Times& WEST ORANGE
Observer WEST ORANGE COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER FOR 109 YEARS
THURSDAY
DECEMBER 4, 2014
FREE
WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA
INSIDE
EXCLUSIVE
WWII veteran recalls action at Iwo Jima. PAGE 3A
OUR TOWN
+ Shirts feature hometown pride Art Dees, right, was in downtown Winter Garden last week and picked up a new T-shirt at Tri & Run of West Orange. The shirts are the creation of Will Blaine and Andy Crabtree, who recently started AB Newton & Company to promote Winter Garden through clothing and other merchandise. Dees is the grandson of Arthur Bullard Newton, the first mayor of Winter Garden and the company’s namesake. With him are his grandchildren, Amy Rice and Bobby Rice.
Cosplayers invade Winter Garden. PAGE 9A
economics by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
Tiger Woods tourney should be boon for area businesses WINDERMERE — A field consisting of 18 of the best golfers in the world will take to the links at Isleworth Golf & Country Club this weekend. And, no matter who wins the event, West Orange County and Central Florida
figure to be winners, also. The Hero World Challenge begins Thursday and will run through Sunday at the famous golf club located just outside the Windermere city limits. The event is an annual tournament put on by the
Tiger Woods Foundation. This is the first year that Hero MotoCorp, a motorcycle maker from India, has served as the title sponsor. Woods headlines a field that also includes familiar names like Henrik Stenson,
NEW DIGS
by Amy Quesinberry Rhode Community Editor
Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler, among others. Those golfers are ranked fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth and 10th in the world, respectively.
SEE TOURNEY / PAGE 8A
STITCH KING by Michael Eng | Executive Editor
Amy Quesinberry Rhode
Just beyond the front visitors center is the research center and staff office. Here, program director Jim Crescitelli and archivist Lynne Sylvester work in the new space.
Historic group begins major move
November was a month of change at Oakland Nature Preserve. Longtime staff member Shane Overstreet left the preserve to do field research with the St. Johns River Water Management District. The preserve welcomes Taylor Clark as its new environmental educator/interpreter and Savannah Mulvey as education and outreach specialist.
Staff and volunteers at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation moved the organization’s collection of historic photos and documents into its new home. Lucas Isasi created his first wedding dress when he was just 11 years old.
Courtesy photo
Fashion
+ W.G. couple celebrates 45 years Frank and Linda Dillon, of Winter Garden, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary Nov. 28. Frank is retired from United Rentals, and Linda is retired from Johnson & Co. They both enjoy playing golf and are members of West Orange Country Club.
FORWARD Windermere resident Lucas Isasi, 13, was chosen to be a contestant on Lifetime’s “Project Runway: Threads.” His episode airs Thursday, Dec. 4.
I
WINDERMERE — For his first assignment as a contestant on Lifetime’s series, “Project Runway: Threads,” Lucas Isasi, 13, was tasked with designing a dress that best symbolized himself. He went to work immediately, using fire as an inspiration, and designed a piece burning
WO This week’s winner is
Deborah Shultz.
Dr. Phillips falls to Manatee in playoff loss. PAGE 1B
The Hero World Challenge will bring 18 of the world’s best golfers to West Orange County from Thursday through Sunday — and thousands of spectators.
+ ONP welcomes new staff members
See the photo on PAGE 10B.
SPORTS
with yellows, oranges and reds. “Fire calms me,” he says. “Like, when you have to deal with bullies or something. Fire — it’s calming.” Similarly, Lucas’ passion for fashion has never burned more brightly than it has this year. In
SEE LUCAS / PAGE 6A
WINTER GARDEN — After being kept for years in a metal warehouse built a century ago, the pieces of Winter Garden’s past are now securely stored in a climate-controlled facility in the heart of downtown. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s $1.1 million History Research and Education Center project is nearing completion, and staff and volunteers have been carefully packing and unpacking decades worth of historic photographs, documents and objects for the transition. The WGHF secured the land for the new facility in 2011, began a capital campaign the next year and broke ground on the 5,224-square-foot building last fall. The foundation received two Orange County Cultural Facilities grants totaling half a million dollars, and the rest of the funds were raised through pledges, monetary donations and in-kind donations. “This is a result of a 2011 Conservation Assessment
SEE MOVE / PAGE 8A
INDEX Calendar.................................2A Crossword............................ 10B
History..................................16A Obituaries.............................17A
Real Estate.........................6-7B Schools..........................14-15A
Sports.....................................1B Weather............................... 10B
How does Santa find you when you don’t have a Home? He finds you at Matthew’s Hope Matthew’s Hope fosters the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the Homeless men, women, and children of our West Orange community by meeting basic needs, developing skills, and restoring dignity and independence.Would you please prayerfully consider including a Tax Deductible Gift to Matthew’s Hope in your Year End Giving. 13640 W. Colonial Drive • Winter Garden
www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org 407.905.9500
Vol. 81, No. 48 , Three sections
WOTimes.com
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, DEC. 4 “The Gift of Art” Opening Reception — 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. “The Gift of Art” exhibit will be open through Saturday, Jan. 3. All artwork will be available for $200 or less. For more information, call (407) 3477996.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5 Faces of the Future Breakfast — 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Universal Orlando Foundation Branch, 5055 W. Raleigh St., Orlando. This free breakfast will introduce participants to the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, as well as to the club members benefiting from the youth development programs each day. To RSVP, call (407) 920-5140 or email sjohnston@ bgccf.org.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6 Insect Safari — begins at noon Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail. Learn how Florida’s sixlegged wildlife cope with cold weather during this lecture from entomologist Christy LeDuc, followed by a hunt for ONP’s coldhearty insects. This program is free to the public. For more information, call (407) 905-0054. OCPS Educator Job Fair — 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6, at Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. Orange County Public Schools is seeking individuals interesting in teaching opportunities within the district. School administrators will be on site conducting interviews and extending offers for employment. For more information and to RSVP, visit ocps. net and click the “We Want You” tab. Public Defender’s Office Clothing Drive — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in front of the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Donate clean, gently worn clothing to
be used in court by clients of Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Robert Wesley. Wesley’s office represents needy people in Orange and Osceola counties who have been accused of crimes, children in delinquency cases and people facing involuntary commitment for mental health problems and addictions. If this date or time is inconvenient, call (407) 836-4806 to make other arrangements. Read to Sydney — 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at the West Oaks Mall, 9401 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Volunteers will read therapy dog Sydney’s story to children to teach about animal safety and respect. Sydney will be collecting dog food, toys and cash donations for Ruff Rescue of Central Florida and Houndhaven. Story time in English takes place at 2 and 4 p.m. and in Spanish at 3 p.m. For more information, visit readtosydney.org.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 Health Care Reform Informational Session — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Learn about the Affordable Care Act and hear details about the individual mandate, expansion of preventive services, health insurance marketplaces, subsidies and tax credits. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11 Business After Hours — 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Holiday Inn Express, 7474 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. The West Orange Chamber of Commerce invites the community to enjoy a little “jingle with your mingle.” Attendees will enjoy live music, catering by TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli, trivia games and prizes, such as an iPad Mini. Member advance payment is $5 per person; $10 at the door. For non members, the cost is $20 in advance and at the door. To register, visit wochamber.com.
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787; or by email: news@wotimes.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS THURS., DEC. 4 “Characters and Carolers” — 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5 and 6; and 1 p.m. Dec. 6, at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Tickets are $10 and free for Orange County Public Schools staff. Call (407) 905-6400, Ext. 3221.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5 Christmas By Committee: A Musical — Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The show is at 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. A special Industry Night show takes place at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. Watch Amy as she convinces the quirky Citrus Village Christmas Committee, a surly band of misfits, that the season is about more than personal agendas and citrus-themed activities. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for students and seniors and $12 for children ages 12 and under on Saturday matinees. To purchase tickets, visit gardentheatre.org/plays. Christmas with The Basilica Choir — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The Basilica Choir and Orchestra, directed by William Picher, will perform the music of Hassler, Praetorius, Rutter and more. Tickets are $18. (407) 239-6600. Light Up Winter Garden — 6 p.m. Dec. 5, on Plant Street, downtown Winter Garden. Welcome the holiday season with live entertainment, vendors, shopping and children’s activities. Street-lighting cere-
mony will be held at 6:15 p.m. Visit cwgdn.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6 A Service of Lessons and Carols — 7 p.m. Dec. 6, at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center Performance Hall 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. Organized by Montverde Academy and the city of Clermont, the event will feature musical performers, including American operatic grande tenor Ben Gulle. (407) 469-2561. Holiday Showcase: Accordion Craze — 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Get in the holiday spirit with this lively showcase of holiday music by the Central Florida Accordion Club. For more information, call (407) 8357323. Ocoee Christmas Parade — 1 p.m. Dec. 6, beginning at the intersections of Maguire Road and Enterprise Street and ending at Municipal Lakefront Park at Ocoee City Hall. Parade will be presented by the Ocoee Lions Club in conjunction with the city of Ocoee. Visit ocoeelionsclub.org. Winter Garden Christmas Parade — 10 a.m. Dec. 6, at South Dillard and Plant streets, downtown Winter Garden. A long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition will delight spectators and bring in holiday cheer. Don’t forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade. Visit cwgdn.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7 Happy Birthday, Jesus! — 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at First Baptist Church Windermere, 300
Main St., Windermere. Event will feature inflatables, crafts, pizza, birthday cake and more. Cost is $8 for one child, $15 for two, $20 for three, and a maximum cost of $25 per family. Call (407) 876-2234.
TUESDAY, DEC. 9 De-Light-Ful Decorations — 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9, to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10, in Winter Garden. Judging for Winter Garden’s annual De-Light-Ful Decorations contest will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, for homes north of State Road 50 and Wednesday, Dec. 10, for homes south of S.R. 50. For applications to participate, visit cwgdn.com.
WED., DEC. 10 G3 Christmas Caroling Hayride — 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10, at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. Bring your own dinner. Dinner takes place from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and the group will carol from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call (407) 656-1135.
THURSDAY, DEC. 11 Windermere Holiday Social — 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Enjoy the company of fellow residents
and bring a holiday dish to share. The town of Windermere and Windermere Police Department will be accepting donations of unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Nonperishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank will also be collected. For more information, call (407) 876-2563, Ext. 21.
FRIDAY, DEC. 12 Christmas Movie on the Lawn — 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. Guests are invited to enjoy the movie “Elf” outdoors. Free to the public. Bring blankets and chairs and indulge in complementary popcorn and treats during this holiday celebration. To RSVP, visit st.lukes.org/ movienight. Live Nativity Tour and Free Dinner — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Tours leave from the rotunda of Building C every 15 minutes. The angel Gabriel will guide as guests experience the sights and sounds of his visits to Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. To RSVP, visit u.st.lukes.org/default.aspx?page=3115&event=3339.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
SEW SWEET by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
WARM WELCOME Students from Windy Ridge School recently donated 37 fleece blankets to be used by premature babies born at Arnold Palmer Hospital. ORLANDO — The middle-school members of the Junior Beta Club at Windy Ridge School K-8 collaborated on a project that involved the creation and the donation of 37 blankets to Arnold Palmer Hospital of Orlando. The blankets will be used by children and babies at the hospital, said Pamela Crabb, an assistant principal at Windy Ridge School K-8. “The blankets were a fleece material, and they had a variety of cheery and fun patterns,” Crabb said. “Some of the blankets will go to children who need to be seen in the ER, and some to children and babies who are staying in the hospital for a longer period of time.” Some members of the club
wanted to be there when the donation of the blankets occurred. “Five Beta Club members, as well as Susan Keller and Kerri Van Sickle, delivered the blankets to Arnold Palmer Hospital on Nov. 5,” Crabb said. Van Sickle, the counselor and Junior Beta Club sponsor at Windy Ridge School K-8, was instrumental in the genesis of the project, setting up the project and ensuring proper execution to make the program a tremendous success, Crabb said. Van Sickle, on the other hand, gave credit to Keller. “Susan Keller, a paraprofessional at our school, has been buying material for the blankets little-by-little for the past couple of years,” Van Sickle
said. “The blankets are fleece and are so soft. They also are bright and have very cheery patterns and all are unique and different. There is not one repeat pattern.” Keller had delivered all of the materials to the school in September, at which point 18 of Windy Ridge School K-8’s Junior Beta Club students began working on the blankets, Van Sickle said. “Susan taught them how to cut the blankets and then how to make fringes on all the ends,” Van Sickle said. “Prior to teaching the kids, Susan contacted the volunteer coordinator at Arnold Palmer Hospital to find out what size they needed.” There were some specifica-
Courtesy photo
Club members displayed some of their colorful handiwork. tions that officials at the hospital gave Keller, primarily that the blankets would be given to babies who were born prematurely, as well as to children who were going to the emergency room, Van Sickle said. Keller also needed to inquire as to which material would be needed, and she received the answer of fleece, she said. The students spent a lot of free time making the blankets,
O O O O O HEROES OF WORLD WAR II O O O O O by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
including some portions of their lunch time and hours before school started, Van Sickle said. “On Nov. 5, five Beta Club members and their parents, as well as Susan and myself, delivered the blankets to Arnold Palmer (Hospital),” Van Sickle said. “We donated half to the emergency room and half to one of the floors where babies and kids are staying in the hos-
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pital for an extended period of time.” The group was able to take a tour and learn about what the hospital does for patients and their families, as well as volunteer opportunities available to ages 15 and older. “The Beta Club students loved the idea of volunteering to play games and complete arts and crafts projects with the child patients,” Van Sickle said. “One mom asked, ‘Who do we call once she is 15?’ I’m sure this student will volunteer there once she is 15. The kids felt great about this project, and it was wonderful to see them engaged in a hands-on project.” Members who helped to collaborate on this fleece blanket project included Desrae Morris, Meilah Wimbush, Kayla Sanders, Alysia Cancel, Lisette Acevedo, Anna Ocacio, Rosely Cancel, Isabella Domingues, Tayra Almonte, Lily Rutledge, Connor Osborne, Aashi Mendpara and Taniyah Sullivan. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
business by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Resident comes full circle with purchase of MetroWest shop After 17 years away, Fred Hewett recently purchased the MetroWest Bike Works and renamed it Full Circle Cycle.
Amy Quesinberry Rhode
Peter Moreno, now 91, reflects on his participation in World War II. He lives in Health Central Park, in Winter Garden.
Winter Garden resident recalls action at Iwo Jima As a combat medic, Peter Moreno treated many wounded Marines during World War II. WINTER GARDEN — Peter Moreno walked into the Miami recruiting station in spring 1942, three months after Pearl Harbor was attacked, and volunteered to be a Navy Seal. The 19-year-old was sent to San Diego, California, for naval training, and while waiting to be called to duty, he was instructed that because of his experience, he was being sent to Marine boot camp at Camp Elliott. So he became a Marine and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division. After training, 1st Class Petty Officer Moreno, a combat medic, joined the 2nd Marine Battalion and boarded a crowded troop ship headed to the Pacific to participate in the invasion of Guadalcanal during World War II. It was an uneventful landing, the Winter Garden resident said, because most of the Japanese military had retreated into the jungle. From there, Moreno and his fellow Marines invaded Guam, and because he was fluent in Spanish, he acted as an interpreter between the Marines and the natives, who spoke the Spanish-influenced language of Chamorro.
Courtesy photo
Winter Garden resident Peter Moreno was a combat medic in the Pacific Theater. The island of Iwo Jima was the next stop. “We weren’t supposed to invade Iwo Jima,” he said. “They brought us in as reinforcement. We weren’t supposed to be there.” Moreno was in the second wave of the island invasion; the first wave, he said, was made up of most-
ly 17- and 18-year-olds, many of whom died as they entered the beach. As a medic, he treated many wounded Marines. After running out of supplies on Iwo Jima, he had to save the morphine for those in the worst condition. He was also responsible for treating mos-
quito-borne malaria and dysentery from bad water. Moreno said he was one of just a few to survive in his division. And although he came close a few times, he received no injuries in the war, he said. After living through one of the war’s bloodiest engagements, Moreno again boarded a ship — this time, to go home. “The Golden Gate never looked better,” he said. The men in Moreno’s division received combat medals and Navy and president’s citations. Moreno, now 91, lives at Health Central Park, in Winter Garden. He had seven brothers, and four served during World War II. A cousin was a prisoner of war and survived the 63mile Bataan Death March in 1942. After the war, Moreno returned to Miami, where he met his future wife, Hazel, on the beach. He began a career with the U.S. Postal Service in Miami, serving as a mail carrier and special-delivery courier. He remained with the post office for 34 years before retiring. Peter and Hazel Moreno lived in Clayton, Georgia, for five years before coming back to Florida and settling in Clermont and, later, Winter Garden. They have one deceased son, a daughter, a granddaughter and several great-grandchildren. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes.com.
