05.28.20 West Orange Times & Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

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Making magic SOUL Haven Ranch and Ever After Character Events donated their time and services to spread joy through 13 local neighborhoods with princesses in a horse-drawn carriage. SEE PAGE 2.

The horse-drawn carriage, driven by SOUL Haven Ranch owner Susan Nastasi, was a magical spectacle with a princess in the back.

Family Church celebrates seniors with ceremony The Windermere church wanted to give graduates their moment on the stage after the COVID-19 pandemic forced high schools to cancel or postpone their ceremonies.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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Horizon West Middle celebrated its eighthgraders. SEE PAGE 14.

Leaders at Family Church, in Windermere, decided they weren’t going to let the COVID-19 pandemic ruin graduation for their high school seniors, and they planned one in their sanctuary that adhered to social-distancing

guidelines. They opened it up to the community, as well, and any local graduates whose schools weren’t holding traditional commencement exercises this month could participate.

“We’re (trying) to give them that graduation walk that they SEE A TIME PAGE 4

Danielle Hendrix

YOUR TOWN BOATING RESUMES IN WINDERMERE The town of Windermere has opened its boat ramps to the public. Residents wanting to purchase a key to the ramps can contact Diane Edwards at dedwards@town.windermere. fl.us to schedule a time for pickup. All visitors to the town administration offices must wear masks.

To streamline the transaction, residents should have the Park Pass form filled out prior to arrival at the offices.

A ramp key is $35, and the town is accepting credit card, check or money order payments. Cash will not be accepted.

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Fairytale ending DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Over the last three weeks, 13 West Orange-area neighborhoods received the royal treatment as princesses riding in a horse-drawn carriage visited them, spreading some magic along the way.

Thanks to a partnership between SOUL Haven Ranch in Winter Garden and Ever After Character Events — along with some help from other members of the community — the princess carriage visits came about as a way to spread joy in otherwise tumultuous times.

Susan Nastasi, owner of SOUL Haven Ranch, started her services in 2016. It began with her animaltherapy program using her miniature horses, and her ranch house also offers rooms for rent via Airbnb.

H o w e v e r,

another of her passions is driving horses. She has two, Libby and Lizzy, who are responsible for pulling the carriage on SOUL Haven Ranch’s carriage tours.

Like many businesses, SOUL Haven Ranch had to shut down March 15. However, Libby and Lizzy still needed their exercise.

“So that I could continue contributing to the wellbeing of my horses, I was driving empty carriages around Winter Garden,” Nastasi said. “I was sitting on my couch literally three weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon and I said, ‘Hey why don’t I call my friend Christine (DiRienzo) over at Ever After Character Events, see if she will have a princess sit in our carriage and let’s go spread some joy and hope and unconditional love with our neighbors?’ I called her up and she said, ‘That sounds like a great idea. Let’s do it.’”

DiRienzo runs Ever After Character Events and first met Nastasi a few years ago, when DiRienzo needed her own miniature horse trailered over to a

FINANCING AVAILABLE

PRINCESS CARRIAGE RIDES SOUL Haven Ranch and Ever After Character Events are partnering to offer princess carriage rides, which they hope to launch by mid-June.

All tours can be booked through SOUL Haven Ranch website at soulhavenranch. com. SOUL Haven Ranch is located at 196 Tildenville School Road, Winter Garden.

For more information, call (407) 509-1981.

Ever After Character Events offers professional princesses, pirates, superheroes and character entertainment for parties. For more information, call (407) 906-5220 or visit orlandoprincessparties.com.

new barn. They have talked about offering princess carriage rides as a paid service for a couple of years, but both had been too busy with their respective ventures.

DiRienzo has provided three different princesses over the last three weeks. It’s been an incredible experience not only for the community but also for herself, Nastasi and the princesses, as well.

“The first two (rides), she had

me ride in there with her just to get pictures and all, and we were almost crying because of the people’s reactions,” DiRienzo said.

“Whether it was children, single women, single guys, construction workers, the Amazon driver — their faces lit up. … Even a princess who has been with me since 2011 said this is the most magical experience ever. For people to look up and they see a princess — especially in these days where that little bit of magic’s missing and all — it was just nice to say, ‘You know what, we’re all in this together, we’re all spreading kindness, we’re all trying to show love and be together.’ It’s a beautiful carriage and the horses are so beautiful — it’s a spectacle, really.”

Throughout those 13 carriage rides, it wasn’t just Nastasi, DiRienzo and the princesses donating their time and resources to the cause. Other community partners pitched in, as well, including Tim Warren, of Higher Power Drone Photography; Kathy Hudson, of Paint With Light Photography; Hannah Farrell; and Nastasi’s parents, Dave and Judy Wilhelm.

“We’ve had so many people (who) have come together literally almost on a whim to help us with

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the safety and wellbeing of the horses while we’re driving the carriage, and all the princesses that came forward and said, ‘We’d love to help you guys,’” Nastasi said.

“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to be able to give back in a pandemic that nobody saw coming …

Everyone’s really been so gracious and welcoming for us to come in their neighborhoods, exercise Libby and Lizzy and along the way spread an abundance of joy.”

When SOUL Haven Ranch reopens, Nastasi and DiRienzo will partner again to offer princess carriage rides as a paid service.

They hope to have them running by mid-June.

“Through this whole quarantine, I stayed committed to exercising (Libby and Lizzy) on a regular basis and making sure that they stayed fit so that when we do reopen, we can do so and get out there and continue to serve our community,” Nastasi said.

“It just extends the magic into your community and was so special at this kind of time,” DiRienzo added. “We’re all in it together — if anything, this should be a time when we really connect again and show each other love and kindness.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Winter Garden remembers Carl ‘Pete’ Peters

Winter Garden’s 12th and current fire chief, Matt McGrew, spent time with Carl Peters, the oldest living fire chief, in February. Peters was the city’s fourth fire chief.

In addition to serving as Winter Garden’s fire chief in the 1960s, Peters also worked as a volunteer firefighter, owned a taxi service and ran a used-car dealership.

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n exchange for volunteering to fight any fires in the city every other night and every other weekend, Carl “Pete” Peters Jr. and his family lived for free in one of the apartments above the fire station on South Boyd Street in Winter Garden. By day, he was a mechanic for the city and worked on all vehicles and equipment.

The building, now home to SoBo Art Gallery, was home to three of Peters’ four sons in the 1960s when he was a volunteer firefighter and, later, the city’s fourth fire chief. For years, the fire station blew a whistle at noon every day; Fred Peters recalls the thrill of being able to “fire the whistle” that resonated throughout the city.

The boys, now men, remember hearing his stories about the fires their dad fought and recall his pride in designing the city’s first front water pump for the fire truck.

“During hurricanes, we would move the fire trucks out of the station … and that would open up the bays, and they would turn the three bays into a hurricane shelter,” he said.

The Peters brothers have only memories and photographs to connect them to their childhoods; their father, Pete Peters, the city’s oldest living fire chief, died May 13, 2020, at age 92.

“He told a lot of stories,” Fred Peters said. “His memory, right up to the end, his long-term memory never really went away.

He really had a lot of stories.”

ARRIVING IN WINTER GARDEN

Pete Peters, who moved with his parents and siblings to Winter Garden from Alabama when he

“He told a lot of stories. His memory, right up to the end, his long-term memory never really went away. He really had a lot of stories.”

— Fred Peters

was 16, was known for his many enterprises in Winter Garden. In addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter and a mechanic, he also worked at the Ford dealership at Plant and Dillard streets; and he owned several taxi companies, a service station and a used-car business.

It was while driving one of those taxi cabs that Pete Peters met his future wife, Velma. He frequently picked up her family to take them to and from the grocery store.

After working for Childs Taxi, he bought the business and renamed it Pete’s Taxi, phone number 400, operating it beside the Edgewater Hotel for about seven years. He also bought Dial Cabs — “Rain, hail, sleet or snow, call Dial, we’ll go” — kept the name and drove customers around in 1951 Fords and 1952 Chevys.

Pete Peters owned Sinclair Service Station, too, and operated it and one of the cab businesses together on Main Street.

In 1977, he started West Orange Auto Sales and ran the used-car business until he retired in 2007 at age 80.

“When we were kids growing up, my dad always told us, ‘You be careful buying a car from a used-car dealer because they’re snakes,” Fred Peters said. “And when we were teenagers, he retired and opened a car dealership.”

KEEPING THE DEPARTMENT TOGETHER

When Pete Peters started with the fire station, there were close to 20 others serving as volunteers, too.

“The only time they got paid was if it was an out-of-town fire,” he said in a 2003 interview. “Firemen got $5 for each out-of-town fire. In town, there was no pay for that.”

In 1962, the city asked him to leave his mechanic’s position and serve as fire chief, and he stayed in that role for three years. He was responsible for hiring the first full-time employees for the fire department to assist the volunteers in this growing city.

During his time as chief, he also got the city to agree to pay volunteers $100 a month, regardless

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of the number of in-town or out-of-town fires they fought.

