The Honorable
William L. Hendry
Activity Aide Suzy Rector stands beside one of her latest bulletin board holiday creations. In addition to bulletin board designer, she serves as the primary craft instructor at OHCF.
Hazel Herbert, former OHCF Resident Advocate employee and currently a resident, is shown by a decorated reception area. Hazel began her relationship with Faye Haverlock, OHCF founder and CEO, when Hazel visited with her mother daily who was a 10-year resident back in the 90s.
Bob and Janet Colbath met on a train while he was attending Northeastern University for his engineering degree and she was getting her business degree from Fay’s Business College in Boston. Fast forward 65 years and they still enjoy sitting beside each other holding hands!
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Publisher’s Note
I
t’s spring and one of my favorite events — the Okeechobee Music Festival — arrived in Okeechobee on schedule again this year with another great lineup of entertainment and wonderful people from all over the world. Look for our coverage of OMF 18 in our June issue.
Our magazine has been blessed to have some wonderful writers contribute to our pages over the years, and the Honorable Judge William L. Hendry is one of them. An avid historian, he has contributed many times to our Looking Back feature as well as our special historical editions. As a community member, he has served as a private local attorney, an attorney to both the city and county, a county judge and then as the first Okeechobee County resident to serve as a circuit judge. We are proud to share with you his remarkable story. Facing down a diagnosis of death, Debi Large never flinched. Her courage, faith and determination is an inspiration to all who have been given a life-threatening diagnosis and even to those who have not. In just 14 days, Debi’s life was turned completely upside down but her love of family, friends and faith only deepened. Her story is a reminder to all of the power of positivity and faith. In our Behind the Business features, we introduce you to Ricky and Andrea Maynor of Andrea Noelle’s Boutique and Pat Ragon of Clear Title and Legal Services. As always, we were there to cover our wonderful community events and to bring you the best of Okeechobee, because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine – Your Magazine!
Volume 12, Number 2 │April 2018
Publisher Susan Giddings Creative Director Lorraine Vogel Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener Editor J.D. Vivian Writers Rachel Buxton Magi Cable Raye Deusinger Cover/Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Photographers Sharon Cannon Jane Kaufman Patrick Van Tassell Contributors Betty Chandler Williamson Account Executive Trish Grygo Office Manager Patti Berglund
Susan Giddings OTM Publications, Inc. DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 316 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com President Susan Giddings Founder Maureen Budjinski Okeechobee The Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2018, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. 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.
4 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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I
nside this issue
16
April 2018
20
48
36
64
Features:
Behind the Business:
Columns:
Judge William L. Hendry.................20
Andrea Noelle’s Boutique...............76
Mother’s Day...................................82
By Magi Cable
Clear Title and Legal Services........80
Health & Wellness...........................86
By Raye Deusinger
Community Events:
Around Okeechobee......................88
By Magi Cable
Health and Safety Expo.................12
Debi Large........................................48 Science Nerds................................68
Departments: Looking Back...................................60 By Betty Chandler Williamson
Arnold’s Wildlife Fundraiser............16 Top of the Lake Art Fest.................36 Brighton Field Day...........................40 Rotary Club Wild Game Dinner......44 Battle of Okeechobee.....................64
Cover photo by Sandra Pearce.
Peace Lutheran Gala......................72
Like Us on Facebook. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
8 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Advertiser Index.............................90
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L I I M ES A F Health, safety are goals of expo
The 11th annual Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo was held Jan. 27, at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. This yearly event fills the center with local health-care providers, law-enforcement personnel and education experts. Florida Community Health Centers, Inc.
Raulerson Hospital.
Students Working Against Tobacco.
12 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Taylor Marie leading a yoga class.
Martha’s House.
Photos by Susan Giddings
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April 2018 | 13
Ma rin & In e Acc sta ess llat ori ion es
ge a r Sto le! t a Bo ailab r o v o Ind Now A
Fishing Lake Okeechobee
As January comes to a close we have seen some strange patterns for Florida weather. The cold and wind has not been very cooperative since Christmas. With the water temperatures falling as low as the low 50s bass fishing has been slow all around Lake Okeechobee and the surrounding area. Fishing the Harney Pond area with a Black/Blue 3/8 oz Chatterbait and Gambler Little EZ Shadow Blue trailer seem to work well swimming very slow along submerged hydrilla or eel grass beds. Always keep a stick bait such as a Yamamoto Senko , Gambler Fat Ace or Bass Assassin Fat Job tied on to fish slow around scattered reeds or stick ups. Again Black/Blue or Green Pumpkin are working well. When fishing these baits be sure you fish slow and methodical. Kings Bar and Cody’s Cove are holding good numbers of fish on live wild shiners. No giant fish but 5-7 pound range with good number are a good bet. The Crappie bite continues to be good in the Kissimmee River. Good numbers and size fishing minnows in the 8-10ft water range. With the cooler temps anglers are drinking that extra cup of coffee and then getting to the water later in the morning after the sun gets up. The night bite has been good as well in the Indian Prairie Canal and the mouth of Harney Pond canal. Fishing 5-7ft seems to be the right depth. Jig fisherman are working the cattails and mats around Dyess Ditch and North Shore area with Mid South or Andy’s Jigs White or Chartreuse / White Jigs and having great success daily. As the winds and weather patterns of February and March change be careful and boat safely. Also Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters is proud to announce we will be hosting the Nik Kayler Memorial Tournament on Saturday 5-19-2018 at Okeetanti Park on the Kissimmee River. There will be Food , Entertainment , Raffles , Silent Auctions and much more. Please come Join us to show your support of a fallen Father , Husband and Fellow Angler. For any questions please call us at 863-763-2248. Also check our FB Page and Fishokeechobee.net for future updates. Tight Lines and See you soon.
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Community Event
4
Heidi Lee, Miles McGrath, Wes Abney, Antoinette Rodriguez, Steve and Heather Dobbs.
Getting Soulful for Wildlife Blues Brothers, band perform to benefit Arnold’s Rehab Center
Front: Gary Bell, Jenna Peterson, Noel Stephen and Shannon Peterson. Back: Michele Bell, Robert Coleman, Sylvia Hill and Vanessa Bessey.
Virginia Everett, Vickie Theros, Kayla Burney, Kayla Martin, Sue Arnold, Bari Fischer and Chuck Kadlecik.
The Blues Brothers and their five-piece band brought their high-energy, Broadway-style show to the Okeechobee KOA Convention Center on Feb. 3. The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue performed a special charity concert to benefit Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
B.R.A.T. Club volunteers: Coleen Izzo, Linda Harper, Matt Buxton, Dayton Buxton and Cole Verano.
Brian Martin, Julie Eason, Phillip and Kayla Martin, Ashley Martin, Steve Sutch, Leighton Martin and Nicholas Martin.
16 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Photos by Sharon Cannon
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April 2018 | 17
When it hurts to do nothing, it is time to do something.
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1995
Hendry possessed a rare ‘Judge combination of the best qualities
for a judge: knowledge of the law, attention to detail, fairness and compassion.
’
~ Attorney Laura McCall
The People’s Judge Bill Hendry builds solid foundation
J
as ‘Honorable’ jurist, family man By Magi Cable
Photos by Sandra Pearce
udge William L. Hendry has had the prefix “Honorable” attached to his name for over 37 years, since his first election as an Okeechobee County judge in 1981.
He became an Eagle Scout in 1943 — the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. He continued to work with the Scouts into his adulthood.
What does “honorable” mean? Deserving of esteem and respect? Entitled to honor and respect? According to the Protocol School of Washington, a retired judge is addressed as “The Honorable” for the rest of his or her life.
Bill was also involved in the family businesses — chipping ice; skinning frog legs; and packing fish, frog legs and soft-shell turtles in pine barrels.
Bill Hendry was born in Okeechobee County in 1929 — one of numerous children delivered by Aunt Merida Raulerson, a midwife who provided care for many of Okeechobee’s early citizens. His parents owned the Osceola Fisheries Co. His father, William J. Hendry, would serve as a mayor and as a state representative for six terms in Tallahassee. His mother, Hope Duncanson Hendry, was a nurse.
In September 1947, he began his freshman year at the University of Florida. He had planned to earn a degree in agriculture. But when home on spring break from UF, Bill heard about “the new blond girl” who was in the 1948 Senior Class at Okeechobee High. While hanging out at Lake Okeechobee, Bill decided to “throw a small rock at her to get her attention. She threw it back, and the rest is history,” he recalls. Almost 67 years later, he and Merle are still a “rock-solid” couple.
