02.23.18 Winter Park/Maitland Observer

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 30, NO. 8

FREE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Edgewater claims district crown The Eagles defeated Ocoee High 71-60 in the Class 8A, District 5 championship. SEE PAGE 8.

Winter Park to host State of the City Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary will give his State of the City Address Friday, Feb. 23.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

We grieve W

inter Park residents gathered to grieve and stand together at a vigil on Sunday, Feb. 18 at First Congregational Church of Winter Park.

The vigil was organized to honor the victims of the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Seventeen people were killed in the shooting on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

In celebration of the debut of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood 50 years ago, Rollins College will honor its most famous alumnus with a self-guided campus walking tour of memorabilia.

Fred McFeely Rogers majored in music composition and graduated magna cum laude from Rollins College in 1951. He SEE YOUR TOWN PAGE 4

WEEKEND

Winter Park showcased its creative side at its 2018 four-day event.

SEE PAGE 3B.

Residents gathered on the steps of the church for a candlelight vigil to end the evening.

WON’T YOU BE HIS NEIGHBOR?

SEE LEARY PAGE 4

OF THE ARTS

— TIM FREED

YOUR TOWN

Another year has come and gone in the city of Winter Park, and it’s time once again for the State of the City Address.

Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary will give an update on what’s happening in the city at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Suspect in Roger Trindade case receives sentence The juvenile will live in non-secure residential commitment followed by post-commitment probation until 2022.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The ongoing case in the death of Winter Park High School student Roger Trindade has reached a turning point, with one of the three juvenile suspects being sentenced last Friday, Feb. 16.

One of three juvenile suspects in

the case charged with tampering with a witness and battery was sentenced to a non-secure residential commitment — a residential program for troubled youths — followed by postcommitment probation until his 19th birthday in 2022.

SEE FAMILY PAGE 4

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

YOUR CALENDAR

WINTER PARK

FRIDAY, FEB. 23 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the city of Winter Park invite you to attend the annual State of the City Address luncheon. The event will feature Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary’s annual State of the City Address and the presentation of the city’s Employees of the Year. Cost is $35 to $40. For more information, call (407) 644-8281.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 SEVENTH ANNUAL CHILI FOR CHARITY 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Winter Park Farmers Market, 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Now in its seventh year, the Rotary Club of Winter Park has established its Chili for Charity event as the premier chili cookoff event in central Florida featuring creative chili dishes by popular restaurants and other contenders. All entries are served with a “Winter Park attitude.” Participants compete for the coveted Peoples’ Choice award and have their dishes

runners are invited back for a beer and some fun at Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub. Cost is $25 to $35. For more information, call (407) 599-3397.

WINTER PARK BLOOMS 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 3, at the Winter Park Farmers Market, 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Winter Park Blooms through Keep Winter Park Beautiful & Sustainable Advisory Board is once again selling a wide assortment of caladium bulbs at the Winter Park Farmers Market. Caladium bulbs provide up to nine months of colorful foliage from year to year with minimal care.

The funds are used for Winter Park beautification projects and to host the America in Bloom judges as they evaluate Winter Park in late April 2019.

To join the efforts of Winter Park Blooms or for information about caladiums and how they can brighten your life, call Stephen Pategas at (407) 6224886.

evaluated by a select panel of judges. Guests also enjoy live entertainment, drinks and a silent auction. Net event proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Winter Park Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to more than 30 local charities each year. Tickets are $35 advance; four for $100; two for $125 VIP includes table service; $40 at the door. For more information, call (407) 599-3341.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 10TH ANNUAL FIDDLER’S GREEN 5K 7:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park.

This fun run/walk is hosted

by Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub. The race, which begins at 7:30 a.m., starts at Mead Garden and meanders though beautiful Winter Park, returning to finish at Mead Garden. From there, the

MAITLAND

FRIDAY, FEB. 23 YOGA AT THE MAITLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY 4:30 p.m. Fridays at Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. S., Maitland. Let Jenny Blackburn help you destress from the week and refresh for

OSCAR SHORTS 2018:

OSCAR SHORTS 2018:

Fri & Sun: 4PM, 9:15PM Sat: 6:30PM Mon & Wed: 6:30PM Thurs: 9:15PM

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

ANIMATION

LIVE ACTION

SATURDAY, FEB. 24 YOGA AT BARLEY AND VINE BIERGARTEN 11 a.m. Saturdays at Barley and Vine Biergarten, 2406 E. Washington St., Orlando.

Looking for a mix of beer and yoga? Join an hourlong yoga practice with a carton of water and craft beer for only $10. For more information, call (407) 930-0960.

the weekend. Please bring your own mat, towel, and water bottle.

For more information, call (407) 647-7700.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 MAITLAND FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. Browse through a section of fresh produce and other items at this weekly farmers market in Maitland. For more information, visit Maitland Farmers Market on Facebook.

COLLEGE PARK

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 COLLEGE PARK FARMERS MARKET 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. Browse local produce and goods at this dog-friendly farmers market in College Park every week. Visit facebook.com/ TheCollegeParkFarmersMarket.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 SCREEN ON THE GREEN 7 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Maitland Middle School, 1901 Choctaw Trail. Enjoy a free screening of the movie “Secret Life of Pets.”

(407) 539-6268.

ORLANDO

MONDAY, FEB. 26 FENCING CLASSES 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the College Park Community Center, 2393 Elizabeth Ave., Orlando.

Join this developmental and instructional class that teaches the fundamentals of fencing.

A fencing class for youth is also available from 6 to 7 p.m.

Mondays. Cost is $10 per class.

Call (407) 246-4447.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23 STORYBOOK FUN 10:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Designed especially for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, Storybook Fun lasts 25 minutes.

The use of picture books, songs and told stories will encourage your child to read, talk, sing, write and play. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film:

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS FREE for kids 12 & under!

Sun: 12PM

Cult Classics:

NEW JACK CITY Tues: 9:30PM

1300 SOUTH ORLANDO AVE, MAITLAND, FL 407-629-0054

Reel Short Teen Film Festival Showcase

Short films from local students!

FREE and open to the public!

Sat, March 3rd at 11AM

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Let it grow The Mead Botanical Garden is removing invasive plants and planting new trees.

Courtesy photo

HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER

The Mead Botanical Garden is getting ready to grow.

The garden’s habitat restoration initiative, which began Feb. 13, is a partnership between Winter Park’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Tarflower chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Orange Audubon Society.

The project has two objectives — removing invasive plant species in the garden’s uplands and planting new trees to restore the canopy in the wetlands.

The city will be placing 350 to 500 new trees — all picked from Florida plant nurseries — to help bolster the existing tree canopy’s health. Contractors will carry out the vine and tree removals while an expected 10 to 25 garden volunteers will work on planting

the new trees. Tim Egan, natural resources manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, said the program will cost $100,000 by completion.

Mead Botanical Garden, a Winter Park landmark, officially opened in 1940 before being donated to the city in 1953. Countless plant species have been accidentally and purposefully introduced into the garden’s ecosystem over the years. Some of the more invasive species have no natural controls and disperse large amounts of seeds, outpacing native trees and damaging the garden’s habitat diversity.

“The Chinaberry and Brazilian pepper (trees) … they come in and choke out native species like the Sand Oak tree or the Long Leaf Pine tree,” said Dru Dennison, Urban Forestry manager for the city.

Egan said there is a particular plant that’s proved hazardous to

the garden — the skunkvine, a foul-smelling climbing vine originally found in Asia. The plant has a tendency to grow up the top of the garden’s native trees and block sunlight, killing the other flora.

Animals that call the garden home suffer from the vine as well.

Butterflies and insects rely on the native trees while various bird species use them for nesting.

In the last two decades, the skunkvine has contributed to significant canopy damage in the garden. Egan said a mixture of the plant’s spread and hurricane damage cost the garden’s northern wetland area around 80% of its trees from 2004 to 2006.

Although the city has had contractors conduct quarterly skunkvine extermination operations as maintenance for the last decade, the new restoration initiative provides an opportunity to make up for years of lost vegetation.

