01.01.15 West Orange Times & Observer

Times& WEST ORANGE

Observer WEST ORANGE COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER FOR 109 YEARS

THURSDAY

JANUARY 1, 2015

FREE

WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA

WISHING YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR! OUR TOWN

education by Michael Eng | Executive Editor

Olympia High School earns fifth consecutive ‘A’ grade

Dr. Phillips High School also posted an ‘A’ grade following the 2013-14 FCAT. + Tri & Run event raises $3,700 Tri & Run of West Orange once again hosted the Annual Gobble Wobble Fun Run/Walk and was able to raise more than $3,700 for Matthew’s Hope.

More than 300 runners/ walkers came out to support the event this year.

For more information about the ministry, visit matthewshopeministries. org.

WEST ORANGE — Olympia High School posted a fifth-consecutive “A” grade following the 2013-14 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, Orange

County Public Schools announced in December.

Other schools posting “A” grades include Dr. Phillips, Boone, Freedom, Lake Nona,

Timber Creek and University high schools.

West Orange High School earned a “B,” while Ocoee High School posted a “C.”

In addition, the 2013-14 high-school graduation rates in Orange Coun-

SEE FCAT / PAGE 2A

ANNIVERSARY by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

now open

by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Eatery connects Ocoee with Philly flavors

+ Berger promoted in JROTC program Katia Berger, of Windermere, has earned the rank of Airman First Class in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at RandolphMacon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia.

Berger is the daughter of Robert and Kathryn Berger, of Windermere.

Randolph-Macon Academy, founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12.

Students in grades 9 to 12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force JROTC and have the opportunity to learn to fly through a unique flight program. The academy also offers several summer programs. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, Virginia.

Xerxes Snell has served as the church’s senior minister for 13 years.

Courtesy photos

Faithful Servants Ninth Street Church of Christ recently celebrated its 75th anniversary in Winter Garden.

+ KPLGA provides annual toy drive The Keene’s Pointe Ladies’ Golf Association recently held its annual Toys for Tots holiday luncheon. About 20 KPLGA members brought new, unwrapped toys. The toys were added to the collection at The Golden Bear Club, which will be distributed locally to Toys for Tots.

WINTER GARDEN — When members of the new Ninth Street Church of Christ gathered in the 1940s for a group photo outside the wooden church, two people present for the special occasion were Sally Lofton and Georgia Morgan.

On the first Sunday in December 75 years later, Senior Minister Xerxes Snell recognized the east Winter Garden church’s anniversary. As part of the celebration program last month, he honored six members, ages 70 and older, who have long been a part of the church — including Lofton and Morgan. Other pioneer members recognized were Florida Pinder, Earnestine Brown, Loretha Jefferson and Betty Cooley.

I

WO

SEE CHURCH / PAGE 2A

This week’s winner is

Lorraine Patria.

See the photo on PAGE 7B.

Longtime members of the Ninth Street Church of Christ who are still members today include Sally Lofton, in back, fourth from left, holding a dark purse; Georgia Morgan, the young girl in front of her in the second row; and Pauline Reed, the young child in the woman’s arms in the second row. This photo was taken in the 1940s on the original church site at the corner of Ninth and Center streets.

Philly Connection at Maguire Groves brings cheesesteak to West Orange.

OCOEE — When Bill Sauerwine retired to the Windermere area years ago, he noticed two things within five weeks.

One was that he was not ready to retire.

The other was an absence of truly authentic Philly cheesesteak in Central Florida.

So he found a way to remedy both.

Sauerwine became the owner of three Philly Connection franchises in Central Florida: one in Altamonte Springs, one on Kirkman Road around MetroWest and the newest location in Ocoee, which opened in early October in the Maguire Groves shopping center at the intersection of Maguire and Moore roads. Because the Maguire Groves addresses are listed as Moore Road, there has been some confusion for consumers attempting to find the restaurant via GPS, Sauerwine said.

“We tell them to look for the Publix, and we’re in that center,” he said. “People use GPS, and it takes them to Moore Road, so they don’t see a Philly Connection and think it must not be there.”

But Sauerwine already has regulars, especially among fellow snowbirds from the tristate area around Philadelphia who flew south for retirement.

These kindred spirits have

SEE PHILLY / PAGE 2A

INDEX Classifieds ...........................23A Crossword............................21A

Here’s My Card.....................23A Photo Contest ......................21A

Schools ...............................11A Sports..................................17A

Weather ...............................21A Year in Photos ........................3A

Vol. 83, No. 1 , Two sections

WOTimes.com

Forget about the Resolutions…Start a Relationship with The One who changes Everything

New year, New Beginnings, New Journey 13640 W. COLONIAL DRIVE

A MESSAGE FROM NEXT

Let the Journey begin…2 begin… CORINTHIANS 5:14-21 WWW.NEXTCOMMUNITYCHURCH.INFO COMMUNITY CHURCH

2A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

CHURCH / PAGE 1A Four of the six were there for the anniversary celebration; Pinder and Morgan live in nursing homes and were unable to attend.

The two-day homecoming program, called “75 Years Under the Son,” included musicians, lunch and a time of togetherness. Scrapbooks chronicling the church’s history were on display. The city of Winter Garden presented Snell and his congregation a proclamation to commemorate the occasion. “(The weekend) was basically all about appreciating those who had gone on before us so we could do the things today that we are able to do,” Senior Minister Xerxes M. Snell said of the Dec. 7 program. “We are able to be a successful church today because of those who made sacrifices and did all the things necessary a long time ago to make us what we are today.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Ninth Street Church of Christ works closely with the East Winter Garden Community Development Corporation, reaching out to the community and its neediest

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

WORSHIP WHERE: Ninth Street Church of Christ, 97 Ninth St., Winter Garden WHEN: 10 a.m. Sundays PHONE: (407) 656-1215 members. Through this partnership, the church and CDC provide food baskets and vouchers during the holidays and regular clothing drives.

“All the projects the CDC is involved in, our church helps with funding and volunteers,” Snell said. “Our work is more concentrated in the poor area of Winter Garden, pretty much in east Winter Garden, where a lot of residents (have income) at or under the poverty level.”

Church volunteers often participate in home-improvement projects, where they go into residents’ homes and fix or replace what is broken.

They concentrate on the community’s elderly population and citizens with disabilities.

“Community service is a passion of mine,” Snell said.

“Jesus ministered to the needs of the whole person (physical and spiritual). We partner with the East Winter Garden Community Development Corpo-

PHILLY / PAGE 1A sought that special, real Philly cheesesteak as Sauerwine had, and he has delivered it to them.

“They don’t always get the cheesesteak — sometimes they’ll get the chicken wings or something else,” Sauerwine said. “But they’re coming in here every day, and I don’t know how they do it.”

Why they do it is no mystery to Sauerwine, though. A combination of that particular craving and the fresh ingredients used at Philly Connections has steadily grown demand, to the point that Sauerwine already is considering further expansion, to five Central Florida locations, by sometime next year, he said.

In addition to exploring possible locations for a franchise in Windermere, Sauerwine plans to open a franchise by

Zak Kerr

Ocoee’s Philly Connection franchise, offering authentic Philly cheesesteak, opened in October at Maguire Groves.

April in downtown Orlando, across from the courthouse, just off Interstate 4, he said.

As for the fresh ingredients, Philly Connection uses only all-natural products, includ-

The Ninth Street Church of Christ was established in August 1939. Following the commandment given in Matthew 28:19, 20 — “Therefore,

go and make disciples …”

— brothers from the Ocoee Church of Christ were instrumental in bringing the gospel to the east Winter Garden area. O.T. Starling, Lew McEwan, L.B. Chastain and B.B. McCormic were supportive of the church’s early work, and to demonstrate their commitment, they donated blocks that were used to build the first church building in 1941.

Starling brought Brother John Vaughner of the 20th Street Church of Christ and Brother F.L. Thompson of the Liberty City Church of Christ to the Winter Garden area.

These pioneers held tent meetings in an effort to convert people in this area. The Ocoee, West Orange and Jefferson Street (now Concord) Church of Christ supplied financial support for the tent meetings, Bibles, chairs and other needs.

Some of the first converts who obeyed the gospel under the teaching of Vaughner were Sisters Mildred Dixon, Florence Brinson and Dorothy Williams. Other Christians who attended under Thompson’s leadership were Brother Saber Chisolm and Sisters Ollie Smith and Pauline Stringer.

Attendance at the yearly

gospel meetings resulted in increased membership. Baptisms for the new converts were held in Black Lake, south of West Colonial Drive, in Tildenville.

In the early years, members worshipped in a rented building on the corner of Ninth and Center streets. The congregation moved to its second location, 115 Ninth St., in January 1980.

In June 2004, the church broke ground across the street for a new sanctuary. Two months later, the baptistery’s heat pump caught fire and the sanctuary was destroyed. The building was leveled and rebuilt as a multi-purpose facility. Construction continued on the new sanctuary, at 97 Ninth St., and the first service was held there in November 2007.

The ministers who have served at Ninth Street Church of Christ are Brothers U. Knight, William Whitter, L.C. Hendricks, Thomas Reese, J.R. Reeves, Fenton Martin, Thomas Sparks, V.E. Williamson, Darnell Brown, Charles Richardson, F.R. Singleton, J.E. Thomas Sr., E.K. Felton and Xerxes Snell.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

ing freshly prepared same-day vegetables and special breads exclusive to Philly Connection.

“They have just 80 calories, with nothing artificial and no preservatives,” Sauerwine said.

These proprietary, special-recipe rolls and marinated, 92% lean steak have made the Philly cheesesteaks of Philly Connection award-winning in other states, with the possibility of winning such awards here in Central Florida, said John Pollock, who started Philly Connection and has expanded it to states such as Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas.

Among those other items is a special type of funnel cake exclusive to Philly Connection, like the recipes for their wings, Sauerwine said.

