11.25.21 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Wishing you a safe & happy Thanksgiving

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 7, NO. 8

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

‘Before you were born, I set you apart’ Merry & bright!

HOME FOR THE

HOLIDAYS

The town of Windermere welcomed the holiday season with its Light Up Windermere celebration.

SEE PAGE 9.

YOUR TOWN SUPPORT LOCAL SHOPS Stores in downtown Winter Garden are participating in a special all-day Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale this Saturday, Nov. 27.

Kick off the holiday shopping season with one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying special savings in a Florida version of a winter wonderland.

Stroll and shop the outdoor sale racks and tables in the festively decorated district and enjoy in-store specials and promotions. Expanded outdoor dining patios offer a break from shopping, and many restaurants will offer seasonal menu items and specials on this day.

The sidewalk sale will be held rain or shine. Sales, special offers, delivery methods and operating hours vary per merchant.

That evening, families can enjoy a holiday moonlight movie, “The Polar Express,” starting at 7:10 p.m., with premovie activities at 5:30 p.m. It will be shown in the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

Thanks to West Orange Habitat for Humanity, one West Orange family is settling in for a better future. SEE PAGE 2.

Jackson to lead Horizon Andrew Jackson will replace Laura Beusse as Horizon High School’s principal.

SEE PAGE 17.

SPORTS

Photo by Kari Bendig

That verse, Jeremiah 1:5, was on display at James Oliver “Ollie” Sauls’ funeral. He was born sleeping. Since then, his parents, Britni and Zach Sauls, have blessed other families in his honor.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

West Orange battled the elements in its 16-7 win over Osceola. PAGE 20.

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Hundreds rise to challenge American Legion Winter Garden Post 63 hosted its Challenge 22 RuckWalk to raise awarness about veteran suicide. SEE PAGE 7.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

A new beginning JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Natalie Kinscy is thankful for the new house she shares with daughter Amiyah.

Jim Carchidi

anyone who is accepted so they can learn how to manage their finances and keep their credit score up.”

Kinscy’s resolve for a better future was backed by the ultimate support system: her mother.

“I said, ‘This is your opportunity; it’s time for you to move on and plan a life for Amiyah now,” said Angela Kinscy.

She assisted with the application process and credit-building, watched Amaiya while Kinsey worked at Winter Park Day Nursery and even helped her daughter with a second job to help save for the future.

“We got up every Sunday to do Amazon runs to pay for the down

payment, furniture and everything,” Angela Kinscy said.

Habitat for Humanity not only helped Natalie Kinscy achieve homeownership but also strengthened her community ties through partnership programs. Applicants earn “sweat equity” by assisting on home build sites, working in the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and participating in fundraising activities.

“It felt good to connect and be networked with the community through Habitat,” Kinscy said. “I love doing construction, I love to volunteer at the ReStore — that’s one of my new hobbies — and to focus on helping other people.”

Kinscy received the keys to her new home in early November and continues moving forward with her new life. She is looking forward to earning her degree in early childhood development from Florida International University and hosting family and friends for her first Thanksgiving in her new home. But the little girl who currently controls the kitchen is the focus of Kinscy’s greatest joy.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of my life,” she said. “Especially for Amiyah to be raised in a house where she’s safe and she’s comfortable, and in a home where she can grow up.”

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Two-year-old Amiyah Kinscy has the run of the house.

Her mom, Natalie, can barely keep up as potted plants are rearranged and the kitchen becomes a playground. This typical slice of toddler life is far removed from the way the Kinscys began their year — and was made possible by West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

“I was the only parent working full-time and trying to hold the house down,” Natalie Kinscy said of the time she and Amiyah lived with Amiyah’s father.

The trio had been sharing a onebedroom apartment on South Rio Grande Avenue, until Kinscy moved herself and Amiyah in with her parents, Angela and Raymond Kinscy, in 2020.

“My parents told me, ‘Let us help you start all over and get where you need to be,’” Natalie Kinscy said.

Not long after the move, she took another step toward starting over.

“I heard from family and friends who had Habitat homes,” she said. “I

looked online and tried to find an area that is close to where I was living with my parents and started the process.”

“We ask applicants to come in and meet with our Family Selection committee,” West Orange Habitat for Humanity Communications Manager Nicole Campbell said.

“They will go over the process and requirements with them in detail, and if everything looks good they would pay a one-time $30 application fee.”

Habitat homeowners have a mortgage that is no more than 30% of their income, with most paying anywhere from $500 to $700 monthly.

And their mortgage is always interest free. Applicants must be unable to qualify for a mortgage through conventional means and reside in housing conditions which are either inadequate, unsafe, overcrowded, transitional or unaffordable. They also must have lived, or worked, in West Orange County for at least one year, show six months of verifiable income and meet a minimal credit score requirement.

“If they don’t meet that requirement, they’ll spend the next six months or a year focusing on building their credit,” Campbell said. “We have financial literacy classes for

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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Library update highlight of Horizon West Town Hall A request for architect proposals for the library was sent in October. The list of three finalists will be brought before the library board next month.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kicker Ian Garcia performs the reveal — it’s a boy!

PRIDE &JOY

Whitley and Andre Walker celebrate their growing family.

The Lions of Foundation Academy celebrated their newest teammate last week.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

T

he players and coaches of Foundation Academy’s football team celebrated their growing family Monday, Nov. 15, with a gender reveal party for head coach Andre Walker and his wife, Whitley.

“It wouldn’t be right if everybody couldn’t be here,” said coach Walker, who this season took the head coaching job after six years as defensive coordinator. “They’ve been supporting me since I first got here. We all support each other, that’s what we do.”

The Walkers learned of their impending arrival in October and were eager to share the news.

“This is the coach’s first baby,” said Jen Zagame, mother of Foundation Academy linebacker Sam Zagame. “Once they made it public that they were pregnant, he said it would be fun to include the team. They really are like a little family.”

The timing of the party was beneficial. Friday’s playoff loss to Victory Christian Academy meant the players needed to hand in their uniforms on Monday. But the season still ended on a high note.

“It’s another opportunity for them to spend time together,” Jen Zagame said. “There’s so much intense stuff going on during football season that it’s really nice to have some opportunities to just be silly, play games and have fun.”

Football moms, coaches and other school volunteers pitched in with food, party favors, cupcakes and some unique game ideas.

Blue and pink cupcakes await the Foundation Academy football team as volunteers prepare the gender reveal party for head coach Andre Walker.

The team gathers for a meal time prayer.

Residents of Horizon West were brought up to date on the state of their community during a Town Hall event, hosted by Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Nov. 17 at Horizon High School.

Public service representatives were on hand to give overviews and updates on projects, plans and offerings.

“This is really about all the pieces and parts that come together for our community,” Wilson said. “And it’s about you. It’s about your concerns and your issues.”

Danielle King, chief branch officer at Orange County Library System, updated the audience on the status of the Horizon West Library. The OCLS Board of Trustees in July approved a proposal from the city of Orlando and Orange County to lease property next to the Horizon West Regional Park.

“This is very exciting for us,” she said. “Originally, we would have had to purchase 17 acres, and now we have the option of having a ground lease and a 20,000-square-foot library building on approximately one to three acres.”

The project is contingent upon approval from the library board, city of Orlando and Orange County.

The ground lease will be for 30 years with three five-year options. OCLS would pay for building construction, parking lot and access roads. The library also will have an outdoor event area.

“None of our other libraries (has) this,” King said. “We can do amazing environmental programs out there. …

We’re very excited about having this option.”

According to King, OCLS has been discussing contract details with the county and city officials every other week since July. A formal request for architect proposals was made in October, and the final list of three firms will be brought before the library board next month.

“We also put out a request for the construction manager,” King said.

“This went out in November, and they will be sending their proposals to us in January.”

After review, the top three candidate proposals will be brought before the board.

Residents are invited to take a survey at OCLS.info/libraryexpansion to express their views on what they want included in the new library.

IN OTHER NEWS District 4 School Board member Pam Gould mentioned the return of Generation Wow: a highenergy, impact program that began in 2018 open to professional women who are interested in mentoring teen girls. The event will be held virtually in 2022; details are forthcoming.

Head coach Andre Walker takes his turn at the baby food taste test game.

Coaches and players were split into three teams to compete in a blind taste test of baby food. Guessing the flavor was not as easy — and even less appetizing.

“It makes you feel sorry for the baby,” exclaimed coach Walker, as he tasted what may have been strained carrots.

Players were then given baby bottles full of Gatorade for a chugging contest. But the most visually off-putting event was eating melted candy bars from a diaper — all trick, no treat.

After the games, kicker Ian Garcia prepared to punt a football, filled with colored powder, for the big gender reveal. Cheers and embraces went viral as the ball burst into a blue cloud.

A baby brother is on the way, and the family is even stronger.

Offensive lineman James Phillips awaits a mouthful of baby food.

Photos by Jim Carchidi

Players guess the baby’s gender and weight, and place name suggestions in a box at the start of the party.

Humberto Castillero, traffic engineer with Orange County Public Works, gave an overview of recent speed control strategies including speed limit reductions, raised crosswalks and speed humps. Castillero also mentioned several traffic light installations had been delayed because of supply-chain issues.

