WINTER PARK/MAITLAND
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 31, NO. 13
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
Jason Wheat named Firefighter of the Year The Orange County firefighter and Winter Park-area resident was awarded the Florida State Firefighters Association’s top honor. SEE STORY ON PAGE 6.
CITY SETS DATE FOR EGG HUNT
The long road behind
Developer pulls office building proposal A two-story office building project that has caused concern among residents along U.S. 17-92 is headed back to the drawing board.
The city of Winter Park is proud to announce that its 65th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 20, in Central Park in downtown Winter Park. The egg hunt will occur in the West Meadow and additional family fun activities will take place in the Easter Kids Zone in the adjacent park space. This fun-filled event will provide as much excitement and laughs for adults as it will for kids — just don’t forget to bring your own Easter basket. The hunt will begin with the official starting signal at 10 a.m. As always, every child will leave with an Easter egg. Children can hunt for eggs within their specific age group of 4 to 7 years at 10 a.m., 1 to 3 years at 10:15 a.m., or 8 years and older at 10:30 a.m. Children with special needs are encouraged to join the fun.
TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A proposal off U.S. 17-92 for a two-story office building and a parking lot near residential homes in Winter Park will need some potential tweaks and changes before it can become a reality. Winter Park city commissioners will have to wait a bit longer to cast a vote on the project, a result of developer V3 Capital Group LLC pulling their request from the agenda SEE OFFICE PAGE 4
Tim Freed
To celebrate her 90th birthday, Winter Park resident Alice Mackenzie grabbed her running shoes and finished the Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.
ARTS & CULTURE
YOUR TOWN
Calling it a career
Gene Columbus is retiring from the Orlando REP. SEE PAGE 11.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW SMYRNA BEACH
YOUR CALENDAR
WINTER PARK
APRIL 6th
SATURDAY, MARCH 30 THE GREAT DUCK DERBY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. Gather up the kids and head out to The Great Duck Derby for a day of family fun at Mead Botanical Garden. The Duck Derby, a spring-time tradition, features little yellow rubber duck races and lots of fun, free activities. For more information, call (407) 920-2070. THURSDAY, APRIL 4 ARTS IN ACTION: LEARN THE UKULELE 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 4, at the Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. For residents ages 55 and up, this introductory class provides basic instruction in ukulele. Learn the notes on the page and have fun with friends. Cost is $35 for a 10-week course. Enrollment is required either online at cfcarts.com/artsinaction, at the door or by calling (407) 937-1800, ext. 720. FRIDAY, APRIL 5 CULTURAL SAMPLER BICYCLE TOUR 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park. Explore a sampling of our city’s hidden cultural gems while absorbing the charm of Winter Park from a bicycle. The group will bike short distances to discover some of the city’s museums and sights. With multiple stops and easy cycling, this two-and-ahalf- to three-hour tour between historic downtown Winter Park and Rollins College is suitable for adults who want to explore Winter Park’s artistic culture. The tour
begins in the library parking lot. A limited number of WPPL checkout bikes are available for participants. For more information, call (407) 623-3300. SATURDAY, APRIL 6 LAKES MIZELL, SYLVAN AND OSCEOLA WATERSHED CLEANUP 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Dinky Dock Park on Ollie Avenue, Winter Park. Come and join a clean-up effort around these lakes. Activities may include, but are not limited to, stooping, kneeling, bending and picking up litter in and around the lakes. Breakfast, a volunteer T-shirt, snacks and water will be provided. Littergrabbers, safety vests, gloves and garbage bags also are provided. Kayakers and paddleboarders are welcome. Take your own reusable water bottle to fill up; carpooling is encouraged. Closed-toe shoes, a hat and long pants also are encouraged. To register, visit cityofwinterpark.eventbrite.com.
MAITLAND
SUNDAY, MARCH 31 FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF GREATER ORLANDO MEETING 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 31, at the Maitland Public Library, 501 Maitland Ave., Maitland. Friendship Force of Greater Orlando will meet at the Maitland Public Library and feature Dr. Phil Peters of the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media. His students will present their “Tollywood” documentaries on India, and there will be a celebration of World Friendship Day as well with some Indian fare. The public is welcome. For more information, contact Joan at jaydeeflew@ gmail.com or call (407) 421-3658.
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Donovan Francois, Desmond Locke, Brandon Baker, Amir Merrity and Joshua Exantus all were recognized at the Achievement Dinner.
Achievements unlocked T
he Winter Park Achievement Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of young people in its programs at an Achievement Dinner Saturday, March 16, at The Alfond Inn. The foundation generates funds to distribute as grants for community projects and scholarships for college-bound students who demonstrate financial need. — TIM FREED
Larry and Virginia Davis had a great time at the dinner. Above: Rhonda Wilson, Billie Tate and Kaitlynn Wilson looked their best at the Achievement Dinner. Right: Avis Gainey, Felicia Davis and Claudine Turner were ready to recognize the achievements of several young men.
Foundation President Leonard Spencer; keynote speaker Jamal Sowell, of Enterprise Florida; and foundation Vice President John Davis were eager to recognize young men in the foundation’s programs.