“We have a funnel fryer we use to make French-fry-

shaped funnel cake with powdered sugar on it,” he said.

“No one else does that.”

Despite an array of unique foods, the menu at Philly Connection remains compact by design, not overwhelming the customers with too many options, Sauerwine said.

This could make it easier to start the food truck venture Philly Connection will have in the area, possibly as soon as January, for events all around West Orange County. Whether a second food truck will be necessary immediately is still up in the air, but that part of the business will ultimately expand, too, Sauerwine said.

Sauerwine’s daughter has gotten involved with the franchises, as well, working primarily on the finance side. She has been working with his construction business, also, which has built several homes in Keene’s

Pointe in Windermere.

Sauerwine had several businesses centered on construction from the area around Philadelphia, with his former home having been in southern New Jersey. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a town in the northeastern part of the state that was built on mining and energy industries. After he completed his education, he had found business as his first calling.

“I originally worked in finance, but then I traded in three-piece suits for something simpler,” he said.

And keeping things simple, unique, fresh and all-natural has made Philly Connection a destination for all, from everyday snowbird retirees looking for that true taste of home to the local suits who are looking for a quality lunch.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

ration because of its mission to empower residents of this community to live a better quality of life. There is a lot to accomplish in the east Winter Garden community, and we want to be a part of the progress that helps residents move from dependency to self-sufficiency and help the community thrive as it did in the past.”

Snell, a native of Fort Lauderdale, has served at the Winter Garden church for 13 years. He and his wife of 22 years, the former Carol “Alisa” Chapman, have two sons, Joshua and Jordan.

“I feel like I minister to the greatest congregation on the face of the earth,” Snell said.

“The members of our congregation are the most loving, caring and giving people I’ve ever been around in my 21 years of ministry. We reach out to everyone with the love of Christ and strive to demonstrate that love by how we treat each other and our fellow man.”

HISTORY

FCAT / PAGE 1A ty rose 1.3 percentage points — up to 88.1% — among the district’s 19 traditional high schools. West Orange, the largest school in the county, posted the greatest rise with a 9.2-percentage-point increase, up to a 91.1% graduation rate.

Timber Creek led the district with a 95.6% graduation rate.

Other high performers include Olympia (93.6%), Lake Nona (93.5%), Jones High (93.4%), Boone (90.9%), Winter Park (90.9%) and Freedom (90.7%).

Graduation rates at other high schools include University (89.0%), Dr. Phillips (88.8%), Ocoee (87.3%), Apopka (85.8%), East River (85.7%), Edgewater (85.6%), Wekiva (84.6%), Cypress Creek (84.1%), Evans (77.7%), and Oak Ridge (74.2%). Orange County Virtual School also posted a 90.9% graduation rate.

The overall district graduation rate, which includes charter and alternative schools, decreased 1.3 percentage points to 74.6% since last year. The best charters included Orlando Science Charter (100%), Cornerstone Academy (96.6%) and Legacy Charter (95.1%). Charter schools are not under the direction of the Orange County School Board.

BY THE NUMBERS

SCHOOL

FCAT GRAD. GRADE RATE

WEST ORANGE SCHOOLS Dr. Phillips A 88.8% Ocoee C 87.3% Olympia A 93.6% West Orange B 91.1% OTHER SCHOOLS Apopka B Colonial B Cypress Creek B East River B Edgewater B Freedom A Jones C Lake Nona A Maynard Evans C Oak Ridge C Timber Creek A University A Wekiva C William R Boone A Winter Park B

85.8% 83.8% 84.1% 85.7% 85.6% 90.7% 93.4% 93.5% 77.7% 74.2% 95.6% 89.0% 84.6% 90.9% 90.9%

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Year in Pictures

WOTimes.com

3A

4A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

JANUARY Above: Florida Master Naturalist Jackie Rolly presented a program on restoring Easter Island landscapes Monday, Jan. 20. Rolly is an ONP Board Member and a vital leader of restoration efforts at the preserve. Published Jan. 9.

Left: Members of the Cornell University men’s rowing team make their way through the canal headed back to Lake Down from Wauseon Bay. Published Jan. 23.

South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association workers pose for a photo in one of the company’s orange groves. SLACGA was founded in 1909 by area residents James H. Sadler, L.W. Tilden, G.R. Croft, D.L. Pierson, S.B. Hall and A.W. Hurley and originally operated out of a building that still stands on Tildenville School Road in Winter Garden. Published Jan. 30.

Dancers from Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance participated at the Florida Dance Masters Thanksgiving Convention in Orlando.

Jenna Latham placed as third runner-up in Jr. Miss Dance and received a ballet scholarship.

Published Jan. 2.

Below: Team Fitness Elite is operating out of the Winter Garden Fitness studio in downtown Winter Garden. Owner and longtime West Orange resident Christian Climer brought his training system from Orlando to Winter Garden. Published Jan. 30.

The cold weather couldn’t keep away the 110 runners who had registered to participate in the Oakland 3-Mile Nature Trail Run. Selvin Reyes, of Orlando, was the first male to cross the finish line, with a time of 17:09, and Jennifer Picciano was the first female runner to finish, with a time of 20:50. Published Jan. 23.

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING Notice is hereby given that the City of Winter Garden, Florida, is scheduled to hold a municipal election on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at which time the following three officials are to be elected to serve a 3-year term:

Commissioners for Districts 2, 3, and 4 Candidates for the City Commission shall have been a resident of the city and district in which they run for one (1) year by the end of qualifying and shall have been a registered voter in the district they run for one (1) year prior to the end of the qualifying period. Those elected to office shall maintain their district residency and voter registration while in office.

Individuals may announce their candidacy and open a campaign account by completing forms provided by the City Clerk at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, anytime prior to the qualifying period.

The candidate qualifying period will begin at noon, Tuesday, January 20, 2015 and will close at noon, Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Additional qualifying forms and the qualifying fee will be required at that time.

If you should have questions or require additional information, please contact the City Clerk at 407-656-4111, extension 2254.

Kathy Golden, CMC City Clerk/Supervisor of Municipal Elections

West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $21.50 per year ($35 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper. © Copyright 2014 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved

TO ADVERTISE

For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gufstason, (321) 239-3252, or Dawn Willis, (407) 656-2121.

For Classifieds, call (407) 6562121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com.

Times WEST ORANGE

CONTACT US The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.

The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Laine Richardson, lrichardson@wotimes.com Office Manager / Sales / Rose Blankenship, rblankenship@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com

“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

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Thank You! For your support of

The Reading Reindeer Program Sponsored by:

The West Orange Times & Observer and Just 1 Book The 17th Year of the Reading Reindeer program.

We collected and distributed more than 2700 new books to children in the West Orange community.

Business and Individual Contributors

Active 50 and Over - W.G. Recreation Department Adult Literacy League Al Fresco’s Alarie Design Axum Coffee Bloom ‘n Grow Garden Society The Tasting Room at the Chef ’s Table Candlelight Circle FUMCWG Diva’s Salon & Spa Gentle Touch Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa Just 1 Book Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School Planet Smoothie Rotary Club of Winter Garden Rowan Trainer - Worthwhile Wed. V Hair Studio The Waxing Room West Oaks Library

West Orange Chamber of Commerce West Orange Junior Service League Windermere Library Windermere Rotary Winter Garden Lions Foundation Winter Garden Library Winter Garden Rotary Renee Adams

Pat Gleason Cyndi Gustafson Vicky Ha Tim & Kathy Levin Helen Liddle Marge Palaigos John Pickett Michelle Ramsey

Kathy Aber

Margaret Reper

Andrew Bailey

Janet & Phil Sgamma

Anne Bailey

Marsha Shope

Lorriel Blaise

Jennifer Walker

Lucy and Harry Bradford

Ken and Barbara Whitaker

Debbie Cox

Ethan Long

Mary Curtis Bill and Sharlene Dewitz

Jan Yount

Sarah Dewitz

Laurie and Kevin Tarter

Daniel Dewitz

Commissioner Scott Boyd

Ida Echeverria

Commissioner Bobby Olszewski

Distribution Partners Early Learning Coalition - OCPS Edgewood Children’s Ranch Health Central The Maxey Center Maxey Headstart & Pre-K Migrant Early Education - OCPS Resurrection Catholic Church

St. Jude Catholic Church Toys for Tots of W.G. - Winter Garden Police Dept.

Toys for Tots of Ocoee - Ocoee Police Dept.

West Orange Christian Service Center W.G. Children’s Health Center W.O. Neighborhood Center for Families

5A

6A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Volunteers at Oakland Nature Preserve worked on a restoration project in the uplands as part of the Sandhill restoration project. Published Feb. 13.

Left: West Orange High School students Maddie Welch, left, a junior, and Kristiana Caine, a senior, were two of about 300 high school dancers from across the United States who performed in the world-famous London New Year’s Day Parade. Published Feb. 6.

FEBRUARY The YMCA Aquatic Center hosted the annual Nike Swim Team Challenge and the USA Swimming “Swim Your Own Age” Meet. Xavier Barnes, 10, swam the breast stroke. Published Feb. 13.

Above: Nikea Malcolm, left, performed as the Witch, Jacob Zimmerman as Hansel, and Trista Sinex as Gretel during West Orange High School’s production of “Once Upon a Time …” Published Feb. 6.

Ocoee unveiled its new state-of-the-art community center at a dedication ceremony in February. The ceremony commemorated the completion of the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, located at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. Published Feb. 13.

16207 Hwy. 50, Clermont *In the Green Roof Building

3619 E. County Rd. 466 Oxford, Fl

We wish you a

Happy New Year!

