10.12.23 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 90, NO. 41

Town of Oakland community remembers 97-year-old Sarah Mathews. SEE PAGE 7A.

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Foundation Hall-of-Famers Former coach Brad Lord and former football player Wes Murray were the first two Lions inducted into Foundations Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame. SEE 2A.

Ocoee approves 48-lot project

Dressing the part

The Magnolia Reserve subdivision is located at 2199 West Road. SEE PAGE 6A.

YOUR TOWN NEHRLING HOSTING ART, WINE WANDER Nehrling Gardens is holding its annual Owl Prowl Art & Wine Wander from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The gardens are located at 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. Guests can sample beer, wine and nibbles while viewing artists at work throughout the gardens. The event includes live music, a visit with owl ambassadors, and a large selection of original artwork and other items available at the silent auction. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 the day of the event, and can be purchased at nehrlinggardens.org. For information, call (407) 4459977.

HEAR UPDATE ON LAKE APOPKA HEALTH

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Friends of Lake Apopka are collaborating to educate the public on the latest information about the health of the storied lake upon which Winter Garden relies. Joe Dunn, FOLA board member and former director, will make the presentation and share important historical context at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. The program, “The State of the Lake,” will be held at Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Dunn will outline the lake’s journey from a world-class fishing destination to a polluted, yet steadily recovering, body of water. RSVP for this free event by emailing jcrescitelli@wghf.org or calling (407) 656-3244.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

Ralph Suggs and his family posed by the dress worn by his wife, Jodie Felts Suggs, when she was crowned Homecoming queen in 1958 at Lakeview High School.

Don Creech donated his scoutmaster uniform from Troop 210.

City sets 2023-24 budget Winter Garden city commissioners approved the 2023-24 budget and millage rate in September. SEE PAGE 3A.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is displaying the uniforms and wardrobes of yesteryear in its latest exhibition at the history museum. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

WHOOP WHOOP! Windermere High School fans were decked out in navy and lime for the school’s 2023 Homecoming. SEE PAGES 4-5B.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Lord, Murray inducted into Foundation Hall of Fame COMMUNITY EDITOR

Foundation Academy has recognized two former Lions for their contributions to the school’s athletic program. The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held Sept. 25 — and former football coach Brad Lord and former athletic standout Wes Murray were acknowledged for their efforts to bring topnotch sports to the private school. Plaques honoring their achievements are mounted on the wall above the doors leading to the gymnasium, and each recipient was given a smaller glass replica. “This will be the beginning of an annual tradition for the opening of Homecoming Week,” said FA president Dave Buckles. “We want to recognize individuals who have been known to epitomize what is known as the Lion Way. … (It) recognizes individuals who have raised awareness in high school athletics through their achievements and excellence in one or more athletic sports programs.”

Inductees exemplify the highest standard of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character based on a Biblical world view. Robert East, athletic director and director of operations at Foundation, was present for the induction. “I’m so proud to have been able to work with you,” he said to Murray and Lord. In his introduction of Murray, East shared the former player’s stats. He was a three-sport athlete, Athlete of the Year, All-Conference Defensive Athlete of the Year, class vice president, Homecoming king, and member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was on Foundation’s School Improvement Committee and participated in the Student Leadership Institute, he was a powder puff football coach, and he attended mission trips to Haiti. Murray was the school’s first athlete to play at a Division 1 college, Charleston Southern University. He interned with the football program at the University of Central Florida, was the strength and conditioning coach and the football coach for Foundation Academy, and is general manager and head strength coach at D1 Training in Dr. Phillips. In addition, Murray is an international champion power lifter, three-time gold medalist in North American champion-

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Amy Quesinberry

Foundation Academy President Dave Buckles, center, congratulated former football coach Brad Lord, left, and football standout Wes Murray.

ship power lifting, and a six-time state record holder in the U.S. Power Lifting Association. “He was a tremendous athlete and student,” East said. “It’s not a one-man show,” Murray said when introduced. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Coach Lord, if it wasn’t for many of my teammates, if it wasn’t for our amazing athletic directors along the way. … When I was informed that Foundation was

recognizing me and Coach Lord, I started thinking about all the people I spent time with, sweated with … all the dedication. “To the Foundation Academy family, I say thank you, and to all the people who prayed for me and prayed alongside me, and thank God for the opportunities and the future of this school,” Murray said. East introduced Lord, who was coach of the year for Foundation Academy, FACA District 11 2A and Florida State; had appearances in nine playoffs and five regional championships; coached winning district and regional championship teams; and was the All-Academic Team winner for the FHSHA state championship. “We all know that

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Coach Lord has been successful on the football field,” East said. “The thing that constantly amazes me is how much he loves the kids he works with, he loves the coaches he works with, he loves the teachers he works with. I have never met a man with a bigger heart.” “It’s quite an honor to be here, quite an honor to be in front of another player,” Lord said. “Foundation Academy gave me my first chance as a head coach. … I had the privilege of coaching a really strong athletic base that came to Foundation. … I was blessed to have unbelievable coaching staffs here. … I’m proud of our football program. I believe that our football program was a big part of getting Foundation Academy on the map. “I never saw myself as just a football coach here; I saw myself as an AP teacher first,” Lord said. “I saw myself as a leader who could lead kids. And they taught me. God has plans for everyone. … I’ve always had a servant’s heart for my peers and the players and the community. I believe sports makes a difference in kids’ lives. I believe sports can save some kids. … I strived to make FA a better place. With the people around us, I believe that we did that. It’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get up and move forward. “I want to thank you all, I want to thank you for believing in me and for the great memories I will have for a lifetime for serving Foundation Academy,” he said.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

City of Winter Garden Fiscal Year ’23-’24 ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

fficials in the city of Winter Garden approved unanimously the final budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 Thursday, Sept. 26, at City Hall. City commissioners voted to set the budget at $138,019,903 with a millage rate of 4.5. The millage rate is greater than the rolled-back rate of 4.0908 mills by 10%. In a budget message in the final budget report, City Manager Jon C. Williams said this fiscal year presents the city with both opportunities and challenges. “Our primary goal is to continue fostering the growth and well-being of our community while ensuring responsible fiscal management,” he said. “This budget proposal aims to strike a balance between the provision of essential services, targeted investments and prudent financial planning. This budget is a culmination of extensive analysis, careful consideration and the shared vision of our community.” As far as an economic outlook, Williams said the city experienced welcomed economic growth as key economic indicators continued to move in a positive direction. “Revenue projections are strong due to increased real-estate valuations, new construction and consumer spending,” he said. “The city also boasts a healthy General Fund reserve of $17.4 million, or 31% of the General Fund operating expenditures. Economists predict a mild recession is anticipated sometime in the next 12 months, but our healthy financial reserves will help us navigate unforeseen events ahead. The city’s financial status is strong and continues to grow, generating sufficient revenues to meet increased costs for quality municipal service delivery standards that our constituents have come to expect.” INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Population estimates based on the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research placed Winter Garden population at 50,318 in FY 2022, representing a 13% increase over five years and 30% increase over 10 years. The General Fund budget revenues for FY 2023-24 totals $82,768,911. This is an increase of $13,920,535, or 63%, when compared to the budget for the prior fiscal year. The most significant source of the increase in this year’s budget is from the addition of $24.5 million in grant funding. The funding consists of $18 million from the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, $1.2 million from the firefighter Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program and $5 million from the West Orange Healthcare District program.

