Fall 2009
THE MAGAZINE
Jim Waldau Fires Up Junior Golf In Okeechobee
Plus
Monica Clark Mimi Arnold National Day of the American Cowboy Shopping with Toni Doyle
RAULERSON
OSPITAL
We Care
From the CEO of Raulerson Hospital Dear Friends and Neighbors, 2009 continues to be an exciting year for Raulerson Hospital, a Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) health care facility serving Okeechobee County and the surrounding areas for the past 30 years. As we move forward on all of the great improvements, we look ahead to continue our excellence in the years to come. At Raulerson Hospital, we will continue to provide new technology and services that allow us to offer a full spectrum of medical and surgical services. These services are performed by our physicians and support staff who take a team approach to treating you like family. We strive to treat all our patients with courtesy and respect and want to exceed your expectations to ensure that you will recommend us to your family and friends. In the Raulerson Hospital Annual Community Report that was released a few months ago, we focused on many new exciting developments, including the introduction of Raulerson Company Care, a Women’s Health Center, and the latest State-of-the-Art Radiology Imaging equipment that includes our new 1.5 “T” MRI. Raulerson Hospital is proud to announce that the 1.5 “T”MRI is open and operational. Raulerson Company Care is a comprehensive workers comp and health services program for businesses and municipalities in the Okeechobee area concentrating on maintaining a strong and healthy work force. Our Radiology Department is one of the only all-digital facilities in the State of Florida accredited by the American College of Radiology in all five modalities; CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. Our Women’s Health Center now offers the newest in Breast Biopsy Technology that allows us to pinpoint breast cancer quicker and easier - right here in Okeechobee. Our physicians include specialists in Gynecology, General and Vascular Surgery, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Infectious Diseases. In addition, on August 3, 2009, Raulerson Hospital welcomed a physician, board certified in Endocrinology. As our community grows and the need for new technology increases, we will continue to invest in the resources necessary to ensure your family’s well-being for years to come. These advancements are all part of our continuing efforts to bring the highest quality care to our community. As we continue to meet your needs, we encourage your feedback. Feel free to stop by anytime with comments and suggestions – my door is always open.
Robert Lee Chief Executive Officer
is just around the corner. The Raulerson Hospital Emergency Room is available 24/7/365 Phone: 863-763-2151
1796 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, Florida 34972
www.raulersonhospital.com 2| Fall 2009
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Visit our website for more listings: www.platinumperformancerealty.com 4 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Close to $1,000,000 below true value. This working tree farm is a turnkey operation. The farm encompasses approximately 75 acres of mature high demand landscape trees ready for sale. All needed equipment to operate the farm is included. Approx. value of tree inventory is $700,000. The home is a beautiful luxurious 3,800 Sq. Ft. master piece built to high luxury and building standard. The home sits on a small lake stock with fresh water game fish. The property also includes a 2,840 Sq. Ft. finished barn with 2 bay that 14 ft. high doors, and a 1 bedroom apartment is attached to the barn and can be used for a office or rental income. Call for Pricing. MLS #202223
Peaceful Country Living. This quiet neighborhood is sure to please a family looking for peace and quiet. With the perfect lot size of approximately .5 an acre this yard is an easy up keep without being too small. The home is approximately 2412 Sq. Ft. under roof and has an open feel with the split floor plan and vaulted ceilings. After a long hard day of work relax on the screened in back porch or take a swim in the pool. This home also includes a large CBS garage in the back in addition to the attached garage on the home. Call for Pricing. MLS#202312
This divine home features all the amenities that abundant living has to offer. Home is approx. 3987 Sq. Ft. under roof with 3 bedrooms,& 2 baths. Spacious open floor plan features, large open kitchen with bar, garden tub, walk in tile shower, two car garage, & golf car garage. At first step through the front door of this home you will feel like you’re at home. The large screened lanai has a perfect view of the golf course and a beautiful pond. This home is above all the rest in comparables. With great quality craftsmanship,& order you’re sure to be impressed. Call for Pricing.
Tropical Paradise is what you get with this home. With approx. 1800 Sq. Ft. total living and 3 bedrooms and 2 baths this is a practical size home. Enjoy the peace in quiet and in the backyard underneath the pavilion which is set off with full brick pavers. The front drive way also features brick pavers. This house is a beauty and will be appreciated by the particular buyer. Call for Pricing. MLS#202075
South West Bargain! 3/2 home has recently been remodeled & sits in Okeechobee’s most desirable south west section. Located on a cul-de-sac road and in a peaceful neighborhood this home is perfect for any family. Home features a large kitchen accented with tile flooring, a large living room, tile back splash on both showers, wood laminate flooring in master, a front patio, inside laundry, and carport. Call for Pricing. MLS# 202444
Blue Heron living at its best. Beautiful, newer large home featuring fantastic landscaping and a large circular drive. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has a high vaulted ceiling through the living and dining area and a tray ceiling in one of the master suites. Enjoy luxury living with two full master suites. Tile flooring throughout entire home. Hard wood cabinets and beautiful counter tops are in this large cook’s kitchen. The finished porch is perfect for entertaining and overlooking the Golf course. Call for Pricing. MLS#201337
Unbeatable Pool Home. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is the perfect for anyone wanting to come home and relax. Home features 3 bedrooms, two bath, and nice open split floor plan. The home sits on approx ½ an acre and has a large pool with combined hot tub and waterfall. The back yard is contains a full privacy fence and screened in back porch. Call for Pricing. MLS# 202787
Looking for the best? If you are looking for a high quality home in the most desirable part of Blue Heron (The Oaks). This is it. This 3+2 1/2 was built by one of Okeechobee’s most respected builders for himself. Quality from front to back. This home has to be seen to understand the difference that quality and craftsmanship makes. Call for Pricing. MLS# 201177
This 1600 Sq. Ft. CBS waterfront home with Lake Okeechobee access is being sold at below comparable short sale and foreclosures in the area. Hard wood cabinets, tile floors, stone countertops, upgrade appliances, cellulose insulation. Call for Pricing. MLS# 200427
Amazing Deal! 21.16 Acres off of Bluefield Rd. Currently there is a new 1534 SQ Ft. 2007 DWMH on the property, along with a 40x60 aluminum warehouse. Property is fenced and cross fenced. The property is absolutely breath taking. It has great pasture and gorgeous woods as well. Nice pond that is stocked. Seller has a little herd and willing to sell with property. Call for Pricing. MLS#202904
This may be a once in a lifetime chance. This breath taking piece of old Florida is almost 6.5 acres w/grandfather oaks, wild citrus of every species, saw palmettos, sable palms & more individual species of trees. The property sits on the Old Kissimmee River & is bordered by a park on one side. The property has over 1000 foot of paved road frontage & includes a 2 bedroom mobile home, two utility sheds, fencing w/gates, well pump & complete water system. There is a dock overlooking the Kissimmee River. Call for Pricing. MLS#202573
Enjoy the peace in quite in Country Hills. Approx. 2000 Sq. Ft. DWMH sitting on a beautiful 5 acre parcel. Home is a nice open floor plan with lots of upgrades. Drywall finish, large garden tub, real wood burning fire place, large living and dining areas. Call for Pricing. MLS#202843
www.platinumperformancerealty.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
|5
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6 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
|7
Publisher’s Note volume
3, number 3 |Fall 2009
publisher/managing editor
Maureen Budjinski creative director
Bridgette Waldau office manager
Carol lieBerMan bookkeeping
Betty Buglio account executives
louise doWling gail loCkWood Patti rose senior photographer
rafael PaCheCo contributing photographer
sandra PearCe writers
jan fehrMan MiChael W. White contributors
raye deusinger dr. PatriCia g. CooPer Charles MurPhy joyCe MurPhy Marilyn rinear MiChael shellen distribution
jessiCa sMith Okeechobee The Magazine
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Maureen Budjinski president
Welcome to the fall 2009 issue of Okeechobee The Magazine. With this issue we will start looking forward to seeing our friends from the north slowly return, and we welcome them. One of my favorite events covered within these pages is the National Day of the American Cowboy. It was exciting to see a cattle drive on State Road 70 followed by the various activities, fun and food. Okeechobee Main Street and the Cattlemen’s Association sure know how to put on an event, and we hope readers find our photos similarly enjoyable. Speaking of Main Street, follow this month’s shopper Okeechobee Main Street Executive Director Toni Doyle as she shops at Candy Bouquet, Buddy’s Home Furnishings and Southern Styles, and wraps up her day with lunch at the Landing Strip Café. This month we also have a great “Woman in Business” story with a splash of history as we profile Glades Gas Company owner Monica Clark. Okeechobee residents are familiar with Jim Waldau’s commitment to local youth through his junior golf program and special events. Our story explores how Waldau got involved with the sport and the town he now calls home. Also, meet Mimi Arnold, founder of the very special nonprofit organization Okeechobee Special Equestrian, which helps people with special needs through the use of horses. Once again we welcome Capt. Mike Shellen’s fishing column. This month we also feature a column by Okeechobee Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cooper, who proudly writes about our A-rated school system. And in sports news, Charles Murphy talks with Okeechobee High School head football coach Myron Jackson. It won’t be long before the cooler weather will be here, and I am sure looking forward to that. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading these pages. As always, feel free to call or write. I love to hear your comments about Okeechobee The Magazine — YOUR magazine.
joshua i. Manning vice president
Barry s. Manning chairman & ceo Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2009, all rights reserved by Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC. 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 error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
8 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Sincerely,
Publisher
Charting Your Financial Course
Costopoulos Helton your partners in
financial journey
Taxation Accounting Business Consulting Wealth Management You have worked hard to build a business or become established in a successful career. When you reap the rewards for your efforts, we can help you plan your financial future. We are more than your accountants, business advisors and tax planners. As Registered Financial Advisors, Costopoulos and Helton, P.A., is well equipped to partner with you in managing your wealth in your life’s journey toward your personal and business financial goals. Having a firm you can trust to help you go forward may help your journey toward your destination be direct and sure.
