02.16.23 Southwest Orange Observer

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NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Resident concocts pie shop

Will Lenhart opened his new cottage pie business, Signature Bakehouse. PAGE 5A.

Clear blue sky

YOUR TOWN

LACE UP FOR WOHS FUN RUN

Horizon High senior color guard member Valeria Marcial will travel in May to Ohio to march with The Bluecoats, a prestigious DCI drum and bugle corps. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.

County rates residents in recycling program

Citizens in select areas of the county are receiving feedback cards on their bins with either a thumbs up or thumbs down on their recycling efforts. SEE PAGE 2A.

Ocoee approves fest funds

The 2023 Ocoee Music Festival will take place March 10 and 11, with a budget of $115,000. SEE PAGE 5A.

DANCING IN THE STREET

Winter Garden Heritage and Music Festival delights community with history, jams. SEE PAGE 3A.

The community is invited to participate in West Orange High School’s first Student Government Association WarriorThon Fun Run Saturday, Feb. 25. The run raises funds for the school’s Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. The cost is $15 for youth and $25 for West Orange students and adults.

Pre-registration is available at bit.ly/3YGKWsI. Day-of-run registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at WOHS, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden, and includes the run, T-shirt, snacks and games after the run. Three runs are scheduled: youth at 9 a.m., WOHS students at 9:30, and adults at 10. For information, email Alicia.Light@ocps.net. This year’s WarriorThon is from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 3, in the West Orange gym. Entry is $10, and the community is welcome to attend.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH TO CELEBRATE PASTOR

Calvary Baptist Church is hosting a drop-in party to celebrate Dr. Reynold Lemp’s 95th birthday. The festivities will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the church’s fellowship hall, 631 Dillard St., Winter Garden, and the community is invited to stop by and wish the pastor a happy birthday.

OARS Director Kirstin Anderson celebrates 25 years. SEE PAGE 1B.

Michael Eng

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Here is what you can — and can’t — recycle

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Nearly 190,000 households in unincorporated Orange County have been graded on their recycling knowledge since the county’s solid waste department initiated a recycling education program in late 2019.

“We started this … to help educate residents about recycling because we were finding that people were putting in the wrong things, and when they do, it contaminates the whole load,” said Debbie Sponsler, section manager for Orange County Utilities Communications Group.

How does the county know if residents place the wrong item in the recycling bin? Orange County has a contracted crew that looks through the recycling bins in selected neighborhoods before the recycling trucks arrive to empty them. Residents receive a card that reads, “Good job,” “Good try” or “Oops” with specific guidance on how to improve.

Households that improperly recycle will get an “Oops” card with the prohibited item marked.

Most recently, the crews have been evaluating bins in Horizon West com-

WHAT IS RECYCLABLE?

If you are unsure if an item can be recycled, visit ocfl.net/ WhatGoesWhere and use the What Goes Where tool. Type in the name of the item, and you will get a response to place it in either the can with the green lid or blue lid.

For information, call the Solid Waste Hotline at (407) 8366601.

munities, including Lakes of Windermere.

The program costs about $30,000 monthly, which covers the field work, labor and transportation costs of the four cart monitors to inspect about 5,000 homes per month.

The contracted personnel collect data over a four- to six-week period, and Sponsler said the idea is to see if residents improve during that time.

The county has returned to a few neighborhoods to check citizens’ recycling retention.

“Our No. 1 contamination is plastic bags,” Sponsler said. “People are either putting in plastic wrappers or they put their recycling in plastic bags. … If they’re putting the wrong things in, that whole truckload can

get rejected and end up in the landfill.” Sponsler urges residents to stick with the idea of “Think 5.”

THINK 5

The Orange County Code requires recycling. To reduce the amount of garbage in the recycling stream, the Orange County Utilities Solid Waste Division encourages residents to “Think 5” by focusing on the top five recyclable items — plastic, metal and glass containers; as well as cardboard and paper.

Only these items can be placed in the recycling cart:

n Plastic — Bottles, jugs and tubs labeled No. 1 through No. 5

n Metal cans — Tin, aluminum and steel

n Glass — Bottles and jars

n Cardboard — Flattened corrugated boxes

n Paper — Newspapers and advertisements; paper bags; junk mail; magazines and catalogs office and note paper; phone books; cereal, shoe and drink boxes; and milk and juice cartons.

What is prohibited? Basically, anything not on the Think 5 list, Sponsler said. She said it can get confusing. “When in doubt, leave it out,” Sponsler said. “That’s what we tell

people all the time. … What we find is most people want to ‘wish recycle.’ They wish (an item) is recycling and they recycle it.”

For instance, frozen cardboard pizza boxes can be recycled, but takeout pizza boxes, which are contaminated with grease, cannot go in the recycling bin. Aluminum cans can be recycled, but aluminum foil and metal baking pans cannot. Plastic containers can go in the recycling cart, but the plastic packages that hold fresh fruit, such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, are not allowed.

Foam containers are a no-no. Bottle caps are allowed only if they are screwed onto the bottle.

Sponsler said bubble wrap, shipping envelopes and the plastic wrap around paper towels and toilet paper can be recycled — but not in the curbside carts. A list of drop-off locations can be found at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

The Think 5 program is only for residents of unincorporated Orange County, Sponsler said. Local municipalities might have similar programs, but each one sets its own recycling rules. The centralfloridarecycles.org website has a list of several cities, including Winter Garden, and what is allowed in the recycling bin.

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Harmony & heritage

For music fans, downtown Winter Garden was the place to be Saturday, Feb. 11, as the city hosted the 2023 Winter Garden Heritage and Music Festival.

This year’s festival featured a day full of live music from artists such as the Brown Bag Brass Band, The Absent Trio, Bryce Mauldin, Selwyn Birchwood, Rosado & Orchestra, Foreigners Journey and Michael Andrew & Swingerhead.

Attendees also enjoyed perusing a variety of booths and grabbing a bite to eat in one of downtown Winter Garden’s many eateries or at several food trucks.

Hailey Hazel, 5, and Luisa Granero, 3, loved dancing to the music.

The Brown Bag Brass Band delighted its audience with a set full of groovy tunes.

Garden Music student Bryten Heefner was impressive on the guitar.

The Brown Bag Brass Band brought a little New Orleans-style music to Winter Garden.

Zach, Nikki and Palmer Waxler enjoyed the festival activities.

Above; Marlow Rosado & Orchestra gave the audience a treat with its salsa and Latin music. Left: Foreigners Journey rocked out on the Loop Stage, playing tunes from Journey, Foreigner and other ’70s and ’80s bands.

Horizon senior earns spot in DCI’s Bluecoats Observer

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Valeria Marcial’s color guard journey began with a blue raspberry flavored Jolly Rancher.

Bridgewater Middle School’s color guard team formed in 2018 thanks to Kassidy Garcia, Horizon High School color guard director.

After being encouraged to join by her best friend Maria Sobellia, part of Windermere High School’s guard team, Marcial signed up for the middle school’s new program with the sole purpose of obtaining a Jolly Rancher.

“I originally wanted to be a cheerleader in the transition between middle and high school, but I really wanted that piece of candy, so I signed up,” Marcial said, laughing. “I went to the interest meeting and after that I never left.”

Five years later, Marcial is making her dreams come true.

In May, the high school senior will travel to Ohio to join The Bluecoats, a drum and bugle corps that competes in Drum Corps International World Class.

“She joined because of a Jolly Rancher, but she stayed because of a passion for this activity,” Garcia said. “She has the drive to succeed that is hard to come by, and I am so immensely proud of her for her accomplishment. Marching a world class drum corps is one of the highest achievements that a color guard member can earn. Beyond that, the decision to audition is something that many performers are too scared to try because of the level of excellence that is asked from them. Valeria has proven that she can persevere through challenges and will continue to push herself to achieve greatness in both color guard, but also after graduation when she encounters difficult things in life.”

FINDING A HOME

After fleeing from Venezuela with her family in pursuit of a better life in 2015, Marcial shared she was unsure if she would ever find her place in the community.

Marcial said the reason she has stuck with color guard now for five years is because the community makes her feel at home.

“I’ve met so many people and not just from this area but from across Orlando and even in other states,” she said. “Even when we are competing — they’re so supportive and encouraging. You don’t think so much about beating a team like in other activities. Instead, you’re focused on how well you’re performing and showing up for your friends even when they’re on another team.”

Even after arriving in the United States, Marcial again left her home with the Windermere High band to go to Horizon High.

“I’m so thankful for Windermere, and nothing would have prepared me if it wasn’t for Windermere,” she said. “Transition to Horizon, all these people have done is show me love, affection, support and admiration for everything I do. I never felt so appreciated. Even when we first switched schools and everything was new and different, I was happy I found a place here.”

Although she has learned many lessons with color guard, the two biggest qualities Marcial has developed help her both in and out of competition.

“Discipline, for sure,” she said. “You have to be there; you’re late if you’re there on time. Being on time is being there 15 minutes early. You have the responsibility that if you can’t do it during rehearsal, then you have to do it outside, because it’s going to show. Also, multitasking is a huge part of it.”

