09.07.23 West Orange Times & Observer

West Orange Roofing has agreed to replace the church’s roof, which was damaged during the 2022 hurricanes. All services and materials are being donated for the project. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Ultimate improvements ongoing in DP

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

After years of planning, meetings and discussion, there finally are indications of actual work on the Florida Department of Transportation’s I-4 Beyond the Ultimate in the Dr. Phillips and Lake Buena Vista area.

The Central Florida project includes three main pieces in West Orange County: interchange improvements at I-4 and Sand Lake Road, 1-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway, and 1-4 at ApopkaVineland Road.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she has been focused on relaying residents’ concerns to the FDOT project team, as well as providing updates as the project develops.

“Dr. Phillips residents have endured I-4 traffic and disfunction for years and are keeping a close eye on the planned improvements,” she said. “I am hopeful the improvements will provide not just relief to traffic congestion but also safer interchanges, more aesthetically pleasing roadside enhancements and better drainage from Sand Lake.”

SAND LAKE ROAD

Work on the Sand Lake Road and I-4

MORE

interchange began in the spring.

The interchange provides a gateway to some of Central Florida’s biggest attractions and is being reconstructed to a diverging diamond configuration.

According to the FDOT, the lanes in a diverging diamond cross over to the left side of the roadway, unlike a conventional interchange.

“That limits the number of traffic signal phases and allows drivers to make a left turn without crossing in front of oncoming traffic,” FDOT officials said. “The lanes then change back to the right side of the road. … These interchange configurations have been shown to improve safety, increase traffic efficiency and be cost-effective.”

The project is reconfiguring and lengthening ramps at the interchange and improving capacity on Sand Lake and Turkey Lake roads. A new loop ramp will replace the existing left turns from westbound Sand Lake to southbound Turkey Lake.

In addition, the project includes reconstruction of the I-4 general-use lanes from west of Sand Lake to the end of the I-4 Ultimate project. Two westbound, barrier-separated, express lanes are being built from west of Sand Lake to connect to the existing express lanes near Kirkman Road.

“These will transition to a single, buffer-separated express lane in the westbound direction from west of Sand Lake Road and tie in just west of Central Florida Parkway,” FDOT officials said. “This express lane will be constructed in three separate projects, with the finished lane extending from west of Sand Lake Road to west of State Road 536.”

Construction is estimated to reach completion in 2027.

CARTER PARKWAY

DARYL

The reconstruction of the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass into a diverging diamond also has begun, with construction starting last November.

The I-4 and Daryl Carter Parkway interchange is an interim project of I-4 Beyond the Ultimate.

The project is transforming the Daryl Carter overpass into an interchange, providing additional access to local attractions and helping to relieve congestion at the I-4 and ApopkaVineland Road interchange.

FDOT officials said this project will add three new ramps connecting I-4 to Daryl Carter: exit ramps from both directions of I-4 to Daryl Carter and an entrance ramp to eastbound I-4.

A westbound I-4 entrance ramp will be built as part of a future project. It also will convert the existing Daryl Carter overpass to a diverging diamond.

The project also has I-4 improvements from west of Daryl Carter to west of Central Florida Parkway.

Construction already is underway of a single, buffer-separated, managed lane from west of Daryl Carter to west of Central Florida Parkway. The project is expected to be completed by early 2026.

APOPKA-VINELAND ROAD

Construction for the interchange of I-4 and Apopka-Vineland Road will start next year.

The first part of the project will reconstruct partially the I-4 and Apopka-Vineland interchange to enhance safety and improve access to and from westbound I-4.

This project includes: constructing a new loop ramp from northbound Apopka-Vineland to westbound I-4; realigning the westbound I-4 entrance ramp from southbound ApopkaVineland; improving traffic flow and giving motorists more time to merge onto I-4; lengthening the westbound I-4 exit ramp to Apopka-Vineland to reduce back-ups; and milling and resurfacing Apopka-Vineland and extending storage for left and right turn lanes.

The second part of the project will add a single, buffer-separated, westbound express lane to I-4 from west of S.R. 536 to west of Daryl Carter. The complete express lane will be built in three separate projects extending from west of S.R. 536 to west of Sand Lake.

Design for this project is ongoing.

Courtesy photo

The project includes a diverging diamond interchange on Sand Lake Road.

Wood Samaritan

example, I was just told white oak prices are going up again.”

IF YOU GO

CENTRAL WOOD PRODUCTS

The love and admiration Devika Maharaj has for wood comes from her childhood days. She remembers visiting her father’s sawmill and lumberyard back in Trinidad and Tobago.

“It’s exciting that I get to learn about all different kinds of woods from all different parts of the world,” she said. “Each wood is incredibly unique and has its own characteristics.”

A native of the island, Maharaj — who moved to Orlando 17 years ago — holds two bachelors degrees. The first is in behavioral science from the University of the Southern Caribbean, and the second is in graphic design from Andrews University in Michigan.

In 2014, not too long after having completed her graphic design degree, Maharaj began brainstorming for what would be the name — and logo — of her business.

“I wrote down bunches of names for this business, and I decided to go back to lumber, because it’s something I was already familiar with,” she said. “In Trinidad, working for my dad … we bought stuff from the (United States) such as equipment, parts and things. … So, I would always be the one finding (the contact) and calling.”

Names such as “Wood Hub,” “Doctor Lumber,” “Modern Lumber” and “Sunshine Woods” were written down during the brainstorming

Town talks safety for event lighting

Windermere is considering using low-level bollard lights to improve safety for events at the parking lot located at West Fifth Avenue and Forest Street.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Residents in the town of Windermere have voiced concerns regarding safety at the parking lot used for event parking at West Fifth Avenue and Forest Street.

The town hosted a virtual public information workshop Thursday, Aug. 31, to discuss solutions moving forward.

Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said the town is considering implementing lowlevel bollard lights because of its illumination and aesthetic function. Moreover, they create less light pollution while ensuring safety, she said.

GUIDING LIGHT

Elliott-Moore said some of the most well-attended events, such as Windermere Wine & Dine, Holiday Hoopla and food truck nights, take place at night.

She said parking options within the town for these events also are at a premium.

1313 Green Forest Court, Unit 215, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 545-1771

WEBSITE: centralwoodproductsfl.com

phase. However, Maharaj decided to go with “Central Wood Products” because of the myriad options it offered the business.

“Back in school, in business classes, the (teachers) would always say that when naming your business, (you can’t) box yourself in,” she said. “Central Wood Products was not so vague and not so restrictive. It also was kind of an ode to my (parents), because you have to pay homage to your roots in some way, I think.”

At the beginning of the business, back in 2015, Maharaj’s idea was to provide customers with the best lumber pieces and other woodworking-related tools.

“Back then, I knew that even though I was starting such a specific thing that eventually I would branch out,” she said. “Products can mean, in my mind, anything from lumber to wood slabs, epoxy products, wood glue (and) veneer.”