Orange County Fire Department Division Chief Anthony Rios gave a progress report on four stations: Fire Station 32 at 14932 E. Orange Lake Blvd., relocating to Hartzog and Avalon roads in 2022-23; Fire Station 44 at 16990 Porter Road, relocating to Summerlake Park Boulevard and Reams Road in 2022; Fire Station 48, to be temporarily relocated to 16990 Porter Road in 2022; and Fire Station 49 planned for Avalon and Seidel roads, although no target date has been set.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Ollie Sauls: Bigger than his body

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.”

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Friedrich Hayek

I

n the Sauls home, Christmas begins Nov. 1. No matter what, the day after Halloween, the decorations come out.

It’s been a family tradition since Nov. 1, 2018 — the day after Britni and Zach Sauls’ son, James Oliver “Ollie” Sauls, was born sleeping. The Saulses also have four other children — Madison, 14, Mackenzie, 12, and Carson, 8, all from Britni’s previous marriage; and little Olivia, 2 — their rainbow baby.

The early start on the holidays makes perfect sense — Christmas decorations bring joy, and who couldn’t use more of that? But it’s also a way to remember Ollie. Every year since his birth, the Saulses have adopted a family in need with a child the age Ollie would be. They then purchase birthday and Christmas presents and donate them to that family. Until the donation is made the week before Christmas, those presents sit under the family tree.

This year, the Saulses are looking for a family with a 3-year-old. They moved recently to Summerlake from Georgia — and so this year, Ollie will bless a West Orange family for the first time.

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Jim Carchidi, jcarchidi@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com

After their son, James Oliver “Ollie” Sauls was born sleeping, Britni and Zach Sauls purchased a Caring Cradle, which helps preserve a baby’s body, for the hospital.

A MOTHER KNOWS

When Zach was courting Britni, they discussed children. Britni already had three and even had her tubes tied, but Zach wanted at least one child of his own. It was important to him, a potential deal-breaker, he said.

Britni liked the idea and even underwent the procedure to reverse the tubal ligation. They married June 9, 2018, and Ollie was conceived about a month later.

“We didn’t expect it to happen so soon,” Britni said. “And everything was normal.”

In October, Britni saw her doctor for the all-important 20-week ultrasound. Everything was perfect — strong heartbeat, plenty of movement, growth on track.

But fewer than two weeks later, on Oct. 27, 2018, everything changed.

It was 3 a.m., and Ollie woke Britni with a series of violent kicks. Then, he stopped.

Something was wrong. Britni knew it. And even though she never had a chance to look into Ollie’s eyes, she knew him. She knew he didn’t like hot or cold water — and purposely took warm showers to keep him comfortable. Ollie also loved Zach’s voice and would move to be closer to him whenever he spoke. He wouldn’t let Britni sleep in certain positions.

Ollie was an active boy, and his stillness was alarming.

For the next few days, she did everything she could to get him to move. But when that didn’t work, she had another ultrasound that confirmed her worst fear.

Ollie’s heart had stopped.

DEVASTATION

Zach — a law-enforcement officer climbing the ranks — was either on duty or in training during every doctor’s appointment. During the pregnancy, Zach was in training with a new K-9. He never got to hear Ollie’s heartbeat live.

He was on patrol when he got Britni’s call, sped home to change clothes and met her at Houston Healthcare Women’s Center, in Warner Robins, Georgia.

There, doctors induced Britni.

Thirty-three hours later, at 5:52 a.m. Oct. 31, 2018, she delivered Ollie. He weighed 14.8 ounces and was 10-and-one-half inches long.

Doctors discovered the cause of Ollie’s death — his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck three times.

Ollie — delivered at 22 weeks — was perfect: 10 fingers, 10 toes, tiny ears, little button nose. He even had tiny fingernails and toenails.

“It was the hardest thing,” Zach

“The hardest thing for me is when we’ll do stuff as a family, and we’ll wish he was here. For me, it’s all the missed opportunities.”

— Zach Sauls

Kari Bendig

OLLIE’S BLESSING At Christmastime each year, the Saulses’ family tradition is to buy birthday and Christmas presents for the age Ollie would be. Then, the Saulses donate them to a family in need.

This year, the Saulses are looking for a local family with a 3-year-old.

The Saulses also have created an Amazon Wish List for those who want to purchase gifts in Ollie’s honor.

For more information or to nominate a family, contact Britni Sauls through Facebook, facebook.com/britni.sauls.

said. “I was devastated. But for me — being in law enforcement for eight years (at the time), I had seen loss, death. I learned how to process it and separate myself. There wasn’t much I could do in that situation. My wife needed me. I needed to be a rock.”

Following delivery, Britni and Zach spent about five precious hours with Ollie before they needed to leave. It was Halloween, and they had three other children. The youngest — Carson, who was 5 at the time — didn’t know anything had happened.

“The hardest thing for me is when we’ll do stuff as a family, and we’ll wish he was here,” Zach says. “For me, it’s all the missed opportunities.”

But even though Ollie never took a breath, that doesn’t mean his life hasn’t made an impact.

DADDY’S BACK-UP

Since 2018, Ollie has had a significant impact in the world. The Christmas tradition began one year later, when the family bought Christmas presents in Ollie’s honor and gave them to a family in need. The Saulses continued the tradition in 2020 with a “Two Heaven and Beyond” party with a Buzz Lightyear theme.

The Saulses also created Ollie’s Box — a care package for other parents of stillborn children that includes items such as a blanket, books and angel wings. Normally, a mother leaves the hospital with a baby in her arms.

This way, they won’t go home empty-handed, Britni said.

And still further, the Saulses purchased and donated a Caring Cradle to Houston Healthcare. The cradle is a cooling bed that helps preserve a baby’s body for a longer period of time to give grieving parents more time to say goodbye.

And after moving to Summerlake earlier this year, the Saulses now are hoping Ollie can bless a local fam-

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James Oliver “Ollie” Sauls’ funeral display included onesies, shoes and a Bible verse.

WEST ORANGE TIMES The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.

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Courtesy photos

Britni and Zach Sauls — along with Britni’s mother — all got matching tattoos with Ollie’s footprint and angel wings.

ily in need. Eventually, the Saulses would like to create an official nonprofit for their work, but for now, they do it all themselves.

EVER-PRESENT

Ollie has a big presence in the Sauls home. The family has a collection of glass orbs — some in the shape of a heart — that were created using Ollie’s ashes. The Saulses decided to have him cremated so he always could be close.

“He’s here,” Zach said. “It sounds weird, but we used to have the glass hearts in bed with us. It’s our way of feeling like he is still here with us.”

The family also has a blanket with Ollie’s footprints and created a teddy bear from a police uniform onesie Ollie would have worn. When the family travels, the blankets and bear go, too.

Britni and Zach — along with Britni’s mother — have matching tattoos with Ollie’s footprint and angel wings.

Ollie even is present in Britni’s

custom T-shirt business — Ollie and Co. And finally, there’s 2-year-old Olivia — the Saulses’ rainbow baby — who shares a special connection with Ollie in name and in spirit. She has taken to one of Ollie’s stuffed animals, and when she was a baby, Olivia would look up periodically and start laughing, Britni said.

She likes to joke that Olivia has her father wrapped around her finger, but in reality, both parents are whipped.

Olivia is a climber — on furniture, on counters, on anything. And she’s tough. Once, she unknowingly stepped on a fire-ant bed but hardly reacted when the little buggers were climbing up her leg, Zach said.

And she loves to play in the rain — their new Florida home is perfect for that.

“We love it,” Britni said of Horizon West with a smile. “We love the weather. We love our community.

All my family is in the same neighborhood.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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WINDERMERE BAND: Even after the lights go out, your talent shines through

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

I

t’s two days before a major performance, and Windermere High Band Director Rob Darragh is feeling the pressure. It’s near the end of the 2021 fall marching band season, and the group — among the winningest of all Wolverine organizations — is hard at work perfecting its show.

The sun had set about an hour ago. The beams from poles around the practice field are the only sources of light.

It’s 7:53 p.m., and the band already has run the show from top to bottom twice.

One more time, Darragh tells the band through a microphone from atop his green cherry-picker. Reset. Quickly.

Parents on the sidelines share knowing glances; the show, “Transported to Paradise,” is nine-and-one-half minutes long. They know what’s about to happen.

At precisely 8 p.m., all the practice field lights fall dark. The band continues to play — in the pitch black — until Darragh cuts them off. When released, the band students whip out the flashlights on their phones and slowly, carefully, make their way back to the school building. You know how when you wake up, you have to fumble your way to the bathroom?

It’s like that. They’re careful not to step on props — rifles, sabres, flags and more — on the ground. Some students carry four giant geometric domes made from 3/4-inch EMT conduit to the edge of the practice field, where band dads are waiting to dismantle them.

If you’re seeing this for the first time, it’s jarring. Why did the lights just go out on the 130-plus-member band in the middle of its show? What’s more, only the lights around the practice field turned off.

The others illuminating the school itself and the parking lot remain on.

Unfortunately, for the band members, directors and parents, this is nothing new.

They’ve been battling the dark all season.

To understand why, you need a bit of backstory. Those new to the area may not know why Windermere High’s football stadium is not on its campus. The short answer: Years before the school was built, after residents in the Oxford Moor community argued successfully that the land on which Windermere High now sits was a “rural settlement,” the members of the Orange County Commission said they only would approve plans for the school if the stadium were built off-site.

After two years of fighting — and with West Orange High School severely overcrowded — the Orange County School Board in 2015 acquiesced.

