12.12.19 West Orange Times & Observer

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VOLUME 86, NO. 50

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Vel Heckman lauded on Gator gridiron. PAGE 3.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Ocoee plans progress on massacre memorial The event will honor the African Americans who had their lives and property taken.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Plans for the memorial event of the 100-year anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre are coming together.

In a presentation during the Dec. 3 Ocoee City Commission meeting, William Maxwell — SEE LEADERS PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN A merry Santa Claus tossed candy to children along the Ocoee Christmas Parade route.

What a bright time!

Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland ushered in the Christmas season with a weekend of holiday hoopla and season’s greetings. From morning parades to evening tree lightings, the weekend was packed with family fun.

Steve Namiotka snapped a few photos as he and his daughter, Cecilia, enjoyed some family time around Winter Garden’s Christmas tree at Light Up Winter Garden.

KIDS: HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO DROP SANTA A LINE

Hey, children, would you like to hear from Santa Claus?

Winter Garden residents can write a letter to Santa, and if they mail it to the United States Postal Service 34787 with a return address, the letter will be answered.

This is an annual program.

Peterson receives Hero Award The ONP president was given the Jim Thomas Environmental Hero Award last week.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

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The West Orange Warrior Band played holiday songs during the Winter Garden Christmas Parade.

Jordyn Mosby, 6, center, and 5-year-old twins Najah, left, and Nai’ll donned festive outfits and headbands for Oakland’s Santa Day and Light Up Oakland event.

SEE MORE ON PAGES 8-9

Not all heroes wear capes and jump over buildings — some of them just wear many hats and want to see the restoration of Florida’s natural resources.

The Friends of Lake Apopka recognized Oakland Nature Preserve President Jim PeterSEE ONP PAGE 4

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YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

CUISINE CORNER: TEA EDUCATION & TASTING 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Tea education for everyone from non-tea drinkers to those who have drunk tea their whole life. Taste two teas and learn about the history of tea, fun facts and different types of tea. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo, 101 W. Plant St. A lineup of talented musicians will perform favorite holiday tunes: Dec. 13, Key Harmony. Free. Cwgdn.com, (407) 656-4111.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

19TH ANNUAL JOHNS LAKE HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE 7:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Johns Lake Public Boat Ramp, 13620 Lake Blvd., Winter Garden. See a parade of boats decorated in lights. Take chairs and/or blankets. (407) 7018033.

MATTHEW’S HOPE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Matthew’s Hope, 611 Business Park Blvd., Suite 101, Winter Garden. The fun holiday event is open to the community but is geared to the younger homeless and at-risk children in West Orange County. There will be old-time carnival booths with prizes, a Santa’s Shop, visits with Santa Claus and more.

(407) 905-9500.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF CART PARADE 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, along the historic streets of Winter Garden. Lineup is tentatively starting at Bradford Park on Division Street. Neigh-

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

bors can enjoy the parade from their front porch. The golf carts will travel along cart-approved streets and end at Walker Field baseball fields at Smith Street and Park Avenue. Participants should take a minimum $50 donation (per cart), cash or check, for Edgewood Children’s Ranch.

For details and to register, go to the group’s Facebook page, Christmas Golf Cart Parade.

‘HOME ALONE 2 — LOST IN NEW YORK’ INTERACTIVE MOVIE 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The Wet Bandits are back! Can Kevin stop them from ruining Christmas in The Big Apple?

After the overwhelming positive response to 2018’s “Home Alone”: Interactive Film and Fun, here is the sequel. Tickets are $15 and available at the theater box office or at gardentheatre. org/movies/.

ROCK THE WRAP: HEADWRAP STYLING WORKSHOP 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. This educa-

tional and interactive experience provides step-by-step instruction of headwrap styling techniques. Learn about the significance and history of headwrapping. (407) 835-7323.

MONDAY, DEC. 16

MERRY MONDAY 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves, 3251 Daniels Road. Santa and his reindeer will make a visit and be available for photos.

TUESDAY, DEC. 17

LET’S CROCHET MINI HOLIDAY STOCKINGS 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Create fun mini holiday stockings that make great gifts. If you can crochet a granny square, then you’re all set to learn this quick project. (407) 835-7323.

MEET THE AUTHOR — KENDRA LOTT 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Sonata West, 420 Roper Road, Winter Garden. Meet the author of “Unique Eats and Eateries of Orlando,” Kendra Lott, and participate in a Q&A and book signing. Open to the public. Free to attend. (407) 654-3633.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS PARTY 6:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery, 21 S. Main St., Winter Garden. Children can paint a Christmas plate and then decorate a gingerbread cookie. Cost is $15. Seating is limited; prepay through Venmo (Mindy-Hungerford) or Paypal (Panache@gmail.com).

WINTER GARDEN BOOK CLUB 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. This month’s book is “Sahara,” by Clive Cussler. Dirk Pitt, on a mission to find the remains of a pharaoh’s funeral barge thought to be buried in the mud of the Nile, rescues an attractive woman from murderous thugs on a beach near Alexandria. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo, 101 W. Plant St. Musicians will perform favorite holiday tunes: Dec. 20, Roots & Rosin/Nicole Equerme/ Abigail Collins. Free. Cwgdn. com, (407) 656-4111.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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“Vel Heckman was the toughest coach I’ve ever been around; he made boys into men but cared about us all. I became a football coach for over 35 years because of him.”

— Russell Crouch, Lakeview Class of 1969

Amy Quesinberry

Vel Heckman still has his cleat that was bronzed following the first UF-FSU game in 1958. After playing football for the Florida Gators, Vel Heckman accepted the head coaching position at Lakeview High School in Winter Garden.

Mar-VEL-ous Heckman honored on Florida Field The Gotha resident was a Gator Great and 1958 All-American, but his greatest accolades still come from his former high school football players.

ruff from 1956 to 1958.

He was named to the All-American team his senior year.

Look magazine sponsored a trip to New York City for the team members; he recalled the entire team singing on national television with Perry Como. It was three days of entertaining; no football was played.

“We must have signed 500 footballs for them to hand out to dignitaries and others,” Heckman said. “I have one of them.”

Heckman went by his given name, Velles, until his sophomore year of college when a newspaper reporter watched the team scrimmaging and wrote “mar-VEL-ous” in the headline of a story the next day.

After college, Heckman signed with the San Francisco 49ers but never played an NFL game.

“I felt like it wasn’t enough money to play pro football,” he said.

“And that was my desire, but I just didn’t want to play for that kind of money.”

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

V

el Heckman found himself back on Florida Field last month, 61 years after playing in the first UF-FSU football game. So great was his defensive tackle game that Heckman was named a first-team AllAmerican in 1958.

Heckman returned to Gainesville Saturday, Nov. 30, to be recognized as the oldest Gator AllAmerican and for his role in the rivalry game. A photo of him in uniform was emblazoned on the big screen, taken six decades ago when crewcuts were the fashion.

“It was quite a thrill,” he said.

“It was nice that the head football coach, Mullens, came over to me and he congratulated me.”

The football and coaching great now lives in Gotha with his wife, Frances, and together they have five children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Google search for Vel Heckman provides the basic information: Velles Alvin Heckman is a former college football player. He played at the tackle position for the Florida Gators football team at the University of Florida.

But Heckman, now 83, is much more than that. Just ask the hundreds of boys he coached at Lakeview High School, several of whom give him credit for their careers.

“Vel Heckman was the toughest coach I’ve ever been around; he made boys into men but cared about us all,” said Russell Crouch, Lakeview Class of 1969, who played for Heckman his junior and senior years. “I became a football coach for over 35 years because of him.”

THE GATOR CHOMP

In the late 1950s, the Florida legislature mandated that the two state-supported schools face each other on the football field. Heckman remembers the game buzz — that Florida State was better than Florida.

“In the opening first minutes, on the opening kickoff, we kicked to them and they ran all the way back to score a touchdown,” he said.

Those would be the only points the Seminoles scored that day; the Gators won the game 21-7.

Heckman attended UF in 1954, took a break after one year and returned after another year to play for Gator head coach Bob Wood-

COACHING THE RED DEVILS Courtesy photos

Clockwise from above: Coach Vel Heckman and Gator Head Coach Dan Mullen met up on Florida Field before the Nov. 30 game.

Before he was a football coach, Vel Heckman played defensive tackle for the Florida Gators.

Vel Heckman was named to the AllAmerican team in 1958 and received his own collector card.

Heckman made the decision to go into teaching and coaching, but he wanted to work on the high school level so he could stay home and build a family. By 1962, he was in Winter Garden, teaching P.E. and coaching the football team at Lakeview High School.

That first fall, when the teachers went back to school, Heckman was asked to meet with them.

“We talked, and I used to say, ‘If an athlete gives you a problem, you really don’t have to send them to the office. You just send them to

me. Or tell me,’” he said. “And (the students) would sooner go to the office than come to me.”

He considered himself a disciplinarian, and at that time, teachers were allowed to paddle the unruly students.

“And it didn’t matter if he was a starting quarterback or not,” he said. “If he acted up, he got a lick.”

Heckman instituted a curfew for the football players so they would be in top shape for the games, and he didn’t hesitate to drive past the popular local spots to see who was hanging out. He also was known to call the boys’ houses and ask to speak to them.

The players were fed steak before every home game, which was played at Walker Field, off Park Avenue in Winter Garden. Heckman seeded the football field, periodically moved the lawn sprinklers and, until he got some help, he mowed the field.

He said his goal was to coach these boys and get them into college.

“The first year, I got Tommy DeLoach a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee,” Heckman said. “My second year, I got Larry Pendleton a scholarship to FSU. Then (there) were different guys who played for me that played in college: Freddy Owens, Dennis Reed, Mark Hodge, Pat Wiggins, Jan Gowland.”

The Lakeview High gig lasted 13 years; he vacated the position when West Orange High School opened and Lakeview became a junior high.