METROWEST — In 1993, Fred Hewett became the original manager of Bike Works on South Hiawassee Road in MetroWest. This year, on Aug. 7, Hewett bought the bike shop after almost two decades since he last managed it. “I recently bought the former Bike Works on South Hiawassee after the previous owners decided to retire,” Hewett said. “I have renamed it Full Circle Cycle, due in large part that I was the original manager of this same store starting in 1993 and ran it for four years.” Hewett said he had met his wife while he had been the manager of Bike Works, before greater career opportunities arose for him. “She worked at the hair salon in the same center, and we met at the Publix,” Hewett said. “I went on to manage the whole Bike Works chain of stores for a few years, then joined Specialized Bicycles, a major bike manufacturer, as a sales rep for 15 years.” When the former owners announced that they were retiring and selling the shop, Hewett jumped at the opportunity. “I just love bicycles,” Hewett said. “Some of my earliest memories are from riding or working on bicycles, from as young as 3. I’ve been fortunate to be getting paid in this industry for about 35 years now. Bicycles are just fun.” It was the right time to buy a bike shop because the bicycle business is doing well trajectory-wise, he said. “It’s still up and coming — there’s still a lot of potential here,” Hewett said. “It was a little personal. I was the manager here a n d built it out myself. I went on to manage a couple other Bike Works stores. The opportunity came up, and this was my first child, if you will. I put a lot of effort into it all those years ago, and I couldn’t see it close down. I saw the opportunity there to get my baby back.” His baby has grown and gone through some awkward teen years before trying to find itself in its early 20s. “One of the changes we made was to bring in a larger selection of product,” he said. “The store over the years had really gone downhill, to be frank. The old owner was close to retirement and let it run.” But now, Hewett is trying to
Nicky Calvert
This August, Fred Hewett returned to the store as its new owner, renaming it Full Circle Cycle.
Below: The West Orange Times covered the opening of MetroWest Bike Works in 1993, when Fred Hewett was the original manager. better reach more consumers and the customers who have been visiting the shop since it opened. “Information and technology have taken three or four leaps ahead of everything,” he said. “Everyone’s plugged in, more informed. I definitely have (seen changes in) the technology of the bikes and better-informed consumers. Bikes have gotten lighter; consequently, they’re faster, sportier. There’s lots of choices available now. Bikes are a little more segmented to a particular purpose.” Hewett said personal attention to each customer and selection of products were two key reasons Full Circle Cycle would rebuild and become a premier destination in the cycling industry. The shop will host group rides at 7:30 each Saturday morning, as well as outreach, such as bike safety classes among first-graders at elementary schools, he said. “I just did one for the TeachIn Wednesday (Nov. 19) at MetroWest Elementary,” Hewett said. “The last one I did there was in 1994, which was featured in the West Orange Times.” Hewett has kept that article, which might get some new company in its display, to show how Hewett and the bike shop have come full circle. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
FINAL BELL by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
education by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
School district seeks nominations for newly created Hall of Fame Orange County Public Schools’ new Hall of Fame will recognize both outstanding graduates and former educators. ORANGE COUNTY — The first School Board of Orange County met in December 1869, when W.A. Lovell was elected to serve as the first superintendent of the new school district. This board was tasked with finding qualified teachers for the county’s four major communities, and the first new schoolhouse for 15 students was approved in 1871. Schools had to be at least three miles apart, and the families had to construct their own building. Orange County Public Schools has come a long way from its one-room schoolhouses and is getting ready to celebrate its 145th anniversary. To mark this milestone, it is creating a Hall of Fame to recognize the county’s extraordinary teachers and administrators and standout graduates. Nominations are open until Dec. 18, and the public can go online and recommend someone in one of three categories: Community Champions, Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators. As many as five inductees will be chosen by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Nominees for all categories must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and moral character. All candidates will be judged on their significant or long-term contributions.
The nominee can be living or deceased, but nominated educators must be retired. A nominated educator should have devoted the majority of his/her career to teaching or being a school or district administrator in public schools in Orange County. The first class will be inducted May 15, 2015, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Those inducted will receive a personal keepsake, and their induction will be memorialized on the Hall of Fame wall in the Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center in downtown Orlando. Kat Gordon, Orange County School Board member, suggested the idea of a Hall of Fame at a board retreat last year as a way of “looking at its history to define its legacy,” said Dylan Thomas, OCPS director of public relations. “Now in its 145th year, there’s plenty to highlight,” Thomas said. “In concept meetings between staff and individual board members, a celebration was planned and a hall of fame was designated as a suitable signature component of our historical celebrations. With five inductees each year, there will be five illustrious stories to tell that help define our legacy. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
ABOUT THE AWARDS • A Community Champion is anyone who has been a loyal and devoted supporter of an OCPS program, school or the district for a minimum of 10 years. • A Distinguished Alumni nominee must have graduated from an Orange County public school or have attended one or more OCPS schools for at least three years and must have been out of high school for at least 10 years. Nominations can be made under the subcategories of Athletic Achievement, Professional Achievement and Humanitarian Achievement. • A Distinguished Educator can be an administrator, coach, teacher or staff member and must have held a position within OCPS for a minimum of 10 years. For a detailed list of criteria, visit ocps. net and click on the Community Page. Some nominations must include endorsements or letters of recommendation. A downloadable document will be posted on the web page, or the public can request one by emailing supt@ocps.net.
LITERALLY SPEAKING by Kathy Aber | Contributing Writer
Reading Reindeer partners with local holiday toy drives As families joined together last week to give thanks, some found it more difficult to put Thanksgiving dinner on the table. Many local citizens are suffering with unexpected medical bills, car repair expenses, unemployment and underemployment. As the Christmas holiday draws closer, Ocoee and Winter Garden are helping families in need with their annual toy collections. Ocoee is currently accepting registrations for the annual Holiday Toys for Kids in Need, and Winter Garden is registering children for Holiday Gifts for Kids. Both cities will close registration this Friday, Dec. 5. The West Orange Times and Reading Reindeer are joining this effort for the 17th year and will be contributing a new book for each child in both programs — annually this is more than 900 children. In Ocoee, registration takes place from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. at the Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway. The program is for children ages 6 months through 13 years, and the distribution will be Dec. 18. To register, applicants must be Ocoee residents and have a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card; proof of residency (a city water bill); and a birth certificate for each child (6 months to 13 years old only). For more information, contact Sgt. Mireya Iannuzzi at (407) 905-3160 or miannuzzi@ ciocoee.fl.us. In Winter Garden, parents and guardians still can register children up to age 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant St. After 5 p.m., an application must be given to an officer to ensure it will be given to the appropriate department. For complete registration information and an application, visit wgpd.com/community/holiday_gifts_for_kids.
West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $21.50 per year ($35 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper. © Copyright 2014 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved
For more information, contact the Community Liaison Unit at (407) 656-3636. Unwrapped new toys and monetary donations can be taken to the police departments in both towns. Please help the Times and Reading Reindeer give the gift and love of reading to local children this Christmas by donating a new book suitable for children up to age 15. For more information, book drop-off locations and a donation form, see the Reading Reindeer ad on 7B or call Kathy at (407) 929-2676. Please clip out the form in this week’s issue and include it with your donation so it can be acknowledged in a future edition. Cash contributions will be used to purchase books to fulfill this year’s Reading Reindeer requests. Checks should be made payable to Reading Reindeer and sent to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Each book given out includes a family reading brochure from the Adult Literacy League stressing the importance of reading to children, even the youngest infants, for 20 minutes a day.
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Amy Quesinberry Rhode
Linda Rees has retired after 43 years of teaching.
Rees bids farewell Linda Rees spent more than four decades teaching in three different schools in Winter Garden. WINTER GARDEN — Before Don Shaw was superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, he served as the principal of Tildenville Elementary School. One of the teachers he hired in 1971 was Linda Rees, a native Winter Garden resident who was to run the migrant pre-kindergarten program. Rees remembers hopping in a fellow teacher’s yellow Volkswagen Beetle and driving out to the Avalon area, looking for 4-year-olds to participate in the program. She and Mary Silliman had no problem knocking on doors and getting parents’ permission for their children to attend school. The most she ever had was seven, and her friend, three, so the two teachers combined their charges and had one classroom of 10. Rees and Silliman taught these children of migrant workers how to speak in full sentences, gave them baths and took care of their health in a family-style setting.
EARLY YEARS
This first teaching job brought Rees full circle, as she had been a student at Tildenville Elementary. She stayed there several years — working under principals Shaw and Donald Richardson — before taking a teaching position at Winter Garden Elementary, once located on South Main Street, with principals Evelyn Faust and Thomas Berkner. This assignment was special, too, because her mother, Laura Johnson, was a substitute teacher there, and her husband, Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, attended WGES as a child. Rees taught first grade, and she remembers her mentor, the late Ruth Hawk, being such an influence on her. “She really took me under her wing and taught me everything I know,” Rees said. “I think you learn more working with your peers than college ever taught you.” She also said her class makeup determined how she taught. At the start of each school year, administrators asked her, “What are you going to do in your classroom this year?” She would reply, “I don’t know; I haven’t met my kids yet.” In 1974 and 1977, Rees took a year off from teaching after giving birth to her sons, Johnathan and Justin, but then went right back into the classroom. Teaching in the ’70s and ’80s was different, she said.
Before the class-size amendment, it was common for Linda Rees to have up to 33 students in her classroom. “The other teachers were there with you, and you worked together,” she said. “You could be creative, there was more laughter, more fun. The students and the teachers were happier.” One of her favorite classroom projects involved a homemade incubator and lots of chicken eggs. “(The students) got so much out of watching those chicks,” Rees said. And then she did something no teacher today can do: She sent those baby chicks home with the children.
SECOND HOME
When Winter Garden Elementary closed in 1979, all of the students, administration and teachers moved to nearby Dillard Street Elementary School, previously located across the street from the current DSES. In her 38 years at Dillard, she served under eight principals: Helen Watson, Jake Voss, Elizabeth Rohrer, Pam McNab, Debra Knerr, Rob Bixler, Mark Shanoff and Katie Boyd. Rees taught both of her sons, Johnathan and Justin, and a granddaughter, Emily. There are a number of local residents she had in her classroom decades ago and then, more recently, taught their sons or daughters. Her daughter-inlaw, Patricia Rees, is a second-grade teacher there. In her final year of teaching at Dillard, Rees had another full-circle moment. One of her third-grade co-teachers was Drew Cardaci, whom she taught in second grade. Looking at her collection of pictures through the years, one notices the difference in student numbers. It was common for Rees to have up to 33 children in her classroom. The class-size reduction amendment, set in 2002, limited that to 18 in the lower grades.
RETIREMENT
Now, she has a “classroom” of one: Her granddaughter, Abigail, a fourth-grader at Dillard, walks over frequently after school, and the two play school and work on homework.
She tried retiring five years ago, but that lasted about a month. “I just loved work. I love teaching,” she said. This time, though, is different because she went on leave to help several family members with medical problems. Rees is one of several teachers in her family. Her mother, grandmother, sister, son, daughter-in-law and two sisters-in-law have taught, and her father-in-law, the late John Rees Sr., was a teacher and principal. Teaching is all around her, and she is still trying to get used to retirement. And, it’s hard to ignore the daily reminder that the school day is continuing without her just a block away. From her house, she can hear every school bell that rings. She busies herself with regular fitness workouts and takes frequent walks around the pond near her house, where she can see the school. “I remember looking out the window at the people walking around the pond, and I couldn’t wait to be there,” she said. “Now, I walk it and want to be teaching.” Rees has considered volunteering with the Winter Garden Art Association or the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, where she can put her years of teaching experience to good use. She’s an active member of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society and serves on several of its committees. She and her husband of 45 years have traveled quite a bit and plan to continue their overseas excursions. Next up is a trip to Prague and Budapest. Even her vacations are learning experiences. Rees always will look back fondly on her teaching career. “I always taught the kids at a higher level, and I really think that’s how they learn,” she said. They need a firm foundation; if they start behind, they stay behind. “That’s what I feel good about, that most of my kids did well and met my expectations.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
Times WEST ORANGE
CONTACT US The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.
Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Laine Richardson, lrichardson@wotimes.com Office Manager / Sales / Rose Blankenship, rblankenship@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com
“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
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
THE WRITE STUFF by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Oakland dentists offer essay contest for free care One high-school student will win free orthodontic treatment. OAKLAND — As an endof-year gift to one deserving area high-school student, the staff at All Aspects Dental will offer comprehensive orthodontic care through retention. The staff will determine the winner via an essay contest, for which the staff is accepting submissions through Dec. 15, with the announcement of the winner to follow on Dec. 19. Submissions must be 300 words or fewer, include a GPA and demonstrate what makes the student the most deserving candidate for free care. Among the schools eligible for participation in the contest is West Orange High School. This is the first installment of the essay contest, which Dr. Charles Pike plans to make an annual event, but the office has hosted other events, he said. “We do a free dentistry day every year, and from that we did a couple cases this year of smile makeovers,” Pike said. “It’s not orthodontics, but patients that came in for free dentistry needed some more than just that, so we volunteered to take care of that.” Dr. Kathie Hunter came up with the idea a couple of years ago, and this seemed to be the perfect time to start. “A lot of it had to do with being able to give back to the community for our free dentistry day, and we go to the charter schools and we do some things there for them, and it was just to the point where we need to get to those other kids that don’t get the availability to see us,” Hunter said. The winning student should be a well-rounded
student who best shows her or his predicament in an essay, Pike said. “The main reason is we’re trying to help somebody that’s in high school whose parents probably couldn’t afford to have them have braces,” he said. “That’s why we picked high school, rather than middle school. Most of the time, the kids get it in middle school, so we’re trying to get somebody that’s probably going off to school or something else. We just help them with something they just really want but couldn’t afford.” The staff will take financial situations into consideration while judging the essays, but economics will not be the only factor. “There are a lot of kids that, for whatever reason, especially at that age group, are self-conscious about their mouth and appearances,” she said. “Middle school and high school are hard enough as it is. For some, their parents don’t have the same value, as far as their mouth is concerned, as they may have. I think the essay helps put more value on it for us, because it’s not just a matter of, ‘Oh, I just want this.’ It’s like, ‘No, this is why it really means something to me,’ and it comes from their heart.” For the students who do not win, the essay could provide dental education and be good practice to prepare for other writing in their future, such as further education and scholarship essays, Pike said. “It’s important just to know there are other resources out there and to not give up on that idea of having it taken care of,” Hunter said. “If it didn’t work this
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, submit an essay no longer than 300 words by Dec. 15, to All Aspects Dental, 301 S. Tubb St., Suite D-2, Oakland. Submissions must include a GPA and demonstrate what makes the student the most deserving candidate for free care. The winner will be announced Dec. 19. Submissions must be no longer than 300 words. For more information, contact All Aspects Dental at (407) 654-9208 or Arlene Broché at ABroche@ mydentalmail.com.
time, that doesn’t mean that we’re never going to do this again, and that doesn’t mean that they may not be the next person that can, hopefully, be able to be accommodated and have that goal achieved. It’s knowing that there are people out there who really do want to help them and, if not, that we’ll be able to guide them and lead them to another resource to be able to get it done.” Another important factor is tracking students in need of dental care before they graduate and go elsewhere, Hunter said. “But that’s not to say they would be eliminated from the essay portion of it, too,” she said. “We just want to make sure they’re taken care of, because for a lot of people it’s extremely important and will make a difference in their lives.” Hunter said the office also would feature the before and after pictures of the contest winner. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
COPS DR. PHILLIPS NOV. 28
THAT BITES
5100 block of Glasgow Avenue. Animal Control. Deputies of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a dog bite around 10 a.m. So far, the investigation has revealed that a teenage girl was walking a dog when another dog appeared and attacked her dog. As she and the owner of the attacking dog tried to separate the fighting animals, each suffered dog bites to the arms and hands. Both were seeking medical treatment for their injuries, and no injuries appeared serious. Orange County Animal Services responded and took custody of the aggressor dog.
OAKLAND NOV. 28 OOPS
15000 block of West Colonial Drive. Driving With Suspended License. Around 10:55 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle with a broken taillight. The driver told the officer he had lost his license but did not know where or how. The officer checked the status of the driver’s license and learned that it was suspended. The officer asked the driver whether he had problems with his license. The driver said another officer had taken his license during a traffic stop at a prior date.
NOV. 30
CASH GRAB
17000 block of State Road 438. Burglary. An officer received a dispatch around 7:37 a.m. to a bicycle shop regarding a burglary. The complainant, an employee of the shop, said he had arrived around 7:30 to open the shop. He unlocked the back door and saw glass all around the floor, as well as a bag of change on the ground. Both
WEST ORANGE
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CORNER
CALL STATS OCOEE FIRE The Ocoee Fire Department (stations 25, 26, 38 and 39) reported 112 calls for assistance from Nov. 20 to 26: Fires: 2 EMS: 60 Vehicle accidents: 13 Hazardous materials/conditions: 1 Public service: 28 False alarms: 7
OCOEE POLICE The Ocoee Police Department reported 757 calls for service from Nov. 20 to 26: Arrests (adult): 14 Arrests (juvenile): 2 Assault and battery: 3 Burglary (residential and business): 7 Burglary (vehicle): 6 Child abuse: 0 Criminal mischief: 9 Drug violations: 7 DUI: 1 Homicide: 0 Robbery: 2 Sexual battery: 0 Thefts: 9 Vehicle accidents: 17 Vehicle thefts: 0 Missing/endangered adult: 0 Missing/runaway juvenile: 0 registers were empty, and at least two deposit bags stored under the register in an unlocked cabinet were missing. The suspects stole about $2,720.
OCOEE NOV. 29
DRUNKEN DRIVING
200 block of Security Circle. Driving Under the Influence. Around 10:19 p.m., an officer responded to a scene at which a male suspect’s car had
WINDERMERE POLICE The Windermere Police Department reported 91 calls for assistance from Nov. 17 to 23.
