03.24.22 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 89, NO. 12

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Life is brew-tiful!

West Orange locals celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in style. 2.

YOUR TOWN SPEAKER SERIES CONTINUES IN WINDERMERE The Windermere Library continues its Florida Talks speaker series with “Race & Change Across Cultures and Generations: Florida Stories.” The program will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 26, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Dr. Kitty Oliver weaves music, media and storytelling into her event, drawing on an archive of more than 125 oral histories of people from various heritages.

For information, call (407) 8357323.

Oakland police pumped about upcoming lifting challenge. SEE PAGE 9.

BROADWAY IS BACK!

Remembering a

Trailblazer

OCOEE HOLDING SHREDDING EVENT The Ocoee Police Department is hosting a document-shredding event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the station, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway, Ocoee. The shredding will be handled by Pro Shred Security, which protects against identity theft and fraud.

The only items being accepted are papers, folders, file folders, staples and paper clips. The first box is free, and a donation of $5 per box is suggested up to five boxes. The event benefits the Ocoee Lions Club and the Woman’s Club of Ocoee.

Winter Garden Rotary will host Broadway and Beyond March 26.

SEE PAGE 7.

ONP PLANS POP-UP NATIVE PLANT SALE

Church breaks ground

Spruce up your garden with some Florida native plants at the Oakland Nature Preserve’s popup plant sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26.

The sale takes place in the ONP parking lot, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. For information, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.org.

HABITAT RESTORE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS The West Orange Habitat for Humanity ReStore is looking for passionate and committed people to be part of the ReStore volunteer team. These folks are critical in helping the store run smoothly.

An informational orientation session will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at the ReStore, 13369 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, for those interested. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old and have weekday availability for a fourhour shift between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Register at ow. ly/hZTx50IfmU9.

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Courtesy photo

Windermere resident Barbara Roper was a female powerhouse who made an enormous impact on the West Orange County community. Mrs. Roper died March 7, 2022, at home. Here, we celebrate one of West Orange’s most influencial figures.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

Church leaders broke ground on their new Latter-day Saints campus.

SEE PAGE 6.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Can’t pinch this!

T

The stiltwalker was a popular photo opp at the event.

he luck of the Irish could be found throughout West Orange last week as residents celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Crooked Can Brewing Company in downtown Winter Garden celebrated the holiday with its seventh annual Crooked Can Celtic Festival Thursday, March 17, through Saturday, March 19.

This year’s festival featured live Celtic music, Irish dancers, local vendors, food and, of course, plenty of beer.

Downtown Ocoee was a sea of green Friday, March 18, when the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, Toll Road Brewing Company and downtown businesses collaborated for a fun St. Patrick’s Day block party along McKey Street. The event included live music, food and snack trucks, games, Irish dance performances, and flowing beer.

Above: Moses Smith scooped up bags of popcorn for festival-goers in Ocoee.

Kevin and Dana Mullhall shared the day with their inlaws, Sharon Emerson, Terry Walsh and Gail Zielinski.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI AND AMY QUESINBERRY

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Performer Scotty Long kept the music going.

Right: Brittney Haushalter is the lucky mom of her daughter, Olivia.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Ocoee officer makes history Officer Marissa Cummins is the first female at the Ocoee Police Department to earn her SWAT certification.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Ocoee Police Officer Marissa Cummins on Feb. 18 became the first female at the department to earn her SWAT certification.

However, despite the significance of the historic accomplishment, Cummins insists she’s just like anyone else who participates in the training.

“It’s the same as anyone else getting their SWAT certification,” she said. “To me, I finished school, so girl or not, I finished. And that’s all that really matters.”

METRO SWAT

Courtesy photos

Orange County Fire rescue responded to a call at West Gulley Avenue in Oakland at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15.

Oakland couple needs help after house fire Candy’s Cats rescue members Robert Aparez and Michelle Mikkola are in need of help after a house fire Tuesday, March 15.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

W

hat began as a normal Tuesday turned tragic for Robert Aparez and Michelle Mikkola, as a fire consumed their Oakland home, nearly all of their belongings and the lives of 10 rescue cats.

SAFETY SAVIORS

Oakland Police Department Lt. Angela Campbell was first to arrive to the home March 15. Already, more than 50% of the house was covered in flames.

“It was bad,” Campbell said. “The house was engulfed in flames.”

Soon, she learned from bystanders the home’s occupants still were inside.

“I thought, ‘Don’t second guess yourself; just do it,’” Campbell said.

“We didn’t have time to talk through it or anything, we just had to react.

Call it a mother’s instinct.”

Officer Rene Castro quickly went to the opposite side of the home — the west side of the house, which was the only part not engulfed in flames.

Castro used a fire extinguisher to break a window and, with Campbell’s help, pulled Mikkola out of the burning home.

“Black smoke was everywhere,” Campbell said. “You couldn’t see an inch in front of your face.”

As Castro escorted Mikkola to safety, the victim informed officers Aparez still was trapped inside. He has multiple sclerosis and requires a wheelchair or walker to move.

Detective Shawn Dozier broke another window and, along with Campbell, took flashlights and started to yell for Aparez. After they located him, two officers pulled the victim out of the window to safety.

A few minutes after the couple was rescued from the house fire, Orange County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and began putting water on the fire.

The couple was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center to be treated for smoke inhalation; the three officers were checked on scene and cleared.

“Our officers’ heroism and commitment to the public we serve were on full display as the three officers, working as a team, saved the lives of two Oakland residents,” Police Chief John Peek said. “As chief of police, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office

Oakland Police Department Detective Shawn Dozier and Lt. Angela Campbell helped rescue the residents who were trapped inside the home.

investigated the cause of the fire and believes the fire to have been electrical, caused by something up in the attic.

CAT CARETAKERS

Campbell said all the couple cared about was the safety of their pets left in the house.

“All they were worried about were their cats,” she said.

Mikkola is a longtime Candy’s Cats board member and volunteer who takes on challenging cases such as critical care for foster babies. She is a medical mentor for cat foster parents and is active in the Oakland trap, neuter and return community.

Candy Sullivan, owner of the rescue, said Mikkola is a “go-to person” for the organization and also has been its neonate bottle mom.

At least 10 cats perished in the fire, and many are injured or on the loose.

“Nothing prepared me for what I saw,” Sullivan said of seeing the home. “Nothing can prepare you for something like this. I keep calling Michelle a Warrior Princess, because in rescue, that is what we have to do in order to put the next foot forward.”

Campbell and Castro, along with a neighbor, managed to save one, Max, from the roof of the first floor and rushed him to an emergency veterinarian’s office, where he currently is recovering.

“He looked really bad,” Campbell said. “Parts of his skin had been burned off, and he was covered in soot and having problems breathing and walking.”

Cat rescue organizations and

HOW TO HELP:

neighbors currently remain in the area searching for surviving cats.

Three are believed to be on the loose.

“We’re forever grateful that Officer Campbell did what she did,” Sullivan said.

COMING TOGETHER

Campbell said the town has come together to help the victims.

“It’s all out everywhere trying to assist them, because they basically lost everything,” she said.

The couple currently is staying at Mikkola’s parents’ house and accepting donations such as gift cards and donations for the cats such as vet care, food, litter and medicines.

The couple is in need of medium and large plastic totes and boxes to repack and stack.

The community has helped to fulfill other needs already, including supplies, clothing and the donation of a wheelchair and walker — both of which were destroyed in the fire.

Because the couple rented the home, they also need an affordable place to live. Their only means of transportation was destroyed. The couple is searching for a used handicap-accessible RV or camper for temporary use.

“One hundred percent of the house was gone — just destroyed,” Campbell said.

Community member Sherrie Hutson has also started a GoFundMe campaign for the couple.

The page has raised more than $6,000 since its creation.

Zelle: ZelleMichelle@yahoo.com GoFundMe: bit.ly/3KS3DCO

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office hosted the Metro SWAT training in February. To be part of the training, Cummins had to complete tryouts in September 2021.

Participants ran 400 meters; carried a 20-pound sandbag; and did five pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 sit-ups. They then had to repeat all the exercises three more times in less than 14 minutes total.

Cummins said she was interested in the training because she wanted to expand her skill set.

The Central Florida Metro SWAT team encompasses Ocoee, Apopka, Winter Park, Maitland and Winter Garden police departments.

As a member of SWAT, Cummins will experience more training with firearms and movement, get to know other agencies, and obtain the chance to go on call-outs outside of just the small area of Ocoee.

After tryouts, the officers are sent to SWAT school, where they engaged in two weeks of mental and physical challenges for about 100 hours.

During Orange County SWAT seminars, the officers participated in firearm training, tactical shooting while moving, learning blocks including medical and breaching, building searches, and scenariobased exercises.

