06.17.21 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 6, NO. 34

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Superheroes welcome

Lifebridge Church Orlando hosted its Hero Headquarters Vacation Bible School last week. SEE PAGE 3.

SPORTS

1930-2021

Downtown rezoning approved The approval rezones 2.17 acres in downtown Windermere. It is the frst step in a plan to redevelop the parcel.

SEE PAGE 6.

MUSCLE MEMORIES

WRITERS’

Local gets spot on Team USA’s Special Olympic Powerlifting team.

SEE PAGE 11.

BLOCK

YOUR TOWN OCOEE SEEKS PHOTOS FOR CALENDAR The city of Ocoee is sponsoring a calendar photo contest celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of Ocoee. Winning photos will be published in the city’s 2022 community calendar.

Amateur and professional shutterbugs are invited to submit color pictures of people at work or play in Ocoee. Capture the city’s beautiful landscape, biking, swimming, events, historic places and active community life. There is a limit of five photo entries per photographer. Photographs can be emailed to socialmedia@ ocoee.org or delivered on a flash drive or CD to Ocoee City Hall.

A contest entry form is available at ocoee.org/ PhotoContestEntry. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 2.

For more information and complete rules, call (407) 905-3100 or visit ocoee.org.

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Former Windermere Mayor Gene Spears dies Spears enjoyed a career as a CPA and had a lifelong passion for community service.

STORY ON PAGE 4.

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

Meet our nine Summer School Zone journalists for 2021!

SEE PAGES 8-10.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Winter Garden adopts golf cart resolution The resolution will allow the city to move forward with helping put into place safety measures to create golf cart-friendly zones — something the city hopes will help connect communities within Winter Garden.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

After weeks of discussion, the Winter Garden City Commission acted on a measure to adopt a downtown golf cart district following unanimous approval during its meeting Thursday, June 10.

In previous meetings, City Manager Mike Bollhoefer asked for more time to evaluate safety concerns and how the measure would relate to state law.

“We’re very restricted and limited by state statutes … so it really precludes us

from doing a lot of different things and it ties our hands,” he said. “By state statutes — when it comes to allowing roads for golf carts — we most first and foremost find that roads are safe for golf carts, and then make a decision to allow golf carts. That’s what has made this whole exercise so difficult. The trouble is state law really hasn’t followed what has taken place in the community when it comes to golf carts.”

In the proposal, the city will make two locations — Crown Point Cross Road and the Winter Oaks neighborhood — more golf cart friendly.

“Those were easier ones to do,” Bollhoefer said. “So what we

want to do is do those first and then come back later and see how successful we are there patrolling the speed and making sure it’s safe, and if those are successful then come back and look at these other potential communities — linking them in.”

Future areas include The Oaks at Brandy Lake, Lakeview Reserve and the Lake Cove Pointe communities.

Linking these communities is a long-term goal, but communities not in the plan will have the opportunity to travel in light vehicles, which are like golf carts but faster. They also require seatbelts and tags. According to state law, light vehicles are allowed to drive on any roads with a posted speed limit 35 mph or less, as long as there are no postings stating they cannot be on the road.

With the new golf cart zones also come some changes relating to speed and safety procedures.

“Crown Point Cross Road — it’s not an arterial road, it’s a

local road — but we will lower the speed limit on that road because right now it’s at 40 mph, which makes no sense,” Bollhoefer said.

“We’re going to lower the speed limit there to 25 — we feel that is fully justifiable — and this will enable several more communities to become golf-cart accessible.

“There’s also some other communities on there we’ve added who were always eligible to get on there, they just never requested it,” he said. “So, by doing this, you can see there are a significant number of more communities now that will be golf-cart accessible.”

The section in the Winter Oaks community will not be able to become legal to drive golf carts on until signs are installed, while a 20- to 30-foot section of different-colored stamped concrete will be used to raise notice of golf carts in the area, Bollhoefer said.

The same measures will be taken on the far east end of Plant Street.

The costs will total up to $30,000.

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission motioned to approve the first reading of Ordinance 21-16 — which allows the city to issue a sales tax revenue bond to help finance transportationrelated capital improvements and parks and recreation capital improvements. The series 2021 loan proceeds will be used to finance a portion of the planning, acquisition and construction of various city capital projects, including the Dillard Street redesign project and payment of costs of issuance, city documents state. The second reading and public hearing will take place during the commission’s meeting June 24.

“That’s what it will cost to do these types of things on all these streets, but I truly believe for us to feel comfortable being safe, that’s probably the best way to approach this,” Bollhoefer said.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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Hamlin saddles up for first hoedown The Hamlin Hoedown is bringing the farm to Horizon West with a Western-themed event featuring a petting zoo, pony rides and more.

DANIELLE HENDRIX

IF YOU GO

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Heroic effort The Hip-Hop Heroes performed during the main session.

I

t was all superheroes and worship at Lifebridge Church Orlando’s big Hero Headquarters Vacation Bible School, which took place from June 7 to 11.

Throughout the multi-day VBS, campers at the church took in a week filled with games, fun, music and worship and learned how to be God’s heroes as services were hosted by characters such as Commander Magnificent, Captain Marvelous and Flame.

— TROY HERRING

Rhen Myers and Sofia Murillo transformed into superheroes for the week.

Courtesy photos

Livia Meister danced along with a camper sporting her colorful cape.

Left: Mara Tulenson, aka Captain Marvelous, enjoyed her time on stage performing.

ONLINE See more at OrangeObserver.com

are neyc d i k kccf@ om · a c . a d i r o l www.KidneyCareCentralF

G CCEPTIN NOW A NTS

TIE NEW PA

HAMLIN HOEDOWN WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 19 WHERE: 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden COST: Free DETAILS: This three-hour community event features pony rides, a petting zoo, music, food vendors, a kids craft area, face painting and a balloon artist.

INFORMATION: bit. ly/35iEpLi

tive petting zoo (where) the kids and adults can get in there and touch the animals, look at them.

They get to really appreciate the animals, I think, because when you’re looking at it in a book, it’s much different than when you can look in its eyes.”

Noah’s Landing also is bringing two ponies to provide pony rides for children. Pony rides are first come, first served, and each ride lasts for two minutes. Riders must weigh no more than 85 pounds. Baxter said handlers will lead the ponies, but parents are welcome to walk alongside their children, too.

Easterling said the team at Hamlin enjoys bringing the community together for a day of family fun and camaraderie.

“Dress up in your favorite and cutest Western wear, (and) bring out the family,” she said. “It’s a great community event. Kids love animals and pony rides, and there will be music and food.

Bringing the community together (is) one of our favorite things to do at Hamlin. We think it’s really important, and every time we do, we see how important it is. Everyone has a great time, and we just love the opportunity to be able to do so.”

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Break out the cowboy boots and plaid shirts — the Hamlin Hoedown is coming to town.

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 19, the green space next to Cinépolis in Hamlin will be transformed into a Western world complete with barnyard friends.

Members of the community are encouraged to saddle up and gallop on over to the free event, where they can enjoy a morning of family fun that includes face painting, a balloon artist and nostalgic farm activities.

“We’re going to have DJ Renee out there — she’s a super fun, interactive deejay,” said Heather Easterling, events and public relations coordinator for Boyd Development Corporation.

