12.23.21 Southwest Orange Observer

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

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Merry Parking ordinance passes Christmas

VOLUME 7, NO. 12

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

The Windermere Town Council approved an ordinance to address the town’s parking problems. SEE 2.

THE BEGINNING OF FOREVER

Courtesy photo

One Winter Garden family is celebrating its first Christmas together.

The Snyders adopted daughter Yasmin, 16, on National Adoption Day last month.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

LOOK ON THE LIGHT SIDE

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West Orange is all aglow with its impressive light displays. SEE PAGE 3.

Let it go ... Let it gooooo!

Frozen’s Elsa was one of many special guests at the city of Ocoee’s Breakfast with Santa event.

SEE PAGE 8

YOUR TOWN FOLA RECOGNIZES LOCAL HEROES Friends of Lake Apopka has honored Scott Bisping and Daniel Whitehouse with the 2021 Jim Thomas Environmental Hero Award. The pair has made immediate, substantial and lasting impacts with FOLA. Bisping, a dedicated biologist with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Whitehouse, an avid angler, partnered to create, organize and run the first FOLA Fish Tag Challenge.

Because of their dedication, the fishing effort on Lake Apopka was doubled from the previous year.

There has not been a FOLA event in the past 10 years that has raised more awareness about the lake.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Windermere town leaders approve parking ordinance The ordinance addresses illegal parking in parks after-hours.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Windermere Town Council heard the second and final reading of a new parking violations ordinance during its Dec. 14 meeting.

The ordinance is in response to repeated violations throughout the town’s recreation areas.

In the Nov. 9 meeting, Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said residents were parking illegally after the parks closed or were parking their vehicles with boat trailers throughout the town while they used the lakes.

The ordinance comes after a previous parking moratorium was placed on East Third Avenue, East Fourth Avenue and the Lake Street and Lake Down parks.

O’Brien said the temporary moratorium was put in place to offer relief to residents in the area while the town

went through the proper procedure for the ordinance.

The new ordinance lists the schedule of civil penalties at $30, with the standard $250 penalty for parking in handicapped-accessible spots without a permit.

Prior to this ordinance, Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said his department seldom wrote tickets due to the “lack of an articulation in the code.”

A public hearing took place on the ordinance, which was approved unanimously.

In a separate motion, initiated by Town Manager Robert Smith, the council extended the parking moratorium for 45 days, to allow Public Works to work with town engineers regarding signage design and location.

WEST SECOND AVENUE

Town staff looked for a motion to approve on the West Second Avenue construction access and easement agreement which was passed unanimously at the meeting.

“The section that we are looking at is privately owned by six property owners, and we would need this easement in order for us to reconstruct the roadway for storm water, for portable water and for road improvements,”

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WILSON RECEIVES POLICE AWARD Ogden issued a special Community Policing Award to Officer Mark Wilson as part of the town’s meeting.

Wilson has been a part of several different programs, including the Care Program in which officers check on residents who may require additional care.

Ogden said Wilson goes above and beyond his required duties.

“Your actions exemplify the com-

Smith said. “This will increase our BMP numbers to make sure we are awarded the construction portion of this grant.”

Smith said the item has been negotiated for several months with area residents.

BUTLER AND BESSIE BASINS APPROVAL

The Butler Basin 90% Design Plans and the Bessie Basin 90% Design Plans passed unanimously after a

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munity policing model and have earned you this prestigious award,” Ogden said.

Wilson thanked Ogden for his guidance and leadership.

“I fell in love with community policing, and I realized it’s something that society today does need,” Wilson said. “I can’t say enough about him (Ogden) and his vision for this town.”

brief presentation at the meeting from consultant Kimley-Horn.

Kimley-Horn previously completed the Butler Street and Seventh Avenue 45% Design Plans and Exhibits, which the Town Council approved July 13.

The 90% public workshop with residents was held Dec. 1, and the comments received from the workshop were addressed in the latest 90% plans.

Kimley-Horn officials said the firm reduced swales where possible and STUM

BOATHOUSE UPDATE

The ongoing boathouse lease debate was also brought up during the council meeting.

Smith made a comment on the minutes from the Nov. 29 boathouse workshop and said there had been a discussion on the boathouses and whether to leave them vacant. But that specific issue was never brought to a vote. Smith said they will briefly discuss the issue at the January Town Council meeting for clarification.

“The recollection that I have is that it was discussed, and it didn’t gain a lot of traction, but it was not negatively or positively left one way or another,” O’Brien said.

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Annabelle Sikes

Officer Mark Wilson received the Community Policing Award from, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden and Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien.

extended shoulder gutters in locations that were possible with the goal of minimizing impacts to adjacent residences.

The company also adjusted a plant in the rain garden from a tropical Milkweed to a native Milkweed.

Kimley-Horn also previously completed the Bessie Street 45% Design Plans and Exhibits, which the council approved Aug. 10.

The 90% public workshop with residents was held Dec. 2, and the comments received from the workshop were addressed in the latest 90% plans.

“This experience has been a good learning process for everyone,” O’Brien said. “I think we’ve learned how to better obtain citizen input, utilize citizen input and get a consolidated feel for what the residents desire and combine that with the engineering and tactics.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

This Windsor Hill Reserve home, in the 5600 block of Castle Way Drive, features multiple levels chock full of holiday cheer.

Left: Anyone wishing to see impressive displays should not miss Roxboro Road in Berkshire Park. This home has so many decorations that it is impossible to get them all in one photo.

READY, SET,

GLOW! Courtesy photo

This home, on Lake Burden Circle in Keene’s Pointe, features a picturesque entry with symmetrical decorations.

This home, in the 15500 block of Gwinnett Drive in Hamlin, features lights from the roof all the way to the sidewalk.

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lthough living in West Orange and Southwest Orange all but guarantees we won’t have a white Christmas, that doesn’t mean our community is lacking in holiday cheer.

In fact, locals seem even more inclined to show off their Christmas spirit (perhaps because we celebrate in 80-plus-degree weather) all over their homes.

From Winter Garden and Ocoee to Horizon West and Windermere, we scoured the area to find some of the best displays around. And like in years past, you did not disappoint.

From the hilarious and outlandish to the elegant and beautiful, local light displays again impressed us.

From all of us at the Observer, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

This home, in the 3300 block of Wax Berry Court in Windermere, features a collection of cute-as-can-be inflatables.

The fantastic light display at this home on Shonan Gold Drive in Hamlin is synchronized to music, including, of course, ‘Let it Go’ from ‘Frozen.’

— MICHAEL ENG, CHRIS MARTUCCI, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

This home, in the 2500 block of Cliffdale Street in Ocoee, offers a whimsical take on Christmas.

This home, in the 800 block of Rhett Street in Winter Garden, is stunning in its classic red-and-white décor.

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See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

This home, in the 1200 block of Russell Drive in Ocoee, impresses with its roof lights and inflatables.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Yasmin attends Foundation Academy, holds a 3.75 GPA and cheers on the school’s cheer team.

Annabelle Sikes

First Christmas as a family ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

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t 16, Yasmin Amali Snyder was about to give up.

Ten years in the foster care system. Multiple homes. Little morsels of happiness every now and then.

But this Christmas, Snyder is celebrating in an entirely new way. Sunday, Nov. 19, Snyder was adopted on National Adoption Day. “It was nerve-wracking,” Snyder said. “We waited for what felt like forever, and we were all crying with happiness and relief.”

