12.26.19 West Orange Times & Observer

W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE

VOLUME 86, NO. 52

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Here comes Santa Winter Garden residents rolled into the holidays in style via golf cart. 6.

MERRY CHRISTMAS The staff of the Observer wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday.

Let it snow YOUR TOWN OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS The Observer Media Group’s office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, will be closed through Jan. 1, 2020.

We will reopen for business at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2.

We wish you a Happy New Year!

JOIN WESTLY IN VIRTUAL 5K Healthy West Orange is hosting Westly’s third annual Virtual 5K in January.

Participants can complete 3.1 miles any time during January. Email a finishing photo to westly@healthywestorange.org or post on social media using #westlysvirtual5k. Folks who want to complete the 5K with a group can do so at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, starting at the Winter Garden Station of the West Orange Trail. Register at runsignup.com/race/fl/wintergarden/westlysthirdannualvirtual5k.

First-grader Noah Dempsey had a blast on the snow slide.

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tudents at SunRidge Elementary School were treated to a day of holiday fun during the school’s Snow Day Thursday, Dec. 19.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., students at the school enjoyed a snow slide — with real “snow” — and inflatable obstacle courses and slides. Principal Christy Gorberg also bought Kona Ice for every student. The event was organized to celebrate the end of the semester before students left for the holiday break.

— TROY HERRING

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Church to pay medical debt for 2,000 families

NIGHT LIGHTS PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

Makenzie Orr, a first-grader at SunRidge Elementary, screamed with excitement as she slid down the snow.

Mosaic Church is working with RIP Medical Debt to pay off $2.7 million in medical bills for Winter Garden families.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Postal Customer

Check out these festive homes featuring some of the best Christmas lights in West Orange. SEE 8.

At Mosaic Church in Winter Garden, members know they’re not just recipients of God’s grace — they’re also participants in it.

And as 2020 approaches, the church is preparing to participate

in its “first give” of the new year by wiping out the medical debt of 2,000 families — about $2.7 million — in Winter Garden.

A while back, Mosaic Lead Pastor Renaut van der Riet read an article about a church paying off SEE MOSAIC PAGE 4

YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, DEC. 26

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PEPPERMINT PALS 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. They are red and white and sure smell nice — enjoy stories, crafts and activities inspired by sweet peppermint treats. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. (407) 835-7323.

READ TO SYDNEY 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Read to Sydney is a local therapy dog organization that encourages children to practice their reading skills with an attentive furry listener.

All ages are welcome to join Thom and his dog, Toby. (407) 835-7323.

WINTER GARDEN WATERCOLORS 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Join the group to learn the basics of watercolor painting through the use of watercolor pencils and paint. This program focuses on creating a relaxing environment and allowing adults to de-stress. (407) 835-7323.

WHIZKIDS: CODE WITH CODECOMBAT 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Write real code. Use JavaScript or Python to complete challenges in CodeCombat. Explore mazes, loot treasure and defeat enemies in a fantasy adventure game using code. Ages 10 to 12.

(407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 27

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo, 101 W. Plant St. A lineup of talented musicians will perform favorite holiday tunes: Dec. 27, Paint it Black Quartet. Free. Cwgdn. com, (407) 656-4111.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

SUZY PARK AND ED KROUT 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Pilars, 146 W. Plant St., No. 120, Winter Garden. (407) 3698900.

MICHELLE AMATO AND HARRISON LIGHT 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Pilars, 146 W. Plant St., No. 120, Winter Garden. (407) 369-8900.

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

NICK SOLIDAY 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, The Attic Door, 28 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. (407) 877-0266

ANGEL PAWS TO READ 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Practice your reading skills by reading aloud to a lovable, furry listener. Be An Angel Therapy Dogs Ministry presents this reading program for children featuring certified therapy dogs. (407) 835-7323.

HAIR OF THE DOWNWARD DOG BREWERY YOGA 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. This yoga class is open to students of all levels; students receive a 13-ounce or 16-ounce pour of their choice following the class. Cost is $10 for adults older than 21 and $5 for younger than 21. Take your own mat. (407) 395-9520.

TEA TALKS WITH NURSE JOY 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Oakland Manor House, 620 N. Tubb St. Monthly Wellness Series with registered nurse coach Joy Wolff. The December topic is brain health and preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Cost is $20. Call (407) 376-1597 to RSVP. THEO MOON 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at The MoonCricket Grille, 14 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. (407) 905-5325.

THURSDAY, JAN. 2

PLANT CLINIC 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Take your plants, get soil pH tested and speak with volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office.

(407) 835-7323.

MONDAY, JAN. 6

DIY 365 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Create your own personal calendar with 365 ideas to keep you happy, healthy and active the entire year. Recommended for tweens and teens. (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, JAN. 16

MOVE LIKE THE ANIMALS 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Can you hop like a frog? Waddle like a penguin?

Run like a cheetah? See if you can move like the animals do!

Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

FEELING GOOD 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Learn some chill skills with self-calming techniques, tips and tricks. Recommended for lower and upper elementary.

(407) 835-7323.

IN STOCK NOW!!

Models include: Dump, Utility, Tilt, Deck Overs, Flatbed Goosenecks, Equipment, Landscape and Car Haulers!!

407-654-9299

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

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Baker has N.Y. bagel recipe on lox down Jeff Perera runs his bagel business from his home kitchen.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Tommy DeLoach and his family at Christmastime 2018.

Courtesy photos

‘A good man and a loyal friend’ Friends, family recalled DeLoach’s dedication to his city, his career, his softball players and his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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hen Elena Friedman, 12, played in her travel softball tournament on a recent weekend, all of the players wrote “TD” on their faces and cleats. This was to honor Elena’s grandfather, who had passed away just a day earlier.

That’s the kind of respect Tommy DeLoach received from people of all ages. And he would have loved seeing the girls coming together for one of their own.

Thomas Cleveland “Tommy” DeLoach, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, Dec. 14. He was 79.

DeLoach was born in 1940 in Pensacola, but his parents moved soon after to Winter Garden, where he graduated from Lakeview High School in 1958. He earned a mathematics degree from The Citadel and served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.

After he and Dawn Princeton married in 1966, he worked on the Apollo Space Program as a systems analyst at Cape Canaveral.

The DeLoaches returned to Winter Garden to raise a family, and he spent nearly 50 years as a chief operating and financial officer for Holland Properties/TM Ranch.

Steve Holland, president of the company, said he was DeLoach’s boss but, more importantly, he was his friend.

“We were friends ever since seventh grade,” Holland said.

“We double dated all through high school. … We always joked in school that I would marry Connie Britt and he would work for me.”

Both predictions eventually came true.

“I remember a lot of things about Tommy,” Holland said. “He was a good man and a great employee, and he really looked after my company. That allowed me to do what I wanted to do in life. I could leave him in charge, and I didn’t worry about my company.”

