FOCUS Plant City 07-08 Aug 2008

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 2

24

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 5

tabl e o f co n t e n ts

business focus 55-83

This issue includes our third installment of Business FOCUS for this year. This section allows local businesses to spotlight their products and services, providing a guide for Plant City consumers.

Take a look at what they have to offer. And Business remember to buy local whenever you can!

It’s good for Plant City.

i ssu e 7- 8 on the cover:

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Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com Associate Publisher Joel Cook jcook@floydpublications.com Editor Aaron Oberlin aoberlin@floydpublications.com Office Manager DeDe Floyd dede@floydpublications.com Credit manager Holly Dedon hdedon@floydpublications.com SALES Sophia Hyde shyde@floydpublications.com

MAGAZINE

double feature 42-45 / 51-54

The end of summer is nearing, and with this in mind, FOCUS decided to run two features. They both deal with summer vacation. The first one is about some local role models – teachers – and what they did during their summer break. Many of them continued working with children. The second is about a man and his encounter with the countryside. Two friends drove their motorcycles all the way to the Canadian border. Their stops on the way make for some interesting stories.

MAGAZINE

photo by ????????

Tammy Simpson tsimpson@floydpublications.com

spotlight 47-49

There are two brothers in Plant City who are doing a lot to make sure its citizens get the appropriate insurance coverage. Not only that, they are making sure their customers are well informed. They talk about some important and interesting details as far as insurance goes. Bruce and Dennis Brownlee own Florida Insurance Center, which was originally owned by their father – Carl Brownlee. Everyone in Plant City knows and drives the business – It is located at the corner of Baker and Alexander streets. Check out the Spotlight interview and see if there is anything Edward Jones .................................. 86 that relates to you.

local 12-38 Some local Plant City boys made international news in downtown Tampa when they won Flugtag – Red Bull’s competition that has team competing in a flying competition. Check out the winners. There are also some great youths in the area doing some remarkable things. They are not the only ones making a great name for Plant City. FOCUS finds out some interesting things about some really great organizations in the area, too.

sports & fitness 116-122 Sedrick Durant is doing his part to push young athletes to their full potential.

He has trained many local athletes who have gone on to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. He also is an alumnus of Plant City High School who went on to play football in college. Did you know an NFL Hall of Famer coached him? We got all the facts about the championships for little league baseball. Oh yeah, make sure you read about the Athlete of the Month for August: Arielle Rollyston.

dining & entertainment 136-148 A classic group with a hit from back in the day performed at the Red Rose Inn & Suites. The Mystics is a long-lived doo-wop group that has remained a driving force of rock n’ roll for years. The night was filled with great food, amazing beverages and, of course, catchy music.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 6

Success .............................90-92 Real Estate Section .......................... 95-115 Walden Lake Review ................................ 101 Mortgage Article ................................ 104 Real Estate Article ................................ 106 Local History ................................ 124 Al Ruechel ................................ 126 This I Believe ................................ 128 Ask Who What ................................ 130

Christine Miller cmiller@floydpublications.com Graphic design Anthony Sassano / Joe Pellegrino Distribution Belva DeVane, Doug McGee Staff Writers Janeel Schulmeister, Heather Davis, Sherry Baldwin, Holly Mallalieu, Courtney Allen, Cheryl Johnston, Krystel Knowles, Jerry Lofstrom, Brian West, Carolyn Miller, Wendy Brown, Joe Bowles, Ruchelle Owens, Pat Hearn, Debra Lucia.

Contributors Al Reuchel, Bruce Rodwell, Gol Gott, Sherri Nueesch, Jo-Ann Lusk, Natalie Sweet, Nate Davis

In last month’s issue of FOCUS, in the “Ode to Seafood” article, the magazine printed some incorrect information about the hours of operation for Chancy’s Catfish Shack.

Closed Tuesday – Thursday was printed along with open on Sunday and Monday. It is open Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Chancy’s also is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and it is closed Sunday and Monday. FOCUS apologizes to Chancy’s Catfish Shack.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues.

Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to us at editorial@floydpublications.com.

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 thereof. 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.

published by:

floyd publications, Inc. 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 • Fax 813.764.0990

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Mon. - Sat. • 8:00am - 6:00pm FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 7

letter FROM THE EDITOR

$SPXO 1SJODF 4BNBVSJ PS 4BNNJF I am a Shih Tzu. My masters are Joan and Jim Macisco.

They named me Crown Prince Samauri because I am a breed from the Orient.

My favorite treat is Pup-peroni.

It was the most hectic time of the year – finals week.

I am 12 and 1/2 years old.

Books piled up on my coffee table.

Notes from lectures covered my couch. In places like Starbucks and libraries, groups of young adults wired on espresso and ice coffee compared notes and asked each other questions from flashcards.

When I was young I had to wear diapers and I refused to go outside until they were taken off.

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The break was short lived, and it was back to a new semester and work in a short period of time. There are always people taking vacations. Some people never want them to end, and others can’t wait to get back into the groove of everyday life.

As the start of a new school year creeps near, children’s summer vacations begin to fade. Some are bummed, others are excited about a new year. Eventually, the children will go to their new classes and most likely talk to others about what they did during the break. They might even have to write a paper about it.

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The stress levels peaked during that last week of a semester. The late-night cramming, early morning headaches and lethargy from sleep deprivation didn’t help either. But there also was some excitement. There was anticipation. Everyone knew once that week was over there was a break. Vacation time!

0LANT #ITY &, &AX

,INDA $ &UHRMAN FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 8

FOCUS found out, however, what the teachers did during the summer. They work hard enough as it is, so we did the writing for them. The teachers share their experiences, and you can read about them in this month’s issue.

There’s a business in Plant City that seems to never take a break. Florida Insurance Center is owned by two brothers: Bruce and Dennis Brownlee.

They’re working around the clock so their customers can relax. Check out the two-on-one interview they had with FOCUS. They give some information that will allow you to take a moment from worrying about what your insurance covers and doesn’t cover. They also talk about some details that can help you decide what kind of policy you should have.

Aaron Oberlin

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 9

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 10

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local

Where shopping is a pleasure LISTEN UP Strawberry Festival Queen hopefuls Anyone interested in being the next Strawberry Festival Queen needs to pay attention. There are a couple changes being implemented in the Queen’s Scholarship Pageant.

The first change is that every contestant must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, which is effective as of June 2008. The second change is the swimsuit competition will be replaced with casual wear.

There are five dates to be aware of. On Nov. 2 there is a mandatory orientation. On Dec. 6, there is the Queen’s Social. On Jan. 16, there is the Pageant Rehearsal. On Jan. 17, there is the Personal Interview. The Dance Rehearsal is to be announced.

The Expo Building on the festival grounds is the site of the mandatory orientation. It is at 2 p.m.

Applications must be brought in person to the office of the Florida Strawberry Festival by Nov. 14.

Each applicant must have one photo for identification that is wallet-sized.

They must attach a printed form of their GPA that is signed by the registrar. They bring a $25 entry fee and show proof of residency with a copy of a Tampa Electric Bill.

Contestants who have graduated must attach to the application a copy of the diploma.

The contest will have 35 contestants.

It is first come, first serve.

Cars filled the Walden Woods Shopping Center on July 31 as many people packed into Publix for the grocery store’s grand reopening. A humongous inflatable grocery bag stood outside and invited citizens inside the store. The size of the bag, however, doesn’t come close to the size of the new store, which boasts 45,600 square feet of space. The reason for the size of the store was to create a gratifying experience for shoppers.

The grocery chain really isn’t kidding with its slogan.

Not only is the new store pleasing to customers, it is friendly on the

environment.

The grocery chain is going green. The local Publix recycles many things, including boxes and byproducts of meat.

In fact, the building has the latest in fluorescent lighting, reducing lighting and energy costs up to 50 percent.

BY THE NUMBERS

7,080 – The amount of square feet added. The

old building had 38,520 square feet, the new store has 45,600 square feet.

1985 – The year Publix opened at its current Plant City location.

Tanks eh?

The Plant City YMCA held its first Luau Party on July 26. An excess of 150 people showed along with many vendors, making the event a hit.

The luau, however, was more than fun and games. It raised money for the YMCA’s scholarship program, which benefits families and children who normally cannot afford the

300 – The number of associates it took to stock the store full of dry groceries in less than eight hours.

activities the YMCA has to offer.

The event grossed more than $11,000, which most will be used for day camps and swim lessons.

Keep an eye open for the wonderful event in 2009.

Thank you to Sweetbay and other vendors for making the event happen.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 12

208 – The number of days Publix was closed. It closed Jan. 5 and opened July 31.

200 – Nearly 200 people waited outside before the store opened. As a result, there was more than an hourlong steady flow of people entering the doors after the store first opened.

Source of statistics came from Publix.

local

STOMP YOUR WINING

continued

James Boley, a Geico employee, bites into a fish taco at Taco Del Mar.

With more than 270 restaurants across the country, Taco Del Mar opened another one in Plant City on Aug. 6. The fast, casual restaurant offers an array of Mexican Baja food. Its signature meal – the Mondo Burrito.

The “mission-style” burrito is 21 ounces and packed with many fillings from which to choose. You’re going to need a drink to wash that down.

Live in Plant City Jason Young played a gig at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill on Aug. 8. The singer and guitar player has a CD set to release Aug. 30. There will be a CD release party at Wild Wings Café in Tampa. His drummer, Johnny Dispenettete, is from Plant City, Jason Young doesn’t only perform in Plant City, he plays as far away as Madeira Beach.

Keel and Curley Winery held its first-ever Grape Stomp from August 8-10. It was held in conjunction with its second annual Fire Sale.

Next year, the two events will be held separately.

People of all ages dipped their toes in a barrel full of juicy grapes. They had a great time stomping the grapes – part of the process for making wine – for fun and prizes. Their were two categories: ages 0-12 and 13 and older. Each participant got two minutes to stomp five pounds of grapes. Whoever created the most amount of juice from each category won.

This isn’t the only fun-filled event Keel and Curley Winery has going on. On Aug. 29, it will have Keel and Curley Uncorked, which is a wine tasting event that with live music and drink specials. It starts at 7 p.m. and ends around midnight.

He makes his way back to Plant City when the Strawberry Festival comes around. He will be there for all 11 days, three shows a day. He recently did a show for the military this past May in northern Florida.

If you want tickets to the CD release party, then call Patti Britt-Walker at (813) 277-6210.

Want to know a little more about Keel and Curley Winery?

During the 2005 Florida State Fair International Wine & Grape Juice competition Keel and Curley Winery entered 8 categories and was awarded a medal in each category. It won “ Best of Show” in the 2006 and 2007 competitions. Each year they continue to win medals at the State Fair.

?

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Jackies Dance FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 13

AROUNDTOWN

local

60 YEARS OF WORSHIP

Westside Baptist Church holds celebration for its diamond anniversary.

St ory by Cheryl Jo hnsto n Ph ot os courtesy o f W ests i de Bapti st Chu rc h

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 14

The Westside Baptist Church had big cause for celebration this summer.

On July 13, the church welcomed more than 120 present and former members to its 60th anniversary celebration. On that sunny Florida day, old friends reconnected and met new ones, too. They shared one purpose – to give God thanks for all He has done.

Praise was the focal point as the young-at-heart Westsiders joined in worship and relationship.

Former pastor, the Rev. Ed Sells, spoke about the desire for revival in America. Special guests also included Al Higgenbotham, county commissioner of District 4, and Danny Morris, director of missions for the Shiloh Baptist Association.

Both shared memories of earlier times in the church’s history.

Higgenbotham especially recalled the years when his own uncle Edgar was Westside’s pastor.

Current pastor, the Rev. James Jones, and his wife Sharon were delighted to see so many having such great fun. They have ministered here for the past four and half years.

When established on July 11, 1948, Westside’s first members gathered in a brush arbor for worship. This congregation was one of four strategically planted here as points on a compass – northside, eastside, southside and westside – all birthed

by First Baptist to reach out to Plant City’s growing population.

From genres as varied as Southern Gospel to Contemporary Christian, music was a joyous part of the 60th anniversary celebration. The Westside Baptist Church Ensemble, a mix of present and former member vocalists, worshipped with hymns and modern praise choruses.

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 15

aroundtown

local with three large tanks that sit 20-25 feet above the ground, and the old eggbeater style mixers that rotate the water in the tanks have been upgraded to large yellow fan-style mixers.

Steve Saffels and Frank I. Coughenour are the brains behind the project’s success.

WASTE FACILITY SAVES MONEY

A multi-million dollar water plant proves to be more accommodating and efficient.

St ory & Photos by C ou rt n e y Al l e n

Plant City’s modified wastewater treatment plant has two clear advantages over the old system – it expands to manage capacity issues and better complies with newer wastewater treatment regulations.

Steve Saffels, permit compliance coordinator, and Frank I. Coughenour, P.E., utilities manager, are responsible for the project’s timely execution. They have been working together for about four years with designers and contractors to construct an enhancement and expansion of the plant. Now they are completing the finishing touches and the system is up and running.

The water goes through a process of aerobic aeration. Eight 100-horse power aerators that were used to blow air through the water were replaced with four more energyefficient 400-horse power diffusers.

The four ditch-style tanks that retain the wastewater were substituted

The plant treats water from residential, commercial and industrial lots around Plant City.

The water is pumped into a master pumping station where the flow is measured and screened for organics, sand and other contaminants. It is then pumped into the newly designed wastewater treatment addition.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 16

In addition, three new aboveground water clarifiers were added, along with filters used in the disinfection process. The high quality reclaimed water that is produced after being treated at the Plant City Wastewater Treatment Plant is used mostly for industrial purposes. After the filtration process, more than 95 percent of the water is ready for irrigation and any rejected water is sent back through pipes to begin the treatment process again, Saffels said.

The more efficient plant model is designed to use the four old ground tanks as reserves for the rejected water. With the older tank’s large storage capacity, Saffels said it will save them about $10 million in storage for access water.

“Plant City is now set for growth rate. This [design] should last us through the next 10 years. After 10 years, we modeled the system where we can very easily upgrade it,” he said.

The old tanks stored water at ground level

Over six months ago, the plant had a capability of treating 8 million gallons of waste a day. The modified plant can now treat 10 million gallons a day and is designed to expand its capacity. The piping and tanks already have been arranged to accommodate 2 million more gallons a day.

These improvements were very much needed. The system for aerobic treatment hadn’t been upgraded since the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. In the late ‘90s the plant was expanded for efficiency, but Coughenour says that it hasn’t been altered since.

The $54 million dollar project has been an overall success according to both Coughenour and Saffels. They agree that for the volume and size of the project, it went smoothly thanks to teamwork.

More upgrades are in the future for the wastewater treatment plant. Coughenour and Saffels plan to design a system where neighborhoods can also use the reclaimed water for irrigation.

?

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In Yaritza Rosales 15 years of life, she made an imprint on those around her, spurring several students and teachers at Burney Elementary School to build a garden in her memory.

The school positioned the memorial along a walkway that connects classrooms. With the help of faculty and volunteers, the children were able to lay mulch and place plants in the soil.

“Yaritza would have loved the garden because she loved to read and come to school,” said Sara Barron, Yaritza’s mother.

The idea for the garden started when two elementary school teachers – Tricia Hoyle and Meagan Allen – went to visit Yaritza at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. They knew how much she loved to read, and they became aware that the hospital had a limited selection of reading material.

“Because of her love of reading, we wanted to do something special for her,” said Hoyle.

CARPORT FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 18

“We thought about adding books to our own library, but we also knew we could help someone else in need,” said Mellisa Alonso, former assistant principal of Burney Elementary. “So we thought we would make an impact

on the hospital and do a community reach out.”

The community lent a hand.

Shawna Everidge, an environmental education coordinator with Plant City, came to the school prior to the idea for the memorial garden and showed the children how to cultivate plants.

The faculty used that newly acquired knowledge and the need of books to pull together resources and receive donations.

Southern Hospitality and the staff at Burney Elementary School provided the plants for the garden, while Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million donated books to the hospital. Wal-Mart also donated $100, which was used for two garden benches.

Yaritza left more than a garden and books at the school. She left smiles.

She left cordial memories in the minds of those who interacted with her.

“On (Yaritza’s) better days, she would come in and show me how to dance,” Pamela Crocker, school nurse, said.

“She loved music.”

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local AROUNDTOWN

Former Strawberry Festival Queen, Summer Pippin, sells 50-50 drawing tickets to Nikki Lee (l) and Eva Northcutt (r) at last year’s Diamond and Denim event.

WE’RE GOING FOR THE CASUAL-CHIC LOOK Diamonds and Denim is back in September, offering a night of entertainment for a worthy cause.

Another big highlight of the evening will be the raffling of a beautiful diamond ring donated by local J & G Jewelers. Attendees can expect “wonderful food, a great silent auction and a 50/50 drawing (past winners took home up to $1,500).� Guests will enjoy dancing to live music provided by the band K.A.G.E.D., and a

Proceeds from this year’s event will go to “expand and refurbish the Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department,� said Martin. Last year’s event raised nearly $100,000, which went to community outreach efforts.

She further added that the presenting sponsor for the fundraiser is TECO. Additional sponsorships and donation opportunities are currently available.

Those interested are urged to contact the Hospital Foundation office.

Tickets for the Diamonds and Denim event are $50 per person (a portion of which is tax deductible) and can be purchased by calling the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation office at (813) 757-8478. Deadline to purchase tickets is Sept. 15. Tickets will not be available at the door.

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Plans are currently underway for the upcoming Diamonds and Denim event, which the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation as the host. According to the Foundation’s Executive Director, Judy Martin, this 12th annual fundraiser will be held Saturday, September 25, 2008 at the Expo Hall on the Strawberry Festival grounds in Plant City. As Martin explained, the Diamonds and Denim theme was chosen in order to give goers “the opportunity to dress casually.� Of course, as the name implies, “There will also be diamonds and other jewelry items on consignment.�

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 21

local AROUNDTOWN

Hamilton holds up a bass after the weighin.

Anticipation! Waiting to launch on practice day with boater Jerry Lister.

More than a Fish Story Local Angler Competes in National Bass Tournament.

St ory by Joe Bow les p h ot os courtesy o f M ary H am i lto n

Hamilton Brown, when asked what he wants to be when he grows up, says, “I want to be a professional golfer and a professional fisherman.”

Well, if anyone has the credentials to do both, it is Hamilton. He is not only a talented golfer at the age of 13, but he has already made a name for himself as a champion bass fisherman.

Jacob Lee Hamilton Brown began fishing with his mother, Mary Hamilton (she has kept her maiden name), when he was four years old. Mary was raised in Minnesota

where fishing was her pastime, so she knows a lot about fishing and has passed on her expertise to her son. That knowledge has paid off as Hamilton will be competing August 15-16, 2008 in the National Guard Junior World Championship at Lake Monticello in Columbia, S.C.

Hamilton got his first taste of competition at the age of eight when he competed in the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department’s Fishing Derby. The derby is held twice annually in a pond off Albertson’s Drive. This

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 22

year he skipped a Hawg Hunters’ tournament so he could volunteer at Plant City’s Fishing Derby, helping aspiring young anglers compete as he once did. “In that first derby, I only caught one tiny bass, but I was able to meet C.J. Kenny who helped me and encouraged me to join a fishing club,” said Hamilton, a student at Hope Christian Academy.

C.J. Kenney is a professional bass fisherman, and he helped Hamilton hook up with the Lakeland Junior Hawg Hunters. Hamilton was named the Lakeland Hawg Hunters’ Angler of the Year for the past two years, and his mother serves as the club’s youth director.

Hamilton qualified for the national tournament by winning the Florida Bass Federation Junior State Championship in the 11-14 age group. The National Guard Junior World Championship will feature youth anglers from 46 states fishing for $30,000 in scholarships plus $12,000 in grants. An angler in the 11- to 14-age bracket and another in the 15- to 18-age bracket will represent each state. There will be three anglers to a boat – a junior angler from each age group plus an FLW Outdoors professional angler who will assist the junior anglers

but will not fish. FLW stands for Forrest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Bass Boats.

Hamilton is not only a talented angler, he has had success as a golfer as well. Last year, he worked with Walden Lake Golf Club Pro Jeff Gibson who described him as “the most natural golfer around.” Last summer, Hamilton won five events.

His dad, Cary Brown, is his golfing partner, which allows them to spend a lot of time together. During the summer, Hamilton’s life is an enviable one, “Yeah, I fish the lakes in Walden Lake in the morning. I play golf in the afternoon, and then I fish again in the late afternoon.”

In preparation for the nationals, Hamilton has been calling all the guides that have fished Lake Monticello to see what lures they use and to inquire how to fish the Lake, especially in deeper water. He has also sought out advice from some of the local pros. His mother says, “Hamilton knows that he represents Florida, the Lakeland Hawg Hunters and the city of Plant City. He is taking this very seriously.”

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AROUNDTOWN

local

Volunteers Eva Almon (left) and Ruth Baker (right) stand with Executive Director Kelleigh Klein in front of the food shelves.

HELP IS JUST DOWN THE ROAD St ory & Photos by K rystel know les

United Food Bank is a nonprofit organization and is a partner agency of United Way. The organization relies on donations from community members, businesses and anybody who is willing to donate money or food.

The number of clients has increased dramatically during the past year because of the increase in budget cuts and unemployment rates. There are over 80 clients per day and the amount of donations remains consistent. People need assistance for many different reasons – people were fired from their jobs, unable to pay mortgage or rent, seniors with fixed income or illness. The United Food Bank not only provides food for impoverished people, but it also assists people in finding jobs.

There are some restrictions to qualify for the assistance such as the future clients need to be referred by the Department of Children & Families or a church and show proof of extreme necessity. Also, there is a threetime limit to receive food because

“I enjoy being in town and helping people to regain their life back,” said Klein. She has to find different methods to raise money to pay the rent for the establishment and purchase food for the clients.

She says she enjoys the constant challenge and is very content when she receives donations from new community members. Klein is a mother of four boys who also help the organization whenever they have free time. “As a mother I want to give the children new clothes and food.”

The organization needs volunteers to assist packing food for the clients and to help organize the food. The organization has at least five volunteers each day.

The organization relies on people who are willing to donate their time for a good cause. Some of the volunteers are high school students, senior citizens or an average community member.

Many volunteers have been

the organization needs to help new clients. In some cases, the clients are helped constantly because of extreme need. The organization usually gives food enough to have three meals a day and for at least seven days. There are several businesses who donate to the organization on a daily and weekly basis. The United Food Bank is in constant need of Jelly, Macaroni, canned soup and many other imperishable food items.

Kelleigh Klein is the new executive director of the organization. She decided to work for the United Food Bank because she wants to help people in her community. She says that in several occasions, she takes work home because there are cases so compelling it is impossible not to think about them.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 24

Soon-to-be empty shelves.

donating their services for many years.

Eva Almon and Ruth Baker are retired sisters who started volunteering at the organization more than two years ago. The sisters said they decided to volunteer because at one point in their life they were in a similar impoverished situation. They enjoy volunteering together because they get to spend time with each other.

“I can help people, and I enjoy spending time with people,” said Baker. They volunteer at least three times a week and for at least four hours per day.

“I like to get out of the house and spend time with Kelleigh,” said Almon.

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Harbsmeier DeZayas, LLP Attorney Steve Zucker Attorney Bruno DeZayas

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 25

local AROUNDTOWN

Team Tampa Baywatch – from left, Kevin Humphrey, Keith Humphrey, Kevin Riley, Chris Elmore and David West.

Of course there are a few rules – the entry must have a maximum wingspan of 30 feet, a maximum weight (including pilot) of 450 lbs., must be powered by muscle, gravity or imagination, and since it will end up in the water, it must be unsinkable and constructed entirely of environmentally friendly materials. Flugtag is a team event made up of five people, and teams are judged in three categories – distance, creativity and showmanship. The rest is left to the imagination of the team.

Each year, three sites are selected in the United States to be the host of the Flugtag competition. And yes, it is a competition. The first event this year was held July 19 in downtown Tampa, directly behind the Tampa Convention Center. A barge was anchored to the shore to support a

30-foot high platform over the water that would serve as the “flight deck.”

Over 300 teams submitted entries for the Tampa event, but only 40 were chosen to participate. One of the teams selected was Team Tampa Baywatch. Team members included three Plant City citizens – twins Keith and Kevin Humphrey and David West – and two from Tampa – Kevin Riley and Chris Elmore.

Their idea was to create a take-off of the’90s Baywatch television show. They built a bright yellow boat to resemble the one used on the show. The boat incorporated a tow line attached to a hand-made glider some 30 feet behind the boat.

continued on page 27

LOCAL BOYS MAKE BIGGEST SPLASH

Five guys – three from Plant City won – Red Bull’s international competition – Flugtag.

