01.27.22 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 89, NO. 4

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Meet the local boy known as ‘Miracle Myles.’ ONLINE.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

FAMILIAR FACES In our newest feature, we get to know Harold and Mercedes Masih-Das, the smiling faces behind Daniel’s Cheesesteak House SEE PAGE 6.

YOUR TOWN

‘We need the prayers’

Leaders endorse cemetery project Ocoee commissioners support expanding and cleaning areas of Ocoee Cemetery.

SEE PAGE 4.

CARD DRIVE FOR SENIORS Everyone deserves some love in their mailbox. Assisted-living facility Sonata West is reaching out to the community in hopes of receiving Valentine’s cards and notes for its senior residents.

Cards can be dropped off or mailed to Sonata West, Attn: Activities, 420 Roper Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787. For information, email ABaptista@ sonatawest.com.

RECORD LISTING

LEAGUE PLANS LUMINARIA EVENT Join the West Orange Junior Service League for its second Light Up West Orange with Love Feb. 12 and 13.

Festive luminarias will be sold at the Winter Garden Farmers Market Saturdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12. A set of four can be purchased for a minimum $20 donation and include the bags and battery-operated candles to be placed outdoors at sunset.

For more information, visit the West Orange Junior Serice League at wojsl.com.

What does it take to sell a $13 million house? We spoke to the local Realtor who did just that!

SEE PAGE 3.

DEEP ROOTS Windermere Drive-Thru Tree Giveaway has a long history in the town.

SEE PAGE 5.

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COMING ON Courtesy photo

Alena Ramos’ parents say she is outgoing, bubbly and funny. She loves makeup but isn’t afraid of getting dirty.

Alena Ramos, 6, is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her parents, Cesar Ramos and Liliana Jimenez, said their church and the community have shown tremendous support.

STORY ON PAGE 4.

STRONG After only three years, Windermere Prep’s girls weightlifting team is enjoying success.

SEE PAGE 11.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Lake Roberts Reserve earns county approval The project will add up to 41 homes on a parcel west of Windermere Road, north of McKinnon Road and south of Stoneybrook West Parkway.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

With endorsements from neighboring residents, a plan to add 41 new homes in West Orange breezed through the Orange County Commission Jan. 11.

The commission approved the preliminary site plan for the Lake Roberts Reserve, which calls for up to 41 single-family homes on 78.53 acres on a parcel west of Windermere Road, north of McKinnon Road and south of Stoneybrook West Parkway.

The property originally was zoned A-1 (Citrus Rural District) but was rezoned last November to Planned Development District (PD).

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the landuse plan for Lake Roberts Reserve was approved before she began her term as commissioner.

Because the subject property had already been rezoned and maintained the Future Land-Use Plan

designation of Rural Settlement, one dwelling unit per acre, Wilson said she had no grounds for denial.

The discussion began with a request by applicant Geoffrey Summitt, of GL Summitt Engineering LLC, to subdivide the acres to construct the units.

Summitt said Walker Pond Road is in rough condition and discussed the project’s community benefits, including developer-initiated easement and property acquisition, and design and construction to mitigate flooding on McKinnon and Windermere roads.

Summitt also discussed that there will be no new septic systems and the project will remove existing septic systems along Walker Pond Road that are creating lake contamination.

The project will provide more than $4.5 million to directly benefit adjacent residents on the road, Summitt said.

Some residents who live along the road attended the meeting and spoke highly of the project.

AnnMarie Finn, who has lived on the road for about 30 years, said the neighborhood has had trouble with flooding and road potholes.

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“The developer will help us with that, and I am 100% for this,” Finn said.

Robert Watson, who has lived on the road for 35 years, said the small road never was maintained by the government and the work had to be effectively done by residents themselves. Watson said the road is not large enough for two vehicles to pass each other, causing concerns for delivery systems and emergency vehicles. “Most developers didn’t bring to the table what this one has,” Watson said of Summitt. “Most developers didn’t want to tackle dealing with multiple homeowners … and

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taking all the steps to get here today.

Most of the time, you won’t see a community come together and welcome a new development; usually it’s quite the opposite. But in this case, 41 new neighbors is a small price to pay for the benefits we are going to get.”

The other two residential speakers at the event also voiced support for the project.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings noted he and the commissioners had received four emails pertaining to the project. Of the four received, three voiced in favor of the project because the developer was willing to

add value to the residents’ property through the proposed developments.

Wilson voiced a concern she had heard from some citizens regarding the water quality of Lake Roberts.

Summit said water quality is an important issue and the project is being permitted and approved under current guidelines.

He reiterated the project will not have septics and no ground water contamination will be going into the lake.

“We will not make it any worse,” Summit said. “We will do everything we can to make it better.”

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Orange County approved the preliminary site plan for the Lake Roberts Reserve Jan. 11.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

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STAGING A MASTERPIECE

A home on Lake Mabel has the distinction of being the largest real-estate sale in Orange County.

What does it take to sell a $13 million house?

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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When staging a house, Wienker said the first thing she does is determine what kind of buyer will be drawn to this property.

“For this particular home, we thought, (because) the air rights are protected, it’s ultimately going to be someone who’s affluent,” she said.

“It’s going to be somebody who really values their privacy above all else.”

The property is within a no-fly

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Staging is important when selling an opulent home such as this.

ker said. “It’s the rainy season. We had to deal with, ‘What time does the sun come up?’ (and) ‘How do we get the shots of the back side of the house?’ and by then it’s pouring down rain.”

She emphasized the importance of taking twilight shots for all advertisement materials, as well as writing verbiage to pique the interest of home shoppers.

“When I wrote the story on this home and used the word ‘providence,’ it was intentional,” Wienker said. “It was a home that carried with it a lot of good energy and brought providence to the previous owners … as well as the buyers felt the vibe too.”

The buyers made their offer before they even walked into the home, she said.

“They made their offer based on what they saw in the photographs and what they read in the story,” she said.

“It was a few days later they came to see it. … It was literally within days of posting the pictures that it went under contract.”

Wienker said the aspects of the house she emphasized to the buyers, Pal and Bhanot, were amenities they didn’t have in their current home. Pal was drawn to the long driveway for

According to the Orange County Property Appraiser’s office, the sale was official Oct. 13 when KC and Monica Craichy sold the property to Ashish Pal and Sunita Bhanot. It was an all-cash transaction, according to Windermere-based Florida Golf & Beaches LLC. PRICE: $12,950,000 PROPERTY STYLE: three level BEDS: 9 SQUARE FEET: 11,565 GARAGES: 4 YEAR BUILT: 2010 AREA OF TOWN: Windermere

WHAT’S INSIDE

The estate, dubbed the Windermere Chateau, was the first-place winner in the 2010 Parade of Homes’ HighEnd Custom Home category.

The home features a double bridal sweeping staircase, towering domed rotunda, hand-carved limestone fireplace, conservatory, two-story master study and library, two private apartments and quarters, wine cellar, vaulted ceiling home theater and whole-house generator with a fourday reserve.

The exterior includes pavilions (one has a grill, bar and full ball; the other is an outdoor living and conversation arena, anchored by a massive fireplace), the travertine coped deck, pool and spillover spa, multiple gathering and sunning areas, room for event tents, herb and rose gardens, citrus and fruit trees, a lengthy dock and a covered boat house.

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DETAILS

TAKE A TOUR

ATTRACTING A BUYER

zone, because of its proximity to Disney.

“We couldn’t even fly a drone,” Wienker said.