Now, you tell me whether you think the intersection at Winter Garden Vineland Road and State Road 535 is — in any way, shape or form — “rural.” Let’s be honest. The only “rural” aspects of that intersection are that the burgers from BurgerFi came from American cows.

There’s also an impressive produce section at Aldi.

Even before the school and stadium were built, we predicted a multitude of concerns with this plan. Available parking at the stadium would be an issue, which would cascade into problems with traffic congestion, busing, crowd control and, perhaps most problematic, safety in the event of lightning.

Just as we feared, all of these have come to fruition.

And then some.

It wasn’t enough that the school’s neighboring residents — through the settlement between OCPS and the county —doomed Windermere High to a permanently inconvenient and potentially deadly stadium scenario. That was the inch. The mile? Sanctions on the school’s on-campus practice field, including a demand that the lights go out at 8 p.m.

And the victim: the marching band.

Courtesy photo

Windermere’s only practice field (a second one is being replaced with volleyball courts) is used by nearly every sports team and club at the school. The band drew the proverbial short straw — the last time slot. Theoretically, it could practice at the stadium, but that would cost $400 per rehearsal to rent trucks to move all the equipment and props.

Instead, the musicians have just gotten pretty darn good at moving in the dark — and kicking some major butt in the process. This year, the band dominated the competition at the Oct. 2 University Classic. It was crowned Overall Grand Champion and also garnered a plethora of section and individual awards.

A month later, at the Nov. 6 Florida Bandmasters Association’s 2021 Music

Performance Assessment for District 8, Windermere once again earned straight superior ratings — the highest possible — in every category. It also earned the same in 2019 and 2018 (the assessment was not administered in 2020).

Finally, each year, the national organization Bands of America selects music students from throughout the country for its Honor Band, which this year will perform at Band Fest in Pasadena, California; at Disneyland on New Year’s Eve; and the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2022. Eighteen students were selected from Florida. Half were from Windermere High.

What’s more, that total — nine — is more than any one other high school in the nation.

Those students are Matthew Wishart (trumpet), Blake Pyko (trombone), Ryan Parrulli (marching tenors), Emily Mack (piccolo), Mary Anna D’Amico (piccolo), Kaitlyn D’Amico (piccolo), Owen Randle (cymbals), Jose Ojeda Bermudez (clarinet) and Payton Nicolo (alto saxophone).

So, it would seem that it doesn’t matter how many times they have the lights turned off in the middle of a show run-through, how many times they have to board a bus just to get to their own stadium, or how many times they draw the short straw, these Wolverines remain superior in all categories.

Even if your closest neighbors aren’t celebrating your many impressive accomplishments, we at the Observer are. And we are so very proud of you.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business MedHealth Clinical Ribbon Cutting WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of MedHealth Clinic in Winter Garden. At Medhealth Clinical, the team of expert primary care physicians provides comprehensive internal medicine to adults living in Winter Park, Florida, and throughout Orange County. To ensure positive health outcomes, the team focuses on wellness and disease prevention. They develop personalized care plans that minimize uncomfortable symptoms and encourage well-being. For individuals with more advanced needs, the team coordinates care between specialists and offers all-inclusive care management. The team at Medhealth Clinical takes a patient-centered, value-based approach to health care. What’s more, several of the providers on-staff are bilingual, allowing them to serve a diverse patient base. Adults can access a variety of preventive and general medical services, including wellness exams and weight management. The team also diagnosis and treats most chronic conditions, including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypothyroidism. To receive high-quality internal medicine in a welcoming environment, partner with the team at Medhealth Clinical. To schedule an appointment, call the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff or click the online booking tool today.

E&A Dance Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of E&A Dance Studio.E&A DANCE STUDIO was founded by Eugene Parkhimovich and Anna Congratulations to Winter Garden Smiles Lukashova in 2019 and opened doors to the first on their new office, located at 1317 Winter physical location in 2021. It’s 2,600 Sq. Ft facility that Garden Vineland 110touches in Winter is beautifully designedRd., withSuite modern and Winter Garden Smiles General and aGarden. warm and welcoming atmosphere.

E&A Dance Pediatric Dentistry serves Windermere, Ballroom Studio embraces excellence both in and out of the ballroom.

As a team, we arethe deeply committed to collaboration, integrity, and professionalism, and believeand it is Orlando an honor toarea. teach and guide our students Ocoee, To learn more about throughout their dance journeys. We aim to: Empower our students by allowing them to feel and experience Winter Garden Smiles full self-acceptance while developing their unique physical and spiritual strengths through dance. Encourage our students by supporting them on their personal dance journey, whether they are taking their very first dance lesson or already competing professionally. Engage our students in a fun, supportive, and creative community that celebrates them as individuals and as part of a team - a true sanctuary where all dreams are possible.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at

Treasure Title Insurance Agency, Inc. 20th Anniversary WOCC Ambassadors helped celebrate Treasure Title Insurance Agency’s 20th Anniversary! Treasure Title Insurance Agency is a full-service title agency dedicated to providing exceptional service offering ac complete range o real estate title insurance and closing services throughout Florida! Their responsive staff will make every effort to exceed expectations and are committed from beginning to end, regardless of the real estate transaction or title insurance need, to ensure you have the tools and information to have a successful experience.

Ocoee leaders tackle traffic concerns about Hackney Prairie Road Options include narrowing lanes, installing traffic medians, changing the road surface and adding new road striping.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee City Commission discussed a variety of potential solutions to traffic concerns on Hackney Prairie Road during its Nov. 16 meeting.

At the commission’s Oct. 5 meeting, Commissioner George Oliver shared a video of an ATV operator and motorcyclist drag racing on the road. He advocated that speed tables should be placed to slow traffic. City Manager Robert Frank asked for time so city staff can look into the matter.

Public Works Director Steve Krug gave a presentation detailing potential solutions that would help slow down traffic on Hackney Prairie Road.

Some of the ideas he suggested were narrowing traffic lanes on that road to 10 feet, installing traffic medians, changing the road surface and adding new road striping.

“One of the reasons we’ve looked at this is if we ever want to install medians … we can put in full medians as a possibility in the future,” Krug said.

He then proposed the city build four traffic islands in the middle of Clarke Road, at the intersection of Rushden and Cabbage Palm drives and near the entrance to Prairie Lake Park. The cost would be between $85,000 and $95,000 to install the islands. The cost to add landscaping to the medians in the future is between $100,000 and $200,000.

Krug also said other alternatives would be to install stop signs and intersection striping costing about $3,500, while restriping the entire roadway would cost $15,000.

IN OTHER NEWS Mayor Rusty Johnson read a proclamation declaring Saturday, Nov 27, Small Business Saturday.

The commission approved two amendments to the Land Development Code to allow for food trucks to operate in the city and also on what constitutes as a home business. This was in response to state laws passed during the summer.

The commission voted to cancel its Dec. 21 meeting. The last meeting of the year will be the Dec. 7 meeting.

Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen balked at the cost.

“This was not budgeted for $85,000; we don’t have that in contingency,” she said. “I would think we should do some measures that are reasonable until we can budget that out.”

Oliver expressed similar concerns but also agreed temporary measures can be carried out until means become available.

“I understand the importance of safety now,” Oliver said. “My question is what can we do now to mitigate some of the risk of folks getting hurt until we can budget the cost to do the full project?”

City Manager Robert Frank said it was possible for the commission to come up with the money soon.

“Instead of paying $300,000, why don’t we just design it for the $200,000 project, see where we can find the money, and if worse comes to worst … we can fund it properly (at the budget meeting in April)?” Frank suggested.

The commission will continue discussion at its Dec. 7 meeting.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Hundreds rise to American Legion’s Challenge 22

Guests took a moment at the two veteran walls: the Patriot Guard Riders’ Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism.

Left: Andres Acevedo, a veteran who served in Iraq, spent some time at the veteran walls. His two brothers served in Vietnam, and the family was blessed to see their return.

A

Many veterans showed up for the American Legion RuckWalk.

bout 500 people took the challenge to walk the 2.2 miles Saturday, Nov. 13, and, more importantly, to help raise money for an important American Legion cause.

Winter Garden Post 63 held its annual Challenge 22 RuckWalk at Veterans Memorial Park with hundreds of participants rallying for the goal of ending veteran suicide. The event was open to the community and offered live music, a patriotic ceremony, 2.2-mile walk around Winter Garden, car show, barbecue lunch, activities and two veteran walls. Two local World War II veterans, 99-year-old Mel Jenner and 100-year-old Gilbert Waganheim, were recognized for their birthdays.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Three Winter Garden firefighters walked the 2.2 miles in full gear.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Winter Garden Christmas tree stand moves to Windermere High School Although it isn’t at the corner of Dillard and Plant streets, Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees is still open.

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Regular visitors to Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees were concerned not to see the tent go up at the corner of Dillard and Plant streets in Winter Garden like it had been for the last five years. Instead, they got a sign telling them that the stand had moved to Windermere High School this year.

Owner Billy Flanigan, however, was quick to assure customers there was nothing nefarious about the arrangement.

“We didn’t get the permit forms in on time to get it,” he said. “The city said that they needed the spot for extra parking, but they helped us out by getting another spot. We’re still up and running, but it just didn’t work out.”

The city of Winter Garden suggested a spot on Dillard Street, but Flanigan turned it down because the spot was not big enough for the tents.

Eventually, it was decided he would move the stand to just outside the gates of Windermere High School.

