12.21.23 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 9, NO. 11

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Was this all just a dream? White Swan Academy delighted with its performance of ‘The Nutcraker Story.’ PAGE 8A.

GLOW UP

Oakland Post Office resolves postbox issues One resident has taken on the U.S. Postal Service to get answers regarding mail service in the town, and her persistence paid off. SEE PAGE 2A.

YOUR TOWN QUARTETS PERFORM AT LIFEBRIDGE

This home, on Roxboro Road in Berkshire Park, features an actual sleigh mounted to a tree, with reindeer heading to the roof.

lthough we likely never will have a white Christmas here in West Orange and Southwest Orange, we always can count on some industrious, creative and fun residents to spread Christmas cheer throughout our community. From Winter Garden and Ocoee to Horizon West and Windermere, there are plenty of decorated houses to put you in the Christmas spirit. Here are just some of our favorites. This Dr. Phillips home, at 9090 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando, sits on a beautiful piece of property in the Bay Hill community.

— MICHAEL ENG, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Four international barbershop quartet champions and Central Florida’s own Voctave will present “Spirit of the Season Live!” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at Lifebridge Church, 12120 Chase Road, Windermere. The concert, presented by the Association of International Champions, will feature Midtown, 2023 champions from New York City; Signature, the 2019 winners from Miami; Main Street, the 2017 champions from Orlando; and Vocal Spectrum, the 2006 winners from St. Louis. Tickets are available at the door. The concert also will be live-streamed. Midtown is scheduled to make an appearance at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children earlier in the day to perform for patients and hand out gifts.

NATURAL WONDERS

This beautiful home, on Main Street in the town of Windermere, is classically decorated in red and green for the season.

Nehrling Gardens held its 11th Amaryllis Festival. SEE PAGE 6B.

This home, on Manuscript Street in Independence, has a running model train and an ice castle.

Spinning sensation Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village offers holiday fun in Winter Garden. SEE 9A.

Due process, charter violation accusations dominate discussion The Winter Garden City Commission will proceed with a forfeiture hearing against Commissioner Ron Mueller. PAGE 6A.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Resident helps resolve post office issue AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The town of Oakland’s new roundabout will feature a large acorn sculpture.

of resolving the issues. She shared with commissioners a letter her sister, Deanna Meredith, received from the United States Postal Service Customer Support team. In part, it reads: “The United States Postal Service has agreed to allow residents of Oakland (34760) who do not qualify for street delivery service to receive free mail delivery to Post Office Box (Group E service) at the Oakland Post Office. “Qualified post office box holders who live in the area specific to the town of Oakland (34760) may be eligible for a refund for up to 24 months. The refund process should be requested when the box is up for renewal. However, earlier requests could be made at the customer’s discretion. “To be eligible for the Group E box refund … customers must apply for a Group E box and close their previously rented box. If the previous box was size one, the customer can be reissued the same box based on availability. Upon accepting their refund, their current

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(if size 1) P.O. Box will be converted to a Group E designated P.O. Box. If the box previously used was a size 2 or greater, the box will be closed, and the customer will receive a new Group E (size 1). If a customer chooses to keep any box size 2 or greater, appropriate fees will be applied and they will still be eligible to receive a Group E (no fee) P.O. Box. Qualified addresses are only eligible for one Group E (no fee) P.O. Box. In short, to be eligible for a potential refund, application for Group E service must be made. “Customers who choose to accept the free ‘Group E’ box will be able to keep their box for no fee until they decide to close their box or are no longer a resident of Oakland.” Reed said new postal customers

CANAL DISCUSSION CONTINUES

Oakland resident Ed Kulakowski questioned the commission on its decision to spend $120,000 for a second round of sediment removal from Lake Apopka at the mouth of the Johns Lake Outfall Canal. “I’m really concerned that this expenditure only benefits two residents,” he said. “It doesn’t benefit any other residents. … They could extend their docks.” The town spent $120,000 in March to have the sediment removed. Days later, more sand had returned to the area. At the Nov. 14 Town Commission meeting, elected officials voted 3-2 to spend the same amount of money to redo the work. Town Manager Andy Stewart suggested an engineering firm attend one of the commission meetings in January to give commissioners the entire scope of services needed. Kulakowski said he wants to see all Oakland residents benefit from this expenditure, not just two residents.

n The Oakland Town Commission approved the consent agenda, which included a change to the town’s contract with KAT Construction & Materials Inc. for the construction of a new drinking water production well, water plant improvements and associated utility appurtenances. Because of increases in materials and construction, an additional allocation from the American Recovery Plan Act, not to exceed $321,000, was requested. n The commission passed a resolution that adopts the town’s Zero Vision Policy and establishes a goal of zero traffic deaths and severe injuries on town streets by 2040. INCORPORATING THE ACORN

Alarie Design Associates Inc. has unveiled the new centerpiece design for the roundabout on the west end of town near West Colonial Drive at the intersection of J.W. Jones Road, Old County Road 50 and Oakland Avenue. A 6-foot-wide metal acorn — the centerpiece of the town’s logo — will be added to the 3-foot-tall circular red brick planter. “It looks great, and I think people will see it,” Stark said. The $2.3 million roundabout project was funded by the state of Florida with assistance from Metroplan Orlando.

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The Oakland Town Commission at its Tuesday, Dec. 12, meeting received an update on the mailbox issue from Donna Reed, a resident who has been diligent in getting answers regarding package deliveries and postal box rental fees. The United States Postal Service considers the matter resolved. “I think we have the issue solved in how mail delivery will be done, how addressing will be done, and it’s being resolved by someone pretty high up in the Florida postal system,” Reed said. About 600 residents living in historic Oakland have never had home mail delivery. As the town grew, the small post office did not have enough postal boxes and could not handle the volume of mail, so new subdivisions were assigned the Oakland 34787 ZIP code and their mail came through the Winter Garden Post Office. Residents have long complained about having to pay a rental fee for a box at the post office when they didn’t have a choice of home versus post office delivery. Reed has spent months speaking to USPS officials on the local, state and national level in hopes

will be informed of their box options. Mayor Kathy Stark said she wants to make sure Town Hall employees are well-versed in the mailbox and refund decisions so they can help customers inquiring at Town Hall. Reed offered to help anyone needing assistance or further explanation. “It’s a good refund,” she said. “I think it’s between $250 and $350.”

IN OTHER NEWS

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2023

GRADING SCALE

School grades provide a way to measure the performance of a school. Parents and the general public can use the school grade and its components to understand how well each school is serving its students. Schools are graded A, B, C, D or F. Each school is graded based on the components for which it has sufficient data. Schools must test at least 95% of their students.

File photo

Making the grade Florida Department of Education released the 2022-23 school grades. Here’s how our West Orange schools fared. MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

The Florida Department of Education on Monday, Dec. 11, released school grades for the 2022-23 school year. These scores are the first since Florida’s transition to using progress monitoring instead of traditional high-stakes testing. Grades for the 2022-2023 school year serve as a baseline and carry no negative consequences. “These school grades serve as a baseline for districts and provide a starting point for future achievement,” Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. said. “I look forward to seeing schools rise to the occasion as they continue to provide Florida students a first-rate education.” When Gov. Ron DeSantis took office in 2019, he charged FDOE with developing new standards that were clear and concise and that outlined what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. After dozens of workgroup meetings with educators and stakeholders held throughout the state over a one-year period, the state Board of Education adopted the new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking standards. Following the transition to the B.E.S.T. standards, FDOE developed a new test, Florida’s Assessment of Student Thinking. FAST is a progress-monitoring system that provides teachers, students and parents real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to drive student improvement.

