12.01.22 Southwest Orange Observer

Reindeer games

YOUR TOWN

TREE LOT TAKES ROOT DOWNTOWN

Local entertainer Billy Flanigan has returned to downtown Winter Garden this year with his Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees. He is selling Fraser Fir trees, wreaths and holiday décor at 114 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, as well as at Windermere High School, 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road.

ROTARY CLUB HOSTING TOY DRIVE

The Rotary Club of Horizon West once again is collecting toys for its annual toy drive for the kids of Maxey Elementary School in Winter Garden.

The club still needs toys for boys and girls ages 4 to 11. Donations should be unwrapped toys at a recommended value of $25 and small enough to fit in a backpack. If it requires batteries, please include those, as well. Toys can be dropped off with Bryan Fifer — State Farm Insurance Agent, 16106 Marsh Road, Suite 104, Winter Garden. Donors also can contact Emily Pawlicki Tornatore, (407) 491-2476, if pick-up is needed. Deadline to donate is Dec. 2.

Cancer fund kicks off annual drive

Venardos Circus has returned for three weeks of shows under the big top. SEE PAGE 3A.

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Courtesy photo

Health care a family affair for three generations

“It’s interesting, because I’ve always been … independent,” Kristin Yager said. “I’ve always gone off to work and come home and told stories.

Working at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital is a family affair for three employees.

Donna Panzella, Kristin Yager and Sabrina Yager represent three generations, and hospital officials said this is a first for the Ocoee facility.

Kristin Yager was the first of the three to start working at the Ocoee hospital almost 10 years ago. She is a graduate nurse coordinator, and she mentors the nurses in their first year.

Her mother, Donna Panzella, has been the department secretary for surgical services for five-and-onehalf-years.

“The secretary just kind of fields everything, which makes it kind of fun,” Panzella said. “It just feels good to do that.”

The youngest family member and the most recent hire is Sabrina Yager — Panzella’s granddaughter and Kristin Yager’s daughter — who joined the hospital’s badge security team five weeks ago.

The three work staggered shifts, so they don’t always see one another, but they said it’s always fun when it does happen.

With everyone here, they say, ‘Yeah, we already know.’ It used to be ‘the world I worked in’ and ‘the world I came home to.’”

“I’m still not used to running into them in the cafeteria,” Panzella said.

Sabrina Yager always enjoys the chance meetings.

“It’s fun, because we get to see each other in the hallways,” she said. “I’ll deliver something in the volunteer services, and it’s like, ‘Hey, Grandma!’”

Kristin Yager has worked in hospital settings her entire career, which spans nearly 25 years. She was a traveling nurse when she took a position at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. She served in perioperative nursing, conducting orientation and staff development for all the team members in the surgical services department.

“That’s how I had the connections to get her in the surgical department,” Kristin Yager said of her mother.

Always one to seek new challenges, Kristin Yager expected to get some experience and move on, but three months into the job, she realized this is from where she wanted to retire.

“It’s really warm here,” she said. “I’m an independent person, and

I like to see change. When I came here this was the very first hospital I’ve encountered where if you have a voice and want to see change or want something to progress … they not only say, ‘I hear your point,’ but they also give you resources to (see it through).”

Panzella had been a stay-at-home mother for most of her adulthood, and she was ready to get a job.

“Kristin said, ‘I have just the place for you,’” Panzella said. “She talked

to my boss at the time who wanted someone who knew Excel, and we hit it off.”

For Sabrina Yager, it feels like she has more than two family members working with her.

“I grew up here visiting my mom at work,” she said. “I made a community with her colleagues, so I already knew people when I got here.”

Sabrina Yager is a performer in the Central Florida area who needed a

supplemental job with flexible hours.

“My mom suggested going down the non-surgical route in the hospital,” she said.

Sabrina Yager’s position as team assistant in the badge room requires her to make employee badges and assign the appropriate access to each.

“She found the one job with crafts,” Panzella said, laughing.

This isn’t the first time the trio has worked together. When they lived in Franklin, New York, the small town had limited places to work, Panzella said, and the three of them were employed at the local McDonald’s. But this time is different because they are working in separate departments doing work that appeals to them.

“In our positions in life, this is perfect: the end, beginning and middle of our careers,” Panzella said. “It’s all family here. It’s like that; it’s wonderful.”

“I feel respected by my coworkers here and (by) my family,” Sabrina Yager said. “It’s nice to be respected on that level.”

Danielle DeJarlais, media relations manager for Orlando Health, said there have been many examples of two generations of a family working at the hospitals but staff could not recall there ever being three.

“It’s that small-town feel in the hospital that attracts family members to work here,” DeJarlais said.

Amy Quesinberry

Three generations of one family are employed at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital: Donna Panzella, left, Kristin Yager and Sabrina Yager.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Venardos Circus was born from a dream.

The first time former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos tried to sell tickets at an event for his own circus was in 2016 in Washington. At the time, the only tent he had was a small stretch of material measuring 10 feet by 20 feet.

“It was a little frame tent, and the artists would hide in it, and we put a wood ring on the outside in front, and we performed out there,” Venardos said. “People sat on hay bails. I had some pieces of side wall, and I strung up cables around the performance area to create a kind of walled in space. The thing is, that’s all I had at that time. I didn’t have money for marketing. I just had a dream and a few crazy friends who were willing to come with me.”

Now, the “Little Circus That Could” travels across the country to perform for thousands. The circus has grown into a living example of the power of dreams, reinventing the American cir cus tradition for a new generation and bringing joy to people everywhere.

And through Dec. 11, the Venardos Circus will be right here in West Orange.

RISING RINGMASTER

Venardos, 47, was born in Maryland but spent the majority of his younger years in New Jersey.

He grew up watching and learning from his father, Lane Venardos, a beloved producer and executive with CBS News for 30 years.

“I watched my dad living this incredible career where it felt like he was telling the story of the world and like somehow I was part of it, because my dad was so integral to telling that story,” Venardos said.

Kevin Venardos studied musical theater, and after being out of school for a few years, he struggled in New York as he tried to pursue his dream of becoming an actor on Broadway. He auditioned at a multitude of openings while also working two jobs catering and waiting tables.

One of the auditions was for a circus role with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

At 22, Kevin Venardos became one of the youngest ringmasters in the history of the circus.

His father was thrilled and joined him on the mile-long circus train, which ran on the world’s largest privately owned railroad, an important detail that tied the family together.

