Retired Okeechobee Dentist
Jim Tenniswood
Okeechobee Health Care Facility
Earns 2017 Silver National Quality Award
Seated: CEO/Founder Faye Haverlock. Standing from left: Administrator-in-Training Sandy Perry, Administrator Wayne Allen and Corporate Compliance Officer Allen Patterson.
Okeechobee Health Care Facility has been recognized as a 2017 Silver Achievement Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL
National Quality Award Program, which was established in 1996 and spotlights providers across the nation who have demonstrated commitment to improving quality of care for their residents and patients in long term and post-acute care centers and communities.
We LOVE to CARE! Okeechobee Health Care Facility
Rehab Care • Long Term Care • Memory Care • Personal Nursing Care 24/7 5 Star Federal and State Rated • Governor’s Gold-Seal Recipient
1646 US Highway 441 North • Okeechobee, Florida 34972
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863-763-2226 H H H H H
www.Okeechobeehealthcare.com
Publisher’s Note
I
pray that all of you made it through Hurricane Irma safely and with minimal damage. As I look back over the past month, I give thanks and, as usual, am amazed at how mighty our small but powerful community is.
Caring Beyond Prescriptions
Heartland Discount Pharmacy Volume 11, Number 5 │October 2017
Publisher Susan Giddings
As soon as the winds died down and the flood waters receded enough, our first responders and community as a whole came together to help one another. So many stepped up during this most devastating time, whether it was by helping board up houses before the storm, providing meals for linemen and first responders after, or by even opening their homes to offer shelter and refuge. This, once again, shows just how great Okeechobee is.
Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener
As we head into fall, hopefully, we welcome relief from the extremely hot and disastrous weather we have had to endure this summer.
Writers Magi Cable Raye Deusinger Jann Seal
We have some wonderful stories to share with you this issue, beginning with our cover story about recently retired Dr. Jim Tenniswood who began his dental practice here in Okeechobee over 55 years ago, and today, his son and granddaughter continue to serve the community. The Okeechobee Blood Roundup is gearing up for its twelfth year collecting blood and saving lives. But do you know how many volunteers and community members work all year long to produce the largest and longest-running independent blood drive in Florida? Take an inside look at what all it takes to put on this successful event. You’ll be amazed. In our Behind the Business features, meet Courtney Lapp, Dakota Marchiano and the team at Tin Fish, as well as Shannon Murray and his team at Murray Insurance Services. Don’t forget that Small Business Saturday is November 25th. Help celebrate and support our small business owners who take the risk of following their dreams and do so much to help our community thrive. Support our local economy and go out and shop small! Although the summer was relatively quiet, we did have some great events to cover and share with you. And as always, we are grateful for all our continued community support and our advertisers. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine – Your Magazine!
Susan Giddings
Creative Director Lorraine Vogel
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Your Neighborhood Pharmacy Where Customer Service & Personal Attention are our #1 Priority!
We Dispense Care
WE PROMISE TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE AT THE LOWEST PRICES
Editor J.D. Vivian
Cover/Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Photographers Jane Kaufman Judy Throop Contributors Rachel Buxton Judge William L. Hendry Chase Marsocci Charles Murphy Account Executive Trish Grygo Office Manager Patti Berglund
OTM Publications, Inc. DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 316 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com President Susan Giddings Founder Maureen Budjinski Okeechobee The Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2017, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
4 | October 2017
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PRESENTING SPONSOR John & Dorothy Wright
In Honor of CPL Brian James Wright, USMC In Honor of SGT. Lawrence J. Lazaro, SR., USMC
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Isagenix – Stephanie Quesinberry Josh & Shawna Borgstrom Julia Parker, REALTOR Kindell Family Morgan Family – Gordie, Malissa, Justin and Jarred FRIENDS OF TOYS FOR TOTS
1 Stop Party Shop & Catering Brad Phares Fitness Factory Mill Iron Metalworks – Shannon Lightsey Okeechobee Music Fest Okeechobee The Magazine
Morgan’s Furniture Penrod Construction Company Sheriff Noel Stephen TB4 – Tombo and Wendi Riley Trends Wemmer Orthodontics
Phase 5 Band Silver Palms RV Resort Steve Marchant – Auctioneer Tom and Bonnie Peer “Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus” WOKC
I
nside this issue
October 2017
42
20
12
Features:
Dr. Jim Tenniswood..........................20
16
Departments:
Looking Back...................................62
By Raye Deusinger
By Judge William L. Hendry
Blood Roundup................................42
Behind the Business:
By Jann Seal
Science Nerds..................................70 By Magi Cable
88
Tin Fish............................................80 Murray Insurance............................84
Community Events: Independence Day Celebration......12 Art & Wine Walk...............................16 Back To School Expo......................36 NRA Banquet...................................58 Cover photo by Sandra Pearce. Like Us on Facebook. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
8 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Columns: OHS Sports.....................................88 Let’s Go Fishing..............................92 Around Okeechobee......................96 Advertiser Index.............................98
36
• BEAUTIFUL LODGING • SPORTING CLAYS • • QUAIL, TURKEY AND PHEASANT HUNTING • • WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • SPECIAL EVENTS •
Knotty Girl Breast Cancer Shoot February 24th, 2018 Quail Creek Plantation 12399 NE 224th St. • Okeechobee, FL 34972 863.763.2529 www.quailcreekplantation.com • Open to the public Wednesday thru Sunday, 8am-5pm
Help Preserve the Raulerson Family Log Cabin For $10,000 - limited opportunity to have one of the log cabin rooms named after you or your business. There are only THREE log rooms, so first come, first served. For $5,000 - your name will be on the prominent donors wall in the main log room. For $4,000 - your name will be on the donor wall in the entrance/display room. The display room will be the first room people enter and will have historical displays relating to the Raulerson Family.
The Okeechobee Historical Society has been given the opportunity to obtain the “most historic” site in Okeechobee County and that is the original log cabin of our first settlers, Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson. In order to accomplish this once in a lifetime event, we are launching a major fund-raising goal of $55,000. This would allow us to purchase the actual site where the Raulerson family homesteaded is on the corner of S.W. 2nd Avenue and 9th Street and pay for closing costs. In a time where many of the locals lament the loss of many historic structures, here is a chance to prevent another lost site. The Society would like to preserve this site as a museum, open to the public for viewing and special events by appointment. Peter Raulerson and his family provided many “firsts” for this community. So now, we have the opportunity to save the “first home site”. We would like to stress that we will appreciate any amount. Every dollar brings us one step closer to our goal. Our timeline is to fundraise until the end of this year.
For $3,000 - your name will be in the second log room. For $2,000 - your name will be in the log “breezeway”. For $1,000 - your name will be in the Presentation room which will be used for group presentations. For $500 - you can “ADOPT A LOG”. A log in the cabin will have a plaque affixed with the donor’s name. Unlimited supply of logs for adoption. For any other amount, your name will be included upon a donor’s plaque, unless you wish to remain anonymous. All donations are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to “Okeechobee Historical Society”, P.O. Box 973, Okeechobee, FL 34973.
OKEECHOBEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH7254
Community Event
Photos by Susan Giddings
FOP Hosts Event Celebrating
241 Years of Independence
The Fraternal Order of Police once again hosted the annual Independence Day Celebration on July 1 at Okee-Tantie Park. This family-friendly event featured vendors, food and fun competitions, as well as a fabulous fireworks display.
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October 2017 | 13
DIRECT FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN ORLANDO
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Community Event
Photos by Judy Throop
Karry Smith, Angie Griffin and Artist Fawn Barr. Artist Dana Cines and Donna Walpole.
Ashley Austin, Anita Parker, Bridgette Waldau and Sherry Pollard.
Mark Aguirre at Unique Boutique.
Art & Wine Walk
Draws Visitors, Artists to Park Street
The Okeechobee Main Street Arts & Culture Committee held its second annual Art & Wine Walk along Park Street on July 15. Participating businesses each had a featured artist showcasing his or her artwork, along with wine and appetizers for guests.
Artist Coralis Lopez at Camels and Monkeys.
Back, from left: Randy Paulson and Randy McCall. Front: Mary Paulson, Diane Hagan, Laura McCall and Magi Cable.
Lisa Feltenberger and Jennifer Causier.
Louise and Noel Chandler.
Ron and Felicia Fue at Zippy’s. Artist Kathy Papasso at Brown Cow Sweetery.
Artist Matthew Reid at Lillies and Lace.
16 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Taylor Marie English and Brooke Stewart.
