Okeechobee the Magazine - April 2020 by Okeechobee The Magazine

Newsweek 2020 Ranked Okeechobee Healthcare Facility

#1 in FLORIDA!

Rehab resident Dick Burns, listening to his wife, Marlene, describe their first date with that “I LOVE YOU” smile even after 64 years of marriage!

Karen Lovesee and Harry Kelley were united in a commitment ceremony officiated by Pastor Matt Bowen of Christ Fellowship – Okeechobee Campus. Karen and Harry met when Karen was admitted 8/30/19 and quickly became friends as both of them are friendly and outgoing. He asked her to be his date for the Fall Formal in November and the rest is history! We wish them the best and many more years of happiness!

Jeanne and Bill Stickler holding vases of some of the roses donated Valentine’s Day from a newer business in Okeechobee, The Farmer’s Son, a quaint floral and gift shop at 708 N Park Street.

A special shout-out to Jason Farrell of Farrell’s Market who donated 226 dozen roses to residents and employees who enjoyed individual bouquets!

We LOVE to CARE!

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PUBLISHERS NOTE

A MOMENT TO TEST US

Volume 14, Number 4 | April 2020

Publisher David Jones Managing Editor Rachel Buxton Editor Lisa Elia Writers Raye Deusinger Robbi Sumner Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Photographers Sharon Cannon

At the moment of this writing, there are 3,244 (Sunday, March 15, at 6:43 pm) confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and 62 deaths. The Fed has dropped interest rates to 0% and will be buying nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in bonds to ensure both liquidity in the market and to calm nervous investors. We’ve been encouraged to engage in “social distancing” to help combat the opportunity for the virus to spread. In nearly fifty years of life, I’ve not seen anything quite like this moment. I am no doctor or epidemiologist, but I hope my words will be welcome. Don’t Panic When people panic, they make foolish decisions that endanger themselves and others. They hoard when they should share, they are reactionary when they should be wise. Don’t panic. Okeechobee, is, thankfully, a bit removed from the common path and may miss the very worst of what is to come. There is reason to be hopeful. But Be Realistic This isn’t something to ignore and the coronavirus isn’t just an overreaction to yet another flu. According to the World Health Organization, in “severe cases, [the] infection can cause pneumonia,

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Account Executive Trish Grygo Maureen Burroughs Art Director Francesca Peeples Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener Office Manager Jane Van Tassell

Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 314 N.W. Fifth St. Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com President – David Jones Founder – Maureen Budjinski Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee the Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2020, all rights reserved by Kuimba River Publishing, LLC DBA Okeechobee The Magazine. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

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PUBLISHERS NOTE For further information: WHO Coronavirus Page www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus CDC Coronavirus Page www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html Florida Department of Health www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-andconditions/COVID-19/ Raulerson Hospital Coronavirus Hub www.raulersonhospital.com/covid-19/ index.dot

severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.” One of the biggest hazards that the virus carries is that it will overwhelm local hospitals and caregivers—not just the beds and the doctors, but the ventilators, the drugs, and the capacity to treat the most common and extreme threats that the virus poses. Even if you are not in one of the susceptible groups for infection or the “worst case” scenarios, you are a potential carrier for those who are and it is selfish to forget that. Always look to local government and CDC resources for guidance on how to handle the crisis. Help Your Local Businesses For small businesses, especially, the threat isn’t just the next few months, but their very survival. Making payments on loans, slow-moving

inventory, the simple slow-down of the economy when people hunker down and stop going out can have devastating effects for businesses that already run on thin margins. For employees who see hours cut and bills pile up, the effect is the same — devastation. If you want to help local businesses, but still want to practice social distancing, consider takeout from your favorite local restaurants. If you run a local restaurant, make it easy for people to look to you and your staff for takeout or delivery. Glib advice doesn’t take the place of orders, I realize but understand that the point is to try to find ways to mitigate the potential effects of this crisis and to care for our neighbors. If you tithe, keep tithing even if you’re worried about attending services. Churches will also be working to help the community and their resources will

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be tested; they will need donations of food and money to continue to do their good works. Be Thankful to Those Who Keep Us Safe Caregivers and first responders, in particular, will find themselves tested by the coronavirus. The likelihood is that they will be physically, emotionally, and spiritually wearied as they work to keep us healthy and safe. Thank them. Acknowledge them. When this is all done, we will all need to work to get life returned to normal as quickly as possible. This is where communities are tested, and this is where Okeechobee will prove to be strong, resilient, and compassionate. Our prayers are with all of Okeechobee.

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CONTENTS

APRIL 2020 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2

IN EVERY ISSUE: Publisher’s Note 2 Behind the Business 52 Okeechobee Cooking 60 Day Trip 64 IN THE COMMUNITY:

Calendar 10 Community Events 12

BINGO Events 49 Restaurant Listings 50 Around Okeechobee 72 FEATURES: Indian River State College Celebrates 60 Years of Educational Excellence 36 Okeechobee Authors in Focus 40 Local Writers Draw Inspiration from Their Own Back Yard

ON THE COVER

30 6

Okeechobee’s Hidden Gems: Flowers, Plants, and Trees Turn Local Landscapes into Unexpected Delights 30

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PHOTO BY: Sharon Cannon

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Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106

(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson

Your Top Realty Company in Okeechobee That Your Family Can Trust to be There For You! Serving ALL Your Real Estate Needs 30046 E SR78 - Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net

Anderson Realty Co. is seasoned at aiding new and experienced buyers and sellers in all areas of real estate. Contact us if your needs include a real estate pro experienced at the business side of real estate.

Shelly Doyle Personal Assistant 863.801.8463 shellydoyle@ymail.com

For All of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website @ www.AndersonRealtyCo.com

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR APRIL April 3rd - Law Enforcement Torch Run Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office. Registration 8:30 a.m., Run begins at 9:00 a.m. Contact: Denise Sikorsky, call (863) 763-3117, ext. 5028 April 3rd-5th - Pistol Immersion Level One Okeechobee Shooting Sports, 7055 NE 48th St., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (863) 357-3006, contact@okshooting.com April 4th - Lake Okeechobee Crappie Series Okee-Tanti Marina, 640 N.W. 27th Lane, 863-763-9645 April 4th - Black Gold Jubilee POSTPONED to October 3rd blackgoldjubilee.org April 4th - Rodney Carrington Live CANCELLED Sunrise Theatre, (772) 461-4775

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April 4th - Advanced Concealed Carry Course Okeechobee Shooting Sports, 7055 NE 48th St., 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (863) 357-3006, contact@okshooting.com April 4th - Superhero Run II National Honor Society Backpack Program 5K Program Postponed until further notice Pre-registration visit https://forms.gle/OpwNNkSragwnJfTa8 April 4th-5th - Great American Okeechobee Gun Show Postponed until further notice Okeechobee KOA April 5th - Willjam Productions presents:The Four Tops with Special Guest Peter Lemongello, Jr. Sunrise Theatre, 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, (772) 461-4775, 7:00 p.m. April 5th - Herman Lucerne Fundraiser Shoot Quail Creek Plantation, 12399 NE 224th St., (863) 763-2529, quailcreekplantation.com/calendar.cfm

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR April 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th - Southern Soul Society’s Southern Soul Jam Sunrise Theatre, 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, (772) 461-4775, 6:30 p.m.

April 11th - The Gin blossoms – New Miserable Experience Sunrise Theatre, 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, (772) 461-4775, 8:00 p.m.

April 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th - Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jazz Jam Sunrise Theatre, 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, (772) 461-4775, 7:00 p.m.

April 12th - Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravanza CANCELLED April 16th - Chris Botti Sunrise Theatre, 117 S. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, (772) 461-4775, 7:00 p.m.

April 11th - Bunny Run CANCELLED https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Okeechobee/GFWCBunnyRun

April 11th - Advanced Defensive Carbine Course Okeechobee Shooting Sports, 7055 NE 48th St., 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (863) 357-3006, contact@okshooting.com

April 17th - Kev Ohm OK Corral Gun Club, 9449 48th St. NE, 4:00 p.m. April 18th - Laugh, Love, Live Comedy Game Show & Dinner – Postponed until further notice Okeechobee KOA

The Community Events section is sponsored by Total Roadside Services, and event information provided by the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County and Okeechobee Main Street. Do you have an event that needs to be promoted? Let us know at info@okeechobeethemagazine.com.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

2020 Ag-Venture Fun for Students and Adults THE FREE EVENT INCLUDED HANDS-ON LEARNING STATIONS STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBBI SUMNER

Students make beeswax candles at the Bee station Okeechobee Ag-Venture, Inc. Board Members

Students learn about various feed commodities

Okeechobee County Ag-Venture was held January 7th- 9th at the Agri-Civic Center. Historically geared towards fourth graders, this year’s event added an Adult Night in order to share the group’s efforts with others in the community. Hands-on learning stations included Alligators, Beef, Bees, Citrus, Dairy, Poultry and Vegetables. There was also a Soil & Water Conservation trailer, farm equipment, and feed commodities for kids to explore during the day. Activities included things like squeezing oranges

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for juice, making butter, and making a garden in a glove. Lunch for attendees and volunteers was provided by the Okeechobee Area Agri-Council. A multitude of volunteers and donors allowed the event to be free for students and teachers, with Ag-Venture covering the costs of bus transportation and learning materials through donations from the community, including lead sponsor Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee. www.okeechobeeagventure.org

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Mascots provide entertainment during lunch

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221 NE Park Street Students pose for a quick photo before starting their station rotations

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Top of the Lake Art Fest 2020 STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHARON CANNON

Hector Diazâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team work on their chalk art

It was a beautiful sunny weekend February 8th and 9th for the annual Top of the Lake Art Fest sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street that was held in Flagler Park in downtown Okeechobee. Featured were many artists, photographers, artisan crafts and chalk art street paintings. There was also an area for young budding artists to paint or to create their own chalk art on a sidewalk.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Miley, Marley and Micah Jimmie enjoy the kids painting table Cade Wheeler proudly stands beside his dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sand sculpture

Tim Mitchell provides entertainment at the Art Fest

Many people browse the Artist tent that had many beautiful pieces of local art to display

Top of the Lake Art Fest Gallery Tent Artist Cera Elliott won Best of Show in the Student Division

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County Fashion Show 2020 STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHARON CANNON February 1, 2020 The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County held its Wonderland Fashion Show - A Fashionable Afternoon with The Chamber at the KOA, showcasing many retailers and small businesses in the community. Entertainment during the intermission was provided by The Okeechobee Ballet Company with a full scale Alice In Wonderland show that everyone enjoyed.

