04.01.21 Southwest Orange Observer

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Star-studded affair YOUR TOWN EASTER BUNNY TO PARADE THROUGH TOWN Catch the Easter Bunny as he makes his way through the town of Windermere from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 3, during the Windermere Police Department’s 2021 Easter Parade.

This is in lieu of the annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza, which is on hold because of the pandemic.

The bunny and his fellow police officers will hand out Easter bags to children.

The route is posted on the town’s website, town.windermere.fl.us/windermerepolice.

There is no try

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The Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s Broadway & Beyond delighted attendees. PAGE 3.

CREATIVE DISPLAY Foundation Academy hosted its first Fine Arts Outdoor Festival.

SEE PAGE 13.

Marsh Road truckers given more time for improvements

WINTER GARDEN CELEBRATES ARTS

City commissioners agreed to delay the second hearing of their truck-ban ordinance two more weeks.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Winter Garden kicks off its monthlong event, Arts in April. SEE PAGE 7.

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Marc Draven’s love for Star Wars, toys and tattoos has led the Gotha resident to a life filled with moments to geek out over.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

Winter Garden officials agreed to spend two more weeks negotiating with Titan America and other stakeholders in hopes of coming to a compromise regarding the issue of truck traffic on Marsh Road.

Commissioners voted at their March 25 meeting to postpone until April 8 the second reading of an ordinance that SEE TRUCK-BAN PAGE 2

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Truck-ban hearing delayed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

would ban certain classifications of trucks on a portion of Marsh Road.

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer and District 4 Commissioner Colin Sharman updated city leaders and residents on the latest in the Marsh Road negotiations.

Sharman said he and Bollhoefer met with affected residents March 22 but new details had transpired by the time of the City Commission meeting.

In February, the traffic consultants hired by the city reported about 1,400 trucks were using Marsh Road each day. When the city initially began discussing the ban and posting speed signs, the numbers began dropping to about 400 per day, Bollhoefer said.

With the signs now gone, the

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speeding has decreased, but the truck traffic has increased.

“The speed was a big improvement,” Bollhoefer said. “The total number of trucks, though, has really gotten bad. We looked at our last days we had this compiled, and on March 10, we had 1,660 trucks going in there. March 11 was 1,593, which exceeds what it was when we first started having this problem. … What we’ve been wanting to see happen has not transpired. … The bad news is through all our negotiations, we’ve seen our numbers get worse.”

Bollhoefer and Sharman said they began receiving calls from residents telling them the early-morning traffic was terrible, so they initially decided to present a resolution to the commission. That resolution would have prohibited trucks in Class 6 and above from operating on Marsh Road before 7 a.m.

“When I sent out that info to all the inter-

ested parties … and told them we were doing this, I got a call from … the top guy at Titan who said … if we were to go with the hours of operation change, that would force them to play their last hand and go to a lawsuit.”

Bollhoefer said Titan America asked for two more weeks to work on improvements in truck traffic.

He recommended forgoing the proposed resolution and granting them that time in favor of trying to avoid going to the courts. Should there be no improvements, the city still has the option to pass the ordinance at the next meeting.

“I know these residents are getting frustrated,” Bollhoefer said.

“It’s tough on them and such, and in the same respect as we all know, once we choose the nuclear route and go to court, it’s no longer in our hands.”

Sharman added that while many of the residents who live along Marsh Road are frustrated, most are willing to go two more weeks to see what transpires.

“Mike and I had a discussion

IN OTHER NEWS

n Commissioners Ron Mueller, Mark Maciel and Colin Sharman were sworn in for three-year terms. n Commissioners approved the site plan for 12323 W. Colonial Drive, also known as the Verax medical office. n Commissioner Colin Sharman was selected as the mayor pro tem.

after coming to this recommendation of giving them two more weeks — which it’s hard for me to do, guys,” Sharman said. “I’m emotional about this like the residents, and Mike is strategic and he’s the brain. I trust our brain, our city manager.”

In the meantime, the city will be hiring workers to operate decibel meters out on Marsh Road to measure noise levels and identify which companies have the loudest trucks, Bollhoefer said.

The main focus is to decrease the number of trucks on the road.

“The numbers were still in the high 400s when the residents

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thought it was great — bliss,” Sharman said. “That would be the expectation that we need them to get to. Otherwise, we’ve got to move forward with a full-on ban.”

District 3 Commissioner Mark Maciel asked if reducing the number of trucks on the road is even a possibility. Bollhoefer said the trucking companies think they can do it.

“They claim they can manage it by rerouting, finding alternative routes, they’ve come up with all these different ways of doing it,” he said. “When all is said and done, it’s really incumbent upon them to find a way to get it done. … Once we go the route of where we put that ordinance (in place), we’ve lost that opportunity to negotiate. We’ve gone through this pain long enough — just give it two more weeks and see what we can get for improvement.”

“I think it’s better to sit down at the table and come up with a compromise that everyone can live with,” Mayor John Rees said.

“I agree that we keep pushing two weeks, and sooner or later you’ve got to say you’ve pushed far enough. We’ve got to quit kicking the can down the road.”

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The Phantom of the Opera was here!

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

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Host Billy Flanigan, sporting a brightly-colored jacket, kept the crowd entertained all night.

A member of the audience took a quick second to take a photograph of Saturday night’s dramatic sunset.

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Carol Stein, of the Carol Stein Quartet, let out a grin as she played away on the piano.

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est Orange residents enjoyed a night of Broadway lights, music and action at the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s Broadway & Beyond, held Saturday, March 27, at Newton Park in Winter Garden.

Emceed by longtime Disney performer Billy Flanigan, the ticketed event started at 6 p.m., with a preshow consisting of performances by Sincerely Three, Moonshot, American Sirens and Resolve.

The event continued with more performances of some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Backed by The Carol Stein Quartet, Flanigan performed alongside entertainer Kevin Brassard. The night also included performances by Trudie Petersen, Andrea Canny, Cheryl Ann Sanders, Christina Sivrich and Grant Norman — best known for his lead role in Broadway’s “The Phantom of the Opera.”

All money raised for the limited-capacity event is going directly to the Rotary Club of Winter Garden.

Grant Norman — who has played numerous roles on Broadway — sang the part of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast alongside Andrea Canny.

Moonshot performed during the preshow of Saturday night’s event.

Left: Trudie Petersen, currently a performer in Universal Studios’ “Bourne Stuntacular,” entertained the crowd with her vocal prowess.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Your focus determines your reality TROY HERRING

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

I

n Marc Draven’s home in Gotha, there’s a room filled with treasures of a man who has long had a passion for toys and pop culture.

Around the room, there are He-Man figures, Thundercats, GI Joes, wrestling figures, Star Wars toys — the list goes on. If you ask him what his favorite is, he won’t give you a direct answer — it’s like picking your favorite kid, he said.

Like most kids, Draven loved these figures, and through the years, that love never left. It continued to evolve and grow, alongside his love for Star Wars and tattooing.

“I don’t think I ever stopped,” Draven said. “Honestly, it just went from having some as a kid.

Then you get to your teenage years and you start blowing things up with firecrackers, because you’re looking at girls more than you’re looking at toys. And then you start seeing things at flea markets for sale and you’re like, ‘Oh, I just blew that thing up last year.’ So I still had stuff left. I couldn’t tell you if any of the toys I have today are toys I had in my preteens.”

What most see as children’s playthings ultimately led to a successful career for Draven.

And it all started a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …

Anyone who is a part of a fandom can recall the specific moment in which they found themselves first enamored with the object of their passion.

For Draven, one of his first memories came in 1980, when he was 7 years old and waiting to watch one of the most popular movies ever made.