Holland recalls his friend as a civic-minded person who loved his city of Winter Garden. In 1980, DeLoach served a term as a Winter Garden city commissioner. He also was a longtime member of the Winter Garden Rotary, serving as president in 1987 and maintaining a perfect-attendance record for more than 40 years.

“He was a great fellow; he’s sure going to be missed,” Holland said.

Tommy DeLoach coached both of his daughters at the West Orange Girls Club when it was on East Story Road, Ocoee.

Left: Dawn and Tommy DeLoach were married in February 1966.

“I never hear a ‘50s song that I don’t think of Tommy.”

DeLoach was an early member of the West Orange Girls Club and coached girls — including both daughters — for years on the softball field.

In the mid-1980s, Greg Smith met DeLoach when his daughter wanted to play softball at the girls club, then located on East Story Road. DeLoach was president at the time, he said, and Smith became a board member.

“The best way I could describe back in (those) days was we were a family of families,” Smith said.

“And Tommy DeLoach was the leader of that family. He was very well liked up there. … He watched after the finances ... he made sure every dime was spoken for and the sponsors were thanked.”

Smith remembers DeLoach helping West Orange High School’s softball team, too.

“Tommy was a great organizer; he was a great leader,” Smith said.

“I just thank God that I got to know him. … I would like to think that Tommy DeLoach made an impact on many girls in West Orange County. … I know there are a lot

of young ladies out there that are going to miss him.”

Besides his wife, DeLoach is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Nicole and Matthew Hubbard, of Tampa, and Michelle and Matthew Friedman, of Winter Garden; two brothers and their wives, Robert and Debbie DeLoach, of Clermont, and James and Sandi DeLoach, of Ocoee; and four grandchildren, Austin and Ansley Hubbard, and Elena and Brett Friedman.

A celebration of life was held Friday. Memorial gifts in DeLoach’s memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, FL 34787, to be used for the repair of the bell tower, or to Cornerstone Hospice.

DeLoach’s son-in-law, Matt Friedman, said he deeply loved his country, family, friends and city of Winter Garden.

“Many strong and dignified leaders in this community left their house in tears during the past few weeks when saying goodbye,” Friedman said. “I think this shows what he meant to them.”

In a Facebook post, Michelle Friedman called her dad “brilliant, passionate about his family, a loyal friend, a dedicated employee … a proud community member with a deep sense of integrity, a true American hero and an overall great man.”

When it comes to bagels, the New York variety is one of a kind — and a Horizon West resident bakes them fresh every day out of his home kitchen.

Jeff Perera bakes fresh-toorder New York-style bagels and bagel holes for pickup or delivery through his business, Jeff’s Bagel Run. He offers a variety of different flavors for his bagels and bagel holes — and he also has other flavors in the works.

“I think the biggest component of a New York-style bagel is its distinctive crunchy outside and chewy inside,” Perera said.

“Most New York-style bagels are boiled, and if you’re not boiling it, it’s really hard to meet the consistency of a New York-style bagel.”

Jeff’s Bagel Run was born out of an unfortunate circumstance.

After losing his job working in the senior-living industry in August, his wife — who was a stay-at-home mom — went back to work full time, and he ended up switching roles with her and became a stay-at-home dad.

“With her going back to work and me staying home, it gave us a lot of comfort in who was taking care of the kids and things like that,” Perera said. “Jeff’s Bagel Run was born out of the idea that we can do it from home.”

Although he enjoyed being home with their young children, Perera wanted to find a way to supplement the family income that also allowed him to be at home for their children. A home baker of desserts and sweets, he turned to the savory side of baking and researched making bagels after he realized there wasn’t a place in the Horizon West area that offered freshbaked, New York-style bagels.

After weeks of experimenting with recipes, Jeff’s Bagel Run was born.

“I just started baking,” Perera said. “I baked with my mom growing up. I baked sweets around the house. I had a really awesome cookie bar that I made, but I never baked bread. The first dough from scratch that I ever made was my first batch of bagels, and it was terrible. …

My wife (was) really supportive

Courtesy photo

Jeff’s Bagel Run offers seven different flavors: plain, everything, sesame, salt, onion, poppy and garlic.

TO ORDER Those interested in placing an order can reach out via Facebook at facebook.com/ jeffsbagelrun.

Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

in the process, and I practiced a lot. I made a lot of bagels — had a lot of bad bagels, some good bagels — until I found a recipe that worked.”

Perera began taking orders on Nov. 11, and it didn’t take long for the orders to start piling in. Thanks to the power of social media and word of mouth through the many moms of Horizon West, Perera’s orders for the month of December soon booked up completely.

“I honestly didn’t know this was going to happen as quickly (and) as fast as it did, yet here we are,” he said. “A neighbor, who had been a taste tester, ended up having a party at her home and she had requested some of the (bagel) holes. … The next thing I know, I start getting flooded with Facebook messages from women who were at the party she was hosting. A lot of them were moms who my wife had previously been around and participated with in mom groups.

The power of the mom network in West Orange County is pretty strong; especially on Facebook and especially in Horizon West.”

He may have only been in business for a little more than a month, but the demand for Perera’s bagels already is through the roof. He goes through 150 pounds of flour each week. His bagel-baking process begins during the early morning hours, and each batch takes about a day to make. It’s a labor-intensive process, but it’s a labor of love that allows Perera to be home for his children while continuing to help support his family.

Eric Gutierrez

Jeff Perera never baked a bagel in his life before starting his business.

He developed his recipe after weeks of trial and error, as well as some not-so-good batches of bagels.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Mosaic gears up for first give CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

at least a million dollars in its local families’ medical debt.

GRACEFUL GIVING

That was around Christmastime last year, and van der Riet remembers reading that the church used its marketing budget to do so.

“I remember the idea was they said they took their marketing budget for Christmas and instead of marketing for Christmas, they paid off this incredible amount of debt,” he said. “And my thought was, ‘Their marketing budget is like $1.7 million — that’s insane!’

When I did a little more digging I found out that no, there is this process by which this debt company buys this debt ... and what it takes to pay off the debt is pennies on the dollar.”

Just a few months ago, van der Riet saw another article about a different church doing the same thing. That’s when he asked Executive Pastor Phil Taylor and Executive Pastor of Operations Terry Geter to look into what it takes to do such a thing.

“To be able to impact a family that got into debt in circumstances they didn’t bring upon themselves … to remove that debt from them, that would just be the most exceptionally freeing thing I can imagine,” van der Riet said. “That is what God essentially communicates in the Bible that he has done for us — that we have a debt we cannot pay because of who we are as humans. And he paid that debt for us with no strings attached.”

However, it won’t cost Mosaic the full $2.7 million to pay off all of the debt. That’s because Mosaic is working with a company called

Danielle Hendrix

Renaut van der Riet, lead pastor of Mosaic Church, first read about the idea of paying off families’ medical debt in a news article.

RIP Medical Debt, a company that uses donations to buy bundles of medical debt and then forgive that debt with no tax consequences to donors or recipients.

