FOCUS Plant City 02-06 by Floyd Publications

Susanne Caldwell, Interior Decorator

ONE STOP SHOP...JUST FOR YOU • Design one room or your entire home • Create a beautiful room using your existing furnishings & accessories • Personal shop for new pieces & accessories for a complete look • Professional Landscape Design • Visual coordination, detailing & accessories

Featuring . . . World Class Artist, John Rought Designer of wall murals, wall finishes, Trompe L’Oeil painted furniture A team of professional decorators and closet organizers. Their expertise and wealth of knowledge brings you, the client, the look of a beautiful, well planned home, office, hotel, etc.. In-Home Consultation Commercial • Residential

813-707-1482 • Cell 813-376-5606 designsbysusanne@verizonmail.com

EMERGENCY LOCKOUT SERVICE

with coupon

PLANT CITY LOCK & KEY

757-0000

Cut out and keep this coupon in your wallet!

PLANT CITY LOCK & KEY

757-0000

• Hair • Nails • Waxing • Permanent Straightening

LISA • MEGAN • LAVONNE • ASHLEY

JANA • KRYSTAL • MENDY • RON • SHIRLEY

• DAVID • JUNE • KIM • TONYA

813-717-7700 1801 Thonotosassa, Suite 1 • Plant City, FL 33566

Dr. Saira Khan Announces the Association of

Yung Q. Nguyen-Siddiqi, M.D. Family Medicine

Now Accepting New Patients 303 N. Plant Ave., Ste. 1 Plant City, FL 33563

(813) 659-3328

Your Chariot Awaits

PLANT CITY LIMO SERVICE

813.719.1711

CORPORATE ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE

REAL PEOPLE • REAL STORIES BUILDING BUSINESS & BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS 702 WEST DR. MLK JR. BLVD. PLANT CITY, FLORIDA 33563 PHONE: 813.707.8783 FAX: 813.764.0990

SERVING PLANT CITY

Call for de tails & pricing!

The Forest Brook Living Area: 1,834 sq. ft. Total Area: 3,000 sq. ft.

4705 Sleepy Hollow Lane • Plant City

The Crescent Hill Living Area: 2,480 sq. ft. Total Area: 3,450 sq. ft.

752-4665

Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Licensed • Insured

COMMUNICATING TODAY THE NINE GOOD REASONS FOR CHIROPRACTIC…

Your Always-On Connection

Phone number portability is a service that makes it possible for customers to keep their phone number when changing providers.

DR. DUKES, WHY SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC ON A REGULAR BASIS? HERE ARE NINE GOOD REASONS: ·

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN AS NEEDED TREATMENT. A DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC EMPHASIZES KEEPING YOUR BODY HEALTHY AND IN SHAPE SO YOU WILL REMAIN AS PROBLEM FREE AS POSSIBLE.

DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC ARE WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR ABILITY TO MINIMIZE, OR EVEN ELIMINATE, ACHES AND PAINS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPINE AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.

LESS THEN ONE PERCENT OF BACK AILMENTS REQUIRE SURGERY. BEFORE SAYING “YES” TO THE KNIFE, GET A THOROUGH EXAMNATION AND TREATMENT FROM YOUR DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC.

MORE THAN 80 PERCENT OF HEALTH INSURANCES COVER CHIROPRACTIC.

WHY USE MEDICINES THAT ARE EXPENSIVE AND HAVE SIDE EFFECTS IF THEY ARE NOT NEEDED?

DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE CARE OF THE WHOLE BODY, INCLUDING EXERCISE, STRESS REDUCTION, NUTRITION AND CORRECT POSTURE.

ONLY DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC CAN CORRECT SPINAL SUBLUXATIONS (MISALIGNMENT OF THE VERTEBRAE) THAT NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE ENTIRE BODY AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC RECEIVE EXCELLENT TRAINING IN THE CURE OF HEADACHES, BACKACHES, SHOULDER AND NECK AILMENTS, AND LEG AND FOOT PROBLEMS.

Creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.... Dr. John A. Busciglio

Cellular number portability - available yet? It's finally time to consider the reality of wireless telephone number portability. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) postponed for the third time since 1996 the deadline for this service's availability. The new deadline was set for November 24, 2003. The FCC stated that they're not going to postpone this again. Everyone is preparing for implementation this fall. Why is it so difficult to make cell number portability available? The good part about cellular telephone number portability is that it would increase competition among wireless carriers and it would give subscribers freedom to change providers without losing their cell number. On the other hand, the reason why wireless providers try to delay the availability of this service is the financial burden they would have to undertake (mostly through charging you, the consumer, new subscriber fees). The cost of making portability available for cellular numbers would be over $1 billion for the first year. At a time when money is desperately needed for development of nextgeneration services. I say desperately because it's well known that wireless technology available in the US is far behind that offered in Europe and Asia. So, we all watch carefully the developments and are eager to have control of our cellular numbers, but wary of the costs that the providers will levy on consumers. Stay tuned for more details.

Invisible Braces • Ceramic Braces Inviasalign • Certified Teeth Whitening se Habla Espanol Serving the Greater Plant City Area For Over 25 Years www.theorthodoc.com

Announcing New Extended Office Hours PLANT CITY

BRANDON

2309 W. Reynolds St.

515 Corner St..

813-759-9474

813-681-9473

Resident of Plant City for 13 years

Chamber of Commerce Member

Local • LD • Internet • Data • Conferencing Free, No-Obligation Analysis And Proposal

Yvonne M Fry

813-759-0833

Email: yfry@onepointofcontact.com • www.onepointofcontact.com

FRONT END ALIGNMENT WITH PURCHASE OF 4 TIRES

Welcome Our New Manager Mike (SANTA) Klaus

Fax 813-752-5737 507 W. MLK Blvd. Plant City, FL Email: mscol@aol.com

KARPPE ROAD … $140,000 * Comfortable & roomy, 4/3 block ac.,fenced priv. Country * Very nice master BR/BA * 2carport, detached * Workshop & office,sep. * Landscaped waterfall & pond * Call LOUISE

LARGE BUILDING LOT in city near schools and shopping has many trees surrounded by nice homes. 115x279 size lot. City sewer & water. Bring your house plans and call LINDA HAZZARD or CAROL WRIGHT for directions today. * $34,000 *. #J6

WHITEHURST ROAD … $25,900 * Adult MH community * 2 BR/1+ BA, 1000+ SF * Single carport att. w/workshop * Spac. Fla.rm. Addition * 60x100 size lot *Lot pmt. Approx.

AFFORDABLE & READY TO OCCUPY! 2/1 singlewide with att. Scr. Porch & enclosed addition on back. Completely chainlink fenced. Brand “NEW” det. Single car garage/shop included. Great price,$54,000 Call Trish Joyce for directions today. #D6

KNIGHTS GRIFFIN ROAD … $129,900 * Charming & spacious 4 BR * Block const. * Compl. Renovated, new paint * Det. scr. Patio * 2- car gar. W/workshop (det.) *Grandfather oaks galore * Call today for a preview. #B10. Call PATTI THORNTON

RENFRO STREET … $62,000 * Newly Remodeled 3 BR frame * New CH/A * Inside laundry * 8 ceiling fans * Lg. Corner lot, 50x105 * 1yr. home warranty * Call DON PHILLIPS for more details today.

COMMERCIAL- 2/1 frame on double lot. Zoned C1-b. 137x174 on main drive downtown. Bring Your business & home supplies and move in today. Lots of potential, so call today for more

Hunts CT. .... $137,00 * 3/2 Block * ‘95 Built, 1775 SF> * 2 car garage * on cul-de--sac * Great location! * very easy to show * Call Patty Martinez for a preview.#A9

CEDAR RUN … $79,000 * Townhouse living * Over 1100 SF LA * 2 bedroom, 2 bath * Many appliances * Investment possibilities galore * Priced to sell. #D3 *Call CARI STEAD for appt. to preview.

• FREE Pre-Qualification Check • FREE Credit Check • Fast, Easy Approval • 1st / 2nd Mortgages • First Time Home Buyers Investor Loans / Hard Equity Financing • Bruised Credit Okay • Se’ Habla Espanol

SIMPSON LAWNCARE, INC. Specializing In:

813-731-1932 This 4BRM/ 3.5bth/ 2 CG is remarkably well maintained, nestled on a lovely corner lot with beautiful matured landscaping and red brick streets. Major renovations commenced in 1997, creating the charm of old world, meeting the convenience of new. Fine features on this home, include fireplaces, a combination of marble, porcelain and hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, formal dining room with double French doors leading to a screen brick walled porch. There is also a traditional Victorian Bathroom complete with a tub circa 1899, 400 bottle wine cellar, sundeck, gazebo and Japanese gold fish pond. Reduced $249,000, MLS#2007228, owner is a lics. real estate agent. Please call Vicki Hawthorne for an appointment to show, McGrath/Poppell 731-5737, agent cell #731-1932

We take pride in a professional cut

• Complete Lawn Care • Landscaping • Sod/Mulch

Special Discounts to: • New Homeowners • Senior Citizens • Churches & Religious Organizations Licensed • Insured • Free Estimates

Brent Simpson

813-376-5866 Christian Owned & Operated

Now Featuring

Automotive Detailing & Cleaning Products

al First Annu

European Hair Design Faye Price - Owner Donna Cornelius Heard-Stylist Betty Kurtz Stylist 2412 James Redman Parkway Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-754-4141

MAKEOVER

FOCUS ON YOU

Missy wants a lot of color. Val at Val's Caribbean Breeze Beauty Shop gives her a fill- in on her acrylic nails and checks her outfit for a true matching red. Her nails are painted and striped in black and silver and studded with a rhinestone.

Sheree goes to The Artistry in the hands of Stylist Krystal Gallagher. Her short hair is highlighted blonde like she's been at the beach all summer and tousled so it looks like the sea breeze has fluffed it. It's a wonderful look for her, simple yet stylish.

Johnny received a Deluxe Facial from Tonya Frizzell at The Artistry. Johnny still hasn't slept for close to 20 hours but his facial revived him and put a glow in his cheeks like he had had a good 8-hour snooze. Sheree went to Jennifer Haley at About Face for an Essential Vitamin Fortified facial. Candles burn and soft music plays in their tropical setting. Sheree emerges with a look of refreshment on her face and a pink glow to her cheeks. Natural Creations had their new esthetician, Martha Simmonds, come all the way from Dade City to give Melissa a European Deep Cleansing facial with Essential Silk Serum. She is first given a deep treatment conditioning on her hair as well as an eyebrow waxing. We're getting beautiful now. Time for the crowning touch…hair. Johnny has hair down past his shoulders to the mid back, which he has only cut twice in his life. Wife, Angela, really wants him to cut it short but he's hesitant. Christy Willis at Bruce's Barbershop gets the go ahead to cut off a whole ponytails worth of hair. He's a new man and looks fabulous in his new shorter cut. Jack goes to European Hair Design where he finds a picture in one of the books. He receives a loose perm from Betty Kurtz on top and Donna Heard cuts an 'inverted neckline'. They send him off with some Big Sexy hair gel so he can repeat his 'do' tomorrow.

Melissa is still at Natural Creations where she's sitting now with a 3 color foil highlight while Kellie Hinson puts on her evening makeup. Vickey Herndon then cuts her hair. She's strategically kept away from all mirrors until the whole look is completed. Sheree is whisked away to Merle Norman for her dramatic evening makeup applied by JoAnne Register. She uses the Summer 2003 Collection, “Made In the Shade”. They are pampered, pretty…now they need a night out on the town. The group goes to their respective homes to change and show their spouses their new loo ks. The new Plant City Limousine Service, Plant City's only limo service, picks Sheree, Jack, Johnny, and Missy and their spouses each up at home. In the limo, the Group toasts to It's time to go out looking good. a wonderful day We asked their spouses…..so what do you think?

