12.22.16 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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VOLUME 83, NO. 51

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Gottahava Wawa

YOUR TOWN Help feed the hungry

The Food For Families program will be in operation for the Christmas holiday, feeding more than 1,200 families this season, but volunteers are needed to make it a success. Southeastern Food Bank, a division of Bread of Life Fellowship, and Publix Super Markets host the annual packing and distribution event. Volunteers are needed at Ocoee High School, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, for the 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. shifts Saturday, Dec. 24, to unload donated food and sort and pack food boxes. On Sunday, Dec. 25, drivers are needed beginning at 8 a.m. in the school bus loop to pick up addresses and food boxes. For information, call (407) 654-7777 or email office@ breadoflifefellowship.com.

•

Merry Christmas!

The wait has ended, Winter Garden: Wawa’s doors opened Thursday. See page 3.

COMMUNITY

KINDNESS

Office closed for holidays

r Winte pany f o s r Owne Pizza Com n Garde ant offer a rd r a restau forward bo lows l pay-it wall that a w on the ners to sho food i g their d ss by buyin rs. e e kindn re custom tu for fu

E4 G A P SEE

The West Orange Times and Windermere Observer office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays beginning Friday, Dec. 23. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2017.

ARTS & CULTURE

What’s next for West Oaks Mall?

TENNESSEE TRIUMPH

The 20-year-old mall is slated for a transformation into a mixed-use development with retail, office, hotel and residential space beginning in 2017. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER OCOEE As 2017 approaches, it will

Jazz musicians help you get the most out of Pilars’ weekly jam.

PAGE 9

signal not only a change in the calendar but also new beginnings and a new game plan for Ocoee’s West Oaks Mall. Moonbeam Capital Investments LLC recently announced plans for a major redevelopment of the 20-year-old Ocoee mall, with the first phase of the project set

to begin in 2017. Currently, West Oaks is a 1.1-million-square-foot indoor shopping mall with about 85 tenants, including anchors Dillard’s, an AMC movie theater, JCPenney and a new Xerox customer-service center. The redevelopment will transform the property into a mixeduse development, complete with retail, office, hotel and residenSEE MALL PAGE 4

West Orange alum Corey Vereen is set to play his final game as a Tennessee Volunteer. PAGE 17.

YOU R CALENDAR

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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 from the inside out with ancient Indian Ayurvedic beauty techniques with certified holistic health coach Shahnaz Nensey. An afternoon of beauty and wellness with organic skincare products that can be easily found in the kitchen using essential oils, herbs and spices will be demonstrated in this interactive class. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

IN HIS NAME! WE DANCE 4 and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Presented by the Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts, this Winter Garden tradition is in its 23rd year. Tickets are $12 to $15 and are available at gardentheatre.secure.force. com.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

SATURDAY, DEC. 24

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Services at 4, 5:30, 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, in the sanctuary at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Children are invited to attend the 4 p.m. service dressed in costumes for the annual Children’s Nativity Pageant. A limited number of costumes will be available. Arrive no later than 30 to 45 minutes before each service for the best chance of seating. (407) 876-4991 or st.lukes.org/ schedule. CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, at West Orange Church of Christ, 1450 Daniels Road, Winter Garden. The worship gathering will include a candlelight service, a reading of the Christmas story from the Gospels, Christmas songs and Communion. (407) 6562770.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, at West Orange Church of Christ, 1450 Daniels Road, Winter Garden. The worship gathering will include a candlelight service, a reading of the Christmas story from the Gospels, Christmas songs and Communion. (407) 656-2770.

TUESDAY, DEC. 27

BLOOD DRIVE 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the Hugh T. Gregory American Legion Post 63, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Held in conjunction with Florida’s Blood Centers, which will have its van set up in front of the legion hall. Donors receive free movie vouchers. The post will be open with sodas, coffee, tea, water, fruits and pastries available for purchase. (321) 662-5883. TREEHOUSE ADVENTURES 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Join friends for high adventure and interactive activities based on the popular Magic Tree House series. Ages 6 to 9. (407) 8357323.

THURSDAY, JAN. 5

RETIRED EDUCATORS 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando. The Orange County Retired Educators Association is for anyone who has worked in education. This month’s program is on home and personal safety and elder law. (407) 677-0446.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

INSECT SAFARI: BUGS OF THE DEAD 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Join Christy LeDuc for a special Insect Safari. She will explore the creepy crawly world of the Bugs of the Dead. Afterward, join LeDuc for a hike, traveling the trails in search for insects. Bug nets and containers will be provided. For all ages. Free for members, $5 for others. Register online at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. (407) 905-0054.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

BASICS OF VEGETABLE GARDENING 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Learn to grow “warm season” vegetables, including soil preparation, adjust-

ing soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation, pests and diseases. Event is free. Register at gardenflorida. eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

BLUE HIKE: LAKE BEAUCLAIR TOUR 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Trimble Park Ramp, 5802 Trimble Park Road, Mount Dora. Join Oakland Nature Preserve President Jim Peterson for a two- to three-hour kayak tour on the lake. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak and a life jacket. No beginners or inflatable kayaks. Preregistration required at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. Limited space is available. Free for ONP members, $5 for others. (407) 905-0054.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

ECOSATURDAY: WINTER WONDERLAND 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and the Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. It’s winter in Florida, but what is winter like in other places around the world? Investigate the environmental changes that happen when the temperature drops and use science to create some Floridaready snow. Ages 7 and older; limited to 30 people. Class is free. (407) 254-1940.

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Wawa arrives in Winter Garden STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN For MetroWest resident Andrew Murray, a New Jersey native, Wawa is somewhat a way of life. Having grown up on the Jersey shore, Murray also grew up on Wawa. He held a summer job at one of the infamous convenience stores, as did both his father and brother. One could say it runs in the family. “It’s kind of a way of life in South Jersey— you get your coffee there and go there for lunch and sometimes dinner,” he said. In New Jersey, Murray said, there’s a Wawa on every corner. Now, four years after the first one opened in Florida, it’s West Orange County’s turn to see what all the fuss is about. After spending much of 2016 under construction, Winter Garden’s highly anticipated Wawa is ready for business. Located on the corner of West Colonial Drive and Dillard Street, the new 6,119-square-foot convenience store and eight-pump gas station created roughly 45 jobs. It opened its doors on Thursday, Dec. 22 — and Murray planned to be one of the first people in line. After moving in 2002 to Florida, Murray noticed the store’s absence in Central Florida. He loves Wawa much for the same reason a person loves Christmas — it’s something from his childhood. “It was a part of my life for so long, and I kind of missed it for 10 years when I moved here,” he said. “You really realize how much you loved it, and it was something that was part of my life since I was born. You learn to appreciate it.” The first Wawa Food Market opened in April 1964 in Folsom, Pennsylvania. Over the years, it has evolved to include fuel stations, freshly brewed coffee, made-to-order food and more. Now, there are more than 630 Wawa stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. When the first Wawa in Florida opened across from SeaWorld in July 2012, Murray hardly could contain his excitement. He and his wife soaked in the atmosphere as he took pictures and savored the nostalgia of it all. He even got a photo with the convenience store’s mascot. “It was like tailgating at a Philadelphia Eagles game,” Murray said of the first Florida store’s grand opening. “Everyone there was from my neck of the woods,

