FOCUS Lakeland 07-06 by Floyd Publications

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5 • JULY 2011

LAKELAND EDITION

DR. DAVID SHIBLES URBAN HORTICULTURIST FOR THE POLK COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE

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Table of Contents 8

8-12

local

Volume 7 Issue 6 • July 2011

focuslakeland.com

on the cover

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LAKELAND EDITI ON

Dr. David Shibles

Urban Horticulturist for the Polk County Extension Service

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE

5 • JULY 2011

DR. DAVID SHIBLES URBAN HORTICULT FOR THE POLK COUURIST EXTENSION SERVICNTY E

Lakeland and the surrounding areas are such great communities where the people who reside there seem to understand what is important in life - it is all about community. Find out about some things and local people that continue to make Lakeland an amazing place to live.

16-17

feature

As economic conditions tighten, folks have increasingly become interested in saving money on landscape maintenance and many have determined to try vegetable gardening. The Master Gardener certification, offered by the Polk County Extension Service office and open to the public, is the perfect way to learn, give back, and “grow wisely.”

ALL NEW FOCUSlakeland.com Online Features Include:

18-19

• Full digital version of the current and past magazines • Extended features, interviews, dining profiles and business profiles with extra content • Community news updates • New home of FOCUSTV

spotlight interview

This month meet Dr. David Shibles, the Urban Horticulturist for the Polk County Extension Service and learn about his work to help local residents and businesses manage their landscapes, pest problems, and garden issues. You might even want to sign up for the Master Gardener Program the service offers each year.

dining profile

If you haven’t been to Lakeland’s iconic Reececliff Family Diner in a while, grab your keys and don your appetite. The time to visit is now. With a recently remodeled interior and new menu items added to the many favorites, Reececliff is enjoying rave reviews. Your friends and family should add their rave to the list too. The pie alone is worth the trip.

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Licensed territories are available. We are looking to expand the family and are looking for motivated individuals to join our award winning team. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.

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FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

Letter From The Publisher There is a quote I’ve heard many times, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW STAFF TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE YOUR NEEDS

Mostly that quote speaks to everyone metaphorically, but it came to my mind this month because of the fruits Dr. David Shibles, our cover story this month, has been helping to produce in our community. He is the Urban Horticulturist for the Polk County Extension services, and his role is to help handle problems with homeowner and commercial landscaping, he also coordinates the Master Gardener Program. There is a growing trend right now for people planting backyard gardens, especially vegetable gardens, to save money and be more organic. Many citizens are unaware that there is education, resources and knowledge available to them through the county.

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Dr. Shibles’ responsibilities and projects he touches on a regular basis are quite varying, but his role in our community is essential. He is one of the valuable seeds in our county government whose impact is wide but difficult to track, just like that of an apple seed. In his interview he shares stories on how he has helped people who have been wounded by uncommon plants, coordinated courses and programs to help people to become master gardeners or learn how to grow their own gardens, taught homeowners how to cut back on pollution and waste and so much more. On top of that, he also maintains a popular blog providing valuable information on Florida landscaping (polkfyn.blogspot.com).

You see them in T.V. commercials and in magazines!

Though someone who stays behind the scenes, Dr. Shibles’ impact and the Master Gardener Program’s impact on Polk County are definitely significant. Just like we often forget the important of the seeds in our apples, we want to make sure we don’t forget the valuable people and programs that help keep Polk County such a strong community. Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com

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www.focusplantcity Credit Manager Angel Carter acarter@floydpublications.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

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FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

Local » Focus

Photos courtesy of Rock On Adventures

Run The Highlander Maniacal and Muddy Family Fun T Written By: Cheryl Johnston

he combination of exercise and helping others has never been so much fun. Run “The Highlander,” an amazing obstacle course through mud and water to test your limits and benefit the Lake Wales Care Center, now celebrating 26 years of service to the community.

outlook on fitness and athletics: “We believe in families getting fit and staying healthy together. Our events challenge people of any age or fitness level in not just another adventure run or 5K. We’re building great traditions and memories for friends and families to share year after year.”

Registration for the July 23rd event in Bartow remains open until July 18 to participants 12 years old to ageless.

