The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • B7

Orlando Sentinel: PRODUCT: OS DESK: LOC DATE: 04-12-2007 EDITION: FLA ZONE: VL PAGE: B7.0 DEADLINE: 21.21 OP: apinkston COM POSETIME: 21.46 CMYK I Orlando Sentinel Volusia THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007 B7 Toll-road agency could have paid $3M less for advice if it chose alternative not cap because you could stifle creativity and innovation." Dave MacGillivray, chairman of Springsted an independent financial-advisory firm in St. Paul, that does business primarily in the Midwest and upper Eastern Seaboard, said many top companies could structure deals such as the expressway authority's. He described the interest-rate swaps that earned First Southwest the most money from the authority as "complex, but not that complex." On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the most difficult, he rated them as a three. TOLL FROM Bl as those paid to First Southwest may be a thing of the past. The authority is set to put its financial-adviser contract out to bid later this year.

Rich Crotty, Orange County mayor and newly named expressway chairman, said in a short interview that caps on fees likely would be a part of those negotiations. "Certainly, it is something we need to consider," Crotty said. As with other expressway decisions now under examination for example, paying 107,500 to the company of outspoken toll opponent Doug Guetzloe the selection of First Southwest in 2002 over five rival companies raises questions that have not been fully answered. First Southwest is based in Dallas and is politically connected to President Bush and his family. The company's former president raised more than $100,000 for Bush's 2000 campaign, and the one-time congressional liaison to former President George H.W.

Bush was once the managing director of the company. The expressway chairman at the time First Southwest was hired, Allan Keen, is a reliable Republican fundraiser. He has given thousands to the state party, former Gov. Jeb Bush and other Republican candidates and was host for a 2003 fundraiser for President Bush. First Southwest's senior vice president in Orlando is Ed Stull, and SunTrust.

Slack said she considered both First Southwest and PFM to be excellent national companies and acknowledged that PFM also could have handled the agency's refinancings, including the bond swaps. But, she said, First Southwest had stronger credentials in the area. Slack said the question was not who was the cheapest but, "Did First Southwest provide service? Did they pay for themselves?" Records show the selection committee approved a contract that would allow First Southwest to bill based on a percentage of the amount of bonds sold without an upper limit on fees, as PFM had proposed. Slack said she would not recommend limiting fees: "I would whose connection with the authority goes beyond his financial work. He also serves on the board of directors of the agency's foundation, which raises money for charitable causes through a golf tournament in which many of the authority's contractors and consultants participate.

Stull would not comment for this story. In 2002, the authority was selecting a team to handle refinancing of hundreds of millions of dollars of expressway debt to take advantage of lower interest rates. Handwritten authority records indicate First Southwest beat out second-place finisher PFM Group of Philadelphia to win the job because its "oral presentation" was stronger. The company was judged by a four- All about expressway woes Read why a state official calls some expressway authority deals too risky, plus find full coverage of the agency's woes at Orlando Sentinel.comexpressway member review team: Keen; former Executive Director Hal Worrall; Vice Chairman Orlando Evora; and former Chief Financial Officer Teresa Slack. In addition to PFM, the other finalists were SunTrust and the Hough Group.

Worrall and Keen would not comment. Evora was not allowed to vote because his law firm, Greenberg Traurig, represents First Southwest, Hough Dan Tracy can be reached at 407-420-5444 or dtracyorlandosentinel.com. Jay Hamburg can be reached at 407-420-5673 or jhamburgorlandosentinel.com. Obituaries, Services, Memorials MEMORY OF Criswell AFFORDABLE CASKETS CEMETERY LOTS in local memorial parks. Discount direct to the public.

Free delivery to funeral home. Affordable Memorials 407-831-4381 CASKETS URNS Why pay funeral home prices? Also offer Vaults, Markers Flowers. Casket Urn Superstore, 407-292-5533, www. casketandurnsuperstore.com ETERNAL ASCENT Send your loved one's Ashes on a final Flight To the four Winds. 1-800-808-2082 www.eternalascent.com INSPIRATIONAL GIFTS Books, jewelry, more.

