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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vol. 8 Issue 3 • May 2012
06-10 LOCAL
www.focuspolkcounty.com
ON THE COVER
Enjoy this month’s stories about a local fifth grade boy who overcame tremendous obstacles to be recognized as a Disney Dreamer and Doer Shining Star, 20 women recognized as Women of Distinction, the North Lakeland Hope Center providing help to the homeless, the Wingin’ It festival benefitting Bryce’s Buddies Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Inc., a newly published local author’s legal thriller, and the annual Lakeland Chamber Luau.
11-12 FEATURE
With support from CF Industries and Mosaic and under the direction of Jessie Ward, the Mulberry Phosphate Museum at the intersection of CR37 and SR60 in the former Mulberry Railroad Station is an educational showcase for the finds from the “Bone Valley” phosphate pits. Don’t miss this great opportunity for hands-on exploration.
14-5 SPOTLIGHT
Meet Alice Spivey, the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of Polk County, whose unique experience in disaster preparedness and recovery qualifies her to lead the drive to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the lives of low-income homeowners and Veterans. Rebuilding Together keeps families in their homes.
17 BUSINESS PROFILE
Healthy Habits is a bright, spacious and welcoming store in downtown Winter Haven that promotes well-being with a great variety of vitamins, herbs, supplements, protein powders, alkaline waters, all natural cleansers/lotions, and organic snacks and drinks, including vegan and gluten-free options. Lakeland residents can look forward to the mid-May opening of owner Joe McKee’s second location in the Lake Miriam Plaza in Lakeland.
20 DINING PROFILE
Oh, my, you must try the delectable choices served at the lovingly restored 1911 two-story home housing The Hotel, Tea Room and Flower Corner in Davenport. In addition to lunches, The Hotel also features a Family Style Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Friday Night Steak Dinner and Tuesday night Southern Table. It’s the perfect venue for your special events, too.
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ALICE SPIVEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF REBUILDING TOGETHER OF POLK COUNTY
18 - CITY OF WINTER HAVEN 21 - CLASSIFIEDS 22 - EVENT CALENDAR
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
See why everyone is driving to Bartow to buy a car from TOM EDWARDS.
Children do and say the darndest things. They also keep us on our toes. DeDe and I were totally caught off guard recently when our youngest son Zy, who will have his 5th birthday this month, surprised us with this invitation: “Mom, Dad - come see my clean room.” So we did and we were blown away. Zy had organized his toys, his clothes, his closet - it looked like he had hired professionals to do a room makeover. Needless to say, we showered him with encouraging compliments and we’re thinking he could open a business already. Then a week later, he did it again - caught us off guard at the grocery store while we were shopping for the Floyd food bank and snack pantry. Zy asked DeDe, “Mom, how much is all this going to cost? Are you sure we can afford it? Since when did 4-year-olds start caring about the price of food? We answered his questions, which prompted a few of our own, such as, “What about those who can’t afford food?” and “Do we really need everything we buy?” These were teachable moments in the Floyd household, and we’re hoping for many more as our boys grow. In this issue we hope to teach our readers about two young boys who’ve accomplished much already. Bryce Duncan established the Bryce’s Buddies Juvenile Diabetes Foundation which just hosted its first Wingin’ It Festival and fifth grader Tye Harrell overcame great obstacles to earn recognition as a Disney Dreamer and Doer Shining Star. Kids are incredible.
Once again, the issue is filled with the local flavor that makes the Polk County so unique. Read, learn, know and share - your stories are always good. As you watch daily for teachable moments, keep your eyes on the kids because they have it goin’ on and our opinion matters to them. Just ask Zy - the organizing Certified Financial Officer (CFO) in training. And we doubt he even knew that we were his students.
Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.
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www.thefocusmagazine.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 businesses, restaurants and many local venues. 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.
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Licensed territories are available. We are looking to expand the family and are looking for motivated individuals to join our award winning team. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.
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You’ll also learn about the Mulberry Phosphate Museum, the North Lakeland Hope Center, the woman who directs Rebuilding Together, the 20 local NAWBO Women of Distinction, a local author’s new published legal thriller, and the 10th annual King of the Wings results.
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Surrounded by his extended family, Tye has a bright future of continued service to others. Photo by Otto Dippold
DISNEY DREAMER AND DOER SHINING STAR WRITTEN BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD
TYE HARRELL
T
he fifth graders of Weldon Watson Elementary sat listening to a pep talk about being role models. But without any of them being aware, Mickey Mouse and the Walt Disney World Prize Patrol was about to make an appearance to honor a classmate, Tye Harrell as a Disney Dreamer and Doer Shining Star. Every year since 1984, a panel of judges from Disney’s Dreamer and Doer program selects a nominated elementary, middle school, and high school student from each of five surrounding counties who has shown exceptional service to others, courage in personal challenges and determination for success. Erica Brink, a fifth grade teacher, nominated Tye for this award. “When I submitted his story, I wondered how they [the Disney Team] could not choose him. [Tye is
evidence that] your past does not determine your future.” Tye lived his early years moving around in an environment of parental drug abuse and neglect. But in September 2010, Mike Harrell, a Pastor at Fuel Community Church, and his wife Patti adopted Tye. Tye wrote in his essay for Disney, “It was tough for me…I never learned to read or write. I was made fun of. But not anymore, my [adoptive] parents and teachers have worked with me to help me to do both.” This very unassuming young man has accomplished many things over the past couple years. He has helped to paint a shelter for homeless or abused women and made meals for them. Tye has helped landscape a local school and participated in a cancer walk. “It felt so good to help people worse off than me. I would much rather help people with stuff than go play,” Tye writes. His glistening blue eyes filled with tears when he was presented with this honor. Tye received a Mickey Mouse statue, Disney World annual passes for the family, a gold medallion and a special day of fun and learning at Walt Disney World.
Mickey Mouse and Tye Harrell, an aspiring young man who would rather help others than play. Photo by Otto Dippold
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Tye’s life is now surrounded by a loving and caring extended family that demonstrates the past doesn’t dictate what is ahead. His is the story of a delightful young man with the incredible blessing of new beginnings.