The General Fund operating revenues, not including grant funding, increased 14.7% — $7.5 million — over last year’s budget. The largest revenue source in the General Fund budget is ad valorem taxes in the amount of $24,081,464, which is based on the current millage. Although the current rate is maintained, ad valorem property tax revenue will increase by $2,730,358 as a result of the 12.8% increase in Winter Garden’s property values. “We have funded the budget to ensure robust economic development and strong public safety,” Williams said. “The budget funds a commitment to meet the continued need for infrastructure improvements and provide high quality services to the residents, businesses and visitors of the city. Consequently, operating expenditures are expected to increase by about 13.6%, or $6.67 million, and the capital budget has increased by $31.7 million, with the majority of the new capital funded by grant and contributions funding.” Williams said in addition to providing funding for essential governmental services, the city has been able to include funds to start addressing several other community projects with the use of grant funding and other sources of revenues. These major initiatives include the Tucker Ranch Health and Wellness Park, the east Winter Garden revitalization and the city’s traffic management program. Regarding long-term financial planning, Williams said the projected unassigned fund balance in the General Fund at the end of FY 2024 is budgeted to be $17,362,642, bringing the unassigned fund balance to 31.2% of General Fund operating expenditures. “During the years when General Fund revenues increased at exponential rates, the city maintained the fiscal discipline to keep operating growth at a conservative level each year and moved the additional funds to capital investments, increased city services and savings,” he said. “Over the last decade, the city’s unassigned reserves as a percentage of reoccurring expenditures has continued to be above the goal of 30%. This balance will serve the city well if projected revenues are not met or if there are any unexpected expenditures that the city will have to pay for such as natural disaster recovery.” William said the city is widely recognized as a well-planned community, successfully balancing the provision of exceptional levels of service, a welcoming business climate and an extensive array of amenities. “We were able to maintain the quality standard of excellence thanks to our dedicated employees who work incredibly hard, day after day,” he said. “We continue to maintain a conservative budget by controlling costs without compromising the services that add value and serve the city well.”

TOTAL REVENUES AND OTHER FINANCING SOURCES General Fund Special Revenue Fund Debt Service Fund Enterprise Funds Fiduciary Funds Total

$84,268,911 $8,086,577 $2,559,147 $29,671,115 $23,253,675 $147,839,425

(includes $1.5M in inter-fund transfers)

TOTAL EXPENDITURES AND DISBURSEMENTS General Fund Special Revenue Fund Debt Service Fund Enterprise Funds Fiduciary Funds Total

$90,463,948 $9,145,246 $2,559,147 $30,922,571 $4,928,991 $138,019,903

PROPERTY TAX REVENUE Winter Garden’s property values have increased 12.8%, which will increase property-tax revenue by $2,730,358.

GENERAL FUND REVENUES BY SOURCE TOTAL: $82,768,911

Permits, fees and special assessments: Other revenues: $5,952,393 (7%) $6,011,854 (9%)

Charges for services: $7,454,567 (9%)

Intergovernmental: $31,960,999 (39%)

Taxes: $31,389,098 (38%)

General government: $874,820

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY FUNCTION

TOTAL: $90,463,948*

Transfers out: $4,172,712

Public safety: $5,632,035

Physical environment: $506,288 Transportation: $936,278 Economic environment: $2,815,084

Culture and recreation: $26,799,443

*Total also includes $8,265 for human services

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BUDGET BREAKDOWN

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Ann Duppenthaler Cross stood by one of two pieces donated by her family. Her parents, Dal and Betty Duppenthaler, donated this handmade Native American jacket from the Miccosukee tribe, as well as Dal Duppenthaler’s vest from the Winter Garden Lions Club.

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com

Betty Spears’ son, Glen, worked at the Winter Garden McDonald’s in the 1970s; this is the uniform shirt he wore.

Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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SEND US YOUR NEWS Rusty Jenkins was a multi-sport athlete as a student at Lakeview High School, and he donated his letterman jacket, complete with his athletic pins, to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.

WGHF puts vintage clothing on display AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

intage clothing and uniforms tell the stories of a different time, and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is paying tribute to the Winter Garden residents who donated the material pieces of their past. The WGHF held a reception Sept. 28 to showcase its new exhibition, “Dressing the Part: Selections from Our Wardrobe Collection.” In attendance were some of the people who made the donations. “It’s very much a cross section of people in Winter Garden who donated items,” said Jim Crescitelli, WGHF director. “It’s a representation of people who sacrificed time to their community and their country — and it’s the story of the people who made this community.” Nearly two dozen uniforms and costumes grace the walls and mannequins of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main St. There also is a display case of artifacts such as caps, badges and uniform patches. The oldest piece in the collection is a Chinese-issued 1941 Flying Tigers jacket worn by George McMillan in World War II. Other military uniforms include a trench coat worn by Melvin Creamer in the Vietnam War and a Gulf War-era Air Force Academy training uniform worn by Larry Joe Walker Jr. A United States Army service uniform belonging to Lt. Col. Sylvester Johnson represents his military career of more than 20 years, which started with the Army Signal Corps. Several of the items on display represent Lakeview High School. The pink gown belonging to Jodi

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IF YOU GO DRESSING THE PART: SELECTIONS FROM OUR WARDROBE COLLECTION WHEN: Exhibit open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through Dec. 31. WHERE: Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main St., Winter Garden WEBSITE: wghf.org

Felts Suggs, the 1958 Homecoming queen at Lakeview, sits near a 1961 varsity jacket owned by class president and varsity fullback Pat Moran, as well as a letterman jacket from 1971 worn by multi-sport athlete Rusty Jenkins. Other pieces include a McDonald’s employee shirt worn by Glen Spears, Don Creech’s Boy Scout Troop 210 scoutmaster uniform and several articles of clothing donated by Dal and Betty Duppenthaler. “At its core, apparel is an extension of ourselves,” reads the exhibition’s display board. “As we do with words, we express ourselves sartorially through the visual language of our attire. … Dress is in many ways a distillation of every aspect of our society. … Through the way we have dressed ourselves, we learn about our ancestors — how they performed their jobs, what materials were available and how they chose to present images of themselves. As we observe and preserve changes in attire through the years, we see how fashion, style and daily life have evolved in West Orange County.” The exhibit is open through Dec. 31 at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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This U.S. Army uniform belonged to Sylvester Johnson, the great-uncle of Chloe Johnson Brunson.

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Julie Butler’s father, Donald Jackson, was a volunteer officer with the Winter Garden Police Department in the 1960s. Her mother, Joyce McWilliams, donated his uniform to the heritage foundation.

