Heartland LIVING
August & September 2024
“As
- Schoonmaker Electric
Photo by Caroline Maxcy Fox
Photo by Chad Baumer Photography
Photo by Chad Baumer Photography
Photo by Caroline Maxcy Fox
40 Strength in the Struggle:
How One Young Woman Faced an MS Diagnosis
By Kelsey Schauf
By David Lamb
By Christy Swift
Paul Giles, M.D.
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LETTER FROM PUBLISHER THE
Welcome to Volume 13 – Issue 4, our August & September Issue. I can’t believe I’m into my 13th year as publisher of Heartland LIVING and we are printing our 74th magazine. I literally had to stop writing and add it up twice… Who would have believed thirteen years ago that my thoughts and dreams could create a magazine. Not saying it was easy but one word, one thought, one idea at a time and here we are. Our goal now is to print that 100 issue.
I love it when someone reaches out to me and shares their thoughts about someone that they feel deserves to be featured. Especially someone that has touched not only their life but many others for no reason but to be kind, helpful and supportive. Archie Lamb shared with me how much he admired Coach Richard Bowers from Arcadia, FL. In numerous phone conversations of hearing about Coach Bowers and everything he overcame in the small town to become one of the most respected men to so many, I knew I had to meet him. When I met Archie at the home of the Bowers, Coach and Mrs. Martha made me feel just like I was at home in minutes. I heard stories from Coach and Mrs. Martha was sharing all the stories of all the pictures all over the living room. Archie was right, “the nicest people you will meet”.
Coach is the one that got me thinking back how Heartland LIVING began. I was there to listen to him, but he was more interested in me and how I got started with the magazine. That’s the kind of man he is and I’m proud to have Coach grace our cover this issue. Thank you, Bridgette, for taking time to create and design the beautiful cover. I also want to give a special thank you to Archie for all the time spent helping me be able to share Coach’s story with our readers.
Another special feature was brought to me from my niece and our Digital Media Coordinator Kelsey Schauf. When Kelsey reached out asking to share her MS journey with our readers I couldn’t say “YES” fast enough. In her email, “I want to share my story and help others with how they handle their own journey. I didn't have a ton of resources 14 years ago and my hope is that by me sharing my story, it helps even just one person.” Kelsey is one of the most positive young women I know. Thanks, Kelsey, for sharing, Love You!
We have so many exciting stories in this issue that I will let you start turning the pages and let us know your favorite. From myself and my team we hope you enjoy all our features, stories and Bridgette’s amazing creative designs.
Please let us know what you like to do best here in the Heartland, tag us on social media, and you can always send me a note to cindy@heartland-living.com.
God Bless,
Cindy Sebring Adams
Janet Foley King
Sept. 6, 1958 - June 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we, here at Heartland LIVING, announce the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Janet Foley King. She was such an amazing friend to so many and a truly unique artist. Heartland LIVING recently shared her story in the February & March Issue.
We are proud that Janet was also featured in our premier issue of Heartland LIVING and that her art images were also used on covers of another of our publications, The Best Values of Highlands.
Janet remained humble about her art, always surprised by the attention it garnered. Her work continues to be displayed in public buildings, offices and homes throughout the Heartland area, a testament to her enduring talent and spirit.
Our thoughts and prayers continue for her family and friends.
Background Image: Painting excerpt of Janet King's "Ballerinas"
Heartland
Publications & Marketing, Inc.
CEO | Publisher
Cindy Sebring Adams
Editor
Christy Swift
Digital Media Coordinator
Kelsey Schauf
Feature Writers
David Lamb
Kelsey Schauf
Christy Swift
Bridgette Waldau
Creative Director
Bridgette Waldau
Cover Photographer
Traci Newlin
Feature Photography
Shannon Jones
Traci Newlin
Christy Swift
Distribution
Kristan Baker
Lisa Griffin
In the Following Categories:
Best Overall Design
Best Department Design (2)
Best Feature Design (4)
Cover Photo Illustration
Best Traditional Illustration
Best Self-Promotional Ad
Best Table of Contents
Best Department Design
Best Photography Image (3)
Best Overall Writing
Best Custom Publication (2)
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WRITING DESIGN BEHIND THE SCENES AUG. & SEPT. 2024
Editor & Writer
Christy Swift has been a freelance writer for over 13 years, working as an award-winning newspaper correspondent, magazine article writer, and web and social media content provider. She is also a soonto-be published author of Young Adult and Adult fiction. You can find her at www. christyswift.com.
Writer
Digital Media Coordinator & Writer
David Lamb is a journalist and author based in Birmingham, AL. He lives in Birmingham with his wife Sonya and Schnoodle Otto. David and Sonya have three grown children, Jessica, Izzy and Will.
Creative Art Director
Photographer
Bridgette Waldau has been a graphic and fine artist for over 40 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University. Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications & Marketing as art director since 2011, winning 11 Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (2015- 2021). Bridgette is married to James, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah.
Kelsey Schauf was born and raised in Sebring and resides in Mooresville, NC. For the first eight years of her career, she was a Public Relations Representative in the motorsports industry. Kelsey left that industry in 2022 to spend more time with her husband, Jacob, and son, Kolbey. She is currently working at Carolina Cat in Charlotte, North Carolina as a Marketing Specialist for the Rental and Used divisions
Sharon Jones Sharon's passion has always been photography. She is an awardwinning photographer having transitioned from amateur to professional in 2010. She is a member of Okeechobee Main Street on the arts and cultural committee. Married to Ronald, Sharon has lived in Okeechobee for many years and has one son, Karl. “I love the history of our little town. I want to preserve all of our ‘todays’ through the lens of my camera, for our future ‘tomorrows’.”
