Fall 2010
THE MAGAZINE
50 Years of IRSC An Interview With Provost Sam Smith, Dixon-Hendry Campus
Plus
Ed Walpole Wendy Woodman Shopping with Noel Stephen
Okeechobee at Home
Quick Access To Quality ER Care,
Not Only For You but Your Children Too.
We are Raulerson your hospital In an emergency, the last thing you want is a long drive or even longer waiting lines. Convenient service and fast response times gives you and your children the best opportunity to get better quickly. Our ER wait times are consistently shorter than the national average.
1796 Highway 441N • Okeechobee, Florida 34972
www.raulersonhospital.com • 863-763-2151 2 | Fall 2010
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Dear Friends &Neighbors, Raulerson Hospital is proud to be Okeechobee’s Community Hospital. We have been serving Okeechobee County and the surrounding areas for the past 31 years. We are a 100-bed acute care facility, providing a full range of medical and surgical services performed by caring compassionate physicians and staff. Our emergency room is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you. We understand that coming into the Emergency Room can be stressful. We strive to make sure that each patient that comes to our Emergency Room has the best experience in the shortest time frame possible. One of the main goals of Raulerson Hospital is to reduce the time patients wait to see an Emergency Department physician (ED). We have accomplished this by initiating processes and best demonstrated practices to ensure patients are cared for more efficiently and effectively. In fact, we have been so successful that our Emergency Department wait times are now posted on our hospital website, electronic billboards and are available through iPhone applications. The nice thing about having an emergency room this close is that you spend less time hurting and more time healing. Our goal is to exceed your expectations as we strive to be your first choice for all of your medical needs. We encourage and welcome your feedback. Please feel free to contact us or stop by anytime with your comments and suggestions – my door is always open. Robert Lee, CEO Raulerson Hospital
United Country MidFlorida Realty and Preferred Properties Have Merged! New Location:
3126 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974
United Country MidFlorida Realty and Preferred Properties have merged under the United Country MidFlorida name. The business is located at the former Preferred Properties location, 3126 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974. Julie Turner and Kathy Godwin are both Okeechobee natives who have raised their families here because they love Okeechobee and consider it their hometown. They are familiar with the community, its history, and uniqueness – qualities which enable them to help current or prospective residents find the perfect home and neighborhood for their needs. The merger has tripled the agency’s manpower – more agents, more service. Please stop by the office from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday. View Virtual tours of properties on the website: www.MidFloridaRealty.net anytime. Julie has a B.S. from Florida State University and has been a Realtor since 2003. Julie is currently the President of the Okeechobee County Board of Realtors (OCBR) and Kathy is the Past President of the OCBR. Kathy has 20 years experience in the banking industry and has been a Realtor since 1994.
Julie Alexander Turner (863) 697-1649
Kathy Godwin (863) 634-7728
JulieTurner@MidFloridaRealty.net KathyAGodwin@gmail.com
United Country MidFlorida Realty’s goal is to get you the best possible price in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of inconvenience to you. By remaining focused on this goal, it is our desire to obtain exceptional, individual results utilizing skills, honesty and integrity to create a lasting relationship one client at a time. UNITED COUNTRY is America’s rural real estate company. Your best source for locating real estate for sale throughout the small towns and cities of rural America – residential, farms, ranches, recreational and business! Through a network of over 600 offices – nationwide, United Country has been uniting buyers and sellers of country real estate for over eighty years. MidFlorida Realty’s years of local experience and reputation, provides sellers and buyers with a unique insight into the local marketplace. You can count on United Country - MidFlorida Realty with the combined efforts, of Julie Turner and Kathy Godwin, to provide you with quality, professional service.
Combined United Country MidFlorida Team : Pictured (l-r) Lynne Price, Jerry Patent, Ann Hancock, Wendy Bostwick, Marcia Barber, Kathy Godwin, Betsy Sheffield, Cristie Schmidt, Julie Turner. Not picture; Max Alyala, Bob Brakke, Russ Cale, Mayan Casserly, Barbara Coleman, Anna Kaiser, Walter Mackin, Garry Smith, George Turner, Tina Weaver.
www.MidFloridaRealty.net 4 | Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE - 3126 Hwy 441 South - Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-3566
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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And get up to
$300
Publisher’s Note volume
4, number 3 |Fall 2010
publisher/managing editor
Maureen Budjinski creative director
Bridgette Waldau copy editor
jason Budjinski office manager
Phyllis dWyer bookkeeping
Carol lieBerMan account executives
nanCy gagliardi gail loCkWood senior photographer
rafael PaCheCo contributing photographers
sharon Cannon janelle folk sandra PearCe writers
raye deusinger jan fehrMan deBorah Welky contributors
teresa Chandler Charles MurPhy joyCe MurPhy kathy sCott MiChael shellen distribution
jessiCa sMith Okeechobee The Magazine
111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054
Fall is here and hopefully the cooler weather is just around the corner. The fishing is great, according to Capt. Michael Shellen, so when our northern friends read this issue they will be anxious for the coming winter season. We at Okeechobee The Magazine are always proud of our community and our local businesses. You’ve seen their trucks around town, and in this issue you’ll meet Ed Walpole of Walpole Inc., a company tended by four generations of great people who love Okeechobee and its people. Another business you will read about is the local KOA and the woman in charge of it, Wendy Woodman. You may be surprised when you read all that they do for the local community. Did you know it was the largest KOA in the country? Meanwhile, over at Indian River State College, the school is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of that, we have a feature story exploring its history and present-day accomplishments, including the IRSC campus in Okeechobee. I received much positive feedback on our newest feature, “Okeechobee At Home.” In this issue, take a peak through the doors of the home of Charlie and Debra Norris. Their beautifully remodeled home brings an outdoor feeling complemented by a feminine touch. Our shopper this issue is Okeechobee County Undersheriff Noel Stephen. He shopped at Makin’ a Splash, the UPS Store and Lakeshore Marine. While planning a catered party he came back to the office of Okeechobee The Magazine to meet with caterers Steve and Dee Woods of Dee-Stefano’s Restaurant & Catering. We hope you’ll take the time to enjoy the feature stories, events and columns throughout the pages of the fall issue of Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
Maureen Budjinski president
joshua i. Manning
Sincerely,
vice president
Barry s. Manning chairman & ceo Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2010, 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.
Fall 2010OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE 8 8| |Fall 2010 THE MAGAZINE
Publisher
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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Contents Fall 2010
18
46
36
features 60
departments 12 Okeechobee Shopper
Noel Stephen takes us on a shopping spree to Lakeshore Marine, Makin’ a Splash, The UPS Store, and Dee-Stefano’s Restaurant & Catering where he enjoyed lunch.
26 50 Years of iRSC
Seen Through Okeechobee Eyes BY RAYE DEUSINGER
46 Walpole inc.
Tended by Four Generations BY JAN FEHRMAN
60 KOA
A Treasure for Visitors and Locals BY JAN FEHRMAN
BY JOYCE MURPHY
36 Okeechobee at Home
columns
BY DEBORAH WELKY
COMMUNITY EVENTS
18 20 22 24 44 54
National Day of the American Cowboy Okeechobee Christian School Fun Shoot Waldau’s Junior Golf Summer Events Colgate Country Showdown Leslie’s Dance Studio’s Shining Star Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee Gala
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Fishing on Lake Okeechobee
72
tDC
BY CAPT. MICHAEL SHELLEN
Fall Brings “Hot Events” To Okeechobee BY KATHY SCOTT
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Savannah Asmussen, OHS Swimmer BY CHARLES MURPHY
Fall 2010
THE MAGAZINE
76 78
AROUND OKEECHOBEE ADvERtiSERS iNDEx
50 Years of IRSC An Interview With Provost Sam Smith, Dixon-Hendry Campus
Plus
Ed Walpole
ON THE COVER 50 Years of IRSC An Interview with Provost Sam Smith, Dixon-Hendry Campus
Wendy Woodman Shopping with Noel Stephen Okeechobee at Home
Read more about their international project on page 26. PHOtO BY RAFAEL PACHECO
10 | Fall 2010
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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Okeechobee Shopper Featuring Noel Stephen
STORY BY JOYCE MURPHY O PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANELLE FOLK
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.
Born in San Diego, Calif., and having lived in Sutherlin, Ore., for four years, Okeechobee County Undersheriff Noel Stephen moved with his family to Okeechobee in 1979, living in Fort Drum. S t e p h e n is a 1984 graduate of Okeechobee High School and started with Okeechobee County Fire-Rescue as a volunteer firefighter in 1985. Stephen received certification as an emergency medical technician and a certified volunteer firefighter. In 1987 he started working for the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer. He was sent to the Cross-Over Academy in
1989, where he received his law enforcement certification. Stephen was transferred to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Division as a deputy sheriff in 1990. After several more transfers and promotions in different divisions of the sheriff’s office, Stephen was promoted to his current position as undersheriff in 2007. Stephen and his wife Laurie have been married for 15 years. They are the proud parents of Cory, Brandy and Kodi, and have been blessed with a granddaughter, Brayleigh. Noel Stephen has served as chair of the Skip Bryant Memorial Golf Tournament for the past 12 years. He is also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 237 and the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee. The shopper this issue was Okeechobee County Under-
(Right) Noel enters the UPS Store and checks out the copy machines.
One of the many Tiki wood carvings.
(Below) Owner Eric Pope and Katie Auger greet Noel.
(Above) Steve Dobbs shows Noel a five-foot Cogon thatch roof bamboo bar. (Left) Noel purchased this four-seater Dreammaker spa.