Cummins said none of the exercises was too rigorous or damaging to the body, and the hardest part of the training was her lack of sleep.

At the time, she was working night shifts, so getting used to waking up on a daytime schedule around 4 a.m. and heading out for 10 hours of training was tough.

“When we finished the training I went home and slept for like 12 hours,” she said, laughing.

Officer Cummins and fellow Ocoee PD Officer Jeffrey Hall earned their certifications Feb. 18.

WOMEN WARRIORS

Although Cummins is the first woman to earn the certification from Ocoee PD, there is another woman on SWAT from the Winter Garden Police Department.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s an accomplishment, but I think there’s this common misconception,” she

said. “I mean, in the 1980s women weren’t treated as fairly. But for me, starting in 2018, no one has treated me any differently. It’s really more about your goals and what you want to do with your law-enforcement career.”

She said she has had more hurdles being left-handed than being female.

“Being female has nothing to do with it,” the officer said. “Being a girl at the department hasn’t really hindered me.”

Cummins said every squad at Ocoee has at least one girl.

“I definitely see it as a good proportion of female officers to male officers,” she said. “Ocoee is pretty well staffed with women.”

Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia said Cummins’ accomplishment is both admirable and historic.

“Completing SWAT school is no easy feat; she endured long days of physical activity and mental challenges to complete the training to become a member of the team,” the chief said. “She was the only woman graduating from her training class as all the other participants were men. Her desire and determination to accomplish this goal was always evident. We are so very proud of what she has accomplished.”

HOMETOWN HERO

Cummins was born and raised in the area and attended all of the local schools. In her high school years, she worked for the city of Ocoee in the Parks and Recreation Department.

Cummins attended college in St. Petersburg, where she studied criminology, but her heart eventually led her back to her hometown.

“It was one of those things where you grow up and you’re like, ‘I want to get out of my hometown,’” she said. “After those four years, I was like, you know what? I’m going to go home.”

Cummins has a natural knack for interpreting and interacting with the troubled youth in the area. Only a few short years ago, she was one of them. At 25, Cummins is one of the youngest officers in the Ocoee department.

“Ironically, I was not a very good teenager,” she said. “Because I wasn’t the best kid, I had a different perspective of Ocoee.”

Cummins is inspired to work with juveniles, especially teenagers.

“They can get in a little bit of trouble, but there’s still a chance they’re going to turn out perfectly fine,” she said. “I’m not perfect, but I think I turned out OK. “When dealing with the community, children, the elderly and animals especially, they don’t really have as strong of a voice, so you kind of have to be the voice for them,” she said. “That’s the bigger part of what inspires me to do this work.”

Courtesy

Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia, officer Marissa Cummins and Lt. Mireya Iannuzzi celebrate Cummins’ SWAT certification.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Philanthropist Barbara Roper dies

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

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The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.

Top: Barbara Roper is surrounded by her four children, Becky, Preston, Ed and Charlie. Above: The Roper family, with patriarch Bert Roper and matriarch Barbara Roper, pose for a large family photo.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

T

he name Barbara Roper is synonymous with volunteerism and philanthropy in West Orange County, and that work started when she was a newlywed making her home in Winter Garden in 1950. This important contribution to her community would continue throughout her life.

Barbara Cruciger Roper, of Windermere, died March 7, 2022, in her home on Lake Butler, where she had lived for nearly 72 years. She was 93.

Barbara Roper was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on New Year’s Eve 1928. She attended the Ellis School and graduated from Penn State as one of the first women with a bachelor’s degree in economics, her family said. It was in college that she met her future husband, Bert Roper, on a blind date. The two married in 1950 and moved to Winter Garden.

Barbara described herself as a Yankee who had married the most eligible bachelor in town. She said doing so did not make her a popular resident during her first years in Winter Garden.

During their 62-year marriage, the couple was a permanent fixture in the volunteer and philanthropic realm.

It was a challenge for Barbara to learn about Central Florida and a life different from the cultured big city in which she had grown up. Barbara learned to handle guns, hunting for squirrels that ate her fruit, snakes hiding under the dock and other Florida critters, including an armadillo she cooked into a stew and served to the family, only later telling the children what they had eaten was not chicken.

Barbara Roper taught first grade at the original Tildenville School for several years before she and Bert started their family.

Her service to the community began as a founding member of the West Orange Junior Service League, and she served as president in 1957.

She never returned to teaching; however, she constantly used those skills to teach adults how to read. She helped start the Laubach Literacy League (now Adult Literacy League) in Orlando.

Barbara became a certified volunteer tutor trainer for Laubach Literacy, traveling across the United States and Canada starting literacy councils and

“I think that she could get her way with either a fist or a finesse, and I think that she did that in a lot of domains.”

— Becky Roper

Courtesy photos

Barbara Roper served important roles on many boards in Central Florida.

serving as a trustee for Laubach Literacy International.

What started as a search for area camps for her children turned into a lifelong passion for the YMCA of Central Florida. She started as a volunteer board member and, upon learning volunteers don’t have much authority, rose through the ranks to become the first female board chair of both the YMCA of Central Florida and the YMCA of the USA. For many years, Barbara was the only woman to head that 16 millionmember not-for-profit association.

For eight years Barbara also represented the YMCA of the USA on the Executive Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs, based in Switzerland. During those years, Barbara traveled extensively, visiting more than 50 countries where YMCAs are established.

She and colleagues were instrumental in starting the West Orange YMCA in 1971. After the Ropers contributed toward the facility’s expansion, the name was changed to the Roper YMCA Family Center.

At the 2019 General Assembly, Barbara was inducted into the National YMCA Hall of Fame for a lifetime of commitment to the mission and cause of the Y. Most recently, she was a trustee and a member of the Y’s volunteer executive committee and the metropolitan board of directors.

Each year, the YMCA of Central Florida awards the Barbara Roper Advocacy Award to one volunteer.

“I think that she could get her way with either a fist or a finesse, and I think that she did that in a lot of domains,” daughter Becky Roper said.

She was asked to join the board of the newly established public broadcasting station, WMFE, in Orlando where she served as the first woman to chair that board in 1970 and 1971.

She was elected to the national board of the Public Broadcasting Service in 1972 and served 11 years.

In Central Florida Barbara served on the board of various civic and notfor-profit organizations such as Loch Haven Museum, Eckerd College, Community Foundation of Central Florida, National Safety Council, First National Bank of Winter Park, Blue Ridge Assembly, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Health Central Foundation.

The Ropers supported the creation of Valencia Community College so more local people could attend college. She was deeply involved in nursing and other programs that provided clear pathways for women to enter and be successful in the workforce.

Barbara was trustee emeritus of the Valencia College Foundation for her longtime service to the foundation board and college mission.

Barbara developed a passion for adventure and started a travel agency, Tops-N-Travel, in Winter Garden.

She owned, operated and served as president of the company for 18 years.

When each of their nine grandchildren turned 13, Bert and Barbara took them on a vacation trip to any place around the world.

Family vacations were true adventures for the Ropers, and Barbara and Bert exposed their children to “other cultural norms and nature and poverty and beauty,” Becky Roper said.

Multiple generations of the Roper family — sometimes up to 24 people — frequently took extensive trips all over the world. Her time with the travel agency helped foster the love of exploring other countries, and she shared that passion with her family.

“She was always laughing, always smiling,” Becky Roper said. “I started looking back through all the pictures and … most of them she was smiling and laughing in.”

Beginning in 2003, Barbara was instrumental in the formation of the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden’s historic downtown, where she is recognized as a founding member and emeritus trustee. The theater opened in 2008.

Barbara received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Piedmont College as well as other recognitions.

Barbara’s tenacity served her well in life. Her children marveled at the countless lives she improved.

“Mom was raised in … Pittsburgh, and I think when this community became her home, the opportunities she had growing up as a woman were not available to a lot of people she was meeting,” Becky Roper said.

“That’s why she was the first one to teach somebody how to read … how to help with education; she was a teacher always. Even in our family she was the teacher. … She did not think like any of the other women.”

Two of Barbara’s children, Becky Roper and Charlie Roper, remember

“I’m proud of the number of females she’s influenced and modeled a pathway for. I look at so many people who have reached out … ‘Your mother was such a model for me to be able to do what we’re doing.’”

— Charlie Roper

her as having high expectations of her family but also as being extremely supportive throughout their lives.

“Having two super strong parents … allowed us as children to see the modeling of what it’s like to be a strong, opinionated person,” Becky Roper said. “It was a really strong family unit.”

“I’m proud of the number of females she’s influenced and modeled a pathway for,” Charlie Roper said. “I look at so many people who have reached out … ‘Your mother was such a model for me to be able to do what we’re doing.’”

