Oakland’s new police chief, Darron Esan, brings 26 years of law-enforcement experience to the town.
STORY ON PAGE 4.
Westbrooke Elementary School students and families enjoyed an evening of fun at the school’s Fall Festival.
PAGE 8B.
Ocoee residents honored the victims of the 1920 Election Day Massacre at the city’s threeday 2022 Ocoee Remembers program. PAGE 9A.
The West Orange and Ocoee marching band impressed at the 2022 MPA. SEE PAGES 6-7B.
Experience an afternoon of lo cal fare, art, music and enter tainment at the Flavor Fest of Horizon West. It takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Hamlin in Horizon West, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden.
Dozens of microlocal eateries, artists, musicians, entertainers and businesses will celebrate all the flavors of Horizon West. Admission tickets are $10 for attendees 13 and older. A Bitesband is $25 through Nov. 11 and includes five plates. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3DQ0wd0.
The Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry is hosting its annual Harvest of Hope Garden Party from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. Satur day, Nov. 12, at the Ocoee Lake shore Center.
The evening includes light hors d’oeuvres, music and fellowship. Guests create their own theme in pursuit of the coveted Best Dressed Table Award.
Table sponsorships start at $600. Catering is available for an additional cost. For tickets, visit bit.ly/3FZXg1h. For infor mation, call (407) 905-9500.
Foodies: Get ready for a feast right on Restaurant Row!
The Rotary Club of Dr. Phil lips Foundation Inc. is excited to present the 2022 Taste of Dr. Phillips from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun day, Nov. 13, at Dellagio Town Center, 7924-8075 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando.
This event will feature delicious dishes from some of Dr. Phillips’ most famous restaurants, including Big Fin, The Capital Grille, Dragonfly Robata, Eddie V’s Prime Sea food, Fleming’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ocean Prime and much more.
Funds raised at the event benfit myriad local charities. For tickets and more informa tion, visit atasteofdrphillips. com.
Editor’s note: All vote totals and percentages are taken from the Orange County Supervisor of Elec tions’ unofficial results.
Despite years of campaigning by Orange County Mayor Jerry Dem ings to garner support for a onecent transportation sales tax, county residents ultimately voted down the measure.
The referendum, which would have raised an estimated $600 mil lion per year, failed substantially. It garnered just 41.5% of the vote.
Locally, the tax would have funded $270 million over the next 20 years in transportation projects in the cities of Ocoee and Winter Garden and the towns of Windermere and Oakland.
Furthermore, county projects in District 1, which covers all of Hori zon West, totaled about $913 million, county officials said.
“My friends, I am sad to report that the one-penny sales surtax for transportation did not garner enough votes for passage,” Demings said in a prepared statement Tuesday night. “I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to get the measure on the ballot and those who hit
the campaign trail. Despite this out come, Orange County is and will always be a great place to live, work and play.”
Local mayors said they are disap pointed with the outcome.
“The failure of the transportation sales tax will impact the town of Oakland and limit our opportuni ties to extend Lynx service to Oak land and provide resources for the future fruition of complete street projects and intersection improve ments,” Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark said. “This will also impact the qual ity of life — and not just the town of Oakland but all of Orange County. I’m disappointed that this failed.”
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said he hopes the referendum will come before voters again in the future.
“While I’m disappointed in the result tonight on the Orange County Transportation Initiative, I under stand the concerns of those who would fund the surtax,” O’Brien said. “It’s my hope that when the climate is right, Orange County res idents will see the value in invest ing in transportation and mobil ity improvements for all of Orange County.”
Winter Garden Mayor John Rees said he believes voters still had too many questions regarding how the tax would benefit them.
“I think in terms of the city itself and city-controlled roads, there won’t be as much of a major impact,” Rees said. “But I think we may see the impact on the major arteries that we could have done something with. We let the voters decide, and I think in talking with people here in West Orange County and in Winter Gar den — they had a lot of questions. … What roads would be impacted in Orange County, or what specific projects could be taking place in our local area?”
Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said the outcome reflects the will of the people.
“The citizens didn’t pass it, so that’s the way it is,” he said. “We (Ocoee) could’ve used it. There were roads that we are likely doing in the city … (where) we could’ve used it. But we have to do what we do with what we have. … The citizens are the ones to tell you what to do and not to do, and they said no. … We’ve got a good budget, we’ve got things laid out to do and some of the roads will be affected when we come in with impact fees that we take in for new buildings, so that will help us do that.”
Following four years with Demo crat Randolph Bracy and another six years with Democrat Kamia Brown,
Florida House District 45 now will be represented by a Republican.
Carolina Amesty defeated Dem ocrat Allie Braswell by garnering 54.3% of the vote. She becomes the first Venezuelan American in history to be elected to the Florida House.
Amesty celebrated her victory at a watch party at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista.
During the campaign, Amesty touted her support of Gov. Ron DeSantis and promised to work to oppose President Joe Biden’s agenda. Amesty serves as executive vice president of Central Christian University. She also is a restaurant owner.
In a previous interview with the Observer, Amesty vowed to focus on issues largely related to the economy and how it affects both families and small businesses.
“I will take all steps necessary to ensure we help lower property insur ance premiums, reduce property taxes and eliminate the tax on leases for small businesses,” she said.
Amesty also said she will host quarterly town halls and establish a Coffee with Carolina program to interact with her constituents.
“I’m here to serve,” she said.
Incumbent Maribel Gomez Cor dero defeated Mercedes Fonseca for
the District 4 County Commission seat. Michael Scott defeated Lawa nna Gelzer for the District 6 County Commission seat.
COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Maria Salamanca defeated Heath er Ashby for the District 2 School Board seat. Alicia Farrant defeated Michael Daniels for the District 3 School Board seat.
Although an ordinance aimed at controlling rent increases in the county appeared on the ballot, the results of the election will not be certified.
That’s because Ninth Judicial Cir cuit Court Judge Jeff Ashton last week issued a temporary injunc tion after an appeals court ruled the ordinance should not have been on the ballot.
The appellate court’s ruling came after ballots were sent to military personnel and overseas voters in late September.
The referendum, which garnered 58.84% of the vote, would have capped rent increases to the lesser of 5% or the rate of inflation.
Twenty-two veterans commit suicide because of post-trau matic stress every day.
Twenty-two people who dedicated their lives to serving their country decide to take their own life every day.
Twenty-two people. Grandfa thers, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, spouses and friends.
When Kurt Gies, commander of Winter Garden’s American Legion Post 63, heard the statistic, he didn’t believe it.
“Challenge 22 started after I received a message in 2016 that said, ‘We have 22 veterans a day commit ting suicide and to get a group of peo ple together and go for a walk to raise some awareness,’” Gies said. “I’m not sure who sent it to me. … But as the post chaplain and a retired Navy offi cer, I felt it was important to investi gate to see if it was even true. Once I confirmed that the statistic was true, I went out and walked by myself on the West Orange Trail. I didn’t have time nor the relationships to get a group to go. (But I vowed) that the next year, I would not walk alone.”
The Challenge 22 Walk and Picnic is returning for its sixth year Saturday, Nov. 12.
The event, hosted by the American Legion Post 63, aims to raise money and awareness to help eliminate vet eran suicide because of PTS.
Community advocate Austin Arthur said when he learned about Challenge 22 in West Orange and the incredible success they have had with helping veterans, he knew he had to become active with the orga nization.
“It seems everyone cares about our soldiers, but all too often, we forget that when the war is over and they come home, their struggles often continue,” Arthur said. “They sometimes incorrectly blame them selves for things that went wrong or the horrors they witnessed. I am very proud to serve on the Challenge 22 committee, because I am grateful for our veterans, I am grateful for the liberties which they secured for us. They served us and now we need to serve them.”
This year, the American Legion is aiming to raise $100,000.
Lana Gies, Challenge 22 volunteer and daughter of an American sol dier, said raising money is essential, because the programs and tools that
help veterans cost money they don’t usually have. In addition, Veterans Affairs is limited in how many veter ans it can serve and in what capaci ties it can help.
“The bottom line is we need to be able to raise enough money to send our own heroes to wherever they need to go to get the help they need,” Lana Gies said. “Whether it’s as complex as a full year of intensive physical, spiritual and emotional therapies, or as specific as just needing a custom wheelchair built to give them enough relief and empowerment to want to face each day, it shouldn’t have to be another burden on the ones who have already given so much for the U.S. It’s as simple as the more we raise, the more we help.”
