11.24.22 West Orange Times & Observer

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dairy Queen finally opens

Ocoee leaders consider police training center

The city will hire a consultant to evaluate a proposal it received for the center.

SEE PAGE 6A.

YOUR TOWN

FARM PLANS

FIFTH FUNDRAISER

Special Hearts Farm, which serves individuals with dis abilities and unique abilities, is holding its fifth annual Boots, Wine and Dine Under the Stars for the Special Hearts Farm event Saturday, Dec. 3, and tickets are available.

Held at Serenity Ranch, 8001 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, the event begins with registra tion at 5 p.m., cocktail party at 5:30, dinner and entertain ment at 6:30. A silent auction will be held from 6 to 8:30. For ticket information, visit spe cialheartsfarm.com or email specialheartsfarm@gmail.com.

Special Hearts Farm is a nonprofit organization in Winter Garden that provides adult day training, supported employment and entrepreneur business opportunities related to farming and gardening expe riences.

Loving the daily grind

KNEADFUL THINGS

A German native is opening a new bakery.

SEE PAGE 3A.

The highly anticipated eatery opened its doors to guests Tuesday, Nov. 22. 2A.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

Axum Coffee CEO Mike Benn and Alex Azzizzo have developed a special bond at the Axum Roastery in the Plant Street Market.

Tony and Lisa Azzizzo, of Winter Garden, are giving thanks to the team at Axum Coffee for believing in their son, 26-year-old Alex, who is on the autism spectrum, and giving him his independence. SEE PAGE 4A.

Alex Azzizzo carefully follows each of the steps necessary in bagging the coffee beans at Axum Coffee’s roastery.

Residents share words of gratitude. Page 3A.

Dairy Queen welcomes first Winter Garden customers

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The long-awaited Dairy Queen Grill & Chill opened its new location in Winter Garden Tuesday, Nov. 22.

The eatery, located at 14180 W. Colonial Drive, is locally owned and operated by Check Kam and Marawan Raafat.

The 2,612-square-foot location houses a max occupancy of 96 and already employs 40. The owners hope to add 10 more to the staff.

In addition to the owners, the team is led by Director of Operations Joseph Abby, General Manager Derek Pinto and Assistant Manager Keanan Tally.

“Check and I are thrilled to be opening a Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Winter Garden,” Raafat said in a press release. “After years of own ing various restaurants, I have always wanted to be a part of an iconic brand like DQ. Having lived in the area for years, we saw a need for a welcom ing environment where families can come together and enjoy a meal, and we knew that DQ was the perfect concept to fill that need. Our mission is to make people happy and bring joy to the community by provid ing good food and excellent service. We’re

DQ HISTORY

The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. Interna tional Dairy Queen Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 locations in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., led by Warren Buffett.

Source: dairyqueen.com

confident that our location will become a pillar in the Winter Garden community.”

Raafat has years of experience as a business owner and has owned mul tiple other restaurant concepts. Kam, a doctor, said he is eager to enter the restaurant space and bring the iconic brand to the area.

The owners both place an impor tance on excellent customer service, quality food and community involve ment.

“A lot of Dairy Queens are oper ated by large entities, but this one will be special, because it’s locally owned,” Raafat said. “We’ve always tried to focus on giving back to the communities and

operating in small towns that appre ciate our business.”

With a management and staff team that Raafat is proud of, he said the location will be an enjoyable place to both work and eat.

“I love the restaurant business because we get to interact with the world,” he said. “You get to engage with staff members and customers on a day-to-day basis. There’s noth ing better than seeing a family leave content, happy and smiling because of something we created. We really just want people to enjoy it.”

Pinto said he is most looking for ward to working with his team to watch the location blossom.

“There’s so much opportunity in this market, and not just in the market but in the community,” he said. “I’ve loved every interaction I’ve already had with customers and even the staff. They work really hard for what they want, and we’re going to do fan tastic things here.”

A LONG TIME COMING

Although plans for the location were approved by Winter Garden city commissioners in February 2020, supply chain shortages led to mul tiple delays of opening, Abby said the demand in the area for the Dairy Queen has only grown.

“The people have literally been chomping at the bit,” he said. “The Facebook page that we have is non stop. The biggest thing that’s amazed

me that’s going on here is that even though no one knows me, my staff or even the general manager, is that the community has so much excitement, and we already have such a following.

I love seeing people interact and share memories with each other about Dairy Queen on the page. Everybody has a DQ story.”

The location hosted a friends and family event Sunday, Nov. 20.

In addition, the DQ held a contest on its Facebook page. Julie Smedley and Mary Catherine-Baughman,

one of the winners of the contest, said they plan on enjoying the res taurant’s offerings every day because their dance studio is located nearby.

When asked what they enjoy the most about Dairy Queen, the answer was simple: Everything.

“People don’t just say, ‘I’m going to Dairy Queen,’ they say, ‘I’m going to my Dairy Queen,’” Abby said. “And that truly makes all the difference.”

Orlando Health offers comprehensive healthcare in West Orange County. From a number of nearby hospitals and medical pavilions, we offer leading-edge cancer care, as well as primary care and specialty physicians, emergency services, diagnostics, imaging and much more. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com

Dr. Phillips | Horizon West | MetroWest | Ocoee | Windermere | Winter Garden

Annabelle Sikes

DJ Martin, Jeanny Andre and Briaunna McLendon stood ready to greet customers at the front counter.

RISE & SHINE

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Colin Reichardt was new to Amer ica 11 years ago when he went to a grocery store to buy some bread. All the German native saw was the packaged bread in plastic bags lining the shelves. He said he asked the manager why all the bread had the same color and shape, but the manager didn’t have an answer.

Reichardt concluded American bread has too much sugar, salt and other ingredients, so he set out to offer an alternative to local residents.

“Growing up in Germany, we love bread and wanted to eat it like back in the days,” he said. “In 2015, we started baking breads, pastries and cakes from home — back then as a hobby. We realized that real whole some baking needs more than a recipe — and we educated ourselves on the science part of things: how sugar level reacts, what ingredients are beneficial and what ingredients or techniques are harmful. We wanted to bake as healthy as it gets.”

It took about a year of experiment ing until Reichardt felt he had a prod uct people would like.

“With a year of practice under our belts, we were comfortable enough to take courses by master bakers,” he said. “One of these bakers that we learned from for (the) next couple of years was a master baker from Swit zerland, (who) even won the silver medal of the world championship of

baking. (Combined) with our science studies, we created the best recipes possible.”

After studying under several master bakers for about two years, Reichardt was ready for his neighbors, family and friends try his baked goods.

German bread stands out with its healthy high rye content, which leads to a darker color, a denser interior and crunchier crust as compared to light er breads, such as Italian or French bread.

Last year, Reichardt started partic ipating in the local farmers markets — in Winter Garden, Windermere, Clermont and Maitland and at Lake Eola — and he routinely would run out of his breads and sweets before the market closed.

“In 2021, we started to bake from home through the cottage law, offer ing our baking goods at different mar kets, which turned out from the very beginning to be a huge success,” he said. “We pretty much would sell out at any market we attended.”

He said his bestsellers have been the multigrain and sourdough breads, banana muffins, Black Forest cake and German cheesecake. His personal favorite breads are the sourdough multigrain, black emmer, and walnut

BENEFICIAL BREADS

103 S. Main St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 990-2062

EMAIL: contact@beneficial breads.com

WEBSITE: Beneficialbreads.com

HOURS: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon days through Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays

and cranberry.

