WINDERMERE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
Meet the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s new chairman. PAGE 6
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 2, NO. 13
YOUR TOWN
IT’S A GIRL!
Jose and Sally Unamuno are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Alana Ann Naia, born Dec. 22, 2016 at Winnie Palmer Hospital. Mom and baby are doing well, and the whole family is overjoyed with her arrival.
SHOW YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE A new set of six-week classes at The Art Room will start Jan. 9 and last until Feb. 17. Adult classes include acrylic painting, collage, life drawing, mosaic, oil painting, portrait drawing and watercolor painting. The Art Room also features one-hour-long classes for kids and private lessons. For more information or to sign up, go to artroomorlando. com or call (407) 909-1869. The studio is at 709 Main St., Windermere.
AUDITIONS OPEN FOR “SHREK THE MUSICAL” West Orange High School is staging “Shrek the Musical,” and auditions are open to the general public. The members of the production team are looking for children from kindergarten through elementary school who would like to be in the show. These children need to attend an audition at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the auditorium at WOHS. Those attending will be taught a short, simple dance step by the choreographer. In addition, they must be take an accompaniment track. Rehearsals will begin soon, and the show will run Feb. 14 through 19 with in-school performances Feb. 14, 16 and 17. For information, contact the director, Tara Whitman, at (407) 905-2400, Ext. 6162683, or by email at Tara.Whitman@ocps. net. Interested children do not have to be enrolled in an Orange County school to participate. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
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Stories to watch in 2017 From a new high school set to open this fall to an abundance of activity in the Hamlin community of Horizon West, 2017 promises to be a memorable year for Southwest Orange County.
STORIES BEGIN ON PAGE 3
Windermere Elementary cultivates learning garden Once complete, the new learning garden at Windermere Elementary will be a place where students can get outside for some hands-on learning.
Danielle Hendrix
Stephanie Gisler-Rashid, left, and Amalie Skorman have put their heart and soul into bringing the learning garden to life. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER
Instead of being in a classroom with your teacher at the whiteboard, imagine you’re outside learning in a garden as butterflies dance around and plants grow in garden beds around you. This scenario can be a reality for students at Windermere Elementary School as soon as their learning garden is complete. “It’s an outdoor classroom where we give the students and teachers an opportunity to have an atypical classroom where they can go outside,” said Amalie Skorman, a Windermere resident whose four kids have attended the school. “It supports the curriculum we already have in place and provides an avenue to study and do classes out there.” She came up with the idea after getting actively involved in cre-
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THURSDAY, JAN. 5
YOU R CALENDAR
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
I HAVE A DREAM 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Celebrate the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. by making crafts inspired by your own dreams and the importance of peace and togetherness. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.
SATURDAY, JAN. 7
COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING WORKSHOP 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at FMI STEM Academy, 325 Ocoee Apopka Road, Ocoee. Worried about how to send your child to college? Get information in this free workshop. (407) 490-8810. INSECT SAFARI: BUGS OF THE DEAD 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Join Christy LeDuc for a special Insect Safari. She will explore the creepy crawly world of the Bugs of the Dead. Afterward, join LeDuc for a hike, traveling the trails in search for insects. Bug nets and containers will be provided. For all ages. Free for members, $5 for others. Register online at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. (407) 905-0054. SUMMERPORT VILLAGE FOOD TRUCK NIGHT 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Lakefront Farmer’s Market at Summerport Village, 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd, No. 1080, Windermere. Includes food, live music by Scotty Long, cooking decorating, face-painting and a variety
of vendors. See Facebook page for more details.
MONDAY, JAN. 9
CHILLY CRITTERS 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Who is brave enough to live in the cold? Discover chilly animal friends and their snowy homes with fun crafts and activities. Ages 18 months to 3 years. (407) 835-7323. SOUTHWEST HOMESCHOOL CLUB: NEW YEAR’S AROUND THE WORLD 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Explore different traditions celebrated around the world, learn about the history of New Year’s and discover the unique ways other cultures celebrate. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11
HEALTHY LIVING FOR SENIORS 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Experts will discuss what older adults need to know about healthy living in order to maintain health and thrive. Part of the Smarter Senior Seminar Series. Light refreshments will be served. Registration required by calling Mike Flahaven at (407) 3405291. Yourfloridahaven.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 12
BASICS OF VEGETABLE GARDENING 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter
Garden. Learn to grow “warm season” vegetables, including soil preparation, adjusting soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation, pests and diseases. Event is free. Register at gardenflorida. eventbrite.com. YOGA FOR ALL 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Yoga for All with Orlando City Yoga provides a community-based, non-competitive environment to explore, learn and have fun. Flexibility not required. Attendees are encouraged to dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. orlandocityyoga.com.
SATURDAY, JAN. 14
BLUE HIKE: LAKE BEAUCLAIR TOUR 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Trimble Park Ramp, 5802 Trimble Park Road, Mount Dora. Join Oakland Nature Preserve President Jim Peterson for a two- to three-hour kayak tour on the lake. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak and a life jacket. No beginners or inflatable kayaks. Preregistration required at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. Limited space is available. Free for ONP members, $5 for others. (407) 905-0054.
SUNDAY, JAN. 15
’80S ZUMBATHON 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Rosen JCC Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Bust out those leg warmers, sweatbands and neon tights — it’s time to kick it ’80s style with friends. The free event offers easy-to-follow,
Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness with area Zumba instructors. (407) 387-5330.
TUESDAY, JAN. 17
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE RIBBON CUTTING 5 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at The Learning Experience, 6290 Lake Smith Circle, Summerport Village, Windermere. Join the West Orange Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the opening of the new academy of early learning, for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. (407) 656-1301, Ext. 1.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18
I HAVE A DREAM 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. by making crafts inspired by your own dreams and the importance of peace and togetherness. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323. BRAIN FIT FOR KIDS 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Exercise your mind and strengthen your mental skills with crafts, games and activities. Appropriate for ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.
SATURDAY, JAN. 21
ECOSATURDAY: WINTER WONDERLAND 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and the Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. It’s winter in Florida, but what is winter like in other places around the world. Investigate the environmental
changes that happen when the temperature drops and use science to create some Floridaready snow. Ages 7 and older; limited to 30 people. Class is free. (407) 254-1940. FAIRYTALE ADVENTURES 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Explore the magical and imaginary world of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Three Little Pigs” and “Little Red Riding Hood” through bilingual stories, songs and activities. Appropriate for ages 3 to 5. (407) 835-7323.
TUESDAY, JAN. 24
SOUTHWEST BOOK CLUB 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. This month’s selection is “Flight of Dreams,” by Ariel Lawhon. This historical fiction novel takes the reader on the thrilling three-day transatlantic flight of the doomed Hindenburg through the voices and lives of its passengers. Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to attend. No registration needed. (407) 835-7323.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25
CUISINE CORNER JUNIOR 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn and create a winter-inspired treat to celebrate the season and enjoy a sweet dessert. Registration recommended. Ages 8 to 18. (407) 835-7323.
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2017 FORECAST
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Building Wolverine pride
As of November 2016, the entire project was at 40% completion.
With Windermere High School set to open its doors this August, shaping tradition and Wolverine pride is on the agenda as a community effort. DANIELLE HENDRIX
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
WHS will offer four pathways to success — each designed with the student’s future academic and career plans in mind. n University — For students who intend to be competitive when applying to a four-year university. n Valencia AA Degree — For students who want to earn an Associate in Arts degree from Valencia College for guaranteed acceptance to a public, in-state university. n Project Lead The Way — For students who want to earn multiple industry certifications while taking some collegelevel courses. n Industry-Ready — For students who want industry certifications so they can immediately enter the workforce.
STAFF WRITER
When the 201718 school year begins in August, students at Windermere High School will have an extra assignment waiting for them — to help shape school traditions and build Wolverine pride. Physically building a brandnew school from the ground up is one thing. To mold school spirit and student traditions, administrators and students will have to step up to the challenge. The 65-acre property is situated along County Road 535 with Summerport Village just west of it across the street, and getting school walls up had been hard fought for by community members, parents and county officials. Although it has an official student capacity of 2,776, Windermere High won’t have any seniors its first year. Statistics from Orange County Public Schools project the opening enrollment at just more than 1,800. After a few months of input from the community and future students, OCPS officially named the school Windermere High in October 2016, giving it the wolverine mascot and the Seattle Seahawks team colors — navy, bright green and silver. The project reached 40% completion shortly after in November 2016, and the first logos and graphics and spirit wear were released in early December. With the school officially opening its doors to students for the first time eight months from now, the first half of 2017 for the Wolverines is going to be centered on getting students registered, oriented and involved in the process of building school spirit. Most involved can agree on one thing regarding school tradition — it starts with the students.