For those who have never been to Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees before, this is not the average Christmas tree stand typical for the rest of the country. Flanigan and coowner Michael Waxler go out of their way to make shopping for a Christmas tree enjoyable for the whole family.

“We try to be the Disneyland of Christmas trees,” Flanigan said. “Our

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SANTA’S OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS TREES WHERE: Outside Windermere High School, 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere HOURS: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends; after school to 9 p.m. on weekdays 2021_CTW-30258_Print_Orlando_West Orange Times_ENG_3.639x3.333_11-11-21-F.pdf

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story is that Santa comes around every year and checks the trees to make sure they are of the highest quality. That’s why we top every tree with a Santa hat.”

The minute you walk in, there is Christmas music playing to get people into the holiday spirit as they walk around looking for the perfect tree. For the kids, there is a station at which they can write their letters to Santa, complete with a mailbox so their letters can be sent to the big guy himself. There is also a Santa coat for the parents to wear for photos.

Melinda Kane, a resident of Winter Garden, said ever since she moved to the area eight years ago, she always gets her Christmas tree from the stand.

“The friendly staff and the great trees keep me coming back,” Kane said. “My grandchildren would join me every time, which made it all the more fun.”

Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees is very much a family operation. Flanigan and Waxler have several family members who help operate the tent and load trees. Workers also make their own wreaths by hand and sell them on average between $30 and $40. The cost of a tree depends on the size. Smaller trees go for around $100, medium ones for between $200 and $300, and big ones go between $300 and $400.

All the benefits from the tent go to the Windermere High School Chorus as part of its fundraiser for the year.

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Billy Flanigan does his best to make the Christmas tree-buying experience fun for everyone.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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A white Christmas for one night, courtesy of Bubble Bus Orlando.

An audience full of smartphones captured the magic.

Let there be light!

F

oot traffic on Main Street reached Black Friday proportions for Light Up Windermere Friday, Nov. 19, in the town of Windermere. The event, sponsored by Family Church, featured choirs, food trucks, a deejay and the ceremonial lighting of the holiday décor at Town Hall. Dancers from the White Swan Academy performed inside Town Hall as crowds mingled and jingled in holiday themed attire. And a special “snowfall” from Bubble Bus Orlando had everyone playing in a winter wonderland.

— JIM CARCHIDI

Ashley Martinez with daughters, Addison and Stella.

Above: The dancers of White Swan Academy performed inside Windermere Town Hall.

Right: Dax Pearson made a bold fashion statement of his own.

Maria and Ana Teixeira with their dog, Larry.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Jayme Beam roasted marshmallows as her son, Wesley, watched from a respectable distance.

Light Up Independence leaves residents wanting s’more

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The Singh family: Amanda, Layla, Alana, Dulzie, Angelisa and Brian

Ellie, Kyle and Breanne Willnow

Linda, Michael and Leslie Sorrough were among the first residents to brave the rain and enjoy the festivities.

ower Green was covered in white for Light Up Independence.

Residents came out for the first neighborhood Christmas celebration of the season with food trucks, hot chocolate and even a snowfall. The rain and an appearance

by The Grinch did not dampen the holiday spirit as guests made s’mores, danced to holiday music and counted down to the clock tower lighting.

Lyra Leatherbee couldn’t wait to dig into a marshmallow just as soon as mom, Kaitlin, and sister, Nora, gave her one.

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THESE OLD TIMES

NOV. 25, 1971 It might only be Thanksgiving, but who’s to say you can’t start Christmas shopping a little early? Winter’s Radio & TV Sales and Service was advertising its merchandise in The Winter Garden Times, and this week’s ad featured “sheer brilliance!” — a 1972 Zenith super-screen 19-inch Chromacolor television in a compact size.

The TV was encased in a grained American walnut-colored cabinet and included VHF/UHF deluxe Spotlite panels, a Chromacolor picture tube, super video range tuner, and five- and three-inch twin-cone speaker.

Winter’s Radio & TV was located on South Main Street in downtown Winter Garden.

80 YEARS AGO

Mrs. C.M. Biggers was appointed chairman of the 1941 Christmas seal sale.

70 YEARS AGO

The Pop Warner football team of Winter Garden was invited to play a bowl game against a team from Tennessee Thanksgiving weekend.

Players are Andrew Bailey, Claude Hawthorne, Kevin Munroe, Ricky Freeman, Dennis Lindsey, Terry Thomas, Dean Campbell, Brian Schaus, Nicky Adams, Mike Clark, Ronnie Fleming, Jim Karr, Mike

11

THROWBACK THURSDAY

The marriage of Miss Beulah Carter to Tom W. Zeigler was an event of Sunday afternoon at the home of the Rev. E.J. Daniels, of Ocoee. Miss Marjorie Bennett and Milton Deariso were the attendants for the bridal pair.

50 YEARS AGO

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

85 YEARS AGO

Mrs. Ward Britt entertained a group of boys with a wiener roast at the city dock in honor of her son Ward’s 11th birthday. They then went to the theater for a picture show. Attending were Tommy DeLoach, Don Dickerson, Stanley Roper, Johnny Martin, Tommy Martin, Bill Cappleman, Howard Hitchcock, Richard McCord, Lamar Burgess, Bobby Register, Lamar Carter and Jody Gufford.

Mrs. Robert Macchi entertained at a party for her son, Jim, on his fourth birthday. Among the guests were Lee Farnsworth, Richard Farnsworth, Douglas Girvin, Ralph Girvin, Phil Cross, Stanley Lege, John Duggan, Charles Arrington, Nan Marden, Beth Minor, Janie Willis, Eva Jane Hovsepian, Betty Stopinski and Susan Macchi.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES A hunting party south of Holopaw in 1963 features a group of West Orange County men on a turkey shoot. Back row, from left: George Joiner, Blossom Davis, Bill Dann, Hank Shepherd Sr., Hank’s son and Selby Burch. Bob Ellis kneels in front. All of them are displaying their bounty of wild turkeys. This photo from the archives of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation was donated by Selby Burch.

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.

Davis, Eddie Thomas, Joe Sellati, Ricky Maloy, Bruce Smith, Greg Morrison, Kenny Ison and Mark Ezzard.

The board of directors of the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce elected Larry “Joe” Walker, manager of the Winn-Dixie Supermarket, to be president for the upcoming year. Other officers named were Wilson Griffith, of Griffith Tire Company, vice president; and Bob Ellis, of Ellis Inc., second vice president.

40 YEARS AGO

Buster Dodd, who started work at Pounds Motor Company at age 14, retired after 55 years of service.

The only time he was away from his job was when he served in World War II.

20 YEARS AGO

Businesswoman and community leader Stina D’Uva was named president of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Helping Dillard Street Elementary School celebrate its 50th anniversary were many former teachers and staff members: former Principal Jake Voss, Susan Lynch, Angela Laird, Lorraine Hasson, Margaret Cockrell, Pat Lynch, Susan Cardaci, Rose West, Harriette Grimes, Geraldine Wise, Angie Osborne, Ronda Sadler, Mary B. Eddy, Nancy Dabbs, Glenda Floyd, Helen Kennedy, Joan Steward and Maxine Sanders.

Introducing a better way to bank in Winter Garden.

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W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

REAL ESTATE

HARD WORK deserves to be

RECOGNIZED .

Some are dreamers. Some are talented You are both.

e Your hard work, dedication and disciplin are have paid off. You’re graduating! We this unbelievably proud of you and know success. is only the beginning of your

- Mom & Dad

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The home at 8613 Saint Marino Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 19, for $1.15 million. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Nov. 14 to 20.

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LET’S CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2022

A

home in the Wauseon

Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth

Bay area of Windermere

celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors at all of

topped all West Orange-

our area’s public, private and charter high schools.

area residential real-estate

Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their

transactions from Nov. 12 to

accomplishments with a personalized congratulatory card

20.

in our 2022 Graduation section.

The home at 50 Forest St.,

DEADLINE FOR EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT TUESDAY, NOV. 30, 2021

Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $4 million. Built in 1956,

DATE OF PUBLICATION THURSDAY, MAY 19

it has six bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and

Order your Senior Shoutout: OrangeObserver.com/class-of-2022

7,388 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

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SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 80 High Sale Price: $4 million Low Sale Price: $155,000 CYPRESS POINT

The home at 9111 Great Heron Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $1,010,000. Built in 1993, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,374 square feet of living area. Days on market: 54.

KENSINGTON PARK

The home at 4892 Keeneland Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 16, for $895,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,433 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. PARKSIDE

selling homes in each

The home at 8047 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 19, for $770,000.

Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,787 square feet of living area. Days on market: 117.

community in West Orange.

PHILLIPS BAY CONDOMINIUMS

These are the highest-

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The home at 6011 Tarawood Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $785,000.

Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,300 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 64.

BELLE NOTTE AT VIZCAYA

The townhouse at 8308 Via Verona, Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $530,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,363 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

The home at 7532 Bay Port Road, No. 18, Orlando, sold Nov. 18, for $345,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,808 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

SANDPOINTE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 7708 Chapel Hill Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 16, for $299,900. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,147 square feet of living area.

HEALTH MATTERS Coming Thursday, Dec. 2 Smiling provides a multitude of benefits for you and others around you.

Whether you’re having a stressful day or suffering from depression, science says that smiling will turn that frown upside down.

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Learn how smiling is bound to boost your mood in this month’s Health Matters.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 14317 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $527,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,214 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. NEWBURY PARK

The townhouse at 8515 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 18, for $320,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,512 square feet of living area.