The Highlander features more than 2,000 acres of property with interesting elevation changes, a 150’ giant water/mud slide with a 70’ drop, 20 obstacles in the 3-mile course, and almost 30 in the 6-mile course. Racers will also run through a cool, clear lake, with built-in obstacles. Simpkins, an active competitor in the running world who

The Highlander is organized by Rock On Adventures. Jonny Simpkins, CEO and Race Director, describes the organization’s

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

has previously run the Warrior Dash and Mudbash, writes on his website, “I wanted more obstacles, water, ropes, slides, and hills, and The Highlander has them!

running through water and mud. Gloves to protect hands for the rope obstacles might also be a plus. Costumes are encouraged and the best will receive a prize.

Meant to challenge the widest range of people possible, from individuals to groups, teams to families, Simpkins says entrants “will probably push their personal limits, but they will not do it alone, be bored, or be unable to cross the finish line.”

Refreshing food and drinks will also be available with cash the only accepted form of payment.

Cost is $55 for the 3-mile course and $60 for 6-mile course. Discounts are available for group registrations, referrals for buddy sign ups, or for those who serve in the military, police, fire, or EMS industries. Spectators watch for free and need only pay $5 per car for parking. Although no specific gear or equipment is required, shoes and clothing should work for

Benefit proceeds will help the non-profit LWCC and its volunteers to provide many essential community services to the needy including transitional housing, Meals on Wheels, holiday assistance, and home repair for the elderly. Simply put, the Highlander is one event of the summer you shouldn’t miss, even if you just come to watch. Visit Facebook, Twitter, and www.rockonadventures for photos, FAQs, and continual updates or phone (407) 467-4397.

FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

Local » Focus Photos courtesy of Polk Public Schools

Fourth of July festivities started early this year and went out with a

bang at the 10th annual Red, White and Kaboom. Written By: Taylor Flumerfelt

ourth of July festivities started early this year and went out with a bang at the 10th annual Red, White and Kaboom.

Red, White and Kaboom was founded after construction began in 2002 on Joker Marchant Stadium, where the City of Lakeland held its annual 4th of July Celebration. The City of Lakeland’s Communications, and Parks and Recreation Departments decided to move the event downtown, which sparked Red, White and Kaboom’s success among those who attend the event. Central Florida Eurocars originally sponsored the event, T.Mims Corporation is an investment company that manages entities such as Innovation Environmental, Inc. in addition to holdings such as real estate, cattle, and other financial investments. “From a City standpoint Tom Mims goes above and beyond in promoting the event,” commented Kevin Cook, Director of Communications for the City of Lakeland.

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

This year’s Red, White and Kaboom was held around Lake Mirror on July 1 in collaboration with First Friday, a free event that occurs the first Friday of each month in downtown Lakeland. Starting at 6 p.m., attendees could enjoy tasty treats, such as lemonade, cotton candy, hotdogs, popcorn, funnel cakes, and Italian ice. Guests were able to listen to the sounds of Channel Z Band while taking in the scenery of Lake Mirror. Other entertainment included music from Derik Thomas, a young, local singer songwriter from the Lois Cowles Harrison School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Thomas won the Earth Day Networks competition in 2010 and has been invited to sing with several artists, including John Legend and Sting. The traditional fireworks display filled the sky above Lake Mirror at 9 p.m. There was no cost to attend, but guests were asked to bring at least one nonperishable or canned food item to further the cause of Chow for Now, a non-profit canned food drive that benefits organizations such as

Salvation Army and Lighthouse Ministries. All donations benefitted Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, or VISTE. Chow for Now headed up by Mims’ son Patrick, combines the efforts of teen volunteers and VISTE to use Red, White and Kaboom as a means to give back. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people participate in Red, White and Kaboom each year. “Red, White and Kaboom gives us the opportunity to give back to the community and it helps bring our community closer

together. It gets people downtown and outdoors to enjoy our parks and facilities. Red, White and Kaboom allows family and friends a special time together to share in the celebration of our country’s independence,” explained Tom Mims, President of T.Mims Corporation. “My favorite memory recurs every year when I see kids’ faces light up as the fireworks go off. Family and friends sharing time together are memories that will last a life time.”

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JULY 29 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

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The trio covers the top hits from yesterday to today! Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

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Feature» The Extension Service This photo represents many of the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. It shows how a by-product mulch (pine bark) is used. It also demonstrates how the homeowner has eliminated high maintenance plants and thus reduced their water bill.