“Chief Peters is credited with keeping the Winter Garden Fire Department from being disbanded in the early ’60s, when many of the volunteers were at odds with the city,” Fire Chief Matt McGrew said. “Chief Peters took over and was successful in bringing the volunteers back together to restore the fire department. Throughout my career, and especially since coming to WGFRD in 2006, I have always held the belief that we wouldn’t be the department we are today had it not been for those like Chief Peters who paved the way (through thick and thin) so many years ago.”

The two met when Winter Garden hosted a celebration in honor of the fire department’s centennial in 2013. Their most recent conversation was in February, when McGrew visited Pete Peters at Quality Health Care, where he had been living.

“He said that when he went to work for the city as a mechanic, they automatically connected any of the mechanics to the fire department,” McGrew said.

“That’s just the way it was. He liked working for the city and was willing to do whatever he needed to do, so he went on to become a volunteer firefighter.”

When firefighters started quitting their positions because of how they felt they were being treated, Pete Peters was there to advocate for them.

“He was proud; he just loved the city of Winter Garden,” Fred Peters said. “He knew the mayors and the fire department and the police department; he was friends with everybody. When we were younger, the police officers would come by our house on Sunday, because they knew Mama made the best biscuits.”

The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date, and McGrew already has offered the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department’s participation.

Pete Peters is survived by his four sons, all of whom live locally, Tommy Peters, James “Fred” Peters, Glenn Peters and Carl Peters; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

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Above: Fire Chief Carl Peters, second from left, and his firefighters at the original Winter Garden fire station around 1963: Wilson Hall, left, William Peters Ungaro, Cotton Lucas, Jimmy Powell, Ardell Homes, Cooter Creech and Stewart Baker; in front are the chief’s sons, Fred Peters, left, and Glenn Peters.

Middle photo: In 2014, the city of Winter Garden celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department.

Many of the unit’s past and present employees were recognized — including former chiefs Carl Peters, left, and Jim Briggs, third from left; and then-chief Roy LaBossiere, second from right.

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Observer

A time to shine

Graduates from multiple local high schools participated in a ceremony Friday, May 22, at Family Church in Windermere.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

normally would have at this time,” Mike Flynn, student pastor, said.

“We want to make it as special as we can as they do that walk.”

Twenty-nine students gathered in the church’s gymnasium Friday, May 22, all positioned six feet apart and wearing caps and gowns representing their schools. Before walking to the sanctuary, they all had a chance to ceremoniously toss their cap in the air.

“Pomp and Circumstance” played while, one by one, the graduates crossed the church stage as their name, high school and future plans were read aloud.

Lead Pastor Chuck Carter spoke to the graduates and their families.

“This graduating class is going to be known as the ‘Corona Class,’” he said. “But my prayer is that … they’ll stand out for what they’ve gone through.”

These graduates won’t just accept the new reality but will define it, he said.

The church gave each graduate a gift bag with a Class of 2020 T-shirt; a picture frame; and a book, “How to Become Wise,” written by Doris Mitchell Lisemby, a 102-year-old church member. A festive backdrop gave students a chance to take photos with their families.

The ceremony was streamed live Friday night and replayed Monday so family members in other parts of the state and country could take part.

Of the 88,349 parents who responded to a 2020-21 school year survey conducted by Orange County Public Schools, 33,268 — 37% — said they would prefer their children to return to school with safety measures in place.

Similarly, of the 20,343 district employees who participated in the survey, 6,695 — 33% — also indicated returning to school as their preference.

The survey, conducted over a four-day period the week of May 18, 2020, gave stakeholders an opportunity to share their opinions on how the district should proceed in the next school year.

However, district officials said

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CONTACT US Jacob Islas graduated from an area homeschool program.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

Family Church acknowledges its seniors every year but wanted to make this year’s program extra special because of the pandemic.

Participants were Lindsey Lewis, Sierra Mancuso, Bianca Manneck, Daniel Tate and Valerie Tate, of Dr. Phillips High School; Kassie Kimpel, Matthew Puchal-

the state ultimately will decide how OCPS will proceed.

In addition to the option to return to school with safety measures in place, other options included: continue distance learning; blended return to school and distance learning; and unsure at this time.

More than 108,000 parents and employees participated in the survey. However, some parents indicated they never received the survey or had trouble responding to it. District officials said the survey was sent only to parents listed as the primary parent or guardian in its system. It also said the call could have been filtered as spam by phone carrier.

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Left: Sierra Mancuso, who graduated from Dr. Phillips High School, celebrated her achievement with her family: aunt Audrey Ralicki and grandparents Pat and Sal Mancuso.

ski, Kayla Richard and Elijah Young, of Foundation Academy; Christy Bartel, Jacob Islas and Finn Wright, homeschooled; Abigail Adamson, of Legacy Charter High School; Justin Pittman, of Ocoee High School; Alex Green, Briana Quiroz, Julissa Quiroz, Lauren Miller and Tatiana Quiroz,

of Olympia High School; Alejandra Rodriguez, Amanda St. George, Ashley St. George, Tyler Evans, of West Orange High School; and Deyaneira Albelo, Jeff Andrew Demetrio, Luis-Jose Diaz, Julia Kendall, Gian Khawan and Helen Tamulonis, of Windermere High School.

OCPS releases 2020-21 survey results OBSERVER STAFF

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2020-2021 SURVEY RESULTS

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PARENTS

EMPLOYEES

OPTION 1: Return to school with safety measures in place — 33,268 (37%)

OPTION 1: Return to school with safety measures in place — 6,695 (33%)

OPTION 2: Continue distance learning — 15,716 (18%)

OPTION 2: Continue distance learning — 4,378 (22%)

OPTION 3: Blended return to school and distance learning — 21,058 (24%)

OPTION 3: Blended return to school and distance learning — 5,692 (28%)

OPTION 4: Unsure at this time — 18,307 (21%)

OPTION 4: Unsure at this time — 3,578 (17%)

TOTAL: 88,349

TOTAL: 20,343

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Orange County School Board approves targeted rezonings The district will move about 175 students to new schools this fall to keep neighborhoods together and provide relief to overcrowded schools.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“We still have a lot of people joining our community on the west side (who) have already purchased homes, and we may not have the same rate of growth, but this will help to solve some of those issues.”

— Pam Gould, Orange County School Board

After the Orange County School Board approved three targeted rezonings, nearly 200 students in West Orange County will be heading to different schools this fall.

Targeted rezonings affect a small area and limited number of students. On Tuesday, May 12, the School Board approved unanimously the targeted rezonings that affect two communities in Southwest Orange and two subdivisions in Winter Garden.

At a mid-March community meeting, Dr. Carol McGowin, director of student enrollment at Orange County Public Schools, said the district uses a GIS mapping system with a development layer as tools in the rezoning process. Points of consideration include school enrollment counts, future development, infrastructure, feeder patterns and distance from schools.

The first rezoning affects 28 students in Dr. Phillips’ Sand Lake Hills neighborhood. These students will be moved from Chain of Lakes Middle School to Southwest Middle School. Until now, the subdivision was split between the two schools.

The second rezoning impacts 24 students in the area west of Turkey Lake Road and Interstate 4 near Hillenmeyer Way, stretching south to the intersection of Central Florida and Palm parkways. These students will be moved from Bay Meadows Elementary School to Sand Lake Elementary School.

The final targeted rezoning affects roughly 123 students in the Wintermere Pointe and Emerald Ridge neighborhoods in Winter Garden. These students are being moved from Whispering Oak Elementary School to Lake Whitney Elementary School.

Parents of students who would be affected by the rezonings were encouraged to provide their input via community surveys, by email or through petitions.

Although the targeted rezonings are approved, affected students also have the option of a grandfathered transfer. Such transfers are available for students who are rezoned from one established school to another. In this case, a student can remain at the existing school rather than being assigned to the rezoned school. Grandfathered transfers also are available for students who have been rezoned by OCPS two or more times during a school level at the current address, or for those are rezoned for their fifth- or eighthgrade years.

However, under the grandfathered transfer, OCPS does not provide transportation, and siblings must meet the same criteria for the transfer.

Michael Swickard, an Emerald Ridge resident, thanked the School Board for giving families the opportunity to make the decision with the grandfather clause as to whether their children could remain at their current school.

“I would like to also ask that in the future … when you build the

new relief school, that Emerald Ridge — the community that I live in that is in walking distance to Whispering Oak Elementary — would be considered to be put back into Whispering Oak Elementary,” Swickard said. “Emerald Ridge, like I said before, has a very safe walkway, is very close to it, and our community is strengthened by it.”

According to the May 12 School Board presentation, OCPS had not received any community response, whether in support or opposition, for the rezoning from Bay Meadows to Sand Lake Elementary.

For the Chain of Lakes Middle to Southwest Middle rezoning, the presentation states, the district received 12 responses in support of it and none in opposition. And for the Whispering Oak Elementary to Lake Whitney Elementary rezoning, the presentation states, no community response either in support or opposition was listed.

