Winter 2013
Windermere Town Hall
www.WindermereGazette.com
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Focus, knowledge, commitment and determination. Never settling for mediocrity but always striving for excellence. That’s what makes a Master at their craft. Yapor Realty proudly sponsors rising star and LPGA member Shasta Averyhardt— because we share these same values in life.
Specializing in Luxury, Green & REO Homes 625 Main Street, Suite 103 • Windermere, FL 34786 407-909-8000 • www.YaporRealty.com Irma G. Yapor, Broker-Owner
Shasta Averyhardt
Town of Windermere
Table of Contents
614 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786 (407) 876-2563 www.town.windermere.fl.us Administration Offices Gary Bruhn, Town Mayor Robert Smith, Town Manager Dorothy Burkhalter, Town Clerk Amanda Bird, Administrative Assistant David Grimm, Public Works Director Linda Bouton, Finance Supervisor Amanda Click, Finance Clerk II
A Message from the Mayor
Torch Run 3
Police Department Business Hours Non-Emergency: 407-876-3757 After Hours Non-Emergency: 321-299-2414 David Ogden, Police Chief Arthur Mueller, Deputy Chief Maria Carrasquillo, Police Clerk Sandra Regot, School Resource Officer
A Message from the Police Chief
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The Story of Our Town
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Farmer’s Market 6 Family Food Truck Nights
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Elders Luncheon 7
Boards and Committees Code Enforcement Board Development Review Board Downtown Business Committee Elder Affairs Committee Historical Board Long Range Planning Committee Parks and Recreation Committee Tree Board To submit news or obtain advertising information, contact Amanda Bird at (407) 876-2563 x-21. The Windermere Gazette is published quarterly. For more information visit: www.Windermere Gazette.com COPYRIGHT © Town of Windermere, FL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Valentine’s Movie Night
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Windermere Auto Show
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Windermere Yard Sale
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Easter Egg Hunt
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Festival Among the Lakes
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5K Run/Walk Among the Lakes
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2013 Winter Tennis Programs
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A Message from Mayor Gary Bruhn My Fellow Neighbors…. I hope this Newsletter finds all of you well. Here we are saying goodbye to 2012 and welcoming in 2013, and so what better time to take a look back at the year behind us and what lies ahead. WE OPENED A NEW PARK FOR WINDERMERE – The Butler Bay Recreation Center was opened in Spring, which added three newly resurfaced tennis courts. With more improvements planned as a result of input from residents, and with the support of the University of Central Florida’s Urban Planning class, there are more improvements planned. MAIN STREET RESURFACING – Main Street, which was in dire need of resurfacing was completed over the Summer. OUR 1890 (OR IS IT 1887?) SCHOOLHOUSE IS NEAR COMPLETION – Research may prove that our schoolhouse is even older than we thought. And although the schoolhouse renovations are complete, there are still a few improvements being finalized such as landscaping and an irrigation system. We hope to rededicate this property in 2013. WINDERMERE HELD THE LINE ON TAXES – We retained the same millage rate of 3.7896 as last year, which gave us the second lowest rate for a municipality in Orange County. And we were able to do this through good fiscal management, which allowed us to make the needed improvements such as resurfacing Main Street, while projecting a much better level of cash reserves at the end of 2013. WHAT LIES AHEAD IN 2013? WE WILL WELCOME A NEW POLICE CHIEF – We have signed a contract with David Ogden who has spent most of his career with the Orange County Sheriffs Department and is a local resident. He was sworn in as our new Police Chief in January.
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LOOK FOR OUR CODES AND ORDINANCES TO BE ONLINE – This will allow everyone to have access to them. We are awaiting the final update from the vendor who provides this service to all Florida municipalities and this should be ready for the new year.
Did you know?
