12.15.16 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Run fosters Christmas spirit The first Reindeer Run 5K took over Winter Garden Village Saturday, Dec. 10. See page 19.

YOUR TOWN Oakland PD seeks donations

Living history One Winter Garden family traveled to Hawaii to honor the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. See page 4.

The Oakland Police Department is conducting its Annual Christmas Toy Drive, and collection boxes are set up in the lobbies of the police station and Oakland Town Hall. New, unwrapped toys will be collected until Dec. 20. Gift cards to toy stores or department stores are welcome, too. For the last four years, the department has been able to purchase hundreds more toys for distribution because of financial donations. Anyone wishing to make such a donation prior to Dec. 15 can make the check out to the Town of Oakland with “Toy Drive” in the memo line. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the police station or can be mailed to the Oakland Police Department, P.O. Box 521, Oakland, FL 34760.

Courtesy photo

ARTS & CULTURE

Winter Garden residents Roberto and Daniella Vargas participated in serveral Pearl Harbor events in Hawaii with the Orlando Devil Dogs.

Knox Nursery delivers area’s first medical marijuana Knox Nursery in Winter Garden has become the first medical marijuana dispensary in Central Florida. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Winter Garden dad completes first children’s book.

PAGE 13

Knox Nursery, founded in 1962, turned over a new leaf in May after it obtained a license to grow and sell low-THC marijuana for medical use. The first home deliveries that reached patients on Friday, Dec. 9, were grown and cultivated in

WINTER GARDEN

another temporary facility, but starting in mid-January, the nursery will be using 30,000 square feet of greenhouse space located at 940 Avalon Road for its new crops. The trio leading the nursery’s new venture into the highly regulated business of medical canSEE KNOX PAGE 4

Gabby Baquero

Alex Karol, left, Bruce Knox and Jose Hidalgo are the trio behind Knox Nursery’s evolving role in Florida’s growing medical cannabis industry.

YOU R CALENDAR

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Certified representatives will answer questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and assist with enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace. The open enrollment period for 2017 ends Jan. 31, 2017. (407) 340-0844 or facebook.com/ enrollorlando. HOLIDAY WINE FUNDRAISER 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at The Vineyard at The Grove, 4848 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Donations go to Matthew’s Hope to support the rehabilitation of the area’s homeless population. The cost is a $20 donation at the door and includes dinner. In addition, $2 will be donated for every glass of wine sold, $10 donated for each bottle of wine sold worth more than $30 and $10 donated for every gift basket sold. (407) 850-8269.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

JOHNS LAKE HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, along the north shore of Johns Lake. All boats participating should meet in Johns Lake, in the cove to the northeast of Deer Island, a few minutes before 6 p.m. The parade goes and lasts about one-and-one-half hours. In previous events, there have been as many as 20 boats in the parade. For more information, call (407) 701-8033. THREE DAYS OF JAZZ 8 to 9:15 p.m. and 9:45 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, and 5 p.m. Jazz Jam Concert on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Philadelphia trumpeter Joe Breidenstein joins Pilars Jazz Trio Chris Rottmayer, Charlie Silva and Walt Hubbard for three nights of jazz, culminating with an “old school” jam session on Sunday. Sign up to join the jam with

the pros by 5:30 p.m. and take a turn with the band until 8 p.m. (407) 369-8900.

landnaturepreserve.org. Free for members, $5 for others. (407) 905-0054.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

PAPER CRAFTS FOR ADULTS 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Transform an old book into a personalized journal or scrapbook featuring your own creative artwork. Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring any embellishments or photos to personalize your creation. (407) 835-7323.

GOLF CART PARADE AND DRIVE-IN MOVIE 5:30 p.m. parade, 6:30 p.m. movie Saturday, Dec. 17. The parade will meander through the historic streets of Winter Garden. Lineup starts at 4:30 p.m. at Bradford Park, 220 Division St., Winter Garden, and the parade ends at the downtown pavilion, 104 S Lakeview Ave. Fee is a minimum $20 donation per cart for Edgewood Children’s Ranch. At 6:30, the city will host a free golf-cart drive-in movie at the pavilion with “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and “ Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” (407) 656-4111. HABITAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Education coordinator Alissa Himelfarb will help participants craft edible ornaments, garland and pinecone feeders for the preserve’s wildlife during the winter months. Afterward, take a hike to place these edible gifts to the animals on the trails. Preregister online at oak-

MONDAY, DEC. 19

PEPPERMINT PALS 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. They are red and white and sure smell nice. Enjoy stories, crafts and activities inspired by sweet peppermint treats. Ages 18 months to 3 years. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

COOKIE DECORATING 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Frosting, sprinkles, candy and cookies…what more could you want? Stop in and express your creativity by decorating a sugary treat. Then enjoy the best part of all, eating it! Ages 6 to 18. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21

CAROLS AND KITTIES 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont. The Madrigal Singers from Timber Creek High School will serenade the cats during the Carols and Kitties holiday concert performance. Concert is free and open to the public; however, space is limited so email the number of attendees to info@ orlandocatcafe.com. SEVENTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OUTREACH 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Finding the Lost Sheep Street Ministry, 730 Ninth St., Winter Garden. Join Anthony and Sharee Hodge as they provide a Winter Wonderland-themed Christmas celebration that includes dinner, entertainment, caroling, games and toys for all children. Monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 770591, Winter Garden, FL 34777. (407) 614-5942.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22

AYURVEDIC BEAUTY 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Nourish your skin, hair and body using ancient Indian Ayurvedic beauty techniques with certified holistic health coach Shahnaz Nensey. (407) 835-7323.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Winter Garden announces candidates for District 3 seat Three candidates have qualified for the January special election to fill Robert “Bobby” Olszewski’s seat as District 3 city commissioner. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

Amy Quesinberry Rhode

Anna Kaebisch Burnett is the chocolatier at downtown Winter Garden’s newest business, Kaebisch Chocolate.

Kaebisch sweetens downtown AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR WINTER GARDEN Fresh chocolate is key to offering a quality product, said Anna Kaebisch Burnett, who has opened Kaebisch Chocolate with her husband, Adolfo Burnett, in downtown Winter Garden. They work with raw material from Belgium, making fresh chocolate every day without preservatives. The store previously was located in the Stoneybrook West area, and customers frequently told the Burnetts they should be on downtown Plant Street. When this location opened, they closed the first store and started renovating the downtown space. Kaebisch Chocolate opened Nov. 25, just in time for the crowds that Light Up Winter Garden and Christmas parades bring. Customers can select from chocolate bars, bonbons and truffles to orange peel dipped in chocolate, macadamia nuts coated in chocolate, cakes and macarons to coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fondue. During the holidays, chocolate Christmas trees and gingerbread men are available, as are peppermint bark and truffle tone cake. Adolfo Burnett’s simple answer to why their chocolate is

different: “fresh and quality.” “There’s a huge difference when you have fresh chocolate instead of mass-produced chocolate made to be seated in a shelf for a long time,” he said. “The right techniques and premium raw material makes all the difference.” Experimenting with flavors intrigues Kaebisch Burnett, and she does it often, mixing textures and fillings such as hazelnut with caramel, warming spices like curry and cayenne, coconut and rum, raspberry, Earl Grey tea, fresh citrus fruits, champagne, fresh herbs and Caribbean espresso. WHERE IT STARTED

Anna Kaebisch Burnett, who was born and raised in Brazil, began making her own chocolate Easter eggs and bonbons as a teen, experimenting with different recipes. She became a chocolatier after many years of research, traveling to the United States, France and Belgium, looking for the best raw chocolate materials. She learned chocolate secrets and tested her chocolate creations, all the while working in a family food business. She made chocolate and filled orders in her spare time. When she decided she wanted to start her own business, she dedicated her training

