04.09.20 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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The state’s stay-at-home order doesn’t have to mean you can’t eat well. Our restaurant guide features a plethora of cuisines — all available for takeout. Visit orangeobserver .com/restaurant-updates.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

KEEPING THE FAITH

IT’S READ RIGHT HERE … AT HOME! None of us can travel, so we’d love to see you reading us at home.

SEE PAGE 5.

Windermere welcomes new officer

Orange County updates Town Center code

The Windermere Police Department welcomed Dr. Phillips High graduate Shadrach King, in March.

A text amendment allows for more pedestrian-focused development.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ever since his days attending the police academy, Shadrach King knew he wanted to be part of Windermere’s police agency.

That dream came true last month, when the newest Windermere Police Department officer came aboard.

A Pennsylvania native, King moved in 2008 to Florida and has lived here since. He graduated in 2013 from Dr. Phillips

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

Orange County is offering developers a new approach to create projects in Horizon West’s Town Center village.

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved a text amendment to Town Center policies last month allowing for form-

SEE WINDERMERE PAGE 4

SEE COUNTY PAGE 2

STAYING ON COURSE Golf courses remain open in coronavirus pandemic. PAGE 6.

The Konikov family is excited to celebrate Passover and spend time together.

Courtesy photo

Under quarantine, West Orange families have found new ways to celebrate Easter and Passover this year.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

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est Orange families may be stuck inside their homes during a pandemic, but that isn’t stopping them from celebrating their faith.

Horizon West resident Laura Cobb and her daughter, Harper, are excited for their Easter festivities. Despite only celebrating at home, the two have some special plans, including watching an online church service at home by Family Church in Windermere, an SEE REMAINING PAGE 4

Danielle Hendrix

Tim Freed

Harper, 5, and Laura Cobb plan to make Easter special from home by hanging eggs in their front windows.

“I want to show the community that there is a human element to law enforcement.

It’s not just what you see on TV or the news — it’s people wanting to make a difference.”

— Shadrach King

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

County adopts new code “We’ve learned that places that have a more diverse land-use pattern are places that people thrive in.”

— Olan Hill, assistant manager in the Orange County Planning Division

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

based development within the village.

The change allows developers or property owners to opt into the form-based approach — an alternative that provides more flexibility with the placement of certain land uses.

Olan Hill, assistant manager in the Orange County Planning Division, said the county has had a Euclidean-based zoning code since about 1957. That code is based on achieving compatibility between development by separating land uses.

“For example, you’d never have industrial next to single-family residential,” Hill said. “In some cases, you wouldn’t even have commercial next to residential.

What we’ve lost with our Euclidean code, as have many jurisdictions across the country, is that the Euclidean development pattern doesn’t assist in helping create sustainable and livable communities. We’ve learned that places that have a more diverse land-use pattern are places that people thrive in.”

A form-based code ensures compatibility, but it achieves it through the form of development instead of just separating uses that are different. It also focuses heavily on the pedestrian realm — the experience of a pedestrian as they walk down the street.

“Through a form-based code approach, you can actually have multiple uses that can coexist with others based on the way they’re designed and the way they’re constructed,” Hill said. “It makes for a

more livable and sustainable place versus what our existing code does today.”

Hill said there are limits to what form-based code can do, but it allows for more options.

Horizon West, approved in 1997, came with its own code, unrelated to the code in effect throughout the rest of unincorporated Orange County.

The Town Center in Horizon West, one of six villages, has yet another development code unique to itself.

Hill said Orange County is updating its comprehensive plan, long-range plan and zoning code into what will be known as “Orange Code” — a form-based approach countywide that won’t apply to Horizon West or Town Center.

The recent amendment to the Horizon West Town Center code was the result of Sun Terra Communities — the developer behind the Silverleaf planned development — approaching the county with an interest in form-based code.

“We were intrigued with that idea, because although the Town Center code does allow for more innovative practices, it’s still about 11 years old,” Hill said. “We’ve learned over the last 11 years that when you try to do something that is not specifically allowed by that code, you have to request numerous waivers to do it — even if it’s a good idea.”

One example is the Hamlin planned development in Town Center, Hill said. Although the area is the focal point of the village and has been well-received, the

project was developed under the Spring Grove planned developexisting code and required numer- ment was recently approved by the County Commission, marking ous waivers to be made possible.

“The end product was great, a critical step in the final phase of but it was sort of a struggle to get the project.

The request involved subdividthere,” Hill said.

Under the existing code in ing 65.98 acres in order to conTown Center, all the larger “big struct 169 single-family residenbox” buildings are required to be tial dwelling units. The subject as close as possible to the main property is generally located south streets. Form-based code allows of Flemings Road and west of Avathe developer to cluster their lon Road.

Phase 1 and 2 were adopted in buildings closer to a new main street that they may create them- October 2018 and included 139 single-family detached residential selves.

“It encourages more on-street dwelling units on 71.33 acres Hill said the project is now in parking and requires, in some cases, that restaurants have outdoor the construction plan seating and cafe-like settings,” phase and could start going verHill said.

Sun Terra Communities is tical within 18 already in the process of having months. its Silverleaf project rezoned as a planned development/regulating plan to take advantage of the form-based code.

The Silverleaf planned development would sit on 563 gross acres near 17511 Lake Ingram Road — just west of State Road 429. Plans KEEPING WEST ORANGE outline 2,926 residential dwellRUNNING FOR 83 YEARS! ing units and 2.9 million square feet of non-residential uses, including “hotel, commercial, office and/or light industrial.”

Hill said the developer will go before the county for final adoption at some point in Family Owned May. and Operated

FINAL SPRING GROVE PHASE APPROVED

Village I soon will see the expansion of one of its communities.

Phase 3 of the

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

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Police agencies see less traffic, crime during county order

STRENGTH in flexibility

Two weeks into Orange County’s stay-at-home order, local law-enforcement agencies discuss the public’s response to it from their perspective.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Courtesy photos

Feather & Quill has adapted to offer takeout and delivery options and even has added a mini-market.

RusTeak and Feather & Quill The owners of RusTeak Ocoee and Feather & Quill have made changes to keep their business going during the COVID-19 pandemic.

erage coolers and we display products available for pickup and carryout. Some of the items we put out were some of our meats. … Our executive chef at Feather & Quill is really into Editor’s note: This is the first to include some pick-up items charcuterie and he had a subin an ongoing series highlight- and delivery items,” Canona- stantial inventory of charcuteing changes local businesses are co said. “Some of the food at rie that he had been aging. He making to adapt to life during Feather & Quill was a little more sliced those up into smaller porthe coronavirus pandemic. intensive and meant to be eaten tions, we cryovaced them and on a proper plate in the restau- we’re able to sell them as if we rant, so we curtailed our menu were a boutique butcher shop.”