“I just want to thank all of my board members and the community for their participation in this unusual targeted rezoning and rezoning in order to help us manage the growth,” said Pam Gould,

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

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IN THE ZONE To view the presentation with maps depicting the targeted rezonings, visit bit. ly/3ecLmzO. You also can view the updated zone maps for each OCPS school by visiting bit.ly/2B3xQR7.

If you’re unsure what school your child will attend in the upcoming 2020-21 school year, visit bit.ly/2XH6fNh and enter your address.

District 4 School Board member.

“In spite of all the things that we are thinking about lately as it comes to COVID … we still have a lot of people joining our community on the west side that have already purchased homes, and we may not have the same rate of growth, but this will help to solve some of those issues.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Orange County task force approves Universal’s reopening The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force unanimously voted in favor of the phased reopening plan.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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Universal Orlando presented its plan last week for reopening the theme park, and the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force gave its unanimous approval. The next step was for the plans to be submitted to the state with a letter of recommendation from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

The task force met virtually Thursday, May 21, and heard the details of the theme park’s reopening plan. Field inspections conducted by Orange County officials took place prior to the meeting. They reviewed the theme park’s readiness to implement the plan based on employee health screening and best practices, guest arrival and ticketing, restaurant operations, attraction queue management, signage and communications, and sanitization protocols.

Rich Costales, executive vice president of resort operations for Universal, said his team has been working toward a safe opening. Dr. Raul Pino, of the Florida Department of Health-Orange County, provided direction and expressed approval after looking at the procedures Universal had in place.

Universal officials asked to open Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2, to team members to test the procedures and make sure they work; Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, to invited guests and possibly passholders, to further test the system; and Friday, June 5, to the public.

John Sprouls, chief administrative officer, at Universal, said theme park officials outlined three processes: screening, sanitization and spacing. They mapped out every one of the guests’ point of contact, starting with prearrival communication, signage and guest messages.

“Signage starts at the toll booth to the parking garage,” Sprouls said. “It will be frequent, will be clear, will be demonstrable and will be enforced.”

Team members will have new protocols, as well.

“From the time when we schedule folks when they’re coming in, they’re doing self temperature checks, we’re staggering our parking and in the guests’ parking lots,” Sprouls said.

Temperatures will be taken for all employees and all guests every day, and the wardrobe procedure has been readdressed.

All guests and employees must wear face masks.

At the attractions, Sproul said, capacity has been readjusted at each ride and food outlet. All interactive play areas are closed because social distancing is difficult to manage, he said, and they have eliminated most of the water interactions. A virtual line has been implemented for attractions, and single-rider lines are being eliminated. Preshow meet-and-greets are canceled.

Restaurants will use single-use menus, and mobile food ordering will be available.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exit of all restaurants, attractions and vendors. Sixfoot demarcations have been added throughout the park.

ISLAND H2O LIVE! WATER PARK REOPENS Island H2O Live! Water Park in Kissimmee welcomed May 23 its first guests since the coronavirus forced it to shut down in March.

“We are excited to reopen and provide an entertaining break from the day-to-day world,” water park General Manager Jim Kunau said. “Our entire team has been working hard to prepare the park and welcome our guests back.”

Island H2O is implementing new Safe-Splash Guidelines.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of every guest and team member is our utmost priority,” Kunau said. “We also need our guests to help by adhering to social-distancing practices, washing and sanitizing hands frequently, and following safety guidelines provided by our trained staff.”

The park will continue to coordinate with local, state and federal agencies as well as public health officials and is prepared to make any and all adjustments as necessary to maintain the highest standards of health and safety.

A complete list of all health and safety measures can be found at islandh2olive.com.

SMALLER ATTRACTIONS MAKE PLANS

The Bringing Back Tourism Working Group reviewed the reopening plans presented by 13 smaller attractions: Aloma Bowling, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Board Walk Bowl, Face Amusement, Fun Spot, Gatorland, Icon Park, K1 Speed, Magical Midway, Nona Adventure Park, Slingshot, Starflyer and Wonder Works.

Each had to submit its modified operational policies, which included temperature screenings, safety standards, social distancing guidelines and cleaning protocols.

Onsite inspections were conducted prior to the task force meeting.

All the guidelines meet both the state mandate and county guidelines, said co-chair Dr. Youcheng Wang, dean of the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

“I feel pretty good about where we are as a county, as far as having controlled the spread of the virus to the extent that we could,” Demings said. “If we put sanitary measures in place as we continue to reopen, it will continue to be a positive outcome for us in the long-term.”

Demings also discussed the county’s budgeting for the next fiscal year.

“We are … looking to streamline our budget process (for Fiscal Year 2020-21),” he said.

“The loss of revenues will be felt for many years,” Demings said.

“This recovery period of time is likely going to take several years for us to recover. If we can open effectively, we can hopefully reduce the recovery period of time.”

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

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Between thethe pandemic volatility, Between pandemicand and market market volatility, Between the pandemic and market volatility, you're sure to be facing a lot of of stress.

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TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

If you’re a resident in the Independence community, you’ve probably noticed a bit of hustle and bustle the last couple of months over at Independence Community Park.

Orange County Parks and Recreation Division has been working to level out the field — located at the corner of Avenue of the Arbors and New Independence Parkway — to make it safer and more friendly to those looking to utilize it for recreation, said Matt Suedmeyer, manager of the county’s parks and recreation division.

“So when we did the construction and put the playground, sidewalk and all the amenities that are out there, we didn’t do the other half of the park,” Suedmeyer said.

“That open field area was just left as it was when the developer just rough graded it out and sodded it.

“So we just went back in and tilled it, leveled it the best we can and we’re seeding it,” he said.

“Then we’re going in and do some final grade work to level out that open space.”

The park still will serve its original purpose as a spot to play, but the leveling out will help make things a bit safer for the families who utilize it, Suedmeyer said.

“We’re just doing some improvements to the surface, because it was unlevel, and it was dangerous

— it had some trip hazards and some ankle breakers,” Suedmeyer said.

The public park — which includes the open field and developed area — is what is referred to as an adequate public facility park, which is usually about five acres and must be adjacent to an elementary school.

Although work done in the main area of the park has been in place for a while, the parks and recreation division had made plans to eventually get back to finishing it completely.

“Each year, depending on the budget, we are constructing neighborhood parks throughout developments,” Suedmeyer said.

“Independence was the secondto-last one we did, so we went in and put in the first phase — the playground, pavilion, walking path and little skateboard area.

Then, there are about two or three acres we didn’t touch — those two or three acres are what we just now went in, tilled, regraded and sodded.”

There were a few options, Suedmeyer said, but some ways were more expensive than others.

The field — after being tilled and leveled — was seeded with Bahia grass. So far, the biggest issue related to the grass is the recent lack of rain.

“We’re just waiting for the seed to come in,” Suedmeyer said.

“Of course, it would grow in a lot quicker if we could get some rain — we weren’t expected to be in a drought. As soon as we get some rain, it should start growing in fast.

Then it should be a nice, level playing field.”

Bruce Young, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor

MKT-12308-A

The Independence Community Park was regraded, refurbished and seeded to level out the open field for recreational use.

you're sure to be facing a lot of stress. We're here for you – ready to listen, support and navigate this together. We have several ways to keep in touch. Give us a call.

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The work done over the last two months at Independence Community Park has been done to make the field safer for families.

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

A cause for paws Creegan Canine Rescue gives dogs and puppies from Orange County and beyond a second chance at life.

Creegan Canine Rescue most recently took in eight puppies that came in on a rescue flight from southern Alabama.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

by Alan Olschwang; CROSSWORD FASTENATION Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 ”We’re on!”

5 ”Star Trek: Picard” android 9 All ___ the place 13 Rendezvous 19 Wheel connector 20 Its acad. is in Colorado Springs 21 A rat might wear one 22 Attack unexpectedly 23 Ladle, e.g. (see letters 7 to 9) 26 Snakes with a king variety 27 Hilo hello 28 Acme 29 Curlers’ surface

30 Apt name for a baby born in the first month?

31 Animated Chihuahua 32 Blow to the chin, often 35 Slack-jawed 38 Suffix for Manhattan 39 Performing for an audience 41 Pick from a deck 44 Madeira or sherry (7 to 11) 50 Perched on 51 Disaster relief org.

52 Like Cinderella’s stepmother 53 Bearings 54 Test for some college srs.

55 Very serious 57 ”See me after class,” for one 58 Khakis shade 59 Sciences’ companions 60 Defensive denial 61 Funny sketches 63 Opposed (to) 65 Hauling boat 66 Nightfall, poetically 67 Self-employed truck driver, e.g. (5 to 8) 71 Freelancers’ docs.

74 Malt beverages 75 Driver’s annoyance 76 Extent

CREEGAN CANINE RESCUE PHONE: (407) 906-6490 WEBSITE: creegancanine rescue.org FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ creegancaninerescue EMAIL: info@creegancanine rescue.org DETAILS: Creegan Canine Rescue is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming every dog and puppy it can. The rescue is family-owned and operated in the Windermere/ Horizon West area. For more information on adoptable dogs, how to foster or volunteer, and how to donate, visit the rescue’s website.