To start, Maharaj’s father sent her a 20-foot container filled with plantation teak wood — which comes

from the Tectona Grandis tree. And, because she still did not have a physical home for her business, she used a truck — which was parked at a truck yard owned by her aunt and uncle — for two years.

“They were gracious enough to give me a spot, and I will always be grateful for that, because Florida summers are brutal,” Maharaj said. “When I had to wait for customers or sort and pack orders out, it would be outside in an open yard, pulling stuff from the container. So … I was, thankfully, able to go into their office, cool down, wash my face and then go back out and start working again.”

In 2017, she found her way to Beulah Road in Winter Garden through word of mouth, and since then, Maharaj has been a part of the Winter Garden business community.

She started with a limited variety of lumber pieces: teak, red oak and cherry. Today, the business offers more than 45 species of wood — both domestic and exotic — in different sizes. The pieces come from places such as west coast African nations, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Panama, Ecuador and Canada.

“There are still so many woods that I do not have,” she said. “The possibilities are endless, but where I try to focus is on the stuff that is a little bit harder to come by.

“Right now, I’m waiting, because the lumber market is a little bit volatile right now,” Maharaj said. “For

Despite price fluctuation, the business has participated in important projects around the area. These include projects supplying wood for the town of Oakland, Margaritaville, Universal Studios and Volcano Bay. However, in Maharaj’s eyes, the most impacting projects she has participated in are family projects or working with do-it-yourselfers.

“The people (who) come in — the homeowners, the hobbyists that allow me to be a part of their lives in a small way — I really appreciate that,” she said. “I’m helping them make a choice for something that they are going to have to live with for a very long time.” For Maharaj, the idea of making an impact in her clients’ daily lives is a constant motivator, and knowing that some of those lumber pieces could one day become family heirlooms makes her smile.

“There is definitely a story of where (the wood) came from and what it means to that particular nation or region,” she said. “But, there’s also the story that it creates when it goes home with someone because, it goes from being this rough, unfinished thing at my shop to then being made into a dining room table or a coffee table or something for your first baby’s nursery, even a book tree. … It becomes part of the story in other people’s lives. Furniture is something we don’t think about but (it’s) part of our own individual stories — and our homes and how we choose to decorate them.”

Elliott-Moore said town administration has received feedback from event attendees who like to use the parking lot.

“They state that it’s very dark in the evenings, and they feel that it’s difficult to see when they’re coming across over to the events,” she said. “So, because of the fact that the town was notified of this, we have to then look into the issue.”

The town has received several proposals to place low-level lighting within the parking lot.

“This area is confined behind a thick, tall hedge, and this is a soft, low lighting that should not be intrusive to residents that are living within the vicinity of that parking lot,” Elliott-Moore said.

Bollard lights are short, outdoor lighting fixtures mounted in the ground, standing between 24 and 52 inches tall.

A light bollard’s low profile creates less light intrusion that sconces or standards on nearby buildings.

Elliott-Moore said the lighting is similar to landscape lighting one would put around his or her home.

The plans include 10 bollard lights in the darkest section of the parking lot.

“From a safety standpoint, it’s the right thing to do … and also from the brewery, because it’s right next door,” Town Manager Robert Smith said.

Anyone who would like to see the lighting can visit the town administrative complex, where the lights currently are placed in the back of the facility.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Central Wood Products offers exotic lumber and other wood-working products for businesses, hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers to create everlasting wood designs.

Andrea Mujica

Devika Maharaj runs the shop with the help of her two dogs, Rusty and Roxy, who are always keeping her company.

St. Paul A.M.E. to get new roof at no cost

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

When the Rev. Terrell L. Blair accepted the call last November to lead St. Paul A.M.E. Church, in Winter Garden, it was a full-circle moment for the pastor, who grew up in east Winter Garden and in the church.

The church has provided many memories for Blair through the years — but it also has given him a challenge in the last 10 months.

During the 2022 hurricane season, the church was severely damaged by rain and wind and has been closed for most of that time. The rain leaked into nearly every room in the church, forcing administrators to spread plastic sheets over the roof, tear out all the carpeting and remove large patches of the ceiling.

Church secretary Carlisa Davis said the insurance company denied the claim and canceled the policy.

“The insurance company has been giving the church the devil, because, just before the hurricane happened, a general claim was submitted — and (the insurance company) said because there were two active claims, they couldn’t (process the claim),” Davis said. “The church has not been able to reopen, because all the rain caused mold in the church and the congregation had very little money because the church was closed for a year during COVID then, soon after, the hurricane.”

When Blair arrived at the church last fall, he wanted to keep his congregation together, so he continued holding church services online.

“But that’s not church to me,” he said. He opened up the sanctuary and invited people to return to church.

“We had people come and get rid of the smell, and we were doing church inside, and people were loving it — (but) a group of people were saying they were still smelling mold and mildew, so we went back to Zoom in the spring,” Blair said.

REACHING OUT

Blair and Davis started calling area roofing companies to get re-roofing estimates. Davis reached out to West Orange Roofing, because one of her high school friends, Jamie Nelson Swindle, is employed there.

“I was just reaching out to different people that I knew who were contractors and in the construction industry, and something in my spirit led me to reach out to Jamie,” Davis said. “When I first approached Jamie, I asked her to see if they would just donate their labor and we could prob do some fundraising to get the materials.”

West Orange Roofing is a family

business that dates back several generations.

In the 1980s, Carolyn Anderson, Davis’ grandmother, handed out commodities at the Maxey Community Center to families in need.

“Jamie’s father-in-law, God bless his soul, used to pick up commodities with his dad, and his dad and granddad fell in love with my grandmother,” Davis said. “When Jamie told her ex-husband who my grandmother was and my family was, he remembered how she used

ST.

PAUL

A.M.E. CHURCH

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first black church in Winter Garden, is 110 years old. It was started in the Center Street home of Carolyn T. Anderson, church secretary Carlisa Davis’ grandmother and the first black child born in the city of Winter Garden.

The current church building was constructed at 330 Center St. in 1984.

ing fund,’” Blair said. “We prayed in the parking lot. Otis Moody called the next morning and said they’re going to put the roof on.”

In all, the drywall and roof work comes to $40,000 — and it’s all being donated.

“This has been such a Godsend,” Davis said.

“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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to help his family when he was little. He volunteered to do the roof, as far as labor goes.”

ABC Roofing Supply agreed to provide the materials at no cost to the church.

Otis Moody, of West Orange Roofing, did a walkthrough of the church, noticed the damaged drywall, and reached out to some colleagues to make the repairs.

Moody asked Blair how much money the church had in its building fund.

“I said, ‘We don’t have any build-

“They’re going to do the whole ceiling; everything under the roof is going to be drywalled,” Blair said. “Nobody but God.”

The pastor said the work is expected to begin Sept. 12. Once the roof is replaced, the drywall work will start.

Blair is ready to have his congregation back in the sanctuary for his weekly messages.