“The garden hasn’t been managed in terms of the tree canopy for several years,” Dennison said. “We’ve been focusing on hazard mitigation and removal, but now we’re coming in and removing invasive species in specific areas (and planting new trees).”

Dennison said the the garden has plans to have set sections for the respective native plant species.

The project will take years to show results — decades even — but Egan is comfortable playing the long game.

“The small trees we get in the ground might not look like much (today),” he said. “But you go back and look 10 years from now, it’s going to look spectacular. That’s what we’re looking toward.”

Dennison is excited to finally see the garden grow.

“What we do today is what people will enjoy 50 years for now,” she said. “This is a long overdue process.”

Celebration Church plans move to area The church is relocating its Lake Howell campus to Edgewater High. The first service will be Easter Sunday.

HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER

The Celebration Church Orlando is moving its Lake Howell campus to Edgewater High in College Park in April. The new location’s opening service will be performed on Easter Sunday.

“When most churches plant, the (planting organizations) tell you to go to the suburbs, but that’s just not (us),” said Josh Turner, lead pastor for Celebration Church Orlando. “We knew from Day One we wanted to reach people in an area where it’s harder to reach people with the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

The church originated in Jacksonville in the late 1990s and now has campuses across Florida and the country. In 2014, Turner spearheaded the construction

of a new branch in downtown Orlando, which now has about 300 volunteers. The church has seen steady growth, with morning services garnering as many as 1,000 attendees. An expansion to accommodate more people was in order, Turner said.

“We got to a point where we needed to offload,” he said. “We were running so many people at our morning services that we were running out of space and parking.”

Celebration Church Orlando established a new campus at Lake Howell High School last August, after its internal research showed a large number of the congregation were driving to downtown from the area.

It would prove to be short-lived.

In December, Turner left the new campus feeling like something was off.

“Everything was really good — the worship is incredible, the team members are incredible, it’s a great environment, but it just didn’t feel like what Celebration Church is,” Turner said. “I

Courtesy photo

couldn’t put my finger on it or figure out what it was, it kept messing with me. But I’ve been walking with God for quite a few years.

“What I know in me is when I have this uncertainty, it’s the Holy Spirit starting to stir me,” he said. “It’s God messing with me about something.”

The lead pastor came to the conclusion that God was telling him to move the church to Edgewater High, a location more in line with his organization’s goals.

“It’s more urban; it’s more of who (God) has called us to,” Turner

“We knew from Day One we wanted to reach people in an area where it’s harder to reach people with the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

— Josh Turner, lead pastor

said. “I honestly feel God’s called us to reach like non-churched, unchurched and de-churched people.”

That said, it wasn’t an easy decision. Turner talked it over with the Lake Howell pastor, the executive team and the staff, who all agreed a change was necessary.

Turner broke the news to the Lake Howell congregation itself in January.

“We asked them to come to College Park with us and help us reach people,” he said. “I was expecting frustration or angry emails.”

The team is preparing for the new venue by advertising with mailers and on social media, although Turner believes word of mouth will always be the best way to attract new attendees. Some of the Lake Howell congregation have returned to the downtown services, though he hopes many will make their way to the new campus.

“I’m just trying to be obedient to what God’s telling me to do,” Turner said. “I’m not trying to grow some big church. I’m just trying to reach people who need the love of Jesus.”

For more information about Celebration, visit celebrationorl. org.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Leary to deliver annual address CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

at The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park.

“The State of the City Address is one of the most important speeches the mayor delivers annually,” Director of Communications Clarissa Howard said. “It offers the community and residents his assessment of the city during the past year and showcases the city’s accomplishments.”

Much has happened in the city in the past year. Winter Park moved its new library/event center project forward with the hiring of renowned architect Sir David Adjaye.

The initial conceptual designs for the buildings were presented to the community at a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Renderings showcased the new facility in three separate structures: a drop-off pavilion, a library and a civic center.

The three structures, slated for the northwest corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, would be clustered together in a unified “village” layout in close proximity to the lake within the park.

Conceptual designs depict the buildings with large archway windows that stretch across all four sides of each building, framing views of the park, the city and between the two buildings.

The new library/event center is expected to open in the spring or summer of 2020, Winter Park Public Library Executive Director Shawn Shaffer said.

IF YOU GO WINTER PARK STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23 WHERE: The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park

The Winter Park City Commission also was faced with an exciting opportunity last year — the chance to buy 55.6 acres of wetland area surrounding Howell Creek.

The land was made of seven parcels just north of Howell Branch Road, with 12.2 acres located in Maitland and the rest located within Winter Park city limits.

That mass of wetland currently belonged to two property owners.

About 32 acres belonged to JBC Land, while the remaining land was owned two-thirds by JBC Land and one-third by resident Jerry Banks.

City commissioners jumped at the opportunity, approving the purchase of the land for $304,500 and giving residents a new path to kayak up to Lake Waumpi.

Winter Park also partnered with Orange County Public Schools, Rollins College and the Winter Park High School Foundation to renovate Showalter Field last year, giving it a state of the art multi-surface playing field, a rubberized track and a new and improved scoreboard.

In 2017, the city also funded the

city’s first fiberoptic network, which will allow Winter Park to utilize Intelligent Traffic Signalization systems to help us smooth traffic through the city.

After Hurricane Irma, the City Commission authorized an additional $1 million to go toward Winter Park’s electric utility to address issues that arose during the storm. That is in addition to the $3.5 million the city already spends annually to complete the electric undergrounding efforts. Winter Park is 11 years into a 20-year plan and has about 60% of the distribution lines underground.

EMPLOYEE AWARDS

But the State of the City event isn’t just a chance to reflect on what’s happening in Winter Park.

It’s also a chance to highlight city employees with awards.

“At this event, we also recognize the city’s employees of the year,” Howard said. “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — you will always find city of Winter Park employees working behind the scenes to provide the high quality services we all have come to appreciate, enjoy and expect. This is our opportunity to reward three of those devoted employees with the Employee of the Year awards for their extraordinary efforts during the year.”

The 2017 Employee of the Year award will be presented to Field Supervisor George Richardson of the Water and Wastewater Utilities Department. Richardson

Family only wants closure

Tim Freed

Rodrigo Trindade and Adriana Thomé, parents of victim Roger Trindade, are still seeking justice and closure after losing their son.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The sentencing comes almost 18 months after a violent altercation in Winter Park’s Central Park took the life of 15-year-old Roger Trindade. Reports indicate the juvenile suspect — along with fellow suspects Jesse Sutherland and Simeon Hall, both being charged as adults — was walking through Central Park that night and chose to spray Roger with a foul-smelling spray as a joke. A confrontation broke out shortly after, and Roger was later found brain dead in the park. He was put on life support but taken off it just days later.

Per company policy, the Winter Park/Maitland Observer is not naming the juvenile suspect.

“He killed my son with just punching him. …

Every day I wake up trying to understand.”

— Adriana Thomé, Roger Trindade’s mother

“He most certainly didn’t believe that somebody was going to die,” Trey Flynn, the suspect’s defense attorney, said Friday. “It was a childish, bully-ish prank that went awry.”

Roger’s father, Rodrigo Trindade, said no matter what verdict was read, there is only a feeling of loss. The legal process

has dragged on and on, and all the family wants — just as much as justice — is closure, he said.

“This is a tragic week here in Florida,” he said, referring to the recent school shooting in Parkland, as well. “There are multiple families suffering today.

Something is wrong here. It’s not acceptable to see children murdered for nothing. (Roger) was pure love. … There is no justice that compares to this loss.”

Last Friday also saw a plea hearing for 16-year-old defendant Jesse Sutherland, who, along with defendant Simeon Hall, faces charges of manslaughter and battery and is being tried as an adult.

Jesse’s father, Benjamin, apologized to the Trindade family on behalf of his son.

“I really want to say I’m sorry this happened,” he said. “No parent should ever have to bury their child. … Please don’t take away Jesse’s chance at his life.”

Eryka Washington, public information officer for the State Attorney’s Office, said the judge was not prepared to rule that day but she should be able to rule at some point in March.