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BUDGET BREAKDOWN

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Town of Windermere Fiscal Year ’23-’24

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Officials in the town of Windermere approved unanimously the budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 at a final budget hearing Monday, Sept. 18, at Town Hall. Town Council members voted to set the budget at $16,377,888, with a millage rate of 3.7425. The millage rate is higher than the rolled back rate of 3.4593 mills by 8.19%. Town Manager Robert Smith said the millage rate is equal to $1,000 dollars of assessed taxable value for a home. “The taxable value is reduced by homestead and other applicable exemptions,” he said. “The millage rate has stayed the same since the 2018-19 fiscal year. However, since the town will be receiving more tax revenue from last year, it is viewed as a tax increase even though the millage is the same. This amount over from last year is about $100,000 that would cover the increase in inflation.” In the proposed budget presentation, Smith said the town’s purpose and intent is “preserving the level of service and quality of life that the town residents and our customers are accustomed (to) all while maintaining the town’s financial viability.” Smith said Windermere fulfills this by conservative estimates of revenue, control spending, better planning, state and federal appropriations, and federal grants. INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Documents from the Orange County Property Appraiser list Windermere’s total taxable value at $953,993,989 — an increase of more than $77,712,655 from the previous fiscal year ($876,281,334). According to Smith, the increase can be attributed to the increase in value of homes and the addition of homes in Windermere. The annual revenue has increased since FY 2015-16 ($1,815,762) when the millage rate was set at 3.25. For FY

2018-19 ($2,433,876), the Town Council increased the millage rate to 3.7425, where it has remained since then. Smith said the increase was in preparation for the work supply plan, the multi-model path, and parks and recreation. When compared to other municipalities such as Orange County (4.4347), Oakland (6.5), Ocoee (5.05) and Winter Garden (4.5), the town has the lowest ad valorem rate. To estimate revenues, Smith said the town took a look at various factors, and the town has been conservative with its estimates. “Staff typically uses the past to predict the future where appropriate,” he said. “Typically utilizing the last 10 years of numbers and estimating means and escalators while taking out the anomalies.” Smith said the Department of Revenue estimates do not come out until after the town’s presentation has become public, so the town will amend the details if staff agrees with the calculations. The budget for FY 23-24 is $6,536,065 more than the budget for the previous fiscal year. A majority of the revenue is from state appropriations. Smith said $1,000,000 will go towards Phase 1 of the Ward Trail project; $375,000 for the town’s wastewater study; $3,081,000 toward the town’s Central Phase Potable Water project; and $1,500,000 for the Windermere Road/ Main Street intersection improvements. Although the town did not need to dip into its reserves for FY 22-23 or FY 21-22 because of the delay in receiving FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program monies and project approvals, the town will need to tap into its reserves this fiscal year by $88,041. Smith said this is because of the HMGP, ARPA and multi-model path projects intended to be constructed this fiscal year. After this fiscal year, the reserves will be at $1,500,000. If used, the reserves would be at $1,411,959.

GENERAL FUND REVENUES TOTAL: $15,930,100

Ad valorem: $3,391,806

1/2-cent sales tax: $600,000 Federal appropriation SRC: $760,000 Fire assessment: $847,341

Other: $3,358,678

State appropriations potable water: $3,081,000 State appropriations roads: $1,500,000

State appropriations multi model: $1,000,000

American Recovery Act: $1,391,295

REVENUE VS. EXPENDITURES General fund revenues Stormwater revenues Total revenues

$15,930,100 $359,747 $16,289,847

General fund expenditures Stormwater expenditures Total expenditures

$16,018,140 $359,747 $16,377,877

DOING THE MATH: MILLAGE RATE DECISION MAINTAIN EXISTING $953,993,989/1,000 X 3.7425 = $ @ 95% = $3,391,806 CURRENT YEAR ROLLED BACK RATE $953,993,989/1,000 X 3.4593 = $3,300,151.41 @ 95% = $3,135,144 MAXIMUM MILLAGE ALLOWABLE $953,993,989/1,000 X 3.7892 = $3,614,874 @ 95% = $3,434,130

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Ocoee leaders approve Magnolia Reserve project

on Her Journey Sharing

H elping O ther People E ndure

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

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Bev Daniels, who has been given the gift of life as a 20-year Breast Cancer Survivor, has committed throughout the years to use this theme to be there when needed. She is an advocate for HOPE through prayer, being a listener, encourager and a co-leader of a Breast Cancer support group at First Baptist Orlando. She gives the assurance that there is a way through by instilling the spirit of hope.

The Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday, Oct. 3, approved 4-1 the final plan to add 48 homes to the city. Commissioner Scott Kennedy dissented. The Magnolia Reserve project is a 48-townhome subdivision at 2199 West Road. It sits on 5.08 acres that can be accessed through Desert Candle Drive. During the Aug. 15 meeting, the Greens at Forest Lake Homeowners Association president addressed the commission regarding some concerns that included the single point of entry to the subdivision; the 12 potential homes that would be located on Desert Candle Drive and any possible side street placement; amenity confusion; road blockage and construction debris; and a traffic light needed at West Road and Fountains West Boulevard. However, despite these concerns, city staff found no code-related issues that may warrant the rejection or the redesign of the proposed final subdivision plan. According to the agenda: “The development will be served by two stormwater ponds along the west and east sides of the site, and reclaimed water services will be provided by the city. Potable water and sanitary sewer will be provided by Orange County Utilities.” CHRISTMAS PARTY

Ocoee commissioners also approved a school crossing guard’s request to close a road for a Christmas party. Leonarda Richardson, the crossing guard for the Harbor Highlands subdivision’s school crossing zone, requested the closure of Sleepy Harbour Drive for the party from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. Richardson will provide this party for the children who come to her post on the way home. The party will consist of hot dogs, pizza and candy. “Last year, we had 45 kids come,” Richardson wrote in her request. “It was a great time for parents and children, as well as the workers.”

IN OTHER NEWS n The Ocoee Commission approved unanimously items on the consent agenda. These included funding to the Ocoee Police Department from the Florida’s Bicycle Pedestrian Bicycle Initiative: Communication and High Visibility Enforcement Grant to reinforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist and driver behavior. Last year, $10,221.74 was available, and this year an additional $16,463.78 was added. n The commission approved 4-1, with Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen dissenting, a resolution to include the reimbursement of non-local travel expenses by spouse. n The commissioners performed the first reading of ordinance for the backyard annexation and rezoning from County A-1 to City C-2 for the property owned by the Carolyn Honey West Revocable Trust that sits on 1.77 acres. The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17. n The commission performed the first reading of ordinance for the proposed amendments made by the Charter Review Commission to the City Charter to be placed on the 2024 general election ballot. The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 17. n The commissioners denied unanimously a variance request to exceed the maximum allowable impervious surface area for the property located at 2493 Sweet Oak St.