Ron Cothern, a 1964 Lakeview graduate, played for Heckman in the 1962 and 1963 football seasons.

Heckman called him Redbird.

“Coach Heckman was fair and, even back then, he was easy to talk to,” Cothern said. “The difference upon his arrival and coaching was like night and day. The practices were more organized, we started strength training, and a few other things were introduced such as telephone poles, boards and isometric stations.”

Ted Melinn, another 1969 graduate, said playing quarterback for coach Heckman was the greatest time of his life.

“We called him ‘Daddy Vel,’” he said. “He was an awesome, biggerthan-life figure. He worked us hard and made it fun at the same time.”

Mark Sterns was Heckman’s team manager from about 1969 to 1974, and his brother, Reggie Sterns, was quarterback around 1967 and 1968.

“Coach Heckman was a very positive influence in my life,” Mark Sterns said. “I am still grateful for him allowing me to go to an athletic training seminar at the University of Florida. … It was that course which I think set me into a career in health care and service to the citizens of West Orange County as a paramedic and a nurse.

“He was always the positive influence on me,” Mark Sterns said.

“He was and is like a second father to me. ...He will always have my undying respect.”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

ONP names ‘hero’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

son at its Thursday, Dec. 5, meeting at ONP for his work to restore Lake Apopka by presenting him with the inaugural Jim Thomas Environmental Hero Award.

FOLA President Joe Dunn spoke about Peterson’s efforts as a leader and biologist with the St. John’s River Water Management District.

Peterson has served as the president of the Oakland Nature Preserve for four years, working on the grounds, fundraising, leading hikes and advocating for environmental education.

He also serves as FOLA’s science adviser and helps his wife, Karen — an elementary school teacher — develop science projects for her classes.

“No one gives more of himself to the environmental well-being of the Lake Apopka Basin,” Dunn read during the award presen-

tation. “Jim Peterson is truly a man for all seasons and FOLA is extremely fortunate to benefit from his intelligence, generosity and passion.”

Peterson said he was thankful to be recognized.

“I’m definitely surprised — I appreciate it,” he said. “I’m here because I care about this place and care about the lake. … We’re all here because of Jim Thomas.”

Thomas is an environmental biologist who helped organize FOLA alongside a steering committee in 1991. Thomas also was present at the Dec. 5 meeting to see the presentation of the award.

“Jim Thomas is a lion among environmental leaders,” Dunn read during the award presentation. “He has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years to improve our region’s environmental health. ...

His battle cry is ‘science not politics.’”

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Tim Freed

Oakland Nature Preserve President Jim Peterson and Friends of Lake Apopka founder Jim Thomas celebrated Peterson’s winning the award named after Thomas.

Years ago, Lake Apopka was once a fishing paradise known for its trophy bass. But starting in the early 1940s, Lake Apopka endured nearly five decades of pollution along its shores because of nearby farming operations, creating one of Florida’s most polluted lakes.

After it was founded, FOLA

appealed to agricultural interests to change farming practices and sought public support to restore the lake. Today, the group continues actively advocating for a healthy lake by supporting efforts for recreational trails and access to the lake.

Leaders discuss memorial details CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

a past chair of the city’s Human Relations and Diversity Board — discussed plans for an event to mark the centennial of the Ocoee Election Day Massacre. The event — which will take place the weekend of Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2020 — also will honor the memory of Julius “July” Perry, who was taken from his home in West Orange County by a white mob and lynched in Orlando.

Prior to Maxwell’s presentation, Commissioner George Oliver proposed the commission move the date of Founders’ Day 2020, scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7. He cited a 2018 city proclamation that acknowledges the events of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre, and called for the city

to honor the 100-year anniversary of the tragic event during the first weekend in November. However, the Human Relations and Diversity Board already selected the date as the weekend of Nov. 1.

“At the time that this consensus was reached (for Nov. 1), we weren’t really sure the concept of a memorial marker was going to fly, and I was hell-bent that I would not stand idly by and allow this ticking time scale to elapse to a 100-year mark before something positive was done,” Maxwell said.

“I want to be able to say to the audience, ‘100 years ago tomorrow is when all of this evil, dastardly terror lynching took place.’

I don’t want to look back on the anniversary date ... and refer to it then because I believe it gives credibility to the leadership of this

city to say, ‘We waited a long time, but we didn’t wait 100 years.’”

The event will include a procession, along with choir performances from the Orlando Choral Society and a candle-lighting ceremony. The event also will include a memorial service, as well as multiple guest speakers. A historical marker will be installed.

Barbara Bey spoke about her grandfather being killed and her grandmother running through the swamps of West Orange County to seek refuge in Orlando. She voiced concerns about the event occurring in close proximity to Founders’ Day. “I wanted to share this brief synopsis with you about my beloved grandparents … so that you will hopefully see how the Founders’ Day celebration clashing with

the massacre memorial service is troubling,” Bey said. “Some of us are troubled by the … conflation of them in a similar time frame — even within the month of November there could be a separation.”

Stephen Nunn, great-grandson of July Perry, also spoke.

“There will never, ever be true reconciliation until there is acknowledgment, and acknowledgement is not always a singular moment or time,” he said. “It takes time to heal, and while you may feel better, sometimes you have scars to remind you that you had that trauma. … We are moving aggressively to collaborate, to partner and to do whatever we need to do and play whatever part we can to assist ... And so, that’s really what matters, and that’s what we want to see.”

OBSERVED

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

A

t one point in Ocoee’s Christmas Parade last Saturday, I looked behind us only to find two of my kids lagging so far behind us that they actually were several rows deep into the Ocoee High School marching band. Our team from the Observer Media Group got the best position in the whole parade — the Knights band is amazing, and we got to listen to them the entire time — but that also meant we had to keep pace.

In that panicked moment, I realized I hadn’t given any parade instructions to my kids (other than to hand out candy). Instead of simply tossing our packets of sweets to the little ones on the

Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Office Coordinator / Accounting Ashley McWilliams, amcwilliams@OrangeObserver.com

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Don’t let inappropriate dance, music mar Christmas parades

MICHAEL ENG

Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com

sides of the road, Lyric and Aria were stopping to tell jokes to anyone and everyone who would listen. Endearing? Certainly. But Band Director Bernie Hendricks couldn’t stop his group just so they could try their one-liners on a captive audience.

I sprinted back and yelled for them to get out of the band’s way and keep up with our group. They did try, bless their hearts, but my wife also had to retreat to rescue them a second time.

This was the Observer’s first time participating in the parade, and despite the long walk back to our cars (we didn’t think to have some vehicles parked at the end) and the absence of true Christmas weather (someone needs to invent a Santa hat with a built-in fan), I can’t wait to do it again.

We loved seeing so many smiling faces and having a chance to brighten your season with a simple, “Merry Christmas!” We loved hearing so many say they love the newspaper, and Lyric and Aria were so excited to share their terribly punny “dad jokes.”

Because we were in the parade, I didn’t realize what had hap-

pened with the UDD dance team until after the parade was over.

For those who didn’t attend, some parade-goers objected to the team’s choice of music, which included obscenities and questionable subject matter, as well as its dance moves, which they said were too provocative to be performed by young girls.

The objections intensified later in the day, when UDD also participated in Winter Garden’s Christmas Parade (although Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said UDD was not an authorized participant).

Although I did not see UDD’s performance firsthand, one of our staffers did, and there also were videos circulated online.

Some defended the dance routines — saying the moves were similar to what one would see at a hip-hop competition. The music? UDD officials responded that the songs with expletives were played accidentally.

I’m no dancer, so I cannot speak to the choreography. But, I do have a background in the performing arts, and it is crucial for any artist to consider the

audience when putting together a performance. None of this — no matter the artistic merit — was appropriate for a Christmas parade. That’s why the Marching Knights weren’t blasting Megadeth tunes. And yes, I am thankful my kids were in the parade and did not see this performance.

Regardless, many in our community — including city officials at both Winter Garden and Ocoee and the Ocoee Lions Club — put in dozens of hours to organize these parades each year. And even more people create floats and don costumes to bring holiday cheer to our community. We should not let UDD’s questionable performance decisions overshadow the wonder these parades provide.

When you look back on the Christmas season, remember the parades for their fun, candy and sunshine. Remember the time with family and friends. Remember the lights and the Christmas Eve services. Remember the joy.

And from Lyric and Aria, remember this: What did the buffalo say to his son when he left for college?

Bison.

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS: TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

West Orange Chamber of Commerce AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Dr. Phillips’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of AdventHealth

Medical Group Family Medicine at Dr. Phillips, located 7940 Via Dellagio Way, Suite 142, in Orlando. To learn more, visit www.adventhealth.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce AdventHealth Medical Group Group Pediatrics at Winter Garden’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of AdventHealth

Medical Group Pediatrics at Winter Garden, located 15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 117, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.adventhealth.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Healy Chiropractic & Wellness Center’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Healy Chiropractic

& Wellness Center, located 214 S. Dillard St., in Winter Garden. Healy Chiropractic & Wellness Center focuses on treating the body as a whole. At HCWC they provide therapies that include chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue work, therapeutic exercises/rehab, and stretching. To learn more, visit www. drhealychiropractic.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce La Boucherie’s 1st Anniversary

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the 1st Anniversary of La Boucherie

Restaurant Grill & Lounge, a top-quality French cuisine with France’s most popular steak house. La Boucherie is located at 7625 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando, Dr. Phillips area. To learn more, visit www.laboucherieusa.com.

THURSDAY HORIZON WEST

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the 10th Anniversary of C Solutions,

a local IT company for small businesses. They offer full IT support and solutions. They can help you increase efficiency and give you a piece of mind whether it’s backup and recovery, cyber security, or just technical advice and direction for your business. To learn more, visit www.csolutionsit.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce The Goddard School’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of The Goddard

School of Early Childhood Development, located at 2007 Avalon Road, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.goddardschool.com/orlando/ winter-garden-avalon-road-fl.