Traci Newlin is an award-winning member of the Professional Photographers of America Association and holds a Master of Photography degree. She is also a member of the American Society of Photographers. She specializes in fine art portrait photography and editorial photography.
"Every GREAT design begins with an even BETTER story."
- Lorinda Mamo, designer
Photographer
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READERS
"Another beautiful issue!"
-James McCoy
"I think that Lakeland has one of the most beautiful downtown areas of any city I’ve visited. I love the wide sidewalk / promenade that goes completely around the big lake (Mirror)". - Christopher M. Day
"I just read this issue from front to back. As usual, the articles were interesting and the photos beautiful. I really enjoyed learning more about Lakeland and the springs. Keep up the good work!" -Ann Wyckoff
"Thank you Heartland LIVING for sharing travel destinations, not only here in Florida but also outside the state. I have learned so much and have made plans to visit some of these Florida springs." - Kellie Martin
"Our family loves the Florida springs! I got to try a new one for this article." - Christy Swift, Author
"The wedding planning article was amazing with so many beautiful pics!" -Mimi Gillie
"Love picking these up each month! We look forward to bringing my mom one and sharing! Thank you." - Sierra Tomblin
"I really appreciate you bringing these stunning publications to Highlands County!" -Kathy M. Freeman
"Just grabbed the latest issue from Sugar Blossoms FL. Can’t wait to try this burger recipe from Heartland Living Magazine!" - Sierra Tomblin
If you would like to share your thoughts, please leave a post on our Facebook page or email us at Cindy@Heartland-Living.com
Photographer: Rychelle Foltz
HONORING
Richard Bowers
By
David Lamb
Photography by Traci Newlin
Old photos provided by the Bowers Family
n Arcadia, it’s hard to find a man more universally admired and respected than Richard Bowers. The former Desoto County High School coach and administrator has called Arcadia home for sixty-eight years, and his impact in those nearly seven decades is immeasurable.
Bowers arrived in Arcadia after a standout career as a receiver for Hall of Fame Football Coach Jake Gaither in the mid-fifties at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. In addition to turning out outstanding football players, Gaither also had a plan to dot the Sunshine State with A&M graduates. “He wanted a Rattler in every city and county from Pensacola to Miami. He sent me to this small town,” Bowers said.
After graduating from A&M in 1959, Bowers began his coaching career at Smith-Brown School. Smith-Brown was a school for Black children in Arcadia prior to integration. Save for a military stint from 1957-1959, Bowers taught health and science and coached baseball, basketball and football at Smith-Brown until he joined the staff at Desoto County High School in 1964. In doing so, Bowers became the school’s first Black teacher and coach. The historic designation did not come without its challenges for the young husband and father. “They called me some bad names, but I knew my business. And my wife and these girls started liking Arcadia, so I dug in and took a lot of abuse for my wife and girls,” Bowers recalled.
Embracing the grind and digging in was nothing new to Bowers. The Mount Dora, Florida native is the son of a citrus worker, and Bowers himself began picking oranges as early as 12 years old after school and on weekends. A rugged work ethic would come in handy as Bowers attempted to earn the respect of those who viewed him with a critical eye. As Bowers saw it, the entire community was asking a question: “Could I cut the mustard?”
Recalling those early days, Bowers’ wife of almost 70 years, Martha, remembers the challenges but also fondly harkens back to the feeling of home the family found in Desoto County. “I wasn’t going to leave Arcadia; I was going to stay. So, he decided to not leave either. I made Arcadia my home,” Martha said.
ormer South Carolina head football coach Brad Scott was born and raised in Arcadia and was a standout offensive lineman for Desoto County High School in the early ‘70s when Bowers served as an assistant on the staff of Head Coach Bob Martin. Years later, Scott would join Bowers’ staff as an assistant coach in 1979, giving him a rare perspective of Bowers. Scott said he has great admiration for Coach Bowers and noted his humility and courage during the challenging period of integration. “His willingness to give up being a head coach at a very successful school to become a trailblazer—what a man!" Scott said.
Johnny Rembert was an all-state tight end and linebacker for Bowers and the Bulldogs in the late ‘70s. Rembert would go on to have an allpro career with the New England Patriots from 1983-1992. As a Black youth, Rembert said Coach Bowers was a father-like figure for him and credits Bowers with filling a crucial role in the history of Arcadia. “He really bridged the gap when Brown and Desoto came together. Coach was a big part about building that trust. Coach didn’t care what color you were. He treated everyone the same.”
Jimmy Yarbrough never played for Coach Bowers, wrapping up a stellar career with Desoto County before becoming a Florida Gator. Yarbrough actually first heard of the trailblazing new coach at his alma mater while playing for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Yarbrough spent 1969-1977 as a starting offensive lineman for the Lions and regularly returned to Arcadia in the offseason. Yarbrough recalled his first interaction with Bowers: “His sincerity, his concern about the young people, his true concern for their well being, giving them guidance on the field and in the classroom—his sincerity struck me.”
Having experienced it firsthand, Yarbrough counts himself among those who credit Bowers with helping his hometown weather the challenges of racial integration. “I think Arcadia had a much better time with integration thanks to Coach Bowers,” Yarbrough said. c .1975 Trading Card
Brad Scott c .1994 Media Guide
Richard Bowers and his wife Martha with their daughters (L-R): Deborah Richardson, Pricilla Maloney and Cynthia Dawkins
Bowers with family friend Archie Lamb
ow, at the age of 90, the trailblazing Bowers has long since hung up the whistle and clipboard and is more likely to hold court in his carport. “There’s not a single day that somebody doesn't come and stop in here and I’m under my carport (and they say) ‘I wouldn’t be in this world if it wasn’t for you. You helped me all the way.’ That really touches me,” Bowers said.