LOCAL » FOCUS help them find reasons to keep going in the form of food, clothing, a shower and laundry facilities. “They don’t know a Monday from a Friday. If we can get them to make plans to wash clothes and shower, thereby offering some kind of normality, then maybe we have something,” explained Brent. Brent hopes the outreach will give them a taste of something better and prepare them for a transition from the woods to programs like Lighthouse Ministries or Talbot House. The ministry is not out to enable, but hopes to motivate a change by way of obedience to Christ’s call. It will no doubt be a learning experience for everyone involved. Brent says, “If homelessness was an easy fix, it would have been fixed a long time ago.” For how to get involved with the Hope Center, contact Brent Lipham at Kathleen Baptist Church (863)858-3836, email Sheila@kathleenbaptist.com or phone Evelyn McMullen at North Lakeland Presbyterian Church (863)853-9541.
Brent Lipham and Paul Photo by Sara Robillard
NORTH LAKELAND HOPE CENTER “A TOUCH OF FAMILY TO THE HOMELESS” “O WRITTEN BY: SARA ROBILLARD
ur vision is an outpost in the war zone – the war being against homelessness. We want to touch some lives and make a difference.”
It all began in Sunday night discipleship class based around John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life. Brent Lipham, a TECO Peoples Gas manager and a Kathleen Baptist Church deacon, facilitated the class of 20+ church members. The challenge came when the material encouraged readers to reach out to their community, so they advertised a meal for the local homeless. On that first night, the group offered a variety of food to anyone in need, but no one came. When Brent and others decided to go and find someone to share with, they discovered a red pick-up truck parked deep in the woods behind an abandoned house on 98N. They resisted the temptation to investigate, and gathered the group for prayer. They planned on trying again the next week. Brent couldn’t resist his curiosity. “That little red truck was intriguing to me,” he admits. He drove back the next day and found Paul, who called the truck home. Brent introduced himself and invited Paul to the next meal.
That following weekend, Brent and a few class members welcomed a handful of guests to a meal. Paul wasn’t counted among them. After doing some investigating, Brent found Paul in his pickup truck, lying under a sheet on an old mattress and suffering from a raccoon bite. Brent helped him seek medical care, which included a series of rabies shots.
Paul soon began to attend church with Brent and his family, and through him Brent began to learn about the culture of the homeless. He described the several different subcultures, with the most challenging being the ‘career homeless.’ “They live for the day. Their goal in life is to get inebriated enough to tolerate life...the only way they’re able sleep out in the elements is to be drunk by dark.”
Volunteers from KBC painting the house’s exterior Photo by Sara Robillard
“They’re drinking reality away,” adds Paul, who has gone from drinking a fifth of Wild Irish Rose and 18 beers a day, to “a couple here and there.” Brent proposed that the congregation lease the abandoned house on 6508, 98 N and create an outreach to the needy in that area of our community. Paul would live in this home and offer hope to those struggling and
Brent Lipham painting the house’s exterior. Photo by Sara Robillard FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
7
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Tim Bosko, (left in picture) site owner/manager for family owned Lakeland Beef O’ Brady’s enjoys the recognition of King of the Wings as Judges Choice. Pictured with parents Linda Bosko and Don Bosko. Photo by Otto Dippold
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AND THE 2012 KING OF THE WINGS IS… 13TH ANNUAL LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS-AFTER-HOURS LUAU WRITTEN BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD
O
ver a plate of wings followed by a cold drink, a few shared laughs, and an exchange of business cards, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce provided a relaxing, fun-filled networking Businessafter-Hours Luau. The 13th annual event was hosted by Citizens Bank and Trust on S. Kentucky Ave.
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MAY 2012 focuspolkcounty.com
Terry Ottinger, Vice-President of Membership Development, stated, “This is intended to be a networking event, but it is more of a thank you party to our members. It’s just a lot of fun.” The highlight of the Luau was the 10th Annual King of the Wings Contest. Local establishments offering their wings for the taste test were: Beef O’Brady’s, Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill, Mojo’s, Ovations Food Services, Red Elephant Pizza and Grill Restaurant, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill, Winghouse Bar and Grill, and Winners Circle Sports Bar and Grill. When each establishment was asked why their wings should win, they all attributed it to the sauce. But there were those who swore to “no-tell” winning ingredient or process. All hoped for the coveted King of the Wings recognition trophy. After the seven judges completed a blind taste-test from each establishment,
the ballots were cast and a favorite was determined. Text messages from attendees were cast for a popular vote. A tally was completed to determine the winners in both areas. And the determined winners were: Taste-tester judging, Champion King of the Wings – Beef O’Brady’s Popular text vote and three-time King of the Wings winner – Winners Circle Sports Bar and Grill. “Beef O’Brady’s won because we did something a little different with our wing sauce,” stated Tim Bosko, site manager who has assisted his father, Don Bosko, in the family franchise since 1991. The Bosko family owns five establishments within Florida, with two of those in Lakeland. Kristina Schuster, bartender at Winners Circle, also attributes their popular vote win to “can’t-tell-ingredient” in the sauce. Winners Circle, established in 2002, is owned and operated by Bill Alcock. Congratulations were all around to each participating restaurant for providing great wings. Billie Porche, of Image Creations, donated especially designed aprons for the event for each judge. Bernie Little, Budweiser Distributor provided the beer.
