01.25.18 Windermere Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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Chris Sapp and Loren “Andy” Williams will assume positions on the Windermere Town Council in March.

DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

Now that Windermere’s Park Avenue corridor enhancement is complete, it’s Second Avenue’s turn for a facelift.

Town staff held a public workshop with residents who

DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

SEE TOWN PAGE 4

C

ome March, there will be two new faces on the

YOUR TOWN

Windermere Town Council.

CHAMBER TO HOST AWARDS

Set to fill the two seats that will soon be vacant are Chris

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Big Orange Awards from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Sapp, a Realtor with Suzi Karr Realty, and Loren “Andy” Williams, founding partner and licensed broker of Lakeside Realty Windermere.

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Chris Sapp, left, and Loren “Andy” Williams both have backgrounds in real estate.

Horizon West getting road, community park Hamlin Groves Trail will give drivers in south Winter Garden a direct connection to State Road 429.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR HORIZON WEST Currently, when residents living in neighborhoods such as Independence and Orchard Hills want to travel State Road 429, they have to drive miles out of their way just to get there — heading north on Tiny Road, east on Tilden Road and north on County Road 535 before connecting with the 429.

Not only does this waste time, but it adds to the congestion on C.R. 535.

Relief is coming in the form of a new road, one that will take drivers directly to New Independence Parkway and then to 429. Currently, the beltway crosses over Tiny Road with no access.

The new route, called Hamlin Groves Trail, currently stops north of Walmart on the east side of the shopping center.

“The intent all along has been for that road to continue east to Tiny Road on the north side of (the future) Horizon West Regional Park,” Orange County District 1 SEE NEW PAGE 4

The event celebrates the accomplishments of chamber members, and this year’s recipients are Rob Maphis, Chairman’s Award; David Billsborough, Sam Hovsepian Award; Denise Fisher, Ambassador of the Year; Jennifer Campbell, Mary VanDeventer “The Spirit of West Orange” Award; Chickfil-A, George Bailey Award; Becky and Charlie Roper, Bert Roper Award; Gary Shif, Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award; and Kurt Aradaman, Lifetime Director.

Open-seating tickets are $96 for chamber members and $116 for others. Reserved corporate tables of eight are $800 and $1,000.

One dollar from each admission will be contributed to the West Orange Foundation.

Visit wochamber.com.

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CURBING YOUR DOG’S UNWANTED BEHAVIOR 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Does your pet have a problem with jumping, barking, counter surfing, puppy nipping, potty training or leash pulling?

Todd Campbell, owner and operator of South Orlando Dog Training, will share practical solutions to common canine issues. Get advice on how physically or verbally punishing these common issues can actually make them worse. These tips and tricks are scientifically based techniques that use no force, pain or fear. Pets are not permitted to attend. (407) 8357323.

• Erika Diogene, D.O. • Janelle Barfield, M.D.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

LIVES CHANGING FROM THE INSIDE OUT 6:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. Sheriff Jerry L. Demings is the keynote speaker at this Inside Out Jail Ministries fundraiser and silent auction. Sponsorship tables are available. Tickets are $25 and available at isojm.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

BRUSHING UP ON IMPRESSIONISM 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Winter Garden Art Association’s SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden.

Join lecturer Adrienne Lee as she discusses how this oncedespised method of painting caused an art revolution and paved the way for modern Art. Tickets are $10 for WGAA members and $15 for others.

Reservations can be made at wgart.org or by calling (407) 347-7996.

CORNERSTONE HOSPICE TRAINING 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, 5655 Orange Ave., Orlando. Volunteers can offer support, companionship and practical, compassionate help to patients and their caregivers. Training is free, and lunch and refreshments will be provided, but interested volunteers must pre-register.

Kayla Lopes, (407) 514-8205 or klopes@cshospice.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

JCCF CHARITY GOLF CART POKER RUN Register between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Attendees will visit downtown Winter Garden merchants to receive their playing cards. Drawings for raffles and awarding of prizes will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Winter Garden pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. The event benefits the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund and its mission to assist local residents with cancer. jccancerfund@aol.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

JULIE’S MISSION AUTHOR’S LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Kristin Harmel, local novelist and author of “The Sweetness of Forgetting,” will speak about her book and sign copies afterward.

The event includes an auction and raffle. The 501c3 charity provides for critically ill infants and their families and was started by Patty Goonen and Dee Brantley. Ticket donations are $30 and are available at pattygoonen@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn the Tai Chi principles of movement. Taught by Jon Malone, registered yoga teacher, master martial art instructor and Tai Chi sifu. No prior Tai Chi experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Ages 18 and up. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, FEB. 1

BUILDER’S BARBECUE 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the West Orange Habitat for Humanity ReStore show-

Phone: 407-770-1414 1583 E. Silver Star Rd. Ocoee, FL 34761 On the corner of Clarke Rd. and Silver Star Rd. in the Lake Olympia Square Plaza.

Open: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

room, 13369 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Builders are invited to this construction industry mingle as Habitat reveals plans for the newest affordable-home project, Green Oaks Row. To register, eventbrite.com/e/ builders-barbeque-construction-industry-mingle-tickets-41969615249. The event is free.

FRIDAY, FEB. 2

BACKYARD NATURE INVESTIGATIONS 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn to be a nature detective by exploring living things in your own backyard. What will you discover?

Ages 3 to 5. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

HEALING ARTS SERIES 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn how to build a visual representation of your dreams, desires and goals.

Focus on writing action items to map out activities you can do today to achieve your vision.

Each participant will receive a poster board and magazines and are encouraged to take any extra materials they desire.

Registration required at ocls. info or (407) 835-7323. Ages 18 and up.

Same day Appointments available for new and established patients.

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OrangeObserver.com

Power to the pre-teens

Horizon West residents are invited to attend the annual Horizon West Town Hall meeting to hear about the latest developments from Orange County officials.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Residents will be able to learn about the continued growth — as well as speak with county officials — at Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey’s Horizon West Town Hall.

The meeting, which will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Lifebridge Church, will allow Horizon West residents to learn more about what is planned for the area.

Officials from the county’s planning and transportation divisions, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Fire Rescue and Orange County Public Schools will be in attendance to give people a sense of what the county is doing to handle the rapid growth, improve the transportation network, relieve overcrowded schools and increase public safety in the community, VanderLey said.

“That’s the reason we do these — because there’s so much going on, particularly in our area,” VanderLey said. “If we don’t come out as a body every once in a while to fill people in, they might think nothing’s happening or we’re not paying attention. And it also affords them a chance to ask questions, meet their sector captains, School Board representatives and ask questions.”

Speakers will give a brief history of Horizon West for any potential newcomers and then speak about each individual department’s efforts and ongoing projects aimed at handling the rapid pace of growth in District 1.

VanderLey said the questions her office receives most frequently pertain to school overcrowding and congested roads. At the meeting, residents will have a chance to hear about the strategies the Sheriff’s Office is employing to reduce the number of car breakins that occur over the summer when school’s out.

“I know the fire chief will likely talk about the new fire station they’re planning in the area, so he’ll likely talk about that and what that timeline looks like,” she said. “And typically, the Sheriff’s Office comes out and

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Courtesy photo

The SuperStart “Power Up” Tour aims to give pre-teens a fun environment to learn about the Christian faith.

IF YOU GO SUPERSTART “POWER UP” TOUR WHEN: 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 and 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 WHERE: Lifebridge Church, 12120 Chase Road, Windermere, 34786 REGISTRATION: 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 INFORMATION: ciy.com/ superstart

games to teach that principle.”

Crisp said the preteen years are an awkward time in a young person’s life.