TAP • BALLET • JAZZ • LYRICAL • HIP HOP CONTEMPORARY • TUMBLING 3 & UP BEGINNER THRU ADVANCED LEVELS

2014 3 time prestigious Victory Cup Winner Rising Star Program thru Shooting Stars Advanced Levels

$

10 Off

Registration Fee with this coupon

We offer weekly classes as well as a competition team, which is ranked in the

Top 50 of the nation’s most competitive dance teams

407-905-4922 • 407-701-7787

e ! c n Da

ift of G e th Give

www.shootingstarsdanceschool.com

Left: Barbara Roe was 23 and Norman Fleming was 18 when their father was killed while on duty with the Winter Garden Police Department.

They were present for a memorial dedication that honored the lives of officers Dalton Fleming and William Benton. Published Feb. 20.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

7A

Florida Hospital has announced the name for its ninth campus in the Metro Orlando area: Florida Hospital Winter Garden.

Published March 6.

Ocoee resident and Wekiva High School sophomore Brett Vorheis and his steer, Lonestar, were awarded Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the Central Florida Fair on March 8. Lonestar weighed in at 1,080 pounds and helped Brett earn the title of Intermediate Showmanship Champion.

Published March 27.

MARCH Gailanne Amundsen played well into the night when she performed during the second act of the Rhythm & Roots Festival. Published March 13.

Friends, family and dignitaries gathered at a reception in March at Tanner Hall to honor and welcome Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet and his wife, Krystina, to Oakland and West Orange County. Published March 27.

FCAT superheroes wandered the fourthgrade hallways of Keene’s Crossing Elementary School to add a little fun to the learning experience.

Published March 13.

Cyclists reached top speeds during the third annual Winter Garden Bike Fest. More than 1,500 bikes were in town that day to participate in or support the event.

Published March 13.

8A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

Winter Garden Deputy Fire Chief Matt McGrew was promoted to the position of fire chief by City Manager Mike Bollhoefer. Published April 10.

Right: Children were intrigued by the colorful butterflies in the butterfly tent at Spring Fever in the Garden. Published April 10.

APRIL Palm Lake Elementary School held its Annual Father/Daughter Dance. The dads and daughters had a good time eating, taking photos and dancing. Published April 10.

Left: Four-year-old twins Bella, left, and Chloe Oquendo opened each egg to see what treasures awaited them during the Winter Garden Lions Club’s annual Easter egg hunt. The Winter Garden girls joined hundreds of other children at the annual celebration. Published April 24.

Ocoee High School crowned the 2014 Mr. and Miss Ocoee. Some of the contestants were Jordon Azor; Shilpa Ravoory; Aaron Moton; Gianna Castillo; Kayla Wilson, second runner-up; Castillo Mitchell, second runner-up; Nyasia Crandall, Miss Ocoee; Eric Patton, Mr. Ocoee; Kelsey Ammons, first runner-up; Justin Butler, first runner-up; Jesse Gerlach; Niamh Hays; Mark Drennen and Zuri Montgomery. Published April 3.

MAY The city of Ocoee honored fallen soldiers at its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 23. Officials who attended included state Rep. Bryan Nelson, left; Cindy Brown, from U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster’s office; Ocoee City Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen; Mayor Scott Vandergrift; Commissioner John Grogan; retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Madeux, keynote speaker; Commissioner Rusty Johnson; Commissioner Joel Keller; and Alvin Moore, candidate for District 2 Orange County Commissioner. Published June 5.

Occupancy of the planned, mixed-use development in Ocoee known as City Center West Orange is anticipated by October 2016.

Published May 15.

Joshua Gozar nears the finish line during a race at the Big Orange Games in Ocoee. Many physically challenged children enjoyed various track-and-field competitions at the event. Published May 1.

Theresa Fennessy Helsel, 37 and a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School, ran the 118th Boston Marathon on April 20.

Published May 1.

Synderes, the rock band of five current and former West Orange High students, was chosen out of thousands of submissions to be in the top 25 for the Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star Competition. Bandmates Alec Lowe, left, Amanda Hernandez, Pierson Lowe, Jasper Chong and Anthony Hernandez share their band’s excitement in New York City’s Times Square. Published May 8.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

9A

Happy New Year!!!

Shop our Sidewalk Sale Now through January 4th!

Use those gift cards you got over the holidays here!

The Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance’s annual recital featured dancers of all ages, as well as six graduating seniors. Acts included “Out of Africa,” performed by the EPSOD company dancers, and “Chicago.”

Back row, from left: Sarah Sawyer, Sabrina Mejia, Jaclyn Lincoln, Colin Ehrbar, Uma Budhu, Lauren Mogg and Emily James. Middle row, from left: Ashley Brinkman, Paige Christoffers, Jenna Latham and Olivia Gerakios. Front row: Gabriella Badua and Anna Lee. Published June 26.

JUNE

The Braids and Weave Factory

Shoes Palace

Bell’s Shoes Evelyn’s Creations Heart My Locks Salon

Milian Jewelers

Villard’s Suits

Tenshi Formalwear Home Elements

The West Orange Times received many entries for its Father’s Day contest, and there was a number of father-son look-alikes in West Orange County.

The winner was Sean Reish and his son, Cael, of Winter Garden. For sharing so many similar features with his son, Sean Reish was recognized June 15 at the Winter Garden Squeeze home baseball game at West Orange High School. He also received a $50 gift card to Ace Hardware and a $100 general gift card. Published June 12.

9401 W. Colonial Drive • Ocoee, FL 34761 • (407) 294-1494

www.westoaksmall.com or visit us on Facebook!

Left: Sabrina Searles, 17, of Winter Garden, washed cars to raise money to travel to Oklahoma for a national horseback-riding competition.

She competes on her horse, Just My Lexus aka Scotch. Published June 19.

Anthony Realmuto won the June 26 “I Love West Orange Photo Contest” with this photo of a silhouetted newlywed couple and their photographer capturing a special moment.

Published June 26.

For a FREE in-home estimate, call us today!

*Free Installation

with purchase of $150 or more.

10A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Dancers from Ready, Set, Dance! in Gotha competed in a Dance Educators of America National event in Charleston, South Carolina. Lauren Diaz, left, won the title of 2014 Miss Teen Dance with her solo, “All Coming Back To Me.” Olivia Van Exel won the title of 2014 Miss Junior Dance with her solo, “Dare You To Move!”

Published July 17.

JULY

The Jazz Ensemble at West Orange High School was invited to attend the 68th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The event is international band and orchestra event averages 17,000 attendees from more than 30 countries and features performing ensembles from around the globe. Published July 24.

Heather and McLean Alley are getting to know their adopted infant son, who was born in Japan in April. The Alleys named him Miko, a derivative of Michael, the archangel.

His middle name is Kekoa, a Hawaiian name meaning strength and bravery. The Alleys were married in Hawaii.

Published July 17.

Tanner Moore, Kane Cook and Tyler Moore hung out with Uncle Sam, of the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, at the All-American Kids Parade on July 4. Published July 10.

Glenda Quarles Hammons, of Oakland, graduated with her doctoral degree in education from Nova Southeastern University, in Sunrise. Published July 31.

Cassidy Lee, 2, loves to play on the farm with her brothers and sisters Tyler, Adreya, Brendyn, Wyatt and Madelynne, who compete to gather the most snap peas. Published Aug. 21.

Jessica Parker, left, and Clara Donati are as close as sisters after spending two months together in Belgium and the United States. Published Aug. 28.

AUGUST

Above: The Ocoee High School Class of 2015 started off the year with its annual parking lot painting event, during which seniors can decorate their parking spaces. August Carroll shows off the flower she painted.

Published Aug. 28.

Left: Lucy Carreno was excited to start her first day of VPK at Children’s Lighthouse.

Published Aug. 28.

Fortunately, this Winter Garden home was vacant when lightning struck it during a summer afternoon rainstorm; unfortunately, it was in the process of being sold. According to Fire Chief Matt McGrew, damages were estimated at $250,000. Nine units — six from Winter Garden and three from Ocoee — had the fire under control in 33 minutes. Published Aug. 7.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

West Orange High School alumnus Daniel Mogg is the production manager for NBC’s Sunday Night Football Bus and is traveling the country throughout the 2014 NFL season. Published Sept. 25.

11A

Mrs. Windermere Amy Santiago participated in the Lymphatic Education and Research Network’s 2014 Walk for Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases Sept.

14, in New York. Published Sept. 4.

SEPTEMBER Above: Bob Cook, left, CENFLO executive director, and actor/stuntman and Gotha resident Jeff Chase were among the featured speakers at the ninth annual Central Florida Film Festival over Labor Day weekend, at Ocoee’s West Orange Cinema.

Published Sept. 4.

Pre-kindergartners at Maxey Elementary were able to choose their own quilts when a local couple visited.

Chrishariah Sharron beamed after receiving her quilt.

Published Sept. 25.

COME GROW WITH US

Sophia Fitzgibbon submitted this picture of Sara Smith during a sunrise yoga paddle on Lake Down to the I Love West Orange Photo Contest. Published Sept. 4.

WINTER GARDEN FORECLOSED HOMES MUST BE SOLD!!

Priced $125K-$299K

Free list w/pics, addresses, & details just go to: www.WinterGardenForeclosures.com Keller Williams Heritage

Discover

GENTLE CHIROPRACTIC

CAR ACCIDENT PAIN? I CAN HELP!

DR. JO J. REEVES,

CHIROPRACTOR 407-656-0390 Discover the effectiveness of GENTLE SPECIFIC CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING. Our therapy department, including a licensed massage therapist and acupuncturist enables us to treat many varied conditions. Acute or chronic, mild or severe,if you are suffering, we have the facilities and training to help you.

Most insurance accepted. Lic. # MM1720, MA32524

1080 S. DILLARD ST. WINTER GARDEN, FL • Back Pain • Headaches • Shoulder Pain • Neck Pain • Arthritis • Painful Joints • Stiffness • Numbness • Arm/Leg Pain • Bursitis • Hip Pain • Cold Hands/Feet

12A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

“Because you care” Cremation, Funeral and Burial Starting at $795

(407)695-CARE (2273)

www.DeGusipeFuneralhome.com Family owned & operated 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd.