LOCAL » FOCUS
Pros Division overall winners Swamp Boys Photo by Valerie McCutcheon
WINGIN’ IT T
A HIGH-FLYING GOOD TIME
he open field at the Winter Haven airport was temporarily transformed into a large festival ground packed with tents, a soundstage, games, booths, food and plenty of people on April 13-14, 2012. About 8,000 people came out to the first ever Wingin’ It festival, a 2-day wing competition featuring wings, bands and brews, with proceeds supporting Bryce’s Buddies Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Inc. Bryce Duncan looks like a typical blondehaired 13-year-old with braces, but he has been living with Type 1 diabetes since 2008. He keeps it under control through diet and insulin, and speaks with the maturity of someone older. Only nine years old at the time of his diagnosis, Bryce says he saw the cost of insulin and food, and asked his parents “What happens to kids whose families don’t have money for medicine?” Troubled by the answer, he told his parents, “We have to do something.” His dad Shannon is Deputy Chief at the Winter Haven Fire Department, and his mother Brandy is a driver/operator for Polk County Fire Rescue. They started the non-profit organization Bryce’s Buddies in October of 2010 to assist families with
WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
children who have been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and create a support group for all children dealing with juvenile diabetes. Bryce says that the idea for the Wingin’ It Festival was a combined effort, and that they wanted to start a fun tradition for the community while raising awareness and money for juvenile diabetes. The festival featured nonstop live music performances, a wing eating competition, a wing and wing sauce competition featuring Pros and Joes categories, food vendors, crafts, and interactive kids zones. The event will be held every year, and this year grossed around $43,000.
The big winners in the Joes Division were: Wet Traditional Category: 3) Pluckin’ Sauced 2) Kick Yo’ Butt 1) Buttweiser
The big winners in the Pros Division were: Wet Traditional Category: 3) Beef O’Bradys 2) Hot Shots 1) Swamp Boys
Dry Rub Category: 3) Buttweiser 2) Pluckin’ Sauced 1) Porkin’ Ain’t Easy
Dry Rub Category: 3) Hot Shots 2) Beef O’Bradys 1) Swamp Boys
Open Category: 3) 3 Guys and a Mexican 2) Kathleen Roadkill 1) Porkin’ Ain’t Easy
Open Category: 3) Beef O’Brady’s 2) Swamp Boys 1) FL BBQ Co & Catering
Overall: 3) Kathleen Roadkill 2) Pluckin’ Sauced 1) Buttweiser
Overall: 3) Beef O’Bradys 2) Hot Shots 1) Swamp Boys
Bryce is encouraged at the success of this inaugural event and is looking forward to next year. He wants to send a message to other kids like him who live with juvenile diabetes: “Keep your dreams up, and don’t ever give up!” For a complete list of sponsors who made this event possible, visit wingingitwh.com. For more information on Bryce’s Buddies Foundation, visit brycesbuddies.org, or look them up on Facebook.
Games for kids Photo by Valerie McCutcheon FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
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LOCAL » FOCUS
Recipients for 2012 Women of Distinction Awards (LtoR): Carole Philipson, Professional; Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Business; Vicki White, Humanitarian; Dr. Eileen Holden, Education; Jean Bunch, Humanitarian; Christina Allen, Education. Photo by: Otto Dippold
POLK COUNTY WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONORED AT ANNUAL NAWBO BANQUET A WRITTEN BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD
room filled with women and men gathered to honor and recognize this year’s recipients of the Polk County Women of Distinction Awards on April 5, 2012 at the Lakeland Yacht and County Club.
Each year the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) hosts an awards banquet for this purpose. “The Women of Distinction Awards is our main event of the year,” says Cathy Esses, NAWBO Lakeland Metro President. “The [20 nominated] women we are honoring tonight are inspirations to us all and we are proud to be able to recognize them for their contributions to our community.” Twenty women who “exemplify the values of achievement, integrity, professionalism, community service and personal growth” were nominated within the four categories of Business, Education, Humanitarian/ Community Service, and Professional. Each category would recognize one of the women for a Distinctive Award. When asked what would set the chosen recipient apart from the other nominees, Gretchen Johnson, Women of Distinction Awards 2012 Chair Johnson stated, “They are all winners. It was a very difficult task to set specific individuals apart but through a process, the judges have made their selections. But, this year due to that difficulty, there were six women chosen instead of four.”
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MAY 2012 focuspolkcounty.com
Before the 2012 presentations were announced, Lakeland Chief of Police, Lisa Womack introduced each of the twenty nominees. The awards for the chosen Women of Distinction were then announced by Tamara Rowland – Business, Susan Musser – Education, Cindy Ross – Humanitarian, and Sheriff Grady Judd announced the recipient for Professional Distinction Award. The Women of Distinction Awards for 2012 were presented to: Business – Sylvia Blackmon Roberts, President and CEO of Blackman Roberts Group, Inc. a national public planning and management consultant firm. Roberts has lived a life of service instilled by her mother. She was told, “Service is the rent you pay for your space on earth.” Roberts is a trailblazing leader and is a role-model for girls and women of all ages. Education – Dr. Eileen Holden, President of Polk State College. Holden has guided the college through unprecedented growth, as well as putting two degree programs and an expanded class offerings in place. She is a volunteer for a variety of community organizations. Education – Christina Allen, Education Director of Parker Street Ministries. Allen’s motto: “Help Parents without Replacing Them” has grown a successful year round academic enrichment program for over 80 children and parents. She is an advocate for those held within the net of poverty and has
made a tremendous positive impact with at-risk families.
Humanitarian – Jean H. Bunch, founding president of Historic Lakeland, a preservation advocacy group thriving on preservation and maintenance of Lakeland. Bunch is passionate about her community and is an ambassador for philanthropic efforts within Polk County.
Humanitarian – Vicki White, owner of Premiere Commercial Furniture & Design. White believes in giving back to the community. Her desire to help and give back is evident in her support of PACE Center for Girls, a local non-profit organization helping girls and young women find hope and a safe, nurturing place in the midst of difficult life situations. Professional – Carole Philipson, past Vice President of Operations for Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Philipson has paved the way for other females in this field and has supervised the design and construction of many of the LRMC projects. Presently, she is
working with Florida Hospital Carrollwood. With this event emphasizing successful women, it was only natural that a portion of the evening’s proceeds be offered to benefit PACE Center for Girls. This center provides education, counseling, and training for a better future for girls. Several of the girls assisted in greeting attendees and assisting in the recognition of the recipients at the event. Additional information about NAWBO can be found at http://www. nawbolakelandmetro.com.
