03.22.18 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange

INSIDE

Legacy baseball enjoying strong start. PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE

VOLUME 85, NO. 12

Bridgewater students choose kindness

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

YOUR TOWN WINTER GARDEN PD TO HOST ACADEMY

Bridgewater students participated in a walkout to pay tribute to the Parkland shooting victims on National Walkout Day. SEE PAGE 3.

A CLEAN SLATE Sherry Easley uses discarded wood for her projects, and she is finding she can learn from the broken pieces of her life and create a new path. SEE PAGE 4.

The Winter Garden Police Department is hosting its next Citizens Police Academy starting Wednesday, March 28. The program runs for nine weeks and gives residents an insight into the workings of the police department.

Applications and qualifications are available at wgpd.com. For information, call (407) 656-3636, Ext. 4076, or email kprice@ wgpd.com.

Driftwood Market opening in Winter Garden The owners of the shop in College Park are opening a second location on Plant Street in early May. SEE PAGE 4.

CELTIC CELEBRATION

Amy Quesinberry

Sherry Easley and her daughter, Alivia, create and sell original pieces of art made of scrap wood.

50 WOMEN STRONG

Local developer sues City of Winter Garden George Laman, owner of GIL Inc., filed a lawsuit against the city for not meeting contractual obligations regarding landscaping requirements.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

West Orange Habitat for Humanity gears up for Women Build Day. SEE PAGE 9.

A local developer has filed a lawsuit against the City of Winter Garden alleging that the city has not met its contractual obligations regarding landscaping and sidewalk requirements along the south side of East Plant Street.

GIL Inc., at 1150 E. Plant St., filed the lawsuit against the city on Thursday, March 15.

In December 2008, the city and GIL Inc. owner George Douglas Laman entered into a contract.

According to the contract, the city would purchase land from SEE LANDSCAPING PAGE 8

Winter Garden celebrates luck of the Irish.

SEE PAGE 13.

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YOUR CALENDAR

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23

656-1117.

LENTEN FISH FRY 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, in the Parish Hall of Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children. (407) 656-3113.

EVENING AT THE POPS 4:30 p.m. petting zoo, 6:30 p.m. concert Saturday, March 24, at Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Sit under the stars and enjoy the Orlando Philharmonic Symphony. This annual event by Lake Apopka supports the Rotary Club of Winter Garden to benefit local charities. Tickets are $10 and are available in advance and at the gate. VIP tickets are available also. Facebook.com/ eveningatthepops.

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 23, at the gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy the sounds of the Good Times Jazz Band. (407) 656-4111.

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

CELEBRATION AMONG THE OAKS 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland. Families can enjoy visits with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with the Easter egg hunt at noon.

The event will include music by the Good Times Jazz Band, free pony rides, a petting zoo and bounce houses. (407)

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

DALI & DUCHAMP Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Winter Garden Art Association’s SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden.

Marcel Duchamp and Salvador Dali shared the titles of “genius” and “madman” because of their striking and shocking approaches to art. Session 3 of this lecture series discusses the relationship between Dali and Duchamp, as well

as Surrealism and Dadaism and their effects on Modern Art. Tickets are $10 for WGAA members and $15 for others.

Reservations and payments can be made by calling (407) 347-7996 or by going online at wgart.org.

7:30 p.m. Friday, March 30, at Quest Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha. Witness the dramatic retelling of the story of the crucifixion as seen through the eyes of various characters.

Seating is limited. Admission is free. (407) 293-3696.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 30, at the gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy the Cajun and Zydeco sounds of the Porchdogs. (407) 656-4111.

VIETNAM WAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at American Legion Post 63, 271 Plant St., Winter Garden.

The get-together is for all U.S. veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955, to May 1975 and their families. vietnamwar50th. com. (407) 656-6361.

ART HISTORY TRENDING 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at the Winter Garden Art Association’s SoBo Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden.

“Pop Culture, Social Media & Instagram” is this month’s discussion in the series of art historical topics through the lens of today’s social media and pop culture trends, such as selfies and food pictures. Register at wgart.org/events/lecturearthistorytrending. Information at (407) 347-7996.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

“THE WAY OF THE CROSS”

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SATURDAY, MARCH 31

OCOEE KNIGHTS BAND MATTRESS FUNDRAISER 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Ocoee High School, 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway. Name brands such as Simmons Beautyrest will be sold at up to 50% off retail. Every purchase benefits the band’s trip to Chicago to participate in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. (407) 905-3000.

WINTER GARDEN LIONS CLUB EASTER EGG HUNT 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Join the Winter Garden Lions Club for its annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Children are divided by age; those who find the golden egg will receive the grand prize for that age group. Winter Garden’s police and fire departments will

be present, and local churches will have arts and crafts for children. There will be a raffle for an Easter basket. The Lions Club will be collecting used eyeglasses, eyeglass cases and hearing aids. (407) 656-4155.

OCOEE EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road.

More than 10,000 candy-filled eggs will decorate the lawn as children scurry to collect the treats. Admission is free.

Children 12 and younger can also enjoy fun activities from 10 a.m. to noon, including photos with the Easter Bunny, inflatables, face painting and snacks for purchase. Attendees are asked to take a non-perishable food item for the West Orange Christian Service Center. (407) 905-3180; ocoee.org.

INTRO TO SOLAR POWER USING SNAP CIRCUITS 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Use Snap Circuits to explore the power of the sun while you build solarpowered alarms and radios and experiment with light levels.

Recommended audience: ages 6 to 8. Seating is limited; registration recommended. (407) 835-7323.

12403 WEST COLONIAL DRIVE, WINTER GARDEN • (407) 654-9299 • VISIT US ONLINE AT MAINSTREETMOWER.COM

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PREACH KINDNESS Bridgewater Middle School students gathered for a memorial Wednesday, March 14, to honor the 17 victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and to participate in National Walkout Day.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Bridegwater school counselor Claudia Lunn read the names of the 17 students and staff who were killed during last month’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

As Bridgewater Middle School counselor Claudia Lunn read the names of the 17 victims killed in last month’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, hundreds of Bridgewater students stood in a somber silence. A few select students stood behind Lund and released butterflies as each name was read. What followed was another 17 seconds of silence as the students reflected on the tragedy that occurred in Parkland, Florida.

The Bridgewater students gathered at the school’s track field for a memorial in honor of the 17 high school students and staff who lost their lives when a gunman opened fire at their school last month.

The memorial was Bridgewater Middle School’s way of participating in National Walkout Day, an event created to honor the shooting victims.

Lunn was chosen to read the victims’s names because of a personal connection she has to Stoneman Douglas High; she attended the school from 1998 to 2001.

“I got the best education at Douglas,” Lunn said. “(The) teachers taught almost like at a college level and really taught you how to argue and debate and think. It’s interesting seeing all that coming back now, because I don’t think I realized what I received (from Douglas) until everything happened.”

Although Lunn has family in Parkland with children who attend Stoneman Douglas High School, none were harmed. She went to Parkland the weekend after the shooting and described her visit to the town as surreal.

“It just didn’t seem real,” Lunn said. “We drove by the school, and that was the first time I’d (been to) the school in quite a while. … I saw students who were there crying. Their lives changed forever.

That’s a place that they don’t feel safe anymore. I felt sad that that is the memory that they have of that

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Hundreds of Bridgewater Middle School Students gathered to hear a speaker during their memorial event.

school now — whereas I have the privilege of having really happy memories there.”

Bridgewater’s student body vice president, seventh-grader Nailah James, and president, eighth-grader Amanda Chambers, both weighed in on their school’s memorial. They said rather than focusing Bridgewater’s walkout event on protesting gun violence, their event brings more focus to school safety.

“We want to give awareness to school’s protection,” James said.

“We want our school protected.”