“I remember sitting on the floor in a movie theater lobby waiting to get into the next viewing of ‘Empire Strikes Back,’ but it was already packed out, so we couldn’t fit,” Draven said. “We had to wait on the floor until that viewing was over in order to get into the next showing … and I’ve been with it ever since.”

Draven’s passion for Star Wars complements his appreciation for toys, and by the time he was about 16 years old, Draven was going to swap meets and events as he began collecting toys and customizing figures. In fact, his customizations drew the attention of toy-industry giant Has-

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Marc Draven, left, shows off his custom Robert Englund figure alongside the man himself — who played the iconic character in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

bro — who utilized his designs in lines of toys just six months after he shared his ideas.

As Draven’s toy collection grew, something else was about to pop into his life that would shape it for years to come. When Draven was about to graduate high school, his father asked him what he wanted as a gift — tattoo equipment, that’s all he wanted, he said.

“He was like, ‘What the hell do you want that for? You’re never going to make money doing that,’” Draven said. “Then here we are, 30-something years later, and we’re doing all right.”

Draven created Ink Fusion Empire in 2007, which specializes in fandom-inspired tattoo designs and carries the motto of, “When the Worlds of Tattooing and Pop Culture Collide.”

Draven brings his tattooing to conventions — including MegaCon in Orlando — and has seen his passions all harmoniously intertwine throughout the years.

THE FORCE IS WITH HIM

“My Star Wars knowledge and my tattoo business kind of coincided to where we got the first license to

“I know it sounds really weird, but it just kind of developed — everything that I was interested in collecting as a kid and then bringing that into the adult world with tattoos. … It’s almost organic the way it matched up.”

— Marc Draven

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be licensed Lucasfilm tattoo artists, and then I host and direct the event at Star Wars Celebration internationally,” Draven said. “I know it sounds really weird, but it just kind of developed — everything that I was interested in collecting as a kid and then bringing that into the adult world with tattoos. … It’s almost organic the way it matched up.”

For a Star Wars fanatic such as Draven, the deal with Lucasfilm Ltd. — created by Star Wars creator George Lucas — which started 10 years ago was a tremendous moment and has led Draven to travel the world, tattooing Star Wars characters at conventions.

These were the characters, he said, that he had been drawing since he was a kid. The only word he could find to describe doing this work was “surreal.”

“You get done with a busy day at a show, and it can be quite chaotic, and then you get home and then you get up in the morning and you’re thinking the next day like, ‘None of that makes sense at all — whatsoever,’” Draven said.

ALWAYS IN MOTION IS THE FUTURE

Adding to the surreal nature of his deal with Lucasfilm, Draven has also gotten the opportunity to actually tattoo actors who have been involved in the Star Wars universe — including folks like Alan Tudyk (K-2SO in “Rogue One”) and Ray Parks (Darth Maul in “The Phantom Menace”).

“You can’t be nervous when you’re tattooing, but your inner-

child is kind of, ‘Oh, this is gonna happen?’” Draven said. “And most times, you don’t let them bother you until after the tattoo is done, and then it’s like, ‘OK, that was kind of cool — this is going on my résumé.’”

As he worked during conventions and grew his name as a tattoo artist, Draven also had the chance to take advantage of his off time by perusing around and buying toys to add to his collection, which led to new opportunities.

In the last few years, Draven has been licensed and created limited-edition action figures of Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, The Creature from the Black Lagoon’s Ricou Browning and horror cult icon Robert Englund — who played Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

Thinking back on his life so far, everything that has unfolded over the years feels like something from a fever dream — too good to be true in a way.

“It’s absolutely baffling,” Draven said. “If I had said 20 years ago that Stan Lee — the godfather of comics — was going to endorse a tattoo program, nobody would have believed me.

“That we’re going to go to Germany to tattoo for Lucasfilm at Star Wars Celebration: Germany,” Draven said. “You draw Darth Vader as a kid, and now I’m doing it for my adult life. It’s very surreal.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Oakland residents oppose tennis court enclosure “I want the audience and everyone to know that when we go into projects like this, we don’t go into it half-handed,” Commissioner Joseph McMullen said.

“We do talk to experts, get opinions of other cities and towns when we do projects around town. … I don’t want people to think we’re not listening. We did do our homework.”

Lu Milliken asked if the town planned to add plantings to the fence. Koontz said staff had discussed it.

“This is old Oakland,” Milliken said.

“It’s not some shiny, new development.

You’re talking about a very residential area. … We don’t want to look at anything commercial. We want it to look natural.”

“It’s still a park; we’re not turning it into commercial,” Stark responded.

Not all are happy about the 10-foot chain-link fencing in Speer Park, which some say destroys the natural aesthetic.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Folks are starting to see some improvements in Oakland’s five-acre Speer Park — but not everyone is in favor of all the changes being made.

The tennis courts have been repaved, giving players a smooth surface once again; however, the 10-foot-high, black-vinyl-coated, chain-link fence installed has elicited an angry response from a number of residents.

The subject was brought up during public comments at the March 23 Oakland Town Commission meeting.

Daniel and Pat Bodiford, who live on Tubb Street near the park, were the first to speak against the fencing.

“We like open space,” Daniel Bodiford said. “We are all in support of seeing tennis courts upgraded, (but) nothing in the meetings said anything about a back wall and fences. We were shocked to see a 10-foot fence all around. … I think we could have done without the black wire fencing.”

The Bodifords aren’t alone.

“I was distressed to see it go up,” said Michelle Territo, who lives across the street from the park. “I know we talked about refurbishing the tennis courts. …

I certainly didn’t image it was going to be 10-foot-high chain-link fence, and I didn’t realize it was going to be 150 feet of the side of the park.”

When the town planned improvements to Speer Park, officials met with residents to get input on what they wanted. Residents asked the town to maintain the park’s natural aesthetic.

The town hired the highly recommended NIDY Sports Construction, of Longwood, for the tennis court project.

“It’s the standard specs that are used when you build tennis courts,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said. “When it came to the commission Dec. 8, it included all the specs, and that included the 10-foot fence.”

Mayor Kathy Stark said she asked Koontz to create a timeline of the town’s involvement with the project “so that we could see that every step of the way we did provide the property information. Nothing was done behind closed doors, nothing was decided that was different from what was voted on in the meetings.”

All agenda packets include details of all town projects, including size, height, materials and other variables.

These agendas are available to the public on the town’s website the week prior to the Town Commission meetings.

“Sometimes, when you see it on paper, it doesn’t look the same way it’s going to look in real life,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said. “I would hate to think that everything we do has to be redone. … But let’s be open-minded and see what the town thinks of it. If it comes to be that it’s a town problem, then we go back to drawing board.”

“I used to have this beautiful view of the gazebo and the park … and it’s not quaint anymore,” Territo said. “What I would hope is that we can do some little modification. … We don’t need to have a sports park going on here. It’s a beautiful natural park. I just hope you will have an open mind and modify it a little bit. … It’s not a sports complex.

We’re not going to have competitions going on there.”

After several people spoke against the fencing, the commission agreed to look into modifying it. The issue will be on the agenda for further discussion at the April 13 Town Commission meeting.

The town has a renovation plan for Speer Park, located at 331 N. Tubb St. The master plan includes new play-

ground additional sidewalks and landscaping, updated signage, a butterfly garden, tennis and pickleball courts and a second pavilion.

STREET NAME CHANGE

The town assumed responsibility for all of State Road 438/Oakland Avenue — from the Oakland/Winter Garden limits to West Colonial Drive. However, there are portions that have not been officially renamed. Orange County and the town have both issued addresses along that stretch of road; and while there are telephone numbers in the 911 system for West Oakland Avenue, there are none for S.R. 438.

