02.17.22 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. 7

YOUR TOWN STROLL WHILE YOU READ

The Windermere Library is hosting the StoryWalk Project, a fun activity that places a children’s story along a popular walking route in the community.

The next StoryWalk is Monday, Feb. 21. Families are invited to visit the library between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to register and begin the trek through the pages of “Maybe Something Beautiful,” by F. Isabel Compoy & Theresa Howell.

Those who turn in their canvas will receive a prize at the end of the walk.

The Windermere Library is located at 530 Main St.

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WOHS luncheon honors female athletes. ONLINE.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Eagles soar in district play CFCA, Olympia and Windermere Prep all claim district crowns. SEE PAGE 11.

And so he walks Pastor Anthony Hodge, founder of Impact Ministry in Winter Garden, will honor those who fought for civil rights by walking 54 miles in their shoes.

STORY ON PAGE 4

GET RID OF YOUR ELECTRONIC RECYCLING

Orlando Recycles will be in Windermere from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, for an e-recycling event. Unwanted electronics from the home or office can be recycled at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St.

Items being accepted are desktops and laptops, servers, LCD monitors, flat-screen TVs, A/V equipment, smart phones, tablets, cameras, network switches, telephones, test/ lap equipment, UPS batteries, wires and cables, printers, copiers, scanners, and gaming systems. CRT monitors and tube TVs will not be accepted.

Orlando Recycles will destroy any hard drives on site.

GET MAGIC TICKETS FOR DONATING BLOOD

OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will be at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Prescheduling a time slot is encouraged; OneBlood is able to take some walk-ins.

All donors will receive two Orlando Magic Tickets and a long sleeve OneBlood T-shirt, plus a wellness checkup that includes blood pressure check, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

Contact the Care office with any questions or visit st.lukes.org/blood-drive to register. The church is at 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.

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Pastor Anthony Hodge calls his upcoming 54-mile walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, a personal journey.

Amy Quesinberry

SETTING THE STANDARD If they

could turn back time

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce went retro for the 2022 Big Orange Awards.

SEE PAGE 3.

Meet Wendell Coates Jr., who received recently Winter Garden’s Outstanding Citizen Award. SEE PAGE 3.

Winter Garden commissioners discuss changes to pension and retirement plans The two proposed ordinances include general employees, police and fire. SEE PAGE 4.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

IN OTHER NEWS

County decision could solve Bird Island dilemma

n The proposed private two-story bridge at 31 Pine St. in Wauseon Bay was pulled from the agenda and not discussed. n The Town Council unanimously approved amending the adopted town of Windermere comprehensive plan to adopt a new property rights element and amend the recreation and open space element at Fernwood Park. Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore and Town Manager Robert Smith will work on signage, fencing and gate relocation at the property.

The Orange County Commission is scheduled to discuss a measure regarding the loud, alcohol-infused parties, illegal jet skis and littering on the island.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Town of Windermere leaders and residents will be focused on the Orange County Board of Commissioners next month as it discusses a measure that could improve the quality of life for all in the town.

On March 8, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners will discuss the revisions to the motorized exclusion zones for Bird Island in Chapter 8 of the Orange County Code.

The loud, alcohol-infused parties, illegal jet skis and littering have turned Egret Island, also known as Bird Island, into the center of discussion for years.

The island, just off the shore of where Fernwood Park sits, was deeded to the Florida Audubon Society by Frank Chase and the Chase Compa-

ny in 1958. The waters are under the control of the state, although Orange County was granted authority to enforce law and patrol the area.

The town of Windermere has no jurisdiction over the water or Bird Island. At one point, the town researched annexing the island.

The Windermere Town Council discussed the upcoming county meeting during its own meeting Tuesday, Feb. 8. Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said the activities are not healthy for the town and its residents and a resolution is needed.

“We really need to have this pass,” he said. “We really need to regain some control over the sensitive areas on the island, and just as well as a path forward that allows us quiet, peaceful, enjoyment of the Chain of Lakes.”

The mayor noted that the approval will be an important first step that has been years in the making.

n The Town Council members heard a reading of the town of Windermere’s plan to adopt Orange County’s Local Mitigation Strategy Resolution. The motion was approved unanimously. n Elliott-Moore presented a contract for a piggyback of the Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Contract with Horizon Land Management. The contract,

the surrounding park. Twenty-five area restaurants, a multitude of volunteers and a mass amount of participants came together for the event’s eighth year.

Locals brought friends and family to enjoy savory bites as well as beer, cordials and wine.

Mayor Jim O’Brien thanked the many people involved in the Wine and Dine, saying that although the event is always challenging to pull off, this

EVENTS FIND SUCCESS

The town hosted the Windermere Wine and Dine Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Windermere Town Hall and in

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n Gregg Anderson was approved unanimously to replace Molly Rose on the Long Range Planning Committee. She soon will be taking a spot on the council. n Elliott-Moore presented a contract for a piggyback of an Orange County contract with Condor Construction Corp. for sidewalk repair and maintenance. The contract was approved unanimously. n There will be a lake clean-up event on Feb. 20, starting at Fernwood Park. n The City Nature Challenge 2022 event will promote awareness for the area’s wildlife in April.

year was particularly difficult because of COVID-19 and lack of resources.

The event raised more than $135,000 for local charities, including Edgewood Children’s Ranch, SpiritHorse at Windermere Equestrian Center, Do Good Farm and Special Hearts Farm.

The town said it plans to host a more formal wrap-up and celebration of the accomplishments in the future.

Windermere also celebrated the STUM

success of another Drive Thru Tree Giveaway, which took place Saturday, Jan. 22.

The Tree Board helped to give away 124 trees, shrubs and related items at the event.

The Town Administrative and Police Department offices also moved Tuesday, Feb. 8, to their new permanent location, 614 Main St., Building 100.

The town plans to host an official welcoming and opening event sometime in March.

POOL PROPOSAL TABLED

A proposed variance allowing a reduced setback from the Normal High-Water Line for a swimming pool occupied a majority of discussion during the town meeting.

Ashley Walker, who lives at 11 Main St., met with the Development Review Board, which recommended a 5-1 denial of the variance.

Unlike the surrounding areas of Ocoee, Winter Garden and Clermont, which have a setback of 25 feet, the town of Windermere has a 50-foot setback for water front lots, although its standard lot setback remains at 25 feet.

According to the town, all structures must be at least 50 feet from the Normal High-Water Line elevation.

The variance was unanimously tabled to March 8, with the agreement of bringing in the Town’s Lake Consultant to review the variance and others that have possible impact on the lakes. The variance will not go back to the DRB. IN P GR

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which was approved unanimously, relates to stormwater desilting and video services. Elliott-Moore said one of the most critical components to ensure the roads are clear and stormwater is being managed properly is desilting the stormwater devices.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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Groovy, baby, yeah!