The evening event supports PACE, a center providing education and training for a better future for girls. Several of the PACE girls assisted in the recognition of the recipients at the event. Photo by: Otto Dippold
MULBERRY
PHOSPHATE MUSEUM - Feature by Vivian Dippold | Photos by Otto Dippold -
Rana Cooper and children from Combee Elementary enjoy the see and touch fossil display.
Theresa Gibon, science teacher from Kathleen High School, sees the museum as the place to come to learn about Florida’s history.
W
ide-eyed kids talk dinosaurs and wooly mammoths. There’s the fascination over blackened sharks teeth and the obsession with Disney’s going-extinct Ice Age creatures. And parents, in an effort to encourage discovery, wonder what possibilities there might be when there is not time to skip up to Gainesville to the Museum of Natural History or the money to sprint to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
11
School childern hope to make a fossil find in the phosphate deposits donated from local sites.
Elizabeth Alicea, a paraprofessional at Combee Elementary, talks to the children about the phosphate processes.
It might surprise you to learn that right here in our own Polk County backyard there is an option for stepping back in time where kids can touch dinosaur bones and see the size of wooly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and giant sloths. It might not be the Smithsonian or the Museum of Natural History, but at the intersection of CR37 and SR60, behind the Mulberry McDonald’s, sits the old Mulberry Railroad Station – now home of the Mulberry Phosphate Museum – a place to see things you have never seen before or only ever read about.
The day I visited Mulberry Phosphate Museum, a large group of second grade students from Combee Elementary in Lakeland toured the museum. The teachers from Combee were part of a Polytechnic Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) educational program which educates teachers and provides funding for the fieldtrip. Since 1998, FIPR has provided this program which offers information and shared lesson plans in math, science, language arts, and social studies to any school who applies for the opportunity. All lessons are designed to meet the Sunshine State Standards.
But, don’t let the name fool you. While, the museum does contain information about the phosphate industry, it’s not just about phosphate. It’s about what was found in the “Bone Valley” phosphate pits. When the museum was opened in 1986 through the efforts of Elin Oak Becher as an educational facility, two local companies, CF industries and Mosaic contributed grants and funding as well as phosphate residual for the Fossil Pit, enabling inquiring minds and hands to see and touch pieces of pre-history. Then, recently under the guidance of newly appointed director, Jessie Ward, a resourceful person with a surprisingly diverse background, the museum underwent changes and renovation. Come with me as I show you a bit of what to expect as you enter this transformed railroad station.
According to Emily Fletcher, a 2nd grade teacher from Combee Elementary, “The Mulberry Phosphate Museum is an excellent educational resource. The staff is great with planning a field trip. They are knowledgeable and work great with different grade levels. Our kids had a great time learning about a natural resource that is found so close to home.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Before even entering the museum, an enormous phosphate dragline bucket donated in 1987 by International Minerals and Chemical Company sits at the entrance ramp and commands the parking area. The bucket on occasion would be filled with left over phosphate deposits for young and old alike to dig through. The opportunity can at times produce great white shark teeth, vertebras of sea creatures, or even a lucky find of a sea cow rib. Then, climbing the ramp to the museum replicas of prehistoric Glyptodont – the ancient armadillo and sabre toothed tiger – Smilodon, bring gasps of unbelief. This is only the beginning. Within the main “station” room, Shirley South, or “Miss Elly” as everyone calls her, brings pre-historic time to life as she stands in front of a realistic display of the Mylodon or Giant Ground Sloth standing over 10 feet tall and the Mastodon, a larger and taller predecessor of the present day elephant. Her story is fascinating but it’s hard to not allow your eyes to wander as the narration unfolds. Because right beside you are display cabinets full of fossilized vertebrae, shark teeth, and jawbones found right down the road in the old phosphate pits. There are the remains of a 10-foot baleen whale from approximately 10 million years ago that stretches out as a jigsaw puzzle finally complete. Yet, still more impressive is the local find and claim to fame for the museum - a large fossilized crocodile head. Because of the rarity of such a find, a cast was made for the display here in Mulberry while the actual head went to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
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Richard Franz, a geologist by trade from Hillsborough County agreed, “It [Mulberry Phosphate Museum] brings native history of life.” Kathleen High School earth science teacher Therese Gibon visits the museum to better instruct her students. “This is definitely a place to come,” she said. So, over the years, the museum has gone through changes. When Jessie Ward stepped into the Mulberry Phosphate Museum, she realized there would be a lot of dusting and “scrubbing” to be done. So, she closed the doors for a month to reorganize and do her own archeological dig through stored boxes filled with bones and fossils. She enlisted the help of a local self-taught paleontologist and fossil hunter, Frank Garcia. Together they emptied boxes and rearranged much of this never before seen collection. These rare fossils needed to be out for everyone to see. Jessie labeled them. She created displays for easy viewing and has produced an environment for school children and adults alike to enjoy. While the museum is not solely about fossils found in a phosphate pit, it is about history – the history of phosphate mining started back in 1888 when the first shipment of Florida phosphate was sent to Scott’s Fertilizer Works in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s about the regional impact of the railroad depot that in 1800s received packages addressed to “the Mulberry Tree.” It’s about allowing children to walk through a “retired” railroad engine and sit in a caboose. The museum is about the development of the small town of Mulberry. It is a big story of a little town. You don’t want to miss this gem. Admission is free and donations are gladly accepted. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
13
ALICESPIVEY
Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of Polk County
A
- Interview by Valerie Mccutcheon - Photos by Ashley Kreager and courtesy of Alice Spivey -
lice Spivey, the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of Polk County, has plenty to keep her busy. When she isn’t at work, which is rarely, the great-grandmother enjoys reading mystery novels and spending time with her family, two dogs and a cat. She recently took time out of her busy schedule to sit down with us and tell all about the admirable work the organization she heads is doing to help low-income families in Polk County. Rebuilding the concession stand
The Honeywell and Rebuilding Together teams at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex in Davenport
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Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Polk County? Spivey: I am originally from the Western Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh area and came to Polk County in kind of a roundabout way. My ex-husband was transferred to Ft. Myers about 30 years ago, and I lived there 15 years before I was transferred to Winter Haven, where I’ve been ever since. I have three grown children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who all live in the area. Focus: What is your background? What led you to Rebuilding Together of Polk County? Spivey: I worked in retail for 25 years, and decided I didn’t want to work nights and weekends anymore, so I took a course at Florida Southern to learn all about computer software. From there I went to a job as a customer service rep in a HAZMAT warehouse doing their exports. I was there about five years before I tired of traveling to and from Orlando every day. I got into social work after the hurricanes partially destroyed the warehouse where I was working in 2004. I was the newest person hired, and was laid off.
