11.22.18 The Observer

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Observer

WINDERMERE • HORIZON WEST • DR. PHILLIPS • BAY HILL FREE

VOLUME 4, NO. 9

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DP shocks top-seeded Vero Beach. PAGE 11.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving!

The staff at the Observer wishes you a safe and happy holiday.

Town amends 2017-18 budget

“When you think of any type of teacher that you would want for your child … I think she comes to mind, because she was just full of love.”

— Kimber Peluso, teacher, Sand Lake Elementary

Reopen old Reams Road corridor?

Residents believe the road between Delmar Avenue and County Road 535 would reduce congestion on Silverlake Park Drive.

Windermere’s fiscal year budget was over by $81,000 because of Hurricane Irma.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

With the recent growth and development in the area, traversing Silverlake Park Drive in south Orlando has become a nuisance for motorists.

Morning commutes on the road are particularly awful,

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Windermere Town Council members on Tuesday, Nov. 13, approved an amendment to the town’s 2017-18 budget to address an $81,000 discrepancy related to Hurricane Irma.

The amendment was required to compensate for the difference between budgeted projects and funded projects — some of which were unanticipated. This discrepancy resulted in the town being over-budget by $81,000, Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith said.

One such project that con-

SEE REAMS PAGE 2

WINDERMERE TRIPS THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

SEE MONEY PAGE 4

Windermere kicks off the holiday season with annual lighting. SEE 6.

Courtesy photo

Among many things, Karen Smith will be remembered for her warm, welcoming smile.

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Edgewood ranch rocks with annual bash. SEE PAGE 7.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Postal Customer

Everybody’s mom Karen Smith taught first grade for 10 years at Sand Lake Elementary. She died of brain cancer Nov. 9 at age 61. See page 4.

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THURSDAY, NOV. 22

YOUR OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

GOBBLE WOBBLE FUNDRAISER 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22, at Tri & Run of West Orange, 56 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. This is not a race but a 40-minute workout for runners and walkers. The event is a fundraiser for Matthew’s Hope. T-shirts are available for the first 250 participants for $15. Tri & Run will collect Matthew’s Hope Bags of Blessings filled with food and hygiene items to replenish the pantries. Register at gobblewobble.itsyourrace.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 24

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY All day Saturday, Nov. 24, in downtown Winter Garden. Shop small and shop local during this holiday shopping kickoff.

Retailers will offer sales and discounts, raffle drawings will be held, and live music will entertain shoppers from the Centennial Plaza gazebo. (407) 656-4111.

SUNDAY, NOV. 25

HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The inaugural market is a curated show and will feature local artisans and their unique artwork, including pottery, artwork and jewelry, as well as creations of glass, metal, textiles and wood. Upcycled and repurposed gifts will be highlighted, too. The event includes food trucks, local craft beer and music. Admission and parking are free. Holidaymakersmarket. com.

MONDAY, NOV. 26

HOLIDAY PLATE PAINTING PARTY 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at West Orange Creamery and Soda Fountain, 1575 Maguire Road, Suite 101, Ocoee. Children can paint a Christmas, Hanukkah or holiday plate to be displayed at upcoming celebrations. Hosted by Panache Events each half hour.

Plates are $13, and the session includes a kiddie cup of ice cream. RSVP at PaintLifeFlorida@gmail.com.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH JCCF 4 p.m. to closing Monday, Nov. 26, at The Tasting Room, 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Enjoy dinner and the Tasting Room will give a percent of food and beverages to JCCF. This is also the kickoff for JCCF’s Brighten Someone’s Christmas. Jccancerfund.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 27

SOUTHWEST BOOK CLUB 7 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. This month’s selection is “Anatomy of a Miracle,” by Jonathan Miles.

Confined to a wheelchair after a paralyzing injury, an Afghanistan War veteran endures a hardscrabble existence in his sister’s ramshackle Mississippi home before spontaneously regaining his ability to walk, an apparent miracle that subjects him to scientific and religious debates and exposes his most private secrets. Ages 18 and up.

(407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, NOV. 30

LIGHT UP WINTER GARDEN 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, on and around Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Join Winter Garden as it welcomes the season with live entertainment, vendors, shopping, children’s activities and more.

Sponsored by the city of Winter Garden, the West Orange Ministerial Association and Duke Energy. (407) 656-4111.

WINDERMERE SIP SHOP & STROLL 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Tranquiliti Wellness Center & Spiritual Gallery, 503 Main St., Windermere. Enjoy an art show, wine and treats, live music, giveaways and a visit with Santa. (407) 448-0244.

SATURDAY, DEC. 1

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS PARADE 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, along Dillard and Plant streets in Winter Garden. This long-standing holiday tradition rings in holiday cheer and features local businesses, organizations, churches and schools, as well as Santa Claus in his tradition spot at the end of the parade. (407) 656-4111.

TUESDAY, DEC. 4

LITTLE CHEF: WINTER CAKE IN A JAR 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Warm your helping hands to assemble a winter treat in a jar. Layer festive cake, sweet frosting and colorful sprinkles to make a delicious gift. Recommended for preschoolers. (407) 835-7323.

Reams Road redo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

as the road’s roundabout is included in a school zone and traffic tends to back up, area residents shared on the Nextdoor social-media network.

To escape the traffic congestion, some drivers cut through neighborhoods, such as the Newbury Park townhouse complex, some said.

Some fear the resulting traffic will lead to a fatal crash.

That fear is why discussion on reopening the old Reams Road corridor between Delmar Avenue and County Road 535 has resurfaced, said resident Kevin Macleod.

Years ago, Macleod proposed the idea of reopening the road to allow traffic to reach 535 and make a right turn. The issue has seen renewed interest, he said.

“I made a post on NextDoor nearly two years ago about the issue,” Macleod said. “Originally, there wasn’t much interest, because there weren’t that many people living in the area, but the post was revived

lately. ... There’s been a lot of responses and many seem to think it’s a solid idea, but I don’t know if we’re going to get any pushback from Orange County on it. So I’m first going to go to the commissioners and talk to them about the proposal and see what they think.”

The road used to feed traffic to 535 before it was closed about three or four years ago, Macleod said. He doesn’t know why Orange County decided to close the road, but he and others believe reopening would help reduce congestion on Silverlake Park Drive during peak traffic times.

“When we’re all forced into that school zone, it becomes a problem,” Macleod said. “In the mornings, when all the kids are going to school and everyone’s going to work, the traffic backs up big time there for at least a quarter mile. And from what I understand, there’s also been a lot of accidents at that (roundabout) because some people don’t get the idea of how to use a traffic circle.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

New market to make holiday debut The Holiday Makers Market will set up shop Nov. 25 at The Pines of Windermere.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

This year marked the third block party held on Magnolia Street in Windermere.

