06.06.19 West Orange Observer

W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 37

Unicorp announces plans for The Mark The Mark shopping center will feature more than 100,000 square feet of retail space in Horizon West’s Village F.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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CRUSADE

Developer plans new shopping plaza

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A grocer, restaurants and many other retailers are potentially coming to a new shopping center in Horizon West’s Village F. Plans for a grocery-anchored retail center, called The Mark, include more than 112,000 square feet of in-line and outparcel space. It is located off Seidel Road and Seton Creek Boulevard. The Mark is also just a mile away from the intersection of Seidel Road and State Road 429, as well as the future relief high school and elementary school sites.

“It’s been an approved project for some time, and it was previously owned by Disney, but we just acquired the

The Lake Buena Vista Springs project would include 25,000 square feet of retail space.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Residents in the Lake Buena Vista area could have a shopping center coming their way in the near future, should a proposed project pass two rounds of county review.

That project, known as Lake

SEE DEVELOPER PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN COUNTY TO HOST 2019 TOWN HALL

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Sunset Park students shine at talent show.

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DANIELLE HENDRIX

Orange County officials will hold a Horizon West Town Hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Windermere High School, 5523 Winter GardenVineland Road, Windermere.

Representatives from the area’s emergency services, Orange County Public Schools and local government will be present. All officials will be available to answer questions.

The discussion likely will include infrastructure issues and school openings.

The meeting is one of three town halls conducted in District 1. The goal is to keep people in the community upto-date with changes going on in each particular area, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey said.

STUDENT SHOWCASE

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SPIN DOCTOR Meet Jack Reichwein, Keene’s Crossing’s hulahooping internet sensation.

PAGE 3 Troy Herring

Chris Van Dorn transforms into Batman, and his dog, Mr. Boots, becomes Robin.

Dr. Phillips High alumnus Chris Van Dorn moonlights as Batman, using his ‘Batmobile’ to transport animals in need to forever homes throughout Florida and beyond.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

THE GLEN FOSTER SHOW 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. It’s time for mayhem with award-winning comedy magician Glen Foster.

Recommended for lower and upper elementary. (407) 835-7323.

Garden. Explore downtown’s local shops and restaurants to win prizes, including tickets for two different WGFT events. This is part of the city’s Summer Sidewalk Sale.

MONDAY, JUNE 10

New plaza planned for 535 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Buena Vista Springs, would front Winter Garden-Vineland Road and span 6.23 acres. The entire SATURDAY, JUNE 8 property comprises 84.77 acres THIRD ANNUAL SECOND and is located west of South CHANCE PROM Apopka Vineland Road, north of 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Winter Garden-Vineland Road. the Jim Beech Recreation CenNeighbors gathered with ter, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee.

Orange County staff and the If you missed your high-school project applicant at Windermere prom or just want to make a High Monday, June 3, to discuss new prom memory, enjoy Mardi a future land-use map amendGras Magic, which includes dinment. The applicant wants to ner, dancing and a prom photo.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 change the FLUM designation Tickets are $60 per couple, 3D DESIGN MINECRAFT of 6.23 of the total acreage from $35 for singles. For tickets and CHARACTERS rural/agricultural to commerquestions, email 2chanceprom@ 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the cial. This also would require gmail.com.

Southwest Library, 7255 Della expansion of the county’s Urban Drive, Orlando. Children who love Services Area boundary.

MUD ROOSTER IN playing Minecraft will love this The change would allow WOOFSTOCK CONCERT class. They will learn to design for the development of up to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Yellow and draw their own Minecraft 25,000 square feet of commerDog Eats, 1236 Hempel Ave., character using 3D modeling cial uses. However, the appliGotha. Enjoy the sounds of Mud software. Ages 9 to 12. (407) cant is also requesting to change Rooster in this concert series at 835-7323. the FLUM designations of the the restaurant. (407) 296-0609. site’s remaining 78.54 acres from FAMILY TIME rural/agricultural and medium SUMMER SIDEWALK SALE WITH CHICK-FIL-A density residential to conserva11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, at tion. This would result in a con8, in Winter Garden’s downtown the Windermere Library, 530 servation overlay for that porhistoric district. Shops will be Main St. Meet the cow from tion of the property. open and offering a variety of Chick-fil-A for a moo-velous time Because the property comsales and specials, and there will of songs, games and storytelling. prises more than 10 acres, the be raffles and live music at the (407) 835-7323. request is considered a largegazebo throughout the day. The scale amendment and requires Winter Garden Art Association SPANISH BOOK CLUB two rounds of county review, is hosting a free children’s art 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at which includes transmittal pubproject at the SoBo Art Gallery. the Windermere Library, 530 lic hearings followed by adop(407) 656-4111.

Main St. Do you love literature, tion hearings. poetry and music? Would you Attorney Jonathan Huels, who WINTER GARDEN FOOD like to socialize with others who represented the project appliTOURS SCAVENGER HUNT share your interests? Join the cant at the meeting, explained 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, along Spanish-language book club. to attendees it is early in the Plant Street in downtown Winter (407) 835-7323. process and there is much more ORHW-0048 WindermereObserver HorizonW Half_10.375x8 FINAL.pdf 1 2/14/19 4:48 PM BASICS OF SELF-PUBLISHING 7 p.m. Monday, June 10, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Author Sarah Nicolas, aka Aria Kane, will help authors determine if self-publishing is a viable choice for them and jump start their understanding of the publishing process.

(407) 835-7323.

detail to come as the project moves forward. “(The applicant wants to) take a large bulk acreage and develop what’s on the frontage and for the remainder to go into conservation, in our mind in perpetuity,” he said. “At the end of the day, if it goes as proposed, (more than) 92% of the site would actually be preserved in its current condition with the county holding a conservation easement that would essentially take out all of the development rights.”

The proposal comes on the heels of the closing Crossroads of Lake Buena Vista shopping plaza, located along Palm Parkway.

It was announced early last year the Crossroads soon would be demolished as part of an Interstate 4 improvement project.

“One of the drivers to this proposed change, quite frankly, is what’s occurring down here in this corner at the Crossroads shopping center,” Huels said.

“There’s going to be additional pressures on this area for relocation of those retail uses. (The Crossroads) is 155,000 square feet of commercial and retail, and once those properties begin to shutter, we think we’re going to see additional development applications to relocate those properties.”

No one in attendance outright opposed the project, but some questioned the traffic impact, asking whether there were plans to widen Winter Garden-Vineland Road from two lanes to handle the extra traffic.

Orange County District 1

Commissioner Betsy VanderLey said although there are no plans currently to widen that road, developers always are required to work with the county to mitigate any impacts they have on traffic and schools.

“Anytime any development comes through the county, the developer has to work with our traffic engineering to determine what impacts they would make and make the necessary improvements that are required by them,” VanderLey said.

“When they get to the point where they have a firm plan and we understand what the traffic impacts will be, they’ll be required to improve that road appropriately.”

Some attendees asked whether the Lake Buena Vista Springs project included plans for a hotel. Huels said it was his understanding the applicant has no plans for a hotel, just 25,000 square feet of retail uses.