OASIS COVE

The condo at 14236 Oasis Cove Blvd., No. 3204, Windermere, sold Nov. 18, for $320,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

PRESTON SQUARE

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The home at 50 Forest St., Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $4 million. This 7,388-square-foot compound sits on a peninsula, comprising three combined lots with 180-degree panoramic views of Lake Butler.

SHADOW BAY SPRINGS

The home at 4871 Spring Run Ave., Orlando, sold Nov. 18, for $395,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,588 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

VISTAS AT PHILLIPS COMMONS

The townhouse at 6831 Hochad Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 18, for $330,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,540 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 13.

VIZCAYA

HORIZON WEST

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 13517 Parkfield Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $510,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,913 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

HAMILTON GARDENS

The home at 6138 Glory Bower Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $480,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,128 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 8613 Saint Marino Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 19, for $1.15 million. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 4,695 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 16481 Silversaw Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $485,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,138 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

VIZCAYA TOWNHOMES

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The townhouse at 9253 Tivoli Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 17, for $537,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,818 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

The home at 15722 Sweet Lemon Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $685,125. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,613 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 15567 Kinnow Mandarin Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $513,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,354 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 7231 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $475,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,104 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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THE SANCTUARY AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 7040 Kiwano Way, Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $450,970. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,058 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

STOREY GROVE

The townhouse at 11018 Suspense Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $355,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,636 square feet of living area.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7816 Winter Wren St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $535,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,614 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

The townhouse at 7114 Ventnor Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $386,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,105 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

The home at 14544 Spotted Sandpiper Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 18, for $485,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,772 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES

SUMMERPORT

The home at 9425 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $839,019. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,309 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

The home at 9343 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $640,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,241 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

The home at 13922 Bluebird Park Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $650,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,323 square feet of living area.

The home at 13714 Bluebird Pond Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $569,900. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,907 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 14

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 7540 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $610,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,409 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 13005 Penshurst Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 19, for $492,500. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,948 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

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The home at 9425 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 15, for $839,019. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Nov. 14 to 20.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

REAL ESTATE

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8655 Flagship Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $550,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

The townhouse at 16162 Egret Pointe Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $390,495. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,817 square feet of living area.

WATERMARK

The home at 14542 Winter Stay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 18, for $629,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,930 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

The home at 6110 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold Nov. 19, for $832,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,402 square feet of living area. Days on market: 77.

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

The home at 11661 Black Rail St., Windermere, sold Nov. 19, for $455,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,139 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Six.

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

The home at 6310 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold Nov. 19, for $435,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,139 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Seven.

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

OAKLAND

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

The home at 338 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold Nov. 16, for $650,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,574 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

HULL ISLAND RESERVE

The home at 715 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, sold Nov. 19, for $450,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 106.

JOHNS LANDING

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

OCOEE

FAIRFAX VILLAGE

The home at 248 Wescliff Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 17, for $329,000.

Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,505 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

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The townhouse at 2547 Sweet Viburnum Way, Ocoee, sold Nov. 15, for $343,635. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,808 square feet of living area.

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LAKEVIEW

The home at 601 Spring St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $321,500. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,945 square feet of living area. Days on market: 72.

OAK TRAIL RESERVE

The home at 2950 Timber Hawk Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $375,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,853 square feet. Days on market: 46.

REFLECTIONS

The home at 909 Cool Springs Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $355,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,915 square feet. Days on market: Four.

RESERVE

The home at 1056 Royal Marquis Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 15, for $360,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,992 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. SAWMILL

The home at 5224 Mill Stream Road, Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $350,000.

Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,752 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. SOUTH SPRINGDALE

The home at 1218 Freedom Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 17, for $265,000.

Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,100 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. SPRADLEY OAKS

The home at 617 Hill Ave., Ocoee, sold Nov. 19, for $271,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,338 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. VILLAGES OF WESMERE

The home at 185 Spruce Pine Road, Ocoee, sold Nov. 12, for $310,000.

Built in 2011, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,161 square feet of living area.

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 160 Braelock Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $650,000.

Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,777 square feet. Days on market: 21.

WEST ORANGE OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5626 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 18, for $1,170,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 4,900 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. TILDENS GROVE

The home at 13354 Bonica Way, Windermere, sold Nov. 19, for $1,625,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,583 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

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OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

15

zillow.com

WINDERMERE

ALADAR ON LAKE BUTLER

The home at 802 W. Second Ave., Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $2.7 million. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 4,865 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 9222 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $1.45 million. Built in 2009, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 5,310 square feet of living area. Days on market: 85.

The home at 6160 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 16, for $1.25 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,780 square feet of living area.

The home at 8518 Eagles Loop Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 15, for $1.2 million. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,898 square feet of living area.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 13798 Jomatt Loop, No. 72, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $600,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,804 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 44.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

The home at 327 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $655,000.

Built in 1939, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,211 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. The home at 16 W. Cypress St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $490,000. Built in 2002, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 2,530 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET

The townhouse at 659 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $501,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,850 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

The home at 11530 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $749,900. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 107.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 6527 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 17, for $935,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,844 square feet of living area.

WINTER GARDEN AMBERLEIGH

The home at 373 Lake Amberleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 15, for $375,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,893 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14426 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $625,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,800 square feet of living area.

The home at 160 Braelock Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 16, for $650,000.

It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Nov. 12 to 20.

The home at 3311 Hanging Tide St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 17, for $474,520. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,376 square feet of living area.

The home at 13525 Tenbury Wells Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $540,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,617 square feet of living area. Days on market: 62.

WATERSIDE

The home at 1351 Waverunner Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 19, for $381,115. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,023 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

Looking for local resources?

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WINTERMERE POINTE

The home at 2285 Wintermere Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 16, for $753,777. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,241 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 26.

Happy Birthday Kelly!

11/27/1969 - 11/23/2000

21 Years without You! !"#$%&'$&$()*+,$-,++./$0%&0$1"#+'$+*2%0$#3$&$'&45,6,'$ 4"")7$86(0,&'$*0$+*2%0($#3$0%,$%,&9,6($(5.:$ !"#$%&'$&$%,&40$("$;#++$";$+"9,/$ <#0$6"=$*0$<,+"62($0"$%,&9,6$&<"9,: >,$+"9,$."#$(0*++/$."#$56"=$*0?($04#,$<#0/$"%$).$-,++./$ =,$&4,$)*((*62$."#: !"#4$24&6'1%*+'4,6$=*++$24"=$#3$0"$56"=$0%,. $%&9,$&$(3,1*&+$24&6')&$*6$%,&9,6$=&01%*62$"9,4$ 0%,):$!"#$%&9,$@$6"=:$A4&60+,./$B#66&4/$C9,4.$D$ 0%,(,$&4,$A4&6'"6?($1%*+'4,67$$-.6(+,,/$E&'+,./$ F.6+,*2%$$D$0%,(,$&4,$C#(0*6?($1%*+'4,67

From food resources to mental health counseling and housing resources, HUBB connects you to available programs and services in the community. Check it out at HWOHUBB.org or call 407-337-6920.

Join the Conversation!

!"#4$<4"0%,4/$-,9*6/$*($6"=$&$24&6'3&$0"$ G,66"6$H&,$&6'$%,$*($("$34"#'7$$ E,$(0*++$)*((,($."#$("$)#1%::

Love, Your Family and Friends

Kelly Wise-Henry Working Together Towards a Healthier West Orange

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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

MASKS WILL BE OPTIONAL AT OCPS SCHOOLS In response to new bills prohibiting vaccine mandates signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week, OCPS announced that wearing masks will be made optional.

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 29, after Thanksgiving break, masks will become optional for all adults, including visitors, vendors and volunteers on OCPS property.

OCPS officials said the change is a result of the new bills signed by DeSantis Thursday, Nov. 18.

“Masks will now be optional for students in OCPS buildings and vehicles,” OCPS officials said in a statement. “Parent notes are no longer required, and staff will no longer monitor face mask compliance.”

Vaccination events will continue to be offered at OCPS locations after Thanksgiving break.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

JOY HAMILTON, SUNRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL As Exceptional Student Education program assistant at SunRidge Middle School, Joy Hamilton supports students academically and behaviorally. She strives to develop individual relationships and help students feel safe and valued. She has been nominated Support Person of the Year three times at SunRidge, but this year, she is a Support Person of the Year finalist for Orange County Public Schools.

WOHS MUSICIANS SELECTED FOR ORCHESTRA

Fourteen West Orange High School students were selected to participate in the Orange County Public Schools All-County Orchestra.

The OCPS All-County series is a collection of concerts and performances celebrating student achievement and featuring young adults from the arts programs of OCPS. According to WOHS Director of Bands & Orchestra Kenneth A. Boyd, the students recorded an audition that was adjudicated by the OCPS orchestra faculty. The best auditions were then selected to perform in the All-County Orchestra.

The West Orange students include Alex Candell (violin), Mackenzie Coultoff (violin), Adrienne Fee (bass), Hannah Imler (violin), Janna Khan (bass), Samantha Neville (cello), Issy Sharp (viola), Leah Thai (violin), Jenna Thai (cello), Alex Vissepo (cello), Dawson Beach (percussion), Garrett Boyd (trumpet), Payton Lourdel (percussion) and Connor Tatum (trumpet).

What brought you to your school?

