01.26.18 Winter Park/Maitland Observer

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

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Tacky trousers were in at the Sunshine Kids Foundation gala.

SEE PAGE 6 Jim Fitch

YOUR TOWN CLASSIC WILL BENEFIT LIBRARY

Winter Park Library’s Golf Classic Tournament will take place Feb. 10, at Winter Park Country Club, 761 Old England Ave., Winter Park.

The tournament’s goal is to raise needed funding to support the Winter Park Public Library’s inclusive, educational programming for patrons of all ages. The golf course designers Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns will be present for the day to interact with golf tournament participants. Additionally, the author of The Finest Nines: The Best NineHole Golf Courses in North America, Anthony Pioppi, will be a featured guest.

Steve Leary

Voters will decide who will be mayor in the March 13 election.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It’s election season once again in Winter Park — and this time the mayor’s seat is up for grabs.

Mayor Steve Leary will look to defend his seat against chalSEE MAYORAL PAGE 4

Maitland establishes poll locations for elections The mayoral election will be held March 13.

HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER

Troy Herring

Winter Park Police Department K-9 Brutus and handler officer Jonathan Maingot are keeping the community safe. PAGE 4.

Maitland City Council revisited past issues and set plans for the upcoming general municipal election during a short meeting Monday, Jan. 22.

The City Council passed a resolution designating pollSEE MAITLAND PAGE 4

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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YOUR CALENDAR

WINTER PARK

FRIDAY, JAN. 26 GLADDENING LIGHT SYMPOSIUM 2018 Friday, Jan. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 28, at various locations on the Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park.

Join NPR host Krista Tippett, in conversation with two-term U.S. Poet Laureate and author of “The Rain in Portugal,” Billy Collins. Tippett has recently penned the bestseller, “Becoming Wise.” A.O. Scott, acclaimed movie critic with The New York Times and author of “Better Living Through Criticism,” will lecture, and all will participate on a panel to ponder the art of composition and criticism with Gustavo Santaolalla, film score composer for “21 Grams,” “Amores perros,” “Beautiful,” “The Motorcycle Diaries” and winner of back-to-back Academy Awards for “Babel” and “Brokeback Mountain.” For exact times and locations, visit gladdeninglight.org or call 800835-7212.

OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

THIRD ANNUAL SIDE BY SIDE 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park.

Side by Side was inspired by the community events held in honor of the city’s 125th anniversary in 2012, and serves as an opportunity for the community to recognize its gifts as well as strengthen relationships with one another. The celebration will feature remarks from leaders representing the civic, business and spiritual attributes of Winter Park, as well as music from talented soloists and groups from the community. For more information regarding Side by Side, contact coneil@cityofwinterpark.org or (407) 599-3506.

‘BABES IN HOLLYWOOD: THE MUSIC OF GARLAND AND ROONEY’ Friday, Jan 26, through Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. A magical journey from the soundstages of Hollywood to the stages

MAITLAND

of Broadway, “Babes In Hollywood” salutes the legendary musical careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. For more information including showtimes, call (407) 645-0145.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26 YOGA AT THE MAITLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY 4:30 p.m. Fridays at Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. S., Maitland. Let Jenny Blackburn help you destress from the week and refresh for the weekend. Bring your own mat, towel and water bottle. For more information, call (407) 647-7700.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 LAKE MAITLAND WATERSHED CLEANUP 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Kraft Azalea Garden, 1429 Alabama Drive, Winter Park.

Join a cleanup effort in and around Lake Matiland. Meet the group at Kraft Azalea Garden, 1429 Alabama Drive, by 8 a.m. Breakfast, volunteer T-shirt, snacks and water will be provided. Organizers also will provide litter grabbers, safety vests, gloves and garbage bags.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes, hats and long pants.

Kayakers and paddle-boarders are welcome. To register, visit eventbrite.com/o/cityof-winter-park-sustainabilityprogram-5593791349.

THE SHAPE OF WATER

Winner of 4 Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Picture!

Fri - Sun: 3:30PM, 6:30PM, 9:30PM Mon & Thurs: 6:30PM, 9:30PM Tues: 6PM Wed: 9:45PM

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 MAITLAND FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. Browse through a section of fresh produce and other items at this weekly farmers market in Maitland. For more information, visit Maitland Farmers Market on Facebook.

‘SHREK’ Noon Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Enzian Theater, located at 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. Enjoy a screening of “Shrek” at the Enzian Theater, with free admission for children ages 12 and under. For more information, call (407) 629-0054.

Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film:

SHREK

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 YOGA AT BARLEY AND VINE BIERGARTEN 11 a.m. Saturdays at Barley and Vine Biergarten, 2406 E. Washington St., Orlando. Looking for a mix of beer and yoga? Join an hourlong yoga practice with a carton of water and craft beer for only $10. (407) 930-0960.

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Orlando Public Library, located at 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day with authors of books for children ages 2 to 17. (407) 835-7323.

COLLEGE PARK

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 COLLEGE PARK FARMERS MARKET 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. For more information, visit facebook.com/ TheCollegeParkFarmersMarket.

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OrangeObserver.com

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

Applause, applause!