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www.chcpa.com Investment and insurance products distributed by Genworth Financial Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a licensed insurance agency (dba Genworth Financial Securities and Insurance Services in CA); investment advisory services are offered through Genworth Financial Advisors Corporation, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Home office at 200 N. Martingale Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173; (847) 330-7900. OKEECHOBEE MAGAZINE Fall 2009 |9 Financial Planning and Portfolio Management Services are offered solely through Costopoulos and Helton, P.A. a THE state of Florida Registered Investment Advisor which is not affiliated with Genworth Advisors Corp. or Genworth Financial Securities Corp.
Contents Fall 2009
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40
32
features 22 JiM WAlDAu
Fires up Junior Golf in Okeechobee
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56
departments 12 OkeechObee ShOpper
BY MICHAEL W. WHITE
32 MOnicA clArk
Glades Gas Company, A Family Tradition for 80 Years BY JAN FEHRMAN
42 MiMi ArnOlD Dreaming of Horses
Toni Doyle takes us on a shopping spree to Candy Bouquet, Southern Style, Buddy’s Home Furnishings and Landing Strip Restaurant, where she enjoyed lunch.
BY JAN FEHRMAN
columns
BY JOYCE MURPHY
48 Okeechobee Autism Support Group BY RAYE DEUSINGER
COMMUNITY EVENTS
18 28 40 52 56 70
National Day of the American Cowboy Philippine American Cultural Center Colgate Country Showdown Waldau Junior Golf Clinics Wagon Wheel Horse Farm Summer Camp Chamber Poker Run
62
Okeechobee Schools
66
Myron Jackson is Welcomed home
68
fishing on lake Okeechobee
BY DR. PATRICIA G. COOPER
BY CHARLES MURPHY
BY CAPTAIN MICHAEL SHELLEN
Fall 2009
THE MAGAZINE
64 72 74
buSineSS prOfileS ArOunD OkeechObee ADvertiSerS inDex
Jim Waldau Fires Up Junior Golf In Okeechobee
Plus
Monica Clark Mimi Arnold National Day of the American Cowboy Shopping with Toni Doyle
10 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
ON THE COVER Jim Waldau Read more about Jim on page 22. phOtO bY rAfAel pAchecO
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Okeechobee Shopper Featuring Toni Doyle STORY BY JOYCE MURPHY O PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGETTE WALDAU
Each issue, Okeechobee The Magazine sends a local resident out into the community to visit local retailers on a $10,000 shopping spree. To help narrow the choices, each retailer selects three items for our shopper to consider. The shopping spree is imaginary; we don’t really fork over the cash. However, we do get a great look at what’s available at area stores.
Okeechobee Main Street Executive Director Toni Doyle has lived in Okeechobee since 1964. She graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1977 and went on to attend Indian River Community College on scholarship. During her college days, Doyle got her first job in radio after she blasted a DJ in Fort Pierce for making fun of Okeechobee, got an on-air apology and an invitation to a party, which led to a position at WOVV 95.5 FM. Doyle was also an on-air personality and production manager for WFUZ and WMOP in Ocala and 103.1 FM and 1570 AM
WOKC here in Okeechobee. She worked in the Okeechobee County school system as a substitute teacher and then as a bookkeeper at North Elementary School and mentoring coordinator for Communities in Schools. Doyle became involved in Okeechobee Main Street in 2004. She then served as promotions chair and secretary before taking her current position in 2008. During her year as director Doyle has seen membership more than double. Additionally, Doyle is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, the advisory board for the American Red Cross, board member of the Okeechobee County Fair, volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and is co-chair of the “Red Is For Love” gala for the American Red Cross to be held in February 2010. Toni Doyle has been married to her husband Joe for 24 years. They have two adult sons, Justin (Shelly) and Joseph (Cindy), and are the grandparents of four grandsons:
(Left) Toni’s purchase, a Volkswagen bouquet. (Right) l-r Franny with Toni and the many gifts Toni purchased for her family and friends.
(Left) Owner, Franny Watford shows Toni one of her many candy bouquets available. (Right) Candy Bouquet can create seasonal works of art for great gifts.
12 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Toni believes that your home is not just your physical address; it’s your entire community and everyone should be taking care of the house.
that was colorful and fun. The bus was decorated with flowers and art in lime-green, hot pink and yellows. “That bus is me,” Toni said as she checked out the bouquet containing candy, nail polish, nail art and a pedicure set. “I am so Art Deco. I was a rock ’n’ roll DJ in the ’70s.”
As executive director of Okeechobee Main Street, Toni Doyle meets a lot of people. Family and friends are also important to this active woman. So when she found out about a little shop that opened in February that offered a delicious alternative to other gifts, she had to stop in.
Looking around the shop, Toni selected several items to give as gifts for friends and families, including a baby basket in yellow, two jars of hard candy, two big lollipops, a teacup bouquet for Toni’s mom and an ice cream sundae bouquet.
Candy Bouquet (467-0025) was Toni’s first stop. She was invited to look around the store by owner Franny Watford, who also owns Elite Title, located in the same building at 311 NE Second Street. Because she had so much office space, Franny decided to open a gift shop featuring items from the Candy Bouquet International franchise. The shop offers a wide variety of candy flavors as well as ganache, chocolate whipped 72 hours longer than truffles. Rhinestone bangles and bracelets are “in,” and available on their own or in a custom-made bouquet that Franny and her friends created.
As Franny totaled Toni’s items, she explained that she also offers balloons and event planning. Franny has made centerpieces for several weddings as well as the Okeechobee High School’s softball and rodeo team banquets. She said she will be giving free balloons to area honor-roll students in the fall. Students who bring in their report cards will receive a free balloon.
Christian, Brenden, Ethan and Landen. Joseph and Cindy are expecting their first child in February.
Toni was pleased to learn that Franny offers free delivery in town as well as gift certificates and takes Discover, Visa and MasterCard. Franny donates ten-percent of her profit to charitable causes.
The second stop of Toni’s shopping excursion was Buddy’s Home Furnishings (357-3301). Located at 3389 US Highway 441 South, Buddy’s Home Furnishings offers rent-to-own financing as well as outright purchasing options.
Toni was captivated by a Volkswagen bouquet ($34.95)
(Above) Manager Juan Cortez shows Toni a new Sony TV, which she purchased. (Right) Toni admires a Louis Phillip sixpiece bedroom set that included the king-size sleigh bed.
(Top) One of many accessories available at Buddy’s (Above) Toni found that there is a large selection of living room furniture to choose from. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Manager Juan Cortez was waiting for Toni and invited her to look around the showroom. Juan explained that he has new furnishings on the way. Buddy’s had been in Okeechobee for ten years. “I like working here,” Juan said about the family-owned store. “You feel like part of the family.” A fan of televised football games, Toni was drawn to the store’s high-definition TVs. A 42-inch JVC LCD model complete with iPod dock ($1,579 or $26.99 per week to rent) caught Toni’s eye. The clear crisp picture offers the perfect way to watch a high-action football game. “I am a big college football fan — go Seminoles! This TV is perfect for me,” Toni told Juan. When Toni learned that Buddy’s offers up to six-monthssame-as-cash financing for the TV, she decided that two would be better than one. “I can put one in the living room and one in the bedroom,” she said.
seven-piece dark espresso dining room set included six chairs and a drop-leaf table ($799 cash up to four months same as cash) was perfect for the couple. Juan explained that Buddy’s offers online payments as well as financing/ rental services weekly, biweekly or even monthly. After totaling her purchases, Toni was pleased to find out she had more money to spend. Quickly deciding that it would be nice to watch a new TV on new furniture, Toni looked at the selection of sofa/ loveseats. An Ashley Furniture set in a dark brown Durapella cover was a big hit with Toni. The sofa and loveseat ($1,139 cash or $19.99 per week to rent) was the perfect size for her living room. With a limited-construction lifetime warranty and fiveinch foam under Teflon zippered covers, the furniture also qualifies for free delivery.
Toni decided that a new bedroom set would go well with a new TV. She selected a Louis Phillip six-piece set that included a king-size sleigh bed, bedrails, headboard and footboard, dresser, mirror and nightstand in a beautiful cherry ($1,300 cash and five months same as cash or $24.99 week). “My six-foot, four-inch husband doesn’t like queen size,” Toni told Juan when she found out the floor model was a queen size.
A short drive to 1001 South Parrott Avenue found Toni at Southern Style (357-8693), the newest clothing shop in Okeechobee offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. Dockers, Carhartt, Cowgirl Tuff and Bimini Bay are just a few of the brands at Southern Style.
Toni’s next purchase was a gift for her son and his wife. “They need a dining room table,” Toni told Juan. The
Owner’s Wendy Crum and Rosa Bur-
(Above) Owner Wendy Crum shows Toni a wide selection of clothing available at Southern Style. (Right) Toni identified with this kitchen sign and had to purchase it.