Maitland City Council passes sidewalk ordinance Leaders hope the new ordinance will make sidewalks throughout the city safer for residents. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR
In its quick session Monday, March 25, the Maitland City Council unanimously adopted a new ordinance that leaders believe will make sidewalks in the city safer for pedestrians. The ordinance will amend the Maitland City Code — specifically Chapter 7, “Health and Sanitation,” Article 1 “In General” — to provide some clarity when it comes to maintenance of rightsof-way. Now business owners, lessees or any other occupant of a property will be required to maintain upkeep on the sidewalks and public right-of-ways located immediately adjacent to their property
and between the property and the public right-of-way. It’s a situation that has been an issue in the past, Community Development Director Dan Matthys said. “Most people already are doing it, but there wasn’t anything specifically in the ordinance that required that,” Matthys said. “We have had some pushback in the past, because without language, there’s no way to enforce it.” Although there had been those past issues, more recently Matthys said the city had been put in difficult situations for simply not having the rules in writing. “(In) some cases where people refused to do anything, they were leaving junk and debris, and they
had excessive vegetation growing over the sidewalk, and it was blocking people’s paths,” Matthys said. “And they basically said, ‘Show us where we have to.’” According to the ordinance, businesses and other entities will have to address those issues and keep their sidewalks clear of debris and liter while also keeping vegetation from overgrowing. Finally, the new change calls for businesses to maintain trees and shrubs — requiring a vertical clearance of at least seven feet above any sidewalk. By not having trash or overgrown vegetation in the middle of walkways, pedestrians will be able to walk freely without having to worry about tripping over something. “You find it in ordinances all around the country,” Matthys said. “This is very common ....”
CITY KEEPS EYE ON STATE BILLS
Before the Council adjourned for the night, City Manager Sharon Anselmo spent a few minutes discussing current bills making their way through the works in Tallahassee. One of those bills included Senate Bill 1000, which is called “Communication Services,” as it started as a reduction of the state communication tax. The bill’s current form would affect how the city and others regulate communications equipment significantly. “It repeals everything — all of the provisions on the 2017 Small Cell Wireless Infrastructure Law — and strips the cities of the ability to regulate the placement of communication equipment in public rights-of-way,” Anselmo said. “So in 2017, the state spelled out what procedure you could
IN OTHER NEWS n The city recognized Iris Perez for 33 years of service as a member of the Maitland Police Department. Perez join the department in 1985 as a police dispatcher (a position she held for a decade) before going on to spend time in the property and evidence division, and then as a community service office in 1998. She then started as a senior staff assistant in 2013, before retiring Friday, March 1.
go through and what you could regulate, and we adopted an ordinance that we think is in compliance with that recently and now most of that has been repealed.” The bill would also bring changes to undergrounding requirements and permitting.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
Local race enthusiast turns 90
Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”
TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Winter Park resident Alice Mackenzie couldn’t help but smile when she heard it — the words of “Happy Birthday” sung to her by family and complete strangers alike. But the Winter Parker wasn’t at a local restaurant or her dining room table. She was standing in the middle of Park Avenue just a few feet away from a finish line. She had just walked two miles the same day she turned 90 years old. Mackenzie celebrated her 90th birthday Saturday, March 23, doing what she loves: walking in an outdoor race. The Winter Parker spent her special day finishing the 2-mile run at the Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race, joined by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was the latest race for an avid runner and walker who has finished hundreds of races in the past 41 years. “I don’t know what else could be better,” Mackenzie said. “We had a beautiful day and lots of people. It’s an exhilarating feeling with all of those people there — especially when they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to you.” Mackenzie wasn’t walking alone: Four generations of her family crossed the finish line at once. About 42 family members came to town to celebrate Mackenzie’s big day, with many of them finishing the race by her side. Mackenzie’s daughter, Mary Hooper, said the family always tries to come together and walk. The local running events in the Orlando area have become family gatherings, she said. “We always do runs together if there’s a family event that corresponds with one of the Track Shack runs,” Hooper said. “Mom’s
WINTER PARK/MAITLAND
Friedrich Hayek
“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Matt Walsh mwalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Reporter / Harry Sayer, hsayer@OrangeObserver.com
Tim Freed
Alice Mackenzie, center, finished the Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race surrounded by family.
kids are scattered all over the country. Whenever we’re in town, if there’s a road race happening, we know that’s what mom wants to do, so we all do it.” Mackenzie’s passion for running all started back in the 1970s, when she saw her daughter, Betsy Hughes, competing in highschool cross-country and track. “I had always been active in my youth, and as the youngest three of my six children were becoming more independent, I decided to give running a try,” Mackenzie said. “I was a volunteer at the hospital, so I put on those gray lady shoes and walked over to Winter Park High School and started running laps. ... I think I know most every street in Winter Park.” In 1978, Mackenzie joined one of her first big races — the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, which she still walks with family members today. “After that first Turkey Trot, I was hooked,” she said. “I ran as many of the Track Shack races that
I could manage and also would run races when traveling.” Over the years, Mackenzie completed many 5K and 10K races, as well as four marathons, including the Florida Festival in 1982, New York in 1988, London in 1991 and the first Walt Disney World Marathon in 1994. Mackenzie ran 10 to 12 races a year in her heyday. Mementos from various races are easy to spot in her home — on her wall of marathon photos and several quilts she’s made out of race T-shirts. Mackenzie fell in love with hiking, as well. In 1994, she began a series of extensive section hikes, spending many weeks at a time on the Appalachian Trail. Between 1994 and 2006, Mackenzie completed 1,575 of the 2,190 miles from Georgia through Massachusetts. She’s also had family members join her, including several of her children and grandchildren — family memories made over the span of thousands of steps.
“Being active together is something our family cherishes,” Mackenzie said. Even well after retirement, Mackenzie continues to participate in races, although she admits she’s more of a walker than a runner these days. Today, she can be seen in five or six races every year. But what’s the secret to living to be 90 years old? Mackenzie said the answer is simple. “Honest to God, being outside and continuing to move is the secret,” she said. “I have been a vegetarian for decades. Whenever I can get outside, I feel better physically and mentally.” Mackenzie said she plans to get out and walk in the races for as long as she can. “Some people run because it is good exercise, which it is,” Mackenzie said. “I really enjoy running and now walking because it gets me out there. No matter how bad things are, everything is better after a long run or good walk.”