For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Clancy & Theys Construction Company’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Clancy & Theys

Construction Company’s new office in Winter Garden, located 1401 Beulah Road, Suite 124. Clancy & Theys is a general contractor/construction management at risk firm that has been operations for 70 years. To learn more, visit www.clancytheys.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Matthew’s Hope with “We Noticed” Award

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently recognized

Matthew’s Hope for the opening of their new Outreach Center located at 611 Business Park Blvd. Suite 101, in Winter Garden. To learn more, visit www.matthewshopeministries.org.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe’s Ribbon Cutting

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Ribbon Cutting of Vitality Bowls

Superfood Café, located 11050 West Colonial Drive, Suite 50, in Ocoee, near the busy intersection of West Colonial Drive and Maguire Road. Vitality Bowls offers an array of nutrient-packed menu items, including acai bowls, smoothies, fresh juice, salads, and Panini. To learn more, visit vitalitybowls. com/locations/orlando-ocoee/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce HarborChase’s 1st Anniversary

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the 1st Anniversary of HarborChase, an

independent, assisted Living and memory care facility, located at 7233 Della Drive in Orlando, Dr. Phillips area. HarborChase offers a host of stimulating activities and customized programs that will enhance your loved one’s health and happiness. To learn more, visit www.harborchase.com/harborchase-drphillips/.

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To learn more and to register participation visit wochamber.com/ ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates C Solutions’ 10th Anniversary

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

For every name, a story Some of Winter Garden’s earliest streets are linked to historic figures in the city’s history.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden now has about 45,000 residents, but 135 years ago, just six or so families made the area their home. As the city limits expanded and streets officially were marked in what is now historic downtown Winter Garden, many were named for the early settlers.

BRAY STREET

Green Berry Westley Bray (1856-1918) and his wife, Dora Bray, came to Winter Garden in 1884 with three small sons.

G.B.W.’s brother, John William “Foster” Bray, came to Winter Garden four years earlier.

G.B.W. Bray’s son, G.W. Bray, and M.Y. McMillan opened in 1906 the first hardware business selling items such as wagons and mule collars, as well as gasoline.

G.B.W. Bray was one of the first sponsors of the city’s deep well system around 1912.

The first schoolhouse for Winter Garden was located on property, 160 acres in all, homesteaded by J.W.F. Bray in 1880. The area was known as the Bray Grove, and the schoolhouse was at the northwest corner of West Colonial Drive and Park Avenue.

BRAYTON AND BRAYTON ROAD

The area of Brayton and Brayton Road, off West Plant Street, also are named for the Bray family. J.W.F. Bray had given right-of-way land to both the Orange Belt Railroad and the Tavares & Gulf Railroad and was named agent; depots were built and named Brayton. A wagon road led off the Winter Garden-Oakland road (West Plant Street) and was known as Brayton Road, where farmers hauled their vegetables and fruits to the station to be shipped north. The Bray family operated a packing house at Brayton in the early 1900s.

VINING STREET

William P. Vining and J.L. Vining were prolific in citrus and vegetable raising and shipping, as were W.L. Story, J.L. Dillard and George Swan.

William P. Vining — who served as a city commissioner in 1913 — homesteaded 80 acres of land in what is now part of historic downtown Winter Garden.

His home place ran from Story Road north along South Lakeview to just behind the post office and west to Park Avenue then south back to Story. W.P. Vining’s father, Josiah Vining, was another early settler.

Earl W. Ewing

EWING – HOUSER – WOODLAND STREET

Before Woodland Street was so named, it was Houser Street.

Only two pieces of information were discovered at the history center. A man by the name of Harry Houser was married by 1922. And in 1944, I.H. Houser purchased from the Bray Hardware Company one gallon of house paint at $3.75 and one gallon of seed for $2.10.

Prior to the Houser name, the road was called Ewing Street.

George Knox “G.K.” Ewing and his sons, Edgar Louis, Benjamin Edison and Earl Wayne, moved south to Winter Garden and made their homes here.

Wayne set up a real estate business in downtown Winter Garden and also made a living as a merchant; Edison opened a business in Ocoee.

Ewing had purchased land around Plant Street and sold some to J.L. Dillard in the Earl Wayne Ewing Plat, named in memory of his son.

Photos courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

W.L. Story and his family go for a ride in the family car in 1913.

STORY ROAD

William Lasenby Story Sr. arrived in the area in the 1880s and lived one mile south of WG. He was publisher of the West Orange News and was an extensive citrus and grove owner in Orange County.

Story, the Rev. J.A. Richardson, J.L. Dillard and A.W. Hurley were instrumental in the founding of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, originally established in Ocoee in 1888.

In 1934, when Bray Hardware Company and the adjoining movie theater caught fire downtown, Story braved falling boards in the blazing building to save movie projectors and amplifying equipment.

JOINER STREET

Jasper Newton Joiner Sr. (18621921) and his wife, Annie Tanner Joiner, came to Winter Garden from south Georgia in 1899.

He worked with John Lorenzo Tanner in grove caretaking and rehabilitating ruined groves in the “Great Freeze of 1895.” He bought and planted his own groves and was referred to as “The Citrus Wizard of Orange County.” The Joiners had a daughter, Cora. Joiner managed John T. Fuller Packinghouse in the 1900s. He served as a city commissioner in 1914, was on the board of the First National Bank of Winter Garden and was a stockholder and director of Avalon Groves Co. After Annie died, he married her younger sister, Neva Tanner, and had nine children.

The Joiners’ home was near Dillard and Plant streets.

NEWTON STREET

A traveling jewelry salesman made a stop at the corner of Woodland and Plant streets, around 1908. G.W.B. Bray stands next to the seated salesman, and J.L. Dillard stands to his right. At the far right is Bob Dillard. The salesman used a covered, four-wheel, horse-drawn wagon to showcase his wares.

Newton Street was planned as a short east-west road south of Plant Street between Highland and Lakeview avenues and Tremaine and Smith streets, but it never was built. Arthur Bullard Newton constructed a

house facing “Newton Street,” but since the road never came to fruition, the house at Highland and Smith faced backward. It still stands today.

Newton published the city’s first newspaper, The Ricochet, and was the first mayor, postmaster and storekeeper.

He owned the only imposing brick building in town, and his general store carried most every kind of merchandise. He also operated a packing house and sold crate material and fertilizer to growers.

Newton came to Winter Garden from Mississippi in 1892.

At that time there were only a half-dozen dwellings within the territorial limits of what is now Winter Garden.

WRIGHT STREET

South Highland Street once was called Wright Street, named for Rufus P. and Ora Lee Wright, who had a home on that road during the city’s infancy and whose children lived along the road and around the corner, as well.

Rufus P. Wright was an early clerk for A.B. Newton, the only merchant who was able to afford a bookkeeper and have a typewriter, according to recollections written in 1940 by W.B. Burch.

FUTURE STREETS

As the city grew in size, so did the need for more roads in and around downtown. Roper Drive likely was named for William C. Roper, the first in a long line of influential family members; and Fullers Cross Road was named for John Fuller, who owned a packing house near the West Orange Trail in the northeast part of the city.

On the city’s east side are streets named Mildred Dixon Way, for a former city commissioner and longtime east Winter Garden advocate, and Maxey Avenue, for longtime educators William S. and Juanita Maxey.

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WHERE THE ROADS TAKE YOU: PART TWO

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Trust services. Fixed income. Retirement planning. E newset to of thewealth Trading. Mutual funds & e 4401ks. We’re A diverse Let usto Investment managem Asset nt. Neighborhood. management options meet you around. services. Fixed inco 401L ing. Show your diverse set of Trust needs.

Retirement planning. Estate planning. Trading. Asset management. IRAs. 401(k)s. Tax planning. Robo-adv Wealth management. Fixed income. Research. Inves management. Trust service. Mutual funds & ETFs. Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe of History Channel’s “American Pickers” will be making their Retirement accounts. Specialists. Trust services. Fixe way to the Sunshine State on the hunt for their next pick. income. Retirement planning. Estate planning. Tradin WANT Asset management. IRAs. 401(k)s. Tax planning. Rob TO BE ON THE advice. Wealth management. Fixed income. Researc SHOW? Investment management. Trust service. Mutual funds Those interested in being ETFs. Retirement accounts. Specialists. Trust service for there every year for the last six or Local antique collectors seven years. They’ve been all over considered the show can Fixed income. Retirement planning. Estate planning.

From retirement planning to saving for college and more, the state — from the Panhandle reach out by may have a chance of Trading.

Asset management.

Schwab has a breadth of investment productsIRAs. to help you 401(k)s. Tax plann to South Florida and many other the three difbeing on the TV show. ferent methand everyone under your roof reach their financial goals. places in between.

Robo-advice. Wealth management. Fixed income.

“We resort to the south when it ods listed ERIC GUTIERREZ starts getting colder in the North- below.

Michael Investment Wytiaz, CFP management. Trust service. M STAFF WRITER east and Midwest,” Rodriguez said. Email: ameri- Research.

“We’ve been everywhere from the canpickers@ ETFs. Retirement accounts. Specialists.

Clermont Independent Branch The History Channel’s most avid Panhandle to Jacksonville, down cineflix.com funds & Courtesy photo

‘American Pickers’ coming to Florida

to Central Florida and even down to Fort Lauderdale. We’ve covered our tracks throughout the state.

We don’t leave a stone unturned when we make our show.”

Although “American Pickers” has been all over Central Florida and the Orlando area, the team has yet to discover any antique items related to Disney or Mickey Mouse in the state.

“Surprisingly, down in Florida, we haven’t found any Mickey stuff,” Rodriguez said. “We’re always trying to find local collections that represent where the guys pick, but surprisingly from Florida (they’ve found) nothing really Disney-related.”

Those who are familiar with the show are aware that many of the items purchased are resold, but what Wolfe and Fritz do on the show is more than just turning a profit on the items they pick, Rodriguez said.

