03.19.15 West Orange Times & Observer

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THURSDAY

MARCH 19, 2015

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WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA

ACTIVE

ARTS & CULTURE

SPORTS

DP student competes in 2015 regatta.

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Winter Garden woman crochets headpieces for kids with illnesses.

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Olympia senior Kelsey Lehman leads by example.

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FAITH by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

OUR TOWN

Steven Ryzewski

WINTER GARDEN — Just six months after Winter Garden leaders replaced the city’s traditional invocation with a moment of silence, they voted 4-1 to bring prayer back to the commission chambers.

The resolution — one of six presented by City Attorney Kurt Ardaman — directs City Manager Mike Bollhoefer to compile a database of religious congregations and other groups and organizations

+ SunRidge girls win in semis

+ ONP takes aim at archery

TWELVE DECADES

OF CHRISTIANITY One of the most beautiful features at the Methodist church in Winter Garden is its stained-glass window in the sanctuary.

The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden will spend the next year celebrating its 120th anniversary, reflecting on its past and continuing to build on its legacy.

LIVING THE LEGACY

+ Sailing Club offers classes

I

WO This week’s winner is

Stephen Cushman.

See the photo on PAGE 5B.

with an established presence within the jurisdictional limits of the city of Winter Garden. Its goal is to create a “broad and diverse” pool of clergy to give invocations.

Several commissioners said restoring prayer in a constitutionally compliant manner will bring diversity to the opening of each meeting.

“I take my oath to defend

SEE PRAYER / PAGE 6A

EDUCATION by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Oakland Nature Preserve soon will be offering archery classes at the preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland.

A certified archery instructor will be leading the classes, for which there will be a fee.

For more, check ONP’s calendar on the website, oaklandnaturepreserve.org, or call (407) 905-0054.

The Sailing Club in Central Florida is offering sailing lessons through June on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Learn basic sailing skills and terminology from the instructors of the Central Florida Community Sailing Program. Cost is $145. To register, visit thesailingclub.us.

Commission restores prayer at city meetings The decision comes six months after the same board voted to replace the traditional invocation with a moment of silence.

Kennedi Rodgers shoots a free throw for SunRidge in the first half of Monday’s game.

The SunRidge girls basketball team played Meadowbrook in the semifinals of the Orange County Public Schools Middle School Championships March 16, with the Eagles scoring a 36-27 victory.

SunRidge, which led 30-15 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, withstood a furious rally

by Meadowbrook. With the lead cut to just four, 31-27, and 2:16 to play, SunRidge’s Sarah Placide hit a free throw which was followed by a pair of free throws from Kennedi Rodgers — giving the Eagles the breathing room they needed to hold on for the win.

SunRidge played in the OCPS Middle School Championship on Wednesday after press time.

WINTER GARDEN by Peter M. Gordon | Contributing Writer

Courtesy photos

The church’s Building Committee gathers in front of the education wing under construction in 1950: W.F. Cappleman, left, Harry Smith, Mary Dale, Frank Roper, C.O. McRae, Charles Gregory, the Rev. Jesse Waller and District Superintendent Dr. O.E. Rice. In the background is the sanctuary, built in 1942.

W

hen members of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden gather Sunday, March 22, for the two morning worship services, they will meet outdoors under the trees — just as the church’s early members did, first at Daniels and Roper roads and later at Newell and Boyd streets. This will begin a year of celebration as the church recognizes its 120th anniversary.

It all began in a brush arbor south of State Road 50.

The First United Method-

ist Church of Winter Garden was born out of the old Beulah Congregational Church, which became Beulah Methodist Episcopal Church South in March 1895. It moved into a new building on land south of the city deeded to the church

by Christian Peters. After the congregation moved to Winter Garden around 1909, the building was sold to members of an African-American church on South Street in Winter Garden.

SEE CHURCH / PAGE 4A

The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden is celebrating its 120th anniversary with a yearlong campaign called “Living the Legacy.”

On Sunday, March 22, services at 9 and 11:15 a.m. will begin outdoors under the trees and move into the sanctuary for the continuation of worship. Visiting the church that day will be former pastors Dale Harward and his wife, Lucy, and Jim Reeher and his wife, Meme. The community is invited to attend Sunday and worship together for the “Return to the Arbor” services.

“It’s from simple beginnings in the brush arbor in 1910 that the church is who we are today,” the Rev. Rusty Belcher said. “It’s exciting to remember our past and to celebrate our legacy. One of our themes is living the legacy in the 120th year, and we’re doing just that.”

OCPS, county near decision on WOHS relief high school WINTER GARDEN — Dozens of parents and students gathered at 6 p.m. March 12 in the West Orange High School cafeteria to hear an address on relief for the school, presented by Orange County Public Schools Board Chairman Bill Sublette.

Sublette thoroughly argued the site Orange County Public Schools officials most seek — the Beck Property in the West Windermere Rural Settlement — would best fit the needs of populations growing around it. His primary comparison was the site

SEE RELIEF / PAGE 4A

IF YOU GO

O.C. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING WHEN: 9 a.m. April 7 WHERE: 201 S Rosalind Ave. Orlando CONTACT: (407) 8365426 TO SPEAK: Visit orangecountyfl.net/ BoardofCommissioners/ BoardAppearanceRequest. aspx#.VQgt3WTF9Hg. TO WATCH: orangetvfl. net/watchlive.php (plugin required)

on the horizon by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Horizon West Town Hall examines growth With more coming, Horizon West residents expressed concerns with the county’s ability to meet the demands of the area’s growth.

WINDERMERE — Harvest Bible Chapel transformed from a church to an occasionally heated Horizon West Town Hall March 16, with many residents concerned about various issues facing the burgeoning community in southwest Winter Garden.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd hosted the meeting, which included presentations from representatives from Orange County Fire Rescue, the Or-

SEE HORIZON / PAGE 6A

Zak Kerr

District 1 Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd fielded audience questions after officials’ presentations.

INDEX Arts & Culture.......................13A Classifieds..............................6B

Community Calendar..............2A Cops Corner............................5A

Crossword...............................5B Obituaries.............................17A

Sports.....................................1B Weather..................................5B

Vol. 82, No. 12 , Two sections

WOTimes.com

2A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURS., MARCH 19 Chamber Connection: New Member Orientation and Refresher — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Join the Chamber prior to “Business After Hours” to learn how the group “facilitates opportunity.” Guests will meet fellow members and ensure they are capitalizing on all the benefits included in Chamber membership. The cost is free to current Chamber members.

To register, visit the calendar at wochamber.com.

Eco Movie Night: “First Flower” — 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. The public is invited for a screening of “First Flower,” a documentary about the search for the very first flowers on earth. Although flowers have long been at the center of human life, the question of how flowers evolved has long baffled scientists. But now, a tantalizing fossil that bloomed during the reign of the dinosaurs has surfaced in China. A discussion will follow the film. Admission is free. For more information, call (407) 905-0054.

Kidney Smart Class — 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at DaVita Ocoee Home Dialysis, 1552 Boren Drive, Suite 100, Ocoee. Learn from expert educators about how kidneys function and the best ways to manage your diet and health. This class is free and open to the public. To register, visit kidneysmart.org or call (407) 877-2012.

Table for Two — 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Awardwinning cookbook author Warren Caterson will share kitchen tips, cooking hints and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of cooking. He will also demonstrate how to easily cook for two using fresh and readily available ingredients. A book sale and signing will follow the program. For more informa-

tion, visit tablefortwocookbooks. com.

Teen Art Adventures: CD Scratch Art — 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Learn how to create a special wall hanging from recycled CDs. All supplies will be provided. Ages 11through 18 are welcome. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

West Orange Women’s Luncheon — 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at Café Osceola located in the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando.

A meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. The cost is $19 per person and includes a buffet with salads, entrees, dessert and beverages. Valet parking is free with a handicap placard and self parking will be validated at the luncheon. To make a reservation, call (407) 258-8155 by Thursday, March 12.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 The Art of Pysanky — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Join Lorraine Bell for an all day workshop to learn the centuries-old art of Ukrainian Egg Decorating. Participants will create magnificent eggs using traditional tools and techniques that have been passed on for generations. The cost is $150.

Lunch and all supplies are included. For more information, call (407) 909-1869.

Food Truck Friday and Movie in the Park — 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

A showing of the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Several food trucks will offer gourmet treats, including Krispy Kreme hamburgers, lobster rolls, barbeque pulled pork, crepes, gourmet cupcakes and Swedish burgers. For more information, call the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 905-3180.

How Does a Seed Grow? — 11 a.m. Friday, March 20, at the

West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Children ages 3 to 5 are invited for a fun time at the library with stories, songs, crafts and activities all about flowers. For more information, call (407) 8357323.

In the Garden — 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Ages 6 to 12 are invited to help welcome spring in the Garden. Attendees will enjoy stories and a craft.

For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

Welcome Spring — 10:30 a.m.

Friday, March 20, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Guests will enjoy stories and make a take-home craft in celebration of the arrival of spring. For more information, call (407) 8357323.

SAT., MARCH 21 5K Run, Walk & Roll — 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, at Valencia College’s West Campus, 1800 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando. Come join Valencia College’s Alumni Association for its annual 5K Run, Walk & Roll. Money raised will be used to fund scholarships for students in Valencia’s criminal justice, fire safety and EMS programs. Participants can register as teams. The team with the most participants will win the Team Spirit Challenge Award trophy. Valencia students, alumni or retirees may register for $20 until the day of the race. Others can register for $25 until March 14; registration increases to $30 from March 15-20. Race-day registration is $25 for students, alumni and retirees; the cost is $35 for the public. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/ ValenciaCollegeRunWalkRoll.

Art in Nature — 10 a.m.

Saturday, March 21, at the TibetButler Preserve and Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. Let your creative side run wild in the forest with guest speaker

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787; or by email: news@wotimes.com.

Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

BEST BET Officer Robert “Robbie” German Memorial Softball Tournament and Family Fun Day — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 22, at Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Blvd.

Winter Garden. This event will celebrate German’s life and raise money to help support his family and fellow officers to attend both the state and national fallen officer memorials to be held in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. later this year. The event will include a softball tournament, silent auction, carnival-style games, food and live entertainment. A memorial service will take place at 5 p.m.

Robert Smith, rsmith@town.windermere.fl.us.

Jane Gravois, art instructor, as she teaches how to paint nature while standing in the preserve for inspiration. This class is most appropriate for ages 7 and up; limited to 20 participants. For more information or to register, call (407) 876-6696.

Incredible Insects! — 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 21, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Presented by the University of Central Florida Entomology Club, guests will touch live insects and examine others under a microscope to learn why these tiny creatures are so important. (407) 835-7323.

Lakeview High School Class of 1950 Reunion — noon Saturday, March 21, in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church. The Lakeview High School Class of 1950 will hold its 65-year class reunion and joint luncheon with the Lakeview Class of 1951.

Graduates from these two classes are invited to attend. For more information, call Bob Langley at (352) 989-4245.

Take a Hike with Mr. Shane — 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Former ONP Education Coordinator Shane Overstreet will guide the hike. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, Shane’s preferred hiking pace,

and learn about the history of ONP and Central Florida.

Participants will gather in the education center before hiking the trails. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (407)905-0054.

Turkey Shoot — 9 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge 2165, located at 700 S. Ninth St., Winter Garden.

The cost is $3 per shot. The winner will have a choice of a gift certificate or a turkey. For more information, call Roy LaBossiere at (352) 978-9362 or the lodge after 4 p.m. at (407) 656-2165.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 Dance to Bag Hunger — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at Macy’s Furniture Gallery, 820 W. Town Parkway, Altamonte Springs. Winter Garden-based USA Dance and Macy’s co-sponsor this social dance to benefit Harvest Time International Food Bank. The event will feature dance exhibitions and music played for all kinds of dances by “The Dancing Chapmans” DJs. The dress code is dressy casual.

Admission is $10. For more information, call (407) 6143472.

Lent at Windermere Union Church — 5:30 p.m. Sunday,

March 22, at Windermere Union Church, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, Windermere.

A healing service will be held after which homemade soup and bread will be served. The public is invited to attend this free event. For more information, visit windermereunion.org or call (407) 876-2112.

MONDAY, MARCH 23 Crazy 8’s Math Club — 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Join Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8’s where guests will build, run, jump, make music and a mess. It’s a totally new kind of math club.

Children in grades three through five are welcome. Seating is limited. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

Spring Time is the “Write” Time — 1 p.m. Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Participants will sharpen their writing skills by learning how to find useful information through research, cite sources and proofread. This program requires a weeklong commitment. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Ages 11 to 18 are welcome. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Animal Yoga — 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando.

Children ages 4 to 6 are invited to attend. The cost is $2 per person. Pre-registration is required.

To register, call (407) 876-6696.

Comedy Maks’ Variety Show — 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando.

Comedy Maks will dazzle guests with juggling, magic, plate-spinning and more. There is something for everyone in this high-energy variety show. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

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elections by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Windermere elects new council member Bob McKinley will join the Windermere Town Council March 24. He unseated incumbent Mike Pirozzolo.

WEST ORANGE — Four municipalities of West Orange County held votes Tuesday, March 10, with only one newly elected candidate among six seats for commissions and councils, according to Orange County Elections’ official results.

That candidate is Bob McKinley, who received 26.18% of votes among ballots cast for Windermere Town Council, finishing third to replace two-term incumbent Mike Pirozzolo, who amassed 15.07% of votes.

“I believe the voters were looking for limited growth, preservation of our unique natural setting and improvement in maintenance of our roads and walkways,” McKinley said.

Incumbents Jim O’Brien and Molly Rose retained their council seats, receiving 29.89% and 28.86% of votes, respectively. Rose will begin her fourth council term, whereas

O’Brien will begin his third.

The four candidates were up for three spots on the council. Orange County Elections listed vote totals as 234 for O’Brien, 226 for Rose, 205 for McKinley and 118 for Pirozzolo. Results showed 120 under votes, as well.

“I always try to analyze our elections, what were the issues, what drove people to the polls,” Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn said. “There was no burning issue. The one statistic that stands out to me were the under votes. … People decided to vote for one or two out of three. Think about that. You vote for the candidate you want and leave a vote empty for a candidate. That has a double effect. Not only does your candidate get the vote, but you don’t vote for an opposing candidate, and that is almost like two votes for your candidate. It can have a dramatic effect. And that may be what we saw in this election.”

Among 2,380 registered Windermere voters, 301 cast ballots, a turnout of 12.65%.

“I am always disappointed when everyone is not registered, and then, when everyone who is registered does not vote,” Bruhn said. “We have early voting, absentee voting and my favorite option, going to the polls. There is no excuse for not voting.”

OCOEE

Two Ocoee commissioners sought re-election and won new three-year terms: District 2 re-elected Rosemary Wilsen with 61.82% of votes, and District 4 re-elected Joel Keller with 52.2% of votes.

“I have found that an engaged community starts with an informed community,” Wilsen said. “I will continue to be the voice for the people, be financially responsible, display common sense, get favorable results and stay within our city budget.”

Wilsen received 497 votes to challenger Mike Hopper’s 307, a total of 804 votes among 5,951 registered voters in District 2, equaling 13.51% turnout.

“The percentage should be higher, (because) voting in free elections is an important right that should be exercised by all concerned citizens,” Wilsen said. “City elections are very important, because who are you going to call when you want a pothole fixed or the person who oversees where tax dollars go?”

Keller received 237 votes versus 217 for George Oliver III, a sum of 454 ballots among 8,076 registered voters for a 5.62% District 4 turnout, which Keller said was about average.

“To me, this is because the election is held in March instead of November,” Keller said.

Although Oliver received 161 votes to Keller’s 153, 83 absentee votes made the difference for Keller, because just 52 absentee votes were for Oliver.

For this commission, advancing economic develop-

SEEDS SOWN by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

Winter Garden Community Garden celebrates anniversary WINTER GARDEN — Pam Autrey’s granddaughter is proving that gardening is so easy, even a kid can do it.

Nine-year-old Isabella Rogers has her own plot in the Winter Garden Community Garden, located on an unassuming five-acre parcel at Ninth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where she tends to her wildflowers, carrots and cabbage and her chocolate mint, which she loves to add to her tea.

Autrey, who has several plots of her own, is one of the newest members on the garden board, and she’s working to get the word out that 24 of 101 plots are empty and waiting for residents to exercise their green thumbs and to reap the benefits of organic gardening. This month, the garden celebrates its sixth anniversary, and Autry is there practically every day, either to check on her plants or to answer questions and help other gardeners with their plots.

“When I’m there, people pull in, and I put on my membership hat and explain everything to them that’s going on,” Autrey said.

In her personal 4-foot-by16-foot spaces, she has some wildflowers, but a majority of the dirt is dedicated to vegetables such as cabbage, Swiss chard, carrots, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and turnips.

For $30, gardeners get a year of access to water, compost and garden tools. Another bonus is the new friendships that can blossom.

“There’s a lot of people there that want to socialize, and we have a picnic area there, and there’s every generation there – great-grandma, grandma, moms, dads, kids,” she said.

Not everyone wants to hold a conversation at the garden, though, and that’s OK, too, Autrey said.