Roger’s mother, Adriana Thomé, spoke in the courtroom about Roger’s kind heart and spirit and said he would never have tried to start a fight that fateful night in Central Park.

“We never thought Winter Park would be a dangerous place,” Thomé said. “I believed it was safe. He killed my son with just punching him. … Every day I wake up trying to understand.”

planned and directed the completion of water main replacement in conjunction with the I-4 Ultimate project, resulting in a savings of nearly $1.7 million by keeping major portions of the project in-house. His division completed the installation of the new wet well for the lift station on Lee Road as well, completing the project ahead of schedule and with an estimated $85,000 in cost savings.

The Firefighter of the Year award will go to Engineer Eric Wheaton for his leadership and the example he sets.

“He routinely leads training programs, not only within the WPFD but serves as a wellrespected instructor on the national stage,” city officials wrote in a prepared statement.

“He represents the city, WPFD, his family and the fire-service industry with pride and honor.

As a leader, Eric takes it upon himself to set an example for new firefighters.”

Police officer Ryan Wing of the patrol division will be given the honor of Officer of the Year.

“Officer Wing’s excellent work ethic motivates his colleagues to give it their all in keeping the city safe,” city officials wrote in a prepared statement. “Along with his exemplary work ethic, he is exceptionally thorough and diligent with his reports. On many occasions, he continues investigating a case all the way through to completion, rather than forwarding it directly to the detective unit.”

YOUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

met his wife, fellow music student Sara Joanne Byrd, at Rollins as well.

The tour begins at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, where Mister Rogers’ sweater and sneakers, which he gave to the college in 1991, will be on display. Other stops on the tour include Tiedtke Concert Hall, which features a large portrait of Fred Rogers painted by local artist Don Sondag; the stone from his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which was placed on the Rollins Walk of Fame in front of his old dormitory Lyman Hall; a marble plaque by Strong Hall engraved with the words that inspired him (“Life is for Service”); and Olin Library, where a collection of books, his yearbook, personal letters, and photos from the Rollins College Archives are on view.

The free self-guided tour will be available from Feb. 20 through March 20 during Cornell Fine Arts Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; and noon to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays.

Parking is available in the SunTrust parking garage on Lyman Avenue (fees apply) or in available public parking areas.

WINTER PARK/MAITLAND

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.”

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“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Jackie Fanara, jfanara@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Reporter / Harry Sayer, hsayer@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Sales Executive Laura Rubio, lrubio@OrangeObserver.com Administrative Assistant Janice Carrion, jcarrion@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Winter Park rallies residents to protect home rule TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The city of Winter Park is rallying its residents to speak up and protect the city’s right to control its own destiny, pushing for them to write to state representatives in the wake of several bills.

A letter was been distributed to residents of Winter Park letting them know their quality of life could change if a series of bills passes at the state level.

“I am writing to you today about matters important to the future of the quality of life in our great city,” City Manager Randy Knight wrote in the letter on behalf of the Winter Park City Commission.

“There are several proposed House bills and Senate bills before the state Legislature that would preempt the home rule authority of your local elected officials and apply one-size-fits-all statewide rules that may or may not be in your best interest. “ Home rule language in the 1968 Florida Constitution revision reads: “Municipalities shall have governmental, corporate and proprietary powers to enable them to conduct municipal government, perform municipal

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functions and render municipal services, and may exercise power for municipal purposes except as otherwise provided by law.”

This allows cities to make decisions and priorities through their elected officials, but a series of bills could challenge this authority, Knight wrote.

The first is House Bill 773, which would prohibit the city from regulating short-term vacation rentals. Services such as Airbnb can be convenient but also can result in noise problems, inadequate parking and strangers wandering through neighborhoods. The bill would preempt the city’s ability to regulate these rentals.

“We do have an ordinance in place that we do use to enforce issues and problems that we have that result from rentals of single-family dwellings,” Winter Park Fire Chief and Code Compliance Director Jim White said at the most recent Winter Park City Commission meeting.

“It basically covers that you can’t rent or lease those units for less than 30 days. We’ve been attacking this for the past couple years.

“Where we have the problems are homes that are routinely rented in residential areas that are used for things other than single-family occupancies or vacations,” he said. “They’re used for weddings and parties, where we then have sound and noise problems and parking issues.”

An area that could be affected

by House Bill 17 and Senate Bill 432 is the city’s community redevelopment agency. Those bills would make it possible for a CRA to be phased out if not reauthorized with a super majority vote in Winter Park.

The CRA — which receives and invests tax increment financing revenues into certain city projects — was created in the mid 1990s and has helped pay for numerous streetscape upgrades to the Hannibal Square area, Park Avenue, Orange Avenue and Morse Boulevard. It also helped pay for housing rehab programs and the construction of the Winter Park Community Center.

The desire to preserve home rule ties back to the city’s desire to maintain its own unique character and charm, Commissioner Peter Weldon said in a statement.

“Winter Park has a long history and with that comes pride of ownership among those choosing to live here,” Weldon said. “Winter Park residents want our city to reinforce our unique character, not to be the same as other communities.

State mandates impose onesize-fits-all dictates that limit our flexibility to adapt in ways that fit Winter Park’s character.

A perfect example of this is last year’s state laws that took away our right to manage where and how wireless telecommunication poles are implemented.”

Tree planting, trimming and

To read the full letter, visit bit.ly/2Ca8NLs.

removal also could be controlled and regulated by the state under House Bill 521 and Senate Bill 574.

“It has been modified several times but in its current form, this bill would still impair the city’s ability to regulate trees near power lines,” Knight wrote in his letter to residents. “It would also shift the responsibility for electric utility storm repair costs, even those outside our electric service area, from other electric providers to the city to pay, in certain circumstances.”

Knight urged in the letter for residents to voice their opinions and contact Sen. Linda Stewart of District 13, Rep. Mike Miller of District 47, and Rep. Robert “Bob” Cortes of District 30.

“It is extremely important for citizens to contact their state representatives to let them know what they want and expect,” Weldon wrote. “These people are supposed to represent us, not lobbyists and Tallahassee power players. The great advantage of a democratic republic is that we each get to hold our representatives accountable. If they don’t hear from those who elect them, they are likely to be directed by those who didn’t elect them.”

“It’s important for citizens to tell their elected officials from local to state and national how they think and feel,” Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel said in a statement. “We are elected to represent the public and the trust the public has in us mirrors how well we can represent them. We do need to hear from all sides of every issue then make informed decisions.”

“Winter Park residents want our city to reenforce our unique character, not to be the same as other communities.”

— Peter Weldon

March 4, 2018

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The City Commission is urging residents to contact local leaders over a series of controversial bills.

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

A healthy treat Caroline DeSormoux hopes to promote a healthy lifestyle for children with her popsicle business, Yum Yum Pops.

TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Delicious, frosty treats don’t have to be unhealthy. That’s the message that Yum Yum Pops owner and and Winter Park resident Caroline DeSormoux wants everybody to know.

Yum Yum Pops is coming to a school or public park near you with a classic old school popsicle cart and rainbow umbrella, offering children a healthy alternative to ice cream and cake.

The difference is all in the ingredients, said DeSormoux, who makes popsicles with all natural fruit juice.

“My thought was always, ‘How can I get the schools here to be more heathy?’” she said. “The way I look at the popsicle — this is a portion of fruit that the kids should be eating. If they eat at least one of my popsicles a day, they are having one portion of fruit. It’s very low in sugar, and it’s all about the fruit. I want people to be able to enjoy a treat and feel like its fun and it tastes good, but at the same time it’s healthy.”

Eating right always has been

a priority for DeSormoux and her family. She and her husband, David, once owned a business selling organic fruits and vegetables from local farmers to restaurants.

The DeSormouxes worked with those farmers to sell fresh produce to eateries, but the family always made sure to buy a box from themselves at home. DeSormoux always opted for packing lunches for her daughter, Luna, as well, instead of letting her buy it at school.

“It’s very east to stop at McDonalds and get a sandwich or Burger King or Chick-fil-A,” she said. “There’s nothing good in that.”