St ory by brian w est Ph ot os by Brian W est and Jos eph Brow n III

When I heard that Flugtag was coming to Tampa a couple of months ago, I was probably as curious as anyone else. I had a slight idea of what it was all about.

I’d seen highlights in the past on the television news and pondered the origin of this craziness, but not enough to get up and actually learn about it. Thanks to some former Plant City boys (one is my brother) who seem to have a knack for finding fun things to do, now I know. Flugtag (pronounced flügtâg) is German for “Flying Day.” Red Bull, the energy drink company, has sponsored this event around the world since 1991.

The object is founded in man’s never-ending desire for flight; fly as far as possible under one’s own power. Flugtag is the opportunity for the everyday man to build his craft and see if it will fly, but in front of thousands of people cheering him on. Think of the old black and white filmstrips showing man-made wings strapped to some poor soul’s arms who thought he could flap enough to fly. There also are old filmstrips showing some very unorthodox contraptions designed to take flight, but sadly never left the ground more than enough to injure their pilot and/ or spectators. This is the spirit of Flugtag.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 26

Keith Humphrey takes wings with a flight of 109 feet.

local - continued from page 26 Their novel idea was to push the boat over the edge of the flight deck, hoping it would drop like a rock.

As the boat dropped to the water – complete with Elmore along for the ride following his strict instructions to ride the boat to the water – the

force would tug the rope enough to propel the glider off the flight deck.

The world distance record was 195 feet, set in Austria, and the U.S. record was 155 feet, set in Nashville in 2007. Team Tampa Baywatch wanted the record.

Nearly all Flugtag entries simply fall off the flight deck without a hope of flying. These participants are simply there for the fun of the event. Although Team Tampa Baywatch was selected to be the first entry of The Team Tampa Baywatch the day, the team was boat leaves the flight deck with Elmore riding it to the water and not deterred. They Riley jumping out of the way.. decided they wanted to set the bar for the remaining competitors, and they did. After a keenly choreographed dance routine using their lifeguard buoys, the team prepared for their launch. They pushed the boat over the edge of the flight deck, with Chris following his instructions to the letter, all the way to his spine-jarring crash to the water below. Just as if Da Vinci had designed it himself,

the tug on the rope was enough to send their glider soaring some 109 feet before their pilot, Keith, had to ditch the glider for fear of crashing into the spectator boats surrounding the landing area.

At the end of the day, no one was injured and Team Tampa Baywatch was able to savor victory as the champions of the 2008 Tampa Flugtag. Although the record was not theirs to have, they’ve achieved their 15 minutes in the spotlight. They appeared on the national morning news shows the following Monday morning and were interviewed live on some of the local radio shows.

There are countless videos of the event on YouTube, and pictures photos on the Red Bull USA Web site. Congratulations!

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Meet A Team Member

BEHIND The

CHAIR

1505 South Alexander Street Suite 102 • Plant City, FL 33563 • 813.717.7700

This summer The Artistry is giving back to the community. It’s so rewarding to reach out to deserving people and make them feel special. It has enriched our lives by serving others

“I enjoy having the entire family as clients because whether Mom is getting a foil, Dad is getting “camo” or the kids are getting back to school cuts, I love it all.”

Hairstylist - 21 years

JANA

“ I enjoy working at The Artistry because they bring in the top educators to keep me current with styles and colors, which gives me the ability to provide my clients with their desired look.”

Hairsylist - 12 years

MICHELLE

Garden

Hairsylist - 1 year

MISTIE

“Color correction is one of my specialties I perform.

I’m very meticulous and a problem solver, so anything challenging is fun for me.”

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“I chose my profession because when I was younger I loved cutting my barbie dolls’ hair. Now I get to do it professionally and I love it. My job is a creative outlet for me.”

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Display Garden. Quality & Service. Delivery Available FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 27

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 28

local artistofthemonth

To experience the art of Louis Zamora is to relate to such an experience. He paints from a place that goes beyond what the human eye can see. He paints from pure imagination.

Painting From Imagination Local talent hones craft after retirement.

St ory by heat her davi s

That was not always the case.

In fact, for most of Zamora’s life, he was not an artist at all, even though the interest was always there. It wasn’t until his retirement in 1992 that he began to paint. He started with landscapes, seascapes and the like but always felt as though something was missing. He felt he needed to go to greater depth, and to get there, he only had to access his imagination. Through his imagination he was free to paint beyond what the eye could see. Zamora explains that the imagination is the greatest place to work from and the most wonderful tool you can uses.

At the ripe age of 75, Zamora paints continually from not only imagination, but personal experience as well, creating work that is both deeply spiritual and meaningful. He and fellow painter Joyce Bugaiski both collaborate together creating work that can only be described as synergistic.

Together they were both involved in setting up the former artist lofts in downtown Plant City. Zamora is a member of the Brandon League of Arts and has participated in many art shows such as the renowned Platform Art Show, Artworks and Arts in the Park.

Louis Zamora’s and Joyce Bugaiski’s art work will be shown collaboratively during August at Coffee 101.

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local AROUNDTOWN

Tomlin Middle School is looking vibrant. Last year, approximately 207 eager students and their families and 16 willing teachers from the school participated in the first Tomlin Campus Cleanup on April 19, 2008, in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup. So with the new school year coming up, will next year’s batch of students be as enthusiastic about being environmentally friendly?

Jeff Keene, eighth grade science teacher, organized and facilitated the last year’s event. His enthusiasm and dedication rubbed off on many of his students who arrived before 9 a.m. on a weekend usually reserved for sleeping in.

KEEPING IT CLEAN

Local school exemplifies green behavior.

St ory & photo by Ruc helle Ow ens

Keene said, “Not only did I see a need for this, but the main reason was to get the kids out and have them more aware of the need for stewardship in the environment.”

Students, parents and teachers combed the campus and surrounding blocks

until noon, extending as far as the Bryan Elementary track. Much debris was found, most of it a result of the recent Strawberry Festival. Another challenge that day was to clean the Tiger Nature Preserve, a half-acre of wetlands in the back of the agriculture field. The National Wildlife Federation has officially designated the preserve as a “Wildlife Habitat.”

Not only did the campus get cleaned, but 43 pine tree seedlings were planted April 22 – Earth Day – with the help from specially-chosen students across campus and grade level.

The results were astonishing – a 40-yard dumpster was filled with 4,500 pounds of trash, litter and refuse and over a mile of road and 34 acres were cleaned. Keen said proudly, “I was pleasantly surprised by how much support we had.”

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www.thestrawberrybasket.com FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 31

AROUNDTOWN

local Plant City’s YMCA is possibly Florida’s finest. In May, one of its formative proponents, Laurie Ellis, retired as chief operations officer of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. After serving for 23 years, she committed to serve two years with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Ellis offers special thanks to the “amazing people of Plant City. I will always remember how the local civic and business leaders pulled together, contributed funds and dedicated time to build this facility. There is something very, very special about this town.”

Please join FOCUS Magazine in wishing Laurie Ellis a fond farewell with a salute to her contribution to the community.

When family, friends and colleagues questioned her decision to change careers, she answered with sparkling eyes, ear-to-ear smiles and these words, “If not now, then when?” Laurie Ellis, at age 44, is headed half-aworld away to Nigeria with great expectations for a new home, friends and challenges.

LOCAL LEADER WILL MISS PLANT CITY St ory & Photos by Lynne Warren

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 32

Ellis, one of 11 children, grew up with caring parents who always made room in their Miami home for anyone who needed a loving shelter. While playing softball at the University of South Florida on an athletic scholarship, she earned a degree in special education and worked as camp director at Carrollwood’s Bob Sierra facility.

During her practicum at Twin Lakes Elementary, and as program director for after-school care, she realized her YMCA work could positively impact people of all ages, not just children.

Ellis eventually served “this wonderful organization” as district group vice president, then chief operating officer of the Tampa Metro Area. “I loved every moment of my YMCA career,” she said. “I was always creatively challenged

and inspired by our mission.

Exceptional training equipped me for service. Every step of the way, I was supported and inspired by local citizens who valued the YMCA’s community impact. Thankfully, I see every part of this has prepared me next to help others overseas. Words can never describe the depth of my appreciation.”

Ellis knew she was ready to serve at a different level. “I considered how simple it would be for me to sacrifice and so have responded in faith. Growing spiritually, emotionally and physically will make me a more effective leader,” she said.

Through the VSO’s economic empowerment programs in Nigeria’s rural areas, the nonprofit Fantsuam Foundation in Kafanchun works to improve lives of women, young adults and people living with AIDS. Here, Ellis will put her faith into action.

After a 36-hour flight to Nigeria’s capitol city Abuja, Ellis will enter acculturation and safety training, including basic instruction in Hausa – the native language. In the meantime, she is busy downsizing, donating to Goodwill, and determining how to fit two years’ necessities into the 50-pound baggage limit. Other volunteers suggest she pack minimally and buy locally. Musts are a wind-up flashlight and favorite music. Daily life without electricity and running water will be challenging, but she is ready.

Her goodbye remarks included wisdom gleaned from elders.

“Begin your relationship with God early – He provides the best direction. Engage fully in each moment. Cherish experiences and the people who surround you. Take continued on page 33

local - continued from page 32

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more risks. Don’t allow fear of failure, lack of money or someone else’s negativity to delay your dreams.”

When Ellis visited the Plant City YMCA recently, it was evident she had indeed cherished the people surrounding her. The local staff grinned as they conversed with her, as friends would do. She was also instrumental in luring Scott Warren, the local executive director, to the Plant City facility from his previous position. He credits her for great leadership and mentorship, acknowledging that giving to others is simply part of Ellis’s lifestyle.

Ellis also enjoys exercising, She runs, kayaks and tones with weights. On her recent visit, she was pleased that the YMCA is obviously such a hub of community activity. People of all

ages were building relationships through exercise, games, projects, conversation and even business networking. Again, she praised the uniquely engaging nature of Plant City folks.

Laurie Ellis desires “Plant City prayers.” Scott Warren and his staff are committed to maintaining the high standards she modeled as a manager, co-worker and friend.

“She will be greatly missed, but we know she will make a difference in Nigeria,” he said.

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As the “Mercy Me” song says, she and we ‘Can Only Imagine’ what awaits.

To help with fundraising efforts, e-mail Laurie at ellislaurie23@ gmail.com.

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 33

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 34

AROUNDTOWN

local

SUPPLYING YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

Hillsborough Education Foundation continues to be a major contributor to the quality of children’s education by serving students, teachers and schools.

St ory by Cheryl Jo hnsto n Ph ot os by Cheryl Jo h nsto n a n d court esy of t h e Hi llsborou gh Educ ati o n Fou ndati o n

The Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Since 1988, the 501(c)-3 charitable organization has invested more than $61 million to enhance Hillsborough County education through private support. The foundation serves education through several initiatives.

Students, teachers and schools in the eighth largest U.S. school district benefit from the generosity of area businesses, individuals and volunteers. The foundation serves education A popular and practical help is the HEF’s “Teaching Tools Supply Store.” Teachers can visit once monthly to select from inventory items like pencils, paper, notebooks, backpacks, books, etc. Additionally, they can volunteer for three hours in the resource center to earn a free shopping trip valued at approximately $250. Supplies are provided through

donations and area businesses’ excess/overstock merchandise or furnishings. Sometimes the items seem unusual, but according to HEF President Bill Hoffman, “Teachers are ingenious. They have a way of seeing possibilities.”

Les Seltzer, the warehouse manager at the Teaching Tools 9,500 squarefoot facility, enjoys his work because he “gets two bites of the apple.

In addition to my job’s benefits, I receive great satisfaction knowing we’re helping kids with things they need.”

Store supervisor, Denise Becker, agrees. Prior to her graduation from the University of South Florida, she completed a marketing practicum at there, then joined the staff. “Working with our incredible volunteers and visiting schools where kids are sporting the backpacks we supplied makes my days.”

There are a lot of supplies at Teaching Tools.

Weekly volunteers like Dawn Cox and her daughters, Courteney (13) and Rachel (11), assist Seltzer and Becker in organizing, sorting and displaying the items teachers will use. Ellen Robinson serves three hours each Tuesday because she comes from a family of teachers and knows how grateful they are for any free classroom supplies. Eighty-oneyear-old Dottie Saunders of Valrico, a retired fifth grade teacher from Louisville, gives time each week because she enjoys “meeting people and seeing their joy as they shop for things to use in the classroom.”

serve education by volunteering time, talents, money or materials. Prepare to be impressed by the efficiency, effectiveness and community impact of the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

The foundation needs help.

Hillsborough County revenue shortfalls have necessitated budget cuts, and the county grant is the store’s No. 1 source of funding.

Obviously, its elimination would cripple future capabilities, and the grant money for Teaching Tools may be totally eliminated. Currently, the Supply Store serves 75 schools that are Title 1 by providing school supplies for 4,000 teachers and 50,000 students and families.

* Funding classroom, school excellence, and technology matching grants. * Providing post-secondary scholarships for college and career/technical education. * Recruiting, training, and placing mentors or tutors for 400+ at-risk students. * Supporting Nature’s Classroom, an outdoor environmental education center. * Recognition programs that honor excellence in education. * Distributing approximately $1.6 million annually in basic supplies to at-risk students.

Individuals and businesses are welcome to tour the Teaching Tools Supply Store at 3719 Corporex Park Drive, Suite 400, in Tampa. Visit online at www.educationfoundation. org or call (813)740-7651 for details. People can discover ways to

Concerned citizens’ voices can be heard by writing, calling or e-mailing county commissioners to show their continued support for Teaching Tools prior to the upcoming critical budget hearings.

The foundation serves education through the following initiatives:

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 35

s t r A d n a c i s u M f o l o o h c S First Baptist Church

- Guitar taught by Jeremy Brook, USF graduate, plays in FBC orchestra and the Praise Band “Overflow�

- Brass instruction by Sid Fortner, Bachelors in Music Education, 21 year US Army Band member

- Guitar taught by Christian Garnelo, bilingual, Music Degree student at HCC - Drums taught by Jeff Halle, UF graduate, PCHS English teacher, plays at TUMC - Piano taught by Amy Mallelieu, USF graduate, who enjoys playing for churches, weddings, and musical theater - Private piano and strings taught by Shirley Yeager, Master’s Degree in Music, taught in school system 32 years - Private strings taught by Tom Yeager, Master’s Degree in Music, retired assistant college music professor - Group Preschool classes and private piano taught by Bonnie Balliet who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Music. She has years of experience working with children of all ages in the area of music.

- Piano taught by Joanne Lyndall who has her teaching certificate from the Chicago School of Music. She has years of experience teaching and working with various music groups.

- Jonathan Willis, a music major student at HCC, teaches guitar. He sings and plays guitar at Shiloh Baptist Church.

Fall classes starting August 18

For more information on fall opportunities call 813-750-4878 3&4*%&/5*"- $0..&3$*"- $-&"/*/(

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WE HATE OUR TRAINER. BUT WE LOVE THE RESULTS! Many Americans have the desire to get in shape, but the idea of joining a gym and disciplining themselves to go frequently prevents them from moving forward.

Mike Gartz realizes people need convenience and accountability if they are going to live a healthy lifestyle. After 17 years experience in fitness clubs and personal training, Mike decided to start a different style of personal training, which has proven to be successful for many people in Plant City.

Elite Home Fitness is a unique style of personal training where the trainer brings the workout to you at home. The program is completely personalized and designed to fit around your schedule. No matter how early or late, you can arrange to have a fitness program brought to your doorstep. Some appointments are as early as 5 a.m., others as late as 9 p.m. The wonderful thing about having a personal trainer come to your house is that you know you cannot make up excuses for not going to work out. If you have a set appointment for someone to come to your home, you will most likely be ready and accountable.

When you decide to use Elite Home Fitness, the first thing you will notice is Mike is not just your personal trainer; he becomes a friend. The added benefits of having a fun and up-beat personality as your trainer make the work out less dreadful.

Mike will push you to your limit and help you get the results you are looking for.

“I can help people get into the best shape of their lives,” said Mike. However, to truly make a strong difference in your life, the changes cannot be solely physical.

Although working out is a necessity, Mike also encourages his clients to keep a nutrition diary. He provides his clients with nutrition counseling so they can eat healthy, feel confident and look great. “I’ve helped people lose 60+ pounds,” said Mike.

Mike can train all ages, shapes and sizes. You will certainly experience results with the one-on-one personal attention he can provide. Couples-training is also available where Mike can train both husband and wife at the same time so they can get in shape together.

In today’s world, everyone is short on time and heavily burdened with stress.

This is a great way to relieve stress, gain energy and lose weight without inconveniencing your schedule. The workout usually lasts between 45-60 minutes. Each workout is designed personally for each client, including cardio, toning, strength training and stretching.

“The reason I do fitness is because it is a gratifying business,” said Gartz, “I get to help change people’s lives for the better and help them to enjoy life more. It makes you feel good when you help others feel good.”

If you have been procrastinating on getting in shape, you are really running out of excuses now. It’s time to make a change in your life and have fun doing it!

Call Elite Home Fitness today at 813-786-1541.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 37

AROUNDTOWN

local

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Submitted by Bruc e Ro dw ell

Congratulations to Dr. John Saranko on being selected Florida’s 2008 Family Physician of the Year.

This award is given each year by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and recognizes an exemplary family physician who serves the patient and the specialty above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Saranko has been practicing medicine in Plant City since 1977. ********** While on the subject of medicine, June 16 was a red-letter day for South Florida Baptist Hospital. With the addition of Donna Saatman, M.D., to the staff, the hospital is once again able to offer neurosurgery procedures after a two-and-a-half year hiatus.

Steve Nierman, SFBH chief operating officer, acknowledged, “Neurosurgery is a tremendous addition to our hospital’s services.

If it will benefit the community we serve, we should all be proud that South Florida Baptist Hospital offers such comprehensive and cutting edge care.” **********

There is still time to sign up for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program.

Class members will be taken to various locations throughout our community so they better understand the elements that make Plant City “tick”.

Don’t forget the Boys & Girls Club third annual BBQ fundraiser that is being held Thursday, Aug. 28. This will kick off your Labor Day in style!

Meals will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Train Depot located on Palmer Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Plant City. Tickets are $10 each.

Association of Insurance Professionals 2008 VIP Award for outstanding work in the insurance industry and service to the community. Mark is Vice President and Treasurer of Poppell Insurance, Inc. He has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, is Chairman of the Contact Breakfast Committee and a Pig-Jam Committee Member.

The Boys & Girls Club provides education and intervention strategies to their members to better prepare them as model citizens.

**********

For additional information, contact Jodi Smith at 813-754-8574 or you can e-mail her at jodi.smith@ baycare.org.

The proceeds from the BBQ will directly fund the Plant City Boys & Girls Club. **********

This is a tuition-based program and is geared to prepare current and future leaders of the Plant City community for decisions that must be made as our city grows and develops.

Did you know that the United Food Bank of Plant City has been providing food this summer to children who are needy? During the school year, these children qualify for the free federal lunch program.

This guarantees they receive a good, healthy meal at least once a day. But in the summer, this program is not available. That’s where the United Food Bank steps in to fill the gap.

Anyone who is interested, or any employer that would like to have key employees participate, call the Chamber office at 813-754-3707 for an application and additional information.

In addition to the Food Bank’s regular donation of groceries to nearly 7,000 families year-round, the summer food program makes sure children continue to receive breakfast and lunch when school is out.

Applications must be submitted no later than September 5, 2008.

The United Food Bank of Plant City is working on developing a longterm vision for future growth and expansion. They are always looking for volunteers and financial support.

Anyone who can help, please call them at 813-764-0625.

********** The Chamber’s Business After Hours this month will be held Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Plant City Chili’s, 3001 Jim Red Parkway. This event starts at 5:15 and continues till 7 p.m. **********

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 38

********** Chamber member Mark Poppell recently received the Tampa

Mark your calendars for the first ever Chamber hosted Monster Mash! On Friday night, Oct. 24, from 8 o’clock til midnight, the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club will take on a ghoulish atmosphere. There will be a costume party, music to drive you batty, great food complete with witches brew, a 50/50 drawing to die for and heaps of monstrous fun.

The Canon Tennis Challenge of Tampa Bay will take place Nov. 7 and 8, at the Lott residence on Polo Place. This is a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event will consist of Mardy Fish (No. 41, ranked third in America) playing against John Isner (No. 97, ranked eighth in America). Fish has already beaten three top-10 players this year, including a 63-62 victory over the world’s No. 1 player, Roger Federer.

This is a unique opportunity to see professional tennis right here in Plant City. For information and tickets, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Rhett Rollyson at 813-7190158 or 813-752-2065. ********* Remember to support our Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce members. Shop and patronize the businesses where you see this sign: MEMBER GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 41

Article by Cheryl Johnston • Photos courtesy of the featured teachers

With school starting back up, the attention is usually on the children.

FOCUS switched the spotlight onto the teachers and asked them the proverbial question, “How did you spend your summer vacation?”

Their responses offer an insightful read about how educators spend their “off-duty” time. The photos are priceless, too!

Rhenda Booth – J.S. Robinson Elementary, Head Start.

Rhenda adores the three- to fiveyear-olds she instructs in the Head Start program at J.S. Robinson Elementary. Many of them actually call her “Mama.” She has taught in the Hillsborough County School District for 14 years and especially enjoys the benefit of extended summer vacation. She is also an award-winning cook and a Pampered Chef business owner. In June, she and husband Carmen spent time cleaning the creek, painting walls and adding a room to their cabin in Blue Ridge, Ga. They are making it ready for enjoyable visits with family and friends. Deer live in the surrounding woods and Rhenda says, “There’s nothing better than a wade in the creek or a rocking chair on the porch to help us unwind from cabin remodeling work.”

Mike Storter – Plant City High School, physical education.

The Hiscock Family (L-R): Eli (2), Julie with Kensley (at 18 months) and Kenneth.

Mike helps students stay fit at Plant City High School, where he teaches physical education and since 1998 previously taught physical science and algebra 1. In March, he submitted for National Board Certification, a designation identifying “highly qualified teachers.” Mike teasingly described his vacation rest as the “typical calm summer of a teacher.” When school ended in early June, he continued to teach summer school through

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 42

the adult program. Additionally, he is the college minister at First Baptist Church of Plant City. This summer, Vacation Bible School and a children’s sports camp were part of his schedule. He and wife Laura also invested in Disney annual passes, so they took their daughters, Taryn (6) and Hope (17 months), often. They also shared a trip to the beach with Laura’s parents, Coleman and Sue Davis. Since their return, Mike has been using his handyman skills to

renovate a property for his in-laws.

Maggie Hammerbacher – Durant High School, English/yearbook adviser.

Now beginning her third year at Durant High School, Maggie was recruited to Durant directly from the University of Michigan. She has adjusted to Florida’s year-round, warm and sunny weather. In the summertime, however, she returns home to her family’s farm

in Saginaw. In June, Maggie was an attendant in her twin sister’s wedding. Another special treat was picking strawberries in the June harvest. The photo proves that “strawberries grow in Michigan, too!”

Anne Holmes – Cork Elementary, speech therapist.

Anne loves the “summer mix of Mom, house, yard, school and vacation experiences.” The school portion includes helping speech therapists at the Velasco Student Services Center in Ybor City with documentation necessary to serve students who need extra support with speech and hearing issues.

During the first weeks of summer, Anne and one of her college age sons, Palmer, rebuilt a brick patio and stripped wallpaper before repainting a bathroom. Every July, she and both sons drive 700 miles to continue a family tradition week begun when Anne was only eight.

The siblings and their families gather at the Outer Banks near Kill Devil Hills, N.C. When she returned rested and suntanned, she told all her friends, “The seafood gets better every year.”

Ruchelle Owens – Tomlin Middle School, eighth grade language arts.

Ruchelle’s summer was very different from years past. Frequently, teachers are gifted with compassion.

Ruchelle has used that gift since the first of the year to become a caretaker for her brother, Chris Owens. She shared these details.

“On January 9, 2008, my brother was thrown through a windshield.

Half of his skull was removed to allow room for swelling, and just recently, a shunt was placed to facilitate absorption. He is currently in a vegetative state at my home and Mom has moved in to help me care for him. It was very difficult to manage him and work full time, so summer helps us sink into a better routine. A nursing home is out of the question, and we are taking full care of him – he has a feeding tube for medicine and food and a trache tube for breathing. Our family is

hoping for a miracle. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else over my summer. That’s how special my brother Chris is to us!”

Thomas Sturgis – Durant High School, agricultural sciences.