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A Survivor

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Oakland remembers dog-walker Sarah Mathews The 97-year-old resident was popular in the town for her daily walks along the West Orange Trail. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Sarah Mathews was not content sitting still. At the age of 97, she still had an affinity for traveling and was seen around Oakland walking one or more dogs six or seven times every day. Most people in historic Oakland knew her and her pups, and folks watched for her, making sure she safely returned to her home on East Gulley Avenue after each of her walks. Mathews, who lived in Oakland for more than 40 years, died Sept. 27. She had been staying in a rehabilitation center following a fall that rendered her unable to walk. “She was so loved and known for her love of her beloved dogs that she walked on Oakland streets and bike trail many times a day,” her daughter, Patricia Ward, wrote on Facebook following her mother’s death. “I thank all of you that looked after her on her walks in case she fell or couldn’t make it back home.” Residents responded with heartfelt comments to the family: She led the “quintessential Oakland life” and was “an institution in Oakland.” Among those keeping an eye out for Mathews was Renee Mullen at Oakland Town Hall. The two had bonded over their dogs. “It’s really just from the walks; and it really goes back to maybe 15 years ago,” Mullen said. “She’s always had a little dog she walked. First it was a little poodle, and we had some dogs, and our dogs would always want to come out and play.” Mullen said Milo, Mathews’ most recent dog, “took a shine” to her about five years ago. She said Mathews told her, ‘If something ever happens to me, he’s yours.’” When Mathew fell and entered the rehab center, Mullen agreed to take in the 20-pound chihuahua-terrier mix. “He was fat because Mama fed

him everything from the table,” Ward said. “If he wanted coffee, she (dipped her finger in her cup and) gave him coffee. Whatever he wanted, she gave him.” BECOMING A FLORIDA GIRL

Mathews was 6 when she moved from her hometown of Sandersville, Georgia, to Winter Garden. Her father was a Winter Garden police officer, and the family, which included two brothers, lived in a small apartment over the police station. She met her future husband, Dan, at the bar in downtown Winter Garden; she was about 17, and he was 10 years older. “The story was she would tell her mother she was going to the movies at the Winter Garden Theater, and she would go into the bar and meet my dad,” Ward said. Their courtship was brief, and they married that same year. They had two children, a son and a daughter, and eventually enjoyed six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and eight-great-great-grandchildren. Both Dan and Sarah Mathews had careers in the citrus industry — he drove a tractor in the orange groves, and she worked in the Battaglia Fruit Company packinghouse in Winter Garden. “He helped grow it, and she packed it,” Ward said. “She did that for many, many years, probably until she retired,” she said. “It was long, hard hours, standing on her feet all day, and the holidays were even worse — but she enjoyed it and met a lot of people she enjoyed. She was a very hard worker, her and my dad both. They both saved their money to support themselves, and they did it every day and they worked hard. She was a go-getter.” The Mathewses moved to Oakland in the mid-1970s, occupying the house on Gulley that her parents bought in 1941. As they aged, they found it increasingly more difficult

to keep up with the house, so Pat and Pete Ward bought it, tore it down and built a two-story home with a side apartment for the parents. Sarah and Dan lived there until their deaths. Out back is a large camelia bush that shades the graves of Mathews’ beloved dogs — all of which walked Oakland’s roads with their devoted owner. Her favorite dog, Tebow, however, has a special

resting place near the house. “Everybody liked (Mama) because she was always telling stories about her family and her dogs,” Ward said. “She was a good woman, a good working woman. A very stubborn woman. (She) and my dad had been married 54 years when he passed away. We had a big party for their anniversary, for their 54th, and she had a really pretty dress on, and that’s what we buried her in.”

Clockwise from top: Sarah Mathews, left, loved to travel. She took a cruise with her family in recent years. Tebow was always Sarah Mathews’ favorite dog. Sarah Mathews at about age 18.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Golden Oak estate sells for $5.9 million A

home in the Golden Oak

WINDERMERE TRAILS

Orange-area residential

The home at 9078 Overlook Pass Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 18, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,693 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

real-estate transactions

OAKLAND

from Sept. 17 to 23.

The home at 924 Allendale Lane, Oakland, sold Sept. 22, for $1,031,701. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,693 square feet of living area.

community in South-

west Orange topped all West

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 10223 Symphony Grove Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 22, for

OCOEE

$5,900,000. Built in 2021,

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 63 High Sale Price: $5,900,000 Low Sale Price: $145,000

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1437 Glenheather Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 22, for $799,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,717 square feet. Days on market: Six. TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 925 Main St., Windermere, sold Sept. 18, for $940,000. Built in 1984, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,971 square feet. Days on market: Two.

BROOKESTONE

WESTOVER CLUB

4,241 square feet. Days on

The home at 10223 Symphony Grove Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 22, for $5,900,000. This West Indies luxury home inside Symphony Grove sets the standard for a casual and inviting lifestyle. The selling agent was Rob Rahter, Stockworth Realty Group.

The home at 304 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 18, for $550,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,113 square feet. Days on market: 93.

market: 65. The selling agent

INDEPENDENCE

GLADES AT SYLVAN LAKE

WESTOVER RESERVE

it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and

was Rob Rahter, Stockworth Realty Group. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange. HORIZON WEST DEL WEBB OASIS

The home at 15031 Canopy Cover Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 18, for $893,310. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,808 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61. ENCLAVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 15311 Calming Balsam Alley, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 20, for $700,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 2,921 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

Courtesy photo

The home at 6478 Old Carriage Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 19, for $540,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,184 square feet. Days on market: Nine. LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

SANCTUARY AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 7064 Kiwano Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 19, for $800,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,680 square feet. Days on market: 46.

The home at 11477 Brickyard Pond Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 21, for $1,250,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,409 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

SUMMERPORT

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

WATERLEIGH

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 7036 Mapperton Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 22, for $645,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,777 square feet. Days on market: 32. The home at 15774 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 22, for $1,215,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,811 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

The home at 13837 Bluebird Pond Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 21, for $620,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,660 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 2768 Grapevine Crest, Ocoee, sold Sept. 20, for $540,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, 2,556 baths and 2,556 square feet. Days on market: 40. LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE

The home at 1339 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 22, for $570,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,760 square feet. Days on market: 36.

WINDERMERE

BELLA VITA ESTATES

The home at 2030 Bellamere Court, Windermere, sold Sept. 21, for $2,670,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,097 square feet. Days on market: 73.

The home at 17990 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 21, for $850,381. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.

MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 12640 Salomon Cove Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 22, for $1,125,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,694 square feet. Days on market: 28.

The home at 2608 Carter Grove Circle, Windermere, sold Sept. 20, for $865,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,854 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.

The home at 9507 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Sept. 22, for $874,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,335 square feet. Days on market: Four. The home at 2033 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 19, for $890,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,574 square feet. Days on market: 36.

WINTER GARDEN 30 NORTH PARK

The home at 48 N. Park Ave., No. 3, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 22, for $925,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 2,225 square feet. LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 17842 Hither Hills Circle, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Sept. 22, for $1,185,376. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,920 square feet. Days on market: 205. LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3227 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 21, for $580,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,070 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

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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

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

OrangeObserver.com

OCTOBER 12, 2023

SPORTS

GAME OF THE WEEK

HIGH

Sophomore Ethan Pate is a twosport athlete for the Foundation Academy Lions. Page 2B.

DR. PHILLIPS (4-2) VS. OLYMPIA (4-2)

The Foundation Academy varsity boys golf team defeated Geneva High School at a dual tournament Thursday, Oct. 5. The Lions took the win over the Knights, 161-169. Senior Alex Listed led Foundation Academy with a score of 38.