“There’s also people who come out there from the really busy day. … It’s nice to be able to get out there and get away,” she said.

TAKING ROOT

It was six years ago that city officials in Winter Garden provided the five acres for the community garden. The prop-

BECOME A GARDENER

ment with commercial business and progress around downtown Ocoee and State Road 429 will be key, Keller said.

WINTER GARDEN

Colin Sharman retained Winter Garden City Commission Seat 4, obtaining 70% of votes against David Kassander. Kassander received just 107 votes to Sharman’s 253.

“The following are what we’re going to accomplish: adjust the current exit from State Road 429 onto Stoneybrook Parkway to better improve the flow of traffic flow; create another fire station to meet the needs of our growing city; expand downtown to include parking for residents and guests; partner with the Solar Bears corporate headquarters to enhance our community including practice rinks; keep taxes low and continually look for ways to improve city services,” Sharman said.

With 360 ballots cast among 6,931 registered voters, the turnout for this election was 5.19%.

OAKLAND

Citizens of Oakland received ballots by mail to decide whether to alter the town’s 13-page charter, including aspects on law conformity, elections, town debt limits and defining the roles of the town’s police department. Among 1,701 registered voters, 196 Oakland residents cast ballots, 11.52%. The amendment passed with 174 (88.78%) votes in favor.

The Oakland Revision Committee met monthly for three years to review the charter and presented necessary changes at the Sept. 23 Oakland Town Commission meeting, where commissioners approved changes before citizens’ votes made revisions official. Five Oakland residents comprised the committee: Mike Braden, Warren Griffin, Frank Merritt, Sal Ramos and Fred Shepherd.

The charter will become effective at the commission’s March 24 meeting.

Amy Quesinberry Rhode also contributed to this report.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

pedal power by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Courtesy photo

Pedal for PAL helps to fund gifts such as bicycles for local children in financial need.

WGPD leading charity bike ride Proceeds from this year’s Pedal for PAL will benefit local children in need.

Pam Autrey is happy with the carrots she harvested last week. erty was earmarked for affordable housing, but construction wasn’t slated for at least five more years, and city leaders wanted the land to serve a useful purpose in the meantime.

More than 100 spots were mapped out for the garden, and all were immediately taken, with a waiting list started for residents eager to get seeds in the soil.

Master gardeners donated their time to the garden and the participants, ready to dole out advice where warranted.

The city also donated $5,000 toward connecting the garden to city water, building a fence and installing a bridge over a ditch at the entrance.

Raised beds have been built and perimeter plots are available for residents with disabilities.

Twelve spaces are designated as “charity plots,” and fresh vegetables are cultivated for local organizations. One-andone-half acres are set aside for selling the bounty at the weekly Winter Garden Farmers Market.

Winter Garden residents who want to try their hand at gardening can call Pam Autrey at (407) 600-2159 or email her at pamautrey@hotmail.com and type COMMUNITY Photos by Amy Quesinberry Rhode GARDEN (all caps) in Collard greens do well in the comthe subject line. munity garden.

There are 10 garden angel plots that have been purchased and donated to someone else. There is room for more, Autrey said.

Garden officials work with Head Start, too, educating young children about gardening. School field trips can be arranged, as well.

For these programs to work at the garden, the non-profit organization depends on local support. Monetary and in-kind donations have been made by Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bloom & Grow Garden Society, The Bond Foundation, Winter Garden Rotary Club, Manheim Orlando, American Water Supply, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, America in Bloom, Central Florida Boy Scouts, Trail Blazers and many individuals.

Charlie Mae Wilder is still garden president and maintains her plot. So does Nancy Reid, who started planting in

the community garden when the gates were first opened six years ago.

To keep gardeners abreast of what’s going on there, a bulletin board is set up in the center of the garden, and Autrey posts information on monthly gardening classes with topics such as square-foot gardening and how to grow the best tomatoes, all led by the Orange County Extension Education Center at the Jessie Brock Community Center, on Dillard Street. Gardeners also can add messages if they have extra vegetables they’d like to trade.

SHARING THE BOUNTY

A garden-to-table event is planned from 6:30 to 8 p.m Friday, May 15, at the garden, with a rain date of May 29.

“People will be able to come in and taste what we’re growing in the garden and get to learn exactly what we’re all about,” Autrey said.

She is hoping this might encourage more residents to pick up some seed packets and see what they can grow.

“We promote education, help the hungry and create a fun place for all to get away from their busy life,” Autrey said. “It’s hard to explain the good feeling you get when you reap a good harvest and sit down at the table and eat it. With the growing trend of organic growing, you can really have ‘hands on’ control of your nutrition.”

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

WINTER GARDEN — For the second annual edition of the Winter Garden Police Athletic League Pedal for PAL March 29, organizers went after the burgeoning cycling community by adding a 65-mile ride to raise more funds.

“This is the first year we’re doing it with this format with the longer distance,” Officer Andrew Raphael, one of the event leaders, said. “So far, we have more riders riding the 65mile route. Cycling in West Orange County and Lake County has a very big following. In adding longer distances, we knew we’d be able to bring on more riders, and the more riders, the more sponsorship and registration fees we get to fund these programs.”

Last year, only a 25-mile ride was available. This year, participants can donate $25 to participate in the 25-mile ride or give $40 for the 65-mile ride, with discounts available for clubs and teams.

“This particular event funds our Police Athletic League, which has two major initiatives during the year,” Raphael said. “One is our Police Athletic League Summer Camp for families in financial need who cannot afford to send their kids to a camp.”

That camp includes breakfast and lunch each day, as well as a snack, Raphael said.

“Then we have a reading program and an art program, in addition to other activities, such as field trips,” he said.

“We have 120 kids, give or take, who get to partake in that.”

The other major initiative is PAL’s Holiday Gift for Kids Program, in which families meeting those same criteria receive gifts such as bicycles for free in December.

Cyclists in this event will receive gifts for their registration fee, including a pre-ride breakfast and a post-ride cele-

IF YOU GO PEDAL FOR PAL WHEN: 8 a.m. ride start Sunday, March 29 WHERE: The Pavilion in downtown Winter Garden COST: $25 for 25 miles; $40 for 65 miles INFO: 407-656-3636, Ext. 4017, or wgpal.org bration with lunch, smoothies, massages, photo opportunities and music by disc jockey Ray Ray. “We have a bunch of different vendors and sponsors out there to promote their businesses,” Raphael said. “Nothing will be for sale. All those services and products are donated for various companies.

This way, all the money can go to the program.”

Pre-ride packets will be available for pickup from 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at Sports Authority, 3373 Daniels Road, or on ride day at the ride site. Registration is available online at active.com, where riders can search for “Hot Pursuit” to get to the page. At 7 a.m. the day of the ride, registration will be available at the pavilion in downtown Winter Garden, before the mass start time of 8 a.m., with a course closure time of 3 p.m.

“I don’t know ultimately how many we’re going to have,” Raphael said. “There’s definitely more room to come and register.”

All routes will be clearly marked, and rest stops along the way will be stocked well, so that all riders can be accommodated.

“It’s going too be a good, fun family event,” Raphael said.

“All levels are welcome. Just come on out.”

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

4A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

CHILDREN FIRST by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Ocoee Starbucks, Orlando CARES connect children to Oprah The West Orange location helped secure $100,000 in grant money for Orlando CARES, which mentors struggling youth.

According to this OCPS map, building a school on State Road 535 would better serve present population growth than the Seidel Road site.

RELIEF / PAGE 1A Orange County Public Schools owns on Seidel Road, where officials have permission to begin construction anytime.

“No doubt in my mind in the last year that one of the strategies has been to run out the clock,” Sublette said. “If (they) tie this up long enough, we’re eventually going to throw in the towel and go build at Seidel. That issue has come up about a half-dozen times at my School Board. Our board is committed to building at the best possible site. Our board is convinced and committed that is the Beck Property. We also believe we would not be able to save any time … by building at Seidel. It doesn’t have the necessary roads, utilities or infrastructure.”

Sublette shared an Orange County Public Schools map of current students and projected growth that indicated the Beck site would be closest to current growth, with the Seidel site causing a greater need to pay for bus transportation and extensive travel for all involved.

“If you look at 2024-25, you’ll see within a two-and-a-halfmile radius of the Beck site … easily, in my estimation, about 70% of the students, and only about 30% of the students … within two-and-a-half miles of the Seidel site,” Sublette said.

“If you’re wondering why we’ve been so resistant to Seidel … building schools that are easily accessible is increasingly important in our society.”

Proponents of the Seidel site have said the School Board has neglected access on a micro level, with students crossing busy streets such as County Road 535, which students walking to the Beck site would have to cross.

NEGOTIATIONS AND PROCESS

For the Beck site, Sublette is certain that the court decision on the site allows construction of a school within reasonable conditions, such as road capacity, setbacks, buffers, noise control and lighting limitations, not the size of the school or style of architecture, he said.

“It’s come down to the siting of the stadium and the size of the school that’s keeping us apart,” he said.

Even with those disagreements with members of the rural settlement, plans could progress if county commissioners and the School Board reach and agreement, he said.

Negotiations involving the School Board and county commissioner boards and rural settlement representatives Citizens United for Sensible Growth could have gone better in being more open to solutions on the site, and the School Board needs to learn from its mistakes while looking

both at building vertically and buying larger parcels for future schools, Sublette said.

“We have an incredibly dysfunctional school siting process in the state of Florida,” Sublette said.

This process includes permissions from county commissioners, following many zoning and land-use laws and costs of more than $90 million per high school, he said. Elementary schools would cost around $13 million and middle schools near $45 million, he said.

District 4 School Board Member Pam Gould and Sublette have said they would look at laws on schools to try to make high-school construction shift to meet growth demands.

GROWING PAINS

“People say we need to build two high schools out here at the same time,” Sublette said.

“For us to do that, we would have to add a second high school on that … list. We’d then have to jump ahead of 10 to 13 other schools in desperate need of relief that have been waiting. Whether we build … on the Beck site or … Seidel Road site, we don’t have any funding to build a second relief high school for at least the next 10 years, and I don’t think probably for the next 14 or 15 years. So the decision on where we build the relief high school is a very important decision.”

By that time, it is likely a third relief high school in the area will be necessary, Sublette said. Despite neighbor counties Seminole and Lake losing student numbers during the recession peak between 2007 and 2009, Orange County grew by 2,000 students per year, he said.

“This year, we grew by over 4,000 students at Orange County Public Schools,” he said. “That means we grew by the equivalent this year alone of over four elementary schools or two-and-a-half middle schools or one-and-ahalf high schools.”

A half-cent tax marked just for school construction still does not meet growth throughout the county, Subletter said, with many schools ahead of West Orange High School for relief and renovation, including some that have waited for about 50 years.

“In 2002 … we had 132 schools on that original renovation list,” Sublette said. “We got to school 94 before that money ran out.”

Sublette said a public hearing on the relief school would occur during the April 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting, when commissioners and the School Board hope to reach an agreement.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

CLARIFICATION To clarify a story about the Orlando Solar Bears in the March 12 issue of the West Orange Times, The Haleski Family group purchased the 16 acres of land for a new community center in Winter Garden. Joe Haleski is chairman of the Solar Bears.

Professional hockey games will not be played in this center; they will continue to be played at the Amway Center in Orlando.

This community center will offer youth hockey games and tournaments, college and men’s leagues and figure skating.

West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper. © Copyright 2015 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved

OCOEE — With the approach of April comes Starbucks’ Global Month of Service and a special celebration at the Ocoee Starbucks.

In a partnership with Greater Orlando CARES Mentoring Movement cochair Nouchelle Hastings, Ocoee Starbucks Manager Randy Wyatt introduced the Teavana Oprah Winfrey Chai to the area April 29, 2014.

Next month, they will gather again to celebrate its first anniversary.

For each sale of this beverage, Starbucks will donate to The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, nationally benefitting groups such as CARES. The announcement became official at the annual meeting of Starbucks, March 19 in Seattle, which was supposed to be in this area, Hastings said.

“When Starbucks — anyone — launches a new product, it’s great that we … invest all this money and all that, but until you have a marriage of something that’s going to be helpful, people don’t pay much attention,” Wyatt said.

“You introduce the Oprah Chai; people come out just to try it. But if you introduce them to something else, they walk away and their heart is filled with a great beverage and also information on something that is happening right in their backyard. It’s the essence of what we do at Starbucks and when we mentor children.”

This is why Wyatt arranged a unique launch with Orlando CARES, a not-for-profit tutoring young people, instead of a mere announcement like other chains unveiling Oprah Chai that day, he said.

“Basically, in the end results of attention we got for that, Orlando CARES got a $50,000 grant each from the Oprah foundation and Starbucks, so $100,000,” Wyatt said. “I was set to be inter-

CHURCH / PAGE 1A

HISTORY

The first meetings were held beneath a tree canopy at Newell and Boyd streets (the location of the church’s north parking lot). A church building was constructed in 1910 at 125 N. Lakeview Ave., its present location.

In the early 1920s, the church went from one Sunday service per month on a four-point circuit (composed of Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland and first Montverde then later Clermont) to a fulltime charge.

In 1941, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the current sanctuary, which was larger than the old frame church building. Nine years later, the Sunday school wing was built south of the sanctuary.

The earliest organization of the church women was the Ladies Aid Society. The United Methodist Women continue today with four circle groups: the Good Morning Group, the Candlelight Group, the Idea Seekers and the Circle of Hope. The United Methodist Men also meet regularly and take on projects around the campus.

An annual tradition is the Easter cross that was first cre-

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Greater Orlando CARES Co-chair Nouchelle Hastings helped Ocoee Starbucks Manager Randy Wyatt unveil the Oprah Chai. viewed via Skype with Oprah.

My boss’s mouth dropped — he was impressed it was happening. Any time you have a connection like that and anything you can do for the community is great. We’re happy to help that way here.”

FALLING BACK

But Hastings and Wyatt had a different idea and passed on the show.

“One of the things they found, even at our corporate level, is that we are so real at what we do,” Hastings said of CARES. “Every time Oprah’s team would call us saying, ‘We need a quote; we need a picture,’ we would jump right on it. When the time came that week for that interview, I said, ‘No, we got to do it together.’ I knew that Randy was traveling, and they said, ‘We want to focus on the kids.’ I said, ‘If the kids are going to be the focus, let the kids (go), and when it’s our time, we’ll be the focus.’”

In Lake Mary, Hastings presented what mentoring means to children. As a result, Winfrey’s staff invited 18 CARES children in place of Wyatt and Hastings, and the children met Winfrey Oct. 23 to 24 in Miami, the third-tolast stop on her tour.

“She said that weekend was everything for her, but it was what happened behind

ated with gladiolus and fern and displayed on the front lawn in 1957. Every spring, church members gather around the cross for family photographs.

The FUMC Learning Center preschool was offered to children two mornings a week starting in 1992 and has grown every year and is now a five-day-a-week program.

In 2005, the preschool added a free VPK program; last year, it began offering extended hours with before- and aftercare. Patty Tate has been the director for all of the preschool’s 23 years and is retiring this summer. Assistant Director Wendy Davis, who has been with the school for 18 years, has been appointed to the top position.

In 1992, the sanctuary was refurbished: the pews were removed and refinished; the wood floors, furniture and doors were refinished; the carpet, altar rail and ceiling tiles were replaced; and the entire room was repainted.

Additional work was done to enhance other areas of the church property.

Expansion was necessary by 2004, so the church purchased the former physician’s office on the east side of Boyd Street adjacent to the church. It is now used for Sun-

the scenes that touched her,” Hastings said. “The kids got a chance to ask her questions.

She was in jeans and just real with them.”

Winfrey advised them on handling rough days, getting through life, bullying and peer pressure, Hastings said.

“There was one young lady, and she felt like she wasn’t pretty, like she wasn’t loved,” Hastings said. “Oprah went through that, feeling that she was less than. She was able to touch these kids where they were. It wasn’t the Oprah on top of the world. It was the everyday Oprah. I gained a bigger respect.”

Orlando CARES was the only such group Winfrey met, because Wyatt and Hastings fell back, Hastings said.

“When we said we’re going to fall back, they were like, ‘What? Nobody does that,’” Hastings said. “Well, we do. They would ask what we were saying that was motivating that day, that there was something really genuine about what we do. I told them that I learned about having an organic environment.”

SPRINGING FORWARD

The partnership between Wyatt and Hastings predated the genesis of Oprah Chai, a talk between Winfrey and Starbucks CEO Howard

day school classes and other group meetings.

Music has always been a big part of the Methodist church, even in the early years before instruments were introduced to services. FUMC’s old-style Aeolian Organ Company pipe organ, installed around 1943, was showing signs of wear, and the church took a bold step last year and purchased a new digital Rodgers Infinity 361. While it was manufactured in the United States, the more than 250 pipes were shipped from Italy.

The congregation is consistently reaching out to the community — locally and around the world — through missions.

The church has a thriving youth group and sponsors Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and hosts many other community organizations on the campus.

Mission teams have made multiple trips to the island country of Dominica to engage in construction projects, and, most recently, they have traveled several times to Cuba to worship and pray with FUMC’s sister churches. The youth are scheduled to go on a mission trip to Costa Rica this summer.