Ocoee, FL 34761 Maitland Sanford West Orange

Windermere resident Amber Larkin always keeps son Noah close to her heart and has helped find a new protocol for treating pediatric brain cancer.

Published Oct. 23.

OCTOBER

Left: Violette Zengotita, 5, saddled up for the bouncy horse race Oct. 17, at Westbrooke Elementary School’s annual Fall Carnival. The carnival is the school’s largest fundraiser of the year. Published Oct. 30.

Have You Planned Ahead??

To Receive Your FREE Planning Guide, Call

407-877-6700

Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home Winter Garden resident Lee Grimes has worked on TV and film productions and applied prosthetic makeup to Lady Gaga during her Monster Ball Tour.

Published Oct. 23.

www.collisoncareyhand.com

Nikki O’Day, Leny Debler and Clarisa Lefran held hands as they completed the fifth annual Think Pink 5K Run/Walk Oct. 11, at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA. Published Oct. 16.

1148 E.Plant St • Winter Garden • Fl 34787

“Proudly Serving all of West Orange County with Dignity and Respect”

In Loving Memory Dusten Alan Burruezo 10-30-87 to 1-6-05

He went away without farewell He said goodbye to none But Heaven’s gate was open wide And a loving voice said “Come” Beside his grave we often stand Our hearts are tired and sore But through the gloom There comes the words, “Not dead, just gone before.”

10 years ago life changed for many as you were called to join the angels in heaven.

You are missed and loved more than can ever be described. Your passion for life, family, friends, and comedy lives on in us.

Not a day goes by that you are not thought of, prayed for, dreamed of, smiled at, and felt in spirit as we await the perfect time to be reunited with you. With love and sorrow at your life on earth ending much too early.

Mommy, Alex, Vincent, and Christina.

Staci Stout starred in the title role of West Orange High School’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Stout recently returned from a summer in New York, where she was featured at the Broadway Star of the Future competition and then studied vocal performance and technique at CAP 21, the training ground for numerous current Broadway stars. Published Oct. 2.

Sky Blue, 9, was among the first girls to hit the dance floor at KCC Orange’s first Princess Ball. Published Oct. 9.

Elizabeth Chaconas and her group, Violectric, were among the featured performers at MusicFest 2014. Published Oct. 16.

Needing Home Improvements?

“Come home to quality”

Wood Rot • Siding • Decks • Additions and more

(407) 947-9313 www.TAMillerConstruction.com

1/15/15

Welcome Mary Mula, Sales Manager and Tami Klein, Account Executive Southern Stewart Title

Allison Garner- Thoma, CLC (407) 378-2340 Kelley Timson, LTA (407) 378-2341 Mary H. Mula, Sales Manager (407) 810-8369 Tami Klein, Account Executive (407) 361-0730

www.stitle.com

446 W. Plant Street, Suite 4 • Winter Garden, FL 34787 Office (407) 656-9800 • Fax (407) 656-9852

COME GROW WITH US Blair M. Johnson M. Johnson Blair M. Johnson Blair Blair Blair M. M. Johnson M. Johnson Johnson AttorneyAt AtLaw Law ••• 407-656-5521 407-656-5521 Attorney Attorney At Law 407-656-5521 Attorney Attorney Attorney At Law At St. Law •At407-656-5521 Law • 407-656-5521 • 407-656-5521 425 South Dillard Winter Garden,FlFl 34787 South Dillard St. •••Winter Garden, 425 South Dillard St. Winter Garden, Fl34787 425 South 425 South 425 Dillard South Dillard St.Dillard • Winter St. • St. Winter Garden, • Winter Garden, FlGarden, 34787 Fl 34787 Fl34787 34787

• • • • •

• Wills/Advance Directives

• Landlord/Tenant

Wills/Advance Directives Landlord/Tenant •• Wills/Advance Directives Landlord/Tenant Wills/Advance • Wills/Advance • Wills/Advance Directives Directives Directives • Landlord/Tenant •• •Landlord/Tenant • Landlord/Tenant • Estates • Real estate: Contracts Estates Real estate: Contracts Estates • Estates • Estates • Real•• •estate: Real • Real estate: Contracts estate: Contracts Contracts •• Estates Real estate: Contracts Closings, Short Sales Closings, Short • Corporation/LLC Closings, Closings, Short Closings, Short Sales Short Sales Sales Corporation/LLC Closings, ShortSales Sales Corporation/LLC • Corporation/LLC • Corporation/LLC •• Corporation/LLC Deed in Lieu Deed Deed in Lieu Deed in Lieu in Lieu Deed in Lieu •Commerical transactions Commerical • Commerical Commerical • Commerical transactions transactions transactions Deed in Lieu transactions •• Commerical transactions •And And other matters • And•• other • other And matters other matters matters Divorce • Divorce Divorce • Divorce And other matters • •Divorce

• Divorce

• And other matters

Proudly Proudly serving Proudly serving West serving West Orange West Orange County Orange County for County over for over for years. over 30 years.

30 years.

Proudly serving West Orange County for30 over 30 years.

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 30 years.

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 30 years. www.blairjohnsonlaw.com www.blairjohnsonlaw.com www.blairjohnsonlaw.com www.blairjohnsonlaw.com

www.blairjohnsonlaw.com www.blairjohnsonlaw.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

13A

Four-year-olds at Zion New Life Lutheran Church and Preschool in Winter Garden recreated the first Thanksgiving Nov. 21 with a fun-filled celebration. Published Nov. 27.

Renaut and Brooke van der Riet and their eight children, Birhanu, left, Hope, Mehari, Hadley, Fitsimti, Cole, Rahel and Cullen.

Nearly three years ago, the Clermont couple — called by God to double the number of kids in their family — adopted four Ethiopian siblings after meeting the youngest child during a visit to an orphanage in the African nation. Published Nov. 13.

David Dorr and his band, Spayed Koolie, performed on opening night of the 2014 Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival, held Nov. 7 and 8 at Bill Breeze Park. Published Nov. 13.

NOVEMBER

Daoud Mimanche, 8, was ready to ride at this year’s Southwest Fall Festival. Published Nov. 6.

Professor Brent DeWitt, a circus performer from Sarasota, donned a top hat and green coat to welcome the crowd to Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater’s Punch and Judy Show Nov. 1 at the Winter Garden Culture Fest. Published Nov. 6.

Left: Lexi Flanigan, left, Sydney Mays, Shay Henderson, Janel Hernandez and Ashley Benson met singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in New York City. The West Orange girls won the national Taylor Swift “Shake it Off” contest. Published Nov. 13.

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, who won re-election to the House of Representatives, took to the corner of West Colonial Drive and Dillard Street in Winter Garden Nov. 7 to thank voters. Published Nov. 13.

“We have the largest chapel in West Orange County”

407-614-8350

“That’s My Wish” We are your Hometown Funeral Home, offering our:

Direct Cremation for:

750.00

$

Call for details

Use of our newly renovated “Celebration of Life” reception room included with selected funeral packages

www.winteroakfuneralhome.com 1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden Florida 34787 • LIC #F080822

14A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Samantha and Steve Lustinia were among the superheroes who attended the first Winter Garden WonderFest. The festival featured a variety of booths from local comic artists, game shops and more. Published Dec. 4.

George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life” met George Bailey, former owner of the West Orange Times, on this parade float at the Winter Garden Christmas Parade. Published Dec. 11.

DECEMBER

Windermere Prep sixth-graders Raeland Mitchell and Aubree Howard gleaned crops for Second Harvest Food Bank during the school’s Middle School Community Service program. Published Dec. 11.

Windermere resident Lucas Isasi, 13, was chosen to be a contestant on Lifetime’s “Project Runway: Threads.” His episode aired Dec. 4. Published Dec. 4.

1575 MAGUIRE RD.

FOR SHOWTIMES

www.westorange5.com

please call

(1 BLK. OFF HWY. 50)

407-877-8111

“Homemade Sandwiches and Snacks Available”

X

MAGUIRE RD.

W. HWY 50

General $8.00 Child (2-12) $6.00 Senior (60+) $6.00 Matinee (before 5pm) $6.00 3D is an additional $2.00 per ticket

Emily Brown, 7, left, Olivia Rogers, 8, and Amanda Rogers, 3, all had a wonderful time at Light Up Winter Garden. Published Dec. 11.

Oakland resident Marilyn Mack received a candy cane from Santa Claus after hopping onto his lap during the town’s Santa Day. Published Dec. 18.

CHEMICAL FREE PRODUCE

407 877-8111

INCOME TAXES

THESE SHOWTIMES FOR:

FRIDAY, Dec. 26 thru THURS, Jan. 1

Enrolled Agent Master of Science in Taxation

THE BEST MOVIE VALUE IN WO COUNTY

Want more?

Visit us online at

wotimes. com

57 N Lakeview Avenue, Winter Garden.

We insu re

JoAnne Quarles, C.L.C.

your trea

sure, one closing

im at a t

• joanne@treasuretitle.com

office 407.654.8811 • mobile 407.758.4479 • fax 407.654.4885 12184 W. Colonial Dr, Ste 102 • Winter Garden, FL 34787

407.291.3077

www.PPMRC.com Specializing in…

• Pain Management • Sports Injuries • Neck Pain • Shoulder/Hip/Knee Pain • State of the Art Facilities • Onsite Fluoroscopy Suite • Physical Therapy Services

N. Nwaogwugwu, M.D. (Dr. N)

Board Certified PM&R Mayo Clinic & Northwestern Alumnus Former College Student Athlete

“We treat Auto Injuries”

882 S. Kirkman Rd. Suite 305 • Orlando, FL 32811

e!