Loving thy neighbors One community in Windermere is taking active steps to bring its neighbors together.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Courtesy photos

The hosts included, top row, from left: Mike and Cheryl Swatkowski, Jerry and Mary Frances Howard, and Lynne Erickson. Bottom row, from left: Becky Plante and Stephanie Boyd.

the three friends went door-todoor handing out invitations. On the day of that first party, they were pleasantly surprised: About 40 people showed up.

“Everyone was so excited to meet people they’d never met before,” she said. “And some of these people had lived here for decades and were very happy to meet their neighbors. Everyone was so appreciative of the party and asked us to do it again.”

The following year, they held another party and invited even more people — about 75 of whom came.

Because everyone was so enthusiastic the first and second times, Erickson and her friends felt encouraged to host another block party and expand it to two more blocks.

This time, about 100 people attended. Erickson said she and the other hosting families were happy to see how appreciative

everyone was of the block party.

“In these days of internet and social media, many people don’t really bother to look up from their phone or go outside of their house very much, and for everybody to sit around like a bygone time and just eat, chat, socialize, share life stories and meet other people’s children — it was just very rewarding,” Erickson said.

Erickson hopes the success of their block party encourages other communities to do the same.

“We didn’t know it would be such a hit,” she said. “But now we know it’s really welcomed and received very enthusiastically by everyone. We think it would be great if other people try it, too.

Even if other people are strangers. If somebody out there is toying around with the idea, then I would suggest they do it. People will want to come.”

WHEN: 11 am to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 25 WHERE: The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere.

COST: Admission is free INFORMATION: holidaymakersmarket.com

and to enjoy some shopping,” Murphy said. “There are going to be some activities for kids.

There’s some make-and-take workshops happening that the kids can participate in.”

Murphy added the Holiday Makers Market also will include a Young Makers show for aspiring artists younger than 18.

These budding artists will be able to display their work for free.

Although this is the first year for the market, the community has already responded positively to the idea, Murphy said.

“So far, the reception for this market has been amazing within the community and with the makers,” she said. “I believe this will become an annual event.”

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They had their doubts anyone would want to come, but they figured they might as well try.

What started three years ago as an idea for five Windermere families to host a small neighborhood party and get acquainted with their new neighbors soon morphed into a successful block party.

Five host families — Mike and Becky Plante, Jerry and Mary Frances Howard, Lynne and Russ Erickson, Stan and Stephanie Boyd, and Mike and Cheryl Swatkowski — took the time to make the large get-together possible.

About 100 people participated in this year’s block party, which was held Oct. 21. It included Magnolia and Oakdale streets from First to Sixth avenues.

Lynne Erickson said the idea for a block party grew from the efforts of three friends.

“We had some new families move in, and there’s three of us (who) live right next to each other,” Erickson said. “We’re all friends, and one of us said, ‘Let’s do a block party.’ We’d never done a block party or neighborhood party before. And that year, we contacted the town of Windermere to ask if we could block the streets off from Magnolia Street to either Second or Third Avenue.

And they said we had to get a petition signed by every driveway that was affected, and we did.”

After sorting out the logistics,

If you’re on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind holiday gift, you’re in luck.

The inaugural Holiday Makers Market will be setting up shop from 11 am to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The event is free.

“The Holiday Makers Market is for local artists and makers to sell their wares to the community,” said Maria Murphy, market director. “The idea came about when I was speaking with some of my artist friends. They were looking for a venue close to the holidays (to sell their wares) and I plan events, so this was like a natural progression for me to begin the Holiday Makers Market.”

Murphy said she began planning for the event about six months ago. She chose to hold the market the Sunday after Thanksgiving, because the date she chose lines up with Shop Small weekend. “‘Shop Small Saturday is (a day) to support local (business), so this is just an extension of (Shop Small Saturday) for the weekend,” Murphy said.

The Holiday Makers Market will feature more than 60 different local artists, crafters and vendors. Market-goers can search through a variety of handcrafted items — such as pottery, artwork, jewelry and other unique items — for that perfect holiday gift. “(The market) will have artists that work in glass and pottery and acrylics, watercolor, wood-carving — the whole nine yards,” Murphy said. “They’re all very talented and so unique. …

There’s such a unique blend of artists (that will be) there.

There is definitely going to be something for everyone and some great opportunities to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.”

For those who need a break from shopping, the event also will feature food trucks, local craft beers served by Will’s Pub and live music playing throughout the day. The event also will feature “make-and-take” stations for the children.

“It’ll be a nice day to be out just having lunch on the lake

HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Money matters CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tributed to the disparity was the extensive debris removal that followed Hurricane Irma, which cost the town about $350,000, Smith said.

“We had to dip into reserves to offset the $81,000,” Smith said. “The major reason for that was Hurricane Irma. In that fiscal year, the money we spent repairing the damage from the hurricane was about $350,000.”

After pulling from the town’s reserves, which are meant to be saved for capital projects, such as improvements to roads and infrastructure, the town now has about $900,000 left in its savings account, Smith said.

He hopes the town is not hit by another major disaster before the hurricane season is over, because it might deplete the reserves to “almost nothing,” he said.

“We had a contingency reserve in that fiscal year of about $100,000 ... but in our savings account, we have $900,000,” he said. “We plan for some type of minor discrepancy each year, so we keep $100,000 in our wallet during the fiscal year. We also received about $200,000 more in revenue this year than we anticipated, so that’s why it’s just about $80,000 that we’re over. And the Town Council approved several items that were not originally budgeted, like the traffic studies.”

Smith said town staff submitted documents to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in January with the expectation of being reimbursed within six to eight months. But to date, the town has not been paid back, Smith said.

“If FEMA had actually paid us back by now, we would have been flush,” he said. “We would have been in the positive. We were hoping they’d pay us within six to eight months of having submitted the projects.

But now, we’re having to submit letters to our state and federal elected officials to help us get our project processed. I just got a notification that they sent it to the state for approval, so we’ll see what happens there.”

IN OTHER NEWS

n Town Council members approved the Public Works Department’s request to install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at either the existing mid-block crossing on Sixth Avenue, east of Ridgewood Drive or on Maguire Road across from the Estancia subdivision. The town already has an RRFB installed at Main Street and Second Avenue. n In May, the council approved plans to construct a parking lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Forest Street on property owned by the First Baptist Church of Windermere. During the Nov. 13 meeting, council members approved to award Dobson’s Woods & Water Inc. a $24,950 contract for landscaping and irrigation work.