Throughout her time with color guard, Marcial said she has formed lifelong memories. Key moments include the Bridgewater team becoming champions the year of its inception; traveling to Indianapolis to perform inside the Lucas Oil Stadium for Grand Nationals as a freshman with the Windermere band; and competing for the indoor season in her first year with Horizon. The team competed in the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit in the AAA class, where it placed second in its first competition, as well as at championships.

“That’s why I love this team so much —they’re so hardworking,” Marcial said. “They never stop asking me questions or wanting to learn.”

Recently, the team split into two

because the program grew so fast. The varsity team, which has 18 members, finished first place this year and was promoted from Class AA to Class A. The junior varsity team, which has 16 members, finished third and was promoted from Regional A to AAA.

BLUECOAT BEGINNINGS

Marcial will join 164 other young adults ages 16 to 22 from around the world from late-May to mid-August in Ohio as part of one of Drum Corp International’s top 12 competing teams: The Bluecoats.

The Bluecoats’ educational training program includes intensive spring training, during which performers develop their technique and learn a production with a team of worldclass educators and designers. Then, The Bluecoats embark on a tour, performing for audiences of thousands of people at events around the country.

Marcial first will attend a callback camp in April in Ohio before traveling back in May. The chosen individu-

als will stay in dorms at a college for a month learning the basics before embarking on the two-month tour.

“It seems so far, but I know it’s going to come very quickly,” she said. “Maria also got accepted, and we are going to be able to go together. Just being there is going to be exciting. It’s not something I imagined myself getting into literally the first time I tried. That’s why I’m so thankful and so humble about it, because with my teammates, I’m always encouraging them if they want to do it after high school. I never thought that I could do it, so they can do it, too. Just being there, I don’t care what I’m doing, but being there, getting to say I’m a member is the most exciting part.”

The first independent drum corps Marcial watched from DCI was the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps after her coach suggested the team study the clean technique. As soon as she got home, Marcial continued to watch the DCI videos. She said the one that stood out to

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Annabelle

FOLLOW VALERIA MARCIAL’S

JOURNEY INSTAGRAM: flagintheclouds FUNDRAISER: bit.ly/3E7yeLT

her the most was the 2017 show The Bluecoats performed called “Jagged Line.” She said she loved the team’s creativity and has been following them ever since.

“The reason why Bluecoats stands out to me so much and why I wanted to audition so badly is because I relate to it the most in terms of how theatrical and creative they are with the way their marching shows are,” she said. “But it was also the diversity of the color guard. I remember seeing all types of people, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Marcial began to follow some of The Bluecoat members on social media and even became friends with some of them.

One, Roxette Salas from Texas, was part of The Bluecoats at the time and encouraged her to audition. At the time, Marcial did not have money to travel and compete in person, so she opted to audition virtually. She learned the warm-ups and choreography and recorded her audition videos all in the school’s auditorium.

After submitting her audition in December, Marcial waited until midJanuary to learn she had made it.

“The reason it was such a big moment for me was because people told me usually not to expect a contract but to expect a callback,” she said. “Never did I expect they would offer me a contract from a virtual edition. I just broke down in tears. … My mom was bawling, and my dad was so happy for me.”

Currently, Marcial is focusing on raising the $5,800 in fees she needs for Bluecoats.

She said her journey would not have been possible without her coaches, technicians, team, family and her best friend Sobellia, who supported her and pushed her to audition.

“Not even just Bluecoats, they’ve always been so supportive of me,” she said. “It means a lot to me, because I’m usually a very insecure person, and they always tell me they want to be like me or aspire to be like me. It makes me feel amazing. I owe it all to my team and my coaches.”

Although some seniors did not want to audition because they are heading to college, Marcial plans on taking a gap year after Bluecoats to decompress and save money before going on to study criminal justice at Florida International University.

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Valeria Marcial is Horizon High School’s only student to audition and get accepted into The Bluecoats.

Courtesy photo

Valeria Marcial has been a part of color guard since 2018.

Eye on the pies

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

When everything else in life failed, pie was Will Lenhart’s constant.

Throughout the challenges in his life, the art of baking has helped him overcome even the toughest of obstacles.

Now, the 39-year-old Horizon West resident is using pie to not only shape a new chapter in his life, but to encourage others to reach for their dreams as well.

PIE PURSUIT

Lenhart’s journey began in the humble town of York, Pennsylvania.

Although baking always has been in his life — his uncle owned a bakery when he was growing up, and he baked with his grandparents — the first time he got into making pies was with the mother of one of his high school friends, Cathy Sharp.

“In high school, it was like any other typical experience as a gay adolescent trying to find their way in the world,” he said. “She was a friendly face down the street who took me under her wing. She taught me that you can have pie fundraisers and make money. She was doing a pie fundraiser, and I had the pleasure of being there. I helped

her, and I watched her make these pies, and it was pretty awesome.”

At 16, Lenhart spent his time bussing tables and working in restaurants while attending school. Whenever he needed money, he started to turn to pies.

After high school, Lenhart pursued culinary school. He obtained his associate’s degree in culinary arts and started his bachelor’s degree, but halfway through his first semester, he decided it was not for him.

For a while, Lenhart worked managing and opening Irish pubs in Pennsylvania. But one night in 2009, he had a premonition to move to Ireland.

He decided to have a major pie sale to finance the journey, and three weeks later, he was on a one-way flight to the new country.

By 2011, Lenhart returned to his hometown, and he was back to waiting tables in local restaurants.

When the opportunity arose to open his own pie shop in York Central Market House, one of the oldest farmers markets, in April 2011, he coined his new stand The Pie Shop.

THE FLORIDA PLAN

The same year the first pie shop opened, Lenhart met his husband, Nicholas Chapman.

The couple came to Central Florida for the first time in 2011 for a trip to Walt Disney World. They instantly fell in love with the parks and the area.

The two began to frequently make the trip down to Disney as consistently as every four to eight weeks for a number of years.

After selling the pie shop and considering a move to California, the couple decided to stay in Pennsylvania and focus on building a family instead.

The couple welcomed their son, McKinley Chapman, in August 2018.

Although Lenhart was working for a technology company at the time, he decided to become a stay-at-home dad in October 2019.

SIGNATURE BAKEHOUSE

WEBSITE:

signaturebakehouse.com

PHONE: (310) 435-7922

LOCATION: 15718 Signature

Drive, Winter Garden; or visit the Windermere Farmers Market on Friday mornings

“It didn’t make sense to spend all this time and energy to create our son, to only then put him in a daycare facility and just have somebody else have the moments that we wanted to share with him,” he said.

That’s when the family came up with what they called “The Florida Plan,” named after Disney’s Florida plan.

“There were some major concerns,” Lenhart said. “We wondered

what would happen if we couldn’t get jobs. We were moving right in the middle of the pandemic. We had no social network here. … Florida is Florida, and we are gay, and we have a son, and some people don’t agree with that. We were really concerned about how our family was going to be approached here in this small community …But my husband and I have built a solid foundation, and it’s pretty amazing. It worked. Nick and I came from nothing, and everything we have is because of work and determination. We want better than what we were given.”

After moving to Orlando in 2020, the family found their new home in the Independence community.

“This is the first time my husband and I have lived in this weird type of community,” Lenhart said. “I say weird, but what I mean is the uncommon feeling of knowing your neighbors and having them be so close. There’s more of a sense of community here, and we’ve developed friendly faces, acquaintances and friends. We love our child to be able to have that. Independence is so cultured and diverse in the fact that we have all social and economic climates here that he can learn from.”

About a year ago, Lenhart decided he wanted to start selling pies and built Signature Bakehouse out of his home from scratch.

Although life got busy and the

Ocoee Music Festival finances dominate commission discussion

The city has set up Fund 615 to separate all monies pertaining to the festival from the General Fund.

ANDREA MUJICA

STAFF WRITER

Finance line items sparked spirited discussion regarding the upcoming Ocoee Music Festival at the Ocoee City Commission, held Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Commissioner George Oliver was the lone dissenter in a 4-1 vote approving payment for the 2023 festival. Oliver took issue with how funds pertaining to the festival were notated within city budget documents.

“I was looking through the budget book, and I was looking for those funds as to where they are coming from for the music festival,” Oliver said. “We are moving this money. We are asked to approve this movement of funds, but I was trying to figure out where it came from. When I saw the music festival, there is a line for the music festival and it shows zero, so where is it actually located in our actual budget book — the funding that we are asking for? I know we voted for it, but I don’t know where to find it.”

Ocoee Finance Director Rebecca Roberts said the Department of Finance created Fund No. 615 specifically to account for all revenues and transfers that pertain to the festival.

“A couple of years ago, we began putting it under transfers out music

festival, because we don’t let it sit in the General Fund … to account for it properly and to discretely account for it — and not to co-mingle it to additional General Fund dollars and general fund expenditures,” Roberts said. “We moved it into a separate fund, Fund No. 615, and we hold it there, and we run all of the additional revenues that are generated by the music festival and all of the expenditures of the music festival out of Fund 615.”

The term discrete in accounting is defined as data that can be recognized on its own.

