10.20.22 West Orange Times & Observer

Winter Garden,

Running club off to a fast start

BEARS WHO CARE PLANS 5K

Max effort

The fifth annual Bears Who Care OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Walk at Hamlin will take place this Sunday, Oct. 23, beginning at Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital, 17000 Porter Road, Winter Garden.

Bears Who Care provides teddy bears and books to chil dren in need in the community. After the 5K and Kid’s Run, enjoy a morning of activities, including live entertainment, interactive sponsor booths, raffles, a scavenger hunt and prize giveaways. “Days of our Lives” star Eric Martsolf is scheduled to make an appear ance, and VIP experiences are available.

Registration for in-person participation is $40 through Oct. 22 and $45 the day of the event. Prices for the Kid’s Run are $25 and $30. For virtual participation, the cost is $45 for adults and $30 for children. The VIP experience is $150. For more information, visit bearswhocare.org/okto bearfest.

Honoring our hero

Windermere recognizes Pine family during pre-game ceremonies.

PAGE 3A.

Once a rising start in the MLB,

through his Winter Garden-based

Leaders discuss amendments to utilities, water systems

Winter Garden commission ers approved unanimously the first reading of an ordinance to amend portions of Article II and Article IV of Chapter 78 in the Code of Ordinances. PAGE 2A.

shares his

REIGNING WARRIORS

West Orange High finally was able to host its full slate of Homecoming festivities. SEE PAGE 7B.

Max

Healthy West Orange kicked

2022 Westly’s Mile Running Club

Elementary.

City commissioners discuss code amendments

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The city of Winter Garden approved the first reading of a proposal to amend portions of the Code of Ordi nances concerning utilities and the city’s water and wastewater systems at the City Commission meeting Thursday, Oct. 13.

The request is to amend portions of Article II and Article IV of Chapter 78 creating provisions concerning water and sanitary sewer systems, industrial waste, and connections and services to industrial uses.

The amendment would clarify the city will no longer provide new water and wastewater connections and services to industrially zoned properties located outside of the city limits, and will not allow an increase in the volume or capacity of water or wastewater services for existing connections for such prop erties.

Assistant City Attorney Dan

Langley, who helped draft the ordi nance, said the city has engaged with an environmental attorney the city approached to discuss how to deal with microplastics that may affect the wastewater treatment plan and system.

Langley said the environmental attorney came back with language the city could add to the industrial retreatment remedying require ments.

“It would require any indus trial user that is in that business to provide scientific data to ensure that whatever they flush down the wastewater system will not create a problem for the wastewater treat ment facility,” he said. “Part of the highlights were also clarifying that we do in fact require an industrial waste treatment permit for cer tain types of users, specifically any industrial zone use, we require a special permit. There has been some misunderstanding about that … not by the city or staff but by others.”

The ordinance also puts an inter nal policy into the code that the city manager adopted that deals with the timing of permits for indus trial users, which Langley said has already been in practice.

The first reading of the ordinance passed unanimously, with Mayor John Rees absent.

PAM REHAB HOSPITAL

During the City Commission’s rescheduled meeting Wednesday, Oct. 5, the commission approved an ordinance relating to the PAM Rehab Hospital where the applicant requested an amendment to the subject property’s existing Planned Commercial Development zoning.

The ordinance addresses the 5.51acre property, located at 541 Win ter Garden-Vineland Road, and includes amended PCD require ments to permit the development of the site with a new single-story 50,000-square-foot physical reha bilitation hospital with associated site development such as landscap ing, outdoor rehabilitation areas, sidewalks and stormwater infra structure.

Community Development Direc tor Steve Pash said the proposed PCD amendment is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and the city of Winter Garden Code of Ordinances.

The ordinance passed unani mously.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The City Commission delayed the first reading of a series of three ordinances related to 30.24 acres located on Tilden Road for a future unannounced date.

The applicant was request ing to annex the parcel into the city, as well as amend the future land use and rezone the property to Planned Unit Development.

Assistant City Manager Frank Gilbert said he would like more time to study the proposals before making recommendations.

n Commissioners delayed the second reading of an ordinance related to 3.04 acres located at 14990 W. Colonial Drive for a future unannounced date. The applicant was request ing to rezone the property to Planned Commercial Development to allow the redevelopment of the site from a 2,617-square-foot gas station to a 5,200-squarefoot gas station. Gilbert said he would like more time to study the proposals before making recommendations.

n Winter Garden commis sioners approved a site plan for the property located at 78 3rd St., 11 2nd St. and 230 E. Bay St. for the Florida Paint Warehouse Expansion. The applicant is propos ing to expand the existing 59,800-square-foot building with a 10,700-square-foot expansion on the northern portion of the site. The project also will have associ ated development, including landscaping and pedestrian walkways. The 2.164-acre subject property is desig nated Industrial on the city’s Future Land Use Map and is zoned I-2, General Industrial District.

n The City Commission approved the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s 14th an nual Poker Tournament for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Tanner Hall, 29. W. Garden Ave.

n Gilbert thanked residents for their patience with debris collection citing difficulty with contractors. Gilbert said the city has col lected 12,000 cubic yards as of the meeting on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Remembering their sacrifice

Windermere High School honored the Pine family before its football game Friday, Oct. 14. The Wolverines play their games at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park, named for the Orange County deputy sheriff who was killed in the line of duty in 2014.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Haley Pine had just turned 6 when her daddy, a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed while on duty in 2014. Her brothers, Ryker and Maddox, were just 4 years old and 14 months old. Their mother, Bridget Pine, was a widow at the age of 34.

Today, eight years later, Scott Pine remains a part of their daily lives through photographs, stories and the occasional cookie cake, Scott’s favor ite dessert. Haley is now 14, Ryker is 13, and Maddox is 9. And even though the youngest doesn’t remember his father, he still holds him close to his heart.

Bridget Pine wants people to remember her husband and his sac rifices, and she and her children con tinue to accept invitations to honor Scott. The most recent event was held Friday night, Oct. 14, at Deputy Scott Pine Community Park, in Horizon West, where the Windermere High Wolverines play their home football games.

Bridget and her three children were introduced before the game. She tossed the coin and spoke to some of the football players, the fam ily accepted a football signed by the senior players, and then Maddox took his place among the players to run through the tunnel to signal the start of the game.

“That was so impactful for the fam ily,” Bridget said of the experience.

Also present were several members of the Sheriff’s Office and Scott Boyd, the former Orange County commis sioner who proposed the park’s name.

“Some of these kids — they know they are playing on a nice field, and they know the name of it but don’t know the story behind it,” she said.

“It gives us a chance to share Scott’s legacy and to tell his story. It’s an opportunity for us to let them know, ‘This is why we are here.’

“Scott loved football, and he would love to know they are playing on a field named after him,” she said. “It brings our family a lot of joy to be able to honor their father in such a way, and it’s a joy to watch these kids on the field. They let us stay at track level during the game, and it was just very special. And they scored at the end. We were really happy.”

Bridget said her children look for ward to events honoring their father, especially when they are held at “his” park.

‘A PART OF OUR LIVES’

The family’s sense of loss is felt just as deeply today.

“In our house, we talk about him almost every day,” Bridget said of Scott. “We’re always talking about Dad. Even eight years later, we have good days and bad days. Some days are more challenging than others.

There are bigger events that happen in their lives that are hard but happy at the same time. But we try to find joy in each of them. We do it for Scott; he would want us to have the same expe riences that everyone else has.”

Bridget said their children are resil ient and are doing better than she is. All three have discovered the world of competitive gymnastics.

“We have learned to find ways to find joy even (with) him not being here,” she said. “But there are days that are very challenging and sad. As time goes, you figure out how to function but still keep him a part of our lives.”

Scott is celebrated on his birthday, July 12.

“We always have some type of cookie cake because that was his favorite,” Bridget said. “We always

DEPUTY SHERIFF JONATHAN SCOTT PINE

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Pine grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana. He met his wife, Bridget, when he moved to Central Florida. He worked in banking for many years until pursuing a career in law enforce ment. Pine was hired at the OCSO in January 2011. He was killed in the line of duty three years later, Feb. 11, 2014, at the age of 34 — leaving behind a wife, three children and an ex tended family.

Pine was shot and killed while responding to reports of car break-ins in the Westminster Landing subdivision off South Apopka-Vineland Road. In 2018, Orange County opened a new park in Horizon West and named it Deputy Scott Pine Community Park.

sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. We go out to the cemetery usually, and we take something new. The kids make things. We’ve done stepping stones in the past, or we hang different flags. We put new flowers out, of course.”

Holiday meals usually include one

of Scott’s favorite dishes. At Christ mastime, the four of them take a fam ily photo and include a picture of their daddy.

LEGACY LIVES ON Phillip Pacheco, a Windermere High parent, started the tradition of invit ing the Pine family to a Wolverine football game.