Artist David Joiner at Mira Realty. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 17
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Retired Okeechobee Dentist
Jim Tenniswood
Ensures That His ‘Family Practice’ Lives On
I
Jim Tenniswood’s family members — and some longtime employees — carry on his tradition of excellence. If only they could do something about his daredevil behavior … By Raye Deusinger
f you've ever met or been treated by Dr. Jim Tenniswood, you know he is a laid-back, quiet man — generally. But now you're going to know the true Jim. He plays the trombone; he’s a daredevil; he loves motorcycles, airplanes and scuba diving; and he’s a devoted family man. Though retired, he says he really misses “doing the actual dentistry.” Jim has earned the title “Dr.”, however; again, here you will learn about the man, Jim, not just the doctor, and his family. We’ll also discuss the employees of this 55-year-old business, which now boasts five family members who represent three generations — Jim; his son and daughter-in-law; and his granddaughter and her husband.
‘I hope in 20 years that we are still known as a “family practice.” I love the relationships that we have with our patients.’ ~ Dr. Mark Tenniswood
Photos by Sandra Pearce
It was at Michigan State that he tried out for band and met Pat. He didn't waste any time asking her out. They married soon after and, this past August, celebrated 61 years of marriage. He did make the band roster and played with Michigan State until he went to dental school. Daughter Cheryl was born while he was studying there. Dr. Jim and Pat Tenniswood.
Jim grew up helping his dad do cement work while also raising rabbits to sell. He said, “Just before I went to college, my mother said I would study dentistry. But as a kid, I didn't like to go to the dentist — it hurt.” He did three years of pre-dentistry at Michigan State University, then went on to the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan for four years. Dr. Jim at high school graduation.
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October 2017 | 21
Left and below: Dr. Jim in Key West.
Motorcycle trip with Joe Leyman and Jack Forde.
‘He would get so engrossed working [the cows], he would act first and then realize the danger.’ ~ Former employee Gwen Marsh, referencing Dr. Jim’s daredevil side
Dr. Jim and son, Mark.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. While stationed in California, he worked as an Army dentist for two years. Part of the time, he worked with Dr. Otis James, a dentist who happened to be from Okeechobee and was also stationed in coastal Monterey. The Tenniswoods were from Michigan. Nevertheless, when Jim left the Army in 1962, he, Pat, Cheryl, and son Mark, who was born in California, came to Florida, looked around and decided to settle in Okeechobee. He was confident and never doubted that this would be his lifetime career. (His mom had predicted correctly.) Three months later, he opened an office in what is now the Regions Bank building on Park Street.
From left: Jack Forde, John Boak, Dr. Jim, Keith Walpole, Dr. Mark and Kevin Rucks.
22 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
He hired two young women — Marcia Wagner and Gwen Marsh. Marcia began her relationship with the Tenniswood family by babysitting “Little Mark.” She tried college but didn't stay. So, at 19, she needed a job. Jim hired her and trained her as a dental assistant. She began working for him in 1969 and is still there, 48 years later. Throughout the years, she has remained the primary lab worker and has taught many others, including, much later, Jim's granddaughter Jenna.
Gwen began in 1970 as a dental assistant, a position she held for 13 years. But if you are, or were, a Tenniswood patient, you’ll remember her more as the lovely lady who then worked out front, answered the phone and handled your paperwork to perfection. Gwen lived way out in Basinger, about 17 miles away, and needed money to pay for her daughter, Tammy, to go to kindergarten. At the time, Gwen said she needed the job only until Tammy was out of kindergarten. But, she recalled, “44 years later, it was the office joke that I was still there because Tammy was still in kindergarten.” She left in 2014 for family reasons. Being the longest employed, Gwen and Marcia have told some stories about the “daredevil boss” who, on motorcycle trips with his son, had to be reined in by Mark. Mark's first motorcycle was a tiny “bike.” They had just moved into their present home on Eighth Avenue. Theirs was the most recent house built on the street. At that time, though, much of the rest of the area was still vacant land because it was part of a large community then
‘My mother said I would study dentistry. But as a kid, I didn’t like to go to the dentist.’ ~ Dr. Jim Tenniswood
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October 2017 | 23
‘ The first time I flew after getting my license, I took Pat and the kids and Grandma on a flight to the Keys. The whole way, Grandma sat in the back seat saying her rosary.’ ~ Dr. Jim Tenniswood
under construction. Mark had a grand time cutting trails on his tiny motorbike in that area. Today, the community is built out.
Visit your Sprint Store: 3457 US Highway 441. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-467-0006
SW 32nd St.
Next to Publix 24 THE MAGAZINE 24 || October October 2017 2017 OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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Northlake Village Shopping Center
Gwen, who has a ranch and raises cows, said Jim asked to come “work the cows.” “He came,” she said, “and while not exactly a daredevil, he would get so engrossed working with them, he would act first and then realize the danger.” Both women said that Jim always considered his employees part of his family. They also mentioned things never told outside the office, like his generosity and compassion, as he was known not to charge someone who was going through financial difficulties; or about his donations made anonymously; or about paying the hospital bill for a man who was very sick and had few financial resources. Another “long-termer” is Tammy Platt. Since 1979, she has served as a dental assistant, a receptionist and, today, schedules your appointments and checks you out when you're finished. She began right out of high school when her friend and
Billie Jean Reynolds, Dr. Jim and Pat on a trip to Maine.
fellow student — Mark Tenniswood — told his dad about her bragging that she was No. 13 in her graduating class. Jim interviewed and hired her. Okeechobee was a great place for the Tenniswoods. They could satisfy their passions for swimming, lobster diving (during season!), flat roads for his motorcycle and clear skies for flying. Jim has owned three planes. He recalled, “The first time I flew after getting my license, I took Pat and the kids and Grandma on a flight to the Keys. The whole way, Grandma sat in the back seat saying her rosary.” Pat told of one “bike ride” when Jim missed a curve at Lock 7 on the north side of Lake Okeechobee, and they both went flying. He landed in the soft grass, unconscious. Pat, however, went sliding down the road and learned the hard way that road rash is no fun at all. He and Pat joined the Methodist Church where they met many people with whom they have formed lasting friendships. One of those is Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford, who said, “Growing
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October 2017 | 25
Said Merle, “It didn't take much to start a party then. All you had to do was call and say ‘bring a dish.’” Once, on a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, church members Jack and Opal Wolff, Mary and Frank Platt, the Hendrys and the Tenniswoods had an adventure. The eight rented motorbikes to explore the countryside, though Jim was the only one who had ever ridden. Judge Hendry said, “On a narrow road, traveling single file with Jim in the lead, we veered off across a beautiful green field. But it wasn't a field; it was a rich man's estate, and we got chased off. Returning to town, we came over a hill and rode right into a National Pride Day parade coming right at us. I'm proud to say, our friendship is still very strong.”
Tenniswood family, from left: Dr. Mark, Donna, Dr. Jim, Kendyll Smith, Pat, Jenna and Cliff Bryan.
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up in the ’50s, we had to drive to Fort Pierce to the dentist. When Jim got here, he was young and modern, and we were thrilled to have a local dentist to go to. He showed compassion and caring, and we weren't used to that kind of treatment. He even made follow-up phone calls to make sure we had no problems.
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“I had the double pleasure of living down the street from him. He would water ski on Taylor Creek. I never skied with him because I wasn't up to his caliber, but I'd always watch him. Today, we are both in the same church, where he is known for his support of and love for both his church and his Lord,” Dowling added. Other “lifelong” friends are Judge Bill Hendry and wife Merle. They, too, got to know the dental side of Jim, but they also came to know his social side. They met at church where a small circle of members would gather regularly to have impromptu dinners or to go swimming.
FL 8/17
Dr. Jim, Pat and grandchildren.
‘I loved working with my father and learning from him.’ ~ Dr. Mark Tenniswood
As their friendships grew, so did the Tenniswood family. There are now five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. While Jim did not tell Mark he would go into dentistry, as Jim’s mother had told him, Mark did. Today, Mark and his wife Donna, a dental assistant; their daughter Jenna and her husband, Clifford Bryan, all work at Tenniswood Dental. Jenna and “Dr. Cliff ” recently graduated as doctors of medical dentistry (DMD). Ironically, Cliff ’s grandfather
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October 2017 | 27
A CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 2017-2018
Peter and the Wolf November 8, 2017 The Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting November 14, 2017 The 29th Annual Living Christmas Tree December 3, 2017 The Modern Gentlemen January 8, 2018 3 Redneck Tenors January 18, 2018
Above: Pat Tenniswood in front of office construction. Left: Pat, Mark and Cheryl.
