Heartland LIVING Dec-Jan 2020 Issue by Heartland LIVING

Heartland LIVING December 2019 | January 2020

OPEN 0 2 0 2 . ING JAN

URGENT CARE IS COMING TO SOUTH LAKELAND! Many times, your illness or injury isn’t severe enough to require emergency care, or to endure the inconvenience and high fees associated with an emergency room visit. Staffed by board-certified physicians, the new Watson Clinic Urgent Care South will specialize in the treatment of colds & flu, earaches, upper respiratory infections, small cuts and fractures, and much more. With the added convenience of after-hours availability and onsite access to x-ray, CT, ultrasound and laboratory capabilities, Watson Clinic Urgent Care South will have the technologies and expertise you need to get well fast.

ACCEPTING BOTH WALK-INS & SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS THROUGH MYCHART!*

Watson Clinic South • 1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. www.WatsonClinic.com/UCSouth

Watson Clinic –Your Urgent Care Experts. *Please note there are a limited number of appointments available per day and appointment times are an approximation of when you will be seen. Delays may occur based on the severity of patient illnesses during any given time frame. Appointments cannot be made for a specific Urgent Care physician.

“Gilbert couldn’t have made it easier. I told them what I was looking for and they found it! When they showed me the Transit Connect, I knew it would accommodate all of my business needs. The purchase process was fast, friendly, and even a little fun. Now I can service my customers in a more professional manner and save fuel doing it.”

3175 US Highway 441 Okeechobee, FL 34974 (863) 763-2121

- Ty Waldron

Owner & Operator of Advanced Alarm Solutions Inc.

www.Gilbert-Ford.com

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Dr. Charles W. Bartels Board Certified Optometric Physician

(863) 763-3937 Call Now For An Appointment Walk-Ins Welcome We Accept and Bill Most Major Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare & BlueCross Blue Shield Healthy Kids l Comprehensive Eye Exams

l Diabetic Eye Exams

l Contact Lens Fitting

l Cataract Evaluations

l Variety of Colored Contacts

l Foreign Body Removal

l State of the Art Optical Service l Test & Treatment for Dry Eye l Glaucoma Exams & Treatment

l Glasses Available Same or Next Day

Our On-Site Lab allows for Most Prescriptions to be finished in One Hour!

606 North Parrott Ave Okeechobee 863-763-3937 www.biglakeeyecare.com

ALL I WANT FOR

IS MY TWO

FRONT TEETH! Service with a Smile, For a Smile!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from All of Us!

¡ Preventative Care ¡ Restorative Dentistry ¡ In-Office Sedation ¡ Interceptive Orthodonic Treatment ¡ Extractions ¡ Emergency Dental Treatment ¡ New Patient Exams ¡ Dental Care for Special Needs & Medically Compromised Patients

Your child’s health is important and finding a positive relationship between kids and their dentist is a good way to build lifelong healthy habits.

......................................................................................................................

OKEECHOBEE 863-357-7338 FAX: 863-357-7342

2029 Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972

Everglades Pediatric Dentistry, provides dental care for children in the Greater Lake Okeechobee area and Sebring area. Most insurances are accepted and emergencies are welcomed.

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SEBRING 863-382-0340Heartland

FAX: 863-357-7342 LIVING

5606 US Hwy 27December 2019 Sebring, FL 33870January 2020

letter fromTHE PUBLISHER It’s hard to believe I started Heartland LIVING in 2012 and now

moving into 2020, almost a decade… I am humbled by how far we’ve come and that only partially represents how I feel. Heartland LIVING has been a project, a passion and a personal blessing for me. I thank God for the gift that I get to do what I love everyday and share it with all of you. Because of the number of businesses trusting us with their advertising, supporters, my team, contributors and devoted readers, the magazine has become something far beyond my initial concept and imagination. Our Holiday Issue is all about gratitude, love, and sharing, which we all need in our lives everyday and especially this time of year. The word gratitude means “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Love means “an intense feeling of deep affection” and sharing means, “give a portion of (something) to another or others.” When I started brainstorming what we wanted our readers to get out of the Holiday Issue, I knew it was important to bring stories of kindness and giving. I wanted us to create something for you and your families to enjoy and proudly showcase the Heartland Communities. I feel our writers have captured all of this and more with their personal stories, non-profit organization’s helping out in the communities as well as our Florida Wildlife Corridor newest Mini Trek through the Lake Wales Ridge in the Heartland. I gained with this issue that even in the trials of life, if we have eyes to see what we are grateful for and trust our faith, then we could find the positive everywhere we look. I am so thankful for what has evolved over the eight years of this magazine, and I want to make it a point to never lose that gratitude. December is always a time for me to look back and reflect on what the year has brought to us. Time to be appreciative of the entire year of all the positive that has happened throughout, and time to let go of everything that needs to stay in 2019. 2020 is a new year and is going to be a year of fresh starts, new beginnings, new chapters, new chances and brand new opportunities for all of us. As with every year, I want to personally thank you for letting us share pieces of our wonderful communities with you. Without the passion of our neighbors, Heartland LIVING wouldn’t be what it is today. To our advertisers, subscribers, readers, followers, friends and family, thank you for all of your support throughout the years, we create and publish the magazine for you. I am grateful each of you joined us on this humbling journey, and we look forward to our new chapters and new opportunities in 2020. Please stay along for the ride. Blessings to you and your Family, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams

CALL US TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! WITH TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:

863.658.3386

1735 US Hwy 27 S. | Sebring, Florida Dr. Ronald Owen DDS, Dr. Chris Forsee DMD &

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

The Twisted Teapot is dedicated to providing an unforgettable afternoon tea experience with quality food and exceptional service. Customers comes first; whether it's catering to a special need or delivering a truly unforgettable experience for a special occasion. Reservations are highly recommended.

863.299.5000 200 First Street South Winter Haven, FL 33880

Heartland LIVING

www.TwistedTeapot.com

December 2019 January 2020

Open 9 Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 3pm

heartland CONTENT

FEATURES 26

"The Jacaranda"

Providing a Legacy for Future Generations By Kristy Harris

United We Win By Jessica Pleger

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Nurtured by Nature By Rebecca Maglischo

Florida Wildlife Corridor "Mini Trek" By Grace Hirdes

special SECTION

December 2019 | January 2020 Volume VIII | Issue 6

inspired by the SOUTH

the New Year 80 Celebrating By Jessica Pleger Days of Christmas 90 12 By Bridgette Waldau

114 Southern Chef By Layne Prescott

Beef Tenderloin Southern Good Luck Soup Chocolate Pound Cake

Cover The Jacaranda Hotel Lobby

18 Behind the Scenes 22 From Our Readers

Photography by Caroline Maxcy Fox

Heartland LIVING December 2019 | January 2020

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Heartland

Heartland LIVING December 2019 | January 2020

LIVING

December 2019 | January 2020 Volume VIII | Issue 6

CEO | Publisher Cindy Sebring Adams Editorial Director Jessica Pleger Creative | Art Director Bridgette Waldau Writers Grace Hirdes Katy Fassler Kristy Harris Jessica Pleger Contributing Writer Rebecca Maglischo Layne Prescott Photography Director Rafael Pacheco Cover Photographer Caroline Maxcy Fox Feature Photographers Caroline Maxcy Fox Emily Plank Contributing Photographers Grant Bemis Joe Guthrie Jason Lauritsen Cynthia Paxton Monica Stark Carlton Ward, Jr.

Contact: 412 Rest Haven Road, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 863-781-0344 E-mail

Cindy@Heartland-Living.com Become a fan on facebook

Published by

Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc.

Awards Winner of 16 FMA Charlie Awards 2014 - 2018

Charlie Awards

2017 Best Department Design 2018 Best Feature Design Silver Awards 2014 Cover Photo Illustration 2015 Best Self-Promotional Ad Best Feature Design Best Table of Content 2017 Best Feature Design Best Photography Image 2018 Best Overall Writing Best Photography Image Gold Awards 2015 Best Feature Design 2018 Best Overall Design Best Feature Design Best Traditional Illustration Best Department Design Best Photography Image

www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Florida Magazine Association

Heartland Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2019, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher.

All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Heartland Living Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

New Menu | New Restaurant | New Atmosphere Come by the Island View for a great time enjoying our newly remodeled space and bigger menu!

863-382-1191

Our New Coast cuisine combines the freshest seafood of the Southeast with some of your favorites from the Northeast. Whether you're sharing our fried green tomato platter or munching on our mouthwatering Island View cheese steak sandwich you'll find yourself right at home. Bring friends, family or business associates to Island View Lakefront Restaurant & Pub and relax in the elegant comfort of our dining room.

Call us to book a reservation today!

35468 Tee Time Circle Sebring, FL 33872

Exceptional banquet and catering options are available for groups large and small. We would love to share with you about our convenient event packages that make it easy to plan your special event.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

www.sunlakegolfclub.com www.islandviewrestaurant.com

The Meaning of

Christmas Far away in Bethlehem, a Baby Boy was born; Born with neither riches nor with fame, Yet Wise Men came from all around to bring to Him their gifts, And peace was felt by all who heard His name. Angels watched Him as He slept, and gently rocked His bed; Their voices singing softly in His ear; His Mother and His Father both gave thanks to God above For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled with wealth, They also knew He would encounter strife; But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving Child, And teach the love of God throughout His life.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

At Christmas, as we celebrate this Birth of Jesus Christ, Let's keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day; For it's not the Christmas wrappings, nor the gifts that lie within, But our gift of love to others in every way... May the Blessings of Christmas be with You & Your Family! From All of Us at Heartland LIVING

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Res Local tau ly ran Own t a ed nd Bar

Steaks - Seafood - Pasta We serve Chairman’s Reserve Certified Premium Steaks!

Live Music In the Tiki

Wednesday Night from 5-8pm & Sunday Afternoons from 3-6pm

Music

Friday & Saturday Nights Live Music on Main Stage, Karaoke & DJ In Tiki

Merry Christmas from all of us at Cowpoke’s! Photos courtesy of Visit Sebring

(863) 314-9459 Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Hours: Monday - Thursday 11-9 pm We will be closed on Christmas Eve Friday - Saturday 11-2 am and Christmas Day for our staff to Sunday - 11 am-8 pm enjoy time with their families.

6813 US 27 South - Sebring, FLorida

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

behind the SCENES Behind the Scenes

Creative | Art Director

Photography Director

Writer Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

BRIDGETTE WALDAU has been a graphic and fine artist for over 30 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University. She moved to Okeechobee in 1994 where she opened her art studio. Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications & Marketing as art director since 2011, winning eleven Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (20152018). She is Arts & Culture Alliance Director (13 years) for Okeechobee Main Street. Bridgette is married to James Waldau, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah.