ERIC GUTIERREZ to be a little bit more to-go and The food is only part of the STAFF WRITER carryout friendly. At RusTeak in experience when it comes to Ocoee, we have a substantially dining at RusTeak or Feather & arch is typically one of stronger clientele with it being Quill, as both restaurants also the busiest months of the an established restaurant for put an emphasis on drinks. year for restaurateurs Bri- nine years. We have a healthier Customers looking to wash an Buttner and Jonathan following of customers calling their meals down with an adult Canonaco. in for to-go and showing their beverage can order one with The two are co-owners of support. … In order to accom- whatever meal or market item RusTeak Restaurant and Wine modate for a to-go business, we offered at RusTeak or Feather & Bar in Ocoee and the recently signed up for every delivery ser- Quill. Both restaurants not only opened Feather & Quill at The vice we can think of.” sell alcoholic beverages in cans Grove Orlando near the town Takeout and delivery options or bottles to go, but they also sell of Windermere. They also own aren’t the only changes that different craft cocktails to go, as RusTeak in College Park, as have been made at RusTeak and well. well as The Stubborn Mule and Feather & Quill. Both estabCanonaco said although times the Menagerie Eatery & Bar in lishments also have been partly are tough at their restaurants, downtown Orlando. After the converted into mini-markets they’re doing what they can to COVID-19 pandemic caused that offer some essential items help support their employees. the closure of local restaurants — such as cleaning supplies and Each day, Canonaco and Buttner across the country, the two res- toilet paper — that might be feed their employees and their taurateurs have been forced to harder to come by these days at families for free. They also came adapt to keep their businesses regular grocers and stores. The up with a way to not only keep going. markets also offer a variety of them working, but also to utilize In an effort to reinvent the different meats, freshly made the extra time to spruce up their restaurants to stay in busi- pastas and sauces, pickled veg- restaurants. ness, RusTeak and Feather & etables and even whole lasagnas “We have many employees Quill both have adopted take- ready for the oven. who’ve worked for us for about out menus. Additionally, both “Immediately with Feather five to 10 years, so we creatrestaurants now offer delivery & Quill, we brainstormed and ed some waiver/maintenance through apps such as Uber Eats, hopped into a market,” Cano- shifts at the restaurants,” CanoDoorDash and Postmates. naco said. “We created the F&Q naco said. “We’ve been beauti“We shrunk down our menu Market where we put out some fying our properties through dramatically (at Feather & Quill) produce coolers and some bev- painting, refinishing tables, deep cleaning and doing some “Our executive chef at Feather & Quill is really into charcuterie and design changes so we can keep people working — even though he had a substantial inventory of charcuterie that he had been the food sales aren’t there. So, aging. He sliced those up into smaller portions, we cryovaced them when the restaurants are ready to re-open they’re going to look and we’re able to sell them as if we were a boutique butcher shop.” better than ever.”

M

— Jonathan Canonaco

Many local law-enforcement agencies say they’ve seen a reduction in the number of people out and about, as well as cars on the road, since the statewide stay-athome order went into effect March 26.

Winter Garden Police Capt.

Scott Allen, administrative services commander for the department, said staff has received some calls from citizens concerned about actions others are taking.

However, he said, most people generally stay within guidelines of the order. Allen said there also has been a reduction in crime.

“A lot of our crime stats are from retail outlets, so with retail outlets not being open, we’re not having a lot of shopliftings and stuff like that,” Allen said. “The public’s really been really good about policing themselves. The stores have done well with taking steps to mark the floors and show what social distancing is.”

Winter Garden has issued each of its officers at least two N95 masks, Allen said, and they also are equipped with gas masks with canisters. The department has reduced the amount of internal person-to-person contact, and many meetings are conducted by phone when possible.

“Those people (who) are authorized or considered essential — they’re still working and doing what they’re supposed to do,” Allen said.

In Oakland, Police Chief John Peek agreed most residents are abiding by the stay-at-home order.

“We’re stopping people on the bike trail at night, but honestly from what I’ve heard, it’s not very much,” Peek said. “For the most part, Oakland residents are adhering to the directions. Crime rates still stand low for us. We’re seeing a slight uptick, not a lot, in the disturbances and domestic disputes, but nothing too bad yet.”

Oakland officers have been issued gloves and a limited supply of masks, Peek said. Officers are required wear gloves when answering calls for service, and masks are to be used more for responding to medical calls, traffic crashes and similar instances.

Much of West Orange County also includes unincorporated areas, such as Horizon West. These are the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction, and OCSO staff believes most residents and businesses are adhering to the mandate.

“We have not arrested anyone or given any notices to appear,” OCSO spokesperson Michelle Guido said. “We have done neither related to the executive orders — curfew and stay-at-home order.

Rather, we are responding to calls when people have concerns. Our deputies have been able to speak with business owners or others who might be at a social gathering and get them into compliance — if they were out of compliance.”

In Ocoee, Assistant Police Chief Saima Plasencia said she hasn’t observed much of a reduction of traffic on the road. Rather, she said, it’s more spread out now that morning and evening peak hours are not as prevalent.

“We’re seeing a lot of the same traffic we’ve seen before,” she said.

“People are still going to the grocery store, to the doctors, going to get meals at the schools. … When you start seeing the lines going into businesses, that may further reduce people from going out.”

Plasencia said the department has seen a large reduction in overall call volume but an uptick in domestic and petit theft calls.

Ocoee’s officers are adhering to social distancing guidelines and speaking with callers outside their homes when possible. There also is the option to do police reports for nonviolent crimes by phone, and officers are equipped with gloves, masks and gowns.

Windermere is one jurisdiction in West Orange County that has seen a major reduction in traffic because of the stay-at-home order. Heavy cut-through traffic has been an issue for the town for a while now — currently, not so much.

“There’s a clear difference in how much traffic is on the road right now,” Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said. “Any (other) given day, you see traffic driving through here nonstop, but there’s definitely a reduction now. … If there’s one measure for us in the town of Windermere, it’s our traffic.”

Call volume has decreased in Windermere, as well. Ogden has been intentional about creating long-term sustainability for the agency so they can continue to serve. That starts with protecting his team.

“From the beginning, I considered this a real threat,” Ogden said. “Especially being a small police department means we are particularly vulnerable. … We’re prepared with all PPE equipment.

I’ve asked them to wear the surgical masks they have when they’re out in public. We’ve also asked our officers right from the beginning to reduce their risk of exposure when at all possible.

“We have to understand legally how we can enforce orders and things going on out there,” he said.

“I made sure that our guys understood what legally they could and couldn’t do. It’s not my directive that we are here to arrest people for violation of orders, but we are ambassadors of this order.”

“From the beginning, I considered this a real threat. Especially being a small police department means we are particularly vulnerable.”

— Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

Remaining faithful

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.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

egg hunt in the front yard, a traditional meal at home and a special Easter basket for Harper — all while sporting their Easter dresses.

The mother and daughter recently made Easter eggs from colorful construction paper. Their creations will be put on display in their front windows as part of a community-wide Easter egg hunt in Independence.

They also plan to say “hello” and “Happy Easter” to family members on the big day through Zoom.

Laura Cobb said its important to continuing celebrating Easter regardless of the circumstance and create special memories for her 5-year-old daughter.

“I’m treasuring the time,” Laura Cobb said. “Especially for a holiday — we want to make it special.

She’s too young to know that she’s living in history right now. She’s going to be looking back on this in 20 or 25 years. … I hope she’ll remember a little bit of it, being so young — knowing that it was a stressful time, but it was also a special time.”

Just a stone’s throw away in the Summerport community, Jennie Clarke and her family also are preparing to celebrate Easter.