Free shipping thru May 1st. 319-310-1737 www.YourlnspirationalGifts.com Ingeborg Inga 1204T930 04 04122006 NIZIC, BRANIMIR, 71, of Casselberry, passed away Tuesday. He was born May 30, 1935 in Preko, Yugoslavia (Croatia) to Sime and Katarina Nizic. He worked at UCF for 25 years in the Building Services and as a waiter for 17 years on Yugolinia. He is survived by his wife Miroslavia Nizic, Casselberry, daughters Mladenka Connaughton (Kenneth), East Brunswick, NJ, Bozenka Howell (Roger), Seattle, WA, sons Zeljko Nizic and Branimir Nizic, Jr.

(Tina), Casselberry, five grandchildren, Sebastijan Soric, JohnPaul, Soric, Colin Connaughton, Kyle and Jacob Nizic, two great grandchildren Sofia and Ava Soric, brother, sister, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held Friday, April 13 from 7-9PM at the East Altamonte Chapel, Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 994 E. Altamonte Altamonte Springs, FL, with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 14 at at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 373 Sunset Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707. Please sign and view our guest book at baldwinfairchild.com t'L'MiHAl.

HOMES CRUM.VTORY FILLEY, KAREN, 74, entered into rest on March 29, 2007. We lost a most generous heart when Karen Davidson Filley died suddenly in The Villages, FL. Locally, she was involved in numerous activities, including the UU Fellowship, the UCC, Democratic club, and Philosophy Club. She was predeceased by two husbands, George M. Davidson, in 1965, and Dr.

John Filley in 2006, two stepsons, and a nephew. Survivors include her daughter Amy Davidson Stanton, Brandon, FL, granddaughter Rachel Stanton, Boone, NC, two brothers, and six step and foster children (and associated grandchildren). A Celebration of Life is planned at the Paradise Center, Judy Garland Room, 1411 Paradise The Villages, (Judy Garland Room), 4-6PM Saturday, April 14th. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the United Church of Christ or The Haven Women's Shelter (both of The Villages), or an animal shelter of your choice. STEPHENS, RALPH Ralph Norman Stephens, 81, of Orlando passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2007.

He was born in Linneus, MO to Morris and Hazel (Musgrave) Stephens. Mr. Stephens was an Army Air Corps Veteran and moved to Central Florida from Las Vegas in 1988. He worked as computer instructor, attended First Baptist Church of Central Florida and was also a member of the Cardio Vascular Interventions Group. He is predeceased in death by his son, Robert Stephens in 1978 and his wife, Mary Obermeyer Stephens in 1999.

Survivors include son, Michael Stephens, Sleepy Hollow, IL; son, James Stephens, Cincinnati, OH; daughter, Deborah Luetzow, Trevor Wl; son, Jeffrey Stephens, Durango, CO; daughter, Pamela Jones, Windermere, FL; son Mark Stephens, Stanwood, Ml; and 17 grandchildren. Public viewing will be held Thursday, April 12, 2007 from 6-8PM with a service at 7PM at the Dobbs Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dexter Johnson officiating. Interment will be held at St. Michaels Cemetery in Palatine, IL.

Services under the professional direction of Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 N. Kirkman Road, Orlando. 407-578-7720 Wife, Mother and Grandmother Oh, how it hurt to see you leave this world. How it tore at our hearts to see you suffering. For believers in Jesus Christ, Christ has Broken the power of sin, and ahead of us Is the hope of Someday we all will be together again.

Missing and Loving you, Dad, Lynn, Lisa, Eric, Holly, Heidi and 6 Grandkids SHANKLIN, VIRGINIA, Virginia Shanklin, spouse of Richard G. Shanklin Jr. (deceased) passed away April 10, 2007. Born August 31, 1926, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Seibert, sister of Frederick (deceased), Christian and Vernon Seibert, all from Baltimore, MD. Virginia is survived by her children, Sharon Denitto, Sarasota, FL, Rebecca Nelson, Denver CO, Richard Shanklin, Orlando.