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
sheriff Noel Stephen. Noel and his wife Laurie are celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary and Noel decided to do a little shopping for the event. Noel’s first stop was Makin’ a Splash Pool Spa and Patio (863-824-7636) located at 1934 Center St. (off State Road 70). Besides pool chemicals and pool packages, Makin’ a Splash also carries spas and patio furniture. Noel has a pool, so he was interested in accessories to enhance the pool area. Makin’ a Splash Director of Operations Steve Dobbs showed Noel a five-foot Cogon thatch roof bamboo bar ($400) and two matching bamboo bar stools ($129.99 each) that would look great by his pool. Noel agreed that the bar and stools would be a great place to start with a tropical theme for his pool area. After adding an intricately carved palm tree statue ($149.99) imported from the Philippines, Noel was ready to look at spas.
After finishing up at Makin’ a Splash, Noel wandered on over to the UPS Store (863-763-9777) at 1414 South Parrott Ave., owned and operated by his friend Eric Pope. “Our certified packing experts pack your items right. In fact, we’re so confident that if your package is lost or damaged in transit, we promise you’ll be reimbursed,” Pope said. Because he does a lot of shipping for the sheriff’s office, Noel knew the UPS Store also offers custom invitations and cards. Working with computer tech Ben Wagoner, Noel decided on a four-and-a-quarterby-five-and-a-half-inch fold-over invitation ($44 with envelopes) to invite 100 of his closest friends to the anniversary party. Because Wagoner does the printing in-house, Noel would be able to keep the 16th anniversary party a surprise.
Dobbs had a four-seater, with a lounger, Dreammaker spa ($3,499) that Noel really liked. The unit plugs into a standard 110-15 amp outlet and the shell comes with a lifetime warranty while the pump and electronics carry a one-year warranty. Noel decided to unveil the gifts to Laurie at their anniversary party.
For his last stop, Noel went to see Steve Brantley at Lakeshore Marine (863-7634080), located at 1365 SE Highway 441, to pick up a
(Left) Noel checks out one of the wakeboards at Lakeshore Marine. (Below) Owner Steve Brantley shows Power Pole shallow water anchor to Noel.
(Above) Noel buys two new A/C Delco Voyager marine batteries at Lakeshore Marine. (Left) Ben Wagoner works with Noel in the selection of custom invitations at the UPS Store. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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few boat accessories.
Steve noted that Dee-Stefano’s has been catering since the restaurant opened 12 years ago.
Knowing that a new boat was not in his budget, Noel decided that new accessories would make an old boat seem new again. A Power Pole shallow water anchor ($1,800 installed) would be perfect in Lake Okeechobee’s shallow water, Noel thought. Adding a Minn-Kota 24-volt. 80-pound thrust trolling motor ($1,150) and two new A/C Delco Voyager marine batteries ($120 each) would get Noel to his destination on the big lake and let him catch that big one he had been hoping for. A Sunbrella bimini top ($450) would keep Noel cool as he fishes. Noel also decided to add a Body Glove wakeboard ($210) and a Big Mable towable for one to two riders ($200) for the kids. A party has to have plenty of good food, and Noel got to taste some of the fine dining available from Dee-Stefano’s Restaurant & Catering in Indiantown (15510 SW Trail Dr., 772-597-5600). Owners Dee and Steve Woods stopped by the Okeechobee The Magazine office with some samples of their most popular menu items for Noel to enjoy.
“We have quality food at a modest price,” he said. “We can customize a package to fit your catering needs. The menu is extensive and is not just Italian food. We work with the customer to customize their needs.” Steve explained to Noel that while Dee-Stefano’s could cater a small party with a day or two notice, a larger affair like Noel’s anniversary would require at least a week’s notice. Dee-Stefano’s can provide everything from silverware and drinks to staff members who will set up the buffet and clean up afterward. Noel sampled some stuffed mushroom appetizers as well as Mussels Bianco and fried ravioli with lemon alfredo dipping sauce. Eggplant Rollitini, Chicken Rollitini, Penne a la Vodka, garlic knots, flatbread and cinnamon buns and cannoli were also served. Noting that the food was delicious, Noel decided he was all set for the party. O
One of DeeStefano’s specialties, chicken rollitini marsala.
(Left) Noel selects a sampling and readies to taste the Dee-Stefano’s dishes. (Right) Steve prepares the sample dish for Noel. Dee-Stefano’s brought a wide variety of Italian platters. (Below) Noel sits down with Dee and Steve to go over what Noel will want served at his party.
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Florida Eye Institute Now Offers The Most Accurate FDA-Approved Cataract Replacement Lens On The Market. The Florida Eye Institute now offers the FDA-Approved Softec HD, manufactured in 1/4-size increments (0.25 diopter); this lens is up to three times more precise than previous cataract replacement lenses. The Softec HD’s proprietary technology produces super-accurate lens power labeling. This allows our surgeons to be more precise in selecting the IOL prescription for your unique eyes. See the world through a HD lens! Call Today for a Consultation with Dr. Val Zudans or Dr. Karen Todd
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Val Zudans, M.D. Completed his residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the number one ophthalmology program in the United States, and is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
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Community Event Community Event
Photos By Sandra Pearce
National Day OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY
July 24 was the National Day of the American Cowboy, a celebration that’s especially popular in Okeechobee. Presented by Okeechobee Main Street and the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association, local cowboys kicked off the day’s events with the annual cattle drive, starting in downtown Okeechobee and heading east on State Road 70 to the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center where the festivities took place, including a ranch rodeo.
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3 Sam Clemons enjoys the bronc ride. (l-r) Rodeo Queen Brittany Nethers and Rodeo Princess Amanada Sheffield. (l-r) Durrance group: Case, Rafe, Latt, Tuff and Buck (l-r) Gene Fulford, Pete Clemons, Haynes Williams and Susan Clemons. Rabe Rabon, Buck Durrance and crew control the cattle during the cattle drive. 6. Winners of Ranch Rodeo: Front row (l-r): Shelby Kirton, Cross Fulford and Blaine Gibson. Back row (l-r): Cole Fulford, Haynes & BobbieJo Fulford, Bobby Fulford, Lynda Durrance, Eli’s Western Wear buckle sponsor, Brad Gibson and Preston Stokes. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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Photos By Sharon Cannon
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(Above) Young buckaroo Latt Durrance rides proudly in the cattle drive. (Below) Tony Lazo and his horse Stony enjoy the event.
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1. Buddy Mills talks with friend Rocky Powell while demonstrating how to make the traditional Florida cracker cow whip. 2. (l-r) Diane Conway, Kelly Weaver, Heidi Sherer, Angela Boney and Nancy Gagliardi of the Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association. 3. The staff from attorney Philip DeBerard’s office at their booth: (l-r) Michelle Churchill, Allison DeBerard, attorney Philip DeBerard and Courtney Moyett. 4. David Padgitt has a great time DJing for the crowd. 5. Daniel Gonzalez and daughter Alyna are anxious to see the ranch rodeo.
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Community Event Community Event
By Teresa Chandler
Okeechobee Christian Academy Fun Shoot at Pine Creek Raises $12,000 Seventy-five shooters participated in the 100-target competition. The fundraiser, held on June 12, raised over $12,000, which will benefit Okeechobee Christian Academy in the upcoming 2010-2011 school year. For information on Okeechobee Christian Academy, visit www. okeechobeechristianacademy.net.
Daniel Rickards enjoys the OCA fun shoot.
High Team shooters: Gilbert Snapper Golf Cars (l-r) Brad Gibson, Bruce Kovac, Mark Kovac, Lee Watford.
econd to A T
OCA staff: (l-r) Linda Rickards, Lisa Woodham, Robyn Garner, Karen Griffith, Crystal White, Carmalea Brown and Nick Reynolds.
Top female shooter Melinda Ear/Score 79.
Top male shooter Willie Kirchner/Score 93.
one
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s a recognized leader in the South Florida Real Estate industry, The Tucker Group, LLC is comprised of a diverse group of South FloridaReal Estate professionals specializing in residential, commercial, industrial, large acreage acquisition and South Florida Real Estate development as well as agriculture and special use properties. The Tucker Group, LLC also provides accelerated marketing through the public auction method of sale throughout Florida. he Tucker Group, LLC home office is based in Okeechobee, Florida on the north shore of beautiful Lake Okeechobee. Having over 100 years of combined professional experience, we are confident we can meet your individual South Florida Real Estate needs.
863-763-4010 888-874-2945 Brandon Tucker
Licensed Real Estate Broker and Auctioneers
104 NW 7th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972
www.Tucker-Group.com 20 | Fall 2010
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Community Event Community Event
By Bridgette Waldau
Waldau Junior Golf Summer Events It’s All About the Kids!
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Waldau’s Junior Golf held two popular summer events: The fifth annual Okeechobee Junior golf championship was held on June 5 and the eighth annual Junior Golf Clinic was held June 21-25. Both events were held at the Okeechobee Golf and Country Club. More photos and information can be found on the web site at www.floridajuniorgolf.org. and you can now follow Waldau’s Junior Golf on Facebook.
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1. Pictured are the 20 local kids attending Waldau’s Junior Golf Clinic, along with instructors and OHS junior golf volunteers. 2. (l-r) Golfing buddies Travis Collins and Kenny Whaley. 3. First-place team of tournament held on the final day: (l-r) Catlin Sheffield, Brenden Doyle, Kyle Mullins, and Chase Sacks. (back) Instructor Bubba Mullins. 4. Zachary Stripling tees off. 5. Cameron White makes her chip shot. 6. Hannah Boswell swings easy. 7. Trent Sanders and Preston Arnold enjoy the tournament.
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2010 Okeechobee County Junior Golf Champs
Leslie G. Stokes, Director
... where dreams do come true Ballet ~ Tap ~ Jazz ~ Pre-school Dance ~ Praise & Worship ~ Acro-Jazz ~ Cardio Productions Dance Competition Annual Recitals & More!