“A lot of this comes out of this idea to give them their own space,” Crisp said. “Pre-teen students in that 11-to-13 range begin to feel like they don’t have their own space — they’re maybe too old to be children and maybe

too young for what’s going on in junior high. … There’s definitely some things we’ve learned over our 12-plus years to kind of make sure that we’re in the pocket, that we’re giving them something that they can utilize, but also that it’s in a voice that they’re going to be able to listen to.”

Roberts said he hopes the preteens walk away from the event knowing they’re able to make a difference in the world around them — even at a young age.

“A lot of times they’ll hear, ‘When you grow up, you’ll be able to do this,’ and, ‘You’re working toward something you can do when you get older,’” Roberts said. “What we really want to challenge students with is, ‘Hey, you have gifts, talents and abilities that you can use now. You don’t have to wait until you’re an adult, you can do things for the kingdom now.’”

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n Transportation and Planning Division: Renzo Nastasi n Traffic engineering division: Hector Bertran n Parks and Recreation Division: Matt Suedmeyer n Orange County Public Schools: Board Member Pam Gould n Orange County Fire Rescue: Chief David Rathbun n Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Captain Tony Marlow

IF YOU GO HORIZON WEST TOWN HALL WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 WHERE: Lifebridge Church, 12120 Chase Road, Windermere

shares some of the statistics and what their strategies are to handle them, like the increase in car break-ins we usually see in the summer. So it’ll just be kind of a general overview of what we’ve done this year and what we’re doing to tackle the problems that we’re aware of.”

Attendees also will learn about the lengthy process required to complete a traffic improvement project and the methods being considered to accelerate the process, which she said usually takes about eight years.

“My biggest challenge in this office is that there are roughly 250,000 people in District 1 and one of me,” VanderLey said. “So I’m trying to get people to come to these because the questions that we get on a daily basis via email and phone calls are the very questions that we’re hoping to answer for folks at the venue. And so, if people come, they’ll have an opportunity to interact with all of us.”

— Betsy VanderLey

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“That’s the reason we do these — because there’s so much going on, particularly in our area,” VanderLey said. “If we don’t come out as a body every once in a while to fill people in, they might think nothing’s happening or we’re not paying attention.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Orange County to host Horizon West Town Hall

Christ In Youth’s SuperStart “Power Up” Tour is coming to Lifebridge Church in Windermere.

Grab your video-game controller and get ready to have some fun.

Lifebridge Church in Windermere is the first stop in 2018 for Christ In Youth’s SuperStart “Power Up” Tour, a program that seeks to spread the teachings of the Bible in a fun, high-energy atmosphere for pre-teens.

The event will take place over two days from Friday, Jan. 26, to Saturday, Jan. 27, at the church and will include an interactive program with a video-game theme.

Fourth-, fifth- and sixthgraders will get a chance to watch an interactive show that tells the story of a video game competition through actors. A boys team competes against a girls team in the story, and various twists move the narrative along.

The pre-teens can also expect live music from musician Emeri Kornosky, along with a touring contemporary Christian band.

“It’s a highly interactive program, so there are students in the audience that will come up on stage all the time and interact with the characters,” Christ In Youth Communications and Marketing Director Chris Roberts said. “It’s fun — the kids love it.”

But behind the video games, the lights and the music is an important message, SuperStart Program Director Drew Crisp said.

“We’re a Christian faith organization, and so we honestly pull ideas from scripture,” Crisp said. “We wanted to make sure it was relevant to (the preteens’s) world. As popular as video games are, this metaphor for a power-up in a video game gives you the ability to do something you couldn’t before. We do believe that God’s word has tons of power-ups for us — the power-up of encouragement, wisdom and even to reveal sin in our lives. … That’s kind of where the idea came from to use video

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

New road Sapp, Williams ready will help traffic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Commissioner Betsy VanderLey said.

The project was delayed after tortoises and sand skinks were discovered on the property, she said.

“It’s very crucial for the infrastructure for this road to get done,” she said. “It will provide some equilibrium for folks heading to Orlando on 429.”

The $1.5 million cost is being paid by Boyd Development in exchange for impact fee credits with Orange County.

“The benefit is that it can be done faster and cheaper,” VanderLey said. “Otherwise, it would go to the bottom of the list of roads to be done.”

A pre-construction conference is scheduled for Jan. 30, when a start date will be determined.

Construction will take about 15 months, provided all the environmental permits are in place.

Also adding to the burden on the roads in that area is Bridgewater Middle School traffic. VanderLey said the school was built for about 1,300 students; there are currently more than 2,600.

“All those parents are picking up and dropping off and heading that same way, from Tiny to Tilden,” she said.

A backup occurs at Tilden and Tiny because there is no traffic light. VanderLey said in her first week as county commissioner last year, she asked county engineers to look at that intersection.

“They’re woefully over capacity on that road,” she said. “We’re in discussions for a turn lane and traffic signal at Tilden and Tiny. … It’s in design right now for a turn lane and traffic signal. We’re figuring out, do we need more right-of-way, do we have enough right-of-way, all of that.”

She said the cost can’t be determined until those acquisition questions are answered.

“That one is at the top of my hit parade right now once the design is done,” VanderLey said. “Tilden and Tiny wasn’t on anyone’s radar to improve until I got into office.”

HORIZON WEST REGIONAL PARK

VanderLey also is pushing for the county to hire a master planner for the Horizon West Regional Park, which was once called Sportsplex Park. The 220-acre space is bordered by Tiny Road to the north, Bridgewater Middle School to the east and Hamlin Groves Trail to the west.

Orange County hopes to hire the planner by the spring. Once hired, this person will help the county determine the best uses for this land, as well as funding sources.

The planning process will take about a year, and officials will hold stakeholder meetings with residents and community organizations.

“We recognize that we need ball fields, but we also need public art, jogging trails, public meeting spaces for all the groups that want to meet in Horizon West,” VanderLey said. “We want to make sure we have enough spaces for people to recreate.”

They will take the place of Councilman John Armstrong, who is not seeking re-election, and former Councilman Al Pichon, who resigned in November. Former Councilwoman Molly Rose has been serving temporarily in Pichon’s place.

CHRIS SAPP

Sapp, who has been in real estate for 10 years, first moved to Windermere in December 2007. Just a few months later, he joined the town’s Downtown Business Committee and has been on it ever since.

He first decided to run for Town Council after being asked by several residents to step up. Sapp ran against Councilman Richard Montgomery in the last election and lost by four votes but now is excited for his chance to serve.

“It was really the end of my time for the Downtown Business Committee, (and) I was going to be resigning anyway to let someone else move in and find something else impactful to do with the town,” he said. “I live and work here, so I have a love and vested interest in the town of Windermere. It’s my way to serve my community and hopefully make a positive impact.”

Although he believes the council is moving forward in a positive direction and is operating responsibly, he wants to help ensure it keeps up that momentum.

“I’d like to keep pushing forward for giving the police department a better facility and con-

tinue the efforts on pedestrian sidewalks and multi-use paths,” he said. “Of course (I also want to) make sure we stay on track to being fiscally conservative. We’ve got a lot of things on the agenda in regards to Second Avenue and (need) to make sure that money is pushed aside to ensure we stay on track.”

Keeping the town on track to update its facilities, multi-use paths and roadways will be Sapp’s priorities on the council. One of the challenges that comes with that is ensuring everything is addressed while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“I’ve been on the DBC for a while, which is impactful with the amounts of things we do and being the voice for the businesses, but I’m looking forward to the impact on a larger scale,” Sapp said. “That includes on working with particular committees and boards and the residents, (as well as) the new branding that the town is in the middle of developing.”

