05.19.22 West Orange Times & Observer

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

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West Orange moms mobilize to make sure babies are fed. PAGE 9.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

PRIDE & JOY The Class of 2022 survived lockdowns and cancellations — followed by a return to “normalcy.” Through it all, its members have shown an incredible ability to adapt, stay positive and focus on one goal.

Achievement unlocked. Time to party!

YOUR TOWN OCOEE TO HOST ASIAN FESTIVAL Head over to the Ocoee Lakeshore Center and Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 22, to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

The event, hosted by the Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida, will include traditional live music, dance performances, food and drinks, and proceeds will benefit the annual Asian Student Achievers’ Scholastic Awards.

A raffle will be held to win a Tesla overnight experience.

Parking and admission are free.

VOLUME 89, NO. 20

FREE

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Celebrating seniors!

The members of Class of 2022 overcame and adapted to get here. INSIDE.

NET LOSS

Bob Restivo has been teaching numbers and equations for 40 years — 35 of them at West Orange High — and will retire at the end of the school year. SEE PAGE 4.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amy Quesinberry

Bob Restivo wore a math-inspired T-shirt given to him by a student. He explained: “Calculus has its limits, and you may even have to go to — and it looks really close to the hospital — but it’s L’Hospital.”

Genealogist Kathryn Knight will hold a talk and book signing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. She and her coauthor, Jane R. Wood — who have released “Finding Family Treasure” — will discuss genealogy for children.

The juvenile fiction book is for young readers and explores issues such as diversity, inclusion, multiculturalism, immigration, slavery and antisemitism in an ageappropriate manner, said Knight, a former West Orange County resident who writes under the pen name K.I. Knight.

To attend, RSVP to the history center by emailing jcrescitelli@wghf.org or calling (407) 656-3244.

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Florida’s biggest economic crisis in history The state’s $3.6 trillion property insurance market is in collapse. Whether Floridians and Florida’s economy will be rescued will be a political duel between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Speaker Chris Sprowls and the state’s plaintiff attorneys. OrangeObserver.com

AN OCOEE ORIGINAL

Seniors at Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Olympia, Windermere and West Orange high schools celebrated their final moments of high school. SEE PAGES 6-7.

Families enjoyed fun and food as the Ocoee Police Department rolled out the blanket for its annual picnic Saturday, May 14, at Central Park.

SEE PAGE 11.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Windermere readies for Bird Island hearing The Orange County Commission will discuss the proposed Boats and Water Safety ordinance, designed to address ongoing problems on Bird Island near Windermere, around 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 24.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

PROPOSED ORDINANCE

The revisions to the Chapter 8 Boats and Water Safety Code Ordinance would include creating Section 8-38, designating a swim area and vesselexclusion zone in a portion of Lake Butler.

The ordinance states that no owner, operator or person in command of any vessel shall permit the operation of or operate a vessel within the swim area designated by the subsection.

In addition, the following vessels are exempt from the prohibitions contained in the section: vessels owned or operated by the owner of the island; vessels operating under emergency conditions during an emergency; vessels used solely for law enforcement, firefighting or rescue; or vessels used by an employee, officer or authorized agent of local, state or

federal government for ensuring compliance with local, state or federal law or for performing other official duties.

At the BCC adoption hearing May 24, staff will recommend the ordinance update take place in two phases.

Phase One will “address safety, natural resources and wildlife issues at Egret Island by designating a new swim area and vessel exclusion zone at the island.” Phase Two will take place later in 2022 and “bring the ordinance up-to-date to meet state requirements for existing and proposed boating safety zones throughout the county and update language for enforceability of boating safety regulations.”

If the ordinance is approved, the swim area and vessel exclusion zone will be marked with buoys and be fully in effect this fall. A civil citation could be issued by law enforcement for vessels entering the swim area and vessel exclusion zone.

The costs for swim area buoys and installation, and navigation markers

WHEN: No earlier than 2 p.m.

Tuesday, May 24 WHERE: County Commission Chambers, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando SIGN UP TO SPEAK: bit. ly/3MfGRpB

for additional boating safety zones, will be funded by the Windermere Water and Navigation Control District Municipal Service Taxing Unit.

WINDERMERE PREPARATION

Town of Windermere staff, officials and residents have been preparing for the hearing.

Bird Island is only 10 acres. Its only inhabitants are birds and other wildlife, but the human intrigue and stories surrounding the island are plentiful.

For years, tales of underage alcohol use, partiers leaving trash and the illegal use of rented Jet Skis and other watercraft have become local lore.

The area also has been the site of fatal crashes.

Mayor Jim O’Brien said he supports the proposed water ordinance on Lake Butler. “(It is) the most workable solution to providing protection for the island and wildlife as well as reducing the safety and noise issues that arise from the large gatherings of anchored boats each weekend,” he said. “These gatherings mix swimmers and moving power boats in a tight area with poor visibility, strong wakes, and drugs and alcohol. Enforcement is challenging

and the loud music from boats and deejays is an unwelcome nuisance to those of us who don’t want to live in a night club environment every weekend at our homes. The increased use of the Butler Chain has resulted in six deaths over the past three years, most due to negligence and accidents.

While the ordinance may not be the perfect solution, it is the best option, and an alternative might take years to create or approve.”

Town Manager Robert Smith and Windermere Police Chief David Ogden both will attend, as well as several other town staff.

In addition, the Town Council agreed to reschedule the May Town Council workshop from Tuesday, May 24, to Thursday, May 26, to allow for participation.

Windermere resident Bob McKinley believes there are several problems associated with Bird Island, and some won’t be solved by the ordinance.

“The proposal before Orange County to create a swim-only area will move the boats further away from shore and do nothing to lower the volume of the music being played,” McKinley said.

“There are many problems caused by these parties, and while the swim area may solve a portion, it will not solve them all. We need to change the laws concerning noise and make it so law enforcement can actually charge you without having another citizen complain. The problem with hotdoggers will continue. Some laws and ordinances need to be passed or changed and a much larger law-enforcement presence is needed.”

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After the Orange County Commission’s much-anticipated discussion addressing ongoing concerns about Bird Island fizzled without a decision of any kind at the work session on March 22 — and then was pulled from the commission’s agenda April 5 — the county finally will discuss the proposed Boats and Water Safety ordinance on Tuesday, May 24.

As written, the ordinance would designate a portion of Egret Island, also known as Bird Island located on Lake Butler, as a swim area and establish a vessel-exclusion zone prohibiting the operation of vessels within such designated swim area.

The public is encouraged to attend

and offer comments during the public-comment portion of the hearing.

ATTEND THE MEETING

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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Branching into Brevard AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

donor has stepped up to help create a Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry in Brevard County — and Scott Billue, the founder of the original West Orange County location, wants to make sure citizens know it will not take anything away from the local organization.

“Although it’s one ministry, they will operate under two different financial structures, so whatever is donated in the Winter Garden area stays in West Orange,” Billue said.

“It does not come (to Brevard). We’re using separate funding, separate bank accounts. … We want to make sure everybody knows we have been financially gifted with an opportunity to duplicate in Cocoa what we are doing in Winter Garden.”

The organization will operate under one board, but Billue and his team are looking to put together an advisory board in Brevard to have input from that community.

Cocoa’s mayor, commissioners, city manager and police chief all are in favor of the expansion, Billue said, and several have toured all of the West Orange facilities.

The Brevard County location will be set up at 825 Forrest Ave. in Cocoa, and should be open for services this fall.

The local Matthew’s Hope operates a food pantry, mobile outreach, transitional housing, preschool, medical home and woodworking shop. These same services will be offered in Brevard in the next year.

The main difference is all the services will be located on one large piece of property.

The site — with nearly six acres of land and 35,000 square feet of building space, including a small chapel, sanctuary, fellowship hall and dozens of classrooms — previously operated as a Methodist church before it merged with another church.

Already, someone has donated a golf cart and another person is giving Matthew’s Hope Brevard a recreational vehicle that Billue said can serve as its initial transitional housing.

Shelley Bradford will continue to serve as executive director over both locations. Sharlene Dewitz will become director of Central Brevard, and Andrea Pumar will be the director for West Orange. Meagan Galamback is director of the preschool, but because she has to be on location 60% of the time, there will be an assistant director at each preschool.

A few graduates of the program are relocating to Brevard County to work on staff, including John Noren, a certified chef who will have his own full kitchen onsite.

Billue said the Brevard location will raise funds in the same manner as West Orange through donors and annual events such as the Garden Party and the Giving on the Green golf tournament.

The property includes a large church sanctuary, and although Matthew’s Hope won’t be planting a

Matthew’s Hope, Winter Garden’s homeless ministry, is starting a similar program in Brevard County. Founder Scott Billue said it will operate separately from the West Orange program, and there will be no crossover of funds.

Courtesy photos

Matthew’s Hope is establishing a homeless ministry in Brevard County, and founder Scott Billue said it will offer the same programs available at the West Orange County location.

church, Billue said several churches have inquired about renting space — which would create another source of income for the organization. Wedding receptions, concerts and other group events would be able to rent the accompanying fellowship hall as well.

The property was valued at $3 million, and a potential buyer made an offer prior to the pandemic, but the developer wanted to tear down the church and building a shopping center.

“I can’t tell you how many people have said they were married there, their kids were baptized there,” Billue said. “We’ve met so many people who have been praying over the property that one day it would be used as a ministry.”

Bruce and Valarie Britt are among those praying for a positive use of the property and are the first staff members to be hired. They currently are training for their positions as outreach and campus pastor and to operate the software systems, respectively.

Several people who previously were helping Central Brevard’s homeless have signed on as volunteers.

The “angel investors,” as Billue calls them, paid $1.45 million and have budgeted another $750,000 to get the property ready for Matthew’s Hope.

HOW TO HELP

“I’ve got support lined up for the next 24 to 36 months while we build our funding base (in Brevard),” Billue said.

Cocoa Mayor Mike Blake said there isn’t much in the way of assistance for homeless folks in his community and he is eager to see Matthew’s Hope make some positive changes.

“It addresses the needs of those who are in need of help … but the most important thing I love about it is the accountability,” Blake said.

“The program is transparent. I had the opportunity to see it in full effect, so that’s why I endorse it with open arms. Here’s the beautiful thing about it: No money is given. It’s a

Oakland commissioner recognized with hero award Joseph McMullen received the honor from U.S. Rep. Val Demings for his advocacy efforts during the 2022 Legislative Session.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oakland Commissioner Joseph McMullen received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition issued by Rep. Val Demings for his recent 2022 Home Rule Hero Award. The award was given for his dedication and advocacy efforts during the 2022 Legislative Session.

McMullen worked to promote local voices making local choices, protect

the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the league’s legislative agenda.

Multiple municipal leaders were recognized with the award. Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference.