His grandfather built the Okeechobee County Courthouse, the original high school (now the Okeechobee Freshman Campus) and the Markham Building (currently the home of Jersey Mike’s Subs and the Serenity Coffee House) — all around 1926.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September 1950. Most of his military time was spent in Utah, and he was eventually offered the opportunity to return to UF to finish his degree, which he did in 1951.
Educated in Okeechobee County, he was very involved in school activities. A member of the “Fighting Catfish” football team and a charter member of the first high-school band, Bill graduated in the Class of 1947.
His 1952 military assignment would cement his career path. Assigned to the base’s legal office (judge advocate general), he remained there until his discharge in 1954, impressing his superiors with his integrity and ability. Encouraged to attend
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April 2018 | 21
county attorney — four months after he opened his law practice. Bill says, “I held that position for the next 21 years, and it was the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my law practice.” He also served 10 years as city attorney.
Bill and his father on the city fire truck.
law school, he took their advice and returned to the University of Florida to earn his law degree. After graduating and then passing the Florida Bar exam, he returned to Okeechobee to practice law in July 1957. The Board of County Commissioners hired him to serve as
Merle and Bill Hendry. 22 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
In January 1981, Bill was elected a county judge. Burton Conner, then a Fourth District Court of Appeal judge and a former Okeechobee County judge, remembers: “Bill Hendry most definitely had a significant impact on me as an attorney and as a judge. He was always well-prepared, patient and respectful. His rulings were decisive and his reasoning clear. His impartiality was unquestioned, and his decisions were grounded in common sense. He was tough when appropriate and compassionate when appropriate. What I regard as the most remarkable thing about him is that I never heard anyone say a negative thing about his judicial demeanor or his work as a jurist. “Although I never had the pleasure of working with him attorney-to-attorney, I know his former reputation: He was an excellent attorney. I also know that his work as a judge was simply a reflection of his character as a person. He is a man of
Hendry’s rulings ‘Bill were decisive and his reasonings clear. His impartiality was unquestioned. ~ Judge Burton Conner
’
Bill holding his discharge papers. Off to Gainesville, Fla., for law school.
Bill and ‘Ole Black’ circa 1947.
honesty and integrity. In his courtroom, he may not have agreed with a lawyer or a litigant, but every lawyer and litigant got their day in court before a fair, honest and intelligent judge.” On a Sunday night in 1984, after serving three years of his term in office, Bill received a phone call from then-Governor Bob Graham to ask if he would accept the appointment to become a judge in the 19th Circuit. Thus, Bill became the first Okeechobee County resident to serve as a circuit judge. Bill notes, “I was very much surprised when I got the call. I didn’t realize that the governor works that late.”
Tom Willis, assistant court administrator; Marty Thomas, judicial assistant; David Douglass, court administrator; and Circuit Judge Bill Hendry.
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April 2018 | 23
In 1984 on a Sunday night, Governor Bob Graham called to ask if Bill would accept an appointment to become a judge in the 19th Circuit.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Swearing in as a circuit judge, 1984.
Six years later, the circuit and county judges elected him to serve as the chief circuit judge. His duties included supervising judges’ schedules, reassigning cases, rotating jobs and presiding over meetings — as well as serving as the link between the 19th Circuit and the Florida Supreme Court. During his term, nearly 500 attorneys were asked to evaluate the judges of the 19th Circuit, and Bill received the highest score.
Attorney Laura McCall, asked about his impact on her career, explains, “When I arrived here in 1985, Judge Hendry was the circuit judge assigned to Okeechobee County, and for several years, much of my practice was in his courtroom. He possessed a rare combination of the best qualities for a judge: knowledge of the law, attention to detail, fairness and compassion. His judicial demeanor can best be described as ‘dignified,’ and he treated everyone in his courtroom with respect. Sometimes, what litigants want, more than anything else, is to be able to tell their side of the story in court and to feel like they were heard. Judge Hendry fulfilled that need, giving each person his full attention and consideration. When making his rulings, he took the time to explain his reasoning, which oftentimes softened the blow felt by the losing party.” Marty Thomas served as Bill’s judicial assistant. Her roles were to maintain an efficient office and to arrange the daily schedule of hearings and trials. Mrs.
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Thomas recalls, “Bill Hendry is the most honest, ethical and upstanding person I have ever known. He always had complete control in his courtroom and the utmost respect from everyone involved. In all my time working with him, I never even heard one cuss word from him.” In 1995, the judge retired due to term limits, but he continued to serve as a senior judge for 13 more years. But an impressive career is just one aspect of “The Honorable Bill Hendry.”
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
For example, he served on the first Board of Trustees for Indian River Community College (now IRSC), and was honored, when the current IRSC campus was built, to have the campus named the “Dixon-Hendry Campus” after him and Ben Dixon, another original trustee member.
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Bill attends the First United Methodist Church, where he has been a member for 72 years. He is a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club, Kiwanis and the Okeechobee Historical Society. Probably his greatest attribute as a member of the historical society is his firm grasp of details and dates of events in this community.
When the current IRSC campus was built, it was named the Dixon-Hendry Campus after Ben Dixon and Bill Hendry.
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Bill and Merle with their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
If you were to ask him what is his most important legacy, he would say his family. He and Merle are the proud parents of three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
His first-born, Pam, remembers being a close family. “Dad has not only always taken the time to enthusiastically mentor his children and grandchildren, but has always listened to us, as well. Dad’s standard greeting for all of us is ‘Whaaat’s happenin’? Tell me what’s goin’ on.’” She recalls fishing with her dad, family trips and family gags. Son Chip has this to say about his father: “He possesses, without a doubt, the most patience and even temperament of anyone I’ve ever come to know. I do not recall that he ever expressed himself in anger or haste. I wish this trait had been passed along to me. He demanded, but also rewarded, hard work. We always
father has made it ‘Our perfectly clear to all of
us what the secret to happiness is: faith in God, love of family and service to community.
’
~ Bill’s youngest daughter, Dion
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Bill and Merle circa 1999.
had extended summer vacations. Twice, he drove us across the United States in a station wagon; one was even an AMC Rambler. We saw Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park, and we never missed church on Sunday — all while meeting the children’s demand that we would stay only at hotels with a swimming pool and a slide. As a parent, he emphasized traditional values, honesty and responsibility.” Bill’s youngest daughter, Dion, works in the local State Attorney’s Office as a victim’s advocate. She recalls, “When we were asked to contribute thoughts and memories about our father, my first
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thought was ‘Well, he is the leader of our band.’ We grew up listening to stories about world history, American history and Okeechobee’s history. But what I remember most is the hard work and rewards of raising cattle. We all enjoyed working the cattle, even though there were times my father should have lost his cool with us.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
traveled to 45 states and almost 60 countries with wife Merle.
“What I admire most about my dad is his ability to not lose his temper. He was once asked, ‘How do you do it — how do you not get angry?’ He replied, ‘First, you have to determine what is making you upset. Second, is there something you can do about it? Lastly, if you can’t change it, why get upset about it?’ Our father has made it perfectly clear to all of us what the secret to happiness is: faith in God, love of family and service to community.”
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Bill and Merle are still extensive travelers — to 45 states and almost 60 countries. Notes Bill, “Some trips were more unusual than others, such as cruising over 1,000 miles up the Amazon River; visiting the Sami people of Lapland in northern Finland; and staying with a farm family on their sheep ranch in New Zealand. But on the darker side, no one leaves Auschwitz, Poland, with a dry eye.”
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April 2018 | 31
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Asked about interesting people he has met, Bill provides an extensive “Who’s Who” list. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor presented him his certificate of completion of his “general jurisdiction program” from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada. Others he has known include Florida Governors Jeb Bush, Reubin Askew and Lawton Chiles; Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey; and Lorne Greene of Bonanza fame. Bill’s hobbies include stamp collecting, which he began doing as a second-grader in 1936; and cultivating crotons — he has over 100 varieties. On his “bucket list” is completing a history of Okeechobee, a topic he has been researching for more than 12 years. Daughter Pam says that what started out as a hobby has turned into a full-time research project — “From libraries to courthouses, census rolls to cemeteries, yellowed old newspapers and boxes of
A courtroom was dedicated in 2010 as the Judge William L. Hendry Courtroom in honor of his service to Okeechobee.
water-stained photographs — and many, many interesting people along the way — he has methodically gathered the information to tell Okeechobee’s real story.” During his 89 years, the Honorable William L. Hendry has left a lasting legacy on this community. He has stayed true to his oath as a Boy Scout and, later, as a member of the legal community. There are few men who exhibit the characteristics of being “honorable,” and our community is richer for having this man as one of its citizens.
