12.08.22 West Orange Times & Observer

YOUR

TOWN

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS SCHEDULED

The Ocoee community celebrates a history season for its football team. 1B.

VOLUME 89, NO. 48 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81 *****************ECRWSSEDDM**** Postal Customer The project will be located in Southwest Orange near Flamingo Crossings. SEE

The Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade featured a plethora of creatively decorated rides.

The Horizon West road would provide an east-west route into Lake County. SEE PAGE 2A. BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS! The Christmas season came alive last week in Winter Garden and Oakland. Check out our photos from all the signature holiday events. PAGES 7-10A. Disney selects developer for affordable housing project KNIGHT RIDERS

PAGE 6A.

Orange County Commission will consider road project in January

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The proposed New Independence Parkway extension moved one step closer to becoming a reality.

Orange County’s Transportation Planning Division has completed the New Independence Parkway Prelim inary Design Study, which was pre sented to the County Commission in a work session Tuesday, Nov. 29. The commission is scheduled to render its decision in January 2023.

The work session also contained information from an Oct. 20 com munity meeting hosted by Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson.

At that meeting, residents asked questions and made suggestions regarding the details of the plan after a presentation by Ian Phyars, Orange County project manager.

The project stretches one mile and aims to connect the Orange/Lake County Line to Avalon Road. The proposed improvements will include a new four-lane divided road that runs adjacent to the Wincey Groves

development and connects to Well ness Way in Lake County.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Currently, a paved two-lane roadway connection from the Wincey Groves subdivision to Avalon Road exists at the east end of the project corridor. There is an unpaved access road for water conservation maintenance.

The adjacent land uses are described as an urban mixed-use district, which includes open space, residential and retail centers.

The project is within the South Florida Water Management Dis trict, and drainage flows freely across the existing corridor. The drainage from the existing two-lane road will be replaced. The existing roadway stormwater collection system goes into the shallow dry retention pond and discharges to the seals on County Road 545.

The project consists of all uplands with no wetlands or surface waters. In addition, the habitat was observed in the direct vicinity of the corridor which could support the current spe cies. The species counts will be con ducted during design. There are no historic buildings or archaeological sites identified.

The existing yearly aver age daily traffic volume along

New Independence Parkway is 7,000, recorded in 2020. The future traffic volumes include 16,300 to 20,200 for the opening year in 2027, 25,900 to 32,000 for the mid-design year in 2037 and 35,500 to 43,900 for the design year in 2047.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

The recommended typical section consists of two 11-foot wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a 26-foot wide raised median.

The Florida Department of Trans portation will have a curb and gutter adjacent to the outside lanes with an additional curb and gutter adjacent to the inside lanes.

There would be an urban storm water collection system with closed drainage and stormwater treatment ponds, 10-foot wide multi-use paths located outside the travel lanes on both north and south sides, and 8-foot wide utility strips/parkway between curb and gutter, and multi-use path.

In addition, there would be a 5-foot-wide grass strip between the multi-use path and the right-of-way line. A nominal proposed right of way width is 120 feet, and permanent slope easements and temporary con struction easements will be required to build and maintain the roadway section because of significant rolling terrain.

The preferred horizontal alignment

is dominated by fixed endpoints at the beginning and end of the proj ect, where the proposed roadway will tie into other facilities either under design (east end) or planned (west end).

The horizontal alignment consists of two sets of reverse curves designed for the 45 mph design speed. There are three median breaks within the project limits: at a pro posed north-south roadway known as Valencia Parkway; at the inter section with Golden Apple Drive at the Wincey Groves subdivision; and where Wincey Groves Road provides access to residents of the subdivision.

The vertical alignment is also fixed at both the east and west ends of the project alignment. The project team recommended using a combina tion of vertical and horizontal align

ments in harmony with the existing terrain to the extent practicable to provide a smooth, flowing alignment, while also not encouraging higher operating speeds on a facility with nearly unlimited sight distance.

The vertical alignment will be refined during final design to pro vide a completed facility that fits the landscape but also safely checks driv ers’ speeds by managing curve lengths and values.

The project will go before the Coun ty Commission for approval in January 2023. If approved, design would begin the same month. The design approv al would be planned for December 2023, with potential construction in January 2024. Construction would be completed in December 2024.

Courtesy of Orange County

The proposed extension will connect Horizon West to Lake County.

‘I finally have something that’s mine’

Ligon has one

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Four Winter Garden residents have reason to celebrate this holiday season — they have received the keys to their new homes and are looking forward to making many new memories with their children.

West Orange Habitat for Humanity held a four-home dedication Tuesday, Nov. 29, for Shannon Ligon, Christina Carbajal, Danykqua Faulk and Tiffany Mejia, who are preparing to move into their new Criswell Court neighbor hood off Center Street.

After several guest speakers and city of Winter Garden officials and staff spoke, each home recipient had her own ribbon-cutting ceremony. All four received a Bible, tool kit, cutting board, American flag, Adirondack chair and clock, as well as a letter from Sen. Marco Rubio.

“We want to thank everyone who makes our mission at West Orange Habitat possible, including all those who worked on these four homes,” said West Orange Habitat director Marilyn Hattaway. “We truly could not do what we do without each and every volunteer, donor and spon sor. We could not continue to build homes for families and families for homes without the involvement of our local community and churches, local businesses and organizations, and our local government all coming together for the common goal of cre ating safe, decent, affordable housing. Thank you.”

Wes Beacham, lead pastor of Hope Church Winter Garden, prayed over the homes of Faulk, Ligon and Mejia; Jose Rivera, of New Hope Pentecostal Church, prayed over Carbajal’s home.

Carbajal’s home was sponsored by Miller’s Ale House, and her mentors were Josh Weatherhead and Jessica Hall.

Carbajal works for Ace Hardware and has enjoyed mastering the power tools during her home-building pro cess. She completed 226 sweat-equity hours. Carbajal has three children, Luis, Lizzet and Leila.

“Before Habitat, our life consisted of moving around from place to place, until we finally moved into the house we are renting now, which is very overcrowded for me and my grow

ing children,” Carbajal said. “I am so grateful for all the people who have helped me to reach my goal of becom ing a homeowner. It is truly a bless ing that will forever change the lives of my children and me. We are look ing forward to creating new memo ries, having more space and creating a home that I hope will be passed on for generations.”

Faulk’s home was sponsored by Pilars Martini & Loft, and her mentors were Beacham and Crystal Davidson.

Faulk comes from a family of Hab

itat homeowners and knew firsthand the hard work and dedication the homeownership process takes. In just a few months, she had completed 189 of her sweat-equity hours and all of her homeowner education.

Faulk works at the Maxey Commu nity Center in east Winter Garden and is invested in her community. She and her two daughters, Ailani and Journei, are excited about this journey and the way it will change their lives.

“Before Habitat, my daughters and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment

that was filled with mold and mildew, plumbing issues, and fluctuating rent prices,” Faulk said. “I feel truly blessed and honored to have been selected by West Orange Habitat for homeowner ship. Becoming a homeowner is going to bring peace and security to our lives that will change our lives forever. I know firsthand, having grown up in a Habitat home, my mom’s, in south Florida. It is my hope that this home will create stability for my children and for generations to come.”

Ligon’s home was sponsored by

and

She com pleted 237 sweat equity hours — more than what was required of her.

“The day I received the call from Habitat I was sitting in the break room,” Ligon said. “I jumped out of the chair with pure excitement. The whole day changed. I was so over joyed and filled with pure happiness.

… On Aug. 14, along with a group of my closest friends, we put up the walls of my home. Every Saturday I was at my home working, imagining all the dinners I would have with my daugh ter and how I would make this house a home. Then, here is the day that I can say, ‘Neirah, baby girl, this is our home, take this key, unlock the door and let’s begin our new journey.’”

Mejia’s home was sponsored by Empire Finish Systems, and her men tors were Pat Woodhouse and Josie Zarate.

She works as a recruiter for a health care company and enjoys getting to connect people to places where they can best serve and care for others. She and her daughter, Alize, are both artistic and creative and are excited to make this home their own.

“We have been living with family, and while we are very grateful to have a place to stay, this will be an oppor tunity for us to have a completely new journey together in a home of our own,” Mejia said. “Owning a home has been a lifelong dream of mine that was out of reach until Habitat. I can’t wait for the moment when I can put my own keys in my front door. That moment will be filled with new opportunities and a brighter future for me and my daughter.”

After the dedication, Mejia said: “Overall, it was overwhelming excite ment. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think we all felt that foot-in-thedoor-closer excitement!”

Habitat homes cost between $80,000 and $120,000 depending on the size. These are considered the raw costs for Habitat, Hattaway said, because Habitat leverages many inkind gifts from local construction partners.

As a top nonprofit homebuilder in the West Orange community, the organization has partnered with vol unteers, donors and Habitat home owners to build, renovate and repair more than 45 homes.