863-357-3571
401 SW Park Street Okeechobee, Florida
Taking Dance to the Next Level! 22 | Fall 2010
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
(Top): Jim Waldau presents the firstplace Boys Championship award to Kodi Stephen. (Bottom): Paige Arnold receives her award for first-place Girls Champion.
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Community Community Event
Event
By Sharon Cannon
Colgate Country Showdown The ninth annual Colgate Country Showdown was held July 17 at the Good Spirits Lounge. The event was sponsored and coordinated by WOKC 100.9 FM and 1570 AM Radio. The lounge was packed with friends and relatives giving their support to their favorite singers and enjoying a wide variety of talent. This year’s winner, Mark Burke of Stuart, will go to the state finals. If Burke wins there, he will then go on to the national finals in Nashville, Tenn., with the possibility of winning $100,000. For more info., visit www.countryshowdown.com.
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The contestants: Front Row (l-r): Mark Runner, Savanah Joiner, Samantha Clance, Melanie Ivy, Alexandra Rodriguez, Emily Broke, Caycee Joiner, Kay Lynn Doll, Rebecca Shorroch and Charity Arnold; (Back) Mark Burke, Ron Gooden, Cody Williams and Charlotte Pepesso. 1. The Colgate Country Show down winner Mark Burke. 2. WOKC Program Director Billy Dean served as master of ceremonies. 3. Event sponsors Tony and Marcia Crane from the Stitchin’ Post. 4. The crowd anxiously waits for the winner to be announced. 5. Emily Brooke performs for the crowd. 6. Cody Williams sings a song he wrote. 7. Alexandra Rodriguez sings from the heart.
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Above (l-r): WOKC Program Director Billy Dean, Merrilee Berglund, Deb Daniel, third-place winner Emily Brooke, Taylor English, judge Toni Doyle and judge Maureen Budjinski. Back: Judge Carl Cable, Colgate Showdown Winner Mark Burke, second-place winner Cody Williams and WOKC General Manager Will Skinner and WOKC News Director Charles Murphy.
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Always Saving Buyers $ Money! 7
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24 | Fall 2010
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Tom Benbow, R.PH. , Jason Kuhlewind, PharmD. Blair Kuhlewind, R.PH. N
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IRSC’s 50th
Anniversary
Seen Through Okeechobee Eyes BY RAYE DEusINGER O PHOTOs BY RAFAEL PACHECO
L
ike a child on a Disney adventure, Sam Smith lives the excitement, the thrills and the satisfaction of a lifetime in academia. The highlight of 37 years in education is his 10 years as provost of Indian River State College’s Dixon-Hendry campus, which will take part in celebrating IRSC’s 50th Anniversary in the month of October. “I get satisfaction in the number of people I am able to help and support as provost,” Smith said. “Our campus is known for its personal touch and that makes a difference for our students.” Smith graduated in 1973 from Florida State University with a bachelor of science degree in education, came to Okeechobee and taught for six years, one of which saw him named Okeechobee County Teacher of the Year from the Okeechobee School District. Smith worked eight years as an assistant principal, 11 years as a principal and then two years as assistant superintendent for instruction. In 2000 he was selected as (then) IRCC provost. “To create conditions that lead to student success” is the Okeechobee campus mission statement. “I live it every day,” Smith said. “Our staff lives it every day. It is part of our signature on our e-mails, it is posted in every classroom, it drives all our efforts, and the data shows that it works.” 26 |
Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Our campus is known for its personal touch and that makes a difference for our students. -IRSC Provost Sam Smith
The vibrant yet serene campus is proof that IRSC has come a long way since the early days. The first official classes were held in February 1975, when IRCC leased the old Pan Am building on Highway 441 N for $1 a year for three years. This began influencing post-secondary academic opportunities in Okeechobee. In 1976 IRCC moved in to town and opened a storefront office in the space that now houses Workforce Solutions. Pictures of the 1979 Okeechobee graduates, under first provost Sylvia Wolff, included Clayton Williams, now a city commissioner. By 2000, under Provost Kay Mullins, Okeechobee graduates numbered 51. The 2010 IRSC class set a new record with 125 Okeechobee graduates. As the graduate numbers grew, so did course offerings and even the educational direction. Beginning in 1960, Indian River Junior College emphasized academics for university transfer, and in 1970 evolved into Indian River Community College, adding career training and developmental education. The next milestone occurred in 2008 when the name changed again, to Indian River State College, now offering bachelor’s degree programs. IRSC now offers more than 170 programs, 12 leading to bachelor’s degrees. There are associate degrees, technical certificates and applied technol-
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ogy diplomas that prepare students for the work force. “The value of the Dixon-Hendry campus is its access,” Smith said. “Upon completion of their associate degree, students can pursue the bachelor’s degree program through classes both here and in Fort Pierce.” As IRSC grew, so did Okeechobee’s campus. Having outgrown the storefront, a site for a college campus was needed. Ben Dixon and Judge William Hendry were both Okeechobee residents on the IRCC Advisory Board and were asked by the Okeechobee County School Board to be on a regional committee to open an IRSC campus in Okeechobee.
ing for the
ndbreak 2005 grou
Dr. Herman Heise, then IRCC president, expressed interest in expanding, so Hendry asked the Okeechobee County Commission for the east portion of the airport land to be given to the college. Once accomplished, ground was broken in 1984 for the first IRCC building, Building A, which was used for administration and academics. At the dedication in 1986, the campus was officially named the Dixon-Hendry campus of IRCC. “The opening of the campus in Okeechobee was a milestone,” Hendry said. “It was one of the biggest events in the county, to have an educational institution of that quality.”
Williamso
enter.
ducation C
ce and E n Conferen
Cheryl Kirton - A strong advocate for workforce education, Cheryl Kirton was appointed to the IRSC Board of Trustees to represent Okeechobee in 1999 and served as chair from 2007 to 2009. Linda Syfrett - A staunch supporter of higher education opportunities for Okeechobee residents, Linda Syfrett served on the IRSC Board of Trustees from 1991 through 1999, with three years serving as chair. She was reappointed in 2002.
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(Above): Ribbon cutting for the Williamson Conference and Education Center: (l-r) State Sen. Ken Pruitt, Dixie-Hendry campus Provost Sam Smith, Sonny and Betty Williamson, IRSC President Edwin Massey and IRSC Foundation Executive Director Ann Decker.
Though originally the site of administration and instruction, Building A is now solely used as classrooms. Increasing enrollment revealed the need for larger facilities and in 1999 ground was broken for Building B. Following dedication in 2000, Bldg. B housed the ever-expanding practical nursing program which had begun in 1990 in the basement of the (now) Freshman Campus, expanded to a storefront in 1992 where it graduated its first class, and then moved to Building B. Today’s practical nursing students benefit from training in partnership with Raulerson Hospital and the Health Care Facility, and develop their skills in a training suite in the campus’ Williamson Center. “The practical nursing program is part of a career ladder which moves from nursing assistant to practical nurse to a degreed registered nurse then on to a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” Smith said. “Our last two PN classes had a 100-percent passing rate.” The paramedic program is another example of the expansion of programs offered. Students now enroll in the Okeechobee EMT class, continue their firefighting training at the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex and return to the campus to complete their paramedic training. The first such class graduated in 2006. Both of the 2006 and the 2008 classes boasted 100-percent completion rates on their state licensing exams. The third paramedic class is scheduled to complete in October. The campus staff works closely with both city and county firefighters/ paramedics to encourage students to complete their AS degrees in fire science technology and emergency medical services. They can then transfer to the IRSC bachelor of applied sciences (BAS) degree in organizational
management. Not content to sit and wait for enrolment, staff at the IRSC Dixon-Hendry campus actively pursue it. One program reaches into middle school and draws children to the campus where they learn how to interact with business, present themselves to employers, and think and plan for their future. High school students who wish to speed their progress toward a college degree and a career can get a head start through dual enrollment by earning high school and college credits simultaneously at no cost to their parents. More than 3,000 students — some on campus, some online, some in partnership with the hospital, Workforce Solutions, businesses and schools — are served each year through the Dixon-Hendry campus. The campus was recently recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a “best practice site” for its effective recruitment, retention and completion strategy. To this end, Okeechobee cooperates in the IRSC Foundation Scholarship Program which, like the college, keeps growing. In 2000, donors gave more than $108,000 in scholarships to Okeechobee seniors. By 2010, that had grown to $256,000. According to Smith, “That doesn’t count emergency school funds that people donate to help students. Nor does it include the two additional scholarships our campus awards at the OHS Grad Night activities.” In 2000, 28.7 percent of local high school graduates went on to college. Since then, up to 51 percent have continued on. “The more Okeechobee students who continue on to a college education, the better it is for their quality of life and for our community,” Smith said, underlying the basic principle that education is the cornerstone of a sustainable economy.
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IRSC President Edwin Massey’s vision to expand the Okeechobee campus led to the construction of the campus’ third building, the Williamson Conference and Education Center, in 2008. The center is named in honor of Frank “Sonny” Williamson and Betty Williamson as lead contributors to the IRSC Foundation’s fundraising campaign for the facility. “When Dr. Edwin Massey called and said, ‘We’re ready to build. Could you and Betty be the lead donor’?, we said we could and we will,” Sonny Williamson said. “While education is important through grade 12, it is more important to take the next step. It also becomes important for a town like Okeechobee, which is isolated, to have a college for that next step.” This 15,000-square-foot building has classrooms, a nursing lab, stateof-the-art biology and computer labs, a culinary suite and an audito-
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Students flourish with the personal attention they receive from IRSC faculty and staff at the DixonHendry Campus.
rium for conferences, seminars, business and community activities. Every classroom in the center is multi-functional and inter-connected through technology.
preparation and kitchen management, and is also used for food preparation and/or serving during business and community events.