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April 2018 | 33
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Community Event
Mixing Fine Art and Food Art Fest, Taste of Okeechobee draw art patrons, diners
The Top of the Lake Art Fest, hosted by Okeechobee Main Street, was staged Feb. 10-11, in Flagler Park. Also, on Saturday evening, the Taste of Okeechobee brought together restaurants and residents to dine on an assortment of delicious offerings.
Beef ‘O’Brady’s.
Brown Cow Sweetery.
2nd Street Pizza.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Seminole Brighton Casino.
Photos by Susan Giddings
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 37
ne
Fin du so nl i
.COM LBT
S at
Community Event
Having a
Field Day
Festival features Native American culture, fare ‌ and a pro rodeo
The Seminole Tribe of Florida hosted its 80th annual Brighton Field Day Festival and PRCA Rodeo from Feb. 16-18 on the Brighton Indian Reservation. People from all over the country experienced aspects of Native American culture, concerts, authentic Seminole cuisine and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Photos by Sandra Pearce
Title Insurance • Real Estate Closings 202 NW 5th Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 Telephone: 863.824.6776 Fax: 863.824.6778 titleandlegal@ymail.com
Doctors Clinic Family Health Center, LLC 863.763.1107
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Antoinette Battle Stanley H. Sweda M.D. Jane Powell ARNP-C ARNP-FNP-BC Most Insurances Accepted • DOT/CDL Physicals • Family Practice and Occupational Medicine • Lifestyle Weight & Wellness Accepting New Patients • Walk-ins & Appointments
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Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center 863.357.8222
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204 SE Park Street • Okeechobee www.DrAlbertBravo.com Albert F. Bravo, MD Gastroenterology/Hepatology
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April 2018 | 41
Our Services Include:
Honored to Serve O ur Community
Founded in 1971, Family Dentistry of Okeechobee is a full-service, state-of-the-art dental office with a compassionate and professional team to serve you. From preventative care, to full mouth restoration, we offer excellent dental care in a peaceful environment. Our many years in practice, along with the testimony of our patients, reflect our genuine desire to care for each patient that comes into our office.
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Serving Okeechobee for over 90 Years! A vehicle is a huge investment, especially for a non-proďŹ t, and it's something we need to last for a long time. It's the initial trust of what we're getting. If there's a service issue or if there's a question we have with our vehicles, Gilbert has been great and gone out of there way to take care of any issues. There is no doubt we are going to use Gilbert! -Mark Mayers (Real Life Children's Ranch)
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Community Event
Photos by Jane Kaufman
Marisol Rodriguez, Makaya Whitehead, Chandler Smet, Ricky Lopez and Tia Shorey.
Rotary Goes Wild! Fundraiser serves up beastly fare
Featuring dishes piled high with exotic meats and other selections, the Rotary Club of Okeechobee’s annual Beast Feast was held at the Silver Palms RV Resort on Jan. 27. Guests were treated to a wild menu of items, including alligator tail and “camelhump sliders.”
Lori Bandi with Emily and Jake Streelman.
Mason, Melissa and Erik Kindell. Elizabeth Marquezado and Ed Martinez.
Manny and Trini Garcia. Members of the Rotary Club of Okeechobee with past 6930 District Governors Eric Gordon and Terri Wescott; and Nadine Burns, incoming RYLA district chair.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Marcum & Associates Same Values — Same Service with a Name You Can Trust
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY Family Owned and Operated
James Marcum Principal Agent
863.467.0331 www.mymarcum.com
1120 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974
No Matter What You Need WE’RE HERE
WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER A NETWORK OF DEDICATED PROVIDERS WHO ARE READY TO PROVIDE CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST. Our physicians specialize in, cardiology, primary care, general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology and gastroenterology. Let our family take care of your family.
1. Orthopaedic Specialists at Raulerson 1924 Hwy. 441 North | Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.357.0540 | raulersonortho.com
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WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY Presents ‘Photos of the Past’
Shown below is a picture of:
Martha Goddard Conely
Jim and Monica McCarthy Clark
Okeechobee 863-763-2114 804 N. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34972
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400 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972
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Miss Martha Goddard was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1915 in Quincy, Florida. She received her teaching degree from Florida College for women, now known as Florida State University. She majored in Home Economics. Upon arriving in Okeechobee, Ms. Martha began teaching in the local elementary school. Later, she became the first ‘Okeechobee Home Economics Teacher’. She married T.W. Conely, Jr., and the couple had three children, Tom III, Fain and Martha Sue. Ms. Martha is a perfect example of a ‘Southern Lady’, with wisdom, grace and charm. She joined the First Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for over half a century. Martha Goddard Conely celebrated her 103rd birthday this year, and has lived to see both the Okeechobee City and County Centennials.
Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson
www.okeechobeefuneralhome.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 47
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. ~ Proverbs 3: 5-6, Debi’s favorite scripture 48 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Turning Trials into
Growth
Debi Large’s love of family, friends and faith deepens after cancer diagnosis By Raye Deusinger
N
ot long ago, Debi Large was part of the life force of Okeechobee. She was on the radio, working with youth, riding horseback through Indian Hammock, talking politics, testifying to her faith, networking, or attending Okeechobee’s many public functions. Today, not so much. So what happened to Debi? It is almost impossible to imagine, but in just 14 days in 2015, Debi’s life completely changed. She says, “I was married, had a job, drove a car, life was good. Fourteen days later, that life was completely over. I found myself totally dependent on God and others He chose to send me. The cause: a brain cancer called ‘glioblastoma.’” Hers is a story of faith, trust, family, friends and community.
Photos by Sandra Pearce
supposed to be the pastor, but I’ve learned from her; I believe her faith has even grown deeper.” After arriving in Okeechobee, Debi didn’t take long to become involved in the community and, leading up to her diagnosis, she held many positions. She began as the leader of Cornerstone Christian Home Educators while home-schooling her two youngest sons. In 2005, she began working as the community-relations coordinator for Reach FM. In 2008, she was elected to chair the Republican Party of Okeechobee (she resigned in 2016 because of the brain cancer). In 2011, she became director of development for the Pregnancy Center. In 2015, she became activities coordinator at Detox of South Florida.
Debi was born into a loving Christian family in Port Huron, Michigan. Godly parents inspired her life’s direction. Just four courses shy of earning her bachelor’s degree in Christian education, Debi entered the mission field through Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc., where she taught Christian leaders in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in Indiana how to teach children by making a Bible story become a Bible lesson. In 1989, Debi and her family moved to Sebring, Florida. Then, in 2000, they moved to Okeechobee, where the family joined First Baptist Church. Pastor Mark McCarter said, “I have known Debi for almost 12 years. She and her sons were very active in our church. There is a lot of concern for her health, but her attitude in the way she approached it was amazing. I’m
Debi at the 2012 Republican National Convention.
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April 2018 | 49
Her community involvement continued. She served on the boards of both the Rotary Club and Younified, an organization that reaches youth for Christ through an annual music rally/party that draws almost 1,000 young people. It was through her discipline with her faith that she met a friend who would become so much more during Debi’s time of need. In 2000, Debi met Darlene Mayers in a Sunday-school class at First Baptist, and a friendship began. By 2001, Darlene and her children had joined Debi at Cornerstone Christian Home Educators. By 2005, Debi and Darlene were working together at Reach FM, and they eventually worked together at Detox of South Florida.
Darlene Mayers and Debi holding Daisy and Diamond.
‘
I have never known a more Godly woman, nor a more loyal friend, than Debi. She has stuck with me through the highs and lows of life. ~ Darlene Mayers
Debi with Diamond explaining why she can’t play.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
’
Debi with dear friends Jennie and Curtis from Serenity Coffee.
But on Dec. 7, 2015, Debi’s life changed forever. She had stopped for a cup of coffee and, while talking with Curtis and Jennie Tyson at Serenity Coffee Shop, she suddenly was surprised to see her left arm rise up in a motion like an incoming wave, and her head felt funny. She knew she hadn’t told her arm to do that. When the wave continued, a startled Curtis suggested that Debi call someone. She managed to call Darlene, who rushed right over and took her to the emergency room, where she was admitted. The initial diagnosis was a stroke; however, an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed a brain tumor. The first doctor to read the MRI explained that it was on the outside of the brain and could be easily removed without further treatment.