“Stunning” “I just love her hair.” Sheree's husband, John “I thought he looked awesome. He just swept me away.” Johnny's wife, Angela “It was hard to improve on her. I love her outfit and her hair. I was happy she had a great day.” Melissa's husband, Rod “Oh, I'm excited. I think he looks great. I'm glad he participated. More than the change it was more the pampering I wanted for him” Jack's wife, Gina

Red Rose Dining Room At the Ramada Inn The Madonia Family Chef Jason Shenefield 2011 N. Wheeler Street Plant City, Fl. 813-752-3141

About Face Jennifer Haley, Licensed Esthetician Wanda Hinton-Owner 104 W. Reynolds St. Suite 5 Plant City, Fl. 33563 813-752-2141

Nails perfectly manicured, the participants were sent for facials. Jack went to Nancy at SPS Salon and Spa for an SPS Basic facial. He said this was a nice place for a man to receive a treatment because it's out of the way and very private, “You're not in front of a bunch of other people”. “She first had me dip my hands in paraffin while she did the facial…it was very, very nice”.

Fred's Market Café Fred and Tammy Johnson-Owners Corner of Alexander & MLK Blvd. Phone 759-0009

The winners after a complete day of pampering

As night falls they make their grand entrance at the grand entrance of The Red Rose Dining Room at the Plantation House Ramada Inn where Chef Jason Shenefield, wife Cheri, and the Madonia family personally greet them. How fitting to be here since the Ramada has taken on a transformation herself with a major renovation/makeover. The resplendent surroundings provide a stage for our makeover participants. A several course meal is enjoyed from drinks, appetizers, salads, entrees and dessert. This is five star dining and the Ramada rolls out the red carpet sparing no expense. They finish off the night with a dance on the romantic white onyx dance floor. Entertainment is provided by Destiny. Is it not everyone's destiny to be the best they can be? On the way home Jack breaks out a surprise bottle of champagne and they toast to a day focused on them. This was more than a day of pampering they all concur. This was a day they made new friends.

“I've always wanted to be Strawberry Queen, and Focus has made me fell like a Strawberry Queen”. Melissa Mason Perhaps it will be you on our Second Annual Focus On You Makeover Day.

SPS Salon & Spa Nancy Tanner Owner/Esthetician 4132 Bugg Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33567 813-737-5588

The Artistry Jana Evers Owner/Stylist Krystal Gallagher Stylist LaVonne Sapp - Nail Technician Tonya Frizzel - Esthetician 1801 Thonotosassa Rd. Suite 1 Plant City, Fl.

Plant City Limo Service 702 West Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Suite 2 Plant City, Fl. 33565 813-719-1711

Central Florida Massage Center Judy Fulmer Owner/LMT 1801 Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33563 813-752-5943

Finest Nails-PC 2503 Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-754-4134 Athletic Club Manager - Michael Gertz 148 South Collins Street #12 Plant City, FL 33566 813-717-7773

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar General Manager Tom Pate 1204 Townsgate Court Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-719-1500

Curves Sherry Nueesch-owner Teresa Anderson-manager 1822 Jim Redman Parkway (Strawberry Plaza) 813-719-1822

Val's Caribbean Breeze Beauty Shop Valerie Dunkley Owner/Operator Nail Technician 902 B W. Dr. MLK Ave. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-707-6717 Natural Creations Vickey Herndon - owner Heather Eddings manicurist Kellie Hinson stylist, makeup artist Carla Youmans manicurist Martha Simonds -esthetician 1309 S. Collins St. Suite 3 Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-719-1149 Dunn Chiropractic Dr. Jeffrey E. DunnOwner/Chiropractor Jason Houck LMT 1701 S. Alexander St. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-752-2440 Bruce's Barber Shop Bruce Hancock -owner Christy Willis - stylist 2311-2 Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-754-8250 Merle Norman Holly Clark - Owner Joanne Register - Makeup artist 1514 S. Alexander St. #102 Plant City, Florida 33566 813-752-4718

Lott Mather Buick Pontiac GMC Rick Lott/Bill Mather - owners 2900 Jim Redman Parkway Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-752-4181 Brigittia's Brigittia Long-owner 119 Collins St. South Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-719-3233 Parson Chiropractic Shane Parson Owner/Chiropractor Bobbie Roberts LMT 1514 S. Alexander Street Suite 201 Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-717-7553 Dukes Chiropractic Brenda Dukes Owner/Chiropractor Brenda Chandler LMT 2401 Walden Woods Dr. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-752-2524

A Special Thank You To all These Sponsors Who Generously Donated Their Time, Products And Services

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR WORDS BY ROBIN JEWETT EMERY

Taps played for the final time for Tomlin Middle School teacher and TSA (Technology Student Association) Advisor, Frank Zeitler. Over twenty years he spent his life teaching our kids in this community. And spent he did. His last few days were on a morphine pump but he was still making arrangements for his students to go to the National TSA Competition. Before teaching he was a master navigator/bombardier in the U.S. Air Force. I think that gave him just about the right credentials to handle Middle School kids. He was a teacher who was there when, as a parent, I couldn't be. He taught my sons things I didn't know. He was the man who stayed hundreds of hours after school teaching my sons Parliamentary Procedure…because there is a code of honor. He came in half of summer vacation to help my boys make airplanes for their Flight Challenge…because all young people should rise. He engineered bridges with them for Structural Bridge Building and stressed those bridges to see how much they could withstand… and taught them about strength. He was with them this year at State Competition. He could barely get out of bed, but he was there. And hundreds of students, who have been touched by Frank Zeitler, visited him. It is at this final State Competition that he taught these kids courage. The courage to live. To never, no matter what life hands you, to ever give up. He will be there at National Competition in spirit and in the work, talent and hearts of his students. He garnered hundreds of trophies at State and National Competitions throughout the years. Tomlin Middle School in Plant City was to be feared because they were the best. But he never felt the honor was just in the win. The honor was in the integrity earned. Flowers were laid on the casket by the family and then you hear it…the ripping, the tearing. In an act of complete spontaneity, while sobbing and overwhelmed with grief at the loss of this teacher…this friend, our Tomlin kids tore their sewn on TSA badges from their breast pockets and placed them on the casket alongside the flowers. It is the story of hero men like Frank Zeitler that makes the history of Plant City. And our city has chapters like this written all over town. It's tough to tell the history of Plant City in just a few pages, but we asked the Plant City Photo Archives to do the impossible and give us a brief overview. Enjoy their timeless photos, which are preserved for all time. Our Spotlight interview is with Willard (WD) McGinnes. He helped build many of the walls of our little town so that it has grown to be not so little anymore. We salute you, Frank, and all those who have spent their present to make the place we call home. History will never forget you.

Robin Jewett Emery Editor In Chief

702 West Mlk Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 www.FOCUSMAGAZINE.net

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com Editor In Chief Robin Emery robin@floydpublications.com Office Manager DeDe Floyd dede@floydpublications.com Advertising Sales Tania Summers Tania@floydpublications.com Art Director Hayley Hiserodt hhiserodt@floydpublications.com Graphic Design Dale “HB” Hayes dhayes@floydpublications.com Photographers Harry Jeffcoat, Bill Friend, Bud Lee Staff Writers Beverly Poole, Ginny Stewart, Kelli Tharrington, Kathy Wells, Troy Crews, Sherri Robinson Contributors Sherry Nueesch, Gill Gott, Mac McGrath, Eleanore McDade, Jim Brown, Yvonne Fry, Cindy Nagel, Ken Lawrence, Sherri Mueller, Al Cohen, Bill Green, Susanne Caldwell

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed to 10,000 homes. Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to our main office 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563 or you can e-mail them to us at robin@floydpublications.com We love to get mail so take advantage of this opportunity to address any issues or vent to your little hearts content. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced there of. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

“TAKE BACK what the devil has stolen from you.” What has God promised you? It’s your time to receive it in FULL! Join me for 4 exciting days of Holy Ghost preaching and prophetic ministry.

Evangelist Carolyn Dixon From Detroit, Michigan

June 22 10:30am and 6:00pm • June 23-25 7:00pm Nightly Featuring Urban Gospel Sounds By Recording Artist Shachah Ron Rosson and Reconciled Delegation Prophetic Music Ministry

Living Waters Four Square Church 602 South Evers Street • Plant City, FL (Located across from the Kash and Karry grocer y store) For More Information Call 813-759-0528

COVER: Willard McGinnes, Building Plant City one plank at a time PHOTO: Mike Floyd

THIS MONTH 26-27BUSINESS

PROFILE

Plant City Automotive

58-59FEATURE

HOME

SO Smith shows off your answers to your building prayers

31-36FEATURE

ARTICLE

Plant City Photo Archives gives us a tour of PC’s past

INTERVIEW

Willard “WD” McGinnes

EVERY MONTH 08-20LOCAL

NEWS

Events and Happenings Around Plant City

29BUSINESS

NEWS

Business Related News and Financial Columns

66SPORTS

High School Athlete of the Month

43-59FOCUS

HOME GUIDE

For Buyers, Sellers & Owners

[FOCUS SERVING PLANT CITY

[

39-41SPOTLIGHT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

FOCUS MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTOR

Baseball Did You Know Hits a Home Run I love your magazine--especially this article on baseball. (Did You Know?) My grandsons both played on Little League teams here last year--and I was wondering if one of the sources, i.e.The Blooper Man, by Elson Smith, was a book or just an article. I know my grandson would love reading it if it were a book. Will await your reply. Thank you, Lorene Glad you enjoyed the baseball article written by the folks at Plant City Photo Archives. We'll forward your question to them. Be sure to read their Feature in this month's magazine on the history of Plant City.

Sherry Nueesch Sherry writes our monthly Health & Fitness article and owns Curves in Lakeland, Bartow and Plant City. Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Radford University with a BA in History, Political Science and Social Science. Owned and operated businesses for 25 years. Been a health nut for 30 years. Hobbies include gardening, reading, and traveling. Married to the most wonderful Fritz Nueesch of Switzerland for 10 glorious years!

Your auto policy comes with something extra...

AROUNDTOWN

Blurbs DOCTOR SPONSORS ANNUAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS South Florida Baptist Hospital Cardiologist Max F. Rattes, M.D., sponsors a set of annually awarded scholarships for hospital nurses. Dr. Rattes established the awards in 2001 to recognize the contribution SFBH's nurses make to the Plant City Community and to help supplement their continued education costs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our hospital and its doctors rely greatly on the support of our nurses," Dr. Rattes said. "I want them to know how much we appreciate them and how important it is to us that they continue to work and further their nursing careers in Plant City." Rattes hopes other doctors will join in giving back to these most valuable hospital/community members through special awards or scholarships. The SFBH Foundation manages and disburses the scholarship funds. Hospital department managers nominate and select each year's winners. During Nurses Week 2003, May 6 to 12, SFBH awarded Margaret Stevens, RN, emergency department, the Clinical Nursing Excellence Award and Barbara Warf, medical / surgical / oncology patient care technician, an Award for Morale, Guest Relations and Teamwork. Both awards included $200 Rattes scholarships for educational in services.

Plant City Book Readers Club All interested readers are invited to join the book club at Andrew's on the Park. Everyone gets a chance to pick a book. So far we have read a variety of interesting books. It is a great way to meet a lot of neat people and enjoy a great meal. We meet the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. This month we will be reading The Wolf Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. We'll meet Tues., June 17th at 7:00. For more information e-mail Lisa Kennedy at AdonnaKennedy@aol.com or call (813) 495-7194.