Some of the handful of costs com monly incurred for veterans that VA may not cover include: $25,000 for one service dog or for one cus tom wheelchair; $3,500 for equine therapy; $10,000 for resiliency clin ics, a family healing retreat or a USA amputee travel ball; and $15,000 for one year of whole therapy.
“As veterans it’s difficult, because those who are wired to serve typi cally are very uncomfortable being served,” Kurt Gies said. “That is why I believe many vets won’t even ask for help but allow the enemy to isolate them and thereby make them believe they’re a burden. By having resources available that have been proven time and again to be successful, we are able to entice those who need help to actually walk through the door to see if maybe they could become a success story as well. When they do, the story grows bigger and bigger.”
In the past, Challenge 22 has had the following impacts: trained 25 service dogs, five veterans certified in PTS therapy, 600 essential oils distributed, 1,200 COVID-19 care kits distributed, 10 new nonprofit relationships formed, 120 military family retreats and 125 podcasts aired about PTS.
Three thousand veterans with PTS have had their symptoms cleared.
“This year, we are actively try ing to get the business community involved,” Lana Gies said. “It’s one thing to have family and friends walking, but to see the business com munity rallying around our heroes in itself is enough to save a life.”
This year’s event will kick off at Crooked Can with a traditional military ceremony, presentation of the colors, a flag-folding ceremony, musical tributes to the armed forces
and more.
Guest speaker Peter O’Rourke, former U.S. Secretary of VA and VA Chief of Staff, will share words and the Patriot Guard Riders will be displaying the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Global War on Terror Memorial Wall.
The 2.2-mile walk will run from Crooked Can along Plant Street, while the ride route will run 41.09 miles from Crooked Can, through Oakland and around Lake Minneola. After the walk, the festivities will continue with a family picnic day at the park.
“Though this event is about sui cide prevention, it’s also going to be a lot of fun,” Kurt Gies said. “We take the day to honor veterans and go to the community.”
The picnic portion will include beer and food vendors, birthday cel ebrations of two special guest WW2 veterans, live entertainment, a ninja course, silent auction, service pro vider booths and marketplace ven dor booths for the community.
In addition, Anna Fabry, fiancee of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, the West Point graduate and Foun dation Academy alum who died early this year in a training incident, will be presented with the memorial flag. The flag is presented to a member of the community who has experienced a circumstance in need of closure.
Challenge 22 will include com munity partners who are dedicated to providing a wide variety of ser vices to active and retired military and first responders. Professional services and help available include: PTS counseling, medical assistance, housing and employment assistance, K-9 partner assistance, spouse and family support, networking and companionship, mentoring and training, and special retreats.
The money raised will be distrib uted to organizations that provide help and hope to veterans such as Project: VetRelief and SOF Missions.
The concept for Challenge 22 evolved shortly after Kurt Gies first heard of the statistic.
Kurt Gies said after spending 25 years in the Navy, he was looking for something to re-energize him during the 10-year period between retire ment and the first Challenge 22.
“My purpose in life is only ful filled by ‘service to our country and my community,’” he said. “I was very heavily involved in coaching youth sports at the high school, middle school and elementary levels, but I
SIXTH ANNUAL CHALLENGE 22 WALK AND PICNIC WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 WHERE: Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St. WEBSITE: legionflpost63.org/ c22 FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ WGAL63
HELP n Donate for silent auction n Donate corporately; $500 or more gets recognition at event n Register to walk — $22, and you can do it virtually n Help fundraise by creating a team in the team challenge n Just show up
needed something more. By commit ting to doing the best job we possibly can to represent this cause, while honoring those who have passed due to their struggles with PTS, I found that the ‘personal reward’ I get from seeing those who are in need ‘turning the corner’ to being a success story, is more than I ever expect in return.”
Shortly after, he met a young U.S. Marine named Ashley Moir, who was doing a veteran-only Ruck Walk which involved 22 people walking 22 kilometers — 14 miles — with a 22-kilogram rucksack on their back, 50 pounds.
Although the pair realized every one in the community may not have the ability to walk 14 miles or carry a 50 pound rucksack, they knew there had to be a way to come up with a modified event.
The first 2.2-mile Ruck Walk took place in 2017, with about 150 people walking. In 2018, the event hosted 400, and by 2019, the walk yielded just under 1,000 participants.
Although numbers in 2020 and 2021 were affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kurt Gies said the organization is hoping to break records and have more than 1,000 walkers this year.
The organization has worked with more than 8,000 at-risk veterans and first responders over the past five years with the money raised, without a single one of them taking their lives.
Although impressive, Kurt Gies said 8,000 is just scratching the sur face to those who need help.
“My hopes are that Winter Gar den can lead the way for the rest of the country in doing these kinds of events for our veterans,” he said. “There’s nothing more powerful that we can do as human beings than sav ing another’s life. Therefore, we can not stop.”
Nessa has been having the dreams again. Foreign cities, romantic lan guages and the person she’s loved since childhood saying those three little words. Sick of slinging drinks, unfulfilled and restless; Nessa decides to follow her dreams — literally. With her best friend Sami in tow, the two women take off on an adventure that will change their lives forever. “The Red String” combines a modern love story with a driving, sentimental and humworthy tunes.
The musical is written by Aman da Scheirer, of Winter Garden, with music and lyrics by Dan Drnach, of Orlando. It is directed by James Honey of Orlando.
This trio met and fostered their friendship working in entertain ment at Universal Orlando. They previously brought the awardwinning “Cross Country: A SelfHelp Concert Performance” to the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2021. Now, after completing a six-week workshop, they are holding a staged reading-style showcase of this original, full-length musical.
They’ve assembled a group of local actors and musicians to fill out the cast and band, including T.J. Washburn, Lauren Morrison, Anthony R. Smith, Zach Briggs, Cat Cutenese, Leyla Lawrence, Linda Floyd, John Devennie, Michael Car rese and Aaron Bohlander.
“Our goal throughout this pro cess has been two-fold,” Scheirer said. “We want to appeal to local producers and theatres to take us under wing, to give this show a future full production. We don’t have the means to do it on our own; we need help. In turn, we are giving back to the Central Florida community.”
Two local charities will benefit. There will be a goods drive for One Heart-Orlando, and 25% of ticket sale proceeds will be donated to the Cast Member Pantry.
“The Red String: A New Musical” will hold its showcase at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, inside Pilars Loft on the second floor of the Roper Garden Building, 146 W. Plant St in downtown Winter Garden. Doors open at 7, and there will be a pri vate cash bar available before and after the show. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at theredstringmusical. eventbrite.com.
Southeastern Food Bank is hold ing several “sort and pack” days in preparation for its Thanksgiv ing Food for Families distribution program.
The next days are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Satur day, Nov. 12 and 19. The food bank, along with Publix Super Markets and hundreds of volunteers will un load, set up, sort and pack 2,000 boxes of food to be delivered to those in need for Thanksgiving.
Volunteers will meet at the Southeastern Food Banks ware house, 655 N. Kissimmee Ave., Ocoee.
To volunteer, call the South eastern Food Bank office at (407) 654-7777.
A new Japanese barbecue restau rant is coming to Horizon West.
Gyu-Kaku will open its fourth Florida location, its second in Orlando, in the Flamingo Crossings area.
Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, provides “the au thentic Japanese yakiniku, grilled barbecue, dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming charcoal grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu and frosty cold beers,” ac cording to the restaurant’s website.
The eatery also offers a wide range of meats including the bestseller Harami Skirt Steak in Miso Marinade and Certified Angus Kalbi Short Rib in Tare Sweet Soy Marinade.
Gyu-Kaku will open the new location in the middle of November at 140 Sugar Belle Drive, Suite F, Winter Garden.
For more information, visit GyuKaku’s website, gyu-kaku.com.
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
Darron Esan has exchanged one OPD badge for anoth er and has made the move from the Orlando Police Department to the Oakland Police Department.
Orlando Police Lt. Esan wasn’t looking to retire, but when the opportunity arose to apply for the position of Oakland chief of police, he knew he was ready for the chal lenge.
He began his role in leading the town’s 14 full-time officers and three reserve officers Nov. 1.
“I only retired because this opportunity popped up,” Esan said. “It wasn’t my plan to leave at that point, but … the idea of a fresh start, of being part of that growth and the agency’s growth was far more exciting than staying and finishing out however many years I was with Orlando.”
He is excited to tackle the chal lenge of taking Oakland’s depart ment “to the next level,” especially with the advances in technology, and he wants to integrate the lat est equipment and programs into everyday policing.