The Culinary Suite is used to prepare local students to transition to the Culinary Institute in Vero Beach. It allows not only theoretical training, but hands-on experience in food
The biology lab is equipped to train students, whether pursuing an AA or AS degree, in sciences and skills that could lead to a health or science career or take them into the biotech sector for growth in the field or a
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“While education is important through grade 12, it is more important to take the next step. It also becomes important for a town like Okeechobee, which is isolated, to have a college for that next step.” -Sonny Williamson
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degree completion. The conference center also encourages the use of the strategic planning room by local businesses. The Small Business Development Center representative is based at Williamson once a week to work with local businesses and entrepreneurs. Through the IRSC Lifelong Learning Institute, men and women 50 and better can participate in the Health Club for the Brain. Peer-led and -directed, students can study memoir writing, photography, blogging, culinary arts and more. They use the labs, classrooms, libraries and bookstore, sit in on lectures and take field trips. There is a one-time enrollment fee and a small cost for each class. Smith invites Okeechobee residents to visit the campus during its anniversary celebration in October, take a conducted tour and get involved in the campus. He has seen its growth, its influence and its benefit to the community. Smith looks forward and sees the past come full circle. During the 2010 commencement ceremony he called the names of 128 students, six of whom had received their kindergarten diploma from him. Now they are college graduates. The Indian River State College Dixon-Hendry campus is located at 2229 NW Ninth Ave. For more information, call (863) 824-6000 or visit www.irsc.edu. O
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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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Community Event Community Event
Photos By Sharon Cannon
Dr. Fred Brown
Children’s Health Center A fundraiser to benefit Dr. Fred Brown Children’s Health Center was held July 13 Hammerhead’s Billiards Bar & Grill. Each guest brought a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl that will be given to a child in need. A buffet was served followed by drawings for the many donated items. For more information, visit www.fchcinc.org.
Moe Prevatt and Tracy Parks both bid on the handmade quilt by Terri Schneider.
Hammerhead’s staff had the winning bid for their chocolate and strawberry cake: (l-r) Irma Santibanez, Patty Suarez, Grizz Harden, Charles Harper, Teresa Fowler and Steve Todd.
Bruce Davenport was Susan Karns, Kelly Tarr, Mason Tarr and Sara Jo master of ceremonies. Karns are proud supporters.
Donna Holm wins the popular quilt.
Indian River State College
Expanding higher education opportunities in Okeechobee for over 30 years • Bachelor’s Degrees in high-growth careers • Associate Degrees for university transfer • High-tech training for in-demand jobs Dixon Hendry Campus | 2229 N.W. 9th Avenue, Okeechobee 1-866-792-4772•www.irsc.edu 34 |
Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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O
Okeechobee
At Home
With Charlie & Debra Norris BY DeBOrah WelkY O PhOTOS BY raFael PaCheCO
When Charlie Norris purchased his home in 1999, it was pink inside and out, and Charlie, a busy cattle rancher, didn’t have time to change it. He took a lot of ribbing from friends, but the way he saw it, the paint was still good. Six years later, when Debra moved in, she saw things differently.
ans they taught. A 12-point Kansas Whitetail proudly surveys the scene while, across the room, an original 18th-century painting of Madagascar ducks graces one wall. Situated to the right of the fireplace is son William’s desk where the 17-year-old home-schooler can gaze
“The interior was pink and seafoam green,” she sighed, a woman who knows that that color combination has been out of style for decades. “And there were deer heads everywhere.”
to extend farther into the home. Two awkward archways, a sit-in desk and a clumsy counter were removed as well, making the kitchen a much more functional workspace. “Now we have a huge pantry instead,” Debra said. Brushed stainless appliances, a Wolf rangetop, maple cabinetry with an “autumn” finish, a nickelplated pot-filler faucet and brown-to-black granite countertops bring the kitchen smartly into the 21st century. Throughout the home, beige walls and unfinished travertine stone provide a seamless flow.
Today, the home has been remodeled, repainted and brought up to contemporary standards, all while retaining its cowboy charm. (Left) The spacious kitchen features granite countertops.
Upon entering, one is greeted (Above) Debra holding Peanut, Charlie and William. on the left by an antique buffet with ball-and-claw feet, which was thoughtfully — and perhaps longbrought over from France, a vin- ingly — out the front window as he tage lamp and a signed print by A.E. does his homework. Backus, “dean of Florida landscape Charlie and Debra also have four painters.” grown children — Amber, Erin, Ellie To the right is the formal living room and Chuck. Peanut, a miniature pinwith its wood-burning flagstone fire- scher, rounds out the family. place. A focal point of the room, the fireplace features a hearth that is home Heading toward the kitchen, Charto four large Remington bronzes and lie explains how the remodel began a single-plank cypress mantel topped with the removal of several interior with dolls given to Debra’s educa- walls, opening up the kitchen and tor parents by the Seminole Indi- allowing light from the Florida room
“These floors were linoleum, then a Pergo wood and now the 24-inch travertine tiles,” Charlie said. “Platinum Performance was in charge of the remodel.”
“We had to move out while they were working on it,” Debra said. “We stayed in my mother’s old house from September through December.” Just off the kitchen, a faux pine tree hints at Christmases to come. “I do keep the tree up year ’round,” Debra said. “It blends in with everything.” And it does add to the outdoorsy feel of the room. There’s a stuffed Florwww.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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Above: The formal living room with its wood-burning flagstone fireplace. Insets: (Left) A vintage lamp warmly shines atop an antique buffet. (Middle left) One of four large Remington bronzes makes its home on the fireplace hearth. (Middle right) Part of Charlie’s collections in “the man room.” (Far right) One of Charlie’s kills, a stuffed Florida wildcat. Below: (left) The entrance features an antique buffet with ball-andclaw feet, which was brought over from France. (Right) A rustic table that looks as if it was constructed with pegs dominates the formal dining room.
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
ida wildcat, killed by Charlie when he was deer hunting near Yeehaw, and an original oil painting of wild turkeys at sunset by famed artist Robert Butler. Nearby hangs another original oil, this one of Debra’s mother, Dorothy Kinsaul, at age 5 (artist unknown). Around the corner — or through a set of French doors — is the master bedroom where a dresser and bed made from stripped logs sits atop a cozy new shag rug. The bed’s headboard, comprising ironwork rodeo silhouettes, is truly a piece of folk art. So does Charlie compete in rodeos? “Not anymore,” he said. “But we have some cattle so sometimes you’ll rodeo whether you like it or not.” His and hers closets point the way to the master bath with two separate sink stations. “The cabinets are maple with a pecan finish, the fixtures are polished nickel and the countertops are black granite,” Debra said. Unused and unwanted, a tub was removed and replaced with a spacious, doorless shower created of tumbled marble, which Charlie much prefers. Across the house, a rustic table that looks as if it was constructed with pegs dominates the formal dining room where “Jalapeño Green” walls peek from behind the head of an Asian exotic deer, bagged by Charlie in South Texas. “I actually had that out in the garage, but she brought it back in,” Charlie laughed. “It’s nothing special.” The hallway to the back of the house serves as a family photo gallery on the
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When Charlie Norris purchased his home in 1999, it was pink inside and out, and Charlie, a busy cattle rancher, didn’t have time to change it. He took a lot of ribbing from friends, but the way he saw it, the paint was still good. Six years later, when Debra moved in, she saw things differently. (Above left) The master bedroom features a dresser and bed made from stripped logs. (Above right) The master bath with two separate sink stations leads into a spacious, doorless shower created of tumbled marble. (Left) The swimming pool, where family members and friends cool down. (Below) Peanut welcomes us to this spacious patio which offers shelter from the Florida sun and where family and friends enjoy gatherings. (Below right) Admiring the portable firepot, William and his horse happen to stroll by.
“The interior was pink and seafoam green,” she sighed, a woman who knows that that color combination has been out of style for decades. “And there were deer heads everywhere.” Today, the home has been remodeled, repainted and brought up to contemporary standards, all while retaining its cowboy charm. Upon entering, one is greeted on the left by an antique buffet with balland-claw feet, which was brought over from France, a vintage lamp and a signed print by A.E. Backus, “dean of Florida landscape painters.” To the right is the formal living room
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
with its wood-burning flagstone fireplace. A focal point of the room, the fireplace features a hearth that is home to four large Remington bronzes and a single-plank cypress mantel topped with dolls given to Debra’s educator parents by the Seminole Indians they taught. A 12-point Kansas Whitetail proudly surveys the scene while, across the room, an original 18th-century painting of Madagascar ducks graces one wall. Situated to the right of the fireplace is son William’s desk where the 17-year-old home-schooler can gaze thoughtfully — and perhaps longingly — out the front window as he does his homework. Charlie and Debra also have four grown children — Amber, Erin, Ellie and Chuck. Peanut, a miniature pinscher, rounds out the family. Heading toward the kitchen, Charlie explains how the remodel began with the removal of several interior walls, opening up the kitchen and allowing light from the Florida room to extend farther into the home. Two awkward archways, a sit-in desk and a clumsy counter were removed as well, making the kitchen a much more functional workspace. “Now we have a huge pantry instead,” Debra said.
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Brushed stainless appliances, a Wolf rangetop, maple cabinetry with an “autumn” finish, a nickel-plated pot-filler faucet and brown-toblack granite countertops bring the kitchen smartly into the 21st century. Throughout the home, beige walls and unfinished travertine stone provide a seamless flow. “These floors were linoleum, then a Pergo wood and now the 24-inch travertine tiles,” Charlie said. “PlatinumOPerformance was in charge of the remodel.”
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| 41
We are R The real strength of a hospital is its
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Dr. Tinoco’s office is located at 202 NE 2nd Street - Suites 3 & 4 - Okeechobee Call 863-467-2159
1796 Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 • www.raulersonhospital.com
Community Event Leyton Watford Wins National Dance Competition
By Bridgette Waldau
Six-year-old Leyton Watford is making a name for herself and putting Okeechobee on the map in the dance world. In June she won Miss National Starmaker at a national dance competition held in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Watford performed a jazz dance to the song “Cruella De Vil.” She is a student at Leslie’s Dance Studio and is the daughter of Lee and Shannon Watford of Okeechobee. Leyton Watford is a role model to dancers of all ages.