“We think it’s appropriate and compatible with the surrounding area,” Huels said. “It’s right across the street from the Grand Cypress project. … It is private property, so we’re trying to strike the balance between getting reasonable use out of it and also not trying to bulldoze acres (of wetlands).”

The Lake Buena Vista Springs project must go through the Local Planning Agency and Board of County Commissioners transmittal hearings July 18 and Aug. 6, respectively. It would then go to the LPA for adoption Oct. 17 and to the BCC Nov. 12.

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Wolverine Legacy Fund awards first scholarships DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When Windermere High opened, some of the themes that surrounded it immediately were plentiful: create new traditions, foster the Wolverine spirit and leave a legacy.

The school just graduated its inaugural senior class, but there is still another first to be celebrated — the Wolverine Legacy Fund recently awarded its first scholarships.

On May 17, the members of the legacy fund officially awarded six of those scholarships to Sava Glisic, Zoe Wong, Diego Chavez, Carter Zavada, Max McGouirk and Ryan Singh. In total, the fund has awarded 11 scholarships and five club grants.

Scholarships are funded primarily by the school’s diamond and sapphire sponsors. Businesses such as Tech Hero, Southern Realty and Central Florida Toyota were among the sponsors who made the scholarships possible.

John and Amy Ricketts, parents of a Wolverine themselves, own Tech Hero and were happy to get involved with the legacy fund.

“Being a technology company in Orlando, it seems like (when) interviewing people nowadays it’s hard to find qualified people,” John Ricketts said. “We definitely want to support anyone going into that field. That’s ultimately who we selected (for the scholarship), was people going into technology.”

To be eligible to receive a scholarship, students had to first meet certain criteria. The Legacy Scholarship in particular is only available to seniors and is awarded to students who display integrity, respect, a drive for excellence and a passion to leave a legacy for future Wolverines.

Among these criteria were participation in the CLAW mentorship program, completion of community-service hours, inter-

Windermere High School’s fund recently awarded its inaugural scholarships, another first for the young school.

Keene’s Crossing Elementary School has a budding YouTube star. Jack Reichwein, who went viral for his hula-hoop routine in his school talent show Wednesday, May 22.

The 9-year-old’s performance has had more than 66,000 views on Facebook, and the number keeps rising. Jack’s routine was done to the song “Cha-Cha Slide,” and the third-grader barely looked nervous.

The incoming fourth-grader said he practiced a whole summer teaching himself how to hulahoop. He was a little nervous at first but liked performing in front of all his friends at the talent show.

“It was cool,” he said while grinning and holding his blue hoop.

His friends liked his routine, he added.

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Would you like a do-over on prom?

STAFF WRITER

Danielle Hendrix

Diego Chavez, Ryan Singh, Carter Zavada, Zoe Wong, Max McGouirk and Sava Glisic received scholarships.

views with the scholarship committee and having a general good standing with Orange County Public Schools.

“For us, what we wanted (the Legacy Scholarship) to be was about mentorship and leaving a legacy, and leaving what we hope others will aspire to do and be in the community,” said Julie Sadlier, a member of the Wolverine Legacy Fund committee. “Of course their grades are fantastic, but we wanted to show character, because that’s what it’s all about — leaving a legacy and the character of the candidates that we chose.”

Sadlier and other members of the scholarship committee are always looking for more businesses and families who would like to donate and become sponsors. They hope to continue adding sponsors and growing the scholarship fund as the years go on.

“Our motto is, ‘It’s not what you take from the world, it’s what you leave behind,’ and that’s really the idea of what leaving a legacy is about,” said Jane Dunkelberger, another member of the Wolverine Legacy Fund committee.

WOLVERINE LEGACY FUND

The Wolverine Legacy Fund was established in 2017 to provide scholarship opportunities to the students at Windermere High. It also provides grants to the school’s clubs, classrooms, athletics and performing arts departments.

For more information on the fund or on sponsorship opportunities, visit facebook.com/ WHSLegacyFund or wolverinelegacyfund.blogspot.com.

Jack Reichwein, who has autism, showed his hooping skills online. His video now has more than 66,000 views.

STAFF INTERN

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

ERIC GUTIERREZ

Third-grader hulahoops to viral fame SARAH CAVACINI

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His mother, Kristen Price Reichwein, teaches fourth grade at Keene’s Crossing and was happy he did so well. It was the first time he had been in the talent show.

Jack has autism, but that doesn’t slow him down. He has taught himself how to hula-hoop, dance and do gymnastics. He even won a hooping competition at Disney Springs.

“We don’t let anything stop us,” Kristen said.

Jack was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental issues and childhood anxiety in 2012 at age 4. Kristen said. However, she started to notice developmental delays at age 1. Jack, for example, didn’t talk until he was 3, she said.

Now, Jack doesn’t stop talking — nor does he sit still. He’s always moving, his mother said. Jack is involved in drama club, chess club, piano lessons, dancing and

Sarah Cavacini

Jack Reichwein and his mother, Kristen Price Reichwein, are the closest of pairs — and they don’t let Jack’s autism stand in the way of anything he wants to accomplish.

gymnastics when he’s not twisting with his hoop.

Autism is often misunderstood, she said.

“It’s quite the spectrum,” Kristen said. “Every child presents different (characteristics). I think it’s what makes him amazing.”

The Reichweins are Disney annual passholders, and Jack’s talent show performance got a lot of support from the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Face-

book group.

“I want to be famous,” Jack said.

Right now, his page has 76 subscribers, but the count is growing. He checks his page every day to see if he got any more followers and checks to see how many views his talent show video has received.

“I couldn’t ask for a sweeter, kinder-hearted soul than Jack,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without him.”

For many high-school students, prom is a night to get dressed up and make lasting, lifelong memories with friends.

But it doesn’t always work out that way.

“My prom was garbage,” said Mindy Hungerford, creator of the 2nd Chance Prom. “I had had a long-term boyfriend all through high school, and two weeks before prom, he dumped me for a freshman. … I took my best friend — who was a guy — and we went and we walk in the door and my exboyfriend is standing right there with his date, and she’s wearing the same dress as me. It was like a bad ’90s movie.”

The third annual 2nd Chance Prom will be held from 7 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee. The event is for adults ages 21 and older, and includes dancing, dinner and a prom photo. Guests are welcome to take their own alcoholic beverages.

Money raised from the event goes toward providing supplies to the women and children in Uganda through the Watoto Church and Watoto Child Care Ministries. Each year, Hungerford travels to Uganda to work with Watoto Ministries, and she brings supplies for them each trip. She pays for travel-related expenses herself and uses the 2nd Chance Prom funds to pay for items the women and children need.

Watoto Child Care Ministries is a branch of the Watoto Church, founded in 1984 by Gary and Marilyn Skinner. The church serves the abandoned women and children by providing housing, education, medical treatment and services, and also matches orphaned children with abandoned or widowed women to create family settings for them.

Hungerford purchases some of the supplies, such as diapers, water, shoes, baby formula and feminine hygiene products in the United States, but she buys most of her supplies in Uganda.