‘When Jim got here, we were thrilled. He showed compassion and caring.’ went to the same dental school, just two years behind Jim. Mark worked in his father's dental lab before he went to dental school. He is a certified and licensed lab technician who studied cosmetic dentistry and liked it so much that he went on to further his education in Charleston, S.C., where he earned his DMD degree. When the first office proved too confining, Jim bought property and built the current office, which became not just a place for dentistry but a place for learning. Two dentists, currently working in Okeechobee, began their practice in the Tenniswood building. Many young people received training there, also. The dental lab that spurred Mark's interest is in the building adjoining the dental office. Technicians in the lab make crowns, bridges and other essential dental 28 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
~ Dowling Watford
corrections. In addition to providing general dentistry, the Tenniswood practice offers cosmetic and restorative dentistry for all ages. “Up-to-date office procedures,” said Jim, “are efficient and dependable. But strange things can happen. Once, as I gave a patient — a very strong man — a shot preparatory to working on him, he reached out, grabbed my shirt, passed out and fell, spread-eagle, to the floor. With his grip on my shirt, I fell on top of him. Just then an ‘older’ lady walked by the door, quickly looked away and said, ‘I'm not supposed to see that.’”
The Glenn Miller Orchestra January 23, 2018 Cirque Zuma Zuma February 1, 2018 Disco Inferno: a 70’s Celebration February 8, 2018 Live from Nashville: Country Legends February 19, 2018 Comedian Ventriloquist Taylor Mason February 23, 2018 The Annie Moses Band March 1, 2018 Million Dollar Quartet March 14, 2018 The MACG Band March 16, 2018 On Golden Pond March 23, 2018 Molodi May 4, 2018 All dates, artists and programs subject to change.
Box Office 561-993-1160 Buy tickets @ www.dollyhand.org 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430
Today, Mark heads the practice, which has 16 employees comprised of dentists, hygienists, lab workers and dental assistants; and the enterprise might soon expand again.
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 29
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30 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
SNEIDER LAW Glenn J. Sneider Attorney at Law
Dr. Mark and Jenna at graduation.
Mark is proud of his father and of his daughter. He said, “Dad never pressed me to go to dental school. I was a lab tech first and really enjoyed it. Then I realized the potential and value that was staring me in the face, but it wasn't until after I was married that I really considered trying to go to dental school. My daughter was only 3 when I started; it was the best decision I ever made. I loved working with my father and learning from him. I now have been in practice 26 years. Dad retired in 2015.
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‘My family is proud of the 55 years we have served, and continue to serve, our community. I am proud my grandfather started it.’
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“I tried not to influence Jenna toward dental school, although it was a dream of mine,” Mark continued. “With her love of show horses, she always talked of being a veterinarian, of which I would have been equally proud. It was during her senior year of high school that she worked part time for me and began to show interest in the field. By graduation, she was focused on dental school and stayed committed.
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October 2017 | 31
Making Dreams Come True for 30 years Mack “Hoot” Worley
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Family vacation in Key West. Dr. Mark and Donna Tenniswood.
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Jenna, Tenniswood Dental's youngest doctor, said, “My family is proud of the 55 years we have served, and continue to serve, our community. I am proud my grandfather started it. Being in this family is always exciting, and my husband and I are very proud to work here and be a part of Okeechobee.” Drs. Cliff and Jenna Bryan.
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“I hope in 20 years that we are still known as a ‘family practice.’ I love the relationships that we have with our patients, who started seeing my father and then have had me and are now being seen by my son-in-law, Cliff, and daughter Jenna. That is so cool,” Mark added. They all feel the future is bright. Jenna explained, “In June, we began using digital X-rays. Once taken, the picture immediately comes up on the computer screen where the patient can see it; it helps educate and explain. Cliff is doing Invisalign to help re-contour teeth, and we’re now doing implants. We are already
Dr. Jim and Pat Tenniswood. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 33
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Community Event
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It Takes A Village
Students Get Clothing, 400 Backpacks Our Village Okeechobee hosted its second annual Back to School Expo on July 22 in the Okeechobee High School Cafeteria with nearly 1,000 attending. Over 100 boxes of clothing and 400 backpacks were provided to get kids off to school, and well-prepared, this year. Attendees were also able to meet with various local agencies and vendors that provide services to Okeechobee County children and their families. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, call Leah Suarez at 863-697-8718.
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Y
ou see them pull into Okeechobee every fall — those Big Red Buses, inching their way toward the back end of a large parking lot. Signs spring up offering free movie tickets, prizes and rewards — for just a few drops of your blood. Yes, the vampires are out in full force, but all for a good cause. Okeechobee’s Blood Roundup, the largest and longest-running independent blood drive in Florida, is gearing up for its twelfth year. One Blood, the parent organization behind the Blood Roundup, credits Okeechobee’s Raye Deusinger and her merry band of volunteers for not only initiating the highly successful Blood Roundup but for keeping it pumping for so many years. It’s unusual for a blood drive to sustain energy over so many years; most fizzle out after one or two. But Okeechobee’s Blood Roundup has taken on a life of its own and continues to grow in popularity, as well as in amounts of blood drawn. The community has adopted the Blood Roundup and, judging from the number of volunteers lining up to help, the Roundup is flourishing. Rounding up more than 50-plus volunteers every year, assigning them to one of the five to eight Red Buses that pull into town, coordinating their duties, and making sure that they — and the donors — are fed and kept comfortable is no small chore. Transitioning from writing about blood in the Okeechobee News to spearheading a blood drive that draws national attention wasn’t what Raye set out to do. But after her husband was
g n i O n n k u r e e g c n o ho L b Volunteers are “lifeblood” of annual drive. By Jann Seal
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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Photos by Sandra Pearce
hospitalized and needed large quantities of blood, she found her mission. Building a successful volunteer network was the basis of her success. Raye’s team building began with three recruits — Diane Lynch, Marilyn Rinear and Marie Kirchhoff. Remembering her 10 years as a volunteer, Marilyn said, “I started volunteering for the Blood Roundup in its second year and ended up stuffing goodie bags. Raye was working alone, and both Diane and I nominated ourselves as her team. Brainstorming sessions and maintaining sight of the goal became the building blocks; and relationship-building, education, care and compassion became the mortar holding them all together.” Linda Hazellief, a Raye Deusinger recruit, now serves as donor coordinator for One Blood and as Okeechobee’s resident volunteer coordinator. She said, “People talk about the Roundup all year, and come to us to help!” The Blood Roundup begins promoting its “weekend before Thanksgiving” event in September. After 11 years of success, lists of potential helpers are like gold to the volunteer coordinators. Phone calls, emails and word of mouth start spreading like wildfire. “We find positions for everyone,” Linda continued. “We use our volunteers for everything from helping people on and off the buses to helping feed the volunteers and One Blood staff.”
‘The Roundup is a gift of giving. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and always see the joy of the volunteers coming together to help each other and their community. It is hard work, but brings true joy and that’s what it’s all about.’ ~ Russ Colwell, blood drive coordinator for One Blood
ee
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y r o t S s s
od
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e c c u S l a e R A
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October 2017 | 43
High school volunteers.
Linda came to the Blood Roundup five years ago in her quest to help the community. “After I volunteered for a few years, One Blood offered me the official position of ‘donor recruiter.’ Now I travel from Fort Pierce to Loxahatchee, and all around Lake O, lining up blood donors!” In addition to the buses, where blood is drawn, the Okeechobee Freshman Campus theater is used for platelet donations. “Our volunteers have to make sure the donors are all eating after the blood draw, so hot dogs and sodas are available. And the volunteers keep their eyes open for anyone who may seem a bit wobbly after donating,” Linda continued.
Committee chairs: Susan Williams (Writing), Marilyn Rinear (Records), Marie Kirchhoff (Historian & Prizes), Russ Colwell (One Blood coordinator), Nancy Murphy (Kitchen), Raye Deusinger (chairperson) and Joan Roden (Golf and Give to Live). Not pictured: Linda Hazellief (volunteer coordinator).
Adult volunteers aren’t the only ones pitching in at Okeechobee’s annual event, however. Students involved in Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), OHS Beta Club, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and the Girl Scouts — plus students aiming for community service points — find that their help is greatly appreciated.
As the team of Blood Roundup volunteers ages, the need for “new blood” — that is, younger help — becomes evident. “Most of our volunteers are over age 65,” said Marilyn. “We canvass at the hottest time of year, speak to strangers; and the core of volunteers start meeting in May, six months before the Roundup,” she explained. “We need to recruit younger people and get them excited and interested in what we are doing.” Going into the schools to educate the students was one of Marilyn’s goals. In fact, she initiated the “Hemoglobin Harry” contest for naming the Roundup’s blood drop logo. Sandra Lester, district director for One Blood, voiced amazement at how many companies, groups, organizations and charity “moments” come together for a large blood drive after a tragedy, yet do not generate that same enthusiasm the following year. “It’s a one-shot deal so much of the time, and that’s what amazes me about Okeechobee’s Blood Roundup. People in Okeechobee give blood year after year after year,” Sandra said. She, too, credits Raye for making the Blood Roundup a vital thread in the fabric that is Okeechobee. “Raye has the passion for the Roundup and, fortunately, the community responds,” Sandra continued. “Every cause needs the right ambassador, and we’ve found ours!