Kate Nickalson, Natalia Torres, Reagan Nash, Gracie Ceballos, Emma Harper, Hannah Nickalson, and Ally Nickalson

Savannah Heater models for Eliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Western Wear

Marie McCarter shops for her daughter Charolette at the Matilda Jane Clothing booth

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21 0 2 ist 0 Art 2 20 est ies r Gu Se Dec 3 Celtic Yuletide

Jan 14 Music of the Knights

Pastor Chad Keathley modeled for Fast Break Bait & Tackle

Feb 9 Maureen McGovern

Feb 22 Motones vs. Jerseys Mar 4 Here Comes the Sun

Ken Keller modeled a casual outfit from The Outpost

Mar 25 The Singing Contractors

Special Events To Be Announced Soon!

for information about future performances and to buy tickets online Box Office 561-993-1160

All dates, artists and programs subject to change.

Queen of Hearts Nancy Raddatz and Jessie Weigum

1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts

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Vanessa Villalpando with her Paparazzi line of jewelry

Ron and Jacque Hayes

Audrey Jenkins modeled for Beallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outlet

Tammy Loschiavo and Amy Daniel displayed their LulaRoe clothing line

Tanner Conrad was the Mad Hatter representing the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County

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Annalise Bean in one of her very own designs from Annaliseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Designs

Walmart was one of the sponsors for the event

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WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY Presents ‘Photos of the Past’

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The first signing of Author Betty Chandler Williamson's book, "Miz Betty's Depression Era Memoirs" was held December 7, 2019 at the Indian River State College (IRSC) at the Dixon Hendry Campus in the Williamson Conference Center in Okeechobee. Shown at the signing above are: Standing - Ann Decker, Executive Director of the IRSC Foundation and Russ Brown, Provost of the Dixon Hendry Campus. Sitting L to R - Kimball Love and Sonny Williamson, Editors; Betty Chandler Williamson, Author. There have been three successful signings of the book. They were held at the site mention above, the Public Library and the Health Care Facility. All proceeds were donated to the IRSC Scholarship Fund. Books are available at Eli's Western Wear.

Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

2020 Peace Lutheran School Annual Gala EIGHTIES-THEMED DINNER BENEFITS PEACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL PHOTOS BY TRISH GRYGO

Karen Smith, Gay Carlton, Sherry Pollard, Ashley Austin, Cynthia Hawk, Holly Mixon, Maggi Cable and Cindy Brandel

On February 29, the Okeechobee KOA Convention Center took a trip back in time as the 2020 Peace Lutheran School Annual Gala brought back the eighties. The gala featured live and silent auctions, a hearty dinner, dancing, and dayglow fashions and decorations. Proceeds from the event went to support the school which, as their website explains, works to provide a nurturing environment where children can develop their full

potential spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. Peace Lutheran School, which has served the community since 1982, has been accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Association (NLSA) since August 2001, and works tirelessly to maintain high academic standards. Gala attendees and supporters did their part to ensure the school could continue that good work.

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For more information: Peace Lutheran School 750 NW 23rd Lane Okeechobee, FL 34972 (863) 763.7566 www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Missy Fipps, Connie Williams Eades, Judy Daniels, Heather Parker, Dottie Tindall, Rhonda, Lawrence Fipps and Nick Byers

Pastor John Hurst and Dorcas Hirst

Ron and Laurie Mixon, Lairen and Jimmy DeLaLuz

Judy and Roger Bolan, Ruby Scammahorn, Debbie Joann Hugh, Nancy and Randy Morris

John Holt, Kandi Lynn, Pam and Keith Driggers

Lizabeth Kelly, Kelly Quam, Sherry Pollard, Clinton Quam and Kristin Gray

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

82nd Annual Brighton Field Day Draws Thousands of Spectators STORY BY RACHEL BUXTON | PHOTOS BY SANDRA PEARCE

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Mission: Our mission is to alleviate hunger by obtaining and distributing food and other essentials in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee Counties. s t o p h u n g e r . o r g

Treasure Coast Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS The Seminole Tribe of Florida celebrated its 82nd annual Brighton Field Day Festival Feb. 14-16. The long-running event drew yet another record-breaking crowd with festivalgoers from all over the country. Brighton Field Day, held at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena on the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, celebrates Native American culture with authentic Seminole food, art and live performances. This year, entertainment included performances from the White Mountain Apache Dancers, the In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec fire dancers, country singer Elizabeth Cook and artists Meko & Pewo. The weekend also included a Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competition and a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo featuring top cowboys and cowgirls competing for first place in rodeo-related events to up their professional rankings.

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Hot Rods and Rat Rods and Classics, Oh My.... Hwy 55 Hosts First Classic Car Show STORY BY DAVID JONES | PHOTOS BY DAVID JONES AND SHARON CANNON On February 22, Okeechobee’s Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries hosted its first classic car show. Raising $500 for Hospice of Okeechobee, it was a great way for participants to give a little back to the community while enjoying some of the area’s most interesting cars. Automotive highlights included a 1963 Ford Thunderbird, 1956 Ford F100, 2014 Corvette Stingray, 1968 Camaro, 1977 Corvette, 1983 Mercedes 380SL, 1941 Chrysler Hudson, and an adorable 2013 Mini Cooper. The biggest surprise, perhaps, was a riding mower tuned for racing (and capable of truly frightening speeds). For petrol-heads, the mix of trucks, hot rods, restored (and largely original classics), newer cars, and a few rat rods meant there was something for every taste. Hwy 55’s owners, Phillip and Rachel Buxton, are already looking forward to future car gatherings and hoping to see the variety grow to include motorcycles and even more classic cars. Area gearheads should be watching for the next opportunity to show off their cars (or to get up close to their neighbors’ carefully cared-for automotive wonders). Visit Hwy 55 online at www.hwy55.com/locations/okeechobee.

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Making Dreams Come True for 30 years Mack “Hoot” Worley

A State Certified General Contractor St. Lic. CGC1507657

Hoot and Joy Worley

110 NW 5th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972

863-467-2541

gmworleyinc@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/G.M.Worley, Inc.

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Come visit Dr. Matthew Schiermyer in our Okeechobee location

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Our Mission:

to provide the very best patient care while achieving the highest quality results. At Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center, we strive for excellence through superior patient treatment, education and satisfaction.

OKEECHOBEE

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This is accomplished through the utilization of the most current techniques and advanced technologies, as our staff continually expand their education and practical applications. Simpson Medical prides itself on using the most advanced technology and equipment that is available to quickly alleviate the most severe health problems.

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Okeechobee’s Hidden Gems: Flowers, plants and trees turn local landscapes into unexpected delights Story by Raye Deusinger | Photos by Sharon Cannon

The lifeblood of Okeechobee is cattle and agriculture. The excitement of Okeechobee is fishing. The friendliness of Okeechobee is our people. The strength of Okeechobee is our compassion. But the beauty of Okeechobee is all around us in our flowers, gardens and parks, which we will enjoy in this issue of our magazine. Out of the many beautiful and inviting gardening examples we found, we are highlighting three: CenterState Bank, a home in Buckhead Ridge and a home in Palm Village Ranch. CENTERSTATE BANK ON PARROTT AVENUE After the formation of CenterState Bank in 2010, we were proud to open the Okeechobee center/branch in 2012. “It was our goal,” said Branch Manager Tabitha Trent, “to keep and maintain

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as many of the oak trees as possible as they are the centerpiece of our location. They add such rich Florida history to the ambiance of the branch site. It was a local decision that was supported 100 percent by our corporate team.” But oak trees do not have flowers. Ms. Trent said, master gardener Ralph (Wendy) Watts, a long-time, loyal customer of the bank, said he was moving to a new home in which he couldn’t relocate all his plants, so he generously offered to beautify our trees with his extra plants. “We are so thankful for Mr. Watts and his vision of the beautification project, with the orchids and staghorn fern that he added to complement the overall landscape. Since we opened in 2012, many of our customers say that our bank is like no other, very