Walking for Tori In the second annual HOPE Walk for Health, Orange County Public Schools looks to raise money for a good cause.

2018 OVATIONS WINNERS:

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IF YOU GO HOPE WALK FOR HEALTH WHEN: Jan. 27. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Harbor Park, 4990 New Broad St., Baldwin Park COST: $25 registration fee

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Catherine Himmal, middle, celebrated the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’s best museum award with Betsy Gardner Eckbert and Mayor Steve Leary.

T

he Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Winter Park/Maitland Observer celebrated the city’s local businesses and organizations at the Ovations Awards Reception Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center.

Since November, Winter Park locals voted on their favorite diners, shops, businesses and more on an online poll. The winners gathered at the civic center to accept their awards, mingle with friends and colleagues, and celebrate the best Winter Park has to offer. Mayor Steve Leary was present for photos with the crowd.

— HARRY SAYER

Steve Brown, of The Glass Knife, and Lance Koenig accepted their awards.

Mayor Steve Leary and dermatologist Alfredo Gonzalez celebrated his Best Doctor Award.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Michann Wernli and Becca Fritz won best travel agency.

ONLINE

n Best Lunch House: 4Rivers Smokehouse n Best Caterer: Arthur’s Catering and Events n Best Performing Arts: Bach Festival Society of Winter Park n Best Jeweler: Be on Park n Best Apartment Community: Broadstone Winter Park n Best Wedding Venue: Casa Feliz Historic Home Musuem n Best Doctor: Central Florida Dermatology: Alfredo Gonzalez n Best Florist: Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations Inc. n Best Title Company: Champion Title & Closing n Best Dinner Spot: Cocina 214 n Best Happy Hour: Cocina 214 n Best Community or Charity Event: Cows ’n Cabs n Best Workout: CycleBar Winter Park n Best Chiropractor: Dr. Andrew Hull n Best Optical: Eyes & Optics n Best Bank/Credit Union: First GREEN Bank n Best Retail Therapy: Forema Boutique n Best A/C & Heating Company: Gary Munson Heating & Air Conditioning n Best Financial Adviser: Grafton Wealth Management n Best Insurance: HUB International n Best Photographer: Jen Adams Photography n Best Salon: Kendall + Kendall n Best Corporate Philanthropy: Kendrick Law Group n Best Law Firm: Kendrick Law Group n Best Marketing/Public Relations Firm: Linda Costa Communications Group n Best Travel Agency: Luxury Trips n Best Childcare/Preschool: Methodist School for Early Education n Best CPA/Accountant: Ortiz CPA & Company n Best Dentist: Park Smiles Dentistry n Best Home Builder/Developer: Phil Kean Design Group n Best Real Estate Agency: Phil Kean Real Estate n Best Date Night : Prato n Best Dry Cleaner: Priceless Cleaners n Best Printer: REDBiRD Printing n Best Hotel: The Alfond Inn n Best Museum: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art n Best Local Non-Profit/ Charity: The Finley Project n Best Dessert: The Glass Knife n Best New Restaurant (Opened in 2017): The Glass Knife n Best Source for Local News: WESH-TV/WKCF-TV n Best Mortgage Broker: Waterstone Mortgage Corporation n Best Publication: Winter Park/Maitland Observer n Best Place to take Visitors: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour n Best Auto Dealership: Lexus of Winter Park

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Life is filled with heartache, but sometimes, the terrible things in life give birth to unforeseen positives.

In June 2015, Bill Sheahan experienced the crushing blow when his wife, Tori, died from a sudden heart attack.

During his time of mourning, Sheahan got a call from the Winter Park Health Foundation just a few weeks after Tori’s passing. The organization had set up a memorial fund in her honor.

“It was a wonderful thing that the Winter Park Health Foundation thought so highly of working with my late wife for so many years,” Sheahan said.

Tori Sheahan had been a pediatric nurse practitioner — working as the School Nursing Initiative Coordinator for the WPHF, where she helped supervise, mentor and support school nurses at Winter Park High school and its feeder schools at the elementary and middle school level. She also worked at Glenridge Middle School’s health center for many years.

The Tori Sheahan Memorial Fund itself helps raise money to provide medical supplies and health education resources to students in Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville.

The fund is also one of the three organizations/programs — with the others being Winter Park’s Be the Change programs, and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges — that will be a beneficiary during the second annual HOPE Walk for Health this Saturday.

In coordination with the WPHF, Orange County Public Schools and the American Cancer Society, the walk will take place at 9 a.m. in Harbor Park in Baldwin Park.

In addition to remembering Tori Sheahan and raising money, organizers hope to inform people about being and staying healthy, said Heather Traynham, head coordinator for the event.

“The idea of the walk is to create awareness about healthy living and how to accomplish those

goals,” Traynham said.

Walk participants will make their way around Lake Baldwin where, along the way, they will be stopped at different points on the path and receive questions about healthy living to ponder and discuss while they walk.

“She and her family use to walk every night to talk about their day, and whenever there was something that would be stressful or if there were any conflict, they would just process that as they were walking,” Traynham said. “She was a big advocate for it.”