KAEBISCH CHOCOLATE

50 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 720-6110 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays

to becoming a chef chocolatier, attending courses and furthering her research of ganaches. She developed her own techniques for manipulating chocolate and, in 2007, she opened her first store of sophisticated, artisanal chocolates in Brasilia. When touring the U.S., the couple visited Winter Garden and were immediately drawn to the area. In addition to the new downtown location, there are three Kaebisch Chocolate stores in Brazil. “For me, the secret continues to be something I always heard from older individuals,” Kaebisch Burnett said. “When your work is something you enjoy, the chance of being successful is much greater because you act with effort and dedication.” Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

Following the resignation of Winter Garden City Commissioner Robert “Bobby” Olszewski, city officials announced Tuesday, Dec. 6, the candidates who have qualified to take his place. Patricia Ann Angry, Harold L. Bouler and Mark Maciel all met the requirements to become candidates for City Commission District 3, and each will be considered during the special election on Jan. 24, 2017. Angry is a native Winter Garden resident and retired businesswoman who is involved with the East Winter Garden Neighborhood Alliance. Her platform is focused on bridging the gaps between all parts of the city, especially with the east side, and bringing the whole community together. Bouler formerly held the District 3 seat for five years but lost it to Olzsewski in 2012. The retired industrial manager also has served on the Code Enforcement Board, Community Action Board of Orange County and Community Legal Services Board. He also is involved in the Winter Garden Rotary Club. Maciel is a real-estate developer, former military officer and paratrooper and current member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board. He started New Providence Properties LLC and M. Maciel and Associates LLC. The new commissioner will serve the remainder of the existing three-year term, which ends after the regular election in March 2018. Olszewski’s term officially closed Dec. 6. He resigned from city commission to pursue election as Orange County District 1 commissioner but lost that race to Oakland resident and businesswoman Betsy VanderLey. “I just want to thank Kathy (Golden) for going through all this work ever since Bobby decided to run for Orange County commissioner,” City Commissioner Bob

IN OTHER NEWS n Commissioners approved a right-of-maintenance agreement with Oakland Park Association Inc., which allows the neighborhood to install additional irrigation and signage and holds it responsible for all maintenance. n Commissioners also approved the final plat for Phase 4B of Oakland Park, which will add 58 single-family homes on 13 acres. Mayor John Rees said he understands where the city is in the process with the subdivision but has heard complaints from many people regarding the area and how development is getting crowded. n Commissioners approved the acceptance of a proposal from Pegasus Engineering for the design and permitting of a roundabout at Windermere and Roberson roads for $173,563.76. Phase 1 of the three-phase project is set to begin in early 2017, with much of the construction to take place over the summer.

Buchanan said after candidates were announced. In addition to the regular meeting, commissioners took a few minutes to reconvene as the Community Redevelopment Agency, which discussed and unanimously approved adding an eighth member — Taryn Moore — to the Community Redevelopment Advisory Board. Larry Cappleman was also reappointed as the seventh member of the board for another fouryear term. The next city commission meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at City Hall. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Knox

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

nabis are Knox Nursery CEO Bruce Knox, Knox Medical CEO Jose Hidalgo and lead chemical engineer Alex Karol. Knox Medical is a subsidiary company they developed to run their medical cannabis business. “This is a very, very exciting day for us,” Hidalgo said. “Everything we’ve done is with the patients in mind and with those who’ve been suffering and waiting for this day.” On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the company executives gave tours of their extraction room and laboratory where marijuana will be ground into a fine powdery substance in preparation to have the oils extracted. That oil is then tested for impurities before it is converted into drops or pills, or inserted in vape pens for patients to use. The family-owned nursery has traditionally grown a variety of flowers for Orlando’s theme parks, but the decision to cultivate medical marijuana for ailing patients came about two years ago, when the state passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. The law allows marijuana extracts low in euphoriainducing THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, and high in CBD, short for cannabidiol, to be prescribed to eligible patients for medical relief. “For me, there’s a personal side to this,” Knox said. “I have two family members with epilepsy. So that is one of the reasons that I wanted to go down this path to begin with.” The company also plans to open five dispensaries in Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake Worth and Tallahassee in early 2017. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

KNOX NURSERY 940 Avalon Road, Winter Garden PHONE: 1-888-441-5669 EMAIL: info@knoxmedical. com WHAT IS LOW-THC CANNABIS? Low-THC cannabis differs from medical cannabis because it contains very low amounts of the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol. Because of these low levels of THC, the products do not produce the euphoria of full-potency cannabis and typically do not cause the “high” commonly associated with cannabis. WHO QUALIFIES? The Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014 states individuals suffering from seizures, epilepsy and advanced stages of cancer may qualify to receive lowTHC cannabis via physician authorization. As of Dec. 6, 1,180 patients were registered under the Compassionate Use Registry. However, after 72% voted to approve Amendment 2, the list of medical conditions that qualify a patient to receive a prescription will be expanded.

“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 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

World War II veterans autographed participants’ cards during the Pearl Harbor anniversary event.

Community Editor /

Face to face

Amy Quesinberry Rhode,

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE

Danielle Hendrix,

COMMUNITY EDITOR

dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

Advertising Executives

aola Vargas and her two children, Roberto, 11, and Daniella, 8, spent a year raising money and preparing for their trip to Hawaii. But, this was no ordinary vacation for the Winter Garden residents. The three traveled to the 50th state as part of the Orlando Devil Dogs Young Marines Unit to participate in the 75th anniversary recognition of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Roberto, a Young Marine corporal with the national organization, and Daniella, a private, were among 18 youth members of the ODD who attended; their mother was one of eight chaperones on the trip of a lifetime, which took place Dec. 3 through 9. The Orlando group traveled with two other Florida units and was guided by retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major John Gionet.

THE EXPERIENCE

On Sunday, Dec. 4, their first full day in Hawaii, the group hiked up to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, joined nearly 300 Young Marines from all over the nation for a beach swim at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo and met Pearl Harbor survivors who served on the USS Arizona in World War II. The Vargas children were in awe of the elderly survivors. “It was amazing, because it was like talking to history face to face, and it helped bring the whole experience to another level,” Roberto said. Daniella liked being able to ask questions of the survivors and hear their answers, which were more personal than anything the children would read about in history books. Both realized the importance of recognizing the veterans. “They have seen things and have survived a national attack that forever changed our country and us as Americans,” Roberto said. Also on the itinerary for the Young Marines units were visits to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Arizona Memorial. Daniella and Roberto said the visit to the Arizona was their favorite part of the experience. “It was history under my feet looking down and made me feel like I was looking back in time,” she said. Vargas, too, was impressed with the memorial, which is built atop the remains of the sunken battleship.

aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com

Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver. com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@Orange Observer.com Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com

Daniella Vargas was honored to meet and chat with this Pearl Harbor survivor.

YOUNG MARINES

The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school. The national program promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members and focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.

“It was a somber experience and brought our complete Hawaiian experience full circle as it validated the reason we had spent so much time (and) effort working hard to bring our kids to this event,” she said of the visit to the final resting place of many of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who died Dec. 7, 1941. “I was able to see the weight of all they had seen, heard and experienced so far in their faces, as they were quiet and reflective during this visit to this particular memorial.” THE PARADE

The youth also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Punch Bowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, and marched with more than 100 other Young Marines in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Parade in Honolulu. Members of the youth units were given various tasks during the parade. Roberto carried a banner for The Polynesian Salute, where performers dance with fire in honor of the veterans. Daniella marched in a platoon with many of her peers from all over the U.S.