“In this case, discrete means separate, individualized,” Roberts said. “Separately identified and separately accounted for. … The transfer out in governmental accounting is an expenditure, so once I transfer the money out, it becomes an expenditure of the General Fund. If you look at Fund No. 615, which I have provided to the commissioners the accounting of that fund, you will see the transfer in — which is a revenue in that fund — you do not see it in the budget book because that fund is only for the purpose of the music festival and the expenditures in that book are not governmental revenues or expenditures. So, therefore, we do not present them in the budget book.

“The revenues that come in the (Fund No. 615) are of specific use in conducting the music festival,” she said. “It would be misleading for the public if I were to budget the music festival expenditures and revenues in the General Fund. It would appear that those funds are for general purpose use and they are not for general

purpose use of the government.”

The funding for the Ocoee Music Festival totals $115,000, which already has been allocated to Fund No. 615.

For future reference however, Oliver petitioned the funds that pertain to the festival to be stated in the budget fund, despite being an item of thorough discussion during the budget meetings that took place Sept. 15 and 21, 2022.

“Having that discussion and not putting it on paper — you can see where the problem lies there, because I can’t find it,” he said. “It’s all about transparency, So it should’ve been written on the budget as opposed to zero.”

Commissioners Larry Brinson and Rosemary Wilsen voiced their opinions on the matter during the meeting.

“I know during the budget workshop I actually pointed this out when that money was apart,” Brinson said.

“Based on what Commissioner Oliver is saying, my concern is only based on transparency for the public. I know we called it out here, but the public, if they look through the budget, and they can’t find it, they are going to wonder where the money is going — or any event we have.”

“I know that during the budget, we discussed this; it was very obvious, it was no secret to me,” Wilsen said.

“I just find this very valuable not to say it, but a lot of times, we talk about transparency. (If) anyone wants to know something, we are more than transparent.”

Oliver also questioned the date of this year’s festival — March 10 and

impact on the local community.

Signature Bakehouse hosted its first sale on National Pie Day, Jan. 23.

Lenhart and his son put together a free pie giveaway at Independence Community Park after school. Lenhart made 25 pies, cut them up into little slices and gave the pieces away.

“It was really cool,” Lenhart said. “It was cool to see him (McKinley) and his friends there giving away pie. It allowed us to have a presence within the community and to give back a nice little sweet treat.”

With his cottage bakehouse license, Lenhart is currently limited to only fruit and nut pies.

However, his offerings are extensive with seasonal pies and flavors using regional produce including pecan, chocolate bourbon pecan, cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, blackberry, raspberry, gluten free and even a shoofly pie that pays tribute to Lenhart’s hometown as well as his Dutch upbringing.

Another one of Lenhart’s staples is his classic apple pie.

The double-crusted apple pie focuses on accenting a strong apple flavor, similar to Snapple Apple, with no cinnamon using a Stayman Winesap apple. The apple, which is much like a heritage apple, is not typically grown in major orchards and is most popular in the Washington State area and central Pennsylvania. Lenhart said the apple is perfect because it’s beautifully sweet but also has the starch to hold up in cooking so it does not turn to mush.

— Will Lenhart

pie business fell to the back burner, it wasn’t long before pie made its appearance again.

The family took their first cruise in Thanksgiving 2022, a Disney cruise, and became obsessed with the experience.

“Then, my kid is like, ‘Hey, I want to go on another cruise,’” Lenhart said. “And I said, ‘This is great, I do too, but your dad is never going to let us spend anymore money.’ He said, ‘Well let’s make money. Let’s sell pies.’

“And that’s really what kick started it all,” he said. “McKinley is a fiercely independent, strong willed ambassador of courage. I’ve never had someone hold me more accountable than a 5-year-old.”

SIGNATURE BAKEHOUSE

The business already is making an

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Ocoee Commission proclaimed the month of February as Black History Month.

n The Ocoee Commission celebrated the Asian Lunar Year with the Lion Dance, performed by the Dynamics Lion Dance Team prior to the meeting.

n The Ocoee Commission approved unanimously several items on the consent agenda. These included the approval of a new appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department; the approval of a contract to install new athletic flooring for the Jim Beech Recreation Center; and the approval of the Florida’s Bicycle Pedestrian Focused Initia-

11 — which is three days before the Ocoee municipal elections for mayor and district 1 and 3 commissioners.

“I have a problem with that, because we have candidates (who) are running for office that would take center stage (and) that could possibly be construed as campaign cry or a campaign rally for a particular candidate because we are having it two days before an election,” he said. “I do feel that there is definitely some mechanisms here to have this right before, and you are taking tax dollars. I love the music festival; I go to the music festival. But to have (it) right before an election when there is a candidate (who) can take center stage, I think that’s quite divisive.”

Wilsen voiced her thoughts pertaining this matter.

“I would hope that our candidates would not be using the music festival as a tool — and that goes for everyone and not just the one I think you are focusing on,” she said.

“We used to have it (the festival) in October, November, then it got

His family, who loves to visit Florida, brings the fresh fruits from central Pennsylvania frequently.

Lenhart’s most recent business adventure is his addition to the Windermere Farmers Market. His first time selling was with his son Friday, Feb. 3.

In the future, in addition to doing pop-up pie shops and offering cream and meat pies, Lenhart said his main objective is to start a nonprofit centered around pie.

Lenhart said his life would not have been the same without his passion for baking.

“I saw the benefit of pie,” he said. “It taught me finances, it taught me business, it gave me life experiences. The math behind pie led me to sell pie to make money to better myself and find my dreams. Dreams take work, and it would be nice to allow other people to be able to financially support their own dreams.”

tive: Communication and High Visibility Enforcement Grant, which will help reinforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist and driver behavior. The transfer of funds within the Parks and Recreation capital budget for the installation of a pedestrian entrance at the Ocoee Skatepark — also was approved.

n The commissioners have until Feb. 17 to appoint new members to the 2023 Canvassing Board.

n The commission approved 3-2 — with commissioners Larry Brinson and George Oliver dissenting — the tabling of the new appointments to the Human Relations Diversity Board until after the March 14 elections.

changed. … I don’t recall it being April or May, because it’s so hot. … So, I think no matter when you do it, someone is going to have an issue with it and having been in that committee years ago, you have to work with when the artists are available. … This time, the artists were available during that period of time. So I hope our candidates will not use it as a tool and be professional.”

The 2022 festival took place April 8 and 9.

During public comment, Ocoee resident Brad Lomneck shared his opinion on the topic prior to the end of the meeting.

“The city doesn’t make the date; the promoter does,” he said. “I would also like to ask Commissioner Oliver that if you think that way so much so (that) you’ve made it tonight to vote against the music fest, I would ask that you don’t attend and you don’t ask for 30 to 24 wristbands for the VIP that you normally ask for every year.”

Will Lenhart opened recently Signature Bakehouse, a cottage pie business out of his home in Horizon West.

Courtesy photos

Will Lenhart, Nicholas Chapman and their son McKinley Chapman love frequenting Walt Disney World.

“I saw the benefit of pie. It taught me finances, it taught me business, it gave me life experiences. The math behind pie led me to sell pie to make money to better myself and find my dreams. …”

NEWS BRIEFS

DESANTIS’ TAX-RELIEF PLAN FOCUSES ON FAMILIES

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Feb. 8 announced a budget proposal that included $2 billion in tax relief for residents in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The cuts target primarily families and include a one-year sales-tax exemption on children’s items such as books and toys; a permanent sales-tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities such as clothing, cribs and strollers; and an expansion of the annual Back to School tax holiday.

The average Florida family could save up to $1,000 a year under this plan, DeSantis said.

“Inflation continues to burden Florida families, and we must fight back against rising costs by cutting the sales tax on necessary items,” DeSantis said. “We are able to provide this record $2 billion in tax relief, because of our smart fiscal policies and strong reserves. It is important that we pass those savings on to Florida families, so they can keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.”

The proposed plan is a part of DeSantis’ $114.8 billion Framework for Freedom Budget proposal.

The tax relief proposal also includes a “Freedom Summer” tax holiday that would run from Memorial Day through Sept. 4. This holiday is estimated to save Florida families more than $224 million.

This holiday would include the following:

n Admission to events and performances such as concerts, movies and sporting events

n Admission to state parks and museums

n Boating and water activity supplies

n Camping supplies

n Fishing supplies

n Sports equipment

n Residential pool supplies

The proposal also includes a permanent sales-tax exemption on gas stoves, which is estimated to save Florida homeowners $7 million. Additionally, the plan proposes a two-year extension of the sales-tax exemption on natural gas fuel, estimated to save Floridians $1.2 million, as well as a one-year sales tax holiday on Energy Star appliances.

WALT DISNEY CO. TO CUT 7,000 JOBS

On the same day it posted its quarterly earnings, Disney announced plans to cut 7,000 jobs— about 3% — of its workforce.

CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the company in November 2022, said the company also will be restructuring into three divisions: Disney Entertainment (streaming, content and media); ESPN (the TV network and ESPN+ streaming service); and Parks, Experiences and Products.

Iger did not say whether the job cuts would affect park employees and operations at Walt Disney World.