“A couple games had gone by, and I was sitting … in the stands, and I saw the Deputy Scott Pine sign and won dered if (the school) had invited the Pines,” he said.

The school administration loved the idea, and a tradition was born. The pandemic put a temporary halt to the annual event, but this year marked its return.

“It’s really important for the com munity to remember the sacrifices that take place,” Pacheco said.

In addition to the park being named for Deputy Pine, there are other ways Scott is remembered.

The Orange County Sheriff Foun dation gives out an annual award called the Scott Pine Award of Excel lence. It is presented to a member of the sheriff’s office who represents Scott’s character, Bridget said.

She typically goes to these events.

“Anything that we are offered to attend to honor Scott, we always try to be there,” she said. “We’re so for tunate with the community, even after so many years, still reaching out to us. … It’s just wonderful to our family that they reach out to us and remember us and Scott and his legacy. … We’re thankful for the community remembering our sacrifice.”

The Pine family lives in Winter Gar den, and Bridget is a physical thera pist working in acute care primar ily at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Haley, Ryker and Maddox stay busy with school and competitive gymnastics.

BRIEFS

PRIME LOCATION: AMAZON CHOOSES W.G. FOR GROCER

A new mystery grocery store is coming to the area.

An official building permit pulled from the city has confirmed the tenant name to be “Mendel Gro cery” who will be joining the Dan iels Road Business Park project.

“Mendel” is a name that Amazon has used in planning documents for Amazon Fresh stores in Wash ington, D.C., and other markets.

Amazon Fresh is an online and physical grocery store that offers “low prices on everyday favorites, plus free same-day delivery and pickup in select locations for Prime members,” according to the organi zation’s website.

“Amazon Fresh is a new grocery store designed from the ground up to offer a seamless grocery shopping experience,” Amazon says on its website.

“Customers will find a wide assortment of national brands and high-quality produce, meat and seafood; plus, our culinary team offers customers a range of delicious prepared foods made fresh in store, every day.”

Amazon Fresh currently has more than 40 locations throughout the country, including in California, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland and New York.

Construction is well underway on the Daniels Road Business Park project, and representatives from Intram Investments Inc. said the company is on schedule to deliver the project to the tenants early in the second quarter of 2023.

The project, at 1200 Daniels Road and 1211 Winter Garden Vine land Road, is owned by Daniels 4 Partners LLC, an affiliate of Intram, which is supervising the develop ment of the project.

OAKLAND SECURES $85K GRANT FOR BLACK CEMETERY

The town of Oakland will receive grant funding of $85,000 to con tinue the restoration of the townowned Historic African American Cemetery. The grant agreement was approved as part of the con sent agenda at the Oct. 11 Oakland Town Commission meeting.

Town officials applied for the money last year in hopes of fur thering its work in the cemetery. In the first phase, the town removed some underbrush; gathered information on burial sites; and created a plan for preservation and maintenance. This grant will allow the town to build additional perimeter fencing to match what Pulte Homes installed, build nonintrusive pathways through the cemetery, design and fabricate signage and grave markers, and continue removing invasive trees and vegetative growth.

This was not a matching grant; however, the town budget includes $20,000 in additional monies for the cemetery restoration.

The commission also authorized Town Manager Steve Koontz to sign a letter of intent to purchase the property at 19 Petris Ave. The 5,750-square-foot parcel is near the arts and heritage center and could be used for event parking or to build additional office space.

The asking price is $150,000.

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE OPENS IN HAMLIN

Miller’s Ale House is now open in Hamlin.

The Florida-based American restaurant and sports bar chain is known for signature items, including zingers, mountain melts, sandwiches, seafood dishes and steak dinners.

Ale House also offers a fullservice bar featuring specialty cocktails, a vast wine selection and more than 75 varieties of local craft, seasonal and domestic beers.

The Horizon West location first broke ground in February and opened to the public Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The restaurant is locat ed at 16428 New Independence Parkway. Although it is in its softopening phase, projected hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to midnight Sundays.

Photos by Phillip Pacheco | Central Florida Event Photography

Former MLB player shares love of the game

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Max Sapp can’t remember a time when baseball wasn’t a part of his life. As a child, the 32-yearold Winter Garden resident and for mer Major League Baseball player was happiest when he had a bat in his hand.

“I grew up around baseball my whole entire life,” he said. “We had a batting cage in our backyard, and I would hit three every single day until my parents would say, ‘Stop.’ … I was having so much fun (I wouldn’t want to stop playing).”

And he was gifted — so much so that the Houston Astros selected him in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft.

However, his MLB career was short-lived. Just two years later, on Dec. 11, 2008, Sapp experienced the first seizure that would change his life.

Sapp developed meningitis — an inflammation of the fluid and the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord.

After being admitted at Florida Hospital, doctors placed him in a coma for about 17 days. He was put on a ventilator to help him breathe.

“I had to (relearn) how to walk, and that was tough, because you don’t really know what you are doing, but you don’t want to end on a chair the rest of your life,” Sapp said. “So that was one of my biggest goals.”

Because of the residual seizures caused by the meningitis, Sapp retired from playing professional baseball. However, even though he is no longer playing, Sapp’s influence on the game remains mighty.

OPENING THE ACADEMY

In 2015, Sapp opened his own base ball and softball academy called Max Sapp Baseball Academy, in Winter Garden.

“I love teaching lessons, because I want to teach the kids the right way how to play the sport,” he said. “I would say I’m an instructor (who) wants them to play the game and have fun.

“We are all here for a reason, and my reason was to play baseball,” he said. “But this (teaching and coach ing) is baseball … so this hasn’t taken me away from the sport. Once you are in the game, you can’t stop, real ly. But even though I have seizures, I still have fun with the kids and still throw some balls and still play with them.”

Winter Garden resident Dean Spinogatti learned of Sapp through Windermere Little League Vice President of Operations Krista Kirk about 18 months ago. He asked Sapp if he could coach his daughter —

Danika Spinogatti, a softball catcher.

“To me, Max is someone who is an honest, hard-working guy,” Dean Spinogatti said. “He is someone who had the golden ticket, being drafted right out of high school, and then had a big change in his life. And to be able to still have the passion to be around the game — and help kids the way he does — it’s amazing. He’s got a great demeanor with kids, he’s very receptive, he’s got patience — which is something you need as an instruc tor. And it seems that his main focus is to try to pass down the knowledge (he has of the sport).”

Sapp has the ability to see and rec ognize the things he needs to work with each of his students, regardless of if it is within the world of baseball or softball.

Depending on the age and skill level of his students, Sapp spends between 30 and 90 minutes working on individual lessons with them. His academy has batting cages, a base ball field and a pitching mount where children can perfect the skills of the sport.

“I always tell them, ‘Let’s work on the basics,’” he said. “All I want is for them to learn how to play the game and have fun.

“I play games with them; it helps them understand the reason why we

do certain things in the sport,” he said.

Sapp currently lives with his dad, Jeff Sapp, in a house adjacent to his academy, as he is unable to drive because of the seizures.

UNDER CONTROL

In the first few years after the first episode, Sapp used to experience at least one seizure every week. Today, it’s been almost a year since his last one.

“It used to be when I felt a seizure coming in, I tried to fight it,” he said. “Now if I feel something coming, I find somebody to help me.”

Most of Sapp’s students are aware of what they have to do to help him in case he experiences a seizure while they are with him.

“If I have a seizure, hold my head, (I tell them),” Sapp said. “That’s pretty much what you can do.”

A normal seizure can last any where from one to three minutes. A bad one can last five minutes.

To stabilize him, Sapp has a Vagus Nerve Stimulation device. The implant helps stimulate the vagus nerve, which starts in the brain and runs through the body to carry mes sages. The device uses electrical impulses to help reduce the number, length and severity of the seizures.

“If you hear my voice changing, it’s the VNS cord trying to regulate my body,” Sapp said.

Working on his athleticism also has helped him control the amount of seizures he has been experienc ing — so, he practices CrossFit on a regular basis.

“We are all here for a reason, and my reason was to play baseball. But this (teaching and coach ing) is baseball … so this hasn’t taken me away from the sport. Once you are in the game, you can’t stop, really. But even though I have sei zures, I still have fun with the kids and still throw some balls and still play with them.”

— Max Sapp

“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

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Andrea Mujica

Despite being a former baseball player, Max Sapp has expanded his lessons to the world of softball.

Max Sapp with student Danika Spinogatti: The pair meets a few days a week for one-on-one lessons.

AdventHealth, Rothman open orthopedic office

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

An elite health care partnership is bringing world-renowned sub-spe cialized care to Winter Garden.

AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute partnered to open a new office Monday, Sept. 26, at 2200 Fowler Grove Blvd., Suite 320.

The office brings comprehensive orthopedic services, including sports medicine, sports medicine surgery, hand specialists and joint replace ment. The location also offers physi cal therapy, occupational therapy and orthotics.