The Clarkes decorated their front door with palm fronds for Palm Sunday and are participating in another window Easter egg hunt put on by Orlando Mom Collective.

An Easter meal with relatives through video conference is also in the plans after watching a Citrus

CELEBRATE YOUR HOLIDAY EASTER Many West Orange churches are hosting Easter services virtually. Check with your church of choice for service times and links.

PASSOVER For a guide about celebrating Passover, visit the Chabad of South Orlando website at bit.ly/3c36GXL. Anyone in need of hand-made matzah can also contact the Chabad of South Orlando by calling 800-765-7905.

Jennie, Jonathan, Jackson and Jason Clarke are participating in a window Easter egg hunt organized by Orlando Mom Collective.

Friedrich Hayek

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Church service through Facebook Live, Jennie Clarke said.

The message behind Easter is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

“Easter, to me, means hope,” Jennie Clarke said. “The idea that hope exists — we need that right now, we do,” she said.

Although it’s been a difficult three weeks inside the house, Jennie Clarke said there has been a silver lining.

“We’re able to slow our lives down and focus on things that really matter most: our family and our kids and being with one another without the busyness of life,” she said. “In some way there is a potential blessing around this.”

CELEBRATING PASSOVER

Yosef Konikov, the senior rabbi at Chabad of South Orlando in Dr. Phillips, is celebrating Passover with his family through April 16.

Celebrations often include community Seders for which hundreds of people gather during Passover, but the real Passover celebration is much something done from home, Konikov said.

The pandemic has prevented the Konikov family from inviting

extended relatives, friends and strangers to their house, but Konikov said the circumstances have provided a unique opportunity for immediate family members to celebrate together without distractions.

“Sometimes, we often get caught up doing a lot of things,” Konikov said. “Not just myself, but so many people in the community. … They always have guests over and people get very busy with entertaining their guests and impressing their guests. This year, for the first time, people really have to get real and really be themselves.”

Realizing many families would be celebrating Passover isolated at home, Chabad of South Orlando sold Seder plate kits leading up to the holiday for residents to take home. The packages included all the symbolic items — matzah, the Haggadah, a Kiddush cup and a 15-step guide to the Passover feast.

Konikov said he looks forward to celebrating with his wife, Chani, and their seven children. In many ways, the pandemic has served as a wake-up call to what’s truly important in the midst of everyone’s busy, daily lives, he said.

“The whole message of Passover

is to be free, in other words, we celebrate freedom, which means sometimes people get caught up in different lifestyle habits and get caught up in different things,” Yosef Konikov said. “Passover tells us to free ourselves of a lot of these habits and find our real identity. To me, we’re not celebrating Passover despite the pandemic. We are celebrating Passover, in a way, because of the pandemic. The pandemic perhaps is a reminder to the values of Passover.”

Reuben Romirowsky, CEO of the Rosen JCC, said some members of the Jewish community are celebrating Passover using digital platforms — even hosting “Zoom Seders.”

It’s important that everyone holds on to a spirit of compassion during this time, Romirowsky said.

“We have to put ourselves in the position of empathy of people who live in great difficulty — (such as) the Israelites when they were slaves in Egypt,” he said. “So, this year, our hearts go out to all of those affected by the pandemic — those (who) have died and the families who have suffered losing a loved one.”

High School and served in the military for three years with the 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment in Hohenfels, Germany.

Once he returned from Germany, began to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.

“It goes back to when I was about 3,” King said. “I’d always seen cops, but at that time — of course, at such a young age — I was always like, ‘Oh, the lights, the uniforms!’ But as I got older, I saw what cops actually did. I liked the human element of they want to help people; they want to serve their community.

“For me growing up, I didn’t really have good interactions with law enforcement,” he said. “I’ve never been in trouble, but just the way I saw cops act I was like, ‘Do I really want to do this? I had an epiphany of, ‘Hey, you can help change the position of modern-

day policing if you get into this field.’”

King attended the police academy at Pasco-Hernando State College. The training required long days of training — often starting his day at 6 a.m. and not leaving until the evening. There was lots of studying and fitness training, along with learning the many intricacies of law enforcement.

In 2017, he graduated and was hired by a larger law-enforcement agency.

“After a while there, I knew that wasn’t where I wanted to be, because it was just too large, and I wanted something smaller,” he said. “They were the quickest to hire me, so I went with them. After I realized that’s not where I wanted to be, I applied for a smaller agency and loved it there. … I initially wanted to be with Windermere, but they were not hiring at the time. Windermere was my original choice.

“I knew that, of course, Wind-

ermere was a small agency, a very prestigious agency, so I’ve always been kind of drawn to the area,” he said. “It’s great. Everyone’s really nice. This is probably one of the greatest environments I’ve ever been in. They want to help; they welcomed me into their family. It’s a place that I see myself probably going to retire at because I just like being here.”

King started his service with the Windermere Police Department March 16 and is learning the agency’s policies, processes and the general area. He is training with an experienced officer, who will guide him until he is ready to patrol on his own.

For King, his duty as a lawenforcement officer is more than just donning the uniform and the badge: It’s getting out and interacting with the community.

“With me, I love the youth, so whenever I would see a young person out playing basketball or skateboarding or anything, I’d

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always make it a point to hop our of my car and talk to them, because growing up, I didn’t have that,” he said. “It’s more of that interaction part of the job that I enjoy. … It kind of motivates me a lot more to want to do this job, because I want to show the community that not all cops are bad people. There are some bad apples in every job, but I’m not that type of person. I want to show the community that there is a human element to law enforcement. It’s not just what you see on TV or the news — it’s people wanting to make a difference.”

As Windermere’s newest police officer, King is excited to get to know the community and uphold the agency’s standards of service.

“I like to be a part of the community that I serve,” he said.

“Windermere is a perfect place, because we do a lot with the community — whether it’s events or getting out for your car and walking downtown. That’s the type of law enforcement that I like.”

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Golf courses provide recreational escape With many places closed due to the coronavirus, golf has become a popular go-to for anyone looking for an escape.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

In a time of great uncertainty, golf still remains.

When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the statewide stayat-home order in response to the coronavirus, both essential and non-essential businesses were listed — golf was in the former.

The rationale: Golf is considered an essential recreational activity, and with it being such an individualized sport played on vast swaths of open space, it does naturally well in collaboration with social distancing.

But are people really making it out to the courses around the area? The short answer is, “Yes,” said Kenny Ezell, a managing partner at Forest Lake Golf Club in Ocoee.

“Up until this point, it hasn’t really affected us drastically, other than some people are scared to come out with all the dire warnings out there,” Ezell said. “Play has been pretty consistent, as if it

were the shoulder season.

“All of our visitors, basically, Canadians and snowbirds, have pretty much gone home — and that is what has affected our business,” he said. “We have lost the last month to month-and-a-half of the snowbird season.”

Most golf courses in the area — from Forest Lake to Bay Hill — are open, though steps have been taken at each course to combat the coronavirus.

At Forest Lake, both the restaurant and bar closed for dinein, but there is a takeout menu.

Meanwhile, on the greens, only one individual is allowed per golf cart — something that will be taxing on the club’s 84 carts, so the club will be offering a walking rate to make up for it. There’s also the “walk nine, ride nine” offer.

