12.30.21 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 88, NO. 52

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Story of survival Alais Salvador has fought brain cancer twice, in addition to colon and lung cancer — and she remains steadfast in her faith, praising God for healing her each time.

STORY ON PAGE 4.

2021

YEAR IN SPORTS Amy Quesinberry

Alais Salvador: “I attribute my attitude to my faith in God, which has given me a positive outlook. I know that He got me through these storms in my life, and I give Him praise every day for the miracle of His healing.”

The faces behind Ocoee PD’s social media posts A team at the Ocoee Police Department utilizes Facebook and Twitter to keep residents informed.

SEE PAGE 2.

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2021 YEAR IN PICTURES

This week, we invite you to revisit some of our favorite images from 2021. SEE PAGES 3-18.

State championships, new coaches and new teams: 2021 proved to be a big year for sports in West Orange County.

SEE PAGE 19

YOUR TOWN OAKLAND PD ISSUES AWARDS The Oakland Police Department held its annual awards ceremony Dec. 16, and Police Chief John Peek recognized several officers for their outstanding service to the town.

Officer Roger Fisher was named Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year and received his second Life Saving Award medal; Officer Jamil Dib was named Officer of the Year and was given a Patrol Service Ribbon; officers Rene Castro and Anthony Edwards received Meritorious Service Awards; Cpl. Curt Crews earned the Criminal Investigations Service Ribbon; Lt. Angela Campbell and officers David Hall, Andrew Ricks and Jason Hayes received the Unit Citation Award — Training Unit; and Code Enforcement Officer Matt Reusch and Administrative Assistant Kelly Sims were presented the Unit Citation Award — Administration Division.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Meet the officers behind Ocoee PD’s social media A four-person team ensures the Ocoee Police Department has fresh, useful and, yes, even humorous, content online.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Do you ever wonder about the faces behind the Ocoee Police Department’s unique social media accounts?

The Ocoee PD is using a small team to make a big impact in West Orange.

The department’s four-person community engagement team works together to create unique graphics that contain essential information to inform the city’s residents.

The team includes Police Chief Saima Plasencia, Community Affairs Officer Natalia Ortiz, Lt. Jack Davidson and Sgt. Blake Prince.

Plasencia has been with the Ocoee PD for more than five years and said she was drawn to the Ocoee area because of the department’s connection to the community “Every day I get to go to work and work in a community that we can actually really reach instead of just coming in, making a report and

moving on,” Plasencia said.

Plasencia does a majority of the actual posting on the department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, but said her work would not be possible without the rest of the team.

“They (the team) are always looking for opportunities to engage our community,” she said. “Whether it be providing information on crime prevention, sending out community alerts, educating on drinking and driving … without them, we couldn’t reach the population we reach on social media.”

The official Ocoee PD Facebook page currently has more than 10,000 followers, while the Twitter account has more than 4,000. In the future Plasencia said the team hopes to incorporate Instagram or Tik-Tok, as well.

Ortiz, who has been with the Ocoee PD since 2018, helps collect important information and create some of the graphics on the social media accounts.

Ortiz said the department uses the social media accounts to better connect with residents by educating the public, as well as keep them informed about recent events.

“We want to bridge the gap

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between our residents and the Ocoee PD through transparency,” Ortiz said. “This is beneficial, because we can further the trust and confidence from our residents, which is a crucial compartment to successful policing.”

Traffic Tip Tuesday, Wanted Wednesday and 9 p.m. Routine are among the most popular postings on the department’s social media.

Traffic Tip Tuesdays educate the public on different traffic concerns that the department sees around

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town like roundabout rules, the importance of turn signals and more.

Plasencia said the team tries to always keep the social media accounts full of fresh content.

“We never want to get to point where someone comes back either an hour or a day or month later and sees the same information,” Plasencia said. “I think we live in a world where people are constantly seeking new information. That’s why we try to remain very active on our social media.”

Ortiz said she is grateful not only for the community engagement team but also the department as a whole.

“I knew that Ocoee PD was a great agency, because it was the perfect size,” Ortiz said. “In a large-sized agency, you become a number, and you’re treated as one. However, at Ocoee PD we’re a family, everyone knows each other and the chief knows you by your name.”

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Ocoee Police Department Community Affairs Officer Natalia Ortiz, Lt. Jack Davidson, Police Chief Saima Plasencia and Sgt. Blake Prince are the team behind the department’s social media presence.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Amy Quesinberry

Alais Salvador fills her days volunteering, appreciating her family and thanking God for healing each of her cancers.

She beat cancer — four times AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

lais Salvador was diagnosed with Stage 3B brain cancer in 2009 but was considered in remission after two successful surgeries. Her daughters were 9 and 4 at the time, and she was relieved to know she would live to see them grow up.

In 2018, the Winter Garden resident received news that the tumor had returned — again, Stage 3B. It was treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. A year later, she was diagnosed with Stage 3B cancer of the colon. This June, doctors told her she had Stage 1 lung cancer, which was treated with surgery. All have been unrelated, she said, which is a blessing.

Once again, she has beaten the disease — choosing to remain positive and putting all her trust in God. “I have believed in God, but I think (the diagnoses) drew me closer to Him, and so it’s kind of just given me peace, believing and realizing that He is God and He can do miracles — and I feel like that is what he has done for me,” Salvador said. “He has given me healing and a blessing in my life that I can share with other people.”

Salvador also stays motivated by her girls, Faith, now 21, and Mya, 17, and her husband of 28 years, Mark.

“I love them with all of my heart,” she said. “My girls have grown up with their mom having cancer. I hope that I have been a great role model for them, to be positive no matter what

you are facing, and He will get you through it. I am so blessed to be with my girls as they are growing up and getting to spend more time with my husband. My husband, along with my parents, Deni and Mike Foley, were my caregivers and my rocks. I also had several friends who drove me to my appointments over the years.

“I am thankful to all of these people, as I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “I have always stayed positive, as I feel like God has made me into a stronger person because of these illnesses. I am very blessed to be here with my family. I am truly blessed and also thankful to all of my prayer warriors.”

FROM EMPLOYEE TO VOLUNTEER

Salvador said she was devastated when she had to quit her job at Walt Disney World to go on disability leave. The Mouse had been a big part of her life since she was in the Disney College Program. She also worked at the concierge at Disney’s Dolphin hotel and was a casting agent/ employment assistant in Disney’s casting center. She held an administrative assistant’s role at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well.