LOREN “ANDY” WILLIAMS

Williams’s Windermere roots run deep: He’s a fifth-generation Windermere resident whose great-grandparents and their parents moved to the town in 1914 to become citrus growers.

His family has lived in the town ever since, with generations growing up among the lakes. In fact, Williams is named after his grandfather, Loren Robertson “Andy” Williams, a former mayor of Windermere.

It only made sense, then, that he wanted to be a part of bring-

ing positive changes and updates to his hometown.

“Part of it is just my civic duty, (having) grown up and living here and seeing myself here another 50 years,” he said of his decision to become a councilman.

“That part makes you want to be involved and for things to change for the better.”

Williams said he will work to ensure Windermere is secure financially for the future. The town has many needs, he said, and having a plan to get necessary projects funded and complete is crucial. He doesn’t want the town to change much but agrees some of the next projects should include infrastructure and getting utilities to more residents.

“We need to have skin in the game and have a plan to get there, whether it’s bringing (city) water to the homes or sewer downtown to where the businesses are,” he said. “That all needs a long-term goal and vision to get there. … We can’t have everything right now, so we’ve got to sit down and plan for something further out. That may take 10 or 15 years, but without that kind of long-term plan to get us there, it’ll never happen — we’ll always just be wanting and talking about it.”

Now, he’s looking forward to representing fellow residents and having an impact on the town and its future.

“What I’m most looking forward to is being able to represent the local residents,” he said. “I think maybe some people don’t think that the Town Council hears them. … (I like) the idea that I can bring a fresh face (to the table).”

Town seeks resident input CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

live on Second Avenue and west of Pine Street on Thursday, Jan. 18. During the workshop, staff shared potential solutions it is looking at to improve the conditions of the road and how residents’ properties might be impacted by right-of-way constraints and other issues relative to width of the roadway, pavement condition and stormwater management.

In 2015, Windermere didn’t have a pavement-management plan in place, Town Manager Robert Smith said. The town hired a firm to conduct an area traffic study to help it determine the condition of its roadways and create a maintenance plan based on analytical data. This also assisted staff in developing a Capital Improvements Plan to prioritize the enhancement and improvement of particular roadways.

“The first (on the Roadway Capital Improvements Plan) was Park Avenue,” Smith said.

“We’ve now moved from Park Avenue into Second Avenue. The problem is when we did the initial analysis, they assumed we would do a minor repaving. That roadway needs to be widened, and there’s stormwater management that goes with that.”

Second Avenue currently suffers from significant longitudinal and alligator cracking, much of which is attributed to water seeping into the pavement. Additionally, the edges of the pavement are crumbling in some places, which causes a hazard to drivers.

IF YOU GO

SECOND AVENUE WORKSHOP WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, WHERE: Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere

The Pavement Condition Index is a scale between 0 and 100 that is used to rate the conditions of pavement. Anything below 55 is considered poor or worse as the number approaches 0. The PCI for West Second Avenue ranged from 50 to 10.

“Right now, there’s a ton of failures in the edges of the pavement,” Smith said. “It’s because you can’t get those trucks or cars past each other, so you’re having to pull over to the side of the road, which is ripping the roadway up.”

And because the original roadway analysis was based on the firm’s assumption of repaving only, the price will increase significantly because of the necessary road widening and implementation of stormwater management. The original price of $168,000 is estimated to increase to about $1 million.

The problem is that the town has a charter amendment requiring a referendum if Smith should have to take out a loan of more than 12.5% of the town’s budget.

Therefore, he has to save money — about $400,000 — each year to hold in the reserves to fund these projects.

“Because of the cost and amount of design that has to

go into this, it’s probably an 18-month, if not longer, timeframe before we actually break ground on the project,” Smith said. “We’re hoping to have the money in a two-year time frame to fund the project.”

The town is considering widening the road to 22 feet. This includes two nine-foot lanes and two two-foot drop curbs on either side. There also would be some grass swales on either side, so it still allows people to park in front of their homes. However, the town wants to hear from residents first.

“Once we get a feel from the next meeting of which design the majority is in support of, then we actually get into the details of how much fencing, walls, irrigation and driveways will be impacted (by right-ofway encroachment),” Smith said. “We’ll address the concerns relative to stop signage, speed humps and speeding all within the design phase. That’s the No. 1 concern everyone keeps reaching out to me for, and that’s all to be determined.”

Town staff will hold a second public workshop for Second Avenue residents who live east of Pine Street at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Town Hall.

“It’s all on how we want that roadway to look and what your (the residents’s) input is, and it has to make engineering sense as well,” Smith told residents at the first workshop. “Now is the time to let us know what you want, what you don’t want and what your concerns are.”

WINDERMERE

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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13369 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • 407-905-0406 (between 9th and Dillard Street behind Taco Bell)

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Local leaders: Proposed bill threatens tree ordinances

At S o n a t a We s t , we o f f e r

Winter Garden, Windermere and Oakland leaders say the bill will take power away from local governments.

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of trees following Hurricane Irma last September, state Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, has introduced legislation that would remove local tree protection laws.

The proposed legislation, titled Senate Bill 574 with a companion bill titled House Bill 521, could potentially pave the way for private property owners to cut down trees with impunity.

The bill’s objective states its purpose is to prohibit local governments from regulating the “trimming, removal or harvesting of trees and timber on private property” or requiring “mitigation.”

As it stands, local tree ordinances dictate which trees private property owners need a permit to cut down and what, if any, mitigation is required. Mitigation generally involves the planting of new trees to replace existing trees or paying tree mitigation fees.

If passed, the bill would eliminate these type of ordinances, leaving behind no regulation for tree removal. Knowledge of the bill’s intent has resulted in an outcry from local elected officials who believe the bill infringes on homerule rights and negatively impacts communities that place a high value on their tree canopies.

“We are very concerned, because we highly value the trees in Oakland,” said Oakland Town Manager Dennis Foltz. “It’s a significant part of our quality of life — not just for the town government but for the residents in the community.”

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn also argued that tree ordinances are best left to local governments.

“One of our reasons for having this ordinance is that, first of all, it prevents people from absolutely decimating the land,” he said. “And second of all, it provides a plan to replace trees in those areas that

have been decimated. But if the individuals in a city or a town feel that the tree ordinances are too strict then they can let us know.

But if Tallahassee controls it? Good luck. Tallahassee’s position is one size fits all.”

Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer opposed the bill because of its infringement on home rule and the potential effects on Winter Garden’s tree canopies.

“In Winter Garden, some trees are 300, 400 or even 500 years old,” he said. “And even though they might be on private property, they still provide canopies for all these residents. You know when you drive down Lakeview Avenue, or some of those streets in Winter Garden where we have those majestic oaks? Well under this bill, people will be able to cut those down without a permit and destroy some of these canopies that make Winter Garden a great place to live.”

Bollhoefer suggested if residents from another community consider their city’s tree ordinance too strict, then they should speak with their elected officials to modify it.

Bruhn emphasized it is the people who live in the community who decide what laws a town will have regarding its trees. And as such, it should be up to them whether to change them, not state legislators.

“If the people of Winter Park, Winter Garden or the people of Windermere don’t like these rules, they can go to their local government and ask those rules to be changed,” Bruhn said. “Do you think if Tallahassee is going to decide the rules that they will listen to the residents of Winter Park or Windermere?”

Local leaders have an ally in Tallahassee in state Rep. Bobby Olszewski.

“I have very serious reservations if the state of Florida could successfully manage all of the nuanced preemptions in this bill,” he said.

“Issues such as the removal and trimming of trees and shrubs are best handled by the government closest to the people at the local level.”