Scire said. “Our fosters are mostly in that area, but there are some that are over in Orlando and down in Kissimmee. We don’t go out too far, because it’s hard to coordinate with vet visits and stuff like that.

“We can only have so many dogs, and each person usually cares for one dog (at a time),” he said. “We’re

101 Abandoned 105 Cornfield cry 108 Aunt in la familia 109 Lead-in to easter 111 Eye layer 112 Clear, as a whiteboard 114 Front piece on a Bentley 117 Coverage for multiple people (5 to 7) 120 Catch a radio broadcast 121 College course credit 122 Parlor pics 123 Eight-sided sign 124 Complied with 125 St. ___ (Fla. city near Tampa) 126 Tina’s “30 Rock” co-star 127 Garden containers DOWN 1 Senegal’s capital 2 Deposed leader’s fate, sometimes 3 Brown with a pan?

4 Walesa in Polish history 5 Give the devil his ___ 6 ”It’s ___!” (“Piece of cake!”)

7 Neutral stocking shade 8 Last word before “The End” in fairy tales 9 ”Queen Sugar” channel 10 Drops in on 11 Bana of “Troy” 12 Assigns to a lower position 13 FaceTime computer 14 Texting-inspired pillow shape 15 Ocean motions (3 to 6) 16 Show envy, metaphorically 78 Lay aside 17 ___ Today 81 Become a member of 18 Acidity levels (Abbr.)

83 Bulldogs of the SEC 24 Terre ___ 84 Wise Norse god 25 People who have been 85 Like some grading freed systems 33 Long-lasting ‘do 86 Huge coffee holder 34 Sorbonne article 87 Artery insert 36 Earlier in time 89 Bagpipes insert 37 Big name in snacks and 90 Marriott competitor 91 Watson of “Little Women” soda 38 Speck of land 93 Worthless sorts (5 to 9) 40 Pastry with sour cream?

95 Student driver, typically 42 BBs, e.g.

96 Move to another bed?

43 Entry on a wish list 98 Livid 44 Closely compacted 99 Greets casually

always asking for more fosters and volunteers. We always need more dog and puppy food, and then towels and blankets are always helpful.”

Creegan Canine Rescue currently has a handful of fosters. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Scires received a large response in the call for fosters because so many people were home. “(COVID-19) has really changed the way we operate, because we used to be able to go and do a fullon meet-and-greet with potential adopters, bring the dog, meet them in their home and walk through the home and everything,” Justin Scire 45 Bring to mind 46 ’60s civil rights protest 47 Giants in Greek myths 48 Bob’s partner?

49 Like personal peace 54 Meet and ___ 56 Air freshener targets 59 Colorado ski resort 62 Get to the bottom of 64 ”The Kiss” sculptor 65 String of pearls 68 Tools for removing dandelions 69 Way to go 70 Boring tool 71 Miniature representation 72 Sales pitch 73 Ships out 74 American Dance Theater choreographer (5 to 8) 77 Centerless, as an apple 78 Highland games participant 79 Philosopher David 80|Lily Tomlin character at a switchboard 81 Springing to one’s feet 82 Type of history 87 Arranges 88 Bulky book 92 ”Doesn’t excite me much” 93 New Orleans-to-Nashville dir.

94 Fishing boot 97 Skillful 100 New Haven Ivy Leaguer 102 ”A New Argentina” musical 103 Kidney-related 104 What you do with your buds?

105 Epic poem division 106 Neckwear looped under the chin 107 Sobs 110 Author Sarah ___ Jewett 113 Gravelly sound 114 ’60s muscle car 115 Word after “back” or “barbecue” 116 Conclude 118 Sport-___ 119 Pac-12 school in L.A.

said. “Now … we’ll do a fosterto-adopt program, where potential adopters commit to a week of fostering first and decide if it’s a good fit. Usually, we’ll start with a FaceTime or some kind of video chat and try to talk as face-to-face with a person as we can. We’ll have them walk us through their house and see how the dog interacts in the house while the dog is there.

“Our goal, really, is just to help as many dogs as we can, whether they’re puppies or adult dogs,” he said. “We just want to make sure that every dog has a chance at a happy home.”

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.

“HS’O TXZV SNTOR PNT KMR BRMOHOSRXS KXI PHZZHXJ ST OSEIV SNHXJO IRRBZV, PNT KFNHRWR SNR YKOSRM PTMG.” – BKEZT FTRZNT “LPRFEHD EA MPJPL RA TRK RA R MEUZHBRLP, RA HZP BPMHRF HXLHNLPA CP EMIFEOH XM XNLAPFJPA.”

– ARBBD KRJEA SL. Puzzle Two Clue: T equals B

“That’s why (pilot Mike Young) is there pretty much every week, weather permitting, to pick up as many dogs as he can.”

Creegan Canine Rescue has its roots in the memory of Melissa Scire’s mother, Diane Creegan, an avid animal lover.

“She loved animals and just really wanted to help out,” Justin Scire said of Diane Creegan. “We’ve been doing it since 2013, on and off. Over the years, we’ve rescued, I’d say, (more than) 1,000 animals.”

Along with taking in puppies from rescue flights, Creegan Canine Rescue has partnered with Orange County Animal Services. It has been an especially invaluable partnership since COVID-19 shut down the shelter for a few weeks.

Creegan Canine Rescue has experienced significant growth in the last three years, Justin Scire said. As with most rescues, the operation is dependent on fosters, volunteers and donations. The family also is thankful for the support it receives from Windermere High’s FFA program, in which their daughter, Ashley Scire, is involved.

“We work in the Horizon West and Windermere areas,” Justin

Puzzle One Clue: G equals K

Most Saturdays, a small plane with precious cargo onboard hits the runway at Orlando Apopka Airport.

As soon as that plane rolls to a stop, volunteers flank each side, opening the doors and revealing the treasures inside — rescued puppies.

On Saturday, May 16, Justin Scire, of Windermere-based Creegan Canine Rescue, watched from a distance as puppies were gently lifted out of the plane. One by one, each of the nearly 30 puppies onboard was taken over to a fenced-off grassy area and given food and water.

Eight of them now are in safe hands at Creegan Canine Rescue, where they are being raised by fosters and the Scire family until they are old enough to be adopted.

The puppies aboard that flight came from Alabama, a state that sees an abundance of dogs and puppies and not enough adopters.

Many organizations band together to arrange rescue missions in which pups from overpopulated, highkill shelters are placed on flights to places such as Central Florida.

Here, rescues such as Creegan give them a second chance at life.

“All these puppies are scheduled to be euthanized if no one steps up to rescue,” Justin Scire said.

© 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

05-28-20

OBSERVER

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Ad of the Week from Ficquette Brothers: Good beef roast, 12 cents a pound; spare ribs, 2 pounds for 35 cents; hamburger, 2 pounds for 25 cents; fresh back bone, 20 cents per pound; best native steak, 15 cents per pound; and rib and brisket stew, 10 cents a pound.

50 years ago

45 years ago

L. Frank Roper, founder and longtime president of Diamond R Fertilizer Company, was honored at a special ceremony in Diamond R’s rose garden.

New officers of the Ocoee Elementary School PTO were Linda Harper, secretary; Connie Maxey, treasurer; Judy Henry, president; Byron Baird, principal, second vice president; and Carolyn Alexander, first vice president.

30 years ago

More than 1,000 local seniors graduated from Dr. Phillips and West Orange high schools.

WOHS held ceremonies for about 470 seniors in Valencia Community College’s West

9

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES The popular and award-winning Winter Garden Farmer’s Market has its origins in an earlier version organized by Main Street Winter Garden in the early 1990s. Grants provided by the Main Street program helped small cities revitalize their deteriorating downtown districts, ultimately drawing attention — and shoppers — to architecturally significant historic districts. Main Street Winter Garden transformed into the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in 1994, which led to the preservation and resurrection of the Edgewater Hotel and the Garden Theatre.

The farmer’s market in the photograph was held near buildings that no longer exist, once located in the vicinity of today’s splash pad.

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.

Campus Field House. Addressing their classmates were the four valedictorians, Dana Tanner, Jeff Strickland, Shelley Wells and Matthew Vail. DPHS, the largest high school in Orange County, graduated about 650 students at the Orlando

Arena. Valedictorians were Kathi Brooks, Lara Davis and Catherine Comia.

Universal Studios Florida prepared for its opening day June 7 with convincing sets, exciting shows and a fully functional movie studio.

20 years ago

Nearly 1,700 students at West Orange and Dr. Phillips high schools graduated — WOHS at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex and DPHS at the TD Waterhouse Centre (formerly the Orlando Arena).

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

MAY 26, 1950 Most old print newspapers had a classified advertisement section toward the back, with ads submitted by residents looking to sell or buy items. Realtors advertised lots and homes for sale, and residents let readers know they had homes, apartments or rooms for rent. In the May 26, 1950, issue of Winter Garden Times, one could find some great deals: a house with five rooms, two garages and two upstairs apartments for $7,500; a lovely four-room, one-bath place for $4,500 on Lake Butler; or a threebedroom home, furnished, for $50 per month.