WINTER GARDEN FIRE The Winter Garden Fire Department (stations 22, 23 and 24) reported 84 calls for assistance from Nov. 16 to 22: Fires: 0 EMS: 60 Vehicle accidents: 3 Automatic fire alarms: 10 Public assistance: 4 Hazardous conditions: 2 Calls for service: 10
WINTER GARDEN POLICE The Winter Garden Police Department reported 495 calls for service from Nov. 13 to 19: Arrests (adult): 31 Arrests (juvenile): 2 Assault/battery: 7 Burglary (residential and business): 1 Burglary (vehicle): 5 Child abuse: 2 Criminal mischief: 4 Drug violations: 8 DUI: 5 Robbery: 2 Sexual assault/battery: 0 Thefts: 12 Vehicle accidents: 20 Vehicle thefts: 1 Missing/runaway adult: 0
caused about $1,000 of damage to a fence and fallen into a ditch. The suspect tried to exit the vehicle but could hardly stand. The officer smelled a strong odor of alcohol on the suspect’s breath while helping him to stand. The suspect said he was drunk and that he was sorry. He could not stand without falling over, so the officer decided to skip field sobriety tests for his safety. The officer checked for the suspect’s license history, but the suspect never had a license.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
LUCAS / PAGE 1A
TRAVELIN’ TIMES
May, the Windermere resident, along with his father, Nick, spent four days in Los Angeles filming for the new show. Their episode airs at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. The show features selected teen and tween fashion designers and their gift for style through themed challenges. “It was nice to have the cameras on me,” Lucas says, grinning. “It was all really exciting. I always wanted to show my stuff on a runway.”
SEEDS SEWN
Many people spend most, if not all, of their childhoods (and for some, even their adulthoods) figuring out who they want to be. Lucas never had that problem. “He was into fashion at 6 years old,” Nick says. “He would take his sister’s Barbie clothes and create new outfits. Later, he hand-sewed outfits for his Build-A-Bear — and did his first dress at age 7.” At the time, Nick and his wife, Teasha didn’t think much of it. After all, kids go through phases. But, when a sewing machine appeared on Lucas’ Christmas list at age 9, they knew this was a passion that wasn’t going to pass. “I’ve just always liked princesses, pretty things,” Lucas says. “I love antiques — tea cups, perfume bottles, mirror boxes.” After a few basic sewing-machine lessons, Lucas’ passion blossomed. He completed his first wedding gown at age 11 and has created shirts, skirts and dresses for friends and family. Today, the upstairs loft includes a corner specifically for his fashion projects. The Build-A-Bear wearing his first hand-sewn dress stands proudly on display. “When I design, I see the
IRELAND. Adam Bergdahl, his wife, Katie, and his parents, Ellen and Bill, all traveled in September to Ireland to watch the UCF Knights take on Penn State. They took their favorite community newspaper with them to several locations, including Trinity College, Jameson distillery, the Ring of Kerry and the Blarney Castle, shown here. We still are accepting submissions for our Travelin’ Times photo contest. Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@ wotimes.com. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number at which we can reach you. You also can mail or drop off the photo to: West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.
VIEWING PARTY
CORRECTION: The West Orange Times published two incorrect names in the Nov. 27 article about Louise Meador visiting her brother’s grave in Belgium’s Ardennes American Cemetery & Memorial. She is a member of the Sunshine Singers, and her daughter-in-law’s name is Kathryn Meador.
The episode of “Project Runway: Threads” featuring Windermere resident Lucas Isasi will air at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, on Lifetime.
Lucas Isasi and his dad, Nick, were filming in Los Angeles for four days. whole thing in my head first,” Lucas says. “I like colors — vibrant colors. I also like black and white.” That fondness for all things bold certainly caught the eye of the “Project Runway: Threads” producers. After one application and two Skype interviews, Lucas and his father were on a plane bound for Los Angeles.
CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH
Filming for Lucas’ “Project Runway: Threads” episode took place in May — right during the FCATs. Fortunately, Bridgewater Middle School’s administration allowed Lucas to reschedule his testing dates. Still, the timing didn’t leave much room for error. “We flew out on a Tuesday,” Nick says. “We picked him up from school, from taking the FCAT, and drove straight to the airport.” Once he arrived on set, Lucas was in his element. “While we were doing the show, I saw him do things I’d never seen before,” Nick says. “He could just figure out how to do things.” However, for Nick, who served as his son’s assistant on the show, it was a slightly different experience. “It was intense,” he says. “There were 10 to 12 cameras on you, there were the challenges, the interviews. It defi-
DIGITAL DESIGNS
Lucas Isasi’s website, lucas-charles.com, currently is in development. When complete, it will feature examples of his fashion design. nitely put into perspective what the ‘Project Runway’ contestants go through. This was just four days.” Lucas says he still keeps in touch with the two other contestants who competed in his episode and considers the show a big step forward toward his dream of becoming a fashion designer. His favorite designer is Michael Kors, who grew up in Merrick, N.Y., one town over from the Isasis’ native town of Bellmore, N.Y. And his dream college? Parsons The New School of Design in New York.
“We actually took a tour of the school three years ago, when he was just 10, and the people giving the tour thought we were there for his older sister,” Nick says. “It wasn’t until Lucas asked a question that they figured out he was the one who was interested.” So far, Lucas’ creations have mostly been for young women, and to date, he hasn’t designed any of his own clothes. “I just like the feel of a dress,” he says. “I’d rather make dresses than shirts and pants.”
FUTURE PATTERNS
Following the show, Nick and Teasha have worked with Lucas to devise a plan to keep the momentum going. They are working on a new website, lu cas-charles.com, to showcase his work, and hope to launch his design business in 2015. “We gave him $500 in seed money to get this going,” Nick says. Teasha says she is excited to see what the future holds for her son. “It’s so amazing that he’s so young and has such a passion,” she says. “He’s just an old soul. … He’s always been this way, so sometimes, we’ve taken for granted who he is. He has talent. We’re excited because this is just the beginning.” Contact Michael Eng at meng@wotimes.com.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
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RECOGNITION by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
HEAD OF THE CLASS
they need to be. Allowing them to see the fruits of their labor and collaboration drives me — the teachers want to get better every day, and I’m here to help them.”
years ago. I would never have that opportunity to gain that perspective without the award and the activities that surround the award celebration.” The celebration and presentation of awards occurred only on the second night. “That second night, folks are awarded with a certificate and a bell that’s engraved with their name and state,” Shanoff said.
REFLECTION AND THE FUTURE
REASONS FOR SELECTION
Association officials selected Shanoff for accomplishments such as his testimony before the Florida House on middle-school reform legislation; Ocoee Middle School’s Apple Distinguished School award in 2013 and A grade from Florida DOE for multiple years; lowest faculty turnover in the district; increased participation in high-level courses; new opportunities for teacher leadership and collaboration; and pioneering technology usage. A recent technology update at the school included classroom camera systems, to help teachers analyze lessons and receive feedback; 150 MacBook Airs; and device connectivity updates, Shanoff said. “It’s important to credit my predecessor in what she did, bringing us along technology-wise,” Shanoff said of Sharyn Gabriel. “Mainly what I’m talking about is leveraging digital instructions to maximize achievement — when we see kids with less, we’re able to provide them more. Our teachers can be the best they can be in this service business. It’s all about responding to needs, and our teachers have done a great job responding to our students.”
“
Courtesy photo
Dr. Mark Shanoff, left, received his National Distinguished Principal award from NAESP President Mark White. As for more participation in high-level courses, Ocoee Middle students have more than tripled numbers of students taking courses for highschool credit, Shanoff said. “We had just over 100 students participating a couple years ago,” he said. “We now have close to 400. We’re looking for avenues to accelerate our students. It doesn’t always manifest in the grade book, but we may see it in other areas. We may see a student that works really hard but doesn’t have the grades, and we can push to get them to click grade-wise. We’ve also closed the disproportionality gap and achievement gaps between black students and white students, and between Hispanic students and white students, in both reading and math.”
A TEAM AWARD
Shanoff stressed that he considered the award not so much a reflection of his accomplishments as of his staff at Ocoee Middle School. “I work with teachers that are go-getters,” he said. “I work with administrators and assistant principals who have the same drive and initiative that I do. It’s been a good synergistic relationship between me and the Ocoee staff. I work in the district with the best principals, and being able to hear their ideas on a daily basis and collaborate with them, that had been my No. 1 professional development experience as a principal. I don’t think my experience is unique. It’s just part of a well-developed professional school model that lets principals act entrepreneurially and thrive in that experience.”
“
OCOEE — Among 62 National Distinguished Principals representing public and private schools nationwide, as well as Department of State Schools and Department of Defense Schools, only one hailed from Florida. That principal was Dr. Mark Shanoff, who oversees Ocoee Middle School. The National Association of Elementary School Principals recognized Shanoff and 61 national peers as 2014’s distinguished American principals Oct. 16 and 17, in Washington, D.C. The awards celebrate elementary and middle principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for students, families and staff in their learning communities. Public elementary and middle principals were nominated by peers in their state, and committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices made final selections. “Everyone gets together in D.C., and the Department of State will sponsor the first event,” Shanoff said. “The next day is the policy discussion, when you start to hear about what’s going on in other states, and then reconciling that with what the U.S. Department of Education is looking at in terms of federal policy moving forward. We’re given that opportunity to provide unfiltered suggestions to DOE staff, who are at the highest national level, and tell them where principals are having difficulty implementing policies and where they see some strengths within training, professional development and those types of things.” Shanoff said the event was a great opportunity to see how Floridian education compares with other states in change and school reform. “Florida is way ahead when it comes to school reform,” he said. “What a lot of states are changing to now are what Florida went through several
Ocoee Middle School Principal Dr. Mark Shanoff received a 2014 National Distinguished Principal award.
The one thing I realized about being a principal is that the higher you go in leadership, the more reliant you are on others to validate your leadership style. — Mark Shanoff, Ocoee Middle School principal
In his two years as Ocoee Middle School principal, Shanoff has seen greater involvement and enthusiasm from everyone involved. “I’ve seen teachers adapt to changes,” he said. “I see students excited to come to school and learn and take control of their learning. I see teachers who want the best for students. I see parents who want the best for their kids. I see us finishing the goals we want our kids to get to. What are their strengths? What paths do we want them to go on? It helps to motivate them along the way, to get them to graduate and get them options when they graduate.” Giving those students every opportunity to perform and pursue further education and passionate livelihoods as contributing members of society motivates Shanoff. “The way to do that is to grow your teachers,” he said. “My teachers are open to feedback, constantly challenging each other, and that motivates me. Teachers as risk-takers, thinking outside the box, may really get the students where
Shanoff still does not know who nominated him, even after a lengthy application and judging process. “I was asked to complete a packet because of the nomination,” Shanoff said. “So I completed the packet, I talked it over with my supervisor, and I decided to proceed with it. The application was a way for me to capture everything I had done unconsciously and in a conscious way and put it on paper in a way I had never seen. I was notified of my selection by the Florida Association of School Administration and my superintendent and deputy superintendent.” The nomination was a reflection of others’ support, involvement and impact on him, not what Shanoff had done, he said. “The one thing I realized about being a principal is that the higher you go in leadership, the more reliant you are on others to validate your leadership style,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to work with many talented people.” Shanoff plans to continue working with those people to try to ensure every student is proficient and successful, he said. “We still have students that are not meeting the standards, that are slipping through the cracks,” he said. “No school can ever rest on its laurels as long as one student hasn’t been successful. They may be making improvement but aren’t where they need to be. It’s about increasing the number of students that are successful until 100% are successful.” Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
MOVE / PAGE 1A Program Study funded by a national grant,” WGHF Director Kay Cappleman said of the new home. “In the study, two professional conservation assessors came to Winter Garden and looked at our historic collection and current facilities. They were impressed with the extent and significance of our historic collection and liked our two museums but were alarmed at the facility we were using to store the historic documents, photos and artifacts not on display. “Basically, the building holding most of the collection was a 1,600-square-foot metal warehouse, built around 1915,” she said. “It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and humidity was a problem. We had historic objects and documents literally stacked to the ceiling and we were working in and around them. There was no fire or security protection. No handicap accessibility. The assessors were horrified and suggested we find a new place soon. As a result of the study, the board of directors began looking around for a new facility.” She said the facility needed to be near downtown Winter Garden and the foundation’s other museums. When the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden agreed to sell this neighboring piece of land, the fundraising began. “This community has been awesome in its response to the capital campaign,” Cappleman said. “It’s a dream come true.”
TOURNEY / PAGE 1A And although the main action will be on the links at Isleworth, another kind of action will be making an economic impact on Windermere and other parts of West Orange County. The event — which Tavistock Group Vice President Andy Odenbach estimates will have an attendance of about 20,000 spectators — promises to bring thousands of generally affluent visitors to the area to eat,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
IF YOU GO
WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ADDRESS: 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-3244 GRAND OPENING: Jan. 11, 2015 In 2007, the History Center moved to cramped quarters in the back of the Central Florida Railroad Museum on South Boyd Street. Prior to that, it spent two years in the Edgewater Hotel and four years in a donated storefront, both on Plant Street.
THE MOVE
Photos by Amy Quesinberry Rhode
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s History Research and Education Center is at 21 E. Plant St. It opens to the public in January.
To prepare for the move, staff and volunteers packed 160 crates. It took Ace Relocation four 26-foot trucks to haul everything to the new building. Ace employees also disassembled and reinstalled all the shelving in the large climate-controlled room. This company was one of many that donated in-kind services, Cappleman said. The heritage group’s new space, at 21 E. Plant St., has a visitors center at the front, where volunteers can dispense maps and information about the city and its history, dining and lodging options, local businesses and people. On the east wall, replica orange crates built by Cappleman’s father, Fred Geitgey, will hold T-shirts created by local residents Andy Crabtree and Will Blaine, founders of AB Newton & Company. On the north wall,
original orange crate labels will recognize top donors. Beyond this room is a research center and the staff office. To the east is the storage room, which will be a constant 72 degrees and is designed to hold the bulk of the memorabilia. Health Central donated its record-storage shelving from the radiology department when it switched to digital records. Dozens of additional shelving is available for donated items that have been catalogued, including the many Winter Garden-themed school projects made by Lakeview Middle students. Fifteen four-drawer cabinets hold historic photos, documents, family files, citrus files and information on businesses and churches and schools. Ten double-door
drink and sleep. “Any time you bring people from outside of our area into our area, it’s bringing dollars into our community,” Stina D’Uva, president and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, said. “Even if they’re there for the particular event, they’re renting hotel rooms, they’re going to shops to bring things back home as mementos of their trip, they’re eating in our restaurants.” Windermere Mayor Gary
Bruhn knows all too well how golf tournaments, whether held at Isleworth or nearby Bay Hill Club & Lodge, can create an immediate economic impact. Bruhn recalls going out to eat with his family during the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in recent years and being taken aback by how packed the restaurants in the area were. “I think you’re going to see a tremendous financial impact at the surrounding restaurants,” Bruhn said.
ers hanging on a rod protect band and cheerleading uniforms. A large table will be set up for examining maps and large books. On the west end of the building is the Briley Voss Conference Room, a kitchen for catered events and Heller Bros. Hall, which Cappleman calls the prettiest room in the building. The hall will be used for special events, educational tours and rotating exhibits, and it can be rented for occasions such as wedding receptions and luncheons. A covered courtyard will be built just outside this room. In keeping with the historical charm of downtown Plant Street, the center is built of red brick and its arched recessed entrances re-create the feel of the old railroad loading dock that was once on the property.
COME ON IN
cabinets will contain all of the donated scrapbooks from the city and local residents and
clubs like the West Orange Junior Service League. Unbleached muslin cov-
A housewarming event will take place Jan. 9, 2015, for donors and members, and then an open house will be held for the public on Jan. 11. A plaque outside will recognize anyone who makes a cash donation or pledge of more than $100. Another way to be commemorated on the site is to purchase an engraved brick for $50. Donations of items are still being sought to complete the facility, from a 70-inch television to a large antique-looking cabinet for storage. For more information, call the WGHF at (407) 656-3244. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.
“That impact is going to be felt all the way from Ocoee to the convention area.” In addition to the food and lodge boons, Bruhn said the Hero World Challenge and any event like it that brings people from out of the immediate area to West Orange County can serve as showcases for the area to wouldbe future residents. “There’s something that you really can’t quantify, and I think that is there are a lot of people who have never
been in this area, and they’ll get to take a look at West Orange and, more specifically, Windermere,” Bruhn said. D’Uva said golf courses, in general, have had a tremendous economic impact over the years to West Orange County. Beyond the money made at the clubs themselves, they serve as an engine to employ landscaping companies and other types of outside vendors — especially when they host events. “There’s a huge economic
impact,” D’Uva said. More information about tickets and spectator information can be found online at heroworldchallenge.com. For television viewers, Golf Channel will air live coverage of the Hero World Challenge on Thursday, Dec. 4, and Friday, Dec. 5, followed by weekend coverage on both Golf Channel and NBC, Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
Kay Cappleman, director of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, stands in Heller Bros. Hall, which will be available for rent.