“The general game of antiques is that people that are collectors kind of consider themselves caretakers, and that’s what Mike and Frank are — they’re caretakers of these items,” Rodriguez said. “They may be pickers at heart, but when they find true pieces that they deeply desire or want, they will hold onto (them) as long as they can.”

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antique aficionados are heading to Florida — and they’re looking to pick up some more pieces of the past.

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz of “American Pickers” are heading to the Sunshine State this month, and they’re on the hunt for large, rare collections, as well as items they’ve never seen before from local collectors.

“We’re just looking for people that have a good-size accumulation of sorts — whether it be someone’s garage, their home, maybe a private building or just something throughout their yard where it’s kind of cluttered up and messy where our guys can root around and do some digging where it’s got a little dust and maybe some dirt on it,” said Anthony Rodriguez, one of the producers for “American Pickers” who works with the research team for the show. “In terms of items that the guys look for, it’s anything from A to Z — anything transportation related, early Americana, signage, some toys … and vintage stuff. The guys are pretty much open-ended when it comes to the stuff that they’re after. It’s always a case-by-case basis and whatever catches their eye.”

Rodriguez added that Wolfe and Fritz are no strangers to Florida — the show has been heading

8

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Rick and Karen Allen were ready to watch the Winter Garden Christmas Parade with Bumble the abominable snow monster.

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and his wife, Linda, made an appearance in the Winter Garden Christmas Parade.

Ocoee High School’s Marching Knights had the crowds cheering during the Ocoee Christmas Parade.

Winter Garden’s Christmas tree was at the center of the night’s festivities at the Light Up Winter Garden event.

Left: Trinity Koeff was all smiles as she added frosting to her gingerbread house at Ocoee’s Holiday Tree Lighting event.

ONLINE

Mia Perez looked up at Santa as she pointed toward her family at the Light Up Winter Garden event.

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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... ARE YOU LISTENING? Rory Beiler, 5, was excited to share his wish list with Santa Claus at Oakland’s Santa Day and Light Up Oakland event.

Adriana Orozco admired the lights and ornaments of Winter Garden’s large Christmas tree at the Light Up Winter Garden event.

Ocoee city commissioners were tasked with lighting the Christmas tree at Ocoee’s Holiday Tree Lighting event.

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attendees got to enjoy rides, a gingerbread house decorating contest and live music by Ocoee High School jazz band students.

Santa and Mrs. Claus even made an appearance to hear what local children wanted for Christmas.

The highlight of the evening was the tree-lighting ceremony led by the Ocoee City Commission in front of the Withers-Maguire House.

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the town’s annual Santa Day and Light Up Oakland event. School and performance groups provided music and dance for attendees, Santa Claus gave wrapped presents to children who sat on his lap and shared their wish lists, and town officials counted down and lit up the square and the giant Christmas tree.

As the sun went down, an evening of holiday cheer wrapped things up Saturday, Dec. 7, at the city of Ocoee’s Holiday Tree Lighting event. The event was held in downtown Ocoee at the city’s Lakeshore Center and the Withers-Maguire House, where

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DRA Cheer put on an impressive routine during the Ocoee Christmas Parade.

oliday festivities in West Orange were in full swing last week as Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland decked the halls and celebrated the season with special events.

With the flip of a switch, downtown Winter Garden glowed with holiday spirit during the 32nd annual Light Up Winter Garden Friday, Dec. 6.

Locals and visitors filled Plant Street to take in the lighting of the city’s large Christmas tree before enjoying food and fun.

The following morning, residents lined the streets in Ocoee to see the Ocoee Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7.

The parade, put on by the Ocoee Lions Club, featured local leaders, first responders, schools, clubs and more in an uplifting display of holiday spirit.

Later that day, the celebration transitioned to Winter Garden, as Plant Street was turned into a holiday extravaganza with the Winter Garden Christmas Parade making its way through downtown.

The parade featured festive floats, roaring motorcycles, miniature horses and more as residents lined the streets to watch the spectacle.

Just a short drive away that afternoon, Oakland’s town square was full of festive fun at

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Rant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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

REAL ESTATE

10

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

ChurchftheMessiah.com

Oakland Hills home sells for $1,323,844

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home in the Oakland Hills community topped

all Winter Garden residential

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 92 High Sale Price: $3.24 million Low Sale Price: $35,000

real-estate transactions from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6. The home

OCOEE

at 709 Large Oak Lane, Winter

The home at 1759 Black Maple Place, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 5, for $358,710. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,920 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.85. Days on market: zero.

Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 and 11:15 a.m. fumcwg.org

$1,323,844. Built in 2020, it has

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

market: zero.

five bedrooms, five-and-twohalf baths and 4,346 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $304.61. Days on

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

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org

OAKLAND

JOHNS LAKE HOMESITES

FOREST TRAILS

JOHNS LANDING

MICHELE WOODS

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

OCOEE

The home at 226 Largovista Drive, Oakland, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $415,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,748 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $151.02. Days on market: six.

The home at 2642 Bobcat Chase Blvd., Oakland, 34787, sold Dec. 4, for $330,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,853 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $178.09. Days on market: 59.

Community Partners wanted!

The home at 2606 Coventry Lane, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 6, for $260,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,801 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.36. Days on market: 43.

FIRST OAKS

The home at 54 Remington Road, Oakland, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $249,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,572 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $158.40. Days on market: 27.

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

COVENTRY AT OCOEE

HULL ISLAND AT OAKLAND

The home at 472 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, 34760, sold Dec. 5, for $457,985. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,073 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.04. Days on market: 122.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 876-2112 Adult Worship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org

ARDEN PARK

The home at 1704 Ison Lane, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 5, for $259,900. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $173.85. Days on market: 79.

The home at 2351 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 6, for $340,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,755 square feet. The price per square foot is $90.55. Days on market: 74.

The home at 1009 Arizona Court, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 3, for $171,500. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,008 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $170.14.

Days on market: 17.

The home at 307 Ohio St., Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 3, for $35,000.

Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 736 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $47.55. Days on market: 42.

Help underprivileged families in our community at our

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL WITH SANTA Saturday, December 14 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sign up for a 10’x10’ Booth Area with a Christmas Twist.

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

With your help we can provide Games for Kids Window Shopping Visit with Santa Elves to help to make Christmas Lists Parents can return later to “shop”

We also need assistance with Food and Music!

If you are interested in hosting a booth, helping in another way, or donating toward the event, please call 407.905.9500 or email info@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

CALL (407) 656-2121

or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIG

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The home at 8181 Topsail Place, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 1, for $659,995. The kitchen offers a large center island with quartz waterfall edge countertops, walk-in pantry and breakfast area.

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CAMBRIDGE CROSSING

The home at 12417 Scarlett Sage Court, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 6, for $390,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,774 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.59. Days on market: four.

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Financial Advisor 17301 Pagonia Road Ste 100 17301 Pagonia Road Ste 100 Clermont, FL 34711 Clermont, FL 34711 407-654-4915 407-654-4915

The home at 14318 Sunbridge Financial Advisor Circle, Winter Garden, 34787, 17301 Pagonia Road Ste 100 sold Nov. 30, for $517,000.

Built FL 34711 Clermont, 407-654-4915 in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,443 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.36.

Days on market: 84.

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407-948-1326 SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 12

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The home at 1217 Sand Pine Ave., Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 4, for $170,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,223 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $139.

Days on market: 63.

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The home at 1083 Royal Marquis Circle, No. 2, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 6, for $269,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,057 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $130.77. Days on market: 25.

The home at 2309 Aurelius Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $385,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,919 square feet. The price per square foot is $131.89. Days on market: four.

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THE RESERVE

Fri: 4:40P 7:40P 9:45P Sat: 1:40P 4:40P 7:40P 9:45P Sun: 1:40P 4:40P 7:40P Mon-Wed: 4:40P 7:40P

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The home at 2104 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 3, for $339,900. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.22. Days on market: 14.

THE BEST MOVIE VALUE IN WO COUNTY

Fri: 4:00P 7:00P 9:40P Sat: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P 9:40P Sun: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P Mon-Thurs: 4:00P 7:00P

The home at 427 Dunoon St., Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 3, for $298,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $191.03. Days on market: 42.

MKT-9811-A

The home at 1003 Jamela Drive, Ocoee, 34761, sold Dec. 2, for $115,000. Built in 1959, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,051 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $109.42.

Days on market: 23.

Friday, December 13 thru Thursday, December 19

Fri: 4:30P 7:30P 9:45P Sat: 1:30P 4:30P 7:30P 9:45P Sun: 1:30P 4:30P 7:30P Mon-Thurs: 4:30P 7:30P

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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The home at 321 Florida Ave., Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 4, for $236,500. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,050 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $225.24. Days on market: 12.

The home at 332 Pennsylvania Ave., Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 6, for $224,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,325 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $169.06. Days on market: 125.

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The home at 16045 Hickory Marsh Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $528,000.

Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,804 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $188.30.

Days on market: six.

OAKLAND HILLS

The home at 715 Large Oak Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 4, for $1,203,956. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,010 square feet. The price per square foot is $300.24. Days on market: zero.

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The home at 213 Apopka St., Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $499,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,524 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $197.70. Days on market: 217.

ORCHARD

The townhouse at 13854 Golden Russet Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $238,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bed-

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rooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,730 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $137.57. Days on market: 15.

PARK PLACE AT WINTER GARDEN

The townhouse at 153 S. Park Ave., Unit 2D, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $541,500.

Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,938 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $184.31. Days on market: four.

RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 2054 Sandy Garden Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $405,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,915 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.94. Days on market: 35.

STANTON ESTATES

The home at 131 Stanton Estates Circle, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 4, for $589,708. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,920 square feet. The price per square foot is $201.95.

Days on market: 154.

STONE CREEK

The home at 1801 Seatonham St., No. 1, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $279,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,345 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $207.43.