Thomas attended Future Farmers of America State Convention in Orlando the first week out of school. He and wife Raquel and daughter Brenna traveled to Siesta Key for the Fourth of July weekend to watch the offshore boat races from the comfort of their friend’s boat.

Friends from England visited in midJuly, and the group spent two weeks boating, touring to Busch Gardens, visiting Daytona Beach and going to Westgate River Ranch in Lake Wales to ride horses, ride in an airboat and shoot clay pigeons. One summer highlight was celebrating Brenna’s fourth birthday during her first trip to Disney World. She was thrilled to have lunch in Cinderella’s Castle and meet all the princesses!

Kris Howard – Cork Elementary, fourth grade language arts .

Kris described her summer experiences by saying, “I would love to say I had a carefree summer sleeping late and spending days at the beach or the International Mall. In reality, I spent my days at USF Lakeland doing a three-week summer reading literacy camp as the final portion of my master’s program in reading education. I’ve been teaching reading and writing to two lovely young ladies, Kennedy and Maryssa.” In July, Kris spent several weeks with family at Redington Beach. In August, she celebrates her advanced degree and looks forward to applying the new techniques she’s learned with her next class of students.

Lauren Hall Smith – Shiloh Charter School, second grade (fifth grade 2008-09).

Lauren spent the summer organizing her wedding and honeymooning in Riviera Maya, Mexico, after vows to new husband Brent changed her last name to Smith. She just finished her first year of teaching (second

Lauren Hall, Shiloh teacher, married Brent Smith, Hillsborough County sheriff training officer, on July 19.

Randy, Kimberly and K’land Humphrey enjoy learning (and teaching) at HopeWeaver Church where he pastors. Weekdays Randy teaches seventh grade science at Tomlin.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 43

Brandon High School orchestra students, escorted by their director, SuLing Chau Caballero, (pictured in Tiananmen Square) participated in an orchestral salute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. graders), having earned a master’s in education with specialization in literacy from the University of Florida. Her second graders took a special interest in the wedding and even gave the couple a shower. In July, she also managed to teach a writing workshop for third to fifth graders, focused on using great adjectives in memoir writing. Mrs. Lauren Smith shared a few words about her work at Shiloh: “Spending my first year as a teacher at Shiloh was amazing. Each day God graced me with a new opportunity to touch the life of a child and for a child to preciously bless mine. I learned that mistakes are alright as long as you grow both spiritually and professionally from each one you make. There is no medal or honor greater than being thanked by a

child or parent for what I do in the classroom. I know I wouldn’t trade my career for any other. I am blessed!”

Sherrie Mueller – Plant City High School, guidance resource specialist.

Kelley Duncan, guidance department chair, with Counselors Milka Vargas and Toni Griffin.

Four members of the PCHS Guidance Department spent a week in July attending an Excelerator Program seminar in Denver. They enjoyed side trips to the Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs.

SuLing Chau Caballero – Bloomingdale High School, orchestra director.

“We were invited by Kingsway

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 44

International to participate in an orchestral salute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Our 10-day trip (June 23 -July 3) was filled with adventure! We spent three days in Shanghai and five in Beijing. Some highlights included the Shanghai Acrobats, Beijing Opera, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, views of the Olympic Village and stadiums, an exchange performance with a traditional Chinese orchestra in Shanghai and our final performance at the Forbidden City concert hall in Beijing. Incredible tour guides provided daily Chinese history and cultural lessons. The students were amazed at how the old and new China coexist – from the Forbidden Palace built some 600 years ago, to the 101-story skyscrapers of today;

and how the old people would gather in the local parks to practice their martial arts together, to the city streets bustling with vehicles and people at all hours of the day. Thank you to our many sponsors and the support of our community to help us take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Pictured is our entire group in Tiananmen Square – the world’s largest city square. I am the one in the middle of the crowd holding the souvenir sign. (The Chinese are very official about everything....including their souvenirs!)”

Randy Humphrey – Tomlin Middle School, seventh grade science.

“After substituting at Tomlin Middle School for several years, I accepted

a full-time position teaching seventh grade science in December. I am also Pastor Randy at HopeWeaver Community Church, a not quite two-year-old church plant. Presently, we partner with Berea Baptist and meet at their campus. This summer has been a time of focus on what God is doing with the church. Our first Vacation Bible School begins Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Vacations aren’t an option because my 16-year-old son K’land spends summer with grandparents in Houston, and my wife Kimberly works full time. She and I relax on motorcycle rides with friends in the Christian Motorcycle Association. I’m looking forward to school’s start and an amazing new group of students. Teaching is what I do all week long, including Sundays.”

Maggie Hasting – Cork Elementary School lunchroom supervisor.

Maggie cherished time spent with her “shadow,” eight-year-old Gracie Lee. Together they volunteered to serve in the Vacation Bible School program at First Baptist Church.

Maggie kept her cooking skills sharpened by feeding the church’s children who attended their HOST after-school care program. “Rest, conversation, food and fun – it was an enjoyable summer.”

Kenneth Hiscock – Newsome High School, varsity football head coach and agriculture.

Julie Hiscock, - Newsome High School, teaching assistants supervisor.

Kenneth and Julie have a two-yearold son, Eli, and a new daughter, Kensley, born April 6. They were thankfully able to stay home and enjoy their children this summer.

They sold their home when Kensley was a week old and moved to a home they’ve been remodeling since then. Kenneth has been holding summer conditioning for the Newsome football team since early July. Julie worked on scrapbooks for Eli and Kensley. Together, they were able to take beach vacations to Bellair, St. Pete and Daytona. They also spent family time at Lowry Park

Zoo and the Aquarium.

Cheryl Massaro – Symmes Elementary School, first grade.

Cheryl begins her 35th year in the Hillsborough County School District in August. She taught grades first third for the first 21 years, then was an ESOL Resource teacher for six years, and the last eight years she’s been an Educational Diagnostician.

This month, she returns to the classroom as a first grade teacher at Symmes. At home, Cheryl is wife to Jim, a caretaker for her 89-year-old mother who lives in a Brandon longterm care facility, and a Pampered Chef business owner. In addition to de-cluttering their home and lots of yard work this summer, they visited friends in South Carolina, shopping for antiques along the way. One great find was a loud-ringing, 10” high, hand-held school bell, circa 1920-1930s. Cheryl believes she took one 15 minute nap this summer, but looks forward to meeting her new first graders.

Barbara McDonald -Cork Elementary, “The Pizza Lady.”

Barbara doesn’t teach in a classroom, but in her position as Cork’s “Pizza Lady,” she teaches practical skills like how to count change, how to request a food preference and how to tip the server with a pleasant word and smile (no cash tips at the pizza window!).

This month, Barbara begins her twelfth year helping elementary school kids decide if they want cheese or pepperoni, a slice or the meal deal, or chicken tenders. It all began when she volunteered for the years her own children attended Cork. After accepting a position to prepare food in the lunchroom for a year, the school created the new pizza window. Barbara says she loves working with this age group.

Nothing makes her day more than “a toothless grin or a big bear hug,” because she’s put an extra piece of pepperoni on their pizza slice. She spent her summer gardening in her own yard (her favorite pastime), which is filled with day lilies and a gorgeous queen palm.

Maggie Hastings and her “shadow,” Gracie Lee, helped with meal service this summer for Vacation Bible School students at First Baptist Church of Plant City.

Barbara McDonald, Cork’s “Pizza Lady,” spends many enjoyable days gardening in her beautiful yard.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 45

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 46

Spotlight

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 47

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 48

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 49

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 50

Story and Photos by Jerry Lofstrom

But this is no ordinary romance, no “When Harry Met Sally.” In this story, the object of desire is a machine: a motorcycle.

Few things inspire such devotion -- from the hard-core dirty jeans bikers, to the police chief shedding the stress of the job, to the couple with matching colors on a Honda Goldwing, to the vrooming boomers -- each has a passion that is satisfied by their two-wheeled journeys to Mother Nature’s fold.

If America is the land of the free, then for three weeks in July, America came to me and Eddie Richter on top of a Honda Goldwing and a BMW motorcycle.

We head out of Plant City like two kids leaving home for college with a sense of liberation that has nothing to do with punching in, punching out, faxes, taxes, and the daily grind.

If you ever wanted to get away, really away, if you long to release

your inner “Easy Rider,” then leave the everyday routine at home and hop on as we take the ride of a lifetime and discover what parts of heaven must look like.

But this trip will be different; we will not be sealed in steel as we ride the fragile ribbon of roads that run along the crest of mountains and through peaceful valleys and quiet hollows.

Along our journey, we will encounter the cool breezes of Northern Minnesota, fight the howling winds of the South Dakota plains, witness the breathtaking desolate beauty of the Badlands, and behold the great stone faces of Mount Rushmore.

It will be a mind-boggling, aweinspiring journey that will stimulate the spirit and soothe the soul.

Are you ready? Then let’s ride.

Our ride begins in the towering

pines and fabulous views of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota.

Just about every list of America’s most scenic drives includes Minnesota’s North Shore Drive, the 110 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais along the edge of Lake Superior. The two-lane scenic Route 61 hugs the rocky shoreline as we ride along the shores of “the lake.”

This is not just your regular lake. At 31,280 square miles, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. With an average depth of 490 feet, it’s like an ocean plunked down in the middle of the Upper Midwest.

Gray-blue water stretches as far as the eye can see. Grandfather oaks lean over the narrow road. Along the shore itself, giant reddish-brown boulders are piled haphazardly, a few motels and old-time cabin-style resorts dot the left side of the road, mixed in with a few homes, touristy shops and businesses.

On your right, it’s just the lake.

Riding atop a motorcycle heightens the senses; there’s the smell of damp leaves, of fresh rain, the sightings of deer grazing along the roadside, and the feel of cool air blown in from Canada.

Not many experiences can match the feeling of riding a motorcycle on Route 61; the surging adrenaline rush, the confidence that comes from being in control. You lean into the curve. You crest the hill. You feel a smile break out on your face.

From a motorcycle, America looks different: closer, bigger.

We stop for lunch in the harbor village of Grand Marais some 30 miles from the Canadian border.

Wherever you’re from, there’s probably a local specialty down the road that makes it better than anywhere else in the world. Eating in Grand Marais is high tea on Chez Jude’s front porch, beverages atop the Gun Flint Tavern, a pistachio-

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 51

crusted walleye sandwich on cranberry-pecan bread.

You know you’re on vacation with a food fan when the most important decision of the day is what you’ll be eating next.

Anyone who knows Eddie Murrell knows that if you were to put a rack of ribs at the bottom of some downhill curves, nobody would ever beat him to the bottom.

After lunch we head north on Route 61 to the Canadian border where Minnesota meets Ontario.

Arriving at the Unites States Border Inspection Station I stop to ask border agents what papers I would need to get back into the United States. “You will need a valid driver’s license and your birth certificate,” the border agent says.

I lay down my driver’s license, Plant City YMCA card, Bruton Library card, and my Sam’s club card but to little avail.

“Please,” I said, “I’ve ridden to the border just to ride my bike into Canada; I’ll be back in 10 minutes. With a smile she said, “OK, go, but get back here in 15 minutes or you’ll be spending a lot more time in Canada.”

I race to my bike and off I go towards Canada. Approximately 50 yards from the Canadian Border Inspection Station I stop to talk with a groundskeeper on the side of the road. “Am I in Canada?” I asked. “When you crossed the bridge back there you came into Canada – you’re in Canada,” he said with a French accent. As we exchanged pleasantries the fellow suddenly interrupted our conversation, “You might be moving along because there’re watching us and they might think you’re giving me something to take across.”

At that moment, Canadian border agents came out of the inspection station and headed down the road toward us. Time was running out for me, and it was no time to be detained by the Canadian

authorities. With a quick au revoir I turned by bike south and raced back across the bridge to the American side.

At the U.S. Border Inspection Station, built much like our tollbooths, I was greeted by the same agent that promised me passage back into the United States. With a smile she asked for my driver’s license and processed me through into the United States.

Leaving the Canadian border we head south on rural roads on our way to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Outside of St. Cloud, Minn. we found ourselves on the heels of thunderstorms coming out of the Twin Cities. Looking over my shoulder I could see funnel clouds and dark skies chasing us down Highway 23 with the veracity of a black bear after her cubs; we outran the storm and soon find ourselves among the blue skies of Western Minnesota.

We talk later about beating Mother Nature as though we had the power over it.

We will soon find out differently.

Entering Eastern South Dakota on Highway 16 conjures up thoughts of Roswell, New Mexico, 1947. Off in the distance scores of towering white structures with huge propellers appear like something from outer space. As we get closer, we discover “herds” of them; 213-foot-tall, 110-foot-tri-blade Leviathan objects that come up from the ground and descend toward the heavens with apocalyptic stature.

Are they UFO’s?

In South Dakota they call them a wind farm.

It is impossible to write about South Dakota without sooner or later making mention of the wind.

The wind howls unfettered for

hundreds of empty miles, raking over wheat fields as it sweeps over the prairie in breaking waves. For miles we battle the winds leaning our motorcycles into the crosswinds as though we were making an endless turn. Random wind gusts blow our bikes to the middle of the road and pound our helmets like an angry football coach.

I wondered how a couple of sixtysomething guys from Plant City found themselves in South Dakota in such a situation. But this was Mother Nature teaching us a lesson.

The road ahead holds rest stops and gas stops and night stops at campgrounds as we head across the plains to the Badlands.

We roll into Wall, S.D. and set up camp anticipating our next day’s ride through the 32-mile loop of the Badlands.

The Badlands is a national treasure of 244,000 square miles of savage

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 53

beauty that was built 500 million years ago from layers of volcanic ash. We are told the Badlands contain the world’s richest fossil beds, dating back 28-37 million years.

But this is God’s place with a devil of a name.

It is daybreak and we break camp early to beat the afternoon heat. The spectacle of a beautiful sunrise is beginning to play out across the countryside as we ride out of Wall toward the Badlands.

The ride was amazing; I’ll never get over it. The road lifted over a rise, the earth suddenly fell away. A vast canyon opened in front of us, and, for a second, it seemed as if I fell into it. The road turned just in time, and my motorcycle cruised along the edge of the abyss. Suddenly, we were in the Badlands; Buttes, sage flats and cliff walls layered in earth colors stretched to the horizon.

There is nothing like the feeling of riding atop a motorcycle with

an IMAX view of the Badlands. In the tortured skyline you can see the volcanic ash streaked with white, red, and yellow stripes; it’s even more overwhelming to realize those markings represent millions of years of sedimentation.

As we leave the haunting, prehistoric cliff faces of the Badlands, we are transformed into the 21st century world of vehicular traffic screaming down Highway 90 heading toward the Black Hills of Western South Dakota.

The 45-mile ride encompasses Iron Needles Highway, Mountain Road and hairpin curves; pigtail bridges and three granite tunnels that frame the four famous presidents in the distance.

Can you name them?

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt stare down on us from the mountain as we ride along Highway 244 from Keystone to Hill City.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • august 15 – september 15, 2008 • Page 54

The notion of seeing a shrine of democracy in Middle America may seem out of place in this jaded age of political-bashing and congressional sniping. Watch out. You find yourself speaking in hushed tones as if in a church as you gaze at the granite sculptures of four of our nation’s revered leaders; the masterpiece of stone will leave an indelible impression.

But the trip was much more than just enjoying the monuments, and riding the contours and topography of this land on a motorcycle.

Getting off the interstates and riding the back roads of America and meeting people along the way was a meaningful part of the journey.

It’s no secret that the chemistry of the American interstate system is the same all over the country: well-lit signs soaring into the sky, announcing another McDonald’s, Subway, Wal-Mart, Exxon-Mobil, Pizza Hut, or Holiday Inn at the next exit.

Some people believe the soul of America can be found in a Happy Meal; I am not so sure. The American soul is more complex than that, almost impossible to describe.

But it can be experienced talking to average Americans and witnessing simple American pleasures: like eating at Donna’s Main Street Diner in Wyoming, sharing stories with travelers around an open campfire in South Dakota, conversing with a group of farmers at a small convenience store in Minnesota, and worshipping with fellow believers in a small country church in Wisconsin.

While there is no quintessential American experience, it seemed that every person I met was so quintessentially American.

I felt at home in places far away from home. I had a sense that in these small towns and villages across America, I was a part of an American family.

What does it mean to you to be an American? And what are you doing next summer?

Business MAGAZINE

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 55

No More Aches and Pains

A Caring Touch Wellness Center has the remedy Massage

therapy

\

laughing

Do you find yourself living day to day with aches and pains? Maybe you’re just feeling like you need to do something special for yourself. Ever think about visiting a Massage Therapist? A Caring Touch Wellness Center is a spa and wellness center specializing in massages, facials and body treatments intended to make you feel better. The business (Establishment License MM#11611 and Massage License MA#30714) is owned and operated by Bernadette Dunn, a very educated and talented young lady. Dunn earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Saint Louis University, served six years in the Air Force and more than 20 years of competitive volleyball. She has been licensed in massage therapy since 1999, certified in neuromuscular therapy since 2001, northernstyle Thai massage since 2006 and lypossage since March of this year. Dunn is not a typical massage therapist.

“I’m just interested in helping people feel better and helping them help themselves,” she said.

Dunn worked in the industry for a few years before formalizing her own business in 2005.

All her career has been spent working in the Brandon area, so she knows and understands the clientele and their needs. But this year, Dunn purchased a new location in Seffner at 711 E. Hwy. 92. After a short renovation of the beautiful, new location, Dunn and her staff began serving the Seffner area, and the business is growing. Dunn attributes her success as a massage therapist to the personal attention she gives to her clients.

Bernadette Dunn and Tammy Spurlock demonstrate The Bridge, part of a Thai Yoga Massage.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 56

yoga

\

facials

“Before we begin a program,” she said, “we conduct a careful investigation of all symptoms and the lifestyle circumstances that have produced their aches and pains.”

Each client receives treatment individually designed for their specific needs.

A variety of massages are available, including a Hot Stone Massage.

In addition to the specialized attention, each member of Dunn’s staff has their own special talents they bring. They all are trained in the latest techniques to make your visit the most beneficial and enjoyable it can be. She also is developing some wellness classes such as laughter yoga and personal growth workshops. What could sound more fun than laughing yoga? Dunn has placed the treatments they offer into one of six categories: physical and health, spiritual, social, financial and career, mental and family. Most are familiar with the physical and health category with treatments such as massage, skin care and yoga. But other examples of well-thought-out treatment applications include the use of peaceful touch classes and laughter yoga for the social category and meditation, wellness workshops and mastermind classes for the mental

category. One can quickly realize she worked hard to develop a thorough understanding of how her services can help people feel better.

Dunn and her staff are prepared to serve your wellness needs from facials or massages to the perfect affirmation to use during your stressful day to day life. Things change and new methods and techniques are constantly being developed that can benefit people.

“I recently traveled to Thailand to learn Thai massage – a very unique massage offering to the area,” she said.

A Caring Touch Wellness Center is located at 711 E. Hwy 92.

So if you’ve decided that one of these types of treatments might be the thing you’re looking for, visit A Caring Touch Wellness Center, or call them at 813-8490023. You can also find them on-line at www.acaringtouchwellness.com to book appointments, find office hours, buy on-line gift certificates, a detailed service menu and wellness class offerings. You’ll find a wellrounded staff, competent staff and a warm environment to help you with your needs.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 57

apeaceofheaventravel.com Book in the comfort of home. great

rates

/

We love to travel! “A report from Y partnership/Yankelovich national Leisure Travel Monitor shows that despite a slowing global economy, Americans are continuing to travel, and in fact, consider vacations their “birthright.” According to TripAdvisor, “40 percent of Americans planned on taking two leisure trips this summer.” With those facts, what are you waiting for? There are always a variety of

leisurely

travel

/

vacation packages for every wallet size.

Several short trips can even keep you invigorated.

Sheri LeDuc reminded me how modern our society has become. “Who would have thought that every home would have a cell phone, now everyone has a computer.”

Well with that computer, you can order flowers, cars, tickets and trips from the

Online

ordering

comfort of your home. On opening www. apeaceofheaventravel.com you notice that this site is part of YTB travel network, which is the top-of-the-line largest travel company in the world with incredibly competitive rates. Dover residents Sheri and Lawrence LeDuc manage this site and will give you personal service.

You will also notice the variety of choices on which to click. Under travel resources, you’ll find health advisories, passport and visa applications plus requirements and even valuable information on airport delays.

You can check out cruise destinations and even book shore destinations. Several interesting tours were the following: King Salmon fishing in Skagway, Alaska, rain forest hiking in Grenada, Ancient Pompeii tour in Italy, and off-road land rover safari in Aruba. There are the last minute deals and popular getaways including an under $250 category. Besides cruises, you can search for hotels, airlines and rental cars.

Great packages combining all three at a major discount are more affordable. It is interesting to note that 80 percent of ticketing prices are cheaper on YTB than on Orbitz or Expedia. You really need to check out www.apeaceofheaventravel.com for the value and ability to find everything you need for vacation and leisure activities.

There are many surprises under the extras category. Click on honeymoon registry where guests can purchase massages, breakfast in bed and gifts for the new couple. Ability to buy foreign currency,

Lawrence, Sheri and Kayla LeDuc.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 58

While on a trip to Italy, a sunflower field just called to their precious daughter.

Lawrence, Sheri and Kayla LeDuc enjoy a Disney cruise.

cars, tickets to attractions or event concerts.

The outdoor lovers will go ape over “your adventure begins.” Fly fishing trips, hunting, Alaska kayaking, Costa Rica fishing, mule deer hunting and even an African Safari await you. Golf lovers will enjoy the golf tours to fabulous resorts. You can even set your tee times. Just a click or two and your entire trip is planned and confirmed, including purchasing or renting gear. Your opportunities are limitless with variety with the resources at your fingertips. Sign up for the weekly “deals and steals” newsletters for last-minute bargains.

Besides travel, gorgeous gift baskets and flower arrangements can be ordered and sent around the world. Imagine the gratitude and surprise when your loved one receives the most perfect present. Imagine being able to purchase a vehicle at dealer invoice without the hassle of car salesman! Concert and attraction tickets are so easy to purchase with just a click and no waiting in line.

Being able to dream and plan your perfect vacation 24/7 from the comfort of your home should bring relief and excitement. The whole family will enjoy venturing together. For those that love excitement and want to be financially secure, YOU CAN OWN YOUR OWN TRAVEL FRANCHISE. Call Sheri LeDuc at (813) 624-2384 or Lawrence

LeDuc at (813) 695-7273 for more information and reservations for a short, free “no-pressure” travel open house at the Brandon “Ice Sports Forum” at 10222 Elizabeth Place on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. You will be delighted with the vacation and extras at your fingertips.

Add to your computer favorites www. apeaceofheaventravel.com.

Brandon Ice Sports Forum

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 59

Just Imagine All About Graphics custom

design

/

banners

When you need signs, banners or even car wraps to advertise your business, call All About Graphics. They will deliver premium products with the personal service that you don’t always expect today. Standing by the motto of “If you think it, we’ll design it!” Tami Ham and Jose Bocanegra do extraordinary custom work at reasonable prices.

This dynamic duo is incredibly creative.

Only in business together since March 2008, Tami Ham and Jose Bocanegra have developed a design and graphics shop that is a “one-stop shop” for their customers.

Using only the latest and greatest in machinery and products, this team has the latest printing software, laminators, platters

&

signs

and can print up to 54 sections. They will even do billboards, and basically whatever the customer wants. According to Jose Bocanegra, “We do all the design work in house.”

Luckily for the customers, with All About Graphics, you only deal with two people who happen to perfectly complement each other in this business. Tami says “our talents blend, and with our team work, we get the work done to exceed the customer’s expectations.” Jose took training in graphic design and then learned on his own with a natural ability. Tami has always been creative and did a lot of designing of wedding invitations, business cards and brochures. Meeting Jose, at the time, felt

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 60

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Quality

service

meant to be. He wanted to start his own graphic design company when Tami was ready to branch out. Owning All About Graphics means following the American Dream to these two. They live locally and have pride of ownership and, more importantly, the desire to be innovative and please their customers.

Fast turnaround time is delivered for all products. All About Graphics is all about personal service. Tami and Joe will come to you. Whether you already have a design, or need their creative expertise, they “can do everything for your advertising needs,” emphasizes Tami Ham. The types of products this design business will work with are almost limitless. Loving to be

innovative and please the customer, they will do banners, signs, vehicle lettering, site signs, large format printing, trade show displays, all-in-one Florida Labor Law signs, cards, shirts and announcements.