The pair loved trains — they spent much of their respective childhoods building HO-gauge model railroads.

Lane Venardos died in 2011, at 67, and Kevin Venardos left the circus soon after.

A CIRCUS DREAM

After working at a couple of different shows following the close of the Ring ling circus, Kevin Venardos realized his head was in the wrong place.

“I made a bunch of mistakes and had some really low points in life — from my own decisions — that were really detrimental to me and to my family,” he said. “After having experi enced Ringling and feeling like I was a subculture star, I then discovered that me being there was not because of me, it was a huge team of people who had been conspiring to build something, and I was resting on their shoulders the whole time.”

The young ringmaster experienced bankruptcy, divorce and was even homeless for a short period of time.

“That was absolutely necessary it turns out, because that’s when I

started to realize how grateful I should be for the opportunity to go after what I want, especially when you’ve lost everything and you’re still alive,” he said. “You have nothing to lose, so for me, when those situations happened, instead of shrinking, there’s this part of me that is willful and a fire that comes back and says, ‘Oh yes I can, and let me show you.’”

The reminder of the importance of teamwork has stayed with Kevin Venardos ever since.

The circus employs about 20 people with 15 members on the ground and the rest in other states with jobs such as permitting or digital marketing. The team includes an operations director, two stagehands, a concessions manager, two concessions hands and seven artists.

Kevin Venardos said all perform ers have a task before the show. For example, the aerialist scans tickets, the acrobatic team ushers people to their seats and the clown sells toys.

The ringmaster said he has noticed people appreciate the experience and the sense of teamwork showcased through the tasks. It also lets the attendees know the performers are only human and although they have incredible talents, they have all been through different experiences and have different opinions — but are ultimately family.

The talent group includes a young woman from Ethiopia who does a foot-juggling act and a hula-hoop act, an aerialist from Cuba, a couple who do a hand-to-hand balancing act and a young man who is a comedian.

“I, by myself, am not capable of doing any of this stuff, and also it wouldn’t be worth anything if it was just for me,” Kevin Venardos said. “This whole circus only exists because a team of people, who are all doing something they believe in, are working together to make it live and breathe.”

Although the circus started with one 28-foot box truck, the team now travels with three vehicles, including a recently bought bunk house trailer, a concessions trailer and a semi-trailer. Employees drive their pick-up trucks and pull their own portable homes behind.

In the beginning, the circus frequented its two biggest locations, St. Augustine and Tacoma, Washington, which are about 3,000 miles apart. Now, the circus has built a tour in an attempt to connect the two cities.

The circus travels to about 16 venues during 40 weeks of travel, including stops in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Alabama and North Carolina.

The circus did not find its way to West Orange until 2018.

HAMLIN HOME Although the circus has faced many challenges along the way, Kevin Venardos knew he wanted to give people direct access to the show.

“I wanted to somehow get a price for a ticket that is reasonable into the hands of actual people and have them decide whether they want us around or not,” he said. “The Winter Garden area is beautiful, and it has been one of the anchor communities that has truly made everything possible.”

Kevin Venardos said he often searches for smaller spaces for the circus where it would not be a nuisance. His goal is to use the circus to help bring people to smaller towns and help small businesses thrive.

“Boyd Development, it turns out they are just an extraordinary family, and they have a marketing team here who finds events and cool experiences for people in the area that build community, raise the value of the homes in the area, improve the business of the retail spaces and encourage investment,” he said. “To think that Boyd Development and Hamlin believed in us at that very early moment in our story … years later planting those sweaty, painful seeds of love and long hard-working hours, I now feel like the community that is here knows about us and cares about the dream that we are living. So they come back, and every one of those people has put a brick into building this house.”

The ringmaster said 30% to 40% of sales come from people who have been to see the circus before or who have

heard about it from friends and family.

“If you get a community of people to believe in your dream with you, such that it becomes something that they take ownership of, it becomes a tradition for them,” Kevin Venardos said. “What happens on the stage, what it represents, more than just a circus act, it’s a living example of the power of dreams.”

In the future, Kevin Venardos said there is a distinct possibility there may be another unit of the circus created.

The team also is planning on purchasing a new tent and retiring the current one next year. Kevin Venardos is working with Canobbio Textile Engineering in Italy, known for making some of the best circus tents in the world.

In addition, next year the circus will have risers, improved lighting and an additional trailer that will carry the new tent.

As far as future plans, Kevin Venar dos said he wants to continue inspir ing people to live their own dreams but also to amaze, delight and, most of all, touch the hearts of all who enter the tent.

“We’re going to keep showing this to people,” he said. “It might be a lit tle girl or a little boy, or it might be a fully grown boy or girl, who are hav ing a really tough time in their life right now. If they see that this thing is still out there traveling across the country, that it reminds them that it is never too late for them to move in that direction of the thing that they believe in and love. You never know the things that will stay with people when you live with that kind of message in your heart. I hope they take away a happy memory that is inspirational, because the

was a dream I never knew

created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, has reinvented the American circus tradition for a new generation.

“I hope they take away a happy memory that is inspirational, because the circus was a dream I never knew I had but came true.”

— Kevin Venardos

Photos by Michael Eng

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church preps for Christmas shows

CHRISTMAS PRODUCTIONS

“RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER JR.”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4

WHERE: 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road TICKETS: $10, bit. ly/3EGNizK

“I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”

WHEN: 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

WHERE: 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road TICKETS: $12 for adults, $6 for children age 12 and under, bit.ly/3XBRLw4

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

No Christmas season would be complete without St. Luke’s United Methodist Church’s holiday productions.

They have become a must-see for many families in Southwest Orange, and with two big shows — “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” — this year is no exception.

“We have a longstanding tradi tion of a Christmas concert that features our choirs and orches tra, dancers and actors, to tell the story that is at the center of the season,” St. Luke’s Minister of Worship and Arts Melissa Coo per said. “This fall has been a sea son where we’ve seen a lot of folks return to church after the chaotic last few years of the pandemic, so we’ve been using a ‘welcome home’ theme. So we thought we’d carry that through to our Christmas con cert this year and invite even more folks to make their home with us with the theme of ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas.’”

In addition, the youth theater at St. Luke’s, which had taken a hiatus during the pandemic, has returned this fall and will share a story that Cooper said was important both to the community and to the kids.

“They (the kids) have been through so much the last few years,” she said. “We thought Christmas time is a perfect chance to share a beloved story (Rudolph) that high lights the importance of embracing one another’s differences, and how our differences can actually be our superpowers.”

