12.25.14 West Orange Times & Observer

Times& WEST ORANGE

Observer WEST ORANGE COUNTY’S NEWSPAPER FOR 109 YEARS

THURSDAY

DECEMBER 25, 2014

FREE

WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA

INSIDE

SPORTS

EXCLUSIVE

Matthew’s Hope carnival spreads holiday cheer.

PAGE 10A

Winter Garden alley reopens with new name, owners.

PAGE 1B

MetroWest hosts annual holiday celebration.

PAGE 9A

by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer OUR TOWN sun-powered suitcases

Tildenville students create solar panels

+ Reindeers visit W.G. shoppers Dancer and Prancer Jr. were oblivious to the shoppers, concentrating instead on their bucket of feed.

Dancer is a 4-year-old reindeer; Prancer Jr. is her 6-month-old female fawn — and the two were on display Dec. 15 at the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. They hung out under the clock tower, just down the sidewalk from their “boss,” Santa Claus.

The mother and daughter are actually owned by Patrick and Diane Lavery, who have a farm in Ocala but brought the hoofed pair from Santa’s Hitchin’ Post, a farm in Gloversville, New York.

The panels will provide electricity for orphans in Uganda to power lights and technology.

WINTER GARDEN — Sharon Burnett, a teacher of fourth- and fifth-grade science at Tildenville Elementary, always encourages her students to think big, believe in their scientific abilities no matter the gender or aptitude,

and explore the widest range of possibilities they can.

Part of that effort comes from Burnett introducing them to new possibilities, such as her After School Programs project to reinforce classroom learning, in which

her students constructed three portable solar generators this semester under the oversight of six Valencia College engineering students and Deb Hall, an engineering professor from Valencia.

The portable generators,

Courtesy photo

Valencia engineering students show Tildenville students how solar suitcase wires work. called solar suitcases, are complete, making Burnett’s students by far the youngest to complete such a project.

After a quality inspection

from We Care Solar, the Californian nonprofit that created solar suitcases for its We Share

SEE PANELS / PAGE 6A

FLOATING FESTIVITIES

+ WOT office will close for holidays The West Orange Times & Observer office will be closed from Dec. 23 through Jan 1, 2015. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 2, 2015.

+ No garbage pick-up Dec. 25 Orange County Utilities will not collect garbage or recycling on Thursday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas Day holiday. Customers with garbage collection on Thursday will receive garbage service the following Monday, Dec. 29. Customers with recycling collection on Thursday will receive recycling service the following Thursday, Jan 1, 2015.

I

WO This week’s winner is

Stephanie Berry.

See the photo on PAGE 7B.

Michael Eng

Festive pirates took to the waters around Bird Island for the 10th annual Windermere Boat Parade Dec. 20. Nearly 100 boats joined in the fun, while spectators watched from the town’s boat ramp and Palmer Park.

CRIME by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

development by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

The West Orange thefts occurred in September at Windermere Elementary.

at the intersection of Remington Road and State Road 50.

Windermere school Town of Oakland lifts ban auto burglaries part on S.R. 50 development of statewide ring The first project, a 24-pump Race Trac gas station, will be built Windermere Police Detective John Allen said the department has a lead in a case involving burglaries of two vehicles during the afternoon of Sept. 28 at Windermere El-

ementary.

“We haven’t made arrests yet but have worked with agencies across the state,”

SEE THEFTS / PAGE 7A

OAKLAND — The town’s temporary ban on development along State Road 50 ended Dec. 15, and the planning department is already processing its first client under a new set of rules recently established. A 24-pump Race

Trac gas station will be built at the intersection of Remington Road and S.R. 50.

In October 2012, elected officials suspended the processing of applications and plans relating to development along the highway, which lies in the

Real Estate.........................4-5B Schools................................11A

Sports.....................................1B Weather..................................7B

town’s Gateway Corridor Overlay District. Rules pertaining to construction, architecture, signage and landscaping along the major roadway were established in 1999 and originally

SEE OAKLAND / PAGE 6A

INDEX Calendar.................................2A Cops Corner............................7A

Crossword...............................7B Obituaries.............................15A

Vol. 82, No. 51 , Three sections

WOTimes.com

Love One Another…Matthew 5:14-16 A MESSAGE FROM NEXT COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 6:00 PM

13640 W. COLONIAL DRIVE

WWW.NEXTCOMMUNITYCHURCH.COM

407.654.9661

2A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

COMMUNITYCALENDAR MONDAY, DEC. 29 Holiday Camp — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Holiday Camp offers outdoor activities, time with friends and lots of fun during the holiday break for all children entering first through eighth grades.

Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks and a water bottle to camp every day. For residents, the cost is $19 per day; $24 for non residents. For more, call (407) 656-4111.

SATURDAY, DEC. 27 Oceans Alive! — 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Join the library for a movie starring a favorite ocean friend. For more, call (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, DEC. 30 It Doesn’t Snow in Florida — 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate snow with cool stories and crafts. Ages 6 to 12 are welcome. Registration is required.

To register, call (407) 8357323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 Interior Design Psychology: What Your Home Says About You — 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Understand you have a powerful connection to your environment and that everything in your outer surroundings affects you on a physical, emotional or psychological level. Learn the ways floor plans, architectural features, furniture, lighting, color and artwork can influence the look, feel and function of your rooms. Lisa Matas, founder of

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787; or by email: news@wotimes.com.

Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31 Happy Noon Year’s Eve — begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate by making crafts, playing games and ringing in the new year at noon. Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to attend. Registration is required. To register, call (407) 835-7323.

Counsel for Caregivers — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. This series is presented by OCLS and Orange County’s Commission on Aging.

Registration required. Call (407) 836-7446 to register or e-mail officeonaging@ocfl.net.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

Inside Out Designscapes, is a certified feng shui specialist and designer who helps home and business owners diagnose and remedy challenges to their space. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6 Ribbon Cutting: KB Homes — 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 8067 Pond Apple Drive, Winter Garden. For more, visit wochamber.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7 Ribbon Cutting: Tres Chic Boutique — 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 7, at 503 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit wochamber.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 45th Anniversary: Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed, P.A. — 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce office, 12184 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. For more, visit wochamber.com.

Book Character Classics — 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Help us bring your favorite children’s book characters to life with stories,

games and crafts. Ages 3 to 5.

(407) 835-7323.

John Charles — 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. John Charles comes directly from Disney Cruise Line, sharing music, comedy and stories from his travels.

With just a guitar, a piano and his incredible voice, Charles creates a unique and exciting experience that is tailored especially for each audience.

No two performances are ever alike. Tickets are $25. (407) 877-4736, Ext. 0, or gardentheatre.org.

String Beans Live in Concert — 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Children’s music group The String Beans is touring Florida and will stop at the library. (407) 8357323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 Money As You Grow — 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere.

This money smart program introduces financial literacy to youth with stories, activities and crafts. Ages 6 to 12.

(407) 835-7323.

Sandy Shugart — 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The multi-talented president of Valencia College returns with his tight-knit group of musicians to create a warm blend of folk-influenced, acoustic coffeehouse-style sounds.

Tickets are $25 ($15 with Valencia College ID). (407) 877-4736, Ext. 0, or gardentheatre.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 Affordable Care Act Discussion and Enrollment Assistance — 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, and Saturday, Jan. 31, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. For enrollment, you will need to provide applicable documents including a W-2, 2014 tax returns, proof of income and social security cards for all family members, or green cards and naturalization certificates. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 340-0844. Walk-ins welcome.

Language line available for non-English speakers.

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation History, Research and Education Center Open House — 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at 101 S. Boyd St., Annex Building, Winter Garden. wghf.org.

Body and Books — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Southwest Library at Dr. Phillips, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Experience the health benefits and rejuvenation of yoga-based exercises and a healing dose of read aloud literature. This is a gentle program with emphasis on breathing exercises, stretching, and reading to promote better well-being and relaxation. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. No prior yoga experience is needed.

All fitness levels are welcome.

Exercises can be done with the help of a chair if needed or preferred. Registration preferred.

(407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 2015 Orange County Economic Summit — 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Orange County Convention Center, 9990 International Drive, Orlando. For more, visit orangecountyfl.net.

The Ancient Secrets of Transparent Color with Dan Nelson — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Learn the secrets of the old masters. Cost is $150; lunch and supplies included. (407) 909-1869.

Business After Hours — 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. For more, visit wochamber.com.

Introduction to Essential Oils — 6:30 p.m. Thursday,

Jan. 15, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Experience a variety of essential oils with Natural Solutions consultant Stephanie Jorian. (407) 835-7323.

Wishing for Winter — 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere.

Celebrate the season with cool activities at your library. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 Maleficent Movie and Craft — 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere.

Watch the story of one of Disney’s most iconic villains, Maleficent, and make a magical craft. Ages 11 to 18.

(407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 Journey Down Under — 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Learn interesting facts about Australia’s culture and wildlife with stories, games and crafts. Ages 6 to 12.

(407) 835-7323.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration — 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Orlando Magic Center, 309 S. West Crown Point Road. Live entertainment, vendors and children’s activities. A community march will travel from East Bay Street to the Mildred Dixon Center. To participate in the community march and for more information, visit the city of Winter Garden website, cwgdn. com.

Movie in the Park — 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Magnolia Park, 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka. The movie, “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who,” will be presented by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department.

Free. (407) 886-4231 or OrangeCountyParks.net.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

dancing in the streets by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

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FAREWELL by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Local seniors dance in Macy’s Windermere teacher retires Thanksgiving Day Parade after 45 years Three West Orange-area girls were among dancers in the 88th annual parade.

Karen Ronat taught in South Africa before 26 years teaching fourthand fifth-graders in Windermere.

WINDERMERE — When Karen Ronat and her husband arrived in Orange County from South Africa, they had intended to stay just a year, for a job he had building mosques in the Orlando area, just as he had in South Africa.

In the meantime, Ronat became a substitute teacher for Orange County Public Schools, based on her 19 years of teaching experience in South Africa.

“My daughter decided to go to college,” Ronat said. “She was in the first batch of students to go through Dr. Phillips High School. My oldest son decided he also would go to college, so one year became 26. We just never went back, once the kids were ingrained here.”

Those 26 years teaching fourth- and fifth-graders at Windermere Elementary ended Dec. 19, when Ronat retired after 45 years. Ronat set her date while health problems led to her husband’s death in January 2010.

“I have no choice, even if I wanted to stay,” Ronat said.

“But I’m 70 years old. I think it’s time for me to depart.”

BECOMING OFFICIAL

Courtesy photo

Local seniors Emily Ternent, left, Maddie Welch and Allie McHale represented West Orange at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. for two hours in 20-degree weather.

“We had back-warmers, hand-warmers, foot-warmers — it was not enough,” Welch said. “We’re all in skirts and tights, and that just wasn’t going to cut it.”

The subway had to stop for all 760 girls to get on and to the Museum of Natural History for lineup. Ternent and McHale were near each other, but Welch was dozens of rows back.

“Probably the most difficult part was that we had different ripples and different choreography for certain parts,” Welch said. “We just kind of had to know them all going into it, because we didn’t know which one we would be assigned. Getting used to the certain part was probably the most difficult, because if you’re practicing the down part and then you’re the up one, it just takes muscle memory.”

“

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn received the Tri-County League of Cities’ 2014 Elected Municipal Official of the Year Award.

The award is presented to one elected municipal official for their distinguished service from Orange, Osceola or Seminole counties. It is decided by the League’s Board of Directors, and in presenting the award, President Joe Durso noted the board’s recognition of the leadership Bruhn showed in times of turmoil and, most recently, during times of tragedy.

In his acceptance speech, Bruhn recognized previous

“It only ever snowed while we were dancing,” Welch said. “Being from Florida, that’s a different experience to have snow in your eyes while you’re dancing. That was unique.”

From the precise divisions of 76 rows of 10 and four quadrants to rehashing each step and motion, the organized chaos in freezing temperatures worked because of the group’s focus on the performance and the leadership of the group’s coordinators, Ternent said.

“It was cold, and it was difficult with 760 of us girls, but honestly, I wouldn’t have changed it at all,” Ternent said. “It was hard being freezing cold in the morning, and everybody was wondering why we were doing this, but even when it was snowing, I was still like, ‘This is amazing.’”

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

It was hard being freezing cold in the morning, and everybody was wondering why we were doing this, but even when it was snowing, I was still like, ‘This is amazing.’

NEWSBRIEFS + Windermere mayor earns award

Before the routine, the girls chanted, cheered and spirited along the route, which was different for them as dancers.

“It was unique to be walking along with all of the people, because we would chant, ‘We love NYC,’ and everyone in the crowd would be like, ‘We love you, too,’” Welch said. “Well, gee whiz, thanks!”

The group had to stop twice, at which points it redirected attention to KISS. “We would all start looking back and cheering for KISS, and it was fun because we would see the spectators wonder who’s behind us, and then they would all look and we’d see them all get really excited, because KISS was right behind us,” Ternent said. “We could hear them playing the entire time. That was definitely my favorite part.”