“With one in six families in the United States paying more than 30% of their income on housing, there is a tremendous need for affordable housing right here in Florida — and in our community,” Hattaway said. “We are answering that call one home and one family at a time.”

Plans for Waterleigh park begin to take shape

The $1.2 million project is in the public outreach phase and is expected to be open for use by late 2025.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Waterleigh residents heard the results of a survey regarding a community park in their Horizon West neigh borhood during a meeting hosted Wednesday, Nov. 30, by Orange County Government. They also were given another chance to share their opinions on park amenities.

District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson expressed gratitude to the residents in attendance and stressed the importance of their con tinued involvement as the five-acre park project progresses.

“I am thrilled to engage the com munity about what they want to see at their park and am excited to work with our Parks and Rec team to make the residents’ vision a reality,” Wil son said. “Waterleigh is a beauti ful and vibrant community, and this neighborhood park will add to the quality of life for residents as well as to the value of their neighborhood by providing desirable recreational and natural features.”

Following the first community meeting in September, a survey was provided for residents to state their preferences in amenities. Grant Wenrick, landscape architect for the

county, said there were more than 500 responses — the most ever for a community park survey.

“It’s a very vibrant community,” Wenrick said. “Waterleigh provides a nice relief from the busy areas.”

A total of 519 survey responses were recorded.

The top request was a half basket ball court, followed by shade trees, paved walking path/sidewalk, picnic pavilion, playground for ages 2 to 12, picnic tables, multipurpose field/ open space, mini skate park, fitness area/exercise stations, community garden, dog park, multipurpose court for tennis/pickleball, disc golf, tennis court and sand volleyball court.

The park is budgeted at $1.2 mil lion, with design costs at $200,000, contractor at $235,071, site improve ments at $75,868 and amenities at $680,973.

Based on the survey results, the county tentatively budgeted for these amenities: two half-basketball courts, landscape, paved walking paths, a picnic pavilion, playground and picnic tables and multipurpose field.

The park design was presented at the meeting, as well. The half bas ketball courts and several benches are placed on the south end of the park close to Atwater Bay Drive. A row of pine trees will be placed south of the courts to buffer them from the neighborhood entrance and on the park’s west side to act as a buffer for a future elementary school. Other shade trees to be placed throughout

The community park in the Waterleigh neighborhood will encompass five acres.

the park include live oaks and sand oaks.

Several walkways will connect the park’s components, including one on a hill to be called Workout Way.

A pavilion with two picnic tables and a water fountain are planned off Atwater Bay in the site’s high point and will take advantage of the views to the east, including launches at Cape Canaveral and the fireworks at Walt Disney World.

The playgrounds — one each for younger and older children — will be north of the pavilion and will include shade sails, interactive panels, a slide, merry-go-round and a space for mobility-challenged participants.

Two smaller picnic areas near the playground and on Workout Way will include grills.

The 30,000-square-foot multi purpose field will be located in the center of the park.

Most residents in attendance were pleased with the amenities and park layout, but several questioned the basketball court details. A resi dent asked about the possibility of making the two half courts one full court. Orange County typically puts full courts in regional parks and not neighborhood parks such as Water leigh, and the county prefers half courts when the facilities will be unstaffed. Other residents were con cerned about increased homeown ers association fees should the HOA decide to monitor the full court, and others were against the full court because of the potential increase in crowds, traffic and noise.

Orange County staff agreed to send out another survey to residents regarding a half versus full basketball court.

Additional amenities requested but left out because of budget ing restrictions would have added another $69,698 for fitness equip ment, $15,200 for a community gar den, $70,000 for a mini skate park, $48,313 for a dog park, $86,400 for tennis/pickleball courts, $21,000 for disc golf and $15,775 for a volleyball court.

County officials expect the mas ter planning to begin by the end of 2022, with the design phase to start around spring 2023 and continue through the end of next year. Per mitting, bidding and construction would take place in 2024 and 2025, and a grand opening is anticipated in the last quarter of 2025.

Courtesy Orange County

Wells Fargo and Publix Supermar ket Charities. Her mentors were Pat Woodhouse and Helen Olivieri.

daughter, Neirah,

works at Orlando Health.

Amy Quesinberry

Tiffany Mejia, top; Chris tina Carbajal, above left; Shannon Ligon, above right; and Danykqua Faulk, left, celebrated the dedication of their Habi tat homes in Criswell Court in Winter Garden.

Four single mothers are feeling blessed following West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s dedication of their new homes on Criswell Court in Winter Garden.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Anew downtown Winter Gar den business is working to help the community not only generate older memories but also create new ones of their own.

Artifact Candle Foundry, which opened Nov. 16 on Tremaine Street, is a do-it-yourself candle-making experience owned and operated by siblings Sean Kowalski and Heather Boadella.

The DIY experience offers customscented, homemade candles with more than 60 premium fragrances. The candles are premium quality, decorative, 100% cotton wick, free of harmful contaminants, strongly scented and slow-burning.

The Winter Garden location is the second to open; the first opened in 2019 in Thornton Park.

“We chose the name Artifact, because an artifact is something that’s created, withstands time and is sentimental or important to you,” Boadella said. “Our logo represents four pieces with the top being the flame, the bottom being the wax and the pouring on the sides are every thing coming together with your community.”

CANDLE CREATION

The siblings grew up in the Mel bourne Beach area and lived in Central Florida most of their lives.

The two spent the last 15 years in the Thornton Park and downtown Orlando area.

Kowalski’s background is in health care sales, although he hopes Artifact eventually will become a full-time gig, while Boadella is a real-estate attorney.

Boadella said she always dreamed of finding something she was pas sionate enough about to create a small business out of, and after see ing a similar concept in the Midwest about four years ago, she knew she had to share the idea with her brother.

“I just had so much fun doing it, and I realized there was nothing like this in Central Florida,” she said.

Although the idea quickly blos somed into a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Orlando, the business faced challenges from the onset with the unexpected pandemic. The busi ness was closed for the majority of its first year and didn’t fully open until 2021.

Although the two were not active ly searching for a second location, when the space became available in Winter Garden, they knew it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“For us, just as a small business, the walkability of a small town or a

shopping area is really important,” Kowalski said. “Thornton is awe some, but all the traffic that comes in. … I think when we got here we were really attracted to the mix of people here and the demographic. The city of Winter Garden does such an incredible job of supporting local small businesses and really gets behind them. They’re very selective, and they have to feel like it’s going to bring something beneficial to the community.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Artifact is a custom scent bar with a scent focus. The business offers 65 grab-and-go candles on the wall for immediate purchase. Everything

Artifact sells is poured directly in house with melters and fragrance oils. The jars and scents change sea sonally, and for those who do not prefer candles, custom reed blends for reed diffusers are available.

The siblings want the customer to drive the experience, with as much help or as little guidance as they like or need.

Behind the scenes, the organiza tion also creates wholesale candles, privately created candles for com panies and even small-batch candles for businesses.

“What makes us unique is that you’re truly creating something of quality and value that you’re

going to take into your home and enjoy,” Boadella said. “I liked that it’s something where you could sit and spend time with your friends or your family — and you’re actively engaged. You’re creating your own unique scent, you’re spending time with somebody, you’re putting your phone down, and you’re reconnect ing and making something you will actually use.”

Not only can companies come in for team-building or groups dur ing the holidays, but also couples on dates or even families and friends searching for a new and unique expe rience.

“I think the obvious customer peo ple would think we target is women, but even as a male, people associate scent so strongly with memories,” he said. “It’s cool to see people come in and truly be in the moment with their loved ones or to find a scent that brings them back to a time in their life.”

In addition, the siblings believe Artifact will complement other

already-established small business es in the area.

“We’re not competing directly with them, because the business is more experience-driven here,” Kowalski said. “Customers can go and enjoy the other shopping and the other restaurants. The candles take two hours to cure, so we always encourage people to grab an ice cream, enjoy a drink or shop around.”

In the future, the siblings would like to expand, but they would do so selectively. With the company being a family-owned business, everyone has to be on board.

“We prefer to be in something that feels like a close-knit community so we’re really trying to focus on those types of situations,” Boadella said. “You can build a million cool devel opments and strip malls, but they never have the same charm and char acter as historic areas.”

As far as hopes for the new Winter Garden location, Boadella said the two want to continue to get to know more of the community and their small-business neighbors.

“We hope to partner with other local small businesses,” she said. “We try to find out what’s important to the communities that we’re in so that we can support them and do our part.

The new location plans to host an official grand opening event in the near future.

“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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Annabelle Sikes

The downtown Winter Garden location is the second Artifact Candle Foundry to open.

Artifact Candle Foundry, owned by brother and sister Sean Kowalski and Heather Boadella, is the newest business to join downtown Winter Garden.

Eight Waves to host Holiday Tour of Homes

Locals are invited to step into four of Oakland’s and Winter Garden’s estate homes while experiencing a variety of savory and sweet tastes of the holidays.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

West Orange residents will have a new way to celebrate the holidays this year.