“We asked the company and they came to us and said, ‘There’s $2.7 million of debt in Winter Garden that we have access to, which is 2,000 families,’” van der Riet said. “They said to pay that debt off would cost $27,000. For us … $27,000 wasn’t necessarily as large a number to pull from the budget as we were thinking. When we started asking how much of this do we pay off, we kind of concluded, ‘Let’s be generous and pay it all off, why not?’

“This particular act is such a biblically grounded display of what God’s love for us really does look like and from a practical standpoint, it’s an extraordinary stewardship,” he said. “You take a few thousand dollars and you get a few million dollars of impact. That’s mind-blowing to me.”

What’s more is that church officials don’t — and likely won’t ever — know the people whose debt will be forgiven. They don’t get a list of the families whose debts will be paid. All they know is that in January and February, letters will go out to the 2,000 families letting them know that Mosaic Church paid off their debt.

That’s the joy in the generosity, van der Riet said, because there are no strings attached — just like with God’s grace.

“We’re always looking for ways to serve our community in ways that actually matter,” Taylor said.

“It’s easy to do things that maybe have a short-term impact … but this is a way that really matters. If you’ve found yourself in medical debt, this is a thing that actually matters to you in that moment, and that’s just huge.”

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

However, while being able to pay off millions of dollars in medical

Students host divine night at Windermere High School Students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group planned and executed a special night of worship at the school just before the holidays.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It was right before Christmas and all through the Windermere High auditorium, dozens of students were taking action for a purpose they knew was worth sharing.

The school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes team is part of the national FCA organization, an interdenominational Christian sports ministry that focuses on impacting students and athletes alike. FCA primarily focuses on serving local communities by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire and change the world through the gospel.

However, not all students involved in FCA are athletes.

Some are part of the organization for the aspects of faith and fellowship. David Baginski, the Orange County area representative/missionary for FCA, adds that FCA is in place to empower Christian students to be able to share their faith openly on their school campuses and build relationships with other like-minded students.

And after a year of planning, the FCA students at Windermere

High School got to host their first night of worship in the school auditorium Friday, Dec. 13.

Peyton Recer, a Windermere High senior, has been part of FCA since sixth grade and serves as one of the group’s captains at Windermere this year. Although they tried to put on a night of worship last year, she said that the timing just hadn’t been right.

“We really thought over it, prayed over it and came up with a new vision for this year,” Recer said. “We really wanted to do it just to touch people’s hearts and let them know ... how loved you are. We really just want to connect with people tonight.”

Recer and fellow FCA members reached out to other schools countywide to invite them to participate. The night of worship included energetic worship music performed by the band at C/Life Orlando — a church that currently meets at Chain of Lakes Middle School — as well as an address from its youth pastor, Myles MacCloskey.

“We wanted to share that with the community and with other FCAs around the county,” said Natalia Velez, a senior at WHS. “We all got together constantly

every single week since October and (have been) planning this, and it looks amazing. I’m so proud.”

Baginski said that FCA’s weekly “huddles,” or meetings, serve as a time for students to dive into a Bible study, as well as to encourage and empower one another.

The night of worship was an extension of that.

“To me, for Windermere High to do a night of worship, it’s really an opportunity for students in all of Orange County to get together and celebrate their faith in one location,” Baginski said. “I’m just so proud of this leadership team here at Windermere and how much work they put in just to put this night together. … It’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of effort, it’s a lot of diligence, and they had to be really flexible with some of the things they wanted to do.”

Recer added that she hoped the night of worship served an opportunity to let students know that there is a bigger purpose for their lives and that they’re loved, especially during a season that’s not necessarily merry for everyone.

“There’s a lot of statistics that say that people are the most lonely around Christmas, and also, this is the time of giving and love,” Recer said. “We really just kind of wanted to (do) it now so that not only would it be a good way to end the year but also to start off the new year and really start a revival in people’s hearts.”

debt for local families is huge, it’s also just a piece of what Mosaic does year round.

The $27,000 needed to pay off the debt is an extra pull from the church’s budget, but van der Riet said throughout the year, thousands of dollars are spent on other local and global initiatives.

“We work with nonprofits, we sponsor children around the world that are orphans, we do a tremendous amount,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars of our budget goes out the walls of this church and has no bearing on making us a better place. This is one teeny, tiny piece, and our church knows that.

This is just another awesome way, but it’s such a practical, personal, ‘right here’ way. I do think everyone’s excited because of the stewardship of this; a few thousand dollars produces the impact of a few million dollars.”

Whether it be through financial contributions, mission trips or volunteer work, Mosaic is focused on encouraging its members to not just be recipients of God’s grace but also active participants in it.

And now, van der Riet said, he hopes to encourage other churches and organizations in the community to be inspired by Mosaic’s “First Give” — just as he was inspired by the two articles he read — and act on it in their own ways.

“We hope our story sets people free, no doubt, but we also hope our story inspires other churches to do the same,” van der Riet said.

“When you pay off someone’s debt like this that’s medically induced, if you will, you set them free to re-engage in the community in a whole new way.”

“WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS MEAN TO YOU?” “Christmas, to me, is just a time to celebrate with family and friends and just to be grateful for what you have and really love on others. Since I’m a Christian, it’s all about Jesus’ birthday, too.”

— Peyton Recer, Windermere High, senior

“Christmas is about love and about family and realizing that we are all here for Christ and we wouldn’t be here without Jesus.

We are all here to serve Jesus and find our purpose in this life through Jesus and share that with anyone who doesn’t know that.”

— Natalia Velez, Windermere High, senior

“Christmas has always been a really big holiday for me just because it’s the birth of Christ — everything, ever, started right there. I think Christmas means to me a time of giving and giving back to your community and having special time with your family and friends.”

— Emma Dee, West Orange High, senior

“I think Christmas means salvation, because it’s when our Lord and Savior was born and where everything got started — not only our salvation but also freedom in that moment of celebration.”

— Luna Nunes, Dr. Phillips High, senior

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Office Coordinator / Accounting Ashley McWilliams, amcwilliams@OrangeObserver.com

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR Amy Quesinberry

Outgoing chief Steve Thomas, right, presented lapel stars to Deputy Chief John Peek, who will become chief in January after Thomas’ official retirement.

ARTS CENTER CHANGES

The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at Oakland is quickly taking shape, but even as the walls and roof are going up, the commission is making last-minute changes. A workshop Dec. 17 outlined the project details, including partnerships, contributions and construction alterations.

The biggest issue currently is whether or not to move the historic pergola from Grace Park, which abuts the front of the arts center.

Because it’s a historic piece, commissioners are wary of moving it from its original place. All that’s left of Grace Park are multiple concrete pillars. One suggestion is to move the two pillars on the east side to the west side, keeping two of the pillars in their original place.

“I’m going to go along with the general consensus, but I have concerns with moving something historic,” Stark said.

Other alterations included replacing the stucco around the base of the building to brick and deleting eight palm trees from the plan.

The town has four agreements in place regarding the center, including construction and programming.