Roundup volunteers with over six years of service. Front, from left: Richard Haynes, Raye Deusinger and Judy Mattern. Second row: Dorothy Schwartz, Marilyn Hadley and Jol Creech.Third row: Susan Williams, Joan Roden, Terry Haynes and Marie Kirchhoff. Back row: Eric Mayers.
‘One volunteer ultimately morphed into 58 dedicated volunteers.’ – Raye Deusinger, Blood Roundup Chairperson
44 | October 2017
Millie Boyle-Young, Rod McPhail and Modena Edwards. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
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‘I only wish I could take the commitment of the entire Okeechobee community and re-create it.’ ~ Sandra Lester, district director for One Blood
863.357.3010 • 217 SW Park Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 I’m blown away by the commitment and care exhibited by Raye’s team of volunteers. Every team needs a motivated person to lead it. If that doesn’t happen, the team falls apart. “We made Raye Deusinger one of only two blood drive ambassadors in our state. And the fact that she comes from one of the smaller towns, in one of the more rural areas, makes the commitment of the people of Okeechobee even more exceptional,” Sandra said. “Raye is inspiring to all the volunteers we meet, and I only wish I could take the commitment of the entire Okeechobee community and re-create it in the other cities in my region.”
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‘So many people are afraid to give, but if I tell them about how just one unit of blood saves lives, they look at it in a different light.’ ~ Joan Roden, Roundup volunteer
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“The success of the Blood Roundup goes back to the community’s awareness. Passion is a part of the volunteers’ commitment, and the ‘domino effect’ spreads throughout this good cause,” Sandra noted. One volunteer vital to the fundraising effort behind the Blood Roundup is Joan Roden. She is a Buffalo, N.Y., native who relocated to Okeechobee when she inherited her deceased uncle’s home, giving up months of living in snow to move to Okeechobee and spend all 12 months in the sun. But merely living here wasn’t enough
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Thinking outside the box is what Joan did when she thought about ways to raise awareness — and funds — for the Blood Roundup. An avid golfer, she combined her love of the sport with her drive to give back to the community. The result was the Roundup golf tournament, now going into its fifth year. Joan rounds up golfers from the Indianwood Country Club, her Moose and Veterans of Foreign Wars lodges, and her friends in the community to put on a fun and, most importantly, successful, charity golf tournament, with the Blood Roundup as the beneficiary. “Indianwood is most generous, giving us their total support, promoting the fundraiser to their golfers as well as to their community. They’re extremely accommodating, and even worked closely with us when we had to postpone last year’s tournament because of Matthew, the hurricane that wasn’t,” Joan added.
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The tentacles of outreach created by the Blood Roundup extend to Vietnam veterans, who, for whatever reason, cannot donate blood. “They find other ways to give, such as by volunteering at the tournament. Everyone finds a way to give,” Joan explained. This year’s tournament is planned and set for Saturday, October 14. Add to the golf tournament the fundraising dinners that Joan puts together, and you get a well-oiled machine that works tirelessly year-round — all in the name of the Okeechobee Blood Roundup.
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Volunteerism in Okeechobee goes far beyond just a few people. Look at the number of people wearing Blood Roundup T-shirts, the signs popping up in shop windows, media mentions and community posters — all these indicate the passion for this important effort that Okeechobee residents share.
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“There were nearly 3,000 volunteer hours logged during the 2016 Roundup,” said
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Raye. “It’s easy to see how nearly 5,000 units of blood have been collected over the past 11 years, meaning that more than 14,000 lives have been saved through the volunteers’ efforts. No one person can handle the Roundup. One volunteer ultimately morphed into 58 dedicated volunteers, including the Northerners who make plans to arrive in Okeechobee at least a week before the Roundup so they can help.” Yes, Raye Deusinger is the lifeblood of Okeechobee’s Blood Roundup, but the
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Recognizing the need, standing up for the cause — and donating not just blood, but time and effort — are what make Okeechobee special in the minds of One Blood. “We live in a community of people who will need ‘health support’ in one way or another as they age. I live here; I may need blood. And I want to know I contributed to the fact that it’s available to me,” Joan concluded.
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drive’s success also depends on Linda Hazellief and Joan Roden; the Blood Roundup’s first volunteers, Diane Lynch, Marilyn Rinear and Marie Kirchhoff; and all the others who knock on doors, visit communities, corral everyone in the RV parks and start the wheels rolling every fall; they are its true lifeblood. The volunteers keep Okeechobee’s Blood Roundup alive. They give the event their blood. And sweat. And tears. And Okeechobee is all the better, thanks to them. To volunteer for this year’s Blood Roundup, contact Raye Deusinger at 863-467-2557, or email her at rayedeusinger@gmail.com. For more information on the Blood Roundup golf tournament, contact Joan Roden at 716-445-5239, or email her at jsr571@gmail.com.
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Earl Hansel joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served his time and was later drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in the early 1950’s. He is shown with his parents, Henry and Lillie Hansel at the Train Station in Sebring. He was captured and became a prisoner, died in North Korea, and is buried there. Attempts have been made to return him home, but to no avail. Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson (With thanks to the Hansel family for sharing the photo) www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 55
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Community Event
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From left: Wesley White, Morgan and Matt Buxton, Krystal Sprouse, Tabitha and Jeremy LaRue, Marcos Montes De Oca and Patty Orozco.
The Okeechobee Friends of the National Rifle Association held its annual fundraising banquet at the KOA on August 25. Proceeds from the event help to finance grants related to the future of shooting sports, such as firearms safety programs.
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C E N T E N N I A L
Looking Back
Okeechobee County Judges Henry Hudson Hancock
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Henry Hudson Hancock established his homestead on the east side of Taylor Creek in 1902. On April 5, 1904, Hancock became the third registered voter in the new voting precinct of Tantie. After St. Lucie County was created out of lower Brevard County in 1905, Hancock was appointed justice of the peace of district 6 in Tantie, as well as cattle inspector. Judge Hancock served as justice of the peace from 1906 to 1913 and from 1915 to August 1917. When Okeechobee County was established in August 1917, Hancock was appointed the first county judge; he served to the end of 1918. Judge Hancock was also elected as a school trustee in Tantie (1908), St. Lucie County, and served in 1921 in Okeechobee County. He served on the Okeechobee City Council from 1924 to 1929, and was mayor and municipal judge from 1933 to 1936.
of
George Cleveland Durrance
George Cleveland Durrance moved to Okeechobee County in July 1917 and was admitted to the practice of law in 1926. Durrance was elected county judge in 1918, defeating J.A. McCollum, and served all of 1919. He was again elected in 1924 and re-elected in 1928. Judge G.C. Durrance, in addition to his private practice, also served as a county prosecutor, an assistant state attorney, attorney for the City of Okeechobee and as attorney for the Board of County Commissioners. Judge Durrance was a farmer in the Eagle Bay area and a cattleman for many years. In fact, the antique farm equipment displayed in front of Seacoast Bank was used by Judge Durrance on his Eagle Bay farm in the 1920s.
By Judge William L. Hendry
A variety of Okeechobee County residents have served honorably, upholding the law, since Florida created its first ‘justice districts’ in 1887.
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rticle V of the Florida Constitution of 1887 provided that the county commission of each county should divide the county into “justice districts” — not fewer than two — and elect a justice of the peace in each district to serve a term of four years. Justices of the peace had less civil and criminal jurisdiction than county judges, but justices were more accessible to the rural population, particularly to perform weddings and to take oaths relating to legal documents. The office of justice of the peace was abolished in 1972.
George Cleveland Durrance
Thomas Wilton Conely Jr.
Thomas Wilton Conely Jr. moved to Okeechobee in 1921 and opened a law practice. Prior to his move to Okeechobee, Joseph Edgar Lovvorn he had worked for Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad. He was also a lieutenant in the Army Engineers and served in France during World War I.
Small claims courts were authorized by legislative act in 1951. The Okeechobee County Commission established such a court that year. The judge was furnished an office in the courthouse, together with supplies; utilities; and compensation, paid from filing fees, not to exceed $7,500 per year.