RAFAEL PACHECO I am a Pisces and was born on the island of Puerto Rico. My dog thinks I am crazy for locking the door so many times in 10 seconds and my cats think I am made of catnip. Everything I wear is black, gray or blue. If I put on something colorful I must have been in a hurry. Photography is how I have let my artistic visions come to life since the early 90’s. Patience, kindness, sharing, sacrifice, love and not to judge I saw my mother practice these and they stayed within me. We are collective energy and all from the same Source. I don’t see the world through my eyes. I see it through my soul.

LAYNE PRESCOTT Layne was born into a military family, has lived overseas but did most of her growing up in Arcadia. After meeting and marrying Mike Prescott, she moved to Wauchula in 1979 and now calls it her home. She and Mike raised their three children there and now are reaping the benefits of their labor with six sweet, beautiful and perfect grandchildren. Her cooking style is eclectic and best described as “Southern comfort cuisine”. Her greatest joy comes from three things: her faith, loving on her family, and getting in the kitchen and “whipping” up something good.

Editorial Director

Writer

JESSICA PLEGER is a wife, mother, editor, writer, and caterer. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. Before working full-time at Heartland LIVING, Jessica was a paralegal for over 15 years. She is also the owner and operator of Pink Pineapple Catering. Jessica enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and participating in community events throughout the Heartland. A lifelong resident of Florida, Jessica was raised in Hardee County and now resides in Avon Park with her husband, Jonathan and daughter, Finley Grace.

KATY FASSLER has been telling stories since she was able to scribble her name in crayon on the wall. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, she moved to Sebring in 2006 to attend the Great Commission Bible Institute. Katy, an avid reader and book collector lives by Dr. Seuss’ advice, “Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” Katy and her husband, Sean, live in Sebring with their two daughters, Adia and Emery.

REBECCA MAGLISCHO is a wife and mother of two boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Human Movement with an emphasis on Corrective Modalities. She has completed a two year study in Full Body Systems through the Holistic Nutrition Lab and a certification in Functional Range Condition through the Functional Anatomy Systems. Rebecca opened Haka Fitness in Lakeland, FL.

December 2019 | January 2020

GRACE HIRDES is happily married to her wonderful husband and is a fulltime teacher at Winter Haven Christian School. She received her diploma from the Institute of Children’s Literature and has been pursuing her passion as a freelance writer for the past 5 years. She has also published her first children’s book and loves anything outdoors.

Photographer

CAROLINE MAXCY FOX was born and raised in Central FL. She decided to be an artist at the age of five. After achieving her BSA from Florida State University, she practiced in the field of design for six years and then received a Masters in Graphic Design from NC State University. She honed her artistic craft and developed a "way of seeing" that fuels her work. Caroline is a full time photographer and lives with her husband in the heart of Sebring, FL. Together they run the day-to-day life at The Great Commission Bible Institute as the Site Coordinators and Dorm Parents. Naturally, adventure abounds.

Writer

KRISTY HARRIS is a graphic designer and artist in Sebring, FL. Originally from Michigan, Kristy and her husband moved in 2007 to Highlands County where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Michigan University. Kristy has owned her own freelance business, Kristy’s Kreatives for the past three years. Starting her own business gave her the opportunity to stay home with her daughter, Olivia and work with Knotty Girl Loves, Inc., a non-profit organization. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys painting, taking photos of her daughter, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Photographer

CYNTHIA PAXTON is a stay at home mom to two boys. She have spent the last 10 years capturing the precious moments of childhood for families across central Florida. A newborn and child photographer, Paxton loves being able to capture that small moment of time. She has also been a nurse for 15 years and love caring for others. She has lived in Wauchula for over 25 years and is honored to help share our small town community with others.

Photographer

EMILY PLANK has a photography business rooted in her hometown of Lakeland, Florida that is celebrating 7 years. She is a graduate from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art where she focused on drawing and painting. She fell in love with photography while at Florida, studying film and digital photography –then started her business while in school. She loves to tell a story, whether it’s that of a person, place or space she is dedicated portraying her subject’s beauty. Personally she loves to give back and serve her community, she loves her Lord Jesus and being with her family and friends.

MONICA STARK Photography was created with a heart to share stories and help others by taking portraits, products and lifestyle photographs. I love to share my unique vision by crafting quality images for others to enjoy. Photography is a joy for me, and I am thankful I get to spend time capturing the beauty around me.

Photographer Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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All You Have to Say is “I Do” Whether intimate or elaborate, brides and their families can be confident that their treasured day will be flawlessly executed by a dedicated team, allowing them to enjoy their day. Brides also appreciate the ultimate quality and customization of our menus Heartland and flowers, and the care and attention they receive.

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December 2019 January 2020

From Our

Readers THE

PINK By Kristy Harris

Someone once told me that breast cancer is a club that no one wants to be in, but it’s the very best club to be in and the members are great! To someone on the ‘outside’, someone who hasn’t been in the throes of breast cancer…that might not make a lot of sense. But with 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men – roughly 250,000 Americans - being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, chances are you know at least one person who has been

‘IN THE CLUB’.

When you are given a cancer diagnosis, one would think that your outlook would be anything but positive. But when talking with breast cancer survivors, I am consistently amazed that they all have the same types of things to say in regards to their breast cancer journey. Over the years and through various ‘hats’, I have had the opportunity to get to know many breast cancer survivors. On one sunny, Wednesday evening I met with five breast cancer survivors from Florida’s Heartland and had conversations that will stay in my heart forever.

Heartland LIVING October November 2019

Thank you for the awesome feature on breast cancer awareness. My Pink Sista's and I were all one in eight! - Cathy Turner Albritton Heartland Living Magazine you have a mission!! A magazine with heart to share stories and empower others - Diana Buffington Albritton Joan Simpson of Lakeland, shared with us how she displays her magazines to share with neighbors and friends visiting. Cool, very colorful. -Nancy Catalano Redding

Heartland LIVING October| November 2019

Great idea! -Robyn Durrance

Picked mine up today at Tenniswood Dental-highlight of my day! -Debbie Clemons

OKEECHOBEE TO CELEBRATE THE 500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CATTLE ARRIVAL TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Cattle Drive Sculpture Project Presented by Okeechobee Main Street’s Arts & Culture Alliance

Okeechobee Main Street’s Art and Culture Alliance is raising funds to bring a bronze cattle drive sculpture to Okeechobee. The project will consist of ten bronze sculptures and will include a horse with rider, calf, dog, six head of cattle and cowboy on a fence. The sculptures will celebrate the ranching lifestyle in Okeechobee County as well as celebrate the 500-year anniversary of the first cattle brought to Florida. In 1521 the earliest Spanish explorers and seven Andalusia cattle arrived on Florida shores. The project will be installed in the City of Okeechobee at Flagler Park in the Fall of 2021. The cattle sculptures will graze on the grass along side of the sidewalk with native plants added for authenticity. Visitors will be able to walk along the sidewalk and feel like they are in the middle of a cattle drive and will also be able to read about the history of Okeechobee ranchers. The OKMS Arts and Culture Alliance’s mission is to connect people to the arts and to each other. We want our art projects to celebrate the uniqueness of our community. This exhibit will not only be a celebration of Okeechobee ranchers but will also be an interactive installation containing historical content within the exhibit.

LOVE this magazine! - Gaylin Thomas

This sculpture project will preserve the legacy of Florida heritage for many generations to come, allowing the essence of the Florida Cowboy to come alive here in the Heartland. Sponsorship opportunities available for everyone! If you would like to be a part of this project please contact Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. (863)357-6246 55 S. Parrott Ave., Okeechobee, Fl 34972 Email: art@okeechobeemainstreet.org

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

The magazine is always full of interesting and beautifully photographed articles. -Sandy Pleger What location [cover] was this taken? It is beautiful! -Jaclyn Watkins

Visit our website for more info: www.okeechobeemainstreet.org

Arts Alliance Tab - Cattle Drive Sculpture

Thanks to Heartland Living for your Media Support Okeechobee

Image from Brownwood Villages that the project will be based on. Artist/Sculptor: J. Michael Wilson

MAIN STREET Old Values • New Visions

ComingTogether Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. is a 501(C) 3 not for profit organization

Heartl

and

LIVIN Octobe r

| Novem

ber 201

Thank you Heartland LIVING for being a Media Sponsor for Okeechobee Main Street's Cattle Drive Sculpture project. Your generous contribution will help us reach our goal to preserve the legacy of Okeechobee's heritage. - Angie Griffin, OKMS President

Send us YOUR Thoughts

If you would like to share your thoughts, please leave a post on our Facebook page or email us at Cindy@Heartland-Living.com. Submissions may be edited for space.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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Hours: Sunday - Saturday 11am - 9 pm

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

“The Jacaranda”

Providing a Legacy for Future Generations

By Kristy Harris Photography by Caroline Maxcy Fox

Walking through the doors, you will find that the Jacaranda Hotel is a hidden gem of perfectly preserved Florida history! Opening in 1926 and named for the 150-year-old Jacaranda tree that had to be removed to build the hotel, The Jac was built before the interstates of the 60s drew traffic away from Central Florida. But in the 20s, at the cross roads of US Highway 27 and Highway 64, Avon Park was the perfect location for a grand hotel to accommodate folks traveling between North and South Florida. Some of the first guests were members of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team who came to Avon Park for spring training from 1927-1929. Among other famous guests at the The Jac were Babe Ruth, George Burns and Gracie Allen. Additionally during World War II, the hotel housed hundred of servicemen who had come to the area to train as military pilots.

(L-R): Anastasia Saunders, Linda Roman, Jamie Bateman & Danielle Ochoa

ast forward to 1988 when South Florida Community College (now South Florida State College, SFSC) was looking for a place to house their student athletes and the Jacaranda was for sale. Under the leadership of then President, Dr. Catherine Cornelius and former Foundation Director, Don Appelquist, board members and staff spent the summer working on getting the hotel ready for their students in the fall. “It’s the things that you don’t see like plumbing and electrical that take up the most time and money! But little by little, we got everything done!” said Dr. Cornelius (aka, Dr. C). Today the Jac is home to, on average, 70 college students that live in the dorms on the backside of the 2nd and 3rd stories of the hotel.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

he Jac is “home” to many different businesses, groups and offices. One of these is the SFSC Culinary Department. Lead by Chef Tim Hansen, who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America. “To have someone like him teaching here makes us and our students so fortunate! The information, skills and techniques that he shares on a daily basis is just phenomenal!” said Foundation Director, Jamie Bateman. Culinary students have regular classroom hours as well as hands on kitchen experience. The hotel kitchen is divided into two parts, one side is for the culinary students and the other side is for the restaurant. The students are responsible for providing cuisine for several events at The Jac throughout the year. One of these events is October Fest at SFSC. The students spend weeks prior to the event learning the ins and outs of German Cuisine for their 200+ guests. They do all the preparations for a full course meal and it is one of the hotels most popular events! Another event the students are responsible for is the SFSC Foundation’s Jubilee during the Avon Park Christmas Parade. This fundraising event takes place on the veranda overlooking Main Street and features a wide array of heavy hors d’oeuvres for about 80 people.