You imagine something, and they’ll produce it for you. Vehicle wrapping has become a specialty. This advertisement on wheels offers the glitz and glam of imagination.

“We’ll wrap

a helicopter if we have to,” says Jose Bocanegra.

Besides producing your product, All About Graphics delivers and even installs. “We love to do out-of-the-ordinary things,’ responded Tami. A local new business ordered lettering for their showroom. After installing the vinyl lettering that can just peel off, most customers thought the room on which the artwork was painted looked perfect.

and delivery to your door, then All About Graphics is for you. New customers even receive 15 percent off their first order. You can reach Tami Ham and Jose Bocanegra at All About Graphics by calling (813) 478-9336 or (863) 669-5670 or email

Tami@allaboutgraphicsinc.com or Jose@ allaboutgraphicsinc.com. Their 100 percent minority business is located at 1330 Hams Farm Road.

If you want creative, quality and custom work, then All About Graphics is for you. If you want the personal touch of satisfaction

Brandon Ice Sports Forum

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 61

A Great Place for Children

Autumn Leaf Academy provides a perfect start state-approved

curriculum

/

highly

experienced

teachers

Dianna Hinkley shares her dog with the children during pet week.

After years in the public education system, Dianna Hinkley saw that many children were struggling in school for lack of a proper early childhood education. She realized she could make the greatest impact in children’s education during their pre-k years; getting them physically and cognitively prepared for school. Therefore, she decided the best way to provide an optimal start for kids would be to own and operate a childcare center.

Hinkley is now the owner and director of Autumn Leaf Academy, located at 3007 Daniels Road, here in Plant City.

Hinkley said, “I have always had a passion for educating children. Even when I was in high school, I worked as a school age counselor for the Latchkey Program at Apollo Beach Elementary School.”

Hinkley graduated from the University

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 62

of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught sixth grade language arts at Eisenhower Middle School for a few years before transferring to the elementary school level where she taught fourth grade. In order to spend more time with her own children, Dianna then launched an after-school program in her home. She converted her lanai into a school room complete with learning

Hinkley and her assistant director, Marie Carnley.

centers, a library and computers. Hinkley assisted them with their homework and test preparation as well as provided exciting after school activities, field trips and meals.

Hinkley states, “Over a very short period of time, I could see a great improvement in grades and attitude towards school.”

Hinkley was very successful in her new found business venture, and even had a lengthy waiting list of children wishing to enroll. After three years, Hinkley concluded that children shouldn’t have to play “catch up”, they deserve a proper “start” before entering kindergarten. That concept led Dianna Hinkley to the early childhood industry. She began looking to act on that idea and found a center for sale here in Plant City. At the moment, Hinkley commutes from Apollo Beach, although

hopes to relocate to Plant City when the housing market improves.

Hinkley has worked diligently over the past three years to transform the center into a very caring, educational facility, which includes lots of exploring, discovery and high-interest activities facilitated by qualified and dedicated teachers. In fact, Hinkley and her staff are currently working to achieve their Gold Seal from the State of Florida.

The Gold Seal is an accreditation given by the State of Florida with standards for childcare centers that are much higher than Hillsborough County Licensing standards.

Hinkley states, “While licensing is generally concerned about the safety of the children, accreditation places as great a value on school preparation and providing a fun and healthy environment conducive to learning.”

Autumn Leaf Academy delivers a state approved curriculum for each age level, holds a yearly open house and parent/ teacher conferences as well as several family events for the school year. They care for and educate children from 8 weeks old through school age. Their rates are very competitive, and they accept School Readiness Vouchers from Hillsborough and Polk counties. The center participates in the USDA Food Program, which allows for delicious and nutritious meals. Autumn Leaf provides a hot breakfast and a hot lunch, daily, plus a morning and afternoon snack. Autumn Leaf Academy is now enrolling all age groups for the 2008-2009 school year as well as fall VPK classes.

Please contact Dianna or Marie at 813-7524561 for information on enrolling.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 63

Many Services In One Place Black’s Insurance and Financial Services personal

agents

/

In the world of insurance, everybody hopes to find one location that can accomplish multiple services. The main reason is so the customer can have one personal agent to assist in all of his/her insurance needs. Due to the raising price in gas and other economic issues, today’s society is leaning towards the phone and Internet to secure their insurance products. The customer never gets the same person on the phone, caus-

quality

service

ing service to be very distant and frustrating. At Black’s Insurance, they strive to combat these issues with representing multiple carriers that can protect all of your interests. One office, many options, same agent – Isn’t that what everybody wants anyways?

Chris Black was born and raised in Plant City.

He has always dreamed of owning his own

Chris Black, Patricia McNamara and Schuyler Scaglione standing outside their office.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 64

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great

rates

company. He encountered the insurance agency owner of Maxop who did not want to remain in the business anymore. He decided to buy the business, re-name it and move the company to Plant City. He wanted to own his own business in Plant City because he enjoys providing great customer service to his clients. “I have so many friends and family who are my clients,” said Black.

Black opened the business at the beginning of June and currently has over 1,000 clients. He believes his company is recession proof because people need insurance to utilize their home and automobiles. He feels his company will stand out from the others because he gets to know every client and helps them with the different financial services they offer

to Miami. The majority of his customers are in Hillsborough County. Some of the services he offers are Homeowners insurance, Auto and Business insurance, employee benefits, retirement strategies, life insurance and mortgages.

He is hoping to attract people because of the quality of services and the personal interaction with his clients.

“To be able to offer a client everything when they come in here is very convenient for the customer,” he said.

Black helps host an annual golf tournament for the Relay for Life because his uncle died of cancer six years ago. He is also the director of the Plant City Lancers – a youth soccer organization – because his four kids play soccer. He is planning on volunteering at the relay until he dies and is planning on being the director of the soccer club until his youngest son gets older.

Black’s company is not fee-based, meaning the client does not pay anything for their services; the company collects premiums for the insurance companies and is paid a commission.

Within a week from the inauguration of the company, there has been an increase in clientele.

“It will take about six months to one year before I can measure the increase patterns,” Black said.

Due to his current direct mail campaign, he currently has clients ranging from Pensacola

Schuyler Scaglione.

Schuyler Scaglione, 23, was born and raised in Seffner, Fla. He used to be an employee at Maxop but became a full-time employee when Black bought the business. He enjoys working for Black because he genuinely cares for his clients.

“Chris is very customer-oriented and adds that extra special touch,” said Scaglione. “It is a professional service, everyday I get to make a difference.”

He volunteers at the USAA annual Special Olympics in October. He helps the kids perform and participate in the Special Olympics events.

He volunteered for the Special Olympics for the past four years and hopes to volunteer for many more to come. One day he hopes to co-own another branch with Black of Black’s insurance company.

“It takes a special man to run a business the way Black does. That is why I plan to work for him for a long time,” said Scaglione.

Together, Patricia McNamara, Chris and Schuyler hope to make Black’s Insurance and Financial Services a place where people feel secure about their financial future.

Chris Black.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 65

Bowman Ave Dry Cleaners Affordable Dry Cleaning Services great

prices

/

new

location

/

same

service

The old storefront is now used soley as the plant.

When Robert Vetzel converted his dry cleaning plant into a small store more than a year ago, customers couldn’t get enough of the low price, high quality cleaning and genuine, hard-working staff. That is why Bowman Avenue Cleaners has recently opened a more convenient and bigger location just a few stores down from the plant.

At only $1.29 per shirt for cleaning, Bowman Avenue Cleaners seems to be making up for skyrocketing prices in consumer goods and services. Compared to other cleaners in the

local market, most of the services offered are lower in price.

Vetzel about the team with which he works.

“We are very close-knit.”

And at a time when most service-based companies are drumming up ways to get customers in and out of their face in a hurry, the only thing speeding up at this dry cleaner is customer satisfaction. Customer service is always a priority, and there is an oldfashioned and charming aura about the way it is conducted.

Now that the new location is up and running on the corner of Alexander and Bowman Avenue, it is easier to pick up or drop off clothes on the way to home or work. But customers don’t even have to step a foot outside their house or job to experience Vetzel’s superior cleaning services. He has been operating his pickup and delivery service, Door to Door Dry Cleaning, for the past 13 years.

“They always try to remember names,” said

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 66

Door to Door Dry Cleaning provides dry cleaning for homes and businesses from Orlando to Brandon. Multiple vans are sent out Monday through Thursday to service customers at their doorsteps. Today, Vetzel is a hands-on owner, actively engaging in both aspects of his dry cleaning business.

Before Bowman Avenue Cleaners moved to the tidy, air-conditioned store from the plant four months ago, business had thrived by word of mouth.

“I built counters, rolled up the doors and people came,” Vetzel said.

He used a single large poster nailed to the outside of the plant and a small floor sign with interchangeable letters to draw the attention of potential customers. But it is his reliable, assiduous service that keeps regular customers coming back.

the customers are great. I like that we work as a team,” said Mariela Quiroz, who works behind the shiny, immaculate store counters.

At the plant a few doors down, the staff works hurriedly, pressing pants and arranging shirts into tidy rows and only looking up to reveal their serene grins. They are a part of a carefully coordinated operation that ensures accurate and speedy service.

Vetzel plans to continue building up business and service at his new store, and has recently upgraded equipment to ensure the best dry cleaning around.

coaches both a youth football league at Pinecrest and the football team at Newsome High School. Bowman Avenue Cleaners is a proud member of the Plant City Chamber of Congress and is a valuable asset to the community.

Bowman Avenue Cleaners is located at 1503 Bowman Ave., and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. For more information, call (813) 757-9646. To take advantage of the

He was raised in Brandon and has been in the dry cleaning industry for 13 years. He

“I love everything about working at this place – working with the people here and

Mariela Quiroz works on a customer’s account behind the counters at the new store.

Leoboria Betancourt prepares a shirt for pressing.

Rocio Becerra sorts and separates clothes.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 67

Working Out Smart Rehabilitative Therapy at Its Best

strengthen heart / strengthen muscles / increase flexibility Imagine having the world’s most advanced fitness coach at your disposal. Imagine a coach that customizes workouts based on your own personal level of fitness and endurance. Imagine a coach that monitors your energy level, range of motion and makes sure that you are achieving your personal best. Then imagine a coach that computes your workout data to produce a progress report that includes how many calories you burned as well as which muscles you successfully worked. That’s Curves Smart, your very own personal coaching system that completely monitors your workout to make sure you are getting maximum results.

Curves Smart is new technology pioneered

by Curves that offers a precision designed workout, moment-to-moment feedback and a progress report to keep you motivated.

Curves Smart is only available at Curves with technology that offers women the benefits of a highly trained personal trainer without the expense.

Although walking is a good physical activity – and it may not cost more than a pair of walking shoes – it’s not a complete workout.

Thirty minutes, three times a week at Curves provides a cardiovascular workout, strength training and stretching, all of which gives you a strong heart, strong muscles and flexible joints. You will be able to take the stairs, play with the kids and grandkids and participate in sports and other physical activities that you enjoy. Curves provides the basis for an active lifestyle.

One Curves 30-minute workout can also burn up to 500 calories, which, combined with healthy eating and the muscle-building your workout provides, helps you manage your weight. Seventy percent of the calories you burn every day is determined by the

During this current economic slowdown, many people consider a healthclub membership a luxury. This is a misperception. The evidence is convincing that a membership is indeed essential.

Research shows that if you regularly exercise, manage your weight and eat well, you lower your risk of cancer by 60 percent and your risk of both stroke and diabetes by 40 percent. You can also avoid osteoporosis, heart disease and depression.

The new Curves Smart Equipment challenges members to work harder and tracks their progress.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 68

This is what our members say about Curves Smart:

“I love it! It’s amazing to have instant feedback on every machine”.

“I challenge myself everyday to burn more calories than the day before”.

“I lost 6 pounds and 6 inches in my first month on Curves Smart”.

“The greatest thing that ever happened to Curves”.

“Curves Smart keeps me motivated”.

Tamara Fortner motivates a member while she works out on a piece of new Curves Smart Equipment.

Bonnie Gwin, manager at the Plant City location, loves helping women become motivated to take care of their health.

And then there’s the value of a Curves membership. “For little over a dollar a day, you not only improve your health, but you have a great workout experience, with a coach and friends to share it with. And it is FUN!” says Sherry Nueesch, owner of the Plant City Curves. Blue Cross recently finished a study in Minnesota showing that individuals who worked out at least eight times a month reduced their trips to the emergency room by 39 percent and their health care claims by 18 percent. That’s a savings of more that $1000 per person, per year.

Since regular exercise can be an effective means of treating hypertension, depression and diabetes, as well as a great way to manage your weight, what would you rather do with your money? It’s really a no-brainer.

Investing in your health with a Curves membership is smart. Working out with Curves Smart is, well, SMART! If you have your health, you really do have everything.

amount of muscle you have. Get yourself more muscles, you can eat without guilt!

Strength training gives you the ability to lose weight 300 percent faster than aerobic activity alone.

Visit www.curvesplantcity.com to preview Curves Smart or visit us for a Curves Smart demonstration.

Curves 1822 J. Redman Pkwy.

Plant City, FL 33563 719-1822 FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 69

Edward Jones Michael Cameron

Preparing Retirement / Helping Families / Solidifying Finances

Michael Cameron.

Michael Cameron with Edward Jones always seems to be happy. So we asked him why that was. He responded, “That is a great question, I guess it’s because I have a great family, I live in a wonderful town and I have an awesome job!”

We asked him to elaborate. He went on, “I have a job where I have the opportunity to help people every day and that is very rewarding to me. Edward Jones allows me to help individuals, families, businesses

and almost anyone I want to work with, to reach some pretty important goals.

Goals like preparing for retirement, making sure children and grandkids can go to college, insuring that retirees can enjoy the lifestyle that they have prepared to enjoy and helping business owners save money and retain employees. These are all very important to me and investing is easier than most people think.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 70

Edward Jones is also different than many of the other investment companies. While other firms are currently struggling and even letting people go, Edward Jones is continuing to grow steadily. We sometimes come across as a little bit old fashioned, but that is okay with me.

As a firm, we opened our 10,000 branch office this summer. We typically have storefront offices, with a financial adviser and a branch office administrator in each.

Darlene Schenck.

Michael Cameron takes the time to speak about life’s building blocks with his clients.

We currently have four offices in Plant City, to serve Plant City.

it is convenient from many parts of Plant City.

forward to new opportunities with our Chamber of Commerce.

I have begun to specialize in helping people entering the retirement process as well as those already in retirement.

Currently, we are helping people who have been significantly impacted by the recent market fluctuations develop a recovery plan to get them back on track to meet their goals.

Speaking of Plant City, I am very pro– Plant City. I see Plant City as a town of opportunity. I enjoy the opportunity of “personal development” each week with Toastmasters. I enjoy the opportunity of “service to others” with Lion’s Club.

I enjoy the opportunity of “making a difference in our school system” at Springhead Elementary PTA, Plant City High School SAC and on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the Hillsborough County School Board. I enjoy many of the “worship” and “fellowship” opportunities that First United Methodist Church offers.

I enjoy the opportunities of “enriching minds” with the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, and I am looking

And most importantly, I love my family.

We recently enjoyed a relaxing week at the beach with friends of ours from New Orleans. Nicholas and I enjoyed an educational program about dolphins and actually got to swim with the dolphins at Marineland near St. Augustine. It was our last bit of summer before school starts back.

Many people don’t realize how easy it is to change their account at another firm, to an Edward Jones office that is located in Plant City. I believe face-toface interaction is still the best for the important things in life. Michael’s office is conveniently located by the Publix on Thonotosassa Road nearest Interstate 4, so

To learn more about investing, please call Michael at Edward Jones at 813–759–1491 or stop by the office at 2501 Thonotosassa Road, in the Publix plaza and meet him personally.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 71

Make Your Life Easier

Don’t stress over your real estate or insurance Environmentally

friendly

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friendly

agents

Bob and Nicole Adams have been known in the Plant City community for their successful insurance and real estate businesses for years. Not to mention, their heart for serving their community, both locally and abroad. The two have now teamed up with over 30 combined years of expertise to start their own insurance and real estate business – Homestars International Services.

Earlier this year, Bob sold his Allstate business of four years in order to start Homestars Insurance.

Because Homestars is a multi-line insurance agency, there is much more flexibility in finding the best quote for customers.

“This flexibility allows us to find our clients the most affordable insurance Nicole and Bob Adams for their auto, home or business,” said Bob. That flexibilty only time to research all the different insurance stands to enhance the high standards of companies, find quotes on the policies customer service that they provide to their that fit their needs and go with the most current clients, which numbers nearly cost effective choice. However, that can 1,000 and grows daily. be very time consuming, and time is not something most people have in abundance.

Ideally, everyone would love to take the Therefore, Homestars takes the time to FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 72

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flexible

service

compare policies and find the best quote available for each individual’s insurance needs, without it costing a penny more than if someone did the research personally.

Not only can Homestars do all the shopping for your insurance, but they also provide real estate services. Both Bob and Nicole are licensed real estate agents. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, the Homestars team can provide you with all the services you need. There is no better time to buy than right now, so if you are looking for a home, let Homestars do all the hard work for you.

“I believe combining real estate and insurance is a good fit,” Nicole said.

In today’s marketplace, people are accustomed to dealing with different companies for the two. However, decades ago, most people went to one place for both needs. Combining insurance and real estate is not a new concept, rather going back to the old-fashioned way business used to be done. Offering these combined services while utilizing the latest

Homestars is located at 1309 S. Collins St. Suite 303.

technology provides the customer with a less stressful experience and enables them to focus on more important matters.

So you may wonder why a local company has an “international” name. The Adams have already been able to provide their insurance services to international

clientele over the years. More recently, they have acquired the training to handle the specific needs of international real estate clients as well.

The Adams greatly care about their clients and their business, but their true passion is missions. Their greatest joy comes from helping others and reaching out to those in need. Ten percent of their revenue goes back into the community.

Locally, they support organizations such as the Pregnancy Care Center, Trinity Special Sportsman Ministry, Big Fish Missions and Habitat for Humanity.

Internationally, they support Wellspring of Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to drilling wells in third world

countries so people can have fresh water.

Most of their work is done in Haiti and Honduras.

Another way in which Homestars is focused on helping the community is by “going green” to help the environment.

Their goal is to be entirely paperless by the end of the year so that less is going to waste.

The new Homestars office is located on Collins Street next to Brooklyn Bridge, in front of Save-A-Lot. The address is 1309 S Collins Street Suite 303. For more information about Homestars, feel free to stop in and meet Bob or Nicole.

You can also visit their Web site at www. homestarsins.com and www.flhomestars. com or reach them 813-759-1044. Call today for your free quote or to ask any questions you may have about your real estate or insurance needs.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 73

Okinawan DoJo Take a Bow

One-on-one instruction \ Learn Self Defense \ increase self-esteem

You’re walking down the street, a light is out and its dark; you’re not in a particularly good part of town and you see three guys coming towards you. What do you do?

You’re in a dark parking garage on the tail end of the Christmas season with a hand full of packages and you see a man in the shadows. Do you drop and run?

Where’s the cell phone? Is anyone nearby to call? These are some scenarios that go on every day. Watch the news and see that another woman has been victimized on the backstreets after a ball game; or gang members have attacked a man. How do you defend yourself?

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 74

Uechi Ryu (Way Chee Roo), comes from Okinawa, which is considered “The Island of Karate.” It began as an off-shoot of Southern Shaolin Ken from the Fukien province in Southern China; Shushiwa taught Kunbun Uechi who, after 10 years of study brought the art from China to Wakayama, Japan in the early 1900s. He used the diverse martial art of mainland

Master Michael McGee blocks a punch.

China called Pangainoon and more and created Uechi Ryu on the island of Okinawa. This is strictly a defensive martial art and is designed as a defense against oneon-one combat.

Amid the posh and quaint antique and retail shops of downtown Plant City is a treasure; an Okinawan Karate Dojo or school, with

Sensei, or Master Michael McGee. Where many Karate schools have been anglicized this discipline has maintained its truest form. Many of the katas or sequence of moves are the exact same in China and Okinawa. Sensei McGee is very quick to explain that it’s not about katas though, Uechi Ryu Karate has only eight, but is built

tour with the Corps he was looking for something that would incorporate the same training. He found that Okinawan Karate enhanced his own knowledge. He is one of the teachers of the school and holds classes at the dojo for children ages 6 to 11 years. He shows a remarkable presence and patience that makes most

on repetition so that when the attack comes, there is mushin, or no mindedness. It is a discipline of strength; he goes on to explain that one of the great masters could bounce weights off the top of his foot. Teachers are students themselves, and he feels as if he will never know all that there is to know about the discipline, but it was a great honor to have his own Okinawan Sensei compliment one of his students. He says it is very American to have goals, but in true Japanese martial arts, the student progresses at his or her own speed and will not be advanced unless ready. “It would not do the student a service to allow them to advance easily.”

people comfortable – young master Dalton Hunt has gone from needing help with the stretches to doing it on his own in a matter of weeks.

Sam Bell, a Marine found that after his

The discipline is not just for kids and guys out of the military; women are very adept students. The student that was complimented was Emily, a first-degree lack belt who is only 4 feet 10 inches tall and who can more than defend herself from a would-be attacker. Imagine what would happen to the guy in the parking garage with someone who could defend herself.

The dojo has been in existence for 10 years in Brandon but recently opened downtown within the last two months. It is on the corner of Reynolds and Collins. The school is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:15p.m. to 7p.m. for children, and 7p.m. to 8:30pm for adults. The classes are small as to allow more one-on-one attention with the Sensei.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 75

Local Takes Leap of Faith

Plant City Automotive offers trustworthy service. personal business / honest service / experienced technicians

The Mendolia family welcomes Plant City to their shop.

Tony Mendolia says he took a leap of faith when he bought Plant City Automotive in September 2007. Could he make this work?

Would people come to his shop? The answer is yes because he is an honest mechanic and his customers say so.

Tony has been in Plant City for 22 years.

He started in the auto service industry in customer-oriented, family run businesses in

Exhaust specialist Daniel Derby bending pipe for custom exhaust.

New York. He is an ASE Certified Auto Tech with 40 years of experience. Twenty-one years of that were spent at Firestone, Tires Plus and Olin Mott in Plant City before he decided to buy his own business.

When asked why he wanted to be a business owner, Tony said, “I’m a people person. I wanted to give customers a fair price for good service without the corporate pricing

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 76

structure. I always gave honest service, now I can control the pricing. Everyone’s happier!”

Plant City Automotive Guarantees Work.

Tony says, “We guarantee all our work and we specialize in: Custom Exhaust Systems Air Conditioning Check Engine Light Diagnostics

Electric windows, seats, door locks etc Brakes Suspension Oil Change General Maintenance Computerized Tune Ups Belts and Hoses Engine Repairs Batteries and more

fixture at Tires Plus when he worked there.

He would park it at the front door and everyone who saw it knew Tony was at work.

He had lots of fun with Gator fans because it’s a Special Edition FSU Harley that’s painted in yellow and red and has the Indian head painted on the gas tank. Now my old friends can find me here.

He’s a Seminole Fan and his Harley Proves it.

Jeff Sumner said Tony is “very accommodating, first class service.” His parents’ car was acting up and Tony met him on a Saturday (when the shop isn’t open) and

Many of Tony’s customers recognized him because of his Harley. The Harley was a

Customers Talk About Service

repaired the vehicle. “If he treats everyone like he treated me, he’ll be very successful.”

“He fixed my car when no one else could,” said Al Ratliff. Al lives alone, doesn’t cook and eats out every night. When he had to leave his car overnight for repairs, Tony took him out to dinner and then home. “He brought my car back the next day. I think he’s a great guy.”

Hazel Smith says, “When women go into an auto shop, they are wary about being ripped off.” Hazel took her car into the shop for squeaky brakes. They checked her brakes, said all was fine. “Others would have done a brake job and charged me. Tony’s honest and trustworthy.”

Doug Santoro has been taking his car to Tony for 12 years. “He’s a great mechanic. The best thing about Tony is that he is honest and fair. I was so glad when he opened up his own place. He’ll work with you not only on the cost, but he tells you if something doesn’t really need to be serviced right then and there. The quality is there, and he keeps you informed about the turnaround time. If you go to the big guys, you’ve got to chase them down to find out when your car is going to be ready. Not with Tony, he keeps you in the loop.”

ASE certified technician and shop owner Tony Mendolia doing an A/C check.

Phyllis Parker said, “I am always treated fairly and not taken advantage of. PC Automotive has Integrity. I trust Tony to fix my car correctly. I have sent many of my friends to his shop.”

You may have seen the news story about the dad who shot the burglar in the foot, Tony’s daughter Nicole was the girl home alone, and Tony was the dad.