I BEFORE E EXCEPT AFTER Z WORDS BY JIM TURCICH

Ask any educator, and chances are they will tell you that if they make a difference in one child's life, then they were successful. Teaching is not for the faint of heart, it requires sacrifice and patience, but the look on a child's face when they succeed is the

motivation that drives many teachers. It's this quality that separates the good ones from the great ones. Once in a great while however, someone exceeds even the highest standards

"More than anything, I teach integrity. I tell them if you're successful, it's on your own merits. I want them to know that." -Frank Zeitler others." said one former student. "He inspired me to be a better person, he taught me that we all have a reason for being here and we have a responsibility of fulfilling that destiny". "I am fortunate to say that he was my teacher, but even more honored to call him my friend". Zeitler says, "More than anything, I teach integrity. I tell them if you're successful, it's on your own merits. I want them to know that." Zeitler's kids carry this philosophy with them long after they leave his watchful eye. His technology class at Tomlin was so dominant at state and national competitions, that the state of Florida recently named the technology Student Association's top middle school award after him. Frank's influence doesn't stop when the school day ends. Long after most other teachers have left for the day, he can be found with a class full of kids perfecting a project or speech. His devotion is evident in the many trips taken to transport a student to regional meetings, sometimes hours away, often at his own expense.

For Zeitler, more than any award, he finds pleasure in â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes very little effort to rise above everyone seeing the look in his kids' else. Extra effort will get you noticed." eyes when they finally realize that they can achieve great -Frank Zeitler things. His message of "Never give up, don't sweat of education. A person who not only touches a the small stuff, and above all, do your best no young persons life, They improve it. matter what" has made a lasting impression on Frank Zeitler, of Tomlin Middle School is such a each of his students. person. His educational career in Plant City is Educational excellence cannot be legendary. Look around our community and measured in awards. Awards are merely chances are you will see someone whose life has tokens of an achievement. Educational been improved by Mr. Zeitler. The list of students excellence is measured in the successes of the he has mentored reads as a who's who of Plant lives of those who came as wide-eyed students, City's finest young adults. The respect for this man and left as confident young adults. It's in the is unparalleled. stories they will share about a man Lt. Col Frank Zeitler became a technology that made such a difference in their lives, that education teacher after a distinguished Air Force they no longer refer to him as a teacher, but as a career. When asked what makes his kids so mentor. successful, Zeitler says, "It takes very little effort to Frank Zeitler passed away June 2nd surrounded rise above everyone else. Extra effort will get you by his many family and friends. noticed." It's that extra effort that brings former students back to his classroom He struggled with cancer but refused to stop every year. "Mr. Zietler lives and breathes for his teaching and gave to his students right to the students, he gives every ounce of himself to very end of his life.

European Hair Designs Tanning • Waxing • Highlights • Permanent Make-Up

Sunless Tanning Spray Special

10 Visits $100 Free gift with purchase of 10 Visits A $50 value!

Plant City’s Newest Sunless Tanning System

ti Gift Cer

vail ficates A able

Well established since 1993

Faye Price Owner

Walden Woods Village • 2412 James Redman Parkway • (813) 754-4141

One stop for all your special event needs! Specializing in • Weddings • Receptions • Banquets • BBQ’s • Parties

Exactly the way you want it to be! Call today for a no-obligation consult or appointment and let us see how we can help you. On location consults available by request, times can vary to meet your schedule. We have a booth on display at The Old Village Shops, Historic Downtown Plant City

813-986-4136 Email: OccByDesign@aol.com Owners: Stephanie Conrad, Heather Riley, Kylie Brown & Debbie Swindle

• Salads • Soups • Sandwiches • Pasta

Try Our Signature Dishes: • Steaks • Seafood • Twice Baked Potato • Shelby’s Salad • Desserts Sun & Mon 11am-3pm Tues-Thur 11am-8:30pm Fri & Sat 11am-9pm

• Coffees • Cappuccino • Espresso • Pastries • Bagels • Cookies • Iced Sensations Sun & Mon 11am-3pm Tues-Fri 8am-10pm Sat 11am-10pm

110 E. Reynolds St. (Located in Historic Downtown Plant City)

719-6570

AROUNDTOWN

KNIGHTS SOAR WITH THE EAGLES

SAVINGS Custom Draperies, Bedcovers, Shades, Top Treatments, and more. SAVE 25% on Fabrics, Linings, and Labor during this authorized sale. HURRY!

813-719-2246 1202 S. Collins St. • Plant City

Fourth graders at Knights Elementary School learned what it takes to speak (and eloquently at that) when being put on the spot. Mr. Stanley Kolker volunteered his time, spending 8 weeks teaching the fourth grade students at Knights Elementary the finer points of speech. “I taught them what I learned at Toastmasters”, he said. He's been teaching at various schools for eight years and has been a member of Toastmasters for 13 years, functioning as Vice President of Public Relations for 12 years. The students learned to open a speech, talk slowly, use vocal variety, and use body gestures. They also learned not to say ahhhhhhh. “It's even very difficult for adults to limit the ah factor ”, explains Kolker. The theme 'Soar With The Eagles' instead of walking with the turkeys became their mantra taught by Kolker. Each of the students was given a 'table tops' subject to talk 1-2 minutes. Imagine getting up in front of a group of your peers and extemporaneously talking for two minutes on an unknown subject pulled out of the hat. As Jerr y Seinfeld said, 'most people would rather be the one in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy'. Every single one of the students exuded calm, collected confidence as they spoke on their topic. Even teacher, Alicia Sparkman, and several parents were put on the spot and delivered a two-minute extemporaneous speech. After the speeches, the students partook in a graduation party of cake with 'Soar With the Eagles' emblazoned in frosting. Kolker says with a bit of misty eyes, “I think I got just as much from it as they did”.

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AROUNDTOWN

Wendy lives in Plant City

Jenny Carapezza, daughter of Jimmy and Annie Carapezza, came in First Runner Up in a local search for the face of Wendy sponsored by Wendy's restaurant. She won a $1000 bond and will receive the opportunity to be 'Wendy' at special events if the First Place Winner is not available. Annie saw the contest on a local Bay area morning show and sent in an application. The girls had to not only look the part of Wendy, but they had to act it too. A talent competition was part of the selection process as well as reading to children since the winner would be attending many benefits where children would be present. Congratulations Jenny on becoming Wendy.

Plant City High School News

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Recently the Lions Club of Plant City honored the Club's scholarship winners at their lunch meeting. Pictured (Left to Right) Jacob Raburn, Jessica Rupp, Sara Hall, Jordan McDonald, Jolene Conte, Trey Warnock with Lions Club Scholarship Chairman, Doug Gibbs.

AROUNDTOWN • Article By Ginny Stewart

Hurricane Sammy - A boxer on a mission I don't know if any of you have noticed the new boxing ring in town, but it's located in downtown Plant City, and it's time we gave it a little recognition. I had the opportunity to meet with Hurricane Sammy and discuss the purpose behind his gym. The Hurricane Sammy Boxing Gym was established in Tampa in 1999 and recently transferred to Plant City. The gym trains kids for the Junior Olympics and is licensed and sanctioned by the USA Boxing Association. Hurricane Sammy's son, is one of the youngest boxers in the state to win a championship. He is only 8 ½ years old. While it seems like this is any old gym, or any old boxing ring, there is something profoundly different about it. The Hurricane Sammy Boxing Gym is on a mission to help troubled kids learn new, positive ways to deal with their problems. This organization is founded on Ephesians 6:11- “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”

While Sammy waits for donations and sponsors to start his after school and summer camp programs, he trains 15 kids; six of whom have no money to pay for the training they are receiving. It's time for the community to work together for the good of our children. Currently Heavyweight Champ Moses Droz “El Fuego De Ponce”, who holds 9 wins and 2 loses with 7 KO's is donating his time to help train the kids. I know that there are hundreds of kids in the middle schools who would benefit from time spent in a gym. Yet, I also know that their parents are too poor to provide them with this luxury. If you have the money, or even the time, donate, or volunteer. Our kids need us! Plant City is full of churches; surely some of you out there would be interested in sponsoring at least one kid. Think of it as missionary work. Sammy's heart is in the right place check yours and make sure it is too.

A boxing gym dedicated to serving God may seem a little farfetched, but after having spoken with Hurricane Sammy, it is obvious that this is exactly what he intends to run. The gym isn't the only goal. He also wants to begin an after school program to offer tutoring and job skill training for underprivileged youth.

The last thing I'd like to leave you with is a quote from Hurricane Sammy - “If I can change one kid in a year, that's a blessing for me. I'm trying to make a difference, not save a life, or save the city, just make a difference.” Are you willing to do the same?

Herein lies the problem; he has no community support currently. Sammy's goal is to run a gym where businesses in the community sponsor the underprivileged children who will benefit from the program. His thought is that to help the community, the people who live in that community should invest in it. I think he's right!

If you are interested in making a difference, you can contact Hurricane Sammy at the gym at 103 E MLK Blvd. in Plant City or call 785-0901 or 842- 2112.

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813-752-3320 2128 Jim Redman Pkwy Plant City (Walden Woods Plaza - Between Publix & Beall’s) Hours: Mon-Tues-Thur-Fri 9-5pm, Wed & Sat 9-1pm SEE COUPON IN BACK

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AEROBICS CLASSES HELP SENIORS JOG THEIR MEMORY WORDS BY HEATHER FORTSON

An aerobics program is helping to increase both cardiovascular fitness and mental acuity for its participants-seniors age 55, plus. “ The classes are as beneficial for the brain as they are for the body,"said Beth Howe, SFBH parish nursing program coordinator. "Seniors learn intricate step aerobics choreography which challenges their memory and coordination. Meanwhile, the cardiovascular side to this activity-as well as stretching with large exercise ball s, rubb er band s and weig htsstimula tes greater blood flow and oxygenation to the body ...especially the brain, for enhanced and proper functioning.” The first 30 minutes of the class is step aerobics. The remaining 30 minutes includes stretch, balance and muscle conditioning exercises. Roy McWithey, 100, takes the class with his son, Harold McWithey. Both travel to Plant City during the winter.

Stepping to new levels of fitness with the class, Roy recently bounced back in good shape following a stroke. "I found it hard to believe he's 100," said class instructor Lucy Ambs. "I've seen seniors age 55 to 60 refuse to do what he does. He tries everything and knows his limits.” "Some seniors are afraid to sit on the exercise balls. In fact, many refuse to do anything on the floor for fear of not being able to get back up," said Lucy. "At one of his first classes, Roy sat down on a ball without reservation and bounced on it throughout 'balance exercises' while the rest of the class sat very still on their balls.” The free senior aerobics classes are sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital's Parish Nursing program and held at First Baptist Church in Plant City (503 North Palmer Street) every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 9 a.m. For class registration and information call 752-4104.

Snellgrove’s Restaurant

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6am-10:45am

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• Homemade Chicken & Dumplin’s • Meatloaf • Turkey & Dressing • Chicken & Yellow Rice • Homemade Cornbread

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Snellgrove’s Restaurant

752-3652 109 South Collins Plant City expires 7-15-03

All dinners include “All You Can Eat” salad bar choice of bread and 2 vegetables

752-3652 Mon-Thur 6am-8pm • Fri-Sat 6am-9pm • Closed Sunday 109 South Collins, Plant City • Owners: Curtis & Tammy DeVane

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to a complete day of pampering! Our goal is to provide the best facility at an affordable price! Stop by and view our facility for your next special event. We can provide anything you need, from Decorating, our breath taking Garden Area, to our New Parking Area.

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WEDDINGS • ANNIVERSARY • MEETINGS SPECIAL EVENTS • REGARDLESS OF THE OCCASION

104 W. Reynolds St., Suite #5

1407 E. BAKER STREET, PLANT CITY, FLORIDA • 813-754-4405

Wanda Hinton - Owner / Operator

NEW

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(813) 752-2141

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• Manicures • Pedicures • Facials • Day Spa • Tea Room • Antiques • Gifts

Gift CertificatesAvailable 101 S. Alexander St. Fax 659-3209

759-8637 Email: tiptotoe1@aol.com

The Apple Tree Family Restaurant

Come on down for some of that good old country cookin’ Breakfast anytime, a great menu and daily lunch specials Monday-Friday Come in and meet Ma Pa and the rest of the gang !