Fire Department, Sertoma Camp Endeavor (a camp for the deaf in Dundee), the Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village in Davenport, the Davenport Community Center, and Lewis Matthews Field (also in Davenport). This is a huge undertaking and these projects have such a great impact on the community in such a short period of time, so this is the only time of year we do nonprofit repairs. The rest of the year we concentrate on helping individual homeowners.
New flooring for a child’s bedroom
Then I began working for the United Way of Central Florida, where I stayed for two and a half years. Part of that job was working with the disaster recovery group formed after the hurricanes. I worked with spreadsheets detailing all of the funds distributed in aid by the United Way. One day a colleague asked if I wanted to help him write a grant. I had never written one before, but we were successful in writing this grant for the recovery group. We received quite a bit of money to do rehab and repair for people who either didn’t have enough insurance or didn’t receive enough assistance from FEMA to cover their damages. In 2006 a program called My Safe Florida Home became available to help Floridians strengthen their homes against future storm damage. With the help of an AmeriCorps VISTA member (a national service program designed to fight poverty), we put together a proposal and were awarded close to $1 million to do mitigation work in Polk County. Now, with an office, caseworkers, and a three-year grant, it was decided that we were no longer able to manage this group with just a board, but would need an executive director. The Board asked me to accept the position. We incorporated in 2005 as Rebuild Polk After Disaster, which we were known as until 2009 when the mitigation grant ran out. There was still a great need for low-income housing repair in Polk County, so we went looking for other opportunities and found Rebuilding Together and became affiliated with them. Focus: The mission of Rebuilding Together of Polk County is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the lives of low-income homeowners. Can you give us some examples of what your organization does? Spivey: We focus a lot on disaster preparedness and recovery. We work very closely with emergency management because we are the only organization poised to be able to help homeowners repair their houses after a disaster. We’re a member of the state VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), a member of the post-disaster redevelopment plan group, a member of the disaster housing task force for the county, and we’ve been on the planning committee of the Hurricane Expo for the past few years. When we became Rebuilding Together, the national organization had a commitment to repair homes in New Orleans after Katrina, but they hadn’t put together a disaster recovery program for its affiliates and didn’t have a group of corporate sponsors. They started to do that after Katrina and after we joined them we helped them to write their criteria for their disaster recovery program. In addition to disaster recovery, we also help individual low-income homeowners. Our Veterans Services Program is one of our most popular and many of our referrals come through the Sears Heroes at Home program. We do a lot of interior repairs on low-income veterans’ homes because they are often in need of adjustments to accommodate a handicap. Polk County’s Veterans Council helps to get us support from county veterans’ organizations and over the past six months we have been seeing more support from places like the American Legion and the VFW. We have reached out to the VA Hospital in Tampa and have had training from their prosthetics department to help us get our veterans things like wheelchair ramps, handicap accessible bathrooms, etc. Veterans are eligible for various amounts of funding towards those items, depending on whether their disability is a result of their time in the service or aging. Improvements like making a bathroom handicap-accessible can run anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000, and if they only receive $2,000 from the VA, they would never be able to get the bathroom they need without our help. Focus: In January, Honeywell partnered with you to bring in more than 1,000 volunteers and donated in excess of $45,000 in materials for community service projects throughout the county. Can you tell us a little about these projects? Spivey: Honeywell Hometown Solutions is a corporation known for giving back, and they are huge national supporters of Rebuilding Together. They have an annual sales conference in Orlando, and this is the third year they have donated their time and money (from their own employees’ paychecks) to improve our community. We completed work at the Lake Alfred
Focus: How can people apply for help from your organization? Spivey: If you’re a veteran, you can apply through the national website (Rebuilding Together. org). The best way to apply is by phone (863-439-4320). We will complete a phone intake form as the first step. You must own your residence, it must be your only residence, and your taxes must be up to date in order to qualify for assistance. Once we have determined that we might be able to provide what you are asking for, we’ll send you an application form. We are not a quick fix, however. We don’t do emergency home repair. Our average time frame for receiving help is six weeks to six months, and the average cost of repairs can run anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Focus: Approximately how many people have been helped by your organization? And how many volunteers would you estimate you have? Spivey: We’ve helped close to 1,500 families since our inception. The number of volunteers varies every year. We rely heavily on faith-based partners and are beginning to see the American Legion and other veteran organizations participate. A lot of people we have helped are giving back and donating their time to help others in need. Focus: What is your organization most in need of at the moment? Spivey: Money and volunteers. We get funding for projects through grants, but we’re in need of operational funds, for which most grants do not provide funding. We would love to see some of our companies across Polk County decide to sponsor a home by providing the funding for materials and employees for the volunteers. We rely on donations and fundraisers for funding to cover operational and project management expenses. Veteran organizations are beginning to step up to provide these funds for the Veterans Services Program. But, we still need these funds to cover homeowners who are not veterans. We’re planning to do more fundraising events throughout this next year and hope to raise community awareness as well as funds. Focus: What do you think sets Rebuilding Together apart from other charitable organizations in the community? Spivey: Rebuilding Together doesn’t build new homes – we keep families in their homes. We need to be more aware of homeowners, especially seniors, who have invested their lives and savings in these homes for 30+ years, and because of our economy can no longer afford to maintain their home. They just need help fixing something that’s gotten out of control. This is the best way to maintain our affordable housing across the country, and that’s what Rebuilding Together does. We don’t want seniors to have to choose between repairing their homes and buying their medications. We want to help veterans who have purchased their homes with VA loans and years later need handicapped accommodations, but have nowhere else to go. That’s what Rebuilding Together is all about. Focus: What would you say is most rewarding about your job? What do you enjoy most? Spivey: Seeing the look on the faces of the clients we are able to help who are truly appreciative of what we are doing. The most rewarding part for me is seeing some of these people that we have helped in the past turn around and volunteer to help someone else. They give back for what they were given, and that’s a great thing. Thank you, Alice, for your time and all that you are doing to help rebuild Polk County. To learn more about Rebuilding Together, visit the national site at www.rebuildingtogether.org, the Polk County division at www.rpad.us or reach them by phone at (863) 439-4320.