Joan Bailey and Camille Evans were all smiles after Bailey received the Lifetime Ambassador Award.

Kelly and Richard Carbone used the Orlando Health photo booth to commemorate the occasion.

T

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce took a step back in time as it hosted its 1970s-inspired Big Orange Awards Friday, Feb. 11, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

The chamber donned ’70s-inspired cocktail attire to celebrate the accomplishments of some of its inspirational members.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments, delicious bites, a photo booth, groovy tunes, a silent auction and more at the event.

WOCC President and CEO Stina D’Uva, WOCC Vice President Krista Carter and outgoing Board of Directors Chair Camille Evans hosted the

Above: District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burns received the Chair’s Award from Camille Evans.

Right : Krista Carter, Camille Evans and Stina D’Uva, of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, led the evening’s events.

Scott and Dawn Boyd got funky with their creative costumes.

majority of the awards ceremony.

Award recipients included Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns (Chair’s Award); Lynetta Tipton Steed (Mary VanDeventer “The Spirit of West Orange” Award); Joseph McMullen (Sam Hovsepian Award); Joe Dunn (George Bailey Award); West Orange Healthcare District (Bert Roper Award); Joan Bailey (Lifetime Ambassador Award); and JoAnne Quarles (Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award).

In addition, State Farm Agent Jo Barsh was presented with the Small Business of the Year Award, and Seacoast Bank was awarded with the Big Business of the Year Award.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Clockwise from top left: Paige Winkler, Lynn Walker Wright, Amy Quesinberry, Cyndi Gustafson and Jo Barsh.

Sal Ramos, left, and Camille Evans, right, congratulate Jo Barsh — this year’s Small Business Member of the Year winner.

For the love of his community Global Not Local organizer Wendell Coates Jr. is bringing the community together through his personal experiences to build a better life for local children.

ANNABELLE SIKES

BUILDING THE BRAND

STAFF WRITER

Wendell Coates Jr.’s love for the Winter Garden community stems from his soul.

The 33-year-old was born and raised in Winter Garden, as were his parents and their parents before.

Although it is evident Coates has a strong attachment to the neighborhood, even after moving to Clermont when he was 15, he said the environment his family and friends grew up in wasn’t the best.

“Just knowing what we deal with over here on a daily basis that people really don’t understand, like the culture, keeps us all connected,” he said.

Coates said his parents moved him to remove him from the “hood” environment, which included drugs, gangs and violence. His parents kept him focused through school and sports.

He played basketball for West Orange High School and throughout college.

“It’s a lot of temptation you have to deal with — especially as a kid — and if you don’t have any structure at home and you don’t have someone like God in you, then it can easily take control,” Coates said. “Whether you’ve been in it or not, everyone’s familiar with the streets, and you know it’s not a good thing to be in.”

Coates has experienced the effects of the neighborhood first-hand.

However, throughout the turmoil, Coates’ love for the area and its residents has never faltered.

“All I’ve ever known is my love for the community,” he said. ‘It’s what keeps me coming back every day.”

GLOBAL NOT LOCAL

Coates came up with the idea for Global Not Local in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he had the opportunity to sit back, create and expand upon it.

What started off as a clothing brand has since then grown into a pinnacle of hope in the community.

The organization’s mission is to inspire the youth globally to dream

The team practices twice a week and plays games every weekend, even recently taking its first road trip to Bradenton.

Annabelle Sikes

Wendell Coates Jr. is working to make Winter Garden a better place through his organization, Global Not Local.

big without limitations and to look beyond their environment by motivating them to continuously reflect on elevation.

“I had to create something that (the kids) understand, where they can believe that anything is possible,” Coates said. “I see so much and I know the mentality of the neighborhood kids. If they don’t see it, they don’t believe it.”

A year later, the organizer started a basketball team to continue his mission to inspire the neighborhood kids to look outside the four walls of the neighborhood community.

He said the players, whom he calls “his kids,” is a “big brotherhood” and a place for the kids to seek comfort, motivation and discipline.

Coates said basketball helps him to bridge the age gap between him and the kids and helps him to break down life situations.

“If you’re a part of something and

you’re on a team, then you know you have certain responsibilities and you have to present yourself well in public and in school,” he said. “We help to set a positive standard. Some of my kids don’t have dads, some of my kids don’t have moms, but we’re all of the above for them. It’s just a beautiful thing.”

The team currently has more than 70 kids ranging from ages 8 to 16.

Coates said he never turns down a kid, even those who have never played basketball, and tries to find a place for everyone to be involved.

He said he wants to teach the kids to learn from the same mistakes he made when he was their age.

“Remembering that I was once one of them is my biggest motivation,” the organizer said. “Every feeling that they have, every little trial in their life, I remember being in that exact space, so it’s easy for me to coach them through it.”

Coates said music also has been a huge part of building the brand.

His love for music came from his father, who passed away in 2017, who loved Gospel and R&B. “Music is like my therapy,” the organizer said. “Usually people express themselves to me, I don’t express myself to others, so I use basketball and music as my outlets.”

Although Coates said he used to make music about things he had been through, he changed to making inspirational music when he realized the kids were looking at him to create something great.

He said the kids also love to make music and often have freestyle rap battles.

“They just can’t curse in the music, so when they’re rapping, they really have to think about what they’re going to say, because they’re talking to their coach, it’s not like talking to your friend, so it challenges them to use words they wouldn’t typically use,” Coates said.

Coates also is preparing for the organization’s third annual Water Day coming up in the summer.

He started the event in 2019 to provide a positive outlet for kids in areas impacted by crime and to bridge the gap between the kids and local organizations such as Orange County and the Winter Garden Police Department.

Coates said he does events for anything he can think of that would benefit the community, including backpack giveaways for back to school and turkey drives for Thanksgiving.

“It’s crazy that I love something so much that I don’t even look for something in return,” he said. “I feel like it’s my job, and I just have to do it for the community and our people.”

Throughout the work, Coates’ relationship with God comes first.

“I grew up going to church, but my one-on-one understanding with God came when I lost my dad,” Coates said.

“I buried my dad the same day my best

OUTSTANDING CITIZEN Wendell Coates Jr. was presented with the Outstanding Citizen Award for his work in the community through Global Not Local at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Jan. 27.

Coates said the rare award was unexpected and a true “wow” moment for him.

The team even attended the commission meeting to thank the city for its help and present Winter Garden with a special team jersey.

Coates said he is most thankful for District 3 Commissioner Mark A. Maciel, who helped him overcome a struggle with the clothing brand being banned in Orange County Public Schools.

“The School Board thought the clothing was gang-related, because everyone was wearing it and we were creating a huge movement,” Coates said. “They were hesitant to lift the ban, which they did, because they didn’t know me, they just knew my image and my surroundings, so they didn’t understand.”

