01.30.20 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE

VOLUME 87, NO. 5

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Scout project takes root A former Oakland Avenue Charter Eagle gave back to his alma mater. SEE PAGE 3.

DOSE OF REALITY A new documentary on the opioid epidemic in Orange County titled “It Impacts Us All” will premiere at the Garden Theatre Feb. 3.

SEE PAGE 4.

HOME AT LAST!

Ocoee Middle has its home court back.

SEE PAGE 13.

New Ocoee hotel moves forward Commissioners approved ordinances related to the annexation and rezoning of two properties that will be the site of a new hotel.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

A new hotel is coming to Ocoee.

City commissioners on Jan. 21 voted 4-0 to approve annexation and rezoning ordinances related to two adjacent properties located north of State Road 50, south and east of Marshall Farms Road and west of Maguire Road. The applicant is proposing to build a Comfort Inn — Mainstay Suites hotel on the properties. Mayor Rusty Johnson abstained from the vote.

SEE NEW PAGE 6

YOUR TOWN WINTER GARDEN SEEKS DONATIONS

The city of Winter Garden is holding a food drive for the hungry during February.

Donations will benefit Southeastern Food Bank, a division of Bread of Life Fellowship, which distributes food to underprivileged West Orange County residents.

Canned goods and nonperishable items can be donated from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at City Hall, 300 W. Plant St. For more information, call (407) 656-4111.

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W.G. leaders SAVORING THE MOMENT approve Students from West site plan Orange A new building for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is a step closer to becoming reality.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Winter Garden commissioners have endorsed the site plan for a new Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida building.

SEE YOUTH PAGE 4

put their skills in the kitchen to the test at an OCPS event.

PAGE 9.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, JAN. 30

DIABETES & ME 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden. Attend this free class to learn more on how to manage diabetes, nutritional guidelines, tips and more.

(407) 347-0672, ext. 1.

I’VE DONE MY DNA — NOW WHAT? 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. If you have received your autosomal DNA test results and are wondering what to do next, then this program is what you need.

Explore the best way to begin analyzing and working with DNA matches. Learn pitfalls to watch out for and discover how to make DNA work for you.

(407) 835-7323.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

LAKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St. Students and staff (1928 through 1976) are invited to join other Lakeview Red Devils for hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer while viewing artifacts from the foundation’s LHS collection. Tickets are $10 for WGHF members and $12 for others.

A limited number of tickets are available. RSVP at (407) 6563244 or jcrescitelli@wghf.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 31

‘POWER, MYTH AND MEMORY IN AFRICANA ART’ 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Crealdé School of Art, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park.

The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre, joining other Central Florida organizations in looking back at local history and examining how it affected the community in the century that followed. Art pieces have been selected from the C.J. Williams collection. The private collection includes many 2D and 3D pieces

FINANCING AVAILABLE

never before seen by the public.

(407) 671-1886; crealde.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

THE REP READERS FEATURING: ‘ANNE OF GREEN GABLES’ 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Discover theater in a whole new way through this unique, interactive workshop.

Participants will receive a voucher to attend an upcoming performance of “Anne of Green Gables” at Orlando Repertory Theatre. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, FEB. 4

COMMUNITY YOGA 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Yoga is a great way to improve the health of your body and mind.

All ages, experience levels and body types welcome, including those with limited mobility.

(407) 835-7323.

HEARTS OF HARLEM 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Learn about artists from Harlem, New York, and how their love for the arts contributed to one of America’s greatest movements, The Harlem Renaissance.

Recommended for elementary school-age children. (407) 8357323.

MONDAY, FEB. 3

THURSDAY, FEB. 6

SUNDAY, FEB. 2

STEPPIN OUT 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Join the Bloom

PLANT CLINIC 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Bring your plants, get your soil pH tested and ask

questions. Master gardener volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office will be available to answer your gardening questions. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, FEB. 7

GROCERY STORE TOUR 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at a local grocery store to be announced. Do you know which foods are the healthiest choices? Do you know what to look for on a food label? Join an Orlando Health dietitian for a grocery store tour to learn how to navigate the aisles and make the healthiest choices for the family. Space is limited; RSVP required at (407) 407-3046.

SATURDAY, FEB. 8

FAMILY HISTORY FAIR 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Explore your roots. Beginners, get started. Experienced genealogists, learn new tips.

The Central Florida Genealogical Society, other local societies and library staff will share genealogy information. (407) 835-7323.

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& Grow Garden Society and enjoy retail therapy for yourself or for a friend, as well as complimentary wine and appetizers.

A fashion show is at 5:30 p.m., and a live jazz ensemble will perform during the event. Tickets are $15, and checks can be mailed to Bloom & Grow, 1000 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 34787. This is a fundraiser for horticulture scholarships, 1,000 Trees for 1,000 Years and the monarch butterfly sculpture.

(407) 656-4796.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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West Orange High student reportedly brought gun Christopher Esland, 18, was arrested by Orange County deputies and faces multiple charges.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jonathan Le Morvan built six raised garden beds at Oakland Avenue Charter School for his Eagle scout project.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

Eagle returns to the nest Jonathan Le Morvan created garden beds for his alma mater, Oakland Avenue Charter School.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

J

onathan Le Morvan is working toward a second chance to be an Eagle.

The first came when the Ocoee High School senior attended Oakland Avenue Charter School — whose mascot is an eagle — from kindergarten through fifth grade. The second occasion is through Boy Scout Troop 210, in Winter Garden.

When it came time for Le Morvan, 17, to choose an Eagle scout project, he learned of an opportunity at his elementary school in Oakland. The Bloom & Grow Garden Society provided a $1,500 grant to OACS last year, and Principal Pam Dwyer reached out to the troop and offered several project ideas.

Le Morvan jumped on the opportunity and met with Dwyer last summer to discuss the details of the campus project. Dwyer told him her vision was to have six raised garden beds — one for each of the grade levels.

“She left it up to me to design it,” Le Morvan said. “I had to budget everything and plan it all out. I had to look at materials and get the best price.”

In addition to building the boxes, his work also included researching how to fill a garden bed with the appropriate pea gravel, soil layers and compost and how to install a drip irrigation system.

Although the original plan was six simple garden beds, Le Morvan added a timer- and pressurecontrolled irrigation system to each bed spigot. He added a thick bed of rubber mulch to match the

Eagle scout candidate Jonathan Le Morvan, right, built six raised garden beds at Oakland Avenue Charter School. With him are the fifth grade ambassadors who painted the picket fence near the garden: Hayden Dalton, left, Kenleigh Swindle, Reagan Rittenberry, Ariceli Resto, Natalia Sant and Kiana Grant.

“I’m just glad I could finish this project for them.

I really wanted to … have the kids be able to use it in later years. … It ended up really well. I really like it.

It turned out just like the vision was in my head. And the principal is proud of it.”

— Jonathan Le Morvan

ground covering at the nearby playground.

About 12 hours later — with the added manpower of more than 20 adults and former and current scouts over two days — the school garden was finished.

The school painted the boxes red and blue, the OACS colors.

Le Morvan ended up spending $1,300 on his project; he’s hoping the money left over will be used to buy seeds.

School guidance counselor Karen Kieffer is a big proponent of healthy choices, Dwyer said, and she is looking into buying some organic seeds once school officials decide what should be planted.

A picket fence was installed near the garden, and fifth grade ambassadors painted designs to give it a colorful personality.

“I absolutely love it,” Dwyer said. “He matched our vision completely. … We used to go to the community garden, but it was overwhelming. This is the perfect

size. … I’m really, really proud of it.”

“I’m just glad I could finish this project for them,” Le Morvan said.

“I really wanted to … have the kids be able to use it in later years. … It ended up really well. I really like it. It turned out just like the vision was in my head. And the principal is proud of it.”

Le Morvan started scouting with Cub Scout Pack 578 at Oakland Presbyterian Church before crossing over to Troop 210 at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. Steve Eisinger is the scoutmaster.

Le Morvan now has until Feb. 7 — his 18th birthday — to complete a few more merit badges and schedule his board review. He is the son of Fanny and John Paul Le Morvan, of Ocoee. Fanny Le Morvan’s company, Amazon Design Graphics Inc., is donating plaques to be affixed to each box with the grade level and Jonathan Le Morvan’s name.

An 18-year-old West Orange High student was arrested Thursday, Jan. 23, for reportedly bringing a gun to school.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Esland, of Winter Garden, was charged both with possession of a firearm on school property and resisting an officer without violence.

The arrest report states that around 11:40 a.m. Thursday, two school resource officers became aware of a student who ran off campus from the courtyard and were told he might have a weapon. Deputies said they found the student didn’t have a weapon but were told someone else might have a gun on campus.

The SROs returned to campus and told administrators they needed to search the students involved in the previous confrontation.

