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Table of Contents 16 06 07 08 06 Local

Volume 4 Issue 4 • September 2011

focuswinterhaven.com

As summer winds to a close, the fun activities in our town do not. Be sure to check the report on Winter Haven’s first ever 5-Pound Calzone Eating Challenge, the 2nd Annual Purple Ribbon 5K Walk, and the River of Life healing retreat for women.

10 Spotlight interview

Today more than 300 students in the Polk County School System live with juvenile diabetes (Type1), and many more who never share the challenge they live with daily. Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults - approximately 80 people per day - are diagnosed in the U.S. Read this month’s feature on Bryce’s Buddies to learn how you can help the Duncans do more at our local level.

13 business profile

The management of Spring Haven Retirement Community asks itself a question at every level of its business and on a daily basis: “Is this good enough for my parents?” Based on our recent visit, the answer is a resounding, “Definitely.” For “Caring, Compassionate Service” in a resort-style senior adult environment, plan a visit soon.

20 dining profile

The Winter Haven community is on the world cooking map now, thanks to the owners of Cafe Latte Coffee House & Eatery. Their delicious and quickly becoming famous cooking and seasoning oils are used on a variety of taste-tempting menu items and are available for purchase.

25 - City of Winter Haven

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on the cover The Duncans

Raising awareness for Juvenile Diabetes in Winter Haven and Polk County through Bryce’s Buddies

FOCUSwinterhaven.com Full digital version of the current and past magazines Extended features, interviews, dining profiles and business profiles with extra content Community news updates

Letter From The Publisher Like many of you, my family and I have enjoyed the summer. The pace has been a little slower and we’ve spent extra time with our sons doing things that become those treasured memories. But here we are in the month of September already, with school and its related activities back into the weekly routine. We’ve relaxed, we’ve enjoyed, and now we’re shifting more into the “work” mode. We’ll help the boys when they need it with their homework and their sports workouts. Together Dede and I, along with our staff and our valued customers, will work at continuing to improve Focus Magazine so that it always represents the best of our community. And we hope always to encourage our readers in their own “work,” too. The Duncans work together as a family in their Bryce’s Buddies program to help children cope with Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1). This month’s spotlight interview highlights the work they established because young Bryce had questions about and felt isolated because of his diabetes. He also couldn’t stand the thought of other children suffering when he asked his mom Sandy, “What happens to kids who don’t have insurance or enough money for medicine and food? Do they die?” He didn’t wait for her answer. He planned their work, saying, “We can’t let this happen.” The solution: Be sure and read to discover how everyone can help the “Buddies Boosters” fundraising work that will benefit families dealing with juvenile diabetes. So, as we move into fall and as you and your family, like the Duncans, get involved with schoolwork and work that helps, may your lives be richer for the effort.

Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563

Office Manager Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

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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.

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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. FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

Local » Focus

Photos courtesy of Heather’s Hope Foundation

2nd Annual Purple Ribbon 5K Run/Walk Benefits Heather’s Hope Foundation Written By: Cheryl Johnston

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ust off those running shoes and register for the 2nd Annual Purple Ribbon 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Heather’s Hope Foundation. Help Heather’s Hope to surpass last year’s attendance of 400-plus and bring even more awareness of domestic violence to our community. The event on September 24, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. will feature Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Refreshments for the runners/walkers are provided and awards presented for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in seven different age groups. The group or company registering the most participants also receives a trophy. Lissette Campos with Channel 10 ABC News will serve as emcee. An added feature this year is the “Memory Wall” on which registrants may display photo of a loved one lost due to domestic violence. Before the tragedy, Heather Lynn Rimmer was a recreational runner, a young mother and a well-loved teacher at Valleyview and South McKeel Academy. Friends and family established the memorial Heather’s Hope Foundation after she passed away in 2008 at the hands of her abusive spouse. Her mother and stepfather, Bonnie and Bob Roebuck, determined afterwards that the

september 2011 focuswinterhaven.com

“silent tragedy” of domestic violence, which affects more than four million American women and their families annually, could only be eradicated through public awareness. The nonprofit group provides support for local shelters, scholarships for worthy students, and educational high school presentations about teen dating abuse. Early prevention is a passion of the foundation. According to the Roebucks, who are raising Heather’s two beautiful daughters, Paige and Jordyn, educating teens is critical. The foundation’s slogan, “Domestic Violence…Nip it in the Bud” says it all. Register online at www.active.com or visit www.heathershope.net to download the registration form to be mailed. Preregistration and day of registration begins at 7:00 a.m. for the race starting at 8:00a.m. Volunteer and tax-deductible sponsor/ donor financial support continues the fight. Mail checks payable to Heather’s Hope Foundation, Inc. to P.O. Box 92895, Lakeland, FL 33804. Heather’s Hope Foundation,Inc. 2nd Annual Purple Ribbon 5K Run/Walk P O Box 92895 – Lakeland, Fl 33804 863-660-8456 – E-mail: heathershopedv@gmail.com www.heathershope.net