Additionally, several logo options were presented.

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When Steve Thomas, chief of police for the town of Oakland, retires at the first of the new year, a familiar face will be stepping into the position. Deputy Chief John Peek has been named chief, and his assignment will begin Jan. 4, 2020; Thomas’ last day is Jan. 3.

The announcement was made at the Dec. 17 Oakland Town Commission meeting. Town Manager Steve Koontz said he has a huge amount of respect for Chief Thomas and it has been a great experience working with him.

Koontz wrote in a memo that Thomas “has been a great role model as a humble public servant and has made significant strides in providing the high level of police services that the commission and the citizens expect.”

Thomas instituted wellness checks for elderly residents and those living alone. He created an advisory council for the west side of the town. He built a respectable and successful department with quality officers that allowed for promoting the next chief from within the ranks.

Thomas has been a steady and guiding hand in the town, Mayor Kathy Stark said. “I could go on all day and night about how great Chief Thomas is.”

“I feel confident in my recommendation of Peek,” Koontz said.

“We have been very fortunate to have Peek.”

Thomas presented Peek with his own set of stars to be pinned onto his uniform collars and said, “I have a high level of confidence in John Peek.”

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Windermere Independent Branch 4848 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. Suite #204 Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 909-0485 schwab.com/windermere Conroy Windermere Road

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435 Cascades at Isleworth

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Sharon and Barry Deemer, along with Joe Pennella, dressed in the spirit of the movie “Elf.”

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Christmas spirit rolls into Winter Garden

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uddy the Elf, the Pink Panther and Santa Claus could be seen cruising around Winter Garden on Sunday, Dec. 15, during the annual Christmas golf cart parade. Each year, the number of residents who decorate and enter their holiday-themed golf carts into the parade grows larger — and the carts get more elabowww.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC rate. Some fun cart themes this Member SIPC year included “Stranger Things,” a gingerbread house, the Winter Garden clock tower, a unicorn and the Abominable Snowman.

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A family of “Despicable Me” minions waved to parade-goers.

The Winter Garden clock tower went mobile with this creative theme.

Right: Payton and David Paradise really got into character in accordance with their “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” cart.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Carnival captures Christmas spirit

S

anta and Mrs. Claus came to town in style at the Matthew’s Hope Community Christmas Carnival Saturday, Dec. 14. Children and attendees enjoyed an afternoon of old-time carnival games with prizes, crafts, live holiday music and visiting Santa’s shop, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.

This year’s Community Christmas Carnival was the first one held at the new, permanent location for Matthew’s Hope.

Families seeking assistance in getting presents for little ones are welcome to call Matthew’s Hope at (407) 905-9500.

Matthew’s Hope Founder and Chairman Pastor Scott Billue was all smiles as he held the two kittens he adopted from My Mighty Fosters.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ Ethan and Penny Huang came to the carnival to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Children enjoyed making crafts out of candy canes.

More than 1000 donated toys were on display to welcome children as they visited Santa and Mrs. Claus.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

From left: Kylie Beyl, Tracy Lewis and Elana Gold paid a visit to the Clocktower Realty Grinch.

Joseph Cassidy looked festive as he kept the beat in the Orlando Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Eat, Play & Stay Healthy West Orange!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

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Lights on the lake

L

ocals set up chairs by the Johns Lake public boat ramp Saturday, Dec. 14, to take in the 19th annual Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade.

Around a half-dozen boats decorated with Christmas lights made their way around the lake in quick fashion, and were followed up by Santa and Mrs. Claus and their brightly lit reindeer.

— TROY HERRING

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BAPTIST

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

CHURCH OF GOD

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

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

EPISCOPAL

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

ChurchftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

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

This home, at 865 Rhett St. in the Oakland Park neighborhood, has some gorgeous wreaths.

Right: If you’re looking for colorful lights and decorative lawn pieces, this house at 466 Forest Haven Drive, Winter Garden, should be on your list.

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m.

Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m.

Saturday Service: 6 p.m. purposechurchorlando.org This home, at 9153 Pristine Circle in the Rose Hill subdivision in Ocoee, lights up the neighborhood.

It’s Never Too Late To Give The need continues to be staggering!

100% of every donation stays within this community.

This house, at 15304 E. Oakland Ave., Winter Garden, was decked out in Christmas lights, while lighted reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and other Christmas-related figures decorated the front yard.

TEXT “MHM” TO 4 1444 T O D O N AT E This is a secure site for giving

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This home, at 1088 Huntspoint St. in the Oakland Park neighborhood, is covered from top to bottom in fun decorations.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

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Snowmen adorn this bright home at 5124 Wood Ridge Court in the Windstone neighborhood in Ocoee.

JOY TO THE WORLD C

ommunities in West Orange County have decked the halls and covered their homes in holiday decorations. For lovers of Christmas lights, there’s plenty to see in the area. Here are a few homes worth making the drive to on a cool December night to get your family in the holiday spirit.

For more homes that spread holiday cheer, visit the Bright Lights Big County: Holiday Lights Crowdsourced Map on the Orange County Property Appraiser’s website, bit.ly/2Q4ioYH. — ERIC GUTIERREZ, TROY HERRING AND AMY QUESINBERRY

Santa Claus had a nice runway to park his sleigh on top of this home, at 811 Civitas Way in the Oakland Park neighborhood.

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CAN’T BE WRAPPED At Sonata West, we know this holiday season is a great time to remember the things that really matter. We encourage you to enjoy your friendships, maintain an active lifestyle, take care of your wellness, and indulge in the amenities your home at Sonata West has to offer.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Ocoee schools make a difference

The Ocoee High School boys basketball team recently reached out to the community by collecting and delivering almost 500 toys to children for the holidays.

The team also hosted Special Olympics Florida for the fifth consecutive season as a three-on-three, half-court event was held Saturday, Dec. 16. Nearby, Ocoee Middle School hosted the individual skills and team skills event that same day.

Magnet program application open

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

The magnet application for the 2020-21 school year is open and will remain open until Feb. 15, 2020. There is no preference given as to when you apply, as long as you apply by the Feb. 15 deadline. Parents of students entering grades K through 10 in the upcoming school year may apply for OCPS magnets. Students must reside in Orange County and be eligible to apply to begin the application process. Only one application may be submitted per student. You may choose one, two, or three magnet choices. Be sure to select your choices in order of preference. If you are only interested in one magnet, only apply for that one. If you are offered a seat from the lottery, this seat offer will be the only seat offer you will receive. If you are offered a seat and it is not your first choice, you may apply again once the summer waitlist application is available in May. All eligible applicants who meet the application deadline will be considered for available seats. If there are more eligible applicants requesting admission to a specific magnet than the number of seats available, a computerized lottery selection process will provide an equitable opportunity for all eligible students seeking to enroll in a magnet. For more information about OCPS magnet programs and to fill out an application, visit schoolchoicemagnet.ocps.net.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

NEFTALI ALBALADEJO

MAXEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Officer Neftalis Albaladejo — better known as Officer Nefty — has been assigned to several schools in West Orange County as a school resource officer.