Once walkers are finished with the course, they will be able to take in showcases of community projects completed by local students that focus on health.

“We have some students that are participating in a health food stand, and we have other students that are doing a bake sale stand,” Traynham said. “There are just different student-led community projects that are going to be on display at the event.”

The concept of the walk, in its nature is simple enough, but for the people who knew Tori Sheahan, it means much more.

It means helping to support the things that Tori held closest to her heart, and that’s the best way to remember her and what she did for students and those in the community.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to fund school-based health centers that my wife was so passionate about,” Sheahan said.

“Anyone you come across says pretty much the same thing — that Tori was caring and thorough and that she always went beyond to try and get folks help and services.”

“The idea of the walk is to create awareness about healthy living and how to accomplish those goals.”

— Heather Traynham

Courtesy Photo

The Sheahan family participated in last year’s walk.

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

K-9 keeps Winter Park safe TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

On a dark, brisk night in Winter Park, officer Jonathan Maingot and his trusty police dog, Brutus, were out on a routine patrol.

Then, a call came in regarding a vehicle break-in.

The duo made the drive out to the scene and proceeded to track down the suspect.

Suddenly, Brutus caught a specific scent — he had the suspect picked out.

“We train for doing tracking and searches, so I know how to read him,” Maingot said. “Just based on the fact of the circumstances of the night, we went down that one street there, and as I’m taking him down the street, he indicated to me that someone was behind the wall.”

Just like that, Maingot and Brutus were able to catch the suspect and bring him in during one of the duo’s most recent crime-stopping adventures Jan. 10.

PERFECT PARTNERS

Maingot, who will be celebrating 10 years on the force with the Winter Park Police Department

Maitland council CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ing locations and hours for the upcoming general municipal election on Tuesday, March 13.

Maitland voters can cast votes at Maitland City Hall, 1776 Independence Lane; and First Baptist Church of Maitland, 1950 Mohican Trail. The polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mayor Dale McDonald announced he would be running for a new term. City Manager Sharon Anselmo said as of Tuesday, Jan. 23, no one else has submitted paperwork to throw their hat in the ring. The deadline to submit paperwork to run is noon on Friday.

DOCK APPROVED

City officials approved a Maitland couple’s previously denied waterfront structure permit for a new dock and boatlift. David and Ellen Jacob’s original permit application, which asked to reconstruct the structure in the original location at 608 Minnehaha Lane, was rejected because of the new dock’s infringement into the 10-foot setback on their property’s north side.

The Jacobs wrote in their appeal that the property’s south side wasn’t suitable for the dock’s placement, because there are city irrigation pipes that could be damaged during construction.

Furthermore, the south side has a culvert that sends drainage from the neighborhood into Lake Minnehaha. Placing the dock on that side would lead to water depth and debris issues.

Letters were sent to the Jacob’s neighbors asking to hear any concerns, but no complaints were filed in the 15-day response period. City staff received two emails and a phone call from residents supporting the north side dock.

NO SHAVE NOVEMBER RESULTS

Maitland Police Chief David Manuel kicked off the meeting

in April, stepped into the K-9 role five years ago when the position opened up.

For Maingot, it was a bit of a dream come true.

“I’ve always been around animals,” Maingot said. “In high school, I worked at a kennel and at college — when I was going to UCF — I worked at a veterinary clinic, so I’ve always liked animals and dogs.”

In his new role, Maingot met Brutus, a Belgian Malinois that had been brought in from the Netherlands to train as a police dog, at the FDLE K-9 Patrol School.

There, the two trained for several months — learning how to work together and become a cohesive unit. Maingot also developed his ability to understand Brutus through cues and body language.

Although they finished the program and passed state certification five years ago, Maingot and Brutus, who is now 6 years old, continue to train as K-9 officers and police dogs are required to be re-evaluated and re-certified each year.

“Anytime there is an opportunity to do training, we do it,” Maingot said. “It’s similar stuff we do for

IN OTHER NEWS n The City Council approved a contract with the Emergency Services and Reconstruction Company to restore city facilities damaged by Hurricane Irma.

Damage from Hurricane Irma totaled to be $411,000, with $275,000 remaining to be repaired. The money will be taking from the emergenices designation, with expected reimbursement from insurance and FEMA for 85% of costs. n The council approved the piggybacking on the Florida’s participating contract for the purchase of computer equipment and services until April 2020. Although the city manager has authority to make purchases within $50,000, large server replacements scheduled for 2018 will exceed that amount. The purchases will be made with appropriated funds within the 2018-20 fiscal years. n The City Council chose to delay a utility easement agreement between the city and a condo development.

Councilman Mike Thomas asked to move the agreement that would establish new paperwork and reimbursement for repairs on the Park Lake Town Homes Phase Two water lines until he was well-versed with the subject matter. The council approved the first phase’s agreement in November.

The agreement will be put back on the docket at a later date.

with a presentation that looked at the results from the station’s “No Shave November” initiative that had officers growing out their mustaches and beards for $25 donations to the Make-AWish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida.