BIRTH OF A BUSINESS VENTURE

An opportunity to take on a new business venture began in 2014, when DeSormoux’s husband first met the original owner of a popsicle cart called Yum Yum Pops. That purveyor was having health issues and couldn’t operate the cart anymore, so in May 2015, DeSormoux and her family bought the business from the owner and carried on the legacy.

Since then, DeSormoux has

started selling popsicles at about 15 local schools, including St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Maitland Montessori School and Bright Horizons in Baldwin Park and Windermere. She also attends various events and parties, such as the opening of a new production at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, she said.

The Winter Park popsicle maker crafts at least 500 popsicles every week, ranging from flavors such as strawberry lemonade and mango to lemon ginger and chocolate banana sea salt.

DeSormoux’s daughter is also a big help — simply by eating a

Tim Freed

popsicle in the park.

“When she’s not right here trying to take over and sell to the people, she actually takes a popsicle and walks around and shows the kids — it’s like marketing,” she said with a laugh.

“When you see somebody eating, you’re like, ‘I want that.’”

DeSormoux someday hopes to find a cafe or restaurant that will sell her popsicles from a cooler, a chance to give even more patrons a healthy treat.

“People are getting to know the name,” she said. “Usually, I make a joke saying ‘It’s so yummy, you got to say it twice.’”

Caroline DeSormoux and her daughter, Luna, are selling healthy treats.

Artisans take spotlight at annual Woman’s Show

L

ocal residents browsed through goods and wares on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the annual Woman’s Show hosted by the Woman’s Club of Winter Park.

The event featured about 25 different vendors and artisans.

Takayah Norris and Sharlene Williams offered a variety of jewelry.

— TIM FREED

Evie Park and Cynthia Mackinnon sold jewelry they made together, with part of the proceeds benefiting the All Saints Episcopal Church gift shop.

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Left: Kaley and Kristy Dunlap sold their soap at the show.

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OrangeObserver.com

Eyes to the sky The Maitland Public Library will be hosting its annual Astronomy Week from Feb. 26 through March 2.

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Space — it’s the final frontier that continues to fascinate humankind.

The desire to learn and explore what lies out among the stars has a grip on adults and children alike.

Most recently, the launching of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket off the Space Coast earlier this month has brought astronomy back into the limelight.

And luckily, it has happened at a good time for the Maitland Public Library. This week, the library is looking to continue fueling that passion for space with its annual Astronomy Week.

The weeklong event, which takes place Feb. 26 through March 2, encompasses a wide variety of different programs that are meant for everyone, said Amber Downs, the library’s manager of public services.

“We put on adult and children’s programs focusing on space, astronomy and kind of learning more about our universe,” Downs said. “We do lectures as well as telescope nights, where community members bring their telescopes and then can share with others to explore space.”

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D o w n s also said the library re ce ive d g r a n t funding from the Friends of the Maitland Public Library to purchase two high-powered telescopes. One will be left at the library, while the other will be available for checkout by Maitland residents who have their library cards.

All of the events — free and open to the public — will be held at the library — except for the telescope viewings, which will take place right across the street at Quinn Strong Park. Tuesday’s viewing will be led along by local astronomy enthusiast Steve Ruta.

Another highlight of the week will come in the form of a an introduction to amateur astronomy by an astronomer from Seminole State College’s Buehler Planetarium.

Alongside the programs for older kids and a d u l ts, t h e library also will

IF YOU GO

ASTRONOMY WEEK WHEN: Feb. 26 through March 1 WHERE: Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave. S., Maitland COST: Free

be putting on events for children.

“We have kids programs that are hands-on, like crafts, and then we have a community event where we’ll be doing another children’s program,” Downs said.

“We’re going to be doing a so l a r f l a re viewing during the day and we will also be hosting movies throughout the week for people to drop in and watch with us.”

The movies include a showing of “Apollo 13” on Tuesday, a movie to be decided on Wednesday, and a showing of “The Right Stuff ” on Friday.

And for those who take their young children to the library’s story time during the week, the upcoming sessions — which take place at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday through Thursday — all will follow the space theme as well, Downs said.

“We have to get everybody involved — even the little ones,” Downs said.

Although the annual event is held to help educate the general public, library officials hope the community will walk away with more than just a new comprehension of our galaxy.

“We hold an astronomy week to bring our community together to explore our universe and gain further understanding about the world around us, as well as to promote community growth and sharing,” Downs said.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

LIST OF EVENTS MONDAY, FEB. 26 Kids Space Craft: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Join Miss Mary and Miss Kami for an afternoon of space-themed crafts that will be out of this world. All ages welcome.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27 Celestial Cinema: “Apollo 13,” noon to 2:30 p.m.

Junior Astronomers; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. An astronomy enthusiast will guide attendees through a lesson and activity about the sun, moon and stars. For elementary-age children.

Telescope Viewing: 7 p.m. at Quinn Strong Park. Join astronomy enthusiast and Maitland Rotarian Steve Ruta in Quinn Strong Park to view the cosmos.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 Celestial Cinema: Movie TBA, 3:30 p.m.

Introduction to Amateur Astronomy: 7 p.m. Learn how to choose and use telescopes and binoculars and how to start observing the sky. This lecture will be led by an astronomer from the Seminole Sate College Buehler Planetarium.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 Sun Spot Viewing: 1 p.m. Join astronomy enthusiast Don Crowell in the library courtyard.

Telescope Viewing: 7 p.m. at Quinn Strong Park. Courtesy of SSCF, Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 Celestial Cinema: “The Right Stuff,” 10:30 a.m.

Save the Date!

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Sat. & Sun., March 3rd & 4th, 2018 10am to 5pm

Monday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Maitland Stage Band Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts 1905 Kentucky Ave. Winter Park 32789 $15 seat or $20 table seat BlueBambooArtCenter.com Tuesday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m.

Baroque Chamber Orchestra Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts 1905 Kentucky Ave. Winter Park 32789 $15 seat or $20 table seat BlueBambooArtCenter.com

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Sunday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m.

Baroque Chamber Orchestra Venue on the Lake-Maitland Civic Center 641 Maitland Ave. S. Maitland 32751 $10 ticket VenueOntheLake.com Sunday, April 29 at 4:00 p.m.

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WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Not done yet The Edgewater Eagles claimed their second consecutive district championship last week.

Now, they have their eyes trained on a state title.

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Most expected one team to be there — the other, not so much.

In a battle between the powerhouse and the underdog, the powerhouse came up big as Edgewater (22-5, 10-0) raced past Ocoee (7-18, 0-5) in a 71-60 win in the Class 8A, District 5 championship game Friday, Feb. 16.

Junior guard Dequarious Jordan soared high as he picked up two points on a layup.

Although the win would be a big deal for most, it’s just another step for a team looking to make it back to the state finals for the second consecutive year, Eagles coach Jason Atherton said “Honestly, if you told me at the beginning of the season that (we would) be hosting the first round of regionals, I’d take that any day of the week,” Atherton said. “We come into the season with five goals at Edgewater: a district title, a regional title and a state title — the other two goals are to win the Metro, which we’ve done, and beat Boone. So we are three goals down with two left.”

The Eagles came out hitting on all cylinders early in the game.

After going down 2-0 early, they went on a 15-0 run through the first half of the first quarter.

Six of those points came from senior forward Robert Allen, who finished the game with 11 points.

Allen, the second leading scorer on the team with an average of nearly 11 points per game, has given opposing teams fits on the inside. He has taken advantage in the paint with his long 6-foot-8 frame. It’s also helped him on the boards: He leads the Eagles with 202 rebounds — just over nine per game.

A l t h o u g h t h e K n i g h ts eventually broke the streak and found a better rhythm by the end of the half, they just couldn’t overcome the Eagles’ offense — going into the half down 42-27.

Another story during the first half was the hot shooting from deep by the Eagles’ hot-handed Rahem Butler —who racked up nine points on three-for-three from behind the arc. The senior forward, who only averages about seven points, racked up 15 points.

“Our intensity from the getgo was good — I thought our defense in the first half was really good,” Atherton said. “In the third quarter, I thought we got a little sloppy on the defensive end and also on the offensive end. We missed a bunch of shots around the basket that we normally make.”