The roadway now is known officially as East and West Oakland Avenue, and Tubb Street is the dividing line.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Do you really want to #StopAsianHate?

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR & PUBLISHER

N

ever in our history has the public been as interested in hearing from Asian Americans as it is right now. Unfortunately, much of the conversation so far has been misguided.

Spurred by a series of recent incidents involving Asian Americans, virtually every mainstream media outlet has mobilized into action to publicize their latest flavor of the day. As with so many story lines, these outlets have butchered this discussion into rhetoric that plays well in 280 characters on Twitter, repulsively punctuated with the #StopAsianHate hashtag.

They want it short, sweet and easily distilled. And, mark my words, they will make this story line disappear just as quickly as they spun it up.

Asian hate didn’t start in 2020. My grandfathers dealt with it in this country. My father did as well. And I could fill this page with stories of my own experiences. But all of these stemmed from chance encounters with ignorant people.

Yes, they sting, but you move on.

I know these recent incidents have some Asian American communities on edge, and the mainstream media seem to have capitalized on them — much to the delight of whoever is tallying their Google Analytics.

But they have missed — or, more sinisterly, chosen to ignore — the actual racism Asian Americans face today.

Regardless, for the first time in my life, people are paying attention to the plight of Asian Americans. Make no mistake: I believe that’s a good thing.

But the conversation needs to be redirected.

Do people really want to #StopAsianHate? Read on.

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Like so many American stories, my family’s history is one of trials, tribulations and triumphs.

It’s one that began with immigration from China — for better opportunities for future generations.

Its foundation rests on the strong, hard-working backs of my grandfathers — both self-made men who learned indemand trades and opened their own businesses when no one else would hire them (yes, because they were Chinese).

Our story continued with my father’s generation — among the first in family to attend college, ultimately producing a chemist, pharmacist and veterinarian.

Our family’s Generation X — mine — includes an electronics

engineer, another veterinarian, a police officer and me, a journalist (I didn’t exactly follow the plan).

For as long as I can remember, my grandparents always wanted to know about one thing when we visited: Grades. From kindergarten, they and my parents made clear that education was paramount. And perhaps more important, the grades we received were the product of our hard work. They were earned, and they were deserved — good and bad.

With hard work and grades sitting at the top of our priority list, everything else was secondary, including the random encounters with those who would tell me to “go back where I came from” or pull the corners of their eyes and chase me around the school playground.

And when it came to those incidents, the modus operandi was clear: Turn the other cheek.

Walk away. Not out of submission but rather because it wasn’t worth our time or attention.

My father, now in his 70s, couldn’t resist reinforcing that when I asked him for insight on what is going on.

“My introduction to racism happened when I walked over to Meyerland and went into F.W. Woolworth to shop,” he said. “It was a hot day, so I took a seat at their lunch counter to get a soda. I was about 14 years old, young and innocent, and I remember sitting in a booth at the counter a long time.

“The waitresses there would only stare at me and would not even ask me what I wanted.

They basically ignored me.

After a long time, I finally realized that I was not welcome, and I walked back home.”

But he ended his note to me with this: “(Because) racism is such a volatile subject, I would advise you to tread softly.”

My family is perhaps the epitome of the Model Minority stereotype: Asian Americans are smart, particularly in math, science and technology.

Asian Americans are hardworking and self-reliant. Asian Americans are obedient. Asian Americans don’t complain.

Historically, these traits have worked well. According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian American households had the largest income growth — almost 8% — of any group between 2005 to 2019.

Asian Americans also led the nation in percentage of population holding bachelor’s degrees (54%).

For the first time in my life, people are paying attention to the plight of Asian Americans.

I believe that’s a good thing. But the conversation needs to be redirected.

My grandfather instilled in us the value of hard work and family. From left: My brother, Robert Eng; cousin, Ben Eng; grandfather, Soon D. Eng; and me at 2 years old.

It’s not coincidence. Asian American households prioritize education, hard work and family. We believe in meritocracy and that these traits will make us attractive to prospective employers and invaluable once we land a job. This is all for the ultimate goal: better opportunities for our future generations.

In simplest terms, we’ve learned to play — and win — the game. And now, some are working overtime to change the rules.

THE REAL THREAT

This is the heart of the real racism Asian Americans face: How some are weaponizing Asian American success against us.

Don’t believe me? What if I told you it is happening, right now, multiple times, as you read this?

1) Lowell High School, San Francisco.

Earlier this month, the San Francisco Unified School District Board voted to alter the admissions procedure for Lowell High School, the district’s topperforming high school and among the best in the nation.

Instead of its longstanding merit-based system based on a standardized test, beginning with the 2021 freshman class, admission will be done by lottery.

Lowell’s current student body is 60% Asian. Some people, including San Francisco Unified School District Board Vice President Alison Collins, believe that is because merit-based admissions favored Asian Americans.

“When we talk about merit, meritocracy and especially meritocracy based on standardized testing, I’m just going to say it. … Those are racist systems,” Collins said during a meeting Oct. 20, 2020. “Merit is the antithesis of fair and the antithesis of just.”

Not coincidentally, Collins last week was stripped of her title as a result of anti-Asian tweets she made in 2016. Collins criticized Asians Americans in her community for using “white-supremacist thinking to assimilate and ‘get ahead.’”

She also wrote Asian Americans “believe they benefit from the ‘Model Minority’ BS.”

2) Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology, Fairfax, Va.

Thomas Jefferson High School often ranks as the top public high school in the country. Like Lowell, admission required a rigorous exam. Like Lowell, its student body was overwhelmingly Asian (70%). And finally, like Lowell, the Fairfax County Public School Board is dropping the exam.

Reason: The school board

wants the high school’s demographics to more closely resemble those of the county.

Parents have formed the Coalition for TJ and filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Fairfax County School Board and Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand.

The coalition states: “(The defendants) have repeatedly spoken of the need to racially balance TJ and have directed derogatory racial comments toward Asian-American families. FCPS’ recent overhaul of the TJ admissions process was intended to achieve defendants’ goals of racially balancing the student population by reducing the number of Asian American students at TJ. “And it will have its desired effect. Unless enjoined by this court, the number of Asian American students in the incoming TJ Class of 2025 is likely to be cut in half — not because of a drop in the number of qualified Asian American applicants but due entirely to defendants’ stated desire to manipulate TJ’s demographics.”

Like their California counterparts, the Fairfax County School Board members believe a merit-based admissions test is inherently racist. Some even claimed Asians have an unfair advantage because — gasp — they study. Some even likened that advantage to an athlete using illegal performanceenhancement drugs.

I present to you Virginia Education Secretary Atif Qarni, in his own words: “It is illegal … when an athlete uses performance-enhancement drugs to get a leg up. So, when you have a standardized achievement test, and you have the luxuries of getting a lot of help with tutoring services, and you come from a more well-resourced family, you have a leg up. You have an unfair advantage.”

That was no April Fools’ Day joke. This really happened.

3) Harvard University.

In February, Students for Fair Admissions Inc. filed a certiorari petition with the U.S. Supreme Court. The group is asking the court to rule Harvard University’s now-revealed admissions policies discriminate against Asian Americans.

The group alleges Harvard’s practices violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

The petition includes

data that supports this claim.

According to SFFA, applicants with similar academic qualifications had different admission rates based on race.

“For example, an Asian American in the fourth-lowest decile has virtually no chance of being admitted to Harvard (0.9%); but an African American in that decile has a higher chance of admission (12.8%) than an Asian American in the top decile (12.7%),” the petition states.

Harvard’s own Office of Institutional Research conducted a study in 2012 after a David Brooks op-ed in the New York Times suggested the school had an Asian quota. That study concluded there existed “statistically significant evidence that being Asian American is ‘negatively correlated’ with admission.”