Manuel presented a check for $765 dollars to a representative from the foundation.

certification — a lot of the time we do tracking, area searches, and building searches.

“He is a narcotics detection dog as well, so he is what they call dualpurpose (a dog that does bomb and narcotics detection),” he said. “So we’ll do narcotics training when we train — we do different scenario based training, and try to replicate different things we see on the street.”

While Brutus has been trained to respond to commands in both English and Dutch, most of his commands are in German — something Maingot had to learn during his time at the patrol school.

DYNAMIC DUO

Since their early days together Maingot and Brutus have become quite the team, which extends beyond their duties of patrolling Winter Park during their latenight schedule.

Their service in helping keep the community safe also hasn’t gone unnoticed by those at the department — especially those who work closest to the duo.

“Officer Maingot and Brutus — they’re huge assets to the agency

and the agency certainly couldn’t be more thankful to have them both,” said Lt. Errol Colon, who serves as Maingot’s watch commander. “As senior officer here, he’s extremely professional and he is a great K-9 officer.”

Another characteristic that makes Brutus such a wonderful asset to the community is he has a great ability to easily switch off the serious mode when he’s not patrolling, which makes him an ideal dog for being around other people,” Maingot said.

When WPPD participates in community events, you can often times find Brutus chilling out, while kids “ooh” and “ahh” at him.

And when he’s done with all of his work for the day, Brutus goes home with Maingot for some family time — which Brutus enjoys, though he also enjoys being out in the field.

“He’s very tolerant, so he gets along very well with the family,” he said. “I don’t really have any concerns with him because I trust him and I know he’s very good.

When he’s at home, he just relaxes and chills — but then again they get stir crazy too … they (police dogs) love working.”

Mayoral candidates CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

lenger Jim Fitch in an election set for Tuesday, March 13.

STEVE LEARY

A lot has happened in Winter Park since Leary was elected mayor in 2015. Leary said the city is in great shape, and that’s exactly why he’s running again.

“Everybody’s in pretty good shape, and the majority of citizens that I’ve spoken to in Winter Park feel like everything is headed in the right direction,” Leary said.

“I want to keep it going. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done as a City Commission.”

During his time as mayor, Leary has overseen numerous improvements and investments, including the renovation and restoration of the Winter Park Country Club golf course; the purchase of 55 acres of wetland area in the Howell Branch Preserve; securing state money to restore Lake Lillian in Mead Botanical Garden; removing the dense R-4 zoning category from the city’s zoning code; and urging the city to pursue a fiber optic network to help implement better traffic signalization and get cars moving throughout the city.

“We have a (country) club that was losing between $200,000 and $450,000 a year and now it breaks even or makes money and it’s one of the top 10 nine-hole golf courses in the country,” Leary said.

“It’s beautiful to look at.”

Leary believes he’s also brought a sense of harmony to the City Commission as mayor.

“I don’t think we always agree, but we work together very well,” he said. “There was a lot of animosity early on before I became mayor, but I think that’s come and gone.”

Before being elected mayor, Leary also served for four years as a city commissioner.

Leary said his longtime experience and track record prove he is the best person for the job.

“My record is indicative of how I operate,” Leary said. “You want a leader who knows how to lead … you need someone who’s experienced sitting in that seat.”

JIM FITCH

Fitch is happy to call Winter Park home, but he wants to see the character of the city preserved and development under control.

Fitch said he hopes to stop unnecessary changes to the city’s comprehensive plan and future land use designations, and that he’s concerned that Winter Park will become “a city of six-story apartments and concrete parking garages.”

“The comprehensive plan, which is well thought out by a lot of good people, is not being honored now,” Fitch said. “It’s not real evident, but the zoning keeps getting changed.”

Another issue Fitch hopes to tackle is traffic, which he hopes to address by requiring an overall traffic study by staff and requiring a staff traffic and parking study on all new projects.

The Louisiana native moved to Winter Park in 2016 after living in Haines City for six years. He served on the board of adjustments and chaired the finance advisory board in Haines City, and briefly served on the planning and zoning board as well. Fitch also served in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Navy Civil Engineering Corps., and served in two tours in the Philippines.

Fitch’s journey to Winter Park was the result of him looking for a new home with his wife, Doriana, who was previously living in Jacksonville. Her son lives in College Park, and Fitch decided it was time to find a new place.

“When we put our homes together, it was natural to move to this area,” Fitch said. “We chose Winter Park over College Park and Lake Nona. It’s a lovely city.”

Fitch said it’s his background serving on city boards and in the military that gives him an edge in the race for the mayor’s seat.

“I know finance, and I know city planning,” Fitch said. “I know budgets, and in my Navy experience, we had a 30,000-employee public works center in the Philippines. ... I have relevant experience.”

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Winter Park leaders discuss future of vacant property on Fairbanks, Lee The former sites of a bowling alley and a gentlemen’s club are on the verge of being sold or leased by the city.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

City-owned property dominated discussion at the Jan. 22 Winter Park City Commission meeting as leaders approved a contract to sell one piece of land and discussed the fate of another property.

Commissioners gave a preliminary approval on a contract outlining the sale of 1111 W. Fairbanks Ave. to Verax Investments LLC, which plans to build a mixed-use medical and business office.