“We bring lots of work shoes,” Hungerford said. “We bring water-purification pills, medication …(and other) stuff that they can’t get there or that are really expensive.”

Although Hungerford typically makes a trip to Uganda every year, she’s unable to go this year because she and her husband are trying to adopt a child. Instead, she will be giving the money she raises to a friend who also volunteers with Watoto Ministries every year.

IF YOU GO 2ND CHANCE PROM WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8 WHERE: Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee TICKETS: $35 for singles; $60 for couples CONTACT: 2chanceprom@ gmail.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

A GOOD KNIGHT DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

D

r. Phillips High alumnus Chris Van Dorn loves the attention his Batman suit garners when he stops at gas stations to refuel. It’s an instant conversation-starter, and it brings smiles to people’s faces.

But even better than the Batman suit is the reason behind it — Van Dorn is also the founder of nonprofit Batman4Paws, and he transports animals to no-kill shelters and safe homes in his “Batmobile.” When he tells people this is why he’s dressed as Batman, their smiles get even bigger.

After all, it’s not who he is underneath, but what he does that defines him.

PAW-SITIVE PASSIONS

Van Dorn, 27, was born and raised in Dr. Phillips, and has had a passion for animals for as long as he can remember. He has been vegan since age 21 much for this reason, and finding a way to use his skills and interests to help animals always was a top priority.

Batman4Paws was born from that desire, but Van Dorn said it was a series of events that fell into place that solidified what he wanted to do. Aside from working full time, Van Dorn also is a certified private pilot — another passion of his that blossomed in middle school.

His dog, Mr. Boots, is an Australian shepherd who was rescued through Pilots N Paws, a nonprofit organization that connects rescues and shelters with volunteer pilots and plane owners willing to assist with animal transportation. Van Dorn initially wanted to use his aviation skills to transport animals. But because he doesn’t yet have a plane of his own, he’s sticking to automobile transport for the time being.

“What led up to (Batman4Paws) was a culmination of me having a passion for animals ever since I was a little kid, going vegan when I was 21 and trying to combine my passions of flying and animals together,” Van Dorn said. “I was trying to find a way to use my skills to help animals, and that was flying. I became a private pilot, and then found out about Pilots N Paws through my dog, who was a rescue through them.

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

“(Animals) keep me company, and my dog changed my life,” he said. “I would not be into animal rescue or doing what I’m doing if it weren’t for Mr. Boots here. It’s really cliché to say, but he rescued me — he helped me repay the favor.”

After Mr. Boots came into the picture, Van Dorn knew he wanted to take action to help other animals just like his dog. He decided to volunteer his time to helping transport animals statewide and beyond to no-kill shelters, foster homes and forever homes.

The Batman element was sparked by Van Dorn’s love for the superhero. Since childhood he watched the Batman animated series and loved the movies — as well as Batman’s knack for goodwill.

“He was a symbol of goodwill, so I thought he embodied good deeds and being the change the world needs to see,” Van Dorn said. “So, I thought I’d throw that in the mix, too, because who doesn’t like Batman?”

BEING BATMAN

Van Dorn’s nonprofit, Batman4Paws, launched in May 2018. He started a GoFundMe to help raise funds for animal care and transport, and even got a custom-made Batman suit — along with a Robin dog costume for his sidekick, Mr. Boots.

Although he works full time, on days off, you might see Batman himself driving down the highway in the Batmobile — a silver Honda Civic coupe — with a couple of animals in the backseat.

Things really took off last month, when he was featured as GoFundMe’s Hero for May. Through GoFundMe’s promotion and other media attention, Van Dorn has raised more than $30,000 for Batman4Paws to date.

“I definitely have options now, and I want to try to maximize the funds in the best way I can to get as many animals rescued as possible,” he said. “They’re starting to flow in more — I have one next week going to South Carolina, and the one after that I’m going to Vermont.”

Van Dorn works with many shelters and rescues to help achieve their goal of finding animals forever homes and keeping them safe.

He’s been on 11 rescue missions as of press time, with many more

Friedrich Hayek

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Troy Herring

BATMAN4PAWS Van Dorn’s Batman-themed nonprofit rescues and transports dogs, cats and other animals in need to forever homes, no-kill facilities and foster homes throughout Florida and beyond. Transports are done personally by “Batman” himself, typically in his Honda Civic coupe.

Batman4Paws always can use help in the forms of donations, either through PayPal or GoFundMe, at batman4paws.org/donate.

He also asks those wanting to help animals in need to adopt from their local shelter or rescue. If you cannot adopt, he said, you can help by fostering, volunteering or donating money or supplies.

WEBSITE: batman4paws.org FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ Batman4Paws TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM: @Batman4Paws

lined up in the near future. The goal is to do as many transports as he can to help as many animals as possible.

And although his Batmobile is a handy resource, he hopes to soon have a van that would allow him to transport more animals at a time.

“I’m putting the feelers out there — if someone wants to donate a van, that would be awesome, because I don’t want Batman4Paws funds to be used for (a van itself),” he said. “I want them to be used for animal care and transport. Mainly the funds are being used for fuel, leashes and cages.”

Right now, Van Dorn hopes to be able to embark on multiple rescue missions each month while balancing his full-time job. He will continue to moonlight as Batman and do good deeds in the name of changing the lives of animals and their humans.

“The most rewarding part is that I get animals to a good, loving home and that (people) can share in having a pet like my own dog, who changed my life,” he said.

“No. 1 for me is that I’m getting a dog or cat to his forever home or a no-kill shelter. No. 2 is the family’s reaction and seeing their faces and smiles — it warms my heart.

I’m hoping I’m able to share what I’ve gotten out of adopting a rescue dog and give it back to them.”

Developer plans to leave its Mark CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

property from them maybe two months ago at the most,” said Alexie Fonseca, leasing director with Unicorp National Developments Inc. “We’re just starting our leasing efforts and working on the designs. It’s going to be all retail/ restaurant use.

“It’s a great property, it’s off the 429 there, and it’s a growing community with over 10,000 homes in a one-mile radius,” she said. “The need for retail space like this is there, the community is asking for it, and it’s within miles of Disney’s back door.”

Although site plans denoting potential tenants recently circulated social media, Fonseca said no leases have yet been signed. For that reason, no tenants have been officially named.

“None of the leases are executed,” Fonseca said. “We are working with a national grocery anchor … and are hoping it’s going to be a grocery-anchored property or project with small-shop retail space and restaurants, as well. We build Class-A projects and put emphasis on landscape and outdoor spaces to provide areas for communities to gather.”

The site is currently vacant land, but Fonseca said a groundbreaking likely will happen at the end of the year. If the timeline goes to plan, spaces will be turned over to tenants around August 2020 for their buildout.

A circulating flyer with potential site plans denoted a 25,100-square-foot grocery store and a 90,000-square-foot outparcel as two of the largest retail spaces. However, Fonseca said the

plan is a constant work in progress and not set in stone.

“We’ve made some recent changes based off the users we’re speaking to,” Fonseca said. “We use the flyer for when we’re trying to acquire tenants or dealing with brokers or business owners.