14 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
(Top) One of the many gift items also available at Southern Style. (Above) Toni heads to the check out where she is assisted by Rosa, Monica and Wendy.
kett with Monica Chavez were eager to help Toni p i c k o u t several things for herself and her husband. Wendy and Rosa have transformed the former restaurant site into a beautiful and spacious clothing store with quality goods at a reasonable price. Toni was pleased that Southern Style carries Eastland shoes. Selecting a pair of Newport-style shoes ($61) for work, Toni added a beige pair of mid-rise Metro pants ($46) as well as pairs in three other colors ($138). A green polyester top ($10.50), a Pretty Young Thing sundress ($28), a pair of Cowgirl Tuff jeans ($200) and, of course, a Nocona rhinestone belt ($109) were added to Toni’s growing pile. Checking out Southern Style’s exclusive line of Salt Life clothing, Toni chose a shirt ($18) and moved over to the men’s clothing. A Bimini Bay shirt in blue with UPF 40 protection ($23), a pair of Carhartt loose-fit carpenter jeans in khaki ($42), a Cumberland Outfitters western-style shirt ($30), a Lucky Brand polo ($49) and a pair of Levi cargo pants ($48) went into Toni’s pile. As she headed for the checkout, Toni added another pair of Carhartt pants ($55) and a matching shirt ($28). In the corner next to the cash register, Wendy and Rosa have a small area dedicated to eclectic pieces of art. Toni fell in love with a boot lamp made with a real boot ($45) and a sign for her kitchen that reads “real cowgirls don’t cook” ($12), which she added to her selections.
For lunch, Toni decided to check out the renovations at the Landing Strip Café near the airport. Owner Harold de Lang has been busy adding a working fireplace, new tables with pictures of planes and their actual cockpits signed by the photographer, and a granite countertop to the counter seating. The Landing Strip is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant offers gift cards for food as well as a new service: biplane chartered flights. The one- and two-hour flights range in price. Toni chose to purchase four two-hour flights ($300 altogether) since she had not spent all of her $10,000. “I can’t wait to take the flight,” Toni told Harold. “I love riding in small planes.” After looking over the menu featuring breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as beer and wine, Toni chose a grilled chicken salad ($6.99) and sweet tea for lunch. The drink was huge and served with two lemon slices. When the grilled chicken salad arrived, it looked very appetizing. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the salad was cold, fresh and delicious. After a very busy shopping day Toni returned to the Okeechobee Main Street office with the intention of returning to the Landing Strip Café one evening with her husband so she can order prime rib. O
(Above) Toni ordered the grilled chicken salad. (Below) Harold and Toni examine one of the unique dining table designs, showcasing a plane and its cockpit panel. (Above left) Toni admires one of the many planes that can be seen while dining at the Landing Strip. (Above) Owner Harold de Lang presents Toni with information about the new biplane chartered flights. (Left) Toni had the pleasure of meeting three pilots from England training at the airport (l-r) Herbert Blaha, Markus Eppich, and Jakob Levy.
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Community Event Community Event
Photography By Joyce Murphy
THIRD ANNUAL
National Day OF THEAMERICAN COWBOY
On July 25th cowboys, horses and cattle took over the streets of Okeechobee in the annual cattle drive that kicked off the National Day of the American Cowboy celebration. The drive started in downtown Okeechobee and headed east on SR 70 to the Okeechobee AgriCivic Center where a full day of festivities took place. This free event is coordinated by Okeechobee Main Street and the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association.
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1. Second generation whip braider Buddy Mills works on a whip at the National Day of the American Cowboy. 2. Donielle Harper leads Derek Stenefield at the Wagon Wheel Horse Farm pony rides. 3. Terry Burroughs and Ray Worley with Senator Bill Nelson. 4. (l-r) Tara Minton, Economic Council of Okeechobee with dad Rick Minton. 5. FFA Organization member James Sharpe with Pablo Nunez and Calixtro Villapando. 6. (l-r) Maria, Tina and Stephanie of First Bank and Trust of Indiantown. 7. (l-r) Brian Vick and Jamie Mullis of Basinger BBQ, were busy feeding a hungry crowd. 8. The stagecoach that the Seminole Tribe uses in the cattle drive. 9. Crowd waiting in line for some good BBQ from one of the many vendors.
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A large number of people turned out for the ranch style rodeo, trick riding and a wide variety of vendors. Pony rides, whip braiding and cracker cattle highlighted the day. If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar for the last Saturday of next July to come to Okeechobee and celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy.
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Community Event
Photography By Sandra Pearce
Pictured above shows the impressive cattle drive heading toward the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center.
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1. Dudley Kirton and Senator Bill Nelson. 2. Alexandria Ming, 2009 Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen. 3. Winners of Ranch Rodeo, Adams Ranch: Brian Trimble, Charles Robert Stevens, Sage Adams, Lynda Durrance of Eli’s Western Wear, Billy Adams, Melmo Quintero and Joey Drake. 4. Chandler and Jared Pearce 5. Jacklyn Pearce. 6. Brad Moss competes in Bronc riding at the ranch rodeo. 7. Levi Pearce’s exciting calf roping entertains the large crowd.
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Syble's
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ing Care Centers r a e H J.C. Cardwell, Hearing Instrument Specialist J.C. is considered an expert in his field and is dedicated to helping the hearing impaired in Okeechobee County. J.C. has extensive knowledge about hearing aids, and his specialization is in patient care and satisfaction, as well as modification and fine-tuning of hearing aids. J.C. is factory-trained in hearing aid repairs and has the ability to make most hearing aid repairs on-site, while you wait. If you are currently using hearing aids and are not completely satisfied with the way you are hearing, we welcome you to come in and see us. Perhaps you are thinking about trying hearing aids and want to ask some questions, J.C. and our staff will be glad to answer your questions regarding testing, verification and programming. Our team approach is designed to help you get the best service possible and hear your very best.
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20 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Job: GICH_0398 Size: 8.625”x11.125” Color: FC Publication: Okeechobee Magazine Run Date: September Artist: Kirstin OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Jim Waldau
Fires Up Junior Golf in Okeechobee BY MICHAEl W. WHITE O PHOTOS BY RAFAEl PACHECO
Jim Waldau is best known around these parts as the man behind Waldau’s Junior Golf, which offers clinics for young golfers and hosts the popular Waldau’s Junior Golf Party. Although Jim’s a lifelong sports fan, golf wasn’t his first vocation. And like many local success stories, Jim’s is tied to a deep family history. The middle child of seven born to Jeanne and William Waldau Jr., Jim was born and raised in Syracuse, N.Y. Growing up in a sports-rich city like Syracuse, which boasts such football greats as Jim Brown and Ernie Davis, it’s easy to see why Jim is a sportsman himself. While in Syracuse, Jim was all-city in baseball and basketball, an all-star just like the Waldaus who came before him. His father William Jr. was drafted to play Major League Baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jim’s grandfather William Sr., a.k.a. the “Battling Furlong,” was a well-known prizefighter in the early 1900s. The Waldaus were and still are a close family with strong bonds. When the Dodgers drafted William Waldau Jr., he turned down their offer due to his family priorities. He and his wife Jeanne were having their first child, so he chose to stay home and raise his family. After a stint in the military, William Jr. took a job at New York Telephone Company. One day when Jim was 13 years old, his father was driving the telephone ladder truck and came upon a burning two-story home. William Jr. rescued a mother and two children using his ladder truck. He was later honored by the City of Syracuse as an Honorary Lifetime Fireman. Jim graduated from Corcoran High School in Syracuse and moved on to Utica, N.Y. to attend Mohawk Valley Community College, hoping to study for an electrical engineering degree. Looking to find his calling, it just wasn’t happening in Utica. A friend of Jim’s was heading to Homestead, near Miami, so after careful thinking and speaking to his father, Jim withdrew from college in Utica and headed to Florida. “I talked to my father first and he said if it wasn’t for the war, he wouldn’t have seen anything outside of Syracuse,” Jim recalled of his decision to move to Florida. At 19 years old, Jim Waldau was living in Homestead. “I never knew a place like Florida existed,” he said. Jim was able to return home to Syracuse in the summer for the next three years. However, his love for Florida weighed heavy on his soul and he moved to Florida for good in 1978. He moved to Miami Springs, where he had a friend that introduced him to someone who 22 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
“It’s not all about golf, it’s about teaching them about life.”
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Bienvenidos!
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He was hired by the City of Hialeah Fire Department. He also graduated from Broward Community College with an associate degree in fire science. When asked why he chose to be a firefighter, his answer is always a simple one. “I like to help people,” Jim said. “I loved the school. I loved the work.”
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was a firefighter. Before he knew it, he was taking the civil service exam. “I had a choice of working for the railroad or the fire department,” Jim said.
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Jim worked for the Hialeah Fire Department for 15 years, holding various ranks such as engineer. He was able to make rank of lieutenant before his career was cut short due to hypertension in 1993, which resulted in Jim’s taking disability retirement. Over time, Jim got used to the more negative aspects of being a firefighter, he said, recalling his first practice fire as the worst he was in. “I was on my hands and knees with a hose,” he said. “It was so hot I could hardly breathe. My lieutenant had my collar, just standing over me, looking after me. It was quite an experience. I loved being a firefighter. The camaraderie and friendships will be what I remember the most.” It is rather ironic that Jim’s father, a telephone company worker, was named as an Honorary Lifetime Fireman in the City of Syracuse, and that Jim had a successful firefighting career in South Florida. Jim recalled his trip to the National Firehouse and Museum of Philadelphia. “There is a sign there that said, a coward dies a thousand deaths, the valiant dies but once,” he said, explaining that he took a picture of the sign, placed it in his locker and looked at it every
“Jim is a credit to our community and junior golf, as he instills ethics, morals, and how to just be a good person” ...Undersheriff Noel Stephen day while on the job. In 1986, Jim and his brother-in-law, Rick Donegan began taking weekend fishing trips to Buckhead Ridge. Soon after, he stumbled upon Okeechobee Golf and Country Club. He began playing more golf and eventually bought land adjacent to the course. “I was always a baseball and basketball guy, and never really thought about golf until I was about 20,” he said. “I must have quit 10 times.” Jim joined the country club in 1992. His handicap dropped from 15 to 2, and he has won the annual club championship three times including this past year. That same year, Jim decided he would have an openhouse party upon completion of his home at the country club. It was to be for his family and firefighter buddies and be an all-weekend affair complete with a golf tournament and pig roast. This would be the first of the very popular event known as Waldau’s Golf Party. In its third year, the event expanded to include a junior golf benefit as well. “I talked with the local club pro, J.R. Coburn and he advised that the community had no junior golf program,” Jim said. “I had the time and know how. I always
had leftover money from my golf party, so why not.”
parents, it was inevitable that she’d attend the family wedding. Although a family friend for years, Bridgette became closer friends with Jim that weekend. However, Bridgette still attended college at Stetson University. Soon after that weekend Jim and Bridgette began a long-distance relationship. And after Bridgette graduated in 1994 she moved to Okeechobee to be near Jim. The couple married in 1996, still live at their home in the Okeechobee Country Club and continue to host the annual golf party and junior benefit each year. “I could not do this without my partner,” Jim said. “She helps me so much.”