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Office building project stalls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
at the Monday, March 25, meeting. The item was pulled after nearby residents raised concerns about the size of the building and the project bringing in additional cut-through traffic. The 30,000-square-foot building would sit along Gay Road on a cluster of four lots — two of which would be rezoned from residential (R-3) to office (O-2) to match the other two lots. Qualms with the project focused primarily on the 104-space parking lot, because it would connect Gay Road and Trovillion Avenue to the south. Residents said the configuration would create that unwanted route for more cut-through traffic within the residential area as drivers try to avoid the intersection of Lee Road and U.S. 17-92. A cut-through route already exists along Trovillion going behind the ABC Fine Wine & Spirits — a passage used heavily by drivers to avoid the traffic. “We’re a quiet, small neighborhood, and I think a lot of you appreciate that already,” resident Anne-Marie Burns said. “If we have this much building going on, I just want to know what we’re getting into, because we’re going to have a lot of problems.”
the editor are subject to editing.
Commissioners reminded residents that, under the city’s current codes, a residential project of a much larger size could be built on the two residential lots. Winter Park Senior Planner Allison McGillis said the R-3 zoning portion of the site could yield up to 22 residential unites with a maximum building size of more than 60,000 square feet and that the O-2 portion of the site could yield up to 8,000 square feet of office. It all adds up to more than double the square footage of the proposed project, McGillis said. A traffic analysis submitted by the developer revealed there would be 302 net new daily trips from the project, but that the traffic is not expected to adversely impact the current traffic operations. The office building project may be a much more appealing use than what could be built there otherwise, Mayor Steve Leary said. “If this project is not moved forward and what can be allowed to be built is there, it would increase density, and it’s totally legal, and it’s totally legit under the comp plan,” Leary said. Trey Vick, of V3 Capital Group LLC, decided to pull the item off the agenda and said his team will continue to communicate with residents to find a compro-
mise, adding that the connection between Gay Road and Trovillion Avenue through the parking lot could possibly be removed. FRDAP GRANT ISSUE RESOLVED
City Manager Randy Knight told the commission that an issue between the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — regarding violating the terms of a FRDAP grant — has been resolved. The resolution was agreed upon following FDEP warning the city of violating the terms of a $100,000 FRDAP grant acquired in 1994 to improve Martin Luther King Jr. Park — the green space that soon will contain the city’s new $30 million Winter Park Canopy project. That grant — which helped pay for dredging the lake at the center of the park, adding playing fields and establishing walking trails — was under the condition that the park would remain outdoor recreational space, according to a letter sent by FDEP to the city Wednesday, Jan. 16. That letter from the FDEP states that building a project that expands beyond the footprint of the existing Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center — a building that
The Winter Park/Maitland Observer is pub-
IN OTHER NEWS n Winter Park city commissioners approved the conditional use for a new 2,430-square-foot, 60-seat Wendy’s fast food restaurant with a drive-thru component, and an 8,240-square-feet retail/office building at 1308/1324/1350 W. Fairbanks Ave, zoned C-3 and O-1. n Commissioners approved an automatic car wash facility at 1350 N. Orlando Ave., zoned C-3.
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Observer Media Group Inc. was grandfathered in with the 1994 grant and set be demolished to make way for the Winter Park Canopy — would encroach into the park land that falls under the grant and violate the terms. According to a new letter from FDEP dated March 15, the city and the department have agreed on new boundaries within the park that define that northwest corner of the park as “non-outdoor recreational” and the rest of the park as “outdoor recreational.” In exchange for this change, the city has agreed to dedicate a recently acquired piece of property at 2917 Temple Trail — next to the acquired Howell Branch Preserve — as “outdoor recreational.”
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Denise Byrne and Megan Johansson oversaw the lake cleaning.
Volunteers hot on the snail trail
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inter Park’s Lakes Division and Keep Winter Park Beautiful worked together to clean up Lake Knowles at the Exotic Snail Removal event Saturday, March 16. Volunteers, including the Dayo Scuba Center, put on wading boots and scuba suits to remove invasive apple snails from Lake Knowles.
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The pit master TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Wearing heavy bunker gear. Working in the sweltering heat. Sleep deprivation. Putting one’s life on the line to save others. It takes a unique combination of strength, determination and will to be a firefighter — and it takes a unique expert to keep those first responders in good shape for their job. Orange County Fire Rescue Department firefighter/EMT and Winter Park-area resident Jason Wheat recently was recognized for his work as the safety and wellness training facility manager that keeps his peers in great physical condition. On March 19, he received the Florida State Firefighters Association’s Firefighter of the Year award. HEROES IN TRAINING
From a large hangar-turned-exercise-area known as the “fit pit” at the Orange County Fire Rescue Training Center in Winter Park, Wheat whips new recruits into shape, helps veteran firefighters
keep up their strength through personal training and nutrition advice, and brings his injured brothers and sisters back into service with special programs. Wheat works with new recruits through a 10-week program. He teaches them everything they need to know — from nutrition to proper gear-lifting techniques to prevent injury. Firefighters are always welcome to come back to Wheat for more guidance and advice as well, he said. “To me, I consider us occupational athletes,” Wheat said. “I tell these kids when they first come in that we’re almost like NFL football players, but our careers don’t last three to five years — they last for 30 years. We have to take care of our bodies even better than professional athletes do, because of the rigorous job and the physical demands that it puts on your body.” His recent recognition as Firefighter of the Year came as a shock, Wheat said, adding that he’s grateful to be recognized. “It’s an amazing award,” he said. “When I first got it, I wasn’t expecting it. It took a little while to soak in and you just think about all the thousands of great firefighters in the state of Florida out there. To
Tim Freed
Jason Wheat said his job keeping firefighters fit is a combination of his two passions.
be named Firefighter of the Year in the state of Florida is a huge deal.” Lt. Anthony Willis, of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, said Wheat deserves every bit of that recognition for what he does at the training facility. “I’m proud of him, just like all of our colleagues are,” Willis said. “What I would say about him personally as a friend is that he’s a special person. He’s more deserving of this than anybody else I would think to make the recommendation for because of his merit. As far as him as a person, he’s definitely a caring and kind person. “He’s somebody that everybody could look up to — from young kids to other adults, as well,” he said.