Before working for Orange County Public Schools, I was a program coordinator for the YMCA of Central Florida. (Because) children spend most of their day on campus, I decided to cultivate my youth development my skills in youth development to the school environment.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Rest. I work really hard, but I am a firm believer in resting. It is good for your physical and mental health. Anything that brings me peace, I do. This could be streaming TV shows or movies, reading, sitting out on the balcony, meditating and even cleaning!

What do you love most about your school?

What I love most about my school is the common goal of student success shared between departments. For example, the collaborative effort from the ESE Behavior team, counseling team and discipline team to support students who struggle in the classroom, makes me feel like we are proactive in cultivating their emotional development, rather than reactive.

To me, that is extremely important.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school and why?

My favorite teacher in school is Mrs. Rudy. She was my secondgrade teacher at a private school I attended, and she was the kindest woman I’ve ever known. She was always so gentle with us, even when I’m sure we frustrated her, and I strongly believe that has left an impression on how I connect with students today.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is simple — it’s the youth. Seeing them develop and strive to be the best version of themselves makes me want to do the same.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is watching the skills or tools that my colleagues and I implement into the students come to life. To know that they are absorbing the knowledge shared to them, whether for the classroom or amongst their peers, is a monumental reward in and of itself.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. Now that I’m an adult, I realize I’ve always wanted to help children the way adults helped me. However, as I got older, I realized being in the medical field wasn’t my calling and ultimately found another way to help kids.

What is your favorite children’s book?

“Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth.” Honestly, the entire collection was a staple in my childhood. Junie was expressive and unapologetically herself, and I wasn’t used to seeing kids, especially girls, being portrayed that way in literature.

Being authentic is a struggle for everybody, particularly children, and that’s why I believe it’s a life lesson we should never stop sharing.

What are your hobbies?

I have a wide range of hobbies but most of them lean toward creativity or the arts. I love to draw, color and paint. I also enjoy dancing, going to the movies with my family and biking the West Orange Trail with my sister and friends.

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

If I had a superpower, it would be healing. I often wish I could heal the world. Get rid of the bigotry, disease, violence and poverty.

I’m aware I could never heal all of humanity, but I try my best to spread love with whomever I cross paths.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Dawn Richard, Fred Hammond and Rihanna. Dawn taught me resilience, Rihanna taught me authenticity, and Fred’s music got me through darker moments in my life.

All of these artists helped shape who I am now.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Exceptional Student Education program assistant TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years

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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17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

My go-to lunch in elementary school was a sandwich, chips, fruit or vegetable and a YooHoo! My favorite snack growing up was Ritz crackers with peanut butter. My sister and I ate them every day when we got home after school.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas.

I always got to see my extended family on Christmas and eat good food. Obviously, the gifts were also a highlight as a kid, but now that I’m adult, being around my loved ones is what brings me the most joy.

Who was your best friend when you were in school? Are you still in touch?

I’ve had “best friends” in elementary and middle school, but I’d have to see my real best friend is my friend, Anthony. We met the summer before my junior year, when I left Edgewater High School, to attend summer school at Olympia High. We’ve been two peas in a pod (ever) since.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I went to Gotha Middle School and led a student newspaper there called The Gotha Gazette.

I also played the clarinet all through 12th grade. Marching band in high school was such a fun experience, and I wish I could go back and relive it one more time. As far as my academic success, I was always an Honor Roll student.

— JIM CARCHIDI

Andrew Jackson to lead Horizon High The Bridgewater Middle School principal has taken on the lead role at the new high school.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Andrew Jackson will have the honor of being the first principal to preside over Horizon High School’s first graduation. The Bridgewater Middle principal was appointed to the top position at the new high school earlier this month, and he assumes the position from Laura Beusse, who is retiring at the end of the semester.

“High school was always a dream,” Jackson said. “Seeing kids graduate; knowing they’re going off to college, a career, military; watching them grow from kids to adults — that’s a transition that can’t be replicated.

It’s band, Friday nights, water polo, tennis, golf. … You get to see kids in their element more so at that level.”

He released a message to his students and families of Bridgewater thanking them for the opportunity to serve for four-and-one-half years.

“My time at Bridgewater has been a storybook experience filled with love, laughter and tears, but as with all great books, a new chapter is inevitable,” he wrote.

Jackson’s new chapter at Horizon High begins Jan. 3, 2022. Prior to Bridgewater, he spent 20 years at the high school level, starting with West Orange High — from which he graduated in the early 1990s — and rising through the ranks from teacher to dean to assistant principal.

“I’m looking forward to the relationships,” he said. “Education is what we do, but we’re really in the people business. You try to get

however many teachers and staff there working toward the same vision, which is to teach students.”

At Horizon High, Jackson will have the opportunity to serve alongside people with whom he previously worked, including Wendy Cartwright, Glenda Hammonds, Wessal Kenaio, Anthony Russell and Craig Smith. Many also were at West Orange.

He is excited to grow the culture Beusse started and is ready to build relationships with his team and his students. He said one of his mentors, Mike Armbruster, a retired Orange County Public Schools educator, instilled the idea of creating a culture at each school he leads — giving students a sense of belonging and giving them something that is uniquely theirs.

Jackson began his OCPS career in 1997, when he was hired by Armbruster, then the WOHS principal, to teach ESE English. He also taught a program called Compact that was intended to support students who had serious struggles in life, such as living in foster care or witnessing the death of a family member.

“The intention was to teach them life skills and decision-making skills, and set them up with mentors,” he said.

Jackson also taught social studies, economics and world history; was an academic dean for almost three years; and became the assistant principal of instruction in 2007. He left in 2014 for Osceola High, a job he said probably accelerated his career.

Courtesy photo

Andrew Jackson began his career in OCPS in 1997.

He returned in 2017 to West Orange, when he accepted the principal’s position at Bridgewater Middle.

“This is my 25th year in education, and it’s gone by unbelievably fast,” he said. “I look back and think I’m still a 22-year-old teaching.”

Jackson holds a master’s degree in education leadership. He said he originally sought the degree because he loved learning, but it certainly has pushed him forward in his career.

“I’m humbled, and I’m shocked,” he said.

But, he added, he feels he is well prepared for the transition from middle school to high school.

“Bridgewater is an absolutely magical school that has phenomenal students and a great supportive community,” Jackson said. “I’m excited that I’m going to be able to continue to serve this community, the Horizon West area, and a lot of the Bridgewater kids will go there.

I’m excited about the next step in my career. And I’m excited to lead a high school. It will be a challenge, but it will be magical and all the hard work won’t feel like hard work.

“Good things keep happening, so I just keep trying to pay it forward,” he said.

“My time at Bridgewater has been a storybook experience filled with love, laughter and tears, but as with all great books, a new chapter is inevitable.”

— Andrew Jackson

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11-25-21

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

1

5

Junior Sarah Lytle is a team captain for The First Academy’s girls basketball team. Page 20.

Did it for Yoko

Foundation Academy’s Braden Holcomb was named the third best shortstop in Baseball America’s Class of 2023 high-school rankings Nov. 20. Holcomb is a two-sport star, playing both football and baseball for Foundation.

He has expressed a verbal commitment to play baseball for Vanderbilt.

2

Horizon’s girls soccer team continues its unbeaten streak, as it laid a 9-1 smackdown on Umatilla High School Nov. 19. Junior midfielder Kaia Pritchett scored a hat trick, and Aida Bell found the back of the net twice to lead the way for the Hawks, who improved to 3-0 on the young season. Horizon’s next game will be against South Lake Nov. 30 after the Thanksgiving break.

3

Olympia golfer Aaron Leach finished fourth at the FHSAA Class 3A golf tournament Nov. 17. Leach shot a 75 on Day 1 and a 74 on Day 2 to finish at 7-over-par for the tournament. The Windermere boys team took fourth place with a combined 620, led by Caden Burr, who finished 29th in the tournament.

Photos by Chris Martucci

Presenting your Class 1A state champions, the Windermere Prep Lakers: (left to right) Sophia Zheng, Alicia Qian, Mi Li, Mandy Zhai, Angela Wang, Yoko Tai, and head coach Rick Stewart.

Windermere Prep’s girls golf team captured its first state championship title since 2011.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

W

4

A group of Windermere Prep athletes hosted a community workout Nov. 20 as part of its service project for the year. Attendees were encouraged to bring nonperishable food items as part of a food drive the group hosted in conjunction with the workout.

The workout featured something for every age group and raised a large amount of food to be given away over the Thanksgiving holiday.

5

West Orange is the last team standing of all West Orange County teams in the FHSAA playoffs, after its 16-7 victory over Osceola.

The First Academy lost to Benjamin 55-24. The Warriors will travel Nov. 26 to Venice for the regional final as they look to advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 2015.

Fans can purchase tickets on the GoFan app.

indermere Prep’s girls golf team was confident heading into the Class 1A state tournament for golf.

After finishing second at districts, the Lakers won the regional title and were brimming with confidence heading into states.

But, that all changed when the Lakers received some unexpected news that sent shockwaves through the team.

Windermere Prep’s No. 1 golfer, senior Yoko Tai, would not be competing at states. Instead, she would be representing her home country of Singapore at the World Amateur Asia-Pacific golf tournament in Abu Dhabi, which coincided with the state tournament. Although that is certainly an accomplishment worth celebrating, it meant that each member of the Lakers would have to pull her weight in the team’s bid for a state championship.

Head coach Rick Stewart was confident, however, that his team would do just that.