“I love the state of Florida and have a strong passion for the town of Oakland and the West Orange County region,” McMullen said. “Advocating for local towns, cities and villages, Home Rule — which equals local decision-making — will always be a driving force and mission for me as an elected official, which will result in Florida being one of the best states in the country.”

McMullen was elected president of the board of directors of the Tri-

County League of Cities and was appointed as the Florida League of Cities vice chair of Land Use & Economic Development.

HULL ISLAND

The commission accepted the public improvements associated with the second phase of Hull Island at Oakland. The 45-lot neighborhood was constructed in conjunction with a 110-lot neighborhood. The public improvements consist of roadways and paving, sidewalks, water system, sewer system, and reclaim system, which will be owned by the town. The stormwater system infrastructure is included in the two-year bonding of construction but will be owned and operated by the homeowners association. The total value of these

point system. You invest in the program. Sweat equity. I see a lot of the people who have faced challenges and persevered turning around and investing in others.”

He has had significant interest from people wanting to serving in some capacity.

“I have people already buying into his program,” Blake said. “I’m formulating a committee that will consist of 501(c)3, local government and federal government and family members and ministerial. When everyone has skin in the game you get more productivity. Positive productivity produces pleasing performance.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Kathy Stark read two proclamations, one declaring May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 15-21 National Police Week, and the other recognizing May 15-21 as National Public Works Day. The proclamations were presented to Oakland Police Chief John Peek and Public Works Director Mike Parker.

Chief Peek presented a letter of recognition to Tony Siceloff, the owner and operator of Trailside Crossfit for volunteering his

Oakland-owned improvements, which does not include the stormwater components, is $1,328,482.01. The required maintenance bond also has been put in effect.

BRILEY FARMS

Commissioners accepted the second zoning public hearing for Briley Farms, which included several minor changes: the developer is permitted to

Matthew’s Hope is based in Winter Garden and is a fully independent, faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit homeless outreach ministry organization completely funded and supported by the local community.

Volunteers and staff members help connect guests with various resources and services of need. To make a financial contribution, visit matthews hopeministries.org.

business and staff to host the police department’s first bench press competition to raise money for Special Olympics.

By consensus, the commission agreed to move the twice-monthly Oakland Town Commission meetings from the Zoom Meeting platform to a livestream-only Zoom Webinar Platform. Residents still can watch the meetings remotely, but this offers a greater degree of protection against virtual attendees doing, saying or playing something inappropriate. The change will take place in July.

include a detached accessory dwelling unit with a separate meter on estate lots; the owner will dedicate to the town about 16 acres to the Oakland Nature Preserve and five acres for a town park; and the owner will construct an off-site reclaimed water line to connect to the neighborhood reclaimed lines. The nearly 70-acre site will have up to 111 single-family homes.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Longtime math teacher retires from West Orange O

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@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

Bob Restivo said he has always preferred the use of the whiteboard when teaching lessons.

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.

A LONG CAREER

MAKING AN IMPACT

Restivo said technology has been the biggest change in his four-decade career. “(We’ve gone) from cell phones to computers to laptops and calculators even,” he said. “Back when I started, students weren’t allowed to do anything on calculators. They had to do everything by hand. I’m old school — I do a lot of paper and pencil and writing on the board.”

As the times changed, Restivo changed with them, and his students continued to learn.

Restivo works with three former students at West Orange: Watkins, Geno Thompson and Megan Hannon.

He said he knows of at least five others who have graduated from college and are teaching math in other states.

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Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

COMMUNITY EDITOR

“I’ve always loved math; it was always my best subject,” Restivo said. “It was interesting … and I always knew I wanted to do something with math.

In college, when I started tutoring friends and roommates when they were struggling in their classes, it never dawned on me that I could be a teacher.”

OCPS hired Restivo in 1982 to teach seventh- and eighth-grade math at Lakeview Junior High School. In the five years he was there, he also taught classes in Pre-algebra, algebra and geometry. It was here that he met his wife, Cathy, also a teacher.

In 1987, junior highs were becoming middle schools, and Restivo said he didn’t want to teach sixth-grade math for the rest of his career.

“I wanted more of a challenge, so I wanted to move up to high school,” he said.

The challenge came through teaching geometry, Algebra II, precalculus and calculus, and the rewards came as he worked with students and watched them achieve the various levels of math and continue on to college.

Moving to the high school level was a blessing, as it allowed him to mentor students who were thinking about a career in math.

“I always tell students, ‘Yes, you want to make money and support your family, but you have to love getting up and going to work,’ ” Restivo said.

His classroom walls are filled with college pennants, many of them gifts from his students.

“It started with an easy way to decorate my classroom,” he said. “I bought about 10 of them and stapled them on the wall.”

Students wanted to see their favorite colleges represented, so they began bringing them in to be displayed. Some of them are signed by the students.

“It’s an easy way to promote education and get them interested in college — and I’m a big college sports fan, so that helps,” Restivo said.

“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.”

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

AMY QUESINBERRY

ne way for teachers to realize the impact of their classroom leadership is to see how many of their students choose teaching as a career. West Orange High School math teacher Bob Restivo has made a positive impact on his students during his four decades of teaching, and he has had the joy of working alongside several of them.

“Bob Restivo is the No. 1 reason that I became a teacher,” said Algebra I and II teacher Luke Watkins. “Mr. Restivo — I still find it hard to call him Bob — was the best teacher I ever had. I was only at West Orange for the second semester of my senior year, but I will never forget how welcome I felt in his class.”

Restivo, who has been an employee of Orange County Public Schools for 40 years, is retiring from his 35-year stint at West Orange High School at the end of this school year.

He was celebrated Tuesday, May 10, with a surprise gathering at the school.

Restivo is a man of routine, so it was easy for teachers and his students to be ready for him as he walked across the courtyard after lunch.

Warrior runners led him through a crowd of cheering students and to the jazz band, which performed a few Beatles songs for him. A plaque with a Warrior football helmet was presented to him to thank him for the 25 years he worked on the “chain gang” and managed the signal poles during football games.

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Bob Restivo has taught math for four decades.

Amy Quesinberry

Bob Restivo, second from right, had the pleasure of teaching with his former students: Megan Hannon, left, Luke Watkins and Geno Thompson.

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Bob Restivo shows an equation to his grandson.

Right: Bob Restivo managed the chains for the football games for decades.

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The football team gave Bob Restivo thanked him for his chain-gang service.

“If I didn’t know the answer to a question, he didn’t make me feel stupid,” Watkins said. “He would help guide me to the answer. He had a way of making a difficult subject like calculus seem like basic math. Because of his guidance, I was able to receive the highest score I could get on the AP test that year. Even in college taking math courses, I never found a teacher who impacted me as much as Bob Restivo.”

“He has the exceptional gift of taking complex material and breaking it into digestible bites, all while wearing a benevolent smile,” said Megan Hannon, who will replace Restivo as calculus teacher. “This was one of the motivations that led me to decide to teach mathematics. Similarly, as a colleague, Mr. Restivo is always willing to help his fellow teachers with that same benevolent smile.”

“Bob Restivo was a teacher who

genuinely cared about his students and how well they understood the material,” said Geno Thompson, who teaches AP statistics. “He graded every single problem and told you what you did wrong on each assignment. When I joined the West Orange staff, he became a mentor that I could go to regardless of the topic. He will be deeply missed here at West Orange.”

The Restivos live in Winter Garden and plan to stay here. This is also where they raised their two children — Rachel, an elementary school teacher, and Tony, a construction foreman.

“We’ve lived right here in Winter Garden pretty much our entire career,” he said.

Restivo’s wife already has retired, so the two are looking forward to having more time together.

“I don’t have everything figured out, but I will be spending a lot of time

Cathy and Bob Restivo met when both were teaching at Lakeview Middle.

with family, with grandchildren,” he said. “I’ll be tutoring a little bit to keep my mind sharp, reading, exercising, basically doing whatever I want to do.”

Reflecting on his career, Restivo is proud of the leadership role he played in the classroom.

“I just feel like I have had a dream job and I’ve been able to do what I love,” Restivo said.

“To work with him at West Orange and continue to see the impact that he has on a whole new generation of students, I count myself extremely blessed to be able to call Bob Restivo my teacher, my colleague and my friend,” Watkins said.

“One day I hope that I can have students look back on their high school career and say that I was able to impact them even half as much as Mr. Restivo impacted my life,” Watkins said.

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Waterfront setback requirement dominates council discussion Town council members debated the town’s 50foot waterfront setback for pools after the DRB voted unanimously in favor of the setback in April.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

A conversation relating to the 50-foot waterfront setback requirement for pools dominated the discussion at the Tuesday, May 10, Windermere Town Council meeting.

Town Planner Brad Cornelius gave a detailed presentation on other cities’ requirements and the Development Review Board’s unanimous recommendation to keep the setback.

PROFESSIONAL AND RESIDENTIAL INPUT

Lakes consultant Amy L. Giannotti recommended keeping the setback, as the Butler Chain of Lakes is an Outstanding Florida Waterway.

Giannotti said the setback is important to keep any pool water from being discharged into local surface waters. She said swimming pools are a known source of pollution to lakes and wetlands because of the chlorine and other pool chemicals that are harmful to aquatic plants and wildlife — even at low levels.

David Hansen, senior environmental specialist at the Orange County Environmental Protection Division, agreed.

“Pool water is not lake water, and the greater (50-foot) distance should be there to allow for infiltration of pool water into the ground rather than run to the lake in case of an accidental discharge,” Hansen said in a letter to Cornelius.

“There may be options like a berm and swale, but these would have to be maintained for the life of the pool.”

Hansen explained the Butler Chain also is subject to several feet

of rise and fall in water levels, particularly post tropical events, and the greater distance may help prevent pool flooding and introduction of treated water into the lake.

He said his concern with a reduction would be that there is nothing to prevent further reductions in the future.

Windermere resident Brandi Haines spoke saying she does not think the town should go backward and take away restrictions, referencing all of the professional recommendations to keep the setback.

However, not all agreed.

Another Windermere resident said Clermont is also recognized as an Outstanding Florida Waterway, although that city only has a 25-foot setback.

“Their fish are thriving, their lake is thriving, and they’re using that ordinance,” he said.

He said looking at the changes and exploring the opportunity could enhance the Windermere area.

Council Member Bill Martini, DRB liaison, said the town needs to do what it can to ensure the quality of the chain of lakes is protected.

Council Member Tony Davitt inquired on what discussion the DRB had in terms of engineering solutions to the problem.

Martini said the DRB did not discuss any provisions relating to seawalls or other factors, as the board’s main focus was on the environmental impacts.

In the end, the council decided to table the conversation to its next meeting, so Cornelius can look at the standards in Winter Park’s setback for consideration, as well as to include the absent Council Member Andy Williams in the discussion.