There are also four granddaughters, Tammy, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Kristen, four grandsons, Sean, David, Robert and Matthew, and six great grandchildren, Derrick, Justin, Kaylee, Olivia, Sydney and Ty. Virginia was a recognized Porcelain artist from 1972 and voted to State Board in 1978. Served both Central FL and State Boards until 1982. Elected to Florida State Federation of China Painters Inc; a member of the World Organization of China Painters. Ginnie served as President from 1982-1984, in 1983 co-chaired the China Painters Convention and in 1984 was the Convention Chair Person for China Painters throughout the State.

She was cared for by Nancy, Joan and Marion. No memorial is planned. VANDERBURG, JOAN Joan Chastain VanderBurg, 74, died Sunday, April 8, 2007 in Orlando from complications of cancer. She was born July 19, 1932 in Ochlocknee, Georgia, the daughter of the late John Rainey and Annie Laura Dixon Chastain. She graduated from the public school in Ochlocknee and from Mercer University in Macon, Ga.

She was a former school teacher and active member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando. She was married to LaFrance VanderBurg, who survives. Other survivors include a son, Charles Stewart III of Cambridge, MA; a daughter, Joni Stewart Wolfe of Orlando; two stepdaughters, Sharon DeRid-der of Orlando and Terry Avick of Ocala; a stepson, Curtis VanderBurg of Orlando; three grandchildren, Langdon Brown and Logan Brown, both of Orlando, and Cameron Stewart of Cambridge, MA; a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Jane Chastain of Aguanga, CA; and a nephew, Blayne Chastain, of Greeley, CO. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 12th, 6-8PM, at CAREY HAND COLONIAL AFUNERAL HOME, Orlando. She will be buried in Ochlocknee, GA, Sunday, April 15, 2007 following a service at the Ochlocknee Baptist Church.

$1941 TOTAL PRICE Direct Burials at Florida National Veterans Cemetery. Tri-County Cremation Funeral Home: 407-247-3076. RELEASE MY ASHES Grace Air scatters ashes to the wind and the oceans a simple and dignified return to the Earth. Call 407-884-8204 or visit: www.graceair.org HITT, CHRISTIE 98, of Longwood, passed away peacefully April 10. Born on Christmas Day, 1908, she was with us beyond Easter, 2007.

Christie was mother to five, grandmother to nine and great-grandmother to sixteen. She was known for her keen intellect, her talent as an author and poet, and her dedication to family. In her ninety-third year she published the poetry she had written since childhood. Two years later she wrote her memoirs that traced her life as a farm girl in Missouri, her marriage to Fred Raymond Hitt, the birth of their children and their retirement years of traveling throughout the North American continent, and beyond. She was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys football team, and always said if she could have another son, she would adopt quarterback Roger Staubach.

She is survived by her sons Danny L. Hitt (Marie) of Lake Mary, Rod Hitt (Ronnie) of Longwood, Fredric M. Hitt (Linda) of De-Bary and David G. Hitt (Pat) of Coldspring, TX; grandchildren Alan Hitt of Orlando, Amy Verity of Winter Park, Charles L. Hitt of Gualalla, CA, Danny L.

Hitt, Stacy Rutledge and Ronald Hitt, all of Portland, OR, Christie Hitt-Mikulyak and Kimberly Hitt-James, both of Washington, NJ, Carrie Hitt-Gould of Chicopee, MA, Dwayne Hitt of Ft. Worth TX, and Dawn Hitt-Wilken of Georgetown, TX. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, her care-giver and friend Carmen Hopwood, many friends at Chambrel Retirement Village in Longwood and at Central Christian Church in Orlando. She is predeceased by her husband of sixty-two years, Fred Raymond Hitt and her only daughter, Nellie Rosalie Hitt who died in childhood. Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 14 at 5PM, following a viewing at 4PM, at Central Christian Church, 250 SW Ivanhoe Orlando, Rev.