The report states that during the investigation, it was believed some students had an ongoing conflict “between neighborhood gangs” — allegedly Winter Garden and Tildenville — throughout the school year.

Deputies found Esland, who allegedly is one of the students involved with the ongoing dispute, in class. The SRO asked Esland to take off his backpack and escorted him to a nearby classroom.

According to the report, the SRO asked Esland if he had anything illegal in his possession and said he needed to be checked for any weapons. Esland then took “an aggressive stance” by clenching his fists and tensing his body before telling the SRO not to touch him, the report stated.

The SRO reportedly attempted to restrain Esland and walked him toward the back of the classroom as Esland jerked his arms away with clenched fists. Another SRO helped secure Esland, who they say put up a struggle, and put him in handcuffs.

Deputies said Esland made several attempts to break loose and tried to retrieve his backpack and leave the room. Once he was secured, they said, a school dean conducted an administrative search of the backpack.

The report states that administrators found a loaded silver 9mm handgun with nine rounds in the magazine — six full metal jacket rounds and three critical-defense rounds. They also reportedly found a separate box of 21 criticaldefense rounds in a fanny pack.

When Esland was asked why he brought a gun to school, he reportedly replied, “It’s not for anyone in particular, it’s for my protection.”

Deputies notified the gang unit, which responded and questioned Esland. They said he remained uncooperative and evaded questions by stating he didn’t know.

Esland was arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail.

The gun and ammunition were submitted into evidence.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

SIGNS OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE n Their face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch n Their lips or fingernails turn purple/blue n Their body goes limp n They start vomiting n They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak n Their breathing or heartbeat slows or stops WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS HAVING AN OVERDOSE n Call 911 immediately n Administer naloxone if it’s available. Naloxone is a safe medication that can quickly stop an opioid overdose. It can be injected into the muscle or sprayed into the nose to rapidly block the effects of the opioid on the body. n Try to keep the person awake and breathing n Lay them on their side to prevent choking n Stay with the person until first responders arrive Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine

LOCAL IMPACTS Between January and June of 2019, the EMSTAR database reports 692 opioid overdoses — an increase of 7% from the same period a year before. In 2018, the death rate rose to 413 in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties — a 9% increase in deaths from opioids.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Eyes on an epidemic TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

A

new documentary premiering in Winter Garden will shed light on a nationwide epidemic through the lens of Orange County.

On Monday, Feb. 3 at the Garden Theatre in downtown Winter Garden, local residents will have a chance to see the premiere of “It Impacts Us All” — a documentary about the ongoing opioid epidemic.

It’s a film created in partnership between The Public Good Projects and the West Orange Healthcare District that explores the issue from the perspective of local law enforcement, physicians and hospitals, and patients and their families.

The premiere event also will include a hands-on demonstration by Coalition for a Drug-Free Community Director Tom Hall on how to administer Narcan (naloxone) — a nasal spray that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose.

Local experts also will talk about the community impacts of opioid misuse during a panel discussion.

Danny Banks, Orange County’s director of public safety, said county government played

IF YOU GO WHEN: 2:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3; doors open at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden To RSVP for the event, visit itimpactsusall.app.rsvpify. com.

For more information about the “It Impacts Us All” documentary, visit itimpactsusall. com.

a significant part in producing the film as it’s been battling the opioid epidemic for many years.

“I think the title of the documentary is perhaps the most fitting of any title we could come up with,” Banks said. “It impacts us all, and that truly is what we see, particularly in Orange County. The opioid epidemic has impacted every race, every religion, every socioeconomic background — from rich to poor, white to black, anyone. That epidemic has hit us all.”

The current opioid epidemic in Orange County can be traced back to rampant pill mills in the mid-2000s, Banks said. People traveled to Central Florida to get prescription pills with minimal

“The opioid epidemic has impacted every race, every religion, every socioeconomic background — from rich to poor, white to black, anyone. That epidemic has hit us all.”

— Danny Banks, Orange County director of public safety

Youth club gets new home CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The 10,044-square-foot, single-story recreation and learning center will be located on a 9.35-acre property at 303 West Crown Point Road, just north of the existing basketball pavilion. It will be the result of a partnership between the city of Winter Garden and Orange County, along with a host of supporters such as the Junebug Foundation and retired Major League Baseball player Johnny Damon.

It’s a plan that has been in the works for a few years. In 2017, June Engineering Consultants Inc. President Randy June and City Commissioner Mark Maciel hosted an informational session at the Maxey Community Center.

“We’re excited about it,” said City Manager Mike Bollhoefer.

“It’s going to be a great benefit to the community here and the adjacent communities. We’ll be waiving all the impact fees to get it built.”

The vision has been to expand the organization’s West Orange branch, which currently meets at the West Orange Recreation Center on West Crown Point Road.

It provides limited space for the organization, but to its members, it is home base.

With this larger location, the Boys & Girls Club can serve triple the number of children.

“This is a great public and private partnership providing this new 10,000-square-foot facility,”

said Lauryn June, Randy June’s daughter. “We’ll be able to expand from 75 elementary kids that are currently in the Magic Gym to (more than) 150 kids, and the new facility will be able to provide for both teenagers and the elementary kids, which is nice that the teenagers have a place to go, because currently they do not.

“We are super excited about this project,” Lauryn June said. “It’s finally here and it is going to the county soon to be put out to bid, so hopefully, that’ll be in the next month or so, which is very exciting.”

According to the site plan, some of the building’s highlights include a 1,929-square-foot teen game room, a 2,639-square-foot multipurpose room, a 665-squarefoot health and life science learning center and a 589-square-foot youth computer lab.

The site plan also includes storage areas, a music studio, a learning center with computer lab, a youth/teen arts lab and an area for health and life skills.

“This is going to be a great partnership,” said City Commissioner Mark Maciel. “I’ve talked to a lot of the nonprofits — we have many churches and many nonprofits that exist in east Winter Garden.

It’s going to give them a place to actually use classrooms, conference rooms, things like that, too.

It’s going to be a great addition to the community for everybody.”

SIDE STREET ACTIVATION

Another project the city is working on is activating downtown Winter Garden’s side streets, Bollhoefer said.

One of downtown’s biggest challenges relates to its side streets — such as Main and Boyd streets — and the businesses on them.

It can be tough to pull people off the main Plant Street corridor to explore down the side streets and discover the shops there, he said.

“We’re looking for different ways to energize those streets and get people out on the streets,” Bollhoefer said. “After a certain amount of time, it’ll take on a life of its own.”

The city is partnering with SoBo Art Gallery to bring at least three murals to the downtown area in hopes of attracting people to those side streets. It’s a similar concept to the murals seen in Nashville, Los Angeles and other cities around the country.

“Believe it or not, these are really big all throughout the country now, and people go to these to take their pictures,” Bollhoefer said.

“One would be on Boyd Street, one would be somewhere on Main Street, and the third one would actually be on the SoBo building.”

He added the murals would be painted by local artists who are affiliated with SoBo, and the murals would be redone with new art on a periodic basis.

“People love them, and it does bring people down (those streets),” Bollhoefer said.

doctor visits, but the state eventually passed laws and implemented a prescription drug database to help curtail that.

That didn’t get rid of the opioid addiction itself though, Banks said, as many addicts transitioned to heroin, fentanyl and other opioid-based drugs.

Orange County has been taking steps to combat the epidemic, Banks said. A couple years ago, it acquired a $2 million grant to pay for naloxone for local police officers to carry on their person.

Many times it’s law enforcement officers who find overdose victims first, he said, so they have an opportunity to save a life. The county has made strides in saving the lives of overdose victims, but now it needs to focus more on treatment options and helping victims break the chains of addiction, Banks said.

“That’s still an area we’re lacking nationally, it’s an area we’re lacking in the state and we’re still lacking in Orange County,” he said. “That’s an aggressive avenue we’re going to be pursuing in the future.”

Anyone who misses the premiere Feb. 3 still will have an opportunity to see the film — the documentary and screening guides will be made available to schools, churches, community groups and families.

The public also is invited to check the website at itimpactsusall.com for monthly videos starting in February. The series, titled “Our Crisis: Stories from the Front Lines of Orange County’s Opioid Crisis,” will take viewers deeper into the lives of people in Orange County fighting for the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis.

IN OTHER NEWS n Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department Chief Matt McGrew swore in 12 new firefighters who were hired thanks to the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to FEMA, the SAFER grant provides financial assistance to help fire departments with recruiting and retaining firefighters.

The grant, McGrew said, pays for the first two years of a firefighter’s salary. n Commissioners voted to postpone until Feb. 13 the second readings and public hearings for two ordinances regarding a 5.51-acre property at 541 Winter Garden Vineland Road. The ordinances would change the property’s future land-use designation from Low-Density Residential to Commercial, as well as rezone it from Residential District to Planned Commercial Development. n Commissioners unanimously approved a purchase order for $52,225 to Cathcart Construction Company to replace about 6,645 square feet of sidewalk at various points along Stoneybrook West Parkway.

