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WINDERMERE • HORIZON WEST • DR. PHILLIPS • BAY HILL
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VOLUME 4, NO. 32
Delivering Good celebrates accomplishments. SEE 10. •
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Celebrating the road to recovery After beating breast cancer, Sarah Best ran in the SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon in NYC. 15.
Sweet dream
Hospital to mark 100 years with time capsule Orlando Health will bury the capsule at the site of its 103-bed hospital in Horizon West, scheduled to open in 2021. GABBY BAQUERO
Photo by Eric Gutierrez
NEWS EDITOR
Windermere resident and anesthesiologist Dr. Jennifer Maziad wrote her first book, “A Sleepy Tale: My First Surgery.”
On Monday, May 6, a 36-inchlong time capsule measuring 11 inches in diameter will be buried at Orlando Health’s future Horizon West hospital on Porter Road. The burial of the time cap-
ERIC GUTIERREZ
SEE 100 PAGE 2
STAFF WRITER
Going under anesthesia for surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for a child. When Dr. Jennifer Maziad’s twins needed to have surgery done, she did something for
YOUR TOWN ROTARY TO SPICE UP TOWN
SEE ANESTHESIOLOGIST 4 Courtesy
SPOTLIGHT
The relief high school on Seidel Road will include all its sports facilities on campus.
NOW OPEN
Burntwood Tavern opens in Dr. Phillips. PAGE 5 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
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SITE FOR SORE EYES Site 113-H-SW-4, the new relief high school off of Seidel Road, reached 60% design completion and was fast-tracked to open in fall 2021.
SEE STORY ON PAGE 4
The Rotary Club of Windermere will host the town of Windermere’s Cinco de Mayo celebration from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4, around Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. The event will feature plenty of free family fun, food and entertainment. Music will be provided by the Down Brothers. Food trucks will be available, and events planned for the children include several bounce houses, arts and crafts, sidewalk painting, basketball, and soccer on the courts. Other activities will include a sombrero contest, margarita and tequila tasting, and simulated cucaracha races.
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THURSDAY, MAY 2
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
EAGLE PREMIERE GALA 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at The Club at Bella Collina, 15920 County Road 455, Montverde. This gala, presented by the Oakland Avenue Charter School PTO, is a benefit for the school and includes dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Cocktail attire, cash bar, adults only. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $700 to $1,250 for tables of 10 and are available at OACSgala@gmail. com. PLANT CLINIC 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Take your plants, get your soil pH tested and ask questions of Master Gardener volunteers from the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Office. (407) 835-7323.
FRIDAY, MAY 3
WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. Fridays outside of Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. For more, visit windermererotary.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 4
10TH ANNUAL RUN FOR THE ROSES 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The Kentucky Derby-themed party is hosted by the West Orange Junior Service League and includes food and drinks, casino gaming tables, horse racing, a hat contest and silent auction. Tickets are $100 and available at eventbrite.com.
CINCO DE MAYO 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4, around Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Presented by the Rotary Club of Windermere, this day of family fun will feature food, entertainment and more. Free. town.windermere.fl.us. TOWN HALL MEETING ON HOMELESSNESS 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 N. Ninth St., Winter Garden. Matthew’s Hope is hosting a public town-hall discussion on homelessness in our community. Hear some do’s and don’ts, learn about the growing problem and discover what role the public can play in making a difference. RSVP to (407) 905-9500 or Kaylen@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org. SOUTHWEST ART CLUB: PAINTING WITH FOSSILS 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Enjoy this step-by-step workshop using mixed media to create a colorful base with rich textures, adding stencil designs and fossils made from air-dry clay. No art experience needed. Ages 18 and up. Space is limited. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.
SUNDAY, MAY 5
CHIHUAHUA CHA-CHA Noon to 4 p.m. at the Crooked Can Brewing Company, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Chihuahuas will line up to Run for the Rescues at this event, which supports A Cause 4 Paws Rescue. Tickets are $10. Preregister your pet at Eventbrite.com/e/ crooked-can. Tickets are $10.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
RISE: CONVERSATIONS ON RACE & UNITY “CONVERSATIONS ON RACE” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Roper Co-Op Ballroom, 146 W. Plant St., Suite 210, Winter Garden. This communitywide event is hosted by Oasis Church Winter Garden and facilitated by Valencia College’s Peace and Justice Institute. It will provide a safe space to focus on our shared humanity with an exploration of race, privilege, bias, systems of privilege and oppression, and practical application. Refreshments included. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/rise-conversations-on-race-unity-tickets54097845111?aff=erellivmlt. (407) 905-4931.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
PIGS & PASTIME 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 Ninth St. Join the Ocoee Fire Department and Ocoee Professional Firefighters, in conjunction with the Winter Garden Elks, for this fundraiser is memory of Lt. James Kelley. Enjoy a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and pork dinner. (407) 905-3140.
SUNDAY, MAY 12
AVE MARIA: A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The Basilica Choir and friends perform music in honor of the Mother of God and mothers everywhere among 10,000 roses. Individual concerts are $25; a season subscription to four concerts is $65. For information, call (407) 239-6600.
100 years strong CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
sule serves a dual purpose: to celebrate the 103-bed Horizon West Hospital under construction on Porter Road, which is scheduled to open in 2021, and Orlando Health’s 100-year anniversary, said Orlando Health Chief Operating Officer Rick Smith. Orlando Health opened its first hospital — then known as Orange General Hospital — on Nov. 5, 1918, in a onestory building fronting South Orange Avenue. The hospital was later renamed to Orange Memorial Hospital in 1946 in honor of soldiers who fought in World War II, and after several expansion projects, the hospital was named the Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1997. “We’re taking the opportunity to celebrate that construction project, but due to the timing of the project and the accelerated schedule, we probably missed the opportunity for a groundbreaking, if you will, because it’s already coming out of the ground,” Smith said. “But we thought that we could instead do this time capsule to also celebrate Orlando Health’s 100 years of service to the community. So it’s kind of fitting that we reflect back a little bit, but also think about the future. And so, when we open this time capsule about 50 years from now: what will that look like? And what will the people opening
the capsule think of our current state in 2019?” The capsule’s burial spot will be designated by a monument or marker that is yet to be designed, and the capsule will hold about 40 pounds worth of items that reflect modern-day health care and the West Orange community, Smith added. “We’re looking for things that reflect our current state, like photographs of today, newspaper and magazine articles, etc. ,” he said. “I mean, I can only imagine how health care will change in the next 50 years, so we’ll probably also put in some health carerelated items. And in 50 years, whoever opens this will probably think, ‘Wow, how archaic they were in 2021.’” Orlando Health Media Relations Manager Desmond Jordon said the organization has selected a few items for inclusion in the time capsule, including a book thoroughly detailing the history of the organization’s past 100 years of operation. “We’ve compiled a book that’s been written from the organization’s standpoint about our first 100 years of providing healthcare for Central Florida,” Jordon said. “And we’re also putting a copy of that book into the time capsule, as well. And we’re also putting one of our current community-benefit reports.”