If passed, the bill would take effect July 1.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

260738

6

ALSO INSIDE: Keep Orlando Beautiful: Trash 2 Trends. 8 Josh Recommends: Plan your weekend entertainment. ONLINE

BLACK

TIE

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Members of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty came en masse.

Caprice Atwell rocked a dinosaur and a unicorn on each leg.

Tricked-out

trousers Sandy Schupp and Alan Jones danced the night away.

G

ood intentions and bad pants clashed at the Sunshine Kids Foundation’s Bad Pants Bash Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Guests and members arrived at the Rosen Shingle Creek sporting the most outlandish, distracting and kooky pants they could find to support the nonprofit. The event, organized by the New Kids foundation and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty, raised money through a silent and live auction to fund trips and activities for children with cancer. During dinner, cancer survivor and adolescent Grayson Zrelak spoke to the audience.

— HARRY SAYER

Ron and Janet Yon spent time with Grayson Zrelak.

Katie and John Tran were thrilled to win a literal cart of drinks.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Tim O’Gorman brought a comic book’s worth of onomatopoeia to the gala.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

The Trash 2 Trends fashion show this year features 35 designers who will upcycle waste materials by turning them into awestriking, wearable fashions.

DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

The Jazz Professors

Outfits can be made with a variety of materials, including plastic bags, newspapers, old CDs and wires.

Saturday | Feb 3, 2018 | 6:30 pm Ocoee High School 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Pky | Ocoee, FL 34761

One night. Three incredible jazz bands!

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tickets | www.HAPCOpromo.org

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Advanced tickets $5 students | $10 adults

its most recent projects was placing 40 recycling bins in public spaces such as Lake Eola and recreational ball fields.

But funding is necessary to complete such projects. Enter Trash 2 Trends.

“Trash 2 Trends is an upcycled runway show where everything that the designers create has to be from end-of-life materials or items going to the landfill,” Buyas said.

The outfits and those modeling them are essentially educational art pieces that walk a runway, she said. This year, there are 35 designers participating, and all will be using a variety of interesting materials such as plastic bags, records and expired technologies, old instruments and even debris from Hurricane Irma.

“We have a girl making a piece with a lot of cassette tapes that actually aren’t even playable,as well as vinyl records that are scratched or warped,” she said. “Some people are actually using wood and torn screens from their pools and things like that. … Almost all of us dealt with Irma in some way or form. …

It’s the thought of how much waste we created and what we are doing with that.”

Five years ago at its inaugural show, Trash 2 Trends raised $11,000 for Keep Orlando Beautiful. Last year, it doubled that to $22,000, and Buyas hopes to keep the trend going and to put on another awe-striking show this year.

“They (guests) can expect another incredible show; it just gets better year after year because I think the designers challenge themselves more and more,” she said. “We incorporate, as we’ve gone on, more of the education (aspect), so guests can expect to be wowed by the designs and also learn a lot about waste or be inspired to rethink some of their habits.”

TRASH 2 TRENDS WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 WHERE: SeaWorld’s Ports of Call, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando TICKETS: Tickets are on sale at 2018trash2trends. eventbrite.com and include complimentary appetizers during the cocktail hour, as well as a dessert and coffee bar. Guests most be 18 or older to attend.

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Next week, models are set to hit the runway at SeaWorld dressed in extravagant outfits — made from things such as plastic bags, old newspapers and scratched CDs. Turning trash into something wearable and trendy is not your typical Michael Kors-infused fashion show, but that’s just the point.

Trash 2 Trends is a fundraiser for Keep Orlando Beautiful Inc., a nonprofit organization and branch of Keep America Beautiful Inc. Its goal is to fund and implement beautification projects around the city of Orlando, as well as educate the public on environmental sustainability.

“Our mission is to engage the community to take more responsibility for the local environment and keeping it clean, green, beautiful and sustainable,” said Jody Buyas, Keep Orlando Beautiful’s coordinator. “We get out there and do painting, tree planting, landscaping and education in the schools. … Keep Orlando Beautiful in itself, we’re really about the only program of its kind in Orlando. The funds we raise go right back into the community in beautification projects.”

Keep Orlando Beautiful began when the city noticed people were looking for more ways to recycle beyond their homes, Buyas said.

She and other Keep Orlando Beautiful proponents agreed, and the nonprofit was born locally. One of

ORLANDO

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Branching out

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9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

So local, it feels like your garage!

W

indermere residents celebrated Florida Arbor Day on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the 14th Annual Windermere Treebute event on Main Street.

The festival featured an Ask the Arborist booth, plant sales, food, live music and the “Geezers in the Treezers” Tree Climbing Competition.

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Paula Ashby, of the Avian Reconditioning Center, brought a feathered friend — Mrs. P., the barred owl — to the event:

Leo Swick, 8, planted dill and parsley to take home.

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Susan Carter and Vicki Hearst had a chance to browse through the plants for sale.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

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Winter Garden resident Margaret “Peggy” Weidner passed away Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at the age of 100.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Weidner, in 1974; second husband, Charles B. Pilling, in 1992; and son, Thomas W. (late wife Ruth) in 2017.

She is survived by three children, William P. (wife Lynn) of Las Vegas, Nevada, James R. (wife Kathy) of Zebulon, North Carolina, and Nancy J. (husband John) McCarthy of Clermont, Florida. She is also survived by six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Born July 19, 1917, in Detroit, Michigan, to Mervin and Adelaide Green, Peggy was a secretary for Gibbs & Co. before marrying husband Bill in 1940. They moved their family to

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Northville, Michigan, in 1951, where she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Northville Garden Club, Mother’s Club, Bridge Club and the “Friday Night Group.”

After raising her family, Peggy also stayed busy with part-time positions at local businesses such as Ely’s Garden Center and Green Ridge Nursery, as well as Crowley Milner and Continental Airlines. Peggy began a new life after moving south to The Plantation at

Leesburg in 1993.

Peggy enjoyed being active, riding horses well into her 70s and traveling extensively into her 90s, including vacations to Europe and Hawaii, dog sledding in Alaska and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

She loved playing bridge and hosting parties, gardening, backyard birding, horses, dogs and cats, especially her beloved feline companion “Cleo.”

The family would like to thank the staff at Serenades by Sonata in Winter Garden, Age Advantage and Vitas for their support in her later years.

Peggy will be interred with her husband Bill at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville, Michigan, after a private family ceremony planned for this spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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407-656-2233 www.baldwinfairchild.com 428 E. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787

You. Your Neighbors.

Your Neighborhood.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm.

407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

Non-Denominational HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd.

Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

Grace •Compassion • Understanding Please visit the following web links to see our entire listings of needs...

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The Holidays are gone but the need continues 24/7/365!

For additional Updates on Current Needs, please visit us at: https://www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

523 South Woodland Street • Winter Garden • www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org • 407.905.9500

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One block north of Citrus Tower

the Dillards attended three Presidential Inaugurations.

Ben and Laurie had a son, Benjamin Hall III, in 1966, and a second son, Jonathan Michael, in 1967. Both sons were born in the same delivery room that their father was born in at Emory University Hospital.

The Dillards moved to Orlando, Florida, in 1976, where Ben built a Day’s Inn franchise on Highway 192, outside the main entrance to Disney World, which he owned and operated until December 1986, when he sold it to the Chinese Government for a theme park.

During their years in Orlando, Ben and Laurie were active on many civic and charitable committees and boards of directors, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the Florida Symphony Orchestra, where they were instrumental in raising funds and were active in the business and publicity areas.

In 1990, the Dillards founded a locally based organization, which he named “BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation,” to provide social and support

services to kids with cancer and related diseases and their families. The name is an analogy to a camp that supports mountain climbers in their efforts to overcome the challenges of their journeys. Ben was the first chairman of the board of the organization and has continued to support its mission.

