FOCUS Plant City 17-06 by Floyd Publications

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Contents Table of

focusplantcity.com / Issue 17-06 / June 2018

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In addition to photos of our local graduates and Little Miss Plant City royalty, this issue offers stories about rising star Benji Padgett, local legend Terry Thomas, and longtime music minister Virginia Helper with her group, Sanctuary. We also share some good news about Lighthouse Ministries and two local yearbook staffs that saved the year for a third. It’s been a good month, for sure

F E AT U R E

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When it comes to barbeque, Plant City has some hometown “Backyard BBQ Pros.” Meet eight guys and one gal who take grilling as serious as any Olympic event. And with years of practice, these folks are all winners. You’ll enjoy their recipes, too.

SPOTLIGHT

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The red-carpet premiere of No Postage Necessary on June 28 at the historic Tampa Theatre will count many Plant City natives in attendance. Hometown talent Charleene Closshey, who stars in the romantic film opposite George Blagden, shared some behind-the-Plant City-scenes details that will make the audience’s experience even more special.

BUSINESS

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Jayme Harris will shout it from the front doors of her new downtown boutique. “I’m glad to be back to my roots!” After eleven years spent in 34 countries as an Air Force veteran and contract vendor serving disastrous situations, the wife, mother, and entrepreneur showcases unique creations from artisans near and far.

DINING

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Johnson Barbeque has another claim to fame now, and it’s steak! Prepared only on Friday and Saturday evenings, the dinner is increasingly popular with beef connoisseurs. Sounds like a great gift for Dads to us! PAGE

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From The Publisher Backyard grilling is in full effect and my all time favorite thing to throw on my Traeger is chicken wings. Be sure to check out some secret recipes from some of Plant City’s best on pages 41-47.

appy Summer and Happy Father’s Day to all!

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com Office Manager Candy Owens cowens@floydpublications.com Account Manager Chris Stovall chris@floydpublications.com Managing Editor Cheryl Johnston cjohnston@floydpublications.com Art Director Anthony Sassano asassano@floydpublications.com Distribution Tony DeVane Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston | Barbara Routen | Kelli Tharrington Katie Loudermilk | Sherrie Mueller | Anthony Bolesta | Cierra Craft Contributors Gil Gott | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis | Candy Owens Natalie Sweet | Wanda Anderson | Heather Davis | Layla Keeler Drawdy

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563 Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 www.focusplantcity.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.

With school out for the next two months, dads have extra opportunities to experience some bonding time and outdoor fun with their children. And kids like nothing better! Camping, fishing, and time on or in the water rank high on those “favorite getaway” lists. Other ways to connect include digital games, board games, and ball games. For the musically inclined, there are concerts to attend, instruments to play, or songs to sing out loud. Some also enjoy completing projects together – landscape, home improvement and building, or Oh, and don’t forget cooking, grilling, and eating together. In this issue are several stories that shine a light on the invaluable roles of dads. You’ll enjoy learning about several of Plant City’s renowned backyard BBQ-ers, along with why the children of the late Terry Thomas praise their father. In the process of his own restoration after detours into drug addiction and crime, Darren Williams, Jr. credits his father’s firm resolve to honor God’s law as a critical component. And Charleene Closshey can’t imagine a time when she didn’t feel the “allencompassing, unwavering, overwhelming love” of her dad Charles. Obviously, these are but a few of the hundreds of “Dad” stories we could share if more room for editorial content allowed. Instead, we’ll simply hope the memories of time spent with your fathers, grandfathers, brothers and uncles will be heard at family gatherings this summer. As always, if you’re inclined to share, we’d love to listen and read!

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.

Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd PAGE

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Town Talk of the

Submit your good news to: editorial@floydpublications.com or call it in 813.707.8783

Found on Facebook: Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis was named the 2018-2019 President of Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows’ board. Congratulations, Paul! Sam's Bike Worx LLC, a solely mobile bicycle sales/repair business now in its third year, has moved to Plant City from Temple Terrace. Sam Lougheed can provide any type of repair or bicycle related sale and customers rate the business with 5 star on all review sources. Contact Sam Lougheed at 813-4493369, visit on Facebook or at www.samsbikeworx.com.

The Plant City Elks Lodge donated $2,426.00 to Hillsborough County’s Area VI schools to pay the outstanding lunch debts of 215 students. The donation benefited 14 Plant City schools. Elks Exalted Ruler Marty Carroll and his wife, Shelly Carroll, presented Hillsborough County’s Area VI Supervisor Sharon Morris with the donation.

Mark you calendars now so you don’t miss the BBQ Rib-off on Saturday, September 15th during the O’Brien’s Irish Pub “1/2 Way to St. Paddy's Day” parking lot party. PAGE

Plant City’s chapter of Toastmasters earned a first place award for Table Topics at the District 84 Conference in Orlando in May. Pictured L-R are teammates Stan Reynolds, Jeannie Elliott, Verna McKelvin, and Alison Brown Teichgraeber Nissen.

Turkey Creek Middle School FFA was selected by the Florida FFA Association as a Premier FFA Chapter. The award recognizes Turkey Creek’s achievement in several areas of FFA activities. The chapter was awarded at the 90th Florida FFA Convention and Expo on June 13, 2018.

Invested in Plant City. For more than three decades, The Bank of Tampa has continually worked to deliver a client experience like no other in the communities we serve. Our promise is to continue that approach as we invest in the Plant City market. Nick Thurston I SVP, Market Director 813.373.9267 I nthurston@bankoftampa.com

TheBankofTampa.com *

*Wealth Management and Trust Services are not FDIC insured, not deposit or other obligations of the Bank and may lose value.

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Everything that glitters is gold 27 girls compete in the 50th annual Little Miss Plant City Contest BY CIERRA CRAFT

interview, pageant walk, final look, and for the Top Ten, an on-stage question. The girls were asked, “What color best describes you?” Many chose the color yellow, noting its symbolism of cheerfulness. The Top Ten Semifinalists included Hayven LeeAnn Harrell, Alivia Loryn Eben, Emerson Paige Taylor, Demi Chyanne Atkinson, Makyla Sunset Brown, Brightyn Willis, Mia Rose Jones, Makinley Grace Jensen, Ivy Belle Garner and Madelynn Marie Harwick. Makinley Grace Jensen was also named Miss Congeniality and she was recognized for selling the

most advertisements in the event program, totaling $900. The 2018 Little Miss Plant City Queen and court include Queen Madelynn Marie Hardwick, First Maid Makyla Sunset Brown, and court members Brightyn Willis, Makinley Grace Jensen, and Mia Rose Jones. “Little Miss Plant City is not your typical beauty pageant,” says Medina. “We focus more on personality and the individuality of the girls competing. To me, the event is important as it helps young girls realize that it’s the beauty on the inside that counts.”

2018 Queen and Court: 2018 Queen Madelynn Marie Hardwick, First Maid Makyla Sunset Brown, and court members Mia Rose Jones, Brightyn Willis and Makinley Grace Jensen will represent the Junior Woman's Club and Plant City at various events around town.

resses sparkled with sequins and diamonds at the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club’s 2018 Little Miss Plant City Contest on Saturday, May 19 at Plant City High School. Twentyseven girls, age 8 to 10 years-old, participated in the 50th annual event attended by more than 200 wellwishers. The Little Miss Plant City Queen and court represent not only the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club but the community as a whole at various annual events such as Empty Bowls, Relay for Life, the Christmas Parade and the Florida Strawberry Festival parade. The organization celebrated 50 years of Little Miss Plant City with the theme “50 & Fabulous: Everything that Glitters is Gold,” in recognition of the event’s golden anniversary. Former LMPC queens were given reserved seating and were recognized on stage to

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commemorate the history of this Plant City tradition. “To know that we have just crowned our 50th queen is a great feeling,” says LMPC Chair and President of GFWC Plant City Juniors Betty Medina. “What’s even better is knowing that our Shoe Project, which is funded by events like LMPC, has been going on for that long and that our club has been helping underprivileged children for as many years as well.” The night began with each constant introducing themselves. Many mentioned their faith and involvement at church, others mentioned their love for Plant City and one contestant, Emerson Paige Taylor, mentioned a petition she started to bring a Chick-Fil-A location to Plant City. The girls were judged on poise, personality, appropriate dress, grooming and stage performance. The contest program includes an

Contestant #13, Madelynn Marie Hardwick, was chosen as the 2018 LMPC Queen. Contestants were judged on personality, poise, appropriate dress, grooming and stage presentation.

2017 Queen J'Zell Gibertsen passes the microphone to Contestant #30 Demi Chyanne Atkinson who brought laughs to the audience with her sass and spunk.

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Focus Magazine’s

2018 All-District High School

Baseball Teams BY JACKSON SMITH | PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY PARRILLO

n 2011, the last season that Focus Magazine selected a post season All-District Baseball Team, Plant City, Durant, and Armwood were all in the same district. Strawberry Crest was in its infancy and was omitted from consideration. Therefore, the selection process was much simpler. All players were selected from the same district. A lot has changed in the past seven years. Through the redistricting of the Florida High School Athletic Association, now the four schools are spread out over three districts. Plant City and Durant are in District 8A-6, Armwood is in District 7A-9, and Strawberry Crest is in 8A-4. As a result, Focus Magazine decided to select three All-District teams that would include the four schools that we consider to be in our readership. Another thing that has changed over the years is the emergence of Strawberry Crest’s baseball program. Crest is no longer an infant program and the odd man out, but has emerged as one of the best teams in Hillsborough County. In fact, Strawberry Crest won its first district championship ever, it’s first region title, and are set to play in the finalfour in Florida’s High School State Championships beginning on June 1st. Quite an accomplishment for Coach Eric Beattie and his Chargers, whose first season in existence was 2010. This year Focus Magazine chose players through information gathered from sports reports, coaches’ input, All-Conference selections, email solicitations, and Maxpreps. All statistics used were from games played during the regular season with the cutoff date being April 29. No postseason statistics were included in an effort to make comparing players more equitable.

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We also decided against recognizing three separate “Player of the Year” recipients, one from each district. Instead, we chose only one player as the “Focus Magazine’s Area Player of the Year” representing all three districts. Focus Magazine’s Area Player of the Year is Joey Parrillo, the talented catcher from Strawberry Crest. There were many gifted players that qualified for consideration such as junior Parker Messick from Plant City in District 8A-6, who picked up 6 wins (tied for first in district) with an ERA 1.58 (2nd in district among those with over 40 innings) while slugging 4 home runs (2nd) and contributing 17 RBI’s. In the same district, Dillon Besnier, a junior from Riverview deserved equal consideration. Besnier led the district with a .444 batting average. He pounded out 5 homers (1st), and carded a slugging percentage of .841 (1st ). In District 7A-9 three players deserved consideration. George DeLeon, a senior from Brandon batted .466 (1st), hit 6 doubles (1st) with a slugging percentage of .568 (1st) and on-base percentage .508 (1st). Josiah Lara, a junior from Tampa Bay Tech batted .340 (5th ) with a slugging percentage of .491 (2nd), stolen bases 15 (tied for 1st), 6 extra-base hits (1st) with an on-base percentage of .463. Jermaine White, a senior from Brandon sported a batting average of .393 (2nd), slugging percentage .491 (2nd), an on-base percentage .479 (2nd), with one home run. Joey Parrillo, however, not only represents his district well (8A-4) but also our four area schools, as well as all three districts as he helped lead Strawberry Crest all the way to the final-four. Parrillo batted .377 while pounding out 26 hits, scoring

20 runs, stealing13 bases, and compiling an on-base percentage of .450. Behind the plate he made a scant 3 errors out of 178 total chances (.983) while throwing out 9 of 16 would-be base stealers (.563). Although we did not consider the post season in the selection process, we could not ignore what Parrillo has done so far. In five playoff games since April 29, he has hit .417 with 1 home run, 1 double, scored 4 runs and drove in 3 more. Parrillo plans on playing college baseball and pursuing a degree in physical therapy. Congratulations Joey!

All-District Team 7A-9 • Pitchers: Wildiomar RomanMorales (Brandon), Henry Nelson (Braden River), Andre Fonseca (Braden River) • Infielders: Josiah Lara (Tampa Bay Tech), Yazael Nunez (Lennard), Jaylen Crumity (Tampa Bay Tech), Amaury Quinones (Armwood) • Outfielders: George DeLeon (Brandon), Jermaine White (Brandon), Collin Goda (Braden River), Brendan Herrick (Lennard), Chris Tavarez (Armwood) Utility: Edward Tarrant (Lennard)

All-District Team 8A-6 • Pitchers: Matt Byers (Durant), Parker Messick (Plant City), Justin Hone (East Bay) Catcher: Cameron Vigh (Riverview • Infielders: Jackson Hobbs (Bloomingdale), Reagan Jorgensen (Riverview), Cade Shissler (Plant City), Jett Davis (Bloomingdale), Adam Hunt (Riverview • Outfielders: Dillon Besnier (Riverview), Bryce Hazzard (Bloomingdale) Utility/DH: Austin Eldridge (Plant City)

All-District Team 8A-4 • Pitchers: Damien Torres (Strawberry Crest), Brian Baughman (Wharton), Catchers: Joey Parrillo (Strawberry Crest), Hunter Kniskern (Freedom), • Infielders: Derek Barone (Strawberry Crest), Duncan Pastore (Wharton), Leo Alfonzo (Wharton), Zach Ehrhard (Wharton) • Outfielders: Grady Maguire (Wharton), Eliel Martinez (Freedom)

Focus Magazine’s “Area Player of the Year”- Joey Parrillo

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2018 Senior Class Plant City High School

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2018 Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner BY DR. DANIEL MIDDLEBROOKS, CHAPLAINCY CARE, INC. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES BEAN – HCSO PHOTOGRAPHER

lmost 500 folks who entered the Florida Strawberry Festival Exhibition Hall on May 10 were greeted by the sights, sounds, and senses of excitement. Multiple people from numerous places and agencies throughout the Hillsborough County realized this night was not about the various organizations represented, but rather about the company of heroes being honored. This night was dedicated to the men and women who have committed to protect the heart of their community with the greatest gift they have – their lives. Hosted by the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association, Inc., the annual event has served to honor our men and women of the blue for the last 56 years. The 2018 banquet raised the standard of excellence one more time. Beautifully decorated tables, exceptional food, and an illuminated stage helped the night to shine. A thin blue line glistening on each side of the stage reminded attendees of the courage and commitment required of our law enforcement agencies each day, as they deal with life and death situations. Those honored were the men and women of the Plant City Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. From recognitions of service beyond the call of duty to the retirements of those who have faithfully served, to the remembrance of those whose gave their life, the impact of their gift to area citizens is more than powerful. It is precious and priceless. Congratulations to the 2018 Officers of the Year: • Detective Justin Polk of the Plant City Police Department • Trooper Christopher Wells of the PAGE

Florida Highway Patrol • Sergeant Jeff Catlin of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office • Officer Nick Guerin of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission The Gospel of John 15:13 reminds us: “There is no greater love that to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (NIV). It not only denotes the ultimate sacrifice all our First Responders are willing to make; it is also the very warrior ethos that provides the source of strength, stamina, and security that helps them engage in the day or night before them. The men and women of our Law Enforcement are modern-day knights who rise each day for their call to duty. They don their uniform, strap on their weapon, and pick up their shield. This shield, however, does not go over their arm but over their hearts. It is the visible and tangible reminder that it’s not the shield that makes the person but the person who makes the shield. This shield seems light in the hands, but once placed on the uniform of the public servant, the weight increases one hundred-fold. That shield now represents the professional authority of their agency, their personal responsibility of their calling, and a powerful legacy of their faithfulness. In a time our Law Enforcement members face increasingly difficult challenges, this night each year validates and honors their daily sacrifice. Men and women of our Law Enforcement, the words “Thank You” seem so simple and superficial, yet we as a community should speak them to you daily. The greatest gift we can provide is to show you and to let you know, we have your “6.”