German sourdough is mild and creamy rather than tangy, and the fermentation process takes 36 hours,

according to the bakery’s website.

“Everything started with sour dough breads,” he said. “We success fully added banana breads, muffins (and) cookies and will start selling fresh baked croissants as well.”

Beneficial Breads is taking a pause from the farmers markets to con centrate on the new Winter Garden store. Reichardt said he will resume the markets, and possibly add Winter Park to the list, once the store is up and running.

Reichardt said his bakery will have an assortment of wholesome German breads, including multigrain, rye, sourdough, Schwarzbrot; pastries such as croissants, chocolate crois sants, muffins and Danishes; as well as German cheesecake, Black Forest cake, Frankfurter Kranz, sahnetorten, apple cakes and more.

For folks with specialty dietary requirements, Beneficial Breads has baked goods for them, too.

“We bake some gluten-free items in a separate, small oven, like our almond lemon cake, snickerdoodle and our famous gluten-free sour dough bread,” Reichardt said. “(We have) sugar-free apple cake, kid’s birthday cakes, waffles; and our breads are sugar- and dairy-free.”

Attitude of gratitude

“This year, I’m thankful that I’ll be able to celebrate Thanksgiving in Florida with my family. Being in the military, it’s not always something I’ve been able to do with traveling around.”

— Abigail Gibson, Windermere

“I’m thankful for my life. I’m just a thankful person. I just love everyone. I’m thankful for life, I’m thankful for the world, I’m thankful for the people I work with, I’m thank ful for my family, I’m thankful that I got up this morning and had breath and life. … I’m thankful for working here. … I’m just happy.”

“I am thankful for the op portunity to play with my four kids and travel with my wife. We went to Sky Valley, Georgia, (and) we go to Texas to see her family and to see my family.”

— Daniel Petronio, Winter Garden

“This year I’m especially thank ful for my family. We had some interesting health challenges and everybody is still here so we are super thankful for that. So I’m glad for my husband and my in-laws, and my dad, my stepmom, and my kids!”

— Janine Seppi, Horizon West

“As a breast cancer survivor, I am thankful for a life I get to live. I started that journey approximately four years ago, and I’m thankful to still be here, as I know many peo ple that started that journey with me that are not here (anymore). So, I’m thankful that God spared my life and I’m thankful that I am able to be with my family.”

Melissa Peoples, Ocoee

“I’m thankful because of the health God has provided me with, being blessed with the opportunity to study English and for being able to live life in this country with my family.”

“This year, 2022, I’m thankful that the year (in which) so many people lived in uncer tainty, I feel like I’ve been very lucky to live a life that I love and still have my job and my family and my friends.”

— Keaton Price and Wrigley, Winter Garden

When it came time to name his business, Reichardt said it was easy.

“We wanted to bake breads that are healthy without any harmful preser vatives or harmful ingredients like dough conditioner, artificial flavors, preservatives,” he said. “Our breads don’t contain sugar or milk pow der either. We never use enriched or bleached flour. Our flours are organic and stone-grounded on low heat so all nutrients (and) vitamins stay in the flour and do not need added artificial ingredients like most store-brought flours have in them.

“We even use spring water to assure high-quality baking goods,” he said. “In other words, we believe the ingre dients we use needs to be organic and natural — since real, natural, organic ingredients are indeed beneficial to our body, health and soul.”

Reichardt is eager to meet residents and make new friends with his cus tomers — and he invites the commu nity in to say hello.

“We love the community feeling in Winter Garden,” Reichardt said. “We love the town and history of Winter Garden; the people are so friendly and amazing. We feel there is a real sense of community. Living and working here has been nothing but amazing.”

thankful for my family this year. I’m thankful for my job, the weather, my friends, good food.”

— Grant Zachary, Horizon West

Amy Quesinberry

As friends and family sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving, many will take the opportunity to reflect on everything for which they have to be grateful. In honor of the holiday we asked you: What are you thankful for this year?

Colin Reichardt, a German native, is opening Winter Garden’s newest bakery, Beneficial Breads.

Colin Reichardt, center, is the owner of Beneficial Breads, opening this week in downtown Winter Garden.

Olena Ishchenko, left, and Summer Phillips are among the employees hired at the German bakery.

“We are thankful this year to celebrate 66 years of marriage, as well as our 90th and 92nd birthdays this week!”

— Steve and Marilyn Potz, Windermere

— Ricky Reynolds, Winter Garden

“I feel thankful to live in a coun try that allows us to stand on the streets and worship our God.”

— Dax Pearson, Windermere

“I’m so thankful that I have my new baby niece, Salem, who is only 4 weeks old.”

— Eve Taylor, Windermere

— Horacio Aguero, Horizon West

“I’m

“I’m thankful for my family, my dogs (Penny, Goose and Cooper), my life, my house and my TV so I can watch YouTube.”

— Mason Goletz, Winter Garden

Azzizzos grateful for Axum-Alex partnership

“This job provides our son with a sense of purpose and pride and independence. He is part of the community, and everyone at the Plant Street Market is so kind and takes time to say hi. I also have peace of mind knowing my son is safe and in goodcaring hands at Axum.”

Lisa Azzizzo

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Every Thursday morning, Alex Azzizzo tells Alexa to set his alarm for 8:30 a.m. He has mastered his weekly routine, and he knows the steps he must take to get to his job at Axum Coffee’s roastery in the Plant Street Market by 10 on those mornings.

Alex Azzizzo is 26 and on the autism spectrum.

“We are so very grateful to Axum for giving our son the gift of a pur poseful job in the community,” Lisa Azzizzo said of Alex’s employers.

“They have made a difference in our son’s life by enhancing his indepen dence and quality of living here in Winter Garden. We have never seen him this happy, and our hearts are full of gratitude. Alex feels proud and happy to be a part of the Axum team at the Plant Street Roastery location and the community.”

The blessings seem to keep com ing for the Azzizzos, and they know they are exactly where they were meant to be.

FINDING HOME

The Azzizzos originally discussed moving from New Jersey to North Carolina, but they couldn’t find a community that was a good fit for their family.

Lisa Azzizzo learned Walt Disney World has an amazing program for people with special needs, so they considered a move to Central Flor ida. Lisa Azzizzo wanted to live in a place she could walk to a farmers market, and that’s how they dis covered Winter Garden. They found Oakland Park, the neighborhood in which they live, after chatting with a fellow diner while having lunch in a local restaurant.

The Azzizzos wanted their son to gain some independence, and their new home is just two miles from downtown Winter Garden.

“One of our goals was to find him a job but where he can find a way home and to the job,” Tony Azzizzo said.

Tony and Lisa Azzizzo said they are blessed to have found Winter Garden and are amazed at the kind ness, acceptance and faith shown by the people of Axum Coffee.

After they were settled in their new house, Lisa Azzizzo reached out to the coffee shop and spoke to Axum CEO Mike Benn about the possibility

of her son getting a job there.

“When I asked Mike if Alex could work at Axum utilizing his ‘cof fee shop’ vocational skills, bagging beans and sealing the bags, he didn’t hesitate to say yes and was willing to give it a try,” Lisa Azzizzo said.

Alex Azzizzo’s first day on the job was Sept. 14, 2021.