85 years ago

The Charles R. Drew Training Center in Winter Garden held its first graduation exercises in the school’s library. The commencement speaker was William S. Maxey, retired principal of the former Drew High School.

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REAL ESTATE

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Windermere estate sells for $1.1 million A

home in the Butler Bay community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 14 to 21.

The home at 3105 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold May 15, for $1.1 million. Built in 1990, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,092 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $268.82.

Days on market: 26.

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

HORIZON WEST

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 13722 Darchance Road, Windermere, sold May 15, for $328,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,835 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.75.

Days on market: Three.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 6112 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $385,000. Built in 2015,

This Butler Bay home, at 3105 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold May 15, for $1.1 million. This home is situated on more than an acre of shoreline on Lake Crescent.

it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,153 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.11.

Days on market: 161.

The home at 6849 Point Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 18, for $307,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,186 square feet. The price per square foot is $140.44. Days on market: 157.

The home at 15623 Braintree Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 18, for $320,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,788 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.97. Days on market: 15.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12841 Droxford Road, Windermere, sold May 14, for $419,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,963 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.41. Days on market: 27.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8056 Wood Sage Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $400,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,614 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.02.

Days on market: Nine.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8262 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $318,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet.

The price per square foot is $188.72. Days on market: One. WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 11615 Snail Kite Way, Windermere, sold May 14, for $364,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,139 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.17. Days on market: Two.

OAKLAND

JOHNS COVE

The home at 1007 Johns Cove Lane, Oakland, sold May 15, for $405,000. Built in 2002, it has

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four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,619 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.64.

Days on market: Five.

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 482 Orionvista Way, Oakland, sold May 20, for $500,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,391 square feet. The price per square foot is $113.87.

Days on market: One. The home at 483 Orionvista Way, Oakland, sold May 18, for $425,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,356 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.64.

Days on market: Two. OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1775 White Feather Loop, Oakland, sold May 16, for $325,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,838 square feet. The price per square foot is $176.82. Days on market: Nine.

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 47 High Sale Price: $1.1 million Low Sale Price: $139,000

OCOEE

LAKE SHORE GARDENS

The home at 445 Stinnett Drive, Ocoee, sold May 18, for $267,800. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,984 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.98.

Days on market: One. MCCORMICK WOODS

The home at 507 Belle Fern Court, Ocoee, sold May 21, for $338,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,710 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.72. Days on market: Eight.

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 2835 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold May 21, for $460,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths, a pool and 3,161

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OrangeObserver.com

in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,065 square feet. The price per square foot is $242.86. Days on market: 117.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 11449 Wakeworth St., Orlando, sold May 14, for $505,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,290 square feet. The price per square foot is $117.72.

Days on market: 53.

WEST ORANGE PROVIDENCE

The home at 13532 Zori Lane, Windermere, sold May 15, for $449,900. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,813 square feet. The price per square foot is $159.94.

Days on market: 32.

The home at 8453 Woburn Court, Windermere, sold May 19, for $520,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,803 square feet. The price per square foot is $185.52. Days on market: 63.

WINTER GARDEN CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1947 Jean Marie Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $384,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,448 square feet. The price per square foot is $111.37. Days on market: 65.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 13844 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $330,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet. The price per square foot is $166.75. Days on market: 26.

WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE

The home at 16755 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $842,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,451 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.17.

Days on market: Eight.

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The home at 1065 Orange Wharf Court, Winter Garden, sold May 18, for $346,500. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,867 square feet. The price per square foot is $185.59.

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Take a look at this 3 Bdrm. 2 Ba. home before it is GONE...Open the door to the tiled foyer, living room and family room floors have been upgraded with beautiful WOOD LAMINATE. Delightful kitchen with every convenience and tiled flooring... Split bedroom plan, master bedroom is adjoined by REMODELED master bath.

On the other side of the house is the remodeled guest bath centered around the other two bedrooms. Just off the family room open the door to the covered and screened large patio complete with ceiling fans. Open the door from your screened patio to a concrete pad that is perfect fit for your grill... the large fenced back yard also features a storage shed. ASKING ONLY $220,000

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Three bright, bedrooms all down the hall. This home was built in 1959 with almost 1600 sq. ft. heated) total sq.ft.3724,.MOTIVATED SELLER, bring your highest and best offer. Asking Only $250,000

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The home at 306 Robyns Glenn Road, Ocoee, sold May 21, for $274,990. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,011 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.74. Days on market: Nine.

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The home at 11243 Via Andiamo, Windermere, sold May 19, for $412,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,521 square feet. The price per square foot is $163.43. Days on market: 26.

LE

The home at 413 Dunoon St., Ocoee, sold May 15, for $329,900.

Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,861 square feet. The price per square foot is $177.27. Days on market: Seven.

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square feet. The price per square foot is $145.52. Days on market: 134.

The home at 15315 Harrowgate Way, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $285,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,712 square feet. The price per square foot is $166.47. Days on market: Nine.

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The home at 510 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $313,500. Built in 1955, it has two bedrooms, one-andone-half baths and 1,137 square feet. The price per square foot is $275.73. Days on market: 11.

This Waterside on Johns Lake home, at 16755 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $842,000. It features unobstructed views of the lake from the living room and kitchen.

11

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

PLEASANT PARK

Photos courtesy of zillow.com

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Wolverine seniors to take Victor E. Lap Windermere High School will honor its Class of 2020 with a Victor E. Lap at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the school.

Graduates are invited to take one last lap around the school and say goodbye.

Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and wear caps and gowns.

Parents are welcome to ride in the cars. However, outside vehicles and spectators will not be permitted. Seniors must be present in their vehicles, and gates will not open until 6 p.m.

DPHS announces checkout schedule Dr. Phillips High School will conduct its underclassmen checkout from 9 to 11 a.m. in the school’s bus loop. Checkouts will be staggered according to grade level and last name, as follows: Juniors: A through M, Monday, June 8; N through Z, Tuesday, June 9 Sophomores: A through M, Wednesday, June 10; N through Z, Thursday, June 11 Freshmen: A through M, Monday, June 15; N through Z, Tuesday, June 16 Checkout will include digital device return (if you are not returning to DPHS next year); textbook return; obligation payment; JROTC uniform return; band/ orchestra instrument return and locker clear-out; PE locker clear-out; yearbook pickup; and yearbook purchase for $90 (cash or credit).

For graduating seniors, Dr. Phillips High School also will host a Senior Drive-Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28. For more information, visit the school’s “Seniors Seniors Seniors” page at bit.ly/2X1fvfL.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

12

THOMAS LIGHTBODY

WEST ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS If you live within the West Orange High School bubble, then you know Thomas Lightbody. For the last eight years, Lightbody has served as the go-to photographer for the school in every way possible — shooting band concerts and sporting events. When he’s not taking photos for the school, Lightbody also operates his own photo company, TK Photography.

What do you love most about your school?

West Orange is family — once a Warrior always a Warrior. There is truly no place like it.

What brought you to West Orange?

My daughter attended WOHS almost eight years ago as a freshman, and me not being one to sit in the stands somehow convinced the band director (Kenneth) Boyd to let me photograph the band from the sidelines. And the rest, I guess you could say, is history.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Being front and center for amazing moments in time — whether it be a game-winning touchdown or a trumpet player playing side-byside on the same stage while his father conducts him. Being able to document those moments is truly priceless.

sit back and truly enjoy the game or show, letting me take the pictures and capture the moments for them.

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

There are so many. A softball parent made me a “Photographer of the Year” trophy once, and recently, a band parent brought me back an official photographer/media vest from the London New Year’s Day parade that I was unable to attend.

There are simply too many to mention. The kids, faculty and parents of WOHS are incredible.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Spare time? What is that? I am not familiar with that phrase. My spare time is spent volunteering at the WOHS agriscience yard with my wife and the ag kids, usually with the cows or in the greenhouse.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to go to Southeast Asia, because of the food and the incredible sites to photograph.

If you could meet anyone — past or present — who would it be and why?

I would love to see my grandmother Lightbody again. She passed when I was very young, and I would love to cook with her and play Scrabble with her and my grandfather.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

I once took a photograph of the West Orange painted senior parking lot that was featured all over the world — including People Magazine — and, to date, has been viewed in the neighborhood of 10 million times.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

The smile on a kid’s face when they see a photograph I took or a banner I designed is priceless and makes all of the hard work worth it. I want West Orange parents to be able to

What fun talents do you possess?

Not sure if fun, but I have been told I have the ability to be in the right place at the right time to capture the moments with my camera most likely to make a parent cry.

REPORT CARD

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

POSITION: Photographer TIME AT SCHOOLS: Eight years

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.

— TROY HERRING

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

13

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Foundation seniors turn tassels S

aturday, May 23, was a big day for the seniors at Foundation Academy as they walked across the stage and officially graduated from high school. Families were seated according to social-distancing guidelines, and students — wearing Foundation Academy face masks — were allowed on the stage one at a time.