But another neurosurgeon disagreed and referred her to Dr. Ricardo Komotar, director of the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, who is considered the best neurosurgeon in the field of brain tumors. Dr. Komotar diagnosed a glioblastoma stage 4 tumor wholly within the brain. Surgery was set for Dec. 21. Following her diagnosis, Debi found herself in need of a place to live and of someone to help in her upcoming battle. In 2015, Darlene and her children welcomed Debi into their home.
‘
Debi Large has shown courage and determination in her battle. She is an inspiration and a role model for all patients afflicted with this disease. ~ Dr. Ricardo Komotar
’
Debi’s first obligation was to tell her three sons. Though living in Texas, Atlanta and Chicago, they all came to visit. Justin, the oldest, recalls, “She texted me ‘Before I put it on Facebook, I had to let you know.’ It was surreal, but the magnitude didn’t sink in until I flew down for her surgery. When I walked in, it was the toughest thing I’ve ever seen. She raised me to experience the peace that surpasses understanding. Internally, I felt different; but I saw her complete peace. She has been my rock.” Josiah, the middle son, says, “When I first heard, it was hard; it wasn’t fair. But she has the most positive attitude of any person I’ve ever met. She is a strong lady, the best person I know. She was more worried about me than about herself.”
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April 2018 | 51
Debi and Darlene before surgery.
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Post-diagnosis, pre-surgery: Debi being silly with sons Josiah and Jeremy.
Jeremy, the youngest, says, “My first thought was that she wouldn’t get to see my future. When she feels bad, it’s bad. But I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness; I can see the value in it through her. I have learned to appreciate others who are not dying, and I try to make people realize their own value every day.” On Dec. 21, Debi had surgery to remove the tumor. Before surgery, she had few symptoms. Following surgery, however, she couldn’t walk, sit or stand without assistance; had difficulty with balance; and could not turn over in bed. Debi would need a lot of help moving forward, but she came home on Christmas Eve. The boys all stayed for Christmas. They remember her comment at the time. Says Josiah about his mom’s upbeat attitude, “She told us, ‘I will take a tumor any day if I get to see all three of my boys.’ That’s a little dark, but she handled it better than we did. She wasn’t worried — because 52 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
‘
Every day I am here is a gift. ~ Debi Large
’
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she knows where she is going, and that is awesome.” Radiation therapy began the following week and continued — five days a week — for six weeks. Then came high-dose chemotherapy for one month; that was followed by chemo for five days a month, for 23 more months, and then six weeks of radiation. It was 18 months before Debi could drive a car. So much for the projected three- to six-month life expectancy she had been told she had.
tyle on S r u o Y t e G d n a s rd me into Staffo
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• Precision Hair Cut Designs • Balayage Hand Painting • Brazilian Blowout • Waxing • Manicures • Microblading • Nail Enhancements • Spa Pedicures • Waxing • Eyelash Extensions Pre-diagnosis. Debi with all three sons — Josiah, Justin and Jeremy.
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April 2018 | 53
‘
In 20 years, I have never seen survival like hers.
’
~ Dr. Prashant Patel
Indian Hammock fundraiser: Kyle Reno, Sarah Reno, Debi and organizer Frank DeCarlo.
Dr. Prashant R. Patel of Stuart Oncology Associates says, “Debi Large is still a radiation patient for this lethal, dangerous brain cancer, which almost always comes back with revenge. In 20 years, I have never seen survival like hers. The cancer is still intact, but not at a point of being
terminal. No one could predict that she would be here a year-and-a-half later.” He adds, “There is something about Okeechobee people. They are different, appreciative and kind. Debi always comes with confidence and hope. When
Oncologist Dr. Patel and Debi.
a patient believes in a spiritual life, things happen. Debi is proactive and energetic, with a positive attitude. She will know when the time has come to depart, but until then, she’ll never give up on life.” Debi says, “Every day I am here, it is a gift. I always knew, logically, that even on my worst days, I have a choice to make: ‘Will I live bitter or better?’ Now it is a byword for me — I will live better.”
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54 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Through determination, prayer and support during several months, she went from wheelchair to walker to walking. She is determined to be independent. “Coping with recovery was one thing; having no income was another,” says Debi. “But the people of Okeechobee are wonderful and look out for each other.” The first to step up was Nano Corona, a cancer survivor and the founder of nonprofit Ride for the Fight, which raises money to fight cancer in Okeechobee. Notes Debi, “The check he wrote gave me added confidence. God sent him and, with him, calm and peace.” The rest of Okeechobee was there to help
Debi as well, with various fundraisers. A Go Fund Me page was set up and created an incredible response. Frank DeCarlo held an Indian Hammock fundraiser to help with prescription costs and travel, since treatments were done in Miami, Stuart and Vero Beach. Jersey Mike’s Subs also held a fundraiser. Debi said, “Following a birthday party at Serenity, Frank and Nano walked me outside and showed me a golf cart they had gotten for my birthday. For a year, I’d been stuck in the house, and the ride gave me independence to wander Indian Hammock. There is even a Facebook page called Prayers for Debi. It is exalting, yet humbling, to know some have even come to know Jesus through my testimony.
South Campus 4664 Hwy. 441 SE Okeechobee 863.467.1400
North Campus 703 SW 6th Street Okeechobee 863.763.5453
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Debi went from wheelchair to walker.
‘
She taught me that the real me is not who people see in public, but the one behind closed doors when no one is looking. ~ Justin Large, Debi’s oldest son
’
863 467-1545 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 55
“I have never asked God to heal me. Whether I’m sick or healthy, can’t move or am powerless, I trust God. I put everything through Him. My prayer is for Him to use me in any way He desires.” One of her neurologists, Dr. Paul Schmidt, says, “Ms. Large is very upbeat, especially with a very tough diagnosis. She is doing well and is a great example for anyone in this situation.” “The biggest lesson I learned in the first few days,” notes Debi, “was to answer God’s question: ‘Are you gonna trust me?’ He taught me the difference between appreciation (thank you) and trust (commitment). I have learned that 1) God is good; 2) God is the only one who can take garbage and make good out of it; and 3) God knows the best plan for my life that will bring Him glory.”
Back row: Justin, Judah, Tiffany, Trudie and Josiah. Front: Gemma, Katherine, Jeremy and Debi.
‘
She is a strong lady, the best person I know. She was more worried about me than about herself. ~ Josiah Large, Debi’s middle son
’
Debi and her sister Bonnie.
She has since heard a song, which has become her favorite. It is Lauren Daigle’s “Trust in You”. Its chorus says: “When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move, When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through, When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You, I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You. I will trust in You.” This has been her theme through this journey. In fact, Our Journey is the name of the Sunday-school class she teaches today. When asked what makes her happy, she replies, “Jesus, children, friends and family.”
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
“Some think it’s my good attitude helping me, but it isn’t; it’s my God. Even if I die tomorrow, it doesn’t mean God has stopped working. His is the perfect plan,” continues Debi. But her story is not over. She has now learned she has breast cancer, but still
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Headed to radiation with son Jeremy.
considers the past 28 months the best of her life. After not working for all of 2016, Debi says, “My employer, Detox of South Florida, has been so good to me. They let me come back last February to work when and if I could. I don’t think most businesses would have done that.” When Dr. Saeed Kahn gave her the breast cancer news, her reply was, “Maybe I’ll get that pink ribbon after all.” (Brain cancer is a gray ribbon; breast cancer is pink.) She believes the two colors will go well together. “Through God, my faith has gone to a new level,” she explains. “Jeremy (her youngest son) took time off from school to stay with me for several months, taking me to radiation. We talked, cried and laughed. If that wonderful time comes from me having a tumor, then thank You for that. “I even got to see Jeremy get married, and I got to travel to Texas to see the birth of Justin’s son — my first grandchild. No matter what lies ahead, this I know: It is well with my soul.”
Office: 863-763-7566 750 NW 23rd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • peaceschoolinokeechobee@yahoo.com • FMI visit www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org
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Debi with son Justin welcoming the birth of her first grandson, Judah. Doctors did not predict she would be alive for this day.
OKEECHOBEE 1802 S. Parrott, Okeechobee, FL 34974 Direct: 863-763-7711
PORT ST. LUCIE 10791 SW Tradition Square, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 Direct: 772-345-7700
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A Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles Advanced Diagnosis using: 3D/Cone Beam Technology
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58 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Looking Back
Pilots That H ave Flown In to Okeecho County Airp bee ort in the Tw entieth Cen tury
sponsored by
Second in a series By Betty Chandler Williamson
Editors Fran
Author, Betty k Wesley “S
Chandler W
onny” Willia
Published 2
illiamson
mson, Jr. &
Excerpt from “Pilots That Have Flown Into Okeechobee County Airport in the Twentieth Century.”