A “ G r ow i n g ” G a r d e n i n g P r o g r a m

Polk County Master Gardener Program is Providing Great Opportunities Written By: Brian West This is a new landscape that was mostly turf and the homeowners have been adding mulched beds filled with native plant material. They are also watering with micro-irrigation.

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

he Extension Service began when the Federal Government passed the Land Grant College Act in 1862. The purpose of this Act was to establish a university in each state which would support public education – particularly for agriculture, engineering and military training. Each state was given a tract of land, the money from which could be used to start a college. These land grant colleges were geared toward students who could not afford to attend a very expensive private university. The State of Florida used the proceeds from the sale of this property to establish what is now known as the University of Florida in Gainesville. Just a few years later, in 1886, it became clear to the Federal Government that the various states needed research facilities to help solve agricultural problems. The Hatch Act was passed the next year which allowed the Federal Government to donate land to the states that they could use to develop agricultural research stations. By the turn of the century it was evident that there really wasn’t an effective way for the colleges and research stations to get research information out to the people. The Smith Lever Act was passed in 1913, which created the Extension Service. The goal of the service was to get unbiased research-based information from the university out to the people; extending the knowledge from the university. The Extension Service is generally attached to the state land grant university. In Florida, the Extension Service is part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Generally, extension services are supported by counties as well as the Federal Government. The Extensive Service offers varied educational programs in addition to horticulture, including commercial citrus production, livestock production, 4-H Youth Program, and Natural Resources. The Polk County Extension Service has succeeded in so many ways, and the Master Gardener Program is a great example. This volunteer-based organization presently has approximately 105 members. The concept began in 1972 because an Extension Service Agent in Washington state believed volunteers could be beneficial to the Extension Service, if given the right training. The volunteers could then assist in the dayto-day issues that arise with homeowners, leaving Extension Service Agents more time to work on issues requiring more technical knowledge. The idea worked, and thus

Feature» The Extension Service began the Master Gardener Program. The program has grown across the country, and now many states offer it. Florida’s program began in 1979. So what is a Master Gardener? By definition, a Florida Master Gardener on Active Status is someone who has completed all the requirements for becoming a Florida MG, who has received a Certificate of Completion of Training, and who has been granted a certification/ identification card signed and dated by the county coordinator. Anyone can become a Master Gardener. Although the cost is nominal ($125.00 to cover the cost of materials), it takes quite a bit of dedication – especially when you consider this is a voluntary endeavor. There are no prerequisites for the program, only a sincere desire to help others learn, and a personal commitment to volunteer service. Classroom work makes up more than half of the 60 hours of training. There’s also exposure to a variety of subjects, including: botany, soils, fertilizers, vegetables, entomology, citrus, turfgrasses, use of chemicals, house plants, ornamentals, diseases and related topics.Classes are held each year in the fall. This year classes begin September 13th and meet every Tuesday (except Thanksgiving) through and including December 6th. Each class is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the class hours somewhat limits those able to attend due to conflicts with work, but still they manage to enroll a diverse group. Dr. David Shibles, the Urban Horticulturist with the Extension Service, said, “Most of our Master Gardeners are older, and most are women. We don’t have a lot of minorities. But this year I’m planning to offer two scholarships to minorities to pay for the training and increase our diversity.” Once enrollees have completed the course, an examination requires a “satisfactory” score, or better. The resulting Master Gardener certification is good for one year. Recertification is available after 75 hours of volunteer service to the extension in the first year. Each year after that, the volunteer requirement is decreased to 35 hours. Dr. Shibles said, “We have a broad range of hours that our volunteers contribute. Some attend the training to achieve the one-year certification and we never see them again. Others achieve the minimums, no more and no less, and others put in more than 300 hours. So it’s completely up to the individual. Of course, we’d like everyone to go through the program and volunteer