LOCAL SCHOOL RESULTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bay Lake Elementary Bay Meadows Elementary Castleview Elementary Citrus Elementary Dr. Phillips Elementary Dillard Street Elementary William Frangus Elementary Hamlin Elementary Independence Elementary Keene’s Crossing Elementary Lake Whitney Elementary William S. Maxey Elementary MetroWest Elementary Ocoee Elementary Palm Lake Elementary Panther Lake Elementary Prairie Lake Elementary Sand Lake Elementary Spring Lake Elementary Summerlake Elementary SunRidge Elementary Sunset Park Elementary Thornebrooke Elementary Tildenville Elementary Water Spring Elementary Westbrooke Elementary Westpointe Elementary Whispering Oak Elementary Windermere Elementary

SCORE 72 75 76 51 70 47 47 82 78 80 84 64 47 40 71 75 52 64 41 86 57 71 81 68 71 75 64 89 85

GRADE A A A B A C C A A A A A C C A A B A C A B A A A A A A A A

MIDDLE SCHOOL Bridgewater Middle Chain Of Lakes Middle Gotha Middle Hamlin Middle Horizon West Middle Lakeview Middle Ocoee Middle Southwest Middle SunRidge Middle Water Spring Middle

SCORE 76 43 58 77 71 61 53 61 75 68

GRADE A C B A A B C B A A

HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Phillips High Horizon High Lake Buena Vista High Ocoee High Olympia High West Orange High Windermere High

SCORE 57 65 47 64 64 68 75

GRADE C B C B B B A

COMBINATION/CHARTER SCHOOL SCORE Hope Charter 67 Legacy High Charter 76 Innovation Montessori Ocoee 60 Oakland Avenue Charter 71 Renaissance Charter At Crown Point 57 Windy Ridge K-8 71

GRADE A A B A B A

GRADING SCALES Elementary: A = 62% of points or greater; B = 50% to 61% of points; C = 33% to 49% of points; D = 22% to 32% of points; and F = 21% of points or fewer. Middle: A = 68% of points or greater; B = 58% to 67% of points; C = 40% to 57% of points; D = 31% to 39% of points; and F = 30% of points or fewer. High: A = 70% of points or greater; B = 60% to 69% of points; C = 40% to 59% of points; D = 23% to 39% of points; and F = 22% of points or fewer. Combination: A = 67% of points or greater; B = 56% to 66% of points; C = 35% to 55% of points; D = 23% to 34% of points; and F = 22% of points or fewer.

Florida was the first state in the nation to establish a system using progress monitoring. West Orange and Southwest Orange schools fared well overall. Elementary schools that received A grades are Bay Lake, Bay Meadows, Castleview, Dr. Phillips, Ham-

lin, Independence, Keene’s Crossing, Lake Whitney, William S. Maxey, Palm Lake, Panther Lake, Sand Lake, Summerlake, Sunset Park, Thornebrooke, Tildenville, Water Spring, Westbrooke, Westpointe, Whispering Oak and Windermere. Middle schools that earned A grades

are Bridgewater, Hamlin, Horizon West, SunRidge and Water Spring. Of the area’s high schools, only Windermere High received an A grade. A-rated combination/charter schools include Hope Charter, Legacy High Charter, Oakland Avenue Charter and Windy Ridge K-8.

Four Achievement Components: The four achievement components are English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. These components include student performance on statewide standardized assessments, including the comprehensive assessments and end-of-course assessments. The component measures the percentage of full-year enrolled students who achieved a passing score. Middle School Acceleration: This component is based on the percentage of eligible students who passed a high school level EOC assessment or industry certification. Graduation Rate: The graduation rate is based on an adjusted cohort of ninth-grade students and measures whether the students graduate within four years. College and Career Acceleration: This component is based on the percentage of graduates from the graduation rate cohort who earned a passing score on an acceleration examination (qualifying AP, IB or AICE), earned a passing grade in a dual enrollment course that qualified for college credit, earned 300 clock hours through career dual-enrollment courses in the same approved program, earned an Armed Services Qualification Test score and two course credits within the same military branch, or earned an industry certification. School Grades Calculation: The number of points earned for each component is added together and divided by the total number of available points to determine the percentage of points earned.

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Windermere High School was the only high school in West Orange and Southwest Orange to earn an A grade.

COMPONENTS In 2022-23, a school’s grade may include up to seven components. There are four achievement components, a middle-school acceleration component, as well as components for graduation rate and college and career acceleration. Each component is worth up to 100 points in the overall calculation. Learning gains will not be calculated in 2022-23, because there is only one year of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking assessment results available. Learning gains will return to the school grades calculation for the 2023-24 school year.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

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

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

This Dr. Phillips home, at 5852 Pitch Pine Drive, Orlando, encourages residents to listen to the lights on the 88.1 FM radio station.

Merry and bright

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com. A life-sized Santa statue is the centerpiece of this amazing display on Schoolhouse Pond Road in Independence.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

This festive home, on White Pelican Street in Summerlake, features a pleasing mix of lights and inflatables.

This home, on Piping Plover Street in Summerlake, includes a whole snowman family on the porch.

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This Dr. Phillips home, at 7485 Lake Marsha Drive, Orlando, attracts locals with its nightly light shows at 7, 8 and 9. This Dr. Phillips home, at 8032 Golden Sands Drive, Orlando, exhibits a light show with the help of Christmas music on the 90.1 FM radio station. This amazing display, on Colonial Pointe Drive in Overlook at Hamlin, features light shows and video synced to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2023

Windermere council opens Town Hall rehab to more public input proceeding with this project as far as utilizing the funds, so they can either find another project or they can use the funds somewhere else. The reason why we haven’t repaid the funds is because, again, if we reutilize those funds for the rehab of Town Hall, then we wouldn’t have to repay those funds.”

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

first public information workshop at the end of July. The council agreed to engage Tom Price, a historical architect who has renovated historical facilities in downtown Orlando. Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said Price was tasked with looking at Town Hall and developing a draft plan based on three categories: Safety, accessibility and functionality; historical aesthetic improvements; and additional enhancements. Aside from concerns about preserving the building’s historic rating — which staff has been continuing to address with the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation — the project met minimal backlash at the second public information workshop on Aug. 16 and the Town Council workshop on Aug. 22. Staff also has been working with historical experts from Wade Trim to ensure the protection of the historical designation of Town Hall. Town Planner Brad Cornelius said this in an ongoing process. With some designs and details,

Wade Trim expects the town will be able to provide renovations to Town Hall that will maintain its historic connection and provide improvements to protect the historical structure. The third public workshop was supposed to take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, but Town Manager Robert Smith said no residents showed, so the meeting was canceled. Resident Nora Brophy said she did not log in to the third workshop, because the same information often is presented at each meeting. “I assumed that workshop three would be the same as one and two, but I was really surprised to find out that it was completely different,” she said. “It looks to me like the pavilion project was just sort of (added) on to the Town Hall. We’ve turned the pavilion into a performance gazebo and the addition of that 16-foot wide porch along the side and the pass-through windows has turned the kitchen into a concession stand. Residents were pretty clear that we did not want that. … Yet, here we

WEED CONTROL

The Windermere Town Council approved an additional $23,412 in funding for aquatic weed control for shoreline and pond maintenance. The proposed funding will be sourced from town reserves during the current fiscal year, with the understanding that this adjustment will be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget cycle at the new annual amount.

are again. We’re looking at the same thing.” Smith said the gazebo emerged from ongoing discussions with Rotary Inc. and Healthy West Orange. “The agreement that we have, that we’re currently not adhering to because we’re not moving forward with the project, but the end of the agreement is May of next year,” he said. “It’s only fair to let them know whether we’re going to keep

Council Member Andy Williams said he loves the plans but believes there is a lack of public notice on them. “I spoke to no less than 25 to 30 residents today,” he said. “Overwhelmingly, it’s support that I ran into. Yes, I also ran into negatives, and I’ve talked to those negatives, and I appreciate it. But I think we serve a large town. It’s not three blocks. It’s not everything from Jennifer Lane inward. That’s insulting. … Looking forward, I want to do what’s best for this town. I do think we need more public input on this, but I think we’re going to be surprised that a lot of it is going to be good.” “The feedback that I heard from people verbally over the phone since last week when this workshop happened is that most people were not aware that this was this kind of a change,” Council Member Brandi Haines said. “This is kind of a significant change to what the proposed plans were. We do need a lot more public input.” For Council Member Tom Stroup, it’s always been impact versus footprint on the community. “Everybody agrees that this Town Hall needs to be renovated,” he said. “There’s no question about that. … I do think we need more work and input on this. … I’m all in favor of the renovation. I’m not in favor of taking a grant that forces us to do something that the residents of Windermere don’t want.” Davit made a motion to host two public workshops, one in person and one on Zoom, followed by a Town Council workshop and a planned presentation to the HPB on the rehabilitations to Town Hall. The motion passed unanimously.

NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE STARTING FALL 2024 Up to $30,000 per undergraduate scholarship Limited to students with a maximum annual 2021 family of 4 income of $69,000 For graduates of West Orange County and South Lake County high schools Pays 100% of the actual cost of in-state public university tuition, fees and books, but can be used for private or out-of-state schools Applications available on the Oakland Presbyterian Church website www.oaklandpres.org/education-fund/ 407 656-4452. Applications accepted if submitted by Feb. 12, 2024 Successful applicants must maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

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Since the July Town Council meeting at which the council voted to table the pavilion project for 90 days, staff has been working with the West Orange Healthcare District and Windermere Rotary Inc. to see if the funding for the proposed pavilion could be utilized in a project such as refurbishments to Town Hall. Resident Theresa SchretzmannMyers re-emphasized she is not in favor of the pavilion. “We’ve already spoken on this issue several times,” she said. “We had a huge town meeting about not invading the peace and security and privacy of the downtown residents who have to listen to that music. The pavilion will just increase the odds of having more and more noise for the downtown residents. … We need to keep the nature and the charm of our town by preserving these historic buildings as much as we possibly can.” The town began discussing the rehabilitation of Town Hall at the

Courtesy photo

This new floor plan shows theh addition of the performance gazebo in the top right corner.

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EXPLORING OPTIONS

COUNCIL CONSENSUS

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After much discussion at the Windermere Town Council meeting Tuesday, Dec. 12, town leaders voted unanimously to collect more public input before moving forward with any changes to Town Hall. Town Council Member Tony Davit said he looks back at how the council reached its decision to vote down the pavilion project and believes it was because there was not adequate or timely feedback from the public, much like this project. “What I’m afraid we’re doing now though is going down that same pathway without getting sufficient feedback from the public on this specific design,” he said. “I like it. I think it fits the bill for the town. The problem is that the Historic Preservation Board, without having a forum at their last meeting, wasn’t able to review it. We had a town public workshop, where only staff and members of Town Council showed up. … I just don’t think we have significant feedback.”

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Mueller hearing scheduled for late January NEWS EDITOR

The Winter Garden City Commission voted at its meeting Thursday, Dec. 14, 4 to 1, with Commissioner Ron Mueller dissenting, to proceed with a forfeiture hearing against Mueller relating to three charges of alleged violations of the city charter. At the previous November meeting, the commission voted 4-1, also with Mueller dissenting, to hold a public forfeiture hearing in January 2024 after Commissioner Lisa Bennett voiced concerns pertaining to Mueller. Although there was debate on how many charges the commission should consider at the hearing, Bennett said Mueller violated three charges in the city charter pertaining to Article II, Sections 14.1 and 14.2. “The whole point is we did take an oath to uphold our charter when we took office,” she said. “We have a responsibility, and I don’t believe we can pick and choose which amendments or numbers that we uphold. We either uphold our charter, or it’s not any good.” HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Bennett first voiced her concerns with Mueller at the Thursday, Aug. 10, meeting. It started when she received an email from a resident in Tuscany, who is against having golf carts come to the neighborhood. The resident was upset that another commissioner came and took a meeting in her neighborhood, she said. “She thought it was inappropriate — her words,” Bennett said. “I’ve spoken to Ron on multiple occasions about matters in my district being referred to me so that I can do my job effectively. I can’t do it if I don’t know. I did get an email from (Mueller) afterwards saying (he) took a meeting and … didn’t realize it was my district.

But it’s on the opposite edge of my district, so very much so not (his). I’ve gotten people calling me about social media posts, car show, the fountains in downtown, promises that were being made, merchants have complained. … I’d like to have a workshop … I feel like things like this have to be said in Sunshine or on the dais.” At the November meeting, Bennett reiterated concerns about Mueller violating Sunshine law. “We’ve received the information that we requested from (the) city manager about a possible forfeiture hearing, and I believe it rises to the level to warrant a hearing,” Bennett said of the hearing. Mueller said the hearing is politically motivated and an abuse of her office. “I’m certainly disappointed in Commissioner Bennett and her political stunt here to push something at the election time that is unwarranted and unfounded from the information,” he said. “I find it an abuse of her office and what her people elected her for. I also find the motion rather tinges on the absurdity of the fact that she makes the accusation that we somehow interfered with city employees and city business.” FORFEITURE HEARING

Following direction at the November meeting, City Attorney Kurt A. Ardaman put together a list of rules, processes and procedures for the commission in respect to the hearing. Ardaman also has some alternatives he has discussed with Mueller in reference to the process, but he needed direction from the commission on how to proceed. During the conversations, Mueller said multiple times his due process was being violated. “It would be inappropriate for the city attorney to really speak on this matter at this point (because of) lack

n The Winter Garden City Commission approved an ordinance vacating a portion of the plat-dedicated utility and drainage easement over a portion of lots 13 and 14 of the Winter Garden Commerce Center, Phase 1. n Commissioners approved unanimously four separate sets of three ordinances pertaining to the annexation, amending of the Future Land Use Map and rezoning of the following properties: 995 Tildenville School Road, 1.58 acres; 985 Tildenville School Road, 0.54 acres; 540 Oak St., 0.11 acres; and 546 Oak St., 0.11 acres. n The city approved the 2024 General Election Qualifying Results with the following candidates: Chloe Johnson and Karen McNeil in District 3; Danny “DJ” Culberson Jr., Iliana R. Jones and incumbent Ron Mueller in District 2; and Colin Sharman in District 4, who is unopposed so no election will be required. n The commission approved the final plat for the property at 1200

of due process,” Mueller said. “I have not retained council yet. … I think it would be appropriate until I have council representing and (then) we can discuss this matter.” “Ron, you need to get an attorney,” Commissioner Mark A. Maciel said after seconding Bennett’s motion for the three charges. “If you don’t agree with all three (charges), then let’s just move this, then get the attorney and fight.” After the motion passed, Ardaman suggested the city not pursue hiring a presenting prosecuting attorney. The commission opted not to take action on the matter at the time. “I would serve as the commission’s attorney — not as an advocate for or against Commissioner Mueller or

Daniels Road for Daniels Road Business Park. Winter Garden approved the purchase of 59 Meraki access points with associated accessories and licensing in the amount of $78,177.48. n Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement between the city of Winter Garden and Orange County for the transfer of retention ponds at 1441 Basin St. and adjacent to Teagarden Court. n The city approved a purchase order for resurfacing services with Middlesex Paving in the amount of $1,679,726.90. n The commission approved a proposal and awarded a construction services contract for the Plant Street and Tildenville School Road intersection improvements to Southern Development and Construction in the amount of $3,786,944.70, which includes a 10% contingency. n Winter Garden approved the special event of the fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade for Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, with street closure.

for the commission, but it would be, I think, an opportunity to avoid the more stilted, formal presentation,” he said. The public forfeiture hearing is set to take place at a date not yet determined in late January 2024. CITY CHARTER CONVERSATIONS

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Norine Dworkin, editorin-chief of VoxPopuli, asserted Mayor John Rees also has violated the city charter because he has not presented an annual State of the City message. “This commission has been very occupied with the prosecution of Commissioner Mueller for alleged violations, and I want to know if the commission is going to give equal

attention to the actual violations of the mayor,” she said. “The charter states that the mayor shall do three things and that word is ‘shall’: Preside over the meetings, represent the city in intergovernmental relationships and present an annual State of the City message. I asked the mayor directly when the last time he gave a State of the City message, and he said, ‘Never.’ … This commission has spent an awful lot of time and resources pursuing a commissioner for alleged violations, and what we have here are actual violations of the city charter.” According to VoxPopuli’s website, Mueller is an individual donor to the nonprofit news source. Ardaman addressed Dworkin’s concerns. “This is not something that’s under the prohibited portions of the charter for which the City Commission is the judge,” he said. “There’s a separate section that Commissioner Mueller is involved (in). This is a question about interpretation of this particular part of the charter. … The assertion was that the mayor has violated Article II, Section 11, Subsection 3 of the Winter Garden Charter for failing to deliver an annual State of the City address. … We looked at the actual language. … It doesn’t say special address; it doesn’t define how the mayor is supposed to do that; it doesn’t get into what that actually means. … In addition, there is no charter requirement …as to what the message is to contain or the format of the message. … Twice a year, the mayor sends out a bulletin … highlighting the city’s recent accomplishments and actions, and these flyers go out throughout the city. … The mayor has also participated in (the) West Orange Chamber of Commerce(’s) State of West Orange County lunch and other things. He participates in the actual budget where he chairs the meeting (and) the commission adopts that budget from a fiscal standpoint. … At the end of the day, it looks like the mayor has gone far beyond what his duty would be under that particular provision to deliver an annual State of the City message. … Based on what I’ve seen, it’s an inappropriate accusation.”