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Office Coordinator / Accounting Ashley McWilliams, amcwilliams@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US

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The paper can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office.

If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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BAPTIST

Turning the page Nonprofit Read to Sydney is leaving the West Oaks Mall but will continue its mission of helping children build their confidence in reading.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Read to Sydney is kicking off 2020 with a new chapter and expanded vision.

The nonprofit, founded in 2011, allows children to read to therapy dogs in a safe and encouraging environment. It all began with founder and president Thomas Battisto’s dog, Sydney, an Australian shepherd and chow mix, who became a registered therapy dog.

Battisto always had a vision for helping special-needs children or those with learning disabilities who struggle to read. He himself has struggled with dyslexia his whole life.

Today, Read to Sydney holds monthly library visits and school visits to give children the chance to interact with therapy dogs while reading or listening to a story.

Therapy dog Toby and Bailey, a therapy dog in training, are continuing Sydney’s legacy.

For the past few years, the nonprofit has operated a physical location called Sydney’s Reading and Learning Center in Ocoee’s West Oaks Mall. Recently, Battisto had to make a tough decision to close the center. He said the decision came after realizing the increasing demand for the therapy dogs to make school and library visits far outpaced the reading center’s use.

“People aren’t going in, they’re not utilizing the space — it was costing us a lot (of) money to keep that space open,” Battisto said.

“When people aren’t coming in and Toby and I are just sitting there — telling schools and libraries, ‘Sorry, we can’t come because we have mall that day’ — we could’ve been at the school and the library.”

After Battisto realized it was no longer feasible to sustain both the visits and the physical location, Sydney’s Reading and Learning Center shut down in mid-January.

However, it signifies turning the page to a brand-new chapter.

By closing the store and focusing efforts on visits to schools, libraries and nursing homes, Battisto said Read to Sydney will be able to serve more people. He also

FUNDING THE BOOKMOBILE

Read to Sydney needs your help to raise the funds necessary for purchasing a vehicle that will serve as the bookmobile, allowing the nonprofit to reach more children.

For more information on getting involved or how you can donate and help Read to Sydney reach its goal, visit facebook.com/readtosydney.

hopes to bring the nonprofit’s goal of purchasing a bookmobile to life this year.

A bookmobile, he said, would make increasing the number of school and library visits more manageable and allow the nonprofit to transport more books.

“I think we can reach more people with the bookmobile than the reading center,” he said. “We’ve been thinking about it for three years. It’s just kind of hard to do when you’re going to schools, libraries and the mall. Now that we’re out of the mall, I can concentrate on doing this.

Battisto said Read to Sydney is working with a grant writer in the hope of obtaining grants to fund the bookmobile. He envisions it as a cargo van or small bus that could potentially hold small shelves with books and even some bean bags.

The nonprofit now has more time to focus on fundraising efforts for the bookmobile. Battisto said he hopes Read to Sydney can get the bookmobile by this summer or early 2021.

It’s a bittersweet goodbye to the reading center for Battisto, but the thought of being able to help more children build their confidence and reading skills is one that makes moving forward worth it.

“Of course I was sad, I mean, we were at the mall for five years but … a lot of people are really excited about the bookmobile,” he said.

“It seems there’s more excitement around us than we had when we were at the mall. There’s a lot of things on the horizon that we can do. We just have to get the van.”

“I just think we could reach more kids and go to areas where kids don’t have opportunities to go to libraries.

I think we can reach more people with the bookmobile than the reading center.”

— Thom Battisto

2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 and 11:15 a.m. fumcwg.org

CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Windermere Union Church Starke Lake Baptist Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Pastor Jeff Pritchard Windermere PO Box 520 611 W Ave., (407) 876-2112 Ocoee STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICAN METHODIST Adult Worship: 9 a.m.

(407) 656-2351 CHURCH FIRST UNITED METHODIST ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Sunday School: CHURCH 10 a.m.

StarkeLakeBaptist.org FELLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor Jeff Pritchard 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden WindermereUnion.org Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas (407) 656-2351 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Find us at: Theacf.net

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

CHURCH OF GODCHURCH OF GOD NON-DENOMINATIONAL

NON-DEN

PURPOSE CH 13640 W. Colon Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Fellowship 9:45

Ocoee Church of GodOCOEE CHURCH OF GOD UNITED CHURCH OF Church Orlando BAPTISTThomas Odom Pastor Thomas OdomPurpose Pastor CHRIST 13640 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, BEULAH BAPTIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 1105 N.Butner Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee 407-656-8011 Pastor Casey Winter Garden 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. (407) 671 Beulah656-8011 Rd, Winter Garden Windermere, FL 34786 (407) 654-9661 EPISCOPAL 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org 407-876-2112 Worship times: CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m.

9:00am Adult Sunday School 241 N. Main, Winter Garden SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM 10:00am Worship Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m.

Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM www.windermereunion.org Saturday Service: 6 p.m. www.churchofthemessiah.com FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH purposechurchorlando.org 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

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First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

OBSERVED

Tooth Fairy? More like Tooth Phony!

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

A

s a dad, I know my primary duty in this world is to keep my wife and children safe. Before we go to bed every night, I check on all three kiddos to make sure they are sleeping soundly. Then, I check every door to the house and make sure all the car doors are locked, too. Some nights, after I make my rounds and crawl into bed,

the parent trifecta of stress: one sleepover birthday party (away) followed by a second sleepover birthday party (hosted) and capped with a no-school Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The morning after the first slumber party and a few hours before the next was to begin, our daughter, Aria, came bounding into the kitchen.

Guess what? she said, as she presented her first molar.

Of course, the Tooth Fairy does not visit during slumber parties, so I told her to place the tooth into a Ziploc bag for after the weekend.

The weekend continued with the second slumber party and then a recovery day (for the kids; Mommy and Daddy still had to work) Monday.

On Tuesday, we woke Aria early

New hotel on the horizon CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The two subject properties total 2.04 acres; the address of one property is 11401 W. Colonial Drive, and the other is at 945 Marshall Farms Road. The property at 11401 W. Colonial Drive is about 1.21 acres and had a zoning of Orange County C-2 (general commercial), while the property at 945 Marshall Farms Road is about 0.83 acres and had a zoning of Orange County A-1 (rural/ agricultural). The properties have been rezoned to C-2 (community commercial), which allows for hotels.

“The development itself com-

prises three parcels,” Zoning Manager Kiel Gajadhar said. “(One) parcel … is already part of the city, and then the two parcels we’re discussing. (It is) eligible for annexation, (because) the property is contiguous to other city properties, it is located within the city Joint Planning Area with Orange County, the annexation will not create an enclave, it’s a logical extension to the city and the applicant is annexing into the city in order to acquire city water.”

Gajadhar added the city’s Development Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning

ordinances for both properties.

He said the city will get a better idea of what the proposed hotel would look like in the next step of the development process. He also said the property will have two primary access points and that the storm water will be handled on-site with a retention pond.

“The next step for this … you’ll see later on — if approved — is a large-scale site plan,” Gajadhar said. “One of the reasons the applicant acquired this property (on Marshall Farms Road) is to be able to have access somewhere on (Marshall Farms Road) as well as off West Colonial Drive.”

IN OTHER NEWS n The city of Ocoee’s finance department was awarded the Certification of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. n City leaders held the first reading of two ordinances that amends the city code to address outstanding parking violations as well as make clarifications to policies regulating the parking of commercial vehicles on public property. The second reading of the ordinances will be held during the Feb. 4 commission meeting.

Thankfully, the Tooth Fairy did arrive, burgled the molar, left three mangled dollar bills and a letter on official Tooth Fairy stationery.

Sure, there was an apology. But that twit also didn’t hesitate to throw my wife and me directly under the bus’ wheels.

“Your parents have been very busy and forgot to send me the alert about your tooth,” she told our daughter. “I’m so sorry.”

Rage pooled in my fists as I read the note, but instead of lashing out, I handed it back to Aria.

“I’m just glad she visited,” I told her.

And I was. Crisis, it seemed, had been averted. I turned to walk away.

“Wait a minute,” Aria said. “So, you alert her? I didn’t know that.

How do you alert her?”

n Commissioners heard the first reading of an ordinance related to the collection of unpaid red light violation notices or uniform traffic citations. n City leaders held the first reading of an ordinance that amends sections in the land development code related to residential fencing. n The commission voted approved unanimously that the Ocoee Youth Council will attend the 2020 Legislative Action Days Youth Program Feb. 11 to 12 in Tallahassee. Funding for the trip was approved for up to $1,100.

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for school. She was particularly ornery — to be expected after a three-day weekend. We prodded a little at the breakfast table: Why are you in a bad mood? Are you just tired?