HISTORY OF THE ISSUE

According to the town’s current rules, all structures must be at least 50 feet from the Normal HighWater Line elevation.

Cornelius said he looked at how many lots in town were impacted by the regulation. His analysis found there are 398 waterfront lots impacted, measuring to about 10% of all the lots in the town. Of the 398 lots, 52 are one acre or greater of size from the Normal-High-Water line. The average lot size of the local waterfront lots is 22,780 square feet.

Cornelius said the issue came up in the past few months, because of the two variances that came in close together — the most recent at the February Town Council meeting by Ashley Walker, who lives at 11 Main St. — after meeting with the DRB, which recommended a 5-1 denial of the variance.

The two cases were both tabled, with one being rescinded.

Cornelius said over a seven- to eight-year period, the town has only processed five variances related to

“We’re having challenges servicing this municipality. The town is having service issues, we acknowledge it, this is something we’re trying to get in front of. This is an absolute industry-wide situation that we are in. I’m not here to give you any excuses. I’m here again to acknowledge what’s happening. It’s unacceptable.”

the setback, and of the five, only three were for pools. Of the three, two pools were denied and one was approved for a pool deck.

WASTEPRO UPDATE

Platt Loftis, of WastePro, delivered an update regarding the company’s struggles servicing the town.

“We’re having challenges servicing this municipality,” Loftis said. “The town is having service issues, we acknowledge it, this is something we’re trying to get in front of. This is an absolute industry-wide situation that we are in. I’m not here to give you any excuses. I’m here again to acknowledge what’s happening. It’s unacceptable.”

Loftis said the company has been having issues when it comes to the pandemic and inflation. He said the supply chain difficulties and labor shortages have also been challenging. In addition, waste tonnages are increasing.

Loftis said the company is addressing the issue weekly with staff and are trying to communicate more effectively when problems arise.

“Please be patient with us; we are working through this every day,” Loftis said. “This is something that we don’t take lightly.”

Mayor Jim O’Brien said although he understands the difficulties, he wants to identify a strategy moving forward.

Loftis said he will compose a detailed action plan for the Town Manager Robert Smith.

“If we’re a little understaffed or there’s extra load and the route leaves the same people at the end short every time, maybe we can reverse some things, and I’m not saying it will go away overnight, but let’s be creative in terms of how we try to distribute the pain if that’s the situation,” O’Brien said.

— Platt Loftis, WastePro

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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IN OTHER NEWS Col. Calvin B. Wimbish, congressional candidate for U.S. District 10, gave an introduction.

Mayor Jim O’Brien read a proclamation designating April 29 as Arbor Day and recognized May 1-7 as Municipal Clerks Week.

Town Council members approved unanimously a resolution adopting revised town personnel policies and procedures approving documentation regarding the Florida Drug Free Workplace Policy.

Tom Stroup was appointed as the newest member of the Historic Preservation Board.

The Windermere council approved unanimously the JPF Development Solutions Consulting & Retainer proposal for the Windermere pavilion as well as an agreement for general services.

The council approved unanimously Kimley-Horn & Associates FDEM grant support services for Butler and Bessie Street drainage improvement projects in the amount of $25,210.

Hao Chao, representative from Kimley-Horn & Associates, said the design and permitting documents were submitted at the end of February to FEMA. He said FEMA has up to a six-month review period, meaning possibly not until the end of August. He said his estimate is a November timeframe for construction.

Council members approved unanimously a property swap at 112 W. Eighth St. The Council approved unanimously ballfield parking lot paving by Middlesex Paving LLC in the amount of $27,447.50.

The council agreed to reschedule the May Town Council workshop from Tuesday, May 24, to Thursday, May 26, to allow for participation in the Orange County Commission meeting regarding Bird Island.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Proud parents lined Plant Street for West Orange’s Sen’ya Later parade.

Annabelle Sikes

Dr. Phillips seniors decorated their cars with creative streamers, paints and unique toys like graduation rubber ducks.

Amy Quesinberry

Ocoee seniors sported shining smiles as they passed by in decorated vehicles.

Courtesy photo

As always, silly string and shaving cream flowed freely and abundantly at Olympia High’s event.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

The Sen’ya Later parade capped off the last week of high school for West Orange seniors.

Left: Windermere’s seniors departed campus with much fanfare.

Andrea Mujica

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

7

Andrea Mujica

Windermere High’s seniors left the campus a little messy — but with plenty of pride.

Right: West Orange seniors decorated cars to celebrate their final week of high school.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

This wasn’t like ‘High School Musical’ A

lthough most of their time as high-schoolers was anything but normal, seniors at Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Olympia, West Orange and Windermere celebrated the end of their time in high school with unfettered joy last week.

All five public high schools hosted respective celebrations for the Class of 2022. Olympia’s senior tailgate and drive-thru kicked off the week Tuesday, May 10. On Wednesday, May 11, Windermere hosted its walkout and drive-thru parade; West Orange took over Plant Street for its Sen’ya Later parade; and Ocoee seniors celebrated at their own drive-thru parade. Finally, Dr. Phillips seniors rode in style at the Panthers’ drive-thru parade.

West Orange’s Sen’ya Later parade has become a Warrior tradition.

— OBSERVER STAFF

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Amy Quesinberry

Ocoee seniors came together to celebrate their last day with the drive-thru.

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Some Olympia seniors got quite creative for their celebratory ride.

Right: Dr. Phillips students waved as they traveled through the senior send off.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Winter Garden considers alcohol allowances moratorium

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ANNABELLE SIKES

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STAFF WRITER

The Winter Garden City Commission heard the first reading of an ordinance that would temporarily limit new businesses from selling alcohol in the downtown area at its Thursday, May 12, meeting.

The ordinance would implement a “temporary moratorium until May 26, 2023, on the acceptance, processing and consideration of applications for development orders, building permits and zoning clearance approvals involving uses or business selling alcoholic beverages within the city of Winter Garden historic downtown district.”

The proposed ordinance also would allow for a possible extension or early termination of the moratorium.

Existing businesses would not be affected.

In a submission to the City Commission delivered by City Manager Jon C. Williams, Community Development Director Steve Pash said the city “has a concern about the impact of having excessive number of businesses selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption within the Downtown District and desires for the city staff to evaluate and potentially propose changes to Chapter 6, City of Winter Garden Code of Ordinance regulating alcoholic beverage sales and to the city’s land development regulations to address such concern.”

Chapter 6 of the Winter Garden city charter states, in part, that an establishment isn’t allowed to have on-premises consumption of alcohol “if the place of business is nearer than 1,000 feet to the place of business of any vendor wherein on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted.”

Restaurants are exempt from this distance limitation.

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DISCUSSION

In the last few years, a number of new businesses have come to town wanting to open and serve alcohol, Pash said. He explained the charter states 51% of sales need to come from food and non-alcoholic beverages on site.

“Some businesses have come in as a retail shop and then started selling small food items, snacks,” Pash said. “Then, they come back and try to be classified as a restaurant and argue with staff to get that alcohol license.”

Staff said the length of the moratorium would allow for staff to have adequate time to review the code sections and the city charter to make sure everything is consistent.

Pash said the planning board recommended denial of the ordinance.

The board had concerns the moratorium would create advantages for the existing businesses and could discourage new businesses from coming to the area.

Pash said staff denied one application submitted prior to any of the ordinances being read. Staff asked that the applicant, Main House Market Kombucha Bar, be allowed to continue as long as it meets all code requirements. The business that was previously in the location had served alcohol.

Pash explained staff currently is not working with any new businesses besides the one stated.

District 1 Commissioner Lisa Bennett said she has had a lot of phone calls relating to the issue.

“Ninety-five percent of them have been in support of the moratorium, to have it just as a pause,” Bennett said.

“Most people want to make sure Winter Garden remains a family-friendly downtown, and they want to make sure we don’t become a downtown Orlando, because we’re a small community and we want that community feel,” Winter Garden Commissioner Colin Sherman, of District 4, said.

The motion was carried unanimously, with the second reading and public hearing set for Thursday, May 26.

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Mayor John Rees read a proclamation designating May as Public Service Recognition Month.

City commissioners approved unanimously an amendment to the Winter Garden code of ordinances relating to municipal elections. The proposed amendment sets the current city qualifying time period back by two weeks, as it currently conflicts with the Florida statute.

Commissioners approved an amendment to the Winter Garden code of ordinances concerning connection to water and wastewater systems and requirements for utility services to properties located outside of the city limits.

Commissioners approved unanimously an ordinance consenting to the expansion of the Orange County Lake Roberts municipal service benefit unit to include certain properties surrounding Lake Reaves located within the city of Winter Garden.

The commission approved unanimously the purchase of a police K-9, not exceeding $10,000, utilizing the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

The commission approved unanimously a site plan for 308 E. Bay St. The applicant requested to build a new 2,048-square-foot office building, along with a 1,350-squarefoot warehouse and various site improvements such as parking and landscaping.

Commissioners approved unanimously an assignment of drainage easements from Orange County to the city of Winter Garden, south of Klondike Street to Plant Street.

City Commissioners unanimously approved a West Orange Trail Utility Easement as part of the Oakland Park development.

Commissioners approved unanimously waiving the formal procurement process and award purchase order in the amount of $276,559.63 to Dale Beasley Construction for State Road 50 manhole repair.

Commissioners approved unanimously the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge annual All American Kids Parade for Monday, July 4.

City commissioners approved unanimously the Party in the Park event for Monday, July 4.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHILDCARE

City commissioners heard the first reading of an ordinance relating to the development of childcare at The First Baptist Church Winter Garden. The proposed ordinance is to rezone 1.38 acres at 72 N. Woodland St., and 81 and 91 N. Main St., on the southeast corner of North Main Street and East Newell Street, from a residential district to a planned commercial development.

The 12,738-square-foot child care facility would include associated improvements like parking and landscaping. The facility would accommodate a maximum of 154 children, some of whom already attend programs at the church.

At a community meeting held about the facility, several attendees had concerns relating to traffic, solid waste and child safety, Pash said. By the end, staff was able to answer all questions, and there were no objections.

Pash said the church does meet the requirements and is off-set with the nearby Foundation Academy dismissal.

The motion passed unanimously.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Town of Windermere to Baby formula shortage galvanizes local mom network recognize Armed Services Day The town will honor eight military heroes Saturday, May 21.

West Orange- and Southwest Orange-area moms are helping one another acquire food for their little ones.

ANNABELLE SIKES

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

About four week ago, Natalie Poma’s mother warned her there may be a baby formula shortage. Poma, a Dr. Phillips resident, has a 2-monthold, Elsie, who needs the Gentlease formula.

After speaking with her mother, Poma checked the stock at her local Target — all out. She checked a few more stores with no luck.

Eventually, she was able to find some — albeit the name-brand variant of the formula at more than double the cost. But as any parent knows, cost concerns pale in comparison to not being able to feed your baby.