Remembering Mrs. Smith K ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

aren Skrmetta Smith was the type of teacher whose dedication to her students knew no bounds.

She was known for her selflessness, sense of humor and loving and caring nature. The Southern belle from Mississippi had a heart of gold and a warm smile that lit up the halls of Sand Lake Elementary, where she was a teacher.

Smith died Nov. 9, 2018, after a long battle with brain cancer. She was 61 years old. Prior to her passing, she taught first grade at Sand Lake Elementary for 10 years.

“I think at the school and among her students, she’ll be remembered for her passion for teaching,” Karen’s son, Jason Smith, said. “She was never there for a paycheck. She was there because she loved it. She loved and cared for each and every one of her students. … She was just a really gifted teacher, and I think she was proud of that. I know I was.”

Smith and her son were both born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi. Before moving to Orlando, they already considered it a home away from home as they took annual vacations to Walt Disney World.

“Every year growing up, we would always go to Disney World,” Jason Smith said, adding they moved to the area after Hurricane Katrina. “That was our big family vacation, and she loved it, and I think that’s another reason she just loved the city of Orlando so much. It always felt like a home for her.”

After moving to Orlando, Smith began teaching Sand Lake Elementary, where she fostered the minds of many students — and even some teachers. First-grade teacher Kara Peluso and her twin sister, Kimber, who teaches fourth grade, each said Karen’s passion made her an outstanding teacher to her students and to her colleagues.

“She was an amazing teacher, and she really specialized in teaching her kids how to read,” Kara Peluso said, adding Karen would make her reading lessons into games to make them fun. “She took so much time with them to help them develop that skill and love of reading.”

“When you think of any type of teacher that you would want for your child … I think she comes to mind, because she was just full of love,” Kimber Peluso said. “Teaching is a very rewarding and challenging career, and Karen always made sure to be a pillar of strength and support for her colleagues and always made you remember the ‘why?’ of teaching: to always keep the students and your children at the forefront of everything you did.”

Kimberly McNally teaches fourth grade and had been friends with Smith all 10 years she taught at Sand Lake Elementary.

“I think Karen will be remembered the most for being a positive light in everybody’s life and … her willingness to go above and beyond for her students and her fellow teachers,” McNally said.

“She also was known to purchase items at a teacher store that is not known to be very cheap, but she didn’t care, because it was the best and she wanted her students

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor / Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Business Development Kim Kowske, kkowske@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT US

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

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SEND US YOUR NEWS Courtesy photo

Karen Smith devoted much of her life to her son, Jason.

to have it.”

Kindergarten teacher Judy Ortega recounted a memory that further demonstrates Smith’s willingness to go above and beyond for her students. She said prior to a class field trip one year, all but one of Karen’s students turned in permission slips to attend the field trip. The student lived in an apartment complex near the school, so Smith took it upon herself to get the permission slip signed so the student wouldn’t miss out.

“She (Karen) goes to the apartment complex near the school where that child (lived),” Ortega said. “She knew (the child) lived there, but she wasn’t sure which apartment it was. So, she went door to door asking, ‘Does anybody know which apartment this student (lives in)?’ And she got the signature, and the girl was able to go on the field trip.”

Krissy Mahon, who teaches first grade, didn’t know Karen long, but the two grew a bond in the time they worked together. Mahonsaid Smith was one of the reasons she

loved working at Sand Lake Elementary.

“I only worked with Karen for a year,” Mahon said. “The bond that I made with her in one year — she was so incredible and just welcoming — was a big part of the reason that I loved this school when I came here.”

Mahon added because of Smith’s maternal nature, she always would go to her seeking comfort.

“The word that comes to mind when I think of Karen is, ‘mom,’” Mahon said. “She was kind of everybody’s mom on the team, and you went to her for comfort (or) for a laugh. As a first-year teacher, it was hard, and I remember going into her room almost every day just for a laugh.”

Karen was a great mother figure to her friends and co-workers, but to her son, she was the greatest mom in the world.

“She was the greatest mom ever,” Smith said. “It sounds silly and everybody probably thinks that, but to me, that’s very true.”

“I think at the school and among her students, she’ll be remembered for her passion for teaching. She was never there for a paycheck. She was there because she loved it.”

— Jason Smith, Karen’s son

Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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

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Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman / David Beliles Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Plant City Times & Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Observer, Winter Park/ Maitland Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Realty-Builder Connection, LWR Life, Season Magazine and Baldwin Park Living

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

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Joy to the world T

he streets of downtown Windermere lit up the night sky with 100,000 white lights for the town’s annual Light Up Windermere event Friday, Nov. 16. Hundreds of attendees gathered around town hall for the event, which featured a number of performances and more than a dozen food trucks. Mayor Gary Bruhn had the honor of leading the lighting ceremony with the help of dozens of local children.

Choirs from First Baptist Church Windermere and Foundation Academy performed at the event, in addition to dance performances by members of Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance and members of the Sundancers Baton Twirlers.

December 1, 2018 Oakland Park @ 6 PM

New Swag Giveaways

Special Visit and Photo Op with Santa

Comp Food limentary & Bev erage s

Most Merry Costume Contest and Prizes

Kids Fun Run

Schedule of Events 5 pm: On-Site Registration & Packet Pickup

5:30 pm: Costume Contest Awards 6 pm: Race Starts

Top 5 Male an d Top 5 Female Winners

New er h Finisdals e M

Great T-Shirts Live DJ

Race Fees $25 - Through Oct. 15 $35 - Oct. 16 through Nov. 22 $45 - Nov. 23 through Nov. 30 $55 - Race Day $20 - Under 15/Over 65

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

Attendees packed the streets of downtown Windermere for the lighting ceremony.

Register at www.trinrun.com | League Website is www.wojsl.com

Sponsorship Opportunities Available All proceeds from the race will go to local 501-C3 charities within the West Orange County area

Left: Heather and Cole Highfield and Nicholas and Moez Adatia sold light-up gear to raise money for the Holy Family Catholic School eighth-grade graduation.

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Contact Event Chair: Nasly Lopez 407-435-7333 / gatordoc00@gmail.com or Co-Chair: Kathy Burt 407-920-0294 / kathburt4@gmail.com for questions

Everyday Easy

Right: Jane Hiatt, Steve Amburgey, Elizabeth Hiatt, Celeste Amburgey and Jennifer Gardner lit up the night with festive Christmas necklaces.

