JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012
michael mcarthur
MAKING MUSIC
freelife chapel
DOING LIFE
southeastern university BETTER THAN EVER
jennifer smur MODEL BEHAVIOR Touch Central Florida
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DANIEL BARCELO
letter from the
EDITOR IN CHIEF
ASSISTANT EDITOR
editor
STAFF WRITER
I am so proud to be releasing the inaugural issue of TOUCH Central Florida Magazine. This publication has been a dream of mine for three years and it is almost unreal to be seeing it come to fruition .
Molly Dodd
COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Gospel Kim Taylor Flumerfelt Elizabeth Telg Emily Specher Jason Old
PRODUCTION DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Daniel Barcelo Henry Joseph
PHOTO EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LOCAL FEATURE EDITOR
John Kent Dan Austin Anthony Cheas Tariq Castillo
CHAD NEUMAN PUBLISHER
The vision of this publication is to highlight the beauty talent and uniqueness that is central Florida. This booming area of our state has so much to offer and we want to expose the best kept secrets of this beautifull region. Although it has been my dream, this beautiful magazine is the product of the hard work of the talented TOUCH staff. Their contributions of time, talent, and brilliant ideas make it a the exceptional work it is. We are so pleased to be releasing TOUCH in six cities in three counties and the news of the anticipation for this first issue is so exciting! We are ecstatic to see the success and hear the feedback of you, are readers. Thank you so much for you support and we all hope you enjoy this first issue of TOUCH Central Florida.
DANIEL BARCELO
EDITOR IN CHIEF
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Ashley Coleman
touch CENTRAL FLORIDA
1000 Longfellow Blvd. Office Suite 92 Lakeland FL, 33801
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SUNDAYS 10 AM | THE LAKELAND CENTER
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Freelife Chapel
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Local Hot-Spots
Pastors Scott & CindyThomas make church relevant way beyond sunday mornings.
in this issue
A little infographic that helps you dicover the big cool that is central Florida.
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Jennifer Smurr
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Dan Austin
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Southeastern University
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Black & Brew
A girl from little Lakeland who is taking the big modeling industry by storm.
Profile on this up & coming local photographer working with talent as extraordinary as his own.
Profile on this up & coming local photographer working with talent as extraordinary as his own.
A great place to eat and our featured local hot-spot for this issue.
18 COVER STORY Michael McArthur A mucisian with talent that Polk county can’t contain.
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Lakeland Florida is home to many vibrant spiritual communities. In a city with hundreds of churches and many great pastors. It is a significant complement to say that a certain pastors stand out and are exceptional to the rest. Being a pastor requires passion and drive for the people in the congregation and people alike. Pastors Scott and Cindy Thomas are individuals who exhibit Biblical values in the leadership of their church that reflect the integrity of their personal lives. Leadership is something that can not be part time; it has to be a part of who a person is at their core. This husband and wife team are effective leaders because they are continually living out the call to be christlike servant leaders. Instead of leading from the top down they lead out of loving relationships that they strive to forge with their congregations members. One thing that sets them apart is that they truly understand that leading a church is not limited to putting a show on for two hours every Sunday.
sentation and the unconventional illustrations are all part of the passionate outreach to communicate truth to people that wouldn’t normally come to church. Contrary to the perceptions of many modern American churches, bright lights an flashy stages are not the extent of the effort of the congregations’s staff and volunteers. Intimate, meaningful communities full of love for God and others are the foundations of Freelife chapel. Daily discipline and consistent discipleship lived in community are
constantly emphasized and exemplified. Pastor Scott’s teachings are powerful, passionate, and most of all, Biblical.
Pastors Scott and Cindy Thomas realize that first and foremost that Christ is the head of the church. This is evident in everything the church does and is apart of. Freelife Chapel is an example to may churches in the their passion and methods of reaching others with the gospel. The creativity of their pre-
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In addition to cultivating congregational communities and creating relevant experiences that facilitate a deepening expression of an individuals spiritual life, Freelife Chapel consistently effect the lakeland metropolitan area through many community outreaches. A main part of this outreach is to fund and support existing organizations with focused missions that serve the community with excellence. Philanthropic organizations like Lighthouse and Parker Street Ministries benefit from this support and are able to further accomplish their missions of caring for those experiencing homelessness.