OUR PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS EXPAND. We have transferred our permitting and inspection to a private contractor and in 2013 we will contract the City of Ocoee to do our code enforcement. This is another example of governments pooling their resources to save tax payer’s money. And before you ask, when they perform their services in town, their truck will read the Town of Windermere, not the city of Ocoee. LET’S MAKE 2013 A SAFE YEAR! As we begin a new year, I thought I would share with you the same message that I share with you every year at this time…. PREVENTING CRIME STARTS WITH EACH OF US. I want to urge each of us to do what we can to continue to make Windermere the safest community in Orange County. We can do a lot of things to help prevent crime and assist our officers. Every work day almost 20,000 vehicles travel through our town. That’s over 6 times our population. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON’T MAKE IT EASY FOR CRIMINALS! Over the past year we have seen crimes that might not have taken place had we not made it so easy. Lock your vehicles when you are not in them and do not leave valuables and your keys in your car. Do not leave packages and purses in plain view, especially at night. Lock your house doors at night. Many of you have told me that you never lock your front door. The difference between a locked door and an unlocked door can prevent you from being a victim. Do not leave your garage door open. An open garage door with no vehicles says no one is home. And if someone is home, it puts that person at risk. An open garage door also allows easy entry into your home. Do you have bushes and shrubs that make it easy for people to hide near your home? A quick trim may prevent this. You may also want to consider a motion activated spotlight in certain areas. And remember, if you are going to be away from your house for an extended period, you can contact our Police Department, (407) 876-3757, and they will check on your home. I want to extend a Happy and Prosperous New Year to each and every one of you. Don’t forget that you can read all of the latest news by visiting my website: http://www.windermeremayor.com. Gary Bruhn Your Mayor
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The Windermere Police Department is now a PROUD SUPPORTER of the SPECIAL OLYMPICS. They will be selling T-shirts and ball caps at the station with all proceeds going straight to the Special Olympics. Blue cotton T-shirts are $12, the wet/dry are $20, and ball caps are just $10. Run date is 4/23/13. For more information visit: SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org. ____________________ The Town of Windermere now accepts MasterCard, VISA and Discover as methods of payment.
I am excited for the opportunity to be selected as your next Police Chief for the Town of Windermere. With my unique qualifications, I believe I will be a great asset to Windermere, to command and lead this department into their continued progress of professional development. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to the community and familiarize yourselves with my Command Philosophy.
beneficial for the Windermere Police Department. I have been a long time resident of West Orange County and have developed a deep appreciation for our core values, our neighborhood commitment, our spirit of volunteerism, and critical importance to the Central Florida community. I am the co-founder of a local charity, member of a national charity organization, and have participated in many events over the course of my career in West Orange County. I live in the city of Winter Garden and understand the value of our local communities.
I have been a lifelong advocate, instructor, and student of developing leadership’s initiatives for excellence in the law enforcement profession. I understand that I set the foundation for a positive work climate, influence my personnel, and motivate our team in accomplishing agency goals. I am a strong believer in a team concept, with individual responsibility and accountability. I believe in the Community Policing model for success, and I am excited and eager to bring this skill set to the Windermere Police Department. I have a proven success record utilizing the Community Policing/Intelligence Led Policing model.
I have vast experience in dealing with high liability topics of concern for police agencies. I am recognized as a subject matter expert in police use of force and police training. This experience has provided me with many opportunities to travel the nation, influence critical police policy changes, work with state legislation, develop model policies for the State of Florida, and brief and/or recommend changes to high level executives in the federal government.
As a successful law enforcement officer and executive, I have had diverse experiences with managing many facets for law enforcement operations. I currently manage region 5 of the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange, which is responsible for Intelligence and law enforcement information sharing for nine counties within our Central Florida region. My daily encounters with high level executive management from the local, state, and federal agencies have provided me with valuable connections that will prove
I thank you for giving me the chance to introduce myself to you, and I welcome the opportunity to utilize my unique background, training, leadership and experience as the new Police Chief for the Town of Windermere. I am looking forward to serving your great town. Sincerely, Chief Dave Ogden
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The Beginnings of Windermere The area now known as Windermere was sold to several people by the United States in the early 1800s. At the time, the Town was owned by four families: Greaves, Plant, Shuldham and Dr. Griffin; although only the latter lived in the Town—in the first cabin built in Windermere. In 1886, W.O. Griffin and William Henry Spencer conveyed tile to land through the Town to the Florida Midland Railroad. The railroad came through the Town in 1887 with John Dawe as general manager. Dawe, an Englishman from Boston, laid out the Town and gave it the name of Windermere, after the lake town of England. He also became the second postmaster in 1891. By 1910, Samuel Sevier Griffin and his wife and children, were the sole owners of the Town. During this time, John Calvin (Cal) Palmer, a carpenter and builder, who enjoyed fishing on the pristine lakes, decided to make Windermere his winter home. He bought from Griffin, for $10,000, what is now known as Windermere plus other outlying areas. Cal Palmer was instrumental in the development and growth of Windermere’s beginnings. To be continued on the next issue.... SOURCE: Windermere Among The Lakes, The Story of a Small Town, by Carl D. Patterson, Jr.