Family owned and operated since 1945
481 State Highway 50 • Clermont • (352) 394-2612 • Holiday Hours: Mon - Sat 9:30am - TILL • www.pittmanjewelers.com
Neighborhood W E S T O R A N G E L I F E | S C H O O L S | C L U B S | FA I T H
WOTIMES.COM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
CLUB
HUBBUB OCOEE
+ West Orange Seniors The West Orange Seniors host Bingo Night from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Sunday and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, at the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. Free arthritis chair exercises, sponsored by Health Central Hospital, take place at 8 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Every Tuesday, line-dancing classes are available at 10 a.m., with a minimum $2 donation, and free belly-dancing exercises are offered at 1 p.m. The seniors play cards from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. They also enjoy dominoes, walking, social activities, coffee and more, beginning at 9 a.m. each Wednesday at the center. Crafts take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, and chorus practice takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays. For more information about the West Orange Seniors and upcoming events, call (407) 5924498 or visit westorangeseniors.yolasite.com.
Kate Stade, 7, couldn’t wait to get home to read her new comics. Samantha and Steve Lustinia came from Tavares to attend WonderFest.
WINTER GARDEN
Artist Josh Bauer owns JB Dezigns Artwork.
Winter Garden Rotary Club President Sheri Loiacono, left, welcomed guest speaker Gem Munro, director of Amarok Society, to the club’s weekly lunch meeting.
+ Rotary Club of Winter Garden The Rotary Club of Winter Garden recently welcomed Gem Munro, director of Amarok Society, as the guest speaker for the group’s weekly lunch meeting. Amarok Society is an organization that works to teach uneducated mothers in Bangladesh, how to read and write. The organization then reaches a step further by also showing these mothers how to become teachers themselves. They are provided the tools and understanding to pass on their knowledge to their own children, as well as those of their neighbors. In Bangladesh, money is scarce and unavailable for the building of schools, although there are millions of uneducated children. After devoting his life to improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged people across Canada and abroad, Munro and his family turned their efforts to the destitute communities of Bangladesh to establish cost-effective and sustainable changes in education. Amarok Society now leads miraculous changes in the lives of thousands of Bangladeshi children through its goal to educate the residents of impoverished areas directly and let
SEE CLUBS / PAGE 12A
‘HEROES’ WELCOMED CON-CAVE
by Michael Eng | Executive Editor Hundreds of comic and game fans flocked to Winter Garden Nov. 30 for the first Winter Garden WonderFest. The festival featured a variety of booths from local comic artists, game shops and more. Local and regional cosplayers also attended to show off their handmade costumes and pay homage to their favorite superheroes.
Troy Davidson, of Clermont, used special superhero shades to find the best treasures at WonderFest.
Ted Finnegan and Corey Neives portrayed different versions of Spider-Man.
Lymari Negron is an avid cosplayer.
10A WOTimes.com
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
fore! submitted by JoAnne Houwers | Autism Gym
Golfers tee off for Autism Gym Golfers took to the fairways for fun and fundraising at the 10th annual Golfing Fore Autism Charity Tournament. The tournament raised $3,500 for the Autism Gym at Jim Beech Recreation Center in Ocoee. First place went to the team of Alan Moss, Ed O’Donnell, Mike Forster and Bob Forster. Second-place honors went to Mark Johnson, Dan Abdo, Sean Brown and Ryan Leaphart, and Jose Uribe, Santiago Uribe, Brooks Bruce, and W. Phelps won third place. The program runs from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee. Any age and all disabilities are welcome. The program is free and relies on program family support, grants, fundraisers and donations. For more information, visit autismgym.org. Right: Eddie Coleman, left, Tyler Ogeda, Alpha Bellamy and Mike Sullivan Volunteers JoAnne Houwers, left, Jaime Wiegmann and Mariah Ammons were excited to do their part to help the cause.
Ed Artrip, Jack Wilson and Rolando Vargas Right: First-place winners included Bob Forster, left, Alan Moss, Mike Forster and Ed O’Donnell.
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Oakland Presbyterian Church Join us for our Special Christmas Events:
Boar’s Head Pageant Sat, Dec 13 @7:30pm Sun Dec 14 @ 4:00pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services 5:00, 7:30 and 11:00pm
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
STORYTELLER by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
W.G. author tells story of angel’s guidance in new ‘Chicken Soup’ book
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HELP US, HELP THEM, HELP THEMSELVES
Local author Suzanna Leigh also is an actress, best known for starring opposite Elvis Presley in “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.”
“Touched by an Angel” is the newest Chicken Soup book.
“
Amazing things have happened, and I’ve been very blessed in my life.
“
WINTER GARDEN and I’ve been very — “Touched by an blessed in my life.” Angel,” the latest The actress was book in the Chicken a published author Soup for the Soul sebefore the Chickries, includes a story en Soup book came by Winter Garden out. resident Suzanna She wrote a book Leigh. In “Thank You, of her own, “ParaLord,” Leigh tells her dise, Suzanna Style,” story of refusing to in 2012, which tells get on an airplane her London-to-Holthat later crashed. lywood saga and Editors liked her how her acting castory so much, she reer fared once she said, that they put reached the famous it in the front of the gates at Paramount section titled “Divine Studios. Intervention.” She has two more In the 1960s, Leigh, books coming out now 69, was an acnext year: “Foottress known for her steps in Paradise,” in movie roles, most which she chronicles notably, starring opher spiritual expeposite Elvis Presley in riences throughout Courtesy photo “Paradise, Hawaiian One of Suzanna Leigh’s stories is included in the lat- her life, and “King Style.” Leigh’s story est edition of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Travels with Elvis,” took place in 1966 which is divided when she was scheduled to fly car when she heard a voice into two parts. The first half is from London to Rome. In the saying, “Slow down, slow down about Presley’s death, or “murcar and headed to the airport, now!” She said she skidded to der,” Leigh said. The second part is a series she heard or felt a voice, she a stop and, at that moment, all of stories about her former cosaid, warning her three times, four of her tires popped. “Do not get on this plane!” Another time, she was star that she heard at various “I told the driver I wouldn’t standing in the kitchen of her dinner parties and social gathbe getting on the plane, so he home in Memphis when she erings, tales that have only ever been shared in limited didn’t need to hurry,” Leigh received a warning. wrote in her published sto“All of my dogs, my beagles, company, she said. She currently is filming a ry. “Well, I guess he thought I were exploring the garden, was just some movie star act- and I heard a voice that said, movie in Mount Dora called ing crazy. Perhaps he thought ‘Save Oliver,’” she said. “So, “Grace of the Father,” Lazarus I was on drugs — who knows. I ran out into the dark, and I Filmworks’ modern retelling But he ignored me.” was screaming like a banshee, of the Prodigal Son set on a When she arrived at the air- and I found him in the corner Florida horse ranch. Leigh port, she told her representa- with one of these raccoons plays neighbor Judith Hudson. Contact Amy Quesinberry tives she would not be board- about to dismember him, and ing the plane and would take I went charging at him. Amaz- Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. the next one to Rome. ing things have happened, com. “The first inkling I had that anything was seriously wrong was when we began to circle the airport instead of starting GIVE THANKS, GIVE YOURSELF AWAY our descent into Rome,” she wrote. “The earlier plane had crashed on landing, with a large loss of life. “I cannot describe how I felt at that moment, except that I kept saying under my breath, ‘Thank you, Jesus, oh, thank you, Jesus.’” Hers is one of 101 stories of faith, divine intervention and Priced $125K-$299K answered prayers published in the new Chicken Soup book. Free list w/pics, addresses, & details Leigh said this was not the just go to: only time a voice instructed her to do something for the www.WinterGardenForeclosures.com sake of safety. When she was Keller Williams Heritage about 22, she was driving her
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the work continue to spread through them. Munro has also written the bestselling book, “South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor,” providing a collection of true short stories about some of the women and men in the slums of Bangladesh. For more information about Amarok Society, visit AmarokSociety.org. The Rotary Club of Winter Garden meets at noon Tuesdays, in Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. For more information about the Rotary Club, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.
DR. PHILLIPS
+ Dr. Phillips Rotary Club The Dr. Phillips Rotary Club recently announced the student winners for its silent auction art contest, “Taste of Dr. Phillips.” Club President Ross Marvin presented the first-place award of $300 to Analies Majetich. Second place
Jim Densmore, left, Krista Carter and Dorcas Dillard, of S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange; Maria Guerrero and Angel Lalumondier, of Women In the Arts; and Pat Gleason and Lauren Wolf all enjoyed the Leadership West Orange program this year. went to Valeria Herrera, who received $200, and the thirdplace award of $100 was given to Robin Maaya. The club’s weekly breakfast meeting was hosted recently by Dr. Suzanne Knight, principal of Dr. Phillips High School. Knight spoke to the group about the school renovation and also invited each Rotary Club member to be guest speakers at the Teach-In event for the day.
WEST ORANGE
+ W.O. Chamber of Commerce The West Orange Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its next Business After Hours meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Holiday Inn Express, 7474 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, to enjoy a little “jingle with your mingle.”
Dr. Phillips Art Teacher Joanna Levine and Dr. Phillips Rotary Club President Ross Marvin were pleased to announce students Analies Majetich, second from left, Valeria Herrera and Robin Maaya as the winners of the “Taste of Dr. Phillips” art competition. Ring in the holiday season while building business relationships and forging new, long-lasting friendships at this festive event. Attendees will enjoy live music, catering by TooJay’s Original Gourmet
LOVING ON THE LEAST OF THESE
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Nehrling Gardens
Holiday Celebration & Amaryllis Festival at
Saturday, December 13th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2267 Hempel Avenue, Gotha
Enchanted Walkabouts with John Springer
• Amaryllis bulbs and blooms • Garden Tours • Nature Crafts for Kids • Entertainment throughout the day • Garden Themed Gift Market • Food vendors • Photos with Santa
The Gift of Giving... We will also be collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for local charities.
INCOME TAXES Enrolled Agent Master of Science in Taxation
57 N Lakeview Avenue, Winter Garden.
Deli, trivia games and prizes, such as an iPad Mini. Event is sponsored by the West Orange Times & Observer. The chamber member advance payment is $5 per person. The cost is $10 at the door. For non-members, the cost is $20 in advance and at the door. In support of the West Orange Times & Observer’s Reading Reindeer program, the chamber will collect children’s books at the event. For more information and to register, visit wochamber.com. Chamber members also banded together in the spirit of giving this year to provide full Thanksgiving meals to more than 60 families in need. The annual Thanksgiving basket drive was spear headed by Linda Osterberg, with delivery assistance from Best Cleaners Orlando. TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli also provided a fully cooked Thanksgiving meal. The chamber thanks everyone who donated and helped these families enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner together.
+ Boys & Girls Clubs Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida invite the public to participate in its Faces of the Future Fundraising Breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Universal Orlando Foundation Branch, 5055 W. Raleigh St., Orlando. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Participants can help support local children and secure a better future. Guest Harris Rosen will speak during the program. The public is also encouraged to tour a Boys & Girls Club to witness firsthand the core problems in action. Members will show how their club has changed their lives. For more information, contact Sarah Johnston at sjohnston@bgccf.org or call (407) 920-5140.
+ O.C. Retired Educators Assoc. The Orange County Retired Educators Association will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando. The Winter Park High School Men’s Vocal Ensemble and the Freedom High School Patriot Singers will present a “Sounds of the Season” program. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to attend. For more information, visit ocrea-fl.org or call (407) 6770446.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
ELF ART by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Rather than feeling cheer, the bereaved may be acutely aware of the empty space in their hearts and in their lives during the holiday season. Coping with Grief During the Holidays will provide practical tips to assist you in getting through the holidays.
Elise Mattimoe, left, and Addison Petch painted the blue backgrounds of their boards.
Kids create masterpieces About 30 children participated in the Countdown to Christmas Black Friday Workshop for Kids Nov. 28 in The Art Room, on Main Street in Windermere. Instructors guided children from blank canvas through finished product in this fourhour workshop. The children drew and painted elves holding chalkboards counting down the days to Christmas. In addition to creating their masterpieces, the children enjoyed a lunch that consisted of pizza, apple juice, water and cookies of gingerbread and iced varieties.
“A Path to Healing” grief workshop and
Children used daubers to make snowflakes.
support group series grief series
Dealing with Loss and
During this presentation our speakers will provide you with: • Tools to help you go through the holidays without your love one. • Help you engage the griev-ing process while is trans-formed towards healing. During the presentation, you are welcome to ask questions, share your thoughts and experiences, or just listen.
Reservations are not required but are suggested. Brianna Walters focused on painting the boots.
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Dealing with Loss and Grief During the Holidays Saturday, December 6th, 2014 2:00-4:00 pm Golden Pond, Assisted Living Facility 402 Lakeview Road • Winter Garden, FL 34787 Guest Speakers:
Carolyne Pagel BS, LPN & Rev. Rey Acevedo, M.Div Join us for this informative presentation and opportunity to share with others who are traveling the same Path to Healing as you!
Call
407-514-1300 to reserve your spot
“Making Every Moment Count”
Rylee McRorie made sure all edges of her elf‘s hat were green.
Jenny Freemyer showed students how they would use stencils to draw elf boots.
KEEPING DOLLARS LOCAL
Letters to Santa! Hey kids! Write your letter to Santa and drop it off now thru December 24th at either of these two locations for a chance to win a Gift Card! West Oaks Mall 9401 W. Colonial Dr. Ocoee Amy Quesinberry Rhode
Downtown Winter Garden merchants participated in Shop Small Saturday, opening their doors and offering sales and bargains to folks who shopped at locally owned businesses. The weekly farmers market offered an art market on Saturday, and there were larger-than-usual crowds at the market and all along downtown Plant Street. Local bands Mud Rooster and David McGee performed for shoppers.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
SunRidge Middle School hosted Family Reading Night Nov. 11 in its media center. The guest speaker was James Ponti, author of the Sunshine State Book, “Dead City.” From left: Media Center Specialist Judy MoodyMcKiernan, author James Ponti and student Ashton Conan.
Whispering Oak Elementary students in Darlena Ladnier’s class learned about how money moves through communities in the form of loans, paychecks, spending, payments and taxes. They learned about goods and services, costs and benefits, production and consumption, and needs and wants through the Junior Achievement program led by UCF student teacher Toinette Ferrell.
Students in Carolyn Kemak’s fourth-grade class were the winners of the fifth annual Barracuda Challenge, Thornebrooke Elementary’s fall fundraiser.
COME AS YOU ARE, WELCOME HOME!
CLASSNOTES + Chamber taking applications The application process for the Danniel J. Petro/West Orange Chamber of Commerce Scholarship is now open. The application is available at wochamber.com under “About West Orange County; Committees; Education; Scholarship.” To qualify, the recipient must: • Be a dependent of a chamber member business owner or of an employee of a chamber member business; • Reside in one of the chamber’s service area communities (Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere and Winter Garden); and • Must be a senior attending a chamber member high school and looking to further his or her education at Valencia College (any campus), Westside Tech or the University of Central Florida. Student recipients will be
awarded $1,000 scholarships; the number of recipients will be dependent upon the amount of money available in the scholarship fund at the time of the award. Any unspent money will be allocated to the following year. Two student recipients will be awarded $2,500 scholarships from the Petro Family Foundation. All interested students must complete the online application and return it to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787, Attn: Kelly Carney, or via email to KCarney@wochamber.com. The application and all supporting materials must be received no later than March 20, 2015. For more information, call (407) 656-1304, Ext. 5.
+ Montverde Academy hosts PB&J food drive Students at Montverde Academy collected more than 1,000 jars of peanut butter and
WEST ORANGE STUDENT PLACES IN POETRY CONTEST West Orange High School freshman Kira St. Juste placed second in an on-site poetry contest judged by twoterm U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. The contest was part of Rollins College’s Rollins Winter Park Institute, a center for intellectual engagement that brings world-renowned speakers to Central Florida. Collins, a senior distinguished fellow with the institute, read from his collected works and then shared the stage for brief readings by local high school student poets. Amy Suksem, a sophomore at Trinity Preparatory School won the contest. Volanta Peng, of Winter Park High School, placed third, and Lorina Morton, of Timber
Courtesy photos
Two-term U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins judged a poetry contest held recently at the Rollins Winter Park Institute. Creek High School, placed fourth. For more information about upcoming speakers in the series, visit winterparkinstitute.org.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
jelly through the school’s recent food drive. Sponsored by the school’s National Junior Honor Society, the drive challenged middle-schoolers to collect supplies for the popular lunchtime sandwich. “All middle-school students were challenged to bring in two jars of peanut butter and 2 jars of jelly for Buses ‘n Backpacks, a local charity that feeds hungry kids in Lake County,” said teacher and NJHS adviser SaraStelle-Parets. Sixth-graders brought in 358 jars; seventh-graders donated 128; and eighth-graders collected 532 jars. When the drive concluded, members of the NJHS loaded the jars onto the “Buses ‘n Backpacks” delivery truck.
+ OACS students ace district math contest Oakland Avenue Charter School participated in Orange County Public Schools’ Math Contest Oct. 31 to Nov. 6. OACS was a top achiever out of the 89 elementary classrooms from around the county, with eight classrooms finishing in the top 10. The teachers include: Chelsea Siegmund, fifth grade (first place); Marsha Shope, fifth grade (second place); Vina Barr, second grade (fifth place), Bradford Nemcik and Mallory Guarino, co-teachers, fourth grade (sixth place); Daisy Mitchell, third grade (seventh place); Kathy Casey, third grade (eighth place); and Amy Kosky, fourth grade (10th place). In addition, 25 of the top 50 students contest-wide are from OACS. Of those 25, four are top-10 finishers, and the firstand second-place achievers are fifth-graders at OACS: Thalikia Phanouvong, first place; Emma Takacs, second place; Brendan Flakes, sixth place; and Dylan Manley, seventh place.