Newly formed nonprofit Eight Waves is hosting a new event, the Holiday Tour of Homes, Saturday, Dec. 17.

Although there are only a limited amount of tickets left, tickets are available for four different times: 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.

The holiday experience, presented by Meritage Homes and The Keewin Real Prop erty Company, will take place in Oakland and Winter Garden, where participants will experience a unique evening of touring four estate homes, all decked out in holiday fin ery. The event includes live music, and a food tour that begins with appetizers and ends with decadent desserts.

Tickets include a progressive dinner, drinks, desserts and transportation from home to home. Participants can also upgrade their tickets with a VIP horse-drawn carriage ride to see the holiday lights sponsored by Bill and Cindy Perry.

“Anything that we can do to help bring awareness to the organization so that we can have more volunteers, more people that are helping in our after-school program, more people that are taking kids on life experi ences, showing them what their family is like or what a college experience could be,” said Kelly Carr, director of operations and pro grams for Eight Waves. “Any of the opportu nities that we have to be able to help support the children and families here is what’s most important to me with this event.”

RAISING AWARENESS

The idea for the event came from Eight Waves board members Deb Melnick and Meredith Rosser. Although similar events had been done before in other communities, the experience had never been done locally.

For the event’s first year, about 160 people will attend the event and travel in four groups by valet bus transportation to each holiday home.

Carr said she thinks locals are intrigued by the surprise element of the event where they have no idea where the homes will be or what awaits them along the way.

The leaders of Eight Waves said they are hoping to reach their goal of about $30,000, with funds going directly to the programs. The money can help the after-school pro gram, provide meals or hygiene items for families in need, assist with the community outreaches, and more.

“We have kids and families (who) need help and support right here in our commu nity, and a lot of times, people think about going abroad to help, which I’ve done and is an amazing opportunity,” Carr said. “But when we have people right here in our own backyard that we could be helping … if peo ple don’t know about the opportunity, then they’re not able to help. We probably have a lot of people (who) are willing and able to help but are not aware that there is this need.”

ABOUT EIGHT WAVES

Eight Waves invests in the lives of children, youth and families who live in under-re sourced communities by working together, building the healthy support systems they need to thrive, and empowering them to create lasting change in their own lives and communities. The nonprofit envisions a community where every child experiences a variety of positive and encouraging opportu nities. These opportunities provide a sense of belonging and allow each child the ability to achieve his or her full potential both indi vidually and as a member of the community.

IF YOU GO HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 17. Tours will be at 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.

INFORMATION: eightwaves.org/hol iday-tour-of-homes or email kcarr@ eightwaves.org

Eight Waves’ leaders said they hope to make the tradition an annual event, and although some aspects may change, such as the potential of walking from home to home, changing the visited houses or expanding the event slightly while still keeping the experi ence intimate, the foundation of the event will remain the same.

“I’m not an event planner, and my back ground is in education, and through working in this nonprofit, I have done a lot of things I never thought I would ever do,” Carr said. “Planning an event is one of them … but it always comes back to the kids. We’re doing this for these kids and for the families, and our goal is to help support them, so that they are able to be successful and continue toward their goals.

Without the support and without us speaking life into them, I think that they are faced with so many challenges daily, and it’s easier to quit and give up. I think it’s important for us to be here to help support them and let them know that we believe that they’re able to reach their goals. Every deci sion that we have made for this event is for the kids who come here.”

Food and beverage sponsors include Crooked Can, Market to Table, Miller’s Ale House, The Southern on 8th, Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, Cheers Liquor Store, Worthy Cakes and Nosh Popcorn. Other sponsors are Orlando Health, Seacoast Bank, Carr’s Flooring America, HomeRun Pest Control, Schmid Construction, Foshee Construc tion, Clancy & Theys Construction, We Are Winter Garden, City of Winter Garden, One Winter Garden, Farm Nine, The Bacha Fam ily, J & J Building, Hope Church and Imagine that Promo.

Courtesy photos

Disney project will add more than 1,300 units

The developer will build, own and operate more than 1,300 units on Disney’s land in Southwest Orange.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Walt Disney World has chosen a developer and a location for its new affordable housing development, which will be built on about 80 acres in Southwest Orange, only a few miles from the theme park resort.

The Michaels Organization, which has developed more than 55,000 units and manages more than 60,000 across 35 states, will build, own and operate the property.

The project will be located west of State Road 429 and just a couple of miles from Flamingo Crossings Town Center. The development is expected to include more than 1,300 units.

“For more than 50 years, Walt Dis ney World has cared for and invested in our community, and we’re com mitted to being a part of this solu tion which will bring more attain able housing to Central Florida,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We will continue to find ways to use our resources to make a difference in the community we call home, and we’re excited to take this step with a nationally rec ognized developer.”

Negotiations between Walt Disney World and The Michaels Organiza tion on a definitive agreement for the project are underway.

Not only will the development be open for qualifying applicants, including Disney cast members, but

also the initiative will create new jobs in the Central Florida community through construction and ongoing operation of the property.

The development — planned to be privately financed — will be lim ited to applicants within a certain income range. This initiative will support and build upon Orange County’s Housing for All action plan to address housing affordabil ity for local residents, an action plan brought about by the passion and leadership of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Walt Disney World said a timeline

ABOUT THE DEVELOPER

The Michaels Organization’s mission is to “bring comprehensive solu tions to communities that jumpstart housing, education, civic engage ment and neighborhood prosperity,” according to the developer’s website.

The company’s mission is that a Michaels neighborhood be a beau tiful, bustling place to call home, as well as a launching pad for people to move to the next level of their lives.

From single communities to com prehensive neighborhood revital izations, Michaels has spent the last four decades working with cities, rural areas, major public universi ties, the faith community and oth ers to develop creative solutions to housing challenges.

“We are excited to work with an iconic brand like Disney to deliver

attainable housing for the Central Florida community,” Michaels CEO John J. O’Donnell said. “Our goal is to create a repeatable model that we hope will inspire other companies and municipalities to create high quality, attainable housing in their own communities.”

Currently, the organization is present in more than 425 communi ties and with 146,000 residents.

In Florida, the company has 14 communities and 10 afford able housing developments. These include the Abbey Lane Apartments in Winter Haven, Belmont Heights Estates in Tampa and Janie’s Garden in Sarasota.

The Michaels executive team is led by members including founder and Chairman Michael J. Levitt, O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer Mark Morgan, Chief Financial Offi cer Joe Purcell and President Kim berlee Schriber.

for construction and other details will be released at a later date.

“We will continue to find ways to use our resources to make a difference in the community we call home, and we’re excited to take this step with a nationally recog nized developer.”

Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort

Courtesy rendering The project will be located west of State Road 429 and just a couple of miles from Flamingo Crossings Town Center.

In the lane, snow is glistening

The annual Light Up Winter Garden event returned in its 38th year Friday, Dec. 2, in downtown Winter Garden. The event kicked off at 6:15 p.m. in front of City Hall with the ceremonial lighting of all the lights on Plant Street. The festivities continued throughout the night, including sledding and snow hills, photo opportunities, meet-andgreets, stilt walkers, music, and live holiday entertain ment. Light Up Winter Garden was sponsored by Duke Energy, the West Orange Ministerial Associa tion and the city of Winter Garden.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Stilt walkers were seen wandering the downtown streets.

City of Winter Garden police officers kept attendees safe.

holiday entertainment included elves with light-up jump ropes.

Holiday-inspired characters wandered the streets waving to attendees.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for photo opportunities.

Locals stopped to snap a selfie with characters from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Winter Garden’s weekend of holiday hoopla continued at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, with the city’s annual Christ mas Parade.

Residents lined Dillard and Plant streets to enjoy a morning full of Christmas cheer. Local businesses, schools, youth organiza tions, performing-arts groups and more ushered in the holiday season with a festive, lively parade. As always, the Winter Gar den Fire Rescue Department, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, served as the grand finale.

Joy to the World

— MICHAEL ENG

Dancers from The Dance Collective showcased their talents along the parade route.

The West Orange Wildcats delighted parade-goers with their smiles and Christmas cheer.

State Farm agent Shannon Till brought her four-legged friend with her to ride in this year’s parade.

The West Orange High marching band loved performing in this year’s parade.

The Ocoee High marching band delighted with its festive tunes.

Winter Garden kids lined the parade route in hopes of filling their bags with candy.

The parade culminated with an appearance by both Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Right: The Orlando Bahia Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps performed a variety of Christmas classics.

parade.

Right: Pirates made an appearance on Plant Street during the parade.

Luis and Yanitza Reyes and their family gathered for a group photo with Santa Claus.

Oakland Nature Preserve’s entry in the Christmas tree contest.

Eight Wave’s entry in the “Trees of the Season” Christmas tree contest.

