09.15.22 Southwest Orange Observer

Windermere, Horizon West, boathouse

development includes 110 homes across from Windermere High. 2A. Two-year-old Max McCabe was diagnosed with a rare and fatal neurological disease, TBCD, with a life expectancy of only a few years and no known treatment. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Alex, Helena and Max McCabe are looking for help from the community to raise $2 million for gene therapy.

The Windermere Police Depart ment Foundation Inc. is holding its third annual Cops & Bobber event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 17. Children ages 3 through 17 are invited to race minnows, fish with Windermere police of ficers and win prizes.

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The Ocoee Police Department is hosting a paper-shredding event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the police station, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway, Ocoee. No registration is needed, and the drive-thru event is free.

Acceptable items include all paper, file folders, paper clips and staples. The first box is free, and a donation of $5 is suggested for other boxes. There is a five-box limit for this shredding day.

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vs.WindermereDr.Phillips

Dr. Phillips VOLUME 7, NO. 49 PRSRT WINTERUSECRWSSSTDPOSTAGEPAIDGARDEN,FLPERMITNO.81 Postal*****************ECRWSSEDDM****Customer Helena McCabe: “There’s nothing that kicks you in the teeth more than being told your kid is going to die and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Town will proceed with

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. ObserverFREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

SWIM

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WINDERMERE PD CASTS LINE FOR YOUTH ANGLERS

Wolverines are building a new culture based on family. 1B.

Horizon High’s girls swim team defeated Freedom 89-74 in a meet Wednesday, Sept. 7. The boys broke a school record. OrangeObserver.com SOUTHWEST ORANGE

To register, visit enroll.wgplay. com. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 12 partici pants. The community center is at 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

Check-in is from 7:30 to 8 a.m. at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Sign up at themere.fl.us/cops-bobbers.town.winderGetHookedBaitandTackleiseventsponsor.

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free hands-only CPR citizen training course Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Jessie Brock Community Center. There are two class options: 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TOWN Town of remembersWindermere9/11. SEE 5A. A miracle for Max

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The donations will benefit the Ocoee Lions Club and the Woman’s Club of Ocoee.

suit The forwardresolutionweekTownWindermereCouncillastapprovedatomovewithasuit. SEE PAGE 6A.

HAWKS CAN

GAME OF THE County OKs Selnik project

Gutner said the commissioner’s office is working with staff to bring the issue to a community meeting, likely in October or November.

The property is designated a Townhome District on the Horizon West Land Use Map within the Vil lage of Bridgewater. The site is cur rently zoned Residential Country Estate and has requested to rezone PD, consistent with the Horizon West regulations.

“I would agree with both the appli cant and the resident that this has been a long journey, and thank you for listening to the residents,” Wilson said. “You know, looking through the conditions of approval, it’s not every day that you get to see a condition of approval that includes ‘preservation of the large oak tree in the center of the property provided with an arbor ist report.’ … That is literally written into this, so the things that were really of concern, we still have concerns about the traffic in the area and clear ly we’re going to need to continue to workWilsontogether.”referenced a crash in August where a student was struck by a vehi cle on the way home from school.

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“More importantly, it is beloved by our community because of its bucolic landscape,” the longtime Summerport resident said. “In

However,light.” Dailey said she was encouraged by the fact the develop ers are saving the live oak tree and, after receiving extensive opposition from local residents, the developer has continued to revise the plans to minimize impacts.

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a perfect world, we would prefer the land remain untouched — that the county acquire and preserve it in per petuity. But the reality is it is private property that has always been zoned for residential use. Additionally, the land owner and the developer have the right to make a profit. That’s the way the system works. Irrespective of the development company, and their proposed project, our defini tion of success remains the same. We will only support a development that conforms to the Horizon West Master Plan and enhances the look, feel and character of adjacent communities. To do that successfully, the devel oper must be willing to partner with

Every second counts.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved the final site plan for a heavily discussed development across from Wind ermere High School at its Tuesday, Aug. 30, Orangemeeting.County Government’s Joseph Kunkel reviewed the Sel nik Planned Development pro posal with the commission, stating the applicant, Erika Hughes, VHB Inc., requested to rezone 33.7 gross acres to construct 17 single-family detached homes and 93 townhomes at 5504 Winter Garden-Vineland Road.The property is located on the west side of Winter Garden-Vineland Road, about 1,300 feet north of the Ficquette Road and Winter GardenVineland Road intersection.

The final site plan includes 33.7 acres across from Windermere High School.

County Commission approves Selnik site plan

Shifting the entrance would have dispersed cars needing to travel to the other side of Horizon West onto S.R. 535 to choose one of four paths versus providing a straight shot through via that

“They made that promise, and the final site plan approved by the Orange County Board of County Commis sioners last week provides the foun dation to deliver on that promise,” he said.Stephenson said he believes the Selnik parcel, complete with lake front views, free-range cows and a 100-year-old heritage oak tree, is the last parcel of improvable land of its kind in the area.

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2A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 OrangeObserver.com T X 1 0 0 0 T O R O D I N G O STX - 38STUMP GRINDERTRX- 300 TORO TRENCHER " B I G G E S T D I N G O D E A L E R I N F L O R I D A " F I N A N C I N G A V A I L A B L E 1 2 4 0 3 W C O L O N I A L D R , W I N T E R G A R D E N 4 0 7 6 5 4 9 2 9 9 385461-1 371913-1 be relieved. ER care for every age. choose well.

PUBLIC HEARING

Hannah Gutner, policy aide to Wilson, said the commissioner is concerned about people speeding through the area and the Preliminary Subdivision Plan, initially submitted Aug. 11 and resubmitted Aug. 26, did not show much traffic calming.

The most recent official commu nity meeting, hosted at the end of February, left some residents with unanswered questions and even more trepidation, the biggest con cern being However,traffic.Keith Stephenson, who has served as the lead negotiator for a group of diverse residents repre senting Summerport, Eden Isle and Southern Acres, said following a year of negotiations, the community believes Selnik will “build a highquality development that surpasses our definition of success.”

Hughes thanked District 1 Com missioner Nicole Wilson for joining the applicant in several community meetings and staff for their hard work and said the development has been “a long time coming.”

theAnothercommunity.”resident, Cynthia Dailey, said she wishes the entrance to the development would not be tied to the Windermere High main exit and entrance.“While the road connection from this new residential area to existing Summerport roads is in alignment with the connected concept of Hori zon West and Orange County’s new approach, positioning the entrance there is going to encourage more cars to take that street from the high school to travel through Summerport to get to and from the Tiny Road area,” she said. “Hopefully, not too many to upset the residents along that path.

World War II hero from Winter Garden has been recognized as a graduate of The Citadel — nearly eight decades after he was killed when his plane was shot down in Lt.combat.Col.George Bray McMillan was posthumously honored in a ceremo ny Friday, Sept. 9, at the Charleston, South Carolina, military college. His family received his undergraduate diploma and Class of 1938 ring. This is the first degree the school has issued after a cadet’s death.

“We knew it was a big deal going into (the ceremony), but then to hear them speak about him, none of us had ever met him, but you could tell he was well respected as a patriot and a member of The Citadel and a resident of Winter Garden,” Alford said.

During the Christmas Day 1941

(RepublicandandHeart,BronzeCrosses,DistinguishedthecreditswithhalfaccountAssociation,AmericanlistedNationalFlyingnowShanghai,gjaoMilitaryreburiedrendered,Afterwheretemple,iedChina.missioninstantly.ploded,buttemptedgroundmission.1944,China.southeastbeingfightervictories,scoredofFighteringtaking51stCompositeinnault.Maj.flyingturnedrankArmymissionedhisAirfieldportedauthoritiesmiles,horsevillage.awaypaddydamagedcrash-landedshoulderwasheavyMcMillan’sencounter,planereceivedenemyfire,andhewoundedinhisleftandhand.HehisbadlyplaneinariceaboutfourmilesfromthenearestAfterprocuringaandridingforeighthewasmetbylocalwhotranshimtoMingaladonfortreatmentofwounds.McMillanwasrecomintheU.S.AirForcewiththeofmajorandretoChinain1943,onceagainunderGen.ClaireChenHeservedbrieflytheChinese-AmericanWingandtheFighterGroup,beforeoverascommandofficerofthe449thSquadron.HeattainedtheranklieutenantcolonelandfourmoreaerialflyingaP-38aircraft,beforekilledinactionofPingxiang,HediedJune24,whileonastrafingAfterbeinghitbyfire,McMillanataforcedlanding,theplane’sengineexandhewaskilledItwashis53rduponreturningtoLocalvillagersburMcMillanbehinda100yardsfromhisplanecrashed.theJapanesesurhisbodywasattheAmericanSectionofHunRoadCemeteryinChina.HisbodyisinterredwithfellowTigersatArlingtonCemetery.McMillanofficiallyisasanAcebytheFighterAcestakingintohisfour-and-one-aerialvictorycreditstheAVGandfourwiththe14AFinCBIduringWWII.McMillanreceivedtwoFlying3AirMedals,StarMedal,PurpleGoldStarCitationtheOrderoftheCloudBanner5thClassofChina).

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It read, in part: “Every person, young and old, in Winter Garden has grown up learning about George McMillan, a dedicated and honor able man. It would be a great honor to our city to have you bestow a degree to Lt. Col. McMillan from The Cita del, a most reputable institution of higher education that meant so much to Thishim.”is the first time in The Citadel’s 180-year history it is presenting post humous degrees to two former cadets who left the college before graduating. The second will be presented Nov. 11 to the family of Medal of Honor recip ient Christopher Celiz, whose name will be added to the Class of 2008.

“Long Gray Line — a real physical place, not just a metaphorical one — one without age difference, without class distinction, without gender, without skin color. A place where all are ready, willing and able to look beyond self and to support each other and our beloved Citadel. We have a Long Gray Line like no other. It is fit ting indeed that George McMillan will have that same ring, the same ring as all of his brothers and sisters in arms who have left this hallowed place to fight for freedom from 1941 through today — and into tomorrow.