All through breakfast, Aria had had that Ziploc bag balled into her fist. Incensed, she slammed it on the table — Sherlock Holmes style.

We have LED bulbs, but somehow, they seemed to get hotter as she seared her stare into us. Sweat began to bead on my brow; I turned to my wife, hoping she had an alibi. Aria demanded answers, but we had none. The Tooth Fairy had not come. She kept claiming we were the Tooth Fairy and that we messed up. We stumbled for words, eventually convincing her to try again that night.

Wednesday morning came.

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my wife will question whether I actually checked every door. So then, I am compelled to get up to check. Again.

That’s why it’s always been a bit odd that I’m forced to be OK with the likes of the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. First of all, I have no idea how they’re actually getting into my house. But like clockwork, as soon as our oldest was born, they worked their magic, tucking little toys, candies and assorted goodies in baskets, under pillows and in stockings.

They always seemed to bring such joy to our kids, so I have let their repeated unlawful entries into our home slide.

But, our most recent run-in with the Tooth Fairy has me rethinking that blind eye.

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Winter Garden artist Jann Visser uses beeswax to make beautiful creations.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

It’s a transformation that happens in seconds — using nothing but beeswax and heat.

At her dining room table in her home in Stoneybrook West, Winter Garden artist Jann Visser sorts through dozens of small blocks of wax the size of classroom erasers.

After choosing a few colors that speak to her, Visser applies the wax in layers to a small iron about 5 inches long and 2 3/4 inches wide.

With a few strokes of her heated tool, Visser creates a sky and hills on a post-card-sized piece of paper. She uses the edge of her iron to created tall grass in the foreground while a heated stylus allows Visser to add birds in the

For more information about Visser’s work and encaustic art, visit encausticsouthafrica.co.za.

sky and posts along a pathway.

She creates a stunning landscape of warm colors on the card.

It’s therapeutic to say the least, Visser said.

“I always say to people, ‘This is better than going to the spa,’” she said. “It’s calming. Art is calming. I think it’s a very good way of destressing.”

An artist, author and teacher, Visser has worked with the encaustic medium — beeswax mixed with damar resin and pigment — for 35 years, ever since her sister, Joan, gifted her an iron and blocks of the substance. Visser always grew up with a passion for art, but this medium was special.

“Oils take forever to dry and wax takes five seconds to dry, so for me it was, ‘Oh my goodness, this is an instant art,’” Visser said.

“I love this instant art and it’s forever changing. … It’s so magical that the minute you put heat onto that wax it changes. The minute you take it off it dries instantly. … It’s just fascinating the things that you can do with it.”

The encaustic artist taught herself how to create stunning works with the wax using an instructional book by artist Michael Bossom, a renowned figure in the encaustic art world.

She’s lived in Winter Garden for almost three years and currently is a member at SoBo Art Gallery, where’s she’s had multiple pieces featured. Prior to moving to Winter Garden, she lived in South Africa for 30 years, though she was born and grew up in Zimbabwe.

Those African landscapes

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Artist Jann Visser has created eye-catching art with beeswax for the past 35 years.

served as an early inspiration for her artwork, Visser said.

“Living in Zimbabwe, you have some of these most beautiful landscapes to paint,” she said.

“I’m an outdoorsy person and I just started painting in oils — then I discovered wax.”

The artist has made it her mission to pass on the knowledge and unique qualities of encaustic art.

In 2011, Visser saw the release of her first book, “Wonderful Ways with Wax: Encaustic Art for Craft Projects.” The book walks readers through several of her creations step-by-step so they can be replicated on cards and canvases.

For Visser, it’s not about selling the work and making a profit — it’s about sharing art with others and giving people a sense of fulfillment.

“I like it because it could possibly bring someone else as much satisfaction receiving it as I got making it,” Visser said. “I think everybody, if they really did a little bit of soul searching, they will say, ‘I always wanted to be able to paint. I’ve always wanted to try pottery.’ … I think very deep down it’s in every single one of us — you just need somebody to bring it out.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

JAMES RONALD “RON” KABA DIED JAN. 13, 2020.

James Ronald “Ron” Kaba, 85, of Ocoee, passed from this Earth on Mon. Jan. 13, 2020, at home after a brief battle with cancer.

Ron was born Sept. 24, 1934, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Stephen and Margaret (Price) Kaba.

He joined the United States Army in 1955 and served for eight years.

He married Carolee Vogel on July 1, 1961. They moved their family to Central Florida in August 1976, and they have resided in Ocoee since 1977. Prior to retirement, he worked for Orange County Public Schools

as a maintenance painter, after which he became the neighborhood handyman. Ron enjoyed socializing, doing puzzles, painting and spending time with his family and beloved dog, Ginger. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone he encountered.

Ron is preceded in death by

THOMAS “TOM” OAKES DIED TUESDAY, DEC. 24, 2019.

On Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, Thomas “Tom” Oakes passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Winter Garden, Florida.

Tom was born in Washington, D.C., Aug. 25, 1943, and lived in Maryland for 39 years before moving to Florida.

He earned an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information from the University of Maryland.

Tom was a sports enthusiast, and he shared this love for sports with his children. He loved playing baseball as a child and playing softball as an adult and was an avid fan watching hockey, basketball, football and, most of all, baseball. He cheered with us through our college years rooting for the University of Maryland Terps, the Clemson Tigers and the

Florida Gators. He loved the Red Sox in the early years but was a true Washington fan — rooting for the Washington Capitals and enjoying their 2018 Stanley Cup victory followed by cheering on the Washington Nationals through every game on their way to their first-ever World Series Championship in 2019!

Tom was a family-centered man — a loving father, a proud grandfather and a best friend to his brothers and sister. After retiring from the USPS, Tom could often be found having fun driving his golf cart with his son

his parents; and siblings, John, Joseph, Stephen, Margaret and Lorraine. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolee; daughter, Leia; daughter, Sharon (David) Kull and their children, Tyler and Jamison; son, Christopher (Annick Mottie) and his children, Jessica and Chelsea, with their mother Ola; daughter, Kimberly; sister, Dolores Opalenik, and brother, Gerald (Diane) Kaba.

DeGusipe Funeral Home, Ocoee in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting degusipe.com.

TJ and grandsons Connor and Chase.

He is survived by his four children, Tracey Santos (Bearin), Tammy McBean (Jim), TJ Oakes (Lisa) and Justin Oakes (Laura); his five grandchildren, Hayden, Laney, Duncan, Connor and Chase; his sister, Barbara Hildreth (Ken); his brother, Ronnie Oakes; and sister-in-law, Elaine Oakes; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Richard Oakes.

Services will be held at St. Joseph’s Church (11007 Montgomery Road, Beltsville, MD 20705) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering immediately following the service at the Hampton Inn & Suites, (7045 Minstrel Way Columbia, MD 21046) until 7 p.m.

EUNICE ALBERTA REED DIED THURSDAY, JAN. 23, 2020.

Eunice Alberta Reed, 82, a native of Oakland, departed this life Thursday, Jan. 23.

Eunice, affectionately called Mubbie, was employed as a nurse for several years. She was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish loving memories of a life well lived: six children, Linda Nedd, Veronica Carrington, Vanetta Reed, Felicia Reed-Watt, Maurice Reed and Malcolm Reed; one sister; 14 grandchildren; and a host of other relaMARJORIE ANN NAGLE (NEE ALBRIGHT) DIED SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 2020.

On Jan. 18, 2020, we lost the most magnificent wife, mother and Meema who found beauty in the unusual and could create something out of nothing.

Marjorie was born in Schenectady, New York, in 1934.

She graduated from Nott Terrace High School and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston, Massachusetts. She married Allan Nagle in June of 1955. Together they moved over 20 times both domestically and internationally.

Marjorie was a bridge player, active in the WAIT Tennis League and a recreational golfer. She was a former president of the HOA of Butler Bay, was a volunteer for West Orange

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She leaves behind Allan, her husband of 64 years; children, Kevin (Robin) Nagle, Charles Nagle, Cynthia (Steve) Gorman, Gregory (Christine) Nagle, Laura (David) Gehrenbeck; and nine grandchildren.

What a joy she has been in our lives.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 2 p.m.

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OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE JANUARY 30, 2020

Ocoee High School students Riahna Nichols and Rultz BonneAnnee were proud of their dessert — a chocolate mousse and vanilla flavored marshmallow fluff with peanuts, topped with potato chip and pretzel toffee.

HUNGER

GAMES

Below: Ocoee High School student Alisha Absolu made shrimp harumaki with spiced honey.

West Orange County students competed in culinary and hospitality challenges at the Orange County Public Schools Hospitality & Culinary Competition Jan. 23.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

T

hese students can take the heat — and that’s exactly why they’re staying in the kitchen.