Although the location capac ity is 140 to 150 patients per day, the organization already is seeing about 80 to 100 patients daily and plans to complete its opening with the 2,500-square-foot physical therapy area Monday, Nov. 7, with all thera pists employed by AdventHealth.

Dr. Daryl Osbahr, managing direc tor and chief of orthopedic surgery at Rothman Orthopedics for Florida, said health care in the West Orange area has not always been something easy for people to access. He hopes this location changes that.

“People have been traveling else where, but with the growth that’s happening here … it was one of the places we initially targeted,” Osbahr said. “I used to see patients in the Winter Garden area, and I saw the lack of resources in the area, but our partners at AdventHealth have made such a difference in getting that spe cialized health care close to home. Our goal at every Rothman site is for the community to have access to every sub-specialty.”

ABOUT ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS

Rothman Orthopaedics was founded in 1970 and currently has eight locations in Florida, in cluding an Urgent Care partner ship with AdventHealth in Winter Park.

In Florida, the orthopedic institute employees about 170 individuals including 29 physi cians, a number that is continu ing to steadily increase.

In addition to the Winter Garden facility, Rothman plans to open two new locations. The first will be in Celebration in summer of 2023, and the second will be in Lake Nona from a previously shared space with AdventHealth.

MEET THE PHYSICIANS

Dr. Adam Money – Sports sur gery Dr. Jason Epstein — Sports Dr. David Hirsch – Hand and wrist Dr. Daniel Fassett — Spine Dr. D. Harrison Youmans — Sports Dr. Christopher Reeves — Foot and ankle Dr. Brian Goldberg — Physiatrist Dr. Eric Pettyjohn — Sports Dr. Andrew Pepper — Joint Re placement

A LOOK INSIDE

The third floor of the medical office building is now home to Rothman.

The area, including the physi cal therapy side, spans about 8,500 square feet for the clinical portion.

When patients enter, they are greeted by a welcome area complete with iPads for easy check-in. Patients can go over X-rays with their physi cian in a private room before being escorted to the main care area.

The area houses 12 patient exam

rooms surrounding a central physician area, where patients can easily access health care staff. In addition, there is not a single physician office in the whole building, only staff offices. That way, patients can have direct access.

There currently are nine physicians at the Winter Garden location, usu ally three per day with the possibility of physician assistants.

Jon Schmidt, vice president of operations in Florida for Rothman Orthopaedics and a West Orange resident, said he is most proud of the location’s roster of physicians.

“We know they’re strong clinically, because of the vetting process, but there’s that character piece where we know that they’re here to try to help us build this and do it the right way,” Schmidt said.

Osbahr agrees.

“Everybody here is trying to make what we have better, and we are tak ing the time together to make sure that everyone is a part of that,” he said. “The culture here is so impor tant. Having quality physicians that are providing quality care and treat ing people like they want their family members treated. We are not 100% always going to get it right but we are dedicated to wanting to get it right.”

Private office areas are also avail able in the centralized area for surgery scheduling and discussion.

Other building aspects include an orthotic room for artificial devices such as splints and braces, a staffing lounge for breaks, conference room with an emphasis on teaching and research, and administrative space.

FRAMING THE FUTURE

Although the new location has had challenges — such as a delay in open ing because of construction mate rial shortages — Schmidt said it has been rewarding to watch the location overcome hurdles.

“Growing as the community grows and as the hospital grows is where we really have a special opportunity here,” Schmidt said. “The Winter Garden hospital is beautiful, but it’s new, and it’s exciting and people are still learning AdventHealth in this part of the community. I think Roth man saw that as an opportunity to come in and really establish a foot print in what is a massive market and is still growing every day.”

Another challenge is staffing — especially on the clinical side — so a physician can have a solid clinical team when they join.

Osbahr credits the resilience to the team of people at the organization.

“They’re solution-oriented, and they don’t focus on what they don’t have, they focus on what they have and the delivering of care,” he said.

Osbahr said in the future, Rothman hopes to have clinics in every market with AdventHealth to deliver quality care at the highest level for the low est cost and provide access within 24 hours.

In addition to these goals, Schmidt wants to start to develop partner ships with local organizations such as schools that want to provide care for sports teams and staff — or even local recreational leagues.

“I want to build enough trust and enough reputation with the commu nity so that we can explore these part nerships,” Schmidt said. “We want the community to want to be a part of this.”

Osbahr, the first physician employed by Rothman in December 2020, said his passion is what con tinues to drive him.

“I’m very passionate about being a leader and being a servant leader,” Osbahr said. “We want to be impact ful. I work for my team, they don’t work for me.”

Annabelle Sikes

The new 11,000-square-foot office is home to a partnership between AdventHealth and Rothman Orthopaedics in Winter Garden.

Annual

Experience

Hay Maze

Halloween & Fall Photo Spots, Decorations, & Light Displays

Winter Garden Farmers Market Ripe with Fall Harvest in the Morning

Light Show and Surprises in the Evening

Town leadership, residents pleased with traffic solution

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Members of the public voiced their opinions on several prominent agenda items at the Windermere Town Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Two of the main topics of conver sation included discussion on the Oakdale and Ninth diverter, as well as the first reading of an ordinance to reduce the pool setback for canal front lots from 50 feet to 35 feet.

TRAFFIC TRIUMPH Windermere council members heard a brief presentation from Town Man ager Robert Smith on the 30-day review of the Oakdale and Ninth diverter.

The council previously passed the temporary traffic-calming program to alleviate traffic concerns along Oakdale Street at their Tuesday, July 12, meeting.

Residents along the road have endured issues with cut-through traffic, speeding, stop sign running and aggressive-driving behaviors for years.

The temporary measure, approved in July, included the use of a diverter with no road closures and authorized flexibility to Smith to implement the program, provid ing for a re-evaluation period after three and six months, and requiring an ordinance for permanent trafficcalming measures.

Smith said data was collected before and after the diverter was installed, and counts were noted in the peak morning and evening hours to gauge if the diverter had the desired impact of decreasing the number of vehicles using Oakdale.

According to the report, traffic was reduced in the area by 55.91%.

From July 20 through Aug. 18 there were 949 vehicles counted between the hours of 6 to 9 a.m. and 1,403 between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m., totaling 2,352 vehicles.

The monitoring time, which ran from Aug. 19 through Sept. 17, counted 390 vehicles between the hours of 6 to 9 a.m. and 647 between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m., totaling 1,037 vehicles.

Rick and Brandy Haines said the diverter has decreased traffic, but if it is to become a permanent solution, there should be a golf cart opening as well as a way to prevent people from turning around in neighboring driveways such as their own.

“If we make it permanent, my request would be that for those of us that are at the intersection that are taking the brunt of people…there needs to be some sort of accommo dation,” Brandy Haines said.

David Sharpe said the traffic diverter has made a huge differ ence and asked the council autho rize staff to finalize the permanent plan while incorporating some of the concerns about turn around and golf cart access.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It is working 100% down south of it. We feel like we have our neighborhood back. It’s safe. We’re not having confrontations with people cutting through, and it’s a life-changer for us. We’ve made this road safer, and that should outweigh any objection anyone has in my mind.”

The Windermere Police Depart ment is continuing to gather data and will compare the numbers at the 90-day mark, which ends Oct. 16. Results will then be presented to the Town Council Dec. 13.

SETBACK SCRUTINY

After several discussions by the Development Review Board and Town Council, the council direct ed staff to prepare an ordinance to

IN OTHER NEWS

n Mayor Jim O’Brien read a proclamation declaring Satur day, Nov. 5, through Saturday, Nov. 12 2022, as “The Week of the Family.”

n Parks and Recreation Chair Nora Brophy reminded the council of the upcoming Hal loween Costume Parade & Hayride from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Town Hall.

n The Windermere Council unanimously passed a resolu tion to reschedule the 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, regular Town Council meeting to 6 p.m. Mon day, Nov. 14.

n Town Council members unan imously approved a resolution to adopt the amended Golf Cart District Map. The map is being amended to include a golf cart crossing at 11th Avenue and Main Street due to the installa tion of the diversion at Oakdale Street and Ninth Avenue.

n Sue Anne Reichard, Francisco “Pacho” Sierra and Jill Ata were unanimously appointed to the Parks and Recreation board.

n Windermere council mem bers unanimously approved Rostan Solutions, LLC Emer gency Debris Monitoring for Hurricane Ian not to exceed $50,000.

amend the town’s waterfront pool setback requirements for canalfront lots from 50 feet to 35 feet with conditions to protect the waterway and other potential impacts.

Town Council members heard the first reading of the ordinance after the DRB voted 7-0 against it. That board received information from other environment experts, such as the town’s lake consultant, Orange County Environmental Protection Division and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, that supported maintaining the 50-foot setback.

Ashley Walker, spoke in support of the variance.

Walker approached the Town Council in February regarding a pro posed variance to allow a reduced setback from the Normal HighWater Line for a swimming pool.

At the time, Walker met with the DRB, which recommended a 5-1 denial of the variance.