CenterState Bank retained the original oak trees and added flowering plants

homey and welcoming inside and out.” Several of the CenterState locations have used the Okeechobee CenterState Bank to replicate its beauty at their sites.” The bank is located at 2100 S. Parrott Avenue. BUCKHEAD RIDGE’S HAPPY HOME Heading down an ‘everyday’ street, you come upon a house which begs you to stop and look. Then you bring others to see what is, probably, one of the happiest looking houses in Buckhead Ridge. It is owned by Walter and Halyna Malone. Spread over three lots, it is Halyna’s tribute to her grandmother, who, as Halyna was growing up in Ukraine, shared with her the love of a beautiful garden. With the house on one lot, the pool enclosure on the second and

the garage on the third, the total space is united, as one unit, by landscaping, beautifully shown against the yellow house. Halyna, like most newcomers to Okeechobee, put in landscaping more suited to the north; which, of course, did fine in the winter, but died in summer. She experimented until she found, what became favorites – primarily bougainvillea and orchids, which she has used extensively in both front- and back-yard planting. Her orchids are semi-protected within the pool enclosure. From orchids to Poinciana trees, climbing vines and beautiful lawns, vibrant color is everywhere. After six years of work, and the help of her son Andrii, her landscaping fulfills her aim of having something blooming all the time. She found that compost is

Blooms of CenterState Bank

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Friendly on-site pool security

Artist, Cameron Huntley, painted a face on the garage wall

Tomatoes on the vine

almost a magical commodity. It does require lots of work, especially in the summer. Halyna does the work herself, every Sunday, pruning, adding new plants, “bring balance to the flowers” and often transplanting them to other locations. She also takes time to speak to people who come to see and appreciate her landscaping. Wanting someone to “watch over the place” she hired artist, Cameron Huntley, to paint a face on the garage wall, which perfectly completes the beautiful picture. This house is located at 1127 5th Street in Buckhead Ridge.

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BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OF PALM VILLAGE RANCH What do retired law enforcement officers do after retiring? Mary Jane (MJ) and Gary Bach enjoy sitting on their front porch and watching people stop and gaze in awe at their home and gardens. They know it won’t be long until they get out of the car and just LOOK. Moving to Palm Village Ranch in 2016, they were thrilled with the three lots they bought in a cul-de-sac, but weren’t thrilled with spotty grass and lots of weeds. But it did have potential. It only took them four years to turn the house and yard into a showplace “where passersby stare,” said MJ, “as

Bougainvillea surround the home if they had never seen a garden before.” Her father taught her how to garden and what she doesn’t know, she ‘googles’ – especially to find flowers resistant to pests. “I don’t like using pesticides,” she said, “so I use lady bugs, which eat aphids, and assassin bugs, which are predatory of most other bugs, as the best defense. They began creating a bed with two foxtail palms, crotons, dwarf ixora, two desert roses and two bird-of-paradise plants. In fact, her whole yard is Florida-friendly landscaping. The way the streets of the community are laid out, she has homes virtually surrounding her; there are also many apiaries (a location where beehives of

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A birdhouse position above the bushes

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MJ and Gary Bach have beautifully landscaped their home in Palm Village Ranch

honey bees are kept) in the area. Most of her flowers are planted to encourage bees and butterflies. Red flowers predominate “because,” said MJ, “butterflies prefer dark reds but bees love Mexican heather.” MJ collects rainwater to hand water most of her plants because chemicals in city water might harm them, and yes, she does talk to her plants. She hasn’t bought a new plant in more than a year, because she propagates her own, even playing with colors to create hybrids. “Weeding, which I do twice a week” she said, “is also good exercise. We’re happy that people new to the community stop by, because it gives us a chance to meet newcomers and help them learn to plant things that won’t die when they return north in the spring. This house is located at 4281 SW 11th Way in Palm Village Ranch.

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Both the Okeechobee Garden Club and Orchid Club is a good place to learn about getting involved in gardening and landscaping. Led by Elaine Waters, both meet the third Monday of each month at the University of Florida extension office on Hwy. 98 North, at 6 p.m. for garden, 7 p.m. for orchids. Ralph (Wendy) Watts, who helped CenterState Bank and the Bach family with their landscaping, is a charter member of both groups. The club is a valuable resource for gardeners as it can answer questions, examine a plant having a problem, speak at community meetings, clubs, churches or other venues and during National Garden Week, each March, appear at the Okeechobee Public Library. They have helped build the Butterfly Garden and other community projects.

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Ms. Waters calls orchids the easiest thing to grow – because they like to be ignored. She said, “The main reason orchids die is because people overwater them, overfertilize them and overcare for them.” Someone gave her some orchid plants which she put on her patio, and forgot to water them. A freeze was due so she put the straggly plants in a spare room and closed the door. A few weeks later, she remembered them and went in to take the “dead plants” out, but found all of them full of blooms. Orchids have been her hobby for ten years now. No matter what you plant,” she said, “keep the tag that comes with it as it has the species name, as well recommendations about water, light and environment. Elaine can be reached at elainesorchids@gmail.com. The extension office can be reached at (863) 763-6469. Happy gardening to all.

*The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional (special terms) period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. Paying only the minimum monthly payment will not pay off the purchase balance before the end of the promotional period. 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 1/01/2019 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921.

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Indian River State College Celebrates 60 Years of Educational Excellence Story by Robbi Sumner | Photos Courtesy of IRSC

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin Whether that knowledge is academic or vocational in nature, Indian River State College has been providing a backdrop for education in our area since 1960. From its humble, one-building beginnings as Indian River Junior College in Fort Pierce, the college now

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serves students from five campuses in St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties, as well as six additional smaller education centers. Thanks to a donation of 87 acres from the city of Fort Pierce, the college moved to what is now known as the Main Campus on Virginia Avenue in 1963. Through the years, the school has

seen several name changes. After merging with Lincoln Junior College in 1965, the name was changed to Indian River Community College in 1970 to reflect the school’s growing role in the communities that it serves. Okeechobee saw its first classes offered in 1973, when IRCC opened in a two-classroom storefront in the Altobello Building on Southwest Park Street. There was a time when classes took place in what is known as the “old bowling alley” on Highway 441 North. Thirteen years later, in 1986, the Dixon Hendry campus opened at its present 45-acre location on NW 9th Avenue. The campus was named after local businessman Ben F. Dixon and Judge Bill Hendry, both civic leaders who served on the college’s District Board of Trustees and who worked diligently to see that a permanent campus was established in Okeechobee. In 2000, a second building was built, doubling classroom space and providing a nursing laboratory as well as enrollment, administration and student services facilities. During this time, the college was expanding not just in Okeechobee, but throughout its four-county service area. Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools provided IRCC the ability to offer certain bachelor’s degree programs in 2007. Offering degrees in nursing and education has helped underserved residents in the college’s service areas. The following year, Indian River was included in Florida’s State College Pilot Project and the name was changed to its current Indian River State College. The Frank “Sonny” and Betty C. Williamson Conference and Education Center opened at the Okeechobee campus in 2008. IRSC Foundation Board Member Linda Syfrett proudly recalls a story that IRSC President Dr. Ed Massey shared regarding the fundraising for the center. “Dr. Massey said that the necessary monies were raised in a shorter time period – just six weeks – than for any other fundraising project the college had experienced. That is quite a feat for our small town and shows the commitment that the Okeechobee community has for the college.” The Williamson Center serves not only students, but also local residents with a beautiful, technologically advanced facility for classes and hosting various community events. Russ Brown has served as provost of the Dixon Hendry campus since August 2011. According to Brown, the most

The original storefront location on SW Park Street, circa 1976

The 1984 groundbreaking ceremony for the first Dixon Hendry building

The building dedication ceremony held in 1986

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The groundbreaking ceremony for the second building “Building B”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Williamson Conference and Education Center

Join IRSC for a community-wide celebration of their 60th anniversary featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and an introduction to the innovative people and programs available to students!

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popular program offered at the Okeechobee campus is nursing. “The career ladder offered includes a nursing certificate program, LPN, RN, and bachelor’s degree. Other vocational training programs include auto mechanics, welding, and A/C refrigeration. The A/C refrigeration program has been offered for almost six years, with great enrollment and a successful hiring rate. Everyone who has completed the program has been hired locally.” In Okeechobee, IRSC partners with the school board on certification programs and professional development for teachers and staff, and the increasingly popular dual enrollment program for high school students. In 2019, 22 Okeechobee High School grads finished high school with their associate’s degree, and 2020 looks like it might equal that number. OHS junior Cristian Trejo, who currently ranks in the top of his class, is on track to graduate with his high school diploma and associate’s degree in the spring of 2021. “The dual enrollment program at IRSC is a great opportunity to start working on your college education. And with tuition and books being covered at no cost, it’s a great benefit to many families.” According to its website, IRSC’s primary commitment is “to providing academic, occupational, technical, cultural and service programs that meet the needs of its fourcounty community.” To this end, the school added a virtual campus in 2013 to provide more flexible opportunities to the 30,000 students that it serves annually. Hundreds of online classes and 15 web-based degrees are offered, in addition to the traditional academic and vocational programs.