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Joseph Edgar Lovvorn
Joseph Edgar Lovvorn, who moved to Okeechobee in 1917, served in the Home Guards of Okeechobee County in 1918 and 1919. He became county judge in January 1920 and served until the end of 1924. Judge Lovvorn and his wife, Roxie, owned and operated the Hotel Lovvorn, located on Seventh Street in Block 164 of Okeechobee.
Beginning in the 1880s, justices of the peace in the Basinger area were H.C. Morgan, John H. Walker, Jeremiah Walker, George M. Hubbard and P.H. Menley; in the Fort Drum area: J.M. Lee, John F. Parker, Streety Hare and James Levy Anderson; and in the Tantie area: Henry H. Hancock, Charles L. Haskill and Thomas B. Owens.
The judge could also continue his private law practice. Glover E. Bryant Jr. was appointed by Governor Fuller Warren as the first small claims court judge. Judge Bryant served until January 1957, when he became county judge. Other judges who followed were Otis Whitehurst, Lester W. Jennings Jr. and J. Edward Curran. Small claims courts were abolished in 1972.
Henry Hudson Hancock
Later, he was elected mayor of the City of Okeechobee, serving from 1923 to 1926. He was elected state representative in 1926, serving in the 1927 session. He was elected county prosecuting attorney, serving from November 1923 to January 1927 and December 1927 to 1933. T.W. Conely Jr. was elected county judge in 1932, serving from 1933 to January 1957. Thomas Wilton Conely Jr.
Judge Conely also served 13 years as city attorney and almost 30 years as the attorney for the Board of County Commissioners, in addition to his private law practice.
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Edward A. Miller
Edward A. Miller received his law degree from Stetson University in 1964 and was admitted to the Florida Bar. Miller had a brief private practice but later served many years as an assistant state attorney in Bay, Broward, Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties.
Glover Emerson Bryant Jr.
Glover Emerson Bryant Jr. attended Stetson University, earned a law degree in 1949 and was admitted to the Florida Bar. G.E. “Bo” Bryant came to Okeechobee in 1949 and opened a law practice with Mary Schulman in the Okeechobee County Bank building. A small claims court was established in August 1951, and Governor Fuller Warren appointed Bryant as the first small claims court judge.
He was elected county judge in 1988 and re-elected in 1992. He served until July 1996, when he resigned to run for sheriff of Okeechobee County. He won — the first Republican to hold that office. Judge Miller also served as an acting circuit judge.
Shirley Marguirette Brennan
He served in that office until being elected county judge in 1956, with his term beginning in January 1957. He served as county judge until his retirement at the end of December 1980. Judge Bryant served as attorney for the Board of County Commissioners from January to November 1957 and had also served as attorney for the Board of Public Instruction. Judge Bryant was the first of the Okeechobee County judges to have graduated from law school.
Shirley M. Brennan came to Okeechobee in 1981 as an assistant public defender and, in 1992, became an assistant state attorney. Brennan was the third female attorney to Edward A. Miller practice law in Okeechobee, following Mary Schulman and Virginia Lee Culbreth (Durrance). Following the resignation of Judge Edward A. Miller at the end of June 1996, the office of county judge was declared vacant and subject to appointment by the governor. Any appointment made would extend only until the next general election in November 1996.
Glover Emerson Bryant Jr.
William Lesley Hendry
William Lesley Hendry was born in Okeechobee in 1929. He attended the public schools of Okeechobee County and graduated from Okeechobee High School (OHS), Class of 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1950 to 1954, during which time he was promoted to staff sergeant and non-commissioned officer in charge of the Base Judge Advocate’s Section, 813th Bomb Group, Strategic Air Command.
William Lesley Hendry
Following his honorable discharge in September 1954, Hendry returned to the University of Florida, received his law degree in January 1957, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in June 1957. After almost 23 years in private law practice, Hendry was elected county judge — the first Okeechobee native and OHS graduate to serve in this office. Judge Hendry was also appointed as an acting circuit judge, serving in all four counties of the 19th Circuit.
As county judge, he established the first work program for prisoners and those on probation. When Judge Hendry took office in January 1981, he was presented with a Bible, gavel and judicial robe by the Bar Association at his investiture ceremony. He thus became the first of the Okeechobee county judges to wear a judicial robe.
Burton C. Conner
Burton C. Conner and family moved to Okeechobee in 1979, where he worked as an assistant public defender and then as an associate in the law office of Conely and Conely, P.A. from 1979 to 1984. Following the appointment of Judge Hendry to the Circuit Court, Governor Bob Graham appointed Conner as county judge in March 1984. Judge Conner was elected county judge in the general election of 1984 and served until the end of December 1988, having lost his bid for re-election to Edward A. Miller. During his service as county judge, Conner made substantial improvements in the prisoner Burton C. Conner work program and served as an acting circuit judge. Judge Conner returned to private practice until his appointment as circuit judge by Governor Lawton Chiles in January 1997, replacing Judge L.B. Vocelle who had died in office. Judge Conner served as a circuit judge of the 19th district until 2011; he had moved his residence to St. Lucie County during this period. Governor Rick Scott appointed Judge Conner to the Fourth District Court of Appeal on Feb. 14, 2011, and he was retained in that office in the general election of 2012.
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Shirley Marguirette Brennan
Both Brennan and Jerald D. Bryant qualified for the general election and were considered for appointment. Brennan won the general election and took the oath of office on Dec. 20, 1996. Judge Brennan was re-elected in 2000 but lost her bid for re-election in 2006 to Bryant.
During her term in office, Judge Brennan was involved in protecting the rights of children and victims of domestic violence. As county judge, Brennan was automatically a member of the Children’s Services Council. Judge Brennan was the first woman to hold the office of county judge in Okeechobee County, the last judge to serve in the 1926 “Historic Courthouse,” and the first judge to serve in the new judicial administration building following its dedication in 2005.
Jerald D. Bryant
Jerald D. Bryant (no relation to Judge G.E. “Bo” Bryant Jr.) grew up in Okeechobee and graduated from Okeechobee High School’s Class of 1967. He then served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After returning to Okeechobee, he attended Indian River Community College and later graduated from the University of Central Florida. In 1982, Bryant graduated from Stetson University with a degree in law. Bryant worked for over 25 years in banking and in law, including serving as city attorney for the City of Okeechobee from 1985 to 1988 and as assistant public defender from 1982 to 1985. Bryant was elected county judge in 2006, defeating incumbent Shirley Brennan. Judge Bryant was re-elected in 2012 without opposition. Judge Bryant has been a strong advocate of “Drug Court,” a program that he began. He is currently in his last term as county judge.
Jerald D. Bryant
Historic Courthouse, built in 1926. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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OTM Material:
Rivals, but still close sisters
In this second installment of “Science Nerds,” we focus on twins who succeeded, in part, because of science fair competitions.
Being twins brings a much more intense version of sibling rivalry, as they share a special bond as well as everything else. How Jo Anna and Helen participated in science fair showed how they were able to compete, yet still maintain those bonds.
N E C E N R E D I S C S Then and Now By Magi Cable
OTM Introduction: In this, the second installment of “Science Nerds,” the focus is on siblings who have had unmeasured success in science fair competition — which brings up the interesting aspect of sibling rivalry. An article from the University of Michigan’s medical center, the Michigan Medicine, defines sibling rivalry as “the jealousy, competition and fighting between brothers and sisters. It is a concern for almost all parents of two or more kids. Problems often start right after the birth of the second child. Sibling rivalry usually continues throughout childhood and can be very frustrating and stressful to parents.” When being interviewed for this article, the participants were asked about the relationship with their sibling and how that “motivated” them to participate in science fairs.
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First up is the true inspiration for this focus: Jo Anna Wiersma Capp and Helen Wiersma Koch. These two always come to my mind when I think about how science fair competition helped students to succeed in their career pathways and — by being twins — really illustrated sibling rivalry!
The first observation in the science fair competition is that they chose different fields of scientific study. One focused on physical science, while the other was more interested in biological science. Another observation is how one twin worked extensively with her father — the other, with her grandfather. Whether this was planned or not, it was a good solution for both sisters. Helen and Jo Anna ruled the Heartland Region for four years. These two were always in the mix, being sent from the Regional Fair straight to International during their high school years. For four years, one or both of them represented the Heartland Region at International competition.
Helen Wiersma Koch.