“We look to do things that bring the community together,” she said.

“We are looking to get quality restaurants, both casual and also fullservice restaurants. We’re going after a grocery anchor and are also looking for services such as hair and nail salons and fitness uses. … We do have some office-related uses interested. We haven’t signed anybody yet, but we’ve been reached out to by dental offices, as well.”

With leasing negotiations and the search for suitable tenants compatible with the area under-

way, Fonseca said Unicorp is looking forward to bringing the project to life. Its other West Orange-area projects include Westside Shoppes in Horizon West, O-Town West, Marketplace Pointe and Parkside in Dr. Phillips, apartment complexes such as Casa Mirella and Venetian Isle, and the Maguire Groves and Meadowridge plazas in Ocoee.

“We as a developer have done this many times in Orlando,” she said. “We’ve built quality projects and we will look for the best arrangement of tenants for the property and community to have the best use of the center. (We) keep in mind the community input and what we feel will work best for everyone, including ourselves.”

To keep up to date with The Mark and other projects, visit unicorp.com.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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‘Children of Eden’ debuts at St. Luke’s ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

One of the country’s most produced musicals is set to hit the stage at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church this weekend.

“Children of Eden” opens June 7 and will run through June 16.

Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, “Children of Eden” is a theatrical interpretation of stories from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. Act I of the musical begins with the story of creation and includes the stories of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Act II of the production takes place centuries after Act I and deals with the story of Noah and the great flood.

Director Steve MacKinnon said the production is based on Genesis 1 through 9.

“It’s one of the most highlyproduced shows in the country, which is interesting, (because) it is based on a biblical story,” MacKinnon said. “We have a giant cast of … 70 (people) with our orchestra and our choir and then our cast of dancers, actors, (and) we also have aerialists.”

MacKinnon added that the story of “Children of Eden” is a modern take on family and family dysfunction that covers myriad themes. The show incorporates themes such as growing up, second chances, forgiveness, acceptance and love, among others.

“It’s chock full (of lessons), and that’s one of the beauti-

IF YOU GO “CHILDREN OF EDEN”

SHOWTIMES: 7 p.m. June 7 to 8, and June 13 to 15; 2:30 p.m.

June 9, 15 and 16 WHERE: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church; 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando COST: $15 to $30 depending on seating.

TICKETS: St.Lukes.org/childrenofeden

ful things about it,” MacKinnon said. “You might hear something differently in what speaks to you. … It’s very layered. ... There’s so many metaphors, (but) it’s ultimately about love.”

Victor Souffrant plays Cain in Act I and Japheth in Act II. The musical was written in a way that one actor plays the roles of both Cain and Japheth. He said one of the themes of the play that resonated with him deals with one’s actions and the effects they could have.

“I love (the) topic of actions and consequences,” Souffrant said. “The actions in the first act create consequences for the second act. However, it doesn’t end there. (The characters) have the opportunity to make other choices, (take other) actions and have better consequences. … This show has been a beacon of hope for me, and whatever choices I’ve made and the consequences that have come through,

Kit Cleto, center, plays Father and was joined by ensemble members as he sang “Let There Be.”

I have the ability of making better choices and continuing on breaking cycles.”

Laurel Hatfield plays Yonah in Act II. Her character is a descendant of the race of Cain, and because of that, she is denied entry onto Noah’s Ark. Despite denied entry, her character remains hopeful.

“God told Noah to build this ark so the race of Cain could be destroyed because they’ve destroyed what God created,” Hatfield said. “Yonah, the character I play, is a descendant of Cain and cannot board the ark due to a mistake that (her) ancestors made before (she) was born. … (Her character shows) that even if you’ve been, literally, oppressed your whole life and trodden on, you can still spread hope and love and even the smallest thing can make a difference in the world.”

Although “Children of Eden” is

Eric Gutierrez

Victor Souffrant plays Cain and Japheth, and Laurel Hatfield plays Yonah.

based on biblical stories, showgoers shouldn’t expect to know the outcome of the production based on the endings of the stories from the Bible. The biblical stories that inspired the musical are used in a way to help deliver different messages and lessons,

MacKinnon said.

“You actually don’t know where the show is going to go because it’s not actually the Bible (stories),” MacKinnon said. “(The musical) uses the stories as messaging.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

Resident serves global church with creative talents MANAGING EDITOR

K

en Malquist is a storyteller — but now he gets to play a part in sharing what many call the greatest story ever told.

Over the last several weeks, the local resident and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been tasked with designing and creating an atmosphere for the Follow the Prophet Florida Devotional event taking place at the Amway Center Sunday, June 9. The event, hosted

by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will include an appearance by Russell Nelson, global president of the faith and modern-day prophet, who will speak before an audience of about 17,000 people.

“Imagine getting a call saying that Moses or Noah or Abraham was going to come and speak to people, and you’re being asked to help set that experience up — that’s the level, that’s the joy and the humbleness that we have and the reverence that we have for our modern-day prophet, just like we read in the Bible,” Malquist said.

“That’s the magnitude of this.”

Malquist is no stranger to putting on a spectacle. In his day job, he gets to tell stories with The Disney Event Group as a show director, working with companies that come to Disney to host private events.

“We use all of our creativity, storytelling and technology innovation to help tell their stories — to help them achieve what they’ve come to do, whether it’s a sales meeting or whether it’s an incentive meeting,” Malquist said. “We can provide anything and everything for them, from audiovisual to entertainment to the room decor to special experiences in all the parks.

“We’re hoping that (the people) come and that their heart is uplifted, that they’re changed in some way — that they want to be better, they want to do better and that they have hope and that they have love. This is really, truly a message about joy and that there is a father in heaven that loves you.”

— Ken Malquist

Windermere resident and Disney show director Ken Malquist is combining his creative passion with his faith at the Follow the Prophet Florida Devotional event at the Amway Center.

Courtesy photo

Ken Malquist grew up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and now has a chance to help welcome a modern-day prophet to Orlando.

“What we found is when you engage all of the senses and all of the emotions, the storytelling is deeper and people have a tendency to listen and retain more,” he said.

Malquist uses technology, fabrics, color palettes and music to immerse an eventgoer in an atmosphere to help send a message. In the past 20 years working for Disney, he also has helped bring to life numerous elements in the parks, resorts and on film and television, including fireworks displays, shows and other attractions.

“I came here to help get Epcot ready for the millennium celebration with all the entertainment and experiences for the guests,” he said.

A GOD-GIVEN TALENT

Malquist has had a passion for the stage dating back to his days in high school in California — back when he stood in the spotlight himself as an entertainer.

While attending Brigham Young University as a student, Malquist performed in traveling singing and dancing groups that spread the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later became interested in the production side of shows and graduated from BYU with a degree in film and television production in 1989.

Around that time, Malquist was chosen for an internship with Disney back when Disney’s Hollywood Studios first opened as Disney-MGM Studios. Malquist spent a few years working there

As of May 1, 2019, Hernan Gomez, M.D. will be leaving WellMed at Lake Copeland

in film production before heading back to California. He eventually returned to the company though in the late ’90s and has been in the Orlando area with his family ever since.