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Windermere Among The Lakes, The Story of a Small Town, by Carl D. Patterson, Jr., can be purchased for $30. Please contact Suzi Karr at 407-595-5258.
Stop by and pick up your fresh produce, local honey, fresh bread, pasta, organic tea, nuts, gourmet cheeses, roasted coffee, healthy snacks, flowers, fresh kettlecorn, and so much more! Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WindermereFarmersMarket.
Every Friday 9 am – 2 pm Main Street
Every 4th Friday 5 – 9:30 pm Main Street Every 4th Friday of the month, the Town of Windermere’s Downtown Business Committee hosts the Family Food Truck Night. The event is held on brick Main Street, in front of Town Hall, located in the heart of Downtown Windermere. Trucks are open for business from 5 to 9:30 pm. Bring friends, family, chairs, blankets and an appetite. For the current month list of participating trucks please visit our website at www.town.windermere.fl.us. 6
Next Elders Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, February 5 at 11:30 am at Town Hall on 520 Main Street. If you are over the age of 60 and would like to join please RSVP to Karen Fay at 407-876-2218. If you are in need of a ride please call Mayor Bruhn at 407-876-1732.
February 14, 2013 at 7:30 pm Behind Town Hall on Main Street
FREE. Adults only. Bring your Valentine to the 1st Annual Windermere Valentine’s Movie Night. Bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy a romantic movie classic under the stars. Chocolate, flowers and wine will be available. SPONSORED BY:
Yapor Realty 625 Main Street, 407-909-8000
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Saturday, February 23, 2013 / 9 am – 3 pm Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Windermere Auto Show in Downtown Windermere! Time to gather the family for a fun-filled day of Antique, Classic, Exotic and American Muscle Cars & Trucks… with a few surprises mixed in!
If you have a show car or truck and would like to display it in the show, to be judged for trophies and prizes, come on over – it’s FREE! Everyone is welcome to display their show vehicles and enjoy a day in Downtown Windermere, even if you don’t want your vehicle judged!
This year promises to be bigger and better than previous years. The Downtown Business Committee members are working hard to bring this community, and all of Central Florida, a diverse auto show each year that will continue to showcase a small town family friendly event!
For more information, and to register, visit www.WindermereAutoShow.com
See you at the show!
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Downtown Windermere Yard Sale March 16, 2013 / 8 am – 1 pm Bring all of your unwanted treasures to sell at the Historic Town Square. Vendors include local antique dealers, homeowners and garage sale dealers. Edgewood Children’s ranch will be on hand to remove any leftover items and provide tax receipts. Spaces are 10’ x 10’ and are $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Since tables are not provided for this event, please bring the materials to set-up your items. For more information please contact John Thurman at johnashleyinteriors@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 30, 2013 / 10 am The Windermere Police Department’s Annual
Easter Egg Hunt
will be held in Town Square, directly behind the Windermere Town Hall. Join the Easter Bunny, Mayor and Police Chief for a parade to Town Square after which the egg hunt will begin! The Bunny will be on hand for pictures, so bring your cameras. The Town will provide drinks for the children. If you are interested in bringing cookies or snacks please contact Amanda Click at 407-876-2563 x 26.