Asians were the only ethnic group penalized for their race.

“A follow-up report again found a ‘negative chance of getting into Harvard by virtue of being Asian,’” the petition states.

All of this is being done under the guise and assumed righteousness of diversity. We all want diversity. It can’t be bad if it’s diverse. In fact, it’s racist if it isn’t diverse.

However, put another way: These educational institutions have reduced admissions qualifications to skin color — and skin color alone. Test scores no longer matter. Merit no longer matters. Achievement no longer matters. All that matters is if the incoming class has the exact percentage of each skin color these governing bodies deem ideal.

My grandparents weren’t wealthy. My mother’s father came to this country with little more than the clothes he was wearing. My father spent much of his childhood in the poor part of San Antonio. And although he did go to college, he chose the University of Houston because it cost $50 per semester. He lived at home and took the bus to campus.

In my family, there were no performance-enhancement drugs — academic or otherwise.

There simply was a commitment to working hard, perseverance and becoming a valuable contributor to our community and country. That used to be honorable. Now, that’s put us in the crosshairs.

So, back to the original question: Do you really want to #StopAsianHate?

This is where to begin. Support organizations fighting discrimination disguised as virtue.

It’s unethical. It’s unprecedented.

And it’s un-American.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden is bringing the community together with a monthlong celebration of Arts in April called The World Outside, and city officials are hoping residents and guests will visit the historic downtown area and love on the local arts community.

The month of April will be dedicated to activities and special exhibits that showcase and support local arts. It is all part of the city’s Love Local campaign.

“All arts organizations rely on fundraisers and donations,” said Tanja Gerhartz, the city’s economic development director.

“Now into their second year of canceling, they’re hurting, just like small businesses, so have our local artists and our local art orgs.

We met, and we said, ‘Let’s find a way to celebrate the arts, bring it out to the community, because art is very nurturing, art is therapy, and our community could use that, as well.”

On Saturday, April 17, a daylong event throughout historic downtown will feature children’s art,

sidewalk chalk art, Plein Air artists and more. The festivities start in the morning with the Winter Garden Farmers Market and continue into the evening, with the downtown streets artistically lit up.

In the Chalkin’ It Up sidewalk art contest, participants will have a 6-foot-by-6-foot square to depict the theme “Garden Walk — Bright Colorful Flowers.” Judging begins at 4 p.m., and prizes will be awarded. This will take place in front of City Hall and is sponsored by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society.

Children ages 4 through 12 can take free art classes from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 3 and 10, to create an object for the Beautiful Sights exhibit on display April 17 in the Highland Building. That same day, the farmers market will have opportunities for children to paint their own flowerpot and a rock to take home.

The city pays tribute to local artists in An Artistic Legacy exhibit at Heller Hall in the WGHF History Research and Education Center, 21 E. Plant St. The exhibit opens April 17 and will be available for viewing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

An exhibit at the SoBo Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., focuses on 2D and 3D works related to getting outside again in life, thinking outside the box and other fun interpretations of the “outside” theme. The space is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, through Saturday.

IF YOU GO WHAT: Art Night VIP WHEN: Saturday, April 17 WHERE: City Hall, Highland Building, SoBo Art Gallery, Crooked Can Brewing Company and Plant Street Market, Pilars Loft, Garden Music, Garden Theatre; and Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.

DETAILS: This VIP behindthe-scenes immersive art experience is a fundraiser for the Winter Garden Art Association.

TICKETS: Available for purchase online at wgart.org/ vip/. Tickets are $75 and include VIP access to specially curated venues downtown, annual membership in the WGAA and a voucher for five drinks at featured locations that evening.

On April 17, live performing artists will feature visual display arts, live music, and immersive and experiential artists at SoBo. “It’s about celebrating the local arts, and we tried to do it in a different way,” Gerhartz said. “If you think about art festivals, you think about a bunch of tents … and we tried to think of a way to help everyone. So we put the art in the businesses, and people will see the art when they’re shopping and eating.”

Volunteers are needed to serve as exhibit docents, gallery/business guides, art ambassadors, photographers, and registration assistants for day and evening shifts at the community celebration on April 17. If interested, email tgerhartz@cwgdn.com.

To learn more about the art opportunities at Arts in April, visit downtownwg.com/arts-inapril.

353805-1

April will offer a host of events, from sidewalk chalk art and a children’s art gallery to workshops and a tribute to local artists.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Windermere seeks funding for multiple town projects Town staff submitted five appropriation requests to the state to secure funds for the upcoming potable water system, multimodal path north phase and pedestrian bridge.

DANIELLE HENDRIX

IN OTHER NEWS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @Horizon West Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

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

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

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

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Moving Forward Program Offerings

TEXT

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 TO DONATE

A variety of upcoming projects planned for Windermere has town officials trying all avenues to secure funding.

Town Manager Robert Smith reminded council members during the March 23 Town Council meeting that staff has submitted five appropriation requests to the state, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation. These requests, he said, are now in first reading in the House of Representatives.

The first three requests would help the town implement the three phases of its adopted water master plan. Currently, Orange County Utilities provides potable water to 41% of the town’s parcels, while the rest are on individual, private water wells.

The master plan seeks to extend OCU’s system and provide water to the rest of the town.

Additionally, a large portion of the town isn’t equipped with fire hydrants, and some of the existing hydrants don’t have the available fire flow for larger homes. The master plan proposes replacing a few specific water mains with larger-diameter pipes, as well as adding fire hydrants to serve each parcel.

Florida State Rep. Geraldine Thompson is sponsoring the three bills for these requests.

House Bill 2693 requests $3.206 million for the south water phase; HB 2691 requests $3.081 million for the central phase; and HB 2695 requests $3.994 million for the north phase.

Thompson also is sponsoring the other two requests. The first, HB 2581, would secure $600,000 for the town’s pedestrian bridge.

This would allow the town to replace the existing bridge with a new, 15-foot-wide bridge with longer landings and easier, manageable slopes.

The second, HB 2579, would secure $760,000 to fund a multimodal trail from North Drive to Windermere Elementary School.

This phase would improve multimodal safety, and it’s also the area that Windermere Elementary students use for direct access to the school.

Smith said staff also has been working with U.S. Rep. Val Demings’ office for these projects.

“Those are just two options for funding, and in addition to that funding, we’re trying to work with Healthy West Orange on having them fund the actual trail system and the bridge,” Smith said. “We left no stone unturned

n Council members Mandy David, Anthony “Tony” Davit and Bill Martini were sworn in for their two-year terms. n Following Town Manager Robert Smith’s evaluations, council members voted to extend his contract by two years — set to expire March 31, 2026 — and extend a 3.4% raise in salary. n Council members approved the hiring of a new public works director, Tonya ElliottMoore.

to try to figure out how to get these things paid. As you know, the American Rescue Plan was approved and adopted and signed into law, so the town is looking to receive money from that rescue plan. The number that is predicted to be given to the town of Windermere is about $1.49 million. That’s a substantial amount of money for the town.”

However, staff is unclear on how that money can be spent and whether it can be used to supplement revenues lost due to COVID-19, Smith said. The town has lost revenues from sources such as the half-cent sales tax and gas tax, but it has seen an increase in franchise fees and utility taxes.

“Those increases offset the decreases, so we’re pretty much going to be at what we anticipated for our anticipated revenues,” he said. “We’re still not sure if we’re going to be able to tap into that money to use it for lost revenues — even if you are allowed to use it for lost revenues.”

Smith said once the treasury department defines how funds will be administered and the requirements, the town should get a first payment of $750,000.

A year later, it would receive the other $750,000 payment. Those funds all would have to be spent by 2024.