The Windermere resident may work for Disney — the place where dreams come true — but getting a call from his church to be a part of the prophet Russell Nelson’s visit is a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Malquist said. It’s a chance for him to combine his faith with his creative passion as he transforms the Amway Center into something spiritual, he said.

“This is a house for the Lord — this is the house of learning and instruction, and when you have a prophet coming to speak to you, you want to be open to the spirit, to listen for the message from

God,” Malquist said. “Trying to create this arena that normally houses all of these sports experiences — and I was just there for my daughter’s graduation, and they did a wonderful job with that — we need to transform this through the colors, through the music and through the setting and through the visuals that are all on the screens to turn it into an extension of one of our churches or one of our temples.

“We’re hoping that (the people) come and that their heart is uplifted, that they’re changed in some way — that they want to be better, they want to do better and that they have hope and that they have love. This is really, truly a message about joy and that there is a father in heaven that loves you.”

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Soaring Lyric Eng played Beethoven’s “Für Elise” on the piano.

on the stage

Alejandro Bonilla pulled a rabbit out of a hat during his magic performance.

Gabriela Camejo sang “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee.

S

unset Park Elementary School Eagles showed off their skills at the school’s annual Talent Show Thursday, May 23. Some students sang, some danced, a few played piano, and one student even put on a quick magic show.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ Ben Bunnell, Michael Streibig, William Trimble and Ricardo Rico sang and danced to James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”

Evan Quiquia and Bella Cavender sang a duet together.

Right: Ava Misa was all smiles before she performed a dance routine.

Sho Hirukawa played the theme song from “Mission Impossible” on the piano.

Amber Kennedy performed a dance and gymnastics routine to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

Madison Adurty opened up the Talent Show when she played “The Star-Spangled Banner” on her kazoo.

7

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

Tori Sousa, Anna Badman and Caroline Santos were ready to walk at graduation.

Leaving a Legacy

Devin Dorsey, Jayden Patterson, Nate Rodriguez and Gary Kelley were all smiles.

L

Class valedictorian Abigail Dannels and class president Sebastian Hopper were excited to turn their tassels.

in his speech, and class valedictorian Abigail Dannels offered her fellow seniors some sage words of advice.

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egacy High School’s 45 graduating seniors collected their hardearned high-school diplomas during their commencement ceremony Saturday, May 25.

Graduates and attendees enjoyed speeches from Principal Roberta VanHouten and Legacy High School CEO Crystal Yoakum. Michael Harris, a Legacy High alum, gave the graduation address.

VanHouten presented Nathan Benedict with the Eagle Award, which is bestowed on the senior whom the school’s staff and teachers feel best exemplifies Legacy High School’s values and standards.

VanHouten added the school unanimously voted to select Benedict as the recipient for the award this year.

The class salutatorian, Christian Middleton, thanked the school’s teachers for their guidance and care

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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Artisan dives into Disney roots to launch business Kriss Harris helped open Voyage of the Little Mermaid at MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios, in 1992. Today, she runs a business selling Dead Sea salt scrubs called Under the Sea. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Kriss Harris is good friends with the Little Mermaid, Ariel. In fact, they are such good friends that when the evil sea witch, Ursula, stole Ariel’s voice, Harris spoke and sang for her on occasions. She even was hired as an one of the entertainers to help open the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show at MGM Studios, known as Hollywood Studios today, in 1992.

Born and raised in Illinois, Harris currently resides in Horizon West. She first came to the Orlando area in the 1991 when she was 21. She worked as a flight attendant at the time and was dating a guy who lived in Orlando. She didn’t always consider herself a singer, but one night at a karaoke bar in town changed that.

“A lot of my friends at the time — we used to do karaoke, and that was really big,” Harris said.

“I didn’t know I could sing a lick. … We’d go out to these karaoke bars, and I’d (say), ‘I’m not going to get up there. I’m not going to get up there unless I have a few drinks. There’s no way.’ Then one night, I just had a few too many and decided I was going to get up there and grab the microphone and took over the stage.”

A talent agent saw that performance and helped her land an audition with Disney.

“It’s funny how you could be found at a karaoke bar, but it does

TO ORDER Those interested in ordering Harris’ Under the Sea salt scrub products can visit facebook.com/ UndertheSea.us.

Courtesy photos

happen,” she said with a laugh.

Harris left the Orlando area and traveled around the country as a singer after working at Disney for about five years. At one point, she even worked as a producer and put together a show band that toured and played in various casinos around the country.

After years of life on the road, Harris took a break from show business in 1998.

“I needed a break from it all for a while,” Harris said. “I have a marketing degree. My mother would love to say, ‘I spent all this money for you to go to college. …

You need to get a real job.’ And I ended up doing that, and getting married to a naval officer at one point. I’m not married to him anymore, but I ended up in Pensacola because of that. And (then) I started my company called Under the Sea.” Today, Harris, 51, runs a business selling sea salt scrubs made with salt from the Dead Sea. As a nod to the time she spent as an entertainer at Disney, she named her products “Under The Sea.”

The business began in Pensacola, but she brought it with her when she moved back to the Orlando area about six years ago.

“Originally, my name of the company was called Touch of Florida,” Harris said. “Then I had a lot of people that were interested that were from out of town … and they were like, ‘We’d love to have this at our state,’ so at that point I started thinking of changing the name.”

“That’s when I kind of went back to my roots of (working with) the Little Mermaid, (because) the salt comes from under the sea, which it does,” Harris said. “So, I changed the name to Under the Sea ... and at that point, years later (from when I started), I was offered to (sing) again in Orlando, and I thought to expand this company down to Orlando.”

Harris began creating sea salt scrubs after she learned that salt from the Dead Sea could help treat dry skin. At first, she created the scrubs for her own use, but eventually, her friends started asking her to make some for them.

“I have researched that the salt from the Dead Sea was very good for people with psoriasis or eczema and those kinds of issues,” Harris said. “I used that salt and made my own creation of different oils — I found out what oils were good for me and what worked — and made my own product. My friends started loving it. They saw my skin change,

Kriss Harris

and they wanted to have some, so it just kind of started (through) word of mouth with my friends. … The next thing you know, I went to a local farmers market in Pensacola … and sold out within an hour.”

The success of Harris’ business has made it a full-time job for her. She often travels around the state for her business and has 12 employees who help her run it.

Locally, her products can be found at the Hamlin Artisan Market on Sundays. They also can be purchased by contacting her through her business Facebook page.

Although running her business takes up much of her time these days, she can’t stay away from the stage forever. Occasionally, she’ll sing in various different shows throughout Central Florida and sometimes makes an appearance at the Thursday open-mic nights at Pilars in downtown Winter Garden.

“I’m singing still, but on a parttime level, just because it’s my love” Harris said. “Once a singer, always a singer.”

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

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NORA ANNE ROWLEY DIED FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019.

Nora Anne Rowley died peacefully at the age of 96 on Friday, May 24, 2019.

Nora is survived by son, Bruce Rowley, and wife, Ann; daughter, Del Heidt; grandchildren, Kenneth Heidt, Beth Heidt and Lt. Col. Kevin Rowley; nine greatgrandchildren; and three greatgreat-grandchildren.