Although Coates is appreciative of the award, he knows there is still work to do.

He said his drive for helping the community comes from love.

“Loving people and being loved, knowing what it feels like to be loved, being able to help someone out — it’s not even a thought for me,” he said. “When I do stuff I don’t look for it. I don’t want recognition. I just do it naturally.”

friend was shot, and God helped me pull through that time and other dark times.”

He said his goal is to reach more children.

“If I can just reach every kid all over the world, just to inspire them to try a little harder, I think our job is done,” Coates said. “Don’t settle for what they try to give you, you have the ability to do whatever you want to do. Don’t give up. Get out of your own way.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

It’s about the human race SELMA TO MONTGOMERY

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

nthony Hodge has felt “the call” many times. The call to ministry, the call to help the residents in his childhood neighborhood of east Winter Garden — and now the call to honor the men and women who fought to give him the basic rights that weren’t always available to people of color.

Hodge is on a one-man quest — what he calls a personal journey — to walk the same 54-mile route a large group of citizens walked this month 57 years ago.

He is calling his solo journey “Remembering Bloody Sunday — And So We Walk,” and he will walk alone along U.S. Route 80 from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery. This is the historic route taken in March 1965 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he led thousands of people in a march for voting rights for black citizens.

“Folks want to know, ‘What are you walking for?’” Hodge said. “It’s to express what happens when people of good will come together, because in Selma, Alabama, in March 1965, there were over 8,000 (people) of different faith and race that came together to march in the walk from Selma to Montgomery. … What happens when people of good will come together, black, white, whatever. … It generates a power that turns the whole nation to a new course.

“It’s not about the black race or the white race — but the human race,” Hodge said.

THE JOURNEY FROM EAST WINTER GARDEN

Hodge has studied black history and the civil rights movement, and he said he began to learn things about himself and about people.

“The things that (have) taken place in our history, it reveals a lot about myself, because it allows me to see if I’m a racist,” he said. “I realized that I wasn’t a racist, but there have been times in my life, especially being born here in the South. In 1973, I was 12 and headed to high school. I left Maxey Elementary, an all-black elementary school. I get off the bus, and there’s a crowd of black people over here and a crowd of white people over here. And they come together, not to sing, but for a race riot. I was 12 years old.”

It was eye-opening for Hodge to witness the tension between the races.

“You (were) taught to kind of hate white people — but because of my mother, who never harbored any hatred, I never harbored any,” he said.

“But then my study of history and,

Amy Quesinberry

The route Anthony Hodge will take on his 54-mile walk is mapped out on the back of his T-shirt.

RAISING FUNDS Anthony Hodge is trying to raise $5,000 to support his walk and help pay for costs such as food, hotel stays and car rental March 20 to 25. Donations can be made through Cash App: Andsowewalk. Any money left over will go toward the Impact Ministry to buy books to teach children about the civil rights movement.

especially, black history — I can see the hatred in people. Not just white people but black people, as well.”

Something happened to that little boy during his teenage years, and he turned to drugs, cruising the streets near his home looking to buy, sell or use cocaine. From the ages of 17 to 41, Hodge was jailed 23 times and imprisoned five times.

It was in a state prison in 2000 that he allowed God and His healing hand into his life. Today, Hodge is drug-free and known as Pastor Anthony Hodge, creator of Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry and, in more recent years, Impact Ministry.

THE URGE TO WALK

Hodge, now 61, said he woke up one morning last fall and told his wife he was going to walk from their home in Mascotte to Winter Garden. And so he walked. It took him more than seven hours to cover 24 miles.

Two months later, he walked the 40 miles between Mascotte and Brooksville in 20 hours.

With his orange “And so we walk” T-shirt and his orange sneakers, he

feels he’s ready to tackle 54 miles. As he walks, he said, he will remember the lives lost in March 1965. He will think of Viola Liuzzo, the only white woman killed in the civil rights movement, shot in the face by the Ku Klux Klan as she drove march participants back to Selma; he will think of James Reeb, a white Unitarian pastor who answered the call for justice and was attacked and killed coming out of a restaurant in Selma; and he will think of Jimmie Lee Jackson, a young, black man who was killed by a sniper during a peaceful demonstration.

The journey will be spread out over five days, and Hodge will go live periodically on Facebook to update friends and family on his progress and to share specific landmarks along the way. The route has been designated a national historic trail. He said the only sign he will have with him is the T-shirt that reads, “And so we walk.”

When he reaches the capital, Hodge will recite “Our God is Marching On,” one of many King speeches he has memorized, for everyone present and on Facebook Live to hear.

“Only when we build that relationship with Jesus Christ are we able to see that truth — the truth about myself and how messed up I am,” Hodge said.

“Because of His grace and mercy, I’m here today.”

He said he isn’t doing this for any publicity; it’s purely God at work.

“It’s God reflecting on me … how I can make a difference in all lives, not just black people,” he said. “One of the most important things in my teaching … is to not build any hatred. That’s stressed: It’s not for you to hate. If you hate, it blinds you and you cannot see God moving when you’re blind.”

The historic 54-mile march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery was part of a series of civil rights protests in 1965 in Alabama.

The march, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s participation in it, raised awareness of the difficulties faced by black voters and the need for a national Voting Rights Act. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference made Selma the focus of a black voter registration campaign; just 2% of Selma’s eligible black voters were registered to vote.

A protest march was organized by King and the SCLC after a young, black demonstrator, Jimmie Lee Jackson, was shot and killed during a peaceful gathering.

A group of 600 people set out from Selma March 7, a day that would come to be known as Bloody Sunday. The marchers reached the Edmund Pettis Bridge before being beaten

by Alabama state troopers and forced back to Selma.

On March 9, King led more than 2,000 marchers across the bridge but found Highway 80 blocked again by state troopers. That night, a group of segregationists beat and killed a protester, James Reeb, a young, white minister.

About 2,000 people marched from Selma March 21. After walking close to 12 hours a day and sleeping in fields along the way, they reached Montgomery March 25.

Nearly 50,000 black and white supporters met the marchers in Montgomery, where they gathered in front of the state capitol to hear King and other speakers.

“No tide of racism can stop us,” King proclaimed from the building’s steps.

That August, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which guaranteed the right to vote (first awarded by the 15th Amendment) to all black citizens.

Source: History.com

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Winter Garden City Commission heard the first reading of two proposed ordinances relating to pension and retirement plans for both general employees and firefighters and police officers at its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 10.

Assistant City Manager of Administrative Services Frank Gilbert said the ordinance proposes two basic changes to the general employee pension plan.

The first proposes the Board of Trustees term change from serving for two years to serving for four years.

Gilbert said the change is based on the amount of education and training needed for one to become a member of the board.