Unlike the surrounding areas of Ocoee, Winter Garden and Cler mont, which have a setback of 25 feet, the town of Windermere has a 50-foot setback for waterfront lots, although its standard lot setback remains at 25 feet.

According to the town, all struc tures must be at least 50 feet from the Normal High-Water Line eleva tion.

Mary Oaks, Dale Walker, Valery and Gary Tucker, and Ben Mase also spoke in support of the variance.

Comments included confusion on the concern with the possibility of pool breaching. Some argued the lakes already are contaminated and Hurricane Ian did not compromise any of the pools.

However, not all residents agreed.

“This whole town is based on the value of those lakes,” DRB member Stephen Withers said. “I just don’t think we need to take that step.”

The Town Council consented to proceed with the first reading with a second reading to take place Mon day, Nov. 14.

“It’s awesome. It is working 100% down south of it. We feel like we have our neighborhood back. It’s safe. We’re not having confrontations with people cutting through, and it’s a life-changer for us. We’ve made this road safer, and that should outweigh any objection anyone has in my mind.”

— David Sharpe

Author chronicles Guyanese mother’s determination in book

Lily Storm grew up in a small village in Guyana and witnessed the gender inequalities in her family and community. She writes about her mother’s need to step out of traditional norms to provide for her four daughters.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

When Lily Storm was growing up, she always admired the way her mother took care of her four daugh ters — protecting them from an alco holic father, going out into the work force to provide for the family, ignor ing the folks in the community who

thought she should be in her home and not out working.

As teenagers, Storm and older sis ter Asia had the opportunity to move to the United States with the promise of a better life.

Storm, now a Winter Garden resi dent, never forgot the many sacri fices made by her mother, Haimdai Sahadeo — and she certainly never

planned to write a book about her life experiences. But she had stored up years of memories that she felt needed to be written down. It was a healing process for her.

In the self-published “A Never Forgotten Journey: An Immigrant Story,” Storm offers a glimpse into her childhood and what it was like watching her father bully and control her mother for years.

“My mother was born and raised

in a super archaic and barbaric soci ety where rogue mentality and old traditions trump the needs, wants, desires and purpose of women,” Storm said. “Men singlehandedly ruled the roost. It was a society root ed in male dominance. Women were beaten into submission … by the men in their lives. My mother lived that life.”

When Sahadeo entered the work force, Storm said, “She led a simple and quiet revolution, broke down the norms, challenged the rogue mentality and forever changed the dynamics of life for women — not just in her village but in surrounding villages as well. She literally became a role model, though, not by choice.

“I was in awe of her,” Storm said. “I still feel it today.”

When a family friend offered to bring the two older sisters to the U.S. for better opportunities, Sahadeo said yes, and they began a new life in New Jersey.

“You can’t imagine that culture shock; I lived in an undeveloped vil lage,” Storm said. “We fixed the roads ourselves. No running water. There was one well way, way down. That was our gathering spot. In the eve ning we would run with our buckets to get water.”

In New Jersey, they embraced their new life, received an education and began their careers.

When the chance arose, the two brought over their sister Lulu in 1991. A year later, Kenya, the young est sister, and their mother moved to the U.S.

REMEMBERING THE JOURNEY Storm didn’t set out to write a book.

“I was just a little girl growing up experiencing, seeing, witnessing a whole lot in my life, in my family’s life, in my environment,” she said. “I didn’t realize I was taking it all in … (and) writing chapters in my head.

“I wrote my book because I was afraid I was going to forget my mom,” she said. “I was afraid she was only going to exist only in my mind. I wanted to keep her memory alive.”

She recalled many dark moments in her life through the writing pro cess, but in writing, she healed.

“That was always a thorn in my side — Dad always wanted a son,” she said. “He saw (Mom) as inferior. She couldn’t give him a son. … He

BUY THE BOOK

“A Never Forgotten Journey: An Immigrant Story” is available at amazon.com and ladystorm foundation.com.

gradually became an alcoholic. … I went back in 1987 and visited him, and I realized it was an illness and he couldn’t help it. The anger and the rage I felt for him disappeared. When I looked at him, I felt sorry for him. … He was suffering just as much as we were suffering. I reconciled with him.”

Sahadeo lived in the U.S. for 13 years before she died of cancer at age 57.

“My whole regret in life — I wanted to sit her down and say, ‘Mom, I got it now; back then I didn’t get it,’” Storm said. “My mom, she knew that she had to step up, she knew she had to do something. She was the type of woman that knew her place but wasn’t going to do that. … She always wanted more for us.”

Storm’s next step is to have the book made into a movie and shown at film festivals. A writer currently is writing the screenplay.

LADY STORM FOUNDATION

Storm is at peace with her own jour ney. She said she has found her pur pose and is determined to give back, much like her mother did. She cre ated the Lady Storm Foundation, which reaches out to high-risk, low-income communities by serving food, educating against violence and child abuse, and providing resources and information for people to stay safe.

“We didn’t have much in Guy ana, but she always had something to give,” Storm said. “I kept going back to that. I can honestly say mom framed my entire life, my entire thought process.

Before I even established a foun dation officially, I would buy grocer ies at the holidays and stand in the parking lot and hand out food. That’s how the foundation started.

“That’s my main focus: To help people, and that’s just an extension of my mother’s legacy,” Storm said.

Amy Quesinberry

Lily Storm said it was cathartic writing “A Never Forgotten Journey: An Immigrant Story.”

Bay Hill estate sells for $3 million

Ahome in the Bay Hill community in Dr. Phillips topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Oct. 5 to 11.

The home at 6088 Green One Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $3 million. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,144 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

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

DR. PHILLIPS CYPRESS POINT

The home at 9072 Great Heron Circle, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $1.2 million. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,452 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

LAKE CANE HILLS

The home at 5804 Ridgeway Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $256,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,326 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

LAKE MARSHA HIGHLANDS

The home at 7209 Lake Marsha Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $420,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,212 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

SAND LAKE SOUND

The townhouse at 7305 Alpine Butterfly Lane, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $563,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,945 square feet of living area. Days on market: 51.

SOUTH BAY

The home at 9339 Cypress Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $1.5 million. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,059 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

TOSCANA

The condo at 7500 Toscana Blvd., No. 334, Orlando, sold Oct. 13, for $480,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,085 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 131.

WINDHOVER CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 6045 Windhover Drive, No. A02-2, Orlando, sold Oct. 12, for $125,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 591 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

GOTHA GOTHA

The home at 1621 Hempel Ave., Windermere, sold Oct. 12, for $1.7 million. Built in 1983, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 3,903 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.

HORIZON WEST ENCLAVE

The home at 6425 Swanson St., Windermere, sold Oct. 12, for $1,150,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,900 square feet of living area. Days on market: 114.

HAWKSMOOR

The townhouse at 16329 Prairie School Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 12, for $495,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,070 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The townhouse at 15604 Orange Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 14, for $415,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,877 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

INDEPENDENCE/

SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 7172 Maleberry Run, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $790,000. Built in 2007, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,515 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

ISLES OF LAKE HANCOCK

The home at 7803 Skiing Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $2,890,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, seven baths and 5,657 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12507 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 14, for $433,777. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,150 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14782 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 14, for $925,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 4,920 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

realtor.com

The home at 6088 Green One Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $3 million. This contemporary-style home sits on a half-acre lot on the first hole at Bay Hill.

realtor.com

The home at 1621 Hempel Ave., Windermere, sold Oct. 12, for $1.7 million. It was the largest transaction in Gotha from Oct. 7 to 14.

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 15137 Shonan Gold Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $935,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,978 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 13053 Inkwell Alley, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $530,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8109 Gray Kingbird Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $680,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,042 square feet of living area. Days on market: 105.

The home at 14721 Bahama Swallow Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $648,900. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,329 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

The home at 14675 Bahama Swal low Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 12, for $495,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,801 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 14508 Yellow Butterfly Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 14, for $577,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,211 square feet of living area. Days on market: 81.

The home at 13930 Ivory Gardenia Ave., Windermere, sold Oct. 14, for $588,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,412 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

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WATERLEIGH

The home at 16668 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $640,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 16698 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $620,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

The home at 16619 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $605,740. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

The home at 16601 Rock Point Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $540,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,998 square feet of living area.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9043 Arbors Edge Trail, Windermere, sold Oct. 11, for $855,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,009 square feet. Days on market: Six.

WINDING BAY

The townhouse at 15605 Jungle Alley, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $485,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,200 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING

The home at 229 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold Oct. 14, for $455,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,449 square feet of living area. Days on market: 161.

OCOEE ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1765 Southern Red Oak Court, Ocoee, sold Oct. 11, for $699,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,890 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 510 Winding Hol low Ave., Ocoee, sold Oct. 14, for $423,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,767 square feet. Days on market: 36.