Plant City Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2018: Detective Justin Polk

Florida Highway Patrol Officer of the Year: Trooper Christopher Wells

Hillsborough County The Florida Fish & Wildlife Sheriff’s Officer of the Year: Conservation Commission Sergeant Jeff Catlin honored Officer Nick Guerin.

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Benji Padgett

Gaining Ground with His Musical Talents BY KATIE LOUDERMILK

hroughout the ages, music has been a highly appreciated art form. Today, creative individuals perform music in numerous genres. Since he was five years-old, Benji Padgett has expressed his passion for music and now continues writing, singing ,and playing piano while in college in hopes those talents will become his future career. “I never really knew what I wanted to do specifically with music, but after searching through the degree options with Southeastern University, I discovered the Music Business degree,” Benji explained. Along with the education aspect, Benji is slowly building his music portfolio by posting live performances on Instagram and participating in open mic nights at Krazy Kup in downtown Plant City. Countless times he has also opened for an artist’s Saturday night performance at the popular coffeehouse. Occasionally, Benji performed on Saturdays afternoons at the Corner Store as well. Benji competed in the Open Mic Fest at the Green Bench Brewing Company in St. Pete with 30 other contestants on January 14, 2018. Although he did not place in the Top Three during the semi-finals, an optimistic Benji appreciated the experience and the acknowledgment

he could make it to the finals. Padgett recently won best cover of Kelly Clarkson’s song, “I Don’t Think About You.” He and three others were selected and then the public voted for their favorite cover. He won an expense paid trip to L.A. to participate in the guest audience. “I did not get to meet Kelly Clarkson,” explained Padgett, “but I got to sit in her chair from the Voice, which was good enough for me.” Benji hopes one day to tour the nation presenting his music. For now, he writes his own Alternative music and aims to put it out in the world. He explained, “21 Pilots and Tori Kelly have been inspirations because their music has hints of Christianity and God, but at the same time relates to people in real life.” With his Music Business degree, he will gain the knowledge necessary to manage his own business as a musician. He aspires to manage himself without having to depend on others while he also continues to create his own music. At his young age of 19, Benji Padgett is making his mark on the world with his love and joy for music. And he’s especially grateful for the encouraging community that continues to support the pursuit of his dream. PAGE

2018 Senior Class Durant High School

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Planters Reunite

Each individual class gathered for a group photo. Class of 1969 was well represented at Planters Reunite.

PCHS Planters from 1956-1972 remember high school days and make new memories BY SHERRIE MUELLER

he Plant City “Planters” Reunion was held on Saturday, May 19 at the Grimes Building on the Strawberry Festival Grounds. This combined class reunion for Classes of 1956 to 1972 attracted more than 500 people from across the United States. In addition to a time of reminiscing, many guests enjoyed sharing family photos and creating new memories with former classmates. Patsy Ballard and Peggy Gibbs co-chaired the festive event with the help of Lynett Brownlee Griffin and Karen Dempsey Robinson. Representatives from each of the seventeen classes were also included in the planning. Tommy Bevill provided “back to school” music of the times as the DJ and Coleman Davis served as emcee. The room was filled with memorabilia from the various years

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and many guests dressed in the school colors of orange and blue . Several guests also had sibling reunions as an added feature. Linda Pletcher Sanchez of North Carolina, Class of 1965, spent time with her sister, Karen Pletcher Price of Tavares, Class of 1967. Randy Britt of Birmingham, Class of 1967, arrived with his brother, Larry Britt of Plant City, Class of 1960. The heart-warming event with a festive flair also saw deceased classmates memorialized and remembered fondly on displays throughout the room. Welcome home to all the former Plant City High School graduates who traveled and enjoyed a weekend here in strawberry county. And congratulations to the Planters Reunite Committee for organizing an event that made more memories to last a lifetime.

Pat Ballard, Co-Chairman of Planters Reunite thanks Betty Jones, wife of former Principal James "Sonny" Jones for coming. Jim Jones attended the event with his mother.

Virginia Brobst Tharrington and Diane Cook Sparkman, both of the Class of 1965, enjoy visiting with Elizabeth Ayscue Katz, Class of 1966.

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2018 Senior Class Strawberry Crest High School

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Virginia Helper and Sanctuary Celebrate 40-Year Anniversary BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

Virginia Helper and Sanctuary

aving worked for the City of Plant City for 35 years, Virginia Helper remains a highly regarded woman, classy in every sense of the word. This is why more than 300 well-wishers gathered at the Trinkle Center on April 14 to celebrate 40 years in ministry with Sanctuary. Through music and evangelism, this group has touched the lives of thousands. “Entering our 40th year of ministry as a gospel group is a testimony to God’s creative presence and will to shape his people for the work of kingdom building,” Helper wrote. “It is the kind of unstoppable work that not only unfolds within the faith community but extends to the uttermost part of the earth.” In addition to Helper as keyboardist and vocalist, the present group includes Noralyn and Ernest Anderson and their daughter Brittaney Anderson; Chavonda Barnes; Chester Barnes; drummers Joshua Harrison and Christopher

Cherafant; and Yvonne Newsome. Their just-released first CD, entitled Sounds of Prevailing Praise, offers five selections, four written by Helper and the final track written by Chavonda Barnes. Helper was raised in Coronet by great-grandparents who took her to church every Sunday. “Between attending Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal Holiness churches, I developed the ability to feel warm and welcomed in every church where God now sends us,” she explained. After college at Southern University where she studied to be a Special Education teacher, Helper credits a born-again experience in 1978 for enduing her with power for ministry. “I began to receive songs, like a download, from the Lord,” she shared. “Most are scriptural. At that time I was a pianist for Allen Chapel AME and did a concert, which eventually developed into a group of young people (up to 24 at one time) doing performances in churches and

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spiritual conferences.” At each service in which Virginia Helper and Sanctuary perform, they are “looking to bring people into God’s presence” so they can experience healing, joy and spiritual renewal. She added, “We try to minister with each song by inviting and encouraging people to know God.” These days, in addition to rehearsals with Sanctuary on Saturday, she works a little in real estate and invests free time weekdays with friends and family. Recently, Helper received her diploma from Lakeland’s Family Worship Center Prep, a one-year course of study and training for Ministerial Preparation. She is also pursuing an Associates of Religious Arts degree at Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary in Tampa. At the celebration, Helper encouraged Sanctuary’s audience “to focus on the hugely important kingdom assignment of being God’s

disciples every day, connecting to everyone, everywhere.” She wants people to experience “everything they need” through the love of Jesus. “Worth, purpose, and the desire to share Him with others develops as you put Him first in your

life,” Helper offered. “You can’t get enough of God! It’s a daily walk with our daily Bread. And there’s nothing better than being in His presence.” Regarding her “always been my home” town, Helper also shared, “There is no place like Plant City. I

love the people and I loved my job at City Hall. I always tried to share agape love, the love of the Lord, with everyone. And from the audience response, this Southern lady still does.

The Oracles of Prophecy and Sanctuary combined to help Virginia Helper celebrate her 40 years in music and evangelism ministry.

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Terry Thomas, Sr. A Good, Good Father BY CHERYL JOHNSTON To commemorate Father’s Day, we pay tribute to the baseball legend and family-first father, Terry Forest Thomas, Sr. When his four surviving children gathered with friends for his “Celebration of Life and Spirit” on February 24, the sweet memories of a life well-lived more than outweighed the tears. As a result, William Thomas, Sr., Sandra Thomas Kellogg, Faychone Thomas Newby , and Sherry thomas Palmer consider themselves “definitely rich in love.” [Please note: Terry’s beloved wife Ruby Williams Thomas and oldest son, Terry Thomas, Jr. preceded him in death].

oungest child Sherry thomas Palmer doesn’t capitalize the t in Thomas, just so folks will ask about her name, and she can tell the story about her dad. “He was my hero and I looked up to my siblings for their accomplishments. By example, Dad taught me to believe in God and myself, to sacrifice for others, to save, avoid debt, and to be responsible for commitments. He always smiled at talk of family and loved each of us in our uniqueness. We had it all because we had hard working parents who provided us with a comfortable lifestyle.” When she tried out for cheerleading at Tomlin Junior High, her biggest encourager made a training area in the backyard, complete with a mirror, so she could improve her jumps and cartwheels. “Other girls had camps and gymnastics lessons,” Sherry shared, “but I had my Dad’s constant belief that I could be chosen.” “Dad reached a point where he wasn’t talking, so my sister gave me the greatest gift on February 5 was she called so Dad could sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to his baby girl for the last time.” Faychone Thomas Newby recalled her Dad’s reminder when she competed for section leader for Plant City High School’s orchestra. “If anybody else can do it, you can, too.” She also remembers his “Don’t do as I do; do as I say do.” “Our father dropped out of Midway Academy, lied about his age at 14 for a phosphate mining job, and helped support the five children and wife his father had abandoned.” PAGE

She continued, “So education was emphasized in our home as a key for better futures. I’m also proud because he made sure we stayed connected to our grandfather. Dad cared for him and his dad’s other family, despite no blood relationship.” “Parameters we lived by included: Every day he worked, we went to school. We didn’t miss, we valued education, we didn’t misbehave and we didn’t lie or steal. He always said, ‘If it’s not yours, don’t bother it.’ Our parents made sure we knew how far we could

venture out. I remember him praying on his knees, reading his Bible, and ushering in church,” she added. “He also had a sixth sense. When Dad spoke, we listened.” Sandra Thomas Kellogg played softball from grades 7 – 12 and also at the recreation center. “Everything we did was about family,” she said. We took family drives together to see and learn new things—like trips to Lake Walker in Odessa and once to a canning plant. When Faychone could ride in the band’s bus to football games, he took me to the out-of-town games. Our parents made sure we had rich, full lives.” William, Sr. “Bill” Thomas credits his father for “demonstrating the essentials of manhood through life’s stages as boy, man, and father.” He modeled “responsibility, dedication, and commitment.” Once his dad ‘whooped’ him for slapping a boy in an argument. “I had never seen that kind of anger from my father,” Bill explained. “He called it ‘contemptible and disrespectful,’

then he taught me to respect. He also did not use profanity, so I don’t either.” “Daddy modeled respect for our homemaking Momma, too. When she called, you answered. He also taught me to work and earn for myself. Our normal was life with a mom and dad. We didn’t realize then how our friends envied us. Most people would be amazed at Dad’s accomplishments during his dash. But, truly, he believed his best gift was our family.”

“...education was emphasized in our home as a key for better futures."

2018 Senior Class Simmons Career Center

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Two Local Yearbook Staffs Team Up to Help Chamberlain High School And everybody won! BY TAYLOR NORRINGTON

Taylor Finney (left), Zane Floyd (center), and Skye King (right) from Strawberry Crest High School map out a plan on what to tackle first. "We had to look at a printed spread, know the subject we were supposed to be covering, and then we went for it," Skye King said. "It was a difficult task but it made everything worth it in the end."

hen yearbook staff members from Strawberry Crest and Newsome high schools learned that Chamberlain High School needed help, they went to work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; big time! Determined to assist the Chiefs, yearbook staff members from SCHS and NHS traveled to Chamberlain High School in Tampa on March 29, 2018 to ensure students there would have a yearbook to cherish for the rest of their lives. With no advisor, deadlines missed, few pictures taken, and spreads incomplete, the staff members from the two eastern Hillsborough County schools joined forces to complete the 2017- 2018 Chamberlain High School yearbook. "I was in complete shock when I heard the news and knew something had to be done about the problem," said SCHS senior Zane Floyd. "It

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was heartbreaking to hear students would be finishing the year without a yearbook." Getting started seemed stressful, but with determination and teamwork the book was pretty much completed by 4:00 p.m. that same day. "We printed out different spreads, decided what would go on each spread, then divided and conquered," Anna Benvenuti, SCHS Senior and Managing Editor said. "We had a lot on our plate but we knew what had to be done." Chamberlain's staff had a few CDs filled with some photos from the school's photographer but that was all. Strawberry Crest dealt with the Student Life and Academics sections while Newsome took care of Sports and People. "I sent my people out to take pictures and get interviews while I stayed in the room placing things on spreads

and submitting them," explained Newsome senior Ashley Arndt. "Sometimes it was stressful trying to get information in an unfamiliar environment with no connections, but the staff and students were so helpful in finding people for us that we had no problems." Stepping into a new environment made the experience tricky, but with the help of the Chiefsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yearbook staff the Strawberry Crest and Newsome staffers were pointed in the right direction. "I had a lot of fun walking into the unknown and puling kids out of class to interview and take pictures of," shared SCHS senior Abby Erwin. "It made me reach out of my comfort zone and take my journalistic abilities to a new level." The Chamberlain yearbook staff was always there for assistance. "I was stressed out at first because it was such an unfamiliar environment," Newsome High School senior Nur Suleiman said, "but with the help of Chamberlain's staff, not only did we get the job done, we all made some new friends along the way."