BASE Camp remains active in the Central Florida community under the direction of co-founder and Executive Director Terri Jones-Robbins.

Following the sale of the motel in 1986, Ben became a commercial realestate agent for Century 21. He later became an associate broker with The Real Estate Collection in Winter Garden, Florida.

The Dillards retired to Gainesville, Florida, in 2014 to live with their son, Ben III, and his wife, Stacy.

Ben is survived by his wife and two sons, Ben Dillard, III of Gainesville, Florida, and Jon Dillard, of Maysville, Georgia; as well as six grandchildren, Elizabeth Dillard, Benjamin Dillard IV, Jonathan Dillard Jr., Jay Dillard, Athens Dillard and Clark Dillard. He is also survived by two sisters, Ara Bell Sanders, and Dale Hunt, both of Carrollton, Georgia.

A memorial service will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 3. Please contact BASE Camp CCF at (407) 6735060 for further information.

Anyone wishing to donate in Ben’s memory, please send to BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, 650 Wymore Road, No. 103, Winter Park, FL 32789. basecamp.org.

Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden

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Ben H. Dillard Jr., 80, passed away from a heart attack on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Gainesville, Florida. Ben was a resident of Windermere for more than 30 years and was a tireless and respected supporter of the arts and medical organizations of Central Florida during that time.

Ben was born at Emory University Hospital on Jan. 15, 1937, to Dorothy Bell and Benjamin Hall Dillard Sr. He was raised in DeKalb County and attended Hooper Alexander Elementary and Decatur High schools.

His family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1952, when he was 15 years old, where he completed high school at East High and attended college at The University of Tennessee. His family were members of McCalla Avenue Baptist Church.

In 1957, he moved back to DeKalb County to work for the L.C. Warren Refrigeration Distributorship. He married Laurie Anne Eidson in 1960, in the Annie Laurie Warren Chapel at Peachtree Church in Atlanta, which was named for his wife’s great-aunt, who donated the chapel to the church.

Ben became chairman of the DeKalb County Republican Party in 1964 and subsequently became campaign manager and chief of staff to Congressman Ben Blackburn (R-4th District of Georgia), a job which he held for six years. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention twice, and

MARGARET “PEGGY” WEIDNER DIED MONDAY, DEC. 25, 2017.

All Inclusive A l l I n c l u s i v$e D iDirect rect Cremation Cremation $795 Maitland

BEN H. DILLARD JR. DIED TUESDAY, JAN. 9, 2018.

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JANUARY 25, 2018

SPORTS

Windermere Prep guard Madison Workman scores a career-best 23 points in SSAC Tournament win. Page 12

HIGH

Hoops, 5 hair & hard work

1

District tournaments for girls soccer are scheduled for this week, with five local teams set to vie for two district crowns. Dr. Phillips and Olympia will each compete in the Class 5A, District 4 Tournament at Apopka High, with that district final scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Windermere will compete in the Class 4A, District 5 Tournament at East Ridge High, with that final set for Jan. 26.

Finally, Bishop Moore will host to Class 2A, District 7 Tournament, which will feature Windermere Prep and The First Academy.

2

Boosted by individual wins in five weight classes, the Dr. Phillips girls wrestling team won the Cypress Creek Invitational last weekend, capturing the team’s eighth tournament championship this season. Jessica Corredor, Karoline Ortiz, Remy Vargas, Shania Gowan and Michela Toussaint all won their respective brackets.

3

Dr. Phillips football standout Davarius Bargnare, a senior receiver for the statechampion Panthers, has committed to continue his career at Georgia Southern.

4

The Windermere Prep boys soccer team placed third in the inaugural SSAC Boys Soccer Tournament. After falling to St. Edward’s in overtime of the tourney’s semifinal Jan. 19, the Lakers (9-6) bounced back with a 1-0 win over Legacy in the third-place game.

5

Graig Smith has been named the new head coach for the West Orange baseball team, replacing Jesse Marlo. Smith is a former assistant and junior varsity coach for the Warriors. For more, visit ObserverPreps.com.

Steven Ryzewski

Jordan Grant is eager to lead the Olympia boys basketball team to the regional playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

If Jordan Grant’s hair is the first thing many notice about the senior guard for the Olympia boys basketball team, then his game is the next thing.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The first thing many people — if not most people — notice about Jordan Grant is his hair.

It’s hard to miss.

The senior guard for the Olympia High basketball team has hair that flows down nearly to his waist — even when braided for games, it falls below his shoulders.

Grant’s hair may be the first thing people notice about him, but it would be a disservice to assume it is the only thing. A fouryear varsity player for the Titans, Grant has never been the biggest, strongest or fastest guard on the court, but his game and his performance always speak volumes about his dedication to the sport.

Now, with his senior regular

season as a Titan winding to a close, the even-tempered guard is hoping to leave a lasting impression on the program that has meant so much to him.

LONG HAIR BECAUSE HE CARES

Many within the Central Florida high-school hoops scene are familiar with Grant and his long locks, but few know the reason behind it.

As a fourth-grader, Grant learned that his grandmother — who had died before he was born — lost her hair as part of her chemotherapy treatment while battling cancer. Although he did not fully understand the gravity of cancer and death at that young age, he felt motivated to do something, and so he began to grow his hair

out to donate it to Locks of Love.

After that first growing out period, Grant decided he would keep his hair long — and it’s been flowing past his shoulders ever since.

“It just stuck with me, and I just kept it,” Grant said. “It did take some getting used to (while playing) — at first, it would get in my way. I got used to it and it just got normal.”

OLYMPIA FIRST

Grant knows his Olympia basketball history.

Although he has only been on campus since 2014, he knows the Titans were state runners-up in 2009 and that the program made the playoffs four times in seven SEE GRANT PAGE 12

Windermere High’s Griseck earns milestone win The Wolverines’ ninth win of the season was also No. 300 for Mark Griseck, the first-year team’s veteran head coach.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Windermere High boys basketball coach Mark Griseck was recognized recently for a career milestone — his 300th win as a head coach — by someone who has helped him earn several of those victories.

Trey Griseck, Mark Griseck’s son and former star at Olympia High when his father was a coach there, presented his dad with a

commemorative “300 WINS” basketball for the achievement ahead of the Wolverines’ home game January — which, ironically, was against the Olympia Titans.

After starring collegiately at St. Leo, Trey — who graduated from Olympia in 2012 — has joined his father as a high-school hoops coach and is an assistant on Griseck’s staff at Windermere.

Regarding the accolade, the veteran coach with a 302-150 career record — good for a 67% career winning percentage — is quick to point out that he has had some help along the way.

“That’s what it really is about — I’ve been blessed to have a lot of good players and a lot of good coaches with me,” Griseck said.

SEE GRISECK PAGE 12

Steven Ryzewski

Trey Griseck, left, presented his dad Mark Griseck with a commemorative basketball January 19 to recognize Mark’s 300 wins as a head coach.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Griseck

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Madison Workman

FROM PAGE 11

“(Coaches) are only as good as our teams, and I’ve just been blessed along the way.”

Griseck took the job to start the new program at the firstyear high school after serving as an assistant on Scott Williams’ staff at Apopka High.

Entering this season, Griseck’s career record was 291-144 over 15 seasons, meaning his ninth win for the Wolverines would mark the milestone — a win that came Jan. 15 when Windermere defeated Lake Brantley in the finale of the Metro vs. Florida Challenge.

Currently, the Wolverines are 11-6 despite having no seniors, and Griseck said the challenge and opportunity of starting a program has been a rewarding one.