You need fast, delicious, and convenient. Check out all the ways that Publix can help at publix.com/everydayeasy.

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$25 Early Sign Up $55 Race Day

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

TIE

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s more than 30 children from Edgewood Children’s Ranch danced and sang to “Stand By Me” onstage, hundreds of guests at the ranch’s annual fundraiser watched with smiles on their faces. The 36th annual country round-up dinner and auction was held Friday, Nov. 16, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, and all proceeds raised went directly to providing for the children living at the ranch.

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Ranchers danced and sang to the song “Stand

By Me.”

Holiday Amaryllis Festival A Community Event at

Historic Nehrling Gardens www.NehrlingGardens.org

Saturday, December 8th 9am - 3pm

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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2267 Hempel Avenue, Gotha

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

BENEFITS OF DOME HOMES n ENERGY EFFICIENT: As energy costs rise, energy-efficient homes have become highly sought after and dome homes are unmatched in this regard.

The concave interior of dome homes allow for better insulation and easier temperature control. n DISASTER-PROOF: Dome-shaped architecture is particularly efficient at resisting Mother Nature’s worst. Because of its shape and sturdy design, it is effective at withstanding snow and wind and ideal for areas prone to earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes. n COST-EFFECTIVE: The high volume-to-surface-area ratio makes geodesic homes more affordable to construct because they require 30% less building materials compared to a traditional home of similar size.

Gabby Baquero

Debora and Tom Holt love the unique nature of their new home in Winter Garden.

Round for

a reason

A unique dome-shaped house located in south Winter Garden sold recently for $675,000.

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Some homebuyers today prefer cookie-cutter homes, but some have a taste for the unusual.

Apopka couple Tom and Debora Holt were looking for something a bit different for their next home.

And in September, they found

it in Winter Garden in the form of a two-story, 3,512-square-foot home at 14472 Hartzog Road.

The lakefront home, which sits on eight acres — five of which are usable — boasts a uniquely designed living room in the shape of a dome, which is what attracted the couple to the geodesic home.

A geodesic home is a residential

structure built in an almost spherical shape that features curved walls and ceilings.

“I was just bored one day and looking at stuff online,” Tom Holt said. “Then I drove by it and loved it. I just saw the uniqueness of it, and that’s what eventually caused me to buy it.”

The unique home is located only three miles from Disney and overlooks Lake Gifford. It has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half bathrooms and a laundry room on the first floor; a private gated driveway; a boat dock and ramp; and a screened-in patio with a saltwater pool. The second floor features a dome-shaped living room and covered balcony, as well as a modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a stacked-stone backsplash and a center island. The property also includes a detached five-vehicle garage.

According to Tom Holt, the previous property owner informed him the house, built in 1984, originally was destined to be a timeshare before tragedy struck.

“One family owned all the property around this lake,” Holt said.

“The guy’s idea was to do a timeshare. So this was going to be the model, and he was going to build seven of these around that lake.

So he built it, but he and his family — who was from New York — they were killed in a car accident on the drive down here. So the house sat vacant for almost 10 years.”

The home was finally purchased for about $285,000 by another family but was in dire need of repairs, he said. Most of the land surrounding the lake is also no longer fit for development, because it has been designated wetlands, he said.

The house is again in need of a few repairs, but the couple plans

DOME HOME HISTORY Sphere-shaped architecture, which gave rise to geodesic homes, also known as dome homes, dates back to as early as 1919, when a German engineer named Walter Bauersfeld designed and built a sphereshaped planetarium. About 30 years later, following World War II, American architect Buckminster Fuller independently invented a similar dome structure while searching for a way to design affordable and efficient housing that could be built quickly. Fuller called the end result a geodesic dome and began forming spheres from hexagons and pentagons and dividing them into triangles for strength and ease of construction. In the early 1950s, Fuller received a patent on geodesic domes, which became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, because it was an inexpensive way for environmentally conscious people to build their own homes.

to customize it, with visions of planting a large garden with walking paths between the driveway and lake.

“I have a successful plant nursery, but when I came here, I was living out of my car, which was back in 2006,” he said. “But then we built this big nursery in Apopka, and it’s doing really well. ... Then I saw this place in Winter Garden, and I thought, ‘Man, it would be so much neater if I could build a garden here.’ It’s perfect with all this land, the beautiful lake and the privacy.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

When Lucine Harvey traveled to Armenia on a mission trip, she took Hannah Yawman as her assistant. Yawman is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Raymond, of Windermere.

A

s you pack your suitcases for all your worldly travels, be sure to put in a copy of the Observer. All entries will be entered into our ongoing It’s Read Everywhere contest. Entering is easy! Once you find an interesting background, feature your weekly newspaper in a high-quality photo and email it to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry at AmyQ@orangeobserver.com. You can also mail or drop off the photo: Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you.

DAVID WILLIAM LOEW DIED THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 2018.

David William Loew, 76, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, after a short battle with lung cancer.

David is preceded in death by his son, William Brent; and his parents, Alfred and Virginia Loew, of Winter Garden.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joyce Loew; daughter, Kelli Nutting (Shawn); grandsons, Colin and Cooper; brother, Gene (Glenda); sisters, Joyce Coleman and Mary Loew; nieces, Linda Hackney, Dawn Mackrodt, Annette Sasser and Gina Hinton; and several greatnieces and -nephews.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in Winter Garden, Florida, David graduated from Lakeview High School, Class of 1960.

David was a veteran of the United

States Navy and Exalted Ruler of the Winter Garden Elks Lodge from 1986 to 1988. David enjoyed fishing and attending car shows with his 1967 Plymouth, and he was an excellent bowler.

The memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, in the chapel at First Baptist Windermere, 436 Oakdale St., Windermere. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

CATHRYN MASK BOWEN DIED TUESDAY, NOV. 13, 2018.

Cathryn Mask Bowen, Sept. 17, 1935 — Nov. 13, 2018.

Cathryn was born at home in Winter Garden, Florida, on Sept.

17, 1935. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953.

That same year, she began her career with Dr. Edward Bradford as his office manager. She would go on to serve his family and their businesses until her retirement after 65 years this past May. Cathryn’s No. 1 priority was her children and grandchildren.

She also had many close friends, having lived the majority of her life in her beloved Winter Garden.

Cathryn is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Abell and her husband C.W.; and her son, Brian Bowen, and his wife Tracy.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

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She is also survived by her grandchildren, Austin and Katie Bowen, Ashley Brumbeloe, Abigail Bowen, Whitney and Abe Couch, and Cole Abell. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Mask Causey; and her nephew, Donnie Waldrop.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 770446, Winter Garden, FL 34777-0446.