“It’s very scary,” Poma said of the shortage.

However, in Poma’s case, through a strong network of friends and other moms, she has been able to acquire enough formula to last for a little while. And, she’s been able to return the favor, as well.

“I have a friend (from college) in Altamonte, and she said, ‘My doctor gave me samples of your formula; I can give you those.’”

In return, Poma was able to find the formula her friend’s baby needs, and they met to trade.

And later this week, when Poma’s older child celebrates her second birthday, some birthday guests who had been on the lookout for Gentlease will be bringing their finds along with birthday gifts.

Poma said she knows she’s fortunate; some moms can’t afford to stock up, and some don’t have a network like she does.

“When I was able to find it, I want to say I never took all of it,” she said.

Other moms need it, too, she said.

In similar it-takes-a-village mentality, one Winter Garden woman also is doing what she can to help her fellow moms.

Daffnee Cohen, mother to two daughters ages 5 months and 2, said the ongoing baby formula shortage has moved her to act.

“This literally makes me feel physically ill,” Cohen said of the shortage. “I just can’t imagine being

IF YOU GO

STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photos

Winter Garden mom Daffnee Cohen is offering surplus breast milk to moms who can’t find formula.

After the birth of her oldest daughter, Cohen was able to stockpile thousands of ounces of breast milk.

In fact, she had so much that she was able to help a friend in need after her older daughter had transitioned to solid foods.

Similarly, Cohen now has thousands of ounces stored and is willing to give some of them to another mom in need.

“I’m hoping I can help someone — even if it’s just a couple of bottles a day,” she said. “Just the thought of having a baby go hungry at 3 in the morning — I felt like I have to do something.

“I’m a pretty bootstrapping person,” Cohen said.

“I just wish we could all be kinder; that’s just being a mom.”

For anyone in need, email Daffnee Cohen at Daffnee@daffneecohen. com.

Windermere resident Pam Martini is hard at work planning for the area’s first Armed Services Day with the help of the town’s officials.

Although she said she has been wanting to put together the event for years, it will finally be coming to fruition on Saturday, May 21.

“My son has been serving, going into his seventh year, and every year, I talk to other parents, and we know so many kids from our town who are amazing, and we talk about why we think they all felt the call to serve,” Martini said. “They really are all awesome kids who just want to give back to their community and their country.”

Martini said Armed Services Day doesn’t usually get much attention, because it is takes place right before Memorial Day weekend.

Martini said although she and the other parent’s are terrified for their children, they are also proud and wanted to do something to honor their hard work and dedication.

“It’s amazing that so many kids of this generation are serving right now, and anyone is welcome to attend the event — friends, family, neighbors, anyone who wants to show support,” she said.

The town put out a call on social media looking for residents or related individuals who are actively serving in the military and received eight responses. These eight individuals will be recognized by name at the ceremony, including Martini’s son, Charles, a sergeant in the U.S. Marines.

Although the activities are still being finalized, the town is hoping to put together calls with family members and their deployed loved ones.

The event will be informal, so peo-

ARMED SERVICES DAY WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 21 WHERE: Administration/Police Department Complex, 614 Main St.

HONOREES

Airman 1st Class Calvin Anderson, U.S. Air Force Ensign Allie Batten, U.S. Navy Lance Cpl. Christopher Clark, U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, U.S. Army Petty Officer 3rd Class Davis Lake, U.S. Navy Sgt. Charles Martini, U.S. Marine Corps Midshipman 3rd Class Sarah G. Myers, U.S. Naval Academy 1st Lt. Jordan Rapport, U.S. Army

ple can come and go as they please.

Town Manager Robert Smith said the event is an opportunity for the town to show the armed services that the community is supporting and honoring them in their brave endeavors.

Town Mayor Jim O’Brien said Armed Services Day honors all those who serve and have served the country as members of its armed services.

“The Town of Windermere is thankful and proud to have so many of our young men and women protecting our Freedom and Liberty at home and abroad,” O’Brien said.

“Today and every day, I ask that all of our residents remember and pray for the safety of all our military families.”

Natalie Poma’s daughter, Elsie, turned 2 months old May 10.

in that situation. It keeps me up at night. … It’s such a gut-wrenching situation.”

In her time as a mother, Cohen actually has dealt with the opposite problem — overproduction.

“The irony is that I used to complain about it,” she said. “The truth is I don’t have to pump at all.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

This is all of us AMY QUESINBERRY

E

very decade or so, I discover a television series that is magical and relatable, introduces me to new “friends” and gives me all the feels each and every week.

“Once and Again” (19992002, starring Sela Ward and Billy Campbell) coincided with my divorce and re-entrance into the dating world. “Parenthood” (2010-2015, featuring Craig T. Nelson and Lauren Graham) and the Braverman clan made me feel less alone as a parent raising children in the craziness that is life.

And now NBC’s “This is Us” (2016-2022, with Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia) has many of us weeping alongside the Pearsons and their generational story as they’ve experienced death, failed marriage, incorrigible teens, shattered dreams and the agonizing pain of watching a loved one lose a lifetime of memories to dementia.

In a nutshell, “This is Us,” tugs at our heartstrings and leaves us wanting more. It’s an emotional roller coaster of human interaction — one cranky friend of mine calls the show “emotional manipulation.”

The series hasn’t just left us crying, though. The episodes also

have made us smile, and they have angered us, left us confused and made us empathetic.

We “awwww”ed at the smallest versions of the Big 3. We rejoiced when the long-awaited adoptions were finalized for Kate and Toby.

We understood when Kate needed to drown her disappointments in cake, cookies or chips. We related to the thrill of finding love again.

Through six seasons, the show has left me — and many of my friends — feeling like we could be watching scenes written from some of the pages of our journals. In my own friend group, we have dealt with the death of fathers, the complications of teenagers and the missed opportunities in life; and we have experienced friendships, family bonds, celebrations, strength and fortitude.

These television characters have become like friends — the Big 3, “triplets” Kate, Kevin and Randall; Jack and Rebecca; and, yes, even Miguel, although my admiration for him didn’t appear until the episode two weeks ago.

The show has been known for how closely it portrays real life, and the second season was no exception. Remember Super Bowl LII, which was played Feb. 4, 2018? “This is Us” aired immediately following the football game and incorporated actual game footage in the episode. I even watched most of the game, because I didn’t want to miss a single minute of “This is Us.” Some shows just have to be watched live, you know.

By now, everyone knows Jack died in a house fire, and this was the infamous episode when it took place. I made sure to watch it with

Through six seasons, the show has left me — and many of my friends — feeling like we could be watching scenes written from some of the pages of our journals.

Courtesy photo by Joe Pugliese, NBC

a friend; I didn’t want to be alone at the time of his passing.

After it was over, I felt as though I hadn’t put all my attention and devotion into that episode, so I watched it again the next day so I could appropriately mourn Jack’s death.

When it was revealed in the episode prior that the fire was caused by a faulty slow cooker, folks were ready to get rid of their Crock-Pots. I admit I hesitated to use mine the next time I wanted to make chili. It looks just like the one on the show and is every bit as old.

Following the episode, the makers of the brand had to do some damage control, issuing a statement that its product is safe and this is a fictional story about a fictional character in a fictional fire.

At one point, show fans added “RIP Jack Pearson” and other epitaphs on Crock-Pot’s Wikipedia page.

According to the page, the

makers of the slow cooker considered a lawsuit but instead took to social media to spread positive messages about their product. In the Super Bowl episode, actor Ventimiglia, who portrays Jack, appeared in an apology ad.

That’s so “Jack” of him.

There is a real fascination with this guy. Every woman wants a husband like Jack Pearson, and every man should strive to be like him. Exaggerations aside, Jack is a man’s man.

And although he died in the second season, we still were able to enjoy his grin and his charm because of the show’s brilliant way of bouncing back and forth through the decades.

This newspaper goes to press before the supposedly gutwrenching penultimate episode airing this week, Tuesday, May 17. It has been called the most emotional one out of 108. I can’t imagine anything worse than Jack dying. Those close to the show

warned us we might want to take off work Wednesday because the Tuesday episode would wreck us and have us in tears.

But, we’ve been told, if we survive this week’s episode, we will be rewarded in the finale, to air Tuesday, May 24. Going on the assumption that Rebecca died Tuesday (it aired after press time), here’s what I’m hoping: That Rebecca is young again and as she reaches the Pearly Gates, it is a joyous reunion where she is greeted with open arms by a youthful Jack, an equally robust Miguel and Kyle the triplet who passed away at birth.

In a recent interview, Ventimiglia said the final episode should leave us satisfied with a full heart. I read online it offers hope and inspiration. We all want that to be true. I think we’re all going to need some relief after this week.

This show, indeed, represents all of us.

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 19

Ocoee rolls out blanket for annual city picnic

ASIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center and Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The event, hosted by the Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida, will include traditional live music, dance performances, food and drinks, and proceeds will benefit the annual Asian Student Achievers’ Scholastic Awards. A raffle will be held to win a Tesla overnight experience.

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Continue to build relationships, engage with fellow business members and connect with leaders while enjoying food and drink. Register at wochamber. com.

BIG RED BUS 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando. Donors are asked to preschedule a time at st.lukes. org/blood-drive.

FRIDAY, MAY 20

WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere.

Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue. Leashed pets welcome.

Visit town.windermere.fl.us.

TUESDAY, MAY 24

OAKLAND TOWN COMMISSION MEETING 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland. Visit oaklandfl.gov.

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. For more, visit downtownwg.com.

REVIVE AND THRIVE 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Starting and running a business is a challenge, and many organizations encounter a slump at some point. West Orange Chamber members have access to this program. For more, visit wochamber.com.

Baisley Everett, 2, loved the bounce house’s slide.

T

11

SUNDAY, MAY 22

SATURDAY, MAY 21

he Ocoee Police Department hosted its annual picnic Saturday, May 14, at Central Park in Ocoee.

Families who attended enjoyed a nice Saturday morning out with good food, games, bounce houses and live music.

Kids enjoyed a variety of activities, including face paintings, various treats and placing their handprint on a crime scene investigator’s car. An Ocoee Fire Department truck also was available for attendees to check out.

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

ARMED FORCES DAY 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 21, at the administration office/police department, 614 Main St. The town will be celebrating with a special ceremony honoring active-duty service members, including residents, children and grandchildren of residents. For more, visit town. windermere.fl.us.

MEET THE AUTHOR 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Genealogist Kathryn Knight will hold a talk and book signing. She and her co-author, Jane R. Wood — who have released “Finding Family Treasure” — will discuss genealogy for children. To attend, RSVP to the history center by emailing jcrescitelli@wghf.org or calling (407) 656-3244.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Ocoee Police Department officers were excited to be at the picnic sharing with the local families from the community.