The Olympia High School girls varsity volleyball team defeated West Orange High School 3-0 Thursday, Oct. 5, during a district match. The Lady Titans won the three consecutive games, 25-16, 25-14 and 25-23. Olympia senior outside hitter Laney Perdue led the team with 10 kills, while senior libero Emma Schutt led the girls with 21 digs. West Orange senior opposite hitter Layla Reinbolt led the Lady Warriors with six kills, while senior libero Savannah Valentine led the team with nine digs. Olympia (17-6) traveled to New Smyrna Beach at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, and West Orange (811) traveled to South Lake at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9.

The First Academy varsity girls team was crowned the back-toback Citrus League champion Wednesday, Oct. 4. The Lady Royals won the tournament with a round of 297, with junior golfer Katie Yang getting the lowest round of the tournament with a 71.

The Horizon High School girls varsity volleyball team defeated Lake Buena Vista, 3-0, Wednesday, Oct. 4. The Lady Hawks won three consecutive sets with scores of 25-5, 25-18 and 25-10. Horizon currently owns a 12-4 overall season record and a 3-0 Class 6A, District 6, record. The Hawks will host Lake Minneola for a district game at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

The Windermere High School girls varsity golf team became the Metro West champions Thursday, Oct. 5, with a round of 360.

Andrea Mujica

The Panthers are looking forward to playing Olympia, as the rivalry between the two schools often brings the best out of both teams on the football field.

Mental game With a “Win the Day” mentality, the Panthers have managed to maintain a winning record of 4-2 this season. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

ust win the day. That’s the mentality with which the Dr. Phillips High School football team has been entering the football field on Friday nights this season, and a 4-2 record shows it is working. “It’s been a good year,” senior middle and outside linebacker Jerard Smith, 18, said. “We all are just locked in. Last year, we didn’t have a lot of leadership, but this year, we got a lot more leadership, and everybody has the eyes on the prize right now.” Smith has been playing at the var-

sity level with the Panthers since his sophomore year. He attributes this year’s success to players’ ability to respond positively to constructive criticism from both coaches and teammates. “Everyone is on the same page,” he said. “We’ve got dudes (who) are 15 and 16 telling dudes (who) are 17 and 18 what to do. It’s not really an age thing, but (this year), the younger dudes can say something to the older dudes, and we all listen, so we all are taking criticism from everyone. We are open to hearing them and that’s what’s making us better.” Dr. Phillips has gone through some reshaping of its offense and defense

during the last two seasons. Last year, the Panthers had a young defense, and this year, they are playing with a younger offense. So, what’s making the offense effective? The players’ understanding that everyone plays a part in the success of the team. “Our offense is very young, so that comes with immaturity, sometimes,” junior quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton, 16, said. “So the only challenge we have is not being as focused or as locked in as we should be on certain plays — and continue to stay locked in during the course of the game. It’s just understanding what every play is designed to do and what (we) are supposed to get from each play … (and) understanding that at the end of the day, it’s the players on the field and not necessarily the coaches. So sometimes, we have to take things into our own hands to really connect on what we need to do as an offense.”

GRIDIRON ACTION n 7 p.m. CFCA at Trinity Catholic n 7 p.m. Horizon at Wekiva n 7 p.m. Lake Buena Vista vs. Lake Highland Prep n 7 p.m. Legacy Charter vs. Bell Creek Academy n 7 p.m. Ocoee at Edgewater n 7 p.m. TFA vs. Duval Charter n 7 p.m. West Orange vs. Windermere

SEE DR. PHILLIPS ON PAGE 3B

Wolverine represents U.S. at world championships Ryan Erisman, Windermere High School and Windermere Lakers Aquatics swimmer, competed at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Israel. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Andrea Mujica

Ryan Erisman, center, is supported by his parents, Ryan and Kristy.

Windermere High School and Windermere Lakers Aquatics swimmer Ryan Erisman represented the United States at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, which took place Sept. 4 through 9 in Netanya, Israel. “I just really like racing, and I’ve always just wanted to be better and better,” he said. “And so, I just always like going after a bigger goal and a bigger challenge and stying motivated.” Erisman, 16, was part of the preliminary team that swam the 4x200 meter relay in Israel. And, even though he wasn’t a part of the team that won the finals, all four members of the pre-

liminary team also brought home gold medals. After all, they were the ones who got the U.S. into the final round. “I am just really honored,” he said. “It was just awesome being able to race with them. That was just my favorite part — definitely being with everyone, just racing with them and learning from (one another). It’s really awesome to learn from (one another), because everyone is at the same speed and the same level. It was just an awesome learning experience, and again, I’m just super honored.” Erisman realized his true love and passion for the sport when he was 10 years old, when he almost made the cut for what could have been his first SEE SWIMMER ON 2B

OLYMPIC TRIALS n Ryan Erisman will compete at the Olympic Trials to attempt to qualify for the USA Olympic Team Paris 2024 Olympics in the 400-meter freestyle, the 400-meter medley, the 1,500-meter freestyle and the 200-meter medley. n Rylee Erisman will compete at the Olympic Trials to attempt to qualify for the USA Olympic Team Paris 2024 Olympics in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle.

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Swimmer shines in Israel

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Ethan Pate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

Foundation Academy baseball and football player Ethan Pate is the starting wide receiver and safety for the football team. Pate currently has two touchdowns and threw two innings for zero hits for the fall baseball game against Apopka. “(He) also played for Power Baseball on the weekends and plays in fall baseball games after football practice at FA,” said head baseball coach Dakota Grove. “(He) shows up to morning weights … and is a started for baseball as well. (He is a) great kid, too!”

How did you get into football and baseball? I started playing T-ball when I was about 5 years old. I always did flag football just to have fun, and I started getting serious at the end of my freshman year for football. What do you love most about baseball/football as a sport? I like baseball because it can help you in life with decision making. I like football because it helps me have fun and just gets my mind off things. What do you believe baseball and football have taught you both on the field and in life? Definitely discipline and how to be a leader — just because how you have to work with other people in both sports, having to be smart and knowing how to do things and when to do them. What do you think about when you are in the middle of a game? I’m always just thinking how I can help my team and how I can focus on the play and not (past plays). What is your favorite thing about being a part of your teams? Just the chemistry and how we all get along and how we are all playing for God — because it makes it bigger. Since you have been at Foundation, what has been your favorite moment so far? Probably going to the state championship for baseball my eighth-grade year. What is your favorite hobby? I like to golf. Who is your favorite professional player? Why? I like Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. I just like him because of the way he plays football.

