10.22.20 Southwest Orange Observer

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Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

OCTOBER 2020

Heads of the Class

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE

VOLUME 6, NO. 4

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Orange County Public Schools’ Medical Advisory Committee comprises 11 medical experts.

Together, they provide recommendations for how the district should operate in the time of COVID-19. Pages 6-7.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Windermere’s water works Town of Windermere leaders have approved minimum standards for three stormwater projects. PAGE 6.

Meet the 11 medical minds helping OCPS make decisions during this school year.

Out with the old

Q&A

DISTRICT 11

Meet the candidates for Florida State Senate District 11.

The town of Windermere tore down the 104-year-old municipal complex after determining it was no place for government facilities. PAGE 4.

Amy Quesinberry

Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith, left, and Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden stand among the rubble of the Windermere Municipal Complex, which was demolished Monday, Oct. 19. Ogden took the first swings of the demo equipment, knocking into the police department walls.

SCHOOL ZONE

Post office could be renamed to honor Robbie German The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that could change the name of the Windermere post office to the Officer Robert German Post Office Building.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

STORY OF THEIR LIVES

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Friends create book club to add diversity to classrooms. PAGE 13.

The Windermere Post Office could be getting a new name — one that would pay tribute to a Windermere police officer who was killed in 2014 while on duty near the facility at 9930 ConroyWindermere Road.

U.S. Rep. Val Demings introCourtesy photo

SEE HONORING PAGE 5

Officer Robert ‘Robbie’ German

PAGE 3.

YOUR TOWN CHAMBER TO HONOR WOMEN The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is offering its Celebrating Extraordinary Women event virtually from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

The panel of four business and community women will lead the conversation and answer questions: Dr. Barbara Jenkins, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools; Iliana Ramos Jones, co-owner and CFO of Empire Finish Systems LLC; Omayra Mansfield, vice president and chief medical officer for AdventHealth Winter Garden and Apopka; and Catherine Stempien, Florida state president of Duke Energy.

In lieu of a registration fee, attendees are encouraged to donate to the West Orange Foundation Thanksgiving Food Drive at bit. ly/2FQIWM0.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

IN OTHER NEWS

Oakland history center nears completion

n The town passed a resolution that pauses for one year a previous town vote calling for annual water rate changes.

“Due to the economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the town of Oakland, it is an inappropriate time to increase water rates in the town,” the resolution read.

“It is in the best interest of the town and its citizens to pause the water rate indexing set for October 2020 … for a period of one year.”

“This resolution pauses the increase for one year; it doesn’t compound,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said. “It just will revert to whatever the increase is.”

“We can give residents a break,” Mayor Kathy Stark said.

“I think that’s a very responsible thing to do.”

The town is conducting interviews for the coordinator position this week.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The finishing touches are being made to the long-awaited history center in Oakland, but residents still will have to wait a while longer before stepping inside.

The town has been working on getting signage for the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center building and surrounding property, including ones representing Orange County Parks & Recreation, Healthy West Orange and Orange County’s Arts & Cultural Affairs program, Town Manager Steve Koontz reported at the Oct. 13 Oakland Town Commission meeting. A bronze dedication plaque is being made for the facility, as well.

It will be placed on the exterior of the building and will recognize

donors, partners, the mayor and commissioners, town leadership and those who were integral in the concept, mission, design and construction of the center.

A statue of Westly, the mascot for the Healthy West Orange movement, should be delivered this week and placed in the reflecting pond. A contractor was building a frame around a stained-glass window that once hung in the old Oakland Presbyterian Church.

The final display case was being filled this week. Four cases will be themed around town founder Peter Demens, the Oakland Hotel archaeological dig, Lake Apopka’s fishing history, and the Oakland Nature Preserve and native flora and fauna. The fifth will serve as a merchandise case.

Interviews are being conducted this week for a public arts and heritage coordinator. This person will coordinate history and art exhibits; provide information about center-related

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events, amenities and the history of the town to visitors; and lead programming initiatives.

Koontz asked for direction on opening the facility to the public and told the commission any grand-opening celebration would have to be held at a later date.

Following the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s opening plan, the commission agreed to start with minimal hours one day a week and expand later. Residents will be able to make a visitor’s appointment. Visitation likely will be limited to five to 10 guests at a time to maintain social distancing.

“I would like to see it completely ready (excluding the food and beverage concessions) before we open up, especially for the people who have donated so graciously,” Mayor Kathy Stark said.

Commissioner Mike Satterfield suggested opening just one day a week until the first of the year.

The center’s restrooms opened last month and are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

n The commission directed town staff to erect parking limitation signs in front of the Oakland Post Office. Several residents had complained to Koontz that they had trouble finding a place to park when they visited the post office, because bicyclists and pedestri-

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ans were parking there to access the West Orange Trail. Reserved parking signs for post office users have since been added around the building. n The commission passed a resolution to vacate a 20-foot-by85-foot right of way on Lot 32 in Pulte Home Company’s Longleaf at Oakland subdivision. Commissioner Sal Ramos recused himself from the vote because of a conflict of interest. This replat was necessary to accommodate a design requirement for the home being built there. n Commissioner Rick Polland reminded the commission about the Pumpkin Glow event at the Oakland Nature Preserve from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Folks can dress in costume, take a flashlight and follow a wooded trail of decorated and handcarved jack-o’-lanterns. Children will receive candy bags and get to meet critters. Admission is a donation to ONP. n Stark read two proclamations declaring Oct. 15, 2020, Blind Americans Equality Day and Oct. 19 through 25, 2020, Florida City Government Week in the town of Oakland.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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STATE SENATE DISTRICT 11 V

oters nationwide will head to the polls Nov. 3 for the presidential election, but Orange County voters also will have the opportunity to elect candidates for various local offices. This week, the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer highlight the two candidates running for State Senate District 11 — incumbent Randolph Bracy and challenger Joshua Eli Adams. Candidates’ responses have been edited for space and grammar. Unedited answers can be viewed in their entirety online at orangeobserver.com.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

JOSHUA ELI ADAMS

RANDOLPH BRACY

Why do you want to represent District 11?

Florida Senate District 11 is a large district with a diverse population, but they have had few conservatives fighting for votes, and in the process educating voters and letting them know they have political options. When electoral seats go uncontested, the natural result is a drift to extremes. In the case of District 11 — without any center or center-right options — the incumbent has gone far left, well beyond the interests of most of the residents. District 11 has a lot of conservative residents and a lot of residents who I believe are naturally conservative but haven’t historically voted Republican. Those voters will never consider Republicans if they don’t have candidates competing in races.

Why do you want to represent District 11?

It has been an honor to represent District 11 for the past four years. I ran to work on fixing our criminal-justice system, make sure we did all we could as a state to protect our environment, continue to work to improve our education system, and bring resources back to the district for the benefit of the people that live here. I’ve had a successful four years in the Senate, but those same values are what motivate me to continue my work in the Florida Senate.

This race features one candidate with a history in politics and another who is a newcomer. As the challenger, why does your perspective make you a better candidate than your opponent?

I don’t think being a newcomer is necessarily a benefit in and of itself, but I believe I am a better representative of the people of District 11. The incumbent does have the fundraising advantage that comes with both incumbency and also the benefit of a district that has not been competitive for conservatives for some time. Beyond that, the incumbent has no real qualifications, and his views are in many areas destructive to residents who want to achieve the American dream. The incumbent has no meaningful job history or experience outside of winning elections in Democrat strongholds by convincing his constituents (they) are victims and live in a systemically racist country. His policies generally provide little meaningful benefit but nearly always are meant to pander to those who view victim status as currency. All this despite himself growing up in a family of prosperous, well-educated people. I grew up one of five children to blue-collar parents who didn’t graduate from college. When I was 18, I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (pre-9/11). I chose to serve in the infantry and would go on to fight in Afghanistan. I put myself through college and law school and then worked as a prosecutor for Lawson Lamar, eventually going into private practice, where most of my practice is in representing indigent people accused of crimes.

District 11 is a diverse area — both in issues and people. How would you

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CLERMONT

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Age: 40 Resides: Orlando Family: Wife, Amy; son and daughter Qualifications: U.S. Marine who served in the Marine Corps infantry in Afghanistan; former state prosecutor; attorney and owner of The Adams Law Firm, P.A. Education: Juris Doctor degree, Florida State University College of Law

ensure you are representing all constituents fairly?

I care about issues that will make strong families and communities. The same principles apply to rich and poor, black, brown and white. This is a major difference between the incumbent and me. He tells people that their problems are the society they live in. I tell people that my biggest problem is me. This lie is highly destructive. I care about values — not race, sex, culture or religion. I would use my platform to try to convince people that the right value system is the path to prosperity and to reject the currency of victimhood. It is a fact that in America: If you graduate from high school, learn a trade, get married before having children, stay married, work hard and steer clear of substance abuse, you will be able to achieve the traditional American middle-class ideal. Did you know that the amount of Africans who have immigrated to the U.S. dwarfs those who were ever enslaved, and that those immigrants typically do better than African Americans? How is that possible if systemic racism is the cause of the plight in the African-American community? Why do Indian, Chinese and Japanese immigrants do so well if we are a systemically racist society?

You and your opponent differ on several key issues. What are the most significant differences between you and your opponent, and why?

School choice is the No. 1 difference.

The Democrat party’s opposition to school choice is indefensible and clearly a result of the influence of the teacher SEE ADAMS PAGE 8

·

This race features one candidate with a history in politics and another who is a newcomer. As the incumbent, why does your perspective make you a better candidate than your opponent?

I think my legislative experience allows me to serve this community better. I’ve worked well with Republicans and Democrats alike, and it’s why I’ve been able to pass eight substantive bills, bring tens of millions of dollars to the Central Florida area, chair a powerful committee — which is very unusual for a member in the minority committee — and so much more in the four years I’ve been elected to the Senate.

District 11 is a diverse area — both in issues and people. How would you ensure you are representing all constituents fairly?

I do it on a daily basis. I think a good example of this is how my office has handled the COVID-19 crises. We have helped thousands of people — in and out of my district — to access their unemployment when the system wasn’t accessible. It didn’t matter what a person’s political affiliation was; we did all we could to help. I consider the pulse of this district when filing legislation; we have resource events all over the district to make sure that we are accessible to the entire district. I am here to serve everyone.

You and your opponent differ on several key issues. What are the most significant differences between you and your opponent, and why?

No answer provided.

If you had a magic wand, what three issues for West Orange County would you change immediately?

I’d like to see a vibrant downtown corridor for the city of Ocoee. Many new residents have moved there, and I

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think they are looking forward to a downtown that accommodates the new growth.

I also think we need to build the business corridor in Pine Hills and bring more jobs to that area.

Describe your view on police reform.

I was the first person to ask for a special session to address police reform, and I gave a 10-step proposal to address reform. To give an example, I asked that the police shootings should be investigated by independent agency to avoid a conflict of interest. I believe that these are common-sense reforms that should be adopted across the state.

What are the issues pertaining to education in District 11, and how should the state address them?

I think one of our biggest issues is teacher pay. I think we need to pay teachers adequately to continue to retain great teachers.

What changes, if any, would you make to Florida’s unemployment system?

I was also the first to call for a special session to address our unemployment system. First, there should be other ways people can access unemployment other than a website that doesn’t work properly. I also believe that the maximum amount a person can receive for unemployment should be raised. I also think the length of time a person can receive unemployment should be extended.

SEE BRACY PAGE 9

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CLERMONT

Age: 43 Resides: Ocoee Family: Two daughters, London and Brooklyn Qualifications: Incumbent; business owner; served in Florida House of Representatives 2012 to 2016; serving in Florida Senate since 2016 Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, College of William and Mary; MBA and master’s degree in administration, University of Central Florida

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2020 ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Creative Environmental Services is overseeing the demolition work.

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he town of Windermere is an eclectic mix of old and new, historic and state-of-theart — but one more piece of the past is going away.

Windermere’s town office complex is in the midst of transitioning from one era to another with this week’s demolition of the facilities, which were built as a schoolhouse in 1916.

The four buildings were converted to town offices in 2000 and housed Windermere’s police department; town administration, clerk and finance department; public works supervisor office and storage; and commercial rental space.

The town has been discussing new facilities for years and debated whether to renovate the existing buildings or tear them down and start from scratch.

The final decision was made to build new facilities, and in 2019, the town received approval to borrow up to $5.2 million for the new municipal complex.

On Monday, Oct. 19, the first physical steps were taken when a demolition team tore into the

roofs and walls. Police Chief Dave Ogden made the initial hole in the ceiling of the police department building with the demolition equipment.

“I was thrilled to take down the first section of the old police department in this monster machine,” Ogden said. “For seven-and-a-half years, this team has rebuilt the police department, and this moment in time buries the past as we forge ahead building a new facility while we continue our pursuit of police accreditation commensurate to that buildout.”

“These buildings weren’t meant to be for government facilities,” Town Manager Robert Smith said earlier this year. “They’re not in the best condition.”

In August, the police department and town administration temporarily relocated to 501 Forest St. while the new municipal complex is being constructed.

Public works will operate out of temporary facilities by the 1887 Schoolhouse parking lot.

Creative Environmental Services handled the demo work.

H.J. High Construction is the contractor for the new facilities.

Construction is expected to take

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Former Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn took a turn with the demolition equipment.

somewhere from 10 months to a year Windermere officials said the new one-story, 11,000-squarefoot complex will maintain the character of the town.

The police department will take up the largest space at 5,445 square feet, the town administration building will be 3,000 square feet, and the public works building will be 2,554 square feet. The police and administration buildings will be interconnected, and they will have ample space for all their individual needs, including offices, workstations, break areas and storage.

Because Magic Starts with a

Ogden said the police department is working to get accreditation within a year of operating out of the new space.

Upon completion, the new complex also will serve as a safe space for staff during severe weather such as hurricanes.

“Thank you again to the town of Windermere residents, Mayor (Gary) Bruhn and Mayor (Jim) O’Brien, Town Manager (Robert) Smith and all the council members who helped make this day happen,” Ogden said.

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The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange and at our office.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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Honoring Robbie CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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duced the legislation to rename it the Officer Robert German Post Office Building.

“We’re truly excited about it,” Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said. “It’s certainly a great way to honor him.”

The House of Representatives passed the legislation, which was cosponsored by every member of the Florida Congressional delegation. It now will go before the U.S. Senate, where it can be passed by either vote or by unanimous consent.

U.S. senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott endorsed the bill in a letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs dated Sept. 29.

“In honor of his life and service to our nation, as well as his unwavering devotion to protect his community, we support the dedication of the United States Postal Service facility in Windermere to Officer Robert German,” Scott and Rubio wrote. “We are proud to offer support for this bill.”

German was killed in the line of duty on March 22, 2014, at age 31. The two teenagers responsible for the officer’s death turned the gun on themselves that same night.

German was the first Windermere police officer to die on the job since the founding of the town.

“Officer Robert German was known for his spirit of service and his commitment to his community,” Demings said. “He served Windermere honorably for five years, turning down other opportunities in order to stay in the community he loved. I believed that it was fitting for his sacrifice and his love for Windermere to be recognized, and I am honored that the House of Rep-

resentatives has moved to make this a reality.”

Demings’ office said the final vote likely will take place before Congress adjourns for the year. Her office will be working with the German family for the eventual renaming ceremony.

“Our mission has always been to honor the legacy of Officer Robbie German,” Ogden said. “We were grateful when we were told U.S. Rep. Val Demings submitted H.R. 5062.

“I will never forget that day nor how the town of Windermere enveloped our police department with the most amazing demonstration of care and compassion for our collective loss,” Ogden said. “It was a day the town lost her innocence in a horrible tragedy yet grew closer as a community.”

It was the small-town atmosphere that drew German to Windermere.

After attending South Georgia College, the Lake Mary High School graduate returned to Central Florida and pursued his dream of serving the public through law enforcement. He graduated from Seminole State College Law Enforcement Academy in 2007 and chose to serve in Windermere.

“Robbie’s sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Ogden said. “What an amazing way to honor his sacrifice and commitment to the town of Windermere.”

Tim German said he and his wife, Debbie, were they were thrilled to hear of Demings’ desire to honor their son.

“Windermere had become Robbie’s home, its residents his daily concern, his chief and fellow officers his family,” Tim German said. “We hope this memorial reminds its visitors of Robbie’s brothers and sisters of law enforcement and (the) sacrifices made from which the rest of us benefit daily.”

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Valley Bank, which has locations in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Alabama, has opened a new branch by the intersection of New Independence Parkway and Hamlin Groves Trail.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Windermere to move into design for stormwater projects

BLAIR M. JOHNSON Attorney at Law

407-656-5521 blairjohnsonlaw.com

Town Council members approved using minimum standards for three stormwater projects to head into the design phase.

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there’s flooding issues in these areas, especially when there’s heavy downpours. It creates a public safety and health/welfare issue, especially some access issues based on the washouts and flooding that have occurred in the past.”

The town received the grants to move forward with the stormwater projects, but to comply with grant-associated contracts, the town must meet minimum federal, state and engineering standard guidelines. That includes minimum shoulder widths and lane widths.

Additionally, because the town has chosen to maintain the dirt roadways, the drainage solution would be a swale system.

The decision at hand for council members was whether to approve adhering to minimum standards to allow the town to use the grant funding.

“To keep this money and move forward with the projects — because right now, we haven’t even started design — if the town is not willing to meet the minimum standard for these three projects only, then … for us to maintain our status as in good faith with the grantors, we would like to go ahead and give that money back,” Smith said. “(We) as staff want to know: Do you want us to go ahead and proceed with meeting those minimum guidelines and coming up withAVAILABLE!! a plan moving forward?

NOW “This has nothing to do with all dirt road projects in and around town,” Smith said. “This is only if

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 40 years 425 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

Stormwater improvements are needed in some areas of Windermere, but correlating minimum standards for the town’s dirt roads has been a hot-button issue.

Such standards were the focal point of discussion during the Oct. 13 Town Council meeting. Ultimately, they were approved 4-1, which clears the way to go from concept to design.

Staff was directed by Town Council at a workshop months ago to come up with typical dirtroad sections that would utilize the most minimal standards and least impact possible.

These minimum standards allow for grant funding, and typical sections allow for consistent maintenance plans. Staff has requested direction from Town Council on a handful of stormwater/drainage projects — including First Avenue and Forest Street, as well as Butler Street and Seventh Avenue.

“Right now, we have three grants that were awarded to us via the Local Mitigation Strategy funds, which is directly connected with Hurricane Irma,” Town Manager Robert Smith said. “When we submitted for these grants, we pretty much generalized that

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we are going to proceed with these grant funds.”

Pushback from residents has stemmed mainly from the road widening and impacts to existing rights of way, increased traffic and speeding. Concerns also include protecting the trees and lakes, as well as maintaining the town’s charm in general. According to staff, based on the new standards, these impacts will be minimized.

“We all realize that we definitely need to mitigate our stormwater and we need to make sure that we’re protecting everybody, all our neighbors, to ensure that there’s no flooding,” resident Dean Miller said. “We’re just asking that we revisit the design … and see if there’s a way we can come to some middle ground that will allow us to not be so intrusive and more consistent with the town’s character.”

Council Member Chris Sapp said staff and contractors have worked tirelessly to come up with an amenable solution to get to this point, and it doesn’t make sense to risk losing project funding.

“Did the first proposal come out overzealous? Yes,” Sapp said. “But by coming up with concepts, at least we have a starting point for the road and stormwater projects moving forward.

“When it comes down to brass tacks, we are talking about a couple feet here and there,” he said. “I, for one, cannot do nothing or support Band-Aids and risk losing funds, because in the end this project has to be done, and we have the money in front of us to do it now.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

7

Town of Oakland FY 2020-21 OAKLAND AVENUE CHARTER SCHOOL

AMY QUESINBERRY

The Oakland Avenue Charter School is owned by the town of Oakland and operates under its own budget. For Fiscal Year 2020-21, the school’s total expenses are budgeted at $5,413,207. The net operating income is -$85,058. The estimated beginning fund balance is $470,234. Estimated reserves are $385,176.

The basic instructional costs are among the biggest expenses at OACS: salaries, at $1,682,835; Social Security, at $121,727; and group insurance, at $355,200. Other major expenses include salaries for ESE and ESOL instructors, at $100,657; VPK staff, at $121,420; school administration, at $175,114; the custodial team, at $121,358; and food service employees, at $75,000.

Management fees are $151,000, repairs and preventative maintenance costs are $135,000, and electricity fees are $140,000. The cost to rent the school facility is $720,000.

he Oakland Town Commission approved the final budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 at its Sept. 22 meeting.

For the next year, which began Oct. 1, the town will operate with a budget of $21,460,631.

Several funds make up the town’s budget: the General Fund, approved at $6,303,364; the Impact Fees fund, at $5,334,728; the Utility Fund, at $4,024,156; and Oakland Avenue Charter School, at $5,798,383.

Town Manager Steve Koontz said in a previous memo to the commission: “The budget is intended to be a status-quo budget to the extent possible.

There is much uncertainty with the health of the U.S. economy, and this budget includes a decline in sales tax revenues from the previous year. … It is a staff priority to continue to reduce the millage, and there should be opportunities in coming years to do so as the economy stabilizes and commercial development moves forward in the town.”

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY EDITOR

T

6.5

The approved millage rate for Fiscal Year 2020-21 is 6.5, which is the same millage rate as the previous fiscal year but less than the year before.

In recent years, the town has worked to lower the millage rate yearly, but the Town Commission took precautions for the upcoming fiscal year.

The 2018-19 millage rate was 6.65. For nine years prior to that, it held steady at 6.75.

DEPARTMENT FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 Legislative $43,195 $34,022 $23,600 Clerk $116,984 $119,170 $103,549 Financial/Administration $676,192 $574,526 $642,077 Planning $569,513 $574,813 $569,581 Human Resources $86,912 $82,632 $98,612 Public Works $634,394 $620,263 $693,575 Police Department $1,297,337 $1,583,792 $1,637,354 Code Enforcement $46,213 $17,250 $3,000 Arts and Heritage Center N/A $0 $18,100 Oakland Nature Preserve $32,016 $73,016 $185,296 Fire/Emergency Rescue Svc $572,819 $641,445 $759,022

IMPACT FEE FUND

A number of capital improvements totaling $5,334,728 are in this year’s budget. The major ones include: n Water system — water well No. 3 design, $100,000; alternative water design, $100,000; reserves for future projects, $429,019 n Wastewater system — Longleaf at Oakland wastewater expansion per developer’s agreement, $212,000; reserves for future projects, $55,725 n Parks and recreation — Speer Park Phase 2, sports courts, $85,000; Speer Park playgrounds, $180,000; Sadler Avenue trail extension, $100,000; Jake Voss Pier ADA improvements, $35,000; reserves, $267,868 n Law enforcement — body cameras, $75,000; reserves, $198,609 n Transportation — Oakland Avenue roundabout, $1,000,000; Starr Street/West Colonial Drive development, $100,000; reserves for future projects, $1,596,766 n Administrative facilities — facility and town center plan, $25,000; reserves for future projects, $153,734 n Fire protection — hydrant upgrades, $25,000; reserves, $76,007

OAKLAND NATURE PRESERVE The 128-acre Oakland Nature Preserve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is owned by the town but operates under its own budget.

Compensation dollars last year were $60,000, compared to $123,960 this year. Payroll taxes, retirement, group health insurance and Workers’ Compensation insurance were at zero last year, compared to $9,484, $5,002, $30,000 and $350, respectively.

Another rise in rates occurred in the general liability insurance, going from $4,916 last year to $8,000 this year.

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OrangeObserver.com

8

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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union lobby, who contribute large amounts of money to the Democrat party. Other major differences include minimumwage increases, which will end summer jobs for kids and increase atomization and decrease jobs across the board, but especially for young and older people and unskilled workers. Another issue is criminal-justice reform. While I do share some of his ideas, many of his ideas reflect his lack of real-world experience with the criminal-justice system. The first order of government is to protect the people, and this requires law and order enforced by a robust police force and a strong and active criminal-justice system.

If you had a magic wand, what three issues for West Orange County would you change immediately?

No. 1, increase school choice, including voucher systems that encourage church-based schools to educate pre-K through fifth grade, and increasing and encouraging charter schools. No. 2, give the community the tools they need — should they choose — to end chronic homelessness through comprehensive reform to what is currently typically referred to the Baker Act and Marchman Act, allowing local prosecutors to involuntarily commit those who are unable to care for themselves or represent a threat to the community. No. 3, bring more businesses and jobs.

Describe your view on police reform.

I believe that we should further limit qualified immunity for civil

actions and require each agency to carry liability insurance for all individual law-enforcement agents. Other than my concerns with qualified immunity for civil actions, I reject that there are systemic issues of racism and abuse with law enforcement in America. I believe I share the view of the law-abiding residents of the most crime-affected areas — that we need more law enforcement, not less. In my experience, those who vilify law enforcement the most often have the least experience around real crime.

What are the issues pertaining to education in District 11, and how should the state address them?

Increase school choice, including voucher systems that encourage church-based schools to educate pre-K through fifth grade, and increasing and encouraging charter schools. I believe that we should restrict public unions from donating money to political organizations. I would like to see more alternative schools for students that are unable to thrive in traditional school environments, and in that would include more vocational program options that offer specialized degrees at the high-school level.

What changes, if any, would you make to Florida’s unemployment system?

The website was clearly bad.

The system wasn’t designed to handle a crisis, which is when it is needed most. More resources are needed. I also support a tier system that would allow employees with longer employment history to qualify for a longer period of unemployment and higher rates.

THE WORLD’S GREATEST FIREARMS EXPERIENCE Coming Thursday, Oct. 29 It isn’t the 2020 fall season we all envisioned, but don’t worry: We’re here to help make the best of it.

In our special Season of Hope magazine, we will take you behind the scenes of more than 50 of West Orange’s nonprofit organizations and charities. We’ll tell you about their mission and purpose, as well as how COVID-19 has affected them. Most importantly, we will let you know how to help.

Although most can’t wait to turn the calendar to 2021, we believe we can take these last few months of the year and make the most of them. Let’s spread some hope this season.

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OrangeObserver.com

The goal is for people to not lose their homes/apartment, etc., when they become unemployed.

Describe your platform on health care.

A large portion of our society is provided free or nearly free health care, and that is rarely discussed — the poor, the elderly, veterans and the disabled. The rich can afford good health care. I am therefore primarily concerned for the working lower-middle and the middle class. There is no reason that this productive class of people is the only one without proper affordable health care. However, the total federal and state Medicaid spending for Florida during 2016 amounted to about $21.8 billion, and expanding it at our current coverage would bankrupt the state. I would support comprehensive health care legislation that provides truly basic coverage for all who want it and would limit the remainder coverage. This basic coverage would be very limited but would include maternity coverage. I support stat-backed insurance pools for people with rare diseases, high risks and preexisting conditions.

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9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

BRACY FROM PAGE 3

Describe your platform on health care.

I think we should consider expanding Medicaid to cover the poorest people. The federal government pays the overwhelming majority of the cost to care for those eligible. I also think we should look for ways to improve care and lower costs for people.

Medicare Advantage plans now available in Orange County

How would you address the continued economic impacts of COVID-19 on constituents and businesses operating in District 11?

My office is a resource for those affected by COVID-19. We have had events for free testing. We help people to continue to navigate the unemployment landscape. We hold free food distributions bi-weekly. And our office is a resource for businesses that are affected.

George, 65

How would you address the continued economic impacts of COVID-19 on constituents and businesses operating in District 11?

I reject that the continued economic impact is caused by COVID-19. The continued economic impact is caused primarily by the shutdown. I support a complete reopening of the state without government-imposed limits. I certainly encourage those with risk factors to take precautions.

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former State Attorney for Orange and Osceola counties.

Prior to being elected State Attorney, Mr.Lamar was Sheriff for Orange County.

10

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Shepherd’s Hope adopts dental program BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @Horizon West Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

Thanks to a West Orange Health Alliance grant, Shepherd’s Hope now is able to offer acute dental-care services for the uninsured and underinsured.

METHODIST

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

organization adopt the dental component. It was made possible thanks to funds from the West When the West Orange Health Orange Health Alliance, which is Alliance awarded Shepherd’s helping establish this new line of Hope a $600,000 grant earlier this services. year, part of the goal was to bring Shortly after Shepherd’s Hope emergent dental care under the received the grant, COVID-19 hit, organization’s umbrella. and for a while, the organization COVID-19 slowed things down, couldn’t see anybody. Since then, but Shepherd’s Hope already has Shepherd’s Hope has been able to been able to help change lives by help a patient who needed absooffering the dental acute-care lute emergent care — and 19 teeth services. removed. Two dentists provided The organization has adopted their services, and the patient had the West Orange Dental Alliance a scholarship that came from the pilot program into its operations. West Orange Health Alliance to This allows the volunteer licensed help with her new dentures. providers and donated services As with many of Shepherd’s to be covered under a sovereign- Hope’s services, the dental comimmunity contract with Shep- ponent will be focused mainly on herd’s Hope and the state. acute care.

“It was a grant that then seeded “We’re not going to do mainthe program, and we’re modeling tenance, but as people have really it after the West Orange Dental emergent dental issues, we will Alliance program,” Shepherd’s help them get out of pain, stay Hope President and CEO Pam healthy, and we will continue Advertise your Services Events Gould said. “I think it just rounds ordoing smiles scholarships as we onacute-care this page weekly. out all of the services go along,” Gould said. “We’re we provide. … If you get gum dis- putting in a chair and a panorampage appears ease andThis infections, it affectsweekly your inicthe X-ray machine into the West entireWest health.

And we were having Orange Orange Times & Observer and building, and it’ll reside in to try to online case-manage that out and West Orange. Until we can get the at OrangeObserver.com. get those issues rectified, and now chair and all that up and running we’reTo able to handle ... we’re using local dentists who advertise inthe theemergenChurch Directory cy cases and get them good medihave stepped up to volunteer.” call 407-656-2121 or email cal care with our dental partners.”

Gould added that Shepherd’s AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com The West Orange Dental Alli- Hope needs more licensed denance was founded and funded by tal providers and oral surgeons the West Orange Health Alliance to partner with Shepherd’s Hope in 2017. Its mission is to offer a to provide these more intensive solution for affordable dental care services to patients. Those who — especially for those who fre- can help should visit Shepherd’s quent hospital emergency rooms Hope’s website and fill out the because of dental pain. online volunteer application.

Shepherd’s Hope and the West Uninsured or underinsured Orange Dental Alliance began dis- patients in need of acute dentalcussing plans last fall, Gould said. care or health care services can Because of Shepherd’s Hope’s contact Shepherd’s Hope at (407) model, resources and infrastruc- 876-6699. ture, it made sense to have the DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org

CHURCH DIRECTORY NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, CHURCH OF GOD Winter Garden Ocoee Church of God (407) 654-9661 Pastor Thomas Odom Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m.

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST NGLICAN 1105 N. Lakewood NON-DENOMINATIONAL Ave.,Ocoee METHODIST CHURCH Sunday Brazilian Service: 7CHURCH p.m. OLANDO FIRST UNITED METHODIST PURPOSE GLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee (407) 656-8011 CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Saturday Service: 6 p.m.

LLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor Jeff Pritchard 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden tor The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas purposechurchorlando.org (407) 656-2351 Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM,

OF GOD Church ofCHURCH the Messiah OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD 241 N. Main St., Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST Winter Garden 407-656-8011 or Casey Butner 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., Beulah Rd, WinterServices: Garden EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org 7 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM ChurchoftheMessiah.com 241 N. Main, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICE 11:00AM

APTIST

DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

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

Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

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EPISCOPAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Help name the relief school for DPHS The future Dr. Phillips/Freedom relief high school — know as Site 80-H-SW4 — is currently in need of a name, and the school’s principal, Guy Swenson, is looking for help.

The naming process for the new school — which will open in the fall of 2021 — began in September, but a newly formed committee recently whittled the school’s possible name down to five options: Dr. William Wells High School, Lake Buena Vista High School, Sand Lake High School, Vineland High School and Zora Neale Hurston High School.

For those in the community who are interested in voting on a name, visit bit. ly/34WAJyh. The top three names will be sent to the Orange County School Board, which will decide the name in December 2020 or January 2021.

School Board approves new zones The Orange County School Board on Oct. 13 approved school zones for the three West and Southwest Orange schools scheduled to open in 2021.

Those schools include 80-H-SW-4 (impacting Dr. Phillips and Freedom high schools), 113-H-W-4 (impacting West Orange and Windermere high schools) and 65-M-W-4 (impacting Bridgewater Middle School).

Under the approved zones, 113-H-W4 and 65-M-W-4 will share a building through the 2022-2023 school year.

Castleview’s Rebuck a finalist for SPOY Castleview Elementary’s physical education paraprofessional Joseph (Dan) Rebuck is among the five finalists for Orange County Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

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KEMONNI JACKSON

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE As an upper-elementary teacher at Innovation Montessori Ocoee, Kemonni Jackson knows he is exactly where he is meant to be. Jackson is passionate about his role in helping shape the lives and minds of future generations. He finds joy in building relationships with his students from their fourth- to sixth-grade years and watching them grow along the way.

What brought you to your school?

I joined Innovation Montessori Ocoee in spring of 2014 with the after-school program. I was halfway through my bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UCF, and I had never heard of Montessori schools before then. I saw unique classroom materials, meticulously prepared learning environments and holistic teaching methods.

When I met the staff and students, I knew it would be the perfect home for me as a teacher.

What do you love most about your school?

I have always loved the sense of community and high value of kindness, grace and courtesy. When I first came to the school, we operated in a tiny strip mall in Winter Garden with (fewer) than 300 students.

This allowed me the pleasure of knowing pretty much all the staff, students and family. It felt like a family. This is what drew me in.

REPORT CARD

What is your motivation?

I have always loved helping and empowering people. I feel energized by witnessing others, especially children, reach their full potential.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

My students come to me as fourthgraders and leave for seventh grade three years later, so you can imagine we build relationships over time. Of course, it is wonderful helping my students love learning, but the most rewarding part of my job is seeing them grow as people. I love witnessing a fourth-grader experience triumph when she finally solves that least-common-multiple problem that pushed her to her limit, or the joy in a fifth-grader’s eyes when the entire class recognizes him for his care, effort and sense of enjoyment.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a bit more on the introverted side, so I enjoy lots of solitude. I might get lost in a good book or binge watch a Netflix series. I also like to spend time with my family and friends. This year has really taught me to cherish the people I love.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher is Rosemary Davis. I took her early childhood

education course at Ocoee High School in my sophomore year, purely out of curiosity. I had no idea she would inspire me to become a teacher myself. She always modeled hard work and integrity. The love, wisdom and empowerment she poured into her students is what I try to recreate for my own students.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Why? As a child, I fantasized about a few careers. I went from dreaming of being a police officer, to an actor, to a social worker, to a psychologist. I knew without a doubt I wanted to help people.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy painting, cooking new recipes, and I’ve recently taken up yoga.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

ROLE: Fourth- through sixthgrade teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

13

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Friends champion diversity through literature Two furloughed friends have created a book club that introduces elementary students to stories about people of different cultures and ethnicities and teaches them about tolerance.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Kaylin Bergeson, left, and Maya Brooks are the creators of Diversify the Classroom, which aims to bring books of other cultures into elementary schools.

Reading has long been a passion for Brooks and Bergeson, both 27. Brooks said she read an eclectic mix of books, from American Girl and “Gossip Girl” to “Twilight” and books about the Holocaust.

“Growing up in a household as a person of color, my parents wanted me to feel represented, so they bought me books with characters that looked like me on the cover,” Brooks said. “I want kids to take pride in their differences.

I want every kid to feel so represented that each character they read about is simply just another character. There should be no

superiority of a book simply based off the protagonists’ skin color.”

Bergeson was a fan of the Harry Potter series, “Knots and Crosses” and anything on the summer reading list.

“When I was a kid, I would achieve my school reading goal halfway through the year and then add more books to my plate for fun,” Bergeson said. “I read hundreds of books about people that looked like me, navigating a wide array of situations. When I would read books about people who did not look like me, they were exclusively about slavery,

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Maya Brooks and Kaylin Bergeson had been furloughed from their jobs at Walt Disney World and were looking for a way to be productive and, at the same time, do something positive.

They discussed ways they could give back to the community in a way that incorporated their love of books and reading, and the result is a program they call Diversify the Classroom.

The nonprofit provides new books to elementary school students “that feature protagonists of all races, backgrounds, religions and ethnicities — allowing children to grow up with the tools to celebrate our similarities and differences,” said Brooks, an Ocoee resident, and Bergeson, of Winter Garden.

“We donate books with the hope of these kids growing up to be more tolerant individuals and adults,” Brooks said.

Their program offers books in bundles of nine in three elementary age groups: Considerate Cub, for kindergarten and first grade; Tolerant Tiger, for sec-

ond and third grades; and Diversity Dragon, for fourth and fifth grades.

The founders searched the internet for diverse books, asked teachers what books were on their wish lists, and looked at books teachers use for different reading levels. They compiled a master list of more than 300 books before paying a visit to the children’s section of Barnes & Noble.

“We have a nice partnership with Barnes & Noble … and they help us ship out the books all over the nation,” Brooks said.

Teachers can request individual books or a complete set free of charge for their classroom, and Bergeson and Brooks send them out as monetary donations allow. The sets range in price from $95 to $125.

Support has been great so far both locally and around the country. They said they expected to start a crowdsourcing account and give books to a few schools, but they already have received requests from 150 teachers and given away 53 bundles.

The plan is to offer a different set of nine books each year.

segregation or war-torn countries. I never read about what types of food other cultures would cook at home, how other races navigated their everyday lives, or even how they did their hair.

“I believe it’s time to make a change,” she said. “While we can’t change a home, we can try to change a classroom.”

“As adults, we realize some lessons about acceptance and tolerance are not taught in every home,” the pair wrote on their website. “While our country grows to be more and more diverse every day, we realize the importance of bringing these lessons to light at a young age.

“We believe these teachings need to be introduced at the foundation of our education so when upcoming generations enter adulthood, they are able to appreciate, celebrate and embrace everything that makes us unique,” Bergeson and Brooks wrote.

“We just want to make a difference,” Brooks said.

There is no fee for teachers to register, and anyone can nominate a teacher to get a book or bundle. For information on the program or to make a donation, visit diversifytheclassroom.com or find Brooks and Bergeson on Facebook or Instagram.

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ZONE EVERY THURSDAY

As students head back to classes - online or face-to-face - families are walking a tightrope, trying to balance safety with continued academic growth.

The Observer School Zone will be your source in West Orange with the latest school news, photo galleries and what’s happening during these crazy times.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY OCT. 19, 1967 Florida Power Corporation urged men to “be a prince … buy her a flameless dryer” in a 1967 advertisement in The Winter Garden Times.

The electric dryer was so wonderful that women put it on a pedestal, according to the ad. And what’s more, for $135, homeowners could buy a two-cycle, 230-volt flameless dryer that dried clothes for about 7 cents a load. No more wrinkles setting in those wash’n’wear fashions!

85 years ago

Charming young girls were seen with dog collars around their necks. This is one of the many pleasures (?) of their initiation into the Sub-Deb Club.

80 years ago

Fire of unknown origin destroyed the 57-year-old depot at Oakland. The building was a complete loss, but the freight and express were saved.

70 years ago

Cpl. Elton E. Smoak, with a medical detachment in Korea, whom the War Department reported “missing in action” in August, was reported “killed in action.” His parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Smoak, received a telegram to that effect.

Mrs. M.W. Deariso entertained with a pretty party for the 4th birthday of her daughter, Ann. Present were Barbara Gail Stephens, Linda Reese, Kay Heidt, Jeannie Ellis, Mary Frances and Tommy Gleason, and Bea and Ann Deariso.

Ocoee Junior High School elected the following cheerleaders: captain Jay Turner, co-captain Martha Claunch, Carolyn Quayle, Amelia Updegrave, Doris Ann Davis, Martha Jean Goodman and mascot Delba Ann Gilliam.

45 years ago

City Commissioner Julian Revels received a nine-gallon plaque from the Central Florida Blood Bank. He is the founder

FROM THE ARCHIVES It’s football weather — sort of! Here is a photograph of the Lakeview High School Varsity team taken by B.P. Hannon on Oct. 15, 1965 — that’s 55 years ago. Most of the players have been identified, but the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation relies on West Orange County history sleuths to supply the missing names. Call (407) 656-3244 with any identifications.

Front row, from left: Joseph Toole, Mark Walker, Reggie Sterns, Larry Thompson, Denny Reid, Leigh Kammerer, first name unknown Martin and Harold Tillman. Middle row, from left: Gary Youngblood, Mic Hutchinson, Larry Graham, unknown player, Hinton Grimes, Gene Heidt, John Growland, Ric Huchinson and unknown player. Back row, from left: Mitchell Hall, Ray Reeves, two unknown players, Patrick Wiggins, Donnie Graham, Chuck Hawthorne and an unknown player.

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.

of the blood banks at the West Orange Elks Club, Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 and American Legion Post 109.

Joan Ritten of Ocoee spent six weeks in Japan as part of the Lions Club International Youth Exchange program.

40 years ago

With the exchange of a check for more than $1.6 million, the 592-acre Lake Butler Estates property of Windermere officially changed hands.

THE BACKCOUNTRY by Sebastian L. Iger; CROSSWORD DEVELOPING Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

1 Driver’s license stat 4 Knights’ game 9 Rogue automaker 15 Far from vibrant 19 Activist Yoko 20 Navajo home 21 Baltimore bird 22 Currency since 2002 23 *Really bothering (note the last words of each set of starred answers) 25 *Order on a Monopoly card 27 “___ Andronicus” 28 iPad assistant 30 Pickleball barrier

31 App with challenges 32 Cherish 33 “Eventually ...”

35 Entertaining 36 **Underground poker venue 38 **Church of Alexandria’s founder 44 “Sorta” 45 Peculiar 47 Sword similar to a foil 48 ___ Dew (popular soda, on labels) 50 Regenerist brand 54 Poles for pirate flags 55 Stoked, with “up”

56 Like many old comic books 57 ***Sorority whose official flower is the wine carnation 59 People laugh when they see them 60 French for “yes” 61 Back, as a racehorse 62 Japanese screen that rhymes with “goji” 63 ***”Not another word!”

67 ***Trees whose name contains a shade 72 Brainy society 73 One has a pretty cavity 74 Cube root of eight

75 Statement to prove 77 ****Healthy part of a cereal grain 81 Monopoly card 82 Really bother 83 Mattress brand 84 Reasonable 85 Low-___ graphics 86 “Big Brother” host Julie 87 Coating, as donuts 89 Back in time 91 ****Few 93 *****Eden misdeed 100 Octopus part 101 Brawl 102 Small world?

20 years ago

Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift cut the ribbon to officially open the new Starke Lake fishing pier to the public during the Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival.

43 Some sneakers 46 Genre for Megan Thee Stallion 48 Hana Highway’s Hawaiian island 49 One runs up while you’re driving 51 Sign before Scorpio 52 Eve’s middle son 53 Bigfoot kin 55 Per item 56 Cartoonist Chast 58 Up side?

59 Pronoun for Supergirl 62 Back of a boat 64 Improv mantra 65 Handling something 66 Battleship letters 67 Soaked 68 Heavy pigs 69 “Whose ___ was this?”

DOWN 70 Rams’ counterparts 1 It jingles on a certain pet 71 Grass from a farm collar 73 “I Will Survive” Grammy 2 Upstate New York native winner Gloria 3 Down side?

75 Google’s industry, infor4 Marble-cutting tools 5 “Sweetie” mally 6 Goads 76 Reaction to a good pun 7 Completely filling 77 Gradually withdraw 8 Woke a bedmate, say 78 Vague, as a memory 9 Silent auction bid 79 Giants legend Manning 10 Twisted humor 80 Nasty 11 Opposite/hypotenuse, in trig 81 More whimsically humorous 12 Chimney buildup 83 Shut angrily 13 Key also called Option 87 Turns one’s hips 14 Farthest planet from Earth 88 Metric weight 15 Mouse pad’s place 90 Series of bloopers 16 Coating on an old bike 92 Delicate fabric 17 Cornstarch brand 94 End of the world?

18 “The Bluest Eye” or “White 95 Aplenty Teeth” 96 Pill bug, for one 24 Wind farm machine 97 “Why, you little ...”

26 “___ My Fault” (Zara Lars- 98 Spain’s peninsula 99 Fresh time period son song) 101 Bit of snow 29 Infamous day in March 34 Small role in Marvel Studios 103 Is a responsible bystander 104 Jumper on a coat? movies?

105 Sushi piece 35 Fruits in chewy bars 106 Key in the sea 37 BreakFEAST chain 107 “Present!”

38 Graduate’s neckwear 108 Like fine wine 39 Prefix for “knock” 40 Text symbol that may look 112 Coral or cardinal 113 Lily ___ like your face 115 “Wear a mask” ad, e.g.

41 Chosen one?

42 Clownfish habitat 103 Where Wakanda is, in “Black Panther” 107 Evil computer in a 1968 film 109 NBA star Anthony, informally 110 Sign up for more of 111 *****Reduce a difference 114 *****Source of a metal in pennies 116 Relate 117 “I’ve figured it out!”

118 Cropped up 119 Tree with needles 120 Word after “bake” or “garage” 121 Like some bagels 122 One of two on a tricycle 123 Map org.

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.

“YSS U RPB VWB BV GV TYR BV PYJD Y SUZUDX KSYAUDX GJWFR ...

YDG YR SWIL TVWSG EYZP UB, U’ZP RWJKYRRPG BEYB.” – KEUS IVSSUDR “RGTBW BT K EKU LA IBAD, BO’T DFDMUOXBZH. B NIKU JMGRT KZJ OXKO’T EXKO B VDIBDFD B EKT VLMZ OL JL.”

– DIFBZ CLZDT

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals P

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: F equals M

14

© 2020 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-022-20

OCTOBER 22, 2020

HIGH

SPORTS

1

5

The Windermere High volleyball team notched its second consecutive district title in a 3-0 sweep of Olympia Thursday, Oct. 15.

Because Windermere and Olympia made the district final, both secured a spot in the state playoffs.

The Wolverines were set to host Tohopekaliga Wednesday, Oct. 21, while Olympia were slated to travel to Lake Nona the same day.

Dr. Phillips wideout Ledger Hatch is a big reason why the Panthers are finding success this year. Page 16.

Gutsy call shocks Apopka, changes Warriors’ trajectory

A legacy of

WORK

Going into Friday night’s game against Apopka, the Warriors were underdogs — then, a call changed everything.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

2

West Orange High cross country senior Colton Berquist helped push the Warriors to a third-place finish in the MetroWest championship Saturday, Oct. 17.

Berquist claimed the individual championship with a personal best of 16:16.

Teammates Christian Kelly, Denilson Roberlo and Nathan Shafer rounded out a successful morning on the course.

3

It was a big night for Dr. Phillips during the Panthers’ 41-0 win over rival Olympia on the football field Friday, Oct. 16. The win marked a big achievement for Panthers head coach Rodney Wells. The victory handed Wells — who has led the program since 2011 — the 100th win of his head coaching career. The win also pushed the Panthers to 4-1 on the season.

4

Despite Foundation Academy falling 3-0 in the 2A, District 6 volleyball final against Victory Christian Academy Thursday, Oct. 15, the Lions saw strong production from Hannah Herbert and Marissa Poff. Herbert finished the night with 17 digs and three kills, while Poff picked up 13 assists, seven digs and two kills for the Lions. Foundation Academy now will play in the 2A FHSAA Region 2 quarterfinal against Mount Dora Christian Thursday, Oct. 22.

5

A hot-shooting Juliana Camargo helped push the Windermere girls golf team to a 3A, District 5 championship Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the West Orange Country Club. Camargo claimed the individual title with a 64, while teammates Kate Herod (75; fourth place) and Sarah Loza (77; fifth place) rounded out the top five for the Wolverines.

Natalie Work broke school records in career kills, kills in a game, kills in a season and career digs.

After six record-breaking years, Natalie Work’s time on the court for the Windermere Prep Volleyball team has come to a close.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

W

hen Natalie Work took to the court during Windermere Prep’s district tournament opener against a talented Trinity Prep team, she knew this could possibly be the end of her volleyball career.

Going into the game, Windermere Prep had played a difficult regular-season schedule against other teams in the newly formed Citrus League — including Trinity Prep on multiple occasions — and the odds were stacked against the Lakers.

Set by set, the Lakers saw their season come to an end, and once the last point was had in the third — and final — set, the reality of this moment hit Work. Volleyball was officially over.

“It was a fun last game, but it was bittersweet,” Work said.

“I’ve been playing volleyball for eight years, and when you’ve been

playing a sport for that long, it obviously becomes a part of your identity, so it was hard for me to think about what my life would be without volleyball.

“When I played that last point, I had been kind of waiting for that for quite a while,” she said.

“It’s bittersweet at the same time, because I’m definitely ready to move on to the next chapter. But obviously, the whole point of me loving volleyball was my teammates, my coaches and my family — they’re what made me love volleyball.”

With the end of the season came the end of a career for one of the school’s best volleyball players — a player who broke school records in career kills (800), kills in a game (23), kills in a season (211) and career digs (566).

But although it was a career worth having — with incredible memories and good friends — it also was not without its challenges and struggles.

“It was a fun last game, but it was bittersweet. I’ve been playing volleyball for eight years, and when you’ve been playing a sport for that long, it obviously becomes a part of your identity, so it was hard for me to think about what my life would be without volleyball.”

— Natalie Work

File photo

FROM CLUB TO HIGH SCHOOL

When Work was 9 years old, she found herself tired of competitive cheerleading, so she decided to mix it up and do something else.

As someone who doesn’t like to sit still, she decided to give volleyball a try. That year, Work and a friend joined Orlando Volleyball Academy — now known as Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy.

“It was kind of new and exciting to start volleyball, and to actually be able to put hard work put into something I could see myself being good at,” said Work, whose sister also played.

Work continued at the club level before trying out for the varsity team at Windermere Prep in her seventh-grade year. She remembers how different everything was, and how she was — for many years — the youngest on the team.

Although the girls were like older sisters to the young Work, they still jokingly called seniority and asked her to do things such as get water bottles and set up the net by herself.

“I just remember — I was a little bit sassy — being like, ‘No, everyone has to do it, I’m not going to be the only one to do it,’” Work said with a laugh. “But after a while, they realized that I just wasn’t going to do things because I was the youngest. … They learned pretty quickly that, yes, I was going to help set up everything, but I wasn’t just going to do things by myself because I was the youngest.”

As the years passed, Work grew SEE WORK PAGE 16

Standing on the sidelines with the weight of a program balancing on his shoulders, West Orange head football coach Mike Granato watched as Apopka struck with ease on its second play of overtime — a 3-yard run by Javen Robinson.

The following extra point split the uprights, and all of a sudden, Granato’s team was down 14-7 — the Warriors’ first deficit of the night — against a mighty opponent and in desperate need of a touchdown.

After being stifled for most of regulation, the Warriors offense took the field and scored with an immediacy that even Granato wasn’t expecting — on a play that hadn’t worked all season.

“We had tried to run the reverse a couple of times this year, and it didn’t work out for whatever reason — whether we missed a block or read the block wrong,” Granato said. “Where I come from, at the end of the day, when the game is on the line, you want to put the ball in the best player’s hands. I knew at some point, whether it was three plays or four plays, that we were trying to get (Matthew McDoom) or Jayden Gibson the football.

“I didn’t think the reverse would score a touchdown on the first play — I thought it would give SEE WARRIORS PAGE 16

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

After losing their season-opener, the Warriors have now won three consecutive games.

16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

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

Ledger Hatch A senior on the Dr. Phillips football team, Ledger Hatch is the kind of athlete that many opposing defenses double team. While Hatch still has a few games left with the Panthers, he will continue his football career next fall as a member of the football team at Harvard University.

When did you first get into football?

I first started football around the age of 5 or 6, and it was at my local YMCA playing flag football. I didn’t play tackle football until I was in middle school.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Dr. Phillips High GRADE: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Football POSITION: Wide receiver

What has kept you in the sport for so long?

Just the excitement of every play — every play has a chance of going the whole length of field and getting everybody all excited and riled up. Any given play can make a difference, and you can leave your mark on the game.

down. It proved to be pivotal in the game, but at the time, I didn’t really realize it. We ended up scoring later and on fourth down, I converted like a 25-yard pass — I jumped over like, five defenders to catch the ball. That was last year.

What’s your favorite part about playing wide receiver?

The hardest part?

My favorite part about playing the position is definitely the glory and the big cheers you get whenever you score a long touchdown — everyone gets excited and it gets the whole team going. I think the most challenging part would probably be just continuing to learn all the releases and all these different ways you can run your route, because (for) each route, there (are) infinite ways you can run it.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since your freshman season?

Just the coaching has really helped me develop as a player.

We have some of the best coaches in the country at Dr. Phillips, so I think as far as I’ve developed, they’ve definitely help me get to where I need to be.

Do you have a highlight moment over the last four years?

There was a play against Timber Creek — it was 4thand-9 — and Isaiah (Givens), he scrambled out to the right, and he just kind of chucked it up to me, and I caught a first

How has this season been for you so far?

It’s going pretty well. We had a little hiccup in Week Two, but I think we’re good now, and we’re in the best shape we’ve been so far. I definitely haven’t taken anything for granted this season, and you had to know that any week could be your last week with this COVID-19 protocol. I’ve just been trying to take everything in and really cherish the friendships and all of the moments.

Did you have any goals in mind that you were hoping to accomplish in this last season?

Obviously, the goal every year is a state championship, so it’s been on my mind heavy and something we’ve been preaching to the whole team. In the last year, I’ve just been focusing on my leadership role within the program and trying to do my best to help my teammates rise up.

— TROY HERRING

Work reflects on volleyball CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

— both in height and game — and became a looming presence on the court as an outside hitter.

She racked up stats throughout the seasons and learned how to become a leader for a team that suddenly featured players younger than her.

A NEW CHAPTER

Although things were going great in the gym, for Work, the anxieties of the game began to mount and take their toll.

Any athlete who plays a sport knows the amount of time, dedication and effort required to be the best, and with those requirements come sacrifices.

Every moment of the day and routine revolves around your sport, Work said. In Work’s case, it was wake up, go to school, hit the weight room and then go to volleyball practice — often not returning home until about 9 p.m. That’s when she would begin her homework.

At one point, Work found

herself going through the motions and playing because she had to. She didn’t consider it a waste of time, but she was burned out and realized during a moment of clarity last year that she didn’t want to play past her senior season.

“I had to miss so many school trips, and I am the student director of dance marathon at our school called Lakerthon,” she said. “Last year, one of my tournaments fell on the same night as Lakerthon, and it was an away tournament in another state. At that point, I was like, ‘I’m just tired of having to sacrifice things that I’m passionate about,’ so that’s when I decided that was kind of the last straw.”

When COVID-19 popped up earlier in the year, Work’s club coach gave players the option to either play or not, and it was then that she decided to take this opportunity to just sit out.

It was a chance for her to catch her breath, and it helped her realize what she wanted to do.

Playing her senior season at

Warriors program on the rise CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

us at least 5 or 6 yards — but we got a nice block on the outside, and he was able to outrun one of their defenders,” he said. “If you watch the play, Jack Main is blocking their corner and doing a phenomenal job and really sets it up from being just a 6- or 7-yard gain to (giving) Matthew an opportunity to score.”

The 10-yard touchdown run

by McDoom was enough to get the Warriors to within a point at 14-13. Just as the team had a moment to celebrate the score, a decision needed to be made: Do you go for two and the win?

Or play it more conservative and kick the extra point?

The decision was easy given how the game had played out up to this point, Granato said. The only time the Warriors managed to score in regulation was on a 51-yard bomb from quarterback Tyler Huff to Main to give West Orange the 7-0 lead with a little more than two minutes before the break.

Meanwhile, the only score for Apopka came off a botched handoff that saw the ball tumble into the end zone before being recovered by Apopka senior defensive end Devin Barnes to help tie the game at 7-7 with 6:23 left in regulation.

Throw in the constant harassment the Blue Darters put the Warriors’ special teams through

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

The once-struggling program has found footing under Mike Granato.

— which included what would have been a game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter — and a Warriors’ defense that was absolutely gassed by overtime, and the decision to go for two and the win was easy.

“For me it was a no-brainer,” Granato said. “We had a play that we put in that week that we thought could possibly catch them off guard. “(Apopka) called timeout when they saw us line up, and I asked the kids, ‘Do you guys want to go for the win, or do you want to keep going?’” he said.

“And Matthew McDoom looked at me with nothing but love in his eyes and he said, ‘Coach, let’s do it — I believe in my heart we have it, coach.’”

Family.

Family.

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by...

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Windermere Prep was never in question for Work, who — despite a shortened season — led the Lakers with 198 kills, 12 aces and 113 digs.

Now that she has time to look back on her high-school career and reflect on the work she put into playing for the school, Work has no regrets, she said. What she does have are good memories and a legacy that will have a positive influence on the girls who had a chance to play with her.

“Now that I’m not playing a team sport, I think I’ll take away how much I love being a part of a team and doing things for a team, and how important it is to be a good role model and good leader,” Work said. “I’m not necessarily the biggest talker on the court, but even my coach — Coach Peluso — said that, ‘Natalie leads by example, and actions speak louder than words.’ At that point, when he said that, I was like, ‘Finally, someone understands that I’d rather people remember me for what I did more than what I say.’”

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What followed was an athletic McDoom scrambling around in the backfield after getting the handoff — distracting an entire defense that brought an all-out blitz for the first time all night. He then tossed the ball to a wide-open Huff, who stood all alone in the end zone.

Ball game: West Orange beats the seemingly unbeatable Blue Darters 15-14 in a game that defined a new era of Warriors football.

After the past few years of constant obstacles — including multiple coaching changes — and a general dysfunction that had plagued the program, things now feel much different in the locker room and on the field. No one has seen that change moreso than Granato and his staff, and it’s the trust and love for one another that has turned around a once-struggling program.

“I could never have dreamed to have the kind of success that we have had,” Granato said. “We told the kids right before that last play — I looked them right in the eye — and I said, ‘Win or lose, I love you. You’ve changed the atmosphere around here, I know that you guys love each other, and that means more to me than anything that happens over the next couple of seconds, so you might as well go out and win it, because I’m going to love you no matter what.’”

OBSERVER

or to his passing in 1990; parents, James and Clara Findley; and siblings, James Robert Findley Jr., Virginia Miller, John William Findley Sr., Eudora Findley, Elizabeth Kluge and Patricia Sower.

Sue is survived by her brother, Charles Findley (Winnie); stepdaughter, Audrey Clattenburg (Bernie); two grandchildren, Lori and her husband John Chenoweth and Scott Clattenburg and his wife Sabrina; five greatgrandchildren, Scott Jr., Lindsay, Laurel, Heather and Matthew; as well as four great-great-grandchildren; along with many adoring nieces and nephews.

Ms. Derringer will be laid to rest with her husband at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Florida, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in her name to the Red Cross or the Orlando Area Council of Beta Sigma Phi. Condolences may be offered at woodlawnfuneralhomegotha. com.

GERRY LYONS DIED OCT. 17, 2020.

long project.

Gerry was proud of his children: Ken Lyons (Trista); Tasha Wyatt (Jeremiah); Chris Ford (Rachel); Elena Wahl (David); Drew Ford (Lisa) and their children.

Gerry’s wife Lisa and border collie Spot have many happy memories.

Gerry will be buried at Bushnell Military Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Baldwin Fairchild is in charge of arrangements.

Gerry Lyons left us on Oct. 17, 2020.

Gerry was a U.S. Army veteran, with tours in Korea, Vietnam, Italy and Germany, as well as Fort Dix, Fort Meade and Fort Knox. He was a graduate of the University of Louisville.

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Susan Margaret (Findley) Derringer, 92, of Winter Garden, passed away Oct. 13, 2020.

She was born a Leap Year baby on Feb. 29, 1928, in Maxeys, Georgia, a small town near Athens, to the late James and Clara (Noel) Findley. After high school, she was employed by Sears Roebuck in Atlanta as Pricing Clerk before being promoted to Record Clerk in the Purchasing Department for Catalogs and SE States.

She attended training schools and did volunteer work as a Red Cross Nurse’s Aide at Grady Hospital in the evenings.

She married Ken, a Group Engineer at Martin Marietta, on Nov. 27, 1958. They originally lived in Titusville, Florida, moved to Orlando, then finally to Windermere. Sue and Ken were married 32 years and enjoyed many hobbies as husband and wife, including bowling, golf, fishing, spectator sports, gar-

dening, traveling and trying new restaurants.

She was employed by Orange County Public Schools from 1971-1986 at Boone High School, where she began as a Library Clerk before progressing to Guidance Secretary. From there she transferred to the Exceptional Education Department as Administrative Support Secretary to the Program Director of FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources).

In 1994, Susan was named Woman of the Year by the Orlando Area Council of Beta Sigma Phi. A member for 37 years, she held the offices of Vice President, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer, as well as served as Program Chairman, Social Chairman and Sunshine Chairman. They praised: “Our sweet, quiet, Woman of the Year has brought sunshine into our lives — but watch out for that razorsharp wit.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Derringer, whom she lovingly cared for pri-

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Observer

Health Matters OCTOBER 2020

Heads of the Class Orange County Public Schools’ Medical Advisory Committee comprises 11 medical experts.

Together, they provide recommendations for how the district should operate in the time of COVID-19. Pages 6-7.

HEALTH MATTERS

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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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CONTACT US

The Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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OBSERVER The Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Observer, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

West Orange Orthopaedics hires Dr. Cox Jacob Cox is the third generation to join the family’s medical practice.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

When folks in need of a specialist call West Orange Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and ask for an appointment with Dr. Cox, they have to be more specific.

Jacob L. Cox is the third Dr. Cox to join the team, following in the medical footsteps of his father, Dr. W. Kevin Cox, and his grandfather, Dr. William S. Cox. He grew up in West Orange and South Lake counties, graduated from East Ridge High School in Clermont, attended college and medical school, and has returned to the area after a yearlong fellowship in Texas.

“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s nice to get home and set some roots,” Jacob Cox said.

“It’s nice to come back and reexplore the West Orange area. It’s changed.”

What hasn’t changed is the value of having family nearby. Jacob Cox said his children, ages 3 and 7, are able to spend time with their grandparents — something he was able to do growing up, as well.

Family is important to West Orange Orthopaedics, which has provided care to West Orange County residents for several generations. William Cox started in the early 1970s, and Kevin Cox began working with the practice in early 1992.

“It is a joy and a blessing to be able to work with my dad,” Jacob Cox said. “As my practice ramps up, I’m helping him do surgeries. … I really enjoy being close with my dad. He was a good influence on me becoming a doctor and … working with him in a partnership has been fun.”

Jacob Cox said he considers himself an adult joint-reconstruction surgeon. He is trained as a general orthopedist — a surgeon who treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system. His specialties are shoulder, elbow and knee.

“It gives people a chance to live their lives,” he said. “I love

Courtesy photo

Three generations of the Cox family have practiced with West Orange Orthopaedics: Drs. William Cox, seated; Kevin Cox, left, and Jacob Cox.

to help people to have a dramatic improvement in their joy of life — where somebody has been walking with a lot of pain and suddenly they do their surgery and … get back to golfing and enjoying life with their family.

“It’s an exciting time to be in orthopedics, but now with robotics and 3D scanning, it makes it even better,” he said.

He currently practices at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital.

Growing up with surgeons in the family put Jacob Cox close to the excitement and passion of being a doctor. When he expressed an interest in studying either architecture or medicine, his father told him to enter the medical field because he wanted to and not because of his family history.

“I decided in high school,” Jacob Cox said. “I scrubbed in with my

“It is a joy and a blessing to be able to work with my dad. As my practice ramps up, I’m helping him do surgeries. … I really enjoy being close with my dad. He was a good influence on me becoming a doctor and … working with him in a partnership has been fun.”

— Dr. Jacob Cox

dad and was able to watch a total replacement.”

That was all it took; he was hooked and never gave architecture another thought.

Jacob Cox received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Eckerd College and his doctoral degree in medicine from the University of South Florida. He completed his internship and residency at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine.

He is board eligible by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. His areas of specialized experience include shoulder and elbow surgery, general orthopedic surgery, sports-related injuries, trauma, joint replacements and Mako robotic surgery.

Jacob Cox and others in his orthopedic practice serve as team physicians at Foundation Academy, where his oldest son is a student.

“Our role is for the bigger, highrisk events, like home football games; we provide sideline care,” Jacob Cox said.

He and his wife and two children are residents of Winter Garden.

WEST ORANGE ORTHOPAEDICS 596 Ocoee Commerce Parkway, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 654-3505 WEBSITE: westorange orthopaedics.com

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HEALTH MATTERS

Dr. Emilio Alonso

Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center is adding a new liver and pancreatic surgeon to its roster of cancer specialists at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center.

Dr. Emilio Alonso is boardcertified in general surgery and specializes in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, using minimally invasive options whenever possible.

He earned his medical and bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry from the University of Florida in Gainesville. After a general surgery residency at the University of California — Riverside, Alonso completed a fellowship in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery at Providence Portland Cancer Institute in Oregon.

In addition to patient care, Alonso is involved in research projects involving translational tumor immunology and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He is a national and international presenter at medical conferences and has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals such as Molecular Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and World Journal of Clinical Cases.

To schedule an appointment with Alonso, call (321) 841-1838.

AdventHealth, Rady institute launch partnership AdventHealth for Children is partnering with Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine to bring rapid and ultra-rapid whole genome sequencing to Central Florida families for the first time.

The testing will help critically

ill babies and children in intensive care with unexplained medical conditions receive appropriate care.

This diagnostic technology rapidly identifies the causes of rare genetic disorders in some of the sickest infants and children.

AdventHealth selected Rady to bring the quickest turnaround of genomic test results available in the country to patients in Central Florida. Preliminary diagnoses are typically available in fewer than three days for medically urgent cases.

“Genomics is the future of medicine,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, a board-certified neonatologist and senior executive officer of AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women.

“This advanced testing can have a significant impact on how we diagnose and treat patients. Rady Children’s Institute is a leader in genomic medicine, and this partnership will help us provide the best care to some of the littlest and sickest patients in our care.”

OCTOBER 2020

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Shepherd’s Hope will host its Mask-R-Aid fundraiser beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Because of COVID-19, the West Orange-based nonprofit has postponed its signature event, the Famous Faces Masquerade Ball, until 2021.

A blended live/virtual event, Mask-R-Aid will celebrate community health care heroes. The event will feature entertainment, interactive elements, and live and silent auctions.

Individual viewing tickets are $75; House Party tickets are $750 and include a Happy Hour Menu for up to 10 guests, two bottles of sommelier-selected wine and one Party In A Box delivered to your viewing location; and Helping Sponsor House Party packages are $2,500 and include a catered dinner for up to 10 guests, three bottles of sommelier-selected wine and one Party In A Box delivered to your viewing location. For more, visit shepherdshope.org.

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OCTOBER 2020

MINDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

Get to know the 11 members of Orange County Public Schools’ Medical Advisory Committee.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A

n air of uncertainty has surrounded every major decision in 2020, and the ongoing

pandemic posed myriad questions as the start of the school year crept closer. Many agreed that the face-to-face learning modality for K-12 students was ideal. However, Orange County Public Schools leaders agreed families needed to be able to choose the solution that best worked for them.

And, furthermore, determining the best practices and protocols for safely reopening schools was another story entirely.

In late July, Orange County Public Schools established a Medical Advisory Committee to assist with COVID-19 issues the district faces. The committee was tasked with advising the School Board regarding best practices for safely operating schools.

The committee comprises 11 members — including OCPS’ medical consultant — whose expertises include epidemiology, pediatrics, pulmonology, emergency medicine, psychology, infectious disease and nursing.

It will remain in place for one year, and the School Board has the power to consider annual renewal. The group establishes meeting times and dates, and it was instrumental in providing a recommendation to the School Board regarding reopening plans in August.

Members of the committee come from various health care organizations throughout Central Florida — AdventHealth, Orlando Health and Nemours Children’s Hospital, to name a few — but all share the common goal of using their expertise to help keep students, staff, parents and community members safe.

The committee members are Dr. Akinyemi Ajayi, Dr. Adriana Cadilla, Dr. Brian Harris, Dr. Vincent Hsu, Dr. Omayra Mansfield, Dr. Michael Muszynski, Dr. Annette Nielsen, Dr. George Ralls, Darcy Ravndal, Dr. Mercedes Rodriguez and Dr. Regan Schwartz.

EXPERTISE EMBODIED

Each member of the OCPS Medical Advisory Committee brings something unique to the group.

Ajayi’s passion lies in providing pulmonary and sleep medicine care to children throughout much of the state. He finds joy in working with parents and their children.

“With over 25 years as a physician, he is an excellent diagnostician and takes pleasure in attempting to solve every medical mystery that comes before him,” OCPS officials said.

Cadilla serves as a physician with the infectious disease team at Nemours Children’s Hospital.

Harris works with Orlando Health, caring for children with social, behavioral and functional issues

tivation to make sure they

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adds an extra layer of mo-

that could indicate the possibility of neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, communication concerns, learning difficulties and more.

Hsu — also the committee chair — has trained at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemic intelligence officer studying outbreaks caused by respiratory and enteric viruses. He even participated in investigations into the 2001 anthrax attacks and 2003 SARS epidemic.

Mansfield is a board-certified emergency medicine physician who is focused on the providerpatient experience.

“Her primary areas of interest are improving the physician and patient experience as it relates to improving provider well-being, patient adherence to care and clinical outcomes, and she has lectured extensively on these topics,” according to OCPS. Muszynski is an expert in pediatric infectious diseases, Nielsen’s heart lies with pediatrics, and Schwartz chairs AdventHealth’s emergency department.

Ralls serves Orlando Health as the senior physician leader responsible for clinical quality, clinical-care delivery systems and outcomes. His job is to ensure Orlando Health provides highquality, efficient care.

“As a physician with a background in public health and safety, it’s rewarding to do my part to assist the staff, students and families of Orange County Public Schools in navigating the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic,” Ralls said.

Ravndal is the Edgewater High School Student Health Center’s primary clinician. During her time at the USF Center for Biological Defense, she was part of the team that developed protocols for sample collection of suspected agents of biological terrorism for first responders.

Rodriguez has been with OCPS since 2004 as a part-time medical consultant for the school system.

“In this unique position, she has also had the opportunity to

different in that many

COMPASSION

join the school nurses in developing coordination and communication systems with local primary and specialty-care providers to ensure continuity of care for OCPS students, particularly fragile students,” according to OCPS. Members of the Medical Advisory Committee advocate on behalf of Orange County’s staff, students and families to ensure that schools are equipped to operate in a safe environment.

“We come from a wide spectrum of roles … and subspecialties … which lends itself to a diverse array of expertise to weigh in on critical issues,” Harris said. “As a group, we review the evidence set forth by national guidelines and peer-reviewed publications which guide our discussion. Ultimately, we address stakeholder questions and provide guidance that is individualized to our community in Central Florida.”

Ultimately, Harris said, safety is the No. 1 goal and priority of all stakeholders involved — from families and staff to district officials and health care providers. It’s why he and other providers advocate for following safety protocols to help minimize the spread of the virus.

“Appropriate safety protocols including social distancing, wearing masks, hand-washing and working closely with the Florida Department of Health to identify cases (and) quarantine if necessary,” Harris said. “Contract tracing is integral to ensuring staff, students and families are as safe as possible.”

Schwartz said although the committee members are not the decision-makers regarding opening schools, their role as health care leaders is to support the community. He echoed Harris’ sentiments regarding mask-wearing and social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“The school system is different in that many students access services beyond what they’re learning in the classroom while they’re in school, which adds an extra layer of motivation to make sure they can open safely,” Schwartz said.

“Among the recommendations we’ve made is to continue to work with us to understand hospital capacity and community-infection rates and how they impact the safety of schools; be transparent on infections in schools; ensure students stay 6 feet apart at all times; and protect teachers with adequate PPE.” One of the largest tasks thus far in which each member was called upon for insight was coming up with a recommendation on timing and conditions for face-to-face instruction.

“We’re learning new things about the COVID-19 virus all the time, and I think, like the health care community, schools should learn and adapt as the science evolves,” Schwartz said.

On Aug. 14, Hsu wrote to School Board members that the committee took into consideration multiple factors, from community prevalence of COVID-19 in Orange County to students’ socioeconomic and learning needs, along with data on age-related infectivity and transmission.

While the committee recommended a staggered face-to-face start date for different age groups, the School Board ultimately voted to keep the start date of Aug. 21 as planned.

“The school system is

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they’re in school, which

can open safely.”

— Dr. Regan Schwartz

As part of the committee, each member draws on his or her own specialty to provide insight and

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round out the conversation on health and safety.

For Harris, it means he thinks from the perspective of his role as a developmental/behavioral pediatrician. Many of Harris’ patients and families have health care and/ or educational needs that require special-education services or classroom accommodations, like Individualized Education Program or 504 plans. To help children manage this stressful time, Harris recommends that parents work on setting up structure and routine.

“For families that have elected for virtual learning, there have been many challenges for both families and schools to access these necessary services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy,” Harris said. “These students are at high risk for regression and require strong advocacy to ensure that their educational rights are being protected. Many parents have been thrust into new, unfamiliar roles as teachers and therapists for their children.

“We have encouraged families to be proactive and open lines of communication with their child’s school team to discuss strategies to implement their IEP services, and to brainstorm ways to generalize any accommodations that are made in the classroom to the home setting,” he said.

He added that some students may benefit from using different modalities — such as visual, verbal and auditory — for presentation of learning materials. For example, some children might benefit from using a visual or picture schedule.

It’s also important, he said, for everyone — not just children — to take time for self care.

“Throughout this time, parents and staff members are also encouraged to be mindful of their own stress/anxiety levels and communicate with their team,” Harris said. “It might be a good idea to ‘tag-in’ with another caregiver or staff member when feeling overwhelmed or needing to take a break.”

Schwartz added that every child is different, and parents should keep an eye on their children for physical and emotional symptoms that the change in environment has on them. It’s important, he said, to get help when they need it.

“Parents should keep a close eye on their children for any significant behavioral or health changes,” Schwartz said. “But they should also keep an open dialogue with their kids about how things are going and let them know that it’s OK to not be OK right now, and that there is help available to them to cope with what’s going on.”

MEET THE COMMITTEE n DR. AKINYEMI AJAYI POSITION: Director for pediatric pulmonary services, AdventHealth for Children; medical director, Florida Pediatric Research Institute CREDENTIALS: Ajayi received his subspecialty training in pediatric pulmonology and sleep medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is board-certified in pediatric pulmonology and in sleep medicine. He also is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. n DR. ADRIANA CADILLA POSITION: Pediatric infectious disease specialist, Nemours Children’s Hospital CREDENTIALS: Cadilla earned her medical degree at Ponce Health Science University in Puerto Rico and completed a residency in pediatrics at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Chicago. Cadilla is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics with subspecialty certification in pediatric infectious diseases. She has served as an urgent-care physician in Miami, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, and a pediatric hospitalist at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago and at Chris Evert Children’s Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale. Prior to joining Nemours, Cadilla was the pediatric clerkship assistant director for Florida International University and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. n DR. BRIAN HARRIS

POSITION: Developmental-

behavioral pediatrician, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital Pediatric Behavioral Health and Developmental Center CREDENTIALS: Harris earned his medical degree from George Washington University, a master’s degree in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree in psychological and brain sciences from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

He completed a residency in pediatrics at Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C., and a fellowship in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. n DR. VINCENT HSU POSITION: Hospital epidemiologist and executive director for infection prevention, AdventHealth Orlando; assistant director, AdventHealth Internal Medicine Residency Program CREDENTIALS: Hsu graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and holds a master’s degree in public health from UCLA. He completed his internal medicine residency at Legacy Health in Portland, Oregon, and an infectious disease fellowship at USC. He has board certifications in infectious disease and preventive medicine.

n DR. OMAYRA MANSFIELD POSITION: Vice president and chief medical officer, AdventHealth Apopka and AdventHealth Winter Garden CREDENTIALS: Mansfield earned her medical and master’s degrees in health care administration at the University of Florida and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center. She is a fellow with the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Mansfield is immediate past chief of staff of AdventHealth Celebration and a graduate of the AdventHealth Physician Leadership and REACH Leadership courses. n DR. MICHAEL MUSZYNSKI POSITION: Professor emeritus of clinical sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine CREDENTIALS: Muszynski is a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency plus a chief residency year at Nationwide (Columbus) Children’s Hospital, as well as his pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma. Previously, he was the Orlando regional campus dean for FSU’s college of medicine, associate dean for clinical research for the entire university, and founder of the College of Medicine’s Network for Clinical Research and Training. He founded the pediatric infectious disease division and research laboratories at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he was founding division chief of pediatric infectious diseases from 1986 to 2004. He served in the same capacity at Nemours Children’s Clinic from 1996 to 2004. n DR. ANNETTE NIELSEN POSITION: Owner, Tree House Pediatrics in Lake Nona CREDENTIALS: Nielsen attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for her undergraduate degree in biology and attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and has worked at Vanderbilt University Monroe Carroll Children’s Hospital and Community Health Centers of Central Florida. n DR. GEORGE RALLS POSITION: Chief medical officer, Orlando Health CREDENTIALS: Ralls earned his medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Orlando Regional Medical Center. He previously served as Orange County’s director of health and public safety. Ralls joined Orlando Health as the chief quality officer for Orlando Regional Medical Center and most recently served as the system chief quality officer. He has been on Orlando Health’s medical staff since 2001.

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OCTOBER 2020

7

n DARCY RAVNDAL POSITION: Primary clinician, Edgewater High School Student Health Center CREDENTIALS:

Ravndal completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at Johns Hopkins University, as well as a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida. She is nationally accredited by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and is an active member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and of the American Public Health Association. She previously served as a science teacher and as director of education and training at USF Center for Biological Defense. n DR. MERCEDES RODRIGUEZ POSITION: Physician consultant, Orange County Public Schools CREDENTIALS: Rodriguez completed training in pediatrics at Orlando Regional Medical Center and has previously served as medical executive director at both Orange and Osceola counties’ health departments. She retired from HCA/Osceola Regional Medical Center in February. n DR. REGAN SCHWARTZ POSITION: Boardcertified emergency medicine physician, AdventHealth CREDENTIALS:

Schwartz received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He also completed an internship at Emory University/Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, as well as his emergency medicine residency training at the Albert Einstein/Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York City. He has served as the chairman of the emergency department for the past 12 years and has clinical oversight of all the emergency departments in AdventHealth’s Central Florida South division.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

OCTOBER 2020

FLU SEASON DURING COVID-19?

What does it mean for you and your family?

This season, doctors will need to pay careful attention to symptoms and their timelines to discern between COVID-19, the flu and even the common cold.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Throughout the year, most questions being asked by medical professionals are largely related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

But now, as the winter months approach, those questions give way to more questions about the season of the year known for the spread of another virus: Influenza.

Two weeks ago, Dr. Gary Visser — of PremierMed Family & Sport Medicine in Ocoee — saw the first case of the flu appear in the practice. Flu season normally starts slowly in October and can last until about May — though it usually peaks between November and February, Visser said.

And although the flu tends to keep to the winter months, COVID-19 doesn’t really seem to have a specific season, because it has survived throughout the year — including during the summer months, which some believed would slow it down because of the heat. Now, the medical field is preparing for both, and it’s changing how many get ready for the flu season.

In previous years, the Ocoee practice began to administer flu

shots in October, but this year’s pandemic has changed that.

“We actually started end of September,” Visser said. “We were like, ‘Oh, we don’t want you to get the flu and COVID, so let’s get everybody set earlier,’ so we started a little bit earlier with the flu vaccines.”

DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN VIRUSES

The biggest challenge that faces doctors now — besides treating a virus that currently has no cure — is that the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 almost overlap entirely.

Ailments such as fatigue, fever, body aches and respiratory issues area just a few of the commonalities between the flu and COVID, but there are some small ways they differ, Visser said.

“It’s almost impossible to distinguish the two,” Visser said. “If you draw a big circle and you said, ‘OK, these are all COVID symptoms,’ and then you drew a smaller circle inside of the COVID circle, those are all of your flu symptoms.

So pretty much everything you get with the flu, you can get with COVID. “But COVID has the extra loss

of smell and loss of taste we don’t normally see with the flu,” he said.

“And it also has the blood clots that we don’t see with the flu — people are getting a lot of pulmonary blood clots … and that is mostly from inflammation in the arteries from the virus.”

Another aspect Visser has noticed is that the flu tends to make its presence known much more quickly. Often, the side effects of the flu happen within a day or two; COVID may take up to several days to present symptoms.

During a morning briefing at

AdventHealth in September, Dr. Tim Hendrix — medical director at AdventHelath Centra Care — addressed a point that flu often strikes hard and with fury.

“Typically, flu is very distinctive — you’ll wake up in the morning and you’ll feel fine, and then by that evening, you have a fever, and you’re crawling into bed, and you just feel like you’ve been run over,” Hendrix said. “I joke during flu season that I can walk into a Centra Care lobby and I can look into the eye of every person (who) has a flu and diagnose them. I

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“I’m hoping — fingers crossed — with our masks and social isolation, and just being more cognizant about washing our hands and not being in close quarters with people, that it is probably going to reduce the severity of the flu this year.”

— Dr. Gary Visser, PremierMed Family & Sport Medicine

don’t really do it that way … but you can tell.”

Another difference is how the two viruses affect children.

“The flu is worse in kids, whereas with COVID, it doesn’t seem to affect them as much,” Visser said.

“Mostly young kids — newborns, 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds — are going to be more affected by the flu than what I have seen with COVID.” The confusion when diagnosing a patient is further compounded with the common cold and allergies. Hendrix said those normally come with a scratchy throat, itchy eyes/nose and sneezing. And often with a cold or allergies, symptoms begin to dissipate in about four days, which is why Visser tells patients to wait a couple days before being tested for COVID. If things quickly worsen — a sign of flu — then he suggests being seen immediately so medication can be given to curb the flu.

At PremierMed, Visser and the

other physicians perform a double-check with patients — testing them for both COVID-19 and the flu as a way to figure out what exactly is happening.

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CO-INFECTION, FLU SHOTS

Another concern of medical professionals is the chance of coinfection — someone having both COVID-19 and the flu.

“Co-infection … happens,” Hendrix said. “We were in the middle of flu season when COVID-19 started — so back in February — and I didn’t think it did, but then we started seeing it happen where we were actually seeing people with COVID-19 and influenza.

“Those people got through it OK, but having two different viruses is never a good thing,” he said. “We look at co-infections when people get the flu and they have pneumonia … those are people that end up in the hospital, so the risk of complications is higher with co-infection like that.”

It’s because of this possibility of a co-infection that Hendrix stressed the importance of getting the flu shot this year while also abiding by all of the guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There’s even hope there may be a quieter flu season because of all the precautions taken for COVID-19.

“I’m hoping — fingers crossed — with our masks and social isolation, and just being more cognizant about washing our hands and not being in close quarters with people, that it is probably going to reduce the severity of the flu this year,” Visser said. “But schools are open, so it is definitely going to be spread. I’m just hoping that number will come down this year.”

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OCTOBER 2020

OPEN ENROLLMENT:

Knowledge is power It’s important to know your options before making a decision on your health insurance.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

It’s that time of year, when the air is cooler at night and the sounds of fall sports echo throughout the community.

That also means it’s time for health care open enrollment.

Open enrollment is the yearly period when people can enroll in a health insurance plan for the upcoming year. They are eligible if they have certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health coverage. Job-based plans might have different open-enrollment periods.

Enrollment plans are crucial to discourage adverse selection, which happens when sick people sign up for health insurance but healthy people don’t.

Open enrollment for 2021 runs Sunday, Nov. 1, through Tuesday, Dec. 15. Starting Nov. 1, people

OrangeObserver.com

ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST

can log in to HealthCare.gov, fill out an application and enroll in a 2021 Marketplace health plan.

Coverage starts Jan. 1, 2021. The new plans and prices will be available to preview just before Nov. 1.

Looking for the right coverage for you or your family can be daunting, but Jessie Nelson, corporate director of benefits for Orlando Health Human Resources, provided tips on navigating the often-confusing world of health insurance. She said it’s important to review all the available options — through one’s employer, a spouse or parent’s plan, and Marketplace.

“Generally speaking, an employer plan is generally better than anything you could purchase independently,” Nelson said. “Employers usually subsidize part of the plan … versus if you go and buy something on the open market. … You can’t negotiate because you are one.”

“Look at your payroll deductions. Some folks will say, ‘I want the best plan,’ (but) that varies with each person. They might say, ‘I want the least deductible,’ but (that) might not be it here.”

— Jessie Nelson, Orlando Health Human Resources

Plans sometimes change from one year to the next, and people need to know whether the plan is active or passive, whether the coverage is broad or narrow, and whether the right doctors for them are included.

“Look at your payroll deductions,” Nelson said. “Some folks will say, ‘I want the best plan,’ (but) that varies with each person.

They might say, ‘I want the least deductible,’ but (that) might not be it here.”

Another important factor for people making insurance decisions is knowing the maximum amount of money they would be responsible for, she said.

“Within PPO or HMO plans, every individual on the plan has their own out-of-pocket and deductible,” Nelson said. “In some high-deductible plans, all of the family’s expenses count together toward that maximum deductible.”

Knowing the drug coverage is important, too, she said.

There is a difference between flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts, too, Nelson said. Both are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow the insured to pay for qualified medical expenses with pretax funds, but they differ in who is eligible to enroll and when savings expire.

Many employers will offer dental, vision, disability coverage and discounts on things such as cell phones or pet or auto insurance.

To apply for or re-enroll in Marketplace coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at (800) 318-2596. This is the information needed to proceed: n Your information n Information about your household n Home and/or mailing addresses for everyone applying for coverage n Information about everyone applying for coverage n Social Security numbers for everyone on the application n Information about the professional helping you apply, if any n Immigration document information n Information on how you’ll file your taxes n Employer and income information for everyone in your household n Best estimate of your household income n Health coverage information if anyone in your household currently has a health plan n Employer information for everyone in your household n A completed “Employer Coverage Tool” for anyone who has or is eligible for coverage through their employer n Health Reimbursement Arrangement notice if anyone in your household is offered an HRA through their employer SOURCE: Healthcare.gov

“Folks miss those,” Nelson said.

“People don’t realize those fun little perks or little extra benefits are available, and they can give you more take-home pay.”

She said it’s important to review one’s life insurance policy annually — making any necessary updates to beneficiaries — and looking over his or her retirement plan.

“You’ll want to know where your retirement is going to,” she said. “And look for an employer match; make sure there’s nothing left on the table.”

THE YEAR OF COVID

Nelson said rates are increasing an average of 4.4% next year.

“Employers are looking at the impact we’re seeing from COVID,” she said. “Employers are seeing an increase in COVID claims.”

At the same time, other claims have decreased this year, she said.

When the coronavirus reached the United States in the spring, people scaled back on scheduling as many elective surgeries or using other discretionary services.

All of this has an impact on health insurance in 2021.

Nelson said she is starting to see the number of claims nearing pre-COVID-19 levels.

The government has passed legislation regarding the coronavirus, so employers are seeing those changes — including COVID-19 testing at no cost —in insurance options, as well.

It’s up to each employer to determine what he or she feels is in the best interest of their employees.

People also have options when it comes to shopping around and comparing insurance plans to make sure they are getting what’s best for them and their family.

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PHYSICIAN’S SPOTLIGHT

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Dr. Alexander Schroeder Dr. Alexander Schroeder joined Mid-Florida Surgical Associates in July and specializes in surgery using high-tech robotics.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

The world of medicine is constantly changing, and thanks to the development of robotics, there are some practices where work is done almost exclusively through the use of robotic technology.

One such place is Mid-Florida Surgical Associates — which has locations in Ocoee and Clermont. The practice also performs surgical work for Orlando Health’s South Lake Hospital, Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital and the new Horizon West hospital.

The practice’s use of technology is what brought Dr. Alexander Schroeder aboard in July after he graduated from Creighton University.

“They are heavy into robotics,” Schroeder said. “Basically, the surgeons working in that practice sort of pioneered robotics in this area. They started out when the first robotics systems came on the market, and really, the senior partners trained all of the other surgeons in the midFlorida area on the robot.”

Schroeder was inspired to go into medicine by his father, a surgeon in his home country of Germany. And although he’s had his fair share of medical education — Schroeder studied at the

University of Hamburg before doing a five-year residency at the Creighton University School of Medicine — it was only about three or four years ago when he discovered the wonders of robotic surgery during a meeting in Germany.

During that event, Schroeder watched videos that showcased how one doctor — Dr. Conrad Ballecer — utilized robotics with hernia surgeries. Schroeder, who performs general surgery but specializes in hernia surgery, was fascinated.

“What really amazed me was that there are a lot of procedures that can be done laparoscopically without the robot — through small incisions — with long instruments and a camera, but your hand is at the end of the instrument, versus the robot where you also use a long instrument but then you have the robot interface in between,” Schroeder said. “I always thought, ‘What is the true advantage?’

“In the field of hernia surgery, the robot basically allowed for the development of completely new techniques,” he said. “So, instead of putting mesh inside of the abdomen — where it has contact potentially to bowels and can form adhesions and scar tissue — the robot allowed for new techniques to put it into the layers of the abdominal wall, so

Courtesy photo

Dr. Alexander Schroeder has found a home for himself with Mid-Florida Surgical Associates.

DR. ALEXANDER D. SCHROEDER MID-FLORIDA SURGICAL ASSOCIATES 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 288, Ocoee; 1804 Oakley Seaver Drive, Suite A, Clermont PHONE: (407) 521-3600 (Ocoee and Horizon West); (352) 243-2622 (Clermont) WEBSITE: midfloridasurgical.com

it allows for ... precise dissection of spaces where we fix the hernia and put the mesh.”

Toward the end of his training, Schroeder connected with Ballecer — who was practicing in Phoenix — and asked about

possibly working alongside him.

Ballecer agreed, and Schroeder received approval from Creighton to start an externship.

Schroeder had performed simulation after simulation with what it would be like to use robotics for surgery, so by the time he got to Phoenix, he was both excited and prepared.

Being comfortable helped, but more than anything, it was having someone as experienced as Ballecer by his side that really helped him succeed.

“You can’t just sit down and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to use the robot now.’ You have to go and find a surgeon or mentor who is willing to share with you what he knows and shows you how he does things successfully,” Schroeder said. “That’s the only way to do it safely.”

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OCTOBER 2020

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The machine itself — called a da Vinci Surgical System — is like something straight out of a science-fiction film.

The machine has four arms with tools at the end of each, and it is controlled by a surgeon via a console that has a monitor and controls. It’s high-tech, and South Lake, Health Central and the new Horizon West hospital each utilize the device — the machine at South Lake actually has a unique da Vinci Surgical System.

“Right now at South Lake Hospital, we have two consoles that are connected with the actual robot, so you can actually do cases with another surgeon,” Schroeder said. “You can pass instruments digitally back and forth — your proctor can take over for you or you can give it to someone you proctor yourself.

“That’s something I really think is a really cool thing — you can learn new techniques, you can make sure you’re as efficient as you can be, and you can invite a colleague and say, ‘Hey, do you want to do this case with me together and kind of see how I do things?’ So it allows for constant learning and improvement.”

It’s that ability to constantly improve and a desire to help people that led Schroeder to MidFlorida Surgical Associates.

“The reward is when things go well, you see your patient afterwards in your clinic and they’re happy, and you’re happy that everything went well — you actually helped somebody … it’s immediate gratification,” Schroeder said. “And the second thing is obviously getting better at what you’re doing — that’s gratifying, too.”

HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

OCTOBER 2020

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