Jeff Varnadoe is another person that Coach Bowers impacted in a positive way. Varnadoe was a star wide receiver for Bowers back in the late ‘60s and went on to have an incredible football career at The Citadel. Varnadoe said Bowers showed up at just the right time in his life. “He demanded a lot, and I was cool with that. That was what I wanted, somebody to be a leader. And he certainly provided that.”
John Head is another former Bulldog who will never forget the moment Coach Bowers walked into his life. In fact, Bowers’ reputation preceded him long before Head met him. “Coach was a larger-than-life figure that made a smalltown boy feel very comfortable in his presence because of how genuine he was and how he strived to make a difference and mold young people's lives.”
Head credits Bowers’ steadfast commitment to the young people of Arcadia with leaving a lasting impact that will far outlive him. “It truly is a testament to a person when you can legitimately say they have withstood the test of time and undeniably been the number-one role model for an entire community for their entire time spent in that community,” Head said.
Bowers has a knack for connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and not just on the ballfield. Sharon Goodman grew up hanging out with the Bowers family as a close friend of the Bowers’ daughter, Priscilla. Goodman currently serves on the Desoto County School Board and has spent her career as a teacher and principal. Goodman said she has long admired Coach Bowers' love for people and steadfast commitment. “The quality that I admire about Coach Bowers the most is that in all of the years that he has been here in DeSoto, he has always remained dedicated and committed to his call to help young people,” Goodman said.
Jeff Varnadoe
c.1970-71 at The Citadel
Sharon Goodman
Bowers celebrated his 90th Birthday with family and friends on March 9, 2024 at the Smith Brown Campus, Arcadia.
isa Allen Norris worked for Coach Bowers once he moved from the athletic field into school administration later in his career, and Norris remembers her time with Coach Bowers as a unique experience. “I never had a boss that cared about me as an employee or staff and students like Coach Bowers did. There was no one who ever came close in terms of fairness and caring. He had a personal relationship with everyone. You just don’t see that much anymore,” Norris said.
For Johnny Rembert, now retired himself and living in the Jacksonville, Florida area, Coach Bowers’ example provided the framework for his own life. “He was always there for me as he was for most of the other guys. The biggest thing I remember about Coach Bowers was he had time for anyone who needed him. I don’t think he even saw color—he saw you as an individual and wanted to get the best from you,” Rembert remembers fondly. Rembert considers Coach Bowers much more than just a coach, but more like a family member. “He was like a father to me—he really was. I wouldn’t be where I was without Coach Bowers. I thank God that he came into my life.”
Brad Scott finds it difficult to put into words the impact Coach Bowers had on him as a coach and man. But Scott said one of the greatest examples of Coach Bowers’ impact on his life was the memory of one of the sweetest moments in his coaching career. While an assistant coach at Florida State under Bobby Bowden, the Seminoles met Nebraska for the 1993 College Football National Championship.
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Coach Bowers talking with players: "Run the play right, Billy." Taken from the 1980 DeSoto County High School Yearbook.
Coach with his portrait that was drawn by a local DeSoto student
n the bus ride to the stadium for the title game, Scott said there were a handful of people he wanted to make sure he spoke to before kickoff. “I talked to my dad and my brother, but I knew I wanted to talk to Coach Bowers. I took a lot of Richard Bowers with me.”
Bowers said he finds no greater tribute than being successful at leaving a loving, lasting impact on those his path has crossed. “I knew I loved children and wanted to help these country boys step up,” Bowers said.
Both Richard and Martha Bowers credit their faith with giving them the strength to withstand the challenges life has sent their way but also for blessing them with the opportunity to be a force for good and leave a legacy of love in the Arcadia community.
Appropriately, when Sharon Goodman searches for a proper testament to the impact of Coach Bowers in the community, she finds the words in an old hymn. “There is an old song that contains the words: if I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain.
Coach Richard Bowers' life has not been in vain, for his presence has changed the trajectory of so many lives. He helped us to not only reach for the stars, but to grab them and live among them!”
The biggest thing I remember about Coach Bowers was he had time for anyone who needed him. I don’t think he even saw color—he saw you as an individual and wanted to get the best from you. -Johnny Rembert
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How One Young Woman Faced an MS Diagnosis
By Kelsey Schauf
As we stepped into the chilly, gray office, we were taken into a room with the remarkable neurologist, Dr. Ena Andrews, who had been overseeing my care for the past week. Meeting my gaze, she delivered the words, "You have multiple sclerosis." It was 2010, and as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, embarking on my college journey, that short four-word sentence reshaped the trajectory of my life. That September marked the official diagnosis of a neurological condition, driving me into the scope of young adulthood living with a brain disease.
Fourteen years have passed since those four words altered the course of my life, and I believe the time has come to document my journey. Whenever I recount my story, one emotion remains constant: I aspire that my openness about my experiences can offer comfort to at least one individual. I want to state that I am no doctor, and I have no medical degree. What I do have is experience with a disease and a story to tell.
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which is your brain and spinal cord. When an individual has MS, their immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, which can lead to inflammation and damage.
When this happens, it can lead to communication disruptions between the brain and the rest of the body. There are many symptoms that a patient can experience with MS. The symptoms that I have faced have been numbness, fatigue, vision problems, dizziness, balance, and tingling feelings throughout my body.