“It’s neat — the newness and the excitement around campus,” Griseck said. “It’s been

After a rough campaign in 2016-17, the Windermere Prep girls basketball team (8-8) is enjoying significant improvement so far this winter. Freshman guard Madison Workman has done her part as a catalyst in the team’s turnaround as the Lakers’ starting point guard. In the opening round of the SSAC Girls Basketball Tournament Jan. 13, Workman — who normally averages about 6 points per game — scored a career-best 23 points in a victory against Bell Creek.

What was going well for you in the game where you scored 23 points?

Everyone scored a lot, and we all got really motivated — we all scored a lot.

What has changed that has led to the team’s improvement this year?

We didn’t lose any people from last year — we didn’t have any seniors — so we all have chemistry. We have a bunch of new players, too.

Of which win so far are you most proud?

I think the game we played against All-Saints Academy (a 38-17 victory in the SSAC Tournament). We did really (well), and they were a higher seed than us.

What stands out when the team is playing well?

I think recently, we’ve been playing well on defense, getting in our shifts in our zone (defense). … We get rebounds, and we shoot a lot. It’s kind of well-rounded.

What element of the game do you enjoy the most?

I like fast-breaks and getting easy lay-ups. I like to push the ball.

What position do you play for the softball team?

I play everything — I’ll play pitcher, catcher, shortstop. I’ll play basically anywhere.

What’s your favorite class?

Probably art, because I like the teacher (Andy Beauchamp).

THE BASICS School: Windermere Prep Year: Freshman Position: Guard Height: 5-foot-5 Hometown: Effingham, Illinois Other varsity sports: Softball

What do you like about attending Windermere Prep?

The teachers are good at teaching, and I can understand what they’re talking about. They’re thorough.

Grant

If you could play a basketball game at any gym or arena in the world, where would you most want to play?

Probably Madison Square Garden, because it has my name in it, and it’s really big.

FROM PAGE 11

seasons while Mark Griseck was the head coach.

He also knows that the program has not been to the playoffs since the 2013-14 season — a drought he wants to end.

“Back in 2008-09, Olympia was a powerhouse team,” Grant said. “With coach (Rob) Gordon coming in, he wanted to change the culture and get us back on to the right path.”

Gordon came to Olympia — where he got his start as an assistant under Griseck — after successful stints as head coach at Ocoee and Evans.

Gordon hopes to reinvigorate the Titans with a culture change. And although that, in part, means taking a macro view of the program’s direction, it also doesn’t mean writing off this season, either.

“Changing the culture has nothing to do with sacrificing wins; it has everything to do with raising the standard to meet the expectation,” Gordon said. “Those three seniors (Grant, Mykarri Hodges and Markel Hudson) have really done a good job of meeting that standard.”

Grant, Hodges and Hudson are the three remaining seniors from what was once a loaded sophomore class that had shown some real potential during the 2015-16 season. A few players transferred to Orlando Christian Prep after that season, and others dropped at varying points leading up to the beginning of this current season.

What do you enjoy about playing for coach Emmalee Schill?

She sees the positives of the situation and she sees what we’re doing wrong and tries to fix it.

Is there anything coach Schill has been working on this season with you in particular?

She’s working on getting me to drive more and shoot more.

Instead of passing it, to find a better open shot.

Do you have a favorite sport to support at Windermere Prep?

I go to all of them, but I mainly go to soccer because my brother (Jared Workman) plays, and it’s fun seeing him play.

You have a twin sister, Meredith, and a brother, Jared, and you all play sports for Windermere Prep. Are the three of you competitive with one another?

Meredith and I play softball together, and we like to see who can do better. With my brother, he used to play basketball, so sometimes we’ll play one-onone.

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ONLINE EXTRA Mark Griseck’s Windermere High boys basketball team has played a pair of rivalry games this past week, facing off against nearby Olympia High Jan. 19 and then against West Orange High Jan. 23.

Photo galleries from both games are available at ObserverPreps.com.

kind of rejuvenating for me.”

Before coaching at Windermere, Griseck previously coached at Olympia, Gainesville’s P.K. Yonge High and Apopka. He has coached three state runner-up teams — two at P.K. Yonge and one at Olympia in 2009.

While leading the Titans for seven seasons — from the 200708 season to 2013-14 — Griseck oversaw a program that went 128-69. Olympia made four

For the remaining trio, there is an acknowledgement that — while wanting to win now — they are eager to lay a foundation for what is to follow, too.

“We have to come in with a mindset knowing that it’s not just about us — we have to help the younger kids grow so Olympia can be better,” Grant said.

COLLEGE-BOUND

Grant’s strong play this season, along with his strong academics (he has a 3.75 GPA), have Gordon confident that the guard will play in college, perhaps at the Division II or III level.

Although the senior’s scoring ability may catch the eye of many observers, Gordon has been most impressed with Grant’s even-keeled demeanor.

“I think the biggest thing I like about his game is he is always on-balance and always composed,” Gordon said. “Nothing seems to rattle him — he plays with great poise. You don’t see that in many high-school kids.”

Because of that temperament, and because of the work ethic he has seen from the senior guard, Gordon not only thinks Grant can play in college, but also that he will make some college coach very happy to have him.

“He’s going to be a really good fit for somebody’s program,” Gordon said.

For Grant, knowing his head coach believes in his ability to continue his career after high school has been a boost.

“When (Coach Gordon) tells me that I can play in college, it gives me confidence that I am good and that I can actually do this,” Grant said. “It just motivates me.”

playoff appearances in those seven seasons, advancing past the regional quarterfinals twice.

In 2009, the Titans fell to Miami’s Coral Reef High 69-60 in the FHSAA Class 6A State Championship Game — at the time, Class 6A was the largest in Florida.

Griseck also coached two of his teams at P.K. Yonge to state finals appearances in 2003 and 2007, just ahead of his move to the Orlando area.

To date, it has been a career full of memorable wins, with some of his earlier successes in Gainesville standing out, including a 79-72 win in the 2007 Class 6A State Semifinal against a Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) team that included a young Brandon Knight — currently a member of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.

“There have been so many — every year there are good wins,” Griseck said. “Even this year, I thought our win against Dr. Phillips was a good win.”

FINISH STRONG

Olympia had been 5-5 to start the holiday break, but the Titans won five of their next six games. That 10-6 mark did not last long. A trio of tough games last week dropped Olympia to 10-9, but the young Titans have nonetheless shown that the embrace of Gordon’s culture change is real.

Now, they will prepare for an opportunity to return to the playoffs. That opportunity will come down to — as it so often does — a game against their chief rival, Dr. Phillips. DP is the No. 2 seed in District 9A-5, and Olympia is the No. 3 seed, meaning the two teams will meet in the district semifinal at Freedom High with a playoff berth on the line.

Although it is always daunting to have a season come down to one game, Grant said the games he has played against the Panthers — win or lose — have always been some of his favorites as a high-school player.

“The atmosphere for DPOlympia is always great,” Grant said. “It’s fun playing them — I know a lot of those kids and grew up with a lot of them.”

Of course, this particular Titan would prefer to win that game so that he and his senior teammates — Hodges and Hudson — can get a taste of what the regional playoffs are like before their high-school careers come to a close.

“We just want to come out and play every game like it’s our last,” Grant said. “We deserve to win — to go to districts and go to regionals.”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

The Panthers will face Lee County, Georgia’s 2017 champ in its secondlargest classification.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs college football teams will face one another Oct. 27, but football fans won’t have to wait that long this fall for a high-profile “Florida-Georgia” matchup.