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
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Ready for prime time Former Bridgewater Middle School students Alexandria Muir and Ella Brinckerhoff won second place in the Student Television Network Nationals competition under the Creative Segment — Middle School category. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER
I
f you ever had to move while you were a child, you know what it’s like to be the new kid at a school. That experience is the subject of a video created by Alexandria Muir and Ella Brinckerhoff that won second place in the Student Television Network Nationals competition under the Cre-
Courtesy photo
BMS television production teacher Andrew Inches, left, posed for a photo with his former students, Alexandria Muir and Ella Brinckerhoff, at last year’s Orange County Student Media Festival.
ative Segment — Middle School category. Muir and Brinkerhoff created the video in early 2018 — when they were still eighth-graders at Bridgewater Middle School. Today, Muir, 15, and Brinckerhoff, 14, are both freshmen at Windermere High. “We made a video called, ‘New,’ which is about a new girl at a school … and she’s very lonely,” Muir said. “After very repetitive school days, she finally meets a friend … and then it branches off from that friend (until) basically she makes a bunch of new friends and her life (gets) a lot better.” Andrew Inches is the television-production teacher at Bridgewater, and he taught both Muir and Brinckerhoff when they came through his class. He said this is only the second year that he has submitted students’ work to the Student Television Network Nationals competition, and it is the only time the school won. “The Student Television Network is a nationwide group of different schools that have television-production programs,” Inches said, adding that the group is mostly for high schools, but some middle schools are in it, as well. “They also have competitions throughout the course of the year where you can send it projects depending on whatever that competition is.” Inches added the STN hosts a number of contest and competitions throughout the year for high-school students. Fortunately, the STN Nationals competi-
Eric Gutierrez
Ella Brinckerhoff, left, and Alexandria Muir created a video that won second place in the Student Television Network Nationals competition under the Creative Segment — Middle School category.
tion includes categories for middle-school students, which gave Inches the opportunity to submit some of his students’ work. The video Muir and Brinckerhoff made was an obvious choice to submit to the STN Nationals competition. “I thought it was an amazing video,” Inches said. “There were a couple of things that changed along the way, but I thought the concept was terrific, because I thought it was unique. … This is a topic that really speaks to students of their peer groups. And that’s why I think it hits home on a lot of levels.” Brinckerhoff and Muir’s video is based on Muir’s experience as a new student at BMS after moving to the area. It also tells of how Muir and Brinckerhoff met and became friends. “It was just like how my story was, so I wanted to create the video so that if anybody else is also new, they (can see) that it’s a
WATCH THE VIDEO Those interested in watching Muir and Brinckerhoff’s video, “New,” can visit, bit. ly/2DDZLW1
normal thing,” Muir said. Muir and Brinckerhoff also star in their video. Muir plays the new student, and Brinckerhoff plays the first friend she makes — much like the real-life story of their friendship. Brinkerhoff said the most challenging part of the project was being consistent with filming the repetitive shots in the video. “When we were filming it, because of the repetitive shots and kind of shots we had to (do), we had to film it over a couple of days and do a lot of costume changes and keep the angles the same so the shots looked consistent,” Brinckerhoff
said. “It was a lot of just making sure that everything stayed the same. We had to do it pretty fast, and we didn’t have that much time to film.” Muir said she loves watching reactions from individuals who watch the video. “I would have adults watch it when we were showing it for like competitions just to get their opinions, and they would start crying,” Muir said. “Making a video that actually makes people feel things was very amazing” Brinckerhoff said she proud of the fact the video won a student film festival at BMS last year. In addition to that win and the second-place victory with the Student Television Network Nationals competition, Muir and Brinckerhoff’s video also won second place in the Orange County Student Media Festival.
Fire Station 44 opens to serve Horizon West GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
Orange County officially opened Fire Station 44 Tuesday, April 30, in the Horizon West community. The temporary station, located at the corner of Avalon and Porter roads, is housed in a manufactured building on the 74-acre campus of the recently constructed Orlando Health Emergency Room and Medical Pavilion. The building costs the county $500,000 to construct and will serve the surrounding community until the permanent site is built and opened in fiscal year 2022-23. The permanent site will be located on Reams Road, south of Summerlake Park Boulevard. At the station’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey thanked Orange County Fire Rescue’s staff for supporting her mission to open the temporary fire station ahead of its original schedule. “This is one of those really wonderful days when we get to take a victory lap when we’ve
done an awful lot of hard work to make something happen way ahead of schedule,” VanderLey said. “About a year and a half ago, it was brought to my attention that this area was underserved in terms of fire and that the response times were slower than we’d like them to be. And so after working very hard with the chief and the staff of Orange County Fire (Rescue), we were able to move this station up five years ahead of schedule. That is extremely significant.” According to Orange County, a 2015 Fire Station Location Study determined a new station was needed in the Horizon West area to service the rapidly growing population and development. Currently, there are 42 Orange County Fire Rescue stations within Orange County. The nearest fire stations to the temporary site for Fire Station 44 are Fire Station 34 at 4000 S. State Road 535, and Fire Station 35, located at 7435 Winter Garden Vineland Road. Since October, Rescue Ambulance 44 has been located at the Orlando Health campus in
Photo by Gabby Baquero
Orange County officials say the new fire station also will help residents lower their residential insurance premiums and encourage customers to contact their companies to provide notice of the new station.
Horizon West from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to reduce response times to the Horizon West community. The current travel time ranges between seven to nine minutes, but Orange County Fire Rescue expects the new temporary sta-
tion will reduce travel times by about 50%. “Fire Station 44 is now a community asset, and it will house an advanced life-support engine company, and an advanced lifesupport transport rescue,” said
Orange County Deputy Chief Jim Fitzgerald. “What that simply means is, anytime that you see this fire truck behind me roll up, there will be a paramedic on it and also a paramedic in the rescue truck.”
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Horizon West relief high school accelerated for 2021 opening DANIELLE HENDRIX
SITE 113-H-SW-4
W
Tennis courts
40
Bus stacking room
68
Site size, in acres
75
Buses to fit in parking area
300
Car stacking room
850
Seats in auditorium, and parking spaces
2021 Year opening
2,776
Program capacity
350,000 Total building square footage
$115M Budget
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek
“Road to Serfdom,” 1944
AT A GLANCE:
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BLACK TIE EDITOR
ith design of the new Horizon West-area high school on Seidel Road at 60% completion, diligent but speedy progress is being made to ensure the school opens in fall 2021. Site 113-H-SW-4, which will relieve Windermere High, has been fast-tracked twice now. The first time, it was pushed up from 2026 to open in fall 2022. Most recently, though, it has been accelerated again for faster relief in 2021. Its “sister school,” the relief high school planned for Dr. Phillips and Freedom high schools, also has been accelerated for a 2021 opening. About a dozen parents and community members gathered in Bridgewater Middle’s cafeteria Monday, April 29, to see the 60% design plans for the school, presented by architect SchenkelSchultz. “I’m excited that we’re here to discuss this high school, which has moved up to opening in 2021, which is fabulous,” said Orange County School Board District 4 Member Pam Gould. J. David Torbert, partner with SchenkelSchultz, showed attendees some design plans — including some additions and tweaks different from what was presented at the 30% design community meeting. Site 113-H-SW-4 is located on about 68 acres off Seidel Road and State Road 429. Orange County Public Schools has budgeted $115 million for the school, which is a prototype high school designed with a program capacity of 2,776. “The biggest change is that the building of the high-school campus has been pushed further back from Seidel,” Torbert said. “As you come into the site, you have two access points — one is off Frontage Road, and the other is coming in from the northwest
corner of the site. The northwest access will be the bus loop and staff parking, and the Frontage Road access will be primarily for the cars.” Current design plans for the school site also include an easement off the Frontage Road access point toward the southwest side of the campus, which will allow for Reedy Creek residents so access their property. Near the easement will be a bus-parking facility on campus, with room for 75 buses and 75 drivers’ cars onsite. Torbert added that in the future, there may also be a future bus-fueling and driver-lounge area located adjacent to the busparking area. On the main campus, 350,000 square feet of buildings are organized around a central, secured courtyard. There will be a threestory classroom building at the back of the school, the only exception to the rest of the buildings, which all will be one story. At the front of the school, buildings will house the gymnasium, media center, administration, 850-seat auditorium and others. There is stacking room for up to 300 cars and more than 40 buses, with 850 total parking spaces. “Each academic wing includes collaborative learning environments within them,” Torbert said. “It’s all organized around an enclosed and secure courtyard. Safety and security in today’s world is a very important and necessary feature for today’s schools. The single point of entry is at the administration, where visitors have to be buzzed in, even to get into the reception area.” Toward the back of the school is a lighted football stadium, track and field with home and visitor bleachers, a couple of open practice-field areas, softball and baseball fields, two basketball courts and four tennis courts. Campus plans also include an on-site greenhouse, space for 12 portables and additional green
space that could accommodate more portables, if necessary. Among hot topics of discussion were aesthetics, traffic and local infrastructural logistics, and student population. Although the new school is designed as an OCPS prototype high school, Torbert said it will look similar to — but not the same — as others of its kind. Gould said she requested it retain the same, quality look as the other schools but that it should have its own unique character and identity. Another concern was the need that would arise once the school is built for a traffic light at Seidel and Frontage roads, near the Lakeshore community entrance. “We have had discussions with the county, and they’re in agreement with a traffic light there,” said Rick Baldocchi, vice president at AVCON engineering and planning firm. “I can’t speak to the timing of it, but it’s in the scope to be designed, and I’m not sure whether OCPS or the county will be building the light. I think that’s a discussion that needs to be had, but as far as I know it’s in the scope.” Tom Widener, project executive with Wharton-Smith, said the construction timeline will be similar to that of Windermere High, with an early site package to start by the end of this year. Widener said he hopes to start construction on the building package in February or March 2020 to be on track for a June 2021 opening.