Winter Garden approves land swap with OCPS

City commissioners agreed to purchase 16 acres at 15275 W. Colonial Drive at their Thursday, Feb. 9, meeting.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Winter Garden city commissioners approved unanimously an agreement acquisition for 16 acres on West Colonial Drive for a potential land swap with Orange County Public Schools at the Thursday, Feb. 9, City Commission meeting.

The 16.3-acre property, located at 15275 W. Colonial Drive, was purchased from property owner Alan Haughey, with Panther Land Development LLC.

“We have had a running dispute with the School Board for years regarding the use of (Orange Technical College - Westside), some surrounding properties, the farm next door and even Maxey Elementary,” Planning Consultant Ed Williams said. “Recently, within the last year, the School Board has come to us and said, ‘We’re taking (Orange Technical College - Westside) and moving it to Ocoee, up by Ocoee High.’

“Most of the disputes that we have had with them was for their future plans to build a bus, parking station and repair facility in that area,” he said. “The School Board held a community meeting … and the community convinced them they were barking up the wrong tree.”

Williams said the School Board gave the city and other local municipalities the opportunity to find other sites to relocate the bus station.

He said Haughey has made it feasible for the city to do this and has waited while the School Board studies the property.

“He’s been patient, but our patience has run out, and we are asking for the board to approve that we purchase the site with the intended purpose of swapping it for the technical site so that the bus station would be located here,” Williams said. “If that were to happen, the biggest issue would be traffic. … But there is a residential development north of this site, and it’s going to have to be substantially

buffered. That would be a significant condition that we would impose if we were to propose that we swap properties. The School Board has been told that since Day 1. They’re confident that they can meet the buffer that we are going to push for, so we’re confident enough to come to you with this proposal.”

Williams said the city has not yet approached the neighborhood with the buffer issue, because the city was unsure if the School Board was serious about the site.

“The price of $5 million, frankly, is under market and cheap,” he said. “We’ve looked at other sites that are substantially higher in cost and not as well located. … It will solve a big issue for the community.”

The city now will work on preparing contracts and closing documents before bringing the proposal back to the commission for final approval.

If the School Board chooses a different site, Williams told commissioners there are many other uses that can be appropriated for the location.

District 3 Commissioner Mark A. Macial thanked the staff for their work.

“I’m not sure there’s a lot of cities out there that would go to bat for a community like this, and what we’re doing, so I do appreciate that and I know the community appreciates it,” he said.

The agreement acquisition was approved unanimously.

MOSAIC SALON

Commissioners also discussed the first reading of two ordinances relating to a 1.603-acre property at 996 E. Plant St.

The applicant is requesting to amend the property’s Future Land Use designation to Commercial and to rezone the property to Character Area Planned Unit Development.

The redevelopment of the parcel would include demolishing the existing office building and constructing

three new commercial buildings: a two-story, 4,800-square-foot building; a single-story, 2,400-squarefoot building; and a two-story, 22,800-square-foot building.

The project also includes associated site work such as new parking areas, streetscape improvements, a courtyard area and landscaping.

“They have designed the site to meet the overlay’s architectural and site design criteria including installing a 12-foot wide multi-modal path along East Plant Street with landscaping, a pedestrian plaza and amenities,” Planning Director Kelly Carson said.

Carson reviewed a short presentation that addressed visual images of the design for the proposed buildings as she said there were some questions about it.

“We just wanted to make sure that this is part of the overlay, part of our CRA extension, because it’s going to be one of the first buildings and want to set the bar high to ensure that the others follow suit,” Mayor John Rees said after the presentation.

The applicants — Mike Van den Abbeel and Kiri Wollheim — own Mosaic Salon and intend to open a new salon in the corner building on East Plant Street and 11th Street.

Van den Abbeel, originally from Winter Garden, thanked the commission and spoke briefly.

“We knew that this was our natural third extension and…we were looking for the characteristic that you were seeking, which is exactly what we are seeking,” he said. “The thing that has made us so successful is that we are in walkable, very communityfocused areas … when we did a heat map of all of our customers … where they were coming from, Winter Garden was a clear standout winner.”

Although other tenants have not been finalized yet, Carson said potential uses include retail, restaurant and professional office uses.

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended the approval of the ordinances on Monday, Feb. 6, Carson said the board also made a motion that the CAPUD ordinance include some additional language that clarifies that reclaimed water is not currently available to supply the irrigation system, but the system will be set up to be hooked into the reclaimed service at a later date when it becomes available in the area.

Commissioners approved the ordinances unanimously with the addition of the motion. A second reading will take place Thursday, Feb. 23.

IN OTHER NEWS

n Winter Garden commissioners extended the first reading of a series of ordinances related to 30.24 acres located on Tilden Road.

n City commissioners approved unanimously the second reading of an ordinance that will revise a section to remove the term limits and stagger the terms for the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board upon reappointment. The item would remove the term limits for the CRAAB moving forward, and allows for reappointment with staggered terms.

n The commission approved unanimously a continuing services agreement with Toole Design Group LLC to help with traffic calming and other associated design.

n Winter Garden commissioners approved unanimously and awarded an Orange County piggy-back contract with Middlesex Corporation for 2023 street resurfacing projects in an amount not to exceed $2 million. The work will begin the week of March 13.

n City commissioners approved unanimously a site plan for 15304 Tilden Road by Foundation Academy. The school requested to build an additional twostory, 38,632-squarefoot classroom building and a single-story, 15,781-square-foot cafeteria.

n The Winter Garden Commission approved unanimously a site plan for a new office/ warehouse building at 705 Hennis Road. The project totals 8,382-square-feet and is located in the Crown Point Business Park commercial subdivision.

n Winter Garden commissioners unanimously approved a renewal of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft 365 in the amount of $152,612.98.

n City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman addressed the continued dispute with PureCycle and said the city will host a joint meeting with the Orange County Commission scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27. The city is filing a lawsuit against the county in response to the county’s approval of the site use. “The county has done no favors for the city from what we’ve seen in respect to this,” Ardaman said. “They’ve been completely uncooperative from my legal standpoint.”

n City commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the Winter Garden Little League for field enhancements after a brief presentation by City Manager Jon C. Williams.

n City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution adopting rules for public input and decorum at public meetings of the City Commission.

Courtesy photo

This rendering showcases the new planned development of more than 30,000 square feet at 996 E. Plant St.

60 years ago

Leon Acton was named president of the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce.

50 years ago

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION WEST ORANGE HISTORY

A head-on collision on Highway 50 in Ocoee took the life of Mizell Triplett, former Winter Garden school principal and community leader. Born in Hyde Park, Florida, he came to Winter Garden in 1960 to become assistant principal at Charles R. Drew High School. He was named principal of Maxey Elementary in 1967 and served in that capacity until 1972. He was survived by his wife, Thelma, and five children, ages 5 to 19: Frederic, Andrea Cecelia, Theodore, Dondra Belinda and Mizell O’Hara.

Editorial: “The Wrong Forum” — The Winter Garden City Commission is to be commended for realizing that theirs is the wrong forum for working out a solution to student discipline problems at Lakeview High School. Instead, the primary responsibility for handling student conduct matters belongs to the school authorities. … We seriously question the advisability of sending policemen to the school to maintain order except at times of gross violence.

40 years ago

The Blue Ribbon Math Poster Contest winners from Dillard Street Elementary School were John Barber, Cam Bradford, Keith Wiley, Jason Stokes, Justin Rees and Meredith Sterns.

Competing with high school musicians from all over Florida, Laura McKey, Lakeview High sophomore, earned a first-chair cello ranking at the 29th annual Florida All-State Music ClinicFestival.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Francine Postell (1932-2022) was a lifelong resident of Oakland. She was one of 10 children born to Will and Lugenia Postell, who moved to town from Georgia in the early 20th century. The family prospered and eventually purchased several parcels of property in Oakland, many of which were offered to the children for homesites.

Postell, shown here receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day 1998, served as the mayor of Oakland from 1987 to 1989.

An exhibition featuring students and activities held at Drew High School, the region’s higher education facility for black students during the years of segregation, is on display at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum through February.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating 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.

30 years ago

A dedication ceremony for the new Gotha Post Office was held, followed by an open house and tours of the facility. The ceremony featured a flag raising by the boy scouts; the national anthem by Sheila Veatch; and an invocation by the Rev. Doug King, pastor of Park Ridge Baptist Church. Postmaster Jean Hurst introduced the guests, and Kurt Ardaman, president of the Gotha Chamber of Commerce, cut the ribbon.

20 years ago

The city of Winter Garden turned the first spades of soil to mark the beginning of construction on the new S.C. Battaglia Memorial Winter Garden Branch Library on East Plant Street. The $2.55 million facility was to incorporate many unique features, including 30 computers — more than any other branch — that linked patrons to the Orange County Library System digital database, as well as the internet.