Once the group arrived at Macy’s for its stage performance, snow began to fall.

“

During the 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a group of 760 highschool senior cheerleaders and dancers from all over the country gathered for a big parade performance, including a routine in front of Macy’s.

Among them were local dancers Emily Ternent, Maddie Welch and Allie McHale, who spent a busy, fun-filled week in New York City.

During the parade, they danced and cheered for about an hour-and-a-half for more than 30 blocks, from the Museum of Natural History to the front of Macy’s, where they performed their stage routine.

But each had a long road to The Big Apple, auditioning for the group months earlier.

“I auditioned for this at a camp over the summer, and it was only for seniors or captains, which I am both,” Welch said. “Basically, you learn a 45-second routine, and then, three days later, you perform it and they judge you accordingly. That’s where you make it.”

The dancers each received a white turtlenecked cheerleading uniform with a black star in the middle by mail, along with pompons, a schedule and routine instructions, Welch said.

Their trip began when their plane landed around 2 p.m.

Nov. 22, and they practiced that night for about three hours, Ternent said.

“On Sunday, we had practice that morning until 11, and then we went to see (Broadway’s) ‘Aladdin’ at 1,” Ternent said. “Then we had more practice in the afternoon. Monday, we saw the Rockettes, and we performed in front of the NBC producers, and then Tuesday, we had a free day. We went shopping, and we just kind of went normal sightseeing. We went to a place called Alice’s Tea Cup. Wednesday was a dress rehearsal; Thursday was the parade; and then we left on Friday.”

The girls also saw “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” skated at Rockefeller Center and went around Ellis Island on a Statue of Liberty harbor cruise when not in their 12 hours of practice.

The most distressing part was learning a few days before the parade that they would be wearing KISS face paint, because they would be in front of KISS’s float in the parade.

“Everybody in this room of entirely prissy girls started panicking, because that’s not how they wanted to be seen on national television,” Welch said. “The day before, they said the NBC producers nixed it — they didn’t want that. It was the loudest I heard the group cheer the entire time. It was too funny.”

On parade day, their report time was 5:30 a.m. They huddled in little thermal blankets

recipients of the award, including last year’s recipient, Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett, for his leadership during the George Zimmerman court trial.

Bruhn also serves as the chairman of the Orange County Council of Mayors and is a member the Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

He also chairs the Florida League of Cities’ Urban Administration Legislative Committee.

— Emily Ternent

Holiday pounds, Oakland Nature Preserve will host its second annual 3-Mile Nature Trail Run/Walk Jan. 10, 2015, at the preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland.

Registration will be $15 for members, $25 for non-members through Dec. 31, and $30 for non-members from Jan. 1 to race day. All proceeds will benefit ONP. Register can be completed online at signmeup.com (click on “Find Event” and then type FL then Oakland) or at the preserve.

For more information, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.org. or send an e-mail to informa tion@oaklandnaturepreserve. org.

+ Leave your + Nature preserve mark at the WGHF to host second run/walk The Winter Garden Heritage Just in time to shed those

Foundation is selling per-

sonalized bricks for $50 apiece, and they will be placed around the new History Research and Education Center in downtown Winter Garden.

They can be purchased in memory of or in honor of family and friends or to commemorate a special occasion.

Bricks are four inches by eight inches and can hold three lines of 13 characters each.

For more information, call (407) 656-3244 or visit wghf. org.

+ Correction The Dec. 18 story, “Winter Garden commissioners approve repair for Brandy Creek,” described incorrectly the location of the Brandy Creek community. The community is located south of West Plant Street and east of Tildenville School Road.

We regret the error.

Because she had taught so long, one of Ronat’s first priorities when she arrived was to find out how to become a teacher in Orange County.

“In those days, to get a job at Windermere (Elementary) was almost impossible,” she said. “I had just arrived in Florida. They said to me, ‘You can’t teach here, but you can substitute.’”

When a teacher at Windermere Elementary became ill, Ronat subbed in her classroom for about six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the principal asked her whether she would like a permanent position.

“I said, ‘Absolutely, but they told me at certification that I would not get one,’” Ronat said. “They couldn’t figure out my transcripts from South Africa. She didn’t say a word, but the day before school started the next year, August 1989, she called me up two days before and said, ‘I have a fourthgrade position for you.’ I said, ‘Thank you — fantastic!’ I never interviewed, but I got the job and took that bunch of kids up with me to fifth grade.”

After six years of teaching in Windermere, Ronat became an American.

“I told the person giving the test, ‘I’m going to Publix now, because I bought a red, white and blue cake to celebrate becoming an American citizen,’” Ronat said. “He said, ‘Well, strictly speaking, you’re not an American citizen until you’ve been sworn in at the ceremony.’ I said, ‘Sir, I’ve been pledging allegiance to your flag every morning for six years. I think I’ll call myself an honorary citizen.’”

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

“I think one of my fondest memories was when I got an award,” Ronat said. “Jeb Bush, when he was governor, had an initiative called Excellence in Education.”

Ronat kept getting invites to the award ceremony in 2009, but she kept discarding them, because she had received many similar letters asking for payment to attend a ceremony. Ceremony organizers became frustrated and called the principal.

“It turns out that they had looked at our FCAT scores over a three-year period, and the scores showed the children in my class with disabilities made the most gains,” Ronat said. “So it was quite a coup, because there were so few winners.”

Ronat enjoyed dinner, a hotel stay, award presentations,

Courtesy photo

Karen Ronat retired Dec. 19 after 26 years of teaching Windermere Elementary students.

$1,000 and a cruise to Barcelona, Spain, with a friend. She appreciated the recognition, although she took a while to satisfy the education professors who asked recipients about their approach.

“We all kind of looked at each other and said, ‘We teach!’” Ronat said. “It was hard for us to put it in any kind of steps or plan. A lot of us said we appreciated that we were given freedom in the classroom to be creative, because these were before the days we were so data-driven.”

Ronat appreciates the feedback of students and parents pleased with learning and classroom comfort more.

“I have a box of letters from children, with wonderful sayings on why they enjoyed their year with me,” she said.

“When I pack up, because I’ll be moving to Southern Florida, closer to my grandchildren, all the pages will go with me.”

Tidmus said praise for Ronat was common throughout her career at Windermere Elementary, such as when a student’s mother from a lower grade greeted Ronat and told her she was her favorite teacher from her elementary days, decades earlier.

“Every time we go out, there will be a former student of her, they’ll recognize her, and they’ll say, ‘You were my favorite teacher,’” Tidmus said.

“She gets an email every other year, at least: ‘Just wanted to write and tell you that you were my favorite teacher. I loved how you taught us.’ It says a lot that your students remember you.”

PHILOSOPHIES

Each child is different and has special talents, which teachers must recognize and praise, Ronat said.

“Every child must be treated as an individual,” she said.

“They cannot be put in a box and told, ‘You’ve all got to know this by the end of this year,’ because, unless you can do one-on-one teaching and give them each what they need individually, you’re not going to have enough success.”

Patience and avoiding pressure are key, because each child will ultimately succeed, she said.

“If you make them accountable and ask them, it engages them without pressure and anger,” Ronat said. “I tell the parents every child that sits down to write a test isn’t sitting there thinking, ‘What can I do to annoy my mother and my teacher? Which answer shall I get wrong?’ In their way, they’re trying their best at that day and that time, so you just build them up from that moment.”

As for situations in the classroom, Ronat has posters for practically all of them, which serve as reminders of good behavior and life lessons.

“We constantly remind them ... ‘A mind is like a parachute: it works best when open,’” she said.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

4A

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Dear Santa, In our exclusive partnership with the West Oaks Mall and Santa Claus himself, the West Orange Times & Observer hosted a Letters to Santa contest to give West Orange children a direct line to the Big Guy himself.

Weekly winners received a gift card, and all letters were forwarded directly to the North Pole. As we celebrate Christmas, we’re delighted to share with you our five winners, along with some honorable mentions.

From all of us to you and yours: Merry Christmas!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

West Orange Times The West Orange Times (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $21.50 per year ($35 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the West Orange Times are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the West Orange Times, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper. © Copyright 2014 Observer Media Group All Rights Reserved

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If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@wotimes.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@wotimes.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@wotimes.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@wotimes.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@wotimes.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@wotimes.com Creative Services / Laine Richardson, lrichardson@wotimes.com Office Manager / Sales / Rose Blankenship, rblankenship@wotimes.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@wotimes.com

“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

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

opinion | our view

… For unto you is born this day …

The story behind his birth Children love to hear their grandparents and parents recount the details of whence their family came, the genealogy of who they are, how they came about and why they are. Indeed, our heritage depends on the continuous retelling of such important events.

This is why we take pleasure each year at this time recounting some of the lesser discussed details surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. We all know what happened on “Christmas” — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box). But having some of the context that led up to this holy, remarkable day adds to its richness.

In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews. And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses — Israel.

The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary, Joseph, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day.

They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were

indeed connected to royalty.

Biblical scholars write they actually were cousins, both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel.

But at that time — which was around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel) were anything but a privileged, royal class. They were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under the unpredictability of the maniac, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who ruled over Jerusalem and Bethlehem as a “client” king for Caesar Augustus.

“Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men,” wrote the biblical historian Josephus.

What’s more, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, his wife’s father, her brother, three of his own sons and 300 of his military leaders.

Nonetheless, under Herod, the Jews managed to live with what biblical historian James Edward Talmadge called “some semblance of national autonomy.” They could practice their religion without much interference.

But there was no doubt the Jews did not relish their

domination. The Jews kept to themselves and held particular dislike for the Samaritans, a racially mixed people. “The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria,” Talmadge wrote.

This is what Mary and Joseph would encounter after they received word of Caesar Augustus’ order for a census. He demanded that everyone register in his hometown. For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea — an 80-mile journey. That would have taken them right through Samaria. And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant.

In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip. The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful.

But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan or with Mary riding on a

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST The following is the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ declared each year in Rome: Today, the 25th day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image.

Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.

Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; 13 centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt.

Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; 1,000 years from the anointing of David as king; in the 65th week according to the prophecy of Daniel.

In the 194 Olympiad; the 752nd year from the foundation of the city of Rome.

The 42nd year of the reign

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of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.

Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

donkey. It was cold at night.

The trip would have taken about four days. On Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem. And at this point in the trip, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers were marks for bandits.

God was watching over Mary and Joseph, of course.

They made it, but only to find out that Bethlehem, normally a sleepy little town, was bustling with Jews who had returned to register for the census. There was no room at the inn.

Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards.

The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls; they were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay.

With nowhere else to go, Mary gave birth … under the stars, amid the manure and muck, among the sheep, cows and chickens, no doctors present to administer an epidural, with Joseph, her carpenter husband, assisting as best he could. Those who have witnessed birth know its difficulty in a hospital bed.

Imagine the scene in a smelly, cold cave.

Yet, this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the Savior whom God sent for mankind, came into this world.

Contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod the Great, a regional celebrity, abusing his power over his small dominion in unspeakable ways. They were all about status and ego.

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

— St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible they were extraordinary. God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned Mary that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son — the Son of the Highest who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother.

And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancee, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. The angel Gabriel gave comfort to

Joseph, just as he did to Mary.

And with humility and obedience and far below the radar screen of celebrity status, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

This is our heritage. Merry Christmas.

(Editor’s note: This originally appeared in the Dec. 23, 2010, edition of our sister paper, the Longboat Observer.)

— Matt Walsh, CEO

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

PANELS / PAGE 1A Solar program, the generators will be shipped to Katangala and Kabale in Uganda in February. There, they will power orphanage schools without electricity.

“These kids actually did have a school, but they didn’t have electricity there at all,” Burnett said. “They might have a computer there, but they don’t have a way to charge it. People have phones there, but nowhere to charge them, so this solar suitcase actually ends up being a solar panel that they attach to the roof of this school, and they actually live there. They actually have lights that can go in it. They have all these attachments that can charge phones and anything that has batteries in it.”

BUILDING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Burnett hatched the plan to construct the solar suitcases in April, after seeing Hall’s when Hall would work with Burnett’s ASP students from time to time in the past three or four years.

“I teach electricity,” Burnett said. “We have electricity kits, and we take batteries and put things together and learn circuitry and stuff like that. So I thought this would be a really neat opportunity for us to learn some alternative ways of electricity and get some high-tech stuff for kids to learn about.”

Burnett approached De’Anthony Shamar, director of ASP, with the idea and asked whether ASP could help. “(ASP) guys got together and talked and said, ‘Why don’t we try three?’” Burnett said.

A 21st Century Service Learning Communities grant through the Department of Education helped ASP provide the $4,500 needed to build three suitcases, said Greg Snow, regional director of ASP. Tildenville students worked in three teams of eight to 10 Tildenville students and two Valencia students, Burnett said.

“They have this plastic lit-

Students display their finished solar suitcases. tle suitcase, the solar panel, which is already together, and then just wires and little plastic bags of all kinds of leads and switches,” she said, “and they have to figure out how to put all these things together.”

Principal Agathe Alvarez was astounded as she saw the progress students made after each building session, which took place for two hours every other Friday, from August to November.