Seated: Joan Hartt and back (L-R): Shelly Parton and Sheila Hartt

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

hen you are working with a building that is nearly a century old, fixing things will always be a process. Outside of Hurricane Charley ripping off the roof, the hotel has always been open to over-night guests. In 2015, the Foundation decided it was time to give the hotel rooms (located on the front 2nd and 3rd stories) a little refresh. They came up with a campaign to refurbish the rooms and giving the sponsors the opportunity to decorate or theme the room(s) with their donation. Businesses and individuals including, Joan Hartt, Turner Furniture, Griffin’s Carpet Mart, Bill and Lisa Jarrett and Dr. C gave each of the rooms their own theme! Themes vary from Old Florida, Christmas, Beachy and Victorian. “We wanted each room to be unique and what better way than to invite our community to join us! It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase local businesses and to honor loved ones who have passed.” commented Dr. C. It took nearly three years to complete the hotel room renovations; the team was able to use many of the original furniture that had been restored as well as heirloom furniture from the families that sponsored the rooms. While all of the rooms have been given a good ‘ole refresh there are still many available for sponsorship and ready for your Heartland own personal customizations! LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

mong the many stores, businesses and artists that “live” at the Jacaranda, another important part is the SFSC Foundation. “We are the direct support system for the college.” said Jamie Bateman. SFSC has a total of four campuses, Arcadia, Wauchula, Lake Placid, and Avon Park. “This tri-county area that we are serving has many programs and services that require our help to meet the needs of the students and community.” continued Jamie. Over the years, SFSC has become a driving force for the community and provide skill sets needed for local jobs, including programs for 911 dispatchers, criminal justice and dental hygienists…just to name a few! Acting as a fundraising arm for the college, the Foundation’s main objective is to ensure the success of their students. Funds are used for such things as expanding/adding programs, updating equipment and offsetting operating costs that help when the state funded college gets hit with secondary education budget cuts. “There wouldn’t be a Foundation and The Jac wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for wonderful people like Dr. C and Mrs. Hartt. Their intentions to keep this historical building alive and preserving it for future generations has always been the highest priority.” Jamie proudly added. To continue the legacy of learning at SFSC, with the help of the Foundation, is a special program offered to the students of the Heartland. This program, "Take Stock in Children," is a state funded grant program in Florida that provides a two-year scholarship to students who graduate from high school.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Guest Room donated & decorated by Joan Hartt

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

his provides deserving lowincome students a special opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are able to join the program in eighth grade where they sign a contract to commit to a good GPA, no drugs and no disciplinary actions throughout their entire high school career. With a 98% graduation rate, the SFSC Foundation is the lead agency for the area that offers the Take Stock in Children program. Students are partnered with mentors that stay with them through out high school. “What’s so neat about this is that we see this amazing relationship that blossoms! We have found that these students and their mentors keep in touch well into college and years after. The connection is just remarkable!” said Jamie. Upon graduating high school, students have yet another opportunity to participate in another scholarship program called, Leaders for Life (L4L). This is a fellowship program to enable highly motivated Take Stock in Children students and empower them to develop to their fullest potential. Following a highly competitive selection process, only six students from the state of Florida are chosen to receive an additional $40,000 to continue their education and eight semi-finalists that receive MacBook Pros! In the eight years that the Foundation has been involved with this program they have had 13 finalists and seven have gone on to win, including one finalist this year!

863-658-1764

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

raditions are what keep the Jacaranda alive! As far back as anyone can remember, Dr. C has gifted The Jac a live Christmas tree every year for the lobby. Over a decade ago, Mrs. Hartt and her interior designer daughter-in-law, Sheila Hartt, decided to decorate the tree and the rest, as they say, is history! “It all started with ONE tree and really just went from there. This is our 14th season of decorating and every year it grows and grows!” beamed Joan Hartt. Eventually they enlisted the help of fellow interior designer and Sheila’s sister-in-law, Shelly Parton, to join the team. Hundreds of people come to The Jacaranda every year for various holiday events, parties and pictures at the beautifully decorated hotel. “Mrs. Hartt has done just a fabulous job with all her decorating over the years. I am so proud of the work that everyone has done (even since I’ve retired) to take care of our Jacaranda!” The newest addition to the Lobby decorations is a Christmas Village that belongs to Mrs. Hartt’s granddaughter, Julia Hartt, “We call her our “Designer in Training!” She’s only 10, but she loves to come down and place the little houses.” Mrs. Hartt said proudly.

863-402-2208

Charlene Nikolakakis, LMT 943 Ring Mall Road Sebring,FL 33870 Give the gift of health and wellness with a gift certificate this holiday season!

Massage â&#x20AC;˘ Facials Acupuncture â&#x20AC;˘ Yoga USANA Nutrition Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

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Joan Hartt

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

hether you are a student, visiting the area, or looking for a venue for your wedding, the Jacaranda is a “must see” point of interest in the Heartland! Stop by and take a tour, enjoy lunch at the all-you-can-eat buffet, go shopping or even take a ride on the original crank elevator. From deep-rooted history, intricately decorated rooms, grand holiday decorations and educational opportunities; the Jacaranda Hotel has it all.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Happy Holidays!

Welcome Back Winter Guests!

863-453-7555

Now Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Reservation are Welcome

Also!

10 TVs located thru out the bar area to enjoy your favorite sporting events. Small private dining room that will seat up to 25 people. And New Screened Outdoor Patio Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 8 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am to 9 pm Sunday 11 am to 8 pm

Located in the newly remodeled club house at Pinecrest Golf Club.

2250 Little Lake Bonnet Road Avon Park, Florida 33825

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

or more information on The Jacaranda, the SFSC Foundation or South Florida State College, please visit www.southflorida.edu or call (863) 453-3133.

Businesses Located within the Jacaranda: Tassel and Thread– Jahna Lynn Barben H. Benitez Studio Boutique – Humberto & Lissette Benitez Edward Jones – Jeff Roth The Artist Group “TAG” Sherco, Inc. – Bob Schuler

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Locally Owned and Operated

A Unique & Friendly Neighborhood Restaurant & Tavern Best Gatortail, Wings & Burgers in town! Pool Tables | Dart Lanes 8 TVs to watch all your favorite games! Live Music! Sun. (3-6) - Weds. & Sat. (5-8) - Rain or Shine fast!!! t k a e r B rving thru Sa

Now Se10:30am - Mon oon

to to N 6:30am days 6:30am st done the Sun reakfa b y r t d n an â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way! Come i Turkey aily!

as D Mimos Bar Weekends Mary e Fixins) Bloody th ll 7-12 (A

Outdoor Dining Area!

Sunday - December 8th Stover Cup Dart Tournament & Auction

Serving Highlands County for over 39 years

2751 US 27 South - Avon Park, FL 33825

www.WildTurkeyTavern.com

When life happens during the holidays

We’re Here

7 Days a Week | 365 Days a Year Prompt Care provides walk-in health care to diagnose and treat minor illnesses and non-emergencies. We are here for you when you need a board-certified health care provider fast and after regular office hours.

Walk-In or Schedule Your Appointment 863-382-9600

Thanksgiving 9 am - Noon Christmas Eve 7 am - 5 pm Christmas Day 9 am - Noon New Year’s Eve 7 am - 5 pm New Year’s Day 9 am - Noon

4421 Sun ’N Lake Blvd., Suite B, Sebring AHMGHeartland.com Most insurance accepted. Authorization may be required.

Prompt Care at Sun ’N Lake

A hospital department of AdventHealth Sebring

United

Win

By Jessica Pleger Photography by Monica Stark

Since 1944 the communities of Greater Lakeland have been enriched by the efforts of the United Way. Incorporating Bartow and Winter Haven in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50 and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s, they officially became the United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) in 1980 and now covers the entire Heartland with the addition of Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. With a Mission to improve lives and strengthen our community, UWCF has made a mark on the communities in so many ways, some you may not even recognize. The focus is to create a financially stable family, help children succeed in school and improve the overall health of the members of the family. The 2-1-1 is one of the longest standing and comprehensive source of human and social services in the community. This program is available 24/7 with a team of highly trained staff to assist you with services and information for emergency information, financial assistance, clothing, shelter, addition prevention and the list goes on and on. This service is free, bilingual and there will always be a compassionate ear on the other end of the line to lend a helping hand. Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

UWCF is volunteer based and always encouraging others to Get Involved. There are many ways to do so but they have coined three ways: Give-Advocate-Volunteer. Giving is a great way to support the needs of your local community even when you don’t see a need present with some of their great initiatives through Shop for a Cause, you can donate to any of them. The Early Childhood Education gives children a fighting chance to succeed in school by assisting in reading programs in schools. Academic Achievement focuses on increasing the graduation rates for high school students in the area. Financial Stability and Health both intend to eliminate the stress in financial burdens as well as improve the overall health of the family. UWCF’s newest initiative is the End Hunger campaign in conjunction with Feeding Tampa Bay that kicked off recently in Mulberry, which was deemed a ‘food desert’. The numbers are staggering. Over 100,000 people in our tri-county area do not know where their next meal is coming from. That averages 15% of our population who are unsure how they will feed their families 3 meals a day. This campaign sets up bi-monthly mobile food pantry drops that feeds 200 to 400 families a variety of frozen meats, fresh produce and dry goods for a week to supplement nutritional needs between paychecks.

This model allows them to bring a refrigerated truck to distribute fresh and healthy foods, for a period of four hours where people can come and get two boxes of food to sustain them for two weeks before the next food drop. In some areas the needs are very visible but through referrals and known poverty areas, the needs are being met more and continue to be a beacon for the hungry. Mulberry is no longer known as a ‘food desert’ and they intend to make sure the other 17 cities on the list are rectified as well. This is an initiative that will be growing over the next year so get involved and see how you can help feed the needy in your town.

Feed Your Cells to Fuel Your Life USANA develops health supplement products that are of the highest quality available.