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NOVEMBER 22, 2018

SPORTS

First Academy cheerleading team senior captains Sophia Vitello and Lydia Brady have much in common. Page 12.

Windermere High celebrates first early-signing day Nine student-athletes signed their national letters of intent in front of family, friends and coaches.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

into helping them get to this next level,” he said. “Thank you.”

Following his short speech, it was the time these nine athletes have been waiting for since the recruiting process started months — and even years — back: The signing of their national letter of intent.

The simple act of putting pen to paper is a freeing thing, said Wolverines basketball player

Dakota Rivers, who will be playing at Florida Gulf Coast next year.

“I feel good and I feel stress-free — everything is off my shoulders,” Rivers said. “I’m just so happy to go to college next year and make an impact for my team.”

The choice for Rivers in his selection of FGCU was simple. It was close to family, and it worked SEE SIGNING PAGE 12

HIGH

It’s been a year of firsts for the Windermere athletic program, but fewer have meant more than the school’s first early signing day class.

In the school’s auditorium Thursday, Nov. 15, nine athletes from across four different sports made their college choices official in front of a small — yet excited — crowd.

“They’re great to watch, entertaining and great role models for

the rest of the school,” Athletic Director Mike Grenci said. “Second group I’d like to thank is their fellow athletes. You don’t look good on the field or on the court without the support of your teammates pushing each other and working together as a team.

“And of course we have to thank families — moms, dads and friends — we know how much time and effort and money a lot of you put

1

5

In Windermere Prep’s 9-0 win over CFCA in boys soccer, Gunnar Studenhofft’s hot boot knocked in two goals for the Lakers.

2

In Dr. Phillips’ 58-32 win in girls weightlifting over Apopka, Naomi Alezi benched 160 pounds to break Samantha Cancel’s bench record (150 pounds, 2012) in the 199-pound class. She improved her existing school-record total lift to 320 pounds.

3

While it’s early in the girls soccer season, Windermere’s Victoria Gonzales and Chloe Washington had big nights in the Wolverines’ 9-0 trouncing of Ocoee.

Gonzales picked up four goals, while Washington added a hat trick.

Head coach Rodney Wells is looking to make his way back to the state final with his squad.

DEFENSIVE

DOMINATION TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

I

4

The Dr. Phillips boys soccer team picked up its second win of the season against Gateway, and it’s mostly thanks to the offensive output by Pierre Abon. The junior forward scored both goals for the Panthers, who moved to 2-0 on the year.

5

In Olympia’s third game of the girls soccer season, junior forward Ellie Ferguson picked up the hat trick (three goals) to help move the Titans to 3-0 on the year.

File photos

The Panthers face off this Friday against the No. 3 seed Riverview Sarasota.

n the playoffs, any team can win on any given night. It’s what makes postseason play so much fun.

When Dr. Phillips entered the Class 8A playoffs with a 5-5 record a few weeks ago, many folks scoffed at the notion of them making it further than the first round.

Now, people are paying attention.

On Friday, Nov. 16, the Panthers (7-5, 4-0) continued their postseason tear as they rained chaos down upon Region 2 of the Class 8A playoffs with a gritty 19-7 road win over the top-seeded Vero Beach (11-1, 3-0).

“A lot went well last night, but the biggest thing was us committed to stopping the run game,” said Panthers head coach Rodney Wells.

“Even though they were one of the

Dr. Phillips High School traveled south last week and upset topseeded Vero Beach 19-7.

This week, DP faces Riverview Sarasota. most explosive passing teams we played all year, you have to stop the running game, so they’ll be onedimensional.”

Outside of giving up a lone touchdown in the second quarter — a 45-yard toss from Indians quarterback Nick Celidonio to Demarcus Harris — the Panthers’ defense completely dominated one of the best offenses in the state.

Up until their matchup with the Panthers, the Indians had averaged 39 points per game and had not been held to under 20 points all season long.

The usual offensive output led

by Celidonio (2,957 passing yards and 31 touchdowns) and running back Bryan Primus-Winston (853 rushing yards, nine touchdowns) largely was snuffed out as the Panthers’ defense held them in check.

SEE PANTHERS PAGE 12

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Sophia Vitello & Lydia Brady THE BASICS SCHOOL: The First Academy YEAR: Senior SPORT: Cheerleading YEARS ON THE TEAM: Two FAVORITE SPORT TO CHEER: Football

What is the hardest thing about cheerleading?

Sophia: I had to learn to deal with a lot of different personalities. We have almost 20 girls, so you have to expect 20 different kinds of people. For me, it was understanding, “OK, when I talk to this person, I have to be more sensitive or kind.” It’s learning about each person.

Lydia: Just being able to encourage the girls and finding the balance between helping them and encouraging them, but also leading them in a good way.

Leading the way on The First Academy’s varsity cheer squad, senior captains Lydia Brady and Sophia Vitello have much in common. They both are in their second year of cheering, and there is no sport they enjoy cheering for more than football. Though the two seniors have gotten to experience numerous highlight moments, the hope is to make a few more before they graduate in the spring.

What got you into cheerleading?

Sophia: I have a big love for performing and being in front of people, so I thought it would be fun to cheer in front of people and learn dances. I thought that would be interesting to try.

Lydia: I would say what got me into cheerleading was wanting to be a part of the school and being a part of the school spirit.

What has been your favorite thing about cheering at TFA? Sophia: Just growing with the girls. When I first came to TFA, I was really alone and didn’t have many friends, and cheer gave me a family and these girls were so receptive to anything I had to say.

Lydia: Growing together with the girls, especially as a

senior to mentor them and be examples for them.

Is there a highlight moment for you since you started cheering?

Sophia: One of the highlights — that was actually led by our coaches and Lydia (Brady) here — was when we washed (one another’s) feet. It just really brought humility to the team and gave me a different perspective on each of us. I really enjoyed that, and I feel like that was a turning point for the team and really brought us together when we really needed it.

Lydia: After we went to camp this summer — after working so hard for a few days performing and perfecting our routine — getting first place in our division. It was a big achievement.

Is cheering something you’d like to do at the collegiate level?

Sophia: I am considering one school that I’m looking at for cheerleading that they don’t require tumbling, because I can’t tumble. If it doesn’t require tumbling, then yes, I can cheer at that college.

Lydia: I would say what I have been doing the last two years has made me love cheerleading and want to do it if I could at a school. I definitely want to be involved with cheerleading.