“She was supportive of a lot of organizations that might not have been supported by her peers at that time,” her children said.

The children and grandchild intend to carry on the work started by Bert and Barbara.

“We’re going to continue the philanthropic work both of our parents have done and hopefully be leaders in the West Orange County community and Central Florida community,” Charlie Roper said. “Mom and Dad never told us to volunteer in the community; it was always something they modeled. If you’re going to live in the community, you need to give back to the community.”

The family said Barbara is the last of her generation on both sides of her family.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future.

Besides Becky Roper and Charlie Roper, Barbara is survived by two other children, Edward (and Erin) and Preston (and Katie); grandchildren, Chase Stafford (Kate Melting-Miller), Sadie Stafford, Bryce Roper, Bennet Roper, Ellen Roper, Gregory Roper, Sutton Roper, Renee Roper and Faye Roper.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed in Roper’s name to one of the organizations she cherished: Valencia Community College, valencia.org/donate; Central Florida YMCA, ymcacf.org/community/advocatespotlight/barbararoper; or Garden Theatre Inc., gardentheatre.org/big-fundraiser-2021.

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Mormon church breaks ground in Horizon West ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Work has begun on the new Orlando West Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Horizon West.

The church, located at 16769 Davenport Road, will serve the Horizon West area, as well as members from Orange, Lake and Polk counties.

Church leaders, local government leaders and distinguished guests all were present at a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, March 19. Keynote speakers for the event included Lorna Rhinehart, member and community resident; Wade L. Lowe, member and second counselor of the Orlando Florida West Stake Presidency; and Gary D. Hansen, member and president of the Orlando Florida

West Stake Presidency.

Rhinehart gave an emotional speech, talking about how her family moved to the community in 1999 and has lived, worked and served in the Horizon West area.

“We have given and been recipients of many hours of service from our neighbors,” she said. “(Because) all of the people in our community are our neighbors, this church building can help facilitate us as neighbors helping and serving each other.”

The new building is 17,171 square feet and has a conference capacity of 576. However, each congregation attendance averages 150 members, with a few congregations meeting at different times each Sunday.

The chapel will serve as the Stake Center for the Orlando Florida West Stake, which currently has more than

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3,500 members organized in nine wards and one branch, teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the English, Spanish and Mandarin languages.

Although the church is generally used for Sunday services and weekly youth activities, the building also will provide a meeting space for community and area service opportunities hosted by the congregations.

The building will provide a chapel for Sunday worship services, relief society meeting rooms for women, young women and young men meeting rooms for weekly activities ages 12 to 18, primary rooms for services and activities with children ages 1 to 11, and leader and clergy offices.

The new Horizon West church will join several Latter-day Saints chapels in Central Florida, including Ocoee,

Davenport, Bumby, St. Cloud, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Clermont and Windermere. In addition, the Orlando Temple is located on Apopka-Vineland Road.

Lowe said he has never traveled fewer than 20 to 25 minutes to get to church since moving to the Winter Garden area in 1987. Now, he will travel only a few minutes.

“I remember when this was all dirt,” he said. “This is my home. I tell you this to let you know how emotional it is to have a building and a gathering place in Winter Garden where my family can worship and practice our religion. This building is indeed a miracle and a blessing to my family and many others.”

Services for the new church will be held Sundays beginning in 2023.

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Bishops from various congregations in the area had the opportunity to help with the groundbreaking.

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The new Orlando West Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is scheduled to open in 2023.

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The annual event will include a live show hosted by Billy Flanigan and performers from Broadway and Disney.

IF YOU GO BROADWAY AND BEYOND Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Ave. WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 26 TICKETS: bit.ly/3qc4iY6 DETAILS: No alcohol or hard coolers permitted

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Winter Garden Rotary Club is back with its biggest and highest anticipated event of the year — Broadway and Beyond.

This year, the annual event will feature a variety of acts by performers from Broadway, off-Broadway, Disney and local artists. The pre-show will begin at 6 p.m. and include performers from Gymnastics USA and Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles.

The show will run from 7 to 10 p.m., with performances from Rebecca Krainik, Qiana Miles, Sarah Whittemore, John B. deHaas, Carol Stein, Grant Norman and Tom Sardinia.

The evening will again be hosted by longtime Disney performer Billy Flanigan, with all of the money collected benefiting several local nonprofit organizations.

“I love to host shows, and I love that this is a fundraising event right in the backyard of our local community,” Flanigan said. “I just find the cause to be amazing, and I know we are going to make it another spectacular year.”

FEATURED ARTISTS

BILLY FLANIGAN Flanigan began his career at Walt Disney World more than 39 years ago and is still singing, dancing and hosting. He has performed in more than 650 different shows, including Broadway at the Top, the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, the Diamond Horseshoe, Tarzan Rocks, Finding Nemo the Musical and the Magical World of Barbie where he played Barbie’s boyfriend Ken. Flanigan is currently featured in Hollywood Studios’ Frozen Show.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

7

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer General Dermatology & General Skin Examinations

Now located at

1067 S. Clarke Road, Ocoee FL 34761

407-521-3550 Office hours M-F by appointment Accepting new patients

378382-1

Winter Garden Rotary Club returns with Broadway and Beyond

|

Personalized care with compassion and excellence.

Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12

By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761

REBECCA KRAINIK

BEGINNINGS

COMMUNITY CARE

As the Rotary’s largest fundraiser, the event raises about $30,000 for organizations after expenses for the show and attracts around 500 attendees, according to current Rotary President Jo Barsh.

Barsh said the collaboration between Winter Garden and the Rotary benefits organizations such as the West Orange Scholarship Fund, Matthew’s Hope, Hope Church and Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s the best warm and fuzzy feeling you can have to be able to give back to our community,” she said.

“You’re touching so many lives.

There are no words to express that feeling you get when you feel their gratitude.”

Flanigan said what makes the event so special is it has a wide range of support from local businesses.

“This is such a great cause, and I hope the community will rally around it and come out to support,” he said. “I think everybody deserves a night out and everybody deserves to come and see some amazing entertainment at a beautiful outdoor location.”

Wellington Esquea, PA-C Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani Krainik has performed all over the world — from Royal Caribbean cruise ships to off-Broadway productions.

Some credits include Marcy in “Dogfight” at The Eagle Theater and Lucy in “Jekyll and Hyde” at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center. She also can be seen on “Law & Order: SVU” as Charlotte, The History Channel and various independent films on Hulu.

Se Habla Español

Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com 373834-1

GRANT NORMAN

Norman’s stage career has included the legendary Broadway shows; “Miss Saigon,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” He made his Broadway debut in “Miss Saigon,” in which he played the role of Chris. Grant has also appeared in several television shows, including “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: CSI,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Conviction” and “All My Children.”

QIANA MILES

Miles is a versatile vocalist, performer and songwriter.

Her résumé consists of a variety of performances from Disney such as Festival of the Lion King and Voices of Liberty. Outside of the theme parks, she is an emerging independent artist performing all over Central Florida.

She has released two original singles, “Without You” and “I Need You Here” along with her newly released Christmas cover of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Her five-track EP is available on all streaming platforms.

Two Festival shirts available this year!

Two day festival in Historic Downtown Winter Garden 20 Year Anniversary Tee Shirt

Limited Edition Year of the Monarch Tee Shirt

Presented by Bloom & Grow Garden Society • Co-Sponsored by the City of Winter Garden

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Although the event is known as Broadway and Beyond, the show actually started under another name.

The Winter Garden Rotary Club created “Evening at the Pops” as one of its biggest fundraisers years ago.

In the past, the club partnered with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Central Florida for a night of symphony performances.

When the pandemic hit, everything changed.

Previous organizations were not able to participate, and Eric Roukey, president of the club at the time, knew he had to make a change.

When Roukey reached out to his friend Flanigan, Flanigan jumped at the opportunity and reached out to performers from across Central Florida and beyond, coining the new name — Broadway and Beyond.

“Everything was still shut down in the industry, so all singers and dancers I asked had been out of work, and they jumped at the opportunity to perform,” Flanigan said. “We were all deemed non-essential workers, but yet everyone was stuck at home watching TV.” The host said what the community really needed was entertainment.

“The performing arts really just take you away and help you forget your troubles for a little while, and I think a lot of people needed that positive distraction,” he said.

Flanigan shared that the first event in 2021 lasted three hours. No one complained about the length; in fact, they wanted more.

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OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Leaded Glass

OrangeObserver.com

Leaded Glass

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Chris Martucci

Writer’s Block Bookstore owner Lauren Zimmerman is proud to open the first Little Free Library in downtown Winter Garden.