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Customized Wellness - Amanda Lucero 863-471-0995 Gibbs Chiropractics - Drs. Jenna & Keith Gibbs 863-273-8747 Amy De La Fuente ARNP 863-304-8038 Intuitive Massage and Wellness 863-402-2208

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Another major project that was completed this year is the partnership with Crystal Lake Elementary School to expand their education opportunities through the community partnership school program. This will include year-round tutoring, mentoring, parent education, and educational opportunities for students to help avoid the summer slide back. “No one can do their best in school or at work when they are hungry, sick or in pain,” said Christina Criser, CEO of United Way of Central Florida. “The holistic services at the Crystal Lake Community Partnership School addresses needs for students, families, and the community at large.” Crystal Lake provides comprehensive support services addressing medical and dental care, behavioral health and hunger.

10800 N.E. 128th Ave. 863-357-0824 Okeechobee FL, 34972 Fax: 863-357-0772 www.wm.com www.thinkgreen.com

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

HANCHEY’S CARPETS Mobile

Serving the entire Heartland Area Since 1968

Carpet Plank Wood

We install what we sell...

We come to you!

Jimmy Hanchey

Vinyl

863-781-4027

It is critical that in the early years of life, pathways are set to prepare us for a future independent of public assistance. In Polk County alone, 27 percent of children live in a home where public assistance is needed. Success By 6 is dedicated to creating a community where all children, by the age of 6, have the mental, physical, social, and emotional foundation needed to grow into healthy, productive members of the community.

Drink Specials! Happy Hour all day 2 for 1 House Wine - Draft Beer and Specially Cocktails

Founded in 1995 by Carol Jenkins Barnett of Publix Super Markets Charities and spearheaded by United Way of Central Florida, SB6 brings together community resources to make early childhood development a top priority. There are programs throughout the state to assist the parent or guardian to ensure our children are given the best opportunities for a bright future as well as alleviate some of the everyday stress life throws our way.

Full Liquor Bar!

Oyster Raw Bar!

Dine In – Carry Out – Delivery

110 Sebring Square 863.386.1924 Sebring, Florida Hours: Sun. - Thur. 11 am to 9 pm Fri. - Sat. 11 am to 10 pm

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

There are many ways to Get Involved and volunteering is a great way to give back and make an impact. One neat program offered is ReadingPals. In 2012 this initiative was kicked off in conjunction with local school districts, Early Learning Coalitions, Children's Services Councils and The Children's Movement of Florida and now reaches 17 Florida communities. For just an hour a week, you can share your time with struggling kindergartners to ensure they are reading on grade level. I personally think this would be very rewarding to see the direct influence you have had in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Also offered is Volunteer Tax Assistance which offers the opportunity to be trained to assist in tax preparation services for individuals. Greeter, preparers and Spanish translators are needed and they will train you for your desired position. Throughout the year there are a multitude of volunteer opportunities and their website calendar is up to date with any volunteer opportunities. In an effort to advocate for our communities, United Way of Florida proposed a 2019 Florida United Way Consensus Legislative Agenda. This is the 8th year Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Ways have come together to have their voice heard for legislative. The hope is to urge Florida Legislators to minimize any budget cuts; to maximize federal revenues; to support the local government and communities in determining the best use of resources and how to prevent misfortunes in the future. Â&#x201E;

Highlands County Oldest & Largest Health Food Store

Our Passion is Your Health!

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Now Offering Several Kinds of CBD

315 US 27 N. Sebring, FL 33870

863-385-8995

Now Accepting EBT Open: Mon - Fri 9-6 & Saturday 9-5

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

When a natural disaster strikes, or you have found yourself in a domestic situation or any immediate crisis, the UWCF mission is to assist and bring immediate stability to those in need. There are so many great initiatives, opportunities and ways that United Way of Central Florida is making a difference to better our community that I have only covered a small portion. I was overwhelmed by the programs available to our youth, adults, families and seniors, literally something for any stage of life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the feeling of knowing you are not alone and there is always someone lending a hand to those in needs very near in your hometown. Let us continue to support each other and strive to make our community a better place. Get Involved. For opportunities to serve in your community, visit their website www.uwcf.org.

Grace & Heart

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Excellence in Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Care Promoting Health, Happiness and Harmony for Every Stage of your life

Call today to schedule an appointment

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Southwood Garage Doors & Screens

Skeet’r Beat’r Motorized Screen Doors •Garage Doors •Motorized Screens •Hurricane Shutters •Awnings

863-382-2505 Toll Free call:

888-306-8509 Southwood has been selling, installing and servicing Skeet’r Beat’r Screens in Highlands & Polk County for over 25 Years.

Nautilus Hurricane Shutters

Now Serving Highlands, Polk and Lee Counties

Visit our showroom at

3922 Kenilworth Blvd. Sebring, Florida

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES ON ANY JOB Heartland LIVING

GarageDoorsandScreens.com

December 2019 January 2020

Less Joint Pain & Faster Recovery How an orthopedic surgeon can help: Meet Joaquin Oronoz, MD For over 20 years, Joaquin Oronoz, MD, board certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, has treated damaged joints with joint Joaquin Oronoz, MD arthroscopy, injections, and other Orthopedic Surgeon minimally-invasive or noninvasive techniques and treatments. Dr. Oronoz treats patients of all ages, giving them the opportunity for joint care at an early age, thereby reducing the risk of permanent damage and the need for a joint replacement later in life.

Joint Treatment

Joint preservation is the goal, with treatments including arthroscopic meniscus repairs, ligament repairs or reconstructions, tendon repairs, and cartilage-preserving procedures. Dr. Oronoz also performs all-inside arthroscopic techniques of the knees and shoulders. This includes treatment of nearly all shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff and labral tears, and other treatments that could potentially help a patient avoid joint replacement in the future.

If joint replacement is needed for the shoulder, Dr. Oronoz offers partial replacement, traditional total replacement and reverse total replacement. He also treats fractures, hand and wrist disorders (including carpal tunnel syndrome using surgery), and foot and ankle problems.

Joint Replacement If joint replacement is necessary, Dr. Oronoz uses the latest technology and implants that are proven to last long and function well. He offers Mako robotic arm-assisted surgery, when appropriate, for the best possible results. In addition, he uses the minimally-invasive direct superior approach to hip replacement — offering surgery with less pain, smaller incision and a faster recovery. Live Your Active Life Schedule an appointment with AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics at Sun ’N Lake at 863-402-3480. For more information, visit AdventHealthSebring.com/Ortho.

Treating Youth Sports Injuries

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Fractures and chronic or overuse injuries are common among young athletes. In fact, overuse injuries are responsible for nearly half of all sports injuries to middle and high school students. As a specialist in youth and adult sports medicine — and as a team physician in professional sports for 10 years — Dr. Oronoz has a unique perspective to treat injuries to get your young athlete back to their previous level of function and performance. His expertise means you don’t need to go out of town for specialized care.

Join Us for a Free Seminar Want to learn more about joint pain? When you attend our free informational presentation you’ll

Get Up & Running Again After your surgery or other injury, our rehabilitation specialists at AdventHealth

Joaquin Oronoz, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

learn about topics — like arthritis, joint pain treatment options and joint replacement — firsthand from Oliver

Oliver Marasigan, BSN, RN Orthopedic Navigator

Sports Med & Rehab will quickly get you back

Marasigan, BSN, RN, AdventHealth

to living your life. Your body holds amazing

Sebring’s orthopedic navigator, or

potential. When you’re performing at your

Dr. Oronoz, orthopedic surgeon.

peak, that potential can seem limitless. But, when you’re sidelined by surgery or injury, it can seem impossible to reach. Your team at AdventHealth Sebring is here to help you heal

To learn more, call 863-734-6299 and ask about our joint pain presentations or visit AdventHealthSebring.com/Ortho.

and strengthen your body, whether you need sports injury treatments, physical therapy or support for a chronic condition like osteoarthritis. At our AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab centers in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula, certified physical and occupational therapists help you to overcome a wide range of physical and neurological issues. For more information, call 863-471-2122 or visit AdventHealthSebring.com/Rehab. Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN... But The REAL DAMAGE May Not Be This Obvious

Your Partners In Personal Injury Dr. Keith Gibbs / Dr. Jenna Gibbs

We’re Here To Help YOUR INJURED Patients, Clients, Family & Friends...

STOP SUFFERING

Get Relief Today! Auto Inuries / Trama Care Neck & Back Pain Radiating Pain Disc Bulge / Herniations Spinal Decompression Soft Tissue Injuries

Trigger Points Arthritis / Joint Pain Chronic Pain Syndromes Whiplash Headaches Sciatica Dr. Keith Gibbs / Dr. Jenna Gibbs

New Practice Location

3210 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33870 Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Car Accident? CALL TODAY

863-273-8747

www.GibbsChiroCare.com

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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& Business Journal

Community Guide

2019

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Please make check payable to General Conference of SDA For: Phuket, Thailand, Mission Hospital Expansion, SSD Attention: Stanley Paniah 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, Maryland 20904 Phone: 301.680.6226

Flyers | Post Cards Magazines | Catalogs Brochures | Publications

Eighteen East

... a restaurant and bar!

Best Steaks Around American (Traditional) Sandwiches Steaks - Seafood Full Top Shelf Liquor Beer and Wine Entertainment “Call for Live Music”

We’re Just a BIG Time in a Small Town!

863.453.1818 Open Tuesday - Saturday 4 pm - 9 pm

18 East Main Street Avon Park, FL Facebook/ Eighteen East … a restaurant and bar

Sales Service Installation Dryer Vent Cleaning Passionate About Customer Satisfaction

863-699-5455

www.MillersCentralAir.com LIC. NO. CAC058675

24 Hour Emergency Service *The Wells Fargo Home Projects® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 8/1/2019 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/31/2019.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Nurtured by ATURE

By Rebecca Maglischo Photography by Emily Plank A leaf pushed its way through the soil. Just a single leaf, it was a beautiful shade of green. I yelled for my oldest son to come quick. He threw himself around my leg, his 4-year-old eyes wide with amazement.

“I can’t believe it!”