“It was such a sad thing, and it was really hard on the family when they lost him,” Janet McMillan Alford, a niece,Georgesaid.McMillan came from a fam ily of five children that also included Charles, Malcolm, Neil and Sissy. This program meant closure for the McMillan descendants, she said.

WINDERMERE FANS: PARKING IS ABOUT TO GET A LOT HARDER

McMillan grew up in Winter Gar den, graduated from Lakeview High School and spent one year at Marion Military Institute before transfer ring to The Citadel in 1935. He was six credits shy of earning his degree when he accepted a position in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program.

WEST INCOACHORANGEARRESTEDPOLKSTING

When he arrived to the sting loca tion, he was wearing a school track and field shirt. Layton is listed as a “non-faculty coach” on the school’s website.Juddsaid that during the arrest, Layton asked how long it would take — because he had track practice in the“No,morning.thestudents have track practice in the morning,” Judd said. “You have jail practice in the morn ing.”According to Orange County Public Schools Media Relations Manager Michael Ollendorff, Layton resigned from his coaching post Sept. 8.

As if having the Windermere High School stadium off-campus didn’t cause enough problems, Orange County now has made it more dif ficult for Wolverine fans to watch footballAccordinggames.to a message sent to parents by Principal Andrew Leftakis, effective immediately, Orange County has revoked the school’s ability to park on the grass at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.“Additionally, there has been a number of safety issues out on the roadways due to spectators trying to park or drop students off,” he said.Because of these developments, all spectators for varsity football games will have to park at the school in the student and visitor parking lots. Then, they will have to walk the sidewalk in front of the school to the bus loop. There, they can catch a shuttle to Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.

“It is a ring owned by no woman or man. It is a ring that can only be possessed in temporary stewardship

In Burma, McMil lan served as a flight leader with the 3rd Pursuit Squadron, scoring fourand-one-half aerial victo ries while flying a P-40.

MCMILLAN HONORED

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He decommissioned to join the American Volunteer Group, com monly known as the Flying Tigers, to assist the Chinese Air Force in its war with Imperial Japan.

Parking at the park will be reserved for volunteers, law en forcement, officials, coaching staff, media personnel, vendors and staff workers. Spectators with a disabled driver hanger also will be allowed to park at the Accordingstadium.toOrange County Parks and Recreation Division Man ager Matt Suedmeyer, the division revoked grass parking, because of the damage done to the field during the last home game, Aug. 26.

A West Orange High School coach was among 160 people arrested in a seven-day Polk County Sheriff’s Office human-trafficking operation, Polk Sheriff Grady Judd announced Friday, Sept. 9.

“With their names engraved in The Citadel War Memorial, Lt. Col. McMillan and Sgt. 1st Class Celiz are forever part of our campus,” said retired Marine Corps Gen. Glenn Walters, Class of 1979. “Now, with degrees and class rings, they will eternally be part of our alumni. It will be an honor to welcome their families to campus and celebrate the life and legacy of these two Citadel graduates.”

“The Parks and Recreation Divi sion made the decision to close the multi-purpose field to car parking due to the amount of damage the fields received during the last foot ball game,” Seudmeyer said. “Per the agreement between the county and OCPS, the county has the right to stop utilizing the multi-purpose field for parking if the field is dam

When recruited by the American Volunteer Group, McMillan resigned as first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Or lando Field in Florida. He sailed on the Dutch ship Bloemfontein from San Francisco July 24, 1941.

According to Sheriff’s Office reports, John Layton, 26, of Go tha, worked as a coach at West Orange High School. Judd said he was arrested after he answered an online escort advertisement and agreed to pay $40 for a sex act.

After stops in Honolulu, Batavia, Brisbane and Singapore, he arrived in Rangoon, Burma, aboard the Penang Trader Sept. 15. Throughout his AVG ex perience, he wrote letters to family members detail ing his daily activities.

Hometown hero George Bray McMillan was a member of the Flying Tigers. He was shot down and killed on his 53rd mission in 1944.

Courtesy Tip Hargrove, Citadel Alumni Association, and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Glenn M. Walters, The Citadel president, present George McMillan’s diploma to his nieces, Janet Alford and Mary Beth Asma.

The Sheriff’s Office also ar rested Guillermo Perez, 57, of Winter Garden. He responded to an online escort advertisement and agreed to pay $80 to have sex with an under cover detective. Perez works as a bellhop for Disney.

“It was bittersweet but really kind of a full-circle experience,” Alford said. “It kind of completes his journey. Because my father always told me that George always wanted to come back and finish his degree. Daddy had made a few inquiries, but we didn’t push it over the years, and there were some … alumni from The Citadel that thought it was very fitting. They let me know they were working on it. This one fel low who was championing it, he said it took five “They’reyears.Citadel Bulldogs, they

BRIEFS

“It is a privilege to have an oppor tunity to honor two American heroes, both of whom we are proud to welcome fully into The Citadel’s Long Gray Line of alumni,” said Col. Dylan Goff, Class of 2002 and chair of the Board of Visitors. “Both Lt. Col. McMillan and Sgt. 1st Class Celiz — on campus six decades apart — thoroughly repre sent the service and sacrifice we work to instill in those who join the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.”

George Bray McMillan graduated in 1939, from the Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas. He served in the 20th Pursuit Group, 55th Pursuit Squadron, Moffet Field, California, and the 23rd Composite Group, 1st Pursuit Squad ron, Eglin Field.

aged.”Anyone with questions or com ments regarding this change can contact Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson by email at district1@ocfl.net or phone at (407) 836-5918.

After returning home a hero, he rejoined the Army Air Forces and served as the commander of the 449th Fighter Squadron before being shot down and killed June 24, 1944, near Pingxiang, China, on his 53rd mission. He was 28.

McMillan family members traveled to The Citadel for the ceremony, includ ing Bray and Leslie McMillan, and their children, Wyatt and Bristol, and Bill, Mary Beth and Nick Asma, all of Winter Garden; and Charles and Janet Alford, of Vero Beach. Others were there from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

SERVICEMILITARY

by those who follow and embody the ideals of duty, honor, respect and country.“McMillan family, if I may have per mission to be so bold: George, it’s been a long time coming, you have always been with us in spirit, let’s make it formal. And let us do so with the same words that were used for your class mates 84 years ago: Sir, Mr. McMillan, sir, and members of the Class of 1938 — welcome to the Long Gray Line.”

WWII hero graduates from Citadel 78 years after his death

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees wrote a letter that accompanied George McMillan’s nomination for the posthumous honor.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

In addition to Layton, Cameron Burke, of Ocoee, arrived at the sting location to have sex with a prosti tute. Burke was currently released on bond for lewd and lascivious battery on a 15-year-old student at Oak Ridge High School in Orange County. He was arrested in 2021 after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office learned Burke was having sex with the high school student begin ning in August 2020. At the time of his arrest, he was employed as a computer technician for the school.

The family, as well as Citadel staff and alumni, gathered in the Dan iel Library to pay tribute to George McMillan.“Itwasnice to see that he is being recognized and remembered,” said Leslie McMillan, whose husband, Bray, is George McMillan’s greatnephew. “In the library, we got to see pictures and some of the artifacts. They had a model plane of the type of plane that the Flying Tigers flew. There was a picture of him and a writ eup. … They had some old newspaper articles. Our kids are 10 and 8. They were really able to appreciate what it was.”ACitadel official spoke of the Long Gray Line and the class ring’s impor tance before it was presented to the McMillan family:

Photos courtesy of McMillan family, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation George Bray McMillan’s family re ceived his Class of 1938 Citadel ring.

never give up,” Alford said.

The McCabes’ efforts have already made an impact on other families struggling with TBCD.

“How much it will do for Max will

He loves “Blue’s Clues,” “Sesame Street,” Elmo, music, peekaboo and his best friend, Sam, the family’s goldenRightretriever.now,the family is focusing on aggressively fundraising so the money can keep moving as fast as science can.

Because orphan diseases are often passed over for research by investors, academics, and private and federal grants because time and money flow toward causes with large communi ties, Helena said the message has been very“Unlessclear. we fund the money our selves, we’re on our own,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re not wealthy.”

“It has been a journey of personal growth,” Helena said. “It’s been really, really hard. There’s nothing that kicks you in the teeth more than being told your kid is going to die and there’s nothing you can do about it. But it’s also showed me how much I am capable of accomplishing. I was told it’s impossible. … Well guess what? It seems like it’s not.”

Since then, the McCabes have embarked on a journey to find that solution.Fromemailing researchers to con necting with other TBCD families, starting a TikTok and even a founda tion, the McCabes have done every thing to help their son and others affected.When Dr. Allison Bradbury, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, found the family in January 2022, everything changed.

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Max was born July 20, 2020; he weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces.

After visiting an occupational therapist, who specialized in feeding, and going through genetics and blood testing, Max was diagnosed with TBCD in November 2021.

“Max doesn’t know anything except for love,” Helena said. “Every one in his life has always been nice to him and adores him, so Max looks at the world with this unbridled joy and honesty that everything is friendship and love.”

Helena said parents also can encour age their children to include other children with disabilities in their play.

The family currently has raised more than $103,000 and has put in $26,000 so far to the gene therapy.

Aside from fundraising, the

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and that’s when we had a targeted amount of money we knew we had to shoot for,” Helena said. “It felt like a miracle. To have your orphan disease picked up is very rare, fortunate and special. It’s like winning the lottery.”

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF

“Their daughter also has it,” Hel ena said. “That’s a one-in-a-million thing, but if we got one kid diagnosed a little earlier, that’s great. That’s worth all of the effort right there.”

4A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 OrangeObserver.com

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depend on how quickly we can get it into Max,” Helena said.

Helena is using her past experience as a digital accessibility specialist, where she served for a decade before Max was born, advocating for those with disabilities and educating peo ple on the importance of connecting those with disabilities with technol ogy, to communicate with the com munity.“This has always been something that has been very important to me — even before I knew I would have a dis abled child,” she said. “So for my own kid to be born with a severe disability, it felt like I was preparing the world for him, and I didn’t know it.”

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McCabes spend a majority of their time ensuring Max has as much of a normal life as he can. They enjoy fam ily vacations, send him to preschool, hang out with family and allow him to participate in as many activities as possible.“Ireally want to give him as much life as I can,” Helena said.