“There will be crafts, and we’ll have lots of yard games out there.

We’ll have some food trucks, and there will be a petting zoo, which is two tents with 12 animals under each tent.”

Easterling said the idea for a hoedown-themed event came when she was brainstorming with a fellow event coordinator.

“One of my event partners knew of a mobile petting zoo — which I had never heard about — and I thought it was really cool,” she said. “We just started brainstorming, and the Hamlin Hoedown became a thing.”

Noah’s Landing Mobile Petting Zoo & Pony Rides is bringing the animals in attendance, which include lambs, goats, pigs, chickens, bunnies and a surprise farm animal.

“We’ve been in the same place in Daytona Beach serving a good portion of Central Florida for 21 years now,” said Robin Baxter, owner of Noah’s Landing. “We are a family-owned business, and we offer a full petting zoo of farm animals and pony rides.

In the last few years, we have branched out to some exotic animal encounters.”

Baxter said it brings joy to her and her family when people light up at seeing the animals up close.

The animals are born and raised into the business, and they love seeing people, too.

“A lot of times, you don’t appreciate things until you can see it or put your hands on it,” Baxter said. “We have such a hands-on, interac-

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Dedication to service AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

“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.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

T

he town of Windermere is mourning the loss of a former mayor and Town Council member, Gene Spears, who also was a dedicated Windermere Rotarian known for his powers of persuasion. Spears died Monday, June 7, at the age of 91.

Charles Eugene Spears served on the Windermere Town Council as a council member from 1986 to 1993 and then as mayor for the next three. He was a certified public accountant and retired from Martin Marietta in 1992 as a director with 35 years of service.

Spears was born Jan. 12, 1930, in Clio, Alabama — the second of seven children — to farmers Howard and Thelma (Carter) Spears.

His family moved to Winter Garden when he was in elementary school, and he attended Winter Garden public schools through his graduation from Lakeview High School in 1948. At Lakeview, he played football and baseball.

The Spears family lived on Foster Street in a small area of historic Winter Garden known locally as Pull Tight; the house remains in the family today.

He graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce (Western Kentucky University) with an accounting degree in 1951 and Florida State University with an MBA in 1952.

He served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve and retired as a lieutenant commander. While stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, he met his wife of 65 years, Ann Sughrue. They married in 1955 and lived in Windermere throughout their marriage and had three sons and one daughter.

Spears lived most of his life in West Orange County, where he remained active in civic events.

Fellow Windermere Rotarian Judy Black recalls his dedication to the Windermere Rotary Club.

“He was there every Tuesday morning until his wife got sick a few years ago,” she said. “He sat at the same table on Tuesday morning with the same group of guys.

“One of his main … functions in Rotary was he got sponsors for all the fundraisers,” Black said.

“He was a very strong member as far as being able to solicit sponsors from the community leaders to support everything we did. He raised a lot of money. He didn’t take no for an answer. … He would call on all the businesses in town and put them down for a donation for an event. … He was a very enthusiastic fundraiser.”

She remembers Spears attending every Rotary dinner and event that was held, and he always showed up with his wife.

“They were just a cute couple,” Black said. “They were such a great couple.”

Another Rotarian, Norma Sutton, said Spears contributed greatly to the club, performing the financial audits each year. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and was among the Rotary club members who celebrated the club’s 40th anniversary by building the back porch on Windermere Town Hall.

Spears also was instrumental in bringing the Windermere Little

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

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Gene and Ann Spears, pictured at their 50th wedding anniversary, were married for 65 years.

“Throughout their 65 years of marriage, our parents have always been a wonderful example of love, commitment and dedication.”

— Barbara Spears Hamre

League to the town, when he and several other fathers got together and organized the program in 1971. All three of his sons played baseball there.

Spears was a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden and member of West Orange Country Club in Winter Garden.

In his retirement, he enjoyed golf, fishing, boating, traveling, attending and watching all FSU sports, and spending time with his wife and family.

“Throughout their 65 years of marriage, our parents have always been a wonderful example of love, commitment and dedication,” daughter Barbara Spears Hamre said. “My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and he was caring for her for about six years.”

Gene Spears served in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander.

Spears is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Charles of Ocoee, John and Nancy (Dougherty) of Windermere, Paul and Alicia (Ulibarri) of Orlando; daughter, Barbara and David Hamre of Windermere; his sister, Glynda; five grandchildren (Alexander, Austin, Hunter, Paige and Savannah); and one greatgrandchild, William.

He is preceded in death by his brothers Bob, Raymond, Jack, Billy and Michael.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden. A graveside service will follow at Winter Garden Cemetery.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, P.O. Box 135, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069-0135.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Town hires firm for Oakland Avenue design plan

n The commission approved the final public hearing of an ordinance that allows the town to post “no parking” and “no school drop-off or pick-up” signs that are consistent with Florida Department of Transportation standards and, therefore, enforceable. The signs will apply to both vehicles and golf carts. n The commission voted to allow the Oakland Avenue Charter School to continue following its own mental health plan — instead of the plan provided by Orange County Public Schools — for the next school year. n Elected officials approved the increased teacher salary bases following the legislature’s 2020 increase allocation. OACS was allocated $91,475 to increase the salary bases. The salaries for teachers with a bachelor’s degree will range from $43,615.50 for one year of service or less up to $46,377.50 for 11 years of service. n In the town manager’s report, Steve Koontz made several announcements: The town will receive a $500,000 legislative appropriation to use on the wastewater lift station, the town was awarded a grant to improve the African American Historic Cemetery, Orange County has posted a bid notice for Oakland’s roundabout project, and the playground has been installed in Speer Park.

The town of Oakland will be working with GAI’s Community Solutions Group to create a design plan for Oakland Avenue.

The Oakland Town Commission approved at its June 8 meeting a scope of services to be performed

by GAI Consultants, a national planning, engineering and environmental design firm. The firm previously worked in the Oakland Park community and in Winter Garden.

In 2018, the town of Oakland created a Mobility Master Plan that provided conceptual framework for the town’s grid street system, which has been a useful tool for guiding development and various new projects. The 2018 plan called for specifics along Oakland Avenue, such as 6-footwide sidewalks with 6 and 8 feet of landscaping on either side and bike lanes, but provided few other details. It did not require the town to widen the road or acquire additional rights of way.

“However, the design of the various streets and intersections is too general to proceed direction to engineering design and construction,” according to a background document Town Planner Jay Marder prepared for the commission. “A more detailed design analysis with alternative recommendations is proposed.”

GAI will be tasked with completing concepts for the future character of Oakland Avenue, providing elements of “Complete Streets” design principles for the town.

“The concept and alternatives will be realistic based on base information provided by the town,” Marder wrote. “The chosen concepts will result from community meetings then prioritized for subsequent engineering, construction and funding.”

The idea is to make Oakland Avenue more pedestrian, bicycle and golf cart friendly while maintaining the town charm.

“We think of the word Mayber-

ry, and people laugh about that, but that’s what we try at,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said.

“The ultimate goal is small-town charm. It sounds like you have the vision of what we want. … We have learned so much. … These drawings really need to be as detailed as possible (so there’s no confusion).”

Community meetings will be scheduled so residents can share their thoughts.

“Then we can work off of what the community wants,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said.