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

You can't imagine my own excitement when I found this leaf working its way to freedom just outside my back door. I am as tied to this plant as I am to every being that has nudged me gently on my Life Journey. This baby plant has a deep and rich legacy in our family that connects us to the root of everything we were getting wrong and the story of how we started to get it right.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

N 68

ature is a powerful teacher. Children and adults both benefit from stepping outside and bathing in the natural sensory experience. Important to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development in every major way, the woods is a living classroom to expand the learner intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. Adults, too. But adult eyes have a harder time seeing, literally and figuratively. Living in a time when comfort is the norm, food is abundant, and distractions abound, it can be easy to lose perspective. When stepping outside of the usual creature comforts, rain, heat, cold, bugs, thorns, and so much more reign supreme. Nature is both beautiful and harsh. All of this input brings a new awareness, an appreciation. Movements become more careful and the clues of the world magically unfold. The woods are a blank canvas for meaningful adventures! Â&#x201E;

y youngest son was born in January 2017, a mere 3 days after my oldest t u r n e d t wo . Life was bumpy. Our business was undergoing change, and the resulting financial hardship. But we also hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite caught our balance from the first baby. My husband was ready for a career change. I was determined to keep the business going. He pulled inward. I lashed outward. We were in a blackhole. Days and weeks tumbled by as we stumbled for our footing. We were in the same house but in distinctly different worlds. Four months after my second child was born, my husband left for new employment that took him away from us for 16 weeks. While it was necessary and wonderful employment, I was at a complete loss with a 2-year-old and a newborn. I had no deep connections with other parents of small children and I didn't know how to possibly meet the vastly different needs of my kids all alone. So, I escaped. I went to the only place I could think to go at the time, a little nook in the woods where I used to stop and rest on trail runs. The walls of my house were closing on me and I couldn't keep up with the cleaning and laundry. I packed my kids on my back and hiked them across the tree line. I had snacks and water and a blanket and the racing mind of a mom likely on the edge of Postpartum Depression. For two hours, my oldest explored and played while the baby nursed and napped. My failings at home disappeared and my mind finally arrived at the present place and time. When was the last time I had looked my husband in the eye, stopped what I was doing to be amazed with my 2-year-old, or stared lovingly at my baby while he nursed? Wrapped inside the trees, I felt I could appreciate motherhood rather than question what I had done to my life.

t the center of all ecosystems is communication. We think of this in terms of talking, but it also involves intonation, body language, eye contact and more. In nature, the communication within and between species is a matter of survival. Understanding the language of the birds, the movement of the animals, and the growth of the plants lays a foundation for appreciating the intricacies and depth of real communication. Out in the woods, every action sets forth a cascade of change. The birds become silent, the lizards take cover, even the plants absorb the footsteps. Nature provides the perfect opportunity for feedback. In my own family, communication was superficial at best. The environment was out of balance. Â&#x201E;

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Thank You for your Support! Start your 2020 with Beautiful Skin!

Happy Holidays

from Tania, Manny and Gabby

Tania Bobe

863-832-0761

www.worldwidebeautybiz.myrandf.com

ach person has the power to send positive ripples into the world. Maintaining your own personal thread of humanity is integral to the beautiful tension that is the Human Experience. Young people can feel unimportant, as if they have little impact on the world around them. Adults can feel that, too. Through exploration of the natural world, the innate human desire to push new limits is met with knowledge about how the world works. As young people develop skills and take reasonable risks, they gain confidence in their ability to tackle problems and devise valid solutions. The constant search for understanding leaves a person open and flexible in thought as he seeks to acquire the knowledge he desires. Suddenly, each day is full of new wonder and excitement. The layers are constantly peeled away and more questions surface. Interactions with nature allow children important learning opportunities and a sense of the greater picture of belonging. They become part of the world at large, rather than separate and afraid of it. Acquiring skills to traverse these great mysteries of the forest deepens the innate primal connection of every human and builds the confidence to explore, appreciate, and excel. Faith in personal ability and ownership of outcome are the bedrock of responsibility.

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

(L-R): Brix, Colt, Rebecca & Mark Maglischo

was trying so hard to do everything right, but I was missing the mark. I was just a normal mom bogged down in the normal mom stuff. My family was falling into the trap. We were distracted and disappointed. The solution was so close; it was just on the other side of the tree line. I gave up committees and chaos and started hiking regularly packing a kid on my back. There was an adjustment period and some lingering uncertainty, but a definite change was happening in our home. Nature was the solution. On one occasion, we found some wild orchids just sitting there like a gift for us... perhaps a way for us to take a reminder of this peace home with us? I like to think so. Today, that mother orchid blooms regularly. I feel like I have bloomed as a mother, too. My life isn't fancy. It's quite simple. These orchids, too, seem simple compared to the vibrant monstrosities at the store. But I like this simplicity. I've found peace here.

Deep Roots Nature School

The woods is a blank canvas for meaningful adventures! Children and adults both benefit from stepping outside and bathing in the natural sensory experience using the 6 Principles of Nature Education.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Feed Your Cells to Fuel Your Life USANA develops health supplement products that are of the highest quality available. When the trillions of cells that make up your body receive the fuel they need to thrive, you do, too.

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647 S. COMMERCE AVE. DOWNTOWN SEBRING

DECEMBER

Happy New Year!

Celebrate Santa coming to town at the Christmas Parade in Downtown Sebring from

DECEMBER 13TH

Winner of the Biotechnology award for #1Health Supplement Manufacturer in the WORLD for 2018 and 2019

JANUARY

DECEMBER 6TH 7:00-9:00PM!

Customized Wellness - Amanda Lucero 863-471-0995 Gibbs Chiropractics - Drs. Jenna & Keith Gibbs 863-273-8747 Amy De La Fuente ARNP 863-304-8038 Intuitive Massage and Wellness 863-402-2208

JANUARY 10TH

Cinema on the Circle will start at 8:00PM to

Cinema on the Circle - a special showing of a

bring a fun family friendly start to the new

Christmas movie at 8:00PM!

year in Downtown Sebring!

DECEMBER 20TH Celebrate the Chrismtas spirit with Harry

JANUARY 17TH

Havery on the Downtown Sebring Circle for

Get your new year started off right with a

Downtown Sounds from 6:00-9:00PM!

Downtown Sounds performance from the High

DECEMBER 28TH C r u n c h N ' B r u n c h f r o m 1 0 : 0 0 - 1 1 : 0 0 A M t o w o rk off all of the holiday treats!

Merry ! Christmas

Five Band from 6:00-9:00PM!

JANUARY 25TH Join the fitness fever of the new year relaxed with a yoga class on the Downtown Sebring Circle for Crunch N' Brunch from 10:0011:00AM! @downtowncra - 863.471.5104 - cramarketing@mysebring.com

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

863-453-3333

1092 Locke Street Avon Park, FL 33825

Wishing your Family a safe Holiday Season! Tires - Wheels - Alignments Truck Accessories Tool Boxes - Fuel Tanks

YETI

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

COOLERS

www.layestire.com Come See Us For Your Tire Needs!

19 Years of Good Business!

863-314-9099 Merry Christmas! First Class Fashion, Formal & Sportswear for Women & Men! Sizes from 0-4x! Consignment byHome Appointment Also featuring Decor and & Occasional Furniture Formal Bridal Wear Available Voted Best of Highlands 2018

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659 S. Commerce Avenue Downtown Sebring kathydoherty6593180@gmail.com

We are a one stop shop for all your lighting and home improvement needs.

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283 US 27 NORTH VILLAGE FOUNTAIN PLAZA SEBRING, FL 33870

Morgan’s Furniture “Your Comfort Is Our Business”

Secret Gardens

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707 S.W. Park Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972

8222 W. JOSEPHINE ROAD SEBRING FL 33875

863-414-4618 WWW.SECRETGARDENSWINERY.COM

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Celebrating The

New Year People around the world have been celebrating the start of each New Year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31, the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the New Year and watching fireworks displays. The streets are crowded with youth and elderly people dressed fashionably to welcome the New Year with great joy.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Food

In the South, served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens), the black-eyed peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens. Cornbread, often served with blackeyed peas and greens, represents gold. Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health. The catch to all of these superstitious traditions is that the black-eyed peas are the essential element and eating only the greens without the peas, for example, will not do the trick.

In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, celebrators mark the New Year by eating a dozen grapes at midnight. The fruits are said to be a predictor of the year ahead: Each sweet grape represents a good month, each sour grape a less-than-lucky one.

Ball Drop

One of the most prominent celebrations in the country is the "ball drop" held in New York City's Times Square. Inspired by the time balls that were formally used as a time signal, at 11:59 p.m. ET, an 11,875-pound 12-foot diameter Waterford crystal ball located on the roof of One Times Square is lowered down a pole that is 70 feet high, reaching the roof of the building 60 seconds later to signal the start of the New Year. The Ball Drop has been held since 1907, and in recent years has averaged around a million spectators annually. The popularity of the spectacle also inspired similar "drop" events outside of New York City, which often use objects that represent a region's culture, geography, or history—such as Atlanta's "Peach Drop,” representing Georgia's identity as the "Peach State",Nashville's "Music Note Drop" or here in Florida at the Panama City Beach "Beach Ball Drop". Pier Park New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Panama City Beach, FL

Auld Lang Syne

The traditional song for ringing in the New Year in almost every English speaking country in the world is Auld Lang Syne. This New Year Song is generally credited to Robert Burns, but earlier versions of this ballad precede his time. Burns combined a common Scottish folk song with his own lyrics to arrive at the version commonly sung on New Year's Eve. What is the meaning of this New Year's Eve Song? Auld Lang Syne is about old friends who have parted and meet again. To celebrate their long friendship, they share a drink together and reminisce of memories from long ago. The basic message is that we should not forget our old friends and should celebrate a reunion with them. When the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, gather everyone together at your party or celebration to sing the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Song and remember the good memories of family and friends from long ago. Â&#x201E;

Champagne

New Year's Eve conjures images of champagne corks popping and bubbly flowing as party goers sing Auld Lang Syne while the clock strikes midnight to ring new hope for all. Popping the cork and toasting with sparkling, fizzy champagne is a tradition in many households around the world.

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Resolutions The practice of making resolutions for the New Year is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. They would reportedly vow to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.

Kiss At the stroke of midnight all the Americans shares kisses and express their New Year greetings. This European tradition came in existence from traditionally held masked balls on New Year’s Eve for hundreds of years. In these traditions, the mask symbolizes evil spirits from the old year and the kiss (after removing the mask) is an act of purification. That sounds like our kind of cleanse. And today there are still those who draw on the superstitious to put unfounded, yet weighty meaning on the New Year’s Eve kiss. In our estimation, the midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve, seems to have become an expression of well wishes for the New Year or just a fun thing to do with your partner or the random person who is lucky enough to be standing next to you when the ball hits bottom.

From all of us here at Heartland LIVING We wish you a joyous and prosperous

New Year!