“The biggest emphasis to me will be Community Oriented Policing,” Esan said. “The theories behind it, they work. One thing I would like to implement is some sort of oppor tunity for the community to get together with the police, like cof fee with a cop — at least quarterly to allow the community to meet the officers that patrol their neighbor hoods but also to ask questions of the police. I would like to start that soon.”
Another push he wants to make is to improve the use of social media platforms. He hopes to see more residents engaged in the police department’s Facebook and Twit ter pages so they can learn about the department, meet officers in individual profiles and get the lat est information about town hap penings.
“The biggest challenge is see ing the forecast for what kind of residential and commercial growth
— and building a police depart ment in that community — that we’re going to have,” the chief said.
“A few thousand more residents means increased staffing, technol ogy demand. How can we keep all the generations so they get what they want out of the community? That will be a fun part of the chal lenge — enabling the town to grow and also the police department to grow together.”
When Esan entered college, he still didn’t have a clear plan for his future. He took a criminal justice class because it seemed interesting, and his professor offered extra cred it to any students who signed up for a ride-along with a police officer.
“When I got done with that short ride-along … I said, ‘I have to do this,’” he said. “It showed me I’m going to get into a career where I don’t do the same thing every day. That excitement has continued for 26-and-a-half years. I can’t wait to get to work. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I love that. I want to know that whatever comes over the (radio), it’s a learning expe rience, it’s a challenge.”
While with the Orlando depart ment, Esan served as a field train ing officer and a criminal inves tigator before being promoted to sergeant in 2006. As a sergeant, he was assigned to and supervised units within Patrol, Community Involvement (downtown bikes unit), Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Uniform Drug Unit, CID — Robbery, and CID — Homicide.
He created and supervised the first multi-jurisdictional task force in Central Florida related to homi cide investigations, the Joint Homi cide Investigation Team.
Esan was promoted to lieutenant in 2014 and commanded sections within Uniform Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Division, Criminal Investigations Division — Property Section and Criminal Investigations Division — Violent Crimes Section and at the Orlando International Airport.
He served as a hostage negotiator and retired as the team commander
of the Emergency Services Unit.
“Some of my assignments, I’ve seen what we’re really here for,” he said. “The greatest assignment I’ve ever had was when I was supervi sor over the Homicide Unit and … I got to work next to some of the most talented people I’ve ever seen. The most rewarding thing was to sit down with a family member and tell them we found who killed their family member.”
Esan said he has learned to look at the “big picture.” Eight months after he and another officer, George DeSalvia, were hired at Orlando, DeSalvia was killed in the line of duty.
“That incident caused me to do a lot of soul searching — ‘Why am I really here?’” Esan said. “That inci dent, it has guided me, and he has guided me through all of this. His mother still calls me her son. I don’t go anywhere without him. I have his badge number tattooed on my arm.
“His memory has guided me,” Esan said. “Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish and be so lucky to be involved in, he’s been there. I’ve had some close calls, and I call his mom and say, ‘I think George was with me today.’”
Remembering fallen officers always has been important, Esan said, and he was honored to be named Orlando’s police memo rial coordinator in 2006. One of his classmates at the police academy was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clay ton, who was killed while on duty in 2017.
“No officer in the town of Oak land has ever been killed in the line of duty, and my job is to keep it that way,” he said.
ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE Esan and his wife of 16 years, Annemarie, live in Lake County and have one daughter and four dogs. Annemarie is a homicide detective with the Orlando Police Depart ment.
Esan graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal jus tice from Florida State University. He served three years with the Tal lahassee Police Department and was hired by the Orlando Police Depart ment in 1999.
He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice in 2017 from the University of Wisconsin — Platte ville. Esan has taught as an adjunct professor with Valencia College and Southwestern College in Wichita, Kansas.
Esan said he is eager to meet the residents of Oakland and wants them to know they can reach out to him at any time.
“My door is always open,” he said. “I’m always accessible.”
“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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“… One thing I would like to implement is some sort of opportunity for the community to get together with the police, like coffee with a cop — at least quarterly to al low the community to meet the officers that patrol their neighborhoods but also to ask questions of the police.”
The local police departments play an important role in getting books into the hands of West Orange Coun ty’s youngest residents. In Winter Garden and Ocoee, books accompa ny toys given to registered families in their respective toy give-away pro grams at Christmastime. This year, the town of Oakland is adding Read ing Reindeer books to the toys given away in December.
The Winter Garden Police Athletic League Inc. hosts Holiday Gifts for Kids each year. The Winter Garden Police Department has coordinated with Reading Reindeer since 2012.
“We want to ensure the under privileged children we serve have the tools to learn, and this starts with access to great books for their enjoyment,” Officer Gail Michaud said. “We enjoy that through Read ing Reindeer we are able to offer a wide selection of books to the chil dren of all ages.
“The community benefits from kids having access to reading materi als outside of school,” Michaud said. “The Winter Garden Police Depart ment benefits from knowing we are helping our community and invest ing in the generations of children.”
The Winter Garden PAL hosted its sixth annual 5K Donut Dash at Lake
WINTER GARDEN
n Winter Garden Farmer’s Market, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.
n Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St.
n City of Winter Garden, 300 W. Plant St.
n Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road
n Writer’s Block, 32 W. Plant St.
n Pammie’s Sammies, 121 S. Boyd St.
Apopka Nov. 5 to benefit Holiday Gifts for Kids. A total of 312 run ners signed up for the event, which included 75 dozen fresh Krispy Kreme doughnuts at three different stations along the route.
The funds from this event aid in purchasing gifts and food vouchers for citizens of Winter Garden who qualify for HGFK, and it allows PAL to host a free summer camp.
Qualifying families must register their children, from newborn to age 12, for the toy program prior to Dec. 5.
To register, pick up and return an application at one of the following locations or hand it to a police offi cer on patrol: Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant St.; City Hall, 300 W. Plant St.; Maxey Cen ter, 830 Klondike St.; Mildred Dixon Activity Center, 303 S. West Crown Point Road; and Jessie Brock Com munity Center, 310 N. Dillard St.
When registering, parents or legal guardians must provide all of the fol lowing documents: birth certificate or court or custody paperwork; cur rent water or utility bill for the Win ter Garden address in which they reside; proof of government assis tance, such as WIC or food stamps;
The Reading Reindeer is collect ing children’s books for its 25th year. Observer Media Group is counting on the West Orange community to help in collect ing and delivering new books to children at Christmastime.
The deadline to donate books for children from birth to age 17 is Dec. 1. Checks payable to Reading Reindeer can be sent to the West Orange Times & Ob server, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
This year’s book distribution list includes children served by the West Orange Christian Service Center; Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland police de partments; Community Health Centers; and Edgewood Chil dren’s Ranch.
and one type of identification, such as driver’s license, ID card or pass port.
Families will be contacted by the Community Liaison Unit and given a program ticket with a scheduled pick-up date and time.
Members of the community are invited to donate new toys, games, sporting equipment, gift cards and more to help children in the Winter
Garden community. Donation dropoff continues through Nov. 9 at the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant St.
For information about the Holi day Gifts for Kids program, call (407) 656-3636, Ext. 5416.
The annual toy program in Ocoee has enjoyed a partnership between the Ocoee Police Department and the community since 1984. It is made possible by the generosity of city employees and residents who contribute new unwrapped toys and funds for children 6 months to 13 years of age.
Funds and toys can be taken to the Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway.
Participants must live in Ocoee and provide a valid driver’s license or state identification card, proof of residency such as a utility bill and a birth certificate for each child.
Parents and legal guardians can register children from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thurs-day until Dec. 1 at the Ocoee Police Department.
Toys will be distributed Dec. 20 at the police station. The time for pickup will be set during registration.
For information, call the Ocoee Police Department at (407) 9053160.
The Oakland Police Department has been holding a toy drive for 15 years and typically assists about 25 fami lies in providing Christmas presents for their children.
“We participate in the program to assist the families within our com munity that are in need,” said Stacie Quinn, director of police adminis tration for OPD. “It also provides local residents and businesses a way to partner with the police depart ment (in) assisting families.”
There is no registration system for the toy program.
“We get a predetermined list of families in need from the Oakland Avenue Charter School,” Quinn said. “Also, being a small community, we know of families that need help or just a little holiday cheer from Oak land officers interacting with the community. We then call each family to see if they would like to be a part of the program.”
Quinn said the police department is excited to partner with Reading Reindeer.
“Reading books is a pastime par ents and children can enjoy togeth er or provide children an escape that is not video games,” she said. “The Oakland Police Department is looking to expand their commu nity engagement program. Read ing Reindeer is another event that would strengthen the bond between the police department and the com munity.”
n Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive n Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. n Foundation Academy, 125 E. Plant St.