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ANNABELLE SIKES

IN OTHER NEWS

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Following the Winter Garden City Commission’s decision to hold a forfeiture hearing for Commissioner Ron Mueller, the commission voted recently to proceed with three charges based on alleged violations to the city charter.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2023

is a

The Lewis family — Lawson, Hayden, Amanda and Stephen — represented the Griswolds from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

Holiday cheer hits the streets in Windermere

Holiday Entertainment

Restaurants & Cafés

A Very Merry Light Show

Bakeries & Ice Cream Parlors

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Santa Claus rode in style in the Windermere Golf Cart Parade.

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indermere residents displayed their holiday spirit Sunday, Dec. 17, with their golf carts all decked out in lights and decorations for the annual Windermere Golf Cart Parade. Participants lined up at Central Park and embarked on an hour-long tour of the town before stopping at Windermere Brewing Co. for the announcement of winners plus prizes and live music. All money raised will be donated to the Windermere Police Department in honor of fallen officer Robbie German. — AMY QUESINBERRY

Keith Carsten, Cheryl Miller, Nicole Carsten, Lesha Miller and Steve Miller were all decked out with the Bucc-ee’s theme.

The Down Brothers Band — Jennifer and Jeff Wilson with pup Brandy — participated in the Windermere Golf Cart Parade.

Brooks and Claire Weisz were all grinched out for the golf cart parade through Windermere.

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Cindy Lou Who (Cathy Manzella) was surrounded by a bunch of Grinches: John Manzella, Amy Reid and Steven Hattem.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Kingdom of the Sweets T

he show must go on, and in Windermere, it did. Residents were treated to a beautiful, adorable performance: White Swan Academy’s production of “The Nutcracker Story” Saturday, Dec. 16. Originally, the performance was scheduled to be held outside, but because of threats of severe weather, Family Church opened its sanctuary to the dance school. The dancers shined in this fun interpretation of the holiday classic — much to the delight of all in attendance. — MICHAEL ENG

Matthew’s Hope opens Santa’s workshop M

atthew’s Hope’s annual Christmas Carnival was canceled because of the stormy weather Saturday, Dec. 16, but families still were able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and shop for Christmas gifts for the children. Hundreds of toys, games, stuffed animals, makeup and other gift items were displayed on tables, and parents could walk the aisles picking out Christmas presents for their children. The community dropped off bags and boxes of toys for the giveaway. Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue said 150 families — 30% more than last year — registered for the 2023 toy giveaway program.

Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue visited with Mrs. Claus during the annual event.

— AMY QUESINBERRY It took many volunteers to keep Santa’s workshop running smoothly. Left: Jordyn Price enjoyed chatting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2023

All fun and games

Jaelle Sanders, 4, showed off her driving skills on the Volkswagen Beetle ride.

A gigantic Ferris wheel stands tall at the Winter Wonderland. Right: Siblings D’marion and Julexia Bradley braved the Himalaya ride together.

John Otterbacher served up fresh french fries through his family business, Otterbacher Family Concessions. The business is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

anta’s Winter Wonderland Village is offering plenty of holiday fun this season. The fair is scheduled to continue from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21 and 22; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 30; and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, Saturday, Jan. 6, and Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. It is located at 1500 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Festivities include visits with Santa (through Dec. 23), Santa’s Magical Midway with rides and giant LED illuminated holiday-themed displays. The village also is a Toys for Toys drop-off location. For more, visit SantasWinterGarden.com. — MICHAEL ENG

Santa is accepting wish lists at the Winter Wonderland.

2023 End Of The Year Giving

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GIVING IMPACT

As we enter into the season of giving, we ask that you prayerfully consider giving an end-of-the-year gift to Edgewood Children's Ranch. From now through December 31, 2023, our friends at The Lewis Family Foundation will match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. Give today to double your gift of HOPE for children in Central Florida.

Please call 407-295-2464 ext 5 to discuss ways you can help. 1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd., Orlando, FL 32835 / www.EdgewoodRanch.com

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First 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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

Giving the Gift of Reading Since 1997

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

Thank you to the Winter Garden Senior Group at the Jessie Brock Community Center for once again gifting us with so many books. Thank you to Debbie Cox for the generous monetary donation in memory of her father William Cox.

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

Thank you to the residents and businesses of West Orange County for once again helping us with another incredibly successful book collection. We truly couldn’t do this without you.

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Dr. Phillips YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd

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Gymnastics USA 13175 W Colonial Dr

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Winter Garden City Hall 300 W. Plant St

Writer’s Block 32 W Plant St

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10A

DECEMBER 21, 2023

SPORTS

West Orange High’s Finlay Prain is capping off his high school career in memorable fashion. Page 2B.

HIGH

Trailblazer 5

Dr. Phillips High School flag football quarterback Olivia Cadiz has been selected to the inaugural class of All-Americans to play in the U.S. Army Bowl flag football game in Dallas.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

After announcing his decision to play college ball at Central Michigan, Windermere High running back Isaiah Nell has become the first Wolverine football player to commit to play at the Division I level under coach Riki Smith. The shifty three-down back was a touchdown waiting to happen in his senior season. In just eight games, he finished with 1,640 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns. On just 75 carries he rushed for 1,124 yards — that’s 14.9 yards a carry. No wonder former Florida coach Jim McElwain, now the Central Michigan coach, and his offensive coordinator, Paul Petrino, made a personal visit to Windermere to meet with Nell.

SPORTS EDITOR

In his sixth season in charge of the Windermere Prep boys basketball program, coach Brian Hoff has won his 100th game as a head coach, after topping The First Academy by a score of 67-55. Hoff, the former captain of the 2008-09 Florida State men’s basketball team, is the second boys basketball coach in Lakers history and — after a few more wins since his 100th— has accumulated a career record of 103-44 in his first head coaching job. Last season, the Lakers had their best season under Hoff, finishing as the FHSAA Class 3A state runners-up and with a 24-8 record.

After establishing themselves as two of the top boys soccer programs in the state, Horizon High (7-2-1) hosted Windermere (7-1) in a clash that lived up to the billing. The Hawks ultimately came out on top after a 3-3 draw led to penalty kicks; Horizon beat Windermere 4-2. Hawks midfielder Karson Vazquez led the way with one goal and two assists — both of which were to senior attacker Ricardo Davila, who’s scored 11 this season. Vazquez has found his teammates 16 times this season for goals. For the Wolverines, Jose Moyetones continued his blazing start with another goal to make it 13 for the season, while Kaike Maia and Arthur Cacalcanti also scored.

It’s no secret that the 2023-24 iteration of the Dr. Phillips High girls basketball team is yet again one of the favorites to win a state championship — which would make it three in a row for the Lady Panthers. Through the first half of the season the Panthers are 7-3, with their three losses coming at the hands of DME Academy, a 13-0 independent program, and two teams from New Jersey. As for its other games, DP handled its business against the area’s competition — 63-15 win over Olympia High, 53-19 win over West Orange High, 44-31 win over Ocoee High and 62-29 win at Wekiva High. The team is led by star senior point guard Trinity Turner, and has a majority of last season’s team returning; keep an eye out for the Panthers as they continue their dominant form on their path to a three-peat.

Windermere High’s esports team finishes as the Florida FASA state runner-up in the Mario Kart tournament. The Wolverines fell to Timber Creek High in the finals.