The Oakland Avenue Charter School Singers performed a medley of Christ mas music during the event.

Kelly Zannini Realtor’s entry in the Christmas tree contest.

Oakland Avenue Charter School Spirit Squad’s entry in the contest.

Longtime Oakland resident Marilyn Mack was thrilled to drive her new golf cart to the Santa’s Lane event.

Right: Sierra Viera asked for jewelry and fake nails in her letter to Santa.

Ahome in the Golden Oak community near Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residen tial real-estate transactions

from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2.

The home at 9764 Loun sberry Circle, Golden Oak, sold Nov. 30, for $4,175,000.

Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 4,282 square feet. Days on market: 169.

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

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY HILL

The home at 6216 Indian Meadow St. sold Nov. 28, for $820,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,709 square feet. Days on market: Six.

BAY HILL CONDOS

The condo at 6358 Masters Blvd., No. P5 sold Dec. 2, for $760,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,760 square feet.

The condo at 6220 Masters Blvd., No. A103, Orlando, sold Nov. 30, for $595,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,498 square feet. Days on market: Three.

DIAMOND COVE

The home at 8200 Gemstone Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 2, for $760,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,264 square feet. Days on market: 20.

HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5931 Pitch Pine Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 28, for $582,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,083 square feet. Days on market: Four.

NORTH BAY

The home at 9107 Windjammer Lane, Orlando, sold Dec. 1, for $665,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,098 square feet. Days on market: 91.

RUBY LAKE

The home at 10778 Berry Creek Road, Orlando, sold Nov. 28, for $769,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,870 square feet. Days on market: 73.

SOUND

SAND LAKE

The townhouse at 7365 Alpine Butterfly Road, Orlando, sold Nov. 28, for $568,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,638 square feet. Days on market: 19.

TURNBURY WOODS

The home at 5233 Fieldview Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 29, for $541,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,368 square feet. Days on market: 22.

HORIZON WEST

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 12724 Brodlove Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $557,080. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,791 square feet.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 6378 Flat Lemon Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $685,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,852 square feet. Days on market: 54.

LEGADO

The home at 9241 Patrimonio Loop, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $660,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,203 square feet. Days on market: 14.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14846 Bahama Swallow Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $590,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,327 square feet. Days on mar ket: 22.

The home at 15163 Pigeon Plum Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $575,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,708 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8768 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $923,156. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,416 square feet. Days on market: 74.

The home at 18126 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $884,821. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet.

The home at 18114 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $851,701. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,866 square feet.

The home at 18090 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $836,421. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,866 square feet. Days on market: 91.

The home at 10139 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $790,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,227 square feet. Days on market: 70.

The home at 18030 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 30, for $720,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet. Days on market: 142.

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8318 Vivaro Isle Way, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $625,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet. Days on market: 179.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11837 Cave Run Ave., Windermere, sold Dec. 2, for $700,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,407 square feet. Days on market: 43.

OAKLAND HULL ISLAND

The home at 1111 Simeon Road, Oakland, sold Nov. 30, for $679,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,281 square feet. Days on market: 16.

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 528 Johns Landing Way, Oakland, sold Nov. 28, for $653,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,139 square feet. Days on market: Five.

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The home at 2701 Bobcat Chase Blvd., Oakland, sold Dec. 2, for $599,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,136 square feet. Days on mar ket: 32.

OCOEE BROOKESTONE

The home at 153 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold Dec. 1, for $665,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,956 square feet. Days on market: Three.

CROWN POINT WOODS

The home at 1236 Log Landing Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 30, for $575,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,544 square feet. Days on market: Three.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 3440 Jamber Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 28, for $565,000. Built in 2004, it has four bed rooms, three baths and 2,551 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 145 Calliope St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 29, for $640,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,945 square feet. Days on market: 97.

WEST ORANGE BELLARIA

The home at 13508 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $1,375,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,769 square feet. Days on market: 103.

WINDERMERE ISLEWORTH

The home at 9807 Walzer Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 29, for $3,462,500. Built in 1993, it has seven bedrooms, eight baths, two half-baths and 7,875 square feet. Days on market: 66.

The home at 4806 Alexandra Gar den Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 28, for $2,885,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 5,695 square feet. Days on market: 149.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11708 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 1, for $1,050,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,677 square feet. Days on market: 22.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11348 Shandon Park Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 1, for $1,075,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,059 square feet. Days on mar ket: 85.

WESTOVER RESERVE

The home at 2015 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $1,125,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,628 square feet. Days on market: Two.

WINDSOR HILL

The home at 9527 Queensbury Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 30, for $1,100,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 5,378 square feet. Days on market: 113.

WINTER GARDEN DILLARD POINTE

The home at 202 Surprise Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $668,351. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,930 square feet.

FULLERS OAK

The home at 1713 Fullers Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 28, for $765,000. Built in 2018, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 4,700 square feet. Days on market: 113.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 14742 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 29, for $515,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: 35.

WINTER OAKS

The home at 208 Autumn Oaks Loop, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 2, for $500,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,410 square feet. Days on market: 62.

The home at 9764 Lounsberry Circle, Golden Oak, sold Nov. 30, for $4,175,000. This home, built by ISSA Homes, features a private courtyard design, with the pool di rectly in the center of the home.

Unforgettable KNIGHTS

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Until halfway through the third quarter in its state semifinal bout against Columbus (Miami) Friday, Dec. 2, Ocoee was cling ing to a 30-28 lead.

In the first half, the Knights had led by as much as 10 points, stunning an Explorers team (11-1) that had pum meled virtually every opponent it faced this year.

And even after Columbus was able

to claw to a 35-30 lead, the Knights shot back, scoring six on a touchdown reception late in the fourth to reclaim the lead 36-35.

However, in the waning minutes of the game, the Explorers found a way to the end zone en route to a 41-36 win.

Even though Ocoee’s season ended one game short, the Knights — led by seniors running back Keyondray Jones (1,491 rushing yards), quarterback Darien Wharton (1,980 passing yards), receiver Assad Waseem (1,353 receiv ing yards) and defensive end Calvin

Smith (19.5 sacks) — gave the entire West Orange community a season to remember.

According to Ocoee High School

Athletic Director Bill Alderman, part of the success the Knights had this season came from the culture and the changes in the program that head football coach Aaron Sheppard imple mented this year and all the adjust ments that were made to have a more competitive football team.

What does the World Cup mean to you?

With the World Cup taking place for the first time in the winter season, soccer fans are excited to watch the games with family and friends. Even those who are not soccer fans gather at the TV to watch the teams play and even root for their country — if their coun try is playing — or just root for a country they like or think will perform well this year.

The World Cup conjures a mix of emotions for everyone who watches it. You see fans yelling, hear their excitement when the team they are rooting for scores a goal and even hear their frustration when they miss a goal or are about to lose.

The World Cup, in its own way, brings people together — not only physically in the same place but also emotionally.

— ANDREA MUJICA

“I’m Brazilian, you can tell, but it’s very emotion al to feel everything outside of our country. We are very passionate about (soccer) and the World Cup, and now I have the opportunity to experience it with my children in another country so it’s very exciting. The World Cup is when I feel more patriotic about my country so, I don’t like soccer — I don’t like sports at all — but I feel very excited when the World Cup (happens), because I get to root for my country.”

“Honestly, the World Cup means everything to me. I grew up watching it as a kid, and it’s some thing I really cherish. It’s every four years, and it’s just something special, and I thing my favorite thing about it is how it brings everyone together. It doesn’t matter where you are from or where you are watching it — everyone loves soccer. I watch the games with my friends, I bet on games, I buy jerseys; I just really get myself into it.”

— Diego Chaparro

Foundation Academy’s Emma Sundermeyer placed third in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:49 at the FHSAA state meet.Page 2B.

In 2022, the Ocoee Knights had a season the school, city and football fans will remember for years to come.

— Amanda Torquoto

“It means a time to get with friends and watch some soccer. I watch the games with my friends, buying the jerseys and supporting my team.”

— Eleazar Ocando

“I get very anxious, it’s something that happens every four years that is very important to me. I am Argentinian, and I feel it very deeply, so much so that if we get eliminated, I can’t even tell you how I’d feel.”

— Santino Benedetti

The Knights gathered at the school’s courtyard to wish good luck to the football team prior to its departure to Miami. SEE MAKING

Andrea Mujica

Emma Sundermeyer

Tell us about competing at states.

It was very fun, and there was a lot of great competition there, so … (that) allowed me to swim well. I had a great time. We had a lot of people from my team, more than usual — it was about six of us there. I was happy with how I swam, and I got to see some of my friends who I don’t get to see that often.

How did it feel placing third? I was happy with it. There was a lot of competition, and to come out somewhere on top, it was nice.

Tell us about your years as a swimmer.

I started swimming when I was about 7 or 8. I always knew how to swim before, because, when you live in Florida, there are a lot of bodies of water, so it’s important to know how to swim. I chose swimming, because I didn’t know what else to do at that point.