Closed Sunday 6am-2:30pm 6am-2pm Monday-Friday Saturday

707-8109

2218 Jim Redman Parkway.Plant City

Thanks from TCHS Turkey Creek High School Class of 1962 thanks the following area businesses for their contributions to our May 17th reunion:

1962 A B C Pizza House; Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & bar; Badcock Home Furnishing Center; Brown's Floral Shop; Catfish Country (Plant City and Brandon) Creations by Nora, Sydney Rd ; Days Inn; Dunco Materials,Inc; The Florida Opry; Fred's Market Restaurant & Café; Joe Grimes, Your Family Jeweler; Bill Heard Chevrolet; Jarrett Bodiford Ford; Knotts Team Sports; Knotts Trading & Supply; Martin's Place for Hair, Skin and Nails; Maryland Fried Chiken; Octopus Car Wash; Olde Village Shoppes; Outback Steakhouse; Parksdale Farm Market; Plant City

Fundraiser Dinner All proceeds will benefit the Paul Reeves Medical Fund

Date: Sunday, June 22 Time; 4:00pm Where: St. Clement's Catholic Church-Social Hall 1104 Alexander St. Plant City, Fl. 33566 Homestyle Chicken Dinner (Chicken Donated by Feltons) Guest Speaker Tommy Warnock Ticket Cost; $10.00 per person For tickets call: Carol 813-757-6234 Jim 813-719-9695 On Friday, March 21, 2003, Paul Reeves' life changed dramatically. As Paul rode home with a friend, they were involved in a serious car accident. Paul suffered 2 broken femurs, a broken tibia, a broken fibia, fractured third vertebrae, nerve damage to his shoulder affecting the feelings in his fingers, a laceration to his head, as well as a punctured pancreas. Paul underwent extensive surgeries to help repair the damage. Paul is currently confined to a wheelchair and must wear a halo for several months. He will be undergoing extensive therapy. His hospital and doctor bills are astronomical. Paul needs our support to help with his medical expenses. Please join us on Sunday, June 22, 2003. All checks are to be made payable to: The Paul Reeves Medical Fund; C/O Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan Association. It only takes a moment to change a life forever.

New Members Orientation New members of GFWC Woman's Club of Plant City were honored at a luncheon, those present were Judy Glorioso, (Betty Wittmann, membership chairman), Helen Printz, Lisa Galloway, Irene Gray, Sylvia Knox, Leslie Escobio, and Marie Bonner East Hillsborough County Memorial Day Celebration Woman's Club of Plant City participated in the Memorial Day celebration at the Plant City Depot. Those present to present the memorial wreath were Marilyn Day, club president, Helen Printz, Juanita Ayscue, Judy Zaring, Ann Cole, Leslee Escobio, Kitty McQueen, Dorrin Heffron,Betty Wittmann,and Jewell Farmer

Complete packages or facility only rental. Our facility provides the perfect atmosphere for Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Class Reunions, Family Reunions, Office Parties, Service and Civic Club Functions. We are here to help you plan your event with as much or as little involvement as you desire. Magic Moments . . . Creating memories to last a lifetime!

813-986-1230 The area’s newest and finest wedding and banquet facility is located at 2207 MudLake Road in Plant City, Florida (west of the YMCA). Call today for your private viewing and to discuss the endless possibilities to make your special day a “Magic Moment”!

KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In keeping with the Mission of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, this column will highlight and promote the interests of Plant City and Eastern Hillsborough County.

WORDS BY BRUCE RODWELL

event is used by the Chamber for community projects and a scholarship. Speaking of scholarships, this year's recipient was awarded to Trey Warnock, a Plant City High School graduate. The Chamber contributed $1000.00 and this was matched by Hillsborough Education Foundation for a total of $2000.00. Trey will attend Hillsborough Community College in Plant City where he will pursue courses in agricultural business. Trey is ver y excited about attending Hillsborough Community College. His dream is â&#x20AC;&#x153; to make a difference in agricultureâ&#x20AC;?. After graduation from HCC Trey plans to attend Florida Southern where he will major in citrus management. SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS

The 2003 Leadership class held their graduation ceremonies at the newly renovated Ramada Inn on May 16th. The goal of the Leadership program is to prepare current and future leaders of the Greater Plant City community for decisions that must be made as our City grows and develops. For class members to better understand the elements that make up our community, Leadership sessions take place at various locations throughout Greater Plant City. The program is under the direction of the Chamber Board of Directors and is managed by Leadership alumni, Chamber President Marion Smith and the Chamber staff. Matt Buzza served as coordinator for this years class of 15 graduates. Participates in the class attended sessions in law enforcement, complete with a ride along with a police officer, Plant City history, education, arts, Plant City growth & development, media, public safety, justice, business, tourism, City government, environment & parks, recreation, healthcare & wellness, social services, economic development, transportation planning and historic preservation. Members of this year's class included Janet Kelly, Tracy Cox, Teresa Armbruster, Gail Lyons, Charleene Closshey, Gweneth Davis, MD, Darcy Wright, Lynne Warren, Amy Nizamoff, Troy West, Michael Radicchi, Ken Hawthorne, Randy Hyman, Jodi Smith and Judy Horn. Congratulations to all the graduates. If you or someone you know has an interest in joining this Leadership program, please call the Chamber office at 754-3707. If you missed this year's Margarita Ball, which was held on May 17th. at the home of Rick & Di Lott, you missed a great time. Over 350 people were in attendance. The Ball featured an island style buffet, complete beverage service including a very special Margarita bar, Jimmy Buffet style DeLeon band, casino, a live auction and raffle. Money raised at this

PICTURIFFIC SCRAPBOOKING: Located at 109 West Reynolds Street in historic downtown Plant City. Loretta Scott and her daughter opened this business in April of this year. Scrapbooking is the art of arranging photographs, memories, names and dates in an attractive album. They carry all the supplies and materials available to make your scrapbook complete. If you haven't already stopped by, plan to do so. You will be amazed at the items available. They offer personalized service to help with your selections. SUNDANCE KENNELS: located at 1920 West SR 60 in Plant City. They have been in this location for over two years and offer full service boarding for dogs, cats and other small animals, as well as grooming and obedience training. If you are looking for a place to board your pet while you are away on vacation, this is the place. Their phone number is (813) 737-3777. ALLIGATOR BOB'S: Here's your opportunity to taste Florida's other delicious natural resource. Alligator Bob, one of Florida's legendary state gator trappers brings you Florida's best. Alligator Bob's Alligator Premium Meat Snacks are available in Original & Cajun Spice. You can order online at www.gatorbob.com or call toll free at 800-342-1217. SERVPRO OF N.E. TAMPA: SERVPRO is the full service cleaner you can rely on. Your home is your castle and it is only natural you want to get your possessions back in order after fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO is a national leader in damage restoration services. They also offer complete commercial services to handle business cleaning needs. Should you require cleaning and restoration ser vices, fell free to call them at (813) 719-8311. They are the experts. Mark your calendar for these upcoming Chamber events: June 21, the Strawberry Classic Car Show in historic downtown Plant City. And on July 5th. the Bike Fest, which is also held downtown. These are both great family events.

THE OLDER THE FIDDLE, the BETTER the TUNE I just finished reading Willard Scott's book of the same name. It's subtitled “The Joys of Reaching a Certain Age”. A very good read. Aging and aging well has been on my mind a lot lately for a couple of reasons. One, I turned 50 this year and two, my family recently had to put my Mom in a nursing home at the young age of 73. It was an agonizing decision for my Father. It has been gut wrenching for all 6 kids. My best advice to you is to do everything in your power to stay healthy, period. The best way to age well is to arrive alive!!!!!!! Dr Maya Angelou, age 75 writes,“please do what I am going to do---that is if you have the chance to get older.......... do so”. Virginia Williams a retired nurse at the age of 82 writes, “I tell them to treat life as you would a precious piece of sterling silver.See every day as a gift from God. Try to do good for others, don't do anything that would cause harm to you or to anyone around you, and as you go through life, keep your body and soul polished like a fine piece of silver. Stay active, think young,and never let your body and soul tarnish.” Remember Jack LaLanne? Those of us old enough to be concerned about aging do. He is probably the world's most famous fitness guru. He turns 90 this year. Here is what he writes, “Aging is like a sport, you have to work at living longer. The beautiful thing is that if we keep in shape and we have our physical and mental faculties about us then, we're going to enjoy old age. We can appreciate the fact that we are alive and living to enjoy them. Many people complain about their aches and pains but have to learn to live with them. To live life to the fullest, normalize your weight and watch your dietit could add years to your life. Today, the medical profession takes people who are seventy, eighty and ninety years of age, and doubles their strength and endurance with a program of systematic exercise. Old age is heaven on earth and a blessing if you're in shape. If you are not in shape, it can be 'hell on earth'. I'm very fortunate that I have been in my profession and enjoying my old age because I have practiced what I preached all these years. I believe that anything in life is possible if you can make it happen! Oh yes, one more thing, I can't afford to die---it would wreck my image!” I just have to give you one more quote. It is a good laugh. Robert Conrad, star of The Wild Wild West who just turned 68, states, “The only good thing about being over sixty-

five that I particularly embrace is Viagra! It puts us on a level playing field with the thirty-year-olds, and they should hold their wives and girlfriends close because we are armed and dangerous!” Now enter Bonnie Fike. Look at that girl. What an inspiration and role model she is. Talk about aging well. It is my pleasure indeed to applaud you for your health and figure.You are an excellent example of a 'better tune'. I hope to repeat this picture of you at 80 then 85 and 90, Yeah Baby! You are never too young or too old to start an exercise program. The oldest Curves member in America is 99 years old. Whatever your age, come on down and join Bonnie at Curves. Don't let your golden years be 'hell on earth'. Make them heaven on earth. Curves is your ticket. Call us today. 719-1822.

My name is Bonnie Fike and I never had a weight problem and was in near perfect health for the first 60 years of my life. Then came the high blood pressure and things started to change at 63. I had a hysterectomy in 1990, a hernia in 1994, a bypass in 1995 and a bladder re-attachment in 2000. I felt like I was falling apart. I was loosing a few parts but not weight! Needing to get the blood pressure and the cholesterol under control, I stopped smoking. That was a good thing, but the weight kept going up and up. Medication, diet changes and lots of hard yard work were not taking care of the problem. When my daughter and granddaughter joined Curves, I decided to do the same. After a year of working out the weight has come down and my doctor is pleased with the blood pressure change and the building up of muscle causing an over-all toning up of the body. I'm feeling good and looking better. At my age (over 75) it's a little harder to do exercising but the well-trained girls at Curves make it safe, easy and fun! You can improve your health & looks no matter what your age.

IN PLANT CITY:

IN LAKELAND:

1822 Jim Redman Parkway (Strawberry Plaza)

2934 Lakeland Highlands Road (at Winn Dixie)

6856 S. Florida Ave. (Imperial Christina Plaza)

863-668-0652

863-607-6776

813-719-1822

Reg. #HS4828/HS4166/HS4980

Soups • Salads Sandwiches Smoothies Cappuccino Red Velvet Cake Brownie Sundaes Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Call Ahead Drive -Thru Service Patio Dining & Full Table Service Corner of Alexander & MLK Blvd.