Courtesy photo

Olivia Cadiz’s All-American selection is just the latest in line of achievements. She also is signed to play at Ottawa University, back-to-back-to-back defending NAIA national champions.

s flag football rises in popularity, the number of females participating at every level of the game is growing every day in America. But it wasn’t too long ago that Dr. Phillip High’s Olivia Cadiz felt she needed to fight to keep playing the game she loved. “I remember starting to love the game when I was about 10 years old,” she said. “I would watch Tom Brady, and I would play football in the front yard with my cousin. I just wanted to keep playing football; I didn’t want it to end playing in the front yard.” Inspired by Brady’s relentless pursuit despite being overlooked, Cadiz decided not to let her dream die. “Nobody really believed in (Brady) when he started,” Cadiz said. “He wasn’t the biggest or the fastest or the strongest. And so I was like, ‘I’m not going to let that stop me, either.’ So, I decided to go out for my middle school tackle football team, and I just fought for that and made the team. I was the third-string quarterback. I wasn’t the fastest and strongest, but I was relentless, and so I’ve always connected to that part of Brady’s story.” Fast-forward a few years later, and Cadiz has done more than just keep her love for playing football alive. She has blazed trails for those girls coming behind her. And now, her mountain of achievements — leading Dr. Phillips flag football to back-to-back district championships, signing to play flag football in college and becoming the first female quarterback in DP varsity football history — adds one more historic honor: All-American. Cadiz has been selected as one of 20 young women to participate in the inaugural U.S. Army Bowl All-American flag football game in Dallas. The game is part of one of the country’s premier high school football all-star festivities — the U.S. Army Bowl. Although Cadiz is certainly proud of this and her other achievements, another memory stands as the one she’s most proud of in her playing career. In fact, that memory isn’t even about herself playing. “It was at a combine in Plant City,” she said. “There was this young girl there and she was absolutely amazing. I was watching her throw the football … she was probably like SEE DP’S PAGE 2B

Meet the top girls basketball players in West Orange Basketball season is in high gear, so catch up on some of the area’s top girls basketball players for the season. SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s note: Statistics were compiled from online data and coaches’ submissions. Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name. It’s that time of year again in West Orange and Southwest Orange County: High school girls basketball season is here, and the area is filled with some of the best players and teams in Florida. That includes the back-toback FHSAA Class 7A defending champions, Dr. Phillips High — which just so happens to be Courtes of Dr. Phillips High School

SEE STANDOUT PAGE 3B

Georgia commit Trinity Turner looks to lead Dr. Phillips to its third consecutive girls basketball state championship.

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

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

Finlay Prain An All-Metro team selection last season, Finlay Prain is a three-year starting midfielder at West Orange High, who just so happens to be capping off his senior season with a bang — through nine games he’s scored 17 goals and dished out six assists. Beyond the statistics, Prain’s play and experience are some of the biggest factors that have led West Orange to its 6-2-1 start. With the playoffs on the horizon, expect Prain and his Warriors to be a factor in Class 7A.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? It’s extremely exciting to receive this award. This is certainly one of the highlights of my high school career. What do you like the most about playing soccer? I don’t think I can narrow it down. I love it. It’s been my entire life since before I can remember. What is your goal for this season, for yourself and the team? A goal for myself is to do anything I can to help out my team on and off the field. A goal for the team would be to win states. That’s, of course, what we’ve been working so hard for. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer? I’ve learned that no matter what happens, you and your team always need to be there for (one another). Who is your favorite soccer player? My favorite soccer player is Alejandro Garnacho. I love the way he plays with passion and the person he is on and off the pitch. Who do you try to model your game after? I try to be the best player I can, and trying to be the best would be trying to model my game after Lionel Messi. Favorite soccer memory? My favorite soccer memory was being named the top team in MLS at the Dallas (Generation Adidas) Cup with Orlando City.

THE BASICS

Age: 18 Sport: Soccer Grade: Senior School: West Orange High

What is your go-to pregame hype song? My go-to pregame song would be “Real” by Notion. What is your favorite non-soccer hobby? My favorite non-soccer hobby is undoubtedly golf. What is your favorite subject in school? My favorite school subject is math. It’s been something I’ve been good at all my life, and I enjoy working with numbers. What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? I would bring a soccer ball to keep me entertained, a book and probably my phone. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is easily “The Wolf of Wall Street.” I don’t think there’s any particular reason. I just really enjoy it. If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be? I’d want to have dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo. I’d enjoy hearing his story on how he made it from nothing. If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? I’d go back to 2014, so I can rewatch my favorite World Cup live.

DP’s Cadiz named an All-American CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

10 years old … and she was just phenomenal. I don’t remember being that good when I was 10. I could just see that in this girl’s eyes. She thought she was the best, and I certainly had never seen a 10-yearold quarterback better than her. It was pretty cool to see her throwing dimes at that age. … It was cool to see that she was putting in that much work and had that passion; it reminded me of myself.” But unlike that girl at this camp, when Cadiz was that age, she didn’t have a female quarterback as a role model. “When we started to scrimmage, you could obviously see this girl had a good arm, but I noticed she wasn’t the best at decisionmaking,” Cadiz said. “And at first, she was like kind of quiet and timid. But eventually, she came up to me and asked me a bunch of questions. You could see over the camp her mindset go from, ‘I thought I was the best,’ (to) actually, ‘I have a lot to learn, and I have a lot to learn from this girl.’ At the end of the camp, she told me that one day, she hopes to be as good as I am, and I really just was like, ‘Wow.’ When I was younger, there were no girls to look up to, and it’s just insane that

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

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really have a special program. My coaches loved it, and we believe the opportunity to grow as coaches as well as grow spiritually was too much to pass up.” The feeling is mutual. “We are excited to have Steven join our staff,” Conaway said. “Coach Moffett has a great offensive mind and authentic care for his players. He will certainly bring great value to us as we pursue building champions.” Not only does Moffett know how to coach an offense, but also as a former QB, he knows what a perfectly executed one looks like. What’s more, he knows the attributes he wants in his quarterback. “(Two) qualities I look for in a (quarterback) are the abilities to lead his team on the field and off, (and) make good decisions while running the offense,” Moffett said. As for what the Royals faithful can expect from the new-look TFA offense under Moffett: Fast and aggressive sum it up pretty well.

“Offensively, we will be fastpaced, physical up front and aggressive in the pass game,” he said. “Coach Conaway and I have very similar styles, so it’s a natural fit.” The Royals finished with a 6-4 record in 2023 and missed the playoffs. TFA’s offense gained 3,682 yards and scored 49 touchdowns in a balanced attack — throwing the ball 258 times for 1,891 yards with 27 touchdowns, and rushing it 248 times for 1,791 yards with 22 touchdowns. Moffett’s message to all who are surrounding the program is simple: The next phase of this program is going to be great. “I would say the journey that we are about to embark on will take great effort and support from all of us who care about TFA,” he said. “But if we stick together and believe in the kids (and) coaches, this program will be very successful and something everyone can be proud of.” TFA Director of Athletics Will Cohen agreed. “Great days are ahead for the Royals football program,” he said. “Coach Moffett is an exceptional football coach. But more important, he is an intentional relationship builder and committed servant leader. We are grateful he is joining our coaching staff.”

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The former UCF, Winter Park High QB is back in Orlando to lead the Royals’ offense.

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Along with her talent, Cadiz’s leadership and relentlessness are the main reasons she’s been able to keep playing the game she loves beyond the limits of her front yard. They’re the main reasons she’s an All-American. They’re the main reasons she’s going to play flag football in college — at Ottawa University, a program that has won 92% of its games and three consecutive NAIA national championships. They’re also going to be the main reasons Cadiz could end up achieving her biggest goal of them all: Bring home the flag football gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Following a fantastic turnaround as Leesburg head coach, Steven Moffett is The First Academy’s new associate head coach, offensive coordinator.