“When they were watching the introductory video, it was literally an empty shell,” Alvarez said. “To watch that grow throughout the few months they’ve been working on it, to see the end result and to see them actually test it, and it’s working, the looks on their faces, the terminology they’re using, the excitement they felt — there is no comparison. That was true learning with a purpose. For them to use the knowledge they have to help others is truly what our program is about.”

UGANDA

There were two students within the building groups who did not have electricity, so they could empathize with the Ugandans, Alvarez said.

The students learned about Uganda and the children they were helping, which became a struggle for Burnett.

Student tests of the suitcases went well.

“I had a really hard time getting them to understand that these were children that were in orphanages because their parents had AIDS and died,” she said. “So I found this video online, because they started to do some research and thought these kids just get up every day, put a little uniform on and go to school, like a private school in Uganda. Well, it’s not like that. It’s really sad.”

In the video, an 8-year-old girl cared for her polio-stricken brother and sister, who were 6 and 7 and ostracized from their village, Burnett said.

“She’d walk miles to get water for them,” she said. “She would feed them. I showed this video to my kids, and they (cried). They started to

learn that these kids had a really rough life. So they kind of understood this was really something special we could do for these kids, and there were people they could provide electricity for.”

The Tildenville students also sent letters in the suitcases, and they will be translated on site once they arrive, which is tough to guarantee.

“We’ve got to put it in bubble wrap, and it goes on bikes on roads that are not even made yet,” Burnett said. “It’s pretty incredible.”

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Apart from the obvious engineering and scientific skills the children built, they learned many social and real-world skills, such as teamwork, leadership, taking

turns, following directions, group focus, listening, problem-solving and compassion.

Burnett also used the opportunity to develop young students’ interests in STEM — especially girls, showing them they can do anything boys can — as well as show students lacking confidence their capabilities, she said.

“They see themselves doing something they never imagined they could do,” Burnett said. “The project-based learning is where they really experience learning handson and enjoy learning.”

Because the Valencia students were young enough to relate to the elementary students as role models, the Tildenville students could better see their opportunities in this area, Alvarez said.

“There needs to be more people going into engineering,” Snow said. “We’ve done that engineering with fourthand fifth-graders and introduced them to people in their 20s who are taking that path.”

A shortage of engineers has made STEM an important path, with firms possibly lacking the manpower to complete their contracts, he said.

“It’s a big push to take our citizens in the school system and tell them, ‘This is something you can do,’” Snow said.

“In the past, you just hoped someone was smart enough and bright enough that they thought they could do it. Now it’s our role to teach them they are smart enough to do this, that science is a great path to take and that engineers are needed. They’ve taken these students and built all those social skills and integrated them with math and science and engineering to help push them in a direction that can make them very successful.”

That encouragement at Tildenville is the most exciting part for Snow.

“They’re teaching kids they can come out of here and be engineers,” he said. “It’s not a school where kids have a lot of money. It’s a school a lot of people overlook, but it’s an awesome school where great things are happening.”

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

OAKLAND / PAGE 1A only allowed buildings constructed in a one-story Florida Cracker style.

Town officials have spent more than 18 months updating these rules to apply to the larger buildings — such as hotels and restaurants — that inevitably will come now that Oakland is converting to a sewer system.

Town Planner Max Spann gave a visual presentation to the elected officials and audience at Oakland’s Town Commission meeting Dec. 9. This is the third time the information has been shared to reach as many residents as possible, Spann said.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@wotimes. com.

IN OTHER NEWS • Public Works Director Mike Parker announced in his staff report that the town is continuing with the design of its master sanitary sewer lift station. It will be located along Old Highway 50 between Oakland Avenue and the Orange-Lake county line.

“It will be the workhorse that sends our wastewater to Clermont for treatment,” he said.

The design will include about 1,600 feet of force main and a short section of gravity sewer to serve “upstream customers,” he said.

• Town Planner Max Spann reported that his department will be processing multiple cases through the Planning & Zoning Board and then the Town Commission in the next four months. They include a 106.6-acre planned-unit development called Killarney Village/Oakland Trails, annexation of the 10.5-acre Lake Apopka Sound, an amendment for future growth along State Road 50 (22.5 acres), RaceTrac and the expansion of Oakland Park development into the Oakland town limits.

• The commission declared Dec. 14 National Arbor Day in the town of Oakland.

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WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

COPS OCOEE DEC. 9

SCARY SITUATION

1800 block of East Silver Star Road. Robbery. At 9:59 p.m., two unknown suspects entered a dollar store, both with concealed faces, gloves and black clothes. One suspect pointed a handgun at a female employee and then dragged her across the store floor. This suspect appeared to pistol-whip the employee, knocking her down and causing minor injuries. The suspects fled in a gold or tan SUV with factory tires and rims, without stealing anything.

DEC. 10

UNHAPPY ENDING

200 block of North Clarke Road.

Unlicensed Business. A massage establishment, Herbal Spa, was listed among Florida Department of Health’s cease-and-desist orders for practicing without a license as a massage establishment. The business operators received word of their listing in November.

DEC. 11

BIKE THIEF

3100 block of Old Winter Garden Road. Robbery. An officer met with a complainant in the parking lot of a superstore around 4:27 a.m.

The complainant said he had gone into the building and then had felt metal — which he believed was a gun — press against the back of his head when he returned to his vehicle. A male suspect asked the complainant to hand over his wallet; the complainant complied. The suspect rode away on a bicycle. Police canvassed the area but did not find the suspect, whom the complainant would recognize if he saw him again, he said. The complainant suffered no injuries.

WINTER GARDEN NOV. 30 FALSE START

1300 block of West Pointe Villas Boulevard. Theft. An officer responded to the scene of an attempted vehicle theft around noon. The vehicle owner said he had parked his vehicle in the lot by his apartment around 8 p.m. the prior night. When he returned near 11:30 a.m., he found his rear driver-side window smashed and the center console open.

An unknown suspect removed the ignition from the steering column and left it by the shifter on the center console. No

WEST ORANGE

CORNER

items were missing, and no fingerprints were present. Total damage to the vehicle was about $500.

DEC. 3

MISTAKE IN IDENTITY

14900 block of West Colonial Drive. Driving With License Suspended. An officer stopped a vehicle for traveling almost 70 mph in a 45-mph zone around 9:13 a.m. The driver said she did not have her license with her and that the vehicle belonged to her cousin. She claimed to be a woman with the same last name for several minutes until she provided her true full name. Officers arrested her on charges of knowingly driving with license suspended, providing false information and confirmed Lake County warrants.

Officers added a charge of possession of a controlled substance without prescription once they had found several medication bottles in the vehicle.

The suspect said the medication was prescribed to her but could not prove it.

CALL STATS OCOEE FIRE The Ocoee Fire Department (stations 25, 26, 38 and 39) reported 114 calls for assistance from Dec. 11 to 17: Fires: 3 EMS: 56 Vehicle accidents: 8 Hazardous materials/conditions: 0 Public service: 25 False alarms: 3

OCOEE POLICE The Ocoee Police Department reported 893 calls for service from Dec. 11 to 17: Arrests (adult): 10 Arrests (juvenile): 1 Assault and battery: 10 Burglary (residential and business): 2 Burglary (vehicle): 3 Child abuse: 2 Criminal mischief: 2 Drug violations: 4 DUI: 1 Homicide: 0 Robbery: 1 Sexual battery: 0 Thefts: 12 Vehicle crashes: 24 Vehicle thefts: 1 Missing/endangered adult: 0 Missing/runaway juvenile: 0

WINDERMERE POLICE The Windermere Police Department reported 83 calls for assistance from Dec. 8 to 14.

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WINTER GARDEN FIRE

DEC. 5

A LONG STORY

13500 block of West Colonial Drive. Drug Possession. While conducting a stop on a Georgia car with broken tag lights around 7:37 p.m., an officer noticed a rolled cigar behind the right ear of a male passenger, with a strong cannabis odor coming from the vehicle. The driver, a minor, said she had a Florida license but not on her.

When dispatch found no record of her name, the officer asked again, at which point the driver gave her real name. The officer had both exit the car. In his search, he found the marijuana cigar and a Ziploc bag full of marijuana, for a total of 69.5 grams. The male, 19, also had $1,810.40 on him, of which $1,120 was in $20 bills and just one $1 bill. Both denied ownership of the marijuana, but both were arrested on felony possession charges with intent to sell.

While in custody, the male’s cell phone received two text messages, one of which said, “Do you got some.”

The Winter Garden Fire Department (stations 22, 23 and 24) reported 84 calls for assistance from Dec. 7 to 13: Fires: 3 EMS: 47 Vehicle accidents: 6 Automatic fire alarms: 5 Public assistance: 5 Hazardous conditions: 1 Calls for service: 8

321-A E. WASHINGTON ST • CLERMONT, FL 34715

WINTER GARDEN POLICE The Winter Garden Police Department reported 572 calls for service from Dec. 4 to 10: Arrests (adult): 23 Arrests (juvenile): 4 Assault/battery: 8 Burglary (residential and business): 2 Burglary (vehicle): 0 Child abuse: 0 Criminal mischief: 0 Drug violations: 3 DUI: 2 Robbery: 0 Sexual assault/battery: 1 Thefts: 14 Vehicle crashes: 24 Vehicle thefts: 0

WINDERMERE WOMAN DIES IN CRASH WITH DISNEY BUS LAKE BUENA VISTA — A Windermere woman died Dec. 15 after she attempted to make an illegal left turn in front of a Walt Disney World bus.

Amelia Davis, 29, of Windermere, had stopped at a traffic light around 1:05 a.m. Dec. 15 on Western Way, at its intersection with Buena Vista Drive. She decided to risk a left turn onto Buena Vista Drive while the

THEFTS / PAGE 1A Allen said. “We have identified the people involved, and they’re involved in statewide rings. We’re going to be working with agencies in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county areas to tie these cases together.”

In these cases, groups travel from one area to another, taking purses and wallets with any kinds of cards and currency they can use for purchases, making withdrawals and purchases as fast as they can and discarding the rest in the trash, Allen said.

“We’ll be talking to these

light was still red, according to a Florida Highway Patrol release.

A bus carrying around 20 passengers smashed into the left side of her 2001 Honda CRV, sending it spinning counterclockwise until it struck a third vehicle, in the lane left of the bus.

The bus driver, Fard Karim, of Orlando, and Jeremy Mercado, the driver of the third vehicle, were traveling

south on Buena Vista Drive in the two straight lanes.

Nobody in either of those vehicles was injured.

Davis was wearing her seatbelt. Emergency personnel transported her to Celebration Hospital, but she was pronounced dead.

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating this crash, including toxicology reports on Davis.

— Zak Kerr

different agencies to try to determine what financial institutions they’re using bank cards at and looking to match the burglaries,” he said. “Part of the investigation will be to track where they’ve been staying and what areas they’ve been working.”

Especially during the holiday season, locking cars and hiding valuables is critical.

Taking the time to ensure valuables are with you as you exit your vehicle, or in a safe, hidden place inside the vehicle, is one of the best steps to prevent becoming a victim of such a burglary, Allen said.

“It’s important for people

out for shopping season they don’t leave purses in the car, or cover them if they do, so they can’t be seen outside the car,” he said. “If this does happen, your car is broken into, and your purse is stolen with cards, immediately report it to police, report it to financial institutions, and report it to the credit bureau so they can lock your credit and thieves can’t open credit accounts in your name.”

Anyone with information on the incident or possible suspects should contact Allen at (407) 909-5306 or jallen@town. windermere.fl.us.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@ wotimes.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

TRADITION by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

Church heralds in Christmas season With a regal cast of royalty, guards, singers and other performers, the Oakland Presbyterian Church presented its Boar’s Head Pageant for a second year Dec. 13 and 14. It had been a dream of Bob and Pat Hines to bring the Christmas festival to the church he pastors after attending one in Pennsylvania for many years.

“It became an annual event for my family to go to,” Pastor Hines said. “We hope that it will be an annual performance (at Oakland Presbyterian).”

The pageant uses Medieval costuming and English Christmas music to tell the story of Jesus’ birth, and about 120 people are involved in the performance in some way, Hines said, including actors, musicians and behind-the-scenes assistants. Many of the costumes were made by members of the congregation.

Jennifer Hunt is the music director, and Diane Flagler played the organ for the show.

“Those two people are key,” Hines said. “Without those two, it wouldn’t happen.”

BACKGROUND

The Boar’s Head Pageant is considered one of the oldest enduring Christmas celebrations, dating back to England in the 1300s. On its 600th an-

niversary in 1940, it was first celebrated at Christ Church, Cincinnati.

This pageant is rooted in ancient times when the ferocious boar ruled the forest. Humans hunted the boar, and at Roman feasts, it was the first dish served. As Christian beliefs overtook pagan customs in Europe, the presentation of a boar’s head at Christmas came to symbolize the triumph of the Christ Child over sin.

The festival originated in 1340 at Queen’s College, Oxford, England. According to legend, a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle while walking through the forest on his way to Christmas Mass.

Suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the scholar rammed his metal-bound philosophy book down the throat of the charging animal, and it choked to death. That night the boar’s head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers.

By the 1600s, the traditional Boar’s Head Festival had grown to include lords, ladies, knights, historical characters, cooks, hunters and pages. Eventually, shepherds and wise men were added to tell the story of the Nativity.

The regal queen and king were portrayed by Mary and Bev Mitchell.

Photos courtesy of Oakland Presbyterian Church Camera Club

Merry minstrels entertained guests at this year’s pageant.

Left: Leslie Warden, left, and Rosie Angle performed in this year’s pageant.

Michael Brugal was the Herald.

The Beefeaters were Bob Opificius, left, Bob Hines, John Clark, John Meyer, George Warden, Gary Atwill, Don Karraker and Tim Moyer.

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The pint-sized dancers from Perfect Pointe Productions were excited to perform at MetroWest’s WinterFest.

This snow princess greeted guests as they arrived.

Right: Who needs snow? Kids enjoyed frolicking in a sea of bubbles at this year’s WinterFest.

Dancers from Perfect Pointe Productions delighted the crowd with their routine.

Winter Wonderland MetroWest residents enjoyed a night of holiday fun during the community’s annual WinterFest, held Dec. 14 at MetroWest Golf Club.

The event featured plenty of activities for the entire family, including live performances, arts and crafts, food and a variety of booths. Anna and Elsa, from Disney’s “Frozen,” were available for photos, as were Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening concluded with a screening of “Frozen” on a giant screen.

Mikaelah Bey, 7, was excited to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Right: Bianca Boico, 2, was all smiles as she met Elsa and Anna.

HOLIDAY CHEER by Michael Eng | Executive Editor

10A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

celebration by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

Matthew’s Hope throws 2014 Christmas carnival Matthew’s Hope hosted a Christmas-themed carnival for its homeless families Dec. 13 and opened up the event to the entire community.

Churches and businesses set up 34 booths, and participants could play ring toss, throw darts at balloons, color

YOUTH MINISTRY by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

pictures, hunt for goodies in the hay, eat snacks and barbecue and visit with Santa Claus.

Attendees enjoyed Uncle Buck’s BBQ, and the children enjoyed walking through Santa’s toy shop and sitting on his lap.

Elf Tucker Robinson presented Drew Bedurah as a gift to the community.

FCA hosts Fields of Faith night at West Orange High

Clockwise from above: Santa Claus is helped up the step.

Students from all over West Orange County gathered Dec. 17 at West Orange High’s stadium for Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Fields of Faith.

Attendees of this free event enjoyed a plethora of creative Christmas-style games, slingshotting mini soccer balls between the goal posts and an inflatable slide. Volunteers and student leaders offered complimentary Chick-fil-A sandwiches and water, as well as raffles for gift cards and other prizes.

Youth pastor Marcio Pacheco, of The Crossings Church’s Adrenaline ministry, delivered a sermon on overcoming boredom and shame to follow Jesus before welcoming several special guests to talk to the young audience about Christianity.

At the fishing booth, Syd Brown, of First Presbyterian Church Orlando, attached treats to the line.

Dariana Smith concentrated on her coloring.

Upper left: Bailey Ward tried to get M&Ms in her mouth in the Elfevator game.

Left: Grab That Candy Cane was a popular game.

Joey Byram, left, Susan Byram and Madison Goodlatte volunteered at the Kensington Church booth.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

11A

CLASSNOTES

+ SunRidge receives Spruce Up Award SunRidge Middle School recently received the Spruce Up Award from Orange County School Board member Christine Moore.

This award consisted of a curb appeal project for the school with mulching and weed control. The project was a collaboration between students from both SunRidge Middle and Westside Tech, who helped improve the landscaping around the school.

+ District to procure antibiotic-free chicken Orange County Public Schools is a founding mem-

ber of the Urban School Food Alliance, which announced a first-ever antibiotic-free standard for companies to follow when supplying chicken products to its schools.

The USFA, a coalition of the largest school districts in the United States that includes New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, MiamiDade, Dallas and Orlando, serves about 2.9 million students daily and procures more than $530 million in food and supplies annually.

The coalition aims to use its joint purchasing power and influence to help drive down nationwide costs while setting higher standards for the quality of food served in its schools.

The SunRidge Middle School Jazz Band performed holiday music for shoppers at the Winter Garden Village Barnes & Noble Dec. 13. Front row, from left: Abby Chambers, Anthony Galeano, Brendan Smith, Alan Philip and Brandon Figueroa.

Middle row, from left: Luke Robinson, Chris Pariseau, Rajay Preddie, Ben Nguyen, Micah Bartlett, Jacob Patterson and Michael Gusewelle. Top row, from left: Eric Mercier, Will Hutchinson, Cole Miller and Rachel Meyers.

At Connect Homeschool Group’s Christmas Party, students filled 110 Publix reusable bags with hygiene items and small gifts for adults and children at two local shelters: Harbor House and Women’s Residential Counseling Center. Students and parents delivered these donations to the shelters along with a Christmas party including games, crafts and cupcakes.

In OCPS, more than 65% of its students live in poverty and rely on school meals for the high-quality nutritious foods they are served. The school meals program has tripled the amount of produce students receive in meals in the last five years. The district serves an additional supper meal to about 4,000 students every day.

The OCPS Nutrition Program staff has been learning about the food sources and quality of food served while participating in the Southern Region School Food Focus Learning Lab, the National Resources Defense Council and the Florida Department of Agriculture.

With the USFA leadership, OCPS has moved to recyclable trays in secondary schools and recyclable utensils throughout the entire district.

OCPS is committed with the alliance to the following standards, which require all chicken products be produced under a USDA Process Verified Program that includes compliance with the following: 1. No animal by-products in the feed; 2. Raised on an all-vegetarian diet;

JAPANESE STUDENTS TOUR SCIENCE SCHOOL Orlando Science Schools marked a new educational partnership Dec. 11 by hosting 20 science students from Meizen High School in Kurume City, Japan.

In addition to sharing information about their country and high school, the Japanese students attended OSS sci3. Humanely raised as outlined in the National Chicken Council Animal Welfare Guidelines; and

ence classes and presented research on the freezing point of water. OSS students demonstrated their award-winning robot, gave a tour of the robotics workshop and threw a pizza lunch for their new friends. At day’s end, both schools exchanged gifts.

This was the first time

Meizen selected a school to visit during its annual trip to the United States.

OSS continues efforts to share knowledge and best practices in education through partnerships that help inspire students and spark interest in the fields of science and math.

4. No antibiotics ever.

To learn more about the alliance, visit urbanschool foodalliance.org. For more

information about antibiotic-free meat and poultry, visit nrdc.org/food/saving-antibiotics.asp.

Shop During the Holidays Sidewalk Sale Begins New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 through Jan. 4th

Ice Skating and Table Tennis through the New Year!

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12A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

MERRY MELODIES by Mary Ellen Murray | Foundation Academy

cause for celebration by Zak Kerr | Staff Writer

Windermere church throws faith-filled birthday party

Mika Livesay, left, Alecia David, Zayna JeBailey, Sophia Murray, Maddie Conover, Maddie Strong and Brooke DeGraide excited to perform for their friends and family members.

Children in grades four and lower celebrated the birthday of Jesus Sunday, Dec. 7, at First Baptist Church Windermere’s Main Street Campus.

At various stations divided by grade levels, children climbed and bounced on inflatables, decorated snowflakes and crosses, ate pizza and self-decorated cupcakes, watched Christmas movies and played with various toys.

Amelia Donaho showed off her new pizza ring at the dinner table.

Foundation singers add sweet sounds to the holiday season Foundation Academy celebrated the season in song at the school’s Snow Song, held Dec. 12 at Camp Ithiel, Gotha.

School choir director Mark Goff led the evening’s performances. The girls high school vocal ensemble sang “Winter’s Peace,” “Snow Song,” “December Lullaby” and “Can Love Be Found.”

They then joined the rest of the choirs from sixth through eighth grades for a “Frozen” medley, “Vuelie” from the “Frozen” movie soundtrack, familiar Christmas carols “Angels From The Realms of Glory,” “The First Noel” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” They closed the set with Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” The sixth-grade choir performed “Christmastime Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Kuwa Furaha” and “We Need a Little Christmas” from Broadway’s “Mame.”

They joined the seventh- and eighth-grade choir for “Sing Jubilate Deo” and “Shout Allelu.”

The choirs closed the evening leading the guests in singing “Silent Night” and

Graham McMullan prepared the stove for cooking.

Right: Blake Isbel carefully got off the inflatable obstacle course before another go.

Courtesy photos

Maddie DeStefano, left, Maddie Conover, Sophia Murray, Maddie Strong and Alecia David all were ready to shine at this year’s Snow Song. then blessed the meal and guests by singing “The Blessing of Aaron.”

Verle Jones narrated the show and performed his rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.” The choir was accompanied by Julian Bond on piano.

The dinner portion of the evening catered by George Ashford’s company, Catering’s Best, while Foundation’s Victoria English provided the themed cake and desserts.

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The evening was produced

by Goff’s wife, Dena. Artist vision also was provided by Foundation faculty members Mary Ellen Murray, Vincent Siracusano, Jennifer Siracusano and Jacqueline Conover, with décor by Choir Boosters Dawn Smith, Lisa Miller, Kelly Goff and Denise Vincent. Audio and lighting was provided by faculty member Jennell Dale, with assistance from student Jonathan Nevius.

“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” enthralled many children.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

13A

ALL AGLOW by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

466 Forest Haven Drive, Winter Garden won Best Theme in the 2014 De-Light-Ful Decorations contest.

1286 Westside Drive features many holiday characters.

MERRY & BRIGHT The home at 12542 Westfield Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, won the Most Original category in this year’s competition.

The city of Winter Garden’s Recreation Department holds a “De-Light-Ful Decorations” contest each year and selects the winners in several categories — Most Original, Best Theme and Best Apartment/Townhome — in addition to a Best Overall winner.

This year’s top prizes went to Dennis Duckwiler, 529 S. Lakeview Ave., for Best Overall; Todd Cramer, 12542 Westfield Lakes Circle, Most Original; William and Danielle Cooney, 466 Forest Haven Drive, Best Theme; and Bill Smith and Harry Gallagher, 1286 Westside Drive, Best Apartment/ Townhome.

If you’re driving around looking at Christmas lights, be sure to go by these addresses.

Above: This Windermere home offers an elegant, all-white display.

Left: The home at 529 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, took top honors in this year’s contest.

PLANNED GIVING, CONSIDER US

14A WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

START THE NEW YEAR WITH US

Aileem Mota happily accepted her presents from Santa.

all smiles by Amy Quesinberry Rhode | Community Editor

EAR TO EAR A grateful Anthony Garcia was excited to meet Santa and enjoy the party.

Four staff members at West Orange High School helped make the holidays a special time for more than 80 special-needs students with an event called “Make Them Smile!”

Michelle Cavanzon, Janessa Cavanzon, Leisa Hopkins and Rhonda Smith solicited donations in the West Orange community. The students were treated to pizza and dessert, entertainment by the WOHS cheerleaders and seven or eight gifts each from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

There was a lesson in all of this fun, too. The students presented toys to Matthew’s Hope so the homeless ministry can share them with the children in the program. On hand to accept the gifts were Pastor Scott Billue and staff member Yvette Hurst.

Jerry Torres flashed a big smile at Santa after receiving his stack of gifts.

West Orange High School cheerleaders performed at the “Make Them Smile” event.

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Student Council members Lucy Fry, left, Arielle Lewkowitz, Paige Gravely and Jaimie Steck volunteered their time at the Christmas party.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

from the archives

OLD TIMES

80 YEARS AGO

Fire destroyed all but the walls of the Winter Garden Theater and swept across the roof to the adjoining Bray Hardware store and gutted it.

Editorial [W.L. Story]: A Burning Need. The theater fire shows Winter Garden to be without adequate fire protection. Had it not been for the timely arrival of the Orlando machine and crew, probably the entire block would have burned, possibly the whole town.

75 YEARS AGO

Melton Barker of Hollywood will arrive in Winter Garden soon to produce a two-reel comedy. It will be a kidnap story and will be shown at the Winter Garden Theater when completed.

Barker has the distinction of having discovered Spanky McFarland now starring in “Our Gang” comedies.

TIMESOBITUARIES

special thanks to

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation As part of a collection of photographs donated by Pam Nelms, this portrait shot by her father, B.P. Hannon (1909-1977), is typical of the work done by Winter Garden’s best-known professional photographer. Proudly posing in their best — the misses even wears a fur coat — the blaze of poinsettias tells us this was posed sometime during the Christmas season. The couple is unidentified, but the name “W.H. Holms”

is written on the envelope in which the photos were stored. Please call the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 6563244 if you can help name them.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.

70 YEARS AGO

Maj. Dan McKinnon, stationed at Fort Worth, Texas, arrived to spend the holidays with his mother, Mrs. Dan McKinnon.

Damages to truck crops and tender plants during the cold spell is expected to run into large figures.