The second falls in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan. The ordinance suggests increasing the period of participation from 36 months to 60 months. Gilbert said this would allow the city to retain critical employees with the most experience for an additional two years, which in the current labor market, would be helpful in retaining some of the institutional knowledge the valuable employees have accumulated over the years.

Gilbert went on to discuss the similar ordinance relating to changes in

the firefighter and police pension plan.

The ordinance mirrors the general employee pension in relation to the change of term length and D.R.O.P. In addition, the firefighter and police pension plan changes reflect key modifications required by the Internal Revenue Code, including changes for required minimum distribution aid from 70-and-one-half to 72 years, and allowing members to purchase prior police, fire and related service time at no cost to the city.

Gilbert confirmed there would be no impact or change in the valuation of the plans based on the proposed ordinances. The second reading and public hearing for both ordinances is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24.

LIEN REDUCTION

Community Development Director Stephen Pash presented the City Commission with a recommendation to approve a Code Enforcement lien reduction and removal at 1104 S. Park Ave. Pash said the property was approved for the construction of 24 townhouses in 2004.

He said the property was purchased during a “big boom,” and the owner installed all the proper infrastructure before the economy worsened.

Pash said none of the homes was built.

IN OTHER NEWS n The City Commission heard a second reading of an amendment to the city’s Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget. Commissioners approved the amendment unanimously. n City Manager Jon C. Williams announced the previously discussed east Winter Garden annexation, which the commission approved at its last meeting, received unanimous approval from Orange County Tuesday, Feb. 8. n The City Commission approved unanimously two upcoming events to support local small businesses, including Shop, Dine and Stroll all day Saturday, March 26, and the Downtown Boutique Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24. n The city confirmed its involvement in the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection after a brief presentation from Barbara Giles with Bike/Walk Central Florida.

Pash explained since 2007 there have been multiple code violations that continued into 2021. Multiple liens were placed on the property, and as of February, the liens with accumulated interest were at $54,410.45. Pash said a large portion of the amount is

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

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP PUBLIC NOTICES

City Commission discusses changes to pension and retirement plans Winter Garden commissioners heard the first reading of two proposed ordinances relating to pension and retirement plans for general employees and firefighters and police officers.

Observer

because of a lack of lawn maintenance on the large property.

Now, the owner, who lives in South Florida, is attempting to sell the property and requested a reduction after not keeping up on the maintenance and ignoring repetitive warnings for years.

Pash said the staff recommended reducing the rate to $20,000, which would cover all the city expenses and the utility bill, if the owner paid the amount by March 11.

District 2 Commissioner Ron Mueller questioned why the commission should give the owner a break.

“There were opportunities multiple times in the last 14 years to rectify this … and they haven’t,” he said.

Mayor John Rees asked Pash if he knew of any extraneous circumstances in the situation, to which Pash said he knew of none or of any hardship.

Rees flipped the argument, asking the commission, “Do we want it to stay like that, or do we want it to improve and put something there?”

District 4 Commissioner Colin Sharman suggested cutting a 10% break to the owner.

City Manager Jon C. Williams said one of his concerns was the deal could be shut down and the city could be stuck again.

Sharman revised his proposal to reduce the amount to $35,000 if paid

by March 11. If the owner declines, the sum will go back to the full amount.

The motion was approved unanimously.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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IN OTHER NEWS

The town can seek construction bids now that all right-of-way has been acquired.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Drivers along Oakland Avenue wanting to head south to West Colonial Drive in Oakland will have a new north-south route when the town of Oakland completes its plan to extend Starr Street between the two roads.

The Oakland Town Commission moved one step closer with the project at its Feb. 8 meeting by accepting an ordinance that dedicates right-ofway along the western side of Starr Street, between Oakland Avenue and Sadler Avenue.

The extension was identified in the Mobility Master Plan, adopted in 2018.

Most of the construction of the extension was covered through the Tractor Supply and Lakeside Church projects; the town was tasked with constructing the remainder of the road up to Oakland Avenue through a previously platted 40-foot corridor east of Oakland Presbyterian Church.

“The project requires a minimum of 50 feet to accommodate the roadway, sidewalk and drainage,” Public Works Director Mike Parker wrote in his report to the commission. “It also requires the 50-foot width to provide for an additional eight-foot traffic lane to support the (Oakland Avenue) Charter School traffic, thereby keeping the two travel lanes open to northsouth traffic.”

The project will be bid out in about three weeks.

Work in Your Own Backyard!

n Commissioners approved an amended lottery order for Oakland Avenue Charter School. Last year, nine families were faced with either having children in two different schools or withdrawing older siblings from OACS because the younger siblings did not get accepted into kindergarten based on the school’s lottery order at that time. The new system gives first priority to Oakland residents and OACS siblings, followed by town of Oakland employees’ children, nonOakland residents in Orange and Lake counties, and residents in counties other than Orange and Lake.

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n Elected officials appointed commissioners Mike Satterfield and Sal Ramos to the Oakland Canvassing Board.

Mayor Kathy Stark and Town Manager Steve Koontz will serve as alternates.

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.

n Vice Mayor Mike Satterfield read a proclamation declaring February 2022 Black History Month in the town.

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.

n The commission approved an exception for the Oakland Nature Preserve to serve beer and wine at its Pours at the Preserve event.

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Town of Oakland continues work on Starr Street extension plan

n Elected officials approved cancelling the March 8 regular Town Commission meeting because the town’s municipal election will be held that day.

OAKLAND/TUBB DESIGN

Commissioners accepted the Oakland Avenue/Tubb Street Complete Street Design package, which includes concepts and the phasing and cost estimates. These provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing the town’s main streets.

Phase 1 is Tubb Street, estimated to cost $6,470,523.70. Phase 2, the gateways into the town along Oakland Avenue, would cost around $603,279.50.

Phase 3 is East Oakland Avenue/Old Town, estimated to cost $3,126,203.

Phase 4, the area of Oakland Avenue east of Florida’s Turnpike, would cost close to $362,228. Phase 5 is the area of Oakland Avenue west of the turnpike and is estimated to cost more than $12 million.

TRANSPORTATION NEEDS

The commission accepted the updated Transportation Needs Plan and approved distribution to Orange County for the Sales Tax Initiative.

The plan includes a list of projects and improvements identified as part of the Mobility Master Plan and was updated with the Oakland Avenue/Tubb Street Complete Street plan.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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indermere Town Hall and the surrounding park were filled with wine enthusiasts and foodies for the eighth Windermere Wine & Dine Saturday, Feb. 5.

Twenty-five area restaurants, including many within luxury hotels, participated in the town of Windermere event, which offered savory bites as well as beer, cordials and wine.

Proceeds from this year’s event will allow grants to be given to four organizations: Edgewood Children’s Ranch, SpiritHorse at Windermere Equestrian Center, Do Good Farm and Special Hearts Farm.