OCOEE
n House Blend Café, 17030 W. Colonial Drive n Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive n Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway
WINDERMERE
n Windermere Administrative Building, 614 Main St.
OAKLAND
n Oakland Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St.
DR. PHILLIPS
n Dr Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando n St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando
HORIZON WEST
n Bridgewater Middle, 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden n Sunset Park Elementary, 12050 Over street Road, Windermere
n The French Café, 16412 New Indepen dence Parkway, Suite 140, Winter Garden
n The French Café, 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 160
ORLANDO
n The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd.
25 YEARS
The Orange Observer is collecting new books for children from birth to age 17 to be delivered to those in need just before the holidays.
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ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER
Although no businesses have been announced officially, a new project in Ocoee could bring a spa and bakery to the city.
The Ocoee City Commission approved 3-1 an amendment to the Ocoee Land ings project that paves the way for a new three-story, 51,680-square-foot mixeduse building. Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen was absent, and Mayor Rusty Johnson dissented.
The project will be located on 1.76 acres on the east side of Lake Ohio Road and the north side of East Silver Star Road, about 770 feet east of the intersection of North Clarke Road and East Silver Star Road. The site is the only remaining parcel in the Ocoee Landings Planned Unit Devel opment.
According to the applicant the first floor will be commercial. Businesses are still to be determined and approved, but so far, the owners have received petitions from a spa, a bakery, a UPS store and a veter an care facility. Businesses such as thrift stores, tattoo parlors, pawn shops, hookah lounges, laundromats, clubs, dollar stores and smoke shops will be restricted from renting a commercial unit on the property.
The second and third floors of the future development will consist of 42 residential condominiums available for purchase only.
“The way visually the project is going to look from the road, you wouldn’t be able to tell that it is a residential commu nity,” Lowndes Law Firm shareholder Tara Teadrow said on behalf of the property owners. “It’s going to look and be designed in an urban feel, and it’s going to have a complementary architectural style like whatever is already underway of building out adjacent to us. That way it looks like an integrated, more cohesive Planned Unit
n The commission read a procla mation declaring Nov. 2 as a day of remembrance “for those residents of Ocoee and West Orange County who lost their lives and property through an act of domestic terror.”
n The commission read a procla mation declaring Nov. 26 as Small Business Saturday, urging Ocoee residents and residents from other communities across the country, to support small businesses and mer chants throughout the year.
n The commission heard the first reading of ordinance for the Land Development Code amendment to allow Major Community Residential Home use in the agriculture zoning and all residential zoning and dis tricts. This item will be brought back during the Nov. 15 meeting.
Development.”
Commissioners Larry Brinson, Richard Firstner and George Oliver supported the project.
“I like the residential more than the commercial, because it gives more resi dential places to live in the city of Ocoee,” Brinson said.
“I don’t have a problem with the mixeduse residential,” Firstner said. “(It) would go a lot better in that neighborhood.”
“I don’t have any concerns about this; I think it’s going to be a welcome addition to our community,” Oliver said.
However, not everyone was in favor of the development. Ocoee resident Robert Phillips expressed his concern pertaining the approved project as his backyard faces the future development.
“I was told that this land was going to be commercial … and speaking as a resident that does face that property, the prefer ence would be to keep it commercial,” he said.
Johnson also voiced his concerns.
“I’m not really in favor of it,” he said. “Well, come time if you get out of Silver Star Road, I want you to tell me — right in, right out, there is no other way you get in and out of that project. Right in, right out. … I have a problem (with this proj ect), and I’ve talked with citizens who live there, and they have a problem with it. ... I don’t believe this is a project we should do there. I don’t have a problem with the commercial there, but I’ve got a problem with the (residential), and I’m telling you that parking is going to be a problem.”
“Being
Charles “Chuck” Rich, 35, died Saturday, Oct. 29.
ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
“Chuck was known for making sure he stood out — all the way down to his flamingo belt and holster,” his moth er, Melissa Rich, said. “He was such a unique person in every single way. … He had a heart of gold. He never met a stranger in his life. He was such a genuine friend to anyone that he really did love.”
Winter Garden Fire Rescue Depart ment Engineer Charles “Chuck” Rich, 35, died in an off-duty accident Saturday, Oct. 29.
Chuck Rich leaves behind his father, David Rich; his mother, Melissa Rich; his brother, Josh Rich; the mother of his children, Liz Horn; his two chil dren, Noah, 8, and Amelia, 5; and his dog, Diesel.
Chuck Rich was born Oct. 20, 1987, at Winter Garden Hospital. He attended West Orange High School and par ticipated in a wide variety of sports, focusing mostly on lacrosse and band in high school, before graduating in 2006.
Chuck Rich played the trombone, and Josh Rich said he always had to make sure his instrument stuck out in a different way.
“He had to have the silver one while everyone else had the brass,” Josh Rich said. “He wanted to stand out. When everyone started to get the sil ver instruments he wrapped his with electrical tape in school colors to make it look different.”
Chuck Rich was a member of West wood Church since he was in the fourth grade. He still prayed before every meal.
Chip David, his youth pastor, will be officiating Chuck Rich’s service.
Melissa Rich said David was proud of the men Chuck Rich and Josh Rich grew to become.
WHEN: Noon on Monday, Nov. 14
WHERE: Mosaic Church, 14175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden DETAILS: The entire community is invited to the open service. A celebration of life at the Elks Lodge in Winter Garden will fol low the service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested dona tions to a trust fund for Chuck Rich’s two children, Noah, 8, and Amelia, 5: Addition Credit Union, Winter Garden, account number 10600001965404, electronic routing number 263181384.
In June 2008, Chuck Rich began his career with the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department.
He grew up around the fire station with his father, a 32-year firefighter at the Reedy Creek department who inspired him to pursue the career.
The boys visited the fire station every holiday, sharing prayers and meals with other family members at the department. They learned about the brotherhood.
The community meant everything to Chuck Rich, which is why he knew he wanted to stay with a local depart ment.
“It was one of those things where he was like, ‘I want to live in Winter Garden,’ and then once he got hired on with them, he saved the money to be able to do so,” Josh Rich said. “He wanted to live in Winter Garden and also protect the people that lived in Winter Garden. He was very much a ‘firefighter’s firefighter.’”
Chuck Rich loved driving the fire truck and proudly told people when he was promoted to engineer.
Josh Rich said his brother had 980 hours of overtime alone this year.
“He loved the fire department that
much,” Josh Rich said.
He was finishing up his courses to take the test for lieutenant — an achievement he undertook at the encouragement of his fellow fire fighters. He had one semester left.
Fire Chief Jose P. Gainza Jr. said it has been a tough week for the depart ment.
“I have a lot of young firefighters who were close to Chuck,” he said. “They not only lost a friend; they lost a family member. It is a tough thing to deal with, when you lose a part of your family, your fire depart ment family. As a young man, Chuck grew up in the department. In his 14 years here, he has established himself as a ‘firefighter’s firefighter.’ Always training to be the best firefighter he could be. Most importantly, sharing that knowledge with all of the other firefighters. He loved being a fire fighter and he was preparing himself for future opportunities.”
Melissa Rich said her son loved just about anything that had to do with people. Her husband agreed, saying his son’s generosity was among his most admirable qualities.
“He would do whatever he could to help whoever needed it,” David Rich said. “He was always willing to give you the T-shirt off his own back.”
Chuck Rich met new friends every where he went, including a new friend he met at the airport bar only a few months ago.
Josh Rich and his girlfriend, Jen nifer Lanaford, said it didn’t matter what time or where he was. If you called, Chuck Rich showed up.
Chuck Rich was protective and proud of his brother and made sure to always include him in everything — even his motorcycle group chat in which Josh Rich was the only member who didn’t ride a motorcycle.
“It didn’t matter, because we were still brothers,” Josh Rich said. “Chuck would tell people, ‘That’s my little brother, and you’re not allowed to touch him without asking me.’”
On top of his family and work, Chuck Rich loved guns, cars and motorcycles. He loved attending car
shows and owned 10 drivable vehicles. He also had plenty of project pieces.
Nobody touched Chuck Rich’s motorcycles or cars. If he didn’t know how to fix something, he would learn how to do it.
As part of his father’s upcoming retirement, scheduled for Jan. 31, 2023, Chuck Rich surprised him with a 1969 Ford truck — “three on the tree,” the same car he had previously owned growing up. The father and
son were to restore the truck together, a task Josh Rich will now take on.