lots of hours.” Maintaining volunteer hours can include working in the extension office to answer telephone calls, mail brochures in response to requests, or develop presentations for garden clubs and other civic associations. Others can choose to work in the demonstration garden or demonstration Xeriscape. Dr. Shibles said, “Some of these volunteers are better than employees I’ve had over the years; much better.” Once initial training is completed and the Master Gardener is certified, training continues as long as the students remain involved in the program. Once each month from January - November, the Master Gardeners get together to plan status reports on various projects, exchange information and share updates. They also plan field trips to local gardens, nurseries, parks and similar facilities. Master Gardeners are doing a lot of great things. They’re trying to establish some community gardens for minority areas. Currently, there’s great interest in community gardens and even home vegetable gardening. The prices for food, like most everything else, continue to increase and people are looking for ways to save money. Dr. Shibles offers programs on vegetable gardening in August, just before the fall vegetable season. Last year more than 150 attended the Saturday morning event. The website the Dr. Shibles provides has also been popular with as many as 85,000 hits in a month and 600,000700,000 annually.The Master Gardeners also have their own website and they get 7,0009,000 hits each month.

The Master Gardeners most often work as a group, and one of their biggest efforts is the Agri-Fest Program designed to teach kids about horticulture. Their work with Polk County Schools arranges for approximately 500 kids to come through the event each day to total about 6,000 each year. It’s designed for the kids to cycle through different stations, each with a different learning opportunity. Last year, the Polk County Master Gardener Program was recognized as one of eleven outstanding programs in the State of Florida honored for Excellence and Service to Youth, specifically related to their efforts with Agri-Fest. The Agri-Fest program was written up and has been submitted for consideration by the International Master Gardener Conference. They’re currently awaiting the results. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and wishing you the best. For more information on becoming a Master Gardener, please visit the Polk County Extension Service website at www.polkhort.ifas.ufl.edu Click on the Master Gardener Program link on the left side of the page. An additional link to the “Sprouting Kit” includes detailed information about the program and an application. The website also contains an events calendar of upcoming events. If you’re looking for something to be involved with, and have an interest in horticulture or gardening, this may be your eco-friendly opportunity.

FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

Extension Service Shares Information Dr. David Shibles Helps Homeowners with their Horticulture Needs Interview by: Brian West

Focus: Where are you from originally?

or decades, both the state and county government has supported the county Extension Services. The Polk County Extension Service is located in Bartow, and may be one of the best, if not the best, in the state of Florida. The Polk County office is headed by Dr. David Shibles and we recently had a few minutes of his time.

Dr. Shibles: I’m originally from Maine; a little city near Bangor, called Brewer. I grew up in Brewer. Focus: Tell me about your family. Dr. Shibles: I’ve been married about 37 years to my wife, Donna. We have 5 daughters: Cindy, Mechelle, Melinda, Melanie and Melissa. I have an older brother Paul who stills resides in Brewer, Maine. Focus: Tell me about your education. Dr. Shibles: I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education/Biology in 1964 and a Master of Science Degree in Entomology in 1966 from the University of Maine. I received a Ph.D. Degree in Entomology from Rutgers University in 1969. Focus: So what brought you to Florida? Dr. Shibles: I graduated in 1969 from Rutgers University and took a job with an agricultural chemical company based in Hanover, New Jersey. After about 6 months on the job, the company decided they were going to set up an agricultural research farm

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

in Homestead, Florida. They didn’t give me much choice about transferring down there. So I transferred and lived in Cutler Ridge. I worked for them for about 15 years. After I left their employment, I worked as an agricultural consultant for several years. I finally ended up in Lakeland and worked as Project Manager for Polk County Mined Lands Research Demonstration Project for nine years. This research project was created to develop agricultural techniques on the phosphoric clay ponds. These ponds are used by the phosphate industry to store waste clays. Focus: When did you begin working with the Extension Service? Dr. Shibles: I accepted a position with the Polk County Extension Service in April of 2000.

in Education I was offered a position teaching 5th grade elementary school in Orono, Maine. I was also offered a Teaching Assistantship by the Department of Entomology which would allow me to work on a Master’s Degree in Entomology. It was a difficult decision, but I decided to take the assistantship in entomology. After I finished my Master’s degree, I started thinking about continuing on for a Ph.D. in Entomology. The University of Maine did not offer a Ph.D. program in Entomology at that time. So I started looking around at other schools. I narrowed it down to the University of Massachusetts, Cornell University and Rutgers University. I was accepted at Rutgers and awarded a Research Assistantship which allowed me to work on a Ph.D. Degree while working as a research assistant.

Focus: What got you interested in entomology?

Focus: Tell me about your role with the Extension Service.