For many West Orange Wawa fans, Christmas came early with arrival of the convenience store’s first Winter Garden location Dec. 22.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Christmas memories With visions of Hatchimals and Nintendo NES Classic Editions dancing in heads across West Orange, we asked our community leaders to share their favorite childhood Christmas gifts. “Myself and my buddies all got BB guns one Christmas. We had target practice with tin cans. Probably not the toy of choice nowadays. Times have changed.” — Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson

“It was a patent leather Barbie Doll lunchbox from Santa when I was 6. The prettiest thing I had ever seen.” — Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark

“I had a wealthy uncle and aunt, and they had sent me a present. It drove me nuts. I shook it and shook it for three days before Christmas. It was a rocket launcher, and it had three on one side and three on the other. And I broke three of them shaking it so much.”

Courtesy photos

The Winter Garden Wawa staff, led by General Manager Justin Sproul, is excited to officially open its store.

the governor was there, I think the Orange County mayor was there. There was a whole slew of guest speakers. It was a really big deal.” He’s not the only one excited to have a Wawa closer to home, though. Winter Garden resident Christina Marinelli was introduced to Wawa when she went away to college in Pennsylvania. She was immediately hooked on the hoagies, Tastykakes and sweet tea. “They have the hoagies (subs), which nearly rival Publix’s and may even be better,” Marinelli said. “I think that Wawa’s sweet tea is better than anything I’ve had down here in the south, and that’s saying a lot, drinking southern sweet tea.” Although Marinelli grew up in Florida, her grandfather would come down to visit from Pennsylvania and bring Tastykakes and butterscotch crumpets along with him. Now that a Wawa — and Tastykakes — will be five minutes down the road from her, the excitement is really setting in. “They’re really good: I don’t even really share them with my family; I buy them for myself!”

Marinelli said of Tastykakes. “I’m really excited. Normally, we’d have to drive all the way over by SeaWorld to go over to Wawa, and now there’s one that’s less than five minutes from my house. What sets them apart from other convenience stores is their customer service. They’re always super friendly and personable, and they always make sure they interact with my child, which is really important to me.” Sharing the Wawa experience with family is also important to Murray: In fact, he got his wife, Gretchin, hooked on it the first time he took her to New Jersey. “We were dating maybe three months and went up for a friend’s wedding,” he said. “As soon as we got off the plane, we went to Wawa. I had to show her what the big deal was.” And although they are MetroWest residents and won’t have a Wawa right down the road for a while, they’ll be moving to Winter Garden soon to be closer to Gretchin’s job — or so the story goes. “That’s the reason why we’re moving — there’s no Wawa close enough,” Murray joked. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

It’s Christmas time!

— Winter Garden Mayor John Rees

MetroWest resident and Wawa fan Andrew Murray jokingly gives the chain’s mascot a friendly peck on the cheek at the grand opening of the first Florida store in Orlando four years ago.

WAWA WINTER GARDEN 13501 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden

WHAT’S A WAWA? “Wawa” is a Native American term for a Canada Goose. According to Wawa’s website, the name and logo come from the location of the chain’s original dairy farm, which was built on land located in a rural section of Pennsylvania called Wawa.

“My favorite Christmas toy probably was the year I got a bicycle. It was pink, which is my least favorite color. I’m not sure what my parents were thinking there, but it wasn’t a little kid bike anymore. It was like a grown woman-sized bicycle. We were still in Michigan, and I was probably 9. And there was snow on the ground, so I couldn’t ride the bicycle. So it sat in the garage until I could ride it. It was just this long anticipation.” — Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey

Do we really even know the True Christmas story?

During the holidays many people are lonely and depressed... please come. Join us December 24th at 12:30pm in Spanish and 5pm in English. Come to Next Community Church “on purpose!” Give God the presents, of your presence!

Merry Christmas!

Pastors Sean, Jack and David 13640 W. Colonial Drive Suite #110 • Winter Garden, Florida 34787

www.nextcommunitychurch.com

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DANIELLE HENDRIX

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Good in the world GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN Each of the vari-

ous handwritten papers adhered to the board with Scotch tape bears a broad description along with an offer of free food. One of them offers a free mac and cheese for a little girl with pigtails, while another offers a slice of pizza and a drink for a child with autism. Yet another is reserved for a couple married for 40 years, while two more are simply for “someone in need.” But each paper displayed on Winter Garden Pizza Company’s “Pay It Forward” board serve the same purpose: to give patrons an opportunity to perform an act of kindness for a complete stranger. The idea for the restaurant’s board sprouted about two years ago, when the restaurant’s owners, Alison and Michael Scorsone, visited Orlando Brewing and noticed the patrons buying beer for each other with a similar system. Alison proposed they do something similar in their Italian restaurant as a little experiment. “I was like, ‘You know what? That board never gets used. Let’s do a pay-it-forward board,’” Alison Scorsone said. “It took a while to catch on, because people didn’t understand it. But I thought, you know, we’ve got such a strong community here, and little acts of kindness can make such a huge change not only for the people

Gabby Baquero

Michael and Alison Scorsone are the owners of the popular Italian fare restaurant Winter Garden Pizza Company.

receiving it but for the people who are giving it. So we started out with a couple that we thought would be interesting and spark the question of ‘What’s that?’ And it’s caught on since.” They’ve allowed the board to grow naturally since then. At first, Michael Scorsone was skeptical of the idea, believing it might encourage some to take advantage of it. But he was pleasantly surprised to observe the board has done nothing but bring smiles to his customers. “It was never, ‘Let’s do this for promotion,’” he said. “We put it up, and we never said a word to

WINTER GARDEN PIZZA COMPANY 42 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-1930 HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m Mondays through Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays

anybody — not even the servers. For the first three weeks, half of my servers didn’t know what the heck it was. We just put it up and thought, ‘Let’s see how it rolls.’” Most people who use a “free food coupon” left by someone

Mall renovations revealed

COPS CORNER

tial space. The existing shopping center is set to undergo extensive renovation, while multi-family residences, restaurants and freestanding shops will surround it. A map of the proposed site plan shows the existing mall leading out to a courtyard on the west end of the property. The courtyard is surrounded by two blocks that each consist of four 10,800-squarefoot tenancies. Between the two blocks is a landscaped walkway. Multi-family homes with private parking will be situated at the western end of the property, just east of Clarke Road. Just south of the residences, West Oaks guests will see a 200-room hotel and 50,000-square-foot conference center. Adding to redevelopment plans is a 25,000-square-foot GameTime Family Entertainment Center, a full-service restaurant and sports bar that recently announced it is opening a new location in Ocoee. It will take the place of the former Borders Bookstore.