Other Young Marines carried banners with photos of the veterans present in the parade in their younger years, and still others carried banners of the capital ships in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. “It was a celebratory event, and even though I’ve attended several veterans parades locally, the scale and the weight of the events were felt so much deeper as we were among people from all over the nation and the world who have come together to remember the past and celebrate the future,” Vargas said. “We all were so proud of all our Young Marines for standing tall and carrying on their duties … for such a historical event.” OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

Vargas, a teacher, and her husband, a retired Marine, feel strong about teaching their children not only from books and classrooms, but from life lessons and experiences, such as this trip to Hawaii. “As part of the Young Marine organization, it is our goal to honor the veterans who have served our country any opportunity we have,” Vargas said. The Vargases have been involved with the Young Marines program since 2007, when they were living in Virginia and an older son, Christian, joined the unit there. After moving to Central Florida, Robert joined when he turned 8 in 2013, and Daniella joined this year. “We are committed to the program, as we feel it promotes so many values and skills we feel are important to instill in our children: self-confidence, leadership, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle,” Vargas said. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

The West Orange Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The West Orange Times & Observer can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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The West Orange Times & Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 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 & Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times & Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times & Observer, 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.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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510 block of Westpoint Garden Circle. An officer conducting an area check in the Westpoint Garden subdivision noticed two bikes by an open screen door located near the back of a house for sale. When the officer peeked inside, he observed a male walking around the living room, which was void of furniture save for one foldable lawn chair. After the officer knocked on the front door, four occupants exited through the back sliding door. The officer’s conversation with them established that none of them knew who the homeowner was, and they did not have permission to enter the home. They admitted they had been living there for several days. One of the occupants was a convicted felon in possession of a black backpack containing two BB guns and four large knives.

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WOW! SELLER IS MOTIVATED! FRESHLY PAINTED! NEW PRICE! Great price for a pool home on a corner lot, privacy fenced yard is a plus! Landscaping just completed! Lake access with boat ramp and park! Living rm, dining rm, kitchen complete with range, refrigerator and dishwasher. Breakfast area, family room, split bedroom plan, sliding glass doors leading to covered lanai and pool...Washer, dryer and blinds stay!!! Move in condition!!! Walk to ocoee elementary and middle schools, close to shopping and all major highways... See this today before it is gone! Asking only $209,900

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17500 block of West Colonial Drive. At about 11:15 p.m., officers responded to reports of a verbal altercation that evolved into violence between a couple inside a car. The altercation began when the man, located in the backseat, accused his fiancee of owing him $20. Responding officers found the man to be in possession of cannabis, hallucinogenic mushrooms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, including four syringes he confessed he used to shoot up heroin.

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8910 block of West Colonial Drive. At 10:30 a.m., an irate woman entered a McDonald’s and began complaining about an incorrect order from the previous day, demanding to speak to a manager. The woman grew more agitated while conversing with employees and threatened them, causing a public disturbance as she attempted to throw a cookie display on the ground. She then started eating the cookies without paying for them. At one point, she jumped on the counter where she continued her tirade. She then left the McDonald’s at 10:45 a.m., threatening to return, and made her way across the street to a Burger King. While there, she demanded food from the employees and began to yell. She then went behind the counter without permission and grabbed a double cheeseburger. She began consuming the unpaid for cheeseburger. A Burger King employee asked the woman to leave repeatedly, but the woman instead jumped on the counter and continued to curse and yell. A responding police officer soon arrested the woman.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

WINTER GARDEN For the last two weeks, thousands of bass have found a new home in Lake Apopka, with thousands more to follow. By the time Christmas rolls around, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hopes to have added almost one million largemouth bass to the lake. “I certainly am all for it,” said Jim Thomas, president of Friends of Lake Apopka. “The fact that they’ve determined that it is safe to do this is a good thing.” Known for its heavily polluted waters, Lake Apopka may be slowly making a recovery, said FWC Resources Manager Dennis Renfro, and restocking the lake with fish is a step in the right direction. “There’s already spawning and reproduction in the system,” Renfro said. “In the last couple of years, we’ve seen an increase in native vegetation. We can see that the water quality is getting better. The time was right to boost those (fish) numbers.” The process of restocking Lake Apopka began over the summer as wildlife officials worked to spawn the bass in a hatchery. About 1.6 million bass hatched in October and now are mature enough to

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endure the wild, although not all the fish are expected to survive. To transfer the thousands of small fingerlings to Lake Apopka, they are carefully netted and placed into 800-gallon hauling tanks. After transporting them to the release point, wildlife officials then acclimate the fingerlings to the water of Lake Apopka before releasing them into the lake. Between 100,000 and 120,000 fingerlings are released in a single day, with about three releases each week. Nearly 30 different locations around the lake have been chosen by the FWC as release points, including Winter Garden. With such a large number of bass being released into the lake, the FWC is hoping that the lake will see stronger bass populations over the next year. “If you have a higher survival rate, then the number increases,” Renfro said. Another positive sign for the lake came from a recent report from the Florida Department of Health. According to the department’s 2016 fish consumption advisory, largemouth bass is one of eight types of fish that can be caught in Lake Apopka and consumed safely. While this is a positive sign of the lake’s health, FWC officials also evaluated the lake’s vegetation, fish population and number of offspring that have stayed in the system before deciding to restock the lake.

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Florida commission stocks Lake Apopka with one million bass Nearly 30 different locations around the lake have been chosen as release points, including Winter Garden.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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For nearly two hours, Ocoee commissioners sat at their dais patiently listening to residents vehemently oppose a waiver request concerning the location for a planned microbrewery in downtown Ocoee. The Toll Road Brewery, which will be located on the northwest corner of McKey Street and Cumberland Avenue and has a target grand opening for Aug. 1, 2017, was approved for the special waiver with a 4-1 vote, as District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen abstained. The city-approved waiver allows Toll Road Brewery to be built in close proximity to four churches and mosques, despite municipal code that prohibits any establishments selling alcoholic or intoxicating beverages to be located within 1,000 feet of a church or school. In response, many residents, including pastors of local churches, shared concerns about a potential increase in crime the craft brewery might bring and parking issues it might cause. “If this business must come, let it not come in our backyard, where it will be encroaching on us, and we’re being told our opinions don’t matter,” said Angela Harris, wife of the First Baptist Church of

Ocoee pastor. “I’m asking you to please uphold the ordinances of the city.” On the other hand, about four residents, including Sean Gleason and restaurant owner Juan Rios, supported the brewery, emphasizing that Ocoee needs such businesses to boost tax revenue, attract more businesses and make downtown Ocoee a destination for residents. “In terms of churches being nearby, I don’t understand why that’s an issue,” Rios said. “A business like this should not have to run based on what a group wants them to. This is a business that will be paying taxes, and they should be able to run their business the way they want. ... This is a great thing for Ocoee.” The trio of businessmen — Duane Morin, David Strickland and Russ Balazs — have been home-brewing together and showcasing their products in local craft beer festivals for about 12 years before deciding to open their own business. The longtime Ocoee residents chose downtown Ocoee because of the city’s revitalization plans. The initial steps toward their entrepreneurial dream have been steeped in controversy, but they firmly refuted claims their brewery would increase crime and rowdy behavior by citing statistics. They shared research

TOLL ROAD BREWERY BREWHOUSE: 550 square feet TAPROOM/BAR: 900 square feet (34 seats) COVERED OUTDOOR PATIO: 40 seats HOURS: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays

asserting 47% of the U.S. craft brewery market is sustained by college-educated millennials and assured their brewery will charge a premium for their craft beer and close early. “We are not a bar,” said Morin during public comment in the standing-room-only commission chambers. “We do not serve alcohol. We are not open until 2 o’clock in the morning. … It’s a premium product at a premium price. There are no happy hours. There are no $2 drinks. It’s typically $6 (or more).” The idea behind closing early and charging premium prices is to deter any undesirable type of consumers from frequenting the brewery, Morin said. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

VanderLey takes oath of office Betsy VanderLey and Emily Bonilla were sworn in for their first terms, while District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke was sworn in for his second term.