Strawberry Crest yearbook advisor Morgan Miltner and Newsome yearbook advisor Jim Govreau knew this would be a great way to expand their students yearbook skills and knowledge and would be a way to give back to another staff in need. "While it was a pretty big task, working with Morgan and the team over at Strawberry Crest made it workable and fun," Govreau offered. Staffers were sent with no advisors, it was all up to them. Miltner shared, "I was definitely more than proud to see my kids go to accomplish something so great on their own." About the Writer Strawberry Crest High School senior Taylor Norrington, a yearbook team leader and Focus Magazine writer, has served her peers through the Crest Buddies club, Senior Class Council, Student Government Association as secretary and as Chargerette dance team captain. She also dances 5X/weekly with Dance Quest International's competition team and hopes for acceptance into the Ingredients Dance Training program in Dallas, Texas to further her dance career. After that, Taylor plans to study Broadcast Journalism at Florida State University.

Anna Benvenuti, Managing editor for the Strawberry Crest High School yearbook works on inputting material into Edesign. "I stayed in the classroom most of the time to put pictures and interviews into the program," she said, "It was a team effort and I couldn't be happier with the results."

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LOCAL

Lighthouse Ministries U Offers Hope DJ Williams: New Man, New Start – Thanks to Lighthouse Ministries BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

DJ Williams PAGE

nfortunately, so many families today are impacted by their loved ones’ addictions. Either we live with one addicted, know one addicted, or have lost one addicted. The sorrow means we all suffer. But in his own downward spiral, Plant City native Darrin “DJ” Williams, Jr., found hope through his parents firmness and a residential program at Lighthouse Ministries in Lakeland. After 15 months, his new life as a productive citizen has begun. Growing up as one of eight children, DJ credits his parents, who were pastors, and local families for a “good upbringing” in the tightknit Bealsville community. “When everybody knows your daddy and mommy, the whole neighborhood brought you up,” he explained. “But sometimes they expect more of pastor’s children. By age 13, I resented being told God had a call on my life.” He added, “Bitter and rebellious, I started acting up, skipping school and hanging with the wrong crowd.” One resource program meant to help actually led DJ to smoking, drinking and being “a whole ‘nother person.” He continued, “When my dad challenged me for respect, I packed my socks and underwear and left.” During stays with his grandfather, a brother in Tampa, and a female friend’s mother, DJ went “from a controlled environment with parents to very little supervision and too many freedoms” for his age. Marijuana and alcohol parties escalated to crimes. His father warned him of a dream that he would be arrested in seven days. And he was – for robbery with a deadly weapon [brass knuckles] and two other charges. Again his father advised, “You are rebelling against God and it won’t go well.” “He was right,” DJ said, “but I didn’t want to hear truth.” Sentencing by age 17 to seven years of probation stopped some behaviors, but DJ discovered K2—synthetic weed—which drug

tests don’t detect. “My heart hadn’t changed, so my decline quickened,” he shared. “While pushing away family and friends, drinking and a daily high were my goals.” Another robbery charge In 2015, punishable by life in prison, proved a wake-up call. DJ’s choices were to stand trial or accept a plea bargain for 10 years in prison. “While resisting heavy pressure from God to get straight, things got worse,” he admitted. “But in a solitary cell, He gave me a dream. I dove into a pool of water and suddenly the dive was reversed, like in a movie. Back out of the water with rain pouring down all around me, I felt certain my case should be tried.” Miraculously, all evidence was ruled ‘unfounded’ because of misidentification by witnesses. Still addicted and barely able to walk from cramps, DJ admitted his need in late 2016. When he confessed, his Dad offered: “Lighthouse can help, but you cannot waste someone else’s opportunity.” Following that first overnight stay, a counselor advised: “If you’re ready for rehabilitation, It’s not about you anymore. So, who is it for?” In the blank, DJ wrote ‘Dad.’ Today this 26-year-old physically, mentally, and spiritually fit young adult is ready for independence. Thanks to healthy living, hard work, and training, a drug-free DJ is no longer “paranoid, skittish, fearful, isolating, or volatile.” Instead, he’s truly grateful. “Truly, God used Lighthouse Ministries to change my life. All thanks goes to Him. A person can choose to build either levels of faith or levels of sin upon sin,” he shared. “Here I’ve learned to think beyond myself and to use tools.” He now has a job with Clark Environmental in Mulberry, has purchased a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, and lives now in a two-bedroom apartment. Eventually, he dreams of missions trips, using his musical talents, and volunteering.

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T CI ER RA CR AF IN TE RV IE W BY

Della Warner D

ella Warner has spent her life in the classroom as a social studies teacher. She began her career at Turkey Creek Middle School in 1984 and three years later, began teaching at Plant City High School. Mrs. Warner has been a Raider ever since. She is often recognized around town by past and present students. The first generation of students she taught are now the parents of her current students. She married her husband James in 1987 and the pair settled in Plant City to raise their four kids: James, Mark, Will and Catie. Mrs. Warner says Plant City’s agricultural industry inspires the future. She enjoys the aroma of oranges, strawberries and melons in the air during the changing of the seasons. She loves watching the sunset over the eggplant fields. When everything is green and growing, and the spring calves are playing in the field, it reminds her that the future is always in motion. Why did you choose a career in teaching? “One of my teachers at HCC, Ann Dunn, saw me reviewing with students in Humanities class. She pulled me aside and said I would make a great teacher, and I liked what she said.” Why do you think that you are so well remembered and cherished by students? “The connection created not only in my [class]room but, if I see you in another teacher’s room, I speak to you… Kids have to know you care

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for them. They know once you come into my room, the door is always open to you.” What would you say to your younger self with the wisdom you have now? “Plan to get your Masters, be more tech savvy, and maybe take more risks by traveling more.” As Plant City continues to grow, what is something you hope remains the same about our town? “I hope it keeps its agricultural base because it inspires a hometown feeling and adds to our uniqueness. It’s a change from the constant drum… it’s nice to slow down the pace.” What is your favorite local establishment? “The Corner Store, it’s an undiscovered little gem. I like the food, the atmosphere and the people I go with there, Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Olson [her colleagues at PCHS], and I like that The Kandy Shoppe is around the corner!” What is your favorite way to eat Plant City strawberries? “I could eat them off the bush, strawberries by themselves, plain and simple.”

Find more People of Plant City on Facebook. Connecting the community one story at a time. facebook.com/peopleofplantcity Find more People of Plant City on Facebook. Connecting the community one story at a time. facebook.com/peopleofplantcity

RIBBONCUTTINGS

On Thursday, May 4, 2018, The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Brick City Bricks! "Brick City Bricks is your local new and used LegoÂŽ brick store and so much more. We are sure to have what you need! We buy sell and trade anything LegoÂŽ. We offer birthday parties, camps, monthly builds and lots of special brick building events." Find them at: 107 E Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563, by phone at 813-756-6256, and online at https://www.facebook.com/BrickCityBricks/

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for new member Frogs Floor Care. Since 1992 Frogs Floor Care has been excited to serve all of West Central Florida. They provide cleaning services for all floor types as well as upholstery cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. On January 31, 2016, Lead Pastor Scott McIntosh launched City Pointe Church here in Plant City. This interdenominational church has a heart to reach the lost and serve the needs of Plant City. God has given them the unique mission to unite the tribes by encouraging local churches to come together. Sunday Service begins at 10 a.m. at 503 N. Palmer St., Plant City, FL 33563. On Thursday, June 7th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the new location of Drawdy's Dance School at 111 S. Collins Street. Owner Amanda Drawdy shared, "We love dance, and we will teach you to love dance, too. Our studio offers ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, tumbling, hip-hop and clogging for ages 2 & up. Starting this summer we will offer private music lessons for guitar, piano, voice and many other instruments. My husband Nathan Drawdy will be running our music department." On Thursday, June 7th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for new member Bikes For Christ! Bikes For Christ helps provide transportation in the form of bicycles for underprivileged kids; veterans who are trying to get back on their feet; or anyone with a need and trying to improve their situation. President Pat Simmons shared, "A Bible goes along with every bicycle we give because we want the recipient to know they are loved and that Jesus loves them as well. We work primarily in Hillsborough County, but also cover parts of Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. For some, having a bicycle is the difference between being able to put food on the table or not. Every child deserves a bike, regardless of the circumstances they are born into and we reserve our best bicycles for our Veterans, because they have proudly served our great country." PAGE

LOCAL

Did You Know? BY PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES

il Gott, Executive Director of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, announced his intent to retire from his current position and move to a reduced schedule as the Director of the History Center. As the organization’s first Executive Director, Gott began work with the Photo Archives at its inception in 2000 and has served the last 18 years in that capacity. Gott, who will be 77 in October, plans to make the move effective October 1, 2018. Prior to serving as the full-time Executive Director of the Photo Archives, Gott was also an adjunct instructor in the History Department at Hillsborough Community College teaching American History, Political Science, and American Government at both the Plant City Campus and the Dale Mabry campus. Since working with the Photo Archives he wrote the book Remembering Plant City; Tales from the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and co-authored The Florida Strawberry Festival; A Brief History

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with co-author Lauren Der McNair. He also wrote over 100 articles on local history of the greater Plant City area, and articles or columns in The Courier, Plant City Observer, FOCUS magazine, In The Field magazine, and the Society of Florida Archivists monthly newsletter. He has also served on committees of the American Association for State and Local History, and the Society of Florida Archivists. A grant writer, Gott obtained grants from the Florida Department of State, National Endowment for the Humanities, Hillsborough County, City of Plant City, the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History, and the Florida Humanities Council, providing for the Smithsonian Exhibition at the Photo Archives, various speakers, and the sculpture exhibits of J. Seward Johnson. Active in civic affairs, Gott served on the boards or committees of the Arts Council of Plant City, Plant City Toastmasters, Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, Kiwanis Club of Plant City, East Hillsborough

Historical Society, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of the Improvement League of Plant City, and the East Hillsborough Art Guild, among others. Prior to coming to Plant City in 1995, Gott served with the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce as Vice President for Government Affairs and Economic Development. Gott served as both President of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and as Executive Director of the Plant City Economic Development Council. He focused on downtown redevelopment, opening the historic Union Station, extending the landing strip at the Plant City Airport, extending Alexander Street to I-4 and constructing a West-bound on ramp, among other projects. After leaving the Chamber, he coordinated the world’s largest strawberry shortcake in February 1999, wrote a successful grant for the City for improvements to the 1914 Plant City High School, wrote a report for the City on bringing softball to Plant City, wrote the successful proposal to bring the Women’s Pro Softball League All-Star Game to Plant City in July 1999, and coordinated that event. A veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Chinese translator in Japan, Okinawa, Thailand, and Vietnam, Gott returned to civilian life and pursued his

academic studies. He later worked as Public Information Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, where he was also President of the regional Association of Government Accountants, and chairman of two committees of the Mid-Atlantic Intergovernmental Audit Forum. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Gott received a certificate in Chinese Language from the Institute of Far Eastern Languages at Yale University, a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University, an M.A. in History from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and pursued post-graduate studies at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Mike Goodwine Mike Goodwine, best known as Captain Mike of Blackneck Adventures Fishing Charters, is more than one of Florida’s best charter captains. He is an angler first and a barbecue enthusiast second. As a Plant City native, Goodwine’s background in BBQ began as a young man watching his dad at the grill. Then, he had the opportunity to learn from one of his co-workers, who catered events. From then on, Goodwine says he was cooking meat every chance he got, but learning the art of wood-fired eats wasn’t easy. “There was a lot of wasted meat,” says Goodwine with a chuckle. He continued to pursue barbecuing, competing among friends to see who had the best meat. Then in 2006, family and friends began asking him to cater events and he has done so ever since. Goodwine says he took to social media, creating YouTube videos and showing off his creations. Then, the unbelievable happened: in early 2018, Traeger Grills contacted Goodwine and wanted to sponsor him. He was given two Traeger grills and 80 pounds of wood pellets as part of the sponsorship. Up to this point, his entire operation happens from his backyard pavilion, complete with a workstation and bar top to serve friends and family. But in November 2018, Goodwine plans to enter the BBQ competition arena, by entering Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam. Goodwine is confident in his transition into competitive barbecue, relying on his skills, equipment and his team. “We’re going to win,” says Goodwine. “For real though, you gotta say that and hype yourself up.”

Mike's Pulled Pork • Kosher Salt • Traeger Rub Garlic and Chili Pepper • Traeger Rub Pork and Poultry

• Montana Steak Seasoning • Weber Honey Garlic Rub • Badia Complete Seasoning

1. Add each of the ingredients in a thick coat on the pork butt. Mike says, “Go heavy with it, you can’t be afraid with a butt.” 2. Place the pork on the grill at 350˚. Mike doesn’t cook by the hour, instead of he says he removes it just before it is completely cooked. 3. Wrap in aluminum foil that’s been rubbed with brown sugar. The brown sugar mixes with the juices from the pork. Place it back on the grill until it is completely cooked. Mike says, “if it’s done right, you don’t need BBQ sauce.”

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Mike’s Top Tip “Don’t be afraid to try different things and step outside of the box with ingredients. Take away or add to recipes, you got to tweak your cooking. Once you find something that works, stick with it.”

Davy Miles

Davy’s Top Tip “Do your research, buy a good, quality smoker from the beginning, then learn how to use it.”

If you have visited Southside, Fringe Boutique, Walden Lake Car Wash or the Holiday Inn Express, you may have noticed Blue Ribbon BBQ Seasoning. These rubs are the creation of Davy Miles, a fifth-generation Plant City native, whose passion for BBQ began after competing in the 2010 Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam. After participating with another team at the 2009 event, Miles said he knew he wanted to compete in 2010. “I said, ‘Hey, I can do that,’” says Miles. “My goal was to compete in 2010, so I built a smoker and learned how to use it. I had never smoked anything before.” Since 2010, Miles’ interest in BBQ has flourished into a lifestyle. He began cooking under the name Smokin’ n the Boys Room, as his first selfbuilt smoker resembled an outhouse. Then, Miles developed his brands: Area 51 BBQ and Blue Ribbon BBQ Company. In 2017, Miles competed at the Pig Jam with the Plant City Lions Club and the team saw a lot of success: “1st in ribs, 3rd in chicken, 8th in pork, 13th overall,” says Miles. “And we took home the Plant City Cup.” Miles said it was rewarding to be successful at the Plant City competition, where it all started. Currently, Miles is committed full time to barbecue. He either works out of his home or from his RV at catering events. In the future, Miles hopes to continue catering and has set a goal to participate in 15 competitions per year under Area 51 BBQ. His Blue Ribbon BBQ Company rubs can be purchased at 4 local retailers and as of June 1, the rubs are also available for purchase at Grassy Key Marina in Marathon, Florida. However, Miles wants to see his Blue Ribbon rubs be manufactured and produced with packaging to eventually reach more store shelves. Although he has reached success as a competitor, Miles’ passion for BBQ is often the center of conversation around his own dinner table. “It’s attached to my DNA, I can’t stop thinking about BBQ,” says Miles.