THE BASICS Age: 15 Sport: Baseball, football Grade: Sophomore School: Foundation Academy

who would it be? Probably Ronald Reagan. I just like him, how he was the president and stuff. (I would ask him) what is (it) like to be the president of the United States.

state meet. “I was playing soccer at the time, as well,” he said. “I ended up quitting soccer to stay with swim, because I just enjoyed training with swimming and enjoyed racing, so I just figured that it would be better for me to pursue swimming than soccer.” The ultimate goal for Erisman is to make the U.S. Olympic team. “I love swimming, and that makes me want to push even further,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to make the Olympic team, that’s the greatest honor an athlete can have in the U.S. And so, that’s definitely my goal — just to keep pushing to that.” That goal motives Erisman to spend countless hours in the pool. “All the late nights and everything

USA, and he had so much fun. So, it’s just when you see him work so hard every day and see him achieve that goal and compete at that level, as a parent, it’s just amazing.” After competing in Israel, Ryan Erisman represented the U.S. at the LEN Open Water up in Barcelona, Spain, where he finish 18th out of 28 swimmers. He qualified for the USA Swimming 2023-24 National Junior Team after competing at the 7.5K Open Water National Junior Championship that took place in April in Sarasota. Rylee Erisman also swims for Windermere Lakers Aquatics and Windermere High School, and also will be competing alongside his brother at the Olympic Trials that will take place in June 2024.

Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self? Just keep working and that God has a plan for you. If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say? Probably to look (back and reflect) at how far we’ve come (from) where I was whenever I was younger. What is your biggest fear? Spiders — they are just scary. What is your favorite type of music? I like rap music; I like Drake. Who is you favorite superhero? Why? Spider-man, because he’s young, and he’s strong. If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? It would probably be super speed. That way I can run all over town and stuff. What are three places you would like to visit? Why? I’s like to go to Hawaii, Iceland and Antartica. They are so different from (the continental United States). If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why? I’d like to go back to 1917 — just to see what World War I was like and how it was for (the) people (who lived it).

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? I (would) probably take my golf clubs and bag; probably a steak because it’s my favorite food; and then my friend Anthony (Miceli).

(have been worth it),” he said. “We have practice at 5 in the morning, so four mornings a week, we are up at 4:20 a.m. or 4:30 a.m. and even earlier, sometimes. It’s just all the little things like the two-hour, threehour practices we put in, the social activities we missed to go to swim practice...just all the little things that you have to do make it worth it in the end.” Erisman relies on a strong support system — his sister Rylee, and his parents, Kristy and Ryan — who got to see him compete for the first time internationally in Israel. “He is very hard working, he’s very dedicated,” Kristy Erisman said. “It was amazing; I was definitely nervous. That was our first international trip, but it was just so exciting to see him represent Team

Foundation sweeps Ocoee T

he Foundation Academy girls varsity volleyball team defeated Ocoee High School 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 26-24) during a non-district game Monday, Oct. 9. The Lady Lions currently own a 13-4 overall season record, while the Lady Knights have a

10-7 overall season record. Foundation traveled to Classical Prep at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, after press time, while Ocoee will host Apopka for its last game of the season at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. — ANDREA MUJICA

What color would you say represents your personality? Why? My favorite color is purple, but I don’t know how it’d represent me. Maybe because it has a chill vibe.

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If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? I’d probably (be) a shark. That way, I can see the ocean and be the top Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. predator. Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd

What is your favorite movie? I like “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.” If you could choose one person you admire to have dinner with,

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Dr. Phillips excited to host Olympia THURSDAY CFCA (0-4), 0 All Saints’ Academy (4-2), 41 HIGHLIGHTS: The Central Florida Christian Academy football team took a blowout loss of 41-0 against All Saints’ Academy Thursday, Oct. 5. Defensive end Deontray Jones had 17 tackles during the game, and defensive line Jacob Jean had 12 tackles. UP NEXT: The Eagles will travel to Trinity Catholic Friday, Oct. 13.

FRIDAY GAME OF THE WEEK Olympia (4-2), 23 Apopka (4-2), 25 UP NEXT: The Titans will travel to Dr. Phillips Friday, Oct. 13.

Kenney carried the ball 13 times for 119 yards. UP NEXT: The Hawks will travel to Wekiva Friday, Oct. 13. Lake Buena Vista (3-2), 14 Lake Howell (4-2), 26 UP NEXT: The Vipers will host Lake Highland Prep Friday, Oct. 13. Ocoee (3-4), 10 Winter Park (6-0), 14 HIGHLIGHTS: Despite the loss, the Knights stayed strong on the defensive side of the ball and got to Winter Park’s quarterback three times. Outside linebacker Michael McClenton continued to lead the team with 16 total tackles. UP NEXT: The Knights will travel to Edgewater Friday, Oct. 13.

OTHER RESULTS Dr. Phillips (4-2), 15 Lake Nona (2-4), 14 UP NEXT: The Panthers will host Olympia Friday, Oct. 13. Foundation Academy (4-3), 45 Seffner Christian (2-4), 15 HIGHLIGHTS: On the second play from the line of scrimmage, running back J.T. Bronaugh sprinted 54 yards to open up the scoring. Foundation scored 35 unanswered points in the first half. Quarterback Michael Dove threw two touchdowns for a total of 155 passing yards and added 72 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. Wide receiver C.J. Bronaugh had four receptions for 132 yards and one touchdown. J.T. Bronaugh carried the ball eight times for a total of 183 yards, contributing two touchdowns to the score. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Drew Flournoy had seven total tackles, including four sacks. UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to Windermere Prep Thursday, Oct. 19. Horizon (4-2), 35 University (1-5), 6 HIGHLIGHTS: The Hawks’ offense relied on its potent running game to rack up 388 yards on the ground. Bo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

For Dr. Phillips, the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physicality of its players. “I think the hardest thing (to grasp as a player) is not necessarily the physical standpoint of the game but the mental standpoint of it,” Anderson-Lofton said. “Having to absorb all the information that everybody needs to succeed besides just myself — that can be hard at times. But when you really focus, it just comes naturally during the game.” “It’s (important) to make sure everybody understands the play and goes the extra mile to make sure we are listening,” Smith said. “It’s taking advantage of the mental days and taking advantage of the physical days as well.” DP VS. OLYMPIA

Come Friday night, Dr. Phillips is hosting Olympia, and just like other local rival-

ries, the Panthers are excited to meet the Titans on the gridiron. “This game means a lot to both schools and both teams,” AndersonLofton said. “So, I have to understand that this game is going to be more than just football. There’s going to be high tensions; there’s going to be high emotions. So I have to make sure my team stays level-headed throughout it knowing that somebody is going to do something to try to make us get a flag or a personal foul. But, we have to understand that, at the end of the day, we are here to win. We are not here to entertain what the other team has going on.” Last year, Dr. Phillips lost to Olympia 11-0, so high expectations are brewing prior to Friday night as the Panthers are eager to take the win. “When you play on the varsity level and you see both of the stands packed out, it just hits differently,” Smith said. “Emotions are going to be all over the place.”

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Windermere (3-4), 21 South Lake (2-4), 35 HIGHLIGHTS: Windermere quarterback Bryce Speed went 9-for-18 in passing for a total of 118 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, outside linebacker Joao Araujo led the team with 17 tackles. UP NEXT: The Wolverines will travel to West Orange Friday, Oct. 13. Windermere Prep (1-4), 22 Lake Highland Prep (4-1), 24 UP NEXT: The Lakers will host Foundation Academy Thursday, Oct. 19.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

Right: Cady Aruanno and Nico Mujica are Windermere’s 2023 Homecoming queen and king.

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Below: Members of the Windermere High School lacrosse team walked in the parade.