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ACADEMY HONORS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS Light Christian Academy celebrated its Honor Roll recipients for the first quarter of 2014.
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Front row, from left: Milani Ramirez, Adrianna Scheloski, Lexis Cole, Javarrius PowellChestnut, Daisha Law, Yerodin Houston, Tyler Thompson, A’niya Major and Jordyn Kersey. Middle row: Natasha Mercer, Alaina Jenkins, Gabrielle Wrye, Bradley Jarvis, Heather Jenkins, Isabelle Wrye, Dayniya Law and Jasmine Bridgewater. Back row: Brendan DeLong, Jelani Houston, Cherith Odom, Austin Jarvis and Cartayshia Salmon.
Front row, from left: Amelia Thompson, Zenaysha Powell, Keyun Anderson, Tavarrius Powell-Chestnut, Owen Thompson, Zion Hall, Sara Jenkins, Shelby Jenkins, Leah Almanza, Meariah Odom and Keniyah Chestnut. Middle row: Hannah Mercer, Anica Austin, Samantha Posey, Maddie Adams, Domonique Donaldson and Davion Law. Back row: Titus Odom, Nicholas Mercer, Symour Hamilton and Jamar Houston. Not pictured: Garrett Atkinson.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
FAITHBRIEFS
from the archives
OLD TIMES
+ St. Luke’s raises $30,000
Grace Worship Center Pastor Ricky Faircloth and his wife, Kristi, presented Pastor Thomas Odom and Ocoee Church of God with a check for $1,000 toward the church’s Alaska missions project.
OCOEE CHURCH RECEIVES DONATION Ocoee Church of God recently received a check for $1,000 that will be used to further the church’s Alaska missions project. The contribution, a gift from Grace Worship Center, will go toward construction
and repair of churches in Alaska. Pastor Ricky Faircloth and Grace Worship Center also presented Light Christian Academy, a ministry of Ocoee Church of God, with $1,000 to go toward the school’s current building project.
The United Methodist Women presented the 32nd annual Holiday Bazaar Nov. 8, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Dr. Phillips. In the fashion of a Christmas market, booths were set up from which shoppers could purchase Christmas decorations, fall-inspired floral arrangements, homemade cakes, pies and candy, bags by The Bag Lady, shabby-chic accessories and antiques, ladies’ clothing, jewelry and many more items. Local middle-school and high-school choral and orchestra groups serenaded shoppers while the youth of St. Luke’s helped support the event by selling breakfast and lunch items. The bazaar raised more than $30,000, which will be donated by the UMW to missions. For more information, email Debbie McNary, dsmcnary@gmail.com.
+ Shepherd’s Hope needs volunteers
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Shepherd’s Hope, a faithbased nonprofit providing free medical services to uninsured and underserved Central Floridians, seeks medical professionals to facilitate patient visits. Licensed health care providers — such as primary physicians and specialists, physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners — are encouraged to volunteer (at a minimum of once monthly) at a Shepherd’s Hope clinic. Volunteers are needed from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, at four area locations. For more, visit ShepherdsHope.org/ Volunteers or call (407) 8766699, Ext. 233.
80 YEARS AGO
special thanks to
Clermont fell into the clutches of the superior Lakeview Red Devils with Ward Britt and Edwin Pounds scoring touchdowns. But the Red Devils fell into the clutches of the superior Umatilla team on Thanksgiving morning, dealing death to Coach Davis’ and fans’ hopes for the “small schools of Central Florida championship.”
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation The United States entered World War II on Dec. 7, 1941, immediately after an attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Of the 16 million men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the war, 1.7 million remain with us today. With this photograph from the 1950s, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation honors veteran Maelyon Edward “Buster” Dodd (1912-1994), an employee of Pounds Motor Company, at 162 W.
70 YEARS AGO
From “Social Whirl:” Making up a congenial party at Lake Butler, the guests of Thelma Jones and her mother, Mrs. Evans Jones, were the Rev. and Mrs. A.A. Stulck and daughter Frances, Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Stanford and daughter Trina and son Dave and Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Hawthorne, with Betty and Billy Hawthorne completing the group. An informal dance honoring the 352nd Searchlight Battalion and other Army outfits stationed here, will be held in the City Auditorium. All servicemen and local girls are invited to attend, and there will be an orchestra.
Plant St., Winter Garden. Dodd signed on with Hoyle Pounds in 1926 at age 14 and worked at the business for more than 55 years. His time spent at war was his only time away from the downtown business. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.
45 YEARS AGO
The West Orange Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop is “doing its thing” — its Christmas thing, that is. The shelves are stacked, and the annual open house was held recently. Guests were greeted by Dorothy Wurst, buyer and manager, and Patricia Smith, auxiliary president. Pink Ladies who worked were Lucille Youngblood, Billie Davis, Exlie Mae Bolton, Hilda Goetschius, Lilly Mackey, Eva Jarrett and Margarite Reimer. From Barbs & Bouquets by Don: We know many men who don’t shave on Sun-
days and who wear clothes disgraceful to their wives. Probably just a rebellion against social mores and harmless enough. Perhaps our churches should provide special pews for such outcasts.
Collison Carey Hand 2014 Candlelight Holiday Remembrance Service Tuesday, December 9th, 7 p.m. 1148 E. Plant St. • Winter Garden, FL 407-877-6700
Feel Free to Bring In A New, Unwrapped Toy For Toys for Tots Featuring a
Seasonal Musical Celebration with refreshments and cookies and a night full of surprises.
35 YEARS AGO
At a Winter Garden City Commission meeting, a plaque was presented by former Mayor Ray Spears to Joyce Jackson, widow of the late Commissioner Donald Jackson, for his service.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
17A
TIMESOBITUARIES Martha L. Browning
Martha L. Browning, 73, of Winter Garden, passed away Nov. 29, 2014. She was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Winter Garden, to the late Dallas and Helen Pickens. Martha was a hairdresser for more than 50 years. Throughout her career, she worked at Magic Wand, Sassy Scissors and the Florida Look. She was a loving woman who adored her family and spending time with them. Martha was a fighter who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Robert R. Browning Sr.; her daughter, Tammy Skipper; her son, Robert Browning Jr.; Robert Sr.’s daughter, Debbie Mead; her brothers, Curtis and Cleveland Pickens; her grandchildren, Gregory, Robert and Tasanee Browning, Skylar Skipper, and Shane and Shelby Mead; and her great-granddaughter, Bayleigh Browning. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Baldwin Fairchild Winter Garden, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. A gathering will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the Elk’s Lodge #2165, 700 S. Ninth St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Martha to JCCF, P.O. Box 770446, Winter Garden, Florida 34777. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Baldwin Fairchild Winter Garden, baldwinfairchildwintergarden. com.
Rita Mae Hall
Rita Mae Hall, 68, of Winter Garden, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Nov. 26, 2014. She was born March 11, 1946, in Gladstone, Michigan, to Stewart and Viola Baker. Stewart Baker was Winter Garden’s only fallen firefighter in the line of duty. She was a proud member of the West Orange Park Community Church. She was a retired sales representative of Universal Studios of Florida. She became a citizen of Winter Garden in 1959, when her family established residency from Michigan in 1959, when she was 13. In the following year, she met the love of a lifetime, her husband, Jerry Lee Hall. They were married 44 years upon his death in 2007. She was an exceptional devoted, loyal and loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend. She will be immeasurably missed by her survivors until she greets them at heaven’s gate. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sisters, Joyce Baker Peters and Mary Jean Baker. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry S. and Kim Roper Hall, of Winter Garden, and James L. and Stephanie Hall, of Winter Garden. She was also blessed with four grandchil-
dren, Nicole Lee, Alysia Frances, Kayla Paige and Shane Alexander Hall; four wonderful great-grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Karol and Bob Respress, of Mt. Dora, and Peggy Sumner, of Winter Garden; her uncle and aunt, Bud and Pat Counterman, of Panama City; Marianne Counterman of Pentwater, Michigan; and several loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, in Winter Garden. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Following the service, Rita will be laid to rest at the Winter Garden Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at dignitymemorial.com.
band and father who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He was a firefighter with Reedy Creek Fire Department, retiring in 2000. He was a Vietnam veteran who honorably served in the U.S. Army. Henry fought a courageous battle with brain cancer starting in 2002 and, just recently, pancreatic cancer. In lieu of flowers, you may remember Henry with memorial contributions to Temple Freewill Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
win-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. MERYLON LUCILE TURNER, 79, of Ocoee, died Nov. 27, 2014. Loomis Family Funeral Home, Apopka.
Estelle Wright
John F. Jankowich
John F. Jankowich died Nov. 22, 2014, at St. Joseph Hospital in Tampa, due to a stroke. He was born Sept. 3, 1942, in West Easton, Pennsylvania, to Hedwig (nee Fandl) and John E. Jankowich (deceased). The four loves of his life were God, family, friends and education, and he used those blessings to help others. He was an educator with degrees from East Stroudsburg and Kutztown in Pennsylvania. John taught English, British literature and mythology for more than 30 years at Easton High School. He also taught English as a Second Language to immigrants in night school for 18 years. That someone else might see the beauty of life, he donated his corneas. Survivors include his spouse of 28 years, Arline Ducharme Jankowich; son, John N. (Audrey) Jankowich; daughter, Margherita Palmisano; son, Albert (Laurie) Palmisano; and extended family of 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Edward Jankowich and Ralph Jankowich. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice that benefits children. The family received friends Nov. 28, at the Tribute Center of Heath Funeral Chapel. Funeral services were held Nov. 29; interment followed at Oak Hill Burial Park. Condolences may be made to the family at heathfuneralchapel.com.
Estelle Wright, a West Orange resident since 1949, passed away at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. She was 87 years old and had been married to the late RC Wright for 59 years. She was a faithful wife and loving mother who doted over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by one son, Rodger, and daughter-inlaw, Sandra Wright. She also leaves one grandson, Tim (Jeanne), and granddaughter, Theresa Flaherty (Dana); and five great-grandchildren, Kaile and Carson Wright and Jacob, Caleb and Ethan Flaherty. She also leaves half-sisters, Joyce Keener (Jim) Nelly Notaro, Hazel Millander, Peggy Ziegenfelder and Wanda Nunnally (Bobby); and half-brothers, Douglas Handley (Ruby), David Handley (Donna) and Donnie Handley (Inga). She is preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Handley; and half-brothers, Millard Handley and Tommy Handley (Glenda). Estelle was born Jan. 15, 1927, in Vinemont, Alabama, and moved to Winter Garden in January 1949. She spent 30 years working in the citrus industry in and around Winter Garden. For the past 10 years, she has lived with son and daughter-in-law, Rodger and Sandra Wright, in DeLand. Services were held Dec. 2, at Eastside Baptist Church, 700 S. Mass. Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32720. A viewing and “gathering” of friends and family was at 10 a.m., with a funeral service following at 11 a.m. Estelle’s son, the Rev. Rodger D. Wright, officiated, with the Rev. Everett Eastham delivering the sermon. Interment was at the Winter Garden Cemetery.
ly y proud l i m a f Te Romano F go penin o e h t announces
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DOROTHY BUTTS, 76, of Winter Garden, died Nov. 20, 2014. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. MARY HALL BAROUDI, 96, of Ocoee, died Nov. 14, 2014. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. LAURA JANE KOZAK, 60, died Nov. 21, 2014. Bald-
We are your Hometown Funeral Home, offering our:
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Henry A. Nobles Jr.
Henry A. Nobles Jr., “H.A./ Pa-Paw,” passed away Nov. 25, 2014. A Florida native, Henry was born Oct. 14, 1947, and was preceded in death by his parents, Henry A. and Bonnie Nobles, and his sister, Joann Bellamy. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Roswitha Nobles; three children, Sherry, Dwayne (April) and Andy Nobles; sister, Henrietta Rudd; five grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, Jeremy, Skye and Blake Nobles; and niece, Connie Rodgers (Glen). Henry was a devoted hus-
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Gone but not forgotten, Love, Mother & Robin
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18A
WOTimes.com
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Ocoee High School senior Sierra Tate lifts weightlifing team. 4B
WOTIMES.COM
SIDELINES + DP squad moves to national stage The Dr. Phillips Panthers Unlimited weight class team (ages 14-and-under) defeated the Arlington Seminoles on Saturday in the Southeast Regional Championship of the Pop Warner Playoffs, 31-6. With the victory, the youngsters from Dr. Phillips move on to national competition at the 2014 Pop Warner Super Bowl, starting this Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. The Panthers will take on the Brick City Lions, of New Jersey, at 9 a.m. on Sunday on Field 18. Win or lose, the team from Dr. Phillips will play again on Wednesday, Dec. 10, either advancing or being bumped down to the consolation bracket. More information and brackets can be found at popwarnersb.com.
+ W.O. Bobcats teams advance Congratulations to the 14U, 12U, 10U and 8U West Orange Bobcat AAU Football teams for either winning or placing as runners-up in their respective 2014 Florida Youth Football and Cheer League district championships on Nov. 15. The four teams will be playing for the AAU National Football Championships this week here in Central Florida, beginning with pool play. Championships for the respective age groups will be held on Saturday at West Orange High School.
+ Martins qualifies for national meet Franco Martins, the two-time state champion cross country runner from Windermere Prep, competed at the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional in Cary, N.C. on Saturday. Martins ran a 14:59.2 to place fourth at the event and, in doing so, qualified for Nike Nationals this Saturday in Portland, Oregon.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
ON THE PITCH
football by Chris Mayer | Contributing Writer
Panthers fall victim to brutal Class 8A bracket Dr. Phillips’ 24-21 loss to Manatee Nov. 28 ends a season with high expectations for the program. ORLANDO — The 2014 Dr. Phillips Panthers had the look of a football team capable of winning 15 consecutive games and earning the Class 8A state championship trophy. All the pieces were in place to claim the program’s first state title: senior leadership, postseason experience, a great stable of running backs, a talented offensive line, a hard-hitting defense, game-changing special teams and solid game plans.
Photo by Steven Ryzewski
The Dr. Phillips Panthers could not outrun a talented team from Manatee in the Class 8A Region 2 Championship. Dr. Phillips did register its third consecutive undefeated regular season while sitting atop the Associated Press
Class 8A state poll for 10 weeks in a row. The Panthers even had the luxury of playing at Bill Spoone Stadium — where
they hadn’t lost a game in five years — for the first three rounds of the playoffs. However, as Dr. Phillips ultimately learned, there was a small margin for error in the Class 8A bracket this postseason. Dr. Phillips wasn’t quite sharp enough against a talented Manatee squad Nov. 28, and the result was a threepoint loss in the Class 8A Region 2 Final. The Panthers’ quest to reach the Orlando Citrus Bowl (the site of the FHSAA state finals later this month) ended in disappointment after what proved to be a series of races to 24 points. DP arrived there first in a 2421 regional quarterfinal victo-
SEE PANTHERS / 3B
basketball by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
DYNAMIC College of Charleston signee Grant Riller and Flagler College signee Vaughn McCall have helped lead the Knights to a 4-0 start this season.
Nov. 26 at Apopka High School. Trailing late, it was McCall, who hit a pair of 3-pointers to tie the game, and Riller, who knocked down a game-winning 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds to play, who led Ocoee to a thrilling win. “We feed off each other well,” Riller said of the chemistry. “He makes me better, I make him better, and we just go from there.” The two seniors have also
SEE DUO / 4B
Photo by Steven Ryzewski
West Orange goalkeeper Alec Holland goes up for a save.
Defense is key for W.O. rebuild West Orange boys soccer is finding its identity after losing 13 players to graduation from its 2013-14 roster.
DUO APOPKA — Grant Riller and Vaughn McCall first took the court together in middle school. The then-sixth-graders were teammates for the Ocoee Middle School Cardinals. Now, seven years later, they make up the dynamic duo charged with taking the Ocoee Knights to new heights. The senior guards looked every bit that part as they led the Knights (4-0) to an impressive 53-50 win over Deltona at the Metro vs. Florida Challenge
by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
Photos by Steve Ryzewski
Senior guard Vaughn McCall hit two big 3-pointers in the waning moments of a 53-50 win over Deltona.
+ DP girls soccer ties team record Forward Shae Vevera scored two goals for the Panthers’ girls soccer team in a 2-1 win over Trinity Prep on Tuesday night in Winter Park, marking the seventh-consecutive victory for Dr. Phillips. The Panthers are now 7-2-1 and have tied a program record for consecutive wins that was set more than a decade ago during the 2000-01 season. Dr. Phillips played again after the time of publication against Ocoee on Tuesday. If the Panthers were victorious, they will have set a new record for the program. Check dpathletics.ocps.net for the result. Ocoee’s Grant Riller may be one of the best players in Central Florida.