Just for background… The state of Florida is divided into regions. Our area is assigned to the Heartland Region, which includes Glades, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee counties. Each region gets to send two high school students directly to the International competition. Winners at the Regional also get the opportunity to participate in the State competition, which can also result in being sent on to International. Helen worked in the area of biological sciences, doing projects such as, in her Jo Anna Wiersma Capp. words, “developing a bio-herbicide control for the invasive weed, tropical soda apple (TSA). In the ’90s, this weed was taking over farmland and pasture areas in South Florida. I developed a method of controlling (killing) TSA that involved a non-pathogenic, opportunistic soil bacterium and small amounts of herbicide (a small fraction of the amount one would normally use). This synergistic relationship produced a bio-herbicide that was very cost-effective and more environmentally friendly. I conducted greenhouse and field studies.” For over four years, Helen worked with the tropical soda apples that grew in some of the pastureland then owned by her grandfather, the late Roger Jones. Due to the timeliness and practical aspects of her project, it was always well received. Her research methods were impressive, and the judges responded in turn.
>>
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When asked “How did participating in science fairs impact your life?”, they replied: Jo Anna, when asked what her favorite project was, replied, “the one I did in my senior year in high school (19992000). I created holographic optical elements — lenses that focused light using holograms. When you scan items in the checkout line at a grocery store, the scanner uses these types of optics to identify the barcode. It was a very cool project, and I got to build cool things with lasers. “My ‘lab’ was in my dad's barn. He built me a vibration table that included a 400-pound concrete slab on tire tubes, concrete blocks and carpet. To set up the table, Dad had to remove a window from his office and use a front-end loader to lift the slab onto the rest of the table. When I did an experiment, if a semi passed on the highway while I was exposing the lens to the laser, I'd have to repeat the experiment again. Fun times.” In one of her earlier studies, Jo Anna, being creative, used gelatin-formed lenses. The Okeechobee rule of thumb: “If we don’t have access to expensive technical equipment, improvise!” Interestingly enough, when asked about the sibling-rivalry aspect, both responded with the same story — but different viewpoints.
Competitiveness comes to the fore Helen’s take: “My sister and I were very competitive. Our freshman year, after I won my first berth to ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) at the Regional competition, my sister would not ride back in the same car with me. We worked on our projects very independently of each other. It used to frustrate me to no end that I would work for months and months on my project, and she would work weeks on hers, and we would both end up going to ISEF. I always placed higher than her, though, so that was some consolation.” Jo Anna said, “As anyone who knew us could tell you, Helen and I were very competitive growing up. She didn't start science fair until ninth grade, after she saw how much fun I had at Regionals and State in middle school. But our ninthgrade year, at Regionals, she was chosen to go to Internationals and I wasn't. “Needless to say, she rode home with Grandma and Grandpa, while I rode home with Mom and Dad. (I do have to note, though: that year at State, I placed higher than she did.) After that first rocky year, although we were still competitive, things simmered down. She focused on biological sciences, and I continued in physics, so that separation meant we weren't competing all the time.”
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Helen responds
Jo Anna answers
“Participating in the science fairs, particularly the International Science and Engineering Fairs, was life-affirming and life-changing. I didn’t have many friends in high school, and I didn’t really fit into any social cliques. Science fair allowed me to meet like-minded teenagers who were as motivated, driven and competitive as I was. I will always remember the sense of belonging that science fairs afforded me, which was severely lacking in my day-to-day high school career.
“My first experience at the State level was in eighth grade. Kelly Ard and I shared a room. That was the first time in a hotel room without my parents, and I still remember Kelly and I getting disrupted sleep because the ‘message’ light on the phone kept blinking and we didn't know how to turn it off ! After that year, I was hooked, and went on to participate through high school.
“My last ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) in Detroit was particularly significant. After the final awards ceremony, I couldn’t sleep, knowing that I would be going home the next day, so I wandered out to the lobby of the hotel. There I met a group of students, and we stayed up the entire night ‘geeking’ out — talking about evolution, technology, math theorems, the origin of the universe, etc.
Jo Anna Wiersma Capp.
“For the first time, I felt like I had found a community in which I truly belonged — one that I could be myself in, without fear of ridicule or misunderstanding. This experience gave me the courage I needed to seek out these open-minded communities going forward into college, graduate school and my professional life. I don’t feel like an outcast anymore, because I surround myself with open-minded, intellectually challenging people and I am as goal-driven as ever.”
“Science fair opened up new horizons for me beyond Okeechobee County. I visited my first university (the University of Florida) through science fair. I got to interact with people from around the country and around the world as part of the International Science Fair, and I got to explore subjects I never knew existed. The interest in acquiring knowledge, and the study habits I acquired through science fair, served me well in college — first at IRCC (Indian River Community College), then at FGCU (Florida Gulf Coast University) and, finally, in grad school.”
>>
One interesting story they told was about a presentation they both gave at the JASON Colloquium (Junior and Senior Outstanding Narratives). This is a venue where several invited students discuss their winning projects with current State science fair students. This one time, Helen and Jo Anna played up their “twin-ness” by doing a joint speech: They each gave one portion of the speech, alternating back and forth.
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October 2017 | 73
Residential & Commercial
What are they doing today? Helen: “After double majoring in biology and chemistry at Sewanee: The University of the South (in Tennessee), I received my Ph.D. in biochemistry from Stanford University. Now, I am an assistant professor at Indian River State College in the biology department. I love my job because I get to teach and dabble in research — my two passions.”
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Jo Anna: “I received my Ph.D. from Duke University in biochemistry, with a focus on biophysics. Now I work in the Washington, D.C., area as a research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA). It's a think tank sponsored by the U.S. government that consults on issues of science and technology affecting our country. My husband, our tenacious 2-year-old and I live in College Park, Maryland.” Obviously, science fair participation cannot take the credit for the accomplishments these two women have achieved. To be accepted into Stanford University, in California; and Duke University, in North Carolina, you must have some outstanding credentials and intelligence. The one aspect that is a credit to the science fair program is that it alone allowed these two an outlet — a challenge that would help them on their way. Science fair is one of those activities that cause stress, both in classrooms and at home. Science teachers also have a definite love/hate relationship with these competitions, due to the strict timelines, some students’ resistance, and the pressure. But as evidenced by Helen and Jo Anna, it is a process worth every sigh, every exhaustive moment, and every tear — because it does make a difference in some students’ lives.
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Jo Anna and Chris Capp, Chris and Helen Koch.
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BEHIND THE BUSINESS
N I T
T H N FIS AURA
Tin Fish Serves Community More Than Just Fresh Fish
T S E R
Courtney was hired at Tin Fish early in 2015. She quickly advanced from server to server manager, then to general manager, and then to personal assistant to the owner. Dakota, meanwhile, had married and left the workforce for 13 years. She happened to walk into Tin Fish one day, looked around and asked the cook, “You need a cook? Want to give me a try?” During her pre-hiring “testing,” Dakota
worked 23 hours in two days. She “passed,” so she was hired. In 2015, the then-owner of Tin Fish announced that he planned to close the restaurant. This disappointed the women, who, by that time, had formed a tight friendship despite their very different personalities. Fortunately, the owner offered to sell them the restaurant. On Nov. 1, 2017, Courtney and Dakota will celebrate their two-year ownership of Tin Fish. Theirs is a great working relationship. Courtney handles the “front of the house,” and Dakota runs the kitchen —
By Raye Deusinger
If you want really fresh food, Courtney
Lapp and Dakota Marchiano invite you to stop in at their place, Tin Fish, for a great meal. “Fresh” is a word you hear a lot from them as they talk about where they get much of what they serve. Their catfish, frog legs and gator tail, for instance, come from right here in Okeechobee. That is one of the many things that set Tin Fish apart. Another is the relationship between the owners of this restaurant. Courtney has worked in restaurants as a server since she was 15. Dakota, who handled her first kitchen at 17, stayed seven years before going to college for paralegal training. 80 | October 2017
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each working according to her individual strengths. Dakota said, “We both had a great fear at taking it over, and still do. But I pray a lot; it's a staple in my life.” These women attend many community functions, and you'll frequently see them with kids in tow. Dakota has two grown children and four grandchildren. Courtney has two of her own children, 18 and 5; as well as the 1-year-old-daughter of boyfriend Trip Adams. Courtney is an Okeechobee native who loves to “give back.” She explained, “Tin Fish supports and helps many Okeechobee people and causes because this community has given so much to us by patronizing us. It is our locals who keep us going.” In July, eight young women from the Okeechobee County Recreation Association (OCRA) held a Celebrity Server night at Tin Fish, which helped them to raise $713. That helped them to compete in the 2017 Softball World Series. The members of the High School Drama Club were able to raise $800 at Tin Fish for their cultural field trip to New York during the summer vacation. Courtney and Dakota have held benefits to aid the Fight Against Domestic Violence. They also, annually, support the Okeechobee Blood Roundup by donating Tin Fish gift certificates.
Front: Cadee Stires. Back, from left: Josh Hicks, Jose Guzman, Chris Joles, Sarah Jansen, Courtney Lapp, Kitana Lapp, Dakota Marchiano and Robin Couch.