At many golf courses — at locations such as MetroWest Golf Club, The Golden Bear Club and Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge — golfers are asked to avoid removing the flags while putting and using the rakes

“We think golf is doing what it is supposed to do. We’re allowing some opportunities for players to get out and have a little different experience playing golf. I think people are appreciating there is a respite.”

— Kenny Ezell

Golf continues to be a viable option for residents during the pandemic.

in the bunkers. Luckily for some golfers, there’s an easy fix for that last issue.

“Obviously, if you go into the bunker now and you’re in a footprint, Golden Bear says you can pick up your ball and place it into an area where there isn’t a foot print,” said Susan Wilkinson, a member at Golden Bear. “Just so you can have a nice lie and still hit the ball out of the bunker without being penalized unfairly, because they can’t rake them.”

Wilkinson, who lives in the Orange Tree golf community in Dr. Phillips, is an avid golfer. She recently won the Ladies Club Gross Championship in midMarch at Golden Bear — the last tournament the club host-

ed before the coronavirus shut things down.

At both Orange Tree and Golden Bear, Wilkinson said she has seen an uptick in attendance — caused by a combination of everything being closed and many being stuck at home. But even with the uptick, many on the course have kept their distance, which has been helped by lengthier spacing between tee times throughout the day.

So, for the most part, being out on the golf course has felt relatively normal — except in one important way, Wilkinson said.

“Does it feel different? I would say only in the ways of celebration,” Wilkinson said. “There is no high-fiving or hugs or hand-

Troy Herring

shake, which historically is a huge part of golf — handshaking on the 18th hole. We have all had to improvise and find another way to show our appreciation.”

For golfers such as Wilkinson and Ezell, just the ability to get out and participate in the sport they love means a lot.

The game of golf is providing them with an outlet to shut everything out and enjoy themselves — even if for only an afternoon.

“We think golf is doing what it is supposed to do,” Ezell said.

“We’re allowing some opportunities for players to get out and have a little different experience playing golf. I think people are appreciating there is a respite.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

7

School district adds Grab-and-Go locations Students can now receive breakfast and lunch at Windermere High School, Ocoee Middle School and HighPoint Church in Ocoee.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

Local families now have additional locations to get meals for their school-age children.

Orange County Public Schools recently announced the addition of seven new schools to the Grab-and-Go program locations list, including Windermere High School and Ocoee Middle School.

The program continues to provide meals for families who rely on the regular breakfasts and lunches during the school year. The meals are available for children 18 and younger and are being funded through the Florida Department of Agriculture.

“It’s my job to really make sure that we provide meals to every child to make sure that they can learn,” said Lora Gilbert, senior director for the Food and Nutrition Services Program for OCPS. “We’re the equalizer, I would say, so no matter what ZIP code a child wakes up in, they have able access to nutrition so that they can learn.”

The program started March 23 with 50 schools and operates like a drive-thru service. District staff hand out packages to children who walk or ride their bicycles to the schools, as well as parents who line up in the car loop. The meals are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday in the car loop of each school site.

To decide which schools would initially be Grab-and-Go sites, Gilbert said OCPS staff first looked at schools where at least 50% of the students were eligible for free and reduced meals. Staff then looked at whether every area was accounted for and made a recommendation to the area

GRAB A MEAL

For a complete list of the Grab-and-Go program locations, visit bit.ly/2wQeope.

Students must be present to receive the meals, though identification is not needed, and families do not have to qualify for free and reducedprice meals.

Students and parents can go to any of the participating schools, according to OCPS.

superintendents. Other factors like how busy the roads were and the layout of nearby streets all played a role in the decisions.

Gilbert said the new schools — such as Windermere High School and Ocoee Middle School — were added in response to the demand and feedback from families.

Even a local church — HighPoint Church, 476 Ocoee Commerce Parkway in Ocoee — was made into a Grab-and-Go location because of a nearby school sitting on a busy road.

The new additions and some consolidation of locations has brought the total number of school sites to 56, Gilbert said.

“This is a day-by-day thing,” Gilbert said. “It’s evolving so rapidly. At the start of this, 68% of our students were eligible for free and reduced (meals). I can’t even imagine what that’s up to now.

We’ll try to be just as responsive as we can to what children need.”

This Friday, the Grab-and-Go sites will be serving breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday, as well. 4 Rivers Smokehouse also started serving food this week at four local high schools, including Dr. Phillips High School.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY APRIL 4, 1974 Easter is coming; do you have your camera ready to take those memorable holiday photos? In the April 4, 1974, issue of The Winter Garden Times, Winter Garden Camera advertised a variety of cameras just in time to commemorate family gatherings. Owned by locally famous photographer B.P. Hannon, the downtown shop offered a range of camera styles and prices for all skill levels.

75 years ago

“A Husband for Sale” was selected by the Lakeview High School seniors for their annual play. Among those taking part were Hilton Teal, Tommy Russ, Owen Crawford, John Branch, Turner Godwin Jr., Frances Stulck, Trina Stanford, Jean Reddick and Catherine Greer.

55 years ago

More than 3,000 Floridians marched in Tallahassee for the Equal Rights Amendment, sponsored by Florida’s NOW chapter. Among those participating were Kathryn Barley, Betty Barley, Thellie Roper, Jo Arnold and Helen Parramore Twigg and her mother and two daughters, Jennifer and Aimee.

50 years ago

The Winter Garden Inn was robbed Thursday evening by a lone gunman who got away with about $330.

45 years ago

Jefferson “Jake” Voss, principal of Mollie Ray Elementary School and resident of Oakland, received the Child’s Friend Award from the Orange County Council of PTAs.

30 years ago

Cliff Dent was featured in the Real People series in The West Orange Times. He was manager of the 7-Eleven at the corner of state roads 50 and 535, in Winter Garden. He listed robberies and drive-offs as occupational

FROM THE ARCHIVES Chattanooga Lookouts team members pose for a photo in front of Pounds Motor Company and the Garden Theatre, at the intersection of Plant Street and Lakeview Avenue, around 1954. During the 1930s, the Lookouts, the

Southern League farm team for the American League Senators, trained in Winter Garden.

Known officially as the Washington Nationals, the Senators, under owner Clark Griffith, also opened a baseball training school in Winter Garden in

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. hazards and said the worst day of his career was in 1983, when Chevron tripled the rent on his location down the street.

Suzi Karr Realty, in Windermere, was ready for Hollywood East after handling house rentals for Ron Howard during

his filming of “Parenthood” and for Roy Scheider while he was working on a film.

Ocoee Middle School Principal Robert Williams honored retiree Marie Wells Davis after 18 years of employment at the school, which also served as

TREASURE by ALISON OHRINGER; CROSSWORD BURIED Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Prepare, as potatoes 5 Sound heard while shearing 8 Fellow at Oxford?

12 Muscle contraction 17 Like many gallerygoers 18 Bygone 19 2006 Amy Winehouse hit 21 Intense passion 22 401(k) cousin (see letters 11 to 14) 25 Position 26 Like seats with coats on them 27 Mix-up at a bar?