“What you can’t do is use that money to supplement your general revenues so you can go ahead and lower your taxes — I know that was a big debate topic up in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “It’s money that the town will spend in a wise manner, and we’ll have a workshop on how to spend that money once we actually have a good feel of how we can spend that money.”

“It’s a really great opportunity to work on some infrastructure,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “I know there are some pretty interesting and exciting opportunities for things we’d be able to do.”

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OBSERVER

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9

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

pinterest.com

354385-1

The home at 9744 Carillon Drive, Windermere, sold March 25, for $3 million. It features 150 feet of lake frontage and a private boat dock. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from March 19 to 26.

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $3 million A home in the Keene’s

HORIZON WEST

Pointe community in

tial real-estate transac-

The home at 7687 Bowery Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 21, for $528,775. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,164 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.12. Days on market: 99.

tions from March 19 to 26.

STILLWATER CROSSINGS

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residen-

RAVENNA

lion. Built in 2010, it has

The home at 4338 Saltmarsh Sparrow Drive, Windermere, sold March 26, for $530,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,395 square feet. The price per square foot is $156.11. Days on market: Three.

five bedrooms, five baths,

SUMMERPORT

The home at 9744 Carillon Drive, Windermere, sold March 25, for $3 mil-

two half-baths, a pool and 7,329 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $409.33. Days on market: 27.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

The home at 4654 River Gem Ave., Windermere, sold March 25, for $507,500. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,995 square feet. The price per square foot is $127.03. Days on market: 65.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9590 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold March 25, for $631,613. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.50.

Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 74 High Sale Price: $3 million Low Sale Price: $177,000

The home at 8280 Lookout Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold March 23, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths, SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

REAL ESTATE

MIKE YOAKUM Pastor P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

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The home at 1780 Southern Red Oak Court, Ocoee, sold March 26, for $485,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,927 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.70. Days on market: Three.

FORESTBROOKE

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a pool and 3,915 square feet. The price per square foot is $166.03.

Days on market: Zero.

NEED SPACE?

The home at 24 Jake Court, Ocoee, sold March 24, for $475,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,288 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.46. Days on market: One. WESTYN BAY

The home at 2934 Cardassi Drive, Ocoee, sold March 23, for $460,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,415 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.70. Days on market: Two.

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WEST ORANGE GLENMUIR

The home at 6430 Crestmont Glen Lane, Windermere, sold March 25, for $570,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths, a pool and 3,286 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.46. Days on market: Two. ORANGE COUNTY

The home at 13377 Lake Butler Blvd., Winter Garden, sold March 22, for $1,525,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,961 square feet. The price per square foot is $307.40. Days on market: 482.

WINDERMERE ISLEWORTH

The home at 6117 Louise Cove Drive, Windermere, sold March 22, for $2.6 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,752 square feet. The price per square foot is $452.02. Days on market: Zero.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6453 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold March 22, for $1,810,000. Built in 2008, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,936 square feet. The price per square foot is $366.69.

Days on market: 138.

The home at 9905 Lanai View Court, Windermere, sold March 23, for $1,605,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, a pool and 7,651 square feet. The price per square foot is $209.78. Days on market: 832.

The home at 8543 Bowden Way, Windermere, sold March 23, for $689,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,710 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $254.24. Days on market: Two. RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1424 Glenheather Drive, Windermere, sold March 26, for $600,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,324 square feet. The price per square foot is $180.51. Days on market: 16.

WINTER GARDEN

LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 410 Whipperwill Way, Winter Garden, sold March

24, for $655,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,857 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.82. Days on market: Zero.

The home at 728 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 24, for $532,500.

Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,720 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.15.

Days on market: Four.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 848 Kingstree Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 25, for $965,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,759 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $256.72. Days on market: 48.

The home at 1077 Bluffton Way, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $675,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,603 square feet. The price per square foot is $259.32. Days on market: 11.

OXFORD CHASE

The home at 14773 McClane Road, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $690,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,680 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.44. Days on market: 72.

TWINWATERS

The home at 1670 Holcomb Creek St., Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $590,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,872 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.38. Days on market: Three.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

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102 “Waitress” composer Bareilles 104 Molecule for cloning 106 What you may say after hearing great news, and a theme hint 112 Exfoliating spa treatment 115 Things to untangle 116 Assume the role of 117 Boo-boo 118 James ___ Jones 119 There are 305 in Epcot 120 Krispy ___ 121 Word before “pong” or “bong” 122 Captain Hook’s first mate 123 She/___ 124 Mailing letters

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69 Handling charge, e.g.

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7 Vaping product, briefly 8 Vronsky in “Anna Karenina” 88 Orange sushi topping 89 Really long time 9 Echo location?

91 Waikiki Beach’s island 10 Site for film fans 94 Bat man, perhaps?

11 Frustrating outcome of a Dreyfus political comedy 95 “A likely story!” computer crash 77 Cynthia of “Harriet” 96 Hardly boastful 12 Inhaler user’s condition 78 Very success97 More recent 13 “___ Cover You” (“Rent” ful recording by composer 98 “Do you know who ___?” song) Franz?

99 Freeway entrance 14 Run out of juice 83 “In a pickle” or “in a jam” 103 Flag maker Betsy 15 Pop-ups, e.g.

85 “___ dokie!”

105 Braying animals 17 ___ Lanka 86 Like eyes that are tear107 Disney World vehicle 18 Prefix for “bucks” ing up 108 Genre for Jamaica’s 19 “___ the Wizard” (“The 87 Rage Doreen Shaffer Wiz” song) 90 Birdie plus one 109 Snowfall measure 25 Freezing places 91 Name within “Rowena” 110 Himalayan ox 27 Lakers’ org.

92 Water, on a bottle of 111 Color similar to beige 28 Waffle brand parfum 112 React to a tearjerker 33 Olive loved by Popeye 93 Warmer than is prefer113 Reverence 34 Leak preventer? (Abbr.) able for composer George?

114 Serve up a whopper 35 ___-Caps

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“KTF UFMFB PL KTF RZRW CYDIXNK NYDML PG KTF GKYDBBFY. ... PL CZYFLKBZLI, WDX ZYF MTZK WDX CXGT.”

– CZXB YFPGFY

“BE BTFCZ ZUBVVK LX B PLEG CH LEFUZDUGLBZK OUFIUUE BE BMGLUETU BEG FNU JLUTU, INUFNUZ LF’X B JVBK CZ DCRLU.”

– TNZLXFCJNUZ IBVPUE Puzzle Two Clue: H equals F

SOUNDS FAMILIAR by Amanda Rafkin; Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue U equals J

CROSSWORD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-01-21

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

Work continues on Lake Buena Vista Lake Buena Vista High School founding Principal Dr. Guy Swenson announced via Twitter the new Southwest Orange school received its naming signage on the building.

The signage is the latest in a flurry of activity at the new school. Swenson also announced Bill Cunningham as Lake Buena Vista’s director of bands and orchestras.

Windermere Prep thespians shine at state The Windermere Preparatory School Thespians Troupe earned numerous accolades at the 2021 Florida Thespian Virtual State Festival.

High Honor Recipients include Julia Kaufman, who performed monologues from “The Glass Menagerie” and “Mama Drama” (contrasting monologues); and Jayson Goldner, Jackson Dowling, Ana Leitao, Andrea Matos Devesa, Stuart Sheffield and Lyla Tsiokos, who performed “The Corrupt Bargain” from “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” (small group musical).