“I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”

The Christmas concert, under the direction of Senior Director of Tra ditional Music Josh O’Dell and sup ported by Director of Children’s and Instrumental Music John R. Mason III, will feature performers of all ages.

There are about 150 people involved in the show, including performers and musicians, a pro duction team, and other volunteers.

The concert will showcase mem bers singing, dancing and playing instruments together to tell the Christmas story.

“This year is all about the music — from our growing 33-member orchestra to our 70-member adult choir and 25-member children’s choir, who will be highlighted even

further by our dance ensemble,” Cooper said. “You will get a chance to hear this age-old story through some of your favorite music and some, hopefully, new favorites, as well.”

St. Luke’s families will represent Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in a live manger scene that includes the pro cessional of the three kings, angels and shepherds.

The audience will also have the opportunity to join in on some Christmas favorites, such as “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The Christmas concert will take place with performances on Dec. 10 and 11.

“RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR.”

This show, under the direction of Artistic Director Steve MacKin non, along with co-director Ke’Lee Pernell, gives the church’s youth a chance to experience a full theater production process.

“They work with professional teaching artists, and are supported by costumes, scenic and lighting teams to help them get the whole

experience of what it’s like to be in a professional show,” Cooper said. “Many of our kids are in arts mag net schools or perform in area the aters already — or are considering it — and this gives them a chance to try it out.”

The cast ranges from youth in third through eighth grade, with about 55 people involved in the show, including performers, a pro duction team, and other volunteers.

The show will take place with performances on Dec. 2 through 4.

“Christmas is one of those times where we as the church have a chance (not only) to share who we are with our community but also to help the community focus beyond the hustle and bustle of the holiday season on family, friendship and faith,” Cooper said. “We love giving a space for the community, whether they are affiliated with our church or any church, to celebrate the most beloved parts of the season through music, storytelling and commu nity.”

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com

Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US

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If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

PUBLIC NOTICES

The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals Permit (USPS# 687-120)

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, P.O. Box 135, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069-0135.

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Founding Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh

President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

Courtesy images

Reading Reindeer Recipient: Community Health Centers

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Community Health Centers has served as a community partner and health advocate for families in need since 1972.

CHC provides quality and compassionate primary healthcare services to insured, uninsured, underinsured and underserved children and adults in Central Florida and including West Orange and Southwest Orange counties. CHC accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance plans and has a sliding discount program for those with or without insurance. The nonprofit organization provides a number of primary health care services — family medicine, pediatrics, dental, OB/GYN, internal medicine, behavioral health, pharmacy and two new services, optometry and telemedicine — to nearly 70,000 patients each year.

The Winter Garden center has been a book recipient through Observer Media Group’s Reading Reindeer literacy campaign for more than a decade, and thousands of children have benefited from the gift of reading.

“Our patients ages 6 months to 6 years get to take home a book during their well visit,” said John Riordan, director of marketing and community relations. “We also participate in the national Reach Out and Read program, which allows us to purchase the books at a reduced rate. We encourage the parents of our patients to read to their children at an early age and continue.

“Parents reading to their children helps build a bond between child and parent and helps with their cognitive developmental skills, language skills, concentration, imagination and creativity,” Riordan said. “Reading at an early age puts children in a trajectory of academic success.”

ORIGINAL PURPOSE

CHC was incorporated as a nonprofit health organization under the name West Orange Farmworkers Health Association. It secured a federal grant and opened a clinic in a trailer donated by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando.

The original staff consisted of only a nurse’s aide, a medical director and an administrative director.

Bishop Borders Satellite Health Center opened in 1976 to serve farmworkers and residents in the Winter Garden area. Dental care also was provided. That same year West Orange Farmworkers Health Association became a comprehensive primary care model, expanding to include pharmacy, laboratory and dental services.

Dental care and maternity services were added in 1979, with additional facility improvements, including expanded dental, X-ray and pharmacy services.

WOFHA received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization in 1989, and the name

BIN LOCATIONS

WINTER GARDEN

n Winter Garden Farmer’s Market, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

n Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St.

n City of Winter Garden, 300 W. Plant St.

n Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road n Writer’s Block, 32 W. Plant St. n Pammie’s Sammies, 121 S. Boyd n Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive

n Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. n Foundation Academy, 125 E. Plant St.

OCOEE

n House Blend Café, 17030 W. Colonial Drive n Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive n Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway

WINDERMERE

n Windermere Administrative Building, 614 Main St.

OAKLAND n Oakland Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St.

DR. PHILLIPS

n Dr Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando n St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando

HORIZON WEST

n Bridgewater Middle, 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden n Sunset Park Elementary, 12050 Overstreet Road, Windermere n The French Café, 16412 New Independence Parkway, Suite 140, Winter Garden n The French Café, 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 160

was changed to Community Health Centers Inc.

The nonprofit extends its services beyond health care, embracing its role as a community partner in residents’ overall wellness, including physical, mental and educational health.

“We love sharing the books with our pediatric patients and their family,” Riordan said. “The children and parents are very grateful to receive a book during their visit. … We give out thousands of books to children each year, and we are very appreciative to Observer Media Group and (its) readership for generously donating books. … Our children and families love the books.”

Treat Yourself this Holiday Season

MAKE THE NATURAL GAS SWITCH TO

The holiday season is fast approaching and with it comes all the responsibilities of buying gifts, cooking meals, planning family gatherings, decorating and more. This year, consider making the switch to natural gas so you can spend less time worrying about cooking and more time focusing on what makes the holidays truly special: spending it with the people you love.

Whether it’s a picture-perfect Thanksgiving turkey, a gorgeous Christmas Eve ham or your favorite dessert, there’s nothing better than bringing your loved ones together over a delicious meal. With natural gas, you can cook those meals with consistent, accurate temperatures and quick heating, and save money doing it. Did you know that, according to the American Gas Association, the average United States household saves $879 per year compared to all-electric homes? During the holidays, that same household will spend half as much money using a gaspowered oven to cook a turkey compared to those cooking with an electric oven.

One of the most sought-after benefits of natural gas is that cooking over flame allows you to quickly and precisely adjust temperature to help cook your meal to perfection. This unmatched temperature control can take you from a boil to a simmer, or vice versa, in a matter of minutes, and is part of the reason why 90% of professional chefs prefer cooking with natural gas (Blue Flame Alliance).