Photos by Troy Herring

Players from both Edgewater and Ocoee battled for a loose ball in the Class 8A, District 5 championship game.

In the third quarter, the Knights’ stormed back and took the lead. However, that did not last more than a few seconds; the Eagles came right back down the floor to retake command.

Although the Knights’ were able to keep the Eagles’ lead to just three toward the end of the quarter, that would be the closest they could muster. The Eagles simply outlasted them for the rest of the game.

The MVP of the fourth quarter, and of the game, for the Eagles came in the form of Michael Eads — whose 11 points in the final quarter helped seal the 71-60 win.

The sophomore guard picked up a team high 20 points in a strong shooting performance.

Eads has been one of the go-to players for the Eagles all season.

He leads the team in scoring (12.3 points per game) and added

3.6 assists per game to go along with his average of almost seven rebounds per game.

Junior guard Trevon Cason added an additional 13 points, while senior forward Robert Allen totaled 11 points.

With the district title, the Eagles have sealed up an automatic playoff berth. It also means the Eagles will get to host the first round of states.

Atherton and his squad now are looking to take the next step — bringing home a state title.

“We’ll enjoy this tonight, but our focus is on next Thursday,” Atherton said. We just have to take it one game at a time to try and make it back to Lakeland.”

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GAME FILM

OrangeObserver.com

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

9

Bishop Moore routs Trinity Prep in 19-4 win I

t was a long Tuesday afternoon for Trinity Prep (0-2-1), as the Saints fell to Bishop Moore (3-1) in a 19-4 walloping.

The non-conference game, held Feb. 20 on a neutral field at Hagerty High, got out of hand quickly as the Hornets’ offense exploded early — leading to the Saints starting out of the gate in a hole. The Saints wouldn’t recover as the bats stayed hot all game for the Hornets.

Next up for the Hornets is the Lake Minneola Hawks (0-0) on Feb. 28, while the Saints looked to rebound against Lake Mary (2-1-1) Wednesday, Feb. 21.

— TROY HERRING

The Hornets rounded the bases on the Saints and put together 19 total runs.

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The Saints’ starting nine did their best to combat the Hornets’ red-hot hitting.

Bishop Moore’s defense and pitching held the Saints to just four late runs before taking the win.

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Positions Wanted 10

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Positions Wanted

The First Tee of Central Florida nonprofit looks to help children through golf.

HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER

Tom Lawrence believes there is much you can learn trying to hit a golf ball out of a sand trap.

“You have to give 100% on your first shot in golf and 100% in your 15th shot if you’re struggling in a bunker,” Lawrence said. “It’s just another way to learn perseverance.”

Lawrence is the executive director of First Tee of Central Florida, a Winter Park-based youth development organization that specializes in teaching kids how to golf. The 5-year-old nonprofit soon will open registration for its seasonal Golf Life Skills and Experience clinic at the Winter Park Country Club. The program, which takes place each fall, winter, spring and summer, will be open for registration March 12.

The spring season clinic will kick off two weeks later on March 26.

The goal of the program is threefold. Not only do students learn to lower their handicaps, but also they are taught life skills and health habits that stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“Sometimes, we call it ‘putting the medicine in the bologna,’” Lawrence said. “They’re learning things without really knowing it’s happening.”

Each half-hour session focuses on a life skill and value that is discussed at the beginning and is built into the golfing lesson.

Those values include integrity, judgement, confidence, respect, responsibility and more.

Fo r honesty, the children a r e

IF YOU GO THE FIRST TEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GOLF LIFE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WHEN: Registration begins March 12. Clinic begins March 26.

WHERE: Winter Park Country Club, 761 Old England Ave., Winter Park COST: $55 per session; $25 annual membership fee WEBSITE: thefirstteecfl.org NINE CORE VALUES n Honesty n Integrity n Responsibility n Perseverance n Respect n Sportsmanship n Judgment n Courtesy n Confidence

introduced to score cards for the first time and have to keep their own scores without cheating.

The lessons also have character-building elements such as giving strong handshakes and asking open-ended questions to improve conversational skills.

The sessions cost $55 with a $25 annual membership fee that covers golf clubs and other equipment for the kids. Lawrence said each session group is capped at around 16 children with the total number of kids being 51 percent from diverse backgrounds and 37 percent female.

First Tee tries its best to add some color and flair to the Winter Park golf course beyond the expected greens and browns.

“We sometimes have our kids practice with pool noodles with bright colors, they aim for them on the golf course,” Larence said.

“We have games like putt-tactoe, where we have a tic-tac-toe board on the (putting) green.”

Lawrence, 31, started hitting the links in his first year of high school in New York. He worked at a First Tee office in Florida before eventually becoming program director for the Winter Park branch. He said his office, which has three full-time employees and 17 part-time coaches, works at 10 locations across Central Florida.

He’s happy to teach children about golf but he finds even more satisfaction in the character-building values they pick up along the way.

“To see the young people who started with us five years ago and have stuck with us and become young adults and see what they want to do, that’s the stuff that makes us the most proud,” Lawrence said. “Quite honestly, not many want to go on to do collegiate golf. But we have a couple high school seniors that want to be a neurobiologist or start a real estate business.

We hope golf can be a way for them to reach their wildest dreams and goals.”

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 Announcements Open House EMAIL: classified@orangeobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm DEADLINES: Classified - Monday at 10:00AM • PAYMENT: Cash Check or Credit Card.

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers SUNDAY 1-4

Puzzle One Solution: 2709 Parkland Drive, WP 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,326to SF turn | $414,900 “If you want your children out Charming Winter Park Home well, spend twice as much time with SUNDAY 1-4 them, and half as much money.”

1201 Chichester Street, Orlando – | Abigail Van Buren 3 BR | 3 BA 2,513 SF | $549,000 Charming Pool Home in Orwin Manor

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BA | 4,846 SF |can’t $2,799,000 Under Construction by E2 Homes control it.”

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

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407-401-9929

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Puzzle Two Solution: “Very often it’s really inconvenient -who you fall in love with. You can’t really control it.”

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Observer

2018

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Friday, June 9, 2017

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

264016

Golf organization ready to tee off with spring clinics

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

W EAT HER

OrangeObserver.com

I LOVE WINTER PARK

FORECAST FRIDAY, FEB. 23 High: 84 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 20%

SATURDAY, FEB. 24 High: 86 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 High: 88 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 20% Phil and Amy Calandrino, of Winter Park, took this photo of their dog, Duke, basking in the sun next to Lake Virginia. Look for this whippet trotting up Park Avenue near his mom and dad’s office or follow all of his adventures at @DukeWhippet on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

MONDAY, FEB. 26

The Winter Park/Maitland Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured in the newspaper. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to tfreed@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love Winter Park” in the subject line.

See other photos at OrangeObserver.com

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, Feb. 23

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Sunday, Feb. 25

6:55a

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Monday, Feb. 26

6:54a

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Tuesday, Feb. 27

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Wednesday, Feb. 28

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March 24 First

March 1 Full

March 9 March 17 Last New

RAINFALL Wednesday, Feb. 14

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YEAR TO DATE:

FEB. TO DATE:

2018 2.18 in.

2018

.33 in.

2017 2.96 in.

2017

.88 in.

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High: 87 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 10%

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©2018 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

29 “Carmen” solo 30 On the double, briefly 1 Attachments to back31 Reads over quickly boards 32 Film partner of Louise 5 Motherboard pt.

8 Fourth qtr. month11 “I 34 What atheists insist on being ___ afraid of that!”

36 Place to get steamed 14 Motored movers 38 Lah-di-___ 18 Far from land19 39 Pretentious poseur Word to a dentist 20 Producer of molasses 40 Org. of dentists 43 Branch angle 22 Chipping option 46 Alliance since 1949 23 Fail to persist 48 Some believers 26 “___ Zapata!”