Saturday, May 16, 2020 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Main Campus, Kight Center (Building V) 3209 Virginia Ave. Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Phone: (772) 462-4772

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The pinnacle of Indian River State College’s success was being awarded the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2019. According to the Aspen Institute, “Community colleges play a crucial role in fostering social mobility for students and developing talent for their communities across the country. The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence honors those institutions that strive for and achieve exceptional levels of success for all students, while they are in college and after they graduate or transfer.” IRSC was chosen from more than 1,000 state and community colleges from across the U.S. based on various criteria, including degree and certificate completion, high rates of graduate employment, and access for minority and low-income students. As for future plans for the Dixon Hendry campus, Brown says there is nothing in the works. However, with only 10 of its more than 40 available acres in use, it is good to know that the space is there when needed. Who knows what the next 60 years will bring.

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Okeechobee Authors in Focus

Local Writers Draw Inspiration from Their Own Back Yard

Story and Photos by Raye Deusinger

“ It was a dark and stormy night…

Jan Day Fehrman

Kissimmee Pete and the Hurricane

... and they lived happily ever after. ”

When writers meet, someone usually brings up that quote as the opening and closing of many novels of the past. But that is not the way it is done today. “Wise old OWLs” here in Okeechobee create their novels and short stories out of what exists around them in our small, close community. These OWLs are the Okeechobee Writers’ League, who have published fact, fiction, memories and history about the city, county and lake in Okeechobee as well as their personal passions. Their books can be found in the Okeechobee County Library which also provides room for their weekly meetings. There are adult mysteries, mystery series for children, detectives, lake history, murder, romance, anthologies and more. The Okeechobee Writers’ League (OWL), began in 2010 and grew to eight members: Jan Day Fehrman, Lesley Diehl and her husband Glenn Nilson, Carroll Head, Betty Williamson, Kim Love, Chris Jones and (the late) Gary Hoffman.

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Lesley, an accomplished and prolific writer, said, “I met my one-time critique partner and now good friend, Jan Day Fehrman, when she and I got together to form the Okeechobee Writers’ League.” It flourished for about eight years until several writers moved from Okeechobee and until the death of Gary Hoffman. The group re-formed in January, 2020 and quickly gathered six members. Let us introduce you to both past and present members, most of whom have had their work published. Jan Fehrman, who also writes as Jan Day, has self-published three books, one novel and two volumes of short stories. “The objective of our group,” she said “was to share our writings, help each other and also to share sources for possible publication. There were seven people from varied backgrounds and different ages, including already-published writers Lesley Diehl and her husband Glenn Nilson; Jan Fehrman; Betty Williamson who published her first book in 1992;

Kim Love, Carroll Head and Gary Hoffman. Jan began writing poetry, but moved to mainstream mysteries, a contemporary romance novel and then to three children’s mystery series with heroes Pirate Peak, Kissimmee Pete and the Warlord. In 2006 she and Janeen Mason also offered writing workshops for elementary students. Today, living in California, she is writing one-act plays at the Burbank Senior Artist Colony as well as trying her hand once more, at poetry. Lesley Diehl and her husband Glenn Nilson left their careers as professors, and retired to New Mexico so Glenn could write. Lesley was left with nothing to do, so, out of desperation, she reached back into her childhood to resurrect her love of writing. She got so involved, she soon had 12 books of Cozy Mysteries published. With little violence and sex, Cozy Mysteries features an amateur sleuth investigating people with social and commercial issues. It took a long while to first get published, but she kept writing because “she’s stubborn.” She also has published many humorous short stories, which she said she finds entertaining, but the readers probably don’t. These stories have been put together into several anthologies. An anthology provides the potential reader with easy access to a wide range of literary works on a single theme. Glenn writes mystery novels centered around Route 66. A dedicated motorcyclist, during a trip on Route 66, Glenn met some people from Norway where the Route 66 TV show was popular. Thus began his Route 66

series of novels. He has now done three novels, two about Route 66, even holding one promo tour on that very highway. He likes the genre because it is people-oriented; a murder is the nucleus, but the emphasis is on the people involved. He is working on another novel in which the Route 66 rider takes his motorcycle to upstate New York. Glenn and Lesley live part time here in Okeechobee, and part time near Cooperstown, N.Y. Lesley said, in reference to their time as OWLs, “I think many beginning writers like being part of a group and using others’ input to help develop their own writing. Sometimes it’s just a comforting feeling to know other people are struggling with their craft and share frustrations.” Another original OWL was Okeechobee’s own Betty Williamson who was an active member for five years. She explained the process of each meeting: “Each writer reads what he or she has written that week and it is critiqued by all present.” The group helped to polish the articles, addressing punctuation, grammar and all else needed to prepare the story for publishing. Miz Betty began writing in 1992 when she was asked to write and publish a pictorial history of Okeechobee. Working with Okeechobee News writer Twila Valentine, they published Strolling Down Country Roads, now in its third printing. In 2017 she published a book about the Okeechobee Airport, the theme of which later became a feature in Okeechobee The Magazine. She has also written other articles for

Lesley Diehl and Glenn Nilson

Murder Is Academic

“ The objective of our group was to share our writing. ” - Jan Fehrman

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Betty Chandler Williamson

Okeechobee The Magazine as well as The Palm Beach Post and the Tampa Tribune. Miz Betty said the group work and discussions during her time with the OWLs, benefited her when she wrote Miz Betty’s Depression Era Memories in 2019. All proceeds from this book go to scholarships at Indian River State College. Another member of the original group is Carroll Head. Following 30 years with Pratt Whitney, he began a new work, teaching mathematics for three years, then sought to do something completely different. Having loved English in college, his friend, Gary Hoffman, invited him to join the OWLs. Carroll said, “I wanted to accomplish something that I could leave behind. I began a novel about

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Lake Okeechobee titled Father’s Lady. With the help of that writing group and their valuable comments, I completed and published it.” As their writing careers consumed more of their time and several members had moved away, the OWLs weekly meetings dwindled, until they disbanded in 2018. Gary Hoffman and Carroll felt the void and were instrumental in reforming the group which began again on January 7, 2020. Carroll assumed its leadership. In its short life, this group has already grown to six and still follows the same format of reading each week’s work, which is commented upon and critiqued by those present. Carroll said, “The Okeechobee News has been valuable in publicizing the group and we now have six members,

from published writers to those who are just beginning or thinking about it. The lake is an endless fascination and a source of many stories to be told.” He and four of the original OWLs each contributed their unique knowledge to a book, which they jointly published, called Headwaters, which refers to the headwaters of the Everglades. Today’s Okeechobee Writers’ League has welcomed new aspiring authors, Hadeel Abed, Bob Gable, Denise Bennett and Betty Bockoras. Hadeel is a college student who was born and raised in Florida, and has spent three years in Palestine. She brings to her writing an intensity of experience in different locales. She said, “My writing is sometimes dark, often about things that have happened

to me. I had a lot of ambition, but didn’t know where to start. This group has been very welcoming and loving; it has helped me step out of my bubble.” When she enrolled in school, she thought about entering the medical field, but found herself creating short stories. She is also taking English courses in college. She said, “I’m always in the Okeechobee Library and once saw the meeting notice on the board. I came and I hope this is the beginning of my journey to become an author.” Betty Bockoras has varied life experiences, which is beneficial in writing. She has been a homemaker, worked at the old Okeechobee Hospital and transferred to Raulerson Hospital when it was built. She took classes at Indian River State College as a

Miz Betty’s Depression Era Memories

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Carroll Head

“ I wanted to accomplish something that I could leave behind...” - Carroll Head

Bob Gable

prerequisite for nursing. But in a communications class, when a teacher assigned a theme paper, Betty realized that despite the groans around her, she was excited. Though the rest of the class hated it; she had great fun. When she did a paper for a health class, her teacher said, “This is such a good article, you should consider a career in writing.” She took a creative writing class and felt it was where she belonged. Loving human interest stories, she met a man who had been on a 40-day fast on a desert island. “He talked,” she said, “and I took notes which evolved into a 100-page book titled 40-Day Fast.” She self-published it, and found people loved it. A chapter in the Bible became a novel for teens called The Mysterious Gift, which Betty said reads like a fantasy but is totally scriptural. She sent it to a publisher, who put it into print. However, with her husband of 50 years ill, marketing was difficult. When he passed away, she lost all interest in writing. Today, Betty attends OWL meetings regularly and finds it informative, but also a joy, to be challenged to create a different piece of writing each week. Bob Gable was very young when he wrote his first poem. He was in junior high when he realized he could express his feelings through writing poetry. He said writing made him feel comfortable – comfortable enough to turn out almost 80 poems. But he grew up, began a career as a draftsman and left writing behind to marry and raise children. In the 70s, while living in Hollywood, FL, Bob contributed some poetry to the city’s arts and cultural society compilation of a Book of Poems, and

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won several awards. Bob was later officially named The Poet Laureate of Hollywood, FL. (A Poet Laureate ‘seeks to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry’.) Years later, he moved to Okeechobee and heard about a group which was meeting regularly at the library. “It reawakened memories,” he said, “which motivated me to get back to writing.” When asked why he writes poetry instead of prose, Bob said, “To try to explain poetry is like trying to describe an abstract painting; each person has to find his own interpretation. Writing poetry is sort of like painting with thoughts.” Denise Bennett is a retired elementary school teacher, a profession she practiced for 20 years. Denise is skilled in writing about family history and the ‘characters’ that embed it. As it evolves, these real characters and the real situations in which they find themselves become lighthearted and interesting vignettes, entertainingly told. She went on to take a writing class and enjoys finding new stories. She has not published yet, but enjoys the fact that the OWLs, her family and others receive joy from her writing. Chris Jones was probably destined to write. His mother named him Robin C. Jones after Winnie the Pooh’s best friend. Chris’ genre is two-fold – western stories and soft horror stories. “I don’t write anything bloody or disgusting,” he said, “but it is more like somebody gets caught in a supernatural element and things happen.” Most of his westerns are lighter, sometimes downright funny. He credits his grandfather with getting him interested in writing. On