Jim Hendrix
017
Pilots ! ! That Have Flown Into
Okeechobee County Airport in the Twentieth Century
Left: CONLON, David, a pilot, shown with wife Rose, as they are preparing for take-off. Rose learned to fly and soloed here in Okeechobee. They are shown in their Piper Cherokee for one of their many flights. A local attorney, he uses his airplane for business and pleasure trips. Right: Jim Hendrix instructing Rose Conlon on “engine parts.” 60 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
CONRAD, Cossie, an airplane and helicopter pilot who was employed by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission for many years. He flew thousands of hours over South Florida, especially the Everglades, as a wildlife officer. He is also shown flying a turkey release flight using a helicopter.
CULBRETH, Hugh Gilbert, Sr. owned and flew a J-3 Piper Cub. In 1933 he founded Gilbert Chevrolet here in Okeechobee. The car dealership has continued to be operated by son, Gil, and wife, Marie. Mr. Culbreth’s grandchildren, Christa and Bert, are involved with the business.
CULBRETH, Gilbert (Bert) III, son of Marie and Gil Culbreth,
also has his pilot’s license.
CULBRETH, Gilbert (Gil) Jr. and daughter, Christa, are both pilots. They are shown in front of their Piper Super Cub.
CUNNINGHAM, Frank, standing by his 1947 Aeronica Chief
airplane.
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April 2018 | 61
Below: Stanley is also seen below standing with friends. Left to right: Alex Mendoza, Stanley Curren, Jim Hendrix and Eddie Clay.
CURREN, Stanley, a pilot and graduate of Okeechobee High School, owner of Curren Electric Co. is shown alone in front of a Hughs 500 helicopter.
DAVIS, Jessie Lee, a local pilot and crop duster, standing by his 502 AirTractor, a 1989 model. He has been a crop duster for many years and has thousands of hours in the sky.
DOMER, Russell and Frank (Sonny) WILLIAMSON,
both had their sailplane (glider) ratings as well as pilot’s license. Above: The two are shown in front of a Schweitzer 232, a two-place sailplane trainer.
Russell Domer. 62 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
EVANS, Donald, (Brother Mickey), founder of
Donald (Brother Mickey) Evans.
FORESTRY, Florida
Division of District Office located on Highway 441 North, Okeechobee. Left to right: Crew: Larry Davis, helicopter pilot, Sanne Esque, airplane and “copter” pilot, and Andy Galleto, helicopter mechanic. They and “Smokey the Bear” are certainly welcome to our county.
Dunklin Memorial Camp, a Christian drug and alcoholic rehabilitation center, received his pilot’s license in the 1960s and flew to meetings around the state. Some airplanes were gifts to Dunklin to be used in this ministry. Two of the airplanes were donated to the camp after being confiscated by law enforcement agents in a drug raid. Pastor Mickey flew for many years; sadly, he had three accidents (two in 1975) and gave up flying. He explained, “I talked with the Lord about my pain and embarrassment caused by this activity, I was told, “Mickey you were flying, not me!” Under the leadership of Brother Mickey and others, Dunklin Memorial Camp celebrated over half a century in 2012. The ministry is located at the Camp on Martin County Grade Road. Pictures show Mickey in 2012, gazing into the Heavens. Also shown is a picture of one of the accidents in which he was involved. Mickey had been married to his highschool sweetheart, Laura Maye, for over six decades when he passed on.
GARCIA, Michele (Varnadore), Okeechobee
High School graduate of 1988. Michele obtained her private pilot’s license with local instructor, Roger Boromei. She served in the United States Navy and obtained her multi-engine and commercial rating, her Certified Flight instructor (CFI) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI). In 2003, she was hired as first officer on a King Air 200 and trained at Flight Safety International in Lakeland. Michele is shown here with husband Dr. Hubert Garcia.
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April 2018 | 63
Community Event
Photos by Magi Cable and Patrick Van Tassell
1837 Battle
Comes to Life
Historic fight occurred during Second Seminole War The 2018 re-enactment of the Battle of Okeechobee took place Feb. 24-25 at Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. On Feb. 23, fourth-grade students from Okeechobee and surrounding communities enjoyed a day on the “battlefield� before it opened to the public. The battle, fought on Christmas Day 1837, was one of the major battles of the Second Seminole War.
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Syfrett Feed Co. manufactures fresh Beef, Swine, Poultry, Sheep, Goat, Deer, Game feed and more! We have feed programs— from great starter/growers and finish/withdraws, to a special layer ration for poultry. Drive into The FeederyTM, buy your feed direct from the mill in any quantity. Bring your own container [any size], drive up and be well taken care. If you don’t have a container or need more, we carry barrels w/lids [up to 300 lbs], sacks [up to 100 lbs], or super sacks [up to 2000 lbs]. Feed is also available in 50 lb. bags. Give us a try, experience superior nutrition, unsurpassed support and competitive pricing. Custom Blends Available 50 lb BAGS 17% Special Layer Pellets Medicated 18% Special Layer Pellets 22% Poultry Starter Full Line: Safeguard® De-worming Products 20% Syfrett Buck ConditionerTM Livestock Minerals • Soybean Meal 18% Swine Starter • 13% Swine Finisher Horse Feeds: grow/premium Dog Feeds: pups/adults
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66 | April 2018
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April 2018 | 67
OTM Material:
In this third installment, a brother and sister used Science Fair competition as a springboard to career success.
N E C E N R E D I S C S Then and Now By Magi Cable
OTM Introduction:
Turning Sibling Rivalry to Their Advantage The next two subjects, a brother and sister, haven’t had quite no denying that, because they’re siblings, their participation as intense a rivalry as that between twin siblings. Neverin Science Fair was an important part of their early lives. theless, Nicole Paulson Shields and Christopher Paulson have competed against each other — and they’ve come out Nicole explains that her earliest Science Fair memories came from her first project, in sixth grade: “At that point, it was much the better for it. In this installment, the lyrics of the Irving Berlin song “Anything You Can more about the colors of the paper, ‘Science Fair was one of Do, I Can Do Better” come to mind. perfectly lining up the letters for each the catalysts that enabled That song, from the Broadway musical header to the scientific method. Little Nicole and Christopher to Annie, Get Your Gun, was designed to did I realize that those headers (hypothrefine some of their personal be a duet between a male and a female, esis, methods, conclusion) were the characteristics.’ illustrating the competiveness between very beginning of my love of science.” ~ Mary Paulson, mother of the two main characters. Nicole and Christopher Other memories of hers include the Nicole is the older of the two, so her views on the rivalry satisfaction that came from learning how to talk with people, including professionals, about science and that issue are different from those of Christopher. But there is
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they “were actually listening.” She acknowledges that it was “nerve-racking” — but it is a skill that continues to serve her well. When asked which project was her favorite, she recalls the multiyear project she started sometime around 1996 and worked on throughout her high school career. The topic: “The Quality of Water Flowing Into Lake Okeechobee.” Interestingly, that topic is still being discussed today. At the time, Nicole understood this to be related to the level of phosphorous in the water, and she worked on possible ways to filter the water going into the lake. She notes, “I recognize it as amusingly amateur, but the altruistic notion to ‘save the lake’ makes me happy.”
Christopher Paulson.
‘I couldn’t let Nicole outdo me. … Sibling competitiveness served as a motivator for me.’ ~ Christopher Paulson, Nicole’s brother
Many scientists are currently proposing a variety of methods to filter the water before it enters the lake, so perhaps her ideas were not as “amateur” as she believes.
Nicole Paulson Shields.
‘I never viewed anything with my brother as a competition. Rather, I hoped that through my trial and errors, I could ease his transition “to the next step.”’
