Times& WEST ORANGE
Observer WEST ORANGE COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER FOR 109 YEARS
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
FREE
WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA
TAD OF PLAID
SPORTS
New World Celts celebrates culture in Winter Garden. PAGE 13A
Area heavyweights West Orange, Dr. Phillips prep for Ol’ Orange Crate Rivalry. PAGE 1B
+ Alex Simon turns the big 8-0 Alex Simon, of Ocoee, celebrated his 80th birthday with a surprise party thrown by his wife, Irene, Sept. 5, at Olive Garden. Attendees included Theresa Simon, of Orlando; son Steve Simon and wife, Susan, of Orlando; Wesley Simon, of Orlando; Kevin Simon, of Winter Park; and other friends from throughout the state.
IN MEMORIAM by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor
1911-2015: Dr. Albert Gleason The popular West Orange County physician, who played an important role in the opening of a hospital in Winter Garden, practiced medicine until his retirement at age 92. WINTER GARDEN — Medicine was Dr. Albert Gleason’s life, and his compassion and dedication to his field, as well as each individual patient, is what set him apart and made him a favorite local doctor
for nearly 60 years. Winter Garden lost an iconic member of the community Sunday, Sept. 6, with the death of Dr. Gleason. He was a month shy of his 104th birthday. The physician and surgeon
was known for many feats in West Orange County. He was instrumental in bringing the first hospital to the area, he helped establish Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, and he was an original
member of the West Orange Country Club. He was also a citrus grower and board member of South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers’ Association. Messages about Dr. Gleason started appearing on Facebook soon after the news of his death. People reminisced about the house calls he made in his early days as a doctor
SEE GLEASON / 4A
POLITICS
by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Olszewski files for District 1 Winter Garden District 3 Commissioner Bobby Olszewski announced his run for Orange County commissioner.
+ 9/11 anniversary events scheduled Several municipalities and organizations are holding remembrance services Friday, Sept. 11: WINTER GARDEN. The city of Winter Garden is holding a brief ceremony at 8:30 a.m. to dedicate a permanent monument that remembers the actions of Sept. 11, 2001. Four years ago, the city secured a 700pound, four-foot section of steel beam from the World Trade Center, and the piece was on display at City Hall. It now rests in the small park adjacent to the Winter Garden Fire Department Administration building, 1 E. Cypress St. It is displayed on a black granite post that includes a round etched emblem depicting the WTC and three first-responder patches. The city’s fire and police honor guard will be present, as well as local officials. The four police and fire personnel who drove to New York City in 2011 to retrieve the beam will be there, too:
OUR TOWN / 4A
I
WO This week’s winner is
Linda Tejera.
See the photo on PAGE 7B.
Courtesy photo
Albert Gleason was a physician to multiple generations of patients.
Steven Ryzewski
Vamari Bostic was among the most animated players for the West Orange Wildcats Junior Pee Wees as it faced visiting Avalon Sept. 5. After trailing 26-12 early in the second half, a total team effort helped the Wildcats rally for a 30-26 win. For more photos, visit wotimes.com.
REMEMBRANCE by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer
Memorials set for two slain officers Roadway dedication ceremonies for Windermere Officer Robbie German and Orange County Deputy Scott Pine will be held Sept. 14. WINDERMERE — “How sad is it that we can walk from one area where an officer is memorialized to another area where an officer is memorialized … literally on the (same) lot?” Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn asked. Bruhn referred to Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Pine and Windermere Police Officer Robbie German, who were shot and killed Feb. 11,
2014, and March 22, 2014, respectively, within about onehalf mile of one another near South Apopka-Vineland Road (County Road 435), not far from Olympia High School. Moreover, the officers knew each other and worked together regularly. “There was definitely a relationship, because Deputy Pine
SEE DEDICATIONS / 6A
Windermere Officer Robbie German
Orange County Deputy Scott Pine
INDEX Arts & Culture.......................15A Classifieds..............................8B
Community Calendar..............2A Crossword...............................7B
324 Moore Rd. Ocoee, FL 34761
Obituaries.............................19A Real Estate.............................5B
Sports.....................................1B Weather..................................7B
WINTER GARDEN — District 3 Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski said there was no better time than last week to go for a constant goal — serving as District 1 Orange County commissioner. “With my family’s history and my commitment to public service, looking at all that we were able to Olszewsi accomplish in Winter Garden, the time was right to be able to give back even more to Orange County,” he said. Olszewski grew up in the Orange Tree neighborhood of Dr. Phillips, right next to Dr. Phillips Elementary, where his parents — Bob and Rosie — provided an amazing example of commitment and service for Olszewski and his brother, Matt, he said. “My family was one of the original season-ticket holders for the Orlando Magic,” Olszewski said. “It was always a special time for my dad, my brother and I to attend Magic games together.” But baseball was the constant sport for Olszewski as a child, given his father’s roles in Dr. Phillips Little League, from coach and umpire to president. At Dr. Phillips High, he became the backup catcher to current Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski and a team-
SEE OLSZEWSKI / 4A
Vol. 82, No. 37 , Two sections
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