Davy's Ribs • 1 slab St. Louis cut rib with the membrane removed • 1 bag Blue Ribbon BBQ seasoning or your favorite choice of rub.

• 3/4 stick quality butter • 1/3 cup light brown sugar

1. Prepare pit to 250˚ F 2. Coat ribs with seasoning 3. Smoke for 2 1/2 hours 4. Mix butter and sugar and coat both sides of the rib. Double wrap in foil cook for 1-hour meat side down. 5. Carefully drain foil. Return ribs to pit for 15 mins then baste with sauce for 15 minutes. Enjoy! PAGE

Jack Peacock Step into his Man Cave and it’s clear Jack Peacock is a huge fan of the University of Florida with walls covered in orange and blue. Step into his backyard and it’s apparent his love for the Gators is nothing compared to his love for barbecue. With an outdoor kitchen, several grills and a BBQ porch trailer, he has rightly so earned the title of “Pitmaster Jack.” He now leads the BackMan BBQ Team, sponsored by Chambers Medical Group. The BackMan team currently travels up to 150 miles from Plant City to participate in the BBQ competition circuit. Peacock and his team have earned titles at several competitions, including the Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam, Double T’s BBQ Throwdown in Davenport and Pigz in Z’hills BBQ and Blues Fest in Zephyrhills, among others. Peacock is a Foundation board member at South Florida Baptist Hospital and a pharmacist at the Suncoast Community Health Center by day and barbecues by night. “I cook low and slow,” says Peacock. “I will cook all night.” Upon retirement, he plans to take the out-of-state BBQ competition circuit by storm. Despite his success in the competition arena, Peacock cooks in his backyard three to four times per week. When grilling at home, he says he will experiment at the grill with everything from meat to veggies and even making desserts. He and his wife, Debi, will invite friends over to enjoy Jack’s experimental creations. He isn’t afraid to take foods traditionally cooked in the oven to one of his many grills. “If you can cook it inside, you can cook it outside,” says Peacock.

Jack’s Bacon Jalapeño Poppers • 12 medium jalapeños • 6 bacon slices, cut in half • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup cheese, grated • 2 Tbsp. BackMan BBQ Rub • ½ pack Jimmy Dean sausage

1. When ready to cook, light grill using 2 zones (Hot/Cold). Cook on medium highapproximately 375˚ F. 2. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scrape out any seeds/ribs with a small spoon or paring knife. 3. Mix softened cream cheese with BackMan BBQ Rub and grated cheese. 4. Spoon mixture onto each jalapeño half. Wrap with bacon and secure with a toothpick. 5. Place the jalapeños on a rimmed baking sheet. Place on a grill and cook (indirect heat) for 30-35 minutes. 6. Remove from grill. Enjoy!

Jack’s BBQ Chicken Wings 3 Ways • BBQ Chicken Wings: 6-8lbs chicken wings 6oz BackMan BBQ Rub • BBQ Wing Sauce: ½ cup BBQ Sauce ¼ cup Honey 1/3 stick of butter

• Sriracha Wing Sauce: ½ cup Sriracha sauce 2 Tbsp. sesame seed oil ¼ cup Soy Sauce ½ cup Honey

1. When ready to cook, light grill using 2 zones (Hot/Cold). Cook on medium high approximately 375˚ F. 2. While grill is preheating, dry off chicken wings with a paper towel and sprinkle with BackMan BBQ Rub and salt to taste. Coat both sides of the wings. 3. When grill has heated, place wings on the grill and cook for 35 minutes, turning halfway through the cook. Check the internal temperature of the wings at 35 minutes. The internal temperature should be at least 165˚ F. However, an internal temperature of 175-180˚ F will yield a better texture. 4. BBQ Wing Sauce: When the wings are cooking, mix the BBQ sauce, honey and butter. Whisk to combine and heat through on the stove top. 5. Sriracha Wing Sauce: Mix Sriracha, Soy sauce, sesame seed oil and honey. Whisk to combine and heat through on the stove top. 6. When wings are done, place 1/3 of the wings into a large bowl and toss with BBQ wing sauce. 7. In a separate bowl, toss 1/3 of the wings with the Sriracha sauce. 8. Leave the remaining 1/3 of the wings un-sauced with extra rub is desired. 9. Place all three flavors of wings on a platter and serve. Enjoy! PAGE

Jack’s Top Tip “Always start with a clean grill so, stuff doesn’t stick. Always go by temperature, not by time.”

Dustin & Layla Drawdy Dustin’s Pork Belly Burnt Ends • 1 8-10lb pork belly • Favorite BBQ rub • Favorite BBQ sauce

• Honey • Brown Sugar • 2 sticks of Butter

1. Trim fat cap down to get rid of thick fat later, leave a 1/4” or so. 2. Cut pork belly into 1” to 1 ½” cubes and season thoroughly with your favorite rub on all sides of cubes. 3. Place all cubes on wire baking rack for easy transport to and from the smoker. 4. Heat the smoker between 275˚ F to 350˚ F. When the smoker has reached temperature, add a couple chucks of pecan wood or cherry word to the smoker. 5. Place rack on smoker and cook 2 ½ to 3 hours. 6. Remove pork belly and place all pieces into an aluminum pan. Add honey, brown sugar, and 2 stick of butter on top of the pork belly. Cover in foil and place back in smoker for 2 to 2 ½ hours. 7. Remove pan and drain off braising liquid from the pan. Add your favorite BBQ sauce, coating all pieces thoroughly and place back on smoker for 5 to 10 minutes, letting them glaze. 8. Take off smoker and enjoy!

Husband and wife team, Dustin and Layla Drawdy, began Hardwood BBQ five years ago. Dustin says his dad occasionally used a smoker, but after watching the TLC reality show “BBQ Pitmasters,” he says he was intrigued by the world of BBQ. Starting with basic gas grills from Lowe’s, Dustin began competing. Shortly after, Layla joined the team. As of June 1, 2018, Hardwood BBQ has participated in 35 BBQ competitions. “This turned into more than we could have ever expected,” says Dustin. Full time, Dustin is a fish farmer and Layla is a sales consultant at Diamond R Fertilizer. Dustin and Layla got married nine years ago, long before BBQ became a part of their lives. The couple have five kids: four sons and one daughter-in-law. Although barbecuing is an expensive hobby, the Drawdys have made charitable giving the centerpiece of Hardwood BBQ. The couple estimates they’ve given approximately $75,000 to children’s homes and to those affected by cancer. They also give any leftover food to the homeless. “It makes it worth it all to know you gave to someone in need,” says Layla. In September 2017, Tampa Bay was impacted by Hurricane Irma, leaving thousands without power. Tampa Electric linemen were using the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival as a staging area for crews. The linemen were working around the clock to restore power. The Drawdys knew they wanted to do something to say, ‘thank you.’ They gave 1,000 meals to help feed the crews. “We wanted to do something as a gesture from our community,” says Layla. Although they are always at the smoker for competitions, the Drawdys say they still enjoy cooking at home five times a week for their family. “We are a full time BBQ family!” says Layla. “We never stop!”

Layla’s Southern Au Gratin Potatoes: • • • •

Dustin’s Top Tip “Don’t be afraid to try something different. A lot of people get stuck using the same rubs and spices… you never know what’s going to work until you try it.”

2lbs Red Potatoes sliced (not peeled) 1 Medium onion sliced (optional) 1 cup sliced Velveeta 1 ½ cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese

• 1 can evaporated milk • Garlic, Parsley Flakes, Salt, and Pepper

1. In an 8x8 casserole dish, put half of the sliced potatoes in the pan, with half of the sliced onions, half of the Velveeta, and ½ cup of Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper. 2. Now top with the other half of the sliced potatoes, Velveeta, and Cheddar cheese 3. Pour 1 can evaporated milk over the top, sprinkle again with garlic, salt, and pepper. 4. Wrap in foil and bake at 400˚ F for 45 minutes. 5. Remove the foil, top with the final ½ cup of Cheddar cheese and sprinkle with parsley flakes. 6. Bake at 400˚ F until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. PAGE

Mac McGrath & Brian “Gumby” Griffin Mac McGrath and Brian “Gumby” Griffin ran in the same social circle, enjoyed cooking and eating, but, the men aren’t sure how exactly they became friends over 20 years ago. They suspect their involvement in the Plant City Rotary Club is to blame. Both men served as past Presidents. McGrath served in the position from 2006-2007 and Griffin served as President from 2014-2015. “We’re both members of the Plant City Rotary Club,” says McGrath. “A lot of our events involve cooking.” Both men are multi-generational Plant City natives and business owners. McGrath is an owner of McGrath Poppell & Company and Griffin is the owner of Griffin Utilities. In 2009, both men were members of teams at the Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam. When those teams went in different directions, McGrath and Griffin decided to start their own barbecue team, Plant City Second Hand Smoke BBQ Team. The team participates in the Lakeland Pigfest and the Plant City Pig Jam. The men donate their winnings to Hook-A-Hero, a Plant City-based, nonprofit charity dedicated to providing first responders with hunting and fishing opportunities, as thank you for their service to the communities they serve. Despite their participation in BBQ competitions and catering community events, the men say they still enjoy cooking in the backyard several times a week. McGrath says his favorite thing to make is a half-pound 80/20 greasy burger and Griffin says chicken thighs are his personal favorite. The men agree, being in the backyard is a primarily social event, where cooking and eating take place. One thing the men carry with them is a quote by their friend, Gibber: “A recipe is just a suggestion.”

Gumby’s Whiskey Ginger Wing Sauce • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce • 1/2 cup honey • 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup whiskey • 2 Tsp ground ginger • Sriracha to taste

1. Whisk all ingredients together 2. Toss prepared wings with sauce

Gumby’s Mexican Street Corn • • • • •

4 ears of corn 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cut fresh chopped cilantro 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• • • •

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 lime, juiced Ancho chili powder to taste 2 limes cut into wedges (garnish)

1. Grill corn on medium high until slightly charred 2. In small bowl, mix mayo, sour cream and cilantro 3. Remove corn from grill and slather with mixture from step 2 4. Squeeze lime juice over corn 5. Heavily season with Parmesan and feta cheeses 6. Sprinkle with chili powder

Mac’s Smoked Corned Beef Brisket (aka Pastrami) • • • •

4-5 lb Corned Beef Brisket 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt 2 Tbsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper 2 Tsp Paprika

• 1 Tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder • 1 Dark Beer

1. Soak Corned Beef Brisket overnight in Ziplock bag of water. The goal is to reduce the sodium content. 2. Combine all dry ingredients. 3. Next Day, prepare smoker to 225 degrees. Pat dry brisket and rub with dry mixture. I cook this in a half steamer pan on a rack to keep a clean smoker. Smoke until internal temperature is around 160˚ F. 4. Pour 1/2 of dark beer in bottom of steamer pan and cover brisket with foil. Cook until internal temperature it 200˚ F. 5. Drink other 1/2 of dark beer while waiting. Remove and tent one side of foil for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Mac’s Smoked-Fried Wings • Chicken Wings (Quantity based on number of people served)

• Favorite BBQ RubPeanut or Veggie Oil

1. Arrange wings on wire rack in full steamer pan and season with BBQ Rub. 2. Prepare smoker for 225˚ F. Smoke wings for about an hour. 3. Remove from smoker. Prepare deep fryer for cooking at 350˚ F. Fry wings for about 3-4 minutes. 4. Remove to paper towel, then toss in favorite sauce (I like a stick of butter and 1 cup of Crystal Hot Sauce). PAGE

Mac and Gumby’s Top Tip “Everything you cook has to rest for a certain amount of time. The bigger the cut of meat, the more time it needs to rest. You have to let the meat rest so the juices reconstitute. If you cut it too soon, you’ll lose the fat and fat is flavor.”

Mark Poppell Mark’s Top Tip “BBQ is not fast food, you don’t want to rush it. If you’ve got time, you can make excellent BBQ. Many people ask, ‘how long do I cook this for?’ Cook to the proper internal temperature instead of cooking by time.”

Second generation Plant City native, Mark Poppell, is responsible for bringing the Plant City Pig Jam to fruition. In 2001, he and his good friend, Fred Williams, attended the The Big Pig Jig in Vienna, Georgia. The pair witnessed how popular the BBQ event was in the small town and Poppell believed a similar event would do well in Plant City. At the time, Poppell was a board member of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce and he advocated for the creation of a BBQ competition, thus the Plant City Pig Jam was born. Currently, the event hosts thousands of attendees and will celebrate its 16th annual event in November 2018. Poppell believes the popularity in barbecue will continue to flourish. “There has been a barbecue revolution in the last 15 years,” says Poppell. “It’s the one true American style of cooking. People are interested in it and barbecue culture will continue to grow.” In 2008, he competed in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at the Memphis in May International Festival with Florida Boys, a BBQ team from Sebring, under the direction of Jady Hill. Poppell has competed in the Pig Jam since its inception and competed in the Lakeland Pig Fest for several years. When he isn’t cooking for competitions, Poppell is busy at his family’s business, Poppell Insurance, to which his BBQ team is named after. He began his career at the insurance agency 34 years ago and each year, he cooks for the office Christmas party. Annually, Poppell cooks for the MacDonald Training Center, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities with hands-on job training. When Poppell is grilling, he can’t emphasize enough how important is it to use high-quality meat to achieve culinary excellence. He purchases his meats from Felton’s Meat and Produce Market. “BBQ is only as good as the meat you start with,” says Poppell.