She and her team considered borrowing a cherry picker to get some coveted aerial shots of the lakefront property and pool, but it wouldn’t fit on the curved driveway.

“It was all left to the description and the (ground level) photographs,” she said.

But before any photos were taken, the rooms needed to look perfect, and this is where Wienker’s design background came into play.

“Color pop is important,” she said.

“All this beige, the beige travertine (needs contrast). ... We have a garage full of pillows and colorful things — flowers, plants. We just bring in a truckload to give it some real good color pop and make people feel (happy), and even if you look at the pool, you’ll see there are … lilies floating in the pool. … It’s not just another Florida pool — it’s paradise.”

Buyers want to imagine themselves in the houses, so it’s crucial to remove any personal effects that may make them feel like they’re intruding in someone else’s home. Wienker said she made a business decision in this house and left the seller’s beauty pageant display.

“Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re queen of their castle?” Wienker said. “And it worked with the proximity to Disney. We assume that whoever buys it has an affinity for Disney. … The fireplace was hand-carved in a replica of Cinderella’s castle. We wanted to relate to that.”

Four luxury cars, including a Bentley and a Rolls Royce, borrowed for the photo shoot are parked in front of the house to add to the appeal of a wealthy lifestyle.

A walk-through video also was made that showcased the grandeur.

“It literally took us a month to get the photography we wanted,” Wien-

parking during big social events and the acre-sized backyard for entertaining.

“One thing that was important to the buyer and I picked up on right away,” Wienker said. “He’s a heart surgeon — I knew immediately when I knew what he did — I asked about the two-story office. It’s a library, essentially. He said, ‘Absolutely.’

“This house has everything he couldn’t get in his 12,000-squarefoot home on the Butler Chain,” Wienker said.

“He’s a surgeon, and his wife is also a doctor, and there were a lot of spiritual undertones,” she said.

The Craichys built their fortune with a company they founded called Living Fuel, which they started because of Monica Craichy’s health issues. KC Craichy did his research and developed a diet solution they eventually marketed.

“It was important to them that this home had clean underpinnings, water sources, the water was of a certain caliber, it wasn’t near any power lines or cell tower, no interference,” Wienker said.

If you’re curious about the details in this property and home, take a virtual tour at tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=2900499.

aran Wienker tapped into her 12 years in a financial position on Wall Street, her time in theatrical management, her studies as a college art major and her experience as a copywriter for a marketing and design firm to sell the most expensive home in Orange County.

“It was my universe colliding,” the Florida Golf & Beaches owner and Realtor said.

Wienker was the listing agent and broker for the 11,565-square-foot, nine-bedroom pool home at 9225 Lake Mabel Drive, Orlando. Ashish Pal and Sunita Bhanot bought the house from KC and Monica Craichy for $12,950,000; it was on the market 45 days.

At that price, it became the most expensive home sold in Orange County history.

What most people don’t see is the amount of work that goes into preparing, staging and marketing a property — especially a mansion unlike any other home in the area. Creating “comparables,” in which the home is compared to similar local dwellings, was a nearly impossible task, she said.

Wienker was the listing agent for the sellers when they originally bought the home in 2011 for $2.5 million and was grateful for the opportunity to work with them again.

“We were competing with the usually suspects in this price range, and every other agent was telling them this was a $6 million house, because it wasn’t on the Butler Chain (of Lakes),” Wienker said.

Other agents asked her how she sold “a $6 million house for $12 million.”

“I said, ‘It was never a $6 million house,’” Wienker said. “It just had no comps. I looked at the building and (thought), ‘What would it cost to build this house?’ In 2019, they had an insurance cost-to-replace report, and it was in excess of $10 million.

This was a home that had no paintable surface outside — all stone and brick.

It wasn’t that far of a reach for me to imagine that this property could easily go for $12 million. So, I didn’t flinch. … I saw the value in it, and I dug a little bit deeper.”

Dr. Ray and his family recently moved down to Florida from Bronx, NY, where he specializes in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. He is fluent in Spanish and will be accepting new patients to provide high-quality care to.

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Dr. Milton Ray

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Family relies on faith during daughter’s illness AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

lena Ramos’ favorite color is the rainbow.

During her monthlong stay in the hospital, the 6-year-old became interested in painting, and when she was released to go home, her parents, Cesar Ramos and Liliana Jimenez, took home about 50 colorful canvases, many of them featuring a bright rainbow.

Alena has been in and out of the hospital since October, when her parents, residents of Oakland, received the heartbreaking news that she has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They have leaned heavily on their faith and God’s mercy.

“He’s still working in our lives, and He’s still writing the story,” Ramos said.

FINDING A DIAGNOSIS

It started off with what seemed like a cold, Jimenez said, and multiple doctors agreed it was probably just a cold.

But her symptoms weren’t dissipating, her mother said, and, in fact, Alena was feeling worse.

“I noticed some big bruises on her body, and we thought maybe it was from playing,” Jimenez said. “Her lymph nodes started to swell up, and that was also alarming. And it all started pretty much all at once.”

Another trip to an urgent care resulted in the same diagnosis.

“Usually, you feel comforted when the doctors tell you what it is, but it wasn’t comforting,” Jimenez said.

“She wasn’t herself; she was feeling very tired, and lying down and taking a nap. She was getting dark circles under her eyes, and she doesn’t get that. The bruising and the lymph nodes — you know it’s more than a cold.”

After Jimenez noticed red spots on Alena’s neck, she looked up all the symptoms and discovered it could be leukemia.

“I was hoping it was Google scaring me,” Jimenez said.

A trip to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children confirmed the worst: Alena had cancer.

“It felt like my world was completely changing,” Ramos said.

Alena was considered a high-risk patient, because 92% of her blood cells contained cancer, he said. She immediately underwent surgery to have a port inserted so she could start chemotherapy. She had blood transfusions and gave frequent bone marrow samples. Her parents said

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Boy Scout finds value in Year in Pictures edition Dear Editor: Hi. I’m from Boy Scout Troop 210 and am working toward my communications merit badge. One of the requirements for this badge is to write to an editorial piece to express my opinion on a subject.

While this is not necessarily an editorial, I wanted to share that I enjoyed reading your recent “2021 Year in Pictures” piece. I found the stories to be heartfelt and inspiring. I really enjoyed hearing the stories of survival, particularly the January story of Joel Sioson.

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she lost her appetite and wasn’t getting enough nutrients, so her hospital visit lasted a month.

She went home the first week of November but was only there two days before she spiked a fever reaching 104 degrees and had to go back into the hospital.

“I felt like I was going to lose my daughter,” Ramos said.

Doctors determined Alena had developed a staph infection in her blood and stopped the cancer treatments to treat the infection. The family was hopeful she would be home by Thanksgiving, but she was in the hospital for another month.

In December, Alena resumed chemotherapy, only to contract COVID-19 just before Christmas. Because their daughter’s immune system is compromised, Ramos and Jimenez and their three children have stayed at home — besides twice-weekly hospital visits — to avoid germs.

This week is the bone marrow test to see if Alena is in remission.

“She didn’t make it at the last bone marrow, but we’re hoping she has reached that goal that they have for her,” Jimenez said.

“We’re praying that she’s in remission,” Ramos said. “We see a change in her, a glow in her; she’s running, playing.”

Jimenez and Ramos are happy to see Alena — the spunky child with the bubbly personality and knack for pulling pranks — feeling better. She’s been well enough to play with her younger brother and sister and Daisy, their mini goldendoodle.

Ramos said their faith and the prayers of many have helped the family through this ordeal.