THE DAY THEY MET

For four years, Winter Garden residents Ben and Michelle Snyder have opened their home to vulnerable children as foster parents. In that time, they’ve helped more than 20 children.

“Faith is at the very heart of everything we do,” Michelle Snyder said.

“Our time on this earth is so short, and I feel like our biggest call on this earth is to love other people.”

But in November 2020, they felt they wanted to take another step — adoption. Three months later, the couple found Yasmin’s profile on the Miami Heart Gallery.

By May, Ben and Michelle had begun to speak with Yasmin over Zoom.

They eventually introduced their two biological children, Benjamin, 12, and Annabelle, 9, to Yasmin.

The kids immediately clicked.

“The minute we met Yasmin we just fell in love,” Benjamin Snyder said.

At the end of May, the family met Yasmin in Miami and spent the day riding go-karts, conquering an escape room and learning about one another.

“The first time we met, I was scared, emotional and nervous,” Michelle Snyder said. “I didn’t know if she was going to like us or want anything to do with us.”

Courtesy photo

The Snyders became a complete family on National Adoption Day Sunday, Nov. 19. From left: Annabelle, 9; Ben; Yasmin, 16; Michelle; and Benjamin, 12.

Yasmin didn’t know what to expect, either.

“I knew I wanted to move forward, but I didn’t know what they were thinking or if they wanted to give me a chance,” Yasmin said. “I was so nervous, and I really wanted Benjamin and Annabelle to like me.”

In the beginning of July, Yasmin moved into the family’s West Orange home.

YASMIN’S JOURNEY

Yasmin’s presence lights up a room.

Her bubbling personality overflows with excitement. Her joy spreads to those who surround her.

You’d never know what she’s been through in her first 16 years of life.

Born in Miami, Yasmin lived in vari-

Oakland places moratorium on multi-family housing projects The town temporarily will not accept and process new applications related to apartments, condos, townhomes and duplexes.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oakland’s mayor and commissioners think there is enough multifamily housing in the town based on a needs study previously conducted.

The Town Commission has taken the first step in the process of placing a 180-day moratorium that “prohibits the acceptance and processing of new applications, including specialexception uses, rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments and other development applications or plans proposing to increase multi-family entitlements.”

Town Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the first reading of the public hearing.

“We have gone through three different developers for multi-family,

and there have been two public meetings,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said. “One got to P&Z, and another got to public workshop. It’s apparent we can’t keep doing the same thing.

“The idea here in doing the moratorium is having open discussions with (Planning & Zoning) along with the commission, and if there are changes to the current zoning, then we can evaluate that … and make changes. The process isn’t working at this point.”

“It’s not like we don’t have diversity of housing at this point,” Stark said. “It’s a touchy subject, and I think it’s worthy of discussion.”

The second reading will take place at the Jan. 25, 2022, commission meeting.

STORAGE FACILITIES

Commissioners approved the applicant’s submittal for Secure Storage with revised elevations plus several stipulations. The storage facility will have nine buildings on nearly 14 acres at 16360 W. Colonial Drive, north of Florida’s Turnpike and south of Colonial.

ous parts of the city throughout her childhood. By 6, she entered the foster care system, where she remained for five years. In that time, she lived in several different temporary homes.

When Yasmin was 11 years old, she was returned to her birth mother for a year. But then, she was placed back into the system.

Yasmin said she had good experiences but also dealt with abuse — including being teased with food and living in unfit conditions with bedbugs or rodents that chewed holes in her clothes.

Although she often felt alone, Yasmin said she grew up in the system with one of her older biological sisters, Natasha, who helped her endure the struggle.

IN OTHER BUSINESS n The Town Commission accepted the consent agenda, which included the following: an interlocal agreement with the city of Winter Garden, an acceptance of infrastructure for The Avenues on Oakland, approval of the new space for the Planning, Zoning and Permitting and Human Resources departments, and an increase in starting officer salary from $21.14 to $21.98. n Commissioners approved the first reading and public hearing of a series of ordinances that annexes, rezones and designates land use for a parcel of land on East Oakland Avenue, east of Catherine Ross Road and slated to be part of a planned single-family residential development formerly known as Hidden Preserve and now being called The Grove at Oakland.

Koontz said there is a small strip of land between West Colonial and the proposed development and stressed it will be properly buff-

Town Planner Jay Marder shared an update on the project, visibility, building specifications, frontage and landscaping. The two main buildings will face a Florida Department of Transportation retention area.

Landscaping will include a line of trees between the retention and the

From age 13 on, Yasmin knew she wanted to be adopted.

“I always knew that this wasn’t always going to be my life — even if I had to stay in foster care until the time I was 18,” she said. “I always knew that once I was out of it, I was going to go to college and I was going to make a name for myself and not have to live the way that I lived when I was younger.”

Yasmin suffered through three failed adoption processes, and she was almost ready to give up. She took a few months to collect herself then mustered up the courage to try again.

“I knew I could not stay in this system,” Yasmin said. “I wanted a family, and I know that’s what I needed, and I know what I can do for a family and what they can do for me. I had come too far to give up.”

And then, she met the Snyders, who truly saw Yasmin, her heart and her determination.

“Yas is so resilient; it’s amazing,” Michelle Snyder said. “The fact that she went through all of this and believed in the process and never gave up makes me so proud of her and so thankful.”

A BRAND NEW START

Now in Winter Garden, Yasmin is thriving.

In August, she began classes at Foundation Academy, where she currently holds a 3.75 GPA and enjoys reading and science. Like any change, the new school is an adjustment.

“I have my good days and my bad days, but I love my school, and I always aim to do well,” Yasmin said. “It’s so weird, because in Miami, we would see a test or quiz every other week. Now we have multiple tests throughout the week. I feel like now I have a deeper understanding of what I’m learning and can apply that.”

Yasmin said she used to use school as an excuse to stay away from home as long as possible. Now, she looks forward to coming home to her family.

“I had never had anyone to help me go through life, and my parents help me so much,” Yasmin said. “They taught me how to communicate, and they never raise their voice at me. Even if I get in trouble, I am always safe.”

She also is a member of the school’s dance and cheer teams.

“I feel like it helps bring out my personality more,” Yasmin said of cheerleading. “I do have a very cheery and upbeat personality, and cheer helps me get that energy out while also helping me exercise, make friends, maintain my flexibility and have fun.”

The 16-year-old already has gained popularity at her school, neighborhood and in the community.

She is close with several foster families in the neighborhood and says she finally feels like she can open up about herself and not feel embarrassed.

Yasmin is involved with Mosaic Church and volunteers frequently. She also joined the youth group.

“I want to be able to share my story to help other kids who are going through similar situations,” Yasmin said. “I found my forever family, and others can, too.”

To help find forever families for local children in foster care, visit miamiheartgallery.org.

ered as commercial comes to the highway.

The Grove at Oakland will have 44 lots in the 19.2-acre community. n Commissioners approved resolutions relating to prohibited parking and no-parking signs in certain areas of the town, including Southern Railway Road; proposed multi-family utility rates for water and wastewater; and the final subdivision plat for Phase 6B-3 of Oakland Park. n Town Manager Steve Koontz said about 1,750 people attended and 580 toys were distributed at the Santa’s Lane event Dec. 4. n The town’s Planning, Zoning and Permitting and Human Resources departments are temporarily set up in Historic Town Hall until Jan. 3, when they will move into their new offices at 2 W. Oakland Ave. n Koontz announced his first grandchild was born during the meeting.

building, and the driveway will have landscaping.