Courtesy photo

WINTER GARDEN DEC. 7

13730 block of West Colonial Drive. A Chase bank employee had recognized an elderly man from a be-on-the-lookout notice sent out earlier in the day warning of an elderly man with multiple fake driver licenses and Social Security numbers that belonged to actual Chase Bank customers. The elderly man was trying to withdraw $1,500 when a bank clerk asked him for the password to his account. When the elderly man stated he did not know the

This will be the eighth GameTime in Florida, and the company’s fourth flagship location. The entertainment center includes an arcade, restaurant, full bar and eight lanes of miniature bowling, among many other amenities. It

password, the clerk had other employees stall him while officers arrived. It was discovered the elderly man had been dropped off by a black Cadillac. The two men in the black Cadillac also were arrested and transported to WGPD. During police questioning, they denied knowing the elderly man or being involved in the crime. It was later revealed that all three men were from Miami and lived between one and four miles from each other.

OCOEE DEC. 8

Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

GameTime’s new Ocoee location will be modeled after the company’s other flagships. This is what the Miami location’s game floor looks like.

“It’s really built around spending time with and enjoying people you love, and we find that oftentimes our environment is conducive to getting people to interact and engage together,” said GameTime CEO Michael Abecassis.

else on the board leave one as well, but there is no expectation to do so. Some people don’t really ask or realize it’s there, so some of the servers remind them to check the board. Debbie Liskey, the restaurant’s general manager, sometimes looks for people who fit a description on one of the papers. “And one time, there was one that said, ‘For a kind person.’ And there was this guy (who) came in, and he helped hold the door open for this whole group of ladies,” Liskey recalled. “And I said, ‘That is so nice of you.’ And I went up there, and I said, ‘Here, this is for you,’ and gave it to him, because sometimes people feel that they don’t want to take something from there, so I try to find them.” Another time, Liskey helped a man trying to buy a slice who was 50 cents short. She told him about the board and how he could use it to get two, and the man started crying. One person she always sees use the board is a blond homeless lady who comes in with her baby in a stroller. “It’s kind of cool to know that you’re giving something to somebody, even though you don’t know who that is,” Alison Scorsone said. “And then the next time you’re back, and you see that it’s gone, it gives you joy again to know you’ve made somebody’s day great — to know you’ve impacted somebody’s life with just a simple act of kindness.”

10500 block of West Colonial Drive. A black man and white woman were observed stealing various items during their visit to a Walmart shopping center. The two thieves browsed the meat department, baby department and garden department, where they placed items from their shopping cart into a black backpack and white purse. When the thieves attempted to exit the Walmart, an asset-protection officer stopped them. The woman came back inside,

will create somewhere between 50 to 55 jobs, as well as around 30 seasonal, summer jobs. “We are excited to welcome GameTime to West Oaks Mall,” said Moonbeam CEO Steven Maksin in a press release. “The new entertainment center is an integral component of the mixed-used redevelopment and will further catalyze the transformation of the West Oaks Mall.” Demolition of the building’s interior already has begun, and Abecassis hopes to begin interior reconstruction in January, with a target second-quarter opening. “The at-home entertainment piece of business is well served in Orlando but underserved in suburbs,” Abecassis said. “I think having GameTime at the front entrance will be a catalyst to help move that process along, and we’re excited to be a part of that.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

but the man left. A responding police officer obtained house keys from the woman and went in search for the man and the stolen items. Upon entering the apartment, the man was found hiding in the closet. When the officer checked under the bed covers, he discovered the stolen beer, baby clothes and detergent in a pile. The stolen merchandise amounted to a total of $62.14.

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, 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 Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives 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

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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OAKLAND The requests for public

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records are increasing, and the time it takes town employees to fulfill these requests is cutting into their regular work load — so the town of Oakland has created a public records policy that applies to both Town Hall and the Oakland Police Department. Town Clerk Kim Gay and Stacie Quinn, public-records custodian at the OPD, worked together to create a document that fits both areas of the town. The two also have committed to holding periodic classes to keep department heads and employees updated. One purpose of the policy is to affirm citizens’ right to access town records, except those exempted by law. It states requests can be made in person, in writing or by email, phone or fax.

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The commission approved the second reading and public hearing of multiple ordinances. One is a zoning map amendment for the Oakland Park neighborhood from Planned Unit Development, A-1 Agricultural and R-1A Single-Family Residential to PUD. Another amends the town’s future land-use element of its Comprehensive Plan by establishing two more categories: Medium Density Residential and Mixed-Use Activity Center. The third changes the future land-use designation from Com-

n Mayor Kathy Stark was presented with the Mayor John Land Years of Service Award from Mark Sittig, of the Florida League of Cities, for her 20 years of elected service to the town of Oakland. She was recognized for improving the quality of life in the town and for being an outstanding public servant. n Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included three minor updates to the employee handbook, as well as the manager’s report. Dennis Foltz’s report included a December calendar of events in the town; the announcement of Mayor Kathy Stark’s State of the Town Address at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017; and the recognition of Paul Zakhary’s election as president of the Oakland Coalition of Churches.

mercial to Mixed-Use Activity Center for about 58 acres owned by the Florida Turnpike and Florida Department of Transportation east of the turnpike, south of Oakland Avenue, north of West Colonial Drive and west of Jefferson Street. The applicant, Dwight Saathoff, of PFD LLC, proposes to develop a mixed-residential development that ranges from multi-family to single-family dwellings. Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

Located at Terry’s Sweet Crumbs in the Food Court

Stop by and Drop off your “Letters to Santa” by Dec. 24!

Holiday Artesian Market Dec 22 & 23

Continuing the 12 Days of Christmas December 13-24

S.T.A.R.S. Gift Wrapping Hours: in Center Court

Friday, 12/16 from 5-9pm Saturday, 12/17 from 12-8pm Sunday, 12/18 from 12-7pm Monday, 12/19 from 11am-8pm Tuesday, 12/20 from 11am-8pm

WHEN RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WILL BE BESTOWED UPON WEST OAKS MALL -GOERS!

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

HOLIDAY HOURS

DEC 22 10AM-10PM

DEC 23 10AM-10PM

DIL 11AM-8PM JCP 8AM-MIDNIGHT

SAT DEC 24 9AM-6PM

DEC 26 10AM-9PM

DEC 27 10AM-9PM

DEC 28 10AM-9PM

DEC 29 10AM-9PM

DEC 30 10AM-9PM

DEC 31 10AM-6PM

DIL CLOSED JCP 6AM-10PM

DIL 12PM-7PM JCP 10AM-9PM

DIL 11AM-6PM JCP 10AM-8PM

JAN 1 12PM-6PM

JAN 2 10AM-9PM

DIL 11AM-6PM JCP 11AM-8PM

DIL CLOSED JCP 10AM-9PM

Sidewalk sale Dec 29, 30, 31, Jan 1

It’s Easy, Fun and Convenient to Shop at West Oaks Mall!

