12.03.20 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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

Health Matters DECEMBER 2020

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 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.

Dawson Beach is helping the West Orange High School band program as a part of his Eagle Scout project. SEE PAGE 4.

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

SPORTS

Troy Herring

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

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HOST A BUBBLE PARTY FOR MATTHEW’S HOPE

Striking a chord

Birthday buddies

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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.

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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,

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

Picking his project TROY HERRING

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

SPORTS EDITOR

“I knew I wanted to do something for my high school band, because I’m pretty involved in that — it’s a pretty big part of my life.” — Dawson Beach

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

Troy Herring

“We’ve had problems with the storage room being really cramped, because we used to have a ninth-grade center before I came to the school — it used to be right next to the school, where they would have all the ninth-graders, but also the percussion section would be in there,” he said. “They had much more storage, but when it got closed down, they had to move everything to a tiny storage room right inside the cafeteria, so there’s not a lot of space.”

“The fact that he stuck with it for this length of time — I’m proud,” said his mom, Jennifer Beach. “His sister was in Girl Scouts, and she did the same thing — she went all the way through … I think him seeing that motivated him some to make sure he went all the way through. He’s a very goal-oriented kid, so being able to set a goal of, ‘I want to get this, I want to be able to put this on my college application,’ that kind of stuff motivated him.”

A SCOUT’S LIFE

After jumping on Pinterest to help develop his design ideas, and after getting the project approved, Dawson Beach set out to build the racks — which required some assistance. The project was supposed to have been done months ago, but the arrival of COVID-19 delayed things. The time to build was now, because he wanted to get it done before he sent out his college applications. The Beaches reached out to a friend who runs a local nonprofit, Fort Barachel, which does carpentry work for events such as Halloween Horror Nights. They had the knowledge and equipment to complete the construction, Jennifer Beach said. Dawson Beach raised a little more than $700 via a car wash to afford the required wood, nails and other raw materials. Then, the

Through the years, Beach progressed his way from Cub Scouts — which he began in first grade — to Boy Scouts. During that time, he knew he wanted to achieve Eagle Scout status. “I never really understood the level of difficulty until I got to the Star rank — the third-to-last rank,” Beach said. “It’s definitely been a climb … it’s definitely challenging.” However, Beach didn’t undertake this challenge alone. His dad, Todd Beach, had been his Cub Scout leader when he was a child and then became an assistant Scout master when Dawson Beach moved into Boy Scouts. Meanwhile, his sister, Mackenzie Beach, went through the Girl Scouts and attained the Gold Award — the highest honor in that organization.

A PROJECT OF CHALLENGES

building began, as Dawson Beach, Todd Beach, fellow Scout Garrett Boyd and Mike Carpenter, of Fort Barachel, went to work one Saturday. “It would have been at least 10 times more frustrating without the help of the wood-shop people; they basically power-rocketed our construction efforts,” Dawson Beach said. “They got the entire frame done in five hours. It was very helpful.” With the project itself done, now comes the process of participating in a scout master conference — where Dawson Beach will go before multiple scout masters to explain all he had done as a Life Scout. Then, he will go before a board of review to speak about his project and the skills he used to complete it. The entire process should be complete in the next month, and although he’s not an official Eagle Scout, everything from here on out is simple formalities. After years in the organization, the excitement for Dawson Beach now is palpable. “It definitely will be a huge feeling of accomplishment within me — kind of a feeling of relief, almost, that I finally finished all of this stuff that has built up to this moment,” Dawson Beach said. “I’ll just feel proud of myself.”

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ttaining the rank of Eagle Scout — the highest advancement rank in Scouts BSA — is not easy. In 2019, out of the millions of scouts who participated in the organization, only 8% — or 61,366 scouts — managed to finish the requirements needed to achieve it. Right now, Winter Garden resident Dawson Beach, of Boy Scout Troop 225, based in Gotha, is working toward the Eagle Scout ranking. He recently finished the project part of the process, which included the construction of a mobile guitar rack and pipe storage racks for percussion harnesses — both of which will be used by the West Orange High School band program. “The guitar rack is a doubledecker for guitar storage, and it’s mobile, so we’ll be able to transport 20 — 10 on each row — guitars to and from the percussion room and the percussion storage room,” said Beach, 17. “The pipe rack we’re going to install into the wall; it’s not meant to be portable.” The idea for the two different racks came after a brainstorming session Beach had with West Orange Band Director Ken Boyd to figure out what the program needed. Beach always has had a love for music — especially percussion — and has been playing since he was taught the drum set in elementary school by his youth pastor. But for the last three years, the West Orange junior has been a part of concert band and marching band at the school — where he plays snare — and he knew of the program’s issues. “I knew I wanted to do something for my high school band, because I’m pretty involved in that — it’s a pretty big part of my life,” Beach said. “The storage rack seemed to be the most useful daily use of all of the ideas, so I chose that.

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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.”

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Lowell Teal receives farm bureau service award

DEBIT

GOOD THRU

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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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

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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).

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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 …

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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

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