Plant City Auto 2303 Jim Redman Pkwy.

Plant City, FL 33563 813-754-7106 Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5:30pm.

Opening Saturdays starting October 4

Tony’s Florida State Seminoles Harley Davidson welcomes all his old Gator, Bulls and Hurricane Friends.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 77

New Faces

At the Red Rose Inn & Suites royal

service

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experienced

Mrs. Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. have strived to make the Red Rose Inn & Suites elegant and an exquisite community fixture.

Able to accommodate business meetings, conventions, family reunions, parties or even evening outs, the Red Rose will surpass your expectations. Besides discriminating facilities and food, the staff is an exceptionally experienced group that offers cohesive teamwork. Four new staff members are being introduced to the community. According to Mark Johnson, guest services manager, “These new people are committed to the excellence that the Madonias have brought to Plant City.”

April Steele

David Rodas

Noelle Bass is the executive director of catering. This energized lady has been in the business for 20 years. Noelle enjoys travel, being outdoors and absolutely loves what she does. Studying under a chef and previously being a sous-chef, has inspired in Noelle a great passion for food. So Plant City, Noelle brings oodles of experience and lots of creative ideas for every catering event you can think of. Loving the new challenges of the Red Rose and the gorgeous ballroom, Noelle notes that the Red Rose catering

employees

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highest

department is different from other establishments.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach with prefab menus to choose from, the Red Rose prefers a very individual and specialized approach. Here you get a unique menu and theme to fit you and your

Jennifer White

Mrs. Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr.

Mateo Casini

occasion. Noelle “wants to create the most memorable event possible for you and your loved ones.” That is the opportunity to be entrusted to your special occasion.

Joe Feketa is the chief engineer. This dedicated man has been in the business for 10 years and loves nothing better than to make sure all the guests enjoy their stay. Always loving kids, and knowing that all children need parents if only just for a while, Joe and his wife hope to become foster parents. As chief engineer, Joe has two staff and grounds

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 78

standards

Noelle Bass

Mark Johnson

crew. He says, “I basically keep everything running.” That is to put it lightly. Joe and his staff keep the Red Rose appearance fresh. They make sure all rooms are in good shape, and they work quickly to erase any mechanical problems. Having to work with all departments, this affable man believes “the best part of the job is working with such great people and staff.”

April Steele is the accounting and human resources manager. She is tough and determined to bring friendly staff to the

Standing (Left to Right) Randy Wetherington (Dining Room Captain), Linda Meador (Catering Administrator), Nik Lindner (Ballroom Captain), Matteo Casini (Executive Chef), Venus Watson (Executive Sous Chef - Kitchen Manager), Chad Darling (Banquet Chef), Noelle Bass (Executive Director of Catering), John O’Toole (Lounge Manager), April Steele (Accounting and Human Resources Manager), Al Berry (Director of Marketing), Jennifer White (Executive Director of Sales), David Rodas (Executive Dining Room Manager - Maitre D’), Mark Johnson (Executive Guest Services Manager) Kneeling (Left to Right) Joe Feketa (Chief Engineer), Kerry Rydzik (AM Dining Room Manager), Dennis Hoag (Director of Technical Service - Entertainment Coordinator).

Red Rose while maintaining exacting financial acumen. April is a native Floridian who lives in Lakeland on eight and a half acres with a pond. Family time with her wonderful husband and two teenage children, decorating and fishing are her passions. April stresses teamwork, inventory control and is very business oriented. Mrs. Steele hires employees who are friendly, outgoing, polite and very hospitable. After all, the Red Rose is first-rate, so its customers deserve first-rate service as well.

New team members at The Red Rose Inn are from left to right Joe Feketa, Noelle Bass, Jennifer White and April Steele.

Jennifer White is director of sales. This outgoing, bubbly lady is always smiling. She has a wonderful husband, three children, is a

chocoholic and loves to fish. Her vivacious personality is perfect for sales hospitality.

Jennifer is the Red Rose community representative. She rents hotel rooms, is the corporate contact for group travel and is the front-and-center person for the community.

She is out and about in Plant City, and she attends many Plant City Chamber of Commerce events.

The new faces at the Red Rose Inn & Suites are characteristic of the owners’ attention to detail. Mrs. Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. have an auspicious staff, and invite the community to come and “be treated like royalty.”

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 79

RRR Farms Family Fun Plan Your Next Event Ranch-Style

enormous facility / experienced caretakers / spacious stables On a 10-acre stretch of groomed pasture, RRR Farms offers more than superior horse boarding. The fully functioning and high-tech ranch is now open for year-round parties, picnics, corporate events and other functions.

The oversized, 200- by 300-foot arena featured onsite is currently the host to seasonal shows such as the National Barrel Race Association. Since its completion over a year ago, the farm has provided the latest technology and has catered to visitors of all ages and lifestyles.

The spacious estate can accommodate events from weddings to theme parties and is opening its doors for a broader variety of events. The wooden “Cook Shack” houses a full kitchen and bathroom with shower, making it a unique indoor venue. The quiet country side offers seclusion and privacy for those who enjoy the outdoors.

RRR Farms is best known for its beautiful and affordable horse boarding stalls.

South and north barn facilities are used for lessons, boarding and training, making it an ideal spot for a horse to claim as home. Only the finest amenities are offered such as oversized, 14- by 16-foot stalls in addition to automatic water, fan and misting systems. Covered wash racks provide hot or cold water to the horses’ liking.

Guests are also invited to bring their horses for a day of relaxing fun, or horses can be provided by RRR farms for riding. Their

The 200- by 300-ft. area is large enough to hold many events, including barrel racing

certified equine massage therapist offers her services at any time to any horse either on premises or off. The ranch also offers a hot walker and a round, 64-foot pen where owners can enjoy time with their horses.

Experienced caretakers train and keep horses healthy with basic veterinary care, grooming and exercise. Plenty of paddocks are provided so that horses can roam and graze the tall, lush grass. Details, down to the minerals provided in the feed and quality of hay, are scrutinized and stalls are cleaned and tended to daily.

Victoria Rabon, owner and operator, never dreamed her small, four-stall barn would become a 14-stall facility after buying the land from her father, Ray Rabon, five years

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 80

ago. She had adopted three horses with the intentions of tending to a smaller, more personal horse farm.

Ray Rabon built the entire farm himself, including the stalls, structures and Victoria Rabon’s home, which she now shares with her sister and assistant, Lisa Rabon. The detailed and authentic craftsmanship is a result of Ray’s strong passions for his work.

He currently oversees the construction and carpentry tasks as well as tends to the animals at the farm six days a week.

“I believe it’s one of the nicest places in Hillsborough County. We keep it in top-top shape all the time,” said Ray. “The National Barrel Racing Association has said it is one of the best.”

The staff at RRR Farm works with all the horses.

Although RRR Farms was originally built as a family ranch for Ray’s five daughters, its expansion has proved to provide a positive and supportive atmosphere for horse lovers of all ages.

The Rabon’s take pride in putting the safety and care for animals first as well as working towards making every guest’s stay a fun one.

The barn stays well-maintained. Not only is it great for boarding, but many people book the barn for events.

All the horses are walked on the hot walker for exercises.

“We just want everyone to be happy and have a good time,” said Victoria Rabon.

Not far from several horse trails, RRR Farms atmosphere acquaints guests with peace and nature. Surveillance cameras film 24 hours a day for protection and comfort.

RRR Farm currently cares for six horses, and

The stalls are kept very clean and are very spacious areas for the horses.

also buys and sells horses. They tend to 200 cattle, five bulls and other family animals such as their dog, Eddie, who will gladly take a swim with you in the family pool.

For more information on shows, booking an event and buying or selling horses, contact RRR Farms at (813) 982-1172. The farm is located at 7449 Loghouse Road.

The round pen is not only great for exercise but also for beginning lessons with the trainer.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 81

A Stitch In Time

Strawberry Hill Stitchin’ offers top-notch embroidery.

Custom

apparel

/

elegant

embroidery

When you need custom embroidery or bling-bling added to your personal possessions or business effects, you really need to call Strawberry Hill Stitchin’.

This mother-and-daughter business offers fast turn around, quality service and will come to you. Whether simple or ornate designs, this creative team is a welcome addition to the Plant City community.

Owners Tami Ham and mom Pat Sprouse started their business together in May 2008. Tami is co-owner of All About Graphics, a graphic design company.

In order to be a one-stop shop for her customers, Tami knew she also needed to add an embroidery machine to fulfill customer needs. Many times, customers desired shirts, hats and other clothing items along with their new logo on signs and paper goods. Knowing her mother did outstanding sewing handiwork, it was just natural for Tami to ask her mom to co-own a new business.

Pat Sprouse has extensive sewing experience. As a homemaker, she made and created all her girl’s clothing from scratch. Sewing appliqués was easy on her Singer machine. Sprouse even branched out to making dolls for family and friends.

Her innovation and fascination for detail was well needed as she made her own quilts. Being artistic, Pat does all the designs and creative work. Tami and Pat run the machine. Using a Tajima double head nine needle embroidery machine, this latest and greatest in embroidery equipment can do two pieces at once.

Tami Hamm embroidering a backpack.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 82

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quality

service

Owning Strawberry Hill Stichin’ allows Sprouse the freedom of working from home, while utilizing her creative juices.

So how did an embroidery shop get the name of Strawberry Stichin’? According to Tami Ham, “My family and my folks are strawberry farmers first and foremost.

When mom and I were first deciding on a name for our new business, my 16-year-old son Logan said why not use Granny’s CB handle. Of course, that was Strawberry Hill.” It definitely makes sense for strawberry growers to name other businesses after their crops.

Tami and Pat want the community to know Strawberry Hill Stichin’ is here to assist their community with a quick turn around and great embroidery service. “We are here for the long haul,” states Tami.

“Whatever you can think of, we’ll design it, or use your own logo.” Recently, they embroidered a fancy logo on ostrich leather car seat covers. The owner was thrilled with the quality.

This company will take care of your embroidery needs. It can order shirts; it get them fast. Just tell the company what you want. The products include bags, pants, shirts and jackets. “If it fits in the machine, we’ll embroider it,” states Pat. Towels can be embroidered for new brides and grooms.

Strawberry Stichin’ can add rhinestones or bling-bling to anything the heart desires. “If you want it blinged, we can do it,” says Pat. Strawberry Stitchin’s motto: “If you think, it we’ll design it.” That idea bodes great for the Plant City community. Individuals, businesses and even schools will appreciate the hard work ethic and attention to detail.

For your embroidery needs, call (813) 478-9336 for Tami, (813) 927-3828 for Pat. They are located on Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, Florida. 33566.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • july 15 – august 15, 2008 • Page 83

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 85

investing

business & finance

SMART WAYS TO RESPOND TO A DOWN MARKET s u b m i t t e d b y e dwa r d jon es

If you’re an investor, you may have been disappointed with how the markets have been reacting this summer to the news of high oil prices and other short-term events. Nonetheless, your long-term financial goals don’t have to be jeopardized by these losses — if you know how to respond to them.

Here are a few moves to consider: • Stick to your investment strategy. It’s almost always a bad idea to make long-term investment decisions in response to short-term market fluctuations. If you have built a diversified portfolio of quality investments, you’re better off just “staying the course” during a market decline. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, cannot guarantee or protect against loss.) If these investments were suitable for you before the market drop, they’ll still be appropriate when the market turns around.

• Don’t try to “time” the market. It would be great if you could know when the market had reached its low or high points, or which days would be “losers” and which ones “winners.” If you had that foresight, you could always jump in and jump out of the market at the right times.

Unfortunately, no one can make those predictions with any accuracy.

And those people who do try to “time” the market in this manner end up jumping out at the wrong times and missing both short- and longterm market rallies. By staying invested through market ups and downs, you can make progress toward your long-term goals.

• Look for buying opportunities. By definition, a market decline means that stock prices are lower — which means you may find some good buying opportunities. Of course, you’ll want to know if the stock’s price is low because of the effects of the broad-based market decline or because of other factors specific to the stock, such as poor management, non-competitive products or a decline in the industry to which it belongs. While making these moves can help you get past the market decline, it doesn’t mean that a severe price drop can’t affect you. If you need money to pay for an unexpected cost, such as a major car repair, you’ll likely take a hit if you have to sell stocks when the market has fallen substantially. But you can avoid this problem by putting three to six months worth of living expenses in an emergency fund, preferably in a “cash” or “cash equivalent” account. Nobody likes to see big declines in the stock market. But if you’re a long-term investor, you’ve built an emergency fund and you’ve rebalanced your portfolio to fit your risk tolerance, you’ll be in a much better position to withstand these market drops – and you’ll be well prepared for an eventual recovery.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 86

send questions and comments to editorial@floydpublications.com

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Allstate employees, agents and their staffs live here, work here, and help provide protection to the people of this state as proudly as they always have.

With Allstate, You’re in Good Hands.

RALPH L. FEOLA, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF (813) 752- 2556 1003 S Collins St Plant City a026519@allstate.com The Cupped Hands logo and “Good Hands� are registered service marks of Allstate Insurance Company Auto Insurance issued by Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrock, IL. Property insurance issued by Allstate Floridian Insurance Company, St. Petersburg, FL. Allstate Floridian Insurance Company and Allstate Floridian Indemnity Company, while part of the Allstate group are not underwritten or reinsured by any other company in the Allstate group. Š 2008 Allstate Insurance Company

BENEFIT ASSOCIATES GROUP INSURANCE BENEFITS

813-719-3937 -Group Benefits -Individual Insurance

Medical, Life, Dental, Disability & Vision Plans

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 87

$"-- /08 GPS ZPVS '3&& NJOVUF DPOTVMUBUJPO

FINANCIAL COACHING Celebrate the Journey to Financial Peace Would you like‌ t " XPSLBCMF FBTZ UP VTF CVEHFU t "O PSHBOJ[FE BOE QSPWFO BDUJPO QMBO UP HFU PVU PG EFCU (in most cases within two years or less) t 1FSTPOBMJ[FE BDUJPO TUFQT UP IFMQ ZPV BDIJFWF ZPVS GVUVSF HPBMT $"-- UP TDIFEVMF ZPVS '3&& OP SJTL NJOVUF DPOTVMUBUJPO 4UBSU B mOBODJBM QMBO UIBU ZPV DBO CFMJFWF JO -FU VT IFMQ ZPV WIN XJUI ZPVS NPOFZ Mike and Mari Larkin

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CARPENTERS A Not for ProďŹ t, Continuing Care Retirement Community

The

“Award Winning Student Stylists�

at

1 Raider Place WE’RE BACK...

STOP IN AND GET A NEW LOOK!

Tue 26th 3:30 til 7:00

watch for more times and dates FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 89

success

business & finance

- Auto - Home - Flood - Health - Commercial

759-1044

1309 S Collins Street Suite 303

NOW OPEN

Dr. Derek Busciglio S t o ry b y Ruc h e l l e Ow e n s p h o t o c o u rt e s y o f De r e k B usc igli o, Orthodo nti st, B usc i g l i o O rt ho do n t i cs

Historic Downtown Plant City

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(813)431-9686 LICENSED INSURED

Plant City’s In-Home Pet Sitter

$5.00 OFF Any Service With Ad

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Frenchmanʼs Flea Market

102 South Evers Street 754-8388 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Open till 9pm the First and third Saturday of each month for the

BikeFest & Classic Car Show

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 90

Background: I’m a Plant City Raider. Those were great days! I then went on to play football at USF, so I guess I’m a Bull, too. I was so fortunate to always have the support of my five brothers and sisters, along with my parents, all the way to this point in my life. After all my travels, seven years up in Boston to continue my education, I find myself right back in P.C, and I love it.

Aspiration: My aspirations at this time are to spend more time with my family (since returning from school) and to grow with my father, Dr. John A. Busciglio, in this practice of orthodontics he started some 36 years ago.

Inspiration: I draw most of my inspiration at the office from our patients. Each one brings a bunch of youthful energy to my day and that really keeps me going.

Why I’m a Success: Two reasons.

I would have to say my parents are the main reason. They kept encouraging me no matter what.

Athletics would be number two.

Starting from my days at the high school, sports always kept me very goal-oriented.

What’s Next: A beautiful new orthodontic facility in Plant City.

Keep an eye out for it!

?

send questions and comments to editorial@floydpublications.com

Stephen W Shouse &INANCIAL !DVISOR !!-3 s 3 !LEXANDER 3TREET s 3UITE 0LANT #ITY &, s Michael Cameron &INANCIAL !DVISOR s 4HONOTOSASSA 2D 0LANT #ITY &, s Tim Shuff &INANCIAL !DVISOR !!-3 s . %VERS 3T 3UITE 0LANT #ITY &, s Jeff Dove &INANCIAL !DVISOR s *AMES 2EDMAN 0KWY 0LANT #ITY &, s FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 91

success

business & finance

Dr. Robyn Markley S t o ry b y Ruc h e l l e Ow e n s p h o t o c o u rt e s y o f D r . Robyn Markl ey, Ch iropractor Ma r k l e y C h i ropr ac t i c

Background: I attended Plant City High School and was a member of National Honor Society. I played volleyball and softball before graduating in 1996. I went on to the University of Tampa where I was the starting pitcher for the softball team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

I moved to Dallas in 2001 to start chiropractic school. After graduating in December 2003, I moved back to Florida and joined my father in practice. My mother is also in the practice as an acupuncturist. We are all members of the Chamber of Commerce and attend many community events.

Aspiration: I aspire to be a successful practitioner, helping as many patients as possible through chiropractic and nutrition. I want FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 92

to educate people on how to lead a healthy lifestyle; also, on alternative care.

Inspiration: My inspiration is our patients, especially the children.

Also, traveling to different areas of the country and world and realizing how great we have it.

Why I’m a Success: I have a lot of family support. I was always told that I can be and do whatever I want. Nothing is impossible.

What’s Next: To grow the practice and focus on the patients. Also, continuing my education on nutrition and technology.

?

send questions and comments to editorial@floydpublications.com

AMERICAN BOARD CERTIFIED

PLANT CITY’S URGENT CARE & WEIGHT LOSS

K Robert

irkland

Construction Inc.

Lic. #CBC 052263

Urgent Care

Weight Loss

s .O !PPOINTMENT .ECESSARY s -OST )NSURANCE !CCEPTED s %XPERIENCED 5RGENT #ARE 0HYSICIANS s /N 3ITE 8 2AYS s %+' ,ABS s 3TICHES s 3ORE 4HROATS s )NFECTIONS s 0HYSICALS s 3PRAINS s /CCUPATIONAL -EDICINE s -UCH -ORE

s -EDICALLY 3UPERVISED s !PPETITE 3UPPRESENTS s 6ITAMIN )NJECTIONS s $IET 0LANS s -EDS )NJECTION )NCLUDED IN THE TOTAL PRICE s -EMBER OF THE !MERICAN 3OCIETY OF "ARIATRIC 0HYSICIANS

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16 YEARS QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

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1205 E. Knights Griffin Rd. • Plant City, FL 33565

PH: 813.752.0881 • FAX: 813.719.6211

Wheeler

Before

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Community Revival Services Sunday—Wednesday Sept. 7-10th

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Sunday Morning Worship-10:30AM Nursery & Children’s Church Provided

Dr. Maxie Miller Bryon Lee & Family Leading worship at each service

For more information:

Monday & Tuesday Evenings-7:00PM Reynolds St

39

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Church On The Rock 301. E. Alsobrook St. Plant City, FL 33565 (813)752-3740 www.rockofpc.com

African-American Ministries Florida Baptist Convention

Nursery Provided for all evening services

Rev. Santiago Huron & Family Sunday Evening-6:30PM & Wednesday Evening-7:00PM

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to… “impact my world”

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 94

Isaiah 61:1-3

95

HOME GUIDE

115

This is a special advertising section

Keller Williams Realty Specializes In

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DAVE FOX! Welcomes

Dave is retired military and brings with him a wealth of real estate experience. Stop in and say hello or call him (813) 752-1880

3 !L EXANDE R 3T REET s 3U IT E s

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 95

HISTORIC HOME

Renovated historic home with loads of character & charm. Main home has 3BR/2.5BA with 2,562 Sq Ft. In-law apt with 900 SF has 1BR/1BA, full kitchen & office. All new electrical, plumbing & foundation. Original hard wood floors. New roof on main house & new detached garage w/office, apt & 1,200+ Sq Ft of storage built in ‘04. New kitchen in ‘07 w/ granite counter tops, cork flooring & new appliances. Above ground pool put in ground w/ wood deck & lighting along w/concrete patio & gazebo. Privacy fenced back yard.

Offered at $299,900. MLS #T2318929.

Call Terry Sobzak, (813) 760-9573 or Lorrie Sobzak (813) 760-9574

LITTLE ALAFIA CREEK ESTATES - REDUCED! - POOL

Price Reduction! Owners Motivated! Entertain in comfort, huge open kitchen with Viking cook top, island, 42” cabinets, & walk in pantry. Breakfast area overlooks pool, and flows into the large family/great room. Great room is wired for surround sound and leads to the pool area through French doors. The house sits upon a huge one-acre lot, which is partially fenced for privacy. So many amenities to list: granite, ceramic tile throughout with carpet in bedrooms, water softener, built-in pest control system, office/study, inside laundry room and so much more. A gem of a property that will not last long. Offered at $315,000.

MLS #T2294106. Call Malissa Crawford, (813) 967-0168.

REDUCED!

RAULERSON ESTATES SOUTH

3BR/2.5BA home with an open floor plan, formal living & dining rooms, large inside laundry room. Gourmet kitchen w/center island & double ovens. Sliding glass doors in family room open up to a screened in pool & lanai. Tray ceilings & crown molding give it that finishing touch. Central vacuum system, alarm system & a water softener included. In-wall pest control & 3/4” Styrofoam insulation are some of the upgrades. All on 1.48 acres.

Priced at $420,000. MLS #T2320747.

Call Terry Sobzak, (813) 760-9573 or Lorrie Sobzak (813) 760-9574.

CHARMING DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY

Everything in this home is new - even the kitchen sink. New roof, new cherry laminate floors throughout, new stainless steel appliances, and more.

Completely remodeled in 2005. New kitchen cabinets with Corian countertops and remodeled bathroom in 2006. Landscaping and irrigation in 2007.

“Move-in ready” in 2008. You will not be disappointed with this cozy home located near Plant City’s Historic District. Price reduced by $20,000. Seller’s are motivated. Offered at $149,000. MLS #T2290481.

Call Malissa Crawford, (813) 967-0168.

HAMPTON PLACE/WALDEN LAKE

Excellent investment opportunity. This manufactured home is a 2 Bed/1 Bath and is in need of repairs. Seller has never lived in home.

THIS IS NOT A SHORT SALE. Offered at $49,900. MLS #T2325499.

Call Janet Moore, (813) 751-9890.

Immaculate 4BR/3BA/3CG home on Golf Course, Par 5. This beautiful home opens through a double entry doorway into a formal living & dining room with crystal chandeliers. Some of the features include tray ceilings, remote control dimmer switches, formal columns, archways and niches. A split floor plan provides coveted privacy. Master bedroom has sitting area, his/hers walk-in closets & a master bath with double vanities, separate shower & garden tub. Two screened lanai’s invite outdoor activities. The kitchen provides solid surface counter tops & the open floor plan extends into the family room. Priced to sell, must see to appreciate. Offered at $359,900. MLS #T2297401.

Call Janet Moore, (813) 751-9890.

OAK AVENUE – REDUCED!

WEBB RANCH ACRES – THONOTOSASSA – REDUCED!

This 3BR/2.5BA home was built in 1915 in Beautiful Plant City, steps away from the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Original wood floors, top of the line kitchen appliances, living room with a working fireplace, dining room with a 2nd fireplace. Kitchen with bar/counter, large dinette which leads out to the lanai/patio. The 3 downstairs bedrooms are all a good size, with the MASTER being romantic as well as very functional. You must make an appointment to see this home. Offered at $249,500.

MLS #T2298290. Call Ken Lawrence at (813) 716-0187.

Web: www.kenselzplantcityrealty.com

This 4/4/3 country estate was constructed in 2005 by a custom builder & sits on 3.39 acres including 1/2 acre pond with fish. The remainder is pasture, waiting for your animals, including horses. There is a separate entrance one bedroom apartment above the garage with its own kitchen & living room. Pool/spa with cage & heated by propane. This property has a 150’ deep spring fed well, & the water is also chlorinated & softened.

Welcome to rural life in Florida, minutes from the interstate. Offered at $549,985.

MLS #T2317599. Call Ken Lawrence at (813) 716-0187.