DIL 11AM-6PM JCP 7AM-6PM

DEC 25 CLOSED

New Year’s Day

Wednesday, 12/21 from 11am-8pm Thursday, 12/22 from 11am-8pm Friday, 12/23 from 11am-9pm Saturday, 12/24 from 10am-6pm

Bath & Body Works, Champs, Children’s Place, Dillard’s, Foot Action, Footlocker, GNC, Gymboree, Hollister, JC Penney, JimmyJazz, Kay Jewelers, Lids, Payless Shoe Source, Perfumania, Piercing Pagoda, Spencer Gifts, Things Remembered, Victoria’s Secret and more!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Oakland Town Commission establishes public-records policy AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

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WINTER GARDEN Christmas came early this year for the residents at Health Central Park, thanks to 15-year-old Madison Roe. After taking a service learning class at Ocoee High School, Madison realized not everyone at assisted-living facilities have family members around with whom to celebrate Christmas. So she decided to bring Christmas to them. “Not a lot of families visit their moms, fathers, grandmothers or grandfathers for the holidays,” Madison said. “So I wanted to get them something.” She choose Health Central Park not only because of its proximity to where she lives but also because a longtime family friend is a resident of the facility. “My Granny Sasser is living there, and I wanted to get her something for Christmas,” Madison said. She began working on her project in late October, collecting donations and saving up money she had earned from getting good grades on her report cards. “I was really impressed,” said Madison’s mom, Celia Anderson. After contacting the facility to find out what the residents might like in their gift bags, Madison began assembling the bags with the help of her younger cousin Kylee. During the next five weeks, the two girls put together 105 gift bags that contained a variety of

items, including socks, combs, lotions, ChapStick, red lipstick, note cards, pens and pencils, paper, word search and puzzle books, playing cards, candy, coloring books, crayons and blankets. Dec. 3 was the big day, and for two hours, Madison handed out the gift bags to the residents. “When we went, (Madison) was so excited,” Anderson said. “She even sang a few songs for the people — and she’s not a singer. But they wanted to hear Christmas carols, so she did it.” But for Madison, communicating is a daily challenge. Diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, Madison cannot hear things like most people. Although she can hear, her brain has difficulty processing sounds and spoken language to determine their meaning. To cope, Madison has learned to read lips to communicate, although being in a group setting makes communication nearly impossible. Despite the challenge, she never lets it hold her back. At school, she works hard to maintain her good grades in all her honors classes. On Dec. 3, it was all about surprising the residents and spreading the Christmas cheer, she said. Most of the residents were thrilled just to have someone visiting them, and Madison said the experience was amazing. “The people who worked there were so nice, and the residents were so happy,” she said.

Courtesy photo

Fifteen-year-old Madison Roe delivered 105 gift bags to the residents at Health Central Park.

Word about Madison’s project spread and eventually reached the ears of the Ocoee Police Department. Officers visited Madison at school to learn more about her project and recognize her efforts. For Valentine’s Day, Madison hopes to make another visit to the residents at Health Central Park — this time to deliver cards. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

KATHY STARK MAYOR, TOWN OF OAKLAND

often have said how lucky we are to live in Oakland. When I look around, I see the growth happening all around us and coming to our wonderful small town. I recognize there are different ways to look at it, but there are some facts of which we sometimes need to remind ourselves. As much as most of us who live in Oakland would like to be the last person to move here, that is simply not an option. Considering that, the staff and the Town Commission have spent the last few years preparing for the growth we know is coming. Anyone who owns property, no matter where in this great country of ours, has rights. They have a right to develop it within the rules and ordinances set forth by governing municipality. We first conducted Visioning Sessions to refine our Gateway Corridor ordinances so we would have a plan for any commercial development that would come our way on State Road 50. We held organized sessions and solicited citizen input to craft

these ordinances in a way that maintains our identity and allows for businesses that will complement Oakland. Second, we formed an Appearance Review Board of citizen volunteers, many with construction, engineering and architectural backgrounds, to review proposed commercial developments prior to consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board (also made up of citizen volunteers). Once these proposals have gained approval from Planning and Zoning, they move to the Town Commission. The purpose is to ensure we are meeting the standards that have been set forth for the town. The Town Commission does not have exposure to planning and review of a development project until it comes to us at our meeting, nor do we meet with developers outside of public meetings. All of this is a subjective and realistic approach to growth and a commitment to transparency in all that we do in Oakland. We take the responsibility of managing growth and citizen tax dollars seriously. We also welcome active participation by citizens in the process of managing this town on all levels, including our budgets and tax spending. Growth is not going away in West Orange County, and it will not go around us, either. We all need to work together to protect our identity, support our fellow residents and understand property rights in the coming years.

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MY VIEW

OrangeObserver.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Killing it in the kitchen Two hundred area students competed in the sixth annual Orange County Culinary and Hospitality Competition on Dec. 8. BRITTANY GAINES

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Brittany Gaines

Tabor Filipello, a senior at Ocoee High School, monitors his waffle iron while cooking a dessert during the Orange County Culinary and Hospitality Competition.

students weren’t competing, they watched cooking demonstrations and were given behind-thescenes tours of the World Center to show them what kind of jobs were available to people with a culinary or hospitality degree. “They believe in the education of youth and giving students opportunities,” Armbruster said about the World Center’s decision to host the event. While some of the students had competed previously, many were first-timers. “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” said first-time competitor Alexander Proisl, a senior from Westside Tech. And for repeat competitor Christina Nagy, a Westside Tech senior, preparation is key.

