SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 9, NO. 49
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
GAME OF THE WEEK At long last, the Wolverines of Windermere High School will play a game on their home turf. SEE 1B.
HIGH TECH CAKE POP Winter Garden entrepreneur Jonason Zhang has invented a new way to enjoy cakes on the go. PAGE 7B.
Residents add input to park plans
YOUR TOWN DREAM CENTER PLANS OPEN HOUSE West Orange Dream Center, 1136 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, is hosting an open house with the chance for residents to meet volunteers, teachers and the board of directors. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. Guests also can learn how to participate in a program or volunteer with the faith-based nonprofit organization. Dream Center, established in 2019, is a community center that offers classes and resources in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. The goal is to help individuals create better lives for themselves and their families.
WELLS-ALLEN ENGAGEMENT Malcolm Lee Wells, Jr., of Richmond, Virginia, together with Cathy and Whit Cardman, of Glen Allen, Virginia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Catherine Wells, to Zachary Isaiah Allen. Mr. Allen is the son of Leslie and Patrick Allen, of Montpelier, Virginia, and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Lester Dabbs Jr., of Ocoee. Ms. Wells is a graduate of James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Allen is a graduate of the College of William & Mary. A wedding is being planned for spring 2026.
Orange County is asking for Horizon West resident feedback on desired amenities at the new park. SEE PAGE 6A.
Courtesy photo
Ryan March, left, and Bret Iwan were on the Disney Dream cruise ship to promote their new book.
Read ya real soon! Hamlin resident Ryan March has written a children’s book with illustrator Bret Iwan, and the story takes readers on a trip with Mickey Mouse and his friends. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
CLASS ACT Olympia High School senior Jaret Richman scores a perfect 36 on the ACT. SEE PAGE 5B.
County board denies Lake Avalon RV park
Grandparents soar in for bingo night
The Orange County Board of Zoning Adjustment held a public hearing to discuss an applicant’s request to build an RV park in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement area. SEE PAGE 2A.
Sunset Park kids welcomed their special adults for a fun night. SEE 6B.