This disease can vary immensely from person to person. My form of MS is called relapsing-remitting (RRMS). RRMS is the most common form of MS, accounting for approximately 85% of cases at initial diagnosis. It is characterized by episodes of new or worsening symptoms, known as relapses or exacerbations, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery, known as remissions.
From the moment my neurologist uttered those words, I knew that I had to adjust to my new normal mentally. Was I mad? Yes. Were my parents upset? Of course. Ultimately, we all knew this disease had no cure, and we had to play the cards we were dealt. I remember looking up at Dr. Andrews and asking, “What do I do now?” She looked at me with a mix of empathy and determination in her eyes and told me that I would need to be on a medication that was injected three times a week, and that this would help keep my symptoms at bay.
To this day, her calmness and confidence still resonate with me and have been a major reason why I have kept the mindset I have had since the start. I realized that despite the uncertainty and fear, I was the one who had control over how I faced this new challenge. I never surrendered to the idea that this disease would ruin my outlook on life.
As an 18-year-old, my mind was flooded with questions and uncertainties. Would I ever get married? Could I still have children, or would the medication alter my body in ways that made it impossible? Would my dream career—working as a PR rep in NASCAR—remain within reach, or would I have to abandon that dream altogether?
We left the doctor that Friday afternoon, and I called my boss and told her the news and that I would see her in the morning for my shift. She encouraged me to take time and take the day off, but my mind was set. I needed routine and distraction to continue gliding through this new normal. Going against what she told me the day before, I showed up for my shift and tackled the day like I had always done.
When I went to tell my friends and family about my M.S. diagnosis, I had to muster up the strength to say the words, “I have M.S.” In my 14 years with this disease, I have only cried once while telling someone about my diagnosis. It was the first person I told and was probably one of the most important people for me to tell aside from family. One of the most important things I must remind myself of, even now, is that it is ok to cry, and boy did I cry my eyes out telling this incredible person.
Dr. Ena Andrews
It is understandable that my friends, recent high school graduates like myself, might not have had much knowledge about multiple sclerosis then. It is possible that they simply didn’t understand or know how to react when I shared the news, but one thing that I struggled with was feeling like my friends didn’t care about my disease or how I was feeling. Looking back, through reflection and some much-needed therapy, I believe it is important to remember that their lack of interaction may not have reflected their feelings toward my disease. Sometimes, especially at a young age, people struggle to respond appropriately to difficult news, fearing that they’ll say the wrong thing.
I come from a very supportive and very strong family. When I shared my diagnosis, there was a mix of emotions. Some looked at me and said, “I wish I could take this from you.” My response to that back then and even now is that I would never want this for someone else. I was lucky to have family members come and stay with me at the hospital and to have that sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place. Having my support system is one of the many ways I have chosen not to let this disease define who I am.
Kelsey with friends and family
Kelsey with her family
(L-R): Parents Fred & Susie Tucker and sister Hannah Tucker
After that conversation, I was determined to prove myself to them and to anyone who had ever doubted someone’s abilities because of their condition. In the 14 years since then, I am proud to say that I haven’t missed a single day of school or work due to MS. My goal is to maintain this streak to ensure that MS never disrupts my plans.
By the way, in my case, MS isn’t something visibly apparent. Never assume someone is okay just because you can’t see anything wrong on the surface.
Fast-forward to 2013. I was a college graduate from the University of South Florida, sending out numerous resume packets to race teams in North Carolina. As I was sitting at a local deli in Sebring one afternoon with my best friend, I checked LinkedIn and opened a message I had received. That moment changed my life forever, kind of like how my diagnosis did three years earlier.
Having a positive mindset and outlook is the number one thing that I have to do to not worry about the future. MS didn’t and doesn’t define me as a person, and I was not going to let myself leave dreams in the past. During my diagnosis, I was a freshman in college. I was taking an English class during the start of this journey, and one afternoon I had to tell my professor that I would miss class one day due to a brain and spine MRI that was two hours away from Sebring.
I remember this next part clear as day. They asked to speak with me outside the classroom, and I quietly walked outside. They looked at me and said that I should probably consider dropping out of school, because with my diagnosis it wouldn’t allow me to have the career that I had been dreaming of. Still to this day, I get so angry when someone says I can’t do something because of this unwelcome disease.
(Top photo): Keley's University of South Florida class photo and above at her graduation.
I interviewed with the contact at the race team and got hired as a public relations representative for their NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers. My family packed up my belongings in one month and moved me to Mooresville, North Carolina. I was living my dream! What if I had listened to that college professor? Where would my life be now?
I spent eight years working in the sport, achieving significant milestones, including winning the NASCAR Xfinity Championship in 2017 and participating in two NASCAR Cup Series Championships in 2020 and 2021. While not everyone in the sport gets to experience victory, I’m proud to have been part of nine wins. Plus, in 2017, while working on a championship-winning team, I also met my husband, Jacob.
Throughout my time in the sport, I achieved my goals and proved myself to the one person who truly mattered—myself. By staying true to my dreams, I was able to travel across the United States and visit places I might never have seen if I had given in to that doubt.
What if I had listened to that college professor?
Where would my life be now?
- Kelsey Schauf
Kelsey and her husband Jacob on their wedding day.
Jacob and Kelsey welcome son Kolbey
When I met my husband, I chose never to hide my disease. He was aware from the start because I needed to know how he would react and how he would handle the thought of MS. There is a reason he is my husband now, and out of all the many reasons, the way he took on this disease with me was inspiring. Jacob Schauf knows how determined I am, and he was there with me at doctor appointments, MRIs, and bloodwork, and he even started helping me with my shots.