Salvador needed something to occupy her time since she couldn’t work, so she concentrated more on volunteering her time to help others.

Volunteerism has been part of her life for a long time. She ended up working with Child Keepers of Louisiana after she thought she recognized a missing child and called the hotline. Her first paid position was with March of Dimes in Louisiana.

“My minor was in social work, so it was a part of me,” she said.

Salvador has co-led the Southeastern Food Bank’s Food for Families — from warehouse setup to boxing food items for local families in need — since 2008, although the pandemic and her bouts with cancer has prevented her from volunteering consistently.

She co-led an American Cancer Society/West Orange Relay for Life team from 2008 to 2010 before it became Relay for Life of Winter Garden. She ran several committees and handled the luminaria ceremony for three years.

“I was very involved with Relay for Life, because I have around 19 friends and family who have passed from cancer, are still fighting and are survivors,” Salvador said. “This became an online event, which I have participated in during COVID, and it is still being held virtually.”

She has been involved in Mosaic Church’s Buddy Break for four years.

The Saturday program gives specialneeds children, called VIPs, a place for them to engage in activities so their parents can have a few hours to themselves.

Salvador signed up to do behindthe-scenes work on the overall volunteer plan for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games but had to pause because of the lung cancer. She said she hopes to resume the work in January.

“I feel like volunteering comes natural to me, as I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager,” Salvador said.

“I love knowing that I’m giving back and serving others. My family has

also volunteered with me on a few (events). My friends have helped me with these events as well as others.”

A FIGHTER

Salvador said she is motivated by her family and friends and she is thankful for her husband’s and parents’ constant caregiving.

“They were my rocks,” she said.

Cancer has claimed so many of Salvador’s family and friends. She has lost two grandmothers, a grandfather, an aunt and other relatives; she had to say goodbye to a friend, Jimmy Crabtree; and her husband’s best friend in childhood, Dean Poroch, died of cancer.

Her mother is a breast cancer survivor, so Salvador is a patient in a high-risk breast-care clinic as well.

“I continue to have regular scans for all of these cancers,” she said.

“I will do scans every six months of my brain, pelvis, abdomen, lung and breasts.”

Salvador always wears three bracelets on her arm: a silver one with the word “survivor”; a small silver one with “survivor” written in Braille; and one that is gray, blue and white to represent the colors of her three cancers.

Receiving four cancer diagnoses has been difficult for Salvador and her family.

“I got it all out — I cried — and we moved on,” she said. “I can’t change it. I can’t change what it is. It’s going to be what it is. I just have to have a positive attitude and fight it. I’m a fighter — and a survivor.”

Bracy scholarship program gives opportunity to Ocoee students Florida State Sen. Randolph Bracy wants to expand the scholarship program to 500 students.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Descendants of the victims of the Nov. 2, 1920, Ocoee Massacre — as well as other black students in Ocoee — now have support in paving a way for a different future with the help of the Ocoee Massacre Compensation Scholarship.

The Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program, passed by the Florida State Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis June 2, went into

effect July 1. It will provide financial assistance to 50 students from Ocoee High School, who are either direct descendants of a victim of the Ocoee Massacre or are a current resident of Ocoee.

“It’s hard to move forward as a community without talking about these tragedies that have really happened and addressing them appropriately,” Florida State Sen. Randolph Bracy said about the scholarship program. “That’s why I thought it was important (to push for this program).”

The program utilizes more than $300,000 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund. Students can receive up to $6,100 annually to help cover the costs for their education. They must attend a state university, public state college or public

postsecondary technical center in Florida to receive the aid.

Descendants of victims of the Ocoee Massacre must provide any documentation linking them to one of the victims such as an obituary, church record or death certificate.

Ocoee residents looking to apply would need to provide an ID, driver’s license or a bill showing proof of residency.

Bracy spurred the legislation, and with the help of Republican Sen. President Wilton Simpson, got it passed through the budget process instead of the bill process, where it would have had to go through each of the committees for approval before heading to a vote. Plus, it was a better idea for legislators to get behind than his previous plan, which included reparations to descendants.

“It’s difficult to get any bill through (the Legislature) — especially something like this would prove to be difficult — so I thought scholarships would be the right thing to do,” Bracy said.

Bracy announced Dec. 1 he is looking to expand the program to 500 students by the end of the year.

This would make the scholarship the largest program in the country that pays some form of compensation to African-Americans, he said during his press conference announcing the proposed expansion.

“I believe that addressing past racial unrest with compensation is a way to heal those past (scars) in the community,” Bracy said. “I am glad that we are going to be able to expand this program and make it the largest of its kind in this country.”

CONTACT US

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.

If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

JANUARY

The King family has been breaking barriers in Winter Garden for more than a century. Charles Alexander King, the city’s first black police officer, died Dec. 24, 2020. He was 83.

Published Jan. 21, 2021.

Matthew Cobb was given a 50% chance of survival after the healthy 20-year-old had a cardiac arrest in November. Doctors had no explanation. Published Jan. 14, 2021.

Published Jan. 21, 2021. After diagnosing Joel Sioson with an aortic valve tear, doctors gave him a 1% chance of survival. On Jan. 5, the Windermere man was discharged. Published Jan. 21, 2021.

Efrain Rivadeneyra, longtime crossing guard for Thornebrooke Elementary School, died Jan. 18. But that last job — keeping kids safe — was one of many he performed during his extraordinary life. Published Jan. 28, 2021.

Dozens of residents in the Sonata West assistedliving facility lined up Jan. 11 to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In-house primary-care physicians and staff members received their first doses in the vaccination program, as well. Published Jan. 14,

After a 28-year career with the Ocoee Police Department, Chief Charles Brown made his final radio call and retired Jan. 22. Published Jan. 28, 2021.

Right: Winter Garden resident Mark Austin, a team medic for the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic race team, helped keep his team safe during the Prada Cup and America’s Cup. Published Jan. 14, 2021.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Rod Reeves is an icon in the local art scene and has been ever since he was a young boy growing up in Winter Garden. Published Feb. 11, 2021.

FEBRUARY

Windermere Prep alumna Ashley De La Rosa earned a spot on the cast of the San Francisco Company’s production of ‘Hamilton.’ Published Feb. 18, 2021.

Ocoee resident Bruce Brown had the celebration of a lifetime when dozens of people drove by his house to honor him for his 59th birthday. Published Feb. 18, 2021.