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Police Department WINNER, Aden Krug

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FIND US ON

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Written By: Jane Waters

h no, a 101-degree day didn’t stand a chance at knocking out this fun Winter Haven event! Who would have thought that eating a 5-pound calzone could be such a challenge, but for the participants of Winter Haven’s first annual Bistro 326 Calzone Challenge, 30 minutes just wasn’t enough time to get it all down.

The event was well attended by a crowd of well over 350 people who cheered them on! Sam Killebrew, event coordinator, said he felt that “the crowd was great for only having a two-week notice, and the Fire and Police Departments did an awesome job as they showed up in force with trucks, cars, and fellow staff to cheer on the participants.”

Participants included Winter Haven Fire Department participants Ryan Gregory and Brandon Beam, Winter Haven Police Department Participants Aden Krug and Brian Nash, and Winter Haven City Commissioner J.P. Powell. The challenge was set to begin at 5 p.m. sharp and contestants showed up ready to eat! Streets were blocked off, fire engines were everywhere, and the Chief of Police was polishing new police cruisers and offering encouragement to his representing staff… and all in the middle of Main Street!

Winter Haven City Commissioner had the support of his fellow commission as Commissioner Jamie Beckett made certain that J.P. was covered and out of the sun while working the crowd and trying to get down his calzone.

The five participants squared off, the whistle was blown, and it was on! At the end of the day the Police Department was victorious when Aden Krug polished off the largest amount – almost 3-pounds - of cheesy pepperoni calzone.

The next challenge is in the works and event coordinators shared that the 2nd annual would be held in cooler weather for sure. They plan to use to use this event in the future as a fundraiser for local charities. One thing is certain, said event promoter Jane Waters Thomas, “The crowd loved it and stayed in spite of the hot weather. I can’t wait to see what happens and who shows up to participate at the next event.”

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FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

Local » Focus “Stories were shared with both laughter and tears. The bonding from the very first night was amazing.” instructor Jane Thomas Dawn. It seemed to be the river that offered the greatest strengthening and healing for the girls. To watch the water flow, knowing it would never return again to the same place spoke to the very purpose of doing the retreat in the first place for this team of instructors. “Harmony, balance, and beauty in one weekend that was purposed to redirect and change lives…this is in direct line with our mission to heal through beauty and the arts,” said Executive Director Jane Waters Thomas.

Joan Cristopher - First time kayaking and a master!

The River of Life Retreat 2011 T Written By: Jane Waters

en women, one river cabin, workshops, food, and fellowship on the Steinhatchee River would prove to be a successful new healing arts program offered by Winter Haven arts instructors Tinia Clark and Deborah Boone of the Arts Ensemble Healing Arts Center. It was a time of making new friends and sharing life past. From the first workshop where participants learned the importance of and the how to of journaling, it was like doors to the soul opened and each woman stepped through the doorway to become one with the rest of the group. As the girls arrived two-by-two to check-in, the energy in the cabin began to fill hearts and minds began to race. “We were like a song together (all ten women). We were in complete harmony all day and all night. I wish that we’d only had more time to do more in workshops. The time just flew by,” said Deborah Boone. The 3-day retreat included yoga, journaling, art, kayaking, scalloping, massage, and amazing views of the Steinhatchee River. “Stories were shared

with both laughter and tears. The bonding from the very first night was amazing,” said instructor Jane Thomas.

For Boone, who was the hostess for the first retreat, her beautiful river cabin offered participants the freedom to let go of difficult things, and for artist instructor Tinia Clark, it wasn’t the fun and fabulous food she most enjoyed - it was getting to the heart of what matters to each individual. “It was a cut to the chase instant bonding and strengthening,” said Tinia. “There was mentoring and mothering with such a mass of energy nourishing the soul of each of us in the way we needed.”