Waldau’s Golf Party was renamed Waldau’s Junior Golf Party to benefit junior golf. The event raises thousands of dollars annually for Waldau’s junior golf program and brings his old friends, family and local duffers together for fellowship and fun. “If you need someone to step up, then Jim’s your guy,” said close friend and fellow firefighter Greg Gow. “If you are his friend, he will stand by you. We live apart, but he is one of my closest friends.” Shortly after coming to Okeechobee, Jim met his wife Bridgette at his sister’s wedding in Boca Raton. With Jim’s parents being Bridgette’s god-
Charlies
Waldau’s Junior Golf Inc. has influenced many children and adults alike.
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Fall 2009
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Julie Alexander Turner Lic. Real Estate Broker
Okeechobee’s Hometown Realtor 2009 President Elect for Okeechobee County Board of Realtors
View all of our properties at www.MidFloridaRealty.net Virtual Tours, Multiple Photos & Detailed Descriptions on All Our Properties and the Entire Okeechobee MLS available on our Website.
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26 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Just this year, it is hosting five different events, including clinics and tournaments. Annually, the Waldaus give scholarships to deserving high school graduates to continue their education. The golf clinics continue to motivate the children to be honest in sport and everyday activities. “It’s not all about golf; it’s about teaching them about life,” Jim said. And it is evident the program is working. At least three Okeechobee High School graduates and previous Waldau pupils have moved on to become firefighters. “Jim is a credit to our community and junior golf, as he instills ethics, morals, and how to just be a good person,” said Okeechobee County Undersheriff Noel Stephen, whose son Kodi is involved in junior golf. “My son will hopefully continue to benefit from Jim’s program and the game of golf.” Indeed, after 18 years Jim’s friends and family continue to travel to Okeechobee each year for Waldau’s Junior Golf Party. His sense of humor and a knack for finding the good in things has truly fired up junior golf in Okeechobee.
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Jim with newest family member, Bon Jovi.
Waldau’s 18th Annual Junior Golf Party will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Okeechobee Golf & Country Club (405 NE 131st Lane). For more information visit www.floridajuniorgolf.org. O OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
By Maureen Budjinski
Philippine Heritage Enrichment Complex and Gardens
1
On August 1st, the official groundbreaking for the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation of South Florida took place on their 20 acre site on SW 16th Ave in Okeechobee. Following the event the guests were invited to KOA for lunch and entertainment complete with traditional, colorful dress, and speakers that included local officials, board members and volunteers for the foundation. When finished, the complex will feature beautiful gardens with lakes and gazebos, a pavilion with an outdoor stage and a cultural arts complex. For more information visit their website at www.philamcultural foundationssouthflorida.org.
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4 1. The official groundbreaking ceremony. 2. Participants release balloons in celebration. 3. (l-r) Rev. David Robertson and Father Lorenzo Gonzalez blessed the ground. 4. (l-r) Commissioners Noel Chandler and Margaret Helton, Mayor James Kirk and Terry Burroughs enjoying the reception.
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28 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
(Top Inset) Dr. Manuel Garcia participates in the ceremony. (Above) The crowd was entertained with cultural dance.
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Fall 2009
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Okeechobee Okeechobee Medical Medical Cosmetic Cosmetic Center Center Leland Leland M. M. Heller, Heller, M.D. M.D. Okeechobee Okeechobee Family Family Practice, Practice, P.A. P.A.
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Monica Clark
32 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Glades Gas Company A Family Tradition for 80 Years BY JAN FEHRMAN O PHOTOS BY RAFAEL PACHECO
T
his year marks the 80th anniversary of Glades Gas Company in Okeechobee, where Monica McCarthy Clark continues to build on the business founded by her grandfather Daniel B. McCarthy. The company has grown to include additional locations in Belle Glade and Clewiston. But it all began in 1929 in Daniel B’s garage in Okeechobee. “As a third generation owner of Glades Gas Company in Okeechobee,” Monica says. “I have a family tradition to uphold.” Monica can tell you all about the company’s past, starting from when her grandfather Daniel B. McCarthy came to Okeechobee from Nebraska around 1915 to survey some land for his father. Despite Daniel’s meager living arrangements (he slept in a tent when he first arrived), he soon opened the D.B. McCarthy Grocery Store in 1916, in the building where Lawn Tamer Equipment is today. When Daniel enlisted for World War I, his brother J.D. and his wife Cecilia came in to run the store. After the war, Daniel felt that the grocery store couldn’t support the two families, so he entered the plumbing and gas business. He started Glades Gas Company because they wanted to sell meat in the grocery store, but few people had refrigerators. In the 1920s, the only people who had electricity lived on or near Route 70. Propane refrigerators offered an inexpensive means of refrigeration for perishables.
In 1921 Daniel B. built a home at 111 NE Second Street, made from yellow pine on the family property. Around the same time, J.D. and Cecilia built an identical house (which is now the law office of John Cassels). Monica says “Every time I walk into the house on Second Street it brings back memories. I expect my grandparents to be there waiting for me.” Okeechobee The Magazine, Okeechobee Main Street, Okeechobee Pennysaver, Bridgette’s Studio of Graphic Design and Rafael’s Creations in Fotografia continue to make
Daniel B. moved the business to 804 N. Parrott Avenue where it stands today as a much expanded business. Monica has added a show room and a wing of offices. When Monica’s dad Daniel M. McCarthy came back from World War II he opened Glades Gas Company in Clewiston, where Monica grew up. In 1948 Daniel M. McCarthy’s older sister Kathleen and her husband Vernon Dexter moved from Utah to Belle Glade and opened a Glades Gas office there. When D.B.
Daniel B. McCarthy house c.1921, is now Cottage 111, home of Okeechobee The Magazine.
the house a vibrant, bustling building. Monica explains, “Grandfather had no fuel trucks until the 1960s, so he stored the tanks in his garage and would deliver them all around the lake, sometimes by boat.” In 1947
died in 1963, Monica’s uncle, Doug Cassels and his wife Lee took over the Okeechobee store and ran it until Doug’s retirement in 1987. Yes, it really is all in the family. The Okeechobee, Clewiston and Belle Glade stores are still going OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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When asked what it was like working in a business that one might think of as a man’s world, Monica says, “Every business is a man’s world but especially propane gas which can be very physical with a lot of heavy lifting and hands on. I hire people to do that and concentrate on managing” Monica grew up in Clewiston. She has eight brothers and sisters who all worked in the business during summer break. Monica’s first job was painting the propane tanks in the field. When she wasn’t working, Monica loved to swim, play softball, read and volunteer at the library.
“Monica Clark is the consummate and creative multi-tasker. She excels at being a mom, a wife and an accomplished business person all at once.” ...Frank , “Sonny” Williamson
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strong in capable McCarthy hands. Monica’s brother Kevin and his wife Debbie own the store in Clewiston and her brother Dennis and his wife Karen own the one in Belle Glade. Monica said she and her sister-inlaw Karen are the last two women to own and manage a propane gas business in Florida.
Monica graduated from Villanova University, where she met her husband Jim Clark. Shortly after graduation they moved to Delaware, where Monica began a successful career with the Xerox Corporation and Jim took a job as an assistant dean at Caravel Academy, a high school. In 1987 Monica’s father called and asked her and Jim to move back home to run the store in Okeechobee. After some
of Northern Florida; she is married and teaching in Jacksonville. Kelly is working on a master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Central Florida. Katie is studying pre-med at UCF. Jamie will begin UCF this year, studying computer technology. Monica said that to manage a family and a business, one must be organized, work without sleep and not try to be perfect at everything. Most importantly, she said, it helps to have a great spouse. “I have one in Jim and I love him as much today as when we were first married,” Monica said.
Jim and Monica Clark in front of Glades Gas.
consideration, Monica liked the thought of raising her children in a small town, away from the demands of a mega-corporation. Monica and Jim then decided to come down to look things over.
Still an avid reader, Monica likes to relax with her family. Because there are 45 members of her immediate extended family, they provide a lot of fun. Monica is also active at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Buckhead Ridge. She recalls that when
her grandfather arrived in town, there were no Catholic churches and only 11 Catholics. Daniel B. and his brother helped build Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Okeechobee. At one time Monica was very active in Okeechobee, serving on the boards of the Okeechobee Utility Authority, the county’s Planning and Zoning Board, the Economic Council of Okeechobee, Barnett Bank and the Florida Propane Gas Association. Her dad was a founding member of the FPGA and was inducted into the FPGA Hall of Fame in 1997. Monica is still active in this organization and serves on its scholarship committee. Due to illness and family demands, she has had to pull back from some of her other community commitments. But Monica looks forward to being active again. Monica said her favorite aspect of her
Timer Powers, an old friend of the family, helped Monica and Jim make the decision to move back to Okeechobee. He insisted they stay with him when they came to town. Powers brought home frog legs for supper and gave Monica and Jim some heartfelt advice, telling them they owed it to the McCarthy family and their heritage to take over the business. With those words of counsel, the couple moved to Okeechobee in 1987, and Monica became head of Glades Gas. Outside of business, Monica said Okeechobee has been a wonderful place to raise children. She and Jim have three daughters and a son: Danielle, Kelly, Katie and Jamie. Danielle graduated from the University OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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job is getting to know the customers. “It’s an opportunity to work in a flexible friendly environment,” she said.