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Lara Siqueira, Beatrice Chagas Novaes and Gabriela Nakid Filaskoski represented their native country of Brazil with a large flag.

Delaney Allen and Ricky Carrero from the 2023 Homecoming court were all smiles.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Windermere High Homecoming 2023 T he Windermere High School community enjoyed a week packed with school spirit and fun for Homecoming 2023. The school kicked off Homecoming week with a parking lot parade Monday, Oct. 2. Participants in the parade included the school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, football team, cheerleaders, band and lacrosse team. Principal Andrew Leftakis, the school’s mascot and this year’s Homecoming court also cruised through to enjoy the festivities. Then, on Friday Oct. 6, the Windy City faithful packed Deputy Scott Pine Community Park for the Homecoming game. In addition to the game against South Lake, Windermere fans were treated to pregame performances by the marching band and Windermere Chorus. At halftime, the Wolverettes dance team performed before the presentation of the 2023 Homecoming Court. Senior Cady Aruanno was crowned Windermere’s queen, and Nico Mujica was crowned king.

The Wolverines were excited to play in front of a raucous home crowd.

The marching band performed its 2023 show, “Mad Love in a Mad World.”

— MICHAEL ENG AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Right: The Windermere JROTC presented the colors at the beginning of the game.

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Seniors looked groovy with their 1970s-inspired décor. Right: The Wolverettes dance team performed at halftime.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

MELISSA GRAY

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

PANTHER LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Melissa Gray is the curriculum resource teacher at Panther Lake Elementary School. Her job duties include testing coordinator, field trip coordinator, teacher and student awards, social media/newsletter/ website manager, and textbook manager, and she serves as the contact for the spelling bee and speech contest. She was named an Orange County Public Schools Hero Teacher while working at Edgewater High School. She has been a part of OCPS for 20 years. “While Ms. Gray is not one of our classroom teachers, she is someone (who) is consistently behind the scenes making sure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful each day,” Principal Christine Szymanski said. “She delivers professional development, coordinates state and district testing, helps teachers with data analysis, mentors beginning teachers, and organizes school competitions and events.”

What brought you to your school? I was invited by our principal, Dr. Christine Szymanski, to open Panther Lake Elementary School for its inaugural year. I previously worked with Dr. Szymanski at Ocoee Middle School years ago. What do you love most about your school? I love all the parent and community support that our school receives as it only provides more support for our students throughout the school year. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my

REPORT CARD POSITION: Curriculum resource teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Two years

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg, because I would love to hear about the evolution of her career and the impact she had made for women. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to have the superpower to travel back in time. job is working with teachers to ensure that they are successful in their classrooms and in turn our students are successful. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? If I were not in education, I would love to be a flight attendant and travel the world. Who influences you? My former students have influenced me to continue to grow as an educator. I have worked in elementary, middle and high school, and I have enjoyed the educational process at all three levels. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was in high school named Mrs. Richardson. She taught physical education for individual and team sports but included health and nutrition into all of her lessons. What is your favorite children’s book and why? “Miss Nelson Is Missing,” because this book provides humor while being an amazing picture book. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to go to Disney with my family.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be? Boys II Men, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? A Thermos with either soup or spaghetti inside that my mom made for me. What is your favorite holiday and why? My favorite holiday is Christmas — I love all of the holiday cheer and celebrating with my immediate and extended family. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? My best friend during middle and high school was Kim D. We were instantly friends from middle school when I started sixth grade in a new school district. We are still in touch today and text frequently as she still lives in Cleveland, Ohio. What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? When I was in high school, I played basketball all four years and was in the marching band for three years. — ANNABELLE SIKES

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CHARLINE BLISS PHILLIPS GRIFFITH DIED OCT. 7, 2023.

JOHNNY CHARLES RUTLAND DIED OCT. 1, 2023.

Charline Bliss Phillips Griffith, 75, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, with her loving daughter, Kimberly, by her side. Charline was born In Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Charles and Georgine (Bliss) Phillips. The family moved to Winter Garden in 1962, and she attended Lakeview High School. Charline was a fixture at the Winter Garden Feed Store for more than 17 years. She loved animals, cooking and the Hallmark channel. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Noel; her daughter, Kimberly Johnston (Jerry); daughter-inlaw, Lori Lacy Griffith; and seven grandchildren, Riggs Cannon, Katie Dean (Brandon), Chaz Cannon, Noel Griffith III, Henry Griffith, Cade Johnston and Teagan Johnston; her sister, Gigi Hall; as well as her nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her son by choice, Roberto Orozco. A Celebration of Life for Charline will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, 2023, at The Griffith Family Home, 1232 Markel Drive, Winter Garden, Florida 34787. All are welcome. Charline will be interred in Oakland Cemetery with her parents, Charles and Georgine Phillips, and her son, Noel Michael Griffith Jr. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund at jccancerfund.org in honor of her son-in-law, Jerry Johnston.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Johnny Charles Rutland at the age of 81 on Oct. 1, 2023, surrounded by those he held closest to his heart. Our cherished Johnny (JC) will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever be treasured. We warmly invite you to join us in commemorating his remarkable life. Your presence would mean the world to us as we honor and celebrate the beautiful life he lived. For service details, kindly visit zandersfuneralhome.com.

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Mary Elizabeth Klise (nee Morrill), 94, died Thursday, Sept. 28, at Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Garden. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Artist Dorothy Kannon (1931-2008) created this original fine-point felt pen portrait of an angel, No. 22 of more than 100 similar renderings in her “Exultation of Angels” series. Dated Oct. 5, 1995, Kannon’s text notes that “a graceful arc of Angel synchronizes with curves of lightning … swinging down through the starry galaxy to energize the earth in the ever-constant changes of creation.” The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves a large collection of Kannon’s work. Call (407) 656-3244 to schedule a research appointment.

Albert C. Valdes, of Tampa, was appointed as instructor of Spanish at Lakeview High School. He was a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park and was assistant instructor during his student days. Winter Garden merchants meeting at the Edgewater Hotel agreed to close their stores at 10 o’clock on Saturday nights.

80 years ago

60 years ago

Mrs. James McKey was scheduled to be in the Winter Garden Library from 4 to 5 p.m. to receive overdue books.

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.

50 years ago

Cheering on the Ocoee High Cardinals were Jean Randolph, Tami Whitlow, captain Theresa Crawford, Debbie Williams, Marie Shepard, Judy Birdyshaw and Cathy Wilson. Oakland had a new tractor, and no one was happier than Grover Cleveland Tubb, superintendent of streets and parks.

30 years ago

A number of historic buildings were for sale in downtown Winter Garden. The city was part of the Florida Main Street Community, a nationwide network of communities involved in revitalizing their small, historic downtowns. The five-block area in which the properties were located dates back to the early 1920s and ’30s. All but one building were considered historic, including a two-story hotel dating from 1926.