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Betsy VanderLey, left, took the oath of office along side Commissioner Pete Clarke and Commissioner Emily Bonilla. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, right, welcomed newcomers VanderLey and Bonilla to the board.

ing to roll up their sleeves to make a difference. It is with their help I was elected, and it will be with their help that I serve.” VanderLey also thanked her family and the residents who supported her throughout the campaign. In her concluding statements, she asked her supporters to continue helping her as she takes on the responsibilities of her newly elected role. “I am proud and humbled to have been elected as your

new District 1 Commissioner,” VanderLey said. “I could not have done it without the help of many, and I am grateful that God sent each and every one of them to walk this path with me. Please don’t go anywhere now that the campaign is done. I will need your input, your energy, your wisdom and your creativity. I am counting on it.” Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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swore in two new commissioners and one returning, re-elected commissioner during the Orange County Oath of Office Ceremony Dec. 6 at the Orange County Convention Center. Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey and District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla were sworn in for their first terms, while District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke was sworn in for his second term in front of more than 400 attendees. The seven elected members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners serve four-year terms, and elections for Orange County Mayor and District 2, 4 and 6 commissioner seats will be held in 2018. As the District 1 Commissioner, VanderLey, a business development consultant who resides in Oakland, will serve the residents of Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Oakland, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips. Her seat was formerly filled by Scott Boyd, who was first elected in 2008 and reached term limits. “Mostly I have learned that District 1 has some of the most engaged citizens in the county,” said VanderLey during her remarks upon taking the oath of office. “They are passionate about their community and will-

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Ocoee opts to split code-violation cases Violations will be evaluated using the existing Code Enforcement Board and a special magistrate.

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Following a controversial decision by Ocoee’s Code Enforcement Board, city commissioners have decided to divide authority regarding codecompliance matters between the board and a special magistrate. Violations would be split by category, with a special magistrate overseeing commercial and industrial cases and the CEB presiding over residential cases. The momentous vote was made 4-1, with District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen abstaining. During an Oct. 25 CEB meeting, the board made what commissioners termed a disastrous decision that would cost the city an estimated $70,000 to fix. That decision granted Jim Sills, the owner of property located at 1 Taylor St., until Aug. 31, 2018, to bring the lot into compliance with proper zoning standards. City records show the lot, designated as light industrial zoning, has been used for outdoor storage for almost an entire 32 years since Sills bought the property in 1984. The problem is such zoning does not permit outdoor storage. However, as per standard regulations, property owners with code violations regarding the nonconforming use of property are usually given a maximum of 30 days to clean up the lot. Despite that regulation and legal advice presented by the city attorney, the CEB granted Sills the nearly two-year grace period. “It was a kick in the face to the city that night,” said Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson of the decision.“If you know what the law is and the legal people are sitting there telling you what the law is, why

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would you not do that?” The commission first weighed different options. The first included an idea to dissolve the CEB entirely and replace it with a special magistrate. The second option proposed was to replace only certain members of the CEB judged unqualified with new, vetted members. Wilsen, however, disagreed with both options. She instead proposed additional training for the volunteer board members. “I’m not interested in changing the code board at all,” she said. “It’s a slap in the face to say that our residents don’t have the necessary tools to make good decisions.” Commissioners Joel Keller, John Grogan and Richard Firstner all favored the option of hiring a special magistrate. Keller and Firstner cited a special magistrate’s legal background and emotional detachment as their reasons, claiming it places them in a better position to make judicial determinations based on municipal codes and Florida statutes. However, Ocoee resident Martha Lopez-Anderson argued the volunteer-based CEB was preferable to a magistrate because residents have a vested interest in the city. Anderson also spoke critically of the commission, implying commissioners put the CEB in a challenging position when they asked members to handle a code violation that had gone unnoticed for 30 years. “That meeting was painful to watch,” Anderson said during public comment. “And it was embarrassing for me as a citizen because I couldn’t believe that mistakes that have been made, basically by the city, are now being thrown at a volunteer board.” Commissioners passed a motion to reinstate the CEB until the official ordinance change. CEB meetings will continue as usual until city staff work through logistics for adding a special magistrate. Ocoee City Attorney Scott Cookson expects the process might take a few months. “With this downtown, we’re going to be changing a lot of the zoning throughout the city,” Grogan said. “There’s going to be a lot of things going on, and I think it’s asking a lot for a volunteer to stay on top of that.” Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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THREE DAYS OF JAZZ 8 to 9:15 p.m. and 9:45 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, and 5 p.m. Jazz Jam Concert on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Philadelphia trumpeter Joe Breidenstein joins Pilars Jazz Trio Chris Rottmayer, Charlie Silva and Walt Hubbard for three nights of jazz, culminating with an “old school” jam session on Sunday. Sign up to join the jam with the pros by 5:30 and take a turn with the band until 8. (407) 369-8900.

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WINTER GARDEN

“Adults reading the book to their kids will enjoy the story and be able to relate to it.” —Jeremy Gritton

hen Jeremy Gritton decided to create a children’s book, he never imagined it would take four years. Now with only three months standing between his years of work and holding the final product in his hands, Gritton, a Winter Garden resident, is counting the days until his book, “The Inn at the Edge of the World,” is published. Gritton’s inspiration for the book came shortly after his first daughter was born, but it had

been years since he had put paint to paper. “As a kid, I would always draw and illustrate,” Gritton said. “But I had stopped drawing, so I had to retrain myself.” But before he could start drawing, he needed a story. While drifting off to sleep one night, an idea floated into his imagination — a story about a family who ran an inn at the edge of the world for magical creatures. “(Before falling asleep), I remember thinking, ‘I should probably get up and write this down,’” Gritton said. “Luckily, I remembered it in the morning.” Within a few days, the story was done.

SEE FATHER PAGE 15

BETWEEN THE BRUSHES 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Children ages kindergarten and up can paint a Christmasinspired piece. Open to children in kindergarten and up. Cost is $35. (407) 909-1869.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21

CAROLS AND KITTIES 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Orlando Cat Café, 532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont. The Madigrigal Singers from Timber Creek High School will serenade the kitties at the Orlando Cat Café during this holiday concert performance. Free; space is limited. For more, email to info@orlandocatcafe. com.

RAVE OF THE WEEK

KAREN KENNEDY CHRISTENSEN Rave — to the gentleman who anonymously paid for breakfast for my husband and me at Winter Garden Breakfast Club. Thank you so very much. Chemo keeps me from eating out much these days, and I am always grateful when my taste buds feel like appreciating food. Your kindness made my day. God bless you, and a Merry Christmas!

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

DEC. 1, 1983 Folks are always looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones during the holidays. In the Dec. 1, 1983, issue of The Times, advertisers offered a glimpse of their wares. In the Tri-City Shopping Center, in Winter Garden, a variety of cameras were for sale, and some even came with a built-in flash, lens and case.

80 years ago

The Oakland Hotel has opened for the winter season. Winter Garden will be the training grounds of the Baltimore Orioles.

70 years ago

Mrs. Roy Fulmer entertained in honor of her son, Gloyce, on his fourth birthday. Helping him celebrate were Ronney Anderson, Bobby Anderson, Marcia Phillips, Lessie Phillips, Eugenia Thompson, Terry Barr, Rodney Reeves, Ann Banks and Carolyn Coble. Congratulation to Miss Elizabeth Arnold and Harold Maguire, whose engagement has been announced. Of wide interest here is the marriage of Miss Doris Sharp to Mr. Hugh Grimes. Miss Mary Katherine Roper became the bride of Dean Charles Engstrom at the First Methodist Church in Winter Garden.

35 years ago

The Ninth-Grade Favorites at Lakeview Junior High School are: Most Intelligent, Robert Matheison and Kim Gossett; Most Likely to Succeed, Scott Morris and Kathy Franklin; Most Talented, Karl Oleyar

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES This black-and-white photograph was taken at the Oakland-Winter Garden School, constructed in 1905 on Tildenville School Road. The

property was donated by the Willis family. It was the first consolidated school in Orange County and offered instruction to all grade levels. This 1908

photograph shows four of the high school-level basketball players, Arthur Ficquette, left, Ben Hull, Roscoe Willis and Clifford Bronson.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves the heritage and architecture of West Orange County while creating new cultural experiences. To donate material of local historic significance to the Foundation, call (407) 656-3244. and Kristin Garrison; Best All-Around, Karen Julian and Kenny Hill; Most Athletic, Randy McClellan and Rena Heckman; Friendliest, Jim Goff and Debbie Baird; Most School Spirit, Bret Summers and Terry Hahn; Best Dressed, Jimmy Joiner and Elizabeth Chatham; Class Clowns, Rob Vanderjagt

and Dana Hall; and Biggest Flirts, Don Price and Kimmie Bohart.

