12.16.21 Southwest Orange Observer

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

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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See West Orange County’s top real-estate sales. 9-11.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Here comes Santa!

Jolly Old St. Nick was among the shoppers at Legacy’s Holiday Market at Hamlin. 7.

YOUR TOWN BELLA BROWN IS AHA AMBASSADOR

Winter Garden resident Bella Brown has been named the 2021 Ambassador for the American Heart Association.

The 11-year-old led the Nov. 13 Orlando HeartWalk at the University of Central Florida, waving to folks from her seat in a convertible.

Bella was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and epilepsy and had three open-heart surgeries by the time she was 3. She will need lifelong care for her heart.

HEAD IN THE

CLOUDS

ONP PLANS WREATH WALK The Oakland Nature Preserve is holding its first Winter Wreath Walk with about 60 illuminated wreaths lining the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk to the Lake Apopka pavilion. The stroll will be open to guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Dec. 19, at ONP, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Entry is donation-based.

Community members are invited to create their own wreaths for the walk, and they can either be entered into a silent auction or picked up after the walk. Wreaths can be any size but should be family friendly include batterypowered lights.

For more information or to register a wreath, visit: oaklandnaturepreserve. wildapricot.org/wreath.

Olympia High School student Jake Carsten recently logged his first solo glider flight. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

Photos courtesy of Keith Carsten

Jake Carsten goes through a pre-flight check before taking off on his first solo glider flight. Top: Jake Carsten trains with Jan Driessen, a former Dutch air force fighter pilot who has flown more than 32,000 glider flights.

Display of power

PARTY IN THE USA

West Orange families flip for Gymnastics USA’s Christmas Spectacular. PAGE 3.

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Local wrestlers hit the mat for FHSAA Class 3A, District 3 wrestling team duals. 15.

Golf cart parade will roll again Winter Garden’s annual holiday parade has been rescheduled. PAGE 2.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade rescheduled after hit-and-run incident Organizers announced the parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 19.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After a hit-and-run incident and subsequent arrests canceled the 2021 Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade last Sunday, organizers announced a new date for the tradition.

The parade will roll Sunday, Dec. 19, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

A hit-and-run suspect was apprehended in downtown Winter Garden Sunday, Dec. 12, as residents waited along Plant Street to view the Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade.

The incident, which took place at about 6 p.m., canceled the rest of the parade, which had begun about 30 minutes earlier.

According to Winter Garden Police Department Capt. Scott Allen, shortly before the parade reached downtown, a vehicle, driven by Terryus Jorelle Baker, approached Plant Street traveling east at a high rate of speed.

“An officer tried to slow the vehicle down, and the driver of the vehicle accelerated toward the officer, almost striking him,” Allen wrote in a press release. “(Baker) continued to accelerate, striking another vehicle traveling in the same direction. The suspect vehicle became disabled, and (Baker) fled on foot.”

According to eyewitness accounts, the hit-and-run occurred near Matthew’s Steak House, 360 W. Plant St. After the car became disabled, it came to a stop at City Hall, where off-duty officer Mario Lewis, of the Kissimmee Police Department, was waiting for the parade. According to Lewis, Baker exited the car and attempted to flee the scene after his vehicle slid to a stop.

“I thought it was a stolen vehicle,” Lewis said. “He narrowly missed a lot of people, then he got out and

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PARADE RESCHEDULED

The Winter Garden Golf Cart Parade has been rescheduled for 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.

started running.”

Lewis gave chase along with several bystanders, stopping Baker on West Tremaine Street after Lewis drew his weapon and announced he was an off-duty police officer.

“He said his transmission went out, and he was trying to stop,” Lewis said.

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However, Baker later admitted he ran because of an outstanding warrant. A female and two children remained in the vehicle. The female also was arrested after admitting to an outstanding warrant, Lewis said.

According to police reports, Baker was arrested for an invalid driver’s license, possession of narcotics without a prescription, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, child neglect, and his outstanding warrant. The female suspect, Elizabeth Chavez, also was arrested. The children were turned over to family. Florida Department of Children and Fam-

ilies also were notified.

The incident led to the cancellation of the golf cart parade. Many of the hundreds of residents waiting for the event had no idea what happened.

Parade participants were waiting at the staging area, at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, before they were told of the cancellation.

“They told everyone to go home, that the parade was canceled,” said one participant as she drove her decorated golf cart along North Lakeview Avenue.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Foster family support group goes virtual with holiday help

The night also featured an aerial demonstration.

Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association is fulfilling wishes via Amazon.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The season of giving often is associated with food drives, red kettles and toy collection bins. But a local nonprofit is bringing awareness to the needs of foster families and asking the community to help bring the holiday spirit into their homes.

The Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association offers a range of assistance for foster and adoptive parents. Founded in 1986, the association originally served foster families in Orange and Seminole counties but has since expanded to include Osceola County. Monthly meetings provide guidance, ongoing training and emotional support.

The association also helps foster families provide all of their children with a happy holiday season via an angel tag tree.

“We support the foster families as a whole,” said OSFCA President Jerry Pitzer, who estimates a total of 55 foster households in the West Orange area. “We want foster children to be blended into the families that they live with, as if they are their children.”

To that end, each child in a foster household — whether they are biological or fostered — is allowed to request seven wishes, each limited to $30. The child’s first name, clothing sizes and wishes are included on a tag. Those willing to donate take the tags and purchase the gifts. Many area businesses accept multiple tags and create an angel tree so employees and customers can donate.

“We supply seven gifts, so the family can buy every child that one gift they cant live without,” Pitzer said. “You can take your Christmas budget that you normally would spend on your biological children and split it among all the children and, therefore, meet the big want of the year for everyone.”

“I’m a schoolteacher, so I’ve always been involved with children and I’ve always wanted to foster,” said Winter Garden resident Jennifer Downs, who has benefited from OSFCA services.

“When the time arose that I was able to financially support myself, I (dived) in and went to foster classes and got registered and did all the paperwork, background checks and became a foster parent.”

Families flip for Christmas Spectacular F

amilies packed Gymnastics USA Saturday, Dec. 11, for the gym’s 2021 Christmas Spectacular. The event, co-hosted by Gymnastics USA, We Are Winter Garden and Healthy West Orange, featured wholesome fun for the whole family. Guests enjoyed trying out the various gym equipment — including balance beams, trampolines and even a foam-cube pit — as well as sampling fair from on-site food trucks and perusing a variety of local vendors. Of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus and, yes, even snow.

Madison Sanderfer, 3, Zoey Sanderfer, 1, and Eva Macdonald, almost 5, loved playing in the foam-cube pit.

— MICHAEL ENG

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Downs

Jennifer Downs and her son, Jaxon.

Downs, who teaches sixth-grade science at SunRidge Middle School, began fostering 10 years ago. She opened her home to 18 children in seven years and adopted her 9-yearold son, Jaxon, in 2014. She paused fostering in 2019, after a breast cancer diagnosis. Currently in remission, she plans to return to fostering in the future but has taken charge of OSFCA’s angel tag efforts.

Last year’s COVID-19 shutdown affected contributing businesses, along with the ability of residents to shop in-person. Many schools that typically donate, including Dr. Phillips High, were unable to make their on-site angel tree. Downs pivoted to web-based contributions by creating an Amazon Wish List.

With many businesses operating out-of-office, and some ceasing operations as a result of the pandemic, the decision was made to keep the virtual option going this year.

“It’s so easy just to click a button from home and make a difference,” Downs said.

HOW TO DONATE

OSFCA Virtual Angel Tree: amzn.to/3pKBBAx DEADLINE: Monday, Dec. 20 INFORMATION: information@ osfca.com WEBSITE: osfca.com

Amelia Parra, 18 months, is a budding gymnast.

Some children took the opportunity to just hang around.