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

WOTimes.com

15A

16A

WOTimes.com

Chamber Recognitions

The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Hillcrest Insurance located at 1165 E. Plant Street, Suite 6, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Hillcrest Insurance Agency, established in 1985, is a multi-line, Trusted Choice, insurance agency focused on the protection of its clients. Employees are committed to going the extra mile to serve their clients and their community. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.

The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Results Realty, LLC, 7682 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite B, Orlando. It is a Central Floridabased residential real-estate brokerage firm with a leadership team representing more than 150 years of combined Central Florida real estate experience. With a team of 170 Realtors in six office locations, the team is committed to providing best-in-class service to assist clients in finding and affording the home of their dreams. The organization is ranked among the top 500 Power Brokers by RIS Media and Real Trends Magazine and is accredited with the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida. The company is owned by Joe Doher, Jeff Perry and Tim St. Gordon, who call Central Florida home and take a hands-on approach to motivating their team and supporting their local communities through a variety of philanthropic projects. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Crafted Block & Brew, 2417 S. Hiawassee Road. Located in the heart of MetroWest, Crafted Block & Brew is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Offering an assortment of gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches and more, Crafted also specializes in craft beer, wine and spirits, as well as a Sunday brunch. Photo courtesy of the WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Premier Laser Spa, located at 8081 Turkey Lake Road, #550, Orlando. It offers a permanent hair-removal solution to people in the Orlando area. Treating guests since 2005, it offers an extensive guarantee. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Standard Pacific Homes.

Standard Pacific Homes has been building high-quality homes and neighborhoods since its founding in Southern California in 1965. With a trusted reputation for quality craftsmanship, an outstanding customer experience and exceptional architectural design, the company utilizes its decades of land acquisition, development and homebuilding expertise to successfully navigate today’s complex landscape to acquire and build desirable communities in locations that meet the high expectations of the company’s targeted move-up homebuyers. To learn more, visit standardpacifichomes.com.

Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne.

The West Orange Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting for Philly Connection with local owner William J. Sauerwine. Philly Connection is located in the Plantation Grove Shopping Center at 320 Moore Road, Ocoee. The Atlanta-based franchise offers authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and Buffalo wings. The menu also includes subs, salads and sides, as well as a kids menu. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Roper Photography.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently recognized PrismOne in downtown Winter Garden with a “We Noticed” Award. The company has made significant upgrades to the exterior of its facility, all in the name of beautifying the local area. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Firefighter4Hire, owned and operated by local firefighters. It is a full-service lawn and landscaping company that services Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Dr. Phillips and Clermont communities. For more information, visit firefighter4hire.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber recently celebrated Aussie Pet Mobile’s fifth anniversary.

It offers convenient, affordable and reliable pet grooming services to pet owners and provides a 15-step mobile spa treatment for all breeds of dogs and cats. It offers no cages, no stress and no waiting for hours. Call (407) 797-0900 for appointments. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Roper Photography.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

WOTIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

SIDELINE SCENE

Reflecting on why we do what we do while remembering 2014 Stories of the athletes in West Orange County are shared on the pages of this section each week.

For most of the events that I cover as the sports editor of this paper, I’m the only member of the media there.

There are exceptions, and occasionally I’m one of many, but usually that is not the case. I’m usually the only working media member at a given sporting event.

And that suits me just fine.

When you work at a hyper-local, community-based publication, you quickly learn that the most important thing you do is tell stories that otherwise wouldn’t be told — but that certainly doesn’t mean they’re not STEVEN stories that RYZEWSKI are worth telling.

Quite the opposite, actually.

They are often stories that should be told and, in some cases, need to be told.

The community ought to have the stories of its high school, middle school and youth sports teams and athletes readily available. There are also the stories of the men and women who coach, volunteer and officiate each and every game.

In the seven months since I was promoted to sports editor for this publication, I’d like to think we told many of those stories, and I’m excited to tell even more of them in the New Year.

I once heard it argued that covering high school sports is a waste for newspapers, with one of the reasonings cited being the attendance at high school sporting events.

The only people who care about high school sports are parents, it was said, and there weren’t enough of them to justify the coverage.

Those attendance figures, of course, vary greatly — there could be thousands at a football game, hundreds at a basketball game or a dozen or so people at a soccer game on a cold winter night.

The mistake in that line of thinking, though, is equating attendance with interest.

Today, more than ever, I’d argue that our interests usually span far beyond the hours in the day. I’d argue plenty more residents in Winter Garden would care to know how any given sports team at West Orange is doing than could be evidenced by attendance — and that’s why we’re here, doing what we do.

Which brings me to another point — I’d agree that the bulk of any high school team’s “fan base” is the parents of the kids on the team.

But people who have some interest or stake in how that team does can also include other family members, immediate and extended, and friends of each player, alumni of the program that retain a connection with it, the parents of past athletes, students and teachers at the school and, really, anyone in the community who holds

SEE SIDELINE / PAGE 19A

YEAR IN SPORTS

18A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

TOP FIVE TEAMS

To be a top team in this coverage area, a team has to be more than just good.

With so many teams doing great or amazing things this past year — on local, regional, statewide and, yes, even national levels — the context of a team’s achievements had to be taken into account, too.

And so, with that said, here are our Top Five Teams of 2014.

NO. 5. CFCA FOOTBALL

The context for this selection is all about history.

Historically, CFCA’s football program has not been something students or parents probably bragged much about — just a season ago the Eagles finished 4-6, and they were 3-7 the year before.

2014, though, was just a little different. CFCA went 8-3 and placed fourth in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference — out of 24 teams.

Under first-year head coach Michael Bonneville, the Eagles won without much star power — CFCA players were generally snubbed from the SSAC’s All-Conference teams — winning with grit, determination and teamwork.

The potential for 2014’s breakout season to have a profound effect on the program’s near, and distant, future makes CFCA football our No. 5 team of 2014.

NO. 4. WINTER GARDEN LITTLE LEAGUE 12U ALL-STARS

They were a ballclub of youngsters with dreams of playing in the Little League World Series in Williamsports, Pennsylvania, and — were it not for one off game — who knows whether that might have happened?

Winter Garden Little League’s 12-and-under AllStar Team won two of its three games at the 2014 State of Florida Championships but

was unable to advance out of pool play at the event in Fort Myers. The local boys’ one loss came to eventual state champion South Brandon, whose victory in pool play gave them the tie-breaker.

Although this talented group of Little Leaguers did not make it to Williamsport, its 2014 run through the local and state tournaments was another memorable achievement of which the Winter Garden community can be proud.

NO. 3. BRIDGEWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

When you don’t lose a match all season, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on this list.

The girls volleyball team at Bridgewater Middle School in Winter Garden went undefeated in the regular season and capped that achievement off by sweeping through the Orange County Public Schools Middle School Championships.

Bridgewater was the No. 1 entering the 18-team, countywide tournament that began Dec. 2. The Lady Bobcats defeated Lee Middle School, Jackson Middle School, Avalon Middle School and, finally, Maitland Middle School on Dec. 17 in the OCPS Championship, to take the top honors in the county.

The team is coached by Layla West and Mark Bergner.

NO. 2. DR. PHILLIPS POP WARNER UNLIMITED

If the ball bounces the way of the Dr. Phillips Panthers Unlimited team just one more time, there’s a chance they would be Pop Warner National Champions.

The Panthers Unlimited team (ages 14 and under) advanced all the way to the semifinals of the 58th Pop Warner Super Bowl at Disney’s ESPN

Wide World of Sports recently, falling in a 24-22 thriller to eventual national champion Everett.

The loss concluded what had been a remarkable run for DP, one that saw the team of football youngsters compile a 15-1 record. Just days before the thrilling loss to Everett, which manhandled the competition in the national championship game, DP scored an exciting comefrom-behind victory in the quarterfinals against Brick City, New Jersey.

Coach Tim Mara’s boys made the community proud with their achievements and can, with some confidence, say they are a top-three team in the nation.

NO. 1. WINDERMERE PREP FOOTBALL

No one even came close.

The Windermere Prep Lakers football team went a perfect 10-0 in 2014, winning the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s Florida Bowl championship.

The Lakers did that — and they did so in style. Windermere Prep won by an average margin of 34.4 points.

Add to it that the 2014 season was just the Lakers’ fifth season of existence and coach Jacob Doss and his boys become a clear choice for the Team of the Year in 2014.

Windermere Prep was an offensive juggernaut that was a pleasure to watch work its way up and down the field, and the Lakers maintained a classy demeanor even as they spanked the competition on a week-to-week basis.

The unprecedented season was a fitting way for the program’s seniors, most of whom had been around since the first time a football game was played on the school’s campus, to end their prep careers.

GAMES TO REMEMBER No sports year would be complete without a few games that won’t soon be forgotten.

The three games we have selected as our Games to Remember for 2014 share a common bond of being high-stakes affairs. Two of them represent milestones for the respective winning teams, and one was just plain thrilling.

Here are our favorite three games from this past sports year.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Dr. Phillips defeats Bloomingdale in regional playoffs, 24-21 The stage was big, and the finish was thrilling for this one. The heavily favored Panthers got an unexpected scare when the Bloomingdale (Valrico) Bulls came to town for the opening round of the FHSAA Class 8A Playoffs Nov 14.

Dr. Phillips overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat the Bulls, 24-21, sealing the Class 8A regional quarterfinal victory on Tashaun Lindquist’s fumble recovery at the DP 32yard line with 57 seconds left.

Trailing 14-3 at intermission, Dr. Phillips went 62 yards in 10 plays on its opening possession of the second half. Jaquarius Bargnare’s 5-yard touchdown run and Ethan Shafer’s extra point made it 14-10, and Lindquist’s first of two fumble recoveries led to a Bargnare 3-yard TD run with 2:41 left in third quarter.

In total, it was the first of three exciting playoff games for the Panthers, whose season ended in the regional finals in a 24-21 loss to Manatee.