HORIZON WEST
PTSO AND COMMUNITY
Although official Windermere High PTSO elections won’t take place until the spring, community members and parents have already formed an organizational committee and provisional board. Marci Sgattoni is the interim president for the organization. As a parent of a current sophomore at
West Orange High who will transfer to Windermere High this year, Sgattoni is excited to be directly involved in the process. “As Mr. Guthrie and the staff are letting us know about the new programs they’re starting, he’s really bringing in some new classes and electives, so that part is exciting,” Sgattoni said. “Just being able to be a part of forming new things (is exciting) — my son is in the band, so he’ll be a junior and will have an opportunity to be a leader and help trailblaze the way for the band.” This is her first go-around with helping open a brand-new school, but she was in the same boat as some of West Orange High’s current students when she was a high-schooler. “We had a high school that merged together (from three schools). In ninth grade I was in one school and then all three schools merged and I was part of voting for the mascot and colors and things,” she said. “It was interesting that I got to help in that and picking uniforms as a 15or 16-year-old. Getting to have a say in things as it starts is pretty neat. They (students) get to be part of the process, and I think that’s what’s most exciting.” But the first step in building tradition, Sgattoni said, is creating community and school pride. The group ordered and starting selling its first round of spirit wear and car magnets in mid-December to get the logo out in the community. “We want the logo out there, we want it on cars and we want the community to know that this is our school,” she said. “We have parents and eighth-graders that can’t wait for their kids to go to the school. People can start identifying with each other in the community when they drive around and see those magnets or other people wearing those T-shirts. The kids are coming along, and if the parents are invested, then hopefully the kids will be too.” Another key to building spirit is to keep some of the old, beloved traditions alive, but to blend it with the new. Sgattoni cited the tradition of seniors painting their parking spots as one that many students look forward to. Over the next few months the PTSO and volunteers will go into
the community to speak with local businesses and organizations about supporting Windermere High and its incoming students. Anyone interested in getting involved and helping the PTSO can sign up and join a committee. “Anytime you show up to a PTSO meeting those people are motivated. They want to come and want things to do,” Sgattoni said. “It’s all new and getting to be a part of decision-making and deciding what the school will look like when it’s open.” ADMINISTRATION
For Principal Doug Guthrie and Vice Principal Lyle Heinz, the main focus thus far has been defining a curriculum, determining course selection, beginning the hiring process and tying together loose ends as they’re completed. Looking ahead, though, their first move will be to find sponsors to lead the chorus, band, student government association and more. “Chorus and band will write the alma mater and the fight song, and the sooner we can name those people the sooner we can get started,” Guthrie said. “SGA will establish student-life traditions. Sponsors will start meeting with students, talking about what they’d like to see as a tradition and start setting those activities up. Then it’s advertising those activities to students. That’s where a lot of this will come from — what’s the fight song, what movement goes with it, what cheer fits?” Current OCPS students begin the registration process at the end of the month and through February, and learning to identify with the new school will be the first step for them. “You get a love and tie to the school where you start, but I think a lot of the students we talk to are excited about coming to Windermere,” Guthrie said. Heinz agreed, adding that many high-school traditions are created by the students, and it’s the school’s plan to create a culture that fosters and encourages student input and participation. He wants his students to love and feel a part of WHS. “Studies show if students are actively involved in their school then they do better. We are not
graduates of Windermere High, and the alumni need to set those traditions,” Heinz said. As the first leaders of WHS, Guthrie and Heinz have to lay the foundation for everyone else to walk across. Guthrie likened it to crossing a frozen pond, ensuring that each step is secure. “For me (the most exciting part) is crating something new and allowing all of those avenues to be open,” Heinz said. “Now we get to pick the theories we think are the best for our students to have a positive, successful experience and create the culture.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
WHS PRE-MAJORS Every student enrolled at WHS will have a pre-major. These are specialized curriculums that focus on science and the arts, and each student has the opportunity to earn different certifications upon completion. n Aerospace Engineering — Students learn the basics of atmospheric and space flight, physics of flight, orbital mechanics and robot systems. n Biomedical Sciences — For students interested in careers that use biology and medical concepts. n Civil Engineering & Architecture — Students learn aspects of building, site development and design, applying STEM practices to design projects using 3-D architectural design software. n Computer Science Principles — For students interested in careers that use computing, programming expertise and exploration of internet nuts and bolts. n Digital Electronics — For students interested in electrical engineering, electronics and circuit design. n Environmental Sustainability — Students design solutions in response to real-world challenges related to drinking water, food supply and renewable energy. n Visual and Performing Arts — Students are empowered to draw, design, build and direct while enhancing their creativity and learning necessary skills for success in the arts.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
Betsy VanderLey:
WINDERMERE
Observer
A spotlight on the new District 1 Commissioner
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry,
Betsy VanderLey said her biggest inspiration is her daughter, Rachel Chiles, who serves the country as a Blackhawk pilot in the U.S. Army.
AmyQ@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@Orange Observer.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@
A lifelong geology enthusiast with childhood aspirations of being an orchestra conductor, Betsy VanderLey, the newly elected District 1 Orange County Commissioner, never foresaw her future involvement in politics. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Betsy VanderLey formed a habit of beginning her day at 5:30 in the morning with a hot mug of coffee and a Bible long before she was elected to fill the District 1 seat in the Orange County Board of Commissioners Nov. 8. A deeply religious woman, mother of three and lifelong geology enthusiast, VanderLey rarely spared a thought to the world of politics, suspecting politicians to be motivated by self-interest or money. Her outlook has changed much since then, but she still views her own involvement in politics as a simple means to solve others’ problems. The Oakland resident had her first brush with political affairs around 15 years ago while aiding her father, Jon VanderLey — a former Oakland mayor — with small tasks. She’d help write newsletters for him but steadily grew more involved in bigger projects, even organizing the first Oakland Heritage Festival nearly 20 years ago. With a full-time job as a business development consultant that helps engineers and land developers with strategic planning, VanderLey soon became more active in local government. She eventually joined Orange County’s Planning and Zoning Commission, the first official step toward her eventual election victory for the District 1 seat. “I wasn’t surprised,” recalled Rachel Chiles, 31, upon hearing her mother planned to run for the District 1 seat. “She always seems to be into one thing or the next. You know, community service or Rotary. She sat on several nonprofit boards. “She constantly seems to be going and doing things out in the community, so it’s not surprising.”
A LOVE OF MUSIC
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, VanderLey first set foot in the Sunshine State when she was 12. Her father had the family move to Florida due to a job involving the construction of Walt Disney World. VanderLey also got her first official job at Disney, working in food services within Adventureland. She soon saved up enough to buy her own car – a red 1967 Pontiac Lemans, she remembers dearly. In an act of her growing independence, she took a three-day solo trip to Michigan, but not before her concerned father installed a CB radio to keep in touch in case of an emergency. “So I came home and told my parents I was going to go to Michigan for a few weeks and see relatives up there,” VanderLey recollected. “So I got in my car and drove up to Michigan at 16. I can’t imagine anyone being OK with a 16-year-old girl doing that now.” As a teenager, VanderLey also harbored a love of music that continues today. She plays the piano and often sings to herself in the shower or in her car. Her No. 1 rule whenever others come along for a ride is to never talk over the songs. “I love singing ‘Handel’s Messiah,’ ” said VanderLey on her most favorite song to sing. “I actually sang it in the Orlando Choral Society for many years. So I still sing that, especially at Christmastime.” Her adoration of music was sparked at the age of 5. Her parents took her to an orchestral concert hosted by a local world-renowned college preparatory school for classical musicians. World-renowned pianist Van Cliburn was playing Rachmaninoff’s No. 2 piano concerto; the day remains a fond memory for VanderLey. “I was absolutely hooked on it. It was kind of magical,” she reminisced. “The lake behind
the birch trees, the sun setting on the lake and the outdoor band show and they were all in their tails, it was just — it was fairyland, and the music really caught me. So ever since then, I’ve been a huge music lover. And when I was a teenager, I had decided I was going to be the first female conductor of the New York Philharmonic.” A LOVE OF ROCKS
Although VanderLey never did quite pursue the career path of a symphony orchestra conductor, she did venture into a study she found equally fascinating: geology. The life of a geologist – analyzing rock formations and volcanoes in different locations – appealed to her. She enrolled in Valencia College to get a geology degree but discontinued her studies at the end of her sophomore year to raise her first child. However, she now has an extensive collection in her home to appease her interest in rocks – a collection her kids jokingly titled “mom’s collection of dead stuff.” ”She loves artifacts,” Chiles said of her mom. “She loves fossils and was always very interested in geology and the study of rock formations and what that means to the area. I mean, she’s always buying fossils constantly. I feel like they fill up the house. And we constantly tell her to stop, but it just continues to grow; there are fossils on every surface.” The collection has taken VanderLey a few decades to build and includes all sorts of fossilized rocks, including shark jaws and turtle shells she finds while hiking or purchases in outdoor markets. A LOVE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
The lifelong geology enthusiast and secret rock’n’roll fan also holds firm beliefs regarding community. VanderLey believes helping other community members in any way they can should be normalized behavior rather than the exception. This is a philosophy she hopes to portray in real life in her duties as commissioner and a message she wishes to convey in a book she hopes to publish
in the future titled “Standing in the Gap.” The book, she shared, would focus on how she was raised and the principles she believes society has lost but can easily regain. “That’s the whole essence of community: it’s that you go through life together and you help each other and prop each other up when times are tough,” VanderLey said, referring to the time when West Orange community supported her family after her brother’s death in 2002. “So I wouldn’t say that it’s selfless, I would say it’s just how communities are supposed to behave.” She suggests people should be motivated to get involved in politics because they want to solve others’ problems, a goal she shared was her own reasoning for running in the election. “It affords you the opportunity to solve some problems,” VanderLey said. “You know how you’re driving down the road going, ‘Why doesn’t somebody do something about’ whatever — a traffic signal that needs to go in or whatever it might be. The reason for doing it is not to be prominent; the reason for doing it is to be of service — to solve problems for people that don’t know how to navigate the system.” Since becoming active in local government, VanderLey has helped several members in the community. When it was brought to her attention that a school bus stop was located in a dangerous spot, she helped get it relocated. When she came across a Gotha resident with an obvious flooding issue in his yard he said began with the construction of a nearby neighborhood 10 years ago, she used her connections in the county to help get his problem fixed. “That’s really satisfying, when you know you can solve a potentially difficult situation for someone,” VanderLey added. “I don’t really think about what I do as politics. I think of it as serving my community.” Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver. com.
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CONTACT US
The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.
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THURSDAY,JANUARY 5, 2017
Start the New Year by making a difference. In the month of January, enjoy dining, spa treatments, golf, and shopping at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney WorldÂŽ Resort and give back to Florida Hospital for Children. Simply reference the hospital when making your reservation or purchase.
Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons is proud to be the host venue of the Diamond Resorts Invitational, Jan. 13-15, benefiting Florida Hospital for Children.
True relaxation awaits. www.fourseasons.com/orlando
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For dining reservations, spa and salon appointments, tennis lessons, golf lessons and tee times, call 407-313-8090
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
A little
Disney magic BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER ORANGE COUNTY For as long as anyone can remember,
The Mouse has held a seat on the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. But this year, for the first time, a Disney executive has been tapped to lead the organization’s executive board of directors. Vice President of Disney Springs Keith Bradford joined the West Orange Chamber of Commerce nearly five years ago to continue Disney’s long history of association with the chamber. “I wanted to be part of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce because it’s an active chamber,” Bradford said. “It’s part of a community that I live in, and it helps me connect with community leaders.” And Bradford’s rise to chairman could not be more timely. While Disney is in the midst of its 45th anniversary, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce also will be
Courtesy photo
Keith Bradford, vice president of Disney Springs, is the incoming chairman for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for 2017.
excellence admission open house January 19th at 6:30 p.m.
1501 Steve’s Road • Clermont, FL 34711
Our PreK4-12th grade students: Develop proficiency in reading, math and critical thinking skills in a wholesome school environment Are active in competitive athletic teams Stretch their imagination with expressive music and arts programs Receive one-on-one college and career counseling for 9th-12th grade students Grow and build strong core values with a Christian perspective Connect through leadership and teamwork opportunities To register for the open house contact us at
352.394.5575 • rlcacademy.com
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Disney executive Keith Bradford steps into the role of West Orange Chamber of Commerce chairman for 2017.
ONCE UPON A TIME
For the last 22 years, Bradford has worked at Disney, serving in a variety of roles. Early on in his Disney career, Bradford managed several properties, including Port Orleans Resort. But for the last seven-and-one-half years, Bradford has worked as vice president of Disney Springs. “Working on revitalizing Disney Springs has been fantastic,” Bradford said. “I’ve been involved in it since the initial idea of it. We opened the last district neighborhood this past May.” Compared to the old Downtown Disney, Bradford said that Disney Springs has nearly doubled the number of shops and restaurants plus more access to parking. “The response has been fantastic from the guests,” he said. But Bradford said the key to the
success of Disney Springs was teamwork — something he plans to use in his new role with the Chamber. “In the Chamber, there are a lot of business members, small and large, with a lot of needs that need to be met,” Bradford said. “I think about Disney Springs and the significance of that project. It doesn’t happen without a lot of collaboration — that’s something I’ve learned from my career (at Disney).” In addition to tapping into his Disney career, Bradford said he also plans to refer to some of his pre-Disney experiences for his new role with the Chamber, which includes time serving on two different boards in Hilton Head, South Carolina. But so far, Bradford said his favorite part of participating in the chamber is the people. “I’ve enjoyed the people and community leaders that I’ve gotten to know and how passionate they are about making West Orange County a place to live and work,” Bradford said. “That’s exciting for me.” CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The position of chairman is rotated annually, and Bradford will be taking the gavel from the 2016 Chairman Rob Maphis.
Maphis is currently the vice president and chief operating officer at The COLLAGE Companies, a design-build construction management and general contracting company based in Lake Mary. Although he will miss being chairman, Maphis said he was pleased to hand his position over to Bradford. “This is a truly bittersweet departure for me,” Maphis wrote on the Chamber’s blog in his final post as chairman. “On one hand, I will miss being chair of an organization with a tremendous board and an outstanding staff who always give their heart and soul to this community. However, I am also pleased that the incoming chairman is Keith Bradford, as he is an extraordinarily capable and talented leader who will serve us well. Additionally, as vice president of Disney Springs, Keith is uniquely qualified to lead the Chamber’s 45th year, because Disney is also celebrating its 45th year right now.” BRIGHT FUTURE
Maphis’ sentiments about incoming chairman Bradford were echoed by D’Uva. “We’re glad to have Keith with his expertise of Disney as well as his expertise on another board of
directors,” she said. “He is smart; he is no nonsense; he likes to get down to the issue and make smart decisions.” Bradford said he’s looking forward to a year full of exciting new things. “The 45th anniversary — this is a big year,” Bradford said. “Just in the fact we’re celebrating that is very, very exciting. We have things in store this year that we have yet to announce — two significant items happening this year that will be announced in coming months. Those will be pivotal during my time as chairman.” Although Bradford refused to give any more hints about these coming items, D’Uva said to keep an eye and ear turned toward the Chamber between mid-year and the third quarter for announcements. It’s a major year for Bradford who will not only help usher in the Chamber’s 45th year but also will mark another milestone in 2017 — this one on the home front. This year, Bradford — a Windermere resident and father of three — will celebrate his 30th anniversary to his wife, Pam. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.
Created in 1972, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce has worked with hundreds of businesses across West Orange County to to create more and better opportunities for everyone in the county. Currently, the Chamber has more than 1,000 businesses who hold a membership with the Chamber. For the last 15 years, D’Uva has held the position of president and CEO with the Chamber. Under her leadership, the Chamber earned Florida’s Chamber of the Year award three times — in 2009, 2012 and 2015. The award acknowledges the Chamber’s accomplishments including advocacy, marketing, programming and financial stability.
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celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. “With (Bradford’s) leadership in our 45th year and Disney’s 45th year, it just seems like the right time and right circumstance,” said Stina D’Uva, president and chief executive officer of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. “We couldn’t have planned it better. And with our first Disney representative as chairman, it’s an exciting start to our 45th year.”
CHAMBER HISTORY
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
What’s next for Hamlin?
The Hamlin community hub is situated along Lake Hancock.
This year, Central Florida residents can expect to watch even more of West Orange master-planned community Hamlin come to life as ground breaks and more retailers open. STAFF WRITER
HORIZON WEST Ask anyone at
WHAT IS A HAMLIN?
Hamlins are cold-tolerant, sweet oranges grown in Florida since 1885. It is early ripening, thin-skinned and has few seeds and a tangy-sweet flavor. Since it ripens early, it makes much of its harvest possible before the onset of winter freezes. “Named after a variety of early season orange, Hamlin is nestled among lakes and former citrus groves in a relaxed setting with abundant natural amenities,” according to the community’s website.
Boyd Development Corporation what their ultimate vision for Hamlin is, and they’ll likely say that it’s to offer Central Florida residents a charming masterplanned community with a lakefront retail and entertainment hub. Hamlin’s ultimate goal of channeling old-Florida charm revolves around 100 acres of Lake Hancock and the surrounding trails and parks, while also offering dining, retail and entertainment options for Central Florida families. “We really want Hamlin to be a place where whenever people all over Central Florida want to go do something they say, ‘Let’s just go to Hamlin,’” said Kevin Merideth of Boyd Development Corporation, the development organization that is the mastermind behind Hamlin. “There’s going to be so many events going on, so many interesting restaurants and places to shop, we want it it to be a place where people say ‘Let’s just go to Hamlin, we’ll get there and figure out what we want to do.’” Merideth said that currently there isn’t much of this concept on display in the Central Florida
area, so Boyd Development’s goal is to bring something to the market that doesn’t exist yet on a large scale. In 2016, developers made quite a few exciting announcements regarding the first retailers and new developments coming to the Hamlin town center. In 2017, residents can expect to see more groundbreaking, further tenant announcements and even a couple of these retailers finally coming to fruition and opening their doors.
tion technology, according to the company website. At Cinépolis theaters, guests must first purchase tickets online prior to visiting. Theaters will open about 20 minutes before the movie begins. Upon arrival, servers will greet guests and take their orders. The meals come out either before or at the start of the show. Like the Lakewalk at Hamlin apartment complex, the new theater will look out onto Lake Hancock.
CINÈPOLIS
LAKEWALK AT HAMLIN
Scheduled to arrive in the fall is a luxury movie theater, operated by Cinépolis USA. Construction on the 40,000-square-foot, 10-screen theater is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2017, Merideth said. It will be able to seat between 750 and 800 people. “They (Cinépolis) would like to open prior to all the blockbusters coming out in December,” Merideth said. “They’re looking at an opening of late 2017.” This will be the seventh dine-in movie theater for Cinépolis, which aims to let guests “sit back, relax and escape.” Guests will be able to enjoy waiter service, reclining leather seats and a full bar, along with an elegant lobby space and cutting-edge sound and projec-
Those in the market for a new apartment to lease just might find their fit at Lakewalk at Hamlin, the latest housing option in the Hamlin area. The $50 million complex will feature 316 units upon completion and fronts Lake Hancock. “The first units in that luxury apartment community should begin moving in the summer, and then we’ll be complete with that project by the first quarter of 2018,” Merideth said. Thus far Boyd Development has not yet announced floor plans or size of apartments nor any management company to operate and lease the complex. Lakewalk is the first apartment complex to come to the Hamlin
area. Currently there are three other neighborhoods in Hamlin that have single-family homes for sale: Hamlin Reserve by Ashton Woods, The Cove at Hamlin by Taylor Morrison and Overlook at Hamlin by Ashton Woods. The three neighborhoods will eventually be composed of nearly 2,000 homes. PROTON THERAPY CENTER
By early 2019, Hamlin will have something that is a bit of a rarity in the United States — a proton therapy center. The first piece of a 25-acre medical complex, the center will provide advanced cancer treatment. Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays in radiation treatments and, like X-ray radiation, is another type of externalbeam radiation therapy. As positively charged particles, protons at high energy can destroy cancer cells. This center — which will be one of only about 25 of its kind nationwide — will be using technology from ProNova Solutions, which includes “pencil beam” radiation technology that is effective in destroying malignant tumors while sparing healthy tissue. The two-story, 30,000-squarefoot building is set to include three
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Lakewalk at Hamlin is the first apartment complex in the community.