Dr. Shibles: Well, I wasn’t one of the little kids running around with an insect net collecting bugs. I just started taking entomology courses while working on my B.S. Degree at the University of Maine. I liked the people and the course work. When I finished my B.S. degree

Dr. Shibles: I am the Urban Horticulturist. I handle homeowner problems as well as commercial landscape problems. Homeowners commonly have problems in their landscapes or homes with turf, shrubs, trees, soil, bugs, termites, plant diseases, wildlife and more. They can call me, send

spotlight » Dr. David Shibles e-mails or come to my office with their problems and I try to help them. I’m also the coordinator of the Master Gardener Program. This is a program in which I train volunteers to assist me with my Horticultural Extension program. The training program is open to the public and takes place in the fall of each year – one day a week for 12 weeks. I also supervise the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, which is funded by a Southwest Florida Water Management District grant and educates homeowners in the areas of water conservation and runoff pollution. And I maintain a website geared to answer homeowner questions. Focus: Can you explain why we have an extension service to begin with? Dr. Shibles: Well, this is a very good question. Actually, many people have never heard of the Extension Service. It all started when the Federal Government passed the Land Grant College Act in 1862. The purpose of this Act was to establish a university in each state which would support public education – particularly for agriculture, engineering and military training. Each state was given a tract of land, the money from which could be used to start a college. These were called land grant colleges and were geared toward students who could not afford to attend a very expensive private university. The land given to Florida was actually out west some place, I think in Wyoming. The State of Florida used the proceeds from the sale of this property to establish what is now the University of Florida in Gainesville. By 1886, it became clear to the Federal Government that the various states needed research facilities to help solve agricultural problems. The Hatch Act was passed in 1886 which allowed the Federal Government to

donate land to the states upon which they could develop agricultural research stations. By the turn of the century it had become evident that there really was not an effective way for the colleges and research stations to get research information out to the people. So, the Smith Lever Act was passed in 1913, which created the Extension Service. The goal of the service was to get unbiased researchbased information from the university out to the people; extending the knowledge from the university. The Extension Service is generally attached to the state land grant university. In Florida, the Extension Service is part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Generally, extension services are supported by counties as well as the Federal Government. For instance, my position is supported 60 percent by the University of Florida and 40 percent by Polk County. The Extension Service offers varied educational programs in addition to horticulture, including commercial citrus production, livestock production, the (4-H) youth program, and Natural Resources. Most states

including Florida have an Extension Office in each county. Focus: What are your hot topics these days? Dr. Shibles: A lot of my calls are citrus related. We are finding citrus canker and citrus greening in home citrus trees. Greening is a devastating disease. It’s transmitted by a small insect called a psyllid. The insect carries a bacterium which lives and reproduces inside the insect. When the insect feeds on a citrus tree, the greening disease may be transmitted to the tree. After about two years, the tree begins to show symptoms. The fruit becomes bitter and the tree becomes worthless. Right now there isn’t any treatment other than trying to kill the psyllids or removing the infected trees out and planting new ones. Another hot button issue I should mention is the Texas Phoenix Palm Decline. It is another microorganism transmitted by an insect, but the insect has not been identified at this time.. It’s killing the date palms and cabbage palms. If the insect is cold hardy, it could carry the disease to cabbage palms further north. On highway 98, running up into Lakeland, you’ll see a lot of the palms that have died from this disease. Focus: Are there any specific situations that you’ve encountered that were more memorable?

Dr. Shibles examining perennial peanuts.

Dr. Shibles: We do have many walk-ins. People come in thinking they’re infested

with some sort of insect. Some people do have these issues, like fleas, ticks and lice, but others have an affliction called delusionary parasitosis. They think they have some sort of insect invading their body. They bring in all kinds of artifacts they find in their homes and on their clothing like lint and hairs thinking they are living organisms. I show them these artifacts through my microscope in an attempt to reassure them that the objects are not alive. I had a client who had stabbed himself in the leg with a spine from a Canary Island Date Palm. The wound would not heal and he was on crutches. He had been seeing a doctor. I did quite a lot of research on this problem because I was not sure if there was a toxin on these spines. I consulted with our palm specialists at the Ft. Lauderdale Research Station and they assured me that there were no toxins on the spines. And the wound needed to be treated like a rusty nail puncture and he should consult with his physician. I relayed this information to the client. A short time later he responded with a simple note which included “Thank you for caring.” Dr. Shibles has been doing this for a while and his wide range of experience shows. Each day, he’s helping the residents of Polk County with their landscapes, trees and shrubbery with a wide variety of situations and complex issues. Thanks so much, Dr. Shibles, for all your efforts.

FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

Business Focus

Red Rose Five Star Fine Dining and Entertainment

Featuring original artists throughout the decades • • • • • • • •

Ralph Alocco and Second Wind Destiny Free Time Jazz Bobby Blackmon Troy “Satchmo” Anderson- salute to the songs of Louie “Satchmo” Armstrong Walt Maddox- salute to the songs of Nat King Cole Bob Ryman “The Fiddler” Bobby Palermo

In addition to annual events and weekly dinner shows, in 2012 the Red Rose is expanding entertainment options by hosting a concert series that tributes the 1950’s and 1960’s Doo Wop era. Inspired by various appearances on Public Broadcasting Station Specials, Scarlett Marketing and Promotional Productions presents original artists in the upcoming Doo Wop Weekend Volume VI and PBS Memories Concert Series. A combination of Pop, Rock, and Soul will serenade listeners as all original artists bring back the best sounds and memories of the 50’s and 60’s. Doo Wop Weekend Volume VI and PBS Memories Concert Series Performances:

n an elegant atmosphere where five star dining meets entertainment, enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Red Rose Dining Room. Guests have the opportunity to get up close with their favorite original artists they grew up listening to. More than just a dinner show, Red Rose entertainment offers Contemporary and Las Vegas style music that is sure to make your evening a dining experience.

raiser Dinner Show in the luxurious Ball Room, November 12, 2011. Entertainment includes a Las Vegas style show “salute” group featuring songs of the Platters, Drifters and Coasters.

Get in the sprit with featured holiday dinner shows “A Mystical Holiday Serenade” and “Winter Wonderland Gala” hosted in the spectacular Red Rose Ballroom, December 2011. Performing in the “Winter Wonderland Gala” is 1950’s pop music quartet, The Treat yourself and support St. Jude’s by Four Aces. In the dining room, rock attending the annual St. Jude’s Fundto the beat of The Mystics performing

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

“A Mystical Holiday Serenade”. Then, ring in the 2012 New Year with the world renowned Platters Show in the dinning room and The Legacy of the Temptations a salute to The Temptations and The Platters in the Red Rose Ballroom. Every Friday and Saturday evening the Red Rose hosts a dinner show with various featured artists. Please check the entertainment schedule of the website to obtain information about upcoming shows featuring the following groups and artists:

Barbara Harris and the Toys: Offering a wide variety of musical genres including Gospel, R&B, Blues, Rock, and Pop this all girls group hit the charts in the mid 1960’s. Performing is original lead singer, Barbra Harris, who is known for chart topping hits “A Lover’s Concerto” and “Attack”. Jimmy Gallagher: Original lead singer of The Passions, is a legend of Doo Wop popular throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. The group was widely known for their top 100 hit “Just to Be with You”.

813-752-3141 I-4 Exit 21 2011 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563 www.redroseinnandsuites.com 2011 Dinner Show Schedule:

November 12, 2011 - St. Jude’s annual Fundraiser in the Ballroom December 16, 2011 - Winter Wonderland Gala featuring “The Four Aces” December 17, 2011 - A Mystical Holiday Serenade featuring “The Mystics” December 31, 2011 - New Years Eve with The World Famous Platters and the Legacy of the Temptations

2012 Dinner Show Schedule:

January 14th, 2012 - Ballroom Dinner show “The Contours” featuring Slyvester Potts February 19, 2012 - Ballroom Dinner Show featuring “The Vandells” February 25, 2012 - Ballroom Dinner Show featuring “The Hubcaps”

2012 Red Rose Doo Wop Weekend Volume VI: March 23, 2011 - Barbara Harris and the Toys, Jimmy Gallagher, and The Mystics

The Mystics: A Rock group who reached the top 20 national charts with their hit “Hushabye” in the 1950’s. They are also known for “White Cliffs of Dover” and “Don’t Take the Stars”. Performing are original lead singer and second tenor.