“I’m excited that we’re here to discuss this high school, which has moved up to opening in 2021, which is fabulous.” — Pam Gould, Orange County School Board
Anesthesiologist pens first book CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
them a few nights before it that she always does for her children: she read them a bedtime story. Only this story was a little different, because it was one she wrote herself about something she experiences through her work as an anesthesiologist. “I do see a lot of different kids that will come through, and they’re really not wanting to separate from their mom or their dad — they’re really scared about why they’re there,” said Maziad, a Windermere resident. “The whole experience just seems to be a little bit scary and anxietyprovoking for them — and we obviously have medication that can help with that — but I think part of helping a child get ready for this, even before (their surgery), I think it starts at home. Getting them to read something or see some pictures so they kind of know what to expect … will be helpful for them.” To address that, Maziad
released her first children’s book, “A Sleepy Tale: My First Surgery” last month. She didn’t always consider herself a writer, but she knows all about how anxious a child could get when they’re about to go in for their surgery. Helping ease the minds of children who are about to go into surgery is one of the things that inspired her to write the book. “It’s a book about a little boy who breaks his arm and he has to have his first surgery and his experience with anesthesia,” Maziad said. “I wrote it to try to help kids with the anxiety that they may feel when they’re about to have surgery for the first time.” Originally from the Clearwater area, Maziad has lived in Windermere for about three years. She’s been an anesthesiologist since 2013 and currently works for AdventHealth. Between working long hours and spending time with her husband and three young sons, it took Maziad about two years to write the book. She didn’t have it published into a physical
TO PURCHASE
Hard copy: amzn.to/2WdjO56 eBook: bit.ly/2XKHNZt
book when she read it to her twins before their surgery in December, but she did decide to self-publish it after seeing how the story helped her own children. “What inspired me to write it was, actually, my own children,” Maziad said. “We read stories every night before bed, and I was reading to them (one night). We really didn’t have any books that touched on this topic, and if
they ever needed to have surgery themselves — which actually … my twins did in December — I didn’t have a great book to share with them to kind of prepare them for that. I actually did read this book to them before they went in for their surgery, and I feel like it helped them quite a bit.” Maziad said the book illustrates what a child could expect when they go in for surgery. In the book, Maziad comes up with ways to make some aspects of a surgical experience seem less frightening to children. “One of the things the kids fear a lot is the mask they use to go to sleep,” Maziad said. “In the story, as the little boy is breathing through this mask, he starts to imagine what dreams he might have and what he could pretend to be. With his mask, he becomes an astronaut, and he launches into space in one of his dreams. In his next dream sequence, he uses the mask to become a diver.”
Publisher / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor / Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Tony Trotti, ttrotti@orangeobserver.com
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Burntwood Tavern opens in Dr. Phillips The restaurant opened April 22 at the Grand Oaks Village shopping plaza. TUNA CARPACCIO: sesame seared, edamame, roasted corn & tomato salsa, sriracha oil CEDAR SALMON: fire roasted tomato vinaigrette, seasonal vegetables, blistered asparagus HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD: blackened chicken, sun-dried cherries, apples, red onion, gorgonzola, pecans, house dressing
IF YOU GO BURNTWOOD TAVERN 5078 Dr. Phillips Blvd. PHONE: (407) 776-9991 WEBSITE: burntwoodtavern.com HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays
ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER
Dr. Phillips residents have a new place to grab a bite and a brew away from the hustle and bustle of Restaurant Row. Burntwood Tavern, located at 5078 Dr. Phillips Blvd., held the grand opening of its first Orlando location April 22. The new restaurant is located at the Grand Oaks Village shopping plaza and occupies the space once home to Stonewood Grill & Tavern. From starters and salads to sandwiches and flatbreads, the Ohio-based, American restaurant features a chef-driven menu offering a selection smoked, planked and wood-grilled dishes. At the bar, guests can sample signature cocktails made with fresh juices and house-infused vodkas, or enjoy something from Burntwood Tavern’s selection of wines and craft beers. “(The) cuisine is light, fresh and a little traditional,” founder Bret Adams said. “We’re very excited, and I think the community is going to embrace us, and we’re going to embrace them.” Adams started working in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher at age 15. He worked his way up the ranks over the years, and in 2010
Reclaimed wood and metal trimming throughout give Burntwood Tavern the look of an “urban lodge.”
he founded Burntwood Tavern. He opened the restaurant’s first location in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. At the time, he had just finished working 10 years with the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group. Today, at age 47, Adams has opened 12 locations for Burntwood Tavern, in addition to three Italian restaurants in Ohio. “I started cooking when I was 15,” Adams said. “I was a dishwasher (first), and it’s that classic case (of moving up). You’re a dishwasher, and then the pantry person doesn’t show up one day, so you learn how to make salads on the fly. Then, all of a sudden, the grill cook doesn’t show up one day, so you learn to (grill). … It’s a natural evolution.” Adams said he used reclaimed wood from Amish barns as part of the fixtures and décor at the Burntwood Taverns located in his home state. Following that same motif, reclaimed wood from barns adorn the walls and booths while copper accents the bar counter at the Dr.
Photos by Eric Gutierrez
Burntwood Tavern infuses its flavored vodkas in-house.
Phillips location. Additionally, a display of the restaurant’s houseinfused vodkas greets guests as they enter and approach the hostess stand. “The vision was (to have) a rustic tavern with a little bit of elegance,”
Adams said. “We infuse all of our vodka in-house. We don’t carry flavored vodkas because we make our own flavors. … We have 12 to 15 different flavors.”
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From The Observer
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Beauty Inside & Out
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Blow Out with Steaming Hair Mask & Natural Radiant Make-Up $65
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Four Hands Massage with Aromatherapy Bar $220
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Joyce Kwak
Director of Guidance, Wife, Friend...
407.206.8602 www.thefirstacademy.org A Christ-Centered Preschool to Grade 12 College Preparatory School
But according to her children, Ewan and Evelyn, Mom is the best title of them all! Joyce serves as the Director of Guidance at The First Academy and has had the privilege of helping hundreds of students as they navigate college essays, applications, and interviews for the past twelve years. TFA senior, Marissa Thomson, shares “I really got to know Mrs. Kwak at a school trip to Washington D.C. at the end of my junior year. Since then, she has helped me in inexplicable ways. She went through multiple drafts of my college essay with me until we both thought it was perfect. She answered every question and problem that I had for each application. Even after I finished all of my applications, she nominated me for and helped me with many scholarships to aid my future. The week before I heard back from my dream school, I was a mess. Mrs. Kwak saw me struggling and knew how stressed out I was. She sat with me in her office and reassured my doubts and fears. I would not have gotten through senior year, or the upcoming four years at my dream school (The University of Florida), without the guidance, help, and wisdom of Mrs. Kwak!” Mrs. Kwak’s TFA families, faculty, and her children count it as a joy to walk alongside her everyday!