The mission of the United Methodist Church is

Schultz at a wedding.

For a few years, Ocoee Starbucks has hosted CARES for mentoring sessions, enhancing the program, Hastings said.

“It was weird when the (national) partnership came, because that’s what we’ve been doing the past couple years,” Hastings said. “What Randy and I started a year ago has swept the nation, with markets wanting to have partnerships with their local Starbucks. It started from us and led to a rollout.”

Two Orlando CARES graduates have ascended to managerial positions in their companies thanks to the program and Starbucks’ support, Hastings said, with similar successes likely around the country.

“When one of our mentees was shot in the head, Danielle Sampson, he left some samples one morning,” she said. “Information would be given out with a sample of the refreshers.”

While Wyatt and Hastings discussed their partnership, a boy approached Wyatt with fliers to distribute for his birthday party, which will raise money for charity.

Wyatt promised to distribute them and started with an Ocoee police officer who entered many minutes later.

“It’s about giving back and allowing this venue to be a place for people to come together to not only brainstorm, partner and fellowship but to really start fresh,” Wyatt said.

Although their philanthropy and community service might be on a smaller scale, Hastings and Wyatt liken their friendship to that of Winfrey and Schultz.

“To serve coffee to 150 people or to give that away for free first thing in the morning is not a big deal,” Wyatt said.

“Making sure that the brand is intact, the message is clear and that we’re supporting something that’s bigger than us — that matters most.”

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” The local church’s mission is “Building Life-Changing Christian Relationships.”

PRESERVATION

During the year, the church leadership is promoting special events and projects that secure the legacy of the past and lift up the current ministries of the church to the community. The overall goal of the year is to generate a call to action to “live out the legacy” in thought, word and deed.

An important project this year is the appointing of a church history room and the process of digitally archiving materials for future generations. To fund this project, the church is selling anniversary T-shirts at booster.com/ fumcwg120.

The first project, A Pastoral History of the First United Methodist Church, is nearing completion and will be available for viewing starting Sunday in the history room.

Future events will be announced on Facebook and the website, fumcwg.org. If anyone in the community has memorabilia to contribute, call (407) 656-1135.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

Times WEST ORANGE

CONTACT US The West Orange Times is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.

The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Kim Edwards, kedwards@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Laine Richardson, lrichardson@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com

“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

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

CONSTRUCTION by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Ocoee Utilities begins W.O. Industrial Park upgrade A lift station rehabilitation project will take about eight weeks.

OCOEE — The Ocoee Utilities Department began construction work Monday, March 16, centered on the fixing and refurbishing of a lift station within the West Orange Industrial Park.

“It consists of rehabilitation of a lift station, taking a small lift station out and repairing about 700 to 800 feet of sewer main,” Ocoee Utilities Director Charles Smith said. “It’s just an ongoing sewer project to fix some deficiencies in the old lift station and facilitate better sewer mains.”

During this project to rehabilitate Lift Station No. 10 and remove Lift Station No. 9 along Enterprise Street, which Smith expects to last about eight weeks, closures of lanes and even the entire middle section of the street will be frequent.

“Drivers should be aware that there will be no through traffic for a period of time starting Monday, for about eight weeks,” Smith said. “If people are going to the west end of Enterprise Street, they should try to get to those addresses via Roper Parkway by way of Story Road. If they are visiting an address from the east end and come off the east side, they should come off of Maguire (Road).”

Drivers who wish to access properties at addresses of 350 or a lesser number should use Maguire Road to access Enterprise Street, and drivers who wish to access addresses at 375 or a greater number should use Roper Parkway by way of Story Road. Members of the Ocoee Utilities Department will post a detour for Maguire and Story roads during the road closure.

“If drivers know where they’re going, it should not take them any longer than a couple of minutes,” Smith said. “There might be some drivers who don’t watch the detours and don’t pay attention to where they are going. It may take them a little

File photo

time. There shouldn’t be any queueing of traffic, just halfway down the road, it’s cut off.”

Because of that cutoff, some properties on Enterprise Street could be subject to limited access for certain periods. As for why this construction is happening at this time, the replacement has been necessary for a bit of time, and the utilities department staff wanted to start as soon as it could finish designing plans and getting the contractor for the project,

Smith said.

For more information on the construction project in the West Orange Industrial Park, including a PDF diagram that outlines the project area, visit ocoee.org/ A rc h i ve Ce n t e r / V i e w Fi l e / Item/644.

Anyone who would like more information on the project also may contact the Ocoee Utilities Department at (407) 905-3159 or charles. smith@ocoee.org.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

COPS CORNER WEST ORANGE

OAKLAND FEB. 20

ROAD WOES 400 block of West Henschen Avenue. Driving While License Suspended. At 11:47 a.m., an officer noticed a man driving his motor scooter. The officer knew this man had a prior conviction for driving with a suspended license. The officer drove to the man’s residence and asked the man to step out after seeing him arrive on the scooter and enter the home.

CALL STATS OCOEE FIRE

The Ocoee Fire Department (stations 25, 26, 38 and 39) reported 141 calls for assistance from Feb. 19 to 25: Fires: 2 EMS: 99 Vehicle accidents: 9 Hazardous materials/conditions: 0 Public service: 25 False alarms: 6

OCOEE POLICE

The Ocoee Police Department reported 426 calls for service from Feb. 19 to 25: Arrests (adult): 26 Arrests (juvenile): 3 Assault/battery: 10 Burglary (residential and business): 4 Burglary (vehicle): 1 Child abuse: 1 Criminal mischief: 2 Drug violations: 6 DUI: 3 Homicide: 0 Robbery: 0 Sexual battery: 1 Thefts: 7 Vehicle accidents: 15 Vehicle thefts: 0 Missing/endangered adult: 1 Missing/runaway juvenile: 2

When asked why he drove with a suspended license, the man said he did not drive on a roadway but “a residential street.”

The officer told the man he could not operate any motor vehicle on any road. The man said, “No one told me.” The officer arrested him on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

FEB. 23

THE DUDE 17000 block of West Colonial Drive. Drug Possession.

WINDERMERE POLICE

The Windermere Police Department reported 122 calls for assistance from Feb. 23 to March 1.

WINTER GARDEN FIRE

The Winter Garden Fire Department (stations 22, 23 and 24) reported 82 calls for assistance from Feb. 22 to 28: Fires: 1 EMS: 63 Vehicle accidents: 4 Automatic fire alarms: 8 Public assistance: 2 Hazardous conditions: 1 Calls for service: 3

WINTER GARDEN POLICE

The Winter Garden Police Department reported 4496 calls for service from Feb. 19 to 25: Arrests (adult): 31 Arrests (juvenile): 0 Assault/battery: 13 Burglary (residential and business): 4 Burglary (vehicle): 6 Child abuse: 0 Criminal mischief: 1 Drug violations: 8 DUI: 5 Robbery: 1 Sexual assault/battery: 1 Thefts: 6 Vehicle accidents: 20 Vehicle thefts: 0 Missing/runaway adult: 0 Missing/runaway juvenile: 1

At 2:14 a.m., an officer saw a car run a stop sign and then turn right from the left lane.

The officer performed a traffic stop and found one woman, asleep in the back, while the driver and front passenger provided IDs. The officer arrested the passenger for an outstanding Lake County arrest warrant. The others exited the car for a car search.

In the glove compartment, the officer found a hypodermic needle and a black-taped prescription pill bottle with three marijuana baggies and various yellow, blue and white pills in it. Near the center console, the officer found a bag of 12 heroin baggies. The driver said he was not “100% sure if it was the dude’s” but would not be surprised. The woman said the other passenger was her boyfriend of two weeks and that she did not know what was happening because she had been asleep. The officer charged the arrested man with felonious possession of all aforementioned drugs with intent to sell.

OCOEE FEB. 23

POT IN THE PARK Ison Lane at Rich Drive.

Drug Possession. Around 8:43 p.m., officers arrived for backup at the city park, where an officer discovered six people around a brown box with two marijuana bags, rolling papers and a lighter. Officers searched the four males among them, and three received marijuana possession charges, based on the body searches. The fourth had a felonious amount of marijuana and a few hydrocodone pills, according to charges. All four were under arrest.

5A

6A WOTimes.com PRAYER / PAGE 1A the Constitution very seriously,” Commissioner Bobby Olszewski said.

He said supporting the resolutions was a way to show Winter Garden embraces all religions.

Commissioner Colin Sharman agreed.

“I believe in diversity,” he said.

Both Olszewski and Sharman suggested the first invocation be offered by Joseph Richardson — the man who launched the controversy last August, when he refused to stand during the traditional invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor John Rees ordered that Richardson be removed from the Aug. 28, 2014, meeting during the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The action went viral, prompting the commissioners to approve in September 2014 a resolution to replace the prayer with a moment of silence.

It didn’t take long after the first moment of silence on Sept. 11, 2014, for commissioners to ask for alternatives.

“We just went through a moment of silence for the first time since 1986; It didn’t feel right,” Rees said at that meeting. “I would like to take time and ask our city attorney to get more alternatives.”

Richardson and five others spoke against restoring prayer.

Richardson said three of the proposals allowed fire and police department chaplains to offer the invocation. “(Those options) could be interpreted as a government official offering a prayer and therefore might be prohibited,” he said.

He also warned the commission that the proposed alternatives opened the door to allowing invocations from “Mormons, Buddhists, Scientologists, Pagans, Satanists, Christian Scientists, atheists, humanists, Muslims, Jews, and anyone who wishes to participate regardless of their message.”

Richardson quoted Commissioner Bob Buchanan, who said during the Sept. 11, 2014, meeting: “I personally didn’t want to sit through prayers I didn’t believe in any more than I wanted anybody else to have to sit through prayers that (...)

I chose to have. And by doing a moment of silence to use as you see fit (it) covered everything.”

Other people speaking against the resolutions includ-

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

IN OTHER BUSINESS • The commission welcomed newly re-elected commissioners Bob Buchanan from District 2, Bobby Olszewski from District 3 and Colin Sharman from District 4. City Clerk Kathy Golden swore all three commissioners in for three-year terms.

Commissioners Buchanan and Olszewski ran unopposed.

Commissioner Sharman was re-elected with 70.3% of the vote over David Kassander.

• Commissioners unanimously passed the first reading of ordinances to annex about 0.504 acres of land at 447 South St. on the northeast corner of Fifth and South streets and rezone the land to city R-1 single-family residential. Community Development Director Ed Williams said this was a voluntary annexation.

The property owner wanted to take advantage of city services. The second reading is scheduled for March 26.

• The commission unanimously passed the first reading of ordinances to annex approximately 0.989 acres at 483 South St. on the north side of South Street and rezone the property to city R-1 single family residential. This property is across the street from 447 South St. and is also a voluntary annexation.

• Commissioners voted to continue Bob Buchanan’s as mayor pro tem. Olszewski ed Edward Lynch, Paul Tjaden, Warren Geltch, Marilyn Sprechman and David Williamson, founder of the Central Florida Freethought Community, an organization dedicated to keeping “religion out of government in Central Florida.”

Williamson said his group will monitor Winter Garden’s compliance with all constitutional requirements for diversity in clergy offering invocations.

Buchanan, a regular churchgoer, cast the only dissenting vote. He said, after talking about citizens who opposed the prayer resolution: “I don’t agree with just about anything they said. I do believe in their right to believe it.”

Buchanan preferred to keep the moment of silence.

One citizen, former commissioner Theo Graham, spoke in support. Graham said Congress appointed a chaplain and opened legis-

commended Buchanan for his service and said he also would like to be considered for the position. After Buchanan’s nomination was moved and seconded, Olszewski withdrew from consideration. Olszewski suggested in the future, the commission consider rotating duties among all commissioners, which is a practice followed by other municipalities in Florida.

• The commission continued a hearing about condemning a property at 160 E. Plant St. until the April 23 commission meeting. The property owner requested 30 to 60 days to present a plan to bring the property into compliance.

• Commissioners heard from Willie Fulmore, owner of the property at 740 W. Ninth St. Fulmore praised the rebuilt Ninth Street but said while the road was under construction, the restaurant that leased his property went out of business. He said not only did he lose money, but also he still could smell sewage vapor on the property. He heard other properties in the area also still smelled a foul odor, and he was concerned about possible health risks.

• The next commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in City Hall Commission Chambers, 300 W. Plant St. lative sessions with a prayer since 1789. He pointed out the newly elected commissioners swore an oath on the Bible and asked commissioners to discount comments from anyone not a city resident.

“You represent the people of Winter Garden,” he said.

After discussion, the commission eliminated language in the resolutions that allowed police and fire department chaplains from providing the invocation.

Rees said he thought the opening prayer was more a way for the commission to ask for guidance than for spectators to have an opportunity to pray.

“It’s not a sermon; it’s not a preaching,” he siad.

Richardson called the vote “disappointing” and said he would wait to receive an official invitation to give an invocation before deciding how to respond.

planned new extension to Tiny Road; construction on Seidel Road, underway in two of four planned segments; a recently completed study on Avalon Road, with no scheduled construction yet; and Wellness Way Toll Road, an eastwest highway potentially linked to the West Orange Trail that would connect State Road 429 to U.S. Highway 27 and cross into Osceola County.

Boyd said these projects would extend into the 20- to 30-year future and mentioned the possibility of mining trucks moving through the area many times per day, something he opposed.

HORIZON / 1A

ange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County School Board and the parks and planning departments.

Orange County Planning Division Manager Alberto Vargas outlined a history of Horizon West development for perspective of its exponential growth, from Lakeside Village starting in the 1990s to more recent neighborhoods such as Village F and Village H. “The 1995 vision was a very avant-garde, straightforward approach to growth management,” Vargas Zak Kerr said. “The developOrange County Fire Rescue staff ment pattern included informed attendees of services available PARKS AND TRAILS a series of villages anto Horizon West and presented possible Orange County Parks chored by a town censtation locations in that community. personnel outlined ter village.” plans for several parks Between 2002 and 2013, the Horizon West share Recanati’s car flipped and and trails in Horizon West, of Orange County growth in caught fire, and he died at the from large parks attracting visitors from other areas to permits per year increased scene. from 1% at 73 of 5,196 perOfficials said they would small neighborhood parks.

The Horizon West Sportsmits to 34% with 739 of 2,164 address that portion of the permits. The peak in Orange road and level hilly parts plex, opened in 2010, offers County and Horizon West when time and budgets al- equestrian activities and will permits was in 2006, when lowed. In the meantime, new contain more upon comthe county had 7,012 permits Orange County Sheriff’s Of- pletion of its second phase, and Horizon West had 1,184 fice Sector 3 Commander Cpt. which is under review in its of those, 17%.

Joe Picanzo encouraged driv- final draft.

A 20-acre property on Fic“Not only within Central ers to be patient and not pass Florida, but within Horizon in that area, already illegal by quette Road labeled Dorman Community Park is under deWest we have the most ac- the double yellow line. tivity going on county-wide,” Picanzo also addressed cit- sign with $1.5 million fundVargas said. izens’ concerns about street ing and scheduled to open in This prompted many citi- racing in certain areas of 2017 with two soccer fields.

Other parks in planning zens attending the hearing to Horizon West, with the posexpress concern with contin- sibility of establishing opera- phases include Summerport Neighborhood Park, New Inued development in Orange tions to snuff it out.

County, requesting it cease He offered (407) 836-0800 dependence Neighborhood until living conditions im- as a number to contact the Park and Lakeside Village prove for developments al- sheriff’s office on traffic prob- Neighborhood Park.

Summerport will feature a ready built or planned. lem areas, including a twoBoyd said that would not lane roundabout concerning tot lot, picnic areas, benches, be realistic and that there was many Lakeside Village resi- sidewalks and more.

New Independence and no way to slow development, dents in attendance. which his projections showed Citizens attested to fre- Lakeside will be five acres encroaching on Seidel Road quent roundabout crashes each, with the former openwithin about a year. from drivers violating traffic ing in August by $400,000 laws and speeding to pass funding. Lakeside will inother roundabout motor- clude a playground, an exerROADS Residents were concerned ists, often inhibiting parking cise field and picnic areas. It with multiple matters con- and exit from parking spac- has $500,000 of funding, with cerning roads, including a es, as well. They proposed community meetings startdeath in a crash around 12:45 eliminating the roundabout ing in 2015 and a scheduled p.m. March 8 in the undulat- for a traffic light or one-lane opening of 2016.

A Horizon West trail study ing area of Tiny Road near Til- roundabout, which Boyd said would slow traffic and involve has led to drafted plans to tie den Road.

According to the Florida a construction process that trails together. Arterial trails Highway Patrol, EMS per- could cause further delays will connect villages, whereas collector trails will connect sonnel saved Winter Garden but would be addressed.

Transportation planning residents, schools, parks and man Kevin Root, 32, traveling northbound, but not Wind- staff presented on road proj- commercial areas. All trails ermere resident Nicholas Re- ects affecting the area, in- will be concrete and 10 feet canati, 18, who was passing cluding New Independence wide.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ Other projects traffic while southbound and Parkway. collided head-on with Root. were: Hamlin Groves Trail, a wotimes.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

CAUSE FOR CONCERN by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

7A

governance by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

Oakland Town Commission considers revised impact fees

Courtesy of Zillow.com

Residents attend work session for update on ‘mold house’ The new owners of the home at 18 W. Vick Ave. in Oakland are in the middle of renovating the property.