More than 300 students tested their skills in the culinary arts and hospitality at the Orange County Public Schools Hospitality & Culinary Competition Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

Among them were students from Ocoee High School, Windermere High School and Orange Technical College’s Westside Campus.

The event gave aspiring chefs and event managers the chance to gain real-world experience as they competed for awards under the watch of professionals acting as judges.

TASTE OF VICTORY

About 20 students from Ocoee High School’s culinary arts classes showed up to compete in numerous events, including challenges for gourmet meal, dessert and knife skills.

Jason Carlucci, the instructor of Ocoee High’s cooking classes, said the annual event always

Photos by Tim Freed

Windermere High School student Enzzo Lima won first place for non-edible centerpiece arrangement.

is an exciting opportunity for the students, adding that it’s the culmination of a cooking journey.

“The whole thing is a learning experience,” he said. “I always talk to them about getting better every day — giving your best effort every day. That’s what I want them to do here. I want them to experience the thrill and excitement of cooking. This is a reward for them, because we’ve been working on this dish. We talk a lot about that it’s not the destination, it’s the journey — the journey is what matters and all the things we learn.”

Students in the program will focus on the same dish for months on end to tweak it and make it just right for the judges leading up to the competition.

That’s been the case for Ocoee High students Riahna Nichols and Rultz Bonne-Annee, who were looking to perfect their dessert — a chocolate mousse and vanilla flavored marshmallow fluff with peanuts, topped with potato chip and pretzel toffee. The sweet and salty treat won best-tasting dessert last year but fell short on plating, so the duo made some slight adjustments this time around.

“In my eyes, a dish is never truly finished — you’re always learning, you’re always working on it, you’re always tweaking,” Carlucci said.

The event not only gives the students a place to meet other high schoolers in similar programs, it can even lead to a career. Carlucci said some of his students were offered jobs at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek last year.

“Winning is great, but getting these kids jobs in an industry they love and they’re passionate about is the important thing,” Carlucci said.

Ocoee High students walked away with some accolades they can be proud of, including a second-place finish for gourmet meal by students Anthony Feacher, Kameron Peterson and Kelvin Vo. Vo, who also took first place in a spice identification challenge, said he dreams of one day open-

ing his own restaurant — and that the culinary competition gave him an awesome experience.

“You get the chance to do what you love and cook in front of all of the judges that you will be feeding eventually once you get out of high school and you get into the industry,” Vo said.

“It’s a great mind opener.”

HOSPITALITY HUSTLE

Students from Windermere High School, meanwhile, mainly appeared in multiple hospitality challenges, including non-edible arrangement, marketing and event planning.

Heather Kelly, the hospitality and tourism teacher at Windermere High, said she hopes the students learn more about the industry while having fun competing.

“I hope they learn about all the different paths that they can take — there are so many different opportunities for jobs,” Kelly said.

Students Kayla West, Madeliene Empric and Ola Mahmoud competed in a culinary event — waiters’ relay, where they were tasked with quickly and accurately putting together an American table setting, a French table setting and a Russian table setting.

Even knowing the small

details about fork and knife placement can be helpful in the long run for landing a job in the industry, Kelly said.

“Food and beverage is the largest sector in hospitality,” she said. “This will take them through life, especially in Central Florida — there’s so many different opportunities for them to use what they’ve learned.”

Student Enzzo Lima showed his presentation skills when he won first place for non-edible centerpiece arrangement.

His creation was inspired by the city of Orlando, featuring flowers, oranges and small signs sporting logos for Disney, Pulse nightclub and other recognizable symbols that sum up Orlando.

“My mom has a tourism agency and she always told me, ‘Follow my steps,’” Lima said.

“Now that I got to high school, I had the opportunity, so I took the class and I’m getting really interested in it. Ms. Kelly is an awesome teacher and I get a lot of information from her.”

Windermere High School walked away with some serious hardware, as it won first place overall hospitality champion.

Windermere High School student Madeliene Empric quickly got plates to her team’s table during the waiters’ relay.

ORANGE TECHNICAL COLLEGE WESTSIDE CAMPUS Students from Orange Technical College Westside Campus had a strong showing of its own at the annual Hospitality & Culinary Competition. A trio of students finished in third place for gourmet meal.

The big game is coming, but the local “Souper Bowl of Caring” already is underway.

Through Sunday, Feb. 2, Holy Family Catholic Church is asking for the community’s help in collecting donations for its St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.

Many local schools, including West Orange and Windermere high schools, and community members are hosting food drives to collect the items needed.

Those items include peanut butter (18-ounce size), jelly, canned fruit, cereal, tuna, soups, pasta and rice (1- or 2-pound sizes), canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and canned or boxed dinners such as Hamburger Helper and ravioli.

For more information about the collection and how to help, visit facebook.com/ SBOCHolyFamily.

SunRidge students shine in spelling bee

Congratulations to the following SunRidge Middle School students who are the top three School Level Spelling Bee Champions: first place — Elizabeth Nguyen, second place — Alexandra Bull, and third place — Nolan Chillinsky. The first-place winner now will move on to the District Level competition in February.

The West Orange High School National Honor Society recognized its staff and community for contributing to the Honduran Shoe Drive during the spring and fall seasons.

More than 1,000 pairs of shoes were delivered, and the families were incredibly grateful. The generosity and support shown is greatly appreciated by the West Orange High School National Honor Society.

DIANNA NEILSON BRIDGEWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL DiAnna Neilson is revered at Bridgewater Middle School for her positivity, willingness to lend a helping hand and for always having a smile on her face. The hard-working instructor always encourages her students to be role models and has helped build a positive culture on campus by building strong relationships with both students and faculty.

What do you love most about your school?

I love that Principal (Andrew) Jackson’s focus is on developing relationships with our students, colleagues and community. I love coming to school and feeling like I am a part of something much bigger than myself …something truly special. I love that I am not an island but a piece of the continent.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I love being around the kids. There is such an incredible energy in middle school that can’t be replicated anywhere else. I never take a day for granted.

What made you want to take on this job?

After many years of working in the hotel industry in Las Vegas, I began feeling like I wasn’t making a difference in the world. My hotel manager would often tell me that he could see me as a teacher. A seed was planted that eventually led me to pursue a

REPORT CARD ROLE: Peer counseling and journalism instructor TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years FAVORITE BOOK: “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein

career in education and I have never looked back.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

I care deeply about the students and their development. I want them to succeed. I don’t ever want to fall short of what they need me to be.

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

This may not sound significant, but when a student yells my name across the courtyard and waves because they are excited to see me — I just don’t think it gets any better than that.

What’s your favorite place to eat?

I love Red Robin. Bottomless fries.

Need I say more?

If you could take a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? I have lived in Florida for almost five years now and have yet to go on a cruise. I don’t much care where I would go, as long as I have my family with me and could enjoy all of the amenities of the cruise ship!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I don’t particularly desire a superpower. Can I just have a lightsaber?

Cats, dogs or some other pet?

I don’t have any pets although I am a bird lover. I love the bright, beautiful colors on birds and their sweet songs.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my family.

I especially love to swim and enjoy spending countless hours with them at our community pool in the summers.

What is your favorite sports team to cheer for?

I honestly don’t follow sports, but I really do enjoy the basketball games at Bridgewater! Go Bobcats!

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Keene’s Crossing opens time capsule Each grade level contributed something to the box before it was sealed in the school’s inaugural year.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The student-led morning announcements Monday, Jan. 27, at Keene’s Crossing Elementary School included more than the typical school events, weather report and word of the day. A 10-year-old time capsule — kept in a glass cabinet in the media center — was opened by Principal Sherry Donaldson.

Administrators, teachers who have been at Keene’s Crossing Elementary since the inaugural school year and PTA representatives crowded into the TV production studio as Donaldson revealed the contents of the box.

Each grade contributed something.

There was a pamphlet from the fifth grade performance for Vet-

erans Day, a photo of the inaugural second grade class, a photo of the cafeteria dedicated by the fifth graders, a puff-paint T-shirt with the names of the first graders, a photo of the entire kindergarten class, a laminated copy of all the third graders’ names, a scrapbook put together by the fourth grade classes, an American flag and a red poppy.

The time capsule was sealed after the school celebrated Veterans Day 2009, and the top had a metal plate that requested the box not be opened until Nov. 13, 2019. The school elected to open it on the 100th day of school.

“I thought the contents of the time capsule were amazing, especially putting it all in perspective,” Donaldson said. “For instance, many of the students have either graduated from high school or are in high school at this time.

The memories of 10 years ago was an exciting moment for the school, especially for the staff who helped create them.”

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

Keene’s Crossing Elementary School’s administrators, as well as 10-year KCES teachers, were present for the opening of the time capsule.

Donaldson expects teachers will incorporate this moment into their lesson plans.