Natural gas heat also contains more moisture, which leads to better quality baking and less dried-out meat.

With natural gas stoves, cleanup is a breeze. Most natural gas stoves come equipped with sealed burners, which are considered by many to be the easiest accessory to clean on a stovetop.

If cooking like a chef, saving money and having an easier time cleaning up sounds like something that you’ll enjoy this holiday season, consider making the switch to natural gas. After all, a better time cooking for the holidays is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many advantages natural gas has to offer.

LANGD DONATES SMOKE/CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS FOR LOCAL CITIZENS

Led by LANGD Administrator of Regulatory & Safety Compliance Terrill Booker, the District is giving Clermont and Apopka fire stations 100 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for distribution to local citizens in need.

The fire departments will provide the detectors free of charge for use in one-or -two-family dwellings.

To learn more, call the Apopka Fire Department at 407-703-1756 or the Clermont Fire Department at 352-394-7662.

District offices are located at 1320 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden; 38 N. Park Avenue, Apopka; and, 676 W. Montrose Street, Clermont.

Interested in learning more about 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 x307, marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org.

Be sure to like, follow and re-share LANGD’s content on Facebook.

The Orange Observer is collecting new books for children from birth to age 17 to be delivered to those in need just before the holidays.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Even before Thanksgiving, West Orange and Southwest Orange already were getting into the holiday spirit with the town of Windermere’s Light Up Windermere celebration. And the holiday hoopla will continue throughout December with a plethora of events, starting with some of the biggest ones of the year this week in Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips.

WINTER GARDEN

LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

WHERE: West Plant Street, Historic

Downtown DETAILS: Join the city as it welcomes the holiday season at the 35th annual Light Up Winter Garden. This event kicks off downtown’s 38 days of ’Tis the Season. This year, the event will feature two locations for the Sledding Hill and Snow Hill — at Main Street Wonderland on South Main Street and on South Lakeview Avenue adjacent to the Down town Interactive Fountain. Live enter tainment will be on multiple stages — at Main Street Wonderland on South Main Street, Parking Garage Plaza (Santa Claus), City Hall and on the steps of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden (A Big Band Christmas).

A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

PRESENTED BY FIRST BAPTIST

CHURCH OF WINTER GARDEN

WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

WHERE: On the steps of First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

DETAILS: This concert will feature Charles Billingsley and Dave Boyer along with the First Baptist Worship Band and Foundation Academy Steel Drums. It will begin immediately following the Light Up Winter Garden ceremony.

WINTER GARDEN

CHRISTMAS PARADE

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

WHERE: Starts on South Dillard Street, heads north and goes west on Plant Street.

DETAILS: Take a lawn chair or blanket, and head to your favorite spot for this annual event. This long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition will delight spectators and ring in holiday cheer. Don’t forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade.

CHRISTMAS MARKET ON PLANT STREET

WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 WHERE: Plant Street

DETAILS: Downtown Winter Garden will turn into a pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace, with the shops coming out to the sidewalks and special live holiday music performances. In addition, the Garden Theatre is hosting a free showing of “Home Alone” at 2 p.m.

10TH ANNUAL WINTER GARDEN GOLF CART PARADE

WHEN: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

WHERE: New staging area is 98 W. Bay St. Parking will be available for all who wish to remain in downtown Winter Garden at the conclusion.

DETAILS: The city of Winter Garden is co-hosting the event with the West Orange Junior Service League, and the route is historic downtown only. Also new, following the parade, the golf carts will park on Plant Street and throughout the closed streets to provide a showcase where people can stroll to get a closer look at the splendidly decorated carts.

WEBSITE: cwgdn.com/572/WinterGarden-Christmas-Golf-Cart-Parade.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE STROLL

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 WHERE: Downtown Winter Garden DETAILS: Downtown boutiques will host indoor and outdoor specials, promotions and surprises. Gather friends and family for a fun and festive holiday shopping experience. WEBSITE: downtownwg.com

OCOEE 22ND ANNUAL OPERATION SANTA

WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 6, 8, 13, and 15. If needed, rain dates will be Dec. 2, 9 and 16.

WHERE: Ocoee’s more than 60 neighborhoods DETAILS: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

will ride through neighborhoods aboard a festive holiday float built by the Ocoee Fire Department and volunteers. When the holiday float arrives in neighborhoods, residents are encouraged to give Santa new, unwrapped toys. The toys will be donated to the Ocoee Police Department’s Holiday Toys for Kids in Need drive.

INFORMATION: For a complete list of subdivisions Santa will visit, go to ocoee.org/OperationSanta or call the Ocoee Fire Department at (407) 9053140.

OAKLAND SECOND

ONGOING DOWNTOWN

Downtown Winter Garden will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland through Jan. 9, 2023, with the sights and sounds of the season for all ages to enjoy includ ing festive light displays and decorations, holiday music, and the colorful Downtown Interactive Fountain. Seasonal mer chandise, food and drinks will be available at unique shops and restaurants. Restaurants will feature expanded outdoor patios for dining under the stars and festive lights.

n Art Exhibition: “Holidays in Winter Garden”: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30 at the Art in Public Places Gallery, City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden

n Live Holiday Music at Fridays on the Plaza: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 (Safia Valines Quartet), 16 (L&G Live), 23 (Red Mint) and 30 (Ranahan), at Centennial Plaza

flurries, food trucks, music and more! Guests will have the opportunity to sit with Santa for a free photo opportunity, and kids will go home with a special treat from the North Pole, while supplies last. This year, Santa’s Lane will feature a traditional Christmas Market by Orange Blossom Market Co.

INFORMATION: oaklandfl.gov

HORIZON WEST LEGACY EVENTS’

HOLIDAY MARKET AT HAMLIN

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

WHERE: Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden

DETAILS: Shop local and have some holiday fun at this market, presented by Legacy Events for Education.

INFORMATION: legacyeventsfored.org

LIGHT ORLANDO

CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 8-10

WHERE: Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden DETAILS: This free, family-friendly series supports local charities and showcases local high school, church and community choirs each night. Performers include Khristian Dent ley (Dec. 5), Opera Orlando (Dec. 6), OFI (Dec. 7), God’s Example (Dec. 8), Daniel Emmet (Dec. 9) and Blanck (Dec. 10).

INFORMATION: lightorlando.org

DR. PHILLIPS

ANNUAL

TREES OF THE SEASON

WHEN: Throughout December

WHERE: Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 Petris Ave.