Check it out: Writer’s Block adds Little Free Library

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The bookstore installed the new library last week in downtown Winter Garden.

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CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

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This was the first Little Free Library to be set up in downtown Winter Garden.

“I had not considered it until the city asked me about it; it was wonderful that they wanted us to be here,” Zimmerman said of her shop, which opened one year ago. “Our goal was to open before Christmas during a pandemic, but we were able to achieve that. The city was wonderful to us the whole way.

“Afterwards, once we opened and the store proved to be a success, I was trying to see what we could do for the city as a gift,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman discovered the Little Free Library organization and approached the city about opening a box in downtown Winter Garden as a way to say thank you.

“They selected the location, and I ordered it,” Zimmerman said.

According to the organization, many of these boxes boxes are in residential settings. The organization keeps track of all locations on its website. Those interested can go online and see where the libraries are in their community.

“It’s a wonderful movement that is doing really well,” Zimmerman said.

“Hopefully, this is the start of something great.”

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371995-1

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

9

Worth the weight: Oakland PD to host lifting challenge Oakland Police Department’s Bench Press for Charity will benefit Special Olympics Florida.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Police Department is putting a call out to anyone who thinks they have what it takes to win its upcoming bench press challenge.

The Bench Press for Charity competition is Saturday, March 26, at Crossfit Trailside, in Oakland, and the event is part of the department’s ongoing support of Special Olympics Florida.

The OPD has raised money for the organization for several years now, Police Chief John Peek said. It started out as a bench-press competition between the area’s police and fire departments but has since been opened to residents who want to show their strength and earn bragging rights.

Peek said Crossfit Trailside owner Tony Siceloff agreed to hold the event at his facility and will serve as the judge.

Athletes ages 16 and older will participate in one set, performing as many reps as possible. In the women’s division, participants must bench press 55 pounds. Men less than 185 pounds must bench press 185 pounds, and those 185 pounds and more must bench press 225 pounds.

Men and women will bench press the designated weight for as many consecutive full reps as possible before re-racking the bar. Assigned spotters can assist with re-racking once the lift has reached his or her maximum number of reps.

Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers.

Participants will receive 20% off a first-month membership at the Crossfit center and a special T-shirt that includes a list of all the business sponsors.

“A lot of the guys and the fire guys and the cops are showing up and

BENCH PRESS FOR CHARITY WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26 WHERE: Crossfit Trailside, 300 Countyline Court, Suite A, Oakland REGISTER: Email Officer Rene Castro, rcastro@oaklandpd.com DETAILS: Entry fee is $20 per person, and all proceeds benefit Special Olympics

doing it for fun, because it’s for the charity,” Peek said. “I’m a competitive guy, and I’m participating.”

Lt. Angela Campbell also has signed up for the challenge. Peek said he has received interest from departments in Ocoee, Clermont and Groveland, and Apopka is sending its SWAT team.

When Officer Rene Castro came to the Oakland Police Department from another city, he brought with him several programs he did through the Community Policing Unit, including the Bench Press for Charity and Tip a Cop. Several years ago, the Oakland PD was second in the state, behind only Fort Lauderdale, in the amount of monetary tips raised during the event.

Oakland supports Special Olympics Florida throughout the year with several fundraisers.

“I want to support youth in the community, and this is one way to do it,” Peek said. “I want people in the community to view their police department as an organization that’s going to help you.”

Oakland also supports Grow Orlando, an organization that provides sports balls to the police department; in turn, officers can hand out the sports equipment and engage in conversation with the town’s youth.

“I want the police department more involved in the community, and engaging the youth seems to be the way to do it,” Peek said.

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TREASURE TITLE 407-654-8811

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THINK OF AS A PROPERT IT Y RIGHTS FORCE FIELD If you’re buying a home, get own er’s title insuranc and protect your e self from cost ly hidden prob lems.

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CITY OF

WINTER GARDEN IS HIRING!

Tired of commuting?

Looking for more time to do the things you love?

Work where you live and add to your quality of life.

As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work.

Explore the job opportunities and the impressive benefit package at www.cwgdn.com and click on Jobs at bottom of home page.

Like. Follow. Share!

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@officialdowntownwintergarden

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Marina Bay Estates home sells for $2.7M A

REAL ESTATE

10

home in the Marina Bay

SNAPSHOT

Estates community in

Total Sales: 78 High Sale Price: $2.7 million Low Sale Price: $270,000

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

real-estate transactions from

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

March 11 to 17.

EPISCOPAL

March 17, for $2.7 million.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 11015 Clip-

The home at 8901 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 15, for $780,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,272 square feet. Days on market: 75.

per Court, Windermere, sold

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

Built in 2006, it has four

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

bedrooms, three-and-onefeet of living area. Days on

The home at 15246 Lake Lamonia St., Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $543,583. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,235 square feet.

market: 16.

LATHAM PARK NORTH

half baths and 4,277 square

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Also viewable on YouTube METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL

The home at 8901 Shipbrook Way, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $799,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,709 square feet. Days on market: Four.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

www.churchofthemessiah.com

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship

selling homes in each community in West Orange.

Advertise your Services or Events WEST onHORIZON this page weekly.

ASHLIN PARK

The home at 7235 SunnyinMeadow This page appears weekly the Alley, Windermere, sold March 15, West Orange Times & Observer and for $586,070. Built in 2016, it has online at OrangeObserver.com.

three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,337 square feet. Days on To advertise in the market: Six.Church Directory

call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com INDEPENDENCE

The home at 14661 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold March 15, for $553,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,717 square feet. Days on market: Four.

www.windermereunion.org

LAKESHORE

The home at 15499 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 14, for $1.7 million. Built in 2020, it has four

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

The home at 8919 Frodsham Way, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $525,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,350 square feet. Days on market: Six. SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 7192 Early Gold St., Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $719,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,201 square feet.

The home at 15561 Kinnow Mandarin Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 14, for $580,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,195 square feet. Days on market: 72.

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LV14252

146 East Plant St, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM nd us at: Theacf.net

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

These are the highest-

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Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 5,163 square feet. Days on market: 102.

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDER YOUR CUSTOM MADE • Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Barn Program, Doors, and More CHRISTMAS the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

• Repaired, Refinished and GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture Check out the custom • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used Moving Forward made silent auction items Household Items Program Offerings Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at XNSP18213

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the Garden Party onTransitional Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden Housing November 9!!

407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance TEXT Credit Counseling “MHM” TEXT TO 4 1 4 4 4 & Debt Reduction

TO DONATE “MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 This isTO a secure site for giving DONATE

This is a secure site for giving Garden, FL 34787 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

Dr. Malas is passionate about preventing kidney disease and slowing the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in the community.

He is motivated to advance comprehensive kidney stones prevention strategies and promote Home Dialysis Therapy.

This is a secure site for giving

TEXT

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4

Dr. Saeed Malas

TO DONATE

CALL (407) 656-2121 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL234787 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

Help Themselves.

NOW ACCPETING NEW PATIENTS

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CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

WINTER GARDEN (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org 1327 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Ste 130 (352) 240-3812 CLERMONT www.KidneyCareCentralFlorida.com

3175 Citrus Tower Blvd, Ste A

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,811 square feet. Days on market: 47.

WEST ORANGE CASABELLA

The home at 4320 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold March 15, for $2.69 million. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 5,819 square feet. Days on market: 18.

The home at 4333 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold March 14, for $2.33 million. Built in 2017, it has six bedrooms, seven baths and 6,857 square feet. Days on market: 63. vimeo.com

The home at 11015 Clipper Court, Windermere, sold March 17, for $2.7 million. This waterfront estate is situated on 1.78 acres.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 5221 Beach River Road, Windermere, sold March 14, for $675,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,146 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8984 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $735,781. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,920 square feet. Days on market: 10.

The home at 15681 Pelican Cay Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $625,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet. Days on market: Five.

The home at 9495 Jaywood Road, Winter Garden, sold March 15, for $570,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet. Days on market: Six. WATERMARK

The home at 14668 Scott Key Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 15, for $780,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,423 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 14512 Golden Harbor Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $510,000. Built in 2017, it has

three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,101 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 7570 Bishop Square Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $525,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,952 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8249 Procida Isle Lane, Windermere, sold March 17, for $648,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet of living area. Days on market: 38.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11812 Gray Rock Trail, Windermere, sold March 14, for $600,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,500 square feet. Days on market: One.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK SOUTH

The home at 1940 Arden Oaks Drive, Ocoee, sold March 14, for $509,900.

Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,587 square feet. Days on market: Two. CROWN POINTE COVE

The home at 1650 Regal River Circle, Ocoee, sold March 16, for $470,000.

Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,804 square feet. Days on market: 12.