“Compared to last year, we blew this one out of the water,” Nagy said about her team’s dish. For some, the decision to take culinary classes wasn’t just about the fun of cooking but also a chance to prepare for college life. “It’s being able to fend for myself,” said Emma Stockman, a senior from Ocoee High School. “Now, I can whip something up for myself.” These new culinary skills will come in handy once they start college next fall, said Ocoee High senior Chelsia McClain. “I can get some food and cook it,” she said. “I can’t call my mom (to come cook for me).” Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL SPECIAL ELECTION JANUARY 24, 2017 Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Resolution 16-06 the City of Winter Garden, Florida, will hold a Special Election on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for the purpose of electing one Commissioner for District 3 to fill an unexpired term ending March 2018. Only those registered voters residing within the boundaries of District 3 shall be eligible to vote in said election. Candidate qualifying was held noon November 29 to noon December 6, 2016 with the following candidates appearing on said Special Election ballot

Patricia Ann Angry Harold L. Bouler Mark Maciel The polling location for District 3 is Fire/Rescue Headquarters, 1 East Cypress Street, Winter Garden, Florida, and will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the day of the Special Election. This Special Election shall be conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of general law relating to Special Elections and applicable provisions of the City of Winter Garden Charter and Code of Ordinances. *********************************** Kathy Golden, CMC City Clerk / Municipal Elections Official

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Blair M. Johnson

ORLANDO Students brought their sharpest knives and tastiest recipes to Orlando Marriott World Center on Dec. 8 as they prepared to go head-to-head in the sixth annual Orange County Culinary and Hospitality Competition. More than 200 student from 11 different Orange County schools — including several students from Ocoee High School and Orange Technical College Westside Campus — participated in the annual competition. “Culinary competitions are not for the faint of heart,” said Matthew Miller, a senior at Westside Tech. “We planned since August and made our fish five different times to make sure it was right.” Students could participate in a variety of competitions — from cooking a meal to baking a dessert to creating table settings. “It’s an awesome opportunity for the students,” said Mike Armbruster, the senior executive director for career and technical education for Orange County Public Schools. The competition began at 9 a.m. and lasted until noon. Students worked in pre-assigned teams to create their culinary masterpiece and only had a set amount of time to complete their dishes. When

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

ARTS + CULTURE QUICK HITS THURSDAY, DEC. 22

LIVE MUSIC: THE TONY ESCAPA TRIO 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere (407) 258-7028.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

SATURDAY, JAN. 9

AUDITIONS: “SHREK THE MUSICAL” 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden. The West Orange High School Theatre Department will host public auditions for its production of “Shrek The Musical.” The members of the production team are looking for school-age children from kindergarten through elementary school who would like to be in the show. Those attending will be taught a short, simple dance step by the choreographer. In addition, they must be prepared to sing 30 to 60 seconds of a song of their choosing. They can sing a capella or bring an accompaniment track. The show will run Feb. 14 through 19, with in-school performances on Feb. 14, 16 and 17. For more information, contact Tara Whitman, (407) 9052400, Ext. 6162683, or Tara.Whitman@ocps.net. Interested children do not have to be enrolled in an Orange County school to participate.

RAVE OF THE WEEK

Jazz Jam sessions are held every Sunday evening at Pilars Martini in Winter Garden.

THE SWING OF THINGS Have you ever heard jazz but had a hard time unraveling the music’s mysteries? The masters that host Pilars Martini’s weekly Jazz Jam sessions are here to help.

BOOMER CHRISSY HAWKINS Rave — to the sweet couple who randomly bought my daughter this and wished her a merry Christmas at the Walmart in Ocoee. Thank you! It’s things like this that spread the Christmas spirit. Your kindness made us smile and we will pay it forward. Merry Christmas, and many blessings to you!

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

WINTER GARDEN

very Sunday evening, local jazz musicians come out to Pilars Martini for a jam session. They take turns playing on the piano, double bass, drums and any other instrument that gets carted in. It’s reminiscent of the old-school jam sessions that took place back in the mid-1900s. But the fun of jazz is in the music itself.

“You have to be bitten by the bug,” said Joe Breidenstine, a professional trumpet player from Philadelphia who was the featured jazz musician at Pilars last weekend. Known as the only true American art form, the key to jazz is improvisation, said Chris Rottmayer, a jazz pianist who started the Sunday Jazz Jam sessions at Pilars last year. “It’s this improvisation that is the jazz content,” Rottmayer

SEE PAGE 12

Brittany Gaines

THE ERAS GYPSYLAND (1920S TO 1930S) The clarinet was a more popular instrument instead of the trumpet during this era. This is the music still popular in New Orleans. BEBOP (LATE 1940S TO EARLY 1950S) Charlie Parker was a wellknown jazz musician and composer in this era. AVANT-GARDE (1950S TO 1960S) Also called free jazz, this form of jazz is completely improvised with no melodic anchor point. POST-BOP (1960S) Miles Davis helped propel this era into popularity in the 1960s.

INSTRUMENTS OF CHOICE A typical jazz band often included a variety of the following instruments: Double bass, drums, guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, vibraphone, organ and harmonica.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

Winter Garden resident Gail Carman took her community newspaper with her when she traveled to Butte County, Magalia, California. During her trip to visit family, they visited The Depot, a train station-turned-restaurant.

Are you planning a vacation? Be sure to pack a copy of the West Orange Times & Observer or Windermere Observer. All entries will be entered into our ongoing Travelin’ Times contest. Entering is easy! Just snap a high-quality photo of you and your friends or family members with the paper and email the picture to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Rhode at

aqrhode@orangeobserver.com. You can also mail or drop off the photo: Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.

New Years Eve Buffet Menu at Pilars $35.00 From 7 to 10 PM

Chilled Shrimp, Spicy Cocktail Sauce Mix Local Salad Greens, Ranch & Balsamic Traditional Salad Accompaniments Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad Whole Roasted Beef Steamship Horseradish Cream, Parker House Rolls Seared Chicken Breast Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc Vidalia Onion Mashed Potatoes Seasonal Vegetable Assorted Desserts

PARTY WITH PILARS MARTINI DURING NEW YEARS EVE AND ENJOY ENTERTAINMENT FROM SUZY PARK & PILARS LIVE PARTY BAND MUSIC STARTING AT 9PM. RESERVATIONS FOR VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

BAR OPEN 3PM to 3AM 225196

TRAVELIN’ TIMES

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY DEC. 25, 1986 When George and Anne Bailey owned The West Orange Times, it was tradition for them to run a full page of Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to their West Orange County readers. The page always included a fun holiday drawing with Times staffers’ heads pasted onto images of elves, reindeer, Christmas tree bulbs and more.

The Bradford family mailed out this photo Christmas card sometime in the 1950s. Dr. Ed Bradford was a general practitioner at West Orange Memorial Hospital from its opening in 1952 until his 1987 retirement. Bradford also served as the former chief of medical staff at the hospital and was a trustee. He is pictured with his wife, Virginia Ayers Bradford, and their children, Wade, Emmett, Edward and Meredith Lea.

The Pine Tree Inn, recently destroyed by fire, was the showplace of Windermere and drew tourists from around the country. Located on Lake Butler on the west end of Second Avenue, it was a delightful place for relaxing. Inn patrons fell in love with the town and returned to build cottages around the chain of lakes. Frank Morgan and Roy Fulmer have bought the Superior Cleaners from Tom Mann and Mike Roper.

50 years ago

Operation Pride has been busy making Windermere Town Hall and the grounds more attractive. The plan highlight is the circle drive in front of Town Hall that will be lit by 30 old-fashioned street lamps. The first lamp burns in memory of John Calvin Palmer, donated by his daughter, Letha Palmer Luff.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

FROM THE ARCHIVES

80 years ago

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.