Christopher’s favorite project was also an Okeechobeeinspired topic: how to remove bot eggs from a horse’s flank. He tested his method on many horses and was able to get horses — that were infected with thousands of eggs — cleaned in about five minutes. The typical way — using a bot knife or bot block — could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to clean the horse. The concern about
>>
~ Nicole Paulson Shields, Christopher’s sister
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April 2018 | 69
bot eggs is that, once they hatch inside the horse, they can live inside the horse for about 11 months, surviving off the nutrients. This can cause malnutrition, anemia, affect the digestive system, or — the worst-case scenario — kill the horse. When asked how Science Fair helped him along his career path, Christopher gave a detailed explanation — that Science Fair helped him tremendously in his career because it taught him about using the scientific method and how to approach challenging problems that have not been solved yet. It also taught him how to persevere through challenging problems and to never give up, no matter how hard things seem to be. “Another thing it taught me is that it is OK if you don’t have an answer right now, because if you had the answer, then that means the problem has been solved already. With science, we are always trying to explore the things that do not have answers. There will be times we don’t have an answer, so we need to keep searching and coming up with new ideas in order to come up with a solution to a problem that may seem impossible.” Christopher adds, “It taught me how to make the impossible possible. Without Science Fair, I would not have learned these valuable lessons. That’s because science gave me the hands-on experience that the classrooms could not provide, so for that I would like to thank my science teachers — in particular, Mr. Arnold and Mrs. Riester — for giving me the guidance necessary to learn these tools that I needed to be successful at my current job in helping protect our great country and to push the frontier in my field.” To get an additional perspective on the sibling-rivalry
70 | April 2018 OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
aspect, Mary Paulson, the mother of Nicole and Christopher, was asked to reflect on the impact that Science Fair had on her children. She responded with several paragraphs. “Science Fair at the Paulson house was not an event; it was a season, much like Christmas season...only longer. And like many annual events, traditions evolve: Mom and Dad help with ‘grunt’ work; midnight trips to Walmart are inevitable; that ‘thing’ in the back of the refrigerator really is a science project; Science Fair rules and requirements resonate in our heads (with the same familiarity as holiday tunes).”
‘Science gave me the hands-on experience that the classrooms could not provide.’ ~ Christopher Paulson
She continues, “Science Fair was one of the catalysts that enabled Nicole and Christopher to refine some of their personal characteristics. Among these are persistence, resilience, perseverance, creative problem-solving, and competitiveness. For Christopher, sibling rivalry was his rocket fuel.” Christopher recalls, “I couldn’t let Nicole outdo me. When I was a freshman and sophomore, I would get first at Regionals but never did well enough to go to State. My goal was to get to State because I did not want to be outdone by my sister. My junior year, I made it to State and International. I aimed for the moon and reached the stars. Sibling competitiveness served as a motivator for me.”
More often than not, however, sibling support trumped sibling rivalry. When one succeeded, they both celebrated the success. When Nicole went to State Science Fair and Christopher went to International Science Fair, the entire family went along. The mutual support, encouragement and respect that Nicole and Christopher had for each other helped to catapult them to where they are today. Nicole, a medical doctor, is also an associate professor at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Medicine and serves as medical director for LMU clinics. Christopher, who holds a PhD, is a research electronics engineer for a U.S. Air Force research lab. No single event is responsible for Nicole’s or Christopher’s success. Rather, it is the culmination of many events, a vast array of experiences, self-motivation, integrity, determination, perseverance and grit. Nonetheless, Science Fair played a pivotal role in their lives during their middle school and high school years and produced lasting, positive effects. Christopher was awarded a four-year internship at the University of Florida (UF), thanks to his Science Fair project at the State Science Fair. The professor running the lab in which Christopher worked served on his doctoral committee and “hooded” Christopher at his graduation for his PhD. Science Fair ignited a passion for science that led both
Nicole Paulson Shields, Braxton Shields and Christopher Paulson.
Nicole and Christopher to SSTP (Student Science Training Program) at UF. There is an important lesson here: Though students — and parents, too — might grumble about, and throughout, the whole Science Fair experience, these academic competitions serve a vital purpose and give our students in Okeechobee the means to expand their horizons.
‘Science Fair at the Paulson house was not an event; it was a season, much like Christmas season. ... And like many annual events, traditions evolve: Mom and Dad help with ‘grunt’ work; midnight trips to Walmart are inevitable; that “thing” in the back of the refrigerator really is a science project.’ ~ Mary Paulson, mother of Nicole and Christopher
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April 2018 | 71
Community Event
The Margarita Mamas: Frankie Pearson, Gay Carlton, Reba Platt, Fran Baumgart, Verna Van Deman and Lynette Johnston.
Benefit
for Kids A Latin Affair raises funds for Peace Lutheran School
It was a Latin Affair at Peace Lutheran School’s 2018 benefit gala. The “Havana Nights”-themed event, held Feb. 10, helped to raise scholarship funds for the long-running preschool and kindergarten programs. Matt Buxton, Kasey McKane, Jeremy and Tabitha LaRue, Patty Orozco, Marcos Montes de Oca, and Robbie and Rick Chartier.
Miss Betty Williamson. Amy Storey, Ashley Meehan, Gay Carlton, Magi Cable, Cindy Brandel, Cynthia Chaffin and Karen Smith.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Photos by by Jane Kaufman
To Your Health A Message from your local Medical Doctor with Acupuncture Training from Harvard Medical School Donovan Garrett, Krista Loschiavo and Dana Thomas.
A young woman comes in with second and third degree burns on her face after an emergency visit to a major hospital in Tampa. She was prescribed narcotics and told the healing would take months leaving scar tissue. She is in tears as we get to work on her with low level laser therapy. Pain is swept away within a minute. Near complete healing occurs with just 6, 10 minute sessions. Patient and husband celebrate on how quick her recovery is. This is what we do. Combining the best of traditional and evidence based Alternative healthcare solutions for a better outcome.
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April 2018 | 73
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April 2018 | 75
S ’ E L L E O E N U A Q I E T R U D O B AN Couple Turn A Comment Into A Successful Clothing Store
continued to teach in Pahokee following their move. But after a particularly long and grueling month, she decided to start teaching at a preschool in Okeechobee. Fast-forward several years. One day, while shopping in Lake Placid, Ricky had a thought. “When we left the shop, I said to Andrea, ‘I think you could do this,’” he recalls. Not much else was said about the idea until shortly afterward, when Andrea
heard, by word-of-mouth at the beauty salon, that a local boutique was going out of business. They immediately went to look at the space. Then, just like that, they were small-business owners.
Andrea Noelle’s Boutique wasn’t yet ready to serve customers, though. “On October 24, 2016, we got the keys, and for the first whole month, we would open the doors and just walk around because we didn’t know what in the world we were going to do,” Andrea laughs. “But we did it.” When the sale closed, the Maynors did
By Rachel Buxton
Owning a small clothing boutique
in downtown Okeechobee was never a dream of Ricky and Andrea Maynor’s. Ricky had recently retired after 43 years of working for U.S. Sugar, in the Railroad Operating Department, and Andrea was a teacher at Okeechobee Christian Academy. So owning a small business wasn’t exactly at the forefront of their minds. But one day, the idea was planted, and the rest is history. “It kind of fell into our lap,” Andrea says. Originally from the Glades, Ricky and Andrea moved to Okeechobee in 1991 so their sons, Jarred and Justin, could receive a better education. Andrea 76 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Back: Ann Rita Crews and Alicia Tucker. Front: Ricky and Andrea Maynor.
BEHIND THE BUSINESS
not buy any inventory from the previous boutique. But they were able to retain a lot of the previous décor, including the big chalkboard on the far right wall that lists the “Southern Belle Rules.” “That’s pretty much what convinced us to do it,” Ricky notes in regards to the décor left behind. Neither had experience owning a business. Andrea had, however, worked for 10 years at a clothing boutique owned by Barbara Tyre in Belle Glade. “She was kind of grooming me for today, without me knowing it,” Andrea says. “She taught me what I’m doing now, and I’m very thankful.” Along with the small bit of retail experience that she already possessed, Andrea had to learn quickly how to order merchandise and to figure out all the other aspects of owning her own boutique, including starting a Facebook page. In a short time, everything began to fall into place. Ricky and Andrea received their first delivery on Dec. 3, 2016. On Feb. 4, 2017, Andrea Noelle’s Boutique, named after Andrea bearing her first and middle name, was officially open for business. Ricky was, and still is, in charge of putting the merchandise inventory into the computer. Andrea’s mother, Ann Rita Crews, helps with the storefront design. “She’s our best customer,” Andrea quips.
“We just let her come in here and do her thing. She’s good at it, and she has so much fun doing it.” On Wednesdays and Fridays, Alicia Tucker — who also works part-time at the very beauty salon where Andrea first heard about the boutique opportunity — helps out in the shop. Andrea wanted her merchandise to be similar to what you could find at Chico’s clothing boutique on the coast — but to make it so that women didn’t have to drive out of town for upscale style. She carries a variety of labels, including Clara Sunwoo, Lulu B, Lyssé, Lior and Alisha.D, all at various price points. She also has a wide selection of accessories to match every outfit, as well as Lindsay Phillips shoes that come with interchangeable straps and snaps. Even after a year, Andrea still gets excited when a customer walks in the door. “We have met so many wonderful people by doing this adventure,” she explains. “We think we are blessing them, but they are the ones blessing us.”