The home at 12016 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold March 18, for $830,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,113 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OCOEE COMMONS

The home at 9055 Horizon Pointe Trail, Windermere, sold March 15, for $800,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,651 square feet.

VINEYARDS

The home at 12010 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold March 17, for $715,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,512 square feet. Days on market: 131.

The home at 902 Hire Circle, Ocoee, sold March 14, for $530,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: 137.

The home at 2792 Cabernet Circle, Ocoee, sold March 14, for $540,000.

Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,068 square feet.

Days on market: 11.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE

The home at 10390 Royal Cypress Way, Orlando, sold March 18, for $965,990. Built in 2017, it has five

TILDENS GROVE

The home at 5119 Tildens Grove Blvd., Windermere, sold March 18, for $1.29 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,664 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 14032 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $625,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,952 square feet. Days on market: Six. DEERFIELD PLACE

The home at 114 Doe Run Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,567 square feet. Days on market: Two. FOXCREST

The home at 1009 Home Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $827,500. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,610 square feet. Days on market: 11.

GROVE PARK AT STONE CREST

The home at 638 Lost Grove Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 14, for $595,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,420 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

ISLEWORTH

LAKE AVALON GROVES

The home at 5108 Fairway Oaks Drive, Windermere, sold March 14, for $1.81 million. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,144 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

MANNS

The home at 5518 Worsham Court, Windermere, sold March 15, for $2.6 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 5,781 square feet.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6306 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold March 17, for $1,426,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,061 square feet. Days on market: Two. The home at 8045 Whitford Court, Windermere, sold March 18, for $1,256,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,893 square feet.

WINTER GARDEN BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 563 First Cape Coral Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $502,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,238 square feet. Days on market: Six.

11

The home at 16434 Davenport Road, Winter Garden, sold March 16, for $799,999. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,390 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

The home at 228 Seminole St., Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $560,000. Built in 1948, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,042 square feet. Days on market: One. OAKS AT BRANDY LAKE

The home at 623 Bending Oak Trail, Winter Garden, sold March 15, for $530,000. Built in 2009, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,234 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 2359 Baronsmede Court sold March 16, for $646,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,617 square feet. Days on market: Four.

TWINWATERS

The home at 16641 Toccoa Row sold March 14, for $899,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,838 square feet.

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LILLY MOSES, LEGACY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Lilly Moses was hired as the receptionist, but she said some people call her the chaos coordinator. She is the school nurse and National Honor Society adviser, and she helps tutor students who are struggling, assists the principal, answer calls and handles anything else that comes into her path. This year, she and a coworker started a Joy Cart, which they use to surprise teachers with treats.

What brought you to your school?

I came to Legacy to be with my kids.

All we had ever done before was homeschool.

What do you love most about your school?

The students and our principal. I came with intentions to touch their lives; little did I know how much these students would touch mine.

Legacy is led by the most wonderful principal; we would not be who we are without Kristy Castellanos. She daily supports and motivates us.

What is your motivation?

I try my best to honor and glorify Jesus in every part of my life. I was always taught that I might be the only Jesus that people will ever see. My prayer is that Legacy sees Jesus in me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I really love building relationships with the students. These kids know that I fight for them. I believe in them. They have the ability to make a difference. It’s so rewarding when they share their ups and downs with me. I hope they all know that I truly am there for them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I absolutely love going to coffee shops with my girlfriends and doing a little

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Front desk receptionist TIME AT SCHOOL: Three

shopping! I love being spontaneous, too, and taking random road trips with my family.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Lester Banks. This man has been there for decades and is loved by all.

He truly is a legend in my hometown.

He always said hi as you walked by, was famous for selling football tickets and made sure no one was skipping school.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? There were actually many things I thought I’d like. When I was little, I thought a doctor would be fun but realized I don’t really do well with the sight of blood. For a while, I wanted to be a wedding planner. As a teenager, I learned that I was made to serve in ministry. My husband and I served in youth ministry for many years. We’ve been in full-time ministry since 2011, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“The Three Bears.” This is a book I remember reading over and over.

It’s the only book I still have from my childhood. I love how baby bear always knew that something was wrong with the scene left by Goldilocks.

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER Do you have an “unsung hero”

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

13

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

What are your hobbies?

I have a Cricut and love making T-shirts. My latest creation was Napoleon Dynamite-themed shirts for my family and some friends.

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

Time travel! I would love to go back and meet ancestors. Family history is so fascinating to me. Any story my dad or grandma tells me, I just try to soak it all in.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Phil Wickham, David Phelps and Mandisa are some of my favorites.

I love Phil Wickham’s song “Hymn of Heaven,” David Phelp’s song “No More Night,” and Mandisa’s “Way Maker.” Back when Mandisa was on “American Idol,” I voted for her every week!

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

Square pizza was always my favorite from the cafeteria. When my dad would fix my lunch, my sandwiches always had a mustard smiley face on them. I loved it when I was able to get a Dreamsicle during lunch.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas is my most favorite holiday ever! I am the person who decorates the first weekend in October. If Christmas never came, we would have no hope.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

Val! We were inseparable in high school. We were with each other every moment we could. I moved out of state when I was 20, so it’s been many years since we’ve lived close by. But we always pick up right where we left off.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Titans to celebrate 20 years of theater Olympia High will take its audience on a trip through two decades of music, dance and dialogue.

IF YOU GO

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

When Olympia High School opened 20 years ago, Titan Theatre students staged “Little Shop of Horrors” in the program’s inaugural year.

Two decades later, the theater department is pulling music and scenes from this and nearly two dozen other performances throughout the school’s history for a show-stopping celebration of the talent that comes out of Olympia.

Theater Director Ed Budd is thrilled with the way this show has come together — although this wasn’t the original idea for spring 2022.

“We had the plans to do ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live,’ and … I’m a GenXer, and I hear the chance to do ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah!’” he said. “The students were none too thrilled. (Their reaction was), ‘We’re doing a little kid show?’”

He acquiesced and, once he realized this was a monumental year, he jumped at the chance to put together a 20-year retrospective.

“Rather than me being the dictatorial director of how this is going to be done, the students have a lot of ownership with their songs,” Budd said. “I listed out every show we’ve done, mainstage, in the last 20 years. (I told them), ‘Anything you want to do — scene, song, monologue. Bring it to the audition. The

TITAN THEATRE PRESENTS “TWENTY YEARS OF THEATRE AND TALENT” WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, through Saturday, March 26 WHERE: Olympia High School, 4301 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando TICKETS: $15 in advance or cash-only at the door.

Available by emailing Edwin. budd@ocps.net

more ready it is, the better chance you have of it getting in the show.’

“The students worked hard to make it show-ready,” he said.

He likens the show to the Tony Awards ceremony without the awards — simply an evening of recognition of live theater.

It was important to not only honor the actors and actresses but also the technicians from the last 20 years. So he devised a game show called “Technically Speaking.”

“We’ll have a volunteer from the audience who’s an alumni tech go against one of our current techs,” Budd said. “It’s bragging rights.”

He reached out to alumni theater students and directors hoping they would return to the school for the show. The program includes the current cast of students and Budd Observer as host, but alumni who show up

Theater students practice their number for the 20-year celebration.

Courtesy

on one of the nights are welcome to introduce the performances.

Budd credits several assistants for helping him get the show to the stage: the school’s vocal director, Christine Le, and two choreographers, Marissa Enyart and Mark Huffman. Penguin Point Productions helped with costuming.

The audience will be treated to songs and dialogue from “Little Shop of Horrors”; “Bye, Bye, Birdie”; “Carnival”; “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”; “Flowers in the Desert”; “Godspell”; “The Princess Bride”; “Barnum”; “Alice in Wonderland”; “Anything Goes”; “You Can’t Take it with You”; “Barefoot in the Park”; “Fiddler on the Roof”; “Hairspray”; “Arabian Nights”; “The Addams Family”; “Twelve Angry Men”; “Once on this Island”; “Little Mermaid”; “Almost Maine”; “Friends – The One with the Baby on the Bus”; “The Glass Menagerie”; and “Chicago.”

Two performances will feature scenes from recent shows affected

by COVID-19. The “Friends” show ad_HUBB.pdf 1 3/18/22 1:44 PM was performed only on Zoom, and

“Chicago” has been deemed “the show that never was” because the department was prepared to hit the stage in March 2020 but then the pandemic halted everything.

Olympia students have been honing their stage skills under Budd’s direction since 2004.

“My style of theater tends to be very New York but not Broadway,” he said. “The smaller stages — a concentration of acting over flash.”

Budd is concerned about the future of the Titan Theatre program, which is fully self-funded.