Right: Alanna Garcia, 4, got a little assistance from Emily Garcia.

The large trampolines were among the most popular attractions.

Donated gifts for the Orange/Seminole Foster Children’s Association virtual angel tag tree will be delivered to foster families Dec. 22.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Jim Carchidi, jcarchidi@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Olympia student logs first solo glider flight Jake Carsten came in for his first solo landing.

Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Photos courtesy of Keith Carsten

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

W

indermere resident Jake Carsten has spent more time at the controls of an aircraft than most kids his age have spent behind the wheel of a car.

The 15-year-old Olympia High School sophomore recently logged his first solo flight in a glider and is charting a course to a career in the U.S. Air Force.

“I wanted to pursue flight lessons, and I knew that I couldn’t go straight to powered flight,” Carsten said.

The minimum age to pilot a powered plane without supervision is 16, while 14 is the minimum age to fly solo in a glider.

“It’s also a good vehicle for learning the basics of flight mechanics,” he said.

Carsten’s passion for piloting wasn’t born from watching movies or playing video games. It’s actually in his blood.

“I earned my pilot’s license when Jake was a baby,” said Jake’s father, Keith Carsten, a member of Orlando Aero Club, which flies out of Orlando Executive Airport. “Jake was barely old enough to see out of the windows when we flew for the first time when he was 6. … What I remember was his calmness. He was able to recognize his grandparents’ house and the landmarks around Windermere from his new perspective.”

Eight years later, Jake Carsten took the controls of that same airplane — a Cessna 172 — under the supervision of the same instructor who taught his dad to fly. He enjoyed the experience enough that the thought of a solo

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Jake Carsten prepared to land after his first solo flight.

flight quickly became a goal.

He began training in 2020 at Clermont-based Seminole-Lake Gliderport under the tutelage of Jan Driessen, a former Dutch air force fighter pilot who has flown more than 32,000 glider flights and logged more than 8,000 hours as an instructor.

“Jake is aviation savvy; it has been a pleasure to train him,” Driessen said. “He has been very serious with his flight training, and he is an excellent student.”

“When I started flying the glider, (Jan) said I flew like a fighter pilot,” Jake Carsten said. “I was fast with my inputs, and that leads to an uncomfortable ride. You have to make your inputs slowly and give yourself a nice comfortable ride.

One phrase that he drilled into me was haste makes waste.”

Flight training not only includes time in the air but also time spent at ground school.

Winter Garden averts utility payment outage The city will introduce a new website to replace the current payment process.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Winter Garden leaders approved the redesign of the city’s utility payment website during the Dec. 9 City Commission meeting.

The action will prevent a major problem, which would have left customers without a web-based payment system at the start of the new year.

“Our current website uses a processing engine that is going to be decommissioned by our vendor,” said Winter Garden Director of IT Chad Morrill, who recommended commissioners authorize Selectron Technologies for the redesign. “So, very shortly, utility customers would not be able to pay online.

“Selectron Technologies provides and supports our IVR (Interactive Voice Response) phone system

payments which ties into the same financial system,” Morrill said. “So they already have a leg into our system.

They can set up a website very quickly for us and do this same web payment processing for us.”

According to City Commissioner Ron Mueller, the current vendor gave notice at the end of November that the decommission would go into effect Dec. 31.

“I believe that there was some negotiation but, in the end, they said they would not continue into next year,” he said.

According to Mueller, customer notifications will be sent to explain the system change.

“I also spoke to the city manager to make sure we would not penalize anyone as a result of this,” he said.

“If somebody makes a payment and it gets delayed, we’re not going to change them extra fees or anything like that.”

The website conversion is planned to be up and running before the end of the month.

“It will be completely different,

“It’s extra time you schedule with your instructor,” Jake Carsten said.

“They’ll talk to you about your flight performance, how you should improve, future maneuvers you’ll practice.”

Jake Carsten also spent many practice hours at home with computer simulation programs and chair flying.

“I have a poster of a glider cockpit in my room,” he said. “Sometimes, I just sit in front of it and go through preflight checks and try to get it as streamlined as possible.”

After months of preparation and 15 hours of instructed time in the air, he was ready to go it alone for the first time Dec. 5.

“It was an experience like I can’t describe,” Jake Carsten said. “It’s completely noiseless. Everything is so responsive as compared to a powered airplane. The first time I went up solo was a bit scary. I had no nerves leading up to it, but as soon

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission approved an AdventHealth Donation Agreement in the sum of $1.2 million to the city of Winter Garden for the development of the Holistic Health and Wellness Campus at Tucker Ranch. “This project is a great fit for our philosophy of whole-person health — we know that exercise, being outdoors and eating well are all key components to feeling whole,” AdventHealth Winter Garden CEO Kari Vargas said in a prepared statement. n Commissioners approved a recommendation to repair and mitigate the deterioration of the Stoneybrook West Golf Club property and ensure its preservation. The city will impose

including the web address,” Morrillsaid. “So plan to replace your shortcuts and bookmarks.”

Residents can check cwgdn. com/380/Utility-Billing for up-todate information, including the go-live date and how-to guides.

VOTING DISTRICT PRESENTATION POSTPONED

A presentation on voting district boundaries was postponed because

as Jan stepped out of the copilot seat, everything kind of snapped, and I realized I was doing this for real.”

Jake Carsten still needs to log nine more solo flights before qualifying for an initial FAA rating; the next step will be training to pilot a powered plane. He has been working toward that goal since his first flight with his dad. He constantly broadens his knowledge through research and speaking with other pilots. He has earned aviation merit badges with his Boy Scout troop and even toured the U.S. Air Force Academy last summer.

“I’m shooting for the United States Air Force Academy as my college,” he said. “Teaching myself flight mechanics is for my own interests, too, but it’s also to put on a résumé.

Anything aviation that I’m offered I definitely pick up, because you can never learn too much.”

a non-ad valorem assessment to cover the project costs of the project. n The City Commission voted to allow the construction of awnings at The Exchange building, located at 240 W. Plant St., for outdoor dining at the upcoming Mangoni Italian Market Pizza. Awnings will be constructed on the sides facing Plant Street and South Lakeview Avenue. n A recommendation was approved to award Dale Beasley’s Construction Company the contract for the North Boyd Street Parking Lot Improvement Project in the amount of $697,708.20. The company was one of six to submit proposals by the Nov. 2 deadline.

of the absence of City Commissioner Mark Maciel. The presentation was to accompany the first reading of an ordinance to propose district boundaries.

“My opinion is, we’re missing a commissioner here tonight so we need to push this off to the January meeting,” Mayor John Rees said. The presentation and the first reading of the ordinance will be part of the Jan. 13 City Commission meeting agenda.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Ocoee leaders approve plan for sewage treatment facility The development will add services on the west side of Ocoee Apopka Road and along Fullers Cross Road.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

In its last commission meeting of 2021, the Ocoee City Commission on Dec. 7 debated whether to approve the preliminary site plan for a new sewage treatment facility on the west side of Ocoee Apopka Road and along Fullers Cross Road.

Orlando-based McCraney Property Company is proposing to bring sewage services to that area. The project would feature eight buildings located on 39.96 acres of land and is expected to create about 500 new jobs in Ocoee, along with $800,000 in impact fees.

Under previous law, this would have constituted a large-scale site plan, but because of a recent law passed

by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that increases the threshold for a large scale plan to 50 acres, the plan was amended to a small scale site plan.

The commission was asked to approve five separate motions: annexation of the land; a rezoning amendment; approving the site plan; the land-use amendment; and a development agreement.

“This is what they are designing to be constructed,” Planning and Zoning Director Mike Rumer said in his presentation to the commission.

“This is not a best guess; this is it. It has the commitments for running sewer to those two places … and it has the design guidelines in that as well.”