“It was a new door for Axum to enter, as well, since Alex is their first employee with autism,” Lisa Azzizzo said. “Mike, Ivan (Chacon) and Josh (Neal) all worked together to help Alex be successful in his new job at Axum by teaching him his tasks (and) setting up visuals, an ABA job coach provided by fam ily and ongoing weekly commu nications between the team. The staff at Axum welcomed Alex with kindness, acceptance and patience, which filled my heart with joy.

“The collaborative teamwork truly made a difference in his suc cessful transitioning into his new role,” Lisa Azzizzo said. “Mike and Ivan, despite their busy schedules, always find time to answer my text messages on how Alex performed at work each week. Alex, a year later, after months of practice with sup port, is now safely and indepen dently biking into town and working without support.”

Benn said he jumped at the chance to place Alex Azzizzo at the roastery.

“We love helping people, and (we) help people that are in hard places, and we want to give opportunities to enliven,” Benn said. “And I thought it was great with his family moving to Central Florida and re-establish ing themselves. What can we do to help this family? … We had the need for the bagging of the coffee, and he pumps them out. He loves Winter Garden and loves being down here.”

Lisa and Tony Azzizzo practiced his routine and what steps he would need to take on workdays. Alex leaves the house around 9:30 a.m. each Thursday and bikes the two miles along the West Orange Trail to get to work by 10.

Once he’s at work, he prepares about 40 bags of coffee beans, care fully weighing the beans, bagging them and then sealing them.

“We scoop up the beans first, put them on the scale, 12 ounces, and pour in the bag,” Alex Azzizzo said. “Step 4, seal it. Put it on the shelves.”

He works in a small back area, but once he has finished bagging the beans, he ventures out to the coun

ter area to interact with customers.

“I do love working here at Axum Coffee,” Alex Azzizzo said. “I do love meeting people.”

When his shift is done, he texts his father, and the two go to lunch at a restaurant on Plant Street.

FRUITS OF HIS LABOR Payday is always a good day, and Alex Azzizzo has been saving his money.

“I save to buy anything I want,” he said.

That includes food, video games for his GameCube and passes to Dis ney’s Animal Kingdom.

Alex Azzizzo said he would like to work at the theme park one day and he would like to help guests board his favorite ride, Khali River Rapids.

Tony Azzizzo has seen a positive change in his son.

“It’s (had) a lot of different ben efits,” he said. “Time management — he knows he has to get up at a cer tain time and have time to bike to the coffee shop and be here on time. It’s helped with his organization skills — make sure they’re bagged and completed. It’s taught money man agement. … He knows the money goes into his bank account, and he buys groceries and tickets to Ani mal Kingdom. Not to mention the social aspect of being in the shop and interacting with customers.”

It has been a blessing for the Azzizzos to watch their son learn to become independent.

Alex Azzizzo had previous coffee shop experience when the family lived in New Jersey, but the job was eight miles away and on a highway, so the Azzizzos drove him to and from work.

“We always hoped he would one day get a job in town and he could walk or bike,” Tony Azzizzo said. “And the cold and snow was always a challenge. … It’s been wonderful, he’s completely independent.

“He gets up, gets dressed, gets his breakfast and bikes to work,” Tony Azzizzo said.

“This job provides our son with a sense of purpose and pride and independence,” Lisa Azzizzo said. “He is part of the community, and everyone at the Plant Street Market is so kind and takes time to say hi. I also have peace of mind knowing my son is safe and in good-caring hands at Axum.”

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com

Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

PUBLIC NOTICES

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMAS TER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observ er or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, P.O. Box 135, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069-0135.

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Founding Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

Amy Quesinberry

READING REINDEER RECIPIENT: Edgewood Children’s Ranch

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Edgewood Children’s Ranch has served as a safe environment and rescue haven for at-risk children and families since 1966. In its 56 years of existence, it has changed the lives of children ages 7 to 17 through coun seling, structure, responsibility and education.

Edgewood has been a book recipi ent through Observer Media Group’s Reading Reindeer literacy campaign for more than 20 years.

“We appreciate the privilege of participating with Reading Reindeer because sharing the gift of read ing with our children is a priceless treasure,” said Bruce Jordan, the ranch’s executive director. “When a child has the opportunity to choose a book that inspires them, their world expands to include experiences and thoughts and ideas that otherwise would be out of reach for them.”

All books donated to the children at Edgewood are placed in the ranch library so everyone has access to them.

“We strive to provide opportuni ties for our children to experience how books open up new worlds of possibilities,” Jordan said. “We are encouraged by the whole idea of a community coming together to share books with others. A new book is a wonderful gift to receive, and just one book can spark someone to dis cover the joy of reading.”

The ranch was started in 1966, when Juvenile Court Judge D. Arthur Yergey saw a need for a residential

BIN LOCATIONS

WINTER GARDEN

n Winter Garden Farmer’s Market, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

n Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St.

facility for young, at-risk boys who showed negative social behaviors due to poor family situations. Years later, the program and facilities were expanded to include girls.

Edgewood is located off Old Win ter Garden Road near Lake Hiawas see and runs entirely off donations.

It is a voluntary, live-in program, and children typically stay there for two to two-and-one-half years.

To be there, both children and their parents have to agree they want to change. The children live in cottages with a set of cottage parents, who ensure each child does chores, goes to the ranch school and does what is expected of him or her.

The goal of the faith-based pro gram is to work with the children and their families, heal them emotionally and spiritually, and reunite them as whole, healthy families.

Parents of the children are required to attend parenting classes, and the kids are taught how to acclimate back into society afterward.

The ranch is not government fund ed and runs entirely from donations. It is always looking for help, whether through volunteering or donating food or funds. Visit edgewoodranch. com for more information.

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

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 Overstreet Road, Windermere

n The French Café, 16412 New Independence Park way, Suite 140, Winter Garden

n The French Café, 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 160

The Reading Rein deer is collecting children’s books for its 25th year. Ob server Media Group is counting on the West Orange community to help in collecting and delivering new books to children at Christ mastime.

The deadline to donate books for chil dren from birth to age 17 is Dec. 1. Checks payable to Reading Reindeer can be sent to the West Orange Times & Observer, 661 Garden Com merce 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 departments; Com munity Health Cen ters; and Edgewood Children’s Ranch.

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.

Courtesy

Reading Reindeer books are kept in the Edgewood library for all students to read.

Ocoee leaders move forward with police training center proposal

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Ocoee City Commission grant ed permission to the city manager to hire a consultant to evaluate an unsolicited proposal to construct a police training center at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The project, submitted by Fortress Secured, proposes a public-private partnership between the city of Ocoee and Fortress Secured to construct the center. The facility would include a training gun range for police officers with outside and inside areas avail able for different skills development.

At the moment, there is no approval to begin construction. Instead, the city manager will begin to advertise the project to do an analysis on the possible future proposals that will be sent to the city after the advertising of the project.

Regional agencies already have concurred this would be a welcome addition to the West Orange area and the range would be put to use if con structed.

“We have not asked regional agen cies to kick in money toward this range,” Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “We have asked regional agencies if they would use our range, because they would be paying us instead of some other facility. So, let’s just say for example, city of Winter Garden. It’s a lot cheaper for them to come to us and pay the fair price for the training instead of sending their people to Southeast Orange County.

“Those are the conversations that we have had to this point,” he said. “We wouldn’t typically get into those until the commission has decided for sure that it wanted to move forward, and that’s after the proposals have been looked at.”