OKEECHOBEE TO CELEBRATE THE 500 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CATTLE ARRIVAL TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Cattle Drive Sculpture Project Presented by Okeechobee Main Street’s Arts & Culture Alliance

Visit our website for more info: www.okeechobeemainstreet.org

Arts Alliance Tab - Cattle Drive Sculpture

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020 Image from Brownwood Villages that the project will be based on. Artist/Sculptor: J. Michael Wilson

Thanks to Heartland Living for your Media Support Okeechobee

MAIN STREET Old Values • New Visions

ComingTogether Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. is a 501(C) 3 not for profit organization

Happy�Holidays�from�Our�Family�to�Yours! 1775 US Hwy 27 S Sebring, FL 33870

“Not Just a Brand ... A Way of Life”

ALL THE COMFORTS OF A MODERN HOME Fully Remodeled Hotel! Come see our new look and enjoy your stay in comfort and style!

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Extended Stay Available

Suites with Lake Views | Complimentary Buffet Breakfast High Speed Wireless Internet Centrally Located to All Major Arteries | Pet Friendly

www.TruByHilton.Com/Sebring

Great lakefront location - Comfortable Rooms Complimentary "Top It" Breakfast Bar - Free WiFi “Eat & Sip" Market, Game Center, Modern Fitness Center

Versatile Indoor-Outdoor Event Space

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3221 Tubbs Rd. & US 27 South | Sebring, Florida 33870 Proudly operated by ZMC Hotels, under license from Marriott International

Bright and Airy Indoor Space Canopy-Covered Lakeside Deck Shaded Courtyard

863-546-0026

www.PavilionLLJ.com

1775 US Hwy 27 S Sebring, FL 33870

Proudly operated by ZMC Hotels, under license from Hilton Worldwide

Budget Bi-Rite Insurance, Inc. Super Low Rates! - We Find Insurance That Meets Every Budget! Mobile Home and Home Owners Auto Insurance

Now Selling Garage Liability - General Liability RV - Motorcycle - ATV Homeowners & Commercial

Call or come by for a Free Estimate for your insurance coverage needs. Ashley Bishop, Agent

Licensed by the State of Florida Open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Open Saturday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

863-453-3903 Serving all of Florida

www.budgetbirite.com Se Habla Espańol

In Highlands County since 1982 1500 US Highway 27 South - Avon Park

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Lightsey Family Ranch Established Hunting Ranch in Lake Pacid

Specializing in white tail deer, wild boar, and alligator hunting year around. We also offer Florida quail hunts!

2,000 acres of native Florida Bays, Pines Palmettos, and Oaks! South Florida at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest!

Weddings - Corporate Retreat - Events

We offer packages which include the use of our newly built Lodge, the tranquility of our Ranch. We have a newly built 70 x 70 wedding barn!

863-634-3262

December 2019 January 2020

545 New Boot Heel Road - Venus, FL 33960 www. Floridahuntingoutfitter.com Lightsey Family Ranch

Join us for a 3 1/2 hour exciting & informative agriculture tour!

See our ﬁeld and milling operations, Lake Okeechobee and our citrus operations.

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Sample our fresh Florida OJ and our sweetest crop!

237 US Highway 27 N, Sebring

Book your tour today!

863-314-9790

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Veteran Family Owned and Operated

n s-Su

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109 Central Avenue Clewiston, FL 33440 (863) 983-7979

1 st

P L A C E

Mark Palmer Electric & Air Conditioning/Heating

Residential Commercial Service What We Sell

Same Day Service All Brands FREE ESTIMATE - 24 HOUR SERVICE

Sales Service A/C Electric Refrigeration George A. Hall Devon P. Donaldson GeoDev Pizza, Inc.

863-386-1177 5% OFF For Veterans Family Owned & Operated since 1965! People’s Choice Award Recipient.

935 Sebring Square - Sebring, FL

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Sebring 863-402-0000 Avon Park 863-453-4444 Hardee 863-773-4447

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

n a i e P g e d a i r r t Tree r a P

TWELVE DAYS OF

Christmas

Art Design by Bridgette Waldau

"ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME...A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE."

Turtle Doves

It resurfaces every holiday season, along with gingerbread cookies and mistletoe The classic carol, the "12 Days of Christmas” is a Yuletide tradition every bit as reliable and beloved as trimming the Christmas tree. Who can’t recall at least a few of the strange and downright silly-sounding gifts mentioned in the lyrics, which range from a partridge in a pear tree all the way up to 12 drummers drumming? After all, the Christmas song is not only a standard of carolers from coast to coast, but it’s the type of catchy little tune that stubbornly lodges itself in your head too, playing on repeat as you prepare for Christmas. But what is the meaning of the "12 Days of Christmas"? Or the origins of this somewhat odd, if extremely catchy, Christmas song? The lyrics have an old-fashioned sound to them, with all the maids a-milking and lords a-leaping, indicating they were probably written long ago.

3French Hens

4Calling Birds WHAT ARE THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? There actually is a 12 days of Christmas in Western Christianity, but it begins on Christmas Day, not before, and ends on January 6, which is known as Three Kings Day, or the Epiphany. It’s the day the Three Wise Men arrived to honor Jesus, and is traditionally celebrated with a feast, sometimes called a Twelfth Night party.

Golden Rings

6 Geese A-Laying

WHEN WAS THE "12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" WRITTEN? There’s a reason the lyrics sound a bit dated—it's because they are. The earliest known written version of the "12 Days of Christmas,” which was printed without accompanying music, goes back to 1780 and the English children’s book, Mirth With-out Mischief. However, many scholars believe the poem was French in origin and started out as a game to test memory that revelers played at Twelfth Night parties. If you forgot the words, you’d have to give your opponent a kiss or grant them a favor.

Swans A-Swimming

8Maids A-Milking 92

This cumulative verse poem—defined as a poem “where each patterned verse contributes to a longer narrative”—shifted and changed over the centuries. The "12 Days of Christmas” at one time contained lines referring to “bears a-baiting,” “badgers baiting,” “ships a-sailing,” and “very pretty peacock upon a pear tree.” One version listed “four colly birds.” In Old English, colly meant “black as coal,” so the gift was four blackbirds. It wasn’t until 1909, when English composer Frederic Austin added music to the poem, turned “colly” into “calling” and emphasized “five golden rings” that the carol as we know it was born.

Ladies Dancing

10 Lordes A-Leaping 11

IS THERE A SECRET CODE IN THE "12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS" LYRICS? Sometime in the 1990s, a rumor spread that the "12 Days of Christmasâ&#x20AC;? contained a secret code hidden within the lyrics. According to this theory (which could explain the peculiar gifts listed in the song), after the Reformation in England, persecuted Catholics taught their children the catechism using the poemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagery as symbols relevant to their faith. The partridge in a pear tree is said to represent Jesus; the two turtle doves are supposedly The Old and New Testaments; the three French hens are purportedly Faith, Hope, and Charity, the theological virtues, and so on. Rumors spread that it was a coded guide for Catholics who had to study their faith in secret in 16th-century England when Catholicism was against the law. According to the Christian Resource Institute, the legend is that "The 'true love' mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The 'me' who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the 'days' represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn." There is pretty much no historical evidence pointing to the song's secret history, although the arguments for the legend are compelling. In all likelihood, the song's "code" was invented retroactively. Hidden meaning or not, one thing is definitely certain: You have "The Twelve Days of Christmas" stuck in your head right now.

Pipers Piping

12 Drummers Drumming 93

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Home of the ArteVino Art Classes Step-by-step painting classes held in a relaxed and fun setting. Perfect place to get together & enjoy time painting with friends while sipping your favorite beverage. Okeechobee’s Original Paint & Sip Classes

All classes taught by Fine Art & Graphic Designer Bridgette Waldau. New sessions posted on Facebook 863-467-7300 www.facebook.com/BridgetteStudio 111 NE 2nd Street - Suite A www.bridgette-art.com

RESEARCH CONSERVATION EDUCATION “We can help the world understand that we are a portal to the future, as well as a mirror on the past.” – Hilary Swain, Executive Director Archbold Biological Station

«VENUS« Like No Other Place On Earth www.archbold-station.org www.buckislandranch.org

863-314-6545

Full Service Salon& Spa Hair | Nails Skin care | Hair Removal and More! Gift Certificates Available 7417 US Hwy 27 North Sebring, FL 33870 Now hiring motivated professionals!

Chair rental and private suites available. Follow us on Facebook

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

“Mini Trek” By Grace Hirdes Photos Courtesy Florida Wildlife Corridor

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition started its latest trek on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring. A trio of conservationists traveled across the wildlife corridor connecting Highlands and Polk counties for seven days and ended their traverse at Bok Tower in Lake Wales on Saturday, October 26.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

Wildlife Corridor Executive director, Jason Lauritsen, says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expedition crossed 15 separate property ownerships from private ranches, orange groves, private conservation land, a conservation bank, state and county parks, military land, state forests and wildlife environmental areas, and threaded a residential neighborhood. Though the expedition team covered more than 60 miles on horseback, foot and paddleboard, their winding path represented less than 20% of the nearly 116 mile North to South extent of the Lake Wales Ridge. The team crossed over 11 roads, 10 of them paved. US 27 was the principal dividing feature severing the Everglades Headwaters to the east from extensive ranchlands to the west of the ridge. No proper wildlife crossing exists along this Lake Wales Ridge stretch; though the FDOT has proposed one. It was at this proposed location the trekkers crossed.â&#x20AC;?

Jason Lauritsen, Executive Director

(L-R) Carlton Ward, Jr., Conservation Photographer; Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, Conservationist; Dale & Lori Grubb (host and landowners for the beginning of the Expedition) and Joe Guthrie, Wildlife Biologist

Who they are:

The members of this trio are all experts in their field such as, Mallory Lykes Dimmit, a conservationist who has pursued her passion for the outdoors by receiving her bachelor of science in Natural Resources and was awarded a Doris Duke Conservation Fellowship at Duke University’s Nicholas School of Environment where she earned a Master of Environmental Management. Carlton Ward, Jr, was also an asset to the team as he brought his knowledge as a Conservation Photographer with his master’s degree in Ecology. As a Wildlife Biologist, Joe Guthrie also brought his knowledge concerning the role farms and ranches play in protecting biodiversity across the southeastern United States. His research has influenced the design and location of several wildlife underpasses on Florida highways in an effort to improve road safety and to facilitate large-animal movement and ecological connectivity.

What they are bringing awareness to: This trio chose the Lake Wales Ridge because of its high, sandy soil that has traditionally been perfect for growing citrus but now that citrus greening has taken over many of our Florida groves, the land has become ideal for housing developments. Expedition leader, Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, of Tampa was quoted saying that this area of the Ridge is at risk from sprawling development. “When you look at the overall Florida wildlife corridor, the majority of the protected area is back to the east,” she said. “And so, we are now highlighting the fragile edges, and the places that are at risk of changing over most quickly from natural areas or conservation land to developed areas. And the loss of habitat and wildlife that will follow.” Lauritsen, says, “this area needs to continue to be connected to other natural areas of the state before development closes off those routes. The ridge is home to two rare and distinct habitats, sandhills and ridge scrub, largely lost to land conversion supporting citrus and numerous communities that have settled into the ridge. Small pockets of these habitats remain tucked in here and there along the ridge, once an ancient archipelago.”