45 YEARS AGO

Rae Heath will be on hand to entertain in the Gold Lion Room this New Year’s Eve when the Winter Garden Inn will help welcome in the new year by throwing its gala party. Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. No cover. No reservations.

40 YEARS AGO

Mickey and Minnie were both on hand at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Christmas program at the Winter Garden Inn.

Penny Garrison

Our mom, Penny Garrison, was born in Canton, Ohio, 74 years ago to the elegant Dick and Betty Parker. She loved yellow because her mother did and also because it matched her eternally optimistic personality. We would often hear her proclaim, even in seemingly mundane situations, “Isn’t this FUN?!” Our mom loved to laugh, and we loved to be the cause of that laughter. Especially in the middle of church. She was a devout and joyful Christian.

Our mom raised three children (Kathryn, Kristin, and Richard) and was married to the love of her life, Tom Garrison. They met at Northwestern University and married as soon as they graduated. Their journey together led them to California, Florida and North Carolina. They were madly in love and enjoyed each other’s company for 52 years.

Until her recent bout with Alzheimer’s finally slowed her down, she attended every single event in which her children were involved, no matter

In Memory of Kim Brown Wilson 1/14/53 – 12/22/97

from the Romano family

Your life was a blessing and your memory a treasure.

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

The world was truly a better place during your 44 years here.

Love, Carrie, Ava, Wally & Dad

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The Romano family has been apart of the West Orange community for the last 15 years.

1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden Florida 34787 • LIC #F080822

how small. She was the kind of mom who would visit soon after any of us moved just so she could envision our new lives. She was also jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Just ask our dad.

Our mom loved her community at the Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden, Florida, which they attended for 35 years. When our parents moved to Flat Rock in 2006, they joined St. James Episcopal. Throughout her life, our mom enjoyed the friendship of kindred spirits who were essentially members of an extended family. The connections went that deep.

At an age at which many seniors settle in front of their televisions, our mom reinvented herself or, as she would probably say, found her true self. In 2008, she completed The Haden Institute’s Jungian dream analysis training.

She founded the first dream group at St. James Episcopal that same year. We hope that when we are in our twilight years, we’ll have the courage and passion to dream as big and as joyfully as our mother did.

Our dad stayed by her side every step of the way as we lost her little by little to Alzheimer’s over the past two years. Stephanie Sawyer Cunto, our honorary sister, did as well. She adored her six grandchildren (Zoey, Ezra, Finn, Amelia, Penny Lou, and Lola) and our spouses (Cheri, Shannon, and Tom).

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 2, 2015, at Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Care Partners Adult Day Services, 114 College Drive, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731.

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15A

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“Proudly Serving all of West Orange County with Dignity and Respect”

IT’S NOT TOO LATE. PLEASE GIVE

16A

WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK West Orange’s Quinton Forrest scores 26 in big win over Ocoee. 3B

WOTIMES.COM

SIDELINE SCENE

Inconsistent Warrior hoops squad hopes depth will provide boost Loaded with talent, the West Orange boys basketball team hopes to turn the corner after starting the season with a 6-4 record.

ORLANDO — There was no way around it for Eric Jones: It had been a disappointing week.

Even with the West Orange boys basketball team’s big 86-82 overtime victory against Ocoee Dec. 17, the Warriors (6-4) had dropped their other two contests and weren’t satisfactorily competitive in Friday’s 63-41 loss at Boone.

“I was hoping to be, at worst, 2-1 (this past week),” Jones admitted.

“Ocoee was a big win, but I would still like STEVEN to come RYZEWSKI in and be able to compete a little bit better against everybody.”

Indeed, perhaps the biggest difference between the big win and the frustrating loss — games that took place within just two days of each other — was the third quarter.

In both games, the Warriors struggled early.

West Orange trailed Ocoee at halftime, 38-26, and Boone, 33-23. Against the Knights, though, the Warriors won the third quarter, 28-15. Against the Braves, who have won seven of their past eight games now, West Orange struggled out of the half — taking nearly four minutes to score a field goal.

The Warriors were without standout senior guard Jeremiah Thornton. Still, what should be one of the team’s greatest assets is its depth — West Orange has a roster full of players capable of playing extended minutes and contributing.

“We have a little bit more depth, so I expect the depth to be our strength,” Jones said. “(We’re lacking) consistency, offensively and defensively. (We need) to play a little bit harder on the defensive end and a little bit smarter on the offensive end.”

That the Warriors have depth is evident, as is the complication of that fact — the team still needs to gel.

“Chemistry is vital,” Jones said. “We’re going to spend some time over the break together … as much as we possibly can.”

West Orange began the season with four straight wins before dropping consecutive games to Apopka

SEE SCENE / PAGE 2B

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

fhsaa football by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Tentative new classifications, districts showcase shakeup Olympia’s move from Class 8A District 4 to 8A-5 is the most significant change.

Class 7A District 4 looks more favorable for Ocoee following FHSAA announcement.

The Florida High School Athletic Association released its tentative reclassifications and redistricts for football on Dec. 15 and, as things currently stand, the new-look districts will affect four of the five area programs that compete in district competition.

The classification and district cycle is reset every four years and teams have until Jan. 15, 2015, to appeal.

The most significant change for area programs was the move of Olympia — which had formerly competed in Class 8A District 4 with West Orange, Evans and Apopka

— to Class 8A District 5. That move essentially substitutes one rival for another, with the Titans swapping the Warriors for Dr. Phillips as district rivals.

Olympia’s departure from 8A-4 was met with two additions. Wekiva, formerly competing at the Class 7A level, joins West Orange, the Trojans and the Blue Darters, as does West Port, a school in Ocala.

The addition of West Port, about 90 minutes from West Orange’s campus, could create travel concerns.

by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Lady Titans on a tear as they enter the holidays The Olympia girls basketball team has won nine of its last 10 games and already has eclipsed its win total from last season.

File photo

The rivalry game between West Orange and Olympia will no

SEE DISTRCT / PAGE 2B longer be a district contest under the tentative redistricting.

BACK IN BUSINESS by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

STRIKE ZONE

The facility on Dillard Street, now named Winter Garden Bowl, is picking up steam as word of its return spreads around town.

WINTER GARDEN — It’s 9:45 on a Sunday morning, and already, Jay Hess is a busy guy.

Along with his business partner Dan Holtzapple, Hess recently reopened the bowling alley on Dillard Street in Winter Garden — previously Carter Family Bowl & Pizzeria — under the name Winter Garden Bowl.

And, although a Sunday morning might not seem like the most likely time for a rush of customers to flood into the lanes, that’s just what Hess got this

GIRLS HOOPS

past weekend — a good sign that the people of West Orange County are glad to have their bowling alley back. “(The response has) been pretty good,” Hess said. “People are starting to show up and come back, and they’re really happy that it has opened back up.”

The reopening of the facility is welcome news for local high-school bowling teams.

Without the bowling alley available to them, area teams had to utilize Brunswick Wekiva Lanes, in Apopka, for home matches and practices. And, although the facility was accommodat-

ing for the local programs, the long commute from the Winter Garden (for West Orange students) and Windermere (for Olympia students) areas was problematic.

“Wekiva Lanes was absolutely phenomenal. … I have nothing but great things to say about Wekiva,” said Rudy Zubricky, head coach for West Orange’s bowling program. “The whole problem was getting kids to travel 35 minutes just for a practice.

That was one of the big obstacles we had to have.”

Hess confirmed West Orange and Olympia will be utilizing Winter Garden Bowl as their home facility, and possibly Foundation Academy, as well. Ocoee will continue to call Wekiva Lanes its home.

The bowling center, which was foreclosed upon in January under its previous ownership, reopened Nov. 26, after Hess and Holtzapple leased it from the bank.

Since the facility opened, business has grown steadily. Most days, Hess, his wife, Taryn, Holtzapple, and his wife, Mary, are manning the counter and kitchen.

For Hess, an Ocoee resident and native of the greater Chicago area, having his own bowling center is a realization of a lifelong goal.

“It’s always been a dream

SEE BOWLING / 2B

ORLANDO — A day after what was easily its worst performance of the season, the Olympia girls basketball team had its best practice.

The Titans (11-3) fell to Jones Dec. 11, 61-21. For a team that had won seven consecutive games going into the game against the Tigers, the 40-point loss, coupled with Olympia’s lowest scoring output of the season, was quite a blow.

Fortunately for head coach Robert Carmody, the girls on his team responded.

“The Jones game really sort of grounded them to realize you can’t play bad basketball and expect to win,” Carmody said. “The girls learned that they can’t just show up against anybody with an average effort and expect to win by double digits. We had the best practice of the year the next day.”

Since that loss, Olympia won its next two games by a combined 42 points — a 73-53 win over Evans and a 61-39 win over Ocoee — and is going strong as it asserts itself among the area’s elite teams.

When the first-year coach was asked what the secret is to this turnaround season for a team that won just 10 games a year ago, Carmody was to the point.

“I’ve got 10 really good players,” Carmody said. “I’ve got 10 good players that I trust. … I’ve got a lot of versatility (on the roster), too.”

Just in the past few wins for the Titans, the team has had strong outings from an assortment of players including Taylor Hair (20 points in the win over Ocoee), Trenisha Johnson (14 points against Evans) and Natalie France (13 points against Evans).

SEE TITANS / PAGE 2B

Steven Ryzewski

Taylor Hair had 20 points for the Olympia Titans in a win over Ocoee.

How does Santa find you when you don’t have a Home?

He finds you at Matthew’s Hope Christmas Carnival with Santa this Saturday 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

1460 Daniels Road (Behind the Church of Christ) Winter Garden To learn more please call 407 407.905.9500 or visit www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

2B WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

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Front row: Captains Taylor Head, left, Ava Czyzewski, Erin Walsh and Emma McElveen. Second row: Taylor Nelson, left, McKinna Griffitts, Brinley Griffitts, Olivia Lovins, Ayanna Powell, Gabby Tovar and Leah Ferguson. Third row: Coach Layla West, left, Angeline Bergner, Caitlin Davis, Cassidy Chambers, Arianna Bergner and Katie Boeneman. Coach Mark Bergner is not pictured.

After going undefeated in the regular season, the Bridgewater Middle School Lady Bobcats volleyball team swept through the Orange County Public Schools Middle School Championships.

Bridgewater was the No. 1 seed entering the 18-team, county-wide tournament that began back on Dec. 2.

The Lady Bobcats defeated Lee Middle School, Jackson Middle School, Avalon Middle

School and, finally, Maitland Middle School on Dec. 17 in the OCPS Championship to take the top honors in the county.

The team is coached by Layla West and Mark Bergner.

SCENE / PAGE 1B

though, with an average margin of defeat of 12.75 points.

All of that considered, Jones still has big expectations for this group — in both the short and long terms. West Orange is 2-2 so far in district play, placing the team right in the thick of things in Class 8A District 3 despite some of its struggles.

In the immediate future for the Warriors, though, is the Kingdom of the Sun Tournament at Vanguard High School in Ocala. In addition to giving West Orange a chance to play some high-level competition

and for Jones to further assess where the team needs to improve, the games over the break are another opportunity for the Warriors, which use nearly all of their players in their game-to-game rotation, to gel.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Jones said of the tournament, which will begin for West Orange against Vanguard at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26.

“Honestly, I think anything less than three wins is probably a slight disappointment,” Jones said.

and Evans. There there has been an up-and-down nature to how the team has played, with some impressive wins (Timber Creek’s only loss came to the Warriors; Ocoee had started the season 7-0). Transfer guard/forward Quinton Forrest has made an immediate impact for the team, and players such as Thornton and Decary Croaker also have been vital to the squad’s success.

The losses, although against good teams, haven’t been as close as Jones would like,

DISTRICT / PAGE 1B

www.shootingstarsdanceschool.com CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF IMPACT FEES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will consider adopting an Ordinance thereby extending the temporary reduction of impact fees for transportation, police, fire, and recreational park, and extending the temporary deferral of road impact fee payments under certain circumstances, as set forth in the following proposed Ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA RELATING TO

ROAD, RECREATIONAL PARK, FIRE, AND POLICE IMPACT FEES; PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY DEFERRAL OF ROAD IMPACT FEE PAYMENTS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; PROVIDING FOR THE TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF IMPACT FEES FOR ROADS, RECREATIONAL PARK, FIRE AND POLICE; PROVIDING FOR RETROACTIVE APPLICATION OF THE TEMPORARY REDUCTION; ADDRESSING THE AFFECT ON THE TEMPORARY DEFERRAL ON EXISTING ANNEXATION AND DEVELOPER AGREEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The CITY COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015, AT 7:15 PM or as soon thereafter as practical. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed actions above. The complete case file may be inspected at the Ocoee Development Services Department/Planning Division located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

The City Commission may continue these public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 407-905-3105.

Beth Eikenberry, City Clerk

Run Date: Dec 25, 2014

Joining the Titans in 8A-5 are Dr. Phillips — which has utterly dominated the district in recent years — Cypress Creek and Freedom, who were previously in the district, as well as Oak Ridge, a new addition.