Carter Family Bowl announced the winners of its Thanksgiving and Christmas coloring contests. At Thanksgiving, the first-place winners were Chad Steiner, Hector Rivera and Meagan Andrews. At Christmas, the first-place winners were Chase Steiner, Dakota Lowe, Colt Hall and Annie Waller.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FEB. 6, 1969

The Winter Garden Times celebrated the 59th anniversary of boy scouting — which took place the week of Feb. 7 through 13, 1969 — with an advertisement sponsored by local businesses. Advertisers were Jones Standard Service, Bank of West Orange, Ted Snell Signs, Florida Metal Craft Inc., Herb’s Clothes Line, Badcock Furniture, Car Locator & Maintenance Co., Cappleman Agency Inc., L. Frank Roper, Hart’s Radio & TV, Crawford’s Ocoee Gulf Service, Independent Paint & Coating Co., Ronnie’s Drive In, U Tote M, Winter Garden Lumber Co., First National Bank, Tom West Inc., Winter Garden Laundromat, Tomkins Funeral Home, John Lamb Chevrolet, West Orange Federal Savings & Loan Association and Winter Garden Times

Habitat breaks ground on three new homes

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

West Orange Habitat for Humanity officially has broken ground on its next three homes, to be built on Bethune Avenue in east Winter Garden. The ceremony was held Wednesday, Feb. 1, and the three future homeowners were present and eager to participate.

Construction already has begun on the home for Charlotte Thornton and her family. The second and third homes will be started soon for LaTanya Hardy and Latoya Jackson and their families.

“I’m blessed to be coming back to Winter Garden, my hometown,” Thornton said. “I left homeless and returned to a home.”

She is a single mother who works two jobs — at Orlando Lutheran Towers and Conway Lakes Health and Rehabilitation – CAN. She has a 12-year-old daughter, and they live in a studio apartment.

Hardy said she has overcome barriers to get to a place of homeownership. The single mother is an instructor at Valencia College, and she lives with her brother with two of her three

children, 17-year-old twins, one of whom requires a full-time caregiver. Hardy also has a 24-year-old daughter.

Jackson said she is overwhelmed to think that in three months she will be in her own home. She is a single mother with one 3-year-old daughter, and they are living with a friend in a mold-infested apartment in an unsafe area. She works at Planned Parenthood.

Jo Barsh, president of the local Habitat board of directors, was one of the program speakers.

“No matter who we are or where we come from, everyone deserves a decent life,” she said. “Everyone wants to feel strength and stability day after day. We want to know we have the power to action — to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

West Orange Habitat oversees the construction of these single-family residences using sustainable materials and environmentally friendly building and landscaping practices. In addition to existing partners and volunteers, Habitat seeks strategic relationships with other interested corporations, churches and community organizations to expand its volunteer and material resources.

The organization has partnered with volunteers, donors and Habitat homeowners to build, renovate and repair more than 45 homes.

Habitat homeowners demonstrate a housing need, contribute sweat equity hours and agree to repay a nointerest mortgage. They pay no more than 30% of their household income on housing with Habitat.

To become involved with Habitat, visit westorangehabitat.org, call (407) 809-4411 or email communications@westorangehabitat.org.

“We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” Barsh said.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

LaTanya Hardy, left, Charlotte Thornton and Latoya Jackson will occupy the next three West Orange Habitat for Humanity houses on Bethune Avenue in Winter Garden. With them is Jackson’s 4-year-old, Aasiya Jackson-Gillyard.

The trio of homes will be built on Bethune Avenue in east Winter Garden for three single mothers and their families.

Marilyn Hattaway, director of West Orange Habitat for Humanity, introduced the three future homeowners.

ESTATE

Lakeshore Preserve estate sells for $1,225,000

Ahome in the Lakeshore Preserve community in Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 4 to 10.

The home at 15594 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 6, for $1,225,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,022 square feet of living area. Days on market: 120.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8473 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold Feb. 7, for $545,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,791 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

CYPRESS CHASE

The home at 9728 Pecky Cypress Way, Orlando, sold Feb. 6, for $530,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,969 square feet of living area. Days on market: 134.

HIDDEN ESTATES

The home at 5429 Split Pine Court, Orlando, sold Feb. 9, for $686,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,259 square feet of living area. Days on market: 35.

ISLES AT CAY COMMONS

The condo at 4114 Breakview Drive, No. 31002, Orlando, sold Feb. 8, for $439,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,412 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 7225 Moss Leaf Lane, Orlando, sold Feb. 6, for $592,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,005 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

The home at 6986 Edgeworth Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 6, for $675,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,870 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71.

PHILLIPS BAY CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 7609 Bay Port Road, No. 33, Orlando, sold Feb. 9, for $375,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,831 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SANCTUARY AT BAY HILL

The condo at 7751 Sugar Bend Drive, No. 7751, Orlando, sold Feb. 7, for $290,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,077 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

TOSCANA CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 7532 Toscana Blvd., No. 524, Orlando, sold Feb. 6, for $431,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,085 square feet of living area. Days on market: 264.

HORIZON WEST

EDENS HAMMOCK

The townhouse at 14113 Ancilla Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 9, for $415,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,629 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16651 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 7, for $600,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,020 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15984 Citrus Knoll Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $775,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,843 square feet of living area. Days on market: 170.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The townhouse at 5625 Laurel Cherry Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 7, for $398,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,745 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.

LAKE HANCOCK SHORES

The home at 7706 Ficquette Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 6, for $875,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 627 square feet of living area on 3.9 waterfront acres. Days on market: 13.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15594 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 6, for $1,225,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,022 square feet of living area. Days on market: 120.

LAKEVIEW POINTE

The home at 14191 Lakeview Park Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 7, for $500,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,110 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

ORCHARD HILLS

The townhouse at 5785 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $425,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,800 square feet of living area. Days on market: 145.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 8114 Sayings Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 6, for $650,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,288 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 13041 Inkwell Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $510,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 18043 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $556,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,044 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

WATERMARK

The home at 9474 Meadow Hunt Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $501,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,838 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

SNAPSHOT

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 7467 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $940,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 4,006 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

WESTOVER RESERVE

The home at 2033 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $886,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,574 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9081 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Feb. 6, for $814,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,087 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

WICKHAM PARK

The townhouse at 12977 Borland St., Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $359,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,428 square feet of living area. Days on market: 88.

OCOEE ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 2821 Sugar Apple Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 6, for $415,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,194 square feet of living area. Days on market: 98.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 3342 Fawnwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 8, for $600,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,247 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The home at 1713 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold Feb. 7, for $404,729. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,941 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

WHITEHILL

The home at 406 Robyns Glenn Road, Ocoee, sold Feb. 6, for $370,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,661 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE CYPRESS ISLE

The home at 10370 Trout Road, Orlando, sold Feb. 9, for $920,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,018 square feet of living area. Days on market: 203.

PROVENCE AT LAKE SHEEN

The home at 10320 Lavande Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 7, for $770,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,472 square feet of living area. Days on market: 66.

ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES

The home at 9482 Prince Harry Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 6, for $1 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,150 square feet of living area.

WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8424 Woburn Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 9, for $960,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,614 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

TILDENS GROVE

The home at 5444 Tildens Grove Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $1,125,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,876 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WINTER GARDEN

BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14408 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $840,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,475 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15646 Granlund St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 7, for $687,500. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,290 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

DEERFIELD PLACE

The home at 524 Spring Leap Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $465,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,910 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1212 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 7, for $772,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,219 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.

Photo by Alex Escobar, Florida Home Photo

The home at 15594 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 6, for $1,225,000. This home features views of both the sunrise and the Disney fireworks over Panther Lake. The selling agent was Karen Ledet, EXP Realty LLC.

1

The Foundation Academy faithful have plenty to cheer about. The Lions competitive cheerleading squad capped off an impressive 2023 season by finishing second in the nation — and third in the world — in the medium non-tumbling division. The team also captured its fourth regional title and is second consecutive state championship.

2

The Windermere High football program has an NFL superstar as a supporter. Head coach Riki Smith formerly coached Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Milano. The Wolverines recently thanked Milano for a donation he made to the football program.

3

Both Windermere Prep and Foundation Academy begin play in the Class 3A Boys Basketball State Tournament (Region 2) this week. The No. 1 seed Lakers will take on Seffner Christian, while the No. 7 seed Lions will face Bell Creek Academy. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

Ocoee, Olympia and Windermere all begin play in the Class 7A Boys Basketball State Tournament. No. 6 seed Ocoee will face Hagerty in Region 1; while No. 1 seed Olympia will face Lake Nona and No. 4 seed Windermere faces Centennial. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

4

Silver Lining

Orlando Area Rowing Society director

Kirstin Anderson is celebrating her 25th anniversary with the organization she said has changed her life.

5

The No. 1 seed Dr. Phillips girls basketball team crushed Harmony Thursday, Feb. 9, with a 70-9 beatdown to open the Class 7A Girls Basketball State Tournament (Region 2). The Panthers were scheduled to face Vero Beach Tuesday, Feb. 14, after press time. Central Florida Christian Academy defeated Legacy Charter 8010 to open the Class 2A Girls Basketball State Tournament (Region 2) and was scheduled to face Orlando Christian Tuesday, Feb. 14. Both Windermere Prep and The First Academy lost in the first round of the Class 3A Girls Basketball State Tournament (Region 2) Thursday, Feb. 9. The Lakers fell 57-21 to No. 1 seed Seffner Christian, while the Lakers lost 54-11 to No. 3 Holy Trinity (Melbourne).