His most recent assignment is at Maxey Elementary School; he began his job there in the fall of 2018, the same year the school moved to a new campus on Ninth Street in Winter Garden.

What do you love most about your school?

It is really hard to pick just one thing because there are several aspects about my school that I really love. I will have to say the diversity of the staff and students and that every child is treated equally regardless of their background or economic status. I think this aspect of the school is what makes it a special place to work.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Without a doubt, it is my daily interaction with the kids. Kids are brutally honest, and they do and say the darndest things. Sometimes their honesty is what we adults need to build perspective about them.

Why does this job appeal to you?

It’s amazing to be able to interact with kids and be a positive role model in their life and hopefully have a lasting impression on them that allows them to find success in life.

REPORT CARD ROLE: School resource officer SCHOOL: Maxey Elementary School TIME AT THE SCHOOL: One-anda-half years

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

Sometimes my wife pushes me (lol), but I have to admit it is my faith and love for what I do as an SRO.

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

It’s every day for me. In the morning, welcoming the kids to school and receiving high fives, fist pumps, hugs and goodies from them. Also, the staff is amazing and from Day 1 has welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the Maxey Wildcat family.

What’s your favorite restaurant and favorite meal?

The Cheesecake Factory and Louisiana Pasta.

Do you have any pets?

I currently have my son’s dog living with us, so she is technically our “grand dog.” Laya is a shih tzu mix.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

“The Gladiator” is my favorite movie, because every time I watch

it, I picture myself as the lead character. LOL! If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

As a crime-fighting, action superhero, I would like the ability to fly so I can go overhead to avoid all the congestion happening in Winter Garden.

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

Puerto Rico; It is always great to go back to where my life story began and get a chance to enjoy it.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to play softball and enjoy time with family and friends.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Christmas — with an island twist

Avery Morrill played the cheerful cruise director, Jessica.

Right: The role of Chloe the firefighter was taken on by Makayla Campbell.

Students of the second-grade choir took center stage during one of the songs.

D

Bailey McLean sang sweetly as she played Sophie.

ozen of little Lions from Foundation Academy’s Lower School took to the stage at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden for the annual winter play Thursday, Dec. 12. This year’s play, called “Away in a Mango,” told the story of a holiday cruise to Christmas Island that goes awry after an unexpected story hits the SS Mango. Preachings from the gospel also were weaved into this island adventure. The production featured the Foundation Academy Lower School’s drama team, scripture readers and musical performances from the school’s second-, third- and fourth-grade choirs.

Zoe Garrison was trapped in an invisible box as she played the role of Jasmine the mime.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Sounds of the season

T

he Ocoee High School Performing Arts Department provided a soundtrack for the holidays in front of a packed auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 17, at its “A Winter Extravaganza” concert.

Attendees heard music from the high school’s concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, jazz bands, Knights visual ensemble and more.

— TIM FREED

Lauren Lambie and Tam Ha performed a special flute piece during the first half of the concert.

Jada Doby and Saniya Ramjas showcased their musicianship on the clarinet.

Sara Suarez followed along on her trumpet with the jazz band.

Left: Bethany Marsden played alongside the first group to perform at the concert.

Johnny Nguyen rounded out the French horn section.

Clarinet player Jose Vega was one of many Ocoee High School students who performed in the holiday concert.

Jim Ulysse was spotted performing in the holiday concert.

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The Ocoee Police Department’s Holiday Toys, for Kids in Need Program

Call for more details 407-656-2121 www.OrangeObserver.com

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PAT SHARR

Broker/Owner

DECEMBER 26, 2019

SPORTS

HIGH

Achante Daniels is pumped up for more success with the Ocoee High weightlifting team. Page 16.

1

5

In Foundation Academy girls basketball’s 47-16 win over CFCA Monday, Dec. 16, eighthgrade guard Chelsea Bryant had a big night as she racked up 16 points, six rebounds and six steals for the Lions. Helping her were eighth graders Aliyah Perry (nine points, eight steals and two rebounds) and Zoe Sedo (eight points, seven assists and eight rebounds).

2

The Windermere Prep junior varsity Lakerettes had a strong showing at the Dance Team Union regional competition Saturday, Dec. 14, held at Seminole High School. The middle school pom team took home second place while the school also took first in the youth solo and youth duet categories.

3

Windermere Prep’s Patricio Font took home the title of Pan Am Next Generation Male Athlete of the Year (U-20) for his accomplishments in water-skiing Friday, Dec. 13. Font, a member of the Windermere Prep soccer team, became the youngest gold medalist in Mexico’s history at the Pan Am Games after winning the Tricks title in August in Lima, Peru.

4

The West Orange High wrestling team showed out during the House of Payne at Harmony meet Friday, Dec. 13. The Warriors finished in fourth place behind Harmony, Park Vista and Hagerty. Daniel Perez defeated Harmony’s Tanner Hinman 6-4 in the 106-pound weight class, while Solomon Smith defeated Tyler Swingle (Hagerty) 4-1 in the 152-pound weight class.

5

In Olympia boys basketball’s 59-54 win over Freedom Friday, Dec. 13, junior Tyeree Bryan led the Titans in scoring with 16 points, while senior Julian Fletcher tacked on 14 points in the win. The win was the second consecutive victory for the Titans, who moved to 3-4 on the season.

Troy Herring

LIVING E LEGACY

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

By signing to play football at Stetson University, Legacy Charter’s Trent Phillips became the first athlete in school history to go Division I.

very high school has college signing-day events to celebrate student-athletes’ achievements.

But the one in the gym at Legacy Charter Wednesday, Dec. 18, was special.

Surrounded by his family, Trent Phillips cracked a smile as he placed a Stetson University hat on his head.

With that simple gesture, Phillips made school history by signing to play football at Stetson University. He officially is the first student-athlete from Legacy to go Division I. “It feels really good knowing that I’m the first,” Phillips said. “Going up through middle school playing sports there, I always heard, ‘If you want to play at the Division I level,

you had to go somewhere else — Ocoee or West Orange.’ I just kind of used that as fuel to the fire.

“I just kept working every day and that was my goal — to prove to everyone around me that you can do things, you can be an uncommon breed and be different than everyone else and still make your own path,” he said.

Legacy football coach Trent Hopper was among those who attended the signing. Having coached Phillips for the last few years, Hopper knew it would be Phillips who would make history.

“If anyone deserved to be honored as the first DI kid, he’d be it,” Hopper said. “He’s not overly tall, overly big or overly fast, he just works his tail off. Any time you can shower praise on a kid like that, life is good.”

SEE PHILLIPS PAGE 16

Windermere High senior to compete on international stage Longtime OARS member Samantha Claborn will participate in the World Rowing Indoor Championship in Paris.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Samantha Claborn has known for a while that she would be adventuring on a big trip to kick off her 2020 season of rowing.