“With everything going on, we think that some people are protesting and trying to bring up guns and violence into it, but we want to focus on something positive by having a memorial and being more peaceful,” Chambers said. “(We’re) more focused on safety more than just guns.”

Chambers said the theme of their memorial lines up with the school’s theme for the year: Choose Kind. Many of the students at the memorial — including James and Chambers — wore matching shirts that read “Be Kind. Be Safe.”

“Our theme for the entire year is Choose Kind,” Chambers said.

“If you’re kind to one another,

everyone is connected. If something does happen, you always have someone to lean on and talk to because you have that connection with them. The back of our shirts say, ‘Be Kind. Be Safe.’

That’s what we mean. Kindness can lead to being more safe.”

Lunn added that kindness could lead to building strong connections in a community and said, “We, as human beings, really want and crave connection at any kind of level.”

“The phrase ‘It takes a village’ is still so very pertinent today,” Lunn said. “I think creating that ‘village’ component — that connection where you always have someone to turn to — is important to making sure we all feel welcomed and loved and safe.”

Lunn also said Bridgewater’s memorial event is important to let the students know how to peacefully organize towards a goal.

“The students really want to make the world a better place,” Lunn said. “It’s good for them to know that they can peacefully organize and put their heads together to create something positive, and that’s the goal.”

Many of the Bridgewater Middle School students wore these matching shirts to the memorial.

Bridgewater teacher Latosha Bolden, left, and Amanda Chambers released a butterfly during the memorial.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Finding hope for future AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

When life gets overwhelming, Sherry Easley pauses and reads aloud the etched wooden artwork that hangs in her bedroom: “Restore a dresser: The first thing you do is take off the handles. For me, that was taking alcohol, control and self-will out of my life. The poly, the gloss. This is what others see. Or, what you wanted them to see. Start sanding! …”

Easley, a resident in Matthew's Hope's transitional housing program, created the piece herself.

It's fashioned out of scrap wood salvaged from the discard bin at the Hope Chest wood shop, where she works part-time.

The piece is a reflection of her past; but, she has realized, it is permission to forgive that part of her life and concentrate on a better future for her and her children.

Easley and her two daughters, Alivia, 22, and Kelly, 19, live in one of the homes on Morgan Street that belong to the Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry.

They work together — sometimes all three, sometimes just Easley and Alivia — to sand, paint and glue wood scraps that result in original pieces of art. Round wooden circles become eyes on a face, semicircles become the ears or paws of a bear.

These projects give them family time, but, more important, Easley is learning how to help her daughter become self-sufficient. Alivia has Down syndrome, and before the family joined the Matthew’s Hope program, Easley was doing everything for her daughter.

She thought this made her a good mother, but what she didn't realize is that she was actually hindering Alivia and her future.

BECOMING A BETTER MOTHER

Easley’s mentor has tasked her with pushing Alivia to see how far she can progress in managing tasks on her own.

“My job as a mother is to make them live successfully on the things they can do,” she said.

Alivia will graduate from West Orange High School in May; an advocate suggested Easley start looking now for a job for Alivia.

When asked what Alivia could do independently, Easley’s list wasn’t very long. Until she saw her daughter’s IEP. “We went through her IEP and found her strengths and weaknesses, all these things I didn’t even know she could do,” Easley said. “So I took Alivia out of her box, that I put her in, and said, ‘OK, Alivia, what can you do?’

“I’m trying to get her to where she's self-sustainable, to get her ready for the next season in life,” Easley said. “If something happened to me, would she know how to go to the grocery store? Would she know how to clean the bathroom? I’m trying to incorporate her in everything I do. When I get the sale papers and clip coupons, I show her what I’m doing.

“It’s a process on how to live on her own and to be able to take care of herself,” she said. “When we do laundry, she folds the towels.

When I clean house, she'll help me wash dishes. … She'll help me make beds, she'll help me prepare dinner.”

When Easley began pushing Alivia to do more, her daughter was frustrated because she had everything done for her for so long. Both mother and daughter have come a long way in navigating this new path.

“I’m just excited that I get to know who she really is,” Easley said. “She (doesn’t) talk much; she'll mimic. (But) now I get to know who she really is. I get to try new things.”

ONE-OF-A-KIND CREATIONS

Easley has two jobs and goes to school but also is required to work five hours per week with Matthew’s Hope. Alivia goes with her mother on those days.

Her job is to help pick out the

It would ultimately become part of a dollhouse — complete with furniture — fashioned out of wood scraps, scenes cut out from design magazines, paint sticks and pieces of tile from a sale bin in the Lowe’s flooring section.

It’s painted a cheery blue with her worries written on one side and encouraging words on the other. A tree blooms at one end.

“I envision it going into the new (Matthew’s Hope) building,” Easley said. “I know that it’s a God thing because of the passion that went into making it and I know it wasn’t me putting that together. ... When it comes easy, then I know that God had me do it.

I don’t question it, I just do it, and then it turns out beautiful.”

She is learning to trust — other people, her ability to thrive.

“Before Matthew’s Hope, everybody preached at me,” she said. “With Matthew's Hope, they show you how. You want what they have, and you learn how to get it.

LETTING GO

Amy Quesinberry

Recycled pieces of wood, tile and fabric were used in this unique dollhouse made by Sherry Easley.

wood pieces, sand them and paint the base color.

Some of their art projects take a few hours, others take a few days, and there is no particular theme.

A few of them have sold, including one in a silent auction for $45.

The money provides Easley a little spending money. Visit Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations on Facebook to view others for sale.

When Easley first got involved in Matthew’s Hope, she spotted a shelf that was being thrown away at the Hope Chest. She said she saw it as transitional housing.

Easley, almost 50, did not have an easy childhood. She was in foster care from ages 9 to 18. She met her husband, from whom she is currently separated, while living with a co-worker. This relationship was unhealthy, too, and she ended up living with her sister. She ultimately moved into a hotel, taking a server job an hour away.

She soon found herself seeking help with the local homeless program.

Part of Easley's healing has been through writing about her past and creating a timeline from birth to age 50.

“My mentor told me, ‘You're learning about Sherry. You have this clean slate to write whatever you want.’” Easley said. “I have a clean slate with Alivia. All of that in the past, that was just survival mode. That might be my testimony, now might be my test, and that is my clean slate to start over.

“I’m not the victim anymore.”

Gifts, decor, art coming to downtown bombs. It’s just fun stuff. Ladies come, men can come too, we serve wine, and they leave with a beautiful piece of art.”

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Does the idea of creating handlettered signs or hand-painted wine glasses sound like a fun evening out? Come May, such a business is opening in downtown Winter Garden.

Driftwood Market currently has a storefront in College Park and soon will open a second location at 46 W. Plant St. The shop is owned by the mother-daughter team of Donna Price and Bonnie DiCocco, who currently are working on a calendar of art classes for Winter Garden.

But the store will offer so much more, DiCocco said. She and Price are putting together a collection of unique gift items and home décor and are excited about supporting local artists, including painters, a potter.

Sections in the store will include bath and beauty, stationery, wedding, baby, gourmet foods and the Parisian line of Lampeberger scent burners. A garden section will offer succulents and planters.

A men’s gift section will include

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEAM

Courtesy rendering

Driftwood Market will be located at 46 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden.

wooden watches, personalized flasks and the popular line of Daneson flavored toothpicks. The holiday department will rotate.

DiCocco said they plan to hold several community events each month. At the College Park store this month, a vendor with a peddle cart sold craft doughnuts and

coffee. Last weekend, green beer was available on St. Patrick’s Day. “One of the most fun things we do is we have a space where we teach art classes, usually like a ladies night,” DiCocco said.