20 years ago

Florida Communities Trust approved a $562,000 grant to buy a 92-acre land parcel on the western edge of Oakland,

later named Oakland Nature Preserve. Debbie Lucas was appointed principal of the new Lake Whitney Elementary School, which is being built to relieve crowding at Windermere Elementary.

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Like many artists, Gritton turned to Kickstarter to fund the final phase of his project — publication. His campaign began Nov. 1 with the goal of getting 500 book orders through the website. In the last month, Gritton watched as people from across the globe placed orders for his book. By the time the campaign ended on Dec. 4, more than 400 orders had been placed. “It did amazingly well considering I had no outreach,” Gritton said. Although he didn’t reach his goal of 500 book sales, he came close enough to place an order this month for 500 copies to be printed. The estimated delivery date is March 2017. As a children’s book, Gritton said that “The Inn at the Edge of the World” is geared toward children ages 2 to 6, but adults could enjoy the story as well. “Adults reading the book to their kids will enjoy the story and be able to relate to it,” Gritton said. Are there more books on Gritton’s horizon? Maybe, he said. “The story lends itself to sequels,” Gritton said. “But I do have a standalone book already written. It’s a rhyming ABC book.”

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“THE INN AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD” About 70 extra copies still are available. To learn more about the book, or to purchase a copy, visit edgeoftheworldbook.com or email Gritton at jeremy@edgeoftheworldbook.com.

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Gritton assumed the illustrations would only take a few months, especially since that was more of his wheelhouse. “My original plan was to have it done by my daughter’s first birthday,” he said. But as a new father, finding time to work on the illustrations was a challenge. Between taking care of a newborn and working full-time as a digital sculptor for video games, Gritton’s only time to work on the book was between 5 and 6 a.m. The work was slowgoing. “If I had realized how much work it was going to be, I might not have gone through with it,” he said. Day by day, hour by hour, he plugged away at his project. His daughter’s first birthday passed, then her second and third. It became a running joke among his friends: Would Gritton finish the book before his daughter graduated high school? Gritton worked alone, using a touchscreen tablet and Photoshop to create each illustration. “Painting on a monitor is much more forgiving than working in the traditional way,” he said. He agonized over colors, shaping, sizing. His wife, a graphic designer, offered advice whenever he asked for it. “I almost always followed her advice,” Gritton said. “I joke that she’s my artistic director.” In December 2015, Gritton completed the last illustration. But when he looked at all the illustrations side-by-side, he noticed discrepancies. His earlier pictures

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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ILLUSTRATION

looked different from the later ones. Fixing them would require several months more of work. When it was completed nearly a year later, nearly every illustration had been reworked about three times.

MAGUIRE RD.

Father completes first book

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

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OrangeObserver.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

WE ARE THE…

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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he Winter Garden Police Department held its fourth annual Thunder in the Garden on Sunday, Dec. 4, with dozens of entries. The motorcycle ride took participants from the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center to Gator HarleyDavidson in Leesburg, where they could enjoy lunch, music, raffles and a silent auction. This charity ride benefits the Winter Garden Police Athletic League’s Holiday Gifts for Kids program.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Despite rain, Santa arrives in Oakland

ains couldn’t dampen the spirits of the residents who attended the town of Oakland’s annual Santa Day and Sing-Along on Sunday, Dec. 11. Santa Claus listened to the children’s Christmas wishes before being whisked off on a golf cart. Guests sang a number of Christmas carols before Public Works Director Mike Parker flipped the switch to light up the tree in the Town Square. The town of Oakland greets the community: Town Manager Dennis Foltz, left, commissioners Sal Ramos and Rick Polland, Mayor Kathy Stark and Commissioner Mike Satterfield. Not pictured: Commissioner Joseph McMullen.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Nehrling’s Amaryllis Festival brightens season

225146

early 500 people came out to the fifth annual Holiday Amaryllis Festival on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Nehrling Gardens. The festival included tours of both the historic Nehrling House and the grounds, a variety of vendors, live musical entertainment, a silent auction and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived in a vintage red Corvette.

Dickens Carolers strolled around Nehrling Gardens singing Christmas carols during the Holiday Amaryllis Festival.

— BRITTANY GAINE

Need space for your new couch? Donate your old one to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Call (407)905-0406 to schedule a FREE pick-up of your gently used furniture, appliances and household items. Shop the ReStore at

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Erik Sampson, who is more commonly known as Erik the Flutemaker, held flute-making demonstrations during the festival.

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

www.westorangehabitat.org

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Barbara Bochiardy answered visitors’ questions as they toured the historic house. Bochiardy owned the home before selling it to the Nehrling Society for preservation.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Imagine That Promo would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the Reindeer Run at Winter Garden Village

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Orlando Health employees showed up in full force to participate.

Reindeer Run gallops into Winter Garden Village R

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unners braved the chilly weather early in the morning Saturday, Dec. 10, to participate in the Observer Media Group’s first Reindeer Run 5K. Decked out in reindeer antlers, jingle bells and everything red and green, participants made the threemile lap around Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. Top finishers were awarded with snow globes or commemorative plaques, depending on category and placement.

Your West Orange Real Estate Expert

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www.BatesNESS.com • 407-347-9861 Stilt walkers Lauren Thomas and Ashley Ball pose with Orlando Health runners Esther Ruiz, Dylan Prinzel, Heather Prinzel, Pam Monix, Suzette Epps and Quamile Morina.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Jones and Verlander win ‘Golden Snowglobes’ at inaugural Reindeer Run 5k

Amy Verlander (31) wins overall female in a time of 22:09.

Jesaiah Jones (13) wins overall male in a time of 20:23.

West Orange High’s a capella group, Noise Complaint, performed throughout the race. Left: Jennifer Campbell brought her Great Dane, Apollo, along to participate in the holiday festivities.

The Birchmore Group’s Amanda Warren, Jami Hines and Astryd Rosa helped keep up morale and holiday cheer.

— PHOTOS BY DANIELLE HENDRIX

Stilt walkers from the Birchmore Group — Rick DeJesus, Ashley Ball and Lauren Thomas — cheered runners on.

hank you to all runners, walkers, sponsors, vendors and entertainment who participated in our Reindeer Run 5K held Saturday, December 10 at Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.

Mother-son duo Ben and Sarah Best had some of the fastest times of all the runners.