The 2020 Wine & Dine granted more than $200,000 to local food pantries, schools, homeless shelters and other community outreach programs.

Tim’s Wine Market is the event co-founder.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Oscar and Karin Anderson, and Carol and David Thomas enjoyed sampling the wines.

Left: Friends Lavina Williams, left, and Maryke Lee enjoyed the variety of wines.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The First Baptist Church installed an automatic heating plant.

David Pharmacy sold Pursang — the ideal tonic for that “rundown” feeling.

80 years ago

From The Social Whirl by Agnes: “…the vogue in bicycles is here. …

Tena Britt has a brand-new blue affair, as well as Nellie Nelson. …

Also seen riding their bikes were R.M. Ficquette, K.C. Moore Jr., J.G. Shepherd, Horace Dudley, Emory Brantley and the two Smith men, Harry and Tom. Senior student Pat Arnold was awarded a teaching fellowship at Stetson University for the remainder of the current school year.

Winter Garden Rotarians journeyed to Lakeview High School and were luncheon guests of the Tildenville-Lakeview ParentTeachers Association. Four students gave high spots of student activities: Horace Hull, athletics; Dottie Lou Hall, library; Emma Jean Kelly, hobbies and clubs; and Clare Eby, defense program.

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.

75 years ago

The Winter Garden Welfare League’s bingo party was quite a success. Mrs. Wilson Griffith was chairman of the affair from which about $100 was netted. The league is sponsoring welfare work in our community and providing some much-needed equipment for the West Orange County Clinic.

C.M. “Pete” Tucker announced his candidacy for re-election as justice of the peace for District 13.

Herbert Pounds was elected president of the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce.

FEB. 17, 1972 The Central Florida Fair has been an annual tradition in Orange County for 109 years. It is celebrating its 110th year March 3 through 13 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on West Colonial Drive and will feature livestock, agriculture, horticulture, STEM education, entertainment, traditional fair food and a huge midway of rides and games.

The Winter Garden Times published an advertisement in the Feb. 17, 1972, edition that announced the fair, which, at the time, was set up at Orlando-Exposition Park “west of I-4 on West Livingston Street.” The fair that year featured Ye Fair Clown, Strates rides, Chieftones, a ventriloquist, Rough Riders and musical varieties. Admission was $1 for adults and 25 cents for children.

Venerable Oakland native Curtis Massey served in the military before returning to his hometown. He initially worked in the groves harvesting oranges and eventually worked his way up to owning a citrus transport company. According to a 2009 “The West Orange Times” article, Massey’s company operated with “three tractors, nine trailers, 26 trucks and seven foremen for his 270-employee staff.”

The photograph depicts Massey as the first black elected mayor of Oakland, serving from 1975 to 1978.

85 years ago

70 years ago

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55 years ago

First services will be held in the new Church of God of Prophecy in Ocoee.

50 years ago

Smile Contest winners at Winter Garden Elementary were Lisa Fulmer and George Spigener.

Civic and business leaders from around the state were invited to Mr. Frank Day in honor of L. Frank Roper. The event was two days before his 80th birthday and also

marked the 25th anniversary of Roper Growers Cooperative, which he founded.

40 years ago

The crème de la crème was scheduled to play the Bay Hill Classic. In only its fourth year, Arnold Palmer’s tournament already is enjoying the success of drawing the top pros. It was confirmed Jack Nicklaus was playing.

LEGACY EVENTS FOR EDUCATION PRESENTS THE INAUGURAL

30 years ago

The Orange County School Board named Dr. Donald Shaw the new superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. Dr. Shaw, a native of Winter Garden, replaced Dr. James Schott. He began his OCPS career in 1962 as an English and speech teacher at Evans High. He also had served as principal of Tildenville Elementary in Winter Garden.

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Joselin Sanchez enjoyed breakfast with her dad, Jesus Sanchez.

Nick Becerra enjoyed a sweet breakfast with Aliyah Cotty and Rafael Cotty.

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tudents were eager to share a sweet breakfast with their fathers at Tildenville Elementary School’s Donuts with Dads event Friday, Feb. 11. PTA board members and volunteers decorated the media center and outdoor picnic area and set out a spread of glazed doughnuts, apple juice, orange juice and water for students and dads, stepdads, grandfathers and other male figures in their lives. The breakfast drew a big crowd, as folks were eager to get together again in a social setting.

r g gin ea winrin heT pri d n d h s n wlo on lo sp oan le , a o t d , e m f l of ed’t i t seam li ra ’n t ursen a l ocu gr t a tag er foac ute f sta pu ns au oeu pw In to , I yIfy w tory k, e ok g n i o e a o m ra imru o ti eb ollowwi?ng ur es bt cebt’s aNcoot tFFonllloinee? b iFt’ ah i NF UOs Onlin F s n t U ht onn s o no ms u u m w low ol Fo oF INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

9

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE OCPS’ BARBARA JENKINS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

NICOLE DELUCA, OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

Nicole DeLuca is in her first year of teaching at Ocoee High School as a U.S. history teacher and has a passion for traveling. She spent nine years working for the National Park Service in the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Washington, D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys watching horror movies with her daughter, Alex, and opening packs of Pokémon cards with her son, Danny.

What brought you to your school?

I was at a private school before this and realized how much I love public education and want to be an advocate for it. Also, the great student body, the opportunity to work with amazing new social studies teachers, and the opportunity to work with our principal, whom I met several years ago at West Orange High School and always wanted to work with. She is the best principal I have ever worked for, and I am so glad to be here.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is to be an advocate, a mentor, an adult figure for students who need someone they can count on and provide a classroom that is a safe space to allow kids to be their true selves. Watching students grow after they graduate and become phenomenal members of society and embrace their strengths is truly rewarding, knowing that maybe I played a small role in them thriving. Baylor Bumford, my favorite student of all time, taught me the impact I can have in the classroom for students like herself, and I will always be grateful.

What do you love most about your school?

That’s easy, the students! These students are truly amazing. They make me laugh every day, but they are also the hardest workers and truly dedicated and passionate in my classroom. I have worked at five different schools, and this is easily my favorite. It’s a true testament to the students and the culture that has been created here, partially because of our wonderful administration team.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job in getting students who hate history to develop a passion or excitement for the subject. Nothing I like more than when students get passionate and excited to discuss big topics. Their opinions are always so amazing, and I will do whatever I can to hook them on history — whether it’s dressing up as Alice Paul or pretending to be a CIA agent. History can be fun.