The family is currently working to raise $2 million in funding for the gene therapy being worked on at the hospital.Inaddition, because TBCD is a monogenic disease, Helena said any breakthroughs or discoveries made for Max likely would benefit other children with TBCD.

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“I immediately Googled it, and I read about TBCD, and I just knew,” Helena said of before the official diagnosis. “The minute I read those symptoms, I was like ‘No, this is what he has,’ because he had every symptom on the list. It was a perfect description of him. I remember reading it and just saying unconsciously out loud, ‘No. No, no, Althoughno.’”she suspected Max would always need care, she never expected it to be something so progressive and deadly.TBCD is a genetic disorder that is neurodegenerative and fatal. Most children lose all purposeful movement by age 4, and the majority die by age 5.

The depression did not last for long; the mother knew she had to make a choice.“Itold myself, ‘I can be sad, or I can help him, but I can’t do both,’” she said. “So after three days, I said, ‘Enough. Let’s find a solution instead of lying here, accepting it and crying.’”

“He’s very emotionally mature,” Helena said. “He may not have a lot of words, but he can get across exactly what he thinks, wants, feels and needs. He’s the light of my life. A joy.” Max’s joy in life is books. He crawls to his bookshelf, pulls the books out, turns every page and lifts every flap.

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There’s currently no treatment or cure.TBCD disorder is extremely rare — fewer than 20 children have been diag nosed. Only a handful are alive today. TBCD is labeled an “orphan disease,” because it’s too rare to generate scien tific or pharmaceutical interest.

To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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Helena said she had a family mes sage her on TikTok saying they saw Max’s symptoms and decided to get their daughter tested.

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MEETING MAX Physically, Max’s capabilities are that of a 7- or 8-month-old, and develop mentally he rests at the maturity of a 1-year-old. He can speak about five words and has a huge personality.

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The mother is currently working on her first book, “Cookies for Cures,” with the goal of helping 20 kids with 20 rare diseases through 20 home made cookie recipes. The proceeds will be split between the 20 foun dations to fund cures, research and explore solutions.

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

One of the family’s most recent efforts to spread awareness and raise money is the “Tap into the Cure” fundraiser. Participating restaurants will be asked to ask their patrons to consider donating $1 for the tap water they would usually drink for free for one month to the TBCD research fund.

“It went from ‘Oh he might always need care,’ to ‘He might not be here for long,’ and I just died inside of my body,” Helena said. “It was the worst thing that I could imagine. I really just let myself be a corpse for a few days. I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t talk. I did not have the physical or emotional strength to do anything. I just died.”

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“She said, ‘I want to work on TBCD,’

Within the first few months of Max’s life, Helena said she knew something wasEvenwrong.asababy, Max never cried, and when he was 10 months old, the cou ple realized he was struggling to meet basic milestones such as eating solids and sitting up.

For those who are unable to donate financially, the McCabes are asking residents to share their story.

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‘He’s the light of my life. A joy.’ Observer

MAXSUPPORTMCCABE GoFundMe: bit.ly/3eEDxZc The TBCD Foundation: tbcdfoundation.org Facebook: facebook.com/amiracleformax TikTok: tiktok.com/@miracleformax Courtesy photos mentwithasuffersMaxTwo-year-oldMcCabefromdisordernotreatorcure.

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President / Emily Walsh

or a parent, there is no worse feeling than knowing your child is Gotha/MetroWestdying. resi dent Helena McCabe said her 2-year-old son, Max, is full of life, laughter and happiness. He’s com pletely oblivious to the fact that he may have fewer than three years to live.At only 16 months old, Max was diagnosed with TBCD disorder, a fatal neurological condition with a life expectancy of only a few years and no knownHelenatreatment.saidher and her husband Alex’s hearts were broken.

Town Council members voted to set the tentative budget of $10,411,209 proposed dur ing an Aug. 3 budget workshop. The tentative millage rate was voted to remain at 3.7425, the same since 2018-19 and the lowest in Orange County.Although there is no increase in millage rate, Town Manager Robert Smith explained, this is different from an increase in taxes and the percent of the millage rate over the rolledback rate will be 8.08%.

he town of Windermere hosted a 9/11 Sunset Memo rial Service to remember the victims and honor the survivors of the 2001 terror attacks Sunday, Sept. 11, at Town Square Park. The service featured live music from Family Church’s worship arts pastor, Mark Goff; a special message from Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien; words from U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster; and taps with the laying of the wreath and flowers at the base of the “Twenty-onememorial.yearsago, on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, the day dawned bright and full of hope for 2,977 people – a normal day,” O’Brien said. “The day quickly became anything but normal when symbols of our freedom and mobility, airliners, were hijacked and used to execute a coordinated attack on the twin towers in New York and the Pentagon. Life and freedom in the United States and around the world would never quite be the same again. Life for the loved ones of almost 3,000 people would certainly never be the same. Today, we honor and remember all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of one September day.”

millagebudget,tentativeapprovesWindermererate

Smith said Windermere fulfills this by con servative estimates of revenue, control spend ing and better planning.

According to Smith, the increase can be attributed to the increase in value of homes but also the addition of homes in Estancia at Windermere and development the town has had.The largest contributors to the estimated General Fund revenue of $10,053,207 include: $1,557,510 from the American Recovery Act, $785,631.73 from the Fire Rescue Fee Assess ment, $760,000 from the Federal Appropria tions SRC and $380,000 from Communica tion Services Tax.

In addition, Smith said the town also is wait ing for funding from Healthy West Orange, which has dedicated about $5 million to inter connecting all of the trail systems within West Orange County.

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster was one of the special guest speakers at the service.

FINAL HEARING

The addition of a Stormwater Fund rev enue of $358,002 brings total revenues to $10,411,209.However,as last year, some of the town’s biggest planned projects will not rely on bud getSmithfunds.said the approved funded projects, either through a grant or general operating funds or through American Recovery Act dollars, are the West Second Avenue Road stormwater and potable water improvements, Bessie Basin stormwater and potable water improvements, and Butler Basin stormwater and potable water improvements.

Other mentionable projects include Phase 1 of the Windermere Ward Trail, which runs .6 miles from North Drive to Park Avenue and will be constructed next fiscal year, as well as the construction of the Rotary Pavilion.

The town’s millage rate will remain at 3.7425 — the rate it has been since 2018-19.

ANNABELLE SIKES

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 5AOrangeObserver.com 387377-1

“For the millage, you have to show that any thing above what we received in revenues last year, even if you keep the same millage rate, is still considered a tax increase,” Smith said. “The reason that you have to advertise it as a tax increase is because you’re over the rolledback rate, which means that you’re collecting the exact same amount as you did last fiscal year.”Inthe proposed budget presentation, Smith said the town’s purpose and intent is “pre serving the level of service and quality of life that the town residents and our customers are accustomed (to) all while maintaining the town’s financial viability.”

Documents from the Orange County Prop erty Appraiser list Windermere’s total taxable value at $876,281,334 — an increase of more than $81,026,598 from the previous fiscal year.

The final budget hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St.

The town’s federal appropriations request of $760,000 for funding of the project through the Safe Routes to School program champi oned by Congresswoman Val Demings was signed into law March 14 — and the money will go toward Phase 1 of the project, as well as the new planned pedestrian bridge.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

remembersWindermere9/11

Karen Fay and Becky Plante sported red, white and blue for the 9/11 anniversary.

Norma and Byron Sutton shared a moment of silence after the conclusion of the service.

memorial.tooutEmily,daughter,JimmereLeft:together.rialMemotheattendedFamiliesSunsetServiceWinderMayorO’Brien’spassedflowerslayonthe

All three projects are covered under a Haz ard Mitigation Grant Program of $3.3 million, which is funded through the Federal Emer gency Management Agency and administered through the Department of Emergency Man agement.Thegrant does not include the potable water system aspects, which the town plans to develop concurrently. Those will be covered through the America Rescue Act dollars.

“We are in the final review from the Florida Department of Emergency Management and then after that we advertise for comments, and when and if we receive comments we respond back, and then we work out an agreement with the Florida Department of Emergency Man agement on a contract for construction, and then we bid it out, which is another four- to five-month process,” Smith said.

T

The town of Windermere discussed its tenta tive budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 at a budget hearing Wednesday, Sept. 7.

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“What you are doing, Town Council, is wrong. The peo ple in this town don’t have an interest in this lawsuit, so why are you spending our tax dollars to sue the boathouses owners to take their personal property?” — Curt Fraser File photo 374510-1 @orangeobserverOrangeObserver.com

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

“I am upset with the amount of changes this town government keeps doing … we’re going to come and

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Mike Lee said he has been a resi dent in the town for 20 years, and although he has no personal attach ment to the boathouses, he does not understand why the town wants the structures. He believes there is something better the town can do with the “Windermeremoney. is so unique, this is such a special place, preserving it and the charm is really what you guys’ primary mission is I think … not necessarily to change it,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot of different ideas about what we’re going to do. Well,

Town Manager Robert Smith said based on what has been discussed and on the motions made by the Town Council, there has not been a decision on what is going to happen to the boathouses after the litigation has“Thatended.isstill something that is yet to be determined, and I think that will be determined a year from the date that it was decided to terminate those leases,” Smith said.

The resolution yielded a mass of public comments with scattered applause from the crowd of attend ees after each statement.

Mark Keller also asked why the boathouses are an issue, saying although he does not own a boat house, he grew up in the town and sat on the Town Council in 199293, when the boathouses originally came up in discussion.

Windermere passes boathouse resolution

However, after the boathouse occupants’ attorney, A. Kurt Arda man, argued the lawsuits were not valid because of a lack of a signed resolution that had not accompanied the filed lawsuits, the resolution was devised as “an abundance of caution regarding the work previously done by town staff and the attorney, and with respect to legal work yet to be performed regarding the boathous es,” according to the official resolu tion.

The town of Windermere approved unanimously a resolution to offi cially authorize the town attorney to proceed with a lawsuit filed against occupants of the boathouses at the Wednesday, Sept. 7, Town Council meeting.Thetown previously filed lawsuits against each of seven boathouse owners July 15 following the occu pants refusal to vacate the structures when their leases ended in June.