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Southwest Orange pounds pavement in cancer fight
Eva Montilla, left, and Camila Cantera enjoyed the relay.
Cancer survivors took the honorary first lap to kick off the relay.
— ERIC GUTIERREZ
Right: Nicole Rubino, left, and Sid Donahue of team PSAV were all smiles as they took part in the relay.
Just in time for Mother’s Day Jewelry, Fashion, Home Goods and Unique Items Mention this Ad to Receive 10% Off a Gift for Mom
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From The Observer
Fifteen-year-old Chyanne Ojageer is one of the youngest bone-marrow donors in the country. She donated bone marrow and stem cells to her mother when she had cancer.
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D
ozens gathered Saturday, April 27, at the Reedy Creek Fire Station No. 4 to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Lake Buena Vista 2019. The 18-hour charity walk brought together cancer survivors and caregivers along with their friends, family and other supporters in a march against cancer. The annual event, which is in its 12th year, raises thousands of dollars to benefit local cancer patients. Relayers got to enjoy various food and drink vendors, as well as different themed walks and activities each hour.
This Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12th
GIVE MOM THE GIFT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
Treat Mom at the Big Easy!
We’ll be having bottomless Mimosas and Great Music. Option to enjoy either Regular Menu or Brunch Menu
Show Mom How Much You Really Care.
More than just a yoga studio—we are a community of like-minded individuals with the intention to strengthen and inspire. We warmly welcome students of ALL levels!
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Multiple workshops, Kids’ Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training and more! Over 45 classes a week:
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Happy Mother’s Day! To all of our mothers
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Assisted Living Facility #9626
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OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING
Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Otto Drozd III resigns GABBY BAQUERO
Join Us For Lunch!
CONNECTING THROUGH
Cuisine CELEBRATING
FLAVORS AROUND
NEWS EDITOR
Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Otto Drozd III submitted his resignation as chief — a role he’s held for about six years. Drozd submitted his resignation in the form of a letter addressed to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings April 19, which will become effective May 31. In his letter, Drozd praised the commitment and dedication of his colleagues and listed several accomplishments the department achieved during his service. “In this short time, we have more than doubled the number of paramedics, increased staffing, added eight new rescue units, opened station 67 covering the UCF area, open station 44 providing service to the growing community of Horizon West, and there are two more new stations and two replacement stations planned and funded,” Drozd wrote. “We have established one of the most robust fire rescue dive programs in the state and have become an industry leader in the use of drunk technology. … We have also enhanced firefighter health and safety by investing in equipment, training, and cultural change designed to mitigate exposure to those hazards inherent in firefighting.” Jim Fitzgerald, who has served the Orange County Fire Rescue Department for almost 40 years, will take on the role of the new
Courtesy photo
Drozd will resign as Orange County fire chief effective May 31. Deputy Chief Jim Fitzgerald will take his place May 7.
Orange County Fire Chief, according to a memorandum from the mayor. Fitzgerald will be the first chief in the county’s history to ascend to the role of fire chief from its own ranks, Demings wrote. “He knows every aspect of the organization, and he is intimately familiar with this community and understands this organization,” Demings wrote. “Jim is a respected, knowledgeable and … cares for the well-being of the men and women in the department.” Fitzgerald’s appointment will be confirmed during the May 7 Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting, which will provide the agency a fourweek transition period, Demings said. In his resignation letter, Drozd wished the new chief well. “While I have determined it is time for me to step aside, I am confident in our firefighters’ ability to continue to meet the fire and emergency service challenges of our community,” he wrote.
THE WORLD
This FREE Event is a meeting open to anyone desiring a better understanding of homelessness and this growing population in West Orange County however, there is limited seating so please RSVP.
12:00 NOON MAY 10TH - BELGIUM 420 Roper Road Winter Garden, FL 34787
We will discuss the Do’s and Don’ts in interacting with the homeless, the services available in our community and how you can make a difference. People complain, others are overly compassionate. We will openly address both. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas. If you have a particular issue you would like to see addressed during the Town Hall, please contact Scott.Billue@gmail.com What:
Where: Winter Garden Elks Lodge 700 9th St. Winter Garden When:
TO RSVP CALL
407-853-8479
1-WEEK PRIOR. LIMITED SPACE
Matthew’s Hope Town Hall Meeting on Homelessness Saturday, May 4th 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Please RSVP to 407.905.9500 or Shelley@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/donate-money https://vimeo.com/299973524 www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
Assisted Living Facility Number #13099
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OrangeObserver.com
Betty and Jim Ballenger
Cindy Christmas and Doug McGinnis
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
9
Gustavo Loza
PLEIN AIR PARTY
Stephen Withers Left: Dawn Willis, Nick Emanuel, Norma and Byron Sutton, Windermere Rotary Club President Don and Karen Hairston
I
Mike and Karen Neff
t was a busy and beautiful evening at Nehrling Gardens on Saturday, April 27, during the annual Corks, Caladiums & Canvases fundraiser. Guests enjoyed samples from the local food vendors, breweries and wine sponsors stationed throughout the grounds. They also had the opportunity to see artists painting or drawing live along the pathways. Many pieces of art were up for grabs in the silent auction, and attendees were encouraged to mix, mingle and enjoy the beauty of nature as they made their way around the gardens.
Karen Williams
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
ONLINE
See more photos at OrangeObserver.com Justin Paul
10
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OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Dylan Allen from A Gift for Teaching and Kathy Baldwin from Mustard Seed
Richard and Andrea Weiss
Friends of newly appointed Shepherd’s Hope President and CEO Pam Gould were happy to support her and the nonprofit.
West Orange community answers Shepherd’s Hope’s ‘Call to Hope’
S
Representatives from the city of Orlando, Delivering Good, the Edyth Bush Foundation, A Gift for Teaching and Mustard Seed had a blast together.
Delivering Good nonprofit celebrates at Bay Hill reception
T
he Delivering Good nonprofit celebrated a day in its honor with a cocktail reception Wednesday, April 24. The reception had representatives from Delivering Good — which provides clothing, toys, home goods and other gifts to naturaldisaster victims — enjoying a relaxed reception with supporters and other nonprofit figures. The city of Orlando officially recognized April 24 as Delivering Good Day.
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
Left: Dom Meffe, Shannon Gravitte, Shepherd’s Hope President and CEO Pam Gould and Shepherd’s Hope Founder Dr. Bill Barnes
— HARRY SAYER
Carol Lapidus and Carole Postal
Now located at 1067 S. Clarke Road, Ocoee FL 34761
407-521-3550 Office hours M-F by appointment Accepting new patients
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Rebecca Sayago, Cathy Hosman and Viviana Laverde
hepherd’s Hope supporters arrived at Rosen Shingle Creek bright and early Wednesday, April 24, for the nonprofit’s annual fundraising breakfast. The Call to Hope Breakfast included recognition of the more than 2,800 volunteers who give more than $17 million of in-kind volunteer services, and four volunteers received varying Volunteer of the Year awards. Additionally, Pam Gould — Orange County Public Schools’s District 4 School Board member — was named the new president and CEO of Shepherd’s Hope, following Marni Stahlman’s departure from the nonprofit at the end of 2018.
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CFHLA awards $200,000 in scholarships at luncheon
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11
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Personalized care with compassion and excellence.