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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Set Your Sight on this premier Sporting Clays Facility and Hunting Perserve in South Florida! A great place for the entire family!

(863) 763-2529

Available for your • Sporting Clays Christmas Parties & Dinners • Private Events Happy Hour Fridays & Saturdays • Corporate Groups Quail Creek Plantation • Quail Hunts 12399 NE 224 Street • Pheasant Hunts Okeechobee, FL 34972 • Lodging Email: reservations@quailcreekplantation.com

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Why it matters: A corridor is a vital part of wildlife migration. They need this natural area of land and water to travel and access different habitats. Connecting these natural wild areas will not only help to ensure the long-term survival of many of the native species but also help keep our waters healthy. If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t step up to protect this portion of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, it is at risk of being taken over by roads and housing developments. If the Corridor is broken up, we restrict the wildlife from their ability to travel, which in turn restricts breeding opportunities and ultimately harms plant and animal communities. This could also be harmful to Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshwater resources.

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This is our opportunity to protect these corridors by keeping them connected. When we protect our wildlife corridors, we are also protecting our water, farms and ranches, and forest. All of these elements are vital to our daily provision. That’s why this trio of conservationist made this trip.

Don and Maria Maddox Owners

863-385-8289

4441 US Hwy 27 South - Sebring, FL 33870

Orchid Society of Highlands County

presents the 14th annual AOS Judged

Orchid Show & Sale 2020

t” ar e H e h t hids from

“Orc

Saturday & Sunday Feb 15th & Feb 16th, 2020 10 am to 4 pm

Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Ctr. 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, Florida

ORCHID SOCIETY

www.orchidsocietyhighlands.org Facebook: Highlands County Orchid Society

CO UN

TY , FL

For more information:

Lauritsen, says, “Our hope is to draw attention to the rare plants and animals that live on the ridge and whose survival depends on our making room for them as we grow. This is a fascinating region of the state, one that has long endured, but that finds itself with little margin of error for survival. Several rare plant species, such as the Avon Park Harebells and Florida ziziphus and animals such as the Florida Scrub Jay and sand skink are the subjects of extensive study and conservation efforts from local scientists and land managers whose substantial efforts illuminate a path forward for these species, and provide a template for many others.”

Donation $4

Under 12 Free Cash & Card Accepted

This is an amazing biodiversity spot and it is worth protecting.

We have all your bakeware, cookware and gift needs. Don’t forget decorating and candy-making supplies, too! Located in beautiful, downtown historic Lake Wales 257 E. Stuart Avenue 9:30-5:30 Mon.- Sat. 863-679-1146

Sebring NP Services 931 MALL RING ROAD SEBRING, FL 33870

General Practice Urgent Care Botox/Fillers/Peels Weight Loss/Nutrition 863-304-3038 FRI MON- pm 5 m a 8

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Most Insurance Accepted. Authorization May Be Required

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How to help:

You can help the Florida Wildlife Corridor by partnering with them to accomplish the shared goal of permanently connecting, protecting, and restoring the Corridor. You can give financially online at floridawildlifecorridor.org and your donation will go directly to the public awareness campaign. This campaign was designed to help develop engaging outreach and educational programming for youth and adults, deliver key messages to citizens and officials to increase conservation funding, and aggressively pursue conservation and restoration in priority locations within the Corridor.

Hearing Services Designed f� Your Individual Care

“ Your Ear Care Connection”

Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center is the oldest established hearing aid office in Highlands County. Established 1968 - Voted #1 Hearing Aid Office

Computerized Hearing Aids Hearing Accessories Repairs on all Makes & Models FREE Cleaning Services Rehabilitation Services - Earwax Removal Counseling - Seminars Specializing in hard to fit hearing loss

863-385-3497

Over 50 Years in Business!

130 S. Commerce Avenue - Sebring www.lampekieferhearing.com

Kendra Allen B.A., HIS

Roseann Kiefer B.A.-BC-HIS

Barbara Landers Kesselring Patient Coordinator, LPN

Bonnie Kesselring Office Manager

Protecting the future of our land is important and Lauritsen shares that he thinks it’s in some pretty good hands with our current ranchers. “Another source of hope lay in the working lands and the remarkable community of ranchers, some whose Florida lineage stretches back 8 generations. These kind hardworking families opened their gates to us and shared their strong connection with the land and wildlife, along with their hope for a future Florida that included farms and ranches, open space and dark skies. Many of them have pursued, and some have secured conservation easements that provide needed financial assistance allowing them to continue to work the land and make a living as their predecessors did.” We hope that you will join our cause and help bring awareness to the protection of our Florida Wildlife.

If you are looking for more knowledge regarding these treks, check out Carlton Ward’s book about the 2012 trek, Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition: Everglades to Okefenokee, which won a silver medal in the 2014 Florida book awards.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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This is our opportunity to protect these corridors by keeping them connected. When we protect our wildlife corridors, we are also protecting our water, farms and ranches, and forest.

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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Carlos M. Urrelys rS Ho er vic President Cu me e s: Lig stom Aut h o Cl tin Th ma Mu imat g Co eate tion Su lti R e Co ntr rs HOME TECHNOLOG An rveil oom ntr ol ol Smart Homes â&#x20AC;˘ Simple IES yw lan Lives he ce Aud re io Ac ce E-Mail: Carlos@prestigeho ss metech.com 863.41

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FAX: 863.582.9995

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ife Imaging, Inc.

Around the Heartland you will notice an expanding presence of the McKibben Powersports brand with billboards, storefronts and word of mouth. Growing up in the powersports industry, Charles and Casey McKibben are continuing to create a family of businesses to meet the needs of the communities. “Our main focus hasn’t changed. Because we’ve been in the industry so long, racing in it and being consumers, it gives us a really close connection to our customer base and we just keep finding ways to strive to make the customer experience better and still create that small town, mom and pop feel at corporate level.”

The McKibben Family (L-R) Charles, M’Lynn, Kathy & Casey McKibben.

McKibben Powersport Honda is the LARGEST family operated Level Five Honda Powerhouse in the Southeast. ADVERTORIAL

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With the opening of the Winter Haven location in 2016, they have opened locations in Lake Wales and the newly acquired Lake Placid store. The Winter Haven location is exclusive to the Honda brand of powersports, lawn mowers, boat motors, etc. This location caters to the consumers where they need smaller scale equipment for their home and businesses such as push mowers and weed eaters. Lake Wales carries the most brands such as Polaris, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. Heartland and outside areas visit this location in the search of customized radical machines for the mud and water. They have developed relationships with local businesses that specialize in powder coating, tube bending, custom paint colors, tires, etc. to create one of a kind, personalized vehicles.

Store Hours Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday GONE RIDING

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McKibben's Got You Covered! ADVERTORIAL

Lake Placid is the newest location and is still finding its own but they are more tailored to the farming and ranching communities. This agriculture community spreads far and wide so this location is a great opportunity for the immediate area and surrounding counties. This location is unique in that it sells new products but also offers an excellent service department. The service department has the ability to work on machines older than 10 years as well as diagnose and fix more difficult mechanical issues. Mechanic experience is brand wide so there is no limit to their expertise. This means consumers can keep their old Honda or John Deere that is 15 years old running without having to buy something

new. A real added value for this location and community. Currently, Honda, Polaris, Yamaha are the new brands but once store expands and they get a feel for the need in the area, they will be expanding their brand and equipment options. Casey has been spending most of his time in this new location to ensure the level of training, turnover time, efficiency and customer service is the same as the other locations. “It’s all about hiring the right staff, providing them with the highest level of training in the industry, and passing all of that down to the customer through our products and service. You can have all of the best processes and procedures in the world, but if you don’t have the right staff to execute them, no one will ever know what the experience is supposed to be like. It begins and ends with a great staff, without our family of talented staff, we wouldn’t be able to provide the highest level of expertise and customer experience in the industry.” Says Casey It’s because of the high level of customer service, the state-of-the-art training and expertise they are the industry leader in the Heartland. With Integrity and Efficiency as their core values, you can’t go wrong with your next purchase at McKibben Powersports, they have something for everyone!

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By Layne Prescott Photography by Cynthia Paxton

BEEF TENDERLOIN

Ingredients:

Morning of: Make paste with butter and all seasonings. Rinse and pat dry beef tenderloin and place on plate.

Paste 6 tbsp. softened butter 5 tsp. coarse salt 1 Tbsp. dry mustard 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. coarse black pepper 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder

Spread paste and completely cover tenderloin. Place in refrigerator for 3, up to 8 hours. Thirty minutes before roasting, take out of refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.

3-3 Â˝ pound trimmed Beef Tenderloin

Preheat oven to 425-450 degrees. (Very important). Place tenderloin in aluminum lined roasting pan and place in hot oven. Roast 25-30 minutes. Use meat thermometer; when thickest part of tenderloin registers 135 degrees (medium-rare) remove from oven. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and allow to rest 20 minutes before carving. Â&#x201E;

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SOUTHERN GOOD LUCK SOUP

Ingredients:

4 large cans Collard, Turnip or Mustard Greens (canned works better) -Represents money... 4 cans Black-eyed peas -Represents coins... 1 onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1 pkg. small link sausage Conecuh), cut ½ inch 1 pkg. large link smoked sausage, cut ¼ inch 2 cups ham or pork belly, diced -Represents prosperity... 2 cans crisp corn 2 chicken bouillon cubes 4 cups potatoes, cut 1-inch cube Salt & Pepper to taste

Everything you need to bring you good luck for the coming year in one pot!

In large pot, sauté all meat (2 sausages and pork). Once meats are almost cooked, add onion and bell pepper and sauté. Add all remaining ingredients except potatoes. Stir to thoroughly combine and simmer 5 minutes. Add potatoes and press down into soup and continue to cook on low until potatoes are tender.

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CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE Ingredients:

3 sticks butter (1 ½ cups), softened 3 cups white sugar 5 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. instant espresso dissolved into ¼ cup Hot water 1 cup buttermilk 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt Preheat oven to 325 degrees and prepare tube pan. Mix together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Set aside. In mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and slowly incorporate. Add vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk and espresso until all together. Do not over mix. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan on wire rack 20 minutes before turning it out. NOTE: If using a decorative tube pan, it may not require all of batter. But, don’t waste, make miniature cake.

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Weight Loss Program

Good Life Weight Loss Weight Loss Program is a healthy natural and nutritional focused weight loss program. This program offers nonprocessed foods, no shakes or prepackaged food. One key focus of our program is the daily and weekly accountability.