WINTER GARDEN — Just two years removed from a run as the state runner-up in Class 5A, the West Orange boys soccer program is looking to refine its identity after graduation took a punishing toll on the team’s roster following the 2013-14 season. The Warriors lost 13 players from last year’s squad, which succeeded in winning the program’s fourth consecutive district title and advanced to the regional semifinals in the state playoffs. Although West Orange is off to a decent start at 3-1-2 ahead of a rivalry match against the Ocoee Knights (4-1-4) at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at home, coach Scott Fisher knows there is plenty of work to be done. “We just haven’t gelled as a team, we’re not playing cohesively yet,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a lot of new guys in, some young guys, and I think it’s going to take us at least mid-season, to probably three-quarters of the season, before we really gel as a team.” Key returners include forward Felipe Silva, defender Paul Mansingh and goalkeeper Alec Holland. The play and leadership of Mansingh and Holland is of particular importance this season because, at the onset of the 2014-15 campaign, Fisher labeled the progress of the team’s defense as a crucial factor to its success. “Our defense is slightly ahead of schedule,” Fisher said. “It’s still a work in progress. … By the end of the year, I think we can be OK, but it’s going to take some work.” Following the contest against Ocoee this Friday, the Warriors will go out of district to host Timber Dec. 8, before returning to district play with games against Wekiva (Dec. 12) and Apopka (Dec. 19). Winning a fifth consecutive district title will be tough, though, because West Orange competes in the FHSAA’s Class 5A District 4. Ocoee, Evans and Olympia, all look to be contenders with the Knights off to a 4-1-4 start, the Trojans strong so far at 5-2-1 and the Titans at 3-1-3. Apopka (0-2-1), Dr. Phillips (1-5) and Wekiva (1-2-2) round out the seven-team district but have not gotten off to particularly strong starts. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
2B
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
up to speed by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
PEDAL TO THE MEDAL
Quick turnaround for Lakers stars Windermere Prep’s boys basketball features three starters who were key players on the championship football team from the fall, which just wrapped its season two weeks ago.
Courtesy photo
Windermere native Cameron Lawrence celebrates after winning the Round 11 race at Daytona International Speedway, which secured a Drivers Championship for the young competitor.
Windermere driver locks up back-to-back championships Cameron Lawrence, a 22-year-old race car driver from Windermere, won the final race of the SCCA Trans Am Series season Nov. 15 at nearby Daytona International Speedway. With the victory at the Round 11 race, Lawrence locked up his second consecutive Drivers Championship on the TA2 circuit. “It’s awesome to be back home and have a little homefield advantage for the last race of the season and the championship,” Lawrence said. “Definitely having all my friends and family here helped on race day and calmed my nerves down a little bit. “The crew is awesome and worked so hard since we made the switch to the Dodge Challenger SRTs,” he said. “We had a few setbacks along the way, but everyone worked hard until we won the championship. It’s been a great year!” Lawrence, who wheels a CTEK/NorthStar Battery Dodge Challenger SRT, held a narrow advantage in the points standings heading into the race and led from the pole
position and for the entire 29lap, 103-mile race. His pole time of 1:51.319 now stands as a new track record, and it broke Lawrence’s own qualifying record set last year. It also added one point to his championship points margin. The victory gave Dodge its first-ever Driver’s Championship in Trans Am and with its Dodge Challenger SRT car. With the win, Lawrence joins some elite company in terms of drivers who have won back-to-back championships on the Trans Am Series — including names like Peter Gregg, Wally Dallenbach Jr., Mark Donohuse, Tony Ave, Doug Peterson and Tommy Kendall, Lawrence’s teammate. Lawrence won seven races in total this year and accumulated 310 points to edge the runner-up by 21 points. Fifty total cars entered the championship. The win even got the young driver some publicity in AutoWeek. The Windermere native has been racing since he was 7 years old and hopes to build on his success in 2015.
APOPKA — Just two weeks earlier, half of the Windermere Prep boys basketball team’s roster was competing for a championship on the football field. Three of the Lakers’ five starters — Parker Davis, Michael Stones and Isaiah Curry — were key components in an undefeated season. Participating in the Metro vs. Florida Challenge Nov. 29 at Apopka High School against the Dr. Phillips Panthers, Windermere Prep scored a huge early-season win, 68-58. It was a win made all the more impressive because of how little time the Lakers had had to prepare as a complete unit. “This is literally our second week together; we didn’t really have a preseason,” coach Ben Wilson said. “We had to cancel preseason games and couldn’t do any inter-squad scrimmages. … We took some lumps last week, which were expected.”
Those included a pair of losses for Windermere Prep (32) against good programs from South Florida. Now, though, the Lakers — which compete in Class 3A — have a significant win to their credit over a program that figures to be among the contenders in Class 8A. And although the shooting performance of guard Matt Hein (20 points, made 5-of-8 3-point attempts) and contributions from Davis (12 points), Xion Golding (13 points) and Curry (14 points, 11 rebounds) were key, what really stood out is how the Lakers held their own, athletically, with a very lengthy and athletic Panthers team. It is a byproduct of the emphasis that coaches within the athletics department on campus, like Wilson and football coach Jacob Doss, put on Windermere Prep’s athletes.
Steven Ryzewski
Windermere Prep’s Parker Davis is the point guard for the boys basketball team and was also the star quarterback for the Lakers’ football program.
“That’s something Coach Doss and I have been pushing on all of our kids,” Wilson said. “We have a phenomenal trainer. … Our kids have all bought in, and it shows. We’re
able to hang with those bigger bodies, bigger schools.” The Lakers will be busy this season juggling a schedule with tough games and some significant traveling. Ahead for Windermere Prep is a road game at Tampa Jesuit at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and a return home to host Holy Trinity Episcopal Dec. 9. For now, though, Wilson and staff can be encouraged after a nice showing at a high-profile event in the Central Florida basketball scene — important for a team that wants to compete for a state title in 3A. “It was our first time in this thing and we just definitely wanted to come in and compete,” Wilson said. “This is why we play these games early — hopefully it makes us better for late-January and early-Feburary.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
SOCCER by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
DP alumni part of NCAA Tournament run Former Panthers Michael Millay and Bryce Follensbee were part of a Coastal Carolina team that made it to the second round of this year’s NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament. Michael Millay and Bryce Follensbee starred on the Dr. Phillips boys soccer team and just recently ended a remarkable season as college players at Coastal Carolina. Millay, a defender who graduated from Dr. Phillips in 2009, and Follensbee, a forward who graduated in 2011, were part of a team that won the Big South Men’s Soccer Championship Nov. 16 — punching the Chanticleers’ ticket to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament. Coastal Carolina beat Florida Gulf Coast, 1-0, in the first round of the tourney but fell to Clemson, 2-1, to end its season.
Millay and Follensbee grew up about a mile from each other, attending Windy Ridge School for their elementary and middle school years, where they played for the soccer team. Additionally, both played club soccer for Orange County Soccer Club, before suiting up for the Panthers for their prep careers. The two reunited at Coastal Carolina after initially going to different colleges. Millay originally played for Cincinnati in the former Big East Conference, and Follensbee went to Tulsa to compete in Conference USA. Both transferred to Coastal Carolina after the 2013
Michael Millay, left, and Bryce Follensbee, teammates at DP, were reunited as college players this season. Courtesy photo
season. Millay was granted another season of eligibility after an injury shortened his senior season at Cincinnati. He is a
graduate student at Coastal Carolina after receiving his undergrad degree in sports administration from Cincinnati.
Home for the Holidays
Downtown Winter Garden will be turned into a Holiday Wonderland filled with all the trimmings starting now through the 20th. Live Music & Entertainment, Holiday Lights, Christmas Trees, a Very Merry Farmers Market, Holiday Crafts, Santa’s Workshop and More! You will find great family entertainment, live theatre, holiday music, local food, and an eclectic mix of stores during December.
Light Up Winter Garden
Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Holiday Movie @ the Pavilion
A Very Merry Farmers Market
Friday, Dec. 5th @ 6 pm
Sat., Dec 6th @ 10am
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Visit Santa and His Elves
Sat., Dec. 13th at 7 pm
Dec 13 & 20 Santa visit 9 am – 2 pm
And so much more! Call 407.656.4111 ext. 5481for details.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
SIDELINE SCENE
PANTHERS / 1B
Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells addresses his team after Friday’s playoff loss.
Steven Ryzewski
Football season comes to a close for coverage area Reflections after Dr. Phillips, the last team still playing, fell to Manatee on Friday night. ORLANDO — Somebody the very first day of fall camp, wins, somebody loses. came into this season with It happens every time two the expectation of winning an teams step on a playing field FHSAA State Title. (well, for the most part). I remember visiting pracIt’s a simple enough tice at Dr. Phillips that first concept to wrap one’s mind week of fall camp, and I could around, but that doesn’t just feel the sense of expectamake its truth any less devas- tions — and confidence — in tating as the stakes get the air. The energy higher. that coach Rodney I was standing Wells, his staff and his behind the north end players created weeks zone at “The Spoon” before they would when a fourth-down even take the field for pass fell incomplete a game was impreswith time winding sive. What the Pandown and Manatee thers did throughout ahead 24-21. With the regular season and STEVEN that turnover on the first two rounds of downs, the Dr. Phillips RYZEWSKI the playoffs, going 12Panthers’ 2014 season 0, was impressive, too. ended. On Friday, all of that ended. From my vantage point I As reporters, we are tasked could see both sidelines, both with being unbiased and obcheering sections. One side jective, but when it comes to erupted in jubilation; the high school sports it’s nearly other was utterly deflated. impossible not to foster some As the Class 8A Region 2 connection with the teams Championship went final, the and the kids you cover. They disbelief and dejection felt are, after all, kids, and you root for them. by the Panthers poured over. Which brings me to my Some players were crumpled point, which is that this is the up on the turf, others stared into the distance, most teared power of high school football. That game meant everything up and some were inconsolto those young men. The raw able. emotion, the passion they This was a team that, from
displayed, is admirable and commendable. Friday was tough, but so many people should consider themselves lucky to be as passionate and dedicated as the players on the Dr. Phillips roster — or any other roster for that matter. This is what we love about sports, and especially about high-school sports. We love that entire seasons, literally hours and hours of hardwork, blood, sweat and tears, come down to one play or one drive. We don’t love that players are so dejected after a loss, but we love that it means so much to them and, in some cases, to us. There are certainly more important things to be dejected about in life than a game — but that’s part of the point, isn’t it? Sports are an escape from reality and, often, rationality. A game can mean everything. With Dr. Phillips’ loss, football season came to an end for the coverage area. The Panthers were the last man standing, so to speak. With that in mind, here’s to another exciting, engaging season of high-school football in West Orange County. It was one heck of a ride — so, let’s do it again next fall.
ry over unranked Bloomingdale and a 24-10 triumph over No. 5 Tampa Plant. The Panthers were then forced to overcome a pair of two-touchdown deficits on a cold night against No. 7 Manatee, finally tying the game midway through the fourth quarter, but Nickolas Null’s 39-yard field goal gave the upstart Hurricanes a 24-21 triumph. Dr. Phillips was looking to reach the state semifinals for the first time since 2012, where it lost a fog-shrouded game at Apopka High. Friday’s outcome also represented the first home defeat for DP since an epic five-overtime playoff loss to Apopka in 2009. “We had two mistakes in the kicking game,” Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells said. “(The Hurricanes) blocked a punt, and they returned a kickoff for a touchdown. You could pick out two or three plays, and you take those plays out, and the outcome is different. “I told the guys that we had been here before,” he said. “It wasn’t a big deal with us being down at halftime, and I thought we came out and fought (in the second half) and tied it up, and we did what we thought we could do.” DP’s spread offense never found its rhythm in the playoffs. Opposing defenses typically stacked the box to stop the run this season, and that allowed the Panthers to be selective when it came to their downfield passing game. Dr. Phillips averaged 130 passing yards per game during the regular season while throwing a touchdown pass in all but one contest. But in three playoff games DP netted only 85 passing yards and zero TDs, leading Wells and his offensive coaching staff to go with a Wildcat formation. The Panthers (12-1) went exclusively to the running game against Manatee after falling behind 7-0 at halftime. “We just had to get the ball to our athletes,” Wells said. “Our offensive line is the strength of the team, and we leaned on them. The passing game wasn’t there, but, like I said, we knew the strength of
SENIORS END REMARKABLE RUN
The senior football players at Dr. Phillips were present for a four-year run that saw the program go 46-5. The Panthers’ seniors include: Alexander Angelo, Bo Alexander, Gabriel Azarcon, Jacob Barnett, Dondrick Brown, Christopher Bruce, Timothy Clark, Giovanni Clavier, Kelvin Clue, Antonio Emmanuel, Elad Galili, Jaylon Hamer, Jerremiah Harris, Derrick Herron, Daquan Isom, Jean Julme, Michael Macon, Lorenzon Martinez, Nick Mason, Colby Meeks, Rudy Norwood, Jalean Perkins, Khai Perkins, Joseph Rice, Jason Richards, Ethan Shafer, Jamari Smith, Schandler Sobers, Robert Tukdarian, Vernon Walker, Daniel Hitchens, Devin Wright, Antonio Wyatt and Tyree Miller. our team was up front. Manatee took away the passing game, and we ran the ball successfully in the second half.” Manatee (12-1) already had momentum before Jamarion McDonald’s interception on the final play of the first half, but the Hurricanes put DP in an even more difficult spot when Joe Robinson returned the second-half kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Dr. Phillips senior Ethan Shafer, who took a hard hit while having a punt blocked in the first half, got off a short kick toward the sideline to start the third quarter. Robinson fielded the ball and found an open lane for a 13-0 lead. The Panthers responded with a 65-yard scoring drive. A holding penalty wiped out senior Daquan Isom’s 35-yard touchdown run, but seven plays later, Emare Hogan reached the end zone on a 7-yard run, and Shafer’s extra point made it 14-7 with 7:02 left in the third quarter. The Dr. Phillips defense, which held firm this season as the Panthers allowed only 148 points in 13 games, helped keep it close until Johnnie Lang’s 9-yard touchdown run pushed Manatee’s lead to 20-7
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with 11:41 remaining. DP countered with Hogan’s second rushing touchdown — this time from 14 yards at the 9:37 mark — and Isom’s punt return gave DP a short field minutes later. Hogan eventually capped a 34-yard, fourplay drive by bouncing to the outside and scoring from 10 yards, while Shafer was able to convert a game-tying extra point with 6:20 to go. But senior quarterback Sloan Drummonds completed a key 14-yard pass to Kelvin McKnight on Manatee’s game-winning drive. A defensive pass interference call also helped set up Null’s decisive kick with 2:36 left. Dr. Phillips called its final timeout with 81 seconds to go, facing a second-and-20 situation from its 30-yard line after Hogan was sacked for a 10yard loss. Senior quarterback Rudy Norwood eventually threw an incomplete pass intended for Jeremiah Harris on fourth down, and then Manatee ran out the final 32 seconds to clinch the program’s 60th playoff victory. Dr. Phillips entered the regional final without injured players Jake Barnett and Jaquarius Bargnare. Barnett’s 91 total tackles through 12 games ranked third among DP defensive players, while Bargnare (who suffered a lower-body injury against Plant) completed his junior season with 625 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns. “That hurt obviously,” Wells said. “Especially when you’re talking about a senior leader like Jake, who’s been playing so much football for us, it hurts.” Dr. Phillips finished each of the last three varsity seasons with one loss, after going 10-2 in 2011. Wells specifically pointed to the efforts of the senior class (which measured 32 in number this season) in DP’s comeback victory over Bloomingdale. “This senior class has got to have one of the best records (46-5) around,” Wells said. “They set a platform for success and they did it with class and they did it with respect and they did it with hard work. It’s just tough to see them all go.”
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OUR FINAL WORD ON THE 2014 PREP FOOTBALL SEASON CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY RECORD: 8-3 HIGHLIGHT: A 40-37 win over
Mount Dora Bible was perhaps the most memorable win in a very memorable season for the Eagles. LOWLIGHT: Both losses to Orlando Christian Prep, but specifically the second loss in the playoffs, because CFCA had opportunities early to take that game in a different direction. FINAL WORD: The 2014 season was a flat-out success for the Eagles. Winning eight games and placing fourth in a 24-team league should do wonders for the program moving forward.
DR. PHILLIPS RECORD: 12-1 HIGHLIGHT: A 24-10 win over
Plant (Tampa) in the regional semifinals avenged a season-ending loss from 2013. LOWLIGHT: With only one loss, there’s only one choice. A thrilling regional championship against Manatee just didn’t go the Panthers’ way down the stretch. FINAL WORD: Another undefeated regular season in the books is always a success, but Dr. Phillips expected to compete for a state title so, by the program’s own high standards, the finish was a disappointment, in a way.
FOUNDATION ACADEMY RECORD: 5-6 HIGHLIGHT: A win over Agape
Christian on Halloween to seal a spot in the FHSAA Class 2A State Playoffs.
LOWLIGHT: Three consecutive losses to open the season did not get things off on the right foot for the Lions. FINAL WORD: Making the playoffs is a significant achievement, but Foundation will look back upon some of the talent it had on its roster this fall and wonder whether more was possible after a first-round playoff exit.
LEGACY CHARTER RECORD: 5-5 HIGHLIGHT: The Eagles set the
tone nicely early in the season by opening up with a 61-49 win over a well-regarded Faith Christian team. LOWLIGHT: Three losses to end the season spoiled what had been a nice 5-2 record to that point. FINAL WORD: Despite the late losses, 2014 was a big step for the program in only its third year. A crucial group of seniors will be missed.