Jimmy Gentle presiding. Interment will take place in Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a contribution to Vitas Hospice, 5151 Adanson Street, Suite. 200, Orlando FL 32804. IN LOVING MEMORY OF BISHOP JOSH LEONARD JR, January 7, 1935 April 12, 2006 It's been one year this month since you said goodbye to us and went to be with the Lord, the time went by so fast, but it still feels like it happened only yesterday.

We miss everything about you, your beautiful smile, your way of knowing how to do so many things, what a blessing you were to so many. But we know you are happy, your body is well, and you are at peace. We thank God for the time you were with us. We will never be able to fill the void that you left that morning, when you gave us a thumps up and said goodbye, but a heart that touches the lives of others lives on forever, and you will live forever in our hearts. We love you so much.

Your Loving Wife, Lillie Mae Children, Toni, Mamie, Kelvin, Josh III, Wylecia Brothers Henry and Hughey Sister Berneice Grands, Great Grands, Family and Friends MCGARITY, HARRIET Harriet Burton McGarity, 90, died 2 April 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born in Plain-field, New Jersey, on 13 November 1916, her parents were Harry Douglas Burton and Florence Ada Skidmore Burton. The family moved to Orlando in 1919. Mrs. McGarity graduated from Orlando High School in 1933.

She married William Dudley McGarity on 24 December 1934. Mr. McGarity died in October 1977. Mrs. McGarity moved to Milwaukee in 1994.

Mrs. McGarity is survived by two children, William Dudley McGarity, of Lexington Park, Maryland, and Margaret Dee McGarity, of Milwaukee, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private family memorial is planned. HARRY'S FAMOUS FLOWERS Flowers express what words can't say. 407-249-0500.

HarrysFamousFlowers.com JONATHAN'S FLOWERS Elegant and Affordable Floral Displays. Complimentary Delivery. Call 407-767-5004. MCRAE'S FLORIST Funeral arrangements flowers for all occasions. 1814-A Edgewater Orl.

Please call 407-841-0469 www.mcraesflorist.com OWENS, EVA PEARL, 50, Fern Park, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2007. She was a member of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. She is survived by her sons, Steven Smith, and Shannon Johnson; companion, Willie Daniels; sisters, Mary Ann Nichols, Jannette Bess, Vernell Burke, Sylvia Jackson, and Kathy Abdullah; grandchild, Nayah Johnson. A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, April 14, 2007, 11AM at Full Gospel Miracle Revival Center, 4532 Raleigh Street, Orlando, with Pastor Roosevelt Williams, Officiating. Visitation on Friday from 5-8PM at the Mortuary.

POSTELL'S MORTUARY, Pine Hills Chapel, Orlando. 11 SIGLER, MARGARET LEE, 58, passed away April 8, 2007. A native of Orlando, she was the daughter of the late Julius A. and Thelma T. Sigler.

After graduating from Boone High School, she began working for BellSouth, known then as Southern Bell, as a Directory Assistance operator. She retired from BellSouth in 1996. A gentle soul at heart, she enjoyed having nieces and nephews express their "fear" of Aunt Peggy. She is survived by brothers, Julius (Janet), of Lynchburg, VA and Tom (Marion); sisters, Jennibeth She-rouse (Bill) of Ocala, Linda, Nancy and Vicky Bryant, all of Orlando; uncle Vernon Teel (Rose) of Leesburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 15th at 2PM at Central Christian Church on Ivanhoe Blvd.

Arrangements being handled by BALDWIN FAIRCHILD CONWAY CHAPEL, 1413 S. Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 407-277-6700. Please view and sign the family guestbook at: www.baldwinfairchild.com OF The best portion of a good man's life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love. William Wordsworth FIALA, CALVIN EDGAR, 63, of Casselberry, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2006. He was born January 28, 1944 in Mineola, NY to the late Edgar and Florence Fiala.