45 years ago

From Editor’s Notebook: Fouryear-old Sally Osburn was describing to her parents, Kitty and Karl, a Christmas picture she made at nursery school. “This is baby Jesus, and this is Joseph. And Mary has gone shopping.”

The fourth annual West Orange Debutante Ball was held at the Bay Hill Club. Presented were Sarah Arnold, Lynne Howard, Laura Lassetter, Lori Sanders, Lynn Theisen, Barbara Veech and Cynthia Ann Weede.

20 years ago

Efforts to clean up Florida’s most polluted lake got a big boost as the St. Johns River Water Management District’s governing board agreed to pay $19.8 million for the 3,412-acre A. Duda and Sons muck farm on Lake Apopka.

10 years ago

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce honored Ruth Grafton and Marie Williams with the Lifetime Ambassador award.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

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UNDERSTANDING JAZZ

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said. “When you’re improvising, you’re depending on the support of the other people. It’s a real team thing. The deeper everyone listens to each other, the more nuanced the music is.”

MEDICARE & MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Our Office Policy: The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay; cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment.

While the musicians jam, it may be challenging to understand the musical process for jazz novices listening in the audience. But generally, each song revolves around a line of melody. In the beginning, all the band members play together until they have played through the entire melody — or head — of the song. Then one-by-one, the members take turns soloing, each improvising a new melodic line based on the original piece. The order of soloists can either be pre-arranged or completely off-the-cuff, Rottmayer said. But if it’s spontaneous, musicians have to listen carefully to each other to prevent simultaneous soloing. “Even with the same group, the same song can sound different every night,” said double bass player Charlie Silva. And listening to jazz live makes the music more interesting, Rottmayer said. “Not everyone knows about jazz, but I think everyone can identify with it and enjoy it,” he said. “You’d be surprised the energy that’s there.”

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A HOME FOR JAZZ

In September 2015, Rottmayer and his fellow jazz musician Per Danielsson approached Pilars with the idea of creating a weekly jam session. The goal was to create an environment where area jazz students could play alongside professional jazz musicians. “Jazz has been forever been learned in a mentor relationship on the bandstand, but that doesn’t really exist anymore,” Rottmayer said. “Now, the teaching of jazz

Above: Charlie Silva, left, and Walt Hubbard are two of the professional musicians who participate in the weekly Jazz Jam Session at Pilars Martini in Winter Garden.

has moved into the university setting, but it’s a little too academic. It becomes performance ensembles where (the music) is really worked out. It doesn’t have the energy of performing in front of people.” And jamming with pros is one of the best ways to learn the tricky art form, Breidenstine said. “It’s very difficult to master,” he said. Now, every Sunday, college students and local community members take turns jamming with the band. Some Sundays more than 20 people sign up to join the jam session. “It’s a very cool event,” said Becky Roper, owner of Pilars. “It’s a community-driven jazz event, and it’s really interesting to watch.” For the musicians, Pilars has become the new jazz hub in West Orange County. “It’s our home away from home,” Silva said. “We feel so welcome here; it feels like family.” Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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Chris Rottmayer was one of the creators of the weekly Jazz Jam Session. The purpose, he said, was to give jazz students a place to play in a band with professional jazz musicians.

JAZZ JAM SESSIONS WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays WHERE: Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden DETAILS: The professional band members play from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Anyone interested in playing with the band must sign up before 5:30 p.m. to take a turn jamming with the band, which lasts until 8 p.m.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

1575 MAGUIRE RD. (1 BLK. OFF HWY. 50)

www.westorange5.com

407-877-8111

“Homemade Sandwiches and Snacks Available” W. HWY 50 MAGUIRE RD.

General $8.00 Child (2-12) $6.00 Senior (60+) $6.00 Matinee (before 5pm) $6.00 3D is an additional $2.00 per ticket

THESE SHOWTIMES FOR:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 thru THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

During the skit “Responsible,” Vanessa Kiehm and Junissa Senatus were faced with changing a baby’s stinky, dirty diaper.

Emelia Brzakala belted out “My New Philosophy,” from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

PG-13

MOANA

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Aja Waseem argued with an invisible teacher about a poor grade during the skit “Unexpected Grade.”

FRI: 3:50P 6:50P 9:55P SAT: 3:50P

PASSENGERS

PG-13

ROGUE ONE

PG-13

FRI: 1:10P 4:10P 7:10P 10:00P SAT: 1:10P 4:10P SUN: 4:10P 7:10P MON-THURS: 1:10P 4:10P 7:10P FRI: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P 9:55P SAT: 1:00P 4:00P SUN: 4:00P 7:00P THURS: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P

SING

FRI: 1:30P 4:30P 7:30P 10:00P SAT: 1:30P 4:30P SUN: 4:30P 7:30P MON-THURS: 1:30P 4:30P 7:30P

WHY HIM?

FRI: 1:20P 4:25P 7:20P 9:55P SAT: 1:20P 4:25P SUN: 4:20P 7:20P MON-THURS: 1:20P 4:20P 7:20P

FENCES

SUN: 3:50P 6:50P MON-THURS: 12:50P 3:50P 6:50P

PG-13

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

THE BEST MOVIE VALUE IN WO COUNTY

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COLLATERAL BEAUTY

FRI: 1:40P 4:40P 7:40P 10:00P SAT: 1:40P 4:40P SUN: 4:40P 7:40P MON-THURS: 1:40P 4:40P 7:40P FRI-SAT: 1:25P

ozens of Ocoee Middle School students took the stage on Tuesday, Dec. 13, to show off their theatrical talents. The showcase was put on by the school’s theatre department and only the best of the best performed. As parents and teachers watched, the students acted out skits, sang songs, danced and even performed pantomimes.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

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Ocoee Middle thespians shine at Student Showcase

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OrangeObserver.com

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

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

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

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

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

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

Come celebrate the birth of Christ during one of our Christmas Eve services! 4:30 pm - Foundation Worship

15304 tilden Rd. (near the intersection of 545 & tilden)

6:00pm & 7:15 PM at FBC Winter GArden

125 plant street (at the corner of plant & dillard) 1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

GET MORE GIVE for your Gift!

“YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE!”

Help us help them help themselves. Like us on facebook at www.Facebook.com/MatthewsHopeMinistries

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

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BAPTIST

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

A unique shopping experience!