Mark’s Smoked Whole Beef Tenderloin Seasoning: • 4-parts Kosher Salt or Lawry’s Seasoning Salt

• 1-part Black Pepper • 1-part Garlic Powder • 1-part unbrewed Coffee grounds

1. Go to Felton’s and purchase a USDA Choice, whole, unpeeled, beef tenderloin. Allow ½ pound of untrimmed meat per person. 2. Trim off any excess fat and silver skin, the silvery white membrane of connective tissue on the meat. 3. Tie the trimmed loin with butcher twine to make it compact and uniform (optional). 4. Pat the loin dry with a paper towel and season the meat generously with the rub. When you think you’ve applied enough, apply more. 5. Start your fire (using charcoal and any seasoning wood or chips you like on the coals). When ready, move the coals to one side of the grill so that you can cook using the Indirect Cooking Method, where meats are cooked above the heating source rather than directly over the flames. 6. Rub the tenderloin with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and then put it on the grill away from the fire and close the cover. 7. Try to cook at a temperature between 275˚ and 300˚ F. After 30 minutes, start checking for doneness. 8. When the internal temperature of the meat is 120˚ to 125˚ F in the center of the thickest part of the loin, it is done. Remove from the grill and let the meat rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Slice thin, the end slices will be medium and the center slices will be rare. This way, everyone gets what they want. PAGE

CHARLEENE CLOSSHEY

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

Plant City folks are excited about the June 28 premiere of No Postage Necessary at the historic Tampa Theatre. This inspiring movie, shot on 51,000 feet of Kodak 35mm film over a 19-day period last summer in Plant City and Tampa, features our hometown leading lady, Charleene Closshey. She looks forward to their reactions and their social media sharing-it-forward, too. From conversations with Closshey, few would guess that her confidence didn’t always come easy. Grateful today for the support of her fiancé, writer/director Jeremy Culver and her loving parents, Charleene is ready for their Two Roads Picture Co. leads next. One thing viewers are sure to discover is her compassionate heart. Enjoy the read as Charleene explains a little backstory. SHARE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE STORY SO VIEWERS WILL KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. Jeremy and I like to make films focused on reconciliation and redemption and this one certainly does. In this tale of love, letters, and computer hackers, Sam (George Blagden) tries to win the heart of Josie (my character), a young war widow and mother. In the process he must become the man he’s always envisioned himself to be or risk going back to prison. The movie also stars George Blagden, Robbie Kay, Stelio Savante, with Michael Beach, and Raymond J. Barry. HAD YOU ALWAYS IMAGINED YOURSELF AS AN ACTRESS? I’ve always recognized I love sharing stories. Coupled with a keen interest in learning and education, perhaps my career trajectory seems more plausible. I entered Florida Southern College as an Exercise Science major interested on physiology, but ended up with a degree in Marketing. Then I was headed to Emory University to pursue MBA/JD degrees, but an internal nudge prompted me PAGE

to shift focus towards performance and my passions for music and theater. My first career was as a professional violinist. Later, I studied acting in New York and Los Angeles, eventually performing on Broadway. Now, I produce creative projects, act, compose music for movies, and am preparing to release an American pop vocal album this Fall. Recorded in Nashville, it’s produced by sixtime Grammy winner Brent Maher, who discovered The Judds. Music and acting go hand-in-hand – both communicate stories. YOU ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THIS AREA, CORRECT? Yes, my parents believe strongly in our public school system. They wanted me to understand every part of society and get along with everyone. They’ve always said, ‘Everybody is just as special as everybody else,’ regardless of appearance, limitations, or financial status. In fact, when I had a party, we invited every person in my class. I appreciated my time at: • Bryan Elementary [K-4] • Walden Lake Elementary [from its opening through 5th grade] • Burney Simmons [6th grade] • Marshall [7th grade] • Tomlin [8th grade; last year Tomlin had grade 9] • Plant City High School [9th grade] • Harrison School of the Arts in Lakeland [10th thru 12th grades] YOUR MOTHER DESCRIBES YOU AS BOLD PERSON. CAN YOU EXPLAIN? I suppose it began when I was born through an emergency C-section two weeks past mom’s due date, weighing 9 pounds 11 ounces at 22-1/2” long. She and my dad were expecting a boy who would be named Charles Vincent Shawn. In school, I had thick, curly red hair, was 4’11” tall at 155 pounds, and wore a women’s size 14 at age 12. I was overweight, unattractive, and hard-headed: an easy target for teasing and ridicule. I tended more towards “classic” clothing than girls my age. (When

other girls were in pink Keds with crimped hair and slapsticks, I preferred silk Patchington blazers and a briefcase to balance out my silly thick tortoise-shell glasses…anything a 50-year-old woman would wear, I apparently found stylish for my preteen taste). Mom still chuckles because I entered myself in Little Miss Plant City. I think I had something to prove to myself. As a teenager, I made a choice to not be shaped by what others thought of me but rather what I perceived of myself. I decided to audition as a violinist for the orchestra at Harrison Performing Arts high school in Lakeland. It basically took divine intervention to cross county lines, but conductor Mark Thielen wanted me… something which I think changed my entire outlook. I truly felt valued for something I worked at diligently, passionately. I’ll always be thankful for the way he challenged me. I realized each person has the potential for a blazing inner fire, a passionate belief in something they intend to make manifest. My creative side began to blossom rapidly with this newfound clarity. My mother also credits the ‘unconditional, unfaltering, unwavering love’ of my Daddy. She said from the time I was born he put me on his arm, so proud of who I was, even when I wasn’t proud of myself. It never mattered to him whether I was fat or unattractive. His love was—and still is—sustaining. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF “CHOICE.” In the short film we produced, Walking with Francis, a line from the script stays in my mind: “God’s hardest gift is Choice.” From an actor’s perspective, choice informs what a scene looks PAGE

like emotionally, physically and intentionally. From a personal perspective, choice is even more powerful because it shapes self-perception, ultimately shaping our final destiny. If you don’t choose, you don’t live. Be bold! Make strong choices. Live.

It was affirming to see such a broad scope of what locals were experiencing firsthand, from being on-set extras to assisting offscreen with production or locations. Every life experience affords the opportunity to grow, and I gratefully acknowledge I did.

FILMMAKING IS A BUSINESS, CORRECT?

Our cast of seasoned professionals (George Blagden, Robbie Kay, Stelio Savante, Michael Beach, and Raymond J. Barry) were all impressed by how this community embraced this project. There aren’t words enough to express our appreciation for Plant City’s support.

Yes, making a film is like starting a new business. A good film producer is a CEO: You find a well-developed script, budget for its production, fund it, find the right team to create it, and then market and guide it so it produces a profit and enables subsequent projects. Unlike most start-up businesses, there is only one product to monetize: the finished film. Misstep along the way and everyone could be out of their invested resources. SO WHAT’S IT LIKE TO SHOOT SCENES IN PLANT CITY? It’s been really fun to film in my hometown and with locals again [after An Evergreen Christmas]. I spend so much time on the road that it’s nice to be a creative at home. The Plant City backdrop sparkles on the screen; it’s tangible. Location is just as integral to any actor in the film because it informs all the characters’ choices, even down to specific language. I enjoyed being connected to the people involved in the story. Locals helped Jeremy and I to see new perspectives. Most folks here had no idea of the work involved because they have no frame of reference. Movies are perceived as ‘Glitz and Glamour’ because audiences never see the hundreds of thousands of hours that go into executing various crafts to their highest degree. PAGE

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT NPN BEING SHOT ON 35MM FILM AS OPPOSED TO DIGITAL? We partnered with Kodak because 35mm film captures the small town feel on screen; the location actually influences the cryptocurrency/technology aspect in the script, rather than the opposite. It brought more ‘realness’ to the screen because the human eye sees in analog. And from a producer’s perspective, film has greater longevity because it can be re-scanned as the digital technology continues to change and film still remains the best archival medium. We were also able to secure established names in both Cast and Creatives, as everyone wants to work on/with film. It limits our number of takes, which heightens every actor’s and every crew member’s sense of being on their best game. When shooting on film, the work must be extremely focused. That intensity from every player permeates the process and ultimately shapes a more defined piece of art. We have very high standards for our work

and 35mm film took us over the top when it came to bringing a team together. You’ll meet many of them at the premiere, so you can see what I mean WHY IS TEAMWORK SO IMPORTANT IN FILMMAKING? On the set, we are a team—every crew member, player and associate. The greatest gift on set is to give focused intensity to the present moment via our respected crafts, for that’s when the magic happens. And audiences remember magic. There’s been quite a buzz about the distribution plans for No Postage Necessary. Can you explain why? No Postage Necessary will be the first film to be released using blockchain technology. Viewers will be able to watch the film through the blockchain-based video app Vevue and pay for it with the app’s digital currency, which is a token rather than a fiat currency (like the dollar). The release is just the latest sign of Hollywood warming up to blockchain. Blockchain technology, which is at the core of digital currencies like Bitcoin, is especially beneficial to content creators like filmmakers and musicians because it allows greater global accessibility to content while providing immediate disbursement of payments, registration of copyright and IP data with each purchase and new tools to thwart piracy. Very cutting edge and early days. But, extremely promising, so we’re quite excited. And so is international press! We’ve been covered by FOX Business, The Wall Street Journal, Variety Magazine, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and The Hollywood Reporter.

IS THIS A MOVIE FOR EVERYONE? Absolutely! In the screening at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis we received incredibly positive feedback from Veterans to military families to everyday movie goers. Even after this reception, (Director) Jeremy chose to shave two minutes off the film; most artists are still convinced perfection is attainable. I think the story meets people where they are and everyone will be able to take what they need from it for their own life. Romantic Comedies have a way of doing so. From a go-to date night movie to a girls’ night out, the film seems to deliver. One father has already purchased tickets for an unforgettable father/daughter date night. Jason Jones can be comfortable taking his whole family. Little ones (under 7) may lack the attention span to stay interested, but certainly those ages pre-teen and up could enjoy! Plus, we also have some special surprises for premiere attendees, so secure your tickets soon!

Red Carpet Premiere at the historic Tampa Theatre Celebrate hometown star Charleene Closshey and the movie filmed at various Plant City/Hills. Co. locations. 5:30 PM - VIP Reception 6:30 PM – Red Carpet Interviews & General Admission 7:15 PM – Film Screening w/Cast Q&A to follow 711 N. Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602 Tickets: $15 suggested donation to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs Email lisa@tworoadspictureco.com for tickets. Visit www.NoPostageFilm.com for more details. PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

A PEACE of Plant City BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

hen Jayme Harris opened A PEACE of Plant City in her childhood hometown on November 11, 2017, most locals had no idea of the circuitous route her life had taken. The story enriches the shopping experience and Jayme’s infectious optimism turns a casual visitor into a regular customer. If you haven’t stopped in yet at her lovely store, now’s the time! A PEACE of Plant City offers an array of items including locally made strawberry-themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm, lotions, and bath/body scented salts and oils. Spoil the ones you love with the perfect gift for all occasions. Private event rental space options start at $250 for a 3-hour minimum. In her senior year at Plant City High School, the Class of 1990 graduate discovered that enlistment in the U.S. Air Force could be her next best step toward independence. A loving couple, Lewis and Claudia Coleman, had taken Jayme in so she could finish high school where she’d begun,

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rather than moving to Cleveland, Ohio with her father, a Vietnam veteran. “Dad was so proud of me for enlisting,” she shared. “I turned 19 in basic training and became one of only two females among 600 people admitted into the Fire Protection Specialist program at the Chiniot, Illinois training center.” Within six months of her permanent duty station, Eglin AFB, Jayme was driver/operator of the first responding structural fire truck. Before departing Eglin Air Force Base after 11 years (both active duty and Department of Defense civil service, she was filling battalion chief duties and crew chief of the base and surrounding counties on a 47-foot ladder truck with a 107-foot aerial. Next came work with KBR Halliburton and as a co-founder of Unity. While serving 34 countries in disastrous situations over a ten-year period, the sales volume of that multi-cultural contract supplier grew to more than $800 million. During that time, Jayme’s first book—Dare, Dream, Discover—was published

through Greenleaf publishing at the age of 34. At age 45, as a contributing author to Success Manifesto, published with Brian Tracy, she enjoyed promoting the New York Times Best Seller and Amazon Top 10 book. Her son Dylan, now five, was born in Thailand and had lived in seven countries during her pregnancy and four more before she decided to return to her roots when he was three. “I wanted him to have the sweet small-town experiences I had,” Jayme shared. “Every time I returned to the States and Plant City, I could sense something here that you rarely find. Tears would well up in my eyes when I’d drive into town and I just always felt so welcomed. I still remember in October of 1979 being baptized at Midway Baptist Church. I remember playing dress-up at Goodwill and playing on the sidewalk while Mom worked at the downtown flower shop, and I’ll never forget the Colemans’ kindness.” “She added, “And even though I had achieved career success overseas, I always felt inferior, except in Plant City. So when I married Steven Palmer in July of 2017, my amazing gift from God, he told me to make our home wherever I wanted. Obviously, I’m so happy to find our peace and contentment here.”

While Steven continues his government contracting work, Jayme and Dylan are thrilled to deepen those community roots. The Plant City Chamber of Commerce member has also started mentoring a PCHS student through the Hillsborough Education Foundation. “Invest and believe in a kid who could use hope and they can change the world,” offered Jayme. “That's what the Colemans did for me.” To learn more, visit Jayme online or in person. You’ll appreciate the smiles, the shopping, and the new friendship.

A PEACE of Plant City

120 N Collins Street, Suite 101 Plant City, Florida 33563 813-704-5773 Online: Facebook & apeaceofplantcity.com Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM – 5PM; Saturday 10AM – 2PM

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REAL ESTATE

I Want To Buy A Fixer-Upper BY NATE DAVIS, FLORIDA MORTAGE FIRM

V shows about remodeling homes and flipping houses have given the public some false ideals about real estate. Let me start by saying that I own rentals, invest in real estate, and have flipped homes, so I’m not against these strategies. I simply want to explain how they vary for each person. Most home shoppers who said they “want a fixer upper” don’t want to buy a home that isn’t in ideal condition, spend tons of cash on renovations, and live in a construction zone. What they usually mean is that they would like to get a deal that will reap a bountiful return on investment, and they often think they can put in the work to create more value in the home. I suspect if someone found a move-in-ready home worth $200,000

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for only $160,000, then he or she would take that deal over a home that needs repairs. Sure, there are some who truly enjoy large-scale projects, but they seem to be the exception and not the majority who are looking for fixer uppers. While I understand there is a chance to create a lot of equity with a fixer upper, there are questions you should consider. Ask yourself, “Can I risk the cash I have for the renovation?” Another thing TV shows don’t emphasize is that home improvements are typically funded with cash. After you invest a lot of money into your fixer-upper, will the home appraise for the value you projected? Will you be able to get back the cash you put into it? If not, do you have enough cash pooled somewhere to take that kind of hit?

Ask yourself, “Do I desire to put out a lot of cash?” In business, leveraging money is typically more ideal than paying cash. Financing things is sometimes just good business, while other times are out of necessity. While there are loans that allow improvements to be financed along with the purchase, they come with additional costs and higher rates than standard loans. Additionally, these programs require a contractor who will get paid. So if you want

to put in your own sweat to create more equity in the home, these programs are not for you. Ask yourself, “Would I rather enjoy my home, or work on my home?” Do you spend most of the week working like most Americans? If so, how valuable is your downtime? In short, there’s nothing wrong with getting a “fixer upper,” but after the cash, labor and delays, a fair deal on a move-in ready home may be a better option.

Florida Mortgage Firm (813-707-6200) is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #289323, NMLS #294701.