— OBSERVER MEDIA GROUP Bib Name Age Gender Guntime OA 487 ....Cynthia Torres ....................25 .........F .......... 29:27.3 ......50 499 ....Elena Dewolf-Catalan........31 .........F .......... 29:32.2 ......51 516 ....Christina Kishore ...............51 .........F .......... 29:38.2 ......52 477 ....Debra Ruys ..........................46 .........F .......... 29:46.4 ......53 443 ....Allison Little .......................39 .........F .......... 29:46.5 ......54 334 ....Angel Butler ........................37 .........F .......... 29:53.7 ......55 568 ....Alysia Vastardis ..................17 .........F .......... 29:54.2 ......56 358 ....Amy Vastardis.....................47 .........F .......... 29:55.7 ......57 518 ....Lauren Lender ....................26 .........F .......... 29:56.0 ......58 519 ....Andrea Sember ...................31 .........F .......... 29:56.2 ......59 591 ....Robert Pylos........................24 ........M ......... 30:18.1 ......60 383 ....John Salmieri ......................46 ........M ......... 30:24.2 ......61 362 ....Amy Jackson .......................48 .........F .......... 30:26.2 ......62 371 ....Kristina Meyers ..................39 .........F .......... 30:26.5 ......63 339 ....Megan Bacon .......................9 ..........F .......... 30:45.4 ......64 540 ....Joseph Nunes ......................57 ........M ......... 31:12.0 ......65 439 ....Lisa Cooper .........................50 .........F .......... 31:32.4 ......66 484 ....Sarah Lucas .........................26 .........F .......... 31:57.4 ......67 543 ....Mai Nguyen.........................41 .........F .......... 31:59.7 ......68 579 ....Lisa Watts ............................46 .........F .......... 32:02.9 ......69 391 ....Casey Strong .......................31 ........M ......... 32:04.5 ......70 452 ....Justin Curry.........................31 ........M ......... 32:09.4 ......71 395 ....Eric Borgsmiller .................31 ........M ......... 32:20.7 ......72 329 ....Micah Robinson .................28 ........M ......... 32:23.8 ......73 394 ....Mike Cooper .......................45 ........M ......... 32:26.1 ......74 476 ....Maria Roversi De Ruiz.......52 .........F .......... 32:35.6 ......75 468 ....Debra Davis.........................47 .........F .......... 32:35.6 ......76 365 ....Rebecca Avery ....................24 .........F .......... 33:01.8 ......77 379 ....Tim Warren.........................50 ........M ......... 33:23.9 ......78 399 ....Jeff Forrester .......................43 ........M ......... 33:44.3 ......79 480 ....Jensine Ingram....................30 .........F .......... 33:44.9 ......80 473 ....Jillian Keller.........................29 .........F .......... 33:48.1 ......81 398 ....Tyler Curry..........................26 ........M ......... 33:53.0 ......82 490 ....Shivonne Champatsingh ...30 .........F .......... 34:03.3 ......83 539 ....Vickie White .......................51 .........F .......... 34:07.8 ......84 538 ....Richard White.....................55 ........M ......... 34:08.1 ......85 337 ....Gail Filippetti ......................52 .........F .......... 34:08.1 ......86 340 ....Ryan Bacon ..........................9 .........M ......... 34:15.4 ......87 590 ....Allison Kert .........................19 .........F .......... 34:16.0 ......88 335 ....John-Paul Rando ................10 ........M ......... 34:17.5 ......89 336 ....Darlene Rando....................42 .........F .......... 34:18.0 ......90 572 ....Jordan Napoli......................26 ........M ......... 34:28.2 ......91 564 ....Stephanie Weber.................42 .........F .......... 34:28.3 ......92 523 ....Shauna Anstey ....................47 .........F .......... 34:28.3 ......93 563 ....Jerry Brown .........................53 ........M ......... 34:28.4 ......94 571 ....Michael Napoli ...................51 ........M ......... 34:28.4 ......95 377 ....Joseph Stubblebine .............11 ........M ......... 34:43.8 ......96 421 ....Reese Odza ...........................9 .........M ......... 34:46.5 ......97 460 ....Kiamecha Jones ..................26 .........F .......... 34:48.4 ......98

Bib Name Age Gender.Guntime OA 506 ....Danielle Velasquez .............28 .........F .......... 35:10.4 ......99 422 ....Zach Odza ...........................12 ........M ......... 35:45.7 ....100 554 ....Emma Schaefer ...................10 .........F .......... 35:48.6 ....101 325 ....Kristina Stone .....................71 .........F .......... 36:01.2 ....102 348 ....Sal Marullo ..........................37 ........M ......... 36:04.4 ....103 556 ....Mary Surprenant ................42 .........F .......... 36:06.4 ....104 330 ....Stefanie Robinson...............29 .........F .......... 36:06.5 ....105 553 ....Blake Schaefer ......................8 .........M ......... 36:07.1 ....106 390 ....Nicolas Poche......................11 ........M ......... 36:08.3 ....107 555 ....Frank Schaefer ....................47 ........M ......... 36:09.5 ....108 373 ....Sarah Miller.........................24 .........F .......... 36:55.9 ....109 410 ....Maria Vasquez ....................67 .........F .......... 37:05.5 ....110 545 ....Aimee Maher ......................46 .........F .......... 37:11.2 ....111 393 ....Maria Cooper .....................46 .........F .......... 37:11.3 ....112 370 ....Jack Meyers ..........................7 .........M ......... 37:39.7 ....113 363 ....Tyler Jackson ........................9 .........M ......... 37:41.0 ....114 353 ....Amy Imber ..........................43 .........F .......... 37:42.6 ....115 507 ....Madison Norden .................6 ..........F .......... 37:57.5 ....116 509 ....Nicholas Norden ................35 ........M ......... 37:59.9 ....117 508 ....Michelle Norden.................36 .........F .......... 38:00.1 ....118 462 ....Brianna Loucks ...................31 .........F .......... 38:39.8 ....119 416 ....Minh-Thi Dombrowski .....41 .........F .......... 38:44.0 ....120 400 ....Tamara Forrester ................43 .........F .......... 38:47.2 ....121 475 ....Johnathan Muller ...............31 ........M ......... 39:11.8 ....122 420 ....Megan Milkes .....................40 .........F .......... 39:18.1 ....123 417 ....Susan Maureau ...................57 .........F .......... 39:18.3 ....124 438 ....Nicole Campbell .................27 .........F .......... 39:24.3 ....125 401 ....Deanna Bergamo................33 .........F .......... 39:24.4 ....126 436 ....Brittani Sullivan ..................32 .........F .......... 39:57.1 ....127 333 ....Wendy Hyttel ......................38 .........F .......... 39:57.4 ....128 458 ....Suzette Epps ........................43 .........F .......... 40:01.8 ....129 559 ....Bert Parnell .........................42 ........M ......... 40:05.6 ....130 557 ....Apryl Tidd ...........................23 .........F .......... 40:17.7 ....131 537 ....Pamela Hinshaw ..................8 ..........F .......... 40:35.1 ....132 536 ....Maria Hinshaw ...................38 .........F .......... 40:40.0 ....133 372 ....Christina Johnson ..............39 .........F .......... 40:44.3 ....134 346 ....Rhonette Hukill ..................48 .........F .......... 40:51.4 ....135 388 ....Katie Riley-Schwarz ...........38 .........F .......... 41:08.7 ....136 501 ....Veronica Jackson ................29 .........F .......... 41:32.5 ....137 419 ....Rossenllini Watson.............33 ........M ......... 41:46.3 ....138 546 ....Rachel San Filippo .............35 .........F .......... 41:48.6 ....139 588 ....Alana Allen .........................34 .........F .......... 41:48.7 ....140 352 ....Robin Poche ........................54 .........F .......... 41:55.7 ....141 351 ....Natalie Poche ......................12 .........F .......... 41:56.0 ....142 446 ....Tamara Sims-Dorway ........46 .........F .......... 42:13.3 ....143 561 ....Lawana Wisemiller ............64 .........F .......... 42:16.9 ....144 530 ....Reya Henson ........................9 ..........F .......... 42:24.1 ....145 586 ....Nicole Piatt ..........................38 .........F .......... 42:39.5 ....146 529 ....Maia Henson.......................39 .........F .......... 42:54.3 ....147

