08.29.19 West Orange Times & Observer

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Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

Ocoee PD’s deputy chief is on the move. PAGE 5.

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Defending the Fence West Orange High School is off to a strong start with a win against Olympia. PAGE 21.

Ocoee names contractor for residential waste services

Going global Ocoee residents and Fort Barachel founders Tim and Joyce Fake have called on the community to help them support people in Burundi.

SEE PAGE 4.

Waste Connections Inc. also handles commercial trash services for the city.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

The city of Ocoee no longer will handle residential solid waste services in-house.

City leaders voted 4-1 during the Aug. 20 commission meeting to allow a private contractor to handle the residential solid waste services in Ocoee. Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen cast the dissenting vote. Waste Connections Inc. currently handles commercial and apartment solid-waste services in the city, and will handle residential solid-waste services, including recycling, in the upcoming fiscal year.

SEE WASTE PAGE 4

Joyce and Tim Fake have had a heart for helping Burundi since 2014.

City leaders earmark $10K for local revitalization CITY OFFICES CLOSED LABOR DAY Winter Garden city offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, Sept.

2. There will be no trash, recycling or yard waste collection services scheduled.

Services will resume on the next scheduled collection day. Call (407) 656-2256 with any questions.

Commissioners approved a $10,000 down payment for an east Winter Garden property.

HANNAH SWAYZE NEWS EDITOR

Improvements in east Winter Garden are expected to come soon, City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said.

At the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Aug. 22, commissioners approved $10,000 for a down payment on a property in downtown Winter

Garden to be used — most likely — for affordable housing.

“We’re trying to improve the entire housing stock in the neighborhood, because there’s a lot of sub-standard housing there and it’s important that we create better-quality housing,” Bollhoefer said. “But it has to be affordable so the current residents can afford to SEE DOWN PAGE 6

Danielle Hendrix

THEATER

YOUR TOWN

The Garden Theatre is raising the curtain on its new season with ‘Ragtime.’ SEE PAGE 10.

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YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, AUG. 29

GENEALOGY 101 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. This program will introduce attendees to genealogical terms, techniques and sources and provide helpful suggestions on how to begin to research family history. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

IRONMEN OF GOD COFFEE 7 to 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, above Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Join with other Christians in this independent men’s ministry focused on serving the men in the community. The guest speaker is Jeff Wallace. IronMenofGod. com.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

INTRODUCTION TO CALLIGRAPHY 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Learn about the origins of calligraphy and get introduced to some materials used to create it.

Practice using this form of writing to create endless projects.

Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5

GENEALOGY, THE VERY BASICS 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. So you want to learn more about your family history but don’t know where to begin? This program will introduce you to genealogical terms and techniques. (407) 835-7323.

YARN DOODLES 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Elementary students are invited to design a unique work of art using yarn as the medium. (407) 835-7323.

PLANT CLINIC 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Take your plants, get your soil pH tested and ask questions of Master Gardener volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office.

(407) 735-7323.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 3

MONDAY, SEPT. 9

TRACING EASTERN EUROPEAN ANCESTORS 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. This genealogy research series focuses on researching European ancestors. Whichever country your ancestors are from, learn about types of documents available and research strategies to utilize.

(407) 835-7323.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

CENTRAL FLORIDA RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at the Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. The discussion is “White Pass and Yukon Railway,” by Clarence Hurt. Program is free. (407) 656-0559.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

PLANT CLINIC 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Take your plants, get your soil pH tested and ask questions of Master Gardener volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office.

(407) 735-7323.

RISE: CONVERSATIONS ON RACE & UNITY “FAMILY AND RACE” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

12, at the Roper Co-Op Ballroom, 146 W. Plant St., Suite 210, Winter Garden. This community-wide event is hosted by Oasis Church Winter Garden and facilitated

by Valencia College’s Peace and Justice Institute. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at bit. ly/2KG7V40. (407) 905-4931.

WEST ORANGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED MEETING 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the West Orange Country Club, 300 W. Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Guest speaker Jake MacAulay will speak on the “American View” of the constitution and law. Donations can be made to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch and

the theme is fall harvest canned goods. Buffet lunch is $20; RSVP to rebeccatmellen@gmail.com or (407) 230-5968.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

THE SKINNY ON FATS 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Fats get a bad rap even though it’s a nutrient we need. In this class, participants will learn about fats and cholesterol, the best types and the right amounts to keep you healthy. Class is free. Seating is limited; reserve a spot at (321) 841-5056 or cancersupportcommunity@orlandohealth.com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

COFFEE WITH THE TOWN MANAGER 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Historic Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St. The town of Oakland is hosting a coffee time with Town Manager Steve Koontz so residents can learn more about town services and programs. Groups, churches or businesses interested in hosting a Coffee with the Town Manager event can contact Elise Hui at (407) 656-1117, Ext. 2110, ehui@oaklandfl.gov.

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Police department Eagle Scout builds bike increases patrols in repair station in Oakland Max Wiese, of Dr. Phillips’ Troop 6, custom-designed a standalone station that gives riders access to tools and a tire pump.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Max Wiese was visiting a college campus in Germany when he noticed an interesting diamondshaped tool station positioned near the bicycle racks.

When it came time to present an idea for his Eagle Scout project, Wiese — a member of Boy Scout Troop 6, in Dr. Phillips — remembered the bike-repair station at the Technical University of Munich.

“I thought, I might as well bring this to America and make it a custom-made project and make it all myself,” Wiese said. “I designed the thing myself, worked through it myself, worked with (a) welder, punched holes, I welded, drew up all the plans. I thought it was interesting.”

He wanted to place his project on the West Orange Trail, where many bicycle enthusiasts ride, and he approached the town of Oakland in hopes of having it installed there. Town officials agreed to partner with Wiese and put the tool station near the town center.

The station includes typical toolbox pieces, such as wrenches, Allen keys and screwdrivers, as well as two retractable bars that allow the cyclist to prop up the bike to be able to reach the tools.

Next to the tool station is a standalone bicycle pump.

Oakland was the natural choice for Wiese, who said the closest trailheads are at the Orange-Lake county line to the west and on Plant Street east of downtown Winter Garden. “(Oakland is) just not a good place for your bike to break down,” he said.

He expects to see many people utilizing his station, especially once the new arts and heritage center is completed nearby.

The entire Eagle Scout project from inception to installation took about six months, Wiese said. He wrote the paperwork, worked with the welder and the

east Winter Garden Police arrested two men in Winter Garden they believe to be gang leaders this month, according to Police Chief Steve Graham.

HANNAH SWAYZE NEWS EDITOR

Courtesy photos

“I thought, I might as well bring this (tool station) to America and make it a custom-made project and make it all myself.” town, set up a fundraising page to buy his materials and led other scouts during the project. The actual construction took about two weeks.

In addition to donating the repair station and pump to the town of Oakland, Wiese built a wooden bike rack; he said officials

— Max Wiese

can place it wherever they choose.

Wiese’s Eagle board of review was in July. He now is in Germany studying electrical engineering at the Technical University of Munich.

Following the arrest of two suspected gang leaders, the Winter Garden Police Department is increasing its presence in the easter portion of the city.

Officers arrested Jamyl Thomas, 22, Friday Aug. 16 while executing a search warrant at 1030 Lincoln Terrace.

According to the arrest affidavit, police on the scene recognized Thomas, knowing he had an active warrant out for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Police also arrested Daniel Leigh Moore, 21, after an incident at about 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in Zander’s Park, 322 11th St., Winter Garden. Moore was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Moore was later arrested in the Dr. Phillips area, according to police.

Both Thomas and Moore are believed to be local gang leaders, according to the Winter Garden Police Department.

“We’ve taken 15 guns off the street, and we have possible federal charges on one of them,” Police Chief Steve Graham said, “So, we’re doing a lot of aggressive enforcement.”

Within the past month, the department has increased police presence in district four, which encompasses east Winter Garden. Graham said this is partly because of a spike in incidents involving guns over the weekends. Investigators are targeting known gang members and their criminal activity, Graham said.

Previously, the department was offering an overtime detail on the weekends for officers to work on their days off, but now it has rearranged staff for more coverage of the area.

“We’ve actually realigned our shifts so that we can have two

vehicles, two officers in that area for the most part of the evening,” Graham said.

He said the added police presence also is in response to two homicides over the summer involving juveniles.

High-school student Bruce “B.J.” Haggins Jr. was allegedly abducted from the intersection of Lincoln Terrace and 11th Street May 31, when police responded to a report of gunshots around noon at the intersection, according to police.

His body was discovered a week later in east Orange County.

“We’ve taken 15 guns off the street, and we have possible federal charges on one of them. So, we’re doing a lot of aggressive enforcement.”

— Police Chief Steve Graham

Winter Garden teen Vamari Bostic, now 14, was charged with manslaughter, grand theft of a firearm and burglary of a conveyance following an incident July 4 at the intersection of West Crown Point Road and Edgeway Drive. James Anthony Bacon, 25, was killed during the altercation.

According to Graham, both cases were gang-related.

Graham addressed the Winter Garden City Commission Thursday, Aug. 22, updating commissioners on what the department is doing to combat crime in district four.

“The officers are encouraged to interact with the kids out there (as) much as they can,” Graham said. “In fact, one of my officers injured her ankle playing basketball with the kids this last weekend. … They are interacting with the public out there, so we’re doing as much as we can.”

Ocoee firefighters give back with shirt drive The money raised from the T-shirt sales will benefit local veterans and cancer organizations.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WTITER

Ocoee firefighters are going above and beyond their call of service to give back to the community.

Members of the Ocoee professional firefighters union, IAFF Local 3623, have begun a T-shirt drive to benefit local cancer and veterans foundations. The union is selling green shirts to benefit veterans and blue shirts to benefit cancer patients and/or their family members. Each shirt costs $20, and can be purchased through the union’s Facebook page, or by visiting Ocoee Fire Station 25 at 563 S. Bluford Ave. to place an order inperson.

Ocoee Fire Department Engi-

neer/Paramedic Jaime Escobar has been leading the charge for the shirt drive and said he got the idea for it after he designed a shirt that honors veterans for him and his fellow Ocoee firefighters to wear on duty.

“A couple of months ago, I got together with our fire chief, John Miller, and asked him for permission to see if I could design a T-shirt that we would be able to wear on duty for all the veteran holidays, and of course he was OK with it and approved it,” Escobar said.