Days on market: 19.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 13939 Eylewood Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $388,800. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,017 square feet of liv-

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VILLAS AT TUCKER OAKS

The townhouse at 1327 Scarlet Oak Loop, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 3, for $245,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,724 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $142.11.

Days on market: 17.

WATERSIDE

The home at 16766 Rusty Anchor Road, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $523,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,937 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $178.07. Days on market: 13.

WINDWARD CAY

The home at 3621 Turningwind Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $408,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,678 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.35. Days on market: one.

WINTER GARDEN TRAILS

The home at 1407 Mistflower Lane, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 2, for $340,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,469 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.71.

Days on market: 20.

WINTERMERE POINTE

The home at 2314 Windermere Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, 34787, sold Dec. 6, for $460,000.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,202 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $143.66.

Days on market: 11.

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12

OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE DECEMBER 12, 2019

Eric Gutierrez

IB dance students Benjamin Haidukewych and Mirabella Miranda are just two of the 160 dance students who will hit the stage during Windermere Prep’s upcoming dance concert.

Photos by Carey Sheffield

Windermere Prep’s dance students are trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, composition hip hop and more.

Concert of choreography “An Enchanted Evening of Dance” will showcase the skills of about 160 Windermere Prep dance students Dec. 12 and 13.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

W

indermere Preparatory School’s dance students are eager to show off their steps — and you can catch them onstage at their upcoming dance concert.

The school will be hosting its annual winter dance concert, called “An Enchanted Evening of Dance,” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13 at the Cypress Center for the Arts at the Windermere Prep campus.

Gilliane Hadley, the dance department chair at Windermere Prep, said the concert includes performances from all of the middle school and high school dance students. A total of 160 dance students will be hitting the stage to perform 15 different dances.

“We have a very large program,” Hadley said. “The show consists of dancers who’ve only been dancing, maybe, this semester or dancers that have been dancing with us since they were in fifth grade and now are graduating seniors. (It showcases) a wide range of levels. … It’s a great way for people to see the evolution of someone who joins our program in sixth grade and by the time they graduate 12th grade.”

Hadley added that the concert will feature not only a wide range

of skill levels, but also will feature a variety of dance styles and techniques. One of the dance performances is inspired by a Japanese style of dance and will include live music from Taiko drummers, which will be a new experience for the students.

“It has lots of variety and lots for people to see in the diversity (of dance) that they do,” Hadley said. “Our students are trained in everything. They’re trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, composition (and) hip hop, so all of those elements are all thrown into one show. The goal of our dance program is to make them the most

well-rounded (dancer).”

Mirabella Miranda and Benjamin Haidukewych are both junior International Baccalaureate dance students at Windermere Prep, and they’ve both been in the dance program since the fourth grade.

“My favorite thing about being in the dance program here is definitely (the fact) that we have lots of freedom,” Miranda said. “In our dances, we get to choreograph many parts of it, and we really get to develop our (choreographical) skills — especially with IB dance. … It really kind of helped me build those skills. Before, it would just be me getting taught a dance, but

now I actually get to create, and I really like that because I feel like I’ve really grown as a dancer.”

“I joined dance because I really love music, and I wanted to try a new outlet to explore music and how to express myself,” Haidukewych said. “I really loved seeing how everybody works together to create a picture, an image and make the audience feel a certain way (through dance). I thought dance was a really interesting way to interpret emotion and make a story.”

Although Miranda and Haidukewych have been in the dance program for a number of years, the upcoming concert will be their first time dancing to live music onstage.

“The Japanese dance has been a challenge, definitely, because it’s a whole new style we’ve never really been exposed to before,” Miranda said. “And then when you have that element of live music, you have to consider the fact that the pace and the tempo could go faster or it could be slower. You don’t know. We have a recording that we always practiced with, but obviously on show day we have to come prepared. I feel like we’ve done a really great job adjusting and adapting to the new style.”

“There’s some really complex rhythms in the music,” Haidukewych said. “We have to find where those certain impulses are to guide our movements, so if there’s a really strong impulse there, we can use that as a marker when we’re counting. Or we can use certain accents in the music to emphasize certain points of the movement too, and that’s been a challenge.”

IF YOU GO “AN ENCHANTED EVENING OF DANCE” WHERE: Cypress Center for the Arts at Windermere Prep; 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere WHEN: 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 and 13.

COST: Free TICKETS: teachtix.com/ wps/winterdance-concert

Students are set to hit the stage at Windermere Prep’s upcoming dance concert, called “An Enchanted Evening of Dance.”

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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WOHS hires new faculty member

West Orange High School has added Tatiana DuFour to its faculty. Dufour will be teaching learning strategies and has been a classroom teacher for five years, has coordinated and sponsored Best Buddies, coached the Special Olympics basketball team and was also a girls assistant soccer coach. In her free time, she can be found at Disney World, reading a good book or tending to her garden.

Warrior seniors to enjoy Lunch on the Loop

West Orange High School Class of 2020 seniors will have a lunch in the WOHS bus loop Wednesday, Dec. 18. Lunch on the Loop is a senior tradition at the school.

During their regular lunch period, senior students wearing their senior shirts go out and have a picnic lunch on the grass area of the bus loop. Students bring or buy their lunch, and the PTSO provides drinks, treats and sets up games. Visit bit.ly/3581rTp to help at the event and/ or donate desserts/drinks or loan some outdoor games. Because of testing, A lunch is from 10:22 a.m. to 10:52 a.m. and B lunch is from 11:02 a.m. to 11:32 a.m.

Set-up will start at 9:30 a.m., and the event should be completed by noon.

Border sits in on Ocoee High School podcast

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Dr. Harold Border, chief of high schools for Orange County Public Schools, recently visited the Ocoee High podcast class. Border shared his vision for the future of high school with the crew of students who produce the podcast. Instructor Jeffrey Gallup and his students work to create “High School Stories” — a unique podcast series that showcases the reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities of the Knights.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

LINDA SELMAN CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Linda Selman, a math teacher at CFCA, is an educator who has a passion for investing in students. She is always willing to help students whether it involves a math problem, a class issue or a life incident. Selman is patient and kind and always willing to give of her time. She loves math and wants students to realize the day-to-day application of math.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the desire that every teacher has to do the best for the students.

Every staff member works beyond their school day to make the students successful in their subject matter. The student body is also culturally diverse. Students come from different countries, different socioeconomic backgrounds, different ethnicities and different religious backgrounds.

What’s your favorite part of your role? ​My goal is to help every student to not necessarily like math but to be able to say they can do it! Every student can learn! They may learn differently or take longer to learn or may need to be challenged, but every student can learn math and be good at it! I enjoy working with the entire student. Students come to school with problems or concerns that stem from sources outside the school. Teaching to the whole

REPORT CARD ROLE: Upper school math teacher/class sponsor/National Honor Society sponsor/girls discipleship leader SCHOOL: Central Florida Christian Academy YEARS AT THE SCHOOL: Seven

person is what teaching is all about.

Individually helping students to be the best they can be — the best learner, the best friend, the best child, the best reflection of Jesus.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

God has done so much for me that I want to be a reflection of him to my students. That goes in every aspect of my life. In teaching, it motivates me to simplify mathematical processes or present mathematical processes in a variety of methods — audio, visual, hands-on, etc. — so every student has the opportunity to learn best based on their learning style. The truth is that God has blessed me with the ability to teach in a way that I don’t always understand.

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

I am always in awe when a current student or former student or parent comes to me and tells me how much the math I taught has helped them in their current math class. Or even when they come to me reminding

me of some “weird saying” I had for some math process they still remember. At that moment I give thanks to God for his teaching of me on how to reach students!

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?

I love to ride my motorcycle. But I want to combine that with touring the U.S. via Route 66. I would love to take my time and see the sights, take side trips and enjoy the journey.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Currently, I have little free time. I am in the season of helping to care for my 96-year-old mother. But if I have free time, I love counted cross stitch and exploring different parts of Florida.

— TIM FREED

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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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

15

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

WOHS junior wins Orlando Rep writing contest Sarai Morss’ “Inevitable Events” will be turned into a short play to be performed in February.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

An extra-credit creative-writing assignment for one West Orange High School student has turned into something bigger than she imagined.

Junior Sarai Morss and her classmates in Tabitha Eastham’s language arts class were tasked with writing and submitting a one-page piece in a contest sponsored by the Orlando Repertory Theatre. The prompt was “How can your life change in just five minutes?”

The contest was open to Central Florida students in grades kindergarten through 12th, who were invited to submit fiction or nonfiction pieces and could include interviews, short stories, short plays or scenes, biographical or autobiographical works, poems, how-to guides, essays, obituaries or personal letters.

After the entries were evaluated and scored, 25 winning pieces of writing were selected, including Morss’ submission. These will be adapted into a new theatrical work created by professional the-

ater makers and produced by the Orlando Rep in February.

Morss said she learned she won earlier this month when Eastham sent an email to the entire school.

“Things are meant to happen, and they can happen leisurely or with the snap of a finger,” said Morss about her entry, “Inevitable Events.” “It wasn’t, like, anything that happened to me; it was just things that could happen to you to change your life in five minutes.”

Morss said she likes writing and reading for fun but hadn’t really considered writing as a career before this.

“If I’m a little talented, I just might open up my career field a little bit,” she said.

The Writes of Spring program, in its 17th year with the Orlando Rep, aims to highlight the voices of young protagonists on the stage and hold one performance annually that spotlights the writing talents of Central Florida youth.

Joni Newman is the education coordinator for Writes of Spring.

She describes the program’s process on the Orlando Rep website: “Before we can honor student voice, we need to foster it. Our workshops, then, are an important part of what we do each year. We visit classrooms and work with students on developing more dynamic language to more fully explain how they feel and think. We have them show

us with their bodies the difference in what different synonyms mean. Then, we have them begin writing. If, for example, they describe getting a great gift, we challenge them to consider if they were happy or ecstatic by remembering how the two words felt in their bodies. Part of honoring student voice is empowering them to more fully express themselves in the first place.”