OWNER OPINIONS

The Town Council approved unanimously the resolution after numerous public comments from enraged residents.

what we are going to do is change something that has been existing for a really long time and I’m fearful of.”

Mayor Jim O’Brien said the deci sions were laid out intentionally so the town could determine what the nexts steps in the process would be post boathouse discussion.

Whereas, the Town of Winder mere was the landlord under five lease agreements, dated March 1, 2001, for the boathouses located on 3rd Avenue, all of which expired under their terms on February 28, 2021.

Section 3. Ratification. The Town Council hereby ratifies and approves all actions taken by the Town Attorney to pros ecute and/or defend complaints, suits and controversies regarding the five 3rd Avenue boathouse lease agreements, including but not limited to, the filing of the five complaints with counts for eviction, breach of contract, and ejectment.

Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

Whereas, the Town Council hereby ratifies all actions previ ously taken by the Town and the Town Attorney regarding the boathouse tenants and is hereby “requiring and directing” the Town Attorney to prosecute and/ or defend any complaints, suits and controversies with respect to the boathouse tenants in line with the decisions and motions made by the Town Council.

COUNCIL CONCLUSION

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Town Council of the Town of Windermere, Florida: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing whereas clauses are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

have a confrontation about this at some point,” Keller said. “The gov ernment continues to take away our rights. … It’s time for this govern ment to reign in a little bit. You’re out of Boathousecontrol.”owner Curt Fraser read a history of several of the boathouse owners and their contributions to the“Whattown.you are doing, Town Coun cil, is wrong,” he said. “The people in this town don’t have an interest in this lawsuit, so why are you spending our tax dollars to sue the boathouses owners to take their personal prop erty?”George Poelker, former chairman of the town’s Historic Preservation Board who resigned at the Janu ary Town Council meeting during discussion on the boathouses, said the resolution is “just wrong” and should be voted “no,” referencing several “mistruths” in past boat house

… (c) When required to do so by resolution of the Town Council, shall prosecute and/or defend any complaints, suits and controver sies in which the Town is a party.

“Why does the town want these boathouses?” she asked. “What is the lawsuit about? No answers? … I am so disappointed in you guys. … I just cannot see the purpose. What’s the agenda for taking these away from people that are paid for? … I’m not buying it, and I’m not happy, and I don’t think most of the people in Windermere care enough to have a lawsuit against their neighbors.”

ommends that the Town Council adopt a “resolution” in the form argued as necessary by the coun sel for the boathouse tenants.

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Section 2. Prosecution and/ or Defense of Complaints, Suits and Controversies. The Town Attorney was previously and is hereby confirmed to continue to be required and directed to pros ecute and/or defend complaints, suits and controversies regarding the termination of the five 3rd Avenue boathouse lease agree ments and to take, in consultation with the Town Manager, legal actions necessary and consistent with the direction provided by the Town Council that the boat houses be vacated and possession of the boathouses by the Town be reobtained.

“We don’t think it is absolutely necessary, but I would like for Nick (Dancaescu, GrayRobinson repre sentative) to have it when he is argu ing against the motions to dismiss … starting next week,” she said.

There were no additional com ments, questions or concerns from councilCouncilmembers.Member Tony Davit made a motion for approval, and the reso lution was passed unanimously.

Town Attorney Heather Ramos commented on the resolution before council discussion.

THE RESOLUTION

Whereas, the action of the Town Council was to terminate the leases and to leave the boat houses vacant for a period of time to be later determined, after the boathouses were repaired by the Town.Whereas, actions taken to reobtain possession by way of a court order from the circuit court were consistent with the Town Council’s direction, decisions, intent, and formal motions.

Whereas, on April 22, 2022 the Town sent a termination of lease agreement, effectively terminat ing the boathouse leases on June 10,Whereas,2022. the Town Council, Town staff and Town representa tives received “trespass notices” dated May 10, 2022 from the boathouse tenants threatening the Town with civil or criminal remedies if staff, agents, and offi cials of the Town were to enter the boathouses or curtilage which were subject to the expired lease agreements.Whereas,pursuant to the boathouse leases, the boathouse tenants had until July 11, 2022 to vacate the boathouses and remove building materials, boat hoists and fixtures, provided such removal was not prohibited by law.Whereas, the boathouse ten ants have not vacated the boat houses.Whereas, to exercise the Town’s rights to retake posses sion and require the boathouse tenants to vacate the boathouses, Gray Robinson, P.A. (the “Town Attorney”) filed complaints against each non-vacating tenant with the Orange County Cir cuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit requesting relief from the court including eviction, breach of contract, and ejectment of the boathouseWhereas,tenants.inresponse, counsel for the boathouse tenants filed motions to dismiss, claiming in part that the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction to consider the Town’s complaints because the Town Attorney “did not first obtain and attach a resolution of the Town Council authorizing the filing and prosecution of the Complaint.”Whereas,Section 9.02 of the Town’s Charter provides in part that the “The Town Council shall appoint a Town Attorney, who shall be a lawyer with at least five (5) years of experience and who

…”Whereas, counsel for the boathouse tenants states in the motions to dismiss that the Town’s complaints seeking relief from the court were unauthorized since “No resolution of the Town Council was adopted prior to the commencement of this action or attached to the Complaint that authorized the filing or prosecu tion of the Whereas,Complaint.”“resolution” has many meanings, including the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, the act of resolving something, the act of solving a problem, the act of determining an action, a determination, etc.

the boathouse tenants.

Whereas, in circumstances such as this, Section 9.02 of the Town’s Charter does not require a “written” resolution, it does not require a resolution to be attached to a complaint, and even if determined otherwise, it does not provide that such “resolution” must be in writing and adopted prior to the Town Attorney prosecuting and/or defending any complaints, suits and controversies in which the Town is a Whereas,party.inan abundance of caution regarding the work previously done by the Town staff and the Town Attorney, and with respect to legal work yet to be performed regarding the boat houses, the Town Attorney rec

“Justdiscussion.starttelling the truth,” Poelk er said. “There’s nothing wrong with the truth, and whatever we decide, weReneedecide.”Cingolani said the boat houses have been part of the commu nity and residents’ personal proper ty, and she does not understand why the boathouses are an issue.

Whereas, at its December 8, 2020 meeting, the Town Council extended the lease agreements for a period of 6 months to August 28, 2021 to provide the Town with the opportunity to work with the boathouse tenants to negotiate new lease Whereas,agreements.atthetime of the August 10, 2021 meeting, the Town and boathouse tenants were still discussing a potential new lease agreement and the Town Council further extended the lease agreements from month-to-month with such extension automatically renewing until one party provided the other with a 30-day written notice of termination.Whereas,on October 12, 2021 the parties had not reached an agreement on a new lease agree ment and accordingly the Town Council voted to give the boat house tenants a 60-day written notice of Whereas,termination.onMarch8, 2022, the Town Council reviewed and approved the 60-day notice of termination for the boathouse leases and the form of the termi nation notice to be signed by the Mayor and sent to the boathouse tenants.Whereas, on March 8, 2022, the Town Council voted to leave the five boathouses empty for a “cooling down” period to allow the Town committees and Town Council the time to hold work shops and determine how the boathouses should be used in the future.Whereas, on March 8, 2022 the Town Council also discussed the need for the repairs to be made by the Town to the boathouses after the boathouses were vacated because of the lack of mainte nance and upkeep by several of

The home at 0 Windy Ridge Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $5.6 mil lion. To be built in 2023, it will have six munityselling29.livingandseven-and-one-halfbedrooms,baths12,000squarefeetofarea.Daysonmarket:Thesearethehighest-homesineachcominWestOrange.

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The home at 1101 Oakwood Lane, Ocoee, sold Sept. 6, for $279,000. Built in 1976, it has four bed rooms, three baths and 1,593 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

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The home at 8657 Vista Harbor Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 8, for $686,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,639 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

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The home at 14054 Aldford Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $647,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,792 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 62.

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The townhouse at 713 Fortanini Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 7, for $307,500. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,5326 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

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The home at 11822 Angle Pond Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $830,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,391 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 6613 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 9, for $625,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,641 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

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sold Sept. 8, for $686,000. It

The condo at 10330 Turkey Lake Road, No. 108, Orlando, sold Sept. 5, for $140,000. Built in 1984, it has one bedrooms, one-and-onehalf baths and 745 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

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The home at 8308 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 9, for $525,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,877 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

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The home at 2490 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Sept. 8, for $520,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.

from Sept. 3 to 9. SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 50 High Sale Price: $5.6 million Low Sale Price: $140,000 realtor.com

The home at 13609 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 9, for $535,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,230 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.

The condo at 7803 Sugar Brook Court, No. 7803, Orlando, sold Sept. 5, for $339,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,212 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 12.

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The townhouse at 7408 Green Tree Drive, No. 121, Orlando, sold Sept. 8, for $460,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,985 square feet of living area.

The home at 14326 United Colonies Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $2.1 million. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Sept. 3 to 9.

The townhouse at 7431 Ripple pointe Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 7, for $475,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,825 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

The home at 8537 Tansy Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 7, for $525,000. Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,872 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

PHILLIPS BAY CONDOMINIUMS

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The home at 15360 Sugar Citrus Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $520,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,698 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

The home at 14543 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $498,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,224 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 9222 Woodcrane Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $695,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,665 square feet of living area. Days on mar ket: Four.

The home at 7933 Iceland Gull St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $490,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,040 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

The home at 14326 United Colo nies Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $2.1 million. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and 4,867 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

OCOEE HILLS

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The home at 13049 Garridan Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 8, for $710,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,812 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 63.

The townhouse at 6506 Stoller Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $445,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,769 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

Windsor Hill estate sells for $5.6M

home to be built the Windsor Hill commu nity in Windermere topped all West Orange-area resi dential real-estate transac tions from Sept. 3 to 9.

WINDERMERE SOUND

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The home at 12975 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 8, for $480,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,151 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

The home at 12640 Salomon Cove Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $685,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,694 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

The home at 5135 Mill Stream Road, Ocoee, sold Sept. 8, for $332,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,222 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 2139 Bay Line Road, Oakland, sold Sept. 9, for $605,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,281 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

OAKLAND TRAILS

The townhouse at 7427 Somerset Shores Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 7, for $598,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,741 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

The condo at 4840 Cayview Ave., No. 10110, Orlando, sold Sept. 7, for $430,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,823 square feet of living area. Days on market: 99.