“It was from Chuck, and being that he’s not going to be here now for when he retires, it’s going to mean that much more,” Melissa Rich said.
More than 1,000 people — includ ing six fire departments and some police departments — are anticipated to attend Chuck Rich’s service next week.
The West Orange Dream Center hosted its inaugural Dream Big Gala in order to raise funds for the nonprofit Satur day, Nov. 5. The fundraiser aimed to raise $150,000 to help offset the costs of the building, programming and everything the organization does with funds for items such as
supplies and food.
The center offers a multitude of programs, including GED classes, foster family assistance with One More Child, outreach, where teams visit the homes of single moms and widows in east Winter Garden and minister to their needs, and a free coffee shop.
More than 250 people attended the fundraiser, including commu nity leaders, local business owners, city officials and media personnel.
Pastor Frank Foreman from New Horizons Christian Church led at tendees in a welcome and prayer before guests were invited to enjoy a catered dinner from 4 Rivers Smokehouse.
Rainey McFadden, executive di rector for the West Orange Dream Center, thanked the community for “bringing life” into the Dream Cen ter and presented Kelly Armstrong and Suzanne McGowan as volun teers of the year.
Keynote speaker Bishop Syl vester Robinson, of Love Fellow ship Christian Church, shared inspirational words before turning over the floor to other speakers, including Officer James McLeod, of the Winter Garden Police Depart ment; Pastor Marcio Pacheco, of The Crossings Church; and Pastor Chuck Carter, of Family Church.
The city of Ocoee came together to remember those lost in the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre with a week end of events including the signature Unity Family Festival Saturday, Nov. 5. Through Ocoee Remem bers 2022, the city dedi cated three days to bring the community together through remembering, educating, healing, uniting and honoring the lives lost in the massacre 102 years ago. The day started with the Orlando and Tampa chapters of the Buffalo Sol diers hosting the second annual Julius “July” Perry Memorial Highway Honor Ride. The festival then began at noon with family and friends flocking to the Ocoee Lakeshore Center to enjoy live music, inspi rational speakers, food trucks, a kids zone, small businesses, community vendors and much more.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
in the Isle
community
in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residen tial real-estate transactions from Oct 29 to Nov. 4.
The home at 5018 Latrobe Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $7.3 million. Built in 2008, it has seven bedrooms, seven baths, three half-baths and 12,353 square feet of living area.
These are the highestselling homes in each com munity in West Orange.
The home at 9236 Bay Point Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $6,475,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, eight baths, two half-baths and 9,764 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.
The home at 7037 Delora Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 1, for $435,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,933 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.
PARKSIDE
The home at 7963 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 4, for $940,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,306 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
PHILLIPS GROVE
The home at 7845 Wandering Way, Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $805,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,915 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 93.
PHILLIPS LANDING
The home at 8815 Bay Harbour Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $800,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,808 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.
THORNHILL
The home at 11611 Wakeworth St., Orlando, sold Nov. 1, for $615,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,816 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.
CARRINGTON
The townhouse at 12305 Via Derna Place, Windermere, sold Nov. 1, for $465,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,891 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
CREEKS RUN
The home at 4918 Wise Bird Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $532,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,427 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.
The townhouse at 15849 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $440,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,774 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The townhouse at 15148 Sunrise Grove Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $460,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,364 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
The home at 6134 Sunset Isle Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $588,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,979 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.
The home at 7040 Pasturelands Place, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $555,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,664 square feet of living area. Days on market: 106.
The townhouse at 7444 Leighside Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 2, for $465,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,881 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.
The home at 7033 Bramlea Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $620,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,229 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.
The home at 6610 Helston Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $600,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,786 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 5378 Lake Virginia St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $488,433. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,767 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.
The townhouse at 13336 Abuela Alley, Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $467,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,756 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.
The condo at 14218 Desert Haven St., No. 3605, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $385,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,067 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
The home at 5518 Thomas Square Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $582,500. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 2,893 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 13826 Summerport Trail Loop, Windermere, sold Nov. 2, for $522,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,128 square feet of living area. Days on mar ket: 10.
The home at 6703 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $500,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,388 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.
The home at 18060 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $800,646. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,924 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
The home at 15515 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $575,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.
The home at 16713 Herongate Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $505,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
The townhouse at 13103 Bounty Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $455,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,817 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
The townhouse at 13109 Bounty Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $419,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,567 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES
The home at 7424 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $1,600,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,056 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.
The home at 11536 Charnock Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $640,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,929 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
The home at 13214 Longacre Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $660,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 2,878 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.
The home at 15057 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 2, for $670,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,545 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
The home at 15155 Mayberry Drive, No. 48, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $704,110. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,614 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.
The home at 711 Strihal Loop, Oakland, sold Nov. 1, for $420,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,135 square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 936 Kylee Alley, Oakland, sold Oct. 31, for $536,370. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,772 square feet of living area.
ARDEN PARK
The home at 2948 Muller Oak Loop, Ocoee, sold Nov. 4, for $445,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,215 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 608 Bridge Creek Blvd., Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $336,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,659 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.
The townhouse at 1731 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $449,089. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,807 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.
The home at 390 Anessa Rose Loop, Ocoee, sold Nov. 3, for $660,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,880 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 938 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $518,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,838 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
The home at 20 Rewis St., Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $641,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,784 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.
SAWMILL
The home at 5014 Sawdust Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 4, for $425,000. Built in 1990, it has three bed rooms, two baths and 1,732 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
The home at 1001 Caballero Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 4, for $305,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,200 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
The home at 1971 Water Tupelo Way, Ocoee, sold Nov. 1, for $541,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,446 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.
WATERSIDE
The home at 2747 Cullens Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 2, for $430,000.
Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,678 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.
The home at 3400 Tabreeze Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 1, for $805,000.
Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,622 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 9749 Vista Falls Drive, Golden Oak, sold Nov. 1, for $5,800,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths and 5,951 square feet of living area.
The home at 10400 Lavande Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $1,100,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 4,645 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
The home at 10981 Ledgement Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $830,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,086 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
The home at 5018 Latrobe Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $7.3 million. Built in 2008, it has seven bedrooms, seven baths, three halfbaths and 12,353 square feet of living area.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 6134 Keene’s Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $1,450,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,440 square feet of living area. Days on market: 117.
LAKE DOWN ESTATES
The home at 11056 Bayshore Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $3,500,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, seven baths and 4,914 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 905 Main St., Wind ermere, sold Nov. 4, for $650,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,921 square feet of living area.
The home at 1068 Spring Mill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $695,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,940 square feet of living area.
The home at 12612 Dallington Ter race, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $680,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,630 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
The home at 219 Horstfield Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $348,500. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,182 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
The home at 205 Faulkner St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $469,990. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,754 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
WATERSIDE
The home at 1445 Waverunner Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $502,595. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
WESTCHESTER PLACE
The home at 751 Pamela Ave., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $378,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,394 square feet of living area. Days on market: 69.
The condo at 26 Windtree Lane, No. 201, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 2, for $199,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.
The condo at 57 Windtree Lane, No. 104, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $186,900. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: 66.
The home at 17505 Phil C. Peters Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 1, for $622,200. Built in 1981, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,223 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.
The biggest shopping event of the year is just around the corner. Our Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to find something for everyone on your list, plan where you are going to shop and know when to buy what you want to get it there on time!
1The Windermere Prep girls weightlifting team won its season-opening meet against Faith Christian Academy Wednesday, Nov. 2. The Lakers girls’ team finished with a total of 68 points in the traditional lifts, while Faith Christian finished with 12 points. On the Olympic lifts, Windermere Prep accumulated a total of 62 points, while the Lions finished with 25.
2Olympia High School has several athletes from various teams who will be competing on the state finals for their respective sports. From the girls cross country team, the athletes include Kathryn Hey, Anna Gordon, Laisha Saldivar, Maddie Heald, Emily Knopfle, Sandy Scott, Victoria Sanchez and Katie Heald. For the dive and swim teams, the athletes include Spencer Biggs, Sergio Mendoza, Tristan BonnetEymard, Austin Lesperance, Gael Gonzalez and Ethan Hodson. For boys golf, Aaron Leach will be representing the Titans at states.
3Horizon Hawks girls swim team made school history after qualifying for the state championship title for District 3A. The meet took place Friday, Nov. 4, at Sail fish Splash Park in Stuart. The first Hawks swimmers who represented the school at states were Ian Batoni Ca zella, Bella Craven, Isabelle Davis, Roni Shulman, Isa Vasquez and Julie Vasquez.