“ Gary Hoffman took me under his wing and helped me work on what I had forgotten after 20 years out of college.” - Chris Jones

a visit to see him, his grandfather had him watch the TV movie Lonesome Dove and then gave him the book which inspired his passion for westerns. Chris said, “I have written a novel called Tangerine Jack and the Lost Saddlebags of M.O.M, which is dark, but punny.” He has also published one short horror story. When not writing, he makes toys, which he enjoys as a different form of artistry. When he entered the library one day, he saw a notice of the OWL meeting and thought, “Why not?” He said, “It was therapy to do something that I always thought I could do. “Gary Hoffman took me under his wing and helped me work on what I had forgotten after 20 years out of college. I also met Carroll Head who has become my encourager, helping to make me feel like my work is worthwhile. The critiques I get in our meetings are not personal attacks, but help me to create a stronger artwork or story, often making that story 100 percent better.” Though not an OWL, there is another author in Okeechobee who has five books to his credit; Aaron Joseph Hall began writing fiction. After accepting the Lord, he began to write nonfiction with the aim of wanting youth to know of God’s redemption. Today, married

with two sons, he heads a large group of youth from varied ages and home environments at More 2 Life Church in Okeechobee. A teacher in fifth grade inspired him to write, which resulted in a handwritten book he completed middle school. In tenth grade, he attempted to write like Stephen King. Persevering, by twelfth grade, he published his first work through a small publishing house. His books, all written before he was saved, are A Long Way from Perfect, Tonight Before We Cry, and The Passing of Rye. After he was saved, he wrote Streets of Gold and in January, 2020, published Redeem The Story. He has written articles for The Christian Post and Compassion International. He has also encouraged two of his youth group members to begin writing. If you have a desire to write or even a curiosity about it, you are welcomed and encouraged to drop by the library any Tuesday at 2 p.m. and see creativity in action. Each person brings about six copies of his/her writing to share. Each reads that work aloud and the others comment on it (in a nonthreatening way). As in our story, all have found this beneficial to the writer. You, also, can become a wise OWL.

Betty Bockoras

Chris Jones

Aaron Joseph Hall

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Practice Core Values

Family Dentistry of Okeechobee Practice Vision

Dr. Laskey anD her team are DeVoteD to growing anD DeVeLoPing eVery year through ProgressiVe innoVation, creating a riPPLe effect that insPires anD emPowers our Patients, our team, their famiLies, anD our community. “Vision is a Picture of the future that ProDuces Passion” - BiLL hyBeLs

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B I N G

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E N T S

RESTAURANT GUIDE of OKEECHOBEE NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE CRAVING.. WE HAVE THE ANSWER

Applebees 1210 FL 70 (863) 357-0141

Dairy Queen 1212 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-6675

Arby’s 417 S Parrott Ave (863) 623-5765

Ding A Ling 2107 SE US 441 (863) 357-3354

Beef O Bradys 608 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-7300

Domino’s Pizza 1700 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-5565

Big Tasty 309 SW Park St (863) 623-5470

Glady’s Restaurant 511 SW Park St (863) 763-9985

Brahma Bull 2405 US 441 (863) 467-0050

Golden Corral 700 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-0444

Brown Cow Sweetery 103 SW Park St. (863) 357-3357

Good Spirits Lounge 245 US 441 (863) 763-2734

Kahootz Draft House 720 NW Park St (863) 357-6101

Mable’s Place Southern Cooking 204 NE 7th Ave (863) 484-8942

KFC 3387 US 441 (863) 763-2239

McDonald’s 401 NE Park St (863) 763-5826

King House Chinese 3399 US 441 (863) 357-7777

McDonald’s 4151 US 441 (863) 763-5856

Lakeside Grill 1111 S Parrott Ave (863) 357-4745

Mom’s Kitchen Parrott Ave (863) 763-7553

LaMariposa 202 NE 2nd (863) 484-8392

Nutmeg’s Café 515 SW Park (863) 763-2233

Landing Strip Café 2800 NW 20th Trail (863) 467-6828

OK Corral Gun Club 9449 NE 48th (863) 357-2226

Burger King 604 NE Park St (863) 763-5900

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 307 N Parrott Ave (863) 623-4245

Lightsey Fish Co 1506 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-4276

Papa Johns 414 NE Park St (863) 467-7272

Chen Chinese 104 SE 6th St (863) 467-2688

Jersey Mike’s Sub 611 SW Park St (863) 467-8100

Little Caesars Pizza 2105 S Parrott Ave (863) 467-0344

Park 112 112 SE Park St 561-222-7516

Cowboys 202 NE 7th Ave (863) 467-1104

Joey’s Pizza 107 SW Park St (863) 763-8383

Parrott Island 1001 S Parrott Ave (863) 357-1619

Crossroads 5050 NE 128th Ave (863) 763-8333

Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant 107 NW 6th Ave. (863) 467-0922

Josiah Restaurant 17735 Reservation Rd. NE (863) 467-9998

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Lunkers Sports Grill 4825 US 441 (863) 763-1900

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Pizza Heaven 208 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-9299

Pizza Hut 2795 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-1800 Pogey’s Family Restaurant 1759 S Parrott Ave (863) 763-7222 Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen 822 NW Park (863) 467-8891 Pueblo Viejo 3415 S Parrott Ave (863) 3579641 Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant 151 NW 36th St (863) 467-6655 Santa Fe 207 SW 6th (863) 467-6006 Serenity Coffee Shop 601 SW Park St (863) 824-2287 Shenanigans 2237 US 98 (863) 357-6100 Speckled Perch Steakhouse 105 US 98 (863) 763-9983

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED Peace Lutheran School We accept VPK and Step Up for Students • Serving Children ages 2-K • Small Class Sizes Subway 1865 FL 70 (863) 357-0106 Taco Bell 501 NE Park St (863) 467-4444 Tin Fish 301 N Parrott Ave (863) 357-0722

Now accepting enrollment for the 2020-21 School Year and Summer Camp Office: 863-763-7566 750 NW 23rd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • peaceschoolinokeechobee@yahoo.com • FMI visit www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Wendy’s 502 NE Park St (863) 763-8181 Zaxby’s 912 NE Park St (863) 357-1466 Zippy’s 301 SW Park St (863) 763-1399

IRSC 60TH ANNIVERSARY BLOCK PARTY Saturday, May 16, 2020 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Main Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce

Live Entertainment • Food Trucks Fun Educational Activities for All Ages • Campus Tours

Celebrating 60 years of student success!

www.irsc.edu

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Something for Everyone: Big Lake Hobbies Thrives on Family Fun and Art Gallery STORY BY RAYE DEUSINGER | PHOTOS BY BIG LAKE HOBBIES

It took five generations of men named Joe to bring Okeechobee the county’s only hobby shop. It also took a woman’s love of painting to add her hobby to the shop in a part of the store known as Park Street Gallery. Joe (1) loved building model airplanes, the old balsa wood kind which had to be cut to scale and assembled. Joe (2) was drawn into the hobby and worked with his dad, in New Jersey, where his son Joe (3) was born. Joe (3) quickly learned the fun of flying Radio Control (RC) planes. He met and married Kathie, and they eventually moved to Okeechobee where each worked and pursued their hobbies; his was building and flying planes, and hers was painting pictures. Kathie had taken up the hobby of painting and found she had a real talent for it. She would take work, of which

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she was especially proud, into a local art store to have it framed. When she heard the store was for sale, she and Joe (3) bought it. Soon, Kathie had built her store into “everything art.” She not only showed and sold her paintings, but she also began holding classes, doing custom framing, teaching private lessons and holding popular group classes called Paint-N-Parties where a painting is completed in less than two hours. Joe (4) was a welcome addition to the business, putting his knowledge of photography to use in the store with print photos and restoring old photographs, turning photos of maps into art and even building shadow boxes with his mom. Joe (3) began to use the huge storage space in the rear to build and hang his beloved planes. He belonged to an

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS RC club and soon those members were coming to the store to buy parts, RC equipment and even models. Son, Joe (4) joined them with his love for and knowledge of model cars, boats and planes. Joe and Kathie realized the store could expand their product line. Joe (5) is now gaining an interest in hobbies. The RC hobby business grew fast and by 2015 it was time to change the name to Big Lake Hobbies, LLC. Soon they had kits, models, parts, fuel and other supplies. Now modelers didn’t have to leave town to get parts as well as advice. The store supplies only ‘hobby grade’ products which means replacement parts are always available. They also have a 3-D printer which can duplicate any specific part, right down to the lug nuts on the cars. Now ”bursting at the seams,” this hobby store needed to move. They found a location on South Park Street which had room for the family’s multiple passions. Joe (3) and Kathie decided to resurrect the traditional neighborhood concept he and his father started in New Jersey. When you visit the store, be sure to look at the proudly-framed pictures of that long-ago hobby shop and the family that created it. On July 26, 2019, Big Lake Hobbies opened for business at its new location. Now, planes soar across the ceiling, a train is clacking along its tracks, cars are ready to roll and kits of all types can be found. But that’s not all. You can build and set off a rocket which can climb to 1,100 feet or even build a lunar module, and they service what they sell. The knowledge and products available at Big Lake Hobbies led to the building of an RC Park at the Ag Center, complete with a flying site and car track, where hobbyists can compete in races, fly their planes, test their creation and participate in challenges. There is even a drag racing track, a dirt track and a boat pond. BLH has recently built a Crawler Course behind the Park Street store. Rock crawling is an extreme form of off-road driving, using vehicles from stock to highly modified, to overcome obstacles. In rock crawling, hobbyists drive fourwheel-drive models, such as trucks, Jeeps, and “buggies” over very harsh terrain. Whether this is your hobby or not, it is great to watch these cars move and see the challenges. It is an excellent hobby to introduce to your son or daughter while also getting the family involved.