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The First Academy hires former UCF quarterback

The First Academy football team has hired Leesburg High head coach Steven Moffett as its associate head What is your go-to pregame coach and offensive coordinator. meal? “I’m excited to join Coach (Jeff) The night before I try to carb Looking back, what piece of Conaway’s staff and help build load — typically some form of advice would you give your champions on and off of the field,” pasta. 10-year-old self? Moffett said. “It’s an honor to be a To work as hard as you can in part of the TFA family, and I’m ready everything you do. to get to work.” Moffett brings more than 15 If you could ask your future self a seasons of coaching experience question, what would it be? and one as a head coach at Leesburg I’d ask my future self, “Do you in 2023. There, he inherited a have any regrets?” So I can try 2-8 team and orchestrated an and prevent/fix them. incredible turnaround, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 10-2 finish and a Who is your favorite supersecond-round playoff berth. hero? Other than his year in Leesburg, My favorite superhero is SpiderMoffett’s home has been Greater Man, because he is funny and Orlando. He played quarterback has unique powers. for Winter Park High and later the University of Central Florida. He Who is your favorite superalso spent two seasons as an assisvillain? tant at Lyman High and the rest of My favorite supervillain his career as an assistant coach at is Loki. He’s funny and Winter Park. has interesting pow“I was blessed to have a great ers, too. (administration) at Leesburg that believed in me, led by Principal If you could have any Randolph, AP Kenny Kallina and AD superpower, what Spencer Hey,” Moffett said. “Those would it be? (three) helped make it possible to I’d want to be able to turn the team around by giving me fly; I feel like it’d be all the tools I asked for. They made an amazing feeling. my coaches comfortable, and we were able to change the culture by If you could travel getting the kids to believe in themto three places in the selves, and ultimately it resulted in world, where would us having a nice season. you go? “It means a lot to me to be able I’d go to Switzerland, to come back to Orlando to coach; because I’ve heard it’s beauthis opportunity is unreal,” he said. tiful; Barcelona, because it Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. “I really believe in what Coach Fowler’s Grove 3279 seems Daniels Rd fun; and Park City, State Farm has a long traditionConaway wants to do at TFA; his Winter Garden, FL because 34787 I enjoy snowToll Free: 855-742-1591 track record is very impressive. boarding. of being there. That’s one reason www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support WestAfter meeting with him and the county.. — SAM Orange ALBUQUERQUE administration here, I thought Get to a better State . this would be an opportunity to

We’re all in this together.

I get to be one of those girls that at least that one girl got to look up to.” That 10-year-old is one of many Cadiz has impacted. Her DP coach, Anthony Jones, said her desire for helping those around her is special, even relentless. “It doesn’t matter if it’s during the season or if it’s the offseason, she’s always calling some of her teammates to go run routes with her,” Jones said. “She’s an overachiever, and I’ve never seen an athlete in flag football who was always that determined to get better and help her teammates get better. Like literally, we’ll dismiss the kids, and she doesn’t leave. She stays back, telling her teammates that they need to stay and do some more work on their routes. And that’s at every single practice.” Jones said Cadiz’s kind of leadership leaves an imprint on a program and leads to wins. “She’s the kind of person (who) makes an entire program go, because of her leadership on the field,” Jone said. “She’s very highly respected. So when she asks her team to stay back and run some routes, they’re going to do that. The impact and respect that she’s earned from her teammates has gone a long way in helping us win games.”

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Standout players anchor area’s girls basketball teams

Families waited in line to take photos with Santa Claus.

AVERY MICHELS, FOUNDATION ACADEMY Wing | Freshman | No. 15

returning star player Trinity Turner and most of the 2022-23 title team. The 2023-24 girls basketball season should be another fun year. With that being said: Here are 15 of the area’s top girls basketball players you should be keeping your eye on this season. SIENNA ASTORINO, HORIZON Guard | Junior | No. 3

After helping lead the Hawks to a 16-12 record last season by filling up the stat sheet, Astorino has picked up right where she left off through seven games in 202324. She is averaging 9.4 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and five steals as Horizon is off to 6-2 start. ZOE CALVEZ, WEST ORANGE Guard | Senior | No. 32

Through six games for the Warriors, Calvez — an LSU softball signee — is leading the way for the Warriors on the hardwood, as well, with a team-high 10 points a game to go along with four rebounds and 3.2 steals per night. MALLORY DANIELS, LEGACY CHARTER Guard | Senior | No. 5

The senior ball-handler is off to a hot start in 2023-24 for the Eagles, averaging 17 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, three assists and a whopping 7.8 steals — all of which are a significant increase from her 2022-23 output. BIANCA HALL, THE FIRST ACADEMY Guard | Freshman | No. 3

The freshman guard has been lights out for the Royals to start the season — averaging 15.3 points per game, 4.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals, leading TFA to an early season 6-3 record. This sort of impact was expected, though, after Hall led the Royals to a district championship as an eighth-grader and first-year varsity starter. Beyond the stats, TFA coach Kevin Hall points to her leadership capabilities, ability to read defenses and how she’s able to organize the Royals’ on both sides of the ball while being face-guarded or doubleteamed. What makes this all even more impressive is the fact Hall only started playing hoops in the sixth grade. MICAH HANNAH, OCOEE Guard | Senior | No. 20

Hannah is an all-around player who stuffs the stat sheet every time out for the Knights. Just check her per-game averages of 13 points, seven steals and four rebounds a night. Those kinds of numbers are why she was a Class 7A first-team selection. According to Ocoee coach Marcus Spencer, Hannah’s influence and leadership have helped shift the culture of girls basketball at the school. Beyond her dominance on the hardwood, Hannah is also one of the best cross-country runners in the area and holds several offers to run at the college level. OLIVIA IKEDA, WINDERMERE Guard | Senior | No. 21

Ikeda is off to a stellar start this season for the Wolverines, averaging 15.1 points, 2.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. With new coach Chad Fekany taking over the program, Ikeda’s high basketball I.Q. has been vital to her early-season success and her younger teammates’ development. According to Fekany, Ikeda’s been 100% on board with what he and his staff are implementing. Because of that type of dedication and commitment, the program has been able to progress.

Johnson was a key part of the Panthers teams that won back-to-back FHSAA Class 7A state championships. For the 2022-23 team that finished with a 30-1 record, the junior averaged 9.8 points and seven rebounds per game — up from her production of 8.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a freshman. The forward is key to the DP offense. She uses her great frame and athleticism to find and create space in the paint while utilizing her soft touch to finish over interior defenders.

With a stat line of 16 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, it is clear to see why Michels has been a cornerstone for the Foundation girls basketball program over the last four years. Yes, you read that right: Michels has been part of the varsity team since the sixth grade. According to Lions coach Krystal Smith, the freshman wing has taken the leadership role for this team, on and off the court. With a 6-foot frame and a smooth jumper, the freshman with countless minutes of varsity experience has everything needed to fulfill her incredible upside and college-level potential. KENDALL PERRY, DR. PHILLIPS Guard | Sophomore | No. 1

Perry is another key returner from DP’s state championship-winning team, which has won 13 straight games against Orlando-area teams. As a freshman, Perry was the Pippen to teammate Trinity Turner’s Jordan, averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Panthers.

Community flips for Gymnastics USA’s Christmas Spectacular

ymnastics USA hosted its annual Christmas Spectacular Saturday, Dec. 9, in Winter Garden. The free holiday happening included vendors, food trucks, performances and a special appearance from Santa Claus, as well as an open gym for children and their families. The event was hosted by Gymnastics USA owners Austin and Zander Arthur.

ZOE SEDO, WINDERMERE PREP Guard | Senior | No. 3

Sedo was the go-to player for a quality 2022-23 Lakers team that finished with a 17-9 record. She is the top returning scorer for Windermere Prep, averaging 14.8 points per game last season. She also led the team in steals with 4.8 per game while also adding 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds a game. ARLINDA ROUNDTREE, OLYMPIA Forward | Senior | No. 20

Roundtree returns to the Titans as their top scorer from last season’s team. Through eight games, she has continued to lead the way for Olympia, with 11.8 points per game to go along with her seven rebounds and 2.5 steals.

Carlos, Isabella, Gloria and Emma Oquendo attended the event together as a family.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

JANIYA SWIFT, CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wing | Freshman | No. 23

Swift helped lead the Eagles to a 20-8 record last season and is the team’s top returner in 2023-24, averaging 9.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game last year. So far this season, CFCA has gotten off to a good start with a 6-2 record. PARIS TRIPLETT, OCOEE Center | Senior | No. 3

The Rollins College commit is a big part of this Knights team, averaging nine points and nine rebounds per game. Ocoee coach Marcus Spencer said she has been the centerpiece of their team since stepping foot on campus last season.

Stella LaFaver showed off her Christmas leotard on one of the bars at the gym.

Above: Zander and Jackie Arthur sported bright holiday attire at the event.