“We still had four solid golfers; we were just looking for a fifth,” Stewart said. “We got that in Sophia (Zhang) … and we went from there.”

Junior Mindy Zhai and the team looked at the bigger picture in terms of what this would mean to

the school, knowing it had been 10 years since the golf team won a state championship.

“We wanted to give something back, and so we said, ‘Can’t we do that again?’” Zhai said.

Heading into states, their battle cry was D.I.F.Y. — Do It For Yoko.

With a little bit of help in the final round, the Lakers did just that and clinched their first state championship in golf since 2011, the second of their back-to-back state titles.

“I couldn’t be happier for the team and the way they played,” Tai said.

“COVID really hurt the team last year, so it feels great to win states.

This was truly a team effort.”

Before the tournament, Tai had one message to the team: Win outright, and avoid a playoff at all costs.

“It would have been way too stressful,” Tai said.

The team shot a combined 583, including a 287 in the second round to fend off a late challenge by Lake Mary Prep, which shot a 282 on the second day to make a more interesting finish. Lake Mary Prep finished with a 588 combined and watched the Lakers shoot on the final hole in a perceived intimidation move.

It didn’t work. The Lakers all parred the final hole to cement their victory.

“I felt we had it after Mindy (Zhai) parred,” golfer Alicia Qian said. “It was a hesitant feeling at first, but after she did, it was a feeling of, ‘OK,

we can celebrate freely now.’”

For Stewart, it was an unexpected surprise — this was his first year as the head coach.

“We were still getting to know (one another), so I wasn’t sure what would happen,” Stewart said. “I’m excited and happy for the team. They fought all year long and deserve it. This is a great team to be around.”

Until that final hole, the Lakers were looking for a spark to get them going. Zhai provided that when she hit three consecutive birdies as part of five she hit to maintain the team’s lead. She finished the tournament in sixth place with a 142 overall.

Now that they have gotten one championship, the team is not satisfied. They want more.

“Next year, it’s do it for Mindy,” Qian said.

“We, of course, want to win states again,” Stewart said. “I want to build a championship team with multiple championships.”

“I couldn’t be happier for the team and the way they played. COVID really hurt the team last year, so it feels great to win states.

This was truly a team effort.”

— Yoko Tai

Wolverines reflect on historic season Windermere High fell to Plant 3-2 in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

As soon as the ball hit the floor of the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Windermere’s dream season, which saw them break milestone after milestone, came to a screeching halt.

As teammates from the Plant High School’s volleyball squad jumped on one another in celebration —

completing a comeback — the Wolverines burned the image into their brains. They were so close to achieving what no Windermere team had done before them — claiming a state championship.

They were one set away from doing just that.

In what was truly an all-time classic, Windermere and Plant split the first two sets by almost identical scores of 25-23 in the first and 25-22 in the second. Windermere then took the lead by winning the third set 25-22 to go ahead 2-1 on the scoreboard. The game had been a hard-fought, backand-forth match, with neither team

getting much of a jump on the other.

This was the Wolverines’ big chance.

One more victory, and they would be state champions.

Back home in Windermere, fans piled into Gator’s Dockside in Lakeside Village to bear witness to what they hoped would be history in the making.

With every point scored, the noise grew louder. The anticipation was thick as Windermere’s fans waited for one last victory. Then, it would really turn into a party.

But the volleyball gods are a cruel bunch. Even after all the blessings they had bestowed on Windermere this season, they seemed to have

decided to sit this one out.

Down to its last set, Plant caught fire at the end and took the last two sets in convincing fashion. They won the fourth set 25-14 and the fifth by a score of 15-9. The Wolverines took five straight potential match points in the fifth set to keep themselves alive, but once that final ball hit the floor for the Panthers’ 15th point, it was over.

“It was a great game against a tough opponent,” head coach Daniel “Omi” Fuentes said of Plant. “That’s a high level of volleyball over (at Plant). …

Even when they were down, they SEE VOLLEYBALL PAGE 21

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

20

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PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

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

Sarah Lytle Sarah Lytle is a junior at The First Academy and plays on the girls basketball team. She is primarily a point guard but also plays shooting guard and small forward for the Royals. Prior to the season, she was named team captain, along with senior Ava Schmid. Lytle came to TFA for high school after attending another school in Kissimmee for middle school. She enjoys the team atmosphere TFA provides not only on the court but also in the classroom.

How did you get started in basketball?

I went to a private school in Kissimmee. The coach was Coach Bogues— he was a big name for basketball. He was one of my teachers and one of my friend’s dads. He always said, ‘You’d be really good at basketball,’ and so I tried out. I was a three-point shooter for the team, and now I’m at TFA playing point guard. The family and basketball kept me wanting to play.

THE BASICS AGE: 16 SCHOOL: The First Academy GRADE: Junior SPORT: Basketball POSITION: PG/SG/SF

feel fun because of the team atmosphere or be grateful for the people surrounding you.

Feeling like everyone has a position on the team and that it’s something they can enjoy. Being there for others this season and having fun doing it is what I want to do.

Describe your style of play as a point guard.

I look to give it to someone else, and I love shooting threes. Any opportunity for that, I love to taking charge and being a good outlook to everybody there. I like to make everyone feel comfortable in their positions (and) knowing their specific shots. I make sure everyone is in their right spot, (and) I’ll give them the ball.

Favorite holiday movie?

“Elf.”

Photos by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Favorite TV/Netflix show?

“The Flash” or a doctor show like “The Good Doctor.” I don’t have much time for TV, because I’m always practicing.

Who are your basketball influences?

Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant.

I watch a lot and know the game from their plays and how they made sure to take charge on and off the court. That’s what I want to be like.

With Thanksgiving upon us, what are three things that you are thankful for this year?

My family, my supporters always being there and pushing me along where I need to be, sports, and God for giving me athletic ability.

What was it like to be named team captain this year?

It was interesting, because the girls voted anonymously. It was pretty cool to see everybody voted for me and how they saw that position in me. I love being a fun person on the court, because I enjoy the sport. I’ll play music at practice or make sure everyone is having a fun time at practice, because I don’t want it to be stressful at all for new girls. It’s made it such a fun atmosphere already this season. We’ve all had fun so far through four games, and it gets me excited.

Favorite basketball memory?

Getting hyped in the locker room before the game. At my old school, coach would get hyped with us, and it felt like family and made everyone enjoy what we’re doing. Tournament days were fun, too. The family environment of it would probably be my favorite thing overall.

What are your goals heading into the season?

Making sure basketball is always fun. No sport should ever not

Disney or Universal?

Disney — my favorite ride is Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, which is my favorite park.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?

Australia or Bora Bora. They are two different places, but I like the outdoors field everywhere and the animals. I like animals.

Favorite animal?

Giraffes, elephants — safari animals, really. I like getting to see them on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride at Animal Kingdom.

What’s an interesting thing about you that no one would expect to know?

My heart for others. People see it, but I’d like to go on a mission trip one day and put my heart out teaching kids that don’t have the opportunity to play sports. Serving others without being paid, and making others feel like their future is worth much more than they feel.

West Orange overcomes rain, Osceola in playoff win West Orange had to battle not only Osceola, but also the elements as it outlasted the Kowboys 16-7 Friday, Nov. 19, to move on to the regional final.

On a wet, chilly night, West Orange struggled to get offense going in the first half. However, the Warrior defense forced a couple turnovers to help keep the game scoreless.

In the second half, the Warriors finally broke through and took command of the game with a 4-yard touchdown run from Terrell Walden. The defense then added points of its own by forcing a safety on a blocked punt from Tony Newsome to make the score 9-0 in the third quarter.

Osceola scored a touchdown to make it 9-7 in the fourth quarter.

In the final seconds, Eddie Kelly stripped the ball from Kowboys quarterback Chad Mascoe and took it into the end zone for a touchdown to put the final nail in the coffin.

The No. 2 seed Warriors will travel Friday, Nov. 26, to take on No. 1 seed Venice for the Class 8A, Region 3 final.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI

THE FIRST ACADEMY FALLS TO BENJAMIN The First Academy’s season came to an end against the Benjamin Buccaneers Friday, Nov. 19, in a 55-24 loss.

Running back Terrence Mosley scored two touchdowns on the ground, while Will Richards added another one, but it was not enough for the Royals.

TFA went into the half trailing 27-17, after Benjamin scored on the last play of the half.

From then on, an avalanche of Benjamin scores was too much for the Royals to make up.

TFA finishes its season with a 7-3 record.

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Windermere took time to celebrate its historic accomplishment after a hard-fought game in the state final against Plant.

Volleyball CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

“THE STONE THE BUILDERS REJECTED IS NOW THE CORNERSTONE.” –PSALMS 118:22 Photo by Chris Martucci

Windermere students and fans gathered at Gator’s Dockside in Lakeside Village to show their support and watch the game on television.

O

“That was the furthest point we had gone before, but they wanted more,” Fuentes said. “My favorite part was the way they celebrated that accomplishment.”

Next year, with much of the team still around, Fuentes hopes to use the experience the team gained from going five sets with Plant in the state championship to help them in the playoffs and get that state championship they came one set away from winning.

But for now, he appreciates just how big of a moment this was for his team, and the program.

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did its best to be easy on the new coach — even if it meant having to play positions the girls weren’t accustomed to playing before.

“Everybody understood what their roles were,” Fuentes said.