Volunteers working on a Polk County home FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
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BUSINESS PROFILE » FOCUS research. Oftentimes the USDA Certified Organic Sticker isn’t the most important thing – it’s where your food comes from that matters. Know where it comes from before you put it in your body, and pick your battles.” Joe and Healthy Habits are here to help. They research all manufacturers of their supplements to make sure that nothing is sourced from China, and in addition to having reasonable prices, they also run a few specials. One promotion Joe is proud to offer is 20% off every supplement every day. Another current special is 10% off a food purchase if you “check in” on Facebook while at the store. If you’re looking to make positive changes in the way you live your life, you’ll definitely want to make Healthy Habits a stop on your journey to health and general well-being.
Owner Joe McKee with employees Pam Savage (left) and Terri Kowalski Photo by Valerie McCutcheon
CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH
HEALTHY HABITS I WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
t’s impossible to go unnoticed in Healthy Habits, a health food store in downtown Winter Haven. An electronic voice announces your entrance through one of two doors into the store, and soon you’re greeted by owner Joe McKee or one of his smiling employees, asking if there is anything they can help you with. A bright and spacious area with shelf after shelf of health oriented goods and foods, the store is homey and welcoming. Joe opened Healthy Habits in October of 2008 and is on schedule to open a second location in the Lake Marion Plaza in Lakeland mid-May. Originally from Staten Island, New York, Joe has spent the past 22 years in Lakeland, along with four grown sons and three grandchildren (and one on the way). With a background in institutional chemicals, he spent 25 years as an independent rep when job transfers brought him to Florida. However, his passion was always health. He spent years driving around for his job and would listen to books on tape about various health topics. When his kids were grown and he could do more of what he wanted, he decided to open this store. His main focus is to help people get healthier, as evidenced by the store’s motto “Change your habits, change your life.” Joe believes that implementing positive changes into daily
routines can have profound effects on future health and well-being. Healthy Habits stocks a great variety of vitamins, herbs, supplements, protein powders, all natural cleansers and lotions, alkaline waters, organic snacks and drinks, including many vegan and gluten free options. They stock fresh produce about six months out of the year, and have a wellstocked freezer full of gluten-free breads and other frozen goods.
litmus paper to the saliva on your tongue. He explains, “On a cellular level, it appears to be helpful for the body to have a neutral pH, around 7.0.” He says you can achieve this by eating right, exercising, limiting the amount of chemicals entering your body, and “try some of our alkaline water!” If you’re concerned about the price of organic items and wondering if they’re really worth the extra cost, Joe would tell to just “do your
INFORMATION 362 3RD ST NW, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881 (863) 875-4826 HEALTHYHABITSWINTERHAVEN.COM FACEBOOK.COM/HEALTHYHABITSFORYOU HOURS: 9 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. MONDAY – FRIDAY 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. SATURDAY
Joe says they are focusing more and more on healthy foods, as supplements can only do so much if you aren’t changing the way you eat. “Supplements are just that,” he says. “They supplement how you’re living and what you’re eating, but a pill isn’t going to fix the problem. We have to start living and eating the right way before a supplement can do its job.” Joe and his staff of six are here to help in any way they can. They talk with each customer to find out a little about what they’re looking for, whether it’s supplementary, natural things they can focus on, or if they’re looking for an alternative to a pharmaceutical, they try to make customers aware of what’s available. Stay talking long enough, and Joe might try to measure your body pH with a strip of
Joe McKee assists regular Jennell Wallace. Photo by Valerie McCutcheon FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
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EXTRA » CITY OF WINTER HAVEN
CITY OF WINTER HAVEN PROGRESS ON LAKE HOWARD TRAIL T WRITTEN BY: JOY TOWNSEND
he Winter Haven community has had a vision for a trail around Lake Howard for many years. Now the City plans to design and build a fully connected multimodal loop trail around the approximate 4-mile lake. Its size and location near downtown make Lake Howard ideal for building a scenic trail.
The goal is to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using the trail for everyday travel, while also establishing a new recreation venue for residents and visitors alike. Historically, right-of-way and funding issues have prevented completion of a trail around Lake Howard. Today the idea is to complete the trail in several phases, spreading costs out over several years. Completing the trail will require some creative thinking, especially in pursuing alternative routes through adjoining neighborhoods, as well as funding sources. It is proposed to fund much of the work through partnerships between the City and the Florida Department of Transportation. The first phase of the Lake Howard Trail was recently completed on the lake’s east side from Avenue A to D NW. Just one-fifth of a mile, this portion was funded with $227,400 from FDOT, and the remaining $22,600 from the City. The 1.3-mile Phase 2 is planned from Avenue D to Avenue G NW, along the lake’s northern shoreline. Along with landscaping and lighting improvements, the trail will also include connections and improvements to adjacent neighborhoods and sidewalks. Construction is programmed for the 2013-
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2014 budget year.
Phase 3A is planned for the east side of the lake along Seventh Street NW to Central Avenue and will be routed west back to the lake and then south to Avenue D SW. This phase will tie into the Avenue B Connector Trail that will provide easy access to the downtown area from Lake Howard. Construction on the Avenue B Trail is expected to begin later this year. While funding for this phase is not expected to be available for three to four years, City staff may take that time to work toward acquiring needed property and easements to continue the trail along the lakeside between Avenue A NW and the East Lake Howard Boat Ramp.