TRINITY TURNER, DR. PHILLIPS Guard | Senior | No. 5

To put it simply, Trinity Turner is a superstar. She is a four-year varsity starter who has led the Panthers in scoring since her sophomore year — including both of those DP teams that won state championships. She came into her final high school season with nearly 1,500 points scored. Last season, she averaged a whopping 20.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 4.6 steals per game for the Panthers and was named the MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year. She finished as the runnerup for the Florida Dairy Famers Miss Basketball award. Now a senior, Turner is a four-star prospect committed to play her college ball at Georgia next season. But before she can think about life in Athens, she wants to finish her high school career with a DP three-peat.

Left: Zander’s elves ran around the gym in costume together.

JAYLA WEISER, OCOEE Guard | Junior | No. 1

A three-year starter on varsity at the point guard position, Weiser has been a steady hand for the Knights since she was a freshman. Although her averages of six points and four assists a game don’t jump off the page, it’s her ability to bring stability to the team that makes her a player to watch.

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SARIAH JOHNSON, DR. PHILLIPS Forward | Junior | No. 21

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

MILENA BARROS

OPEN

KLA SCHOOLS OF HORIZON WEST Milena Barros is the pedagogist at KLA Schools of Horizon West. She is the link between the relationships that happen at school. She also coordinates the school’s long- and short-term projects, which are the basis of the curriculum in the Reggio Emilia approach. Tina Le, owner of the school, said Barros began as an assistant, but through her passion for education and the Reggio Emilia approach, she went on to become a teacher and then the pedagogist. “She inspires us all!” Le said.

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What do you love most about your school? Does it need to be just one thing? It’s difficult to choose just one thing when you are in such a great place! The environment is amazing and provokes kids in so many ways. The Reggio Emilia approach is so respectful with the children, our admin team is superhuman, we document every path of the kids, and we research from that material. And on the top of everything, we have a place with the truest energy on the planet: the kids! When you work with kids — listening to them, taking under consideration their ideas, hypothesis, curiosities — you have the best from them! And then it’s so good to be in this place with them.

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What is the most rewarding part of your job? The “marvel” moments that the kids and the teachers have. When a kid builds (his or her) own knowledge by themselves, that unique expression is remarkable. I have thousands of pictures of different kids having this “marvel” moment. And it’s no different with the teachers. In our weekly meetings, while we’re sharing our experiences or reading an article, we also have our “aha” moments. It’s such a great feeling, and then we understand how our children feel! What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? I would be crying. I’m 53. Since I was 17 years old, I have been a teacher. I sold all my things when I graduated in pedagogy just to move to Italy and get to know the Reggio Emilia approach. This is my source of happiness, but my second choice would be cooking. I love to cook! Who influences you? Professor Loris Malaguzzi and Mrs Carlina Rinaldi, from Reggio Emilia. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I always ask myself: “If I was a child, who would I like to have as a teacher?” Then I remember this math teacher that I had that I loved so much. Teacher Ana. I hated math, but this woman made me love it! What is your favorite children’s book and why? I love Dr. Seuss books, especially “My Many Colored Days.” But my favorite book of all is “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas. She approaches the feelings in such a

REPORT CARD POSITION: Pedagogist TIME AT SCHOOL: Two-and-one-half years

dedicated and respectful way by making metaphors with the colors. All the times I read this book to my kids, we had amazing feedback! So, it brings back good memories. What do you like to do in your spare time? I love reading. I read a lot. I also love going to the movies. If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? I would choose to have dinner with Professor Loris Malaguzzi. I would ask him so many things about the learning process, about his past experience as a teacher, about all the amazing things he created in his school’s approach. Definitely him! If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be childish and utopian, but it’s so good to be able to imagine that it could exist. I could take suffering away from any child! Any suffering! If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? Caetano Veloso, Brazilian bossanova singer; Jamie Culum, jazz singer; and The Beatles. I adore them. What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? It was a Brazilian sweet snack done with banana, sugar, cinnamon and puff pastry called “Banana Real.” What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas. It brings me great memories of my own kids’ expressions at this time of the year. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? My five best friends in school are still my friends today! We met (one another) when we could barely speak. We were 2 years old, and we still meet whenever I travel to Brazil! What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? So, we don’t have an honors program in Brazil, but I did ballet, tap dance, French and cooking classes. — ANNABELLE SIKES

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Music ensembles shine at prism concert

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

packed house of nearly 1,000 attendees enjoyed 90 minutes of holiday cheer at Horizon High School’s third annual Holidays on the Horizon Prism Concert, held Friday, Dec. 9, at the school. The concert featured more than 300 student performers in many different ensembles, including the theater program, jazz band, Bella Voce, JROTC, orchestra, color guard, percussion ensemble and concert bands. The ensembles were under the direction of band and department lead Charlene Cannon, color guard instructor Kassidy Blum, chorus/piano teacher Linda Boot, theater teacher Ashley Fisher and orchestra/guitar teacher Andrea Reynolds. For more photos, visit tkphotos.com. — MICHAEL ENG

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Annual Amaryllis Festival blooms at Nehrling Gardens

Angela Withers, Nehrling Gardens president, shared a moment with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Avian Reconditioning Center brought multiple birds to the festival, including Lucy, an Eastern screech owl, and Patch, the oneeyed barred owl.

ehrling Gardens held its 11th annual Amaryllis Festival Saturday, Dec. 9, with a plethora of plants and flowers for sale. The nature-themed holiday tradition included book sales, nature vendors, children’s crafts, birds from the Avian Reconditioning Center, demonstrations and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lively music filled the air as guests shopped for holiday gifts and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Dr. David Bloodgood demonstrated how he makes his pottery. Left; Gotha historian and author Kathleen Klare sold copies of her new book, “The New Colony of Gotha, 1876-1950: Place-Making in Pioneer Central Florida.”

— AMY QUESINBERRY

WEST ORANGE OBITUARY Club Auxiliary and the Fireflies Volunteer Fire Department, both in Ocoee, and a member of the Daughters of Mary at Resurrection Catholic Church. She was an active member of the West Orange High School Athletic Association while her children attended. She was an avid reader and loved putting together jigsaw puzzles, working on crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and taught her children, maybe too well, how to play Scrabble. Just ask Joan. She also cherished her weekly ladies card group.

MARY JANNETT RITTEN DIED DEC. 13, 2023.

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Drive, Clermont, FL 34711, who provided her exceptional care in her last days. Family received friends at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34480, with a service following at 10 a.m. She was laid to rest with her parents and grandparents at Millwood Cemetery in Reddick, Florida, following services. A Catholic Mass will be conducted at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at ForestLawnOcala.com for the Ritten family.

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Mary Jannett Ritten, age 88, peacefully passed away on her birthday, Dec. 13, 2023, at The Mike Conley House in Clermont, Florida. She was born in Reddick, Florida, to the late Robert and Sabra (Cannon) Vaughn. She was affectionately known by Jannett to all who knew and loved her. Jannett moved to the West Orange area in 1960 and was the co-owner of Gabriel’s Sub Shop and Ritten’s Wrecker Service. She also was a Corrections Officer for 12 years at

Jannett is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sabra Vaughn; and sister, Wilma Spann. Survivors include her seven children and spouses, Joan (Steve Crowe) Ritten, Craig (Yong) Ritten, Lisa (Artie) Stallard, David (Ellen) Ritten, Michael (Angie) Ritten, Jimmy (Kathleen) Ritten and Paul (Shelley) Ritten; sister, Roberta Garris; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mike Conley House, 2100 Oakley Seaver

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OrangeObserver.com

THESE OLD TIMES

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY DEC. 16, 1971 During the holidays, many shops advertise their wares and services in hopes of drawing in more customers. In a 1971 issue of The Winter Garden Times, businesses such as Modern Stationery, Shaw’s Flowers and Gifts, Al Ewing Ford and the Camera Shop invited patrons into their storefronts to purchase photography equipment, cars, music boxes, floral arrangements and more.

85 years ago

Among the Ocoee college students returning for the holidays were misses Kathryn and Edith Eckles and Lillian Bowness, from Florida State College for Women; and Sidney West Jr. and William Mathews from the University of Florida. Miss Lillian Maguire, a member of the UF faculty, returned to spend the holidays with her mother, Mrs. M.F. Maguire. Winter Garden Mayor George Walker received a wire from Oliver French, president of the Rochester Ball Club of the International League, announcing it will establish training quarters in Winter Garden in the spring.