(Because) my parents both swam, it was somewhat familiar with me, and so I decided to give swimming a try.

What has being team captain taught you this year?

It has let me see swimming from a different standpoint, because a lot of our team is new. It gives a fresh and fun feeling to swimming. Just being with them and seeing how they approach swimming is really fun, and I like to help out with whatever I can.

How did you feel when you were chosen captain?

It was something that I wanted to do and something that I wanted to be for a while, so I was happy.

What do you love most about swimming as a sport?

I like how I can be competitive. I am a very competitive person, so swimming allows me to be competitive with anyone and I can race and have fun with anyone.

What has swimming taught you not only inside of the pool but also outside of it?

Patience and hard work. Patience, because not every meet or every practice will be your best one, so it’s important to work hard and stay the course and if you work hard for your goals and you put in time and effort, it will hap pen.

Have you played any other sports?

I did gym nastics probably when I was 3 (until I was) 7 (years old).

What’s your favorite thing

Making Ocoee proud

THE BASICS

AGE: 16

SPORT: Swim SCHOOL: Foundation Academy GRADE:

about being a part of your team?

Just the fun we have with (one another). Especially at our meets, we have a lot of fun and we cheer on everyone who is swimming. Our relays are also fun, and we like to switch it up, so I think I was swimming with everyone on our team at some point so that’s fun and you get to build relationships with them.

What do you believe makes you a unique swimmer?

I love to race, and I’m a competi tive person. … I’m willing to race anyone — and I don’t think a lot of people truly like to race or truly love it when they race. I love that, and that’s one of my favorite parts — getting to race everyone.

What has been the hardest skill for you to learn?

Probably patience, because not every time you swim or not any time you get in the water is going to be your best time or is going to feel the best. But if you keep working hard and keep pushing through, then eventually, you will make improvements.

What would you like to study in college?

I would like to do something in the science department. I’m think ing biology right now, but I’m not 100% sure.

What’s your favorite hobby? Either baking or wakeboarding. I like baking cookies or brownies.

What’s your favorite movie? One that comes to mind is “Touch The Wall;” it’s about Missy Frank lin. I really like that movie I could watch it endlessly so I’ll pick

What’s a TV series you are binge watching right now? It’s not really a TV series but, I’ve been really enjoy ing watching “Shark Tank.” I find it very entertaining.

favorite super hero? Why? Either Bat

Wonder Woman.

If you could have a super power, would it be Teleportation, because you can get anywhere when ever you want, without

What type of music do you like to listen to?

I like country music and pop music. My favorite (country singer) is prob ably Florida Georgia Line.

ANDREA MUJICA

“We reiterated to them just how (well) they responded to every chal lenge they had (this season),” he said.

The Knights ended the season at 9-5 — a record that, on paper, skews Ocoee’s gridiron might. After los ing the Battle of the Shield to West Orange High School Nov. 1 41-17, the Knights rebounded and played their best ball in the playoffs.

In Ocoee’s historic postseason run, the Knights dispatched a stout Durant (Plant City) team Nov. 12 42-27, got revenge on the Warriors Nov. 18 in a 29-28 overtime thriller, and dismantled an East Lake (Tar pon Springs) team 34-19 just one week later.

Before their trip to Miami to face Columbus, the entire Ocoee com munity rallied around the Knights for a proper sendoff Friday, Dec. 2.

Everything started with breakfast biscuits donated to the team by the local Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s. Following the meal, the Knights lined up and prepared to walk through the school’s courtyard, where students, as well as Ocoee High School band and cheer squad, were waiting. Fans held personalized banners while students cheered.

Once the players reached the bus loop, students began to chant “Ocoee, Ocoee!” After a few sec onds, hundreds joined, the words echoing through the walls of the school as the last players entered the buses.

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and Commissioner George Oliver were present at the event to show their support.

Lisa Morris Jacobs, an Ocoee Marching Knight mother, said the team created a wonderful atmo sphere for Friday Night Lights.

“This year was some of the most well played, exciting football of the four (or three thanks to COVID-19) years we’ve been blessed to be Ocoee Knights,” she said.

“This team was always the under dog. They were usually counted out before a game even started. The perseverance and determination they showed each and every game was amazing to watch. These guys worked hard and deserved to go all

the way! I am so glad that we made the trips to watch them do what they do and prove so many wrong time and again. The support that was in our stands at every game was also incredible! I am proud that my daughter is a Marching Knight, and I am proud to be a Knight parent!”

No doubt, the 2022 success made new Knight fans, but the run also had an impact in those who had been fol lowing the team for years.

“I can remember when I hoped they would just score against Apop ka,” Ocoee resident Heather Peery said. “They always played with heart, but something changed! More reason to show up for a game besides an awesome band!”

Former alumni Josh Randall saw

this season as a shift where the boys demonstrated what true Knights can do.

“As an alumni, it means a lot (that the team got that far),” he said. “We aren’t like these other schools with magnet programs that allow us to recruit good players to our school from other school zones. This was a product of great coaching and great play from true Ocoee kids.”

With the season now over and a long off-season ahead, the boys will regroup, work on their condition ing and reassess their strengths and weaknesses, so they can come back stronger next season.

Who knows? State champion Ocoee Knights does have a nice ring to it.

Junior

At the FHSAA state meet, Foundation Academy junior and swim team captain Emma Sundermeyer placed third in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 1:49.00 and fifth in the 100 meters freestyle with a time of 50.72. This is Sundermeyer’s fourth appearance at an FHSAA state meet.

Coaches and players were ready to head out.

Mikayla Matthews, Shaniya O’Neal and Grace Klick waved their banners in support of the football team.

Photos by Andrea Mujica

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson, Commissioner George Oliver and Ocoee Police Department officers Patera Scott-Marsh and Eladio Martinez chatted while waiting for the buses to drive off.

Courtesy photo

The Ocoee Knights fought hard during their game against Columbus.

Windermere Prep hosts Global Games

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Windermere Preparatory School hosted the Global Games, The Americas 2022 from Tuesday, Nov. 29, to Saturday, Dec. 3.

More than 1,200 students from seven different countries — the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru participated in the event in sports such as flag football, beach volley ball, regular volleyball, soccer, track and field, tennis, basketball, and swimming.

The Global Games first took place in 2006, offering the opportunity for students to become global citizens while sharing experiences and building international relationships.

At first, the games only hosted less than 100 athletes and over the years, it’s grown so much that nowadays, Nord Anglia organizes not one Glob al Games event — where seventh-, eighth- and some ninth-graders are able to participate — but also added the Junior Global Games for sixthgraders that will take place in Costa Rica in 2023.

RAY ARCHER

DIED SUNDAY, NOV. 27, 2022.

Ray Archer, 86, of Winter Gar den, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, with his wife hold ing his hand. Ray was born on March 29, 1936, in Athens, Georgia. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Frances, who walked out her door and into his heart.

They have five children, Lynn Glover (Steve), of Mont verde, Florida, Karen Archer (deceased), Timothy Archer (Mila), of Chattanooga, Tennes see, Robert Archer, of Kissim mee, Florida, and Dawn Pea cock (Gary), of Winter Haven, Florida. In addition, he has 13 grandchildren, one deceased; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Ray was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, Florida. The family received friends at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, FL, 34787. A memo rial service followed at 10 a.m. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremation.

Coach Ernesto Gomez from the Metropolitan School Panama with some of his athletes: Nicolas Henry, Samuel Reyes, Ignacio Marti, Mateo Ramirez, Saul Guzman and Alejan dro Martin.

Amore, from the British International School of Chicago, rocked her sun glasses during a the volleyball game.

Zaria Wellesley, from The British Inter national School of Boston, partook in the swimming games during the event.

INFLUENCER OF THE

ANNER A. VAZQUEZ HAMLIN

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Anner A. Vazquez is the school food service manager at Hamlin Middle School. His job duties include supervision of the food service staff, assigning and direct ing work, training and staff development. Vazquez is also president of the Orange County Schools Nutrition Association. Assistant Principal Elionexis Rodriguez said Vazquez does “great work” and has been dedicated since the school opened. “He is always attentive to the students and their needs,” Rodriguez said. “He always tries to make a connection with the students beyond the cafeteria line, engages in conversations and tries to find the students’ interests through conversations. Also, his attention to the Hamlin staff and activities is always present. He never says ‘no’ when the administration or any of our teachers approach him to provide food or prepare food to celebrate an event or occasion or for students in after-school activi ties such as choir concerts and other visual and performing arts events.” Vazquez’s team is an essential part of what he does, and he receives a lot of support from his

What brought you to your school?

I am a person who loves to see things through. Hamlin, being a new development area, is a great opportunity to demonstrate all my skills, qualities, values, interests and life experiences acquired in my 27 years of management work. In addi tion, while I was working at Sun Ridge Middle School with Principal McHale, she shared with me the excellent work qualities of Hamlin Middle School Principal Dr. Knight. I just knew that there was where I wanted to be.