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Twenty-five years is a long time to be doing anything, but for Kirstin Anderson, Orlando Area Rowing Society director, the time has passed in the blink of an eye, and she said she still has more work to do.

Throughout the years, the team has relied on Anderson’s consistency, dedication and discipline to grow physically and developmentally from six boats to 48 boats with more than 200 members, including middle- and high-school athletes.

“Our mission is just to develop athletes,” Anderson said. “It’s not really about winning races — that comes as kids develop correctly. But it’s really about taking them where they’re at, making them better, helping them improve, seeing them believe in themselves. … That’s the greatest part to watch.”

COMMUNITY COACH

As a seventh-grade science teacher at Windermere Preparatory School, Anderson came to realize early in her coaching career she’s a stickler for doing things the right way. She noticed some of the OARS coaches in the past did not have the same level of experience to offer the children.

“That was the most fun for me,” Anderson said. “Those initial first years — where the kids almost had no clue what they were doing. Seeing the learning curve and the success that came from that was such a rewarding experience to be a part of. They were so passionate and fun to be around. … Now it’s just part of me. I couldn’t not do it.”

Although Anderson’s role has evolved throughout the years — from women’s coach to men’s coach and director — her mission has remained the same: help children develop and become good citizens.

ABOUT OARS

The Orlando Area Rowing Society began in 1989 with the purpose of bringing the benefits of rowing to everyone in Central Florida. For more than a quarter of a century, the club has been attracting and creating enthusiasts in the sport by organizing and sponsoring rowing activities from its base at Kelsey Boathouse on the shore of Little Lake Down in Windermere. OARS rowers range in age from middle school through high school and well into adulthood.

Source: oarsrowing.com

Being a director of the program brings more administrative work, but Anderson has the ability to not only educate the athletes but also her strong roster of coaches, as well. “Coaching is so much more than doing well in the physical sport,” she said. “It’s the lessons they

learned well beyond. It’s hard work. Being able to show up and work with other people as a team. It’s perseverance. Never giving up on yourself and learning the process. That, to me, the older I get, those values are so much more than the medals. … Everything today is progressing so fast that sometimes good oldfashioned work ethic is so important to learn.”

Another reward for Anderson is watching children develop into athletes who did not think they had the potential.

“A lot of times, parents will shove kids toward rowing if they’ve already tried other things with no success,” she said. “It’s nice to get the kids away from the technology and get them outside. Yes, the lake is beautiful, but rowing is actually one of the most grueling sports there is; and it’s a full-body sport.”

SEE CELEBRATING PAGE 2B

Father faces son as TFA takes on East Ridge

TFA head baseball coach Scott Grove played against his son, the new East Ridge head baseball coach Dakoda Grove, during a preseason game Tuesday, Feb. 14.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

For many, Valentine’s Day was a day for a lunch date, movie night, romantic dinner, a “Galentine’s” holiday or even a long weekend vacation. However, for TFA head baseball coach Scott Grove and his son — East Ridge head baseball coach Dakoda Grove — this Valentine’s Day had a whole new meaning. The father and son faced each

other for the first time on the opposite side of the diamond, with Scott Grove leading the Royals and Dakoda Grove leading the Knights during a preseason game Tuesday, Feb. 14.

“I’m excited for Dakoda,” Scott Grove said. “I just remember way back when I first started coaching and trying to build the program and get to a point where it’s an effective program having players (who) want to come in and play for you.”

With a competitive nature that comes on the baseball field, both

head coaches were excited and intrigued to see how the game would evolve.

“We want to win that game probably more so than any other game — just because I’m playing against my dad,” Dakoda Grove said. “Our players know TFA is going to have a lot more talent, so we know that if we can compete with them and beat them, we’ll be able to compete with anyone. So I know (my players) are really excited, but me and my dad are both competitive so I know we both are going to go out there and try to win the game.”

Horizon Hawk Jordan Schwenneker was crowned girls weightlifting Class 2A, District 8 champion in the Olympic Division. Page 2B.

Annabelle Sikes

Theh Windermere OARS program has grown to include more than 200 members under Kirstin Anderson’s leadership.

OF THE

Jordan Schwenneker Celebrating 25 years

Horizon High School freshman weightlifter Jordan Schwenneker recently was crowned the girls weightlifting Class 2A, District 8 champion in the Olympic Division during the districts championship meet. Schwenneker lifted 115 pounds in snatch and 140 pounds in clean and jerk, for a total of 255 pounds.

Tell us about becoming district champion.

It was awesome, really. This was my first time ever competing in high school, so getting to that level my first year was really cool. I’ve been training since I was 8 years old, so it’s taken a long of time and a lot of work. I went to every practice I could make — just a constant hour-and-a-half or two after school lifting, working. It was lots of hard work and focus.

Why weightlifting?

I thought about doing CrossFit, but the competitions were really hard … because you are competing against girls your age, and I was one of the smaller kids. Weightlifting is based on weight, so I started competing and realized it was more about technique and not strength.

What do you love most about weightlifting as a sport?

I love the environment and the people; it’s my favorite thing about it. Everyone is cheering everyone else on, and it doesn’t matter what school you are from. Everyone has (one another’s) backs.

What do you believe weightlifting has taught you not only in the weight room but also outside of it?

It really shows you that being a good teammate can get you pretty far. Supporting your teammates and working hard at the gym, it helps you a lot.

Do you have a favorite lift to do at practice?

I really just love squatting. Squatting is great; it does a lot.

What do you think makes you a unique weightlifter?

I think that probably the age I started and what I’m doing. I think one thing in weightlifting that happens a lot is that you get so involved in the sport that you don’t do anything else outside of school. … I like the fact that weightlifting isn’t my whole life, it’s just something I love doing to stay healthy and strong.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?

I think that I definitely will take steps back from whatever I’m doing to help anyone that asks (for help).

What’s your favorite hobby?

I love lifting, but I also have a horse (JJ) and love hanging out with him.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

I actually mostly spend my week ends catching up on notes, then my horse and weightlifting.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A good book, a pot to cook with and some matches.

What’s your favorite movie? “Twister.” I was obsessed with it when I was a kid; I think it’s a fantastic movie.

THE BASICS

AGE: 14

SPORT: Weightlifting, Bowling

MOVE: The Knee Drop

GRADE: Freshman WEIGHT CATEGORY: 119 pounds

SCHOOL: Horizon

What TV series are you watching right now?

“The Last of Us.” This is going to sound really nerdy, but I can appreciate the fact that the back story behind the zombies is somewhat scientific; it’s a natural fungus.

Who’s your favorite superhero?

Why?

Probably Wonder Woman. I … think she’s great and her backstory and upbringing (are) cool.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I feel like super strength is fitting for this. I would win districts again (with it).

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?

I love the redwoods in California; I’d like to go there again. I like Blue Ridge in Georgia, and I really want to go to Scotland.

Which one would you choose: Instagram, BeReal or TikTok?

TikTok; I’m on it the most. I don’t have BeReal. I’m not on Instagram that much.

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, when would it be and why?

Late 1800s/early 1900s. I I really like the style of clothing and just what they did (back then). It was before modern technology and very live-off-the-land.

What color would you say represents your personality?

It varies from day to day. Sometimes, I’m a purple person, sometimes I wake up and I’m like, “This is so gray.” I’m feeling green right now, a happy green.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

A bird; I just want to know what it’s like just to fly around,

— ANDREA MUJICA

OARS OPPORTUNITIES

Anderson said OARS is a unique program compared to other rowing organizations because of its small-town character.

“We’re hidden and kind of tucked away here in Windermere,” she said. “The community is very supportive of us. So many children have gone through our program that it’s very easy to encounter someone who has been involved directly or indirectly. We just absolutely love being here. We have this gorgeous Chain of Lakes, which is just beautiful and precious to us, to help take care of and make sure it’s here forever. It provides something so unique that may not be available to everyone.”

OARS has developed into a true team throughout the years.

There are about 40 to 50 competitive rowing teams in Florida, and many more across the country, and Anderson believes OARS has risen to be one of the most ambitious programs in the South.

“Competitive-wise, what we have done is become a recognizable force,” she said. “There are many different types of categories … but we are usually within the top three when we compete at states and regionals as a whole team.”

In Anderson’s early years of OARS, the Winter Park team was always one the group wanted to beat, and she remembers the

exact boat of girls who had “so much fun” beating them. The major accomplishment allowed the athletes to realize they could overcome even the most difficult of obstacles.

Anderson also has had several athletes go on to earn scholarships or coach at elite colleges such as Yale, Princeton, Alabama and Purdue.

She has guided a few athletes on the junior national team and even watched world records be broken.

Christine Cavallo broke two world records on the rowing machine while she was at OARS and went on to row for Stanford and the national team.

“To just see kids continuing on with the sport even after OARS is incredible,” she said. “The kids that figure out that they just love to row, no matter who it’s for and where they are, are the ones I’m most proud of.”

Anderson said OARS has a wonderful parent board of directors and outstanding support, but there is quite a bit of financial stress on families because rowing is an expensive sport.

The ability for the program to obtain donors or financial endowments would ease economic stress with boats costing $40,000 each, the fee of traveling for regattas and allowing the organization the ability to pay their coaches more to maximize maintaining individuals with experience.