Some members of the public were concerned for the traffic and noise that large, sewage trucks would inevitably bring to a neighborhood.

Scott Kennedy, a local HOA president, voted against the project in a

IN OTHER NEWS n Mayor Rusty Johnson was also awarded the Florida League of Cities’ John Land Service Award in honor of his 35 years in public service. The award was named for former Apopka Mayor John Land.

committee hearing because of the traffic concerns a project like this would bring.

“I looked at the traffic study, and I don’t believe where they are estimating the peak truck hours,” Kennedy said. “Once it’s passed and once it’s there, we have to live with it. I’ve talked to residents as HOA president, and my residents are concerned that the traffic is going to come off at West Road and block out West and Ocoee Apopka.”

Steve McCraney, president and CEO of McCraney Property Company, said his company has taken the community’s feedback seriously and developed its plan with those suggestions in mind. He said his company wants to add to Ocoee — not take away from it.

“We’re humbled to be part of the city; we want to be a giver to the city, not a taker,” he said. “It’s important for us to be part of the community.”

He added the landscaping around the facility would be used to dampen the traffic noise for the surrounding neighborhoods while still being pleasing to the eye.

As the commission discussed the plan, Commissioner George Oliver echoed some of Kennedy’s concerns about traffic in that area but did say he liked the project itself.

During the vote, the commissioners voted on each of the five motions.

Each passed 4-1, with Mayor Rusty Johnson dissenting.

Mayor Rusty Johnson and the Ocoee City Commission welcomed honored guests.

Ocoee remembers Pearl Harbor

The Navy Sea Cadets color guard presented the colors.

Veterans from all branches of the military were present for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony.

P

VFW Post 4305 Commander Terry Guthrie spoke at the remembrance ceremony.

rior to the Ocoee City Commission’s Dec. 7 meeting, the city hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The event marked the United States’ entry into World War II. The ceremony was presented by the American Legion Post 109 and VFW Post 4305 and featured comments from Mayor Rusty Johnson, the City Commission and local veterans.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Guests study the artwork in the “Places of Worship” exhibit at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.

Town of Oakland debuts ‘Places of Worship’ exhibit T he town of Oakland’s “Places of Worship” art exhibit explores a diverse array of organized religion and individual spirituality, debuting at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. The official opening was held Friday, Nov. 12.

The colorful pieces were created

by Central Florida artists and includes plein-air paintings of Oakland churches. A work of art itself — the cornerstone piece of the Arts and Heritage Center — is the circa-1919 Oakland Presbyterian Church’s stained-glass window, which is on permanent display. The event gave visitors an opportunity to meet many of the artists.

Participating artists include Kelley Batson-Howard, Kathy Bee, Ken Cashon, James Chonody, Art Estaban, Dennis Hood, Suzann Kaltbaulm, Daniel Longman, Violeta Militaru, David Minichiello, Will Setzer, Deborah Smith, Diane Stapleton, Denise Vezza Maggiore, Kathleen Warren, Lori Warren, Joe Warren and Stephen Withers.

All artwork is for sale.

“Places of Worship” will run until Friday, Jan. 14, 2022.

The art and heritage center, at 126 N. Petris Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and select Saturdays.

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Lori and Joseph Warren painted an Oakland church in the plein-air style. His is at top.

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Will Setzer works on a digital touchscreen monitor with an airbrush pen to create his art.

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David Minichiello’s plein air paintings represent a church in Gotha (not shown) and a shrine and temple at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Leah Johnson creates festive décor with her company, Circle of Love Wreaths.

Legacy’s Hamlin market showcases local artisans The community turned out for family-friendly activities and artisan gifts during the Holiday Market at Hamlin.

H

amlin residents enjoyed holiday celebration complete with games, food and artisan gift ideas Saturday, Dec. 4. The family-friendly event featured games, food trucks and artist booths. Booth fees went to The Legacy Events for Education Organization to provide scholarships and grants for students and teachers at local high schools in West Orange.

The Hamlin Holiday Market was Joan Doyle’s first show with her business, Magic Sewn In.

— JIM CARCHIDI

Above: Jon and Tasha Harrison, of Plant Street Flower Cart, were excited to spread holiday cheer.

Right: Stefania and Valentina Massi enjoyed the day together.

Right: Stella Iacovelli gave the hula hoop a spin in the kid zone.

Ring in the New Year WITH THE BLAKE AT HAMLIN!

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join us at the community as we look forward to 2022. Enjoy a New Year’s champagne toast with your friends and find out about our VIP incentives including reduced community fee, free month of rent and choice suites at pre-opening rates. Happy New Year!

RSVP by 12/27 to Frances Ortiz at

(407) 759-5448

In-person events return this January!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Colten Rodriguez-Halladay tried the Lickety-Split spin ride.

In Ocoee, all is bright!

A

fun family festival drew a crowd for the Ocoee Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, Dec. 4. Guests enjoyed rides, games and food trucks before visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Withers-Maguire House. And the Ocoee High School Chorus performed before the countdown to the tree lighting.

The holidays light up the Ocoee Lakeshore Center.

— JIM CARCHIDI

Santa and Mrs. Claus waited for guests inside Withers-Maguire House.

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Clark Fernandez and Adalyn Morwood enjoyed the soapy snowfall.

A We Flip Entertainment performer stacked a tower of chairs.

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Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential realestate transactions from Dec. 3 to 10.

The home at 9838 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere,

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 52 High Sale Price: $5.3 million Low Sale Price: $135,000

half-baths and 10,843 square

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feet of living area. Days on market: 313.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8919 Esguerra Lane, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $426,000.

Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. ORANGE BAY

The home at 8322 Crosswicks Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $470,000.

Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,067 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

REAL ESTATE

The home at 7704 Clementine Way, Orlando, sold Dec. 6, for $629,900.

Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,735 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

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The home at 6626 Parson Brown Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $544,000. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,357 square feet of living area. Days on market: 68.

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The home at 11527 Citrus Fields Place, Orlando, sold Dec. 6, for $839,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,131 square feet of living area. Days on market: 55.

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The home at 9838 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 9, for $5.3 million. This lakefront estate is set between Lake Butler’s shoreline and the 15th hole of Isleworth’s championship golf course.

Wills/Advance Directives Estates Corporation/LLC Commercial Transactions Landlord/Tenant Real Estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu And Other Matters

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SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 6413 Hidden Dale Ave., Orlando, sold Dec. 7, for $432,500. Built in 1979, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,943 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

F O R

SAND LAKE PRIVATE RESIDENCES

T H E

H O L I D AY S

The condo at 8837 Latrec Ave., No. 5305, Orlando, sold Dec. 7, for $195,000. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,003 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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The home at 7962 Versilia Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $1,080,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Dec. 3 to 10.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

REAL ESTATE

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SHOW US YOUR

STRENGTH

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The home at 9154 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 10, for $1.3 million. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Dec. 3 to 10.

PHOTO CONTEST

Now is your turn in picking a winner.

VIZCAYA

NEWBURY PARK

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

ORCHARD HILLS

WINDHOVER CONDOMINIUMS

PRESTON SQUARE

GOTHA

WATERLEIGH

The home at 7962 Versilia Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $1,080,000. Built in 2002, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,379 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

Which one is your favorite?

Head over to OrangeObserver.com to vote.The voting period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16.

The winning school will receive $2,500 from Healthy West Orange.

The condo at 8749 The Esplanade, No. 1, Orlando, sold Dec. 9, for $649,900. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,549 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Six.

WIN $2,500

FOR YOUR SCHOOL! The winning

VOTE NOW RESH UNTILREF DEC. 16 subm be announced ission will Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022!

The condo at 6067 Windhover Drive, No. F01, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $190,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,259 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

! l l HOME a F YOUR

www.OrangeObserver.com/2021-Show-Us-Your-Strength

Vote now, vote often!