4Windermere High School diver Antonina Harned became state champion with a total of 495.55 points after compet ing at the 2022 District 4A swimming and diving cham pionship meet Saturday, Nov. 5, at Sailfish Splash Park in Stuart.
5Ocoee High School girls volleyball ath lete London Adkins and cross country runner Amante Ugarte recently were named athletes of the month by Baptiste Ortho dontics. Adkins set the new school record for blocks in a game and a season, and Ugarte had a personal record during his last meet of the season.
The 2022-23 regular football season has ended. For some teams, that means their time on the gridiron also has ended. For others, that means a new goal — a state cham pionship.
In West Orange and Southwest Orange, five teams — Ocoee, Olym pia, West Orange, The First Academy and Legacy Charter — all have earned berths into the playoff picture.s
Before the games begin, we take a look at how each team made it way to this point.
It seems the West Orange Warriors (6-4 overall, 4-0 district) are peaking at the right time.
Before their 28-26 loss to Osceola Nov. 4, the Warriors had rattled off
The Wolverines were the No. 2 seed going into the state championship Tuesday, Nov. 8, and Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Mission Inn Resort and Club, in Howey-In-The-Hills.
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITERIt’s not an expectation anymore but rather a tradition for the Winder mere High School boys golf team to win districts, advance to regionals and qualify to states.
“I think our program that has been going for these many years has sort of allowed the team to just step up,” head golf coach Eric Bacon said.
The Wolverines have won their dis
trict meet every year since the school opened in 2017.
“This program is about (the play ers) understanding that team golf is a little bit different than junior golf,” Bacon said. “In junior golf, you are so focused on yourself. In team golf, you have to not go after all the shots that you might go for; you have to place for your teammates. So, teaching them that, teaching them the teams we play are not our opponents, the golf courses are. Teaching them how
to plan for the golf courses it’s always a fun thing for us (as well as) how to make them better golfers.”
Junior Carson Baez, 16, has been playing for the Wolverines since his freshman year. His brother, sopho more Cameron Baez, 15, joined his sophomore year. Together, the Baez brothers are excited to compete on the same team, playing the sport they love and have been involved in for a decade.
“It’s (our) first time getting to states together, and it’s just great to see how all the progress has paid off and all the hard work,” Carson Baez said. “This is the type of thing that we have
How do you feel about break ing the school’s record for most receiving yards?
At first, I didn’t even think I was close to it, (because) last season I had (an) injury. So, it was a bless ing to be able to break it.
How long have you been playing football?
I played flag football since third grade, and then I skipped sixth grade to run cross country. I came back (to football) in seventh grade.
What do you love most about football as a sport?
Just the challenges that come with it. I love the work that you have to put in. I remember going to Arizona with my dad (during the summer before eighth grade), and we were training all summer and … we had to do it in 100-degree weather.
How old were you when you first held a football?
I was probably 3 years old.
What do you believe makes you unique on the football field?
I can say my size. The body just gets open and catches the ball. Just being able to catch the ball in different ways.
Is there anything unique to your play style?
I would say attacking the defen sive backs leverage instead of just going straight into my route, attacking where they are so they don’t know where I’m going on the field.
How did you come up with imple menting that?
Lots of work, lots of one-onones that I’ve done with different trainers and just a lot of coach ing — especially with my dad, (Sharrod).
What has football taught you not only on the field but also outside of it?
Just what to do when adver
AGE:
so just constant injuries.
What are you going to miss most about playing football with the Lakers?
Just the brotherhood. I love everybody on my team, no matter how much I try to criticize you or get on you, I love everybody on my team.
Any favorite schools you’d like to hear from?
I would like to hear from Florida State University and the Univer sity of Central Florida.
Any thought on what you’d like to study in college?
Psychology. I am an emotional person, and I just want to know the human emotions. I want to know more about the human mindset and what makes people think the way they do.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Anime: I love watching anime. “One Piece,” I started it — that was one of my favorite anime, and it’s the longest one I’ve ever watched … and it’s still going.
What are your favorite movies?
“Inception” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” Both of these I’ve watched with my dad and “Incep tion” just makes you think — it’s one of those psychology things where it makes you think at the end of the movie and “The Dark Knight Rises” gets me hyped up to work out.
Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
four consecutive wins, including a statement victory over Ocoee Nov. 1 for the Class 4M, District 5 cham pionship.
The Warriors ended their regu lar season with a 6-4 overall record and as seat No. 1 in District 4M. In their season, the Warriors won in every way possible. They showed off their offensive prowess in their first game of the season — a 43-12 pummeling of Oak Ridge. A week later, they were able to grind it out in a 13-6 defensive battle over Apopka.
“Playing a tough schedule (helped us get here),” head foot ball coach Geno Thompson said. “We purposefully scheduled a very tough schedule, so that our kids could be prepared come play off time.”
This year, the Warriors also claimed all three West Orange-area rivalry trophies — the Ol’ Orange Crate in a Oct. 21 19-17 victory over Dr. Phillips; the Shield in the aforementioned tilt with Ocoee; and the Fence in the Oct. 27 37-14 win over Olympia.
However, although those tro phies are sweet, they’re not the ultimate goal.
That quest starts in the first game of the 2022 FHSAA Football State Championships. West Orange will host Steinbrenner (6-4) at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
“They are a good football team,” Thompson said of Steinbrenner. “Obviously, everybody in the play offs is a good football team. We just got to make sure that we do our job and try to limit our mistakes.”
The Knights put together one of the strongest seasons in recent memory, ending with a 6-4 over all record and 2-2 in Class 4M, Dis trict 5.
After dropping a 13-12 heart breaker to Apopka Aug. 26, Ocoee righted the ship and rattled off five consecutive wins, including a Week Two 15-14 victory over Wekiva.
But the Knights weren’t done. That stretch also included Ocoee’s most impressive win of the season — a 31-28 overtime thriller over the previously undefeated Winter Park Wildcats.
Although the Knights dropped their final two games of the season — 28-25 to Dr. Phillips and 41-17 to West Orange — it would surprise no one to see Ocoee go deep into the playoffs.
However, that quest does not start easy. The Knights will face an impressive 8-2 Durant (Plant City) team at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
“They are a good team, they score a lot of points,” head football coach Aaron Sheppard said of the Cougars. “So, we’ve got to make sure we are ready.”
Like Ocoee, the Olympia Titans put together an impressive regu lar-season campaign. They ended with a 6-4 record and 2-2 in Class 4A, District 5, good enough for the
Perhaps the Titans’ most impressive win of the season came Oct. 14, when Olympia shut out nearby rival Dr. Phillips 11-0.
Throughout the season, the Titans’ offense caught fire — scoring more than 40 points three times. Head coach Travis Gabriel attributes their 2022 success to the Titans’ team-first mentality.
“They believed in the broth erhood and this family, and the culture that we’ve worked hard to build,” Gabriel said. “They worked hard on every play, we lost some tough games, and we won some tough games. But overall, they worked hard on every game.”
WINDERMERE PREP (6-3), 14 THE FIRST ACADEMY (8-2), 7
UP NEXT: The Royals travel to Uni versity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday, Nov. 18.
DR. PHILLIPS (4-6), 14 JONES (8-2), 35
FOUNDATION ACADEMY (6-3), 27 HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL ACADEMY (6-4), 10 HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL (7-3), 29 WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL (2-8), 14
LAKE BUENA VISTA (1-9), 37 COLONIAL (0-10), 15
LEGACY CHARTER (6-3), 34 SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN (7-3), 33
UP NEXT: The Eagles will play Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Satur day, Nov. 12.
OLYMPIA (6-4), 41
SOUTH LAKE (0-10), 20
UP NEXT: The Titans travel to East Lake at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
WEST ORANGE (6-4), 26 OSCEOLA (7-3), 28
UP NEXT: West Orange will host Steinbrenner (6-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
Now, that work ethic will be put to the test against a formidable opponent in East Lake. The Eagles went 9-1 overall and a perfect 3-0 in Class 4M, District 6. Their only loss came in the first game of the season — 28-20 against Lake Gib son. The Titans travel to East Lake at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.
“We are going in giving our best effort,” Gabriel said. “I feel like our kids deserve this opportunity, and I don’t want them to not take advantage of it. So, the biggest thing this week is being focused on the task at hand. Because if we lose, that’s it. It doesn’t get more simple than that. … I just expect it to be a good game, I expect the kids to play a full four quarters and leave it all on the field.”