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Panthers prowl CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Even when the Indians did manage to get inside the Panthers’ red zone, they couldn’t find pay dirt.

After a 42-yard field goal from DP kicker Riley Stephens about six minutes into the game, the Indians went downfield — looking like they would take the lead. Instead, on fourth down from the Panthers’ 5-yard line, Celidonio was stuffed on a quarterback keeper to maintain the lead.

A second red-zone failure for the Indians came on their following drive, when — after nine plays — Primus-Winston coughed the ball up at the 1-yard line, which the Panthers recovered in the end zone.

“To hold those guys to seven points — I think one of my coaches said that they haven’t been held to seven points but twice in eight years — so our defense did a great job,” Wells said.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball for the Panthers, Japerri Powell and quarterback

Signing day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

out that the assistant coach who offered the future Eagles small forward a scholarship is now the program’s head man.

“It just made everything better — it just happened so perfectly, it’s all a blessing,” Rivers said.

Joining Rivers at the collegiate level is friend and teammate Carter Zevada, who will be traveling a bit farther north to Gettysburg College to play for the Division III Bullets.

For Zevada, the recruiting process started his sophomore year, and it was full of ups and downs, he said.

“I’m feeling super surreal, and I can’t believe this is finally happening,” Zevada said. “All the work I have put in is finally paying off, and this is the day that it’s culminated, and I’m super excited about the next chapter.”

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basketball coach Mark Griseck was excited to have multiple kids get the opportunity to play at the next level.

“It’s great in the fact that in our first graduating class, we were able to have studentathletes who were good enough to play collegiately somewhere,” Griseck said. “It’s a tribute to them, and it’s a big deal for our program, because it’s hopefully the start of something.”

Although basketball had a big day, no other team came close to the school’s baseball team number-wise. The Wolverines had five members sign to play at the collegiate level.

Windermere has multiple athletes going to play at the DII level, while Bryce Hubbart (FSU) and Noah Janney (Troy University) look to make a name for themselves in DI ball.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there, meet everyone I haven’t met and just go try to do some big things and get some wins,” Janney said.

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Brenden Cyr would led the way against a tough Indians defense.

Cyr would hit Jacquez Jones on a 79-yard toss in the second quarter to nab the first touchdown of the night for DP, which was followed by another field goal from Stephens before the end of the half to make it 13-7.

Powell sealed the game for the Panthers with his 23-yard touchdown run with just 1:35 remaining to put his side up for good at 19-7. Powell finished the night with 147 yards on 24 carries.

Friday’s win is a big one for Dr. Phillips, but the Panthers don’t have much time to rest.

They head down to Sarasota to take on No. 3 Riverview Sarasota (10-3, 5-1) Friday, Nov. 23.

“It’s a very familiar place,” Wells said. “We were there last year. I think we may have been there the last two years in a row.

So we have been down there four times in the playoffs alone.

We’ll have a good walk-through practice on Thanksgiving, feed the kids, and then we’ll come in Friday around noon — we’ll eat

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OBSERVER

All games at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 unless otherwise noted.

CLASS 3A, REGION 2: NO. 2 THE FIRST ACADEMY (9-1, 1-0) AT KING’S ACADEMY (10-1, 7-1) After a dominating win last week for The First Academy, the Royals will have a bigger test Friday as they take on the top-seeded King’s Academy in a battle of No. 1 versus No. 2 in the regional final.

In their matchup with Father Lopez, the Royals maintained a “bend but don’t break” defensive mentality. That will be put to the test against a high scoring Lions team that averages 37 points per game.

Lions’ senior quarterback Justin Wake has picked up 1,610 and 20 touchdowns — most of which is divvied up among four different receivers.

At the running back position, junior Presley Almond leads the way with 900 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Royals will have to break a defense that only gives up fewer than 11 points per game.

CLASS 8A, REGION 2: NO. 4 DR. PHILLIPS (7-5, 4-0) AT NO. 3 RIVERVIEW SARASOTA (10-3, 5-1) Following up their big upset of top-seeded Vero Beach last Friday, the Panthers hope to keep their time in the postseason going strong as they take on Riverview Sarasota — a team with which DP is very familiar — in the regional final. In the last two years, the Panthers have played, and beaten, the Rams — in the 2016 regional semis and in the 2017 regional final.

Riverview Sarasota is coming off a 49-27 win over Manatee.

|

13

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Rolous Frazier leads TFA to 40-20 win over Father Lopez TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

The old saying of “big things come in small packages” rang true during The First Academy’s 40-20 win over Father Lopez (9-3, 1-1) in the Class 3A regional semifinal on Nov. 15 at Warden Stadium.

At 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds, Royals senior running back Rolous Frazier may be small in stature, but on the football field, he is the man everyone watches.

“He is as good a player as we have ever had,” said Royals head coach Leroy Kinard.

“He’s not the biggest guy in the world, so when we talk to these college recruiters, we’re like, ‘Look, you have to believe us. This guy is a legit college football player.’”

The shifty back zipped his way around the Green Wave defense all night long and helped lead the way for the Royals’ (9-1, 1-0) offensive explosion with 279 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries.

Frazier kicked off the scoring early when, on the second play from scrimmage, he broke free down the left side of the field on a 74-yard touchdown run to take the lead.

Following a quick threeand-out on the Green Wave’s first offensive possession of the game, the Royals landed another blow when Frazier gashed the Wave defense on an 11-yard touchdown run — making it 14-0 less than four

Rolous Frazier was tackled by multiple defenders as he led the Royals down the field.

Troy Herring

minutes into the matchup.

While Frazier helped the Royals take control of the first half, the defense also had a great showing. It held the usually potent Wave offense — which had averaged 30 points per game — to a big ol’ goose egg going into the half.

Despite the lead, Kinard wasn’t looking ahead, because he knew the Green Wave had made the playoffs for a reason.

“At halftime, I just wanted to make sure that they understood that that team wasn’t going to quit, and they’re going to come out and fight, which is exactly what happened in the third quarter,”

Kinard said. “We had to weather the storm. After that, we got our bearings about us and pulled away a little bit.”

To start the second half, the Green Wave came out as the more assertive team. Running back Nathan Braswell eluded would-be tacklers left and right to pick up the 37-yard touchdown to put the Wave on the board.

For the rest of the game, the Royals and Green Wave exchanged score after score, including two rushing touchdowns for the home side and a 73-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Father Lopez’s Eddie Whipple.

But thanks to an early advantage and two big touchdowns in the fourth quarter — a 49-yard run by Frazier and a 45-yard toss from quarterback Matt Edwards to Lake Ellis — the Royals were able to push ahead and grab the 40-20 win.