27 Thou-shalt-not things 52 Catch unawares 28 Waterway serving Orsk 54 Chinese cooking vessel

56 Farming tool 57 Moistens a turkey 58 Band box 60 Small striped fish 64 Move on all fours 65 Terser 67 Syrian city 68 Under siege 71 Strip of planking on a ship 72 Glaziers’ stick’ems 73 Blood of the Greek gods 76 Firmly established 78 Hill big shot, briefly 79 Turkey part?

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.

“PJ NVK FGAH NVKX UWPYOXBA HV HKXA VKH FBYY, CRBAO HFPUB GC LKUW HPLB FPHW HWBL, GAO WGYJ GC LKUW LVABN.” – GTPEGPY MGA TKXBA “FNLS DRZNI GZ’B LNJPPS GIMDIFNIGNIZ -- HKD SDY RJPP GI PDFN HGZK. SDY MJI’Z LNJPPS MDIZLDP GZ.”

– VJMXBDI ELDHIN

Puzzle Two Clue: X equals K

fastest 113 Some ground-floor opportunities 114 Come into prominence 115 Visored military cap 116 Be cautious, in a way 119 “Zounds!” kin 120 Free Wi-Fi, e.g.

121 Work a hand shuttle 122 “I’ll second that” 123 Test another’s courage 124 Permit 125 ___ favor

52 Telly network 53 Parts of rivers 55 Russian alcoholic beverage 59 ___ as a peacock 60 Stadia are filled with them 61 Manning under center 62 It represents financial loss 63 Covered with small dots 65 Primitive chuckee 66 Big bang maker 69 Little strummed instrument DOWN 70 Slow, to a maestro 1 Inflatable floaters 71 Like the Mojave 2 Newton of science 74 Like some exams 3 Toast variety 75 Unit of sunlight 4 ‘Do place 76 Little bit of goo 5 Caribbean getaways 77 Known to very few 6 Bit of butter 79 Assistant 7 “Yeah, I hear ya” 83 Yard tool 8 Jack Ruby’s victim 85 Penalty for crossing the 9 Non-PC miner line?

10 Take a crack at 86 Pigskin prop 11 Maytag rival 87 As if in a dream 12 Videos’ counterparts 89 Shouts of pain 13 Applied jam 90 Soundly beat 14 Composer Antonio 94 “Oh, my!”

15 Pop up into view 16 Some old Chevy models 96 Light wind 98 Charades or Monopoly, 17 Loses it 21 Gov’t. property overseer e.g.

99 Dried, like mud 24 Office VIP 100 Letter furthest from 25 Before, to or fro alpha 32 Yellow transporter 80 Airport terminal abbr.

101 Stock without face 33 “So there it is!”

81 Fishy delicacy value 35 Collectible 82 Work-stoppage com37 Be an excellent student 103 “The Spectacles” pensation author 40 Controversial apple 84 Stupefies with drink 104 Sibilant sounds that spray 88 Fall into a chair 41 Calamities or catastro- summon 91 Adult tadpole 106 Did some ushering phes 92 Marina ___ Rey, Calif.

42 Flemish city in Belgium 107 Tough-to-remove dirt 93 Family-vs.-family beefs 108 City near Salt Lake City 44 Potato variety 95 Slangy “used to be” 109 Frigid temperature 45 Twist in a bar?

97 Beer container 112 Ages galore 47 With the most coils or 99 Honored one 114 Little newts curls 102 Forestless tract 117 Tiny shot 49 Ready to set sail 105 Shop talk, i.e.

50 Busy one’s list heading 118 Some batteries 110 Famous ___ of cookies 51 Equal a poker bet 111 Determine who is the

SIDE SHOW by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: X equals R

CROSSWORD

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-22-18

WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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ALSO INSIDE: Winter Park: First Weekend of the Arts. 3 Audubon Society: Wind Beneath Our Wings. 7

ARTS + CULTURE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

Winter Park Photography Club members enjoyed an afternoon portrait session in downtown Winter Park.

They just click The Winter Park Photography Club is bringing locals together through a collective passion for the medium.

TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR

W

alking downtown with cameras strapped around

their necks, the members of the Winter Park Photography Club are on a mission. Everyone knows Park Avenue is a picturesque spot in the city, and the members of the WPPC is looking to take advantage of it.

SEE PAGE 6

Photo courtesy of the WPPC

The club, which was founded last year, has brought a community of photographers together from all backgrounds.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

OrangeObserver.com

SEE THE GALLERY OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS AND FESTIVAL DETAILS AT WWW.WPSAF.ORG

DETAILS AT WWW.WPSAF.ORG

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SEE THE GALLERY OF PARTICIPATING ARTISTS AND FESTIVAL DETAILS AT WWW.WPSAF.ORG

ARTS + CULTURE

OrangeObserver.com

Penelope, Princess of the Peacocks, led a parade of children during storytime at the Winter Park Farmers Market hosted by the Winter Park History Museum.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The pieces on display at Crealde School of Art were on loan from the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

Art on the Green featured large-scale sculptures by artist David Hayes on display in front of Winter Park City Hall.

Time to shine W

inter Park’s 18 major arts and culture nonprofits combined their efforts to present the city’s first Weekend of the Arts Feb. 16 to 19.

Throughout the four-day event, attendees from near and far enjoyed a plethora of creative displays and performances in myriad artistic disciplines.

The event concluded Monday, Feb. 19, with a performance by the Chris Cortez Trio at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts.

The group — comprising Blue

Bamboo owner Chris Cortez on guitar/vocals, Marc Clermont on drums and Chuck Archard on bass — jammed the night away as they played covers and some of their own material.

The city of Winter Park has been committed to arts and culture since it was established in 1882. The recent arts and culture initiative is a result of Vision Winter Park — a yearlong vision process with meetings and informational sessions throughout the city in 2015.

— TIM FREED, TROY HERRING AND HARRY SAYER

Chuck Archard was feeling his bass playing as he and the Chris Cortez Trio played to a small crowd at Blue Bamboo.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

THIS WEEK

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

CONCERTOS BY CANDLELIGHT: THE CLASSICAL ROMANTIC 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and Saturday, Feb. 24, at Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. Knowles Chapel comes alive with an evening of sublime melodies and exciting virtuosic concertos featuring Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, the rarely heard Romanze for Viola by Max Bruch, the dramatic Cello Concerto in A Minor by SaintSaëns and the world premiere of Daniel Crozier’s Concerto for Two Clarinets — all accompanied by the Bach Festival Orchestra with Conductor John V. Sinclair. Tickets start at $25. For more information, (407) 646-2182.

THE MAGNIFICATS: BACH AND BEYOND — MUSICAL MEDITATIONS 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Knowles Memorial Chapel, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. The joyful text that is Mary’s song of praise, “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” is presented in diverse and powerful settings by J.S. Bach and other composers who were influenced by and connected to Bach in various ways.

Experience musically the many characteristics from cheerful melodies, colorfully exuberant and festive fanfares, to peaceful and reflective verses. Performed by the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra and conducted by John V. Sinclair.

Tickets from $25. For more information, call (407) 646-2182.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25 JAMES BALDWIN BOOK DISCUSSION 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park. Writing as an artist, activist and social critic, Baldwin probes the complex condition of being black in America. In an age of Black Lives Matter, James Baldwin’s essays are as powerful today as when they were first written. For more information, call (407) 539-2680.

‘HOORAY FOR LOVE!’ 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. A onenight only fundraising event! This 90-minute musical celebration of love songs features the dynamic vocal duo of Natalie Cordone and Shawn Kilgore with their swinging trio of jazz musicians. The singing pair met five years ago while performing on The Playhouse Mainstage in the Tony Awardwinning musical “Baby.” They will perform popular romantic songs made famous through the ages.

Net proceeds will support the

Courtesy of Bach Festival Society of Winter Park

quality musical programming on the Playhouse Mainstage and out in the community. Tickets are $65.

For more information, call (407) 645-0145.

ONGOING ‘BABES IN HOLLYWOOD: THE MUSIC OF GARLAND AND ROONEY’ Through Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave. Suite C, Winter Park. A magical journey from the soundstages of Hollywood to the stages of Broadway, Babes In Hollywood salutes the legendary musical careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Featuring such American classics as “Over The Rainbow,” “You Made Me Love Me,” “Easter Parade,” “But Not For Me,” “The Man Who Got Away,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “That’s

Entertainment,” “Where or When,” “Born in a Trunk,” “Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Strike Up the Band” and more.