State champions from 2017 from the two states will clash Saturday, Aug. 25, to open the high-school football season. Dr. Phillips, the 2017 champion of Class 8A — Florida’s largest classification — will travel four hours north to face Lee County, the 2017 champion of Class 6A — Georgia’s second-largest classification.

Given that context — state champions from tradition- and talent-rich states such as Florida and Georgia opening the season against one another — the showdown between the Panthers and Trojans should garner national attention.

“It’s very exciting,” Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells said. “Champions from two of the largest classifications, from two of the best football states in the world? It’s got to be a big deal

File photo

The Panthers will play a rare game on a Saturday when they face Lee County High in Georgia.

to everybody — not just our two schools.”

The game came to be, in part, because the head coach at Lee County is Dean Fabrizio — formerly an assistant at Dr. Phillips in the 1990s, when Wells was a player for the Panthers.

The game is the first out-ofstate game for the program since Wells took over as head coach seven years ago, and although the main focus will be on earning a victory on a big stage — the game could end up televised nation-

Eat, Play & Stay Healthy West Orange!

Lee County High is located in Leesburg, Georgia, about two-and-one-half hours south of Atlanta. The Trojans went 14-1 in 2017 en route to a state championship, a run they completed with an overtime victory Dec. 15 against Coffee High.

Lee County averaged 44.4 points per game during its championship campaign, while allowing just 13.9 points per game. The Trojans are coached by Dean Fabrizio, a Lake Howell High grad and former Dr. Phillips assistant coach.

ally — the Panthers also will do their best to soak up and enjoy the unique experience it offers.

“It’s definitely an experience — it’s college-like,” Wells said.

“You’ve got to go and stay in a hotel. You’re out of your element — you’ve got to find somewhere to eat breakfast and lunch and find a different place for your pregame practice. … The other thing is, we’re playing on a Saturday for the first time since I’ve been there.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 25 High: 67 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, JAN. 26 High: 70 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 0%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 25

7:18a

5:59p

Friday, Jan. 26

7:17a

6p

Saturday, Jan. 27

7:17a

6:01p

Sunday, Jan. 28

7:16a

6:02p

Monday, Jan. 29

7:16a

6:03p

Tuesday, Jan. 30

7:16a

6:03p

Wednesday, Jan. 31

7:15a

6:04p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 High: 73 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10% Ocoee resident Barbara Hellebrand submitted this beautiful photo, which she calls, “Art in the Sky.” “Even though I was sick with the flu, when I looked out my bedroom window and saw the sky, I ran outside to capture this beautiful art of nature,” she said. “It was taken in Ocoee looking west toward Winter Garden.”

The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

ONLINE

Jan. 31 Full

Feb. 23 First

Feb. 7 Last

Feb. 15 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Jan. 16

0.00

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

Wednesday, Jan. 17

0.00

High: 76 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 70%

Thursday, Jan. 18

0.00

Friday, Jan. 19

0.00

Saturday, Jan. 20

0.00

Sunday, Jan. 21

0.00

Monday, Jan. 22

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. TO DATE:

2018

1.14 in.

2018

1.14 in.

2017 1.45 in.

2017

1.45 in.

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Visit Our Community Calendar Today!

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www.OrangeObserver.com/Calendar 104 Twice, a South Pacific island 105 Shallow babbling brook 106 Opposite of ‘taint 107 Guy predicting clemency?

109 After-tax leftover 110 One Iranian language 112 Wet-handled blade 113 Northern subarctic coniferous forests 114 One without a fixed address 116 Ones not to be counted on 120 Cara with the pipes 121 One between activities 122 Bird beaks 123 Hair-removing brand 124 Not currently in 125 Poor go-with 126 Vacation excursion 127 “Big Band,” historically

DOWN

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1 Kool closing 4 Chopped liver, really 8 Fence that grows 13 “Insert here” mark 18 Far from colorful 20 Viscount topper 21 Sub add-on 22 Color befitting 18-Across 23 Be happy, eat berries and jog 26 Like times long gone 27 Flip a lid?

28 After-dinner offering, sometimes

29 Try for plants again 31 Little cyst 32 Making less subtle or refined 35 Smashing point?

36 Deep troubles 38 Is an imperfect human 39 Yield, as a right 40 Like seriously devoted fans 41 “They whupped us” 44 Word for cross-referencers 45 Oft-used article 46 Word with dining or code 47 Snow-to-puddle phase 48 2 p.m. greeting

54 One who practices professionally, briefly 55 One responding to a “cattle call” 58 Tall farm structure 59 Like a less-powerful Samson 61 Single-mast boats 63 Step-downs from stereos?

66 Cinched or iced 69 Gets set?

71 Capital of the Italian region of Liguria 73 “How-it-works” drawing 75 Is a bungler 77 Perry’s Street

79 Wall candle holder 80 Critical body vessel 81 Mount in Italy 83 Commanding words with coin or salad 84 “I ___ to recall ...”

87 Interests of all 92 Group of six 94 Unknown author, briefly 95 “... purse out of a sow’s ___” 96 Co. at 30 Rockefeller Plaza 99 Principle dish of a meal 101 Type of duck 102 Ash Wednesday’s season

1 Advances evidence for 2 Stuff found in mines 3 “School” for the very young 4 Miles-gallon link 5 “Oh, does that feel good” 6 Timid by nature 7 A “Seinfeld” character 8 Selling like crazy 9 One making deep impressions 10 Like plants that can be male or female 11 Prodded, as into action 12 Prefix with skeleton or morph 13 Lovey-dovey sound 14 “Might seem that way ...”

15 Successfully endures 16 Not owing or ahead 17 Score divided by two 19 Fat “wild” creatures 24 Big name in deliveries 25 Avg., in sizes 30 Internet address start 33 Returning sound 34 Strict requirements 37 Ending for her?

40 You ___ here 42 Jet set’s jet no more 43 Your, biblically

CELEBRITY CIPHER

45 Cigar-shaped bomb 46 Sought absolution 48 Doers of acts of kindness

By Luis Campos 49 Prepare to get triggered? Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from 50 Punish with a whip quotations by famous people, past and present.

51 Grp. before the CIA Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

52 Expressed surprise, in a way “ZVA NTGMU MTCAU VAG ... PVA NLP 53 “___ not a good time!”

LE YEPRYGLZYTE ZT NTKAE LEU ...

55 Volcanic residue 56 Chowder variety TJ WTBGPA, PVA NLP L JYIVZAG.” 57 Television’s Spelling 60 Thing at a nuclear power – AU LPEAG TE KLGX ZXMAG plant 62 Make a bullish sound 64 Five fifths 65 Quietly respectful “PLS RHZ’K MWRLIW H 67 Large vases 68 Some lobbying grps.

NFLTWGGXLZHA ILSFZWF ...

70 A boy of Adam FWNAHP KBW JLLV KXIWG. MW 72 Palo follower 74 ___ culpa JFHKWTSA TLF KBW PWHFG PLS 76 Enc. with cover letters 78 Arbor in Michigan – MWKKP DBXKW 82 Entertainer’s go-between BHV.” 84 That boat 85 Car attachment? ©2018 NEA, Inc. 86 Maximum and minimum 88 Lady’s sheer undergarment 89 Biased Complete the grid so that every row, column 90 Use blades on blades and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 91 Boy Scout’s declaration 93 Playa ___ Rey, Calif. inclusively.