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But it’s not just customers that have a good working relationship with Monica. She and her family have been an essential part of the local business community. “I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with Monica, her dad Dan and the McCarthy family for nearly 40 years,” Florida Propane Gas Association Executive Vice President David Rogers said. “Monica, her brother Dennis and Dan all served as president of the FPGA. Monica and the McCarthy family are devoted to hard work with a true pioneer spirit, community service, and strong family and religious ties.” Monica is proud of her heritage
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www.fbcokee.org 36 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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and intent on continuing the family tradition. With roots in the Lake Okeechobee area she continues the commitment to community and her business that started in 1929 with her grandfather.
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“Monica Clark is the consummate and creative multi-tasker,” Frank, Sonny” Williamson of Williamson Cattle Company said. “She excels at being a mom, a wife and an accomplished businessperson all at once. I have eaten cookies in her kitchen at Christmas time, served on a bank board with her, witnessed her analytical thinking on political matters and laughed with her about all of the above. She is smart, considerate and a good businessperson, always with a good eye for the comedy in the situation. I only wish that we could replicate her all over this community and this world. Her kind is so needed.”
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Community Event
1
By Joyce Murphy
On July 18th, nineteen singers from around the state descended on the Good Spirits Lounge to compete in the 8th annual Colgate Country Music Showdown. Sponsored and coordinated by WOKC 100.9 FM and 1570 AM radio, a full house enjoyed a wide variety of talented singers. Joan Vera, the winner will go on to compete in the state finals. For details visit www. countryshowdown.com. 2
3
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2. Contestants (in no particular order) Kaylynn Doll, Luke Mazzina, Ray Dold and Sam Nailon, Melanie Ivey, Jason Stewart, Alexandria Rodriguez, Travis Seamster, 2nd place Truce Allen, Ralph Keel, Jimmy Harper, Charity Arnold, Larry Pankey, winner Joan Vera, Trent Baren, Bobby Hardy, 3rd place Janell Wheeler, Thomas Bohn, Stan Caston, Becki Sharrock. 3. Standing (l-r): WOKC Radio Personality Kenny Rich, WOKC Program Director Billy Dean, (the three winning contestants) WOKC Sales Associate Merrilee Berglund, Hosts of Hooked Up on WOKC Deb and Steve Daniel. Kneeling (l-r): WOKC Receptionist Taylor English, WOKC News Director Charles Murphy Lying down on the job: WOKC General Manager Will Skinner. 4. A big crowd showed up to cheer on all the singers.
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1. l-r) Toni Doyle, judge; Truce Allen, 2nd Place Winner; Rick Krnotch, judge; Joan Vera, Colgate Showdown Winner; Janell Wheeler, 3rd Place Winner, and Maureen Budjinski, judge.
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Fall 2009
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Mimi Arnold ............. Story By Jan Fehrman O PhotoS By raFael Pacheco
M
imi Arnold has been riding horses her entire life. Ever since she was a girl, Mimi rode on the 3,000-acre preserve where her father worked in Short Hills, N.J. As a young woman she exercised polo ponies and then didn’t get on a horse again for another 15 years until she started dreaming about them. Now, as executive director of Okeechobee Special Equestrian, which serves special-needs riders, her love of horses and helping others is a full-time job. Mimi’s dreams of riding led her to take lessons in Andover, Massachusetts where she met an instructor who was involved with special-needs programs at Ironstone Farm. She says, “At the farm I saw tiny four year-olds with leg braces riding around the ring and I was a “goner’.” She began volunteering there in 1993 and became certified to teach in 1995. This was the beginning of Mimi’s long and passionate affair with equestrian special-needs programs. She says, “In the back of my mind, I always hoped to have my own (program).” Mimi went on to work as barn manager and instructor at the farm at the Tewksbury Hospital. Their equine program was just starting up, and Mimi was able to learn how to begin a special-needs program. Okeechobee Special Equestrian is a not-for-profit riding program for special-needs clients ages two to 80. In 42 | Fall 2009 oKeechoBee the maGaZIne
addition to riding, OSE offers its clients the opportunity to do community service. For example, a person limited by head injuries may find working in the stable or brushing the horses therapeutic. Anyone with special needs can participate as long as their doctor gives them permission. The program also takes volunteers and riders who are not disabled. The mission of OSE is to provide equine-assisted activities to the physically and mentally challenged, putting Christian principles into practice through horse-related programs that build mind, body and spirit for both the client and volunteer. OSE is affiliated with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. It is the mothership, serving as a model for special-needs equine centers. Mimi was inspired to start the program in Okeechobee by her 44-yearold nephew, who was diagnosed with autism when he was a young boy. She said there seems to be a special link between autism and horses. Autistic children use self-stimulation to close out the world. The rocking of the horse is very calming and stimulating at the same time. Mimi says, “I’ve had several autistic students whose first spoken word was “horse”.” For many years while she was volunteering for special-needs programs, Mimi owned and managed a travel agency in New Jersey when she met her husband Kit on a trip to Monte
Carlo. Their relationship continued after their return to the states, and they were married a year later. Kit worked in sales for Trans World Airlines in the northeast and later as assistant transportation director at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When Mimi and Kit retired, they took a year off to travel in their van, ending up in a summer program at Sequoia National Park to help with an animal study. Always adventurers, Mimi and Kit have traveled the world extensively. Mimi says, “The three most amazing places I’ve been to are the Amazon Basin, the Galapagos Islands, and South Africa.” Mimi’s life now allows little time for travel or fishing, something she and her husband love to do. In fact it was fishing that brought them to Okeechobee. A friend raved about the quality of fishing in the area, so the couple came to visit. Mimi said at first she wasn’t sure what to think of Okeechobee, but after her third visit she got the feeling there was more here than meets the eye. At that time they maintained a home in Massachusetts but bought a trailer and would come to fish. In 1999 Mimi and Kit bought a house in Okeechobee, an “old Spanish cinder block” that needed to be fixed up. It was their plan to use it as a vacation getaway, but soon Okeechobee felt more like home
. . . . . .Dreaming of Horses
“Okeechobee is where we chose to be because I wanted to start a special needs equestrian program here.” OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Dr. Adnan Shariff, DPM Foot & Ankle Specialist - Podiatrist
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than Massachusetts. Mimi said that Sandy and John Glen of Church in the Woods were the first people she met in Okeechobee, and before long she had closer friends here than she ever did in Massachusetts. Having traveled the world, Mimi and Kit could have picked anywhere to live, but she says, “Okeechobee is where we chose to be because I wanted to start a special needs equestrian program here.” Soon after her arrival, Mimi went to the Association of Retarded Citizens in Okeechobee and asked where their clients rode horses. But to her surprise, Mimi found they were bussed to Sebring. She volunteered at Sebring for a couple of years as well as at the Special Equestrian of the Treasure Coast in Vero Beach, Fully Involved Farms in Port St. Lucie and Vinceramos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee. When she wasn’t busy volunteering, the multi-talented woman worked as a chef for Williams-Sonoma in Palm Beach Gardens. Finally in 2007 Mimi was able to start OSE at Freedom Ranch in Okeechobee, later moving it to Mike and Cindy Ricker’s Mi-Cin Ranch on 50th Drive just off Route 441 North, where Mimi hosts her special-needs program, which she started with OSE Director Lynda Williams. In the beginning, they had a borrowed horse and one student. Now they have seven horses, four instructors and a volunteer physical therapist. At present she works with 38 students, of whom approximately 50 percent are autistic. Sally Joiner, mother to a daughter with Asberger’s syndrome says, “Mimi was the answer to a prayer. My daughter felt right at home in the program. She still talks about her experience every day. It’s about
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Boutique & Consignment “Horses are very therapeutic and reaffirming to those with special needs.” time that someone took the time to make children with special needs feel special.” Mimi says that horses are very therapeutic and reaffirming to those with special needs. She explains, “You can love a horse unconditionally. They are non-judgmental and loving in return. It takes six months to a year to train the special needs horses. When they are ready they are extremely calm and tolerant. Once during lessons the shuttle broke the sound barrier with its sonic boom and the horses didn’t even flinch.” Johanna Cruz of the Okeechobee Autism Support Group speaks highly of Mimi. “Mimi is dedicated to autistic children and their parents,” she said, noting that her autistic son Casey participated in the riding program, and it made a big difference, helping him become calmer. Mimi’s day begins with exercising and feeding the horses, cleaning the stalls, conditioning and training. During the day she also gives lessons and sessions. As Mimi’s day turns to night, paperwork and grant writing become her occupation. Volunteers are always needed and will be trained by her.
Mimi is pleased that the grants for 2009-2010 are already in place from the Okeechobee Children’s Services Council. Jane Earhart, a teacher, at Yearling Middle School, has been helping her with grants, but Mimi is in need of a volunteer grant writer. Other funding comes from donations of money and junk cars, which she calls “lawn planters.” These donations are a tax write-off. Mimi says, “The community has been very generous with their help. Walpole Feed and Supply sponsors our program with feed. I could never have had the program without them. Seminole Feed has also been very supportive. During the school year the FFA gives me a lot of volunteer help.” Mimi’s goal for the children in her program is to make them independent horse riders. This helps them in all aspects of their lives. She has worked with many different types of disabled clients including those who are blind, anorexic, autistic, ADD, mentally and physically handicapped. Mimi’s return to the world of horses began with dreaming about riding them. Her dreams have grown bigger. Her immediate goal for 2009 is to
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Fall 2009
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bring the Special Olympics back to Okeechobee. But for that to happen she needs a volunteer administrator. She says, “In the future I envision a time when every county in Florida will have a special-needs equestrian program.”