Phone Order: 759-0009 Fax Order: 717-7667 Monday-Saturday Closed Sunday

Come Try our Frozen Coffees Caramel Coffee Cooler Vanilla Blitz Mocha Frost

ISLAND INN Beach Resort

Relax & Enjoy • Private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico Studios, Staterooms and Penthouses available • All rooms are efficiencies with microwave, refrigerator, two burner stove tops and in-room coffee makers • Remote control cable TV, HBO • Guest laundry service • Outdoor heated pool • Daily maid service

Mention FOCUS Magazine & Receive

20%

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The Island Inn Beach Resort 9980 Gulf Boulevard Treasure Island, Fl 33706 Toll Free: US and Canada (800) 241-9980

Mia’s Place Celebrate Your Special Event at Mia’s

Showers • Weddings • Receptions Anniversaries • Reunions • Meetings Social Gatherings

759-6473 2201 Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City 221 W. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL 33566 Located in K-Mart Shopping Center (Next to Fantastic Sam’s)

Ages 6 weeks - 12 Years • Open 6am-6pm TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM SCHOOLS • Before/After School Program • Pre-School Curriculum FAX: 813-764-0211 • Certified Teachers • Large Outside Playground Owner: Michael Ham • Director: Jean Rice • Hot Lunches & Snacks

764-0121

WE HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR CHILD Call about our Summer Programs #C PC 430723

Linda’s Boutique

Se Habla Espanol

We have gowns and accessories for: Baby Showers • Baptismals Sweet 16 • Weddings • Cakes We decorate for any special occasion: (Rentals) Tuxedos • Arches • Floral Arrangements Table Setting • Flowers • Chair Covers Mention this ad and receive $10 off purchase of $50 or more

(813) 759-2600 1305 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, Florida 33563

Locally Owned and Family Oriented

Full Service Music Store CHRISTMAS IN JUNE Shop At Dove Music Company This Month & Get:

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Hardshell Guitar Cases

Check out Our lower Prices On Accessories & Strings

Expires 7/15/03 Expires 7/15/03

764-9002

Washburn Accoustic Guitars

Selected Violin Outfits

104 W. Reynolds St. #4 • In Historic Downtown Plant City (located in the Shoppes of the Arcade)

B Plant City Automotive BUSINESS PROFILE

Well it happens across America every second of the day as vehicles break down, with the owner left to the whims, or to be more accurate, the possible dishonesty of an auto repair mechanic. There is a repair business in Plant City whose owners pride themselves on not only being truthful with their customers, but they will direct the person to another business, if they feel it's not in their area of expertise. Its name is Plant City Automotive on Jim Redman Parkway, across from Publix and operated by Steve Conley and Robert Cutaia, two unique men who know more about cars, trucks, buses and yes, even helicopters, than any of us could ever hope to experience. The life of Steve Conley is a remarkable story. Afflicted with Polio as an infant, Steve has not allowed the damage to his body to interfere with him living a very good and exciting life. The Polio struck him in 1953, just two years before Dr. Jonas Salk invented the vaccine that has eradicated the illness throughout much of the world. His father, a high ranking Air Force officer, was stationed in Santa Barbara, California when Steve was born. (Yes, he admits he's a Military Brat.) Among the bases Steve lived at during his youth was MacDill in Tampa during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960's when America and the then USSR came oh! so close to a nuclear war. As he grew older, Steve Conley spent quite a bit of time in Germany with his father and that's when his love of cars began. He attended technical schools there for Porsche, Mercedes and BMW and so began a career of building custom cars. Conley's work has included customizing all types of vehicles, including stretch limos for government agencies and personalities, including Tampa baseball star Dwight "Doc" Gooden. He has also worked on race cars for the International Motor Sports Association. Not satisfied with the thrills of motor sports, Steve turned to aviation

and became a commercial helicopter pilot, flying crop dusters throughout South America. He has also worked in construction, has a degree in Horticulture, been an assistant production manager at a newspaper in Texas and even a Realtor. Steve's mom has been a Realtor/Broker for Coldwell Banker in Louisiana for many years. However, his love was always with automobiles. Steve Conley returned to Tampa because of friendships he developed in the area over the years and he became involved with a well known auto business, Euro Sports of Tampa, a successful customizing operation. Tragedy struck again in the early '90's, when Steve was seriously injured in an accident at Euro Sports and was unable to work for 5 ½ years. During that period he sold the business to a company that has expanded the operation to other cities. Thanks to a friend in Valrico, Steve Conley was introduced to Plant City in the late 1990's and he started an automotive electrical and air conditioning business. That's when he met Robert Cutaia and a friendship eventually became a partnership. Bob had started the business in 1988. The two men share a common and refreshing philosophy at Plant City Auto Repair….."Don't try to sell something to a customer that you wouldn't do for a close family member". While at their shop for this interview, a gentleman planning a long trip came by and was told he had 2 questionable tires. While they could have gone out, bought the tires, added on a profit and then installed them, Robert and Steve directed the customer to a nearby tire dealer. That act of honesty has probably earned them yet another long-term customer. There's money to be made in the auto repair business without cheating people. If only more shops had the same ethics as Bob Cutaia and Steve Conley of Plant City Auto Repair, people would more likely keep their vehicles in better shape because they would go for maintenance on a more regular basis. Happy Motoring!

Car Care - an Evil Necessity of Life! A feature on an auto repair business with a twist WORDS BY KEN LAWRENCE

Plant City Auto Repair

Tips for Vehicle Owners

You're driving down I-4 heading home to Plant City, when all of a sudden you start to hear a clunking sound from the car. "Oh! No!" you say, or some stronger language, as you see several hundred dollars going to an auto repair shop with no assurances that the problem will be fixed. Sound familiar?

1. Change Oil/Filter and anti-freeze Regularly (Oil breaks down after awhile and damages the engine and yes, anti-freeze has benefits in our climate) 2. Check Tire Pressure Regularly (Tires last longer and gas mileage is better, not to mention safety) 3. Have your Brakes checked often. (If there is any vibration from the front, it should be checked) 4. When you go to a service center ask if the mechanics are paid on a commission basis. If so, be careful. (They could recommend work that does not need doing.)

5. When you take the vehicle to the shop, describe the symptoms and do not diagnose the problem (If you say I think it's the brakes, sure enough the mechanic will agree) 6. Make it clear that work is not to begin until you approve. 7. Never sign a “BLANK” Work Order. 8. Ask the Shop to show you the damaged parts when you pickup the vehicle 9. Make certain your guarantee is "In Writing”. 10. Keep all written records (work orders & Receipts)

Your Money Matters Cindy Nagel, CFP Certified Financial Planner

To have your question answered in FOCUS magazine,you can e-mail your question to nagel@tampabay.rr.com with FOCUS in the subject line, or mail to: Nagel Financial Ser vices / Raymond James Financial Services; ATTN: Cindy Nagel, CFP - FOCUS Magazine Questions; 110 East Reynolds Street Suite 300; Plant City, FL 33563

22 day, June

4th of J

Weekend

Sun

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Celebrat

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t League ar

Happy Hour: • Mon-Fri: 1pm-7pm • Every Wed: Taylor & Taylor • Thurs: Jose Bacardi • Every Fri & Sat: Karaoke w/ Wendy Steele

Dart Tournament Every Saturday

$200 POT (with 16 or more players)

764-9811 • 107 E. MLK JR. BLVD., PLANT CITY

813.759.0547

Because beneficiary planning is an important planning tool, you should consult a financial planner or estate-planning attorney, either of whom you would want to confirm has experience in beneficiary planning and asset titling.

Fish Fr

Question: Most of our investment assets are in IRAs and 401(k)s through work. Our will says our money should go to our three children if both my wife and I die. On our IRAs and 401(k)s, my wife and I have each other listed as beneficiaries; then we assumed our will would take care of the money going to our children. I heard somewhere that we may not have our beneficiaries established properly. What is the best way to set up beneficiaries? -J. N. Plant City Answer: Structuring your beneficiaries is an important financial planning tool. Everyone's situation is different, and I would need to know more about your situation to best answer your question. However, here are some guidelines that may be helpful: Generally, naming beneficiaries on retirement plans such as IRAs and 401(k)s is a good financial planning strategy. Doing so allows the proceeds to bypass your estate, thereby bypassing the costly, public and sometimes lengthy probate process. The same holds true for life insurance. Typically, a person might name their spouse as the “primary” beneficiary and children as secondary or “contingent”beneficiaries. · Generally, beneficiaries on these same retirement plans or life insurance policies supercede what you have listed in your will or living trust. Let us assume you have three children and you have specified in your will that you want your assets split equally among them should you and your wife both predecease your children. If you name only one child as a contingent beneficiary directly on your retirement plan or life insurance knowing that he or she will know what your final wishes would be, that child alone will receive the proceeds although your will specifies otherwise. Furthermore, in certain instances (such as with retirement plans), income taxes are often due on the proceeds. If only one child is named as the retirement plan beneficiary, that child may be responsible for any income taxes due. · Although you may not be at this stage, you may also want to consider grandchildren. For example, if you have three children and one of them should predecease you, would you eventually want that child's proceeds to go to his or her children, usually known as “per stirpes”, or would you want that child's proceeds to go to your remaining two children, usually known as “equally or survivor(s)”? Although beneficiary planning is not an enjoyable topic, it is worthwhile to review all of your assets and see how they might best be titled to accomplish two things one, you want to ensure your assets are distributed as you wish, and two, you want to have your assets distributed in a costeffective manner if possible.

Feature PLANT CITY'S UNIQUE HISTORY By Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

They came from Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. First came the Seminole Indians; forced off their lands by the American military, they pushed through Spanish North Florida into Central Florida, then some were deported and sent to a Federal reserve in the West, and some escaped into the Everglades, where they continue to reside.

Next came the white settlers, mostly by foot, sometimes with their black slaves, sometimes with miscellaneous livestock, and even sometimes with small herds of cattle. The Indians called it Hichipucksassa, and to Hichipucksassa they came Reverend Daniel Simmons, from Savannah, Georgia, Stephen Hollingsworth, from North Carolina, Simeon L. Sparkman, from Georgia, John G. Thomas, from Georgia, and John and Rabon Raulerson, John Futch, the Reverend Samuel Knight and his sons, Joel and Jesse, and Enoch Collins, George Hamilton, Joseph Howell, and a continuing stream of others. Some with plows and farm implements, and some with livestock, all seeking land, whether through Federal land grant programs, purchase, or squatting. They came to a new life. The history of Plant City has been written by these many individuals and families who put personal comfort aside and set out to establish a new life in a new world, which became Plant City. Yes, they were strong and courageous. It was a Darwinist world, and only the strong, in might or mind, would survive. The tests and challenges were unrelenting. Joseph Howell, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, died January 9, 1862, after riding 6 days from Tallahassee to his home in Springhead, in bitter winter weather. John Carey was massacred at his farm April 17, 1856, in an Indian uprising. And Enoch Collins's first wife, Fatima Knight Collins, passed away after bearing 15 of Enoch's 29 Employees at the sawmill of Warnell Mill children. Persevere they did. They were a hardy lot. Hichipucksassa became Cork, (named after Cork County, Ireland), and the population grew. By 1860 Hillsborough County had grown to about 3,000 residents, with farms dotting the lush green countryside. The effects of the Civil War were slight, at first, then grew deeper, wider, more encompassing. Whole communities began to show signs of strain, disintegration. Returning soldiers were met with yet another challenge. For the freed slaves, the problems of survival were compounded. But they had hope. Methodist Church

DeVane’s Strawberry Packing Shed

Looking East On Reynolds From Evers

Relative economic and social normalcy was restored by the late seventies; population growth in East Hillsborough continued at a pace faster than the City of Tampa. Within 15 years of the Civil War several villages developed into substantial communities. And Bealsville, established in the late 1860s by freed slaves, was beginning to prosper. The black community of Bealsville founded Antioch Baptist Church in 1868, and built a one-room schoolhouse, Antioch School, in 1873. Cattle and citrus were early money producers for area settlers. Then there we re to ba cc o, co tt on, fr ui ts, an d vegetables. Then came the railroad, the South Florida Railroad -- Henry Bradley Plant's iron horse rolling on polished steel rails. In December 1883 rail service began between Plant City and Tampa, and by January 1884 Plant City connected to Tampa on the west and Sanford to the east. Prominent citizens boarded that special carrier to celebrate this historic development, including Mrs. Samuel E. Mays, James T. Evers, Martha Collins Knight, and William S. Knight. Impressed with the potential of this new area, Captain Francis W. Merrin moved his printing operation from Mississippi to Plant City, established the South Florida Courier in 1884, and promptly began promoting the new town. The referendum was held January 10, 1885, and the votes were 49 in favor of incorporation, 1 opposed Plant City was born. Both the town and the railroad grew exponentially. For a short time, Plant City was known as a cotton-shipping center, carrying the produce of Charlie Taylor and many other cotton planters. But it was timber, and not cotton, that brought Plant City its first major industry the Warnell Lumber and Veneering Company the largest enterprise of its kind in the South. Because of Warnell Lumber, for a decade and a half, the town was known as a little mill town. By 1886 the new town had a post office, express and telegraph office, 13 stores, four hotels, three steam sawmills, a gristmill, a weekly newspaper, and a carriage maker. The principal shipments were lumber, cotton, cattle, fruits, and vegetables. In his Early History of the Produce Industry in Plant City, Lew Prosser states that, were it not for the Plant railroad system, the history of Plant City would have been vastly different, because in those early days it was the railroad, not the highways, that provided transportation, which is the key to development.