Ribbon cutting for Park Street Gallery

Opening Day for Big Lake Hobbies

At BLH, you can introduce your child to other hobbies, such as building STEM projects.

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Model airplanes

Art in progress

Also at BLH, you can introduce your child to other hobbies, such as building STEM projects. STEM is an educational program drawing youth into Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in a way which combines fun with learning. STEM education will continue to expand and grow to improve competitiveness in science and technology and help prepare youth for tomorrow in a “fun” way. Following the opening of Big Lake Hobbies, Kathie and Joe opened, on August 19, 2019, the Park Street Gallery. Kathie said this made us more accessible for our customers; their dedication deserves a traditional gallery, not only to get ideas, but to display their work. Over the years, doing custom framing for local artists, Kathie and Joe realized how much local talent existed, with no place to show their work. The gallery was founded with them in mind, each month opening their doors to local artists who can exhibit their work free for 30 days. The

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gallery is always free to the public, giving the community an opportunity to meet local artists and see their work. The current exhibit, by photographers Andrew and Joanie Tomlin is titled In Focus: Okeechobee. Once you walk through the gallery, you enter an area where you can watch ongoing paintings, then move on to the area where classes are held, then to the framing area. Artists who have already shown their work in Park Street Gallery are Theda Bass, acrylic artist; David Fox, photographer; Steve Gilliland, whose art is created by Electricity Through Wood (Fracking); Judy Throop, photographer; and Kathie and her protégé Michael Merriman, both showing their acrylic art. In that exhibit were some pictures of cows, the painting style for which Kathie is already well known. One of Kathie’s students, Ella Brown, participated in the chalk art contest at this year’s Art Fest, held in February. The Papasso family invites you to come in and experience their unique store.

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Look to Roll Shade for Hurricane and Sun Protection STORY BY JANE VAN TASSELL | PHOTOS BY ROLL-SHADE

Roll Shade, founded by owner, Austin Harvey in 2018, is a new addition to a family-owned business of home improvement services in South Florida. The company offers premier hurricane and sun protection systems — such as retractable awnings, screens and shutters — and

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A U GU ST 2019

services Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast. They have three employees: Austin, his brother Weston, and a new secretary Lauren. “The accordion shutter is the most popular hurricane protection in the state of Florida,’’ Austin said. “It’s a great price and it’s easy to use. My

“Accordion shutters are the new Florida look. The shutters provide a five-minute solution to bunker down before a hurricane,” - Austin Harvey

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grandmother is 94, and she would have no problem using the shutters. ” He said the different types of accordion shutters are Miami/Dade rated, and they can take more than a beating. “Accordion shutters are the new Florida look. The shutters provide a five-minute solution to bunker down before a hurricane,” Austin said. The family business started when Austin’s grandfather, Adrian, began making and installing new draperies in the 1960s in Miami before enlisting in the Marines. He later moved his family to Okeechobee for a more peaceful lifestyle. He then moved north and expanded the business to provide awnings in the 1980s and still owns and operates Sunshades Awning Company in Kissimmee. His daughter, Jeanette Harvey, often helped out in her dad’s business and in 1992, decided to open her own company. She moved to Okeechobee and opened Jeanette’s Interiors in the old Raulerson building on Parrott Avenue. Her business still flourishes today, specializing in flooring, counters, cabinet tops and window blinds. Austin and his older brother Weston, who were born and raised in Okeechobee, worked in their mother’s carpet cleaning business, Adrian’s Carpet Care in Okeechobee. As Austin was learning to drive, his brother was heading for the Army, where he served as a combat medic (he completed his service in 2016). While Weston was in the Army, Austin ran the carpet cleaning business. After his military service, Weston became a licensed Hurricane Shutter and Metal Awning Contractor and

Accordion shutters

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BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Two-car garage screen

started Affordable Hurricane Shutter Services (AHSS -- a parent company) in 2018. Meanwhile, Austin, who graduated from Okeechobee High School in 2010, attended IRSC and continued to work with his family until he left to get an engineering degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He graduated from UF in 2015. After graduating, Austin came home and managed the shutter and awning companies, while Weston pursued (full time) a nursing degree at Keiser University. Weston will return in April to work part time with the company. Austin runs his business out of a portion of Jeanette’s Interiors building, and out of his vans. Austin plans to stay in Okeechobee but wants to expand his business, adding hurricane-impact doors and windows. Austin installs and services retractable awnings, screens, shutters and hurricane systems. They also replace and repair parts on older systems and stand behind their name. Although Okeechobee is their base, they also service neighboring communities. With Roll Shade, Jeanette’s Interiors and Adrian’s Carpet Care under one roof, the Harveys have your home covered,

Garage screen

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inside and out. They provide quality craftsmanship with their combined knowledge and experience. Austin said all shutter, awning, and window treatments are provided by a family of qualified professionals. Hire the Harveys for your next home improvement project. For more information, visit them at 818 and 820 South Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34974

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OKEECHOBEE COOKING

SPRING RECIPES THAT WILL PULL YOU OUT OF YOUR COOKING COMFORT ZONE BY RACHEL BUXTON

With Easter right around the corner, it may not be celebrated as it has in years’ past given this crazy time of uncertainty. But that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself and whoever else that is residing in your house (fewer than 10, I hope) to a few delicious Spring treats. You can make all three of these recipes and have options come Easter morning or just try one now and the others later. If you’re looking for a muffin recipe that won’t tip the scale, these blueberry lemon Greek yogurt muffins are the perfect choice. The blueberries give it a nice sweetness while the lemon provides a little bit of tang and the Greek yogurt throws in a powerful protein punch. If you’re not a Greek yogurt fan, don’t let that deter you from trying these muffins. You seriously can’t even tell it’s in them. I promise! I made these muffins for a garage-full of guys brewing beer and they were a hit! Spinach pie has been a fan of mine ever since I lived in New York City and the diner across the street from my apartment, Madison’s, had it as a special every Tuesday. Whenever my mom would visit on a Tuesday, we would order two spinach pies and two bowls of split pea soup (recipe to come

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in a future OTM issue, possibly). What I like about this particular spinach pie is its simplicity. It’s crustless which that alone eliminates a phyllo dough headache. The feta, dill and Asiago cheese blend together perfectly to give the pie a nice refreshing, full flavor. If you haven’t made your own biscotti at home, you don’t know what you are missing. Don’t be intimidated. It just takes a few extra steps and cooking time but in return you get savory golden breakfast “cookies”. Going back to my New York City days again, I used to make biscotti and actually ship them home to my mom and dad who would fight over the crumbs, no lie. Biscotti is so versatile, so if you don’t like cranberries try a different flavor. Add nuts if you like nuts. You can also dip them in chocolate to really dress them up. White chocolate with colored sprinkles may help dress up your Easter breakfast table. I know these aren’t your typical recipe items that you make. But I’m challenging you to try something new. Step out of your comfort zone and you may just find out that you don’t have to step too far because these recipes are super easy. I hope everyone stays safe and has a very hoppy, happy and healthy Easter.

OKEECHOBEE COOKING

Blueberry Lemon Greek Yogurt Muffins Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 cups fresh blueberries zest of one lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper liners in muffin pan. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend sugar, oil, and eggs on medium speed using an electric mixer. Continue to blend while adding Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice Slowly add flour mixture on low speed. Mix until well combined. Gently fold blueberries into the mixture and fill muffin liners with batter. Bake muffins for 25 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

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OKEECHOBEE COOKING

Crustless Spinach Pie Ingredients 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed, liquid squeezed out 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup crumbled feta 2 tbsp. grated Asiago cheese or Parmesan

Better-Than-Store-Bought Cranberry Biscotti

1/2 cup flour 1 tsp. baking powder 2/3 cup milk 1 tsp. olive oil

Ingredients

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup sugar

pepper to taste

2 tsp. vanilla extract

cooking spray

2 eggs 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a pie dish with cooking spray. Mix spinach, dill, parsley, feta cheese, and fill pie dish with mixture. Sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and blend well. Pour into pie dish over spinach mixture. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until knife comes out clean from the center. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

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1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together olive oil and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs and beat until well blended. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder.