“It means a lot that God is still in the blessing business,” Blair said.

“He proves it to us. … The Bible says, ‘Give, and it shall be given until you.’”

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Courtesy

The sanctuary suffered significant damages during the 2022 hurricanes.

All of the carpeting in the church sanctuary had to be removed because of water damage and mildew.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

The Rev. Terrell L. Blair is eager to have his congregation back and to conduct church services in person at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Winter Garden.

The kitchen has been out of commission since last year’s hurricanes.

Fresh from the oven

Gingers Baking Co. celebrated its soft opening Saturday, Sept. 2, in downtown Winter Garden.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDTIOR

The warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes and cookies was a constant in Mandy Gay’s childhood home.

Gay remembers being spoiled with scratch-made desserts prepared lovingly from grandparents on both sides, as well as from her mother who she said is brilliant in front of a mixer and oven. Life continued, and Gay not only realized her love of transforming raw ingredients but also discovered that baking truly does run in her family.

A few years ago, Gay met her husband, John. The pair bonded over many things, including their shared loved for all things sweet and homemade.

Today, the couple travels all over the Orlando region to deliver myriad goodies, such as whoopie pies, coconut macaroons, cookies and cakes.

Last week, Mandy and John Gay opened their first brick-and-mortar endeavor in downtown Winter Garden: Gingers Baking Co.

VISIT THE BAKERY

Gingers Baking Co. is known for its scratch-made, fresh-baked whoopie pies, cookies, custom cakes and more.

199 S. Main St., Winter Garden

Phone: (407) 342-4038

Website: gingersbaking.com

SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES

After realizing her passion for baking, Mandy Gay started experimenting with ingredients and manipulating recipes until they became her own.

“My house growing up was very often filled with the smell of freshbaked goods,” she said. “Baking is definitely still nostalgic for me even to this day.”

The couple opened Gingers Baking Co. in 2019 to share their love for the iconic whoopie pie treat from New England.

The pair fondly named the business to match their shared red hair.

Although the original vision for Gingers was a food truck concept of a cafe on wheels, the business started through participating in pop-up events and smaller farmers markets.

“We started to ask ourselves, ‘How do we make Ginger’s stand out? What is our product line going to be? What is going to make us special?’” Mandy Gay said. “People started picking up these whoopie pies and not really knowing what they were, because they’re a very regional type of treat. Being able to explain to people and share with them where they came from and what was important to us as children and now adults is special.”

The bakery began gaining momentum and was accepted into bigger farmers markets, including the one in Winter Garden, which Mandy Gay considers one of the premier markets in Central Florida.

What began as a hobby and weekend gig at local markets bloomed, and the business started to outgrow the home kitchen and commissary kitchen.

Mandy Gay baked, baked and baked — and then baked some more — before asking herself if her passion was something she could turn into a fulltime career.

She quit her job to focus completely on the baking business during the pandemic in July 2020.

Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dol-

phin and the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve even recognized Gingers’ delectability and now carry the bakery’s whoopie pies.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Mandy Gay was renting a kitchen for the past five months to do her baking out of the city of Ocoee.

After the available space on Main Street popped up a few times, the couple decided to go and scope the place out. Mandy Gay said she immediately saw the vision.

“It just made sense to have Gingers here, because the foundation and support was here,” she said. “We picked up a lot of dedicated customers here in Winter Garden who have turned into friends and family. This area is so unique, and it’s just like the small town that I grew up in. Nobody is the same here. You don’t see huge chains or the big-box stores. Instead, you see somebody like me doing their own gig with something that they’re passionate about. It just makes you feel warm inside. This experience has been incredibly difficult, but the support from Winter Garden has just been monumental.”

Throughout the years, Gingers has focused on perfecting and growing its recipes.

The shop currently is offering whoopie pies in flavors such as traditional, confetti and pumpkin for the fall season. However, the menu will continue to expand with featured specialty items. Gingers also has partnered with a local company that is providing a dark, smooth, Italian-style coffee roasted in Naples, as well as pre-made, flashfrozen pastries such as cornettos.

Gingers ships its novelties nationwide.

MORE THAN FOOD

“I’ve learned that you just have to allow the journey to take you,” Mandy Gay said. “As much as you try and as much as you think you’re really in control of what’s happening, you’re not. This journey has taught us that a thousand-fold. It’s just been a lot of the right person, right time, right product. We’ve just kind of gone about this journey with the mindset that if it feels right and like it fits, then that’s the path we need to follow.”

Mandy and John Gay share a love for

fostering relationships with people, and they love that food gives them the ability to do just that.

“We just talk to everybody,” Mandy Gay said. “We identify and can find common ground with nearly everyone. … Work is hard, but if you can find common ground with your colleagues, with your management, with your customers; because regardless of what job you do you’re in customer service. That’s something that’s so important to me. I want customers to come here and feel welcome.”

Mandy Gay said she wants Gingers to be a community space where people feel welcomed, comfortable and safe. The shop also will be a spot where local artists and makers can show off their creations.

“I want this place to be like the cafe version of ‘Cheers,’” she said. “I want that hometown, bakery, hangout joint, where people are clamoring to get in here just to hang. I see this being such a community driven space. For me, it’s more than food.”

John Gay hopes the location is the first of many.

The store is planning for a grand opening in early October.

Mandy and John Gay are the masterminds behind the success of Gingers Baking Co.

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

Winter Garden church rolls with bike ministry

People of Faith Lutheran Church has a ministry that aims to provide transportation to the homeless in the form of bicycles.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Make it count.

That’s how People of Faith Lutheran Church member Roger Rutledge lives his days.

And that’s also how he came up with the idea of the church’s Bikes for the Homeless project about a year ago. “I’ve been in our church’s council for six or seven years now, and … I suggested the bicycle project,” he said. “And the (other) members liked that idea. They said, ‘Do you think you can make it work?’ And I said: ‘I’ve never seen anything broken that I couldn’t fix. Now, I’m not exactly a bicycle mechanic, but if we could collect bicycles, I think I could be the chief mechanic in charge of fixing them up and making them street worthy and safe to be donated to the homeless so that they could get to a job.’”

Since then, the ministry has donated 16 bicycles and currently is working on more.

“It’s giving back, helping people who might be down on their luck,” said Rick Kristoff, pastor at People of Faith Lutheran Church.

Every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, Rutledge works on the donated bikes. He harvests parts from bikes that can’t be fixed and uses them to get others working again.

“It doesn’t matter to me what shape a bicycle is in when it’s donated,” Rutledge said. “It might be good only for parts, but for me, it’s a treasure.”

Many of the donations that the ministry has received so far come from members of the church .

“We get bikes from different places, and then he brings them back here to what we call the ‘Faith House,’” Kristoff said. “It’s where our church offices are — which is really an old farm house, but we use it for our main

church hub. In the back there’s a little shed. So, he refurbished that shed. He put solar lights and racks in there to put the bikes when he’s done.