The city continued to grow, despite the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1887, and in that same year made the city an all-out effort to construct wood-plank sidewalks. A bond issue in 1902 provided revenue for the city's first brick streets, its water plant, and the sewage system. After the disastrous fires of 1907, which consumed many of the wood structures over several blocks of downtown Plant City, including the building where council meetings were held and records had been kept, the stalwart citizens resurrected a new, brick-built, downtown business district. Business boomed. By 1911, due in large part to the multiple rail connections, (rails ran in five directions from the central city), and 50-60 trains daily, Plant City was called “The Largest Inland Shipping Point in the State of Florida”. It was prosperous times in Plant City in the years around 1914. Lumber, citrus, ba nk in g, co ns tr uc ti on , ag ri cu lt ur e, phosphate mining, fertilizer, sugar cane, and now strawberries, were all highly pr of it ab le bu si ne ss es . Th e Ro ux Composite Brick Company manufactured and sold over 5 million bricks in 1913. It was also the year when Plant Citians decided to construct a new high school. The old brick Plant City Graded and High School built in 1893, and added to in 1904, was again overcrowded. The citizens decided to build a new, and a magnificent school. The School Improvement Association successfully promoted a $40,000 school bond issue, and the taxpayers agreed to a five-mill levy to finance the project. The beautiful 43,000 square-foot 1914 Plant City High School became a tribute to a community that focused on its future. And in 1920 the Midway Academy was built in the southeast sector of the city to serve the black community. The city was taking on a new appearance. The impressive red-brick City Hall at the corner of Mahoney and Collins housed the city offices and departments, as well as the police and fire departments, and even had a court room on the second floor. City Hall was flanked by the stout First Baptist Church building to the north, and the Masonic Lodge to the west. The central park, site for concerts, and city celebrations, was across Mahoney Street to the south. Down the street the Hillsboro State Bank constructed a large new yellow-brick building at Collins and Reynolds, and large two and three-stor y architecturally elaborate residences sprang up on the periphery of the booming downtown, including this West Reynolds Street house built in 1910.

PLANT CITY’S UNIQUE HISTORY

Shipping Berries at the Railroad Freight Platform, Circa 1920’s

Plant City Packing House 1930’s

By 1920, Plant City had earned the title “World's Winter Strawberr y Capital ”. Trucks loaded with the luscious red berries would be lined up for almost a mile, waiting to get into the market area. And, in one day, the railroad shipped 30 cars of berries, containing over 500,000 pints, to points north. Plant City was the hub of numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including Kiwanis, L i o n s, K n i g h t s o f P y t h i a s, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, Masons, Board of Trade, C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e, Cemeter y Improvement Asso ciat ion, the Drap er SelfCulture Club, Woman's Christian Te mp er an ce Un io n, Sc ho ol Improvement Association, The Woman's Club of Plant City, Rotary International, and many more. So me of th es e cl ub s an d organizations would play major leadership roles in the future development of Plant City. To accommodate travelers and tourists, there were

several hotels in town, including the Victorian Hotel Colonial (1911) on the southeast corner of Reynolds Street and Evers Streets. Fo ll ow in g th e le ad of th e Chamber of Commerce, citizens organized and built the grand 100-room Hotel Plant at the northwest corner of Evers and Reynolds, right across from the Colonial. Both were good vantagepoints from which to enjoy the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade. The Strawberry Festival had its beginnings as a Board of Trade Strawberry Day. The Lions Club decided to make it a big event and began organizing the first strawberry festival in 1929, with some assistance from the city. The first of many festivals was held in 1930 in a vacant lot, normally used for baseball, northwest of the corner of Baker and Michigan Streets. But for the war years, 1942-1947, the festival has been held every year, now running ten days and drawing about 800,000 visitors. It is staffed by thousands of community volunteers.

Plant City has always been associated with physical activities, recreation, and sports, and baseball stands out among them. From the Robinson brothers' baseball team of 1912, through the Buffalo Bisons, Indianapolis Indians, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, and others, baseball has been the All-American pastime in Plant City. The baseball park once known as Ranger Field is named for Mike Sansone, an Italian immigrant barber, who worked tirelessly in support of Plant City area youth and American Legion baseball. To this testimony to the community's civic pride, and dogged determination, add the construction of the medical facility that became known as South Florida Baptist Hospital, completed in late 1953, and the building of the Bruton Memorial Library, which was dedicated in December 1960. The Bealsville community also continued to prove its mettle, and in 1932, by providing some financing and ten acres of land, was successful in getting the School District to build a school there, later named the Glover School. The school was active, and was expanded in 1945, and again in 1949, until the Glover School compound consisted of four buildings plus a separate canning operation. Industry has also fueled the development of the Plant City area, which benefited from the Warnell Lumber Company

(1880s), Coronet Phosphate Company (beginning in 1908), Havana-Plant Cigar Factory, (unfortunately now gone), Plant City Iron Foundry, R.W. Burch Company (citrus), owned by Lew J. Prosser, who also owned Plant City's first canning plant, and the opening here of Florida's largest State Farmers Market in 1939. There was also Salada Foods, Plant Industries, Crystal Division, Paradise Fruit, Florida Sip, Trop-Artic Fruits (Breyer's Ice Cream), and Wishnatzki and Nathel, and more. With the opening of the city's first industrial park more businesses came - Acme Wellpoint, Lykes Brothers, Mid State Potato, Southland Foods, Kilgore Seed, Plant City Steel, and many others. Since the erection of the 1914 High School, new high schools have been added Marshall High School (under E. L. Bing, Jr.), the Tomlin building on Woodrow Wilson, the large consolidated high school, and Durant High School. And improvements, additions and expansions have been made to the hospital and the library. The former downtown retail activity has all moved south, and a renovated Historic Downtown has taken its place. Commercial and industrial activity continues apace, although traffic patterns have shifted due to the Interstate Highways, air transportation, and better port facilities.

Sources: Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr. Plant City: Its Origin and History. Plant City Photo Archives, Inc., including photographs by Bill Friend, Bud Lee, and others, and Plant City Photo Archives, Inc., Oral History Project 2003.

Happy Birthday

ZANE FLOYD

We Love You, Mommy & Daddy

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Strawberry Queen & Court To Conduct Photo Quiz At “Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” Gala On June 21, the Plant City Photo Archives will be holding their first annual “Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” Gala at the Florida Studies Center at the Plant City Hillsborough Community College campus. A portion of the evening's events includes a fun-filled quiz for the guests to attempt to identify people and places in some of the Archive's collection of historical photographs. The Strawberr y Queen and her court will hold blow-ups of the photographs while strolling among the dinner guests. In addition, musical entertainment featuring a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber's popular music will be presented by three accomplished performers. The Master of Ceremonies will be the Honorable Federal US/District Judge, Jim Moody. The cost for the black tie optional evening, including a gourmet dinner is $75 per person. For those members who are currently Friends, Patrons, or Founders of the Archives, the cost will be $50 per person. For further information and for ticket reservations, please call Gil Gott at 752-1442. Here are just six of the more than 20,000 photos owned by the Plant City Photo Archives. See if you can identify the people and places.

4. This Plant City's Junior High School gathering took place in the early 1940's in front of the city's first school building, constructed in 1893. Q: Where was this school?

5. The only time this very popular downtown restaurant looked like this was when it was closed. (Circa 1955) Q: What was the name of the restaurant?

1. The Jaycees set up in this park to promote their “Cowpoke Days” in the summer of 1954. Q: Where was this park?

3. An old Plant City family established this private airport on the city's west side. (Circa 1958) Q: What was the name of the airfield?

Answers: 1. Southwest corner of Mahoney and Collins, Across from City Hall 2. Effective Signs 3. It was known as Robinson Airport, operated by the Robinson family. 4. SW corner of Baker and Wheeler 5. This was Glaros's Dixie Restaurant 6. Ben Rawlins.

2. This Shell station is long gone (and so are those low prices), and the site now is a thriving small business (circa 1957) Q: What is the name of the business?

6. Governor LeRoy Collins is shown here riding in the city's 1956 Strawberry Festival. Q: Who is the driver?

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SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

W Willard McGinnes INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY ROBIN JEWETT EMERY

I interviewed Mr. Willard (WD) McGinnes after his weekly Kiwanis meeting. He graciously and thoughtfully invited me to lunch first and to attend his Kiwanis meeting then we conducted the interview. We drove to Stock Lumber, which was McGinnes Lumber, to shoot our cover photo. He was greeted warmly at Stock, as though nothing had changed, and he was still the young man in charge of the wood. The respect in the eyes of the people who work there was evident. We sat in the lumberyard office, which now belongs to his son who manages Stock Lumber, and talked of former times. Pictures of the original McGinnes Lumber office hang on the walls along with pictures of family.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW CONTINUED

Mr. McGinnes' memory is phenomenal. He remembers not only the events which occurred during his almost century long life but the remembers the particulars right down to the very dates. His age shows only when he stops because he needs to rest a bit. He is sharp, witty, personable, and completely charming.

Accomplishments Resident of Plant City since 1936 Deacon Emeritus at First Baptist Church Past Chairman of the Board of Directors at South Florida Baptist Hospital Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan and Present Founding Director Emeritus Former Director of Hillsboro Bank then Director at Suntrust Bank and on Advisory Committee Past President of the East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce and the East Hillsborough United Fund. Past President of the Plant City Kiwanis Club Member of the Plant City School Board Awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1964 Owner McGinnes Lumber Company

grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren…we just had a new great grandchild born yesterday.

In those days all the lumber had to be handled by hand, we had no forklifts to help us.

Focus: What was your first job? Was it in the lumber business?

Focus: What about Plant City and the property here, what was that like in the beginning days of McGinnes Lumber?

WD McGinnes: My first job was for 15 cents an hour as a box boy in a citrus packinghouse. My dad knew the superintendent at the railroad so I took that job for 16 cents an hour repairing boxcars for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. I worked there for about a year.

WD McGinnes: During the rainy season high water would come up to our back shed. That was a lake back there where Kash n' Karry is now at Evers & Wheeler. I ended up filling all that in with limestone in the back there because we would flood.

After a couple of years Snead McGinnes wasn't making enough for 2 families to live off. My dad bought him out for $3000.

Years later the city drained the lake. McCall was the City Manager then..you know McCall Park. He said they had to go 10 feet deep to get the muck out of Evers St.