Verax has offered to purchase the property for $3.5 million, higher than the land’s appraised value of $2.96 million.

The property, the former site of the Bowl America, was put up for a notice of disposal, opening up a process where potential buyers can make offers.

But City Commissioner Carolyn Cooper cast a vote against the contract, saying she believed the land

could still be useful for the city.

“I still hold that this particular property has public use and public value, because of its proximity to Martin Luther King Park,” Cooper said. “I know that with the building of the new library, we’ll be faced with dealing with storm water issues. I do believe that Lake Mendsen on MLK Park is at capacity, and that may require reconfiguring that lake. I think this property would be ideal for the loss of any offset park land.”

Winter Park also voted to accept two offers on the vacant property at 2600 Lee Road, which was once the sight of the breast-shaped gentlemen’s club known as Christie’s Cabaret and formerly the Booby Trap.

The two options were to negotiate a lease on the property for a Checkers restaurant or sell the property to UP Development, which plans to construct a retail strip center, according to the

“I still hold that this particular property has public use and public value, because of its proximity to Martin Luther King Park.”

— Commissioner Carolyn Cooper

meeting agenda.

City Manager Randy Knight said he preferred negotiating a lease on the property for a Checkers restaurant.

“The other offer is for $995,000, and the value of the land lease is more than $995,000,” Knight said.

“You always have the opportunity to sell the land lease if we ever get to the point where we need cash in the general fund, so that opportunity doesn’t go away.”

An offer from UP Development to purchase the property was accepted as well, but UP didn’t reveal its potential tenant.

“I like the land lease option, though I will say I’m not crazy about the use that’s going in there — I don’t see ‘Winter Park’ and ‘Checkers’ in the same sentence,” Mayor Steve Leary said. “I will say the thing that scares me about the other (offer is) although we know the developer … without him putting in what he plans on doing with it, it’s a little bit tough for me to put that much faith in his offer if he’s going to just put a fast-food restaurant there.”

Winter Park leaders still may entertain the UP Development option if a contract can’t be reached with Checkers That land along Lee Road was first purchased by Winter Park

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in December 2014 and the old gentlemen’s club was demolished in February 2015. The land has remained empty ever since, with deals either not panning out or not making sense for the city.

MAYFLOWER EXPANSION

Winter Park Commissioners also gave their approval on first reading for a proposed northwest expansion of the Mayflower Retirement Community, 1620 Mayflower Court.

Plans are underway for the Mayflower to purchase an eight-acre piece of property nearby at 2141 Oakhurst Ave. On the combined existing and future property of 15.5 acres, the Mayflower plans to build a 58,117-square-foot, threestory health care (skilled nursing) building; a 20,672-square-foot, one-story memory care building; a 9,000-square-foot one-story clubhouse; and 40 new villa units.

Mayflower Retirement Community President and CEO Steve Kramer said the new skilled nursing facility will have more of a “household” model of care that’s more home-like with private rooms, as opposed to the existing building which has long hallways and semi-private rooms.

“It’s an outdated mode of care that we have,” Kramer said. “As great as it is and as proud of it as we are, the needs have changed of people who are seeking skilled nursing.”

A significant portion of the

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

IN OTHER NEWS n The resolution urging Florida Legislature to oppose legislation that would restrict of eliminate Community Redevelopment Agencies was approved. n The resolution opposing legislative efforts to impede the constitutional right Florida citizens have enjoyed for nearly 50 years to govern themselves under Municipal Home Rule Powers was approved. n The first reading of the ordinance adopting a naming policy for the Winter Park Public Library & Events Center was approved.

project would feature renovations to the existing buildings as well, including adding additional contemporary dining venues; a performance center; educational and activity space; and new wellness/ spa/fitness facilities.

There also are plans to incorporate updated, larger apartments in the current living areas.

The Mayflower Retirement Community last expanded its facilities in the 1990s, adding the 28 single-family homes and assisted-living spaces it has today.

Resident Karen Jacobs spoke in favor of the project and appreciated the Mayflower’s communication with the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We’re looking forward to additional dialogue with the approval, because it’s a great project,” Jacobs said.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 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.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

JOSH RECOMMENDS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

blood, by “comedians” who serve up the jokes in Thrones’ violence, power struggles and the horror of putting all this to music. Recommended for serious Thrones fans only.

Call (844) 513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

JOSH GARRICK

Josh Garrick, a West Orange resident, is a fine-art photographer, writer and curator. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University.

He was the first non-Greek artist in history to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece. In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer named June 27 as “Josh Garrick Day” in perpetuity.

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‘MUSICAL THRONES: A PARODY OF ICE AND FIRE’

Jan. 26, 28 and 29 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Just when you thought everything about “Game of Thrones,” the most talked-about show on television, already had been discussed, up pops “Musical Thrones: A Parody of Ice and Fire.” Obsessive fans can get their fantasy fix live with this hilariously silly spoof or parody or whatever-it-is.