Brought To You By:

LEGADO

The condo at 10274 Turkey Lake Road, No. A-28, Orlando, sold Dec. 10, for $135,000. Built in 1984, it has one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths and 745 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

Throughout the past three months, school photos were submitted in the Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest.

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The home at 9154 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 10, for $1.3 million. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,432 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

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The townhouse at 15691 Orange Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $430,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,444 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three. Door

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BORDEAUX

The condo at 1990 Erving Circle, No. 304, Ocoee, sold Dec. 8, for $147,000.

Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 921 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

The condo at 1101 Vintage Village Lane, No. 104, Ocoee, sold Dec. 6, for $150,000. Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one bath and 812 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. The condo at 1980 Erving Circle, No. 102, Ocoee, sold Dec. 9, for $136,000. Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one bath and 702 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

EAGLES LANDING

The home at 231 Westyn Bay Blvd., Ocoee, sold Dec. 7, for $560,000.

Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,223 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. FOREST OAKS

The home at 1507 Prairie Lake Blvd., Ocoee, sold Dec. 8, for $280,000.

Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,246 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

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The townhouse at 6673 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 6, for $380,500. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,980 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

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The home at 5006 Weeping Holly Court, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 9, for $520,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 15500 Fountain Cove Court, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 9, for $540,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.

AVALON COVE

Before Mirror Wrap

The townhouse at 8469 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold Dec. 6, for $324,500. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,584 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

The home at 9305 Daney St., Gotha, sold Dec. 6, for $245,500. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,147 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.

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Days on market: Four.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

MARION PARK

The home at 125 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, sold Dec. 10, for $413,000.

Built in 1958, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,930 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

SIMS

The home at 236 Lee St., Ocoee, sold Dec. 6, for $324,900. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,596 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.

WENTWORTH

11

The home at 6844 Valhalla Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 10, for $1,995,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,800 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 122.

The home at 8315 Bowden Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 10, for $1,126,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,480 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 6006 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Dec. 6, for $850,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,530 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

WESMERE

The home at 456 Saddell Bay Loop, Ocoee, sold Dec. 10, for $390,000.

Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,859 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 6037 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Dec. 7, for $700,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,614 square feet of living area. Days on market: 90.

WINDERMERE

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 5 Main St., Windermere, sold Dec. 8, for $1,062,000. Built in 1966, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,160 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 91.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

KEENE’S POINTE

The townhouse at 2269 Brancaster Circle, Ocoee, sold Dec. 6, for $252,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,345 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

DAVIS SHORES

|

The home at 830 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold Dec. 7, for $1.5 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,670 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

bhhsfloridarealty.com

The home at 17205 Red Bird Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 7, for $900,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Dec. 3 to 10.

WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 9579 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 8, for $795,069. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,594 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WESTOVER RESERVE

The home at 1713 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Dec. 10, for $737,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,592 square feet of living area.

WINTER GARDEN

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1629 Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $358,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 14254 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 9, for $740,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,004 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65. coldwellbankerhomes.com

The home at 231 Westyn Bay Blvd., Ocoee, sold Dec. 7, for $560,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Dec. 3 to 10.

FULLERS CROSSING

The home at 1147 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 7, for

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$420,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,487 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.

GROVE PARK AT STONE CREST

The home at 734 Lost Grove Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 10, for $640,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,382 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 611 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 10, for $490,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 2,225 square feet. Days on market: Four.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3328 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $484,900. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,662 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. MAGNOLIA WOOD

The home at 1601 N. Fullers Cross Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $520,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-

half baths and 2,570 square feet of living area. Days on market: 73.

ROLLING HILLS

The home at 17205 Red Bird Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 7, for $900,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,434 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 25.

SIPLIN HEIGHTS

The home at 14641 Siplin Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 7, for $219,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,018 square feet. Days on market: Six. STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 2448 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $532,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,983 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

VILLAGE GROVE

The townhouse at 1221 Winter Green Way, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 6, for $180,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, one-and-one-half baths and 1,240 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Eight.

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

OCPS WINTER BREAK BEGINS DEC. 20 Winter break for Orange County Public Schools sudents begins Monday, Dec. 20.

Students will return Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, which is the beginning of the third marking period and second semester of the school year.

Students also will be off Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

OCPS SEES INCREASE IN FALSE THREATS Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins said the district has experienced a recent increase in students making false threats against their schools.

Jenkins advised parents to remind their children that there are serious consequences to such actions.

“Some may think of it as a prank, but we take it seriously and must engage in a formal threat assessment when we become aware of the threat,” Jenkins said. “It doesn’t matter if they say it, text it, write it, snap it or post it on social media. Children who make threats can face serious consequences according to our Code of Student Conduct and through law enforcement. Nobody wants a police visit to their house over a foolish prank. It also means a waste of precious resources and undue stress on students and staff. Pulling a false fire alarm also has severe penalties.

“Please talk to your student regarding safety expectations and remember to check their backpacks for items that are not allowed on school property,” she said. “Students or parents should inform school staff immediately if they hear of any threat or suspicious activity.”

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

12

CHRISTINA CLARK, DILLARD STREET ELEMENTARY Christina Clark has served Dillard Street Elementary for 16 years as a kindergarten and third-grade teacher. For the past three years, she has supported ESE students and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports process on campus by helping coordinate and implement strong interventions for the school’s most vulnerable students. She consistently develops partnerships with community businesses who provide supports to DSES. She also is the Partners In Education coordinator. She was Teacher of the Year in 2018-19.

What brought you to your school?

My previous school was downsizing due to remodeling and moving campuses during the remodel. (Because) I was a firstyear teacher, my position was cut. The assistant principal there suggested Dillard, (because) it was close by, and they had some positions available.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the students and staff! Dillard feels like a big family.

What is your motivation?

My motivation has always been to make a difference. Seeing the students succeed after working so hard is truly rewarding.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to run, go to theme parks, travel and spend time with my family.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I had several teachers (who) really made an impact on me. Margaret Wright was my fourth-grade teacher at Ridgewood Park Elementary, and I remember her being so caring. She took an interest in our lives and made us each feel important. One of my middle school teachers, Fred Dana, was always very encouraging and made learning interesting.

VACCINES TO CONTINUE AT SCHOOL SITES In the past month, 12,105 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered during OCPS-hosted events for students, staff, their families and the community. Additional dates for vaccine clinics in OCPS school buildings are planned for the start of 2022. The full schedule is posted on ocps.net.

REPORT CARD POSITION: ESE resource teacher and coach for Multi-Tiered System of Supports TIME AT SCHOOL: 16 years

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What are your hobbies?

I love to run, especially at Disney.

I’ve completed two marathons, along with several other race distances. I also love just going to Disney or Universal to ride the rides, eat and see the shows. When I have time, I love to read.

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

I love “Star Wars,” so I would want to have Force abilities. You are not limited to just one power.

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

This is really a hard question, because I have a very eclectic taste in music. One of my selections would definitely be Queen, though. They have so many great

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I like any reason to celebrate or dress up, so I love all holidays. Christmas is my favorite, though. I love the movies, the songs, the decorations and the spirit of giving that this season inspires.

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

I have several that I’m still touch with.

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

I was homeschooled for high school, so none. In college, I regularly made the Dean’s List.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

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.

Character Matters.

An education should not only develop intellect,

PREVIEW EVENTS

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are,” by Maurice Sendak. I love the lessons you can learn from it, and I found Max’s wild imagination relatable.

songs; I have a bunch of them on my running playlist, and they keep me pumped up. Narrowing down the other two is more difficult. I would really have to give that some more thought.