The Shades of Blue: Their biggest hit “Oh How Happy” reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Top 10 in Canada. They were known as “Motown’s Blue-eyed Soul Group” and became popular in the 1960’s.

The Legendary Teenagers: Rock musics first allteenage act gained success in the 1950’s with “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”. They became internationally known and inducted in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 followed by a star the following year on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Performing are two of the original teenagers.

Diamond “Dave” Somerville: Original lead voice of the Diamonds, Dave became an influence to Rock and Roll during the late 1950’s to early 1960’s. He has 16 Billboard hits including “Little Darlin” and “The Stroll”.

The Passions: Pop music group popular throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. Gained popularity with hits such as “Just to Be with You”, “I Only Want You”, and “Made for Lovers”. The Marcels: Formed in the late 1950’s and popular throughout the 1960’s this Doo Wop group was known for turning classical Pop songs into Rock and Roll. Their “Blue Moon” record was awarded a gold disc and is featured in “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Top 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”.

The Reflections: Known as the “Deacon’s of Doo Wop” have been performing since the mid-1950’s. Their hit “( Just Like) Romeo and Juliet” reached #5 on pop charts and sales peaked at over four million. That’s not all! There are new and exciting shows every weekend at the Red Rose. For dinner show reservations, more shows, or information please visit www.redroseinnandsuites.com

March 24. 2011 - The Legendary Teenagers, Jimmy Gallagher, and the Mystics March 24, 2011 - Afternoon poolside party and car show with Doo Wop Boot Camp March 25, 2011 - Breakfast with the Stars

2012 PBS Doo Wop Memories Concert Series: April 14, 2012 - The Passions May 5th, 2012 - The Marcels June 23, 2012 - The Mystics September 22, 2012 - The Shades of Blue September 29, 2012 - The Mystics October 20, 2012- American Pops 60’s dinner show November 17, 2012- Diamond “Dave” Somerville December 8th - The Reflections December 15th - Mystical Doo Wop Christmas Show featuring “The Mystics”

FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

entertainment » dining profile Honey Glazed Chicken Photo by Tony Cartagena

Boneless Pork Chop Photo by Tony Cartagena

Reececliff E

stablished in 1934, Reececliff Family Diner has served up top-quality Southern food at family-friendly prices. And in the last few months, Reececliff has seen a lot of change. Manager Rachelle sat down with us and talked about how James, owner of Reececliff, gave the place a facelift throughout. They bought higher quality food, changed some of the management, and remodeled the place from top to bottom to really prime the restaurant for success. Apparently, so far it has worked. “Business is great,” Rachelle said with excitement, “But of course, we want it to do even better.” Rachelle brought out plate after plate of customer favorites for us to try. The Beef Tips over Noodles was an eyeful, and they were tender and covered in gravy. Some of the side items, several which rotate throughout the week - include green beans, some delicious baked squash caserole, corn pudding, rich mashed potatoes and gravy, and a choice of many vegetables. The item with the most intense flavor was the Fried Pickles appetizer. About 40-50 lightly breaded pickle chips filled a basket almost to the brim (which is a lot for $4.99) and nestled in with them was a side of ranch

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

Family Diner Written By: John Ross

Spring Salad Photo by Tony Cartagena

dipping sauce. They were tart and crisp and and Black & Blue Salad (blackened sirloin the sauce contrasted nicely to mellow out the with blue cheese crumbles, etc.) We tried tartness. the Spring Salad which was a big bowl full of diced chicken, mandarin oranges, We tried the onion rings which were big strawberries, and red onions topped with and sweet and came with a unique “Boom blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, and boom!” sauce, the recipe for which is as pralines. The side of raspberry dressing gave closely guarded as the KFC seasoning it a fruity sweetness that really mixed well formula. All I know is that the bright with the tender chicken and fresh greens. orange, sweet and on-the-verge-of-tastinglike-candy sauce was unique and delicious. If you look in the dessert section of the menu, you’ll see the name of Miss Jeanette. My favorite entrée item was the honey She’s mentioned because she has been glazed fried chicken pieces. Starting with perfecting her pie-backing skills at Reececliff some delicious, seasoned fried chicken for more than 50 years. Rachelle was proud on the bone, the honey glaze adds such to bring a few of her masterpieces out for a delicious element and was a pleasant us to try, and by golly you could feel the surprise. Wear your honey-chicken-eating love and care in each one (which are made gloves for this because your face and hands from scratch, daily.) “We can’t keep up with will not go un-honeyed. making them fast enough,” Rachelle said of their pie pre-orders around the holiday The boneless pork chop was as tender as season. “Last year we hit almost 500 pies pork gets. Seasoned with an emphasis on just for Thanksgiving.” And here is probably pepper, it tasted a little like steak and almost the most exciting part of ordering pies at had the tenderness of a chicken breast filet. Reececliff (besides stuffing your pie hole If you’re going to get a boneless pork chop, with them, of course): “If they have a pie get it here. they want made, just ask and it can probably be done!” Rachelle says. When was the last For salad lovers, a whole flap of the menu time you asked someone with 50 years of is devoted to about 15 distinct varieties experience to make you a custom pie? Try it including Grilled or Fried Chicken Salad out!