After some debate, commissioners were in agreement that approving the motion would be in the best interest of the city and unanimously approved the motion to hire a consultant to examine the unsolicited proposal and the advertisement of the project to invite new developers to submit other proposals.

HRDB RESTRUCTURED

The most contentious moments of the meeting came during the dis cussion of restructuring the city’s Human Relations Diversity Board.

Created in 2003, the board works to promote understanding, respect, goodwill and equality between all residents and businesses of the city of Ocoee.

After expressing concerns regard ing the current state of the HRDB, the commission brought up the idea of restructuring and reorganizing the board. However, this idea brought some disagreement among the mem bers of the commission — particularly between Commissioner George Oliver and Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen. This disagreement came after Oli ver created and posted a video that included comments about Wilsen. “Putting this video out insults me,” Wilsen said. “We are talking about

IN OTHER NEWS

n The commission approved all items in the consent agenda. These included the approval of the FDOT Sub-recipient High way Safety Grant to be awarded to the police department to support its effort to reduce the number of traffic-related fatali ties and injuries; the approval for the acceptance of the Bureau of Justice Assistance that will fund a license plate reader system to assist the police department in investigating criminal activity based on crime data; and ap proval of disaster debris moni toring services with Thompson Consulting Services.

n The commission approved the amendment to the Land Devel opment Code regarding the use of major community residential homes in the agriculture zoning districts (A-1 and A-2) and all of the residential zoning dis tricts (RCE-1 through R-3). The amendment stipulates that mov ing forward, these homes will not be allowed in these districts and to operate, they would require a special exception approval.

n The commission approved an amendment to the Land Devel opment Code regarding the com mercial recreation facilities to change the current use of what is defined as “Recreation Facility, Commercial” — which included both indoor and outdoor, to what will now be “Recreation Facil ity, Neighborhood” — which will encompass that any outdoor rec reational activity taking place in proximity to a residential area will need to be oriented to the needs of the people living nearby.

reorganizing a board and not about me talking behind the scenes. It was insulting and lacking accuracy. I’m ashamed of that video, and I’m ashamed that it was done right here.

… (The reason we are bringing this up tonight) is to make our board healthy and that board that I listened to today was not healthy.

“Being a part of a volunteer board should be fun; you should be enjoy ing what you are doing,” she said. “I don’t think anyone was enjoying what they were doing (the day of the board meeting). We want to make it healthy. We want to make it productive and we want our community to want to go to the (HRDB) functions.”

Oliver defended his position by adding, “I stand before my faith … I stand before what I said.”

In the end, the motion to have all elected officials nominate mem bers of their districts to have two atlarge board members per district and one representative from HighPoint Church, was approved 3-2, with com missioners Larry Brinson and Oliver dissenting.

336 E Plant St

Winter Garden,

Southeastern Food Bank packs Thanksgiving boxes

About 1,300 local families will benefit from the Food For Families program that provides holiday meals to those in need.

The Southeastern Food Bank ware house in Ocoee was buzzing with activity Saturday, Nov. 19, as dozens of volunteers took turns filling boxes with food and ingredients to prepare meals for this week’s Thanksgiving holiday.

The program has been in operation for 31 years and can only continue with the support of donors and vol unteers.

Foundation Academy brought sev eral sports teams and their families to participate in the food packing.

Christie Thompson, coach of the FA girls weightlifting squad, said she likes to show students the benefits of giving back in the community. She has taken teams to pack food boxes in the past with other organizations too.

“This is something that brings us together as a team,” Thompson said. “I want to expose the students to giving. Acts of service, as Christian believers, (are) really important.”

Several other Foundation teams were present, including middle school girls soccer students and their coach, Lauren Kari, and varsity soccer coach James Grosshans and his players.

Foundation freshman Elena Fried man has been volunteering with Food For Families for several years.

“I just love being able to help oth ers, and I love being able to help out in the community,” she said. “It always gives me such fulfillment. … It just makes you feel so good to know that you’re helping others and you get to show them you love them and if they fall you’ve got their back.

“I love to see how many people just want to get back out into the commu nity and how many people just want to show their love with everyone,” Friedman said.

Other volunteers Saturday repre

Mary

Amy Quesinberry

sented a volleyball team from Apopka as well as Walt Disney World Volun tEars.

Folks volunteering their time Satur day packed 31 pallets of food, consist ing of 1,302 boxes. Other volunteers working the previous two Saturdays sorted 70,000 pounds of mixed items donated by Publix Supermarkets.

The food handled Saturday and previously sorted included 3,300 pounds donated by staff and students at Whispering Oak Elementary.

The boxes, along with toilet paper donated by CVS Pharmacy and baked goods donated by the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, will be delivered Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, by volunteers to preselected families in West Orange County.

Drivers are needed to deliver the food from 8 to 10:30 a.m. To sign up, visit bit.ly/3UR0qZW.

The Southeastern Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that has helped tens of thousands of needy people in the past 31 years. This Christian ministry provides free food and personal care products in more than 25 Florida counties, including Orange. Southeastern Food Bank annually distributes millions of pounds of free food and goods.

For more, visit southeasternfood bank.com.

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Volulnteers at Southeastern Food Bank packed and stacked boxes for Thanksgiving.

Ahome in the Signature Lakes community in Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residen tial real-estate transactions from Nov. 12 to 18.

The home at 14832 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $1,870,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 4,431 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

These are the highestselling homes in each com munity in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS GRANADA VILLAS

The home at 7823 Mallorca Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $390,900. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,469 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

PHILLIPS GROVE

The home at 7061 Spring Drop Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $985,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,559 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 7432 Sparkling Lake Road, Orlando, sold Nov. 14, for $535,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,131 square feet. Days on market: 16.

VISTA

CAY

AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 5024 Shoreway Loop, No. 30806, Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $509,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,097 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

The condo at 5025 Shoreway Loop, No. 20403, Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $485,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,097 square feet of living area. Days on market: 87.

VISTAS AT PHILLIPS COMMONS

The townhouse at 7025 Cadiz Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 18, for $390,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,540 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 47.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The townhouse at 8760 The Espla nade, No. 52, Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $585,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,147 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

TOWNHOMES

VIZCAYA

The townhouse at 8233 Tivoli Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 16, for $550,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,854 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.

HORIZON WEST INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14832 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $1,870,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,431 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The townhouse at 14412 Pleach St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $365,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

The townhouse at 14177 Avenue of the Groves, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $330,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,249 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE — PEACHTREE

The home at 8544 Greenbank Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 18, for $650,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,610 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The condo at 8256 Maritime Flag St., No. 1719, Windermere, sold Nov. 18, for $285,000. Built in 2009, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,161 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 15.

OASIS COVE I

The condo at 14004 Luminous Lane, No. 801, Windermere, sold Nov. 14, for $350,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,657 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.

OASIS COVE II

The condo at 14206 Desert Haven St., No. 3602, Windermere, sold Nov. 14, for $385,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,894 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

NEWBURY PARK

The home at 9133 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 16, for $510,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,411 square feet of living area. Days on market: 92.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 12081 Beowulf Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $900,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,451 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14608 Porter Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $665,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,883 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The home at 14517 Spotted Sand piper Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $535,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,576 square feet. Days on market: 14.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8792 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $930,831. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,416 square feet of living area. Days on market: 82.

The home at 8774 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $848,245. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,769 square feet. Days on market: 35.