In addition, Anderson would

like to have a structure or find a local warehouse for the rowing machines and for strength conditioning, which would be especially useful during the unpredictable and hot local weather conditions.

Finally, Anderson said she would love for more people to try the sport out.

“The sense of being a part of this community that I grew up in and giving back is just so important to me,” she said. “The rowing community is so close and connected that I have friends across the country thanks to this sport. If anyone ever questions whether to try it or not, I always say try it because you can gain lifelong relationships.”

BOATING BEGINNING

Born in Chicago, Anderson moved to Central Florida about three months after and was raised in the Dr. Phillips area for the majority of her life. She still lives in her same childhood home today.

Even before she began rowing, Anderson grew up on and around the water as a swimmer and water skier.

She joined the Dr. Phillips High rowing team the year the school opened and the program was created. Anderson went on to earn a rowing scholarship to the Florida Institute of Technology, from which she graduated with a degree in marine biology.

After competing as a collegiate athlete, she decided to take a break from rowing and pursue a career in education.

Less than a year after she started teaching, a friend’s parent who was involved with OARS called Anderson after the coach had quit unexpectedly.

Although Anderson said she made it clear she wanted to coach the men’s team not the women’s team, the organization felt she would be a better match for the women’s team.

Looking back 25 years later, the women’s team ended up being Anderson’s bread and butter for a majority of her years.

During the day, Anderson taught at Gotha Middle School before coming to OARS.

“It went hand-in-hand with teaching,” she said. “It was a great fit to be able to teach. … I got hooked and loved it. Next thing you know, it’s been 25 years.”

MORE INFORMATION

Website: oarsrowing.com

Email: info@oarsrowing.com

Facebook: facebook.com/ oars1987

Like father, like son

This preseason game was Dakoda Grove’s first as a head coach. He graduated Bethune-Cookman University, where he spent his last season on the team as a volunteer assistant coach — coaching outfielders and first base.

“I’m interested to see his demeanor,” Scott Grove said. “He’s probably a lot more calm than I am and laid-back. He probably has a better aura about him. I’m trying to get better at that as long as I’ve been coaching, but I think being too competitive might hurt at times. I think he has a more balanced demeanor.”

Scott Grove has been coaching baseball for 26 years and has been the head baseball coach at The First Academy for the past decade. During Dakoda Grove’s years in high school, he played under his dad as part of the Roy-

als’ varsity baseball team.

“I don’t think I’ll learn too much (about my dad), because I’ve played under him,” Dakoda Grove said. “I think it’s more exciting just to see our players play against TFA and Viera, two teams that will probably be the best teams we’ll play all year just so they can see what good baseball looks like whether we win or lose.”

BASEBALL ROOTS

Both, Scott and Dakoda Grove started playing baseball at a young age.

“I didn’t have a background where my dad played baseball, but I grew up in Denver, Colorado, where I started Little League,” Scott Grove said. “It’s different in Colorado than Florida, just because when it’s football season, you play football, when it’s basketball season, you play bas -

ketball. Here, it’s just more professional, more specific where everybody picks a sport at a young age and they play it through their whole life.”

Scott Grove share his love of baseball with his son, who remembers growing up on a baseball field, going to games and recording stats with his grandfather, Ron Cowley.

This game was the first of the two games that are part of the First Pitch Classic.

“It’s strange that it is on Valentine’s Day, but it kind of started when he (Dakoda) got the job,” Scott Grove said. “We wanted (to play him), because it’s the First Pitch Classic — the two preseason games that we play (every year), and that’s the week that we’ve always played it — Tuesday and Thursday before the regular season. (This year) it just happened to fall on Valentine’s Day.”

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

Annabelle Sikes

Kirstin Anderson celebrated 25 years with OARS in August.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

Legacy girls basketball wins district crown

After defeating City of Life Christian Academy, the Legacy Charter School girls team was crowned Class 2A, District 8 champions.

NEWS EDITOR

The Legacy Charter School girl’s basketball team made history this year. The Eagles earned the Class 2A, District 8 crown for the first time in school history. And they did so in a season filled with challenges.

With a 6-10 regular season record, 8-11 with playoffs in the postseason, something clicked for the girls in the last few weeks of the season.

Head coach Patricia Freeman said in the final two games of the season, one of her assistant coaches had been blunt and broke down for the team what it was going to take to come out on top: grit, desire, energy, effort and passion.

The Lady Eagles secured a 59-57 win over Moore Haven (4-7) in the first round of district play before moving on to pull ahead of City of Life Christian Academy (8-10) with a final score of 52-33.

“They truly locked in,” Freeman said. “It wasn’t just us talking about it; it was them executing the plan. We talk about it all the time, and we got really, really close two years in a row in middle school when we were runner-ups.

“That same group came up, and we were like, ‘You guys can do this; you just gotta meet us halfway,’” she said. “‘You all put in the work; you can do this.’ I wanted them to do something that’s never been done so they can truly feel like champions. We say winning isn’t everything, but when you win it just feels good.”

Although the girls playoff run came to a screeching halt after an 80-10 loss to Central Florida Christian Academy, player Mallory Daniels said winning the district champion title still hasn’t set in for her yet.

“It definitely makes me feel very proud and a huge sense of accomplishment,” she said. “But the story isn’t over yet. I’ve still got my senior year, and I’m ready to come back and be even better than before. It’s crazy to think this is something that’s going to be in our school’s history forever and something that I can talk about even when I’m 30. Having that something is an indescribable feeling.”

TEAM INCEPTION

The girls basketball team started in 2015 under the leadership of coach Blessing Freeman.

Before the season began, Blessing Freeman first had to recruit players. She started holding basketball interest

meetings, made announcements and put flyers up around the school. Sometimes, she even just asked girls she met if they wanted to play, even recruiting six volleyball players to join the team. Only one of the players, freshman Tya Freeman, had prior experience with organized basketball.

“It set the foundation for the girl’s program,” Athletic Director Russell Hunt said. “Ever since then, we’ve always been to district championships and gotten somewhat close but we haven’t gotten to the point where we’ve sealed the deal.”

Patricia Freeman, who started off as a parent, began to coach the girl’s middle school basketball team.

That’s when she met her core five.

From their seventh-grade year, Patricia Freeman has worked with Daniels, Avery Velazquez, Madison Velazquez, Ashlyn Kraus and Brooke Smith. When Blessing Freeman left, Patricia Freeman went on to coach her girls in high school.

“Those core five know what our expectations are, and they know how to execute what needs to be done while also getting the other players involved,” she said. “They know how to transcend the message of what we’re about.

“It’s been such a pleasure to watch these girls as they grow into becoming young ladies,” she said. “I’ve watched them grow in life to overcome adversity and be strong as they go into the world to be successful in all that they do. It’s bigger than just basketball all the time.”

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

Patricia Freeman said the team has been a winning program from seventh grade to now.

“This year, we lost a couple of close games,” she said. “We should have had a winning record easily this year, but we were one of those teams, just like any other team — you get hit with injuries. With the injuries this year, we missed some key players during some key games.”

Patricia Freeman said Daniels had a

breakout season this year, during which she had to play both ends of the court with the injuries. She had to score on offense but also take on the challenge of playing defense.

“She did a phenomenal job with that this year, and that’s what led to our success,” Patricia Freeman said. “It also led to our district win and district semifinal game. She stepped up and took on the challenge to help her team become successful — no matter what she had to do.”

Daniels said new players on the team meant dynamic changes, and it took time to figure out individual roles on the team paired with team communication.

Hunt said he has been trying to hammer into the athletes’ heads since he started as athletic director two years ago that you can’t control the cards that you’re dealt in life.

“Whether that’s injuries or you don’t like the offense that your coach runs, just stuff like that that’s small and petty that you can’t control,” he said. “Control what you can. Your effort, your attitude and the rest will fall into place. It’s hard for younger athletes to see that but I think when they look back on it you can appreciate it more. This team just set the standard for that. They’ve showcased grit, toughness and perseverance. Winning can be contagious and I think our other sports teams are going to see what these girls did and push even harder.”

MEET THE TEAM

ANNABELLE SIKES

Courtesy photo

MAGGIE CAPRISE WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL

Windermere High School junior Maggie Caprise is the Student Government Association programming director and the District 3 president for the Florida Association of Student Councils at Windermere. As programming director, it is her job to plan most SGA events and ensure they run smoothly. This includes securing venues, purchases, staffing, materials and partnering with marketing to ensure promotion.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the atmosphere of the school that the students and the staff create. Walking around just between my classes is my favorite part of my day. Greeting all the administrators (who) are out and about brightens my day, because it reminds me of the close community we have here at Windermere.

What is your motivation?

I am motivated by my friends, family and future. My friends and family are who I am always striving to make proud, and my future is something that I look forward to and want to be successful in.

What does it mean to you to be the SGA programming director?

Being the SGA programming director means a lot. I am responsible for the majority of the events put on by SGA, from large scale dances to spirit weeks and more. It is a ton of work to finalize all details, calls, purchases and more, but the success of our organization is very important to me. I love seeing what we can do for our community.