Each received a rose to give his or her mother, a senior Bible and a diploma cover. Family photos were taken in commemoration.

Upper School Principal Sarah Reynolds said the Class of 2020 has been called the “chaos class” because these students were born around the time of 9/11 and are graduating during a pandemic. But, she said, this class should be known as the class of resilience and perseverance.

Grace Langhoff gave the salutatorian address.

Madison Bailey accepted her senior Bible from Foundation Academy President David Buckles.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Families were spaced six feet apart during the Foundation Academy graduation ceremony.

Left: Foundation Academy’s Class of 2020 valedictorian, Elijah Young, addressed his classmates during commencement exercises.

Brian and Betsy Trinder celebrated the graduation of their son, Bailey.

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Sit Down, but Stay Moving!

Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times… NOT! Sitting in a chair doesn’t mean you can’t keep moving. Whether you’re sitting all day at the office, seated in a waiting room, or commuting long distances in a plane, train, or car; you can stay active and stretch your body! Our friend Teresa Bartko can show you how!

Learn more at HealthyWestOrange.org

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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

Hornets take flight at eighth-grade parade Horizon West Middle eighth-graders were the center of attention during the parade.

Left: The Horizon West Hornet danced and waved during the celebration.

Eighth-grade science teacher Bill Wroe went with a science motif as he cheered on students during the parade.

H

orizon West Middle School celebrated its graduating eighth-graders during a parade in the school’s parking lot Thursday, May 21.

For a solid hour — from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — a long line of cars decked out in balloons and thank-you posters carried students through the winding parking lots as teachers and staff lined the way — celebrating their students.

— TROY HERRING

Debbie Wilson, the school’s attendance and records clerk, waved a sign wishing graduating eighth-graders good luck.

Left: With the coronavirus keeping students away from schools, Horizon West Middle celebrated its graduating eighth-graders with their own parade.

ONLINE

See more at OrangeObserver.com

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S D A R G S T A R CONG The Observer will celebrate West Orange’s public and private high school graduates in the Class of 2020 special section.

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The Observer has created a special Graduation section for the Class of 2020. For the first time, we worked with the seniors themselves to give them a chance to leave their unique fingerprints on this commemorative edition.

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We know we can’t replace everything our seniors lost,

MAY 28, 2020

SPORTS

Shelby Sorrells, a graduating senior at Olympia, was a defensive stalwart for the girls water polo team. Page 16.

Back to the

grindstone

Brent Couch got in some time on a rowing machine during an early-afternoon workout.

After months of being closed down, gyms around the area are reopening while continuing to face the trials and tribulations of the coronavirus pandemic.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

A

mid the darkness brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, this is a day of celebration for Lee and Alexis Lovette.

It’s Monday, May 25, and the couple — who own and operate CrossFit Winter Garden — stand in their new shrine to fitness.

During this grand opening of their facility on Carter Road — across from Windermere Collision Center — a sense of relief can be

felt. The weight of being without a proverbial home has been lifted from their shoulders.

The Lovettes, like every other gym owner in the state, have dealt with the virus head-on. That fight nearly cost them the business they had worked so hard to build up.

“We actually were forced out by our landlords during this,” Lee Lovette said. “They never offered to help us. Even when rent was three or four days late, they sent notices of eviction — three-day

Photos by Troy Herring

Lee Lovette, left, guided Andrew Ocegueda through a workout during CrossFit Winter Garden’s grand opening Monday, May 25.

SEE AREA PAGE 16

Little Leagues cancel seasons, Squeeze still on Both Windermere Little League and Winter Garden Little League canceled their seasons, but the Winter Garden Squeeze will start the FCSL season next month.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

File photo

In the span of five days, the world of local youth baseball and softball came crashing down when both Windermere Little League and Winter Garden Little League announced they had shut down their respective seasons.

Windermere Little League was the first to cancel its season with a Facebook post Friday, May 15. The decision to cancel the season was

difficult, but it was being done in the interest of safety and because of the uncertainty of when — and if — recreation sports will be cleared to play, the post said.

“The WLL Board of Directors has been monitoring the impacts of COVID-19,” league officials said in the post. “After pausing for the last two weeks to evaluate the current environment, possible playing options, steps we would need to implement to manage safety and solicit input from local gov-

ernment and health leaders, the WLL Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel the remainder of our Spring 2020 Regular Season.”

The call to end the season came just over two weeks after Little League canceled its World Series and Regionals for the first time in its history.

For Rex Smith, who coaches the majors softball team, it’s a tough blow for both the kids and coaches — the latter of whom tried their best to get the rest of the season in.

“It’s just so disappointing for the kids who were playing,” Smith SEE YOUTH PAGE 16

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

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

Shelby Sorrells A graduating senior at Olympia, Shelby Sorrells just finished her four years with the girls water polo team. As a utility player, she played wherever she was needed, but it was back at center defender where she really hit her stride as she helped lead the defense.

When and how did you first get into water polo?

I started playing toward the end of middle school because my older sister was playing for our high school team, and our coach was looking for middle-school kids to try and start a 14-and-under team.

(Because) I was a sibling, she reached out to me.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Senior AGE: 18 SPORT: Water polo POSITION: Utility

for six minutes, you know?”

So that’s motivation every game.

Since you first started at Olympia, what has been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself relating to your game?

Definitely in the beginning of my freshman year, I was really timid every time I played, and I would be really scared and didn’t even want that much playing time. Now, I’ve become more of a primary player and starter — I love getting playing time. I’ve definitely become one of our more aggressive players — to the point to where my coach wished I was a little less aggressive sometimes.

What is your favorite part about your position?

Moving around to every position is interesting, because it takes practice to learn do each one — the offense and the defense for each one is different. Center defender is my favorite position — that is in the middle, right in front of the cage — and it’s usually defending some of the biggest players on the other team. I’m really defensive-oriented.

What is the most challenging part about your position?

I’m usually smaller than the opponents I’m playing on, so (because) I don’t have as much strength as them, usually I have to use more skill.

That position took a lot of time to build up the skills for.

Do you have a highlight moment for you that stands out during your time at Olympia?

I’d say winning districts my junior year last year, because that was a really big moment for us because we had lost districts the year before.

Being able to come back and beat the team that had beaten us the year before was very special to all of us, and I got to play with my best friend, so that was a lot of fun.

You’ll be attending the University of Florida in the fall.

What are you most excited about?

They have a really successful club team there, so honestly one of the things I’m really looking forward to is to join their club team, because I don’t want to give up water polo. My best friend and teammate, Sofia Dahlmann, is also going there, so I’m just looking forward to getting to keep playing with her — especially (because) we didn’t get to have a final game together in high school.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about your sport?

(Coach) always tells us to just believe in ourselves, and that we are capable of doing what we want to do. She also always says you can do anything for six minutes, because that’s how long each quarter is. Even if we feel like we’re dying, she’ll just be like, “You guys can do anything

— TROY HERRING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

said. “We tried so hard to make it work, but by the time the governor’s announcement came out, the seasons had ended — because they end in May. Then Little League International … canceled all the summer AllStar activities, and so really, they canceled everything that would have happened over the summer.”

Two days before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all restrictions on youth activities Friday, May 22, Winter Garden Little League followed suit by canceling its season.

In a Facebook post, the Winter Garden Little League Board of Directors noted the decision to cancel the season wasn’t easy, but it was the only logical choice.

“While all options were reviewed and considered, we found this to be the best for the overall health and safety of our players, their families and our volunteers,” league officials said in its post.

No matter where you turn, there’s a lot of disappointment

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Keeping up higher sanitation standards isn’t that hard, said Mike Willey, general manager and coach at D1 Training in Dr. Phillips.

It also helps that the D1 facility is new. It had been open for about 30 days before the pandemic forced its doors shut.

“We are a brand-new facility,” Willey said. “If you’re looking for someplace clean and organized, there is nothing newer than us.

Worrying about things being dirty or being an environment for germs isn’t really a big concern.”

The bigger concern for Willey was having a new facility shut down almost as soon as it had opened. D1 had to freeze a majority of its memberships — meaning there was no money coming in. Because of the freeze, some members dropped, leaving the gym with only 13.

Willey said he and his members were elated when they learned D1 would be allowed to reopen.

Youth sports dealt blow by virus

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“I thought, ‘Let’s go!’” Willey said. “Finally — we had a lot of stuff planned and in the pipeline ready to rock and roll. Our grand opening was scheduled to happen that weekend we got closed, so it was a relief to finally be open.”

D1 opened Monday, May 18, and like CrossFit Winter Garden, it will be sanitized frequently.

Furthermore, staff also will be conducting temperature checks with a laser thermometer of everyone who enters the facilities.

Willey said there has been a decent turnout, but the hope is that people start warming back up to coming to the gym, which hopefully will be aided by D1 holding special discounts.

And there is a bigger hope that goes beyond just surviving and making money, Willey said. It’s also as much about helping to keep people healthy so they are better equipped to fight the virus and slow its spread.