Web: www.kenselzplantcityrealty.com

WALDEN LAKE FAIRWAY VILLAS

Carefree lifestyle. This 3BR/2BA/2CG villa with an atrium is just steps from the golf course & across the street from one of 2 secure community pools. No yard work or pool maintenance. There are removable opaque plastic panels that go over the screen lanai for all seasons. Spacious great room has volume ceilings with lots of windows & a corner fireplace. Kitchen includes all updated appliances & breakfast nook. 1-year home warranty paid by seller included.

Offered at $178,950. MLS #T2285389.

Call Terry Sobzak, (813) 760-9573 or Lorrie Sobzak (813) 760-9574.

COUNTRY HILLS

WOW! LOOK! You will want to call this home from the moment you walk through the door.

This inviting home exudes the warmth and comfort of “Home Sweet Home.” This home features a shining kitchen with newer appliances and breakfast nook with large window.

Watch the sun rise while sipping coffee with the newspaper. Settle down with a good book by the fireplace in the family room overlooking the spacious fenced back yard and lanai perfect for those summer backyard BBQ’s that are right around the corner. This home is sparkling and ready for new owners, you absolutely will not be disappointed.

Offered at $139,900. MLS #T2298604. Call Malissa Crawford, (813) 967-0168.

COUNTRY ESTATE/RANCH

Extensively renovated 4/2.5, 4-car carport, 5 acre property is simply “Gorgeous”. Inside, you’ll be impressed with the large Foyer, highlighted by the beautiful (real) oak wood flooring, which covers most of the home, except 3 bedrooms that have high quality Berber carpet. The kitchen has been upgraded, including cabinets, countertops & appliances, with bar/counter. Large dinette & formal dining room, Family Room w/wood burning fireplace, huge Great Room with wet-bar, immense screened-in lanai with Jacuzzi Hot Tub. Barn with 3 stalls + tack rooms, water & electricity & 2 pastures growing lush grass. Welcome to your COUNTRY ESTATE! Offered at $449,985. MLS #T2324717.

Call Ken Lawrence at (813) 716-0187. Web: www.kenselzplantcityrealty.com

WILDER’S POND – REDUCED!

A FANTASTIC property! Home is less than 2 years old & constructed by one of Tampa Bay’s Top Custom Builders. 4BR/2.5BA/2CG home on nearly 3 acres of pristine fenced land, including a pond. As you drive up to the home on a long paved driveway, you’ll be impressed with the view from the very first glance. Wood & ceramic tile flooring, crown molding, large kitchen & formal dining room just off the foyer. The Great Room affords several views of the property. Horses welcome. Offered at $499,500.

MLS #T2304957. Call Ken Lawrence at (813) 716-0187.

Web: www.kenselzplantcityrealty.com

Call us for your Residential and Commercial Real Estate needs

1513 Jim Redman Parkway, Plant City

813-754-3586 www.floridamoves.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

CLASSIC ELEGANCE

BRING THE HORSES

This gorgeous historical 2-story home was built in 1908 and has since been restored to all its original glory, but with a modern appeal. Home featuring 5 BR/3 BA, over 3800 SF, fireplace, security system, formal dining, & much more.- you have to see to believe! Situated on the brick streets of the historic district, this home is more than words can say! $569,000. MLS#T2316824. #035

13.5 acres fenced & cross-fenced w/8 stall barn w/water & electric, tack & feed room & pond. Property includes 4 BR/3.5 BA ranch style home with 3900+ SF plus remodeled kitchen, fireplace and so much more to offer! Priced right at $749,848. MLS#T2311859. #077

REDU

CED

MODERN COUNTRY LIVING

ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT

LOTS OF PRIVACY

Beautiful 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, 2-story home sits on 1 acre & built in 2005 w/lots of custom upgrades. Home features 2500+ SF living, wood floors, alarm system, surround sound & a bonus room waiting for your special touch. So much to offer & a convenient location! NOW $349,900. MLS#T2311845. #061

3 BR/2 BA brick home in great subdivision with no deed restrictions or HOA fees, and sits on a shady 1/2 acre corner lot. Home has over 2300 SF living, brick fireplace and lots of room for entertaining. Offered at $249,500.

MLS#T2313351. #078

3 bedroom, 4 bath with over 3000 SF living and situated on 3 acres of secluded property. Includes 30x50 barn and board fencing making it ideal for horses. Now only $399,900. MLS#T2306811. #042

JUST LISTED 2.6 acre bulding lot in new community of larger homes. Ready for your dream home of 2400 SF living or more. Only $81,900. MLS#T2324771

NEW ON MARKET 2 BR/1 BA mobile home in need of TLC. Ideal for a fixer upper or investment opportunity as a rental. Being sold AS IS. Only $49,900. MLS#T2325499.

YOUR DREAM HOME IS CALLING

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

2+ acre parcel with grandfather oaks, paved road frontage and small pond on the property. Your new home would be a perfect fit - mobile homes OK. Offered at $75,000. MLS#T2270664. #313

7 acres MOL located inside the city limits and zoned R-6/6 units per acre. Includes 4 BR/2 BA/2 car garage home with over 2500 SF living area. PLUS mobile home that is 4 BR/2 BA. Offered at $325,000. MLS#T2302000. #058

READY TO BUILD? 1.33 acre parcel on Holloway Rd in area of newer homes. Priced right at $94,900. MLS#T2295485.

NORTH PLANT CITY One acre with oak trees off Knights Griffin Rd-some deed restrictions. Reduced to $89,000. MLS#T2318671.

COMPLETELY REMODELED 3 BR/2 BA /2 CG block home in the country on 1 acre of land. Home has over 1600 SF living, fireplace, new carpet & tile floors, new roof & A/C plus all new appliances. Priced right at $239,900. MLS#T2326312

Dedicated to the Value of Home & Family

Jimmie Robinson

813-754-3586 ext 222 www.floridamoves.com/jimmie.robinson E-mail: Jimmie.Robinson@floridamoves.com toll free

1-877-442-7001

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

1513 J. L. Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33563

DO IT NOW!

GRAND OPENING

Karate Okinawan Uechi Ryu

BRING IN THESE COUPONS BEFORE PRICES GO UP!

10% OFF 10% OFF ALL SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS

ALL NEW DOUBLE INSULATED HOUSE AND MOBILE HOME WINDOWS

EXPIRES 09-31-08

EXPIRES 09-31-08

Chief Instructor /Sensei Michael McGee 6th Degree Black Belt Master (Rukudan) Certified from Okinawa The Island of Karate

All classes taught by Certified Black Belts Small class size for personal instruction

Tues.

6:15 - 7:00pm Children’s Class

Open Mondays Through Saturdays: 8:30-5:00 (Between Lakeland and Plant City)

2670 Highway 92 East, Plant City, FL • 813-752-3378 www.brokepoor.com FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 98

7:00 - 8:30pm Adult’s Class

Children’s programs available

Class Schedule: Wed.

6:15 - 7:00pm Children’s Class 7:00 - 8:30pm Adult’s Class

Thurs.

6:15 - 7:00pm Children’s Class 7:00 - 8:30pm Advanced Class

Sat.

9:00 - 10:00am Children’s Class

10:00 - 12:00pm Karate - Weapons

1-813-482-3566 for more details 104 W. REYNOLDS ST., PL ANT CIT Y, FL Call

http://martial.meetup.com/223

PRIVATE WOOD SETTING

One acre of relaxed living, w/3Bd/2Ba, 1719 SF. Superbly designed kitchen w/center cooking island. Lg family rm & formal dining rm, great for entertaining. Kids will enjoy the majestic trees that shade the fenced back yard. Only $139,900. #58

PARK-LIKE SETTING AWAITS YOU!

3Bd/2Ba, 2005 DW, better than new, beautifully maintained country setting. $127,900. A must see! #17

LAND, GIVE ME LAND

4.04 acres are grand & include a charming 824 SF home. 2Bd/1Ba, includes pole barn, detached garage & charming front porch. Live in home while building your dream home or sit back on the front porch & enjoy the land. $195,000. #16

THIS SHORT SALE‘S FOR YOU!

Step up to this 2Bd/1.5 Ba Condo. Child-friendly floor plan. Great rm in good condition. A steal at $99,900. #59

COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

This 3Bd/2Ba, 1144 SF home is located walking distance to Plant City Hospital & medical offices.

Built in 1989, features separate family, dining and inside ldry. Kids’ll love fenced back yard w/plenty of play area & above ground pool. Priced at only $99,000.#55

HUMBLE HOME

Welcome guests into cozy 2Bd Bungalow, w/gracious LR, huge DR & remodeled kitchen. 2 ½ huge city lots on corner! 1/3 AC, 3 sheds & 2 C Cpt. A great value @ $114.500. #56

ROUND ‘EM UP PARTNER! PERFECT FOR HORSES, CRITTERS & KIDS!

POPTARTS OR PANCAKES?

SITUATED IN SENIOR NEIGHBORHOOD

SWEETHEART DEAL!

WELCOME HOME

STONELAKE RANCH OFFERS NATURAL BEAUTY & SPLENDOR

Distinctive inventor‘s personal home w/attention to energy saving details avoids costly energy bills! Unique floor plan w/nearly 4000 SF, 6Bds, 3Ba & 2 half Ba, soaring ceilings in GT rm. Split plan for extended families or in-laws. Impressive glass staircase & many more amenities, present this Dallas setting of 12.12 ac w/5 stall horse barn in Thonotosassa, Get Away - minutes from Tampa. A Must See at $895,000. #39

3Bd/2Ba MH is located in Floral Lakes Community with pool and lake access. Kitchen features eat-in area with range, refrigerator & dishwasher. Inside laundry rm has additional storage that leads to outside patio area. Priced at only $55,000. #12

Pretty as a picture & beautifully maintained on 1.17 AC, this quiet retreat is just what you need! 3Bd/2Ba, carport, sheds, deep well & more. Only $97,500. #88

RENTALS:

ACREAGE AND COMMERCIAL:

FOR RENT

Beautiful serene country setting awaits plans for a new home. Minutes from I-4. This Midway parcel is only $112,500. #7

2 ACRES LAMPP RD - WILL LIGHT YOUR FIRE!

3Bd/2Ba mobile home, like new on 1 acre in Knights Griffin. Only $1050 per month.

LEASE:

$550.00 Mo. 1Bd/1Ba, Freshly painted, newly remodeled 2 story.

2Bd/2Ba singlewide mobile home is situated on .59 acres, conveniently located near Airport Rd in Lakeland. Priced at only $95,000. #49

Breathtaking water front lot - Lake Thonotosassa, boat, ski on 880 ac lake w/dock and enjoy community amenities! Call for more info. $1,100,000.00 #23

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS MARKET

Stake your claim on this beautiful, partially wooded 2.5 acres located minutes from I-4, w/conservation on rear to buffer neighbors, this great buy is a country paradise for your dream home! Make offer - Owner Says Sell! $95,900. #85

KEEP THE DISTANCE

No back door neighbors w/nearly 5 ac in Thonotosassa, 660 ft. road frontage you‘ll place dream home in middle! A STEAL @ $216,900. #22

IDEAL COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL!

Hwy 574 - 1.33 AC, this highly visible corner site is perfect for retail, business office, warehouse, etc. Priced right @ $399,500. Please call for more info. #60

1514 S. Alexander St., #203, Plant City, FL 33563

813-659-3306 www.vogelrealtyservices.com

Meals at huge granite breakfast bar, new CB, 3Bd/2Ba on ¾ acre. 1588 SF, 12ft ceilings, gourmet kitchen, s.s. appliances, wood cabinetry, only $199,000. #28

Law Offices of Joseph M. Williams, P.A. Joseph M. Willams ATTORNEY AT LAW

+JN 3FENBO 1BSLXBZ t 1MBOU $JUZ '- Phone: 813.719.6605 t 'BY 813.717.9808 www.williamsatlaw.com The Law Offices of Joseph M. Williams, P.A., provides a one-on-one approach to law you will find comfortable, honest and open.

The attorneys and staff are involved with your case from day one, and will stay involved until that case comes to a successful conclusion.

Specializing in Probate/Estate, Wills & Trust & Family Law WHATEVER YOUR LEGAL NEED WE’LL STRIVE FOR JUSTICE IN YOUR CASE.

Call today for your consultation.

813.719.6605 *The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

You don’t want a

Financial Institution, you want a Partner.

EXPERIENCE THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE UĂŠ , ĂŠ

UĂŠ " ĂŠ- ,6 UĂŠ - 6 -ĂŠEĂŠ 6 -/ /UĂŠ -1, ĂŠEĂŠ 1- --ĂŠ ĂŠ - ,6 -

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Call, Click or Visit: (813) 871-2690 ext. 21935 or toll-free 1-888-871-2690 ext. 21935

WWW.GTEFCU.ORG Visit us at 2201 James L. Redman Parkway in Plant City or any one of our 37 branches.

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 100

waldenlakereview

homes

Will there ever be a dog park at the Polo Field? submitted by natali e s w eet

The Walden Lake Community Association Board still has concerns about the financing of a dog park and how the ongoing maintenance and costs will be handled. There was discussion about an annual fee for an access card to use the park. In the past, the group that has requested the dog park suggested that there could be some fund-raising efforts to raise the money or a portion of the money needed for building the park.

A motion was passed to hire an assistant to Marlene Merrin, the community administrator. The board plans to have an assistant in place

by Oct. 1. Merrin takes on more neighborhoods in the enforcement of covenants.

The turnaround in Walden Oaks for mail pick up has been paved. The cost to pave the area was $1,700 plus $100 for city approval. The Board had agreed to $1,500 for the project, which leaves a $300 balance to be paid by the Walden Oaks residents.

Steve Mercer of the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club says the club will be looking great by October.

The tennis courts should be complete by the beginning of September. The pool, pool house and fitness center should be ready by the end of August.

The smoothie bar will be open by the middle of September. The private and main dining rooms have been renovated and renovations at Boogie’s Restaurant should be complete by the end of September.

The course and practice fields have received major renovations, which continues. All of this and more will be done in time for

fall golf tournaments and holiday parties. To plan your event or find out about membership specials, contact Michelle Newsome at 813-752-1171, extension 222.

The Gibson Golf Academy had a great turn out for summer camp. Be on the look out for a fall swim team program.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 101

RENEE CORZINE KELLER WILLIAMS

Realtor

$125,000 WHAT A VALUE!

$199,900 MODEL PERFECT

$219,900 SOUTH LAKELAND

3/2/2, 1689 SF, 2006 Built, Great 3/2/2, 1704 SF, Vaulted Ceilings, 4/2/2, 1946 SF, French Doors, Scrnd Lanai, Fenced, Corner Lot Scrnd Lanai, 1/4 Acre Corner Lot Rm, 3-Way Split, Huge Kitchen

$155,000

$135,900

TWO-STORY ON AN ACRE LAKELAND CONDO

3/2.5 on 1 acre, 2064 SF, Bonus Rm/Den, 2/2.5/1, 1400 SF, Oak Cabs, Quartz,, New Baths, New tile/carpet/laminate, Patio Fireplace, Fenced, 20’x12’ Utility Shed

$331,900 PARADISE FOUND!

$86,000 CHARMING

2/1, 816 SF, New Kitchen, Tile, Privacy Fenced, Cul-de-Sac

$209,200 CORNER POOL HOME

5/3/3, 2787 SF, 2006 Built, Bonus Rm,1 4/2/2, 1843 SF, Split Plan, acre, 32’x18’ Scrnd Lanai, In-Law Suite LR/DR/FR, Fenced, Landscaping

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

813-716-6007

rcorzine@tampabay.rr.com

3 !LEXANDER 3TREET s 3UITE s

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 103

mortgage

homes

Is 100% Financing Real? s u b m i t t e d b y n at e davis

Q: Is 100 percent financing real?

A: Yes Q: Okay, but does it come with really high rates?

A: No, the rates for these types of programs are typically in the Mid-6’s Q: Do you have to be a first-time homebuyer?

A: No Q: How does it work?

A: There are currently two ways to achieve 100 percent financing.

The first way is through a USDA loan which is truly 100 percent financing. The property and borrower must qualify, but basically is the property is in a rural area, you are half way there. There are some income restrictions, but they are very liberal (You don’t have to be poor like me to qualify).

SEE OUR NEW OFFERS BELOW!

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Q: So I can buy a home with no down payment? Are you sure?

A: Absolutely. We close loans like this each month. They are very popular with first time homebuyers, though it is not a requirement to be one.

Q: Is this an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage), Interest Only or some other flavor of the month type loan?

A: Nope, these are both 30-year fixed rate mortgages with no prepayment penalties. They are actually government insured loans.

Q: How do I see if I qualify?

A: You must call a FHA approved lender that offers Down Payment Assistance programs (not all FHA approved lenders do).

Nate Davis –www.PlantCityMortgages.com – Home Loan Specialist – 813.759.2274

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The other way is to receive an FHA loan for 97 percent of the purchase price and have the seller contribute the 3-percent down payment (97% + 3% = 100%) into a nonprofit Down Payment Assistance Fund.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 104

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Natalie Sweet 813-758-9586

Cathy Martin 813-376-0891

Angel Miller 813-546-9863

For “Another Sweet Sale” Call 813-758-9586. Call Us For All Your Real Estate Needs!

GATED HAMPTON PLACE

WALDEN LAKE ON CONSERVATION LOT

WALDEN LAKE WONDERFUL

Stretch out with over 2900 sq’ on the golf course. 4 large bedrooms & office, gorgeous master suite with sitting room. The kitchen features a huge pantry, granite countertops, 42” Cherry Cabinets & wrap around breakfast bar. Bathrooms have upgraded tile. $395,000. Call Natalie Today to see this BEAUTY! 758-9586

1 A MOL lot in desirable Clubhouse Woods neighborhood. 3 Bedroom plus Office/Den, 3 Baths, Formal Living & Dining Rooms. Huge Kichen opens to the Family Room. Pool & Spa completes the package. $349,000 Call Natalie 813-758-9586.

Rare find on cul-de-sac in Aston Woods with 2884 sq’.

Fabulous 2 story home with formal & family areas. Enjoy entertaining around the pool/spa and enormous yard. $347,500 Call Natalie 813-758-9586

CHARMING GOLF COURSE HOME

VALRICO BEAUTY

CHARMING WALDEN LAKE HOME

Live the fine life in the prestigious Aston Woods neighborhood in Walden Lake. The lovely landscaped setting sets the stage as you enter this wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, great room floor plan with formal dining room and large kitchen w/center island. $299,500 Call Natalie 758-9586.

Upgraded 3/2/2 Pool home on quite street with no backyard neighbors. Beautiful view from the knoll the home rests on to enjoy cookouts & the gazebo by the pool. This house is move in ready-all it needs is you! $224,500.

Call Cathy at 376-0891.

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Great Room floor plan features beautiful wood floors, designer master bath, screened lanai and peaceful back yard setting. Priced to sell at $179,900. Call Natalie 813-758-9586.

GREAT HOME CLOSE TO EVERYTHING

WALDEN LAKE FOR $165,000!

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath w/out deed restrictions in quiet neighborhood. Almost 1800 sq’ w/over sized screed patio w/brick pavers & heated spa. Large in town lot. $159,900 Call Natalie Sweet 758-9586.

DON’T LET THE AGE FOOL YOU

This 1925 Bungalow is all NEW! Everything has been updated inside and out from the floor to the roof. You will love the gorgeous NEW Kitchen with Granite Countertops and New Appliances. A Must See! $137,500 Call Natalie 813-758-9586

Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath home with great room & 2 car garage on beatiful corner lot. Enjoy the screened lanai and the front porch with swing. Don’t let the price fool you, this is a great home! Call Angel 546-9863.

GREAT PRICE GREAT HOME

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage Home with almost 1300 square feet of living area built in 2001. This homes backs up to conservation. A little elbow grease and this home will be a GEM! $115,000 Call Angel 813-546-9863

2 Family Home plus an additional unit over the garage in the heart of the Historic District. Great Location, Great Price! $189,900.

Call Angel at 813-546-0863.

GREAT BUY FOR $94,900

Don’t let the price fool you! Wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a nice lot in quiet location. Formal Living & Dining Rooms plus Family Room with Fireplace. Screened porch and Pool w/large deck. Call Angel 813-546-9863

No Gimmicks Just great customer service and your garments returned when promised and ready to wear.

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813-757-6200 WITH 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 2806 James L. Redman Pkwy

104 W Grant St

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 106

1701 S. Alexander #101

Randall & Kathleen Wainoris

Team Wainoris...Selling Plant City and Lakeland

REALTOR® / Attorney at Law

REALTOR® / Notary

PLANT CITY CIRCA 1900

Charming two story turn of the century colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths with new roof and a/c. Home has been completely rewired with a totally remodeled kitchen. Large corner lot with beautiful mature trees and detached garage. Reduced to only $225,000

CHARLESTON WOODS 4 bedroom, 3 bath, golf course pool home on private gated street. Over 3200 ft.

Additional den/office plus large game room. Huge covered pool area with outdoor bar. Gourmet island kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Reduced to $449,000

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

813-997-3000 863-608-1557 sellmyhome@tampabay.rr.com

863-688-2822

TOLL FREE: 888-488-2822 • FAX 813-659-0196

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOME This 4 bedroom home on over 1 acre in the Cork area has every upgrade: 10 ft ceilings, granite kitchen & baths, crown molding throughout, 8 ft doors, 18 SEER A/C, and much more. Large flat back yard w/pole barn too! Reduced to sell at just $354,900

WATERFRONT POOL HOME Beautiful 4 bedroom home is nestled on a quiet gated street in the Wedgewood golf community, directly on Lake Gibson in Lakeland. Huge gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets and granite counters. Large wrap around deck overlooking pool and lake. Asking $499,000.

PLANT CITY MARKET UPDATE

by Randall Wainoris, JD, MBA

IS NOW THE BEST TIME TO BUY OR SELL? WATERFRONT PROPERTY

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home directly on Lake Parker. Property includes fishing pier and boat ramp. Large F/R, L/R w/ fireplace. Huge deck overlooking water. Reduced to $274,000.

CARE FREE LIVING

Immaculate 2 bed/2 bath Lakeland condo.

Private back yard, covered parking.

Reduced to sell at just $124,900.

LAKELAND 3 BEDROOM CONDO

Completely renovated 3 bed 2 1/2 bath Lake Bentley condo. Drastic price reduction: only $109,900!

BRING THE HORSES

Beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home on 4.14 fenced acres. Large country kitchen, huge wood deck, pool, 4 stall barn w/ electric & water, tack shed and wash rack. Reduced to just $199,900.

The media continues to provide us with daily commentary from purported real estate experts; each of whom claim to know then the real estate market will “turn around.”

In reality, there are as many experts as there are opinions. We must all remain suspicious of most of these individuals since many of them have an agenda of their own. Further complicating the situation is the fact that every part of the country is different; for example, the real estate market in Chicago has very little to do with the real estate market in or around Polk County.

According to both the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors and the Lakeland Association of Realtors, “housing months inventory” (total inventory divided by sales) has decreased every month since January of this year. So what does that mean? It means that every month since January, there have been less and less homes available in inventory in relation to sales.

From what I recall in my economics classes in college, at some point, if supply continues to fall....prices will begin rise. So..........even though I am not an economist, I believe that prices in our local area will begin to stabilize at or near current levels. That should help the market return to a normal equilibrium....a good thing for everyone! Thinking of buying or selling?

Please call Team Wainoris today to see how we can help you!

ADORABLE!

Adorable 2 bedroom/2 bath on quiet Lakeland street. Very open floor plan with volume ceilings. Reduced to just $99,900!

GREAT STARTER HOME

Wonderful starter home in Lake Gibson School district. Very open plan with volume ceilings, plant shelves and large bedrooms.

Priced to sell fast at just $142,000

*Please consult your tax advisor for your individual tax considerations.

Exit Realty is Growing WWW.TEAMWAINORIS.COM

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(Discount based on the equipment only).

This offer expires August 30, 2008.

s u b m i t t e d b y jo - a n l us k

10 YEARS FULL PARTS AND LABOR GUARANTEE It is interesting and exciting to see how just a couple of months can change things in this business. I talk to real estate professionals, buyers and sellers everyday and all seem to “feelâ€? the change‌the change is small, but it is a start.

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For example, in Plant City, the month of May was an improvement over the first quarter of the year with an average sale price of $187,500, an average days-on-market of 151 days, and only 26 total sales in the area. For Plant City, in the month of June, the average sale price was $180,400, average days-on-market of 124 days and 40 sales. (Greater Tampa Association of Realtors/www.gtar.org).

July is shaping up to be an improvement over June.