Ramos and Jimenez have watched their community rally around their little girl during her cancer fight — their religious family at Mosaic Church, the students and teachers at Oakland Avenue Charter School, their friends, their coworkers and their extended family.

Before the winter break, Oakland Avenue Charter School held a Superhero Day in honor of Alena, a kindergartner. Students could donate one dollar to dress up in costume. Families gave so much more than that — the famiy was presented with $2,900.

In addition to the funds, parents have been sending activities and toys to school to be given to Alena when she has to go in the hospital for treatment.

“God’s asking us to share our story, and we got the support, and we need the prayers,” Ramos said. “And the community has been so great to us.

It’s really great to see a community

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Courtesy photos

Playing dress-up took Alena Ramos’ mind off her hospital visit.

Alena Ramos occupied herself with shows and movies while in the hospital.

come out to support you and pray for you. We’ve got the churches in Mexico praying for us.”

‘GOD MADE ME STRONG”

Ramos said Alena was scared to let anyone near her port to administer the medicine and nurses had to hold her down. He told her God was helping him get through this and He could help her, too.

“We prayer together now,” he said.

“And I think by the third prayer before going back to the hospital — we’re going to pray for courage and strength and for them to do what they need to do. On the way to the hospital she called Grandma, and she called my dad, and they prayed together on the phone.”

He said Alena was proud of herself after the hospital visit.

“She said, ‘Papa, I didn’t feel anything,’” Ramos said. “‘The nurse didn’t have to hold me down. Papa, it’s God. God made me strong.’ My daughter said, ‘I believe in God now.’

“It’s made us stronger,” he said.

A LIGHT IN THEIR LIFE

“Alena means ‘Light,’ and I just feel like she’s really been that girl in her family and maybe in the community in the future,” Ramos said. “I tell her people are helping her and (said),

Ocoee commission endorses cemetery beautification project CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee City Commission approved the Ocoee Cemetery Beautification Project during its Jan. 18 meeting.

The project is part of a plan to expand and clean areas of the Ocoee Cemetery to bring it back to a higher standard.

“We’ve acquired some more land, so when we add that to our current cemetery, we have the standards we try to meet through our rules and regulations,” Ocoee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Johnson said during the presentation. “We’re just trying to clean it up a bit, make it look presentable and then expand it.”

Some of the steps Johnson presented were planting stronger trees — such as oaks — that have a better chance of surviving a storm and beautifying the landscape by removing old trees and lower branches and dead limbs on existing trees.

Another step to be taken is curbing regulatory violations. Resolution 2021-003, Chapter 6 of the city code states that anything other than flowers, grass and headstones is not

allowed to be present on gravesites.

Flowers will be replaced when they become wilted.

“We’re trying to get to where (we have) this clean look throughout the cemetery,” Johnson said, adding he was just waiting on the commission’s consent to proceed forward with the project.

“I’m glad to hear (we’re) enforcing the rules,” Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said. “My family’s plot is right by one of those bushes.”

Permission for the beginning of the project was on the consent agenda that evening, but City Manager Robert Frank believed it was key for the commission to fully grasp what was going to happen, especially because the issue dates back several years.

“Five years ago, when we did bring it up, we started the process and (the commission) got calls on it; we just wanted to show you that there are some trees that need to be removed near headstones … and papers that need to be taken out,” Frank said.

“These are some of the things we’re coming across. We may get complaints, but they haven’t been following the rules. It’s time to go ahead and do a beautification project.”

‘What do you think? Do you want to help people, too?’”

She responded by saying she saw a little boy in the hospital and wanted to buy a present for him.

“You think you have it all figured out, and God comes in,” Ramos said.

“You have to share your love with God, share your wealth with people.

It’s made me be more grateful, more simple, see what I have around me. …

I need to be more giving.

“Family has been most important, and our health is important, and if we’re able to give to others, whether it’s prayers or love or giving the shirt off our back, we’ve had that feeling of giving back.”

Ramos and Jimenez are hoping to start a foundation in the spring that will allow them to give to others and teach their children about sharing with people who don’t have the love and support of family and community. They witnessed many young patients whose parents weren’t able to stay with their children because of commitments with work or other family members.

Jimenez and Ramos have a list of people who have provided support, including the hospital and its nurses and doctors; the charter school; three organizations, B Positive Foundation for grant money, the Joy Jar from Jessie Reese Foundation (Never Ever Give Up) and LiveLikeCameron Foundation; the charter school and its parents and staff; West Orange Baptist Church; and the Ramos family.

“Our family — we’re very fortunate,” Ramos said.

IN OTHER NEWS n The large-scale site plan for Everest Rehabilitation Hospital was approved, along with the rest of the consent agenda. The commission approved the small scale plan at its Jan. 4 meeting by a 4-1 vote. n A second reading of an ordinance for the annexation and rezoning of property on Old Winter Garden Road that will eventually be home to West Orange Surgery Center was held. Both measures passed unanimously.

ONEBLOOD PUMPED FOR OCOEE APPEARANCES

OneBlood representative Andrew Wagner appeared before the commission to ask for approval to park one of its buses at the Tom Ison Senior and Veteran Center periodically to give north Ocoee residents a chance to donate blood.

The organization currently is only appearing at the Ocoee Police Department monthly for residents. “(We give) people a safe place to come, pull up to the bus, donate blood and go home,” Wagner said. “We’re looking to do that in north Ocoee to represent them, as well.”

Although no date for when they would appear has been decided, Wagner said the company does not require the help of city resources to host its events.

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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BECAUSE OF YOU, HOMEBUYERS BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

New Arbor Day tradition takes root in Windermere The Windermere Tree Board hosted its Drive-Thru Tree Giveaway last weekend.

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Travis Mathias and Brian Hichens, of the town’s Public Works Department, have planted numerous trees around Windermere.

Tree Board, with the help of the Windermere Garden Club and the Windermere Active Youth Committee, hosted the drive-thru event in a public parking lot located on the corner of West Fifth Avenue and Forest Street. Attendees were able to choose from a detailed tree menu with a plethora of selections, including the red maple, sweet bay magnolia, dahoon holly, turkey oak and eastern red bud.

“This year, we tried to bring in a huge variety of trees like understory trees, flowering trees and hardwoods,” Carter said. “Our goal is to bring in species that people have a space for and also want.

We try to diversify the canopy so that if any unforeseen force comes through that targets a specific species of tree, not all of them would be destroyed and we could keep our canopy strong.”

Carter said the board usually brings in about 120 to 130 trees for the giveaway.

“We always also encourage placing the right tree in the right place,” she said.

“You don’t want a large tree under a power line or in a drain field. We ask residents to look at the spacing in their yard and put the tree in the best location.”

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Download your free ALTA Homebuyer Guide at alta.org/homebuyer

As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work.

Explore the job opportunities and the impressive benefit package at www.cwgdn.com and click on Jobs at bottom of home page.

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Every year, the town of Windermere residents look forward to a special free tree giveaway organized by the Tree Board.

But how did this tradition start? Why does the town give away trees? The hidden story dates back more than 15 years.

Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs and initially operated in 42 communities in 16 states.

Now, almost 50 years later, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states. The town of Windermere has been a part of Tree City USA for 27 years.

Windermere Tree Board Chair Susan Carter said there are requirements to be part of the program. The Windermere Tree Giveaway is only one of the many ways the board fulfills its commitment.

“We are an all-volunteer committee that promotes tree education and focuses on topics like the value of having trees, offering planting classes, protecting the canopy, explaining our tree ordinance to residents and making sure that it is followed,” Carter said.