“We have a lot of guys (who) are healthy, and because we have guys that are healthy, I think we have as good of a chance as they do,” Kinard said.

TFA won’t have long to enjoy their holiday, as the Royals will ride down to West Palm Beach next Friday, Nov. 23, to take on the 10-1 King’s Academy in the regional final.

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You’ll save a lot on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but don’t forget to save the date to give back on Giving Tuesday. Please consider a one-time gift or ongoing support. Donate online @ www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Like us on facebook at www.Facebook.com/MatthewsHopeMinistries

Help us help them help themselves. 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787• 407.905.9500

XNSP16940

WEEK 14 PREVIEW

OrangeObserver.com

14

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

W EAT HER

FORECAST Windermere resident Lorrie Ann Buckley submitted this breathtaking photo, which she calls, “Waking Up to God’s Beauty.”

The 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.

I LOVE WEST ORANGE ONLINE

THURSDAY, NOV. 22 High: 78 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, NOV. 23 High: 78 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 20%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 22

6:54a

5:31p

Friday, Nov. 23

6:55a

5:30p

Saturday, Nov. 24

6:56a

5:30p

Sunday, Nov. 25

6:56a

5:30p

Monday, Nov. 26

6:57a

5:30p

Tuesday, Nov. 27

6:58a

5:29p

Wednesday, Nov. 28

6:59a

5:29p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV. 24 High: 80 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 80%

Nov. 15 First

Nov. 23 Full

Nov. 29 Last

Dec. 7 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Nov. 13

0.00

SUNDAY, NOV. 25

Wednesday, Nov. 14

0.02

High: 81 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 40%

Thursday, Nov. 15

0.03

Friday, Nov. 16

0.00

Saturday, Nov. 17

0.00

Sunday, Nov. 18

0.00

Monday, Nov. 19

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

NOV. TO DATE:

2018 46.89 in.

2018 0.89 in.

2017 41.62 in.

2017 0.03 in.

Opens Saturday, November 24 Serving lunch and dinner everyday

ACROSS

1 Type of parent 7 Fussy disturbances 11 Seashell seller 14 Beauty pageant wear 18 Spikes through 20 Use the ground floor elevator 21 Grandfather clock part 23 Tell tales 24 “Do ___ others ...”

25 Intimate way to walk 26 Breakfast choice 29 Witch kin 30 Dirty innuendos 31 Anger or wrath

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.

“PLDN’V LDCCYIYK NX LJZXH? PY’HY MYRXZGIO DZYHGRDI. YSYHUXIY OYNV VX DIOHU XSYH YSYHUNLGIO.” – HJCYHN YSYHYNN “N CEFHVKXBVP ZHJ’X GCIB CEHKX RP VHHWF... N SHKVZJ’X GTCJOB C XTNJO. N SHKVZ BJZ KL RNFFNJO RP ZBYBGXF.”

– GHVNJ YNIXT

Puzzle Two Clue: W equals K

©2018 Universal Uclick

102 Boat bottoms 103 Unruly group 106 McDonald’s breakfast offering 111 Religious offering 114 Track happening 115 Tiny amount of cold pudding?

116 Police squad’s home 117 Pitchfork point 118 More in need of hoeing 119 Roman wrap 120 Krypton is one 121 Cold coaster 122 Fears doing

51 Small firecrackers 52 Button on a remote 54 Like greatly 55 Some jeans 56 ___ chi (exercise method) 60 Breakfast choice 61 “And besides that” 63 Way-old poems 64 Clever 65 Kit Carson’s house is here 66 Word with “day now” 68 “Divine” poet 69 Word of admittance 70 Like gravelly voices DOWN 73 Stuff on a chip, some1 Certain small songbird times 2 Mutual of ___ 75 Breakfast choice 3 Parsley amount 76 Certain gulf state 4 Woodpile cover resident 5 Passes by, as time 77 “American Idol” winner 6 23-Across again 7 Fits of shivering or shak- Studdard 78 Despite, cut ing 79 Hairstyle 8 All wrapped up 80 LP or 45 stat 9 Flies land here 81 Expelled from office 10 Clues for hunters 82 Snakes along the Nile 11 Petty argument 85 Glide, in a way 12 Hoagie 88 Seeking stars?

13 Together as a group 90 One providing guaran14 Baked-in acquisition? tees 15 Chicken ___ king 92 A New York city 16 Big ___, California 93 Hindu garment 17 “Very interesting ...”

95 Chinese cooking pot 19 Fleshy-leaved ground 96 Dodges or deflects cover 98 Cut wood more 22 ‘70s dance spot 32 Sacred Egyptian beetle 58 Old-style picture tube 79 Some breakfast choices 99 With a big grin on one’s 27 Heck of a lot of bull 36 Alabama’s historic letters 83 Make laugh face 28 End of some URLs town 59 Society rookie, for 84 Classic song, “___ So 102 Used an MMA maneuver 33 Diameter parts 37 Pasta sauce choice short Fine” 103 Where a don is in charge 34 Island with a circular 39 Mozart composition 60 Make that 75-Down 85 Kind of menu or kid’s 104 Stared at amorously coral reef 40 Carriers of work orders 61 Word with shot or well book 105 Common six-packs 35 Breakfast choice 43 Last piece of bread?

62 Where many have 86 Dance lesson part 107 Plant with narcotic 36 Loafer part 45 Expert pilot dinner 87 Hacked thing? leaves 37 Bic and Waterman 47 Cat nemesis 64 Mounting, on Broadway 88 Bull’s mate 108 Sometimes extermi38 Activity for a crew team 48 Devil with a D-minus? 67 German folk songs 89 Sights targets nated creatures 40 Place of pilgrimage 49 Make text corrections 71 Prefix with locate 90 Impressionist’s schtick 109 Teenage facial bane 41 Chris ___ Lloyd of tennis 50 Cups under a top 72 Suspend, as drapes 91 Silverware city of New 110 Something to take in an 42 U-turn from gloom 51 Sign of happiness 73 Verb for knight-time?

York argument 44 Rocket attachment?