“Wine-glass painting, lettering classes are very popular, we do succulent terrariums, bath

The pair originally opened a shop in Artegon Marketplace, in Orlando. When that closed, they found a location in College Park, but their goal has always been to open a store in Winter Garden, where they live.

“I love Winter Garden,” DiCocco said. “It is my home. My end goal was always to be in Winter Garden, but it’s hard to get in. …

We always knew we would have a store there, we just didn’t know when and where.”

After hearing a gift store in the heart of downtown was closing, they grabbed the opportunity.

They hope to open in early May. Driftwood Market will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

In the meantime, visit driftwoodmarket.net to get a glimpse of what the new store will offer.

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT US

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

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

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

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Heritage inspires restaurant After a successful stint as a caterer, Linda Noble opened Inay’s Kitchen in February. ‘Inay’ is tagalog for ‘Mother.’

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Whenever Linda Noble showed up to cater an event, her customers always would ask her if she owned a restaurant.

After more than 10 years of catering and selling her Filipino cuisine from concession stands at various events, Noble and her family opened the doors to Inay’s Kitchen Feb. 10.

“I’ve done catering since 2004,” Noble said. “We decided to (open) this restaurant, because a lot of people asked me, ‘Where’s your

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Noble co-owns the restaurant with her five sisters, while her mother, Dominga Mangundayao, and best friend, Maria Mulligan, lend a helping hand around the

kitchen.

“It’s a dream come true for every one of us,” Noble said.

Recommended menu items include authentic Filipino dishes like chicken adobo, a dish of chicken, potato and finely chopped onions braised in sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns and bayleaf; and pork menudo, made out of pork, carrots, bell peppers, raisins and black olives braised in a tomato sauce.

Owners also recommended trying the grilled pork kabobs, which have been marinated overnight in a homemade sweet barbecue sauce and then grilled and glazed with the same sauce.

“Every single customer has made a compliment about our food,” Arias said. “Our food is really authentic. We have our own style of Filipino food.”

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Collective Kindness opens second location in Oakland

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BLACK TIE EDITOR

Celebrating 110 years in West Orange

INSPIRED DESIGN Read about our new look. Page 8

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pointed to the house and said, “I want that.”

Fortunately for them, the house became available to rent not long after. It was previously used as a hair salon, and when the landlord heard their vision for it he gave them the opportunity to rent and make it their own.

They also have included other local vendors in their project.

Customers can walk through the house and buy not only candles from Collective Kindness but also items such as stationery, jewelry and plants. There’s also a cafe area at the back of the house, which offers coffee, tea, snacks and more.

“The community needs more spaces like this,” Liz said. “This house has been many, many things but hasn’t reached its full potential in a long, long time. It’s this beautiful historic home that needed to be loved and upgraded and used so the whole community could enjoy it, inside and out.”

Motherdaughter duo Liz and Leah Jennings have opened their second location for their business, Collective Kindness, in a historic Oakland home on Tubb Street.

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appelling down the side of a sevenstory building was easy for Erin Akers because she’s not afraid of heights, but confined-spaces training was a bit of a challenge for the Winter Garden resident, who is working toward becoming a firefighter.

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Open the door to the historic white house on South Tubb Street in Oakland, and you’ll immediately find yourself entering a treasure trove.

This old house is the newest home of Collective Kindness, a mission-based shop that specializes in premium soy wax candles.

It’s run by mother-daughter duo Liz and Leah Jennings, and with the new location now open the shop has expanded to include so much more.

The candle business began when the two wanted to create a candle that was both environmentally conscious and hypoallergenic, because Leah’s daughter has severe asthma and allergies.

They began selling the candles at the Windermere Farmers Market before going to the Winter Garden market. Within a year, they had built a solid following that propelled them into a space at the Plant Street Market.

In the wake of their growing success, the two decided it was time to take on another new adventure — renting their new location and making it their own.

“We knew we wanted to grow but didn’t want to go into a typical brick-and-mortar store,” Leah said. “We wanted to create something unique that you haven’t seen before — a space that was ours, and where we invited a couple of very key, amazing vendors whose products we love.”

The two started looking for different properties in Ocoee, Oakland and Clermont. They drove by the house — located at 4 S. Tubb St. in Oakland — and Leah

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STORY ON PAGE 4

David Haynes

Parker Boudreaux chooses Notre Dame — much to the delight of longtime supporters of his school.

SEE STORY ON 25

Car-show organizers search for new sponsor The Sept. 19 Cruz-N-Car Show in downtown Winter Garden might have been the last.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN Droves drove to the large parking lot on West Plant Street for what might have been the last Cruz-N-Car Show, a tradition each third Saturday of the month for about seven years.

The longstanding sponsorship of the show from the Winter Garden Merchants Association ended recently, based on cost increases that caused the association to lose money with the show each

Courtesy photo

A lack of sponsorship has led to the possible finale of a monthly downtown Winter Garden car show fervently supported among community members.

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! SEE CAR SHOW PAGE 4

Call us at 407-656-2121 Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

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Ocoee is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States. Motorists traveling on Clarke Road will see festive “Ocoee Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month” pole banners dotting the street.

Viewers can tune in to Ocoee TV to watch a fourpart series titled “Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy that Shaped a Nation.” The show will air at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on Channel 493, Bright House Networks.

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HISPANIC HERITAGE

Erin Akers is nearly finished with her firefighting training, and then she’s hoping to get a position with a local fire department. She and her 6-year-old son, Liam, live in Winter Garden.

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Two former West Orange Wildcats and West Orange Warrior football players competed in a recent SEC game.

Garrett “Juice” Johnson is a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Sean Kelly is a punter for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

With them is Eric Poole, who was one of their coaches during their Wildcats years.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

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Laman and his business in order to widen East Plant Street. The contract states that the city would “construct sidewalks and install landscaping pursuant to the city of Winter Garden code standards … and within the Plant Street right-of-way.” The lawsuit alleges the city never installed the required landscaping, according to a press release from Laman.

“This contract started in 2008,” Laman said. “They started widening the road in 2013. They finished widening the road in 2014.

Then, they started trying to figure out how to do this (landscaping).

It was supposed to be completed during the (street) widening process.”

Laman added he understood landscaping is typically the last thing completed when a road is widened but accuses the city of delaying the process.

“I was very patient,” Laman said. “They kept pushing it off and (would) tell me in meetings, ‘we’re working on it, we’re working on it. We’re going to do it.’”

In September 2017, the city passed an ordinance establishing “streetscape” requirements along East Plant Street, which were the first specific landscape designs for East Plant. In December 2017, Laman verified that the city is “not working on landscape plans as required in the contract.”

“They want this area to develop nicely, but in my opinion, they want it to develop nicely on somebody else’s dollar, not on their dollar,” Laman said, adding that the city also owns property

Eric Gutierrez

George Laman is the owner of GIL Inc., who is suing the City of Winter Garden over landscaping requirements the city has not met.

along East Plant. “They’re not even improving their own property.”

Although Laman’s attorney told him that he’d been damaged by the city’s delay in coming up with landscaping plans, Laman does not want to sue for monetary damages.

“I’m very disappointed it’s come this far,” Laman said. “I don’t want the city to give me money for them not doing what (they’re supposed to). … I’m not asking for damages. I just simply want them to fulfill their contractual obligations.”

Winter Garden City Attorney Kurt Ardaman shared his thoughts on Laman’s lawsuit.

“We don’t think it (the lawsuit) has any merit,” Ardaman said.

“But, we will aggressively defend the city.”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Daniels Rd.

8

ALSO INSIDE: Orlando Magic Youth Foundation: Black Tie & Tennies Gala. 11 Orlando Union Rescue Mission: Homecoming gala. 12

BLACK

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

TIE

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Courtesy photos

Last year’s Women Build Day drew 40 women strong to help work on West Orange Habitat for Humanity houses.