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CountryWood Estates, 745 Arbor Estates Way, Plant City, FL 33565 Must meet residency requirements. Specifications, options, and layout vary by model and are subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply, see sales associate for details. PAGE

REAL ESTATE

The May sales are as follows:

Walden Lake Review BY NATALIE SWEET

Drive from Alexander to Trapnell Road will be milled and resurfaced. A portion of Timberlane Drive will be rebuilt starting from Village Green Boulevard south to Silverwood Drive. Griffin Boulevard will be milled and resurfaced from Timberlane Drive east to Mud Lake Road. Residents should anticipate partial road closures during this time. During the month of May, there were 14 sales in Walden Lake and 1 sale in Walden Lake East. The average sale price was $267,400 with an average of 31 days on the market. There are currently 25 active listings for sale in Walden Lake and 1 listing for sale in Walden Lake East. The average list price is $306,312 and an average of 47 days on the market. There are currently 12 properties Pending Contract with an average list price of $253,100 and average of 18

he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meetings are scheduled for June 18th and August 20th at 7:00 PM. There will not be a meeting in July. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. Watch the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times for special meetings and events. You should be receiving your invoice for the 2nd half of the 2018 dues. Paying your fees in a timely manner is appreciated by the Board, keeps you from being assessed any additional fees or interest, and helps save money for the community. Street resurfacing is scheduled to begin the end of June and be completed by September. Timberlane

Address

Sales Price

Living Area

Pool

Garage

1440 Walden Oaks Place

$184,000

1342 Sq’

Private

2 Car

2628 Bridle Drive

$210,000

1816 Sq’

2 Car

3448 Silverstone Court

$219,000

1860 Sq’

Private

2 Car

3322 Silverpond Drive

$225,000

1837 Sq’

Private

2 Car

803 Sandalwood Drive

$233,000

2048 Sq’

2 Car

3204 Concord Way

$235,000

2044 Sq’

Private

2 Car

4011 Barret Avenue

$242,000

1935 Sq’

2 Car

2812 Spring Meadow Drive

$249,500

2604 Sq’

Private

2 Car

1903 N Golfview Drive

$259,000

2468 Sq’

Private

2 Car

3234 Alcott Avenue

$307,500

2703 Sq’

Private

2 Car

2705 Aston Avenue

$315,000

2574 Sq’

3 Car

2915 Sutton Oaks Court

$316,000

2270 Sq’

Yes

2 Car

2701 Forest Club Drive

$316,000

2677 Sq’

Yes

3 Car

3007 Forest Hammock Drive

$330,000

2586 Sq’

Yes

2 Car

3001 Pine Club Drive

$370,000

2593 Sq’

Yes

2 Car

days on the market. Although we are seeing increasing numbers of listings staying on the market for a longer period of time, the Pending Contracts show that if a home is priced well, in good condition, it will sell quickly and close to asking price. During the summer, The United Food Bank is in need of non-perishable items particularly

for children. Our HOA office is a convenient drop off location so please consider dropping off a few items and the HOA will be sure to get those items to the food bank for you. Feel free to contact me about any real estate questions or about this article. NSweet@KW.com or 813-7589586.

More “SWEET” Home Deals from THE SWEET TEAM!

Natalie Sweet, REALTOR Angel Miller, REALTOR

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$549,923

$495,000

$350,000

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$329,900

$234,900

$190,000

(813) 966-4304 Search for your home at:

www.AnotherSweetSale.com

1607 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563

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SPORTS

Athlete of the Month Parker Messick

Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award Recipient BY TARYN STORTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE MESSICK FAMILY

Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement award. He feels so blessed and thankful to have been selected for this incredible recognition. When asked where he finds his inspiration, Parker expressed, “Most of my inspiration for the game comes from the support of my friends and family. No matter what I do, I know I have people to fall back on. Those are the people I do it for.” Parker’s personal goal to hit over three home runs has been reached and even been exceeded. Just this season, he hit four homeruns. Outside of baseball, Parker is a member of the National Honor Society and Team Tomarrow, a Relay for Life group that partners with “Be the Match.” This organization helps find bone marrow matches for patients suffering from leukemia and

lymphoma. In his free time, when not working on improving his game, he enjoys volunteering in his community and fishing. Parker has incredible advice for younger athletes. “If there is anything I could say to a young player, I would tell them to follow the Lord no matter what.” He added, “Also to never, ever, ever give up under any circumstance.” In the future, Parker plans to attend Florida State University to further his education and baseball career. He has even been selected to receive a scholarship to the University of his dreams. Following college, Parker would like either to begin a career with a professional baseball organization or go into the medical field.

Parker Messick was honored with the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement award.

arker Messick just finished his junior year at Plant City High School. The captain of the Varsity Baseball team led his team to victory this season with a record of 16 to 6. Recently, Parker was chosen as the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement award recipient. His family, friends, and community are so proud of him. Throughout his childhood, Parker played many sports, including football with the Plant City Dolphins and both the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams at Plant City High School, basketball at the YMCA, and soccer at Tomlin Middle School. However, when he started playing

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baseball 13 years ago, he fell in love and knew he had found his passion. He explained, “It has always been the season I can’t wait for. Whether I was currently in football or basketball, nothing stopped me from going to the field to hit or throw.” Parker has received several awards for his excellence in athletics. He was chosen as the Plant City High School Varsity Baseball Most Valuable Player and has been named the Western Conference first team pitcher and second team first baseman. On May 16, 2018, Parker was honored at the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners by receiving the

Parker swings at a fastball to hit it out of the park.

Parker was a junior at Plant City High School and the Varsity Baseball Team captain this past year.

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1003 S. Collins St. Plant City ralphlfeolasr@allstate.com

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SPORTS

Sports Team of the Month

Strawberry Crest Varsity Baseball’s First Trip to the State Tournament BY TARYN STORTER

he Strawberry Crest Varsity Baseball team battled their way to the State Tournament this season with a 19-9-0 record. Students, from freshman to seniors, worked extremely hard, all season long, to make it to the state level. As the season began, the coaches weren’t just looking for good baseball players. They were in search of great teammates. They wanted a team whose members were incredible on the field, off the field, and in the classroom. Coach Beattie said, “We look at playing and athletic skills, as well as, ability to get along with teachers and teammates, work ethic, and who is better in the classroom.” The team started practicing in early February. From the very beginning of the season, Coach Eric Beattie had many goals for the team. First and foremost, he aimed for the boys to be optimistic in playing, so they could achieve great things. February 14 was the first game of the season. The boys played

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hard and fought their way to victory. They won game after game and battled to the very end. On June 1, 2018, the Chargers baseball team participated in the State Tournament. The team played well and didn’t give up, but unfortunately, they lost to an extremely tough team, the Sarasota Sailors, with a score of 2-5. Even though the Chargers came in second this time, the Plant City community is so proud of all that the Strawberry Crest Baseball team has accomplished this year. Just making it to the tournament is an amazing feat in itself. Throughout the season, the boys have been surrounded by incredible leaders who have poured into their lives, on and off the field. Head coach Eric Beattie was assisted by Rodd Kelley, Mitch Rodriguez, and Ben Welch. When asked about an MVP, Coach Beattie explained that not really one or two guys stand out. “Everyone pulled their own weight

and brought the team to where we are now. The seniors really stepped up and led the team to victory.” Christie Raburn, Assistant Principal of Athletics at Strawberry Crest, is so proud of these boys. She said, “Once they figured out how to play for each other, it was like magic. Every game was exciting and you knew they would find a way to win.

I can’t wait to see how they take the lessons learned from the State Tournament and come out swinging next season.” Keep your eyes on the Strawberry Crest Varsity Baseball team in the future! They are excited and ready for next year’s season. With all of their determination and grit, they are sure to go far!

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Leaders in Faith Norm Walker

Church Liaison for Lighthouse Ministries BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

orman Walker serves the nonprofit Lighthouse Ministries, Inc. as Director of Church Relations. In that role, he visits with pastors to explain the lifetransforming work accomplished through programs providing food, shelter, education and hopefully, restoration. The ministry’s budget is supported primarily through individual donations and income generated through five thrift stores. At this point, only 3% of operating costs are covered by local churches. Although volunteer support helps minimize expenses, funds are always needed. One tour of the facilities at 215 East Magnolia Street in Lakeland should prompt most visitors with a helping heart to open their wallets and give regularly. A visit online at lighthousemin.org reveals stories of grateful recipients who are thriving after a fresh start. Describe the work at Lighthouse Ministries, please. We’re heading into our 41st year of serving people with great needs. We offer a residential program for men, a separate one for women and children, and an overnight sheltering program that can accommodate about 40 men. Those in the residential program, which is typically completed within 18 months, receive emotional and spiritual counseling, education, job training, and work opportunities. Children attend either our pre-school or local schools. We have daily chapel services and on Sundays the men attend Church at the Mall while the women go to Crestview Baptist. We maintain very strict guidelines through our approach thorough and loving approach. We believe that

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God can change lives permanently through the Gospel. As in Acts 1:8, we are simply trying to impact our community with the love of Jesus shown in practical ways. How did you come to serve at Lighthouse? My wife Ruth and I moved here in 2013 from Pennsylvania after I resigned from a 38-year pastoral career. We wanted to be nearer our son, daughter-in-law and the three grandchildren, who have cystic fibrosis. Ruth teaches 5th grade at Excel Christian School and I began work here in August of 2017 after leaving a part-time position with Family Christian Store. Tell us a little of your faith journey? Raised in a wonderful Christian family, I attended Bridgewater Baptist Church all my life before attending college. Rosemary Clark helped me invite Jesus into my life at age six when we learned about heaven during a Child Evangelism Fellowship summer club. I earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Ministry from Baptist Bible Seminary at Clarks Summit University, where I met Ruth. I began full time ministry after college, serving as pastor in various positions including youth, Senior, Assistant and Senior again, that time in Allentown. What advice do you offer those considering Christianity? The Bible explains we are all sinners and that none of us can accomplish God’s standard of perfect righteousness. He sent His only son Jesus who became our bridge to the Father. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and trust that Jesus Christ can change everything.

Norman and Ruth Walker

And to those already actively believing God? I believe strongly that the church and you and I are to embrace the Great Commission of Matthew 28:20 as a personal one. We are to be disciples who make disciples, ‘so that all men will know.’ We should each be doing our part for God’s kingdom.

Through four pathways to progress— Spiritual Growth, Community, Industry and Education—Lighthouse Ministries works to help individuals to achieve an overall outcome of God's peace, life purpose, and fulfillment of potential. Your donations and volunteer service are always welcome. To learn more, call 863687-4076, visit online at lighthousemin.org or in person at 215 East Magnolia Street, Lakeland, FL 33801.

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Candy’s Corner BY CANDY OWENS

Goodbye classroom! Goodbye teachers! You can find me at the beach . . . or at the park or at the pool or any place that isn’t school. Goodbye quizzes! Bye reports! Hello days packed full of sports and days when I’m just lazybones while eating melty ice cream cones. Goodbye homework . . .lunchroom, too. There’s so so much I wanna do. I know the school year flew on past . . . But please, please summer --- last and last.

was driving through town last week and decided to turn down Michigan Avenue so I could ride by my childhood alma mater, Jackson Elementary School. It has been a few years since I went to Jackson and I must say I was shocked at how much the campus has changed since I was a student. I circled the block and decided to circle around again. I drove slowly down Michigan Avenue and recalled memories of my five years at Jackson. I stopped for a second on Vermont Street which is the East side of the building and remembered where it all started back in August of 1968. The day I entered first grade, that is. I remember how excited I was to go to “ big school” until that afternoon when school let out. My mother was waiting outside in the

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car for my sister (a third grader) and me. When I got in the car my mother hugged and kissed me and asked me how my day was. I told her it was okay, that it was too hot (because there was no airconditioning back then), and that I was not going back! My sister looked over at me and said, “Well you better start to like it because you have to go for twelve years in a row or you will go to jail!” That’s when the crying started! I wanted to stay home and play! I guess my parents had to work their magic with words because I was back the next morning, like it or not. I noticed how the front of the school was now blocked off and locked with an iron fence. Wow! Back in our day the teachers and visiting parents would park in front of the school or along the sides of the grass. The staff was not so big back then. Jackson was grades first through fifth and had three teachers for each grade, so about 15 teachers in all. I looked over to the right at what was our school library and remembered how much fun library days were at school. We would have story time, filmstrips, free time to browse and select books, book fairs, and if you were real lucky, the librarian would pick you to help stamp books, shelve books or turn the pages of the book at story time. Our librarians were: Mrs. Smith in 1968, Mrs. Johnnye Charlow 1969-1970, and Miss Bennett 1972-1973. The field across the street that we used for soccer, archery and flag-football is now a paved parking lot. The school yard on the southwest corner of the

campus is where we sat under the trees and read, had class discussions on nature, held our flag day ceremonies and put on the “world’s best” Halloween carnival. It seemed so big back then, but it looks so small today. The west side of the building is where the school’s buses parked. Well, we probably had all of about six buses back then. My bus was #357 and was driven by Mrs. Faitha Schwenderman, who the kids affectionally called “Granny.” The field in the back was our playground. There was a back stop on the northwest corner where we played kickball and softball. The northeast corner of the yard had a basketball court, swing sets, balance beams, chin-up bars and monkey bars. Oh! How I loved the monkey bars until our class had a contest to see who could hang on the longest without dropping. Yeay! I was one of the winners! But I didn’t get a shiny trophy, what I got was a handful of blisters. Needless to say, I never did that again. In the first grade, which was the 1968-69 school year, we had a young Phys. Ed. teacher by the name of Coach Manley. All the kids liked him and he made our time with him fun. I remember at the end of my first grade year, Coach Manley was called away to serve our country in Vietnam. Our school and especially the students were sad to see him go. We were too young at the time to grasp the fear and danger that Coach Manley was facing. All we knew was that he had to go away and that we were sad. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Thelma Brock helped keep our spirits up by having our class write letters to Coach Manley once a week. I will never forget the day that we got a knock at our classroom door. Mrs. Brock was

at the bulletin board and turned towards the door to see who was knocking. She threw her hands up in the air and started crying. The door flew open and there he was – Coach Manley! He was home for Christmas. We all jumped to our feet and ran towards him laughing and screaming! We just about knocked him over with all us kids hugging him. He picked me up and hugged me! He hugged us all! He said he was so glad to be back even if it was for just a few days. He showed us his crew cut and told our class how much he appreciated our letters. We were so happy to see him. We wanted him to stay all day but he couldn’t. He had just enough time to visit the other classrooms and then he was gone. We continued to write letters to him for the rest of the school year. Third grade (1970-71) brought a new coach to Jackson. Miss Judith O’Neal was a young long-haired gal who wore stop sign shaped glasses and who drove a shiny new red Mustang. Coach O’Neal was fun but we never forgot about Coach Manley. So many years have come and gone, since my days at Jackson. I often wonder what happened to him. I wonder if he has driven by our old school and stopped his car long enough to look out the window at the old playground and remember? . . . Remember us? . . . Remember all the fun times? . . . And remember all of our letters? Wherever Coach Manley is today, I hope that somehow, someway he knows we never forgot that sweet and brave soldier who left our little school to go fight for our country, kept us safe and cared enough about us to come back and thank us for our letters! Coach Manley, you are a true hero!