With the 3-2 win (9-25, 2522, 25-19, 23-25, 15-11), West Orange locked up its first district championship since 1977 — making it a victory that was nearly 40 years in the making.

The Warriors overcame a rough start, taking a punch to the mouth in a 25-9 first set defeat but came roaring back in the second and third sets.

West Orange followed up this achievement soon after with the program’s first-ever playoff win before falling in the regional semifinals to Boone to end its season.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

West Orange wins first district title since 1977 Given the history, the opponent and the way this match finished, the Warriors’ five-set victory over Apopka in the district championship on Oct. 22 was a natural fit for one of our games of the year.

West Orange defeats Apopka to earn first district title since 1999 What happened in the playoffs notwithstanding, this was arguably the biggest victory in program history for the West Orange football team — and the stage was considerable.

Broadcast live on Bright

House Sports Network and dubbed as one of the biggest games in Central Florida this season, the Oct. 3 matchup between the Warriors and Blue Darters unfolded in front of a capacity crowd at Raymond Screws Stadium in Winter Garden.

The Warriors overcame 10-0 and 16-7 deficits en route to finally solving the challenge posed by rival Apopka, which had dominated the rivalry for more than 15 years. Junior wide receiver Eddie McDoom returned the second-half kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown — after wind and heavy rain sent the overflow crowd at Raymond Screws Field scrambling for cover at halftime — and West Orange added the finishing touches in the fourth quarter for a 45-31 victory.

Though the playoff rematch did not go the Warriors’ way, this win was a huge step for the program.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

19A

MAKING US PROUD West Orange County has plenty of young men and women representing the community well as athletes, so narrowing them down into one list is no simple task, but the following are five athletes — in no particular order — who we thought made the community especially proud in 2014.

Nick Gordon, professional baseball player (Olympia)

TOP STORIES OF 2014 One of the benefits of being a hyper-local, community-based newspaper is our pages are routinely filled with exciting, uplifting and pride-inspiring stories of people living right here in West Orange County.

It goes without saying then, that there were plenty of stories that graced the pages of our sports section in 2014 that we liked quite a bit. The following five stories, in no particular order, were our favorites.

Squeeze play: Baseball returns to Winter Garden

In case you didn’t know, Winter Garden has a long history with baseball.

The citrus town was once a destination for professional baseball teams for their spring training needs. This past summer, Winter Garden got some of its baseball identity back with the addition of the Winter Garden Squeeze to the Florida Collegiate Summer League.

The Squeeze, comprising college baseball players from around the country, played its home games at West Orange High School and immediately went about connecting with the community — even incorporating Winter Garden’s famous clock tower into the team’s logo.

The future is bright for the Squeeze, who will be back again in the summer of 2015.

Parent volunteers lead the way for local Pop Warner programs

One of our favorite feature stories that we ran this fall was about the parents and volunteers who help make Pop Warner Saturdays possible.

Most people don’t consider that there are people who arrive at Bulldog Field in Ocoee shortly before the sun comes up on Saturdays – and return home after it sets — but on Oct. 16, we highlighted some of those individuals.

Youth sports, whichever particular sport it may be, are an important part of any child’s development, and it’s important that the hard work and dedication of volunteers who help make them possible isn’t forgotten.

Local baseball stars don the red, white and blue

West Orange County — and Central Florida, at large, for that matter — are no strangers to producing elite baseball talent.

Still, when two players from the coverage area are selected for their respective USA Baseball teams out of thousands of others in one summer, it warrants taking note.

That’s what happened in 2014, with Ocoee’s Doug Nikhazy, now a freshman at West Orange, and Windermere Prep’s Austin Bergner, a junior.

Nikhazy, a pitcher, was selected to the USA Baseball 15U National Team and Bergner,

SIDELINE / PAGE 17 some sense of civic pride.

And so, again, that’s why we’re here.

What’s more, I’d like to think the pages of this section can help drive interest — and, in turn, attendance — for some of these teams.

It’s been seven months since I started this journey at the West Orange Times & Observer and, as we reflect on 2014 and look ahead to 2015, I couldn’t be more excited for the stories we’ll be sharing with you going forward.

Every year, hundred of aspiring high school and college baseball players are drafted by big-league clubs in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft — former Olympia standout Nick Gordon was taken No. 5.

Gordon’s senior season this spring was a sight to see, with professional scouts packing most Titans home games, and the gifted ballplayer is now in the minor-league system for the Minnesota Twins, where he has been impressive so far.

Shane Larkin, professional basketball player (Dr. Phillips)

It’s not just what he’s doing — it’s where he’s doing it.

Former Dr. Phillips star point guard Shane Larkin, who starred collegiately for the University of Miami, has been the starting point guard for the New York Knicks several times this season.

Larkin, who started his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, came over to the world’s premiere media market in an offseason trade. Since then, thanks in part to injuries, Larkin has gotten a chance to show what he can do for one of the game of basketball’s most-storied franchises.

also a pitcher, was selected to the USA Baseball 18U National Team.

Both teams competed at international tournaments in Mexico.

A fall full of firsts

West Orange High School has been around for 40 years, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t plenty of “firsts” for the school’s athletic programs to accomplish. This fall, two of West Orange’s higher-profile programs, football and volleyball, notched important firsts when the two teams scored their first playoff victories in program history.

Both football and volleyball had been to the playoffs previously, but without any luck in the win column. This fall, however, saw the Warriors volleyball team defeat Dr. Phillips in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 8A State Playoffs, and the West Orange football team defeated Timber Creek in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 8A State Playoffs.

Though both teams also fell in their subsequent regional semifinal matchups, earning those first playoff victories were significant milestones in Warrior sports history.

Selfless sister: Olympia libero a good sister first

On Oct. 9, we featured the story of Sadie Estrada, the spunky senior libero for the Olympia Titans varsity volleyball team.

Estrada plays with a reckless abandon for her physical well-being, prone to flying across the court for a dig, and 2014 was a breakout season for the libero after previously coming off the bench as a junior.

More importantly, Estrada’s 2014 performance should

Shawn Moffitt, college football player (Dr. Phillips)

Shawn Moffitt didn’t go far for his college career.

The former star placekicker for the Dr. Phillips Panthers spent his college years across the county at UCF, where he was again a star special teams

have gone a long way toward helping her find a home for her collegiate career. When Estrada’s family came upon financial hardship a few years back, the libero was faced with a choice of continuing to play club volleyball but with the knowledge that her young sister wouldn’t be able to, also.

Estrada decided if her sister, Gabby, couldn’t play club, then she wouldn’t, either. That selfless decision set her back in terms of where the majority of college recruiting for volleyball is done — but hopefully, with her stellar play for the Titans this fall, Estrada will be flying across the court somewhere next fall as a college volleyball player.

IT’S NOT TO LATE. PLEASE GIVE

BRIAN RAMSKI, DMD

BR DENTAL - DR. BRIAN RAMSKI ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

INTRODUCING PAIN FREE INJECTIONS! Ask us about the “wand”. Call today for your appointment!

213 S. Dillard St, Ste. 140

407-905-9965

www.drbrianramski.com OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday 8 - 12 and 1 - 5, Friday 7 - 1 BR Dental is an In-Network provider with the following PPO Dental Insurance plans: Aetna, Cigna, Ameritas, BC/BS, Florida Combined Life, MetLife, Principal, United Concordia, Guardian, Humana, United Healthcare and Dentemax.

player. Moffitt is set to wrap his senior season with the Knights and a career that has seen the former Panther be an integral part of the program’s success — including UCF’s historic 2013 season that saw the Knights win the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Just a few weeks ago, the senior kicker set a program record as its all-time leading scorer, with 305 points to his credit.

Moffitt also has made the most field goals (51) in school history and likely will get a shot to take his talents to the NFL and play on Sundays soon enough.

Gunnar McNeill, college baseball player (West Orange)

For this selection, we had to defer to George Laase, head coach of the Staunton (Virginia) Braves, a team in the Valley Baseball League — a wood-bat, collegiate summer league.

Laase had this to say on McNeill’s dominant performance this summer for the Braves — one that saw the former West Orange Warrior and current sophomore at Florida International University lead the league in nearly every offensive category: we should be proud of Gunnar McNeill.

The former Warrior led the VBL in RBIs (50), slugging percentage (.604) and hits (68), while finishing second in doubles (16) and fifth in on-base percentage (.469).

Cameron Lawrence, professional race car driver (Windermere)

Windermere native Cameron Lawrence, a 22-year old racecar driver, locked up his second consecutive Driver’s Championship on the TA2 circuit with a win at Daytona International Speedway Nov. 15.

The victory gave Dodge its first Driver’s Championship in Trans Am and with its Dodge Challenger SRT car. Lawrence won seven races in total this year and accumulated 310 points to edge the runner-up by 21 points. Fifty total cars en-

tered the championship. The win even got the young driver some publicity in AutoWeek.

The Windermere native has been racing since he was 7 years old and hopes to build on his success in 2015.

20A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING

REAL ESTATE REPORTS

Buying or Selling a home?

+ Park Square Homes breaks ground in DP

Alina Budisteanu

Contact 407-556-5958 alinabud@gmail.com

www.orlandopropertyguru.com

Selling your home?

FREE Home Price Evaluation Report

Call, text or email your address 9/25/14

MARK HIDE 407-832-7332 markhide@remax.net

www.orlandorealestateliving.com

Health Insurance OPEN ENROLLMENT Nov. 15 thru Feb. 15 Call ANYTIME to receive our State Farm Good Neighbor service

Craig Martin

Agent - ChFC, CLU, CLF

Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com www.CraigMartinInsurance.com 13330 W. Colonial Dr., Suite 110 • Winter Garden, FL 34787

407-656-1040

Hablamos Español

The greatest compliment you can give is a referral!

Park Square Homes recently began construction on three model homes at its new gated community in Dr. Phillips.