(Above left) Watford had the privilege of dancing the final dance of the weekend to the song “Black and Gold.” (Above) Watford shimmies her way to the national title. (Far left) Watford with her dance instructor, Leslie Stokes. (Left) Watford is all smiles as she receives her special award.
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Okeechobee has provided us with an outstanding workforce of loyal dedicated people who have been the backbone of the success of our companies. -Ed Walpole
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
WALPOLE INC.
Tended by Four Generations BY Jan Fehrman O PhOTOS BY raFaeL PaCheCO
Walpole Inc., one of the biggest trucking companies in the southeastern United States, has prospered in the capable hands of Edwin Edward Walpole III, known as Ed, and members of his family. Their business has come a long way from its humble beginning in Palm Beach County with one truck. Today, a large fleet of trucks carry its products throughout the region and entire nation.
“My father was fortunate enough to be able to purchase his first truck, a 1946 Chevrolet flatbed, from one of the dairy farmers, Dudley Kirton, the grandfather of the Kirton family who now lives in Okeechobee,” Ed said. Soon Edwin began hauling bag feed to the dairy farmers. In 2010 Walpole Inc. is still hauling for two dairy
moved there so Ed could be closer to his customers. His father Edwin died from cancer in 1974. The first office and terminal in Okeechobee were where the old Hector Feed Mill used to be. Dry feed would come in from all over the Southeast by rail and truck, and Walpole would deliver it to the dairy farmers. Today, if you stand on the railroad station platform you can see towering feed silos, and the loading and unloading of Walpole Feed’s trucks. Walpole Inc.’s headquarters are housed nearby in an attractive building on NW Ninth Street across from Gilbert Oil. Early photos in the lobby highlight the 60-year history of the company.
According to Walpole, their achievements are the result of family involvement. “The success of our company is due to the ability of the family to work together and to keep putting back into the company, building toward a strong productive future,” he said. From the bags of dry cow “Most of all there is the feed they delivered in the willingness to work to beginning, Walpole Inc. has understand what needs diversified the products it to be done to provide for Walpole’s first truck, a 1946 Chevrolet flatbed. transports to include water our customers and community. Four generations have had a coops in Okeechobee County that treatment lime, chemicals, phoshave some of the original members phates, dry ash, cement, sand, dry great love for what they do.” from 1951: the Larsons, Rucks, But- feeds and liquid feeds. For export, it hauls molasses and sugar to ports as In 1951 Walpole’s father, Edwin E. lers and Bermans. well as feeds exported to Europe. Walpole Jr., lived with his family in Lake Worth where he was offered Ed began working with his father in the opportunity to haul bags of feed 1951 while in high school. He be- Walpole Inc. primarily delivers prodfor a Palm Beach dairy coop. At that gan running the company full-time ucts in the Southeast although they time they were bringing in feed by after college. By the 1960s, dairies do go all over the country. These are rail from Birmingham, Ala. instead of were moving into the Okeechobee delivered from terminals in Okeechoarea, and in 1972, Ed and his family bee, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach, buying it from a feed mill. www.OkeechobeeThemagazine.com Fall 2010
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Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Birmingham, Ala. Three generations of the Walpole family work for the company today, continuing the tradition of hard work and dedication Edwin E. Walpole Jr. started. Edwin Edward Walpole III oversees the overall operation. His son Eddie is in charge of the Tampa and Birmingham terminals. Keith oversees the Okeechobee, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach facilities. Jay runs Walpole Feed and Supply and Seminole land and Cattle Company located in Okeechobee. Also working in the feed store are Jay’s sons, Danny and Brad Walpole. In the Okeechobee office of Walpole Inc. granddaughter Rachel Walpole works in accounting and grandson Ryan Walpole works in safety.
develop and am amazed at what he’s done with his company. I have also known the family and have seen his children become successful in their own right.” Ed speaks highly of Okeechobee and his employees. “Okeechobee has provided us with an outstanding workforce of loyal dedicated people
Bienvenidos!
C&
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“Okeechobee has offered a great opportunity to grow our family and our company in a community where
we’ve had a lot of assistance,” Ed said. “Many wonderful people here have been supportive and have been good customers and good friends.” Elder Sumner, Okeechobee businessman and long time friend of Ed’s said, “Ed was one of the first people I met when we came to Okeechobee in 1965. We were both in the feed business. I have watched his business
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who have been the backbone of the success of our companies,” he said. “We have a great deal of appreciation for all of those who work for us now or who have worked for us in the past.”
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In the early 1980s when the trucking industry was deregulated, Walpole Inc. saw an opportunity to grow and develop. “We were able to expand into new areas and haul different products to more states,” Ed said. “We were able to utilize all our abilities and to increase our productivity. Today, regulations are extremely difficult to deal with. They are marginalizing the opportunity for profit and growth in the future.” “The biggest challenge over the years,” Ed said, “is adapting to change — to be able to adjust to all the new advances in technologies and yet stay true to your basic concept, the fundamentals of what brought you to where you are.” Ed’s youngest son Keith Walpole noted that his father created the foundation of the company to give to his family. “He was supportive and gave us many opportunities,” Keith said. “He always encouraged all of us. It takes a special person to stay motivated for the family.”
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Under Ed Walpole’s leadership and with the effort of four generations working together, Walpole Inc. is a tribute to one family’s dedication and vision. From 1951 to today, Walpole Inc. and Walpole Feed and Supply have achieved a level of success that Edwin Edward Walpole Jr. would have been proud of. For more information about Walpole Inc., visit www.walpoleinc.com or call the main office at (863) 7635593. O
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707 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974
863.467.2072
Keith Hickman & Bobby Hickman
We get Bugs out! No Pest Problem is Too Big.
Pre-Treat •Termite Inspection • Full Termite & Pest Control Services • Rodents • Lawns
Corner of 441 & 15B Okeechobee, Florida (The Old Barlows)
863-357-3777 52 | Fall 2010
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Highland Pest Control is Family Owned and Operated We Can Provide You with Quality Service for All of Your Pest Control Needs.
Call for a Free Estimate 863-467-6707
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bio-Identical Pellet Therapy Ladies,...chances are you already know someone that’s experiencing the benefits of Bio-Identical Pellet Therapy for Menopausal symptoms. Isn’t it time you find out for yourself what you’re missing out on? Discover how tiny implanted hormone pellets, the size of a grain of rice alleviates: Hot Flashes & Night Sweats Mood Swings Low Sex Drive Poor Mental Clarity Poor Sleep Fatigue Vaginal Dryness Gentlemen,...do you feel like you’ve passed your peak? If so, you may be noticing a natural decline in your hormone levels. For men, this is called Andropause.
Trinidad E. Garcia, MD Fellow American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology Certified SotoPelle Physician
Find out how hormone pellet therapy can help you Regain your zest for life Improve your concentration & focus Regain lean muscle mass Improve your Sex Drive Decrease Anxiety Decrease irritability and improve your mood
306 NE 19th Dr Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-763-6427
8980 South Hwy US-1 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
772-337-5595| 53
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
Community Event
By Janelle Folk
Pam Tebow is keynote speaker at the
Inaugural ‘Hope Rising’ Banquet The Hope Rising banquet fundraiser to benefit the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee was held Friday, Aug. 27 at the KOA Convention Center. The featured guest was Pam Tebow, mother of football star and Heisman Trophy-winner Tim Tebow. There were 50 tables, each decorated in its own “theme.” For information on the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee, call (863) 467-8748. (left) Keynote speaker Pam Tebow gives an inspirational speech about her miracle son Tim Tebow.
Loy Mercimer introduces the speakers.
Kay Smith sings while Judd Harris accompanies on guitar.
(l-r) Pam Tebow, Fran McKee, Cary McKee, Donna Burk and Stephen Burk.
(l-r) Ruth Yeilding, Sue Horrick, Harry Horrick, Merle Hendry and Judge William Hendry.
(l-r) Taylor English, Billy Dean, Robbin Threewits, Rev. Jim Dawson, Rev. Bruce Simpson and Judy Simpson.
Peace Lutheran School
Growing together with Jesus Serving Children Junior Preschool - Kindergarten Summer Camp - Ages Three - Fifth Grade
Now Enrolling! Small Class Size
Christian Centered Program at an Affordable Price
Nationally Accredited School
School Phone: 863-763-7566 Church Phone: 863-763-5042
750 Northwest 23rd Lane - Okeechobee, Florida 34972 54 | Fall 2010
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
One of the many unique and original table settings displayed at the banquet.
JEFFREY A. FADLEY, P.A. ATTORNEY AT LAW
MISSION STATEMENT To provide effective quality legal representation in a fair and timely manner
Personal Injury Civil Litigation DUI Criminal Law Family Real Estate
863-763-5733 www.fadleylaw.com
807 SW 2nd Avenue - Okeechobee, FL
We've gone CUPCAKE CRAZY at Flower Petals Stop in to see our new specialty cupcake designs!
