www.LetItGoLifestyle.com (407) 797-3534

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

FREE ESTIMATES

Your ad here!

407-656-2121

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019