“Teachers can have discussions with students about where they see themselves in 10 years,” she said. “What often seems like a lifetime away really is not; therefore, setting goals each year within those 10 years creates forward-thinking leaders. Teachers can also use the example of students who placed items in the time capsule 10 years ago and discuss where those students are

now and how they got there. This helps students make connections to realistic experiences that they may someday achieve.”

Students have been making suggestions on what items should be placed in the time capsule, which will be reopened in a decade. Some wanted to place a chess piece in it, and others thought drawings of themselves would be a good addition.

“They are all really intrigued by the fact that it stays in the capsule for 10 years,” Donaldson said.

She’s hoping to include pieces that represent the culture of the school from the PTO, volunteers, staff, students and community.

“There is so much, such as chess, pieces of art, pictures of events … that I would love to see,” she said. “That’s when you know you work at a great place.”

The next time this capsule will be opened is 2029, a date Donaldson has trouble grasping.

“Wow — saying it makes it unbelievable!” she said.

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Aurora Blanco showed that there’s more than one way to hold a putter.

Left: Noah Mansier and his dad, Aurelien, had a blast bonding over putt-putt.

The Rademaker family — Jeff, Max, Ava and Brooke — met up with Captain Don of Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf and Whiskers the Wildcat.

Putt-putt party I

t was an evening of swashbuckling fun at Westbrooke Elementary’s Family Fun Night Friday, Jan. 24. Westbrooke Wildcats enjoyed an evening playing 18 holes of puttputt golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive. Students also enjoyed pizza, drinks, raffle prizes and taking on Blackbeard’s Challenge at the mini-golf course.

More than 150 students and families attended the event, which was organized and hosted by the Westbrooke Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

The Hall family — Jessica, Madison, Jamison, Kensie and Jon — enjoyed chatting with Captain Don of Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf before hitting the course.

Ahmad Smith sunk his ball in the hole after two strokes.

Caryn Seaborg-Napolitano, Sophie Seaborg and Alex SeaborgNapolitano had fun bonding over putt-putt.

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Addison and Harper Axtell felt like royalty on the Pirate’s Cove throne.

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JANUARY 30, 2020

SPORTS

HIGH

Senior Camryn Siemer is on a scoring spree for the West Orange High girls basketball team. Page 14.

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The softball season is quickly approaching, and the West Orange Girls Club has opened its registration for the 2020 spring season — which goes from March to May. The organization will be offering up 8U, 10U, 12U and 13U divisions to accommodate players ages 5 to 17 years old. Opening Day will take place March 28, and games will take place Monday and Wednesday nights.

To register, visit wogcbrl. website.sportssignup. com.

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In Windermere boys basketball’s 71-60 win over Oak Ridge Friday, Jan. 24, junior guard Kanye Jones had an explosive night as he picked up 25 points for the Wolverines (14-6). Fellow guard EJ Yorke tacked on 23 points himself, while Jaden Golston scored 13 points.

3

Freshman Edgerrin James Jr. had a strong showing during Olympia boys basketball’s 61-57 victory over Wekiva Friday, Jan. 24, as he led the Titans in scoring with 16 points.

Teammate Julian Fletcher picked up 13 points for the Titans (12-8) in the win.

The victory was the fifth in six games for Olympia.

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A week after the Windermere Prep boys soccer team claimed the SSAC state title in a 4-2 win over All Saints Academy, the girls soccer team took home its second straight SSAC state title in an 8-0 blowout of Admiral Farragut Friday, Jan. 24. The Lakers (12-2) were led by two goals apiece from Brielyn Knowles and Courtney Mogauro, while Isabel Teixeira recorded three assists in the game.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

S

itting back in her chair under the shade of a gazebo, Rebecca Berry watches children taking horseback riding lessons at Sunnybrook Farm.

Throughout the week you’ll find Berry — the farm’s owner and head trainer — out and about as she trains youngsters, but on this Sunday, she’s enjoying watching assistant trainer Debbie Phillips work with a few girls.

Berry isn’t one to sit idly by, though — every now and then she voices instructions to the riders.

In equestrian it takes two to have a successful ride, Berry said.

“The biggest thing that you’re looking for is good communication and leadership, where you’re watching the kid actually steer the pony — decide where they want to go and make the horse listen to them, but not demand it out of

Troy Herring

Kate Johnstone is one of many equestrian athletes who spend time at Sunnybrook Farm.

SADDLE UP At Sunnybrook Farm in Winter Garden, young equestrians learn to conquer fear and establish relationships.

SEE HORSING PAGE 15

Ocoee Middle basketball returns home After renovations to the school’s gym, the boys and girls teams at Ocoee Middle finally got a chance to play in front of classmates.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

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In Ocoee boys basketball’s 68-55 win over district foe Lake Brantley Thursday, Jan. 23, senior shooting guard David Green went off for the Knights (15-6) as he picked up a gamehigh 32 points. The win moved the Knights into a first place tie in the Class 7A District 3 standings alongside Dr. Phillips.

Jamari Lowe fought for a rebound against Meadowbrook defenders.

The famous “Wizard of Oz” quotation, “There’s no place like home,” rings especially true for the members of the boys and girls basketball teams at Ocoee Middle School.

After last playing in their own gym in February 2018, the basketball teams finally got the chance to play in front of a loud home crowd on the Ocoee Middle campus Wednesday, Jan. 22.

It was everything both teams had dreamed it would be.

“It gets us more excited, because all of our friends can come and then we are in our gym where we practice at,” eighth-grader Elisabeth Thomas said. “It lessens the nerves a lot.”

“I was nervous, but going through the motions, things got easier after five seconds into the game,” eighth-grader Zariah Hercule said. “I just imagined myself at practice and blocked the crowd out. I had fun tonight.”

Over the last several years, there had been a lot of questions about the school’s gym and whether updates would be made to the aging facility. The lights that had been in the gym were from the 1970s, and the court began to rot because of a leaky roof.

The issues that kept mounting finally required renovations to begin during the 2019 season. That meant the basketball programs had to find a temporary place to play.

The Cardinals played their games over at Ocoee High School, which proved to be a challenge, said boys head coach Wallace Phillips.

“One of the biggest deals about that, believe it or not, is getting kids from the middle school to the SEE CARDINALS PAGE 14

Photos by Troy Herring

London Adkins put up a shot during the Cardinals’ win.

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Camryn Siemer West Orange High senior Camryn Siemer used to come off the bench for the Warriors basketball team, but now she leads it. After seeing her game improve drastically over the last two years, Siemer is a trusty combo guard for head coach Brian Rizo and has become one of the team’s biggest scoring threats.

When did you first get into basketball, and how did you get into the sport?

I started when I was 4 or 5, and I started because my family is overall athletic — they wanted me to do something and at the time I was already in soccer, gymnastics, softball and some cheer. They were like, ‘Just try basketball,’ because my older sister tried basketball. I started in the Upward league and that’s basically how it got started.

What has kept you motivated to keep playing?

This is the only sport that I love — I love coming to practice and I love playing the game. It’s the team and the coaches — they’re uplifting.

In softball I play outfield, so it’s kind of boring — you’re just standing there — and the game here is more fast-paced and more interactive with the team.

What has been your favorite thing about playing at West Orange?

Meeting new people, because my first game here was my freshman year, so it was new to me — new high school, new teammates and new everything. We adapted very well to each other, and everybody is different so you have to learn their style of playing — that was fun.

One of the people that kept me most

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: West Orange High School GRADE: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Basketball POSITION: PG/SG

motivated was coach Ashley — she coaches at Ocoee now — and then the person that kept me motivated on the team was Morgan Beacham … she was my role model.

You play at both point guard and shooting guard — which do you spend most time playing?

It depends on the game. If we need points up he’ll put me at the shooting guard, and he’ll either get a play off where I get the ball to shoot or I get the ball to dump into the middle.

Then if we need someone to handle the ball, it’s me or AJ (Ajalon Gillard).

What is the most challenging thing about playing at guard?

The most fun part?

Probably guarding the other player that is a team’s best player or if they’re playing man just getting open. But I wouldn’t say there’s not much that is hard. The most fun part is shooting threes — I love shooting. (Head coach Brian Rizo) always says, ‘Somebody shoot the ball’ — don’t have to tell me twice, I’ll be ready.

What is the biggest difference you’ve seen in yourself since your freshman season?

When I started as a freshman, you know, you have that freshman vibe where you’re scared because you’re the new one. But since my freshman year I’ve definitely grown — teammatewise and positivity-wise. I used to get down on myself, and I still do, but it’s not as bad as how it was. Ever since (Rizo) came to coach, he’s always tried to keep me uplifted, because he knows whenever I miss a shot I take that as a turnover — I don’t like missing or turning the ball over.

— TROY HERRING

COLUMN: FROM THE CHEAP SEATS

A legend lost, but Kobe’s legacy lives Basketball fans around the area — and beyond — mourn and remember NBA legend Kobe Bryant after his recent, tragic death.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

I

f basketball was a religion, Kobe Bryant would be amongst the small pantheon of its gods.