“He works on the bikes, he changes tires, he looks at the gears, the brakes, and we’ve had some high school kids (who have) come here from West Orange High and other places that have worked as his assistants,” he said. “It’s been wonderful. … It seems to have taken all these many different arms, if you will, and it’s been a wonderful ministry.”

Sometimes however, there are parts that need to be purchased. Thankfully, the ministry’s fund designated for the project can help cover the costs for cable locks, as well as front and rear lights, among other parts.

“Everything comes from

donations,” Rutledge said. “We’ll just keep collecting money from online donations.”

For the project to work, there is not need for much — just an unwanted or unused bike and the will to let Rutledge know so a drop-off or pick-up time can be coordinated. Matthew’s Hope agreed to collaborate on the project by providing transport for the bikes to be picked up when needed and to deliver the bikes when they are ready to be handed out.

“I want to make sure that (the bikes) go to adults who do not have transportation but instead use that bicycle as transportation,” Rutledge said. “(They) can use them to go on job interviews or go to work, even to go to the doctor’s office or something like that.”

On the side of the Matthew’s Hope truck that’s in charge of delivering the bikes there is a saying displayed that reads, “We don’t give handouts, we give hand ups.”

For people to get a bike through the program, Matthew’s Hope requires participants to complete 20 hours of volunteer work doing simple tasks such as putting clothing or sorted items away in boxes

“It’s easy labor in return for a bicycle,” Rutledge said.

Looking forward, the goal for the ministry is to create a positive impact in the lives of many.

“Being able to help the poor, the needy, that’s what we are all about,” Kristoff said. “My ambition is for this program to go on forever.”

HOW TO HELP

If you’d like to donate a bicycle or have parts to spare, email pofbikesfor homeless@gmail. com. For more information, visit peopleoffaith.org or contact Roger Rutledge at (407) 877-3937.

Andrea Mujica

People of Faith Lutheran pastor Rick Kristoff and church member Roger Rutledge are proud of the church’s bike ministry.

Roland Ray among first black Eagle Scouts

The 93-year-old Winter Garden resident made headlines in 1946, when he and two other boys in his scout troop were among the first black students to earn their Eagle Scout rank.

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Roland Ray has lived a life full of determination and success, and he has racked up many “firsts” in his 93 years.

Ray, now living at Health Central Park in Winter Garden, was born in Winter Park and grew up in Orlando. He was one of many young Central Florida students who joined Boy Scout groups — Troop 90 for boys who were black — but he was one of just a few who stayed with the program and, ultimately, earned their Eagle rank, the highest award in scouting.

Ray and two troop friends, Leo Belton and George Nixon, were among the first black Central Florida boys to reach the rank of Eagle in 1946. Ray still has the newspaper clipping recognizing their achievements at age 16.

Ray recalled the thrill of earning his merit badges and rising through the scouting ranks. One of the badges he could earn was for surveying — a skill that would benefit him later in his career. One of his favorite memories is learning how to build a fire for a badge, he said. He also enjoyed the campouts and the camaraderie of scouting with his friends.

Ray loved the outdoors and spent Florida’s hot months at Lake Mann in Orlando as one of the area’s first black lifeguards certified by Boy Scouts. He remembered attending a lifeguard program somewhere

on the Florida-Georgia border to get his certification, he said.

After graduating from Jones High School, Ray attended Hampton University, then called Hampton Institute, in Virginia. He joined the college’s ROTC program and worked in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. His plan was to become a general contractor in Hampton following graduation, but he found himself back in Orlando instead. According to his family, he was the first black licensed general contractor in Orlando.

“He always wanted to be his own boss,” said Roland Ray’s son, Rowland Ray. “He had an entrepreneurial spirit. At the time, he was well known because he was one of the few black general contractors. His work was word of mouth.”

Roland Ray’s résumé also includes a brief stint at Martin-Marietta, the construction of several Red Lobster restaurants and employment at Dunlap Roofing.

One of the last jobs Ray had before retirement was as a building inspector in Seminole County.

Decades after becoming an Eagle scout with Troop 90, Ray returned to Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando to assist with the organization that was so crucial to his development as a teen. He paid it forward by becoming a project mentor to another black scout hoping to earn his Eagle rank.

Amy Quesinberry

Roland Ray, now 93, was of the first black scouts in Central Florida to earn his rank of Eagle.

Courtesy

Roland Ray was one of the first black certified lifeguards in Central Florida.

90 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. Harlow Rederick, formerly star radio performers in Chicago, entertained the Winter Garden Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon.

The Windermere school was set to open Oct. 2 with the same teachers who taught last year: Mrs. Mildred R. Cherry, principal and primary grades, and Mrs. Ella Mae Robinson, upper grades.

85 years ago

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION WEST ORANGE HISTORY

W.E. Booker, connected with South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association, was painfully injured last Saturday morning when the car he was driving struck a palm tree in front of the R.D. Keene offices.

Local tennis enthusiasts laid plans for organization of the Winter Garden Tennis Club.

The D. Varner Lot, located at Joiner’s Service Station on East Plant Street, advertised the following: 1937 Plymouth Touring sedan in pink of condition for $595, 1938 Deluxe Chevrolet Coupe for $695, 1937 Ford Tudor for $495, 1936 Willis pickup for $295, 1936 Chevrolet Panel for $395 and 1931 Ford Tudor for $165. E.C. Blair was manager of the car lot.

82 years ago

The formal opening of the Winter Garden First-Aid Station was held at the first station.

50 years ago

A 17-acre mobile home park received approval for development on North Park Avenue just north of the Winter Garden KOA Campground. The 108 spaces were to make up Orange Tree Mobile Home Park, in Winter Garden.

45 years ago

A reception was given by the Dillard Street and Winter Garden elementary PTAs in honor of their new principal, Jefferson “Jake” Voss.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Forty-four years ago, The West Orange Times published this photograph of Boy Scouts Stephen Wenke, Mike McNatt and Tom Nelson receiving the rank of Life Scout. This is the second-highest rank attainable, between Star and Eagle. Life is awarded when a scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew; performs in a position of responsibility for at least six months; and contributes six hours of community service.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves a wealth of history related to scouting — donated uniforms, badges, guidebooks and clippings are available for research. Call (407) 656-3244 to scout through our collection.

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.

35 years ago

Teddy C. Ryan Jr., city manager of Ocoee, announced Jean Grafton was appointed city clerk for the city of Ocoee. Mayor Tom Ison was pleased with Grafton’s appointment, praising her as loyal, hard-working and deserving of advancement.

30 years ago

Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin and the Orange County

Commission held community meetings regarding the design of the West Orange Trail, a 17-mile recreational path extending from the Orange-Lake County line to Apopka. The linear park was expected to open in 13 months. Members of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce learned about the 130-acre Lake Lotta Mall (later named West Oaks Mall) in Ocoee.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

SEPT. 9, 1993

In 1993, a new place to hang out opened in the Tri-City Shopping Center, at the corner of West Colonial Drive and Dillard Street. Diamond Sue’s Good Times Rodeo opened at 1009 S. Dillard St., in what is now Kensington Church.