The Royals were on pace for a oneloss season until they dropped a 14-7 game to Windermere Prep Nov. 4. However, TFA’s 8-2 overall record and 3-1 in Class 1M, District 2 is good enough for the No. 3 seed.
Much of the Royals’ success can be attributed to its stout defense.
TFA held opponents to single-digit points in eight games, and Win dermere Prep’s 14 was the most scored on TFA all season.
“The biggest thing has been our defense, it has given us an opportunity in every game,” head football coach Leroy Kinard said. “(It) has really done a good job, and some of our senior guys, our quarterback James McGinn, our wide receiver Grady Ruiz — both have done an outstanding job, and the young freshman Ryan Smith, I think he’s done a good job, as well.”
TFA has made the playoffs 13 out of the last 16 years, and that experience should bode well for the Royals when they travel to University Christian (Jacksonville)
Friday, Nov. 18. The Christians put together a 9-1 campaign and 3-1 in Class 1M, District 1. University Christian scored at least 33 points in each of its nine wins. So this first playoff game will be a true test for both squads.
“We are super excited,” Kinard said. “Everybody is looking for ward to it. … Anytime we play a playoff game — (because) it’s win or go home — the expectation is that you are going to win. But it’s a tall task.”
Following an impressive 25-13 win in the first round of the SSAC State Championship Oct. 27 over Bish op Snyder and a dramatic a 34-33 decision over Seven Rivers Chris tian in the second round Nov. 4, the Legacy Charter Eagles (6-3) are one game away from the SSAC 5A State Championship.
But before they hoist that tro phy, the Eagles will need to handle Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (Bra denton). the game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Bryant Stadium, Lakeland.
The Eagles’ 2022 season has been an impressive start under new head coach Ryan Locuson, who attributes Legacy’s success to its collective will.
“When we face adversity … (we) take it head on and take 20 minutes to dwell on things that are bad and move on to the next game,” Locu son told the Observer before the first round of the playoffs. “In game-time situations, we all make mistakes, but we have to put that in the past, because there’s no chang ing it at (that) point. I think that’s something that I felt I brought and something that’s made an impact on this team.”
Lisa Terese Steadman, nee Buchig nani (60), loving sister, daughter, wife, mother and aunt, entered into heaven on Oct. 15, 2022. Lisa was born in Stanley, Wisconsin, on Oct. 26, 1961. She grew up in Eau Claire, Wis consin, and moved to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1980, with her father and siblings. Lisa married James Stead man on June 21, 1986, in Winter Gar den, Florida. In 1993, she and her family relocated to Elyria, Ohio, to seek professional care for their son Matthew’s autism.
Lisa was a very loving, caring and selfless person. She was kind and gentle, but in matters of character and principle, she was a rock. Her life was not easy, having to care for her autistic son, Matthew. Lisa’s strong faith saw her through many hardships during her life. One of her recent achieve
Matthew James Steadman, 34, of Elyria, Ohio, entered into heaven on Oct. 15, 2022. He was the son of Lisa and James Steadman, who, sadly, passed away on the same day. Mat thew was born on Sept. 20, 1988, in Winter Garden, Florida. At age 5, he and his parents relocated to Elyria, Ohio, to pursue treatment for his autism.
Matthew was a sweet and loving person, a sort of gentle giant. Years ago, his Grandfather John was a pharmacist at a Wisconsin state-run facility where such folks resided. He called them “living saints.” And that is what Matt was. He shared a birth day with his Aunt Mary C., always greeting her with, “Hi, my twin!!” She felt it an honor having his birth day coincide with hers.
For a number of years during the week, Matt attended a special-
ments was to read both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Hers was a life devoted to God and family.
One of Lisa’s great joys was fre quent calls to her relatives to keep in touch. Among other things, Lisa enjoyed beautiful music, lighthouses, and creating gorgeous knitted items, which she gave as gifts.
needs workshop in Elyria, provid ing social interaction, while giving mom a chance to tend the house and relax just a little. Caring for a special-needs child right into adult hood was a tremendous responsibil ity for which Lisa and Jim deserved much credit. Despite his autism, Matt prayed nightly for all of his rela tives, making sure to list everyone by name. He enjoyed singing and was a big fan of Martina McBride, whom he got to meet backstage once — a thrill for him and his parents!
Matthew leaves his “Grandfather John” Buchignani; aunts and uncles, Paul, John, Tom and Gina Buchig nani, Mary (James) Reineck, Peter (Peggy) Buchignani, Toni (Richard) Fleming, Patrick (Anita) Buchignani, Daniel (Connie) Buchignani; and 15 first cousins.
A Funeral Mass was held Oct. 31 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Elyria, Ohio, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.
looked forward to when since we were younger. Just being able to be a part of it together, though, we now know that we feel proud that we were able to get here. We knew that just with patience and hard work, we would be able to do it.”
The Baez brothers led the team in both the district and the regional meets. Carson Baez took the individ ual medalist at district after shooting a 68, and Cameron Baez led the team at regionals after shooting a 69.
The team is currently on a eightwin streak. Being one of the youngest teams since the beginning of the pro gram has helped the players buy into what Bacon teaches on a daily basis.
“They are open to see what the team has done in the past, open to what I have to say,” he said. “I make it so it’s a whole team buy-in. … They are doing what I’m asking them to do, so that’s always a good thing.”
One of the skills that has been engrained in the Wolverines golf game throughout the season is the under standing of the each course they play.
“Typically, we travel to most parts of the state (during our season),” Bacon said. “We always try to play the most difficult teams we can find and the more difficult courses just so that we are not always playing on the
same course.”
The Wolverines are the No. 2 seed heading into states. However, the golf course where the states champion ship takes place each year is a chal lenging one — Mission Inn Resort and Club, in Howey-In-The-Hills.
“(That) golf course we are going to play is completely different than all the golf courses we’ve played along so far, so they are going to have a chal lenge,” Bacon said. “Now they are playing on hills, which they normally don’t do. The greens are very dif ficult, because they are fast. … And every year at states, the wind starts to blow.”
The Wolverines are optimistic heading in that they can overtake the standings and come home with a state championship.
“We have been planning about how we can tear up the entire course, and I feel we can be as good as anyone, if not better,” Carson Baez said. “We are excited to come home after the final round with the state trophy in our hands.”
“Going to states, I think we have a good chance at taking it,” Cameron Baez said.
Both brothers are the first in their family to set foot on a golf course as players. Their end goal is to be able play collegiate golf and hopefully, one day, make it to the PGA Tour.
We love you very much, Lis, and we know you are resting in perfect peace with your Lord, Jesus Christ, whom you so loved. Please give our love to all of our dear departed in heaven with whom you are now reunited. We know that you will keep all of us in your prayers, as we will you, and we miss you more than you can know.
Lisa leaves her father, John Buchig nani; her nine siblings, Paul, John, Tom and Gina Buchignani, Mary (James), Peter (Peggy) Buchignani, Toni (Richard) Fleming, Patrick (Anita) Buchignani, and Daniel (Con nie) Buchignani. She is also survived by seven loving nieces, including two great-nieces, and six loving nephews.
A Funeral Mass was held Oct. 31 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Elyria, Ohio, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.
John Puchein has been Olympia’s AP Human Geography
and APEX ninthgrade teacher for 15 years. He also has coached football, basketball and bowling, as well as served as the deputy commander of Olympia’s Civil Air Patrol Unit. Puchein has been nominated for Teacher of the Year six times, including the past five years. Christy L. Gorberg, principal at Olympia High School, said Puchein is a Titan through and through. “They (the students) not only pass the course and the exam, they truly build relationships and get prepared for the remainder of their years in high school along the way,” she said. “Mr. Puchein’s energy and sense of humor makes this difficult and sometimes not-so-interesting course one that the students look forward to and miss after they leave him.”
What brought you to your school? I wanted to teach high school when Gotha Middle School hired me, but there were never any openings. When I heard Olympia was open ing, I jumped at the chance to teach there and be involved in starting a new school.
What do you love most about your school?
The opportunity to work with students from a variety of back grounds and cultures. The diver sity on our campus is what makes it such an exciting place to be.
What is your motivation? Seeing students be excited to learn and watching them enjoy coming to school.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Having former students keep in touch with me. Seeing the kids I taught when they were so young grow up, get jobs and start their own families. It is humbling for them to want to keep in contact and to get to see the outcome of the impact I have made.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
POSITION: AP Human Geography teacher
TIME AT SCHOOL: Since it opened in 2001 TIME AT OCPS: 26 years
My family and I enjoy the outdoors, hanging out in downtown Winter Garden and trying new restaurants. I also enjoy watching my daughter cheer for the West Orange Wild cats.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
Mrs. Brady in middle school. She always went out of her way to help me, and she had a significant influ ence on me going into teaching.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
I always wanted to be an astro naut, because I was fascinated with astronomy, and studying the stars and planets.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“The Hardy Boys!” I love a good mystery, and I read every single book in the series.