That’s why it was devastating when the news broke around the world Sunday, Jan. 26, that one of the NBA’s greatest talents had died at the age of 41.

As my phone buzzed with notifications from an assortment of news outlets, and as texts from friends began to amass in group chats, I sat in disbelief as I read what was known at the time: A helicopter carrying the retired All Star had crashed in Calabasas, California. Then the news got worse, as we later found out that his oldest daughter Gianna, 13, and seven others perished in the crash.

Not only had the world lost a sports icon who transcended the game of basketball, it also lost a young girl budding with her father’s talent, as well as people like Orange Coast College baseball coaching legend John Altobelli, and his wife, Keri. Nine people total died in this tragedy, and it’s important not to let the others be forgotten in the shadow of Bryant.

But throughout Sunday afternoon I sat and watched interview after interview of NBA coaches and players trying to

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a part of our lives because we were introduced to Kobe when he was 18 years old — I was 13 years old at that time, and that’s the height of the beginning of a basketball career for a kid.”

Many in the basketball community seem to have stories to share about Bryant and how he inspired them or impressed them with his game. That’s the case for Windermere High School boys basketball coach Mark Griseck.

He remembers the one time when he and his son, Trey sat in on a Lakers’ practice that was held at Rollins College when they were in town to play the Magic a few years ago. Of all the things he remembers, Griseck recalled just how much Bryant stood out on the court.

“At one point I turned to Trey and said, ‘It’s amazing that the greatest player in the world is working harder than anyone in the gym right now’ — he was just amazing,” Griseck said.

“First of all he stretched for 40 minutes and then he did his individual workout, and he shot game shots for an hour and 20 minutes.

“His level of focus on free throws — it was like Game 7, down one,” he said. “It was just amazing to watch him work.”

There’s no way to bring Bryant back, but his legacy and impact on the game of basketball will carry on.

So next time you pull up for a shot — whether it be with a crumpled ball of paper or an actual basketball — let out a “Kobeee” for old times’ sake. I know I will.

Boys basketball head coach Wallace Phillips led the pregame huddle.

Troy Herring

Cardinals return to home gym CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

keep their emotions in check and desperately find words to convey their feelings. The problem is there are no words.

I never got a chance to see Bryant play in person, and I never got a chance to meet him, but as someone who loves the game of basketball I understand the sense of loss that many are feeling. Windermere Prep boys basketball coach Brian Hoff said it’s an unreal, empty feeling.

“At first, you know, no one wants to believe it,” said Hoff, who was lying down for a Sunday afternoon nap when he heard the news. “I go check Twitter and I’m constantly looking at things, and at first I saw TMZ reporting it and I was like, ‘Let’s wait and hopefully it’s just a rumor.’ It’s just unbelievable and it’s just unreal, and it’s just so sad.”

While Hoff found out in the comfort of his home, Dr. Phillips boys basketball coach Ben Witherspoon was at a place that was supposed to be “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

There, waiting in line with his family for a ride at Magic Kingdom, Witherspoon watched his phone with complete concentration — he couldn’t move. He shared the news with his wife, who grew up in the Philadelphia area and was obsessed with Kobe, Witherspoon said.

It was difficult to process, especially since Bryant was the one who had the biggest impact on him as a young basketball player.

“For me, as a kid, it was Kobe — playing as Kobe on video games, having Kobe jerseys and having Kobe shoes,” Witherspoon said. “He’s been such

high school,” Phillips said. “We didn’t have the opportunity for them to eat food, (and) we couldn’t get there early to practice, because they were already having their own practice. We couldn’t get parents to have the same level of involvement, because they now had to travel to a whole other place — to travel over there was a whole other logistics nightmare.”

That all changed last week.

A completely new lighting system takes the place of the decades-old dangling lights, and the new court sparkles under them. There were other adjustments, as well, such as the

replacing of the hand-cranked windows that used to sit high in the gym, while the gym’s roof was also replaced.

Both programs are happy to finally be back home where they belong, said Marcus Spencer, who serves as the girls basketball coach and athletic coordinator.

“For our student body, I just think as a school that’s where you can bring in the camaraderie and the excitement to your school,” Spencer said. “You see we have a lot of fans here, and ex-students came back because they had been waiting on this project when they were here.

Being able to walk into your own gym is almost like sleeping in your own bed.”

Both the boys and girls teams made themselves right at home pretty quickly, as the girls (1-0) dominated Meadowbrook 24-5, while the boys (1-0) took an early lead and used a strong second half to beat Meadowbrook 33-18.

The wins were a good way to start off the season, but expect more to come this season, said eighth-graders Kendall Little and Ezekiel Brinson.

“I’m pretty confident in our team, because we have a pretty solid team this year, and I’m ready to play,” Kendall said.

“I feel like we can matchup with anybody in this district,” Brinson said. “And I feel like we’ll go far.”

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Horsing around CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

them,” Berry said. “I want to see that the horse understands what they are doing — a horse is taught, ‘When your leg is on this way, this is what this means.’ It’s a matter of working with the students to understand that this is the proper way to ask them and this is the proper way that the horse should interact.”

A few hundred feet from the sandy practice area sits one of the farm’s stables, where Orlando resident Kate Johnstone is applying polish to the hooves of Leon — one of Berry’s 16 horses.

Many who aren’t familiar with the sport think that you just jump up onto the saddle and ride, but that’s not the case, Johnstone said.

Before a rider even thinks about that, they have to spend some time with the animal by doing a little grooming and pampering. It helps the horse get the blood flowing, but it also develops a bond between rider and horse.

“There’s nothing in the world better than when you have a kid who has been struggling with something and they finally get it — it clicks.

I feel like that is when I have purpose.”

— Rebecca Berry

“You want to establish that relationship with them, because ultimately once you get on the saddle with them you have this bond,” Johnstone said. “Every equestrian will agree; it’s impossible to be able to ride a horse without having that communication and that trust.

“This is really for their benefit — they deserve to be pampered,” she said. “Every horse deserves their 20 minutes of attention with being pampered and groomed.”

Johnstone, who is originally from Connecticut, understands the importance of the bond between rider and horse, as she has been a part of the equestrian world for most of her life — just like Berry and Phillips.

They all know the last part of the puzzle to correctly working with a horse is acknowledging that each horse has its own personality. Your ride — whether it be during competition or during a lazy Sunday stroll — can be made better by understanding that simple fact, and it can help you identify how your horse is feeling.

“It’s just like talking to other humans — it’s a language and you have to adapt until the communication becomes correct,” Phillips said. “They’ll lick their lips or blink an eye or relax the leg or breathe out — you’ll know from their body language if they are relaxing or not, and you’ll know from the performance.”

FROM PRACTICE COURSE TO COMPETITION

While some students are content with riding on the practice course, others have a fire to compete.

Troy Herring

Kate Johnstone rode atop Leon during practice time at Sunnybrook Farm.

The step up from joy ride to serious competition is steep, and it requires a rider to hunker down and really learn the ins and outs of the sport.

Though Sunnybrook teaches a few different styles of equestrian, Berry works primarily in the hunter-jumper style of riding, which

emphasizes proper technique and form. It sounds simple enough, but when you really dive into riding, there’s so much technique — both big and small — that it can be overwhelming, Berry said.

“With this next group of kids that I have, they will tell you they rode better two years ago,

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

15

because they knew less,” Berry said. “Everything was the basic five to 10 things to remember, but now that they know more and how to ride properly — up a couple of levels — they’re remembering the first 10 things that they needed to, but then some of those get left to the side, which are your basics.”

At competitions, overthinking can throw riders off, and it’s something that Johnstone knows well.

“That was my biggest thing — remember to breathe,” Johnstone said. “You forget because you’re focusing on, ‘Alright, I have to maintain my leg pressure (and so on),’ and then you’re like, ‘Oh, OK, I have to breathe.’”

If you can take your time, breathe and remember your training, you have a chance, she said.

Riders also have to remember that scoring in a competition is subjective and ranges from judge to judge. So even if you have an off day, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world, Berry said.

“Everything — at the end of the day — you just have to take it lightheartedly,” Berry said. “When the kids don’t have the best ride, 99% of the time my kids are the type of kids that are riding themselves harder than I am. It’s like, ‘The next ride has got to be better than this ride,’ and normally it is.”

Like any sport, those types of challenges arise — it’s a part of the learning process. It also leads to one of Berry’s favorite parts of the job.

“There’s nothing in the world better than when you have a kid who has been struggling with something and they finally get it — it clicks,” Berry said. “I feel like that is when I have purpose.”

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Foundation can’t keep pace in 7-4 loss to Circle Christian Islanda Remy pushed the ball past the Centurions’ defense.

Sophia Moses, left, fought hard for a loose ball.