An advertisement in the Sept. 9 issue of The West Orange Times announced Diamond Sue was back! The establishment was hiring and was looking for female mud wrestlers, cowboy strippers, husky bouncer boys, Southern country bands, dance instructors, cocktail waitresses and bartenders.

20 years ago

Ocoee Middle School was chosen as a national pilot for a technology program, and 150 seventh-graders were among the first students in the country to have round-theclock access to learning resources. Dr. Kate Clark, principal, said some of her students would be assigned their own personal tablet PCs for school and home use.

CFCA

GAME OF THE WEEK

(0-1) VS. BOCA RATON CHRISTIAN (2-0)

Thy will be done

Blackman said. “We have to do that before anything we do. So, I’d say the Lord’s Prayer has become our team prayer, and if I forget, the players make sure we do it.”

OTHER GRIDIRON ACTION

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

The Central Florida Christian Academy football team has returned to the basics this season, and coaches hope to spend more one-on-one time with players.

“Our goal this year is to set a foundation, with this group being the first stones laid,” head football coach Kevin Blackman said. “We really want to emphasize to our kids that the game is beyond football. We are a Christian football team, and we

need to live and work toward that.

So that’s our No. 1. No. 2 is teaching the game, (because) everybody is so young. We have a lot of kids (who) had never suited up for high school until two weeks ago.”

Before every practice and every game, the Eagles huddle and recite the Lord’s Prayer to get them started and guide them on the field.

“We don’t start practice without it; we don’t end practice without it; we don’t start a game without it,”

And, even though the Eagles are used to having a small roster, this year, the word small is an understatement. The team began with 21 players in the roster, but only two weeks in, that number has shrunk to 17 because of injuries.

“We always preach it’s the best 11 on the field,” Blackman said. “For us, it really is the best 11 out there, but for us, our best 11 guys are going both ways. It’s tough at a smaller school, but we are used to it.”

This year is junior Dominic McCrory’s first season with the

SEE CFCA ON PAGE 2B

Never a dull moment: Multi-sport athletes make most of opportunities

Many student-athletes compete in multiple sports throughout their highschool years. Here’s why.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

More than 40% of high school student-athletes play multiple sports. The reason? Being a multi-sport athlete can open the door to more opportunities, as well as benefit their body in many ways.

Furthermore, it also can provide advantages in all sports.

“It’s phenomenal,” West Orange High School head football coach Geno Thompson said. “If you are a single-sports athlete, you are only training a single muscle group, and it could lead to overuse and overtraining. But, when you are a multi-sport athlete, you are training different muscle groups, training different abilities. It just helps you to be an overall better player.”

In addition to playing wide receiver, cornerback and safety

for the Foundation Academy football team, senior Wyatt Wapole, 17, also competes in track, soccer and lacrosse.

“The struggle is being consistent,” he said. “But, it has taught me to get better in the other sports. Lacrosse helps me with my catching in football. Soccer helps with my footwork. Every sport I play overlaps, but I definitely need to (stay on track) with my speed, because you have to be fast for every sport.”

Beyond working on specific abilities that relate to the other sports they play, participating in more than one sport in high school helps student-athletes with staying busy and learning more about their bodies.

“We are basically always in shape, because we are always doing something, so there’s never a dull moment,” said Octavio Ulloa, Windermere High School junior wide receiver — who participates in football, weightlifting, and track and field. “It’s worth it, because you are getting bigger, and you are also

SEE ATHLETES ON PAGE 3B

n 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips vs. Apopka

n 7 p.m. Foundation Academy vs. Tohopekaliga

n 7 p.m. Horizon vs. Colonial

n 7 p.m. Lake Buena Vista at Freedom

n 7 p.m. Legacy Charter vs. Cornerstone Charter Academy

n 7 p.m. Ocoee vs. Evans

n 7 p.m. Olympia vs. Lake Nona

n 7 p.m. TFA at Belleview

n 7 p.m. West Orange at Edgewater

n 7 p.m. Windermere vs. Cypress Creek

n 7 p.m. Windermere Prep at Orlando Christian Prep

record of 3-1 and a district record — Class 3A, District 5 — of 1-0, as of press time. The Lions will host Master’s Academy at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. 3

The First Academy girls varsity golf team brought home its first win of the season during its season-opener tournament against Bishop Moore Thursday, Aug. 31.

Junior Katie Yang led the team with 35, sophomore Angela Wang shot 37, junior Sophia Hong shot 38, sixth-grader Chloe Wang shot 39, and seventh-grader Harper Havron shot 53. TFA will play its next tournament against Trinity Prep Thursday, Sept. 7, at Legacy Golf Club.

The Foundation Academy girls varsity volleyball team defeated Lake Mary 3-1 during a home, non-district, game Thursday, Aug. 31. The Lady Lions won the first set 25-21, lost the second set to the Lady Rams 17-25, and won the third and four sets 25-18 and 26-24, respectively. Foundation had an overall season

The Lake Buena Vista High School girls varsity volleyball team sophomore outside, middle and opposite hitter Katelyn Pulver recently was named athlete of the week by the school. On the Vipers’ athletic website, Athletic Director Lauren Bradley wrote: “Katelyn has helped her team to a 2-1 start and has demonstrated tremendous leadership on and off the court since her arrival at LBV. We look forward to her continued success.” As of press time, the Lady Vipers hold a 2-1 overall season record and are 1-0 in Class 5A, District 7. Lake Buena Vista will travel to Osceola High School for a non-district game at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. 4

The Dr. Phillips High School boys and girls varsity swim teams will participate at the Spruce Creek Invitational at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. The location of the swim meet is still to be determined. 5

The West Orange High School boys and girls varsity cross country teams will compete in the Astronaut Invitational at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Chain of Lakes Park in Titusville.

Ocoee High School’s cross-country runner Micah Hannah recorded a personal best at the recent Osceola Invitational. Page 2B.

Every day, every practice and every game for the Central Florida Christian Academy football team starts with the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer.

CFCA only has 17 healthy players on its roster, meaning its players have to play multiple positions at all times. But, the Eagles also know what happens on the field isn’t the most important thing.

Andrea Mujica

Wyatt Wapole participates in different sports teams for the Lions.

Andrea Mujica

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE

Micah Hannah

Ocoee High School senior cross country runner Micah Hannah recorded a personal best time of 20:57 for the 3.1-mile race at the Osceola Invitational meet Friday, Aug. 25. Hannah decided to run cross country last year as extra conditioning prior to basketball season, but she fell in love with the sport and came back this year for her last season as a Lady Knight.

What do you love most about cross country?

I like the competitiveness of it.

(There are) a lot of people at the meets and (it’s fun that) you get to race against people from other places.

What do you think about when you are in the middle of a run?