DUAL PASSIONS
Originally from Miami with a family full of police officers, Wheat always had wanted to become a firefighter. Before that calling, Wheat served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2003. He worked as a combat medic, and performed contract firefighting in Iraq during Desert Storm. Wheat went on to attend fire school at Florida State Fire College in Ocala. From there he worked as a firefighter in Ocala until 2005, when he decided to come to Orange County. For several years, Wheat also worked as a personal trainer outside of the fire rescue department — his lifelong passion for fitness and nutrition drove him to earn a
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degree in sports management prior to that. Three years ago, Wheat had the chance to bring his two jobs together as the manager of the safety and wellness training facility — a dream come true. “I got all of that experience and all of that knowledge and I wanted to share it with my fire department to make my fire department better,” Wheat said. “I got the opportunity and I took it. I feel lucky and I feel privileged every day when I drive to work. How many people can say that they get paid and make a living off of two passions that you have that I get to do at the same time?” Working with firefighters every day to prepare them for the job never ceases to be gratifying, Wheat said. “We had one guy that had been out for six months with a pretty bad injury, and he came back here and he could barely even walk on the stepper,” Wheat said. “I got him in five weeks to get ready and to be back on shift. Just seeing him being able to go back on shift was an award in itself. “I don’t do this job for an award,” he said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because it makes me feel good, and it’s my passion to give back to the community and help the firefighters. Getting that award is just the cherry on top. If I can use this award to further help people out, that’s what I want to do.”
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Florida Senate approves bill to ensure rights to grow veggie gardens.
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A proposed state law aims to keep local governments from having any say on what you grow in your front yards. The bill, known as the vegetable garden bill, is sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, a Republican representing District 5 in northwest Florida. Senate Bill 82, which passed the Senate with a 35-5 vote Thursday, March 21, will prohibit local governments from regulating vegetable gardens and overrides any existing ordinance regulating front-yard vegetable gardens, if passed by the Legislature. The House version of the bill, House Bill 145, has been approved by one of three committees and needs House approval before it would be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature. Bradley believes being able to grow your own food is a basic property right and government regulations constitute a “vast overreach.” He filed the bill after hearing of a court battle in Miami Shores involving an ordinance that prohibited front-yard vegetable gardens. Following the legal dispute, a couple was forced to uproot a garden they had maintained for two decades because of the threat of code-enforcement fines amount-
ing to $50 per day. “The world’s changing when it comes to food,” B r a d ley said. “There’s a big interest in locally sourced food, organic products and folks growing their own food. The idea that a government would intervene to prohibit someone from taking matters into their own hands and growing their own fresh fruits and vegetables to take care of their own family and their own nutritional needs — much like our forefathers have done — I think that is an action by local government that goes too far.” But some opponents of the bill said the bill should at least allow local governments to restrict the size and locations of the gardens to protect the property values of surrounding homes. Others believe the bill is an infringement on Home Rule and unnecessary. “Once again, the Legislature wants to intrude upon local government’s and its residents’ right to decide what is best for their community,” Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn said. The town has no ordinance regarding gardens, but Bruhn
believes the issue is better handled using common sense, particularly in cases that might impact a neighbor. “ I f someone wants a garden in their b a c k ya r d , I don’t see an issue,” he said. “I believe the issue is when people want to put a garden in their front yard and it would impact neighboring property values. Local government has a responsibility to maintain certain standards regarding property maintenance and upkeep. To take it to extremes, a property owner might want to turn their front lawn into a cornfield.” Do Good Farm founder Josh Taylor, who grows a sustainable farm and hydroponics garden in his Winter Garden home, believes governments should remove restrictions of any form for growing food on residential properties. If the bill becomes law, it will go into effect July 1. It does not forbid local governments from regulating fertilizer use, water use during drought conditions and ordinances intended to control invasive species.
ADVERTORIAL
Strength training at any age can help improve muscle mass and bone density Allison Olcsvay Three years ago, the client was facing the same prognosis that she has watched her mother suffer with for de-cades. The progressive osteopenia would someday develop into osteoporosis, bringing on devastating broken bones and pain. “My mother is 93 now, and I’ve watched her suffer so much; I just don’t want that to happen to me,” she said. Medication to strengthen her bones never produced significant results, and after years of taking them, she decided to try a new course of action. Following the recommendation of a friend she signed on with Elite Strength and Fitness of Winter Park and began following a twice-weekly strengthtraining regimen designed to increase her muscle mass and bone density. At her next DEXA scan to measure density, the client's doctor noticed a big change and she was able to stop taking her medication. Success stories like hers don’t come easy though; it took months of intense workouts with the guidance of personal trainers to get there. At 64, Les Rinehart, one of Elite’s train-ers, knows the challenges his clients face. After 33 years in the fitness industry, the former strength coach for the Charlotte Hornets retired in 2007, only to come out
of retirement a few years ago to join Elite because, he said, he saw the value in what they offered their clients. “The equipment here is top of the line and the techniques produce results like no other,” Rinehart said. At Elite, education is as important as the equipment. Before clients spend anytime working out, they share their medical history, goals and concerns with trainers who develop a plan that covers time inside and outside of the gym. “Clients’ needs are evaluated and we give them a detailed analysis of what they need to do, especially at home, to accomplish their goals,” said owner Monte Mitchell. Homework might include keeping food and exercise journals to learn more about their habits, especially if weight loss is a goal.