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Mimi with Speck, her new therapy dog now in training.
Anyone interested in learning more about Okeechobee Special Equestrian can call Mimi at (863) 3933206, e-mail her at okeespcequine@ yahoo.com or visit the OES web site at www.okeechobeespecialequestrian.org. O
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A
Okeechobee
With her husband in the armed forces, Johanna Crews made the move to Okeechobee with her two children, wondering how the small town would welcome her. Having a child with autism made the move even more of a concern for many people do not understand the condition and judge quickly. Crews quickly came to love the town, the people and the way of life. However, there was no one to call, no sympathetic ear when autism’s pressures appeared. Help on the coast was too far away. Crews realized she could retreat into frustration, or do something about it. In other towns in the past, Crews had encountered many strange looks, isolation and even people who implied that she couldn’t “control” her child. This response is common to parents of autistic children, but it didn’t lessen the personal hurt.
After putting an ad in the paper for moms in similar situations, Crews’ first response came not from a mom but Tony Golden, the father of an eight-year-old autistic son who was also looking for support and understanding. Together they founded the Okeechobee Autism Support Group (OASG) on June 14, 2008. Golden’s son is entering second grade this year and Crews’ son will begin kindergarten. “Okeechobee’s support has been simply amazing,” Crews said, noting 48 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
utisim
Support Group
By RAyE DEusINGER
that the Community Collaborative Coalition, Waste Management, Brahman Theaters, the Okeechobee library, Domino’s Pizza, Stardust
Tony Golden and Johanna Crews, founders of Okeechobee Autisim Support Group
lems and difficulties. Sharing knowledge (and small victories) is beneficial. During the Autism Walk last April, the group met Mark, a young autistic man in his early 20s who inspired everyone with what he has accomplished. April is National Autism Awareness Month, and the OASG sponsors a walk this time each year. The group also hosts yard sales and other fundraising events. The main purpose of these events is to raise awareness and offer hope for those in need. The money raised will be used for brochures, business cards, and other promotional materials that will supply contacts and keep the group in the public eye.
Lanes, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, many area teachers, Karissa Miller of Faith Farm and others have helped out as well as spread the word of the group’s needs and aims. Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Today, one in 150 persons is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. It impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others and evidences rigid routines and repetitive behaviors (Autismspeaks.org).
OASG members believe that by expanding their group, they are also giving something back to the community and its children.
Currently there are 14 members in the OASG, although attendance fluctuates. The group’s goal is to offer support and encouragement to parents not just of autistic children, but of other children with learning prob-
For more information about OASG, e-mail okeechobeeautismsupportgroup@gmail.com. Photos of the group’s outings and activities can be seen at www.myspace.com/okeechobeeautism. O
The OASG Board of Directors includes Johanna and Tony, Mimi Arnold of Special Equestrian and Okeechobee teachers Jane Earhart and Raeann Whiteside. “We are truly like a family,” Crews said. “My negative fear when I moved to Okeechobee has turned into the biggest positive effect on my life.”
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Fall 2009
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CHOOSE KINDNESS
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Community Event
Photos By Bridgette Waldau
Local Youth Enjoy Junior Golf Clinics Waldau Junior Golf held their 2009 summer clinics. Okeechobee Golf & Country Club hosted the first clinic on June 22-26, and the second one was hosted by the KOA Okeechobee Golf Resort during the week of July 20-24. Information about all of Waldau’s Junior Golf annual events to benefit junior golf can be found on their website at www.floridajuniorgolf.org.
(Above) Eighteen kids who attended the golf clinic at the Okeechobee Golf & County Club. Also pictured are the golf instructors and volunteer junior golfers who enjoyed clinic. (Right) Nineteen youngsters who attended the golf clinic at the KOA Okeechobee Golf Resort. This group, along with junior golfer volunteers and instructors get ready to play in the final day tournament.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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Custom Window
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54 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
By Maureen Budjinski
Wagon Wheel Horse Farm Hosts Summer Camp
Wagon Wheel Horse Farm and Greenpages hosted four camp sessions during the summer. Activities included basic horsemanship skills, safety, grooming, feeding and care along with computer training, internet skills and web design, games and lots of summer fun. Camp organizers were Michelle Harper from Wagon Wheel Horse Farm and Cindy Burnett from Greenpages. For information call 863-634-6397 or visit the website at www. wagonwheelhorsefarm.com.
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1
3 1. Donielle Harper, Edana Scalf cool off in the creek with “Bebe and Star” while being carefully watched by “Smokey” the horse. 2. Edana Scalf, followed by Ashley Garcia. 3. (l-r) Shyla Gopher, Justin Hunter, Hailey Garcia, coordinator Michelle Harper, Edana Scalf, Ashley Garcia and Chrystal Brown. 4. Shyla Gopher on “Ruth.” 5. Edana Scalf, Shyla Gopher and Justin Hunter work on their computer skills.
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Call Today! Serving the Glades Area Since 1929 863-763-2114
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56 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Up to $1200* Cash Back from Carrier $1500* Income Tax Credit $1930* FPL Rebate *on qualifying units
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Phone
Our Staff is Trained to Help You Find What You Need & Keep Your Vehicle in Great Shape!
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As an organization and member of the community, we are dedicated to the safety of our driving professionals, as well as the motoring public.
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863.763.5593 Fax 863.763.7874
Post Office Box 1177 - Okeechobee, FL 34973 Terminals also in Tampa - West Palm Beach - Birmingham OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Alexandria Ming
2009 Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen Alex has been working hard to prepare for her participation in the Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant on October 2nd - 4th.
Making a difference, one smile at a time. Creating beautiful smiles in Okeechobee and Vero Beach for over 24 years! 113 N.E. 19th Drive - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
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wemmerorthodontics.com
Vero Beach 772-562-5876
Sebastian 772-589-5959
Dr. David Wemmer Dr. Jennifer W. Schoenfeld
Thank you Okeechobee for all your support. If you want to help Alexandria on her incredible journey please go to the fair’s website to see how you can support her and also follow her reign.
www.OkeechobeeCountyFair.com You can also call Donny Arnold at 863-634-6464
Shirley’s
Personal Care Services, Inc.
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The Chiropractic Group Acupuncture & Chiropractic Dean D. Schincariol, D.C. Robert W. Scarnecchia, D.C., C.S.C.S.
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316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, Florida 58 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Auto & Sports Injury Worker's Compensation Slip and Fall Healthcare Physical Therapy Cold Laser Nutritional Counseling Wellness Care Children Physicals Low Force Activator Emergency Patients Seen The Same Day Auto Insurance and Most Medical Insurance Accepted
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www.biglakeeyecare.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
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T
hank you, parents, students, teachers, administrators, staff members and the community for your part and your support as the School District of Okeechobee County, Florida, is now an “A” district. We are indeed being true to our vision of achieving excellence! Of our nine graded schools, all of our elementary schools and one middle school received grades of A. Eight of these schools receiving grades scored within the A or B range. Obviously, our focus on student achievement is paying off for our students, our schools and our community. For 2009-2010, we cannot lose sight of our district’s top priorities: promoting and encouraging student achievement and preparing all students to enter the workforce or postsecondary education. Driving these priorities is a continued focus on student data. This information allows administrators and teachers to determine what instructional strategies are needed in the classroom and what teaching tools will assist in the delivery of instruction.
60 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
SchoolS Ever mindful of the current economic challenges, we must still move forward to provide and maintain adequate facilities to house this improved and increased technology. We are therefore continuing our plans to renovate, remodel and add adequate classroom space to meet the instructional needs as well as the requirements of our class-size reduction mandates by the State of Florida. Preparing for these never-ending challenges is a constant endeavor for this school district. During these difficult economic times, as we experience decline in revenues both at the local and the state levels, we will maintain our fiscally responsible position in a conservative manner. With all of that being stated, we remain completely devoted to providing a quality education for all students.
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O U.S. Postal Service Contract Postal Unit NowPostage for Domestic and International Mailings Insurance and Certified Mail with No Surcharges
Operating hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm - Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
3603 HWY 441 S. Okeechobee, Florida 34974
Again, we thank you for your continued support and ask that you join us in celebrating Okeechobee County Schools: Achieving Excellence! O (Below) Proudly displaying their banner are (l-r): school board members, Joe Arnold, Gay Carlton, David Williams, India Riedel, Kelly Owens with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Cooper.
4072 Highway 441 N
863-763-2636 The Most Trusted Name In Water Since 1985 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Protect the Health of Your Skin with Regular Exams by a Board Certified Dermatologist www.tcdermatology.com BOARD CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DERMATOLOGY FELLOWS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MOHS SURGERY
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Lawnwood Medical Park 2402 Blvd - Suite 101 62 |Frist Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Wildlife Habitat at Okeechobee Landfill
After Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. is certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council, and has been since 2003 for the projects and programs conducted to create and enhance habitat for wildlife on site. One of our most recent projects was made possible through the help of a local 4-H club, the Wild Bunch. They partnered with employees of Okeechobee Landfill this summer to help create a butterfly garden. Club co-sponsor Cindy Letcher, her members, their parents and siblings worked with other community members and landfill employees to plant this beautiful and important place for butterflies, birds and bees.
To date 49 Waste Management sites across North America, including Okeechobee Landfill, are certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council. Increasing that number to 100 is among Waste Management’s sustainability goals for itself by the year 2012.
Before Previous wildlife habitat projects conducted at Okeechobee Landfill:
• Released -to-the-wild site for 4 barn owls cared for by the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center. • Local boy scout troop 964 constructed owl boxes, which are mounted in wildlife areas here to accommodate nesting. • H20 campers toured our created wetlands, spotting wildlife with wildlife bingo cards, and conducted bird calls in our upland scrub area. • OHS science classes learned about and constructed wood duck boxes, which are mounted in wildlife areas here to accommodate nesting.