Build like a girl West Orange Habitat for Humanity, which offers a hand up in building homes for families in need, is gearing up for its second Women Build event.

DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

I

f you’re a woman, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty and learn some new skills along the way, West Orange Habitat for Humanity has a pink hard hat with your name on it.

In honor of National Women Build Week, WOHFH is gearing up to host its second Women Build Day. Everyone involved gets to try their hand at learning new homebuilding skills, all while helping other women achieve their new homes through Habitat.

Recent market trends show that in Orange County — one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation — the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is just more than $1,300.

What trends don’t show, though, is that the continued growth and limited access to affordable housing has become a

Shellonda Hill, pictured here with her two daughters, is a recipient of one of the Green Oaks Row homes in Winter Garden.

challenge for those trying to find it. Some families find themselves spending 60% to 70% of their income on housing alone, causing a financial crisis and vicious cycle of poverty.

That’s where Habitat for Humanity comes in — and where local women get to help make a difference.

Habitat’s National Women Build Week is an annual weeklong event that invites women to fundraise and devote at least one day to build while helping fami-

lies build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. The week is meant to spotlight the homeownership challenges faced by women.

Habitat partners with Lowe’s to engage with and build up local communities with more than 18,000 women volunteers in 300 communities nationwide this year.

In the West Orange community, “50 Women Strong” will don their pink hard hats May 5 and dive headfirst into the home-

building experience, along with the three women — Shellonda Hill, Victoria Grace and Ursula (Habitat isn’t releasing her last name for privacy reasons) — receiving WOHFH’s homes in the new Green Oaks Row community in Winter Garden.

“Women like to build,” said Marilyn Hattaway, WOHFH director of development. “They like to learn new skills and homebuilding and do not have to have a whole lot of experience doing those kind of things. …Most of all, I think they like helping women get into homes.”

Last year WOHFH set a goal to launch Women Build Day with 25 women; it ended up with 40.

This year the goal is to start with 50 women who will do some fundraising and leave their mark on Green Oaks Row homes.

“We suggest a fundraising goal of $1,000, but last year our goal was 25 women, we wound up with 40 and raised over $40,000 that way,” Hattaway said. “It was just done by women saying, ‘I’m working on Women Build and I love Habitat…I’m gonna go out and sling the hammer, but maybe you wouldn't mind donating $10 or $25.’ …When women get involved we start with education and then tell them how important it is to fund affordable housSEE BUILDING PAGE 10

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Photos by Gabby Baquero

The coowner of OhmWoke, a vegan/ vegetarian meal delivery service based in Orlando, served as one of the three caterers at the gala.

ON GOLDEN POND

Herbivore Galore V

egans and vegetarians alike received a special treat at Noor 17’s Vegan Gala, held Saturday, March 17.

The evening’s gala celebrated the health benefits of an allvegan lifestyle and offered delicious vegan meals to enjoy by vegan caterers based in Central Florida.

Noor 17 co-founder Imari Denise encouraged any nonvegan attendees considering a plant-based diet to make the transition, adding that the main goal of the event was to support the vegan movement, increase awareness and make plantbased diets more mainstream.

Saturday, March 31 | 8 p.m.

Beguilingly simple, this tale of a single family and how they pull apart and then find each other has been touching audiences for decades and generations.

Jennifer Agravat and Rebecca Villar jumped at the chance to attend the gala once they learned about it from the Vegetarians of Central Florida Facebook page.

— GABBY BAQUERO

FROM BUILDING PAGE 9

ing. These houses cost about $100,000 to build, give or take, and we have to raise that somewhere, somehow.”

This year’s event kicks off with a Women Build Wine Mingle event, which gives women involved the chance to meet each other and the three families receiving the Green Oaks Row homes. Leading up to the build day, participants will have the chance to attend a workshop at Lowe’s, where they’ll learn a construction aspect such

as repairing drywall or installing a sink prior to the build.

And although men are welcome at the Women Build event and play a big role in WOHFH’s mission, too, this one’s for the girls.

“The women in this community are awesome,” Hattaway said.

“They care about their community, and they care about other women, and maybe that’s why Women Build is so wonderful, is because they do. When it’s a close-knit community and people care, to me, Women Build just hits all those good feelings.”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

BLACK

Orlando Magic Youth Foundation’s Final Black Tie & Tennies Gala

I

TIE

t was a good run, but after 28 years the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation has decided to hang up the tennis shoes on its Black Tie and Tennies Gala. OMYF hosted its final gala at the Amway Center on Saturday, March 17. The gala serves as a premier fundraising event and on average brought together 700 guests. In 2017, it raised more than $500,000 for Central Florida youth. Guests got to enjoy a multi-course dinner, cocktail reception, live entertainment, silent and live auctions and, of course, interaction with Orlando Magic players and staff.

11

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Left: Max Lynch stood with his parents, Thad and Jennifer, as he got his basketball signed by an Orlando Magic player.

Above: Orlando Magic dancers Robyn G. and Cierra P. smiled for a photo with Debbie Higgins.

Far Left: Orlando Magic dancers lined the stage as head coach Frank Vogel made his appearance.

Left: Event emcees Dante Marchitelli and Cori Yarckin welcomed guests to the final Black Ties and Tennies gala.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Left: R.K. and Faron Kelley and Kevin and Catherine Carlson coordinated in shades of blue.

Above: Orlando Repertory Theatre kids Carson Revels and A.J. Deleon welcomed guests to the gala.

Left: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer thanked attendees for their support of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

18th Annual

April 7th • 9 am – 5 pm April 8th • 11 am – 4 pm In beautiful Historic Downtown Winter Garden Join us for a two-day festival with many plant, nature and wildlife related vendors.

Raffles and festival shirts will be available at the Bloom & Grow booth at Plant St & N. Boyd St. Kidzone will host educational programs for children of all ages. Learn more about water conservation and your environment.

Live entertainment throughout both days.

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Finally don’t miss the “Chalkin’ It Up” - Sidewalk Art Contest, which will be held on Saturday.

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

BLACK

TIE

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH | 6:30 AT NEWTON PARK, WINTER GARDEN

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Kyle and Kelsey Smith, Zach and Julie Ertz and Kelly and Luiz Costa were a goodlooking group.

Orlando Union Rescue Mission’s Homecoming Gala 2018

I

t might only be the second time that Orlando Union Rescue Mission has hosted a fundraising gala, but passionate volunteers and a great turnout indicated the annual gala’s growing success.

This year’s event — Homecoming: Celebrating 70 Years — not only served as a fundraiser but also gave mission supporters and staff an opportunity to look back on how the organization has served the community for 70 years now. Held at Rosen Shingle Creek on Saturday, March 10, the gala included a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, program and dance party.

General Admission $ 15 (Children under 10 Free Admission)

VIP Tickets $75 All proceeds benefit charities supported by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden General Admission & VIP tickets are available at Winter Garden City Hall.

Bring a Blanket and enjoy an outside concert under the stars

Instrument petting zoo for children will begin at 4:30 PM For General Admission ticket holders, snack foods, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

VIP admission includes parking, dinner, beer, wine and indoor restrooms at Tanner Hall.

If needed, Rain Date is scheduled for 3/25/2018

For additional information contact Observer Media Group offices at 407-656-2121 For online tickets go to: www.eventbrite.com and search “Evening at the Pops”

OURM Volunteer Manager Sharlene Stanford and husband Scott were excited to be part of the gala.

268546

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Curtrina Mickle, Denise Walden and Stephanie Statuto had a blast in the photo booth.

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any of Celtic origin or simply wishing to celebrate St. Patrick's Day the right way participated in Crooked Can Brewing Company and Plant Street Market's free, three-day Celtic festival held from March 16 to 18.