The home at 16728 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $636,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

The home at 11033 Bostwick Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $623,740. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet.

The home at 16680 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $625,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

realtor.com

The home at 14832 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $1,870,000. This lakefront home features more than 4,400 square feet of living space.

The home at 16125 Azure Key St.,

Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $470,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. Days on market: 81.

The townhouse at 16033 Juniper Inlet Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $410,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,814 square feet of living area. Days on market: 45.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9036 Overlook Pass Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $645,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,979 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

The townhouse at 11951 Vermillion Ave., Windermere, sold Nov. 14, for $415,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,539 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

OAKLAND LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The townhouse at 2103 Gopher Tor toise Terrace, Oakland, sold Nov. 15, for $410,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,620 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

WINTERS LANDING

The home at 409 Macchi Ave., Oakland, sold Nov. 17, for $695,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,317 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

OCOEE BORDEAUX

The condo at 2045 Erving Circle, No. 103, Ocoee, sold Nov. 15, for $190,000. Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one bath and 866 square feet. Days on market: Four.

BROOKESTONE

The home at 282 Belhaven Falls Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $610,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,967 square feet. Days on market: 18.

ESTHER HEIGHTS

The home at 124 Rewis St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $178,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,212 square feet of living area.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 342 Sterling Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $440,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,377 square feet of living area. Days on market: 88.

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 916 Lascala Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 14, for $645,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,500 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 9049 Woodbreeze Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 18, for $515,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet. Days on market: 23.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 916 East Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 16, for $1,850,000. Built in 1925, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,010 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 13050 Water Point Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $1,299,900. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,415 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

WINDERMERE CLUB

The home at 2103 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Nov. 14, for $870,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,265 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

WINTER GARDEN AMBERLEIGH

The home at 236 Aranel Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 18, for $672,500. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,779 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 14254 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 18, for $750,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,004 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 52.

The home at 14130 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $690,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,952 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

SHADOW LAWN

The home at 418 Charles St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $350,000. Built in 1952, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 1,584 square feet of living area. Days on market: 45.

SOUTHERN PINES

The condo at 316 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 205, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $229,500. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,453 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15326 Amberbeam Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 14, for $439,900. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,575 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

TILDEN PLACE

The home at 14348 Wabasso Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $753,620. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,613 square feet of living area.

WINDTREE GARDENS

The condo at 18 Windtree Lane, No. 201, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $191,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

WINTER OAKS

The home at 874 Summer Oaks Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $499,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

realtor.com

The home at 14254 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 18, for $750,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Nov. 12 to 18.

realtor.com

The home at 916 East Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 16, for $1,850,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Nov. 12 to 18.

Knights advance

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Ocoee High School is West Orange’s lone survivor on a quest for the state championship title.

The Knights have advanced to the final round of the Region 2 playoffs after defeating crosstown rival West Orange, 29-28, Friday, Nov. 18.

“There were a lot of things that we had to fix on our side; they (West Orange) did a great job the first time (we played them), so we had to fix ourselves,” Ocoee head football coach Aaron Sheppard said. “We just worked on ourselves.”

Despite losing to West Orange 41-47 Nov. 1, the Ocoee Knights got their revenge, posing a strong offen sive threat from the beginning of the game as they scored their first touch down at the end of the first quarter.

The Knights took the lead early after capitalizing on an interception. The Warriors didn’t stay behind and

scored their first seven points in the second quarter.

The two local powerhouses battled to a 21-21 tie by the end of regulation.

In overtime, West Orange drew first look to take the lead 28-21. Howev er, with only one second left on the clock, the Knights were able to reach the end zone to draw within one.

Then, instead of kicking the extra point, the Knights opted for a twopoint conversion try. Ocoee punched it into the end zone to earn a 29-28 statement win.

“It’s tough when you lose; my kids played hard,” West Orange head football coach Geno Thompson said. “They went for two on the final play, and they converted. Good luck to (the Knights) in the post season.”

Sheppard said he is proud of the work ethic and character his team showed throughout the season and, particularly, in this game.

“We just worked hard,” Sheppard said. “I don’t want to take anything

away from (West Orange). They did a great job. My kids: They worked hard all week, and they wanted to show who they really were.”

Ocoee will face East Lake (Tarpon Springs) Friday, Nov. 25, during the final round of the Region 2 playoffs. The winner of that game will advance to the Final Four.

East Lake will be a tough test. The Eagles are 11-2 for the season with a perfect 3-0 record in Class 4M, Dis trict 6. Their only loss was a 28-20 decision to Lake Gibson way back in August. Since then, East Lake has dominated most opponents, includ ing a 37-20 playoff win over Olympia Nov. 12.

“We just got to do what we got to do,” Sheppard said.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

The First Academy’s journey for a state championship came to an end after falling to University Christian 42-13 Friday, Nov. 18.

1Ocoee High School senior and running back Keyondray Jones broke the school record for all-time rushing yards in a season with 1,170 rushing yards. The previous school record was 1,152 total rush ing yards accumulated in a single season.

“That was a very good football team,” TFA head football coach Leroy Kinard said. “In the second half, they made a couple of adjustments and basically ran the ball on us, and we really couldn’t slow them down. I think they just said, ‘Hey, we are big ger and more physical than you, and we are just going to make you stop us.’ We made a couple of mistakes on defense, and we really struggled slowing them down. Offensively we had a couple of scores, but we really couldn’t sustain anything.”

The Royals ended their 2022 sea son with an overall record of 8-3.

“We had a great group of seniors, and they fought hard, and they gave us a chance in every game this year,” Kinard said. “So, even though sometimes it doesn’t go the way you expected, with the leadership that we had in this senior class — even though we are disappointed in the outcome, we are not disappointed in the way they led and their effort.”

TWICE AS NICE

2

The Foundation Acad emy weightlifting and soccer teams joined forces Saturday, Nov. 19, as they spent the day serv ing at the Southeastern Food Bank in Ocoee. The Lions sorted, unloaded and packed boxes filled with goods that were sent to people and families in the community that could use the extra help this Thanks giving season. In addition, the girls soccer team earned a victory over Dis covery Academy with a 8-0 score Thursday, Nov. 17.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

April 25, 2005. That’s the day the Kramer twins — Tanner and Jurney — arrived in this world, and shared the first of countless, life experiences they have enjoyed together.

3

The Windermere High School boys varsity and JV soccer teams both earned wins during their games against Wekiva High School Thursday, Nov. 17. The varsity Wolverines defeated the Mustangs with a 9-1 score, while the JV game ended 8-1 in favor of the Wolverines.

“It’s very unique to have two kids of the same age always going through, basically, the same developments at the same time,” mom Shantrell Kramer said. “They grow together just in the maturity of getting pre pared to be on their own, becoming independent on their activities, driv ing and all the stuff that they have to do. But, they also rely on each other quite a bit.”

This year, the twins are part of the first graduating class at Horizon High School, and both are excited to have the opportunity to leave their mark — and legacy — for future Hawks to embrace once they walk through the doors of Hawk nation.

Lake Buena Vista High School sopho more diver Nathan Frette became state cham pion Saturday, Nov. 19. This is Frette’s first state cham pionship title and also the first state championship title in the history of Vipers Nation.

4

“It’s fun, because we pretty much get to plan out what we want to do, and I know time’s ticking, but it’s something to say, ‘Yeah, we started this school; we are the first (graduat ing) class,’” Jurney Kramer said. “So, it’s pretty much our legacy that we are setting up in the school.”