28 Partners in battle 30 Peeper 31 Living thing 33 “Strange as it may be ...”

(5 to 7) 38 Lead-in to X, Y or Z 39 Cul-de-___ 41 Tear’s partner 42 Listlessness 43 Kinda 45 Worst possible portion 47 Morse code sound 49 Word after baby or fist 50 Naomi Bennett’s portrayer in “Private Practice” (3 to 6)

1948. Joe W. Engel, far left, was the president and scout for the team and served as director of the school. Local legend tells that local swains experienced a dearth of dates when the Lookouts were in residence at the Edgewater Hotel.

54 Bangles on a bracelet 56 Shoofly dessert 57 “Agreed,” in Arles 58 Gala who was a surrealist’s muse 59 Ginger ___ 60 Hairy Addams Family member 61 Attaches, as patches 63 Islamic legal code (4 to 7) 69 “___ my watch!”

71 Citi Field team 72 “I’m beat!”

73 “The Jungle Book” wolf 74 Bubbly purple drink (4 to 7)

76 Detains in conversation, perhaps 78 Busy airport in Ga. 79 Fuming feeling 80 Pancake descriptor 82 Before, in poems 83 Buddy 84 Allude to 87 On the level (4 to 7) 91 Anderson of “WKRP in Cincinnati” 92 Letters after lambdas 94 Halt 95 They may follow booms 96 Major aluminum company

98 Merlot and Barolo 100 Hack (off) 102 Abu Dhabi’s fed.

103 Line up (5 to 9) 106 Itemizes 108 “___ favor” 111 Place for kitchen storage 112 Key or cay 114 Flooded 116 What a goner has 119 Digital asset, or a theme hint 122 Some are kids at heart 123 Nonsense 124 Environmental startup?

125 Dutch cheese town 126 Slipping hazards, in cartoons 127 Back talk, slangily 128 It’s the limit, at times 129 Challenge in a sleepover game DOWN 1 Not glossy 2 Wide variety 3 Vampire slayer’s weapon 4 Jekyll’s alter ego 5 Unwelcome blog commenter 6 Cover story?

7 Prettifies 8 Where an insult “sticks” 9 Greeting on a name tag 10 Sushi tuna 11 Rose Bowl event 12 Tranquil 13 Inmates may plan one 14 Ventnor, e.g., in Monopoly (Abbr.)

15 Bronny, to LeBron 16 “I pity the fool” speaker 20 Romantic song 21 ___ gras 23 Still being tested 24 Japanese site of the 1998 Winter Olympics 29 “I said ‘no, no, no,’” e.g., in 19-Across 32 Fill with love 34 Reside (in) 35 Latin word on a coin 36 Molar root holders 37 Trendy 38 Guard dog’s warning 40 Apartments that are sold

Ocoee Junior High and Ocoee High School. Davis started with Orange County Public Schools in 1968 as secretary of the combined Winter Garden/Dillard Street elementaries.

43 Romantic caller 44 One-named folk singer 46 Bread with saag paneer 48 “___ she blows!”

50 Copycat’s activity 51 New York governor Andrew 52 Ate in style 53 Full of juicy gossip 55 “Ingrid” would be a good one for a crossword solver 61 Causing no chemical reaction 62 Working group 64 Mirren of “The Good Liar” 65 Emmy or ESPY 66 Go for with gusto 67 Hitching posts?

68 Movie about the last robot on Earth 70 Sampling tool 72 Guard duty 75 Line on a pair of jeans 76 “Hold your horses!”

77 “OK, however, ...”

81 Rancher’s rope 84 Anchorman Lester 85 Ancient Peruvian 86 Intoxicated, in modern lingo 88 Famed Harlem theater 89 Radiation source in space 90 Take advantage of 91 ___ Vegas Raiders 93 Google, say 97 Adjusts to changes 99 Problem in an old wooden building 101 Jigsaw puzzle parts 104 Name within “happiness” 105 Totally exhausted 107 In a rut 108 Animal that eats bamboo 109 Grouch on “Sesame Street” 110 Pun, for one?

113 Ophthalmologist’s concern 115 Subject of a legalization debate 116 Power ___ (short sleep) 117 Appreciative poem 118 Shade 120 Second-person pronoun 121 Artist Lichtenstein

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.

“SX ROI WDCRO SR’W JIFB XDFHGZ. SR KDCZP YI KISFP NDF HI RD VD RD WZIIE KSRODCR EFGBSXV.” – LIXXSNIF ZGKFIXTI

“HGI EZXWH HGZDT Z VL OGID Z WHUXH NF VUF ZW, Z TIH VLOD LD NF GUDVW UDV PDIIW UDV TZKI HGUDPW HL TLV.” – NUXP OUGRJIXT Puzzle Two Clue: R equals L

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: Y equals B

8

© 2020 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-09-20

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

|

9

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

Private schools adapt to COVID-19 world Like public schools, local private schools have closed campuses and moved classes online.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Schools and universities around the world have shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19 — and local private schools are no exception.

As businesses began closing, private schools also initiated precautions and took steps to move classes online.

Since then, like Orange County Public Schools, local private schools have implemented distance learning measures to keep classes going while students stay home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

The First Academy began preparations for an online learning environment before dismissing students for spring break in midMarch. The school has followed the lead of its accrediting body, the Association of Christian Schools International, as well as the recommendations given by national and state leaders as it moves forward, said Christina Richart, the director of development and communications at TFA. The school also has taken steps to address the mental and spiritual aspects of its families.

“We have established a Family Ministry Team to support and connect with our families during this time,” Richart said. “We feel

it is so important that we support students and families educationally, but also socially, emotionally and spiritually.”

The First Academy launched its Remote Learning program Wednesday, March 25. Principals start each school day with a Facebook Live session. Additionally, each student has a daily virtual morning meeting with his or her teachers and fellow classmates.

Upper School students check in virtually at the start of each class period, which allows the school to keep attendance. The school will continue implementing its Remote Learning environment as long as deemed necessary by the state and federal government.

“While our school buildings may be closed, The First Academy teachers and students will be actively engaged in remote learning,” said Head of School Steve D. Whitaker. “We are working together to flatten the curve and serve one another as a community of devoted Christ-followers.”

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

Foundation Academy also began taking precautions related to COVID-19 prior to beginning its spring break. School administrators began coming up with a draft of what an online program would look like the week before spring break. Before students left, the administrators already had completed the program. The school calls its distance learning program,

FACE, which stands for, “Foundation Academy Classrooms Everywhere.” The FACE program launched March 25.

“What’s been amazing to see on social media is teachers with pictures (of them) communicating to their kids,” Foundation Academy President Dave Buckles said.

FACE is being implemented for all Foundation students — from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

Teachers and students are using online tools such as Google Meets to hold classes and stay in touch.

Buckles also said that, although the program is temporary, the school is prepared to continue for the rest of the year if needed. “(FACE) will be to allow us to finish the school year at a normal time,” Buckles said. “We are testing students. We are taking grades.

We are taking attendance. We are trying to make (everything) as normal as possible.”

Buckles added that the school

is following the lead of local, state and national governmental bodies to determine how to continue moving forward.

“The teachers are missing their students already,” Buckles said.