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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

Why? Depending on what age you asked me, it was either a news reporter or a teacher. I was always interested in what was going on and thought it would be so cool to travel around the world to report on different events. I also loved to learn and thought it would be fun to be able teach others.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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13

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Ocoee High School dean earns 2021 Community Servant Award in Apopka Apopka native Monique Morris volunteers her time to tutor students at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

BY JEFFERY LAUX SPECIAL TO THE WEST ORANGE TIMES AND OBSERVER

Ocoee High School Administrative Dean Monique Morris is in a room at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in Apopka, and trying to connect with six students who are struggling to understand subjects such as geometry and history.

Morris volunteers every Tuesday night at the church to tutor students from West Orange who need help with their studies. That commitment is in addition to the nine-hour day she puts in at Ocoee High School, where she has worked since 2005. And it’s another reason why Morris is being celebrated as the recipient of the 2021 Community Servant Award given each year to an outstanding citizen of Apopka.

“To have that feeling of pride, to know that you went to a great school, while living in a great community, that people come together to work and see a difference in their community,” Morris said.

Morris, 48, is an Apopka native and alumna of Apopka High School. She started her teaching career at Wolf Lake Elementary and then became a dean at Ocoee High School, where she serves students from Ocoee, Apopka, Winter Garden and Pine Hills. She has been with Orange County Public Schools for 20 years.

“I tell my students at Ocoee High that when you cut me, I bleed blue and white,’’ she said, laughing. “I am a Darter ’til I die!”

Monique Morris was gifted a bench by the city of Apopka that sits right outside New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Apopka.

Monique Morris was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2018 by Commissioner Rod Love and Alexander H. Smith.

Morris graduated from Nova Southeastern University and is continuing her studies at Saint Leo University in pursuit of a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Known for her ear-to-ear smile, Morris advocates for her students’ success and ambitions.

In addition to her tutoring, Morris also runs a clothing drive and food drive for people in need in the Apopka area. Morris partners with city commissioners to host an annual coat and blanket drive for families in need of warmth during the winter, too.

“Watching people walk down the street shivering during the cold Florida winter made me realize we needed this program,” Morris said.

Last year, she and her fellow volunteers ran out of coats and blankets during the event.

“People come from near and far,” she said. “I even have women coming from homeless shelters downtown just because they saw my post on Facebook.”

Apopka Commissioner Alexander Smith and Morris aim to keep up the drive this winter and for the foreseeable future.

Tracey Hough, an Apopka High School teacher, said Morris breathes life into her community.

“She was a single mom (who) raised three boys by herself and did a fantastic job,’’ Hough said. “She embodies the compassion and commitment like her

mother, Yvonne Holmes.”

Morris credits her mom as her greatest inspiration.

“My mom is 72 and just received her (doctoral) degree,’’ Morris said.

“She’s a nonstop person who pushes me to be greater. She is out in the community giving free blood pressure checks, health tips and trying to always make sure her community stays conscious of their health.”

Morris said she also takes inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Courtesy photos

Monique Morris serves her community during the cold nights of December.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

85 years ago

A turkey escaped from Cappleman’s Cash and Carry store and headed for the front door of the Edgewater hotel, where the closed plate-glass doors offered no resistance.

Except for a few tail feathers lost in the struggle at the hotel entrance, the turkey was unhurt.

The Winter Garden Welfare League, which met at the home of the president, Mrs. W.L. Story, elected officers for the coming year: Mrs. C.W. Irrgang Jr., president; Mrs. Curtis Britt, vice president; Mrs. T. Mark Britt, secretary; and Mrs. M.A. Foster, treasurer. New members were Mrs. C.M. Biggers, Mrs. J.E. Moore, Mrs. Henry Britt Jr., Mrs. Joel Bell, Mrs. Billy Tilden, Mrs. J.C. Sayer and Mrs. John Harrell.

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.

80 years ago

From The Social Whirl by Agnes: Seven enthusiastic girls met at the FPS Lounge to organize a Red Cross Motor Corp. All had first aid and were about to start their 10 hours of mechanics. Billy Davis was chair; other members were Benny Lou Pease, Flaudie Still, Julia Mae Brantley, Kathryn Sims, Betty Joiner and Mary Nye. According to Postmaster W.H. Reams, postal delivery service was to begin soon.

70 years ago

E.M. Henderson, Winter Garden postmaster, announced the new postal rates to be in effect Jan. 1.

One-cent postal cards were to be replaced by two-cent cards. Other first-class mail was to remain the same.

50 years ago

H.P. Patton and Leo Patton unloaded large trees for the Kiwanis Christmas Tree sale at Dillard Street and State Road 50. The trees were driven from Canada.

Sally Osburn, 4, was describing a Christmas picture she made at nursery school to her parents, Kitty and Karl: “This is the baby Jesus, and this is Joseph, and Mary has gone shopping.”

Jimmy Pitchford read in the

newspaper about a family in Kingsford, Michigan, that had four brothers stricken with muscular dystrophy. The brothers had a special Christmas dream of seeing Walt Disney World.

Pitchford sent $1,000 toward the expenses for the family to make the trip to Orlando and then tried to help raise an additional $1,000 toward the total needed.

20 years ago

The Oakland Police Department made what town officials called the biggest drug bust in town history. Officer Chris Rapp conducted a traffic stop on West Colonial Drive, and inside the vehicle, the officer found more than 160 pounds of cannabis with a street value of $160,000.

crossword

celebrity cipher

NONEVENTS by Todd Gross. Edited by David Steinberg 48 Item in a golf bag 50 Perfect place 51 Move your car 52 Hot, foamy beverages 53 Capital of Canada 54 “Bodak Yellow” rapper 55 Quick, quavering sounds 57 Raid the fridge DOWN 59 Boston Red ___ 1 Out like a light 62 Powder in a fireplace 2 Gen Xer’s parents, 64 As a Plan B perhaps 65 Commotion 3 Cover completely 68 Make an offer 4 Membership level 70 Distinctive style 5 ___ paneer (spinach 71 Currency in Japan dish) 77 Nation with the high6 Clumsy sort est GDP 7 Lets the cat out of the 80 Church ceremony bag 82 Coffee-flavored 8 Author T.S. liqueur 9 Three feet 83 Very much 10 Japanese TV maker 84 Not even half-baked 11 Snowman in “Frozen” 86 New York canal 12 Drop-down list 89 Was introduced to 13 Garden in Genesis 90 Certain Little League 14 Pittsburgh-based co. player with strong products 92 Quick haircut 15 Close-range basketball 93 2012-17 Yahoo! CEO shots Mayer 16 “So long,” in Sonora 94 Bit of honey, e.g.

17 Cognac brand, infor96 Gives temporarily mally 97 Mexican state on a 20 City on the Mississippi peninsula Sound 98 Like some butter 23 Mardi Gras celebra101 Make a boo-boo tion, e.g.

102 Supports for petals 28 Polar feature 103 In two places at once 29 Event for biologists? 104 Former figure skater 32 Bombeck who had a Harding humor column 105 Cream of the crop 36 Broad bean 106 Make up (for) 37 Event for costume 107 Actress Loy of “The designers?

Thin Man” 38 Grape holder 110 24” or 27” computer 39 All vice presidents 111 ___-Cola before Harris 112 Lie beside 40 Legal org.

113 Chip card letters 41 Sharp sensation 115 LP player 44 Early stage of life 116 Scorch the surface of 45 Lose power 120 Type of modem 46 Like Thor and Loki 124 Deadly 125 “And there you have it!”

126 Blanchett of “Ocean’s Eight” 127 Store special 128 Removes wrinkles

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Assists in a crime 6 Follow the rules 10 Unspecified amount 14 Where Jazz players often play 18 Justice Sotomayor 19 Pasta ___ Genovese 20 Made a bundle?

21 Heads or tails 22 Event for romantics?

24 Nonsensical 25 Turn like a top 26 Come out of hiding 27 Event for personal trainers?

30 Fish with a ribbon variety 31 Midterm, for one 33 Part of a dove song

DEC. 16, 1971 Al Ewing Ford had the perfect Christmas present for “the lady in your life”!