The festival celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Celtic culture with live Celtic music, Irish dancing, local vendors, facepainting for the little lads and lassies, magicians, Highland games, stilt walkers, puppet shows, traditional Celtic grub and more.

The third annual festival included live entertainers such as the Central Florida Irish Dance Troupe, Celtic rock band Off Kilter, Celtic fusion band Hard to Port and solo piper Todd Nichols from Rosie O'Grady's Highlanders.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

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Kelsey Roberts attended the weekend festival accompanied by her dog, Chewie, in a cute Irish green derby hat.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

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DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!!! Take a look at this 3 BDRM. 2BA. 2260 sq.ft. of living and located on a corner lot! This home was built in 1948 and has a lot of charm. Open the front door to the foyer, spacious living room , master bedroom/master bath is on one side of the house and the other 2 are centered around the guest bath. Formal dining room, breakfast area, kitchen comes complete with range, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal.

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Published twice a year. Distributed throughout West Orange County and appears on www.OrangeObserver.com.

UPCOMING ISSUE

Publish date: April 26 , 2018

IF YOU GO

Deadline date: April 6, 2018

Real Estate

Grab your drumsticks and join other drummers at the first Day of Percussion Saturday, March 24, at Windermere High School.

The event which will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will feature several guests, including Glen Sobel, drummer for Alice Cooper; Randy Van Patten, of Vanz Drumming; Anthony Parrulli, who will be host a session on theme-park drumming; and performances by Blue Man Group drummers Colin Robinson and Kevin Connolly.

Robinson lives in Windermere but grew up in rural Canada.

Although he’s a drummer for the Blue Man Group band, he clarified that he is not an actual “Blue Man.” Robinson got his first drum set in high school, however, he started playing drums in a nontraditional way before he got his first set.

“I would find all these different pillows and I would find the ones

Eric Gutierrez

Colin Robinson has been a drummer for the Blue Man Group band for about 13 years.

that made different sounds,” Robinson said. “I would set them up like I thought a drum set should be set up. … And then I would play on them and take plastic buckets or whatever I could find (and play those).”= Like many musicians, Robinson has a long history of playing in a number of bands. In addition to playing the drums, he also plays the guitar and bass guitar.

Robinson’s career afforded him the opportunity to tour all over the world. He went on to play gigs with artists such as The

Black Eyed Peas, Lenny Kravitz and Janet Jackson, among others. “(I) opened for Justin Timberlake over in Europe,” Robinson said. “He was such a nice guy.”

Robinson also went on a threeyear tour with Canadian singersongwriter Fefe Dobson. Toward the end of that tour, Robinson auditioned in Toronto for the Blue Man Group. The group was playing a show in Toronto at the time, and Robinson seized the opportunity to audition. April will mark his 13th year as a drummer for Blue Man Group band.

“Now I’m still playing drums, but I can come home every night instead of living out of a suitcase,” Robinson said. “I just like the energy of live performance.”

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AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oakland’s former Oaktubb Inn has been given new life as the Oakland Manor House Inn, operated by Cynthia Schultz and Dr. Charlotte Charfen. The purpose

LARRY A. GRIMES

Larry A. Grimes, 83, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018. A lifelong resident of Winter Garden, he was born on May 26, 1934, to Lee A. Grimes and Mable Dillard Grimes.

J.L. Dillard, his grandfather, was one of the founders of Winter Garden.

Larry was the owner of L.A. Grimes Realtors Agency, which his father began in Winter Garden in 1943. He was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church Choir for more than 50 years, and he was a long-time member of the Winter Garden

Rotary Club with 53 years of perfect attendance.

He loved to play tennis, cook and travel the back roads of Florida. He also enjoyed history and was very active in the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and has furnished many of its pictures.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Harriette;

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Schultz is the executive chef and resident innkeeper, and Charfen is the medical director.

his sons, Larry Grimes Jr., Marc (Karen) Grimes and Lee (Suzanna) Grimes; by his grandchildren, Ashlee, Katie, Jason and Justin; and by his great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Hadlee, Hunter, Mattie, Reese and Dillard.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave. Casual attire requested. Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Grimes to Rotary International, which works to eradicate polio, or to the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. baldwinfairchild.com.

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Amenities will include health classes, workshops and retreats focused on active pursuits with a special emphasis on health and wellness programs and activities, according to Schultz and Charfen.

Each of the five bedrooms has a private bathroom, and each room has its own theme, such as the Peacock Room, the Mermaid Room and the Speakeasy. There are common living areas and plenty of nooks for guests needing alone time.

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Carnival attendees enjoyed rides, games, snacks, a rock-climbing wall and a variety of bounce houses.

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In front of Mosaic at Woodlawn Memorial Park Easter message with prayers & music Sermon by Jeff Pritchard of Starke Lake Baptist Church

MARCH 22, 2018

HIGH

SPORTS

5 Steven Ryzewski

1

The West Orange girls lacrosse team bounced back after a pair of losses to Winter Park and Dr. Phillips to defeat previously undefeated East Ridge (8-1) March 14 by a score of 16-5. The win improved the Warriors to 5-3 on the season entering spring break. A gallery from West Orange’s 18-8 loss to Dr. Phillips March 12 is available at ObserverPreps. com.

2

West Orange alumna Kelsey Morrison went 3-for-3 with a home run for the FAU softball team March 14 in a marathon 15-inning game that broke the program’s record for longest regular-season game.

FAU fell to Rutgers, 5-4.

Morrison has three home runs on the season and has made 11 appearances as a pitcher, with an ERA of 4.93.

3

Ocoee High alum Grant Riller scored 16 points for College of Charleston in its 62-58 loss to Auburn in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament March 16. Riller ended his remarkable sophomore campaign with an average of 18.6 points per game — a team best.

4

The Dr. Phillips softball team (14-1) extended its winning streak to 13 games with a sweep of district rival Lake Nona last week.

More on the Panthers’ recent success can be found at ObserverPreps. com.

5

Often referred to as “Orlando’s signature sports event,” the Arnold Palmer Invitational concluded this past weekend at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Bay Hill. Rory McIlroy shot a remarkable 64 in the final round Sunday afternoon to win the tournament at eightunder-par.

Ryan Jean has stepped firmly into the rotation for West Orange after missing most of the 2017 season. Page 18

Ocoee cheerleading looks to put a ring on it The Knights, who won Ocoee High’s first state FHSAA championship in a team sport last month, is fundraising to purchase state championship rings.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Last month, the Ocoee High competitive cheerleading team won the school’s first state championship in a team sport.

Now, the Knights are hoping to put a ring on it — but they need the community’s help.

Ocoee is fundraising to purchase state championship rings for the team, with a donation drive set up at schoolpay.com as well as spirit nights planned for April at Tijuana Flats in Winter

Garden (April 11) and Chipotle in Ocoee (April 17).

Ocoee athletic director Bill Alderman says the goal is to raise roughly $5,000 in time to have the rings made and presented at the school’s spring football game May 18 — the Knights will be hosting a jamboree that evening. “(Winning a state championship) is huge and we want to make it monumental for the girls,” Alderman said. “We’re flipping over every rock we can to do this.”

Courtesy photo

The Ocoee High competitive cheerleading team won the FHSAA Class 2A Medium — Non-Tumbling division’s state championship Feb. 4.

SEE CHEER PAGE 18

Spring in their step At 8-2 already this season entering spring break, the Legacy Charter Eagles are flirting with a breakout campaign in the program’s third year of existence.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Legacy Charter baseball team won a respectable seven games during its inaugural season in 2016.

In 2017, the Eagles won nine games.

This spring, though, Jack Chambless’ ballclub is less than halfway through the 2018 season and already it has eight wins — Legacy has raced out to an 8-2 start with a 5-1 record in its district entering spring break.