“We invested a lot of money with ‘Chicago,’ and with ‘Chicago’ shutting down in March 2020, our theater has never really recovered,” he said. “Our club is hurting because, while the band programs and the choral and orchestra programs get state funding, theater programs don’t get any state funding.”

Budd said he and his students are prepared and excited for an evening of vocal and acting excellence.

“I’m just ready for anything; every night is going to be fly by the seat of your pants,” Budd said. “I have a tuxedo; I’m ready to go.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

MARCH 30, 1972 Winter Garden has long been the home of car dealerships, both new and used, including John Lamb Chevrolet, which was located on State Road 50.

The dealership advertised in The Winter Garden Times its best deals just in time for the Easter holiday.

Looking for a four-door vehicle? Check out the 1970 Impala hardtop with power steering and power brakes for $2,695 or the 1968 Chevy Biscayne sedan with air-conditioning and a radio for $1,495.

Anyone wanting something sporty could inquire about the 1971 Camaro with its $3,495 sticker price or the 1967 Firebird with a price tag of $1,495.

85 years ago

The annual election of the town of Oakland was held, in which the following officers were elected: R.L. Smith, mayor; A.R. Hewitt, B.R. Pettit, Fred L. Cross, E.J. Hancock and Harold Henschen, council men; and L.J. Broch, clerk.

80 years ago

Daniel Henderson was elected Lakeview High’s representative at Boys State in Tallahassee. Joe Burch and Fred Bekemeyer were last year’s representatives.

70 years ago

Representatives of area elementary schools held a district spelling bee. From Winter Garden Elementary were Don Shaw, who claimed first place, and Carolyn Jackson; Tildenville, Ellen Dobson and Harriett Kilgore; Ocoee, Glenda Walls and Sylvia Clare Thornton; Windermere, George Reid, who claimed second place, and Hardy Sullivan; and Gotha, Billy Childs.

Pronouncer was E.M. Henderson, and judges were Cecil Dees, Gene Cappleman and H.L. Simmons.

“Telephones in Winter Garden had increased from 523 in 1945 to 1,478 at the end of 1951,” stated Otto Wettstein III, president of Florida Telephone Corporation.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation honors Women’s History Month in highlighting former Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin. Among her myriad accomplishments, Chapin was largely responsible for the development of the West Orange Trail, a Rails-to-Trails project that helped to revitalize the communities situated along the south shore of Lake Apopka. Chapin is seen here receiving a personalized brick from then-president Jackie Brown of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society. It was placed on the Path of Life, a project landscaped by the society that ambles next to the Chapin Station trailhead in Winter Garden.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

Dottie Walker shared her recipe for gelatin Easter eggs in her Dining with Dottie column: Mix one package Jello (any color or flavor), 2 cups baker’s coconut, 2/3 cup condensed milk, 1.5 teaspoons sugar and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Shape into several large eggs or many little eggs. Chill until firm. Make glaze by melting 1 6-ounce package chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons water. Cover

each egg; decorate with decorator frosting with pastry tube if desired. Let stand until firm.

45 years ago

Kathy Matheison, of Windermere, was chosen to go to Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion. Other candidates were Anne Tope, Kathy Munger and Kathie Fenner. All four were juniors at West Orange High School.

20 years ago

The second expansion of Health Central Hospital, in Ocoee, was moving right along. When completed, the project added 100,000 square feet of floor area on six levels to the existing hospital structure. An expanded emergency room, with a new waiting room, and the new east tower that added 42 private rooms, was scheduled for completion later this year.

Team members participating in the West Orange Relay for Life were expected to raise $100 apiece, but cancer survivor Jill Joslyn raised 12 times that amount for the American Cancer Society.

She collected money through a bowl-a-thon and a donation box she set up at The Medicine Shoppe, where she was employed.

Joslyn was diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasized to her liver.

crossword

celebrity cipher

CREATIVE WRITING by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg 123 Bit of pond growth 124 Burn slightly 125 Sun, in Spanish 126 ___ vera 127 Lighting may alter it 128 “Halt!”

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

32 Writing about a dot?

36 Film type at Sundance 1 Org. that does stellar 40 Sass work?

42 Titular teen of comics 5 Bowls over 43 Every rough patch has 9 Soaks (up) one 13 Fist bump 44 Writing about a land?

16 Depravities 47 Polite request to leave 18 Start over on 50 “That being said ...”

19 Less tanned 51 Spend the night 21 Enemy of the Jedi 22 Writing about claiming 52 Geopolitical conflict 53 Metal oiled by Dorothy lottery winnings?

54 Plopped down 25 On the subject of 26 Painting on the Sistine 55 ___-party (post-prom event) Chapel’s ceiling, e.g.

57 Writing about a club’s 27 Squad get-together?

28 “Today” competitor, 61 Canoodling on the for short subway, e.g.

29 Like flimsy evidence 30 Guitarist’s repeated bit 62 Attach, as a patch

63 Energy measure 64 Thick thing to puff 68 Writing about a word that makes people smile?

72 Jumpy 73 Absurd 74 Des Moines resident 75 Big Blue co.

77 Writing about a minor dispute?

79 Served, as a meal 82 Reggae precursor 8 Wrigley Field player 86 Animation collectible 87 Singer-songwriter ___ Case 88 Fish for a grizzly 91 Good public speaker 93 Writing about Queen Elsa and Olaf?

96 Miracle-___ 97 A-sharp’s equivalent 99 Place to live like a pig?

100 What some Romans wore over tunics 101 Writing about sororities and fraternities?

104 Shakespeare’s “King ___” 106 Wine lover’s mecca 107 In the past 108 Instrument that tunes an orchestra 111 Stacked messily 116 Just barely 117 Writing about Kim Kardashian’s eldest?

121 Nintendo consoles 122 One of a tent’s anchors

1 Foam toy producer 2 Assert 3 Slaw or pasta salad 4 Drinks in pint glasses 5 Pop star Grande, to fans 6 Served as a guinea pig, say 7 Barely beat (out) 8 Couch 9 Relaxation destination 10 Grain used in some milk 11 Prepare to charge up 12 Preacher’s speech 13 Voiced harsh criticism 14 Space for clutter and cobwebs 15 Ringing thing 17 Skeletons in the closet, e.g.

20 Peruse or skim 21 Smooth and glossy 23 French pronoun Miss Piggy uses 24 Hire 31 Buzzing picnic pest 33 Where Scandinavia is (Abbr.)

34 Way cool 35 Eddie Vedder’s band 36 Puts frosting on 37 PBS science show 38 Tune for two 39 Lodging in Cincinnati?

41 “SNL” star Davidson 45 Word before “trip” or “warrior” 46 Matchbox toy 47 Goat’s bleat 48 Lasses 49 Hitting all the right notes 52 Perform without practice 56 9-Down treatment

involving a mask 57 “What did I tell you?”

58 Night ___ (no early bird) 59 Dove sound 60 Triumphed 61 One who slices and dices 62 Nine-digit ID 64 Networking giant 65 Run up, as expenses 66 Trash holder 67 Name found twice in “Panama Canal” 69 Compete in a sack race, say 70 Female sheep 71 Corn portion 76 Pear variety 78 For each 79 Red, flat-topped hat 80 Squeezes (out) 81 “Hold on to my hand!”

82 Self-satisfied 83 Hawaiian coffee region 84 Crawling picnic pests 87 “Come back later” 89 Gendered term for a performer 90 Bathroom, in Britain 92 Walks (on) 93 Winter bug 94 Pickup truck brand 95 Affirmative at sea 97 Capital of Colombia 98 Like a design featuring roses 101 Nibbles persistently 102 3:2, for example 103 Food drive donations 105 Word of discovery 109 Ray of light 110 Norwegian capital 112 Flea market caveat 113 Breathe quickly 114 Waffle brand 115 Like Barry White’s voice 118 Bout ending, for short 119 Second half of a giggle 120 Legal notebook

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“RO SUDXHV DUGYXD RH ... DXUD TMDXLTY FLII HJHV KH AHVSHBD, WM PGWD NHHA RMJLTY UTC CM OMGV KHWD.”

– WBMDD HUWDFMMC

“FYDNHGYGA NU CG MGKHWDHWZHK JUJMFCNYUG YD VUT IUM OHAYG NU MGKHWDNCGK NVHR CGK DHWZH NVHR OHNNHW.”

– XUGDNCGXH TM

“UIHPDV HIWVL MBBY ZIDV BX CVD IEEVIDIUZV. GCIH JIWVL UIHPDV PMFO AL HCV NVCIRABD BX CPJIU NVAUML.” – IWADI WPDBLIGI Puzzle Three Clue: F equals L

50 years ago

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals M

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: P equals J

14

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-24-22

MARCH 24, 2022

HIGH

SPORTS

1

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Windermere Prep sixth-grader Christian Yamashita was invited to Perfect Game’s under-13 prospect showcase for 2022. Page 16.