We got married in the middle of a pandemic in 2020 and celebrated four years of marriage this past July. We knew we wanted to start a family, and with the uncertainty around whether kids were a possibility, we started trying shortly after getting married. With guidance from my neurologist and lots of prayers, we discovered we were pregnant in April 2021.
In what should have been a joyous period, my mind was consumed with worries about the well-being of my unborn child. Would they arrive safely at full term? Could the medications I'd been taking impact them before they even entered the world? Together, Jacob and I opted for comprehensive genetic testing, hoping to alleviate our concerns about the effects of my long-term medication use on our future. Fortunately, the results provided reassurance; everything was clear.
On December 29, 2021, we happily welcomed a baby boy, Kolbey Schauf, into our lives, forever enriching our world for the better.
Anyone who knows me understands that I am an open book when it comes to my MS diagnosis. Fourteen years ago, the resources available to guide me on this journey were far more limited than they are today. Each person with MS has their own unique approach to dealing with the disease and its impact on their life. While the disease will naturally take its course, we each have control over our mindset and how we handle our condition.
There is no right or wrong way to manage something like this. It's important to recognize and respect that. It's perfectly okay for people to want to hide their disease or to feel differently. For me, being open about my journey has been a source of relief and has helped me cope with the challenges of MS. This openness is what helps me navigate this journey.
Utilize the resources available to you to address any questions or challenges you may encounter. Nowadays, numerous blogs, websites, influencers, and other sources are brimming with valuable information to guide you on this journey. Just know that you are not alone. You are not defined by this disease. You have complete control over your emotions and how you navigate daily life with MS.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your willingness to engage with my words and understand the impact of MS means a lot to me. By sharing my experiences, I hope to shed light on how this disease affects not only myself but also countless others living with MS.
Your support and understanding contribute to a greater awareness and empathy for those facing similar challenges.
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It’s hot out there, and nobody would blame you for wanting to stay indoors with the thermostat cranked to a sweet, sweet 72. But life can get a little dull scrolling on your phone and watching TV. Luckily, we’ve got a new hobby to fill your time: board gaming!
We’re not talking about the old stand-bys like Monopoly and Life. There is an entire new world of board games out there offering new and exciting avenues for strategy, problem-solving, fun, and relaxation. From 15-minute time fillers to 5-hour marathons, people of all ages and backgrounds are discovering the new and eclectic world of board gaming.
By Christy Swift
Tampa Bay-area resident Patrick Halvert has been playing board games for 50 years and organizes the Escape Winter Con board game conference every March in Orlando. Board game enthusiasts come from all over to devote a long weekend to uninterrupted game play, learning new games, and meeting new people.
Despite the stereotypes that exist, people of all ages, races, and backgrounds come to the conventions. The twenty- and thirty-something demographic has been especially growing, according to Patrick. “They’re tired of doing everything online. They want to interact with people socially. People are dealing with anxiety and angst all of the time, and being on an ipad or phone doesn’t help with that.”
Patrick Halvert (right) with Patrick Pence
The health benefits of board games are documented. According to Health Fitness Revolution magazine, board gaming offers the following healthy side effects:
Releases endorphins. If you don’t take it too seriously, at some point in your game play, you’ll likely find yourself laughing, which releases feel-good endorphins that promote happiness and well-being.
Cognitive benefits. Board games make your brain work, helping to safeguard against cognitive decline such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Lowers blood pressure. The same feed-good hormones that are released when you are laughing and having fun help to lower your blood pressure.
Improved mental health. The feeling of winning a game or making progress can boost your self-esteem and mood, decrease stress, and promote relaxation.
Connecting with others also offers psychological benefits.
You don’t have to go to a convention to get involved in board gaming, although it is a great option. People often post local board game groups online, or your local board game store might host in-person gaming sessions or offer a space that includes a game library. If you’re ready to buy, Patrick recommends that new gamers do online research at Board Game Geek’s website and browse the shelves at stores like Target, Walmart, their local game store, book store, or comic book shop.
Once you’ve got your game picked out, text some friends, buy some snacks, and start your own board game night!
With over 2,000 new board game titles coming out every year, getting started can be daunting. Here are some suggestions from Patrick and others in the board gaming community, including my husband, Mark, and me. We’re both board game lovers!
Have a big group? Party games are great for groups of 8 or more. If you enjoyed Pictionary and Taboo back in the day, you might enjoy Codenames, where two teams compete to see who can make contact with their 25 “agents” first through clues given by their team members. Werewolf is a popular social deduction game where each player is given a special ability and a role, which you have to deduce by interacting with them. Pit is one of my all-time favorite big-group games—basically you are trading cards with other players in a fictional stock market. It’s loud, chaotic, and a lot of fun!
If you like Yahtzee... you might like a dice-rolling direct conflict game called King of Tokyo. Patrick describes it like this: “You’re all a giant monster like Godzilla or King Kong fighting to be the last of the big monsters alive.” You do this via rolling dice and causing damage. Another direct conflict game he recommends is a 2-player game called Lost Cities. The object of the game is to gain points by mounting archaeological expeditions to different sites represented by the colors on the cards. The game creates difficult choices for players that keep it interesting, explains Patrick, and, “You always make the wrong choices, of course.”
Eurogames. Euros originated in Germany due to its limitations on war-related themes in gaming. These games are characterized by indirect player conflict, usually over resources, minimal elements of randomness, and historical themes. Nobody gets hurt. Nobody gets eliminated. Settlers of Catan became one of the first euros to achieve popularity outside of Europe and is easy to find and learn. Patrick also recommends Puerto Rico, a game where you ship goods, construct buildings, and choose roles. One euro my husband and I love to play over and over again is The Castles of Burgundy, where you build a duchy with tiles from a shared board, and points are gained based on which type of tiles you choose to focus on. Various expansions of this game have allowed it to grow with us over time, giving us more options on our turns and more ways to win (or lose).