EXTRA

Wanda’s

Words of Wisdom BY WANDA “LEWIS” ANDERSON

chool is out and the children are enjoying the time off. Here’s a great tip to help Mom relax after a long day. Cucumber cools, soothes and hydrates the skin and this mask couldn’t be easier. Just wash and slice a chilled cucumber into thin slices. Then apply them to the entire surface area of your face, even on top of your closed eyes. Relax and let the coolness soak into your skin. Try taking a warm/hot bath at the end of the day. Add 1 cup of Epsom salt and 5 drops of your favorite oil in the bath. Lavender oil works great for relaxing. If a headache has you down, try drinking two glasses of Gatorade. It can relieve headache pain almost immediately. While doing laundry the other day I opened my container of Oxi Clean and found it was completely solid. So, I thought well, if a slice of bread works on softening brown sugar and over baked cookies, it may work in laundry detergent or powder additives. And it did!. I simply placed a slice of bread in the container and the next day it was in powder form again.

Speaking of laundry, here’s a great way to keep your sheets together and matched. Simply fold the set and tuck them into the matching pillow case. It makes it so much easier than keeping them separate. As we get into warmer weather, I like to make homemade popsicles. You can use any juice, Kool-Aid, or lemonade. I even freeze CocaCola sometimes. You can pour the liquid into deep ice cube trays or small paper cups, and as they firm up in the freezer, place the wooden popsicle sticks in the middle. If you get a sunburn, try one of these home remedies. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply gently with a cotton ball or lay a soft washcloth soaked in the solution on the sunburnt area. Apply on the hour, as needed. You can also use coconut oil for sunburn; it quickly soothes the burning and tightness of the skin. Coconut oil is very light, so it is quickly absorbed by the skin. With trying anything new, consult your physician. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful… PAGE

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Victorian Mayhem Victorian Industrial Jewelry with an Edge

BY HEATHER DAVIS

enaissance Man is a word that comes to mind when referring to Eric Barber. Artistically and professionally there is not much Eric has not tried his hand at. When I first met Eric he was working at a jewelers as a Goldsmith by trade and for CSX Railroad. As an artist he was busy working as a photographer. Since that time Eric currently serves on the board of The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, has worked on both the Car Show and Bike Show committees, and was one of the original, founding and sustaining members and artists of the Art Lounge Gallery for many years. Artistically, Eric has taken

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another direction. For the past three years he has been creating and designing custom one-of-akind steampunk style jewelry. The name he has given to his creative endeavor is Steampunk Mayhem. Eric described the steampunk style as the utilization of elements found in Sci Fi or the future and combining it with an old fashioned sense of style. For instance, he likens it to the example of a steam powered rocket ship. What makes Eric's steampunk designs so extremely unique is that he spends countless hours scouring antique stores, yard and estate sales to search out vintage pieces to make up his jewelry. Items he searches for includes but is not

limited to, watch parts, antique buttons, keyholes, or "doo dads" as he calls them. Eric's Victorian Mayhem designs are not just limited to jewelry. He also makes pendents, hair pins, key chains, cuff links, tie tacks, and bookmarks. Re-purpose and re-imagine is the theme to what Eric does as he can take someone's broken and unrepairable watch that may have sentimental value and turn in into one or two pieces of jewelry. You can find Steampunk Mayhem on display at the State Theatre Antiques. He also participates in pop-ups such as those done by the Beatnik Exchange and Indie Blue. To view firsthand more of Eric's work you can visit his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ Victorian-Mayhem.

MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL DAVID SOUSA

SOUSA-MCELVEEN Miss Skoti Marie McElveen and Mr. Michael David Sousa were married March 24, 2018 at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott McElveen. She is the grandaughter of Mrs. Beverly Naset, the late Mr. Bill Naset, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Manee and the late Mr. Perry McElveen. The bride received a bachelor’s degree in finance with a leadership minor in 2012 from the University of Florida. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Paul Sousa of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the grandson of Mrs. Irene Sousa and the late Anthony A. Sousa, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Burnette Kelley. The groom received a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in finance with a communications minor in 2010 from Wake Forest University. The bride’s sister, Alexa Mae McElveen of Orlando, Florida, served as her maid of honor. Also attending were the groom’s sister, Kelley Elizabeth Sousa, and Heather Albright Saitta, both of Chicago, Illinois, Ariel Justine Bergman of Atlanta, Georga, Alexa Coffee Tolland of Greenacres, Florida, Sarah Elizabeth Morgan of Boulder, Colorado, Alexandra Watkins Argo of Roswell, Georgia and Brooke Kathryn Michaelis of Jacksonville, Florida. Robert Alexander Clayton Hawkins and William Geyer Bowersox,both of Dallas, Texas, Thomas Paul Sherbakoff of San Francisco, California, Anthony Scott Edelman of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina,Austin Clay Robinson and Philip Craig Miller,Jr.,both of Charlotte, North Carolina, Joseph Adam Zaccaria of Boston, Massachusetts, and Matthew Grant Burrows of New York, New York served as groomsmen. After their honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia, the couple returned to New York City where the bride is an Assistant Vice-President and Digital Product Manager at Citigroup, Inc. and the groom is a Vice President and Digital Strategist at JPMorgan Chase & Co.,Inc.

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Candy’s Gettin’ Serious! BY CANDY OWENS

ELL...I'M ALIVE!!!! I have a million things to say, and I mean a million things to say about Mike Gartz, Tina Barber, and Tammy Simpson. This "Gettin Serious" business is Serious!! The first day I walked up to the front door of: "Elite Home Fitness" I looked in the window at what I thought might be something like a torture chamber. I saw weights, ropes, treadmills, punching bags, gloves, and all sorts of foreign objects. I was excited, scared,and embarrassed. Embarrassed by how I had let my weight get so out of control. I had no idea what to expect, but I had made up my mind to do this thing. My way was not working and had not worked for a long, long time. I had come to the point where I had to put my faith and trust into a trained professional. Before too long, Mike Gartz walked up from behind, yelled out my name, and said: "ARE YOU READY?". My reply "YES!!". Mike unlocked the door and inside we went. I saw photos hanging on the gym wall of what looked like people who had never ever had a weight issue. As we walked past the photos, Mike pointed at several and gave me a brief story of how these people had changed their lives. Needless to say, I was impressed. Mike took me straight to the treadmill and told me how long I would stay aboard. Inside my head I wanted to say something like: "Do you have any idea how out of shape I am?" But I did not. I just smiled and said: "OK" and off I went. One foot in

front of the other, ready or not. I did not think I was going to make it. I just kept on going. When the machine stopped I could not believe that I had finished. Mike came over and said what a good job I had done. I blurted out that I really did not think that I would be able to complete that task and that I was shocked that I had. Mike helped me down from the treadmill and said: "I have been in this business for many years. I know exactly what you are capable of. We will work together and with your hard work and determination, we will change your life forever! That is if you want it bad enough!!" This new lifestyle is teaching me new and wonderful things every day. I am learning that the gym I thought would be a torture chamber is not a bad place at all, but in fact, a place where people can go and change their lives for the better. That the photos on the walls of the gym are of people just like you and I that have made the decision to give it all they have to change their lives. And, I’ve learned that Mike Gartz looks and sounds like a person who would KICK YOU TO SLEEP (and he could if he wanted!!) but, Mike Gartz is kind, compassionate, caring, respectful, softhearted, determined, hard working, fair, honest, blessed, generous to a fault, and has God in his heart!! Mike Gartz sees the potential in people and may be ‘TUFF AS NAILS,’ but that is because he is here to guide everyday, ordinary people to a more healthy and productive life. Thank You MIke!!! PAGE

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Noor Pal Senior of the Month - DHS BY MEL HOFFMANN

enior Noor Pal has made a major impact on the Durant community. She is an Advanced Placement student, FFA member, and captain of the Varsity Tennis team. Some of Pal’s favorite memories were made in her TV production class. “One of my favorite memories at Durant was last year when Jill Oddo and I went on air for the morning show; we just randomly started laughing and couldn’t stop laughing,” Pal said. Pal is currently taking two Advanced Placement classes, AP Stats and AP Econ, and has taken some dual enrollment classes as well. She plans on attending the University of Florida or the University of Tampa

in the fall and major in business entrepreneurship. She has received the Astin Award, the Francis Dupre Scholarship, and the Tribune Scholars Scholarship. Pal has been in FFA since the 6th grade, and has won awards from aquaculture, public speaking, and is on the state-bound Parpro team. Academically, in a senior class with about 540 students, Pal is ranked 18, with a 6.2 GPA. She also scored 1440 on the SAT. Throughout her busy schedule, Pal has proven to be one Durant’s finest and she will be missed after graduation!

About the Writer: Durant High School senior Mel Hoffmann will be graduating on the honor court. A staff writer for the school’s PawPrint newspaper and member of the varsity golf team, she also serves as Vice President of Durant’s National Art Honor Society. Whenever Mel isn’t writing for the paper, playing golf or making art, she is volunteering, with now over 400 hours to her credit. She plans to major in pharmaceutical studies at Wingate University this fall.

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Garrett Neubaum Senior of the Month - SCHS

Taylor Finney

BY TAYLOR NORRINGTON

Senior of the Month - SCHS BY TAYLOR NORRINGTON

une's senior of the month is a star on and off of the field. Taylor Finney is a dedicated softball player, driven student, and a great friend to all. Finney started playing softball at a very young age. "My parents got me involved in the sport," she said, "but as of now my teammates really inspire me to always play to my fullest potential." Softball has taught her how to be a leader and not a follower as well as learning what a true bond with a team really is. "I love softball because it has given me memories to last a lifetime," Finney said, "It is a part of what makes me, me." Finney has also won many awards such as multiple championship trophies, first team all-conference, defensive and offensive awards, along with scholarships to play college ball.

Apart from sports, Taylor is a member of the Strawberry Crest yearbook staff. Yearbook is a huge deal at any school and gives students a way to not only make new friends but document everything that happens in a school year. "Yearbook has taught me how to be a good writer, interviewer, and photographer," Finney said, "It teaches one how to talk to people they've never met before and reach to new heights." Taylor was also a part of many other clubs such as Future Christian Athletes and Girls Learn International. Taylor will attend St. Johns River State College in the fall. There she plans to major in Sport Administration and minor in education. She is looking forward to playing softball and representing her school.

une's senior of the month has hopes and dreams of making it big in the football league. Garrett Neubaum is a stellar athlete, hardworking student, and is very involved in his community. Garrett has been playing football since the age of twelve. "I started playing because my dad played when he was younger," Neubaum said. "He didn’t get the chance to go to college for football, so I wanted to make him proud by being the first in my family to go to college." Garrett's inspiration comes from Gerald McCoy, American football defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "He started from nothing and is now playing his favorite game of all time in the National Football League." Garrett was awarded the defensive coaches award at Strawberry Crest and received 4th in the district for the most tackles in a year. Neubaum says nothing makes him feel more alive than football. "I’ve learned how to be the bigger person in difficult situations and I’ve also learned

how to accept defeat," he said. Not only does Garrett show excellence on the field, he shows it in the classroom as well. He has a strong passion for yearbook. "Yearbook is so much fun," he said. "We were always laughing and having a good time while still making the best yearbook around." Students learn that yearbook takes a lot of time, dedication, and motivation. "Yearbook was a lot harder than I thought it would be," Garret said, "but with the help from a terrific teacher and mentor, Ms. Miltner, I managed to make it through the year." When not in school, Garrett works as a cook at Johnson's Barbecue in Plant City and enjoys working out and spending time with family. As to college, he is considering Anderson University in Indiana, Ohio Wesleyan University in Ohio, and Rockford University in Illinois. This accomplished young man looks forward to playing in a college football game and having his family there to support him.

About the Writer: Strawberry Crest High School senior Taylor Norrington is a team leader for the SCHS yearbook staff and first-year writer for Focus Magazine. In addition to club involvement in Crest Buddies and Senior Class Council, the Student Government Association secretary was also Captain of the Chargerette dance team. She also dances 5X/weekly with Dance Quest International's competition team. To further her dance career, she hopes for acceptance into the Ingredients Dance Training program in Dallas, Texas. After that, Taylor plans to study Broadcast Journalism at Florida State University.

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DINING

Johnson Barbeque Offers a Steak Dinner Special BY HEATHER DAVIS PHOTOS BY JEREMY RIVERA

“Smokin’ Since 1954” 1407 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33565 813-759-0009 johnsonbarbeque.com Steak Dinner Special: Friday and Saturday 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

hen one thinks about Johnson Barbeque, steak may not be the first thing that comes to your mind. But for the past four years the popular restaurant has been featuring a steak special, available only on Friday and Saturday nights after 5:00 p.m. If you already know how good the food at Johnson Barbeque is, then you realize it’s not a stretch to imagine how fabulous their steak is. Arriving at 5:00 p.m. on a Saturday night, Johnson Barbeque was packed and alive with diners. As can be expected, we were greeted with the warm and welcoming hospitality this restaurant is known for. Our waitress explained that the steak special consisted of a 14 oz rib-eye prepared with a special coffee rub that consists of ground coffee, garlic powder and steak

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dust. The steak is smoked for 15 to 20 minutes and then grilled to order. Accompaniments to the meat include a special side salad, choice of a potato or side, and a roll. The portions are huge and filling. Truth be told I am not a steak lover, but from first bite I was head over heels in love with this steak. The coffee rub and the smokiness of the flavor create a perfectly tender steak that melts in your mouth. Our waitress informed us that she loved the steak so much she had it served at her wedding, and it was easy to understand why. So much work and love goes into the food and service at Johnson Barbeque and the steak special rises to the occasion for sure. If you haven’t experienced this special meal yet, put it on your list of things to enjoy soon.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the rub

www.JohnsonBarbeque.com 1407 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL PAGE

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events can’t miss CAN'T MISS EVENTS

JUNE

June 18th – July 2nd

15-22

Fri.-Fri.