Oak Ridge was the district champion in 7A-4 this past season and figures to be an immediate challenger to the Panthers’ supremacy. Departing from 8A-5 after an annual rivalry match with DP is Boone, which moves over to 8A-3.

One of the goals of reclassification and redistricting is to reduce oversized and undersized districts, and that goal was met for Ocoee. The Knights will continue to play in 7A-4, but the district no longer will be bursting at the seam with seven teams. The new 7A-4 has five teams — Ocoee, East Ridge, Lake Howell, Hagerty (moved down from Class 8A) and Lake Minneola (moved up from Class 6A).

Even more intriguing than the Knights’ district schedule being reduced from six games to four is that last year’s champion (Oak Ridge), runner-up (Wekiva) and third-place team (Winter Springs) from 7A-4 are all no longer in the district — giving the district a very new feel.

BOWLING / PAGE 1B of mine to own a bowling center — since I was a little kid, really,” Hess said. “I think it’s good for the community.”

Zubricky, a longtime member of the faculty at West Orange and former Winter Garden resident, echoed those sentiments on the communities’ need for a facility — and added that having local owners should help, too.

“I’ve been bowling there since I moved to Florida back in the ’80s — the community needs that,” Zubricky said. “The bowling world, the bowling community, all knows (Hess and his wife, Taryn) because he’s been a bowler in the Orlando area for years and a lot of people know him. That helps that a local person is opening that back up.”

Holtzapple, who is from Sanford but is familiar with the facility from when Hess ran the pro shop when it was Carter Family Bowl, said he has learned quickly how deep the roots are between the center and the community. Accordingly, he said,

“I think it’s very wide-open,” Knights Athletic Director Steven McHale said. “It’s going to be a really good, competitive battle.”

Ocoee had a disappointing outing in 2014, winning just two games and seeing coach Dale Salapa resign at season’s end, but 2015 already is looking favorable. The two district opponents that remained in 7A-4 just happen to be the two district opponents that the Knights defeated.

Also, with the reduction in district games, Ocoee can open up its scheduling to more nearby opponents to cut on travel costs. Last season’s 7A-4 was one of the most sprawling districts in the state, with teams in three counties (Orange, Seminole and Lake).

“We’ll probably pick up all Metro teams, and we’ll try and stay local,” McHale said.

Foundation Academy, the only other local team that competes for a state championship (the other three teams — CFCA, Legacy and Windermere Prep — compete in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference), saw its district remain unchanged. Class 2A District 4 still consists of the Lions, Agape Christian and Victory Christian.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzrewski@wotimes.com. business is looking up as Winter Garden Bowl nears its one-month anniversary.

“We’re starting to have a lot of families come in — a lot birthday parties, a lot of company parties … even date nights,” Holtzapple said. “They all love the fact that it’s back, and they do notice the improvements that were done.”

Those improvements include new ball returns, new bumpers, new gutters, a new light show for the cosmic bowl and new kitchen equipment. Upgrades in the works include new monitors, a new bar area, a new game room and remodeled bathrooms. The business partners say they have the entire facility on a three-year plan, by which time it will be completely renovated.

In the mean time, though, the family-friendly, family-owned facility is taking things one day at a time — and making the most of busy days, even on Sunday mornings.

“It just gets better every week,” Hess said. “It’s kind of cool.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzrewski@wotimes.com.

MIXING IT UP

Although the new districts are not final for the 2015 season, pending appeals, this is what the high school football landscape figures to look like next fall: CLASS 8A DISTRICT 4 Five schools: Apopka, Evans, West Orange, Wekiva, West Port Newbies: Wekiva, West Port Departures: Olympia CLASS 8A DISTRICT 5 Five schools: Olympia, Oak Ridge, Cypress Creek, Dr. Phillips, Freedom Newbies: Olympia, Oak Ridge Departures: Boone, Colonial CLASS 7A DISTRICT 4 Five schools: East Ridge, Lake Howell, Ocoee, Hagerty, Lake Minneola Newbies: Hagerty, Lake Minneola Departures: Oak Ridge, Wekiva, Winter Springs, East River CLASS 2A DISTRICT 4 Three schools: Agape Christian, Foundation Academy, Victory Christian Unchanged

TITANS / PAGE 1B Hair is a go-to scorer of sorts for Olympia, while France and teammate Mackenzie Loos have been giving the Titans great energy and effort all season.

Notable wins for Olympia include a hard-fought 58-55 win against rival West Orange on Dec. 9 and Bishop Moore on Nov. 29.

Still, Carmody acknowledges need for improvement in certain areas.

“We’re working on chemistry, still, though,” Carmody said. “It’s ugly at times.”

The Titans will compete in the Florida Prospects Christmas Invitational Dec. 29 to 31. After that, upon returning from the holiday break, Olympia will resume play on Jan. 5 with a busy week, taking on Timber Creek that day before facing Apopka Jan. 6 and West Orange again Jan. 8. The Titans also will play in the Think Pink Classic at University High School Jan. 17.

For now, Olympia’s girls are having fun, and it would seem wins are begetting more wins. Carmody said the atmosphere on his team is that of 10 best friends — friends who don’t always agree, but who play hard and are having fun so far this winter.

“It’s certainly fun when they win,” Carmody said.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

QUINTON FORREST The West Orange boys basketball team (6-4) is right in the thick of the hunt in Class 8A District 3, and Quinton Forrest, a transfer wing player from Windermere Prep who started his career as a freshman with the Warriors, has been a big reason why. In West Orange’s past four games, Forrest averaged 22.5 points per contest, including 26 in an overtime win over Ocoee Dec. 17. With his ability to throw down electrifying dunks and energize his teammates — and the crowd — Forrest is our choice for Athlete of the Week.

The team trailed early against Ocoee before eventually winning in overtime.

What did you guys have to do to pull out the victory?

We never gave up; we kept playing hard. Coach (Eric) Jones is a really good coach, and he always tells us, “Just push it.” We kept playing hard until the final buzzer.

The team has had some ups and downs so far this season, but what do you see that you like about this group of players?

We’re kind of guard-heavy; we don’t have a lot of bigs, but all that means is that we get up and down the floor. We’re good at spreading the floor and running (isolations).

What do you think needs to be improved for the team to win more games?

We need to improve getting more offensive rebounds.

Basically, just rebounding (because) we’re undersized.

What’s it like to be back at West Orange after playing for Windermere Prep as a sophomore and junior?

It’s like a welcome feeling.

I love coming home, where I started my freshman year, and this is where I’d love to finish.

As an individual, on what elements of your game have you been focusing most?

Just working on getting stronger in the weight room; I hit the weight room heavy.

Trying to finish at the basket,

and I’m still working on my jump shot.

What’s the latest on your college recruitment?

Right now, I’m really leaning toward Florida Gulf Coast (University). I really would like to go there.

You have had a good number of memorable dunks so far this season — which one has been your favorite?

The in-bounds lob against Ocoee.

The team has plenty of depth and talented players — who, in particular, has impressed you?

Jeremiah Thornton. He’s a really up-and-down (the court) guy; he’s a great point guard.

He has great dribble moves, and he can finish at the rack easy.

Which NBA player do you most model your own game after?

(Andre) Iguodala, my favorite player.

Which NBA team do you like to follow the most?

The Knicks. Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

Keep improving.

hustle points by Steven Ryzewski | Sports Editor

Legacy enjoys trip to Amway Center Eagles play on home court of the Orlando Magic, have been battling inexperience in recent losses.

According to statistics, the overwhelming majority of high-school basketball players will not play high-level college hoops — let alone professional hoops.

Still, for a day at least, the players on Legacy’s boys basketball team got to feel like professionals.

The Eagles took on International Community School Dec. 19 on the hardwood at the Amway Center — the home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic — in downtown Orlando.

And, though Legacy fell to the Comets, 61-55, it was still an inspiring experience for the Eagles (4-8).

“It’s really, really cool,” head coach Matthew Post said. “(The kids) loved it, they had a blast. You get to walk around in the locker rooms. … It’s something they can remember for the rest of their lives, and that’s the main thing that we’re trying to do.”

The on-the-court product for Legacy so far this season has been a process rife with growing pains. After starting off the season with three losses, the Eagles won four of their next five, but have since dropped four in a row, with inexperience playing a big role.

“We lost all five starters from last year — which was 100% of our scoring,” Post said. “Right now, what we’re dealing with is lack of experience. … We just don’t know how to finish yet.”

Legacy has put itself in position to win some games, including close losses, such as the 55-50 defeat the Eagles suffered Dec. 16 at the hands of Foundation Academy.

Bright spots for Legacy, though, include Adam Puebla on offense, who continues to put up big numbers for the

Eagles, and Dillon Hudson on defense, leading the way for Legacy on that end of the floor and providing much-needed size for the frontcourt.

“Adam is still playing really, really well offensively,” Post said.

Upon returning from the holiday break, Legacy will host Calvary on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

OCOEE SCORES BIG WIN AGAINST APOPKA

After starting the season with seven consecutive wins, Ocoee — ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 8A in the first FABC/Source Hoops rankings released Dec. 15 — dropped three of four games, culminating with an overtime loss to West Orange on Dec. 16.

The Knights (9-3) bounced back from that loss to a rival with a big district victory, though, going on the road to defeat Apopka Dec. 19, 64-61.

Standout senior Grant Riller led the way for Ocoee with 23 points.

The Knights will now prepare to host its Ocoee Holiday Tournament this weekend, with playing beginning on Friday.

OLYMPIA HANGS TIGHT WITH EVANS

The Olympia Titans boys hoops team continues to be a tough matchup, even if the wins aren’t there quite yet.

The Titans gave Evans (102), ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 8A, all it could handle on Dec. 19 in a 58-53 defeat.

Scott Barbour had 19 points to lead Olympia (3-9).

With the loss, the Titans — a young team — have now been defeated by a combined 12 points in their pass three losses (by five to Evans, by two to Colonial and by five to West Orange).

HOLIDAY HOOPS In between spending time with friends and family, we all could use a little time for some high-school hoops during the holidays. Several area teams are playing in holiday tournaments this week, so here is a listing of each tournament with a local program competing.

VICTOR OLADIPO INVITATIONAL Dec. 26 to 27, 29 at Dr. Phillips Local team (first game): Dr. Phillips (vs. Miami Senior, 7:15 p.m., Friday) Championship game: 7:15 p.m., Monday OCOEE HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT Dec. 26 to 27, 29 at Ocoee Local team (first game): Ocoee (vs. North Florida Christian [Tallahassee], 5:30 p.m., Friday) Championship game: 7:15 p.m., Monday KINGDOM OF THE SUN INVITATIONAL Dec. 26 to 27, 29 to 31 at Vanguard High School (Ocala) Local team (first game): West Orange (vs. Vanguard, 8 p.m., Friday) Championship game: 7 p.m., Dec. 31 ROCK HOLIDAY CLASSIC Dec. 27, 29 to 30 at Windermere Prep Local team (first game): Windermere Prep (vs.

Salem [Conyers, Ga.], 6:30 p.m., Saturday) Championship game: 8 p.m., Tuesday

WINDERMERE PREP RANKED IN 3A

The Windermere Prep Lakers were ranked No. 8 in the state in Class 3A in the first FABC/Source Hoops rankings released Dec. 15.

The Lakers (7-4) competed in the 2014 Kreul Classic over the weekend, with results not available at press time.

Merry Christmas

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

REAL ESTATE by Michael Eng | Executive Editor

Keene’s Pointe home tops weekly sales A home in Keene’s Pointe in Windermere topped all residential real-estate sales from Dec. 12 to 18.

The home at 9733 Carillon Park Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 12, for $1.93 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 6,596 square feet on .85 acres. The price per square foot is $292.60.

The price per square foot is $54.90.

TEMPLE GROVE

The home at 2518 Aul Scot Blvd., Ocoee, sold Dec. 15, for $112,350 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,675 square feet. The price per square foot is $67.07.

TWIN LAKES

DR. PHILLIPS

The home at 1001 Aldane Court, Ocoee, sold Dec. 12, for $115,000. Built in 1985, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 2,352 square feet. The price per square foot is $48.89.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8321 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 16, for $900,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths, a pool and 5,217 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.51.

The home at 8503 Pippen Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 15, for $679,801. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,900 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.31.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 10324 Pointview Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 16, for $365,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,522 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.73.

The home at 7615 Sandstone Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 12, for $280,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,093 square feet. The price per square foot is $133.78.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8749 The Esplanade, No. 13, Orlando, sold Dec. 18, for $535,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,549 square feet. The price per square foot is $209.89.

GOTHA The home at 3438 Furlong Way, Gotha, sold Dec. 16, for $236,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,054 square feet. The price per square foot is $77.28.

This Keene’s Pointe home, which sold for $1.93 million, features five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,596 square feet of living area. It also includes an oversized heated pool, heated spa and wood-covered lanai with two-sided gas fireplace and summer kitchen.

METROWEST CENTRAL PARK CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 5980 Westgate Drive, No. 302, Orlando, sold Dec. 16, for $47,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,515 square feet. The price per square foot is $31.35.