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in

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden

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

Starke Lake Baptist Church

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110,

OCOEE HILLS

The home at 814 Apricot Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 12, for $285,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 1,313 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

POUNDS ADDITION

The home at 312 Bay St., Ocoee, sold Oct. 12, for $215,000. Built in 1960, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 1,538 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

The home at 1882 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 14, for $590,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,765 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

SAWMILL

The home at 5135 Log Wagon Road, Ocoee, sold Oct. 14, for $370,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,587 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

WINDSTONE AT OCOEE

The home at 2481 El Marra Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 11, for $380,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,865 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE MABEL BRIDGE

WINTER GARDEN CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1826 Jean Marie Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 12, for $750,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,435 square feet of living area. Days on market: 38.

The home at 1831 Burdock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $585,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,780 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.

CITRUS COVE

The home at 13302 Suburban Terrace, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Oct. 14, for $515,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,025 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1534 E. Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $400,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,785 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

EAST GARDEN MANOR

The home at 339 Charlotte St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 11, for $315,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 1,325 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

BAPTIST

Rd,

BeulahBaptistWG.org

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

E Plant St.,

Garden 407-656-2352

SUNDAYS 8:30

WEDNESDAYS - 6pm -

Tim

www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer

The home at 11856 Chateaubriand Ave., Orlando, sold Oct. 14, for $510,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,723 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

ISLAND POINTE

CHURCH DIRECTORY

The home at 1093 Sadie Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 14, for $425,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,708 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.

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WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 5944 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Oct. 12, for $860,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,984 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.

The home at 15212 Heron Hideaway Circle, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 13, for $669,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,829 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 2625 Carter Grove Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 12, for $649,900. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,044 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 4587 Gliding Wave St., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Oct. 11, for $600,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,386 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.

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FUN

THE LAKES: Windermere hosts annual run

More than 1,000 runners and walk ers enjoyed a sce nic route through the town of Windermere Saturday, Oct. 15, as they completed the annual Run Among the Lakes 5K/10K.

Some participants en joyed a nice walk with the company of friends, fam ily and loved ones, while others were excited and determined to set personal records for themselves in the distance of their choice.

All participants received a medal, sponsored by Windermere Brewing Com pany, after crossing the finish line.

— ANDREA MUJICA

ONLINE

Mike Foster, Manuela Zuloaga and Elizabeth Garcia sat down to cool off after the race.

Coamed Foundation members

excited

in the race.

Right: Barbara and David Hamry cheered on competitors as they either walked or jogged in front of their house. With them is their sidekick, Bubba.

Lucas Hawkanson and William Taliaferro moti vated runners mid-route with their loud voices and cowbells.

Overall male winners for the 5K included Chris tophe Lair, first place; Tristan Hendricks, second; and Josue Matos, third.

See more at OrangeObserver.com

Expanding access and opportunity starts with investing in our transportation infrastructure.

The Transportation Referendum will ensure everyone in our community is able to access affordable and reliable transportation. By expanding transit options the elderly, people with disabilities, and working families can get to work, the grocery store, or the doctor’s office.

In addition to helping everyone in our community the Transportation Referendum will provide a dedicated funding source of $600 million per year to transportation needs in our county.

GAME OF THE WEEK FOUNDATION ACADEMY VS THE FIRST ACADEMY

A PRIVATE MATTER

Foundation Academy (4-2) travels to The First Academy (6-1) in a meeting of two of West Orange’s prominent private programs.

TFA Royals finds success in the details

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

For The First Academy football team, continuity is key.

“People understand what we are doing every year,” head football coach Leroy Kinard said. “You’ve got kids in our program (who) may have been running the same offense ever since they’ve been in the sev enth grade, so by the time that kid is a sophomore or a junior, he’s been running for four years.”

However, this year specifically, the Royals have focused on accuracy — doing the little things right.

“What we try to do is we try to make sure that we are sound everywhere,” Kinard said. “In the past, when we were like, ‘Don’t worry about that little thing’; now, we have to worry about that little thing because we see a deficit in the area so what we have to do is make sure that we are sound in every area.”

As a result, the Royals have taken a restructuring approach this year— including a complete new coaching staff — and a more in-depth exami nation of the program.

“We’ve really had to take a look at our entire organization and team,” Kinard said. “It’s time to just start over. … I believe this is going to sharpen us and make us better.”

The Royals also have taken advan

ROYAL SENIORS

tage of a roster chock full of intelli gent players.

“We have a number of guys very similar (who) understand how to play the game,” Kinard said. “Sometimes, because you have smart players, it can compensate for a step, because they know what they are going to do. They watch film, and they pick up a tendency. … So what (these players) are able to do is they are able to pick up on those little nuances that a lot of people may not see, and it helps with evaluation of the play.”

It’s worked. The Royals have raced out to a 6-1 record and have out scored their previous two opponents (Trinity Prep and Florida A&M) by a combined score of 78-6.

This year, the team has one of the

Foundation Lions are young and hungry

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Sometimes, inexperience can lead to adversity.

For this year’s Foundation Acad emy football team, it’s been a weapon.

“The lack of experience allows (the players) not to fear anything,” head football coach Andre Walker said. “You don’t know, so you are not afraid. That can be a good or bad thing, because you can make mistakes a lot of times, but you can make posi tive things happen, as well.”

This season, the Lions have put together an impressive 4-2 campaign — largely thanks to the big men up front.

“The offensive line is a very strong unit; it allows our running back to have the success that he’s been hav ing,” Walker said. “That’s our strong suit: running the ball and the offen sive line up front, which has been keeping us effective throughout the season.”

Running back JT Bronaugh, 17, has enjoyed a breakout season thanks to a

decision to compete as a track-andfield athlete.

“The difference I can see in myself from when I was playing last year — it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s not just my speed (though), it’s the people who helped me get that speed — the linemen. I couldn’t do it without them.”

Unfortunately, within the last few weeks, the Lions have been having to overcome the injury bug. Several of their players have suffered from dif ferent injuries, and younger players have had to step onto the field.

“(We put) two young guys to play and hoped that what we practiced had embedded into them, and they were able to actually go out and execute what they’ve been doing all week in practice,” Walker said. “That’s one of the main things that I preach. … We practice how we play. Always be attentive, focused and locked in, because you never know when your opportunity is called. Once your opportunity is called, do what you’ve

“We understand that TFA is a very good opponent. We know that it’s going to be a dogfight come next Friday, but we are itching to have an opportunity to prolong our season. That’s always been the goal from the beginning.”

1The Orlando Area Rowing Soci ety girls and boys varsity teams participated in the First Coast Head Race Saturday, Oct. 13, in Jacksonville. In the 8+ Men’s Youth U15 category, OARS placed third and fourth. In the Men’s Youth 8+, the OARS A boat placed first. In the Men’s Youth 4+ category, the OARS

A boat placed first and the OARS B boat placed third. In the Men’s Youth Lightweight 4+ category, the OARS A boat placed second and the OARS B boat placed third. In the Men’s Youth Novice 4+, OARS boat placed third. On the girls side, in the Wom en’s Youth 8+ category, the OARS A boat placed first. In the Mixed Youth

8+ category, OARS placed second. In the Women’s youth 4+, the OARS

A boat placed second while in the Women’s Youth Lightweight 4+ cat egory, OARS placed first, and in the Women’s Youth 4x, the OARS A boat placed second.

2Ocoee High School running back Keyondray Jones recently was named the No. 3 run ning back in the area by Elite100 Prospects, while West Orange High School cornerback Jordan Castell was ranked No. 2, and Ocoee High School cornerback Zachary Tobe was ranked No. 3. West Orange defensive tackle Chris Ficka was

named No. 6, and Ocoee defen sive tackle Keniel Carrasquillo was ranked No. 9, while Ocoee defensive end Calvin Smith was ranked No. 1 among all defensive ends.

3Wildfire Paulson 16U softball team utility Amber Chumley announced she will be continu ing her athletic and academic career at Stetson University.

4The Windermere High School boys golf team won four events the week of Oct. 10. The Wolverines were crowned the champions of the Winter Park Invi tational, the Metro Conference and

The Hex. They also had a match play win in Vero Beach.

5The Horizon High School girls swim team ended its 2022 regular season by defeat ing the Lake Buena Vista Vipers 94-70 and the University Cougars 106-35 Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Rosen Aquatic Center. Rowan and Ella Morehead finished first and second in the 200-meter freestyle with times of 2:42.46 and 2:43.41, respectively. The Hawks will com pete in the District 4-3A Champion ship Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Florida Aquatic Swimming and training Center in Ocala.

Victoria Cortese is the only senior on the Foundation Academy girls varsity volleyball team this year. Page 2B.

— Coach Andre Walker

SEE

Andrea Mujica

Foundation Academy Lions Stephen Ford, Sam Zagame and Drew Flournoy.

SPONSORED

Victoria Cortese

Foundation Academy girls volleyball team libero Victoria Cortese is the only senior of the Lions varsity team. Cortese is excited to embark on her col lege journey next year; she will attend Valencia College and later transfer to the University of Central Florida. Despite being a homeschooled student at Abeka, she still is able to play for the Lions.