Several students also received Superior Ratings: Sophia Bresciani (solo musical); Maria Gullesserian (solo musical); Anna Ocasio (solo musical); Lyla Tsiokos (solo musical); Michael Crocetti (monologue); Julia Kaufman (monologue); Michael Crocetti and Stuart Sheffield duet acting); Jackson Dowling, Jayson Goldner, Ana Leitao, Andrea Matos Devesa, Stuart Sheffield and Lyla Tsiokos (small group musical); and Sophia Bresciani, Dylan Calvo, Cecilia Costa, Michael Crocetti, Anderson Davies, Jayson Goldner, Maria Gullesserian, Micaela Joseph, Emma Lawrence, Ana Leitao, Luisa Luo, Andrea Matos Devesa, Leah Meyer, Lyle Tsiokos, Cristian Victoria (large group musical).

ANTONIO ROMAN

LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Since arriving at Lakeview, Antonio Roman has opened the lines of communication with families and the community. He has worked hard to bridge the communication gap with all students and families — but has made a significant impact with the school’s Hispanic community. Parents and families have become more involved with their child’s education because they now receive important information in a language in which they are most comfortable communicating.

What brought you to your school?

I got a call one day and was told that I was the new principal of Lakeview Middle School.

What do you love most about your school?

I love our caring teachers, amazing students and the historic building. I went to a K-8 school in Chicago, and the main building reminds me of that school.

What is your motivation?

I am motivated by learning new things, mentoring others and coming up with creative ways to making everyone feel as part of our family.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students succeed. It is a great feeling when I see my students as adults following their dreams.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

(In) my spare time, I like to watch superhero movies and TV series (both Marvel and DC).

REPORT CARD POSITION: Principal TIME AT SCHOOL: First year

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was my high school chorus teacher, Mrs. Agosto.

I went to school in Puerto Rico. Her passion for music and culture was so contagious. She exposed us to so many experiences, from representing our school in the Orlando Music Festival to singing with the prestigious Puerto Rico Symphonic Orchestra.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? Ever since I was 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I love educating and guiding people. It’s a great satisfaction when the light bulb turns on. When I was a kid, before my brother went to kindergarten, I taught him the basics that he needed to successful in school. I even taught him English, because he only spoke Spanish until he was 4.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree,” because it shows that you are not alone. There is always someone (who) cares for you and wants you to be happy. It can be your

parents, friends, teachers. … You are loved.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are bike riding, singing and dancing.

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

This is a hard question, because I like many superheroes, but I would say I wish I could fly like Superman. I used to pretend I was Superman when I was a kid, tying a blanket around my neck. I would love to be able to fly so that I could get to places fast, not be stuck in traffic and see the nice views from high above.

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

I can’t narrow it down to three artists, but my three favorite music genres are pop, merengue and salsa.

How long have you been with OCPS? I have been with OCPS since 2004.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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All about the arts F

Ashleigh McKenzie, Caitlyn Cobb, Makenzie Daniel, Emma Fellure and Kayla Daniel entertained the crowd with their drama performances.

oundation Academy celebrated all things artistic at its Fine Arts Outdoor Festival Saturday, March 27, at the school’s Tilden campus. Students had the opportunity to share their art with friends and family while enjoying an afternoon in the sun.

The steel drum band, jazz band, middle and high school bands, choir and drama students performed outside, while attendees could peruse visual artwork inside the school’s gymnasium.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

The jazz band’s performance was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

The high school band performed toward the end of the afternoon.

Left: Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien and his wife, Kristin, showed off their daughter Emily’s artwork.

Middle-schoolers at Foundation Academy painted cupcakes as an art assignment.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES Honoring Women’s History Month — Mary V. Tanner (19032000) was honored by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation as a Pioneer Businesswoman in a 1999 exhibit at Tanner Hall.

(City Clerk E.M. Tanner was her husband.) She moved with her parents to Winter Garden from Andalusia, Alabama, in 1924.

The Britt Fruit Company was one of the many businesses where Mary Tanner worked as secretary and bookkeeper.

The Tanners invested in citrus groves, and she eventually became a real estate broker and property developer. She also served as historian for First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, where she compiled and published a history of the church; in 1992, Mary Tanner was named Disciple of the Year thanks to her dedication. Her largesse extended to donating property for the establishment the West Orange YMCA.

85 years ago

Demonstrations of Rinso, with free soap and coupons, were given to Winter Garden housewives. Five trained and attractive young ladies were in town to demonstrate Rinso and Lifebuoy soaps.

The results of the annual election of the town of Oakland were as follows: Mayor, R.L. Smith; councilmen for two years, Harold Henschen and E.J. Hancock; town clerk and assessor, L.J. Brock. These, with councilmen who hold over for another year, C.W. Lathrop, Bert Pettit and W.C. McDaniel, constituted the governing body for the year.

Leader Department Store advertised its Easter specials.

Silk dresses, sizes 14 to 52, were $2.95, $3.95 and $4.95.

Hats were priced for $1, $1.49 and $1.95.

80 years ago

The town of Oakland named Dewey Vick mayor. Mrs. J.E. Clonts was named town clerk.

The new councilman and councilwoman were C.M. Tucker and Mrs. Robert Rutherford.

John Arnold was given a supper party in celebration of his birthday. Those included were Robert Freeman; Donald and Billy Jarrett; Rogers and Marion Smith; Stuart Merchant; Richard Cloughley; Lester Arnold; and Mildred, Jimmy and Stanley Wyatt.

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.

50 years ago

Windermere Rotarians and other friends gathered at Town Hall to honor Eunice Parramore with a “This is Your Life” salute.

The lifetime Windermere resident was called a “living landmark.”

40 years ago

After reviewing the status of the Tri-City Airport project, the state Department of Transportation has “regretfully” concluded there is “insufficient interest and support by the local governments toward de-

velopment of the airport in the immediate future.”

Clyde Roberson of Winter Garden emptied his mail sack for the last time after 33 years of service with the U.S. Post Office.

THROWBACK THURSDAY MARCH 25, 1941 The West Orange News was published on Fridays in Winter Garden. The city was touted as the citrus capital (“Winter Garden is the largest shipping center for citrus fruits in the United States”) and a winter home (“Winter Garden’s Trailer City is known by Trailerites as one of the finest in the U.S.”).

The larger front-page photos typically were of national news, such as the country’s participation in World War II, with a couple smaller photos of Winter Garden residents.

The March 25, 1941, issue shared news of local men headed to Camp Blanding and Parris Island, a new Rotary Club president, the week’s baseball games, the fund to build a gymnasium at Lakeview High School and a radio revival at the Baptist church.

APRIL 1, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

Windermere High’s Brianna Kulich is the first Wolverine to commit to playing flag football at the collegiate level. Page 16.

LIONS’ SHARE

1

The Ocoee boys and girls track and field teams enjoyed success at the Raymond Gaines Silverhawk Invitational Saturday, March 27.

The boys team finished second overall, with wins in the 1600-meter relay (Cooper III, Garcon, White, Smith), 800-meter run (Kamari Garcon), shot put (Dylan Wade) and javelin (Dylan Horne). Meanwhile, the girls finished third overall with wins by Ma’Kala Davis in the long jump and triple jump, and Miracle Johnson in the 400-meter run.

Despite COVID-19 and not having a court to call their own, the Foundation Academy boys and girls tennis teams have found a way to achieve success.

TROY HERRING

Nia Peri gets warmed up before her match.

SPORTS EDITOR

A

nywhere, anytime: That has become a sort of unofficial motto of the boys and girls tennis teams at Foundation Academy.

With no tennis courts on campus, the Lions are nomads, scouring the land for a place to practice and play. By taking their matches on the road to other schools, they never have a true home game.

When you throw in complications from COVID-19 — which shut down their ability to use the courts at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Winter Garden — things have been different, head coach Brian Barnard said.