Phase 3B will continue from the Lake Howard/May Canal to Avenue E SW. Several design options will be considered for this phase, including placing the trail on the south side of the roadway, or constructing the trail along the lakeshore. Costs associated with this phase are estimated at between $825,000 and $1.6 million. The fourth and final phase of the project, on the west side of the lake from Avenue G NW to Avenue C SW, is the most challenging. Right-of-way constrictions and physical obstruction make building a trail along the lake impossible in this area. The idea is to bring the trail through the adjacent neighborhood to the west of the lake. This plan is expected to take at least five years to complete, but it’s one that is surely worth the community effort.
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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE
Owner Samantha Dierker often feeds local Davenport firefighters Photo by Valerie McCutcheon
Tables and shelves of gifts fill the interior of The Hotel Photo by Valerie McCutcheon
THE HOTEL, TEA ROOM AND FLOWER CORNER A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING I WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON
t’s all about family and lots of good, home cooked food at The Hotel, Tea Room and Flower Corner, located in a restored historic home on Maple Street in Davenport. Originally opened in 1999, lifelong Davenport resident Samantha Dierker took over ownership of The Hotel from her mother, Jackie Summerlin, in 2005. Samantha thinks it’s “pretty cool,” to own a business in her hometown. “It’s a family affair here. Everyone who works with us is either related or a lifelong friend, and I love that my kids can hang out and help out here.” Samantha has a five-year-old son who likes to play in the back and an eight-yearold daughter who likes to help out with Steak Night on Fridays.
Built in 1911, the two-story house with blue trim and double porches opens into the restored dining room, with flower tableclothcovered tables nestled amongst shelves of gifts for sale. “Family style” describes both the food and the atmosphere here. The lunch menu changes every day, depending on what inspires Samantha that morning. Some regulars even call in requests for their favorite meals. And if you really like something you’ve ordered? Just ask for a little more. They make sure you don’t leave hungry! When we visited for lunch, Samantha was nice enough to bring us out a little bit of everything on the day’s menu. To start, we sampled the spring salad with fresh lettuce, strawberries, cranberries, cheese and a homemade raspberry vinaigrette (also for sale on their shelves). We also tried the soup of the day: an incredible Mushroom Brie Bisque. A perfect flavor combination
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of cheese, mushrooms and cream, we easily could have eaten bowls of this thick, goldencolored soup. For the main course(s), we sampled their famous chicken salad, a toasted turkey and cranberry wrap, pork and veggie stir-fry, and a bacon and tomato pie.
The chicken salad was served with a croissant and a side of broccoli salad, and the unique addition of dried apricots to the traditional fixings of nuts, pickles and a special dressing made for a sweet and tangy treat. It’s no surprise that this is one of their most popular dishes.
or a treat from Hilton’s Gourmet Bakery, which is also housed at The Hotel. Owner Andy Hilton and Samantha were featured on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2011, and the sinfully delicious ‘Smores Cake we sampled was definitely a winner. Light, fluffy, covered with decadent chocolate and topped with a marshmallow and graham cracker, it was the perfect end to our meal. In addition to lunches, The Hotel also features a Family Style Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Friday Night Steak Dinner and a Tuesday night Southern Table. The Hotel can also take care of all your private function
Wrapping up the traditional Thanksgiving staples of turkey and cranberry was an inspired creation. Perfectly toasted on the outside and bursting with cheese and flavor on the inside, this wrap proved that the turkey and cranberry combination isn’t just for the holidays! The stir-fry featured a medley of tender, succulent pork, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers onion and squash in just the right amount of sauce. The flavor of the fresh vegetables was apparent – you won’t get a taste like this from anything in the frozen food aisle! The bacon and tomato pie is another customer favorite and one of Samantha’s original creations. A biscuit bottom is topped with a layer of fresh, organic tomatoes, bacon, and bubbling over with melted cheese, making for a delicious and filling concoction. Choices for dessert included a warm, sweet peach cobbler with a light whipped topping
Bacon and Tomato Pie Photo by Valerie McCutcheon
needs, from food and cake to flowers and carriage rides. They’ve held baby showers, bridal showers, and even weddings in their dining room, and they cater events like the Ridge League Dinners, Chamber Events, Highwaymen Dinners, and Haines City High School’s proms. Work is underway on an outdoor kitchen for Steak Night, and plans have been made to become a Bed & Breakfast with five rentable rooms upstairs sometime in the future, which is good news for residents and visitors alike. This is a downhome dining experience in Davenport that you won’t want to miss.
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ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR
POLK COUNTY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: editorial@floydpublications.com
TUESDAY, MAY 1
» Magic at the Symphony 7:30 p.m. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland Tickets $20-$40, Children & Students Free 863-688-3743
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2
» Red Ribbon 5th Grade Rallies 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland 863-802-0777
WEDNEDAY, MAY 2 – SUNDAY, MAY 6 » Top Gun Invitational Tournament 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. RC Aircraft Competition & hobby tradeshow Paradise Field – West Pipkin Rd., Lakeland Tickets $10 863-607-6611
THURSDAY, MAY 3
» Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Chain O’ Lakes Complex Poolside Room, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. S.W., Winter Haven Donation: $10/person 863-291-5627 » St. Joseph’s School Foundation Golf Tournament & Auction 12 – 8 p.m. 800 Lone Palm Dr., Lakeland 863-698-9470 » 7th Annual Central Park Stroll 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Winners of the 2012 Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition unveiled Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven 863 291-5880 ext.228
FRIDAY, MAY 4
» Pickin’ in the Park 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free community sing-along with local musicians Central Park, Downtown Winter Haven 863-297-9387 » First Friday 6 – 9 p.m. Celebrating National Public Works Week Downtown Lakeland
FRIDAY, MAY 4 – SATURDAY, MAY 5
» American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of South Lakeland 6 p.m. Friday - 10 a.m. Saturday Lake Mirror Amphitheater, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland
SATURDAY, MAY 5
» 15th Annual Kiwanis Charity Golf Tournament Registration 6:30 a.m., Shotgun Start 8 a.m.