DETAILS: The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites you to participate in this holiday tree-decorating campaign. Trees of the Season is your opportunity to showcase your organization, business, or individual creativity by decorating a Christmas tree that will be viewed by hundreds of area families this holiday season. Trees will be on display at the center in the town of Oakland and will be a centerpiece of the town’s Santa’s Lane community event, which draws thousands of visitors.

APPLICATIONS: Interested participants can email arts&heritage@ oaklandfl.gov for more information and inquire about an application.

2022 SANTA’S LANE

WHEN: 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 WHERE: Oakland Town Center, 230 N. Tubb St., Oakland

DETAILS: The town of Oakland is thrilled to announce Santa’s Lane is returning bigger and jollier than ever — with more sparkling lights and new activities, including an alpine slide, snow

n A Very Merry Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Find flowers and wreaths, holiday plants, seasonal decorations, the freshest produce and artisan food to make your holidays festive, as well as great gifts. The market will not be held Dec. 24 or 31.

n A Merry Winter Garden Light Show at City Hall: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23

n Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 2628. Reservation/fee required.

“RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER JR.”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 WHERE: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando DETAILS: Join Youth Theatre at St. Luke’s for this classic story on the Founder’s Hall stage. This fun adventure teaches us that what makes you differ ent can be what makes you special. It features holiday hits such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

TICKETS: $10 WEBSITE: st.lukes.org

CFCARTS PRESENTS

A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3

WHERE: Lake Buena Vista High School, 11305 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando DETAILS: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and CFCArts invites you to kickstart your holiday season with the biggest, baddest big band in town! The 40-piece CFCArts Big Band is going to ring in the Christmas season with a night full of your favorite holiday tunes. TICKETS: $10 general admission; $15 premium general admission. Children 3 and younger are free. WEBSITE: cfcarts.com

JCCF seeks to bring holiday cheer

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund is coming together with the help of members of the local community for its annual Brighten Someone’s Christmas event this December.

The nonprofit organization is col lecting donated gift cards to be dis tributed during the holidays to help those affected by cancer.

The foundation was created in honor of Jimmy Crabtree, who died in April 2011 after an eight-month battle with carcinoid cancer. He was only 42.

Sue Crabtree, Jimmy’s mother, said although the organization itself only assists those with a need who have or know someone with cancer in West Orange, the foundation felt the gift card collection was something done outside of the local area.

“This is something that we can do for people who don’t necessarily have a need for money but who maybe have a need for cheer, especially during the holidays,” Sue Crabtree said. “We found out Jimmy had cancer in August, and he passed away in April, so we went through the holidays with him, and we saw how depressed he was. I think it’s always a good time to help brighten someone’s day, but we zero in on Christmastime for this and let them know we are thinking about them.”

KICKOFF EVENT

“Brighten Someone’s Christmas” kicked off the collection with an event Monday, Nov. 28, at the Tasting Room in downtown Winter Garden.

The event brought many communi ty members to the restaurant, includ ing many of Jimmy Crabtree’s family and friends, and representatives from organizations such as AdventHealth, Mike the Mechanic, and the city of Winter Garden.

Sue Crabtree said the foundation even had a member of the community come forward this year with a group of friends who are helping two of the organization’s families, as well as providing Thanksgiving to another family.

“This has grown from just us giving gift cards to putting the idea in other people’s mind that there’s people out there that need help,” she said.

Mike and Patti Brankert, of Mike the Mechanic, helped coordinate the Thanksgiving assistance and now are working to help those in need dur ing Christmastime. Patti Brankert is working with a group of 20 women, including Patti Merrick, who is host ing, to help purchase items on the Christmas lists of children from two local single mothers.

“We want to help the children,” Mike Brankert said. “We work within this community, which is why it’s even more important we help people right within this community.”

Three members from AdventHealth’s oncology social work team, Catherine Lindner, Toni Marzella and Carmen Dossett, also attended. The three said they did not come to represent AdventHealth but instead to support Sue Crabtree.

“The foundation has supported so many of our patients,” Lindner said. “I met Sue about six years ago when the foundation was beginning to evolve, and I immediately fell in love with her and her mission.”

Dossett said any small thing a community member can do makes a difference.

“Lifting a family member up during that time is very beneficial,” she said. “Cancer treatments are very isolating, and it lets the person affected know someone is thinking about them

outside of just their family or friends.”

Although the gift cards can be any amount, a $25 minimum is suggested. The cards will be collected until Monday, Dec. 12.

CREATING CHEER

Sue Crabtree and her daughter, Karen Crabtree Davis, collect the gift cards and place them inside personalized Christmas cards before taking them to the post office and mailing them out across the United States.

“It helps lift someone’s spirit more than you know,” Davis said. “When you have cancer you don’t realize everything that comes with it until you’re actually in the midst of it.”

Sue Crabtree said the distribution of gift cards requires a lot of research as people who live in different states need to receive gift cards to organizations in their area.

The collection has been well received in the community since the event started in 2014. Last year, JCCF collected more than $6,000 in gift cards for about 25-30 people.

“It’s one of our favorite things to do,” Sue Crabtree said. “We have gotten a lot of good responses and so many ‘thank yous.’ A lot of them in turn will even send us a gift card next year to give out. Some people even pass their gift cards on to another person who may need some cheer. It’s their gift card so they can do what they would like to do with them.”

FUTURE PLANS

JCCF will next host its 13th annual golf tournament coming up in March. The event, which typically sells out, is one of the organization’s biggest events of the year and includes a barbecue dinner and auctions.

In addition, the nonprofit is introducing a new event which will come in June.

The dinner will raise money and awareness for a scholarship fund in partnership with Valencia College, which JCCF has supported for about six years. Sanford “Sandy” Shugart, the fourth president of the college who served from 2001 to 2021, will be in attendance.

The following event will be the 10th annual family fun event hosted in August in Apopka.

In the future, Sue Crabtree said she plans on impacting more people and making people aware of those who are dealing with cancer and its effects.

“I hope this organization continues long after I’m gone and after my hus band is gone,” she said. “Our board is made up of family members, but we are impacted every day by the com munity. They have really pulled for ward. They helped Jimmy so much and his family. We’re paying back by doing this, and they’re paying back by carrying out our wishes. Be kind to one another. I think it’s important to reach out. I’ve learned that more so since starting this than I ever did before.”