The Windermere High senior and Orlando Area Rowing Society member had signed up for the World Rowing Indoor Championship — which runs Feb. 7 and 8, 2020 — at the Coubertin Stadium in Paris, France, but hadn’t discussed it aloud often.

The reason? She wanted to stay humble and just keep her nose to the grindstone.

“A couple of them know, and my coaches definitely know,” Claborn said. “My coaches had said something at the beginning of the year, but I think everyone pretty much forgot about it. But I like to keep it low key, because not everybody gets the opportunity to go over there, so I don’t want to seem like I’m bragging or anything.”

Like many outdoor sports, rowing can be hampered by bad weather. However, in those cases, rowers have another option available to them — erging.

Troy Herring

SEE CLABORN PAGE 16

Samantha Claborn is ready to compete in February 2020 in Paris.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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Achante Daniels Weightlifting wasn’t always meant to become the main sport for Achante Daniels. As part of the track team, Daniels’ coach wanted her athletes to get into weightlifting to put on some muscle. Instead, Daniels became one of Ocoee High’s best lifters. She’s coming into the season having won districts, metro and regionals — and earning a trip to state — last year.

How did you first get into weightlifting?

My sophomore year, I was running track and my coach wanted us to have more muscle on us, because we were just running. I did it just for fun and I competed in a couple meets, so that’s how I got into it.

What’s your favorite part about being on the team?

Just getting lifts that you thought you couldn’t get before. I think it is pretty cool that you put on muscle and then get a lift.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you first started?

My mental (fortitude). I’m more mentally tough.

What is the most challenging part about weightlifting?

The mental (part). If you think that you can’t get a lift, most likely, you won’t get it.

It’s just you have to be prepared in your mind to get it, or you won’t get it at all.

When you first started weightlifting, did you know what you had to do?

No, I just did it.

Track was my first baby — my passion — so I was just there to get stronger for track.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Ocoee High GRADE: 12th SPORT: Weightlifting WEIGHT CLASS: 139 AGE: 17

As far as preparing for a meet, what is your routine?

I make sure that I’m all stretched out, not as tight and I get my mind ready like I said in the mornings. And just throughout the day make sure I get my mind ready, because I have something to do, so I have to make sure I’m mentally tough.

Has there been a highlight moment for you during your time at Ocoee?

Regionals. I didn’t expect to get that far — like district champ, metro champ and then regional champ. Like, I was just continuing and continuing. And when I made it to states last year, I was really proud of that.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given when it comes to weightlifting?

Just get my mind (right) mentally, because there are some lifts that I could get during practice, because I’m mentally tough. And then when I go to competition, I just don’t get them because I’m scared or I’m just not there mentally.

So when my coach says, “Make sure you get your mind ready” and all of this stuff, it really helps. That’s the difference in my competitions that I see.

When you’re not lifting and doing school work, what do you like doing in your spare time?

Listen to music and watch TV. — NATE MARRERO

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Phillips makes history on NSD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

“I HAVE TO BE THE FIRST” Phillips first picked up football at an early age, but it wasn’t until his freshman year at Legacy that he grew serious about the sport.

There was a fire that lit up in him going into high school, and he dedicated himself to his sport. But he was also realistic and understood the trials of become a factor on the team.

“I had a little bit of determination and dedication, and then you add in people saying I can’t play Division I football or people saying I’m just like every skinny, athletic white kid at Legacy,” Phillips said. “There were some obstacles, but I knew it would pay off in the end.”

The first obstacle that first year of high school was that he had to play behind his brother on a team loaded with senior talent. There also was the aspect of physical size.

Going into high school, Phillips was about 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, and he knew those numbers had to change. That’s when he discovered the weight room.

“I realized I needed to step up,” Phillips said. “I just kept gaining weight and grew an

inch, and then sophomore year, I gained some more weight and some more weight, and I became faster and stronger, and it just kept getting better each year.”

The end of that first year, Phillips learned no studentathlete had ever made it to the Division I level from Legacy.

That’s the moment when he realized what he had to do.

“I made that my goal,” Phillips said. “No one had ever played anything with Division I, so I was just like, ‘OK, I have to be the first.’”

Through his sophomore and junior seasons, Phillips made significant headway on the team — becoming a starter at slotback on offense and defensive end on defense. He refined every aspect of his game and started getting attention from a few schools — including Stetson.

With each year his dedication grew, and Hopper and his staff took note of the strides Phillips made. he had become a football-playing machine.

“He was the kind of guy who has his playbook under the pillow — and he actually literally kept his playbook under his pillow,” Hopper said with a laugh.

“There were times when we heard about him in December pushing a sled up and down a

Claborn is ready to take Paris CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

When the waves whitecap and winds pick up, rowers such as Claborn can go indoors and jump on the ergometer — a rowing machine — to get in some practice time.

While time on the ergometer is normally done as a way to better oneself for outdoor rowing, this time Claborn will be using her time on the machine to prepare to take on some of the finest rowers in the world.

“So it’s very terrifying for me, because it’s obviously a very different atmosphere than the United States,” Claborn said.

“The girls out there are fast in Europe, but I’m just going to try and go out there and not just have fun but (also) enjoy the experience and go as hard as I can.”

Being on a machine is obviously different than being out on the water, but that doesn’t make it any easier, Claborn said. Rowers still have to deal with the same struggles, and it can be exhausting in a number of ways.

“The hardest part about rowing is that, while it is physically demanding, it is (also) one

of the most mentally demanding sports that you will find,” Claborn said. “When you’re erging, you’re not only pushing yourself physically, (but) you have to think about it mentally.”

Claborn has been pushing by those barriers since she first started rowing in the seventh grade. She followed in the footsteps of her sister — who also rowed at OARS. Like most kids, she went through a slew of different sports, but it was rowing that stuck.

Six years later, she is getting ready to take on a talented field in an international tournament.

“Last year, my mom was watching the international Erg Sprints … last year it was in California,” Claborn said.

“My mom was like, ‘Oh, how cool would it be if we went to the next one? Let’s see where it is, and maybe it’ll be close.’

We saw it was in Paris, and my mom was like, ‘Wow, maybe we can convince your dad.’”

Luckily for Claborn, her dad agreed, and since then, she has been preparing for the event — all while juggling her training schedule at OARS.

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hill behind his house because he didn’t drive yet, and he couldn’t get to the gym that day.”

However, all that hard work felt as though it would be bulldozed in the first game of the 2019 season.

On the first offensive drive of the year, Phillips went down with what he thought was a stinger. But the diagnosis was worse — he had torn his ACL. The injury sidelined him for the entire year, and Phillips was put into physical therapy for months. It was the hardest thing he had ever done, Phillips said.

Fortunately for Phillips — and thanks to starting the recruiting process early — Stetson stood by its offer despite the injury. Becoming a Hatter also was made easier after Jacksonville University — which had also shown interest — folded its football program.

Despite the setback — which will affect his first year with the team — Phillips is ready for the challenges that come with college ball.

“I know it’s going to be a little awkward being in unfamiliar territory, but at the same time, it’s going to be so much fun — I’m going to be doing what I love,” Phillips said.

And if starting her 2020 with a trip to Paris wasn’t big enough, Claborn recently announced that she had committed to row at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

“When I went to Gonzaga, it was just a gut feeling when I left,” Claborn said. “I went back out West for another official (visit) — this time my dad had come with me — and all I could think was, ‘Wow, I want to show my dad Gonzaga’s campus,’ and that kind of clued me in … that maybe that’s the place for me.”

The commitment to Gonzaga — and the championship in Paris — are just the latest of the many achievements in Claborn’s life, and they’re byproducts of her dedication to the sport of rowing.

But the driving force behind the tireless work ethic isn’t defined by the physical — it’s defined by passion and community, Claborn said.

“My team is literally my family,” Claborn said. “You see them six days a week, so they become very close with you — they know everything about you and you know everything about them.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

Dharius ‘Seth’ Daniels commits to Army SPORTS EDITOR

With one call, Dharius “Seth” Daniels’ life changed forever.

Back in August, as his first — and only — year of football at Foundation Academy was ramping up, the senior standout took an hourlong phone call with a football recruiter at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

By the end of that phone call, Daniels was offered something many people dream to have — a chance at playing Division I football at one of the country’s most historic programs.

“After that, it was like, ‘This is the greatest opportunity of my life, and I got it off of playing a sport,’” Daniels said. “It really gives me love for the game of football — something as simple as a sport can change the rest of your life.”

He took his time before announcing his commitment, but on Thursday, Dec. 12, Daniels revealed on Twitter that he was officially committing to play for the Black Knights — thanking his family, coaches and teammates for their support.

The tweet also signaled something Daniels has been looking forward to for a few years: the

File photo

end of the recruiting process.

“It’s definitely a great feeling,” Daniels said. “The whole recruiting process is definitely a blessing, but it is also kind of stressful trying to figure out where you want to go, who is going to offer you and where you’re going to fit in the best. It’s a burden off my back, and I’m just excited to sign and get to (play) college football.”

Daniels — who played both on offense and defense at the wide receiver and defensive back positions for the Lions — will play cornerback for Army, although he will start on the school’s prep team before joining varsity.

Although some would not have liked the idea of not playing the

by Will Nediger; CROSSWORD INGRAINED Edited by David Steinberg

“It’s definitely a great feeling. The whole recruiting process is definitely a blessing, but it is also kind of stressful trying to figure out where you want to go, who is going to offer you and where you’re going to fit in the best.”

— Dharius “Seth” Daniels

87 *Equally sexy?

89 Savory flavor 91 Cab costs 92 Put into words 93 Religious residence 95 Thin slice 97 Lukewarm 98 Tuba relative 100 “Give it a shot!”

102 He often criticized the MPAA 105 “Will you do the ___?”

106 Leaves no room for the entree, or a hint to the starred answers 110 Online periodicals 111 Quarreling 112 Government agents, briefly 113 Eliciting nervous laughs, perhaps 114 Adjusts to, as a thermostat 115 Prompt to leave a message 116 Lose color over time 117 Rx info

A LATE START

Unlike many players, Daniels didn’t play youth football — he was a basketball player by trade.

It wasn’t until ninth grade that the New Jersey native picked up a football and began to move away from basketball and lacrosse.

The reason? His parents were nervous about football — and for good reason.

“My parents didn’t want me to play because my cousin had broke his neck and became paralyzed from football,” Daniels said. “I ended up playing ninthgrade year just for fun and to meet people. I think it was my second game I got four interceptions, and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is kind of fun — I like tackling people.’”

34 Poet Sexton or Carson 36 Ozone destroyers, briefly 37 Baseball’s Matty 38 Barking animal 39 Decked out 41 Form W-9 org.

43 Listen sympathetically 44 “Dawson’s Creek” or “Pretty Little Liars” 46 Camel’s refuge 47 Seize 50 One saving the day 51 Decision-maker’s minus 53 Humdrum 54 Places that often lack supermarkets 55 Flat-topped landform 57 Circus routines 59 Paternity test material 60 Ending for nano- or bio61 Preferred strategy 62 Leaps for Misty Copeland 63 *Flake?

65 What snobbish people put on 66 “Hmm ...”

DOWN 69 Sports execs 1 Salary limit 72 Bought before the official 2 Garage sale warning release 3 Tiny bit of sense 74 “Publish” alternative 4 Bouncers at banks?

76 Grub 5 More minuscule 78 Cracker spread 6 “___ a girl!”

79 Tests in tubes, for short 7 Manages to get by 80 Egg containers 8 Had down pat 9 “Gangnam Style” hitmaker 82 “I am,” to Spartacus 10 Signaling that you’re back- 83 “Why not!”

84 Dr. Pepper competitor, ing up, maybe once ©2019 Universal Uclick 11 “Seriously?”

86 Oakland’s region 67 Superlative suffix 50 Brooding creatures 29 Standing order?

12 Shopping binge ACROSS 87 It’s thrown on the field 68 Fitting concern 51 Industry kingpin 31 Video segments 13 Curved paths 1 Bovine baby 88 Budget listing 70 Battery type named for 52 Pout 33 Executed perfectly 14 Captain with a mandolin in 5 Sound heard every second 90 Particles made of a quark two elements 53 Diver’s affliction, with 35 Get closer to midnight a 2001 film 9 Hipster beers, casually and an antiquark 36 One may ask, “Paper or “the” 71 “Previously on ...” segment 15 Without scruples 13 Tree that giraffes snack on 54 They have bridges and plastic?”

73 Building blocks of matter 16 *The District of Columbia, 91 Done, slangily 19 Cambodia’s continent 93 Cookout remnants arches 39 Shrewd 74 Father, in France e.g.?

20 College with a namesake 94 The hard stuff 55 Common collision cause 75 Ominous tarot card 40 Lavish country home 17 Occupied collar 96 Lite in Canada 42 *Run from a crowd of 77 Tach readings 18 Quaking tree 21 Leak slowly 56 Cobb or caprese internet pests?

81 What’s happening 24 ___ Fair (festival for female 97 Competitive and impatient 22 “Friends, ___, country99 (Over here!)

44 Hatcher who played Lois 58 Decorate 82 Watery expanses musicians) men ...”

Lane 60 Bianca Andreescu’s sport 83 Clothes lines 25 Early 20th-century period 101 Dennis the Menace’s dog 23 *Measure of how often 103 Give a makeover 45 Like a limbo bar, eventu- 61 Attire worn with slippers, 84 Stiller’s partner in Harlem you get into scrapes?

104 Identifies on Instagram 85 Biblical beast ally briefly 30 Pre-Christmas calendar 26 Appear unexpectedly 107 4G ___ 86 “Hamilton” character 48 Team trainer 64 *Pasta from a biblical type 27 Ball of yarn 108 Not a multiple of two Aaron 49 Make fun of land?

32 Ever-changing 28 Fleecy female 109 Go blond, say

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“HMJG JG HMS NASUSNH ZO EMJUM J MXKS DJKSB: NASNXAS ITA HMS ETAGH; SVNSUH HMS ZSGH; XCB HXLS EMXH UTFSG.” – MXCCXM XASCBH “EG PJVTU’G SFGGVX EY CJM SVFU GJ PJ GRV XEZRG GREUZ -- EY CJM JUAC PJ NFP GREUZT. ... PJEUZ ET BRFG FYYVHGT IVJIAV.”

– UFGFAEV IJXGSFU

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals W

TROY HERRING

Daniels and his family moved to Florida halfway through his freshman year, and for his sophomore and junior years, he played on the team at Windermere Prep.

Despite hitting a bit of a sophomore slump, Daniels rebounded in his junior season with a year that grabbed the attention of several schools. It also was then when he realized football could help get him to college.

The budding star ramped up his play even more after transferring to Foundation. In his only year for the Lions, Daniels racked up more than 1,100 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns on offense. On defense, he grabbed an interception, one forced fumble and 20 total tackles.

Those kinds of numbers — along with all of that hard work and progression over the last four years — led Daniels to a place where he can really shine at Army. It’s a big opportunity in many ways for Daniels, and it has perks — such as playing in the Army/Navy game.

“That’s something that I’ve been thinking about since Army reached out to me,” Daniels said.

“That’s one of the most historic, classic rivalries in college football. Just the opportunity to be able to participate in that — it’s just going to give me chills.”

first year with the varsity team, Daniels knows the opportunity with Army is special. He had taken multiple visits to different schools — including Ivy League schools such as Princeton — but that trip to West Point was different, Daniels said.

“Because it’s West Point, and because it’s military — I didn’t know what to expect,” Daniels said. “I come in and see thousands of people tailgating. I went to the Army/UMass game — they beat them by like, 70 — and it wasn’t a big game, and the stadium was three-fourths full.

“It’s just crazy, the support there and the love,” he said. “I’ve played at Windermere Prep and Foundation, so I’ve played in some big games, but Minchie Stadium seats, like, 38,000.”

Puzzle One Clue: L equals K

The Foundation Academy senior will bring his game to the Army football team at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-26-19

CLASSIFIEDS

best; and take what comes.”

– Hannah Arendt Puzzle Two Solution: “It doesn’t matter if you mean to do the right thing -- if you only do bad things. ...

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Prepare for if the worst; expect right thing if you only do bad things. ... Doing is what affects people.” best; and -take what comes.”

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321158

ADAM’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Orlando, FL 239-910-4607 or 802-735-5997 adamshomeimprovements@yahoo.com

2787 OLD WINTER GARDEN RD., OCOEE FL 34761 407-554-3985 I PRIMEMEDITERRANEANGRILL.COM

322809

AdamsHomeImprovement.com

322750

Painting - interior and exterior Flooring - wood, laminate, tile Drywall Carpentry

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UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE WinterREMOVAL Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 WIRELESS & WIREDWestOrangeRoofing.com NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

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ESS DIRECTORY

- BUSIN HERE’S MY CARD

ICK'S TRAYWAG E

FLOORING

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TFN

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R From CA talled

y Full

1045 S. Vineland Rd. nment • New and Used Tires • Alig • Complete Auto Repair & .

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OPERATED –

7.6268 407.296.9622 407.87 s@cfl.rr.com

: gsairsystem www.gsairsystems.com email e #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential

Licens

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on Call for a FREE estimate t.

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We offer financing with approv

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Scheduled Maintenance

Ray Cornell Jr. Doug Gallinger

301016

Licensed & Insured - State

Working Owners

www.r-dauto.com

Computerized Diagnostics

WATERPROOF

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Telephone: (407) 614-3827 m rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.co

FLOORING T E • WAT E R P R O O F CARPET • LAMINA

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Estimates

HOME SERVICES

Custom measured, designed, manufactured and installed by shutter experts.

298995

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Serving Orlando & Surrounding Areas

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302117

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Full Synthetic Oil Service $

MADE IN THE USA

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM

STRESS

179.95 179.95 edes E-Class BMW 5 Series Merc $199.95 $199.95

3.3" x 1" starting at $25.00 3.3" x 2" starting at $30.00 3.3" x 4" starting at $50.00

S

ORLANDO PREMIUM SHUTTER ers!

WE BUY JUNK CARS TAL WE BUY SCRAP ME- 5PM

FREE

$

4

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Financing

Includes up to 7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Parts and Labor.

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Expires 3/31/19.

Not valid with any other offers.

Tax and recycling fees are extra.

PEST CONTROL

Center” “Your Complete Service ter Garden, FL 34787 10 West Story Rd. Win MV-01095 ie Hud

Richard Hudson • Regg

Willie’s Bar-B-Que

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Beef • Chicken • Ribs • Pork • • Small & Large Orders • Catering

PET SERVICES

l Puppy Dreams Pet Hoe te

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302828

CATERING

day • 11 am until 7 pm Open Friday and Satur

CONSTRUCTION

from hom Your pet’s home away ty a unique no-cage facili boarding daycare and overnight

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TFN

703 S. Vineland Rd. 7 Winter Garden, FL 3478

301030

TFN

301029

REG#

Phone 407-656-6646 son

301015

$

/ sq . ft.

Tires and Alignments

Tune-Ups and General Repair

In House Towing Available

en, FL 34787 881 S. 9th Street • Winter Gard

BMW

Three Business Card Sizes to choose from:

3 59

$

...

Fully Installed From...

AUTO SERVICE

SA LE BR AK E PA Dedes C-Class 3 Series Merc

Full LAMIN y In stall ATE ed F rom

. ft.

9 / sq

19

Ins

301025

-FAMILY OWNED &

$...

PET

301021

AIR CONDITIONING

LV11098

|

301035

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

301014

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

301017

22

322744

AUTO SERVICE

19

LV11098

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

ydreams.com

Color included on all ads!

Publishes every Thursday, and deadlines Friday the week prior.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

OrangeObserver.com

CITY OF WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA PUBLIC NOTICE RECREATIONAL USE OF FIREWORKS IS IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (FLORIDA STATUTES 791.06, 775.082, 775.083) AND CITY CODE (SECTION 50-62).

THESE LAWS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF NEW YEAR’S EVE AND JULY 4TH.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ON NEW YEARS EVE AND JULY 4TH: THE CITY PROVIDES OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES THROUGH THE YEAR. HOWEVER, THERE ARE TWO TIMES DURING THE YEAR WHEN READINESS TO RESPOND AND HEAVY DEMAND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO PROVIDE FOR COMPREHENSIVE AND PROMPT ENFORCEMENT, OF THE LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS. THEREFORE, TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC, BUSINESSES AND CITIZENS OF THE CITY, ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND ON JULY 4TH, ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS WILL BE LIMITED. 324904-1

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