Office Hours:
Wellington Esquea, PA-C • Dr. Bindu Parekattil Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani
Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12 By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761 Se Habla Español
Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com Osceola County District 1 Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, Orange County School Board District 2 Member Johanna Lopez, CFHLA Board Chairman Jesse Martinez, Orange County School Board District 1 Member Angie Gallo, and Orange County School Board District 4 Member Pam Gould
Blair M. Johnson
• Wills/Advance Directives • Estates • Corporation/LLC • Commercial transactions • Landlord/Tenant
• Real estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu • And other matters
Proudly serving West Orange County for over 36 years.
www.blairjohnsonlaw.com
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
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Scott Jamieson and Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins
Attorney At Law • 407-656-5521 425 South Dillard St. • Winter Garden, FL 34787
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T
he Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association celebrated a big day during its CFHLA Gives Scholarship Luncheon, held Thursday, April 25, at the DoubleTree by Hilton near Universal. CFHLA awarded more than $200,000 in hospitality-student scholarships; $100,000 in family-member scholarships, hospitality and community grants; and recognized its 2018 CFHLA Public Servant of the Year, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. Among the grants awardees were Olympia High, Orange Technical College, UCF Rosen College, Central Florida Community Arts and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Orange County School Board District 4 Member Pam Gould, Jay Leonard, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey and Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles
Broc Rosser Financial Advisor 6735 Conroy Rd Ste 326 Orlando FL 32835 407-412-6476
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Finacial Advisor 13848 Tilden Rd Suite 160 Winter Garden, FL 34787-5326 407-395-9079
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Cody M Cervellera
@Observerorange
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OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
REAL ESTATE
OBSERVER
Windermere home sells for $2.175M
A
home in the town of
DR. PHILLIPS
Windermere topped all
The home at 6082 Lexington Park, Orlando, sold April 22, for $525,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,742 square feet. The price per square foot is $191.47.
West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from April 18 to 26. The home at 20 Main St.,
BAY HILL
BELLA NOTTE AT VIZCAYA
2003, it has five bedrooms,
The home at 8756 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold April 25, for $471,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,408 square feet. The price per square foot is $195.60.
three-and-one-half baths,
HUNTERS ESTATES
Windermere, sold April 26, for $2.175 million. Built in
price per square foot is
The home at 8407 Carolina Drive, Orlando, sold April 23, for $435,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,434 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.72.
$457.03.
LANDSBROOK TERRACE
a pool and 4,759 square feet of living area. The
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
The home at 6301 Huntsville St., Orlando, sold April 26, for $315,500. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,187 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.26. PHILLIPS LANDING
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Daily Headlines:
12200 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787 office 407.654.8811 www.treasuretitle.com • info@treasuretitle.com
A daily dose of
Let Tracy fight for your property rights.
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Total Sales: 70 High Sale Price: $2.175M Low Sale Price: $122,000
The home at 8220 White Swan Court, Orlando, sold April 26, for $573,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,164 square feet. The price per square foot is $181.10.
YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGHT OVER YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS
up-to-the-minute news from Winter Garden, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Horizon West, Winter Park and Maitland.
Monday - Friday DON’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW, FOR TODAY’S NEWS.
* One entry per person. The contest is open to subscribers of the Observer’s eNewsletters. All entries must be received by 5/31/19. Late entries will not be entered. Participants will be entered into the drawing to win an Apple Series 4 Watch (image pictured above is an illustrated smart watch, actual prize is an Apple Series 4 Watch up to $400 value, color and style may vary). No cash alternative to the prize is offered. The prize drawing will be independently supervised. The winner will be selected at random and notified by the Observer by 5/31/19. It is the recipient’s responsibility to obtain any permission necessary and entrants must be aged 18+. The winner agrees for their name, job title and company to be published on our website, OrangeObserver. com and on the Observer’s social media channels. Employees of the promoter and their immediate families or anyone professionally connected with the promotion will be excluded from the prize drawing. The winner is responsible for any tax liability which may arise from receipt of a prize. The promoter is the Observer whose decision in all matters is final. Promoter does not accept liability for damaged or faulty prizes. The winner’s details are available upon request from rlankton@yourobserver.com. These terms and conditions are available upon request.
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12
OBSERVER
OrangeObserver.com
HICKORY HAMMOCK
realtor.com
This Ruby Lake home, at 10909 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold April 25, for $658,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from April 18 to 26.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 9723 Lake Hugh Drive, Gotha, sold April 24, for $1.2 million. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,320 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $225.56.
The home at 10166 Brandon Circle, Orlando, sold April 26, for $415,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,106 square feet. The price per square foot is $197.06. The home at 10023 Brandon Circle, Orlando, sold April 22, for $387,500. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,224 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.24. TOSCANA
The home at 6983 Brescia Way, No. 1, Orlando, sold April 23, for $445,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,988 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.93.
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Check our facebook page and Instagram for updates. We look forward to seeing everyone this season!!
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The home at 12650 Hawkstone Drive, Windermere, sold April 23, for $440,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,043 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.59.
BRAEMAR
So local, it feels like your garage!
SUMMERPORT
The home at 4531 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold April 24, for $353,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,345 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.53.
HORIZON WEST
THE COVE AT HAMLIN
The home at 5460 Bowman Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 23, for $359,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.93.
Call Today!
The home at 4731 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold April 24, for $355,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,411 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.24.
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 6648 Dwarf Lemon Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 25, for $395,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,309 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $171.07.
IN WINTER GARDEN
407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com
WINDERMERE ISLE
The home at 8336 Vivaro Isle Way, Windermere, sold April 25, for $529,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,919 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.98.
IN OCOEE
407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com
SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 14
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GOTHA
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LAKES OF WINDERMERE
RUBY LAKE
The home at 10909 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold April 25, for $658,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 4,248 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.90.
Our hours are 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
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The home at 7736 Brofield Ave., Windermere, sold April 24, for $365,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,709 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $213.58.
13
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
WE ARE OPEN FOR THE 2019 U-PICK SEASON
The home at 16186 Johns Lake Overlook Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 24, for $1.265 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,461 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $283.57. LAKE SAWYER SOUTH
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CHURCH DIRECTORY BAPTIST
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.
BEULAH BAPTIST Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org Sunday Bible Study 9:30AM Sunday Service 11:00AM Wednesday Service 6:00PM
This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com
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orangeobserver.com.
AMAZING DISCOVERIES SCIENCE AND NATURE SUMMER CAMP CAMP WEEKS: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/15, AND 7/22 M - F 9 AM TO 2 PM
Preschool & Daycare
Please come out and meet our staff and take a tour of the facility.
407.905.9500
740 9th St., Winter Garden, FL 34787
MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
www.facebook.com/MatthewsHopeFirmFoundation/
XNSP17686
Interested in a Montessori Education, with a Christian Worldview, for your preschool child? Learn more now by emailing Meagan@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Clermont Hillside Terrace 2400 S. US Hwy 27, Suite 101• Clermont, FL 34711
NEXT TO THE HARLEY DAVIDSON STORE
OPEN
Mon-Sat 4 p.m. Sun Closed 307254-1
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“Home of the area’s first certified therapy dog. Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!”
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
14
BETTY (HAMMOND) MINOR DIED APRIL 23, 2019.
Betty (Hammond) Minor, age 90, of Ocoee, Florida, walked into the arms of Jesus on April 23, 2019. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at Glad Tidings Church, 2009 E. Fullers Cross Road, Ocoee, with a visitation at 10:30 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Reception to follow at church. She was preceded in death by husband, Leonard; brother, John Hammond; son-in-law, 1st Lt. David J. Nairn.
WILLER “DEAN” LOTT DIED APRIL 24, 2019.