OAKLAND — Residents in Oakland have taken to calling the house at 18 W. Vick Ave. the “mold house,” and neighbors are keeping a close watch on all the recent activity taking place there.

The Oakland Town Commission held a work session March 10 to address the concerns and share an update about the home’s condition, including the drywall, furniture and other objects being removed from the house during renovations.

The 2,248-square-foot, two-story home, built in 1980s, went into foreclosure in 2013; Ron and Katherine Kalish bought it in December for $75,256 and are in the process of renovating it. They said they knew neighbors might have concerns, so they posted a sign outside the house and included their phone number so residents could call them.

They are affiliated with K&C Development of Central Florida and Katron Construction, which recently began offering

ly l a di he r co to t e ar ted u i Yo inv

restoration services, including mold remediation and assessment, indoor air-quality testing and remediation, air scrubbing and anti-microbial treatment.

Ron Kalish said even though his company is qualified and state-certified to do the mold removal, he hired an outside company, AdvantaClean, “so a future buyer wouldn’t think I cut corners as my own contractor and mold guy.”

When mold is involved in a cleanup, certain protocols have to be followed, and town officials are making frequent inspections of the work. Furniture and drywall must be disposed of properly.

A building official has reported the building is structurally sound and doesn’t think it needs to be demolished.

The home has a full basement floor that originally included an in-ground spa, sauna, fireplace, gym area, office and family room. Kalish said the builder installed a bathtub

drain in the floor. The house experienced a plumbing leak years ago, and then it sat vacant for years. Kalish said the previous owners left behind all their belongings.

Several neighbors were at the meeting and shared their concerns.

Sue Prosser, who lives in the adjacent house, said: “That house has been a mold issue practically since the day it was built. I’m glad you’re addressing the water issues.”

Carl Bousfield lives behind the property and said his home sits lower and he has had to deal with drainage problems stemming from the house on Vick. He’s hoping the town will insist on a swale or berm to keep the water away from his home.

Mayor Kathy Stark said town officials will monitor that issue. Because this was an informational work session, no action was taken.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

OAKLAND — The town of Oakland is undergoing a major study of its municipal impact 600of fees to meet the demands growth and to allow that growth to pay its own way, according to 500 Tony Hairston, a financial consultant who made a presentation to the town commission 400 recently.

The town retained Raftelis 300 Financial Consultants Inc. for this study. Because Oakland has undeveloped land adjacent to the intersection of200 State Road 50 and Florida’s Turnpike, officials are planning for 100 growth in this part of town and are developing infrastructure to meet future needs.

0 By reviewing and updating its residential and non-resi5000 dential impact fees, the town also is creating an advantage for applying credits for grants 4000 and other funding sources.

The study is for police protection and roads and transporta3000 tion. At its March 10 meeting, the commission passed the first reading of an ordinance designed to set the fees.

The 2000 second reading is scheduled for March 24.

A presentation of the1000 administrative and recreation impact fees is expected in May. The town’s water and wastewater 0 impact fees were reviewed and adopted last year.

Updated or amended impact fees do not take effect legally until 90 days after the second reading and adoption, according to Max Spann, Oakland’s Planning & Zoning director.

“The fees have not been updated for quite some time, and the ordinance changes will help to ensure that new development will mitigate their impacts properly,” he said.

In a packet issued to the commission, Hairston explains impact fees: “In general, these are one-time charges established as a means to recover in whole or in part, but not to exceed, the costs associated with system capacity. Such

COST COMPARISON See how Oakland’s proposed impact fees compare to its existing fees as well as those from neighboring municipalities.

500

$528 $484

POLICE IMPACT FEE

400

$381 $339

300

$251

200

$150

100 0

OAKLAND

(EXISTING)

OAKLAND

(CALCULATED)

CLERMONT

GROVELAND

5,000

OCOEE

WINTER GARDEN

TRANSPORATION IMPACT FEE

$4,725 4,000

$3,818 3,000

$3,101

$3,517

$2,976

2,000

$1,500 1,000

0

OAKLAND

(EXISTING)

OAKLAND

(CALCULATED)

APOPKA

capital costs generally include the construction of improvements together with general plant, engineering, administration, surveying, land, legal and financing costs for utility fees. For municipal impact fees, including police and fire, such costs also include equipment costs for sworn officers and firefighters.”

The existing police protection impact fees for commercial/industrial are set at $110 per 1,000 square feet, and the roads and transportation impact fees average from $1,000 to $3,000 per 1,000 square feet with restaurants reach-

OCOEE

ORLANDO

WINTER GARDEN

ing $28,000 per 1,000.

The new fees will include the following recalculations per 1,000: church (police, $142, and transportation, $3,457); day care center ($304 and $20,797); nursing home ($194 and $18,694); office, 100,000 square feet or less ($292 and $4,657); office, greater than 100,000 square feet ($284 and $3,969); business park ($263 and $3,969); medical office/ clinic ($504 and $11,726); and retail, 100,000 gross square feet or less ($806 and $11,323). The impact fees on a hotel/motel would be $232 and $1,592 per room.

59 Annual th

Easter Sunday Service

Sunday, April 5, 2015 - 7:00 a.m.

In front of Mosaic at Woodlawn Memorial Park Easter message with prayers & music Sermon by Jeff Pritchard, Starke Lake Baptist Church Music by Adams Road Continental breakfast will follow service in funeral home lobby Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home • 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road • Gotha, Florida 34734 For additional information, please call 407-293-1361

8A

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RICK LARSON LAW

Richard S. Larson Attorney at Law Employment and Human Resources

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

TRAVELIN’ TIMES

Free 20 minute consultations

310 South Dillard St., Ste. 100 Winter Garden, FL 34787 (O) 407-877-7115 (C) 321-438-3392

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AREQUIPA, PERU. Winter Garden native Cheri Varnadoe keeps up on all her West Orange news while working on a social-impact project in Arequipa, Peru.

The project, called DreamBuilder, seeks to bring free business training to women entrepreneurs. Here, she is at Posada del Puente with Misti, a live volcano, in the background.

We always are accepting submissions for our Travelin’ Times photo contest.

Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@ wotimes.com. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number at which we can contact you. You also can mail or drop off the photo to: West Orange Times & Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

9A

“Breathtaking!”

—CurtainUp

With live music by the Shen Yun Orchestra

“An incredibly valuable thing for people to witness.”

—U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher

T

HERE ARE RARE MOMENTS in history when a show, a book, or a piece of art takes its viewer to a whole new realm. Boundaries previously thought unmovable, like those between the stage and the backdrop, are erased and reinvented, never to be the same.

Watching Shen Yun Performing Arts is witnessing just such a moment.

Alongside its mesmerizing choreography and live orchestra combining Eastern and Western instruments, Shen Yun’s ingenious animated backdrops are leaving the entertainment industry astounded.

What Shen Yun’s projection designs do is seamlessly synchronize all aspects of the performance. The costumes’ colors, specific dance movements, drums, lighting, particular notes played by the orchestra—are all timed with animated movements on a large digital backdrop.

When Shen Yun returns to Orlando for three performances, its newest innovations for the 2015 world tour will be on full display. Come and experience a riveting journey, in which China’s 5,000 years of legends and myths come to life in vivid detail through Shen Yun’s awe-inspiring performances, with its explosive digital techniques, synchronized movements, and expressive powers. Don’t miss Shen Yun!

“Beautiful ... a nimble mastery.”

—Chicago Tribune

“Breathtaking vistas ... Vigorous jumps and dazzling spins.”

—CurtainUp

“Simply astounding to watch, and a pleasure to the ear.”

—Opera Online

“It’s the best show I’ve ever seen.”

—The Honorable David Kilgour, retired Member of the Parliament of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize nominee

“The choreography is phenomenal. I think it’s the best show I have ever seen...

I am very, very lucky to see this amazing and fabulous performance.”

—Valentina Alexess, Former ballerina, Moscow Ballet

“The most extraordinary cultural show I’ve ever seen … It transported me back in time, in a sense of a beautiful, wonderful, quintessential Chinese culture.”

—Dr. Cyril Dabydeen, Author and critic

See the all-new 2015 show

MARCH 27-28

Bob Carr Theater. Orlando

Presented by Florida Falun Dafa Association

TICKETS: ShenYun.com/Orlando | 888.974.3698 or 844.513.2014 ShenYun.com

10A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

GOLFING FOR GOOD

by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Locals hit the links to support Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund WINTER GARDEN — Local golfers took to the links for a good cause on March 9 as participants in the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund’s fifth annual Golf Tournament at West Orange Country Club.

The event, which included a silent auction and pulledpork dinner, raised money to help the organization’s goal of

helping young families in the community who are battling cancer. The namesake for the organization is Jimmy Crabtree, a West Orange High alum and Winter Garden man who died in 2011 from carcinoid cancer.

Golfers of all levels participated in the tournament, which was open to the public.

Tabitha Crabtree, left, Kelly Taylor, Ella Crabtree and Vicki Price manned the silent auction signup table.

Golfers who wanted the lift or lie on a particular club adjusted could visit John Thompson’s shop near the driving range.

Hats and T-shirts were available as souvenirs of the event.

Barry Terrell worked on his swing at the driving range before heading to the first tee.

Winter Garden City Commissioner Bob Buchanan played a round of golf to support the cause.

Tucker Lemley admires his handiwork on the putting green.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

11A

PUPPETEERS by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Shinna Jimenez and his sister Shura looked for feathers for their cats’ heads.

The Cats’ Meow Local families joined Jerry Bickel, of Bits and Pieces in Tampa, for a dramatic reading and stick puppet re-enactment of “Millions of Cats,” by Wanda Gag March 5, at the Wind-

ermere Branch Library. Bickel shared Gag’s 1929 Newbery Honor-winning story, the oldest American picture book still in print, of a couple looking for a cat, before directing children

Sukla Chowdhury helped her daughter, Shrestto, color mother and child cats.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Professionals Association collaboratively bargained the compensation package. The 2014-15 classified salary structure maximums were increased by 10 cents per hour to accommodate this increase. The 2014-15 hourly salary structure also was adjusted as a result to the minimum wage increase and new classifications added to the hourly structure. The compensation package will be paid in April.

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+ Local students earn accolades

West Orange Student Government Association was awarded the gold medallion council of the year at the the Florida Association of Student Council Conference at Jefferson High School in Tampa.

Front row, from left: Abby Boenman, Jaime Sabella, Mikey Diaz, Ryan Andrews, Alex Grill, Sam LaNeave, Brent Schwennecker, Johnny Riley, Jaimie Steck, Jade Caraway, Alex McIntyre, Nick Presti, Tiffany Magoutas, Emma Foister and Taylor Hilgar, Back row, from left: Sam Moore, Leslie McMillan, Rima Rabieh and April Kassar.

CLASSNOTES + School district seeks bus drivers Orange County Public Schools will host a job fair for openings in transportation for school bus operators from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Wekiva High School, 2501 N. Hiawassee Road, Apopka.

Same-day interviews will be available at this districtwide transportation department job fair. The district offers on-thejob training, advancement opportunities and rewarding career paths.

Requirements include: high school diploma or GED preferred, a clean driving record, minimum five years of licensed

driving experience and a valid Florida driver’s license.

Applicants are encouraged to pre-apply online at ocps.net.

+ OCPS teachers to receive raise Orange County Public Schools ratified a two-year compensation package after receiving more than 10,000 ballots representing 75% of OCPS teachers.

More than 13,000 teachers will receive a 6.3% salary increase, on average, based on a two-year agreement between the district and the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association. The raise will be retroactive to August 2014.

After ratification March 9 and final School Board approval, classified and hourly staff will receive raises retroactive to July 1, 2014. The School Board and Orange Education Support

Several West Orange-area students received accolades from their respective colleges and universities.

Austin Beltz, of Windermere, was named to Wake Forest University dean’s list for the fall 2014 semester. Students who achieve a 3.4 grade point average and no grade below a “C” were named to the list.

Neal Alexander Stanley, of Winter Garden, was one of 68 students who earned dean’s list honors for the fall 2014 semester at Erskine College, in South Carolina.

Courtesy photos

Dillard Street Elementary School first-grader Veronica Godinez celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday in style.

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High-school winners included, front row, from left: Heather Jenkins (first place, art, eighth grade), Samantha Posey (second place, creative writing, 10th grade), Brittany Posey (second place, art, ninth grade) and Cherith Odom (second place, varsity math bowl team). Back row, from left: Dayniya Law (first place, spelling, seventh grade), Garland Atkinson (first place, art, 12th grade), Symour Hamilton (first place, spelling; second place, creative writing; second place, poetry, ninth grade), Brendan DeLong (second place, varsity math bowl team) and Donnica Walcott (second place, varsity math bowl team).

LIGHT CHRISTIAN STUDENTS COMPETE IN ACADEMIC BOWLS

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Light Christian Academy students recently participated in academic competitions hosted by the Church of God Association of Christian Schools.

Competitions were divided

into two academic bowls and held at Mulberry Christian Academy, in Mulberry. The first was held Feb. 20 for seventh through 12th grades, and the second was held March 6 for first through sixth grades.

Right: Sixth-grader Isabelle Wrye won second place in spelling, and third-grader Meariah Odom won first place in art.

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Arts&Culture WOTimes.com

QUICK

HITS

Courtesy photo

DESIGN CONTEST Florida Film Academy T-Shirt Contest — Florida Film Academy is hosting a contest for kids to design its2015 summer camp T-shirts. Anyone wanting to enter should visit flfilmacademy.com for the competition and submission details.

There will be two winners — the academy’s choice and the audience choice — each winning a week’s summer camp at either Florida Film Academy’s Winter Garden or Sarasota location. The deadline to submit is April 1.

THURS., MARCH 19 Table for Two — 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere.

Award-winning cookbook author Warren Caterson will share kitchen tips, cooking hints and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of cooking. He will also demonstrate how to easily cook for two using fresh and readily available ingredients. A book sale and signing will follow the program. For more information, visit tablefortwocookbooks. com.

Teen Art Adventures: CD Scratch Art — 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Learn how to create a special wall hanging from recycled CDs. Ages 11 to 18 are welcome. For more information, call (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 The Art of Pysanky — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Join Lorraine Bell for an all-day workshop to learn the centuries-old art of Ukrainian egg decorating.

The cost is $150. Lunch and all supplies are included. For more information, call (407) 909-1869.

CROCHETED CREATIONS by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

HEAD

TOUCH UP

by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

HONCHO Children fighting cancer can have any headpiece they want when Samantha Mutschler is wielding her crochet hook.

WINTER GARDEN — The message Samantha Mutschler received from the mother was heartbreaking, but it still brought a bittersweet smile to her face: “The only reason we could have an open casket was because of your hat.”

Mutschler is on a childhood cancer crusade, crocheting hats to cover as many little bald heads as her time and money allows. Through Unraveled by Samantha Dawn, Mutschler takes requests from the parents of ill children and t h e n finds

yarn in the appropriate colors, grabs her hook and starts creating.

In just three years, the Winter Garden resident has fashioned 164 made-to-order hats for children as young as 6 months old and as far away as Holland and Australia. She has crocheted hats that look like cats, turtles, monkeys and sharks, as well as characters such as Superman, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Her recent creations resemble the long hair and braids of most of the Disney Princesses.

HOW IT STARTED

It hit Mutschler pretty hard when she learned Katie Karp, now a West Orange High School junior, was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 12. Katie had been in day care with Mutschler’s mother, so she had known the young teen for most of her life.

Wanting to do something that would comfort her young friend, Mutschler made a fleece tie-knot blanket for her.

One blanket became two, then three, then four, and soon, she was making blankets for multiple children at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children through Katie’s Kause, a non-profit organization that brings encouragement to kids with cancer.

In 2013, she bought a crochet book and started crocheting hats to give with the blankets. The first ones were simply designed, like

SEE HATS / PAGE 14A

CONTACT

To request a hat for a child with cancer, call Samantha Mutschler at (407) 446-8012 or email her at Unraveledbysamanthadawn@aol. com.

If anyone would like to donate to her cause, she has a PayPal account on her Facebook page.

Courtesy photo

SAT, MARCH 21 Between the Brushes — 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 21, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Children in kindergarten and up can learn to paint this Foxy Fella. Cost is $35. Reservations required, (407) 909-1869.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31 Garden Theatre 2015 Spring Classes: ABCs of Acting — 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays, March 31 through May 19, at the theater, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. An acting class for self-expression and self-confidence, this class encourages each child in a relaxed and positive environment. Tuition is $250; class is open to children ages 7 to 12. To register, visit gardentheatre.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Courtesy photo

Jalene Salinas shows off her Care Bears doll crocheted by Samantha Mutschler.

Courtesy photo

Rudy Drapiza repainted Resurrection Catholic Church’s Jesus statue during Lent to prepare for Easter.

Professional artist repaints W.G. church’s Jesus statue Rudy Drapiza renewed Resurrection Catholic Church’s entrance centerpiece for Easter.