5

The Windermere Prep boys 200 freestyle relay, comprising Alejandro Varon, Hunter Mays, Christian Magruder and Walter Zeman, became Class 1A runner-up at the FHSAA state championship Friday, Nov. 18.

Prior to the opening of Horizon, the twins attended Windermere High School. After moving from Virginia to Orlando to start high school, they were hesitant to move to a new high school.

“These past two years have been the best two years of my life,” Tanner Kramer said. “Really, when Horizon first opened, we didn’t want to go. … We were a little bummed. But we were really wrong, because Horizon has been the best school I’ve ever been to.”

Windermere Prep’s Josiah Wang earned second place at the FHSAA Class 1A Golf State Championship, with a final score of 71. Page 2B.

Twins Tanner and Jurney Kramer are two members of the Horizon Hawks’ first graduation class.

After a tough battle against the Warriors, Ocoee will face East Lake Friday, Nov. 25.

Andrea Mujica

The Knights pushed through and gave their all during the game.

Michael Eng

Josiah Wang

Tell us about getting second in the states championship meet?

It was a good performance for me. I obviously I wanted first place, but there were some shots I missed — like barely missed them. I still think about it, but it’s over now, so I’m pretty happy about my performance.

Is this the first time you made your way to a state champion ship meet?

Yes, it was very cool for me, because there were a lot of teams from around Florida coming here — so many schools. And then (also) so many people that I knew before.

How long have you been playing golf?

Five years.

Why golf?

My whole family plays golf. My mom: She didn’t want me to play, because she knew it’s a very tough (sport). But one day, I was at home with my dad. We went to play golf, (and) he took me to the range. At the range, I started to hit some balls right, and I just smiled to him, and my dad just was like, ‘OK, you have to play golf.’

Have you played any other sports?

Yes, I used to play soccer. (Also) played tennis, swimming — all kinds of sports.

What’s your favorite thing about golf as a sport?

I just like the competitiveness of the tournaments. In general, I just like playing the sport.

What’s your favorite thing about being a part of your team?

I love the team: The guys are really funny. I love the spirit of us (as a team).

What do you believe golf has taught you not only on the course but also off it?

Probably that you have to be in the right mentality, prepare well, learn things and just (that you have to) work hard.

What do you believe makes you unique on the golf course?

I feel like I am a very con sistent driver. … I’m pretty confi dent on the golf course. Some times, I don’t watch the ball, I just know it will go in.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn? Still driving —just try to gain more power — and also putting.

THE BASICS

AGE: 14

GRADE: Freshman

SCHOOL: Windermere Prep SPORT: Golf

Have you given any thought about what you would like to study in college?

I have put some thought on it, but I’m still trying to decide what I would like to do.

What’s your favorite hobby? I’ll probably say sleeping.

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

I don’t have one. I’ve watched the movies, and I like them, I just don’t have a favorite.

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

Flying, because it’s just cool, and I would like being in the air and stuff.

What type of music do you listen to?

Anything. I have no preference.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?

I would like to go to England, because I want to watch football.

I’d like to go to Africa or South America or even Antarctica — just to go to different continents.

What are three things you would bring with you to a deserted island?

I (would bring) water, because I like to drink water. Maybe a wrench and a golf ball just to hit some balls around and then just leave. And probably, I’ll sleep for a while, too.

Twins prep for future

Both Tanner and Jurney are part of the Student Government Asso ciation and the Fellowship of Chris tian Athletes — Tanner Kramer is one of the leaders for the FCA, while Jurney is a member and attends some of the meetings. During their years at Horizon High, the twins have become involved with the Best Buddies club — a club where they are able to share some quality time with special-needs students.

“We get to eat lunch with them and they are our buddies,” Jurney Kramer said.

A LIFE IN SPORTS Tanner and Jurney have been around sports since they can remember.

For Jurney, dancing became her escape from reality when life hits hard and a way to communicate through a different language when words fail her.

“It helps me get through my tough days,” she said. “Obviously, people play sports, but dance is like a language. So, technically, when I don’t really know how to express what I’m feeling, dance is basically my other form of speech.”

Apart from doing competitive dancing at Footworks Dance Studio as an extracurricular activity, Jur ney also decided to join the varsity cheer team at Horizon for her last year as a Hawk.

“My angle to join cheer was so I could make more school spirit, be more involved and support the school,” she said. “And obviously, (because) I have a brother who plays football, I get to support my brother and all our friends in the team. If you are able to do cheer and dance, it’s a different type of vibe (because) you have to learn how to use your body in different ways and I feel like it’s very unique.”

For Tanner, baseball is the sport that fills his earliest memories. However, he always had the desire to play tackle football and was able to finally do it when he started his freshman year of high school.

“I always wanted to play tackle football, but my mom never let me,” he said. “Once we got into high school, I was able to play football, and being a part of a team, build ing those friendships, that brother hood, it’s something that you can’t compare with anything.”

TWIN TELEPATHY

With one twin on the football field and another one on the sidelines, Friday nights became something to cherish for the Kramers — and a unique experience not only for the twins, but also for their parents — Shantrell and Kris Kramer.

“There’s not a whole lot of twins families, so I think it’s a unique and special thing you get to do,” Shan trell said. “For Senior Night, I got to use Tanner’s shirt and uniform and then, I had a sash for Jurney as a cheer mom, so I get to do both things at the same time. Nobody else gets to do that.”

For the twins, this experience has allowed them to deepen their bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“One of my favorite memories I will cherish forever is after a foot ball game, when we all go to the sidelines, just going and hugging my sister — knowing that when in doubt, no matter what happens on the field, I’ll always have my great est supporter with me there,” Tan ner said. “Just having her be on the field, having her just be with me — it’s so special, because time’s lim ited, and you just got to make best with what you have and cherish the memories while they last.”

Being together on the football field proves emotional for the twins, as there are moments when their twin telepathy allows them to sense each other’s feelings.

“Probably more me than Tanner, because he’s focused on what’s going on,” Jurney said. “But there’ll be times when I can just sit on the sidelines and be like, ‘He’s having a good game,’ … or times where I’ve caught myself thinking like, ‘Is he OK?’”

“We definitely have our own little thing going on,” Tanner said. “There’s times when I know what she’s thinking even if she doesn’t say anything or, on the football field for instance, sometimes, I can kind of get a grip when I’m on the side line, I can feel some things that are not mine, but I can kind of feel that it’s Jurney.”

The twin telepathy goes beyond the football field way back to their toddler years.

“I know when we were younger, my mom would tell us that we used to have a language between us,” Jurney said. “We would speak baby gibberish (and have full conversa tions) with each other and then laugh.”

For Shantrell, the bond her chil dren share is mesmerizing.

“These two have such a strong bond, so much so that when Jur ney decided she wanted to be bap tized this past August, she wanted Tanner to be in the pool with her,” she said. “And of course, he didn’t think twice about being there and assisting her in her baptism. It was an incredible and emotional moment to see my children, who were together in the womb, now be together before God.”

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

The road will soon split for the Kramer twins, as they are taking their separate paths after their high school graduation. Jurney is still weighing her options and is thinking about heading to school in Colorado, Tennessee or Florida

Atlantic University.

“I’m really excited for college, because I’m excited to kind of start to experience who I am on my own,” she said.

Her dream? To become a sports psychologist for either the NFL or the MLB.