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Using an electric mixer, slowly mix in the dry ingredients into egg mixture. Gently fold in the cranberries. Form dough into a 13-inch-long, 3-inch-wide log on a prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Place the log on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

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DAY TRIP TRIPS

Beloved Author’s Farmhouse Takes Visitors Back to Florida’s Pioneer Days

Story by Lisa Elia Photos courtesy of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

The oldest section of Pulitzer Prize-winning, author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Cracker-style farmhouse was built in 1884. She moved to Cross Creek in 1928, and the board and batten house was mostly built of heart of pine. Rawlings extended the front porch, added screens and built the bathrooms. The open design lets breezes flow through the house in the hot weather. The hood of a pale yellow 1940 Oldsmobile peeks out of the carport. The car was donated and is the same make, model and color that Marjorie once drove

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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, first laid eyes on a wild, sandy scrap of land in North Florida in 1928. The open range -- where cattle roamed, where barefoot children played among the citrus groves and where backwoods bandits gathered at night to fire up their stills by the light of the moon and the stars -- made her feel like she was home for the first time in her life. She found living at her Cross Creek farm an adventure. She battled snakes, gators, oppressive heat and freezing cold. But she learned from the land and against all odds, she eventually succeeded. Rawlings, who was one of Florida’s most well-known and successful writers, became captivated by her neighbors and they took to her, as well. They became not just her friends, but the subject of her books, one of which, The Yearling, won a Pulitzer Prize in 1939. She found herself and her writer’s voice at Cross Creek. She called it her place of “enchantment,” and now the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, which provides a window into her world, is a place that others can enjoy, too. It’s the only Florida state park honoring the life and work of an author. “Marjorie wanted Cross Creek to inspire people just as it had inspired her,’’ said Scott Spaulding, park manager for the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park. “The humble Cracker people, the floral and fauna kept her at this wonderful place,’’ he said. She loved the people here, and she would go out of her way to help them, he said. One of those acts of kindness

was remembered by Carol Fiddia Laxton in a 2018 documentary. Marjorie had gotten to know the Fiddia family after spending months with them, learning about the Florida Cracker ways, which she wrote about in her first novel South Moon Under. Even though nearly 70 years had passed, Laxton still never forgot Rawlings coming to their house in the woods on Christmas day. She brought presents, and a turkey and all the trimmings, and cooked it on the family’s wooden stove. The family had been grieving after their 5-year-old baby sister had died from leukemia at age 5. “I was 15, I was old enough to realize how important she was and how she could have spent Christmas with anybody but she chose to spend it with

“Marjorie wanted Cross Creek to inspire people just as it had inspired her,’’ - Scott Spaulding, Park Manager, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

The front porch was where Rawlings did most of her writing. Seated in the deer hide chairs at the cypress table with its cabbage palm base and cypress tree top, she could write and enjoy the Florida breezes and watch what was happening on her farm and on the road

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DAY TRIP

In the living room, Rawlings added French doors to capture the Florida sunshine. She had a liquor cabinet in a closet next to the fireplace. It was said to be the only door she ever locked in the house

us,” Ms. Laxton said in the documentary Here is Home: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Cross Creek, produced by Sonya Doctorian. After hearing that story, Spaulding said, “It was a testament to the wonderful and caring person that Marjorie really was.” Rawlings’ house and farm are midway between Ocala and Gainesville, in southern Alachua County, and still are a reminder of the remote, rugged wilderness where Florida Crackers eked out a living. Marjorie Kinnan was born in Washington, D.C., in 1896. Her father, Arthur Kinnan, was an attorney for the U.S. Patent Office, and he taught Marjorie to love nature. She discovered she had a knack for writing as a teen when she won $2 in a writing contest for The Washington Post. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1918, married classmate, Charles Rawlings, and pursued a career in journalism. Marjorie didn’t visit Florida until she was a married, 31-year-old, struggling

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writer. She worked at newspapers in Louisville, Kentucky, and Rochester, N.Y., before she and her husband came to Florida in 1928 to visit two of his brothers. With an inheritance from her mother, Marjorie bought 74 acres of land with 1,600 orange trees, and she and her husband left the city for citrus groves, farm work and a backwoods way of life. Their idea was to make an easy living raising oranges, giving them plenty of time to write fiction. But it didn’t work out that way. They soon discovered that farming was anything but easy. They had to battle freezes, droughts, malaria and the Mediterranean fruit fly. Charles Rawlings didn’t like the rustic life; he preferred yachts and country clubs, and by 1933, he and Marjorie were divorced. Majorie, meanwhile, fell in love with rural life, and was content to keep farming. She soon realized she needed more income, so she started writing again. As she got to know her neighbors, she found inspiration in their hardscrabble life. She was fascinated by their pioneering spirit, their ability to live off the land and their self-sufficiency. One of her first published short stories about the Florida backcountry was Jacob’s Ladder, and she used $150 of her $700 royalty to install indoor plumbing, which was followed by a party that featured a tub full of soda on ice and a toilet full of roses. Her first novel, South Moon Under, was a finalist for the Pulitzer, but it didn’t win, Spaulding said. However, she did win the coveted prize with her novel The Yearling, which was published in 1938 and made

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DAY TRIP

In the kitchen is Marjorie’s wood-burning stove where she developed her recipes for her cookbook Cross Creek Cookery. She used the vegetables and fruit that she grew on her farm

Rawlings a celebrity. The heartwarming story about a boy on the Florida frontier and his pet deer became an instant bestseller and won the Pulitzer for fiction in 1939. MGM bought the movie rights for $30,000, the equivalent of about $500,000 today, Spaulding said. The 1946 film, starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman, was one of the first Hollywood movies shot on location. Another movie, Cross Creek, was based on one of Rawling’s books, and it hit the big screen in 1983, with actress Mary Steenburgen playing the part of Rawlings. Rawlings built strong friendships with writers, and her editor and mentor Maxwell Perkins, (he helped shape the careers of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe) who worked at the publishing company, Charles Scribner’s Son. Rawlings was a formidable, independent woman. She once went on a rugged, 10-day trip down the St. Johns River in a small wooden skiff with her female friend Dessie Smith Prescott. She chain-smoked Lucky Strikes and enjoyed Kentucky bourbon and moonshine. She loved to

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entertain, but she loved her peace and quiet. She could be incredibly stern but good-hearted. She would often make clothes on her sewing machine for neighbors’ children -- but only if they went to school. Visitors can see the sewing machine in the guest bedroom. Marjorie met hotelier Norton Baskin in 1933, and they eventually became business partners when she loaned him money to buy the Moorish-style mansion, Castle Warden, in St. Augustine, so he could turn it into a hotel. Their partnership was a success, and they went on to marry in 1941. During her lifetime, Marjorie wrote eight books and numerous short stories while suffering from nagging health problems. In 1935, she broke her neck and skull when she was thrown from her horse, and she was stricken with diverticulitis, for which she had surgeries and was hospitalized. She also had to endure a four-year long court battle with a former friend, Zelma Cason, who sued her for $100,000 for libel because of how she was characterized in Rawlings’

Cross Creek. The courts originally ruled in Marjorie’s favor, but later the charges were changed to invasion of privacy, and the ruling was overturned. In the end, Marjorie had to pay $1 to Cason and court costs. During the last years of her life, Rawlings split her time between her home in Crescent Beach (just south of St. Augustine), an upstate N.Y. farm and Cross Creek. She suffered a stroke and died in 1953 at the age of 57. In her will, she gave her Cross Creek property to the University of Florida. She wanted it to be an inspiration to up-andcoming writers. The university managed the property until 1970; then it was turned over to the Florida Park Service to be managed as a state historic site. The grounds and white, clapboard farmhouse of Cross Creek haven’t changed much since Rawlings lived and wrote here. Chickens and ducks roam the grounds of the Cracker-style farmhouse. The board-and-batten house, built mostly of rugged heart of pine, has a raised floor, high ceilings and many windows and doors for cross ventilation.

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More information:

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park 18700 S. County Road 325, Cross Creek, FL (352) 466-3672. Open daily from 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m.

Tours of the historic farmhouse are only available from park rangers and take place Thursday to Sunday from October to July at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The cost to enter the park is $3 per vehicle, and the house tour is $3 per adult and $2 per child. www.floridastateparks.org/park/Marjorie-Kinnan-Rawlings 70

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Citrus trees are scattered around Rawlings’ white-frame house. There’s a vegetable, herb and flower garden that was like the one Marjorie spent hours tending. A new barn was built, just like the one there before. Someone donated a pale yellow 1940 Oldsmobile, which is the same make, model and color that Marjorie once drove, Spaulding said. Visitors can see the table on the screened porch where she wrote her short stories and novels. Here, she sat on a deer-hide chair at a homemade table made of a cypress tree top and cabbage palm base and tapped out her works on a Remington typewriter (it’s not the original, but a refurbished one of the same model). She often slept on the porch on a daybed which was a few steps from her typewriter. In the dining room, the Wedgwood china, on which she served fried catfish and grits, is on display. In her living

room, there is a liquor cabinet hidden in a closet next to the fireplace. Spaulding said it was the only door in the house that Rawlings ever locked. There’s also her handcarved, antique bed where she slept, and the wood burning stove in the kitchen where she made a lot of her recipes for her Cross Creek Cookery cookbook. She is buried next to her husband in Antioch Cemetery a few miles away from Cross Creek. It is a fitting resting place for Rawlings because it is in the middle of the remote Florida pinewoods. On the head of the gravestone sit three small statues of white-tailed deer -- a buck, a doe and a fawn. Visitors leave flowers and mementos at her gravesite, but writers who visit the gravesite pay tribute to Marjorie in a more fitting way. They leave sharpened pencils and are free to take one of those left behind by others.