“We deliver smiles.” 863-763-5051 800-260-2592
www.flowerpetalsokeechobee.com
202 NE 2nd Street - Suite 5 Okeechobee, FL 34972 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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Welcome to Lake Okeechobee Resort KOA
Fall is a special time for Floridians to get out and go camping! Locals Invited To Join Us! 9 Hole Golf Course - Driving Range Shanty Lounge Weekend Entertainment Planned Music Events Banquet Facilities Lodging RV & Tent Campsite 3 Pools - Adult & Family Fitness Center 4276 S. Hwy 441 - Okeechobee
863-763-0231
self storage quick n’ easy
Serving Okeechobee Since 1982 Family Owned & Operated
Fenced, Well Lit Best P Safe, Secure Boat & RV Storage In To rices wn! Exterminated Resident Management Climate Controlled Units Large Units Available $$$ Referral Program Police, Fire & Military Discounts Taped Video Surveillance
We Sell Boxes Packing & Moving Supplies
863-763-2232
4619 Hwy. 441 SE Okeechobee, FL Taylor Creek
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Your Local Hardware Store For ALL Your Hardware Needs "We match local advertised prices." Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm Saturday 8 am - 4 pm
www.okeechobee.doitbest.com
863-467-1010
pen! Mid-Florida Hardware Postal Center O w o N U.S. Postal Service Contract Postal Unit Postage 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
3603 HWY 441 S. Okeechobee, Florida 34974
The ALARM COMPANY of Okeechobee, Inc.
Security Systems 24 Hour Monitoring Fire Alarm Systems Closed Circuit Television Central Vacuum Systems Intercom Systems Surround Sound Systems Medical Alert Systems
863-357-2004
Providing Expert Security Solutions!
919 NW Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 License EF20000613
www.thealarmco.org CHOOSE KINDNESS
The Lord received another angel when he called home Lila Baldwin, beloved wife and mother. But he left us with those wonderful angels from Big Lake Hospice. They tended to the needs of our loved one with their thoughtful care. Big La Lake Hospice shows kindness and compassion to the entire family in a time of their greatest need. God Bless them for all that they do. -Bob Baldwin Husband of Lila Baldwin
Lila Baldwin, beloved wife and mother
Guy Harvey and Ed Hardy Jewelry
We Buy Scrap Gold
863-763-0707 3543 Hwy 441 S, Okeechobee, FL 34974 www.BigLakeHospice.org
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Under new ownershipMike & Kelly Barcia 12 Minute Tanning Bed · Hot New Bulbs · Tanning Products Clothing · Skate Boards & Accessories · Body Jewelry & and More
863-763-7434
609 SW Park Street · Okeechobee, FL 34974
For All Your Paper & Chemical Supply Needs Industrial • Institutional Janitorial • Agricultural Safety Hardware • Automotive Food Service Supplies
863-467-0333
Open 7 Days a Week
Monday thru Friday 9 am -9 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm ∙ Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm
Check us out for daily specials on facebook.
Help for living well...body, soul and spirit. Massage
Living Well
Fitness
Health & Wellness Center
Darla Rose
Toll Free 800-441-5405
Licensed Massage Therapist Certified Personal Trainer
TriCoSupply@yahoo.com
2900 SW 3rd Terrace Okeechobee, FL
Gift Certificates Available
Lic.# MA 35336 Lic.# HS 8623
(863) 357-3333 (863) 697-9743 103 SW 3rd Avenue
The Berger Clinic
Visit Us At Our New Location!
Jay S. Berger, MD 863-467-1117 Call For Appointment
Okeechobee Medical Park 1713 Hwy 441 N. Suite D Okeechobee, FL 34972
Gator Pools Monthly Pool Services - Pool Clean Up Pool Resurfacing - Liner Replacement Pool Equipment Repair & Replacement & Pool Decks
Serving Okeechobee Since 1997 Licensed & Insured
(Located across the street from the hospital.)
For All Your Pool Needs Call 58 |
Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
863-634-7883
Dr .
er nt
Children’s He n w alt ro B hC d e e Fr
OKEECHOBEE
Blood Roundup
NEW LOCATION
Freshman Campus Auditorium Dr. Fred Brown has been a caring, compassionate pediatrician for 50 years, with 30 of those years caring for the children and families of Okeechobee County. He has a love of children having raised 5 children with his wife of 50 years, Bobbi. Dr. Brown recently stated, “It is a tremendous honor having the center named after me, however, it is more important that the center is here for the medical care of the children in our community.” When asked what he has learned from his mentor Dr. Brown, Dr. Christopher Robshaw responded “Dr. Brown has taught us that Pediatrics is the specialty of taking care of the future one child at a time”.
building will be large enough to allow for future additions to health care team.
In the many years that Dr. Fred Brown has cared for Okeechobee’s children, he has cared for generations of families and it is because of his dedication that Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. is honored to name its new pediatric and dental center located at 2015 Highway 441 North; the Dr. Fred Brown Children’s Health Center. This new, 20,000 square foot, energy efficient pediatric and dental center is scheduled to begin operations on September 13, 2010 and will consolidate pediatrics with expanded x-ray area and dental practices. The
We invite the community to be part of this lasting tribute to Dr. Brown’s commitment to the children and families of Okeechobee County. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Molly Ferguson, Director of Program Development at (561) 844-9443 extension 310 or via e-mail at mferguson@fchcinc.org.
The hours at the Dr. Fred Brown Center will be Monday and Thursday 8AM-6PM; Tuesday and Wednesday 8AM-5PM; Friday 8AM-4PM and Saturday 8AM-12:30PM. The phone number is 863-763-1951. In March, 2009 Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. applied for and was subsequently approved to receive $1.6 million in stimulus funding which will provide seed funding for the construction of the $3.5 million building.
The mission of Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. is to provide accessible, cost-effective, high-quality, comprehensive primary and preventive health care to all persons regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
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For Information Call 863-610-2176 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com Fall 2010
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OKEECHOBEE KOA A Treasure for Visitors and Locals BY Jan Fehrman O PhOTOS BY raFaeL PaCheCO
N
estled in the small City of Okeechobee is the largest KOA in America. A total of 756 sites grace this RV resort located on Highway 441 South, a few minutes from Lake Okeechobee. At this 117-acre resort-style campground, guests can enjoy extended or daily stays in RVs, camping cabins, park models and new studio lodges. There are activities and events available to locals as well. “The Okeechobee KOA is not only a treasure for visitors, but also the residents of Okeechobee County,” Okeechobee Tourist Development Council Coordinator Kathy Scott said. “They provide wonderful amenities, outdoor sports, and bring motor coach rallies, musical events and shows to Okeechobee.” KOA General Manager Wendy Woodman gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the facility and all it has to offer. “Some people have been coming to the Okeechobee KOA for 15 to 20 years, attracted by its many amenities as well as the nearness of the lake, the friendliness of the community and its closeness to the coast,” she said. “The Okeechobee KOA has about 80 percent seasonal guests and 20 percent daily campers.” The resort was built in the mid-1970s by a private developer. It was operated as a campground membership park prior to Kampground of America purchasing the property in 1990. Today guests can take advantage of a nine-hole golf course, driving range and putting green, swimming pools, tennis courts, and an onsite fitness center. Okeechobee has the only KOA with a nine-hole regulation golf course. Registered guests also enjoy many planned activities such as water exercise classes, tournaments, talent shows, bingo, crafts, movies and concerts. Golf carts and boat rentals are also available. The KOA Shanty Lounge provides entertainment on the weekends and is open to the public. In addition the onsite convention center hosts entertainment for guests and the community and can be leased for catered dinners, parties, or business events. For locals who want recreational fun without traveling on busy holidays, the Okeechobee KOA offers its three-day holiday weekend packages on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The resort also offers summer pool memberships and public golf. Okeechobee residents may also take advantage of themed packages. For example, the golf package offers two nights of camping and unlimited greens fees. “We always try to have a value camping vacation offer on the web,” Woodman said. “We also offer packages tied to special events like those in the Opry Series.” Coming Sept. 22 is the Atlanta Rhythm Section, a southern rock ’n’ roll band formed in the ’70s. It is part of the Okeechobee Opry Series, which performs at the KOA Convention Center. “The dinner show will be a fundraiser for the KOA Care Camp program,” promoter Tammy Timmons said. Timmons also organized the Battle of the Bands held in August and the Swamp Pickers Blue Grass Festival to be held Nov. 20 and 21 at the convention center. She is working with other venues such as the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce to bring more shows to the convention center. “The packages will be affordable to the community,” Timmons said. Tickets for all events can be purchased at the front desk at KOA or by calling Timmons at (706) 455-9307.
“I love keechobee, the best of all the places I’ve worked.” -Wendy Woodman
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Bonded & Insured
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A most trusted name in the electrical industry.
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Woodman brings a background of business, travel, RV camping and a love of the hospitality industry to her position at the Okeechobee KOA. Woodman was born and raised in southern California and lived in Hawaii where she met Lee, her husband of 37 years. They lived on a 40-foot ketch rig sailboat for four years and worked in the maritime freight transportation industry for 13 years. After they returned from Hawaii, the Woodmans owned and operated a deli/bakery/pizza/catering business in the California mountains before they retired to spend their time traveling by RV to see where they would like to eventually settle. When they discovered the seasonal workcamping opportunities with KOA they would work during the season at different spots around the country, typically summer and winter, and then travel in the off season. “I have worked at a total of nine campgrounds and camped in more than I can count,” Woodman said. “It’s a wonderful way to explore our great country.” Woodman began her campground management career working for a franchise KOA at the Estes Park, Colo., a site where she stayed for three years. During their off months, the Woodmans traveled to Florida and Wendy eventually started working for KOA Company Owned Properties at the St. Petersburg KOA, which led to the opportunity to manage the Okeechobee KOA. “I love Okeechobee the best of all the places I’ve worked,” she said. “My job is great,” Woodman said. “It’s so wonderful to see families playing together in the pool or on the golf course or toasting s’mores by a campfire. I enjoy watching them having a happy time, making family memories.”