For Tanner, there are two big goals in life. He has dreamed of going to the U.S. Air Force Academy since he was in sixth grade. Then, after he retires as a pilot, he wants to plant a church. He currently is finishing up his applications for the Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

“I’m kind of excited to see where God takes me,” he said. “It’s all in (the schools’) hands and in God’s hands.”

However, despite their excite ment to find their purpose in life, the twins are not ready to say good bye.

“It’s hard to wrap my head around it, like I’m going to wake up, and I’m not going to go to class and see him in the hallways,” Jurney said. “If I’m having a bad day and I just need a hug from my brother, (he won’t be there), and that’s something I know, personally, I’m not ready for.”

“Like she said, I’m not ready for it,” Tanner said. “It’s sad, because time’s running out, and once we graduate and we go our separate paths, that’s kind of it, and it’s something I don’t want to think about, because I know that when that day comes, it’s going to be one of the toughest days of my life. My best friend is going to be gone and going her own way — and I’m going to be going my own way.

“(But), I’m just excited to see where life takes her,” he said. “We’ve grown up together. We’ve done basically everything together and, like my mom said, we are both two different people, but we are yin and yang. I’m just excited because I know God has big things for her, and I’m excited to see where life takes her and see what she’s going to do.”

Windermere Preparatory School freshman golfer Josiah Wang recently earned second place at the FHSAA Class 1A Golf State Championship with a final score of 71 — one point under first place. Wang has been playing golf for only five years and is looking forward to his next season as part of the Lakers golf team.

Courtesy photos

Jurney Kramer was baptized in August, and Tanner was by her side at all times.

First Academy girls golf wins state championship — again

This is the fourth state championship in six years for the Lady Royals.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Flexibility and the ability to adjust served The First Academy girls golf team well this year.

The Royals became royalty on the golf course again after winning the FHSAA Class 1A Golf State Champi onship Saturday, Nov. 12, at Mission Inn and Resort’s Las Colinas course at Howey-In-The-Hills.

“(The girls) learned to be flexible and to make the best out of each situation,” head golf coach Victoria Tanco said. “That was proven at states — knowing that because of the storm (Hurricane Nicole), that had hit a few days earlier, the competition got shortened to 18 holes. So, they knew they had to per form on that day — knowing that they didn’t have another day to recover. That was the key — being flexible and knowing how to make the best out of each situation.”

The Royals have earned the state championship title four times in six years — 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Senior Ava Zhang, 17, has been part of the TFA golf team for seven years. This is the fourth title she takes home as a Royal.

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” she said. “Last year, we had a chance to get the championship, but it slipped our fingers. So, it definitely feels very good this year to finally be able to grasp it. It’s super bittersweet, because I’ve been on the team for so long. It’s great to end my whole high school career with the trophy. It feels nice.”

Sophomore Mi Li, 16, led the Roy als on the golf course as the individual medallist with a 5-under-par 66.

“We definitely knew we were going to states; we never thought we wouldn’t get to states,” she said. “We definitely got surprised on winning this time, because we got the lead in the last four holes all around.”

The team is young this year. Fresh man Angela Wang, 14, made her first appearance at states this year after having to play an extra qualifying

round against two other players.

“I was the fifth person (who) quali fied,” she said. “I think it was a lot of pressure to not let down anyone else in the team — especially (because) I was the youngest. So I tried to do my best during my rounds and just play (well).”

Despite their first-place finish with a final score of 286, the Royals faced tough opponents on the golf course, including Circle Christian of Orlando — which finished with 289.

“We played one of the hard est regions; we played really strong teams,” Tanco said. “This whole sea son, we saw that through the scores and through playing the other schools, so we knew our competition was going to be strong. … Thankfully, (that day) we were able to play with our strongest competition, and I think that helped us know where we were in the scor ing.”

Despite winning districts earlier in their season, the Royals ended in third place at the regional meet — therefore, they qualified to states as the No. 3 seed.

The school played five of its eight players at states.

“That’s one of the hardest jobs as a coach — to not be able to play all players,” Tanco said. “But the top five were really good, and they were able to shoot really good scores throughout the season and in the last few holes (of the competition). … All the five girls are solid players, and all of them can really play.”

Sophomore Katie Yang, 15, has been a part of the team for two years. This was the first year she was able to com pete at states.

“The competition definitely got more fierce and challenging,” she said of the season. “Last year, I didn’t make it to states, so I kind of pressured myself to make it into states. So, I’m glad it worked out.”

Moving forward, the Royals are left with a team that will be working on absorbing all the knowledge they pos sibly can to become even better.

“I know the girls are hard workers,” Tanco said. “Come next year, our goal (will be) the same — play one shot at a time and give our best.”

ODIS V. MOOTY SR. DIED NOV. 15, 2022.

Odis V. Mooty Sr., beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend to all, passed away peace fully to join his departed loved ones in Heaven on Nov. 15, 2022. Odis was born on Aug. 31, 1929, in Eldorado, Arkansas, to Sam and Rosa Mooty.

He is survived by his son, Odis V. Mooty Jr. (Marsha); daughter, Terri Marbais (Joe); son-in-law, David Young; 7 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-greatgrandson. He is preceded in death by his wife, Delores; daughter, Sandra; and all of his beloved siblings.

He lived a long and active life, and left this world a better place. He was known for his quick wit, charming smile and mischievous twinkle in his eye. His positive outlook and sense of humor remained with him until the end. Though his body was frail and

tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation for every new day and God’s many blessings. He devoted his life to serving the Lord and teach ing his family those values.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Starke Lake Baptist Church, 611 West Ave., Ocoee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Starke Lake Baptist Church Benevolence Fund in his memory, PO Box 520, Ocoee, FL 34761. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremation.

Courtesy

TFA Royals’ bond is so strong that all players were present at states, even though three didn’t qualify.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

VALERIE BRUTON, OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

Valerie Bruton is the attendance clerk at Ocoee High School. In her position, among her many roles is making sure all atten dance records are accurate. She also is popular with the students, who love when she dresses up in themed outfits. She received the Support Person of the Year award at Freedom High School in 2015.

What brought you to your school?

I came to Ocoee High, because I wanted to work close in our commu nity where I grew up.

What do you love about your school?

I love our students, parents, teachers and principal. Our school is family, and that makes going to work each day enjoyable.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It makes me happy when students tell me that they enjoy talking to me every day and I have made an impact on their high school experience and made it better for them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with family and going to the beach.

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

I liked most of my teachers. I was very shy in school. If I could go back to high school again, I would try out for everything.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I always wanted to be a wife and mom, and I am both.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I loved any of Dr. Seuss’ books.

What are your hobbies?

I love swimming and going to thrift stores.

REPORT CARD

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

My superpower would be healing people. I would rid the world of cancer and childhood diseases. I lost my sweet, beautiful mom to cancer this past June.

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

I love Queen, Styx, Morgan Wallen and Kane Brown.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

Tildenville Elementary had the best homemade food. Middle school and high school had the best square pizzas and peanut butter chocolate bars.

What is your favorite holiday? Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. I love giving presents and watch ing people open their gifts. I love driv ing around town looking at Christmas lights.

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

My best friend in school was Debbie Yawn. Yes, we are still good friends. We met in the third grade.