The home at 15611 Braintree Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $485,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,715 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

The home at 14387 Black Tea Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 8, for $710,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,793 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 30.

The home at 5510 Baybrook Ave., Orlando, sold Sept. 9, for $393,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.

The home at 7343 Colbury Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 9, for $505,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,948 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The townhouse at 457 Scarlatti Court, Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $305,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,549 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

The home at 11015 Groveshire Court, Ocoee, sold Sept. 7, for $485,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 0 Windy Ridge Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $5.6 million. This home — to be built — will feature 12,000 square feet of living area on a 2.51acre compound in Windermere. Vista Harbor Court, Orlando, was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips

The home at 2020 Water Key Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $1,410,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,510 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 14309 Wabasso Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $575,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

The home at 216 Harbor Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $430,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,781 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.

The home at 4552 Gliding Wave St., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Sept. 8, for $607,890. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,300 square feet of living area.

JEWEL HEIGHTS

HARBOR

The home at 6424 Crestmont Glen Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 9, for $810,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 3,282 square feet of living area. Days on market: 53.

WINTER GARDEN CANOPY OAKS

The home at 5825 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $1,010,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,319 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.

KEENE’SWINDERMEREPOINTE

The home at 682 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $1.2 million. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,665 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

LAKE AVALON GROVES

TILDEN PLACE AT WINTER GARDEN

The home at 11331 N. Camden Commons Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 7, for $1,100,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,806 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

RESERVE AT WATERFORD POINTE

OXFORD MOOR

REGAL POINTE

The home at 1119 Eagle Pass Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 8, for $735,990. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,219 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 17854 Davenport Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $1 million. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,819 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 13549 Sunset Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $810,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,742 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WINTER GARDEN

The home at 12026 Windstone St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 7, for $712,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,013 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

realtor.com

The home at 682 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $1.2 million. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Sept. 3 to 9.

The home at 621 Beulah Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $500,000. Built in 1916, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,834 square feet of living area. Days on market: 48.

The home at 357 Regal Downs Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 7, for $420,250. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,868 square feet of living area. Days on market: 48.

WEST GLENMUIRORANGE

The home at 0 Windy Ridge Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $5.6 million. To be built in 2023, it will have six bedrooms, seven-and-onehalf baths and 12,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

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The home at 24 W. Story Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $196,000. Built in 1928, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,318 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661

CHURCH OF GOD

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5

Foundation Academy senior Dawson McLaughlin recently was named a finalist for the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. Page 2B.

or the Windermere Wolver ines, family and football have been synonyms ever since head football coach Riki Smith joined the team earlier this

“The culture I want to develop here is always the seniors leaving a legacy where our younger kids, and underclassmen, have something to strive for as long as they are here at Olympia,” Tello said. “So, a winning

Top: The Wolverines football team has a strong sense of brotherhood.

Above: The Kopman twins play on opposite sides of the ball.

The Foundation Acad emy swim team defeated Mount Dora Christian Academy during a meet Tues day, Sept. 6. The win pushed the Lions to a 3-0 record this season. The girls’ won 124-42, while the boys won 120-48.

SEE TITANS PAGE 3B

SPORTS SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Smith said through this founda tion, the Wolverines can begin build

3

4

Andrea Mujica

1

The Windermere Prep boys cross country team won the Mount Dora Invitational Sat urday, Sept. 10. Brant Josephs placed third as the top finisher for the Lakers during the meet.

HIGH OPPORTUNITY5INDISGUISE

F

The Horizon High School girls volleyball team re mains undefeated with an overall record of 7-0. The Hawks faced both Mount Dora and Lake Howell during the week of Sept. 5 — and won both matches 3-0. Horizon defeated West Orange Monday, Sept. 12, 3-2.

Andrea Mujica

For junior and defensive tackle Kyle Amer, 16, his desire to play foot ball with the Wolverines started by watching his brother, Amer Amer, play. As such, family has always played a huge part in his years as an athlete for the school.

Discipline, accountability and love. That’s how the Wolverines have started to build a strong bond that has translated to trust on the field.

WINDERMERE VS. DR. PHILLIPS, FRIDAY, SEPT. 16

2

West Orange High School boys and girls swim coach Cindi Brasch was recently named the school’s 2022 Coach of the Year.

SEE CHANGING PAGE 2B

“Asyear.faras the program, I want to (create) a family culture — we’ve got to be a family,” he said. “We have to care for each other. Family is big outside of football; it’s all that mat ters. So we have to build that family atmosphere, love on each other, trust on each other.”

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Titans team is 11-2 so far this season.

The Olympia high school girls vol leyball team has raced out to an 11-2 record to start its 2022 campaign. Part of the team’s success has come as a result of the culture head volleyball coach Semei Tello has instilled in the team during his years with the Titans.

“We’ve created a more of a family atmosphere among the players,” he said. “So the closer we are, the more we can trust one another to do stuff on the field so we can all play with each other and do better.”

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

GAME OF THE WEEK

Communication the key to Olympia volleyball success

Central Florida Christian Academy recently hired Tommie Butts as its new girls head basketball coach and sixth grade teacher. His official start with the Eagles was Sept. 9. Butts has been a head bas ketball coach for 16 years and has a 78% winning record. He won three state championships during his years as head coach at Wekiva High School in 2014, 2015 and 2019. He has been named Metro Conference Coach of the Year five times: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. His wife, Alex Butts, will be serving in an aide position.

“We are just trying to build everyone together and grow as a team in every position and in all the little things,” he said. “It goes past football, and it goes into the school, too. It’s a building of your self character. The coaches are really funny but also really seri ous. They are striving to make all of us better, together, as a team. I say team, because it’s all of us — including the coaches.”

“We are at the bottom, so let’s just do the right thing — do a little thing right over and over again,” SmithSeniorsaid.and tight end Kyle Silva, 17, believes the new coaching staff has really helped with the team spirit and self-development.

THE BASICS AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Foundation Acad emy SPORTS: Football and bas ketball POSITIONS: Football, mainly center; basketball, center GRADE: Senior

OCOEE (2-1), 34 EVANS (0-3), 0

“I tell them all the time, I love you, so I’m going to discipline you and hold you accountable,” he said. “That’s all I care about.”

I love being a Lion. … (Founda tion is) more than a school where you learn and play sports — everyone really cares about (one another).

One thing my dad asked me going into this year was, ‘What do you wish — being a senior — that the leaders would’ve done when you were a freshman?’ I wished that the seniors had connected with the underclassmen better. So that’s one of the things I try to do as a leader, and as an older player, try to connect with every player on the team.

UP NEXT: The Hawks will travel to Poinciana Friday, Sept. 16.

THE PILLARS

I have to say probably “Avengers: Endgame.” I love Marvel.

Probably Thor. They did a really good job with his character about how he’s been through a lot. He’s lost a lot in his life, but he’s never lost himself, and he’s always been

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FOUNDATION (2-1), 56 TRINITY PREP (0-3), 0

ing a program that will endure.

Foundation Academy senior and football team center Dawson McLaughlin recently was named a finalist for the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. This Positive Coaching Alliance scholarship awards high school studentathletes $1,000 or based on answers regarding how they make themselves better, their teammates better and the game better.

Junior and defensive end and wide receiver Anthony Rosier, 16, and junior and running back and corner Isaiah Nell, 16, are looking

I have good footwork as an offensive lineman because of basketball, and it just kind of helps me pick up on things faster. And … it’s taught me to be able to compete against better athletes and not be intimidated by better athletes, so that kind of trans ferred over into football.

One of the main reasons Smith decided to leave his previous assis tant coach position at Dr. Phillips to take the position with the Wol verines was because of his desire to touch the lives of many.

How do you believe you instill leadership within your team(s)?

What TV series are you watch ing right now?

DR. PHILLIPS (0-3), 6 APOPKA (2-1), 7

HORIZON (3-0), 49 COLONIAL (0-3), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: The Knights had their first shutout game of the season after defeating Evans

Who do you think you are as an

HIGHLIGHTS: The Lakers defense recorded its second shutout of the year for a 63-0 win against Melbourne Central Catholic. The team scored two special teams touchdowns and one defensive touchdown. On the offensive side of the ball, Emiliano LaGuardia scored four touchdowns — three rushing and a fourth interception returned for a touchdown.

Andrea Mujica

— ANDREA MUJICA

UP NEXT: The Vipers will host Oak Ridge Friday, Sept. 16.

What would you like to study in college? I’ve thought about TV production, marketing

theChangingculture

Who’s your favorite superhero? Why?

What do you love about both sports?

I feel like it would be cool to see Israel. Australia would be cool and maybe probably somewhere in Europe — maybe Italy.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Lions offense and defense turned the loss from last week into a shutout win against the Trinity Prep Saints, 56-0. Running back J.T. Bro naugh scored three touchdowns and rushed the ball for 190 yards on only six carries. Quarter back Brady Lord went 6-of-8 on passing and 140 yards and three touchdown passes. On the de fensive side of the ball, lineback er Will Ford had six tackles and an interception — a huge impact on the team’s win throughout the game. Middle linebacker Sam Zagame had 12 tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown and finished the game with a safety. Kicker Gabe Moraes hit his first 300-yard kicking game on kickoff yardage.

LEGACY CHARTER (3-0), 13 CORNERSTONE CHARTER ACADEMY (0-3), 7

UP NEXT: Legacy will host Indian Rocks Christian Friday, Sept. 16.

What are three places you would like to visit? Why?

LAKE BUENA VISTA (0-3), 13 FREEDOM (2-1), 41

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

WEEK THREE RECAP GAME OF THE WEEK

“On the field is stronger, because we all know what we have to do, and then we always sit down and talk about what we have to do,” Garcia said. “This season will be the start of a new legacy, because we have a lot of young guys that are play

“My whole thought process was: Instead of pouring into six players, my position group, I could pour into 60 players,” he said. “So, instead of changing one or six lives, I could change 60. That was probably the biggest motivation of wanting to be a head coach, chang ingSeniorlives.” and linebacker Zachary Friend, 17, is one of the four cap tains of the team and believes this is only the beginning of a whole new team.