The buildings will hold various types and sizes of storage space, including indoor and outdoor.

Mayor Kathy Stark asked for the landscaping to be Florida native or Florida friendly.

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 Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Impasse hearing set for Jan. 5, 2022 After OCPS and the teachers union could not come to an agreement regarding salaries and benefits, the Orange County School Board will render a final decision Jan. 5.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

After six months, an impasse between Orange County Public Schools and the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association is scheduled to end next month.

The impasse, declared in July, stalled discussions between the two entities regarding teacher compensation and benefits.

The impasse then went before Special Magistrate Dennis Campagna, who heard the case this fall.

Campagna’s report was issued Nov. 8 and followed the two-day impasse hearing over which he had presided in September.

In recent weeks, teachers have rallied against OCPS’ proposal, which included, among other increases, a one-time $25 cost-ofliving increase, which they consider insulting.

According to the report, Campagna believes OCPS cannot afford more than small raises for teachers this year, but it should give its veteran instructors a “longevity supplement” and should not do the “unconscionable” and hike employee health insurance costs.

Because OCPS and the CTA could not agree, the final decision now will fall to the Orange County School Board.

OCPS announced there will be “no public testimony at the meeting, as the School Board will be in quasijudicial role to make a determination based upon evidence from the hearing and a presentation from the union and the administration.”

However, the hearing will be broadcast on the OCPS School Board YouTube channel.

Volusia, Osceola, Lake and Polk.

However, CTA officials disagree with OCPS’ assertions. It argues a better comparison to OCPS would be with other larger school districts such as Hillsborough, Broward or Palm Beach.

The cost of the union’s proposal totals $60.6 million per year. OCPS officials said for 2020 and 2021, the state Legislature decreased perstudent funding by about 3.5%.

According to the School Board Policy District Budget System, recurring expenses such as salaries should not be paid by non-recurring funds.

“As noted by the magistrate, the union’s recurring wage proposal would require drastic steps such as cutting programs and staff,” OCPS officials said. “In 2021, Hillsborough County … went into a deteriorating financial condition and had to lay off 1,000 employees due to covering recurring expenses with nonrecurring funds.”

The district proposed a $2,500 one-time supplement, which counts for retirement. All non-classroom instructional personnel who did not receive $1,000 in disaster relief payments from Gov. Ron DeSantis recently received a $1,000 bonus.

The state categorical money left over from the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, after maintaining all teachers at $47,500, was enough to give teachers a $25 cost-of-living increase, plus $100 for teachers rated “Effective” and $150 for those rated “Highly Effective” based upon state

requirements. The cost of this proposal is $44.7 million.

However, the union did not accept the offer.

According to the CTA, an experienced six-year teacher earns only $609 more than a new teacher.

OCPS’ RECOMMENDATION

Superintendent Barbara M. Jenkins issued several recommendations for settling the disputed issues at impasse in a letter to School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs.

The recommendations included accepting Campagna’s recommendation of the district wage proposal, which is a one-time $2,500 supplement for teachers. Additionally, based upon expenditures required by the State Legislature under the categorical Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, the magistrate is recommending a Cost-of-Living Adjustment of $25, an additional $100 for teachers rated “Effective” on their final evaluation and $150 for teachers rated “Highly Effective.”

The district later offered to fund a Three-Year Retention Supplement ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on years of experience for a range of school years.

The superintendent also recommended the board reject Campagna’s proposal and adopt the threeyear plan.

The union currently has proposed no changes be made to the district’s health insurance programs, although the district noted the current plan is

not sustainable.

OCPS said plan adjustments were proposed with no increase to premiums. Between 2012 and 2014 and 2019 to 2020, insurance claims paid by the district increased $101.7 million, or an average 17% increase per year, over the previous six years.

Jenkins also recommended rejection of Campagna’s advisement of maintaining the status quo for health insurance and supplement for district nurses in the amount of 5%.

The full CTA break-down can be found on its website, orangecta.com.

“As noted by the

PREVIOUS INCREASES

borough County

In recent years, OCPS has implemented several salary increases dating back to 2013.

In the 2018-19 year, OCPS said teachers received $550 for Costof-Living-Adjustment, $1,100 for Effective evaluations, $1,525 for Highly Effective evaluations, a $750 bonus and a 4% average increase.

In the 2019-20 year, OCPS said teacher received $700 for Costof-Living Adjustment, $1,400 for Effective evaluations, $2,100 for Highly Effective evaluations and a 5.5% average increase.

In the 2020-21 school year, OCPS said instructional personnel were the only employees to receive salary increases as part of a new state statute that set a minimum teacher salary of $47,500 with categorical funds.

magistrate, the union’s recurring wage proposal would require drastic steps such as cutting programs and staff.

In 2021, Hills… went into a deteriorating financial condition and had to lay off 1,000 employees due to covering recurring expenses with nonrecurring funds.”

— OCPS officials

BY THE NUMBERS

According to data from OCPS, the average salary for an OCPS teacher is $52,334.

The School Board also said it contributes, on average, an additional $19,877 per teacher for benefits, which includes $5,233 for retirement, $4,004 for FICA, $9,289 for health insurance, $37 for life insurance and $1,415 for other benefits.

OCPS said compared to other schools in the region, it has the highest average compensation.

The data provided shows Orange County will pay $52,334; Seminole, $51,209.66; Brevard, $50,203.81; and all other counties with average salaries under $50,000, including

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Finding love in a sugar-coated TV special A AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

few months ago, I started getting People magazine in my mailbox each week — right address, wrong recipient. A recent issue had a foldout advertisement full of red and gold Christmas wonderment: ornaments, tinsel, faux snow and the icing on the cake — or the angel on top of the decorated tree — a list of every Lifetime holiday movie from the day after Thanksgiving until Dec. 25.

That is “oh, sweet heaven” for some people.

Between those and the Hallmark and Discover+ Christmas movies, you have everything you need for a monthlong binge-fest of happy.

Talk about positive reinforcement for your psyche.

How can you be sad when Candace Cameron Bure or Lacey Chabert are finding their one true love in picture-perfect settings?

There actually is an app you can download to make sure you don’t miss any of the movies. You can also Google “Christmas moviewatching blanket” and find dozens of gift options if watching the flicks under your everyday blanket just isn’t an option.

My younger sister spends more time in front of the television — snuggled under her personalized blanket and with remote in hand — during this time of year than any other. She loves the stereotypical storylines of hope and merriment, the happy endings and the first kiss under the mistletoe.

I’m really not a cynic. I do love a good love story, but I can do without the predictability.

Here’s the premise of nearly every Lifetime or Hallmark Christmas movie: Mary (or Joy-Holly-BelleAngel-Carol-Noelle) loses her job in the big city near the end of the year, so she moves to a small town to take care of her ill father. She goes into the local pharmacy to get

her dad’s medicine and she (literally) runs into Chris (or Nicholas or Noel), the local plaid-shirted lumberjack with the amazing eyes who recently lost his wife to an illness and is very lonely and his kids miss their mother and he’s not looking forward to the holidays. (Coincidentally, he drives a vintage pickup that is perfect for hauling the perfect hand-cut Christmas tree.)