JIMMY CRABTREE CANCER FUND

WEBSITE: jccancerfund.org FACEBOOK: facebook.com/groups/ JCCancerFund DONATE: bit.ly/3VdHLHS

ABOUT THE FUND

The Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund was established in 2011 and became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2015, with a goal to help assist fami lies touched by cancer. Since that time, the foundation has supported multiple families of all ages.

Annabelle Sikes

Karen Crabtree Davis, Lorie Crabtree and Sue Crabtree hosted the kickoff event.

sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Funds, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Funds at any time. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For the most recent 7-day yields, see schwab.com. The 7-Day Yield is the average income paid out over the previous seven days assuming interest income is not reinvested and it reflects the effect of all applicable waivers. Absent such waivers, the fund’s yield would have been lower. Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. (CSIM), the investment advisor for Schwab Funds,

Waterstone estate sells for $15.3 million

Ahome in the Waterstone community near Horizon West topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from Nov. 19 to 25.

The home at 11431 Water stone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $15,300,000. Built in 2016, it has five bed rooms, eight baths and 11,419 square feet.

These are the highest-sell ing homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY HILL APARTMENTS

The condo at 6236 Masters Blvd., No. E103, Orlando, sold Nov. 21, for $575,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 1,898 square feet. Days on market: Four.

SOUTH BAY VILLAS

The home at 9048 Shawn Park Place, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $685,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,037 square feet. Days on market: 63.

WINGROVE ESTATES

The home at 8009 Landgrove Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 23, for $820,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,171 square feet. Days on market: 59.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16566 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $625,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,372 square feet. Days on market: 90.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The townhouse at 15136 Sunrise Grove Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $460,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,360 square feet. Days on market: 80.

INDEPENDENCE/SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14531 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 23, for $578,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,793 square feet. Days on market: 64.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14328 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $620,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,947 square feet. Days on market: Five.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 18048 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $836,471. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: 11.

The home at 10252 Merrymeeting Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $740,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,758 square feet. Days on market: 51.

OAKLAND LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The townhouse at 2208 Gopher Tortoise Terrace, Oakland, sold Nov. 21, for $391,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,620 square feet. Days on market: 119.

OCOEE BORDEAUX CHESHIRE WOODS

The home at 447 Dunoon St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 23, for $420,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,861 square feet. Days on market: 112.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 2341 Wickdale Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 21, for $539,900. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,537 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The townhouse at 1825 Terra pin Road, Ocoee, sold Nov. 21, for $472,894. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,104 square feet.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 1386 Vickers Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 21, for $503,000. Built in 1996, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,826 square feet. Days on market: 101.

WESMERE

The home at 194 Wescliff Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 23, for $440,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,506 square feet. Days on market: 76.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6857 Valhalla Way sold Nov. 23, for $2,500,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 7,153 square feet. Days on market: 234.

The home at 11591 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 21, for $825,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,837 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 676 E. Sixth Ave., Win dermere, sold Nov. 22, for $1,350,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,516 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

WINTER GARDEN BAY ISLE

The home at 14123 Hampshire Bay Circle sold Nov. 22, for $739,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,319 square feet. Days on market: 12.

BRONSONS LANDING

The home at 2242 Tillman Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $815,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,133 square feet. Days on market: 11.

COVINGTON PARK

The home at 822 Bainbridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $685,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,619 square feet. Days on mar ket: One.

LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 14416 Topaghan Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $544,990. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,107 square feet. Days on market: 33.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 998 Lake Brim Drive sold Nov. 22, for $700,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,421 square feet. Days on market: 68.

The home at 934 McKinnon Square, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 22, for $685,470. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,529 square feet.

TWINWATERS

The home at 16548 Raven Rock Place, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 21, for $1,350,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,283 square feet. Days on market: 18.

The home

6857

Way, Wind ermere, sold Nov. 23, for $2,500,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Nov. 19 to 25.

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at

Valhalla

Knights continue historic ride

After defeating East Lake 43-19 at the Region 2 final game, the Knights advanced to the state semifinal as one of the Final Four. Ocoee will face Columbus (Miami) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Week after week, game after game, the Ocoee High School football team continues to write more pages into the school’s history books.

For the first time in the history of Knights Nation, the team became regional champions — for Region 2 — and one of the Final Four teams that are still in the pursuit of the FHSAA state championship title.

Ocoee defeated 11-1 East Lake High School 43-19 at the regional final game Friday, Nov. 25.

“It’s been amazing,” Ocoee High School Athletic Director Bill Alderman said. “Obviously, this has been the first playoff run we’ve had, the first regional championship. Even at East Lake, we had people (from Ocoee) that came to their first Ocoee football game ever to watch it. That’s

3The Windermere High School weightlifting team will host an interest meet ing at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the school’s weight room. For more information, students are encouraged to stop by the weight room or contact coach Riki Smith at riki.smith@ocps. net.

GAME RECAP

By halftime, the Knights were already on the lead, with a score of 16-13. After punching in two rushing touchdowns in the third, the Knights held a commanding 35-13 score heading into the final frame.

Ocoee quarterback Darien Wharton went 17-of-26 in for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Keyondray Jones carried the ball 24 times for 228 yards. Jones is currently leading the Knights with an average of

how big it’s been for the community.”

The support the boys — and coach ing staff — have received after their regional win last week, according to Alderman, has been incredible.

“We’ve had all the city commissioners and the mayor call in today trying to congratulate the

114.8 rushing yards per game, while quarterback Wharton is leading the Knights in passing yards per game with an average of 152.7. Wide receiver Asaad Waseem caught 10 balls for 267 receiving yards. Waseem and Jones reached the end zone three times each.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights accumulated a total of 63 tackles — 11 of which were TFL. Defensive end and inside linebacker Derrick Rentz led the team in tackles with 10.

coaches and the players,” Alderman said. “It’s been overwhelming the amount of support we’ve been getting without even looking for it. They are calling looking for us.”

Not only were the Knights able to push through and make history after winning their first playoff game, but

also they continue to hustle in every moment.

For the Knights, every time is “Go Time.”

Part of the success, Alderman said, comes from the culture and the changes in the program that head football coach Aaron Sheppard has implemented this year and all the adjustments that have been made to have a more competitive football team.

“The players are buying into what the coaches are saying,” Alderman said. “They are coming in at 5:40 in the morning sometimes to practice. They’ve bought into everything coach Sheppard has brought … in terms of culture and program, and this is their reward for trusting their coach.”