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Construction started toward the end of 2016 on the Publix Super Market on the southwest quadrant opposite of Walmart. The 54,000-square-foot grocery store will anchor its own 200,000-square-foot retail center, as well as a variety of smaller shops and restaurants. Merideth said they are anticipating Publix opening this summer. And it won’t be a typical shopping strip plaza but instead will function as more of an urban design, with the buildings pulled up toward the main roads. “On the Publix quadrant we’ll start the main street that will carry over to the lakefront area. It’ll feel a lot more inviting than typical grocery-anchored shopping centers, and really our focus has been on finding some good restaurant and retail partners,” Merideth said. “The aim is to bring some concepts that aren’t necessarily that prevalent yet in Central Florida, so we’re doing a lot of research and discussion with folks to bring them to the area.” A main street leads Publix to an
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Hamlin is a master-planned community that ultimately will consist of retail, restaurants, entertainment and residential developments.
eventual lakefront shopping center, which is anchored by upcoming luxury movie theater Cinépolis. WALMART SUPERCENTER
Located on the northwest corner of the intersection of New Independence Parkway and Hamlin Groves Trail, the 190,000-squarefoot supercenter became the first retailer in the Hamlin community to open. Having welcomed its first customers on Nov. 16, 2016, it created more than 250 jobs and serves as the anchor store in its quadrant. It is part of what will eventually be a 400,000-square-foot retail development, and a handful of smaller stores and restaurants will follow. The supercenter features a pharmacy, auto center, vision
center and garden center, as well as a Dunkin’ Donuts inside and a gas station outside. “The theme of the building is catered to the Hamlin community, so we’ve really made it more a community type of store so customers in this area see the same type of look as what their homes look like,” store manager Aaron Brothers said in a previous interview. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
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treatment rooms and medical offices. It will see between 800 and 1,000 patients each year and anchors the outer medical campus. It is projected to generate about 100 clinical and administrative jobs on its own. Merideth said that construction should start toward the end of 2017, with a projected opening of late 2018 to early 2019. In addition to the proton therapy center, Horizon West is getting its own hospital right in Hamlin, on the south side of Porter Road. Operated by Orlando Health, the 70,000-square-foot hospital is to be situated on 80 acres. It will act as a freestanding emergency room and also include outpatient diagnostics and laboratory services, offices for primary-care physicians and specialists and a human performance and wellness center. In late 2016, Orlando Health also filed a certificate for a second phase to the hospital — a fivestory building with 103 inpatient beds. Since permits and plans have not yet been solidified, more announcements and a potential timeline are likely for 2017.
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Play time
2017 FORECAST Courtesy photo
JoAnn Newman, CEO of the Orlando Science Center, said the upgrade and expanded KidsTown provides learning opportunities without the use of 21st-century technology.
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
The largest renovation project in 20 years is complete at the Orlando Science Center, and president and CEO JoAnn Newman is proud to be involved in
this milestone. It’s hard for her to choose a favorite part of the new KidsTown, she said, which is now four times the size of the original. “We’re trying to fill a gap we see in the community, which is high-quality educational
opportunities for young children and their parents,” Newman said. “It’s 11,000 square feet, and (visually) it’s amazing, it’s gorgeous, it’s very colorful and engaging.” KidsTown’s most popular area is still there, she said, but
it offers expanded activities for children. “The orange grove is something I always hear about in the community, so we have a new and improved orange grove, presented by Dr. Phillips Charities,” said Newman, a Winter
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Winter Garden resident JoAnn Newman leads the Orlando Science Center, which aims to inspire curiosity and exploration in guests of all ages. Garden resident. “The audience of children ages 7 and younger is one of our largest audiences, and it was one of the smallest areas.” The young guests still can pick oranges from the trees and load them into crates, but they can now sort them, wash and dry them in a simulated factory environment and feed all the oranges into a citrus tower. Then the lights flash, and the oranges drop out of the tower, and the kids can start the process all over again. A citrus truck has been added, and children can sit in it and actually change a tire. Newman said there isn’t a great deal of technology in the exhibit. “It’s about their hands-on interaction,” she said. “They get cooperative play, which leads to the goal of teamwork and communication. “That was really our design approach — and, of course, everything has to be fun and engaging, but there is a lot of learning taking place,” she said. “Children do learn through play … the 21stcentury skills that we all need to be successful, not only the STEM career, which we’re focused on, but in whatever career they choose.” DISCOVERY
The CEO’s first exposure to the Orlando center was when she chaperoned a sleepover for her daughter. She said both of her children, now grown, have benefited from OSC, and her son even volunteered with the animals in
The All
NEW
the nature area. 570,000 people were discovering Newman didn’t have access to and learning there. a science center growing up, but She expects the children’s area she did have engineers in her fam- to continue to drive science center ily. Her father was an engineer at memberships. heart, and her oldest brother is Newman believes strongly in an engineer and is the one who introducing education to children convinced her to enter the field, at a young age and engaging the as well. next generation of future employShe earned her undergraduate able adults. degree in industrial and systems “When we talk about STEM engineering at learning, we Pennsylvania say, ‘You just State University can’t start and has a master’s learning eardegree in indusly enough,’” trial engineers h e sa i d . ing from Purdue “And if we’re University. She going to fill and her husband, these jobs, who now live we have to near downtown start looking Winter Garden, at nontradipreviously called tional placWindermere es. Seventyhome for 18 years. five percent After a 22-year of engineers c a re e r with had a family AT&T, Newman member or was hired in 2003 friend who as the director was an engiof exhibits and neer, so we operations at the need to reach Orlando Science out. We need – JoAnn Newman Center. She has more girls been CEO since in engineer2009. ing, we need She has seen more stumany changes during her 14 years dents of colors to go into these at the center and said she is proud careers, so that’s some of the work of her team and how far they’ve the Orlando Science Center can come. do, so we’re really excited about A decade ago, attendance that.” reached 220,000. Last year,
“We’re trying to fill a gap we see in the community, which is high-quality educational opportunities for young children and their parents.”
NEW FOR 2017
The renovation of KidsTown is just the first leg of a major project at OSC, Newman said. “We’ve now done such a good job with the little ones; the next projects are what we call ‘all ages,’” she said. Touring exhibits keep the center’s offerings fresh and updated, such as the upcoming Astronaut. “Astronaut is going to give the audience a little bit of a feel for what it takes to become a space explorer,” she said. Guests can learn about the physical and psychological affects of being an astronaut and discover the technology needed to complete a mission. They can sit in simulators. And they can take on challenges that center around teamwork and communication. The next exhibit is Identity, which teaches about genetics, uniqueness and one’s physical, psychological and social identity. Another exhibit, Playing with Light, is just that, Newman said. “You can mix colored lights, you can freeze and interact with your shadow, there’s a strobe-light area, a maze of laser lights, fiber optics, a way to paint with light,” she said.
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER ADDRESS: 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando PHONE: (407) 514-2000 HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Additional weekend hours include the observatory and films, which are open from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. WEBSITE: osc.org
Contact Amy Quesinberry at AmyQ@orangeobserver.com.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
Windermere police agency turns over new leaf with new chief Using his life experiences and honed skill set in effective leadership, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden transformed the town’s agency from a department stigmatized by a corrupt former chief to one of the top-ranking law enforcement agencies in the state. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Windermere Police Chief David Ogden knew what he was walking into when he applied for the position at a police department that made headlines due to a corruption scandal courtesy of a previous chief. But with 30 years of law enforcement experience working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office since he was 19 and gradually rising through the ranks to eventually make captain, he also knew how to fix it. Despite being in terrible shape just a few years ago, Windermere’s police department has changed for the better since Ogden arrived. It now consistently ranks at the top for lawenforcement agencies their size across the state – a fact Mayor Gary Bruhn expresses with pride. He thought Ogden was a good fit for the position because he knew the area, the town and the history of the department. “He knew what the challenges were, and he told us exactly what we had to do and what he was going to do to bring back credibility, back respect to this department,” Bruhn said. “And in just a few short years, he’s done that.” A LESSON IN PATIENCE
Ogden, who is a transplant from a small farm town in New York called Goshen, moved to Florida with his family when he was 10. He attended Pine Hills Christian Academy, a private school now known as Central Florida Christian, and paid for the tuition by working as the janitor. He married young and soon found himself applying for a job at OCSO at 18,
where he was first placed to work in the corrections department. He then attended the police academy and became a patrol officer. He worked for several departments during his career at OCSO, including traffic and undercover narcotics, and spent 14 years working on the SWAT team. With a shiny new degree in hand in criminal justice, he soon became in charge of a whole district office, overseeing Sector 3, which includes most of West Orange County. He now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of eight years and has two surviving adult children. He also had a 4-year-old son named Kaleb who died in 2012 from Sandhoff’s Disease, a rare, inherited neurological disease that slowly destroys neurons in the brain and spinal cord. “We took care of him as best we could for those four years, but it was a difficult struggle,” Ogden calmly confessed in a soft voice. The police chief’s office is filled with memorabilia of his career at OCSO and in SWAT, as well as photos of his family and deceased son. He speaks of his lost son fondly and believes the experience taught him patience when he applies to his everyday life and law-enforcement career. “For me, as a law-enforcement officer, I think I’ve always had a lot of patience,” he said. “But those years have given me a lot more because I’ve realized you never know what somebody’s going through in their life. They could be having a bad day, or a bad month or a bad three or four years. From the day we were given the diagnosis – our son was about 18-19 months old – we were told he was going to die.”