Daniela Cardenas put a head on the ball as she tried to make a play.

D

espite the cool weather, both Foundation Academy and Circle Christian lit up the scoreboard in a high-scoring affair that saw the Foundation girls soccer team fall 7-4 to the Centurions Thursday, Jan. 23.

After falling into a 2-0 hole early on, the Lions (9-5-1) rallied back with two goals by

freshman Kaitlyn Clark in the 20th and 33rd minutes of the first half. Unfortunately, the Centurions (8-5-1) would retake the lead with just over four minutes left, thanks to a goal by Circle Christian’s Sydney Reddy — who finished the game with four goals.

The scoring continued in the second half for the Centurions,

who pushed the score up to 7-2 with just over 23 minutes left in the game. The Lions would once again mount a minor rally as freshman Mackenzie Berly picked up her two goals (one in the 58th minute and the other in the 67th minute) to make it 7-4.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

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FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY Jan. 25, 1990 If you lived in West Orange County in the 1980s and ’90s, you, no doubt, are familiar with the Winter Garden Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Supper. For years, it was held in the West Orange High School cafeteria.

It was one of the annual events in West Orange where you were guaranteed to see dozens of people you knew. And you always received a fluffy stack of pancakes.

The money raised was given to local charities selected by Rotary members.

70 years ago

Editorial on phone rates going up: But, oh, boy, I wouldn’t be without a phone for anything in the world! It saves hours of our time and relieves many an anxious fear and worry! And this direct service to Orlando, isn’t it wonderful?

65 years ago

50 years ago

On the second floor of the old Black Building in Winter Garden, a weird concoction is on the drawing board. The plans will go to Mill Fabrication in Ocoee and become a sevenstory steel tree, assembled by Ward Theisen. From there it will be moved to Walt Disney’s theme park and become the home of Swiss Family Robinson.

45 years ago

Winter Garden Elementary students celebrated Arbor Day by planting seedlings. John Rosich and Jody Cooper held posters while Nancy Heidt, Mark Walker and Chris Knighton watered the plants.

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photograph of a South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association picking crew was received from Florence Fain, who worked for the company from 1924 until her retirement in 1987. The association’s packinghouse (still standing, though repurposed) on Tildenville School Road was served by two railroad lines. The reverse of the photo is inscribed “Me and Cooper and part of the crew.” It is one of thousands of photographs in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s collection depicting the men and women who worked in the citrus industry. If any readers can further identify the men in the photograph, contact the foundation at (407) 656-3244.

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.

40 years ago

Barbara Bush, wife of Republican presidential candidate George Bush, was the guest speaker at the Orlando Jaycees luncheon.

20 years ago

Four sisters, all in their 90s and as lovely and gracious as they were sharp-minded and witty, were honored in Ocoee. Willie Fields, named Ocoee Citizen of the Year, was 99; Estelle Johnson was 94; Lillian “Bato”

by Mark Feldman; CROSSWORD COMBINATIONS Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

28 Bridge measure 29 Kimono wearer 1 Is a guest of 30 Making ___ meet 8 ___-in email list 31 More secure 11 Decline 33 High chair feature 14 Dadaist Jean 17 First/second racetrack 35 Long-eared animals 36 Passing words, for short bet 38 Amass 18 Long johns 40 Magazine for auto buffs 21 “Wonder Woman” star ... or a hint to the two parts Gadot 22 Give too many tasks to of 38-Across, respectively 48 Where the smallest 23 Setting ... or a hint to the two parts of 22-Across, country is (Abbr.)

49 Without a clue respectively 50 Evidence in Watergate 25 Jay of late-night fame 52 Like feathers, at times 26 Bound

58 Pledge drive giveaway 59 Goofs 61 Jeweler’s tool 62 ___ tai 64 “Cool for the Summer” singer Lovato 65 Actor McGavin 66 Prep school bigwig 73 What valuables are kept under ... or a hint to the two parts of 66-Across, respectively 75 Martini garnishes 76 Boxing decisions, briefly 78 Type of milk 79 War equipment?

114 Little pieces of paper 116 Sluggers’ stats 118 Dame Hess 119 Comedy show bit 120 Evasive explanation ... or a hint to the two parts of 123-Across, respectively 123 Certain palm crease 125 Poet’s “before” 126 Discreet entrance 127 Cold glassful 128 From Jan. 1 129 Each 130 Bygone carrier 131 Movie houses

80 Exam whose first answer is often E83 Former Pirate Clemente 89 Israeli parliament 91 Designer Karan 92 Female graduates 93 Yellowfin tuna 95 College bill portion ... or a hint to the two parts of 97-Across, respectively 97 Mattress support 103 Campus military org.

104 Yoga posture 105 Hens’ home 107 Desiccate 110 Purina competitor

Reese was 92; and Mozelle Pitzer was 90.

The walls went up for the Ocoee Middle School replacement facility, which was opening as a State Demonstration School.

51 Kind of wrestling 53 Custard concoction 54 Fiesta automaker 55 Lie in wait 56 Olympic fencing event 57 Refuse to admit 60 What paparazzi take, informally 63 ___-bitty 65 Slightly stale, say 66 Pawn 67 Exuberance 68 Suffix for billion 69 Netflix items since the late ‘90s 70 Clutter DOWN 71 Barely managed, with 1 Square root of 49 “out” 2 It’s in 72 Helicopter part 3 Dos that may be picked 74 Sacred text of 110-Down 4 Mostly poisonous tree 77 Monsieur, in Spain 5 Highlanders, e.g.

80 Set of principles 6 Heart chambers 81 Busybody 7 Suppose to be 82 Orchestral gong 8 Former Giant Mel 84 Mac 9 Greek letters before chis 85 Angsty music genre 10 Entice 86 Molecule with one strand 11 Issue (from) 87 What e-cigarettes lack 12 Outlaw 88 Multivolume ref.

13 Edifice (Abbr.)

14 Andre who won two U.S. 90 Canal site 94 Like the letters of “alOpens most,” alphabetically 15 MSNBC host Maddow 96 Fake nail material 16 Satisfy 97 “Goldfinger” singer Shirley 17 Barbershop’s staff?

98 Accompanying car 19 Stands on two legs 99 Mended, as socks 20 “Bark at me!”

24 Straw drinking may help 100 Hitch 101 “Proud” parents treat one 102 Rot 27 They’re written in red 106 ___ grigio 32 Competitor 108 Saffron sources 34 Letter ender 109 Safe place 37 Not very enthusiastic 110 Faith with the second39 French vineyard largest following 40 Director’s cry 111 Japanese dog 41 “It’s ___-brainer!”

112 Some contain diamonds 42 Scoundrel 43 “That’s incredible!” feeling 113 Hip ending 115 Coupon-clipping sound 44 Collar 117 Garbage barge 45 Serious plays 46 Impressionist known for 121 HST’s successor 122 Historical stretch painting dancers 124 She gets sheared 47 Ward off

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“CTAAGNKXDTW BHWP GCSMNFGJ CG. PLGMG NMG N DXP XZ VGTMJXW LGMG. TP’W NVGWXCG, SGFNHWG T’C N VGTMJX.” – DTYYX “AXZKSMUHUZK UA P JEMAH XV UZATUMPHUXZ PZG HDCZ P NXZK JUH XV SXML PZG P HMCBCZGXEA JUH XV GCATCMPHUXZ.”

– GXZXWPZ

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals M

Mrs. Henry Britt Jr., chairman of the Youth Center organization, went before the City Commission to get a final answer on the purchase of a lot for a youth center adjacent to the tennis courts. The commission voted to sell a lot to the organization for $1,000.

17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Puzzle One Clue: B equals J

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

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©2020 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

01-30-20

because I’m a weirdo.”

CLASSIFIEDS

– Lizzo

Puzzle Two Solution: “Songwriting is a burst of inspiration and then a long bit of work and a tremendous bit of desperation.”

– Donovan

This week’s Sudoku answers

Thursday, January 30, 2020

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • EMAIL: classifieds@orangeobserver.com • ONLINE: www.orangeobserver.com Puzzle One Puzzle One Solution: HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

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and then a long bit of work and a tremendous bit of desperation.”

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Fast Easy Certification Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

Solution: “Minneapolis just embraced me. There are a lot of weirdos here. It’s awesome, because I’m a weirdo.”

– Lizzo

Puzzle Two Solution: “Minneapolis just embraced me. There “Songwriting is a burst of inspiration “Songwriting is a burst of It’s inspiration are a lot of weirdos here. awesome, and then a long bit of work and a and then aI’m long bit of work and a because a weirdo.” tremendous bit of desperation.” tremendous bit of desperation.” – Lizzo – Donovan – Donovan ©2020 NEA, Inc. Puzzle Two Solution: This week’s Sudoku answers “Songwriting is a Sudoku burst of inspiration This week’s answers This week’s Crossword answers

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