“We go to the city and ask for a court, and they give us a court if we’re there first, and then sometimes there’s not a court available,” Barnard said. “We’ll practice on fields in the back of the school doing defensive lobs and serving into tables and stuff — just doing anything to kind of get a racket into the right position.

It’s just been a weird year.”

However, it wasn’t completely unexpected that things would be so much different, Barnard said.

Photos by Troy Herring

Maggie Goodman fires off a shot during a match at Windermere Prep.

Kyle Binkley races toward the ball before smashing it over the net.

Not superstitious, but I am a little ‘stitious

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

As I watched Alabama basketball go into the half down 11 to UCLA in the Sweet 16, something clicked in my head — “This bad

2

It was a busy day for local boys track and field teams at the Tohopekaliga Invitational Saturday, March 27. Windermere (No. 3), Dr. Phillips (No. 6) and Olympia (No. 8) all finished in the top 10, while West Orange picked an 18th-place finish. Individual winners included Jack Baldauf (WO) in the 1600-meter run, De’Andre Robinson (Olympia) in the shot put and discus, Ryan Flournoy (Windermere) in the javelin, and a team win for Windermere in the 1600-meter relay (Hill, Limon, Todd, DelgadoMendez).

3

SEE LIONS PAGE 16

juju is all on you, and you need to change that.”

As if I was moved by the hand of some mystical deity, I left my couch, went to the closet and pulled out an old Alabama basketball shirt that was shot out of a cannon at me during a game back when I was a student.

“To be sure, this will get the Tide going,” I thought as I put on the wrinkled-to-death shirt.

Like magic, the Tide began a comeback, and eventually, a lastsecond three from the unsung Alex Reese forced overtime. I could feel my superstition paying off! At least that was before

5

UCLA ran us out of the building in overtime, thereby leaving me sulking on my couch and angrily tweeting about missed free throws.

But here is the funny thing: In general, I’m not a superstitious person. I don’t believe in karma or bad luck from breaking a mirror. But when I turn on my TV to watch Alabama — or any of my teams — my logic fails me, and I resort to changing clothes or sitting in a single position for hours as I will my team to victory.

One time, I was watching a game back home — I believe it was an NC State basketball game

— and my mom came into the room to sit and watch with me.

Without fail, State started playing poorly. With a single glance to my mom — who looked straight into my eye — she got up and laughingly uttered, “I know, I know, I’ll go,” before returning to her chair in the back. She knew, without me uttering a single word, that she had brought the bad mojo.

I’m not alone in this obnoxiously hilarious level of superstition. Cue my friend Nate Marrero — who freelances for the Observer — a good guy, despite SEE SUPERSTITIONS PAGE 16

The Olympia boys and girls water polo teams walked away with solid outings during their games Saturday, March 27. The boys walked away with a 20-7 win over Lake Mary and a 15-8 win over Seminole, with Coby Scanlon scoring six goals in the game against the Seminoles. On the girls side, a 10-3 win over Lake Mary was spurred on by a four-goal outing for Amanda Hudson.

4

Windermere Prep’s Gracie Wallace could not have played better in the circle for the Lakers in their 15-0 win over Foundation Academy Friday, March 26. Wallace threw a perfect game and recorded a whopping 16 strikeouts. At the plate, Madison Workman (3-for3, four RBIs) led the way.

5

Ailey Schyck had a field day in West Orange softball’s 11-6 win over Olympia Friday, March 26, as she went 4-for-4 with two singles, two home runs and three RBIs for the Warriors.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

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

Brianna Kulich A senior on the Windermere High flag football team, Brianna Kulich has made her presence known on the field at both the middle linebacker and wide receiver positions. Her play has gained her so much attention, in fact, that she recently became the first player from the program to commit to play the sport at Webber International.

How did you get into flag?

My dad actually was the one who introduced it to me. He put me on a club team when I was 4 with the Orange County Parks and Recreation Center, and that’s when I started to really get a feel for it. That was the first time I actually touched a football and started playing. That’s when I first started learning the positions.

I played quarterback there, and then that passion and love for the game just followed.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere High GRADE: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Flag football POSITION: Middle linebacker, wide receiver

moment from your time playing?

I think my highlight game would be probably when I was over at Dr. Phillips, and I first started playing quarterback.

That was the first time that we went 7-1. That was my first time getting back to it and playing a solid position as quarterback. That was the highlight for my flag football career, because that’s what started me and got me ready for Windermere when I transferred over.

What was it about flag football that drew you to it?

I just love the aggression, I love the competition of it. It’s basically a game where you don’t know what’s going to happen — especially if you have no clue who the other team is and how they perform — and it’s all just a surprise in a sense.

Before flag football, did you play any other sports?

Yes, I actually played soccer before I did flag football.

I played soccer most of my life, and then once I went into middle school, I did soccer.

Then high school — sophomore year — I did soccer, and then flag football was one of the other sports I was going to try out for again, so that’s how I got back into flag football going into high school.

You play at both middle linebacker and wide receiver. Do you have a preference?

I think middle linebacker would be my favorite position because that’s basically the quarterback of a defense, so you read the entire field, and you basically have to be open with communication — especially to the corners and safety on whether or not the quarterback on the other team is going to be throwing deep, or if they’re going to to throw a short pass.

Do you have a highlight

You are the first flag football player from Windermere High to commit to a college. What is that like?

I will say the process was kind of a roller coaster.

I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without my parents and the help of my coach. It was very exciting — I was excited, a bit nervous, and it was just a whole bunch of emotions when I signed. But I’m very excited to be playing at the next level and have the opportunity to be the first person from Windermere to actually go to college for this.

— TROY HERRING

Family.

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Lions tennis thrives CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

With that in mind, he knew he would have to change some things to give his players the best opportunities to be successful. So, like any good coach, Barnard improvised and began to focus on taking full advantage of available technology.

“I knew that we were going to have a hard time with practices — just either scheduling courts or things like that, we were just having a hard time,” Barnard said. “We really wanted to make sure the kids were getting the best use of every single second on the court, so we changed some strategies.

“We made sure to use some video, so either every practice, or every other practice, we would give video of them and send it to them, and we’d break it down and say, ‘This is what you’re doing and this is what we should try to do,’ just to get the quality out of practice rather than the quantity,” he said.

FROM ADVERSITY, SUCCESS

Before last season ended prematurely, the program was gaining momentum, Barnard said.

“We were definitely getting somewhere,” he said. “I was like, ‘You can definitely see the improvement from year to year.’

Then when COVID hit, we shut down, and they said, ‘It’s summertime, and you’re allowed

to practice, but you can’t be within six feet of each other.’

Well, that’s perfect for tennis, because we’re pretty far away from each other.”

Every day — Monday to Friday — 10 to 12 athletes would show up just to hit a tennis ball around because they were tired of sitting at home.

During that time, the team progressed — building itself up via the fundamentals of the game itself. By the time the new season arrived, they were more than ready — regardless of where they had practiced or played. So far, it’s clear all that work and new approach to the game has paid off.

The boys team started the season 10-0 and currently sits at 13-1, with its only loss being to a strong Windermere Prep squad. A big part of the success this year is the play of Lines 1 through 4 — which includes Luke Burton (1), Kyle Binkley (2), Everett McMullen (3) and Larenz Peri (4).

At the crucial Line 3 — often a game-decider in matches — McMullen, an eighth-grader, is the national leader in wins at his line, while Binkley sits at No. 2 in the nation for wins at Line 2 singles. Meanwhile, Burton — coming off an undefeated year last season at Line 3 — is the most athletic on the team, and Peri has a sizzling serve that clocks in at more than 100 mph.

Superstitions and sports CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

his terrible taste in New York City-based teams.