reececliff family diner 863-686-6661 940 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL Mon – Sat 7 am – 9 pm Sunday 8 am – 3 pm

The peach pie was soft in all the right places, tart in others, and yea, it was good. The cherry pie alamode was even better. Served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional) it has the cherries, the rich crust, the ice cream, and whatever the heck else goes into this bad boy and it is soft, firm, hot, cold, tart, and sweet all at once, in every bite. Other favorites that Rachelle let us try were the Coconut Cream and the Urban Chocolate Pecan Pie, both delicious. Come try Reececliff Family Diner for some good Southern sustenance… and don’t even think about leaving without at least a slice of pie!

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FOCUS Magazine FOCUS Magazine lakeland JULY 2011

entertainment » event calendar

Lakeland

calendar of events

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events, please email the information to: editorial@floydpublications.com

Monday, July 18

Friday, July 22

» Garden Lecture Series: The Fruit From Your Labor 6:30pm - 7:30pm 1700 N Florida Ave The City of Lakeland Beautification Board and Lakeland Parks & Recreation present a series of Garden Lectures to help keep Lakeland Green & Beautiful. These programs are perfect for the doit-yourself garden enthusiast!

» The Wizard of Oz 7:30pm 750 Hollingsworth Rd Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. Performances are Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 2pm Tickets $20 Adults, $15 Students and $10 Children.

Tuesday, July 19 » Lakeland Flying Tigers Vs Charlotte Stone Crabs 7:00pm - 9:00pm 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Lakeland Flying Tigers game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.

Thursday, July 21

JULY 2011 focuslakeland.com

Friday, July 22 » International Headliner, Comedian and Health Advocate Dick Gregory Speaks 5:30pm - 7:30pm 3015 Cypress Gardens Rd “National Congress of Black Women, Inc. of Polk County, Florida and Dr. Corlis R. Johnson of My Natures Delight Natural Foods and Herb Shop present International Headliner, Comedian and Health Advocate Dick Gregory. Mr. Gregory takes a stand against our national health crisis. A private VIP semi-formal at $75.00 includes a banquet-style dinner, a personal photo and book signing with Mr. Gregory.

Sunday, July 24 » Dollhouse & Miniatures Show & Sale 9:30am 3839 Don Emerson Drive

Pre-register and view this delightful project on our website. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Preview show open to the public (admission $15) which includes early buying privileges and 2-day admission, plus a surprise gift for the first 50 attendees. Sun 7/24: 10:00am - 4:00pm Show and Sale open to the public (admission $6 adults, $1 children 6-12) Free parking.

Monday, August 01 » Garden Lecture Series: Trees For The Landscape 6:30pm - 7:30pm 100 Lake Morton Dr The City of Lakeland Beautification Board and Lakeland Parks & Recreation present a series of Garden Lectures to

help keep Lakeland Green & Beautiful. These programs are perfect for the doit-yourself garden enthusiast!

Saturday, August 06 » 35th Annual Polk County Amateur Championship 8:00am 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd The Polk County Men’s Amateur Golf Championship will be held at the Lake Region Yacht & Country Club on August 6-7. This year’s event benefits Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc., Winter Haven and The First Tee of Lakeland.

It’s not NEWS, It’s LIFE. It’s about you. Have a Story to tell? We are always looking for a good story on people or organizations making a positive difference in the community - email us at: editorial@floydpublications.com

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