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Scott is impressed by Woodman, KOA Operations Manager J.R. Coburn and the entire staff. “Their reputation, expertise and commitment to the KOA facility are what keep visitors returning,” Scott said. Woodman said if there’s one part of her KOA experience she’s most passionate about supporting, it’s the KOA Care Camps. KOA’s nationwide nonprofit charity provides funds for children with cancer to attend special camps. Funds are deposited to a trust account where 475 campgrounds contribute. The applications for donations are reviewed by the KOA Owners’ Association Board of Directors similar to a scholarship process. “In 2010 approximately $350,000 was dispersed to 45 eligible camps nationwide,” Woodman said. On July 30 a check was presented to ROCK Camp. (l-r): Milt Schultz, KOA Care Camp fundraiser Wendy Woodman and Ralph DeVitto, CEO of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society.
Lake Okeechobee
We love having you here.
Phone: 1-863-824-0003 Fax:1-863-824-0005
On the House™ hot breakfast On the Run Breakfast Bag™ Cloud Nine. The Hampton bed experience. Business Center • Fitness Center Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool
1200 N.E. Park Street, Okeechobee, Florida, USA 34972
www.okeechobeelakeokeechobee.hamptoninn.com 64 | Fall 2010
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Many of the events held at the Okeechobee KOA are fundraisers for the camps. Last year the Okeechobee KOA Care Camps contribution was $34,000. “Community support from merchants and locals is fabulous,” Woodman said. One of the largest fundraising events is coordinated by the Good SpiritsOld Habits Putt Putt Committee. Open to the public, a putt putt tournament is held on Memorial Day at the KOA. Original committee member Alan Smith said, “The putt putt tournament originally began when Old Habits Restaurant and Lounge challenged Good Spirits Liquors to a putt putt match. This turned into a fundraiser tournament for the KOA Care Camps. We now do dinners, raffles and all kinds of fundraising for the camp from Thanksgiving through Memorial Day.” Woodman recently attended the ROCK (Reach Out to Cancer Kids) Camp in Eustis, Fla., to present a
Come See The Difference
763-EYES
www.biglakeeyecare.com
606 North Parrott Avenue - Okeechobee, Florida 34972
Angel Food Ministry • AWANA • Youth Main Event and TNT
First and Goal Flag Football • Upward Basketball Impact Cheerleading Home of Rock Solid Christian Academy (Ages 1 through Grade 4)
Recreation Outreach Center
Church Address: 401 SW 4th Street (863) 763-2171
Sunday 9:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Worship 5:30 pm Small Group Bible Study
www.fbcokee.org
Wednesday 6:30 pm W.O.W. Worship on Wednesday
ROC Address: 310 SW 5th Avenue (863) 467-ROCK (7625)
Mission House (distributes food and clothing) 309 SW 4th Avenue (863) 763-6573
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Okeechobee Tourist Development Council Coordinator Kathy Scott is impressed by Woodman, KOA Operations Manager J.R. Coburn and the entire staff. “Their reputation, expertise and commitment to the KOA facility are what keep visitors returning.” - Kathy Scott
KOA is a supporter of ROCK camp where kids with cancer can just be kids.
check for $18,000 to the American Cancer Society in partnership with Camp Boggy Creek. Woodman described the camp as a beautiful spot with many activities for the children. “It made me feel so good to see the joy on the faces of the children and the directors when the donation was made,” she said.
Colton Butts, the 12-year-old son of Okeechobee residents Amy and David Butts, attended the camp last year when there was a counselor for every child. “It was good to see him enjoy himself after all he’d been through. He had a blast,” David Butts said. “The camp
had horseback riding, fishing, swimming, art and much more. There was never a dull moment. He didn’t want to come home.” On behalf of KOA, Woodman involves herself in the community in other ways, belonging to Kiwanis and the Economic Council of Okeechobee. Coburn is an active member of the Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council. KOA also helps support the Okeechobee High School golf team and Waldau’s Junior Golf clinics by donating scheduled times for driving range practice. A tropical vacation paradise awaits visitors and locals at the Okeechobee KOA, an active resort with a heart. Golf anyone? For more information, call (863) 763-0231, e-mail okeechobee@koa. net or visit www.okeechobeekoa. com. O
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Shirley’s
Personal Care Services, Inc.
Foot & Ankle Specialist Podiatrist
Fractures • Bunions • Hammertoes Dr. Joshua Roberts Heel Spurs • Diabetic Care • Wound Care Ingrown Toenails • Ankle Sprains • Sports Medicine CLEWISTON OFFICE OKEECHOBEE OFFICE Medicare Assignments & Most Insurance Accepted 863-983-2188 Office & Hospital Surgery 863-357-1166
Dr. Adnan Shariff
235 NE 19th Drive
www.floridafootspecialist.com
1008 W. Sagamore
“Exceptional Care In Your Home” Live In Companions C.N.A.
863-467-6399
1 Hour Per Day up to 24 Hours a Day Bonded & Insured
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Rau erson's A SHOPPING ADDICTION ©
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Vera Bradley - Pandora - Crabtree & Evelyn Brighton Handbags Bridal & Baby Registry Available
Absolutely Art Custom Framing and Matting Layaway Available!
863-357-1199
401 SW Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972
Raulerson's Sebring Location We are located in the Lake Shore Mall
(Next to Barnie's) Nowen! 863-471-0004 Op www.raulersonsart.com
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Stephens’ Chiropractic Office Dr. Peter W. Stephens, D.C. Dr. Michael J. Stephens, B.S. D.C. Fellow (IAMA) Family Owned Serving Okeechobee 30 Years - Established 1979
Most Insurances Accepted Headache - Neck & Low Back Pain - School - Sports DOT - Work Physicals - Xray on Premises Workers Compensation Accidents Automobile Accidents - Acupuncture
863-763-0880
375 SW 32nd Street - Okeechobee, FL 34974
Make A Difference In Your Community
O
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Join the Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps Today! We Currently Need Medical and Non-Medical Volunteers For Disaster Response Operations
For More Information or to Request an Application, call 863.462.5865 70 |
Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Fishing on By Capt. Michael Shellen
A
s a great summer on Lake Okeechobee comes to a close, we find ourselves looking forward to the cooler temperatures that fall and winter bring us. Along with the change in the weather, we anxiously anticipate the return of our friends and visitors from the north. The overall conditions of Lake Okeechobee are nearly ideal as we enter this season. The amount of native vegetation is incredible; eel grass, pepper grass and hydrilla are all prevalent in the lake. These three kinds of cover are all favorable for great bass fishing. Throw in spike rush and Kissimmee grass, and the overall health of the lake is impressive. Add in just enough rain to keep the lake at a somewhat stable level, and it all adds up to good fishing. This summer was one of the most productive for bass fishing in many years. The sheer number of bass impressed even local anglers. Normally, bass fishing can get quite tough during the hottest of the summer months, but this year we caught bass daily. Word of the great fishing is spreading among bass fishermen like wildfire, spurring anglers who have not fished Okeechobee since the drought of several years ago to come see for themselves. The fall season traditionally presents Okeechobee fishermen with a taste of what the upcoming season will provide. Sometime in November, the first wave of large female bass will move into the shallow shoreline grass and feed like crazy prior to the spawn. This fall bite can be tremendous for the number of bass and large bass as well. The first wave of bass is only the start; each month, in sync with the moons phases, there will be another wave of bass moving into the shallows to spawn. It is one of the
Lake Okeechobee
TREASURE COAST CARDIOLOGY, P.A. Shakoor A. Arian, M.D. M.R.C.P., F.A.C.C. • Diploma In Cardiology University of London (U.K.) American Board of Internal Medicine • Diplomate American Board of Cardio-Vascula Medicine
• Diplomate
Specializing in:
Capt. Michael Shellen
primary reasons Lake Okeechobee is recognized as a world-class fishery. For anglers who love to eat fish, we have great blue gill and speckled perch (crappie) fishery. The cooler waters of the fall and winter trigger the specks to bite, providing hungry anglers with all of the tasty filets they can consume. The blue gill is prolific as well and can be caught many different ways. Fly rods will draw strikes on top when the fish are on the banks. Fishing a grass shrimp or a cricket underneath a small bobber is my favorite way to fill the fish box with eating-sized gills. Many anglers fish the deeper haunts of the river, using red worms or night crawlers on the bottom. They catch some of the largest blue gills and shell crackers that live in the lake. Okeechobee has more to offer than great fishing, beautiful scenery, great sunsets and friendly people. Okeechobee is a small town that is centrally located to every airport in the area, offering great places to stay, from fish camps to inns. Many great restaurants offer a plethora of tasty treats to feed your hunger. Welcome to Okeechobee. Sit down; stay a while. O Capt. Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service
(863) 357- 0892
www.OkeechobeeBassFishing.com
• Chest Pain • Angina • Heart Attacks • Hardening of Arteries • Arrhythmias • Leaky/Bad Heart Valves • Weak Heart/Emlarged Heart • Shortness of Breath • Congestive Heart Failure • Irregular Heart/Pulse • Heart Pounding/Skipping/Racing • Slow Heart • Heart Block • Dizziness/Fainting/Fatique/Tiredness • Palpitations • Swelling/Edema/Fluid Retention/Fluid in Lungs • High Blood Pressure • Poor Circulation • High Cholesterol • Blood Clots • Heart Problems due to Bad Lungs • Congenital Heart Diseases in Children and Adults
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Office Hours by Appointment 24 Hour Telephone 1713 Hwy. 441 North Ste. B Okeechobee, Florida
863-467-9400
2100 Nebraska Ave. Ft. Pierce 772-465-1012
Tires & Batteries For BATTERY TIRE “Everything” OF OKEECHOBEE Home of Honest, Reliable Service Tires for Loaders - Tractors - Trucks - Cars -Trailers Lawnmowers - ATV - Hand Trucks Batteries for Autos - Trucks - Motocycles - Boats Crane Loaders and More!
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198 Hwy 98 North Okeechobee, FL 7 Other Locations to Serve You.