“The Giants were playing the Bucs — it was Daniel Jones’ first NFL start — and the first half was horrible, they were down 28-10 at halftime,” Marrero said. “My dad was on the couch watching, and he fell asleep at halftime, and then the Giants started coming back. It’s 31-25 Bucs, and then the Giants scored to take the lead. My dad wakes up — ‘Oh, what’s going on?’ — and I go, ‘The Giants took the lead.’

“Then the Bucs get the ball back, they drive down into field goal range — it should be a chip shot — and he goes and stands up to watch it,” he said.

“I was like, ‘What the heck are you doing? Put your butt back down and lie down — they just came all the way back while you were sleeping.’ He goes and lies back down, and the Bucs end up missing the game-winning field goal. The Giants end up winning by one.”

As if the hilarity of us sports fans jumping through hoops to attain blessings from the sports gods wasn’t enough, that same level of superstition is matched — or probably surpassed — by athletes and coaches who actually compete.

A perfect example of that high level of superstition is a thing with which Dr. Phillips volleyball coach — and all-around good person — Emily Loftus is familiar. As a player, she had her routines, and even now as a coach, she remains superstitious in a few different ways.

“I remember I had to do a certain handshake, with a certain teammate, in a certain order — if I messed that up, we were losing the game, completely losing the game,” Loftus said. “As a coach, I’m very superstitious — I will only wear heels to volleyball games.

If I don’t wear heels to a game, I feel like we are going to lose a game. But what is funny is when I was superstitious as a player, I can see that in my girls now.”

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Loftus said volleyball players are an incredibly superstitious lot and noted the quirks of junior Skias Hainline, who has to do a certain handshake with certain players, in a certain order and does said handshake with coaches last. Hainline also has to spin the ball three times in her hand before she tosses for her serve, and always has to warm up before games on the farthest left side of the group — she even will move her teammates around so she can be on that side, Loftus said.

I’m sure there is some sort of fancy psychological science behind why sports make some people just lose all ability to logically think. But honestly, it’s just fun just going with it.

And sure, it may be utterly ridiculous to have a lucky hat that you haven’t washed in 20 years — which I most definitely do — or a need to sit awkwardly for hours on end with no bathroom break. But just remember the one simple truth of sports superstition: It’s only stupid if it doesn’t work.

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“Those four guys — they can play each other and make each other better,” Barnard said.

“That has really been a great thing to see as a coach.”

On the girls side, the year has been a bit more difficult. The day before practice started — freshman Dakota Darnell (Line 1) went down with an injury, forcing junior Maggie Goodman to step up and fill the role.

Since those early setbacks, the Lions have rallied to an 8-5 record. Darnell is back on the court, and Foundation has been finding ways to win games.

Right now, Claire Herring is in the top 10 nationally in wins, Hope van der Reit is undefeated in district play, and eighthgrader Nia Young has found significant playing time across multiple lines for the Lions.

As the regular season draws to an end and the district tournament begins, Barnard said regardless of what happens next, he is proud of what these teams have accomplished during a difficult year.

“I’m very happy that they’re happy,” Barnard said. “It’s definitely rewarding to see their faces light up and they walk down the hallways with their heads up … and in the morning announcements they’re acknowledged. They’re not shy about making sure (people) know they’re on the tennis team.”

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16

OBSERVER

Lynne Passilla passed away at her home on March 25, 2021, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend to all who knew her. She spent the greater part of her life serving the God that she loved and with whom she is now reunited.

E. Lynne Passilla (nee Kennedy) was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 6, 1938, in Lee Hospital. She was the first daughter of James E. and Ellenor M. Kennedy (nee Furry).

She loved ballet, toe dancing and swimming and was a member of the Girl Scouts. She graduated from Westmont Upper Yoder High School in 1956. In 1960, she graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where she was president of the Women’s Athletic Association, vice president of the Athletic Coun-

cil and secretary of the Student Judicial Board; was recognized as Homecoming Queen in 1958; and produced and performed in a synchronized swimming show.

She also generously served as a counselor and instructor at a children’s camp in Maine during her college summers.

After college, she started her career with AT&T in sales and marketing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1961, Lynne followed her heart and traveled across the country to Los Angeles, California, to marry her college sweetheart, Jim Passilla, who had just accepted his first job. It was at

GLENDA MARIE WALLS FLOYD DIED FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021.

Glenda Marie Walls Floyd, age 80, of Ocoee, Florida, was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Zellwood, Florida, and passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, in Ocoee, Florida.

Glenda is preceded in death by her father and mother, Luther and Velma Walls; her youngest brother, Kenneth “Amigo” Walls; and her stepdaughter, Karen Floyd.

She is survived by her husband, Algin “Terry” Floyd; brothers, Len (Margie) Walls and Rodney (Jan) Walls; aunt, Lenora Bricker; stepchildren, Lisa (Darryl) and Kevin; grandchildren, Kayla, Kevin, Hannah and Hailey; and seven great-grandchildren; nieces, Suzie, Caroline (Buster), Brandi, Shirley (Jason), Kenna and Rachel (Joseph); nephew, Philip (Colette); and great-nieces and -nephews, Hayden, Rafael, Sebastian, Arianna, Alina, Cameron, Emma, Addison, Raegan, Quinn, Gage

and Jude.

Glenda grew up in Ocoee and was a 1958 graduate of Lakeview High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Following high school, Glenda attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, later moving on to Florida State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. She continued her education at Florida Technical University, obtaining her master’s degree in elementary education.

After college, Glenda was a teacher at Dillard Street Elementary School for 30 years before she retired in 1996.

Glenda was a devout Christian and a proud member of her church for more than 40

this point in her career that she decided to dedicate her life to the education and service of others. She became a social worker in Orange County, California, where she poured her heart into helping those in need within the welfare system. Between 1964 and 1969, she also gave birth to four children.

In 1970, Lynne and Jim moved to Central Florida as part of the Disney World pre-opening team. Lynne became a full-time homemaker, raising her children in the township of Windermere where she spent the better part of her 60 years of marriage serving as a talented and compassionate leader within the community.

Her priorities were always God, family and friends, in that order. She was known by many as a “Good Samaritan,” as she positively impacted the lives of everyone she knew. She humbly shared her time and gifts with organizations that she believed

in, including Samaritan’s Purse, Focus on the Family, Christian Service Center, Grove City College, Orlando Health and the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden, Florida. She loved the Church of the Messiah and took great pride in serving as a member of the Altar Guild and a host of other ministries.

She also was a member of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society.

When not dedicating her time to the church and her community, she and Jim enjoyed visiting foreign countries and making memories with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, James P. Passilla (Windermere, Florida); one sister, Anne K. Alderman, and husband John (Mohnton, Pennsylvania); her four children, Anne M. Spragg and husband Scott (Windermere, Florida), James P. Passilla Jr. and wife Beth (Winter Garden, Florida), Michael K. Passilla

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

17

and wife Jen (Alpharetta, Georgia) and Connie L. Montgomery (Windermere, Florida). Lynne also has 10 loving grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with whom she enjoyed educating and sharing her love of God. She will forever be remembered as a brilliant, funny, talented, compassionate and humble servant of the Lord.

A memorial service for Lynne will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18. Due to COVID protocol, the service will be limited to family. We ask friends to join the service as a live broadcast at 1:30 p.m. on April 18th on the COTM YouTube Channel, which can be found at churchofthemessiah. com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to one of the following organizations: Samaritan’s Purse, Focus on the Family or Church of the Messiah (Winter Garden, Florida).

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years. Her years of service at her church included teaching Sunday School, leading women’s ministries, and playing the piano and organ for the church’s worship band.

To honor Glenda, a graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida 34734, at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021, immediately followed by a celebration of life at Found Life Church fellowship center, 1001 W. Plant St. Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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