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THURSDAY, MAY 26

Bryan Davis, 9, had fun playing at the picnic.

WINTER GARDEN CITY COMMISSION MEETING 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Visit cwgdn.com.

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REAL ESTATE

12

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Isleworth estate sells for $2,120,000 A

home in the Isleworth

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 13324 Jervey St., Windermere, sold May 11, for $639,900. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,750 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions

The townhouse at 7703 Anselmo Lane, Windermere, sold May 12, for $406,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,644 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

from May 7 to 13.

The home at 9713 Green Island Cove, Windermere,

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

sold May 11, for $2,120,000. bedrooms, three-and-one-

The home at 15037 Lake Bessie Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $809,857. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,820 square feet of living area.

half baths and 3,237 square

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

Built in 1998, it has three

feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The home at 5919 Masters Blvd., Orlando, sold May 11, for $1.8 million. Built in 1981, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 4,246 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 8980 Crichton Wood Drive, Orlando, sold May 16, for $937,500. Built in 1974, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,841 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

CITRUS CHASE

The townhouse at 8256 Limetree Court, Orlando, sold May 12, for $315,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,296 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

CLUBHOUSE ESTATES

The home at 7675 Clubhouse Estates Drive, Orlando, sold May 9, for $456,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,617 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5905 Cedar Pine Drive, Orlando, sold May 13, for $580,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,050 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

LAKE CANE ESTATES

The home at 7016 Archwood Drive, Orlando, sold May 12, for $450,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,429 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

realtor.com

The home at 9713 Green Island Cove, Windermere, sold May 11, for $2,120,000. This multi-level home features casual living style, and an open floor plan with a focus on privacy and outdoor living.

NORTH BAY

The home at 5348 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold May 9, for $737,500.

Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,327 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6999 Edgeworth Drive, Orlando, sold May 10, for $621,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,449 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. PHILLIPS GROVE

The home at 7530 Wandering Way, Orlando, sold May 12, for $800,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,684 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

RUBY LAKE

The home at 11358 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold May 12, for $1,065,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,314 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 7615 Pointview Circle, Orlando, sold May 9, for $1,250,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,403 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

TANGELO PARK

The home at 5017 Steyr St., Orlando, sold May 12, for $208,250. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,320 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8755 The Esplanade, No. 127, Orlando, sold May 13, for $1,150,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,955 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 35.

WINGROVE ESTATES

The home at 8015 Landgrove Court, Orlando, sold May 9, for $640,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,420 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

GOTHA

CITRUS OAKS

The townhouse at 9450 Lake Lotta Circle, Gotha, sold May 10, for $205,700. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,072 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63.

SADDLEBROOK

The home at 1934 Thoroughbred Drive, Gotha, sold May 13, for $527,777. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,326 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. SIENA GARDENS

The home at 106 Siena Gardens Circle, Gotha, sold May 11, for $835,000. Built in 2012, it has six bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,166 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

TOWN OF GOTHA

The home at 1419 Hempel Ave., Windermere, sold May 10, for $1,250,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,328 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

HORIZON WEST AVALON RURAL

The home at 5301 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $950,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,700 square feet of living area.

Days on market: One. EDEN ISLE

The home at 13926 Florigold Drive, Windermere, sold May 10, for $1,002,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,329 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Eight.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14430 Prunningwood Place, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $415,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE

The home at 14373 Breda Center Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $540,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,488 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 4862 Cayview Ave., No. 30609, Orlando, sold May 9, for $365,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

Total Sales: 75 High Sale Price: $2,120,000 Low Sale Price: $183,000

The townhouse at 8715 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold May 9, for $501,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,977 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

PANTHER VIEW

The home at 9238 Cut Shot Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $603,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,638 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

SANCTUARY AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6977 Cucamelon Court, Windermere, sold May 11, for $590,645. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,136 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 15100 Wild Lime Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,024 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15569 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $630,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,280 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 16066 Bayou Crest Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $572,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,477 square feet of living area.

The home at 8286 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $568,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WICKHAM PARK

The townhouse at 7616 Sutherton Lane, Windermere, sold May 13, for $380,000. Built in 2010, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,480 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

VIZCAYA

SNAPSHOT

The home at 5617 Bowman Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $530,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,124 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

realtor.com

The home at 5919 Masters Blvd., Orlando, sold May 11, for $1.8 million. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from May 7 to 13.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

BAPTIST realtor.com

The home at 1419 Hempel Ave. sold May 10, for $1,250,000. It was the largest transaction in Gotha from May 7 to 13.

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6217 Roseate Spoonbill Drive, Windermere, sold May 10, for $1 million. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,657 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.

OAKLAND

COVENTRY AT OCOEE

The home at 2718 Coventry Lane, Ocoee, sold May 13, for $405,000.

Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,222 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 1603 Johns Cove Lane, Oakland, sold May 13, for $730,000.

Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,001 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 2409 Quiet Waters Loop, Ocoee, sold May 10, for $490,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,958 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

OAKLAND TRAILS

FOREST OAKS

JOHNS COVE

The home at 1511 Stone Arrow Court, Oakland, sold May 13, for $623,000.

Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,248 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 2029 White Feather Loop, Oakland, sold May 12, for $485,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,909 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK SOUTH

The home at 1260 Arden Oaks Drive, Ocoee, sold May 12, for $710,000.

Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,478 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 1607 Prairie Lake Blvd., Ocoee, sold May 10, for $320,000.

Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,278 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 1618 Ison Lane, Ocoee, sold May 12, for $240,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,371 square feet of living area.

KENSINGTON MANOR

The home at 1746 Palmerston Circle, Ocoee, sold May 10, for $440,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,293 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

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

|

13

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

CHURCH OF GOD

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 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee (407) 656-3097 Sunday: 11 AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM www.VBCOCOEE.com

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Also viewable on YouTube

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

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 14

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LV14252

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

The Local Motion magazine will help new as well as longtime residents easily connect to local businesses, community resources and learn more about their hometown.

This annual guide will provide important information about the West Orange communities of Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Gotha, Dr. Phillips and Horizon West, including the history, area maps, hospitals, utility companies and local leaders.

• A roundup of recreation: sports, kids’ activities and civic groups.

• Places to visit and favorite restaurants the locals really like.

• A complete listing of public, private and charter schools, and what makes every school unique.

Reserve your advertisement by: Wednesday, June 2

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Call your advertising executive today: 407-656-2121 or advertise@orangeobserver.com

Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

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

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Moving Forward Program Offerings

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

LAKEVIEW

The home at 612 Cardinal St., Ocoee, sold May 16, for $337,000.

Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,746 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

RESERVE AT MEADOW LAKE

The home at 1303 Plumgrass Circle, Ocoee, sold May 9, for $430,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,973 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The townhouse at 1294 Glenleigh Drive, Ocoee, sold May 9, for $292,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,296 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. SAWMILL

The home at 5118 Mill Stream Road, Ocoee, sold May 11, for $330,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,249 square feet of living area.

Days on market: One. SHARI ESTATES

The home at 2010 Shari Lynn Terrace, Ocoee, sold May 10, for $247,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

The home at 1902 Shari Lynn Terrace, Ocoee, sold May 13, for $198,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,008 square feet of living area. Days on market: 84.

SOUTH SPRINGDALE

PARK AVENUE ESTATES

TWIN LAKE FOREST

SHADOW LAWN

The home at 1221 Sand Pine Ave., Ocoee, sold May 9, for $277,000.

Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,153 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 305 Windford Court, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $340,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,026 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

The home at 510 Nicole Blvd., Ocoee, sold May 9, for $322,000.

Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,520 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 202 Florida Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $220,000. Built in 1939, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Eight.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 744 Westyn Bay Blvd., Ocoee, sold May 12, for $495,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,649 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 18.

WEST ORANGE TILDENS GROVE

The home at 12807 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold May 12, for $1.3 million. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,969 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. The home at 12848 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold May 16, for $1,188,700. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,077 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 11.

WINDERMERE ISLEWORTH

The home at 9713 Green Island Cove, Windermere, sold May 11,

STONEYBROOK WEST

for $2,120,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,237 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6542 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold May 13, for $1.4 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,502 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 99.

The home at 5951 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold May 12, for $1,585,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,950 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. The home at 8463 Eagles Loop Circle, Windermere, sold May 12, for $1,150,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,963 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

The home at 811 Main St., Windermere, sold May 13, for $546,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,398 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WINTER GARDEN BLACK LAKE PARK The home at 5301 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $950,000. It was the largest transaction in the Horizon West area from May 7 to 13.

DEERFIELD PLACE

TWINWATERS

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

VERDE PARK

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

MARY JEAN

WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

The home at 205 N. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $1,063,500. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from May 7 to 13.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

realtor.com

2,238 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 13.

The home at 15179 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 12, for $450,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,680 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

realtor.com

The home at 776 Rainfall Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $550,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and

The home at 354 Spring Leap Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $500,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,132 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

The home at 205 N. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $1,063,500. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,744 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. The home at 3269 Sailing Pier Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $725,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,967 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 18.

The home at 1255 E. Fullers Cross Road, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $680,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,672 square feet of living area.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 932 Beldonshire Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $550,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 16582 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 12, for $790,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

The home at 17900 Gourd Neck Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $649,900. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,031 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 10.

The home at 16796 Rusty Anchor Road, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $855,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,934 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The townhouse at 1014 Westside Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 11, for $183,000. Built in 1986, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 806 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

WINTERMERE POINTE

The home at 14109 Pipeline Court, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $605,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,142 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

Celebrating 50 years of

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WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME, YOU WORK WITH THE

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Properties Closed

Properties Available

Reach out today and let me lead the way towards your real estate goals.

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380968-1

Source: Orlando Regional Realtor’s Association

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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news

/real /relevant /trustworthy

Every story and every photo we publish in print and online is truly local.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

30% OFF FIRST TWO MONTHS VISIT YOUR LOCAL Y! ROPER YMCA 100 Windermere Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-8816

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DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 407-351-9417

REILLY DOUGHERTY

CHILDREN’S LIGHTHOUSE OF WINTER GARDEN Reilly Dougherty was named Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year at Children’s Lighthouse of Winter Garden. She is a lead teacher, and her class is made up of 2- and 3-year-olds. Her students learn letter and number recognition, days of the week and months of the year, as well as how to hold a writing utensil, how to go potty, how and when to wash hands, and more.

What brought you to your school?

I was actually brought to Children’s Lighthouse by my co-worker, KayC! She and I had worked together at a school in Tallahassee, and her son had started at Children’s Lighthouse, so when she heard I was moving home to Clermont she said that she applied and I should too.

What do you love most about your school?

How appreciated the administration makes us feel. I have worked places where staff appreciation wasn’t the best, so it’s a nice change to come to work to a “thank you” gift on a random Tuesday afternoon!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing something click for a child or when you can see that they really did learn what you have been teaching all week. Looking back at the end of the school year and seeing the progress your students have made from Day 1 is an amazing feeling.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to read, actually! My mom owns Sunshine Book Co. in Clermont, so I have an endless supply of books.