According to the Orlando Rep, the ideas from the entries inspire the play and the actual text written by students is incorporated into the script dialogue.

Playwright Sage Tokach spends time with each winning piece as

she goes through the adaptation process, ensuring that the short play represents the winners’ voices.

The 25 students are invited to a workshop to explore the themes and ideas associated with their piece. In February, they are invited to see a performance of the new work and they receive a copy of the script in which they are given credit for their own words.

This is a project of the University of Central Florida’s Theatre for Young Audiences MFA students.

They manage the contest and the production and are supported and mentored by Orlando Rep staff.

Amy Quesinberry

Sarai Morss will get to see her writing assignment turned into an Orlando Repertory Theatre play.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Orange teachers ratify one-year agreement With a majority vote of 76%, Orange County Public Schools teachers approved the 2019-20 agreement between the school district and teacher’s union.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Following months of bargaining, Orange County Public Schools teachers have voted to ratify a contract agreed upon by the district and Orange County Classroom Teachers Association.

With 76% of teachers voting in favor, according to OCPS, teachers ratified the 2019-20 agreement for salary and other working conditions Friday, Dec. 6.

“You, the members, stood up and spoke loudly and clearly,” OCCTA President Wendy Doromal told members upon reaching the final agreement. “This deal represents your victory on one of the biggest salary increases in recent history, your victory on your planning time being restored for you and your students, your victory on regaining dignity and respect to your working conditions. Our unity is our strength. … This is an important step in regaining our respect, dignity and academic freedom in Orange County.”

Reaching and ratifying the oneyear agreement has been a work in progress. The district and OCCTA previously reached earlier agreements in June and September, but teachers rejected both proposals.

The original agreement pro-

posed a $500 cost-of-living salary increase, as well as a $1,125 increase for teachers rated “effective” and a $1,525 increase for those rated “highly effective.”

There also would have been a onetime, lump-sum $500 bonus.

In September, OCPS leaders offered an additional $11.5 million from the unassigned reserve fund to increase the one-time bonus from $500 to $1,250 for all teachers, with the originally proposed salary increase remaining the same.

With both of these previous proposals, though, teachers stated that they wanted salary increases rather than bonuses, as well as more planning time.

Another concern was the increase in health insurance costs.

In the original June agreement, increases in health insurance would have started this school year. According to the OCCTA, there was no protection against future increases. Additionally, the change would have been immediate, with little to no time for teachers and their families to prepare and seek alternative arrangements for health insurance if needed.

The newly ratified agreement states that these insurance increases will begin in October 2020 and are locked in, ensuring they cannot go up further.

This also gives teachers and their families more time to prepare for the increase.

The ratified agreement also includes a $700 cost-of-living salary increase, as well as a $2,100 increase for “highly effective” teachers and a $1,400 increase for

RED HOT HARDWARE

Original (June 2019) Increase to payroll 4% Cost of living (COLA) increase to base salary $500 Salary increase for “highly effective” teachers $1,525 Salary increase for “effective” teachers $1,125 One-time, lump-sum bonus $500 Health insurance increases begin 2019-20 school year Total cost to OCPS $52,872,636

“effective” teachers. There will not be any temporary bonuses.

“On Dec. 6, 2019, we were pleased to announce the teachers ratified agreements for salary and other articles in the CTA contract,” said Lorena Arias, assistant director of media relations for OCPS. “The contract was ratified by a majority vote, 76% ‘yes.’

Congratulations to the CTA and to the teachers of OCPS!” These salary increases represent an overall 5.5% increase to payroll, as opposed to the original proposed 4% increase. Teachers will receive their retro pay by the end of the year.

“The additional 1.5% comes from the non-recurring 201920 fund balance,” wrote James Preusser, senior executive director of OCPS’ Human Resources Division, in the contract’s letter of understanding. “In the 2020-21 school year budget, the additional 1.5% average increase to wages by the District will be funded through recurring, unrestricted revenues from the state, or if necessary, reductions to the operational budget.”

The 5.5% salary increase is one of the highest in the state this year, Doromal said. However, this is

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“On Dec. 6, 2019, we were pleased to announce the teachers ratified agreements for salary and other articles in the CTA contract.

The contract was ratified by a majority vote, 76% ‘yes.’

— Lorena Arias, assistant director of media relations for OCPS

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just the beginning of a statewide movement from teachers to rally for the future of public education.

Teachers from across the state — including some from the OCCTA — are planning to attend a rally organized by the Florida Education Association in Tallahassee Jan. 13. The Legislature will approve a budget during the annual session beginning Jan. 14, and the rally serves as an opportunity for teachers to make their voices heard by lawmakers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently proposed a $91.4 billion state budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The proposed budget contains $600 million needed to raise teachers’ starting salaries to $47,500. However, this would not affect veteran teachers.

“This is not about partisan politics; it’s about building strong public schools and a better future for students,” FEA President Fedrick Ingram said. “I think we can agree that Florida’s kids need qualified teachers and all the staff necessary to public schools. Our members know firsthand what it takes to retain and recruit educators.”

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5

CFCA continued its strong start to the basketball season as the Eagles squeaked by Tampa Blake in a 60-58 win during The Breast Cancer Awareness Classic Saturday, Dec. 7. The Eagles (4-1) were led by senior wing Nicolas Silva and his team-high 23 points. Of CFCA’s four wins this season, the Eagles have won three by five or fewer points; the Eagles’ only loss came by four points to Bishop Moore.

Legacy Charter freshman Javier Perez leads the boys soccer team in goals. Page 18.

A Knight’s tale Now a senior at College of Charleston, Grant Riller became the first basketball player at Ocoee High School to have his number retired.

2

The First Academy boys basketball team tipped off its season with a 70-51 thrashing of DME Sports Academy Friday, Dec. 6. In the win, senior guard Kam Summers exploded for 26 points, while Alex Shields tacked on 20 points. The Royals followed the win with a 38-26 loss the following day against Vero Beach in the Hoops for Heart Shootout.

3

Despite Olympia boys soccer’s 4-2 loss at the hands of Bishop Moore Friday, Dec. 6, junior striker Christian Lizyness continues to shine on the pitch for the Titans; he picked up both goals for his team. The two goals push Lizyness’ goal count to 15 through seven games — with the Titans going 5-2 so far.

4

The West Orange girls basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak in its 75-63 win over Lake Howell Thursday, Dec. 5.

The Warriors (2-2) were led by junior wing Kyla Cruz and her 22 points, while junior power forward — and team captain — Lakada Bryant picked up a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Grant Riller’s natural prowess for the game of basketball — alongside his positive influence on the program — made him an easy selection to become the school’s first basketball player to have his number retired.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

W

hen Grant Riller reached for the long roll of paper that hung from the wall in Ocoee High’s gymnasium, all he could do was smile.

Surrounded by family, friends and the current Ocoee basketball team, Riller ripped the paper from the wall — revealing his old No. 11 jersey to the applause of those

in the packed gym before the Knights’ game against Olympia Wednesday, Dec. 4.

It was a special moment for Riller and his old school, as the now College of Charleston senior became the first basketball player in the history of Ocoee High to have his jersey retired.

“It means a lot, especially coming from a school like Ocoee — they haven’t done stuff like this in the past,” Riller said. “It’s a great honor, and I made it a strong point

In the 14 years that the school has been in existence, Riller was — and still is — someone who has provided a positive, helping hand, Siers said. It’s a big part of why Riller was not only selected as the first basketball number to be retired, but also as to why he will be a member of next year’s inaugural Ocoee hall of fame class.

“He has had an impact on our program, and he’s the best player SEE OCOEE PAGE 18

The First Academy alumna honored by ACC Windermere resident Matti McKissock was recently named First Team All-ACC and Server of the Year as a member of the Georgia Tech volleyball team.

5

In the Foundation Academy girls soccer team’s 3-1 victory over Forest Lake Academy Thursday, Dec. 5, freshman Kaitlyn Clark tore up the Panthers’ defense as she racked up three goals to record the hat trick. Sophomore Cecilia Fulmer and freshman Daniela Cardenas each recorded an assist. The win pushed the Lions to 4-1 on the season and has Foundation on a two-game win streak.

to do all of my four years here at Ocoee with the people I grew up with. I wanted to be inspiring to the kids to stay at home, because we can be homegrown.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Riller and his family were invited by Ocoee head coach John “Sarge” Siers to take in a team dinner with his staff and players. It was there, in the school’s media center, where Riller got the chance to speak to current players and rekindle relationships with old coaches.

Troy Herring

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech Athletics

Matti McKissock has become an All-ACC talent for the Yellow Jackets.

When Matti McKissock arrived to volleyball practice it felt just like any typical day.

But this practice — as it turns out — would start with some major news.

The team and coaching staff huddled around Joeleen Akin — the associate athletics director for student-athlete development and senior woman administrator — as she announced awards handed down to a few players by the ACC. McKissock was among those

mentioned, as she — much to her surprise — was named First Team All-ACC and Server of the Year.

“At first she announced I was First Team and then Setter of the Year, and I was just really shocked — I didn’t really believe it at first,” McKissock said. “It was very emotional for all of us just knowing that all of our hard work had paid off, even though we didn’t get the bid into the (NCAA) that we wanted.

“It feels really humbling, and I’m just super grateful for the SEE MCKISSOCK PAGE 18

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Javier Perez

Legacy Charter freshman Javier Perez is in his first year with the Eagles’ boys soccer team, and he’s already playing a key role for head coach David Hill’s side. At center midfield, Perez leads the team in goals and helps control possession for the Eagles.

When did you first get into soccer?

When I was 5, I started playing for the YMCA. My father really pushed me into it — I didn’t like it at first — but it got me to really get interested in it.

What has kept you playing soccer through the years?

Just seeing myself improve over the years. I have confidence in myself to keep on improving every day — every single time I come out onto the field.