What is the most rewarding part of your position as SGA programming director?

The most rewarding part of being SGA programming director is getting to see the Windermere students. That’s the moment when I can sit back and see students enjoy the event or activity we put together for them. Despite crazy emails or dead-

REPORT CARD

POSITION: SGA programming director/District 3 president for FASC

GRADE: Junior TIME AT OCPS: Ten years

lines, to see the school come together to just have fun and make a memory means so much.

Who is your favorite teacher at school? Why?

I have two favorite teachers. My psychology teacher — Ms. Hannigan — I’ve had since sophomore year who is so funny, kind and an amazing human. She is also so supportive, open and always rooting for my success. However, I’d probably get in trouble if I didn’t admit that tied for first place is my SGA adviser, Mr. Brengel. I’ve been with him since freshman year, and he has pushed and motivated me to do big things, (such as) apply for programming director and use those skills to run for district president.

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

When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor, because my uncle is a surgeon and I always found it interesting. Now, I’m not so sure. I think being a dentist would be interesting or some type of management position. I do know that I never want a desk job.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is “The Princess Bride,” because it’s a book my grandma read to me and my sister when we were little.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are watching movies and being with friends.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

If I could have any superpower, I would be able to slow down time, because as I get older, I feel like everything is moving so fast and I just want to stay young.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

If I could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of my life they would be Taylor Swift, SZA and Zach Bryan, because they are great artists that I can listen to at all times and when I’m in any mood.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

As an elementary student, my go-to lunch was a PB&J sandwich with carrots and fruit snacks. I really loved Fruit Roll-Ups and Rice Krispies Treats, but my mom would rarely pack them for me. It hasn’t changed much!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Halloween, because it is also my birthday so it feels like a double holiday.

Who is your best friend at school and why?

I am surrounded by many great best friends, but specifically at school and in this position, Makenna Scott and Morgan Mayhew have been two of my closest friends (who) always support me. I am truly so lucky.

ROUND FOR A REASON: Tildenville honors father figures at breakfast

Tildenville Elementary School held its annual Donuts About You breakfast Wednesday, Feb. 8, and 1,200 glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts were served to students and their families. The sweet breakfast tradition has been carried out annually for at least 20 years and is a celebration of the father figures in the students’ lives.

ANNABELLE SIKES

— AMY QUESINBERRY Frank Umstead found a spot on the floor to share doughnuts with Rozalie and Mason Umstead.

Jimmy Zambrano spent the morning with his daughter, Miranda.

Deion Simmons and Liana Acosta attended Donuts About You with Niklaus and Nehemiah Simmons.

Above: Cesar Hortas shared a silly moment with Nina and Luca Hortas.

Right: Cameron-Jay Ramsey attended Donuts About You with his dad, Will Ramsey.

Rockin’ Carnival amplifies fun at Windermere Prep

Students, families and others in attendance strolled from attractions to club booths and carnival games. The attractions included rides, bounce houses, bumper cars, a rock-climbing wall, slides and a cyclone swingx. As soon as the sun set, the carnival attractions were illuminated with bright LED lights that transformed the atmosphere of the event into a very colorful — and joyful — one.

ANDREA MUJICA

Gayatri Parab, 14, laughed hard while riding one of the carnival attractions with her friends.

Pedro Landeiro, Pedro Castanha and John Russo — all 14 — were volunteers at the food tables.

Ryan Shliperman, 4, fished a duck out of the inflatable pond.

Right: Elizabeth Greenstein, 7, enjoyed driving her car while in the bumper car attraction.

Celina Deng, 6, waved to her parents as they enjoyed watching her smile while riding one of the attractions at the carnival.

Right: Alexis Zimek, 8, was excited after successfully conquering the climbing wall.

Ocoee High student advances to regional Shakespeare competition

In the school’s first year competing, student Shlomit BarquinCadena will advance to the regional contest.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Shlomit Barquin-Cadena won first place in the English Speakers Union Shakespeare Competition at Ocoee High School Jan. 20 and will advance to the regional contest, to be held Feb. 20 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

Xan Kahn, an instructional coach at the school and sponsor for the school-level contest, issued an invitation for students to join the competition, and five students participated: Barquin-Cadena; Gian Delgado, who came in second place; third-place winner Colby Salvatore; Molly Dunagan; and Jaylen Wright. Students had to learn a monologue or sonnet from an approved list, and Kahn helped them select pieces based on what she knew about the students.

The judges were Ocoee art teacher Haley Hostetter and English teachers Audrey Rogers and Ashley Gecewicz.

The ESU is a national organization that hosts the Shakespeare competition annually with about 26,000 student participants.

This is Ocoee High’s first year participating, and Kahn was pleased with the turnout. She also is impressed with Barquin-Cadena’s accomplishment because English is her second language, having immigrated six months ago from Colombia. Kahn and Barquin-Cadena have been meeting twice a week to work on the pieces, and Kahn has been coaching her on pace, inflection and body expressions.

“She had such a command of

the language of Shakespeare, the understanding of the monologue and where it stands within the rest of the play,” Kahn said.

“They have to really understand and have a command of the language,” she said. “Shakespeare is kind of an archaic language, and they have to have an understanding of what Shakespeare is communicating and where it fits in the scene. And with the sonnet, especially because it’s a poem, it’s really analyzing what the poet is trying to say and then communicating that through verbalizing and facial expression.”

Shakespeare is difficult because it was meant to be seen and not read, Kahn said.

“There’s such bravery in students who are willing to deep dive into a language that is no longer spoken and to put themselves out there in front of people on a stage,” Kahn said.

Barquin-Cadena’s monologue was from Queen Elizabeth from “Richard II,” Delgado’s selection was Shylock from “The Merchant of Venice,” Salvatore’s piece was from Bottom from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Dunagan’s monologue was Jailer’s Daughter from “The Two Noble Kinsmen,” and Wright’s piece was Othello from “Othello.” Barquin-Cadena and Delgado also prepared sonnets — 17 and 130, respectively. All participants received a water

SCHOOL BRIEFS

ROBERT STRENTH NAMED PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Prairie Lake Elementary Principal

Robert Strenth was named Orange County Public Schools’ 2022-23 Principal of the Year at the district’s Stellar Awards gala, held Feb. 10 at Rosen Shingle Creek.

Strenth and three other Stellar Award winners were recognized in a ceremony that also celebrated more than 450 honorees and 16 finalists from 210 schools and departments.

“Hats off to all of the honorees, finalists and our four amazing districtwide winners,” Superintendent Maria F. Vazquez said. “It’s exciting to see more men have entered the education profession, where many are excelling and serving as great role models for all of our students.”

Strenth is known for championing his staff and students and serving everyone he encounters. He points to his upbringing as shaping him into the educator he is today. Strenth and his mother, who didn’t finish high school, moved frequently. He grew up without a hometown or extended family and struggled with academics.

bottle sticker of Shakespeare and a certificate. The top three winners received a gift card.

Barquin-Cadena will compete against about 17 public and private schools for the first prize of a financial scholarship, a trip to New York City to compete at the National ESU Shakespeare Competition held at the Lincoln Center Stage April 24 and a scholarship for a summer program at Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

She also is in the running for The Love of the Bard financial scholarship. This is a nomination scholarship through a sponsor recommendation.

Strenth decided to become a changemaker after he graduated from high school. He pursued an education career because he wanted to be the teacher he never had.

Other Stellar Award winners were Francisco Cardoza, fifth-grade teacher at Village Park Elementary; Alex Rodriguez, bilingual paraprofessional at Vista Pointe Elementary; and John Miller, former assistant principal of Meadowbrook Middle.

The winners will represent OCPS in upcoming state-level contests, including 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year, 2024 Florida School Related Employee of the Year, the 2023 Florida Department of Education Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership and the 2023 Florida Department of Education Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award.

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“R ZPVJ URHO BODJSUHB SPWD VPSGTB

HS ZPSJ HBOH XBV JOX CGXH O HVPLVU, XVPXRHRIV, FVOGHRKGW BGEOP FVRPT.” ZRE PSIOZ

Puzzle One Clue: K equals F Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals B

“XTFM LV ANLMIBVJLY TI ALNM.” – VHVDI VTISDR / “OM XTFM ZMUDHVM LS’V SJM TIXW SNHM DBFMISHNM.”

ILPPL RLTFDIIL

“EYBJ VPYIC-LZB RYPVKJ IAOJ MJ IOB NMDK JY TK O DMH. M GYIKH JAOJ M IYLNH CKGKP RYPVKJ.”

“JAK BMEZBYCB” APKOJYP

EOJJ VPYKCMCV

Puzzle Three Clue: R equals F

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9

Courtesy photo

Ocoee High students participating in the Shakespeare competition were Colby Salvatore, third place; Molly Dunagan; Jaylen Wright; Shlomit Barquin-Cadena, first place; and Gian Delgado, second place.

SPLIT PEAS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by David Steinberg

First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden

Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097

www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM

Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando

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

Sunday Service: 10:05 AM

MONDAY, APRIL 3 |12:00 PM

TEAMSANDSPONSORSNEEDED www.matthewshopeministries.org/givingonthegreen www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org Golf