We Can Help Change Your Life! Learn about this

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Call today for New Years Special

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

#1 Weight Loss Facility in Highlands County

13 Ryant Blvd. 118 Sebring, Florida, 33870

863-382-4445

Florida Fence Post Co., Inc. Serving Central Florida since 1946.

1-863-735-1361

1-800-580-1019

“Our Posts Meet The Federal Standards!” CCA .40 Ret.

Cash Discounts F.O.B. Ona, Florida

www.flfencepost.com 25 Year Limited Guarantee “Branded for Your Protection”

5251 State Road 64 West/ P.O. Box 645 Ona, Florida 33865

CHAMPION

FOR CHILDREN FOUNDATION OF HIGHLA ND S COUNTY, INC .

• www.championforchildren.org •

Hope America First Air Conditioning & Heating Residential & Commercial

THANK YOU to the Heartland for a successful season - 2019! Over 40 Years Experience!

863-453-4741

We Service All Brands “Change Out Specialist”

2153 State Road 64 West - Avon Park, FL

www.americafirstac.com

Drug Free Workplace

Licensed & Insured Lic. No. CAC058656

Se Habla Español

Providing Assistance and Hope to our Highlands County Families since 1994. Please consider supporting a local family in need. All donations are tax deductible. Make contributions payable to Champion for Children Foundation. 419 East Center Ave., Sebring, FL 33870 (863) 382-2905 • Nonprofit 501(c)3: Federal ID #65-0444941 • Charitable Organization Florida Registration Number CH6601

Heartland LIVING December 2019 January 2020

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HP Trailers HP Trailer is a company with 30 years of trailer manufacturing experience. Wauchula is our newest addition and will be our Southeast US distribution center. We are the manufacturer and sell at true dealer cost to the customer, direct. Thereby saving people some serious money. 2020 Model Hull Porter 18 foot bed length M/T Tilt Trailer.

18’ M/T Tilt in Red as shown is only $2,995. Get one in black and SAVE $100!

 Full 18’ of bed length  Full 7’ bed width between fenders  2 5/16” coupler  Dual extra long self locking safety chains  7,000 lb dropleg jack.  Heavy thickness 5” channel steel frame, tongue and full length tongue wrap to front of suspension.  3” channel steel crossmembers on 24” spacing  Heavy wall steel tubing in tubing swivel system is grease able, strong and easy to maintain.  3 ton hydraulic tilt jack. Just pump it up in about 30 seconds to load, then release it to let the bed back down when you want and as fast or slow as you want.  Multiple stake pocket tie downs, chain keyholes D ring tie downs for easy securing of nearly any load.  Low profile 9” high fenders for easy car door Heartland clearance. LIVING  Fenders are steel braced front back and center... strong enough to walk on. December 2019  Bed front headache rack. January  Tapered tail for easy loading and unloading 2020  Full LED lighting system with thinline LED tail lights protected inside trailer structure 120

 11 total LED Lights FULL commercial DOT legal trailer throughout  FOUR wheel electric brakes STANDARD  On board battery brake breakaway system with on board battery and charger  7 prong RV plug with extra long light plug cord wiring enclosed in PVC conduit for longer life. #1 grade ACQ treated wood floor is fitted and bolted in place with nearly 70 separate fasteners!  10 year frame warranty and 10 year floo warranty std.  Standard black color-optional Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green or Charcoal  Gray colors available.  Available in lengths from 18’ shown as well as 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 or 30 feet!  Std 7,000lb GVWR suspension with Dexter axles and EZ lube spindles!  Optional GVWR packages of 9,990, 14,000, 16,000 and even 21,000 triple axle available.  Three different fender options available  Built by us in our Iowa plant (New plant coming to Wauchula in 2021!)

Hull Porter 2020 Model Dump Box Trailers Complete 14,000lb GVWR models $7,195 and up!  Professional grade trailer. down both sides and across front for  Full 6” channel steel frame and tongue easy side board installation.  Adjustable height coupler std. Pick  New greasable billet steel rear hinges! from three different 2 5/16” coupler  2-way gate! Split or bottom designs, pintle ring or even clevis swing out. hitch! FREE.  Easy one handed rear gate lock bar!  Dual self-latching safety chains  Spare tire mount already installed free.  12,000lb spring loaded dropleg jack  Heavy 3” channel 5’ long ramps set back in tongue.  Hidden under bed ramp storage  Locking control box/toolbox in tongue included  3,000 PSI power up and down  10-gauge hard steel fenders std hydraulic pump system with 15’ long  4 corner D rings on floor std magnetic corded remote included.  Twin 7,000 lb easy lube axles  Full 750amp Interstate brand deep  4 wheel electric brakes cycle battery hooked up charge from  Easy lube spindles tow vehicle std.  Heavy service 9/16” stud 8 bolt  Larger cylinder scissor hoist std!! hubs std  84” wide inside box dimensions std.  Heavy service 16” wheels and  20” tall box sides are tough, low profile ST235/80R-16 E rated 10 ply and more than tall enough to haul all radials std of the dirt your rock you need without  This is a complete, ready to use any side boards. trailer that is capable of hauling,  Full 7 gauge (3/16” thick) steel floor lifting and dumping up to 6 tons  Super tight cross member spacings of dirt, rock or debris day in and  Tube box support cage with 12 gauge day out! sides std.  Full CarboncoatDM enamel paint  Full tube steel double door frame system. Tough, yet REPAIRABLE! system  Full 2-year hydraulics warranty  Corner brackets and stake pockets  10-year frame and floor warranty

Hull Porter Trailers Toll Free: 844-913-3100 | Office: 863-445-9001 We manufacture all series of open bed design trailers, from golf cars up to skidloaders, backhoes and various equipment and cargo. 2020 Model Hull Porter 16’ plus 2’ dovetail car hauler.

Single Axle SS Utility Trailers Model shown is an 7 wide bed by 12 foot bed length. Price out the door only $1,700

Model shown in optional orange color is STILL only $3,095 out the door!

A proven design for 22 years.  Full 2,990lb GVWR rating.  2,000lb in bed load capacity.  1,500lb max ramp capacity.  Dexter brand easy lube axle. 3,500lb capacity.  Strong 6 bolt pattern hubs.  New factory warranted ST205 75R-15 6 ply radial trailer tires.  Strong Dextar steel mod wheels in white or black  Super strong 52” tall ramp gate with heavy wall steel tube uprights and heavy steel mesh surface for low wind drag and great traction for loading and unloading.  3 way gate design. Stands up, lays down on the ground for loading and even folds forward to lay flat in the bed for an incredible decrease in wind drag while running empty.  5,000lb rated 2” posi lok coupler with security padlock tab built in.  Dual bright plated extra long safety chains with self latching hooks.  4 prong flat wiring plug tied into shielded and enclosed wiring harness to give you longer service life.  100% LED lighting throughout!  2,000lb rated, easy pull pin swivel up jack with 15” of travel and large sand pad on bottom of jack.

 Full 12 gauge Hi tensile body creates the strongest trailer for the least amount of weight.  12” high steel sides on front and rear keep small items much more secure while towing.  Multiple d ring tie downs inside, plus super strong tie loops are four corners give you multiple attachments points for a variety of loads.  #1 grade ACQ treated Southern Yellow Pine decking is 2x structural dimension for strength and is guaranteed for 10 years against rot.  Floor is set, fitted and bolted down with dozens of high grade type F flooring bolts to keep floor in place for years.  Complete chassis is hand prepped, acid washed and phosphate before final 3 coats of PMI CarboncoatDM Polyester Hybrid op coat.  Heavier thickness rock guard on both fender fronts to help keep rock chips to a minimum.  90 day nose to tail warranty, 2 year components, wheel and tire warranty and ten year frame and floor rot warranty standard.

1115 Hwy 17 | Wauchula, FL 33873 Just south of the Wal Mart on the West side of the highway.

www.facebook.com/stateline.trailers

www.pullhp.com

Our original design developed over 24 years ago. Proven, tested and reliable hauler for decades to come. Check out the list of std features below… Always 84” between fenders.  Low 9” fender height for easy car door clearance.  Full 5” Schedule A36 channel steel frame, tongue and full tongue wraps for an incredibly rugged design.  3” channel steel crossmembers on 24” centers  Super strong 14,000lb rated 2 5/16” coupler with padlock port for easy security.  Dual heavy duty, extra long, bright plated safety chains with self latching hooks.  7 prong RV style lighting plug flows into a shielded and conduit enclosed lighting system for trouble free lighting.  8,000lb dropleg tongue storage jack is set back in the tongue nearly 2 feet to eliminate any clearance issues with your truck’s tailgate.  Jack has super large sand pad foot, pull pin drop leg and a total of 30” of available travel for easy hooking and unhooking.  9” high bed front headache rack keeps things on the bed, even under extreme braking.  Multiple stake pocket tie downs along both sides (the longer the trailer, the more pockets you get!) for easy tie down of cars or equipment to a solid point. Also perfect for building side boards on if need.  Steel fenders come braced on both ends, as well as inside for impressive\ strength. Our fenders are strong enough to sit or walk on without worry.

 Extra thick fender front rock guard to keep rock chips at a minimum on both fender fronts.  Tandem 3,500lb DEXTER brand axles.  Easy lube hubs  Stronger 6 bolt pattern hubs std.  4 wheel electric brakes std.  Rugged perma lube bushed tandem leaf spring suspension. Smooth riding, sturdy and easily serviced.  On board brake safety breakaway system with battery and charger included and already wired.  New ST205/75R-15 6 ply radial trailer tires on extra strong 6” wide Dextar brand wheels come with a direct to the manufacturer 2 year warranty!  100% LED lighting system with Thinline LED tail and rear clearance marker lights for a super clean look and hard to damage location.  Front corner, front fender, rear fender and rear corner LED marker lights std.  All HD flatbed trailers come std with dual 5’ long pull out ramps in their own under floor, lockable carrier.  Full width rear ramp hook allows you to place your ramps anywhere across the tail of the trailer for easier loading of small cars and equipment.  Every trailer is hand built, thenHeartland hand prepped before being acid washed, LIVING phosphate coated and then treated to December our exclusive PMI CarboncoatDM 2019 Polyester Hybrid finish in three final coats. January  Frankly, feature for feature, pound2020 for pound, dollar for dollar, this trailer cannot be beaten by any other company. 121

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Call or email us if you want to join us and share your business with all 7 Counties in the Heartland for one low price!

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Heartland LIVING Dec-Jan 2020 Issue

Articles inside

Southern Chef Layne Prescott