The Eagles are beginning to make a little bit of noise this spring and their third-year coach says all credit is due to the boys suiting up each game.

“It’s crazy this year — because of injuries and illness, we’ve got the thinnest roster we’ve had in three years,” Chambless said.

“But, the nine guys that get penciled into play every night are SEE BASEBALL PAGE 18

Steven Ryzewski

Senior Dalton Cantrell hurls a pitch toward home plate during Legacy’s game against Windermere High earlier this season.

18

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

|

Cheer

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Ryan Jean

FROM PAGE 17

The championship performance for the Knights came one year after they had finished as runner-up in the Medium — Non-Tumbling division for Class 2A. This time, though, the Knights surged forward and won it all Feb. 4 at the FHSAA 2018 Competitive Cheerleading State Championships in Gainesville.

Ocoee’s score of 77.40 bested runner-up Lakeland’s 76.00 — and was a whopping 13.9 points

Ryan Jean, a senior pitcher for the West Orange Warriors who is committed to the University of North Florida, missed almost all of 2017 due to an illness. Back to work in 2018, the senior southpaw has emerged as the Warriors No. 2 starter behind Ole Miss signee Doug Nikhazy and has big wins to his credit against The Miller School (Va.) and Lake Minneola.

What’s it like to be playing again regularly after missing most of the 2017 season?

It’s great. I remember all of last year I was dying to play, but I couldn’t. That bothered me, but I’m ready to prove myself this year. It’s my last year and I just want to go out there and do the best I can.

How is the season going so far as this year’s senior class becoming leaders?

Last year, we had a lot of great guys that led us. Now, we have to step up. It’s taken some work, but I think we’re getting there and we’re teaching the younger guys how to just be a team.

Which outing so far are you most proud of?

A week ago, we played the Virginia state champs (The Miller School) and we did well. I didn’t give up any runs and we put it on them.

What did you work on during the offseason?

I’ve always had an iffy changeup, so I’ve tried to work on that.

That’s really the one pitch that’s hit-or-miss, so I’m just trying to work to make that better.

Is there a former teammate that you look up to?

I looked up to Cole Beavin a lot. He was a big leader for our team last year. ... He’s all about his game and every little thing matters. (His work ethic) really opened my eyes.

THE BASICS Year: Senior Height: 6’2” Position: Pitcher Throws: Left Travel team: Power Baseball College commitment: North Florida Resides: Ocoee Hometown: Pembroke Pines

Baseball FROM PAGE 17

Is there a professional pitcher you model yourself after?

I like Chris Sale. He’s a hardthrowing lefty and I try to model my game after his as best I can.

Is it helpful that the team’s new coach, Graig Smith, was your former J.V. coach?

It’s worked out really well. Ever since freshman year, we’ve had a good chemistry and we get along really well. He’s a great coach and I don’t think anyone else would be better right now for us.

Which games are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward to Olympia and Lake Brantley, as well.

Do you have any friends who play for Olympia?

Jeslyn Whitehead, I used to play with him when I was 6 or 7.

We’ve always been good friends.

If you could play in any stadium, which would you choose?

I think I would pitch at Fenway (Park). I’m a huge Red Sox fan — my whole family is.

Who has been your favorite teacher so far?

Mr. (James) Baker. He’s at Windermere High School now. He taught U.S. History (at West Orange) and that was my favorite class. He was excited to teach and made us want to learn.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

better than the team’s performance in 2017.

“They were losing their minds,” head coach Kristin Johnson said. “Half of them fell on the ground crying, and the other ones were jumping on each other.”

It was an achievement that was 13 years in the making for the school.

The cheerleading team joined girls weightlifters Victoria and Samantha Jefferson — sisters who have won individual state championships — as the school’s only FHSAA champions.

“It’s historical — it’s the first

baseball players. That’s the big change. I don’t think we’re coaching any better — but I do know that we’ve got nine baseball players that get up and fight every at-bat.”

Legacy split a pair of district games with nearby rival Foundation Academy last week, with the loss representing just the second of the season for the Eagles — the other came to Windermere High, a Class 8A foe.

The success the team is experiencing has several facets, but one that is hard to ignore is the discipline Legacy’s batters have had at the plate. After racking up more than 160 strikeouts in 2016 and 140 in 2017, the Eagles are on pace for fewer than a hundred strikeouts this spring.

“They swing the bat, they bring the gloves, they believe in themselves no matter what the score is,” Chambless said. “They just keep fighting like they know they’re going to win.”

At the plate, senior Gehrig Chambless has led the Eagles with an eye-popping .629 batting average — a top-100 average in the nation, per MaxPreps.

Gehrig Chambless has also been a nuisance for opposing teams on the base paths, stealing a team-best 14 bases.

Fellow senior Dalton Cantrell and sophomore Justin LaGasse join Gehrig Chambless in leading the team in RBIs with 10 apiece, and LaGasse and Gehrig

ONLINE

Steven Ryzewski

Gehrig Chambless, a senior for the Eagles, is hitting .629.

Chambless have the team’s only home runs this spring.

Gabriel Chambless, Gehrig’s younger brother, has nine RBIs for the Eagles, as well as six extra-base hits.

Sophomore Andrew Birko has been Legacy’s go-to workhorse on the mound so far this spring,

(team championship) ever,” Alderman said. “We finally brought it home this year and it’s a credit to the girls.”

A fundraising account has been setup at bit.ly/2FOmOjV and 100% of donations from that account will go toward state championship rings for the team’s 18 members and coaching staff.

Anyone interested in more information or in other ways they might help out an contact Ocoee High Athletic Director Billy Alderman at billy.alderman@ocps.net.

with four of the team’s eight wins to his credit and a 0.75 ERA to show for it. “(Birko) doesn’t throw hard, but he’s just tough as heck and he’s been going out there giving us quality innings,” Chambless said of the sophomore pitcher.

Though less quantifiable by statistics, camaraderie has also been an area of improvement for the team this spring, with Chambless noting that his team has an affinity for singing before games and between innings and that the players often dine out together after games.

Legacy is exactly halfway through its district slate, with home-and-home series remaining against Oviedo’s The Master’s Academy (4-3-1, 3-01 district), Maitland’s Orangewood Christian (6-3, 3-0 district) and Lake Mary Prep (8-6, 2-1 district).

The Eagles hot start within Class 3A, District 3 certainly has its players and fans hopeful that Legacy can compete for a district title and playoff berth this spring, but the young program’s coach knows there is still plenty of work to be done.

“We’ve got a huge road ahead of us — every week our district opponent is going to be tougher than the week before,” Chambless said. “We’re about to enter a very difficult stretch and it’s going to challenge the boys.

“I think they’re up to it,” Chambless added. “We’re going to find out if they’re able to compete at a level that would give them a chance to play for the district championship.”

For photos from the Legacy Eagles’ victory against Foundation Academy March 13, visit ObserverPreps.com.

Spring cleaning?

Donate your gently used building supplies, furniture, appliances and more to the ReStore!

Call (407)905-0406 for FREE pick-up or bring smaller items to the ReStore * Carpet * Tile * Hardwood * Vinyl * Laminate

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Saturday, March 24 • 11 am to 1 pm Come in to do an Easter egg craft and have a cupcake.

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15304 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden

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Mount Dora Location

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday

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Minneola Location 301 E. Washington St. Unit F

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Winter Garden Location

13369 West Colonial Drive

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Ocoee Knights enter spring break at 9-2

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

19

Warriors reeling after pair of district losses to Apopka

NATE MARRERO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Ocoee Knights rode a fourrun fourth inning to overcome an early deficit March 16, beating the visiting Lake Minneola Hawks 4-3 to complete a sweep of the district series.