There was always something going on. Every participant became an instructor at one point or another during the weekend. Jennifer Kenemuth became the late night “dance instructor” after Tinia Clark’s visual arts workshop. Dawn Cristoff became the counselor at the end of the dock for many life stories – including her own from time to time. “It was an amazing time to connect with others and reconnect with yourself,” said

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Plans are in the works for the next retreat as this team of three women looks to continue the empowerment and strengthening of lives in their work. For more information about upcoming classes, workshops and retreats, contact 863-293-2700.

GET TO KNOW OUR DOCTORS.

Jennifer Negrin, M.D. Auburndale

Robert Bala, M.D. Bartow

Kimberly Jackson, D.O. Dundee

Celestino Vega, M.D., FAAFP Haines City

Eduardo Torres, M.D. Lake Wales

Darien Kavasmaneck, M.D. S.E. Winter Haven

Jaime Abuan, M.D. Winter Haven

Auburndale Family Health Center

Lake Wales Family Health Center

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 2028 Highway 92 West | (863) 965-9327

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 201 SR 60 West | (863) 679-9644

Jennifer Negrin, M.D.

Eduardo Torres, M.D.

Bartow Family Health Center

Southeast Winter Haven Family Health Center

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 1625 N. Carpenter Ave. | (863) 533-1448

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd. | (863) 324-4725

Robert Bala, M.D.

Darien Kavasmaneck, M.D.

Dundee Family Health Center

Winter Haven Family Health Center

Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice 5999 Dundee Rd., Suite 750 | (863) 292-4656

Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 100 Avenue I, N.E. | (863) 292-4077

Kimberly Jackson, D.O.

Jaime Abuan, M.D.

Haines City Family Health Center Celestino Vega, M.D., FAAFP

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Angela Austin-Leyva, PA-C

36245 Highway 27 | (863) 421-9801

FIND A DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line 800-416-6705. FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011 9

Shannon and Brandy Duncan bryceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buddies raising awareness for Juvenile Diabetes in Winter Haven and Polk County through

One very strong couple who lead a community by example in all they do to save lives daily is Shannon and Brandy Duncan. They are raising the awareness to Juvenile Diabetes in Winter Haven and Polk County through Bryceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buddies, a nonprofit they established in October 2010. The mission of the foundation is to assist children and families who have been affected by juvenile diabetes.

september 2011 focuswinterhaven.com

Raising a child is a difficult task. Add in the day-to-day challenges that come from having a child with diabetes, and it becomes even more so. Luckily, diabetes research and advancements over the past few years have made it easier to manage the care for a child with diabetes, helping families get back to a normal life. It is always helpful to know where tools can be found and to receive strength in networks of people who share the same struggles. This disease affects the whole family, especially when it a child has been diagnosed. Anyone involved in the child’s life, whether parent, sibling, other family member, neighbor, or educator, that support and understanding can make all the difference in the world. In the case of the Duncans, their son’s diagnosis became a fuel that launched a mission to reach out and share with others in their community about how to manage school, afford medical costs, make social group connections, and discover a brand new life on this journey. Although one works for the City of Winter Haven Fire Department and the other for Polk County Fire Rescue, Shannon and Brandy spend their working hours saving the lives of others. In the evening and on days off, their personal time is dedicated to raising awareness and providing answers to families that are scared and a little lost in understanding what’s next …. Is there anyone else out there going through the same thing? … How do I find the help my child needs? … Focus: Were you prepared for the diagnoses that you received for Bryce? Shannon: Nobody’s ever prepared. You feel like someone kicked you in the gut, but we’ve never had the feeling in the three years since finding out about his diabetes of “Why us?,” although we have had to answer Bryce’s questions of “Why me?” These kinds of questions are the reason for this organization. We basically told Bryce that there’s two reasons you can’t say that: (1) Your mom and dad can take care of you and (2) Of all things out there, this one we can manage, and there are things much worse. Dealing with this is like a chess game where we have to counter match it play-by-play. Brandy: I had a sister with diabetes and it affected me a little differently. I grew up watching what she had to go through, but it was nothing like dealing with my son. I found myself at the ER researching why and how he could have gotten this. I wanted answers. Focus: What was one of the “BIG” moments for Bryce after finding out about diabetes in his life? Shannon: We found out on July 21 of 2008 that Bryce had diabetes and we were most worried about how Bryce would cope with the psychological and social aspects of dealing with this illness. We began looking for groups that had kids with the same disease, and we found nothing locally at all. We wanted to get him actively involved with kids who were dealing with the same issues he was. One day Bryce came in and saw a receipt for a medication cost and it seemed to really bother him. He came back later, crawled up on my lap and asked, “What happens to kids who don’t have insurance or enough money for medicine and food? Do they die? We can’t let this happen.” For Brandy and Shannon it was this conversation that would launch their family into establishing a nonprofit to assist as needed those families and children struggling with diabetes. Brandy: We aren’t looking to serve a certain economic demographic. We are looking for everyone that needs answers or help with juvenile diabetes; rich or poor, we want to provide resources as we can. We are looking to offer group activities so kids can come together and connect. The bottom line in lifetime wellness is that with your help diabetes cannot keep your child from achieving their highest goals. Even with juvenile diabetes being the currently number one rising disease, there are Olympic athletes, professional football players, congressmen,