The Main Street Farmers Market debuted in downtown Winter Garden to crowds ready to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, baked goods, and herbs. Glenn Bookman, market manager, said he was pleased with the turnout and was hoping to sign up more vendors. A mural depicting garden produce and farmers was created by local artists and painted by First Baptist School students.

crossword

celebrity cipher

THANKS FOR NOTHING! by lan Schiff, edited by Jeff Chen 133 Core components 134 “Jane ___” 135 Mass opening? 136 Take to court

DOWN 1 “Monsters, ___” 2 Sushi wrapper 3 Base’s opposite 4 Cubist Picasso 5 Rita of pop 6 Fleecy boot 7 Stink to high heaven 8 Victorious shout 9 Alias letters 10 Word embroidered on some towels 11 Make sense 12 ___ therapy 13 WWF or UNICEF 14 Tries to court 15 Inflammation of the stomach lining 16 Like horses readied at Churchill Downs 17 Super Mario Bros. console 19 Streaming service succeeded by Max 22 Feudal lord’s domain

ACROSS 1 Garten of “Barefoot Contessa” 4 Come down in buckets 8 ___ Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out” band) 12 Miss piggy? 15 Martini base 18 *Gratuitous words? 20 Approved 21 Like vulgarities 23 Place for pegging 25 Self-centered sorts 26 Many a K-pop artist 27 Lock insert 28 “No problem!” 30 Curry on the court 31 Err 34 Sucker 36 Bench press targets

38 *Like a total giveaway

70 Pipe under the sink

40 Brick that hurts to step on 43 “Please! Anything else!”

72 Feature of both ogres and 106 Online addresses onions, as per Shrek (Abbr.) 74 Crude grp. 107 Oodles

104 Apple consumer?

46 Lively bashes 48 “Days of ___ Lives”

78 “I’m so excited!” noise 80 Pre-calc precursor

108 “Look what I did!” 110 [Mic check]

49 King of Judea 82 *Not needing to run a 50 “But really, though?” bar tab? 52 Life in particular regions 84 Hosts a roast, for short

111 Ink cartridge color 113 “Young Frankenstein” assistant

53 *Complimentary, but without praise

87 Ivy in Philly 89 Brillo product

115 It helps people focus 117 Java

55 Things to be ironed out 58 Strike, in the Bible 59 Property co-owner

91 Wipe out 93 Goods sold by Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”

119 Debate position 122 Opposite of success 124 “Your money is no good

61 Coffee shop order 63 ___ ed

95 “I wanna know!” 96 *All for naught?

64 Top marks 65 Flat-topped formation 67 Greet at the door

98 Controversial crops, briefly 99 Big name in printers

69 Structure with a crow’s nest

101 ___ Lingus 102 Loverboy

24 Emmy category won by “Succession” in 2022, informally 29 Chill out 32 Springsteen ballad off “Tunnel of Love” 33 In favor of 35 Puts on a coat

51 Under the weather 54 Fasteners used in climbing walls 56 Bumbling 57 Soaks a tea bag 60 Hold in high regard 62 Risk concern? 66 Suspect’s out 68 Dynamite inventor Alfred 71 Obama’s Secret Service code name 73 See eye to eye 75 Source for some plywood 76 Canine’s coat 77 Bug detectors, of a sort 79 Drag ___ 81 Knocks on, as a door 83 Appliance under a range 84 Hajj destination 85 Serbians’ neighbors 86 Luggage giant 88 “Miss Saigon” setting, for short 90 Nile reptiles 92 Glittery dress decoration

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “CNM AGMW FD XNWZAOH AX XFRMCNAOH CNWC NWX VMMO SFXC AO FJZ XFUAWS UFOXUAMOUM, WOG IM OMMG CF ZMCNAOY CNWC.” IMX XCJGA

“X AOUJ RFCXUJT PIC YJCPJLFXIT, XF AOR ONDOER JNGMJM SJ, WGF X RGCJNE AOM OT IWNXKOFXIT FI SOZJ ITJ SICJ FCE.”

“TP TCGN BTXCLNSJN XBIWI CV SUFBWI: ... ZRIJ PCK ZLBNI, NLP NC DISFI CKN SDD NRI XSLNG LISUILG GOBX.” IDTCLI DICJSLU

94 Male flock member 97 “Pale Blue ___” (photo of Earth) 100 “Just a ___!” 103 “La Bamba” singer Ritchie 105 Coax 106 Group that calls strikes 109 Ouzo flavoring 112 Far from flush

K. UJCMX

Puzzle Three Clue: V equals F

City officials announced the Ocoee recreation center, park and beautification program under the Works Progress Administration with an allotment of $23,403. The city contributed $6,704. Dorothy Spencer announced her new gift establishment, The Dorothy Shop, was planning to open Oct. 8 across the street from Mary Lou’s Beauty Parlor. Lost: “Last Wednesday evening, a brownish cream-colored bull calf. See Owner, Martha Buford, or call newspaper office.” Franklin Cappleman sent two letters to his parents from way down in the South Pacific saying he had shaved off that foreign mustache and, as far as he is concerned, would never grow a stubble like that again. It was too much trouble. He said there wasn’t much to write about — only that they were having lovely weather and the work was pleasant. He also told them they need not expect him home any time soon.

OCT. 4, 1973 Winter Garden Sports Center was located on West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, and it offered all kinds of gear for the avid hunter, as well as hunting licenses and permits. An advertisement in The Winter Garden Times announced deals on a complete line of camouflage hunting vests, jackets and hats. Shotguns were 10% off, and gun cases were 20% off with the purchase of a gun. A full line of reloading supplies was available, including shot, powder, primers, presses and shot wads. White Flyer clay targets were priced at $3.19 for a case, weatherproof dove decoys were listed at $1.89 each, and Winchester and Remington dove and quail shotgun shells in 12, 16 and 20 gauge could be purchased for $2.21 per box or $42.50 per case.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

90 years ago

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

114 Charismatic emanation 116 “Don’t go!”

118 Set in stone? 37 Bro or sis 120 Fireworks flops 39 County with some cock- 121 Biblical twin ney accents 122 Start of a giant’s chant 40 Natural dam 123 Barbecue pit morsel 41 Galilean moon 125 “___, this is a Wendy’s”

42 Objects sought in here” ... and a literal descrip- knightly quests 44 Normal, IL or Boring, OR tion of each answer to the 45 Chiding sound starred clues 47 Children of Japanese 129 Join 130 Enjoy a cruise

immigrants

131 Its days are numbered 132 WNW’s opposite

49 Box office smashes

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Puzzle Two Clue: L equals C

THESE OLD TIMES

Puzzle One Clue: F equals O

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

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(meme) 126 Stable fodder 127 State tree of Massachusetts and North Dakota 128 Before, poetically

10-12-23

Made for where you live. Here!

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This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The idea of sharing is something that has been lost in our social conscience, and we need to rethink that.” Wes Studi

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023

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TFN

ATW

• Transmission • Clutches • CV Axles • Foreign & Domestic

1150 E Semoran Blvd. Dr, Ste. B 12939 W. Colonial Apopka, FL, FL 32703 Winter Garden 34787

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395

“If you’re on a mission to fix your transmission call...” www.Firetechextinguisher.com

ATW

Central Florida’s Oldest & Largest Transmission & Total Car Care Company

Danny Motes 410845

ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD

1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

410842

“If you’re on a mission to fix your transmission call...”

TRAYWICK'S

TFN

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