Dellagio Residences, a short distance from West Sand Lake Road on Via Dellagio Way, will feature 83 California Mission-style homes inspired by the easy sophistication of the West Coast.

“We look forward to completing our model homes at Dellagio and inviting homebuyers Gupta to experience our vision,” said Vishaal Gupta, president of Park Square Homes. “This will be a stand-out community in the Dr. Phillips area — not only in style, but also in its close proximity to a litany of dining options and upscale shopping along Restaurant Row.” Each home will be characterized by open spaces and stylish interiors that feature colorful tiles, beamed ceilings and cloistered patios. Four

“I Care About Our Community, its History and its Future.”

Kimberly Suedmeyer 407-963-4186

Kimberly@TheRealEstateCollection.com

www.SuedmeyerTeam.com

100 West Plant Street, Winter Garden FL 34787 (O) 407-656-7814 Located in the heart of Historic Winter Garden

floor plans range between 2,968 and 3,858 square feet and are priced from the upper $500s.

Slated to open in January 2015, Dellagio will give residents access to a community space with a pool.

For more information about Dellagio, visit parksquarehomes.com.

+ Foundation grants money to charity The Greater Orlando Builders Association Foundation, the charitable arm of the Greater Orlando Builders Association, recently granted more than $20,000 to six local children’s charities.

Led by President Dave Schmitt, of Dave Schmitt Engineering, the Board of Trustees selected New Hope for Kids, Elevate Orlando, Help Save A Limb, Jeremiah Project, Camp Thunderbird and Florida’s Vision Quest as their primary focus for 2014 charitable contributions.

Grants range from $2,000 to $4,000.

“This donation from the GOBA Foundation is a vote of confidence in the work that these wonderful charities are doing for children in the Central Florida community,” Schmitt said. “The goals of the foundation, to support youth and education, are furthered by their efforts. To that end, we are delighted to play even a small role, through these funds, in their continued success.”

The foundation also awarded over $7,000 in scholarships to four UCF and five

407-656-7947 MultiMillion Dollar Producer Broker/Owner

www.patsharr.com patsharr@aol.com

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded its global service to include assisting athletes and professionals relocating worldwide.

Tiphany Weeks, recently named a luxury real-estate specialist in the firm’s Dr. Phillips/ Windermere Real Estate Gallery, will play a major role in the expansion.

Roger Soderstrom, Weeks owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Weeks brings the team at Dr. Phillips/Windermere a background strong in sales and sales management.

Weeks, who is married to a major-league baseball player, will be representing athletes and professionals worldwide with their luxury real-estate needs, including primary and secondary residences, as well as exclusive investment opportunities.

Weeks holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a focus on professional sales from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She’s a former account manager for AT&T Mobility and was later a territory manager threeplus years at Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, where she achieved top sales status.

She earned her Florida real-estate license when relocating to Orlando from Vallejo, California, a suburb of San Francisco near Napa Valley.

BUYING A HOME?

SELLING YOUR HOME?

CALL ME TODAY!

407-948-1326

VACANT LAND 4.5 ACRES IN CITY LIMITS

A Sincere "Thank You" for trusting me with your real estate needs.

Location! Rare opportunity for land in north Winter Garden. Lots of high and dry land with large, mature oak trees. Conveniently located in north Winter Garden. Asking $295,000.

SO L

D!

LOCATED ON PLANT ST.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!

Prime downtown location, this is a great business oportunity for you!!! Currently zoned R-NC (residential neighborhood commercial). The value of this property is in the land and not the home. The home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, living and dining room according to Orange County records it was built in 1941. Asking only $499,000.

Bungalow with Industrial-2 zoning great for office space use. Large side yard.Current use as residential. Asking $126,900.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE/LEASE FOR SALE *** Owner Financing ***

CLERMONT -THE LEGENDS $282,900

Gated community & pool plus recreation areas.

5 Bed/3.5 Baths over 3600 sq ft living area. Two masters (up & down stairs). 3 Car garage. Must see.

1,000 Sq ft office space w/3 offices $110,000 2,000 Sq ft office space w/6 offices $215,000 For lease same as above from $1,200 to $2400 a month plus tax

J SO US LD T !

WINTER GARDEN BUNGALOW

WHAT IS YOUR OFFER???

3 Bdrm. 2Ba. CHARMING, COMFORTABLE AND COZY!!! Corner lot with stately trees for plenty of shade, fenced yard, house freshly painted. Open floor plan, split bdrms, foyer, formal dining, eat-in kitchen.

All the appliances stay, including range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Living/great room has a beautiful brick wood burning fireplace, sliding glass doors, 36x12 screened lanai, open paver patio 15x13.

Metal storage shed and privacy fenced yard. Move in ready! MOTIVATED SELLER! Asking only $144,000

YEAR! W E N Y P P A H

NEW ON THE MARKET $318,900

Gracious Southern Style Home, custom build complete with wrap porch. 3 bdrms 2 & 1/2 baths. Downstairs large Master bdrm and bath with Eqyptian limestone and soaking tub. Built in bookcase and fireplace mantel in the living rm. Open the french doors from the kitchen and family rm to the rear screened porch. 2,622 sq. ft. of living space.

LD

5 Bedrooms 3 baths original owners. Gated community two level home. Corner lot. Over 4800 sq ft living area. Two kitchens and all stainless steel appliances stay. A must see!

J SO US LD T !

CLERMONT THE LEGENDS $382,900

GATED COMMUNITY-LAKE ACCESS!!!

This is a dream come true!!! Gated Community/Lake Access!!!

Gorgeous 2-story with master bedroom on the first floor!!! Step into this impressive dramatic 2 story foyer. Formal living room with plenty of room for big comfortable chairs & sofa, spacious but intimate dinning room, entertain in uncrowded comfort in the spacious family room with surround sound! Laundry room and half bath. Eat-in kitchen complete with island, desk and french doors leading to the LARGE screened lanai and spa. Upstairs you will find the loft perfect for a playroom, office or study area!!!

There are also 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and the media room that features a large screen, comfortable chairs and everything needed to watch your favorite movie. Easy access to turnpike, 429, 408 and the West Orange Trail!!! Asking Only $325,000.00

!

May joy, peace and prosperity be yours throughout the New Year...

SO

During this time of year, my thoughts turn to those that make my business possible.

SO

BUY • SELL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

LD

!

www.FindWindsor.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living announced the launch of its new consumer website, BHGFineLiving.com, to aid buyers in their searches for homes in Celebration, Windermere and Central Florida.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living IDXbased brokerage website features new search capabilities driven by consumer lifestyle considerations and is built upon a fully responsive platform designed for mobile-first usage. A roll-out of individual agent websites featuring these same benefits will occur in the first quarter of 2015.

“This exciting milestone reflects Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate’s dedication to the consumer and the needs of our affiliated brokers,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Consumers are buying homes based on lifestyle requirements, but the way real-estate search is done online had not yet evolved to

Pat Sharr Realty

160 S. Main St. Winter Garden, FL 34787

+ Expansion will assist pro athletes

+ Better Homes and Gardens launches site

FRESH PRODUCE DAILY

407-877-FIND (3463)

meet that reality. … We have created a site that will forever change the search paradigm.”

Valencia College students.

Chartered in 1985, the foundation was established as a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization with a separate and distinct Board of Trustees, dedicated to raising funds for organizations that help children and families in need.

It also offersscholarships to students enrolled at Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida.

PICTURESQUE COUNTRY!!! JUST REDUCED!!!

3 bdrm. 2 Ba. Beauty in Winter Garden!!! This home is situated on a picturesque 1 acre lot fenced yard and gate. Very unique, country atmosphere with shopping only minutes away and access to 429, Turnpike and 408.

You will be amazed at the beauty and the surroundings.

Walk up the steps and enter the 2nd floor of this gorgeous home with stone fireplace in the living room, formal dining, kitchen w/stainless steel applances, wood cabinets, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The 3rd level is the master bedroom, master bath and loft. The home is in pristine condition a pampered beauty...If you have been looking for a home without an HOA, look no further, you need to see this!!! Asking only $299,000.

START THE NEW YEAR-WITH A NEW HOME!!!

This 3 bdrm.1Ba. Cute as a button, and ready to move-in. Completely remodeled. New doors and windows, new drywall with foam insulation, new wood cabinets, all appliances stay, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave! Laminate flooring throughout, all electric and plumbing has been replaced, new front and back porch ... Completely painted inside and out. Ideal for a first time home buyer or someone wanting to down size. Fantastic location...Walk to downtown, walk/ride the West Orange Trail... ***No HOA *** corner lot*** if you have been looking for a home in Winter Garden with a great location this is it! Don’t delay, see it today!!! Asking only $175,000

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

RAIN

WEST ORANGE

(INCHES)

WEATHER

TUES.

Dec. 16

0.00

WED.

TEMPERATURES

Dec. 17

0.00

Thurs., Jan. 1 Fri., Jan. 2 Sat., Jan. 3 Sun., Jan. 4 Mon., Jan. 5 Tues., Jan. 6 Wed., Jan. 7

THURS. Dec. 18

0.00

FRI.

Dec. 19

0.00

SAT.

Dec. 20

0.00

SUN.

Dec. 21

0.71

MON.

Dec. 22

N/A

DEC.

TO DATE 1.03

HIGH 64 71 75 74 74 75 69

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Thurs., Jan. 1 Fri., Jan. 2 Sat., Jan. 3 Sun., Jan. 4 Mon., Jan. 5 Tues., Jan. 6 Wed., Jan. 7

FRI.

SUNRISE 7:19 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

SAT.

SUNSET 5:40 p.m.

5:41 p.m.

5:42 p.m.

5:42 p.m.

5:43 p.m.

5:44 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

SUN.