REPORT CARD

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to stay active. I love hiking, kayaking and running and do halfmarathons when I can. I like to read just about anything and have lived in fictional worlds most of

TITLE: STEAM Coordinator POSITION: U.S. history teacher and social studies coach TIME AT SCHOOL: First year at Ocoee High School

my life. But my favorite thing is to travel. It re-energizes me, and I am lucky to have some great friends to do it with, especially my favorite travel buddy, Shayla Foss, whose adventurous spirit is basically up for anything!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was my high school teacher Mrs. Lora Braucher. She made me love history and was a role model, mentor and later on a friend. She motivated me and helped me when I needed an adult figure the most.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Why? I really wanted to be a meteorologist when I was a kid. I was obsessed with weather, especially tornadoes in the Midwest. But by middle school my life was consumed with sports and it was my greatest passion. I was set on playing in the WNBA. When I had the epiphany that I was 5-foot-2, and it was a long shot to make it big time, I started getting more into my studies and fell in love with history. I always knew, since that point, I would end up in the classroom teaching the subject I love.

After 10 years as the superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, Dr. Barbara Jenkins announced her retirement.

Jenkins will open the 2022-23 school year but will retire in December.

The Orange County School Board has been aware of her approaching retirement; she has been enrolled in Florida’s Deferred Retirement Option Program since 2018.

Jenkins is not only the first female superintendent in Orange County Public Schools, but she also is a product of OCPS and started her teaching career here.

“Through the years, it has been my honor to work with phenomenal board members, teachers, administrators and support staff who are committed to leading our students to success,” she said.

“Serving in this role has been a calling and a tremendous blessing.”

The School Board discussed a tentative timeline to name Jenkins’ replacement. That began with a work session Tuesday, Feb. 15.

HELP SELECT NAME, MASCOT FOR NEW SCHOOL Horizon West families have until 4 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17, to submit their preferences for the name, mascot and school colors for the new elementary school set to open in August in their community.

Orange County Public Schools has narrowed the options for names and mascots for the new elementary school — now known as Site 89-E-W-4. The school will be located at 16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden.

The final list of names include Hamlin Elementary School, Hamlin Hills Elementary School and Lake Ingram Elementary School. Final options for mascots and school colors include the Honeybees (yellow, black and white); Cranes (red, gray and white); and Huskies (blue, gray and white).

Parents can submit their preferences via an online survey, which is available at bit.ly/3HOQ867.

The final recommendation may be made based on factors outlined in the School District’s Policy for Naming and Renaming Schools, ocps.net.

. . . d

e s is M u . . o . d Y e s t s i a g h ou M n i Wt Y e w a e h o S l W l ? ... o ee

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.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI

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30 Distinctive glows 94 Virtual chortle 31 Baby deliverer, in 98 Discarded PCs and folklore such 34 Prefix with “system” 99 More prying 37 “___ Haw” (old TV 100 “Take your time!” variety show) 101 Appear as if 38 Kelly Marie of “The 102 “Pronto!”

Last Jedi” 103 “Don’t Know Why” 39 “Jingle Bells” contrac- singer Jones tion 108 Engine 40 Pic that can be 109 ___ ghanoush removed 110 Possible nickname for 41 One of many for a Theresa bodybuilder 112 ___-free plastic bottle 42 Kindle offerings 113 Related (to) 43 Prepares for a blood 115 Gator’s relative test, say 116 Drink like a cat 45 Lovestruck 117 Cub’s foot 50 Indian flatbread 118 Rage 51 “Frozen” reindeer 119 Hoppy brew 52 Sun-dried brick 120 Will Ferrell holiday 53 Bourbon St. locale comedy 55 Busy time for a 121 Took a chair

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104 Caress, as a cat 105 What it takes to tango 106 Polar bear’s perch 107 Troop support grp.

108 Untidiness 109 Narcissist’s claims 111 Country icon McEntire 114 Drug bust figure, in slang 116 Famous TV collie 117 Celebrations with carving contests?

122 Subsides 123 Dancer Adele 124 Hype 125 Some Venmo users 126 “___ cares?”

127 “The Simpsons” neighbor

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74 Heavy volumes 75 Speak to the masses 76 Yellow part of an egg 77 Name hidden in “dire need” 78 Drench 79 Name that anagrams to “Rami” 81 IRS identifier 84 De Armas of “No Time to Die” 85 Chimpanzee or gorilla 87 Tiny gin/vermouth cocktails?

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Puzzle Two Clue: P equals V

“Fast & Furious” character?

1 Equine moms 44 Came up 6 Chum 46 Field of expertise 9 Wall St. debut 12 Did great at a drag show 47 Heavy lode’s contents 48 Wizards’ org.

18 Himalayan native 49 Textile seen in the Scot20 Ties, like a score tish countryside?

22 Day to blast the AC 54 One working with a 23 Basic suggestion for range of incomes? (Abbr.) fixing a laptop?

56 ___ Alamos, N.M. 25 Shrewd 57 Word before “lodge” 26 PC copying shortcut or “lift” 27 Clipper or cruiser 58 Bakery hot spot 28 Spreads sloppily 29 Not least, idiomatically 59 Prescribed amount 61 Hybrid stone fruit 32 Altar affirmative 63 London art museum 33 Actor Guinness 65 Small hill 35 Cold cubes 67 35-Across, informally 36 Not in fashion 68 Successfully lifting a 37 Anthem for many a shot glass with your palm,

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

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2-17-22

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

SPORTS

Hudson Adams-Farley, aka Huddy, will compete in volleyball for Special Olympics this summer. Page 12.

Photo by Chris Martucci

Zachia Clark provided offense firepower for Windermere Prep.

Left: Olympia celebrated its first district title in school history after upsetting Dr. Phillips in the district championship.

Courtesy photo

Hardwood

HEROICS Olympia, Windermere Prep and CFCA all claimed district championships in an exciting week of championship play.

CHRIS MARTUCCI | SPORTS EDITOR

F

ive West Orange County teams competed for district championships Feb. 11, with four of

those teams facing off against one another. Two of the three games came down to the wire, with one needing overtime to settle.

When the dust was cleared, one team continued a streak of excellence while another pulled off a tremendous upset.

Central Florida Christian Academy claimed its seventh-consecutive district title after defeating Victory Christian 68-63.

OLYMPIA UPSETS DP

The game between Olympia and Dr. Phillips seemed like it did not want to end. The contest between the Southwest Orange rivals went into double overtime, with both teams tied at 60 after the first overtime. As usually is the case when DP and Olympia meet on the court, neither team wanted to lose to the other.

The Panthers, playing without senior center Ernest Udeh Jr., gave it their best effort to clinch another district championship toward the end of the game, but the Titans refused to relent.

As the second overtime began, Olympia took advantage of Udeh’s absence and got just enough of an edge that it would not relinquish until the final

buzzer. When it was all said and done, the Titans had upset the 25th-ranked team in the country to win the first district championship in school history.