96 Award candidate 97 Big-talking blowhard 98 Card game with four jokers 100 Santa subordinate 101 Walked with power 102 Gained knowledge 103 Paycheck recipient 104 Cranium fill 107 Try to get as one’s girlfriend 108 Number suffix, sometimes 109 Charles or Ephron 111 Certainly not “fer” 114 Wee bit of cold in the air 115 Passing grade, barely 117 One way to cook eggs 118 Sash on a geisha’s robe 119 Medicine dose, briefly ©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate 1-25-18

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals C

BETTER THAN AVERAGE by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: B equals U

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• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

AUTO SERVICE • •

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

TFN

Tires and Alignments

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Telephone: (407) 614-3827 rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.com

H.J.L.C. LAWN CARE Maintenance & Lawn Care

Taking Care of Your Scape

Sod Surgeon Bobcat Services (407) 341-4133

260285

260274

Amsoil Synthetic

Tune-Ups and General Repair

LAWN CARE

MV03215

Mobil 1 Oil

Computerized Diagnostics

In House Towing Available

MORE THAN JUST

ATTORNEY AT LAW

P.O. Box 785031 • Winter Garden, FL 34778-5031

Scheduled Maintenance

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

STEPHEN DEH. SCHWARZ II

Local: 407-630-8070 • Toll-free: 833-945-5529

Battery Testing and Replacement

260286

WE ARE THE AREA’S

15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

263402

ATTORNEY

|

Licensed & Bonded • Free Estimates This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers PET SERVICES

Puzzle One Solution: “The world loved her ... she was Hotel an Puppy Dreams Pet inspiration to women and ... of course, Your pet’s home away from home she was aa unique fighter.” | no-cage facility daycare overnight boarding – Edand Asner on Mary Tyler Moore

STRESS

FREE

Financing See store for details

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95 $

881 S. 9th Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

Mercedes C-Class

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

179.95 $199.95 $

Mercedes E-Class

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2/28/2018.

TFN Puzzle Two Solution: (407) 654-8885 S. Vineland Rd. “You can’t become 703 a professional Winter Garden, FL 34787 mourner ... Replay the good times. Be www.puppydreams.com grateful for the years you had.”

ROOFING – Betty White

260271

BMW 3 Series

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM - 5PM

260275

• All Engines $200.00 each • All Transmissions $100.00 each • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

This week’s Sudoku answers

www.budgetupullit.com

260287

407-656-4707

UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE ?QV\MZ /IZLMV¼[ 8ZMUQMZ :WWÅVO +WUXIVa ;QVKM !

REMOVAL ;MZ^QVO )TT WN ?M[\ 7ZIVOM +W]V\a DATA & PASSWORD .]TTa 4QKMV[ML IVL 1V[]ZML :WWN :MXIQZ[ IVL :MXTIKMUMV\ RECOVERY ̆ ̆ WIRELESS &! ?M[\7ZIVOM:WWÅVO KWU WIRED NETWORKING .:-- -;<15)<-;

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Merchandise Wanted

Auctions

Merchandise 13178 W. Wanted Colonial Dr.

Auctions

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO SELL PERSONAL PROPERTY OF FORMER MIAMI BEACH REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER THOMAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO NOW PURCHASING KRAMER MIAMI-DADE AT PUBLIC SALE ON FEBRUARY 14.

13178 W. Colonial Dr. SELL PERSONAL PROPERTY OF FORMER MIAMI The Sheriff’s Sale will take place Wednesday, FebWinter Garden ruary 14,BEACH REAL DEVELOPER THOMAS 2018 at 11 A.M. ESTATE at the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office, NW 1 Court, 9th Floor, NOW PURCHASING KRAMER AT60lPUBLIC SALE ON FEBRUARY 14.

407-656-3495 Miami, FL. Inspection: February 2018 The Sheriff’s Tues, Sale will take 13, place Wednesday, Febfrom 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at two locations: 4 Star ruary 14, 2018 at 11 A.M. at the Miami-Dade Help Wanted Island Drive and 5 Star Island Drive, Miami Beach, Sheriff's Office, 60l NW 1 Court, 9th Floor, FL 33139.County Exceptional, one-of-a-kind luxury items PUBLIC WORKS DEPT - TOWN OF WINDERMERE Miami, FL. Inspection: Tues, February 13, 2018 representing Kramer’s well-known extravagant — is seeking qualified applicants to join our PW from 9:00 A.M. tofor 3:00 at two celebrity lifestyle are available saleP.M. including Eu-locations: 4 Star team. The ideal candidate would have experience ropean home furnishings, artwork, exquisite Island Drive and 5 Star Island home Drive, Miami Beach, in streets and drainage, as well as general facilities decor, sculptures, oriental rugs, maskone-of-a-kind collections, FL 33139.

Exceptional, luxury items and grounds maintenance. A positive individual to life-size collectible figures and statues, electronics, PUBLIC WORKS DEPT - TOWN OF WINDERMERE representing Kramer’s well-known extravagant be part of our expanding team. Equipment operaaudio/video equipment, book collections, office — is seeking qualified applicants to join our PW tor and/or masonry experience preferred, but not celebrity lifestyle arefurniture, available for sale including Euequipment, office furniture, patio concrete team. The candidate have CDL experience required.

Payideal is DOQ. Valid FL would DL required, ropean homehand furnishings, artwork, outdoor décor/statues, tools, power tools, exquisite home in streets No andphone drainage, as well asTogeneral preferred. calls accepted. find outfacilities restaurantdecor, equipment, fitness equipment much sculptures, orientaland rugs, mask collections, more and/or to maintenance. apply see dprevost@town.winderand grounds A positive individual to more. A 2011 Toyota Tacoma figures truck willand be statues, sold life-size collectible electronics, mere.fl.us additional details.

DFW and EOE. operabe part offor our expanding team.

Equipment separately.

All other personal property will be sold audio/video equipment, book collections, office 2/8tow asnot one lot via Sheriff's sale. The contact person for tor and/or masonry experience preferred, but equipment, office furniture, patio furniture, concrete required. Pay is DOQ. Valid FL DL required, sale CDLinquiries is: Latasha Gethers Hines, Esq. outdoor décor/statues, Waterfront Property Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton 2525hand Poncetools, de power tools, preferred. No phone calls accepted. To find out restaurant equipment, and much Leon Blvd., 9th Floor Miami, Fl fitness 33134 equipment Direct LAKE FORECLOSURE $29,900 Before more and/or to apply Resale see dprevost@town.winder305.728.2966 | email: lgh@kttlaw.com fcan1/25truck will be sold more.

A 2011 Toyota Tacoma foreclosure sold for $134,900.

Special Financing. mere.fl.us for additional details. DFW and EOE. separately. All other personal property will be sold Selling- off Jan. 27th Info: www.LakeLotsClose2/8tow out.com 877.712.3650 Florida Waterfront Marketas one lot via Sheriff's sale. The contact person for ing, LLC. Licensed Real Estate Broker. Fcan1/25 sale inquiries is: Latasha Gethers Hines, Esq.

Winter Garden

259941

SCRAP BATTERIES

407-656-3495

259941

SCRAP BATTERIES

Help Wanted

Waterfront Property

LAKE FORECLOSURE Resale $29,900 Before foreclosure sold for $134,900. Special Financing.

Selling- off Jan. 27th Info: www.LakeLotsCloseout.com 877.712.3650 Florida Waterfront Marketing, LLC. Licensed Real Estate Broker. Fcan1/25

©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The world loved her ... she was an inspiration to women and ... of course, she was a fighter.” | – Ed Asner on Mary Tyler Moore

This week’s Crossword answers

Puzzle Two Solution: “You can’t become a professional mourner ... Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.”

– Betty White

This week’s Sudoku answers

Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 9th Floor Miami, Fl 33134 Direct 305.728.2966 | email: lgh@kttlaw.com fcan1/25

Visit us online at OrangeObserver.com

©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

2018

260273

BRAKE PAD SALE

16

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

17-SYSTEM-05989

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