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Because Abuelo’s best stories are always told around the dinner table. One of the greatest testimonies to the effective ministries of Pastors Scott and Cindy Thomas is the diversity of the congregation they lead. From religious background to race and ethnicity to socioeconomic status, the congregants of Freelife Chapel could not be more eclectic. This is made evident and adds variation and richness to the various ministry outlets facilitated by the church. Perhaps it is their transparency, generosity, and integrity that is a draw to those they come in contact with that draws such a diverse following. The most common word to describe this couple is “real�. This reputation has been an asset to their congregation considering all of the scandal and disappointment that has unfortunately become associated with modern charismatic churches.
Pastors Scott and Cindy Thomas can truly be looked up to as role models in the central florida community and this publication is honored to have had the privilege to feature them in this our inaugural issue.
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Ar ticle by Daniel Barcelo Photos by Dan Austin
new store coming to kissimmee
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Hard Knocks
Parkesdale Farm Market Acropolis Taverna Ybor City Restaurant Best Greek food around! Opa! acropolistaverna.com
Plant City Farm/Market Best strawberry shortcake in the world. Nuff said. parkesdale.com
Taco Bus St. Petersburg Restaurant Amaizing tacos & burritos taco-bus.com
Channelside Bay Plaza Tampa Plaza Seaside restaurants & shops channelsidebayplaza.com
Oviedo Laser Tag Takes laser tag to a whole new level, seriously. indoorwar.com
Dave & Buster’s Orlando Arcade Think Chuck-E-Chese’s for grown-ups. daveandbusters.com
THE ULTIMATE Fun Spot Attractions Orlando Amusement & Rides Go-carts, arcade games & more! funspotattracractions.com
Tropicana Field St. Petersburg Baseball Stadium Take me out to the Ray’s game tampabay.rays.mib.com
Silver Moon Drive-In Theater Lakeland Movie Theater Just like the old days silvermoondrivein.com
HOTSPOT CHEKLIST Busch Gardens
Cinebistro
Tampa Theme Park Thrillining rides & wild animals buschgardens.com
Hyde Park Village Theater-Bistro Makes dinner & a movie way more convenient than ever! cinebistro.com/hyde
Clearwater Beach Clearwater Beach Sand like powder and bright blue waters
Mitchells’s Coffee House Lakeland Cafe Great local coffee, and delicious lunch specials. mitchellscoffe.com
The Red Door Lakeland Restaurant/Wine Market It must be date night. reddoorwinemarket.com
Bok Tower Gardens Lake Wales Landmark/Garden Take in the scenery and de-stress. boktowergardens.org
Legoland Florida Winter Haven Theme Park Do you ever really outgrow Lego’s? f lorida.legoland.com
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When most people thing of gorgeous high fashion models, they usually don’t think of Polk County. But if they got to know Miss Jennifer Smurr of Lakeland, FL they might think twice. I sat down with Jen in one of her favorite bistros in downtown Lakeland and tried to find out this small town girl found herself in the fast paced life of being a high fashion model. ME: so are you a Lakeland native? JEN: Yep, born and raised, and I’m not afraid to say so! ME: Have you always been interested in fashion or has this been a recent interest? JEN: I have always loved fashion. As a child I was obsessed with the latest trends and always trying to improvise and make them my own. I got my hands on any magazine I could. ME: So was it just fashion or have you always wanted to model also? JEN: Well, it wasn’t necessarily something I always pursued but everyone told me I was a natural in front of the camera so at first I was just trying it for fun, but then I fell in love with it.