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She met her husband, Kenneth Rowley, in 1942 and relocated to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1951.

Nora enjoyed life to the fullest and always lit up any room she was in.

Nora’s memorial was held at the First United Methodist Church in Winter Garden at 2 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019. In lieu of flowers and condolences, the family requested donations to First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden and the American Wildlife Federation.

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SPORTS

HIGH

OARS member Owen Lekebusch dominates on the water. Page 12.

1

5

On Sunday, June 2, Dr. Phillips Little League announced its Majors All-Star team. The team includes: Jeremy Carlucci-Harris, Miguel Camarillo, Javier Centeno, Brody Cone, Diego Diaz, Kingston Ebanks, Trace Furniss, Josh Gacek, Jackson Gibbs, Aidan Murphy, Austin Pierzynski, Shakir Rodriguez-Muhammad and Cameron Whitten.

Overseeing this year’s Majors All-Star team are Manager Dennis Pope and coaches John Cone and Dan Gacek.

2

The Dr. P. Phillips YMCA will be hosting its annual tennis camp from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28 (fourth through sixth grade). There, campers will learn the fundamentals of tennis — including serving, rallies, scoring and playing points. To register, email srennert@ cfymca.org or contact Dr. P. Phillips YMCA at dpycamps.com.

3

Windermere Lakers Aquatics is offering a free swim lesson Thursday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to noon on the campus at Windermere Prep. The event is a part of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson that looks to promote water safety for kids ages 5 and up. For more information, contact info@lakerswim.com.

4

The Dr. P. Phillips YMCA will be putting on its volleyball camp from Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21 (seventh through ninth grade).

Campers will learn the fundamentals of volleyball, which includes serving, bumping and setting in a fun atmosphere. To register, email srennert@ cfymca.org or contact Dr. P. Phillips YMCA at dpycamps.com.

Troy Herring

Addison Reese, Isabella Lojewski, Hayley Clark and coach Alexander Dehner took part in the USA Swimming Southern Zone Select Camp.

Enter the Dragons Windermere Lakers swim team members Hayley Clark, Addison Reese and Isabella Lojewski were three of 28 girls to participate in the USA Swimming Southern Zone Select Camp, while coach Alexander Dehner was named to the staff.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

T

here’s a lot that goes into becoming a dominant force in your sport, and that includes sacrificing precious free time.

While many of their fellow friends and schoolmates take to the beaches and theme parks this summer, there’s a trio of swimmers who will take lap after lap in

the pool at Windermere Prep.

Hayley Clark, Addison Reese and Isabella Lojewski are members of the Windermere Lakers Swim Club.

“We just had practice from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. this morning, then we had weights from 8 to 9 a.m., and then practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” said Reese, 13, who will be starting eighth grade in the fall at

Loftus promoted to volleyball head coach at DP An assistant for the Panthers girls team, Emily Loftus now will lead the program.

5

The First Academy softball summer camp will take place from Monday, June 10, to Thursday, June 13, at the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex on the TFA campus. The camp is open to grades K-8, and will focus on numerous aspects of the game, including pitching, fielding, batting and base running. For more information, contact Kaley Bitterman at kaleybitterman@thefirstacademy. org.

SEE LAKERS PAGE 12

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

As Emily Loftus was cleaning out her classroom at Dr. Phillips High School, everything was seemingly normal.

Summer vacation was just underway, and Loftus was about to head off into hers before a phone call stopped her in her tracks.

Volleyball head coach Danny Eleutiza — who Loftus assisted under last season — informed Courtesy of David Jester

SEE LOFTUS PAGE 13

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Owen Lekebusch A member of OARS in Windermere, Owen Lekebusch has developed a knack for finding success out on the water as a rower. The Windermere High junior will be taking part in the upcoming 2019 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota after finishing in third at the organization’s Southeast Youth Championships.

How did you first get into rowing?

It was the summer after fifth grade and my mom recommended that I do a Learn to Row camp over the summer.

I went in and I didn’t know anything about the sport, but I went and I tried it and I instantly fell in love with it — I found it as a super cool, dynamic sport that is very unique in its own ways.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere High ORGANIZATION: Orlando Area Rowing Society (OARS) AGE: 16 ROWING EXPERIENCE: Five years

How are you feeling about that appearance in nationals that’s coming up?

I still feel the competitive motivation — it’s always been there — but I’m probably a bit more nervous for this, because it’s a much bigger event. Everybody in the nation will be watching and see us go down the course.

What has been the motivation for you to keep you in the sport?

A lot of it is the teammates and the coaches. The teammates are lifelong friends, they’re absolutely amazing, and the coaches are super supportive as well — they always have my back and always motivate me to do my best.

Is rowing something that you’d like to eventually do at the competitive level?

Oh yeah, for sure. I definitely want to row competitive in college. It’ll help me keep that competitive rush that I like to feel, but also keep me in excellent shape through college. I know a lot of people do sports in high school and when they finally get to college they don’t really do anything. I feel like if I continue to row in college not only will I make a lot of friends — as I did here — I’ll also stay in shape and keep that competitive feeling.

What has been your favorite part about rowing?

I love the competitive atmosphere. Me, myself, I’m a pretty competitive person — I like to challenge people and I also like to be challenged.

Going to the races and just feeling the absolute rush of going down the course and eventually crossing the finish line — it’s just overall very competitive and very respectful.

Is there a highlight moment for you in your rowing?

A couple of weeks ago I raced in the US Rowing Southeast Championships over in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and it’s an event to qualify for the national championships in Sarasota.

You need to get first, second or third to qualify, and I got third and I got myself a bid to nationals, which is a very big event. I honestly can’t wait for it.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I just love to hang out with friends — anywhere, anytime. Go to Disney Springs or something like that, or go to the movies.

If I’m not really doing anything, I just feel like I could be spending my time interacting with people.

— TROY HERRING

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Bridgewater. “We just accomplished one of our goals — we got put in an elite group, and there’s not many kids at all, so that’s why we have extra practices on Mondays and Fridays.”

“We have 10 practices every week — including Sunday — and our only day off is Wednesday,” said Lojewski, 14, a homeschool student who also swims for Windermere High.

While that kind of intense workload may be overwhelming to most, for the Lakers trio it’s just the same old, same old.

The constant practice and dedication to their sport — both in and out of the water — has also brought with it fruits of labor, as all three girls were named to the USA Swimming 2019 Southern Zone Select Camp held on the campus of the University of Louisville.

The four-day camp — which took place from Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2 — brought the top 56 swimmers (28 boys and 28 girls) throughout the southeast to Louisville, Kentucky, where they would dive head first into training.

The Windermere trio of swimmers was selected based on simple math: They were the best in their events. Lojewski holds the fastest time in the 400m free in the southeast, while Clark holds the fastest time in the 200m breaststroke. Meanwhile, Reese was invited thanks to her outstanding IMX (based on overall swim times).

“I was definitely nervous, because we were racing the top kids in the country,” Lojewski. “But when we all got there, we all told each other that, ‘We deserved to be here, and don’t ever feel like you don’t deserve to be here.’”