What do you love most about your school?

The school’s faculty and adminis tration involvement with students’ nutrition and food nutrition services staff, as well as the many different student nationalities. I truly enjoy learning about culture and ways of life — it gives me the knowledge to provide them with great meals.

What is your motivation?

I’m motivated by several things. First is the friendly environment and support of the school’s staff and administration; second is seeing the students form healthy eating habits with happy faces enjoying the food; and third, my amazing, dedicated, professional and fun employees.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The opportunity of running a great job operation while having out standing family life balance.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

After my family and lovely dogs, I enjoy reading, watching learning videos and playing golf.

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

My high school math teacher, Mr. Linares, from Eloisa Pascual Bairoa 3 HS Class 1988. He noticed my pas sion for numbers and showed me to see it through different perspectives.

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

I wanted to study sports medicine. While growing up I was deeply engaged with sports, participated in triathlons, tennis, cycling leading up to NCAA and professional volley ball.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Oliver Twist,” because it showed me the necessities in life and family valor.

What are your hobbies?

Golf, playing with my dogs and spending time with friends.

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

Healing. I don’t like to see people struggle and suffer. I am a very sen timental person.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Queen/Freddie Mercury, AC/DC and Imagine Dragons. I believe Queen and AC/DC music was ahead of their time and Imagine Drag ons for their commitment to help sick children and youth depression awareness.

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

Rice and beans with fruit mix cup. Hershey almonds.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas. The lights, decora tions, music spirit, food, family and friends gatherings.

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

I don’t have a particular best friend. I spent my time with my sports teammates and am still in touch with several of them.

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

I played baseball and volleyball. While in elementary, middle and high school I was selected every year to participate in the All-Stars base ball team. Playing volleyball, I was awarded multiple college scholar ships.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Summerlake Elementary School collects candy for military heroes

The school partnered with Soldiers’ Angels to collect 150 pounds of candy to send to deployed service members.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Summerlake Elementary School students, staff, teachers and families came together to collect more than 150 pounds of leftover Halloween candy to send to deployed service members.

The partnership with Soldiers’ Angels, a national nonprofit organi zation that provides aid and comfort to those in service, their families and veterans, allowed the troops to enjoy an unexpected sweet treat.

Parent Teacher Organization member Terri Woods said she was inspired to help because she knew a lot of people in the military growing up, both in her family and friends.

“The amount of passion and energy they put into protecting our country is astonishing,” Woods said. “This was something the kids could do to personally thank them for their service and dedication.”

PTO member Rebecca Adams said she liked that the idea was a simple way to bring “home” to the troops while they are away from their fami lies.

“As a parent, it was a great con versation with my boys about giving

back and the sacrifices our military and their families make for our coun try,” Adams said. “They were excited to give their Halloween candy know ing it was going to make someone else happy.”

The collection started the day after Halloween and lasted only four days.

Woods said the massive collec tion achievement was the product of teamwork from every outlet.

The PTO worked to coordinate and deliver the candy to the post office, the office staff monitored the collec tion, and the students and families provided the donations.

“We wouldn’t have been able to collect such a large amount with out their generosity,” Woods said.

“My initial reaction (when I saw the amount of candy) was surprised! I

said.

couldn’t believe we collected that much in such a short period of time. Then gratitude for our wonderful school community.”

Adams said she was “ absolutely floored” at the donations the PTO received.

“I could not believe we brought in that much, in such a short period of time,” she said. “Our Summerlake families are absolutely amazing.”

Woods said the projects allow chil dren the opportunity to give back to their community from a young age, instilling a desire for service and generosity.

“They are also great for the fami lies and school community to work together towards a greater good,” she said.

Woods said the PTO is always looking for opportunities to give back to the community.

Some events the organization has coming up include a canned food drive, Toys for Tots, a blanket collec tion for a local animal shelter and an in-person volunteering opportunity at Second Harvest Food Bank.

SCHOOL BRIEFS

FOUNDATION

STUDENTS

COLLECT DONATIONS

National Elementary Honors Society students from Foundation Academy’s Plant Street campus collected more than 45 bags of donations for The Greyson Project. The organization donates Christ mas decorations to families spending the holidays in children’s hospitals around the country.

OCOEE GUITARISTS EARN SPOT IN COUNTY GROUP

Several Ocoee High School students have earned a place in the prestigious 2022-23 Orange County Public Schools All County Guitar Ensemble.

The six students are: William Arnett, Elijah Brassard, Connor Chiu, Sebastian Diaz, Kevin Thompson and Grover White. The musicians will join 40 other guitarists across OCPS to perform on stage in the upcoming new year.

FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO FIGHT

Orange County Fire Rescue responded to Windermere High School Friday, Dec. 2, following a fight between two female students on campus.

The department responded to check on the condition of one of the students involved in the altercation. That student is expected to be OK, Principal Andrew Leftakis said.

“These behaviors are unacceptable and are not consistent with our expectations and school culture,” he said. “As a result, the appropriate discipline will be handed out according to the Code of Student Conduct for those students who lead, incite and engage in disruptive behavior. The safety of our students and staff is always my top priority.

“Parents, please talk with your student regarding your expectations as it relates to their behavior,” Leftakis said. “Students who record or post video of such behavior may also face disciplinary consequences.”

“The amount of passion and energy they put into protect ing our country is astonishing,” Woods

“This was something the kids could do to personally thank them for their service and dedication.”

— Terri Woods, PTO member

Courtesy photo

The PTO was shocked and thrilled at the amount of candy collected.

Warriors march in NYC parade

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Five West Orange Warriors made national television last month when they flew to New York City to partici pate as members of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Peyton Cottle (senior, trumpet), Caroline Gordon (senior, trumpet), Avery Hanebrink (junior, trumpet), Cooper Ray (senior, trumpet) and Hannah Taylor (senior, flute) audi tioned and were accepted into the marching band, which is made up of about 200 of the best high school band students from across the coun try. They stepped off from Central Park Thursday, Nov. 24, and per formed at Macy’s Herald Square in front of celebrity hosts, a grandstand audience and more than 50 million TV viewers watching the parade on NBC.

The five said there were many

exciting moments during the trip, including walking in such an iconic parade; and seeing stars such as Jim my Fallon and The Roots, the cast of the new “Pitch Perfect” show, and Trombone Shorty. Hanebrink also saw Hugh Jackman while walking around the city with her family.

All participants received meals, lodging and sightseeing as part of their six-day trip package. For sev eral of them, this was their first time in NYC. The students saw the Broad way show “Aladdin,” explored Times Square, visited Top of the Rock, ate at restaurants such as Ellen’s Star dust Diner, shopped at New Jersey’s American Dream Mall and enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner dance.

Participants had to submit an audi tion video of themselves playing a short musical composition, showing their feet marking time and marching a box drill while playing a scale.

The WOHS students shared their thoughts on this unique experience.

“My favorite part of the trip is the friends that I made,” Gordon said. “MGAMB brings together people from all over the country. … I love MGAMB so much. It’s a great place to learn how to be a better leader and a musician and meet peers who have the same passion for marching band as you do.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the Macy’s Day Parade growing up, so getting to be a part of it is super sur real,” Gordon said. “I’m really hon ored I got to be a part of something so important to many.

“When we are in rehearsals, they always tell us how cool and different it will be from the parades we all do back home, but it doesn’t actually hit you until you are there,” Gordon said. “There are so many people lin ing the streets and the floats are huge.

… My favorite part is looking up at the skyscrapers and seeing all the people watching through their windows.”

Gordon auditioned in 2020 during the COVID-19 summer quarantine and was accepted, but participation was delayed a year. This is her second year marching in the parade band.

“My favorite part of the trip was marching in the parade,” Cottle said. This trip marked her first time on an airplane. “Just seeing the towering skyscrapers above you and the excite ment of the crowds and your other band members really builds and hypes you up. … While we were waiting to go on, we got to talk to the balloon carri ers and people walking alongside the floats. And marching down the route with all your talented bandmates who were working so hard for this perfor mance was such a privilege.

“Something people don’t realize is how much work and rehearsal hours go into putting together a 60-sec ond performance,” Cottle said. “We rehearsed a total of 16 hours in the span of three days. … Not to mention we all had to memorize our music before we even arrived in New York.”

“It was such an amazing experi ence marching with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band,” Taylor said. “The parade was so much fun and was unlike anything I had ever done before. I had only ever watched the parade on TV, so actually seeing the balloons and floats was unreal. I also loved seeing the huge crowd. It was so exciting to march our Herald Square performance. … Being in the parade was the best and also easi est part. It took a lot of hard work to make our performance smooth and the parade as magical as it is every year.

“On parade day, before the Thanks giving Day parade started, there was a ‘dress rehearsal’ that morning,” Taylor said. “We had a wake-up call at 2 a.m. to be dressed and ready to leave. The different groups and bands performing did a run-through of their performances at Herald Square … that morning. We did our run through around 4 a.m.”

“My favorite part of the trip was being able to march in the biggest parade in the world (and) also get ting to meet a lot of new friends from around the country, which has made me more confident in getting to know more new people when I graduate,” Ray said. “Marching in this famous parade was definitely a once-in-alifetime experience for me.”

Ray plans to continue playing music in the U.S. Air Force while becoming a pilot, and he hopes to join The Airmen of Note.

“My favorite part of the trip was either the free time in the city, or visiting the American Dream mall in New Jersey, because I really just loved hanging out with the new people I met,” Hanebrink said. “I was ner vous the day of the parade, but it was really fun, even though we were all exhausted. Seeing all the people lined up to see the parade and listening to them cheer was very cool.”

Hanebrink would like to continue marching band in college.

Five members of the West Orange High School marching band were invited to participate in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Parade day was exciting for the members of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

Photos courtesy of Caroline Gordon

Caroline Gordon, Avery Hanebrink, Peyton Cottle, Hannah Taylor and Cooper Ray took in the sights in New York City’s Times Square.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

The town of Windermere, the city of Winter Garden and the town of Oakland all have held their signature holiday events. However, the fun continues with plenty of events in West Orange and Southwest Orange!

WINTER GARDEN

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE STROLL

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8

WHERE: Downtown Winter Garden

DETAILS: Downtown boutiques will host indoor and outdoor specials, promo tions and surprises. Gather friends and family for a fun and festive holiday shop ping experience.

WEBSITE: downtownwg.com

GYMNASTICS USA

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR!

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden

DETAILS: This free event will feature food trucks, open gym, local vendors, a Santa visit and much more!

TICKETS: qrco.de/bbLWIe

12TH ANNUAL JINGLE JOLLY JOG 5K

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; Kids Fun Run at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Oakland Park, Pawley Way, Winter Garden

DETAILS: Kick off the holiday season with the West Orange Junior Service League’s 13th annual Jingle Jolly Jog. Come run or walk this evening race and enjoy the festive holiday decora tions through beautiful Oakland Park in Winter Garden. This unique, nighttime, family-friendly 5K is sure to be fun for everyone. This event features a 5K, a Kid’s Fun Run, Meet & Greet with Santa and his elves, festive activities, food trucks, live DJ and much more.

COST: $40 through Dec. 9

INFORMATION: wojsl.com

21ST ANNUAL JOHNS

LAKE HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE

WHEN: 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

WHERE: Johns Lake Public Boat Ramp, 13620 Lake Blvd., Winter Garden

DETAILS: Over the years, this boat pa rade has become quite a tradition, with many homes hosting holiday gatherings the night of the parade.

INFORMATION: bit.ly/3kue2tJ

WINTER GARDEN FIRE RESCUE SANTA RUN

WHEN: Between 5:45 and 9 p.m. Dec. 13 to 18 through the neighborhoods of Winter Garden. An alternate date is scheduled for Dec. 20 if weather inter rupts one of Santa’s visits.

WHERE: Santa will be in the city’s north

west on Dec. 12; the northeast on Dec. 13; the west side of the County Road 545 corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 14; the east side of the County Road 545 corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 15; County Road 535 and the Daniels Road corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 16; and the Beulah Road and Win dermere Road corridor of south Winter Garden on Dec. 17.

WINTER GARDEN DE-LIGHT-FUL DECORATIONS CONTEST

WHEN: Judging begins at 5:30 p.m. Tues day, Dec. 13, and Wednesday, Dec. 14.

DETAILS: Drag out the lights, hang up the garland, put up the glowing Santa and enter your home to win. Festive pre sentations of outdoor decorations could win up to $100.

INFORMATION: cwgdn.com.

CHANUKAH CELERATION AND MENORAH LIGHTING

WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19

WHERE: In front of the Downtown Post Office, 207 W. Plant St.

DETAILS: This celebration will be pre sented by Chabad of South Orlando.

INFORMATION: jewishorlando.com

OCOEE 22ND ANNUAL OPERATION SANTA

WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 13 and 15.

WHERE: Ocoee’s more than 60 neigh borhoods

DETAILS: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas will ride through neighborhoods aboard a festive holiday float built by the Ocoee Fire Department and volunteers. When the holiday float arrives in neighbor hoods, residents are encouraged to give Santa new, unwrapped toys. The toys will be donated to the Ocoee Police Department’s Holiday Toys for Kids in Need drive.

INFORMATION: (407) 905-3140.

JOLLY JAMBOREE AND TREE LIGHTING

WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive

DETAILS: This event features the count down to the tree lighting, Santa’s Village, a kids zone, ice sled, special guest and much more. Free.

WEBSITE: ocoee.org

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive

DETAILS: Visit Santa and his special guest, share Christmas wishes and take pictures.

INFORMATION: Tracy, Twise@ocoee. org, at (407) 905-3180.

OAKLAND SECOND ANNUAL TREES OF THE SEASON

WHEN: Throughout December

WHERE: Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 Petris Ave.

DETAILS: Trees will be on display at the center in the town of Oakland.

HORIZON WEST

SANTA’S COMING TO HAMLIN

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden DETAILS: Join friends and neighbors for an afternoon of family fun and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

WEBSITE: hamlinfl.com/events

LIGHT ORLANDO

CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8-10

WHERE: Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden DETAILS: This free, family-friendly series supports local charities and showcases local high school, church and community choirs each night. Per formers include God’s Example (Dec. 8), Daniel Emmet (Dec. 9) and Blanck (Dec. 10).

INFORMATION: lightorlando.org

ONGOING DOWNTOWN

Downtown Winter Gar den will be transformed into a Winter Wonder land through Jan. 9, 2023, with the sights and sounds of the sea son for all ages to enjoy including festive light displays and decora tions, holiday music, and the colorful Downtown Interactive Fountain. Seasonal merchandise, food and drinks will be available at unique shops and restaurants. Restaurants will feature expanded outdoor pa tios for dining under the stars and festive lights.

n Art Exhibition: “Holidays in Winter Garden”: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5-9, 1216, 19-23 and 26-30 at the Art in Public Places Gallery, City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden

n Live Holiday Mu sic at Fridays on the Plaza: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 (Safia Valines Quartet), 16 (L&G Live), 23 (Red Mint) and 30 (Ranahan), at Centennial Plaza

n A Very Merry Farm ers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Find flowers and wreaths, holiday plants, seasonal decorations, the freshest produce and artisan food to make your holidays festive, as well as great gifts.

n A Merry Winter Gar den Light Show at City Hall: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23

n Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 11-14, 1821, 26-28. Reservation/ fee required.

GOTHA 11TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY

AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

WHERE: Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hem pel Ave., Gotha

DETAILS: Join Nehrling Gardens for its 11th annual nature-themed free com munity event. The gardens will feature beautiful and rare amaryllis bulbs for sale, as well as blooming amaryllis and other plants for the holidays. There will be nature-themed vendors, food, music and crafts for the children. Free.

CONTACT: info@nehrlinggardens.org

DR. PHILLIPS ST. LUKE’S PRESENTS

“I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”

WHEN: 5:30 and 7:30 Saturday, Dec. 10; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

WHERE: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando DETAILS: This annual concert event features a full choir and orchestra, children’s and youth choirs, handbells, dancers, and beautiful holiday scenery. TICKETS: $12 for adults and $6 for children younger than 12 WEBSITE: st.lukes.org

METROWEST METROWEST WINTERFEST 2022

WHEN: 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

WHERE: MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando

DETAILS: WinterFest 2022 will begin with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a Clydesdale-drawn carriage, which will then be available for rides for event attendees. The event also will feature photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 16-ton snow slide and play area, holiday performances by MetroWest and Westpointe elementary schools, and more. MetroWest WinterFest benefits Edgewood Children’s Ranch. WEBSITE: metrowestcommunity.com

40 years ago

Tom Ficquette, vice president of Sun Bank of Orlando, presented a $50 U.S. savings bond to Cheryl Davis, a fifth-grade student at Dillard Street Elementary. She was one of the seven winners in the statewide “Why I Like the Sun” poster-essay contest.

Residents in Southwest Or ange were eager to see stores finally opening for business at The Marketplace on Sand Lake Road and Dr. Phillips Boulevard. Scheduled to open by the end of November were Floral Artistry, R&R Hallmark, Merrill Lynch Re alty, Nice House of Music, Brass World, Marcy Lane, The Stretching Post, The Rhineland Ecke, Olvey’s and Gooding’s. By Christmas, the open stores were to include Frog’s Grog Shop, The House of Wine & Cheese, Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Company, Les Salons, Harves Time Natural Foods, Collector’s Corner & Design, Blushes, Mahoe Design & Imports, dentist Dr. Alvin J. Bernard, The Eyeglass Gallery, Medallion Travel, Parkway Ali mentare, Final Frontier Computer Software, Duffy’s Chiropractic Clinic, Lord’s Drycleaning, Sweet Paradise and Loomis Drugs.

30 years ago

As the new season of high school boys soccer opened, West Orange had a new head coach in Mike Armbruster.

Six buses lined the front of West Orange High School with signs in the windows, “Macy’s or Bust.” The buses, heading for New York and carrying 254 Warrior Band members and 46 chaperones, including Principal Sarah Jane Turner, were escorted by Winter Garden police to the first toll booth on Florida’s Turnpike. The

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Winter Garden’s Lakeview High School rose in 1927 on 17 acres of land donated by pioneer citrus grower Luther Fuller Tilden. It was built to replace the too-small Oakland-Winter Garden School that stood on Til denville School Road. This postcard portrays the building at a dramatic angle, viewed from the west. When it was constructed in the Collegiate Gothic style three-tenths of a mile from the south shore of Lake Apopka, the adjacent landscape was surrounded by vegetable fields and stands of pine. Beloved by a succession of graduating classes, it served West Orange County through the Class of 1975, when West Orange High School was built south of the city to accommodate a rapidly growing student population. Lakeview was converted to a junior high and, in 1986, became the middle school that stands today.

Find out more about the venerable institution in “School Bells Are Ringing: Lakeview and Drew High,” on exhibit at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum through Feb. 28, 2023.

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.

band, directed by Harold Coo per, led the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade — “a dream come true” for Cooper.

20 years ago

The city of Winter Garden cel ebrated its downtown refurbish ment and reopening of the West Orange Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new clock tower. Participating in the program were Winter Garden Mayor Jack

Quesinberry, City Manager Hollis Holden, Assistant City Manager Marshall Robertson, City Com missioner John Harriman, Rep. Randy Johnson, Bruce C. Hall, of Glatting Jackson, and Robert E. Lacey, of Gomez Construction Co.

A doctor and a pharmacist were selected as grand marshals of the local Christmas parades. Dr. Charles Carter was chosen to lead Winter Garden, and Edwin “Doc” Pounds was named to lead Ocoee. Scottish Highland dancers with

Centre for Dance & the Perform ing Arts attended the first British Association of Teachers of Danc ing Conference in Las Vegas. At tending were instructor Kathryn Austin and dancers Lee Sheets, Nicole Taladay, Sadie Stafford, Sarah Cappleman, Jillian Shep herd, Caitlin Snelson and Kristin Mitchell.

NOV. 18, 1982 Food World was a Publix sub sidiary with multiple grocery stores in the area, including one in Winter Garden, in the 1970s and ’80s. In 1982, Food World advertised in The Times its new offering: discounted Colorifics stoneware.

The multicolored table settings — mugs, bowls and plates — could be purchased for a deal at $1.49 apiece. The best part was they were dish washer-, freezer- and oven- and microwave-safe. The dishes came in nine fashion colors: Warm Earth (beige, chocolate and butterscotch), Cool Blues (ice gray, sky blue and royal blue) and Painted Desert (cran berry, lilac and dusty rose). To create a fun and eclectic table, shoppers could choose to pur chase all of the colors.

celebrity cipher

Luis Campos

Stage Stop celebrates 50 years

George and Annette Spigener opened the Winter Garden campground in 1973, and their children continue operating the family camping tradition today.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

George Spigener Jr. was in Florida more than 50 years ago looking for his next business venture, when he grabbed a state map from Johnny’s Corner and took a drive from Lake Buena Vista along the winding County Road 535. He ended up in Winter Garden, where he stopped for lunch at a downtown café and watched two men eat ing near him.

He was fascinated by the fact that one was a grove owner and the other was his employee, but he couldn’t tell the differ ence, because they both were hard workers with dirt under their fingernails. He had been in the lodging business but wanted to try operating a recreational vehicle park — and he desired that kind of working rela tionship with his own employees.

He would go on to build a tradition that continues today.

Spigener Jr. called his wife, Annette, who was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with their two children, and he told her: “I found the spot. It’s going to be Winter Garden.”

The Spigeners bought 22 acres of land on West Highway 50 (Colonial Drive) and established Stage Stop Safari Campground, opening to RVers in 1973. George Spigener III said his grandmother bought another eight acres, bringing the total to 30 acres of recreational enjoyment that included a swimming pool, gaming activities, a play ground and regular get-togethers.

“They put heart and soul into this,” Spi gener III said of his parents.

The location was ideal — 90 minutes from Florida’s east and west coasts, close to Central Florida attractions, and situated near the north-south Interstate 4 corridor.

A PLACE TO RELAX

The Spigeners named their campground after a restaurant of the same name because it sounded like a resting place.

“Basically, you get off the dusty trail of life and spend some time with us,” Spi gener III said. “Come and hang with us a while.”

To advertise their camping park, the couple and their children, Spigener III and Virginia, frequented the rest area in Ocala. Annette Spigener handed out Stage Stop brochures to RV owners.

“She would say, ‘That’s our kids, that’s our dog, come and stay with us for a while,’” Spigener III said. “‘We’re in Win ter Garden. My husband might be cutting grass or on a tractor. Dinner will be on time, and tonight we’re having Hamburger Helper.’ … My mom’s pitch, it was straight; it was her who built the rapport we’ve had forever.”

There was no network to let people know about the park, so the Spigeners joined the Safari franchise, thus becoming Stage Stop Safari Campground. In 1975, the owners were recognized as United States Inter national 1975 Safari Camp of the Year. The Safari franchise was dropped years later once the campground was established.

Today, the 248-site campground con tinues to provide relaxing amenities in a family atmosphere. That same friendly

climate extends to the staff, too, Spigener III said.

“Without staff we wouldn’t be any thing,” he said. “It takes everybody work ing together all the time. T-E-A-M — everything I’ve ever done in my life, I’ve got a team with me, before me, after me.”

One of those team members is manager Pat Ruelas, who was trained by Spigener Jr. and has been with Stage Stop for 17 years. She was instrumental in helping with the transition after Spigener Jr. died in 2018 and the Spigener children took over more of the responsibilities.

“Pat understands the history and the culture and the traditions of the park as well as dealing with me on the renovations and getting everything up to speed in the last few years, and we’ve had conversa tions on what we want to do in the present and moving on into the future,” Spigener III said.

MAJOR MILESTONE

Major renovations have been taking place at the advice of campground mentor Alan Wallace — the pool, roofs and roads were redone, and the Spigeners have been working on electrical upgrades through out the park. The return of the playground is in the works.

A big boost to the campground came about two months ago during the Orlando RV Show at the Orange County Convention Center. During the national convention, attendees could participate in a “takeaway tour,” where they boarded a bus and toured Central Florida’s campgrounds. Spigener III said this was an opportunity to show case Stage Stop’s amenities and upgrades to a national audience and generate more traffic to the Winter Garden campground.

Stage Stop now offers online reserva tions, which has been another huge step forward. Next year, the park celebrates its 50-year milestone of providing a place for folks needing a respite from the busyness of life. Some campers have been staying at Stage Stop for 20 years.

“We have the best location,” Spigener III said. “We don’t have that many amenities, but we partner with downtown Winter Garden,” which typically is bustling with entertainment and activities.

Stage Stop does offer group activities to bring all the campers together, including a potluck held before Thanksgiving.

“We had maybe 20 to 25 people, and we all had a good time, sharing ideas and thoughts,” Spigener III said.

January through March provides even more opportunities for socializing. Annette Spigener stayed busy organizing the campground activities through the years. Today’s campers can enjoy regular music that includes a bluegrass band, mar ket days, women’s gatherings and a variety of outdoor games.

“Anything with food and music, I’m a sucker for,” Spigener III said. “People would go to the Strawberry Festival and buy strawberries for our strawberry short cake.”

If it falls under the category of relaxing fun, the Spigeners are all for it.

“We look at it as the analogy of a cruise ship,” Spigener III said. “We have to have activities and get people to partake. … And then Winter Garden is like the Bahamas. If anyone wants to partake in anything in the wonderful city of Winter Garden, which we encourage, they can; and then they come back here to the cruise ship and relax.”

Spigener III invites campers to join his Stage Stop family and see how the Spigener family has created a popular camping des tination for nearly five decades.

Although Spigener III runs the day-today operations of Stage Stop, he said he couldn’t do this without his sister, Virginia Spigener, who lives in North Carolina. She has been integral to the vision of the camp ground, he said.

“It’s always been a family business, and always will be,” Spigener III said.

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

The Stage Stop Campground staff: Jennifer Webb, left, hospitality ambas sador; Eric Jackson, maintenance; Craig Aben, assistant manager; Kay Williams, hospitality ambassador; George Spigener, co-owner; Pat Ru elas, manager; Denny Lockhart, main tenance; Rebekah Hite, housekeeping; and Dave Hite, special projects.

Amy Quesinberry

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.”