Yes, we can! With cooperative games, all players are working together towards a shared goal. The most popular one of these is Pandemic, where players are trying to cure diseases. If it’s too soon for that, and you like Hobbits, try The Lord of the Rings Game (warning: it’s hard to win). Patrick recommends Castle Panic, where players work together to fight off an invasion of monsters.
Are you feeling lucky? Press your luck games offer another exciting dynamic where you have to decide when it’s time to stop. Can’t Stop is a dice roller, Incan Gold takes you on a jungle exploration, and Celestia places you in an aircraft where you have to decide when it’s time to bail.
Still don’t see anything that excites you? Or maybe you’re already a seasoned board gamer who is ready to take things to the next level. Here are some more of our favorites:
Dead Reckoning. Be a pirate as you sail the high seas, upgrading your cards along the way and plundering merchant ships (and your opponents). Intermediate to advanced.
Terraforming Mars. Turn a dead planet into a thriving world in 8 or so generations! Players act as companies choosing the best projects to fund and develop. This is one of my favorites! Intermediate to advanced.
Dinogenics. Build your own dinosaur park. Need I say more? (The Controlled Chaos expansion even has megalodons!) Intermediate.
Betrayal at House on the Hill. A cooperative game where players turn over tiles to discover a haunted house, until the “haunt” turns one of them into the villain. Intermediate.
Clank! Dungeon-crawl your way to secure an artifact. Get out before everyone else or you may be left behind. Oh, and if you make noise, you wake the monster, which is not good. Intermediate.
If you’re interested in attendign a convention, the next Escape Winter Con will be held in March 2025 at the DoubleTree Orlando at SeaWorld. For updates, visit escapewintercon.com or join the Facebook group @ escapewinterconvention. And don’t worry if you’re feeling some social anxiety—you’ll be welcomed.
“It’s all about including people,” Patrick says. “We all want more gamers.”
They’re tired of doing everything online. They want to interact with people socially.
- Patrick Halvert
i d e a l f o r i n t i m a t e w e d d i n g s ,
Smithsonian’s
By OKMS Arts & Culture Alliance Director Emeritus Bridgette Waldau
Okeechobee Main Street [OKMS] had the honor of being chosen by the Florida Humanities Council to host a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit. Voices and Votes: Democracy in America was on display at the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse, May 28 – July 12. This project is a national, state, and local partnership, bringing exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations.
This engaging exhibit came to Okeechobee County at a perfect time. As another election cycle fast approaches, this exhibit is a reminder of how powerful our votes are. The exhibit is a great educational presentation on how our democracy began, along with the growth of voting rights for ALL Americans.
Through a selection of photographs, objects, films, audios and interactives, Voices and Votes takes a broad look at the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people.” From the revolution and suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story—the story of democracy in America. The exhibition sections explore the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Photography by Sharon Jones
Exhibit Comes to Okeechobee
hat is the Smithsonian and Museum on Main Street [MoMS], and how did Voices and Votes make its way to Okeechobee?
The Smithsonian Institution was originally established with funds from James Smithson. He was a British scientist who left his estate to the United States to fund, in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian Institution, a place for knowledge and learning. In 1846, the U.S. Senate passed the act organizing the Smithsonian Institution, which was signed into law by President James K. Polk. The first building, completed in 1855, is the Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”). Smithson died in 1829, and his crypt is located on the first floor of the Smithsonian Castle.
The Smithsonian is not one place. Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, it consists of 21 museums, galleries and a zoo. The museums and zoo support education, scholarship, and research. Some well known museums that you may have heard of include: National Air and Space, National Gallery of Art, Portrait Gallery, African American History and Culture, Holocaust Memorial, American History, American Indian, and the National Zoological Park.
Eleven of the 21 Smithsonian museums and galleries are located at the National Mall in Washington D.C. Six other Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, are located elsewhere in Washington D.C. Two Smithsonian museums are in New York City and Chantilly, Virginia.
The Smithsonian also connects with over 216 museums in 46 states, Panama and Puerto Rico. These museums are known as Smithsonian Affiliates that represent the diversity of America’s museum community. No matter the size, location and subject matter, the purpose of the Affiliates is to serve all audiences. There are twelve Smithsonian Affiliates located here in Florida. The Smithsonian also has many traveling exhibitions. Each year more than 50 exhibitions travel to hundreds of cities and towns across the United States.
Smithsonian MoMS outreach program’s priority is to engage smalltown audiences. They partner with state humanities councils to bring traveling exhibitions, educational resources and programming to small towns across America. Our state council is the Florida Humanities.
These traveling exhibitions bring the Smithsonian experience to you and are designed to engage communities, becoming a catalyst for conversation about life in America. MoMS creates dialogue, builds excitement, facilitates connections and opens doors to your community’s history, culture, and people.
Since 1994, MoMS has visited more than 1,900 communities with a median population of 8,000. Receiving a grant from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street via the Florida Humanities Council, Okeechobee Main Street became one of those communities and was chosen to host MoMS Voices and Votes exhibit this year. They were also honored to host MoMS’ Waterways exhibit in 2016.
elebrating the exhibit, OKMS presented Voices and Votes to Okeechobee County and the community during an opening reception on June 6th. Addressing the guests, OKMS President Angie Griffin said, “We are very pleased with the community’s positive reaction to Voices and Votes. It’s great exposure for MoMS and for our town.” Angie introduced several speakers, including Okeechobee City Council Mayor Dowling Watford, Okeechobee County Commissioner Frank DeCarlo, Daughters of the American Revolution representative Lonnie Kirsch, OKMS Vice-President Marion Heddesheimer and myself.