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ME: So what has been you experience with modeling so far? What do you like most about it? JEN: Well I am still pretty new to this but I have had some amazing opportunities. Recently, I was on the cover of Panache Vue’ magazine and I actually just returned from Miami where I just finished shooting and ad Campaign for Nautica. The thing I like most about being a model is challenging myself to see how diverse I can be. Being a versatile model is very valuable because the more ways your look can be marketed the more job opportunities there are for you and the better you career becomes. ME: Wow that sounds exciting! Where do you see yourself in five years? What are some of you milestone goals? JEN: Wow, that’s a hard question... um... I have to be optimistic I guess. I would love to have a variety of experiences and I can’t wait to travel more. Milan, Paris, New York, I all sounds so glamorous! Just to know that I have the possibility to do this give me goose bumps. Jen’s story is very inspiring and she is someone who’s career I think we all should watch.
Ar ticle by Daniel Barcelo Photos by Dan Austin
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This is Jen’s most recent portfolio shoot done by local up and coming photographer Dan Austin (personality profile next page).
Sheer Blouse: Dolce & Gabbana $219.99 Shorts:Forever 21 - $29.99 Watch:Michael Kors - $349.00 Tights:Target - $14.99 Shoes:Urban Outfitters - $49.99
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personality profile:dan austin photography
@DanAustinPhoto Nowadays, it seems “photographers” are a dime a dozen. Everyone who buys and expensive camera immediately orders a set of business cards that reads “photographer.” Only a few have the skill, training and proficiency and can be considered a professional. Dan Austin of St. Petersburg, FL is one of the these few. Dan, like many photographers, began to grow his photography business by shooting many local artists, models, weddings, and portraits. However, what sets him apart is that Dan’s work and talent are being recognized nationwide and have opened doors for him far beyond the reach of Central Florida. In the last couple of years, Dan has had the privilege of shooting for WEG Media Group, the music representation for Brittney Spears, N*SYNC, and Jason DeRulo. Widely popular Christian writer and recording artist Kari Jobe enlisted Dan’s Talents earlier this year to shoot the cover for her newest album. He also recently shot singer and actor Luke Edgemond. Luke was a top ten contestant on American Idol and a recurring face and voice on the hit FOX series Glee. This is only the short list of those that have had the privilege of working with Dan Austin Photography. I’m sure that by the time this issue of TOUCH is published Dan will have added many more remarkable clients to his portfolio. For booking information visit DanAustinPhotography.com
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Ar ticle by Molly Dodd Photos by Daniel Barcelo Dan Austin & Touch Central Florida Molly Mae Wright
Another change that has specifically positively affected the communications department is the welcome of a new department chair, Wade Mumm. Wade is a veteran at Southeastern University, getting his start in 1995. Wade has made a return to the Southeastern family, and has created a program called COMMunity that has successfully integrated the communications department with the rest of the campus. Changes in athletics have been rapidly surfacing as well. Southeastern University has decided to explore the possibilities of starting a Over the past two semesters, Southeastern University scholarship based football team. At the 2012 Leadership has seen many changes. From the induction of a new Forum, Tim Tebow was present for the big announcepresident, Dr. Kent Ingle, to new fire pits and sand vol- ment, and Dr. Ingle has begun the research with his leyball court, students and faculty have had positive team. A women’s softball team, and a men’s tennis team responses to the changes. “I admire President Ingle’s will begin training in the fall, as well as a co-ed crossdetermination and enthusiasm towards the students,” country team. Students are impressed with the advances shared Junior, Kendall Altmyer, 21. Students agree that that Southeastern is making in regards to hearing the under the new administration, student have felt more student’s wants and needs. There has been talk about the relaxed and at home with the new hammocks and plac- prospective buildings that were in the recently passed es on campus for students to build community. In order to develop a sense of accountability and freeness on campus, some of the dress code rules were abolished in the fall of 2011. Men and women are now able to wear and show facial piercings, and are able to wear tops that show their shoulder blades. Last year this was not allowed by the board of trustees, but a motion was carried that stated that “Students should not be turned away from attending Southeastern due to what is on their face; we need to be accepting to all.”