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April 5-7, 2013 The Pines (aka OUC’s Camp Down) The Festival starts with a Jazz concert the evening of April 5 and the Main Festival April 6 and 7, 2013 at The Pines (aka OUC’s Camp Down). This year’s event is community oriented, highlighted by the participation of local churches, schools, civic organizations and the Town of Windermere committees.
Raffle tickets are $10 a piece and you do not need to be present to win.
Returning will be the boat and ski show and raffle for prizes. There will also be a craft vendors market, professional ski show, children’s carnival, food court, school art exhibit, evening jazz concert, and local music groups performing during the day.
If you would like to be a Friend of Rotary and volunteer to help with the Festival, or any of the events, please call the Festival Chairman, Doug Trovillion at 407-644-4444.
The net proceeds from this Festival will go to local charities and community projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Edgewood Children’s Ranch and other local charities.
The Festival ends at 5:30 pm on Sunday April 7 with the drawing at 5 pm.
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Mark your calendars now so you can be part of this fun community event with your family, friends and neighbors.
Saturday, April 13 / 8:00 am Windermere’s Parks and Recreation committee is proud to present the 12th annual 5K Run/Walk Among the Lakes. The three-mile route will take you through Windermere’s beautiful lakefronts of Butler, Down and Bessie, and under the canopy of old oak trees and down our beloved Florida sand roads. We anticipate more than 1,000 runners & walkers and extend an invitation to all of our residents to join in the fun. Everyone participating will receive a Collector’s Edition T-Shirt featuring a custom design by former Windermere resident artist Gregory T. Smith. The event will feature: chip timing, kid’s fun run, photo finish, Chick-fil-A, Panera bagels and Livie water. If you or your business is interested in being a sponsor, volunteer or vendor, please contact Donna Steele at (407) 876-8393, or come into the Town Offices at 614 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786. You can also visit www.TriFlorida.com for more information and to register early.
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2013 Winter Tennis Programs Youth Tennis QuickStart Tennis is an exciting new play format for learning tennis, designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring, all tailored to age and size. It is divided into two different levels—ages 8 and under and 10 and under. The program objective is to introduce QUICKSTART to children from Windermere and vicinities at the Butler Bay Recreation Complex.
Beginners
Quickstart
Ages: 4-6 years old Wednesday 3:00-4:00 pm or Saturday 9:00-10:00 am Winter Session 1 – Wednesday, January 9 thru February 13 Winter Session 1 – Saturday, January 12 thru February 16 Winter Session 2 – Wednesday, February 20 thru March 27 Winter Session 2 – Saturday, February 23 thru March 30 Cost $95.00 per six-week session Ages: 7-9 years old Wednesday 4:00-5:00 pm or Saturday 10:00-11:00 am Winter Session 1 – Wednesday, January 9 thru February 13 Winter Session 1 – Saturday, January 12 thru February 16 Winter Session 2 – Wednesday, February 20 thru March 27 Winter Session 2 – Saturday, February 23 thru March 30 Cost $95.00 per six-week session
Intermediate
Rallyball
Ages: 6-9 years old Tuesday and Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm Winter Session 1 – Tuesday, January 8 thru February 14 Winter Session 2 – Tuesday, February 19 thru March 28 Cost: $180.00 per 6-week session
Munchkins Tennis
Ages: 4-5 years old Tuesday 5:00 pm Winter Session 1 – Tuesday, January 8 thru February 12 Winter Session 2 – Tuesday, February 19 thru March 30 Cost $95.00 per six-week session.
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Adult Tennis Adult beginners classes are a great way to learn or improved your tennis skills in a fun and outgoing group setting. Basic fundamentals of strokes and swings patterns are introduced through drills and game play situations. Join us every Tuesday at the Windermere Main Street courts from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. Cost: $95.00 per 4-class session or $25.00 per class
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Session 1 – January 8 thru January 29 Session 2 – February 5 thru February 26 Session 3 – March 5 thru March 26 (10% discount to Registered Town Tennis Members) To register for any of the programs go to www.mgtennis.com and select Windermere Tennis Programs, or contact Marcelo Gouts at marcelo@mgtennis.com.
Lake Butler – the largest lake in the Butler Chain of Lakes
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