I was invited to speak about the history of the Smithsonian and the road it took to bring this exhibit to Okeechobee. In my address, I shared my feelings on the opportunity that the Smithsonian offers for small communities, such as Okeechobee, and how it is a valuable learning tool. Whether it is arts and culture or history, MoMS brings the outside world to us, giving people an adventure that they may not be able to experience in person.
Referring to an important item of content in the exhibit, Lonnie Kirsch gave a meaningful presentation about Susan B. Anthony and her historical role in securing the right to vote for women. Anthony was a pioneer in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Anthony worked most of her life helping to pave the way for the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote. Lonnie said, “When she died in 1906, women still did not have the right to vote. It wasn’t until 1920, after her death, that the 19th Amendment was passed.”
Bridgette Waldau
Marion Heddesheimer
Lonnie Kirsch and Angie Griffin
Okeechobee County Commissioner Frank DeCarlo
Okeechobee City Council Mayor Dowling Watford
surprising and personal story was revealed from speaker Marion Heddesheimer. She told us about her experience becoming a U.S. Citizen. Marion and her mother moved to the United States from Germany in the '60s. When she graduated, becoming an American citizen was not her priority until years later when a friend awoke her interest in politics. At his urging, she decided to start the tedious and long process toward citizenship.
Marion said, “July 19, 2016 was one of the greatest days of my life, the day I became a citizen of the United States of America.” She expressed how joyful she felt when she walked into the Okeechobee County Supervisor of Elections the next day with her Certificate of Citizenship and American passport and registered to vote. “How can I help you?” asked the clerk, and Marion proudly stated that she was a new citizen and here to register to vote. Marion concluded, “That November of 2016 I proudly voted at my precinct for my very first time. My voice was heard.”
Pictured are OKMS Board Members with community dignitaries: (L-R): City Councilman David McAuley, Sharon Jones, OKMS Executive Director Jenna Stephens, Okeechobee County Administrator Deborah Manzo, Assistant County Administrator of Infrastructure Justin Neilson, Marion Heddesheimer, Okeechobee County Commissioner Frank DeCarlo, Angie Griffin, Bridgette Waldau and Gary Stark
he most important thing you will walk away with after experiencing Voices and Votes is the power and importance of voting and voting rights. One should never take the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people.” for granted. No matter your party affiliation, platforms or beliefs, your Voice is your Vote. Vote!
Voices and Votes has traveled all over the country since 2020 and will continue through 2026. If you were not fortunate to see the “Voices and Votes” Exhibit in Okeechobee, there are two other locations here in Florida where you can see the exhibit this year: Cape Coral (Cape Coral Lee County Library, Sept 14 -Nov. 9) and Leesburg (Leesburg Public Library, Nov. 16, 2024 – Jan. 11, 2025).
Sources: The Smithsonian: www.si.edu Museum on Main: www.museumonmainstreet.org www.museumonmainstreet.org/VoicesVotes Smithsonian Affiliations: www.affiliations.si.edu/affiliate-director; James Smithson: www.si.edu/about/history; Susan B Anthony: www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/ biographies/susan-b-anthony
Celebrate with Flowers
Photo by Caroline Maxcy Fox
TRADITIONS
Making the First Day
By Bridgette Waldau
During my school years as a child, I remember dreading the first day of school, not because I did not like school but because I loved the summertime and did not want it to end. My guess is that many children today are feeling the same way. A great thing is that parents today are finding fun and affordable ways to make that first day of school a special day to look forward to, especially for young children.
Back-to-school traditions can help children stay grounded during the transition from the carefree days of summer to the more structured days of school. These rituals can help ease anxiety and frame the back-to-school experience as special. By creating these traditions, parents also provide a space for children to sort out their feelings and express themselves.
Here are a few creative back-to-school traditions that are popular.
A back-to-school party is a great way to ease backto-school anxiety or tension, as well as reconnect with friends that children may have lost touch with over summer break. Encouraging children to socialize with their peers ahead of the school season emotionally prepares them for the new school year.
Start the new school year and put the summer to rest with a final ice cream run, which could become a family tradition, creating core memories. Go to a favorite ice cream place where the whole family can enjoy choosing from the many ice cream flavors and toppings. This is also a great time to talk about school and what your children are excited for or nervous about.
To calm those jittery pre-school nerves, read your child a “back-to-school” book the night before school starts. For example, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg is an enchanting story that is for any child who anticipates the first day of school. Another book, Very First Questions and Answers- Why do I have to go to school? by Katie Daynes follows a lively bunch of kids as they discover what school is about and how to make the most of it. There are so many books for all ages on this subject that you can find online, in bookstores and at local libraries.
I think this is one of my favorites and quite clever: inspire the kind of excitement that can only be brought about by the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus with this ingenious way to get children to bed the night before their first day of school. Get them excited about how the fairy will come in the night while they sleep. They will awake to find a “back to school” package filled with school essentials and special treats from the “Back to School Fairy.” There are many ideas online about what kind of goodies the “fairy” may leave.
Make children smile and get up a little bit easier by decorating their door with balloons and streamers while they sleep. When they get up in the morning it will be such a surprise, and it can start them off to a more positive day. You could also coordinate this with “Back to School Fairy” for the younger ones.
Waking up on the first day of school tired, grumpy and not wanting to go to school is not great. Parents can make the first morning more enjoyable by preparing an easy and fun “kid” breakfast menu - animal shaped pancakes, fun fruit shapes or a bowl of their favorite cereal.