Ten local teenagers have a heart for making a difference in their town through the Windermere Active Youth Committee. Published Feb. 25, 2021.

Six-year-old Noah Thompson showed the strength of his favorite superhero — Spider-Man — as he endured his first treatments for leukemia. Published Feb. 11, 2021.

After years of planning, the new Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital opened its doors for the first time Saturday, Jan. 30. Published Feb. 11, 2021.

Right: After several years of uncertainty, Stoneybrook West Golf & Country Club was scheduled to be offered for sale in an online auction.

Published Feb. 4, 2021.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Thomas Lightbody | TK PHotography

West Orange High student Luca Hewett wrote a powerful essay about veterans that has garnered him $10,000 to further his education. Published March 11, 2021.

Thanks to a grant from the West Orange Healthcare District and partnership with Do Good Farm, Hope Charter and Legacy High schools have their own farm. Published March 25, 2021.

MARCH Members of the Horizon West community and beyond, decked out in green, showed up to enjoy the sunshine and festivities at Hamlin’s St. Patrick’s Day block party Sunday, March 14. Published March 18, 2021.

Brothers Jimmie and Jeremy Smith keep their father’s legacy of barbecue alive and well in Winter Garden. Published March 4, 2021.

Right: Despite weeklong forecasts for downpours, the weather took mercy on Hamlin March 6, as hundreds flocked to the 2021 Horizon West Fest. Published March 11, 2021.

Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Nora Brophy and longtime Windermere resident John Nabers were thrilled to have this beautiful “Golden Games” statue residing in Central Park.

Published March 25, 2021.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien and his wife, Kristin, showed off their daughter Emily’s artwork at Foundation Academy’s Fine Arts Outdoor Festival Saturday, March 27. Published April 1, 2021.

Christian Greico caught the coveted “Jim Thomas” fish in Lake Apopka, which snagged him a $5,000 prize. Published April 15, 2021.

SunRidge Middle band director Melissa Westerman spearheaded a campaign to raise money to purchase instruments for the school. Published April 8, 2021.

Wes Beacham, lead pastor of Hope Church in Winter Garden, was named Windermere Police Department’s newest chaplain. Published April 8, 2021.

Right: Carol Stein was among the performers at the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s Broadway & Beyond, held Saturday, March 27, at Newton Park in Winter Garden. Published April 1, 2021.

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Kick-off Your Year with a Fresh Start!

Healthy West Orange is excited to host our 1st Annual Fresh Start Festival at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland on Saturday, January 29 from 9:00am to 12-noon!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

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Benefits of Charitable Giving

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

Rudy Zubricky, the last woodshop teacher in Orange County Public Schools, said goodbye after 35 years at West Orange High School. Published April 29, 2021.

1. Makes you feel good

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2. Strengthens personal values 3. Makes a larger impact on a greater number of people

4. Introduces children to the importance of genorosity Winter Garden siblings and Disney pin collectors Alex, Sydney and Julia Hevier are the masterminds behind the newly patented PinFolio. Published April 1, 2021.

Winter Garden’s Chip Hawthorne rode his Toro Z Master 4000 lawnmower for 130 miles across Florida — all for West Orange Habitat for Humanity. Published April 15, 2021.

Perfect timing and an empty field combined to bring the first Hamlin Fair to Horizon West. Published April 29, 2021.

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

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In-person events return this January!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Windermere Brewing Company cofounder Andy McGhee celebrated the groundbreaking of the company’s taproom and microbrewery in downtown Windermere. Published May 6, 2021.

After being laid off from his job at Disney, Zachary Miller — and Csaba Szilagyi — combined their prowess for acrobatics with Curbside Circus. Published May 13, 2021.

MAY After COVID-19 canceled the majority of events last year, the West Orange Junior Service League and guests were thrilled to be able to enjoy a day at the derby Saturday, May 1, for the league’s annual Run for the Roses fundraiser.

Published May 6, 2021.

Left: Danny Stutsman and Foundation Academy President David Buckles celebrated together during the school’s commencement ceremony Monday, May 24. Published May 27, 2021.

Ocoee High seniors paraded through the school parking lot, making a final mark on the high school before graduation. Published May 20, 2021.

Left: Winter Garden USA, Emily Bray, represented the city at the Miss Florida USA pageant in Orlando. Published May 13, 2021.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcome Riegl USA to Winter Garden

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The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcome VyStar Credit Union to Winter Garden

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Winter Garden’s Premier Senior Living Community

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4814 Hamlin Groves Trail | Winter Garden, FL 34787 | blakeathamlin.com License # Pending

The West Orange Chamber Offers 4 Networking Groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Animal lovers and families looking for a fun outing made their way out to Hamlin to take in the first Hamlin Hoedown Saturday, June 19. Published June 24, 2021.

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11

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Ocoee High Athletic Director Bill Alderman was a good sport about being in the dunk tank at the school’s Class of 2021 carnival.

Published June 3, 2021.

Ocoee firefighter Taylor Pageau, back row, middle, had plenty of support while he recovered from surgery to remove a noncancerous brain tumor. Published June 10, 2021.

Left: Windermere Preparatory School’s Zavien Williams received a bear hug from his mother — Dr. Leslie Williams, the director of high school — after receiving his diploma. Published June 10, 2021.

JUNE Five-year-old Imani Harvey’s heart was failing her, and her only hope was a transplant. Later in the year, she received one. Published June 17, 2021.

Right: Members of the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office stood with keynote speakers retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin Wimbish and Orange County Sheriff John Mina at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home’s Memorial Day service. Published June 3, 2021.

Isiah “Ike” Wilson IV, who recently was named offensive coordinator for the Horizon High football team, died Thursday, June 3, after a long battle with cancer. Published June 10, 2021.

Introducing a better way to bank in Winter Garden.

And it comes with free checking.

At VyStar we’re all about doing good. Good for our members, by helping them make the most of their financial futures, and good for the area by giving back to the communities we serve. Stop by our new Winter Garden branch and see all the good we can do for you.

MEMBERS ENJOY: > Free checking with no minimums > Paid up to two days sooner with a VyStar checking account direct deposit* > Network of 20,000+ surcharge-free ATMs across North America > Reduced or zero fees for most services > Lower rates on loans

Now open at 14130 W. Colonial Drive 800-445-6289 vystarcu.org/wintergarden

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All new accounts are subject to approval. *Posting is contingent on the originator releasing the payments into the network early.