“As far as what I’m doing with the union, I wanted to do something to where our local union, 3623, can pretty much make the same impact (of showing support). I figured if I designed some T-shirts, and we

HOW TO ORDER

Order shirts in person at Ocoee Fire Station 25 at 563 S. Bluford Ave. Those interested in ordering a shirt online can find information on how to do so on Facebook at bit.ly/321oTjj.

sell them out there, we’d use those proceeds and everything and put it toward a local veterans fund or a local cancer foundation fund that would go out and help people and show that our Local 3623 cares.”

Escobar said the shirts for the union will be different from the shirts he designed for him and his fellow firefighters. He added this is the first year the union has done a shirt drive to benefit local veterans and a cancer organization. He said Ocoee firefighters have worked

with the Homes for Heroes program in the past and that program is just one of the veterans organizations that would benefit from the shirt drive.

Escobar said funds raised for cancer could benefit individuals or families the union members know personally and added the union still is deciding on a local beneficiary.

“I really just didn’t want us to be another fire department that was wearing a veterans shirt or, say, a breast cancer shirt just to wear it,” Escobar said. “I wanted there to be a cause behind it.

“As far as cancer, we’ve had a lot of members in the past (who got it),” he said. “We’ve lost a couple of our members in the past couple of years from cancer themselves. …

Right now, we haven’t specifically found a (cancer) organization we would donate to.”

Courtesy photo

Blue shirt sales could benefit locals fighting cancer, or a local cancer foundation.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

Burundian pride DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A

s an African nation in the midst of political strife and tribal turmoil, Burundi is considered the third-poorest country in the world.

Eleven million people make up the dense population spanning a country the size of Maryland — which, for reference, has a population of just more than six million.

But it’s in Burundi that Ocoee residents Tim and Joyce Fake have people they consider family, and they leave a piece of their hearts there each time they leave.

The Fakes have run their own nonprofit, Fort Barachel Foundation, since spring 2008. The ministry fosters action-sports culture and provides a safe place for children and teenagers to hang out and learn about God. Starting in 2011, though, Fort Barachel’s first global partnership began in Guatemala City.

It expanded in 2016 to Burundi, but the Fakes’ involvement with Burundi officially began in 2014.

LOVING BURUNDI

Joyce first went to Burundi in 2014 on a mission trip with First Baptist Church Windermere. For her, it was love at first sight. Some of the people she met became family to her — so much so that her translator, Yves Irakoze, now calls her and Tim “mom and dad.”

“Him and his family kind of became our family,” Joyce said.

In 2015, Burundi’s political uprising began to gain traction and get violent. Yves’ sister was getting married, and she wanted her “parents” to be there for it.

However, it was a dangerous time for Joyce to consider traveling to the country. As the Fakes and Yves’ family prayed about it, Burundi had its election and things calmed down enough so that Joyce could attend.

It was the following year that

SUPPORT FORT BARACHEL The Fort Barachel Foundation was founded to show youth, especially those involved in action sports, how much God loves them and what He came to do. Fort Barachel wants to be a light in the darkness, according to its website.

In Burundi, Fort Barachel is run by Yves Irakoze, who shares this passion in reaching the youth of Burundi through sports and a willingness to meet them where they are.

To help Fort Barachel send a Burundian child to school, it costs only $20. You can also choose to become a monthly supporter to help Fort Barachel Burundi continue its outreach. Donate through any of the methods below: Facebook: facebook.com/ FortBarachel Website: fortb.org/supportdonate Cash donations also can be brought to Tim or Joyce Fake at the Fort Barachel Foundation. For more information, call (407) 877-5949.

Joyce and the church went on a mission trip to Kenya, and Yves came with them. This was the start of Fort Barachel Burundi, because Yves decided while on the trip that he wanted to start an association for youth in Burundi.

“He’s been a youth leader in his church since he was a youth,” Joyce said of Yves. “He’s a leader of the leaders now. He loves the youth and wanted to do something there besides what he did at church.

(There) they have soccer, basketball and volleyball, and he wanted to gear it toward what they do there. When we started we’d go to

skateparks, so that’s what he saw as the opportunity for him — he said, ‘I can go to the soccer field, kids will come play soccer and I’ll share the Word.’”

“When it came time to start the association, we said, ‘What do you want to name it?’” Tim said. “(Yves) says, ‘Fort Barachel, of course.’ That’s how he wanted to do it and honor what we’re doing here.”

FORT BARACHEL BURUNDI

Because of Burundi’s current issues, it took nearly a year for the Fakes and Yves to get all the paperwork finished to create Fort Barachel Burundi. But Yves and his fellow Burundians never faltered in their faith that God would pave the way.

Yves wanted to empower young Burundians to make a living for themselves and show them that if they are talented and work hard at something — whether it’s sports, entrepreneurship or arts and culture — then they can be successful.

“It’s still very hard, but they blow me away with their positivity and perseverance,” Joyce said.

“They just keep going. They really have no freedom at all, and they still just keep going. You’ll see them — they have a smile on their face. When you go upcountry and these kids’ clothes are basically falling off of them, they’re smiling.”

With that in mind, though, Yves also recognized the importance of education — and in a country as poor as Burundi, many children cannot afford to go to school. Children have school fees to pay, and then still must pay for uniforms, supplies and books.

But with a median annual income equal to $250, many families cannot afford the $20 it costs to equip a child for school.

“He came to me and said, ‘Hey, I want to see how many kids we can get to school,’” Joyce said of Yves.

“Twenty dollars will get them

their uniform, their schoolbooks and all of that. That’s not including their fees. So many of them can pay the school fee, but then can’t go because they don’t have all the (supplies).

“He said, ‘I want to see what we can raise, and when you’re here we can go to the schools and give supplies,’” Joyce said.

The Fakes put out a call for help in the Winter Garden community.

In just one week, they raised more than $2,000 to send Burundian children to school.

SENDING SUPPORT

The Burundian school year begins Sept. 9, and the Fakes will be heading to Burundi a few days beforehand. There, they will distribute the supplies to children who will be heading back to class.

Long-term, though, the Fakes are trying to find people who would want to support Fort Barachel Burundi monthly. The funds cover Yves’ salary, office rent, the salary for Yves’ part-time helper and general travel and supplies necessary for Fort Barachel Burundi’s operations.

However, the Fakes said, Yves has said he wants his fellow Burundians to take pride in what they are doing and not just live off of handouts.

“Because they have had nothing for so long, they do kind of get to, ‘Well, what can I have?’” Joyce said. “You have to remember it’s kind of all that they know, because they don’t have the opportunity to go get a job at McDonald’s. They don’t have the opportunities that we do, so you have to take that into consideration, too — they have no other choice half the time.

“He wants his Burundians to be proud Burundians and not let all the tribal and political stuff put a cloud over it,” she said. “He wants them to rise above it and show the world what Burundi can be.”

Waste Connections gets contract CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The decision to utilize a private contractor was driven by the rising costs associated with the city’s residential solid-waste program.

Disposal and operating costs for the program have increased by more than $500,000 since the city last increased the rates for the program in 2008. Service fees for the program needed to be increased because of these rising costs, and selecting a private contractor was the most cost-effective option that Public Works Director Steve Krug presented to the commission.

The service fee Ocoee residents currently pay for solid waste is $252 per year, or $21 per month.

That fee will be increasing to $264 per year, or $22 per month, in the upcoming fiscal year, which represents a 4.8% increase from the current rate. Additionally, the fee will increase annually by 1.4%.

Waste Connections Inc. will be providing the same level of service the city currently offers: two garbage pick-ups per week, one yard waste pick-up per week, one bulk pick-up per week and recycling every other week, Krug said.

“They would provide a full-time service rep in the city, (and) they would have a part-time supervi-

sor,” Krug said. “The Public Works team would take calls and relay the calls to the service representative.

Public Works would still take the lead as the liaison for customer service … but the roaming service rep would handle any late collections, carts being put out, carts needing repair, cart replacements to even cart deliveries and any other customer service related issue.”

Prior to selecting the option of utilizing a private contractor for the residential solid-waste program, city leaders discussed four options with how to move forward with the residential solid-waste program. The first was to keep everything in-house and maintain the current level of service, which would increase the service fee to $289.50 per year, $24.13 per month. The second option was to keep services in-house but utilize a central drop location for recycling.

That option would have required the fee to increase to $284.64 per year, or $23.72 per month. The third option was to maintain the current in-house program but suspend recycling services. With the third option, the fee would have to increase to $272.28 per year, or $22.69 per month.

Wilsen opposed the contractor option because of poor experi-

ences in the past.

“I made it clear at the (budget workshop) that I’m probably not interested in privatizing it — we’ve been there before,” Wilsen said.

“It was not a situation that I want to relive. … It was a terrible situation. Shame on us. We are being reactive and not proactive. We haven’t raised these (residential solid waste) rates since … 2008, so we’re talking 11 years. So now, we come to a situation that we have to do something because we (didn’t) want to raise our rates for customers.”

Mayor Rusty Johnson said he supported privatizing the resident solid-waste program because of the cost savings.

“One of the things that our responsibility is up here is — I don’t care if it’s a dollar — we’re here to save money for the citizens,” Johnson said. “It all comes down to what we can do (to save money). … We’re trying to lower the rates of everything in the city. We’re getting more money into the city under ad valorem. We’re getting more money in through the business of economic development, so I have no problem looking at (contracting), because what happened back then was a separate incident.”

Although this change minimizes

the fee increase to residents, 11 jobs in the city’s Public Works department will be impacted. Krug said there are other employment opportunities available in the city for the impacted individuals and added that Waste Connections Inc. is open to hiring those individuals because they already know the routes.

“We would definitely offer people any positions in the city, within the city departments, sort of like the city has done before when positions were done away with,” Krug said. “The contractor, they need people who know the routes, and all of our drivers are certified.

We know they passed the test we have — the physical and drug test. … They would probably be making more money (with Waste Connections Inc.).”

Waste Connections Inc. also would be able to purchase the city’s garbage trucks if the trucks are equipped to meet the company’s needs, Krug said. “(Waste Connections Inc.) would purchase any usable equipment from our current fleet, and anything they didn’t want to purchase, because it didn’t fit their model, we would surplus,” Krug said.

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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.”

Friedrich Hayek

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Longtime Ocoee deputy police chief accepts top post in Crestview Ocoee Deputy Police Chief Stephen McCosker spent 27 years in West Orange.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After more than 27 years serving the community, Ocoee Deputy Police Chief Stephen McCosker is moving on.

McCosker’s last day at the Ocoee Police Department will be Sept. 3; he has accepted the position of chief of police for the city of Crestview, near Pensacola.