SAVE $$$$ While Reducing Indoor Pollutants and Improve Your Health

Call Jennifer (813)224-0970 www.onehourair.com

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 108

A slight improvement in the market has begun – prices are still down, but sales are up. For sellers, this does NOT mean prices are going to creep up; many properties are still on the market because they have not adjusted. I call it a “stale� listing. If you are trying to sell your home and you’ve had it on the market for more than 4 months with no price adjustment, no showings or offers, you need to: 1) take it off the market, or 2) speak with your realtor about a price adjustment. If you are buying a home, then why not now?

Prices are down, rates are at their lowest – and probably won’t be for long. There are some great deals out there. A realtor can help you with market values.

The message hasn’t really changed‌now is still a great time to buy.

Now is a great time to review your reasons for selling (other than foreclosure or hardship). We still have a long way to go, but we are making strides in the right direction!

Happy House Hunting!

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License #CBC1251837

813-757-9727 or 813-363-2047 www.millenniumhomes.biz

Free Estimates call now for a Appointment!

In tough times, choose a Custom Home Builder, that is here to stay!!!

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 109

Single Family Homes from the $180’s 1,286 to 1,950 s.f. of living space Standard lot 60’ x 110’ INVENTORY HOMES AVAILABLE

Walden Pointe

Model Now Open Single Family Homes starting from the $240’s 1,963 to 2,704 s.f. of living space Standard lot 75’ x 120’. Larger lots available

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Contact Paula and Abby today at NEW PHONE #: 813-490-2078 paula.meyers@freemarr.com • www.freemarrhomes.com Broker Participation Welcome Abby Richardson 813-967-1938

Paula Davis Meyers 813-967-1942 Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.

Standard features may vary per oor plan and community.

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$

199 MOVES YOU IN Village at Park Road

LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED

New Locati on 1912 Hollo way Road Plant City, Fl 33567

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City t n a l P s w o n k o h “W ” s l a c o L e h t n a h t better Did you know you can choose your Surveyor when Re-Financing!!!!

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 112

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Luxury Apartment Homes Features: Full size washer/dryer connections Breakfast area in most floor plans High-speed internet access • 9 foot ceilings 24 hour fitness center • Car care center Gated community • Detached garages available Pet friendly • 7-12 month leases 1 mile from I-4

2120 Village Park Road ~ Plant City 813.719.1850 ~ www.Gables.com Mon.-Fri. 9-6 ~ Sat. 10-5

Reduced rates for a limited time only!

Janet Calvello 813-967-1939 RealtorÂŽ

Becky Bowdish 813-376-2100 Property Manager/Realtor

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Jayne Rawnsley 813-763-0495 RealtorÂŽ

Barbara Layton 813-967-1937 RealtorÂŽ

Brenda Salyers 813-230-1120 RealtorÂŽ

Carol Brassart 813-918-4248 RealtorÂŽ

David Scruggs 813-695-2035 RealtorÂŽ

Sue Daniels 813-751-4035 RealtorÂŽ

Terri Caroll 813-508-1957 RealtorÂŽ

SALES DIVISION - FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE COMPANY

BEAUTIFUL HOME with formal living room, dining room PLUS family room complete with fireplace. Hardwood floors, fenced yard and screened lanai.Small dog OK - no cats. Comfortable home waiting for the right family! FOR RENT at $1250 Month.

Call Jayne Rawnsley at 813-763-0495â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;LAUREL LAKE single family home / condo in gated community within Walden Lake. Excellent condition. 2 bedrooms plus Den/ Office and a 10X18 Florida Room. Split bedrooms, 2 car garage.

Golf course community, Walking Trails. Seller Very Motivated.

Bring all reasonable offers! $229,900 Call Janet Calvello at 813-967-1939

SUPER NICE 3 Bedroom 2 bath pool home in quiet, friendly community. Close to HCC, Ballpark and a hop, skip and jump to I-4. Great location for commuters!! $1200 month. Call Terri at 813-508-1957 for more info.

LOVELY VIEWS from this 3Bed/2Bath home. COMPLETELY RENOVATED. Large DECK and DOCK with 10,000LB BOAT LIFT overlooking DEEP WATER. Open floor plan, Large Kitchen, Fireplace in Living area with Wonderful Views!

Must see this one.

Call Carol Brassart 813-918-4248

3BED/3BATH with 3226sf; two master suites, built 2006. Room for additional bedrms. 2car garage & 3 car carport with enclosed 10x30 workshop on more than an acre. 399,900 Make offer! Call or email Brenda Salyers 813-230-1120 HotProperty@Live.com

MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT. 2/2 home in deed restricted community for 55 & older. 27 hole golf course, tennis courts, 2 swimming pools, 3 clubhouses, 26 indoor shuffleboard courts. NOT a rental park. Own you lot.

Home completely furnished including linens and dishes. 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; garage with separate golf cart door and 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x39â&#x20AC;&#x2122; carport. REALTOR owned. $118,900. Sue Daniels @ (813) 751-4035.

Medical space across the street from Brandon Humana Hospital. Currently setup with 3 exam rms, 2 restrooms, several walk in storage, 1 ofc, Lab, Recept area and Wtg room. For Lease at $1600 per month.

Call David Scruggs at 813-695-2035

THINKING OF RENTING YOUR HOME? Look for the agent that has the experience A complete credit/background check on all applications gives us the ability to find just the right tenant for each property.

Call Becky 813-376-2100 for addition information.

IMMACULATE 4 BEDROOM/ 2 BATH 2361 sq. ft. home with sparkling pool. Family room has fireplace and looks out onto the large screened lanai and pool. Kitchen has new appliances and cabinets have been refinished with a eat in area and adjacent formal dining room. Home has decorator tile and has been well maintained. It is on a corner lot with a fenced in back yard. This is a beautiful home and in move in condition.

Call Barbara Layton (813) 967-1937 for more information

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Randy V. Heysek M.D., F.A.C.R.O. Board Certified in Radiation Oncology Kathryn L. one of the best Don’t miss the chance to have Walden Lake has toKepes, offer. This true 5 bedroom, 4 bath home also has aM.D., roomy office/den with its own private bath that leads outside. Situated on a spaF.A.C.R.O. Board in cious conservation lot,Certified this home is ready for a large Radiation Oncology, family. From theInternal freshly painted interior and tasteMedicine & ful decorating to Medical the amazing Oncology - floor plan, this place is Directo r one you will love toCo.call home.

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ALL AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CENTER 303 North Alexander Street, Call 813-719-7705 for appts/consultations FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 114

GATED COMMUNITY!! Wonderful townhome!! This is a place anyone would love to call home. Close to shopping, I-75, Crosstown and Macdill AFB, it offers easy access to a multitude of shopping, entertainment and restaurants. With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, it is ideal for anyone. Great price at $135,000.

Don’t let the low price fool you. This is a great 3/2.5 home with a wonderful screened in porch, fenced backyard and great floorplan.

Just a little TLC could make this home perfect for anyone!! Call today for a showing. 155,000.00

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FOCUS Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ august 15 - september 15, 2008 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 115

sports & fitness sports

Sedrick Durant, with wife Keyshia, and Coach Ross Ruth.

High Performance Trainer Sedrick Durant Pushes Athletes to a Higher Level.

St ory & Photos by Joe Bow les

Some athletes need no assistance in performing at their peak. Most, however, do. That is where Sedrick Durant enters the picture.

Sedrick is a pusher. He pushes athletes to perform at their highest level and he has the evidence to prove it. Last year, one of his clients, Ryan Colson, a track star from Bartow, set the Florida high school record in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.29 seconds.

“When Ryan set the record, people started giving me a lot of attention,” Sedrick recalled while taking a break from a training session at Marshall Middle School.

Sedrick, a 1991 graduate of Plant City High School, where he lettered in football and track for the Raiders, learned a lot about being pushed to another level from his high school coach, Floyd Kelley. “Coach Kelley demanded personal toughness and hard work from his all of his athletes.”

comprised of athletes from ages seven to 50 that compete in events throughout Florida.

Sedrick has worked with the other Raider athletes such as Roderick Henderson, last year’s MVP in basketball, and Sirchauncey Holloway, last year’s leading rusher in football. Sedrick’s resume also includes working with the Plant City Lancers soccer team and with Raiders’ tennis players Dustin Hinson and Arielle Rollyson, both Western Conference All-Star selections.

Recently, Durant, his wife and college sweetheart Keyshia and Coach Ross Ruth spent most afternoons preparing their track club for the Southeast Sports Festival that was held August 1-3, 2008 at Florida State University.

Coach Ruth’s daughter, Dasia, hopes to be able to shatter the world record in the 400 meters for 10 year olds if she is able to improve her best time by just

a few seconds. Sedrick’s son Jacarri, at age 10, competes in the 400 meters, the 800 meters and the long jump. His oldest son Christian, a sophomore at Newsome High School, is a member of the wrestling team and football team.

“I love what I do, and I have a passion to see young people improve their lives,” said Sedrick.

“I also enjoy seeing them travel to meets. My pastor says I have a calling.”

While Sedrick is compensated for most of his training, he donates his time to the track club. “We travel a lot so we have to do a lot of fundraisers and we ask for donations.”

Anyone desiring to reach Sedrick can do so by calling 813-478-3003 or by e-mail at fulltimesports21@ aol.com.

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Sedrick took that work ethic with him when he went to BethuneCookman College where he made the football team under NFL Hall of Famer Larry Little, but disappointedly was not able to participate because of a knee injury. Sedrick rehabbed the knee but suffered an injury to his other knee in a tryout with the Tampa Bay Storm. It was then that Sedrick decided to share what he had learned with others.

Durant’s first project was his nephew, Dane Jones, who became a three-sport star for the Raiders.

Inspired by his nephew’s success, Sedrick then began to offer his services to other aspiring athletes by forming his own training organization called Full Time Sports. Full Time Sports has enabled Sedrick to become a personal fitness trainer to adults, offer high-performance training for youth and to organize the Full Time Track and Field Club,

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 116

Trainer Sedrick Durant giving instructions before an event.

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ELECTRICITY IS NO HOBBY CALL: 813.737.9057 Swilley Johnson Electric was formed by Richard Swilley and Donnie Johnson in May 2002. The two have 75 years combined experience, are listed wth the Better Business Bureau and are members of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Richard and Donnie were born and raised in Plant City and the community of Pinecrest, where the business is today. They both graduated from Pinecrest High School. Richard’s father, Glenn, was the former chief electrical inspector of Hillsborough County and Donnie’s father, Carl, was an electrical contractor in Brandon.

Richard and Donnie operate their business on the principles of honest, integrity and fairness.

The business is diverse with experience in residential, commercial, and industrial service and installation. This includes service work, new home additions, remodeling, retrofitting for lighting upgrades, generator installation, and new mother-in-law homes to sprawling 8,000-10,000 square foot homes.

Commercial and industrial work includes projects such as Southside Farm and Pet Supply, Central Florida Custom Homes’ new office building, Mattress Giant, Great Clip, Harbor Freight, Warren Equipment, Central Maintenance and Welding, S.P. Trucking, Santa Sweet’s Produce, Jarrett Scott Ford and more.

Richard and Donnie would love the opportunity to serve any electrical needs you may have. They can be reached at 813-737-9057 Monday through Friday.

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 117

athleteofthemonth

sports & fitness

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Arielle has really enjoyed having Gary Brady as her coach since she first started playing for Plant City High School. The team is even nicknamed “The Brady Bunch.”

As well as having him as a coach, Arielle’s cousin, Rhett Rollyson, has been helping her for around two - three years. Generally, over summer vacation and until tennis season officially begins, she does her own practice and is trained by her cousin. Besides this, she is now playing her first year in a tennis league. This August will be the tournament that determines which team will go on to Jacksonville to continue competing.

Arielle Rollyson Local tennis star enters her senior year.

St ory & Photo by ho lly m allali eu FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 118

Coming into her fourth and final year on the Plant City High School tennis team, Arielle Rollyson, 17, can only get better. With tennis being her only sport, all of her efforts have definitely paid off, and she has earned herself the No. 1 position on the team three years in a row, which also constitutes the title of captain.

Her talent for the game has not gone unrecognized, being selected first team All-Western Conference for the past two years. Arielle is grateful to Shane from Plant City Tennis, Sedric her personal trainer, and Tony Mathis – all who have been very helpful throughout her tennis seasons.

Through year-round hard work and dedication to the game, Arielle has created quite a name for herself on the high school tennis team and is sure to be even more successful in the year to come.

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Omar Aref, MD

Board Certified Family Physicians 1703 Thonotosassa Rd., Ste. A Plant City, FL 33563

www.omararefmd.com (813) 567-5682 Fax (813) 567-5686

Primary Care for all Ages Preventive Medicine Sports Medicine Office Skin Procedures Botox & Skin Rejuvenation Weight Loss Management FOCUS Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ august 15 - september 15, 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 119

sports

sports & fitness

sports extras St ory byJoe Bow les p h ot os courtesy o f ro d m aso n

The Plant City Little League’s nine- to 10-year-old All-Stars claimed second place in the District 4 Tournament held in Dade City on June 27 - July 5. After losing to eventual winner Haines City 10-0 in the first game, Plant City battled its way through the losers’ bracket by claiming three straight victories to face Haines City once again in the championship game only to lose by a score of 10-1. Armand Cotnoir, Rod Mason and Kevin Shultz coach the All-Stars. Players are Brenden Shultz, Colin Allman, Cory Cotnoir, Wesley Tanner, Bailey Youngblood, Jarrett Joyner, Josh Gude, McKenzie Wheeler, Cory Smith, Spencer Nelson and Chelsea Baker.

The Plant City Seniors All-Stars won the District 4 and the Section 4 Tournaments and will represent Section 4 in the Florida State Little League Tournament for 15- to 16-year-olds in Ft. Myers. In the district tournament, Plant City defeated Lake Wales 13-3 on July

7, and 12-3 on July 10. The winning pitcher in game one was Lee Easters.

K-Shawn Smith and Rene` Negrete hit home runs. In the second game, A.J. delValle picked up the win and Rene` Negrete hit a three-run homerun. In sectional play, Plant City defeated Bloomingdale 4-2 on July 18. Brett Nizamoff was the winning pitcher and Travis Cannoles contributed to the win with a tworun single. On July 19, Plant City defeated Dade City 9-7. Lee Easters was the winning pitcher. Rene` Negrete hit a three-run homer and Art Knight hit a solo shot.

Head coach Jeff Jacobsen said, “It was a team effort all the way. We only made one error in sectionals and base running was the key to our success.”

The Seniors will compete in the state tournament against the seven other sectional champions. Senior players include Lee Easters, K-Shawn Smith, Kaylen Smith, Rene`

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 120

Plant City Little League’s nine- to 10-year-old all-stars are from front row left to right: Brenden Shultz, Colin Allman, Cory Cotnoir, Wesley Tanner, Bailey Youngblood, back row, Jarrett Joyner, Josh Gude, McKenzie Wheeler, Cory Smith, Spencer Nelson, Chelsea Baker. Manager Armand Cotnoir, Coach Rod Mason, Coach Kevin Shultz.

Negrete, A.J. delValle, Art Knight, Zack Batley, Sebastian Ray, Cody Akers, Josh Jacobsen, Cole Dickson, Travis Cannoles and Brett Nizamoff.

Coaches are Jeff Jacobsen, Frank Dickson and Ken Smith.

District champion North Lakeland eliminated the Plant City Little League’s Junior All-Stars (13- to 14-year-olds) from the District 4 Tournament by a score of 9-4. On July 7, Plant City beat Auburndale 10-0. Evan Bowles pitched a onehitter striking out 13 in 5 innings.

Bobby Mondoux and Jose Molina had two hits each. On July 8, North Lakeland beat Plant City 6-5. Austin Gilley had two hits and Caleb Ray had two hits (homerun and a double.) On July 9, Plant City beat Polk City 28-4. Winning pitcher was Caleb Ray. Evan Bowles went 4 for 4 (triple and a double). Mavrick Varnadore went 4 for 5 (double.) On July 10, Plant City beat Lakeland City 13-3. Winning pitcher was

Kent Humphrey. Evan Bowles had a homerun and a double. Kenneth Floyd hit a homerun. On July 1l, North Lakeland eliminated Plant City 9-4. Cody Smith and Caleb Ray had two hits each and Brodie Jacks hit a homerun. Players are Bobby Mondoux, Jose Molina, Austin Gilley, Caleb Ray, Mavrick Varnadore, Kenneth Floyd, Kent Humphrey, Cody Smith, Brodie Jacks, Jeff Hemphill, Evan Bowles.

All four area youth football teams and cheerleading squads are gearing up for the new season. The Plant City Dolphins open Aug. 23. The Turkey Creek Trojans, Antioch Redskins and Dover Cowboys kick off their seasons on Aug, 16.

For more information, visit www. plantcitydolphins.com, www. turkeycreektrojans.org, www. antiochredskins.net or www. dovercowboys.com.

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Dr. Brenda Dukes Chiropractic Physician

How soon should the benefits of chiropractic care begin after injury?

To get the most benefit from conservative chiropractic care, it may be wise to begin treatment as soon as possible after injury. In an effort to determine which patients with neck pain are most likely to benefit from chiropractic, researchers in Denmark questioned neck pain patients aged between 18 and 65 years who had not had chiropractic treatment within three months. Patients were questioned about the duration of their pain, disability, and recovery on the first three visits and then at three months and one year. Factors that were found to play a possible role in predicting a favorable outcome from chiropractic treatment included intermittent neck pain, the patient not being on sick leave or getting workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation when initially seeking treatment, a higher level of education, less tiredness, a belief that treatment would be helpful, no pain in the morning, and a perception of poor general health. The strongest predictor of a positive outcome was seen in those who sought chiropractic treatment the soonest.

(Rubeinstein Sm, et al. SPINE. June 1, 2008; Vol 33, No. 13, pp 1451-1458) Special Note: Please join with us in PRAYER for everyone involved in our SCHOOLS for the 2008-2009 school year.

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FOCUS Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ august 15 - september 15, 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 121

sports & fitness sherrynueesch

about 30 feet in length. It is equally complex. Let’s keep it simple. First, your stomach receives your food and mixes it with acids and enzymes to break the food down. Second, your small intestine sends in “friendly bacteria” to further digest the food, then absorbs the results and delivers them into your bloodstream. Third, your large intestine removes water and salts from your food and supplies many more friendly bacteria to break down any undigested materials. Getting the picture? If even one part of this three-part system isn’t supplied with what it needs, then it throws your whole digestive system out of whack.

A healthy balance of bacteria in our guts gives us health. The intestine of a healthy child or adult normally contains billions of bacteria from up to 10,000 different species. Ideally, the beneficial bacteria in your body should outnumber the cells of your body by approximately 100 to one.

One side benefit of these friendly

THE OTHER BRAIN s ubmitted by she rry nu eesch

Have you ever wondered why people get butterflies in their stomach before going on stage? Or why an impending job interview can cause cramps? The reason for these common occurrences is because each of us literally has two brains. We have the one that is encased in our skulls and the other one, lesser known but equally important, found in the human gut.

Jordan Rubin describes the “braingut” connection very well in his book, “The Maker’s Diet.” “Early in our embryogenesis, a collection of tissue called the ‘neural crest’ appears and divides during fetal development. One part turns into the central nervous system and the other migrates to become the enteric nervous system. Both ‘thinking machines’ form simultaneously

and independent of each other until a later stage of development. The human digestive tract contains over one million nerve cells, about the same number found in the spinal cord! The two nervous systems link through a neural cable called the ‘vagus nerve,’ the longest of all cranial nerves. The vagus nerve wanders through the organs of the neck and thorax and finally terminates in the abdomen. This is your vital brain-gut connection.”

The importance of a healthy digestion has been understood for a long time. Shakespeare even wrote about it in Macbeth. As I have been writing about for the last couple of months, your health and immunity start in your gut. Your digestive system is enormous. If you unwound the whole thing, your intestines are

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 122

bacteria is that they also increase the body’s level of interferon, a powerful immunity-boosting chemical.

These beneficial bacteria are your best friends.

So my dear friends treat your second brain with a little respect. Give it what it needs. That means eating yogurt and kefir and making Kombucha at home. Remember the Kombucha? Go to Kombuchaamerica.com and order your mushrooms today.

A healthy gut should contain over three pounds of friendly bacteria to breakdown your food into all its essential nutrients. After all, it is not just what we eat but what we absorb that nourishes us. Hope this series of articles on your digestion helps. I leave with my ultimate wish to all of you: to your optimum health, Sherry Nueesch.

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FOCUS Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ august 15 - september 15, 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 123

didyouknow

local history

ARCHIVE DISPLAYS AWARD-WINNING FILM Documentary draws many to a showing that is standing-room only.

Submitted by pl ant c ity p hoto arc hi ves

A special showing of the awardwinning documentary “Plant City Goes to War” took place at the Photo Archives Exhibit Gallery in historic downtown Plant City on July 31, featuring the two producers and five of the six veterans appearing in the short documentary.

Mark Schreiner, Andy Nichols and the WUSF Broadcasting staff, in collaboration with Plant City Photo Archives, produced the 20-minute film, which won a “Silver Telly” earlier this year after it first aired in conjunction with the Ken Burns series “The War.” Both Schreiner and Nichols attended the event and talked about the logistics, the difficulties and the pleasures of producing “Plant City Goes to War.” From the files of the Plant City Photo Archives, Schreiner and Nichols were able to put together interviews with a number of Plant City area veterans of World War II and included these along with the photographs and other selected clips to complete the documentary.

The area veterans included in the film: John F. Germany, David E. Bailey, Jr., Lonnie Davidson, Philip Patrinostro, Edmund “Ted” Covington, and Harrison Covington.

During the years 1941 – 1945, all were involved in either the European

or Pacific Theatres or both. All but John Germany were able to attend the special showing, along with their spouses, guests and families.

In the film, John Germany told of his service time in Europe and of over-running German sites and of the concentration camps they liberated. He jokingly told of returning to find that some friends in Plant City didn’t even know he had gone off to the war.

David Bailey spoke of his being the first married inductee into the Army. He was teaching at Plant City High School and asked for a reprieve until the term ended and was told, “No, you need to come now.” He did.

After serving his time in the Pacific Islands, he was discharged and returned to Plant City to join his wife and a child he had never seen.

Lonnie Davidson joined the Army and spent time at various fronts in Europe. He spoke of arriving in Berlin and seeing virtually no buildings in tact. He had lost many friends and has a photo of some of them. He decided to remain in the service and made it a career. He retired and came home to Plant City.

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 124

Philip Patrinostro, who flew 26 missions over Germany and other war zones and was awarded two Air Medals, spoke of his missions as a turret-gunner. He made it sound almost humorous, but his survival was always at question.

Edmund “Ted” Covington and brother Harrison Covington both entered the military service about the same time. Harrison said he did not want to walk, so he entered the Army Air Corps – knowing little about aviation. He became an outstanding pilot. Ted was in the cavalry and rose through the ranks to Colonel. Both joked about training on horses – in a technologically advanced war.

Ted Covington helped liberate part of the Philippines, and Harrison flew both the P-47 Thunderbolt, which he usually brought back without too many holes in it, and the P-51 Mustang. Ironically, they surprisingly met while both were on duty assignments in the Philippines unbeknownst to each other.

At the conclusion of the showing, the audience gave a wonderful applause for the veterans and the producers, who had become friends through the process of producing this film.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 125

extra alruechel

box fan concerned he might look less in control if he was sweating.

I don’t blame him. I’m a sweater from way back.

Michael Dukakis looked like an idiot with that helmet smashed down on his head driving a huge tank.

The image of him looking like a goof overcame any substance he may have brought to his campaign.

And how about President George Bush doing the saber dance with the Saudi King? Or Hillary swilling down a brew at a local bar in Pennsylvania during the primaries?

Mike Huckabee strumming his guitar? Barack shooting some hoops?

None of these images should be so powerful they cloud our judgment on the character of an individual.

I don’t care what modifier you use.

I don’t care even if it’s true. On the most important issues of the day, I want to know the hows, whys and whats of their policies. I want to know how much it’s going to cost, who is going to pay for it, what consequences it will have on my life. I want to know how you came up with these ideas and if they are tested or still in the formulation stages. I want to know who is giving you money, who you associated with in the past and why, and how my lifestyle will be directly impacted by your policies. I also want to know the names of the people behind your campaign.

Am I getting new people with new ideas or warmed over hacks from previous administration?

...we all make

choices

every day

Is it all about the image? s ubmitted by al ru ec hel

You hate to think with an election as important as this presidential race that image could play such an important factor. We’d like to think we are all smart enough to see through gratuitous photo opportunities. We should all be smart enough to know that how a person looks should have nothing to do with our assessment of their ability to lead. I’m willing to bet my house if you asked John McCain or Barrack Obama that same question, then they would agree image should have nothing to do with their election.