actors, and rock stars who live with diabetes everyday. For families it is all of the new “firsts” that seem most difficult to manage. With the right information and guidance, kids find the adjustment to a new life can be made with a bit of care and ease. Bryce: My mom spends a lot of time working on Bryce’s Buddies. The most important thing to me is that we help other kids with diabetes live the same life as all the others. When I found out that I had it, I had never heard about it before. Then when I told my friends, they were like “My brother or sister has that.” So, it was like I wasn’t alone. Today more than 300 students in the Polk County School System live with juvenile diabetes, and many more who never share the challenge they live with daily. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulinproducing cells of the pancreas. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults - approximately 80 people per day - are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the U.S. Parents, please pay attention to the following signs, as they could be an indicator that you need to take your child to his/her doctor. The most common warning signs of type 1 diabetes may occur suddenly and include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, sudden weight loss, sudden vision changes, sugar in the urine, fruity odor on the breath, heavy or labored breathing, stupor or unconsciousness. Bryce’s Buddies will be celebrating the Diabetes Awareness Month of November with Buddies Boosters, a fundraising button that individuals can purchase and hang in participating businesses and restaurants. The organization is currently asking local business owners to help them share the message and bring attention to a fast growing disease by allowing them to use their place of business as a location to purchase a button. For more information on Bryce’s Buddies contact (863) 585-6849 or email at brycesbuddies@tampabay.rr.com. FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

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business » business profile

Spring Haven Retirement Community 1225 Havendale Blvd. NW Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-293-0072 www.springhavenretirement.com

Spring Haven Retirement Community A Written By: Brent Simmons

year and a half ago I met Scott Smith, the Executive Director of Spring Haven Retirement Community, and he gave me a tour of the five-story campus located on beautiful Lake Hartridge. I was so impressed with the staff, buildings, and grounds that I commented to my wife on leaving, “This is a place where my mother could live”. The more I came to know Scott and his staff, the more I liked Spring Haven. In fact, recently I told Scott what I had said after that first tour and he responded, “Our mission is to provide ‘Caring, Compassionate Service’, but on a daily basis we ask ourselves at every level of our enterprise, ‘Is this good enough for my parents?’.” Spring Haven is in a growing industry and because of our great weather and location, it is a popular almost-resort style community. From independent living to vital memory

care, Spring Haven provides different levels of care for seniors. It is not what most people would call a “Nursing Home.” Rather, Spring Haven is a community where seniors can live and enjoy the sunset years with few worries and concerns. Daily activities and planned events keep the residents active and vibrant.

55 to 105 and come from all walks of life and from all over our country. They are the resilient and self-reliant people that built this country, fought off terrible enemies, and have weathered the worst possible economic storms. There is much we can learn from them.

the resident’s medical needs, and current condition. Her obvious love for and care of each and everyone in her department is an example of the dedication, attention to detail, and pride she takes in doing the job right. She is an example of what we have found in every employee we’ve met.

On arrival at Spring Haven you’ll notice the extremely well-manicured landscape and the well-maintained buildings. “We spend over $200,000.00 a year on capital improvements while maintaining our current infrastructure,” Scott told us. All that is well and good, but what sticks in my mind as I write this are the folks who live there and the folks who work there. The residents are incredible and each one has a remarkable story. Many are living pages out of the history books and are a part of what Tom Brokaw called the Greatest Generation. They range in age from

The employees of Spring Haven I’ve met are just as interesting. Maintenance supervisor Paul Flynn and his team take great pride in their work and in doing whatever they can to make the residents stay as independent and comfortable as possible. David Abner, the Food and Dining Director, heads a team of world-class dieticians, chefs, and wait staff that plans, prepares and delivers incredibly tasty and healthy meals. Tracee Wallace, director of Assisted Living and Memory Care, challenges you to name a room number under her watch that she doesn’t know the resident,

Spring Haven is owned by TJM Properties which is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida and also owns/operates Southern Gardens in Lake Alfred and Lake Morton Plaza in Lakeland. A lot of companies have a mission statement, but providing “Caring, Compassionate Service” is more than that. At Spring Haven it is a way of life. If you are interested in a carefree lifestyle, or have parents who need assistance with the daily chores of life, give Spring Haven a call, visit the website, or stop by and check them out.

FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

september 2011 focuswinterhaven.com

FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

extra » city of winter haven so that travelers along the Chain of Lakes Trail will be able to continue along the trail without being diverted by heavy traffic along Avenue T. The downtown Chain of Lakes Trailhead, including additional downtown parking, will be completed in 2012. Finally, the Lake Howard Connector Project will give residents and visitors a trail that connects downtown to Lake Howard Drive. Drainage problems for residents in the Avenue N and Fifth Street Southeast area will be addressed by a drainage project with Federal Emergency Management Agency grant funding.

Winter Haven’s future is promising. Several private projects coming to the City are slated to place us in a better financial situation than some cities and may help spur the local economy ahead of other areas. Those include the planned October opening of LEGOLAND Florida, and development of the CSX Integrated Logistics Center, as well as proposed redevelopment of the Chain of Lakes Complex property. However, revenue the City is likely to see as a result of these developments isn’t expected to be realized until FY 2012-13.

city of winter haven EXTENDED HOURS CARE Downtown Winter Haven – how it is a changin’ Written By: Joy Townsend

The proposed budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year will be presented to the public at the September 12 City Commission meeting. Property taxes are slated to hold steady at $5.79 per $1,000 of taxable property value, after all applicable homestead exemptions. The budget maintains current services offered to City residents, but doing more with less remains a top priority for all City staff members. The proposed budget includes funding for 461 full-time positions, compared to 466 in the current budget. A reflection of the current economy, the City’s proposed $77.8 million budget is more than 9 percent less than the current year’s spending plan. In the last year Winter Haven property values declined another 6.7 percent, making the annual budget process a real challenge. “This is the third year going,” Finance Director Cal Bowen told City Commissioners during a recent budget workshop. Overall, property values in Winter

Haven are down more than 31 percent over the past three years. Economic factors indicate a possible rebound in the economy in the coming year. The local ‘bed tax’ has been trending for some time, indicating a slight economic improvement. The “bed tax” is tax paid on hotel bookings. A slight uptick in building permits issued, is also promising. These are unusual times. After previous recessions, economic spending and hiring rebounded quickly, but that hasn’t been the case with the current economy. Construction of the City parking garage in the Downtown area is also expected to give the local business sector a boost. Still other projects will also be completed with assistance from state and federal grants. Pedestrians and bicyclists will see some improvements as they travel the downtown Winter Haven area. Several projects will be funded by the City, with help from the Florida Department of Transportation. One of the most obvious ones will be an elevated pedestrian bridge over Avenue T Northwest,

september 2011 focuswinterhaven.com

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dining & entertainment » dining profile

Cafe Latte Coffee House & Eatery Home to the Canary Island Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Written By: Carli Eli

afe Latte Coffee House & Eatery is located in Historic Orchid Springs Village. Take Cypress Gardens Blvd. to Overlook Drive, then half a mile on your right and just two stop lights from LEGOLAND, you will discover a delicious escape from the ordinary. Tucked away among the bougainvillea and Spanish Style architecture,Cafe Latte is a quick trip into the European Coffee Houses of old. Owners Kristi Linebaugh and Miriam Vigoa have created a mouthwatering menu as full of flavor as it is beautiful. I suggest you nibble on Kristi’s artisan pizzas. The roasted tomato, feta,and spinach pizza with organic salad is a thin crust, layered with superbly fresh veggies and perfectly browned bubbly cheese. Or you can order their famous Cuban Sandwich drizzled with “The Splash” Olive Oil they produce on site. When you enter the cafe a savory flavor dances it’s way through the air. It’s the Canary Island Garlic and Herb Olive Oil that Vigoa reinvented from a 200-year-old family recipe of her great grandmother’s. They “Splash” their famous Seasoned Spanish Olive Oil on all the Cafe Latte entrees and salads, giving all the fresh local and organic veggies a dip into deliciousness. It’s no wonder they have won 13 “People’s Choice Awards” from Best Coffee House to Best Lunch, as well as Best Vegetarian Food. Cafe Latte offers something for every taste bud. If you like Chicken and Yellow Rice, you will Love Miriam’s version. With so much flavor packed into it, it’s a miracle one plate can hold it all. Try their Hummus veggie wrap or a Honey Apple Chicken wrap as well. Leah the store manager is truly an artist with food. Breakfast sandwiches are another speciality. They have the Florida Sunshine Bagel, the Baja Breakfast Burrito or a Manhattan Breakfast Bagel. You will just have to pop in and try each one for yourself. And of course, try the “Splash”.