Bib Name Age Gender Guntime OA 528 ....Bryce Henson.......................7 .........M ......... 42:54.8 ....148 457 ....Megan Veverka ...................27 .........F .......... 43:27.4 ....149 441 ....Robyn Keen .........................32 .........F .......... 43:27.6 ....150 381 ....Owen Jacobs........................11 ........M ......... 43:44.1 ....151 382 ....Tammy Jacobs .....................43 .........F .......... 43:44.3 ....152 354 ....Max Imber............................9 .........M ......... 43:51.1 ....153 562 ....Kayah Davis .........................7 ..........F .......... 43:52.4 ....154 532 ....Carmella Duell ....................7 ..........F .......... 0:43:53 ....155 533 ....Kelley Duell .........................45 .........F .......... 43:54.5 ....156 331 ....Jack Reilly ............................58 ........M ......... 44:27.3 ....157 442 ....Christie Kurtz .....................38 .........F .......... 44:35.3 ....158 548 ....Dylan Prinzel .......................8 .........M ......... 44:55.0 ....159 535 ....David Hinshaw ...................11 ........M ......... 45:05.5 ....160 514 ....Jennifer Cotto .....................33 .........F .......... 45:20.3 ....161 376 ....Hilary Stubblebine .............42 .........F .......... 45:24.2 ....162 378 ....Ryan Stubblebine .................9 .........M ......... 45:24.2 ....163 406 ....Olga Ines Arias ...................42 .........F .......... 45:35.7 ....164 580 ....David Vela ...........................25 ........M ......... 46:20.8 ....165 447 ....Jose Torres ...........................44 ........M ......... 46:21.5 ....166 578 ....Rocky Heckmann ...............63 ........M ......... 53:17.3 ....167 386 ....Gayle Fitzpatrick ................75 .........F .......... 53:51.5 ....168 510 ....Noelle Goulart ....................43 .........F .......... 54:43.8 ....169 489 ....Daniel Casey .......................30 ........M ......... 54:45.7 ....170 418 ....Diana Shanoa ......................26 .........F .......... 55:10.8 ....171 583 ....Natalie Vazquez ..................23 .........F .......... 55:11.3 ....172 347 ....Melanie Stallard ..................33 .........F .......... 55:45.0 ....173 496 ....Paul Stallard ........................33 ........M ......... 55:56.0 ....174 495 ....Melissa Rompola ................29 .........F .......... 55:58.8 ....175 505 ....Dominique Smith...............28 .........F .......... 55:59.0 ....176 503 ....Quenna Perry .....................40 .........F .......... 55:59.6 ....177 433 ....Jamie Martinez ...................39 .........F .......... 56:02.6 ....178 432 ....Anita Longoria....................31 .........F .......... 56:02.7 ....179 430 ....Sherrie Durden ...................46 .........F .......... 56:47.7 ....180 582 ....Krystal Batie........................31 .........F .......... 56:52.9 ....181 345 ....Darlene Dumas...................51 .........F .......... 57:29.2 ....182 454 ....Scammerith Miceus ...........31 .........F .......... 57:32.7 ....183 448 ....Heather Canzio...................26 .........F .......... 57:44.9 ....184 483 ....Sanh Keomanichanh ..........44 .........F .......... 57:45.4 ....185 387 ....Henry Fitzpatrick ...............75 ........M ......... 57:56.0 ....186 584 ....James Kozarik .....................86 ........M ......... 58:00.4 ....187 482 ....Laquitta Johnson ................43 .........F .......... 58:03.6 ....188 427 ....Suzann Vinson ....................60 .........F .......... 59:52.7 ....189 428 ....Susan Bartlett ......................51 .........F .......... 59:56.4 ....190 451 ....Joanna Cowart ....................46 .........F .......... 59:59.3 ....191 425 ....Vela Doralus........................48 .........F .......... 00:02.2 ....192 412 ....Dan Rezendes .....................86 ........M ......... 02:22.5 ....193 413 ....Laureen Smith ....................58 .........F .......... 02:24.6 ....194 225643

Bib Name Age Gender Guntime OA 405 ....Jesaiah Jones........................13 ........M ......... 20:23.0 ........1 342 ....Hector Clemente ................59 ........M ......... 20:45.9 ........2 444 ....Robert Olson.......................46 ........M ......... 20:53.0 ........3 404 ....Elton Jones ..........................51 ........M ......... 21:26.6 ........4 558 ....Stacey Williams ..................35 .........F .......... 21:34.6 ........5 466 ....Amy Verlander ...................31 .........F .......... 22:09.6 ........6 581 ....Charles Popper ...................43 ........M ......... 22:17.4 ........7 355 ....Royal Hawkins ....................51 ........M ......... 23:02.2 ........8 566 ....Milton Foresto ....................64 ........M ......... 24:09.8 ........9 360 ....Sarah Best ............................51 .........F .......... 24:29.9 ......10 359 ....Benjamin Best .....................17 ........M ......... 24:30.0 ......11 341 ....Cory Carter .........................44 ........M ......... 24:32.4 ......12 349 ....David Hargrave ..................16 ........M ......... 24:40.5 ......13 364 ....Paul Fergusson....................52 ........M ......... 24:49.1 ......14 587 ....Rachael Berning .................33 .........F .......... 25:11.9 ......15 574 ....Natalie Nesmith ..................11 .........F .......... 25:12.4 ......16 369 ....Imogen Wright ....................7 ..........F .......... 25:17.4 ......17 385 ....Diana Fitzpatrick................12 .........F .......... 25:37.1 ......18 367 ....Kielan Cooley ......................8 .........M ......... 25:40.8 ......19 402 ....Diana Conrad .....................54 .........F .......... 25:58.0 ......20 552 ....Scott Allen ...........................47 ........M ......... 26:29.9 ......21 408 ....Jorge Amezquita .................71 ........M ......... 26:36.3 ......22 411 ....Annabelle Sharp .................10 .........F .......... 26:50.7 ......23 366 ....Jerome James.......................29 ........M ......... 26:57.4 ......24 350 ....Kevin Hargrave ...................48 ........M ......... 26:58.7 ......25 589 ....Mark Marsh ........................49 ........M ......... 26:59.3 ......26 565 ....Nicole Sharp........................47 .........F .......... 27:06.9 ......27 464 ....Kristina Mcguire ................24 .........F .......... 27:33.5 ......28 409 ....Norma Rey ..........................43 .........F .......... 27:36.6 ......29 525 ....Jennifer Kirby .....................50 .........F .......... 27:39.5 ......30 478 ....Luis Burgos..........................57 ........M ......... 27:59.4 ......31 527 ....Bryant Henson....................38 ........M ......... 28:17.9 ......32 575 ....Kassie Gustafson ................24 .........F .......... 28:28.0 ......33 332 ....Heather Nolen ....................36 .........F .......... 28:34.5 ......34 526 ....Kevin Kirby .........................56 ........M ......... 28:36.9 ......35 524 ....Colin Kirby .........................13 ........M ......... 28:37.1 ......36 338 ....Paul Filippetti......................54 ........M ......... 28:37.9 ......37 380 ....Melissa Lory ........................23 .........F .......... 28:47.1 ......38 344 ....Violet Miramontes .............39 .........F .......... 28:57.7 ......39 343 ....Rebecca Frasier ...................51 .........F .......... 29:03.8 ......40 585 ....Jennifer Nesslar ..................22 .........F .......... 29:07.2 ......41 397 ....Kellie Monteleone ..............45 .........F .......... 29:11.9 ......42 396 ....Dan Elbert ...........................49 ........M ......... 29:11.9 ......43 431 ....Kimberly Hudson ...............39 .........F .......... 29:20.7 ......44 494 ....Steven Mcmichen ...............26 ........M ......... 29:21.1 ......45 415 ....David Calvert ......................41 ........M ......... 29:23.6 ......46 407 ....Jayleen Johanna Zayas .......14 .........F .......... 29:24.6 ......47 531 ....Kelly Carr ............................29 .........F .......... 29:26.1 ......48 456 ....Elsie Torres ..........................40 .........F .......... 29:26.7 ......49

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST

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

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at wotimes.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com

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

Gabriel Predicts Jesus’ Birth

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BAPTIST

- In the sixth month, the angel

Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” - Luke 1:26-28 (HCSB)

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523 S. Woodland, Winter Garden 34787 • MatthewsHopeMinistries.org • 407.905.9500

NATIONAL WREATH DAY December 17, 2016 10:00 AM

Woodlawn Memorial Park, Never Forgotten Memorials and our Patriotic Community will be observing the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War as we reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor. We will pay tribute to the more than 3 million servicemen and women who left their families to serve bravely, a world away from everything they knew and everyone they loved with a Full Choreographed Military Ceremony which includes a 40 piece military band, Posting of Colors, National Anthem Choir, Military Key Note Speaker, Local Dignitaries, Echo Taps, POW/MIA 5 Branch Performance, Scottish Bagpiper, placing of wreaths while under a huge tent for your comfort. To purchase a wreath for the event please contact Woodlawn at 407.293.1361.

Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734 | 407-293-1361

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

“Youth fades, love droops, The leaves of friendship fail; a Mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Nina is survived by her daughter, Debra Bess and (Bert Valdes), of Winter Garden, Florida; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Roark, of Winter Garden, and Justin Bess, of California; one great-granddaughter, Mya Bess, of California; and one brother, Larry Ayers and

JOHN A. SPENCER NOV. 22, 1936 TO DEC. 12, 2016

John A. Spencer was born Nov. 22, 1936, in Bridgeport, Illinois, to Dale Eliphaz and Iris Fern Osborn Spencer. The family, having spent several winters in Kissimmee, Florida, moved permanently in 1946. John graduated from Osceola High School in 1954 and married Norma Gail Patrick. John and Norma Gail were blessed with three children. John began his career as a tile setter and later became a wellrespected general contractor. John was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Kissimmee while living there and served the church and community in various positions. The family moved to Valdosta, Georgia, in 1976. Norma Gail preceded John in death in 2000. John was also preceded in death by his son, John Dru Spencer; daughter-in-law, Betsy Smith Spencer; and his brother, Tre-

maine Eliphaz Spencer. In 2003, John married Elaine Lovett Stuart, and they lived in Windermere, Florida, until his passing. John loved New York Broadway shows and good music from classical to country. He enjoyed browsing antique shops, collecting vintage tin wind-up toys and traveling the United States. He loved his God and his family. Everyone who knew him considered him to be a gentle man, as well as a gentleman. He was a member of First Baptist Church Orlando. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Lovett Spencer; his

NATHAN GEE CESAR, 7, of Ocoee, died Monday, Nov. 21, 2016. Pax Villa Funeral Home, Orlando.

CARLOS GALVAN, 73, of Ocoee, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

CARLOS R. COLON, 77, of Gotha, died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

MARIA GONZALEZ, 87, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. Baldwin Brothers, Orlando.

KEVIN MICHAEL DUNN, 59, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. Robert Bryant Funeral and Cremation Chapel, Orlando.

RENNE LEATTO, 64, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Loomis Family Cremations, Orlando.

WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd. • Gotha, Florida 34734

407-293-1361

(Edna), of Kissimmee, Florida. She was predeceased by her daughter, Teresa Donahey. Nina’s funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home, 1132 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

daughters, Suzanne (R.C.) Chaffin and Julie Spencer; granddaughters, Haley Spencer Miller and Reagan Spencer; grandson, Shawn Chaffin; and great-grandchildren, Jordan Winn, Payton Miller and Judd Miller; stepchildren, Lisa (Rick) Ross, Jim (Lisa) Sumner and Tom Sumner; step-grandchildren, Trent (Charlene) Ross, Nicholas (Emilee) Ross, Robyn (Bucky) Day, Melissa (Dan) Proietti, Amanda (Noah) Rowan, Kelly (Moses) Walker and Jaime Sumner; and 15 stepgreat-grandchildren. John will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Henry Chapel, First Baptist Church Orlando at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Private family interment at Osceola Memorial Gardens.

Serving the Orlando area since 1926.

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Nina Elizabeth Bates, 70, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Nina was born on Feb. 26, 1946, in Clermont, Florida, the daughter of the late Arnold “Slim” and Dolly (Partin) Ayers. She was a lifelong resident of Winter Garden. She was a very loving and nurturing mother and the primary caregiver for 27 years to her handicapped daughter, the late Teresa Donahey. Nina loved her home, she enjoyed when her family was all

together there. Home shopping was one of her favorite things to do. Her daughter Debra would like to share a quote to her mother:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

Todd DeGusipe

“Because you care”

Cremation, Funeral and Burial Starting at $795

(407)695-CARE (2273)

www.DeGusipeFuneralhome.com Family owned & operated 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd. Ocoee, FL 34761

Maitland Sanford West Orange

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NINA ELIZABETH BATES DIED DEC. 8, 2016.

Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden We are Proud to offer: • A Celebration of Life Service • Traditional Burial and Cremation Services • Prearranged Funeral Services

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

407-656-2233 • www.baldwinfairchild.com 428 E. Plant Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

Winter Garden’s ONLY family owned funeral home.

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We value the importance of family in our community. As a family operated business, our services are personalized to suit you and your loved ones distinct needs. We strive to bring that personal connection to everyone we serve.

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Vicky White

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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DECEMBER 15, 2016

SPORTS

The Knights won three games last week, highlighted by an exciting victory against the Jones Tigers. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

A trio of wins last week — highlighted by a come-frombehind victory against Jones Dec. 7 — have the Ocoee girls basketball team (7-4) rolling. Despite trailing the Tigers by 10 points at halftime, the Knights rallied to a 63-60 win. Ocoee took the lead with under a minute to play, 58-57, on a pair of free throws by Dynasty Carter. Three more free throws by Carter, a pair of free throws from Ariel Colon and a timely blocked shot by Akila Smith and Ocoee had completed the 13-point turnaround. Colon led the Knights with 21 points. Carter added 19 points, and Smith stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and five assists. Earlier in the week, Ocoee had beat Cypress Creek, 57-29. Then, a day after the victory against Jones, the Knights beat East River 65-47 behind strong games from Carter (19 points), Colon (21 points) and Smith (11 points, 12 blocks, seven steals, nine assists and seven rebounds), improving to 2-1 in district competition. Still, the come-from-behind nature of the win versus Jones is what most impressed head coach Gina Solano going forward. “They’re learning how to come together as a team and handle adversity,” said Solano. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

DOMINO 5 EFFECT HIGH

Ocoee girls hoops builds momentum with wins

The hiring of Fred Priest as athletic director of Windermere High School, which will open next fall, has set off a chain reaction within the high school athletics community here in West Orange County — impacting Ocoee, Dr. Phillips and Apopka High. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

WEST ORANGE

t started with the need for a relief high school to ease overcrowding at West Orange. That school, since named Windermere High, hired a principal: Doug Guthrie. Coming from Apopka High School, Guthrie ultimately brought a familiar face along with him when hiring an athletic director to lead the sports programs for the Wolverines. Fred Priest, who has been at Apopka High with Guthrie for the past five-and-one-half years, is the first athletic director at Windermere High. The hiring of Priest has led to a domino effect of sorts over the past month. With Priest leaving Apopka High, that opening has been filled by Dr. Phillips Athletic Director Russell Wambles. That created an opening at Dr. Phillips, which has been filled by Steve McHale, the current athletic director at Ocoee High. Finally, Ocoee’s assistant athletic director, Scott Howell, has been promoted to lead the Knights’ sports programs on an interim basis. For Wambles and McHale, the moves entail returning to schools they had worked at in the past: Wambles was the athletic director at Apopka for six years before he went to Dr. Phillips, and McHale was at Dr. Phillips as an assistant athletic director before coming to Ocoee. Although all four have begun to assume duties at their new posts, hirings are effective Jan. 1, 2017.

SEE PAGE 27 Steven Ryzewski

Dynasty Carter and the Ocoee Knights are on a roll as of late.

Foundation Academy middle-school boys soccer team got strong play all season from first-year goalkeeper Gabriel Ferraz. Page 26

The Dr. Phillips football team came up just short in its pursuit of the FHSAA Class 8A State Championship Dec. 10. Despite leading 10-0 through three quarters, the Panthers were defeated 1410 by Miami’s Southridge High. For full coverage, visit ObserverPreps.com.

Congratulations to Ocoee High senior soccer standout Candido Worrell for being named last week’s Observer Preps Athlete of the Week. Worrell scored three goals for Ocoee in a 3-0 victory Dec. 5 against Dr. Phillips.

The West Orange boys basketball team scored a big win against district rival Wekiva Dec. 8 in overtime, 95-91. K.J. Simon led the Warriors (5-1) with 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists.

West Orange County was well represented at the Central Florida All-Star Football Game last week. A trio of Ocoee defenders — Lyston Barber, Dorian Jones and B.J. Bohler — helped lead the defense for the West along with West Orange’s Julian Pittman and Foundation Academy’s Jaquane Patterson, who took snaps at running back. The West beat the East 35-16.

Congratulations to the Cobalt Blue soccer team that won the 6-and-Under Championship of the City of Winter Garden’s Fall League. The team’s roster included Gizelle Nieves, Zachary Spinogatti, Jack Ouligian, Rylie Licata, Milly McMullan, Logan Spain, Siena Halperin and Dylan Adams.