They both drop their purchased items on the floor, look up slowly, lock eyes and have a fun little laugh about their “misfortune.”

“It’s cold outside,” he says to her.

“Let me make it up to you by buying you a cup of hot chocolate at the little malt shop (or beverage cart) conveniently located next door.”

They go on their impromptu date and have a swell time and fall madly in love with each other in this town where it never snows. Except for today — at the very moment they finish their warm drink and put on their heavy coats and go outside, the snow lightly falls against the backdrop of the streetlights, which are just starting to turn on as nightfall arrives. The scene ends with a kiss. Fade to black. The end.

I’m close, aren’t I? How about one with a downtown Winter Garden setting? Florida is experiencing an abnormally cold winter, the Winter Garden water tower has sprung a leak, Plant Street has frozen over, and all the residents — who just happened to find BOGOs on ice skates on Amazon Prime yesterday — are skating up and down the main corridor and rediscovering their high school loves. And the chocolate shop is handing out free hot drinks. Cue the festive music.

I’ll call it “The Wonder of a ‘Winter Garden.’” Does anyone know anybody at Hallmark corporate?

It seems everywhere you look, you can find some reference to these feel-good movies. This is the

e m o c el W se a e l P

Courtesy photo

At this point, Candace Cameron Bure is better known for for luck with love at Christmastime than as DJ on ‘Full House.’

time of year that the memes make their rounds on social media. Here are some gems for you: “Basically, Hallmark has made 437 Christmas movies using 17 actors, five locations and three different plots.”

“Please remember: Christmas is not about buying expensive gifts.

It’s about going home to your small town and falling in love with Ryan Reynolds.”

“Does every Hallmark Christmas movie have the same plot? Yes. Am I still going to watch them and act surprised when Susan falls in love with the small-town baker who only wears sweaters instead of falling for the big-city CEO? Yes.” “When will they make a Hallmark Christmas movie about a mom who slowly loses her mind because no one appreciates her and by the end she sets fire to the Christmas tree and maniacally throws all the presents in the snow and runs down the street in her bathrobe screaming obscenities?”

One comedian wrote: “I watched a Hallmark movie backward. A woman in an ugly Christmas sweater dumped her loser, smalltown boyfriend to pursue a law

N E W I N

career in NYC where she lived happily ever after in pencil skirts and amazing shoes.”

I saw a TikTok last week where a woman drove several hours to pick up a gift from a specialty shop, and the story unfolded like a sugarand-sweets Christmas movie when she shared she was going on a blind date with a Christmas tree farmer.

Even the store was perfectly decorated for the season.

The comments accompanying the TikTok were exactly what I expected; people were speculating how the date went. One commented: “In true Hallmark movie fashion, the Christmas tree farmer is actually her long-lost sweetheart and they got married that night on the tree farm they saved.” Another continued: “After helping a pregnant horse deliver twin foals they name Merry and Bright and save the town from an avalanche.”

Those are my kind of people. We should probably get together and create our own TV channel and produce round-the-clock movies with over-the-top storylines. They are sure to be hits during the holidays. I’ll see if Candace and Lacey are available.

D O C T O R

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7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

ADVERTISMENT

Stephen and Ashlee Santmyers own Storybook Delights, which offers elaborate cakes for a variety of occasions. Ashlee decorates the baked goods, and Stephen handles the rest.

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Ashley Godfrey offered wooden creations for the home and Christmas tree through her business, Coastal Canvas & Crafts.

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Left: Alexsandra De Almeida sold personalized mugs, tumblers and other drink accessories.

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C

ast Member Pantry founder Emily Lartigue organized a holiday festival Saturday, Dec. 11, at Family Church in Horizon West. Former Walt Disney World cast members set up booths to sell their creations, the Windermere High School cheerleaders showcased their routine for upcoming competition, and Santa Claus made an appearance during the afternoon festival.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Ocoee families dine with Santa

BAPTIST

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

125 N. Lakeview Ave. Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

CHURCH OF GOD

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

Santa and Mrs. Claus shared a moment with Wesley Griffin, 5.

C

hildren had an up-close experience with Santa and Mrs. Claus Saturday, Dec. 11, when the city of Ocoee hosted Breakfast with Santa at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Participants enjoyed a warm breakfast and then made three different crafts — a colored stocking, snow globe and ornament. The event also included a chance for the little ones to share their Christmas list with Santa and to listen to Elsa read a story in the Withers-Maguire House.

EPISCOPAL

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

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

— AMY QUESINBERRY

The Iannuzzi family — Jeff and Mireya and their children, Tyler, 9, and Jennifer, 11 — enjoyed the Breakfast with Santa event.

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

FOOD PANTRY

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 1-3pm in Education Bldg

CARING TABLE

4th Monday of the month at Elks Lodge from 5-7pm

Cousins Braxton Schwartz, 5, and Khloe Hollingsworth, 8, worked diligently on their snowman ornament.

Right: Mom Autumn Donahey, 18-month-old Paul Cummings and 4-year-old Kinsley Rivera spent some time with Mrs. Claus.

FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm MOVIE Family Movie in Fellowship Hall NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

9

Gene Martin and Lynette Jackson, of Chase Bank, enjoyed this year’s brunch.

Outgoing chamber board directors Dawn Willis, Rob Berens and Rob Maphis were honored. (Not pictured: Derek Bruce).

Chamber celebrates 2021, looks ahead to 2022 T he West Orange Chamber of Commerce honored its members through a celebratory brunch Friday, Dec. 10, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Outgoing board chairwoman Camille Evans, of Virtus LLP, welcomed guests and introduced the incoming chairman J.T. McWalters, of the Orlando Magic. McWalters gave a brief speech and then welcomed new board members, including Brian Wetzel, of Orlando Health. Outgoing board directors, including Dawn Willis, Rob Berens, Rob Maphis and Derek Bruce, also were honored at the event.

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming moments of the brunch was when Evans helped to surprise President and CEO Stina D’Uva for her 20 years of service at the chamber with a custom award.

Shelley Bradford and Scott Billue, of Matthew’s Hope, received a check donation from the chamber.

e m o c l e W

REFRESH YOUR

! l l HOME a F

Stina D’Uva, president and CEO of the chamber. and board chairwoman Camille Evans shared a special moment as D’Uva was honored for 20 years of service with the chamber.

100 $50 Dress up that plain door for the season!

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Everett Holmes and Steve Hotaling, of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, attended the member brunch after celebrating a recent national innovation award for their company.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Holiday Market supplies family fun

5

Benefits of Charitable Giving

Giving to charity has long lasting benefits for you and your commnity. Here’s the top benefits you’ll notice when you give to chairty this season.

1. Makes you feel good 2. Strengthens personal values 3. Makes a larger impact on a greater number of people

PJ Galant sews colorful creations for her business, Thready Bear and Co.

4. Introduces children to the importance of genorosity

START GIVING TODAY

H

amlin residents enjoyed a small-business shopping experience in their own backyard with the Holiday Market at Hamlin on Sunday, Dec. 12. The family-friendly event featured games, food trucks and plenty of vendor booths. And fourlegged family members were welcome as many guests shopped with their pets.