september 2011 focuswinterhaven.com

These days, Linebaugh and Vigoa are teaching healthy cooking shows using the Canary Island Garlic and Herb Olive Oil. They recently returned from a 10,000 mile tour that took them from Tampa to San Francisco with classes offered in Chicago, Wisconsin and Michigan. They have done over 350 cooking shows to date. Vigoa’s “Splash” was recently featured on a California “Raw Foods” Show, where Chef Blythe Mezt used the Splash to prepare healthy meals. You can see the video here http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16512469. This year the Vigoa Splash was added to the shelves of all the Whole Foods Markets in Florida. You may purchase the Splash at Cafe Latte and the Winter Haven Health Food Store as well. You may order the Canary Island Garlic and Herb Olive oil from their website www. vigoacuisine.com. Or, when you stop by to grab a delish Frozen Mocha, grab your Splash Olive Oil. For a limited time, the owners are offering a $4.99 tasting selection. Every day features a different dish, and as a special treat, they are giving away two tickets to LEGOLAND. Stop by and register today.

Local cafe co-owner Miriam Vigoa’s seasoned olive oils featured on Blythe RAW T.V. Show Cafe Latte Coffee House & Eatery 200 Orchid Springs Dr. (adjacent Overlook Dr. across from Orchid Springs Animal Hospital) Winter Haven, Fl. 33884 863-318-8777 Established 1995 Tuesday-Saturday 8am-2pm

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FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

Proud Sponsors:

PREMIUM

CAYENNE

Pepper Sauce

Presented By

Sept. 24th, 2011 10:00am to 10:30pm

What is the Wing Fling Tour?

OTT LAUGHLIN FUNERAL HOME CELEBRATING 76 YEARS OF SERVICE

Enjoy Polk County's best chicken wings while riding in style. You’ll climb aboard a 56-passenger luxury travel coach bus. Each bus will transport groups to participating locations to sample different styles of their wings. Along the way, you will have chances to purchase raffle and 50/50 tickets. Raffles will be announced at the Wing Fling after party at Tanners Pub in Downtown Winter Haven featuring live entertainment by AccousticDose.

Official After Party

Benefiting

Tour Schedule of Events • 8-10am Registration (Downtown Winter Haven) • 10-10:15am Board The Travel Coaches • 10:30am to 8:30pm Travel, Eat and Party • 8:30pm-10:30pm After Party at Tanners Pub

“We’ll be there when you need us.”

PRE-NEED COUNSELING AND FINANCING LOCAL OR DISTANT BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS CONSULTATION WITHOUT OBLIGATION EDDIE G. ALLEN, MANAGER 645 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE WINTER HAVEN (863) 293-2133

AT GLEN ABBEY 2198 K WILLE AVENUE AUBURNDALE (863) 967-8558

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Only $35

RIDE THIS EAT THESE

Per Person

More Information or Buy Tickets at www.DontBeChicken.net PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:

Country Bar & Grill

Gala NOVEMBER 10 TH , 2011

The

Featuring International Recording Artist :

Eddie Money Performing his major hits Two Tickets to Paradise • Baby Hold On Think I’m in Love • I Wanna Go Back Take Me Home Tonight • Shakin The Gala is Polk County’s signature black tie event. Now in its 22nd year, the Gala features: • • • • •

Three Course Gourmet Dinner Top Flight Wines and Full Open Bar Champagne Social Hour Exciting Live and Silent Auction Concert Featuring Eddie Money

This year’s Gala proceeds will underwrite the establishment of a new Foundation fund for women’s and children’s healthcare.

SPONSORSHIPS PLATINUM: $10,000

SILVER: $2,500

GOLD: $5,000

BRONZE: $1,500

(includes 8 tickets)

(includes 4 tickets)

(includes 2 tickets)

The Gala has sold out every year for the past five years. Please make reservations early.

For more information call 863-292-4138.

FOCUS Magazine winter haven september 2011

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