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MAY 2012 focuspolkcounty.com
Cypresswood Golf and Country Club State Rd 542 E, Winter Haven » Kids Fishing Derby 7 a.m. Free for kids 4-15 Simmers-Young Park, Winter Haven 863-534-6911 » Lakeland Artisan Fair 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 421 E. Park St., Lakeland lakelandartisanfair.weebly.com » 2012 Polk Teen Summit 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Winter Haven High School 600 6th St SE, Winter Haven 863-534-9224 » 22nd Annual Concert Under The Stars 6 p.m. Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales $25 adults/$10 kids in advance, $30/$12 day of 863-734-1222 » Pops and Props at Fantasy of Flight 7:30 p.m. 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City 863-688-3743
SATURDAY, MAY 12
» Swing for the Cure Kick-Off Cocktail Party 5:30 p.m. To benefit the Lewis Family Cancer Fund 799 John Ave., Haines City 863-287-2106 or 863-412-1580
» Movie & A Manicure 9 a.m. Free for moms & daughters, pre-registration required 1230 Southern Ave., Lakeland (863) 534-6911
SATURDAY, MAY 19
» Children’s Fair at the Lakeland Square Mall 1 – 4 p.m. 3800 N. US 98, Lakeland 863-859-5414
» Florida Dance Theatre’s Firebird 7 p.m. Polk Theatre 139 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland Students: $12, Adults: $15, Adults Reserved Seating: $20 (863) 682-7553
SATURDAY, MAY 12 – SUNDAY, MAY 13
» MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free event featuring children’s activities, music, food, & art 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland 863-688-7743
» Davenport Historical Society Meeting 6:30 p.m. 1 S. Allapaha Ave., Davenport 863-422-4507
» Poetry on the Patio Casual evening of poetry readings and live music on Richard’s Fine Coffees patio 325 Avenue A N.W., Winter Haven 863-291-5880
TUESDAY, MAY 15
SATURDAY, MAY 26
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
THURSDAY, MAY 10
» Hearing Loss Association of America, Lakeland Chapter 6 p.m. Monthly group provides education, support and advocacy 3020 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland
FRIDAY, MAY 11
» Fantasy of Flight’s “Legends & Legacies: D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy” 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Q&A Session & autograph signing with D-Day heroes 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City 407-332-5212
» 2012 Pigeon Pull & Evening Round Up 3 – 10 p.m. Achievement Academy Fundraiser with a skeet shoot, dinner, auctions & entertainment 13910 US Hwy 98 N., Kathleen 863-683-6504
TUESDAY, MAY 22
» Steve Holy in Concert 9 p.m. Boots n Buckles Saloon 4951 US-98 N., Lakeland 863-815-2668
» Red Ribbon 5th Grade Rallies 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Polk State College Gym, 999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven 863-802-0777
» 6th Annual Operation Tiger Trot 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 5K Race, 1 Mile Fun Walk and Armed Forces Day celebration with baseball and fireworks 2125 N. Lake Ave., Lakeland 863-272-2258
MONDAY, MAY 14
» Main Street Winter Haven Annual Meeting 5:30 p.m. Benefactors, Sponsors and Members: Free Non-members: $25 1st Floor of Downtown Winter Haven’s new parking garage. Info@MainStreetWinterHaven.com
» Hope for Brighter Futures 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Annual luncheon benefitting the Achievement Academy 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland 863-683-6504
» Swing for the Cure Golf Tournament 9 a.m. 30-team golf scramble with proceeds benefitting cancer associations & programs. 2888 Southern Dunes Blvd., Haines City 863-412-1580 or 863-287-2106
» Congressman Dennis A. Ross Community Employment Fair 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Veterans receive early entry at 10 a.m.) 3425 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland, FL Register online at PolkWorks.org 863-508-1600
THURSDAY, MAY 17
» 2012 She Knows Where She’s Going Awards Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland 863-682-3002 ext 222 » The Beat Goes On 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Heart healthy foods, wine samples, chef, CPR and AED demonstrations $20 donation includes food, soft drinks. 215 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland 863-680-1277
FRIDAY, MAY 18
» Family Fun Night 6 – 10 p.m. Free admission 1049 Parker Rd., Lakeland (863) 534-6911
» Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk 7:30 a.m. Hosted by Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association, portion of proceeds to benefit George W. Harris Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter Bok Tower Garden, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales 863-559-8062
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
» United Way of Central Florida Annual Meeting Leadership reception 5 – 6 p.m., program starts at 6:15 Limited seating, registration required, business casual dress. 121 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland $25/person, $500 corporate sponsorship (10 people) 863-648-1500 x 232
ONGOING EVENTS: THURSDAYS Downtown Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Downtown Trailhead Park, Winter Haven Senior Adult Center Ballroom Social 7:30 – 9 p.m. 250 S. Lake Silver Dr. N. W., Winter Haven $3/person 863-291-5870 1st SATURDAY Main Street Market Day Virginia Miller Park, Winter Haven 863-295-9422 2nd and 4th SATURDAY Saturday Afternoon Movie 2 p.m. Winter Haven Public Library Multi-purpose Room Free admission 863-291-5880
T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S B A S E D O N T R U S T.
Nationally recognized heart care is right here.
That’s the Bostick advantage.
Winter Haven Hospital’s Bostick Heart Center is recognized by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons as being in the top 10 percent of Heart Programs in the United States, and ranked one of the nation’s Top 50 Heart Centers by a leading consumer advocacy magazine. We give our heart patients every possible advantage by combining the best clinical experts with the latest technologies and the most effective rehab services available. And it’s all backed by the hospital you trust, Winter Haven Hospital. Learn more at www.winterhavenhospital.org or call 863-292-4688. Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.
AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE
FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line. 800-416-6705. FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY MAY 2012
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