Andrea Noelle’s has stayed busy in the community these last several months. The boutique has held two fashion shows: one for the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce, then a private show for the Seminole Cove community. When Ricky and Andrea are not busy at the store, their next favorite thing to do is to spend time with grandsons Jaxsen, Jace and Jeb — children of son Justin and wife Leslie. Their son Jarred is married to Jenny. All reside in Okeechobee. Ricky and Andrea are quick to praise God for the unexpected change in their lives. They are doing something they never would have expected to, but they say it is so much more than they thought it could be. “It’s a good day to have a good day” read two signs — one in their store window, another that hangs in the boutique. Today, that has become something of their motto and is a belief they hope to pass on to their customers. Andrea Noelle’s Boutique 113 S.W. Park Street 863-623-4267 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 77
What People Are Saying... “We at Domer’s are honored to have been a part of Okeechobee The Magazine for many years and plan to continue this relationship for many more! This magazine has been a great addition to our town and has filled a marketing need for many local businesses and individuals. I personally love how each issue is like a celebration of our community; it truly brings us the best of Okeechobee.” — Justin Domer
“When we first came to Okeechobee from West Palm, we were a little bit worried how we were going to advertise our business. But as soon as I saw the stack of glossy magazines sitting on a table, I knew it was going to be just fine. Okeechobee The Magazine is definitely meant to be saved and not to be thrown away.”
— Paulette Bragel, Brown Cow Sweetery
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E L L T A I G T E L R D A N E A L C
“I was game for anything,” Pat says. “I’m not a stay-at-home kind of person.”
Pat Ragon Helps ‘Seal The Deal’ For Countless Home Buyers
with Pat and husband Joe. During one of their interactions, Katie commented that she was looking for assistance in her office. Joe Ragon quickly responded. Jokes Pat, “She needed someone to help her, and my husband volunteered me.” At the time, Pat was a stay-at-home mom taking care of her and Joe’s young children: Joe Jr. and Kim. When Joe mentioned the idea to Pat, she immediately accepted.
Pat worked with her friend Katie at East Coast Title for over 15 years, soaking up everything like a sponge. She spent days typing title policies on a typewriter (yes, this was before computers). Little by little, Pat learned the business. “She offered to have classes to help teach me,” Pat recalls. “I was willing to absorb anything. I learned everything I know from her.” After Katie closed her title business, Pat
By Rachel Buxton
For over 40 years, Pat Ragon, owner
of Clear Title and Legal Services, has helped people with the closing on their home purchase. A title agent, she is the individual behind the scenes, preparing the documents to seal the deal. She got into the business because of her husband, Joe, now deceased. He was a Realtor as well as the owner of Eve Realty, Inc. in Broward County, where they were living at the time. Joe was closing on a real estate transaction with East Coast Title when he met Katie Albano, the owner. Katie and her husband Joe became friends 80 | April 2018
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
From left: Kim Cardillo, Pat Ragon and Valerie Martin.
S E C I V R SE did a brief stint at an attorney’s office before joining the team at First American as a title agent. And that’s where she stayed, until she and Joe bought a house out in Indian Hammock in 2002. The Indian Hammock house was supposed to be just a weekend getaway, somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of Broward County. But after a year of driving back and forth between the city and the country, Pat and Joe moved to Indian Hammock permanently. “We were done with the city and needed a different lifestyle,” she explains. Pat worked for a few different title agencies in Okeechobee before deciding to go out on her own in October 2007. For many, 2007 was a scary time. The real estate market was beginning to bottom, and a recession was setting in — two things that don’t exactly help people working, whether directly or indirectly, in the real estate business. Nonetheless, Pat continued on her quest to open her own agency. “I was going to do it, no matter what,” she says. “It was very rough for a few years, but I survived.” Even during one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression, Pat was able to get herself and her business out there and succeed. She attended luncheons, advertised in local real estate magazines — anything she could do to drum up business.
BEHIND THE BUSINESS
In 2015, Pat’s daughter, Kim Cardillo, joined her part-time at Clear Title and Legal Services. Three days a week, Kim drives from Port St. Lucie to do anything her mother gives her to do.
Valerie and her husband were closing on their house and used Pat as the closing agent. Valerie and Pat instantly hit it off, and as Valerie says, “It was pure luck that she hired me.”
Kim says, “I like to work, and it gives me a purpose to get out of my pajamas.”
Valerie’s background is not at a title agency but on a ranch. However, she says she enjoys what she’s doing now. At Clear Title, she does a bit of everything, from answering the phone to filing documents to making trips to the courthouse and the tax collector.
Kim is in real estate on the coast, so she knows the industry and can handle all aspects of the business, from writing policies to accounts payable. However, Kim does say she tends to have an official position at Clear Title. “I’m the official dog-walker,” she jokes. (Leo the Shorkie — a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, aka Yorkie, mix — is the office dog and Pat’s shadow.) Pat and Kim work well together, since both are very driven. That’s something they feel sets them apart from other companies. “I go over and above,” Pat explains. “I try to accommodate people; I don’t push them off.” She is the type of person who would rather stop what she is doing and answer 20 phone calls than to have to return 20 phone calls. Also in 2015, Valerie Martin joined Pat to help her with administrative duties.
Clear Title offers all real estate services, including title policies, insurance, warranty deeds and closings. To many, this industry might seem very cut-and-dried, and not too exciting. But Pat and Kim absolutely love what they are doing. Kim says, “Coming in here is not a job to me. It never feels like work.” “I love everything about it,” Pat says. “It’s like you’re doing the same thing every day, but different. When the business is there, it takes off, and I like challenges.” Little did Pat know that a job she was volunteered for over 40 years ago would turn into a thriving career. Clear Title and Legal Services 202 N.W. 5th Street 863-824-6776 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 81
Mother’s Day
T
A Walk Down Memory Lane With Mom By John “J.D.” Vivian
en months after I was born, my mom Beverly, a Navy wife for three years at the time, waved goodbye to my dad, John Vivian, as his ship left port in Boston, Mass., for Antarctica. The year was 1956, and she knew she wouldn’t see him until nine months later. So, at least for the moment, Mom had only me to worry about. In 1958, I had another sister, Robin; two years later, Debi came along. Dad’s deployments to Antarctica continued periodically — six to nine months at a time — until 1967. (That year, he received word that we would move to Spain in June 1968.) While he was “on the ice” — the Navy’s catch-phrase for Antarctica — Mom had a variety of duties to perform, including the ones Dad normally would have taken care of. Maintaining the car (we lived in Rhode Island, so winters were brutal). Cleaning the house. Buying groceries and cooking for three kids. Driving us to our various appointments — including some unscheduled visits to “Sick Bay,” as the Navy base’s hospital was known. Ensuring that we were fed, dressed, and at the school-bus stop on time. Does Mom’s wearing of many hats sound familiar? Despite the seismic changes in the American social fabric since the 1960s and the Women’s Movement, moms still bear most of the responsibility for home-making and child-rearing. Over the years, of course, a mother’s responsibilities change. The woman who started as your nurturer (not that she’ll ever surrender that role) will soon enough become your “first responder” as you venture out into the world and fall off your bicycle, step in a red-ant nest, or suffer any of the countless other injuries that plague careless youngsters. Eventually, she adds “adviser” to her first-responder function. Helping you with schoolwork. Warning you about “hanging with the wrong crowd.” Mentoring her son on how to treat
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girls. Schooling her daughter on how boys are supposed to treat her. Teaching you how to make your own bed. Many years ago, when my sisters and I were living at home and our young friends visited us, Mom made them feel welcome and fixed our snacks — even though it took her away from her many chores. So add “goodwill ambassador” to her increasingly lengthy résumé. Later, Mom taught me how to wash laundry and, to some extent, cook. Maybe today middle-school students learn this in Home Economics class. In my day, however, boys took Shop; girls took Home Ec. There was no alternative in the late 1960s in a U.S. Navy-run school in southern Spain. As children mature into adults, they become ever more immersed in their own careers, families and other responsibilities. They won’t spend nearly as much time with Mom and Dad. So the memories of what their parents did for them might, to a great extent, dim. If you want to take a pleasant walk down Memory Lane with Mom, dig out some old family photo albums. Sit with her while you thumb through them and talk about “the good ol’ days.” (Of course, Dad and any readily available siblings can and should join you for this.) You’ll be amazed at how much you’ve forgotten. But you’ll be very pleased to re-discover all of it. So don’t forget to tell Mom that you appreciate all she’s done for you — starting with carrying you around for the first nine months of your life. After all, your mother will never stop serving as your nurturer, first responder, adviser or goodwill ambassador. All those duties come with the title of “Mom.” Happy Mother’s Day! — to all of you.