The 4-H youth club, the Wild Bunch volunteered to partner with Okeechobee Landfill on the creation of a butterfly garden at the landfill. In honor of their hard work and generosity, Okeechobee Landfill will donate $250 to Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Arnold’s Wildlife is an important organization, to the Wild Bunch, as well as all animal lovers in Okeechobee.
Volunteers from the community and Okeechobee Landfill employees take a breather from planting. Front Row (l-r): Mrs.Carrie Muldoon, Ian MacAllister, Ashley Carter, Katie Muldoon, Victoria MacAllister, Courtney Murphy, Mrs. Cindy Letcher. Back Row (l-r): UF/IFAS Extnsion Agent Dan Culbert, Okeechobee Landfill Accounts Receivable director Stacey Lowe, Travis Muldoon (4H Sharp Shooters Club), Mrs. Alice Murphy, Michael Carter(4H Sharp Shooters Club), and Okeechobee Landfill office manager Pam Casperson. The following people also helped plant the butterfly garden, but are not pictured: From the 4H Wild Bunch -Mrs. Stephanie Carter and Mrs. Jill Macalister. From Waste Management – Community Outreach Director Jenny Pung, Heavy Equipment Operator Teresa Almond and John Fisher and Maintenance Assistants Jaunita Valencia and Ariel Colon.
Okeechobee Landfill, Inc.
10800 N.E. 128th Avenue - Okeechobee FL, 34972 863-357-0111(option 2)
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE Fall 2009 | 63 www.thinkgreen.com
BUSINESS PROFILES By Marilyn Rinear Audibel Hearing Care Centers Not hearing as well as you once did? Do you have hearing aids that don’t seem to be working properly? Perhaps it’s time to visit Audibel Hearing Care Centers, located at 3545 Highway 441 South, three doors north of Publix supermarket. Hearing instrument specialist J.C. Cardwell is familiar with most hearing aids and can make adjustments for optimal hearing. The staff offers free hearing screenings to any and all patients. Several times a year, free screening notices are sent in a random mailing, and Audibel conducts free screenings during community events such as the Blood Roundup in November. Audibel provides an additional benefit for veterans, offering cleaning and repair services for their hearing aids eliminating the need to travel to the VA medical center for proper maintenance of hearing devices. The Audibel staff is dedicated to providing all residents of Okeechobee County with quality hearing evaluations and solutions. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 467-5333. 64 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Big Mike’s Sports Grille
Budget Quick ’n Easy Storage
Big Mike’s Sports Grille is owned by Mike and Anna Marie Kaiser, former owners of Kahootz Draft House and Antoinette’s Italian restaurant. A lot of the people remember the sports grille’s building when it was Barlow’s catfish restaurant. Big Mike’s is now serving sharpeys.
Located at 4619 Highwa y 441 SE, Budge t Quick ’n Easy Storage provides affordable storage spaces and sells boxes, packing and moving supplies. Co- owne r Guy Ce lli emphasizes the security of the fenced facility and the availability of climate-controlled units, are sized from 5’x5’ to 10’x10’. You can select a space suitable for storing a little or a lot.
Big Mike’s features a family atmosphere, tile and hardw ood f loor s throughout, a large bar that sits inside the door, booths allowing easy viewing of several wide screen TVs, three pool tables, and a video game room. The biker-friendly restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday. Takeout is also available. Wednesday night is bike night, and Tuesday features Texas hold’em starting at 6 p.m. Big Mike’s Sports Grille is located at 12642 441 SE (at the corner of 441 and 15B Okeechobee). So stop by today and bring your friends and check out Big Mike’s mouth-watering food and fun atmosphere! For more information, call 357-3777.
Budget also has storage areas for boats and recreational vehicles. Guy explained that he once stored vehicles for a group of motorcyclists from Pennsylvania, who wanted to bike to the Keys.
Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center
Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center is a walkin medical center located at 204 SE Park Street. Dr. Stanley Sweda has been caring for patients in the community since 1987. Patients are greeted by caring, capable and loyal staff members, most of whom have worked with Dr. Sweda for ten to 22 years. The waiting area, halls and patient rooms are decorated with an eclectic array of oil paintings, pen and ink drawings, and color charcoals, most created by the gentle, unassuming Sweda himself. The patient, X-ray, and weight and wellness rooms each are painted a different color. Each patient is brought to a room in a color that is most conducive to his or her wellbeing. Patients speaking German, French or Spanish are welcome and will be comforted by an interpreter.
The Celli family, having been in the storage business in Lake Worth since 1982, bought and renovated the Okeechobee facility six years ago. Most care can be provided on-site. However, the staff Stop by the office from coordinates with specialists 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and home-service agencies through Saturday and to provide optimal care for 10 a .m. to 5 p.m. on all patients. Sunday. Speak with Guy or Francine about the The office is open from 8 to $10 move-in discount 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. for new customers. Cur- Monday through Friday rent customers also earn for walk-ins. To contact $10 for a referral. For the Doctor’s Clinic Family more information, call Health Center medical 763-2232. team, call 763-1107.
Green Day Medical Oncology and Hematology At Green Day Medical Oncology and Hematology, patients are provided with a comfortable atmosphere. Snacks and fresh coffee are available daily at its offices in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie and Okeechobee. Dr. Ricardo Quintero-Herencia speaks both English and Spanish, and is the only Spanish-speaking oncologist in Okeechobee. He is an advisor and board member of the local American Cancer Society, and is a member of the Florida Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Medical Society.
Hometown Banking We’ve been helping friends and neighbors since 1982 with the friendly, helpful, local style of business we call, ‘hometown banking’. It’s all about making banking easy. Stop by and see us. We’d like to become your banking home.
Green Day Medical provides treatment for all adult cancers and blood disorders. Combined chemotherapy and radiation treatments are available. They specialize in evidence-based medicine for the treatment of cancer. Green Day Medical’s Okeechobee office is located at 1006 N. Parrott Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For compassionate treatment designed for specific diagnoses, call 3574138 to make an appointment or get a free second opinion. Most insurances are accepted.
Member FDIC
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863.824.0400 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Myron Jackson Still Considers Okeechobee Home! By Charles M. Murphy
I
t has been a warm welcome home for Okeechobee High School Head Football Coach Myron Jackson. The third person to lead the Brahmans in the past year, Jackson takes over a consistently winning program from former coach Chris Branham. They had back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the early 1990s. Jackson hopes to continue the winning ways. “I’m glad to have been given the opportunity,” he said. “We’ll put out the best product that we can.”
University. Jackson had a productive career at FSU and became the team’s starting tight end. He was known more for blocking than for pass catching, and got to play in several big games and bowl games. After college Jackson became hooked on coaching football. He coached at the University of Connecticut and the University of Western Carolina. He said a head coaching position was something he always wanted.
“Now you have the opportunity,” Jackson said. “What are you going Jackson has come full circle. He do with the job? I look forward to played football at Okeechobee, and it.” despite some injuries, was recruited by Bobby Bowden and Florida State Jackson said his goals for the team
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66 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Okeechobee High School Head Football coach, Myron Jackson working with his team.
won’t be just winning but developing solid young men. “We want a team that the school and the community of Okeechobee can be proud of,” he said. Jackson admitted keeping tabs on what went on with Okeechobee football while he lived in Connecticut and the Carolinas. He said college recruiters would occasionally call to get his opinion about Okeechobee players. “No matter where I was, I always wanted to check on Okeechobee and see what is going on,” said Jackson, who vows to work as hard as he can for Okeechobee for two big reasons. “I love the school and I love the football program.” O
Start Your Fall With Style! COMPLEMENTARY Hair Cut with any Hair Color Service
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Corner of 441 & 15B Okeechobee, Florida (The Old Barlows)
863-357-3777 LAW OFFICE of
GLENN J. SNEIDER, LC Serving the legal needs of the Okeechobee Community
Family Law Divorce • Custody • Child Support Adoption • Alimony Paternity • Modification • Dependency Property Settlement
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Civil Litigation
General Litigation • Evictions Foreclosure • Contracts
Our entire staff is dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters
863-467-6570 200 SW 9TH STREET OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974
Thanks from all of us at WOKC to our Sponsor's, Judges, Contestants and Everyone who came out to Good Sprits Lounge for the Colgate Country Showdown! We look forward to seeing you all again next year! 210 W. North Park Street - Suite 102 Okeechobee, Fl 34972 Phone 863-467-1570 Fax 863-763-3171
www.SneiderLaw.Com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Fishing on Lake Okeechobee By Captain Michael Shellen
I
t seems like summer just started, and then suddenly it’s fall and we find ourselves anxiously awaiting the arrival of our friends and visitors from the north once again. Each year we meet new and wonderful people from all parts of the United States and other countries as well. It seems that people love to come to Okeechobee to visit and enjoy the many activities that we offer, as well as our incredible weather! This summer was what I would call an “old-school” summer, meaning we returned to our pattern of near daily rains, which served to bring the lake back to a safe and healthy level. The lake rose slowly, just as Mother
Nature intended, and its diverse ecosystem responded quite well. We saw more small, young, year-class bass than I have seen in many years, which bodes well for what is already a worldclass bass fishery. We experienced a resurgence of eel grass that has extended itself from the Kissimmee grass line well out into the lake in many places. For those of you not familiar with eel grass, it is a bass magnet, presenting a great place for small minnows and other creatures like baby frogs and turtles to seek refuge. Not only does eel grass provide great cover, it serves as a filter for the water, keeping it clean and clear. A by-product of the growth in the eel grass is the oxygen it creates, keeping the entire ecosystem in pristine condition. Bass, blue gill, shell cracker shad, shiners, tilapia, catfish, cichlids and every other kind of fish that inhabit Lake Okeechobee all use the eel grass for one reason or another.