Saturday,

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35 S Dillard Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-912-2461 Follow us on Facebook

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West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

Celebrating 1st Anniversary of Anne’s Art and Design

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated the 1st Anniversary of Anne’s Art and Design, an Interior Design Studio providing residential and commercial design service, home furnishings, accessories and gifts. Anne Fanelli has over 20 years of experience in Interior Design, is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and certified by the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications. Projects range from model homes, high end residential, resorts, hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and theme parks. Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

Celebrating 5th Anniversary of Read to Sydney

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Read to Sydney. Read to Sydney, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) that helps children discover the boundless world of literature by reading to Sydney’s friends. This maverick canine’s story has now been wrapped up in ‘Sydney Finds a Job’ – an enchanting kid’s book that has even caught the attention of a former First Lady. Come visit Sydney’s friends at their Reading and Learning Center located at inside of the West Oaks Mall. Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

Celebrating 5th Anniversary of Ms. Bee’s Popcorn & Candy Shoppe

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Ms. Bee’s Popcorn & Candy Shoppe. At Ms. Bee’s, you will find a wide variety of nostalgic candies.These fondly remembered vintage brands are mixed in with newer market favorites and have made Ms. Bee’s a destination spot for candy lovers of all ages. Ms. Bee’s Homemade Fudge is made by the Queen Bee herself with time honored recipes that will make your mouth water just thinking about them.Who can pass up the Chocolate Peanut Butter, Raspberry Chocolate Swirl, or the Chocolate Vanilla Caramel! Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

Celebrating 5th Anniversary of Rocky’s Retreat

Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of DME Consulting International

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Rocky’s Retreat. Rocky’s Retreat is a dog boarding, daycare, hydrotherapy and fitness business located just west of College Park in Orlando. At 7000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space, we offer an intimate setting where dogs thrive. Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) celebrated the ribbon cutting of DME Consulting International. DME is an international consulting firm that delivers breakthrough solutions in change management, leadership development and performance improvement.We focus on positively transforming the performance and relationships you have with your employees, customers and shareholders. Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

T Celebrating 1st Anniversary of The Sophisticated Closet

Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s New Location

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Habitat for Humanity ReStore.West Orange Habitat’s ReStore has moved from its long-time Dillard Street location to a larger commercial space at 13369 West Colonial Drive in the Winter Garden Plaza.The ReStore carries gently used furniture, appliances, housewares and building materials. Sales from the ReStore have helped fund the building of more than 30 Habitat homes in the Winter Garden area. Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated the 1st Anniversary of The Sophisticated Closet.We knew we could add a valuable asset for the women of our city and surrounding towns. Our vision of a fashion boutique with classic style, yet with a twist, adds to the varied and fun feel of the area.We have something for everyone, from casual t-shirts, sandals, and jeans, to elegant dresses, jewelry and gift options. Come enjoy the culture of Historic Downtown Winter Garden and stop by and see us! Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

Celebrating 1st Anniversary of Melts on Main St.

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated the 1st Anniversary of Melts on Main St.What goes better together than a grilled cheese sandwich and a tomato soup? Not much, which is why we know you will love Melts On Main Street (MOMS). Photo courtesy ofWOCC.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

City of Ocoee Notice of Public Hearing

TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON MEDICAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the City of Ocoee City Commission will consider a proposed Ordinance relating to a Temporary Moratorium on the processing and consideration of all applications to the city, including but not limited to applications for development orders, development permits, and building permits, where the application relates to medical cannabis activities. The OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on Tuesday, JANUARY 3, 2017, at 7:15 pm or as soon thereafter as practical. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, IMPLEMENTING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2017, ON THE PROCESSING AND CONSIDERATION OF ALL APPLICATIONS TO THE CITY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT ORDERS, DEVELOPMENT PERMITS, AND BUILDING PERMITS, WHERE THE APPLICATION RELATES TO MEDICAL CANNABIS ACTIVITIES AS MORE SPECIFICALLY DEFINED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Jeff Dyal piled the packages high on his eight-seater.

Annual golf-cart parade swings into Winter Garden

he annual Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade took off at dusk Saturday, Dec. 17, with 165 entries cruising the historic streets of Winter Garden. Judges included city commissioners Kent Makin and Bob Buchanan, Mayor John and Linda Rees and Orange Country District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. The winners were the Rollis and Reese families, with their flamingo cart, in first place and the Robinson family in second. The event raised $3,431 for the Edgewood Children’s Ranch.

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Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed actions above. The complete case file may be inspected at the Ocoee Development Services Department/Planning Division located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The City Commission may continue these public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 407-905-3105.

— AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE

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Sean O’Neill launched the Facebook group, Winter Garden — Rants, Raves and Reviews, 18 months ago. Story on 13. ARTS+CULTURE

ALL FIRED UP AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR

appelling down the side of a sevenstory building was easy for Erin Akers because she’s not afraid of heights, but confined-spaces training was a bit of a challenge for the Winter Garden resident, who is working toward becoming a firefighter.

YOUR TOWN ALUMNI MEET ON GRIDIRON

STORY ON PAGE 4

Two former West Orange Wildcats and West Orange Warrior football players competed in a recent SEC game. Garrett “Juice” Johnson is a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Sean Kelly is a punter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. With them is Eric Poole, who was one of their coaches during their Wildcats years.

HISPANIC HERITAGE Ocoee is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. Motorists traveling on Clarke Road will see festive “Ocoee Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month” pole banners dotting the street. Viewers can tune in to Ocoee TV to watch a fourpart series titled “Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation.” The show will air at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on Channel 493, Bright House Networks.

David Haynes

Erin Akers is nearly finished with her firefighting training, and then she’s hoping to get a position with a local fire department. She and her 6-year-old son, Liam, live in Winter Garden.

Parker Boudreaux chooses Notre Dame — much to the delight of longtime supporters of his school. SEE STORY ON 25

Car-show organizers search for new sponsor The Sept. 19 Cruz-N-Car Show in downtown Winter Garden might have been the last. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER

Droves drove to the large parking lot on West Plant Street for what might have been the last Cruz-N-Car Show, a tradition each third Saturday of the month for about seven years. The longstanding sponsorship of the show from the Winter Garden Merchants Association ended recently, based on cost increases that caused the association to lose money with the show each WINTER GARDEN

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A lack of sponsorship has led to the possible finale of a monthly downtown Winter Garden car show fervently supported among community members.

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Winter Garden single mom Erin Akers has found her passion — firefighting.

West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 15

City of Ocoee Notice of Public Hearing

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NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the City of Ocoee City Commission will consider a proposed amendment to the City of Ocoee Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of updating the Capital Improvements Element. The CITY COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017, at 7:15 pm or as soon thereafter as practical. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT (CIE) UPDATE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CPA-2016-001

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Observer Celebrating 110 years in West Orange

This entry looks like it went through a snowstorm.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA AMENDING THE OCOEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS ADOPTED IN 1991, AS AMENDED, IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH SECTION 163.3177, FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed actions above. The complete case file may be inspected at the Ocoee Development Services Department/Planning Division located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The City Commission may continue this public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 407-905-3105. 225695

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

BARBARA JANE BOAST DIED DEC. 14, 2016.