Don’t stop. Keep going — no matter what.

What do you believe cross country has taught you on and off the track?

You’ve got to be able to stay into it. You can never give up and (you have) to push your own teammates. When it comes to cross country, it’s not your individual time; it’s your team’s time. So, you’ve got to push your teammates in order to get further.

What would you like to study in college?

I’d like to be an OB-GYN.

What is your favorite hobby?

I like playing video games. I like playing Fortnite, Valhalla, Call of Duty: Warzone. I also like reading comic books: I’m more into the drama, the action, the romance.

Who is your favorite celebrity?

Why?

When I was younger, my favorite celebrity was Michael Jackson, I definitely listened to him a lot.

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

I’d take some water, a tent and an electric vehicle to move around the island.

What’s your favorite movie?

“Twilight.” All the movies are so good, but (the first) one is my favorite, because it introduces the whole vibe.

THE BASICS

Age: 16

Sports: Cross country, basketball, track and field, flag football Grade: 12 School: Ocoee

If you could choose one person you admire to have dinner with, who would it be?

My grandma (on my dad’s side).

I never met her. I’ve heard a lot of things about her, and she did sports, too. I’d love to ask her some questions.

Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self?

I would tell myself, “Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do or that you can’t do it. Be yourself and do you.”

If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you write?

I’d write to myself and ask: “How are we doing? Are we where you wanted to be? Are you an OBGYN? Are you living the life? Are we doing amazing out there? Do you have any kids? How many? Where are you living at? Do you talk to your brother?”

What is your biggest fear?

Spiders. People always say, “You like snakes, but you don’t like spiders?” They have eight legs, and they just crawl. Also, another big fear of mine is falling in front of everybody. It’s already happened to me — it’s so embarrassing.

What is your favorite music? Gospel music. I just started getting into it. I’ve been going to church, but recently, I’ve actually sat down and listened to my pastor.

Who is you favorite superhero?

At first it was Spider-Man, because it was my brother’s favorite superhero. To be honest, he’s still kind of it.

Who is your favorite Disney character? Why?

Princess Tiana, because she was the only colored-skin princess and was able to do what she wanted to do and live her

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why? Probably would like to learn more history and instead of reading books go back and see what happened for myself. Especially during the Civil War. I’d actually want to see what went down and how it happened.

What color would you say represents your personality?

Gold, because it’s not only my birthstone, but it’s also a jewelry color that I wear a lot.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?

A bird, because I’d get to fly

Eagles, but he fills several critical roles — quarterback, tight end, linebacker and punter.

“I feel like (in the linebacker) position, I’m more in control, and I can dictate … how I want things to happen on the field,” he said. “Tight end, I’ve been playing (that position) since last year, and (this year) my coach called me up and asked, ‘Have you ever played quarterback?’ Because we were short. … So since that day, I’ve just been playing quarterback trying to do my best out there. … With punter, I was

but

at practice and then coach asked me if I’d ever kicked before.”

On the field, CFCA has a set rotation for players on both sides of the ball. The linebackers, offensive and defensive linemen, and the defensive backs, corners and safeties usually are aware of where they will play during a game. However, that may change.

“They may switch depending on what the need is in that game, but for the most part, they are set in stone,” Blackman said. “Offensively is where we get more of the rotation to give guys a break. I have two running backs, so one

of them starts at linebacker on defense, the other one starts at nickel. So, whichever one is tired is the one that’s off. As far as wide receivers go, they get more of a break because we don’t pass as much, they are not needed in every play.”

And moving into their game against Boca Raton Christian, the Eagles are excited to show what they can do.

“We definitely are hungry; we want it,” McCrory said. “It’s just a matter of how we get there. Our culture is alive and moving, and we are learning.”

LAST WEEK’S RECAP

GAME OF THE WEEK

Legacy Charter (0-2), 6 Faith Christian (2-0), 14

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Cornerstone Charter Academy Friday, Sept. 8.

OTHER RESULTS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

Dr. Phillips (1-1), 17 Timber Creek (0-2), 7

HIGHLIGHTS: The Panthers defense held a strong front against the Wolves, accumulating 55 tackles during the game. Senior middle linebacker Alfred Thomas totaled 10 tackles — five solo and five assisted — while senior middle linebacker Jerard Smith had nine total tackles — five solo and four assisted. DP also had three QB sacks.

UP NEXT: The Panthers will host Apopka Friday, Sept. 8.

Foundation Academy (2-0), 57 Cocoa Beach (0-2), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: Quarterback Michael Dove went 8-for-14 for 160 yards and three touchdowns. He also carried the ball eight times for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back J.T. Bronaugh carried the ball six times for 140 yards and three touchdowns. As a receiver, Bronaugh totaled 75 yards for two touchdown receptions. He also had an interception from the safety position. Linebacker Cole West led the team with 10 tackles — three for loss. Kicker Braedyn White was 7-for-8 on PATs.

UP NEXT: The Lions will host Tohopekaliga Friday, Sept. 8. Horizon (2-0), 24 Lake Howell (0-1), 6

UP NEXT: The Hawks will host Colonial Friday, Sept. 8.

Lake Buena Vista (1-0)

Cypress Creek (0-1)

* This game was postponed to a

UP NEXT: to Freedom Friday, Sept. 8.

Ocoee (1-1), 13

Wekiva (1-1), 6

HIGHLIGHTS: The Knights defensive game astonished spectators for a second time this season. Sophomore Michael McClenton was lights out — totaling 20 tackles (17 solo and seven sacks). Ocoee also had 11

Olympia (1-1), 42 Oak Ridge (0-2), 6

UP NEXT: The Titans will host Lake Nona Friday, Sept. 8.

The First Academy (2-0), 21 South Lake (0-2), 20

HIGHLIGHTS: Sophomore quarterback Jack McKissock went 12-for-16 for 167 yards. Sophomore running back Ryon Smith carried the ball 16 times for 111 yards.

UP NEXT: The Royals will travel to Belleview Friday, Sept. 8. West Orange (1-1), 7 Apopka (2-0), 14

UP NEXT: West Orange will travel to Edgewater Friday, Sept. 8.

Windermere (2-0), 41 St. Joseph Academy (0-2), 0

HIGHLIGHTS: Senior Isaiah Nell carried the ball seven times for 163 yards (for an astonishing 23.3 yards per carry). In total, the Wolverines racked up 254 yards on the ground. Junior quarterback Bryce Speed went 8-for-17 for 162 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Windermere completed 54 total tackles — 18 for loss.

FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Photos by Andrea Mujica

Athletes find benefits in playing multiple sports

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

learning how to handle life better.”

“You gain more knowledge about your body,” said J.T. Bronaugh, Foundation Academy senior running back and safety — who participates in weightlifting and track and field. “You also learn how to take care of other parts of your body. It does get tiring, but as soon as I get done with any sport activity, I ice.”

In addition, it provides studentathletes with a better understanding of how different teams function depending on the sport being played.