Certain restrictions may apply. ©2021 VyStar Credit Union.

12

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

BAPTIST

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

Horizon West resident Aretuza Garner opened the Orlando Dance Conservatory in Winter Garden. Published July 15, 2021.

JULY

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

www.starkelakebaptist.org

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

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

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

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.

Lindsey Franxman made proud as the community tive in the Miss Florida U held in Coral Springs. Pu 2021.

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

Addison Phillips was delighted to “swim” through the ball pit at Lake Cypress Summer Camp at Windermere Prep. Published July 15, 2021.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

Right: Billy and Jessica S are looking to build a fam Slaughterized Ink Tattoo Studio in Ocoee. Publish

Local artist Paige Nethers created a 24-page coloring book featuring landmarks along Plant Street and other Winter Garden scenes. Published July 29, 2021.

Left: Children and famili Independence Day in red blue style as they partic 17th annual All American downtown Winter Garde 4. Published July 8, 2021

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LV14252

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDER YOUR CUSTOM MADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS NOW!

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refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

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

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

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

Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

Personalized care with compassion and excellence.

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

TEXT

Office Hours:

“MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 This is a secure site for giving

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12

By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761

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TO DONATE

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

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

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

Wellington Esquea, PA-C Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani

Se Habla Español

Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com 368720-1

0 places wing subu esented b he best s wing subu he best s OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

13

The City Winter Ga Is Now Hi Full Tim Positions Benefit

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

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

West Orange Habitat for Humanity selected Shannon Ligon and her daughter, Neirah, for a home in Winter Garden. Published July 22, 2021.

Retirement – Pension with 5 year vesting Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee only coverage Health Savings Account - The City contributes $1,454.24 annually to your account.

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

many recreational amenities, events, and historical and natural assets

Garden continues toassets growWinter and rivaling bes officer Kevin Tuck was arrested July 15it fora great place historical and natural assets that make to itlive and visit.

In 2019, Garden historical and natural thatthrive, make it a greatthe place that make a great place to TO live and visit. Winter Garden was ranked HOW APPLY his participation in the Jan. 6 breach of Money.com as one ofWest the topSt., 10Winter places inas the nation to live. was ranked by Money.com as one of2021. the top 10 by places nation to live.

InGarden, 2018, Winter was in ranked by Money.com one of theWinter top 10 place In the Person: 300 Plant FL 34787 the U.S. Capitol. Published July 22, Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by the AmeriOnline: www.cwgdn.com Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by thethe American Planning Garden Great Chapter.

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

Ranked of Garden the fastest growing s growing

by Forbes.com, the as Cityone of Winter continues to Retirement –the Pension with 5inthe year vesting Garden continues to grow and thrive, rivaling thegrow best small cities in Florida and nation! and thrive,continues rivaling best cities Florida and the nation! the bes Garden tosmall grow and thrive, rivaling Former Windermere Police Department

BENEFITS

e m o c l e W

REFRESH YOUR

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

Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee mily legacy at Medical Insurance – 100% City paid employee-only coverage Medical Insurance - 100%forCity paid coverage employee o and Piercing and and a partial City contribution dependent only coverage hed July 1, 2021.

Vacation Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly only coverage Health Savings Account - The City contributes ies celebrated Health Savings Account - The City contributes Educational Reimbursement $1,454.24 annually to your account d, white and Health Savings Account The City contributes $1,454.24 annually to your account. cipated in the $ $ Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid&holidays yearly City paid Life Insurance Disability n Kids Parade in $1,454.24 annually to your account. en Sunday, July Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly Educational Reimbursement 1.

Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other Vacation and Flexible Sick Leave &Accounts 10 paid holidays Dental, Vision, Spending & Other Group yearly Plans Educational Reimbursement Group Plans City paid Life Insurance & Disability Educational Reimbursement City paid Disability AnyLife FullInsurance &Any 1/2 Clothing allowance uniforms supplied Clothing allowanceor or uniforms supplied BUY MORE & SAVE MORE City paid Life Insurance & Disability Leaded Glass Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other Leaded Glass Group Plans Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other HOW TO APPLY AKE supplied Group Plans Clothing allowance or T uniforms Online: www.cwgdn.com F In Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 O E G A T N Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com PACKAGE DEAL DAYS ARE Clothing BACK! allowance or uniforms supplied DVAAPPLY PACKAGE DEAL DAYS AREInBACK! A !

Online: www.cwgdn.com S L Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 A HOW TO E D FULL GLASS HALF GLASS E S E E FULL GLASS HALF GLASS E FR TH$ FREE $ Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com

e Horizon West y’s representaUSA competition, ublished July 29,

! l l HOME a F

100 50 Dress up that plain door for the season!

OFF OFF OF

DOG DAY$ OF DOG DAY$

$AVING$ Home for the $AVING$ Holidays!

100Winter OFFOF 50 OFF In Person: 300 West Plant St., Garden, FL 34787 DOG DAY$

$In-House Door -House Door HOW TO APPLY 100 OFF $Door 50timOFF Door In Community Development es at $ Es INTERIO R DOOR es at $ 125& 1OFF DoorEs & tim 1 Sidelight $75 OFF Door 75& 1OFF Sidelight 125 OFF Door Sidelight Sidelight Door & 1Plans Inspector Online: www.cwgdn.com SLAB SPECIAL In Person: 300 WestExaminer-Building Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 $ $ $ $ 150 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights 100 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights 150 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights 100 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights We have a large selection of slabs: COMPLETE DOOR Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com $ Pantry, $Homegrown, Assorted Styles, REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILAB Online: www.cwgdn.com 100 Transom OFF Matching (over 5 sq. ft.)

Fleet & Facilities Maintenance LE! Wheat-Frosted, 100 OFF Matching (over 5 sq. Transom ft.)

Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31/21.

Reedglass,

Christmas eals! eD kag Are Doors wearing out? acEntry Pyour

$

$AVING$

Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31/21.

Laundry Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French doors with blinds!

FRONT NEW DOORS COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! ENTRY WITH YOUR anyDOOR full door panel Are your * out?

W/ 1 SIDE-LIGHT CHOICE of Entry Doors wearing Change out those old sliding glass doors with $ $ OR Door or FULL doors wearing Door Are your½ entry out? new your French doors with IN-STOCK blinds!

Are entry doors wearing out?