“They love their students. Going back to our family atmosphere, that face-to-face communication is so important — hence why we named our virtual program, FACE.” WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Following recommendations from the Florida Department of Education, Windermere Prep closed its campus March 16 and it will remain closed until further notice in an effort to help keep staff, students and the community safe and healthy. The school has been working with its parent organization, Nord Anglia Education, to help prepare its distance learning program. Windermere Prep calls

that program the WPS-NAE Virtual School Experience. Launched March 23, the program connects students to a global network of the 9,000 expert educators within Nord Anglia.

“While the NAE campuses are closed, our school is still very much open and colleagues across Nord Anglia are working tirelessly to deliver an outstanding educational experience for our students,” Head of School Dr. Steven Lyng said. “Our teachers are going the extra mile to provide a seamless, personalized experience that keeps students engaged by leveraging technology, innovation, creativity and humanity. This allows our students to connect to their teachers, peers, clubs and more through various web meeting, applications such as Zoom meetings, Google Classrooms and many other online tools to allow our students to continue to learn.”

Lyng said several of Windermere Prep’s boarding students returned home with their parents.

The remaining boarding students are restricted to the Windermere Prep dorms.

“Travel restrictions permitting, if families of any remaining boarding students wish for their child to come home, they can work closely with the school on the logistics,” Lyng said. “As of now, about half of our Residential Life students have opted to stay in the dorms with their peers.

“Our students’, families’ and our community’s response has been outstanding,” Lyng later added.

“We’re one team and we are working together every step of the way.”

Be In Touch With Your Community.

Every. Day. Stay up to date with all the latest news and information about Horizon West, Winter Garden, Windermere and beyond with our Daily Headlines.

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The latest information on COVD-19 in Orange County including statistics, testings and treatments for patients.

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Local medical experts tell us what is being done locally and how to stay safe in the next edition of Health Matters.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

School district provides mental health resources As the coronavirus continues to force school and business closures, many in the area are feeling the strain — both emotionally and financially.

That’s why Orange County Public Schools’ Mental Health Services Department is continuing to offer its list of resources to those needing help.

On its website, OCPS has numerous links that hit on everything from crisis intervention and support to financial support resources and social emotional learning resources for families. There is even information on how to talk with your child about the coronavirus.

The department is open to take calls from parents to provide information and resources to families seeking help for mental health issues, as well. The number is (407) 317-3694 and is being manned between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, visit OCPS’ website at bit.ly/2JBfqbo.

OCPS ready to help with tech problems Is your child having an issue with their district laptop? Don’t wait to get help — put in a Student Tech Request. Information Technology Services can remotely fix many issues. If the information is not resolvable, they will assist you in making an appointment to visit the school and exchange your device. Visit studenttechrequest.ocps.net for more information.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

ROB BIXLER

ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS As much of the nation has switched from traditional to digital learning in the last two weeks because of the coronavirus, there have been many changes for students, faculty and families alike. At Orange County Public Schools, Rob Bixler serves as the associate superintendent for curriculum and digital learning. Preparing the district to go digital was a large undertaking, but Bixler and his team have been pivotal in the transition to digital learning.

What do you love most about your job?

It has always been about seeing the creativity of our students and teachers. We have the best talent in Orange County Public Schools.

How has your role played a part in the shift in school format we have seen the last few weeks?

My department has played a central role in the transition to distance learning over the last few weeks.

The department, Curriculum and Digital Learning, has been a part of the district’s LaunchED 1:1 program since the beginning, so when the announcement was made, the team began scaling up training for our teachers and staff. For the week of March 23, the department provided 275 trainings with a little more than 13,000 participants.

What is the nicest thing a student, colleague or faculty member has done for you?

It is always nice getting updates

SAT results now available

REPORT CARD

If you took the SAT Wednesday, March 4, or Saturday, March 14, your results should be available.

The Saturday, May 2, SAT has been canceled. Registered students will receive refunds. There will be additional SAT testing opportunities when feasible in place of canceled administrations.

ROLE: OCPS associate superintendent for curriculum and digital learning; former principal of Dillard Street and Westbrooke elementary schools TIME IN ROLE: Four years; 30 years total with OCPS

from former students or teachers and what they are doing now.

Why did you decide to work at OCPS? I wanted to be a history teacher as a teenager, so being a product of OCPS — Lake Weston and Riverside elementary schools, Lockhart Middle and Edgewater High — it seemed like a natural place to work.

Nearly 30 years later, it is a great place to work.

What are your hobbies outside of your role?

I don’t have an actual hobby, but I enjoy being outdoors, and the beach is my favorite place to be.

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

My favorite superhero is Iron Man. Being that smart is a pretty cool superpower, and he has some impressive technology in that suit.

Do you have a quote, piece of advice, song lyric or favorite mantra to live by?

Due to the current situation we are in and when we made the difficult

but necessary decision toward distance learning and social distancing, I shared this (Henry Ward Beecher) quote with my team: “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” I told them I choose faith.

What is the coolest place you’ve traveled to and why?

My favorite trip, as a child, was to Washington, D.C. I have been back several times over the years and enjoy it just as much as I did all those years ago. The museums are amazing.

If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln. I would want to ask how he managed to stay focused, confident and remained dedicated to the vision of a united nation in a time of major crisis and upheaval.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

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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SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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11

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

OCPS, students find new normal with distance learning

AP AND IB TESTING

With schools shut down due to the pandemic, the district’s staff, students and families are navigating a learning curve surrounding distance learning.

n AP: The College Board is allowing students to take their AP exams on any device to which they have access. Students also have the option to write their responses by hand and submit a photo.

College Board also will provide testing date options and free resources. For more information, visit bit. ly/39JfCzH. n IB: The International Baccalaureate program’s May exams for the diploma and career-related program candidates will not be held.

Depending on their program of choice, students will be awarded a diploma or a course certificate reflecting their standard of work. This is based on student’s coursework and the programs’ established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control. For more information, visit bit.

program the district has with T-Mobile, and high-schoolers have a hotspot with Sprint.

Elementary-schoolers use

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Orange County Public Schools students and families now are in their second week of a new normal — one that involves class work with no classroom.

With all Florida schools closed until at least May 1, OCPS staff, students and families are continuing the school year through online distance learning. Although many students are used to using devices such as laptops and iPads to complete certain schoolwork, long-term distance learning has been a new venture for all parties.

Teacher-facilitated distance learning began March 30, and teachers communicated with students and parents to share where to find distance-learning content and lessons, how teachers can be contacted and information about offline lessons.

OCPS began a one-to-one digital device rollout in its middle and high schools about five years ago. Devices came with the software and systems needed to support online learning, and students and teachers in

then elementary-schoolers and finally middle-schoolers.

“At the beginning of distance learning, we saw a complete change in usage pattern,” Draggon said. “Almost all levels logged in around 9 a.m. and stayed logged into the platform.

Changes were made to some of the hardware that managed traffic for our systems in its management of this traffic change.”

Draggon added the district saw a large shift in the number of assignments students turned in. That number rose from 100,000 to 300,000 assignments.

“Additional changes were made to ensure assignment submission did not cause a slowdown in the to-do list for teachers, which lets them know they have assignments to check,” he said. “Finally, we (expanded) the amount of simultaneous video conferences that can be done at the same time (by 10 times).”