“It’s a better experience,” said Braylen Speed, Windermere High running back and wide receiver who participates in weightlifting,

and track and field. “By playing with other teams and other teammates, you can get more energy and learn different ways to release pressure. It also makes you stronger on the field and it’s easier for you to be more explosive and stronger at whatever position you are in.”

However, there also are some challenges to competing in multiple sports that high school studentathletes face.

“It does get tiring,” said Jayden Rodriguez, Foundation Academy defensive end and linebacker — who also participates in lacrosse and weightlifting. “I love doing it. I want to do it in college, but it’s very time-consuming. But, it keeps me in shape.”

And, when it comes to playing

sports at the collegiate level, just a little more than 7% of high school student-athletes play at the next level. “I don’t think it’s good when coaches or parents try to put a kid

into one sport, because you are harming the growth of the individual,” Thompson said. “It’s high school, (so) it’s about getting out there and having fun, but usually multi-sport athletes do well and

Theo and Enzo Fernandes (left and right), Octavio Ulloa and Braylen Speed play multiple sports for the Wolverines.

excel at the next level because they are put in different situations — not just on the physical side of things but (also) the mental aspect of it.”

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Andrea Mujica

OR THEREABOUTS by Zachary David Levy and Katie Hale, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

JOHN LINEHAN, LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

What brought you to your school?

I worked for 17 years at West Orange and really became attached to the local community. As the enrollment soared, the Ninth-Grade Center was reopened, and I got the opportunity to work as the senior assistant principal. I loved working with the ninth-grade students and staff and was happy with the school culture we were able to create. That gave me the confidence and drive to want to pursue the principalship at Lakeview.

What do you love most about your school?

Lakeview has such a rich history, and the local community takes great pride in the school. The Winter Garden community supports the school and wants it to be as successful as possible — a high-performing school to be proud of.

What is your motivation?

Being the principal of Lakeview is not something I take lightly. I feel I have a great responsibility to the stakeholders who are entrusting me with this local gem. I have always hated letting anyone down — especially when someone has faith in me. I am determined to do everything I can to take Lakeview to new heights.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I spend much of my spare time working on home-improvement projects. I really enjoy knowing that I can do almost anything in my house if I just put my mind to it — especially with YouTube to assist. I

am also into fitness and occasionally compete in CrossFit and powerlifting.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My high school political science teacher, who was also one of my coaches. He made me see my potential and saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. Furthermore, because he saw my potential, he pushed me to believe in myself and to always do my best. I always wanted to prove him right.

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

Why?

I wanted to be a head football coach in a high school so I could make a difference to someone like my high school coach and political science teacher made in my life.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

John Linehan is the new principal at Lakeview Middle School. He previously served at Windermere High School for six years and West Orange High School for 17 years. His responsibility is to help create a secure and welcoming environment where individuals are positive, kind and nurturing — “for our school to be a place that strives for excellence in all aspects, particularly in student achievement,” he said, “(and) for us to honor the history of the school and for the community to take great pride when they talk about us. I want parents and community members to actively support and defend the school, and enthusiastically spread the good news whenever possible.” REPORT

“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. I loved the book when I was a child but loved it even more when I read it to my daughters when they were little. I could get them hanging on every word. It was awesome!

What does it mean to you to be selected as a new principal at the school?

It really is an honor. I feel it is very important that I have a clear vision of what I want the school to be and everything we do must support this vision.

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

I would fly. This way I could visit friends and relatives without having to drive to their houses.

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

U2, Earth Wind and Fire, and Darius Rucker.

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

I used to love the meat-and-gravy mixture that they would put on the instant mashed potatoes at school. There were all kinds of nicknames that people would give it — and none of them were nice — but I just called it “delicious.” I also love black licorice and circus peanuts.

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. There is no pressure, and it just kicks off the holiday season, so there is no letdown when it is over.

Who was your best friend when you were in school?

Chris moved into my neighborhood some time around fifth grade, and we were as thick as thieves ever since. We played sports together through high school, went on double dates together and still talk on the phone occasionally. He lives in Massachusetts, but when we talk, it’s just like we were never separated.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I was the captain of three sports in a small town in Massachusetts. My best sport was football, where I learned many life lessons. I was also voted most congenial in my class in high school.

ANNABELLE SIKES

Windermere Prep to stage new concert series

The Fine Arts Department has scheduled four performances that will include an American Idol runner-up, a brass band, a vocal trio, and a husband-and-wife Broadway team.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Rosemarie Redman is hoping the new Cypress Center Premier Concert Series will introduce students to new musical experiences throughout the year at Windermere Preparatory School. The series also gives the community an opportunity to see four concerts in the school’s entertainment venue.

Redman is the new director of fine arts at Windermere Prep.

“We offer a lot that our families and community can see their kids (perform), but we don’t have a lot that our families — parents and kids — can come see together,” Redman said. “The idea was to open up our theater and reconfigure our audience space to re-engage with the community as well.”

COMING TO THE STAGE

The concert series will bring four performances to the WPS stage.

Bo Bice, who has been called a modern-day Southern rocker, is the first performer in the series. He was the runner-up to Carrie Underwood in Season 4 of “American Idol.” His high-energy stage performances are full of rock anthems and ballads, Southern roots music, country and pop. He is backed by a band that delivers that same energy.

Tampa Brass Band is a 35-piece brass ensemble established in 2019. The band consists of a mix of skilled brass and percussion professionals, music educators and music enthusiasts from all over the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Sincerely, Three comprises local talent from Central Florida that entertains audiences with its musical theater and pop songs. The vocal trio celebrate the music of Broadway with its own signature twist.

CYPRESS CENTER PREMIER CONCERT SERIES

WHEN: Bo Bice, Sept. 23; Tampa Brass Band, Oct. 21; Sincerely, Three, March 22; and The Broadway Bradshaws, April 6. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cypress Center at Windermere Preparatory School, 6189 Winter GardenVineland Road, Windermere.

TICKETS: The series package costs $185 or $210, depending on seat selection. On sale at bit.ly/44zqb4K. Meet-andgreets are included for the first 100 people to buy tickets.

The Broadway Bradshaws — husband-and-wife duo Jared Bradshaw and Lindsay Northen Bradshaw — have relocated from New York City to Orlando and are now Disney performers. Jared Bradshaw is best known for his eight-year run in the Broadway production of “Jersey Boys” and has performed at the NBA All-Star game and in Madison Square Garden. Lindsay Bradshaw appeared on Broadway in “Wicked” (ensemble and understudy for Glinda) for 13 years and in the national tour of “The Sound of Music” as Maria.

EXTRAS FOR STUDENTS

While Bice is at WPS, theater students will get to get handson experience by assisting the professionals, unloading the sound equipment, setting up the microphones and gear.

The day before the Tampa Brass concert, members will be at the school to work with the students in the middle- and high-school band programs.