The victory brought Ocoee to 9-2 on the season and 2-2 within its district entering spring break competition. Ocoee is playing in the Florida League High School Invitational this week.

As of March 19, Ocoee’s only losses came against Ocala’s Forest High (10-1, 2-0 district).

“We didn’t play very well against Forest,” Ocoee coach Bobby Brewer said. “They’re a very good ballclub, but we can play with them. … We told our guys that it’s over with — those games are in the past. We have to move forward and we need to get after the next district team we play, which was Lake Minneola.

“They showed up and responded,” Brewer said. “So we’re right back in the thick of it now.”

The Knights’ big inning against Lake Minneola came in the bottom of the fourth and began when Caleb Andreaus led the inning off with a single. Following a bunt by Orlando Perez, Colin Hall drove in Ocoee’s first run with an RBI single. Keian Halls then smacked a two-run double, and a sacrifice fly from Stephen Godek drove in the fourth and final run of the big inning.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The West Orange baseball team opened district play with a pair of tough losses to Apopka that have set the Warriors in an early hole in Class 9A, District 3.

At Apopka March 13, West Orange fell 4-2 to the host Blue Darters. Two days later in Winter Garden, the Warriors led early but fell to Apopka 4-1 in extrainnings.

The two losses were particularly disappointing given that they came to one of the program’s chief rivals, but first-year head coach Graig Smith hopes that

his ballclub can turn that disappointment into motivation.

“We’ve still got a lot of games left here in the district,” Smith said. “(These losses) are something this group of guys is definitely going to feed off of.”

West Orange (4-5, 0-2 district) will play a pair of games in Fort Lauderdale this week, facing Westminster Academy March 23 and Calvary Christian Academy March 24. Upon their return to Winter Garden, they will travel to Orlando March 27 for a road game against The First Academy.

West Orange returns to district play March 28 with the first of two games against Wekiva — the War-

Visit us at OrangeObserver.com

riors will travel to south Apopka for the second game against the Mustangs March 30.

The Warriors, of course, are working through a lot of newness — from a new coaching staff that took over the program just weeks ahead of the season to a handful of players who are either in new roles as varsity players or are newcomers to varsity, in general.

Still, through some early trials, Smith said he sees his team taking on an identity that is encouraging.

“We’ve got competitors — there’s no doubt about that,” Smith said.

Steven Ryzewski

The Warriors lost in extra innings to the Blue Darters March 15.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce would like to relay a heartfelt thank you to the restaurants & businesses that participated in this event, we could not make this event a success without you. Also, a sincere thank you to the sponsors, volunteers and supporters of our 2018 BEST FEST ‘The Taste of West Orange’: Presented by:

Premium Sponsor:

Premier Sponsor:

Participating Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Event Sponsors: Critical Intervention Services, Inc. | Reed Nissan

269 West Wine Lounge, 4Rivers Smokehouse, Alarie Design Associates, Black Rock Bar & Grill, Brain Balance Center of Winter Garden, Bright Future Electric, Cathee Brady Catering, CenturyLink, Chick-fil-A Ocoee and Winter Garden, City of Ocoee, Clear Channel Outdoor, Cracker Barrel, Computer Business Consultants, Costco Business Center, Critical Intervention Services, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Disney Springs, Edward Jones, Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ, Foundation Academy, Gator's Dockside, Giant Recreation World, Hagan O'Reilly's Irish Pub and Restaurant, HAPCO Music Foundation, Healthy West Orange, House Blend Café, Husse Whole Pets, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Kona Ice of NW Orlando, Lake Meadow Naturals, Matthew's Hope Ministries, Ms. Bee's Popcorn & Candy Shoppe, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Observer Media Group, Orange Buick GMC, Orange County Pottys, Orange Technical College Culinary Team, Pammie's Sammies, Pilars Martini, Press'd Juice Bar & Kitchen, Reed Nissan, Rentaland, RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar, School of Rock, San Jose's Original Mexican Restaurant, SeaWorld Orlando, Southwest Orlando Bulletin, TakeoutWaiter.com, Table Top Catering, The Vineyard Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro, TooJay's Restaurant and Deli, UFC Gym, UNO Chicago Grill, VS Media Group - Central Florida Lifestyle Publications, West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Westerly's at MetroWest Golf Club

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS BEST Food:

Disney Springs

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Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

Pilars Martini

BEST Dessert:

Nothing Bundt Cakes

BEST Healthy Option:

SeaWorld Orlando

BEST Business Booth:

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BEST Drink:

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

T

T

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a 10th anniversary celebration for Chick-fil-A, located at 3166 Daniels Road in Winter Garden. At Chick-fil-A, we take a “cook less, more often” approach. By studying smart, lean manufacturing principles used in other industries, we have created new ways to serve our guests the freshest food possible while reducing food waste. To learn more, visit www.chick-fil-a.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

“We Noticed” recognition at Urban Flats

Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of Zaxby’s

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce AAmbassadors held a “We Noticed” recognition for Urban Flats Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at 132 W. Plant Street in Winter Garden. Stop in the bar where sports are always on, or bring the whole family for an evening of food, fun and togetherness. Urban Flats’ menu changes seasonally and they prepare daily. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/UrbanFlatsWinterGarden.

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribboncutting ceremony for Zaxby’s Forest City, located at 6625 Forest City Rd in Orlando. Zaxby’s is a fast-casual chicken restaurant chain. Full of flavor and made to order just for you, the word “delicious” doesn’t even begin to describe our menu. Tie a napkin around your neck and dig in.

To learn more, visit www.zaxbys.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

T

Celebrating the First Anniversary of Comprehensive Health Orlando

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Chick-fil-A

Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Community Health Centers he West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 45th anniversary of Community Health Centers, located at 13275 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden. Community Health Centers is a private, non-profit organization that provides healthcare services to insured, uninsured, under-insured, and under-served children and adults within Central Florida. CHC provides care to more than 66,000 patients each year in Central Florida communities. To learn more, visit www. chcfl.org. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

Celebrates Business

T

T

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the first anniversary of Comprehensive Health Orlando, located at 1069 S. Clarke Road in Ocoee. Comprehensive Health Orlando is a comprehensive multidisciplinary practice. It allows a team of healthcare professionals, with various specialties and training, to work together for the greater good of their patients. This allows patients to get all the care they need under one roof, which lowers cost to the patient and helps to achieve greater patient outcomes. To learn more, visit www. comprehensivehealthorlando.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

T

Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of FBC Mortgage

he West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribboncutting celebration for FBC Mortgage, located at 132 W. Plant Street, Suite 210 in Winter Garden. FBC Mortgage is a national direct lender with a wide array of competitive mortgage products. To learn more, visit www.WGloans.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

269789

Photo courtesy of WOCC.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 521, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

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, 5:30pm.

407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST

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

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

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

268039

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: “FOUNDATION WORSHIP” Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867

NON-DENOMINATIONAL PURPOSE CHURCH ORLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05AM HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd.

Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

The man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.

- Jeremiah 17:7-8 (HCSB)

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations • Custom Furniture • Repaired, Refinished and Repurposed Wood Furniture • Pallet Art & Furniture

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/

Visit our New Workshop Location at 930 Carter Rd. Suite #311, Winter Garden 1/4 Mile North of W. Colonial Dr. • 407.905.9500 • 8am-5pm Mon - Sat

XNSP15668

BAPTIST

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

W EAT HER

OrangeObserver.com

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAR. 22 High: 71 Low: 49 Chance of rain: 0%

Windermere resident Debra Neill shot this photo at Lake Down Park.

She calls it, “Quiet Splendor.”