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“five year plan.” Due to the departure of Dr. Davis last year, some of those endowments were removed due to his contacts. However, new endowments are being sought and the buildings will still be built by May 2015. As the Southeastern campus grows in numbers, the student body is outgrowing the 87 acres that the campus sits upon. There has been talk of buying the historic Polk Theatre downtown in order to accommodate large chapel services and the annual “Conference” week. This has not been anything but a dream at this point, but if the Polk Theatre goes up for sale, Dr. Ingle has plans to make an offer.
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local hotspot profile:black & brew coffee house
@BlackandBrew Downtown Lakeland proved to be the perfect location for a coffee and lunch hot spot. Located at 205 E. Main Street, Black and Brew aims to serve the greater Lakeland community. Brothers, Chris and Mike McArthur always had a dream of opening up their own coffee shop. They both had high paying corporate jobs, and one day decided to quit and follow their life long dream. The inspiration for the location and dĂŠcor came from their relationship with their mother, a local artist and art collector. As a tribute to her, the walls are filled with local artwork and tapestries, which set a tranquil background for a meal, or a conversation. Each day, fresh pots of coffee are brewed, and over 200 cold drinks are ordered. Black and Brew is always on the way to where you are headed. so it is a prime time breakfast, lunch, and dinner location. Besides there house brewed coffee and homemade pastries, Black and Brew is a fun place to have a lunch date or meeting. Their kitchen staff and chef also artfully prepare sandwiches made-to-order, and fill weekly catering orders. On Friday and Saturday evenings, entertainment is provided beginning at 9pm, which includes local talent as well as national acts. Get your brew on at Black and Brew weekdays from 8am to 10pm, and weekends from 8:30am to 10pm.
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G N I K A M
C I S U M F O S ND
OU S L LFU
R U H RT
U CA O S E M TH L E A
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H C I M
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GETTING TO KNOW THE ARTIST Sitting in a trendy coffee shop on a gloomy day, 24 year-old Michael McArthur shared his passion and desire for music, that has finally surfaced in his life. Michael denied his passion for music for most of his childhood. “There eventually came a point in my life where I had to decide whether I was going to turn right or left. A crossroads. Right was music and left was everything else.” Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, he spent most of his early years practicing Taekwondo, playing basketball, and listening to every piece of music he could get his hands on. “From Oldies to Hip-Hop, I loved it all, and still do.” His first and favorite memories were singing along to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson cassettes.
GETTING BACK TO THE ROOTS When Michael turned 16, his grandfather bought him his first guitar, a made in Korea Fender acoustic. “It would be nothing special to most, but it meant everything to me. I can still remember the day I brought it home. My dad taught me a few chords and a basic strum pattern. I started writing songs shortly after and have ever since.” Michael spent many fall days and summer nights learning and writing music, and falling in love with the idea of doing what he loved for the rest of his life. “There eventually came a point in my life where I had to decide whether I was going to turn right or left. A crossroads. Right was music and left was everything else.” For reasons unknown to Michael at the time, he couldn’t force himself to choose music. He was scared.
Ar ticle by Molly Dodd Touch Central Florida Photos by Dan Austin
Over the next five years of his life, Michael did anything he could to avoid pursuing the one true love he had. “I decided I would be a professional basketball player, and professional football player, a police officer, a fireman, a doctor, and anything else that seemed, to me, more doable and less delicate than music. Michael even opened a local Lakeland hotspot restaurant called “Black and Brew” located in the downtown area. “All along though, there was this sort of emptiness that shadowed me everywhere. I was living with a purpose, but not with passion.”
LIVING THE DREAM Something was missing for Michael. He convinced himself that if he didn’t try, he couldn’t fail, and if he didn’t fail, he couldn’t get hurt. It was the result of that logic that led to his incompleteness. One mid-summer day, Michael came across a quote by Mark Twain: “20 years from now, you are going to be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did.” In that moment, he had an epiphany: It’s better to try and fail than to never have tried at all. Michael admits that was no revelation, but to his relationship with music, it was. “I’ve always known that making music is what I was born to do, it’s just taken me a little while to accept it. So, here I am, walking down the same path that so many have before me, yet the way is still unclear and unbeaten, with all the risk intact.”
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