OCOEE RECORD: 2-8 HIGHLIGHT: A 20-3 win over
Lake Howell in Week Four re-energized the Knights after a rough start to the season. LOWLIGHT: A 20-14 loss to East River in what was a winnable game killed some of the momentum the Knights had acquired after beating Lake Howell. FINAL WORD: There were certainly some bright spots for Ocoee, the two wins and a well-played game against Oak Ridge stand out, but the Knights will wonder whether a play here or there could have changed the tone for their season.
OLYMPIA RECORD: 1-8 HIGHLIGHT: The Titans won
just once, so the 27-14 victory over Evans is the choice here. LOWLIGHT: A blowout loss to Jones, a Class 4A opponent, in the final game of the season was not a good look for the program. FINAL WORD: The season was tough for the program, and, as such, the administration decided to go in a different direction at the head coach position. That search is ongoing.
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WEST ORANGE RECORD: 11-1 HIGHLIGHT: Tough call
between the program’s first playoff win and first win over Apopka in more than a decade, but the win over the Blue Darters on Oct. 3 was a big step for the program. LOWLIGHT: Conversely, the 42-0 loss to Apopka to end the season was about as big a blemish as can be on an otherwise amazing season. FINAL WORD: The beatdown in the playoffs will leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but 2014 was a breakout year for the program.
WINDERMERE PREP RECORD: 10-0 HIGHLIGHT: Winning the SSAC
Championship by whooping Orlando Christian Prep. LOWLIGHT: There really wasn’t one. FINAL WORD: Lakers took a huge step forward as a young program (just five years old) by absolutely dominating the independent conference en route to the school’s first title.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
basketball by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Area hoops teams strong over break
SIERRA TATE One of the captains for the Ocoee Knights cheerleading, senior Sierra Tate decided to give girls weightlifting a shot this winter. In her first meet, Tate totaled 265 pounds and placed first in her weight class, helping Ocoee to defeat Apopka and West Orange. At her next meet, Tate placed first again and improved to a total of 275 pounds, with the Knights defeating Jones and Evans.
West Orange, Ocoee, DP and Windermere Prep each scored a win at the Metro vs. Florida Challenge at Apopka High School, while Olympia played well in an overtime loss. The fifth annual Metro vs. Florida Challenge whetted the appetites of hoops junkies around Central Florida over Thanksgiving break, as each team from the Orange County-based Metro Conference played at Apopka High School against a non-conference opponent at least once. The three-day event, held on Nov. 26, 28 and 29, saw plenty of exciting finishes and dunks to please the crowd, with every participating team covered by the West Orange Times & Observer having positives to take away from it.
DAY ONE, NOV. 26
Panthers standout sophomore Chaundee Brown looks for a bucket against the Lakers.
DR. PHILLIPS 72, SPRUCE CREEK 58
The Dr. Phillips Panthers controlled the contest with Spruce Creek for a 72-58 win. Senior Jonathan Laurent led four Panthers (3-0) in double-digits with 20 points while David Stephen chipped in 15, and Wilkins Desir and Justin Tucker each had 12 points. Standout guard Chaundee Brown did not play for the Panthers. Spruce Creek (3-3) was led by Tre Robinson’s 17 points.
DUO / 1B played AAU basketball together but lost a season as teammates their sophomore year, when McCall played a season at nationally ranked Montverde Academy. Still, the two standouts are quite close. “It’s like having a younger brother,” McCall, who is a few months older than Riller, said. “It’s just fun having someone that understands you.” Ocoee head coach Rob Gordon came on campus the same
Quinton Forrest roars to the basket against Leesburg.
DAY TWO, NOV. 28 WEST ORANGE 76, LEESBURG 71 (OVERTIME)
The West Orange Warriors outscored the Leesburg Yellow Jackets 9-4 in overtime for their sixth all-time win at the challenge, 76-71. The athletic, high-flying contest saw plenty of thunderous dunks for both teams. Senior Quinton Forrest led the Warriors (3-1) with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jeremiah Thornton scored 19 points, and Cristian Colon added 15. “We kept fighting,” West Orange coach Eric Jones said. “We don’t have the size, so we have athleticism and we have to make sure we’re getting the tempo where we can have an opportunity to win.”
DAY THREE, NOV. 29 ORLANDO CHRISTIAN PREP 73, OLYMPIA 69 (OVERTIME)
The Olympia Titans nearly upset the Orlando Christian Prep Warriors in overtime before falling, 73-69.
year as Riller and McCall and, for him, the senior duo is the anchor for a team that might just take Central Florida by surprise this winter. “It’s ‘1’ and ‘1A’ — Grant and Vaughn,” Gordon said. “I’ve got to have ‘1’ and ‘1A’ playing their best basketball every night. “And that’s what you expect from a college basketball player,” he said. “Those guys are signed, sealed and delivered — that’s what they do.” Both guards signed National Letters of Intent during the recent Early Signing Period.
A 3-pointer by Carl Cooper put the Titans (1-3) ahead 69-68 with 2:20 to play, but OCP’s Mike Tolbert drained a 3-pointer of his own to give the Warriors (3-1) a 71-69 lead with 1:10 to play and later hit a pair of free throws to seal the deal. “We would have loved to win but we got better today and, early in the season, that’s all we can ask for,” Olympia coach Matt Wheeler said of his team’s near-upset. Olympia had a balanced attack in the closely contested game, with five players in double-digits: Cooper (13 points), Ricardo Etienne (10 points), Ronaldo Segu (13 points), Scott Barbour (12 points) and Dejaun Lockett’s team-high 19 points and 13 rebounds. OCP had four players finish in double-figures, with Tolbert’s 25 points leading the way — followed closely by 21 points from Josh Raoul. Raoul also scored with four seconds remaining in regulation to send the contest to overtime.
WINDERMERE PREP 68, DR. PHILLIPS 58
The Windermere Prep Lak-
Riller will play at College of Charleston, and McCall will play for Flagler College. Both said having the destination for their college careers settled early iwill enable them to focus. “It feels good because, you know, you don’t have a lot of coaches calling you anymore or texting you,” Riller said. Under the radar as a junior, due in part to injury, Riller’s ability to score almost at will is no longer a secret to Central Florida. That means opposing teams will have him in mind
What’s it like to go into your first weightlifting meet ever and place first? It’s really cool because I wasn’t really expecting (to win). Why did you decide to join the team as a senior? Because it’s my senior year, so I might as well. I wanted to the previous years, but I felt like I was too busy. What else are you involved with on campus? Competition dance, athletic training, field and competition cheer, National Honor Society and Junior Civitan (Club).
Wilkins Desir is cool under defensive pressure.
OCOEE 53, DELTONA 50
Grant Riller hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds to play to give the Ocoee Knights a 53-50 win over Deltona at the Metro vs. Florida Challenge at Apopka High School on Wednesday afternoon. Riller scored a game-high 24 points and followed up his big shot by stealing Deltona’s inbounds pass on the following play to seal the deal. Senior guard Vaughn McCall had a pair of big 3-pointers in the moments just before Riller’s, helping the Knights (4-0) to rally back after allowing a 14-point halftime lead to dissipate as Deltona’s Evan Hinson put the Wolves up 45-44 with two minutes to play. McCall had 10 points. “They’re a good team; they put some of our younger players in a position to be exposed a little bit tonight,” Knights coach Rob Gordon said afterward. “But it’s all about our young guys, growing with experience and they got valuable experience today and still came out with a win.” Deltona’s Chad Brown, a UCF commit, finished with 14 points and 18 rebounds.
by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor
Left: Ronaldo Segu, a freshman for the Titans, puts a move on a defender for Orlando Christian Prep. ers (3-2) led most of the way in an impressive win over Dr. Phillips (3-1), an opponent from Class 8A, 68-58. Senior guard Matt Hein had a big day shooting the rock, totaling 20 points to lead the Lakers. Hein hit five of his eight 3-pointer attempts. Parker Davis (12 points), Xion Golding (13 points) and Isaiah Curry (14 points) also scored in double-figures. Curry also led the Lakers with 11 rebounds. Dr. Phillips kept it close late into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers could not get the stops they needed to create an opportunity to tie. Dr. Phillips was led by senior Jonathan Laurent’s 16 points and six rebounds. “No one likes to lose; we’re disappointed that we lost, but we had some flaws that were exposed,” Long said. “We now have an idea of some things we need to go back to practice and work on. That’s why you play these games against tough opponents.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
as they devise their strategy — something Riller is taking in stride. “You still have to play through it,” Riller said of opponents keying on him. “I can’t make any excuses.” Meanwhile, McCall’s play is vital for the precise reason that there will be nights when opposing teams are able to slow Riller. On a team giving significant playing time to a few underclassmen, including a freshman and a sophomore, it is critical for Gordon that “1” or “1A” — if not both — come to play every night. McCall said taking things in stride, within the flow of the game, will be key. “I’m not trying to force anything on myself,” McCall said. “I’m not going to go outside the offense. I’ll go through the offense and if I see something there, I’ll take it.” Ocoee is undefeated so far this season and already has some impressive wins to its credit, including a season-opening win over Edgewater. Although the Knights are lacking in size and will rely heavily on underclassmen contributions beyond Riller and Vaughn, the possibilities for this year’s team, at this point, seem plentiful. “We’re on a good roll,” Riller said. “If we play like how we normally play, so far, I think we can beat anybody.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.
How do you balance that busy schedule? I either leave practice early to go to a different practice and then when I get home I try and do homework — I’m a procrastinator, though. … I like being busy. So which competition lift do you prefer — bench or clean-andjerk? I used to like bench better, because I was better at it, but now I like clean-and-jerk better. I improved, and it involves more than just, like, lifting it once. It’s two different things at the same time. How much time each week do you dedicate to practice? Well, with the team, we have practice every day except for Wednesday. And then on break and stuff, I just work out on my own.
What’s it like to hit a new personal record or just see progress from day-to-day? It’s really exciting. As a senior, where are you hoping to see yourself a year from now? Hopefully, whatever college I get accepted into, I’m going to go into sports therapy and fitness. How long have you been cheerleading? High school is when I first started, so my freshman year. This will be my fourth year (on the team at Ocoee). What do you like about cheerleading? Tumbling — I used to do gymnastics so I really like tumbling. The dancing part. And then I’m a base, so I really like doing that position, too. What are your favorite memories from high school athletics? As for weightlifting, winning, of course, and being successful. And then cheerleading, I guess becoming captain — because it wasn’t expected. What’s your favorite vacation you’ve ever been on? I went on a cruise to the Bahamas, but that was when I was younger. It was fun, but now, I want to go again now that I’m older. Which other sports team at Ocoee do you enjoy supporting the most? Basketball. I like the sport, I understand it, and we have a good team, so it’s really interesting. What are you looking forward to the most about the holiday season? Seeing my family because my aunt and uncle live somewhere else. He’s in the Navy, so they’re not always back. And then the food, of course, and presents, of course. Which senior memory are you looking forward to making the most? Actually graduation day. Because then, I’ll have all of that stuff over with, and hopefully, I’ll have fun at prom and (will) have accomplished everything that I wanted to, and I’ll get to start a new chapter in college.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
Chamber Recognitions
The West Orange Chamber celebrated Eton Bridge Insurance and Financial Solutions’ one-year anniversary at 7625 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Eton Bridge Insurance is a full-service agency offering home, auto, commercial, life and health insurance. Sherri Asadi, president, is a risk management professional who has helped thousands of clients protect themselves from the unforeseen difficulties of everyday life. For more information, visit etonbridgesolutions.com. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Roper Photography.
WOTimes.com
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The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living at 625 Main St., Suite 103, Windermere. Visit the website at BHGfineliving.com for more information. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for LearningRx OrlandoWindermere at 6735 Conroy Road, Orlando. LearningRx brain training improves brain performance for children and adults of all ages, from struggling students to high achievers looking to excel. The programs stimulate the brain to strengthen the neural connections to help the brain grasp information the first time it is presented. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Bombshell Salon and Spa at 314 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Bombshell Salon and Spa is in historic downtown Winter Garden, east of Dillard Street. It offers all hair-care needs, including color, men’s and women’s cuts, extensions, waxing and specialty styles. It also offers facials, gel nails, pedicures and body wraps. For more information, visit bombshellspaandsalon. net. Photo courtesy of the WOCC.
The West Orange Chamber celebrated Durham Legal Group’s one-year anniversary at 6735 Conroy Windermere Road, #417, Orlando. Since its founding by attorney Lorraine “Lori” Durham, this boutique law firm has successfully served the Greater Orlando area, assisting clients with their goals in all aspects of civil litigation. Durham Legal Group focuses on family law, foreclosure defense, contract disputes and personal injury/auto accident matters. Photo courtesy of WOCC.
The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Western & Southern Life Insurance Company. Whatever your insurance needs, Western & Southern and its affiliates have the skills and experience to deliver. For more information, please visit www. WSLife.com. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
The West Orange Chamber recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of Eddie V’s, 7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
REAL ESTATE by Michael Eng | Editor
Windermere home sells for $1.27 million The following are West Orange residential real-estate sales from Nov. 21 to 27. A home in the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound community in Windermere topped all residential real-estate transactions last week. The home at 11061 Ullswater Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $1.27 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 5,898 square feet. The price per square foot is $215.33.
VIZCAYA HEIGHTS
VIZCAYA
METROWEST
The home at 8436 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold Nov. 26, for $460,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,038 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.42.
SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 67 High Sale Price: $1.27 million Low Sale Price: $62,900 REO/Bank Owned: 11 Short Sales: Two
WINTERS LANDING
The home at 415 Macchi Ave., Oakland, sold Nov. 24, for $410,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,423 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.78.
GOTHA
The home at 9661 Kilgore Road, Orlando, sold Nov. 21, for $390,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,777 square feet on 1.48 acres. The price per square foot is $219.47.
DR. PHILLIPS
OAKLAND
GOTHA The home at 353 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, sold Nov. 21, for $415,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,321 square feet. The price per square foot is $178,80. The home at 3386 Furlong Way, Gotha, sold Nov. 21, for $232,350. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,225 square feet. The price per square foot is $113.87.
DR. PHILLIPS
sold Nov. 21, for $90,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,032 square feet. The price per square foot is $87.21.
The town house at 8760 The Esplanade, No. 50, Orlando, sold Nov. 26, for $390,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,718 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.49.
CONROY CLUB
The home at 4412 Conroy Club Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 25, for $305,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,563 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.
METROWEST
The home at 2300 Lielasus Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 26, for $316,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,111 square feet. The price per square foot is $101.58. The home at 1923 Westpointe Circle, Orlando, sold
OAKLAND Michael Eng
This home in Winters Landing topped all Oakland sales at $410,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,423 square feet of living area. Nov. 26, for $199,900 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,654 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.86.
25, for $250,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,952 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.07.
PALM COVE ESTATES
The condo at 3336 Shallot Drive, No. 106, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $159,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,546 square feet. The price per square foot is $102.85.
The home at 8419 Island Palm Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $275,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,311 square feet. The price per square foot is $119. The home at 1175 Palm Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $210,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,756 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.59.
RIDGEMOORE
The home at 8049 Bridgestone Drive, Orlando, sold Nov.
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This 3 bdrm.1Ba. Cute as a button, and ready to move-in. Completely remodeled. New doors and windows, new drywall with foam insulation, new wood cabinets, all appliances stay, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave! Laminate flooring throughout, all electric and plumbing has been replaced, new front and back porch ... Completely painted inside and out. Ideal for a first time home buyer or someone wanting to down size. Fantastic location...Walk to downtown, walk/ride the West Orange Trail... ***No HOA *** corner lot*** if you have been looking for a home in Winter Garden with a great location this is it! Don’t delay, see it today!!! Asking only $175,000
Southern Stewart Title
Allison Garner- Thoma, CLC (407) 378-2340 Kelley Timson, LTA (407) 378-2341 Mary H. Mula, Sales Manager (407) 810-8369 Tami Klein, Account Executive (407) 361-0730
BUY • SELL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
3 Bdrm. 2Ba. CHARMING, COMFORTABLE AND COZY!!! Corner lot with stately trees for plenty of shade, fenced yard, house freshly painted. Open floor plan, split bdrms, foyer, formal dining, eat-in kitchen. All the appliances stay, including range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Living/great room has a beautiful brick wood burning fireplace, sliding glass doors, 36x12 screened lanai, open paver patio 15x13. Metal storage shed and privacy fenced yard. Move in ready! MOTIVATED SELLER! Asking only $144,000
J SO US LD T !
GREAT LOCATION FOR A BUSINESS!!!
The home at 3551 Meadow Breeze Loop, Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $308,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,400 square feet. The price per square foot is $90.59. The home at 3594 Cheswick Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 26, for $295,950. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-
www.FindWindsor.com
Motivated seller! Beautiful oversized corner lot. Nice open floor plan. Garage & a workshop. No HOA! Bring your boat and your RV. Home needs some tlc but offers many possibilities. Asking $179,000.
WINTER GARDEN BUNGALOW
4.76 ACRES, THE VALUE IS IN THE LAND IT HAS ROAD FRONTAGE ON OCOEE-APOPKA ROAD IN OCOEE. THE CURRENT ZONING IS AGRICULTURAL A-1, YOU CAN CHANGE IT TO COMMERICAL ZONING FOR YOUR NEEDS!!! THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT PLACE FOR FAST FOOD, OFFICE BUILDING, GARAGE OR CONVENIENT STORE. The property currently has 3 homes on it, one of the homes is a fixer-upper with wood frame construction. The other 2 homes are block, address at 411 is a 3 bdrm., 1 ba. split bedroom plan, livingroom, eat-in kitchen, familyroom and 1 car garage and is move in condition.The other block home is a rental. Asking $1,600,000.