5. Inspires family and friends to do the same

Donate online at www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

— JIM CARCHIDI

Right: Brandon and Alexis Cooper sold hand-stitched scrunchies, made by Alexis, at the Tangled Thread Studio booth.

Tina Cox’s puggle, Biscuit, enjoyed the warm afternoon.

Former Disney employee Ashley Godfrey sold her crafted home décor creations with her mother, Linda, at their business, Coastal Canvas & Crafts.

Matthew’s Hope is located at 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Learn more at www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

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Gregory the goat and his brother, Billy, are available for parties and special occasions through Rent-a-Goat.

A selection of fabric Christmas ornaments at the Thready Bear and Co. booth dazzled attendees.

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0 places wing subu esented b he best s wing subu he best s OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

11

The City Winter Ga Is Now Hi Full Tim Positions Benefit

The City of Winter Garden Is Now Hiring BENEFITS Full Time Positions With Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 m County, this former citrus town is known for its man Benefits historical and natural assets that make it a great place

Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes west of Orlando in W County, this former citrus town is known for its many recreational amenities, e historical and natural assets that make it a great place to live and visit. In 2019, W was ranked by Money.com as one of the top 10 places in the nation to live. In 2 Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by the American Plannin Florida Chapter. Ranked as one of the fastest growing suburbs by Forbes.com, the Garden continues to grow and thrive, rivaling the best small cities in Florida and

Retirement – Pension with 5 year vesting Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee only coverage Students in the Key Club at Horizon High School assisted at the crafts table: Vice President Charlize Laracuenta, left, Cainan Medeiros, Giovana Mitsunaga and Anwita Kalyanapu.

Health Savings Account - The City contributes $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly Educational Reimbursement was ranked Money.com as one of the top 10 plac City by paid Life Insurance & Disability Dental, the Vision, Great Flexible Spending Accounts Other Garden in& Florida Nestled onwon theon southern shore ofPlaces Lakeshore Apopka, 20 minutes west of presente Nestled theofsouthern LakeAward Apopka, 20 mi Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes west Orlando Westof Orange Group Plans in Orlando in West Orange Ranked County, thisas former citrus town isfastest known forgrowing its Florida Chapter. one of the s Clothing allowance or uniforms County, this former citrussupplied town isand known for its man County, this former citrus town is known for its many recreational amenities, events,

Amaryllis Festival blooms at Nerhling N

many recreational amenities, events, and historical and natural assets

Garden continues toassets growWinter and rivaling bes historical and natural assets that make it a great place to itlive and visit.

In 2019, Garden historical and natural thatthrive, make it a greatthe place that make a great place to TO live and visit. Winter Garden was ranked HOW APPLY ehrling Gardens, in Money.com as one ofWest the topSt., 10Winter places inas the nation to live. was ranked by Money.com as one of the top 10 by places nation to live.

InGarden, 2018, Winter was in ranked by Money.com one of theWinter top 10 place In the Person: 300 Plant FL 34787 Gotha, hosted its 10th Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by the AmeriOnline: www.cwgdn.com Garden won the Great Places inHoliday Florida Award presented by thethe American Planning annual AmarylGarden Great Chapter.

Places inAssociation, Florida presente can Planningwon Association, Ranked as one ofAward the fastest lis Festival Saturday, Dec. 11, Email: Florida WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com Florida Chapter. Ranked as one of the fastest growing suburbs by Forbes.com, the City of Winter Floridasuburbs Chapter.

Ranked of Garden the fastest growing s growing

by Forbes.com, the as Cityone of Winter continues to and gave folks an opportunity Retirement –the Pension with 5inthe year vesting purchase somethrive, amaryllis rivaling the Garden continues totogrow and best small cities in Florida and nation! grow and thrive,continues rivaling best cities Florida and the nation! the bes Garden tosmall grow and thrive, rivaling

BENEFITS

bulbs, as well as other plants, for themselves or as gifts.

Other items for sale included pottery, folk art, baked treats and organic herbs. Avian Reconditioning Center brought several birds to the event, the Olympia High strings students performed for the crowd, and children could participate in several nature-themed activities. Nehrling Gardens is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Open garden days are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and second Saturdays of each month, and community members are invited to drop by for a tour or volunteer on projects.

Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee only coverage BENEFITS Health Savings Account - The(Police City contributes Retirement-Pension 5 year vesting 6 years) Retirement – with Pension with 5 year& Fire vesting $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Medical Insurance – 100% City paid employee-only coverage Medical Insurance - 100%forCity paid coverage employee and and a partial City contribution dependent Vacation Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly only coverage Health Savings Account - The City contributes Educational Reimbursement $1,454.24 annually your account Health Savings Account -toThe City contributes Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid yearly City paid Life Insurance &holidays Disability $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Educational Reimbursement Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other Vacation and Flexible Sick Leave &Accounts 10 paid holidays Dental, Vision, Spending & Other Group yearly Plans Group Plans City paid Life Insurance & Disability Educational Reimbursement Clothing allowance uniforms supplied allowanceor or uniforms CityClothing paid Life Insurance & supplied Disability Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other HOW TO APPLY Group Plans Online: www.cwgdn.com In Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com Clothing allowance or uniforms supplied

BENEFITS

Retirement – Pension with 5 year vesting Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee Emilia Herdliska, 4, and Hanna Herdliska, 7, created only coverage foil ornaments for their tree.

Health Savings Account - The City contributes $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly Educational Reimbursement City paid Life Insurance & Disability Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other — AMY QUESINBERRY Group Plans Clothing allowance or uniforms supplied Amanda Wilkes, raptor care technician with the Avian Reconditioning Center, introduced Amelia, a red-shouldered hawk, to attendees.

HOW TO APPLY

Online: www.cwgdn.com In Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com In Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 HOW TO APPLY Community Development Inspector Online: www.cwgdn.com In Person: 300Plans WestExaminer-Building Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com Online: www.cwgdn.com Fleet & Facilities Maintenance Mechanic III-Heavy Equipment

Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com Building Maintenance Worker II Human Resources Human Resources & Risk Manager

CDL Drivers

Fairy gardens were set up in one area of Nehrling Gardens.

Experienced CDL Drivers Needed For Local Routes Driver-Solid Waste Worker I, II, & III

Public Utilities Wastewater and Water Plant Manager Utilities Operator III Utilities Superintendent Public Utilities Workers - Stormwater, Collection Systems, & Water Distribution - Levels I, II, and III – Entry Level Candidates Encouraged to Apply. Training Provided.

Get To Know Edgewood: Edgewood Children’s Ranch is a Christian residential program and accredited school providing emotional and spiritual healing for children displaying negative social behaviours.

We provide a loving environment where kids can learn to thrive and succeed in life and where families can nd healing.

To learn more or support Edgwood, please visit www.EdgewoodRanch.com

Parks & Recreation

Parks Supervisor – Horticulture Rental Facility Attendant Public Service Worker I & II-Parks Entry Level and Experienced Landscapers & Groundskeepers Needed

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Mending Hearts | Healing Spirits | Transforming Futures

Proudly serving West Orange for over 40 years.

Police

School Resource Officer – Active or Retired Police Officers Community Service Officer School Crossing Guard

Services Offered CALL 407-656-5521

425 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 I www.BlairJohnsonLaw.com

Police Communications Telecommunicator - Entry Level & Experienced-$2,000 Sign-on Bonus!