WINTER GARDEN — To deepen faith in preparation for Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection, many Christians fast, increase charitable contributions, focus on building character and virtue or go without some item or concept during the 40-day journey of Lent.

At Resurrection Catholic Church, leaders decided to prepare for Easter with a repaint of their statue of resurrected Jesus at the front entrance of the church.

“The statue was purchased about five years ago, and the Florida sun has just eaten away at the paint and so on, because it faces the sun from about 10 to 3,” said church leader Steve Potts. “I knew it just needed a little cleanup.

When it came time for the decision, I thought, ‘What a perfect time before Easter to have the risen Christ painted and worthy of looking at.’”

Church officials purchased the statue from a European sculptor with the parish name in mind, Potts said.

“It was certainly a sacrifice on the parishioners’ part to contribute to a well-deserved risen Christ,” Potts said. “We usually do projects like this through the Knights of Columbus or the Men’s Club to raise enough funds to do things that are aesthetically correct but not necessarily functional to make the church work, like air-conditioning or heating.

This is like an extra plus, so we have to have extra donations to do things like this.”

Potts was instrumental in hiring professional artist and fellow Central Florida Watercolor Society member Rudy Drapiza to complete the project at a total cost of $500.

“I contacted Rudy, and he said, ‘I’d be glad to do it,’” Potts said. “He brought the scaffolding. I went out there and helped him in every way while he was up on the scaffolding, cleaning it first of all, and then painting it. Everyone in church so far has been oohing and ahh-ing about it.”

It took Drapiza just five hours on March 6, despite rain.

“When you are painting outside and it’s raining, that’s a challenge,” Drapiza said.

“The scaffolding is enough that I could reach one hand of the statue. I had to reach around and hold one hand of the statue while I was painting the face. We had to tie the

SEE STATUE / PAGE 14A

14A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

she can personalize the hat.

She also tries to send something extra in the care package, maybe a Mickey Mouse doll to accompany the Mickey hat. If a girl requests a Disney princess hat, Mutschler might buy a princess dress or shoes to go with it.

Her creativity took a turn when she received a request to design a winter hat to match Rapunzel’s dress but couldn’t find the right purple yarn. She came up with a pattern and changed the hat to a princess’ wig.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 28th - Downtown Abbey Tea Party 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm seating. Enjoy a 5 course high tea service.

Each course will be paired with a complimenting tea.

Costume Contest Period inspired or your favorite tea outfit.

Play Downtown Abbey Trivia, Bingo and Charades for prizes.

Sunday, April 5th - Easter Dinner

1:00 pm & 6:00 pm seating. Enjoy a 5 course meal.

Each course will be paired with a complimentary tea.

EYE FOR DETAILS

Cole in his Superman hat.

ing photos on her Facebook page, her hats became popular, and requests starting coming in from not only the United States but also from all over the world.

When Mutschler talks to the parents, she gathers specific details about the child so

used to working with a lot of 2-D, like on canvas. It’s challenging on 3-D because you have to make it look like the person. I like challenges: different projects, different kinds of media and things like that.

If it has to do with paint, anything, I will do it.”

For this project, Drapiza said he used a variety of painting instruments, including rollers, brushes and a ragging technique.

“In my work, anything I can almost brush I sometimes use my hands and fingers to blend the paint on the surface,” Drapiza said. “It’s a lot of technique: Layers of paint are applied; there is glazing; sometimes you have to paint them

and defend against crackles the weather can do to really beat it up.”

Part of that defense is a special paint Drapiza has used while working for a billboard company for 22 years, he said.

“The statue, they can’t remember where they ordered it, and the paint that was put there was for Fiberglas — it looks like a Fiberglas statue,” he said. “The process is I have to prime it and then do an acrylic, and then I tried to put on some of this paint that I use to make it stronger and able to stand the heat in the Florida sun. It’s the one I use to give it a longer life and keep it fresh.”

Billboards, statues and murals are among the projects

Drapiza still paints by hand, even with modern technology such as computer imagery, he said. He hopes to pass on his craft to fledgling artists in the area through work with the Winter Garden Art Association at the SoBo Art Center.

“I’d like to say we are trying to educate the community to do the arts and entertainment, to involve the community and the schools,” Drapiza said. “We turned it into a place for arts and crafts and are trying to let the city know we are there. We’ll offer a summer camp and things like that, working on sculpture and visual work.”

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Samantha Mutschler’s latest creation is a Rapunzel wig.

HATS / PAGE 13A an M&M’s hat in a bold color with a white M in front.

As she got better with the crochet hook, her designs became more intricate, and she was making her own patterns. After she began post-

STATUE / PAGE 13A scaffolding on the door of the church to keep it staying steady. When it rains, sometimes the paint runs.”

Drapiza also noticed a wasp nest, but it seemed to be empty.

“I think he left that day because it was cold,” Drapiza said. “The wasps and bumblebees love to stay in places like that. Sometimes there are pigeons or it gets too hot or too cold. Anything like that is a challenge, but nothing that we can’t solve.”

Drapiza thrives on such artistic challenges, he said.

“It’s always a challenge,” he said. “It’s just different. I’m

Courtesy

It takes about a week for Mutschler, 24, to complete one hat, depending on the amount of detail required.

She enjoys making the Rapunzel hat, with its yellow cap and long, one-sided braid.

She crochets individual flowers that are attached to the braid, and then she glues on faux crystals for sparkle.

If a girl wants a brownhaired Rapunzel hat, she’ll make that happen, too. She once crocheted a hat with blue braids when she learned a teenager had dyed her hair blue after her cancer diagnosis. Her new hat matched the hair that eventually fell out once treatments started.

Mutschler is always on the lookout for yarn on sale. She estimates it costs about $20

for each hat. She has a GoFundMe fundraising page set up, and her mother and a few of her friends help support the crocheter’s passion.

Her latest endeavor is to make dolls to accompany the hats she sends to children.

She recently crocheted a Care Bears doll for a little girl at Give Kids the World.

“It brings joy to them; it brings joy to me,” Mutschler said. “I know I’m doing what God wants me to do. My dream is to one day see a team of ladies working for me in getting more hats out to these precious warriors.”

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

CAPTURING KINDNESS by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

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GOD HATES RELIGIOUSITY Amy Quesinberry Rhode

Jennifer Ly has had other artwork published, including this piece in the Global Peace Film Festival’s 2014 peace calendar.

Ocoee middle-schooler wins state art contest Jennifer Ly won first place in a state contest sponsored by the Atlantic Institute to promote humanitarianism.

OCOEEE — A girl and a boy, each from different continents, reach across the globe’s Atlantic Ocean for each other’s hands in an act of friendship, and a red ribbon wraps behind the pair with the words “Kindness Without Borders.”

Jennifer Ly, an eighth-grader at Ocoee Middle School, used colored pencils to create the artwork that has earned her a first-place award in the Atlantic Institute’s Art and Essay Contest for Florida middle-schoolers.

The contest theme was “Kindness Without Borders: Open Eyes, Open Hearts in our Global Village.” The art was judged by University of Central Florida faculty members and the dean of the Art and Humanities Department.

The award ceremony was held Feb. 21 Seminole State College Fine Arts Concert Hall.

“We are very proud of Jennifer’s accomplishment,” said Brenda Bartnick, Ocoee Middle’s art teacher. “It was an extra-credit assignment for art, and as soon as I saw her art, I knew I was holding a winning entry.”

Participants were tasked with either writing an essay or creating a piece of art.

Forty students were named winners, and prizes included an iPad, cash prizes for the

teachers and the opportunity for both to take an expenses-paid 10-day trip to Turkey.

Branden Tremel Young and Emily Colon, students at Lakeview Middle School, won third and fourth place, respectively, in the middle-school essay contest. Their teacher is Jennifer Seachrist.

Atlantic Institute received more than 500 submissions from 33 Florida schools and a total of nearly 2,000 submissions in the southeastern states. The contest was first organized in 2006 by the Istanbul Center in Atlanta. Past themes include “Respect for Human Dignity,” “Empathy: Walking in Another’s Shoes” and “Connecting Culture in the Digital Age: How Does Social Media Change the Future of Our World?”

Sponsors are Valencia College, University of Central Florida, Georgia Department of Education, Brevard Community College, UNAOC, Second Harvest Food Bank, Kennesaw University, Clayton State University, Holocaust Center of Florida, Seminole State College, Costco Wholesale and city of Orlando.

The Atlantic Institute promotes global understanding by allowing students to think critically about global issues.

Its mission is this: “We believe

TERMINATION OF MEDICAL PRACTICE Effective May 1, 2015, Nagui N Khouzam MD will retire and close his practice. Prior to 5/1/2015 patients may request their medical records be sent to them or their new physician by sending a written request to 54 East Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. After 5/1/2015 written request must be sent to fax# 407-656-3222.

in the power of personal interaction and communicative dialogue, as they are the best channels to build mutual understanding, trust and harmony for a peaceful world.”

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TAKING IT TO THE STREETS by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL WWW.MATTHEWSHOPEMINISTRIES.ORG

Ministering to the Lost The Hodges share their love of God and sing His praises to anyone on the streets in need of healing.

SPRING BREAK BASH FOR KIDS WHEN: noon to 3 p.m.

March 25 WHERE: Mildred Dixon Center, 307 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden DETAILS: Hosted by West Orange Neighborhood Center for Families and Finding the Lost Sheep, this event will feature food, games, prizes and a backpack giveaway.

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WINTER GARDEN — When Anthony Hodge and Sharee Villard-Hodge began their street ministry at his old stomping grounds on the east side of Winter Garden, one Center Street resident was persistently honest with them: “We don’t want your preaching here.”

But the Hodges continued sharing the gospel around the neighborhood through their program, Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry, and now, more than a decade later, she is their biggest fan, Villard-Hodge said.

“It’s a wonderful story,” she said. “She didn’t want to hear the gospel, but we cultivated a relationship. We love her.

God loves her.”

This is why the Hodges continue to do what they do, why they reach out “to feed and to be a light to God’s lost sheep,” Villard-Hodge said.

“We serve the least of these.”

For nearly all of the 1980s and ’90s, the least of these included Anthony Hodge, who grew up in Winter Garden and became known as a drug user and dealer.

Today, Minister Anthony Hodge is drug-free and trying to guide people — those who are walking in his former shoes — toward a relationship with God. Although it’s a street ministry, Finding the Lost Sheep has kept an outreach office on Center Street for the last few years. A sponsor donated the first year of rent. The Hodges are currently looking for a permanent place to call home. There is an old church building on Klondike Street, right next to the Maxey Community Center, that is theirs if they can come up with the $30,000 selling price.

Through fundraisers and the generosity of donors and sponsors, $15,000 has already been raised.

“These are people who have been following our ministry for about 10-plus years,” Villard-Hodge said. “They see the work that we’re doing in the community, and they’ve been longtime supporters of the ministry.”

A building is necessary, she said, because some of the area’s residents don’t feel comfortable going into another church, she said.

“A lot of them are still struggling with addiction and feelings of inadequacy, and they feel like they don’t look like what church members should look like,” Villard-Hodge said.

“A lot of the people we minister on Center Street, they would come into our church on Sundays and Wednesdays because they have this connection with Anthony — out on the streets, doing drugs, gambling — before he was delivered. … He’s not going to look at them and judge them.

Some of them aren’t cleaned up; some of them are cleaned up but are still struggling.

“They’ve lived the outcast lifestyle, but they would come into our church,” she said.

The Hodges have earned the trust of the residents and have built relationships through their regular church meetings and neighborhood revivals.

They have been blessed by generous donors, they said,

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The Finding the Lost Sheep ministry in Winter Garden was founded by Anthony Hodge and Sharee Villard-Hodge. who have provided a $7,000 tent for outdoor meetings, a truck and nine-foot trailer. They also have help from fellow board members Julie Ratliff, Lorraine Smith, Ken Kelly, Kenny Kelly, Josh Taylor and Reed Boardman.

FUNDING

To raise money for the building purchase, Finding the Lost Sheep is holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Oakland Presbyterian Church, 218 E. Oakland Ave. There is no charge for the event, but donations are welcome. A contemporary singing group at the church will perform, and the Hodges will talk about the ministry and its various programs. RSVP at (407) 6145942 or at info@findingthelostsheep.com. Donations can be mailed to Finding the Lost Sheep Street Ministry, P.O. Box 770591, Winter Garden, FL 34777.

Another way to bring in funds is through a trendy thrift shop that Villard-Hodge is opening as part of the organization’s women’s ministry. It’s at 730 Ninth St., in a 1950s Craftsman-style house in Winter Garden, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday starting next week.

“The Lord was always sending me women who were going through issues: verbal abuse, mental, physical,” Villard-Hodge said. “(The shop) is an idea I had about 10 years ago; I love vintage and antiques and home décor. The name of the place is called Thrift 31 Boutique, and the name is from Proverbs 31,” which talks about virtuous women and a woman’s call to be industrious.

“That’s kind of the atmosphere that I want to cultivate,” she said. “I want to motivate women to be entrepreneurs, (to believe) that they can be whatever they want to be.”

The boutique will sell vintage and modern home accessories, dishes, furniture and clothing, she said. And like a true community outreach, this is a place for anyone who has been in trouble with the law and needs to

complete community service hours.

Villard-Hodge is looking for donations of gently used clothing for the shop, and she accepts wood furniture, as well, because she has a few friends who like to strip down the wood and repaint it.

REACHING CHILDREN

In addition to the thrift store and street ministry, Finding the Lost Sheep provides a jail ministry at the 33rd Street Jail in Orlando, offers a community children’s ministry and is working on a food pantry and men’s ministry — all to continue meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the lost.

One such children’s ministry is the upcoming Spring Break Bash for Kids, hosted from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, by West Orange Neighborhood Center for Families and Finding the Lost Sheep. Children ages 5 to 14 are invited.

The free event, to be held at the Mildred Dixon Center, 307 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, will include food courtesy of Kelly Foods, games, prizes, arts and crafts and a backpack giveaway with school supplies. A raffle will be held. For information, call Sharee Villard-Hodge at (407) 614-5942 or Lucy Richardson at (407) 254-1930.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

“

A lot of the people we minister on Center Street, they would come into our church on Sundays and Wednesdays because they have this connection with Anthony — out on the streets, doing drugs, gambling — before he was delivered. … He’s not going to look at them and judge them.

“

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sharee Villard-Hodge

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

from the archives

OLD TIMES 45 YEARS AGO

New members inducted into the Lakeview Chapter of the National Honor Society include Jacque Dennis, Larry Elrod, Jolyn Haley, Deborah Holmes, Karen Lofton, Gwen Brown, Neal Carris, Ann Duppenthaler, Cindy Hodge, Janet McMillan, Sallie Youngblood, Todd Engstrom and Clyde Hicks.

A new boutique has opened in Windermere. Part of the Windermere Beauty Salon, it will be under the management of Kay Sims.

35 YEARS AGO

It was nine years ago that the West Orange Hospital Auxiliary first broke out of the “pink lady” stereotype and welcomed some men into the organization. Among the pioneers who are still active are Bob Boney, who has

The Rev. Mark Matheson conducted his first service as the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Windermere.

Rena Heckman, a member of the senior class of West Orange High School, has been chosen for recognition by “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” for her athletic ability, leadership and academic achievements.

special thanks to

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation The Bond Building standing at the southwest corner of Plant and Main streets was built in 1912 by pioneer businessmen James Lafayette Dillard and Benjamin Thomas Boyd. It’s a big hit with second- and fourth-graders on field trips when they’re told that the building is more than 100 years old. In this photograph, possibly taken in the early 1920s, the street floor is occupied by the Winter Garden Pharmacy, operated by J.D. “Jeter” McMillan. A display of citrus advertisements — “Florida Sealdsweet Grapefruit”

TIMES OBITUARIES

served well more than 4,000 hours of Emergency Room duty, and Charles Starr, who counts the hospital’s print shop as his “second home.”

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies, tipped off by the Winter Garden Police, broke up a student painting party under the Florida’s Turnpike overpass on Beulah Road.

30 YEARS AGO

— adorns the window, and the Kodak and Rexall brands figure prominently. Reflected in the window are images of an automobile and the Shelby Hotel (1915), today’s Tony’s Liquors, which stands on the northwest corner across from the pharmacy.

It, too, was built by Dillard.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.

17A

Bobbie Donovan

Longtime resident of the West Orange area, Bobbie Donovan passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Bobbie was born and raised in Ocoee and graduated from Lakeview High School in Winter Garden.

She is survived by her husband, James Donovan; her sister, Carolyn Torres; her devoted children, Pamela Davis (Brian), Richard Freeman (Tina) and Lynn Goodwin (Peter); loving grandchildren, Stephanie Asendorf, David Asendorf, Kathleen Cramer (Matt), Jordan Davis (Mandi), Richard Freeman Jr. (Cherie), Joshua Freeman, Peter Goodwin Jr. and Matthew Goodwin; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangement are being provided by Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 2 p.m.

Friday March 20, at Oakland Presbyterian Church, 218 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland, Florida 34760.

In lieu of flowers family requests all donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org.

School and played semi-pro football for the Orlando Broncos. He retired from Ekrich Meats as a salesman after 46 years of service in the Central Florida area. He enjoyed fishing in both fresh and saltwater.