Former West Orange players showed up at the field to pay homage to their old coach, Gary Guthrie, center.

Spring break did not mean a stoppage in play for West Orange County baseball teams. They competed at the Florida League High School Invitational tournament March 14-18. The First Academy won all four of its games to increase its winning streak to 32 consecutive games, scoring 50 runs in the process.

Jayden Bastian was named the tournament’s co-MVP with Viera’s Lucas Glendinning. West Orange’s Will Ross was named the co-Most Valuable Pitcher after allowing no earned runs and striking out 14 during the tournament.

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Windermere Prep’s boys weightlifting team defeated The First Academy 62-28 March 14 to improve to 5-0 in dual meets this season. The team placed second at The Citrus League Championship; Bishop Moore edged out the Lakers 67-58. The boys were scheduled to compete in a tri-meet with Lake Highland Prep and Bishop Moore March 23, after press time Tuesday.

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West Orange and Windermere’s boys volleyball teams will face off on the court March 28 in their first meeting of the season. Windermere will play Lake Buena Vista March 24. The game will take place at Windermere High School. The Wolverines won their first three matches of the season, while West Orange has split its first four.

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Horizon’s beach volleyball resumes action March 30 as the Hawks get set to play Colonial at Game Point Volleyball Club.

The team has been off to a hot start after winning two of its first three games to start its inaugural campaign. Those wins came against fellow first-year school Lake Buena Vista.

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Prior to the break, Lake Buena Vista’s baseball team won its first game against Lake Mary Prep, 11-1.

The Vipers had lost six games to open the season but finally notched the first win in team history. LBV takes on Orlando Christian Prep March 24 at home.

BAND OF BROTHERS Former West Orange High School baseball players returned to honor their former coach, Gary Guthrie.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

P

rior to West Orange’s baseball game against Winter Park on Feb. 24, the Warriors took the time to honor an important figure in the West Orange community: former head coach Gary Guthrie.

Guthrie, affectionately known as “Guthero” to many of his players, coached in West Orange County for many years. At Ocoee, he led the Knights to a state championship in

Courtesy

1973 before moving to West Orange.

During his tenure with the Warriors, he led the team to a district championship in 1979 and one win away from going to the state championship.

After he retired, Guthrie moved to rural Lake County to live a peaceful life. Having recently turned 80, he was content to live out his golden years in peace until he received an invitation to throw out the first pitch for West Orange’s game against Winter Park.

SEE WARRIORS PAGE 16

TFA baseball coach wins 500th game Scott Grove earned the milestone March 14 with a 7-2 win over Olympia.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Scott Grove has accomplished many things during his time as the head coach of The First Academy’s baseball team.

He brought the school a national championship in 2014 — his first year as head coach of the Royals — and then a state championship in 2021.

And to start the 2022 season, the team has won 10 consecutive games to open the year, making it 32 straight dating back to last season.

Now he can add one more accomplishment to his prestigious tenure: 500th game winner.

Grove notched the milestone after his team’s 7-2 victory over Olympia Courtesy photo

SEE TFA PAGE 16

16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022

Warriors honor Guthrie

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Christian Yamashita

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Christian Yamashita may be in the sixth grade, but he’s already competing for the Windermere Prep junior varsity baseball team as a shortstop. In addition to playing JV, Yamashita has played on the USSSA All-State team for Florida, as well as the All-American team and already has the attention of scouts from around the country. He recently was invited to Perfect Game’s under-13 prospect showcase for 2022. Outside of athletics, Yamashita maintains a 4.0 GPA, earning him a place on the Headmaster’s List at Windermere Prep.

What got you into baseball?

My dad started playing baseball when he was younger and was pretty good at it, so I thought I would give it a shot after I was done with karate. I earned my black belt in taekwando before I got into baseball about four years ago.

What do you like about playing shortstop?

Being a vocal leader on the field, and being with everyone is a lot of fun.

How does it feel being a sixthgrader on the JV team?

It feels good, but I don’t like talking about it. I prefer to stay in my own area and not brag about it. I try to not draw too much attention to myself when I’m around the team. I thought it was great that my teammates treated me the same instead of picking on me as the youngest on the team.

How has the adjustment to playing high school baseball been for you?

It’s been great since I’m getting more used to it now. At first, it was shaky, but now I’m fine and doing well. I’m not nervous anymore when I go into games.

What would be a big accomplishment for you this year to set the tone for the future?

I want to play JV this year, next year and maybe eighth grade, but I hope to already start playing varsity in eighth grade.

Favorite shortstop?

Francisco Lindor. He’s a great player, a switch hitter who hits really well, and he’s a smooth fielder.

Favorite baseball team?

Right now, it’s the Mets, but the Yankees would have to be my overall.

Favorite class in school?

Math.

THE BASICS AGE: 11 SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Sixth SPORT: Baseball POSITION: Shortstop BATS: Right-handed

What is key to maintaining your high GPA and also putting in the time you need to practice baseball?

You have to have good time management by learning how to do it. I would go to school, play baseball until 8:30 or 9:30 and then I would do my schoolwork.

If I had any time in between my baseball practices, I would get my schoolwork done in an efficient and fast way. The way I do that is going step by step and making sure everything is in order.

Favorite movie?

I like a lot of movies, like the Marvel movies and the DC ones as well. Some DC movies are good, but I like Marvel better.

The new Batman movie was awesome though. I really liked it. Robert Pattinson was better than I thought he would be.

TV or Netflix show you are watching right now?

I watch a lot of Netflix’s anime catalogue so it depends on whatever one I’m watching at the time. I recently finished the second season of “Demon Slayer.”

Favorite anime?

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.”

Favorite character in “Demon Slayer” besides Tanjiro?

Zenitsu Agatsuma — he seems like a completely harmless crybaby when he’s awake, but his true power comes out when he’s asleep. He’s really funny though too.

What’s an interesting thing about you that no one would expect to know?

I like science books, astrophysics, specifically, because I’m really into it.

I know a lot of stuff about space.

But there was an extra surprise waiting for Guthrie when he arrived. Several players from the 1979 team were there to greet their old coach, many of whom had not seen him in decades.

Glenn Tyndall was one of 10 former players who showed up to the ceremony. The former rightfielder had not seen his former coach since the mid-1980s — not long after he graduated from West Orange. Despite the almost 40-year gap between meetings, Guthrie was frozen in time to him when the group met up at the ball field.

“We all went over and gathered, talking about what’s going on with us now and reminisced about the old days,” Tyndall said. “It was a fun night. I know he was touched by the fact we were there. There was no way we were going to miss that opportunity. He’s frozen in time for most of us going back 35-40 years ago.”

Tyndall spent two years at Evans High School before being redistricted to West Orange. At his first tryout for the baseball team, his swing didn’t feel right as he took batting practice. Guthrie called him over to the batting cage and worked with him for 15 minutes.

“I hit left-handed, and my plant foot was my left foot. I was doing things wrong with it,” Tyndall said.

“I go back out on the field for more batting practice, and the first pitch thrown to me was a home run. That was awesome. He saw that I did not have my back foot planted properly, and after working on it, it was awesome.”

It was just one of the many things about Guthrie that made him such a beloved figure to his players.

Although many of them were not afraid to say he was willing to drop the hammer when he needed to, he had everyone’s respect at the same time.

Joe Worsham was the principal at West Orange from 1984 to 1991, but his friendship with Guthrie went back to their days of coaching at Ocoee. Worsham was the basketball coach at the time when Guthrie was the baseball coach.

“He was a good friend to me during those days,” Worsham said.

“He’s very deserving of being honored.”

Another former player, outfielder Ed Boyd, was also present to catch up with old teammates and see his old coach. He recalled a pregame warm-up before the War-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

March 14 during the FCSL Spring Break Tournament in Sanford.

“It was special, but winning it with this team made it even more special,” Grove said. “We have so many seniors, and have had such a great run. … They’re so fun to be around, and they’re great kids, so it was great to have a milestone win with so many great kids.”

After a run at Timber Creek that included three consecutive district titles from 2011-13, Grove came to TFA with the intent of replicating that success for the Royals. He also was looking for a bit of a change of pace.

“I thought it was going to be nice In the future, to be at a Christian school,” he said. what’s one place “My son was going into eighth grade you’d like to go at the time, and I thought it would to in the world? be great if both my kids graduated I’m going to Coofrom The First Academy.” perstown to see the Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together.