FRIDAY, MAR. 23 High: 75 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 0%

The West Orange Times and 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, city and a caption, to amyq@ orangeobserver. com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

ONLINE

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21

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 22

7:28a

7:38p

Friday, March 23

7:27a

7:39p

Saturday, March 24

7:26a

7:39p

Sunday, March 25

7:25a

7:40p

Monday, March 26

7:24a

7:41p

Tuesday, March 27

7:23a

7:41p

Wednesday, March 28

7:21a

7:42p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAR. 24 High: 82 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%

April 22 First

March 31 Full

April 8 Last

April 15 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, March 13

0.00

SUNDAY, MAR. 25

Wednesday, March 14

0.00

High: 85 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

Thursday, March 15

0.00

Friday, March 16

0.00

Saturday, March 17

0.00

Sunday, March 18

0.00

Monday, March 19

0.71

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

MARCH TO DATE:

2018 3.04 in.

2018 0.86 in.

2017 3.12 in.

2017

0.16 in.

SEARCH • FIND • POST

Visit Our Community Calendar Today!

www.OrangeObserver.com/Calendar 115 Former USA rival 118 “I’ve been better” 120 “___ in Toyland” 122 Charlotte ___ (rich dessert) 126 Four hot words 130 Like hawks 131 Aching more than all others 132 Chekov portrayer Walter 133 Kitchen utensils 134 Bandies 135 Itty-bitty map parts DOWN

©2018 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Critter 7 Dinero no more 13 Playwright Sam 20 Cook’s reference 21 Not on the level?

22 Nicaragua’s capital 23 Five hot words 26 Gifted one?

27 Typical 28 “Gilligan’s Island” buildings 29 Simple vessel 30 Repair argyles 32 Well’s duo 34 Really irk

36 “___ Lobo” (John Wayne film) 39 Focuses of power 41 Safecracker of slang 43 Sound starter 47 Feathered Australians 49 Just a hint of hue 52 “All hail” recipient 55 “1,001 Nights” bird 56 Four hot words 60 Icy home 61 Try to persuade 62 First name in jeans 63 One spot for the masses?

64 Bimonthly tides 65 Bleak, in poetry 66 One with an easy life?

68 All toweled off 69 Knotted dresswear 71 Whimsically comic 74 Skinny fish 75 Mug, essentially 78 Some opera singers 80 “No one is better,” e.g.

82 Plenty angry 84 Affix a brand on 87 Useless cotton fragments

89 Ain’t the right way?

90 Sweet cake 91 Four hot words 96 A limb 97 “Sic ‘em!”

98 “___ Marner” 99 Agile on the sea 100 “Strawberry” hair color 102 12/25 season 104 While stick-on 106 Absorbed acid 107 Missouri river 110 A powdery starch 113 “... and other names,” briefly

1 Lacking sufficient rainfall 2 Dreaded emperor 3 Little arrow’s target 4 Toiled like the seven dwarfs 5 Attorney’s filing 6 Grass field 7 Sets in a place 8 Happen afterwards 9 Calyx former 10 How demons operate 11 X, in old Rome 12 Looped cross symbol 13 Beat up, biblically 14 Possessed, biblically 15 Brown-nosed twins?

16 Cop’s job 17 Arroyo fill 18 “Dennis the Menace” pooch 19 Out there, so to speak 24 Papal ambassador 25 More like a Western character 31 David Lee with the pipes 33 Faith-filled faction 35 Gang’s “home” 36 Twine up again 37 Copier component 38 Cost 40 Bring upon oneself 42 Scottish native 44 87-Across snagger 45 “Glengarry Glen ___” 46 Tooth hurt

48 Browse online stores 50 Injured in a bull attack 51 Sir Edward of brass band music 53 Part of 115-Across 54 Great at gymnastics 57 ___ Rica 58 Type of exercise 59 Place down, as tile 65 Restrain oneself 67 A-list group 70 Small landmass 72 Places or shows, really 73 Hawaiian island 75 Painful type of tunnel 76 Says things 77 Looked carefully 78 Two-cupped top 79 Craziest 81 Subway barrier 83 Like some vines 84 Use a sword 85 Rank above viscount 86 Gunner’s need 88 Toluca snack 92 Kilkenny boys 93 Mini guitars 94 Hardest to collec 95 Weak cry for attention?

101 Sewer worker of early TV 103 Hercules’ dozen 105 Large herringlike fish 108 According to 109 Dry or baked stuff 111 Matter forms with no shape 112 Overweight 114 Angler’s assortment 115 Until 116 Give a high-five 117 Merchant’s attraction 119 Tobacco-curing chamber 121 Does a daily duty 123 Trigonometry wave 124 Huffy state 125 Breakfast course 127 Boise-to-Bismarck dir.

128 Before-long link 129 Thing to do in Colorado

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“BG LRC ZTYBGN P KJIGN UPG’Z WPGAK FBNRLFK LIYGZ LJ LRJINRLZ JW FJMC.” – PFWYCH LCGGKZJG

“A’RZ YUAO PNAEKY UEO IZUEP PNZI, DLP A’I... U RZJF SXEMLYZO HZJYXE VNX NUY EX AOZU NXV PNZF MZZB UDXLP PNAEKY.” – YAZEEU IABBZJ Puzzle Two Clue: S equals C

IT’S HOT IN HERE by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue:U equals M

CROSSWORD

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• Looking for local events to attend?

• Want us to inform the public about your local event?

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-22-18

22

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

AIR CONDITIONING

AUTO SERVICE

AUTO SERVICE

Battery Testing and Replacement

Scheduled Maintenance

Transmission and Engine Repair

Computerized Diagnostics

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Tires and Alignments

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179.95 $199.95 $

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WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

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with Any Mechanical Repair of $500 or More Preventive Maintenance

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Announcements

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Every Sunday

Puzzle One Solution: “In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

– Alfred Tennyson

BINGO

1701 Adair St. Ocoee Doors Open 2pm. Games 3 pm.

407-592-4498

COMMUNITY GARAGE Sale - March 23 & 24, 8AM-1PM. The Harbor in Winter Garden, off Bay St. Antiques, household decor, records, glassware, furniture.

3/22mm

NEW ** FARMERS MARKET **

SAWMILLS FROM only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N fcan3/22

Please Inquire Facebook: @montverdemarket

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121

W. Hwy. 50 at Dillard ©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers 267830

Lawn & Garden Equipment

Restaurants

269478

Fresh! International Flavor!

11-6 Every Wednesday In Beautiful Kirk Park 17436 Division St, Montverde adj to Green Mountain Scenic Byway (CR-455) Quality Vendors

COMMUNITY YARD Sale - Arbours at Crown Point.

Saturday, March 24. 8AM - 1PM. 1152 Orange Arbour Trail, Ocoee. Gates open at 8AM. 3/22ao

Help Wanted POLICE OFFICER - Police Dept - Town of Windermere is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. For more information to to town.windermere.fl.us. DFW and EOE. 3/29tow

Positions Wanted 267833

orangeobserver.com

This week’s Sudoku answers

267832

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Or email us at advertisenow@

Puzzle Two Solution: “I’ve said things and meant them, but I’m... a very confused person who has no idea how they feel about things.”

– Sienna Miller

267843

ThurstonAutoSales.com

41K MILES 2 SLIDE OUTS BRAND NEW CARPETING EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT SERVICED AND INSPECTED $49,995

267834

407-654-5313

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

267842

ThurstonAutoSales.com

39K MILES CLEAN CARFAX LIKE NEW INSIDE AND OUT BALANCE OF FACTORY POWER TRAIN WARRANTY $35,995

Announcements

267828

Autos For Sale

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269148

Travis Hamric

Mention this ad for

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

REALTORS

PET SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT/OFFICE Assistant needed for Pediatrics offices in Ocoee and Apopka. Please fax resume to 407-290-8333 or E-mail to medjobs101@gmail.com cp3/22 2018

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

OrangeObserver.com

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