His car lot had Ford Pintos, advertised as “carefree,” including a two-door sedan and a three-door runabout with hatchback.

Samuel Albany “Al” Ewing opened his Ford dealership franchise in 1967 on West Highway 50 (Colonial Drive), just east of Carter Road and moved it across the highway to a custom tiki-style set of buildings in 1974.

Rumor has it when the Ford Pinto model was introduced, Ewing used a crane to hoist one onto a raft in the Holiday Inn swimming pool in Ocoee.

“Greetings from the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation to all our partners, readers, supporters, members and friends. As we prepare to finish another year collecting, documenting and exhibiting your history, we’d like to wish you all the happiest and healthiest holiday season.”

34 Very, very small 35 Put forward 38 Frustrate 39 Syrup sources 42 Practice punches 43 Event for pharmacists?

47 Nutrient important for vision 49 Being broadcast 50 WWW address 53 Gasoline rating 56 Paging device 58 Lipton competitor 60 Goo that coal can produce 61 Wheel with teeth 63 China’s continent 66 Take control of 67 Apache or Blackfeet 69 “SurrealEstate”

channel 72 Look after 73 An American in Paris, perhaps 74 Speak without a script 75 Empty space 76 Homophone of 33-Across 78 Ticked-off feeling 79 More feral 81 Turkish capital city 85 Rare treats, maybe?

87 Midriff muscles 88 Dark clouds 91 Al Stewart’s full first name 93 Event for astronomers?

95 Like liquid fat 98 What should always be first

99 Lead-in to “weekly” 100 Like granite, geologically 103 Game console brand 105 Tasmanian ___ (extinct bird) 106 Rounds at a rifle range 108 Card that often beats a king 109 Event for elected officials?

114 Playful response to an insult 117 Insects in some farms 118 It merged with Exxon 119 Event for river crossers?

121 Some kosher loaves 122 Like a keen sense 123 Places to stay

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“AXTBBR MDCXAXNCMDI CJMDIN ZLPX EXZTONX RLO KLD’C VDLG GJTC CJX AOBXN TAX, GJTC RLO ZTD TDK ZTD’C KL.”

– NCXWX EONZXPM

“LA SBKF CDACTD HZF HA RZAN PC HAA VBLH, BKJ GH’L KAH VPK! FAP LXAPTJ LHBF B UGJ BL TAKR BL CALLGOTD!” – MBKDLLB XPJRDKL “H JGWMMV RN SGMHGXG CKWC HO VNY RNU’C TKWMMGUEG VNYJLGMO WUR JHLZ OWHMHUE, CKWC HC’L UNC HUCGJGLCHUE.”

– RHJGTCNJ IYMHG CWVANJ Puzzle Three Clue: X equals V

|

Puzzle Two Clue S equals N

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue V equals K

14

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-16-21

DECEMBER 16, 2021

SPORTS

Southwest Stars swimmer David Mendez broke six team records in the 11-12 age group at the Rosen Aquatic Invitational. Page 16.

HIGH

GRINDING IT OUT 5

1

Foundation Academy’s competitive cheer team competed at the Hornet Classic Dec. 11 at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. The team took first place in the Medium Varsity Non-Tumbling division. The competition also ran a toy drive for the holiday season; all teams were encouraged to bring at least one toy for donation. Awards were presented virtually on the Bishop Moore cheerleading Facebook page.

2

Windermere Prep senior quarterback Zane Fullmer was invited to compete at the Florida High School Shrine Bowl All-Star Classic Dec. 11 at Lake Howell High School, in Oviedo. Fullmer was Windermere Prep’s only representative at the game, which featured some of the best private school players in the area. Players were divided into East and West squads, representing the regions the players come from. Fullmer threw for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing for seven this past season, as he helped lead the Lakers to the playoffs.

Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Ocoee and Olympia competed at the FHSAA Class 3A, District 3 wrestling team duals.

Photos by Chris Martucci

Ocoee freshman Nazzia Hurley is carried by his teammates after a win against Apopka, marking the first 106-pound win for the Knights in years.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

T

3

Olympia cheerleaders Anna Shannin and Saianna Souksanom received the honor of a lifetime last week when they were selected to represent Olympia at the 80th annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Dec. 7 in Honolulu.

The parade commemorated the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which marked United States’ entry into World War II. Shannin and Souksanom were named All-Americans at the UCA Cheer Camp earlier this year.

4

Horizon’s girls weightlifting team notched several top finishes in its dual meet with Dr. Phillips Dec. 8. Sophomore Carmen Simmons finished first in the 119-pound division, with a 100-pound bench press and a 100-pound clean and jerk.

Freshman Makenzie Duncan took first in the 139-pound division.

5

The West Orange and Olympia girls soccer teams went head-tohead Dec. 8, with the Warriors coming away with a 3-1 victory. Freshman Georgie McNeil scored two goals to pace West Orange against the Titans. She has been the only freshman to start every game for the Warriors this season.

Windermere sophomore Lucas Drone looks to get leverage on his opponent during the Wolverines’ dual with Dr. Phillips. Drone helped Windermere to a second place finish in the Class 3A District 3 Team Duals.

he Evans High School gymnasium was packed with action all morning long Dec. 11, as four West Orange and Southwest Orange teams competed in the FHSAA Class 3A, District 3 wrestling team duals for the right to be named the district team champions.

Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Ocoee and Olympia all competed, with Apopka, Wekiva and Evans making up the rest of the teams.

West Orange was supposed to compete, as well, but pulled out earlier in the week for an unknown reason.

Because of the odd number of teams in the tournament, teams that won their first round matchups faced the winners of the next round, as well as a consolation bracket for teams that lost. A squad that lost two consecutive duals was eliminated from the competition.

Because of West Orange’s absence, SEE WRESTLERS PAGE 16

Local athletes sign NLIs West Orange, Windermere and Foundation Academy all celebrated athletes with signing days last week.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Signing day is a special time for any athlete. After all that hard work and fielding many college offers in the process, they are finally putting ink to paper and declaring where they will be spending the next four years and showcasing their athletic talents.

SEE FUTURE PAGE 16

Photo by Chris Martucci

Eleven West Orange High School athletes made their commitments official on Dec. 8.

16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Wrestlers meet on the mat

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

David Mendez

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Olympia received a first-round bye.

However, that advantage didn’t last long. The Titans fell to Windermere in their first dual, but the team found its footing as the competition continued.

In their next dual against Evans, the Titans won 42-24. Then, they defeated Ocoee to take third place in the meet.

David Mendez is a swimmer for the Southwest Stars swim team in Winter Garden and attends Horizon West Middle School. At the Rosen Aquatic Invitational during the weekend of Dec. 4, Mendez broke six team records in the 11-12 age group. He came within a second of a seventh in the 100-yard butterfly and finished third in points scored for the meet. He and his family came to the United States from Venezuela when he was 5 years old.

What memories do you have of living in Venezuela?

When I was in pre-K, we went to this big mountain, which was really fun. There was a circus we always used to go to — there were lions and other typical circus stuff. I also remember when I first started swimming.

What got you started in club swimming?

My dad used to swim, and then he put me in. I didn’t like it at first, going, “Oh, why am I supposed to swim? It’s really boring!” Then, when I saw Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressel getting all those world records, I went, “Yeah, I can be one of those swimmers one day,” and started working hard.

Now, I’m here today beating six records.

Heading into the Rosen Invitational, did you think you’d break six records?

I was really nervous, knowing there were going to be a lot of good swimmers there. Every time you’re at the Rosen, there is going to be someone insanely good. It would be hard to beat them, but you could do it.

When I saw the chance to break six team records, I took it.