Tell us about your years as an athlete.

I’ve been involved in sports since I was in kindergarten; I’ve always been in sports. My par ents always put me in (sports), so that’s why I play basketball and sand volleyball. Every season has a sport.

How do you feel being the only senior of the team this year? I’m so excited.

Why play volleyball?

I’ve always had such a passion for volleyball. It’s a fun sport. I like the competition and how I can cheer at the end too. It’s just so much fun.

How did you get into volleyball?

My mom (Tennille Cortese) played it when she was younger.

What do you love most about volleyball as a sport?

I love the team. The team is great. I love being able to be a leader on the court. I love lead ership.

What do you love most about playing libero?

I love passing; it’s my favorite thing. It comes natural to me. I just love being on the ground and going for everything.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn in volleyball?

Why? When I used to hit, it probably would’ve been hitting. But, maybe reading the ball — being able to watch the ball. Because of the passes, you (have) to move quicker. (Also) reacting to the ball.

What do you believe volleyball has taught you not only on the court but also off of it?

It’s taught me leadership, how to be a good person and a good teammate. And not get down

THE BASICS AGE: 17 GRADE: SPORT: basketball POSITION: Libero and outside SCHOOL: Abeka (represent ing Foundation)

What’s your favorite movie?

“Moana.” I love the island and the beach. I got sick when I was in seventh grade, and I watched it the whole time I was in the hospital. She saved me.

What’s a book you are reading right now?

“November 9” by Colleen Hoover.

What’s your favorite thing about Halloween?

Probably pumpkins. My sister loves to paint them, so we always paint and carve them.

Any favorite Halloween char acter?

No, I’m more of a Christmas girl.

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

Batman — He’s just cool, and my brother loves him.

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

Time travel. I’d like to go back in time and allow myself to slow down a little more.

What’s a hobby of yours? I like coloring.

What are three places you would like to visit? Why?

Italy, because I like the food and I’m Italian a little bit. Probably some beach place, Bora Bora — it’s really pretty there — and The Bahamas. It’s cool there, too.

Royals, Lions to meet

largest senior classes (11) it has had in many years. Many have played together since they were in fourth grade.

One of those seniors is quarter back James McGinn, 18. The team captain has been playing football for the Royals since he was in fourth grade — except for his sophomore year, when he played at Foundation for the season.

“What’s different this year is that everyone is on the same page,” he said. “We all have the same goal in mind and that’s the benefit of the team and to push ourselves deep into the playoffs.”

“Two biggest things about quar terback are leadership and accura cy, and (McGinn) has both,” Kinard said. “Because he has both, that’s

another thing that’s allowed us to have success.”

The winner of Friday’s game will earn a trip to the playoffs.

“That’s interesting,” Kinard said. “I think we both have similar teams, and I think we are both at a similar point, so it’s going to be interesting. … I wouldn’t put it in a rivalry category, but obviously, anytime you have to beat someone to go into the playoffs, it’s going to ramp it up a little bit. That’s just the nature of it. We think it’s going to be a pretty even game.”

The Royals’ new defensive coor dinator, Jordan Richards, a Foun dation Academy alum and former defensive coach for the Lions, joined the TFA team this season.

“I’m extremely excited, and I think it means a lot, because the winner of this game makes the

playoffs,” he said of facing his for mer team. “We are going to bring the game to them. I don’t think we are going to wait and let them dic tate the game. I think, defensively at least, we are going to dictate how the momentum and the flow is going to go.”

During practice and every day of the week, the Royals not only learn about football and academics but also about the spiritual component of life.

“We want to make sure that we help these guys understand what it really means to be a godly husband and a godly father; that’s impor tant to us,” Kinard said. “We call it the third leg of the stool. … We feel like that is one of the things we are going to do whether we win games or not; that’s probably the No. 1 thing that we do here.”

been practicing and you should be fine.”

Despite being sidelined with an injury, senior Edward Byrd has been a huge asset as a leader.

“He’s not able to play, but vocally, he’s been very instrumental in the play of the defensive line,” Walker said. “We have a lot of new faces up there but they play well because of him, and guys like him, that keep the young guys engaged.”

Another standout player has been senior linebacker Sam Zagame, 17, who said he has been working on diagnosing a play as it happens.

“I want to be able to recognize the play quicker and faster,” he said. “(Also), I try to be a coach on the field because, of course, our coach es can’t be on the field with (us). So

I try to recognize the little things to make sure (we) are all doing (our) job right.”

The Lions are preparing to face The First Academy Royals come the night of Friday, Oct. 21.

“We understand what a signifi cant game we are getting ready to play,” Walker said. “We understand that TFA is a very good opponent. We know that it’s going to be a dog fight come next Friday, but we are itching to have an opportunity to prolong our season. That’s always been the goal from the beginning.”

It’s been three years since the Lions and Royals met on the grid iron. This year, they are district foes.

“I’m glad it happened in the mat ter that it did; we never wanted to not play them,” Walker said. “I think it’s good for both schools that we have this rivalry going.”

There’s a lot of pressure resting on the Lions’ shoulders. The win ner of the game punches a ticket to postseason play.

“We expect to go big, going to keep pushing my team,” Bronaugh said. “If we can go to states, we’ll be ready. And if we are ready, and we can win it — that’d be even better.”

But above all, pulling on the Lions jersey means much more than knowing the X’s and O’s of the game.

“(A Lion) has to demonstrate that he’s going to play Christ-like with no flaws, he’s going to give his best efforts, work hard for the team,” Walker said of his players. “Leave everything on the line, and as long as he’s able to do that, he’s comfort able with living with the end results from the effort he put in.”

WEEK SEVEN RECAP GAME OF THE WEEK OLYMPIA (3-3), 11 DR. PHILLIPS (3-4), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: For the first time in 21 years, the Titans were able to come away with a win over their Southwest Orange rivals.

UP NEXT: The Titans will travel to Freedom and the Panthers will host West Orange Friday, Oct. 21.

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (6-0), 66

SANTA FE CATHOLIC (4-2), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: The Eagles’ record remains perfect at 6-0 after a 66-0 beatdown of Santa Fe Catholic. Marcus McCrimmon led the offense with three rushing touchdowns and 120 yards.

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Bell Creek Academy Friday, Oct. 21.

THE FIRST ACADEMY (6-1), 44 FLORIDA A&M (1-5), 6

HIGHLIGHTS: After a long trip to Tallahassee to play against Flor

ida A&M, the Royals were able to pull a 44-6 victory to get to a 6-1 overall record this season.

On the defense side, senior Elliot Jamison had a total of 16 tackles and one interception, while fresh man Ryon Smith had eight tack les and one interception. Senior Trey Newsom also had six tackles and one interception. On the of fensive side, quarterback James McGinn tossed two touchdowns.

Running back Ryon Smith carried the ball 13 times for 83 yards and had one rushing touchdown.

Wide receiver Grady Rewis had four catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

UP NEXT: The Royals will host Foundation Academy Friday, Oct. 21.

WEST ORANGE (3-3), 35 WINDERMERE (2-5), 3

HIGHLIGHTS: West Orange raced out to a 28-0 lead by halftime and never looked back, as the Warriors defeated the Wind ermere Wolverines, 35-3. The

Friends. Community.

all in this together.

game showcased West Orange’s strength in all three phases of the game. Despite the loss, there is a silver lining for Windermere. The Wolverines’ field goal marked the first points the team has scored on the Warriors in school history.

UP NEXT: The Warriors will travel to Dr. Phillips Friday, Oct. 21. The Wolverines will travel to Ocoee Friday, Oct. 21.

HORIZON (6-1), 7

WEKIVA (4-4), 34

UP NEXT: The Hawks will travel to Edgewater Friday, Oct. 21.

LEGACY CHARTER (4-2), 37

HALIFAX ACADEMY (2-5), 14

Family. Friends. Community.

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Santa Fe Catholic Friday, Oct. 21.

OCOEE (5-2), 13

EDGEWATER (8-0), 23

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Windermere Friday, Oct. 21.

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till,

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FOUNDATION

The Olympia Titans defense stopped the Dr. Phillips Panthers from scoring.

Photo courtesy of Jhonny Mujica

Windermere Prep coach invited to NFL International Combine

Micah Kurtz traveled to London Oct. 2 for the 2022 National Football League International Combine.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Strength and conditioning coach Micah Kurtz is known locally for his popular and celebrated programs at Windermere Preparatory School.

Most recently, he took his expertise across the pond.

Kurtz was invited to participate in the 2022 National Football League International Combine, held Oct. 3 to 4 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London.

“They invited me out to do the movement preparation and assist with the combine,” he said. “In con duction with that, the NFL hosted an international coaches clinic for any coaches in England (who) are coach ing American football.”

More than 100 coaches attended the clinic. Kurtz spoke about how to create a comprehensive and ageappropriate high school training pro gram for high school.