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

I played the clarinet and played soft ball at West Orange Girls Club. My dad was a coach for many years.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

POSITION: School attendance clerk TIME AT SCHOOL: Twenty-four years with Orange County Public Schools

District dedicates Panther Lake Elementary

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Orange County Public School fami lies came together for a dedication ceremony at the new Panther Lake Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 4.

Students, staff, community mem bers and parents gathered in the school’s cafeteria for the morning program.

The dedication began with the presentation of colors by the Horizon High School Army Cadet Guard. A performance of the national anthem by the Panther Lake Elementary Chorus followed directly after.

Principal Dr. Christine Szyman ski welcomed attendees and intro duced the following guest speakers: School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, District 4 School Board Member Pam Gould and Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez.

“While opening a new school is not an easy task, I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding expe rience of my career,” Szymanski said. “The staff members that have been assembled to Panther Lake are some of the most dedicated, thoughtful and talented individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with.”

Vazquez said there is nothing like having the opportunity to be part of a brand-new school.

“The administration, the teachers, the children and the families are all transforming the halls of this beauti ful school into a very special place of learning,” she said.

Vazquez presented a special gift to Szymanski in the form of a key to “remind you and all those that follow you in the decades to come of this very special year where you unlock the doors of opportunity for the Pan ther Lake community.”

The event also included words from Emerson Pozek, student speak

er, a musical performance by the Panther Lake Elementary Chorus and Orchestra, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Panther Lake relieved Castleview, Summerlake and Water Spring ele mentaries, all of which opened in 2019 or 2020.

The school cost $28.2 million to build and is one of five new OCPS schools to open in 2022, bringing the district total to 210.

The new elementary school is located at 10151 Summerlake Groves St. in Horizon West.

SCHOOLBRIEFS

SCHOOL BOARD WELCOMES MEMBERS

Following the midterm elections Nov. 8, the Orange County School Board welcomed two new faces during its Reorganization Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Alicia Farrant will represent District 3, and Maria Salamanca will represent District 2. In addition, Dis trict 1 School Board member Angie Gallo was elected as vice chair.

OCPS RELEASES

MAKE-UP SCHEDULE

Following hurricanes Ian and Nicole, Orange County Public Schools has released an updated calendar reflecting the make-up days for the days lost during both storms.

For Nicole, students now will have regular classes on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, and Friday, March 10, 2023.

They also will have no early dismiss al on Wednesday, April 5.

Those changes are in addition to the changes made after Hurricane Ian. Those include a series of six Wednesdays with no early dismissal.

Those dates are Wednesdays, Dec. 7, Jan. 18, 2023, Feb. 1, Feb. 15, March 22 and May 10.

For more, visit ocps.net.

OCPS LAUNCHES

VIRTUAL MAGNET FAIR

The application window for Orange County Public Schools magnet pro gram is open through Feb. 15, 2023.

Students who currently reside in Orange County and who will be entering a grade from kindergar ten through 10th in the 2023-24 school year may apply for a magnet program seat. The district currently is hosting a virtual magnet fair at bit. ly/3V7XvvK.

UPCOMING DEDICATIONS

HAMLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

When: 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20

Where: 16145 Silver Grove Blvd.

HAMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20

Where: 16025 Silver Grove Blvd.

Orange County Public Schools will host dedications for Hamlin Elementary and Middle schools next year.

Emerson Pozek, student speaker, shared a few words about the new school.

OCPS officials and Panther Lake members cut the ribbon at the new school’s dedication ceremony.

13.

The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips Foundation Inc., featured dishes from a variety of Dr. Phillips restaurants, including BigFin, Blue Martini, Dragonfly Robata, Eddie V’s, Ocean Prime Rib, Rocco’s Tacos and more. At tendees also enjoyed live music and were able to participate in a silent auction.

ANDREA MUJICA

financial support to the Funds, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Funds at any time. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For the most recent 7-day yields, see schwab.com. The 7-Day Yield is the average income paid out over the previous seven days assuming interest income is not reinvested and it reflects the effect of all applicable waivers. Absent such waivers, the fund’s yield would have been lower.

Below: Brian and Amy Diederich, and Matt and Brittany Grier, of Windermere, were excited to enjoy some good quality food and a fun afternoon.

Michael and Samary Hunsucker welcomed everyone to their tent with warm smiles and a glass of tea.

Randa, Josh and Brenda, of Big Fin Seafood

Kitchen, were excited to share the peppercorn salmon with attendees.

The Down Brothers band delighted many with upbeat music.

The Rocco’s Tacos staff members wore big smiles as they served plates to guests.

The Dragonfly had a number of sample plates of its Tuna Tataki dish for people to try.

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

FL 34787 (407) 905-9500

MEN

BLACK by Morton J. Mendelson. Edited by Ross Trudeau By Luis Campos

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Innovation Montessori Highschool

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Innovation Montessori High School. Located at 1475 E Silver Star Rd in Ocoee, FL, provides a strong Montessori foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential, develop curiosity, creativity, and imagination, and become responsible citizens of the world. To learn more, visit innovationmontessori.com/imhs.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of MassageLuXe

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of MassageLuXe. Located at 2526 Maguire Road in Ocoee, MassageLuxe invites you to soothe your mind, treat your body, and rejuvenate your soul. A trip to your favorite spa has the power to ease stress, relieve tension, improve your immune system, and lower your blood pressure. MassageLuXe is a spa like no other, offering therapeutic massages, luxurious facials, and waxing services. To learn more, visit https:// massageluxe.com/ocoee.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Lendersone powered by Family First Funding

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Lendersone Powered by Family First Funding. Located at 2500 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando, Lendersone is a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer with licensing approvals in 30 states. Lendersone provides its clients with fair and reasonable rates and costs, while keeping its clients informed and educated throughout the process. Family First Funding is an excellent place to work. “Family First” is their name and what they believe in. To learn more, visit www.lendersone.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 70th Anniversary of Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 70th anniversary of Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. Located at 1533 Park Center Drive in the Metrowest part of Orlando, FNGLA is a professional trade association that represents Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. To learn more, visit https://fngla.org/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Arya at Windermere

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Arya at Windermere. Located at 1231 Arya Way in Ocoee, Arya at Windermere is a 55plus luxury apartment community offering unparalleled luxury amenities, including massage rooms, steam room, sauna, outdoor putting green, full-service salon and dog spa. Arya features open-concept 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with chef-inspired kitchens, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, breakfast bar, wood-style plank floors, walkin shower, washer, dryer and more to make living easy. To learn more, visit https://www. aryawindermere.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of New Vision Care

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of New Vision Care. Located at 15508 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 102 in Winter Garden, New Vision Care provides personalized, state of the art eye care and beautiful eyewear with a compassionate touch. To learn more, visit https://www.newvisioncarefl.com.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & HORIZON WEST

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership.

Tis e Tis e 2022 2022 Se on Se on Se on

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

November 26

• Shop Small Business Saturday and Downtown Sidewalk Sale, Daylong

December 2

• Light Up Winter Garden, 6-9 pm

December 3

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

• Winter Garden Christmas Parade, 10 am

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade, 6 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 4

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 5

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 6

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 7

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 8

• Holiday Boutique Stroll Downtown, 5-8 pm

December 9

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 10

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 11

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 12

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 13

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 14

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 16

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 17

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 18

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 19

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 20

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 21

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 23

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 24

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

December 26

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 27

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 28

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 30

• Live Holiday Music – Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 31

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm *reservation/fee required

Celebrating 50 years of Community

“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.”