Willer “Dean” Lott, 87, made residence in her eternal heavenly home on April 24, 2019, after a short but valiant battle with illness. Her devotion to her family and her faith in Jesus Christ supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Dean was born to the late James and Estelle Sanders in Opp, Alabama, on Aug. 16, 1931. She was an active member of the Ocoee Church of God, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and a fervent prayer warrior. Dean was blessed with a large and loving family. She was married to Johnnie Paul Lott Sr. for more than 50 years before his death in 2006. Following the untimely death of her in-laws, she and Johnnie began raising and supporting several of
REAL ESTATE FROM PAGE 13
SOUTHWEST ORANGE
1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • LIC #F080822
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LAKE SHEEN RESERVE
www.winteroakfuneralhome.com
She is survived by children, Mike (Patsy) and Tammy (Lee) Freshour; grandchildren, Jennifer, David, Katie (Tina), Nathan and Alina; and three great-grand-
The home at 9854 Nokay Drive, Orlando, sold April 23, for $462,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four
Experienced cremation specialists dedicated to providing the highest quality of services.
Johnnie’s younger siblings, who became like brothers and sisters. She and Johnnie founded Lott’s Concrete Products Inc. She was a hard worker, phenomenal cook who loved to feed her family, and enjoyed fishing and remaining as active as possible. Dean is survived by her daughter, Belinda (Bobby); her son Paul (Brenda); her grandchildren, Scott (Melanie), April (Sean), J.P. (Nicolette), Allie and Kristi (Jeffie); her
square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $248.78.
WINDERMERE
The home at 1521 Lake Whitney Drive, Windermere, sold April 25, for $761,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 4,175 square feet. The price per square foot is $182.28.
RESERVE AT BELMERE
ESTATES AT WINDERMERE
The home at 2405 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold April 26, for $690,000. Built in 1996, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,926 square feet. The price per square foot is $140.07. The home at 3102 Seigneury Drive, Windermere, sold April 22, for $695,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,212 square feet. The price per square foot is $216.38.
We make it personal.
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KEENE’S POINTE
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great-granddaughter, Abigail Grace; and her siblings, Roy, Billy Charles, Ermalee and Mert. She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Paul Lott Sr.; her parents; and her brother, Leon. The family gathered for a viewing from 5 to 6 p.m. and received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden. Funeral services followed at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at First Baptist Winter Garden. The Rev. Rick Faircloth officiated the service with her grandson, the Rev. Scott Fleming, offering a reflection. The family is grateful for your prayers, condolences and memories, which are gladly accepted at baldwinfairchildwintergarden.com. Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
baths, a pool and 3,589 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.73.
HARBOR ISLE
e
children. She will also be missed by all those she considered her children and grandchildren. Betty was a teacher at Ocoee Elementary and had a passion for teaching children to read. She was active in her church and loved to travel. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing her piano and playing scrabble with whoever would play with her and fall for her made-up words. She was a wonderful mother who was fiercely protective and loyal to her family. She was a kind and generous woman, and she will be missed.
The home at 11237 Macaw Court, Windermere, sold April 22, for $1.12 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,502
WESTOVER RESERVE
The home at 2137 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold April 26, for $660,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,172 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.20. WINDERMERE
The home at 235 Magnolia St., Windermere, sold April 26, for $940,000. Built in 1969, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,969 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $381.96.
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MAY 2, 2019
SPORTS
Olympia High senior Juan Bianchi is undefeated this year in varsity tennis. Page 16.
HIGH
Witherspoon named coach at Dr. Phillips
1
5
The Windermere girls track team dominated at the Class 4A regional meet Saturday, April 27, at Showalter Field in Winter Park. The Wolverines’ first-place finish was led by star Amaya Ugarte, who picked up gold in the 300m hurdles (43.65), high jump (5-3.75) and triple jump (38-2.25), while snagging silver in the long jump (18-3).
Ben Witherspoon arrives to DP following a successful stint at national powerhouse Montverde Academy. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR
2
In Dr. Phillips girls track’s fourthplace finish in the regional championship Saturday, April 27, the Panthers had a number of athletes collect medals. The Panthers were led with a gold medal in the 4x100m (featuring Shakaeja Dore, Ebone Fortilien, Lourdes Safford and Rayanna Mathis) with a time of 48.16, while Zoe Alexander collected three bronze medals in the 400m (58.15), long jump (17-11.5) and 4x400m (which included Jarvia Carr, Rayanna Mathis and Domanique Douglas).
3
In Dr. Phillips’ 17-0 thrashing of Celebration in softball, Raychel Trocki had a big night in the circle and at the plate Friday, April 26. Trocki recorded 12 strikeouts, while also picking up a double, two RBI and three runs scored. Deja Benn added to the offense by going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
4
In Olympia boys water polo’s big 17-5 regional final win over Seminole Friday, April 26, Luke Carey — who was named OCPS Male Athlete of the Year — continued his incredible senior season with seven goals. Carey was also named the OCPS Male Athlete of the Year. The win pushes the Titans on to the state tournament.
5
It was a night of big homers in The First Academy’s 17-7 win over Colonial in softball action Wednesday, April 25. Rachel Sheridan and Mariana Alemany each had a home run, while Emily Bonnett notched a grand slam.
Troy Herring
Just days after finishing her radiation treatment for breast cancer, Sarah Best traveled to New York City for the SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon.
KEEP CALM & CARRY ON After treatment of her stage one breast cancer, Windermere resident Sarah Best took to Central Park in New York City to run the SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon.
TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR
S
arah Best stands patiently among the throng of people on the west side of Central Park in New York City. It’s 8 a.m. Sunday, April 14, and she’s surrounded by more than 6,100 other women who are prepping for the start of the 2019 SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon. Although most pre-race corrals are often raucous — filled
with people elbowing to get into position — this is much different. Instead of the jostling of bodies, this massive, cordial group of women gives each other breathing space. It was something Best wasn’t used to. “I was way (in the) back,” Best said. “I’m not usually an amazing runner, but I’m a pretty good runner, and usually if I’m doing a race, I’m one of the people moving up. SEE BEST PAGE 16
After slowly trickling into one of the conference rooms in the media center at Dr. Phillips High School, members of the Panthers boys basketball team take their seats. It’s 11 a.m. — Friday, April 26 — and it’s the first chance they have at meeting new head coach Ben Witherspoon. Before Witherspoon spoke, Athletic Director Steve McHale discussed the general outlines of the process of finding the right person to take over. “I know how important this is to you, especially when coach (Daniel) Batchelor stepped down,” McHale said. “I just want to let you guys know, this wasn’t an easy decision — which is good on my part. We had many interviews that we had to go through the process. … It took us about a month. “It’s very fortunate that I’ve known Ben for about five years,” he said. “I was very fortunate to have him when I was the AD over at Ocoee High School. When I came over here, he was making the transition over to Cypress Creek, and we just joked that, ‘Hey, one day we are going to get you over here with me.’” The feeling of respect was mutual for Witherspoon, who took the first few minutes to go over who he was and where he had been. Since graduating from EmbryRiddle University in 2006, WithSEE WITHERSPOON PAGE 17
Troy Herring
Witherspoon looks to guide DP basketball into a new era of success.
16
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
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Juan Bianchi
Olympia High senior Juan Bianchi has been a staple for the boys tennis team throughout his high-school career. Bianchi is undefeated this season and, as of April 25, had a whopping 64-2 record spanning four years. Coach Bubba James praised Bianchi for his leadership and time-management skills, adding that he holds a 5.2 weighted GPA.
How did you get started playing tennis? I started when I was 3. My dad played professional tennis, and he represented Venezuela in the Davis Cup and went to the 1996 Olympics, so he was the main influence there. I love the sport; being out there alone is fun. You have to learn to handle your own problems and emotions to get through your problems. What’s the most challenging aspect of the game? Learning to be able to stay positive on the court even though things might not always go your way. You have to be your own cheerleader. You’re there alone, so you can’t put yourself down just because something might not be going right on a certain day. Where are you taking your career next? I committed to play tennis at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and I’m excited for that. I took my official visit to SMU in November, and it was something I really liked. I’m going to be studying economics and finances. What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you during a match? My shoe fell off during one of my
THE BASICS AGE: 18 CLASS: Senior BORN: Maracay, Venezuela RESIDES: Orlando HEIGHT: 6-foot-2 HANDED: Right
matches. I started sprinting, and when I went to change direction and sprint again my shoe fell off, and I had to continue playing the point. I’m pretty sure I won it, but I left my shoe behind.
Troy Herring
Sarah Best first got into running in her late 20s as a means of staying fit and active.
Best(ing) cancer and the course
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Me and my dad have this saying, ‘Whatever it takes.’ It’s kind of to push yourself past what you think are your limits, because sometimes you might be down on yourself and you might not think there’s a solution to a problem but if you really dig deep and try to put it all behind you, there’s always a way to get through a problem.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
“It made it much nicer for myself, because of what had happened,” she said. “ I was just like, ‘OK, this is just a celebration that I’ve managed to come here and I feel well enough to try it.’ That for me was a bit of learning, because I always kind of spoil it for myself by, you know, having to do better than what I did last time.” The obstacle the Windermere local had faced and conquered was stage one breast cancer, for which she had just finished treatment the Tuesday before the race. But that treatment was then, and this was now. The only thing she had in her mind was enjoying a peaceful, 13.1-mile run around Central Park. After the starting gun fired, Best had to wait about three minutes before she could get into her run. But it was well worth the wait. “The course was really nice, and often those courses that are like two laps of the same thing are pretty boring, but this was just lovely,” Best said. “I’ve run in Central Park loads of times, but I’ve never ran around the perimeter of it and people had said, ‘Be careful, it’s a bit hilly,’ but I had never seen the different geographies of it.”
Do you have a favorite musical artist? I do like a lot of different music, but for an artist I’d probably say Post Malone is my favorite. My favorite song is “I Fall Apart.” What are your summer plans? I’ll probably be playing in a lot of tournaments over the summer and I’ll be traveling. I’ll be going to Philadelphia to play the International Grass Court Championship and I’m excited for that, but I’ll be training and playing a lot of tournaments to get ready for SMU.
Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.
IT WAS A NUISANCE
Best’s bout with breast cancer started in November 2018, when she discovered a lump. Best said she believes she
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers
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Puzzle One Solution: “The First Amendment has the same role in my life as a citizen and a writer as the sun has in our ecosystem.” – Michael Chabon
This week’s Crossword answers
Puzzle Two Solution: “I feel that art has something to do with the achievement of stillness in the midst of chaos.” – Saul Bellow
This week’s Sudoku answers
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had felt something the summer an hour, but also doesn’t combefore, but that had gone away. promise my days off and what I Then it reappeared. want to do?’” After going through her adult life without getting a mammo- BACK TO THE RACES gram, Best went to the doctor to Even before the race in New get it checked out. In her head, York, Best had been running for fun since her late 20s to stay in she already knew. “I don’t know if this was shape. She ran plenty of times on her hindsight, but I just had the feeling the whole way through own and even ran the 1996 Lonthat process — the mammo- don Marathon when she was gram, a sonogram and then a still living in her native country. That said, the SHAPE Wombiopsy — that no one was just going, ‘Oh this is nothing,’” en’s Half Marathon was the Best said. “So when the doc- first she had run since Septemtor called me at work and said, ber 2018, when she took part in ‘It’s cancer,’ I wasn’t massively the SeaWheeze lululemon Half Marathon in Vancouver. surprised.” This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers But this race around Central Park Luckily for Best, it turns out Puzzle One Solution: felt different. the cancer was “The in theFirst earliest Amendment has the same she and trekked two-andstage. She had role a lumpectomy in my life as a As citizen a writer as Thursday, Jan. 10, to remove one-quarter times around the the sun has in our ecosystem.” two lumps. The following Mon- park for two hours and five – Michael Chabon day, Best was back on her bike minutes, she noticed the camaPuzzle Two Solution: raderie of the runners she had working out again — although feel that art has something to do with never noticed before. she was doing so“Igingerly. were in moments — from In early February, she started the achievement ofThey stillness the midst radiation — 33 different doses start to finish — that still stick of chaos.” as she looks for every weekday over the span of with her now – Saul Bellow five to six weeks. For Best, the other runs in which to particibiggest hassle of it all wasweek’s not pate. This Sudoku answers “The second time you came the side effects but rather the around Central Park, there were scheduling of appointments. “It was just a nuisance,” Best so many people cheering everysaid. “It was tender for a couple body on,” Best said. “No one is of weeks; it got burned — the holding up a sign for me, but skin was a bit irritated — but there’s a lot of people holding up signs (like), ‘Come on ladies, really it was nothing. “But they like you to have the you can do it!,’ and also funny same time appointment each signs. “It was just a really nice feelday,” she said. “I work Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and I play ing,” she said. “I don’t get very tennis Wednesdays and Thurs- sentimental about things, but days, so I had to try and work just because of what it meant out, ‘Well what’s a good time to me, it was really nice.” for me to be away from work for
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
erspoon, 35, has had coaching stints at Ocoee, Cypress Creek and most recently as an assistant at Montverde Academy — where he won a national title in 2014 with now NBA players Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell. He also coached on the AAU level for a few years Although everything he had done had been leading him to his goal of coaching college basketball, there was something about the high-school game he couldn’t leave. “I realized this year how much I love coaching high school; how much I love winning; how much I love having my own program and how much I love spending time with my family,” Witherspoon said. “And then helping guys like you become better people, better students and better players.” With a new goal now set, Witherspoon decided he would start searching for other head-coaching opportunities at the highschool level. That’s when he shot a text over to his old friend at Dr. Phillips, telling McHale that DP was where he wanted to be.
“Every job is not the same, and when I made that list of where I wanted to be, DP was first.” — Ben Witherspoon
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
17
GAME FILM
Witherspoon takes over
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Tiare Kong looked to get the runner out at first.
Dr. Phillips falters late in 10-2 loss to West Orange
Troy Herring
Ben Witherspoon met with players during his introduction at Dr. Phillips High School.
“Every job is not the same, and when I made that list of where I wanted to be, DP was first,” Witherspoon said. “I’m not telling you that to blow smoke — I didn’t want to be at some of the other places as much. Me knowing Steve is important, me knowing what he wants and what his expectations are. “The school itself and the program, the tradition and the players that have been here already and the talent that is already on this team from last year — that put DP first,” he said. Although winning is something that Witherspoon said he plans to do, he also discussed the expectations he had for those in the program now and in the future — noting that the “student” aspect in “student-athlete” came before
the “athlete.” With his expectations high regarding his players’ representation in the classroom, on the court Witherspoon said that it is tough to have any expectations at the moment. Last year, the Panthers went 12-15 — which snapped a 28-year streak of consecutive winning seasons — but there is one thing of which Witherspoon is sure: He will do whatever he can to make sure that his team moves forward in every way possible. “I can only really expect what I’m going to give, and that’s everything,” Witherspoon said. “Be committed 100% to us getting better every day and maximum daily improvement — those are my expectations.”
I
t was a game of two tales Thursday, April 25, in West Orange’s 10-2 thumping of Dr. Phillips on the softball diamond. Outside of an RBI single in the top of the first by West Orange senior Hannah Silver, the Warriors (14-11) and Panthers (19-5) couldn’t muster much at the plate thanks to the strong pitching of West Orange’s Riley Fromberg and DP’s Raychel Trocki. Fromberg pitched a complete game while only giving up two earned runs on four hits. Then, in the fifth innings, the train came off the tracks for the usually consistent Trocki. From the fifth through seventh innings, the Warriors exploded for nine runs — which included a three-run blast from senior Amanda Denis in the seventh. The Panthers got a couple of runs of their own in the bottom of the seventh, when Gracie Lopez scored on a fielder’s choice, and Jordan Hartman would hit an RBI double to cap off the game. — TROY HERRING
We Are
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The Observer will celebrate the area’s public and private high school graduating classes of 2019 with a special section!
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• Letter to senior class from the school principal. • Each school will have a feature story on what makes its Class of 2019 special and unique.
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
THESE OLD TIMES
FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
THROWBACK THURSDAY MAY 7, 1970 As advertised in The Winter Garden Times in 1970, vehicle owners could get a front-end alignment, a tuneup, a wheel balance and more for just $6.88 each at Al Ewing Ford, in Winter Garden. Many local teens will remember buying their first car from Mr. Ewing, whose business slogan was “We mark our cars up just a little bit.” In 1974, the Ford dealership moved to a new location, in the Peoples Plaza West, on West Colonial Drive. This plaza was demolished last week after 45 years of existence, offering space to businesses selling everything from musical instruments to chicken wings.
80 years ago
Mother’s Day special at Mrs. Foots Flower Shop, Ocoee: Mixed bouquets, 50 cents. Flowers can be mailed for a small extra charge.
45 years ago
If you think you saw Hollywood star Cliff Robertson in Eckerd’s, Food World and Western Union in Winter Garden — you did! The Academy Award-winner is staying in Windermere with his glamorous actress wife, Dina Merrill, who is filming on location in Winter Park. Winter Garden City Manager Tom Sewell resigned to accept a position as assistant to Orange County Administrator Jim Harris.
40 years ago
A group of Dillard Street Elementary students presented a mini-version of their “Tom Sawyer” operetta at UCF. The cast included Mark Walker as Tom, Scott Britt as Huck Finn, Lisa Reagan as Becky Thatcher, Robin Barber as Aunt Polly and Blake Wagster as the Captain on the Mississippi. Windermere Elementary students on Team One for the Orange County Creative Problem-solving Bowl at Rollins College are Mike Passilla, Robert Matheison, Carol Ruud and Kathy Franklin. Students on Team Two are Julie Purdy, Jack Jackson, Patrick Farley and Kali Webb.
FROM THE ARCHIVES A Seaboard System caboose stands proudly along Tremaine Street in Winter Garden, a witness to the dedication of the Central Florida Railroad Museum that opened in May 1983. The museum is housed in the former Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot, which was constructed
in 1913 to serve as the line’s Winter Garden passenger and freight station. For 35 years, thousands of railfans have visited the museum to learn about the region’s railroading history. Recently expanded and offering many new exhibits, it is
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.
30 years ago
The West Orange Junior Service League announced its 1989 debutantes: Mary Grant, Tabitha Shelton, Michelle Oswalt, Karen Fewell, Julie Graham, Kathleen Overchuck, Andrea Hill, Susan Strickland, Jenna Joiner,
Heather McGrath, Dawn Howe, Tracy Harrison, Claire Conry, Andrea Dowd, Bridgette Fay and Bonny Potz.
20 years ago
Ken Rushing, who started as a U.S. Postal Service employee
SOLVE DA PUZZLE! by Anne Flinchbaugh and Erik Agard; CROSSWORD JUST Edited by David Steinberg
116 Unfastens, as a coin purse 119 Prepare a cheese shop display? 125 Musician Puente 126 One saving the day 127 Perfect Olympic scores 128 Divvies up 129 Word indicating a read text 130 Connery or McAvoy 131 Huffy state 132 Unhelpful RSVPs DOWN
©2019 Universal Uclick
ACROSS
gestures 31 College math course, 1 Foal house 7 Prefix with mount or sail for short 34 Organizer of pickets? 11 Single item 39 ___ a kind 15 Easter entrees 19 Headache relief brand 41 Relay segment 42 Ice and deer, for drivers 20 Bistro name word 43 Milano’s home 21 In pain after the gym 22 Bachelor before Colton 45 Malek of “Bohemian Rhapsody” 23 Like a hungry fish? 25 Fibula-foot connector 48 Carry a tune 49 School fundraising grp. 27 City in northwestern 52 Coexisting with crocoFrance diles and hippos? 28 Canis, for a dog 56 Four-square game? 30 Performed with 58 Dallas-to-Houston dir.
located at 101 S. Boyd St. and open every day from 1 to 5 p.m. It features a world-renowned collection of railroad china and silver in its vast archive, along with a comprehensive library available to members of the Central Florida Railway Historic Society.
59 Officer 60 It’s passed down to you 61 Plumbers’ concerns 62 Intense spasm 64 Eco-friendly greeting 67 Garfield’s dopey friend 68 Money in hand 71 Accept new podiatry patients? 75 Period after Mardi Gras 76 Low female voice 77 Ancient Buddhist text 78 Comment after tripping 80 “My bad!” 82 Actor’s delivery 84 Prime number factor
85 Uncle seeking recruits 88 What year to ring in 90 Keeping dust off a gripping tool? 94 Toothed tool 95 Cry to a fly 97 Mexican coin 98 L.A.’s WNBA team 99 Punch a timecard 102 “It’s cold!” 104 Forest makeup 105 Radioactive origami? 111 ___ 500 112 Pitch-black 113 Time divisions 114 “Odyssey,” for one
1 Univ. in Dallas 2 T-shirt or blouse 3 DOJ division 4 Heads of supermarkets? 5 Former Italian currency 6 Started rolling credits, say 7 Banned pollutant initials 8 “I’ve found it!” 9 Govern the kingdom 10 Ancient Mexican empire 11 American fan’s chant 12 Mumbo-jumbo 13 Bother 14 ___ Aviv 15 Nail-biting and others 16 Evidence of freshly baked cookies 17 Worker with a pick 18 Like a pumpkin’s innards 24 Nitpicky to a fault 26 Came into view 29 Homer’s neighbor 31 Prepares to strike, as a snake 32 Those against 33 Check out of a hotel 35 Plant with spores 36 “Goodness gracious!” 37 Movie explosion tech. 38 Apartment fee 40 Fictional lawyer Atticus 44 Greek marketplace 46 Time or People, for short 47 Declaration after an all-nighter 49 Self-centered sin 50 Easy basket
while still in his teens and who became postmaster in his hometown of Winter Garden while still in his early 30s, has been appointed postmaster in Melbourne.
51 Valuable quality 53 They can carry tunes 54 Peruvian native 55 Rake target 57 Internet troublemaker 62 Piercing rose part 63 Down Under bird 65 Camping gear retailer 66 Clear, as a windshield 68 Signable arm covers 69 Hello or goodbye, in Hawaii 70 Scatter about 72 “___ cost ya!” 73 Hermione, Harry and Ron, e.g. 74 Is inclined (to) 79 Jumped 81 “I’m down if you are” 83 Barely manage, with “out” 85 Loud warning to pull over 86 Sought answers 87 Like hands after eating barbecue 89 “Hold your horses!” 90 Diet Pepsi competitor 91 Book ID 92 Sushi seaweed 93 In an inconsistent way 96 Trick-or-treating mo. 99 Earring option 100 Emphatic denial 101 “Sister Act” occupation 103 Cunning plan 105 Cleans unused furniture 106 “Tomorrow” musical 107 A lot on one’s ___ 108 Takes a break 109 Colorado ski resort 110 Formal female address 115 Type of apple 117 Sounds of surprise 118 Bench press muscle, briefly 120 “I’ll buy ___, Pat” 121 Chicago winter hrs. 122 Steal from 123 Mineral ending 124 Curvy letter
CELEBRITY CIPHER
By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
“GJU MWNLG RBUEIBUEG JRL GJU LRBU NFCU WE BV CWMU RL R YWGWHUE REI R PNWGUN RL GJU LOE JRL WE FON UYFLVLGUB.” –BWYJRUC YJRXFE “E GIID MBFM FSM BFX XKPIMBEOL MK VK REMB MBI FNBEITIPIOM KG XMEDDOIXX EO MBI PEVXM KG NBFKX.” –XFHD WIDDKR Puzzle Two Clue: L equals G
WEST ORANG E HISTO RY
OBSERVER
Puzzle One Clue: P equals W
18
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SUDOKU
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019
Small Business, Big Impact.
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