In the past, the board helped to put together the annual Windermere Treebute, which featured a tree giveaway, a tree climbers competition with “Legends of the Geezers,” educational programs such as one organized by the Windermere Garden Club, presentations by the Audubon Birds of Prey and much more.

Then, the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“With COVID happening, our trees in need of a break from climbing, construction on the town facilities and limited space, we needed to figure out something new,” Carter said.

In 2021, the board created an entirely new tradition — a Drive-Thru Tree Giveaway in honor of Arbor Day. The event was a huge success and returned for 2022.

On Saturday, Jan. 22, the Windermere

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

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OBSERVER

FAMILIAR FACES

6

Serving the Community Since 1966

e m o c l e W

Harold & Mercedes Masih-Das Daniel’s Cheesesteak House

A

nyone making their way down Plant Street can recognize the familiar smell of cheesesteak drifting out the door of Daniel’s Cheesesteak House.

The butter-crusted rolls can barely maintain the heavy load of thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese, complete with the occasional flavorful hot pepper, onion or mushroom.

For Harold and Mercedes MasihDas, the cheesesteak has become their way of life — their contribution to the Winter Garden community and their family tradition. The business has been family owned for more than 25 years.

However, the couple’s journey started long before the shop was even a dream.

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When she was only 19 years old, Mercedes came to the United States alone to pursue the American dream.

She was born into a large family of 14 in the Dominican Republic. Her parents were farmers and always worked hard to provide for their family.

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“It was a big change at that time, because I was just a young girl,” Mercedes said. “I was looking for something different, and my priority was to go to school and learn English.”

Daniel Masih-Das, one of the couple’s three sons, said he and his brothers were humbled when they went to visit their mother’s family in the Dominican Republic.

“We got to experience living like how our parents used to live,” Daniel said. “We used plastic cups to bathe and had to heat up water. We cleaned, we worked, and we even wrangled livestock.”

Daniel said his mom is a big believer in giving back.

“She showed us not to take advantage of what we have here, because there are always others who have less,” he said.

Similarly, Harold’s parents brought their family to the United States in pursuit of the same dream.

Harold was born in South America’s British Guiana and lived there with his seven siblings until he was 13 years old. His parents were always in business and owned a convenience store before they were farmers.

“They came for a better living — not just for themselves, but for their children,” Harold said. “The education where we lived was limited at the time. It was an extremely exciting time, because I really couldn’t envision what it was going to be like here.

I had no idea what to expect.”

Harold said the “razzle and dazzle” of New York during the winter time was a cultural shock. However, he quickly fell in love with it.

Like his parents, Harold had a natural passion for business.

Harold’s father owned a toy and retail store in New York, as well as a health and beauty store.

As a kid in junior high, Harold decided he wanted to start his own sno-cone business.

Harold’s father helped him to build a cart, and Harold pushed it every day to local parks. He ran the small business for four years and worked hard every day after school.

A REAL FAMILY BUSINESS

New York is where Harold and Mercedes’ love story began. Mercedes met Harold in 1989, when she was 31 and he was 32, at his office where he was a project manager for an airconditioning company.

The couple has now been married for 32 years and has three children, Frankie Liz, 40, Daniel, 32, and Brian Masih-Das, 31.

The same generational passion for business has now been passed down to the three boys.

Frankie owns his own businesses, Daniel is training to take over the

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OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

7

Courtesy photos

Annabelle Sikes

The Masih-Dases started Daniel’s Cheesesteak House in 1996.

Left: Frankie Liz and Daniel and Brian Masih-Das grew up in the family business.

family business, and Brian works in mortgages.

The boys’ passion for business was born within the walls of the cheesesteak house, before it even served cheesesteaks.

In 1993, the family moved from New York to Florida and Harold and Mercedes started their own business selling Spanish food, in the same location they are at now, on Plant Street.

At the time, there was no big setup. The couple cooked on a stove and served dinners in boxes.

Harold said one day the workers

from the business next door came over and said they wanted sandwiches — more specifically cheesesteaks.

Although the business was not set up for the cheesesteaks, Harold obliged and made seven sandwiches from the small stove.

For two years, Harold never made another cheesesteak to sell.

Then, in 1996, the couple started the original Daniel’s Cheesesteak House in Apopka.

For about 10 years, Harold and Mercedes worked on perfecting their cheesesteak and raising their family.

Brian said the shop was a big part of their lives from an early age.

“Our parents worked seven days a week,” he said. “It was a real family business as we had no employees. We would help after school and on the weekends. Birthdays were celebrated at the shop, and we had a lot of fun working there.”

From cash-handling to stocking the shelves to sweeping, the brothers spent more time at the shop with their family than they did at home.

And they loved it.

“I was able to see how hard work mixed in with passion and determination can really make any small business into a huge success,” Frankie said. “They taught me to do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

His brother agrees.

“What inspires me most about my parents is their work ethic and selflessness,” Brian said. “They worked hard day in and day out to provide for us and make sure there was always food on the table. And the food always had so much flavor. No mea-

Mercedes Masih-Das came to the United States when she was 19.

Mercedes and Harold Masih-Das have been married for 32 years.

suring cups in our kitchen.”

Although the sandwiches first started off with Italian seasoning, the couple changed their tactics soon after.

“I asked my husband, ‘Why don’t we put our own seasoning that we make together on the cheesesteaks?’” Mercedes said.

The couple’s recipe will remain a family secret, but Mercedes shared that the main ingredient in making their sandwiches unique is love.

success, as well as Mercedes’ mother, who helped to care for the boys.

“The boys were always here working,” Mercedes said. “We are a very close family, and we would have never been able to do any of this on our own.”

The couple said they are talking about potentially opening another location in the future and plan on passing the business down to the kids. Daniel will be taking over the majority of the business in the future.

“Everything we have and do is for our kids,” Mercedes said.

Outside of work, Harold likes to play chess, and the couple likes to watch TV and work in their garden.

The family said the Winter Garden community is amazing and they think of all their customers like an extension of their own family.

“Whatever happens outside of the door — they all get treated the same when they walk in here,” Daniel said.

“We try to get to know people as opposed to just taking an order.”

Mercedes said without their customer base, they would never have gotten to be where they are today.

“I am so grateful, because I got the opportunity to work with my husband and my family and I never had to leave them,” she said. “Every single day of my life, I say thank you to the Lord for allowing me to raise my family the way I raised them and a large part of that is thanks to this business.”

EVERYONE’S MOM AND DAD

In 2006, the family decided to shift the business back to Winter Garden in the original building, which the couple still owned. It was a difficult time. Hurricane Charley had destroyed the building, but the family received help from the city of Winter Garden.

“We had to rebuild everything,” Mercedes said. “It took a long time, and it felt like we were starting over.”

During this time, Mercedes also struggled with battling breast cancer twice. She went through chemotherapy and still was determined to spend every day in the store.

However, in terms of customers, the store never missed a beat.

The couple shared that many of their customers followed them from Apopka and still come not only for the food but also to visit.

“We know everybody that walks through the door, and people even call us the community Mom and Dad,” the couple said, laughing.

The couple said their sons were, and still are, a huge part of the store’s

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

DP PRINCIPAL TO OPEN RELIEF SCHOOL

Dr. Phillips High School Principal Dr. Suzanne Knight is leaving DP to lead the opening of the relief middle school opening this fall in Horizon West.

“It is with bittersweet emotions that I share that I will be leaving Dr. Phillips to become the principal for the new relief middle school in the west,” Knight told the DP community via her weekly email.