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Fall Brings “Hot Events" To Okeechobee County By Kathy Scott, Tourism Coordinator, Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council
I
Rustic Furniture Unique Gifts & Accessories Best Buy Mattresses Log Home Packages
863-532-9096 877-LOG STYLE
505 NE Park St. Okeechobee, FL
Guaranteed to have the most Rustic styles www.RusticStyleAndCabins.com
t has definitely been a hot summer, and I am sure many people are looking forward to autumn temperatures to cool off. But don’t look for the excitement and activities around Okeechobee to cool off. The fall season is the start of preparations for “hot” events for residents and visitors to enjoy. With children back in school, the Okeechobee County Sports Complex will be the center of great softball, football and soccer games for all ages to enjoy. During October, children will enjoy the wonderful events at the Agri-Civic Center featuring the annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Taylor Creek Bass Club, and the Halloween festival, sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street and the generosity of hundreds of local Okeechobee businesses. There is nothing better than a community that takes pride in participating with and providing activities for its children. Okeechobee is No. 1 at that. November and December highlights include celebrations for Thanksgiving and Christmas, bringing family and friends together, along with preparations for the winter season of
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events. January, February and March will again provide bass tournaments, barbecue contests, an art fest, the Okeechobee battlefield reenactment, clay shooting events, rodeo and the Okeechobee County Fair. This is also the time to “get outdoors”! With temperatures cooling, it is a great time to hike and bike atop the famous Herbert Hoover Dike Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T.) to enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Okeechobee and the wildlife of this area. Every day is a new experience and a way to stay healthy while enjoying our natural attractions. (But please, don’t feed the alligators!) We hope all will enjoy the holiday season and get involved in volunteering to help the many wonderful organizations that make these events possible in Okeechobee County. For further updates of events, or if you are planning an event that you would like posted, visit the Okeechobee TDC web site at www.okeechobee-tdc.com or call (863) 763-3959. Note: Schedules are subject to change. Contact event coordinators for confirmation of a schedule. O
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OHS Swimmer Not Satisfied With Record By Charles M. Murphy, WOKC’s Voice of the Brahmans
avannah Asmussen already holds or shares several Okeechobee High School all-time swimming records. For many that would be enough to satisfy them.
S
Not this OHS senior. Asmussen insists her main goal this year is to break her own records. She worked hard during the summer as she competed in a swim league at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce. “My goal is to make it to state and not let people down this year,” Asmussen told Okeechobee The Magazine. “I have a lot of the records, but I really want to break them. I feel
I can go a lot faster. I also want to hold other records.” Asmussen is part of a group of strong swimmers who are all seniors this year. The OHS swimming team hopes Members of the OHS girls swim team this year include: to have a number of (l-r) Adriana Mitchell, Celena Letcher, Jaiden Barnhart, swimmers go further Savannah Asmussen and Alex Ming. than ever before. As a group they praise their coach Brian think we will do really well,” AsmusTurner, who has begun his third year sen said. “He’s dedicated to making with the swim program. us better. He has a lot of high hopes for us to do better.” Asmussen said Turner has shown a lot of dedication to the team, and Asmussen said her senior year is that has motivated the seniors. “I also exciting because every swimmer wants to be the team leader. Other seniors on the team include Alex Ming, Celena Letcher, Adriana Mitchell and Jaiden Barnhart. “I’m very excited about the year,” Asmussen said. “I think I will do very well. I want to hold the records and make sure I can keep it for awhile.” Despite her success with the OHS swim team, Asmussen isn’t sure if she wants to swim in college. She said if she reaches the state tournament she will likely receive scholarship offers. However, Asmussen said she would like to stay close to home and swim at Indian River State College. Turner said his goal for the girls is for them to do well in districts and win consistently. He believes they have really taken his words and dedication to heart. “I’ve known these girls for three years,” Turner said. “They were great two years ago and are even greater now. I think it’s up to them now to put the work in and reach the next level.” O
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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AROUND
Okeechobee Osceola Middle School FFA Awards Dinner held in May
Accident Law Offices of Philip DeBerard Has New Home
On June 30 Okeechobee Main Street held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Accident Law Offices of Philip DeBerard. Councilmen, employees and guests enjoyed the grand opening of the new office located at the White House Complex on 1120 South Parrott Ave.
(l-r) Matthew Evans, Mary Baker, Jaymee Johnson, Cali Pearce, Ashley McDuffee, Bobby Neese, Bailey Kirton, Advisor Brian Trimble and Taylor Pearce.
Okeechobee Main Street Summer Mixers
New OHS Golf Coach Kenny Buckner Heads Up the Team’s Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Okeechobee Golf & Country Club
Some of the Okeechobee High School golf team members with the new boys team coach at their annual fundraising golf tournament. Kneeling (l-r): Kailey Hoover, Paige Rivero, Taylor Fulford, Raychel Rabon and Karli Rowell. Second row: Kutter Crawford, Justin Morgan, Tyler Finney, Kodi Stephen, Danny Busbin, Tim Gray, Boys Head Coach Kenny Buckner, Richard Donegan and Tyler Platt; back row: Billy Childers, Mike Watson and Tony DeVoss.
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Fall 2010 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
The following Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Seacoast National Bank; (middle) The Law Offices of Hoskins and Turco; and (bottom) Holiday Inn Express.
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WELCOME TO The dedication ceremony for the historic Okeechobee County courthouse took place June 26 before a crowd of 200. Many dignitaries spoke, including Judge William Hendry for whom the renovated courtroom was named. A tour of the courtroom followed and its dedication was attended by many jurists who have served Okeechobee in the past. Reminiscences by Sonny and Betty Williamson added historical authenticity to the occasion.
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Mike Costopoulos, outgoing president of the Okeechobee Rotary Club, presented Frank DeCarlo with the prestigious Carl T. Durrance Award for “service above self” at the installation banquet on June 29.
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List of Advertisers
Upscale Resale & Consignment
Edward Jones Investments ....................... 55
Open MRI of Okeechobee ........................... 49
First Baptist Church .................................. 65 Florida Eye Institute ................................. 15 Florida Foot Specialist ............................... 68 Flower Petals ............................................. 55 Fritts, George & Donna ................................ 75
Peace Lutheran School .............................. 54 Perfect Kuts ............................................... 77 Platinum Performance Builders ................ 16 Platinum Performance Realty ................... 35 PRP Wine International ............................. 39 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant ....................... 48
Gator Pools ............................................... 58 Gilbert Chevrolet ....................................... 23 Glades Gas ................................................ 31 Golden Corral ............................................. 44
Frank the cat is at home at Okeechobee the Magazine. 14K Gold Store ........................................... 57 5th Street Pharmacy ................................ 25
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A & G Concrete Pools ............................... 68 Alarm Company ....................................... 57
Hammerhead’s .......................................... 73 Hampton Inn ............................................. 64 Heller, Leland M. MD. ................................. 7 Heritage Assisted Living............................... 66 Highland Pest Control ............................... 52 ICS Computers ........................................... 32 Indian River State College ........................ 34 Jeffrey Fadley, P.A. ...................................... 55
Badcock Furniture .................................... 78 Bass Electric ............................................. 57 Berger Clinic ............................................. 58 Big Brothers Big Sisters ............................. 49 Big Lake Eye Care .......................... 3, 33 & 65 Big Lake Hospice ...................................... 57 Big Mike’s Sports Grille ............................. 52 Blue Heron Golf Club ................................ 72 Boots ‘n Pearls ........................................... 19 Brahma Bull Restaurant ........................... 75 Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design ............ 50 Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee ........ 24
Lakeshore Marine ........................................ 67 Landing Strip Restaurant ....................... 31, 55 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre .................. 32 Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider ................ 56 Law Office of Hoskins & Turco ................. 17 Law Office of Philip DeBerard .................. 79 Lehman Auto Body ................................. 74 Leslie Dance Studio .................................. 22 Living Well ................................................. 58
C & G Advanced Welding ......................... 48 Center State Bank .................................... 49 Charlie’s Landscaping .............................. 17 Costopoulos & Helton, P.A ....................... 9 Custom Window Treatments & Blinds ..... 39
Makin’ A Splash ....................................... 51 Maximum Tanning ................................... 58 MidFlorida Credit Union ............................. 6 MidFlorida Hardware ................................. 56 Morgan’s Furniture .................................... 52
Dee-Stefanos Restaurant & Catering .......... 69 Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center ......... 21 Dr. Fred Brown ........................................... 59
New Vision Eye Center ................................ 30 Nunez Lawn Care & Landscape.................. 62
Earnest Electrical ........................................ 62
KOA ........................................................... 56
Okeechobee Blood Drive ........................... 59 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .......... 70
Quail Creek Plantation .............................. 11 Quick & Easy Storage ............................... 56 Rafael Pacheco-Creations in Fotografia ...... 50 Raulerson’s Absolutely Art ......................... 68 Raulerson Hospital ..................................... 2 Raulerson Hospital ................................. 42, 43 Raulerson Hospital ....................... Back Cover Rustic Style & Cabins ............................... 72 Sandra Pearce Photography ....................... 58 Seacoast National Bank ............................. 63 Shirley’s Personal Care .............................. 68 Southern Style .......................................... 52 St. Lucie Tires ............................................. 71 Stafford’s Salon ......................................... 50 Stephens’ Chiropractic Office .................... 70 Superior Water Works ............................... 41 Syble’s Flowers & Gifts .............................. 15 TD Bank .................................................... 77 Terry Burroughs Campaign ....................... 29 The Canvas Shop ....................................... 41 The Tucker Group ...................................... 20 Treasure Coast Cardiology ......................... 71 Treasure Coast Dermatology ...................... 5 Tri-Co Supply ............................................ 58 Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ................................. 53 United Mid-Country FL Real Estate ............ 4 UPS Store .................................................. 62 Upscale Resale & Consignment ................ 78 Walpole, Inc. .............................................. 33 Waste Management ............................... 45 Wemmer Family Orthodontics ................... 75 WOKC 1570 AM ........................................ 75
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