Dawson McLaughlin

UP NEXT: The Lions will host Mount Dora Christian Academy Friday, Sept. 16.

Discipline, accountability and love.

UP NEXT: The Wolverines will host Dr. Phillips Friday, Sept. 16.

Senior and linebacker Javier Garcia, 17, and junior and kicker Lucas Glassburn, 17, believe the team has become a brotherhood.

HIGHLIGHTS: Lake Buena Vista senior running back Andres Romero rushed the ball for 218 yards with a touchdown. He also had a 60-yard kick return.

ing so they are going to have a new mentality so it’s definitely going to beRegardingbetter.” the new-look coach ing staff, Smith’s vision was to bring in coaches who have the same energy, physicality and toughness than him, as well as the same mindset.

Tell us about your years as an athlete in both basketball and football.

weaknesses and score points.”

I fold my hands and put my pointer fingers up, and I can make them look like a snake that’s dancing. I was in middle school (when I found out I could do it).

However, because several of the players had never played football prior to becoming Wolverines, the coaching of the team has had its challenges.“It’steaching; it really is,” Smith said. “It’s teaching for the players that are new to the game of football and, at the same time, it’s a lot of coaching for the players that have played and understand the game.”

FROM PAGE 1B

What does this scholarship mean to you?

UP NEXT: The Panthers will travel to Windermere Friday, Sept. 16.

For senior and defensive end Christopher Maurice, 17, that all translates to a better vibe.

more

When I started to think about the question it was asking, answer ing it really helped me find who I was as an athlete. It helped me acknowledge that.

What’s your favorite movie?

the team (and teammates) needs me to be — as a leader, athlete or player.

“It’s not about bossing every body around; it’s more just pick ing everybody up when their heads are down and telling them, ‘Good job,’” Aiden Kopman said.

Any secret talents you’d like to share with us?

How do you believe basketball helps you in football?

For twin seniors and defensive/ offensive line, respectively, Remi and Aiden Kopman, 17, leadership means being a team player.

I just like to compete; it’s fun. (In) football, I love just the physicality of it … (and) I like the brother hood of football. … There’s so many things of football that I can just use outside of football. Same thing with basketball, (even though) I’m not the fastest or most athletic player in the team. I like to be able to use my head and be smarter than other players and be more fundamental.

“I love what Coach Smith is doing; he’s a really good coach,” he said. “I think he’s going to build something. I’m a senior, but hope fully, he’s going to build a founda tion for the younger guys so, if I come back in eight years, they’ll be a great However,team.”gaining his players’ trust and getting them to buy into the program didn’t happen in one day — and even though there’s progress, it’s still a work in prog ress.“It was a drastic change at the beginning, because they weren’t used to my expectations,” Smith said. “It was tough, a lot of guys quit, but the ones (who) stayed — they fell in line, and (the program) is definitely moving in the right direction. I have high expectations from the players and the program. I’m not going to meet them half way, so they are going to have to meetSmithme.”considers himself a play ers’ coach and relies on his ability to relate to his players to get them to buy “Especiallyin. in this generation, you have to be able to relate with the kids,” he said. “They need to know that you care about them, each of them — individually. Show that you care about them, love them, but at the same time, dis cipline them. There’s a fine line between being a coach and having a good relationship (with them), and being their friend. I’m not their friend, I’m their coach who cares about them, loves them and treats them like sons.”

What’s your favorite part about being a Lion?

OLYMPIA (2-1), 20 LAKE NONA (1-2), 14

WEEKTHEOFATHLETE

UP NEXT: The Royals will travel to Orangewood Christian Friday, Sept. 16.

UP NEXT: The Lakers will travel to Riverdale Ridge Thursday, Sept. 15.

UP NEXT: The Titans will travel to Ocoee Friday, Sept. 16.

SEE FAMILY PAGE 3B

WINDERMERE PREP (3-0), 63 MELBOURNE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (0-3), 0

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Olympia Friday, Sept. 16.

UP NEXT: The Warriors will host Wekiva Friday, Sept. 16.

I’ve been an athlete since I was little. I played basketball in elementary school, because my dad was a basketball coach, so that’s when I kind of started to learn how to compete. … And I started football in middle school, (and) I fell in love with it. But, I love playing football and basket ball together, because they both complement each other in a way. Playing basketball helps me in football in a lot of different ways.

“The Walking Dead.” It’s an inter esting concept. It really values the brotherhood of people trying to do something together.

WEST ORANGE (2-1), 14 EDGEWATER (3-0), 26

I would love to go anywhere that I can play football but I also want to look at the school first. I like UCF, I’ve toured the campus, and I really liked it. I’ve fan for football, so I would love to go there if I could.

High School 27-0. On the defen sive side of the ball, the team accumulated a total of 35 tack les, 28 solo tackles and seven assisted tackles.

WINDERMERE (1-2), 0 CYPRESS CREEK (3-0), 27

THE FIRST ACADEMY (3-0), 28 MULBERRY (0-2), 8

HIGHLIGHTS: The Titans’ Tyler Cross had three receptions with 40 yards, carried the ball three times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Juan Gainous went 15-of-27 times on passing for 145 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Evans had five receptions with 75 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Joey Evans had eight tackles (three TFL), Karma James had six tackles (one TFL) and a sack, and Jalon Thompson had three tackles, one intercep tion and three pass break-ups.

CONTINUED

Have you been in touch with any colleges for football? I’ve talked to smallerlege,LaGrangeUniversity,ColWabashschools.

“I’ve been able to see my full potential and give my all for the team,” he said. “I always go 110%, but with this team especially, and this being my senior year, I have to go all Currentlyout.” on both defense and offense, the Wolverines are work ing on the“Offensively,sionstopso“Defensephysicality.winschampionships,defensivelyourmaingoalistotherunandplaywithpasandphysicality,”Smithsaid.wehavetotakewhatopponentgivesus,attack

the sixth coach in six years. So, I knew it was going to be challenging, but at the same time, I’m a competi tor. You take the challenge, don’t make excuses and just keep working. You’ve got to give everything you’ve got, no regrets, maximum effort, and I feel like if you do the little things right, all the time, over and over again, eventually good things are going to happen for you. I knew that, I am embracing it and we’re going to keep moving forward, keep chopping wood, keep working, keep pushing. There’s no looking into the past, we are looking forward, just trying to build.”

“We’ve got to lock in every game; we’ve got to believe in every game that we are going to come out strong,” Rosier said.

Outside and senior Abby Dickin son, 16, believes friendship off the court has helped the team win most of the games this season.

In 1987, she was elected as the first African American female mayor of the Town of Oakland.

When it comes to motivating teammates, outside and junior Laney Perdue, 16, brings her posi tive attitude to light.

“It is exhausting to play a high school varsity sport; it takes a lot of your time,” she said. “So (we need to) make sure that we put all our effort into it while we still can — especially the seniors.”

wake service to begin at 6 p.m. at Mt. Zion AME Church, Oakland. A service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at St. Mark AME Church, 1968 Bruton Blvd., Orlando. Interment: Oakland Com munity Cemetery, Oakland, Florida.  Postell’s Mortuary, Pine Hills Cha pel, is providing service for the Cole man-Postell family.

n Amanda Ford: 12 aces and 151 digs

Singing the school’s alma mater after the games is something Tello has also been trying to bring into the team’s culture.

back and are encouraging.”

“(I’m working on) getting our student section involved,” he said. “We have a big group here called the Sixth Man Club that’s pretty awe some. That’s something that you don’t get in a club setting.”

Because the girls play on club teams while high school season is off, an important aspect the team has been working on this season is chemistry and communication when on the “Volleyball-wise,court. they are pret ty sound in fundamentals and all that,” Tello said. “It’s just getting the chemistry with one another.”

The team has one goal in common, to make it to states — and hopefully win, while also working on having a better team for those who remain at school next year.

n Gabriella Armitage: 85 kills, 18 aces and 46 digs

Family values

culture, for sure.”

TITANS LEADERS

CONTINUED

“All the girls liking each other — it’s the biggest part,” she said. “We haven’t had any drama, and every one always has each other’s backs. And even if you have a bad day, you can always count with the other people to help you.”

n Laney Perdue: 67 kills

forward to earning some wins prior to the end of the season.

Staying healthy and working on preventative procedures such as icing, stretching and warming up properly is something the girls have present every day they get to prac tice and when they are getting ready for a “Knockmatch.on

OBITUARY

FRANCINE COLEMAN POSTELL DIED THURSDAY, SEPT. 8, 2022.

The Titans played Freedom at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, after press time.

“When we are down by a lot, I help girls stay positive,” she said. “That’s a big thing also, with the underclassmen and next season, to show how they should act.”

Titans set up for success

n Abby Dickinson: 92 digs, 16 aces and 92 digs. She also just obtained her 1,000th career dig and 100 aces.

“Adversity is opportunity in dis guise,” Smith said. “Toughness is built through adversity. … We know this job has been an adversity. I’m

Becoming a Wolverine was defi nitely a change for the former Pan thers coach, but it was a challenge Smith embraced — and one he believes is worth it.

The Honorable Francine Coleman Postell, 89, a lifelong resident of Oak land, Florida, entered her eternal rest on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Mother Postell served as an educator for more than 20 years.

girls have faced when on the court this season has been keeping a high level of energy during matches.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2B

Leadership and mutual support is huge for the girls. Right side and senior Gabriella Armitage, 17, believes every player on the team is able to become a leader on the court.“We try to look up to leaders on the court,” she said. “Sometimes it can be different people every game, so you can look up to them and you know they’ll turn the ball or give you a good pass. (Also) just to always be encouraging, because no one makes mistakes on purpose, so knowing that if you make a mis take, you’ll do better next time but also, that your teammates have your

The Titans defense has remained strong through the games the girls have played this season. According to Tello, the girls have been having four to five aces a match.