Going into the camp the trio knew a bit what it would be like,

as they had friends who had previously gone to the camp.

Despite having a general feel for the camp, there were still some surprises along the way — including the routine of it all.

“I definitely expected much harder training sessions,” said Clark, 15, who will be a freshman at Windermere High in the fall.

“They really focused on technique, which is really good, and they taught us about nutrition, recovery, sleep and goal setting.”

And the girls weren’t alone in their journey to Louisville, as Lakers head coach Alexander Dehner joined the staff during the camp.

Getting the opportunity to be a part of that experience is something that Dehner never got to do as a swimmer himself, but having the chance to take in the camp with his athletes was incredible.

“It’s really special — the camp that they went to is actually the first stage of USA Swimming’s Olympic progression,” Dehner said. “It’s the first time I get to wear USA Swimming’s colors and be a part of the USA Swimming staff. For me this is truly an amazing experience, and I couldn’t have done it without them swimming the way that they do.”

With this recent pinnacle of success, Clark, Reese and Lojewski have been able to accomplish

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a lot through their young careers, but there’s one thing that has been around since they first started racing competitively: Make the Olympics.

In the case of Lojewski, it’s something that came about following her original stint in synchronized swimming.

“I was always in the water — I did swim lessons as a kid — but when I turned 8 I started doing synchronized swimming for four years, and when I turned 12 I realized it’s not what I want,” Lojewski said. “I (made the cut) really quickly for championship meets, so I decided that my goal is to make the Olympics. I’ve been working hard ever since.”

On the other hand, Clark and Reese knew pretty immediately once they started swimming in the beginning that making it to international competition was the ultimate prize.

“I’ve always kind of loved the feel of water and I’ve always loved being in it and racing and splashing around,” Clark said. “I think when I was around 9 years old was when I really got into competitive swimming and set goals for myself — like making the Olympics.”

“These past few years I’ve just always wanted to make the Olympics,” Reese said. “It’s my dream — I have it written all over my room.”

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WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

Loftus takes over CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

her that he was offered a job he couldn’t turn down, and that he had also told athletic director Steve McHale to tap her as the new volleyball coach.

“I’m stunned at this point — it hit me like a brick wall,” Loftus said. “And I want to say that 10 minutes after that phone call, coach Steve McHale found me in my classroom and said, ‘We need to talk.’ He just said that he thinks that I would be the best fit and he didn’t plan on opening the position to anyone.

“I am kind of over the moon right now, but there is this strange mix of emotions where I’m unbelievably excited and a little anxious,” she said.

That familiarity she has with the students — thanks in part to being both an assistant and teacher at DP — will be a huge advantage for Loftus. Instead of starting out totally new, Loftus understands what’s expected and already has relationships set with current players.

It also helps that she learned a lot during her year as an assistant under Eleutiza, which includes looking past the now and seeing the future.

“I learned everything last year … now, this year, I understand exactly what it is I’m walking into when it comes these girls and what is expected out of us,” Loftus said.

“It’s not a team — you are developing a program. That’s kind of my biggest focus right now is making sure that we are not really focused on the starting six, but that we are

focused on the entire development of the program.”

And while there is a deep familiarity between Loftus and her players, the relationship won’t quite be the same as it was last year, Loftus said.

During her time as an assistant, one of her biggest roles was that of mentor. If girls had any issues, they’d go straight to Loftus to talk about things — in a way, she was like a big sister.

But now, as the head coach, things will change because she has many more hats to wear than what she used to.

“I’m also a teacher at the school and Danny wasn’t, so I was the one who was kind of seeing them every day and I was kind of in their lives more every day, but at the same time I was the assistant coach — I was the fun assistant,” Loftus said.

“I’m always going to be there for them, but I can no longer be the big sister on the team,” she said.

“I think the girls are prepared for it, because they’ve either had me as their club coach this year or they’ve been trained by me at club or they had me as their beach coach.”

While schools are still fresh into summer break, Loftus is already trying to fast forward through time to get her players back into the gym and playing. And what coach wouldn’t? Especially given the season that awaits her.

“There’s so many things to be excited about,” Loftus said. “We have that God-given talent that I can’t give to somebody. I’m so lucky to have the girls that I have.”

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13

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

GAME FILM

OrangeObserver.com

Campers and coaches are enjoying a summer filled with tennis.

Kids take in yearly Orlando Tennis Academy summer camp

D

espite having their day shortened because of passing showers on Monday, June 3, the campers taking part in this year’s Orlando Tennis Academy summer camp still had a fun time on the courts on the campus of Windermere Prep.

After a morning of learning racket skills, foot work and other tennis techniques, the campers enjoyed other activities and a lunch before the day was rained out.

Luckily for them and other future campers, the tennis camp will run until Friday, Aug. 9. For more information and to register, visit orlandotennisacademy.com/summer-camp.

Gabriel Valdjos concentrated on the ball as he wound up his racket.

— TROY HERRING

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You May be Compensated for Time Thursday, June 6, 2019 & Trave Windermere Observer 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.l

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY JUNE 8, 1989 John Maloney, former sports editor for The West Orange Times, wrote a weekly column called Maloney’s Baloney, and he talked about anything and everything that was on his mind. He also was known to take readers on the Bus o’ Fun to various locations around West Orange County and Central Florida.

He sold tickets for trips to places such as Boardwalk and Baseball to watch farm teams play at Baseball City Stadium. Prices sometimes included an official Maloney’s Baloney Bus o’ Fun T-shirt and refreshments.

45 years ago

Dora Jackson was honored with a reception at Winter Garden Elementary School, where she is leaving after 24 years as secretary. She and her mother, Daisy Ray, and son, Donnie Jackson, all attended this school, and her granddaughter, Julie, is now a fourth-generation student there.

The Orange County School Board awarded a $43.83 million contract for the construction of a new high school to serve West Orange. It will replace the 10th through 12th grades at Lakeview and Ocoee high schools.

Readers wrote letters to the editor suggesting names for the new high school. Among them: West Orange High, TriCity High and Oakview (“oak” from Ocoee and “view” from Lakeview).

40 years ago

Lucille Woods has completed 30 years of service to Florida Telephone Corporation. She received a plaque from Ruby Maloy, chief operator at the Winter Garden office.

30 years ago

A 15-foot sinkhole opened just off the shore of Lake Butler at Johnny Luff’s home. It can be seen from Russell Pounds’ dock.

FROM THE ARCHIVES It’s graduation time! Jerry Daughtry, Lakeview High School Class of 1965, receives his diploma from Principal Robert Moore in this photograph by Winter Garden photographer B.P. Hannon.

Daughtry was honored in the yearbook as Most Athletic by his fellow classmates. He was appointed head football coach at Ocoee High School in 1973 and dean of students at West Orange High School in 1979.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation houses an extensive collection of photographs by Hannon, as well as thousands of items relating to West Orange County schools.

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.

25 years ago

Former D-Day fighter Edwin Pounds, of Ocoee, is returning to Normandy after 50 years. By the time he flew two missions over the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944,

ground strafing and dive bombing the Germans, he already was a seasoned fighter pilot and owner of a Purple Heart.