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prior to his arrival, the Royals finished 23-4 and got knocked out of the third round of the state playoffs

by Melbourne Central Catholic. The team also had two future MLB firstrounders in Adam Haseley and Foster Griffin. Grove likened it to walking into a gold mine.

The first year was beyond anything he or the school could have imagined. A win in the national invitational tournament earned TFA its first national championship as a baseball program. In 2021, the school won its first state championship.

“We wanted to build something special as a baseball program,” Grove said. “It’s the best decision I ever made as far as switching schools.”

Part of what makes the experience worthwhile for Grove has been the solid support of the athletic administration throughout his tenure.

“It’s special there; they really do things the right way and support their coaches,” Grove said.

“All the neat things that went into

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this season with the new turf, new locker room and new lights — you couldn’t ask for a better supporting cast. (Head of School) Dr. (Steve) Whitaker always keeps up with us; he was there for the 500th win on his spring break. He was also texting me to see how the tournament was going. We feel fortunate to be part of such a great family.”

What made the 500th win feel even more special for Grove was the fact that in addition to the game, March 14 also marked his 26th wedding anniversary.

“Makes it a double whammy,” Grove said.

“We wanted to build something special as a baseball program. It’s the best decision I ever made as far as switching schools.”

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Ocoee High School state championship team in 1973, a championship that made the coach “baseball royalty” in West Orange County.

When former player Drew Butler was diagnosed with cancer, Forbes arranged a golf outing in his honor.

When he reached out to see who could come, almost every player from that team came. Butler later died, but it showed that the bonds forged on the ball field run deep.

“The bond of that shows we were a band of brothers on the baseball field,” Forbes said. “Time has stood still when we get back together. It’s like we were kids again. Gary was a mentor, but he was also a friend.”

That friendship carried over during that historic 1979 season.

Guthrie’s father had passed away during that season, and the entire team came to the funeral in a sign of solidarity with their head coach.

“I know that meant a lot to him, and it’s one reason why that team holds a special place in all of our hearts,” Forbes said.

But on that night at the ball field, it was like old times. One of the players made a joke asking if he was going to get it over the plate.

Jay Lake, another former player, said Guthrie looked him in the eye and guaranteed he would do it.

“And sure enough, he did,” Lake said. “That got a laugh out of all of us.”

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riors’ game against Bishop Moore Catholic during which the team warmed up without a baseball.

“The other side was looking at us like, ‘What the heck are they doing?’” Boyd said. “It was absolutely hysterical to look back on now, but we all went through warm-ups without a baseball. That was one of the ways Gary would get us ready for the game.”

Boyd and Tyndall, along with fellow outfielder Mark Laney, made up one of the most dynamic defensive outfields in the state during their time together and were part of the reason the team came one win away from reaching the state championship in 1979.

“If we had one more pitcher, we probably would have made it,” Boyd said. “But he knew how to pick talent.”

Dennis Forbes, 1979 team captain, couldn’t attend the ceremony, because he was in the process of moving from Bristol, Tennessee, to Jacksonville. However, he had many memories to share about that team and the coach who brought it all together. But the one thing he loved the most was spending time with the group of guys who became some of his best friends.

“Every time we all get together, it’s something special,” Forbes said.

Forbes’ cousin Val Rodriguez played third base for Guthrie on the

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TFA coach gets 500th win

What’s something interesting you’ve learned?

There’s the thing called a white hole. It’s like a black hole, but it’s so far away from us that we don’t exactly know what it does. The theory is that it’s the opposite of a black hole in that it can only shoot things out instead of sucking them in.

We’re all in this together.

Gary Guthrie coached at West Orange High for many years and left a lasting legacy at the school.

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OBSERVER

He leaves behind his brother, John Blair, of Westville, Florida, who passed less than 24 hours after his brother; his beloved grandchildren, Jeni Teachman (Tom), Kelly Hall, Shannon Dooley, William Daniel Blair, Steven Glass (Liz), Matthew Dooley, Krystal Blair, Jessica Mathesius, Jonathan Glass, Mark Glass and Melissa Roberts (Russ); 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews, far too many to name.

Our sincere appreciation to Vitas Hospice of Citrus County Florida for their support during our time of need.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hayes Funeral Home, 431 Davis Street E., Elba, AL 36323.

Visitation was at Hayes Funeral Home Chapel from 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, March 12, 2022. Funeral service immediately followed at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Derek Snellgrove officiating. Committal services followed at the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery in Elba, Alabama.

WILLIAM “BILL” JOHNSON BLAIR DIED MARCH 6, 2022.

William “Bill” Johnson Blair, of Ariton, Alabama, passed away peacefully at the home of his granddaughter, Jeni and Tom Teachman, in Beverly Hills, Florida, on March 6, 2022.

Mr. Blair was born in Opp, Alabama, to Mary Alice Johnson and Louie Monrow Blair on Aug. 11, 1934. William attended primary elementary school in Opp, Alabama. In his early years he helped work the family farm and raise his younger siblings.

William married Jean House of Lumpkin, Georgia, on Dec. 30, 1953. William and Jean moved to Ocoee, Florida, in the early 1960s, where they raised their four children. They later moved to Ferndale, Florida, where they lived for many years before retiring to Caryville, Florida, and Ariton, Alabama.

William owned and operated Blair Plastering and Tile for several years traveling the state of Florida

perfecting his trade. He was well known throughout Central Florida for his level of skill and attention to detail in his work.

William is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Jean House Blair; his father and mother; sisters, Mary Ellen Blair, Opal Deese and CoraLee Hobbs; brothers, James Blair and Jerry Blair; daughter, Carolyn Blair Dooley; son-in-law, Michael Dooley; and granddaughter, Chrissy Dooley Calhoun.

He is survived by his children, Patricia Alexander (Peter), of Winter Garden, Florida, William (Rusty) Blair, of Chipley, Florida, and Deborah Glass, of Toledo, Ohio.

Rhonis Cornella Barnard, 73, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, March 12, 2022. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

The Rev. Dr. Walter McSwain Fowler Sr., 89 of Ocoee, died Thursday, March 3, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Jane C. Cunningham, 80, of Oakland, died March 15, 2022.

Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Shannon Mickey, 50, of Winter Garden, died March 7, 2022. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home.

Joanna Webster, 73, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Mark Thomas Nelson, age 66, of Thomasville, Georgia, formerly of Winter Garden, passed away March 13, 2022, at Archbold Memorial Hospital of Thomasville. He was born in Miami Dec. 11, 1955, a son to the late Brasher Parker and Catherine Land Nelson.

Mark was a 1973 graduate of Apopka High School and 1977 graduate of Presbyterian College of Clinton, South Carolina, where he played football all four years. Mark served as Captain in the U.S. Army.

He married Elizabeth “Beth” McKinnon Aug. 8, 1981, in Oakland, Florida. Mark owned and operated O.F. Nelson and Son’s Nursery Inc., now O.F. Nelson’s and Family Nursery, well known for wholesale roses grown on Fortuniana Root Stock.

He was also a member of Oakland Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder and youth leader.

Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing, music and loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Nelson; children, Sean McKinnon Nelson (Cassie), of Anchorage, Alaska, Annee Catherine Nelson-Dorr

David Patrick Walsh Jr., 86, of Clermont, died Sunday, March 13, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

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(Brad), of Winter Garden, Florida, Clay McArthur Nelson (Marion), of Winter Garden, Florida, Elly Marie Nelson, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kit Rose Nelson, of Canton, Georgia; grandchildren, Finnley Storm Nelson, Elias McKinnon Nelson, Ryder Skye Nelson, Oliver Thomas NelsonDorr and Everett James Nelson; brother, Stephen Nelson (Brian), of Apopka, Florida; sister, Kimberly Nelson, of Longwood, Florida; brother-in-law, Maurice Boyd (Gretchen), of Winter Garden, Florida; and sister-in-law, Jean Hiatt (Cliff), of Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, 1850 Lee Road, Suite 132, Winter Park, FL 32789 or jdrf.org. Friends and family are invited to visit his online tribute page at allenfh. com.

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Mary Florence Schwarz, 84, of Winter Garden, died Monday, March 7, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Bernice Hays, 100, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

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Mary Therese (Anglin) Newell, 71, of Windermere, died Friday, March 4, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Christina Deschaine (Wren), 85, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at AdventHealth Hospital. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

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MARK THOMAS NELSON DIED MARCH 13, 2022.

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72”

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As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

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Historic Winter Garden

Downtown Boutique Walk Join us for a splendid evening of shopping, sips, and snacks!

­ ­

Historic Downtown Saturday, March 26

4th of JULY WEEKEND FUN Live Music Patriotic Farmers Market Kids Parade ARTIST: SUSAN GROGAN ALCOHOL INK

Fireworks

@officialdowntownwintergarden