W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE
VOLUME 84, NO. 52
•
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017
HAPPY NEW YEAR! YOUR TOWN TRAINING COMPLETE
Pfc. Michael Schaefer, of Winter Garden, has completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He will begin additional training at Camp Pendleton, California. He is the son of Dawn Schaefer, of Winter Garden.
TREES OF HOPE In conjunction with the Challenge 22 5K walk for PTSD and veteran suicideawareness that took place in November in downtown Winter Garden, the American Legion Post 63 and Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees have partnered to share hope with veterans (or anyone) who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. A 10-foot tall tree is set up on the legion porch and is being decorated by the community through the end of December. For more information call, (407) 656-6361.
Floating like a butterfly S. Scott Vandergrift, Ocoee’s longest-serving mayor, died Dec. 21, 2017. He was 77. AMY QUESINBERRY | COMMUNITY EDITOR
I
f you wanted something in the city of Ocoee, S. Scott Vandergrift was the person you wanted fighting on your side. The former longtime mayor championed many causes dear to his heart in his hometown of Ocoee — whether it was hav-
ing a light installed on a dark street or getting the new high school emblazoned with the city’s name. The Ocoee native died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at age 77. The former mayor’s family described him as cantankerous, witty, eccentric and a beloved icon and said he died just as he lived — as a fighter and a legend.
TRIBUTE CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Giving a holiday tradition for Ocoee couple The Eckbreths have served families in need through Southeastern Food Bank for 15 years. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
Dawn and Ted Eckbreth, who reside in Ocoee, are the type of people who cry when watching TV commercials about world poverty and malnutrition. But they are also the type to do something about it. Aside from founding their own homeless ministry — Christians who Care, Caring For People — for 15 years, the duo has volunteered with Southeastern Food Bank in Ocoee, which collaborates with a SEE HOLIDAY PAGE 2