The school will gather at the bus loop at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, to send the team off as it heads to Miami to face Columbus High School.

DEFENDING

1The West Orange High School girls varsity soccer team will host Apopka High School at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. On the boys side, the Warriors will travel to Lake Buena Vista High School at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.

2The Lake Buena Vista wrestling team will compete at the Weeki Wachee Duals at noon Friday, Dec. 2, and at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The meet will take place at Weeki Wachee High School.

4The Ocoee High School girls varsity basketball team will host Winter Park High School at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and will travel to Orange Park High School at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. The Knights’ boys varsity basketball team will host Jones High School at 7:00 Friday, Dec. 2.

5The Olympia High School boys varsity soccer team will play Seminole High School Thursday, Dec. 1. Both teams will travel to Lake Howell High School, and the game is set to start at 6 p.m. On the girls side, the Lady Titans will host Evans High School at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Foundation Academy varsity cheer squad is entering its 2022-23 season as the defending state cham pions for the first time in the school history.

“The team is well aware of the pressure for this year, but they are more focused on just being the best they can be and whatever happens, will happen,” co-head cheer coach Rachel Carey said. “They have a lot of faith in each other, they have a great support system in their coaches, the school and also Hope Church who

kind of leads us in ministry during competition and guides the girls.”

Every season, right after tryouts, the team’s coaches — Carey, co-head cheer coach Kristin Johnson and skills coach Tim Arvanetes — sit down and come up with the word and bible verse that will lead the squad through the new season.

This year’s word is “grit” and verse is Galatians 6:10 — “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

“We take it from the beginning of

Jan.

Feb.

FHSAA States (If the team qualifies)

Feb. 10 to 13 — UCA Nationals (If the team receives bid)

Olympia High School senior and OARS rower Ian Ballard won first place at the Head of the Hooch regatta in Tennessee. Page 2B.

Andrea Mujica

Tell us little about The Head of the Hooch Regatta this year. We were not expecting to win, because the team that won nationals last year was also there. But we beat them, so that was really cool. … We were just very determined this year.

Tell us about being team captain this year.

(I’ve been) trying to form the culture of the team — to leave it better than how I found it. I’m just trying to make the team more competitive … so, moving everyone into that direction (by) … helping motivate the younger guys. They are kind of the future of the team.

How long have you been rowing? I started in January of my freshman year, and then the team got shut down a month after I joined because of COVID. I stuck with it through COVID, and it’s very interesting that I did, because I had only done it for a month. But I loved it, so I’m glad that I stuck with it now.

Why rowing?

I played baseball for all of my life pretty much. I tried out for the high school team, and I didn’t make it because I was too weak. One of my friends … told me to join rowing to get stronger, and I could try again in the spring, for baseball. But I really liked (rowing) and being out on the water. It’s not relaxing, but it’s just really

THE BASICS

AGE: 17

SPORT: Rowing SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Senior CATEGORY: Varsity

the ability to do well and become a great rower. I’m not saying that I’m a great rower by any means. I just work hard, and I think that anyone who also works hard will succeed.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn?

Rowing-wise, I had a technique issue that I’m still am very angry about to this day. … And about myself, that I have the ability to succeed.

What would you like to study in college?

My dad is an engineer, so I’ve been exposed to that my whole life. So (I’m very interested in) environmental engineering.

What’s your favorite hobby? Rock climbing, I have a lot of fun with that. … If I was not rowing, that’s what I would choose to do.

What’s your favorite movie? “Fantastic Mr. Fox” — it’s a great movie. I love the story and the animation style.

What’s a TV series you are

Wolverines, Lakers clash

In a battle for Windermere supremacy, the Windermere Wolverines came away with a 7653 win over the Windermere Prep Lakers at the 12th annual Earl Graham Metro vs. Florida Challenge Friday, Nov. 25.

The annual Central Florida Thanksgiving tradition went on for four days — Nov. 22 to 26. This year, the challenge featured the most games — 28 — since its inception in 2010.

Other local participating schools included Dr. Phil lips, Olympia, Ocoee, West Orange, Central Florida Christian Academy, Horizon and Foundation Academy.

— ANDREA MUJICA

Everyone here has

MUJICA

Olympia High School senior and OARS rower Ian Ballard is one of the boys high school team’s captains. Ballard recently won first place at the Head of the Hooch regatta in Tennessee as part of the U19 2- category alongside his double partner, Tyler Murphy.

Lions ready to defend state title

the season and continue to make sure that, even in the tough times, we are good to each other, that we encourage each other, that we speak the truth of God,” Johnson said.

Senior and team captain Haven Brookins, 17, has been a part of the varsity cheer squad at Foundation for three years and is looking forward for her final season as a Lion.

“Last season, it was great winning state champs and everything,” she said. “Everyone wants to keep that momentum going into this year. Everyone is really pumped. But our coach always says it’s one thing to get a championship title, and it’s another thing to hold it for the next two years, so everyone is on edge about that. … I think (this season) will be really good. The way our team has started off this year is (already) much better than to how we started last year.”

The girls have only one month off during the year, despite their season being in the winter time. They have to build their strength, polish their skills and practice their stunts.

“(We started) at the beginning of the summer, and we are now able to land those skills,” Johnson said. “The girls have the technical training to help them achieve higher skills (this year) as we practiced a little more over the summer … and we are running our routines a little more.” Because the team only graduated three seniors last year, the core of the squad this year remains the same — with a few welcome additions.

“These athletes have been a

blessing too, because the older girls have been with the program for quite a while,” Johnson said. “ So bringing in new blood and having those girls never (competing) before and then the girls from last season being hungry for (the championship), I think they really challenge each other and they teach each other and really have such a great bond.”

The Lions named Brookins as captain, and Jada Wilson and Ellie Perfetto as co-captains. Their job: Keep the team going and hold their heads high when morale is low.

“I just gather everyone together for a little pep talk and remind them of what we need to do,” Brookins said. “Sometimes, I struggle too, but you really have to keep going and get out of your head.”

As with any returning champions, the Lions have high expectations for the new season.

“I expect to win regionals and states again,” Brookins said. “I’m really hoping for that, and I’m also hoping for this year to win first at nationals. Last year we got third. But, I think this year, we really have the mentality to make it all the way.”

“Personally, I just pray for no injuries this season for the girls,” Johnson said. “I just pray they go out every time and fight their hardest, because, at the end of the day, it’s God’s will that we become champions again. I just want them to lead the season with an admiration of knowing that they worked hard to be great, learned new skills and to just to good — among themselves, the community and the sport that they love so much.”