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Real Estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu And Other Matters

368704-1

Wills/Advance Directives Estates Corporation/LLC Commercial Transactions Landlord/Tenant

12

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Reason for the season “The true meaning of Christmas can be misunderstood by many people, including children. Most of the time, people wake up on Christmas morning so excited to open their presents and all of the things under the Christmas tree that their relatives and family have bought them. Lots of people love Christmas for that reason. In today’s society, people seek temporary happiness, such as gifts and toys. Even though receiving things is good, it’s not the only thing that takes place on Christmas. Our world usually only thinks about self, instead they should think about others. That’s what people describe Christmas as — take and get. Christmas is really about the birth of Jesus and how he came into the world for all people. He was put in terrible situations. He died for our sins and rose from the grave so that we could come into paradise with the Father. So we celebrate Christmas because of Jesus Christ. Even though Jesus might not have come on that exact day.

We use that day so we can remember his birth.

That’s the real meaning of Christmas.

To celebrate the season, we asked students from Foundation Academy and The First Academy to share with us their thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas.

“The true meaning of Christmas is giving, family and joy. Christmas is the time of year where you give to those who have loved you and be joyful. You spend time with family and friends. You make memories.

It is the time of year where all people should have joy and give to those who have given and to those who need it. It is the celebration of Jesus and his birth and what he did for us.”

— LANDON CARTER, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

— KETTIE ROGERS, FOURTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

Christmas.

Christmas is giggling in front of the tree with your family.

Christmas is gifting presents to the ones you love the most.

Christmas is spreading joy to friends and strangers alike.

Christmas is smelling cookies fresh out of the oven.

Christmas is hearing holiday melodies everywhere you go.

Christmas is sipping hot chocolate while munching on cookies.

Christmas is spending time with family you crave to visit all year.

Christmas is attending church on Christmas Eve. Christmas is singing at the top of your lungs with friends.

Christmas is watching holiday movies ’til the crack of dawn.

Christmas is oversized coats and fluffy hats.

Christmas is twinkling lights all around town.

Christmas is joy.

— TAYLOR JAMES, SIXTH GRADE, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

— HOPE DEBOOM, NINTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

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The true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the Lord and how on Dec. 25 2000 years ago, a baby was born and then our world changed. So we celebrate that he was born, and born to be celebrated, praised and honored!

The true meaning of Christmas, what do I think of it?

Well, I know that around this time of year there are a lot of distractions from the true meaning of Christmas — like the Elf on the Shelf, presents, Santa coming and presents (did I say that twice?). There are a lot of other great things, too, but we should all know that the true gift, present, miracle and meaning of the season is Jesus’ birth! God’s Holy Son! He is the greatest gift of all and the reason for the season. I know all of the other things are great, but we can’t forget Jesus, His birth, our Savior is the true meaning of Christmas!

— ADDISON STEWART, FIFTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

“Most children only like Christmas because of the presents, Santa Claus, and the delicious food and desserts their parents make. But Christmas is much more than just presents and food. It’s about the day that our Savior was brought to this Earth. The day that God is showing his love for all of us, and the day we celebrate God’s ultimate gift. It’s also the best time to bond with your family. Like to bake or cook with your parents, watch Christmas movies with your family and just to enjoy the night with some hot chocolate. Christmas is truly the best time of the year!”

— PARKER EWING, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

13

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE “The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus. Jesus is our Savior and came down to save us from all of our sins — even though He did not do anything wrong. We celebrate it because of what we know He did on the cross for us. We may get presents, but we cannot make them what Christmas is about — or the center of Christmas.

Christmas is also a time where you and your family get together and are able to worship the Lord for sending a Savior to save us from being buried in sins and from death.

This is truly a day to thank God for sending his one and only Son to save us, because he loved us so much that he did not want to be separated from us eternally.

“Christmas isn’t about presents and food (even though it’s all pretty good). It’s about Jesus — how he came as a little humble baby just to save us so we can go to the most wonderful place of all, Heaven. Jesus was very humble in his lifetime.

He was born in a little house because there was no space in the guest rooms in the city of Bethlehem. He was placed on a manger and was visited by Magi (wise men) and shepherds. We all think about big Christmas parties and wonderful presents from our relatives, but it’s also about celebrating the birth of the Son Of Man, the Immanuel, the Yeshua. … We need to remember not to be distracted by the riches and treasures of this world but the reason we have a chance to be with the Lord our God.”

— CAROLINE PRUNTY, SIXTH GRADE, FOUNDATION ACADEMY

— THAYNA DA ROSA, SEVENTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

FOUNDATION ACADEMY

“The birth of a baby boy who will save us from our sins, and to spend together time with your family and with others.”

FOUNDATION ACAD EM

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“The true meaning of Christmas to me is Jesus’s birth. His life saved us and gave us eternal life with Him. Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus and to praise him, appreciate the gift that he gave to us and remember God’s love for us through Jesus’s perfect, amazing, wonderful life.”

“The true meaning of Christmas is love.

John 3:16-17 says, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’

The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.”

— RYMER RIZZO, NINTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

— BLAKE PEEPER, FIFTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

— ADDYSON VISSER, FIFTH GRADE, THE FIRST ACADEMY

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©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-23-21

DECEMBER 23, 2021

SPORTS

Jamar Houston is a senior forward for Central Florida Christian Academy’s basketball team Page 16.

HIGH

DREAM 5 COME TRUE

1

Many West Orange County football players partipated in the Cure Classic All-Star Game Thursday, Dec. 16, at Showalter Field in Winter Park.

The players were separated into two teams: Team Soldier and Team Warrior.

Olympia quarterback CJ Brooks threw two touchdown passes on the day for Team Soldier. The First Academy’s Terrence Mosley rushed for two touchdowns for Team Warrior and was named its MVP of the game.

Team Soldier won the game 38-15.

2

Windermere and West Orange basketball faced off on the first day of Orange County Public Schools’ winter break, with the Wolverines laying a smack down on the Warriors, 70-30. Windermere’s record improved to 7-1. On the girls side, Central Florida Christian Academy made it nine consecutive wins to open the season by knocking off Windermere Prep and Freedom, 56-35 and 54-26, respectively.

3

Olympia had four athletes officially sign their letters of intent last week during Early Signing Period. Football player Victor Jones Jr. made his commitment to the University of Nebraska official. Water polo player Mateo Herrera signed with Bucknell University, cross country runner Abigail Misch with Flagler College, and soccer player Aleyshka Orellano signed with Florida Gulf Coast University.

4

Foundation Academy’s girls soccer team gave Oak Ridge an 8-0 whooping Dec. 16.

The Lions were led by three players with two goals each — Samantha Wall, Kaitlyn Clark and Alyvia Clark. Foundation improves its record to 5-3 going into the winter break. The next match will be against Wekiva Jan. 4.

5

Ocoee football players Jordan Phillips and Charles Pierre Jr. both announced their commitments this past week with both of them set to play Division I football. Phillips has committed to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, while Pierre will be heading to South Dakota, an FCS school. Phillips and Pierre helped lead Ocoee to a 6-4 season last fall.

Horizon High and Legacy Charter schools will play in the Court of Dreams game Dec. 23 at Amway Center.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

O

ne of the most quoted lines in movie history comes from the Kevin Costner film, “Field of Dreams.”

If you build it, they will come.