Pat coached many children in the West Orange area in little league, softball and football. He was a lifetime member of the Winter Garden Elks Lodge 2165 and Starke Lake Baptist Church.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents; son, Tim; and sister, Betty Creech.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Faye; daughters, Terrie (Gene) Brown and Tammie (Lloyd) Richard; brother, Sam; sister, Dorothy Russo; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were held March 15, 2015, under the care and direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL 34734.

Condolences may be offered at woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.

School. Jeff graduated from the University of Florida in 1963 and retired from Lockheed Martin. He was currently residing in Acworth, Georiga.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sharon Marie Stout, of Acworth; sister, Nancy Walton (Dr. Bruce), of Orlando; son, Jim Stout (Chris Maness), of Winter Park; daughter, Deborah Stout-Goode (Kirk), of Mascotte; son, Mike Shanahan, of Atlanta; daughter, Christy Cory, of Acworth; son, Brian Stout (Colleen), of Orlando; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and nieces and nephews — all of whom were his pride and joy.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James M. Stout, and mother, Doris M. Stout, of Winter Garden.

Jeff’s infectious laughter and witty sarcasm made him loved by many, but his proudest accomplishment

was being called “Papa.”

There will be a private family service to be held in Winter Garden at a later date.

NAMSUP YE, 79, of Windermere, died March 5, 2015.

Arrangements by Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

BARBARA RODGERS, 33, of Ocoee, died Feb. 25, 2015.

Arrangements by Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

ROLAND D. ALEXANDER, 81, of Winter Garden, died March 7, 2015. Arrangements

by Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

RUBY M. REEHLING, 91, of Winter Garden, died March 8, 2015. Arrangements by Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Geoffrey V. Stout

Geoffrey V. Stout, 73, passed away peacefully on March, 9, 2015, surrounded by family and wonderful friends and neighbors.

Born in 1941, in Lima, Ohio, Jeff was a longtime resident of Winter Garden and a 1959 graduate of Lakeview High

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Earnest “Pat” Patterson, 81, a true native of Ocoee, Florida, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Senior Ish Hernandez’s single lifts CFCA over rival Foundation. 2B SPONSORED BY MAIN STREET MOWERS

WOTIMES.COM

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

back-to-back by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

BASEBALL by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

DP’s Meeks wins second state title Dr. Phillips sophomore Dylan Meeks won his second consecutive state championship at the FHSAA Wrestling State Finals.

KISSIMMEE — Don’t let Dylan Meeks’ undefeated record and second consecutive state championship fool you — the Dr. Phillips grappler loses all the time.

Not in varsity competition, of course, but in practice.

Cognizant of the need to push himself outside of his comfort zone to continue to improve, the athletically gifted sophomore regularly practices with — and gets beaten by — members of the club wrestling team at UCF. Competing against competitors who are between three and six years his senior helps keep the Panthers star, who is favored nearly every time he steps on the mat for FHSAA competition, humble and hungry.

That dedication paid off March 14, as Meeks stood atop the podium as the state champion in Class 3A at 220 pounds.

“If you go to practice and

Steven Ryzewski

Dr. Phillips sophomore Dylan Meeks took on and defeated Miami Southridge’s Darius Hamilton in the Class 3A 220 pounds, State Championship on Saturday. you lose all the time, you’re like, ‘I must not be that good,’” Meeks said. “(But) you come to (varsity) tournaments and you win and you’re like, ‘Alright, this is working. I’ll take the butt

whooping in practice any day.’”

Those practice matches also probably came in handy for Meeks throughout the state tournament, where the level of competition was higher

than it had been at any point during the regular season.

Going into the tournament, Meeks had won all of his matches by pin, most of which occurred just second into the first round, but he had to win twice by decision during the 16-man tournament in Kissimmee: a 4-0 decision over South Dade’s Michael Rodriguez in the quarterfinals and a 4-1 decision over Miami Southridge’s Darius Hamilton in the championship match.

Although it was expected, the heightened level of competition was something the sophomore grappler had to adjust to on the fly.

“Honestly, during it, you don’t enjoy it,” Meeks said.

“You’re like, ‘Man, normally, I would’ve won by now.’ (But) it’s a lot more rewarding in the end.”

Although he was the lone state champion from the coverage area, Meeks (34-0) was not alone at the Silver Spurs Arena.

SEE MEEKS / PAGE 2B

LEADING BY EXAMPLE by Emilee Jackson | Contributing Writer

Legacy student doubles as West Orange shortstop Because the charter school in Ocoee does not yet offer baseball, Kole Enright, a junior, has come up through the Warriors’ program and is starting on varsity this spring.

An average day for Kole Enright involves starting his day at Legacy Charter High School, driving over to Valencia College and ending up at West Orange High School.

Enright, a junior, is enrolled at Legacy, where he has gone to school since sixth grade and where his mother is on the faculty, while also being dual-enrolled at Valencia.

Because Legacy does not yet field a baseball team, Kole is one of a handful of athletes at the charter school nestled along the border of Winter Garden and Ocoee who plays for the large-classification public school he is zoned for.

In this case, that means Enright finds himself this spring as the starting shortstop for the Warriors (6-5 at press time).

“It’s really a storied program and has a really rich history — obviously with how many district championships (they’ve won),” Enright said of the opportunity to suit up for West Orange.

“It’s an honor.”

In addition to Enright, who also has played varsity

SEE ENRIGHT / 2B

Steven Ryzewski

Kole Enright, a junior at Legacy who plays baseball for West Orange, is embracing his first varsity season for the Warriors.

SIDELINE SCENE

Lamenting the winter/spring sports overlap

The Quiet One Kelsey Lehman is within striking distance of the program record for scoring at Olympia.

Emilee Jackson

Kelsey Lehman has come a long way during her career for the Titans and is a key factor in the team’s 11-4 record so far this spring.

J

oining Olympia’s water polo team four years ago, Kelsey Lehman walked in as a quiet, unassuming freshman.

Fast-forward four years later, and Lehman, now a senior and captain, has grown into a leader for the program and is on pace to break the school’s scoring record along the way.

“She’s always had a quiet strength about her, and (I’ve been) watching that quiet strength grow throughout the years,” Titans coach Stephanie Johnson-Possell said. “She has really stepped up into a leadership role.”

As Lehman has grown more comfortable with the sport and her teammates, the effects have been noticeable.

After five of Olympia’s key senior players graduated following the 2014 season, Leh-

man and her teammates have stepped up to fill the void.

“When I first joined, I was more quiet and reserved,” Lehman said. “Then throughout the years, my team has gotten a lot closer, and I’ve gotten more comfortable with the sport, and it just showed.”

Lehman, who is also a swimmer at Olympia, originally joined the water polo team more as another excuse to be in the water — but she said she has grown to love the game.

“I’m good at swimming, but swimming gets boring at times,” Lehman said. “So water polo adds more entertainment, and it’s physical — it’s a team sport, so I like that.”

While beginning to play water polo involved a learning curve, Lehman learned more about herself and her team as

each practice went by.

“I’ve definitely learned to communicate better in the pool and make more of a presence of myself rather than just sitting in the back and barely playing,” Lehman said.

As she has learned to push forward and lead her team, Lehman has never let her personal success or the success of the team go to her head.

According to Johnson-Possell, Lehman is one of the main ingredients that hold their team together.

Olympia is currently 11-4 and considered one of the area’s best programs, much the same as the Titans’ boys team (10-4) is — with camaraderie playing a role, in particular, for the girls program’s success.

“Our girls team has a phenomenal relationship with

each other, and for girl athletes that’s sometimes a challenge,” Johnson-Possell said.

“The friendship that they’ve developed with one another is just something that’s really just a gift to coach.”

And, looking at Lehman, Johnson-Possell said many people may assume from her demeanor outside the pool that she is quiet and lays low, but as she swims, she has become another person.

“Put her in the water with a ball, and she becomes a beast,” Johnson-Possell said.

The Titans will be in action on Friday and Saturday in Coral Gables to compete in the Gulliver Tournament.

Olympia’s next home match will be March 31 against Lake Mary at the YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive.

You’re all crazy.

By “you,” I’m referring to high-school sports fans/ parents/coaches/supporters/third-cousins-once-removed — and I mean it in a completely positive and affectionate way.

It just needed to be stated as a pretext to the rest of this column.

So here it goes.

As Dr. Phillips’ Dylan Meeks stood triumphantly on the center mat at the Silver Spurs Arena on Saturday and flexed his biceps — the newly crowned king of the 220-pound weight class in Class 3A — it was, in a way, a STEVEN triumphant RYZEWSKI moment for me, too.

Far less significant?

Perhaps. But triumphant nonetheless!

I, along with preps reporters around the state, was finally done with winter sports — just in time for spring sports to hit the middle point of their respective regular seasons, or worse.

Thanks for nothing, FHSAA. Just kidding (please don’t revoke my credentials), but in all seriousness, it has been a crazy few weeks. The biggest problem is a good one to have: Several teams from within our coverage area in West Orange made notable playoff runs in the winter sports — most

EDITOR’S PICK

GAME OF THE WEEK Each week, Sports Editor Steven Ryzewski (on Twitter at @StevenR_ WOTO) picks a “can’t miss” game of the week, along with an honorable mention you probably won’t want to miss, either.

Windermere Prep at The First Academy (boys lacrosse); 11 a.m., Saturday, March 21 It’s tons o’ fun anytime the Lakers and Royals get together. This rivalry will be bolstered by the fact that the two teams have a combined four losses between them (WPS is 5-1, TFA is 6-3), just in case the awarding of bragging rights wasn’t enough to whet your appetite.

Honorable mention: West Orange vs. Potomac (Washington, D.C.) at IMG Academy (girls lacrosse), 1 p.m., March 23 notably WO’s boys soccer team reaching the Class 5A State Championship Game and Meeks’ undefeated season — only to be encroached upon by spring sport teams (see baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, water polo, flag football … and I’m probably forgetting one … oh, boys

SEE SCENE / PAGE 2B

2B

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WOTimes.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

SPONSORED BY MAIN STREET MOWERS

WELCOME TO WINTER GARDEN by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

ISH HERNANDEZ Foundation helps to host A senior on the Central Florida Christian Academy baseball team, first baseman Ish Hernandez has had his share of big moments for the Eagles already this season, including a home run in a game against area powerhouse West Orange. None of them tops what happened March 9, though, as Hernandez hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give CFCA (5-10) a 7-6 rivalry and district win over Foundation Academy.

How did you feel up there at the plate knowing what was at stake against Foundation Academy on March 9?

That game I went 0-for-4 before that at-bat. I knew that if I had the opportunity to go up there (once more), I’d make it happen.

So I put all four at-bats behind me and just came through. It meant more because it was against Foundation and we had previously lost (to them).

Just how much did that win mean, given the context?

Every win matters, especially with this team.

We’re young, but I can see lots of talent, and that glue is coming together. …

Getting a win, especially a district win, helps boost our morale. It gets us ready for districts coming up.

What have you been working on improving at the plate?

I knew that last year, I’d seen my stats, and it was a pretty average season.

Senior year, I wanted to come out with a bang.

Coach (Larry Oldham) [and I] worked on some hitting mechanics. I took what he was giving me and put it in play.

You guys didn’t win the game, but you hit a home run against West Orange — a Class 8A opponent.

How did that feel?

Playing a big school like that, sometimes nerves could come through. That day, I really wasn’t nervous because it was just a regular game. … I didn’t really expect to hit the home run, but when it came, it boosted our morale, most definitely. We didn’t get the win, but it felt good.

Between now and the district tournament, is there anything in particular you are looking for from the team to see that you’re heading in the right direction?

This stretch that we have (now), the home stretch.

Pleasing our crowd, having that home crowd behind us, that shows us who we are,

because obviously when we go away, it’s a hostile environment. Just giving the fans what they come to watch and hopefully coming away with the ‘W’ shows what kind of team we are.

You play basketball for CFCA, too. How much did you enjoy being able to play the two sports at the varsity level?

Well, you know, this school is great, giving me the opportunity to play both. Baseball is my No. 1; I played it as a kid. But this school gave me an opportunity to come out and play some basketball.

As a senior, what’s the outlook for you after graduation?

Most likely (attend college) as a student. Pursue a career in the health department, possibly (become) a pediatrician. I’m doing my first two years at probably Valencia (College), then I’ll go straight to UCF and finish there.

You guys got new hats this year to pair with the rebranding of the CFCA logo. Which hat do you like more?

I like these hats (the new ones) — I like the greenand-gold mixture. I like it a lot. (The logo) goes well with the colors.

What’s your favorite class that you’re taking right now?

AP Government. I used to be a history guy, so I like the challenge.

What do you like about studying the government and politics?

My teacher (Darrell Davis), he’s pretty funny when it comes to the government. He has that Libertarian type of viewpoint. He gives us both sides, plays devil’s advocate, so I like that.

So what is Ish doing on the weekends with his free time?

Just watching “SportsCenter.”

Catching up and going out with friends and working at Chick-fil-A.

college softball showcase Programs from around the country utilized the Winter Garden school’s four softball fields as part of The Spring Games.

WINTER GARDEN — The four softball fields at Foundation Academy were abuzz Thursday, March 12, much as they had been starting on March 7 and ending a few days later on Sunday.

The parking lot was full, and teams took the field with uniforms that donned the logos and colors of programs including the Minot State University and Central Missouri University.

The four fields that typically host high-school and youth competition instead hosted nine days of college action as an auxiliary site for PFX Athletics’ The Spring Games, a collegiate softball showcase open to all divisions of colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.

Beginning in 2008, The

ENRIGHT / PAGE 1B basketball for Legacy’s boys team the past few years, Legacy’s Cameron Steel and Cole Pruim run cross country at Ocoee, and Brandon Franketti golfs for the Warriors.

Enright has been playing for West Orange since he was a freshman but played his first two seasons as a member of the junior varsity team.

Thanks to players graduating and transfers, Enright has been given an opportunity to start at varsity for the first time this spring.

Although he has enjoyed the opportunity, Enright said he recognizes areas where he needs to improve.

“I haven’t hit the ball well this year; I haven’t played as good as I can, and our record isn’t quite what it should be for the talent that we have,” Enright said. “As a shortstop, I’ve really got to be a vocal leader … that’s important to me is to be a leader out there and get these guys going every game.”

Because of his time within the program, Enright said he is treated like any other player. In fact, the shortstop currently only takes one course at Legacy and said he actually spends more time on campus at West Orange for practice and games than anywhere else.

Next spring, when he is a senior, he could very well be faced with a dilemma, though.

As part of Legacy’s efforts to grow its athletic department, Athletic Director Jarrett Wiggers has indicated he plans to have the school field its first baseball team

Games have served as a way for programs, particularly from northern states, to get rolling while conditions may still be too cold in their home locales.

The bulk of the contests are held at Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont, but auxiliary sites are utilized at Foundation, Lake Felter Park and Hancock Park in Clermont, Minneola Athletic Complex and Montverde Academy.

It is the second year that Foundation has served as an offsite game location, and Athletic Director David Baginski said the partnership has been beneficial to the school and its own softball team.

“We’re an outreach school, and we like having people of all different walks here on our campus and building up good relationships … it kind of gets

OCOEE BOUNCES BACK WITH THREE STRAIGHT WINS

After dropping three in a row, two to district opponent Olympia and then a third to Edgewater, the Ocoee Knights bounced back with a trio of wins over district opponent Evans and Cypress Creek last week.

The Knights (7-4) beat the Trojans by a combined scored of 31-2 and edged a good Bears team, 7-6, March 14.

Although his boys were favored against Evans in both contests, head coach Bobby Brewer said he was pleased with the way his team approached the mid-week series against the Trojans.

“We still think we’re a good team,” Brewer said.

“As far as some of our at-bats, we’re a little more patient than what we’ve been. … We’re going to try to work the pitch count a little more than we’ve been doing, and we did that this week,” he said.

next spring. It’s an exciting step for the school and its other sports programs, but it would mean a choice for Enright, who would have to actually transfer to West Orange to finish his career with the Warriors.

The Eagles also plan on adding a girls basketball program to pair with the boys team.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

WARRIORS BREAK OUT BATS TO SPLIT SERIES WITH APOPKA

APOPKA —With two outs in the top of the seventh inning and tied with the Apopka Blue Darters, 2-2, March 13, Ethan Jones singled in Deandre Shelton, pinch-running for Garrett Milchin, to give the West Orange Warriors a 3-2 lead.

Then the Warriors made it a full-fledged two-out rally, adding three more runs to take a 6-2 lead that would end up being the final score.

The win salvaged a split in West Orange’s home-andhome district series with the Blue Darters, giving the Warriors (6-5) a 1-1 record to start district play in 8A-3.

Although the late rally is what sealed it for West Orange, it was a breakout pitching performance by D.J. Morland — who tossed the

complete game victory for the Warriors — that put West Orange in position to win in the first place.

“Coming into this season, D.J. was a pretty big question mark being a senior that hadn’t thrown a whole lot of innings,” Warriors coach Jesse Marlo said. “He gave us a good start last week in his first outing and this was, really, his second varsity outing and definitely the biggest game of his career — he just did everything we asked him to do.”