The gym also offers a 12-week group nutrition workshop to their members, guaranteeing results for their clients, provided they follow all the recommendations made during their consultation. 70-year-old physician Dr. Maria Bors has been a client of Elite for seven years and finds that training there fits quite nicely into her busy lifestyle. “The 20-minute workouts are easy for me to fit in and I find them easy to commit to,” Bors said.
Rather than working out with sweaty, bulked-up gym rats, Elite’s clients find an almost Zen-like atmosphere, with trainers attentive to their every motion. Speaking in tones of calm assurance, trainers offer equal parts encouragement and challenge, pushing clients to new levels. The workouts are physically demanding, but not in the way one might expect. Motions are slow and intensely controlled, demanding maximum effort from muscles while barely breaking a sweat. “Many clients don’t even change out of office clothes,” Rinehart said. “They simply don’t need to.” Before beginning with Elite, Bors suffered from daily back pain, but after just a few months in the gym, she experienced a noticeable change in pain levels and now rarely suffers at all. “It’s been remarkable for me,” she said. “I can feel how strong I am, especially when I am traveling carrying luggage. I have a strength I never had before.” “The strength training is very good for preventing bone loss,” said Bors, “which is something we all need as we age.”
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
Stag Club creates social connections The Winter Park club creates a space for older gentlemen to make new friends.
“At our age, we should get out and be sociable.” — Jim Arnold
Tim Freed
Bob Cullis, Jim Fitch and Jim Arnold have become good friends through the Stag Club of Winter Park.
the group over the years, and he’s thankful for the social circle. “I think it’s great, and it’s a place for people of all walks of life,” Cullis said. “It’s socializing — that’s what it’s all about. … It keeps you up to date on everything, and you really do establish friendships.” The Stag Club has its share of traditions, including a Ladies Night held in February on the Thursday closest to Valentine’s Day. It is an annual gathering that has taken place since 1963. There is also a special Christmas luncheon every year.
STAG CLUB MEETS: 11:30 a.m. every Thursday WHERE: Country Club at Deer Run, 300 Daneswood Way, Casselberry MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: Rich Reeves, (407) 695-3814
Stag Club Vice President of Entertainment Jim Arnold, who organizes the various events for the club, said perhaps the most
exciting part is simply hearing about the many life experiences each member has had — the stories are endless. “Telling stories is more of what I think all of us enjoy,” Arnold said. “We all have people that are capable of telling life stories that are very interesting. We have a lawyer here who’s told us about some of the cases he had to deal with that are totally entertaining. … We have a combination of people. … At our age, we should get out and be sociable.”
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A local club in Winter Park built on friendship and fellowship still is going strong after more than 55 years. The Stag Club of Winter Park brings gentlemen together for weekly lunch gatherings, giving them a chance to share jokes, hear short historical lectures on items of interest and talk about personal experiences. Stag Club Executive Vice President Jim Fitch said the group keeps it simple: no solicitations, no business promotions and no petitions, all while trying to avoid politics and religion as much as possible. It’s all about making friends, he said. “It’s just to get together and get out of the house once a week,” Fitch said. “It’s a bunch of old
farts that just enjoy each other’s company. I just look forward to it every Thursday, and I set my schedule up around it.” The group was formed April 19, 1962, by a group of men whose wives were attending a different weekly function. The Stag Club originally met in the old Langford Hotel for 38 years. During that time, the club ballooned to more than 80 members. When the hotel was sold and demolished, the club moved to several different locations over the years before settling on its current meeting location at the Country Club at Deer Run in Casselberry. The club has at least 40 members today — a group of retired men that range from their 60s to late 90s who worked long careers as engineers, doctors, lawyers and other professions. Members are generally older, but there aren’t any age restrictions, Fitch said. All that is required is that members have time available for the meetings, are able to pay for lunch and can transport themselves. Stag Club member and past president Bob Cullis said he’s made numerous friends through
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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TIM FREED
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OrangeObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
Eagles harbor great expectations The Edgewater boys varsity lacrosse team is chasing after a second-consecutive playoff berth.
Once a team gets a taste of success, it wants more. Just ask the Edgewater Eagles. The Edgewater High School boys lacrosse team hopes to build on the success of last season — and make a run at the district championship. With a 7-3 record to start the season as of Wednesday, March 27, the Eagles hope to grab a playoff spot and make a second-consecutive playoff appearance. The first three games of the season included some solid showings, including an 18-6 win over University High School, a 16-2 win over Freedom High School and a 12-10 win over Olympia High School. More recent wins against Windermere Preparatory School, Jones High School and East River High School also have added to the team’s strong start. It’s all building off of a standout season last year, when Edgewater captured the fourth playoff slot in the midst of a competitive district that includes Bishop Moore, First Academy, Windermere Prep, Dr. Phillips, Olympia and Freedom.