Oakland Avenue is included in the Green Mountain Scenic Byway as part of the federally designated Florida Scenic Highways program.

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n Elected officials approved the final public hearing of an ordinance that sets safety guidelines for citizens who peacefully assemble and protest during a picket. Protesters must stay at least 150 feet away from the residence of the citizen, official or celebrity they are picketing.

AMY QUESINBERRY

@Observerorange

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n The commission approved the first public hearing of three ordinances pertaining to the annexation, Comp Plan amendment and industrial rezoning of the 6.65-acre Cra-Mar Groves Inc. property south of West Colonial Drive for mini-warehouse development in the future.

The Orlando company will expand on Oakland’s Mobility Master Plan and create a concept for development and other projects on one of the town’s main thoroughfares.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Windermere leaders approve first phase of redevelopment plan

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A proposed redevelopment project in downtown Windermere has passed its first hurdle.

Town Council members voted Tuesday, June 8, to approve an ordinance that rezones 2.17 acres at the northeast corner of Main Street and East Sixth Avenue to Planned Unit Development.

They also approved the property’s preliminary development plan.

Council Member Andy Williams abstained from the vote.

Town Planner Brad Cornelius said the PUD process for this project first began in 2019. It underwent a conceptual plan review in October 2020. On Feb. 16, the Development Review Board recommended approval by Town Council for the rezoning and PDP. Residents first got a glimpse at the proposed project during a workshop March 31. The property is owned by Jim Karr and partners, and the redevelopment would require demolishing the existing buildings and constructing two new commercial buildings with up to 21,750 square feet of retail, office and restaurant uses. The two single-family homes at the back of the property along Oakdale Street also would be demolished.

During the June 8 Town Council meeting, Cornelius said rezoning the property to PUD does not authorize any development but rather assigns the correct zoning and implements the town’s master plan, adopted in 2004. It also sets the maximum limitations on development of the site.

“The property itself has a land use and zoning of commercial or residential within the town overlay district,” Cornelius said.

“What that says is because it’s in that overlay district, the only way this property can be developed that’s consistent with that town master plan … you have to rezone the property to PUD. It has to go through this process so the town and Town Council can ensure that

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Town Council members gave the green light for rezoning 2.17 acres of land in downtown Windermere to allow for future development.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

what’s going there is consistent with the intent and purpose of that master plan the was adopted. All the development on this property is regulated by the design guidelines.”

The proposed new buildings — none of which would be taller than 35 feet — would front Main Street and the western portion of the property along East Sixth Avenue.

A 20-foot-wide landscape buffer with a 6-foot wall would be located adjacent to Oakdale Street.

Parking and stormwater retention would be located on the side of the wall that faces the project.

Today, Cornelius said, the existing development on the site is about 10,774 square feet of office and retail space, plus the icecream shop and two single-family homes. The net increase, should the project’s final development plan be approved, is estimated at 10,976 square feet.

“There’s already construction out there, as we all know, and we’re generally doubling what’s out there today,” Cornelius said.

Karr and his team also requested a waiver from one of the requirements — providing drawings of proposed building facades. This is due to uncertainty regarding how much room the on-site septic system for wastewater will require.

“They’re not asking for a waiver from any of the design standards or requirements they have to meet,” Cornelius said. “You all will see as part of the final design plan what the buildings will look like. … The final step, which would come after tonight … is the final development plan, where they do the final engineering, the final design. You’ll get some of the questions you’ve had fully answered and the full details of it as part of that process.”

Cornelius added there still are checkpoints the project has to meet going forward before the team can break ground. Heading into the final development plan process, town leaders and residents will have plenty of opportunities for input via public hearings and workshops.

“It’ll come back to the Development Review Board for their review,” Cornelius said. “It’ll come back to Town Council for hearings with you all, as well. We’re going to have workshops again and go through the process.”

ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION WILSON FACEBOOK LIVE 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays on Facebook, facebook.com/NicoleWilsonD1. The purpose of these live office hours is to pull back the curtain of local government and help residents learn about what goes on behind the scenes once an elected official is sworn into office.

RIBBON CUTTING: CYCLEBAR 5 p.m. Thursday, June 17, at Cyclebar Hamlin, 16016 New Independence Parkway, Suite 120, Winter Garden.

(407) 656-1304.

WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue.

Leashed pets welcome. Visit town. windermere.fl.us.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

HAMLIN HOEDOWN 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 19, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. Enjoy a morning of family fun with pony rides, a petting zoo with barnyard friends, DJ Renee, crafts and nostalgic farm activities. For more, visit bit.ly/3iqPt0P. WINE-DERMERE 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at The Grove Orlando, 4750-4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. During this Progressive Wine Tasting Event, you may sample up to 15 wines from the featured 50 wines at host locations around the complex. Wine-tasting passports are $25 and include 15 tasting tickets, a keepsake wine glass and a listing of wines served by host locations. Visit thegroveorlando.com.

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. For more, visit downtownwg.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

CUISINE CORNER: JAMAICAN BEEF PATTY 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, online. A Jamaican patty is an essential cuisine

for many Jamaicans. Join culinary expert Dianne Morin as she demonstrates how to make a traditional patty filling and crust. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/5044680.

OCLS SUMMER LIVESTREAM SERIES 2 p.m. Tuesdays through June 29, online. Enjoy wild and fun entertainment from the comfort of home this summer with these livestreams featuring a guest performer on the OCLS YouTube and Facebook pages.

ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE Meets at 6:54 a.m. Tuesdays at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. For more, visit windermererotary.org.

ROTARY CLUB OF WINTER GARDEN Meets at noon Tuesdays at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Visit rotaryclubofwintergarden. org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at Hortense Event & Conference Center, 215 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee. Cost for chamber members is $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Cost for nonmembers is $25. For more, email cwilson@wochamber.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

MATTHEW GURNSAY: THE KILTED MAN 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 25, online.

Enjoy a performance by Matthew Gurnsey, aka The Kilted Man. Gurnsey delights audiences with his rousing performances of traditional Irish and Scottish music. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/5025443.

TAYLOR RICH 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 25, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center, 126 W Petris Ave, Oakland. The town of Oakland is highlighting up-and-coming guitarist, Taylor Rich. In partnership with the HAPCO Music Foundation, the songstress will perform original songs and covers. For more, visit facebook.com/ HWOAHatOakland.

FRIDAY, JULY 2

RED, WHITE AND BLUES 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 2, in Downtown Winter Garden, Plant Street. For more, visit cwgdn.com/318/SpecialEvents.

SATURDAY, JULY 3

FARMERS MARKET INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 3, at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. The marke will feature a vendor booth patriotic contest, live music and a family game zone. For more, visit cwgdn. com/318/Special-Events.

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FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES Juneteenth is an observance held every June 19 to remember when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation and freed all remaining slaves in Texas on that day in 1865 — two-andone-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1863.

Today, we also honor retired Lt. Col. Sylvester Johnson, who served his country on three continents during a military career that saw 20 years of service beginning in 1955.

While a major, Johnson, one of three brothers who fulfilled military duties in Southeast Asia, served alongside fellow Maj. Colin Powell.

80 years ago

The best fishing of the summer season was enjoyed by Lake Apopka fishermen. Both dock and boat fishermen were lucky; bass up to 8 3/4 pounds were among the reported catches from the dock.

70 years ago

The Winter Garden Welfare League held a swimming party and supper at the Lake Butler home of Mrs. John Harrell in lieu of the regular business meeting. Mrs. L.A. Phillips and Mrs. Herbert Davis co-hosted the party with Mrs. Harrell.

55 years ago

Marian Alice Hawk, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hawk of Winter Garden, graduated from Florida Southern College with a music degree and was presented the Gaylor Music Medal. She planned to teach music in the public schools.

40 years ago

West Orange High junior varsity cheerleaders were named: Barbara Spears, Laura Auffant, Suzie Massa, Susan McCroy, Ann Dempsey, Dayna Maddox, Peggy Watters, Julie Ezzard,

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The city of Ocoee broke ground for the city’s new Family Aquatic Center with Mayor

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JUNE 11, 1981 Helmy Furniture in Winter Garden advertised its huge Father’s Day sale in the June 11, 1981, issue of The Times. What dad doesn’t want a plush swivel rocker recliner with built-in heaters and vibrators? And they were available in all variety of colors — and even a few patterns — too. The store was at 1010 S. Dillard St., now occupied by the Edgewood Ranch Thrift Shop.

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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.

45 years ago

Dr. Marc A. Hall, DVM, opened a small-animals practice on Bluford Avenue in Ocoee. Dr. Hall, his wife, Denise, and their 2-year-old daughter, Erin, planned to live in Windermere.

Editorial: The Class of 1976 at West Orange High School has helped write a new chapter of history for our area. It is the first class to graduate from our new high school. The class began its senior year on the old Lakeview High campus and moved at mid-year into the new facilities.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Student writers present Summer School Zone ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Y

ou may notice the content in our Observer School Zone section of the paper looks a little different over the next few months.

That’s because the Observer writers are taking a summer break of their own to allow local students to contribute their own content.

This year, we have nine students from three West Orange-area schools — Horizon West Middle School, The First Academy and Windermere Preparatory School — ready to grab their pens and write about topics and issues important to them. Meet our 2021 Summer Observer School Zone journalists.

You may recognize Horizon West Middle School eighthgrader Gabe Gomes from our Summer School Zone team last year. The 12-year-old is better known as The Masked Reader, his YouTube alter ego that reviews books.

Although Gabe loves reading and writing, his favorite subject is math.

“Although I really like the

other subjects, I love doing calculations, working on tough problems and feeling exhilaration when I finally solve one,” he said.

Gabe is passionate about books and has a voracious love of reading, but he also enjoys playing video games and participating in sports like basketball and football.

If he could visit anywhere in the world, Gabe would choose France because he wants to experience the food, see the

culture and visit iconic tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.

He is looking forward to writing

HAILEY HOLBDY, WINDERMERE PREP

HANNAH NIXON THE FIRST ACADEMY

Hailey Holbdy is a 16-year-old rising junior at Windermere Prep. Her favorite subject in school is math “because I always start to think I am really smart when I know how to do it.”

Hailey loves playing sports or spending time with friends and family. If she could go anywhere in the world, she would like to visit Africa, because she’s always wanted to go on an African safari.

This summer, Hailey hopes to write about sports and breaking news. She also loves writing and reading reviews

Hannah Nixon, 17, will be a senior at The First Academy this upcoming school year.

She is excited to be exercising her writing skills this summer but says her favorite subject is science.

Hannah is also an athlete who plays lacrosse and volleyball, although she also enjoys reading and going to the beach with her friends in her spare time.

If she could visit any place in the world, Hannah said she would choose Italy, because of its beautiful beaches and a desire to experience the culture there.

This summer, Hannah hopes

on entertainment and current trends.

“I love talking and writing about all sorts of things, but I am mainly excited to be on this team because I just moved to Florida, and I thought this would be a good introduction into my new life here,” she said.

for Summer School Zone and sharing his thoughts on books he has read.

“I am excited to join because I believe that kids and adolescents have a lot of potential, and we can do and write great things when given a chance to demonstrate that to the public,” Gabe said. “The Summer School Zone would also give me a challenge, and I like that.”

to write about topics such as service-hours opportunities for teenagers to meet college and scholarship requirements.

“I am excited to be a part of the Summer (School) Zone team, because I want to learn more about the community around me as a writer and experience writing for a publication,” Hannah said.

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DANIELLE HENDRIX

GABE GOMES HORIZON WEST MIDDLE

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Nine local students ranging in age from 10 to 17 will be writing stories that are of interest to their peers and the community.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE EMMA PASTIS THE FIRST ACADEMY

Emma Pastis is a 17-year-old rising senior at The First Academy. This is Emma’s second year participating in Summer School Zone. Her love of writing stems from her favorite subject in school — English.

“I love writing, and being in yearbook class has really helped me explore and discover this interest,” Emma said.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys playing volleyball, going to the beach, hanging out with friends and working at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. If she could go anywhere in the world right now, she would pick a tropical place such as Hawaii.

“I hope to visit there in the next few years,” Emma said. “I have never been, and it seems to be such a cool, beautiful place.”

Emma hopes to write about

a variety of topics this summer ranging from high school and college sports to service proj-

SOFIA MACMASTER WINDERMERE PREP

ISABELLA BAKKER WINDERMERE PREP

At just 10 years old, Sofia MacMaster is one of our youngest Summer School Zone writers. Sofia will be starting sixth grade at Windermere Preparatory School this fall, and her favorite subject is science.

“I also love how science lets me question everything and try things that I’ve never done before,” Sofia said.

She loves to travel and hopes to visit Singapore one day, because it’s one of the only places in the world where street vendors have Michelin stars. Her passion for food and cooking means she enjoys trying new foods at restaurants, and she looks forward to writing about those experiences. She also loves nature and wildlife.

Sofia likes to stay busy and

At 10 years old, Isabella Bakker will be in fifth grade at Windermere Prep this fall.

Her favorite school subject is drama/theater, because it’s fun for her to pretend that she’s in a different life or a different person.

She loves singing and acting in her spare time. In fact, she has held multiple lead and supporting roles in musicals, including Maleficent in “Sleeping Beauty” and Elsa in “Frozen.” She has won the school’s W Factor competition two years in a row. The young artist hopes to visit the place where stars are born someday.

“If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Hol-

is involved in extracurriculars ranging from tennis, swimming and chess to fencing, piano, cooking and crocheting/sewing.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Summer School Zone team, because I get a chance to share my opinions and ideas with people in my community,” Sofia said. “I could also write about how the pandemic has affected so many kids like me over the past year, and how we are moving forward from my perspective.”

ects, TV shows, movies and the community.

“I am excited to be part of the Summer School Zone team because it is such a great way to connect with the community,” Emma said. “I’m also excited and thankful to have the opportunity to step into the shoes of a real journalist and get to write during the summer.”

MORE WRITERS ON PAGE 10

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lywood because there is more opportunities to become a singer or actress,” Isabella said.

Isabella enjoys writing about a person’s biography or about their life, and it’s something she hopes to be able to do this summer.

“I’m excited to be on the Summer School Zone team, because I love writing, and I think there will be many new and cool stories to write about,” Isabella said.

KHLOE EHRHARD WINDERMERE PREP

Another young writer, 10-yearold Khloe Ehrhard will be entering fifth grade at Windermere Prep this fall. Her favorite subject is writing because she likes to create her own worlds that most people don’t get to live in.

“I like making my own stories up and writing biographies,” Khloe said.

Khloe is a dancer and enjoys it because she gets to show her emotion and work hard. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her friends.

If Khloe could go anywhere in the world , she would choose to visit Paris, because she wants to learn about the people who live here. Khloe also wants to see the Eiffel Tower “as it glistens in the moonlight.”

“I am super excited to be in the Summer School Zone team, because I love to write, and it is a great opportunity to write for a paper that other people will read besides my classmates and show off my skills,” Khloe said.

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10

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE Asha Sharma will be going into sixth grade at Windermere Prep this fall, and her favorite subject is art.

“In art class, you get to create whatever you want and you have so much freedom — nothing feels wrong,” she said.

In her free time, Asha enjoys playing tennis and piano, swimming, crafting, painting, and playing with her cat and dog.

Asha would love to visit Tokyo, Japan.

“I would like to go to Tokyo to try all the cool foods, learn about ancient cultures, go to the Tokyo DisneySea and ride the Shinkansen bullet trains,” Asha

At 15 years old, Lily Redman is heading into her sophomore year at Windermere Prep.

Her favorite school subject is English because it broadens her understanding of the writing process itself and the deeper, thought-out concepts behind any text.

“Creative writing is my favorite area of writing because it solely relies on my imagination and the way I see things,” Lily said. “Entire worlds can come from nothing and turn into something real. It’s magic in a completely real form.”

In her free time, Lily likes to write, bake and spend time

CROSSWORD

said. “The Shinkansen bullet trains are super fast trains that run all over Japan.”

Asha also loves trying new foods and hopes to be able to write about food this summer.

“I am excited to be part of the Summer School Zone team, because I always had a passion for writing, and I can’t wait to see my article in the newspaper,” she said.

UPSCALE by Morton J. Mendelson; Edited by David Steinberg

98 Musician Yoko 99 Bowling alley button 101 Chapek’s predecessor at Disney 102 Squealer 104 Australian boot brand 107 Motionless 109 Supervillain who doubles as a clergy member? (... do?)

115 “Goodness!”

117 Distress signal 118 Represented, with “for” 119 Moth, once 120 Bicycle helmets? (... ti?)

122 Pong creator 123 On the job 124 Tree of life’s garden 125 Japanese roadster 126 Social stratum 127 ___ qua non 128 Funny Foxx 129 Leaves at a restaurant?

130 ___ Park, Colorado 131 Caraway tidbit

with family and friends at Disney. She’s also a very creative person who is passionate about the arts — specifically photography and performing on stage. She loves reading because it’s calming and allows her to transport herself somewhere she couldn’t just get in a car and go to.

“My favorite book (right now) is ‘The Invisible Life

45 Watch brand 46 U.S. govt.-backed security 47 First strategy 49 Music popular in Mumbai 50 Became taller 51 Pound of poetry 53 Zealous leader?

55 Speaks from a podium 56 Sing like Frank Sinatra 59 Sumo wrestler’s robe 63 Bluegrass instrument 65 Dinner booking, informally 67 Series of tit-for-tat tariffs, say 69 A coupe has two 70 Earlier 71 Assists 72 Viral GIF, perhaps 73 Solo such as “Vesti la giubba” 74 Barely a dent 75 One may be fed with quarters 78 ___ student (aspiring dr.)

79 Classic Langston Hughes poem DOWN 80 “Verb” or “adjective” 1 Hardly hearty 81 Consistently chosen 2 Classic camera brand 84 Tick off 3 Went on to say 85 New York’s says “Excel4 Attend by oneself sior” 5 Condiment counter at a 87 Comic musical producMexican restaurant tions 6 Tom of “The Seven Year 90 Beats by a lot Itch” 91 Piece of firewood 7 Tiny role for a huge star 93 They can’t be serious 8 x, before algebra?

97 Luxury Italian fashion label 9 Becomes involved ©2021 Universal Uclick 100 Cooks, as spinach 10 Enjoys a soak ACROSS 28 What horses can do while 48 One calling “Attention!” mi?)

101 “What a shame!”

11 Otherworldly 1 Mark, as a problem 72 TV show that was known 12 Flak jacket, say standing, surprisingly to others, informally 103 QB’s success, perhaps 5 Factions 29 Casual greeting for its ads?

52 Boxing match site 104 Female cow part 13 One or more 10 Kid-lit elephant 30 “What nerve!”

54 Toy merchant in business 76 Exude 105 Glittery rock 14 Sector 15 Supporters 77 Changing the handle of? 15 Peter out 31 Dumbfounded young by himself? (... fa?)

106 Took advantage of, as the 19 Update the style of 82 Buffalo’s lake fellow? (... sol?)

57 Farmland units system 16 ___ and well 20 Be patient for 33 Captivate romantically 83 Golden Fleece seeker 58 Religious ascetic 108 Ish 17 Mandarin alternative?

21 By oneself 35 Leprechaun’s kin 60 Like white tigers, vis-a- 86 Dirt in beds 110 Stop pedaling downhill 18 Wolf (down) 22 Turing of math 88 Artoo-___ 36 Shapeless lump vis orange ones 111 Cake that may be flour26 Stampede 23 Assists 37 Folks in a video game 89 Common quality assur- 32 Just in case 61 Golden ___ (senior) less 24 “I wanna try!” series 62 Put $2 on 2, for example ance step in gum produc112 Convex belly button 34 En ___ (all together) 25 Brand of neatly arranged 39 Accumulated, as tion? (... re?)

64 Country by the Gulf of 38 Classic British sports cars 113 Speak one’s mind chocolates? (Theme hint: expenses 92 Suddenly emerged Oman 114 Didn’t just put in check 40 Toy with, puppy-style What follows la?)

41 Rolled-out grass 94 Beaverlike, so to speak 41 Inbox nuisance 66 Canadian capital 116 Tear to bits 27 Odafin Tutuola’s por44 Swinging, in softball 68 Electronically transmit- 95 Type of stove 42 Top predator in the ocean 121 Itinerary word trayer on “SVU” 47 Canadian leaders (Abbr.) ted figure of speech? (...

96 Was in charge of 43 NBA great Nowitzki

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of Addie LaRue’ by V.E. Schwab,” Lily said.

Lily would love to be somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She visited the mountains a couple of summers ago and said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been. In the meantime, she is looking forward to writing for Summer School Zone.

“I am excited to be a part of the Summer School Zone team because I get a chance to branch out and experience a different writing style that I don’t frequently use,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for me to grow in ways that I may not expect.”

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.

“UIXUM NF UMK XVUNHEUK TLCKI. CMKO UMK UIXUM SLHKF EILXOW, EVV UMK VNKF MERK UL IXO EOW MNWK.” NSK SXGK “T JPHDKPS UVX YMIU SPLPDYTKHLTVK T UHNP, HKS LUHL KV YHLLPD XUHL LUP AIVDP TA, HKZVKP IHK IVYP FHIC.” FTHKIH HKSDPPAIM Puzzle Two Clue: N equals V

LILY REDMAN WINDERMERE PREP

Puzzle One Clue H equals M

ASHA SHARMA WINDERMERE PREP

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-17-21

JUNE 17, 2021

SPORTS

HIGH

Ethan Brown has returned for his third season with the Winter Garden Squeeze. Page 12.

1

5

West Orange alumnus Doug Nikhazy had another big night for the Ole Miss baseball team in the Rebels’ 12-3 win over Arizona in the NCAA Tucson Super Regional Saturday, June 12. In the win, Nikhazy (12-2) tossed 10 strikeouts and gave up only two runs through 5.1 innings pitched to keep the Rebels’ season alive.

The Rebels’ year would end, however, the following day.

2

The Winter Garden Squeeze picked up a dominating 10-2 win over the DeLand Suns Saturday, June 12.

On the mound, Windermere native Noah Janney dominated the Suns, as he struck out seven and gave up only one run through four innings of work. At the plate, Dale Thomas led the way as he went 1-for-2 with a three-run homer, while accounting for one run.

3

The First Academy’s Isaac Sewell and head coach Scott Grove received some good news Friday, June 11. Following a 31-1 season during which the Royals won their first state title, Sewell was named the 2021 Florida Dairy Farmers Class 3A player of the year, while Grove was named 3A coach of the year.

Troy Herring

Power player After dominating in her sport, Special Olympian Michelle Feiner will compete against the nation’s best powerlifters in the 2022 Special Olympics U.S. Games in Orlando.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

4

I

The Winter Garden Little League Tournament of Champions team won big in a 16-4 victory over Dr. Phillips Little League to claim the TOC Championship Thursday, June 10.

5

Olympia alumnus (2012) and current Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jesse Winker has turned the long ball into an art form after hitting three home runs in the Reds’ 8-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, June 6.

For Winker — in his fifth MLB season — it was the second time this season he had hit three home runs in a game. Against the Cardinals, Winker hit homers in the first and second innings before giving the Reds the lead — and eventual win — in the top of the ninth.

nside the friendly confines of CrossFit Winter Garden, Michelle Feiner gathers with a small group to run through their WODs — “Work Out of the Day,” for the laymen.

She and the rest in the Winter Garden-based gym are prepar-

ing for this weekend’s Bacon Beat Down — a huge CrossFit event in Daytona Beach — and she won’t lie to you, there are always some nerves that come with competing.

Though to be fair, for the longtime Special Olympian, if she wasn’t feeling that way, then something would be wrong.

Despite the feeling, there’s always

the ability to overcome, she said.

“I’m never confident in myself — that’s how I get — and then I get pumped up, and I start feeling better about myself, and then I just push through it and end up doing (well),” Feiner said.

“I’m always nervous when I go to competitions. For me, it’s more of conquering it within the time limit. … We have four rounds within a certain amount of time.

“At comp training, I’m kind of slow, because I’m kind of getting a feeling of it, but then once the SEE FEINER PAGE 12

Observer names AllArea baseball teams After winning its first state title, TFA gets big honors in this year’s All-Area baseball teams.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

A year after the season was shortened by COVID-19, local high school teams took to the diamond and made the 2021 baseball season one to remember.

From big plays to big games to a first-time champion in The First Academy, the season offered us a lot in the way of entertainment and excitement. This week, we honor the best in baseball with the Observer All-Area teams.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ben Barrett, TFA

COACH OF THE YEAR: Scott Grove, TFA

SEE ALL-AREA PAGE 12

Courtey photos

TFA’s Ben Barrett dominated for the Royals this year.

TFA head coach Scott Grove led the Royals to their first state title.

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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

Ethan Brown

Now in his third year playing in the Florida Collegiate Summer League with the Winter Garden Squeeze, Ethan Brown is looking forward to sharpening his skills as he prepares to join the team at the University of South Florida this fall. A week into the season, Brown has pitched four innings with a 6.75 ERA.

When did you first get into baseball?

As far as I remember, my mom signed me up when I was able to play T-ball. I was a three-sport athlete my entire life. It was football, basketball, baseball — but coming up to my junior year, baseball just stuck. I guess it was just God-given at that point.

What has kept you in the sport for this long?

I would say it’s the fact that it’s one of the more interesting games for me. It’s a game that doesn’t end by a timer.

It’s a game that requires skill, whether it’s trying to hit the ball or hitting a spot when you’re on the mound. At the end of the day, the game doesn’t go by a timer. It ends by you having to compete.

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you first started?

I would say the talent level.

When it comes to the side work effort, when I was in Jersey, I would just throw one bullpen a week and then play center field or whatever it is.

But now that I’m in college, I’m throwing every day. I’m on a mound almost every day, making my pitches look better with the direction, spin rate and stuff like that. I would say knowing the more analytical game rather than just going out there and throwing balls out to the plate.

What’s your favorite pitch to throw and why?

I would say fastball. It

THE BASICS AGE: 21 TEAM: Winter Garden Squeeze SCHOOL: University of South Florida POSITION: Pitcher THROWS: Left-handed

doesn’t require movement; there’s no trickery there. I can just beat you with it — or you beat me, depending on what it is — but I just compete with it the most.

How long have you been with the Squeeze? What is your favorite part about the organization?

This is my third year. I would say the coaching staff. Terry Abbott — that guy has been by my side since the day he met me. He’s been getting me into schools, communicating with me, and every time a scout or any person of that nature comes to him, he always has something good to say about me.

What is your favorite part about pitching? The most challenging?

My favorite part is strikeouts.

I’m a big strikeout guy. I like getting high numbers and strikeouts in my outings. It’s just fun for me. I would say the most challenging part is just as soon as you get that ball in your hands for the first pitch, all eyes are on you.

All the pressure is on you to decide how the mood of the game is going to go.

What do you hope to accomplish this season with the Squeeze?

I just want to keep playing until we can’t anymore — whether it’s winning a championship or getting knocked out in the playoffs.

I’m just looking to go out there every day, have fun with the guys and win ball games.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Braden Holcomb, Foundation, sophomore Stats: .431 average, 35 runs, 33 RBIs, 12 extra-base hits (eight home runs), 19 stolen bases Quick hit: Braden Holcomb led the Lions in every big category at the plate.

Jayden Colon, Legacy, junior Stats: .552 average, 32 runs, 32 RBIs, 13 extra-base hits, 26 stolen bases Quick hit: The only hitter to average over .500 on the season, Jayden Colon was among the best at the plate in the area.

Greg Pettay, TFA, junior Stats: .396 average, 34 runs, 33 RBIs, 11 extra-base hits (led team in batting), 17 stolen bases Quick hit: Greg Pettay was one of the few players to snag more than 30 runs and 30 RBIs. Will Ross, West Orange, junior Stats: 61 IP, 0.57 ERA, 6-2 in 12 appearances, 89 strikeouts Quick hit: One of the most dominant arms anywhere, Will Ross was the go-to guy for the Warriors.

Colby McClure, Legacy, junior Stats: .313 average, 31 runs, 18 RBIs, seven extra-base hits, 23 stolen bases; 31.2 IP, 3.25 ERA, 3-1, 56 strikeouts Quick hit: Colby McClure played a big role with his work at the plate and on the mound in helping the Eagles to a 16-8 season.

Max McClusky, West Orange, junior Stats: .301 average, 25 runs, 22 RBIs, 13 extra-base hits, 13 stolen bases Quick hit: Max McClusky was one of the Warriors’ most consistent forces at the plate, leading the team in multiple categories.

SECOND TEAM

Dallas Davis, Dr. Phillips, junior Stats: .329 average, 22 runs, 11 RBIs, 10 extra-base hits, 20 stolen bases Will Ford, Foundation, sophomore Stats: .333 average, 22 runs, 23 RBIs, six extra-base hits, 10 stolen bases Trent Kelly, TFA, sophomore Stats: .354 average, 30 runs, 23 RBIs Tyler Blanchard, Dr. Phillips, junior Stats: 46.1 IP, 0.91 ERA, 52 strikeouts Khadin Bastian, TFA, senior Stats: .389 average, 17 runs, 26 RBIs, eight extra-base hits Ricky Reeth, West Orange, senior

Jack Bellah, Windermere, senior Stats: 50 IP, 1.40 ERA, 5-2, 42 strikeouts Titan Kamaka, West Orange, junior Stats: .342 average, 25 runs, 18 RBIs, 11 extra-base hits Jadyn Fielder, Windermere Prep, junior Stats: .344 average, 20 runs, 11 RBIs, 11 extra-base hits

THIRD TEAM

Jaden Oyola, Legacy, junior Stats: .342 average, 19 runs, 26 RBIs, seven extra-base hits Fabian Romero, Olympia, junior Stats: .314 average, 18 runs, 12 RBIs Justin Lewis, Olympia, senior Stats: .303 average, 11 runs, 22 RBIs, nine extra-base hits Adonis Stewart, Legacy, junior Stats: .343 average, 17 runs, 18 RBIs; 38 IP, 3.68 ERA, 3-3, 47 strikeouts Riley Parker, TFA, junior Stats: .309 average, 10 runs, 33 RBIs, 15 extra-base hits AJ Goytia, West Orange, sophomore Stats: .312 average, 18 runs, 15 RBIs, five extra-base hits, 11 stolen bases Ryan Taylor, Windermere, senior Stats: 318 average, 18 runs, 15 RBIs, eight extra-base hits Julian Arana, Legacy, sophomore Stats: .386 average, 12 runs, 10 RBIs Nico Banez, Olympia, junior Stats: .362 average, 23 runs, six RBIs

Feiner going to U.S. Games CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

competition comes, I’m like, full-blown, and I don’t stop,” she said. “I just say, ‘You know what, Michelle? Stay strong, you got this, push through it, and you’ll be fine.’”

The drive to simply outdo everyone — whether friend or foe — is going to come in handy after some big news Feiner received about two weeks ago.

Feiner — the girl who had been lifting for just two years — was invited to compete against the

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Isaac Sewell, TFA, junior Stats: 87 IP, 1.13 ERA, 14-0, 112 strikeouts Quick hit: Isaac Sewell dominated on the mound for TFA and led the area in both record and strikeouts.

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Noah Sullivan, Dr. Phillips, senior Stats: .357, 14 runs, 23 RBIs, 17 walks, 11 doubles; 56.2 IP, 2.35 ERA, 5-2, 80 strikeouts Quick hit: As a dual threat for the Panthers, Noah Sullivan led the team in multiple categories.

Stats: .397 average, 24 runs, 21 RBIs, 10 extra-base hits

country’s best powerlifters in the 2022 Special Olympics U.S. A. Games in Orlando next year.

DON’T TELL HER SHE CAN’T

When Feiner first walked through the doors of CrossFit Winter Garden — affectionately known as the Wolf’s Den — two years ago, she had no clue what to expect.

She could barely lift anything, and doing squats with the bar on her shoulders seemed impossible. Feiner recalled the frustration from her inability to do

the exercise was so infuriating that she had a meltdown. She had to step outside; she felt like a failure.

But what a difference just a couple of years can make.

As a powerlifter, Feiner can deadlift 225 pounds, and she hits 100 to 105 pounds in the back squat and 100 in the bench press.

Although the improvement with weights has been impressive — as well as the weight loss SEE PAGE 13

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Ben Barrett, TFA, junior Stats: .333 average, 27 runs, 27 RBIs, eight extra-base hits; 60.2 IP, 1.62 ERA, 10-1, 101 strikeouts Quick hit: The Observer’s Player of the Year did everything for the Royals, and his seven innings of shutout baseball handed the Royals their first state title.

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12

OBSERVER

Winter Garden entrepreneur Lynn McClung, 73, died June 12, 2021, at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee. Mr. McClung was born in Altha, Florida, on Nov. 12, 1947.

He was an executive at J.C. Penney for 25 years before launching his own boutique stores with his wife, Brenda.

Mr. McClung served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He had a love for merchandising, gardening and spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by Brenda; his daughter, Jennifer; and his granddaughter, Bridgette.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

of 50 pounds and getting into shape — the biggest change owner and coach Lee Lovette has seen has been Feiner’s mental toughness.

“She, in particular, has been told she can’t do things for so long in her life — ‘You can’t do this,’ ‘You can’t do that,’ ‘You’re a girl,’ or ‘You’re in Special Olympics,’” Lovette said. “She has always been told she can’t, but when she comes through my doors, everything is always, ‘I can.’”

Feiner agrees. Coming into CrossFit, she had low self-confidence, but through her friends at CFWG, she said she is in a better headspace now.

“It’s kind of helped my personality change — be more confident in myself, be more happy, feel better about myself and my weight,” Feiner said. “It’s kind of helped me learn to make friends. … I’ve met a lot of people who just believe in me.”

TAKING ON THE BEST

To say her selection to the U.S. Games was a shock is an understatement.

Feiner knew how the system worked — the process requires an athlete to constantly win competitions, while also having luck as athletes have their names drawn from a hat — but she never expected to receive the news.

Sitting with her mom at the gym a few Mondays ago, Feiner stared into the computer screen in front of her as a Zoom conference was underway. Originally, Feiner thought she was in some kind of

trouble, but then — out of the blue — she was named.

“I was like, ‘What?’” Feiner said. “I didn’t think I could qualify. … I’ve never been to one. It was just really shocking but exciting.”

Lovette said Feiner’s success has come from a variety of reasons — perhaps none bigger than a combination of self-discipline and following the process placed in front of her.

“We’ve talked about nutrition, we’ve talked about lifting, we’ve talked about the importance of technique and things like that, and Michelle is a perfect example of that,” Lovette said. “She has watched what she ate; she’s lost 50 pounds since she has come to me. She’s gone down five or six weight classes, and her (lift) weight has gone up. … She’s losing weight and getting stronger, which just shows not only does the programming and the process work, but she is trusting the process.”

With the games being a year away, Feiner has time to get ready, but Lovette said they would be sticking to their same workout cycles to get prepared.

Feiner hopes to continue to lose weight and get stronger and healthier in the meantime, but she is hoping to make the most out of her experience come time to compete in the (U.S.) Games.

“I’m hoping to make more new friends … I’m hoping to walk out of there with a gold medal to represent the Wolf’s Den,” Feiner said. “I want to represent everyone in this gym, and I want to make it a positive experience that I’ll never forget.”

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LYNN MCCLUNG DIED JUNE 12, 2021.

Ronald C. Peavy Sr., 70, of the Lake Nicatoon area in Umatilla, Florida, passed away May 24, 2021. Ron was a lifelong resident of Central Florida. As a result of his generous spirit and loving personality, he was loved by many.

Ron spent his working years as an exterminator, a truck driver and a plant merchandizer. He was a Christian, and he liked watching FBCU on television every Sunday.

He enjoyed living in the wilderness, hunting, fishing, watching football (Gators) and baseball (Tampa Bay Rays) live and on TV, riding in his Jeep and keeping up with racing, whether it was NASCAR or his favorite Mini Sprint racer, #11 Cory Spencer.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Marion Peavy, and his brother-in-law, Stephen Spinaw.

He is survived by his wife, Ouida (Umatilla, Florida); daughter, Lisa (Paul) Vees (Arabi, Georgia); son, Ronald C. Peavy II (Old Town, Florida); sisters, Nancy Spencer (Orange City, Florida) and Wanda (David) Phillips (Longwood, Florida); brother, Byron (Catherine) Peavy (Osteen, Florida); stepsons, Brad Russell, Brian Russell and David Hughes (Winter Garden, Florida); grandchildren, Sarah

Rushing, Seth Hughes, Wyatt Peavy and Kayla Peavy, along with many other extended family members. (Full obituary at beyersfuneralhome.com.)

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Cornerstone Community Church in Ocoee, Florida. The Lake Nicatoon gathering for local friends and family will start at 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 17, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka, Florida, or Save the Manatee Club in Maitland, Florida.

Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla.

Online condolences may be made at beyersfuneralhome.com.

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Leaded Glass First United Methodist Winter Garden TE Church ANY DBL DOOR, SWAP OUT Sundays: 9:45MIR AM All RO Ages R MA RS IRERRO 125 N. Lakeview Ave., M or PRE-HUNG UNIT S www.FBCWG.org OW SH $ Winter Garden After Mirror Wrap Before Mirror Wrap (407) 656-1135 MIRRORS Any Sliding Shower Door Starke Lake Baptist Church Services: 9 AM Contemporary Pritchard LAKE BAPTIST Advertise your Services or Events NGLICAN Pastor Jeff STARKE METHODIST Any Clear Swinging After Shower $Traditional NON-DENOMINATIONAL 11:15 AMMETHODIST Mirror Wrap CHURCH Anythis Sliding Shower Door FIRST UNITED PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO PO Box 520 611 W Ave., on page weekly.

GLICAN COMMUNITY Befor e Mirro r Door over 26 sq ft Wrap PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Viewable on YouTube ing LLOWSHIP CHURCH Any Clear Swing Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden tor The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas s/f9:30AM, 10% OFF up to 25 OR appears weekly in the (407) 656-2351 Door r Showe (407) 656-2351 Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer This page NON-DENOMINATIONAL 6 East Plant St, Winter Garden FREE www.starkelakebaptist.org Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM 15% OFF www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org NDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM In-Hom West Orange Times & Observer and $ Purpose Church Orlando Web: fumcwg.org Any Clear Swinging Shower DO E 2 OR MOREonline ... at OrangeObserver.com. d us at: Theacf.net stimatee Can OofRGlass CHURCH OF GOD s S Cleaner 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, ing Swing Door up to 25 sq ft Clear Any OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD MIRROR MATE with Any Shower Purchase Victory Baptist Church S R UNITED CHURCH OF E APTIST SHOW CHRIST Winter Garden Pastor Thomas Odom 1 0 Shower Door over 26 s/f % O FF OR & Christian Academy To advertise in the 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST $ Church Directory (407) 654-9661 WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 50 OFF 1122 Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, 407-656-8011 1 or Casey Butner 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 5 % hase Purc O er FRE call 407-656-2121 or email FFLF y Show w/An Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. ner Clea sService: Glas Sunday 10:05 AM *FREE Can of10710 Any Sliding Shower Door Beulah Rd, Winter Garden In-H o 2 Windermere, FL 34786 (407) 656-3097 OR M (352) 751-0833 OR AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com E...

EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org SundayWorship Brazilian Service: 7 PM Estima 407-876-2112 times: $ Sunday: 11CHURCH AM & PM OF 6 THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM M 50 OFF IR ROR MATE www.entrypointbyperrys.com 9:00am Adult SundayService: School Saturday 6 PM 241 N.7 Main, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICEWednesday: 11:00AM Any Clear Swinging Shower PM 10:00am Worship Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.purposechurchorlando.org DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos Door uportocloseouts 25 s/f already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683 www.windermereunion.org www.VBCOCOEE.com

$100

$100 OFF OFF

$50

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DOORS

$50 OFF OFF

CHURCH DIRECTORY 50 OFF

50 OFF

ST BAPTIST CHURCH E Plant St., Winter Garden -656-2352 NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study 00 am Contemporary DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana or Tim Grosshans w.fbcwg.org Campus: UNDATION WORSHIP NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages ndation Academy High School 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden w.FoundationWorship.com -730-1867

www.churchofthemessiah.com

$100 OFF

$50 OFF

FREE

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100 OFF

$50 OFF

Perry’s Decorative Glass

50

$

$ 100 OFF 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix Any Clear Swinging Shower S ER W O SH Door over 26 s/f on Route 441/27 *FREE Can of Glass Cleaner w/Any Shower Purchase 883 www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0 151683

MIKE YOAKUM

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already

PASTOR

marked down. Lic. #SCC131

Any Sli

50

$

Any Cle Shower

Perry’s Decorative Glass on Route 441/27

10

$

SHOWERS 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

Any Cle Shower

*FREE Can of Glass Cleane

www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDER YOUR CUSTOMInMADE Furniture, 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase• Custom in the number of Farm Tables, Barn Doors, and More CHRISTMAS weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in• our community.

Repaired, Refinished and GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture

orders, promos or close

Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs.

Plus, we provided weekly laundry service, showers, assistance with food stamps, Florida ID's, COVID Testing, and more.

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Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

Check out the custom • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used made silent auction items Items Personal Hygiene Household Items: 139,300 Total Weekly Visits: 13,630 Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at Clothing Items Distributed: 50,600 New First Time Guests: 639 the Garden Party on Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden Protective Masks: 53,900 November 9!!

407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday

Perry’s De

1122 Bichara B on Rou www.EntryPoin *Not good with sales, prior

LV14252

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LOCAL NEWS FOUND HERE in the Big Red Box

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Each week, the Observer is full of local news you can’t find anywhere else. It’s always about You. Your Neighbors.

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

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Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Visit Downtown Winter Garden from Memorial Day through Fourth of July for a slice of patriotic small town charm.

The festive decorations are better than apple pie!

4th of JULY WEEKEND FUN Saturday, July 3 8am–1pm

Friday, July 2 7–9pm

Vendor Booth Patriotic Contest Life Size Family Game Zone Live Music Summer Produce & BBQ Essentials

Live Music CENTENNIAL PLAZA • 101 W PLANT ST

All American Kids

DOWNTOWN PAVILION • 104 S LAKEVIEW AVE

Sunday, July 4 Lineup at 9:45am Parade at 10am

Sunday, July 4 Starting at 9:15pm Fireworks Display on Lake Apopka

Entertainment, Activities, and Fun! WINTER GARDEN MASONIC LODGE • 230 BAY STREET

NEWTON PARK ON LAKE APOPKA • 29 W GARDEN AVE

DOWNTOWNWG.COM