“It has always been a career goal of mine to open a new school. When the position became available in Orange County, I took the opportunity to pursue this goal. I have loved my eight years as principal of Dr. Phillips. I am forever grateful and honored to have been your principal. During this transition time, Dr. Phillips will remain under my guidance until the new principal is selected. I am proud to have served as your principal, and I will always be a Panther.”

The new school — Site 132-M-W4 — will be located at 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, in the Horizon West/Town Center area. It will relieve overcrowding at Bridgewater and SunRidge middle schools and is scheduled to open in August.

HORIZON WEST NAMES SPELLING BEE WINNERS

BRITTANY GEIB, SUNSET PARK ELEMENTARY Brittany Geib wears many hats at Sunset Park Elementary. Her title is library media specialist, and she handles technology support and the book fair; takes inventory of textbooks, laptops and library materials; does lesson planning; coordinates Partners in Education, Teach-In, social media/website and picture day; is club sponsor for the Battle of the Books team and Shelving Club; and is a member of the Digital Curriculum Support Team and Faculty Advisory Committee. She was Teacher of the Year for the 2020-21 school year in her second year as a teacher.

What brought you to your school?

The one thing that brought me to my school five years ago was my crazy college schedule. I was working two jobs at the time and needed something closer to my second job, Cracker Barrel in Winter Garden. I would leave working Sunset Park and serve in the evenings and weekends.

the classroom. He also ran the afterschool club, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and he was always at every event and livestock show for his students. Mr. Ius has grown the agriculture program and after-school FFA club tremendously since my time in high school. Mr. Ius will always hold a special place in my heart, and if you ask any of his students, they will tell you that he was and still is the best teacher.

What do you love most about your school?

One thing that I love about my job is that I interact with every single student and staff member on our campus throughout the school year.

Being able to build relationships with all members has made this a very enjoyable experience working at my school.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students enjoy coming into the media center each day. I have tried to make the media center a welcoming place for all students to feel welcome.

The most rewarding part is seeing a student enjoy using the maker space area, reading a book that resonates with them or coming in just to relax on a chair.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I graduated from OCPS in 2012, and my favorite teacher still works for OCPS — Randall Ius, at Wekiva High School. I had him for all four years at Wekiva High School, and he made agriculture the best part of my day.

He is truly inspirational and goes above and beyond being a teacher in

REPORT CARD TITLE: Library media specialist YEARS AT SCHOOL: Five years

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? When I was young, I always wanted to be a pediatrician. I always knew I wanted to work with children and help children in some way. I went to college and took my first anatomy class, and that is when I knew that being a doctor was not for me.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

This is so hard for me to pick one, but my favorite children’s book is “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” by Ryan T. Higgins. This is my favorite book to read to my new kindergarten classes during the first week of media center orientation. It is about a T-rex named Penelope that just can’t stop eating her classmates, and all her classmates are afraid of her. Penelope just

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

My typical lunch as a child was a ham or peanut butter sandwich. I went to a Christian private school until third grade, and my school every Friday would sell orange sherbet push-up pops. Those were my favorite, and I would get one of those every Friday. That was my one special treat a week that I always looked forward to.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas; it is a special time of year for my family.

My grandmother owned a bakery where she baked wedding cakes, cookies, pastries and bread. She would also host a Christmas show

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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What do you like to do in your spare time?

The funny part is I deal with technology all day, but I love antiquing on the weekends! I also enjoy thrift store searching, going to the beach, smoking food, hanging out with family and friends, and reading children’s books.

wanted a friend, so, she asks Walter, a goldfish, to be her friend. Walter bit her finger, and Penelope doesn’t like being someone else’s snack. The kindergartners just think this is the funniest part of the book, because a big ol’ T-rex is afraid of a tiny goldfish.

This is a great lesson for the students, because we can talk about traits that we want in our friends and how we treat one another.

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

371113-1

Horizon West Middle School held its annual Spelling Bee Jan. 13, which included stellar spellers Paola Llamosas Arce, Catarina Santos, Faith Prendergast, Yeriel Roman Goveo, Emma Hendry, Eesa Shaikh, William Companioni, Aarav Joshi, Yassin Aouiby and Nina Lapichino.

Hendry took first place, Arce second, and Goveo third.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

9

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE where she would open up her home and sell catalog items and her baked goods to the community. This was always a big deal in our family and took a lot of preparation. My grandmother has since passed from cancer five years ago, and we continue to honor her legacy. She left all family members with special gift of a handwritten cookbook. My family has made sure to make cookies and goods to carry on her memory.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in school was Aundrea; we went to Ocoee Middle School together. My neighborhood switched zoning to Wekiva High School, and we sort of lost touch as we were adjusting to high school. We occasionally ask how each other is doing but are not in touch as much as I wish.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

My extracurricular activities in high school consisted of FFA (Future Farmers of America). This consumed all of my time, and I loved it. My senior year I raised a sheep named Dodge and a goose named Mother. I received the Dekalb Agriculture Student of the Year award my senior year.

How did you get involved in the West Orange Times & Observer’s Reading Reindeer program?

I became involved with the Observer’s Reading Reindeer program when a parent recommended it to me. Althea Williams’ girls both attended Sunset Park and were in middle school when she emailed me about the literacy program. She asked me if it was something our school would be interested in. I asked my administration at the time, and they were on board with it.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Foundation breaks ground on expansion The Lakeside campus addition will include new classrooms, a chapel and office space.

Foundation Academy broke ground on its Lakeside Campus expansion in December.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Foundation Academy broke ground recently on its new expansion on the Family Church Lakeside Campus.

The new building is part of the church’s “Build” campaign and will include a 15,000-square-foot addition. The space will include eight new classrooms, a large space for chapel and weekly activities, office space and a reception area.

The expansion also will free up additional space that will be converted into a library and science lab.

Lakeside Principal Amanda Donaho said the new building will allow the campus to expand its grade levels to reach a larger scale of students.

Although Foundation Academy Lakeside is currently kindergarten through second grade, the campus will be adding both third and fourth grade this fall. When the building is completed, Foundation Academy Lakeside will then be a kindergarten-through-sixth-grade campus.

From there, students will complete seventh through 12th grades at the Tilden Campus location.

“Because of this growth, we will have the opportunity to reach more families in the area and provide a Christ-centered education,” Donaho said.

Courtesy photo

Once the new building is complete, it will house more than 140 students at the Lakeside Campus.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place outdoors in the area where the new building will be located.

The expansion ceremony opened with praise and worship and was followed with a message from Family Church Pastor Chuck Carter.

Donaho said Family Church has been a huge factor in the school’s development. Foundation Academy has had a campus at Family Church Lakeside for about three years. She said the church believes in Christian education and the impact that Foundation Academy has on the community.

“Because of this, they graciously allowed us to rent space from them so we can continue to grow,” she said. “Foundation Academy will utilize the space Monday through Friday, and Family Church will utilize the space for all church-related activities each weekend. This means the building will be put to

good use seven days a week.”

Several other influential members in the school’s community were in attendance, including Dave Buckles, Foundation Academy school president; Carol Grosshans, Foundation Academy vice president of education; Liefke Meyers, Foundation Academy vice president of Development; and Russ Donaho, Family Church campus pastor.

Many Foundation Academy Lakeside students and their families, along with those families that attend Family Church, also were present.

“This new building is so important, because it will allow both the church and the school to serve more families,” Foundation Academy Development Specialist Christina Haak said.

The attendees then surrounded the perimeter where the new building will be located and prayed for everyone who will walk through the doors.