Pounds returned to the area with his wife, Germaine, and 10,000 other servicemen.

FESTIVAL by Matthew Sewell; CROSSWORD PEANUTS Edited by David Steinberg

102 Rosie, notably 103 10/ 104 “It’s a Wonderful Life” director 108 Change for a five 109 DiCaprio/Curtis film about the Great Pumpkin?

116 Fairy tale brute 117 Taking five 118 Anti-smuggling org.

119 White Cliffs of Dover county 120 Low-key attention-getter 121 Thumb-and-forefinger gestures 122 ___ Flags 123 Plum kin

©2019 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Steamed seafood item 5 Banana Boat no.

8 Like many pots 15 Geology class periods 19 Far from stuffy 20 Palais ruler 21 Pizzeria herb 22 Tall and lean 23 Grodin/Pearce film about a treasured Schroeder souvenir?

26 Unfavorable beginning?

27 Japanese bar food 28 Thanos, to the Avengers 29 Dials back

31 Wheaton/Hendrix film about a friendship with Snoopy?

38 41-Across pitier 41 Dunce 42 “Later, Luigi!”

43 Biceps’ locales 44 Hawke/Dunst film about Charlie Brown’s emotions?

50 Live-in nannies 51 Summers on the Seine 52 Ruby or burgundy 53 Skippy rival 56 “Tristram Shandy” author 57 Cone or Cat prefix

59 (Check again later) 60 Emma Thompson’s title since 201861 Alberta neighbor (Abbr.)

62 Reeked 64 “Things finally add up!”

66 Beatles/De Niro film about a visit to Lucy’s psychiatric booth?

69 Alexandria’s river area 72 People try to get out of them 73 Transcript figs.

76 Tusked beast 77 Compete 78 Big Apple sch.

79 “Stereo” ending 81 Flour measure 82 Instant, briefly 83 Soccer pad spot 86 Bargain show, maybe 87 Reeves/Poitier film about Marcie quickly approaching Peppermint Patty?

91 Romanov ruler 93 Sandpapery sound 94 This direction ---> 95 “Nailed it!”

96 Chaplin/Swayze film about Pigpen getting down?

DOWN 1 Lineup outside an airport 2 In-of joiner 3 Aggressive Greek god 4 Stories about 3-Down, e.g.

5 Packed house letters 6 Personal stance (Abbr.)

7 Feudal holding 8 Former FBI director James 9 It means “prior” but sounds like a successor 10 Michael Stipe’s band 11 18, for a new adult 12 Isle of ___ 13 101 course 14 Spoke lovingly 15 Hyundai compact 16 Kidnapper’s demand 17 Shenanigans 18 Certain lizard 24 Fencing success 25 Aristocrat 30 Clarification lead-in 32 Earlier, poetically 33 Silent greetings 34 Exam for a future Rx writer 35 One, in Berlin 36 WWII volunteers 37 “Wonderful!”

38 Many execs’ degs.

39 Lopsided wins 40 Hard-driving, personalitywise 45 More glaring 46 Objected to hamming it up?

10 years ago

Chelsea Leon was the 100th baby born under a new certified nurse midwife delivery program at Health Central. Her parents are Constant and Roselina Francois Leon, of Orlando.

Caprice Wright was the midwife who delivered the baby.

47 “Bleeding Love” singer Lewis 48 Cosmic paths 49 Put on line?

53 1/ 54 Texter’s qualification 55 Not many 57 Hawaii, since 1959 58 Bubbe kin 59 What Brexit exits, briefly 60 Plunder 62 Join together 63 Dutch airline 64 Osbourne of rock 65 H’s position 67 Flood barrier 68 Greek New Age pianist 69 “Good Girls” network 70 Kitty marker 71 Kitty’s seat, at times 74 Bother 75 Hole-filled kitchen tool 79 Soul legend LaBelle 80 Crackerjack trio?

82 Sail extender 83 Symbol on Captain America’s shield 84 2019 Oscars lack 85 Kids’ road trip game 86 “Other” category (Abbr.)

87 Japanese china shop purchase 88 Soft & ___ 89 Really connect to 90 Job hunter’s listings 91 Doohickeys 92 Lops off 96 Gorilla group 97 Artoo-___ 98 Black and Tan or gin and tonic 99 Mooring spots 100 Sgt., e.g.

101 Stares shamelessly 105 Detach, as a sticker 106 Closest large city to Burning Man 107 Poker stake 110 “Conan” carrier 111 Singer Grande’s nickname 112 Pos. counterpart 113 McShane or McEwan 114 Island necklace 115 Hardly strict

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.

“PII S VPJH SE HZ MJZV HCO HKGHC, HZ MJZV PJW OFDOKSOJTO BZW. S’R P EOPKTCOK, HCPH’E VCPH S’R PII PNZGH.” –OILSE DKOEIOX “ERM BXV SUNVVNM JRL ZPOBUJ, VR ENY MRID RD JRLZ GDNNV XDM YBXDG BPC. MRD’Y WRZENY YBN UNVV WRZYLDXYN.” –IPUUPN DNUVRD Puzzle Two Clue: C equals M

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: M equals K

14

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

6-6-19

WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

|

15

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

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HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

feel healthy.

feel whole June is National Hernia Awareness Month. Hernias are common problems that can cause intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain or bulging. If you think you have a hernia, it’s extremely important to have it checked and, if necessary, repaired. Ignoring hernia pain can cause years of discomfort and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.

AdventHealth’s esteemed surgical experts are here to help, blending world-class surgical technology with leading-edge care, so you can feel better, feel healthy, feel whole.

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19-DIGESTIV-04788 - Windermere Observer, June 2019, Hernia Awareness Month.indd 2

CHURCH DIRECTORY

5/22/19 10:06 AM

BAPTIST

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

BEULAH BAPTIST Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30AM Sunday Service 11:00AM Wednesday Service 6:00PM

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

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

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Minimally invasive repair techniques make recovery faster and easier. Learn more at AHCentralFloridaSurgery.com.

AMAZING DISCOVERIES SCIENCE AND NATURE SUMMER CAMP CAMP WEEKS: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/15, AND 7/22 M - F 9 AM TO 2 PM

2019

Preschool & Daycare

Please come out and meet our staff and take a tour of the facility.

407.905.9500

740 9th St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

www.facebook.com/MatthewsHopeFirmFoundation/

HURRICANE SEASON

SP17797

Interested in a Montessori Education, with a Christian Worldview, for your preschool child?

Learn more now by emailing Meagan@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

MASTER ROOFING, INC Leading Central Florida

Roofing Contractor Trusted for 35 Years RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

RE-ROOF AND NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS

Are You Prepared?

State License #CCC021396

www.masterroofingfl.com Email master.roof@yahoo.com Office 407-521-8896 Cell 407-467-4147

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Contact the Observer Media Group to Reserve Your Space on the Hurricane Page 407-656-2121 • advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

SHINGLES • TILE • METAL FLAT ROOFS • DURO-LAST