I also like to shop, usually at the farmers markets or local places! My dog keeps me company in all my spare time!

REPORT CARD POSITION: Lead teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: One year

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Over the years, I had lots of favorite teachers! One that has always stood out in this question and I am still in contact with is my drama teacher from high school, Mr. Santo. I think high school years are so important when it comes to shaping who you are as a person, and he made an impact on everyone who had him!

You can talk to anyone who was in his classes, and I promise they will have some great memories or stories with him.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Why? I wanted to be lots of things. I think the most consistent was a photographer! I loved taking pictures of things or people or myself, even.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

There are so many great children’s books; I think having a favorite would be unfair to the other ones!

“Where The Wild Things Are” is such a great classic! I also love

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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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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” I remember reading this with my grandma, and a student of mine in Tallahassee had the whole book memorized. It was very adorable!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

It would have to be teleporting.

I think it would be so cool to just pop over to Europe if I wanted or go see family in another state.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be?

It would have to be Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Jhene Aiko.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

My favorite lunch in elementary school was those mac-n-cheese sticks! Not like normal mozzarella sticks, but they came in twos, and if you know what I’m talking about, you know! I also remember always wanting the strawberry milk, weirdly.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friends in school somewhat changed throughout the years — you know the joys of girls and growing up — but sophomore year of high school I met my best friend, Destinee, and we are still best friends to this day. I am actually on FaceTime with her reading her my answers to these questions.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I did lots of different sports when I was younger. In high school, I was in yearbook and helped direct some of the plays for theater. I won a senior superlative and that was for “Most Likely to Take a Selfie” — it was very on-brand for 2016 me.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

GROWING PAINS

With the upcoming opening of several new relief schools in Horizon West, parents offer their thoughts on how one, Hamlin Middle, will affect Bridgewater Middle.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

AsHorizonWestcontinuesonitsrapid path of growth and development, three new schools are on their way this fall to relieve numbers from the current elementary and middle schools in the area.

Hamlin Elementary will relieve Water Spring and Whispering Oak elementaries; Panther Lake Elementary will relieve Castleview, Summerlake and Water Spring elementary schools; and Hamlin Middle School will relieve Bridgewater, Horizon West and SunRidge middle schools.

However, as was the case when schools such as Windermere High and Horizon West Middle opened in recent years, relief also comes with a price — notably a change in teaching personnel and available classes. At a recent School Advisory Committee meeting, Bridgewater Middle officials discussed some of the changes that would be taking place.

About 500 students will be rezoned — which also means a reduction in staff, as well as some changes to electives offered. The staff reduction is a necessary result of a reduction of the student body. The operating budget has been reduced by more than $2.6 million. In addition, the school has a funding deficit of $358,000 from last year that must be satisfied.

Horizon West resident Jessica Villegas has both an eighth- and a sixth-grader at Bridgewater.

“I’m very sad to see some of the funding get cut and programs disappear for the students,” she said. “They have worked so hard, and this school is well-known for (its) curriculum. I am however hopeful that the traffic lessens, making it safer for walkers and bike riders coming and going. I also hope that this relief can phase out some of the portables and hope to see if student

Courtesy

Hamlin Middle School will relieve Bridgewater, Horizon West and SunRidge middle schools.

behavior improves next year as bullying has also been an issue for a lot of local families.”

Villegas said she is ready to embrace the changes.

“It’s still a great school; we just have to be open and accepting to change and hopeful for the impact to be positive in the future,” she said.

Bridgewater teachers whose positions are cut now have the opportunity to apply to Hamlin Middle.

Prior to the teachers being notified, Bridgewater administration met with Dr. Suzanne Knight, the new principal for Hamlin Middle, to advocate for teachers “where appropriate.”

“This has been helpful as those teachers were able to be hired on the spot when they met with Dr. Knight,” Bridgewater officials said.

“Moreover, teachers not picked up

by Hamlin Middle School are being provided information about other school vacancies.”

One attendee at the SAC meeting

NEW SCHOOLS Hamlin Middle School: 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden Hamlin Elementary: 16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden Panther Lake Elementary: 10151 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden

inquired about hosting a fundraiser to keep the teachers employed, but officials explained it is not an option for them to fund staff, because all schools in OCPS are funded equitably.

“We are doing everything we are able to do to assist teachers in securing the known vacancies while they are still available,” the school’s officials stated.

ELECTIVES ELIMINATED

The topic of electives also dominated the SAC meeting.

Bridgewater officials said all possible courses were shown on the

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course request form so they could see which courses students and their families wanted most. This information was then used to build the master schedule.

However, not all electives shown on the form will be available for the 2022-23 school year.

Keyboarding and guitar will both be available with an SGA course set for next year.

School officials said there are no plans to cut any of the currently available clubs.

Horizon West resident Stephanie Fernandez said her sixth-grade thespian student has had all her classes in portables, because of the school being overcrowded and is excited she soon will be in a new school.

“She was sad to hear that her theater teacher was not asked back next year,” Fernandez said. “She is excited that the new theater teacher at the new school has already reached out to her. The school is also even closer than Bridgewater.”

Horizon West resident Andrea Pointon said she has one student currently at Bridgewater in sixth grade being rezoned for next year.

She said it is her understanding the new school will allow students, both from Bridgewater and the new school, to have a more enjoyable and less-crowded school environment.

“I do also believe that changes will come, but I have only had good experiences with the schools, and I am confident that the responsible parties will ensure proper balance between professionals and teachers to provide a great educational experience to the kids,” Pointon said.

“Improvements are always needed, and if we as parents also focus on assisting and understanding their needs and struggles versus focusing on what we don’t have, we may, as a group, have a better result, and we would be leading our kids by example.”

17

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES

The $125 diamond ring the Winter Garden Service League was selling chances on was given away at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Clarence Heidt left for St. Louis, Missouri, where he was to attend a Purina Mills training school for two weeks. He was accompanied by Fred Roper, who attended a Purina Feeders convention.

Mr. and Mrs. B.R. Briley, of Oakland, announced the birth of a daughter, Edna Jane, May 14 at the Orange General Hospital in Orlando.

80 years ago

Funds were being raised for the summer recreational program, The Builders, and a donkey baseball game was being sponsored at Walker Field. The public was invited to attend and enjoy the laughs. A hand-picked town team with Bill Hartzog and Henry Britt Jr. as leaders was to challenge a team of Army boys. Tickets were 39 cents and 17 cents.

The L.A. Grimes camp on Lake Butler was being painted and having electric lights installed.

70 years ago

50 years ago

The first flight of Shawnee Airlines’ new daily STOLcraft service from Maguire Airport to Walt Disney World took place with three mayors: George Barley, of Winter Garden, Hubert Fox, of Ocoee, and Dean Kinzey, of Windermere.

MAY 16, 2002 If it was “unusually fine barbecue” you were looking for, one of the best restaurants in the area was Choctaw Willy’s. It opened in the Edgewater Hotel, where Thai Blossom currently operates, in 2000 and included a full meats menu of pork, ribs, chicken, turkey, beef and catfish. Fresh vegetables and scrumptious cobblers rounded out the menu.

The restaurant was owned

by Ken Kelly Sr., Ken Kelly Jr., Chris Sharpe and Wayne Bird and served up barbecue and fixin’s at lunch and dinnertime.

A sister restaurant, Whippoor Willy’s, opened a few years later, also in the hotel, and offered family-style Southern meals.

Winter Garden Feed and Seed once stood at 49 S. Main St. The good smells of farm and hay and leather greeted you as you walked through the ancient wooden front doors; sometimes you were greeted by Pinky the pig, seen here resting after a hard day’s work doing nothing in particular. She was often accompanied by baby Penelope, a much smaller porcine companion; Phyllis the chicken; and Flower, a rabbit.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation gathers and preserves photographs, documents, letters and so much more in its vast West Orange County archive.

Feel free to call the center at (407) 6563244 if you have anything to share.

85 years ago

A group of students from the home economics classes at Lakeview High School presented an interesting program in assembly, modeling the dresses they made in class.

John T. “Tiger” Minor was elected president of the Ocoee Lions Club. Mrs. John “Nell” Minor was elected president of the Ocoee School PTA.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

40 years ago

Shirley Lait was a busy lady, spending three weeks in California visiting her family and then traveling to Virginia with her husband, Ray.

30 years ago

The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden announced it was starting a preschool. Patty Tate was named the first director of The Learning Center.

20 years ago

Winter Garden hired Bob Smith as the new Public Works director.

Smith held the same position in Ocoee for the five years prior.

Residents were upset about a change to several of downtown Winter Garden’s parking lots. The lots — one between Downtown Brown’s on the east and Shaw’s Flowers & Gifts on the west and the other behind the former First Union National Bank building

— were purchased by a group of businessmen who started charging $1 per hour or $2 a day.

The lots always had been privately owned but were always free to the public.

crossword

celebrity cipher

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46 Buddy 49 Narrow valley 50 Mathematician Terence 52 Shapeless shape 53 Like lightly cooked steak 54 Parroted 55 Long vehicle, for short 56 Unnamed writer (Abbr.)

57 Verbal nudge 59 Astronauts feel them 61 Comedian’s gimmick (Var.) 62 Nut to squirrel away 63 Ready to harvest DOWN 66 “You gave me no 1 Sometimes-blue birds choice!”

2 “There’s no stopping 67 Soda holder me!”

68 Inquires 3 Ball game in Las Vegas 71 Sorority invitation 4 Sphere 74 Young pooch 5 Bea of “The Golden Girls” 76 Tire filler 6 Steps for dinner or 78 Veiled criticism disaster 80 Rush 7 Oohs and ___ 81 Came into sight 8 Bikini part 82 Non-fiction?

9 Like a ghost town 84 Lift that isn’t a Lyft 10 First-class 85 Near disaster 11 Apple assistant 86 Jeong or Jennings on 12 Chain with quesaritos TV ©2022 Universal Uclick 13 Be patient 87 Pivotal point on a 87 One celebrating a win 55 Computer support, four in this one) ACROSS 14 “That clears things up” seesaw energetically (Last six maybe?

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58 Against the law 32 Desert hill (2011 film) 16 Range of vision 89 Show contempt for 91 ___ and cheese 60 Bolshevik’s foe 33 Pampered one?

5 Iraqi, perhaps 20 Much of North Africa 90 Housefly larva 92 Fit for the task 64 Hit, as a double bass 34 Drama in Shibuya 9 Sleeveless garment 21 Stuff to mold 91 Oscar winner Sorvino 93 “Well, uh-uh” 35 Clever comeback (Last 65 What moles collect 13 Barolo or merlot 23 Handmade jewelry 95 “Bam” and “beep” 94 Performs like Nicki (Last two letters + ...) four letters + ...)

17 Spanish for “love” source 96 Over the moon 67 Chicken ___ (... first six) Minaj 37 Lead-in to “dynamic” 18 Tail end 28 Like 24-karat gold 97 “In conclusion ...”

95 SpongeBob’s channel 69 Dance to punk 38 Stereo alternative 19 Assumed name 29 “The Hot Zone” virus 98 Workplace inspection 70 N. Macedonia joined it (... first six) 21 Name that sounds like 39 Pseudo-cultured 31 Personal taste org.

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36 Rush of water 104 Thing proven by an 103 Ben & Jerry’s flavor for 75 Drops from the sky 45 Bawl 24 Around the time of 37 Athlete who shines exception Deadheads (Last 3 letters 77 Journeys 46 Opinion survey 25 Feudal lord 38 Humble 105 “Ratatouille” rat + ...)

79 “Obviously!”

26 NBC sketch show, briefly 47 Help 41 Charged particle 106 Long skirt 106 Crush, like potatoes 81 Trippy drug 48 Gung-ho 27 Not that!

42 Musician Phair 108 Lose it 107 Hi-___ image 82 Shark part 50 Sunbathes 28 They’re often lit at 44 Stated 111 Baseball club 109 Stale episode garden parties (... the first 51 Black-and-white animal 83 Open, like an oyster 45 Salsa singer Cruz 112 Spearheaded

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“Z KVVC VTVNULDV ZM JOA GVNV KLN X NVXMLD. ... Z XCFXUM AGLORGA SU NVXC PXCCZDR FXM AL GVCJ LAGVN JVLJCV.”

– IXDVA IXPBMLD

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Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals C

|

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals F

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: T equals V

18

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-19-22

MAY 19, 2022

SPORTS HIGH

Foundation Academy’s Riley Winters was named MVP for the Lions’ softball team. Page 20.

1

5

Several baseball players from West Orange and Southwest Orange were selected to represent Orange County in the CURE Senior AllStar game, scheduled for noon May 21 at Sanford Memorial Stadium. Local representatives include Olympia’s outfielder and second baseman Nico Bañez and midfielder Fabian Romero; Dr. Phillips’ midfielder Jared Davis and right-handed pitcher Logan Wirt; West Orange’s midfielder Titan Kamaka and right-handed pitchers Nolan Maroth and William Ross; Windermere’s midfielder Blake Cyr and left-handed pitcher Simon Sobellia; and The First Academy’s midfielder Greg Pettay, third baseman Ben Barrett, catcher Riley Parker and left-handed pitcher Isaac Sewell.

2

The Windermere Little League concluded its Top Team Coach Pitch Tournament Thursday, May 12, with the WLL Charge team defeating the WLL Bandits 10-5 in the ages 6- to 8-year-old category. The WLL also announced its All-Star softball teams. The 12U All-Star Team for Windermere Softball comprises Amaya Allen, Jaclyn Boldt, Kayla Bolivar, Madison Choquette, Parker Duffey, Isabelle Grau, Lauren Harper, Kylie Konstand, Graciella Lentine, Sophia Margelos, Sofia Pizzi, Caralina Rusnak and Adeline Spears. The team will play districts June 17-22. The 10U All Star Team for Windemere softball comprises Ava Adams, Lilyan Baker, Aliana Barinas, Mary Brennan, Emma Cooper, Zoe Linsenmayer, Ava Linsenmayer, Milly McMullan, Adriana Smith, Mia Streibig, Leah Thigpen, Emily Visser, Mary Weathers and Morgan Yauchzee.

The team will play districts June 24-27. Both teams will play at Dr. Phillips.

3

Ocoee High School students Zachary Allen, Sarah Hoffer, Ian Lugo, Adianna Jean, Jake Mactavish, Alannah Taylor and Mckenzy Walker were named to the school’s AllAcademic team.

4

Dr. Phillips High School’s Kaitlyn Pyka placed fourth at the FHSAA Class 4A girls javelin state finals after throwing a distance of 35.45 meters. For the Panther boys, Daniel Demontagnac placed third in the triple jump after jumping 13.54 meters and fifth in the long jump with a distance of 6.84 meters.

5

Lake Buena Vista High School will host a spring football game against Space Coast at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19.

The event’s name is “Battle of the Vipers.”

BY THE NUMBERS 60,000 Number of athletes

38,000 Number of coaches and volunteers

1,500 Number

of athletes competing at the State Summer Games The kids with their special education teacher, Karen Smith.

DOING IT TOGETHER West Orange High School students will be among the 1,500 athletes at the Special Olympics State Summer Games May 20-22 at Walt Disney World.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA According to the Special Olympics Florida website, “the ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.”

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

T

hree West Orange High School students recently qualified for the Special Olympics State Summer Games, which will take place May 20-22 at Walt Disney World.

Reese Bernhard, 17; Sam Lepow, 16; and Danielle Morson, 17, placed first in their respective sports at the Special Olympics Florida Area 6 Games April 2.

Bernhard placed first for the long jump and the 400-meter walk. Lepow will compete in the bocce category, and Morson qualified for running

Courtesy photos

In addition to playing bocce, Sam Lepow has bowled and swam in the past.

SEE WARRIOR PAGE 21

Windermere, TFA posing postseason double-trouble ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Wolverines and Royals baseball and softball teams continued their winning ways last week.

Both Windermere High and The First Academy continued their winning ways last week, as the Wolverines and Royals baseball and softball teams stayed alive in their quests for state championships.

SEE QUEST PAGE 20

Less than a month after doctors discovered his heart was failing, the Foundation Academy alum has a new one beating in his chest.

ANDREA MUJICA

WOLVERINES BASEBALL

Windermere High School defeated Venice High School 1-0 during the regional quarterfinals in a pitchers’ duel Tuesday, May 10.

Wolverine pitcher Cannon Feazell pitched the entire seven innings and allowed two hits, zero runs and zero walks while striking out five.

“It’s an awesome feeling for all of the teammates to keep moving on and keep making a run for states,” Feazell said. “One thing I try to keep in mind is stay locked in and not let a small thing affect your overall performance.”

Denzel Irvin receives new heart, new chance at life STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

The First Academy softball team took the lead early in the game against Seven Rivers Christian.

Denzel Irvin was in a race against time as he waited for a heart transplant at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, but on April 25, he got a new heart — and a new chance in life.

“It’s really nothing but a miracle,” his twin brother, Darius Irvin, said.

“God got him through it.”

The miracle came less than a month after Denzel arrived at the hospital’s ER. He had what he thought were COVID symptoms and was shocked SEE PRAYERS PAGE 21

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

20

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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

Riley Winters Riley Winters has been playing softball since she was 8 years old. During the week of May 2 to 8, she reached her career high as a pitcher on the team’s game against City of Life Christian Academy. She threw a no-hitter and had 13 strikeouts in five innings. Winters also was named team MVP for the 20212022 season.

How long have you been playing softball?

About six years now; I was 8 years old when I started playing.

THE BASICS AGE: 14 POSITION: First base, pitcher, outfielder SPORT: Softball SCHOOL: Foundation Academy GRADE: Eight

How did you get into softball?

I used to play golf and tennis, but (then) I decided I wanted to do a team sport, and my mom signed me up for softball one day, and it was a fun thing.

What do you love most about playing softball?

My teammates and just being around them.

What’s a Netflix series you are binge-watching right now?

“Gilmore Girls.” I love the relationship between Lorelai and Rory.

What’s your favorite thing about softball?

Probably cheering with everyone and being with the team. I like being with them.

What’s your favorite food?

Sweet potato and steak. Steak is definitely up there.

What about the top three things in your bucket list?

I want to go to France, and I want to go skydiving. I want to play college softball, and I want to be a part of a team that wins the Women College World Series.

What about your favorite thing about being a part of the team this year?

The culture. It’s just really fun being able to talk with everyone about everything. There’s no drama. They are like my family.

What three places would you like to visit in your next travels?

I’m actually going to Montana in the summer. We are going to a ranch in Big Sky, and we are going to ride horses; I’m very excited. I want to go to Paris, because I’m French — a bunch of my mom’s side (of the family) lived in Paris like forever ago, so it’d be very cool to go over there. And I want to go to Hawaii, because it’s like somewhere far away, and I like the beach, so I want to be able to go and have a whole new experience.

How do you feel about throwing a no-hitter to get a career-high of 13 strikeouts in five innings?

It felt really good. It was very exciting to accomplish that, because it’s been one of my big goals — to throw a perfect game.

Talk to us about your mindset throughout.

I just tried to stay focused and not let anything else distract me.

(I kept thinking) just continue to compete and don’t get cocky about it, just stay humble.

What is it like having your dad as one of your coaches?

It’s nice. I’ve had him coach me since I was 8 years old, so it’s just nice having him there and helping me get better, because he knows what he’s talking about.

So, I can depend on him and trust him to help me get better.

What’s your favorite movie?

“The Sound of Music.” When I was little, after I came home from school, (my dad and I) would watch it and get Dairy Queen every day.

What type of music do you listen to?

I listen to a variety. I like to listen to old country like David Allen Coe and Merle Haggard, and heavy metal, like Metallica, to get pumped up for a game.

What’s your favorite class right now?

Advanced art. I’ve been doing art forever, and it’s always been one of my favorite things to do, so I decided to take advanced art last year, and I decided to take it again this year, because I want to be an architect when I’m older.

Have you given a thought about what college you want to attend?

I would like to go to Auburn University or Clemson University.

If you could have a superpower, which one would it be and why?

Probably teleportation. I am late to a lot of things, so it’d be nice to get there on time.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee 100% — it’s my favorite drink ever. I drink coffee once a day, but sometimes, I get to like three, (especially) on the weekends when I’m a little tired. We have a Keurig and a Nespresso machine at my house, so I just make me one of those.

How are you feeling about playing at the regionals quarterfinals?

I am very excited because the school has never made it that far, and I think it’ll be really cool to be the first (team) to do it, and I’m really excited to see what we can do out there.

Quest continues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Venice pitcher John Whitney pitched six innings, allowed four hits and one run while striking out nine.

“Both teams played a very good game it came down to one big hit on a good situation,” Venice head baseball coach Craig Faulkner said.

“Windermere has a really good team, very athletic, and (their) pitcher really battled on the mount, did a really good game for them. I thought our pitcher really battled, as well. It was a really good baseball game today — a lot of great defense in place. … No one can hang their heads after this game but take our hats off to Windermere, they did a great job today.”

Neither team committed a single error on the field.

“Both pitchers did a hell of a job battling,” Windermere head baseball coach Eric Lassiter said. “Cannon was unbelievable; I think he faced one over the minimum amount of hitters he could face, 70-pitch complete game, kind of unheard of.”

At the bottom of the sixth, Guillermo Yepes got on base connecting a hit. Declan Brown substituted Yepes as pinch runner, stole second and scored the only run of the game from second base after left fielder Justin Grant hit a rolling between third base and shortstop.

“We were all pumped and ready for the game,” Brown said. “I had a lot of energy, and I just tried to put the ball in play.”

The Wolverines played a second time last week during the regional semifinals, defeating Durant High School 9-1.

“We are never comfortable; Durant is a really good team, so we never feel comfortable until it’s over,” Lassiter said. “The guys are confident, we are playing well … feeling good and ready to get back to play.”

Left-handed pitcher Simon Sobellia pitched six and two-third innings, allowing five hits and one run while striking out seven.

“Started a little off, the mechanic wasn’t on point,” he said. “But figured it out during the way and found a way to make it happen.”

Center fielder Holden Brauner connected a homer at the bottom of the sixth to add two runs to the board.

The Wolverines hosted the regional final where they faced Plant High School at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, after press time.

WOLVERINES SOFTBALL

Windermere High School defeated Steinbrenner High School 10-2 during the regionals quarterfinal Thursday, May 12.

Foundation Academy softball team made school history Wednesday, May 11, after defeating Trinity Catholic High School 4-3 during the regional quarterfinals as this is the first time the Lion’s softball team advances to the regional semifinals.

Outfielder Elizabeth Ozim went deep at the bottom of the second inning, scoring the first run for the Lions.

“I expected them to compete and they competed, it’s an amazing feeling,” Foundation Academy head softball coach Tate McClellan said. “Everything goes to the girls, they worked for this.”

Riley Winters pitched the entire game, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out seven.

“I feel very excited to be a part of it,” Winters said. “It was a great experience and it brought us together even more going into the next games.”

Trinity Catholic took the lead early in the game, scoring their

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ROYALS BASEBALL

The First Academy defeated Trinity Prep 12-1 Wednesday, May 11, during the regional quarterfinals.

The Royals scored their first two runs of the game during the first inning as a result of a defense error from the Saints. Two more runs followed to score a total of four at the bottom of the first.

Isaac Sewell pitched three-andone-third innings, allowing one run on two hits, walking zero and striking out five. Harrison Miller pitched one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.

“The quarterfinal game we figured that if we could get an early lead on them we could go ahead and put some more runs on them,” The First Academy head baseball coach Scott Grove said. “It was nice to hit the ball as well as we did.”

The Royals scored four more runs at the bottom of the second and the bottom of the third innings.

During the regional semifinals, The First Academy defeated King’s Academy 6-0 to continue to defend their 2021 state championship.

“We felt good going in, we had a really good scouting report on the team we were playing, so we had a really good idea of what kind of team they were,” Grove said. “We hit the ball, we had timely hitting and a complete shutout.”

Ben Barrett pitched seven innings, allowed zero runs on one hit and walked one while striking out 12.

In total, the Royals connected

West Orange High School fell against Apopka High 4-3 during the regional quarterfinals Tuesday, May 10.

The Warriors took the lead early in the game as they scored their three runs of the game at the bottom of the first.

Through the bottom of the fifth and all of the sixth inning, the game was tied 3-3, until the Blue Darters scored the leading run at the top of the seventh.

“It’s never easy to lose to Apopka,” West Orange High baseball head coach Kyle Flannigan said. “Emotions were high, specially with all my seniors, this is were we exited last year, and we felt good coming into this. … I am proud of the kids, we had an unbelievable year, this boys are like my family.”

OTHER BASEBALL RESULTS CLASS 2A Foundation Academy 6 Santa Fe Catholic 2 Legacy High School 1 Orangewood Christian 9 CLASS 7A SOFTBALL West Orange High School 3 Lakewood Ranch 13

eight hits through the game. Greg Pettay led his team with three hits in four at bats.

“We feel really comfortable going into the final tomorrow with Sewell ready to play,” Grove said.

The First Academy faced Cardinal Newman High School during the regionals final Tuesday, May 17, after press time.

ROYALS SOFTBALL

The First Academy defeated Seven Rivers Christian 6-3 during the regional quarterfinals Wednesday, May 11.

The Royals took a big lead early in the game, scoring four of their six runs at the bottom of the first inning.

“They have a lot of selfmotivation, like individually, and then they come together as a team and really put it together,” The First Academy head softball coach said.

“They’ve been practicing really well during the post-season, and as long as we continue preparing that way, I think we’ll be in good shape.”

Hannah Harper pitched the entire game, allowing three runs on four hits and walking zero while striking out 12.

The girls faced Orlando Christian Prep during the regional semifinals Tuesday, May 17, after press time.

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“Defense was solid, and offensively, they trusted each other,” Windermere softball head coach Eileen Hannigan said.

The Wolverines took the lead early in the game, scoring two runs at the bottom of the first inning.

Lexi King pitched the entire game, allowing six hits and walking two while striking out two.

“I’m really excited with how the team is playing now — we are playing as a family and for each other,” King said. “We just want to stay intense.

We want to play together, keep learning, making adjustments and keep getting better as a team.”

The girls faced Lakewood Ranch High during the regionals final Tuesday, May 17, after press time.

“I am feeling great, the team is playing amazing — this is exactly what we’ve been working for,” Hannigan said. “Our common theme is, ‘Play our game.’ We are in semis of regionals — only the best are in here. … Every team we are facing right now could be state champion, so our biggest goal is execution and trust what we’ve been doing for the last couple of weeks. It’s been working so we are going to stick to that.”

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breathing. Then, in a few minutes I was sedated, I was out.”

The surgery took a total of five hours. Denzel awoke two days later, on April 27.

“When I woke up, I had a breathing tube all the way down my throat, so I was kind of panicking a little bit,” he said. “That was really uncomfortable.”

Because of the odd sensation of having the breathing tube still connected when he woke up, Denzel didn’t notice the difference between his old heart and the new one until after the tube was out.

“I began to realize I had a new heart, and it did feel weird,” he said.

“It felt different, because I could feel my heart beating, and it was actually loud; I could hear it.”

Denzel wrote a letter to his donor’s family after receiving the heart. He’s waiting to hear back from them.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

Even though transplant patients can be discharged within 10 days, they are typically hospitalized for two weeks or more. Irvin was discharged from Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center six days after he received his new heart.

Currently, he is eating a lot to try to gain back the weight he lost in the hospital. He is walking three times every day and taking 31 pills daily.

For 46 weeks, Denzel cannot lift more than 10 pounds. However, he does add some bodyweight work-

outs into his daily routine, such as squats and lunges. And for the next six months, he will have regular biopsies of the heart. Those will continue annually for the rest of his life.

Furthermore, Denzel will have to be careful when being around other people for the rest of his life.

“My immune system is suppressed, because I am on steroid for the anti-rejection,” he said. “My body could reject this heart at any time, so I have to be on those medicines for the rest of my life.”

For the Irvin twins, this situation has shifted their outlook in life.

“We just realized that my brother is in a situation where his life will be changed,” Darius Irvin said. “Seeing him through this process put a different spectrum for me, because it made me realize I have to enjoy each moment and each second of my life. I am the type of person where I always plan ahead. I like to calculate my steps and be ahead of the game, but seeing him go through that made me realize that we need to sit back, enjoy the moment and enjoy what’s ahead of you, because you never know what will happen next.”

“I want to make sure I am taking the most of every opportunity and not taking life for granted,” Denzel Irvin said. “This situation has definitely made me have a new outlook on what I was doing, and I think this happened for a reason, and I will be better from this.”

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one of the most rewarding parts of coaching Special Olympics is being with the athletes.

“I love their heart,” she said. “They put their all into it, and if they win, it’s great. If they don’t win, then it’s great, too.”

She gave an example of seeing a group of athletes at one of the meets who had just lost, and those athletes were calling other athletes to take a picture with them.

“They were all excited and jumping up and down,” Young said. “(To them), it really is about the social fun of doing it together.”

For Smith, the most rewarding things about seeing them compete at the State Summer Games will be seeing the kids’ faces when they get to Disney.

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long jump and shot put.

“I am very competitive,” Bernhard said. “I love sports.”

For Bernhard, being a part of the team means hanging out with her best buddies and having fun.

West Orange High School art teacher Karol Young and special education teacher Karen Smith coach the kids once a week for two hours.

“I love getting to watch them grow,” Smith said. “I do my best to treat them like everybody else. I don’t treat them any differently than I would treat a kid in general education. They want to be treated like adults; they want to be treated as teenagers. I push them to be independent, and in return, I get them to open up with me.”

During the State Summer Games, all three athletes will be staying in individual hotel rooms without their parents for the first time. To prepare, Young and Smith are including independent living training in their weekly practices, to guide them through the night they will be staying at the hotel.

The kids are excited to compete at Disney. Lepow is mostly excited about meeting Mickey Mouse.

Usually for the track and field categories, Young is able to put together a ‘unified team,’ but this year, that was not the case.

A unified team is a team that comprises two athletes with intellectual disabilities and two partners. They work together as a team, so if the team is running a 4x4 race, the team would compete one Special Olympic athlete, one unified partner and so on.

According to Smith, Morson did not enjoy outside sports when she started doing track, but now, she’s thriving. When it comes to Bernhard, they are trying to get her to start doing some running next year, as she really loves the walking events.

For Young, who has worked with Special Olympics for about 15 years,

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Denzel received his new heart on Monday, April 25. It’s the day God gave Denzel a second chance at life.

On his way to the operating room, he remembers a calmness falling over him.

“I was so happy for it to actually be happening,” Denzel said. “I was just thanking God and praying, thinking about my daughter. I was just trying to breathe, because I didn’t want to panic, so I was just focusing on my

21

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

THE SURGERY

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Warrior mentality

Prayers answered when doctors discovered his heart was failing.

The 26-year-old Winter Garden native was a star defensive back for Foundation Academy who played Division I football for UNC-Charlotte. Yet, despite Irvin’s fitness level, his heart was working at 10% capacity and he had fluid building around his heart and in his lungs and stomach.

During his weeks waiting for a new heart, Denzel was first connected to an intra-aortic balloon pump machine to help his heart function. Eventually, Irvin’s body began to stabilize, and doctors decided to take him off the IABP and increase medications.

But two days later, his condition worsened — his liver and kidneys began to fail.

When in line to receive a new heart, failure of the kidneys or the liver could have kicked Denzel off the waiting list, so on April 23, the doctors connected him to an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation machine, which allows blood to be pumped outside of the body. That moved Denzel up to Status 1 on the transplant waiting list.

Two days later, the news came: Irvin was getting a new heart.

“When you are waiting to receive a heart, they don’t come very often; they could take days, weeks, months or even years, so to get it in two days after being on that machine, I was really happy,” Denzel said.

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