53 Some breakfast 74 Santa ___ (California 94 “Heigh-Ho” warbler 111 Make a choice 46 Mr. Ripken choices city) 97 Braided unit 49 Fall back from the beach 112 Sis alternative 56 Horse’s swatter 75 Bug that drills 100 Last innings 113 Calf locale 50 Place to give a hoot 57 Feathery pen 78 Helen’s city 101 Eggs, another way

BREAKFAST IN AMERICA by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: M equals B

CROSSWORD

291385-1

(Formerly The Big Easy) 7782 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Windermere FL 34786 (Behind McDonalds) 407-347-3688

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

11-22-18

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 15 YourObserver.com

HERE’S MY CARD - BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO SERVICE

AUTO SERVICE

Battery Testing and Replacement

Scheduled Maintenance

Transmission and Engine Repair

Computerized Diagnostics

HOME SERVICES

ORLANDO PREMIUM SHUTTERS Tune-Ups and General Repair

The best shutters!

The best prices!

With the best warranty!

Tires and Alignments

Working Owners

www.r-dauto.com

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Telephone: (407) 614-3827 rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.com

MADE IN THE USA

288641

286274

In House Towing Available

Ray Cornell Jr. Doug Gallinger

Financing

C&A LAWN

See store for details

179.95 $199.95 $

179.95 $199.95 $

BMW 5 Series Mercedes E-Class

Full Synthetic Oil Service

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

ONLY

89.95

$

Serving Orlando & Surrounding Areas

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

STRESS

BMW 3 Series Mercedes C-Class

CALL FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION TODAY!

Custom measured, designed, manufactured and installed by shutter experts.

407-415-7185 • OrlandoPremiumShutters.com

FREE

BRAKE PAD SALE

LV11098

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

289195

|

SERVICE

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

Includes up to Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 11/30/18.

Carlos Arteaga • Owner/Operator

407-625-0742 • cnalawns@gmail.com Licensed & Insured • Commercial & Residential

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM - 5PM • All Engines $200.00 each • All Transmissions $100.00 each • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

PET SERVICES

Puppy Dreams Pet Hotel

407-656-4707

Your pet’s home away from home a unique no-cage facility

daycare andCelebrity overnight boarding This week’s Cipher answers

288643

www.budgetupullit.com

• Cleanups • Mulching • Sod Removal & Installation • Landscape & Design • Irrigation Repairs • Light Tree Trimming 288646

OrangeObserver.com 2 ORANGE OBSERVER

Puzzle One Solution: TFN 654-8885 “What’s happened(407) to humor?

We’re 703 S. Vineland Rd. becoming American. so Winter Everyone Garden, FLgets 34787 angry over everything.” www.puppydreams.com – Rupert Everett Puzzle Two Solution: “I absolutelyROOFING don’t care about my looks...

I wouldn’t change a thing. I would end up missing my defects.”

– Colin Firth 288624

HEALTH & FITNESS

This week’s Sudoku answers UPGRADES & REPAIRS

288632

TFN

288631

288626

Your Windermere Partner in Health

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

AND MORE…

Lakeside Village

The Grove 4750 The Grove Drive #140 Windermere, FL 34786 Next to the Signature LA Fitness

M-­‐F: 9am -­‐ 8pm ⎜ Sat.: 10am -­‐ 7pm ⎜ Sun. : 11 am -­‐ 6 pm

M-­‐F: 10am -­‐ 9pm ⎜ Sat.: 10am -­‐ 7pm ⎜ Sun. : 11 am -­‐ 6 pm

(407) 554-2652 (407) 217-6929

288647

CLASSIFIEDS 7790 Winter Garden Vineland Road #500 Windermere, FL 34786 Between 7-Eleven and McDonald’s

Thursday, November 22, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

Just enter your email address in the subscrib here box at the bottom

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com of our home page ©2018 NEA, Inc. at: www.OrangeObserver.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 Thursday, November 22, 2018 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. week’swith Celebrity *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 suchThis as compliance town codesCipher in first answers obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Positions Wanted

Puzzle One Solution: happened to humor? We’re becoming American. Everyone gets so angry over everything.”

– Rupert Everett Puzzle Two Solution: “I absolutely don’t care about my looks...

I wouldn’t change a thing. I would end up missing my defects.”

– Colin Firth

PUBLIC WORKS DEPT - TOWN OF WINDER13178 W. Colonial Dr. MERE — is seeking qualified applicants to join our Merchandise Wanted Winter Garden Help Wanted PWConvention team. The VISIT ORLANDO Now Hiring Assis-ideal candidate would have experi13178 W. Colonial tants -Do you enjoy meetingence new people?

Do youand drainage, as well as general faNOW Dr. PURCHASING in streets Winter Garden want to be a part of the team that welcomes 72M+ cilities grounds maintenance. A positive Orlandoand is seeking visitors to Orlando yearly? Visit NOW PURCHASING hospiteam members who are enthusiastic aboutto be part of our expanding team. EquipSCRAP BATTERIES tality to assist with meeting individual & convention registraoperator 407-656-3495 tion, greeting, and directing ment attendees.

If you want and/or masonry experience pre407-656-3495 the convention as- required. Pay is DOQ. Valid FL DL to be a part of the excitement, ferred, but not sistant position could be for you! Please call 407CDL preferred. No phone calls accepted. requires: Outstanding 541-4291. This Position required, and and/or to apply see Town of Winservice skills, computer proficiency, Help Wantedcustomer To find out more availability to work a part-time, flexible schedule dermere’s web site www.town.windermere.fl.us for 11/22vo VISIT ORLANDO Now Hiring Convention Assisadditional details. DFW and EOE. 12/6tow tants -Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you Positions Wanted want to be a part of the team that welcomes 72M+ 288668

288668

SCRAP BATTERIES

MEDICAL ASSISTANT/ Office Assistant- must be visitors to Orlando yearly? Visit Orlando is seeking MEDICAL ASSISTANT/ Office Assistant- must be bilingual, needed for Pediatrics offices in Ocoee Apopka. hospiPlease fax resume to 407-290-8333 andabout team members who are enthusiastic bilingual, needed for Pediatrics offices in Ocoee or email to medjobs101@gmail.com tality to assist with meeting & convention registra- and Apopka. Please fax resume to 407-290-8333 tion, greeting, and directing attendees. If you want or email to medjobs101@gmail.com to be a part of the excitement, the convention assistant position could be for you! Please call 407TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS 541-4291. This Position requires: Outstanding customer service skills, computer proficiency, and CALL 407-656-2121 availability to work a part-time, flexible schedule Or email us at advertisenow@ 11/22vo

orangeobserver.com

This week’s Crossword answers

LV11097

Merchandise Wanted

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

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2018 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

2018

LV11097

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.FREE *All adseNewsletter are subject to the and approval of the Publisher.

Sign up today for our get *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 withinbox! town codes in first “News You Can Use” delivered right to your obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

OrangeObserver.com

291380-1

16