60 years ago

Winter Garden Mayor Jack Quesinberry and his wife, Gloria, were spreading good cheer and glad tidings during a Christmas parade along Plant Street. After serving for 10 years on the Planning and Zoning Board, Jack Quesinberry led the city as its mayor from 1991 to 2008 overseeing the many changes that would help make Winter Garden the vibrant hometown and destination of today. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation wishes its friends and supporters a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and the best of health and happiness in 2024.

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.

Local students included in the 17th annual edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” were Bethanie Joy Davenport, Janet Leake, Mary Muszynski and Kimberly D. Morgan, of Winter Garden; Amy Atkins, Pradip Gayen, Shanna Branch and Dayna Maddox, of Ocoee; and Mike Danielson and Charles Schley, of Windermere. “The time to do this job right is NOW!” stated Ocoee’s newly elected mayor Tom Ison, after he

opened the City Commission’s sewage agreement workshop. Charles Schley was chosen as Most Spirited on the West Orange Warrior football team.

30 years ago

As a student at the University of Florida, Craig Brown became involved in the college ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, and this led to a leadership role in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It was as a member of this multi-denominational organiza-

tion that he planned to spend a year-and-one-half in the city of Ivano-Frankovsk in Ukraine.

20 years ago

Students, teachers and administration at Dillard Street Elementary School were preparing to make the big move into a new school facility just across the street.

crossword

celebrity cipher

GILT TRIP by Amie Walker, edited by Jeff Chen

DOWN

ACROSS

“Frosty the Snowman” 30 “All kidding ___ ...” 66 Erase completely 34 Opposite of “post” 1 *Puff-in piece? 69 “Tiny Dancer” singer 35 Triumphant shouts 9 Turner who sang “The 38 *Say “I’m not listening on John Best” principle, and here’s why ...,” 71 Two-toned predator 13 Holiday tune 72 Of service perhaps? 18 Sneaky way to listen in 74 South Asian garments 44 Gilgamesh, for one on a call 76 Tolkien monsters 47 Betting in a rage, in poker 19 Word after “full” or before 79 Musical pod-cast? lingo “party” 82 *Pastry chef’s represen48 “Star Wars” general 21 Honolulu’s ___ Palace tative? 49 “Oh, I see now” (National Historic Land86 Boat bottom 50 Vanishing sounds mark) 87 Rage 53 Brief moment 22 “Star Wars” bounty 89 Rounds up 54 Tall and lean hunter 55 *Fingerpainted master- 90 Garage sale caveat 23 *”FYI, I’m a redhead piece? 91 Cookie with a Birthday now,” e.g. 58 Just the tickets for Cake variety 25 ___/her pronouns people needing a lift? 92 Cooking oil 26 Potato type 62 Cherished 95 Leave speechless 28 Shipping route 63 Stretch of work 97 *Halloween omen? 29 Energy 65 Like Frosty at the end of 101 Job benefits

102 GQ or People, for short 103 Hammer parts 104 Hit for Rihanna or ABBA 105 Completed 10 reps in the weight room, say 109 Debacle 112 “The Americans” org. 115 *Same old, same old Passover? 119 “Listen to me!” 121 Lots 122 “Hamilton” fights 123 “Really and truly!” 124 Some Airbnbs, in London 125 Sheer delight 126 Big money-making opportunity ... and a hint to the starred clues’ answers

57 Remove a label from, on 1 “Be on the lookout” alerts, social media 59 Texter’s qualifying letters for short 60 For each 2 “Yikes!” 61 Pittsburgh-based indus3 Southern Japanese port trial corp. city 64 Religious scroll 4 23andMe letters 67 “Thx” counterpart 5 Update, as in interior 68 Fair-hiring inits. design 70 “Last ___” (song by the 6 Really loved Strokes) 7 Yoga accessories 72 Swahili word for “free8 High-rise units (Abbr.) dom” 9 Mocking “Oh, yeah?” 73 Oregon’s capital 10 “Next one’s on me,” for 75 Twilled suit fabric short 77 Labor leader Chavez 11 Tiny pencil 78 Cable programming 12 Tempe sch. where students flash the “Fork ‘Em block that featured “Clarissa Explains It All” and “All That” Devils” hand sign 13 Word following “wine” or 79 Smack 80 Singer Simone “swamp” 81 Put together 14 High, in Spanish 83 Commotion 15 Monsoon fall 84 PC port 16 Fairy tale starter 85 Scolding sounds 17 Recline 88 Otherwise 20 Critical care ctrs. 92 Certain sleeper agent 21 Going nowhere 93 Kind of investor 24 Birthplace of Buddha, 94 Orangutan, e.g. now 96 Frightened 27 Unit of corn 98 Discount stores that 29 Has plenty of force featured Blue Light Specials 31 “Who am ___ judge?” 99 Add flavor to 32 Lairs 100 CBS forensic drama 33 ___ Park, Colorado 104 Grumpy look 35 Water-resistant wood 105 Small valley 36 Garden pest 106 Notion 37 LED part 38 Refreshing resort ameni- 107 Fender ding 108 Skosh ties 110 Sacha Baron Cohen 39 Check (off) 40 Best-of-the-best sports persona 111 Meh exhibitions 112 Russell of “The Diplo41 Rental contract mat” 42 Like some paper 113 Smile 43 Shaggy bovines of 114 ___ noire 24-Down 115 UV-blocking measure 45 Clean Air Act org. 116 Gentle pull 46 Steal from 117 Sushi fish 51 Big party 118 The “A” in IPA 52 Breezes (through) 120 Scene-stealer 56 Havasupai or Hualapai

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “A’C EP KAFH LOHP A’C NAPZAPZ ... BPX HMHFD NDSSBUSH EK AW AN CHBPW. AW’N B MHFD NRHGABS WOAPZ.” NAPHBX E’GEPPEF

“G VRS IUXS G BFFYFY GBASFXY RZ IUXS G IXBSFY XBY SUXS’A PCAS XERCS SUF EFAS OGBY RZ KCTO LRC TXB UXHF.” TRWJXT JTTXWSUL

“PR LRRK NM DFWR F NFGNR TFANMY ZL MSY HZTR. ZN ZGL’N FUMSN PDFN’G EMESHFY, ZN’G FUMSN PDFN’G YRFHHV CMMK.”

YMUUZR YMURYNGML Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals R

40 years ago

Puzzle Two Clue: V equals G

home. 50 years ago The Orlando Public Library’s Bookmobile brought books and other library materials to 30 neighborhood stops throughout Orange County, many of them in the West Orange area. Members of the Lakeview High School basketball team, coached by Warren Little, were Sylvester Scott, Jimmy Jones, Wilburn Harp, H.M. Harp, John Harrell, Willie Harp, Willie Kemp, Danny Siplin and James Taylor.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Puzzle One Clue: U equals B

Robert Brett Ogilvie, a handsome little lad of 6 months, was the darling center of attention when he was baptized at Windermere Union Church with Dr. Frederick Nelson officiating. Robert’s parents were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ogilvie, and his godparents were Mr. and Mrs. James M. Pitchford. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Curtis purchased the Oliver Rowley trailer in the lake section and planned immediately to move into their new

sudoku

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

12-21-23

RED PAGES

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Made for where you live. Here!

Puzzle Two Solution: “I got what I needed instead of what I wanted and that’s just about the best kind of luck you can have.” Cormac McCarthy

Puzzle Three Solution: “We need to have a taste factor in our life. It isn’t about what’s popular, it’s about what’s really good.” Robbie Robertson

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

Santa's Wonderland Village Proudly Presented by Strates Shows

Santa’s Magical Midway Featuring Rides for all Ages! Experience Giant LED Illuminated Holiday Themed Displays. Visit with Santa & Take Your Own Pictures for FREE! Official Drop Off Location for Toys For Tots! For every unwrapped toy donated, you’ll receive two free rides on Santa’s Magical Midway

December 15th - 17th & 21st - 23rd FREE PARKING & FREE ADMISSION LOCATED AT 1500 E. Plant Street near S.R. 429 FOR DETAILS, EVENT HOURS AND SCHEDULE, SCAN HERE!

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