In addition to this, FA Lakeside students are celebrating the ground-

breaking with their own classroom activities. They will be signing their names on stones that will be added to the foundation of the new building.

“I believe the heart of the school is more than a physical space, which is why the Lakeside Campus has grown from five to 45 in only three years,” Donaho said. “Our school is a family and the new building gives us an opportunity to welcome even more amazing students in.”

Each week, students receive daily Bible lessons in addition to their core academic classes. Students also participate in art, music, physical education, multimedia and STEM classes throughout the week. Afterschool programs are also available, including chess club, LEGO-robotics club, cheer, tap and ballet.

The building is set to reach completion in the fall 2022.

The Family Church Lakeside Campus is located at 8464 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere.

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1-27-22

JANUARY 27, 2022

SPORTS HIGH

Jillian Myers is a captain of Dr. Phillips High School’s competitive cheer team. Page 12.

1

5

Foundation Academy’s Braden Holcomb was named one of Major League Baseball’s top-25 prospects for the Class of 2023 Jan. 22. He was previously named in the top five shortstop prospects for Baseball America. Holcomb is a two-sport athlete for the Lions, playing baseball and football. He has already expressed a verbal commitment to play baseball at Vanderbilt University.

2

West and Southwest Orange County cheerleading teams took center stage at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Winter Park for the regional championship tournament Jan. 22. Dr. Phillips, Foundation Academy and Windermere all emerged victorious in their divisions. Dr. Phillips won the small tumbling division; Foundation, the large non-tumbling division; and Windermere took the co-ed title. All three schools automatically qualify for the state finals Feb. 1 and 2 in Gainesville. West Orange took third in the small tumbling division as well; it will be competing in the semifinals. Horizon placed fourth in the small co-ed division. The Hawks also will be competing at state.

3

Foundation boys soccer won its final regular-season game 2-0 against International Community Jan. 21. It finished its season with an 8-4-1 record in Scott Hussey’s first year as head coach. Legacy Charter finished ahead of Foundation in the district standings with a 12-2-1 record. The Class 2A, District 5 tournament begins Jan. 27, with the Lions to be the second seed in the tournament behind the first-seeded Eagles.

4

The First Academy’s Jayden Huygens scored his 1,000th career point during the Royals’ Jan. 21 basketball game against Bishop Moore, which they lost 4741. Huygens leads the team in points, rebounds and steals per game as the Royals come down to the last few games of their regularseason schedule.

5

Horizon girls soccer finished its first regular season with a 0-0 tie against Edgewater Jan. 21 to put their record at 9-2-2. With that, the team gets ready to play Teneroc Jan. 27 in the first round of the Class 4A, District 7 playoffs. Fellow first-year school Lake Buena Vista is the fourth seed in the district tournament and will play Lake Region Jan. 27 at home.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

W Courtesy photo

Windermere Prep’s weighlifting team was all smiles as it celebrated a district championship.

COMING ON

STRONG In just its third year, Windermere Prep’s girls weightlifting team claimed the Class 1A, District 10 crown.

indermere Prep’s girls weightlifting team came into Trinity Prep with a mission, and just like the previous five times the team competed so far this season, it came away with a dominant victory in the Class 1A, District 10 championships.

Windermere Prep scored 89 points in the bench press/clean-and-jerk competition to edge out second-place Trinity Prep, which had 62 to win the team title. The Lakers also scored 52 points in the snatch competition.

“We have an unbelievable group of girls,” head coach Micah Kurtz said.

“One of my main goals as a coach is to give my athletes the tools to succeed. When they put in the work, and they shine, it’s one of the best feelings as a coach. They put in the work. It’s awesome to see their recognition.”

The Lakers won 12 individual titles in the bench press/clean-and-jerk and snatch competitions. Four girls won both in their respective weight classes: Alexis Beaulieu for 129 pounds; Danielle Work, 154 pounds; Cati Camilli, 169 pounds; and Carissa Ruiz, 199 pounds.

Other winners for the Lakers included Liza Thompson at 119 SEE BECOMING PAGE 12

DP boys soccer ready to make district push The Panthers finished the regular season 12-3-1 — its best record since 2018.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Coming into his second year, Dr. Phillips boys soccer coach Raul Jara knew this could be the year in which his team could make a special run.

He knew he had the players to do it but also that it was going to take a complete effort by all members of the team to get the Panthers back to a level they had not seen in several years.

Through the regular season, that proved to be the case. DP has taken on all comers and, as it prepares for districts, emerged victorious 12 out of 15 games.

On Jan. 14, the Panthers took on Horizon and came away with a 2-1 victory. Horizon goalkeeper Daniel Porto misplayed the ball, which allowed the Panthers to score and take the lead in the 76th minute of play.

The game started with a score from both teams within the first 10 minutes. DP scored at the sixth minute, and Horizon answered a minute later

to tie the game. After a tight second half, with neither side yielding many opportunities, Porto mishandled a save, allowing the Panthers to put it in for what proved to be the winning score.

“Today, we got lucky,” Jara said after the game. “We were missing six key players for various reasons.

We were a bit frustrated today, so it took us a while to get our game going.

It was a battle between both teams; the other team played really well and organized the entire game. It’s a testament to how our season has been going. It may not be going our way, but we just keep battling. That’s our motto as we go into playoffs.”

So far, that has been the case for the Panthers all season. With nine upperclassmen on the team, including captain Leonardo Sanchez, this was an experienced bunch that had seen the last couple of years not go the way they would have wanted. In 2020, the Panthers lost three consecutive games — including a firstround playoff knockout to East Ridge — to end their season, With this being his first season with DP, Sanchez said earlier in the season the goal was to reach districts SEE DP PAGE 12

Courtesy photo

West Orange water polo players were bananas for helping their community.

West Orange water polo team makes a splash for Matthew’s Hope The athletes made bagged meals to give to Winter Garden residents in need.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Athletic competition is just one element in helping make an impact on the community at large, but many student-athletes are making a posi-

tive impact by doing something as simple as making a meal for someone who may only get one for the day.

The West Orange water polo team partnered with the West Orange Junior Service League to make 60 bagged meals for people at Matthew’s Hope, a charity in Winter Garden that specializes in helping the homeless get back on their feet and reintegrate SEE SHOW PAGE 12

12

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Becoming a powerhouse

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

Jillian Myers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

pounds; Ashlyn Loper, 183 pounds; and Haner Evy in the unlimited weight class. Sidney Provencher won the snatch at 101 pounds.

For Kurtz, the victories were the culmination of three years of hard work when the team first started.

“When we started the team three years ago, my goal was to get girls to buy into the benefits of the weight room,” Kurtz said. “They’ve taken and ran with it. Now, we’ve got over 40 girls on the team, and it’s awesome to see their success.”

The district championship gave the Lakers their sixth win in six competitions this season. Kurtz added that with states coming up

Jillian Myers is a senior at Dr. Phillips and a captain on the school’s competitive cheer team. Myers describes herself as someone who is all about cheer and nothing else. To her, cheer is everything. She was part of the Panthers’ state championship-winning team in 2020 as a sophomore.

Now a senior and team captain, Myers has helped drive a successful 2021-22 campaign for the Panthers. The team won not only the Metro West Championship for small team tumbling division but also the FHSAA Region 2 championship Jan. 22. With that win, the team automatically qualified for the state finals.

What do you like about going to Dr. Phillips High School?

The cheer program; it’s my favorite thing, because they’re good here. I like the family feeling. Ever since I’ve been here, it’s always felt like a second home.

The coaches are all super encouraging; the team is super close as well.