He started his law-enforcement career in 1992 as a patrol officer, and throughout the years he has ascended through the ranks, having served on many different units and programs within the department.

McCosker’s career highlights his passion for pioneering community outreach programs, including youth services, police internships, Police Explorers and Ocoee’s Citizen’s Police Academy. His education includes two master’s degrees — one in public administration and one in criminal justice, from the University of Central Florida — and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He also has experience as a criminal justice

instructor and adjunct professor of criminology at Valencia College.

“We really were able to develop a long-term recruiting philosophy,” McCosker said. “That really changed the face of the department and made it a lot more diverse. We have quite a few people who were former explorers or attended the Citizen’s Police Academy or were interns, and they’ve stayed with the department for a long time after they were hired because they are familiar with the culture.

Developing that long-term philosophy on recruiting is something I’m really proud of.”

McCosker also is credited with managing the Ocoee Police Department’s accreditation process, implementing combined training with Ocoee’s other public-safety agencies, running emergency operations when hurricanes hit, addressing homelessness issues and establishing a safe-driving course for those operating city vehicles.

“I always was concerned with my hometown, and there’s that sense of community pride I felt

“(Ocoee has) been my home for 27 years, and there’s obviously people and co-workers I’ll miss, but the reason I applied for and am excited about Crestview is that it has a lot of of the same things there that I experienced here.”

— Stephen McCosker

being in Ocoee,” McCosker said.

“As far as having Ocoee as an employer, I always thought they treated me very well. I came to Ocoee with a two-year degree, and they paid for my bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. The other thing I found exciting was, basically, if we were able to dream it, they let us build (programs).

It’s always exciting working for an employer willing to let you try out new ideas.”

Now, McCosker is prepared to bring his experience and passion for building community to Crestview, where he wants to continue his role as the “hometown cop.”

“It was the size of the agency and the size of the community,” McCosker said of what drew him to the position in Crestview. “A police department under 100 personnel was something I felt more comfortable with, and then the population was a little bit smaller than Ocoee’s. Really, the reason I think I’ve been a police officer for so long is that I really felt like I was the hometown cop in Ocoee, and so I think that’ll transition into Crestview.

“So it’s just a little bit smaller, and I think that creates that family feel both in the community and within the organization,” he said.

According to a press release, Crestview’s nationwide search for its new police chief yielded 36 candidates, both across the nation

Courtesy Ocoee Police Department

Ocoee Deputy Police Chief Stephen McCosker is leaving the department after 27 years to serve as Crestview’s chief of police.

and from within the department.

Crestview City Manger Tim Bolduc said McCosker impressed him both with his experience as a lawenforcement professional and his commitment to community outreach and service.

“I believe that Chief McCosker is the best candidate for the city for two reasons. One, he has the education and experience to move this department forward ... I believe he will be a role model for the community and the department,” Bolduc said a statement.

McCosker said he hopes to help Crestview expand its community engagement, and he plans to bring along some of the programs he has helped implement in Ocoee. While

it’s bittersweet to leave the city he has called home for so long now, he knows that there are exciting times ahead of him in Crestview. “(Ocoee has) been my home for 27 years, and there’s obviously people and co-workers I’ll miss, but the reason I applied for and am excited about Crestview is that it has a lot of the same things there that I experienced here,” he said. “I just would definitely like to thank the community for all its support of the police department over the years. All of the elected officials and the general community has always been supportive of the department, and that really has allowed us to do our jobs. I really appreciate that.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

Down payment

It’s Time!!!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

either purchase or lease there or rent there.”

Because of the size and shape of the property, the housing most likely will have five “small-home” units to keep them high quality but still affordable, he said. The city plans to purchase the parcel in full at $105,000.

“We’ve been acquiring lands because our intentions with the redevelopment is to build and create affordable housing in the neighborhood — and also to bring back some commercial business to the 10th and Center Street location,” Bollhoefer said.

Although a redevelopment plan can take up to 20 years like it did with the downtown plan, significant improvements will be noticeable in the near future. Bollhoefer expects housing development to begin, possibly, within the next six months.

“We believe that the beginning of the redevelopment should start at the center: the 10th Street area, which is really right in the middle of historic east Winter Garden,” Bollhoefer said.

The redevelopment is one piece of a larger master redevelopment and revitalization plan by the city. City officials have held meetings with community members to develop the plans and intend to continue with the meetings moving forward. Bollhoefer said the city also is working to partner with organizations such as the Peace and Justice League to develop leadership, education and training programs in the area. He wants the city to develop a better relationship with the residents.

One strategy the city plans to use

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IN OTHER NEWS n Commissioners approved a new city ordinance, which will rezone the property at 504 W. Plant St. from residential (R-2) to Planned Commercial Development. n Fire Chief Matt McGrew swore in six new firefighters into the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department. Taking the oath of office were Christian Delgado, Chastin Dodd, Bradley Hughes, Andrew Strebeck, James Swope III and Christopher Walters. n Mayor John Rees declared Friday, Sept. 20, as West Orange Healthy Selfie Day.

for revitalization is a more proactive approach from code enforcement.

Bollhoefer said for residents who are not able to bring their properties up to code, he hopes to create a volunteer force to help. Plans are only conceptual at this point and are subject to change in the future.

“Our success is really built on a partnership between the city, these other nonprofits and agencies and the community,” Bollhoefer said.

BUDGET WORKSHOP

City commissioners held their first budget workshop for the 2019-20 fiscal year at the commission meeting.

The city’s proposed budget is $102 million, with a millage rate of 4.5 mills, a rate that will carry over from last year. The city anticipates property tax revenue to come to about $16.2 million.

The proposed budget also features a 3% pay increase for city employees and an 11.3% increase to the city’s general fund. According to the proposal, the increase extends from positive growth in the economy.

Public hearings for the 2019-20 fiscal year are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 and 26 at City Hall.

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Ocoee resident running for Florida House Republican Frank Blanco announced his candidacy for the state District 44 seat.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ocoee resident Frank Blanco has been interested in public service for just about as long as he can remember.

Now, that passion is fueling a bid for the District 44 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

Blanco, a Republican, is set to face off against fellow Republican Bruno Portigliatti in the primary election next August.

The winner will face incumbent Democrat Geraldine Thompson.

The district encompasses most of southwest Orange County.

Blanco is a Miami native but has lived in West Orange for seven years with his wife and their three children. He began his work in public service with a two-year stint as a legislative aide for former State Sen. Steve Oelrich. He then was promoted to Oelrich’s chief of staff.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about Frank Blanco and his stances on issues such as jobs, taxes, guns, immigration and civil liberties, visit blancoforhouse. com.

Shortly after, Blanco enrolled in law school at Florida A&M University’s College of Law in Orlando. After graduation, he passed the Florida and Colorado bar exams and opened his own practice.

“I went to law school, because I’ve always been interested in doing public service and specifically running for office,” he said.

“I thought that law school and running for office kind of went hand in hand, and that’s why I paired those two up.”

But what drove Blanco to enter this race was his desire to make a difference and bring a new set of ideals to the Republican side of the political spectrum.

“I definitely have ideas that are not necessarily considered conservative or Republican in nature,” said Blanco, who describes himself on his website as a “little ‘r’ Republican. “I’ve always being eyeing a seat in the Legislature, because, based on my experience working in the Legislature, I know that in order to be an effective legislator, you have to know what the process (is).

After my experience working in the Senate, I thought, ‘I could do this; I could make a difference in my community, too.’

“I thought, ‘This is something I could see myself doing, this is something that I want to do so I can make a positive future for not only the people that I live around

but also my kids, my wife and everybody that I love,” he said.

As both an attorney and smallbusiness owner, Blanco said he has a unique perspective of understanding how an expanding government might restrict growth, crush incentive and stymie the economy.

If he is elected, Blanco plans to champion the ideas of liberty, freedom and small government.

He added that he brings fresh ideas that could resonate more with both Republicans and Democrats.

“While I do have ideological things for Republicans in terms of fiscal policy and just general economic policy, I think that my social policy, that aspect of me, leans a little more toward the middle of the road or slightly to the left,” he said. “I definitely think I can see the benefits of some of the policies Democrats believe in as far as social policies. I think that I am capable of working with both sides. I am definitely someone that has no economic incentive or desire to benefit from this in a way that will line my pocketbook.”

Some of the cornerstones of Blanco’s campaign include prison reform, investment in education, investment in local infrastructure and health care.

He advocates for prison reform because he believes mandatory minimum sentences should be posed only for offenders involved in serious crimes and those that involve violence.

“That policy of mandating that people go to prison for (a) specific period of time for nonviolent

Courtesy photo

Republican Frank Blanco hopes to bring new thoughts and ideals to his party within the political spectrum.

offenses destroys families and kind of continues the cycle, and I want to see if we can make a break from that,” he said.

Blanco believes education is an upfront investment that should be made more frequently to ensure Florida’s children will be better equipped as productive members of society and as global competitors.

Additionally, investment in infrastructure is crucial to Orange County with the number of visitors it receives each year, he said.

“I want to run for the purpose of making sure that the lives of peo-

ple in my district and people in Florida in general are improved,” he said. “I think that can be done by enacting policies that are common sense, that make the lives of people easier to deal with so they have less government in their lives.

“I think that I am the Republican (who) is like a new-school Republican and still believes in the rights to bear arms unequivocally — but also believes that people should have the liberties and rights that are afforded them in the Constitution,” he said.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

SunRidge Elementary School will be hosting an open house at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Shaved Ice will be there from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and a dollar from every Sno-Cone will go back to the school. For more information, call (407) 656-0809.

Water Spring to host Grandparents Breakfast Water Spring Elementary will host students and their grandparents for breakfast from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5. The breakfast will take place in the school’s media center at 16000 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden. There will be light refreshments, games, crafts and a photo booth.

All attendees must RSVP to WaterSpringPTO@gmail.com.

SunRidge Middle needs volunteers The SunRidge Middle School PTSO is searching for volunteers for the Big Blast Fundraiser for September. Volunteers are needed during lunch hours Sept. 6, 11, 18 and 20. Sign up to receive the SunRidge Middle School PTSO newsletter at eepurl.com/dEl0NX.

Renaissance laces up for Fun Run Renaissance Charter School at Crown Point’s main fundraiser for the year will be the school’s Fun Run. In the days leading up to the run, families will gather pledges for every lap their student(s) run, which will be 30 to 35 laps. The twoweek event kicks off Sept. 3 and leads up to the Fun Run Finale from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sept. 12. This year’s goal is to raise $15,000 for an electronic marquee for the school. Visit FUNRUN.com.

LATANYA WEBB-SMITH CITRUS ELEMENTARY It takes a special teacher to make a difference in a student’s life, and that is exactly what Orange County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year award recognizes. At Citrus Elementary, kindergarten teacher Latanya Webb-Smith earned the accolade this year. Webb-Smith has been with OCPS for 13 years and is in her fourth year teaching at Citrus.

What do you love most about your school?

I love my students and my colleagues. They make the day, from sweet little greetings from the children to the words of encouragements and help from all of the staff members, teachers, office and cafeteria staff. I cannot forget the awesome custodial staff — they help with everything. They even keep me from being locked in when I stay late.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

This is not a job — it is a lifestyle.

When teachers are not in the classroom, we are preparing for being in the classroom. When shopping, items we see remind us of the things we need and want to do to enrich the students. I love when I see a student succeed.

That is what it is really all about.

REPORT CARD ROLE: Kindergarten teacher SCHOOL: Citrus Elementary TIME AT THE SCHOOL: Four years

What made you want to take on this challenge?

I grew up in a low socioeconomic neighborhood, and I had two teachers who spoke life to me.

They provided keys that opened the doors; they taught me how to read the maps of life. I want to do the same for others. So I teach.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

My past and their future. It drives me in each classroom, grade level and academic school year.

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

There have been so many things.

It is hard to name just one — from (having them) helping when I scratched my car on a pole to standing in during a crisis.

Recently, I shared my love of coin banks with my class. For Christmas one of my students gave me her own little bear bank, with the few coins still inside. Such love!

What is the coolest place you have visited and why?

It would have to be the Grand Canyon. Nature is magnificent all by itself.

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

I already have one — I teach. Very few touch as many lives as we teachers touch.

Do you have any pets? What kind, and what are their names?

I had a pet fish. He has swum off into eternity.

If you could see any musician, band or artist live, who would it be and why?

I wouldn’t want to see anyone special. People are people — I would, however, love to see another Broadway show.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

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OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Meet SunRidge Elementary’s new dean

School Board approves new threat-assessment policy DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Stephen Morsher, focuses on student discipline and behavior while supporting teachers.

With state statutes now requiring that school districts establish threatassessment teams, Orange County School Board members last week approved their policy in accordance with the mandate.

Referred to as “Board Policy JICK: Threats,” the policy’s adoption is a formality for Orange County Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins told board members at the Aug. 20 School Board meeting that OCPS has had such teams in the past.

“This formalizes (it), and the board is required to adopt a policy, but we’ve had teams meeting at schools around troubled children in the past anyway — teachers, counselors, administrators — if a child is struggling, if there is a concern, it is not unheard of,” Jenkins said.

According to OCPS, all statements — written or non-written — as well as actions or gestures that threaten the safety of any person, OCPS school or facility will be taken seriously regardless of intent.

“All threats of harm to oneself or others shall be immediately reported to school administration and/or law enforcement, if applicable,” the policy states.

In accordance with Florida Statutes Section 1006.07, every school needs to establish a threat-assessment team.

OCPS documents state each team will include people with expertise in counseling, instruction, school

HANNAH SWAYZE NEWS EDITOR

Hannah Swayze

“I want to be there, be a listening ear and try to help guide (students) in the right direction.”

— Stephen Morsher

“For our students — looking at the background a lot of them are coming from these days — your heart just breaks,” Morsher said. “I want to be there, be a listening ear and try to help guide them in the right direction.”

Although he previously worked in Osceola County, Morsher is looking forward to learning the differences of a new school and seeing new perspectives in Orange County Public Schools.

“I’m looking forward to getting established at the school and being able to build those relationships with our teachers and students and basically helping to facilitate as much growth as I can,” Morsher said.

He may not be teaching band anymore, but Morsher said he still teaches music on the side. As a band student, he played percussion, but as a teacher he learned to play — on some level — every instrument his students played. He said music is still a part of his life, and he’s only shifted his focus to something new, something he’s just as passionate about.

“It’s only been two weeks, but the staff is super welcoming,” Morsher said. “I have a great principal to work with. Ms. Gorberg is outstanding, and I’m really excited to learn the ropes from her. … I’m excited for a good year.”

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After spending five years in a highschool band room, Stephen Morsher is excited to impact and inspire younger students as SunRidge Elementary School’s new dean of students.

Morsher began the new phase in his career as an educator at SunRidge Elementary about two weeks ago. As dean of students, Morsher finds ways school faculty and staff can help students discover the best possible way to interact with their school community.

Basically, he helps them find their niche.

Morsher comes to Sunridge Elementary from Pointe High School in Kissimmee. There, he taught band for five years after moving from Ohio in 2014.

Although he was teaching music, Morsher found he was already doing something he was passionate about: assisting in student development.

“I got to see them and help them develop from these freshmen all the way up to these adults walking across the graduation stage and I think, for me, that was the coolest thing,” Morsher said. “To find a position where I can focus in on that and that’s my sole responsibility, but also do it in a location where the students are much younger so we can start those foundational processes a lot sooner to better serve the students … I think is why it’s such a good fit for me.”

Last year, Morsher decided to go back to school and pursue his master’s degree in educational leadership.

Morsher said the best part of his new job is the ability to focus on developing behavioral skills and characteristics at the beginning of students’ educational careers. In high school, a lot of those foundations for students were already set.

“Anything that I can do to get them set up for the next 12 years in the public school system, I think, is really cool,” he said.

Having just stepped out of the classroom himself, Morsher said he realizes the effects that teachers can have on students. One of his goals is to be as effective as possible in his role and in supporting the teachers.

administration, law enforcement and any other OCPS employee deemed necessary who can provide valuable input. This could be the dean, mentalhealth designee or a staffing specialist.

Each team will follow procedures and guidelines set by the district in accordance with state statutes. Teams will meet monthly or as often as necessary to ensure that students are appropriately assessed.

Other responsibilities of the threatassessment teams include the following: identifying members of the school community to whom threatening behavior should be reported; consulting with law enforcement when a student exhibits patterns of behavior that could pose a threat to school safety; and reporting to the superintendent any student who poses a threat of violence or physical harm to his or herself or others.

During the meeting, Wendy Doromal, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, expressed objection on behalf of the CTA to adopting the policy because this mandate is unfunded.

“School safety is paramount, and any teacher assigned to a schoolsafety committee deserves additional compensation for their crucial work keeping Orange County students safe,” Doromal said.

Jenkins acknowledged Doromal’s statement, adding that although additional state funding is not being provided, it is still important to ensure the safety of all students, staff and faculty.

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The Garden Theatre’s season opener begs a question to the audience: What does it mean to be an American?

The classic American musical “Ragtime” hit the Garden Theatre stage Aug. 23 and runs until Sept. 15. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, “Ragtime” takes place during the period of American history known as the Progrssive Era. The musical weaves together three unique, yet relatable, American stories that are bound by the themes of family, heart and perseverance. The promise of a bright future brings a Jewish immigrant, a Harlem musician and an upper-class wife to the melting pot of the Big Apple, where their stories come together. Although set in the past, the musical’s message and themes still hold up today, making “Ragtime” an inspirational production that illustrates the true portrait of America.

“It was a time in the United States where various groups of people, ethnicities of people and races of people that hadn’t necessarily had (an) opportunity to meet … had begun to mix in different ways,” Artistic Director Joe Walsh said. “It was a moment in time that created opportunity for some people, and it was a moment in time that actually created fear and division in others. This musical sort of captures that moment in time,

and we follow the story of three different groups of people: a white family from New Rochelle, New York; a family from Harlem and an immigrant family from Latvia. We sort of follow their story of how America, at that time, caused these three groups of people to intersect and what that intersection does for them in their lives.”

Walsh added that he’s been a fan of the musical since it opened on Broadway in 1998. He said he’s excited that “Ragtime” is the Garden Theatre’s season opener, because the timeliness of the musical’s themes and message is fitting to the issues America is facing today.

“I think when it opened on Broadway, it was timely and it was a story that spoke to a lot of people,” Walsh said. “I think, unfortunately, we are now living in a time where it is even more relevant than it was when it originally opened. I think it has a lot to say about people coming together, about humanity, about respect and about the opportunity we have to lift each other up as human beings and to change our own small part of the world to make the world, as a whole, a better place. I think it was chosen to open our season as an opportunity to entertain our audience, to educate our audience and also to make them think a little bit.”

The original production of “Ragtime” features a cast of more than 44 individuals, but the Garden Theatre’s production scales down

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IF YOU GO ‘RAGTIME’ Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden COST: $35 to $37 TICKETS: Online at Gardentheatre.org; or by phone at 407-8774736, ext. 0 SHOWTIMES: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Fridays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m.

Sundays; noon, 2 p.m. and an ASL-interpreted performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 * The Garden Theatre encourages parents to use their judgment based on their child’s age and maturity level.

the cast size to 18. Some actors had to take on two — and in some cases three — separate roles, Walsh said.

One of those actors who takes on multiple roles is Jade Jones, who is a member of the ensemble.

“I am playing three different roles — the Harlem woman, then a Haitian immigrant (and) a factory worker,” Jones said. “All of those different roles are primarily singing. My lines are usually more so with the Harlem woman (role).”

Jones added that one aspect of “Ragtime” that resonates with her is that the issues that are dealt with in the musical are issues that America still faces today. She also said the musical opened her eyes to other perspectives that she had not thought about before getting involved with the show.

“Everyone (in the show) has their own attachment to certain scenes,” Jones said. “My attachment is in the first act, more so with the things that are happening in today’s society and what’s happening in the first act. It feels like nothing really has changed or we’re still dealing with the same issues when it comes to the racial injustices with the black community and with law enforcement. And of course I don’t agree that all law enforcement is bad. … There are some good people in law enforcement, and unfortunately with every area (of society) there’s good and there’s bad.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

Racing series coming to Horizon West The Holiday Run Series will encourage healthy habits through fun races for the whole family.

ERIC GUTIERREZ

mer called the “Summer Solstice 5K.” The first race will take place at Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves, and the rest will take place in Hamlin. Orlando Health is the presenting sponsor for all the races, Ratzlaff said.

“It’s all very family oriented,” Ratzlaff said. “All of these races are based on that. They encourage the entire family to get out. There are always kids’ races tied to it.”

Each running event also will include other family-friendly activities such as face painting and live entertainment. Costumes are encouraged at all the races.

“We’ll be bringing out entertainment and engagements based on the holidays,” she said.

Ratzlaff has been organizing races for the past 15 years, starting with an internship at Walt Disney World to organize the runDisney events. That turned into a job, and she continued organizing the runDisney events for 13 years. She left Disney and started her own business organizing racing events around the state and the country.

She started the Florida Running Company a couple of months ago to launch the Holiday Run Series.

“I hope that it helps our community here become as healthy and as active as they can be,” Ratzlaff said. “I also hope it shows kids at a young age how fun it can be to get out and run.”

To register or learn more, visit floridarunningco.com.

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“Running (in a 5K), specifically, brings families together in a different way. You can be active and participate.”

Eric Gutierrez

Sarah Ratzlaff spent about 13 years organizing runDisney events before she started her own business organizing races.

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Runners, on your mark: A new racing series is coming to Horizon West.

Summerport resident Sarah Ratzlaff is organizing a new racing series for the area called the Holiday Run Series. Ratzlaff started the series because she felt the area needed a family-oriented event in which families can be active together.

“Running (in a 5K), specifically, brings families together in a different way,” Ratzlaff said. “You can be active and participate. You can dress up. I support a running series in Houston that’s holiday-themed events, and I thought, ‘We need this here.’ I’m a mom, and in this area, I’m always looking for things to do. Honestly, I can’t find a lot of healthy activities that I can get my kids engaged in.”

The series comprises five separate races. The first will be a Halloween-themed 5K fun run called the “Spooky Sprint,” which will take place in October. The second will include 5K and 12K races in December and has been dubbed the “12Ks of Christmas.” In honor of Valentine’s Day, the third, called “For the Love of Chocolate 5K,” will take place in February. The fourth will be held in March and has been named the “Lucky Charm 5K” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The last will be a night run over the sum-

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STAFF WRITER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

‘RESILIENCE: THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS & THE SCIENCE OF HOPE’ Where: Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden When: 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10 Cost: Free RSVP: Reserve by email at communitybenefit@OrlandoHealth.com,or online at evite. me/qJgQzk7fHZ. Those interested are encouraged to RSVP by Aug. 30; however, those who miss that deadline are still encouraged to send a reservation. Complimentary light refreshments will be served during the screening event.

‘Resilience’ documentary to screen at Garden Theatre The film, playing Sept. 10, takes a deep dive into adverse childhood experiences.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

A documentary that sheds light on the effects of childhood trauma is heading to the Garden Theatre for a free screening.

“Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope” will be screened from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Gar-

den Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The screening is sponsored by Orlando Health, the West Orange Healthcare District and Healthy West Orange.

Created in 2016, the documentary explores the science of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, and follows the movement to treat and prevent toxic stress attributed to such experiences, Marie Martinez said. She’s the operations manager for the Orlando Health Howard Phillips Center for

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IF YOU GO

Children & Families — part of the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

“It really highlights the work that’s being done around the country in terms of applying what was learned in the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study … and applying that (knowledge) in various communities (and) school settings around the country,” Martinez said.

Martinez added that the ACE Study was conducted from 1995 to 1997 by Kaiser Permanente — the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurance company — and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study involved 17,000 individuals with an average age of 53 who each answered an in-depth question-

EARLY ADVERSITY HAS LASTING IMPACTS

naire that addressed various forms of childhood trauma that people may experience. Those experiences include physical, emotional and sexual abuse; witnessing substance abuse at home; having an absent parent; dealing with a parent, sibling or other family member being incarcerated; or witnessing domestic violence.

That data was used to calculate an “ACE score.”

“When they plotted the data on a graph and compared it to a host of different conditions — some were mental health, behaviorrelated and some were physical conditions — the results were truly stunning,” Martinez said. “They took the data and they compared it to instances of things like smoking or drinking alcohol or use of illicit drugs, depression or suicidal ideations … (and it) showed striking correlations — as ACE scores increase — with almost every single known life-threatening health condition that’s chronic that we know of.

“What the ACE Study did

was really draw a mind-body connection,” she said. “No one is saying it’s a causal relationship, but it’s sure a very strong correlation in terms of impacts on health.”

Dr. Rita Vento is the manager of the Teen Xpress program offered through the Howard Phillips Center, and she specializes in lifespan developmental psychology. She said traumatic childhood experiences could have an impact on brain development.

“What happens when a kid is experiencing trauma is that … (their) brain starts developing in a very different way than if you didn’t have this stressor (from the trauma) on you, so it becomes a toxic stress,” Vento said. “The good news is that there is a way to prevent this. Not everybody who has a high ACE score is going to be doomed to always (have) a problem. There’s ways around that, (like) if you have a strong adult influence — somebody who is a support system to you.”

The goal of the screening and the film is to bring attention to ACEs and the resources available for treatment, Martinez said.

“The goal is to reduce toxic stress in the home,” Martinez said. “You see all these programs where it’s very holistic and provides counseling for parents and really wraps them into the equation because if you’re just helping a child with counseling, you’re really just wading in the tip of the iceberg.”

The Howard Phillips Center offers healing, support and advocacy services for children and families who face overwhelming challenges like abuse, sexual trauma, developmental disabilities and a lack of access to medical care.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

Lakeshore Preserve estate sells for $1.7M A

home in the Lakeshore Preserve

community topped all Winter Garden-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 19 to 26. The home at 15603 Panther Lake Place, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 19, for $1.7 million. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-

rooms, four baths and 2,698 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $142.70.

The home at 14955 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 21, for $385,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,722 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $141.44.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 4201 Oak Lodge Way, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 23, for $552,500.

Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths and 4,916 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $112.39.

OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

The price per square

The home at 7496 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 24, for $1.1 million. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,882 square feet. The price per square foot is $225.32.

foot is $306.64.

SUMMERLAKE

half baths and 5,544 square feet of living area.

HORIZON WEST

ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 2264 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $338,000.

Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $166.75.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 6543 Orange Cream Alley, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 26, for $389,394. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $155.63.

HIGHLANDS/ SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15513 Kinnow Mandarin Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 21, for $362,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,440 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $148.36.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14799 Old Thicket Terrace, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 19, for $385,000.

Built in 2006, it has five bed-

The home at 7650 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 23, for $424,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,656 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $159.64.

OAKLAND

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1805 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, 34787, sold Aug. 23, for $359,900. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,418 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $148.84.

WINTERS LANDING

The home at 504 E. Henschen Ave., Oakland, 34787, sold Aug. 20, for $505,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,034 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $125.19.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 2838 Red Alder Blvd., Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 19, for $340,429. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,003 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $113.36.

Estately.com

The home at 1929 Lake Roberts Landing Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $980,000. Entering this home, you’ll find the executive seating/hosting room along with a fireplace. Across this space, the formal dining room awaits. There’s also a gourmet chef kitchen that comes complete with 42-inch soft close cabinets solid wood cabinets, an induction stove, double ovens with a vented hood, and a kitchen peninsula to seat four to six guests.

BORDEAUX

The condo at 2000 Erving Circle, No. 108, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 26, for $135,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,234 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $109.40.

The condo at 2025 Erving Circle, No. 207, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 23, for $116,500. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,031 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $113.

MICHELE WOODS

The home at 1889 Leslie Ann Lane, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 26, for $182,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,378 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.08.

MILL CREEK VILLAGE

The home at 12 Heather Green Court, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 20, for $285,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,642 square feet.

The price per square foot is $173.57.

OCOEE HEIGHTS

The home at 2008 Joan Lee Lane, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 22, for $126,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, one bath

and 1,020 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $123.53.

PEACH LAKE MANOR

The home at 1102 Wurst Road, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 19, for $155,800. Built in 1959, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,968 square feet. The price per square foot is $79.17.

PRAIRIE LAKE VILLAGE

The home at 2079 Date Palm Court, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 21, for $364,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,931 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $92.60.

The home at 2415 Grand Poplar St., Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 19, for $252,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,606 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $156.91.

SAWMILL

The home at 5107 Wood Ridge Court, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 22, for $240,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,751 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $137.06.

SOUTH SPRINGDALE

The home at 1223 Sand Pine Ave., Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 19, for $162,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,025 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $158.05.

VILLAGES/WESMERE

The home at 2040 Bent Grass Ave., Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 19, for $355,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,299 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $154.41.

The home at 197 Chickasaw Berry Road, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 21, for $350,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,131 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $164.24.

VILLAS/WOODSMERE

The townhouse at 2286 Aloha Bay Court, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 21, for $212,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,693 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $125.22.

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REAL ESTATE

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*Effective date August 31, 2019

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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The townhouse at 1971 Brancaster Circle, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 21, for $195,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,468 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $132.83.

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 275 Calliope St., Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 23, for $430,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,245 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $132.51.

WYNSTONE PARK

The home at 2602 Cedar Bluff Lane, Ocoee, 34761, sold Aug. 26, for $269,900. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,755 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $153.79.

WINTER GARDEN BELLE MEADE

The home at 15208 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 23, for $368,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,204 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $166.97.

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 765 Rainfall Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $360,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 3,103 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $116.02.

CANOPY OAKS

The home at 700 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 21, for $707,600. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,665 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $193.07.

COOPER & SEWELL

The home at 118 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 26, for $325,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,355 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $239.85.

CYPRESS RESERVE

LAKE ROBERTS LANDING

The home at 1929 Lake Roberts Landing Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $980,000. Built in 2011, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 5,174 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $189.41.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 821 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 26, for $615,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,114 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $197.50.

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 13212 Social Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 21, for $310,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,526 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.72.

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ROPER RESERVE

The home at 474 Wrangler Road, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $448,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,870 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $156.10.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1014 Beaconsfield Court, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 19, for $380,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,990 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $127.09.

Item prices vary from in-store prices. Service fees may apply. Available in select zip codes.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10348 Love Story St., Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 22, for $393,265. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,995 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $131.31.

The home at 151556 Chapter Way, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 21, for $319,990. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,502 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $127.89.

TUSCANY

The home at 1648 Victoria Way, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 19, for $330,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,429 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $135.86.

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BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

W NE

The home at 13786 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Aug. 23, for $455,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths

and 2,559 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.80.

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WENTWORTH

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Total Sales: 55 High Sale Price: $1.7 million Low Sale Price: $116,500

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

OrangeObserver.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business TUESDAY NETWORKING GROUP Held every Tuesday from 8:00-9:00am at Village Inn in Winter Garden. Bonus Networking starts at 7:30am. To find out if there is an opening for your business or to be added to the wait list, please contact Bob Gentile (Bob@ NaturalSolutionsLLC.com).

WEDNESDAY NETWORKING GROUP Held the first and third Wednesdays of the month (except for holidays) from 8:00-9:00am at Fairfield

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, located at 4020 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 101, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.advancedderm.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Brookdale Senior Living Solutions in Ocoee with “We Noticed” Award

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently

recognized Brookdale Senior Living Solutions for the improvements made to their business, located at 80 N. Clarke Road, in Ocoee. To learn more, visit www.brookdale.com/communities/emeritus-ocoee/.

Inn Ocoee. In months with a fifth Wednesday, please visit wochamber. com for meeting location. To find out if there is an opening for your business or to be added to the wait list, please contact Pam Birdsong (pam@ proformaalbrecht.net).

THURSDAY NETWORKING GROUP Held the 2nd and 4th Thursday (visit wochamber.com for specific dates) from 8:00am - 9:00am at Dr. Phillips YMCA. To find out if there is an opening for your business or to be added to the wait list, please contact Marc Jablon (marc@ imaginethatpromo.com).

HORIZON WEST NETWORKING GROUP

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Cornerstone Hospice Care Center’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Cornerstone Hospice Care Center, located at 1300 Hempel Avenue, in Ocoee. To learn more, visit www.cshospice.org.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Office Depot OfficeMax with “We Noticed” Award

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently

recognized Office Depot OfficeMax for the improvements and opening of their Workonomy Hub at Dr. Phillips, located at 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd Bay Suite 158, in Orlando. To learn more, visit www.officedepot.com.

Held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 8:00a - 9:00a at Orlando Health Emergency Room and Medical Pavilion - Horizon West, 2nd Floor, Center for Health Improvement. To find out if there is an opening for your business or to be added to the wait list, please contact Tina Zernickow (tzernickow@ axiombanking.com).

For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Shepherd’s Hope’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Shepherd’s

Hope, located at 455 Ninth Street, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.shepherdshope.org.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Stratus Roofing’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Stratus

Roofing, located at 1081 9th Street, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.stratusroofing.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Marguerite C. Kennington, 90, of Winter Garden, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

She moved to Winter Garden when she was 3. She was an avid square dancer, Gators fan and a member of the Red Hat Society.

She was a retired supervisor with the Winter Garden Water Department. She also served as a driver for Meals on Wheels to Trailer City.

Her favorite place to walk the beach and collect shells was Bonita Springs, where she created many family vacation

Eddie, and sister, Marie. She worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for Tom West Incorporated almost all of her adult life. She was an active person who loved the outdoors, physical fitness and time gar-

dening in her yard.

Reba had a heart of gold and was always there for a friend in need. She loved her family dearly and treasured her time with her kids and grandchildren.

She was the loving mother of three children: Cheri Varnadoe (Greg Steffen), Steve Varnadoe (Pam) and Cindy Jenkins (Jimmy). She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Justin, Joshua, Kyler, Wade, Kirby, Brandon and Halie; as well as seven greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

7, at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.

REBA FRANCES BUTLER VARNADOE PASSED AWAY AUG. 20, 2019.

Reba Frances Butler Varnadoe passed away on Aug. 20, 2019, in Ocoee, Florida. She was 80 years old. She was born on May 29, 1939, in Cordele, Georgia. She moved to Ocoee as a little girl in the 1940s and was a proud resident of West Orange County for the rest of her life. During that time, she made countless lifelong friends and enjoyed all the area had to offer.

Reba grew up in Ocoee with her parents, Edwin D. and Lula Butler, along with her brother, Mary Davis Brooks, 81, of Winter Garden, died Aug. 23, 2019. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Bernadine D. Hrycyna, 87, of Ocoee, died Aug. 25, 2019. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange, Ocoee.

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memories.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Wade Kenington; her parents, Sam and Lizzie Jane Cannon; and her brother, L.J. Cannon.

Survivors include her son, Michael Kennington; daughter, Tammy Kennington, and her

son-in-law, David May; grandson, Nathan Kennington; cousin Gayle Mazar; nephew, Scott King, and his wife, Lori; niece, Kristy Hope, and her husband, Daniel Santiago; and her lifelong friend who was more of a sister to her, Laura Johnson.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, at Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Garden, with interment following in Winter Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Mike Conley Hospice House, 2100 Oakley Seaver Blvd., Clermont, FL 34711, or Calvary Baptist Church, 631 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787.

MARGUERITE C. KENNINGTON DIED AUG. 21, 2019.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THESE OLD TIMES

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

AUG. 30, 1979 In the 1970s, if your television broke down, the logical place to take it was Paradise TV on Plant and Boyd streets in downtown Winter Garden. It was located in the Black Building and, for decades, a neon G.E. sign has hung outside the shop. In the Aug. 30, 1979, issue of The Winter Garden Times, Paradise TV advertised its “expert electronic service” on all brands of equipment, from televisions, stereos, antennas, Citizens Band radios and more. Winter Garden Wheel Works is the storefront’s current tenant.

80 years ago

Embry Brantley opened his new barber shop in the BurchStory building.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Moore, Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Britt, Mr. and Mrs. K.C. Moore Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Thomas entertained the Winter Garden Baseball Club in the lounge rooms at Florida Public Service Company. Ward Britt and Gertrude Martin, who married Sept. 7, were presented with a set of Fiestaware.

50 years ago

After 104 years, the Case Tractor Co. has discarded its original trademark, Old Abe. Pounds Motors, a Case dealer in Winter Garden since 1936, has displayed the 400-pound cast-iron eagle and will continue to display it as it has done for more than 30 years.

40 years ago

Glenn Jackson, vice chairman of the Orange County School Board, was on hand for the dedication of Dr. Phillips Elementary School. The first principal was Betty Jo Massey.

Howard Phillips participated in the ribbon cutting. Class representatives were Joanna Sevig, Kelly Dickerson, Kelly Haeseker, Holly Haeseker, Holly James, Bryan Pettigrew, Edmund Crovo and Brant Hearne.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES Remnants of railroad track still run along Plant Street in this view of the West Orange Trail looking east. Taken shortly after its completion in 1994 — and well before the streetscape was completed in 2003 — riders were kept separate from the Atlantic Coast Line track in the rare event that a freight train arrived on its westerly run to the switchback located just past where Park Avenue crosses Plant Street. The tracks were removed by June 1999.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves documents and photographs relating to the Rails to Trails initiative that led to the creation of the West Orange Trail. Call (407) 656-3244 to make an appointment to learn more.

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.

20 years ago

Middle. The sisters implemented a community awareness and citizenship project called Our Town.

A half century of muck farms polluting Lake Apopka came to an official end with the purchases of the last farms by the St. Johns River Water

Kirsten Anderson and Mary Beth Davies, teachers at Chain of Lakes Middle School, received Disney’s top honor, the Disney Teacherrific Awards, and a check for $10,000 for themselves and $2,000 for their previous school, Gotha

Management District. The district closed on five farms totaling 940 acres and started the process of dissolving the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District.

CHURCH DIRECTORY CHURCH OF GOD

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

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

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AUGUST 29, 2019

HIGH

SPORTS

1

5

Sophomore libero Kelsey Isaacs is relishing her new position on the volleyball court. Page 20.

Rentz due

High-school sports are back, and here are the three things that I’m looking forward to the most this school year.

West Orange High runner Reeves Oakman had a good weekend for himself as he finished in the top 10 at the Early Hawk Invitational at Lake Minneola Saturday, Aug. 24.

Oakman finished seventh overall with a time of 17:30.33 and helped lead the Warriors to a fourthplace finish in the final standings.

2

In Foundation Academy’s 3-0 sweep of Warner Christian Academy Thursday, Aug. 22, Alina Almonte-O’Neill racked up 27 assists, 10 digs and three kills. The Lions would get additional help from Kayla Richard (6 kills, 13 digs) and Gracie Allen (eight kills, three blocks). The win pushed the Lions to 2-0 on the season.

3

In West Orange High volleyball’s 3-0 (25-4, 25-6, 25-10) domination of Jones on the court Thursday, Aug. 22, a number of players had big games for the Warriors. Junior Sara Reinbolt picked up 11 kills and two digs, while sophomore Cambrie Riffe had 11 kills, two aces and three digs. Julia Goracke and Regan Washington would combine for 29 assists (13 for Goracke, 16 for Washington).

4

A big night from Legacy Charter volleyball’s Kaitlyn Ramsdale set the tone for the Eagles in its 3-0 sweep of Faith Christian on the court Thursday, Aug. 22. The junior outside hitter racked up six kills and 11 digs on the night. Also helping the Eagles to victory was senior Christina Boyce, who recorded six digs and 13 assists. The win was the Eagles’ third (3-0) of the new season.

5

It was a tight finish for the West Orange High boys golf team Thursday, Aug. 22, as the Warriors pulled off the one-stroke victory (178 to 179) over Wekiva at the Wekiva Golf Club. The Warriors were led by Jack Rea, whose 1-under-par finish (35) helped guide his team to the victory.

Game time!

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Ocoee High School’s Dexter Rentz Jr. wants to put an exclamation mark on his high-school career.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

B

link and you’re liable to miss him.

Under the bright lights on Friday night, the only thing you may see of Dexter Rentz Jr. is the flash of the gold grill he wears under his mouthpiece as he smiles and runs into the end zone.

With all the complexities of the game itself, it’s the simple act of running toward that goal line that consumes Rentz’s mind when he stands on the soft, green grass of a football field.

“Before the play all I know is ‘touchdown,’ because I know when I get the ball I’m going to score,” Rentz said. “I don’t really see the defense or the people they have got to stop me, I just see the end zone.

(With) me being a playmaker I just want to hit the end zone.”

During his years at Ocoee High School, Rentz has made the end zone into a place as comfortable as his own home.

While the preseason matchup two weeks ago against University High doesn’t count for anything, Rentz still had a two-touchdown night, before following that up with two touchdowns in the Knights’ season-opening win against Oak Ridge Friday, Aug. 23.

Even though Rentz is a naturally gifted runner who utilizes his speed, field awareness and smaller, 5-foot-11, 170-pound frame, hard work has played a major role in his success.

Football is a year-round sport

It’s back. It’s finally back.

After what feels like an eternity of wandering through the desert, high-school sports are here to quench your thirst for high-level athletics.

As I type this column out, athletes from across six different sports (bowling, cross country, football, golf, swimming and diving, and girls volleyball) are back in their natural habitats — working on getting game ready.

And don’t forget the cheer teams, who are out practicing stunts and cheers for Friday nights.

For sports fans like myself, your humble narrator, this is one of the best times of the year, and it’s why I’m bringing you my top three things that I’m looking forward to in this new year of high-school athletics.

PASSION AND PAGEANTRY

nowadays, and with competition for playing time and future college offers being highly coveted, it’s going beyond the call of duty that truly gets you where you need to be, Rentz said. That’s what separates him from the rest.

“What makes me such a talented football player is the work that I put SEE RENTZ PAGE 20

Photos by Troy Herring

Dexter Rentz Jr. is already off to a hot start in his senior season.

This one is a twofer deal, because both are as interconnected as Han Solo and Chewbacca.

Without passion there is no pageantry, and let’s face it, pageantry is just as important as the game or match that’s taking place in front of us.

The driving sounds of the marching bands playing their fight songs, and the elevating screams of joy — or pain — that funnel down to the court/field from an enraptured audience all makes for an atmosphere that you can’t get while sitting at home.

As a band nerd myself, watching the halftime shows is worth the price of admission alone, and for some players the band is a real highlight. When I was talking with Ocoee High running back Dexter Rentz Jr., I asked him the question of, “What will you miss when you graduate?” His answer: the Ocoee marching band.

One of the first games I covered when I took over as the sports editor last October was an Ocoee football game, and the first impression I had was, “Dang, they sound like a collegiate band.”

Once I started making the rounds of local schools, I got to hear the bands at other schools in our coverage area like West Orange High and Foundation Academy and was blown away.

SEE HIGH SCHOOL PAGE 20

20

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Kelsey Isaacs Kelsey Isaacs has been a student at Central Florida Christian Academy since second grade, but her sophomore year may be the most exciting of her athletic career. Going into the new season, Isaacs was named to the libero position by volleyball coach Catie Schluter, and she looks forward to acting as a leader for the Eagles.

When did you first get into volleyball?

I’ve been going to the school for forever now, so ever since elementary I’ve been joining the volleyball team. It’s been growing ever since.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: CFCA YEAR: Sophomore SPORT: Volleyball POSITION: Libero AGE: 15

What’s been your favorite thing about playing volleyball at CFCA? The teamwork that we have on the court — it’s satisfying and I feel good when we’re working together and we get to hang out during practices. On our way to away games we joke around in the van — it’s really cool.

Do you have any goals going into the new season?

I’m working toward no drop balls, because sometimes if somebody expects the ball and it’s between two players, we’re like “Oh, you should have got it.”

What are your expectations for this year’s team?

I expect us to grow as a team, but I don’t expect us to be the best team. Normally, until this year, we’ve always had seniors and juniors on varsity — I’m a sophomore — so it’s basically just sophomores and juniors right now.

What’s the position change been like for you?

It’s very humbling — I’m very grateful that coach chose me to be libero this year. She did this thing during the summer where every Monday and Wednesday we had workouts — we would go scrimmage her older volleyball friends — and coach told me that I grew over the summer and that’s why she chose me to be libero.

You’re only a sophomore, but is volleyball something you’d like to do at the next level?

I would love to play volleyball in college — I’d love to get a scholarship to play volleyball in college, actually. I would love to go to college for volleyball, but I’d rather be going to college for education instead.

The season hasn’t started yet, but what’s been your favorite thing about playing at libero?

My favorite thing is if everything is rowdy and everyone is panicking, I’m the one to control it.

Keeping control on the court.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing volleyball or doing school work?

I like shopping — clothes and shoes.

What are some of the best words of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t ever think if you’re in a nice position on varsity that you’re

— TROY HERRING

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

in when no one else is watching,” Rentz said. “I go home and do a few pushups, lift a little weight — I do the extra. I stay after practice and catch routes with my quarterback, I hit the weight room, I do two-a-days and three-adays — I do things that an average high-school football player wouldn’t do.”

WELCOME TO THE SHOW

entitled — you have to keep on working. Our coach gave us these quotes at the beginning of the season, and my specific quote was “Success is not owned, it’s rented, and rent is due every day.”

Have you always played at libero?

No, I haven’t. My middleschool year — in eighth grade — I played libero, and this year I just became libero. I was (originally) in the back row defending.

Rentz lights up the field

Since the age of 5, all Rentz has ever known is football and family.

Growing up, it was Rentz’s father — a former player himself — who placed pads onto his son’s shoulders and trained him in the sport, while cousins and brothers inspired him to dig deeper into football.

And just like other kids who dream of football glory, it was during those early days in the sport when Rentz thought about football as a long-term commitment. The passion for the sport came early, but it wasn’t until high school when Rentz realized just how much harder the sport got.

In his first-ever start on varsity — which saw the Knights take on Bishop Moore — the freshman Rentz got his first dose of bigtime football.

“I caught a screen pass and I quickly realized that varsity high-school football is nothing like little league,” Rentz said. “Little league, I could have

caught a screen pass like I did and cut all the way back across the field or made a couple of guys miss. I tried to do the same thing in high school … and I got hit.

“I was actually shocked — I was like, ‘Woah, this just happened,’” Rentz said. “And then when you’re running the ball you don’t hear anything, but after I got up you can hear the crowd go, ‘Oooh.’”

Looking back at his early days at Ocoee, that pop he received during the Bishop Moore game is one of the key moments that pushed Rentz to better himself in any way he could.

The summer before his sophomore year, Rentz started getting into the weight room as often as possible, and the results showed as he got physically bigger and stronger.

What followed was a sophomore season that saw Rentz become a regular on the varsity team as a utility player of sorts — playing at wide receiver, running back and defensive back. While he is now solely playing at RB, it was at DB where he first made noise with a state-record-tying, five-interception game against Ocala West Port in 2017.

GOING OUT WITH A BANG

Though he first started getting some notice in his sophomore year, it was a breakout junior season that caught the eyes of college coaches.

After moving more toward his

current position in the backfield, Rentz started picking up offers left and right — by the time he knew it, he had 20 colleges offering him scholarships. Schools like Kentucky, Pitt and Cincinnati all showed interest, but it was the University of Louisville that piqued Rentz’s interest.

“When I got on campus I felt like I was at home,” Rentz said.

“You don’t know until you get on campus what the fit is for you, and I just feel like Louisville is a great fit.

“Then (there) was the bond I had with the coaches,” he said.

“Right now I talk with coach Brewer, coach Washington and coach Brown (everyday) … I like the connection that we have.”

While Rentz looks forward to playing for the Cardinals at slot receiver, there’s still some unfinished business at Ocoee.

As a senior leader on this year’s Knights football team, Rentz still has almost a full season ahead to build on the legacy that he has built over the years, and it gives him a little more time to help the program’s future stars.

“My favorite part about playing that leadership role is seeing the guys on the team look up to me,” Rentz said. “My role for these new guys is helping them buy into the program — showing them that it’s more than just the game of football, it’s also about (succeeding) in the classroom.

It’s little things like that that’s going to help us win.”

High-school sports are here again CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

A COMMUNITY GET-TOGETHER

As many who have followed my writing know, before I arrived here in West Orange, I was the associate editor at the Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

Now, there’s a lot of differences on that side of town compared to here, but there has been one thing that truly stands out to me: the sports community of West Orange is on another level.

The good folks of Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland love their schools with a fanaticism that clearly shows. School logos are plastered across the walls of local businesses, cars fly the colors of schools, and just about anywhere you go you’ll hear people chatting about the upcoming game.

Communities are built on a shared identity, so it makes sense that the local school would become a place of com-

munity pride for people. And while I myself am not from the area, simply covering schools makes me feel like I’m a part of the community.

For instance, when I’m stalking around the sidelines at West Orange High or Legacy I’ll run around and shake hands and chat with folks, as if I’ve always been here. Honestly, it’s the community aspect — the chats on the sidelines and in the stands — that I’m looking forward to the most, and I know I’m not alone in that.

RIVALRIES: GOOD, CLEAN, OLD-FASHIONED ‘HATE’

If there’s one thing that defines the upcoming high-school sports season, it’s the yearly renewal of rivalries.

At the high-school level the student-athletes face off against best friends they grew up with — and bragging rights are no the line. Who doesn’t want to be able to dangle a win over a friend?

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And the area has rivalries aplenty, with the biggest of which being the newest of the bunch. When Windermere High arrived on the scene and cut into West Orange High’s territory back in 2017, a rivalry was immediately born.

Players who once donned the orange and blue, now wear the lime green and blue at Windermere, and that upset folks in the West Orange community. It’s unfortunate that Windermere won’t be facing off against the Warriors this football season, but the rivalry in volleyball will be just as big, as former WOHS volleyball coach Roberto Santasofia left abruptly and went to Windermere to continue coaching.

While the “Backyard Bowl” between Olympia and West Orange has already been decided, rivalries will continue to unfold in various fields of play, and you can be sure that sweat will be poured in the name of bragging rights.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Head coach Dee Brown led the Warriors during his first regular-season game,

Terrell Walden, left, celebrated with Matthew McDoom, right, after scoring a touchdown.

SPORTS EDITOR

n FOUNDATION ACADEMY (0-1) AT ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC (1-0) The Lions (0-1) face a tough twoweek road stretch starting this week in their game against St. Petersburg Catholic (1-0). The Barons finished the 2018-19 season with a modest record of 6-4. Foundation had no issues in away games last year, as the Lions went 4-0 — with one win by forfeiture. Foundation has the talent on both sides of the balls — including go-to players like quarterback Henry Austad and outside linebacker/defensive end Bryan Thomas — that should help lead the Lions to their first win of the season.

W

OTHER WEEK ONE SCORES n Cornerstone Charter Academy 20, CFCA 14 n Cambridge Christian 26, Foundation Academy 21 n Legacy Charter 22, St. Edwards 13

2

21

n CFCA (0-1) VS ORLANDO CHRISTIAN PREP (1-0) Coming off a tough, close loss to Cornerstone Charter Academy last week, Central Florida Christian Academy (0-1) draws a tough hand in its bid to get a rebound win. Orlando Christian Prep (1-0) just barely survived in its opening 14-13 win over Seffner Christian.

While the Warriors should never be overlooked, they did loss their best receiver, running back and quarterback to graduation. With CFCA having a defense loaded with upper classmen like Prince Daley and Sal Sosa, the Eagles will look to torment freshman quarterback De’kwan Bradley.

TROY HERRING

Photos by Troy Herring

Sinica Sigler Jr. ran past —and through — Olympia defenders.

Nate Marrero

Quarterback Nick Wright, left, led the offense with running back Charles Pierre.

the second half. Kintner would go 2-for-3, with his lone miss coming from 27 yards out with 52.6 seconds left in the second quarter.

Though the Warriors were largely dominant on both sides of the ball, there is still room for improvement, Brown said.

“Sometimes in games you have ebbs and flows, so we are just trying to get our kids to get on a more consistent level of high play,” Brown said.

Next up for West Orange is one of the toughest tests of the season, as the Warriors travel down the road to Apopka to take on the Wekiva Mustangs (1-0) Friday, Aug. 30.

KNIGHTS THROTTLE PIONEERS 37-6

Behind a stout defense and big offensive performances from running back Dexter Rentz Jr. and quarterback Nick Wright, the Ocoee Knights started off their

season on the right foot with a 37-6 win over the Oak Ridge Pioneers Friday, Aug. 23.

Wright ran for three touchdowns, while Rentz had two touchdowns of his own.

Defensively, the Knights dominated the Pioneers, forcing three turnovers on downs and two fumbles with both of them being recovered by Jamal Desina. Oak Ridge’s only touchdown came after it was set up deep in Knights territory following an interception.

Special teams also had a big day as well, with Lovie Jenkins having two big punt returns — one of which led to a touchdown two plays later. Ocoee also had a blocked punt as well.

The Knights will look to continue their momentum into next week when they go on the road to take on the Olympia Titans (0-1).

— NATE MARRERO

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

hen West Orange firstyear head coach Dee Brown looked up at the scoreboard, he liked what he saw.

In his first official game at the helm of the football program, Brown saw his Warriors pick up a dominating 34-6 win in front of a raucous home crowd Friday, Aug. 23.

“It’s a wonderful feeling anytime you wake up Friday morning looking for a win and you find one on Friday night,” Brown said. “That was always one of our goals — to win the home opener. I’m humble because it’s never easy to get a win on Friday.”

Things escalated quickly for the Warriors (1-0) right out of the starting gate. On the first two drives of the game, the Warriors converted on a fourth down deep in Olympia (0-1) territory before quarterback Julian Calvez capped each drive off with a rushing touchdown.

Coming off of his first varsity start last week in the Warriors’ preseason matchup with Bishop Moore, which saw him amass five touchdowns total, Calvez continued his multi-touchdown streak with three (two rushing, one passing) Friday night.

“I was just in the moment, just living,” Calvez said. “God’s blessed me with the talent to do that. My coaches do a great job of coaching me everyday and making sure I’m right every time.”

By the time Calvez recorded his last score — a pass that bobbled around in the hands of Terrell Walden before he brought it down and walked into the end zone — the Warriors found themselves up 21-0 with 1:11 left in the first quarter. The opening quarter of the game took a full 36 minutes to play.

While West Orange would continue its domination and add on two more touchdowns (one on a short run by Sinica Sigler and another on a reverse by Matthew McDoom), the defense for the Warriors proved to be just as efficient.

Outside of a 21-yard field goal

by Titans kicker Colby Kintner — which was set up by an interception of West Orange backup QB Taylor Huff — the Warriors held the Titans to just three points in the first half and three points in

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

WEEK PREVIEW

ONLINE

PREP FOOTBALL RECAP

West Orange hands Olympia 34-6 loss in season opener

|

LEGACY (1-0) AT SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN (0-0) For the second week in a row, Legacy (1-0) finds itself traveling over an hour away from the friendly confines of Ocoee — this time to take on Seven Rivers Christian (0-0).

This week’s game will be the season opener for Seven Rivers, so there’s no tape yet on the Warriors except for what was recorded last year during the team’s 1-9 season. Legacy will look to cap off a road trip with a win behind a balanced mixture of offense and defense, and to get back home to Ocoee to open up the home season Friday, Sept. 6, against Santa Fe Catholic. n OCOEE (1-0) AT OLYMPIA (0-1) Ocoee (1-0) and Olympia (0-1) are coming off of polar-opposite starts to their respective seasons. The Knights dominated Oak Ridge 37-6, while the Titans fell at the hands of West Orange by a score of 34-6.

In their game against Oak Ridge, the Knights saw multi-touchdown nights from quarterback Nick Wright and running back Dexter Rentz Jr., while the defense smothered the Pioneers’ offense — which only managed to get a touchdown following an interception that set them up deep in Ocoee territory. With that in mind, the Knights will look to keep that strong offense and defense going in order to go 2-0 into a tough home matchup against Lake Nona next week. n WEST ORANGE (1-0) AT WEKIVA (1-0) This Friday’s matchup with Wekiva (1-0) will be West Orange’s third battle with the Mustangs in the last two seasons. In this year’s matchup, the Warriors’ (1-0) defense will have to keep up the strong, early pace, as it deals with Larry Preston (who had two touchdowns last week) and quarterback Brenden Cyr. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ high-powered offense will look to break through a stingy Mustang defense that is led

by Nathan Pierre (who last week had four sacks and five total tackles).

CLASSIFIEDS

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019

Eat, Play & Stay Healthy West Orange!

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call 407-656-2121 or Visit OrangeObserver.com This September, our Healthy Selfie 5K lets you complete 3.1 miles your way, at your own pace, wherever you like, whenever you like. You want to bike it? Awesome. Kayak? Totally cool. Unicycle? Hey, you do you. Want to complete 1.1 miles one day and 2 miles the next, that’s great, too. And if you want to complete it with our team and lots of friends, we’re hosting a live 5K on Sunday, 9/15 in Horizon West!

Check out HealthyWestOrange.org for all the details!

313436-1

310428-1 291957-1

At the Winter Garden Farmers Market

ACROSS

32 Stinks 35 Sights under tired eyes 1 Vietnam’s capital 37 “According to conven6 Coal carrier tional wisdom ...”

10 God in the Koran 38 What makes the voice 15 Shine’s partner temporarily regal? (think 19 Some kind of a nut Brothers Grimm) 20 Trig function 43 Salami variety 21 City near Giza 44 Many offer free break22 Actress ___ Rac hel Wood fasts 23 Moth? (think Kafka) 45 “The Murders in the ___ 26 “You ___ seen nothin’ Morgue” yet!”

46 Tennis ball chasers 27 See 49-Across 49 With 27-Across, “Broke28 Had haddock, say back Mountain” director 29 Vassar VIP 50 Singer Easton 30 “Goodness gracious!”

53 Mosque official

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.

“ZP KUZX HEHLPK AULIL KUL AEISM ZX RLIG XDVIG, Z TLLS SZBL HG IESL ZX KE HVBL NLENSL SVOCU ILVSSG UVIM.”

–YOMM VNVKEA

“JHDV ZIIHCKMBL ... ZHCCABP CNIS & CNVV KN OBHDKL, HMP GNCBYBC CHAWBP KTB OHC GNC INZJNWBCW, ZDWAIAHMW HMP GHMW.”

– HVBI OHVPRAM

Puzzle Two Clue: S equals K

©2019 Universal Uclick

56 Heretofore 57 Agatha Christie or Patricia Cornwell 58 Marten with dark fur 59 Island instrument, informally 60 Acapulco aunt 61 Islamic decree 62 Rosebush pests 63 Like a butcher going vegan 68 Judge’s field 70 Songs, in Stuttgart 71 555, to Octavia DOWN 72 Stocky 1 Loud precipitation 73 Derisive cries 2 Zits and the like 76 “___ ‘em!” (attack dog 3 Piece of facial jewelry command) 4 Bonanza find 79 Business card abbr. near 5 CEO’s magazine ext.

6 2005 Best Foreign Language Film set in South 82 Sexist, say 83 Morlock munchies Africa 84 Thick-skinned safari beast 7 Abounding 85 Former Deputy Attorney 8 Queen of the hill General Sally 9 So-so 10 Connect to, as the internet 86 Make a counterargument 90 Close call 11 In ___ land 91 Dowd of “The Handmaid’s 12 Pride member Tale” 13 The “A” of MOMA 92 Physique, informally 14 Santa laugh syllables 94 ‘60s actress Sharon 15 All set 96 Enter your password 16 Cornell and Columbia 98 ___ as directed 17 Yemen’s capital 18 Sweepstakes submission 100 Noon 101 Relishes 24 Help yourself to 102 Boxcar riders 25 Barely beats 103 Remove from office 31 Principal, for a school 87 Score after deuce 55 Hindu hero 33 “Music for Airports” musi- 104 Good point?

105 River by the Louvre 57 Cowardly B-team? (think 88 Like an abandoned case cian Brian 106 Hallmark purchases 89 Annoyance “Which came first?”)

34 Online currency 110 When temperatures start 90 Apprehend 61 C-worthy 35 “___ chance!” to drop 93 Dundee denizen 64 Title for a baronet 36 Former diplomat Kofi 111 “Nothing’s broken” 95 Boot tip 65 Alias letters 37 Milk-Bone biscuit, e.g.

112 A Latin teacher may 96 Miller ___ 66 Punctual 38 Tour grp. wear one 97 Good, in Guadalajara 67 First 30-day month 39 Stimpy’s canine pal 114 Digging, so to speak 69 Expensive Buddha statue 99 Milestone for a spooky 40 Hall-of-Fame knuckle115 Resting upon feature? (think alchemy) fiction genre? (think Stoker) baller Phil 118 1969 Peace Prize grp.

74 Decrease 104 Spartan 41 Of the Cherokee or Cree 119 Give a name 75 Tank engine of kiddie lit 107 Grps. such as Amnesty 42 Droning sounds 120 Way to sway 77 Feeling less than 100% International 47 Rich cake 121 Bottom-of-letter abbr.

78 Horse’s morsel 108 Exterior 48 Refines 4-Down 122 Lead role in “Star Wars: 80 A deadly sin 109 Used packing tape 51 ___ Master’s Voice The Rise of Skywalker” 81 Bacchus’ motto? (think 110 Pacific island nation 52 Juul, e.g. biblical miracle) 112 Atlanta-based channel 54 Cambridge sch.

113 Soccer legend Hamm 116 Voice on some phones 117 Cleat mark on the infield? (think graphite) 123 Puts the kibosh on 124 Mixture such as pewter 125 Egg (on) 126 Basil-based blend 127 Quiz’s bigger relative 128 What egg-white omelets lack 129 Drag queens’ wraps 130 Network admin

Puzzle One Clue: D equals C

by PAUL COULTER; CROSSWORD METAMORPHOSIS Edited by David Steinberg

©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

8-29-19