REBUILDING THE AGENCY
The extra patience Ogden developed through his trials perhaps gave him the patience he knew he’d need in his new role at the Windermere Police Department. Noticing a complete lack of leadership at the agency, he provided a written statement of his goals and expectations. “He received a police department that, quite frankly, had to be rebuilt from the ground up,” Bruhn explained of the Ogden’s daunting task when first hired. “Policies, procedures were outdated and in some cases nonexistent. ... We had to establish a viable chain of command of people who were knowledgeable and respected.” To further advance the agency’s transformation, Ogden set forth a 90-day plan that included having everyone reapply for their positions. Officers he found unfit to continue working for the department were let go and new officers were hired. The end result was a clean slate and coworkers he could fully trust to enforce the law with honor, integrity and a humble sense of service – the agency’s own mantra. “When I retired from the sheriff’s office, Ogden offered me a job,” said Mark Destefano, who was hired seven months ago. “I was excited to come to work for him again because it had been three years since he had left. He’s the kind of a person you want to work for.” The hope for the role the new staff would serve in fixing the department was not in vain. Sgt. Jason Bonk, who has worked for the agency for eight years, has been through its ups and downs
and witnessed firsthand the difference a solid leadership has made for the both the town and the department. “Well, I just think that the agency today has regained its positive image of being a professional agency,” said Bonk. “Before, with the whole administration and everything that happened ... we really had a black eye and a bad name, so we needed somebody who had a good reputation in the area to clean the agency up. And we’ve been able to rebuild that and have a good reputation now with the sheriff’s office and other local agencies … when before they didn’t really want anything to do with us.” The stigma surrounding the agency has since dissipated, but Ogden’s next goal for the agency is to get a more secure building for the police agency. Currently, the building lacks certain needed security measures and a proper evidence room. It is currently located in a building that once hosted a school and was retrofitted in the 1970s to fit the department’s needs. “One of the things I admire about the chief is that not only does he live up to the same standards that he expects of his officers, but he also made sure that the people we have in our employment are people that are worthy and exemplified those virtues,” Bruhn concluded. “I’m very proud of where we are today especially when you see where we were just a few years ago.”
Windermere Police Chief David Ogden, who was hired by the town a little over three years ago, has 30 years of law-enforcement experience under his belt.
“He knows how to manage people and manage a department and he leads by example. He’s not somebody who just says, ‘do this.’ I mean, he’ll come out here and work side by side with us when he needs to. He’s just an honorable person … he’s by far the best leader I’ve ever had.” – Windermere Police Sgt. Jason Bonk
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Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.
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Overwhelming support offers students a chance to grow outdoors CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Danielle Hendrix
In the new learning garden at Windermere Elementary School, each grade has its own garden bed.
ating a healthier lifestyle for her whole family. Four years ago, she watched a video about the food industry in the country and had flashbacks to when she was growing up and her parents always fed her fresh, homemade meals. It was a wake-up call that maybe fast food and processed food was the culprit for many of the health issues in her family — frequent headaches, stomachaches and food allergies among them. “I started buying only fresh and organic food to clean our systems, and I’ve seen in my own family how that changed us,” she said. “I watch my children eat salad and order broccoli at the restaurants and I said, ‘If I can do this with my own kids, why not with the other kids?’ I spent that whole summer researching, and I wrote a proposal for our principal. I met with her and right away she said, ‘Go for it.’ I’ve had the most amazing support from her.” Since then, she has found another parent, Stephanie GislerRashid, who has been instrumental in helping her bring the learning garden to life. It’s been
Courtesy photo
Parents, students and community members got together last month for a work day in the learning garden. Back row: Stephanie Gisler-Rashid, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Jacqueline Rapport of the Windermere Garden Club, Amalie Skorman, Theresa Myers of the Windermere Tree Board. Front row: Farrah Skorman, Madeline Rashid, Madeleine Rumble, Maya Skorman and Mia Travis.
four years in the making, but with Skorman and Rashid’s hard work, the garden is almost officially complete. Starting early next year, teachers can take their classes out to the garden for lessons. If the kids are working on math skills, they can calculate gardening square footage and how far apart seeds need to be planted in order to grow right. If they’re studying Native Americans in social studies, they can use one of the garden beds to grow corn and beans. The garden can serve as a welcome change of scenery for the students and their teachers and help get kids excited about learning. Additionally, each grade is assigned its own garden bed to plant, cultivate and harvest, which gets the kids excited about growing and tasting their own
food. “It’s been proven in research that children need to be outdoors more, it’s good for them and it’s another outlet for them to have to learn about sustainability and where food comes from,” Skorman said. What’s more, the garden — a project estimated at about $30,000 — will be built almost entirely of donated materials. Tom West Blueberries in Ocoee is donating blueberry bushes to create a hedge at the entrance to the garden. Home Depot donated some mulch, and in January, the Windermere Tree Board is donating a fruit orchard. Other essentials, such as dirt, an irrigation system, a pergola, benches and even a worm compost, are also all donations. “We have been so fortunate
because everyone we’ve gone to asking for support has given it to us and more,” Skorman said. “I have been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received from the community and different vendors. Our school has been so supportive, our teachers are so excited and asking when it’ll be ready and when they can grow things. If we can inspire students to look into the food industry and to find some kind of passion in there — whether it’s organic food, hydroponics or becoming a farmer — that’s great.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
Where is Gotha headed? The community of Gotha is working to keep its identity as a preservation district while at the same time looking for ways to grow and prosper.
Courtesy photo
Amy Quesinberry
Fischer’s Country Store, left, in Gotha, 1236 Hempel Ave. The structure was at one time a private residence. Constructed c. 1910. The sign above the front entrance reads Gotha Est. 1879. Gasoline pumps and retail vending items line the front. Various families have operated it as a store over the years, according to WGHF records: Fischers, Koehnes, Kleins (purchased it in 1919), Miselands, Brauers, Robinsons and Hamms (1947-77). Windermere real estate agent Suzi Karr also owned it at one time. It is now the yellow dog eats cafe. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
With its recently obtained 501(c)3 and newly designed logo featuring pine trees, the Gotha Rural Settlement Association is looking for ways to merge its past with the future. Members want to preserve the rich history of the community and retain its identity and individuality. One idea is to create an artists’ colony. And to get people interested in the community’s future, they first need to know about its past, said Rita Schoeffler, a longtime Gotha resident who is involved with the Gotha Rural Settlement Association. She sets up a booth at most of the community events in West Orange County, eager to share the history of Gotha with anyone who stops by. “I couldn’t believe the number of people who stopped by and said, ‘My grandmother used to live there,’ ‘My pappy lived there,” Schoeffler said. Many of the buildings and homes in Gotha are close to a century old, if not older. Schoeffler and the Gotha Rural Settlement Association are making it their goal to connect the past with the future through preservation. This push really started when a 1930 Florida Vernacular lake estate was demolished. “We missed out on buying (it),” Schoeffler said. “That’s
what got me involved. … It was right behind Maguire Road in the woods behind the veterinary clinic. There’s no street; it’s just in the woods. “It was preserved; the whole thing was made out of wood, no drywall,” she said. “It was a mansion for its time. They had a grand piano inside. And they just took a wrecking ball to it. But that’s not going to happen again. We all have our eyes open and will preserve them.” The yellow dog eats restaurant, located at 1236 Hempel Ave. and owned by Chris “Fish” Morgan, operates out of a former home built around 1910. Besides a private residence and eating establishment, the building served as a country store for decades. Morgan’s eclectic eatery is an example of what an artists’ colony could look like, Schoeffler said. Another artist bought a nearby home and created a shabby chic look that caught the eye of a French magazine. “That’s the future of Gotha,” she said. “(To see) the Craftsman houses that stay here fixed up. That’s the goal of 2017: to fix them up. People want that little Craftsman house. … I don’t want to see them torn down.” The association has been moving forward with its historic preservation efforts. There have been conversations with Orange County Government, and Schoeffler has had phone conversations with Commissioner of
Courtesy photo
Agriculture Adam Putnam, who put her in touch with foresters. Gotha was a pine tree forest decades ago, and foresters offered to provide pines once the 501(c)3 was set up. “We have people who want to be involved just for the instatement of our pine trees,” Schoeffler said. She thinks Windermere’s Arbor Day celebration would be the perfect time to start the planting, since Gotha and the town next door are “sister cities.” About a dozen people have expressed interest in the pine tree project, and a few dozen more are needed. People who have an interest in Gotha can contact Schoeffler at (407) 739-4622 or rschoeffler@hotmail.com. There have been talks of organizing a founders day to recognize April 20, 1885. Association members have talked to residents for feedback, and many have said they would like to see Gotha incorporate some of Winter Garden success with events and festivals. An art fair was held last year in the front parking lot of yellow dog eats and two other buildings, and artists brought their creations to sell. “There are certain people who want to buy little houses here and move here,” said Schoeffler, who has been a Realtor for 35 years and lives in Lake Nally Woods, a stone’s throw from downtown Gotha. “I’ve had two artists call
me and want to buy here. They are interested to live in a horticultural neighborhood, like Thornton Park.” “Gotha certainly has the potential to accommodate an artist’s colony,” said newly elected County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. “The residents of Gotha are very engaged and as such would have a strong voice in determining its future.” Whether or not Gotha becomes an artists’ colony, the preservation plan is still in the works. Schoeffler said Gotha has already received a neighborhood improvement grant to make improvements to the streets. Orange County also has grants available for helping senior citizens fix up their homes’ exterior, and her plan is to go street by street, interviewing the homeowners, documenting their stories and submitting grant applications. “We have a lot of history,” she said. “We want to have that history flare with a bit of art. We don’t want a lot of stores, a lot of restaurants.” “Gotha’s identity is well established; people settle in the area for the unique charm it offers,” VanderLey said. “Any growth would be expected to fit into, preserve and respect the deep history and unique nature of the community.” Contact Amy Quesinberry at amyq@orangeobserver.com.
Amy Quesinberry
Gotha Missionary Baptist Church. This church was built in 1913 by the Presbyterians and sold to the Zion Lutherans in 1920. The Rev. Carl Brommer was the first preacher. All of the preachers spoke German, and the Zion Lutherans remained here until their move to Pine Hills in 1968. The building housed the Missionary Baptists until they later moved and changed their name to Park Ridge Baptist Church. At right is the church today.
HISTORY OF GOTHA Gotha was established in 1885 when Henry A. Hempel came to the area with the plan of forming a German town. He bought 1,000 acres at 25 cents apiece here. Through advertisements and the promise of a hotel, store, homes, a post office and citrus groves, he encouraged northerners to resettle in the area he named Gotha — in honor of his birthplace in East Germany. The main street through Gotha is named for him. Between 1885 and 1896, horticulturist Henry Nehrling bought 65 acres and established a 25-acre garden, which he named Palm Cottage Gardens. Here, Dr. Nehrling tested more than 3,000 plants. Following his death in 1929, Julian and Maggie Nally bought the property. In 1977, the land was purchased and subdivided by developers; the original 1880s wood-frame home was preserved in the middle of the development. In 1981, Howard and Barbara Bochiardy restored the home and gardens. In 1999, the Henry Nehrling Society was organized as a non-profit corporation to save this piece of history. The property was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 2000. Nine years later, the society purchased the property to preserve the home and remaining gardens and to create an education center and community resource. In 2013, the official Florida Heritage Landmark marker was installed. Another important Gotha family was Henry A. and Emma Wilkening and their three daughters, Esther W. Fischer, Rose W. Droege and Gertrude W. Klare, who arrived in the area in 1911. Zion Lutheran Church was established between 1887 and 1894 on what is now Morton Jones Road. It burned down, but the church cemetery remains. A new church was constructed at Hempel Avenue and Gotha Road after the turn of the century. It still stands today. Severe freezes in 1894 and 1895 destroyed most of the citrus groves, and many of the families left. Hempel filed a plat for Gotha with Orange County; however, the community never incorporated. In its heyday, the settlement had schools, churches, a railroad, social hall and sawmill. Gotha Water Works was established either in the late 1920s or early ’30s when a ground-level water tank — constructed to replace a number of shallow wells — was built toservice several new homes and businesses, as well as the clubhouse. History archives recall two Army depots in Gotha during World War II. The 47-acre site was used for ordnance storage and training. In 1992, Orange County amended its charter to allow the designation of rural settlements as preservation districts; the Gotha Rural Settlement was established. In 1995, it was designated as a historic preservation district.
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As the nation’s fourth fastest-growing state and the third most-populated in the country, it’s no secret that Florida’s growth won’t be stunted anytime soon. And much of that growth is occurring in Orange County. Between 2010 and 2015, the county’s population swelled 12.4%. To account for that growth, West Orange’s Horizon West and surrounding communities are hustling to accommodate new residents. This year, West Orange residents can expect to see their health care options grow with them. In the works are numerous projects from providers such as Orlando Health, Florida Hospital and Validus Senior Living. Orlando Health in particular is championing much of the health care expansion in Ocoee, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips, while Florida Hospital is expanding further in Winter Garden, and Validus Senior Living celebrated the opening of its new senior independent-living facility in Ocoee this year. WEST ORANGE
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It’s been quite the year for Ocoee’s Health Central Hospital, a branch of Orlando Health that has seen the completion of a new 40-bed tower in 2016. The new bed tower is part of a larger project to expand the hospital and its emergency wing. While the bed tower is complete, the emergency-room renovations are anticipated to be complete by the end of January. So far there are 52 functional rooms, and the end product will boast 60 beds — triple the size of the old
ER. With these two facets of the project near completion, it brings the total number of hospital beds from 171 to 211. “The functionality has just been unbelievable, and we’re really excited about what the ER’s done,” said Mark Marsh, president of Health Central. “It’s at your front door. We think we have the great facilities now so we can truly combine and meet those health care needs at a local level.” Coming this year are even more additions to the Ocoee campus. The 17,000-square-foot UF Health Cancer Center, currently located across from Health Central off West Colonial Drive, will move to the center of the campus and nearly double in size to 30,000 square feet. With the expansion of the cancer center comes an increase in the number of treatment areas for infusions and chemotherapy, a linear accelerator or external beam radiation treatments. “Unfortunately cancer touches all of us here, and it’s one of those things we’d like to have the family involved in closely, so we want to make sure we can offer that right here on the campus,” Marsh said. Another third expansion for Health Central is the upcoming 100-bed skilled-nursing facility. The five-story building will include 60 beds for traditional rehabilitation care and 40 for an Alzheimer’s disease and dementia unit. The plan is to relocate 100 beds from Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Garden to the new facility, although no plans have been made thus far for the phase of HCP that would be vacated. Timelines for groundbreaking and estimated completion have not yet been announced.
INSPIRED LIVING
In September 2016, Validus Senior Living celebrated the opening of its Inspired Living center on Tomyn Boulevard in Ocoee. The senior assisted-living facility is the first of its kind for VSL, and eventually, the company will have 32 more like it across the country. An affiliation with the NFL Alumni Association helps connect local NFL alumni who may be in need of its services — mainly the memory-care units — to the center and its services. The $30 million, 158-bed center officially opened Sept. 13 and includes amenities such as: a selfserve bistro with gourmet coffee bar, fitness center with exercise classes and salon services, a tiki bar and putting greens, pond with pier and boardwalk, fenced dog park, local transportation by chauffeured town car, swimming pool with ADA lift, library, 24-hour security system and more. The facility also offers three levels of care: independent living for active seniors, memory care with a specific lifestyle and care plan to suit each resident’s needs, and assisted living for those seniors who need help when health issues arise. For information on pricing and specific floor plans, visit validusseniorliving.com/inspired-living.
SPRING LAKE HEALTH AND LIVING
Dr. Phillips Inc. broke ground at the beginning of 2016 on its $75-million, 26-acre senior living and health care campus. Spring Lake Health and Living will comprise a 60,000-square-foot medical office building, along with a 180-unit senior housing complex,
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Florida Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new emergency room in Winter Garden in February 2016. But even though the facility is not even a year old, the campus is set to undergo another expansion. “Since its opening, Florida Hospital Winter Garden has seen more than 20,000 patients, illustrating the need for health care options close to home for residents of West Orange County,” said David Breen, corporate communications manager at Florida Hospital. Florida Hospital is set to begin construction in mid- to late-2017
HORIZON WEST HOSPITAL
Orlando Health also announced plans for a new 78,000-squarefoot hospital, situated off Porter Road on 80 acres near Orange County National Golf Center and Hamlin Town Center. The West Orange Healthcare District initially purchased the first 40 acres in 2000 and another 40 in 2005, as it anticipated Horizon West’s growth and an eventual need for a hospital. The first phase of the project entails a two-story, freestanding emergency room. The first floor will be dedicated to a 10-bed ER with various diagnostics, CT scanners and laboratories. The second floor includes physician office space. Many of Orlando Health’s doctors on staff will have offices there. Orlando Health broke ground on the project in early December and it will take between 14 and 16 months to complete, with a goal of being fully functional by early 2018. The first phase will create between 100 and 150 jobs. The second phase is not yet solidified, but Marsh said Orlando Health has filed a certificate for a five-story building with 103 acute-care or inpatient beds. Plans and designs are still underway, and a timeline will be established pending required permits.
“We will continue to grow as that community grows,” Marsh said. “We have plenty of space to be able to do that. The way Horizon West is growing, we have given ourselves plenty of capacity.”
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Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
ESTIMATED TIMELINE January 2017: Scheduled opening of Orlando Health Medical Pavilion at Spring Lake Early 2018: Possible completion of Orlando Health’s Horizon West hospital 2019: Scheduled opening of Florida Hospital Winter Garden’s inpatient tower
BY THE NUMBERS SQUARE FOOTAGES New UF Health Cancer Center: 30,000 square feet Spring Lake Health and Living: 60,000 square feet Horizon West hospital: 78,000 square feet HOSPITAL BEDS Health Central (new): 40 Health Central ER upon completion: 60 Health Central skilled-nursing facility: 100 Florida Hospital Winter Garden inpatient tower: 100 Orlando Health’s Horizon West ER: 10 JOBS CREATED Inspired Living in Ocoee: About 60 Horizon West hospital: 100 to 150
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A home for
technology The tech industry in Orange County has been on the rise — a trend expected to continue in 2017. STAFF WRITER
Central Florida might be known as Mickey’s hometown, but there’s more than tourism that bolsters Orange County’s economy. Long before tourism became the economic powerhouse of Orlando, the area was known for its booming technology industry. “If we weren’t the epicenter for tourism, we’d be known as a strong tech market,” said Jennifer Wakefield, the vice president of marketing and communications for the Orlando Economic Development Commission. For several years, the industry has been on an upward swing, Wakefield said — a trend that is expected to continue into 2017. Orlando’s technology roots began in the 1950s as the space race was becoming a prominent part of American culture. As the Space Coast became more established, neighboring Orlando became an attractive location for companies invested in the aviation and aerospace industry. Eventually businesses, like Martin-Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), set up shop in and around Orlando, which triggered the start of Orange County’s tech industry. Since those early beginnings, the technology industry has evolved into a $13 billion market, and it’s still growing. “The environment we have in downtown, it’s really working quite well,” said Gordon Hogan, director of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program. “It’s something that’s coming up and will be around for a while. It’s similar to the kinds of things that happened in Silicon Valley maybe 20 years ago.”
THE INDUSTRY
According to a report from the Orlando Economic Development Commission, an estimated 7 percent of the 1.2 million people working in and around Orlando are working in tech. That’s an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 jobs. The market itself is broken into three different categories: technology jobs in technology industries, technology jobs in non-technology industries and non-technology jobs in technology industries. Currently, the majority of the jobs are in nontech industries, and two of the largest industries within the tech economy are military and medical, Wakefield said. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Hospital, Lockheed Martin and the Hospital Corporation of America were the top three employers in the tech industry in November 2016 based on the number of jobs they posted that month — a combined total of more than 800 jobs. While the industry itself encompasses a wide variety of jobs and businesses, much of the industry can be found in clusters along the Interstate 4 corridor, Wakefield said. “There’s obviously a lot that goes through there,” she said. “Siemens is across the street from UCF along with Lockheed Martin. There are pieces and parts scattered up and down I-4 with medical clustering downtown.” But the area of UCF seems to pull some of the largest business. “A lot of it takes place in Central Florida Research Park,” Wakefield said. “About 4 billion in contracting that flows through that region each year.” In addition to the businesses that fill out the tech market, Orlando has become home to one of the largest tech meet-ups in the
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As a new major influence to the local tech industry, start-ups can be found in incubator settings and co-working environments, Hogan said. Incubators set up near UCF provide inventors and potential businesses the chance to give life to a dream. “You have an environment that allows developments on new products based on technology, usually university researchers are involved, and they need lab space needed to build their product and sell it,” he said. “So they’re looking for incubators.” But an even larger part of the start-up tech industry are the web-based companies that Hogan has noticed popping up all across downtown Orlando. Many of these people are participating in co-working environments, Hogan said, which allows them to rent desk space and internet access in an office building, an ideal setting for anyone who telecommutes. “I’ve been pretty impressed with the stuff going on downtown,” Hogan said. “It’s pretty amazing. They’re going down there and getting to know other tech types and getting advice. At (these co-working places), they can work for a while, hook up with someone and do business together. It’s really working quite well.” One of the more popular webbased start-ups in these environments are applications for phones and tablets. “A computer person can develop an app in not too long,” Hogan said. “You can develop an app and you know in a matter of a year if
THE TECH INDUSTRY
WEST ORANGE COUNTY
n 80,000 to 100,000 jobs n 34,000 tech jobs in non-tech industries n 27,000 non-tech jobs in tech industries n 19,000 tech jobs in tech industries
While much of the tech industry is based around UCF and the I-4 corridor, Hogan suggested that West Orange County is playing a supporting role in this industry’s success. The massive growth that West Orange County has seen in the last several years, coupled with its continuing growth, has provided employees of the tech industry a place to call home, Hogan said. Even though the bulk of the industry is currently located in Orlando, a trickle effect could eventually bring business into the city’s outskirts. “You’re not going to find many (tech businesses) in places like Winter Garden right now,” Hogan said. “But down the road, maybe. The community would benefit from it, I’m sure. And the real advantage of having it out there would be that (employees) could live and work there. Wouldn’t it be nice if you were only 15 minutes away instead of driving in the downtown traffic?” And the growth of downtown Winter Garden and planned development of Ocoee both hold potential for industry expansion, he said. “It’s pretty amazing,” he said of the growth in West Orange County. “It’s been steadily growing for quite a while, and I’ve been pretty impressed with it.” Although the tech industry is on an upswing right now, and will likely continue to grow for the foreseeable future, Hogan said it will probably always play second fiddle to the tourism industry. “It’s not going to be huge,” he said. “But it’s going to be pretty important.”
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Staying power With nine years in the books and offerings that have grown beyond varsity football to include five different sports, the Sunshine State Athletic Conference — which includes three local high schools — is eyeing more growth and excitement in 2017. BY THE NUMBERS
STEVEN RYZEWSKI
Sunshine State Athletic Conference
Among many goals of the FHSAA’s sweeping changes to its playoff and district formatting for football last fall was that of bringing some of the state’s many independent programs — or programs that compete outside of traditional state series competition — back into the fold. The elimination of districts in Classes 1A-4A was championed as giving the smaller programs more autonomy over scheduling, with games against district rivals no longer mandated. According to FloridaHSFootball.com, more than 30 independent schools have agreed to return to state series competition as of Dec. 14 — but while other independent conferences are reeling from departures, the Sunshine State Athletic Conference continues to gain momentum. The SSAC, which includes local programs at Windermere Prep, Legacy Charter and Central Florida Christian Academy, suffered a net loss of just two programs this offseason, according to league president Stuart Weiss. Seven total programs departed — though not all of those who departed did so to rejoin the state series — and five programs joined the independent league, giving the conference 30 members for its 2017 fall football season. According to Weiss, who in six years as a coach and administrator for the league has seen it blossom from 12 teams to 30, the reason so many programs are content to stay put is simple: the conference offers a good
n 30 - Varsity football members n 9 - Years conference has existed n 9 - Different champions crowned in varsity football, including Windermere Prep in 2014 n 5 - Sports offered during the 2016-17 school year (varsity football, middle school football, boys and girls basketball, beach volleyball) n 3 - Local members (CFCA, Legacy Charter, Windermere Prep)
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product. “Teams that compete here typically have a great, positive experience,” Weiss said, championing the league’s emphasis on sportsmanship and hospitality. “The games are competitive. You don’t tend to get a lot of that chippiness in the games, and it’s a really good, wholesome place to play.” The league prides itself on providing parity — there has been a different varsity football champion in each of the conference’s nine seasons of competition — and on being a place where smaller programs who might struggle in state series play can be competitive. Among those programs is CFCA. “For us, at CFCA, it (competing in the state series) would not be feasible,” Eagles head coach Chris Cook said. “Our student population is so small, and the influx from year to year would make it really hard to be competitive year in and year out.”
Cook is readying for his second season as the Eagles’ head coach — and that fact, itself, is welcome news for a program that has seen four different head coaches in four years. The instability in the program has led to a drop in numbers for CFCA’s football program, with the Eagles dressing just 25 players this past fall. In spite of that, and in spite of the lack of continuity in coaching philosophy, the Eagles have been able to compile a 19-12 record over the past three seasons. That has made CFCA, along with Legacy and Windermere Prep, happy customers in the SSAC. To maintain its competitive balance, the league only admits programs that would classify as Class 3A or lower if they were to compete in state series play. Its board also puts an emphasis on finding like-minded members who are going to respect the rules and run clean programs. It also puts an emphasis on being responsive to its programs. “We try to meet the needs of our members,” Weiss said. “Everything we’ve done has been at the request of our members.” Strong feedback from its membership has led to the SSAC expanding beyond varsity football over the past few years. The conference has 22 members in its middle school football league and has already added boys and girls basketball. This spring, it will have its first season of beach volleyball and, in the 2017-18 school year, there are hopes of offering boys and girls soccer for its members. The format the SSAC has chosen for basketball — one that will likely be mirrored
for soccer — is one where schools can compete in the SSAC as well as in the state series, thanks to more scheduling flexibility as compared to a sport such as football. As it did last winter, the SSAC will host a basketball tournament and crown a champion in January prior to the beginning of district tournaments for the state series. The addition of beach volleyball has spurred a new level of excitement around the league, as it represents the first time that the sport — which is growing in popularity — has been offered in the state of Florida. “Our response when we came out when we were going to have beach volleyball was probably the biggest response we’ve had for anything,” Weiss said. “It’s been widespread, and it’s been positive.” In light of the FHSAA’s recent efforts to bring some of its independent members back into the state series fold, Weiss says that there is a perception that his league — which technically operates within the overriding governing system of the FHSAA — does not get along with the organization, but he says that is not the case. “We’re pro-FHSAA — we think we’re what’s good about FHSAA,” Weiss said. “We’re just trying to offer something for our members.” Going forward into the new year, Weiss says he and the other board members and commissioners within the league are excited to continue to grow the conference’s brand — and to possibly a crown a 10th unique champion at its annual Florida Bowl game in the fall. “That’s parity,” Weiss said. “That means we’re doing something right.”
Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.
Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.
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Eva Meridith — God reached out, placed her hand in His and led her Home. Eva passed from this world on Dec. 23, 2016. Our hearts are filled with tears and sorrow, but we rejoice in our Mother’s release from the pain and suffering of this world. We have been blessed because God gave us a true Earth Angel for a Mom. Her children: Danny Meridith, Butch and Rainelle Meridith, Debra and Randy Kraft, Andrew and Debra Kral, Lia Kral. Grandchildren: Michael and Melissa Meridith, Michelle Clevenger, Mike B. Meridith, Christy and Jason Kempher, Bradley Meridith, Mike Frostrom, Michele Frostrom and Marcus Kral. Great-grandchildren: Josh Clevenger, Abigail and Alex Meridith, Paige and Cole Kempher and Christian and Lacy Meridith. Eva’s family tree was planted in Central Florida multiple generations ago. She was born in Orlando (Orlo Vista) on Aug. 8, 1926, to Heber Buckner Walker and Francis Turner Walker. The youngest of five children, she is now in joyous reunion with her brothers, Robert Walker and B.H. Walker; and her sisters, Mildred Vickers and Dorothy Mauldin. She met her true love and soul-
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EVA MERIDITH Died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
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mate, Emery, at the tender age of 15 and he at 17. They eloped one year later on Dec. 8, 1942. They made their home in Orlando until 1959, when Emery packed up the family and moved them to a remote location called Windermere. Windermere’s population of 500 provided the family with a real “Mayberry” kind of life. She and Emery were happily married for 38 years but were sadly separated by Emery’s untimely death in 1980. Few though they were, those years were filled with fun adventures, building a thriving business, making many friends, raising three children, helping anyone in anyway they could, while loving each other with all their heart and soul. Six years after Emery’s death, Eva met and married another good man, Frank Kral. Frank’s two children, Andrew and Lia, were a happy addition to Eva’s family,
and she quickly pulled them into her heart. Eva always prayed that God would bless her with a family and lots of children to care for and love. Although she gave birth to only three babies, He was gracious to answer her prayers and gave her many families and children to love and give of herself. Eva was always available to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She was involved in numerous West Orange organizations, which brought her great joy and rich friendships. She was part of the West Orange Junior Service League, West Orange Memorial Hospital, PEO, Orlando Sportsman’s Club, Autistic Handicapped Children of Central Florida, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and too many PTAs to count. We will be honoring our Mother with a celebration of her beautiful spirit and life with a service Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. This will be followed by a social time to share smiles, stories and some good Southern food. Service Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Autistic Handicapped Children of Central Florida, P.O. Box 780265, Orlando, FL 32878; ahccf.org.
PASTOR JAMES HORACE WATSON DIED SUNDAY, NOV. 27, 2016.
Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden We are Proud to offer: • A Celebration of Life Service • Traditional Burial and Cremation Services • Prearranged Funeral Services
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Pastor James Horace Watson, 64, of Montverde, Florida, went to be with his Lord while worshipping in service on Sunday morning, Nov. 27, 2016. He was born June 8, 1952, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to his parents, Dock and Alpha Watson. On July 14, 1972, he married Linda Joyce Dyal in Winter Garden, Florida. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, of 44 years; his daughter, Amy (Robert) Marino; two sons, James (Melissa) Watson and Caleb (Jennifer) Watson; six grandchildren, Cheyenne Watson, Isabella Marino, Wyatt Watson, Madison Watson, Easton Watson and Gavin Watson. He is also survived by his brother, William Neal (Suzzanne) Watson of Winter Garden, Florida; three sisters out of state; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was Senior Pastor at Crossroads Family Fellowship in Clermont, Florida. He established the church in Montverde in 2002. He and his father-in-law, Earl (Ruby) Dyal, operated an air-conditioning and appliance service com-
pany beginning in the 1970s that is still in operation through his children. He was one of the founding members of the South Lake Pastors Fellowship. He was the chaplain for the Central Florida Christian Bass Club and was a member of the Christian Men’s Golf League. He loved spending time with his wife, Linda; they were high school sweethearts, and their love only grew stronger through the years. In their spare time you’d often find them walking the beach hand in hand and just enjoying each other’s presence. He loved time with his family, never missing any of the grandkids’ activities. His passion was worship and serving the Lord, whether it be in church or his quiet time with God. He had the heart of God for people and to see them ensure their salvation. He loved singing, fishing with his boys, golf and fellowship with family and friends.
CHURCH DIRECTORY EPISCOPAL
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org
LUTHERAN
ZION NEW LIFE CHURCH 16161 Marsh Road Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-5751 Bible Study 8:30AM, Family Service 9:30am, Pastor Roberto E. Rojas, Jr.
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.
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So far we have raised $15,000 of the additional $25,000 before Jan. 15 to cover the unexpected expenses required to open our new Montessori Preschool... Can you help with a donation of $10, $100, $1000? Every bit helps.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
To learn more visit us at www.Facebook.com/MatthewsHopeFirmFoundation If you would like to make a Tax Deductible Donation using Cash, Credit or Check, our address is 523 S. Woodland St., or you may use a Credit Card by calling 407.905.9500, or by visiting our website at www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
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I LOVE WEST ORANGE
FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 5 High: 76 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 10%
FRIDAY, JAN. 6 High: 74 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%
High: 64 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 90%
The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.
2017
ONLINE
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THURSDAY,JANUARY 5, 2017
SUNRISE / SUNSET
Sunrise Sunset
Thursday, Jan. 5
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Friday, Jan. 6
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MOON PHASES
SATURDAY, JAN. 7
Katelynn Pulley snapped this beautiful photo just outside the Tucker Oaks neighborhood and noted the heart-shaped light peeking through the trees.
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Jan. 12 Full
Jan. 18 Last
Jan. 27 New
Jan. 5 First
RAINFALL Tuesday, Dec. 27
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High: 57 Low: 44 Chance of rain: 10%
Friday, Dec. 30
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See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com
YEAR TO DATE:
JAN. TO DATE:
2017 0.00 in.
2017 0.00 in.
2016 60.81 in.
2016 0.36in.
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Thank you West Oaks Mall for partnering with us to educate the future of our community. Be sure to stop by and see the “Journalism X” wall coming soon to West Oaks Mall.
Newspaper in Education is an international program that promotes literacy by using the newspaper as a teaching tool
CALVIN STEELE DIED FRIDAY, DEC. 23, 2016
The newspaper is a “living textbook” that reports history as it happens and teaches students about themselves and their community, state, country and world. Students who learn using the newspaper grow up to become lifelong readers and thoughtful and engaged citizens.
CROSSWORD
9401 W. CO LO N I A L D R I V E, O CO E E, F L 34761 • 407-294-1494 • W W W.W E S TOA K S MA L L.CO M
HOW DO YOU SEE IT by Timothy E. Parker
(Part 4) 107 Admiral’s charge 108 How some topics may be debated 109 Figure-skating jump 110 Straight up, in a bar 111 Comforting type of bear 112 Type of alcohol 113 Prefix with “approve” or “respect” 114 ___ about (roams)
DOWN
Calvin Steele, 87, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away late Friday, Dec. 23, due to complications from a fall suffered earlier that day. Calvin was a native of Orlando and a graduate of Orlando High School. He was an active member of the Rotary Club and the Pine Hills Boys’ Club. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jane Steele, and survived by sons, David (JoAnne) Steele of New Smyrna, Florida, and Kent (Marsha) Steele of Setauket, New York; and daughter, Cherie (Bobby) Ruhle of Ocoee, FL. Calvin had nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Calvin worked for many years in the banking industry and was president of First National Bank of Pine Hills for a time as well. After retirement he worked part-time for USPS delivering mail, until he quit to care for his wife. In 2004, he and Jane moved to Winter Garden. “Mr. Calvin” had the reputation as a friendly neighbor with the greenest thumb. He was everyone’s buddy and, even after a speech-debilitating stroke in 2011, was still able to speak his mind with the few (often colorful) words left. He will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider planting something in your yard in remembrance of Calvin.
©2017 Universal Uclick
ACROSS
1 “Gee whiz!” 5 Small bit of ointment, e.g. 8 Visibly stunned 13 Take countermeasures 18 “Toy Story” human 19 Top-of-the-line, ratingswise 20 Sneaker features 21 They may cause one to miss the mark? 22 Prickly optimistic view (Part 1) 25 Kind of ballerina 26 Some gems 27 It may have a tongue in it 28 One working on
potatoes 29 Sportscaster Berman 30 Veggie in a fairy tale title 31 “Stop, horse!” 32 Intense, adverse criticism 33 Large cutting tool 35 Like anything that just won’t do 41 Amazon parrot 44 ___ Today (newspaper) 45 Fencing weapons 46 Paddle relative 47 Speedway shape 48 Smack but good 50 Mollusks 52 Heavy instrument 53 Prickly optimistic view
(Part 2) 56 Highway sections 57 Female farm creature 58 Sported 59 Amazing reviews 60 Brain-twister 61 Town relative 62 Faked out a defender 63 Major airports 64 Wife or husband 67 Filled with freight 68 Extra plentiful 69 Start to mature? 72 Shimon of Israel 73 Prickly optimistic view (Part 3) 76 Eyeballs of romantic poetry 77 Coats with goo,
“Ghostbusters”-style 78 Stork relative 79 Minuscule amount 80 Poem that glorifies 81 Name on many tractors 82 Dined 83 Historical record 84 Stick-in-the-mud 87 Physical discomfort 90 Snake-eyes pair 91 Tied up, in scores 93 Clock standard, briefly 94 Letter openers? 97 Fish filet sauce 100 Killed, as a dragon 102 Elaborate hanging 104 Helps a crook be a crook 105 Prickly optimistic view
1 Canvas support 2 Garden dwarf 3 Some Madison Avenue workers 4 Salon employee, at times 5 Small contraption, generically 6 Some insects 7 Hive dweller 8 In spite of, briefly 9 Rich, elaborate cake 10 Painful exercise aftermath, sometimes 11 Apex 12 Suffix of exaggerations 13 Some TV fare 14 Discoverer’s cry of old 15 Seed covering, sometimes 16 Inviting word 17 Ex-leader of Russia 19 Hank Hill’s town 23 Oblong yellow fruit 24 Sound type at either end of Alaska 28 Applies oneself diligently 31 Trash and such 32 Energy sources 33 Cotton unit 34 Like James Bond 36 Approached 37 Rotates 38 All tied up? 39 Where to find washing instructions 40 Demagnetize a tape 41 What the greedy always want 42 Formally declare as true 43 24 cans, often 48 Young pig (var.)
49 Cautious 50 Movers’ partners 51 Recitation of prayers 52 Small amounts 54 Type of cheese 55 Plod along 56 Vilify in print 60 Chaka Khan’s music group 61 Pool hall staples 62 Rocked out 63 Stereo’s ancestor 64 Easy-going parody 65 Fancy “hidden” 66 Formed into a ball 67 Scottish property owner 68 “___ Without a Cause” 69 Loudness unit 70 Pro ___ (in proportion) 71 And others, for short 73 Blockage of the intestine 74 Industry magnate 75 Fork part 77 Passover ritual 81 TV’s saga about the Carringtons 82 After-prayer words 83 Showy fall blossom 85 Like a small i 86 Annually 88 Tequila sources 89 Incite to action 92 LP material 94 Like active deckhands 95 Daily sustenance, biblically 96 Dermatologist’s concerns 97 Only president ever on the Supreme Court 98 “___ to leap tall buildings ...” 99 Wind instrument insert 100 Fired, as a weapon 101 Strongly opposed, of old 102 Vehicle to hail 103 Thing to sing 105 Word in many titles 106 Possessed at one time
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017
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