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Health Wellness
&
A Beneficial Way to Renew
Spring Cleaning improves your energy, health and home By Susan Giddings
A
hhh, spring. Though we here in South Florida don’t experience the drudge of winter — as so many others do — it still can be dull, less colorful and occasionally cold. All of us love the revitalization and renewal that we feel when winter ends and spring begins — birds singing, flowers blooming, things starting to “green up” again, the perfect temperatures … I could go on and on. But you get my drift. And then, synonymous with all those lovely feelings comes a tradition that we have a love/hate relationship with: Spring Cleaning. Those words can strike fear in your heart. Bigger than regular house-cleaning — slightly smaller than moving — it’s reorganizing, polishing and de-cluttering, so most of us put it off for as long as we can. But procrastinate no more, because here are some of the many unexpected benefits of Spring Cleaning. It reduces allergy symptoms: Cleaning removes allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander and pollen. Make sure to change the air-conditioning filters in your home at least once every three months, and use a vacuum with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters.
3
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It increases productivity: Physical 3
clutter can turn into mental clutter, keeping you distracted and un-productive. Reorganizing and de-cluttering not only helps to save you time, but it also can increase your energy — helping you to achieve your goals.
It improves your mood: Clutter 3
can be overwhelming, and it provides a constant reminder of things we should be doing. Being more organized creates a sense of calm and well-being and helps to reduce stress.
It can save you/make you money: 3
Go through your closet and take out clothing that you haven’t worn in a long time — or you no longer
De-cluttering, reorganizing, polishing and rejuvenating can benefit your overall well-being and health.
fit into. Go through your garage and closets. Donating clothing and other items can help to lower your tax bill; or sell your items at a yard sale, consignment shop or auction.
It can be calorie-burning: 3
According to Reader’s Digest, sweeping or mopping can burn about 240 calories per hour; in addition, it’s a great upper- and lower-body workout. So turn up that music while you clean — you can burn some serious calories.
So whether you love it or hate it, Spring Cleaning is a worthwhile and beneficial exercise. De-cluttering, reorganizing, polishing and rejuvenating can benefit your overall well-being and health — as well as your wallet.
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April 2018 | 87
Around Okeechobee
When only the best will do.
Brought to You By:
Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings
Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters
Festival-goers Flock to Yeehaw Music Fest Despite Cold Temps Although the weather was cold, fans still flocked to the Yeehaw Music Fest, held Jan. 18-21 at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. Wrapped in blankets, festival-goers enjoyed a great lineup of artists, including The Cleverlys, T. Graham Brown and Remington Ride. The Purple Orchid
‘Cats’ and Cakes The 26th annual Buckhead Ridge Volunteer Fire Department’s Catfish Festival was held Jan. 27, at Buckhead Ridge Park, behind the fire station. Each year, volunteers cook up a great catfish dinner, and the Ladies Auxiliary conducts a bake sale with lots of delicious home-baked goodies. 88 | April 2018
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Around Okeechobee
When only the best will do.
Brought to You By:
Main Street Mixers
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
The Hope Chest
Change Honors Longtime Sheriff Raulerson A dedication ceremony was held at the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 9 to rename Northwest Fourth Street. Its new name, O.L. Raulerson Street, honors the man who served for 14 years as Okeechobee County sheriff. Pictured: Councilman Mike O’Connor, Mayor Dowling Watford, Councilwoman Monica Clark, Councilman Noel Chandler and Sheriff Noel Stephen.
Honoring Our Heroes
The Okeechobee County School District’s annual “Night of the Stars” employee recognition banquet was held Jan. 19, at the KOA Convention Center. Celebrating “hometown heroes,” the event recognized employees from across the district.
From left: Jill Holcomb, Amanda Reidel, Amy Daniel, Lindsey Borcherding, Jamie Bigford, Ken Kenworthy, Dixie Ball, Malissa Morgan and Joe Arnold.
The highest honors of the night went to Lindsey Borcherding and Jamie Bigford, the Okeechobee County School District Teacher of the Year and the School-Related Employee of the Year, respectively. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
April 2018 | 89
List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store .................................79
Gilbert Chevrolet..............................91
Quail Creek Plantation.........................9
Gilbert Ford.......................................43
Quality Air Conditioning..............55, 79
A-1 Air Solutions................................26
Glades AC..........................................47
A & G Pools.........................................33
Glenn Sneider, Attorney.....................24
Rabon's Country Feed........................65
A Child’s World...................................55
Golden Corral.....................................11
Raulerson Hospital............................18
Abney Building & Consulting, Inc.......24
Okeechobee The Magazine gives our community exactly what it needs — a metropolitan quality-type publication that still resonates Okeechobee's rich heritage and intimate community bond.
— Lori Mixon,
Mixon Real Estate Group
Raulerson Specialists.........................46
Addington Satellite TV.......................79
Heartland Discount Pharmacy..............5
Remington Real Estate......................52
American Drilling Services.................78
Highland Pest Control.......................51
Royal's Furniture................................84
Anchor Dental.....................................6
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd.............87
Anderson Realty.................................74 Andrea Noelle's Boutique..................28
S. Cruz Lawn Service..........................74 ICS Computers...................................78
Sandra Pearce Photography...............66
Inkwell Tattoos..................................87
Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser,
Badcock Furniture.............................74
Zoeller & Overbeck..............................59
Berger Real Estate..............................78
Lake O Real Estate.............................17
Seminole Brighton Casino.................19
Big Lake Eye Care.................................3
Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease......41
Shutters & Gutters, Inc.......................32
Buxton & Bass Funeral Home.............47
Lawnwood Regional Medical Ctr........92
Simpson Advanced Chiropractic
Lillies & Lace......................................52
& Medical Center................................35
Cams Mobile Marine Service..............65
Lillie’s In Bloom Daycare....................79
Staffords Salon...................................53
Carpenter Insurance...........................32
Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant...........30
State Farm.........................................79
Clear Title & Legal Services.................41
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St. Lucie Battery & Tire.......................39
Close Construction, LLC......................17
M&M Auto Brokers...........................27
Superior Water Works.........................51
Cooling Refrigeration Services...........75
Marcum & Associates.......................45
Syfrett Feed........................................66
Crossroads Restaurant........................67
Mary Kay...........................................87
Custom Sights and Sounds.................65
Mixon Real Estate Group...................14
Teez 2 Pleez.......................................33
Custom Window Treatments.............85
Mohawk Construction, Inc.................54
Tenniswood Dental Associates...........38
Morgan's Furniture.............................52
The Purple Orchid...............................75
Murray Insurance Services.................25
Tin Fish..............................................78
D4 Powersports..................................87
Continental U.S.A. Only!
Doctor Ramesh Kumar.........................73
Keep up with “Your Community!”
Doctors Clinic Family Health Center.....41
Off The Chart Nutrition & Fitness.......84
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center..........31
Okee-Tantie Title Company, Inc..........29
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Don's Appliances................................85
Okeechobee Dental Care....................58
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Treasure Coast Food Bank...................27 Trinidad Garcia, M.D..........................32 Visiting Nurse Association..................29
Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters....15 Echols Plumbing & A/C......................83
Okeechobee Health Care Facility..........2
WOKC 100.9 FM.................................58
Edwards Jones...................................75
Okeechobee KOA Resort.....................56
Waste Management...........................84
Everglades Pediatric Dentistry...........10
Wemmer Family Orthodontics..........83 Peace Lutheran School.......................57
Williamson Cattle Company.............47
Family Dentistry of Okeechobee.........42
Penrod Construction..........................30
Worley Construction..........................13
Fast Break Bait and Tackle.................65
Platinum Performance Builders...........34
Florida Outdoors RV...........................32
Plaza 300.............................................67
Florida Public Utilities.........................7
Pritchards and Associates..................57
Flower Petals.....................................83
Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant.................25
When you need something from Gilbert, you just pick up the phone. You can always count on them handling the situation professionally. It's like calling your best friend. - Justin Guerry (All Seasons Welding & Gator Glades)
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