In addition, they sign up each year with Okeechobee Main Street to participate in the Taste of Okeechobee competition. In 2016, they won with Kaboom
Shrimp, Fish Tacos and Patti Berglund's Corn Bread. These delectables — and fish sandwiches — just happen to be the items that customers order most frequently at Tin Fish.
including beer, wine and spirits. (There is no separate bar.) Let Courtney and Dakota know when you want to bring in a large lunch group, and they'll find you a choice spot.
Most of these “charity” events happen during summer and enjoy strong community support. But regular customers know that the excellent food is the main draw. Though you will occasionally hear “I don't eat fish,” even those people have learned that fish is not the only item on the menu.
The large, comfortable patio allows you to watch Okeechobee pass by — or even to catch your favorite team on the 50-inch wide-screen television. This covered patio is also a great place to enjoy a cool, outdoor lunch or dinner.
“Tin Fish has fabulous chicken and the best possible burgers, and they never smell like fish," joked Dakota. "We have the best and cheapest chicken wings around, and have often had to prepare take-out orders for as many as 200 wings.” Not as well known is that Tin Fish is available to cater your company party or your backyard event. The restaurant also has an upstairs room for event parties, such as wedding showers and receptions, as well as baby showers. Tin Fish can provide whatever you would like to drink with your meal,
Courtney and Dakota want you to know who deserves credit for the inviting atmosphere: the servers at Tin Fish. The two rely primarily on Robin Couch, who has been with Tin Fish since it opened in 2013. But they also praise Emily Crews, Jose Guzman, Josh Hicks, Adora Hyatt, Sarah Jansen, Chris Joles, Kitana Lapp (Courtney's daughter), Michelle Matos, Anna Sadler, Ricky Sickels and Cadee Stires. Tin Fish's hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Tin Fish 301 N. Parrott Avenue 863-357-0722 www.thetinfishrestaurants.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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BEHIND THE BUSINESS
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expanded to Okeechobee and then to Indiantown.
agency and allowed him to pick its location. It was the early ’70s, and helicopters weren't common. But Herman went up for a flyover of Florida’s east coast and, looking at Martin County, decided that was where he would place his agency. By 1974, realizing that the corporate world of insurance wasn't for him, Herman left Farm Bureau and opened an independent insurance agency in Palm City. He became the first person in Florida to sign as an independent agent with Allstate, an alliance that has endured for 43 years. By 1975, he had
In each office, employees were inspired by his confidence. His first hire in Indiantown, Muriel Alker, worked for him until her death 30 years later. Herman’s Okeechobee hires were Phyllis Bass, Shirley Vogel and Beth Maheu. Beth's niece, Karli Rowell, currently works for Murray Insurance Services. He soon added offices in Hobe Sound, Sebastian and Fort Pierce. But “floating” among six offices became too much, so he concentrated on keeping only two — one in Palm City, because it reached the coastal areas; and one in Okeechobee, because it was a successful area and
By Raye Deusinger
tion owner of Murray Insurance Services, proudly says, "Once you're involved in insurance, you're in it for life." He recently opened new offices on the site of what was, back in the early 1980s, his father's office. The road to the new office has an interesting history.
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You might remember the Okeechobee office, a house at 210 S.W. Second Street. He felt that his good reputation would bring people to him, through nothing more than word of mouth. And he was right. The office was in an old house, so everyone felt that going there was like arriving home; it fit the community. Herman’s wife was, by then, a licensed agent; it was she who created the Murray Insurance motto, “Service is our No. 1 policy.” Shannon helped out also. He recalls, "I began as a file boy at a time when there were no computers to rely on. I did whatever jobs were necessary and picked up a lot of insurance knowledge at the same time. My brother, Shaun, became a pilot.” Eventually, Shannon went to Indian River State College (IRSC) for two years. “I didn't know what field I wanted to go into," he said. "But I reasoned that you can still be successful without a degree. My father had a ready-made profession which was ever-evolving, so I joined it. The insurance profession teaches you facts and rules, but experience teaches the dos and don'ts.”
Shannon Murray, the second-genera-
Shannon’s father, Herman Murray, began selling life insurance policies for the Farm Bureau in Fort Lauderdale. In just a few years, he was named the No. 1 life insurance salesperson in the United States. The Farm Bureau offered him an
fit his farming background. (Herman came from a family of chicken farmers in Delaware.)
From left: Meghan Conroy, Karli Rowell, Shannon Murray and Kelly Marinucci.
Shannon joined the practice in 1989 and was licensed in 1991. He said, “Though she is now retired, Mom [Shirley] still comes in to help out, and many who knew my parents still stop by and ask
about her. She is an encyclopedia of insurance and still keeps her license active.” Although he bought the company from his father in 2001, they still worked together, but the 2004 hurricanes tore the roof off the old house and damaged it beyond use. Stormwater flooded desks and files, but it didn't destroy the company. Murray Insurance Services needed an office to serve hurricane victims quickly, so Shannon rented an available site next to radio station WOKC on Park Street and opened up to provide help. Not one of the various offices that Herman operated was on a main street. He always felt that an off-street location made clients feel they were coming in to see a person, not an office. Murray Insurance Services remained in the Park Street location for 13 years, but the Murrays always had the feeling they wanted to “go back home,” even though the old house had been torn down. In 2007, Shannon's father passed away,
but his business ethics continued to inspire his wife and son. Finally, in 2017, they were able to “go back home” when they built a new, modern office on the same site where the old house had stood. Here, Murray Insurance Services still offers a wide variety of policies, including home, automobile, motor home, boat, commercial buildings and even more. Shannon said, “If you own it, we can insure it.” Now, Shannon's son Evan wants to go into the family business. He is currently attending IRSC to earn his degree in insurance. Daughter Tori, 11, entertains herself by “writing policies.” Shannon's wife, Vicki, passed away in 2010. Shannon said, “We want to keep on going another 43 years, into the third and fourth generation. We have gained a reputation of trust and will never stop insuring that.” Murray Insurance Services 210 S.W. Second Street 863-763-5551 www.murrayinsuranceservices.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 85
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86 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
DUMP TRUCKS...SITE WORK... HEAVY EQUIPMENT LIC# CRC 1327160
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Rustic Style Gift ShoppE Home Decor, Gifts & Jewelry
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Adding a Little Charm to Okeechobee...
Broker-Realtor
Two Young Okeechobee Residents Win National Rodeo Titles
Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast
NIKI SALMON
(863) 532-9096
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Ready to buy or sell? Experience counts.
-Mann Zamora won the tie-down roping title, and Brighton Bauman won the girls’ breakaway title at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals in July. Z-Mann won the average with a combined time of 30.88 in three rounds. He won the first go-round with a time of 9.85 seconds, recorded a time of 10.07 seconds in the second goround, and added a solid 10.96-second run in the finals. “It feels great; it feels like all the hard work I put in paid off,” Zamora said during a phone interview. “They [the National High School Rodeo Finals] are the best of the best, and it’s always tough competition. You just do what you do and hope for the best.” Zamora said his times were pretty solid and that he finished second in both the first and second go-rounds. “I felt like I could have done a little better. But it was enough to win, and I’ll take it. My goal was to come and do exactly what I did, and I won it this year.” Zamora had a lead of 1.5 seconds in the average as he entered the finals. He knew he would have to hit 11 seconds to hold on to the championship. “It’s a short time but isn’t too bad. It’s a time that everything has to go well. You can’t mess up or anything. I still had to do my best and do a good job.” Along with the title, he won a saddle, a belt buckle and about $2,000. Even before the finals, he had been granted a full scholarship to South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. He also won two Florida state titles this year — in tie-down roping and in team roping. “I just want to give a big thanks to all the people that helped me out and got me this far,” Zamora said. Brighton Bauman, a sophomore, has been busy improving 88 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Residential buyers ask about our Buyer’s Bonus Program niki@remingtonrealestate.com Brighton Bauman
her rodeo skills for years. She was the reserve Florida state champion this year.