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“I am more than a volleyball coach; I am a mentor, as well,” Tel lo said. “That’s something that, at least for me, it’s always been one of my bigger things (as a coach).”

wood, we are all rela tively healthy, and I told them that would be key to our season — how long they can stay healthy for,” Tello said. “Right now, we are our biggest enemies. I truly believe anybody can beat anybody on any given day, but I think when we are clicking and playing together, nobody can really beatForus.”libero and senior Amanda Ford, 17, one of the hardships the

She was a lifelong member of the AME Church and an active member of Mt. Zion AMEC, Oakland. She was a devoted Missionary, servant and woman of God who will be deeply missed by her family and community alike. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, with a

FROM PAGE 1B

Tello’s coaching style goes beyond the volleyball court lines and into the daily lives of his players.

I wanted to be an opera singer. My bachelor’s degree is in vocal perfor mance, and my goal was to travel the world and sing.

I was very fortunate to have many incredible teachers that impacted my life. Mrs. Ward, my choral direc tor, was at the top of that list. She encouraged all her students, regard less of his/her musical prowess.

“Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride,” by Pam Munoz Ryan. I love this book, because it beautifully describes a historical event includ

What brought you to your school? A great friend and former colleague from Celebration High School, Derek Neveu, was instrumental in my decision to apply and interview for a position. After seeing the campus and how happy the students were, it was a relatively easy decision to join the staff at WPS.

What do you love most about your school?

SaraBeth Vanemon teaches English and is the department chair at Windermere Prepx. She was nominated by a group of students who said Vanemon made their sophomore year “better than anyone could have imagined.” She also is the spon sor for the Class of 2024. In 2018, when she was teaching in Osceola County, she earned the High Impact Teacher Award from the Florida Department of Education.

I had a professor in grad school at UCF say, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” My motivation as a teacher is to make sure every student in my class feels safe. I believe that only when they know they are in a safe and comforting learning environ ment can they truly experience the most growth. Creating that environ ment is what motivates me.

POSITION: English teacher

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school?

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

What is your motivation?

SARABETH VANEMON WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Every year, the high school students at Windermere Prep participate in Unity Day. It is my favorite day of school! Each grade level goes on a field trip; the goal is to build rela tionships with peers in their gradu ating class while having fun. This year, I was honored to be part of the senior class trip to Jetty Beach Park and Pier. Watching the seniors play games, jump in the water and inhale pizza — all while bonding with their classmates was a joy.

REPORT CARD

TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years

is when students realize they can do something they never thought they could do — whether that is specific to my class or more of a personal goal, I love hearing students describe their successes. When they real ize they can achieve one goal, it becomes easier to have them realize they can achieve success.

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

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 5BOrangeObserver.com 387431-1www.langd.org At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home. Increase the value of your home with natural gas and save money. 407-656-2734 ext. 307 387407-1 SPORTSSATURDAYSPOTLIGHT Get all the action and passion of high school sports in your inbox. Visit OrangeObserver.com Sign up to receive West Orange scores, highlights, updates and profiles straight to your inbox every Saturday! 386857-1 OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Sunset Park students enjoy special night with grandparents

Bryan and Cindy Scott played a fun game with their grandson, Alexander Tross.

I went to Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State choir. Along with many choir honors, I was in my senior musical as the lead in “Cinderella.” I also played tennis and basketball.

Who was your best friend when you were in school?

Richard Sherman and his grandson, Daniel Rhoads, at left, and Amber Tica, Dana Kitchen, Alek Tica, Maks Tica and Mira Tica, at right, had fun making their crafts.

unset Park Elementary held a fun evening of games and pizza for students Friday, Sept. 8, during Grandparents Night. Children and their grandparents enjoyed arts and crafts and a va riety of games while munching on pizza and snacks. This was the first time the school hosted the event, and the turnout was phenomenal, Principal Stacey Price said.

Bob and Karen Flowers attended Grandparents Night with their granddaughter, Greenlee Flowers.

Grandpa Mark Reinsel explains the rules of Rivers, Roads and Rails to Ethan and Emmett Willis.

FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

S

Lindsey Styers was my best friend in school. We met in a dance class at the age of 3. When we started school, we were inseparable. We played basketball together and were in the marching band. Even though it is sporadic, we keep in touch.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Thiago Porcella loves his grandmother, Patricia Rodriguez, because she cooks yummy food.

ing two fierce women that wanted an adventure — even if they were wearing evening gowns. Amelia Earhart took Eleanor Roosevelt for a short flight around D.C. in 1933 after both of them left a dinner at the White House.

If you could have any superpow er, what would it be and why? (Because of) my love of travel, I would enjoy being able to fly. This would eliminate TSA precheck and global re-entry fees every few years!

I love seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. This past summer, I spent two weeks in Sicily. When I arrived back in the states, this was followed by a road trip with three other friends through eight states and Wash ington, D.C.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Ryan Grysko and his grandmother, Diane Grysko, spent the evening making crafts.

Maryanne Przybyl engaged in a few games with her grandsons, Justin Przybyl and Jack Przybyl.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

Thanksgiving. I love cooking the meal and having all of my fam ily and friends join me. There is something almost magical about waking up early to stuff and cook the turkey.

L

Grandmother Kris Benton attended the event with her grandsons Danny and Ayslan Silva.

NUMBERS GAME: Lake Whitney hosts Grandparents Bingo Night

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Grandma Robin Mahler and grandson Beckett Taylor got goofy with their bingo daubers.

John Chatterton, Henry Kindelmann, Nora Kindelmann and Kathy Chatter ron set up their bingo cards and colored daubers. photos at OrangeObserver.com

ONLINE See more

ake Whitney Elemen tary returned with its annual Grandparents Bingo Night on Thursday, Sept. 8. Children, grandpar ents and various other spe cial guests participated in the game, enjoyed snacks and drinks, competed for prizes, and, most of all, enjoyed a fun night out with family. The event, put together by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organiza tion, included donated items from Sam’s Club, Walmart, Publix, Dunkin’ Donuts, West Orange 5 and the Paper Goat Post.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Grandmother Maria Gencarelli and granddaughter Bella Gen carelli paused for a quick photo before the start of the bingo

Mikayla Kantati enjoyed pizza with her great-grandmother Diane Mitten before the start of the game.

Families came together in large groups to enjoy the annual event.

By Luis Campos

HISTORYORANGEWEST

If you were looking for a used ve hicle in 1982, one of the best places to find your dream car was in “The Times.” Local used-auto dealers advertised weekly their best bets, recent trade-ins and something in everyone’s price range in a “used car Amonground-up.”theadvertisers in the Sept. 16 issue were DJ Auto Sales, in Ocoee; Jim White Auto Sales & Ser vice, in Apopka; and West Orange Auto Sales, Swinson’s Used Cars, West Orange Used Cars and Winter Garden Ford.

You could get a 1979 Dodge As pen couple with air, radio and a vinyl top for $3,900; a 1974 Olds Delta 88 for $200 down and $25 per week; a 1970 Maverick with air for $995; a 1975 two-door Mercury Cougar with hard top and air for $900 cash; a 1977 Buick Skylark hatchback for $1,795; or a 1981 Ford Escort wagon with air and a radio for $4,275.

past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “T OXUUM MNMWUP OXCU, HLM ABUL T MTU, T’E WNTLW IN IBU OTW MNMWUP TL IBU KYD.”– EHLHWUP INEED XHKNPMH “VX SVOOR JN XZ OZRN. ... XYMX’R XYN LMF V MJ MAZCX LVEEVEH; MOO V NUNW LMEXNT XZ TZ LMR PVEVRY PVWRX.” – IMKSVN WZAVERZE “XM INH EZP Z JNA, XF SNHOP YC Z TVCZF FEXAT FN EZGC EXR TVNS HL FN YC BHJF OXUC TXO ENPTCJ.”LCC SCC VCCJC © 2022 NEA, Inc. PuzzleOneClue:CequalsU PuzzleTwoClue:KequalsC PuzzleThreeClue:GequalsV

from quotations

40 years ago

80 years ago

Peggy Brass, Tammy Hines, Betsy Davis and Mary Dane once again were the low-gross winners in the American Cancer Society Golf Tournament at the Bay Hill Country Club. The low-net win ning-team golfers were Dot Davis, Betty Pounds, Bitsy Tiddy and Mickey Cooke.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