Keith Hickman & Bobby Hickman
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Call for a Free Estimate 863-467-6707 68 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
It is great to watch the lake as it recovers and blossoms in so many different ways. If you have never experienced the glory of fishing on Lake Okeechobee, I would urge you to spend a day with a professional guide and learn about the lake and the fish it contains. The City of Okeechobee is morphing into a wonderful vacation/tourist site with Lake Okeechobee being the center of our many attractions. Whether you are a returning visitor or a friend we have not met yet, Okeechobee welcomes you! O Captain Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service
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www.trinidadegarciamd.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event
1
By Maureen Budjinski
The Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce held their 1st Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Poker Run on Aug. 15. Starting at Good Spirits Lounge participants went on to pick up their hands at Iron Eagle, Barracuda’s, J&S Fish Camp, Big Mike’s Sports Grille and Butch’s Fish Camp. For information on this event call the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce at 863763-6464 or visit their website at www.okeechobeechamberofcommerce.com. Matt Buxton, President of the Chamber
with Candace Burke, Executive Director of the Chamber.
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1. Winner of this biker jacket was Jeff Baugh. 2. Dennis Murphy, Poker winner. 3. Jack Forde at registration. 4. Terry Burroughs arrives on his Harley. 5. Poker Run event banner. 6. Nancy and Alan Smith, owners of Good Spirits.
6
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For all your financial service needs, call on Sharon A Ming
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Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 - 5:30
863-763-3555 Front End Alignments Trailer Wiring Spray-In Bedliner Auto Detailing
Trailer Towing Products & Accessories Ranch Hand Bumpers
Brake Repair Performance Programmers
107 Southwest 17th Street Suite J Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-357-4724
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Accessory Center
265 Hwy 98 N. Okeechobee, Florida Member SIPC
"Okeechobee's Original Custom Truck Shop!" 70 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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AROUND
Okeechobee
Okeechobee Main Street Summer Mixers
Raulerson Hospital Honors City and County Fire/Rescue Personnel
City Fire/Rescue (l-r) Hubert Samuels, Jeffery Baugh, Phil Conroy (holding sandwich tray ) Marnie Lauter (Raulerson Hospital PR/Marketing Coordinator) and Les McGee.
First Baptist Church Impact Cheerleading Camp
The following Okeechobee Main Street Members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Seacoast Bank (middle) Law Office of Hoskins & Turco (bottom) Chloe’s Closet.
Raulerson Hospital Auxillary Announces Scholarship Winners This week long camp was open to girls/boys ages 4-15. who were taught basic cheerleading techniques and stunts by Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) instructors.
Rotary Club of Okeechobee Presents Awards At June 30th Installation Dinner
(l-r) Gift Shop Manager and Scholarship Chair, Jean Rego, IRSC Provost Sam Smith and Auxiliary President, Gail Schultz. Awards went to: Sonya Bailey, Causetta Loray Bass, Kathryn Golden, Aleatha Hamblen, Theresa Valyou, Jessica Ward and Charity Woolverton.
Dedication of Okeechobee’s Fifth Habitat House
(Photo left) Outgoing President Maureen Budjinski presented Terry Burroughs with the Carl T. Durrance Community Service Award. (Photo right) Jeanette Miller received the Rotarian of the Year award.
Banking Exec Graduates With Honors Tabitha Trent, Riverside National Bank’s Okeechobee Office Manager and VicePresident, recently graduated with honors from the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida .
72 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Habitat of Okeechobee President, Jude Fischer, congratulates Cheryl Little at the dedication of the fifth Habitat house built in Okeechobee. Cheryl and her children, Bonnie, Brittni and Justin received the keys to their new home August 22.
Christian Rodeo Arcadia Turner Center August 15th
Chris Smith is helped to safety by Logan Perry and Buddy Davis.
Photography, Bobbi Poole
Firecracker Beauty Pageant
The Berger Clinic
Photography, Bobbi Poole
On July 25, Toddler Miss Chacie Pearce was crowned “Overall Winner.” Bill Casian hands the Public Relations and Marketing reins over to Marnie Lauter.
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Jay S. Berger, MD 1105 N. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, Florida www.BergerClinic.com Bill Casian has been the Public Relations and Marketing Director for Raulerson Hospital for the past 4 years and on August 28th he will be officially retiring. In his place Raulerson Hospital welcomes Marnie Lauter.
Kathleen Alexander Turner in the House of Representatives
Discover Manual Therapy Preya Persaud, MPT Physical Therapist Specializing in:
Myofascial Release Visceral Mobilization Lymph Drainage Therapy Craniosacral Therapy Kathleen Alexander Turner represented Okeechobee, FL at the 2009 Girls State in Tallahassee, FL.
Hampton Inn Now Open
Standing in the beautiful lobby of the Hampton Inn are (l-r) Kelly Kite, Jr., owner, Mary Chesley, general manager and Amy Selby, Director of Sales.
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Cell 561-271-6830 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store ........................................ 37 5th Street Pharmacy ................................ 29 Alarm Company ....................................... 66 Ameriprise Financial ................................ 55 Audibell ...................................................... 2
Landing Strip Café Okeechobee’s best kept Secret! Sun. - Thurs. 6 am - 3 pm
Berger Clinic ............................................ 73 Big Lake Eye Care ................................. 3 & 59 Big Lake Hospise ..................................... 50 Big Mike’s Sports Grille .......................... 67 Boots ‘n Pearls ........................................... 74 Brahma Bull Restaurant ....................... 57 Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design .......... 41 Buddy’s Home Furnishings ..................... 47
Your Choice of
Candy Bouquet .................................... 55 Carl Maxwell Electirc .......................... 47 Charlie’s Landscaping .............................. 25 Chiropractic Group .................................. 60 Chloe’s Closet and AAA Internet Consignment .................. 6 Clock Family Restaurants .................... 54 CoCo Sod Farm .......................................... 27 Costopoulos & Helton, P.A ................ 9 Cracker Cowboy Experience................ 50 Custom Window Treatments & Blinds ... 54
with 2 Sides & Cornbread
Diva’s ...................................................... 45 Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center ..... 49 Eastcoast Screen Printing ................... 27 Edward Jones Investments ....................... 70
Breakfast and Lunch
Fri. - Sat. 6 am - 8 pm Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12 DINNER ITEMS $7.99 Each Beer & Wine Available
863.467.6828
2800 NW 20th Trail
Okeechobee County Airport
www.landingstripcafe.com
Faith Neilson - The Tucker Group............... 16 First Bank & Trust of Indiantown ........... 37 First Baptist Church .............................. 36 Florida Foot Specialist .............................. 44 Flower Petals ......................................... 54 Gilbert Chevrolet ...................................... 21 Glades Gas ................................................ 56 Golden Corral ............................................. 35 Green Day Oncology ................................... 16
Hampton Inn ........................................... 69 Heller, Leland M. MD ...................... 31, 31 Highland Pest Control ......................... 68
Riverside Bank .......................................... 65 Royal Concrete Concepts ............................ 46 Rustic Style & Cabins ............................. 54
ICS Computers ......................................... 24
Sandra Pearce Photography ..................... 58 Seacoast National Bank ............................. 51 Shirley’s Personal Care .......................... 58 Stafford’s Salon ....................................... 67 St. Lucie Tires ........................................... 57 Stitchin Post ............................................. 73 Superior Water Works ............................. 61 Syble’s Flowers & Gifts ............................ 20 Symmetry Laser Vein Center .................. 44
Kerr’s Bobcat Service ............................... Landing Strip Restaurant ...................... Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ............... Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider .............. Law Office of Hoskins & Turco ............ Law Office of Philip DeBerard ............
74 74 36 67 28 75
Lehman Auto Body .............................. 70 Leslie Dance Studio .............................. 37 Lori Mixon - The Tucker Group ................ 53 MidFlorida Hardware ............................... 61 Mike’s Okeechobee Guns ......................... 47 Miss Okeechobee Teen USA ..................... 58 Morgan’s Furniture ................................. 40 Neurodiagnostics .................................... 47 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .... 50 Open MRI of Okeechobee ........................ 60 Platinum Performance Realty ............. 4 & 5 Porter’s Dry Cleaning ............................... 58 Preya Persaud .......................................... 73 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant ..................... 24 PWeR ....................................................... 60
The Tucker Group ...................................... 7 Top of the Lake Restaurant/ Triple Sevens Arcades .......................... 71 Treasure Coast Dermatology ................... 62 -Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ............................... 69 United Mid-Country FL Real Estate ............ 26 UPS Store ................................................ 52 Walpole, Inc. ............................................. 57 Waste Management ............................... 63 Wemmer Family Orthodontics ................... 58 WOKC 1570 AM ...................................... 67
Quail Creek Plantation ............................ 11 Quality Air Conditioning ........................ 55 Quick & Easy Storage ............................ 55 Rafael Pacheco-Creations in Fotografia 41 Rafter G AG Services .............................. 44 Raulerson’s Absolutely Art ....................... 50 Raulerson Hospital .................................. 2 Raulerson Hospital .............................. 38, 39 Raulerson Hospital ........................Back Cover
Frank the Cat looking forward to cooler weather.
Continental U.S. only
Name:
Address: City/State/Zip:
“Where quality counts”
Phone: Send this form to: Okeechobee The Magazine 111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, Florida 34972 74 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Mitchell Kerr
863-467-6665 Cell 863-801-9825 Licensed & Insured
1023 Elm Street - Okeechobee, Florida 34974
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fall 2009
| 75
RAULERSON
OSPITAL
... your community health care facility
We Care Celebrating 30 Years of service to Okeechobee! (863) 763-2151 Raulerson Hospital Okeechobee, Florida
1796 Highway 441 North - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
www.raulersonhospital.com