BRYNMAR
160 S. Main St. Winter Garden, FL 34787
NEW ON THE MARKET - OAKLAND TOWN
3 bdrm. 2 Ba. Beauty in Winter Garden!!! This home is situated on a picturesque 1 acre lot fenced yard and gate. Very unique, country atmosphere with shopping only minutes away and access to 429, Turnpike and 408. You will be amazed at the beauty and the surroundings. Walk up the steps and enter the 2nd floor of this gorgeous home with stone fireplace in the living room, formal dining, kitchen w/stainless steel applances, wood cabinets, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The 3rd level is the master bedroom, master bath and loft. The home is in pristine condition a pampered beauty...If you have been looking for a home without an HOA, look no further, you need to see this!!! Asking only $299,000.
The home at 1916 Jimson Ave., Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $121,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,172 square feet. The price per square foot is $103.24.
407-877-FIND (3463)
PE SA ND LE IN G!
Prime downtown location, this is a great business oportunity for you!!! Currently zoned R-NC (residential neighborhood commercial). The value of this property is in the land and not the home. The home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, living and dining room according to Orange County records it was built in 1941. Asking only $499,000.
MARK HIDE 407-832-7332
PE SA ND LE IN G!
PE SA ND LE IN G!
LOCATED ON PLANT ST.
AMBER RIDGE
Welcome Mary Mula, Sales Manager and Tami Klein, Account Executive
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DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!
The home at 4421 Wind-
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The home at 8031 Lesia Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 25, for $199,800. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,898 square feet. The price per square foot is $105.27.
The home at 16848 Caravaggio Loop, Montverde, sold Nov. 24, for $413,769. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,017 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.15. The home at 16415 Lowry Road, Montverde, sold Nov. 25, for $185,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, one bath, a boat dock, private boat ramp and 1,104 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.57. The home at 16713 Taylor Grabeal Road, Montverde,
FREE Home Price Evaluation Report
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VALENCIA HILLS
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STONEBRIDGE LAKES
erwood Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 26, for $275,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,315 square feet. The price per square foot is $118.79.
The home at 315 E. Gulley Ave., Oakland, sold Nov. 26, for $145,000. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, one-andone-half baths, a pool and 1,233 square feet. The price per square foot is $117.60.
Bungalow with Industrial-2 zoning great for office space use. Large side yard.Current use as residential. Asking $126,900.
CLERMONT - THE LEGENDS $282,900
Gated community & pool plus recreation areas. 5 Bed/3.5 Baths over 3600 sq ft living area. Two masters (up & down stairs). 3 Car garage. Must see.
VACANT LAND 4.5 ACRES IN CITY LIMITS
Location! Rare opportunity for land in north Winter Garden. Lots of high and dry land with large, mature oak trees. Conveniently located in north Winter Garden. Asking $295,000.
COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE/LEASE GATED COMMUNITY-LAKE ACCESS!!!
This is a dream come true!!! Gated Community/Lake Access!!! Gorgeous 2-story with master bedroom on the first floor!!! Step into this impressive dramatic 2 story foyer. Formal living room with plenty of room for big comfortable chairs & sofa, spacious but intimate dinning room, entertain in uncrowded comfort in the spacious family room with surround sound! Laundry room and half bath. Eat-in kitchen complete with island, desk and french doors leading to the LARGE screened lanai and spa. Upstairs you will find the loft perfect for a playroom, office or study area!!! There are also 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and the media room that features a large screen, comfortable chairs and everything needed to watch your favorite movie. Easy access to turnpike, 429, 408 and the West Orange Trail!!! Asking Only $325,000.00
FOR SALE *** Owner Financing *** CLERMONT - THE LEGENDS $382,900
5 Bedrooms 3 baths original owners. Gated community two level home. Corner lot. Over 4800 sq ft living area. Two kitchens and all stainless steel appliances stay. A must see!
1,000 Sq ft office space w/3 offices $110,000 2,000 Sq ft office space w/6 offices $215,000 For lease same as above from $1,200 to $2400 a month plus tax
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
and-one-half baths and 2,870 square feet. The price per square foot is $103.12.
CROSS CREEK
The home at 2407 Cliffdale St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 24, for $234,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,966 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.02.
FOREST TRAILS
The home at 2175 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 21, for $230,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,558 square feet. The price per square foot is $89.91.
LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE
The home at 1357 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $310,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,343 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.31.
PRIMA VISTA
The home at 614 Palomas Ave., Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $168,900. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,849 square feet. The price per square foot is $91.35. The home at 621 Caborca Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 21, for $135,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,849 square feet. The price per square foot is $73.01.
SAWMILL
The home at 5062 Timber Ridge Trail, Ocoee, sold Nov. 26, for $138,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,384 square feet. The price per square foot is $99.71.
WATERSIDE
The home at 2886 Cullens Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $179,900. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,654 square feet. The price per square foot is $108.77.
WESTYN BAY
The home at 2759 Cardassi Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 25, for $370,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,815 square feet. The price per square foot is $96.99.
WEST ORANGE PARKSIDE
The home at 8479 Pippen Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 26, for $629,154. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,598 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.86.
The home at 11208 Rose Down Court, Windermere,
ALEXANDER RIDGE
VINEYARDS OF HORIZONS WEST
BELLE MEADE
The town house at 8222 Serenity Spring Drive, No. 2403, Windermere, sold Nov. 26, for $237,840. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,179 square feet. The price per square foot is $109.15.
LAKE SAWYER SOUTH
The town house at 7724 Fordson Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $200,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet. The price per square foot is $121.65.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 6947 Nobleton Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 26, for $260,000 (short sale). Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,460 square feet. The price per square foot is $105.69. The home at 13125 Penshurst Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 24, for $257,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,948 square feet. The price per square foot is $131.93.
MAGNOLIA PARK OF WINDERMERE
The home at 4426 Begonia Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $430,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,415 square feet. The price per square foot is $125.92.
RESERVE AT BELMERE
TILDEN’S GROVE
The home at 15429 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $315,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,675 square feet. The price per square foot is $85.71.
WATERFORD POINTE
BRANDY CREEK
The home at 2113 Water Key Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $1.1 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,206 square feet. The price per square foot is $261.53.
The home at 1121 Brandy Lake View Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $190,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,693 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.23.
The home at 12912 Water Point Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 26, for $714,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,634 square feet. The price per square foot is $196.48.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
WESTOVER CLUB
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
The home at 9328 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 26, for $428,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,650 square feet. The price per square foot is $117.26.
The home at 12913 Holdenbury Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 24, for $330,900. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,943 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.44.
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 8713 Iron Mountain Trail, Windermere, sold Nov. 25, for $410,000. Built
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407-656-1040
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The greatest compliment you can give is a referral!
The Reading Reindeer is a literacy- Garden, FL 34787. For more inforawareness project of The West mation, call Sarah or Rose at 407Orange Times to encourage chil- 656-2121. Please clip off the coudren to read and parents to read to pon below and include it with your children. For 17 years, the Times book donation so the has collected new books to deliver Times can acknowlto local needy children as Christmas edge its Reading gifts. Reading Reindeer is collecting Reindeer friends. new books for children from infancy The deadline for through age 15. Checks should be books is Dec. 12. made payable to Reading Reindeer Please put this and mailed to The West Orange form inside your Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter book donation. BE SURE TO LET US KNOW WHO DONATED THE BOOKS!
Address: City, St, Zip:
The home at 16163 Lew Gem Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 26, for $480,248. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,514 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.67. The home at 226 S. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 26, for $277,000. Built in
The home at 15242 Heron Hideaway Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $387,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,247 square feet. The price per square foot is $91.12.
SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 14513 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $287,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,487 square feet. The price per square foot is $82.31.
STONE CREEK
The home at 15317 Beamleigh Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $138,600 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,372 square feet. The price per square foot is $101.02.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 15504 Amberbeam Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 26, for $265,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,740 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.30.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 8123 Pacific Loon St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $316,957. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms,
two-and-one-half baths and 2,667 square feet. The price per square foot is $118.84. The home at 8103 Laughing Gull St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $285,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,002 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.36. The home at 8118 Tropical Kingbird St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $267,400. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,796 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.89.
TOWNHOMES OF WINTER GARDEN
The town house at 376 Eron Way, No. 200, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 24, for $67,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1989, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 930 square feet. The price per square foot is $72.04.
TUCKER OAKS
The condo at 1345 Broken Oak Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $127,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,216 square feet. The price per square foot is $104.85.
WINTER GARDEN SHORES
The home at 421 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 26, for $223,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1965 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.40.
“I Care About Our Community, its History and its Future.”
WINDERMERE TERRACE
The home at 11636 Delwick Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 24, for $372,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,267 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.09.
The home at 11051 Hawkshead Court, Windermere, sold
The home at 2240 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 25, for $255,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,971 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.38.
The home at 6757 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $305,187. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,773 square feet. The price per square foot is $110.06.
DONATE TODAY!
Name:
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 12715 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $720,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2004, it has seven bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 4,751 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.55.
WINDERMERE
MANORS AT BUTLER BAY
WINTER GARDEN
OASIS COVE
The home at 11684 Acosta Ave., Orlando, sold Nov. 24, for $327,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,294 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.55.
The home at 11744 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $1.125 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,356 square feet. The price per square foot is $258.26.
1941, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,133 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.86.
Nov. 25, for $685,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,728 square feet. The price per square foot is $183.74.
MABEL BRIDGE
KEENE’S POINTE
in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,720 square feet. The price per square foot is $110.22.
sold Nov. 21, for $590,000. Built in 1990, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,323 square feet. The price per square foot is $177.55.
Kimberly Suedmeyer 407-963-4186
Kimberly@TheRealEstateCollection.com
www.SuedmeyerTeam.com
7B
100 West Plant Street, Winter Garden FL 34787 (O) 407-656-7814 Located in the heart of Historic Winter Garden
8B
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Here's My Card BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC
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Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983. All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians. For professional results and competitive rates
call 407-656-5818
EC 13001719
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*Certain types of hearing loss may require a hearing aid model that is not appropriate for the Two Week Free Trial. See center for details. Lyric excluded. ‡ As a member of the Connect Hearing network, if we don’t already have the lowest price, we will match any valid competitor quote or advertised price on hearing aids within 60 days of purchase. † 0% financing offer is subject to credit approval. If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit criteria previously established for this offer, or the income you report is insufficient based on your obligations, we may not be able to offer this financing. Complimentary hearing screening and consultation required. Some restrictions apply. **The 3 year warranty is valid starting from the date of invoice. This limited warranty covers manufacturing and material defects in the hearing aid itself, but not accessories such as batteries, tubes, ear modules, external receivers. The warranty includes 3 year loss and damage coverage that can be redeemed ONE TIME and requires a deductible of $450. ††3 years FREE batteries with hearing aid purchase.
The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions Job descriptions and applications are available online.
www.wintergarden-fl.gov Phone: Fax:
407-656-4111
407-877-2795
The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This week’s Crossword answers
CHURCH DIRECTORY BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:
“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”
Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH
611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com
CATHOLIC RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH
1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113
CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com
2014
$745, 3BR $935 on Lake Apopka. Wa-
• 3 Year Warranty and 3 Year Loss & Damage**
407-656-3495
Winter Garden
rate ads $99 total. Don 425-341-
620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $695, 2BR
12/11dh
731-4248 12/11bl
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BATTERIES
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CHURCH OF GOD
To advertise in the Church Directory plase call 407-656-2121 or email rblankenship@wotimes.com OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org
METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135
PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA
Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org
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
10B
WEST ORANGE TIMES
WOTimes.com
RAIN
WEST ORANGE
(INCHES)
WEATHER
TUES.
Nov. 25
0.00
WED.
TEMPERATURES
Nov. 26
0.02
Thurs., Dec. 4 Fri., Dec. 5 Sat., Dec. 6 Sun., Dec. 7 Mon., Dec. 8 Tues., Dec. 9 Wed., Dec. 10
THURS. Nov. 27
0.00
FRI.
Nov. 28
0.00
SAT.
Nov. 29
0.00
SUN.
Nov. 30
0.00
MON.
Dec. 1
0.00
NOV.
TO DATE 0.72
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014
HIGH 79 79 78 77 76 72 70
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., Dec. 4 Fri., Dec. 5 Sat., Dec. 6 Sun., Dec. 7 Mon., Dec. 8 Tues., Dec. 9 Wed., Dec. 10
SUNRISE 7:03 a.m. 7:04 a.m. 7:05 a.m. 7:06 a.m. 7:06 a.m. 7:07 a.m. 7:08 a.m.
FRI.
SAT.
SUNSET 5:29 p.m. 5:29 p.m. 5:29 p.m. 5:29 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
LOW 63 61 60 58 57 54 52
MOON PHASES
Dec. 6
Dec. 14
SUN.
(2013: 1.13) Dec. 21
YEAR
TO DATE
41.65 (2013: 49.81)
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
LOW
LOW
LOW
79
78
61
60
77
Dec. 28
I WO
Deborah Shultz sent this incredibly detailed shot of a waterlily. The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting the weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Winners can pick up their prize at the Times office.
58
A LITTLE TOO WARM By Gary Cooper | Edited by Timothy E. Parker
ACROSS 1 Bacardi, e.g. 4 Thai currency 8 “So there you are!” 14 Nasal partitions 19 Certain Ivy Leaguer 20 Cupid’s counterpart 21 Kind of recording 22 Projectile for 20-Across 23 Raggedy doll 24 Greek salad cheese 25 Change genes 26 It may be organized 27 Chocolate source 29 Jimmies 31 “Thar ___ blows!” 32 Ad ___ 33 Quavery singing effect 35 “Relax, and that’s an order!” 37 Calm 40 Connive 41 Costner’s “Untouchables” role 42 Nuclear energy source 44 Marble used as a shooter 45 It controls the bending of the mast 49 “The Journey is the Destination” photojournalist 51 Back of the neck 52 “Your turn” 53 Mushroom part 55 “When I Need You” singer Leo 56 Humidor item 57 More impolite 59 Speak from a soapbox 61 Botanical swellings 63 Ninth-inning reliever, often 65 Makes less distinct 67 Stop working 70 It follows sunset, in poetry 71 Conveyance with a basket
75 77 79 80 82 85 87 88 91 93 95 96 97 98 100 101 102 106 107 109 111 115 116 117 119 120 122 124 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134
Adam’s mate Break away ___ complaint (officially protest) Cleans with soap Acquire ivories Gorillalike Mooring sites Boorish sort Violin bow application “Cut it out!” Big beer buy Little brook Light bulb units California city Food scrap Foolhardy Pillager’s take Chicken noodle, e.g. Puts on the scales Ukrainian seaport Expressed in words Spring month Entertaining couple Polish “Peter” First president to marry while in office One of 150 in the Bible Shoot for (with “to”) Conceal Hot temper Book feature One with a requirement Aces, sometimes Cloak-and-dagger org. Aggregate Tests one’s metal Hideous-looking Always, in poetry
DOWN 1 Do a double-take 2 Of a forearm bone 3 Chop finely 4 Dupes
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 28 30 34 36 37 38 39 43 45 46 47 48 50 51 54 55 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 69 72
“The best things in life ___ free” Sticky issue Autocrat until 1917 Reproductive cell Unwelcome obligations Repeated machine gun sound Category Easily angered “A Death in the Family” writer Chief of a North American tribe Fielder’s goof Sticker Cruise in the movies Shock’s partner Current measures Author Fleming Land parcels On the ocean “Sanford and ___” Wine valley Vase-shaped jug Bullring hero “Use the ___, Luke” (“Star Wars” ine) Small eggs Constructed again San Francisco’s ___ Buena Island Soapmaker’s need Like some decrees French Sudan, today Certain Kosovo resident Forty winks Fix, as a pump Gang territory Cat call Harassed Small marine animal Fix, as leftovers “Be it ___ humble ...” Bright fish
© 2013 Universal Uclick
73 74 76 78 81 83 84 86 88 89
Luau souvenirs Endures Big Bertha’s birthplace PC keyboard key Wages received during an illness Plant-growing facilities Suffix that maximizes Vichy attraction Boast Add to the staff
90 92 94 97 99 101 103 104 105 108
Preludes to war, often ___ of Capri Winnie-the-___ Functioned as Husband’s common-law right, formerly Mother Goose forte Fish hawk Basket twigs Chinese “way” Bothers a lot
110 112 113 114 116 118 120 121 123 125
Ninnies It’s a piece of cake Supernatural Dismal, old-style Comedian Carvey Commandments pronoun After-school grp. Actor Alastair Wife of President McKinley “Runaway” rocker Shannon
C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . G F U A R J G E B G L N G Q P X H H B E P G V S B L X R E D B Q FA R C Y X J . “ U X Q , B H B Q S X AU N B LT X V, C K H H D X J G B E H D B E P B Q E R H H R J G T X G E G Q D R M U R K AQ X Y M ,” D B Q L R K E Q X Y R A H RY V D B J . 2 . H E N C Z M V N C Z K Q N K G H I Y D H I M L Z F V H N I H I Y I N K F E Z LV K Y, S OV D E Z I H YVVZGCVZM VN PZYKI VEZ SYLLNNI YIM VEZ FPYKHIZV H QNOIM H F N O P M I ’ V K Z Z M G O L H F.