There was a lumber company here in Plant City. A fellow started it and my dad found out about it. My dad wanted me to come over here. I was 24 years old. It took me 3 weeks to find an apartment at that time. Apartments weren't available then like they are now.

Let's see…on this street there was Waller's Hardware and a two story plumbing building with an apartment. L.B. Mack had a fertilizer and seed store. And where that filling station is, that was a horse lot. We bought the property across the street and the warehouses for more room for the lumber.

Focus: Are you a Plant City native?

In 1947 we incorporated and my brother ran McGinnes Lumber in Lakeland and I ran McGinnes Lumber in Plant City.

WD McGinnes: No, I was born in Ocala in 1910. When I was 21/2 years old my family moved to Tampa. My younger brother was born 5 years later in 1915 and my sister in 1920.

Focus: And you sold the business when?

Focus: May we ask how old you are now?

WD McGinnes: In '95 I got together with a lawyer and turned the business over to my son, with properties going to my daughters.

We moved to Lakeland in 1916 when my father went to work for Lakeland Manufacturing Co. During the Depression when the banks closed, it ruined everybody. Dad borrowed $500 to go into business with another partner. In 1930 the Snead McGinnes Lumber Company was started in Lakeland. I was in college then.

Focus: What did you major in? WD McGinnes: (laughing) Tennis! I'll tell you I took 2 years of architectural engineering then switched to business. My dad helped me as much as he could financially but I just went 3 years

Focus: You were married…when?? WD McGinnes: I married Helen in April of '35. (My brother married Helen's sister) The lady we bought our business from, Mrs. Glover, she had a downstairs apartment and we lived there for a year or more. We then bought two corner lots on the corner of Knights and Gilchrist and we built a house there. Just before my son, Dub, was born in '47 we added on. After our children were married we moved. We had 53 windows in that house! It was a lot of work come spring-cleaning time to wash all those windows. When I had my heart attack in '66, I could hardly climb the stairs anymore. We have 3 children, Martha Andrews..she's now passed, Mary Jane Hoffman, and (Dub) WD McGinnes Jr., seven

WD McGinnes: I'm 92. My mother passed at 102 and she lived by herself until about the last 2 years of her life. My uncle lived to 105.

Focus: You had two fires at the lumber company? WD McGinnes: Yes, one in '46 and one in '66. Oh that was a nightmare. On June 10th of 1966 I had a heart attack. I think that fire gave me that heart attack. Editors Note :(He reflects with pain on his face as he looks at the lumberyard from the window of the car) That fire started on a Wednesday night after church. I remember Jim Redman called me and told me the lumberyard was burning. All we could do was watch as the fire department put it out. It gutted the whole office. We rebuilt the shop with a metal building. In the fire of '46 we lost the warehouse. It was built out of Pecky Cypress. Editor's Note: We are now in the office Stock Lumber formerly McGinnes lumber. Mr. McGinnes sits down to rest and gazes at the picture of the building on the wall.

Then in 2000 he sold in to Carolina Holding Co. with the understanding that he'd stay on for 3 years. They have over 200 lumberyards. They changed the name from McGinnes to Stock.

Focus: And you've been widely involved in the Plant City community? WD McGinnes: I'm currently the only living founding director of the hospital. I'm one of the trustees. I'm the only founding Director Emeritus of Sunshine State Savings & Loan.

Focus: And you have an impressive record with the Kiwanis Club I'm told. WD McGinnes: I've been involved with Kiwanis for 67 years. For 45 years I've had perfect attendance.

Focus: How did you originally get involved with Kiwanis? WD McGinnes: It happened that a couple of fellas I knew came by to see me and invited me to the meeting….Lester Blane and Charlie Wilkerson. I was one of the youngest members and one of the youngest presidents.

Focus: And tennis is still your game? WD McGinnes: I can't play anymore of course but I did coach the first city team. I've really enjoyed my tennis.

He muses… I sold this building to the guy that sold fertilizer for $300. The house was moved to the corner of Ball and Evers then he moved the house to the middle of a field. It was about gone so he finally let the fire department burn the house down for practice.

We drop Mr. McGinnes off at his home and he shows me the family pictures that are sprinkled throughout the house. We say our goodbyes and he says he's going to watch a bit of the French Open tennis on television. With a lifetime that's spanned almost a century he still hasn't dropped the ball.

ALRUECHEL ARTICLE BY AL RUECHEL

WE'RE NOT ALL LIARS! Thank you very much Jayson Blair. Thank you for adding more fuel to the public's perceptions that journalists are just a bunch of liberal liars who use and abuse their medium in the name of some kind of power trip. This makes me so sick I just want to make a newspaper doll with the latest New York Times and burn it in effigy. How is it possible for a reporter to make up dozens of stories and plagiarize material for years and nobody catches it? Check that. His editors did know that Jayson was having trouble getting his facts right but were afraid to do anything about it. In there own words the Times desire for diversity caused them to overlook the red flags early on in Jayson's career that could have prevented this. At least the Times fessed up to their mistakes. Now the Boston Globe says Blair lied when he was working for them, too. If you're a regular to Glenn's website you know I've personally documented how another reporter for the Chicago Tribune abused his power to make up allegations about Clear Channel's supposed involvement with Glenn's Rally for America. The New York Times and other media outlets reprinted his lie as if it was gospel. But we, who call ourselves journalists, are not all liars. I can't even think of a single one of my journalistic comrades who is anything but incredibly honest, honorable and devoted to getting things right. The strength of the practice of journalism has always been that it relies and depends upon the honesty and integrity of the people it hires and entrusts to be your eyes and ears. As long as the reporter is firmly rooted in telling the truth and has a moral compass as strong as…. as… the Pope…(you know what I mean)…. we are all in good shape! My concern is the damage these criminals are doing to the profession I love. Most of us that stay in the business as long as I have (32 years) treat it like it is a mission. God knows it doesn't pay as well as a thousand other trades. But it does afford us the opportunity and privilege to peer into the lives of those around us and share that experience with you, the public. It doesn't mean it will always be free of potential bias because I don't think that is possible for any human being to be completely neutral in any matter. My pledge as a journalist, and I hope the pledge of others, is to attempt to accurately

and factually tell stories including as many view points as possible, and in a fashion that is interesting. If I stray to the editorial and opinion side as I am doing now I will tell you strong and clear. THIS IS MY OPINION! Sometimes those interests seem to compete against each other. Facts can be boring and seem inconsequential. There can be so many viewpoints that it is impossible to separate the highly likely from the highly improbable. We are constantly under the pressures of time and space, not to mention sources that sometimes don't cooperate or lie to us. Still, a journalist's job is not to make excuses but to clarify and put into proper perspective those elements to the betterment of the reader. It's always assumed if you do a good job at that your stories will be read or watched and your mission will be accomplished. That is enough for me, getting it right and having a sense that you learned something for my story you didn't know before I stole your attention. I haven't the faintest idea what the heck was in Jayson's head besides nothing. Maybe being so highly recruited and touted swelled his head to the size of the moon. Maybe he enjoyed creating the “ perfect” stor y in his head and didn't like the uncertainty that comes with uncovering the real facts of a story that don't always fit together so nicely. Maybe the process of crafting reality and dissecting situations and concepts that at times make you feel uneasy because its new territory freaked him out. Heck, maybe he's just a lazy no good for nothing bum who never learned that truth is the last defense for a journalist. Truth is the life preser ver on a sea of uncertainty. Unfortunately, Jayson threw away that life preserver and now he's going down for the count. Please tell me that there is a lesson in all of this. Please?

HOME GUIDE For BUYERS, SELLERS&OWNERS

BUZZY BERRY 752-2087 REALTOR

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11.3 ACRES IN THE CITY LIMITS !This property has a 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with just under 2900 sq. ft. living area, and over 11 acres of buildable land zoned R1-A, 4 dwellings per acre. Live in the spacious home and sell off the in land in pieces or keep it all for your own private retreat. The possibilities are endless, the land is beautiful, and the price is right. Priced at only $349,900.00, call Shelton Keely at 752-2087 for more details about this home or developing the property.

EXPANSIVE 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home located in Walden Lake. Near new. Located on quiet cul-de-sac. Plenty of room for a pool. Lots of tile. Many builder upgrdes. Reasonably priced @ $229,900. Call for more details. Ask for #179. Call Donna.

PEACEFUL COUNTRY LIVING located only minutes away from Tampa and Plant City. You will find this wonderful country home with just over 1 acre of fenced land and 2 stall horse barn. Home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 baths and just under 1700 Sq.Ft.La. Family room w/vaulted ceilings, fireplace, large screened lanai, 2 car garage, inside utility room, separate workshop and storage, and wonderful oak trees throughout the property. Priced at only $184,900.00 Call Shelton Keely @ 503-0999

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ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS COUNTRY ESTATE...This 2-story 4 BR/ 2-1/2BA, over 3,500 sf. home w/ bonus room is situated on 10 acres with separate workshop and 10 stall state-of-the-art barn with hot/cold water, pest sprayer, separate tack room and office w/ kitchen and bathroom. Great for equine owners. Picturesque home has columns in front, formal dining room, living room and family room. You can sit upstairs on balcony and watch the sun set. This property has everything you need! #148 Call Barbara Layton 967-1937 $649,000

ALMOST HEAVEN...See the newest enclave in Walden Lake! Stately “Pinehurst” model ensconced behind the exclusive gates of Hampton Place! Gorgeous 2-story home includes formal living & dining rooms, family room, 4 bedrooms (one bedroom downstairs), versatile loft, 3 baths, 3-car garage with refined “easy park” motor court, vaulted ceilings throughout 2nd floor, and grand foyer-2 stories high! Has 18” tile & designer carpet, cabinetry, Corian kitchen counters, plant shelves, wall niches, upgraded appliances. If you’re looking for something spacious, private and located on premium golf course and pond, then this one’s for you!! New price $299,900. Call BARBARA JEAN, 795-1915 for private tour. #154

MODEL PERFECT No dust or dirt will be found in this home. Shows like a model. Wonderful plan with 3 Bed/ 2 Bath, just under 1500 Sq.Ft.La., Formal dining room, neutral colors, 10’ ceilings, plant shelves, screened lanai, fenced yard and 2 car garage. Near Interstate 4 and walking distance to Mike Sansone Park and Otis Andrews sports complexes. Priced only at $129,900. Call Shelton Keely @752-2087 to view. #161

PLENTY OF ROOM Ideal for the large family this home features 4+ bedrooms, 3 baths and nearly 2700 Sq.Ft.La. Home features spacious family room with fireplace, sunken living room, recreation room with bathroom (that could easily be the 5th bedroom), spacious kitchen and 2+ carport with laundry room. Terrazzo floors downstairs and beautiful wood floors upstairs, new roof and freshly painted and situated on nearly ½ acre of land. Located in the prestigious Pinedale subdivision of Plant City. Call Shelton Keely @ 503-0999 to view. Priced at only $184,900.00

ENJOY MORNING SUNRISES over golf course & lake. Enter etched glass double doors into this light & bright home w/ a plethora of glass doors that disappear into the walls, making a great home for entertaining & enjoying the location. Solar heated pool, outdoor bar, 4 bdrms/3 baths, 3-car garage. New roof Nov. 2002. Fireplace, accent mirrors, large kitchen, all well maintained. $290,000. Call for your showing soon. Janet Calvello 967-1939. #105

THE GOOD LIFE HAS A NEW ADDRESS in fun loving Spring Meadow of Walden Lake! See this 3 years new Glenmore Model with 1850 Sq.Ft. Under air, three spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal living and dining rooms, a generous family room, a glorious kitchen with raised white cabinetry, corian counters, snack bar, sperate breakfast area, pantry closet, and adjacent laundry room! This practical split bedroom plan affords privacy for all. The master suite is spacious and luxurious with tray ceiling, double walk in closets. The bath area has a delightful garden tub as well as ‘walk in’ shower. The crisp carpet and beautiful tile (in all the right places) are desirably neutral. You will have no trouble adding your own decorating touches...This bright and light home has a simply beautiful screened pool area that makes this deal complete! Call Barbara Jean @ 781-1915 or Nicole @ 967-1943 for a private showing. Offered at $185,500 #156 MLS#2015883