ANY 2 SIDE-LIGHTS GLASS$ $ NEW DOORS DOORS FRONT Door&&11 sidelight Sidelight Door &out 1 Sidelight any full door Change out those Change those WITH YOUR ENTRY $ old$ sliding glass DOOR old sliding glass CHOICE OF

Mechanic III-Heavy Equipment

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PACKAGE DEALCOMPLETE DAYS ARE BACK! $100 OFF COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMENTS DOOR REPLACEMENTS 25-40% FULL GLASS NOW NOW AVAILABLE! AVAILABLE! FREE HALF GLASS Human Resources OFF se ou 100 OFF 50 OFF -H In Human Resources & Risk Manager $150 OFF Estimates 75 OFF INTERIOR DOOR DOOR INTERIOR 125 OFF 150 OFF

SLAB SPECIAL SLAB SPECIAL

Door & 2 Sidelights 100 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights doors with new S R doors with new O $ R R I $200 OFF M ANY doors DBL DOOR, SWAP OUT 100 OFF Matching Transom French French doors WITH 1 SIDELIGHT (over 5 sq. ft.)

2 SIDELeaded glass only. Not goodMirror on&closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must beOR purchased between 8/1 thru 8/31/21.

After any full door 2 Wrap sidelights LIGHTS with blinds!

of slabs: 1/2 OR FULLWe have a large selection We have a large selection of slabs: Assorted Styles, GLASS Pantry, Homegrown,Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles,

or PRE-HUNG with blinds! UNIT

Before Mirror Wrap

CDL Drivers

Experienced CDL Drivers Needed For Local Routes Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Wheat Laundry Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry Driver-Solid Waste Worker I, II, & III * 25-40% OFF*

25-40% OFF

FRONT ENTRY DOOR NEW DOORS WITH ANY DOORS FRONT ENTRY DOOR NEW DOORS WITHIN STOCK ANY IN STOCK DOORS COMPLETE W/1 SIDE-LIGHT REPLACEMENTS YOUR CHOICE OF $50 OFFDOOR W/1 SIDE-LIGHT YOUR CHOICE OF OR 2 SIDE-LIGHTSINTERIOR SLAB DOOR½SPECIAL OR FULL GLASS Public Utilities OR 2 SIDE-LIGHTS ½ OR FULL GLASS any 1/2 door panel AVAILABLE! NOW We have a large selection of slabs: Wastewater and Water Plant Manager After Mirror Wrap Before Mirror Wrap

Mirror Wrap e your entry doors wearing out? BeforePantry, Mirror Wrap Homegrown,After Assorted Styles,

$75 OFF 10% OFF 15% OFF $100 OFF 2 OR ...

INTERIOR DOOR Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry Change out those SLAB SPECIAL any 1/2 door & 1 sidelight old sliding glassOR We have a large selection of slabs: doors with new Pantry, Homegrown, ANY IN STOCK DOORSAssorted Styles, I n Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry French doors -Home Estim with blinds! * MORE at

FREE25-40% OFF*

50 50

& Water Distribution sliding door

- Levels I, II, and III – Entry Level Candidates Encouraged to Apply. Training Provided.

SHOWER DOORS DOORS DOORSWING 10% 10% OFF SWING SHOWER S OFF Any 1 Frame OFF $100 OFF FR $ $OFF OFF$Parks &OFF E E Recreation Any 1 Frame $ $ In -Home 50 OFF 15% OFF Parks Supervisor – Horticulture EstimatSHOWER any carved design any clear swing SLIDING DOORS esMore Any Sliding Shower 15% OFF 2 Door or Rental swing shower door over sf shower door over 15 any sf any25carved design clearFacility swing Attendant any installed 2 or More OFF $ swing shower door over 25 sf Public showerService door overWorker 15 sf I & II-Parks SHOWERS 50 $OFF sliding door Entry Level and Experienced Landscapers & Groundskeepers Needed Perry’s Decorative Glass any 1/2 door & 2 sidelights

ONT ENTRY DOOR NEW DOORS WITH MIRR OR MATE SIDE-LIGHT YOUR CHOICE OF

2 SIDE-LIGHTS

Mirror Wrap

Utilities Operator III SLIDING SHOWER DOORS SLIDING SHOWER DOORS Utilities Superintendent any installed $ anyWorkers installed Public - Stormwater, Collection Systems, OFFUtilities $OFF sliding door

es

25-40% OFF

ANY IN STOCK DOORS

100100 50 50

½ OR FULL GLASS

any After matching Mirror Wrap transom (over 5 sq.ft.)

50

THRU 8/31/21

THRU 8/31/21

Any Clear Swinging Shower Door up1122 to 25Bichara s/f Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27

Perry’s Decorative Glass $100 OFF $50 OFF SWING SHOWER DOORS 10% OFF100 OFF

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$

1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27

Police

www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883School Resource Officer – Active or Retired Police Officers ANY SHOWER DOOR ANY SHOWER DOOR *Not good with sales, promos or OFF www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 Any closeouts already marked down.

S/F and upOFF Community Service Officer Facebook.com/entrypointbyPerrys UP TO1 21Frame S/F Any Clear22Swinging Lic. # SCC131151683 *Not good with sales, promos or Shower Door over 26 s/f School Crossing Guard closeouts already marked down.

Facebook.com/entrypointbyPerrys Lic. # SCC131151683 any carved design any clear swing 2 or More Lake, swing1122 showerBichara door overBlvd, 25 sf Lady shower doorFLover 15 sf

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Police Communications

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Perry’s Decorative Glass

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683

1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27

www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883

1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix

*Not good with sales, promos or closeouts already marked down.

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

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www.entrypointbyperrys.com Perry’s Decorative Glass

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

The Lake Buena Vista High cheerleading team and coach demonstrated their best Viper claw to celebrate the opening of the new high school. Published Aug. 12, 2021.

Ocoee fashion designer Santia McKoy hosted her first fashion show. Published Aug. 26, 2021.

AUGUST Sidge and Jeane Boast, along with their three sons, celebrated 25 years of running Chick-fil-A franchises in West Orange County. Published Aug. 5, 2021.

Winter Garden resident Robin Ulery’s photo of a sandhill crane won the 2021 National Audubon Society Amateur Photography Award. Published Aug. 19, 2021.

Winter Garden resident Jody Mathews has been sober for more than year and has created Sober is Swaggy, a slogan he proudly wears on shirts and hats as he reaches out to help others fighting addiction. Published Aug. 5, 2021.