For more information including showtimes, call (407) 645-0145.

CURATOR TOURS OF LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY’S LAURELTON HALL 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Morse Museum, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. Learn more about Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island estate with a Morse curator. Space is limited and there are no advance reservations. Free with admission.

For more information, call (407) 645-5311.

GALLERY TALKS ON REVIVAL AND REFORM — ECLECTICISM IN THE 19TH-CENTURY ENVIRONMENT 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Morse Museum, 445 N.

Park Ave., Winter Park. Learn more about the rich diversity of styles, especially in leaded-glass windows, that made up the visual environment of the late-19th century in Europe and America.

Space is limited and there are no advance reservations. Free with admission. For more information, call (407) 645-5311.

GALLERY TALK ON CELEBRATING 75 YEARS — PATHWAYS OF AMERICAN ART AT THE MORSE MUSEUM 11a.m. Fridays at the Morse Museum, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. Learn about the more than 60 objects in the exhibition, which include paintings, pottery, art glass, and works on paper.

Together the works reflect the range of the Morse’s collection and the values of the Museum.

Free with admission. For more information, call (407) 645-5311.

266305

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

ARTS + CULTURE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

5

THE GREAT

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Head to the "duckoration station" to customize your race duck.

Event Highlights • DuckRaces • Duckoration • Face Painting • Bounce House • Mr. Richard Sing-Along • Games & Crafts • Animal Encounter • Food & Sweet Treats

Visit MeadGarden.org for complete information.

Thanks to the flock of quactacular sponsors and great volunteers who make The Great Duck Derby possible.

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JOSH RECOMMENDS

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JOSH GARRICK

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

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

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

‘TWELFTH NIGHT’

Through March 25 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Many Shakespeare companies claim they are producing a play the way William Shakespeare did back in 1600, but we can be proud to say our renowned Orlando Shakespeare Theater is performing “Twelfth Night” in repertory with “Shakespeare in Love,” in a fully-realized Elizabethan production with clothing, scenery, music and dance created (as it was in 1602) and performed by an all-male cast (as it was in 1602). With the reverence we hold for the world’s greatest playwright, it’s hard to conceive of a time when young ‘Will’ was just another “scribbler” eking out a meager living for the plays he wrote before “Romeo & Juliet.” All of this is brilliantly introduced in “Shakespeare in Love,” the funny live stage play drawn from the 1998 Best Picture Academy Award-

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winning movie. If possible, see both plays, and see “Shakespeare in Love” first as that play shows how “Romeo & Juliet” and “Twelfth Night” were conceived. The cast for “Twelfth Night” includes the … uh … beautiful John P. Keller as Olivia and an ensemble that literally leaps to perform two comedies (no angst-filled questions such as “to be or” not here). Both plays are highly recommended. Call (407) 4471700 or visit orlandoshakes.org for tickets.

2

‘LA BAYADERE’

6 p.m. March 3 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. With the fearlessness born of being the fourth generation of Russian ballerinas in her family, Katerina Fedotova runs Russian Ballet Orlando, a pre-professional ballet school on Mills Avenue in downtown Orlando. The same fearlessness serves Fedotova as she creates performance possibilities for her students.

Having learned the classics from her mother and father, she is now putting her stamp on a rarely performed, 141-year-old classical ballet. Premiered in Russia in 1877, “La Bayadere” is set in an ancient — and treacherous — India. The course of true love does not run smoothly between a noble warrior and a temple dancer — hatred and jealousy rule until the end when they are joined in death (think Swan Lake). All 85 dancers are from Central Florida, with the (good) temple dancer performed by Marissa Cristina Smith and the “Maleficent of India” by 16-year-old Jeanna Snyder.

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

‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’

Courtesy of the Orlando Ballet

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‘MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’

March 3 to April 8 at the Orlando Rep. If you have not yet been introduced by your child to the wonders of Orlando Rep, this is the perfect time to “Move it! Move it!” on down to Loch Haven Park. Everything it performs is done with shiny, “today” professionalism, and every performance has a message that addresses that which needs to be addressed in today’s complex world. Let me add that when the humans at Orlando Rep perform the roles of animals, they do it with joyful originality that helps keep the young ones transfixed with their over-active “suspension of disbelief.” Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo — four “pampered” animals from New York’s Central Park Zoo — as they find themselves on the exotic island of Madagascar.

“Feeding time” rolls round to help them remember just one of the good things they ran away from. Performed live at the Orlando Rep at Loch Haven Park, call (407) 896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com for tickets.

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NOCHE DE ZARZUELA

7 p.m. March 4 at the Osceola Performing Arts Center. In 1657, Spain was enjoying the riches flowing into the country from the New World. Throughout history, a new source of funding has always been followed by new art, and at his royal hunting lodge “Palacio de la Zarzuela,” King Philip IV of Spain and his court attended a performance of a new comedy with music.

What a concept! The new entertainment incorporated popular songs, high-class songs (such as opera), dance and drama and eventually became known as “‘Zarzuela” (see Palacio de la above). In one public performance, Opera Orlando joins with Central Florida Vocal Arts for a musical celebration of this passionate, Spanish operatic tradition.

Featuring professional soloists Arleen Ramirez, María Laetitia Hernández, Javier Abreu and Jean Carlos Rodriguez, the event comes together under Conductor Julian Bond, with the Opera Orlando Chorus, Osceola school students and the Alterity Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are $25, $15 and $5 for students. Visit opac.tix.com.

2 and 7 p.m. March 17 and 2 p.m. March 18 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Readers of my column understand the extraordinary level of talent we’ve raised or imported to our arts-loving town. This comes with special thanks to the theme parks that provide steady work for performing artists. I’ve even called our time a “Golden Age” for the performing arts in Central Florida. Every Golden Age calls for exceptional talent, and No. 1 on my list is a young genius who, within the past two years, has created history by accomplishing that which no other person has ever done. Arcadian Broad has written original music for, choreographed and will dance in his own full-length ballet “Beauty and the Beast.”

Please re-read that sentence and think: Tchaikovsky wrote full-length ballet music that will live forever, but he never choreographed one step for a dancer. George Balanchine created contemporary ballet — to the music of history’s greatest composers. Right here in Orlando, our own Broad has done it all. Composer, choreographer, dancer and pianist, our boy genius was recently named first resident artist of the Orlando Ballet, and every one of us who attends Broad’s performances on March 17 and 18 may share the joy and excitement of being a part of ballet history. Please join me in thanking and congratulating Arcadian Broad, who has shown us what it means to be the best that we can be.

Created as a “Family Day” with affordable ticket packages, visit drphillipscenter.org.

Shutterbugs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Sometimes, they wander around looking for the small details that could make for a good photo. Other times, they approach complete strangers for a portrait.

But today, the group is working on learning how to work with studio lights outside — a task that takes a few folks to set up.

They place the light in a good position, take readings to get the right exposure and get the subject in place before they fire off their shutters — which hum with the audible beauty of a bird chirping.

It’s a process of learning,which has been incredibly effective for group members, said founder and local photographer John McLenaghan.

ART IS MOST DEFINITELY ALIVE

Photo courtesy of the WPPC

“I do think that people in general, they have this kind of childlike artist inside them, and maybe we live in a world where people need to escape the nine-to-five job and do this at night on weekends.”

— John McLenaghan

“We like to give practical advice to novice photographers,” McLenaghan said. “Something they can take with them, for the next week, the tricks and tips that we teach them in an hour or two on a Wednesday night — they can take with them over the next month and maybe they’ll go downtown to Lake Eola.

Or they’ll spend some time in Central Park, and they’ll use the techniques we teach them, because they are practical.”

It’s a method of teaching photography that has really

caught on in Winter Park and the surrounding area. The group currently has 374 members on Facebook and more than 1,600 members on meetup.com. Of those, about 550 to 600 are active members.

Recently, the club started a routine of hosting a monthly portrait session in Winter Park, and on Friday nights, members take trips to photograph around Disney.

And these groups aren’t always just a handful of people.

Sometimes, McLenaghan sees as many as 100 come to enjoy the sessions. But what draws in so many of these people?

“I do think that people in general, they have this kind of childlike artist inside them, and maybe we live in a world where people need to escape the nineto-five job and do this at night or on weekends,” McLenaghan said. “Maybe there is something to say about art in this country isn’t quite dead — it’s most definitely alive and people are anxious to get involved.”

THE CITY NEEDS THIS

The club’s growth is an impressive feat, especially considering the group was founded as a passion project in March 2017.

McLenaghan, an Orlando resident who runs his own photography business called John the Photo Guy, noticed last year when he and a friend

were looking for a photo club to join. They searched through social media and couldn’t find anything, so they decided to act.

“It seemed to us that Winter Park is such a great, eclectic type of community — it felt silly to not have one (a photo club), so we just said, ‘All right, we’re going to start one,’” McLenaghan said. “We just decided that this city needs this, so we just did it.”

From there, it was just a means of getting the message out via MeetUp and other social media outlets.

The popularity of the club has bloomed in many different ways, though McLenaghan said a major point for him — and others — is that the active members have developed their own tight knit community.

“The best time to learn something in our groups, is probably the hour right after our meetings are done — it really is something,” McLenaghan said. “Let’s say there are 10 to 15 of us — we’ll head over to a restaurant after we’re done, and the discussion just keeps going.

“We’re not just a bunch of photographers learning how to use cameras,” he said. “We are truly a large group of artists, and we really like to talk and discuss that.”

ALSO INSIDE: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 2018 Gala. 9 Orlando Ballet: Lovers Ball. 10

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An Audobon volunteer brought Susie the American kestrel for the big day.

Chuck and Laural Schmidt got a photo with Sanford the eastern screech owl.

Owl you need is love B

irds of all feathers flocked to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey’s Wind Beneath Our Wings fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 18.

The raptor rehabilitation center brought several of its education ambassador birds, including a bald eagle, a screech owl and a redshouldered hawk, to the Maitland Civic Center for its annual fundraiser benefiting its clinical and rehabilitation programs.

— HARRY SAYER

Above: Twelveyear-old Morgan Schwartz got a quick pic with Hank the osprey.

Left: Linda Guthrie, Scott Taylor and Center Director Katie Warner celebrated another successful fundraiser.

ONLINE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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Daysi Fardales and her daughters, Kaley and Kristina, helped make the event a success.

Members of the Hemophilia Foundation board were thrilled with the turnout.

Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida’s

16th Annual Evening on Broadway

T

he Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida enjoyed a night of fun and fundraising Saturday, Feb. 17, at its 16th annual Evening on Broadway dinner.

Guests gathered on the fifth floor of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to mingle and raise money for the foundation’s programs, scholarships and camps helping those affected by the disorder. Fundraiser attendees bid on trips and gifts at the silent auction before sitting down for a production of “The Lion King.”

— HARRY SAYER

Dr. Shreta Gupta, Joseph Hacker and Robin Potter enjoyed this year’s event.

Christina Acosta and Dr. Elyse Saltalamachia were happy to support the community.

83RD ANNUAL BACH FESTIVAL CONCERTOS BY CANDLELIGHT FRI & SAT, FEB. 23 & 24 | 7:30 PM

CONCERTS CONTINUE THROUGH MARCH 4 AT ROLLINS COLLEGE SINCE 1935 The Annual Bach Festival continues a tradition of great choral, symphonic, and chamber music in Winter Park that stretches back to 1935.

GIL SHAHAM AND AKIRA EGUCHI TUE, FEB. 20 | 7:30 PM

Join us for world-class music with programs great for classical music enthusiasts or newcomers alike.

The festival features the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, offering selections from their rich and widelyvaried repertoire.

THE MAGNIFICATS: BACH AND BEYOND SAT, MAR. 3 | 7:30 PM

GREAT SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

BACH, BRAHMS, AND BRUCKNER SUN, MAR. 4 | 3:00 PM

THIS AD GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY:

www.wateroak.com

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407.646.2182 | BachFestivalFlorida.org

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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REAL BLACK

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Michael and Karla Radka are proud supporters of St. Jude because their son, Christopher, is a research scientist there.

Ivette Blanco, Claudine Gault, Gidget Keller, Stephanie Carter, Sharon Wulff, Liz Velez, Mary Haag and Julie Keotahlian looked lovely.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Orlando Gala 2018

S

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Anne Gordon, Keri Barnes and Laura and Dan Parkins were happy to support St. Jude.

Right: WESH 2 News anchors Jason Guy and Michelle Imperato met St. Jude patient Zane Arnold, 11, and his sister, Caroline, 3.

Thursday, February 28 • 5 - 8 PM Winter Park Farmers’ Market Enjoy creative chili dishes from Winter Park area restaurants and caterers, Entertainment by the Gazebros AND a great silent auction!

Net proceeds donated to local charities.

Tickets and information at www.chiliforcharity.org

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

Brandywine Square 267696

t. Jude Children’s Research Hospital doesn’t bill its patients and their families for treatment. Rather, it relies on donors for funding.

And on Sunday, Feb. 18, hundreds of generous donors from throughout Central Florida came to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for an elegant evening complete with food, fun and entertainment — all to support the mission of St. Jude. The third annual St. Jude Orlando fundraising gala, emceed

by WESH 2 News anchors Jason Guy and Michelle Imperato, included live and silent auctions, dinner and a cocktail hour.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Orlando Ballet’s

Lovers Ball T

he Orlando Ballet Company and School put on a romantic show full of drinks and dancing for its first Lovers Ball.

The event, held Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Loch Haven Park Neighborhood Center, had the ballet members dress their best, don theatrical masks and hit the dance floor to mingle and pose for photos.

Money raised at the ball will benefit the company’s operations; it hopes to construct a new building in the future.

— HARRY SAYER

Dustin Becker and dancer Albert Blanco turned heads.

Arcadian Broad gave Taylor Sambola a kiss.

Mark Armstrong and Flora Maria Garcia were royalty for the night.

Above: Ballet dancers had a blast at the end of the night.

Left: Artistic Director Robert Hill was proud to show off the event.

Several guests danced the night away.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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• • • SAVE THE DATE • • • • • • Creative Outdoor Dining to Benefit Matthew’s Hope • • •

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM AT THE PINES AT WINDERMERE

MC for the evening

Scott Maxwell

of the Orlando Sentinel

266745

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The most Creatively Themed Table will win the coveted Best Dressed Table Trophy!

For more information or to reserve your Table: www.matthewshopeministries.org/Annual-Garden-Party or call 407.905.9500 www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

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OrangeObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Come join Central Florida Community Arts for fun and affordable courses in Winter Park and Maitland geared toward adults 60 years and over! All skill levels welcome!

PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY

Play It Out - Acting Expand your imagination as you learn the basics of stage acting through the use of improvisational games, role-playing, and script readings.

Choose between: Wednesdays 6:30 – 8pm – Winter Park Community Center, 21 W. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 Mondays 10 – 11:30pm – Art & History Museum of Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Avenue Maitland, FL 32751

Feel It, Move M It - Dancing This introductory course is designed to inspire even the most self-conscious person to discover their inner dancer by moving through the energizing and lyrical rhythms of the most glorious music!

Choose between: Tuesdays 10–11:30am – First Congregational Church of Winter Park, 225 S Interlachen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 Fridays 2–3:30pm – Allegro Senior Center, 2701 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Pass It On - Storytelling Expand your imagination and explore your creativity by sharing the stories and experiences of your life. We will use prompts to help you tell classic stories along with both fictional and nonfictional stories.

Choose between: Thursdays 2–3:30pm – Winter Park Public Library, 460 E New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 Fridays 10–11:30am – Maitland Senior Center, 345 Maitland Ave S, Maitland, FL 32751

Sign Up Today!

Just $30 per eight-week course! (That’s less than $4 per week!)

Call 407.937.1800, Ext. 720 or online at CFCArts.com

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