SEPT.THURSDAYTHROWBACK16,1982

Meat rationing was set at two-andone-half pounds per person per week.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creat ing new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 7BOrangeObserver.com 9-15-22 celebrity cipher sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. ©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate crossword ©2022 Universal Uclick ACROSS 1 Woman at a square dance 4 Some eat great white 9sharksLikemorning grass 13 Scrooge’s cry 16 Shouts of enlightenment 18 Intrinsically 19 Upper regions of space 21 Big rig 22 What might be seen near a 24rave?Tibetan dogs 26 Burmese ___ (invasive snake in the Everglades) 27 Feast 29 Facebook post 30 Tag call 32 Jamaican citrus fruit 33 Skier McKinney 34 “Boy!” 36 Barbershop sound 38 “Didn’t I tell you?!” 39 Calf meat 41 Winter hrs. in Manitoba 42 Off-course 44 Jetta or Passat, slangily 46 Answer sheet 47 “___ me guess ...” 49 Greet someone from 51afarOil job 52 Brainstorm output 54 Use colored pencils 57 “Didn’t I tell you?!” 58 Softest mineral 59 Chef Matsuhisa 60 Pixar clownfish 61 Sighting for astronomers or paparazzi 63 Dryer buildup 65 Tetris console 66 Whispery video acronym 67 Bud 70 Thin part of a wineglass 72 (I’m a cow!) 73 Has sushi, e.g. 75 Roll on a golf course? 76 Put out, as heat 78 Its “A” stands for “ale” 79 Misses the mark 81 Radiologists’ scans 83(Abbr.)Went for a volleyball, say 84 Early automaker 86 Campus official 88 “Leave that to me!” 92 BILLY bookcase seller 93 Russian refusal 94 Tiny bit 95 Spanish for “Come on!” 96 “Kinda” 98 Sigma follower 99 Satisfy, as one’s thirst 101 Wheel rod 102 Groan inducer 104 Molecule component 106 Uninspired routine 107 Neighbor on 109 Marx follower? 110 Existing from birth 112 Source of Buffalo’s lakeeffect snow 114 Unexpected obstacles 116 Inanimate zodiac 117symbolSome detect motion 121 For free 124 Super dupers 126 Travels by air 128 Geological spans 129 Shoot a basket, maybe 130 TV studio alert 131 Poker fee 132 Foxlike 133 Sci-fi vehicles 134 Styles of One Direction 135 ___ Perignon DOWN 1 React in shock 2 “Greetings, sailor!” 3 A pest can get on yours (In this answer, read letters 47-4)Standing offer (letters 56-3)Gun, as an engine 6 Nursery bed 7 On the ocean 8 In stitches? 9 10DownpourMermanof Broadway 11fame2007 Linkin Park single with the lyric “I’ll face my self” (letters 7-3) 12 Magic 8 Ball response 13 Oscar won four times by Katharine Hepburn (letters 146-3)French loves 15 Warn away from the Meow Mix, say 17 Trendy NYC neighbor 20hoodFollower of Jah 21 Inbox clutter 23 Goes bad 25 In the slightest 28 Colorado Avalanche, formerly (letters 8-5) 31 Standard Father’s Day 34giftStare foolishly 35 Actor McGregor 37 Attack with snowballs 38 Extraordinary 40 Ray from the X-Men’s Cyclops 43 Mostly poisonous trees 45 ___-purpose 46 xNext of ___ (closest 48relative)Name that anagrams to 5086-AcrossSongwriters’ dreams 53 European country dis solved in 1918 (letters 8-5) 55 Snowballs, in a snowball 56fightUnit of language 62 Answer the email of 64 Removed by ripping 67 Mani’s go-with 68 In a frenzy 69 Au pair (letters 8-4) 71 Botched (letters 11-7) 74 Communicate with the 77handsLipton array 80 Stuff to the brim 82 Fountain drink 85 “Rugrats” dad 87 xDad’s mom 89 Place to catch a cab (letters 5-3) 90 Contents of Pandora’s 91boxOverflow (with) 97 Fan’s opposite 100 “Big Brother” network 102 Aquarius follower 103 Far from hip 105 ACT and SAT 106 Washes the suds off 108 Tent protector 111 “Woe is me!” 113 Back in? 115 Met ___ (annual fund 118raiser)“Pick me! Pick me!” 119 Name hidden in “as 120tronaut”Practice punches 122 Really digging 123 Appear to be 125 Critical hospital dept. 127 Title for Elton John SHOWS UP by Dylan Schiff. Edited by David Steinberg

Infantry.Localyoung people attending Camp Didakee in Zellwood were Billy Bob Davis, Sandra and Keith Mann, Ann and Susan Hornstein, Angilee Davis, Bill Cappleman, Ward Britt, Fritz and Gus Harter, Herbert Schley, George and Patsy Tyndall, Gail Willis, Dave Sayer, Douglas Tilden, Stanley Smith, Jimmy Roper, Sharon Winter and Patricia Tibbals.

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created by famous people,

It was an emotional day for Ruth Aycock, of Ocoee, as Webb’s Pharmacy closed its doors. She had worked at Webb’s (formerly Pounds Pharmacy) in the Ocoee Shopping Center on Silver Star Road for 39 years.

70 years ago

“The Year of the Gator,” by Sam Holland: Many a year I’ve trav eled this route. I’m getting old and troubled with gout, But every year we board this bus, The one that says, “Leave the driving to us.” All because some Johnny come later, Says, “This must be, the year of the Gator.” Now we heard it before, year after year, That this is the year, have no fear. Old coach Graves for no rhyme or reason, Said, “We’ll be first, at the end of the season.” Then after years of losing the bout, They all got together and tossed him out. Then came Dickey with a smile on his face, Saying, “Within two years

Seventy-eight years ago today, an Official Election War Ballot was mailed by Whildon Harold Roberson, of Winter Garden. This mailedin absentee ballot traveled from San Francisco to Judge John G. Baker at the Orange County Court House. Roberson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in October 1945. He later worked as a loading foreman for the Roper Growers Co-Op of Winter Garden.

30 years ago

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is gathering and sorting information on the region’s World War II veterans for an exhibit to be displayed in the Heritage Museum in March 2023. Please share your family’s service history by calling (407) 656-3244.

Word has been received from Pfc.

Selby Burch that he has landed safely in Korea with the U.S.

OLDTHESETIMES

we’ll be in first place.” The victory he sought was not of his fate, And in a few years they showed him the gate. They searched high and wide, over hill and dell, And came back home with coach Charley Pell. It was, “Give ’em hell, Pell, or I’ll $^!& in your ear.” We all have reason for being so vexed, For surely our Gators must be hexed. For this reason alone, I must insist, That our next coach be the exorcist, If he rids himself of demons in his hair, Better known as “alumni” ev erywhere, In a year or two, or just a little later, We could truly say, “It’s the year of the Gator.”

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

INFORMATION & RATES: 407-656-2121 redpages@orangeobserver.com • orangeobserver.com/redpages RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. DEADLINES: Classifieds - Friday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card You now get the dry flower to SMOKE! 407-755-0012 1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803 387454 We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more! www.CMMDR.COM GET CERTIFICATIONFASTCARDMARIJUANAMEDICALYOURHERE&EASY Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phoneFREE DELIVERY delivered directly to your home or business placepeekers’ Inc.NEA,©2022 This week’s Sudoku answersThis week’s Crossword answers UclickUniversal©2022yourself.cheatingonlyYou’re Puzzle One Solution: “I bleed Dodger blue, and when I die, I’m going to the big Dodger in the Managersky.”Tommy Lasorda Puzzle Two Solution: “It kills me to lose. ... That’s the way I am about winning; all I ever wanted to do was finish first.” Jackie Robinson Puzzle Three Solution: “If you had a son, it would be a great thing to have him grow up to be just like Gil PeeHodges.”WeeReese This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Furnishings 388380 EstaMoGarage/ving/teSales GARAGE / MOVING SALE Saturday 9/17, 8AM - 2PM 417 S. Main St, WG Fine arts, fur niture, tools MerchandiseWanted NOW PURCHASING SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden 349888 NOW PURCHASING SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495 13178 W. Colonial Dr. NOW PURCHASING SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden 387452 Pets 388508 REWARD Missing since 8/11/22 Call 407-274-8495 if seen “Buckwheat” Lost on Miller St, WG near the vet office Do not approach. He’s very skittish. Help Wanted HELP/ CAREGIVER WANTED TYPE: CONTRACT TIME: 12HOURS SALARY : $20.00 PER HOUR. JOB DESCRIPTION: I am looking for a gentle and compassionate helper and caregiver to provide companion care and daily assistance for my 71-year-old mother. Potential Candidates please send an email withmbgllenn1@gmail.comtotheheaderCAREGIVER. Accounting 387451 BUY STUFF HERE! Call 407-656-2121 to place an ad 15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 407-656-2121 Email: orangeobserver.comredpages@ RED PAGES AD RATES FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! First 15 words $15.00 per week Each add’l word 25¢ Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com Made for where you live. Here! RED PAGES YOUR HOME Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them. foundSearchhere.theRED PAGES for great deals. To place an ad, call 407-656-2121

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But Wait ... THERE’SMORE! Flip the page for more sales and specials! XNLV18913

Consider making the switch to natural gas. For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please contact the District Marketing Team at (407) 656-2734 x 307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org

Every day, you make choices.

When it comes to choosing the energy source for your home or business, our team at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) firmly believes you should have the power to choose what works best for you.

Please be sure to like, follow and re-share LANGD’s content on Facebook at @LANGDFL.

Over 170 million Americans currently choose to rely on the affordability and abun dance of natural gas. Their choice is a power ful tool and, when it comes to choosing the right energy mix for your home or business, the freedom to choose what best supports your lifestyle is extremely important.

Want to learn more about the energy sources available to you?

In addition to its clean characteristics, natu ral gas is reliable. Even after a power outage, consumers of natural gas have the basic necessity needed for taking warm showers and cooking their favorite meals. That is why hospitals, assisted living facilities and restau rants often rely on the support of natural gas to keep their essential operations afloat.

However, Floridians don’t have to worry about their right to choose being restricted anytime soon. In July 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 919 into law – preventing local governments from banning fuel sources and marking a major step in the right direction to ensure consum er choice is top priority.

For example, despite the myths, natural gas is one of the most affordable energy sources available. Based on data from AGA, house holds that use all-electric appliances pay almost $900 more annually than those that have the traditional mix of natural gas and electric homes.

Source: American Public Gas Association (APGA)

You choose where you work and what to eat for dinner. You choose your elected officials and where to raise your children. Even right now, you are making a choice to read this article.

Households that use almostappliancesall-electricpay$900moreannuallythanthosethathavethetraditionalmixofnaturalgasandelectrichomes.

However, not everyone feels the same way about choice when it comes to energy sourc es. Advocates for the recent trend of “electri fication” propose moving to an all-electric, single-source model that eliminates the use of natural gas entirely – stripping consum ers of their ability to choose their preferred energy source.

388844-1

Today, more than four states have at least one city where consumers no longer have the freedom to choose natural gas as an energy source, and that number is still growing.

energy results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy (the U.S. Energy Information Administration).

Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel source available. Burning natural gas for

In 2019, the city of Berkeley, California, became the first in the United States to ban natural gas. Since then, several U.S. cities – including San Jose, Santa Rosa and Brook line – have also passed similar legislation.

The “one-size-fits-all” approach to ener gy that electrification is all about not only undermines consumers’ right to choose, but also often stems from common misconcep tions about natural gas.

THE POWER OF CONSUMER CHOICE

“The West Orange Chamber offers several areas of collaboration that we see as strategic to our business. Attending Chamber events helps our team get to know other members and their businesses, offers insight on Chamber-presented initiatives, and enhances our overall team building skills which benefits our crew at work. We think that’s pretty cool.”

Take the lead today. Join us! (407) 656-1304 12184 West Colonial Dr in Winter Garden www.wochamber.comTheWestOrangeChamberofCommerce

Celebrating 50 years of Collaboration

DANIELLE LATTNER

APPLE AIR / CHAMBER MEMBER