FAIRWAY COVE

The home at 6546 Fairway Hill Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 15, for $330,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,524 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.74.

HORIZONS AT STONEBRIDGE PLACE

The condo at 6214 Stevenson Drive, No. 103, Orlando, sold Dec. 18, for $12,600. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,206 square feet. The price per square foot is $10.45.

STONEBRIDGE RESERVE

The condo at 3332 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 207, Orlando, sold Dec. 12, for

$107,500 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,112 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $96.67.

rooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,126 square feet. The price per square foot is $85.35.

VENTURA AT STONEBRIDGE COMMONGS

The home at 1110 Trailside Court, Oakland, sold Dec. 12, for $207,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,358 square feet.

The price per square foot is $88.

The condo at 6402 Cava Alta Drive, No. 209, Orlando, sold Dec. 18, for $125,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,447 square feet. The price per square foot is $86.39.

VISTAS AT STONEBRIDGE COMMONS

The home at 6336 Castleven Drive, No. 102, Orlando, sold Dec. 12, for $180,100 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,682 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $107.07.

OAKLAND SOUTHERN OAKS

The home at 51 Vandermeer St., Oakland, sold Dec. 17, for $266,805 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 2005, it has five bed-

TRAILSIDE STATION

OCOEE REMINGTON OAKS

The home at 2141 Ancient Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Dec. 12, for $185,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,665 square feet.

The price per square foot is $111.11.

SAWMILL

The home at 6748 Sawmill Blvd., Ocoee, sold Dec. 12, for $146,100. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,548 square feet. The price per square foot is $94.38.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 1792 Glenhaven Circle, Ocoee, sold Dec. 15, for $214,990 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,916 square feet.

The home at 703 Postrio Way, Ocoee, sold Dec. 12, for $354,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,731 square feet. The price per square foot is $94.88.

The home at 721 Fortanini Circle, Ocoee, sold Dec. 17, for $119,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,394 square feet. The price per square foot is $85.37.

WEST ORANGE MARBLE HEAD

The home at 7969 Canyon Lake Circle, Orlando, sold Dec. 12, for $380,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,690 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.26.

ORLO VISTA TERRACE

The home at 5952 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, sold Dec. 17, for $71,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 778 square feet. The price per square foot is $91.26.

WILLOWWOOD

The home at 8313 French Oak Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 17, for $386,900. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,343 square feet.

The price per square foot is $165.13.

WINDERMERE CASA DEL LAGO

The home at 12223 Montal-

cino Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $859,770. To be built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 3,708 square feet. The price per square foot is $231.87.

The home at 4285 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $1,334,995. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths, a pool and 7,338 square feet.

The price per square foot is $181.93.

CRESCENT LAKE ESTATES

The home at 501 Haley Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 17, for $510,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 4,000 square feet on 1.09 acre.

The price per square foot is $127.50.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6030 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Dec. 12, for $550,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,160 square feet.

The price per square foot is $174.05.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The town house at 7435 Ripplepointe Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 18, for $228,000.

Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,672 square feet.

The price per square foot is $136.36.

LAKE BUTLER ESTATES

The home at 3454 Bay Meadow Court, Windermere, sold Dec. 15, for $470,000.

Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,440 square feet. The price per square foot is $192.62.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

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The home at 12719 Lake Sawyer Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 18, for $252,500.

Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,893 square feet.

The price per square foot is $133.39.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The condo at 11562 Amidship Lane, No. 202, Windermere, sold Dec. 17, for $150,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,161 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.20.

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Total Sales: 63 High Sale Price: $1.93 million Low Sale Price: $12,600 REO/Bank Owned: 14 Short Sales: Zero

CASABELLA

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SNAPSHOT

1/15/15

The home at 5212 Lemon Twist Lane, Windermere, sold Dec. 17, for $299,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,659 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.45.

The town house at 14234 Sonco Ave., Windermere, sold Dec. 15, for $164,900. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,155 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.77.

TENNYSON PARK AT SUMMERPORT

The condo at 5597 Somersby Road, No. 5597, Windermere, sold Dec. 12, for

“I Care About Our Community, its History and its Future.”

Kimberly Suedmeyer 407-963-4186

Kimberly@TheRealEstateCollection.com

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

ALEXANDER RIDGE

The home at 1312 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 17, for $230,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 2,483 square feet. The price per square foot is $92.63.

The home at 1962 Americus Minor Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 15, for $225,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,545 square feet. The price per square foot is $88.41.

FULLER’S LANDING

The home at 2067 Nerva Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $348,190. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,265 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.64.

The home at 744 Westcliffe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $198,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,543 square feet.

The price per square foot is $77.86.

BLACK LAKE PARK

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 528 Cascading Creek Lane, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 16, for $227,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,247 square feet. The price per square foot is $101.02.

The home at 16183 Johns Lake Overlook Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 13, for $584,050. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,770 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.44.

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two baths and 1,874 square feet. The price per square foot is $109.93.

ORCHARD HILLS

WINTER GARDEN

OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

WINTERMERE HARBOR

This home, at 4285 Isabella Circle, in the Casabella community in Windermere, sold Dec. 16 for $1,334,995.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 14436 Avenue of the Rushes, No. 379, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $534,175. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 4,817 square feet. The price per square foot is $110.89.

The home at 15756 Avenue of the Arbors, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 17, for $276,176. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,233 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $123.68.

The home at 14547 Old Thicket Terrace, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $240,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,973 square feet. The price per square foot is $80.73.

The town house at 5453 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 15, for $229,000. Built in 2012, it has

four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,143 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.86.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 654 Egret Place Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 17, for $365,700. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,424 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.80.

LAKE AVALON GROVES

The home at 2400 Williams Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 17, for $375,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,406 square feet on 4.69 acres. The price per square foot is $110.10.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

The home at 56 Lakeview Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $206,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms,

WESTLAKE MANOR

The home at 370 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $152,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet. The price per square foot is $99.48.

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The home at 14574 Cedar Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 18, for $294,594. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,514 square feet. The price per square foot is $83.83.

The home at 7810 Minutemen Loop, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 16, for $491,276. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,800 square feet. The price per square foot is $129.28.

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 812 Home Grove Drive, sold Dec. 12, for $210,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,868 square feet. The price per square foot is $112.42.

The home at 17237 Phil C. Peters Road, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $285,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,262 square feet on one acre. The price per square foot is $125.99.

The home at 13032 Lakeshore Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 16, for $379,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,678 square feet.

The price per square foot is $141.86.

The home at 13175 Lakeshore Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 17, for $280,000.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,052 square feet. The price per square foot is $91.74.

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FULLER’S CROSSING

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A Sincere "Thank You" for trusting me with your real estate needs.

May joy, peace and prosperity be yours throughout the New Year...

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There are also 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and the media room that features a large screen, comfortable chairs and everything needed to watch your favorite movie. Easy access to turnpike, 429, 408 and the West Orange Trail!!! Asking Only $325,000.00

!

The home at 9052 Reflection Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $386,065.

Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,611 square feet. The price per square foot is $106.91.

The home at 7578 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 16, for $507,100.

Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,101 square feet.

The price per square foot is $99.41.

LD

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 360 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 15, for $480,000. Built in 1941, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,056 square feet. The price per square foot is $454.55.

LOCATED ON PLANT ST.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!

Prime downtown location, this is a great business oportunity for you!!! Currently zoned R-NC (residential neighborhood commercial). The value of this property is in the land and not the home. The home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, living and dining room according to Orange County records it was built in 1941. Asking only $499,000.

LD

The home at 214 Butler St., Windermere, sold Dec. 15, for $315,000 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,644 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.14.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

SO

WINDERMERE

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

The condo at 200 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 208, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 16, for $105,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,453 square feet. The price per square foot is $72.26.

SO

The home at 1816 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Dec. 15, for $532,500.

Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,136 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.80.

SOUTHERN PINES

The home at 1107 English Garden Lane, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 12, for $415,000.

Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,972 square feet. The price per square foot is $139.64.

J SO US LD T !

WESTOVER RESERVE

CAMBRIDGE CROSSING

WHAT IS YOUR OFFER???

3 Bdrm. 2Ba. CHARMING, COMFORTABLE AND COZY!!! Corner lot with stately trees for plenty of shade, fenced yard, house freshly painted. Open floor plan, split bdrms, foyer, formal dining, eat-in kitchen.

All the appliances stay, including range, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. Living/great room has a beautiful brick wood burning fireplace, sliding glass doors, 36x12 screened lanai, open paver patio 15x13.

Metal storage shed and privacy fenced yard. Move in ready! MOTIVATED SELLER! Asking only $144,000

J SO US LD T !

$194,000 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,642 square feet.

The price per square foot is $118.15.

5B

PICTURESQUE COUNTRY!!! JUST REDUCED!!!

3 bdrm. 2 Ba. Beauty in Winter Garden!!! This home is situated on a picturesque 1 acre lot fenced yard and gate. Very unique, country atmosphere with shopping only minutes away and access to 429, Turnpike and 408.

You will be amazed at the beauty and the surroundings.

Walk up the steps and enter the 2nd floor of this gorgeous home with stone fireplace in the living room, formal dining, kitchen w/stainless steel applances, wood cabinets, quartz countertops, 2 bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The 3rd level is the master bedroom, master bath and loft. The home is in pristine condition a pampered beauty...If you have been looking for a home without an HOA, look no further, you need to see this!!! Asking only $299,000.

NOT A CREATURE IS STIRRING!!!

This 3 bdrm.1Ba. Cute as a button, and ready to move-in. Completely remodeled. New doors and windows, new drywall with foam insulation, new wood cabinets, all appliances stay, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave! Laminate flooring throughout, all electric and plumbing has been replaced, new front and back porch ... Completely painted inside and out. Ideal for a first time home buyer or someone wanting to down size. Fantastic location...Walk to downtown, walk/ride the West Orange Trail... ***No HOA *** corner lot*** if you have been looking for a home in Winter Garden with a great location this is it! Don’t delay, see it today!!! Asking only $175,000

6B WOTimes.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

AFTER HOURS by the Times & Observer staff

Lila Ward, left, of “Let’s Talk,” enjoyed chatting with Yvonne Crowder, CEO of YCOMMERCE INC.

Attendees of this month’s After Hours event enjoyed networking and sampling the dishes from TooJay’s Restaurant and Gourmet Deli.

Business leaders meet, mingle at West Orange Chamber event

Photos courtesy of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Larry Cappleman, of Hillcrest Insurance, and Julie Grinder, of the chamber

West Orange Chamber of Commerce members enjoyed an evening of networking Dec. 11 at the chamber’s Business After Hours meeting, presented by series sponsor CenturyLink, at Holiday Inn Express.

Sponsored by the West Orange Times & Observer and Holiday Inn Express, the festive location was packed with members and guests exchanging business cards and warm holiday greetings. The attendees not only enjoyed relationship building and live music but also were mesmerized by a local artist who created a canvas painting of the late George Bailey, previous publisher of The West Orange Times, 1974 chairman of the WOCC Board of Directors and a lifetime chamber member.

TooJay’s Restaurant and Gourmet Deli catered with an array of signature dishes and desserts. Attendees left the event with prizes courtesy of the West Orange Times & Observer, including a new iPad Mini.

For more information about the chamber, visit wochamber.com.

Artist Tony Trotti, left, painted this depiction the late George Bailey upside-down and then turned it over to reveal the finished product. With him are Bailey’s granddaughter, Erin Bailey; son, Andrew Bailey; and wife, Anne Bailey.

Jay Kimelman, Wendy Kimelman and Marc Jablon

Leslie Skillman, director of membership for the chamber, met with Mike Stanczyk, of Wallfrog.

Lou Ferraro, Jaclyn Whiddon and Mike Stanczyk

Sarah Riley and Jeff Hess

West Orange Times Publisher Dawn Willis, right, presented prizes to lucky winners.

The West Orange Times’ Sarah Zhou, left, visited with guests throughout the evening.

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

RAIN

WEST ORANGE

(INCHES)

0.00

WED.

TEMPERATURES

Dec. 17

0.00

Thurs., Dec. 25 Fri., Dec. 26 Sat., Dec. 27 Sun., Dec. 28 Mon., Dec. 29 Tues., Dec. 30 Wed., Dec. 31

THURS. Dec. 18

0.00

FRI.

Dec. 19

0.00

SAT.

Dec. 20

0.00

SUN.

Dec. 21

0.71

MON.

Dec. 22

N/A

DEC.

TO DATE 1.03

I WO

WEATHER

TUES.

Dec. 16

HIGH 64 71 75 74 74 75 69

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Thurs., Dec. 25 Fri., Dec. 26 Sat., Dec. 27 Sun., Dec. 28 Mon., Dec. 29 Tues., Dec. 30 Wed., Dec. 31

SUNRISE 7:16 a.m.

7:17 a.m.

7:17 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

7:18 a.m.

7:19 a.m.

FRI.

SAT.

SUNSET 5:35 p.m.

5:36 p.m.

5:37 p.m.

5:38 p.m.

5:38 p.m.

5:39 p.m.

5:40 p.m.

LOW 45 53 58 57 59 59 51

Stephanie Berry sent us this photo of Winter Garden’s iconic Christmas tree. “For its beauty at Christmas and through the year,” she says.

MOON

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting the weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@ wotimes.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line.

Winners can pick up their prize at the Times office.

PHASES

Dec. 6

Dec. 14

SUN.

(2013: .07) Dec. 21

YEAR

TO DATE

42.68 (2013: 49.88)

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

LOW

LOW

71

75

53

58

7B

74

Dec. 28

57

TRIVIA FOR THE BRILLIANT

By Rob Lee | Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1 Easily bent 7 Faux ___ 10 Wharton grad 13 “Hey, mac!”

17 “It’s a deal!”

18 Strain for Domingo 20 “___ Ha’i” 21 Need liniment 22 Plant with buttercuplike flowers 25 Smacking sound 26 Generals’ staff members 27 Frankenstein’s monster’s birthplace 28 In a corpulent manner 30 Vein find 31 William Wallace, for one 32 Tony of “Leave It to Beaver” 33 By 34 212, to New Yorkers 36 A distant point 38 Those elected 39 O’Hara’s Joey 40 “So, there you are!”

43 Greek estimator of Earth’s circumference 50 “What’s up, ___?”

52 Kind of ship?

54 “Little” Stowe girl 55 Yemen capital 57 JFK watchdog 59 Fruity-smelling compound 60 Historic starter 61 The whole ___ (everything) 63 Final amt.

64 Highest deg.

65 Physicist Fermi 67 British conductor Sir Thomas 69 Lofty nest 71 Canine job 74 Soils with chimney grime 75 Architectural ornament

77 78 79 80 83 84 86 87 88 89 90 92 96 97 99 100 102 107 108 109 113 114 116 117 118 120 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130

Workers’ collective disposition Batman and Robin are a dynamic one Diner’s prerogative Beyond the megalopolis ___ Lobos (“La Bamba” group) Cum laude modifier ___ Paulo, Brazil Deodorant type N.Y.’s Madison, for one Send again Point-of-purchase equip. giant Deterrent example Tit for ___ Common Market initials Paintings, sculptures, etc. ___-Napoca, Romania Dialect expert, e.g.

Prefix for degradable “Runaround ___” White as a sheet “A Bug’s Life” bug Limit on utility charges Naught Plant parts Unadultered Hindmost part of the brain “Under the Net” novelist Murdoch Issued a command to Canoer’s worry Aaron Burr was one, once Splinter group Shrewd Marina ___ Rey, California Barnum’s “attraction”

DOWN 1 Lengthy narratives 2 Finno-___ (Hungarian language family) 3 Museum in Madrid

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

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 23 24 29 32 33 35 37 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 51 53 56 58 60 61 62 66 68

100 centimos More or ___ (approximately) Tokyo’s ex-name Tree with oblong leaves (var.)

Saudi native Title for Arthur Conan Doyle Italian marble city More depressed Supermarket walkway Dog foot Philosophy Archaeological bit Sioux shelter Put holy oil on Teacher’s deg.

Plants of a region Cause embarrassment to Imitate an annoying dog “Nuts!”

It’s a charge Hardly Mr. Right “Cape ___” (‘91 De Niro film) Aldous Huxley’s “___ and Essence” Like the New World Regarding humans as all-important Tin-lead alloy Conspicuous Suffix with Vietnam or Japan Capture, as a burglar Supplies with the means Sober-minded Muscular rigidity Emergency worker Dark and Middle, e.g.

Poor-box contents Throw into disorder Grafting shoot Gardener, at times “___ la Douce” (1963 film) Musical postscripts

© 2013 Universal Uclick

69 70 72 73 76 81 82 84 85 88 89

Works as a thespian ___ out (manages) Trombone slide Emollient-producing plants Former Canadian athlete British rule in colonial India “Ciao!”

Course listings Quick-witted Sax type 66-Down, for MacLaine

91 93 94 95 98 101 102 103 104 105 106

Normal size (Abbr.)

Secret group of plotters Hardest hit to get Long oar Junkyard canine Coastal diving bird Stone at the Forum?

Habituate Metrical units Take the wrong way?

Type of bear

108 Greek and Roman female oracle 110 No longer fresh 111 Highly dislikes 112 1999 and 1492 115 Billiards stick 116 Orbital point 117 “___ as a bug in a rug” 119 Shakespearean suffix 121 Do some math 122 Poetic form

C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . VJGC OJG VJGPOHZGI S PW W EBG S O J G W N X CH Z G I S N H BO G PI Z CU O J G VPOGX, OJG W NXCHZGI S BPZ S O J G X G V PBC’ O P U X PZ C N H O X E O J Z C Z O !

2 . NLTZ S ARTI HSW RSBTRXSZ O Q A Z I S G D W I L SI X SI T S X T RR Q Z Q Z T Q O LDR GBSHV CQW RHLTR, LT R SD I , “ M L SM D R Z Q M M LT V D Z I Q O I T CQ RD M D NSZMTI .”

8B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Here's My Card BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bill Straugh

JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC

Broker Associate

Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates

Cell 407-716-3010

John Freeman

Plumbing Problems?

Owner/Operator

5/15/15

Call 407-905-0014

cell: 321-229-1958

Licensed and Insured

email: jptrees09@gmail.com

CFC 056690

TFN

Windsor Realty Group, Inc. 160 S. Main Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-FIND (3463) TFN

CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.

2/5/15

TFN

110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

MORE THAN JUST

TIRE VALUES

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

407.296.9622 407.877.6268

www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential M/WBE Enterprise since 1980

407.656.8920

We offer financing with approved credit

Winter Garden Grassing Inc.

• •

Bobby Swindle, Jr. Owner

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement.

SOD

MV03215

Mobil 1 Oil

FREE ESTIMATES

TFN

Amsoil Synthetic 2/12/15

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

• Residential Pick Up and Delivery

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

532 N. Bluford Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761 www.WinterGardenGrassing.com

4/30/15

Branch Manager

1081 9th Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

sunbeltrentals.com

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

Travis Hamric

your rental

FIRE TECH SERVICE

Ph: 407-877-0709

• Pine Straw • Seed • Bahia • St. Augustine • Bermuda • Zoysia • St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bahia by the piece

10% OFF

TFN

EXTINGUISHER

Commercial Seeding and Sodding

Mention this ad for

• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS!

Licensed & Bonded Licensed #RC29027533

Your Ad here! Call

TFN

Residential • Commercial • Tile • Metal

Cyndi Gustafson (email Advertising@wotimes.com)

407.614.5962

or Rose Blankenship

407-656-1817

President CCC1325778

(email RBlankenship@wotimes.com)

TFN

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

Keith Keller

Email: keithksj@cfl.rr.com Ocoee, FL 34761

& Service, Inc.

"Your Complete Service Center" 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 TFN

407-656-2121

720 N. Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

TFN

REG# MV-01095

Phone (407) 656-6646

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

Obamacare and Medicare Open Enrollment 2014

Temporary Coverage Is Available If You Qualify

$

75

00 COMPLETE OIL SERVICE

With service message reset.

Full synthetic (up to 7 quarts) and oil filter.

Offer expires 12/31/14. Environmental, disposal fees and tax not included. Not valid with any other offer. This ad must be presented to receive this offer.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPT. TODAY CALL US AT

407-877-3841

TFN

Let Suzy Help You Today!

Call 1-877-ASK-OIG1 Suzy Becerra, R.N. Health Insurance Agent

Suzy has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and a Professional Health Agent for over 14 years. Put Suzy and her expertise to work for you today. Call us toll-free or visit us online at

OrlandoInsuranceGroup.com

and click on “ASK NURSE SUZY” 0112015

Phone: 407-877-3841 Email: highlinecarsalesinc@gmail.com

· Are You Confused About Obamacare or Medicare Coverage and Cost? · Are You Losing Your Health Coverage? · Do You Need Temporary Coverage? · Are You Turning Age 65 Soon? · Is Your COBRA Coverage Expiring?

We are your European/Foreign car auto Repair/Sales alternative dealer.

FL Agent Lic# D047115

FL Agency Lic# L070497

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

Classifieds 010 ANNOUNCEMENTS Bahia Shrine Bingo every Wednesday. Bingo Open to the Public! Proceeds support the Bahia Shrine Center, Orlando, FL. Starting at 5:30 PM. Smoke free room, Free coffee, Free Spaghetti for Players the last Wednesday.

Call 407-660-8811 for information. 12/25bk

130 MEDICAL Attention Viagra Users! VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. No Prescription Needed! Discreet Shipping, Call Now 1-800-224-0305 12/25fcan

160 GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

West Orange company looking for a customer service oriented person for a part-time position.

25-30 hours weekly afternoons, M-F. Must be available for more hours when needed. Send resume to PO BOX 937, Ocoee, Fl 34761. 1/1aw

200 ITEMS FOR SALE Two Person Mausoleum at Woodlawn. Beautiful section in court yard, behind Life of Christ Mosaic. Need to sell, negotiable price. Burial places, vaults, marker included. Call Ruth 407-8322732 1/1rc

9B

CHECK OUT OUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE @ WOTIMES.COM

Subscribe today for $21.50

Call 407-656-2121 or email classifieds@wotimes.com

50% off Children's Christmas Clothes, Playpen $24.95, Double Stroller $24.95, Stroller/Carseat $24.95 Babylady 407-731-4248 12/25bl 50 cent to $1 burp pads/bottles/ blankets for baby dolls. Highchair $19.95, 25 cent Children's Clothes. Babylady 407-731-4248 12/25bl

300 PETS

To advertise in

CLASSIFIEDS call

407-656-2121 or email

FOUND CAT - Small Orange Cat with 4 White Paws. Call Anna 407-656-8223 12/25ar

classifieds @wotimes.com

240 GARAGE SALE

620 APARTMENT & DUPLEXES

Ad Deadline Tuesdays 10am

5 Kitchens, 2 Autos, 14 Riding Toys, 2 Wagons, 20 Strollers, 6 Walkers, Carseats. Babylady 407731-4248 12/25bl

WINTER GARDEN - 1BR $695, 2BR $745, 3BR $935 on Lake Apopka. Water/Sewer included.

407-656-7162. 9/25tfn

West Orange Times 920 S. Dillard St Winter Garden, FL 34787

Driver Trainees Needed NOW! Become a driver for Werner Enterprises. Earn $800 per week! Local CDL Training. 1-877-214-3624. fcan12/25 Johnson's Wrecker Service Inc., is hiring fulltime night wrecker drivers and day transport drivers. Call for details 407-293-2540.

1/1jw We are a Homeowner's Association in Winter Garden searching for a maintenance/irrigation worker. The position is part-time between 20-25 hours per week.

The starting pay is $10.00 and there are no benefits. Irrigation experience is required. English is also required. Anyone interested, please call the office at 407-6565106 to arrange for an interview appointment. 12/18wt High School Art Teacher Montverde Academy is accepting applications for a full-time teaching position that includes five sections of studio art and one section of AP Art History. Strong candidates will have a graduate degree in the field, experience teaching AP classes, and/or experience serving as an AP Reader.

For more information or to apply, visit our website at montverde. org/employment and click on job board. 12/25gh WELDING CAREERS - Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 888205-1735 12/25fcan

The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking applicants for various positions Job descriptions and applications are available online.

www.wintergarden-fl.gov Phone: Fax:

407-656-4111

407-877-2795

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This week’s Crossword answers

NOW PURCHASING

SCRAP

BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr

Winter Garden

407-656-3495

CHURCH DIRECTORY BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus:

“FOUNDATION WORSHIP”

Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH

611 West. Ave., Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 Email: starkelakebaptist@gmail.com

CATHOLIC RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH

1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd. Winter Garden. 407-656-3113

CHRISTIAN WEST ORANGE CHURCH OF CHRIST 1450 Daniels Road Winter Garden 407-656-2770 www.cocwo.com

2014

S.E. Dollen, LLC.

Winter Garden longest established electrical contractor serving Central FL since 1983.

All Service Techs are LICENSED Journeymen and Master Electricians.

For professional results and competitive rates

call 407-656-5818 EC 13001719

To advertise in the Church Directory plase call 407-656-2121 or email rblankenship@wotimes.com CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Blue Christmas Service: Dec. 21, 4pm Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 11pm www.fumcwg.org 407-656-1135

PRESBYTERIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE LAKES, USA

Conroy-Windermere Rd. @ Lincoln Ave. Sunday School 9:00AM, Worship 10:30 407-291-2886 Worship on Wed. 7:00 - 7:30 PM “Come hear the Gospel” Rev. Ferdinand Brits www.pcol.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

VICTORY IN CHRIST MINISTRIES CHURCH

311 N. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Dillard St Elementary School Pastors Tom and Ann Kuchenreuther Sunday Mornings 10:30 am www.VictoryInChristOnline.org

10B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2014

During the Holiday Season More than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to our patrons. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely...

Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

www.BestCleanersOrlando.com

For instant coupons go to: www.bestcleanersorlando.com/dry-cleaning-instant-coupons.html