Left: Kharma Ingram gave her 3-year-old brother, Eli, a lift inside an Orange County fire truck at Hamlin’s Last Call Before Fall Saturday, Aug. 21. Published Aug. 26, 2021.

Foundation Academy, which is expanding its Tilden Road campus, set an enrollment record with more than 1,000 students across its three campuses.

Published Aug. 12, 2021.

Serving the Community Since 1966

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Open Monday - Friday Call us at (407) 654-3505 For Appointments: Press 3

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Authorizations and Referrals can be faxed to (407) 654-4956

(850) 628-4455

student physicals $30 On-site services include X-Rays, IV rehydration, drug screens, work & DOT physicals, auto accident evaluation & injury care, and FDA Approved Covid-19 Testing

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TELEMEDIC INE AVAILABLE 407-960-218 8 Quality healt h at your finge care Seven Days rtips, a Week 9am-7pm

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

15

Winter Garden resident Jack Ashby was in middle school on 9/11. But that didn’t stop him from calling a military recruiter.

Published Sept. 9, 2021.

SEPTEMBER Flora, a copper monarch sculpture, is the culmination of four years of planning for members of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society. Published Sept. 16, 2021.

Jim Thomas advocated for the restoration of Lake Apopka for 30 years and was the founder of Friends of Lake Apopka and the Oakland Nature Preserve. Thomas, 86, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. Published Sept. 30, 2021.

Doctors are amazed Windermere resident Frank Zotti is alive and continuing to thrive after surviving an aneurysm Aug. 16. Published Sept. 2, 2021.

Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden all held ceremonies to recognize the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Published Sept. 16, 2021.

More than 100 runners, walkers and cyclists joined Healthy West Orange early Saturday, Sept. 11, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its Healthy Selfie.

The West Orange Walk 5K started at Orlando Health Hospital in Horizon West. Published Sept. 16, 2021.

Brooke Malsberger and Jenny DeVito represented the Winter Garden Junior Service League at Edgewood Children’s Ranch 38th annual Country RoundUp Dinner and Auction. Published Sept. 23, 2021.

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

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

“Love A Kid Club”

Ways To Give Scan Me or Visit

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www.loveakid.org

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

Text Message Text “Love A Kid” to 855-894-3939

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Summerport neighborhood leaders approved funds to build a park in honor of 8-year-old Addison Sinclair, who died in December 2020 after a long battle with cancer. Published Oct. 21, 2021.

OCTOBER Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

West Orange High hosted its 2021 Homecoming dance at SeaWorld Orlando. Published Oct. 7, 2021.

Brooke Joyce made a festive mask at Hamlin’s Pumpkin Patch Palooza. Published Oct. 28, 2021.

Photo by Phillip Pacheco

Windermere High School celebrated Homecoming week with a plethora of activities. Published Oct. 14, 2021.

Dr. Jeffery Redding and Kristie Greenberg are the sometimes funny, sometimes serious hosts of ‘Redd & Green — Colorblind.’ Published Oct. 14, 2021.

Left: Winter Garden city commissioners endorsed a plan to expand pickleball in the city. Published Oct. 14, 2021.

Left: Nicole Jones, of the Avian Reconditioning Center, showcased a great horned owl named Nonamé at Nehrling Gardens’ Owl Prowl Art & Wine Wander Saturday, Oct. 23. Published Oct. 28, 2021.

E s TD. 1958

Character Matters.

An education should not only develop intellect, but also character.

Building character since 1958 ONE OF ORLANDO’S TOP PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

PREVIEW EVENTS

JAN

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We invite you to experience what makes Foundation Academy

MAR

22

5

Building a Foundation for Life A Private Christian School Serving Grades Pre-K - 12

Three Beautiful Campuses, All-Christ Centered, One Great School.

PLANT ST. CAMPUS

125 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Grades Pre-K - 6

LAKESIDE CAMPUS

8464 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32836 Grades Kindergarten - 4

TILDEN CAMPUS

15304 Tilden Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Grades 7 - 12

Lakeside Campus now K through Grade 4!

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FoundationAcademy.net

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

17

NOVEMBER Scott Samuelson was first to finish the the 2021 Donut Dash 5K Saturday, Nov. 6, at Newton Park in Winter Garden. Published Nov. 11, 2021.

Windermere High student Ashley Scire received recognition from the White House for her work in animal rescue. Published Nov. 4, 2021.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, second from right, received the French Legion of Honor Medal from his great-grandson, Jackson, middle, at The First Academy’s Veterans Celebration. Joining him were French Honorary Consul Bridgette Jenson, left, U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Peeler and FBO Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth. Published Nov. 18, 2021.

Above: This dancer mesmerized attendees while performing atop a sway pole at the 2021 Flavor Fest of Horizon West.

Published Nov. 18, 2021.

Right: Thanks to West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Natalie Kinscy and her daughter, Amiyah, are settling into a new home and a better future. Published Nov. 25, 2021.

Horizon West residents Britni and Zach Sauls’ son, James Oliver “Ollie” Sauls, was born sleeping Oct. 31, 2018. Since then, they have blessed other families with Christmas gifts in his honor. Published Nov. 25, 2021.

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18

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Even Santa got some shopping done at Legacy Events for Education Organization’s Holiday Market in Hamlin Saturday, Dec. 4.

Published Dec. 16, 2021.

This 105-foot-tall Giant Wheel was the main attraction at the Hamlin Holidays Fair. Published Dec. 9, 2021.

DECEMBER Olympia High School student Jake Carsten recently logged his first solo glider flight. He trains with Jan Driessen, a former Dutch air force fighter pilot. Published Dec. 16, 2021.

The Navy Sea Cadets Color Guard, led by Ensign Larry Reinhardt present the colors during the city of Ocoee’s Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony Dec. 7. Published Dec. 16, 2021.

Alyson Chu, the first Mrs. Winter Garden America, is working with Shepherd’s Hope as part of her platform of healthy living.

Published Dec. 9, 2021.

Amelia Parra, 18 months, was among the many children who enjoyed Gymnastics USA’s Christmas Spectacular Saturday, Dec. 11. Published Dec. 16, 2021.

celebrity cipher

©2021 Universal Uclick

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25 River through Paris 26 Land parcels 27 Skip the big wedding 28 Appears to be 30 ETs’ transports 31 Kind of sax 32 Cove, for one

34 Movie about a couple fighting over orange juice preferences?

37 Without wavering 41 “The Sweetest Taboo” singer 42 Movie about the rise and fall of Helen’s city?

45 Big beer order 47 “Again!”

52 Ancient letter 53 Crawls, perhaps, but doesn’t walk 55 Sound of resignation 58 Resident of the second-largest state 59 Doorway 61 Mimic 62 Shipwreck site, say 64 Reject as untrue 65 Freudian focus

66 Movie about a guppy named for an African country?

72 Senior event 73 Key left of Q 74 Equipment 75 Movie about a group that writes apprehensionthemed verses?

82 Fly catcher 85 Count (on) 86 “Whatever you say” 87 Mme., in the U.S. 88 Turtle cover 90 “To recap ...”

92 Pitched shelter 94 Double-deckers, e.g.

97 University with the oldest a cappella group 98 Sounded like a chick 100 “Silly me!”

102 Movie about singer Paisley’s fan club?

104 Parks in civil rights history 107 One has many quick bites 109 Movie about an aptly named cranky ranger?

114 ___ down (gets thinner) 117 Nepal’s locale 118 Word after “gray” or “Bay” 119 Move laterally 123 “Eat crow” or “talk turkey” 125 Neighbor of Senegal 126 Instruments in Buddhist temples 128 Movie about an association of horror movie

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57 Natural property divider 60 Almost a meter 63 Guitar ridge 67 Stylish fellows 68 “Later!”

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7 Soothing stuff in lotion 82 Become threadbare 8 42-Down hugger?

83 Jazz legend Fitzgerald 9 Free from obligation 84 Ran, as colors 10 Morse code plea 89 Prius, e.g.

11 Consumed with gusto 91 Not more than 12 Doesn’t tip 93 Protein sold in blocks 13 Madame, in Mexico 95 Chemical safety org.

14 Accident sound in a 96 6-1, 7-6, etc., in tennis cafeteria 99 Prescription measure 15 Garlicky sauce 101 Deli meats 16 Arrive at 103 Sparked again 17 Fire crime 105 Casual walk 21 Dwell 106 One is prepared for a 24 Swamp plants meeting 29 Sit and mope 108 Spruces (up) 33 Ink on the body 109 Widely known 35 Caustic cleansers 110 Japanese port 36 Gumball cost, once 111 Agitated 38 Maintain a lawn 112 Vikings’ attacks 39 Divas’ solos 113 Felt fury 40 Mythical maiden 115 Pooh’s creator 42 Poplar or plum 116 In good condition 43 It helps you climb the 120 Plummet ladder 121 Old Italian currency 44 No longer fooled by 122 Caviar, essentially 46 Certain child 124 Entrepreneurial 48 Hope chest wood degrees (Abbr.)

49 “Olly olly ___ free” 127 Sophs., in two years 50 Author Ayn 129 Skirt edge 51 Irish singer of “May lovers?

130 Squeezed (by) 131 Wise member of a church 132 Fabricate, as a signature 133 Retired tennis star Kournikova 134 Barq’s rival 135 Certain children 136 Twitch 137 Cincinnati sluggers

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

Puzzle Two Clue U equals W

R-RATED FILMS by Desiree Penner and Jeff Sinnock. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue D equals F

crossword

Melissa Daly and Colleen Burns enjoyed spending the evening on Plant Street for Light Up Winter Garden. Published Dec. 9, 2021.

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-30-21

DECEMBER 30, 2021

SPORTS

1

2021

A

fter a COVID19-ravaged 2020, athlet-

ics in West Orange and Southwest Orange regained some semblance of normalcy. And in that time, teams representing the community had plenty of success — and reasons to celebrate.

Here are 10 of our favorite sports memories from 2021.

1

DR. PHILLIPS BASKETBALL

Dr. Phillips’ boys basketball team won its first state title in March by capturing the Class 7A title with a 54-46 over Palm Beach Gardens’ Dwyer High School.

The win satisfied the sky-high expectations the Panthers carried with them throughout the season.

“From the beginning of our season we’ve just been talking about going to states,” said Denzel Aberdeen, whose game-high 27 points helped will the Panthers to victory in the state championship. “We’ve been working hard and pushing each other every day in practice just for this moment here — just to run around and tackle each other on the court.”

YEAR IN SPORTS From multiple state champions, new coaches and, yes, plenty of adversity related to COVID-19, 2021 proved to be one for the record books in West Orange and Southwest Orange.

2

FIRST ACADEMY BASEBALL

Just a few months later, The First Academy clinched its first state baseball title, which coincided well with the return of Little League baseball after a year of being shut down.

“It was unbelievable,” TFA head coach Scott Grove said. “It was everything that you work for — as far as being a baseball coach — and seeing the excitement of the kids, you really can’t explain the feeling; it is just the best feeling anyone can have. I know there are so many great coaches in Florida who have never been able to experience that, and it’s just such an honor. … I couldn’t have asked for a better group of young men.”

2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

20

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

3

3

WINDERMERE PREP GOLF

Windermere Prep’s girls golf team also won its fourth state championship and first since 2012 — the last of three consecutive championships at that time.

“We were still getting to know (one another), so I wasn’t sure what would happen,” head coach Rick Stewart said of the 2021 Lakers.

“I’m excited and happy for the team. They fought all year long and deserve it. This is a great team to be around.”

4

DR. PHILLIPS LIFTER ZAMORA ST. CYR

And, not to be outdone, DP’s Zamora St. Cyr won the school its first state title in weightlifting.

St. Cyr finished a historic Saturday — Feb. 13 — with a 175-pound bench and 180-pound clean and jerk for a 355-pound total to claim the 139-pound weight class state title — the first such title in the sport in school history.

“I won’t say I’m not emotional — I am — but I’m very collected when it comes to my emotions, so when it happened and everyone was crying … and everyone wanted a hug, and so out of the blue, I just started tearing up,” St. Cyr said. “It was a good moment.”

5

WEST ORANGE FOOTBALL

Just a few miles away, the West Orange football team put together its best season in recent memory in head coach Mike Granato’s second year leading the team. The Warriors captured all three local rivalry trophies in the same year for only the third time in the school’s history. Furthermore, West Orange won a district title and went all the way to the state regional finals.

6

WINDERMERE VOLLEYBALL

Windermere High also had plenty of moments worth celebrating, especially regarding its volleyball team. In only its fifth year as a program, Windermere went all the way to the state championship against Plant High under new coach Daniel “Omi” Fuentes.

“It was a great game against a tough opponent,” Fuentes said of the championship game. “That’s a high level of volleyball over (at Plant). … Even when they were

down, they never quit.”

Even with a gut-wrenching loss like that one, Fuentes realized the magnitude of what that appearance meant to the school community.

“It’s rough when you’re so close, and you’re unable to close that, but we’re thankful for the opportunity that we got,” he said. “It was a dream season; a magic season.”

4

7

WINDERMERE PREP SOFTBALL

Windermere Prep’s softball team compiled an amazing 25-2 record en route to a berth in the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament. The Lakers fell 4-3 to Academy of Holy Names after walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh.

Still, the Lakers had plenty of reason to celebrate.

“We’ve never won a district championship and never won a regional championship, so to win both this year and go to the state championship game is monumental for our school,” Lakers head coach Wes Pollock said. “We have a good core in place that’s returning — we’re going to lose a few good seniors for sure — but there is a good core in place, and I think we’ll be competitive next year. Now that they’ve tasted success and what it takes to win, hopefully that’ll make them better players and just as hungry next year.”

5 Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

8

8

RAMIREZ GETS 500TH WIN

In the fall, Dr. Phillips swimming and water polo coach Leonardo Leon Ramirez earned his 500th victory as coach for both teams combined, making him among the winningest coaches in DP’s storied history.

“It means I’m still coaching well,” Leon Ramirez said of the accomplishment. “I’m passionate for both sports, so it was a pretty cool feeling. It made me feel old, to be honest.”

9

NEW SCHOOLS

6

In the fall, the communities welcomed two new schools with the openings of Horizon and Lake Buena Vista high schools. All the teams within the Hawks and Vipers programs have impressed with their dedication to establishing traditions and building a solid foundation upon which their respective histories will sit.

9

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OBSERVER

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

10

Henry “Eugene” Adams, 67, of Orlando, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, after a long battle with cancer, at AdventHealth Hospital. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

10

NEW COACHES

The year also brought some notable changes on local sidelines. After long tenures as the head coaches at their respective schools, Foundation Academy’s Brad Lord and Windermere Prep’s Jacob Doss decided it was time to step aside. Lions assistant Andre Walker took over as head coach for Foundation, while Windermere Prep defensive coordinator and former NFL linebacker Brian Simmons became the man in charge for the Lakers.

Paul Joseph Albrecht, 78, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at home.

Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Yoselyn de Ambrocio, 30, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

James “Wayne” Anderson, 77, of Winter Garden died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at Health Central Park Nursing Home in Winter Garden.

Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Brenda Lee Andino, 56, of Orlando, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Heather Ann Noyes, 38, of Winter Garden, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Hildegarde “Hilda” (Steinwand) Kolb, 92, of Orlando, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

Marvin Lester, 77, of Windermere, died Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at home.

Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Preston Lee Madewell, 33, of Ocoee, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Barbara Marsh, 80, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Kathleen Mazurowski, 78, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Brian Fornear, 78, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at home. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, Winter Garden.

Eileen M. McHugh, 80, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

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Ronald L. Wolfe Sr., 74, of Orlando, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at AdventHealth Hospice in Orlando.

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Valentin Morales, 24, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Audrey J. Evans, 94, of Ocoee, died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at home.

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

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

FREE

13178 Win

Furnishings

aC l Now for . pA pointment d. ire u q e R n o p u CoY SERVI/C2E1 TODAY! US LL CA N A Exp. 8/31 7-880-9300 40 Cal Now for Auto Service Auto Service . t n e m t n i o p p AThen ur transmission? call On a mission to fix your transmission?

Then call . d e r i u q e R n o p u Co CHECK ENGINE CALL USFLEETODAY! T SERVICES 1 MISSIONWORLD ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD 2 / 1 3 / 8 .

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Merchandise Wanted

349888

Made for where you live. Here!

Includes up to 7 quarts of 1150-B East Semoran Blvd. Apopka, FL, Full Synthetic Oil and new filter.

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 1/31/2022.

1150-B East Semoran Blvd. Apopka, FL, 327

STUFF found here.

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com PROOF PROOF APPROVAL to

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APPRO

the Following Important to Check the Following Please Please Sign Below Name Copy/Picture/Logos

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Professional Services 368810

Auto Service

368819

No job is too sma

• Screen Door Repair and Replacement

• Estate Sales • Consignment • Downsizing • • Clean-Outs (Storage Units & Hoarder Homes) • • Buy-Outs •

• Sliding Door Roller Replacement

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

• Sliding Door Track Replacement • Sliding Patio Door Alignment

TFN

1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More 368813

407-656-1817

Veteran Owned and Operated

Roofing TFN 368812

GARAGE

WE RECOMMEND LE INSTALLING A DOUB Y ER EV ON BOLT LOCK O TI PA G IN SLID DOOR.

368050

TRAYWICK'S

• Window Repair

Call us for a

FREE Estimate www.CSSlidingGlassDoorMaintenance.com 863-594-4788 centerstatesgd@gmail.com

FIRE TECH

EXTINGUISHER

SERVICE

1207 North Lakewood Avenue Ocoee, FL 34761

REG# MV-01095

Richard Hudson • Regie Hudson

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

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

Certified Backflows by Dale 368815

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 407-656-2121

Helping safeguard our drinking water through one correctly functioning backflow assembly at a time.

CREATE BUZZ!

Dale B. Croft Backflow Tester & Repair Specialist since 1993

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

(407) 795-7882 certifiedbackflowsbydale@gmail.com PO Box 568982, Orlando FL 32856

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com/RedPages

367167

RED PAGES

TFN

Phone 407-656-6646

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

368811

Danny Motes “Your Complete Service Center” 10 West Story Rd., Winter Garden, FL 34787

23

Personal Property Liquidation Services

epair.

R r o o D s We are experts in Sliding Glas ll.

• Handles and Locks

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Professional Services

Center State Sliding glaSS door MaintenanCe

• Door Cut-Downs

|

Call 407-656-2121

24

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

YEARS ARE LIKE SOCKS.

SOMETIMES

THEY

STINK.

The last couple of years have been kind of stinky.

But we are thankful for our loyal readers and advertisers helping us get through the year.

We wish you a happy and fresh 2022!

368533-1

Your friends at

. . . t i a But W

S ’ E R E H T !

E R MO

XNLV18913

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

Tis the

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

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december 26

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december 27

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december 28

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december 29

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december 30

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