Musical Thrones brings your most beloved and behated (on purpose) characters to life, journeying through six seasons of the Emmy Awardwinning series. This story of a family torn apart by war, betrayal and a medievally (on purpose) naïve father, finds the comedy in childhood trauma, violence and grieving mothers turned into grieving widows.

It’s classic, and it’s a laughout-loud parody, written in

2

‘FLORA & ULYSSES’

Jan. 29 through Feb. 25.

When the Orlando Rep puts on a show, you can count on it to be beautifully produced, well-acted and have a message for children of all ages — no matter how eccentric the premise. On the surface, “Flora & Ulysses” asks the question, “Can a squirrel change a human heart?” When an unassuming squirrel gets sucked up in a Ulysses 2000X vacuum cleaner, he is saved by Flora (a 10-yearold self-proclaimed cynic).

Flora names him Ulysses and discovers his time in the cleaner has turned him into a superhero — who can fly — and write poetry. Young people of all ages have much to learn from Flora, Ulysses and their friend William in this story of love, acceptance, bravery and loyalty. There is also a good dose of humor in this 2014 Newbery Medal-winning adventure story from Kate DiCamillo. Call (407) 896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com.

3

‘THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE’

Feb. 2 through 25 at the Garden Theatre. Called “appallingly entertaining” by The New York Times, “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” is a gruesome comedy about an Irish soldier/terrorist and his precious black cat. First produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2001, the story

Courtesy photo

Cirque de la Symphonie will be performed Feb. 3, at the Bob Carr Theater.

is set in Ireland in 1993 during a faltering peace process.

Lieutenant “Mad” is a member of a fringe group of the IRA, which is called in to do work too bloody for the IRA. “Mad” receives a note telling him his cat, the only living thing he cares about in the world, is sickly. Returning home, he discovers the cat is not sick but dead. Considering that “Mad” is seen as “mad,” even by his own team of extremists, the death of the cat sets off a story of brutal carnage, described as a “blood-drenched comedy.”

While I applaud the Garden Theatre for presenting this strange “new” work, I also remind theatergoers that this very dark comedy contains adult language and extreme violence unsuitable for younger audiences. On the other hand, the play was respected enough to be given its world premiere by the Royal Shakespeare Com-

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pany two decades ago. In 2018, it will offer Central Florida audiences a new kind of theatrical experience. That said, call (407) 877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org for tickets.

‘CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE’

2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Bob Carr Theater. In two performances, “Cirque de la Symphonie” returns to Central Florida with an all-new program of wow-inspiring feats of athletic power and beauty.

Paired with music from blockbuster movies, including “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “Batman,” “Titanic” and more, this thrill-ride of a concert includes acrobats, jugglers and aerial flyers soaring around and above the heads of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s a highly recommended, cirquestyle, thrill show with great music performed live by our own world-class orchestra, conducted by Yaniv Segal. Call (407) 770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org for tickets.

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RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

8 p.m. Feb. 7 and 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Rufus Wainwright is internationally recognized as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of our generation.

The New York-born, Montrealraised singer-songwriter has shared his unique performance style with Elton John, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys and others, on seven studio albums, three DVDs and three live albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Rufus Does Judy” at Carnegie Hall. Join Rufus at the Dr. Phillips Center by calling 844-513-2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org.

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

ZORA! Festival celebrates African-American arts, culture The events will be showcased along East Kennedy Boulevard.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

One of the greatest literary voices of the Harlem Renaissance grew up just down the road — and the festival celebrating her work is just around the corner.

The historic town of Eatonville will celebrate African American culture and the arts at the 29th annual ZORA! Festival on Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28.

East Kennedy Boulevard will be turned into a walkable sidewalk festival with at least 50 different merchants and food vendors, while also giving visitors a chance to hear numerous speakers, view artwork, catch live funk and Motown music, and see the Cuttin’ the Rug: ZORA! Line Dance Showcase.

The festival celebrates American novelist Zora Neale Hurston, an iconic figure and voice in the Harlem Renaissance who grew up in Eatonville and went on to write “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and many other literary works. She was born in 1891 and died in 1960.

“Overall for every festival each year, the goals are three: to celebrate the life and work of Zora Neal Hurston – the writer, the anthropologist, the folklorist; to celebrate the historic significance of her hometown, Eatonville, Florida; … and third, to celebrate the cultural contributions for which people of African ancestry have made to the United States and to world culture,” The Association to Preserve Eatonville Community Executive Director N.Y. Nathiri said. “Every year, those are our marching orders.”

But not all events are of an artistic nature. Many of the events are meant to promote discussion and overall knowledge. Former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and attorney Chris Hand will be speaking at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at 8:30 a.m. Friday about how U.S. citizens can make the government work for them, an effort to give people hope that democracy can work.

“It’s important that people know that we’re celebrating the intellect as well as the creative — the left brain and the right brain, so to speak,” Nathiri said.

One of the biggest highlights of the festival taking place elsewhere will be an evening with music producer and recording artist David Banner at 8 p.m. Saturday at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Auditorium, 9907 Universal Blvd., Orlando.

The festival will have something for everyone, Nathiri said.

“First and foremost, we want them to enjoy themselves,” she said.