“Here, you’re working out, and obviously that’s going to keep you healthier,” Willey said. “If you’re coming here three days a week like we’d like you to, your chances of getting it are very low from my knowledge and my understanding. I think it’s very important for just a general health and wellbeing standpoint, but also to keep your immune system up — it’s huge.”

all the way around with everything being officially over, said Adam Bates — who coaches baseball in the league.

“I was hoping the league would do something — let them play,” Bates said. “It’s important to play through your 12-year-old year. But then you get into family vacations, and what do you do when you show up and teams don’t have enough kids — people are in bad spots. There’s just so many moving parts to all of this.”

However, both Windermere Little League and Winter Garden Little League are exploring options for opportunities to play again in group settings.

SQUEEZE AWAIT NEW SEASON

While Little League is officially done, the Florida Collegiate Summer League is still on — though there will be some differences.

This season, the Winter Garden Squeeze — along with the league’s other teams — will start up a two-week preseason on June 15 before beginning a 30-game season the week of June 29.

Along with a jam-packed

schedule, rosters have been expanded, and the league will be divided into two divisions.

Division I is for elite players who were invited by the league, while Division II is open registration for players who are currently on a college roster, have been a committed 2020 high school senior or are attending a post-grad program with proven collegiate ability.

The biggest change is there will be no use of host families for players because to the possible costs associated with regular COVID-19 testing for both players and the host families.

Despite the changes, Bates — who serves as the general manager of the Squeeze — believes this season, the league may see some of the best baseball it has ever seen.

“We’re one of only a handful of leagues playing,” Bates said.

“We’re getting some very talented, local kids (who) would go and play in some of the bigger leagues. … These kids are going to be amped up, because they didn’t get any innings during the spring.”

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notices to vacate — and they were extremely, extremely horrible to us during this time.

“We were forced out, but God works in mysterious ways, and an amazing spot became available,” he said. “It’s absolutely perfect for us — we’re saving a lot of money and we’re charging on.”

The space they had occupied — next to Mosaic Church in Winter Garden — now sits empty as the Lovettes celebrate a quasi-rebirth in the newer, smaller space.

Luckily for the Lovettes, the gym’s opening couldn’t have come at a better time, as gyms and fitness centers around the state are reopening after being given the OK by Gov. Ron DeSantis as part of the Full Phase One plan that went into effect Monday, May 18.

As a part of the reopening process, gyms are required to operate only up to 50% capacity while also maintaining stringent cleaning practices such as wiping down machines and weights after use. For places such as gyms, which have been among the hardest-hit businesses the last few months, owners are amenable to the new rules — mainly because they always have been a clean-centric business, Lee Lovette said.

“Our sanitation guidelines

and procedures were already in place before coronavirus hit,” Lee Lovette said. “So when it hit, people were like, ‘Oh, are you sanitizing everything?’ Well, we have never not sanitized everything. Me being as OCD as I am with my gym, with my programming and with my equipment, it wasn’t much of a change.”

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✳ Cosmetic Clear Braces ✳Sedation Pain Free Injections ✳ Accepting Patients ✳Dentistry Accepting New Patients ✳ Cosmetic Clear Braces ✳ Pain Free Inje Accepting New Patients Serving West Orange County for 18 years ✳ Dental Implants ✳New ✳✳ Accepting New Patients ✳ Accepting New Patients ✳ Accepting New Patients ✳ Cosmetic Clear Braces Pain Free Injections 213 S Dillard St.,St., Suite 140 213 St., Suite 140 213 Dillard Suite 140✳S Dillard 213 SS Dillard St., Suite 140 Garden, FLFL 34787 Winter Garden, FL 34787 ✳ Accepting New Patients Winter Garden, 34787 213Winter S Dillard St., Suite 140 213 S Dillard St., Suite 140 Winter Garden, FL 34787

Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 OfficeGarden, Hours: Mon: 8-4 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Winter FL 34787 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 213 S Dillard St., Suite 140 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Winter Garden, FL1-5 34787 Fri: 7-1 Fri: 7-1for Your Fri: 7-1 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & Tues-Thurs: 8-12 &Appointment!

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Fri: 7-1 Call Today Appointment!

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

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OBSERVER

friends who are missionaries in Africa.

After college, he became a very successful entrepreneur in The Villages.

He was a member of Mosaic Church and is remembered as an extremely passionate, honorable and giving young man who loved his friends and family and whose loyalty, honesty and work ethic was admired by all who knew him.

He is survived by his mother, Sarah; his father, Jack; his brother, Gabriel; and his sister, Lauren.

His memorial service and favorite charitable causes can be found at gehrigchambless.com.

Lifelong Oakland resident Gehrig William Chambless passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020, at the age of 21.

He grew up on Oakland Avenue, where he was a homeschool student. He played both football and baseball for Legacy Charter High School, where he holds numerous records — including the national highschool record for most triples in a game. He played college baseball for Palm Beach State and was a graduate of Valencia College, where he served as an editor and contributor to the Phoenix literary magazine.

He was passionate about the outdoors, having spent much of his life camping, hiking and canoeing all over the United States and Canada. He served as a volunteer at the Oakland Nature Preserve and was a member of multiple National Park Junior Ranger programs and avid defender of human rights causes, giving freely of his resources to the International Justice Mission and his

Glenn Marion Glass died Thursday, May 21, 2020. BaldwinFairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Evelyn Elsie Lawing, 83, died Saturday, May 16, 2020. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.

Danh Tran, 53, died Saturday, May 23, 2020. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

John Allan Harris, 67, Winter Garden, died Monday, May 18, 2020. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.

Linda Joyce McNew, 75, Ocoee, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.

Joaquin L. Morillo, 72, died Sunday, May 24, 2020. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

Virginia Healan, 91, Winter Garden, died Thursday, May 14, 2020. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Pauline Joan Vialet, 74, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Donna Verniel Allen, 99, died Thursday, May 21, 2020. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

Chunilall Katwaru, 80, died Monday, May 25, 2020. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

Joan Beatrice Weston, 87, died Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Ocoee. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Eleanor L. Dowd, 85, died Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha.

17

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

We’ll take the first step with you

Direct Cremation $750 plus container

921 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola, FL One block north of Citrus Tower (352) 394-8228 I www.CremationChoicesfl.com

334451-1

GEHRIG WILLIAM CHAMBLESS DIED APRIL 26, 2020.

|

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

1333 East Crown Point rd. oCoEE, FL 34761 “thE stonE thE buiLdErs rEjECtEd is now thE CornErstonE.” –Psalms 118:22

334444-1

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

@Observerorange

Family Owned & Operated

Full service funeral provider with onsite crematory.

FRANK SCARLATA

All inclusive direct cremation only $795 Burial starting at $2,295

Pre-Planner

TODD DEGUSIPE Director/Owner

334431-1

Director/Manager

COLLEEN GILLIS

“Because You Care” (407) 695-CARE (2273)

www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com

MAITLAND 9001 N. Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32771

SANFORD 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, FL 32771

OCOEE 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd Ocoee, FL 34761

Let Us Tell The Story of Your Life

Winter Garden’s ONLY family owned funeral home.

We Proudly Offer 334441-1

Traditional Burial and Cremation Services Prearranged Funeral Services

UNIONTOWN 65 N. Gallitan Ave Uniontown, PA 15401

Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden 407-656-2233 I www.BaldwinFairchild.com I 428 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU

407-614-8350

Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is a proud fixture of Windermere and West Orange County. We have built our homes and reputations here.

We are here for you.

795

Direct Cremation for:

$

Including the alternative container.

Call for details.

“Home of the area’s first certified therapy dog.

Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!

Let her be YOUR Superhero!”

1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 LIC #F080822

407-877-6700

1148 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, Fl careyhand.com 5.092”x4” Collison_Rob’19

334387-1

We make it personal.®

334442-1

www.winteroakfuneralhome.com

Robert Bittle

Funeral Director In Charge

CLASSIFIEDS

achieve the Master Work.”

– Paulo Coelho Puzzle Two Solution: “Reality is never as bad as a nightmare, as the mental tortures we inflict on ourselves.”

– Sammy Davis Jr.

This week’s Sudoku answers

Thursday, May 28, 2020

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • EMAIL: classifieds@orangeobserver.com • ONLINE: www.orangeobserver.com DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash,Puzzle Check orOne Credit Card Solution:

Merchandise Wanted

Announcements

HOME FOR SALE or lease - 2 bd, 2 ba home in Hyde Park 55+ community in Winter Garden.

1440sq ft living space plus sunroom. $49,900 OBO or $1,250/mo to rent. Call 352-267-7566. dv5/28

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

NOW PURCHASING

SCRAP BATTERIES

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121

334527

407-656-3495

Pets

AMERICAN BULLY Dogs puppies for sale $2,570 Included items: Registered/Registerable, Current vaccinations, Veterinarian examination, Health certificate, Health guarantee, Pedigree. Serious buyer should Email: victorlarry07@outlook.com 6/4vl

Or email us at

advertisenow@ orangeobserver.com

Announcements

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “It’s only those who are persistent and “It’s only those who are persistent and willing to study things deeply, who willing to study things deeply, who achieve the Master Work.” achieve the Master Work.”