“One of the reasons that the NFL wanted me to speak (is) because that demographic of coaches is working with pretty much high school, and youth, level athletes,” Kurtz said. “I talked about how we break down our strength and conditioning program to meet every student where they are at.

At the high school level, we can have 30 to 40 kids in the weight room at once. One can be an 18-year-old and have experience, (while) one can be a 14-year-old who has never been in

the weight room.

“So, being able to create a program to meet each athlete were they are at, we call it a unified program, where they all train toward the same goals,” he said. “But it’s not uniform, where they are all doing the exact same exer cises.”

This was the second time Kurtz was invited to speak at an NFL Interna tional Combine. The first time was in 2017, in Mexico City.

“We’ve had a good relationship

just through the work that he’s done at Windermere Prep,” Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Devel opment, said of Kurtz. “It’s always important to get someone that has such a good understanding of devel oping athletes at a younger age. … He’s always had an excellent base of knowledge in terms of what he’s teaching, he’s a great teacher.”

Kurtz has been a coach at the high school level for 14 years. This is his fifth year with the Lakers.

“I realized ... I probably wasn’t going to be a professional athlete, but I wanted to be involved in sports,” he said. “I fell in love with the impact you can have in high school kids.”

COMBINE EXPERIENCE

According to the NFL Football Oper ations website, “The invitational scouting showcase allows evaluators to discover and evaluate potential global NFL talent.”

Kurtz was on the field with the 44 international athletes who were selected to participate.

“For the dynamic movement prep to start the combine, I ran that on the field for all of the players, put them through the warm-up — the speed and agility warm-up, and got them ready for the combine drills,” he said.

“I also assisted with helping test them

in the combine drills like the bench press. … They definitely put me to work, but that’s why I was there. It was awesome to be a part of it.”

The ultimate goal of the inter national combine is to scout more international players and expand the game’s popularity in other countries.

“We want to always make sure that every year, the event gets bet ter,” Oben said. “It starts with quality instruction, teaching and just quality coaching.”

Instruction and teaching is what Kurtz provided the international coaches that attended the clinic, as well as ongoing communication.

“I’ve been speaking at conferences for a few years now,” he said. “When ever I speak, I want to make sure that it’s not detailed on what I do, (but) a collaborative effort, and be an open book about what I do with my ath letes.”

By introducing international play ers to the game of football at an earlier age, the NFL hopes to grow the inter est of the younger demographic in other countries.

“We want to continue to find the best players and ... to really grow the game overseas,” Oben said. “Hope fully, we’ll have more and more inter national players playing in the NFL one day.”

WINDERMERE HIGH RECEIVES DONATION FOR UNIFORMS

The Windermere High School foot ball team received a $5,000 dona tion from the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Friday, Oct. 7.

“I’m very thankful for Orlando Health and appreciative,” head football coach Riki Smith said. “We needed the uniforms so we did a lot of fundraising, ... and they reached out and said they would donate.”

The Jewett Orthopedic Institute has been providing the Wolverines with medical support for the injured athletes since the foundation of the team in 2017.

“It’s been a great relationship with the high school, the coaching staff,

the training staff and we’ve been really happy to help provide that support,” said Dr. Randall Rust, from Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

This is the first time players will wear new uniforms since the first season of the team.

“Orlando Health was able to step up and help out with what they felt would be the most impactful dona tion,” Rust said. “The coaches were really grateful, they’ve had those uniforms for several years ... so they will be able to put on some better uniforms.”

The donation will help purchase a new set of varsity uniforms.

Courtesy photo

Windermere Prep strength and conditioning coach Micah Kurtz spoke to interna tional coaches about how to properly create a unified training progam.

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

HOLLY H. MURPHY

DIED OCT. 9, 2022.

Holly Harris Murphy, age 67, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, at her home. Born in Winter Garden, Florida, on Oct. 10, 1954, to the late George David Harris and Grace Gray Harris, she was the wife of Wendell Jason Murphy.

Holly was a registered nurse who worked in private practice. She was a member of Deep Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Chris Murphy and wife, Lisa, of Scottsboro, Ala bama, and Chase Murphy and wife, Jamie, of Center Hill, Florida; a sis ter, Victoria Harris; and three grand children, Landon Murphy, Brinlee

GLORIA GEAN QUESINBERRY

MAY 31, 1931 — OCT. 12, 2022

Gloria Gean Godfrey Quesinberry, 91, a longtime Winter Garden resi dent, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. She was born May 31, 1931, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Gerald and Rachel Godfrey, and she grew up in Muncie, Indiana.

Gloria spent many hours volun teering throughout her adult life — in schools as a homeroom mom and in PTA; at the West Orange Chris tian Service Center; with the Bloom & Grow Garden Society; and at her church.

She dedicated her life to the First United Methodist Church of Win ter Garden and served on numerous committees and boards. She was named the church’s Disciple of the Year in 1994. She belonged to the Idea Seekers and Candlelight wom en’s circles for decades and made lifelong friends in those groups.

Gloria loved gardening and created beautiful yards at every home she lived in. She helped beautify many spaces around West Orange County as a member of the Bloom & Grow garden club.

She spent her life caring for oth ers and enjoyed cheering up people with her homemade chocolate chip cookies, pies and other baked goods.

The Quesinberry home always was the gathering place for the family during the holidays and for birthdays. Gloria enjoyed hosting large parties for friends as well. She loved spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and with her friends.

Gloria was preceded in death in 2017 by her husband of 52 years, former Winter Garden Mayor Jack Quesinberry; and her sister, Becky Casey.

Gloria and Jack met at Riley Ele mentary School. They attended

CARLOS WATSON DIED SUNDAY, OCT. 16, 2022.

Carlos Watson, born Dec. 8, 1928, in Dothan, Alabama, passed on Sun day, Oct. 16, 2022. He lived in Winter Garden for 75 years.

He is survived by his daugh ter, Linda Watson-Barron, Buford, Georgia; son, Marvin Watson, Fort Pierce, Florida; grandsons, Johnny Barron, Michael Barron, Kevin Wat son, Paul Watson; great-grandchil dren, Joseph Barron and Addison Barron.

NICHOLAS MITCHELL BROWNE, 37, of Windermere, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

THERESA DAVISON, 97, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Crema tions, Winter Garden.

ROBERT JAMES MCKENNA JR., 77, died Friday, Oct. 7. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.

Murphy and McKenzie Murphy. No service is planned at this time.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909, is assisting the Murphy fam ily. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

To plant a tree in memory of Holly, please visit TwifordFH.com/sendflowers.

McKinley Jr. High School and grad uated together from Muncie Central High School in 1949. In early 1965, their paths crossed again in Mun cie and they were married Aug. 27 of that year. They lived in Winder mere for a few years before moving to Winter Garden.

Survivors: children, Kathy (Tim) Taylor, Winter Garden, Rusty (Sha ron) Jenkins, Clermont, Col. (Ret.) USAF Rory (Adria) Quesinberry, Tampa, Amy Quesinberry, Winter Garden, Jeni (Steve) McNeill, Orlan do; grandchildren, Megan Cristello, Kelly Woods, Sara Strange, Mor gan Quesinberry, Al Couch, Adam Couch, Harrison McNeill, Jackson McNeill, Andrew McNeill, Benja min McNeill; great-grandchildren, Raygan Cristello, Sayler Cristello, Adler Cristello, Piper Cristello, Jaden Woods, Leilani Woods; and two nieces, Pam Casey and Michelle (Craig) Ayers.

The celebration of life will take place Sunday, Oct. 23, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. The visitation is at 1 p.m., and the service is at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow. Gloria will be buried alongside Jack at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha.

The family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Win ter Garden, FL 34787, and designated for the memorial garden or stainedglass windows.

His service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home.

JAMES LOUGHLIN QUINN, 81, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

KAREN RICE, 76, of Orlando, died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.

JOSHUA SORRELL, of Orlando, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home.

MABLE WATSON, 94, of Orlando, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.

FRANK SCARLATA TODD DEGUSIPE Director/Manager Director/Owner

@Observerorange

Windermere band begins competitive season

Windermere High School’s marching band opened its 2022 competition season with a debut of its custom uniforms and a silver-medal finish.

The band placed second overall at the 2022 University Classic, held Saturday, Oct. 15, at University High School, Orlando.

Windermere’s “Wanted” show, which received an over all score of 82.15, also earned the Fan Favorite award. The Wolverines also earned the competition’s Professionalism Award, and senior Ryan Par rulli was awarded the competi tion’s $250 scholarship.

The band will compete Sat urday, Oct. 22, in the Bands of America Orlando Regional Championship.

— MICHAEL ENG

The band earned an overall score of 82.15 at the 2022 University Classic.

Kaitlyn Rivera’s fiddle solo is one of the many highlights of this year’s show.

This year’s show gives several students a chance to perform in the spotlight.

Windermere’s show includes a gigantic Old West-style street scene.