This is your first year on the team. What’s that been like?

I like it. I play travel soccer as well, so the skill level — there is obviously a difference, but this team definitely has more heart than I have seen on any travel team.

What is the most challenging aspect of joining a varsity team as a freshman?

Obviously in high school, there are a lot of bigger guys — muscular guys — and trying to really control the game. It’s more difficult.

What is your favorite part about playing in the midfield?

I really enjoy being the playmaker — distributing the ball everywhere around the field.

I love doing that — being the main role in the midfield.

What is the hardest part about playing in the midfield?

Playing against a team that has a similar player to me. Trying to find out their weaknesses and play against their weaknesses.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Legacy Charter GRADE: Freshman SPORT: Soccer POSITION: Center midfield AGE: 14

Has there been a highlight moment for you so far during this season?

My teammates. They enjoy it and have a fun, and it goes back to them having a lot of heart. I’ve definitely seen the difference in that, compared to other teams.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you first started playing soccer?

Confidence. When I was younger, I used to come on the field and worry about winning the game or losing the game.

Now I come onto the field, and I know I’m going to control the game.

What is your routine like on a game day?

I try to set myself into a successful mindset. Stretching is also an important thing to me before a game. I have injured myself a few times due to not stretching before a game, so I keep that at the top of my head when I’m coming onto the field — whether that be a game or a practice.

— TROY HERRING

Coming into this season, did you have any goals in mind that you wanted to accomplish?

I definitely want to have a successful season, but I wanted to have that goal of being able to control the game at the high school level.

Was there anything specifically that you wanted to work on during this new season?

My fitness. My travel team — they’ve given us a break for the high school players — and I sort of use this time to benefit myself going back into the season.

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Ocoee retires Riller’s number CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

in a great conference and he’s on NBA draft boards … he is going to have a legitimate chance to play in the league, so he is going to be the first pro out of Ocoee,” Siers said. “We have 11 seniors that started as freshmen and all of them are going to play in college, and he has had a big impact on a lot of that.”

OCOEE THROUGH AND THROUGH

Having talented players stick around for all four years has become a rare scenario for a high school team.

Players will transfer for numerous reasons — from coaching changes to just being generally unhappy — but that was never the case for Riller.

When he arrived as a freshman in 2011, he found himself on the JV team. There, he made friends and enjoyed his time, but it was never easy — especially when you consider his size at the time.

“When you see the Division 1 player label itself, you think he was always that kind of player, but I wasn’t,” Riller said. “My first two years were more downs than ups as far as basketball goes.

I was a small, scrawny kid at the time playing against a lot of older kids on varsity, so I didn’t have that much success early on, but I ran my race and trusted my pro-

cess and eventually it all panned out.”

By the time his senior year rolled around, Riller was the established leader on a talented team run by head coach Rob Gordon — who’s now coaching Olympia.

During that year, which Riller said was the highlight of his high school career, the senior averaged a whopping 29.1 points per game and set a school singlegame record when he scored 53 points against Leesburg in the championship game of the Ocoee Great 8 Boys Basketball Tournament.

CHARLESTON CALLING

Riller’s game drew the attention of a few schools, but it was the College of Charleston that piqued his interest.

Going into his freshman year, Riller was ready to get his Division 1 career underway, and then a roadblock happened.

During a scrimmage, Riller tore his ACL, forcing him to take a medical redshirt. It was a tough blow, but always the optimist, Riller took the time to dive deep into the X’s and O’s of the game.

“I got to work on my body, I got to watch film with a lot of coaches and I got to just — more importantly — watch the games as an observer and just learn so much during that sit-out year,” Riller said. “My freshman year

McKissock named All-ACC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

opportunity to be in the situation that I was in to even be in the running for those awards,” she said.

An alumna of The First Academy, McKissock has become one of the ACC’s best players over the last two years and the ultimate assist woman for the Yellow Jackets (23-8, 14-4).

In this 2019 season for Georgia Tech, the sophomore setter has picked up an impressive 1,270 assists — the rest of the team has only 211 — in 113 sets played. So while McKissock was surprised at being named Setter of the Year, the stats were there the whole time.

A big part of that stat boost had as much to do with her team as it did for McKissock on an individual level, she said.

“We definitely all had more confidence,” McKissock said.

“And it just put less pressure on everyone knowing that we were all more confident, and had a year of playing with each other and playing against these other teams.”

Building confidence is some-

thing that McKissock has been working on since she first arrived to Georgia Tech in the fall of 2018, and it has taken patience and time.

Transitioning from high school volleyball at TFA and club volleyball to Division 1 is a challenge — one you’re not fully aware of until you make the move, McKissock said. The game is faster paced, more physically demanding and required McKissock to learn a completely new game plan.

Going into her freshman year in 2018, McKissock didn’t know what to expect as far as playing time was concerned. But she didn’t expect to start 29 matches for the Yellow Jackets as a freshman.

“There was actually a transfer setter out, so that opened up the spot for me to come in,” McKissock said. “And I knew that there was another girl here, so I knew it was up in the air that I could be playing this much, but it definitely wasn’t wide open.”

To start the year, however, McKissock was coming off the bench regularly — something she hadn’t done in years. So the

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first big challenge she had to face was overcoming those feelings of not being a starter.

“It was an upset for myself that I wasn’t starting in the beginning,” McKissock said. “I never doubted myself — I knew I could do it and I knew I was deserving and I worked hard enough. I just tried to calm myself down.”

It wasn’t until ACC play that McKissock locked down her starting spot as the team’s setter — from there she would lead the Yellow Jackets in assists (929) and had a career high of 52 assists against the University of Virginia.

The success from last year continues this season for McKissock, and while she and her team didn’t make the NCAA tournament like they were hoping to, the Yellow Jackets are getting to take part in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

“It means so much to me that I get to play a sport that I truly love and enjoy,” McKissock said. “(I) play it with some amazing people — I love all of my teammates, and I’ve met so many amazing people through club and TFA.”

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playing there were a lot of ups and downs, but the coaches there do such a good job of just letting you be the player that you are supposed to be.

It would take eight months for Riller to get back to the court, but from there, he made up for it in his redshirt freshman year when he was named to the 2017 CAA All-Rookie Team after averaging 13.1 points per game and was third on the team in steals (33).

The success continued though his sophomore and junior years, as Riller was named All-CAA First Team two years in a row.

In his junior season alone, Riller averaged a team-leading 21.9 points per game — ranking him No. 20 nationally in points per game.

While the accomplishments pile high for Riller — which will probably continue in his final year — he also knows one simple thing: That he wouldn’t be where he is now without the people who have helped him through his basketball journey.

“I’m just so appreciative — I’ve met so many different people over these last five years, and so many people who have helped me,” Riller said. “That’s the biggest thing — the basketball has been great to me, but at the same time the relationships that I’ve made have made more of an impact on my life than basketball.”

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Windermere Prep hosts NAE Global Games Middle school students from 18 Nord Anglia Education affiliated schools traveled to Windermere to participate in the games last week.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

While elementary and high school students at Windermere Prep were going about their day, more than 1,300 middle-schoolers flooded the athletic courts and fields out back.

For three days — Wednesday, Dec. 4, to Friday, Dec. 6 — students from 18 Nord Anglia Education-affiliated schools took over Windermere Prep as they participated in the NAE Global Games.

“NAE hosts these big global games for the Americas — which includes Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and then the Americas,” Windermere Prep Marketing Manager Summer Simmons said.

“It’s almost like an Olympics, so the kids come from those schools. … It’s a huge thing. The goal is for them to come and enjoy sports and games, but then also to meet students from other countries and other cultures and interact together.”

Just like the Olympics, the festivities kicked off with an Olympic-esque opening ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 4, where schools — decked out in their own colors — marched onto the football field before taking part in the national anthem, which was followed by a flyover.

Troy Herring

Participating students took in a half-dozen different sports.

NAE-affiliated schools from Boston to South America enjoyed a week of fun and games.

“At the opening ceremony, when we were all together, we met this guy from Ecuador, and he introduced us to all of his friends and he was really nice to us — even though he had never met us,” said Henrique Petrongari Rosner, a sixth-grader at Windermere Prep.

After the ceremony, the games were on.

On the baseball field, games of soccer were being played, while other teams faced off on the basketball courts — both outside and indoor. In the pool, swimming was well underway,

and behind the school, games of sand volleyball, flag football and archery were afoot.

But it was on the football field where a majority of the action was taking place. There, teams participated in boys and girls volleyball, soccer and track.

“Throughout the first two days, soccer has definitely been my favorite sport so far,” said William Kane, a sixth-grader at Windermere Prep. “I’ve never played soccer, but I love watching soccer — I know a lot about it — so I’ve always wanted to start playing, so it’s a great opportunity.

“My team … none of us (are) really amazing, but we’re all friends, and we got together and worked together really hard,” he said.

Luckily for William, the soccer team he was on was made up entirely of friends he knew at the school — including fellow sixthgrader Quinn Foley.

Having the chance to play alongside friends in a competition against middle schoolers from around the Americas was one of the biggest highlights of the week, Quinn said.

“We’ve been friends forever, so everybody that’s on the soccer team, we are all friends — we’re

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

19

just trying to have fun together and we’re not trying to be super serious,” Quinn said. “We’re all just having a lot of fun — if somebody does something wrong, we just kind of laugh at it.”

Along with the plethora of sports, the games also gave students a chance to experience other aspects of the Olympic atmosphere. In one corner of Windermere Prep, there was an “Olympic Village” and a spot where students could grab food. Meanwhile, a video-game station offered students virtual athletic competitions, while a STEAM tent — co-run by the school and its partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — was a popular spot for students looking to participate in intellectual competition.

And if that wasn’t enough, students and their chaperones enjoyed the best of Orlando’s entertainment at the end of the day — visiting Andretti’s, Pirates Dinner Theater, Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Universal. Of all the activities, those were among the highlights, Quinn said.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun, but at the end of the day, we’ll go to theme parks and stuff,” Quinn said. “Today, we are going to go to Magic Kingdom for the whole day, so that’s going to be a lot of fun, because everybody is going to be with each other. We can bond (there).”

Ultimately, the friendships and bridges built at the games will resonate long after the final whistles blew.

“I’ve just been really enjoying this — coming together with other schools and making new friends with them and just enjoying having fun,” William said.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

GAME FILM

20

Madison Maroulis, right, fought for the ball against Apopka.

Left: Junior defender Caitlyn Bruno, right, jostled for position as she prepared to make a move.

Windermere pushes past Apopka in back-and-forth win TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

In a game of two teams that are among the best in their respective districts, Windermere and Apopka didn’t disappoint on the pitch during their game Thursday, Dec. 5.

Windermere (4-1-1) and Apopka (4-3) went round for round before the Wolverines came out on top in a 4-3 victory.

Wolverines Victoria Gonzalez junior forward started off scoring early for Windermere when she found the back of the net

only two minutes in to give the home side the early lead. Eleven minutes later, sophomore midfielder Madison Maroulis would score the first of her two goals on the night to give the Wolverines the early 2-0 lead.

Despite being down 2-0, Apopka would rally back — scoring a goal in the 19th minute, and another five minutes into the second half to tie the game up at 2-2.

Junior forward Giovanna Do Amaral would stop the bleeding in the 55th minute with a goal, making it 3-2 Windermere. But just as they had done earlier,

the Blue Darters knotted things back up a little more than three minutes later.

With the game on the line, Maroulis would fly to the goal in the 66th minute and fire off a laser past the keeper to give the Wolverines the 4-3 lead.

Despite a late Apopka corner that bobbled around in the box before being cleared in the dying minute, Maroulis’ goal would prove to be the game changer.

The Wolverines will look to push their win streak to four in a matchup with Wekiva (6-2-1) Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Madison Maroulis got a hug from Domenica Facusse after scoring a goal.

Left: Sophomore defender Ella Maggio headed the ball to a teammate.

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75 years ago

The acute shortage of favorite brands of cigarettes in Winter Garden is causing much talk by those addicted to the habit of enjoying their smokes.

40 years ago

Dock Reeves of Winter Garden received a pleasant surprise this Christmas. He won a freezer and a side of beef in a promotional drawing at Thriftway grocery store. Mayor Ralph Fulford drew the winning name.

Larry Walker asked the Winter Garden City Commission to approve his plans for a gazebo in A.B. Newton Park as his Eagle Scout project. The commission gave unanimous approval.

The Windermere Town Council held a public hearing to discuss possible sites for the public boat ramp to be moved to: Windermere Groves North, Glenmuir property on Lake Louise and northwest corner of Lake Butler.

20 years ago

Stone’s Plumbing, a perennial winner in the Ocoee and Winter Garden Christmas parades, did it again this year with an impressive float featuring a train carrying Santa.

30 years ago

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.

VOICES by Zhouqin Burnikel ; CROSSWORD RAISED Edited by David Steinberg

©2019 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

27 Computer system exec 28 Winter Palace monarch, 1 Hugging duo once 5 Band formed in Stock29 Guiding principle holm 30 Many lines are drawn on 9 C in shop class? and with them 14 Ray gun attacks 31 Direction indicator 18 Quick glance 33 All-time high, e.g.

19 Dull in color 20 “America’s Got Talent” 35 Nonfictional 37 Unkind one judge Mandel 39 Tramp’s beloved 21 City east of Syracuse 40 “Iron Mike” of football 23 Active Italian volcano 41 Org. with a cryptologic 24 Fraught with danger memorial 25 Meet component 26 Gently wash against, as 42 Do a surfboard stunt 44 Flavorful brisket bit waves

The Winter Garden Times Dec. 12, 1980 The AM/FM/stereo receiver was a popular Christmas gift in 1980. The Gran Prix version, at $99.99, included an 8-track cartridge player and record changer. This fantastic music machine received AM and FM broadcasts and had lighted sliderule tuning, wide-range speakers, a dust cover and more.

Eckerd Drugs advertised this beauty in the Dec. 12, 1980, issue of The Winter Garden Times, hoping to pull in some holiday shoppers.

Today, this entire package fits neatly in a cell phone in the palm of your hand.

A young man poses with “The Tire Lady,” the former Uniroyal Tire mascot that was moved to this West Colonial Drive location in 1990. She reigned for almost 22 years in front of John’s Tire and Car Care until owner John Aitken moved his shop further west on State Road 50 in December 1990. Manufactured in 1966, she stood 18 feet tall and weighed 600 pounds. When the photograph was taken, she stood in front of Jay’s Marine, a business on West State Road 50 where the Winter Garden Publix shopping center is now located.

Colonial Corners flower shop has opened to the public.

This new venture is under the ownership and management of Helen Dewey Vick of Oakland.

The action was fast at the basketball game at Ocoee Middle School to benefit the annual holiday toy program. The Ocoee faculty defeated a team representing the Ocoee police and fire departments. Leading the OMS team were Principal Bob Williams and West Orange High Principal Joe Worsham, both former basketball players and basketball coaches.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

80 years ago

21

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

47 Fort Worth sch.

48 Pantheon member 49 Opening number?

50 Hr. when East Coast prime time starts 54 “Huh?” 55 Place for a mud mask 56 Jordan’s capital 58 Keister 59 Talked and talked 61 Fallback option 63 News outlets 65 Composer Brian 66 Muslim holiday 67 Semi-oxidized Chinese brew

90 Spotify rival 92 ___ Moines 95 Vegetable in many salsas 96 Forgetful Pixar fish 98 Involuntary twitches 101 Comply with 103 Certain chickens 105 “Yup” 106 Like some curiosity 107 Bare minimum 109 Omar of “House” 111 “If you ask me,” in texts 112 Practiced, as a trade 113 Old Swedish autos 114 0, for one 115 Baja resort, familiarly 116 Buffalo hockey player 117 Theater pathway 118 Brick that’s painful to step on 119 Swarming insect 120 Buggy software version 121 Welcome at the door 122 Minute quantity 123 Major Egyptian goddess

69 Wandering around 70 London’s ___ Gardens 71 Hawks, on scoreboards 72 Nottingham’s river 73 Punished monetarily 74 Backspace over 76 Disc golf starting point 78 Swing for the fences 80 Carnival city, casually 82 J.Lo’s fiance 83 Thoroughly enjoys oneself 85 Turn down 86 Lawn repair material 87 Good cholesterol letters 88 Occur simultaneously

DOWN 1 San Diego Zoo’s primate feed?

2 Hit the hay 3 They’re all lit on the eighth night of Hanukkah (see letters 8-4) 4 Jamaican music genre 5 Goes on to say 6 Prickly plant 7 Drove fast (letters 9-5) 8 Bart’s grandpa 9 Roughly spherical firework (letters 9-6) 10 Really, really liked11 Bowled over 12 Study secondarily 13 Companion animal 14 It’s spoken in South Africa (letters 5-2) 15 In any way 16 Supply, as elevator music 17 Wolfs (down) 22 On the briny 28 Castor, to Pollux 29 Fish in some burritos 30 Make tons of money

10 years ago

Home at Last dedicated a mortgage-free house in Oakland to injured Army war veteran Marcus Griffin, his wife, Andrea, and their sons, Isaac and Joseph.

32 Acting without thinking 34 Send packing 36 Suffix for luncheon 38 Flan ingredients 40 “You wish!”

43 Force from office 45 Sch. that celebrates Lobo Day 46 Some A.L. sluggers 47 Popular drink in Bangkok 51 Noted reality show family (letters 7-3) 52 Stain fighter from Clorox 53 Cried like a kitty 54 Christmas door hanging 56 Oscar winner Lee 57 Advice about keeping one’s options open (letters 10-7) 60 “I wouldn’t do that” (letters 10-7) 62 Former justice Scalia 64 Author Joan 68 Admitted to the clergy 69 Offshore apparatus 73 Factory, e.g., for a firm (letters 7-4) 75 Full of team spirit 77 Campaign-backing org.

79 eBay attempt 81 Sweepstakes statistics 84 Ticked-off state 89 Refreshing summer forecast 90 Poker tour player 91 Work of a composer 92 Deadens, as a string 93 Big name in water safety 94 Copy writer?

97 Go (for) 99 Home to Bollywood 100 Photo sessions 102 Longtime movie critic Roger 103 Dish alternative 104 Wolfgang Puck restaurant 108 Lack of hassle 110 Alka-Seltzer sound 113 Droop 114 Like antiques 115 “Avatar” FX

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“SIKGHNDKKJYMW YH NCYH HGLGWK IYNXGZ NCGN OXHN IKFYMJH TVX NCGN TVXI SVJT YH G PGDKNKIYG MVE.”

– GZY EVMW

“GI ASW MGJC ASWX MGIC TCIGBGBF ASWXDCMI KA HVRN SNVCX ECSEMC NVGBO SI ASW, GN’D R ISXZ SI DCMI-NSXNWXC.”

– DRXRV DGMJCXZRB Puzzle Two Clue: F equals G

THESE OLD TIMES

|

Puzzle One Clue: L equals V

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-12-19

cafeteria now.”

– Ali Wong

Puzzle Two Solution: “If you live your life defining yourself by what other people think of you, it’s a form of self-torture.” – Sarah Silverman

CLASSIFIEDS

This week’s Sudoku answers

Thursday, December 12, 2019

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • EMAIL: classifieds@orangeobserver.com • ONLINE: www.orangeobserver.com This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers This week’s HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

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Puzzle One Solution: “Breastfeeding is this savage ritual that just reminds you that your body is a cafeteria now.”

– Ali Wong

LV16621

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

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s.com

Color included on all ads!

Publishes every Thursday, and deadlines Friday the week prior.

24

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

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