Jones and Lane Cross each had a pair of RBIs to lead West Orange at the plate.

The Warriors hosted Trinity Christian on Monday before playing a home-and-home district series against Ocoee on Tuesday and Thursday.

word out about Foundation Academy,” Baginski said. “At the same time, it does generate revenue for our programs.

They pay us a fee to use the fields for the (nine) days, and then we run a concession stand and have our girls come out and volunteer.”

Beyond the revenue and exposure for the school, there is exposure that is gained for the school’s own students. Baginski said softball players who were not volunteering were able to check out the action and that even some of the school’s other athletes stopped by.

“It just gives (our kids) the experience to see what it takes to become a Division II or Division III athlete if that’s what they’re looking to do after high school,” Baginski said. “They get the chance to talk to players

Steven Ryzewski

College softball programs from around the country, from places like Minot, North Dakota, gathered at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden as it served as one of the sites for The Spring Games.

here from different states and different colleges and coaches that they wouldn’t typically have access to.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

MEEKS / PAGE 1B

AREA WRESTLERS

Meeks’ teammate, junior Tajh Glemaud, represented the Panthers in the heavyweight (285 pounds) classification. Glemaud (33-15) won his first round match but fell in the quarterfinals and dropped down to the consolation bracket. There, he won his first consolation match but fell in the following match to end his remarkable run.

Ocoee’s Jules Joseph (36-6), wrestling at 195 pounds, had a similar performance in his respective bracket. He won his first match, dropped his second, won his first consolation match but fell in the following match.

Joseph’s teammate from Ocoee, George Schanck (358), wrestled at 170 pounds and got the unenviable task of facing Osceola’s Fox Baldwin — undefeated at 58-0. Schanck wrestled valiantly against the varsity legend-in-the-making but fell in that match and his consolation to be eliminated from the tournament.

West Orange senior Chris Briscoe went 0-2 at 180 pounds to conclude his season with an impressive 34-10 record, and Olympia’s Tyler Ingle, a senior appearing in the state tournament for the first time wrestling at 152 pounds, lost his first match but was victorious in his first consolation match before falling in the following round, finishing with a 31-8 record.

As for Meeks, although his celebration in the moments after defeating Hamilton was mild relative to some of the day’s other champions, he expressed pride in winning his second consecutive state title — and the implications that come with it.

“It means I did win, it wasn’t a fluke, and I can defend (the title),” Meeks said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@wotimes.com.

CHRIS BRISCOE

SCENE / PAGE 1B weightlifting!) that are also deserving of coverage.

Olympia baseball is the No. 1 team in the nation … emphasis on nation (not to be confused with county, state or Southeast region).

Not only is it ridiculously good, but also all our local programs are, as well, and many have high-level Division I commitments with MLB Draft-potential.

In softball, West Orange is the No. 5 team in the state in Class 8A. Foundation Academy was a top-10 team in Class 2A earlier in the season.

And then there’s lacrosse.

LaxPower.com ranks Olympia’s girls as the No. 10 team in the state (both boys and girls lacrosse are single-classification in FHSAA competition), and West Orange is No. 20.

On the boys side, Dr. Phillips (8-5), West Orange (7-4) and

West Orange (182 pounds, senior) RESULTS: Lost to Jesse Fulk (dec. 6-0); lost to Bill Sauvear (dec. 3-0) FINAL RECORD: 38-10

TAJH GLEMAUD Dr. Phillips (285 pounds, junior) RESULTS: Def. Matthew Dulin (pin, 3:59); lost to Richerd Desir-Jones (dec. 3-2); def.

Berthany Aulean (dec. 4-2); lost to Isaiah Hills (dec. 4-2) FINAL RECORD: 33-15

TYLER INGLE Olympia (152 pounds, senior) RESULTS: Lost to Patrick Lugo III (dec. 13-7); def. Christian Goss (dec. 3-2); lost to Jaryd Semrad (TB-1, 4-3) FINAL RECORD: 31-8

JULES JOSEPH Ocoee (195 pounds, junior) RESULTS: Def. A.J. Lopez (dec. 5-3); lost to Anthony Crowell (pin, 1:45); def. Alexi Castro (dec. 3-1, OT); lost to Austin Smenda (pin, 4:39) FINAL RECORD: 36-6

DYLAN MEEKS Dr. Phillips (220 pounds, sophomore) RESULTS: Def. Dwayne Shields (pin, 3:30); def. Kyle Rodriguez (dec. 4-0); def. Gabriel Marrero (pin, 0:15); def. Darius Hamilton (dec. 4-1) FINAL RECORD: 34-0

GEORGE SCHANCK Ocoee (170 pounds, sophomore) RESULTS: lost to Fox Baldwin (technical fall); lost to Lazaro Acosta (dec. 12-11) FINAL RECORD: 35-8

Windermere Prep (5-1) are all good and contenders in a loaded Central Florida region.

What’s more, both Olympia tennis teams are good, with the boys team headlined by a returning state champion from 2014 (Kaden Funk), Dr. Phillips boys track is No. 1 in the state — but the girls have placed first in every meet, so I can’t forget them.

My whining notwithstanding, these are awesome problems to have. You don’t become a varsity sports reporter because you like having nights and weekends off.

Sure, the scheduling gods did us in the media no favors, and I’ve been subsidizing my energy supply with Red Bull (sugar-free — which I’m told by colleague Zak Kerr doesn’t make it any better), but this is an exciting time of year, and pretty soon, it’ll be summer, and I’ll be clamoring for football season to start.

FIRM FOUNDATION NOW OPEN

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ACTIVE

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

WOTimes.com

JUST KEEP ROWING by Emilee Jackson | Contributing Writer

Photos Emilee Jackson

The hometown team from the Orlando Area Rowing Society, which includes Dr. Phillips sophomore Reid Matheison, competed in its 17th Annual Invitational Regatta on Saturday at Turkey Lake in MetroWest.

PADDLE POWER Participation in the Orlando Area Rowing Society, which hosted its annual invitational regatta on March 14, has many benefits — something one Dr. Phillips student knows well.

W

ith practice six days a week, Reid Matheison is no ordinary high-school student.

The sophomore at Dr. Phillips High School joined the Orlando Area Rowing Society in its inaugural year for middle-school students. Five years

later, rowing with high-schoolers, his parents have seen incredible growth in many ways.

“Just physically it’s pretty amazing,” Rob Matheison, Reid’s father, said. “But, obviously there’s a lot of dedication and discipline for this sport, and I feel like it brings a lot out

of the kids because it takes a lot of commitment to follow through with this.”

Not only do the rowers learn all of the ins and outs of the sport, but also they learn key strategies that they will carry with them through life.

“One of the main things I think it’s taught Reid is his time management,” Sandy Matheison, his mother, said. “He just is so disciplined for himself — to be a 16-year-old kid and so committed to getting the right amount of sleep, eating the right things, getting his school work done and prioritizing everything with the six-days-aweek practice.”

Along with his time management, Reid has picked up communication skills along the way. Being able to win a race goes far beyond sitting in a boat with oars; without communication, the team would fall overboard.

“I’ve learned a lot about being a leader and being able to talk to people through just talking to the guys on the team or going out and recruiting new rowers every year,” Reid said.

As the Matheisons have learned as a family, rowing can be different from many traditional sports. One aspect is that without cohesive teamwork, the boat will not succeed.

“It definitely is the ultimate team sport, because you either all succeed together or you all fail together,” Rob said. “They really have to stick together as a team and pump each other up and help each other push forward.”

As it is with many sports, communication is key. Learning to listen to peers and work together is always a milestone for athletes and one of the key takeaways for Reid.

“It’s learning a lot of discipline, because you’ve got to listen to people, make sure you know what they’re talking about,” Reid said. “You can’t just go off and do whatever you want, or else you won’t do well.”

The Orlando Area Rowing Society hosted its 17th Annual Youth Invitational Regatta March 14 at Turkey Lake Park in MetroWest.

The event is one of the premier rowing events in the southeast United States and is known to attract more than 1,000 rowers from around Florida and nearby states.

Races launched roughly every seven minutes along the 1500-meter course on Turkey Lake.

The Orlando Area Rowing Society, which began in 1999, operates out of Kelsey Boathouse on the shore of Little Lake Down in Windermere, and has several youth and high-school-age members from West Orange County.

More information about OARS can be found online at oarsrowing.com.

WINDERMERE 5K RUN AMONG THE LAKES

Mental checklist poses tough questions when thinking about goals and wants, have a great imagination and love to indulge their thoughts with what it would be like. The deal is only a few get hungry for those goals, meaning their appetite finds no satisfaction until those goals begin to unfold.

4. When do you want to achieve your goal by?

“Yesterday” is not a good response here, as this will take time and is a commitment. Think about where you are and what you want.

By looking into safe, longterm results and applying science, you can project results given your commitment level, current time available to give to fitness, stress levels and sleep per night.

Not to mention, you also have to evaluate your personal dedication to manage your nutrition, which will be a huge factor in any fitness goal but even more

so if body composition is a primary focus.

5. Do you have a track record of staying the course?

So you want to go it solo?

There are those out there who have that inner drive to achieve anything — regardless of the challenges that surround them. For the rest of us, we need and benefit greatly when we have a mentor to help guide us to the finish line. Accountability is necessary for most people to see it out.

I’ve left you with a ton of questions to answer, so do your homework, go through the mental checklist and stay tuned.

Luis Rodriguez is the owner and head coach at WinStrong CrossFit on Winter Garden Vineland Road in Winter Garden. Find him on Facebook at facebook.com/WinStrongCrossFit, on Twitter at @WeWinStrong and online at windermerestrength.com.

ON YOUR MARK >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CROSSFIT TALK So, you’re thinking of with a question like that, trying CrossFit? but I’d like you to stop right As meaty as this topic now and answer it! Can could be, I’m going to keep you? With absolute clarity? this succinct and attempt If so, great; let’s move on. If to help you make the best not, you’ve got some soul choice possible to advance searching to do. your fitness.

To answer the first ques2. What do you know? tion, though, I must first ask Do you have the knowlyou a question — followed edge to get the results you’re by another question after? Something I hear and then another and often is people saying so on. You see, being they know what they a personal and group “should” be doing. coach for more than When I was a young 16 years, I’ve learned trainer and coach, I that to succeed in any would hear this and fitness endeavors one start trying to go headhas to have cooperto-head and find how LUIS ation between a few RODRIGUEZ much someone does or things. doesn’t know, but here’s Consider this a the simple question I mental checklist of sorts ask people now: Then why before endeavoring on a haven’t you done it?

CrossFit regiment — or any other training regiment, for 3. How badly do you want that matter. it?

There’s a huge difference 1. What do you want? between, “It would be nice You might be thinking if,” and, “I will stop at nothyou’re not getting insight ing until.” Many people,

ABOUT THE EVENT

WHAT: Run or walk WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 11 WHERE: Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St, Windermere WEBSITE: sommersports.com/Events/Runs/ Windermere-5K-Run-Among-the-Lakes

MODERN SQUARE DANCING WHAT: The Garden Patch Square Dance Club offers weekly classes. An activity the whole family can enjoy, square dancing promote mental and physical exercise.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Fridays WHERE: Vignetti Recreation Center, 1910 Adair St., Ocoee

ORLANDO SPORT AND SOCIAL FLAG FOOTBALL WHAT: Registration is open for this origanization’s spring league.

WHEN: Play for the respective leagues begins between April 1 and April 13 and each team will play at least seven games.

WEBSITE: orlandosportandsocialclub. com/pages/flagfootball

4B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

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Keene’s Pointe home sells for $2M A home in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all residential real-estate sales in West Orange from Feb. 27 to March 5.

The home at 11658 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold March 2, for $2,117,500. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 6,131 square feet of living area on 1.08 acres. The price per square foot is $345.38.

The following are Windermere and Winter Garden sales starting at $300,000. For more, visit wotimes.com.

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The home at 25 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold March 5, for $816,250. Built in 1957, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,436 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $355.08.

EDEN ISLE

The home at 6226 Crescent Moon Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $535,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,706 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.36.

EDEN’S HAMMOCK

The home at 5510 Remsen Cay Lane, Windermere, sold

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This Keene’s Pointe home, at 11658 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold March 2, for $2,117,500. It features five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 6,131 square feet of living area on 1.08 acres.

Feb. 27, for $455,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,070 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $148.21.

iew Point Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $1 million.

Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,338 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $230.52.

ISLEWORTH COUNTRY CLUB

WATERSTONE

The home at 5150 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $1.975 million. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 5,794 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $340.87.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8228 Stone Mason Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $1,959,070. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 6,332 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $309.39.

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The home at 13326 Roxboro Road, Windermere, sold March 3, for $450,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,611 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.62.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12466 Lake Sawyer Drive, Windermere, sold March 3, for $325,000.

Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,230 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $145.74.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11354 Shandon Park Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $499,000 (short sale). Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,405 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $146.55.

The home at 1443 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold March 3, for $315,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,065 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.54.

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11080 Coniston Way, Windermere, sold March 2, for $999,000 (short sale). Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,367 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $186.14.

WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 12900 Lakev-

Take a look at this CUSTOM built 2 story 5 bdrm, 4 ba.

This home features a DRAMATIC TWO-STORY FOYER, beautiful BRAZILIAN walnut wood flooring, great open floor plan. Great room w/ fireplace, formal dining, kitchen with GRANITE, solid WOOD cabinets, island, breakfast bar, panty, STAINLESS steel appliances. Located on the first floor is the MASTER BEDROOM/BATH, guest bedroom being used as an office, upstairs is another master suite wi/bath, 2 bedroom with bath between and loft. French doors downstairs leading to the screened lanai and the lush landscaped yard!!! Close to all major highways... Asking only $479,000.

PE SA ND LE IN G!

GATED COMMUNITY-PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS-FANTASTIC BUY!!!

PE SA ND LE IN G!

JUST REDUCED $5,000

SAY HELLO, to this fantastic buy in TUSCANY!!! This 4 Bdrm. 2 Ba. beauty is waiting for a new home owner, this is a TRADITIONAL SALE, NOT a short sale or bank owned. No rear neighbors!!! Step inside to the impressive Travertine tile, throughout except for bedrooms and living room. This home features a formal living room and dining room, family room with wood burning fireplace, kitchen with breakfast nook, breakfast bar, pantry and all kitchen appliances stay! Inside laundry room, split bedroom plan, large master bedroom adjoined by master bath, garden tub, separate shower, his/her closets, dual sinks. Gorgeous screened lanai, sparkling pool, heated spa, open wood deck off of lanai, fenced yard. Asking only $294,900.

UNDER CONTRACT IN 13 DAYS!

SHOWS LIKE A MODEL!!! 4 bdrm. 3ba with Foyer, formal living & dining, family rm, kitchen has 42’ cabinets, stainless steel appliances and all appliances stay! Inside laundry rm washer & dryer stays! This home is in immaculate condition, the beautiful landscaped yard is a fitting introduction to a SUPERB INTERIOR. Open floor plan, large breakfast area. Split bdrm plan, master is adjoined by master bath, garden tub, separate shower. The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the other 2 baths. Screened lanai, white privacy fenced yard. Paver driveway and 3 car garage!!! minutes away from downtown W.G., 408,429 & turnpike, walk to the W.O. Trail...Asking only $299,995.

ARE YOU READY TO BUILD???

VACANT LAND (2.28) ACRES!!! If you have been looking to build, take a look at this!!! No HOA!!! City water, city sewer. The property is ZONED R-NC/ RESIDENTIAL (RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD/ COMMERCIAL SINGLE/2 FAMILY/ with special exception could be school, church, etc. You can call city of Winter Garden for more information on usage.

SELLER IS MOTIVATED AND WANTS TO LOOK AT ALL OFFER’S. Asking $175,000.

The home at 1532 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold March 5, for $1.1 million.

Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 4,159 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $264.49.

The home at 11821 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold March 5, for $880,000.

Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,447 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $255.29.

WINDERMERE

The home at 12730 S. Lake Sawyer Lane, Windermere, sold March 1, for $766,500 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,410 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $173.81.

The home at 226 Butler St., Windermere, sold March 3, for $335,000. Built in 1928, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,755 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $190.88.

WINDSOR HILL

The home at 2500 Park Royal Drive, Windermere, sold March 1, for $450,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,626 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.10.

WINTER GARDEN ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 2226 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $347,100. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,773 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $92.

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 708 Cascading Creek Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $333,900. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,654 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $91.38.

BRONSON’S LANDINGS

The home at 2252 Rickover Place, Winter Garden, sold March 4, for $439,000. Built in

2009, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,324 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.53.

CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 2221 Redmark Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 4, for $370,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,988 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $123.83.

DEER ISLAND

The home at 17500 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 2, for $640,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,565 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.20.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15863 Citrus Grove Loop, No. 354, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $361,995. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,032 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $119.39.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1015 Britton Aly, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $459,440. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,192 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $209.60.

The home at 1021 Britton Aly, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $429,550. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,971 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $217.94.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14431 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $430,772. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,881 square feet. The price per square foot is $111.

SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 6741 Point Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 4, for $635,000.

Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,415 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $185.94.