You and teammate Kaden Kiefer finished second and third for high point in your age group. What’s the relationship between you two like?

We’ve been rivals since I came here last year. In some strokes, he’s faster than me, such as in the 200 IM at the last meet.

Someone of his caliber can still beat me. I was beating him for a period of time, but eventually, it was going to come to one day — he was going to beat me.

WINDERMERE

THE BASICS

Buoyed by performances from multiple wrestlers, the Wolverines started strong by defeating Dr. Phillips and Olympia in the first two rounds of the tournament before losing to No. 1 seed Apopka in the final to come away with a secondplace finish.

Windermere senior wrestler Kurt Vollenweider won all three of his matches during the day. He did not surrender a single point against his first two opponents before giving one up in his final match during the Wolverines’ dual against Apopka in the final round.

Sophomore Lucas Drone also had a solid tournament with two wins of his own as Windermere continued its solid start to the season.

AGE: 12 SCHOOL: Horizon West GRADE: Seventh SPORT: Swimming STROKE/EVENT: Individual medley

came in sixth in the 200 back, but the best thing about my backstroke is my flip turn and my underwaters.

What is your best leg of the IM? Butterfly and freestyle.

What are your goals in the sport of swimming?

Becoming a legend like Michael Phelps and being known as a legendary swimmer that comes only once a decade or 100 years.

OCOEE

Ocoee came out with a strong performance in the first round against Wekiva. Wrestlers Ethan Smith, Andy Delva, Grover White, Kenny Carrasquillo and DeAndre Scott all won their matches against

Which country would you swim for in the Olympics, considering you still hold Venezuelan citizenship?

If I don’t make it on the U.S. team, I’ll gladly swim for Venezuela.

Family.

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With the District Duals now out of the way, the teams now move forward to year-end competitions to close out 2021. Windermere heads to Lyman Dec. 17 and 18 for a tournament there.

The next time all four of these teams will meet will be at the Metro Conference tournament Feb. 4.

Courtesy photo

She was the highest-placing Warrior runner at the regional meet, where she finished 16th.

Softball player Ailey Schyck signed with Murray State University. After spending her freshman season at Dr. Phillips, she came to West Orange for her last three years of high school. She was named to the All-Metro Conference team in her junior season as a first baseman for West Orange.

Finally, rower Ashley Sizelove affirmed her commitment to attend the University of Alabama and compete on the rowing team.

The football team hosted its ceremony Dec. 15. Brendan Flakes, Eddie Kelly, Jayden Gibson and three other players all signing their NLIs. Flakes will be attending Northwestern University, while Kelly signed with the University of South Florida.

WOOP WOOP WOLVERINES

Windermere High School had 17 athletes sign their letters Dec. 8.

Lacrosse players Kade Fixler and Logan Sanchez signed with Lynn University; Brooks Andrews, Palm Beach Atlantic University; and Ryan Longhoff to Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Taylor Gotro, a member of Windermere’s girls lacrosse team, also signed with Palm Beach Atlantic.

Golfers Cooper Tate and Caden

HEART OF A LION

Foundation Academy also hosted a ceremony for football players Bryan Thomas Jr., Donovan Branch and Reggie Jean. Thomas signed with the University of South Carolina, while Branch signed with the University of Connecticut.

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Burr also signed their letters of intent with Tate committing to UCF and Burr signing with Boston College.

Volleyball players Ana Bleeker and Keondreya “Kiki” Granberry signed with SEC schools, Georgia and Tennessee, respectively.

Amanda Chambers will be playing beach volleyball for Georgia State.

Rowers Katelyn Semien and Elizabeth Hall signed with the University of Texas and Alabama, respectively.

Sille Hansen committed to play soccer at Lander University, while fellow soccer player Maddie Grubb signed with Catawba College in North Carolina.

Baseball players Blake Cyr and Simon Sobellia also signed their letters of intent. Cyr will be attending the University of Miami, and Sobellia signed with Florida Gulf Coast University.

And lastly, basketball player Chris Nurse signed his papers to play basketball for Warner University.

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Windermere athletes will continue their atheltic careers both near and far.

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For Dr. Phillips, back-to-back losses to Windermere and Ocoee marked a swift end to its day. Despite the exit, the meet was a good measuring stick for the team — it was the wrestlers’ first competition of the season.

Head coach David Aubrey said he came away with plenty of positives.

“We’re a young team with more freshmen and sophomores than we had prior,” he said. “I’m happy with how we competed and look forward to where we go from here.”

Any experience is good for a young team, and although the Panthers lost to Windermere, the Panthers scored two consecutive wins to even things up. They managed to keep pace with the Wolverines until the end, when Windermere pulled ahead with several more victories.

ALWAYS A WARRIOR

West Orange High School had 11 athletes sign their letters of intent during a ceremony held Dec. 8 at West Orange High School. From Favorite movie? baseball all the way to beach “Cars.” volleyball, many of the athletes signed with notable schools.

Favorite type of music and The Warriors baseball team favorite artist? had four athletes commit to colHip-hop — Bruno Mars. leges. Cam Anstey signed with What’s it like competing with the Air Force Academy, which him at practice every day?

Is there a routine you follow to he said gives him a chance not In practice, we always do hard get yourself ready for praconly to continue playing basesets against each other. When tice? ball but also serve his country. we get to the backBefore we go to practice, I Titan Kamaka committed to play stroke point, always stretch so that I don’t for Florida State — although he I’m not the injure myself. My dad makes is also being considered for the best backme this really good protein 2022 Major League Baseball draft. stroker, and shake, so I’ll have one before I Pitcher William Ross signed with he is a better go to practice. the Florida Gators; he also is being backstroker looked at as a serious prospect in than me.

Describe your pre-race routine the 2022 MLB Draft.

I train the to get yourself ready to swim.

The final member of the basebackstroke I listen to music to get myself ball commits was Max McClusky. hard, and I ready. My dad always told He’ll be attending Embry Riddle me to listen to calmUniversity in Daytona Beach and ing music, or music will be studying homeland secuyou like, and then rity. imagine your race West Orange volleyball had two to the last detail. athletes sign during the ceremoAnything to get ny: Samantha Novak commitinto the zone. ted to St. Thomas University in Miami for volleyball, and Cambrie Hobbies outside Riffe signed with Florida Atlanta of swimming?

University for beach volleyball.

Playing video Both were key pieces for the Wargames. riors’ 2021 fall season and now will be looking to add to their colFavorite video lege teams. Riffe said she will be game? studying biological science while “Naruto Storm 4.” at FAU. Soccer players Corrine “CC” Favorite Naruto Brookes and Zeta Chevalier comcharacter besides mitted to play soccer for NewNaruto himself? berry College and Alabama State Minato Namikaze, respectively.

Naruto’s father. Besides Cross-country runner Ava being the Fourth Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together.

Baldauf signed with the UniverHokage, he’s a really Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State overall.

Farm has a long traditionsity of West Florida, after a senior Winter Garden, FL 34787 cool character Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason season during which she led West www.shannontill.com whyMARTUCCI I’m proud to support WestOrange to a third-place finish at — CHRIS Orange county.. the district meet with a sixthGet to a better State . place finish and a personal best.

State Farm has a long tradition of being there.

That’s one reason why I’m proud to support West Orange county.

DR. PHILLIPS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Favorite swimmer?

Michael Phelps.

why I’m proudproud to support West why I’ m to suppor t Orange county..

Orange count 1211007 y..

State Farm, Bloomington, IL Get to a a betterbetter State .

Get to State .

stepping up for us right now,” Karbowsky said. “So, if they can come in against good competition and compete as well as they did today, then I’m very excited about where we are going to be at the end of the year.”

Future plans

Favorite event in swimming?