Clockwise from above:

The Windermere band was excited to finally begin competition season.

Windermere’s 2022 show features a Western theme.

The band also debuted its custom uniforms designed for this year’s show, ‘Wanted.’

INFLUENCER OF

MARIALBY TERRENZIO, KLA SCHOOLS OF HORIZON WEST

Marialby Terrenzio is the lead teacher for the 2-year-old students at KLA Schools of Horizon West. School Director Cynthia Crawford said Terrenzio is a master teacher and often trains and mentors other teachers who join the organization. “She has the calmest and engaged 2-year-old classroom that I have seen in a very long time,” Crawford said. “She is gentle, kind and loves what she does with her students. Her children are engaged and joyful. This comes from her ability to bring such structure and consistency in the classroom.”

What brought you to your school?

I had just moved to Horizon West when KLA was almost done being built. I lived within five minutes of the school and thought it would be great to work with children in my community.

What do you love most about your school?

My students and my co-workers. My students make me feel so loved every day — especially when there are 11 2-year-olds giving me hugs, and my co-workers push me to be the best I can be. Especially Maiara, my co-teacher. She’s the most support ive and amazing person I’ve worked with.

What is your motivation?

My students are my motivation. They motivate me to keep learning and be the best I can be. I wish to make a positive difference in each one of their lives.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to witness my students achieving a goal. It’s a great feeling to see where students start out and how much they grow in a single school year.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like spending time with my family

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Lead teacher (2 year olds) TIME AT SCHOOL: Two years

and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, and going to the beach.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Ms. Ramos, who was my first-grade teacher. When I first moved to the United States, I didn’t speak English.

I remember how much patience and dedication she had to teach me how to read/speak English. She was so caring and compassionate.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

I wanted to be a teacher. I loved pretending I was a teacher and would make my stuffed animals “read” in Spanish and then translate the words for them into English.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

Right now, my favorite children’s book is, “The Very Hungry Cater pillar.” My students love this book!

And I love seeing their reactions and excitement as I read it.

What are your hobbies?

I love traveling and stepping out of

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

my comfort zone. I went snow shoeing in Colorado last year, and it (was) one of the most breath taking experiences I’ve ever had.

If you could have any superpow er, what would it be and why?

I would want to travel back in time. I would love to see those who have passed and spend a little extra time with them.

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

Bad Bunny always puts me in a good mood. Cultura Profética calms me down when I’m having a rough day. Queen reminds me of the car rides I used to have with my dad.

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

My go-to lunch was a PB&J sandwich. And my favorite snacks were Cocosette or Susy.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas! I love decorating the Christmas tree, and it makes me happy seeing all of my family together.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend when I was in school was Rebeca. Our fami lies used to spend a lot of time together, and we were in the same school. And yes, we are still in touch and have been friends for over 15 years. I consider her family.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I graduated from Valencia Col lege and obtained my associate’s degree in general education and was on the Dean’s Honor List.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Warrior nation takes over Plant Street

Students at West Orange High School celebrated Homecoming Week with their traditional parade through downtown Winter Garden Tues day, Oct. 11. Participating Warriors repre sented the Homecoming Court, various clubs and organizations, the cheerleading and football squads and the band. WOHS also crowned Madison Smith as its Home coming queen and Ryan Wheeler as king.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Madison Smith and Ryan Wheeler were crowned Homecoming queen and king at West Orange High.

Above: Football players joined the parade on a flatbed trailer.

Left: Homecoming court representatives rode in style during the WOHS parade.

Above:Members of AFJROTC led the parade with the American flag and Florida flag.

Right: Cheerleaders kept the crowd pumped up while parading up and down Plant Street.

Students for Social Change walked the parade route along Plant Street.

West Orange schools lace up for Westly’s Mile Running Club

The Westly’s Mile Running Club got off to a fast start Monday, Oct. 10, at Ocoee Elementary School.

More than 70 children from the school participated in the walk/run, which is designed to give elementary students in West Orange County a foundation of healthy habits.

“Sometimes, when I go to class, I feel sleepy all the time, so I think that running in the morning will help wake me up,” Kennedy Allen, fourthgrader at Ocoee Elementary, said.

Parker Allen, second-grader at Ocoee Elementary, also said running is very important.

“You can grow and get stronger,” she said.

Participating schools include Maxey Elementary, Ocoee Elemen tary, SunRidge Elementary, Tilden ville Elementary and Westbrooke Elementary.

The program is a partner ship between the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, Healthy West Orange and the American Heart Association.

Over the next five years, Westly’s Mile will expand to 29 elementary schools.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Ocoee Elementary School Principal Kandace Goshe and Shariq Sahadeo posed together after the conclusion of the event.

Linda Lenard, American Heart Association; Jason Cannon, Healthy West Orange; and Heather Maloney, American Heart Association.

Alexander Aguilar and Cristian Yowler stopped their run for a quick photo.

Left: Nayely Munoz and Kathalina Saddler showed off their Healthy West Orange water bottles.

Alana Searam and Trinity Mighty left the event with their free program materials.

Addison Phan was one of more than 70 students who participated in Westly’s Mile.

Liana Alvarez and Reagan Casey ran and walked during the event.

OLD

95 years ago

Ed Petris was captain of the 1926 Oakland-Winter Garden High School Yellow Jackets. Only two team members had ever seen a football game.

85 years ago

Lakeview High School held its first Homecoming. The queen was Carolyn Peters, and her court members were Gertrude Martin, Jane Ruth Fairchild, Wilma Tilden, Bobbie Jo Henderson and Chris tine Kitchen. Gridiron stars were Hector, Lucretia, Dynamite, Sprat and Duff, better known as H.G. Tubbs, Russell Pounds, Wilson Griffith, Jack Keller and Ralph Sessions.

80 years ago

Capt. Richard Ezzard, of Tilden ville, piloted a flying fortress in the Oct. 5 raid over Rabaul. He started his Air Corps training in 1938 at Randolph Field in Texas.

Hearn A. Ficquette was com missioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from the antiaircraft artillery school at Camp Davis, North Carolina.

W.H. Wurst Jr., city clerk, trea surer and tax collector in Ocoee, resigned following his enlistment in the U.S. Navy.

45 years ago

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce swore in its first female chief executive as Doris Grimes (Mrs. Hugh O.), of Wingard Land Co., took office as president.

40 years ago

Tim Cox and Patti Johnson were selected Homecoming king and queen at West Orange High School.

Five juveniles were respon sible for about a dozen reports of vandalism in Winter Garden. When the youth had completed the rampage, the fountain in front of Dr. Wayne Godbold’s office on North Dillard Street had been broken and graffiti had been spray painted on the walls at Dillard Street Elementary School.

The Westside C.B. Radio Club held a car wash at Hatley Pest Control at the corner of Dillard Street and Story Road for $1 per vehicle. The club sponsored The Russell Home for Atypical Chil dren.

The West Orange Memorial Hospital Cookbook, “Sharing Our Best,” was for sale.

20 years ago

Thornebrooke Elementary School in Ocoee was dedicated with parents, students, teachers, staff, city officials and Orange County School Board members in at tendance. Principal Danny Axtell, Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift, School Board Member Karen Ardaman and Superintendent Ron Blocker cut the ribbon.

Khare Hawkins and Lindsay

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Twin brothers Ric and Mic Hutchinson, seen here in 1968, gradu ated from Lakeview High School the previous year. Both played on the varsity football team, helping to lead the Red Devils to a whopping 9-1 record and a victory over Lake City in the Sunshine Bowl. They were also members of Interact, a high school affiliation of the Winter Garden Rotary Club.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is preparing its next exhibit, which will present the histo ries of two city high schools: Lakeview and Charles R. Drew. The extensive archive will present photographs and artifacts show ing how area youth contributed to the region’s legacy.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

OCT. 19, 1972

If you went fishing in West Orange County in the 1970s, chances are high you stopped by Ray’s Live Bait & Tackle Shop before heading out to the water. The sport ing business advertised in The Winter Garden Times to let folks know of all the deals taking place inside the shop, located at 334 E. Bay St., Winter Garden.

Bait and tackle weren’t the only items sold there; fishermen also could rent boats and motors and buy rods and reels. Folks not into fishing could still find bargains with shotguns, rifles and pistols and all the required ammunition. Hunt ing and fishing licenses also were sold.

Mitchell were crowned Homecom ing king and queen at Olympia High School.

Sam Wagster, a teacher and guidance counselor at Lakeview Middle School, was chosen as one of three finalists in the profession al category by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners for the 2002 Children Must Count Award. He was described as “a backbone” of the school.

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ECHO CHAMBER by Paul Coulter. Edited by David Steinberg

By Luis Campos

“UYGLOVGKK ALV XG ALFOIYGR BV EVG

DBNGKOPDG. DBNG BK UER’K

OE PEI, KOPDG BK MCLO PEI JLTG EN BO.”

A. HGJBKEV

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

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Celebrating 50 years of Leadership

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