WINTER GARDEN

The home at 15336 Oakland Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $400,250. Built in 1928, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,582 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $111.74.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

RAIN

WEST ORANGE

(INCHES)

WEATHER

TUES.

March 10

0.00

WED.

TEMPERATURES

March 11

0.40

Thurs., March 19 Fri., March 20 Sat., March 21 Sun., March 22 Mon., March 23 Tues., March 24 Wed., March 25

THURS.

March 12

0.00

FRI.

March 13

0.02

SAT.

March 14

0.00

SUN.

March 15

0.00

MON.

March 16

0.00

MARCH

HIGH 86 88 86 85 78 74 77

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Thurs., March 19 Fri., March 20 Sat., March 21 Sun., March 22 Mon., March 23 Tues., March 24 Wed., March 25

FRI.

TO DATE .43

SUNRISE 7:32 a.m.

7:31 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

7:29 a.m.

7:28 a.m.

7:26 a.m.

7:25 a.m.

SUNSET 7:36 p.m.

7:37 p.m.

7:38 p.m.

7:38 p.m.

7:39 p.m.

7:39 p.m.

7:40 p.m.

MOON PHASES

March 5

March 13

SUN.

SAT.

LOW 65 65 65 65 61 57 57

(2014: 2.39) March 20

YEAR

TO DATE

9.26 (2014: 7.35)

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

LOW

LOW

88

86

65

85

65

March 27

65

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed musician. Using the hints U=O and G=S, decipher the clues to name the musician.

1. G D U U L B W E C C 2. H Y U L U T A G 3. X S A E L B K A G G 4. G A K D A S 5. S E H P U This musician has their own line of saxophones:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

March 19 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.46)

3 2

5

8

8 7

6

9

4 1

4

8

9

2

3

7

8

4

6

8 6 2

5

9

1 3

I

Stephen Cushman, of Ocoee, submitted this gorgeous photo, which he calls, “Spring Lake at Dusk.”

WO

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Winners can pick up their prize at the Times office.

CROSSWORD JAM SESSION by Lewis Forte

CRYPTOQUIZ

1

5B

6

7

5

ACROSS 1 Jellied garnish 6 Flight from the law 9 Hollywood award 14 English 101 readings 18 Left-hand page 19 Chip’s cartoon mate 20 Fifth Avenue sight 21 Fine cotton 22 Garlic mayonnaise 23 Knowing, as a secret 24 Evergreen-forested landscape 25 Catch a glimpse of 26 It may be copyrighted 30 Director Spike 31 Airport info, initially 32 Hairstyling goop 33 Has a good, hard laugh 35 “Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?” for one 43 Available to pour 45 Perlman of “Cheers” 46 ___ a bone (arid) 47 Cartographic speck 48 Bakery items 50 Close-up map 53 “___! A mouse!”

54 Critic Shalit 55 Field for the creative sort 59 Self-important 60 Victory symbol 61 Color tones 62 Heat conduits 66 ___ trip (self-indulgent activity) 67 Black gunk 68 Not secret or hidden 70 Nip in the bud 72 Rock that’s mined 73 Continue, as a subscription 75 Formal greeting 76 Abnormal radar blip 77 ___ gum (food thickener) 78 Bad thing for a leader to get 84 What generic goods lack 87 It’s loaded with cash 88 Become hardened to 89 Not good to eat 90 Org. of physicians 91 Lumber jacket pattern 93 Behave like a lunatic 95 Cubic liter 96 Atom smasher 101 Operatic showpieces 102 Greek letter T 103 World Cup zero 104 Deg. from Wharton 107 Event featuring the Virgin Mary 115 Czech river 116 “Cease!” on the seas 117 Carpet layer’s calculation 118 Haul off to jail 119 Fruit spray no more 120 Banister post 121 Disordered situation 122 Corpulent plus 123 Have a rough night 124 Distinguishing flavor 125 It’s sometimes written in the sand 126 “Fix” a pet

©2015 Universal Uclick

DOWN 1 To no ___ (pointlessly) 2 Fish net with floats 3 Formal declaration of an objection 4 Welcome sight after a shipwreck 5 Mattress component 6 Historical section of northwestern England 7 “Thanks ___!”

8 Entree list 9 Stablehand 10 Used a Swingline 11 Coconut fiber 12 Jason’s ship 13 Get, as profits 14 Unit of gene activity 15 Space between two points 16 Like the heavens 17 Put into words 19 Calorie counter 27 Money in Albania 28 Khan’s title 29 Cupid, to the Greeks 34 Eyelid infection 36 Safe harbor 37 Expert in takeoffs?

38 Remain undecided

39 Convenience 40 What perimeters mark off 41 “Da” opposite 42 Pseudonym of H.H. Munro 43 Twist of fiction 44 Adolescence 49 The Destroyer, in Hinduism (var.)

51 Battlefield formation 52 It may be taken around the world 54 Serengeti antelope 56 “___ the ramparts ...”

57 Emeritus, for short 58 Word on a roulette table 63 Hinders normal operations 64 UPS follow-up 65 Quietly composed 67 What it takes to tango 68 Clumsy sort 69 Tomatoes grow on it 70 Flunker’s letter 71 Dark film genre 74 Wife without in-laws 75 “Bro” and “dude” kin (var.)

76 Lack of balance or smoothness 77 Affect emotionally 79 Locker room powder

80 And others, for short 81 Heal 82 Exam sans pencils 83 Biblical do 84 California wine district 85 City in the Texas Panhandle 86 Xylophonelike instruments 91 Leaning Tower city 92 Computer input 94 Heath family members 97 Circus employees 98 Beef on the hoof 99 Kind of card 100 Beverage by the yard 105 Capital of a U.S. state 106 Not the main building 108 Quitter’s word 109 Peeper part 110 Legislators pass them 111 Rotating engine parts 112 Popular cookie 113 Tool used on 98-Down 114 Toothpaste container 115 Be a consumer?

6B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Here's My Card

bluekitecomputers.com sales@bluekitecomputers.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

5/14/15

GO GREEN

EXTINGUISHER

with nature’s best rodent controller, the CAT!

SERVICE

No more need for poison controls that harm the environment, people and farm animals. Join us in the Barn Cats program and help to make a difference.

For details call

FIRE TECH Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

407.522.2617

barncatsinfo@CareFelineTNR.org

TFN

4/30/15

Travis Hamric Branch Manager

1081 9th Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 Mention this ad for

10% OFF your rental

Residential • Commercial • Tile • Metal

(407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

We make Lending EASY

Keith Keller President CCC1325778

CELEBRATION FUNDING, INC. • Primary Residence • 2nd Home • Investment • Condo • Modular • Manufactured • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, HARP, Jumbos, Construction, Commercial

TFN

407-656-1817

Email: keithksj@cfl.rr.com Ocoee, FL 34761

Call: Ernie Bagley 352.223.8359 (7 Days)

TRAYWICK'S

1045 S. Vineland Rd. •Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

407.614.5962

Apply from your Home or Office

www.celebrationfunding.com

sunbeltrentals.com

GARAGE

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

& Service, Inc.

"Your Complete Service Center" 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Email: ernie@celebrationfunding.com www.celebrationfunding.com 700 Celebration Ave. Suite 208

TFN

(2nd Floor Bank of America Building) Celebration, FL 34747 All Programs Subject to Credit/Income Approval

NMLS# 1032792

REG# MV-01095

Phone (407) 656-6646

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

MLO NMLS# 906080

TFN

5/7/15

ONE COMPANY, ONE CALL Everything from maid services, handyman repairs to household chores.

• handyman • maid • painting • household repairs • home organization

Phone: 407-877-3841 Email: highlinecarsalesinc@gmail.com

$

75

00 COMPLETE

TFN

OIL SERVICE

With service message reset.

Full synthetic (up to 7 quarts) and oil filter.

Offer expires 3/31/15. Environmental, disposal fees and tax not included. Not valid with any other offer. This ad must be presented to receive this offer.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPT. TODAY CALL US AT

407-877-3841

Have clipper, will travel

4/30/15

Mobile In-Home

Call for a FREE quote!

TruBlue of Orlando 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite 195 Orlando, FL 32809 All employees bonded & insured

Dog Grooming

by Cara

25 yrs. experience

We are your European/Foreign car auto Repair/Sales alternative dealer.

407-203-6000

407.450.2007

JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC

4/30/15

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates

Cell 407-716-3010 Windsor Realty Group, Inc. 160 S. Main Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-FIND (3463) TFN

Owner/Operator

Licensed and Insured

Bill Straugh Broker Associate

John Freeman 5/15/15

www.TruBlueOrlando.Com

cell: 321-229-1958

email: jptrees09@gmail.com

CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.

5/7/15

TFN

110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

MORE THAN JUST

TIRE VALUES

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

407.296.9622 407.877.6268

www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential

Licensed & Bonded Licensed #RC29027533

407.656.8920

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement.

We offer financing with approved credit

Bobby Swindle, Jr. Owner

FREE ESTIMATES

• •

• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS! MV03215

Mobil 1 Oil

Amsoil Synthetic

TFN

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Classifieds 010 ANNOUNCEMENTS PUBLIC AUCTION. Fred McGilvray, Inc. 3 Auctions scheduled! 03/25 - 11am & 04/07 - 10:30am at 8690 NW 58 St, Doral, Fl 33166 04/14 - 10am at 1421 Oglethorpe Rd, Palm Beach, Fl 33480 Lg. Qty. of Vehicles, trailers, plumbing supplies, fire & sprinkler equipment/supplies, engineering/construction equipment, Lg. Qty. of power tools/hand tools, press breaks, welding equipment, torch equipment, forklifts, 20’ & 44’ containers, warehouse items, scrap metal/ brass/copper, acetylene tanks & much more! 15%-18%BP Live/Online Assignment Case #2015-004902-CA www.moeckerauctions.com / (800) 840-BIDS AB1098 AU-3219, Eric Rubin Live Simulcast Bankruptcy Auction Case 13-10157, Hayes Iron & Metal, Inc. Office Bldg., Metal Frame Bldgs, Workshop, Shop Equip., Tools, Office Furnishings & Equip., Providence, NC. 3/26/15 at 10am. Auction at The Institute Conference Center Barkhouser Auditorium, Danville, VA. 800-9972248, NCAL3936/V AAL580. www .ironhorseauction.com fdan3/19

CHECK OUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE @ WOTIMES.COM Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com

Subscribe today for $29.00 at subscribe@wotimes.com

240 GARAGE SALE

650 COMMERCIAL FOR RENT

700 HOMES FOR SALE

Pottys, Cribs, Toyboxes, Strollers, Car seats, Walkers, Saucers, Swings, Children's Easter clothes from Tennessee. Babylady 407-731-4248. 3/26bl

Office Space for rent. 1800 sq ft., Central air, $1300 per month. Large warehouse, small office, 3300 sq ft., $2063 per month.

Matrix Development, 1319 Green Forest Ct., Winter Garden. 407-272-9214. 4/2ca

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH ONLINE. VISIT- WWW.FLORIDAONLINEHOMEVALUES.COM or Free Recorded Message 866-257-1598 Id# 1075. Offered by Mizz Realty Group. 3/26sm

Heater $14.95, Box fan $9.95, Playpen $19.95, Gas cans $3.95 each, Double stroller $19.95, Highchair. Babylady 407-7314248. 3/26bl

Free Downloadable E-Book. How to start your own online business. www.SunsetVistaGroupBooks.com 3/19tj HIGH CASH PRODUCING Vending Machines .75 Vend = .65 Profit All on Location in Florida Selling due to illness. Call 1-866668-6629 for Details. fcan3/19

070 LOST & FOUND White & tan male Pekeinese found on Fullers Cross Rd. Call 407-656-1179. 3/19

AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification.

Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-314-5838 3/19fcan

Multi Family Yard Sale -Friday Only- 20th 8am-6pm. 399 N Boyd St. Furniture, Home Accessories, Clothes, Shoes, Purses. Lots of Goodies! 3/19lb

620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES

Your ad here! Call

Room for rent. Furnished. Apopka, next to route 429. Private bath, access to washer, dryer and kitchen. Mature lady preferred. No smoking. No pets. $490 per month. (407)353-3407 3/19sz

407-656-2121

720 S. Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 2015

The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions

130 MEDICAL

Job descriptions and applications are available online.

www.wintergarden-fl.gov Phone:

160 GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

Fax:

DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for Werner Enterprises. Earn $800 per week! Local CDL Training. 1-877214-3624 3/19fcan

407-656-4111

407-877-2795

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WELDING CAREERS - Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 877-206-4006 3/19fdan

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Chef Steward for prestigious private school in Montverde. Must be able to lift over 50 lbs., have strong sanitation skills, good leadership skills, and be a team player with a hospitality attitude. Schedule: M-F 10:00am-6:30pm. Must pass background check and drug test. Company offers major medical plan, eye and dental plans, paid holiday, vacation, sick time, retirement. Competitive salary. Inquire within - 17235 7th St., Montverde, FL. 3/19gh

BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:

Spray Techs wanted, Will train, Refinish Bathtubs and Counter Tops, Auto Allowance, Plus Pay. 407-399-1567. 4/2zt

“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”

Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867

Diesel & Agriculture Mechanic for Farm - Heller Bros Packing Corp in Winter Garden, is looking for someone in our shop to maintain, diagnose and service our fleet of trucks, trailers and agriculture equipment. Experience is a must and a Class B CDL is preferred. *Competitive wages and benefit package *Must pass a drug and background check *Certification is a plus!

Please respond to David @ 407-403-8757.

3/26hb

NOW PURCHASING

SCRAP

BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr

Winter Garden

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Crossword answers

Multi Family Yard Sale on March 28th from 8am to 1 pm. West Orange Girls Club - 881 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761.

3/26dg

DISH TV Packages for $19.99/mo & $14.95/mo for Internet + $25 Visa Gift Card (with activation). Call NOW and Save: 844560-2654. Conditions apply. 3/19fcan

Attention Viagra Users! Viagra 100mg, Cialis 20mg. 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99.

No prescription needed! Discreet shipping. Call now 1-800-224-0305. 3/19fcan

1) Smooth Jazz 2) Duotones 3) Breathless 4) Selmer 5) Radio Kenny G

Professional Housecleaning. Now hiring individuals with your own reliable, insured vehicle. Pay starts at $10/hr+gas reimbursement + bonus programs + PTO. Be in good physical condition, high energy, speak/read eng, follow our driving directions. M-F, available 8:15 to 5 p.m. Experience in this industry. No criminal history.

Over 21. Call after 9 a.m., 407-877-7738.

3/19nk

WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $735, 2BR $785, 3BR $975 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included. 407-656-7162. 9/25tfn

090 MISCELLANEOUS

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

Tikes Kitchen $9.95, Jogging Stroller $19.95, Large crockpot $7.95, Toddler car seat $9.95, Toys. Babylady 407-731-4248.

3/26bl

Community Yard Sale - Orange Tree Mobile Home Park off Park Avenue in Winter Garden will have a community yard sale on Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st from 8AM-4PM. Rain date will be March 27th and 28th. NO EARLY SALES. 3/19bs

040 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

7B

407-656-3495

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH 611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com

CATHOLIC

S.E. Dollen, LLC.

Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983.

All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians.

For professional results and competitive rates

call 407-656-5818 EC 13001719

RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH

1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113

CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com

To advertise in the Church Directory please call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA

Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Blue Christmas Service: Dec. 21, 4pm Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 11pm www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135

PRESBYTERIAN

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

8B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Ribbon Cuttings, Anniversaries and ‘We Noticed’ Awards

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently held a ribbon cutting for Flooring America located at 10897 W. Colonial Drive in Ocoee. Flooring America is a family owned and operated, nationally supported, full-service floor covering destination. It stocks carpet, tile, vinyl, laminate and wood backed by the best warranties in the industry. It has been serving the community for more than 20 years and is dedicated to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently held a ribbon cutting for Hohman Rehab & Sports Therapy located at 11169 W. Colonial Drive in Ocoee. The physical therapists at Hohman Rehab are experts in gentle pain and injury solutions. Each patient receives one-on-one treatments with clinicians who listen, understand and are quick in determining your needs. Their treatments are most effective for people suffering from back and neck pain, chronic pain, work, sports or personal injuries, sprains, strains, joint stiffness and general orthopedic rehabilitation. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated The Tutoring Center’s one-year anniversary. The Tutoring Center, located at 2572 Maguire Road, Ocoee, serves the Ocoee/Windermere area, specializing in individualized, oneto-one instruction. They serve ages kindergarten to high school students in a fun, caring environment. Their programs include Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra and geometry.

The children develop stronger academic skills, gain more confidence and motivation.

They have individualized programs, month-to-month tuition and no contracts. For more information please visit www.ocoee.tutoringcenter.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) recently celebrated Dewey’s Indoor Golf and Sports Grill’s one-year anniversary. Dewey’s Indoor Golf is located at 7720 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, and is a 12,000-square-foot, high-end sports grill that features state-of-the-art golf simulators, more than 70 TVs including a giant 25-foot screen, private meeting rooms, a Vegas-style bar and lounge, outdoor patio, plus an amazing menu and atmosphere. For more information, visit www.deweysgolf. com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.