Two of the members of Sincerely, Three live in Redman’s Ocoee neighborhood. She said she reached out to them initially to ask them to teach a master class for the school’s musical theater students. That idea eventually evolved into requesting

them to play in the concert series.

Lindsay Bradshaw was a member of the school’s audition panel last year and works closely with Windermere Prep. Students will work with the Bradshaws as well, handling the tech work for the show.

Bringing such a well-rounded group of musicians to Windermere Prep is important to Redman.

“It’s our way of engaging with the community on a different level,” Redman said. “It’s our way of giving back to the community.

“We just felt his would be a wonderful opportunity for our families to come to a place that they’re familiar with — or the community if they’re not,” she said.

Courtesy photo

Bo Bice will perform Sept. 23 at the Cypress Center.

BRAINFOOD

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Paper Jam I Michael Eng

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and what would a library be without shelves and shelves of books? Of course, we all know books are made of paper, but did you know you could make your own paper, right at home? Pretty cool! Let’s check it out.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

„ Scrap paper (newspaper, junk mail, used copy paper — anything but glossy paper should work great). Optional items include dried flowers, confetti or seeds.

„ Food processor or blender

THE PROCESS

Making your own paper is actu ally pretty easy and fun to do with the whole family. The process is simple: Take old used paper, turn it into a pulp and then dry it! Here are all the steps:

MAKE YOUR PULP

Tear your discarded paper into tiny pieces and place them into a bowl. Add water to the bowl, and make sure all the pieces are sub merged. Let it all soak for about two hours. Then, place every thing into a blender or food processor. Add a little more wa ter to cover, and then blend everything until it forms into a mixture that looks a little like oatmeal.

MAKE YOUR PAPER

Fill a shallow tray with water and add your pulp mixture. Then, put your mesh screen into the water and slowly lift it. Allow the pulp to settle on the screen in an even

If you don’t have your Orange County Library System card, it’s the perfect time to get one! Just visit ocls.info to sign up.

RECOMMENDED READING

NON-FICTION

n Library Girl: How Nancy Pearl Became America’s Most Celebrated Librarian by Karen Henry Clark; illustrated by Sheryl Murray FICTION

n Our Incredible Library Book and the Wonderful Journeys it Took by Caroline Crowe; illustrated by John Joseph

STANLEY JOHNSON

DIED AUG. 31, 2023.

Stanley Johnson 76, originally from Cullman, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2023, in West Orange County surrounded by his loved ones.

Stan grew up in Birmingham Alabama, where he achieved Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow within the Boy Scouts. He proudly graduated from the University of Alabama in Engineering. Roll Tide! Stanley had a passion for classic cars, University of Alabama football and family.

Stan was a Lockheed Martin direct and contract Aerospace Engineer across the Southeastern United States, served as a Chief Structural Analyst on The Patriot Missile Team project under Former President George Bush Sr., among many others in his 40 years of Professional Engineering and consulting.

Stan was preceded in death by his Father, Morris T. Johnson; Mother, Sylvia Mize Johnson;

KATHLEEN “KATHY” LUCK DIED AUG. 30, 2023.

Kathleen “Kathy” Luck, 72, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on Aug. 30, 2023. She was born on Aug. 3, 1951, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Kathy was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Kathy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Jeffrey Cox; son, Alvin Luck; her grandson and granddaughterin-law, Nicholas and Kacie Cox; and granddaughter, Rebekah Cox. She is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Wilson, Jacqueline Johnson, Linda Fulmer, Harriet Blackwell and Debra Zielonka, as well as brother, William Zielonka,

and son, Whitney Jennings Johnson.

He is survived by Gail Johnson; son, Wesley Johnson; DaughterIn-Law, Amy Johnson; granddaughter, London; sister, Tana Sauls; among other family in both Florida and Sweet Home Alabama! Memorial services will be performed at Family Church in Windermere, Florida at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023; burial to follow at the Winter Garden Cemetery.

Stanley’s arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, 1132 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787.

and their families.

Kathy attended Maynard Evans High School and graduated from Valencia College. She dedicated her career to Walt Disney World, where she worked for an impressive 50 years and was one of the opening-day cast members.

A visitation for Kathleen will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734. A celebration of life service will occur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Kathy’s memory.

HUELD ARMSTON MORROW DIED FRIDAY, AUG. 25, 2023.

Hueld Armston Morrow, a loving father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and great-greatgrandfather, born June 11, 1935, passed away on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 at the age of 88 years old.

His parents, Grover and Lizzie Mae Morrow, moved from Baker to Laurel Hills, Florida, shortly after his birth, and he attended school and graduated from Laurel Hill High School in June 1954, where he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball.

After graduation, Hueld joined the U.S. Navy and was sworn in on his 19th birthday. He was assigned sea duties aboard the USS Linawee APA 195 in San Diego, California.

After four years of military service, he moved to Winter Garden, Florida. He met and later married Linda Fox. They had two children: a son, Kenneth Armston, and a daughter, Maryann Ellen.

Hueld was very active in his community. He coached a women’s softball team for several years, which included his then-wife and

Samuel Antonio Almonte, 73, of Clermont, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

Richard L Andrews, 90, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Tami Berry, 59, died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

Delia Carrasquillo, 79, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

daughter. He also coached several softball teams that included his daughter at the West Orange Girls Club. He was an active board member there as well.

Hueld worked at various jobs, including Martin Marietta, before finding his passion in law enforcement, lasting 30 years. He worked for Winter Garden Police Department and Minneola Police Department before retiring Chief of Police in Oakland. Thinking he wanted to retire and take it easy, he quickly realized that wasn’t a good fit, so he took a parttime job at Teak Isle working three days a week. He finally retired a second time, after 20 years, at the young age of 80. Hueld loved Southern gospel

James Andrew Conrad Jr., 74, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2023 at Vitas Suites at Lutheran Towers, Orlando. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

Barbara Anne Dalton, 86, of Gotha, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha.

Teresa Gail (Arnold) Davis, 75, of Ocoee, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Roopnarine Dihal, 79, of Orlando, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

and bluegrass music. He loved watching Bob Ross, “The Joy of Painting.” He was a very loyal family man and loved his family and friends very much. He will be missed tremendously by so many.

He is survived by his daughter, Maryann, and her husband, David Brown; his sister, Carolyn Reel and her son, Don; grandsons, Parker, and Nick, Brown; daughter-inlaw, Carol Morrow; grandson, Blake Morrow and his wife, Tami; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Clayton and Annika Morrow; grandson, Kyle Morrow; greatgranddaughter, Skye Morrow; and great-great-grandson, Griffin. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. A funeral service immediately followed at noon, also at the funeral home. Burial followed at Bay Lake Cemetery in Groveland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida Inc. at lrrof.org.

Joe Fungone, 61, of Ocoee, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Beverly E. Holzkampf, 86, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

James Phillip Hornock, 85, of Windermere, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha.

Anjanee Jaikaran (Boodram) 92, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.