After a disappointing ending to the 2021 season, what’s been the key for you guys so far this season?

We’re definitely making a comeback this season. With Coach Summer (Hernandez) coming in — she’s turned us around from last season. We’re doing a lot better this season. Compared to last season, we’re more of a family. I feel like everyone cares a lot more, and people want to be here.

Everyone is also more determined and getting more encouraged as we’re going along.

THE BASICS AGE: 18 SCHOOL: Dr. Phillips GRADE: Senior SPORT: Competitive Cheer

Any hobbies outside of cheer?

Not really. Cheer is my life. I don’t do really anything else besides cheer.

Favorite food?

Mashed potatoes with no gravy.

Disney or Universal?

Universal. I haven’t been to Universal in a long time, but I’d say that The Hulk is my favorite ride there.

Favorite subject in school?

Science, especially my chemistry class. I liked my class, and I liked learning all the science involved with it.

Are you looking at any colleges or have you heard from any?

I’ve been looking at USF and FAU. USF, I like the location because it’s in Tampa, which is closer to home. My sister goes to FAU, so I’d have someone there. They’re both really good schools as well.

What’s an interesting thing about you that no one would expect to know?

I have a lot of pets, and I like to read.

What do you want to major in in college?

I would like to go into health sciences and become a physical therapist after I graduate college.

How many pets do you have?

Five pets: three cats, a bird and a dog. I’m definitely a cat person.

My cats’ names are Puff, Casper and Trevor.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?

Switzerland — it’s really pretty.

I’ve seen a lot of pictures and videos of it, and it’s very pretty. I want to go there someday.

What’s one thing you want to be remembered for after you graduate?

I want to be remembered for always working hard, never giving up and always coming in trying to be better than I was before. I want to be remembered for always working hard and never settling for less.

Courtesy photo

The West Orange water polo team handed out more than 60 bagged meals at Matthew’s Hope.

Show of support CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

themselves into society.

Some of the meals made included sandwiches, apple sauce, fruit, chips, and any other items that would last someone for a night, if not for a couple of days.

The team distributed the meals Jan. 18 as one of its charity events for the season. When workers came out after their day had ended, team members gave each of them one of the bagged meals.

“I appreciate that (Matthew’s Hope) is a local community service effort,” head coach Jennifer Dailer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

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to the mentality that we go out and play with.”

To temper those expectations in the locker room, the team takes a one-game-at-a-time philosophy.

“Every game for us is a championship,” Jara said. “We just need to stay focused going into districts. District winners from past experience are the ones that are the strongest mentally.

That’s one thing that we focus on every game. My assistant and I, we need to be mentally strong because in districts, it can be anybody that emerges victorious.”

After the win over Horizon, DP tied with West Orange Jan. 18 to clinch the Metro West Conference championship. The team lost its final regular-season game to Ridge Community 4-0 Jan. 21 to finish the season with a 12-3-1 record — its best since 2018.

The Class 7A, District 5 tournament started Jan. 26. Since it had a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed, DP will play the winner of OlympiaHaines City on Jan. 27.

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was sitting in a good position at 9-2, the one to Montverde Academy and a 2-0 loss to Edgewater. Jara said that was the best record he has ever had going into winter break for any team he has coached.

“It took us a bit to come together, but it’s all on the players,” Jara said.

“This is my second year, but they’ve bought in to what we’ve presented them, what our philosophy is and our goals. I told them I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The Panthers kept that run going by winning all three games since the break ended, including a 3-1 victory over district opponent Windermere to push their district record to 2-0.

With districts approaching, Jara knows the expectations that are coming with the success his team has had all season.

“We’re playing with the target on our back; we know that everyone wants to beat DP,” he said. “Odds are that we’re going to face someone in districts who we’ve already beaten.

It’s always harder to beat a team a second time. A lot of it boils down

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said. “We’ve helped them in the past before — car washes, raising money, helping clean and organize their storage. It’s Winter Garden giving back to Winter Garden.”

Dailer said Cheryl Rush, one of the team moms, helped organize the event in conjunction with West Orange Junior Service League, an organization that works to serve the Winter Garden community through projects and other fundraising events. It’s all part of the work in raising not only good athletes but also good people.

“I help raise good humans,” she said. “They’ve incredibly embraced

it and knew that they were doing a good thing. My team is a family, so they always enjoy getting together and doing something good for the community. They had fun.”

There are still more charity events to come during the season, Dailer said.

“I’ve tried to run a communityservice effort during the season throughout my years of coaching,” Dailer said. “Anything to strengthen our community and strengthen our team.”

The Warrior water polo team has 50 athletes, split evenly with 25 of each gender. West Orange finished the 2021 season with a 9-7 record before losing in the first round of the playoffs to Olympia by a score of 12-7.

DP: Excellence is goal

and go up from there.

Part of that success has been the complete effort on both sides of the ball. DP has scored 45 goals this season and allowed only 26, with eight of those coming in an early season If you weren’t living game against Montverde Academy. in Central Florida Senior Adam Seffari led the team right now, where in in goals with 10 while also adding the United States five assists. The other Panthers to would you want to join him in double digits for points live? are sophomore Nickolas Lopes with Washington, D.C., 16, senior Sebastian Rodriguez with area. I went during 15, and sophomore Pedro Moreira, the fall, and it was who has 14 points. Moreira and very pretty with all Lopes finished tied for second on the autumn colors. the team in goals with six.

— CHRIS “The kids have bought in the entire MARTUCCI season,” Jara said. “They’re playing really well together, and we’ve got to keep going because the real season Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. starts with districts. They’ve really Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State Farm has a long traditioncome together and played well with Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason each other. Hopefully it continues.” www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support West That chemistry has been a crucial Orange county.. part of DP’s success. Heading into Get to a better State . the winter holiday break, the team

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chance to compete against schools they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to face during the season.

“It’ll be great competition,” Kurtz said. “I’m excited for the girls.

They’ve done an unbelievable job this season.”

Foundation Academy finished third in the competition and had a district champion in Elena Friedman in the 139-pound division.

Anna Sircy and Anna Rampage took second and third in the 183-pound division. Last year’s district champion Riley Winters took fourth in the 154-pound class.

The state competition for girls weightlifting will be held Feb. 10 to 12 at Port St. Joe High School.

TV or Netflix show you’re watching now?

“Cheer” — I’m excited to watch the new season of it.

What do you like the most about competitive cheer?

Competing on the mat in front of a bunch of people is a different feeling compared to sideline cheer. Doing a routine the best you’ve ever done is a feeling you can’t describe. You’re performing for everyone and showing them what you’ve worked so hard for. It’s super fun.

Favorite movie?

“Soul Surfer”

Feb. 10, some of his athletes are in prime position to return to the competition. Last season, Beaulieu, Work and her sister, Natalie Work, competed at the state finals.

While the latter has graduated, Kurtz is confident that the two formers would qualify once again.

“Their numbers have gone up since last year, so they have a good chance to qualify,” Kurtz said.

“We’ve also got three or four other girls that also have a good shot to qualify. You never know what will happen, but it’s exciting.”

With the district championship now in the bag, the Lakers set their sights on the regional championship Jan. 28 at The Village Charter School. Along with that comes the

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OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES 80 years ago

Mrs. Dudley Wilson, West Orange chairman of the Orange County Defense Council, issued an appeal for wool blankets. A call also was made for wastepaper, scrap metal and tin foil, the latter to be used by the British government.

From the Social Whirl: When Carolyn Peters returned to Hollins College in Virginia, there were 12 passengers on the train pulling out of Orlando.