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Whether it's their first school year or the start of a new one, children can miss their parents on the first day. Leaving cute little notes in their lunch box or bag will help keep them going throughout the day. Children will look forward to the notes as well as feel comforted by your messages of love.
This tradition dates back many generations. Start off the school year by having your child stand against a door or wall that you will not paint over, and make a mark measuring how tall they are, adding the date and their name. If you don’t want to mark up your wall, there are a variety of growth charts available that hang on the wall. Repeat this every year and be amazed at how quickly they shoot up in size.
Another great generational tradition: New year - new school photo! Keep it simple by having your child pose in the same location or hold the same sign each year. More inspired photo traditions could include a chalkboard showing your child's age and grade. Another favorite is to buy a large t-shirt and write the date 'Class of' alongside your child’s graduation year. Have them put on the shirt each year and watch how they grow into it by senior year. Compare with previous year photos, and you will be amazed at how much they grow and change.
An artistic and creative first day of school tradition is a chalk message outside the front door or on the sidewalk. Go all out or keep it simple; either way, it’s an extra boost to help ease those first-day jitters. This can be done before your child heads off to school or can be a “welcome home” message when they return from school.
Whether you keep it the same each year or surprise your child each time, plan something exciting for after their first day of school so they really look forward to it year after year. It might be a movie or a fun family game night, but whatever it is, it can suppress the back-to-school upsets.
Another option is a show-and-tell dinner on the first night back from school. Most parents want to know every detail of their child's first day. Make it a special dinner, allowing extra time for your child to present a special “show-and-tell” about everything they did on their first day.
The ideas listed are the tip of the iceberg on what parents can do to make the first day of school special. There are many more great traditions out there, not only for young children but teens and college students as well. Parents can find many affordable ideas through website searches and social media platforms, or it could be as easy as something fun parents did as a child.
It goes without saying that many parents are time-poor. If you can, try to find at least one first day-of-school tradition. This could help you in the long run when settling your kids into school.
First day of school traditions help mark the occasion with you and your child and set the stage for a ahead!
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By Cindy Adams
"Touchdown" Season Meals
Football season is fast approaching and it will be time for watch parties and tailgating. Whether you're planning an all-day party at your home for the "Big Game" or are invited for tailgating, here are few easy dishes you can make.
Worried about the drinks at your party? Most people will drink beer, but what can be fun for those non-beer drinkers is setting up a Bloody Mary Bar. Check out page 103 and get ideas on how to create the best Bloody Mary.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds chicken wings
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Sesame seeds, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE HONEY SRIRACHA GLAZE
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ cup honey
¼ cup Sriracha
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Juice of 1 lime
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. To make the glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Stir in honey, Sriracha, soy sauce and lime juice. Bring to a boil; simmer until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine wings, butter, vegetable oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place wings onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, using metal tongs to turn at halftime. Brush wings with Sriracha glaze and broil for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp and crusted.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired.
Mini snack-size quesadillas with a salsa chicken filling cooked until melted is the perfect appetizer or lunch. You can cook your chicken or make it simple and grab a rotisserie chicken to make it easier.
Serve with guacamole, Pico de Gallo and sour cream. You can use all of these or choose your favorite.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup refried beans, homemade or store-bought
12 street tacos flour tortillas, warmed
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided FOR SERVING
1 cup guacamole
1 cup Pico de Gallo
1/4 cup sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. 2. Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, cheese, salsa and cilantro; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Working one at a time, spread refried beans on half of the tortilla; top with chicken mixture, folding over to seal. Repeat with all tortillas to make quesadillas.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium low heat. Working in batches, add quesadillas to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side; keep warm in oven up to 30 minutes. Repeat with remaining canola oil and quesadillas.
5. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
INGREDIENTS
4 ears corn, shucked (about 3 cups)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces mozzarella, shredded and divided
2 green onions sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
Creamy, cheesy dip with a little spice
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil an oven-proof skillet or coat with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir in 4 ounces mozzarella, about half.
3.Spread corn mixture into the prepared skillet, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
4. Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, if desired.
Loaded nachos that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser on Game Day!
Simply layer your toppings, bake onto a sheet pan and serve.
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1.25-ounce package taco seasoning
12 ounces tortilla chips
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 Roma tomato, diced
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and garlic, and cook until beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; stir in taco seasoning. Drain excess fat.
3. Place tortilla chips in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Top with ground beef mixture, black beans, corn and cheeses.
4. Place into oven and bake until heated through and the cheeses have melted, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, topped with tomato, onion, jalapeno, sour cream and cilantro.
INGREDIENTS
Bloody Mary Mix
1 48-ounce can of tomato juice or about 6 cups
3 tablespoons prepared creamy hot horseradish
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 ¼ teaspoons celery salt
3 teaspoons garlic salt
Tabasco sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
Pickle-infused vodka, or regular vodka if you prefer
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt and black pepper in a large pitcher. Season with 10-15 shakes of Tabasco sauce, or to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. To assemble drinks, mix the celery salt and kosher salt on a small plate. Dip the rim of your glass in a shallow amount of water, then dip into the salt mix and twist. Fill an 8-ounce glass to the top with ice. Add 2 ounces of pickle-infused vodka or regular vodka then top with Bloody Mary tomato mixture.
3. Garnish with limes, lemons, celery ribs, blue cheese stuffed olives, bacon strips, pepperoncinis, cooked shrimp, hot sauce, pickles, pickled asparagus or green beans, pickled beets, chunks of cheese, and anything your heart desires.
Notes
Be sure to have skewers on hand that are long enough to fit the size of your trimmings for maximum loadability.
Okeechobee County Polk County