WALDEN LAKE GOLF COURSE LOT IN WEDGEWOOD AREA. On the corner of Clubhouse and Wedgewood, this lot is 131 x 141. Restricted to homes of 2,000 sf living area or larger. Bring the builder of your choice. Established area of homes built by Arthur Rutenberg. $72,900. Contact Realtor Janet Calvello 813-967-1939 MLS #2014136

LUXURIOUS BY DESIGN-SPACIOUS BY DEMAND! This modified MAPLE II boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths with an extra 2 Ft. for the den/study, guest bath pool and lanai. Let’s start outside with a summer kitchen large enough for a full size refrigerator and sink. Custom tile in kitchen matches pool. Lanai is also cable ready to TV PLUS dish TV! Surround sound is pre-wired throughout. Going inside you’ll find all the ‘extras’ starting in the kitchen w/22’ deep counter tops (room enough for knees!), Corner rounded shelves in kitchen island, added lights over porcelain deep sink, ceramic flooring. Proceeding to master bath we find a garden tub, separate his and her sinks and elevated counters. Other extras include built in garage cabinets, pull down stairs to floored attic (storage, storage!) & pest tube system. NOW FOR THE GRAND ENTRY - you’ll be spellbound by the awesome view of the pool behind this home. Don’t miss out - You CAN live the Life of Luxury NOW! Call Realtor Jayne Rawnsley @ 752-2087 for showing.

GOLF COURSE LOT - Build your dream home on this spectacular golf course lot located on hold number 14 of the Lakes course of Walden Lake. Lot features almost 1/2 acre, positioned perfectly on the cul-de-sac and has beautiful mature oak trees. One of the last home sites available with golf course view and frontage. Call Shelton Keely at 752-2087 to purchase this lot. Priced at $85,900.

BEAUTIFUL 3 Bedroom plus Den in a Serene, Private setting. Offering over 2,055 Sq.Ft. of Gracious Living! Immaculate and Beautifully appointed, this home will delight you with its open, Spacious Comfort & feeling of Peace and Tranquility! The Beautiful view of the Waterfall Spa and Grand Lanai (20x40) with Lovely Brick Pavers, that overlooks a Garden setting of the Many Wonderful Features of this Home! Call Carol Brassart @ (813) 918-4248 for a viewing of this Fine Home! Offered at $194,900.00 #122

We Sell MFG. Homes In Parks Call John Walmsley Eve 752-4835

One Of Many We Have For Sale

REALESTATE

HOW CAN I COMPETE IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE OFFERS? WORDS BY MAC McGRATH

It appears that the real estate market is slowing down from last year's torrid pace. Even so, many buyers are still finding themselves in multiple offer competitions. When inventories of homes for sale are low and interest rates are also low, buyers can expect to run into competition. Even in slower markets, the best listings at the best prices can generate more than one offer. Some buyers shy away from multiple-offer competitions for a variety of reasons. They may be afraid of over-paying. They might have lost out before and don't want to go through the agony of defeat again. Granted, a multi-bid encounter increases the anxiety level of the home buying experience. But, if you are successful, you have the benefit of knowing that you've bought a home that was in high demand. The key to avoid over-paying in a multiple-offer competition

is to have a good grasp of current market values in the area. To develop this expertise, look at the comparable listings. Then, follow up with your real estate agent to find out what these listings sold for. It's also helpful to know how many offers there were. Buyers who haven't done their homework may not have a sense of how much they should offer when there is more than one offer. If you haven't educated yourself about selling prices, you may feel uncomfortable offering significantly more than the asking price even though this may be precisely what you need to do if you want to buy the property. It helps to work with a real estate agent who has intimate knowledge of the area in which you want to live. He or she can educate you about listing and selling prices as you spend time together looking at listings. Some buyers find it helpful to take notes and to keep a file of listing flyers.

Bathroom Remodeling

has become one of the most important decisions made by the homeowners to enhance the beauty of their home. Years ago, most contractors used small tiles in bathrooms, allowing more grout joints and adding problems to the consumer and the applications were preformed over green board. Thankfully, the industry has moved toward larger tiles, eliminating excessive grout joints and replacing green boards with a better and more reliable product (Wonder Board). Also, there is a beautiful line of listellos, tumble stones and inserts, to create an exceptional look to any of your rooms. If you need a free estimate for your bathroom or flooring, please contact us or visit our showroom.

A POOL WITH A VIEW - 2855 Hammock Dr.

1808 Golfview Dr.

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G R E A T H O M E ! G R E AT P R I C E ! 4120 Kipling Ave. - Situated on an oversized and impressive corner lot this freshly painted 4BR/2BA home offer a lot of bang for the buck. Formal living & separate formal dining. Delightful kitchen/family room combo is great for casual entertaining. Family room features raised hearth fireplace and custom built-ins. Neutral decor, lavish master w/garden tub & separate shower plus cathedral ceiling and plant shelves. Over 2,000 Sq. Ft. of LA. Lots of home for the money. $160,000. Call Carl "SOLD" Seigel at 813- 759-1200.

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1901 Carriage Ct.

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PERFECT "10" - 3223 Pine Club

3429 Silverstone Ct.

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VOTED MOST POPULAR! - 3406 Kilmer Dr.

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Carl listed and/or sold these fine homes in May and June 2003.

4306 Longfellow

3434 Silverstone Ct..

Call Carl “SOLD” Seigel Office: 813-759-1200 Cell: 813-310-5588

33 Years Experience

1514 So. Alexander St., #107 Plant City, Florida 33566

Happy Hou r All Day Ever y Day! • SUNDAYS – $6 Bucket of Beer (5 Domestic Bottles) • TUESDAYS – Family Night! Kids Eat FREE w/ purchase of Adult (one child per adult) • THURSDAYS – Karaoke Night • SATURDAY NIGHT – Live Entertainment SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

Buy One Dinner Entree (4pm-9pm) Receive 2nd Dinner

1701 S. Alexander St., Ste 112 Plant City, FL 33567

1/2 Price

Phone (813) 764-8818 Fax (813) 719-1340

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Plant City, FL

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Unlimited Dialup Internet Access - as low as $14.95/mo. No Contract - No Credit Card Required - Includes e-mail Account Call today for details - 813-752-9243 or 800-741-8088 www.cmax2.com - ComputerMAX, Inc. - sales @cmax2.com

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MULTI-CULTURAL HAIR & NAIL SALON Welcomes Patricia Noblitt Hair • Nails • Manicure • Pedicure Ear Piercing

813-707-6717

902B W. Dr. MLK Ave. Plant City, FL 33566

designsbysusanne Words by Susanne Caldwell Interior Decorator Stefanie Dru-Esteep Design Consultant

DIY DO IT YOURSELF

same effect is with candles placed uniquely on the table and throughout the room.

The Forgotten Room Wouldn't you like to dine in comfortable elegance and bring your family together while spending quality time in a room of comfort and grace? In the past two decades, with higher divorce rates and two career families, most of the eating/dining experience has been on the go. Let's get back to basics by gathering your family and friends in the forgotten room…the dining room. Let's relive the day's events and relax with stimulating conversation and laughter! As an interior decorator, I am often asked how to make the dining room both beautiful and a showstopper but few clients rarely ask how to use it as a functional and everyday quarter. The dining room for today's occasions usually includes Thanksgiving, Christmas and the periodic business dinner and/or family affair. The graceful crystal chandelier is unused and the table is set for gatherings, but not included in the daily use of our family and friends. Are we too busy to enjoy the reason we purchased a home with a dining room or do we think it is just to be used once or twice a year? One of the first items your family can get involved in is detailing the dining area for daily use. Secrets Of The Trade LIGHTING: Creating the illusion of a calming, peaceful atmosphere is achieved by lighting. A chandelier with a dimmer suggests warmth and comfort inviting family and friends to linger throughout (whether you're serving store bought lasagna or a seven course gourmet meal) Another inexpensive way to achieve the

ARRANGEMENTS: Freshly cut flowers from your own backyard or garden can be hidden treasures on a table. Vases that were given as gifts on holidays are worth saving. Use these to arrange cut bougainvillea into a truly sophisticated look. Take fresh fruits such as pears, lemons, and grapes and let's not forget the famous Plant City Strawberries or vegetables and make a simple centerpiece using serving bowls that you already have in your kitchen. Have I tickled your taste buds yet? ACCESSORIES: The use of linen or cloth is vital to the décor of a wellkept dining area. You can create your own eclectic mix with the use of different fabric selections by upholstering dining chairs and adding upholstered parsons chairs to accommodate additional seating. Make your own table runners, placemats and napkins with leftover material from your chairs. ART: No dining room is complete without the accent of a handpainted mural or art piece. There is no faux pas in choosing your own paint scheme. Remember that warmer colors are creams beiges and earth tones. A mirror placed correctly will enhance and reflect the beauty and ambiance of a well-planned dining room. Anyone can create the perfect dining room that is both comfortable and aesthetically appealing with a little know-how and ingenuity. Regress to the golden days when families gathered together and romance was alive for couples each evening at suppertime. The most crucial ingredient in the forgotten room is this…the accents of today create the heirlooms of tomorrow.

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Computing Tips Refresh in 2003

I recently attended a Tech Builder X-Change summit in San Diego California in which the top 100 solution providers in the country met with the top 40 vendors and determined which way the market would go. Everyone in the industry is saying 2003 is the refresh year. If you bought machines in 2000 for Y2K or before, now is the time to upgrade or replace those systems, (Replacing them being the preference). Also it was determined that we will place a major emphasis this year on White box Laptops and Tablet P.C.'s. Of course desktops will not go away for quite sometime but they will start phasing out to make room for Laptops, etc. Currently Solution Providers like P.C.U. own 40 percent of the market and Dell, HPQ, Toshiba, etc. are recognizing that. They would like for solution providers to sell their machines to you, the end user. However, many system builders have a problem with that, as Dell's clear mission is to be the last one standing but they cannot offer the service that Solution Providers can. I believe the American Public is smarter than ever before and you don't want to give your money to a Company that sends jobs to India, and is the Gangus Kahn of the P.C. world. A Company that displaces families in efforts to keeps costs down. I believe that the American public is sick and tired of being courted before the sale and then dropped like a hot potato after words. Microsoft and Intel agree and believe that all end-users should look to solution providers like P.C.U. instead of Large Manufacturers who do not have your best interest at heart. In many instances when you become a customer of a solution provider, CRN Magazine says you stay for 8 years on average; the major brands don't have that kind of consumer loyalty. In conclusion, my advice to you is to refresh this year if your P.C. is older than Y2K and find a local solution provider to take care of all of your computing needs as we are the only ones who can. Until Next time, Happy Computing. Jim Brown Product Consultants Unlimited, Inc. 601 N. Michigan Ave. Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813-717-7717 Fax 813-754-5894 e-mail: JimB@plantcity.com www.plantcity.com www.whatsuptampabay.com www.whatsupbrandon.com www.pcustore.com

GARDEN CLUB Beautification Award This yard is a floral beauty. Mark, the owner hybridizes his own beauties. In the last few years he has added a lot of interesting areas to his yard. 1110 W. Cason St. Owners Mark Headley and Dwayne In Photo: Mr. and Mrs. Headley Sr., Mark Headley, Jan Griffin, Dwayne, Liz Miller, Pat, Andrew Floyd and Cynthia Floyd, Chairman. Photo by C. Floyd