Mila Dykes, marketing manager for the Crealdé School, showed visitors how to use the blowtorch.

Crealdé dazzles with Night of Fire

Clay teacher Doug Bringle checked in on the gas kiln.

Several children created arts and crafts inside the classrooms.

W

inter Park locals turned up the heat at the Crealdé School of Art’s seventh annual Night of Fire Saturday, Jan. 20.

The visual arts academy’s free event was home to studio tours, children’s workshops, and some high-temperature exhibits. After putting on special glasses, guests were able to watch and even participate in torch-cutting lessons. Visitors gathers later in the night for a light painting photography lesson over Lake Sterling.

— HARRY SAYER

Studio artist Lynn Warnicke worked on plates to practice riveting.

Toby Johnson, 10, got a crack at the blowtorch.

ONLINE

IF YOU GO

See more at OrangeObserver.com

ZORA! FESTIVAL WHEN: Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28 WHERE: East Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville WEBSITE: zorafestival.org The Cats in the House band entertained crowd with its jazzy tunes.

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

boat racing for survivors dates back to the 1990s. Many believed that upper-body exercise for those who had dealt with breast cancer would lead to lymphedema, but in a medical study done by Dr. Donald McKenzie, an exercise physiologist a the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, the opposite was discovered.

Folks around the world who were just like MacQueen, a onetime cancer survivor, and Finocchiaro-Doles, a three-time cancer survivor, were given a chance to do something that they were originally told they could no longer do.

THE BATTLE

Photo by Troy Herring

After fighting and beating breast cancer, the women of WOW are now duking it out in dragon boat competitions.

Warriors on Water A Central Florida dragon boat team comprising breast-cancer survivors aren’t afraid to put up a fight.

TROY HERRING

CONTACT

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Standing on the VFW’s dock at Lake Fairview, the ladies of Warriors on Water prepare for their morning practice.

The chariot of choice for these passionate peddlers is the dragon boat. It’s long, sleek frame is built for better hydrodynamics — which allows the team to glide through the water with ease.

But before the team of 22 steps into the boat, there’s a little tradition that has to be done — or in this case, sung.

Warriors on Water that’s our name, dragon boating is our game, we beat cancer on this crew, makes us sisters through and through.

The cadence, performed in a call-and-response style, is a motivator to wake everyone up and get them ready to go.

But the chant is also more than just a motivational tool — it’s subject matter defines what brought this group of women from around the Central Florida area together in the first place.

WARRIORS ON WATER WEBSITE: warriorsonwater.org EMAIL: warriorsonwater@yahoo.com

The non-profit Warriors on Water is more than a dragon boat team — it’s a group of women comprised of breast-cancer survivors.

“We help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients,” said Yvette MacQueen, who has been a member since 2014. “We listen to them, because a lot of times that’s all you want to do is just talk about it. We (also) let them know what some resources are in Central Florida for them.”

“We have resources and we eventually want them to know about us, so once they go through their recovery they can join us,” said Fundraiser Chair Justine Finocchiaro-Doles.

The group, which has about 28 active members, participates in several races a year.

Currently, the team is gathering funds for races, with their biggest fundraiser being their fifth annual

Golf Like a Warrior Tournament April 20 at Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden.

The hope is to raise enough for the trek in July to Florence, Italy, to compete in the IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival. In 2014, the group finished ninth in the world at the event when it was held in Sarasota.

“It’s going to be crazy,” Finocchiaro-Doles said. “It’s going to be a sea of pink.”

Although the team was first developed in 2009 by a group of survivors, the concept of dragon

MacQueen’s run-in with cancer came in 2009 during a routine screening. The Winter Park native always had been health conscious — getting screened annually since she was in her 20s — but something weird popped up this time.

She had to have multiple biopsies before doctors went in to perform a lumpectomies in both of her breasts. During the operation, doctors found cancer in her left breast but were able to remove it before taking in five years of Tamoxifen.

“They went back in and did more surgery to make sure there were clear margins — they took more tissue and tested it to make sure that everything was clear,” MacQueen said.

Finocchiaro-Doles’ history with cancer is a more extensive. A year after moving to Miami from New Jersey, in 1978, at age 18, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.

“It was not fun,” said Finocchiaro-Doles about the chemotherapy she received as a teenager. “I had third-degree burns on my chest — to this day my chest is a little on the brown side — but my skin

Photo by David MacQueen

peeled three-layers.”

Unlike MacQueen, FinocchiaroDoles needed chemotherapy, and the process back then was much different than it is now.

She went into remission following the process, but excessive radiation lingered in her body and ultimately led to her second bout with cancer 20 years later. Her last bout with cancer came in 2008, when a mammogram indicated cancer in her left breast, which required a lumpectomy with Mammosite Radiation. Luckily for Finocchiaro-Doles, it worked.

Since coming across Warriors on Water a few years ago, MacQueen and Finocchiaro-Doles are doing their best to help those in their sisterhood.

“We are all type-A personalities, and we are all in charge, but there is one thing we know — we want to win and do our best,” FinocchiaroDoles said, laughing.

Open Janu House ary 2 5th 9:00 a.m.