Winter Garden’s blackout, including all of West Orange, Ocoee, Oakland, Killarney and Tildenville, was a big success as witnessed from the air. Following the blackouot, all emergency Red Cross workers gathered at Legion Hall to practice first-aid treatment for pseudo-victims of the air raid.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

13

40 years ago

Henry Solomon retired from the business he founded and led starting in 1959. Solomon Body Works Inc., on State Road 50, was turned over to his sons, David and Dennis.

20 years ago

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Mrs. Russell Pounds entertained at a matinee party in honor of her son, Rice, on his 7th birthday.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

Margaret Dyson is seen in the photograph with three young family members: her daughter, Drene Dyson, is seated on the taxi, and nephews Michael and Cecil Wheeler stand in front. Dyson’s Taxi, owned and operated by George Dyson and Annie Bell Dyson (who also operated an icehouse and other businesses and properties), ferried east Winter Garden residents to jobs and appointments located beyond the traditionally black neighborhood.

Their granddaughter, Linday Dyson Smith, relates that many businesses thrived along Center and Tenth streets — barber shops, groceries, restaurants, a dry cleaner and more.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation asks the families of east Winter Garden to share family histories, photographs, and recollections. Call (407) 656-3244 to make an appointment.

50 years ago

The Winter Garden City Commission approved plans for the Klondike Pool and recreation area improvements. Plans called for a Little League ball diamond and a basketball court, and city officials hoped the West Orange Jaycees would help equip the playground area.

The city of Winter Garden, with the help of the Maxey Recreation Council, purchased the old movie theater on Klondike Street with plans to convert it into a community youth center. City forces began renovation, and the new facility was to be available within a few weeks.

Four local mayors from Ocoee,

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Ward Britt, president of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, invited the public to the grand opening of the Winter Garden History Center, 32 W. Plant St. The open house featured a photo exhibit on Lake Apopka’s history, a display of Seminole Indian artifacts discovered at the bottom and shore of the lake, and a 60-year-old cypress fishing boat with tags identifying it as a Lake Apopka vessel.

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Robert Bit le

70 years ago

ring

|

Windermere, Winter Garden and Apopka urged the Orange County Commission to give its approval to a proposed tri-city airport, saying the general aviation facility was urgently needed for the area.

Four full-time firefighters began serving the Ocoee area: Rupert Warr, Butch Coschignano, Chief Jimmy Vandergrift and Rex Warr.

Members of the Windermere Rotary Club mixed concrete and set posts for the new Little League field behind Town Hall. Don Strube spearheaded the project and had assistance from Gene Spears and Curtis Pickens.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

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W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

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2001868

RED PAGES AD RATES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

RED PAGES Furnishings

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City of Winter Garden is Hiring

Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or 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 Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Professional Services 371170

Certified Backflows by Dale

ir. oor Repa D s s a l G We are experts in Sliding ll.

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UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE Winter Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 REMOVAL Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Mili’s Gym

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Mili’s Gym. Located at 741 S. Dillard St., Suite 103, Mili’s Gym is a locally owned family business primarily catering to powerlifting, strongman, Olympicstyle weightlifting and bodybuilding competitors. The superior training environment offers cardiovascular, plyometrics and agility conditioning, along with USA Powerlifting and USA Weightlifting certified coaching. Their focus is on the community through building relationships with local businesses, schools, military units and affiliate partners in major strength sports.

To learn more about Mili’s Gym, visit www.milisgym.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the 10-year Anniversary for Congratulations to Winter Garden Smiles Central Insurance Advisors on their Florida new office, located at 1317

BAPTIST

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

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL

CHURCH D

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee FELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

Winter Vineland celebrated Rd., Suite 110 WOCC Garden Ambassadors the in Winter Garden.

Winter Garden Florida Smiles 10-year anniversary of Central East Plant St, Winter Garden www.starkelakebaptist.org General and Pediatric Dentistry serves the 1146 Insurance Advisors. Located in Winter SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Windermere, Ocoee, and Orlando area. Find us at: Theacf.net Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD Garden, Central Florida Insurance OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy To learn more about Wintercomplimentary Garden Smiles BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom Advisors addresses the biggest financial concerns people face. With 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST policy reviews, they formulate the best strategies for achieving peace of mind whether Pastor Casey Butner 407-656-8011 (407) 656-3097 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden it be for Medicare or health insurance, employee benefit packages, life Insurance, legacy 671 Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH STUDY 9:30AM planning, disability, long-term care, retirement strategies, dental, vision and more. They SUNDAY BIBLEWednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM have proudly insured Central Floridians since 2008 and are excited to be celebrating their WEDNESDAY SERVICE www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm 6:00PM www.churchofthemessiah.com 10th year serving the residents of Winter Garden!

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden To learn more about CFIA, visit www.CFIAGroup.com.

407-656-2352 SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening of Unified Rehabilitation’s new clinic

CHURCH OF GOD

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

LV14252

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Unified 1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. Rehabilitation’s new state-of-the-art OCOEE, FL 34761 clinic. Located at 14215 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, Unified ORDER YOUR Rehabilitation provides physical, CUSTOM MADE • Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, occupational and speech therapy for Barn and More CHRISTMAS TuesdayDoors, of the month FOOD 2nd & 4th• Repaired, their clients. They have specialized Refinished and 1-3pm in Education Bldg PANTRY programs including stroke recovery, lymphedema management, LSVT BIG and LOUD® GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture • Gently Used Furniture and New for clients with Parkinson’s Disease, adult fitness, hydrotherapy and more. They are open Check out the custom of the month at Items CARING 4th MondayHousehold made silent auction items Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and after hours plus Saturday by appointment. They are Elks Lodge from 5-7pm 125 N. Lakeview Ave. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mat that will be available at TABLE located in the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center by Aldi and Mosaic Church. the Garden Party Winter Garden on Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Win FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm Walk-ins are welcome, so stop by to learn how you can be a Unified Champion!

November(407) 9!! 656-1135 407.905.9500 8am-4pm Mon -HallFri • 8am-3pm Saturday Movie in Fellowship MOVIE •Family To learn more, visit https://unifiedrehabilitation.com/ NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg

Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening of Dentistry at Lake Reams Ribbon Cutting Celebration at

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Congratulations Winter Garden at Smiles on grand openingto of Dentistry Lake their new office, located at 1317 Winter Garden Reams. Located at 13205 Reams Rd, Vineland Rd.,inSuite 110 in Winter Garden.

Winter Suite 156 Windermere, Dentistry at Garden Smiles General and Pediatric Dentistry Lake Reams is a new dental practice that serves the Windermere, Ocoee, and Orlando area. proudly serves the Windermere, Winter To learn moreDr. about Winter Garden Smiles Garden, Horizon West, and surrounding areas.

Marco Castellini has been visit www.wintergardensmiles.com an Orlando Resident since 1986 and has been a dentist for more than 20 years.

He and his team are committed to provide the most comprehensive dental care where compassion, integrity and honesty are their top priority.

To learn more, visit www.dentistrylakereams.com.

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refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

362213-1

Matthew’s Hope Chest C

In 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase in the number of weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in our community.

Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

Personal Hygiene Items: 139,300 Total Weekly Visits: 13,630 Clothing Items Distributed: 50,600 New First Time Guests: 639 Protective Masks: 53,900 Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Plus, we provided weekly Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 laundry service, showers, assistance with food stamps, Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs. Florida ID's, COVID Testing, and more.

TEXT

TO DONATE

This is a secure site for giving

The West Orange Chamber Offers 4 Networking Groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

351376-1

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

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