Summer Youth Sports Sampler 11 – 11:45 AM Our preschool sports sampler is designed for young kids, introducing them to recreational games and activities such as basketball, football and soccer. This format provides a great way for young children to develop introductory sports skills in a structured and fun setting. Plant City Family YMCA Gym 1507 YMCA Place Info: Ray.segura@tampaymca.org Fees: $25 Everywhere Member; $30 Here Member; $40 Community

Summer Art Camp 8:30 AM – 1 PM Officially planned summer art camp for ages 5-12. B-Kreative- Artist Brianne Elliot 609 S. Alexander Street Info: B-kreative.weebly.com Fees: $30/person Tickets at https://squareup.com/store/BKreativeSummerCamp

Thursday, June 28

Stick Martin at Duke’s Brewhouse 7 – 10 PM Duke’s Brewhouse 2212 James L. Redman Pkwy. Info: 813-752-2700

Red-carpet Premiere Showing of No Expense Necessary Come to the historic Tampa Theatre to celebrate hometown star Charleene Closshey’s new movie that was filmed last summer at various Plant City/Hills.Co. locations. 5:30 PM - Red carpet celebrity arrivals & VIP reception 6:30 PM – General Admission 7:15 PM – Screening with Cast Q&A following 711 N Franklin St. Tampa, FL 33602 Tickets: $20/General admission Visit Facebook or purchase online at nopostagefilm.com

July 4th July 4th Celebration 6 – 9:30 PM Come celebrate our nation’s Independence Day at the family-friendly community event with fireworks, climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more! Plant City Stadium 1810 E. Park Road Info: 813-659-4255 Fees: $5 parking/car

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15 Fri. Parents Night Out! 7:30 – 9:30 PM Kids have access to mat area, hanging bags, kickboxing equipment, & boxing ring. Senshi Do Kai MMA 601 Hitchcock St. Info: 813-754-4128 Fees: $15/child (3-17 yrs)

16 Sat. Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In 3 – 8 PM Classic cars, live DJ spinning hits from ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s; vendors; kids' area. Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum 102 N. Palmer St., Plant City, FL 33563 Info: Laura Leslie 813-754-3707

18-22

Mon.-Fri.

Liberty Camp 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Interactive week of half-day lessons, games, & snacks focuses on providential Colonial American history for students, ages 6 - 16. New lessons for teens this year. Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Road Info: 813-752-4591, 763-3154, or e-mail cherylbethjohnston@mac.com for form Fees: $20/first child; $15/each add’l child in family

20 Wed.

30 Sat.

Kid’s Night with Magic & Balloons 6 – 8 PM Magic & Balloon Sculpting for kids of ANY age! O’Brien’s Irish Pub 1701 S. Alexander St., Plant City Info: 813-764-8818

Wild Weeding Medicines 9 AM Walk w/local herbalist Carol Jones to see wild plants on fringes of the Botanical Treasure Garden. Learn to prepare "medicines" from the harvest of Mother Nature's pharmacy. Community Garden 2001 E. Cherry Street Info: Karen 813-435-8111 Donation: $10 suggested

22 Fri. 2018 “Senior” Prom West Indies Island Carnival Jam 10 AM – 1:30 PM Free event for adults age 50+ The Regent in Riverview 6437 Watson Road RSVP: Gerald Randolph 813-854-2136 Eli Mosley at Duke’s Brewhouse 7 – 11 PM Duke’s Brewhouse 2212 James L. Redman Pkwy. Info: 813-752-2700

23 Sat. Seed Saving Workshop 9 AM Learn about seed libraries: How to participate in seed-saving/seed lending. Demonstrations and hands on practice on how to save seed. Community Garden 2001 E. Cherry Street Info: Karen 813-435-8111 Donation: $10 suggested Natural Perfume Class 11 AM – 2 PM Learn to create your own perfume using exotic 100% Pure Essential Oils. Aromatic Harmony 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 300 Info: 813-659-4600

24 Sun. Painting at Michael’s 4 – 6 PM Beginner to intermediate classes for acrylic painting techniques. Create your own work of art in 2 hours! Michael’s Store 229 W. Alexander Street Fees: $15/person, supplies not included Info: KarenKoseck@hotmail.com Sign up online at michaels.com

29 Fri. ST-ART Festival 5-9 PM Early Childhood/Elementary Age Family & Youth Art Festival Activities, Entertainment, Food & Fun McCall Park in Historic Downtown Plant City Vendor Contact: 813-210-9236 www.PlantCityMainStreet.com

JULY

09-11 Mon.-Wed. Wild Water Games Summer Camp 7:30 AM – 6 PM Chris Welbon Karate Clubs 204 N. Mobley Fees: $250/week (full day 8:30am-6pm); $150/week (half day 8:30am-1pm); add $35 if participating in field trip Discounts- 3-plus weeks = $50 off 3rd wk; 2 or more siblings = $20 off each add’l child (discounts can combine) Tickets: Facebook at Chris Welbon Karate Clubs

13 Fri. Red, White & Blue Wine Testing 6 – 9 PM Time to celebrate American independence w/locally grown & produced American wine while creating friendships with other young professionals Keel & Curley Winery 5210 Thonotosassa Road Info: RisePlantCity.com

14 Sat. Aspire: Empowering Women “Sunset at the Ranch” 6:30 – 8:30 PM Gather w/friends to enjoy beautiful scenery, drinks, light snacks. Wishing Well Barn 4302 Pippin Road Fees: $15/members; $25/non-members Tickets: aspireplantcity.wildapriot.org

ONGOING Mondays Weekly Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club 7 AM South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Rm. Info: George Banning, 813-759-1638 PC Community Chorale 7 - 9:30 PM Meets every Monday evening

Cost: $35/season Info: Mary Ella Enciso, 813-417-2808; pccchoralesecretary@gmail.com Online: www.pccchorale.org

1st & 3rd Mondays Monthly Improvement League of Plant City 7 PM Historic Glover School Conference Room 5104 Horton Rd. Info: William Thomas, 813-757-6760

2nd & 4th Mondays Monthly Plant City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. City Clerk: 813-659-4237 (December: 2nd Monday only)

2nd Monday Monthly Plant City Garden Club 10 AM (Sept. thru May) Walden Lake East Community Center 1304 Teakwood Dr. All are welcome Info: Lisa Firm 813-404-4922 plantcitygardenclub.org

3rd Monday Monthly Family Community Advisory Council (FCAC) 5 - 6:30 PM The Children's Board Family Resource Center at East County invites residents to its Family Community Advisory Council (FCAC) meets monthly to discuss services or programs needed or wanted. Children will enjoy the FCAC Playgroup care, crafts, & activities while the adults meet. 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City Info: Ladislao Sanchez, 813-752-8700

1st Tuesdays Monthly Economic Development Corp. Meeting 2 PM @PC Chamber unless announced 106 N. Evers St. Info: Jake Austin, 863-712-0655

1st Tuesdays Monthly (Sept-May) Arts Council of Plant City 7 PM Chamber of Commerce Public Room 106 N. Evers St. Info: Marsha Passmore, 813-245-2244

2nd Tuesdays Monthly Hot Coffee Topics 7:45 – 9 AM Krazy Kup 101 E J Arden Mays Blvd Info: Plant City Main St. 813-210-9926 Fees: $5 Non-member suggested contribution

2nd & 4th Tuesdays Monthly

Fridays & Saturdays Weekly

3rd Saturdays Monthly

Integrity Business Referrals 7:30 – 9 AM Christian networking breakfast BuddyFreddy’s Restaurant 1101 Goldfinch Dr., Plant City Info: Lew Frye 863-521-3360 Norm Blanton, 813-326-0749

Music in The Loft @Krazy Kup Fridays 6:33-8:33 PM; Saturdays 8:3310:33PM 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd. 813-752-1220; Facebook

Strawberry Classic Car Show 4-8 PM 102 N. Palmer St., Historic Downtown Plant City Info: 814-754-3707 www.plantcity.org

American Legion– Norman McLeod Post#26 6 PM @2207 W. Baker St. 813-752-8608 Info: Nancy Miller, 813-754-2544

Tuesdays Weekly Plant City Lions Club 12 Noon @BuddyFreddy’s Restaurant 1101 Goldfinch Drive Info: Tony Lee, 813-752-7202 Recovery for Life 6:30 - 8PM 12-step Bible-based program to help w/ addictions Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House 504 N. Palm Dr., Plant City Info: Debbie Ray 813-763-1562

Wednesdays Weekly Walking Club 7:30AM for 45-minute walk Meet @Bruton Library Info: Susan Miles 813-757-9215

Live Music @O’Brien’s Irish Pub Fridays 530-8:30 Acoustic; Saturdays 9PM ‘til close 1701 S. Alexander St. 813-764-8818

Last Fridays Monthly Java & Jeans 8 – 9:30 AM Join us for an informal networking opportunity, donuts and coffee will be provided. Minuteman Press 1701 S. Alexander St Suite 105 Info: Norm Nelson 813-754-3707

2nd & 4th Saturdays Monthly Plant City Social Dance Club 6:30 – 9:30 PM $6/person No alcohol; Fragrance-free Bring snacks/drinks/supplies Strawberry Square 4401 Promenade Blvd. Info: Ken Miller 863-409-7714 pcsocialdanceclub@inbox.com strawberrysquaredancing.com

Plant City Kiwanis Club 12 Noon Meetings at BuddyFreddy’s Restaurant Info: David Wolf 813-717-9300

Thursdays Weekly Toastmasters (Chapter 4051) 7:30 - 9 AM PC Chamber Community Room 106 N. Evers St. Info: April Lubrano 813-545-1607 Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Services 9AM - 4PM @PC Chamber, 106 N. Evers St. Dottie 813-204-9267 Line Dancing Lessons Starts at 7:30 p.m. Crossroads Seafood and Steakhouse 106 State Rd 60 E

2nd Thursdays Monthly GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Plant City 7 PM @1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Lisa Rhodes, 813-376-8294

GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City 10:30 AM @1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Nancy Miller, 813-754-2544 PAGE

813.759.9122 800.277.9722 tampa.itex.com www.itex.com PAGE

A DAY FOR DAD Created by Calvin R. and Jackie Mathews

A DAY FOR DAD COME JOIN THE FOCUS COMMUNITY

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ THEFOCUSMAGAZINE

ACROSS 1. Tableland 5. Biblical weeds 10. Acquires 14. Father’s favorite insect? 17. Breakfast order 19. Playing marble 21. Venice transport 22. Riches 23. California desert 25. Org. for youth 26. Bus service, for some: abbr. 27. Earthenware jar 28. Wool bearers 30. Johnny __ 31. L followers 32. Curved edge 33. Wading bird 34. Pod plant 35. Epiphany kings 38. Bones: Latin 40. A __ apple... 41. # of Lenten days 42. Hebrew month 43. Hightail it 44. Eur. nation 45. Judy’s eldest 46. Toil 47. Majors, for one 48. Caesar’s garb 49. Eternally 52. Film locations 54. Boxer, for one 55. Boggy areas 57. Ms. Lupino 58. Mont Blanc, e.g. 59. __ about; roams aimlessly 60. Parched 61. Obstacle 62. Boisterously indecent 65. Blockhead 66. False deity 67. Religious tenet 68. Uranium & gold 69. Meander 70. Undergarments 71. Heat in the microwave 72. Actor Cariou 73. Official language in India 74. Assistance 75. Father’s flakes? 79. Indelible marks 81. Hair coverings 83. Sermon topic 84. Home to 4 billion 85. Sensed 86. Geneviève and Thérèse: abbr. 87. Writer Zane 88. Bookish fellow 89. Fine display 91. Bad air 92. Run 93. Keatsian works 94. Vientiane’s nation 95. Jungle beast

96. 97. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 107. 109. 111. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118.

Cath. or Episc. Pub orders Four-star nav. rank Songbird Juan’s living room Cartoon pooch Modern: pref. Improvise, father-style? Avoided detection by See 18 Down Employee’s delight North __ Make __; ridicule Business transaction Like a pricey coat Tatum’s dad

DOWN 1. Red leader and others 2. Explosive mount 3. __ Barrett; founding member of Pink Floyd 4. Decorate 5. See 64 Down 6. __ Earhart 7. Kingdom 8. “First Lady of Jazz” 9. Ready-go connector 10. Magazine title 11. Senses of self-esteem 12. __ Mahal 13. With 67 Down, father in a frenzy? 14. Old Soviet Sec. agcy. 15. Choir member 1

9 18

38 43

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108 113 116

102

104

105 106

88 93 97

103

109 110

111

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92 96

60 66

24 30

92. 95. 96. 98. 99.

83. 86. 87. 89. 90. 91.

58 63

66. 67. 69. 70. 71. 73. 75. 76. 77. 78. 80. 82.

101. 102. 104. 105. 106. 108. 110. 112.

Part of the eye See 13 Down Public uprising Night fliers Bananas Sacred Determined folks Secondhand Blaze Passing fashions Afternoon socials Brain wave test: abbr. Pensioners: abbr. Like ham, usually See 91 Down “When I was __...” “M*A*S*H” role With 87 Down, father’s favorite knight? Take out Can wrapper Heavy gas Jump Forest moon in “Star Wars” __ Marie Presley Munro’s pen name __ bene NC’s __ University Mistaken Whopper Actor Kilmer Twisted

16. Father’s tiny amphibians? 18. With 111 Across, father’s favorite fairy tale villain? 20. Chris of tennis 24. Auction site 29. Take the prize 31. Father’s favorite candy? 33. Father’s favorite Pakistani city? 34. Flow out slowly 35. Feline comments 36. “Thanks __!” 37. Respected teacher 39. Notice 40. Calendar abbr. 41. Evergreens 43. Fail completely 44. Marshes 45. British House member 48. Type of list 49. Saran alternative 50. Dutch export 51. Indian music pattern 53. Suffix for luck or hand 54. Father’s favorite sport? 56. Acapulco golds 59. Incite 61. High voices 62. Leave suddenly 63. Zone 64. With 5 Down, how father deteriorated? 65. Puts on

by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

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M E W S

W E N T F R O M D A D G U R U

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S A Y D A D O L R T M N O I L F K L D I O A L P D Y S R H I T O O E L T A Y S L L A L I B I S E E A L

D A D P O S L E E E S G D O O A N D S S S M I O R K E D

T A R E O M E L W E A L O L L A R I M S A A E B U T O G D O G A D S D O I M B R I A I N E T S T E S O G D N R E S A L V A D E A K O T L I N E

S E T T H E W I B I S I N L G A F M O O A R I D O L A S D D S I G R E A S H L A A R D D A S D

A Day for Dad

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G E A G M O E S S F L I O R R S D D Z A A D N Y

T S A T E J A V E R E B O K R A O R T Y Z A E V E R I D A S N A G O GM A P R U F F A S I A N E R D O D E S S N E O WO L F R T O F Y A N

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