You’re Invited to take the plunge!

Wind Beneath our Wings Event

Benefiting Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Join us for an evening to celebrate conservation in Florida including meet and greets with Florida raptors, silent auction and special guest speaker Eric Draper, Director, Florida Park Service.

February 18, 2018 ∙ 4:30-7:30pm VENUE ON THE LAKE/MAITLAND CIVIC CENTER Tickets: $75 per person. For tickets go to WindBeneathOurWings.org

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Thanks To Our Sponsors

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Bill and Joan Randolph ∙ Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment ∙ Dykes and Lisa Everett Winter Park Veterinary Hospital ∙ Breedlove, Dennis and Associates, Inc. ∙ Scott & Elaine Taylor ∙ Darden

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WinterJune Park/Maitland Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or Friday, 9, 2017

to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Winter Park/Maitland Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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Park Press Feb 18.indd 2

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You. Your Neighbors.

Your Neighborhood.

July Fourth area celebrations. PAGES 6-7.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 29, NO. 26

FREE

De Sola’s

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Caring for Winter Park’s Pets and Their People Since 1955

It’s cold backstage in the Linda Chapin Theater, but that’s fine.

Ballet dancer Sasha De Sola has to warm up anyway.

Between a towering hallway of dark curtains just feet away from stage right, De Sola practices her craft while wearing a black tutu with elegant gold trim.

She hops in place for a moment before stretching her joints. Feet wrapped in silk extend straight out, carrying her entire body weight on her toes. She flexes her feet up and down in a crisscross pattern – her heels kissing the ground for just a second at a time.

The routine almost resembles the pregame warmup of a professional athlete, and that’s not far from the reality of being a worldrenowned ballet dancer, De Sola said. It could even be an understatement.

“We’re trained to make it look easy,” she said.

“I would train six hours a day from the age of 11 on. … It’s difficult on the body.”

Later that day she would be performing in front of 2,600 people.

But this isn’t just any audience – it’s her hometown crowd.

It’s been four years, but she’s finally come home.

1601 Lee Road, Winter Park

De Sola showcased her ballet skills alongside partner Max Cauthorn on Saturday, June 24 at the World Ballet Competition’s Gala Performance, performing “Black Swan pas de deux” from “Swan Lake” at the Orange County Convention Center.

The 27-year-old knows the Linda Chapin Theater and its backstage well – she grew up performing numerous ballet dances there. She was born in Winter Park Memorial Hospital and grew up not far away in Winter Springs.

But Central Florida isn’t just her home, it’s where she discovered her passion for dance.

Flying into Orlando from where she currently lives in San Francisco, the memories came flooding back for De Sola.

“It felt sort of surreal,” she said.

“Just even getting on 417, it’s very nostalgic. It’s a really good feeling to be back.”

Professional ballet dancer Sasha De Sola gave a special performance in front of her hometown crowd on June 24 at the Orange County Convention Center.

BY TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

During Monday night’s City Council meeting in Maitland, the Council motioned and passed an ordinance to amend the Planned Development (PD) zoning district and Development Plan for an apartment complex in the city.

After a presentation on the plan’s specifics by Community Development Director Dan Matthys, and Becky Wilson, who was represent-

MAYOR LEARY ELECTED TO FLORIDA LEAGUE OF MAYORS

TIM FREED

does give cities the opportunity to ban dispensaries if they choose to do so, he said.

Unless the facilities are banned outright though, the city has no control over where the dispensaries go or how many of them

Photo by Tim Freed

Will Winter Park ban medical marijuana dispensaries? Some City Commissioners think it’s for the best for now.

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Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Mayors for a term ending August 2018. The Florida League of Mayors is an organization for mayors and governed by a Board of Directors of mayors from around the state representing geographical districts.

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121 Stone Hill Drive, Maitland Puzzle One Solution: 4 BR | her 3 BA...| she 2,699was SF | an $619,000 “The world loved Renovated Stonehill Pool Home inspirationBeautifully to women and ... of course, she was a fighter.” | – Ed Asner on Mary1-4 Tyler Moore SUNDAY

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Winter Park ponders banning medical marijuana dispensaries Winter Park City Commissioners are pondering their approach to medical marijuana dispensaries in the wake of Gov. Rick Scott signing the medical marijuana bill into law last week.

City Attorney Kurt Ardaman gave the City Commission an idea of what’s next for the city of Winter Park during their meeting on Monday. The state legislation on medical marijuana preempts any local regulations in place, but

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The controversial ordinance will be ultimately decided upon on July 10.

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Born in Winter Park, Sasha De Sola is now a world-famous ballet dancer.

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Maitland City Council moves unpopular apartment ordinance forward

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Gorgeous Townhome Steps from Park Ave

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Park Avenue, Winter Park

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The general purpose of the League of Mayors is to provide a forum for Florida mayors to: • Jointly study and assist each other in solutions to problems faced by Florida’s municipalities.

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• Promote the exchange of ideas and experiences in successful methods of administration of Florida’s municipalities.

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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

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

– Betty White

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This week’s Sudoku answers

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This week’s Crossword answers

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