He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Business Degree. He worked for Lockheed Martin for 23 years. Mr. Fiala is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Darlene; his children, Stephanie, Sam, Victor, Elizabeth and Carlene; two sisters, Ellen and Suzanne; nine grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cynthia, and his mother and father.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2PM, Saturday, April 14, 2007 at NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY FUNERAL HOME, 7565 Red Bug Lake Oviedo. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. A COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME SUNSET CREMATIONS Discount FuneralsCremations $695 cremations. On-site crematory.

$795 Metal Caskets. Better Business Bureau. 24 HRS 407-841-4424 ALEDIA A. PAGE April 12, 2007 It's now been four years since God took you to be with Him. Although four years have passed, not a day goes by that we don't think of your smile, your laugh, and the love you gave to us.

Though we can no longer see you, you are always by our side. We love and miss you Your loving husband and son, Walt Kevin TURNER, BEVERLY NIGH, Zellwood, was called Home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 11, 2007. Born in Greensboro, NC, Beverly moved to Central Florida in 1956, where she served as a children's Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School worker and in Women's Missionary activities in several Southern Baptist Churches in the Orlando area. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Mt. Dora, where she served in Women's Missionary activities, Adult Choir, and other areas of the Church.

She is survived by husband, Ralph of over 69 years; daughters, Sheila T. Bybee of Lee's Summit, MO; Marilyn T. Johnston of Sharpesburg, GA; and Ruth T. DuPont of Clermont; son, Alan W. Turner of Orlando; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Beverly enjoyed visiting friends and relatives with her family as they were growing up. Over the years, Beverly and Ralph visited all 50 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Also, trips were made to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece and Turkey, which made her Christian Faith become more alive and meaningful to her. This was especially brought out while walking where Jesus walked on the Temple steps and along the path of His Triumphal entry into old Jerusalem and by participation in a Marriage Vow Renewal Service in Cana of Galilee. Several tours to Western Europe and a Caribbean Cruise were taken with friends.

Her interest in reading and her children's education led her to obtain her Summa Cum Laude Associate of Arts degree fro Orlando Junior College. Subsequently, she served in several schools in the Orange County School System before retiring in 1990, as well as four years in the School system. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Mount Dora, on April 28, 2007 at 11AM with Reverend Jim Carey officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Mt. Dora.

Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home West Altamonte Chapel, 622 W. Semoran Boulevard, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. www. baldwinfai rchi ld.com CJiJIETIJin 5 CREMATORY SARABASA, SEGUNDA, 80, of Casselberry, passed away due to an accident on April 7, 2007. She was born January 24, 1927 in Havana, Cuba.

Mrs. Sarabasa was a home-maker. She is survived by her sons, Albert (Kathy) and Carlos (Linda); grandchildren, Heather Sarabasa, Erica Thomas, Rachael Sarabasa, Katie Sarabasa, A.J. Sarabasa, Sophia Sarabasa; one great grandchild, Taylor Thomas. A Memorial Service will be held at 4PM Thursday (today) at NATIONAL CREMATION SOCIETY (formerly Family Funeral Care), 7565 Red Bug Lake Rd, Oviedo.

407-365-1600 Express condolences with our online obituary section. OrlandoSentinel.comobituaries T33 NELSON, JAMES HENRY, 77, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2007. A Funeral will be held 11AM Saturday, April 14, 2007 at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 412 E. Kennedy Eatonville. Public viewing is scheduled for 5-8PM on Friday, April 13, 2007, at New Bethel AME Church, 311 Marker Street, Altamonte Springs, Mitchell's Funeral Home, Director's in Charge, 501 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808.

Share memories with our online obituary section. OrlandoSentinel.com obituaries Sign a guestbook for someone on this page. OrlandoSentinel.com obituaries The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand. View Obituaries in Central Florida Go to OrlandoSentinel.com, click on Obituaries to view the latest deaths and funeral announcements throughout Central Florida. Reaching those who care A proper funeral service begins with notifying those who care.

To announce your memorial arrangements, call 407-420-6006 to place an obituary notice. Robert Vallet.