WINDERMERE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
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VOLUME 2, NO. 9
YOUR TOWN Garden club spreads cheer
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Double-overtime win sends DP to state championship. 11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016
Light in darkness
Spectrum takeover irks local customers Since it purchased Bright House Networks, Charter Communications has become the talk of the town. But not everyone has nice things to say.
Front row, form left: Carolin Warren, Vicki Hearst and Angela Withers. Back row, from left: Renda Farley, Margaret Scoleri, Dale Boardman, Bonnie Baum, Janet Sgamma, Maureen Tuber, Sandy Warren, Paula Rodgers and Jackie Rapport.
GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Charter Communications — also called Charter Spectrum or Spectrum — has riled up strong emotions from some Central Floridians on its recent purchase of longtime cable provider Bright House Networks. West Orange residents have expressed multiple concerns, but common frustration are about the hour-long-plus waits to speak to a customer service representative on the phone. Spectrum company spokesman Joe Durkin explained the company currently is experiencing a high call volume. “There has been incredible response to the launch of Spectrum packages in Florida that has resulted in higher call volume from potential and existing customers looking for information,” Durkin said. “We’re working on adding capacity to handle this spike in call volume.” Other complaints include sudden bill increases, different quoted prices dependent on residence, additional installation and connection fees for
WEST ORANGE
If you’re enjoying the holiday beauty in the town of Windermere, make sure you thank a member of the Windermere Garden Club. Club members decorated the Christmas tree at Windermere Town Hall on Dec. 1. Their theme: “A Traditional Christmas.”
Donate to Reading Reindeer
DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN
The Observer Media Group’s Reading Reindeer is collecting new books to be given to children in need at Christmastime. The Observer is partnering with Healthy West Orange to help reach its goal of 5,000 books. Red donation bins are set out in locations throughout West Orange County for donors to drop off books, including libraries, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and the Observer office. This year’s campaign ends Dec. 12, and new books will be accepted until that date. For more, call Sarah Felt, (407) 656-2121.
A
sk any student who has had Jan Leisher as a teacher what they think of her, and they’ll likely respond with “inspiring”
or “impactful.” Leisher, a Winter Garden resident, has taught at various schools in West Orange area for 20 years — from Gotha Middle to Bridgewater Middle — and has been impacting the lives of students. Now, it’s their turn to
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rally around her. SEE TEACHER PAGE 4
Courtesy photo
Bridgewater Middle teacher Jan Leisher is battling stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her bones.
The Independence community is hosting a Light the Night 5K to help beloved Bridgewater Middle teacher Jan Leisher beat cancer.
SEE TAKEOVER PAGE 4
ARTS & CULTURE
Dr. Phillips ballerinas to star as Clara in “The Nutcracker.”
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