It’s actually a misquote; the line in the movie is, “If you build it, he will come,” in reference to Costner’s character’s father. However, the oftenused line in this case can be used to say

that if you can build a solid program, people will come watch.

For Horizon, the first big moment in its young program’s history will come Dec. 23, when it and Legacy Charter’s basketball team meet on the Amway Center court in the appropriately named “Court of Dreams” game.

TAKING FLIGHT

When you’re a first-year program, your goal is to try and lay the foundation for years to come. Horizon’s basketball team has been no exception to

this rule so far in the 2021-22 season.

The team has a 3-5 record (as of press time Tuesday) but is coming off a 59-55 win over St. Cloud. It is showing to have some pieces to build on for many years. The biggest surprise for head coach Ben Wright has been how hard his team works and how eager they are to learn.

“I can’t say enough about how the work, dedication and the expectancy level of hard work and professionalism of the team,” Wright said. “You can’t measure culturally what we’re trying to start from scratch by what the record is going to look like those first couple of years because it’s so early.

We’ll be a big 7A Metro team real soon, but we’re not there yet.”

Freshman Korvante Hatter has

GAME Fans who were lucky to get tickets are able to use their ticket as a twofor-one for the Magic’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans later that evening. Horizon and Legacy will play at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, while the Magic take on the Pelicans at 7 that night.

SEE READY PAGE 17

Vipers soccer squads laying foundation for future success Lake Buena Vista’s girls and boys squads are young, eager and dedicated.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Photo by Chris Martucci

Ayoub Aitelhaj goes for the ball against Freedom. As a junior, he’s one of the few upperclassmen on Lake Buena Vista’s boys soccer team.

The Lake Buena Vista High School soccer teams already have made history this season in more ways than one.

The girls soccer team has started strong for a first-year program to start the year and even earned the first victory on LBV’s home field — when the Lady Vipers defeated Cypress Creek in their first game of the season.

“We beat a decent Cypress Creek team,” head girls coach Scott Char-

boneau said. “Our football team had not won a home game, so it was literally the first home win at our stadium in school history. The players really got a kick out of that, but those are the kinds of things that motivated them.”

So far, Charboneau’s squad has managed a respectable 4-7 record through its first 11 games. After reaching .500, the team has lost three consecutive games, which Charboneau attributes to injuries to some of the team’s key players.

“I always want to attach a game with something we’re going to do,” Charboneau said. “We don’t have the luxury of having 40 players (who) already know how to play soccer, so it’s all about building the program.”

SEE VIPERS PAGE 16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

16

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

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

Jamar Houston Jamar Houston is a senior forward for Central Florida Christian Academy’s basketball team. During the Winter Park Rotary Club basketball tournament, Houston was named to the All-Tournament team, with teammate Ta’Veon Jones, as the two guided the Eagles to a second-place finish in the tournament. He’s a big part of why CFCA has won six of its first seven games as the team looks to repeat as district champions this season. Houston eventually wants to go on to college and study history.

What do you like about playing at CFCA? The love and support they give you. We’re a small school, but it’s full of energy and a great environment for me to be in because I love it. At first, I was skeptical about going there, but it turns out, I loved it and they accepted me as family.

What else about the school do you like?

How much help they offer and the way they present themselves, especially as a Christian school. That plays a big part as a young adult or a teenager.

Growing up, most people don’t have that, and they offer it to you every single day. You can’t miss out on it.

Favorite time period in history that you like studying?

The Harlem Renaissance. I never knew where it went back into that time where there was a lot of culture, and my teacher helped me understand it.

What do you love most about playing the sport of basketball?

Seeing my brothers every day. We bump heads,

AGE: 18 SCHOOL: Central Florida Christian Academy SPORT: Basketball POSITION: Small forward

don’t agree on everything, but at the end of the day, I still love them, because the majority of us on the team grew up together. That’s my family right there, because I don’t hang out with many people outside of school.

Favorite basketball memory?

Going up to Pennsylvania with the team for the first time and seeing snow for the first time.

We had two games up there, but we also did other activities such as visiting schools, skiing, tubing and (hanging) out together. We ended up winning both of those games. It was a great experience to build that bond with them and get closer together. Seeing snow for the first time was an experience.

Bryan Thomas Jr., left, and Donovan Branch, right celebeated their signings with former head coaches Brad Lord and Andre Walker.

Favorite movie?

“The Incredibles” — I used to recite every scene word-forword when I was kid.

Senior football standouts from West Orange High and Foundation signed their letters of intent last week.

Which Incredibles character do you identify with the most?

Frozone.

Hobbies outside of basketball?

Be with my family. A lot of times, I miss out on family stuff, so when I’m home, I try to be as close as I can and catch up on things I missed out on.

Relax, let myself catch up mentally with things in life.

Favorite basketball player?

Ja Morant — I hear that we have a lot of similarities, but I have a lot of respect for him, because I watched him in high school, college and now the pros.

What kind of offers have you gotten from colleges?

I heard from Murray State and Wheaton College in Illinois.

They’re like CFCA — a Christian school, big but not too big, and they’re high on Christianity and education.

When speaking with the coach, he sounds like he really wants me.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Annabelle Sikes

Matthew McDoom, Eddie Kelly and Jayden Gibson made their college choices official.

How would you rate your guys’ chemistry?

Automatic 10. We have that bond where we automatically connect in basketball or whatever it may be. We’ve always had that strong chemistry together.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

History — most teachers would just teach the subject, but the teacher I have, he goes into detail with back stories and things like that. He’s a cool guy to joke around with, as well; I have a lot of love and respect for him. If I wasn’t sure about something I’d watch a video on it, or I’d look it up.

If you could be or meet any historical figure, who would it be?

Muhammad Ali — he’s a person of interest to me; a great guy with a sense of humor. He also took everything serious and did it out of love. He brought up a lot of people, especially in the time period that he was in. Many black people weren’t respected then, but he’s gotten a lot of love and respect.

THE BASICS

Chris Martucci

Players announce college choices CHRIS MARTUCCI AND ANNABELLE SIKES

West Orange High School and Foundation Academy football players put ink to paper Dec. 15 as they made their college choices official.

At West Orange, six football players signed their letters of intent to play college football.

Teammates Eddie Kelly and Tony Newsome both committed to the University of South Florida. Kelly is a two-way player that plays tight end and defensive end. Newsome plays safety. Kelly finished second on the team in tackles for loss with 23.

Vipers establish culture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Some of the key building blocks for the girls team include Albany Rios, who leads the team with 10 goals this season, and Alexis David, who Charboneau compared to the likes of Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté, because of her defensive prowess.

Starting a new program is not new for Charboneau; he has done this before. When Wekiva High School started its girls soccer program, Charboneau was tasked with leading it in its infancy. Within five years, he took a team that went 3-18 in its first year to second in the district in his final year. He’s confident he can do the same at Lake Buena Vista.

“Any time that you are starting a program, you’d be lucky enough to inherit all the good players from

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The fact they both would attend the same college came as no surprise to Warriors head coach Mike Granato. “(They) continue to love each other, and I think it’s awesome that two best friends are going to college together to play football together,” Granato said.

Defensive end Brendan Flakes signed to play with Northwestern University after leading the Warriors in sacks with 13.5. Linebacker Matthew McDoom signed with Coastal Carolina University, and cornerback Javan Robinson made it official with Washington State University.

The biggest signing of the afternoon was wide receiver Jayden Gibson. After originally committing to the University of Florida during the season, he de-committed from the Gators a week before signing day. Twenty-four hours before he was to sign the papers, Gibson announced via Twitter he would be attending the University of Oklahoma, and he made that official Dec. 15.

“I want to thank everyone who has made this day possible,” Gibson said during the ceremony. “I’m not from here, and this school and the Winter Garden community welcomed me with open arms. I’ve got a dream, and I’m just thankful I’m out here living it.”

Gibson grabbed 13 touchdowns during the season, during which the Warriors reached the state regional final for the first time since 2015.

Granato was almost out of words to describe Gibson.

“What hasn’t been said about this guy? He’s a four-year player at West Orange and incredibly loyal,” Granato said. “That’s what I’ll remember about him more than any other accolade.”

At Foundation, defensive linemen Donovan Branch and Bryan Thomas Jr. signed their letters of intent. Branch signed with the University of Connecticut, while Thomas committed to the University of South Carolina.

Thomas is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Bryan Thomas Sr., who played with the New York Jets for 10 seasons and was part of back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010. He is now the defensive line coach for Foundation.

Thomas and Branch combined for 21 sacks during the 2021 season with the former having 11.

a school that’s feeding you, and it’s difficult,” Charboneau said. “I just coach the girls are in front of me. We have some good talent, and we’re young.”

Part of taking that talent and using it effectively is trusting the plan that’s in place, which Charboneau is based on the players in the program.

“They’re the foundation,” Charboneau said.

On the boys side, head coach Scott Carnevale’s crew has adopted the idea they are greater than the sum of their parts, which include 10 freshmen.

Their youth and inexperience Shannon Till, Agent has shown atFowler’s times in3279 their 1-7-1 Grove Daniels Rd 34787 it’s record to start,Winter but Garden, they FLknow Toll Free: 855-742-1591 going to take time and effort to www.shannontill.com develop into a top team.

“In practice and training, even

the games, though the score won’t show it, the kids are putting in the work,” Carnevale said. “Most of the games, I have had coaches come up to me and they see what we’re doing, how good we’ll be in the future and the fight our boys have.

That’s going to be a real key going forward — sticking with the plan.”

Furthermore, instead of considering the boys and girls as separate squads, the Vipers soccer program operates as one.

“After practice, I say, ‘Go on home, guys,’ but they say, ‘No, Coach. We want to stay here and watch the girls,’” Carnevale said. “(Coach Charboneau) and I are We’re all in this together. trying to create one big soccer State Farm together. has a long tradition program It’s really good of being reason to see there. the That’s kids one supporting (one why I’m proud to support another) that way.” West

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Chris Martucci

Horizon head coach Ben Wright’s passion for basketball is clear in his coaching. At 3-5, he has the Hawks going in the right direction his first year.

Ready for the big time

After four close losses to start the season, the Legacy Charter Eagles are trying to find their footing.

Their 3-5 record does not tell the full story with this team, according to head coach Emmanuel Flanders.

Four of their five losses this season have been decided by fewer than four points.

“It’s tough, but you’ve got to have your group understand that we’re right there; we just need to stop beating ourselves,” Flanders said. “It goes

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Sarah Elizabeth McMillan Middlebrooks, 95, passed away in her home at Lake Nona Dec. 7, 2021. “Sissie” was a lifelong resident of Orange County, born in Winter Garden in her family’s home.

Born to Yulee and Mattie McMillan, she had four older brothers — Neil, George, Malcolm and Charles. Sissie attended and graduated from Stetson University, DeLand.

Sissie enjoyed many activities, including golf, opera, gardening and fishing.

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shown flashes of brilliance several times during the young season, with a high point coming against fellow firstyear program Davenport. During that game, Hatter scored 20 points and hauled in 20 rebounds as he led the Hawks to their first victory over the Broncos, 67-46.

“It was great; I was going out and fighting for my team, and doing the things coach tells me to do,” Hatter said.

His quick rise has impressed Wright, who thinks the best of Hatter has not been seen yet.

“He’s a downhill bull right now,” Wright said. “I’ve heard from certain people that he’s just a big guy, but he’s a guard. He’s building his guard skills, putting a great amount of work on his shooting, handling and decisionmaking. If he continues on the path he’s on … that kid has really scary potential if he can continue to build that skill.”

Hatter’s so-called “partner in crime” has been sophomore Trei Ginn. Ginn is third the team in points per game with 10.5, but he is second on the team in rebounds behind Hatter at 7.8 per game.

Ginn said the Hawks are beginning to jell.

“We had a lot of guys (who) came in, didn’t know each other, and at first it was a, ‘Yo, what are you about’ kind of thing,” Ginn said. “As the season came to a start, we started to understand (one another), and now, we’re coming together and building our chemistry.”

That chemistry will be key coming into arguably the biggest game any of these players have ever played in when the team takes on Legacy on a real NBA court.

“I never thought I would play on an NBA court,” Ginn said. “Now, I get to cross that off on my bucket list. Probably not in front of a bunch of people, but I played on an NBA court. I can say that.”

“It was very exciting when we found out we were playing there, so it gives

us even more of a boost,” Hatter said.

For Wright, it’s a chance to finally get a win there after playing at the Amway Center twice before with Windermere Prep.

“It’s such a cool experience,” Wright said. “The court, the atmosphere, the surroundings — it’s such a special, cool thing to share. It’s something you’ll never get to do again. … The court is really big compared to what we’re used to, and seeing the Magic emblems is a big deal to the guys in this community. I definitely want to be able to get a win this time and love and appreciate that special moment with a (win).”

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

back to valuing every possession we get, not turning the basketball over, and ensuring that we can control such as our communication, energy, playing together and playing hard is there day in and day out. We do those (things), we win those games.”

Senior Jayme Oliver leads the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game.

He is one of three Legacy players averaging double digits this season, along with fellow seniors Tyreak Holgate and Colby McClure.

Flanders said Oliver also has been an unsung leader for the Eagles.

“He controls pace for us in a very good way,” he said.

But the one thing about his team he said was that every player contributes something to every effort.

“That’s the beauty of our team — everyone brings something different to the table,” Flanders said. “It’s just about bringing that all together as one, then we can be a tough team.”

Getting to play at the Amway Center against Horizon is a special treat for the team, especially for the seven seniors on the team, Flanders said, but it was one of many important games during the season.

“Every game is important,” Flanders said. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Wright over at Horizon, and they have two guys that can flat-out go. He’s going to have a good game plan for them. We’ve just got to go in there and do what we do. As long as we do that, things will take care of themselves.”

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Auto Service

Professional Services

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Who We Are: Edgewood Children’s Ranch is a faith-based residential program and accredited school, providing emotional and spiritual healing for children displaying negative social behaviors.

Our Purpose: Since 1966, we have been a local non-proot providing emotionally broken and behaviorally challenged children ages 7-17 a Christ Centered home environment. Our program also includes academic remediation, behavioral training, life skills, and accountablity for actions. We are able to help mend hearts, heal spirits and reconnect families, creating the positive change needed for these children to live a purposeful and transformed life.

“Love A Kid Club”

Ways To Give Scan Me or Visit

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Mail A Check Please mail checks to Edgewood Children’s Ranch 1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd. Orlando, FL 32835

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