Barbara Jane Boast, age 75, passed away on Dec. 14, 2016, at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital with her family by her side. She was born Sept. 6, 1941, in Miami, Florida, daughter of Darrell Myers and Evelyn Warnke. She was raised by her mother, Evelyn, and stepfather, William Sidgmore. She was a lifelong Florida resident, having lived in Miami, Leesburg, West Palm Beach, Montverde and Winter Garden. She worked as a schoolteacher, Children’s Shelter director and Chick-fil-A kitchen manager until she retired. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Edward Boast Jr. Surviving are her son, Marshall (Sidge) Boast, and wife, Jeane; her grandsons, Jordan, Bryson and Camden, of Winter Garden; brother, Steven Myers, and wife, Bertha, of Ocala; and stepsister, Sharon Fairbanks. Jane’s passions were quilting, Bible Study and family. She was very active in her church and loved teaching Sunday School. She

TONYIA “TONI” LYNN TODD DIED FRIDAY DEC. 16, 2016.

Tonyia “Toni” Lynn Todd, 69, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at her home. Born on Oct. 28, 1947, in High Point, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late James Arthur Hucks and Eloise Ross Hucks. She was a graduate of Boone High School in Orlando, Florida,

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PASTOR JAMES HORACE WATSON DIED FRIDAY DEC. 16, 2016.

blessed many with her quilts and gifts. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations, in memory of Barbara Jane Boast, to Foundation Academy of Winter Garden, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, Florida 34787. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Montverde, 17409 Eighth St., Montverde, Florida, 34756, with the family receiving friends following the service. There was a reception following at the church. Becker Funeral Home, beckerfamilyfuneral.com.

and an alumna of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was employed by the Florida State Employment Agency, but her passion was as an artist. She had the unique ability to bring a picture to life with watercolors or just a simple pencil. She was a lifetime dog-lover. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her spouse, Merwin A. Todd. Surviving is her sister, Jan Schultz, and her spouse, Allan, of Asheville, North Carolina; niece, Alia Schultz, of Gdansk, Poland; and nephews, Travis, Spencer and Parker Schultz, all of Asheville, North Carolina, and Chris Todd and his spouse, Jenny, of Durham, North Carolina. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, in the chapel of Asheville Area Alternative. Donations may be made in her memory to CarePartners Hospice, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Unit A, Asheville, North Carolina 28803. Condolences may be made to the family at AshevilleMortuaryServices.com.

Pastor James Horace Watson, 64, of Montverde, Florida, went to be with his Lord while worshipping in service on Sunday morning, Nov. 27, 2016. He was born June 8, 1952, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to his parents, Dock and Alpha Watson. On July 14, 1972, he married Linda Joyce Dyal in Winter Garden, Florida. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, of 44 years; his daughter, Amy (Robert) Marino; two sons, James (Melissa) Watson and Caleb (Jennifer) Watson; six grandchildren, Cheyenne Watson, Isabella Marino, Wyatt Watson, Madison Watson, Easton Watson and Gavin Watson. He is also survived by his brother, William Neal (Suzzanne) Watson of Winter Garden, Florida; three sisters out of state; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was Senior Pastor at Crossroads Family Fellowship in Clermont, Florida. He established the church in Montverde in 2002. He and his father-inlaw, Earl (Ruby) Dyal, operated an air-conditioning and appliance service company beginning in the 1970s that is still in operation through his children. He was one of the founding members of the South Lake Pastors Fellowship. He was the chaplain for the Central Florida Christian Bass Club and was a member of the Christian Men’s Golf League. He loved spending time with his wife, Linda; they were high school sweethearts, and their love only grew stronger through the years. In their spare time you’d often find them walking the beach hand in hand and just enjoying each other’s presence. He loved time with his family, never missing any of the grandkids’ activities. His passion was worship and serving the Lord, whether it be in church or his quiet time with God. He had the heart of God for people and to see them ensure their salvation. He loved singing, fishing with his boys, golf and fellowship with family and friends.

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DECEMBER 22, 2016

SPORTS

Legacy Charter’s Tya Freeman has led the Eagles girls basketball team to a 7-2 start. Page 18

HIGH

Tennessee Twilight 5 STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

orey Vereen still can remember what it felt like the first time he

took the field at Neyland Stadium. It was the fall of 2013, and after recovering from an injury during fall camp for the University of TenRuth Dudley/Tennessee Athletics

Corey Vereen, a Winter Garden native and West Orange High alumnus, is set to close an impressive collegiate career for the Tennessee Volunteers Dec. 30 in a bowl game.

Former West Orange High star defensive end Corey Vereen is preparing to play his last game as a Tennessee Volunteer Dec. 30 in the Music City Bowl against Nebraska.

nessee football team, the Winter Garden native and defensive end had gotten his first taste of college

The West Orange wrestling team won the Ray Hollingsworth Duals Dec. 17. The Warriors placed first, going 5-0. West Orange is 9-0 on the season.

action a week earlier in a road game at Florida.

SEE VEREEN PAGE 18

Lady Bobcats make it a three-peat The Bridgewater Middle School volleyball team won its third consecutive OCPS Championship last week, topping a fall semester that also saw the school’s girls soccer team take home a championship. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR HORIZON WEST They must be putting something in the water at Bridgewater Middle School. The local middle school celebrated last week as its girls volleyball team won a third consecutive Orange County Public Schools Championship — capping a third consecutive undefeated season — this time without losing a single set throughout the season. The Lady Bobcats defeated Maitland in the championship game Dec. 14. “This group, this year, they were phenomenal,” head coach Layla West said. “We just kind of built a family around it.” The team was led this fall by sisters Cassidy and Amanda Cham-

The West Orange boys basketball team came up short against rival Olympia Dec. 15 (recap online at ObserverPreps.com), but the day was not a total loss. The Warriors, under the guidance of head coach Eric Jones, raised more than $600 heading into the game, with proceeds to Toys For Tots and other charities.

The West Orange girls soccer team earned its 10th win of the season Dec. 15, topping Lake Howell 3-0. Bailee Siegfried, Cristina Roque and Bryce Brozovich all scored for the Warriors.

Courtesy photo

SEE BRIDGEWATER PAGE 19

The Lakeview Middle School boys volleyball team finished as runner-up last week at the OCPS Championship — a first for the program. Captains Kevin Roberts and Ben Acton were the team’s only returning players. The team also received strong play from Kevin Roberts, Gabriel Thornton, Leo Borunda, Aarun Lui, Ben Acton, Jordi Moreno, Isaac McCree and Jamarus Barber. The team is coached by Wilma Wright.

The Bridgewater Middle School volleyball team celebrates after its championship victory Dec. 14.

The Ark Spectic softball team, comprised of several alumni of West Orange, Ocoee and Olympia high school athletics programs, won its division in the City of Winter Garden’s fall softball league.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER