West Orange Times & Observer's Holiday Gift Guide 2014 by Orange Observer

Holiday Gift Guide

2014

Times& WEST ORANGE

Observer What’s inside GIFT GUIDE

Put a little West Orange under your tree with these gifts. PAGES 6-7

GIFT OF GIVING

Spread holiday cheer by volunteering at these organizations. PAGE 8

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Fill your holiday calendar with these family-friendly events. PAGES 24-25

JUST DESSERTS

Wow your Christmas party guests with these recipes. PAGES 26-27

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

THAT’S HOW WE ROLL OK, so you may not be in the market for a humongous bow to put on top of a new Mercedes parked in the driveway. However, that doesn’t mean your Christmas can’t include some new wheels. Give the combined gift of exercise and family togetherness with an Electra Townie bicycle in women’s and men’s frames. This seven-speed bike with Shimano gearing comes in a variety of colors. Other bicycles are available, too, including styles for children. If this model doesn’t suit you, Winter Garden Wheel Works, which was named one of America’s Best Bike Shops for 2014 by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, offers many types, brands and models. WHERE TO BUY: Winter Garden Wheel Works, 101 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PRICE: $459.99 and up PHONE: (407) 6541496

Homegrown

HAPPINESS Rarely is the case that you simply wander into a store and find that perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list. Whether you’re buying for a large family with tons of kids or simply a spouse, the task of completing your shopping list can be daunting — and in extreme cases even can over-

TOPSY-TURVY Gymnastics allows children to make friends, get some exercise and have fun. Gymnastics USA programs share the gymnastics principles of individual reliance, hard work and positive thinking. Its teachers also strive to offer a place for families to come together in a positive and safe place

shadow your enjoyment of the season. Fortunately, West Orange residents have a plethora of shopping choices for everyone on your Christmas list. Best of all? All the presents on our list can be purchased locally at stores owned by your neighbors. — Amy Quesinberry Rhode

for their children to grow and learn. Gymnastics USA offers classes for walking age through 12 years old, as well as a tumbling class for teens. WHERE TO BUY: Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden PRICE: $100 for $80 or $50 for $40, holiday promotion PHONE: (407) 614-8361

PERFECT PIECE

You can’t go wrong with the gift of jewelry for the holidays. Mimi’s Boutique & Intimates, in Windermere, carries an assortment of necklaces and earrings, as well as clothing, purses and shoes. Best of all, there are plenty of pieces in a price range that won’t require a second mortgage. PRICE: $66 WHERE TO BUY: Mimi’s Boutique & Intimates, 4750 The Grove Drive, Suite 132, Windermere PHONE: (407) 738-4550

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

HOMETOWN STYLE Give a slice of our “charming little city with a juicy past”

FOR THE

FASHIONISTA

to loved ones throughout the world with this burlap pillow adorned with images of Winter Garden past and present. There are several sizes and shapes to choose from, and shoulder bags and wine bags (various styles) are available, too. PRICE: $19 for long pillow, $22 for square pillow WHERE TO BUY: Encore Furniture, 129 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 654-4008

METAL MEMORIES Make your gift unique and personal with charms, pendants, bookmarks, key chains and more by Windermere resident Amanda Sapp. Sapp takes fingerprints, footprints, handprints and handwriting and creates one-of-a-kind heirlooms in fine silver. Choose from a wide range of pendants, charms, cufflinks and keyrings and much more. Delivery can be up to three weeks. PRICE: starting at $85 WHERE TO BUY: Smallprint Orlando. Sapp can meet customers by appointment. PHONE: (407) 800-7269

GAME NIGHT

That cutting-edge iPhone is certainly alluring. But, put it in the hands of one of your kids, and you’ve likely lost them in an abyss of apps and games. This year, why not include a few gifts that can encourage some family bonding over Christmas cookies and milk? There’s no reason children can’t have a little fun while they are learning. These card games are perfect for everyone in the family, whether it’s using a sharp eye and a bit of speed in the Spot It! matching game or using the cards to concoct a story in Tell Tale. WHERE TO BUY: Learning Express Toys of Windermere, 2564 Maguire Road, Ocoee PRICE: $12.99 to $15.99

She will look divine in this shimmering dress, especially if it’s paired with bright jewelry and fabulous heels. Nestled in the heard of downtown Winter Garden, Kate Lyn’s Boutique. Specializing in mother/daughter bonding, the boutique may be the place for mothers to find that perfect gift for their daughters — and vice versa. Even better, that boutique allows customers to create their own wish lists. PRICE: $52 AVAILABLE: Kate Lyn’s Boutique, 111 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 614-3809

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

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Gift of

GIVING If your holiday traditions involve helping your fellow neighbors in need, several West Orange-based non-profit organizations want to meet you this season. Christmastime is traditionally a time of exchanging gifts, spending time with family and friends and enjoying big holiday meals, but many folks also see it as a time to give to members of the community who are in need. In West Orange County, there are multiple opportunities to volunteer or make a donation, and we have compiled a list of a few of them. Many churches in the area are collecting goods, as well. — Amy Quesinberry Rhode

TOY DRIVES

The Ocoee Police Department’s Holiday Toys for Kids in Need program helps give children a Merry Christmas every year. Toys will be distributed on Ocoee Police Dec. 18 to chilDepartment’s dren in need, Holiday Toys for but they Kids in Need must preADDRESS: 646 Ocoee registered. Commerce Parkway, Ocoee Registration PHONE : Sgt. Mireya Iannuzzi, continues (407) 905-3160, Ext. 3015, or until Dec. 5. miannuzzi@ci.ocoee.fl.us. New, unwrapped toys and monetary donations can be made. The Winter Garden Winter Garden Police Department Police Department’s also will host its Holiday Gifts for Kids Holiday Gifts for Kids. ADDRESS: 251 W. Plant St., Toys will be distributWinter Garden ed at Christmastime PHONE: Community Liaison to pre-registered famUnit, (407) 656-3636 ilies. Registration ends Dec. 5. New, unwrapped toys and monetary donations can be made. For more, contact the Community Liaison Unit.

S.T.A.R.S. OF WEST ORANGE A gift-wrapping fundraiser is held each year at West Oaks Mall, in Ocoee, and shoppers can have their packages wrapped for a fee. S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies To Assist Our Students) of West Orange provides backpacks and basic school supplies for economically disadvantaged children in Orange

FOOD FOR FAMILIES THROUGH BREAD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP More than 1,000 families receive boxes of food on Christmas morning through this program. The night before, volunteers set up a work area in the Ocoee High School ADDRESS: Ocoee cafeteria, unload food High School, 1925 from Publix and local Ocoee Crown Point school food drives and Parkway, Ocoee then sort and pack PHONE: (407) 654boxes. 7777 On Dec. 25, helpers are needed to pick up the boxes from Ocoee High and deliver them to homes. For more information, call or send an email to office@breadoflifefellowship.com.

INFO

County. To ADDRESS: 9401 W. Colonial Drive, Suite volun106, Ocoee teer to PHONE: (407) 290help 3009 wrap presents, call Dorcas Dillard, volunteer coordinator, at starswestorange@gmail.com.

MATTHEW’S HOPE MINISTRIES

Matthew’s Hope assists homeless residents in West Orange through more than 50,000 volunteer hours per year. It works with more than 60 churches, civic organizations and area INFO businesses. ADDRESS: 1460 Help is Daniels Road, Winter needed Garden Tuesdays PHONE: (407) 905during 9500 guest days when homeless men, women and families can receive meals, clothing and toiletries and have access to laundry services, showers and groceries. Donations will enable the Matthew’s Hope ministry to continue serving the area’s homeless population.

WEST ORANGE TIMES’ READING REINDEER New books are collected for children up to age 15 in this literacyawareness project. Books can be dropped off at the newspaper office, libraries in West Orange County, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Axum Coffee, Gentle Touch Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa, V Hair Studio, Tasting Room at Chef’s Table, the Waxing Room, Divas Salon and Spa and the Winter Garden Planet Smoothie on Daniels Road. This year’s book distribution list includes children served by the West Orange Christian Service Center; Migrant Early Education ADDRESS: 720 S. Program Dillard St., Winter of Orange Garden County PHONE: (407) 656Public 2121 Schools; holiday toy programs in Ocoee and Winter Garden; Play and Learn Day School in Winter Garden; Resurrection Catholic Church; St. Jude Catholic Church; Head Start and pre-K at Maxey Elementary School; Docs for Tots at Health Central; Boys and Girls Club in Winter Garden; Winter Garden Children’s Health Center; West Orange Neighborhood Center for Families; Matthew’s Hope; Maxey Center; and Edgewood Children’s Ranch.

INFO

WEST ORANGE CHRISTIAN SERVICE ENTER

The West Orange Christian Service Center aims to prevent homelessness, combat poverty and cultivate self-sufficiency for struggling families through four programs: Family & ADDRESS: 300 W. Franklin St., Ocoee Emergency Service, Daily Bread, Fresh PHONE: (407) 6566678 Start and KidsFocus. Donations of nonperishable food items can be donated to the CSC pantry, clothing and household items can be donated for the thrift shop, and monetary donations can be made to help families in need.

INFO

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

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The Winter Garden Christmas Concert will feature seasonal music in many styles. In a show featuring Christmas music such as “Glory, Glory to the Newborn King,” the Garden Community Choir, Garden Chamber Choir, Garden Choir Ensemble and Sounds Like Chicken will hold the third annual Winter Garden Christmas Concert from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St. “This concert will have all types of music, from live Christmas stuff to Gospel,” says Dr. Jeffrey Redding, director of the Garden Community Choir and choral activities at West Orange High School. “It should be a wonderful concert.”

IF YOU GO WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS CONCERT WHEN: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 WHERE: First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden COST: $15 ($12 for students and seniors) CONTACT: gardencommunitychoir.org The concert will feature the 70-member community choir, which overlaps with the chamber choir and the choir

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

ensemble. About 20 musicians will be pulling double- or even triple-duty at the event, which Redding calls “a moving, aweinspiring, passionate performance.” “The Garden Community Choir is a Winter Gardenbased chorus of singers who are passionate about making exciting, beautiful music together,” says Matt Heim, publicity director of the Garden Community Choir. The overlap extends to the community choir’s assistant director, Don Sowers, who directs the chamber choir. As for Sounds Like Chicken, it is a band of males that sings with the choirs each Christmas and spring, Redding says. “It is a fabulous group that is a lot of fun,” he says. “They sing a variety of serious and light music; they sing all genres.” Redding has extended the repertoire of his choir, as well, in part because of its broad diversity in ages. “The wonderful part about this ensemble is that we cover a wide variety of ages, 18 (and up),” Redding says. “It’s a beautiful vision of people in our

The choir now boasts 70 members. community loving music and learning to sing for the community. We don’t care about your experience, just that you want to sing and give your time and your heart. Don also does a wonderful job of portraying that.” The Garden Community Choir will perform in a wide variety of styles, including classical, baroque, spirituals, light and jazz.

“The process is very important to me, because it’s more than just music,” Redding says. “It’s about relationships, getting people to think past their potential and affecting lives in the process, so that once we get to the concert, the audience is moved because the choir sings with total transparency of heart.” Tickets are for sale online at a cost of $15, with $12

tickets available for students and seniors. Redding says he is anticipating a full house, which could include more than 250 people. Visit gardencommunitychoir.org for ticket information, as well as information on weekly rehearsals each Monday and other coming Garden Community Choir events. — Zak Kerr

“Think Christmas at Mimi’s” 4750 The Grove Drive, Ste #132 • Windermere, FL 34786 • 407-738-4550 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

Christmas in the Community West Orange residents should have no problem getting into the holiday spirit. Each of our core communities — Winter Garden, Windermere, Ocoee and Oakland — is offering a plethora of family-friendly events in December. From a Christmas Sing-along in Oakland and Christmas Parade in Ocoee to Light Up Winter Garden and Windermere’s annual Boat Parade, West Orange will be full of holiday cheer this year.

BOAT PARADE CRUISES INTO WINDERMERE The 33rd Annual Windermere Holiday Social will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Town Hall. Attendees are encouraged to take their favorite seasonal dishes to share, especially desserts. The town and Windermere Police Department will be collecting donations of unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots drive. Nonperishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank will be collected, as well. “Frozen” will be the 2014 movie in the park for the Movie Night Under the Stars, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, behind the Town Hall. Windermere Parks and Recreation will present the event for its sixth annual installment, at which Windermere residents are encouraged to invite their whole families, with blankets and chairs suggested. Complimentary soft drinks, popcorn and pizza will be available. The 10th Annual Boat Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, with boats meeting at Bird Island at 5 p.m. Fliers demonstrating the parade route and other details will be available after Thanksgiving in the Town Office. The regatta has grown each year, with spectators

IF YOU GO WINDERMERE HOLIDAY SOCIAL WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 WHERE: Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere COST: Free MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE STARS WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 WHERE: Town Hall COST: Free WINDERMERE BOAT PARADE WHEN: 6 p.m. (5 p.m. for boats), Saturday, Dec. 20 WHERE: Bird Island COST: Free

LIGHTING CELEBRATION KICKS OFF CHRISTMAS IN OCOEE The city of Ocoee will host its second annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at its historic Withers-Maguire House and Ocoee Lakeshore Center. The event is open to the public. There will be small fees for some of the activities (pony rides, horse-and-carriage rides, face-painting, a snow slide, s’mores and a silent wreath auction). Other activities are free. Santa Claus will visit the Withers-Maguire House from 5 to 9 p.m. to find out who has been naughty or nice. The Grinch also will visit the event. The Withers-Maguire House, built in 1888, will be decked out in holiday decorations and available for photo opportunities. The Friends of Ocoee History Preservation will give tours of the house, in which people can learn how holidays were celebrated at the turn of the century. The tree-lighting ceremony, involving lights on a 20-foot tall tree, will begin with lights turned on at 6 p.m. The event also will feature choir performances, a fire pit, food trucks, train rides, a bounce house, a photo booth, a deejay for live music and myriad games and activities. For more information, please call the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 9053180 or visitocoee.org and facebook.com/Cityof OcoeeParksandRecreation. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board also is sponsoring the 2014 Holiday Lighting

IF YOU GO HOLIDAY TREE-LIGHTING CELEBRATION WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 WHERE: Withers-Maguire House, 16 E. Oakland Ave., and Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee COST: Free CONTACT: (407) 905-3180 or ocoee.org; HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST WHEN: Entries due Friday, Dec. 12; Judging begins Monday, Dec. 15 COST: Free CONTACT: (407) 877-5803

Contest, for which it encourages residents to “Light Up Ocoee” by decorating their homes for the holidays. The Parks and Recreation Department must receive nominations by Dec. 12, with judging to begin on Dec. 15. All displays must be visible from the street and show creativity in their presentation. Winners will receive recognition from the Ocoee City Commission. Entry forms are available on the city website, at City Hall, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center and at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices. Call (407) 877-5803 with any questions.

FAMILY FOOD TRUCK NIGHT WHEN: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26 WHERE: Town Square

encouraged to watch from shorelines and docks. For more information, contact Jacquelyn Hefeli, (407) 876-2563, Ext. 21, or jhefeli@ town.windermere.fl.us

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

IF YOU GO SHOP SMALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29 WHERE: Downtown Winter Garden COST: Free LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 WHERE: Plant Street COST: Free

CHRISTMAS CHEER ROLLS INTO WINTER GARDEN The Downtown Winter Garden Merchants will begin the holiday season with “Shop Small for the Holidays” Saturday, Nov. 29. The merchants will be hosting a “Holiday Sidewalk Sale” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with refreshments, music, great deals and an arts market as part of the farmers’ market. The idea is to get local residents to support the small businesses in the area among their purchases of the season. During December, the “Very Merry Farmers Market” turns into Santa’s Workshop with Santa, Christmas trees and a Christmas market, says Tanja Gerhartz, economic development director for the city. Light Up Winter Garden will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, along Plant Street. The event will feature live entertainment on the main stage, strolling performers and vendors, Santa Claus, a youth chorus, arts and crafts, shopping, and children’s activities, including a snow hill for children to sled down. A street-lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. The annual Winter Garden Christmas Parade will occur at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on South Dillard and Plant streets.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

Families are encouraged to take a lawn chair or a blanket as they soak in holiday cheer and await an appearance from Santa. Judgment for the city’s annual De-light-ful Decorations Contest will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, for homes north of State Road 50, and at the same time on the following night for homes south of S.R. 50. Homes are eligible to be judged in the categories of Best Overall, Most Original, Best Theme and Best Apartment or Townhouse. Winners in each category will receive $75 for first place and $50 for second. Judging will take place on these evenings only, and winners will be contacted through the mail. Entry forms can be downloaded off the city’s website, wintergarden-fl.gov, under “Special Events,” or may be obtained at the Recreation office, 310 N. Dillard St. “We show a holiday movie every year at the Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion,” Gerhartz said. “This year, the movie will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13th. We will be showing ‘A Christmas Carol’ with Jim Carey. The movie is sponsored by the city of Winter Garden. Please

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS PARADE WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 WHERE: South Dillard and Plant streets COST: Free DE-LIGHT-FUL DECORATIONS CONTEST WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 9 and 10 COST: Free HOLIDAY MOVIE WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 WHERE: Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion COST: Free

bring a blanket and a lawn chair. Refreshments will be available for purchase.” The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will escort Santa Claus to neighborhoods within the city. Santa will be in the following areas of Winter Garden on the following dates: northeast, Dec. 15; northwest, Dec. 16; southwest, Dec. 17; south-central, Dec. 18; and southeast, Dec. 19. Santa Claus and his firefighter, police and city helpers will spread holiday music, candy and cheer as they visit the streets of Winter Garden between 5:45 and 9 p.m. An alternate date is scheduled for Dec. 22, in case of inclement weather. For more, contact Gerhartz, tgerhartz@cwgdn.com, or Jackie Wyman, jwyman@cwgdn.com.

SANTA SWINGS INTO OAKLAND Oakland will host its annual Santa Day and Christmas Sing-along Dec. 14. The Santa Day festivities will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Sing-along is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. There will be music and refreshments available, such as hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cookies. “Santa Day is for the kids,” said Valerie Gibbons, community relations manager of the town of Oakland. “They come to see Santa, sit on his lap and let him know what they want for Christmas. They also get a little gift from Santa.” The Sing-along consists of a combination of members from the different churches in Oakland forming a choir. The members of the choir assist in leading the town’s residents, guests, families and friends in singing Christmas carols with musician John Starkovich, who volunteers his time every year to lead the songs, Gibbons said. The refreshments are for everyone’s enjoyment, with the ability to listen to music while laughing, talking, mingling and allowing the children to play, she said. “We will also have food trucks if the folks there want to get a little something to eat,” she said.

IF YOU GO

SANTA DAY AND CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG WHEN: 2:30 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14 WHERE: Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St., Oakland COST: Free CONTACT: (407) 6561117, Ext: 2105 or vgibbons@oaktownusa.com

Photo by Chris Garrison

Christmas

ORIGINAL

‘Christmas by Committee: A Musical’ was written specifically for the theater’s holiday season and is influenced by Winter Garden’s history.

Competing with a crowded calendar of holiday productions throughout the arts scene in Central Florida, the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden is confident it can provide theatergoers something they have never seen before. They know this because the theater’s main December production,“Christmas by Committee: A Musical,” is an original work that was written just for the Garden Theatre for this occasion by local playwright Rob Winn Anderson. “We have, in every single one of our seasons since opening, made it a priority to feature either an original production or a world premiere or a regional premiere,” Garden Theatre Executive Director Alauna Friskics says.“So we were talking around the table and … I think it kind of just came up in the meeting, ‘Why don’t we see if

Rob would write us something. … Let’s just see if we can commission a piece of work.’” For Anderson, a veteran director, performer and playwright in the Central Florida theater scene who has worked with the theater previously on another original piece in the 2013-2014 season, last year’s “Alice Lost in Wonderland,” the opportunity to again start from scratch was a reminder of why he enjoys partnering with the Winter Garden-based group. “It’s very brave of a theater to take a chance on an original work that they know nothing about,” Anderson says.“It’s great.” Setting out to craft the script and music from scratch, Anderson had free reign so far as the project was concerned, with just one stipulation from the theater staff. “When they asked me to do

it, they really wanted me to be influenced by Winter Garden,” Anderson says. And so, the veteran playwright set out about that task and did his homework. “He went and spoke to several Winter Garden residents and historians and gathered stories from them,” Friskics says.“That’s where he started. … (He) really started to gather these rich stories of Winter Garden and has incorporated some of them into the show.” One of the unique elements of creating a production from scratch is how it can evolve in real time. What was originally going to be a piece focused on its heartwarming elements has, according to both Friskics and Anderson, morphed into more of a Christmas comedy. The characters are outlandish, as are some of the scenarios they encounter — although, Anderson notes that some of those are rooted in real things that happened in Winter Garden. Anderson has put together a diverse cast for this production, with performers ranging from high-school age to about 60 years old. Snagging the leading role of Amy, the young newcomer to the fictional town of Citrus Village who is trying to get the town’s annual Christmas show back on track, is Shelby Griswold — a teenager. “Vocally, she is just amazing,”

Anderson says of his leading lady.“She’s got great comic-timing. … She just kept bringing the right combination of humor and warmth and vocal ability (in the audition process).” Rounding out the cast is Reca Oakley as Mary Bee; Beryl Rochatka as Faye Webber; BambiEllen Fadoul as Patty Andrews; CK Anderson as Alex “Slam” Massey; David Chernault as Gus Campbell and Kevin Zepf as Mack Rayburn. Rochatka (“Music Man,” “Wizard of Oz”) and CK Anderson (“The Diviners,” “Biloxi Blues,”“Wizard of Oz,” “Hairspray”) are the sole performers who have previously performed on the Garden Theatre stage. The end product theatergoers will experience is an original, unique Christmas tale that is influenced and shaped by the very area they live in. “Rob has done a great job of really learning who we are as a community and connecting to that,” Friskics says. — Steven Ryzewski

IF YOU GO “CHRISTMAS BY COMMITTEE: A MUSICAL” WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 5 to 21 WHERE: Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden SPONSORS: Florida Hospital Winter Garden, Insight Credit Union, Duke Energy, Foundation Academy and Toole’s ACE Hardware TICKETS: $29 for adults, $25 for seniors and students, and $12 for ages 12 and under on Saturday matinees. There will be an Industry Night performance at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, with $15 tickets. CONTACT: Visit gardentheatre. org or call (407) 877-4736. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts by contacting Group Sales Manager Jana Goupil at 407-877-4736, Ext. 208.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

Keene’s Pointe

Lake Butler

Magnificent property sits on Lake Butler offering panoramic sunset views and nightly Disney fireworks. $1,675,000 Judy Black 407-810-1803

Beautiful 4 bed, 4.5 bath, luxury collection, pool home overlooking the 6th fairway. $1,120,000 Chandra Garbarino 407-274-8277

Windermere Crossing

Banana Bay

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Wanda Warmus

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Ashley Boyd 321-209-5540

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Carriage Pointe

Immaculate WINTER GARDEN 5/4 pool home in gated community with model features & mature landscaping. $440,000 Ashley Boyd 321-209-5540

Unbelievable 4/3 ½, BRAND NEW roof, cul de sac on HUGE .66 acre lot . $375,000 Sherri Palmer 407-718-0412

HUGE 5/5, 3909 sq ft with pool, 3 car garage, fireplace. Ready to go. $424,900 Sherri Palmer 407-718-0412

Brigette Hicks

Winter Garden

Large 5 bed, 4 bath pool home with incredible upgrades, overlooking the pretty pond! $530,000 Chandra Garbarino 407-274-8277

Erica Diaz

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Sherri Palmer

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Chandra Garbarino 407-274-8277

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Patti Kincaid

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Oakland

Windermere

Country Manor Estate on 1 acre in established Windermere neighborhood. Comes with tennis court. HOA $25/year! $516,000 Judy Black 407-810-1803

Maitland

Horizon West

Gated community and fenced back yard provide privacy and security for this spacious two story home. $270,000 Judy Black 407-810-1803

Summerport

2 bdrm 2 bath overlooking the pond - Many amenities in Visconti WestCall for details $109,900 Sandy Schupp 407-656-8641

Approximately 15 acres with a future land use designation as TOWNHOMES. Zoning changes still apply. Ashley Boyd 321-209-5540

Winter Garden

Buy a bit of Oakland history - house/ apartment/workshop. 3500 sf home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. $489,500 Judy Black 407-810-1803

Independence

Fantastic 3/2, tile in all living areas. Great front porch, POND in back. Oversized garage. $285,000 Sherri Palmer 407-718-0412

Independence

Lakefront 5 bedroom/5 bath heated pool home with amazing lakefront views. Disney fireworks nightly and media room. $1,249,000 Patti Kincaid 407-810-9231

Gorgeous 3/2 on CONSERVATION, 3 yrs new, granite, tile, front porch & oversized paver rear porch. $280,000 Sherri Palmer 407-718-0412

Clermont

Amazing 5 acre property on private island with over 7000 sq. ft. with horse barn! $1,299,000 Patti Kincaid 407-810-9231

Windermere

Lake Butler Sound exquisite home features 4 bedrooms/4 bath and heated pool/spa. $749,000 Patti Kincaid 407-810-9231

401 Main Street Ste. B Windermere, FL 34786 Office: 407.876.2090 Fax: 407.876.0072 www.goodtoknowinwindermere.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

Shop Local, sh

Winter Garden fo

4 E Plant St • Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 656-6578

Hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

56 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • (407) 905-4786 M-F 10-7 • Sat 9-5

Encore (407) 654-4008 129 Plant St. Winter Garden, Fl 34787

live

arden, FL 34787 457 – 5:00 pm

New, Gently Used, Consignment, and Model Home Furniture and Accessories

Custom Design

103 S. Main St., Winter Ga (407) 654-584 Hours: 11:00 - 5:30

An Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Experience

1 W

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10 – 5 Friday & Saturday, 10 - 8

(

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel

220 S Dillard St, Winter Garden

(407) 654-6169

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 9:30-5:30

Black Friday Specials - Nov 28th Buy a $100 Gift Card and keep a $20 Gift Certificate for yourself. $5 Food & Drink Specials in Tasting Room. www.ChefsTableAtTheEdgewater.com 99 W Plant St, Winter Garden

407-230-4837

Where Mothers and Shop Togeth

111 West Plant St.Winter G 407.614.380

www.katelynsboutique

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

shop Downtown

n for the Holidays 38 N. Boyd St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 656-1825 Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Shop here for UNIQUE gifts

Winter Garden, FL 34787 7) 654-5845 :00 - 5:30 Mon-Sat

Nancy’s Quilt Shop 121 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 614-8755 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm

Shaw’s Florist 21 S Main St, Winter Garden FL 34787 (407) 654-0510

141 West Plant St • Winter Garden, FL

407-654-9656

Sunday – Thursday 10 – 9 • Friday and Saturday 10 - 10

18 E Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 347-3802

Equestrian apparel, gifts and tack

WG Home

hers and Daughters p Together!

t.Winter Garden, Fl 34787 07.614.3809

sboutiqueonplant.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

139 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 614-8977 Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Winter Garden Wheel Works Sales & Service

101 W Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 654-1496 M-F 10 - 7, Sat. 9 - 5 www.wgwheelworks.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

The Premier of Real Estate, Services & Expertise Windermere Lakefront

Lake Butler Sound Estate

Priced to Sell Downtown Windermere Butler Chain Estate home with 137'+/- of lake frontage. 4693 living sf complete with 4 beds/5 bath, study, ground floor master & guest bedroom, open floor plan, large bonus room over-garage; 3 car gar, salt water pool, spa, summer kitchen & boathouse. Recently remodeled with hand scraped planked hardwood floors, travertine marble, & custom kitchen. $1,590,000 | Contact: Kari Fleck (407) 925-5283

Windermere Country Club

Priced to Sell Lake Butler Sound Estate built by Award Winning Brierhill Custom Homes. Complete with 4,499 living sf, 4 beds/4.5 bath, study, 2nd floor bonus room & bedroom suite, pool & spa, summer kitchen, 3 car gar, paved circular driveway & motor court on oversized & fenced +/-.60 acre lot. Twenty Four hour manned gated community with English Garden inspired parks. $1,125,000 | Contact: Kari Fleck - (407) 925-5283

Sold Fully furnished Windermere Country Club lakefront estate features 6200 living sf, 6 beds/7 bath with office/game room. Oversized lot with 135’+/- of frontage on Lake Crescent with boat house. Two master suites, gas FP, wet bar, pool/spa with summer kitchen, 2-car gar & much more. $1,299,900 | Contact: Kimberly Suedmeyer (407) 963-4186

Ask about The Real Estate Collection's Yellow Ribbon Service We directly give back to our educators, medical care professionals, first responders, active military & vets. We thank you & give 15% commission rebate on a closed house. The Terms of the Yellow Ribbon Commission Rebate shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida and The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) Rule 61J2-10.028(2) and FREC Rule 61J2-10.025. Conditions or limitations may apply and is not false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading advertising.

KARI FLECK

Broker/Owner Kari@TheRealEstateCollection.com (407) 925-5283 Windermere Lakefront Resident & Specialist since 1993

KIMBERLY SUEDMEYER

Broker-Associate, Realtor® Your West Orange & Lake County Specialist!

Kimberly@TheRealEstateCollection.com (407) 963-4186 www.SuedmeyerTeam.com

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • BUSINESS • INDUSTRIAL • LAND • DEVELOPMENT • MANAGEMENT Offices in Central & South Florida Corporate Office: 100 West Plant Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787 • Info@TheRealEstateCollection.com 877-407-TREC (8732) • www.TheRealEstateCollection.com HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

SHIPPING DEADLINES

Dec. 20: Delivery of UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Next Day Air and UPS 2nd Day Air packages processed and labeled for Saturday delivery.

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

FEDEX

Dec. 15: Standard Post Service (domestic)

These are the last days to ship domestically with FedEx to ensure your package will arrive before Dec. 25.

Dec. 17: Global Express Guaranteed for Asia/ Pacific Rim, Australia/New Zealand and the Middle East Dec. 18: Global Express Guaranteed for Africa

Ov deli ernigh very t

UPS

Dec. 18: Global Express Guaranteed for the Caribbean, Central and South America and Europe Dec. 19: Global Express Guaranteed for Canada

Dec. 12: FedEx SmartPost Dec. 17: FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery Dec. 20: FedEx Express Saver Dec. 22: FedEx 2Day A.M. and FedEx 2Day

Dec. 20: Priority Mail (domestic)

Dec. 23: FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight and FedEx Standard Overnight

Dec. 23: Priority Mail Express (domestic)

Dec. 25: FedEx SameDay

Dec. 20: First-Class Mail (domestic)

MILITARY MAIL

Where you will find lots of

Unique Gift Ideas and Holiday Decor!

First-Class Parcel Mail Letters Airlift Address Priority Mail Express and Cards Priority Mail Mail APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 090-092 Dec. 17 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 3 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 N/A Dec. 3 Dec. 3 Dec. 3 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 094-098 Dec. 17 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 3 APO/FPO/DPO AA ZIP 340 Dec. 17 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 3 APO/FPO/DPO AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec. 17 Dec. 10 Dec. 10 Dec. 3

Dec. 21: Delivery of UPS Worldwide Express, UPS Worldwide Express Freight, UPS Next Day Air and UPS 2nd Day Air shipments processed and labeled for Saturday delivery. Pick-up service provided for regular Saturday pick-up customers of air and international shipments only, or if prearranged by Friday, Dec. 19. This is the last day to ship UPS 2nd Day Air packages in time for Christmas (arriving Tuesday, Dec. 24). Dec. 22: Normal pick-up and delivery service. This is the last day to ship UPS 2nd Day Air packages in time for Christmas (arriving Wednesday, Dec. 24). Dec. 23: Normal pick-up and delivery service. This is the last day to ship UPS Next Day Air packages in time for Christmas (delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 24). Dec. 24: Normal delivery of air, international and ground shipments. Pick-up service available for air and international shipments if prearranged by Tuesday, Dec. 23. No UPS Ground, UPS Standard or 3 Day Select pick-ups until Dec. 26.

Tommy Bahama Sample Shop OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

WE HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FASHIONS. ALONG WITH ACCESSORIES, HATS, JEWELRY, WATCHES, CANDLES AND GIFT GIVING IDEAS. OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-6PM

407-730-4880

1235 North Orange Ave. • Orlando, Fl 32804 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

Season’s

to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade. Visit cwgdn.com.

Greetings

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS! 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at First Baptist Church Windermere, 300 Main St., Windermere. Event will feature inflatables, crafts, pizza, birthday cake and more. Cost is $8 for one child, $15 for two, $20 for three, and a maximum cost of $25 per family. Call (407) 876-2234.

The holiday spirit is alive and well in West Orange, and the community will offer a plethora of events for you and your family to enjoy. SATURDAY, NOV. 29

SHOP SMALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29, in downtown Winter Garden. The Downtown Winter Garden Merchants will begin the holiday season with a Holiday Sidewalk Sale with refreshments, music, great deals and an arts market.

MONDAY, DEC. 1

THE TASTING ROOM: MAKING A DIFFERENCE 4 p.m. Dec. 1, at The Tasting Room, 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Mention to the server you are with the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, and a portion of all food and beverage sales will benefit the fund. Visit jccancerfund.org.

TUES, DEC. 2

“SOUNDS OF THE SEASON” 6 p.m. Dec. 2, at Windy Ridge School, 3900 Beech Tree Drive, Orlando. Call (407) 296-5100.

THURS., DEC. 4

“CHARACTERS AND CAROLERS” 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5 and 6; and 1 p.m. Dec. 6, at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka Vine-

land Road, Orlando. Tickets are $10 and free for Orange County Public Schools staff. Call (407) 905-6400, Ext. 3221. THESPIAN SHOWCASE 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, at Lakeview Middle School, 1200 W. Bay St., Winter Garden. Call (407) 877-5010.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

CHRISTMAS WITH THE BASILICA CHOIR 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The Basilica Choir and Orchestra, directed by William Picher, will perform the music of Hassler, Praetorius, Rutter and more. Tickets are $18. (407) 239-6600. LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN 6:15 p.m. Dec. 5, on Plant Street, downtown Winter Garden. Welcome the holiday season with live entertainment, vendors, shopping and children’s activities. Street-lighting ceremony will be

TUESDAY, DEC. 9

held at 6:15 p.m. Visit cwgdn.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS 7 p.m. Dec. 6, at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center Performance Hall 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont. Organized by Montverde Academy and the city of Clermont, the event will feature musical performers, including American operatic grande tenor Ben Gulle. (407) 469-2561.

DE-LIGHT-FUL DECORATIONS 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9, to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10, in Winter Garden. Judging for Winter Garden’s annual De-LightFul Decorations contest will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, for homes north of State Road 50 and Wednesday, Dec. 10, for homes south of S.R. 50. For applications to participate, visit cwgdn.com. STRINGS WINTER CONCERT 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, at Lakeview Middle School, 1200 W. Bay St., Winter Garden. Call (407) 877-5010.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10

OCOEE CHRISTMAS PARADE 1 p.m. Dec. 6, beginning at the intersections of Maguire Road and Enterprise Street and ending at Municipal Lakefront Park at Ocoee City Hall. Parade will be presented by the Ocoee Lions Club in conjunction with the city of Ocoee. Visit ocoeelionsclub.org.

G3 CHRISTMAS CAROLING HAYRIDE 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10, at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. Bring your own dinner. Dinner takes place from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and the group will carol from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call (407) 656-1135.

‘TIS THE SEASON 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6, and 4 p.m. Dec. 7, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Concert presented by St. Luke’s Traditional Music Ministries. Call (407) 8764991.

BAND WINTER CONCERT 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11, at Lakeview Middle School, 1200 W. Bay St., Winter Garden. Call (407) 877-5010.

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS PARADE 10 a.m. Dec. 6, at South Dillard and Plant streets, downtown Winter Garden. A long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition will delight spectators and bring in holiday cheer. Don’t forget

THURSDAY, DEC. 11

AN EVENING OF REFLECTION 7 p.m. Dec. 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church Orlando, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Listen to the real story of Advent and Christmas unfold in the words of God. Hear and sing the music of the season presented by the Holy Family Concert Choir. Call (407) 876-2211.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

“DUDE, YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?” 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11, at the Foundation Academy North Campus, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Visit foundationacademy.net.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, and 4 p.m. Dec. 14, at the church, 218 E. Oakland Ave. This medieval costumed musical performance premiered last year under the direction of Pat Hines. Call (407) 656-4452.

Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Event includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookies, live performances and a screening of Disney’s “Frozen.”

HOLIDAY CONCERT 6 p.m. Dec. 11, at Westbrooke Elementary School, 500 Tomyn Blvd., Ocoee. The school’s chorus, Orff Ensemble and orchestra all will perform. Call (407) 656-6228.

WINDERMERE HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Windermere. The movie will be Disney’s “Frozen.” Visit town.windermere.fl.us.

“NO STAR, NO MOON, NO WAY” 10 a.m. Dec. 14, at Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere. This Christmas pageant tells the story of how Mary and Joseph had to find their way to Bethlehem without a star. Call (407) 876-2112.

WINDERMERE HOLIDAY SOCIAL 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 11, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Windermere. The town and Windermere Police Department will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots. Call Jacquelyn Hefeli, (407) 876-2563, Ext. 21.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12

SNOW SONG 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12, at Camp Ithiel, 2037 Hempel Ave., Gotha. Foundation Academy’s choir will present its Christmas program at this formal ticketed event. For tickets, call (407) 877-2744. Visit foundationacademy.net. HOLIDAY CONCERT 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, at Whispering Oak Elementary School, 15300 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Winter Garden. Call (407) 656-7773.

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS CONCERT 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Visit gardencommunitychoir.org. WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT 7 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Winter Garden downtown pavilion. The movie will be “A Christmas Carol” with Jim Carrey. Visit cwgdn.com. NEHRLING GARDENS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13, at the gardens, 2267 Hemple Ave., Gotha. Event includes garden tours, nature crafts, entertainment, gift market, photos with Santa and more. Visit nehrlinggardens.org.

MOVIE ON THE LAWN AND LIVE NATIVITY TOUR 6 to 7:30 p.m. (food and tour) and 8 p.m. (movie) Dec. 12, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Call (407) 876-4991.

“THE ORNAMENT” 6 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14, at West Orlando Baptist Church, 1006 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee. Visit westorlandobaptistchurch. com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

METROWEST WINTERFEST 2014 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 14, at MetroWest

OAKLAND PRESBYTERIAN BOAR’S HEAD PAGEANT

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

OAKLAND SANTA DAY and Christmas Sing-along 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Santa Day) and 5 to 6 p.m. (Sing-along) Dec. 14, at the town center, 220 N. Tubb St. Visit oaktownusa.com. “WE THREE SPIES” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 14, at Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando. For more, call (407) 291-2886.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16

CHORUS & HANDBELL CONCERT 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16, at Lakeview Middle, 1200 W. Bay St., Winter Garden. Call (407) 877-5010.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17

PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 10 a.m. Dec. 17, at Foundation Academy North Campus, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Visit foundationacademy.net. WINDERMERE’S 10TH ANNUAL BOAT PARADE 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, with boats meeting at Bird Island at 5 p.m. Visit town.windermere.fl.us.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21

BLUE CHRISTMAS 4 p.m. Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. This is a candlelight service for lost loved ones. Call (407) 656-1135.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

CHOIR CONCERT 7 p.m. Dec. 21, at Vineland Road Christian Fellowship, 890 Vineland Road, Winter Garden. Call (407) 656-3949. “CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21, at Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando. Call (407) 291-2886. LIVE NATIVITY 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23, at Ocoee Church of God, 1105 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee. Call (407) 656-8011. “ONE UPON A HOLY NIGHT” 10 a.m. Dec. 21, at Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere. Call (407) 876-2112.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24

CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Windermere Union Church, United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere. Call (407) 876-2112. “WHAT REALLY HAPPENED” 7 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24, at Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando. Call (407) 291-2886.

Christmas Treats West Orange Style! ITCHING FOR SOME ITALIAN | TIRAMISU Stina D’Uva, president and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, says this recipe came straight from Grottammare, Italy, via her Aunt Graziella. INGREDIENTS: 2 8-ounce packages marscapone cheese 1 cup sugar 4 eggs 1/3 cup or so, Kahlua 2 to 3 packages Savoiardi

cookies, available at Publix and Wal-Mart 8 ounces espresso 8 ounces water 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar Powdered cocoa

METHOD: • Prepare at least 8 ounces of espresso and combine in a bowl with the water and add sugar to taste. Let sit. • Separate egg yolks and whites and place in separate bowls. Whip up egg whites until they peak. • Add 1 cup sugar to the egg yolks, whip together. Then add marscapone and blend together. Add Kahlua and blend together. You may add more to taste, but don’t let it get too runny. Fold in egg whites. • For the final step, have ready a glass baking dish or other decorative dish that is at least 13-by-9. Dip Savoiardi cookie into watereddown espresso. Place side by side in baking dish until the bottom of the dish is covered. Take half the marscapone batter and spread over the cookies. Repeat this step so that you have two layers. • Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle entire top with powdered cocoa.

SEASON’S SPICE | NUTMEG LOGS Allison Olszewski, Winter Garden resident and wife of City Commissioner Bobby Olszewski, says this recipe creates a great treat at Christmas for sweet-tooth owners of all ages. INGREDIENTS: LOGS: 1 cup butter 2 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoon rum flavor 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 3 cup flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg

FROSTING: 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon rum flavor 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2-3 teaspoon cream or milk 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg METHOD: • For the logs, blend all ingredients and shape into small logs before baking. • Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Add frosting and decorate.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means, among other things, there will be plenty of entertaining to do as friends and family find their way to your home. And, if you’re going to have people over during the holidays, you’d better have some darn good holiday desserts that can knock their socks off!

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with some awesome recipes from your West Orange County neighbors! Enjoy these recipes and, if you try one and like it, let us know — email Sports Editor Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes. com. — Steven Ryzewski

MELT YOUR HEART | MELTING MOMENT COOKIES Page Weibley, a chef from Oakland, says this recipe is a must during the holiday season, and it is easy enough that anyone can do it. INGREDIENTS: COOKIES: 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cake flour 3/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (6 ounces) pure Irish butter at room temperature 3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract FILLING: 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 ounce dark bittersweet chocolate, melted (optional)

METHOD: COOKIES: • Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. • In a medium bowl, sift both flours, cornstarch, baking powder and salt and set aside. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and lightened slightly in color, 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during the mixing. Mix in the flour mixture just until the flour is incorporated and a smooth dough forms. • For each cookie, roll a level tablespoon of dough between the palms of your hands into a smooth ball. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Use a fork to gently flatten the cookies to 1 1/4-inch disks and to make an impression of the fork tines in the top of each.

• Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until the tops feel firm but do not darken, about 30 minutes. The cookie bottoms will be lightly browned. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. Use a wide metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. FROSTING: • In a medium bowl, use a large spoon to stir the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in melted chocolate, if desired. • Turn half of the cooled cookies bottom side up. Use a thin metal spatula to spread a rounded teaspoon of filling evenly over the flat bottom of each. Gently press the flat bottom of the remaining cookies on the filling. Serve at room temperature. • Cookies can be stored in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

SWEET TOOTH | HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIES Mercedes Tamayo-Blackwell is the owner of The Cake Studio, cakestudioorlando.com, and an adjunct professor in the Pastry Arts program at Valencia College. These sugar cookies keep everyone happy for Mercedes come holiday time. INGREDIENTS: 3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond or lemon also can be used) Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

METHOD:

RIVER RUN | BOURBON PIE The man behind the chain of 4 Rivers restaurants in Central Florida, including the location in Winter Garden on West Colonial Drive, also has a bit of a sweet tooth. Chef John Rivers, who features this recipe in his cookbook, The Southern Cowboy, says this go-to dessert is transcendent among everyone and the addition of a little bourbon creates “a smooth undertone of flavor that elevates the classic to a whole new level.” INGREDIENTS: CRUST: 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup all-purpose flour FILLING: 3⁄4 cup light brown sugar 3⁄4 cup dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

4 eggs 1 cup light corn syrup 2 cups toasted pecan halves 2 to 4 tablespoons bourbon (depending on your preference for the strength of the bourbon flavor) WHIPPED CREAM: 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. • Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg, milk and extract and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours. • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If the dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. • Cut into desired shape, place at least 1-inch apart on a greased baking sheet, parchment or silicone baking mat, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. • Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on a wire rack. Serve as is or ice and decorate as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

METHOD: CRUST: • Process butter, cream cheese and flour in a food processor until dough just begins to form a ball. Flatten dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight. • Rub flour over a rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll cold dough gently from center to the edge, maintaining a circle shape, rotating and flouring dough to make sure it doesn’t stick. • Fold dough in half, place in a 9-inch pie pan and unfold to fit pan. FILLING: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into crust. Bake for 35 minutes (center of filling should be slightly soft). Transfer to rack and let cool 3 to 4 hours.

BERRY GOOD | GRAND MARNIER BERRIES SAUTE Chef Kevin Tarter of the Chef’s Table at Edgewater in Winter Garden thinks this dessert is just what your holiday gathering needs. INGREDIENTS: 4 toasted and split scones or biscuits 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup Grand Marnier 1 cup each of blueberries,

strawberries (halved), blackberries and raspberries 1 stick salted butter juice of 1 large lime

METHOD: ASSEMBLE: • For the whipped cream topping, combine all ingredients in a mixer and whip until stiff peaks form. Give each slice of pie a generous dollop. VARIATIONS You can add 1⁄2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling to make Chocolate Pecan Pie. And you can add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to whipped cream for an extra kick.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

• Melt butter over med-high heat, add sugar and all berries when rich syrup is achieved add Grand Marnier and light with match. • Once strawberries are tender, add lime juice spoon over scone/biscuit • Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

DELICIOUS DESIGN

GINGERBREAD HOUSE HOW-TO: Follow the steps below for this easy-to-make gingerbread house that’s easy enough for children to create. Assorted candies such as Necco wafers, ribbon candy, M&Ms, assorted hard candy, gum drops, Red Hots, peppermints, mini marshmallows, mini candy canes, sprinkles, Tootsie Rolls, Life Savers, jaw breakers and red licorice

1/2 pint milk carton; empty, rinsed and stapled shut

1 16-ounce container vanilla frosting

3 graham crackers

OTHER: Small bowls or containers, plastic knife, base (plate or cardboard) and cotton balls (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: • Divide candies into individual bowls or containers. • Break all three graham crackers in half.

• Spread icing to the bottom, or flat sides, of the crackers, and adhere to milk carton to form the house’s walls and roof. (If frosting is too thin, add powdered sugar.) • Working on one section at a time,

cover the graham crackers with frosting and decorate with candy. Create windows, doors and chimneys using various candies. Use frosting to place either marsh-

mallows or cotton balls around the house and the base to form snow. • Allow to dry overnight.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Times WEST ORANGE

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Office Manager / Sales / Rose Blankenship, rblankenship@wotimes.com

For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gufstason, (321) 239-3252, or Dawn Willis, (407) 656-2121. The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER