11.07.19 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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VOLUME 5, NO. 6

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

OCPS concludes start-time survey

CUISINE SUPREME A Taste of Dr. Phillips will offer attendees plenty of delicious bites to try from local restaurants.

PAGE 6.

Community proposed near First Baptist

The Orange County School Board will discuss the results and what to do next at a work session Nov. 14.

A proposed 62-home development near the First Baptist Church of Windermere has drawn ire from nearby residents.

TIM FREED ERIC GUTIERREZ

MANAGING EDITOR

STAFF WRITER

Orange County Public Schools is one step closer to making a decision on new start times.

The district held one of its last community meetings answering questions about potential new school start times Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Olympia High School, just a day before an online survey period for Orange County families came to a close.

District 4 Orange County School Board Member Pam Gould said feedback given by OCPS families will be a key factor in the School Board’s decision. The discussion stemmed

A new neighborhood could be on the horizon along Winter Garden Vineland Road.

Orange County representatives held a community meeting Monday, Nov. 4, regarding a substantial change request to the land-use designation of a 14.74-acre parcel located within the First Baptist Church of Windermere’s property on Winter Garden Vineland Road.

The change being requested is to add a 62-home residential SEE PROJECT PAGE 2

SEE SCHOOL PAGE 4

Titans triumph

YOUR TOWN

Tim Freed

LEARN HOW SLEEP AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH Orlando Health is hosting a one-hour program on how sleep affects one’s health.

The event is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Orlando Health Medical Pavilion – Horizon West, 17000 Porter Road, Suite 204, Winter Garden.

Experts say sleep is directly connected to one’s physical and emotional health, as well as stress levels and relationships. The program will discuss ways to get quality sleep.

Space is limited; call (407) 407-3046 to reserve a seat.

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Nicole Kapron noticed a special talent in her daughter, Olivia, and the two have been going to pageants ever since.

SUNSHINE STATE

SWEETHEART Windermere resident Olivia Kapron, 2, was crowned Baby Miss Florida 2019.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

T

he atmosphere of a pageant feels like a home away from home for Olivia Kapron. She’d been waiting for this moment — her time to shine on the stage. Sporting a Minnie Mouse outfit, Olivia steps in front of the judges with confidence in her Florida-themed SEE WINDERMERE PAGE 4

Olympia High School capped off its season with a close 20-16 win over Gateway.

PAGE 20.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Project discussed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

development on the 14.74-acre parcel, which is generally located south of Winter Garden Vineland Road, east of Reams Road and north of Delmar Avenue.

Orange County Planner Nathaniel Wicke said the property already is zoned as a Planned Development, or PD, and has a land-use designation of Village.

Unicorp National Developments President and CEO Chuck Whittall is the developer behind the proposed project. He said he’s currently in the works of purchasing the 14.74-acre property from the church, and added that he plans on building high-end homes on the site that would be consistent with existing homes nearby.

“Our plan is to develop … a 62-lot community that will be called ‘Chapel Crossing,’” Whittall said. “It will be accessed off Delmar (Avenue). We have lots of civic green areas around the project. The (water) retention would be onsite. We have it in the center, so we’ll have houses going around the retention. The community that we plan on is in keeping with the neighboring communities. …

It would be the same feel of what’s existing out there, so it would be an extension of the existing community that’s here.”

About two dozen residents from neighborhoods near the subject property attended the meeting, and many of them voiced concerns over the proposed project.

Those concerns mostly pertained to traffic, 5932-77750 overcrowding of schools Friday Night Ice Ad

and environmental impacts. Additionally, residents argued that the subject property is currently designated to be developed into ball fields that could be used by the community outside of the church.

“Back in 1999, when First Baptist Church was approved to change zoning, one of the conditions was that they were going to build recreational ball fields in that property that we’re talking about,” Grande Pines resident Tom Triolo said. “It’s been 20 years, and there’s still no ball fields. In fact, our community has a walkway from our community into that property because there was so much promise of the ball field that we were going to be sharing that ball field. … That was a condition of the approval (of the rezoning): To build the recreational facilities. As homeowners, we were all expecting (ball fields). We’re nagging on (that) condition (of approval), and now they’re trying to redo it.”

Doug Mikkelsen is the secretary of the Lake Mabel Shores Homeowners Association said the residents in his community are strongly opposed to the project and also think the subject property should be developed into ball fields.

“The church committed, in writing, to ball fields on this exact parcel of land — on the 14.74 acres that is now being proposed to have 62 houses,” Mikkelsen said. “It’s in writing with Orange County. It’s in the PD, so this is a direct violation of that (condition). Yes, they have a right to apply; they have the right to ask for whatever they 10p375x8.pdf 1 10/17/19 4:45 PM

Courtesy

The subject property for the proposed development is outlined in black and white and is generally located south of Winter Garden Vineland Road, east of Reams Road and north of Delmar Avenue.

want to … but the deal was for ball fields. That’s how they got the land rezoned in the first place.”

Whittall’s attorney, Jim Hall of Hall Development Services Inc., said although there is a condition to construct ball fields on the church’s property, the condition does not specify the exact location of where those fields should be built.

“What the condition says is there’s no geographic specificity to where the ball fields go,” Hall said. “What it says is, when they build their recreation facilities, it won’t be just for church use; it’ll be for public use. That’s what they

committed to. They didn’t commit to something here or something there or something here. They said it would be ‘good for the public.’”

Mikkelsen also commented on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed development and cited concerns over water retention.

“The developer’s engineer admitted that their proposed tiny retention pond in the middle of their neighborhood would flow via underground pipe in to the church’s slightly larger retention pond … which in turn flows into Lake Mabel,” Mikkelsen said.

Whittall said drainage from the

proposed development’s retention pond would not have an impact on existing communities.

“The subdivision is designed to hold its own drainage … just like these other subdivisions were designed, you see retention ponds all within them and they all carry their own retention just as our community will,” Whittall said.

District 1 County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey reminded residents that just because this change is being requested does not mean it will be approved.

You’re invited to

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Linda Lee Holmes had fun giving a live art demonstration at the stroll.

Right: Four artists were given awards toward the end of the event. From left: Third-place winner Raul Murciano, second-place winner David Bender, first-place winner Cristiam Ramos and third-place winner Ivaldo Robles.

ARTISTIC FLAIR I

Phyllis Shipley couldn’t help but smile as she added color to a work in progress she called “Sun Up.”

t was an evening of art and entertainment at the third annual Art, Wine & Music stroll event on Friday, Nov. 1, at The Grove in Windermere. Strollers enjoyed live-art demonstrations as well as music and dance performances over wine and light bites. The event was organized by Windermere Arts, and proceeds benefited New Hope for Kids. Prizes were awarded to the top three artists and the top three performers at the event. In the artists’ awards, Cristiam Ramos placed first, David Bender came in second, and Ivaldo Robles and Raul Murciano tied for third place. In the talent awards, Ellie Jo Lovini came in first, Tyler Price placed second, and the girls of Tempo Dance Academy won third.

Above: The girls of Tempo Dance Academy danced the Macarena.

Left: Cristiam Ramos won first place for this painting inspired by the animal kingdom.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

Gobble games The second annual Titan Turkey Trot at Olympia High School will raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

Everyone loves a carnival. How about one for a good cause?

There will be games galore Friday, Nov. 8, as Olympia High School students host the second annual Titan Turkey Trot — a festive carnival at the school’s football field to help raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

The event, spearheaded by the National Honor Society, will consist of 26 high-school clubs — each with its own booth and a

IF YOU GO TITAN TURKEY TROT

WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 WHERE: Olympia High School football field, 4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando Entry into the carnival is free, but it costs $1 to play each carnival game.

carnival-style game for children to play.

Attendees can pay a dollar to play a game for a chance to win a prize, Olympia High School librarian and National Honor Society adviser Bill Connell said.

Attendees can expect everything from a dunk tank to pie throwing.

“It’s really fun for children of all ages — last year when we had elementary school kids come they had a great time interacting with the high-school students and they loved playing the carnival games,” Connell said.

It’s an event that first kicked off last year and raised money for No Kid Hungry, Connell said.

This year’s cause — Second Harvest Food Bank — already has partnered with Olympia High School’s Student Support Foundation by offering a market after school where students can get food and bring it home.

“Second Harvest Food Bank is helping support that, so we’re going to help support Second Harvest Food Bank,” Connell said.

Troy Herring

Students dressing up for the Titan Turkey Trot is one of the highlights of the annual school event.

“This is the first year where we’re really looking to expand the reach of the turkey trot — last year was more of a foundational year and it went really well,” National Honor Society Vice President Andres Cubillos said. “This year we have a lot of new things planned out and we’re hoping that we can really reach out more to the community and bring in more money for Second Harvest Food Bank and, by extension, the Titan market.”

The carnival atmosphere and

the games are just a part of the fun attendees can expect. There’s also the actual turkey trot, which offers some friendly competition amongst the high-school clubs with bragging rights on the line.

“Each club dresses up one of their members in a turkey outfit of their making and we have, one, the best looking turkey with the turkey crown,” Connell said.

“Then we have a race on the track and the fastest turkey … their club name goes on the turkey cup, which is a perpetual trophy.

They’ll get to keep the cup for the rest of the year.”

Connell said that the clubs are expecting an even bigger turnout this year than the previous event.

And it all ties back to an important message, he said.

“All of the clubs try to instill a value of community service, because we are educating and we are educating our future,” Connell said. “There’s a great value for community service — I think it makes our community stronger.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Windermere toddler crowned CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pageant outfit.

Olivia smiles, blows a kiss to the judges and turns.

She carries herself like a beauty queen — and she’s only 2 years old.

Olivia, a Windermere resident, recently was crowned Baby Miss Florida 2019 back in May and continues to compete in pageants in Florida and beyond.

Her statewide title was part of the America’s Little Miss Pageant, where girls are recognized for showcasing their talents and personalities — with a focus on inner beauty.

Baby Miss Florida 2019 is just one of several titles Olivia already has under her belt. She was also named Baby Miss St. Cloud earlier this year and was named Beauty Supreme and Overall Most Beautiful at the Little Miss Inspirational Pageant last month in Minnesota.

“She goes to school every day, but then on the weekends she just transforms into this sequinwearing, rhinestone-loving with feathers beauty queen,” said Nicole Kapron, Olivia’s mother.

“She’s shy, but then on stage she just absolutely shines.”

As a performer and dancer herself, Nicole Kapron said she noticed something special in her daughter: a natural love and ability to capture the attention of an audience.

“When she was born it was natural for her in a sense — she loved-

music, she can find the beat,” Nicole Kapron said. “She was already displaying having natural ability from a very young age.

From her love of music and dancing, I knew that she was ready to kind of start that journey being so young.”

Nicole Kapron decided earlier this year to put her daughter in a pageant just to see how she’d do. Olivia, at 17 months old, was entered into the Baby Hearts Rodeo Pageant in Osceola County back in February and ended up wowing the judges.

“She just went up there and she shined,” Nicole Kapron said. “She waved, she smiled and I knew that this was the light and the direction that we needed to head in with her. When you have a kiddo that can grab the audience being 17 months old at that time and then seeing what she can do at 2, she just steals everyone’s hearts on stage.”

Since that first pageant, Olivia has participated in five other pageants, including the Sunburst Beauty Pageant and the Little Miss Inspirational Pageant.

It isn’t all glitz and glamour on the pageant stage though — it’s lots of practice and sometimes pressure on the stage, Nicole Kapron said.

“I go up on stage and I give her little cues like ‘Wave at the judges’ and ‘Can you blow kisses?’”

Nicole Kapron said. “Most of the time she’ll do it. Sometimes she doesn’t and that’s OK.” “She gets off stage, and she gets

“She goes to school every day, but then on the weekends she just transforms into this sequin-wearing, rhinestone-loving with feathers beauty queen.”

— Nicole Kapron

from multiple studies showing high-schoolers are more effective in school with more sleep.

“We’ll be weighing what our community feels we should do and the best interest of the student and where we can get the closest to the two,” Gould said.

Today, Orange County’s high schools start classes at 7:20 a.m., elementary and K-8 schools start at 8:45 a.m., elementary schools

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS A study by Pamela McKeever of Central Connecticut State University and her colleague, Linda Clark, found that pushing back high-school start times to 8:30 a.m. can improve graduation and attendance rates.

McKeever and Clark compared the rates of 29 high schools across seven states before and after the schools implemented a delayed starting time. The average graduation rate jumped from 79% to 88%, and the average attendance rate rose from 90% to 94%.

with an extra hour of reading start at 8:15 a.m., and middle school start at 9:30 a.m. — a schedule that is referring to as Model A. Leaders at OCPS have come up with three new schedules.

Model B would move the start time of high schools, elementary schools, K-8 schools and middle schools later by 20 minutes.

Model C moves start times later by 40 minutes, with high schools starting at 8 a.m., elementary and K-8 schools starting at 9:25 a.m., elementary schools with an extra hour of reading starting at 8:55 a.m. and middle schools starting at 10:10 a.m.

The last option is Model D, which would have elementary schools starting the earliest. All elementary and K-8 schools would start at 8 a.m., high schools would start at 8:45 a.m. and middle schools would start at 10:15 a.m.

Bill Wen, senior director of Transportation Services for OCPS, said certain schools that are close to one another will continue to see staggered start times to avoid traffic problems. One example of this is Westpointe Elementary and MetroWest Elementary — one of the schools will start 30 minutes later than the other, Wen said.

He added the different models all are cost-neutral.

The School Board will discuss

“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 Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@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 Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com

Courtesy

Olivia Kapron, 2, has six pageants under her belt.

big hugs and kisses for going up,” she said. “You have all eyes on you, you’re not just going up in front of a panel of judges, you’re going up with an audience filled with people and she’s doing it at 2 years old. I can’t be more proud of her doing that. It’s about building her self-esteem.”

Olivia has two more pageants lined up in the near future: the Sunburst Miss Merry Christmas Pageant in November in Ocala and the Once Upon a Fairy Tale Pageant in February in Georgia.

Olivia dreams that one day she’ll audition and appear on “Sesame Street” — her favorite show.

At the end of the day, Nicole Kapron said that it’s her daughter being herself that makes her so successful.

“You let her be her, and I think that’s what makes her shine —it’s because she’s Olivia and I let her be Olivia on stage,” Nicole Kapron said.

CONTACT US

The Southwest Orange Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays.

It provides subscription home delivery.

The Southwest Orange 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) 6562121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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START-TIME MODELS MODEL A (CURRENT START TIMES) School Type Start Time High Schools 7:20 a.m.

Elementary & K-8 schools 8:45 a.m.

Elementary with extra hour 8:15 a.m.

Middle schools 9:30 a.m.

End Time 2:20 p.m.

3 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:57 p.m.

Wednesdays 1:10 p.m.

2:10 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:54 p.m.

MODEL B School Type Start Time High Schools 7:40 a.m.

Elementary & K-8 schools 9:05 a.m.

Elementary with extra hour 8:35 a.m.

Middle schools 9:50 a.m.

End Time 2:40 p.m.

3:20 p.m.

3:50 p.m.

4:17 p.m.

Wednesdays 1:40 p.m.

2:20 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3:07 p.m.

MODEL C School Type Start Time 8 a.m.

High Schools Elementary & K-8 schools 9:25 a.m.

Elementary with extra hour 8:55 a.m.

Middle schools 10:10 a.m.

End Time 3 p.m.

3:40 p.m.

4:10 p.m.

4:37 p.m.

Wednesdays 2 p.m.

2:40 p.m.

3:10 p.m.

3:37 p.m.

MODEL D Start Time School Type Elementary & K-8 schools 8 a.m.

Elementary with extra hour 8 a.m.

High schools 8:45 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

Middle schools

End Time 2:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

4:42 p.m.

Wednesdays 1:15 p.m.

2:15 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3:42 p.m.

the results of the survey at a work session set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said at a community meeting in September that OCPS would need to make a decision by January or February to have any

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School start times could change CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Observer

new school start time changes in place by next school year.

Gould said the School Board may be open to the option of starting any new start times in the 2021-22 school year to give families more time to prepare.

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SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

GREAT TASTE A Taste of Dr. Phillips highlights local restaurants while raising money for the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips to donate and award.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

If you’re looking for a glimpse of some of Restaurant Row’s best offerings, one Dr. Phillips event has you covered.

The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips will host its 13th annual A Taste of Dr. Phillips Sunday, Nov. 10, at Dellagio Orlando — giving food and wine enthusiasts an array of offerings from more than 20 different restaurants to sample.

Attendees also can enjoy live music, wine tents, a beer tent and a silent auction.

Joe Mahoney, Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips member and A Taste of Dr. Phillips chair, said the event is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year. All the money from the event goes right back into the Dr. Phillips community, given by the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips in the form of donations, scholarships and sponsorships. The club has supported Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, the Dr. Phillips YMCA, the Southwest Branch Library, Dr. Phillips High School students and younger elementary and middle school students, among many other individuals, organizations and causes.

Mahoney said over the years, the event has been a perfect marriage of giving back to the community while showcasing Restaurant Row.

“We felt that from the beginning, (the event) was a perfect way (to raise money),” Mahoney said. “At the time we started, there was nothing like that happening in the area, especially showcasing those restaurants.

“With there being so many restaurants, it’s hard to pick which ones to take and which ones not to take,” he said. “The larger restaurants always set aside some funding to give back to the community and to help raise money.

They all enjoy being a part of the process. Over the last seven or eight years, we’ve had a wait list with new restaurants opening all the time.”

The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. It originally stemmed from the Rotary Club of Windermere. With about 100 members, it’s one of the larger clubs in Central Florida, Mahoney said.

Seeing the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips give back to the community and making it all possible through the taste event is special, Mahoney said.

“We do a lot of good things for our community, but we have a great time doing it,” he said. “I’d like everybody to come out and have a good time with us and help us to raise money for the community. It’s going to be a beautiful day, and we’re going to have a good time.”

IF YOU GO WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10 (VIPs have access at 12:30 p.m.)

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Summerlake park plans taking shape Orange County officials held a community meeting Oct. 29 to get additional feedback for the park’s design.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Summerlake residents are one step closer to getting their neighborhood park.

Orange County representatives held the second community meeting for the Summerlake neighborhood park project. Located at the intersection of Porter Road and Wood Sage Drive, the site of the 5-acre park is next to a property in which a new elementary school will be built, and both are expected to open in 2021.

“We’re looking at … making the whole community a lot better with the community park,” said Grant Wenrick, a landscape planner with the Orange County Parks and Recreation division. “We did the survey from the first meeting over the last couple of months … (and) a lot of people responded about shade.

(They) want a shaded playground (and) shade trees, and that was something that was brought up (by many).”

Wenrick discussed the survey results from neighborhood residents about what they want to see incorporated in the park, which has $1.2 million set aside to pay for it.

The county received 489 responses to the survey, and the top three amenities requested for the park are a playground for children ages 5 to 12, a paved walking path and a picnic pavilion. A fitness area was ranked fourth and a tot lot for children ages 2 to 5 came in fifth.

Those five features are included in the park plans, along with a multi-purpose field, which was ranked sixth. Other features ranked among the top 10 most requested amenities were a community garden, a dog park, a sand volleyball court and a mini skate park. The park also will have a water fountain, a bike rack, garbage and recycling receptacles and benches and picnic tables throughout. Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Suedmeyer addressed the maintenance of the park.

“We get a lot of questions … (and) concerns about maintenance,” Suedmeyer said. “We mow our parks every week during the growing season, and then every other week during the winter time — November, December, January and February (maintenance) is every other week. Parks staff … will be taking care of this park. …

Two to three times a week our parks staff comes out to empty garbage cans (and) to pick up trash.”

Although the plans were wellreceived, residents suggested wider sidewalks, greater separation between the playground and fitness area, adding dog waste receptacles and having either a larger picnic pavilion or space within the park to build an additional pavilion.

The park will not have bathrooms on site, will not be staffed and will be open from sunrise to sunset. Additionally, parking will be limited to on-street parking.

SERENADES WEST ORANGE MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for our community at Serenades West Orange. We give thanks to our caring staff who look after our residents and provide fun activities that promote an active and social lifestyle. We truly enjoy being at your service. From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Attendees perused the array of delectable Armenian desserts at the festival.

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t was an afternoon of food and fellowship at the eighth annual Armenian Food Festival Saturday, Nov. 2. The event took place at the Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church, where attendees dined on various Armenian dishes like stuffed grape leaves; lamb, chicken and beef kebabs; Lahmajoun, which is an Armenian meat pie; and a selection of Armenian desserts.

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John Shahinian was in charge of the stuffed grape leaves.

Hrayr Avedissian was one of the cooks who manned the grill at the festival.

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Puzzle One Solution: Puzzle Solution: “The fastest way for aTwo politician to become an elder “Don’t give up. It’s really important statesman is to lose an election.”

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Flintstones mobile to the Rock the House event.

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This week’s Sudoku answers

Puzzle One Solution: “The fastest way for a politician to become an elder Cipher statesman is to lose an This week’s Celebrity answers election.”

– Earl Wilson

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2019

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The fastest way for a politician to become an elder Cipher statesman is to lose an This week’s Celebrity answers election.”

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The whole gang showed up at the Ameriprise Financial table.

W

est Orange Habitat For Humanity held its annual Rock the House fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 2 at West Orange Church of Christ in Winter Garden, and guests arrived in all sorts of costumes and attire.

Speakers included Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Habitat President Alberto Herran, homeowner Cheryl Postell and future homeowner Vaquada Bradford.

The judges declared the table winners: Miller’s Ale House for House of Football; SeaCoast Bank for Superheroes; Orange Technical College – Westside; Ameriprise for Roarin’ 20s; Observer Media Group for Country & Western; Pam Billue and friends for Fifty Shades of Gray Paint; and the overall winner, Derek Morgan for Meet the Flintstones.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

©2019 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

2019

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Advent Health employees and friends dressed in their finest gold for the Rock the House event.

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REAL ESTATE

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Golden Oak estate sells for $4,895,000 A

Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 28, for $430,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,414 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.13.

home in the Golden Oak community

topped all West Or-

from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1.

The home at 10074 Cove Lake Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 30, for $380,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,417 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.22.

The home at 10407 Los

VIZCAYA

ange-area residential real-estate transactions

Feliz Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 28, for $4,895,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths and 6,859 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $713.66.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The home at 6013 Pine Valley Drive, Orlando, 32819, sold Oct. 30, for $950,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,047 square feet. The price per square foot is $234.74.

BAY HILL VILLAGE

The home at 8901 Charleston Park, Orlando, 32819, sold Nov. 1, for $535,000. Built in

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The home at 10407 Los Feliz Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 28, for $4,895,000. The outdoor living area is a restorative retreat with its water features and grand fireplace.

1982, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,450 square feet. The price per square foot is $218.37.

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 8784 Wittenwood Cove, Orlando, 32836, sold Nov. 1, for $502,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,891 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.64.

MILLIONAIRE’S ROW

The home at 9157 Kilgore Road, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 29, for $1,435,000. Built in 2009, it has seven bedrooms, sixand-one-half baths and 6,663 square feet. The price per square foot is $215.37.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6506 Parson Brown Drive, Orlando, 32819, sold Oct. 29, for $429,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,304 square feet. The price per square foot is $186.20.

The home at 7620 Clementine Way, Orlando, 32819, sold Oct. 29, for $340,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,854 square feet. The price per square foot is $183.39.

PALM LAKE

The home at 8660 Crestgate Circle, Orlando, 32819, sold Oct. 29, for $690,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms,

FULL TABLE

full heart

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 110 High Sale Price: $4,895,000 Low Sale Price: $109,000

four-and-one-half baths and 3,921 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.98.

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE

The home at 10408 Angel Oak Court, Orlando, 32836, sold Nov. 1, for $555,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,816 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.44.

SAND LAKE COVE

The home at 10024 Newington

The home at 7910 Versilia Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 31, for $1,226,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,163 square feet. The price per square foot is $198.93.

The home at 8265 Tivoli Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 29, for $410,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,836 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.57.

WATERS EDGE/BOCA POINTE AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10521 Boca Pointe Drive, Orlando, 32836, sold Oct. 31, for $675,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,915 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.41.

WINGROVE ESTATES

The home at 8001 Winpine Court, Orlando, 32819, sold Oct. 30, for $480,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 2,788 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.17.

thankful

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WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 10639 Moore Road, Gotha, 34734, sold Oct. 28, for $442,250. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,680 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.02.

The home at 8781 Crescendo Ave., Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 31, for $430,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.72.

HORIZON WEST

WINDERMERE

The home at 13225 Charfield St., Windermere, 34786, sold Nov. 1, for $390,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,628 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.40.

The home at 8217 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 30, for $950,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,900 square feet. The price per square foot is $243.59.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 13061 Overstreet Road, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 30, for $385,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,037 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.77.

PROVIDENCE

The home at 13425 Zori Lane, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 29, for $389,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,616 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.70.

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8349 Vivaro Isle Way, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 30, for $555,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,182 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.71.

The home at 8261 Procida Isle Lane, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 30, for $499,900. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,926 square feet. The price per square foot is $127.33.

WINDERMERE TERRACE

The home at 7132 Beek St., Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 31, for $381,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,631 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.81.

The home at 11120 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 1, for $911,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,160 square feet. The price per square foot is $176.55.

The home at 6318 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 31, for $710,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,497 square feet. The price per square foot is $203.03.

LAKE DOWN

The home at 10561 Down Lakeview Circle, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 31, for $1,201,001. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 6,553 square feet. The price per square foot is $183.27.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1245 Glenheather Drive, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 28, for $495,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,639 square feet. The price per square foot is $187.57.

TUSCANY RIDGE

The home at 1457 Belfiore Way, Windermere, sold Oct. 29, for $670,000. It has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,173 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.56.

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The home at 9554 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, 34786, sold Oct. 31, for $460,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,484 square feet.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

Susan Story

Licensed Sales Representative

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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare one of its affiliated companies, aor Medicare Advantage organization Insurance Company one of its affiliated with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan d pends on the plan’s companies, a Medicare Advantage contract renewal with Medicare. AARP isn’t an insurer, doesn’t recomorganization a Medicare contract. mend products, and with encourages you to evaluate your needs. AARP Enrollment the plan depends the does not employ orinendorse agents, producers oron brokers.

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The Southwest Orange Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@ orangeobserver. com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

Let us tell the story of your life.

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YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGHT OVER YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS

BAPTIST

Anglican Community Fellowship Church Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St., Winter Garden Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Theacf.net Beulah Baptist Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd., Winter Garden Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service: 11 a.m.

Wednesday Service: 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans (407) 656-2352 125 E. Rant St, Winter Garden Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional, 9:45 a.m.

Bible Study, 11 a.m. Contemporary Wednesday: 6 p.m. - Awana 2nd Campus Foundation Worship High School (407) 720-1867 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages

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Thom Payne, of Ocoee, snapped this late-afternoon photo at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

He said it captures the essence of the daily afternoon storms and calls it “West Orange’s Liquid Weather.”

Looking for local Businesses, Churchs, Clubs, Schools, Civic Groups, or Group of Friends.

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU

Saturday, December 14 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is a proud fixture of Windermere and West Orange County. We have built our homes and reputations here.

We are here for you.

Sign up for a 10’x10’ Booth Area with a Christmas Twist.

Booth must have an Old Time Carnival Game or Activity geared to a child 12 or younger with small prizes

With your help we can provide

Games for Kids Window Shopping Visit with Santa Elves to help to make Christmas Lists Parents can return later to “shop” We also need assistance with Food and Music!

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12

OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE NOVEMBER 7, 2019

SERVICE IN SIGHT The senior classes at Windermere, Ocoee and West Orange high schools have banded together to collect 2,020 pairs of eyeglasses for Project Right to Sight.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

E

yeglasses are not cheap, and there are many who can’t afford to purchase them.

However, the senior classes at three local high schools has a vision to help eyeglass wearers in West Orange County and beyond be able to see for free.

Windermere High Assistant Principal Sheri Robb has been wearing glasses since middle school and noticed she had a stockpile of old glasses she no longer used and wanted to donate.

That’s when her husband told her about the Ocoee Lions Club and a project it helps spearhead called Project Right to Sight.

Through this project, the Lions Club is able to provide reconditioned, recycled eyeglasses at no cost to homeless and uninsured people living in Central Florida and beyond.

“The Ocoee Lions Club is part of the District 35-O — which has members from several of the clubs in Central Florida — and what they do is they deal with glasses

for Project Right to Sight,” said Melissa Tanner, president of the Ocoee Lions Club. “People donate them, we organize and sort them.

They get cleaned, tested for the prescription and get boxed based on that prescription. Project Right to Sight is also a warehouse so they store these glasses we’ve collected and they have an area where they have glasses if there’s someone who comes through there that needs eyeglasses.”

Erma Brathwaite-LaMotta, a technology teacher at Windermere High, told Robb that as a component of her classes, the students needed to identify a community-service project to give back through each year. With Project Right to Sight in her mind, Robb knew it was the perfect choice.

“I told (Brathwaite-LaMotta) about my idea — and I like to come up with quirky names for things — and it hit me that this is the Class of 2020 we’re getting ready to graduate in the spring,” Robb said. “That’s where 2020 for 20/20 came from. She’s an amazingly dynamic lady who really puts her heart and soul into everything so she was totally on board.”

PROJECT RIGHT TO SIGHT

Founded in 1990, Project Right to Sight fulfills one of the main objectives of the International Lions Club, which is to sponsor and promote programs that deal with sight preservation and the fight against blindness. The goal is to provide reconditioned, recycled eyeglasses free of charge to homeless and uninsured people living in Central Florida and worldwide. Team members consist of eye care professionals, members of the Lions Club and the community who work together to provide eye examinations and dispense the glasses.

For more information, visit projectrighttosight.org.

Robb reached out to all 20 Orange County public high schools and technical colleges to challenge them to join the campaign.

Thus far, there are five other high schools and now an elementary school on board — West Orange, Ocoee, Apopka, East River and Timber Creek high schools, as well as Washington Shores Elementary.

The goal of 2020 for 20/20 is to collect 2,020 pairs of glasses by the end of the 2019-20 school year to donate to the Lions Club for Project Right to Sight.

“We’re always glad for people that want to help us collect eyeglasses,” Tanner said. “We take readers, prescription sunglasses and regular sunglasses. It’s always nice when someone wants to do that. … It raises awareness that (people) realize there’s organizations like us out there and I think that’s important to me, and it gives glasses to help those in need. We’re always excited to get help.”

Recently, Project Right to Sight sent 500 pairs of eyeglasses and 3,000 pairs of sunglasses to those impacted by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Any glasses donations collected are a welcome sight, as they will help replenish the warehouse stock.

Robb said the students have dived right into the project and love being part of something that will help the community. They maintain the three boxes set up at Windermere High — one in Robb’s office, one in the front office and another in the media center. Then, they take it a step further and help prepare the glasses for donation.

“Once they collect glasses out of the boxes, our kids are painstak-

ingly cleaning them and checking them out and separating them by prescription and type,” Robb said. “Then they’re lovingly putting them in storage, where they’re saving them until it comes time to make the donation. They keep talking to friends and organizations about it. They’re running the whole thing. It’s not a rivalry — this is OCPS getting together to do this. This is people working together, and it’s pretty cool. This is about us working together for a common good.”

Robb added that she believes it’s just as important for the schools to give back to the community as it is for the community to support the schools. The students have served as docents for events at local elementary and middle schools and the band plays at community events, so this is another way for them to support those who have supported them.

Sponsors and liaisons at the other schools involved also have jumped on board and created boxes, posted on social media and sent out flyers and notices in newsletters. Robb does not yet have a total count for how many pairs of glasses have been collected thus far across the board, but she estimates Windermere High has collected several dozen. The idea is to donate all the glasses collected at the end of the school year.

“It’s something to get excited about, something to get behind, something to see the kids get into,” Robb said. “It feels good. Rather than have glasses sit on a dusty table somewhere, they’re brought in and donated. We will take the number 2,020 any way we can get it. I think it’d be unbelievable if we could get 2,020 glasses per school, but the idea is just to get the word out there. This is just another way that we can have our students giving back to the communities in which they live.”

2020 FOR 20/20 The goal of this campaign is to collect 2,020 pairs of eyeglasses to donate to Project Right to Sight, which the Ocoee Lions Club helps spearhead, as a service project for the Class of 2020. Participating schools in West Orange County are Windermere, Ocoee and West Orange high schools.

Students, parents, faculty and community members are encouraged to donate their used eyeglasses, readers, sunglasses, soft cases and eyeglass pieces and parts to help reach the goal of at least 2,020 glasses. These can be dropped off at collection boxes in the schools’ front offices.

For more information or to get your school involved, contact Sheri Robb at sheri.robb@ocps. net or the Ocoee Lions Club at either (321) 2477441 or ocoeelions club@gmail.com.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Windermere Prep readies for carnival The RoCKin’ Carnival at Windermere Prep runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the middle school parking lots. Come out for a night of fabulous family fun featuring rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, bumper cars, a rock wall, trampoline bungee jumping, a haunted house, highschool club booths with carnival games, a family big-screen outdoor movie, food trucks and more. Admission to the carnival is free, and it is open to the community. Unlimited-ride wristbands are $25, and free for adults ages 18 and over and children 2 and younger. To purchase tickets for rides, visit wpvarockincarnival. eventbrite.com.

Foundation Academy to host fall festival Take the entire family to Foundation Academy’s annual Fall Festival. The PAWS-sponsored event will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Tilden Campus, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden.

Wristbands for the event give access to carnival games, live entertainment, the silent auction and more. Sponsorship and silent auction opportunities are a great way to promote your business or company. Submit forms and any questions you may have to PAWS@foundationacademy. net. For more information and to buy ride tickets, visit bit.ly/2NJROCN.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

14

DEPUTY JOHN SPENCER KEENE’S CROSSING ELEMENTARY Although Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy John Spencer has only been a school resource officer at Keene’s Crossing Elementary since the beginning of the school year, he has served as a deputy for both the Orange and Seminole county sheriff’s offices over the last few years. In just a short amount of time, Spencer’s impact on the Keene’s Crossing community has been impressive.

What do you love most about your school?

The staff is awesome — (we have a) really good principal, assistant principal and the community. The parents are great, really engaging. I would say the staff and community has been really welcoming and fun to work with.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I would say working at an elementary school is kind of like being a famous person because kids look at you like you’re the greatest thing ever. It’s a really good opportunity to show the kids how police are in a positive way, different from what they see on TV. It’s fun working with them and high-fiving kids in the hallways.

What made you want to take on this job?

Law enforcement wise, it’s something different every single day so you never know what you’re going to get, and I like that in a job — that

Windermere Prep students shine at robotics competition

REPORT CARD

Congratulations to several Windermere Preparatory School Lower School and Middle School students who competed in their first Vex Robotics competition Monday, Nov. 4. The Lakerbotics team, comprising Lower and Middle School students, earned the Sportsmanship Award in its first competition.

SCHOOL: Keene’s Crossing Elementary POSITION: School resource officer TIME AT THE SCHOOL: Since August 2019

way I don’t get bored. It’s fun, it’s exciting. SRO wise, I kind of got into (it) in the beginning just to help out. I think it’s probably the best place you can be in the community to impact kids, teachers and staff outside of your regular job.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

I would say what motivates me is what we’ve seen the last few years around the country. You see, unfortunately, shootings in schools, kids in the schools having mental health problems and what that does is it makes me constantly aware. I’m constantly checking the school, talking to kids that seem a little down or even teachers and parents. I don’t want to rest for one second and have something happen. I try to stay on top of all that.

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

I’d probably have to say really Tracy (Lewis) posting that comment is probably the nicest thing so far that’s happened, mainly because

the schools are busy and they have a lot going on so a lot of times it’s hard for them to do anything.

That’s not why we do it, but it’s nice when someone recognizes you.

What is the coolest place you have visited and why?

I would probably have to say Costa Maya, Mexico. To me it’s what I picture in a magazine when you think of a beach in Mexico. When you get off the boat you see a bit of culture and the people are really nice. It was a very relaxing trip.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Superheros snag treats at Windermere funtacular

B

owser, Rey and even Gandalf the Gray were just some of the costumed characters who made their way to the third annual Truck or Treat Night Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Windermere High. Collecting candy from student-hosted booths was just part of the fun at the Halloween-themed event.

Event-goers also enjoyed music, various games, face painting and even a petting zoo.

Drama Club students rocked colorful neon costumes in honor of the school’s most recent production, “Footloose: The Musical.”

Nikolaus Campe opened his mouth wide as he tried to eat a doughnut tied to a string without using his hands. The game was set up by the WHS Drama Club.

The Zoldin family — Melissa, Aaron and their daughter Daya — searched for the one ring pop to rule them all as characters from “The Lord of the Rings.”

From left: Freshmen Ashlie Myre, Daisy Donate and Chris Milazzo, and senior Olivia Andrus were among the FFA students in charge of the petting zoo at the event.

FOLLOW US:

BRACING YOU FOR SUCCESS!

Left: Cecilia Reyes made friends with a bearded dragon at the FFA booth.

We’re Not Asking You to Give Up Cupcakes.

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Healthy West Orange is all about balance and long-term gains, not the latest diet craze. We’re a free resource that will help you make those healthy choices with expert advice from local sources, yummy recipes, and fun contests and giveaways.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Mothers, sons bond at Keene’s Crossing Field Day

Moms and sons prepared for an epic scooter board race.

Nicolas Mosquera wore a look of pure glee as he jumped on top of a bouncy ball.

T Judith Ponce and her son, Ilde Amador, made memories in the photo booth.

ug of war, potato-sack races and bounce houses were all the rage Thursday, Oct. 24, during Keene’s Crossing Elementary’s Mother/ Son Field Day. Moms and their sons went head to head during various relay races, vying for each and every win as they competed in three-legged races, scooter-board relays and hulahooping. Participants could grab a drink and a snack after they were done playing, as well as some silly photos in a pop-up photo booth.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Matthew Cortese couldn’t get enough of the inflatable slides.

Andrea Valim and son Davi, Mirella Vital and son Pedro, and Julia Sobroza and son Kyle were ready for the ultimate potato-sack race.

NEW BOOKS PLEASE

Celebrating 22 Years!

2019 Book Donations

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Supporting children in our community

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2019 BOOK DROP OFF LOCATIONS

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Observer Media Group 661 Garden Commerce Pkwy, Ste 180

Gift ideas: Fnd the perfect something for everyone on your list.

Perfect Timing: Area malls stay open longer for all your shopping needs.

Santa Stops: Don't miss your chance to see St. Nick this season.

Shipping Deadlines: Make sure your gift gets there in time.

Winter Garden Library 805 E Plant St

West Orange Chamber of Commerce 12184 W Colonial Dr

Foundation Academy Lower School -125 E Plant St Upper School - 15304 Tilden Rd

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden 125 E Rant St

Rotary Club of Winter Garden The biggest shopping event of the year is right around the corner.

Roper YMCA 100 Windermere Rd

Childrens Lighthouse Learning Centers

OCOEE

West Orlando Baptist Church 1006 E Crown Point Rd

City of Ocoee 150 N Lakeshore Dr

Windermere Library 5300 Main St

ORLANDO

DR. PHILLIPS Dr Phillips YMCA 7000 Dr Phillips Blvd 315356-1

Ocoee Police Department 646 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy

WINDERMERE Windermere Prep 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Rd

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Bridgewater Middle School

The First Academy 2667 Bruton Blvd Other locations to be announced

Call for more details 407-656-2121 www.OrangeObserver.com

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As a Foundation Academy freshman, Edward Byrd was named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 11 Defensive Team. Page 18.

1

5

It was a solid showing at the Class 1A boys golf state finals for Windermere Prep Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, as the Lakers finished in third place at Mission Inn-Las Colinas. The Lakers shot a two-day total of 618 (320 on Day One and 298 on Day Two), and were led by Hiroshi Tai, who finished sixth overall (76, 69: 145 total).

2

The Windermere boys cross-country team dominated in the Class 4A, Region 3 meet at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton Saturday, Nov. 2.

The Wolverines finished ahead of second-place Dr. Phillips, thanks in part to a third-place finish by Onix Ortiz (16:01.34) and a seventh-place finish by Liam Pirie (16:13.05).

3

The West Orange boys and girls swimming and diving teams swept the Class 4A, District 7 swim meet Saturday, Nov. 2. Kurtis Gnapp took home the district title in the 200 free with a time of 1:50.43.

The girls swim team took home first place in the 200 medley relay (Rhiannon Driscoll, Caitlyn Harney, Grace Khunduang, Gabryella Tong; 1:50.34), 200 free (Michelle Cottle; 1:53.68), 100 backstroke (Driscoll; 59.44) and 400 free relay (Tong, Driscoll, Khunduang, Cottle; 3:36.31).

4

The Windermere Prep girls swimming and diving team dominated in the Class 1A, Region 3 meet Saturday, Nov. 2. In the Lakers’ firstplace finish, Windermere Prep picked up wins in the 200 medley relay (Brooke Larweth, Marcela Scaramuzza, Gabriel PuryearLynch, Dylan Kasch; 1:51.61), 200 IM (PuryearLynch; 2:12.34), 100 butterfly (Scaramuzza; 57.27), 100 backstroke (Larweth; 1:01.18), 100 breaststroke (Scaramuzza; 1:04.91) and the 400 free relay (Scaramuzza, Puryear-Lynch, Kasch, Larweth; 3:37.66).

5

At the District 8 girls bowling tournament Wednesday, Oct. 30, Ocoee had solid outings as the Knights finished sixth. Paige Shephard led the way for the Knights — finishing in fourth place.

PLANE STRENGTH TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

A

s Special Olympian Michelle Feiner stood in line with her CrossFit Winter Garden Wolfpack teammates, she examined the 60-ton Boeing aircraft in front of her.

Sitting outside of the United Airlines hangar at Orlando International Airport, Feiner and the Wolfpack are among the 20-plus teams who had raised money to participate in the Special Olympics Florida Annual Orlando Plane Pull Saturday, Nov. 2.

The challenge is self-explanatory: Pull the rope and move the metal bird 15 feet as fast as you can.

It’s a challenge that Feiner and her team were up for, she said.

“I’m excited, like always,” Feiner said. “It’s fun — I did it last year.

Last year I was a little intimidated, because it was my first time and I saw a big plane and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so scared,’ but this year I’m more confident.”

By the time the Wolfpack had

Members of CrossFit Winter Garden — including Special Olympian powerlifters — showed off their strength during the Special Olympics Florida Annual Orlando Plane Pull.

Photos by Troy Herring

Top: Michelle Feiner, alongside her teammates, pulls the 60-ton Boeing.

Above: The CrossFit Winter Garden Wolfpack dominated the plane pull in 8.48 seconds.

SEE CROSSFIT PAGE 18

TFA boys golf claims first state title The First Academy’s boys golf team made history as it won a state title; the girls team finished as runner-up.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

When Richard Combs looked at the final standings of the Class 1A State Finals at Mission InnLas Colinas last Saturday, Nov. 2, he saw something that had been in the works for what felt like an eternity.

There sitting at No. 1 overall was his TFA Royals boys golf team — who, for the first time in school history, could proclaim themselves state champions.

“It’s been 11 years I’ve been doing this, and it’s kind of like we’ve had a lot of singles (titles) and last year we finished second as a team,” Coach Combs said. “But

it’s a dream come true for me, so it’s kind of exciting to see everything come together at the right time to be successful.

“It’s just unbelievable,” he said.

“And obviously it feels good as a coach and it feels good for the boys, because they worked hard during SEE TFA PAGE 18

18

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Edward Byrd As a freshman on the Foundation Academy football team, Edward Byrd is a big kid with a big game. Byrd switches his time playing on both the offensive and defensive lines, but it’s on the D-line where he has grabbed the most attention as he was recently named to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 11 Defensive Team.

What’s it like playing on the varsity team as a freshman?

It’s a pretty fun experience coming from eighth grade and playing with people like (Andrew) Johns and Warren (Sapp II) and being able to play with my cousins. Coach Lord and the (other coaches) have given me good advice on how to get better. But it’s been really fun getting to play with some of my best friends this freshman year.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Foundation Academy SPORT: Football POSITIONS: Defensive tackle, nose guard, offensive guard GRADE: Nine

Which is tougher — offensive line or defensive line?

Me, personally, I feel like our offense is more challenging, because defense is really simple — they make it really simple for us. It’s ‘See ball, get ball’ — that’s the principal of football.

Is it a challenge to compete against guys who are older than you?

I don’t really consider it too much of a challenge. Growing up, my mom and dad would always put me up against people older than me, so it just seems natural.

What are the best words of advice that you’ve been given about football?

The first one is from my cousin, Isaiah. I told him I wanted to be the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023, and he told me basically, ‘It’s not going to come easy, so you have to outwork everybody.’ I try to keep that in mind. And my grandma — who passed away when I was young — she always told me that, ‘The only way to get what you want is to go out and go get it,’ and I think that is probably the most important thing that I have been told.

What is the most challenging part about playing on the offensive/defensive line?

To be honest, it would probably be watching film on my position — trying to figure out exactly what they’re doing and learning both sides of the line.

Football is time-consuming and requires a lot of hard work. What keeps you motivated to keep going?

That’s probably actually the easiest thing when it comes to football. My mom, my brothers and my grandma are the things that motivate me, because I know where we come from. We didn’t come from the best part of town, so I want to make a different change for them — show my brothers and siblings that they can do it, and football is something that God just made me good at.

— TROY HERRING

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TFA wins state CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the year and kept it together and didn’t let it get away from them yesterday.”

After what had been a tough start early on in the year, the Royals picked up steam as they rolled through districts and picked up their first-ever first-place finish in regional play.

Going into the state tournament, the Royals were playing the best golf they had played all season, and it showed in the first day as they finished with a team total of 297 — the only team to shoot under 300. A clutch 305 on Day Two would seal up the win, as the Royals finished 12 strokes better than second-place Benjamin.

Leading the way for the Royals was Sampson Zheng, whose solid two-day total of 143 (72, 71) put him in second-place overall, while Bruce Huang (70, 78; 148) and Guoao “Leo” Xu (76, 75; 151) were good enough for eighth and 11th place, respectively.

After years of being on the cusp of greatness, the Royals finally won that state title for Combs, but what made this year different than the previous? For Combs, it’s simple.

“I think it was probably — more than anything — determination and focus on knowing what we had to accomplish, and to (play) together,” Combs said.

“Our motto this year was ‘Stronger together,’ so we tried to play off of that in terms of, ‘Hey, this isn’t an individual sport — it’s a team sport and everybody has the potential for their score to count.’”

TFA GIRLS FINISH IN SECOND

In the world of Florida high school golf, few rivalries are bigger than TFA and Lake Mary Prep.

Each year, the two schools tend to be at the top of the girls golf rankings, and every year it comes down to the Royals and Griffins at the Class 1A tournament.

This year would be no different, as Lake Mary Prep shot a team score of 575 and edged TFA by seven strokes to claim their first state title since 2016 — stopping the Royals’ state-title streak at two in a row.

Going into states, the Royals had already faced off against Lake Mary Prep on three separate occasions.

During the regular season TFA lost the first match by two strokes before later defeating the Griffins by four strokes. Then, after destroying the competition in the district tournament — which TFA won by 41 strokes — the Royals got the upper hand over Lake Mary Prep by beating the Griffins by four strokes to win the regional.

“I knew they had a really good team when Karoline Tuttle came over from Lake Mary High School,” Royals head coach Chris Bateman said. “We were obviously one of the better teams we’ve had — maybe even the best as far as depth wise is concerned — so I knew we were going to have a shootout.”

And the two-day tournament would be an absolute shootout, as TFA and Lake Mary Prep finished Day One tied at the top of the leaderboard at one under.

OTHER LOCAL TEAMS n Dr. Phillips boys: Finished 10th in the Class 3A Finals (311, 307; 618) n Olympia girls: Finished sixth in the Girls Class 3A Finals (314, 323; 637) n Windermere boys: Finished fourth in the Class 3A Finals (314, 286: 600) n Windermere Prep boys: Finished third in the Class 1A State Finals (320, 298: 618) n Windermere Prep girls: Finished 11th in the Girls Class 1A State Finals (335, 324; 659)

Day Two would prove to be the big difference in the tournament at the Griffins stayed hot — shooting just one stroke over the previous day’s number — while the Royals were dealing with some challenges.

“We played solid golf for the first day … and then as we went into the second round I had a couple of girls who were a little under the weather and I was concerned about their stamina,” Bateman said.

Despite the tough Day Two to close out the tournament, the Royals still got big finishes.

Jieming “Cissy” Yang finished first overall after shooting a 136 (68, 68), while teammates Ariel Yu (15th; 71, 75; 146), Bridget Ma (T-18th; 74, 76; 150) and Taylor Zeng (T-18th; 74, 76; 150) all finished in the top 20. Yang’s firstplace finish was the fourth time in the last five years that a TFA golfer has finished No.1 overall.

“It’s really fun thinking back on the last five years ago — all the things that have happened and all the titles that both schools have won,” Bateman said. “I am so proud of my seniors this year.”

CrossFit WG conquers pull CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

gotten into position, the countdown had already ended as the team of 16 — including six Special Olympians and 10 gym members — planted their feet into the concrete and began pulling the large, commercial plane their way.

Inch by inch it slowly moved, before strength gave way to momentum — moving the plane the required 15 feet in just 8.48 seconds.

“I pulled really hard, and it was good,” said Calvin Sanders, one of the gym’s Special Olympians.

“I was excited.”

This year’s plane pull was the sixth for Special Olympics Florida and raises money for the organization. Each team raised a minimum of $1,500 to participate in the event, with CrossFit Winter Garden raising $1,900 by itself.

Along with the money raised, sponsors like United Airlines and Orlando International Airport are important in keeping the event going — with United being the plane sponsor the last four years while MCO has offered up space for the pull.

And while the plane pull itself is a big deal, for the Special Olympians on hand it was the appearance of several WWE NXT Superstars — like Wesley Blake — that really grabbed their attention. The WWE NXT Superstars opened up the morning’s event with a plane pull of their own, before inviting the Special Olympians to pull alongside them for their second go-round.

“It’s wonderful that we get to

do this — these are special athletes,” Blake said. “This will be my fourth year doing this, so I’m a repeat offender of coming here because I just love it — I love the atmosphere here. This is what the WWE is all about — having fun and giving back to our community, and putting smiles on people’s faces.”

PREPARING FOR THE PULL

This year’s plane pull was largely in line with what had been done in the past, except for one big difference — the Special Olympians were going to be on an actual team.

“This year we decide to do it differently and we decided to include our Special Olympian powerlifters as team members, so they’re pulling on a team with us, which is a first that hasn’t been done before,” said Alexis Lovette, who co-owns the gym with her husband, Lee. “Usually they just come and they spectate and do some stuff with the wrestlers, but they’ve never been on an actual team, so we created a team — Team Ten 4 Kids sponsored us.”

But how, exactly, does one prepare to pull a full-sized commercial airplane? The rhetorical answer is you really can’t, but there are ways to at least train for such a strenuous pull, Lee said.

“I mean, I’ve never pulled a 60-ton plane before, and even though we are a functional-fitness gym I don’t have anything really around my gym,” said Lee with a laugh. “A couple of weeks ago we started pulling cars — one of my coaches has a Jeep, so I had

them out pulling with the Jeep.

“I’ve got a 12,000-pound Dually — so we upgraded to that the next week after — but that was pretty much the heaviest we could take it,” he said. “But one thing we were able to work on was cohesion in the team, everyone pulling at the same time and everyone positioning themselves.”

Sure, having strength and power is one thing, but it was the teamwork aspect that was preached during those Thursday night training sessions.

The only way to move that airplane was to do it is a single unit, and that wasn’t lost on the gym’s Special Olympians.

“You have to be careful — that’s why you have a team, because I don’t think anybody could pull that by themselves,” Feiner said. “Imagine if you actually tried to pull that by yourself, you wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.”

For Lee, Alexis and the other coaches at CrossFit Winter Garden, the plane pull was also a chance to help get their Special Olympics powerlifters into the right frame of mind as the busy season approaches.

The powerlifting team just swept through the area games — winning every division — and are preparing for states at the end of November.

“It makes me happy, because they train year-round and they bust their butts,” Lee said. “It gets their minds confident that they are powerful and strong. It’s cool, because now they are going to finish today on a high going into training for states.”

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

19

Legacy baseball sets up shop for apparel fundraiser Legacy Charter’s gym will be filled with sports gear 70% to 90% off retail from Thursday, Nov. 7, to Saturday, Nov. 9.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Sports fans know how expensive just being a sports fan can be — especially when it comes to team merchandise.

A fan can drop at least $20 on a hat or $30 on a shirt, and if he or she wants more, the wallet empties quickly. It’s a pricey endeavor, but it’s one a true sports fans deal accepts.

Luckily, fans in West Orange will be getting a significant reprieve this week thanks to Legacy Charter baseball coach Jack Chambless. The school will hosts its annual sports apparel sale from Thursday, Nov. 7, to Saturday, Nov. 9. The sale will offer a smorgasbord of sports gear from Adidas-affiliated teams and run the gamut of leagues, from college teams — such as NC State, Miami and Kansas — to professional teams in every professional league (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS).

“This is the fifth year that we are doing it for the Legacy baseball program,” Chambless said.

“These donated items are sold to raise money to pay for field rentals, umpires, equipment, baseballs and miscellaneous gear that we have to have. It costs

thousands of dollars a year, and we don’t receive funding like the public schools do, so all of the money that we raise for the sale helps pay for the needs of the baseball program.”

Along with all the Adidas merchandise, there also will be a few non-Adidas items. Chambless ventured out in search of discounted Florida State and University of Florida gear that could be sold — offering options for ‘Noles and Gators fans. There also will be gear from Reebok, Mitchell & Ness, Fanatics and CCM on sale.

Shoppers will enjoy deep discounts. Adult-sized shortsleeved shirts and hats will be $3 apiece, shorts/pants will cost $5, and quarter-zip pullovers $10.

And the discounts only get better on Saturday, Chambless said.

“On Saturday from 2 o’clock to 5 o’clock, everything in the gym will be half off,” Chambless said.

“So the prices are already 40% lower than what they were last year, and it’s going to be another 50% off of that.”

The reason behind the additional sale goes back to how the sale itself is made possible.

All the gear sold during the annual sale is donated by a representative from Adidas, whom Chambless befriended 12 years

IF YOU GO

Courtesy photo

ago. Back then, the rep was donating a ton of sample items — high-quality merchandise used by reps to showcase new Adidas gear — to a gymnastics organization in Oviedo so it could raise money. Chambless learned of the arrangement from a woman he met at the RDV Sportsplex Athletic Club — where his children were playing hockey at the time.

“The first time I went, it was like Christmas — it was just amazing,” Chambless said. “Then in the next two years, I went to it and started helping them set up at this gym.

“Seven years ago, the owner of the gym decided he didn’t want to do this anymore, so I asked the Adidas rep if I could run the sale,” he said. “We did it for a local church and for CFCA’s baseball

team for a couple of years, then when I moved over to Legacy I started doing it for Legacy.”

Chambless said the first few years of the event raised between $15,000 to $20,000, but with prices on items being so low, it now requires a lot of volume to make money. After expenses — moving trucks, advertising, shopping bags and so on — the sale usually nets an average of $4,000 a year.

By and large, the sale is ultimately about raising money for the baseball program, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without other perks, Chambless said.

Seeing the happy faces of folks who stop by and find a shirt or hat featuring their favorite sports teams is something he enjoys the most, Chambless said.

WHERE: Legacy Charter High School 1550 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9 SPECIAL DEALS: Spend $100 – save another 10%; Spend $200 or more – save another 20%; Saturday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. — everything is an additional 50% off Cash, cards are accepted.

“When a little kid comes up and they’ve got some little stockingstuffer from the 50 cents table, or they have a hat that they’ve found … when you see them with the one thing that they found that they’re excited about, and you see them wearing it on their way out of the door, it is really super fun,” Chambless said.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

12

WEEK PREVIEW

PREP FOOTBALL RECAP

20

All games Friday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Kye Rivers fought off defenders as he ran with the ball.

Olympia closes season with 20-16 come-from-behind win over Gateway TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

T

hroughout the 2019 football season, few teams have experienced a roller coaster of emotions quite like Olympia.

The Titans started the year with a three-game losing streak.

Then, they won three in a row before losing the next three.

Finally, they took out Gateway in a 20-16 win on Senior Night Friday, Nov. 1.

Such highs and lows can be tough, but the lessons learned shouldn’t be ignored, Titans head coach Travis Gabriel said.

“When you go through ups and downs, what it does is it makes you a better man,” said Gabriel in a post-game speech. “The beautiful thing about football is if you stick with it for as long as you can, it makes you a better man — period. You’re going to go through ups and downs in the course of a game and a season, and it’s all about how do you finish that race.”

Gabriel’s Titans (4-6) rallied and finished strong, but they weren’t without struggles.

Gateway (0-10) started the night’s scoring about seven minutes into the game. Philip Bangura reeled off a 19-yard touchdown run. Then, Bangura found Jerry Wright III for the two-point conversion to give the Panthers the early 8-0 lead.

Despite Olympia’s offense finding its mojo on the second drive, the Titans stalled out inside the Panthers’ 20 before Colby Kintner missed a field goal.

OTHER WEEK 11 SCORES

n Central Florida Christian 24, Jacksonville Cedar Creek 0 n The Villages Charter 27, The First Academy 14 n Jones 42, West Orange 10 n Colonial 44, Windermere High 41 n Windermere Prep 35, Jacksonville Providence 21 (Sunshine State Athletic Conference quarterfinals)

n LENNARD (7-3) AT DR. PHILLIPS (8-2) Dr. Phillips (8-2) comes into its Class 8A, Region 2 postseason opener against Lennard (7-3) rested and ready to go following an off week last Friday. The Longhorns capped off their last regular season with a 34-7 over Blake and has been largely dominant all season — sans a 28-21 loss to Riverview. Offensively, the Longhorns are led by the running back duo of Tino Hunt (1,592 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns) and Quay Smith (649 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns), while on the defensive side of the ball Lennard is led by juniors Amarie Jones, Jordan Guerad and Jhalin Hobbs. It’s on the defensive side of the ball where the Longhorns really stand out.

Lennard has dominated opposing offenses by allowing a meager 12.8 points per game. Stats-wise, the Panthers and Longhorns are pretty evenly matched, which should make for an exciting playoff game. n TRINITY PREP (5-5) AT THE FIRST ACADEMY (4-5) Despite falling in its regularseason game against The Villages Charter and finishing a game under .500, The First Academy (4-5) will kick off postseason play in Region 2 of the Class 3A playoffs against Trinity Prep (5-5) Friday. The Saints — coming off a 53-0 thrashing of Cocoa Beach — have found success all season thanks to a high-scoring offense. Senior quarterback Luke Cohn has recorded more than 3,000 passing yards while accounting for 37 total touchdowns (35 passing, two rushing). Rushing wise the Royals are led by running back/receiver Travis Pavel (345 yards, five touchdowns; 544 receiving yards, seven touchdowns), while the Royals have a receiving corps of talented players such as Max Holler (848 receiving yards, eight touchdowns).

Photos by Troy Herring

Clockwise from top: Donrick Means II stiff armed a defender. Michael Houser (#56) and Bryce Turner (#51) brought down Gateway’s Jakovi Bryant during a play. Quarterback Letrell Bryant spotted one of his receivers before making the throw.

Both teams exchanged empty possessions before the Titans finally got on the board thanks to a bomb tossed by Letrell Bryant — who came out to start the second quarter — to Isaiah Davis.

The extra point cut the Panthers’ lead to 8-7 with 8:58 left in the half.

The last score of the half for either team came at the worst of times for the Titans.

Late in the second quarter, after driving deep into Panthers’ territory, quarterback Garrett Velin threw the ball right to Bangura — who returned the inter-

ception for an 83-yard pick-six as time expired. The following two-point conversion extended the Panthers’ lead to 16-7 going into the break.

“We knew what needed to be done, and so I just challenged them to go out in the second half and dominate,” Gabriel said.

“We give them a touchdown going into halftime, and I think that just motivated them to come out and play harder.

“But that has been the story of our season — we get there and then we find a way to push ourselves back,” he said. “But

tonight, they just refused to give up and they kept fighting.”

The Titans stepped up immediately after the half, with the defense forcing Gateway to go three and out to start the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Titans’ offense followed up the strong defensive start by once again stalling out — forcing Kintner to try for a 45-yard field goal that fell short.

However, things would ramp up for the Titans. Just five minutes later, senior running back/ receiver Donrick Means II capped a solid drive with a 9-yard rush-

n FREEDOM (2-7) AT WINDERMERE (1-8) Game at 7 p.m.

While the other teams in this week’s preview are all playoff games, Windermere’s game Friday against Freedom (2-7) is a makeup game from earlier this season. The Wolverines (1-8) had their game against Freedom canceled Friday, Aug. 30, thanks to the threat of Hurricane Dorian.

Now, the Wolverines will look to bounce back from a close 44-41 loss to Colonial last week and end the season with their second win.

SOUTH WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Chris Mayer

Wide receiver Bernie Hendricks (15) tried to keep his balance as he stumbled past defenders.

ing touchdown. The extra point cut the Gateway lead to 16-14 with 3:08 left in the third.

For a senior such as Means, the touchdown was a sort of goingaway present — one that came when his team needed it the most.

“I was feeling very confident — last game of the season, you have to go out with a bang,” Means said.

“This is my last ride, so I had to come out here with a chip on my shoulder and get this win for my guys.”

That touchdown ignited the Titans on both sides of the ball, and it could be felt on the Olympia sideline.

As the momentum shifted toward Olympia’s favor, the Titans’ defense spent the rest of the game shutting out the Panthers’ offense, while the Titans’

offense completed the rally early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Velin. The extra point was bobbled away, but the touchdown sealed the win for the Titans on Senior Night.

“The thing that I liked was that they kept fighting,” Gabriel said.

“They could have found a reason to just say, ‘It’s over,’ but they kept fighting.”

OCOEE DOMINATES FREEDOM 49-14 IN SEASON FINALE

Ocoee High’s varsity football team completed its up-and-down season on a high note.

The Knights struck for seven first-half touchdowns on Friday, Nov. 1, en route to a 49-14 victory over the Freedom Patriots (2-7). A 35-point second quarter provided the exclamation point as head

coach Aaron Sheppard’s team not only celebrated a successful Senior Knight (Night) but also finished the 2019 regular season with a .500 record.

Ocoee managed a 5-5 overall mark, but Sheppard admitted the Knights took a somewhat unconventional path to get there.

The Knights started 3-0 with wins over Oak Ridge, Olympia and Lake Nona and ended with victories against rival West Orange in the annual “Battle for the Shield” and Freedom. In-between came five consecutive defeats — four to fellow Class 8A, District 4 opponents — including a one-point setback to Class 7A Wekiva and a seven-point district loss to Lake Brantley.

“It is a strange way to be 5-5, and we just underachieved during

|

that stretch — we should have been better, that’s all,” Sheppard said.

“We just wanted to be enthusiastic those final two games (against West Orange and Freedom) and they came out and they were enthusiastic. That was good for us, and that’s all we really needed.”

Ocoee led Freedom 14-0 after the opening quarter and 49-0 by halftime, which prompted a running clock for the final 24 minutes.

A red-zone touchdown helped the Knights take an early 7-0 lead.

Dexter Rentz Jr. ran jet motion across the formation and took a handoff from senior quarterback Nick Wright. Rentz cut back to the middle and broke a couple of tackles before reaching the end zone.

Lovie Jenkins’ interception return for a touchdown came with three minutes remaining in the first quarter to make it 13-0. Jenkins picked off a Freedom pass near midfield, and the aforementioned senior ran across to the right sideline where he got a downfield block from Kelton Law near the goal line.

The Ocoee defense scored again during the pivotal second quarter, when junior Tyler Nelson intercepted a pass in the left flat and ran 38 yards for a touchdown.

“We just wanted to win and play hard and get all the guys in there,” Sheppard said. “Everything was working in the first half. (The Patriots) had a couple turnovers and gave us the ball with a short field, and there were a couple pick-sixes. The defense played really well, and the offense complemented them, too.”

Freedom scored on a long fumble return late in the third quarter and then threw a touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2019

21

12

WEEK PREVIEW

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

n WINDERMERE PREP (4-6) VS. ORLANDO CHRISTIAN PREP (7-1) Game: Saturday, Nov. 9 Game at 7 p.m. (Game site to be determined) Windermere Prep (4-6) is hitting a hot streak at the right time. The Lakers traveled to Jacksonville and upset Providence School in a big 35-21 win last week in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference quarterfinals. In that game, quarterback Zane Fullmer threw for 294 yards on 16-of-26 passing. He also picked up three touchdowns through the air. Ross Fournet and Jackson Bennett each had a rushing and receiving touchdown — Fournet also recorded two interceptions on defense. But now, the Lakers will face a powerhouse in Orlando Christian Prep (7-1) in the SSAC semifinal Saturday. Outside of a close 31-28 loss to Master’s Academy, the Warriors have been perfect and are riding a three-game win streak thanks to a defense that has held opposing offenses in check — allowing only 14.6 points per game.

BYE — Foundation Academy

— CHRIS MAYER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY The Times Nov. 6, 1980 Remember picking out just the right stone color and images for your class ring?

And the excitement of slipping on that ring to signify you were seniors? Pittman Jeweler once was located in downtown Winter Garden, and the jewelry store was one of many that sold these special rings to high schoolers.

Owner Leroy Pittman advertised an assortment of rings in a variety of metals and styles in the Nov. 6, 1980, issue of The Times.

Diamonds could be incorporated into the design for an additional cost.

80 years ago

Lakeview High School has organized a student band but has no musical instruments or the wherewithal to purchase some.

Donations so far include a trumpet from Mark Britt; clarinets from W.C. Carraway, Roy Fulmer and Henry Britt; and five drums on loan by the American Legion.

Ocoee voters, 283 strong, went to the polls and elected a new mayor, R.M. Johnston.

50 years ago

The William G. Cook Laundromat in Winter Garden will donate all receipts from its dryers for one day to the fund for uniforms and instruments for the Lakeview High School Band.

45 years ago

From Editor’s Notebook: Here come the bands! The largest sales force in West Orange County will be selling subscriptions to the Winter Garden Times in upcoming weeks.

Both the Lakeview and Ocoee high bands, are participating.

The Times is raising its price to 15 cents, so the $5 annual subscription price is a real bargain.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Members of the Central Florida Railroad Museum recently shared this postcard showing the east side of the Atlantic Coast Line railroad depot. It was constructed in 1906 to replace an original depot located further east. A wooden structure, unidentified, stands at right. In the distance, on West Plant Street, the water tank that provided water to steam locomotives stands at the railroad tracks in the vicinity of Boyd Street. The wooden depot was replaced by a brick structure in 1923, which serves today as the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.

Pay a visit the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum — open daily from 1 to 5 p.m. — to view images and artifacts related to West Orange County history.

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.

30 years ago

The miracle of television made it possible for all of us to share in the momentous events taking place in Berlin, but Ward and Judy Britt can tell you there’s no substitute for “being there.” The Winter Garden

couple have called West Berlin “home” since 1986 when Ward was based there as a pilot for Pan Am. Judy was pictured in The West Orange Times posing with an East German guard — unheard of before the opening of the Berlin wall.

PERSONALITY TRAITS by STEVEN E. ATWOOD; CROSSWORD UNUSUAL Edited by David Steinberg

©2019 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

25 Big bird 27 Cautious about one’s 1 Enemy possessiveness?

4 Spiders spin them 8 Pollution prevention org. 30 “Child’s play!”

31 “You too, Brutus?”

11 Toilet paper thickness 32 “Despacito” singer Fonsi 14 Place for pampering 33 Went first 17 Way to be there if you 35 Nail polish site can’t be there 36 Capital of Senegal 19 Designer Jacobs 39 Reggae’s Bunny 21 Carly ___ Jepsen 40 Tool on (and in) board 22 That dude’s 43 So naive as to be 23 International time captivating? boundary 24 Its webpage says “Our 47 Designer Picasso site uses cookies. We make 49 “___ the ramparts ...”

50 Makes airtight them too”

51 Always thinking rationally?

58 Not look forward to 59 Small cut 60 Like some patches 61 Make with needle and thread 62 San ___ Comic-Con 63 Abacus parts 64 Conditions 67 Decorated aviator 69 Some paintings 70 In a strange way 72 Attention-grabbing yet not paying attention?

76 Sweat absorber

break 107 It might be a shortcut 108 Start of a complicated answer 109 “Mon cher ___” 110 Birthday number 111 Classic soda brand 112 One applying decorative coatings 113 “Full Frontal” channel 114 Acid 115 Cul-de-___ 116 Word after salad or glory 117 The “e” in i.e.

10 years ago

Dennis Foltz, a Clermont resident with Oakland ties, has stepped forward and agreed to serve as interim manager for the town of Oakland until a permanent manager can be located.

46 Average 47 Dermal opening 48 Over again 51 Jewel case contents 52 Vote into office 53 Bruce who played Watson 54 ___ wait (conceal oneself) 55 Spoken exams 56 “Have a good trip!”

57 Useful connections 62 Beats by ___ 63 Spoils 64 Wedding affirmatives 65 Smoke goes up in it 66 Method (Abbr.)

DOWN 67 Tucked in 1 Move restlessly 68 Remains 2 Running by itself 70 Go down 3 Executor’s charge 71 ___ citizenship 4 Feral 5 Pennsylvania county by a 72 Not at home 73 Name that sounds like Great Lake “Eve” 6 Secure with rope 7 Some pilsners, familiarly 74 Cartoon frame 8 Symbol such as “Thinking 75 The scoop 76 Small songbird Face” 77 Performance artist Yoko 9 Trims 81 Hard clams 10 ___ of expertise 82 Like some bike locks 11 Without shame 83 Rush letters 12 Rodeo ropes 84 Kind of bowling 13 Still 14 LaBeouf of “Transformers” 85 Houston division 86 Like some face cards’ 15 Photos, for short faces 16 In need of lotion 90 Pad thai bit 18 Ecuador neighbor 91 Uses shears on 20 Joint effort, briefly 92 Getaway locale 26 Zebra in the NFL 93 “Big ___!” (expression of 28 Cosmonaut Gagarin 78 Boxer’s caretaker respect) 29 Trompe l’___ 79 Box up, say 94 Greeting near Mauna Kea 34 Alcatraz’s city, to some 80 Not miserable enough?

95 Skeptical sort tourists 87 Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em 96 Contents of coolers and 36 R2-D2, for one Robots, e.g. cellars 37 Common tattoo sites 88 To-dos 97 Got rid of one’s mouth38 Similar to the “Ode to a 89 Double conjunction wash Nightingale” poet 90 Cokie Roberts’ longtime 98 Tree branch 39 Thin and strong network 99 Singer Redding 40 Gem made of silica 93 Provo resident 101 Treats by cooling 41 Everyone 94 Real estate measure 102 Horne who played 42 Hi-___ image 96 Was clothed in Glinda in “The Wiz” 43 “Kid” in “Casablanca” 97 Hog food 103 Brit’s “Goodness me!”

44 ___ voce (in a hushed 100 Content with being 104 Los Angeles NFLers tone) out of it?

106 “Hola, que ___?”

45 Business card no.

105 NASCAR tune-up

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.

“USG HXKUGKU EXO HZW X LZYBUBIBXM UZ RGIZFG XM GYCGW KUXUGKFXM BK UZ YZKG XM GYGIUBZM.”

– GXWY EBYKZM

“PAY’C HTMJ LN. TC’F WJDRRU TVNAWCDYC CA CWLFC UALW TVNLRFJF DF DY DWCTFC, YA VDCCJW OXDC DYUZAPU JRFJ FDUF.”

– ELPU SXTSDHA Puzzle Two Clue: M equals V

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: S equals H

22

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

11-7-19

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MISSING DOG SINCE 10/21 FROM COVINGTON CHASE! Last seen on 10/25 in Courtleigh Park. His name is Liam. He is a 6-year-old black and white Boston Terrier.

Please call John at (757) 251-8216

Merchandise Wanted 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

NOW PURCHASING

SCRAP BATTERIES Health & Medical

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

Visit our website to complete an estimate request form and schedule a free estimate

Lost & Found

407-656-3495

“Contractor Rates on Materials”

321077

TFN

FALL YARD SALE – Stoneybrook West Storage – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Sat., Nov. 9 from 8 AM to 2 PM! Great sales, fun + Free Food & Refreshments! Public parking in the Publix Plaza next to us. 1650 Avalon Rd., Winter Garden 34787 / (407) 654-3037. 11/7 ss

321353

2787 OLD WINTER GARDEN RD., OCOEE FL 34761 407-554-3985 I PRIMEMEDITERRANEANGRILL.COM

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

321092

179.95 $199.95

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95 $

Cemetery Plots/Monuments

BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE. Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha, FL. Priced well below commercial.

Negotiable for Knights of Columbus. Contact Elmer at (412) 215-0386 or at schwenel@verizon.net. 10/31-11/7 es

GET YOUR – MEDICAL MARIJUANA – CARD HERE Fast Easy Certification Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

Orlando: 407-755-0012

1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803 CMMDR.COM

321093

Full Synthetic Oil Service

BMW 3 Series Mercedes C-Class

321088

BRAKE PAD SALE

• All Engines $200.00 each • All Transmissions $100.00 each • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM - 5PM

CLASSIFIEDS

VIRUS & SPYWARE WinterREMOVAL Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 WIRELESS & WIREDWestOrangeRoofing.com NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

317631

Stress-Free Financing Now Available on All Purchases $149 and Up

Windermere Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Windermere Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

LV11097

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

881 S. 9th Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

FREE MARIJUANA DELIVERY Delivered directly to your home or business

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more!

You NOW get the dry flower to

SMOKE!

Help Wanted

Tomasco Enterprise currently has an exciting opportunity for an Administrative Assistant. Candidates will be dynamic, personable and able to provide support in a rapidly scaling and fast paced organization. We are looking for a highly motivated, energetic, Office Administrator help with day to day administrative support and customer service. Monday-Friday Compensation $30/hr. Send your resume to jamesmicheal099@gmail.com.

10/24-11/14 jm

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121 Or email us at

advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

SOUTHWEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

OrangeObserver.com

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