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.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy cycling, video games, working on my 1973 Mustang and spending time at car shows.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
Money! Yes, I know it is not a superpower, but as all my students know, Batman is my favorite superhero!
If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
My favorite three bands: Pink Floyd, Disturbed and The Psy chedelic Furs. I love their lyrics and imagery in their music — especially Pink Floyd.
What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?
I am not a picky eater; what ever my mom packed. Probably peanut butter and jelly or soup in one of those old-school metal Thermoses.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Halloween! I love decorating and making the house and yard spooky.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why?
Are you still in touch?
One of my best friends in school was Amy, and we still keep in touch after over 35 years!
What were your extracur ricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
I mostly participated in basket ball when I was in school.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
Cody and Jenna Vincitore had not seen one another for more than a year — so when his friends offered to fly her to the Middle East to attend his military promotion pinning ceremony, she didn’t hesitate.
Cody Vincitore recently was pro moted to chief in the U.S. Navy; Jenna Vincitore is a music teacher at Tilden ville Elementary School.
The Vincitores had to say goodbye to each other more than a year ago, when he was deployed overseas with the Navy. He recently applied for and received a promotion, and his friends made sure Jenna Vincitore could be there for the big day.
“He made the rank of chief, which is a really big deal in the Navy,” Jenna Vincitore said. “He’s worked really hard for it, and it’s a really intense process they go through. His friend reached out to me who works with him and said, ‘I have an idea. … You haven’t been out here and he’s getting ready to come home. … Before Cody leaves we want to surprise him; he means so much to our office. … We want to bring you out here to surprise him.’”
After arranging to take a few days off her job, Jenna Vincitore was on a 15-hour flight to the Middle East. Once she arrived, her husband’s friends picked her up and took her to her hotel, where she stayed inside until his cer emony the next day, Oct. 20.
“We sat in the audience, and when they marched in, his friends hid me,” she said.
It’s customary to announce the name of the person who will be per forming the pinning duties, and when Jenna Vincitore’s name was called, Cody Vincitore simply thought it was
a sweet gesture to say her name sym bolically.
And then he saw his wife standing there in her teal dress, ready to pin on his left and right anchors.
“He just closed his eyes, and tears came out,” she said. “He was so shocked when he saw me. He said, ‘I just can’t believe you are standing here.’”
Although it was a quick visit for the Vincitores, they were able to attend a U.S. Navy Khaki Ball on Friday and tour the area and try out the local cui sine before she headed home Saturday night.
“I feel really blessed that his friends reached out to me,” Jenna Vincitore said. “It was an amazing weekend; it was an awesome experience.”
Cody Vincitore is expected back in Orlando Nov. 18 and will make the switch from active duty to reserve duty.
Jenna Vincitore is excited to have him home later this month. Because of the time difference between the continents, Cody was getting off work when Jenna was getting up for work, she said, so talking was diffi cult. They did get to make phone calls and occasional FaceTime calls on the weekends.
She said she has stayed busy in the last year while her husband has been away thanks to a wonderful support group of friends.
Jenna and Cody Vincitore were mar ried Dec. 20, 2020, so they missed their first anniversary. She said her parents celebrated with her so she wasn’t alone on the couple’s special day.
Last year, after her husband left for his deployment, Jenna Vincitore’s coworkers at Tildenville Elementary put together a care package for her that included some of her favorite things.
“I feel really blessed that his friends reached out to me. It was an amazing weekend; it was an awesome experience.”— Jenna Vincitore Courtesy photo Cody and Jenna Vincitore had a wonderful renion after 12 months apart.
In one single place, music fans heard The Beatles, Radiohead, Bon Jovi and Bandmasters Association District High School, Orlando.
All public school marching bands from Orange — including Dr. Phillips, Horizon, pia, West Orange and Windermere — the event.
Westbrooke Elementary School hosted its 2022 Fall Festival on the evening of Friday, Nov. 4. Students, parents, teach ers and staff flocked to the green space in front of the school to enjoy a plethora of activities including a teacher dunk tank, rock wall, photo booth, carnival games and inflata bles. In addition, attendees munched on tasty treats from the West Orange Creamery, Pizza Hut and Kona Ice while jamming out to catchy tunes from a live deejay.
The Winter Garden Rotary Club sponsored a sale of defense stamps with chairman W.F. Capple man aided by Johnnie Davis, Harry Smith, the Rev. Albert Stulck, J.B. Rodgers, C.O. McRae and Mayor Frank Roper.
Neil McMillan, sharpshooter, broke 95 of 100 targets, capturing firstplace honors in the 100 Targets Handicap event in the Orlando Gun Club’s registered trap shoot. A field of more than 30 marksmen representing six states competed in the annual event.
Winter Garden city commissioners voted to start the wheels rolling to get sidewalks laid for the protec tion of the school children attend ing Dillard Street Elementary.
Miss Andrea Wright was honored with a kitchen shower hosted by Mrs. Malone Traywick and Mrs. Doris Stout at the Florida Power Lounge. Miss Wright and James Davis were married Nov. 11 at the First Methodist Church of Winter Garden.
First Lt. Ward Britt, son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Ward Britt, of Winter Garden, was on duty at Bien Hoa, Vietnam, as a forward air control ler in the Pacific Air Forces. He was a graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
Kristin Bean, a lineman for the Ocoee Bulldogs’ Junior Midgets, was the first girl to play Pop War ner football in Ocoee. Her coach, Mike Hopper, praised her for her determined effort and improve ment over the season.
The Times staff consisted of George Bailey, publisher; Anne Bailey, editor; Ken Morris, manag ing editor; Mike Hubis, advertis
These two images form a panoramic view showing attendees at a First United Methodist Church homecom ing. The occasion was photographed Nov. 10, 1946 — 77 years ago. A total of 136 members gathered for fel lowship under the aegis of the Rev. Jesse E. Waller, who served as pastor from 1946-51. During his tenure, the Educational Building was constructed; the parsonage was remodeled; and the fellowship hall and chapel were in place. By 1949, a library was established and audiovisual equipment was acquired.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation maintains and preserves an extensive collection regarding the his tory of Winter Garden’s First United Methodist Church. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment. 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.
ing manager; Meribeth Jackson, advertising; Alice Howe, office, Diane McKee, composition; Mary Anne Swickerath, sports; and Win Pendleton, editorial consultant. The newspaper was 25 cents per copy, and an annual subscription cost $9.
Jimmy Crowe, a 21-year veteran of the Winter Garden Post Office, was appointed postmaster.
The production of “La Boheme” at the Bob Car Auditorium marked the opening of the 24th season of the Orlando Opera Company. West Orange representation includes Marjorie Masson of Windermere, president of the opera company; and chorus members Marilyn McAlpin, of Windermere, and Mar ian and Sam Wagster and Carol Knighton, of Winter Garden.
Barbara Roper was honored with the Lifetime Volunteer Achieve ment Award on the 50th anniver sary of the Central Florida YMCA. She was chairman of the National Board of the YMCA of the USA and served on the executive commit tee of the World Alliance of YMCAs. She was the first woman to pre side over the national organization.
NOV. 9, 1972
Two local grocery stores — one in Ocoee and one in Winter Gar den — advertised their weekly specials in The Winter Garden Times
Boogarts in Ocoee advertised they had the lowest meat prices in Central Florida, specializing in freezer beef orders cut and wrapped to shoppers’ specifi cations. In November 1972, beef loin was less than one dollar a pound and boneless New York strip was $1.89 per pound. Need milk? You paid 99 cents, and that likely was for a gallon. In Winter Garden, A&P of fered deals on chuck roast (68 cents per pound) and leg of lamb (98 cents per pound), as well as apples (25 cents per pound), cucumbers (a nickel apiece) and six bottles of R.C. Cola (57 cents).
www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011
Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com
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
Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661
Sunday Service: 10:05 AM
Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org
West Orange Christian Church 7325 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando (407) 299-2092 Sunday Service:10:30AM www.woccorlando.org
“The West Orange Chamber provides us with an opportunity to do our part as business leaders in the community. No matter our level of commitment, we know we are helping by being connected through this collective knowledge and voice that the Chamber has impressively assembled over the last 50 years.”