Three of the previous four years for the squad have been winning seasons, but two years ago was the first season in a new district comprising more teams. In years past, Edgewater was in a four-team district, meaning every team was given a playoff berth. The Eagles hope once again to qualify for the postseason by taking advantage of the team’s balance of offense and defense, all led by captains JD Goin, Fred Asare-Konadu, John Motzel and William Motzel. Many of the guys have been playing together for many years, building up chemistry that’s now paying off today, head coach Rabon Smith said. “It’s a great group of guys — we have 21 juniors in the program,” Smith said. “Twelve of those guys are on varsity. Those kids have been together since fourth grade, so it’s been a big growing process with the club team (the College Park Firebirds).” The boys lacrosse team has been on the rise in recent years — not only because of last year’s postseason appearance but also because of some records that could be broken. Junior year attack JD Goin came
“For them to see, ‘Hey, we did it; we’ve made that first step,’ it obviously springboards them into that, ‘I got to make that next step. We want to be in that district championship game.’” — Rabon Smith
The Edgewater Eagles are hungry for another postseason appearance. Tim Freed
into the season just 67 points away from being the all-time leading scorer at Edgewater High School. “The guy who’s in first place did it in three years, so he’s got that mindset of, ‘I have to get this done this year,’” Smith said. Goin led his team in scoring as both a freshman and a sophomore. He is already off to a good start this year with some strong showings early in the season, including six goals and two assists against Olympia, as well as four goals and six assists against Freedom. He recently broke the all-time record for most assists by an Edgewater lacrosse player during the March 8 matchup against Jones. As of early Monday, March 25, Goin had 87 assists and was 27
points away from tying the school record for points. “It’s nice to know that I’m leaving something here when I’m gone so other people can try to get there and excel at what they’re doing too,” Goin said. Meanwhile, Edgewater’s senior captain at midfield Fred AsareKonadu has been exemplary at balancing lacrosse with schoolwork and is set to become the school valedictorian for 2019, Smith said. A deep playoff run would make senior year all the more sweet for Asare-Konadu. “(It’s) knowing that this is my last year to leave a mark for Edgewater High School and kind of leave a legacy behind,” Asare-Konadu said.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM
The senior already has been accepted to Harvard and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “He’s the epitome of everything you want in a high-school athlete,” Smith said. The Edgewater coach added that the team will continue to push itself in pursuit of that first ever district championship. “Right now, the goal is to get through districts — qualify for playoffs again and then take a run to the district championship if we can,” he said. “For them to see, ‘Hey, we did it; we’ve made that first step,’ it obviously springboards them into that, ‘I got to make that next step. We want to be in that district championship game.’”
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ARTS + CULTURE
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
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Leaving home Orlando Repertory Theatre Executive Director Gene Columbus is retiring after 11 years. HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER
G
ene Columbus is happy about much of his time spent as executive director for the Orlando Repertory Theatre. From revitalizing and restoring the theater’s building more than a decade ago to dazzling and delighting Orlando families with plays for children, it’s been one of the most satisfying chapters of a long, full life. He also is sad to see it go. After more than a decade, Columbus is retiring from the youth-centered theater. He is set to depart this summer. “Here we are 11 years later, and I very much believe there’s a time (when) we should step aside and let the next generation move forward,” Columbus said. “The opportunity this past decade to focus on those parts this organization needed most — the infrastructure, the building, getting the team and putting together systems — making it a great place to work, instilling the approaches we took at Disney to take care of our guests and patrons. … I think the organization has really been able to prove itself.”
FROM THE GROUND UP
Columbus views his time with the REP as his fourth career, following 10 years in performing and management before more than three decades with Disney. But he also views those first few careers as a prelude. He said the 38 years he spent working at Disney was just training for his position as executive director of the REP. Columbus was introduced to the arts through his sister’s dance classes growing up in Denver. He eventually joined a ballet school, which brought him to his greatest love: the theater. The executive director recalls early days when he would volunteer to do as much as possible. “I would go and work a seat job, I’d paint scenery, be on a running crew,” he said. “I was absolutely hook, line and sinker with theater. It was the big choice in my career — whether to go to New York and pursue a career in ballet and possibly Broadway. But there was something about being in the movies that lured me to Hollywood.” Columbus made his way to Los Angeles when he was 20 and majored in theater arts at Santa Monica College. He performed as a dancer in a few movies in the 1960s before officially joining the Disney company in 1970, for which he served as ballet master, assistant stage manager and more. Thirtyeight years later, he was brought on to the Orlando REP as executive director. “I had been doing volunteer work at the REP and (staff) reached out, and I remember being told, ‘Oh just
Courtesy photos
Clockwise from top: Gene Columbus is retiring from the Orlando REP this summer. Columbus’ early career as a ballet dancer eventually introduced him to the theater. Columbus said his decades at Disney prepared him for his time as executive director of the Orlando REP.
for giggles, send us your résumé,” Columbus said. “I didn’t know I was being set up. I was interviewed … the more I learned about the organization, the more it became apparent the REP needed me more than Disney needed me. It needed structure, branding. It had all the elements but it needed leadership.” HIS HAPPY PLACE
Columbus recalls his first years with the theater as a time of revitalization. He said the REP’s building, which was rebranded as a civic theater in the early 1970s, had faced
stiff competition from a developing Disney and eventually fell onto hard times. Then-Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood entered a partnership with former University of Central Florida President John Hitt to own and repurpose the building, change the name to “Orlando Repertory Theatre” and focus on programming for children. Columbus said he has enjoyed his time helping the REP earn its reputation through its shows and youth-focused productions.The SEE DIRECTOR PAGE 12
“What’s wonderful is you get to a point in your life where you start hearing what you had said being said by someone else and you know they own it, they believe it.”
— Gene Columbus
WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER
Director retires CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
building itself, which he likened to a bank with eggshell-white walls and brown tiles, was remodeled to have a more appealing aesthetic under his watch. The efforts of which he is most proud include the staff he has recruited and the relationship he has formed with Artistic Director Jeff Revels over the years. If Revels was the artistic balloon, Columbus said he was the weight to ensure Revel’s vision was realized. “I have absolutely adored the time that I got to have with Gene Columbus as our executive director,” Revels said. “We have grown tremendously during his tenure, and he has been as perfect a partner as we have dreamed — and continue to dream — about the incredible work we want to accomplish. We are but stewards of this theater dating back to 1926. Gene has left his indelible mark on this institutional legacy.” There’s still work to be done at the REP, and Columbus is more than willing to represent the theater at charity functions as he typically did as director. He said the REP always will be his happy place, but he’s satisfied leaving knowing it is now that to many others, as well. “What’s wonderful is you get to a point in your life where you start hearing what you had said being said by someone else and you know they own it, they believe it,” Columbus said. “... What we do at the REP is help children find their voice.”
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OrangeObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
THIS WEEK FRIDAY, MARCH 29
THE NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a fiddle trio that blends the traditions of Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands. Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), have swiftly gained a reputation for a gripping and unique blend of fiddle music since the inception of the Bloc in early 2009. They maintain a firm focus on the traditions of their home while developing a sound that has been described as “meaningful,” ”intense” and “invigorating.” Tickets are $25. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
‘ANTIGONE’ — GREEK THEATRE IN THE GARDEN 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park. The Winter Park High School Theatre Department proudly presents the last installment of the Oedipus Trilogy — “Antigone.” One of the most well-known theater pieces to survive ancient Greek theater. Antigone stands up for her family, for her faith and for her heart against the laws of a king who struggles to understand true power and authority. This classical Greek production will be
held in the outdoor amphitheater. The department is working with a nonprofit, onepurse.org, to collect feminine products and gently loved handbags to help them restore the dreams of the survivors of trafficking. Cost is $5 to $15. Call (407) 973-5037.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR — MAITLAND HISTORY MUSEUM 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Art & History Museums — Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. Join Dr. Scot French, guest curator and a professor of history at UCF, on a tour of the Maitland History Museum’s spring exhibition — “Maitland’s African-American History: Marked, Unmarked, Remembered.” Coffee will be provided. For more information, call (407) 539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
DATE NIGHT CERAMICS 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Crealdé School of Art, 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park. Clay is like a relationship: it must be pinched, molded and designed to become everlasting. Ceramics artist — and your host for the evening — Jesus Minguez will walk you and your partner through clay projects that will make a fantastic date night. Bring some wine and prepare to get messy and have fun making art. Snacks and all materials included. Cost is
Courtesy photo
$120 per couple. For more information, visit crealde.org/classes/ date-night-ceramics-4-5.
“High Art of the Low Countries: Daydreams and Nightmares.” Call (407) 645-5311.
FRIDAY BROWN BAG MATINEE Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 West Canton Ave., Winter Park. The Morse presents three film series each season on topics related to the museum’s collection and art in general. Admission is free. These lunchtime matinees are shown at noon on select Fridays. Those attending are invited to bring a lunch, and the museum provides soft drinks and themed refreshments. The spring series of films focuses on northern European art. Learn about the art of Belgium and the Netherlands during the 19th and 20th centuries and examine three well-known artists from the region: Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian and René Magritte. The April 5 film is titled
ONGOING
‘WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING! THE STORY OF SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN’ Through Saturday, April 13, at select showtimes at The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. Written by Jay Berkow, this new song-anddance musical brings to life the little-known story of the love triangle between Hollywood legends Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen and their assistant Jeanne Coyne during the creation of the greatest movie musical of all time, “Singin’ in the Rain.” Featuring a score of well-loved songs and some of Hollywood’s most exciting and enduring dance choreography. For more information, visit winterparkplayhouse.org.
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OrangeObserver.com
It does mean a thing, ’cause it has that swing! CFCArt’s Big Band will lead a Spring Swing concert in Winter Park April 5 and 6. HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
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IF YOU GO CFCART’S SPRING SWING CONCERT WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6 WHERE: Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S Denning Drive, Winter Park (Friday) and Calvary Orlando, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park (Saturday) TICKETS: $18 advance tickets, $20 at the door Friday. $10 advance tickets and $15 at the door Saturday. WEBSITE: cfcarts.com/ springswing
Muchoney said it only makes sense that Central Florida musical ensembles should join the show, as well. “If our purpose is to serve the community, we should include the community in the performances when we can,” said Muchoney, who oversees CFCArts adult instrumental programs. “A great thing about schools (such as) Valencia and Seminole and Winter Park is that they have such high standards for what they want to create and give their students in terms of an experience so we know they’re going to deliver. There’s a lot of talent in this town and on these stages.”
The Winter Park Jazz Ensemble will perform during the concert’s first day at the performance at the Mead Botanical Garden. The high school’s jazz band of 20 students rehearses about an hour a day and averages 10 to 12 public performances each year. Michael Clemente, Winter Park High School’s associate director of bands and jazz ensemble director, believes these performances provide vital experience for the burgeoning musicians. He’s hopeful the CFCArt’s volunteer musicians can inspire his students to continue playing music after graduating. “It’s big for my students to see people who may be band directors or may also be accountants or lawyers or doctors who still love to play their instru-
ments,” Clemente said. “It shows there are opportunities to still be a musician in the capacity they are right now after leaving the program.” Muchoney expects hundreds of people to turn out to both Spring Swing shows — he just hopes the number will be even bigger next year. “We want to grow this idea … we’re going to keep mixing and matching and tinkering with the formula to find the right combination,” he said. “We want to give our audience the best music in the best environment. The goal is you’re looking at an early-April jazz festival in an awesome outdoor location near Winter Park hopefully every year.” Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the Mead Botanical Garden performance.
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CFCArts is well-known for delivering concerts, plays, musicals and other artistic endeavors to the Central Florida community. The arts group now is hoping to bring a new production to Winter Park that will continue on for years to come. The CFCArts Big Band is hosting its inaugural Spring Swing concert at the Mead Botanical Garden on Friday, April 5, with a follow-up performance at the Calvary Orlando church Saturday, April 6. What’s more, the Big Band will have some backup. The concert will have a series of jazz and bigband swing performances from the Winter Park High School Jazz Ensemble, the Valencia College
Jazz Combo and the Seminole State College Big Band. Although the CFCArts ensemble has performed across Central Florida since its inception a little more than a year ago, this is the first time it has led a collaboration with other music groups. “This is a first for us, and hopefully the first of many,” said CFCArts Musical Director Justin Muchoney. “Each night is a unique jazz festival all packed into a couple of hours. … You have four bands playing back-toback some of the greatest jazz and swing music you can imagine.” Part of the concert’s conception was the belief that CFCArt’s one-year-old big band, consisting of about 25 members, should be more involved in the Central Florida community. The volunteer members, composed of teachers, doctors, lawyers, students and more rehearse big dance music for two hours every week.
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the art of Florida’s cattle culture
December 11, 2018 April 14, 2019
633 Osceola Avenue Winter Park, FL
polasek.org
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“Working in the Florida Flat Woods” by E. L. “Buster” Kenton.
WINTER PARK / MAITLAND OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
REAL BLACK
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Wine & Dine host David Merritt took the time for a photoshoot.
Daniella Danilla, Donna Lindor, Ramon Torres and Terry Lemp
Winter Park Wine & Dine Spring 2019
W
inter Park residents returned to the Farmers Market for the 2019 spring Wine & Dine on Wednesday, March 20. Guests tasted meals and sipped drinks from more than 30 different food and drink companies. — HARRY SAYER
David Kingsford, Hailey Bush and Andrew Fox Left: Jonathan Turner and Shel Mansour
Left: Jennifer and Susan Graham
We Are FAmily OWned & OperAted
“FULL SERVICE FUNERAL PROVIDER WITH ONSITE CREMATORY” ALL INCLUSIVE DIRECT CREMATION ONLY $795 BURIAL STARTING AT $2295
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(407) 695-CARE (2273) • www.DEGusipEFunERAlHomE.Com Maitland 9001 N.Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL 32751 | West Orange 1400 Mathew Paris Blvd. Ocoee, FL 34761 Sanford 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, FL 32771 | Joh ston Chapel 65 N. Gallitan Ave Uniontown, PA 15401
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
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PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF WINTER PARK RUN-OFF ELECTION April 9, 2019 Testing of tabulating equipment to be used in the April 9, 2019 City of Winter Park General Election will be held on March 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the voting equipment warehouse, 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, Florida. In accordance with the Sunshine Law of Florida, this meeting will be open to the Public. NOTE: Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, states that if a person decides to appeal any decision by a board, agency, or commission with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. /s/ Cynthia S. Bonham, City Clerk
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Las pruebas del equipo de tabulación que se utilizará en la 9 de Abril, 2019 Ciudad de Winter Park elecciones Generales se realizarán el 28 de Marcha 2019 a las 10:00 de la mañana en el almacén de equipo de votación localizado en, 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, Florida. Estas pruebas estarán abiertas al público según la Ley Sunshine de la Florida. NOTA: La Sección 286.0105 de los Estatutos de la Florida índican que si una persona decide apelar cualquier decisión de una junta, agencia o comisión con respecto a cualquier asunto considerado en una reunión o vista, esta persona pueda asegurarse de que se haga un registro al pie de la letra de los procedimientos, los cuales incluyen el testimonio y la evidencia sobre la cual se basa la apelación. Cynthia S. Bonham /s/ Secretaria de la Ciudad
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AVISO PÚBLICO ELECCIÓNES Correr fuera Abril 9, 2019
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1460 MAYFIELD AVENUE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789 $865,000 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,400 SF Megan Cross + Meg Dolan 407-353-9997
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1595 Harston Avenue, Baldwin Park 5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,730 SF | $799,000 Traditional home with guest apartment
471 SYLVAN DRIVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789 $1,899,000 5 Beds, 4.2 Baths, 6,430 SF MaryStuart Day 407-620-8683
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1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803
521 N. Capen Avenue, Winter Park 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,788 SF | $775,000 Brand new home with spacious outdoor living
822 TUSCARORA TRAIL, MAITLAND, FL 32751 $425,000 4 Beds, 5 Baths, 3,450 SF Jackie O’Leary 407-718-0887
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2410 Shoreham Road, Orlando 3 BR | 2 BA | 2,440 SF | $669,000 Single-level, mid-century home in Rose Isle
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1110 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park 3 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,217 SF | $1,170,000 Elegant brick home in ideal location
2235 VIA TUSCANY, WINTER PARK, FL 32789 $1,949,000 5 Beds, 5.1 Baths, 5,190 SF Maria Van Warner 407-256-8066
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200 Saint Andrews Boulevard #3411 Winter Park 1 BR | 1 BA | 793 SF | $106,000 Spacious Four Seasons unit with updated kitchen
2241 GILLIS COURT, MAITLAND, FL 32751 $399,900 3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,714 SF Friedman Team 407-222-6059
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1189 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,632 SF | $679,000 Charming, bright home with completely remodeled kitchen
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019
Tour our facility and enjoy entertainment for the entire family, healthy activities, refreshments and prizes.
You’re Invited to a Special Event To Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Center for Health & Wellbeing
Join us Sunday, April 28, from 1 to 5 pm
The Center for Health & Wellbeing is an 80,000-square foot, state-of-the-art, health and wellbeing facility located in the heart of Winter Park. Every element within The Center is dedicated to strengthening the body, mind and spirit. From personalized fitness plans and picturesque walking trails and gardens to outstanding community programs and physician offices, there is plenty to keep you motivated to becoming the healthiest you.
A partnership between the Winter Park Health Foundation and AdventHealth
2005 Mizell Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 | 407.644.2300 | YourHealthandWellbeing.org
19-PROJWELL-02006 WP Observer - March 2019 - Grand Opening Invite-Print ad.indd 1
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Wholeness, Fitness and Medicine
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