But alas, we are all sheep. Whether it’s consciously or subconsciously, we all make choices every day

using image as a primary factor.

We purchase cars based on what people might think of us. We dress a certain way, associate with a certain group of people, purchase fragrances, comb our hair and even read certain magazines or newspapers because of the image it portrays. The ad people do have us by the throats. They’ve done their research. And it works with political candidates as well.

Consider the classic Nixon-Kennedy debate. Nixon looked like he had a shower coming out of his head. JFK looked calm, handsome, in control, intelligent. Our governor traveled around the state before his election with a 22-inch

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 126

using image

Here’s my fear. We, as Americans, are conjuring up in our minds the way we think things are supposed to be rather then the way things are. Don’t blame the candidates, they’re just trying to get their messages out. We, the voters, are willing to cast our vote for the Presidency of the United States based on who looks the most presidential. I hear it all the time on the political beat. He looks like a rock star. He’s exciting. She’s hot. She looks like a goof. He’s too old looking. He’s too young. Heck, TV executives have said as much in the amount of time they spend on a particular candidate.

Now, if you happen to look like a President that doesn’t hurt.

But given our presidents have looked like everything from dirt farmers, to rolling pins, to walking sticks, to Hollywood stars, to sweat-covered nervous wrecks, who can say what’s Presidential?

as a primary factor

Only you can when you cast your vote this November! He who gets the most votes IS the most Presidential.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 127

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FOCUS Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ august 15 - september 15, 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 128

Everyday I am given a chance to be faithful rather than fearful. Faith is a word I have grown up hearing every week. I almost felt ashamed for not quite comprehending the meaning of the word that seemed to be the very foundation of our existence as morally upright people.

strength, honor and courage.

I never quite understood what humility was until I traveled to Haiti. I never really understood the value of health until I watched my grandfather pass before my eyes. I even took my own life for granted until I came close to passing with malaria. How would we know hot without cold, or joy without sorrow?

Today I left the house with just enough time to reach an important meeting. Halfway there I became trapped behind a train. Worry descended, fear flew over, and I was forced to fight a small yet valuable battle of faith. I will not let this moment control me. I am stronger than circumstance. I smiled and enjoyed the amazing art spraypainted on the sides of the cars.

In my eyes, the same can be said when speaking of faith and fear.

Faith is the opposite of fear and worry. The only way I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to use my faith is when I notice myself becoming worrisome or afraid. From every available angle, the synthetic world is attempting to pour fear into the same vessel that God created to hold spiritual

Am I afraid? Fear wants me to worry about not being beautiful enough, or maybe not being successful enough. I also should be afraid of being lonely, and lets not forget the almighty fear of death.

No matter how small or large the moment may be, I am given opportunities everyday to exercise my faith. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always succeed, but I always fight.

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Robert Westlake discloses information s t o ry & p h o t o s b y W e n dy S. Brown

QUESTION submitted by Wendy S. Brown, Focus staff writer Wendy Brown sat down with Robert Westlake, vice president for student affairs at Evangelical University & Seminary, and asked him about “The Truth Project,” which is going to be a simulcast in Plant City. What is “The Truth Project,” and why should our community be interested?

Robert Westlake: “This is truly an exciting venture. ‘The Truth Project’ is an educational program supported

by Focus on the family and Dr. James Dobson. Saturday, Sept. 27, there will be a live simulcast training featuring Dr. Del Tackett, the author of “The Truth Project Curriculum” at First Baptist Church of Plant City.

This biblical worldview study looks at God’s design for all of life – work, science, family, government, art, ethics, etc. In today’s world, families are suffering and values have eroded. The biggest problem the contemporary church faces today

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 130

is that we don’t think biblically.

“The Truth Project” is a great opportunity for churches to train Christians to think and act biblically and not act like the world. There will be simulcasts all over the globe.

Participants will be trained to lead small groups studying 13 modules, each contrasting God’s truth versus secular ideas. We keep conforming to the world what we need to do is transform our minds. Truth is valuable to our teenagers, college students and every walk of life. Plant City is a fine, religious community idealizing family values. Truth will strengthen our neighborhoods. The call of the church is to build people up in the faith, prayer and Bible study while applying God’s word to principles of daily life. E-mail www. thetruthproject.org to sign up or call me for more information 659-1903.”

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barakobama

extra Amid a blitz of hand marked signs I walked along tables of yellow squash, green beans and red tomatoes looking at freshly picked produce.

Under their armpits I could see revolvers; speed loaders that can slip a fresh six rounds into the handguns without a fumbled bullet are neatly fastened to their belts.

There are shoppers who saunter among everything from vegetables to exotic plants to strawberry preserves.

Obama makes his way out of the rain into Parkesdale Farms and is greeted by U.S. Congressional candidate John Dicks.

There’s former Plant City mayor and U.S. congressional candidate John Dicks, reporter Jan Hollensworth from the Tampa Tribune and Kevin Brady from TBO. There are men in shiny black suits and ties wearing shades and white earpieces who look like they mean business, so no one messes with them.

“I’m going to ride your coattails,” Obama tells Dicks.

“No, sir,” said Dicks. “I’m going to ride on yours.”

Obama turns to me with an outstretched hand. “How are you doing” he says.

“OK” I replied. “I hear you play a mean game of basketball”, I said.

“Why are these reporters here?”

I ask myself. There seems to be something more than fruits and vegetables happening at Parkesdale Farms on this day.

“I am OK,” he replies.

And then it happened.

Suddenly, I hear the thunder of the motorcade rumble in the distance on the otherwise calm Highway 92. As the flashing lights of police motorcycles come into view a black motor home follows behind with still more police as far as the eye can see.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH OBAMA s t ory & photos by J erry Lofstrom

You never know whom you’ll run into in Plant City. I have met Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Bob Graham, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, singer Leann Rimes and, oh yes, Barack Obama.

I’d better explain.

On my way home recently I stopped at Parkesdale Farms to pick up some bananas, and a strawberry

shake. Parkesdale Farms is a family enterprise nourished on hard work that has taken root just west of town on Highway 92.

According to a roadside billboard, Parkesdale touts itself as being the largest outdoor market in Florida. With its sprawling tables and countless varieties of fruits and vegetables it’s hard to believe otherwise.

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 134

Jaws dropped all over the store as I make my way through the produce section to a place where I can get a better look; customers stare in disbelief and wonder.

What happens next was astonishing.

Barack Obama descends the steps of the plain black motor home into the falling rain and blinks, around him on the street are a dozen pairs of unblinking eyes.

The presidential candidate’s security.

Dark sunglasses shield their eyes.

Nested in one ear is a white-colored earpiece that relays the field commander’s staccato commands received on the walkie-talkies strapped to their belts.

“Anyone who can take on the Clinton political machine and win must be pretty competitive on the basketball court, too,” I said.

He nods as he moves his way toward the myriad of media awaiting him behind the checkout counter and the photo-op that will afford him favorable publicity.

At the counter, amidst a throng of cameras and print reporters, he buys strawberry shakes and peaches and then makes his way through the crowd greeting each shopper with the political style that is Obama.

In a matter of 20 minutes it was over.

As Obama moves out into the drizzling rain and boards the motor home I couldn’t help but look back toward the photos of Republican presidents Bush No. 41 and Bush No. 43 that lie in the shadows of the market and wonder what the late Roy Parkes would have thought of this day at Parkesdale Farms.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 135

diningreview

dining & entertainment

Professor Stine Wall and his Asian humanities class enjoyed lunch and a cultural lesson by the staff.

to the freshness of the food and cleanliness of the restaurant,” one stated.

Jing Xue and staff proudly stand before their voluminous, fresh buffet.

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST

Chinese chefs offer culinary creations.

St ory & Photos by W endy S. Brow n

Tucked away in a shopping center on James Redman Parkway, near Payless Shoes, is a place for those hankering for the best in Chinese cuisine and sushi. Eastern Buffet will surprise you with unique chef specialties not found on regular buffets, plus the freshness and quality of the cuisine is superior.

Customer Matthew Mitchell confirmed, “They have a nice sushi bar here, and you can’t beat the price.”

Only seven months in business, owners Jing Xue and Bi De Liu have already earned positive accolades from customers. Bennie and son Tracey Burch come to Eastern Buffet one to two times a week. Bennie specifically likes the atmosphere where you get to know the waitresses. He loves the butter shrimp and sliced pork chops.

Little Tracey said, “I love the ice cream, bourbon chicken and crab cakes.”

Jing learned to cook these delicious dishes from his father who owned a small café in China.

Jing came to America 10 years ago, citing the call of “the land of opportunity.” He worked at various restaurants, learning the ropes and hoping to become a small business owner. Bi De Liu and Jing became friends who shared a dream – owning their own restaurant.

“My father is so proud I own my own restaurant,” Jing said.

Besides pride of ownership and attention to detail, the original family recipes that come straight from China are pleasing. The chefs have their own special dishes featured on the menu and buffet. Jing’s specialty is peppered chicken.

It was interesting to note that two USDA men were eating at Eastern Buffet. Actually, they are regular customers! “I guess that tells a lot

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 136

Eastern Buffet is able to consistently keep fresh food because of its turnover. It uses 250 pounds of chicken, 300 pounds of shrimp and 80 pounds of vegetables each day. The most requested items are the butter shrimp, bourbon chicken, seafood biscuits and sushi. Even with a mass amount of cooking that caused the chefs to constantly replenish the buffet, they will do special requests.

Xue and Liu don’t mind the abundance of cooking because they both love to cook and please customers. Liu explained he gets a special joy when customers are please with his dishes, “This

restaurant is an extension of my home,” Jing enjoys families and friends gathering and enjoying his cooking. Professor Stine Wall brought his Asian Humanities class to eat Asian specialties, practice using chopsticks, enjoy cultural aspects from the staff and learn a few Chinese phrases. “Hao Che” means delicious.

From excellent egg foo young to succulent spare ribs, to the California rolls and sizzling seafood delight, you will greatly enjoy your dining experience at Eastern Buffet where Plant City meets Hao Che Chinese cuisine.

Eastern Buffet 1707G James L. Redman Parkway (813) 707-1199 Hours are 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Monday – Friday & Sunday.

On Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Lunch buffet is 11 a.m. - 4 p.m Monday – Friday & Sunday, costing $5.75.

Children ages 3-5 cost $2.55, ages 6-10 cost $4.55.

Dinner buffet is from 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m and costs $7.75. Children ages 3-5 cost $2.95, ages 6-10 cost $4.95. A dinner buffet with crab legs is $12.75. Saturday all-day dinner buffet costs $7.75.

Lunch specials cost $4.65-$4.95, Dinner menu prices are $$5.55-$8.75.

Take out is available Seniors: 10 percent off Credit Cards are accepted.

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entertainment

dining & entertainment

In the Still of the Night

The Mystics sing into the hearts of those at the Red Rose Inn.

The Mystics.

St ory by Carolyn M i ller Ph ot o courtesy o f the m ysti cs

Amid the ’57 Chevy’s and Lil’ Deuce Coups on Plant City’s Car Show Night came the doo-wop refrains of the Mystics. The Red Rose Inn & Suites played host to the doo-wop era’s pinnacle act.

Formed in 1958 in New York, George Galfo, the founding member and driving force, has cruised through the years with the ease of a well-tuned V-8 in a souped-up Corvette. Together, his pals from the neighborhood – Phil Cracolici, Al Cracolici, Al Contrera and Bob Ferranti – hit the music scene with a vengeance.

Lady Luck was on their side when they landed a contract with Laurie Records, and in 1959 Hushabye put them on the rock and roll map.

There was a ‘50s rock n’ roll revival in the ‘80s, and the group found itself in the limelight again.

The Mystics is a long-lived doowop groups. They have remained a driving force of the rock n’ roll for years. When you think of the songs that made an era, it isn’t surprising that the music of the Mystics is forever linked to the late 1950s and early ‘60s.

An extraordinary venue, the Red Rose Inn & Suites was an opulent backdrop for an anticipated evening of music, food and dancing. The evening began with a terrific dinner, beginning with jumbo shrimp, hazelnut-encrusted Brie and then going on to lobster ravioli and grouper with crab. It was hard to top the magnificent

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 138

food the Red Rose Inn & Suites serves before its guests.

Then the music started – “Blue Moon,” “Peggy Sue” and “The Wanderer” were among the songs performed. Not only was the music terrific, but the dance floor was hot. Guys and gals lit up the parquet with the mashed potato, twist and boogaloo. With husbands grabbing their wives and eyes glittering with the memories that the songs conjured, it was indeed a magical moment when the Mystics played “This Magic Moment.” They didn’t stop there, the doo-wop evening kept rockin’ the night away with “Love Potion No. 9” and even performed the hit that put them in the top 40 – “Hushabye.” But the

fun didn’t stop there. They sang “Locomotion” and so many more that you could almost close your eyes and see yourself at the local sock hop. The years melted away from the men and women on the dance floor as they twirled and dipped well into the evening.

When the coffee and espresso cappuccino flowed, it was late in the night and the Mystics were saying their goodbyes. Hazelnut cannolis ended the dining experience on a sweet note and the music even better. Stay tuned for P.J. Leary & the Las Vegas Sounds Saturday, Aug. 16. Make sure to call for reservations.

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 139

entertainment

dining & entertainment

Modern entertainment in a nostalgic setting Loc a l d rive-in off ers bl ockbust e r f i l ms.

St ory by Wendy S. Brow n Ph ot os courtesy o f s i lvermoon dri ve- i n

Just a hop, skip and jump over the Polk county line awaits a bargain for family, dates or folks out for a good time. The Silver Moon Drive-In on Highway 92 oozes nostalgia, “Happy Days” era of the Fifties and family togetherness.

Where else can one watch glorious sunsets, gaze spectacular views of stars and moon, visit with friends and watch a triple set of first-run movies in a family atmosphere. So how much is it? Get this, it is four dollars for adults and only one buck for children ages four to nine, plus people can bring personal snacks. Thursdays are $2. Families even play games before shows under the big screen. Silver Moon is reminiscent of a bygone era where people knew their neighbors.

Before the show, folks visited, helped others park, snacked on goodies and just enjoyed life without going broke.

Each screen has a double feature with first-rate movies seven nights a week.

With movies starting at 8:50 p.m., side one offered Dark Knight and Hancock while side two offered

9/30/2008

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 140

Space Monkeys, Wall-E and Meet Dave.

A few rows have the old-fashioned, incar speakers, but most offer audio over FM car radios.

Silver Moon is celebrating its 60th anniversary. It opened April 14, 1948, and movies were 35 cents. The modern snack bar is decorated with pictures of other drive-ins and offers great values – hotdogs cost $1.75, corn dogs $2.00, sausage dogs $3.00, fresh-made pizza $5.50-$7.50, popcorn $2.50-$4.50 and beverages $2.25-$3.00.

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localband

dining & entertainment A band that sprung up out of a solo project, Maybe Foreign, aims to make music that will set them apart and make them timeless. With seasoned players Jedediah Stolle (guitar), Logan Williamson (drums), Lucas Driskell (bass), Preston Williamson (lead vocals, guitar) and Emily Newsom (keys, vocals) Maybe Foreign is sure not to disappoint.

FOCUS: “Any plans for the future or any current projects?”

FOCUS: “What would you describe your style as?”

Preston Williamson: “I would say indie rock with some folk influences.

Like Neutral Milk Hotel, Saves the Day, The Beatles.”

T h e five-person ba nd sta rt s r eco r di ng.

St ory by pat hearn Ph ot os courtesy o f m ayb e fo rei gn

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 142

PW: “Just experiences that I’ve had.

I’ve had trouble sleeping, so I write songs about them. It’s like you resolve it yourself when you write about it.”

FOCUS: “How long has Maybe Foreign been a full band?”

PW: “Right now we’re recording our first EP at an apartment studio in Lakeland. It’ll have five songs and it should be out in two to three months.”

FOCUS: “What are you hoping to accomplish with your music?”

FOCUS: “Where does the inspiration for Maybe Foreign ‘s songs come from?”

MAYBE FOREIGN

PW: “I’d say about four months. Jason Guy manages us. He’s started booking us for shows and we’re talking about merchandise. I’ve basically taken acoustic songs I’ve written and put a full band to them. Where you couldn’t build a song with just an acoustic guitar, with more instruments you can kind of crescendo.”

PW: “We definitely want to tour and put out records that when people hear them they’ll be like, ‘Wow! That’s amazing!’

And I really want us to stand on our own. To be timeless and have music that’s good 50 years from now.”

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 143

dining & entertainment

Event Calendar Aug ust 15 , 20 08 - Sep temb er 15 , 2 0 0 9

Saturday, August 16 The Strawberry Classic Car Show will start at 4 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. The venue takes place in Historic Downtown Plant City on Drane Street from Palmer to Evers.. Cars and trucks built in and before 1983 can be in the show. There will be entertainment and vendor dash plaques for the first 200 registered vehicles.

Registration and admission are free.

Don’t Miss Lola and The Saints Appearing with P.J. Leary and the Las Vegas Sounds at the Red Rose Dining Room.

Monday, August 18 Applications become available for the 2009 Swine Show and Sale, and they can be picked up at the Strawberry Festival office, which is located at 2202 W. Reynolds Street. Applications also can be received from an FFA Teacher or a local 4-H leader or at Strawberry Festival Web site: www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

The deadline to submit the applications is Sept. 5 at midnight.

Applicants must have maintained a minimal 2.0 grade point average during last spring semester.

A report card is all that is needed for proof. All exhibitors must be enrolled in grades 3 through 12 and live in Hillsborough County.

They also must be FFA Youth Agricultural Organization members.

Each exhibitor is allowed to enter two pigs during the tag-in Nov. 3. Pigs are suggested to weigh between 25 and 60 pounds.

The Swine Show will be held at the Strawberry Festival® on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and the Swine Sale will be held on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Any questions regarding the Swine Show & Sale contact chairman Jon Poppell at 813-7524155 or call the Festival Office at 813-752-9194. The 2009 Florida Strawberry Festival® will be held February 26 through March 8 in beautiful Plant City, Fla.

School starts!

Wednesday, August 20 The ribbon cutting for the new FedEx Kinko’s will be held at 2 p.m. The new shop will be

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 144

located at 2803 James L. Redman Parkway.

Thursday, August 21 The Plant City Chamber of Commerce will have a Board of Directors meeting at 11:30 a.m.

Later on in the day, there is a business networking opportunity with the chamber’s Business After Hours. It is at Chili’s, which is located at 3001 James Redman Parkway. Come on in.

Tuesday, August 26 The YMCA Strong Leader Dinner honors Sherrie Mueller, Plant City High School guidance resource specialist. It will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Red Rose Inn & Suites in the Red Rose Ballroom.

Sherrie is a long-standing member of the Plant City community, giving of her time to numerous causes. She helps Plant City through service to the PTA, Relay for Life, the YMCA and so much more.

All proceeds from the event will go to support youth scholarships to your Plant City Family YMCA. Tickets are on sale and cost $75 per seat. There are corporate tables and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, call Scott Warren at (813) 757-6677.

Thursday, August 28 It is Benefit Night for Pollo Tropical Charities. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant also will have kids face painting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, August 29 XChange plays live at Obrien’s Irish Pub and Grill from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The restaurant is located at 1701 S. Alexander Street.

Monday, September 1 LABOR DAY! There will not be school.

The Tampa Bay Bulldog Club meets at the Red Rose Inn. Call Beverly Robinson, event secretary, at (727) 822-4682 for more information.

Monday, September 8 The public is welcome to attend the first General Meeting of the Plant City Garden Club’s 20082009 season. It will be held on a Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City. The speaker will be Rob Northrop, urban and community forester. A potluck luncheon will be served. For more information please call C. Banning at (813) 759-1638.

dining & entertainment

Monday, September 15 The Bosom Buddies Walking Abreast, also known as BBWABs, is a team from Plant City that is walking in the Susan G. Komen 3Day walk for a cure for breast cancer. They are raising money for the event with Fight Like a Girl Barbecue, which will be held

by Johnson Family Barbeque on Sept. 15th, from 4p.m. to 8 p.m. It offers a dinner that will include a quarter chicken, two sides, desert and iced tea. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by any team member or at any of the Johnson family restaurants, including the three Fred’s Southern Kitchen locations in Plant City, Bartow and Lakeland.

Seventy-five hogs will be drawn from all entries for the 2009 Swine Show and Sale. Exhibitors must attend the Swine Drawing, which will be Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Expo Building on the Festival Grounds. Doors will close promptly at the start of the drawing, and no one will be allowed in after 7 p.m. Failure to attend will be cause for elimination from the Swine Show and Sale.

The Swine Show will be held at the Strawberry Festival® on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and the Swine Sale will be held on Friday, February 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

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Recurring Events

Event Calendar

Mondays:

Tuesdays:

Wednesdays:

Zumba is held at the Planteen Recreation Center from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $5. For more information, call Chris at (813) 659-4256 or Patty at (813) 516-4731.

Free Time Jazz begins performing at 7 p.m. at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www.redroseinnandsuites.com.

From the producers of FOCUS Magazine comes Focus TV. Every Wednesday Focus TV will air its show on www.plantcitytv.com, featuring weekly Plant City news, interviews, business profiles, bonus features and more.

A story time for toddlers ages 2 to 3 and their caregivers will be held at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. at 9:30 a.m.

Preschool story time is held at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5. For more information call (813) 273-3652.

Senior aerobic classes are offered at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The classes consist of hand and aerobic exercise and line dancing. Seniors must bring their own floor pad

and weights. For more information, call Clarice Stewart at (813) 752-8476.

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Au gust 15 , 2 0 0 8 - Se pt e mb e r 15 , 2 0 0 9

Ceramic classes are offered at the Planteen Recreation Center.

The free classes are suitable for beginners through advanced participants. For more information call Dorothy Byrd at (813) 659-4256.

A story time for toddlers ages 2 to 3 and their caregivers will be held at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. at 9:30 a.m.

Preschool story time is held at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5. For more information call (813) 273-3652.

Heart Health Screenings and Blood Pressure Checks are held from 1p.m. until 2 p.m. in

the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Resource Center (main hospital lobby). No appointments are necessary and this event is free.

For more information, call (813) 754-4444.

Zumba is held at the Planteen Recreation Center from 6 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $5. For more information, call Chris at (813) 659-4256 or Patty at (813) 516-4731.

Free Time Jazz begins performing at 7 p.m. at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www.redroseinnandsuites.com.

Feature films are shown at the Bruton Memorial Public Library, 302 McLendon St., at 2:30 p.m. for kids. Visit www.hcplc.org for more information or call the library at (813) 757-8215.

Senior aerobic classes are offered at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The classes consist of hand and aerobic exercise and line dancing. Seniors must bring their own floor pad and weights.

For more information, call Clarice Stewart at (813) 752-8476.

Thursdays: Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will perform for Single’s Night Out with special guest Ralph Allocco.

For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www.redroseinnandsuites.com.

FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 145

dining & entertainment

Event Calendar Aug ust 15 , 20 08 - Sep temb er 15 , 2 0 0 9

Fridays: Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will perform. For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www. redroseinnandsuites.com.

Enjoy an evening of dancing from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with the Strawberry Singles Club located at the Stardust Dance Center, 1405 S. Collins St. The cost for members is $6, $7 for associate members and $8 for the general public.

Call (352) 523-0114 or (813) 759-2063 for more information.

Senior aerobic classes are offered at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The classes consist of hand and aerobic exercise and line dancing. Seniors must bring their own floor pad and weights.

For more information, call Clarice Stewart at (813) 752-8476.

perform at night. For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www.redroseinnandsuites. com.

Saturdays:

Sundays:

Zumba is held at the Winter Visitor Center from 10a.m. until 11 a.m. Cost is $5. For more information, call Chris at (813) 659-4256 or Patty at (813) 5164731.

The Heart of Florida Chapter of USA Dance, an amateur ballroom dance organizations, is holding dances at the Stardust Dance Center, every first Saturday of the month from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It costs $6 for USA Dance members and $8 for nonmembers. The Stardust Dance Center is located at 1405 S. Collins Ave. For more information contact Terri Lynn Barrow at (863) 255-8344.

Free Time Jazz begins performing at 7 p.m. at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141 or visit www.redroseinnandsuites.com.

Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will

Team Spirit Day at Pollo Tropical If you wear your favorite team jersey, then you will get a free fountain drink with any purchase.

!

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FOCUS Magazine • august 15 - september 15, 2008 • Page 147

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