Middle and high school students all have an OCPS device.

Middle-schoolers who may not have internet access at home can hop onto an existing hotspot

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR

middle and high schools already were acclimated to using the LaunchPad dashboard, Canvas and Big Blue Button.

Moving an entire school district online for the foreseeable future was no small task.

Maurice Draggon, OCPS senior director of digital learning, said the district provided a week of training to users as a refresher.

There were more than 10,000 participants that week.

“For most OCPS students, the distance-learning day begins by logging in to the district’s dashboard, LaunchPad,” Draggon said. “In LaunchPad, students can click on Canvas to enter the learning management system.

In Canvas, it contains a to-do list for students where they can see assignments that have been created by their teacher. They may see on the side an invite to a Big Blue Button video conference, as well.”

With an influx of users logging into their distance-learning dashboards at the same time, the first day of distance learning included some snags. Draggon said users normally are staggered when they log in and out — high-schoolers log in first,

332461-1

DANIELLE HENDRIX

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes are being offered alternate ways to complete their required exams to receive college credit.

a blended model. Teachers can create paper packets to be mailed or emailed home to those requesting one, Draggon said, and the district also created and mailed paper packets to parents based on an internet access phone survey. Teachers at some schools are assigning digital assignments based on their knowledge of the technology available to their students.

For many children, a disruption in daily routine has required emotional adjustments, as well.

That has been the case for Jodi Jessop — parent of a kindergartner and a first-grader at Castleview Elementary — and her children.

“Some programs are more user-friendly than others, but our teachers have been fantastic about listening and making things clearer, as well as facilitating the interaction between the kids,” Jessop said. “Sure, it’s new and it’s frustrating, but we are all getting used to this. It’s not home-schooling, it’s crisis schooling. It is definitely a challenge. I can’t imagine how working parents are doing this and their jobs.”

Jessop said she is thankful for iReady because, when all else fails, it’s something her children know how to do.

“There have been some tears on both sides,” Jessop said.

“There has been some frustration and some angry messages sent to our teachers out of frustration in the moment. But they have been communicating well with us and willing to help us through it.”

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ALTA COLETTA DIED APRIL 2, 2020.

Alta Coletta, age 87, of Clermont, Florida and formerly of North East, Pennsylvania, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2020. Alta was born Sept.

5, 1932, in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Grace Korn.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Daniel Coletta; and by four siblings, Katherine Marshall, Joseph Korn, David Korn and Harold Hayen.

She is survived by her nine children, Cynthia Purvis (John), Elizabeth Slater (Hugh), Pamela Abbey, Daniel Coletta (Ann), Diana Coletta, Jodie DeLeon, Lisa Coletta, Donna Smith ( Monty) and Gina Guidera( Mark); a sister, Dorothy Hain; and a brother, Walter Hayen; 24 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 11 greatgreat-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

To say that Alta, along with her husband, Dan, was a hard worker all her life is an understatement. Their children were raised to respect work on the family farm, which started with crops and animals and grew into a grape farm. Her faith gave Alta a heart for others and always shared her blessings with those in need. Even long into retirement, Alta enjoyed volunteering

This week’s Crossword answers

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at St. Vincent DePaul in Spring Hill, and when she moved to Winter Garden, she volunteered at Matthew’s Hope, serving the homeless in the area. After the death of Dan, Alta moved in with Diana, who lovingly cared for her mother until her death.

Her three other daughters living in the area, Elizabeth, Pamela, and Jodie, were a constant in her home visiting and giving support as needed, as well.

Due to national guidelines on limiting public gatherings, interment will be scheduled at the convenience of the family. A celebration of her life will be scheduled in the future by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, P.O. Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33623-3827, or moffitt.org/ donations.

Please visit beckerfamilyfuneral.com to sign the Book of Memories.

Puzzle Two Solution: “The first thing I do when I start my day is, I get down on my hands and knees and give thanks to God.” – Mark Wahlberg

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APRIL 9, 2020

SPORTS

Windermere Prep senior Ross Fournet has been lighting it up on the lacrosse field. Page 14.

Announcing the Observer’s All-Area hoops teams TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

At the end of every season, many publications name All-Area teams as a way to recognize outstanding play.

We’re excited to debut our first Observer All-Area Teams — starting this week with boys and girls basketball.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Player of the Year: David Green, Ocoee Coach of the Year: Ben Witherspoon, Dr. Phillips

File photo

Stephanie Johnson-Possell, left, has built the Olympia boys and girls water polo teams into state powers.

David Green, Ocoee High School

FIRST TEAM David Green, Ocoee, senior Season stats: 18 ppg, 10 rpg Quick hit: The 6-foot-7 Metro Player of the Year was a leader on a talented Ocoee team that made it to its first regional final.

Abdoulaye Thiam, Dr. Phillips, senior Season stats: 18 ppg, 7 rpg Quick hit: The senior guard ended his Dr. Phillips career with a bang, as he led the team in scoring with 18 points per game.

Fanbo Zeng, Windermere Prep, sophomore Season stats: 15.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.6 blocked shots Quick hit: In a district title winning season that saw Windermere Prep go 27-4, the Chinese international proved to be a key player on both sides of the ball — leading the team in scoring and blocked shots while finishing second in rebounds per game.

Mike McCalister, West Orange, junior Season stats: 17.1 ppg, 10.2 rpg Quick hit: A co-captain for the Warriors, McCalister — who spent time at both guard and small forward — dominated in the paint for his team, as he led West Orange in both points per game and rebounds.

Kordell Brown, Ocoee, senior Season stats: 19 ppg, 10 rpg Quick hit: On a team loaded with talent, Brown provided a spark for Ocoee inside the paint and from distance, as he led the Knights in scoring.

SEE ALL-AREA PAGE 14

Bittersweet

VICTORY Olympia High water polo head coach Stephanie JohnsonPossell won her 500th and 501st win with her girls and boys teams before the season was suspended.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

O

n Friday, March 13, Stephanie JohnsonPossell hit a milestone that she had been looking forward to since taking over the Olympia High School water polo teams back in 2009.

Her girls team (19-4) had beaten Boca Raton 14-3 in the annual Wildcat Tournament in Winter Park to give Johnson-Possell her 500th win. That same day, her boys team (21-2) won her her 501st win with an 18-5 thrashing over Boca Raton.

It was a career moment that acknowledged the kind of program she had built at the school throughout the years, but within the span of the afternoon it became a bittersweet moment that Johnson-Possell didn’t have the heart to celebrate. That afternoon, it was announced that schools — and sports — would be shut down in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s really hard to celebrate that,” Johnson-Possell said. “It’s something that was a goal of mine

Olympia was two games away from completing the season before it was suspended.

to reach that many (wins), but with everything else that is going on, it’s just so not important. I’m so much more concerned and heartbroken for our seniors, for our team this year — we had great chemistry and amazing kids.

“We still don’t know officially

if we are allowed to finish or not,” she said. “FHSAA has said, ‘We are postponed and could possibly do stuff until June 30,’ but is that really realistic? I don’t know.”

When the season was SEE JOHNSON PAGE 14

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Ross Fournet

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

suspended, both teams had only two games left in the regular season before the start of postseason action. In fact, Saturday, April 4, was the day the Titans should have been competing in regional play.