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers – Paulo Coelho – Paulo Coelho Puzzle One Solution: Puzzle Two Solution: Puzzle Twothose Solution: “It’s only who are persistent and “Reality is never as bad as a nightmare, “Reality is never as baddeeply, as a nightmare, willing to study things who as the mental tortures we inflict on asachieve the mental tortures we inflict on the Master Work.” ourselves.”

– Sammy Davis Jr. ourselves.”

– Sammy Jr. – PauloDavis Coelho ©2020 NEA, Inc. Puzzle Two Solution: This week’s Sudoku answers “Reality is never as bad as a nightmare, This week’s Sudoku answers This week’s Crossword answers as the mental tortures we inflict on ourselves.”

– Sammy Davis Jr.

LV16621

Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in an Observer Media Group publication to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

This week’s Sudoku answers

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Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

Orlando: 407-755-0012

For more information contact (407) 247-8595 335283

Help Wanted

SELL IT!

CONSUMER INFORMATION Specialist - Operates the new Healthy User Bulletin Board (HUBB) reThis week’s Crossword answers source center, Winter Garden. Works with resource agencies that enable consumers to have a healthy lifestyle. Creates communications, conducts presentations, handles consumer telephone and inperson inquiries. Fluent in English and Spanish.

Clinical health experience. Minimum of an Associate’s degree. West Orange County resident preferred. Send resume to kpeach@hcecf.org. 6/4kp

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Delivered directly to your home or business

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more!

2020

This week’s Crossword answers

334529

12552 SCOTTISH PINE LANE (GREATER PINES) CLERMONT

This week’s Crossword answers

©2020 NEA, Inc.

Fast Easy Certification

FRI. MAY 29 + SAT. MAY 30

All Proceeds Benefit the Read to Sydney Organization to Distribute Books to Local Children. Read to Sydney is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization.

©2020 NEA, Inc.

You NOW get the dry flower to

SMOKE!

407-656-2121

407-656-2121

2020

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY 2020

LV11098

334525

Health & Medical

2020

AUTO SERVICE

AUTO SERVICE

334532

334533

AUTO SERVICE

BRAKE PAD SALE

BMW 3 Series Mercedes C-Class

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95 $

179.95 $199.95 $

Mercedes E-Class

Full Synthetic Oil Service ONLY

89.95

$

Includes up to Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 6/30/20

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

TFN

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

407-656-1817

TFN

Y L L A C O L E S I T ADVER 1

2 1 2 6 5 6 7 0 OM 4 .C .

S E L M I L T O A C DS@W E I F I S S A L OR EMAIL: C

334534

See store for details

334538

STRESS

FREE

Financing

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

|

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO SERVICE

CONSTRUCTION

19

LV11098

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

REALTORS

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

NEW CONSTRUCTION INTERIOR BUILDOUTS

REG# MV-01095

Phone 407-656-6646

Office: 352-394-5364 www.weberbuild.com

334539

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

CATERING

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

FIRE TECH

“A luxury everyone can afford!”

• Chicken • Ribs • Pork • Beef • Small & Large Orders • Catering

ROOFING 334530

Willie’s Bar-B-Que

635 W. Hwy 50, Clermont weber @weberbuild.com

EXTINGUISHER

SERVICE

Willie J. Fulmore Owner

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

We make Old Fashioned, Texas Style BBQ!

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

334535

A portion of the profits help to fund Homeless Women and Children.

17436 7th Street • 407-469-0060 Call today FL to reserve Montverde, 34756your space

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

TFN

334536

TFN

333965

Residential & Commercial Construction Rick Weber ‧ Brooks Weber License #CBC1253779

334091

Serving Central Florida Since 1972

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

407-656-6075 Open Friday and Saturday • 11 am until 7 pm

VIRUS & SPYWARE WinterREMOVAL Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING

FREE ESTIMATES

DESIGNERS & CRAFTERS 334537

334988

TFN

Serving Our Community for 30 Years

USINESS B R U O Y W O GR rve your space

407-656-7986

se Call today to re 407-656-2121

WWW.SIGNFACTS.COM

Your ad here!

407-656-2121

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

DIRECTORY

- BUSINESS HERE’S MY CARD

TRAYWICEK'S

FLOORING

AUTO SERVICE

GARA•WinGter Garden

TFN

$...

TFN

ET RP From CA talled

407-656-1817

l: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com www.gsairsystems.com emai e #CAC1814407

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

Licens

Battery Testing and Replacement

on Call for a FREE estimate t.

Equipment Replacemen ed credit

We offer financing with approv

Transmission and Engine Repair

Scheduled Maintenance

Ray Cornell Jr. Doug Gallinger

301016

Licensed & Insured - State

Working Owners

www.r-dauto.com

Computerized Diagnostics

WATERPROOF

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Telephone: (407) 614-3827 om rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.c

FLOORING T E • WAT E R P R O O F CARPET • LAMINA

407-614-5027

Ocoee, FL 34761 11159 W Colonial Dr. • g.com IntegrityLaminateFloorin

Estimates

HOME SERVICES

298995

MADE IN THE USA

CALL FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION TODAY!

Serving Orlando & Surrounding Areas

iumShutters.com 407-415-7185 • OrlandoPrem

- 5PM

PAINTING

407-656-4707

ww w.b udg etu pul lit. com

ONLY

89.95

301027

See store for details

SA LE Full Synthetic BR AK E PA Dedes C-Class Oil Service BMW 3 Series Merc

302117

• All Engines $200.00 each each • All Transmissions $100.00 • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

STRESS

$

Custom measured, designed, manufactured and installed by shutter experts.

34787 Street • Winter Garden, FL

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM

FREE

179.95 Mercedes E-Class $199.95

3.3" x 1" starting at $28.00 3.3" x 2" starting at $33.00 3.3" x 4" starting at $55.00

S

ORLANDO PREMIUM SHUTTER ers!

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

Financing

$

4

$ 99/ sq. ft.

The best shutt The best prices!

With the best warranty!

881 S. 9th

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95

/ sq . ft.

Tires and Alignments

Tune-Ups and General Repair

In House Towing Available

AUTO SERVICE

Includes up to 7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Parts and Labor.

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Expires 3/31/19.

Not valid with any other offers.

Tax and recycling fees are extra.

PEST CONTROL

Center” “Your Complete Service ter Garden, FL 34787 10 West Story Rd. Win 1095 MV-0 REG#

ie Hud

Richard Hudson • Regg

Willie’s Bar-B-Que Beef

“A luxury everyone can afford!”

• Chicken • Ribs • Pork • • Small & Large Orders • Catering

Style BBQ! We make Old Fashioned, Texas s Women and Children.

A portion

PET SERVICES

l Puppy Dreams Pet Hoe te

Willie J. Fulmore Owner

Homeles of the profits help to fund

407-469-0060 17436 7th Street •FL 6 Montverde, 3475until 7 pm day • 11 am Open Friday and Satur

CONSTRUCTION

from hom Your pet’s home away ty

301015

Tires • Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG

TFN

302828

CATERING

a unique no-cage facili boarding daycare and overnight

(407) 654-8885

TFN

703 S. Vineland Rd. 7 Winter Garden, FL 3478

301030

TFN

Phone 407-656-6646 son

301029

$

Three Business Card Sizes to choose from:

3 59

$

...

Fully Installed From...

301025

OPERATED –

268 407.296.9622 407.877.6

1

Full LAMIN y In stall ATE ed F rom

. ft. / sq

s

1045 S. Vineland Rd. nment • New and Used Tires • Alig • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

-FAMILY OWNED &

99

y In Full

301021

AIR CONDITIONING

LV11098

|

301035

OBSERVER

301014

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

301017

22

s.com

Color included on all ads!

Publishes every Thursday, and deadlines Friday the week prior.

20

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020

INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY SUPPORT

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Caring for Your Family Like Our Family

Windermere Union Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Windermere (407) 876-2112 Adult Worship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom NON-DENOMINATIONAL 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee Purpose Church Orlando (407) 656-8011 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m.

Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m.

Saturday Service: 6 p.m. purposechurchorlando.org

o t d e e N u o Y n e h W . t r a p A y l e f a S Stay During these times, we’re thankful that we can care for our residents while providing them comfort and peace of mind in the community they love.

Their friends and families are thankful, too, and have been expressing appreciation to our team.

Here is just a bit of what they have to share: “Great efforts are given to give the residents the best care. This is an outstanding place to live.”

For those ready to make long lasting changes in their life Matthew’s Hope offers the Moving Forward Program which offers the following and more.

“They take very good care of my mother.”

Live Well. Age Well. Be Well.

TEXT

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 TO DONATE

This is a secure site for giving

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

or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

407-258-1222 AzpiraWindermere.com

335361-1

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

CALL (407) 656-2121

Contact us today to schedule a virtual visit.

13798 Speer Island Drive | Windermere, FL 34786 A Pathway to Living® Community

333850-1

Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool Resume Building Employment Daycare Education Legal Credit Counseling Debt Reduction

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Moving Forward Program Offerings