“For me, it was a great experience, because there was some fear that they would not listen, or they would not play another position for me. But it was a huge eye-opener during the season. I never had any opposition from them.”

And the Wolverines rode that trust all the way through a regular season during which they set the best record in school history at 23-3. They defeated Olympia in districts to win the district title then proceeded to roll through Mandarin and DeLand in the state playoffs before facing Lake Brantley in regionals. Windermere defeated the Patriots 3-1 to claim the regional championship for the first time ever.

Next up on the list was Jupiter, and after a five-set classic, the Wolverines made it to the state championship.

Fuentes said he felt something in the air on the bus ride back from that game.

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Even with a gut-wrenching loss like that one, Fuentes realized the magnitude of what that appearance meant to the school community.

“It’s rough when you’re so close, and you’re unable to close that, but we’re thankful for the opportunity that we got,” Fuentes said. “It was a dream season; a magic season.”

Despite coming so close to winning the state championship, the Wolverines already were recordbreakers before they stepped onto the court in Fort Myers. And on the long, three-hour bus ride back to Windermere, they still were recordbreakers.

They had gone where no other Windermere team had gone before in its short, four-year history.

Prior to the 2021 season, the furthest Windermere High School volleyball had gone was the regional semifinals — twice. Although that was respectable for a new program, it was only a matter of time before the Wolverines set their sights on something bigger.

That was not going to be easy — former coach Layla West left to take another job in the Orlando area before the 2021 season. West had been the Wolverines’ coach since they first started as a program in 2017.

Not only did the team have to adjust to a new leader, but it also had to deal with burgeoning expectations for a team rising through the ranks into the upper echelon of volleyball teams in Florida.

Fuentes recognized the challenge in front of him but was also excited by it. It also helped that his team understood the situation and

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DEADLINES: Classifieds - Friday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card Observer Media Group 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 the Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

368626

FAST & EASY CERTIFICATION

Merchandise Wanted

DELIVERY

366934

Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

FREE

407-755-0012

1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803

SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495

www.CMMDR.COM

SMOKE!

Accounting

Winter Garden NOW PURCHASING

366939

366982

GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD HERE

We are looking for a MA for a fastpaced pediatric medical office. We are seeking an experienced, highly selfmotivated professional to work on our excellent team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and Responsibities include, but are not limited to the following: · Vitals/ measurements and giving vaccine · Complete required health/vaccine forms and documents, Florida Shots · Help to triage / return patient phone calls · Help perform catheters and circumcisions · Quickly room patients, perform intake and clean exam rooms as needed · Document care in EMR (e-clinical works) in compliance with standards of care and company policies · Order supplies, stock supplies and perform clerical duties · Must thrive an environment where communication and teamwork is critical REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a medical assistant program. We will require documentation of MA certificate. Pediatric experience is REQUIRED HOURS: 9- close (5:00-6:00) Monday- Thursday(when doctor is on call) 8- close (5:00-6:00) Monday - Thursday (when doctor is not on call) 8:00-12:00 Friday (when needed to cover a nurse) Every 3rd Saturday 7:30-12:00- (when office re-opens on Saturday's currently we are closed) Please contact Dawn at 407-290-9355 or email wopeds@westorlandopediatrics.com 10125 West Colonial drive suite 102 Ocoee, Fl. 34761

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

INFORMATION & RATES: 407-656-2121

redpages@orangeobserver.com • orangeobserver.com/redpages

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain

BUY & SELL HERE! This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

SEARCH

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You’re only cheating yourself.

peekers’ place

To advertise call 407-656-2121

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Change is the law of life. ...

Those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”

John F. Kennedy

Puzzle Two Solution: “My mom is always telling me it takes a long time to get to the top, but a short time to get to the bottom.”

Miley Cyrus

Puzzle Three Solution: “We are all ... part of the human race ... we need to be compassionate and giving and kind with one another.”

Katherine Heigl

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Advertise your business or service in the Observer

for great deals.

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 407-656-2121

To place an ad

407-656-2121

BUY STUFF HERE! Call 407-656-2121

Auto Service

Auto Service

Auto Service

ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD OFF 10% SERVICE • Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

368814

ANY

TODAY! CALL US TODAY! 11/30/21

407-877-7600

1150-B East Semoran Blvd. Apopka, FL, 32703

TRANSMISSION RE-SEALS

FLEET SERVICES

366930

TFN

BMW 3 Series

179.95

Mercedes C-Class

BMW 5 Series

199.95

Mercedes E-Class

$

TRANSMISSIONS

12939 W. Colonial Dr., Winter 34787 1150-B East Semoran Blvd. Garden, Apopka,FL FL, 32703

See store for details

BRAKE PAD SALE

179.95

$

199.95 Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor. $

366962

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT?

STRESS

FREE

Financing

$

Full Synthetic Oil Service ONLY

99.95

$

Includes up to 7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil and new filter.

Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 12/31/21

CALL 407-656-2121

OrangeObserver.com/RedPages

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Auto Service

Professional Services

|

23

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Roofing

CENTER STATE SLIDING GLASS DOOR MAINTENANCE

epair.

R r o o D s We are experts in Sliding Glas ll.

No job is too sma

“Your Complete Service Center” 10 West Story Rd., Winter Garden, FL 34787 REG# MV-01095

• Sliding Door Roller Replacement

Phone 407-656-6646

• Sliding Door Track Replacement

Richard Hudson • Regie Hudson

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL VETERAN OWNED

• Sliding Patio Door Alignment • Door Cut-Downs

366933

366937

• Handles and Locks • Window Repair

Veteran Owned and Operated

WE RECOMMEND LE INSTALLING A DOUB Y ER EV ON BOLT LOCK O TI PA G IN SLID DOOR.

RE-ROOF, NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS SHINGLES • TILE • METAL • FLAT ROOFS DURO-LAST 368050

TFN

Leading Central Florida

• Screen Door Repair and Replacement

Call us for a

: 407-521-8896 366961

FREE Estimate www.CSSlidingGlassDoorMaintenance.com 863-594-4788 centerstatesgd@gmail.com

TFN

TRAYWICK'S

Dale B. Croft

TFN

(407) 795-7882

366940

407-656-1817 Professional Services

Personal Property Liquidation Services 366966

• Estate Sales • Consignment • Downsizing • • Clean-Outs (Storage Units & Hoarder Homes) • • Buy-Outs •

367167

1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

FIRE TECH

EXTINGUISHER

SERVICE

1207 North Lakewood Avenue Ocoee, FL 34761

Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

102 W. McKey Street Historic Downtown Ocoee www.LetItGoLifestyle.com (407) 797-3534

ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 407-656-2121 to reserve your ad

ROCK STARS found here.

Fill the job here where you can actually meet and greet your next employee.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com

VIRUS & SPYWARE REMOVAL 366931

GARAGE

366935

Helping safeguard our drinking water through one

DATA & PASSWORD RECOVERY WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING FREE

ESTIMATES

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Saturday, November 27, 2021 Holiday Shopping Kickoff Special Savings and Promotions Charming Winter Wonderland Unique Gifts at One-of-a-Kind Shops Expansive Outdoor Dining Patios Seasonal Menus at Locally-Owned Restaurants Shop Early and Stay Late

Holiday Moonlight Movie a free community event

Train Ride for Tots and Preshow Activities – 5:30 pm Movie – 7:00 pm Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue Bring chairs and blankets!

FREE ADMISSION

Historic Downtown Winter Garden Sidewalk Sale

When you shop small, it helps big because a greater portion of your money spent stays local!

Remember to support the independently owned businesses in your community this holiday season and throughout the year.

www.cwgdn.com

www.downtownwg.com

368279-1

OBSERVER

FREE ADMISSION

24

. . . t i a But W

S ’ E R E H T !

E R MO

XNLV18913

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Tis the

season 2021 h o l i d ay h a p p e n i n g s in downtown winter garden ! !"#$%&!'(!)#*&+,!-.,/+*! !0%,#1&2.1!3.,./+! !4!5+,,6!)#*&+,!-.,/+*!"#$%&!7%89! !588*:#$%&!58;#+! ! ! !<8:#/.6!"#;+!5=1#>! !<8,1+!?,.9*!0.,,#.$+!@8=,1! !<8:#/.6A@%+2+/!3%8&8!7&.&#8*1!B!5=,.:!! ! ! !4!C+,6!5+,,6!D.,2+,1!5.,E+&! !D+1&#;+!"#$%&!?#1(:.61!B!?+>8,.&#8*1! !<8:#/.6!F8=&#G=+!7&,8::! !5=>%!58,+H! !

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december 3

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december 5

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december 9

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december 10

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december 11

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december 12

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december 17

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december 18

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december 19

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december 22

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december 23

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december 24

8#0+.%30'4-%8#(,1'2%I'00,':.%R#*0+6%% % NOPJCDOPJ%$&Q

december 26

8#0+.%30'4-%8#(,1'2%I'00,':.%R#*0+6%% % NOPJCDOPJ%$&Q

december 27

8#0+.%30'4-%8#(,1'2%I'00,':.%R#*0+6%% % NOPJCDOPJ%$&Q

december 28

8#0+.%30'4-%8#(,1'2%I'00,':.%R#*0+6%% % NOPJCDOPJ%$&Q

december 29

8#0+.%30'4-%8#(,1'2%I'00,':.%R#*0+6%% % NOPJCDOPJ%$&Q

december 30

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event details and reservation links at www.cwgdn.com and www.downtownwg.com