This also was supposed to be the season where the teams would put something together and make a deep run through the playoffs. For the boys — who won the state title in 2018 — it was meant to be a chance to make up for the state runner-up finish they had in 2019.

“It gave us a mission to do something this year,” JohnsonPossell said. “We were working on putting all of those pieces together to go for the gold again this year — now, the opportunity may not ever come about.”

Above the wins, however, are the seniors who could possibly be facing the end of their high school careers in the pool under Johnson-Possell’s guidance.

A multi-sport athlete at Windermere Prep, senior Ross Fournet is a familiar face for those who are a part of the football and lacrosse programs. In his last season of lacrosse, before the season was suspended, Fournet led the team in goals (33) and points (42).

When did you first get into lacrosse?

It was during seventh grade.

Coach (Jojo) Marasco — my head coach — was my PE teacher and we were just playing around in PE, and he kind of asked if I would be interested in coming out.

I came out and I eventually fell in love with it. Football is my main sport, but I love lacrosse.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Senior AGE: 18 SPORT: Lacrosse, football POSITION: Middie (lacrosse)

shootout, but I just remembered I had six goals that game and we won in overtime. That was just a great feeling, as an underclassmen, being able to perform under pressure like that.

How was your senior season going before it got suspended?

We built a lot of momentum coming off of a couple of big wins. We were all feeling fired up, and the team was just bonding — we have a lot of young guys, but we all just came together and played as one. All the young guys really stepped up, and that really helped me out with them stepping up.

What are the best words you have been given about lacrosse?

Probably just Coach Marasco hyping me up before games and giving me words of advice before games. We knew our season could end eventually because of the virus, so Coach Marasco was saying, “This could be it, this could be one of your last games.”

What is your favorite part about playing middie? What is the most challenging part?

My favorite part is being able to clear the ball — coming off of a missed shot or our goalie is able to save it. I’m usually just right by the goal, and I’ll ask our goalie — Alex Dial — just pass me the ball, and then transition to offense. I really like running up and down the field. And I’ll say the most challenging part is being able to keep calm in certain situations, because usually I’m gassed running up and down playing offense and defense — sometimes it is just tough being tired and fatigued.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Second Team Trey Moss, Windermere, junior (13.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.2 apg) Kanye Jones, Windermere, junior (19.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg) Nicolas Silva, CFCA, senior (18.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 apg) Riley Kugel, CFCA, sophomore (16.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.2 apg) EJ Yorke, Windermere, junior (19.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg) THIRD TEAM Elijah Hulsewe, Windermere Prep, junior (12.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg) Tyeree Bryan, Olympia, junior (16 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.8 apg) Jayden Battle, TFA, junior (15.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg) Edgerrin James Jr., Olympia, freshman (14 ppg, 2.6 apg) Jacob Worley, Legacy Charter, senior (15.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.7 apg)

With the season suspended, what are you doing now?

I have been lifting at home every single day, and I’ve been occasionally running around my neighborhood.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Player of the Year: Abigail Crain, Windermere Coach of the Year: Deborah Pennick, Foundation Academy FIRST TEAM Abigail Crain, Windermere, junior Season stats: 16.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.6 spg Quick hit: The captain for the 19-6 Wolverines not only led her team with 16.3 points per game, but she also proved versatile on defense, as well — leading the team in steals.

— TROY HERRING

Chelsey Bryant, Foundation Academy, eighth grade Season stats: 14.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.5 apg Quick hit: As one of the star eighth-graders on head coach Deborah Pennick’s Foundation Academy girls basketball team, Bryant helped lead the Lions to a district title and was named MVP of the tournament.

Aliyah Perry, Foundation Academy, eighth grade Season stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.7 spg Quick hit: Named to the AllDistrict Tournament team, Perry was second on the team in points per game while being among the team leaders in rebounds and steals.

Madison Workman, Windermere Prep, junior Season stats: 17.4 ppg, 1.5 spg Quick hit: Workman was a tremendous asset to Windermere Prep during the 2019-20 season, as the junior combo guard led the Lakers in scoring.

Paris Pickett, West Orange, sophomore Season stats: 17 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 apg Quick hit: Fewer players dominated in the post quite like the 6-foot-3 Pickett, who averaged a double-double during the 2019-20 season — leading her team in points and rebounds.

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THIRD TEAM Kayla Green, Windermere, Senior (7 ppg, 7.4 rpg) Olivia Ikeda, Windermere Prep, eighth grade (10.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg) Grace Anderson, Windermere Prep, sophomore (7.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg) Ajalon Gillard, West Orange, sophomore (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 2.3 spg) Zoe Sedo, Foundation Academy, eighth grade (9.5 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.8 spg)

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SECOND TEAM Camryn Siemer, West Orange, senior (13 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 2.2 spg) Alexis Martin, TFA, junior (13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2 apg) Lakada Bryant, West Orange, junior (11 ppg, 12 rpg) Sariah Johnson, TFA, seventh grade (11.9 rpg, 8.3 rpg) ShaRiya Davis, TFA, freshman (11.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg)

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been helping players grow to their fullest potential — making it to the next level.

Players like Mack went from struggling to simply swim in the beginning to being offered scholarships — in Mack’s case to Princeton University.

Meanwhile, Johnson committed to play at the University of California, Los Angeles.

For the time being, all Johnson-Possell and her teams can do is wait. It’s uncertain if the Titans will be able to play anymore this season, but Johnson-Possell said at some point she’ll make sure there will be some means of closure for her players.

“I want to make sure we celebrate,” Johnson-Possell said.

“We need some kind of conclusion to the season at some point — whenever that is. Whether it’s a team banquet or a senior night, at some point we just need something for some kind of closure if we don’t get to play in our postseason.”

All-Area teams

The last game the team played — a win over TFA — could possibly be the last high school lacrosse game for you.

How do you feel about that?

That moment was pretty bittersweet now that I look back at it, because we have never beaten TFA in all of Windermere Prep history. So that was great beating them, but at the same time I look back and I think about how great of a run we had, and how we were just getting started.

I believed we would have beaten every single other team that we played.

Is there a highlight moment that sticks out to you during your time at Windermere Prep?

I would say probably sophomore year — we had a very talented team that year — and we played Edgewater. It was a back and forth

On the girls team, JohnsonPossell had five key seniors in Sofia Dahlmann, Ali Wagner, Lexi Hutton, Amanda Clinco and Shelby Sorrells, while the boys team included seniors Alec Johnson, Touma Mack, Pavan Iyenger, Yan Mendez, Ryan Hopegill and Griffin Ewoldt.

“They’re all frustrated and they’re all hurt,” Johnson-Possell said. “This class was also born the same year Sept. 11 (happened), so they’ve been able to overcome … but it’s robbing them of all of the fun senior things that seniors get to do.

“It’s also affecting the juniors as far as recruiting goes,” she said. “This is the big showcase for juniors. This time of the season, for us, is where we get the most growth out of our athletes, because you put all of the pieces together all season long, and then those pieces come together in the postseason.”

Throughout her time coaching at Olympia, the biggest thing Johnson-Possell has enjoyed has

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