The Titans’ reward for that upset is hosting the first-round game against Plant City in the Class 7A state tournament Feb. 17. Dr. Phillips will travel to Newsome for its first-round game.

CFCA WINS AGAIN

The Central Florida Christian Eagles had to dig deep at the end to put away Victory Christian, and they did just that to ensure a seventh-consecutive district championship, 68-63.

“That was a hard one,” CFCA head coach Andrew Gustafson said. “We weren’t our best selves, but we were

poised enough to make some plays at the end.”

Jamar Houston led the way for CFCA, finishing with 21 points, including a big slam in the fourth quarter that got the fans on their feet. The rest of the team helped out just enough to keep themselves in business as Victory Christian clawed its way back into the game several times down the stretch.

With the CFCA girls team winning its first district title since 2003, this was the first time both teams have swept the district championships. Gustafson said it was something he hoped would happen.

“We always say we want to be married in this situation, and it’s a great feeling when you have two great programs like that,” Gustafson said.

With home-court advantage in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs against International Community High School Feb. 17, the team is ready to begin its journey toward another state championship.

“It’s always great to play (at home); it’s a great feeling,” Gustafson said. “The boys have put in a lot of work this offseason, but we still have a long way to go.

We want to be playing in March.”

LAKERS SECURE CHAMPIONSHIP

Windermere Prep rode a dominant start all the way to its fifth district championship in school history.

The Lakers started fast and never looked back, defeating TFA by a final score of 73-37 to win the Class 3A District 4 championship.

Windermere Prep will host P.K. Yonge in the first round of the Class 3A state tournament Feb. 17.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

Foundation’s Samantha Wall was a tough competitor for the Lions.

Photos by Chris Martucci

Soccer teams make early exit from postseason play CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

N

ine West Orange County soccer teams went into

to make a substantial run in the postseason. That run has now come to an end, with eliminated from postseason action. One team managed

Kaitlin Clark winds up for a chance to score.

2-0. Although they managed to get a goal in the second half, the Hawks could not find the tying goal.

to reach the second round before elimination.

Foundation Academy lost 4-3 to Circle Christian in a tightly contested game.

The Lions trailed 3-1 coming to the end of the first half. Samantha Wall scored to make it 3-2 going into halftime, giving Foundation a chance to come back.

That potential comeback was set back from a goal at the 57th minute

by Circle to increase the lead to 4-2.

Kaitlin Clark then scored to bring it back to a one-goal game, but the Lions could not find the equalizer in the final minutes as their season came to an end.

Coming off a district championship, Windermere hosted a firstround game in the Class 7A tournament against Lakewood Ranch.

The Wolverines lost a close game in second overtime by a final score of 2-1.

Windermere scored first on a goal from Miya Sketteberg and went into halftime up 1-0.

Lakewood Ranch then came back to score in the second-half to tie the game and force overtime. Neither team could score in the first period of extra time, thus requiring a second overtime.

The Mustangs ended the game with a goal in that second period of extra time.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

BOYS SOCCER

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

The First Academy lost to Lake Highland Prep by a final score of 2-0 one week after losing to the Highlanders in the district championship game.

HORIZON

Horizon traveled to The Villages for a game against The Villages Charter and lost 2-1. The Hawks trailed at the end of the first half

Accepting New Patients

matchup with Circle Christian, the game was tied at 3 at the end of regulation. Both overtimes failed to yield the winning goal, so the game would be decided in penalty kicks.

The Lions’ run came to an end as they lost 4-3 in penalties.

WINDERMERE

GIRLS SOCCER

LEGACY CHARTER

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Hudson Adams-Farley has been involved in sports his whole life. He has participated in Special Olympics since middle school and is set to compete on the volleyball team at the games in Orlando this summer. Before he can do that, however, he will compete on the West Orange High School junior varsity boys volleyball team this season. He’ll represent the Warriors because his school, Legacy Charter, does not offer the sport.

How did you get involved with volleyball?

Watching the anime “Haikyuu!!” It inspired me, because it’s about a person who’s super short, and you don’t expect him to jump high. You wonder, “What’s he going to do?”

You see that he’s athletic and can do most things, but he has to learn how to play the game first and go against challengers that are taller and have more experience. That show teaches you a lot, showing that height doesn’t matter unless you put the work into it.

You recently made the West Orange JV team. How did it feel to make the team?

It felt amazing, because there are some good people there that are much taller than me.

I was one of the shortest guys there, and I made it. I’m planning to play front row for them, although I’ll see what they have in mind for me.

What do you like about going to school at Legacy?

Everybody there (is) very nice, the teachers are amazing. Even on my bad days, they always help me out. The kids are cool as well — that’s how I got one of my nicknames, “Tyreek” for Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City

Legacy lost to All Saints’ Academy 1-0 in its first-round game.

After a scoreless regulation, the game between Olympia and Class 7A No. 1 seed Lakewood Ranch went into penalties, which the Mustangs won 5-3.

DR. PHILLIPS

Dr. Phillips traveled to Tampa for a first-round game with Plant High School and lost 4-1.

A week after losing to McKeel Academy in the district championship game, the Horizon Hawks got a second crack at the Wildcats in the first round of the Class 4A tournament.

The second time did not prove to be the charm, however, as the Hawks lost in overtime 2-1.

The Foundation Academy boys soccer team won its first-round game in the Class 2A tournament against Faith Christian by a score of 5-2.

Senior Ian Garcia scored two goals and had two assists. His teammate Wyatt Wapole also scored two goals to help pace the Lions to victory.

In the team’s second-round

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What’s something positive that you think comes with having Asperger’s?

I’m always in a happy mood.

My friends ask me at times, “Why do you never get angry?”

I say that I’m not that type of person. I don’t judge people. I know I have it, but I don’t let it define me. I just work past it.

It doesn’t matter who they are, just work past it.

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Favorite class?

Learning Strategies. The teacher, Ms. Anderson, is super nice. She’s inspired me to do so much more and helped me get better at doing my schoolwork such as reading better, making sure everything is done.

She works in the office, but she comes in and helps some of the kids like me who have Asperger’s. She’s one of the best teachers I’ve had.

If you were on the Karasuno volleyball team, who would be your best friends?

Nishinoya, Tanaka and Hinata. They’re a group of guys who know how to have fun, and they have great energy.

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Chiefs, because I’m a fast runner. “Huddy” already was given to me at former schools.

Favorite character besides Hinata?

Bokuto. I can relate to him as well, because he’s one of those people who gets upset, but his teammates bring him up. He likes to teach people and help them get better.

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NICKNAME: Huddy AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Legacy Charter GRADE: Junior SPORT: Volleyball POSITION: Right-side hitter

Favorite anime?

“Haikyuu!!”

HORIZON

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

THE BASICS

What do you hope to contribute to West Orange’s success this season?

I want to help make sure they do well this season, continuing from their success from last year. Eventually, I want to make the varsity team and win a championship with them.

Every school I have been to has won a championship when I’ve been there. I want to be the guy lifting the trophy at the end of the season.

OLYMPIA

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Hudson Adams-Farley

What are some of your best volleyball qualities?

I’m mostly the spirit guy who gets everybody fired up and hyped. I want to be the guy who keeps the optimism going on the team and not let anybody get down on themselves so that the whole team can be better.

It’s not just one person, it’s six, and you’re going up against a team that is six players as well.

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OBSERVER

Our beloved Judith “Judie” Ann Jones Gaudette passed away the afternoon of Jan. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Florida, four months shy of her 81st birthday. A gifted artist, guitarist and storyteller, Judie was a pillar in her family. She was the proud matriarch of four children, 15 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.

She made time for everyone and devoted her attention to each moment you were in her presence.

Judie treated everyone the same, graciously pouring her gifts of humor, forgiveness, a little bit of sass and a whole lot of strength into our hearts.

She was the fiercest prayer warrior you could ask for. She was difficult to defeat playing games, especially Scrabble and Phase 10.

When not conversing with or entertaining others, she could be found quietly nestled in her favorite chair with a good book or crossword puzzle. If you were a passerby of her front porch, you’d be graced by a spritely “hello” and wave.

To know Judie means to have known true beauty, light and grace.

Her legacy of unconditional love, illuminating light and effortless faith will forever swell in the folds of our memory and will, without a doubt, fortify us, lift us and renew us as we face a life without her.

Judie is survived by her husband, Gerard “Jerry” Gaudette, of Windermere, Florida, having celebrated 61 years of marriage in September 2021. She is also survived by her sisters, Roberta (Robert) Mulazzi, of Scarborough, Maine, and Jean Joseph, of LeHigh Acres, Florida; brothers, Robert (Mary Ann) Jones, of San Diego, California, Michael (Michelle) Jones, of Hebron, Illinois, John Bergeron, of Marco Island, Florida, Franklyn (Sue Emmy) Jones, of San Jose, California, Pat-

rick (Robin) Jones, of Beersheba Springs, Tennessee; and Bill (Cathy) Cullen, of Seminole, Florida. She is survived by her four children, Jeff (Stephanie) Gaudette, Lisa (Brad) Whittington, Bobby Gaudette and Michelle (Francisco) Gaudette Long.

She was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Jeremiah (Sarah) Gaudette, Jordan (Ashley) Gaudette, Josiah Wess, Hannah (Ryan) McKee, Michael (Jessica) Wess, Elise Gaudette, Isaiah Gaudette, Sophia Wess, Eli Wess, Isobel Wess, Angel Long, and Jessica, Victoria, River and Sage Jeffcoat. Judie also had eight greatgrandchildren: Trayne and River Gaudette, Nova Gaudette, Milo and Lucia Wess, Riley McKee, and Isaiah and Donovan (Jessica). She is also survived by aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and second cousins.

Judie was born to the late Robert Leo Jones and Anita Grace Bergeron in New York, New York, May 6, 1941.

As an infant, Maine became her home. She attended the Portland School of Art in Portland, Maine; worked summers at Bill’s Pizza in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where she and Jerry met; worked at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California; and worked a few holiday peak times at Walt Disney World Resort.

She treasured her roles as wife, mother, grand/great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, creating wonderful memories filled with laughter, games, art and beach time flying kites, jumping waves

and soaking in the sun. She started a folk Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; she studied and became a Third Order Fransciscan; she and Jerry teamed many Marriage Encounter Retreats during the 1980s in Central Florida and worked as a team assisting couples through FOCUS Program marriage preparation at Holy Family Catholic Church; she coached YMCA Pop Warner Cheerleading; and was known to open her home to family and friends needing a place to call home. She lovingly rescued and nurtured many a wayward animal.

She meant so much to many.

Arrangements include: Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819, with reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online at St. Jude Children’s Research and Hospital (stjude. org), Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine (gsfb.org), and Holy Family Catholic Church (holyfamilyorlando.com). Please note “Judith Gaudette Memorial.”

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JUDITH ANN JONES GAUDETTE MAY 6, 1941 — JAN. 29, 2022

in Windermere, Florida.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Virginia; their daughter, Jaymie and her husband, Wayne Collette; and their son, Gary II and his wife, Lisa Jennings.

His love of the outdoors, fly fishing, flying and football continues with his family.

Donations may be made to Folds of Honor, foh.org/Lt-Col-RetGary-Jennings, which ensures families who have sacrificed their activeduty parent for our country receive the education and opportunities they deserve.

373837-1

tion by graduating from Air/War College. While at USC, he met and married his wife, Virginia “Gin,” who was attending UCLA. During his career, Gary was checked out in 17 different military aircraft. He flew in and out of Vietnam from March of 1963 to March of 1967, bringing supplies in a C-124.

In 1967, he was severely injured in a ground accident on the flight line.

After being in the hospital and rehab

eling older homes. Woodworking projects were his favorite, and he loved building cabinets and bookcases. Fly fishing and growing up in Oregon stuck with him, and he pursued fishing and camping wherever he was stationed. There was one hobby that outweighed them all, and that was watching his beloved USC Trojans play football. He never missed watching a game and was happy to see a new direction in coaching this year.

In his later years, he split his time between living on the Sandy River in Oregon and Lake Sawyer

13

373829-1

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gary Jennings was born in Salina, Kansas, in 1933. His family lived in Roseburg, Myrtle Creek and Myrtle Point, Oregon, where he attended high school while also working in the family logging business.

Gary enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic before being accepted as an Aviation Cadet, where he trained to fly F-86 fighters just as the Korean War came to an end.

Transitioning into the Air Force Reserves and flying on weekends, he attended Long Beach State University and then the University of Southern California. He graduated from USC with a BS degree in accounting and later earned a master’s degree and continued his military educa-

for two years, he returned to flight status and served as an adviser to the Vietnamese Air Force’s 229th Helicopter Squadron.

One of his most interesting flying jobs came when he returned to the U.S. from Vietnam and was assigned to fly former President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird from their ranch throughout the Texas Hill Country during the last two years of the former president’s life.

He also participated in the ill-fated Jonestown, Guyana, recovery mission and flew tactical support for the 1976 Winter Olympics.

Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982, Gary had amassed over 8,000 hours flying fixed wing and 2,000 hours flying helicopters.

Gary’s hobbies included rebuilding three Ford Mustangs (64 1/2, 65 and 66) and doing both general contracting on new homes and remod-

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Director/Manager

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LT. COL. (RET.) GARY DEAN JENNINGS APRIL 6, 1933 — FEB. 2, 2022

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Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is a proud fixture of

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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 Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

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 Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

351592-1

Moving Forward Program Offerings

TEXT

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