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Around Okeechobee

Where friends, family and neighbors meet

Miller’s Central Air and Okeechobee Chamber Host Reach More Customers online with Google Luncheon Attendees at the Grow with Google luncheon—hosted by Miller’s Central Air in the Williamson Center at the IRSC-Dixon-Hendry—learned how to use Google tools to help grow their businesses. Google staff members were on hand to teach workshops aimed at providing local businesses with knowledge and the ability to use Google’s tools to help conduct business. Okeechobee residents were also introduced to Google’s tools and resources to find jobs.

Wayne Cunningham, Paulette Wise, Tabitha Trent, Christian Brotons, Vince Petruzzelli, Bud Neese, Ricky Miller

Pamela Staff from Google

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Lunch Buï¬&#x20AC;et:

7 days a week 11 am to 1:30 pm

5050 NE 128th Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974 OPEN: Monday-Saturday 5:30 am to 2:30 pm Sunday: 7:00 am to 2:30 pm

863-763-8333

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Around Okeechobee

Where friends, family and neighbors meet

Taste of Okeechobee Okeechobee Main Street held their annual The Taste of Okeechobee on Saturday, February 8th in downtown Okeechobee. Twenty two restaurants and businesses

participated in the sold out event all along Park Street, each one giving delectable samples to those that purchased a Taste of Okeechobee passport for the evening.

Steffanie Immerfall, Elena Pineda, Chef Larry Sampson and Jacob Donacik of Josiah Restaurant

Big Tasty was a hit with everyone who stopped by

La Familia Resturant had a great display

Gary and Shelly Snyder toast to a great evening

Josiah Restaurant had live entertainment while patrons ate in their courtyard

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Maureen and Terry Burroughs enjoyed the evening

Nicole Tumoszwicz pours a sample for Kinely Ledferd

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Stan and Rosemary Frey from Franklin, KY, enjoyed the Taste of Okeechobee

Sweety Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offered a variety of delicious desserts

Edie Welling shared her dessert with her friend Elaine Venturelli

Magi Cable enjoyed a chocolate-dipped pretzel from Brown Cow Sweetery

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Around Okeechobee

Where friends, family and neighbors meet

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee After Hours Grand Oaks of Okeechobee hosted community members and residents for Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee After Hours.

Grand Oaks administration and staff hosts Okeechobee business community

Miss American Legion contest The 51st Miss American Legion Post 64 Pageant was held on February 4th, 2020 at Okeechobee American Legion Post #64.

(left to right) 2nd Runner Up, Zoe Bayless, 2020 Miss American Legion, Aubrey Hope Pearce, 1st runner up and Photogenic Winner, Priscilla Rogriguez

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OKEECHOBEE

REPAIR We Come to You! Mobile RV Service

863.261.3892 Denykay1@yahoo.com

Dennis Reynolds, Owner, Certified Technician LICENSED AND INSURED

La Madeleine

esi gn dstudi Graphic

LOGOS BROCHURES BUSINESS COLLATERAL PHOTO MANIPULATION POSTERS PUBLICATIONS FLIERS BANNERS LABELS DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING POSTCARDS SOCIAL MEDIA CAR WRAPS OUTDOOR MEDIA SIGNAGE WEB DESIGN INVITATIONS

813.778.7103

val@lamadeleinedesign.com www.val846.wixsite.com/lamadeleinegraphics FACEBOOK LMGraphicDesignStudio

What’s The Going Rate For Homeowner’s Insurance? Depends On Where You Go. Before renewing your homeowner’s insurance policy, call Pritchards And Associates. We’ll do our best to help you pay less, and make you feel right at home.

Are You Renting? We have programs just for you.

Call For A Free Quote

863.763.7711 pritchardsinc.com

Your Protection Is Our Policy.

Offices in Okeechobee, Tradition, Melbourne, and West Palm Beach

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r e g r u B t s e B d e t ! Vo e e b o h c e e k in O

307 N Parrott Ave • 863.623.4245 • OKEECHOBEE 78

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ADVERTISER INDEX A Child’s World...............................................................68 Abney Building & Consulting.......................25 Addiction Alternatives.............................................71 American Drilling........................................................55 American Legion, Post 64..................................49 Amvets, Post 200..........................................................49 Anderson Realty ..............................................................7 Badcock Home Furniture & More............. 19 Berger Real Estate......................................................59 Buxton Bass Funeral Home............................59 Carpenter Insurance................................................55 Clear Title & Legal Services..............................63 Crossroads Restaurant......................................... 73 CRS Cooling Regrigeration Services, .... 19 D-4 Powersports...........................................................79 Dolly Hand Theatre....................................................17 Don’s Appliances.........................................................39 Edward Jones Investments..............................69 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry.....................28 Family Dentistry of Okeechobee...............48 Fast Break Bait & Tackle......................................67 Florida Public Utilities..........................................46 Gilbert Experience..................................................IBC Glades Air Conditioning.....................................33 Gordon & Partners................................................... BC Heartland Discount Pharmacy...................... 5 Highland Pest Control.......................................... 75 Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd.......................35 Humana.................................................................................25 Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries................. 78 ICS Computers...............................................................59 Indian River State College................................. 51 Lake Okeechobee Elks Lodge 2871...........49 Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant Inc.........77 Melissa Arnold...............................................................68 Miller’s Central Air, Inc..........................................35 Mixon’s Real Estate Group, LLC................. 47 Morgan’s Furniture................................................... 75 Murray Insurance Services...............................33 North VFW, Post 4423.............................................49 Okeechobee Moose Lodge, Post 1753.. 49 Okeechobee Fish Company............................23 Okeechobee Health Care.................................IFC Okeechobee RV Repair .........................................77 Park Street Gallery.....................................................55 Peace Lutheran School.......................................... 51 Penrod Construction Company..................67 Platinum Performance Builders..................13

Pritchard’s & Associates, Inc...........................77 Pueblo Viejo.......................................................................39 Rabon’s Country Feed............................................79 Roll-Shade............................................................................... 3 Royal’s Furniture..........................................................69 Sacred Heart Catholic Church......................49 Sandra Pearce Photography............................ 73 Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center.........................................................29 South VFW, Post 10539...........................................49 State Farm Ins. Gretchen Robertson ...25 Teez 2 Pleez.........................................................................25 Tenniswood Dental......................................................9 The Purple Orchid......................................................67 Total Roadside Services....................................10-11 Toys For Tots........................................................................ 8 Treasure Coast Food Bank................................23 Value Specs..............................................................................1 Visiting Nurse Association..............................63 Wemmer Family Orthodontics....................42 Williamson Cattle Company.......................... 19 WOKC.......................................................................................43 Worley Construction................................................ 27

1852 NW 9th Street Okeechobee, FL 863-763-3447

STORE HOURS: M-F 7:30AM-6PM SAT 7:30AM-3PM PRODUCTS INCLUDE: Bagged Feed, Bulk Feed, Molasses, Hay, Fencing & Ranch Supplies, and Pet Food & Supplies

DON’T FORGET to submit photos from past events and details for upcoming events to us to publish!

Send them to: info@okeechobeethemagazine.com

jor All Mnads &

B r a turers nufac

TV A & e l c otorcy EPAIRS

M SERVICE•RCESSORIES S& PART

863.357.0334

1460 HWY 78 WEST • OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974

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LAST PAGE

Your Survey Invitation Sponsored by:

In our next issue, Okeechobee the Magazine will publish a very special issue focused on the future of Okeechobee. We will be talking to our political and business leaders to gain an understanding of their view of the city’s and county’s future: what do they see as the challenges and opportunities that will be faced in the decades to come? As a community faces its future, it needs to balance economic growth and opportunity with an understanding of the services it can provide, the nature of the culture that it wants to preserve (or change), and the best interests of the citizenry. One thing is sure, though: without wise leadership and a good vision, no city can face its future with confidence. While we believe it is vital to hear the ideas of elected officials and business leaders, we also believe that the citizens have a vital role in helping to find opportunities and define that future direction. That’s where you come in. With this survey, sponsored by Miller’s Central Air, Inc. we would like to ask you all how you feel about Okeechobee’s future. We will include answers from this survey into the issue, doing our best to share your hopes and concerns. We will be choosing 10 entries from the completed survey with prizes ranging from American Express Gift Cards to copies of Betty Chandler Williamson’s new book, Miz Betty’s Depression Era Memories. The Grand Prize winner will also win a gift basket, pictured at left, from Miller’s Central Air, Inc. For complete information and to start the survey, visit us online at www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

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“I switched to Gilbert Oil because my staff can go there any time of day and the fuel prices are always fair, if not cheaper than everyone in town. Better yet, they will come out and pump your fuel for you. It gets my team back on the road and not sitting at the pump. Most recently, Hurricane Dorian had everyone running to the pumps and Gilbert was one of the only places that planned ahead and had fuel throughout our storm preparation.”

- Keith Hickman

Co-Owner of Highlands Pest Control

303 NW 9th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972 (863) 763-0666 ° www.GilbertOil.com

• Road Fuel • Farm Fuel • Rec Fuel • DEF • Bulk Lubricants • Fuel Tanks & Fuel Pumps • And much more!

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