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

Fabiana Aguirre

Haven Brookins

Rylie Dechon

Tristan Dechon

Taylor Dunn

Kendall Johnson Erika Kime

Haley Lambert Abbey Langhoff

Rylan Marion Skylar Mullarney

Grace O’Hey

Shylah Pemble Ellie Perfetto

Briana Ramirez

Ella Reuter Mia Sanders

Yasmin Snyder Gabrielle Swart

Jaime Williams

Jada Wilson

HOLIDAY SPIRIT — THE LION WAY

In order to stay motivated and to keep the sport fun — and to bring some holiday spirit into the team atmosphere — the Lions adopted two families through the A Heart to Give organization based in Winter Garden.

“We are putting together a Christmas for them, because they would not be able to have Christmas if we didn’t,” Johnson said.

The girls have been divided into two teams. Each has been assigned a fam ily and has been going out to choose Christmas items and basic necessi ties such as socks and underwear to give to the families Dec. 15.

“The only person in the family who knows that we are doing this is the (single) mom,” Johnson said. “The organization reached out to (both moms) and said that someone had adopted (their respective) family so they won’t have to struggle. We are going to make sure that (they and their) kids can have a nice Christmas.”

The Lions are also checking off items from the children’s Christmas wish lists so they are able to grant their wishes and make them true.

“We are going to hand-deliver the items to these families,” Johnson said. “To be able to see how excited the girls are to give back to the community as a team, it’s been very beautiful to watch.”

Windermere marching band performs in Indianapolis

The Windermere High School marching band joined nearly 100 of the best bands in the country for three days of competition and camaraderie at the 2022 Bands of America Grand National Championships, held Nov. 10 to 12 in Indianapolis.

The band performed its show, “Wanted,” at Lucas Oil Stadium in the preliminary round Thursday, Nov. 10. Windermere — one of only four bands from Florida to perform at BOA — came away with a 79.750 score — the best in school history at a BOA competition and good enough for 20th place in its class and 44th overall.

— MICHAEL ENG

Photos by Phillip Pacheco | Central Florida Event Photography

BR IN FO D

Toy Stories I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher

In this edition of Brain Food, we want to prove to you that a good toy needs none of that! In fact, nearly all of the toys inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame (museumofplay.org) only require a vivid imagination. In the Christmas season, we spotlight some of our favorites.

SLINKY

What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound? A spring, a spring, a marvelous thing! Everyone knows it’s Slinky! What has become one of the most iconic toys in history was actually

MARBLES

Another toy that has origins dating all the way back to ancient Greece, marbles are just as captivating today as they were back then. In fact, did you know marbles is an official sport, with national and world championships? Primitive versions of marbles were made of stone or clay; today, marbles are made of glass. In addition to the traditional game, marbles can be played with in all sorts of ways. Among the more popular activities these days include elaborate marble runs — roller coaster-style tracks that you can build yourself. Marbles were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998.

JIGSAW PUZZLE

Fun alone or with the entire family, the jigsaw puzzle dates back to 1760, when an English mapmaker named John Spilsbury cut one of his maps apart to create a fun activity. Puzzles appeared in America around 1850 but really took hold as a pastime in the 1930s. Today, jigsaw puzzles feature virtually every subject matter imaginable and still provide hours of entertainment. Jigsaw puzzles were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002.

hours of fun for nearly a century. Wright named the toys after the cabin in which President Abraham Lincoln spent his childhood. Lincoln Logs were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.

DUNCAN YO-YO

Although the earliest versions of the yo-yo date all the way back to ancient Greece or China, the American yo-yo we know didn’t enter the market until the 1920s. That’s when a Filipino bellhop named Pedro Flores was spotted playing with his yo-yo on breaks at a California hotel. Flores then began to build and sell the toy — and gave it its name, which means “come come” in his native language. Entrepreneur Donald F. Duncan bought Flores’ business in 1929, and thus, the Duncan yo-yo was born. Duncan yo-yos were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1999.

RECOMMENDED READING

NON-FICTION

n The Secret Science of Toys: A Toy Story Discovery Book by Kris Hirschmann

n Toys: From Concept to Consumer by Kevin Cunningham FICTION

n Chasma Knights by Boya Sun and Kate Reed Petty n The Velveteen Rabbit, or How Toys Become Real: 100th Anniversary Edition by Margery Williams n The Curious Adventures of the Abandoned Toys by Julian Fellowes

Calling all trainers! Begin your Pokémon journey and earn your rst gym badge in this Pokémon themed escape game! Recommended for kids aged 6-8.

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Every year, toys get more complicated. These days, so many require power, an internet connection and, sometimes, even an account to work!

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110,

by Stella Zawistowski. Edited by Ross Trudeau

Tis e Tis e 2022 2022 Se on Se on Se on

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

November 26

• Shop Small Business Saturday and Downtown Sidewalk Sale, Daylong December 2

• Light Up Winter Garden, 6-9 pm

December 3

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

• Winter Garden Christmas Parade, 10 am

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade, 6 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 4

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 5

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 6

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 7

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 8

• Holiday Boutique Stroll Downtown, 5-8 pm

December 9

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 10

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 11

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 12

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 13

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 14

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 16

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 17

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 18

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 19

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 20

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 21

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 23

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 24

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

December 26

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 27

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 28

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 30

• Live Holiday Music – Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 31

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

*reservation/fee required

Tis e Tis e 2022 2022 Se on Se on Se on

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

November 26

• Shop Small Business Saturday and Downtown Sidewalk Sale, Daylong

December 2

• Light Up Winter Garden, 6-9 pm

December 3

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

• Winter Garden Christmas Parade, 10 am

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade, 6 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 4

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 5

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 6

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 7

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 8

• Holiday Boutique Stroll Downtown, 5-8 pm

December 9

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 10

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 11

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 12

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 13

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 14

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 16

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 17

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 18

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 19

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 20

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 21

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 23

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 24

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

December 26

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 27

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 28

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 30

• Live Holiday Music – Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 31

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm *reservation/fee required

Celebrating 50 years of Community

“The West Orange Chamber provides us with an opportunity to do our part as business leaders in the community. No matter our level of commitment, we know we are helping by being connected through this collective knowledge and voice that the Chamber has impressively assembled over the last 50 years.”