LOW 45 53 58 57 59 59 51

MOON PHASES

Dec. 6

Dec. 14

(2013: .07) Dec. 21

YEAR

TO DATE

42.68 (2013: 49.88)

21A

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

LOW

LOW

71 53

75 58

74

Dec. 28

57

I WO

Lorraine Patria sent us this beautiful shot, taken in downtown Winter Garden.

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting the weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line.

Winners can pick up their prize at the Times office.

TIMES OF YOUR LIFE

By Gary Cooper | Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1 Once around the sun 5 Like Hermes’ sandals 10 Original “Cosmos” host Carl 15 Win for Kasparov 19 “___ Want for Christmas” (1991) 20 First name in gymnastics history 21 Choose 22 Verbal 23 Chicken ___ 24 1-Across, to a Londoner 26 Many paintings 27 Bad day for Caesar 29 Tiresome 30 Bit 31 Hidden 34 Country lodges 35 “. . . ___ he drove out of sight . . .”

36 Publish anew 38 Thai pavilion 40 Weepy 44 Koran chapter 45 Dee-Donahue film 49 “___ Little Teapot” 50 William Tell’s canton 51 Fancy notions case 52 Headstrong 53 Sometimes it’s not taken 54 Come down 56 ___-Anne-de-Bellevue 57 Couch doctor 60 “Tootsie” star 61 Sea lettuce 62 Some poisonous snakes 64 Paquin in “Fly Away Home” 65 Forte 66 Permeate 68 Confidence 0 Jammed with the band 71 Corn tuft

73 74 76 79 80 82 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 94 95 97 98 100 101 103 104 107 110 111 112 114 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125

Elvis ___ Presley Cuts wood, in a way Was in arrears Was painfully sore Fragrances “___ Miserables” Courteous Christmas FDR’s dog Fabric for a Dior gown Bert Bobbsey’s sib Pit bull’s warning Bergman-Ullmann film Abruzzo bell town Former Dusseldorf duck Hide Nigerian city Papa’s mate Thundered Numskulls Clique Long pass Blue-pencil Features of 1-Across “Joy of Cooking” author Rombauer Roll out of bed Gilbert Grape’s brother Hong Kong’s neighbor Got 100 on Approach Goodbyes, across the pond Go for ___ (take the boat out) Alliance acronym

DOWN 1 Tibetan draft animal 2 Old Testament judge 3 Heady brew 4 Nice locale 5 Rabbit ears 6 Ordinances 7 Suffix for “stock”

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

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 25 28 30 31 32 33 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 46 47 48 53 55 56 58 59 60 63 65 67 69 70 71 72 73 75

Slant Roof overhang Informative meeting Crazy as ___ Biological subdivision Performs, in a way Extreme degree Anchored “La Calunnia” is one Nursery powder, once Otherwise Roman holiday official Agnus ___ False opposite Andress of Hollywood Nerve-related Rodgers-Hart musical Apiece Nagana carrier Dallas campus “Jake’s Thing” author Oct. 31 wear O’Toole-Hepburn film (with “The”) Mirror ___ Consumers’ crusader Lone Star State sch.

Lithographs Turner of Hollywood Allotment Knight’s rescuee Novelist Bellow Spook ANA members Permit Trout’s home Bernstein opus Four-poster Howard of directing Dieter’s eschewal Dance for two Winter squash type Human rights org.

“Summer and Smoke” heroine

© 2013 Universal Uclick

77 78 80 81 85 87 90 91 92

Card game for two Gainsaid Fill to the brim Vegas machine Seethe “Wheel of Fortune” purchase Lends a hand Archrivals Marching band drum

93 94 96 99 101 102 104 105 106 107

Spray can Sea off Oman Waver Relative of net and org Horse Entrance courts Laura of “Jurassic Park” Davis dog Galileo’s home Mrs. Dithers of “Blondie”

108 “___ Rock” (Simon & Garfunkel) 109 Those girls, in Spain 110 ___ B’rith 112 Portly 113 Wood sorrel 115 TV brand 116 Big Apple attraction (with “the”) 117 Fuss

C RY P T O G R A M S 1. RTRL PCVIYC CR KVIUA CETR UHFRA PV GR E YRXVLPVUVYHWP, PCR VWPRVUVYHWP WEHA CR FLRK CR CEA JHNFRA PCR XHYCP JXVQRWWHVL. CR NVIUA QRRU HP HL CHW GVLRW. 2. XPB IBL ADWRVIH DK JNIOBZJ RBZKDZWNIO “XPB RNZVXBJ DK RBIGVIAB” LVJ CVF. XPBH JDTIFBF JNAQSH VIF CNGVZZB. XPBH ADTSF IDX WVQB NX DI XPB PNOP JBVJ.

22A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Here's My Card BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bill Straugh

JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC

Broker Associate

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates

Cell 407-716-3010

John Freeman

Plumbing Problems?

Owner/Operator

5/15/15

Call 407-905-0014

cell: 321-229-1958

Licensed and Insured

email: jptrees09@gmail.com

CFC 056690

TFN

Windsor Realty Group, Inc. 160 S. Main Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-FIND (3463) TFN

CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.

2/5/15

TFN

110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

MORE THAN JUST

TIRE VALUES

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

407.296.9622 407.877.6268

www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential M/WBE Enterprise since 1980

407.656.8920

We offer financing with approved credit

Winter Garden Grassing Inc.

• •

Bobby Swindle, Jr. Owner

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement.

SOD

MV03215

Mobil 1 Oil

FREE ESTIMATES

TFN

Amsoil Synthetic 2/12/15

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

• Residential Pick Up and Delivery

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

532 N. Bluford Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761 www.WinterGardenGrassing.com

4/30/15

Branch Manager

1081 9th Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

sunbeltrentals.com

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

Travis Hamric

your rental

FIRE TECH SERVICE

Ph: 407-877-0709

• Pine Straw • Seed • Bahia • St. Augustine • Bermuda • Zoysia • St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bahia by the piece

10% OFF

TFN

EXTINGUISHER

Commercial Seeding and Sodding

Mention this ad for

• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS!

Licensed & Bonded Licensed #RC29027533

Your Ad here! Call

TFN

Residential • Commercial • Tile • Metal

Cyndi Gustafson (email Advertising@wotimes.com)

407.614.5962

or Rose Blankenship

407-656-1817

President CCC1325778

(email RBlankenship@wotimes.com)

TFN

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

Keith Keller

Email: keithksj@cfl.rr.com Ocoee, FL 34761

& Service, Inc.

"Your Complete Service Center" 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 TFN

407-656-2121

720 N. Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

TFN

REG# MV-01095

Phone (407) 656-6646

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

Obamacare and Medicare Open Enrollment 2014

Temporary Coverage Is Available If You Qualify

$

75

00 COMPLETE OIL SERVICE

With service message reset.

Full synthetic (up to 7 quarts) and oil filter.

Offer expires 3/31/15. Environmental, disposal fees and tax not included. Not valid with any other offer. This ad must be presented to receive this offer.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPT. TODAY CALL US AT

407-877-3841

TFN

Let Suzy Help You Today!

Call 1-877-ASK-OIG1 Suzy Becerra, R.N. Health Insurance Agent

Suzy has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and a Professional Health Agent for over 14 years. Put Suzy and her expertise to work for you today. Call us toll-free or visit us online at

OrlandoInsuranceGroup.com

and click on “ASK NURSE SUZY” 0112015

Phone: 407-877-3841 Email: highlinecarsalesinc@gmail.com

· Are You Confused About Obamacare or Medicare Coverage and Cost? · Are You Losing Your Health Coverage? · Do You Need Temporary Coverage? · Are You Turning Age 65 Soon? · Is Your COBRA Coverage Expiring?

We are your European/Foreign car auto Repair/Sales alternative dealer.

FL Agent Lic# D047115

FL Agency Lic# L070497

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

Classifieds

23A

CHECK OUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE @ WOTIMES.COM

Subscribe today for $21.50

Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com

160 GENERAL EMPLOYMENT Johnson's Wrecker Service Inc., is hiring fulltime night wrecker drivers and day transport drivers. Call for details 407-293-2540. 1/1jw West Orange company looking for a customer service oriented person for a part-time position. 25-30 hours weekly afternoons, M-F. Must be available for more hours when needed. Send resume to PO BOX 937, Ocoee, Fl 34761. 1/1aw

200 ITEMS FOR SALE

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Two Person Mausoleum at Woodlawn. Beautiful section in court yard, behind Life of Christ Mosaic. Need to sell, negotiable price. Burial places, vaults, marker included. Call Ruth 407-832-2732 1/1rc

BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES

The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions

WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $695, 2BR $745, 3BR $935 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included. 407-656-7162.

9/25tfn

To place a classified ad, email classifieds@wotimes.com or call 407-656-2121

Job descriptions and applications are available online.

www.wintergarden-fl.gov

NOW PURCHASING

SCRAP

BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr

Winter Garden

407-656-3495

Phone: Fax:

407-656-4111

407-877-2795

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

S.E. Dollen, LLC.

Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983.

All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians.

For professional results and competitive rates

125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:

“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”

Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH

611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com

CATHOLIC RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH

1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113

CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com

To advertise in the Church Directory plase call 407-656-2121 or email rblankenship@wotimes.com CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

VICTORY IN CHRIST MINISTRIES CHURCH

311 N. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Dillard St Elementary School Pastors Tom and Ann Kuchenreuther Sunday Mornings 10:30 am www.VictoryInChristOnline.org

METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Blue Christmas Service: Dec. 21, 4pm Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 11pm www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135

PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA

Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org

call 407-656-5818 EC 13001719

This week’s Crossword answers

Check out our next tab coming up

Jan. 29:

The Bucket List

All about your new year resolutions for 2015!

Like to advertise in this special section?

Ad submission deadline is Jan. 22. Publish date Jan. 29.

2014

For more information contact 407-656-2121 or Cyndi Gustafson advertising@wotimes.com

24A

WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015