200 butterfly. At first, you’re full of energy, then when you get to that third 50, you’re drop-dead exhausted. Then on the last 50, you get that last surge of energy and you just explode.

We’re all in this together.

the Mustangs to advance them forward to the next round — Apopka.

“It was one of our best performances we had in a while at the district level,” head coach Robb Karbowsky said. “All the guys gave their best, and while we had a tough loss to Olympia, I couldn’t be happier with how they competed.”

Despite losing to the Blue Darters, 9-5, the team managed to score the last five out of six victories.

A big moment came in the final match of the dual. In the 106-pound division, Knights freshman Nazzia Hurley pushed through a tough match and scored a pin that made the whole team go crazy for him.

His teammates carried him on their shoulders in celebration.

“It was our first 106-pound victory in over eight years,” Karbowsky said. “We had never had a 106-pounder in a long time.

He’s not quite 106 pounds — more like 88 — but he has a lot of energy.

It was a pretty big moment there for us at the end.”

Scott and Smith also picked up wins against the Blue Darters. The team finished fourth in the end after losing to Olympia in the third place competition by a razor-thin 35-32 margin.

As always in wrestling, there is plenty to learn in defeat. Encouraged by the way his team competed on Saturday, Karbowsky was optimistic with how things would look going forward this season.

“We have a good mix of veterans and young guys, and they are all

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OBSERVER

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

Local teams hit the hardwood for Orlando Health Hoopfest

Photos by Chris Martucci

Dr. Phillips’ Jordan Tillery set up for a free throw during the Panthers’ game against Windermere Prep.

CHRIS MARTUCCI

Robert Bit le

Windermere Prep’s Eduardo Placer went for a shot against tight Dr. Phillips defense.

In the fourth game, CFCA took on Bishop Snyder in what was a highenergy affair throughout. Eagles freshman guard Ta’veon Jones led the way with 25 points. Cam Simpson added another 21 to push the Eagles’ record to 6-1.

Senior forward Jamarr Houston injured his knee landing on the floor after a missed alley-oop, but he was able to walk on his own power after the game.

WINDERMERE 80, LAKEWOOD RANCH 45

Windermere started strong and ran away during its games against Lakewood Ranch, winning by a final score of 80-45. Sean Stewart led the way for the Wolverines, scoring 21 points to go along with seven rebounds and four steals. Chris Nurse, Myles Hall and Daniel Boyd all scored in double-digits, with Nurse scoring 13 and Hall and Boyd posting 10 each.

DR. PHILLIPS 77, WINDERMERE PREP, 50

The final game of the night featured 2021 Class 7A state champion Dr. Phillips and host Windermere Prep Lakers. After a tightly contested

first quarter, which featured multiple three-pointers for the Lakers to give them a 17-8 lead early, the Panthers pulled away in the second half to claim victory, handing Windermere Prep its first loss of the season.

Denzel Aberdeen led the Panthers with 23 points. Fellow Division I commits Ernest Udeh Jr. and Riley Kugel added 16 points and 14 points, respectively. Jordan Tillery had 13 points.

For the Lakers, senior Jayden Williams scored 20 points and did everything he could to keep his team in the game. Eduardo Placer also scored 16 points.

Next, Dr. Phillips will playin the City of Palms Classic tournament Dec. 18 Fort Myers, where it will face Arkansas’s North Little Rock in the first game.

Windermere Prep heads to the Kruel Classic in South Florida during that same weekend. The Lakers’ first game will be against Coral Springs.

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With deep sorrow, we say goodbye to my amazing wife, Saskia D. Harker Emery, 75, of Gotha, Florida, who passed away on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Ocoee, Florida. Saskia was born on July 4, 1946, in Gouda, Holland.

She spent the last four years living in Dover, Florida, with her husband, Mike.

She leaves behind her husband, Micheal; children, Tammyla, Patty and Tommy; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her dog, Julie.

She will be missed, sleep well, “Welterusten.”

plus container

Left: CFCA’s Ta’veon Jones fought through contact for a layup. He led the Eagles with 25 points.

“Because You Care”

SASKIA D. HARKER EMERY DIED FRIDAY, OCT. 8, 2021.

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Several West Orange and Southwest Orange teams competed at the Orlando Health Hoopfest showcase Saturday, Dec. 11 at Windermere Prep.

Ocoee, Windermere High School, Central Florida Christian Academy, Windermere Prep and Dr. Phillips all got a chance show their talents during the showcase, with the latter two competing in the final game of the night.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

368723-1

SPORTS EDITOR

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Central Florida Injury Southwest, Inc. clinic (was located at 882 S. Kirkman Rd, Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32811) has been closed for business as of 0930-2021. Patients may obtain copies of medical records by written request sent to below address: Dr. Bharatkumar Patel Email (Preferable): medicalrecord@cfisouthwest.com Phone # 407-578-2350 Mail: 5703 Red Bug Lake Road, #256, Winter Springs, FL 32708

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

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

CHURCH OF GOD

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

9 19 . t Es

7

20

EPISCOPAL

THANK YOU

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

to our com munity for donating o ver 1,500 b ooks for kids in n eed this Holiday Se ason

METHODIST

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM www.churchofthemessiah.com

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

Ocoee Police Department Program Christian Service Center To advertise Edgewood in the Church Directory Childrens Ranch call 407-656-2121 or email Spring Lake Elementary AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com Matthew’s Hope Community Health Center This page appears weekly in the Holiday Gifts for West Orange Times & Observer andKids online at OrangeObserver.com.

Thank You to the Following Collection Sites

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

OAKLAND

The French Cafe

Prairie House Coffee Co. 4 S. Tubb St.

LV14252

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

HAMLIN

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDER YOUR CUSTOM MADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS NOW!

16412 New Independence Pkwy #140

• Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, Barn and More TuesdayDoors, of the month FOOD 2nd & 4th• Repaired, Refinished and 1-3pm in Education Bldg PANTRY Repurposed Wood Furniture • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used of the month at Items CARING 4th MondayHousehold

OCOEE

Check out the custom made silent auction items ElksusLodge from 5-7pm 125 N. at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at Lakeview Ave. TABLEFollow Winter Garden the Garden Party on Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm November(407) 9!! 656-1135 407.905.9500 8am-4pm Mon -HallFri • 8am-3pm Saturday Movie in Fellowship MOVIE •Family NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg Houseblend Cafe 17030 W Colonial Dr 369108-1

362213-1

refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

XNSP18213

146 East Plant St, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM nd us at: Theacf.net

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

Winter Garden Police Department

Advertise your Services or Events Holiday Gifts for Kids Program on this page weekly.

316889-1

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

Thank You to our Distribution Partners

Chews A Puppy 11167 W Colonial Dr

Ocoee Police Department and City of Ocoee

WINDERMERE 370860-1

In 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase in the number of weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in our community.

Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

Personal Hygiene Items: 139,300 Total Weekly Visits: 13,630 Clothing Items Distributed: 50,600 New First Time Guests: 639 Protective Masks: 53,900 Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Plus, we provided weekly Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 laundry service, showers, assistance with food stamps, Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs. Florida ID's, COVID Testing,

Dixie Cream Cafe 434 Main St

Dr. Phillips YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd

Windermere Library 530 Main St.

The French Cafe 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Ste 160

Sunset Park Elementary

and more.

WINTER GARDEN

TEXT

TO DONATE

This is a secure site for giving

351376-1

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

Gymnastics USA 13175 W Colonial Dr

Children’s Lighthouse 220 Windermere Rd

Roper YMCA 100 Windermere Rd

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce 12184 W Colonial Dr

First United Methodist Church 125 N Lakeview Ave

. . . t i a But W

S ’ E R E H T !

E R MO

XNLV18913

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Tis the

season 2021 h o l i d ay h a p p e n i n g s in downtown winter garden ❆ ❆ ❆

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