REMINGTON REAL ESTATE
863.532.9096
505 NE Park Street • Okeechobee, FL
Business • Commercial • Residential STATE CERTIFIED: BK3268539 CBC1256085 PCC056704 DIRECTOR OKEECHOBEE BOARD OF REALTORS & OKEECHOBEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Brighton also won the Roy Cooper Junior Calf Roping this year and knew she had the skills to compete for a national title. “I knew I was good enough to win. I just went and tried to be as fast as I could this year at Nationals.” She finished near the top in all three rounds of the rodeo and won the average with a total of 7.49 seconds. Brighton finished in 2.55 seconds in the first round, 2.38 seconds in the second round, and 2.56 seconds in the finals. She thanked her coach, Gene Fulford; and her uncles Clint and Elton Boney. She also thanked her grandfather, Boosty Boney. She noted that she has grown up around rodeo, so the sport was a natural for her. Brighton added that her family has given her a lot of help in learning rodeo and she appreciates their support. She still won’t forget the feeling of winning a national title. “It was kind of just shock at first, and then happiness when I realized I had won it,” Brighton said. Brighton won three belt buckles — two for placing in rounds, and one for the national championship — along with a saddle, a trophy and over $2,000 in scholarships. Brighton is the daughter of Tory and Nye Bauman of Okeechobee. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 89
Join Us for a free and informative
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Nov. 3, 4, 10 and 11
Women’s Health Luncheon
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8pm Nov. 3, 4 & 10, plus 2pm Nov. 4 & 11
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Dec. 8 and 9
8pm each evening, plus 2pm Dec. 9 A light-hearted musical revue of the favorite melodies that help us through all the highs and lows of life!
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October 26th 11:45am -1:00pm IRSC – Williamson Conference Center 2229 NW 9th Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34972
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Linda’s
Style&Trends Let us help you find the right gift
Fashion Purses • Fashion Jewelry Bible Covers • Collegiate Items College Inflatable
By Captain Chase Marsocci
October’s cooler temps bring increased number of ‘tight lines’ for anglers.
F
Fishing On Lake O Is Heating Up
inally, the hot, humid “dog days” of summer are behind us. In October, the temperatures start to fall, allowing the fish to feed better throughout the day. This also makes it more comfortable for you to enjoy your longer days on the water. For fishing during October through January, you need to focus on pre-spawn feeding patterns and on spawning patterns as we get into January — for bass as well as crappie.
provide strong action all day long. All you need to do is get on the outside grass line, where the grass is thicker and makes a point; or where a boat trail cuts through it. Use a 3/0 or 4/0 shiner hook, with a 2-inch float, 18 to 24 inches above the hook.
Good areas to start bass fishing in October are King’s Bar; Buckhead pole to Third Point; and Indian Prairie to Horse Island. Start the mornings off throwing moving baits, such as white skinny-dippers or swimming frogs, to draw good top-water action in and around the thicker grass on the outside edge. If fishing thinner grass or submerged grass, you can throw white spinner baits and swim jigs.
Crappie (specks) fishing will get better as the winter approaches. In October, start fishing the drop-off in the Kissimmee River on either side of the bridge. Slow troll, or drift, using a trolling motor to work in and out with minnows or jigs. Focus on staying between 9 and 12 feet in depth.
Once the morning bite slows down, use a black-and-blue Senko. Target where there are multiple types of grass together. Focus on Kissimmee grass and bulrush. To target bigger fish, use a black-and-blue Medlock Double Weedguard Jig in the thicker bulrush clumps. If flipping a jig is not your cup of tea, then move inside — where there is clean water, with hydrilla or lily pads — and throw a bluegill-colored hollow-body frog. When working a frog, you need to change your retrieve until you find what the fish want that day. Most days, working it slow, with a good five-second pause, works best. Fall and winter offer some of the best shiner fishing we have on Lake Okeechobee. The big bass are concentrated on feeding in order to get fat before the spawn starts. Shiner fishing will 92 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Always hook a shiner up through the bottom lip and out his nose, and another behind the dorsal fin on his back.
About the middle of December, the specks will be plentiful in the grass around King’s Bar, Buckhead to Third Point, and Little Grassy. Use a 1/32-ounce white or chartreuse jig in the Kissimmee grass in the afternoons, right up until dark. During the last 30 minutes, just swim your jig in the open water, close to the thicker clumps of grass. If using minnows, you can anchor in the open water where your minnows are right up against the grass. Use small bobbers, about 2 feet above your hook, with a number 7 split-shot weight. The specks need to be 10 inches to keep, and 25 per person is the limit. Always enjoy our beautiful Lake Okeechobee, be safe, and take a kid fishing. Fast Break Bait and Tackle Professional Fishing & Hunting Guide Service www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com (866) 824-3474 or (863) 824-2474
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105 NW 6th Street | Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2898 | Fax 863-763-0541 Stephen E. Burk, VP Suzie Burk, CEO okeepackage@earthlink.net | www.okee-tantie.com
863.357.3357
103 SW Park Street • Okeechobee Mon. - Thurs. 7am-7pm • Fri. 7am-8pm Sat. 8am-8pm • Closed Sundays www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 93
Breakfast • Lunch 1111 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974
Title Insurance • Real Estate Closings
Rods • Reels Hard / Soft Baits
863.357.4745
Telephone: 863.824.6776 Fax: 863.824.6778 titleandlegal@ymail.com
Haircare................. Product Lines:
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Minnows, Crickets, Worms, Wild Shiners
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1505 STATE ROAD 78 WEST, OKEECHOBEE FL
863.763.0973 Open 5 am – 9 pm 7 days
www.OkeechobeeBassFishingGuide.com www.OkeechobeeHuntingGuide.com 866.824.3474 or 863.824.2474
Cuts|Color|Foils|Perms Cuts • Color • Foils PermWaxing|Nail • Waxing • Services Nail Services Styling Tools, Designer Inspired Jewelry
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Professional Fishing & Hunting Guide Service
Specializing in SPECIALIZING IN:
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Do you have a great story? We want to know.
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Monday thru Friday 10am - 6pm & Saturday 10am - 3pm 94 | October 2017
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info@okeechobeethemagazine.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
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Around Okeechobee
When only the best will do.
Brought to You By:
Around Okeechobee
When only the best will do.
Brought to You By:
Main Street Mixers
Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings
New American Physical Therapy
Raulerson medical staff.
Brahma Bull
Physician Lecture Series
Raulerson Hospital continued its community education series with a physician lecture in August featuring all three of the general surgeons on its medical staff. Dr. Carlos Alejo, Dr. Manuel Garcia and Dr. Gregory Sainnoval spoke about the latest surgical techniques they employ at Raulerson Hospital to treat common conditions, such as acid reflux, gall-bladder attacks and hernias.
Seminole Brighton Casino
Soggy Doggy Pet Spa
Historic Bus Tours The Okeechobee Historical Society, in sponsorship with the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners, wants to remind everyone that only two more Historical Bus Tours are left this year: Saturday, Oct. 7; and Saturday, Nov. 4. Join the president of the Historical Society, Magi Cable, on a 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour of historic sites, and visit the Okeechobee Historical Society Museum. The tours begin at 9 a.m. at the historic Okeechobee County Court House, 304 N.W. Second St., with a presentation on its architecture and history given by Judge William Hendry. As part of the tour you will receive a commemorative photo book. Tickets, which are limited to 40 per trip, cost $20 and are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 55 S. Parrot Ave. These bus tours have sold out for every trip, so get tickets early. 96 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Centennial Speaker Series
Young Guns The Young Guns of Quail Creek traveled to Marengo, Ohio, from July 8-15 for the 2017 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championship. The team of athletes, ages 8 to 18, faced more than 2,200 competitors representing 32 states. Each athlete was challenged by 600 clay targets in trap, skeet and sporting clays over the eight-day competition. Under the guidance of Head Coach James Harrod and several volunteer coaches, the Young Guns won several national titles. The Young Guns had the highest overall combined score of all 38 teams competing. Congratulations, Young Guns!
Rick Smith, son of author Patrick D. Smith, will discuss his late father's book, “A Land Remembered,� at the final Centennial Speaker Series event. The story, which begins in 1858 and ends in 1968, traces three generations of the MacIveys, starting with their arrival in untamed Florida. Held at the Osceola Middle School Gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m., this free event is sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street. The school is at 825 S.W. 28th St. Please reserve your seat by calling 863-763-9312, ext. 3.
www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com
October 2017 | 97
List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store .................................79 A & G Pools........................................48
Glades AC..........................................82
Quail Creek Plantation.........................9
Glenn Sneider, Attorney.....................31
Quality Air Conditioning...............25, 32
Golden Corral.....................................10
Abney Building & Consulting, Inc.......90
Rabon's Country Feed........................59
Addington Satellite TV.......................56
Heartland Discount Pharmacy..............5
Raulerson Gyn, LLC............................86
Advanced Alarm....................................93
Highland Pest Control.......................55
Raulerson Hospital.............................19
American Drilling Services.................91
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd.............54
Raulerson Orthopaedic Specialists.....78
Anchor Dental...................................38
Humana.............................................27
Raulerson Physician Lecture.............. 91
Anderson Realty.................................66
Raulerson Surgical Specialists...........31
Andrea Noelle's Boutique..................59
ICS Computers...................................95
Remington Real Estate......................89
Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation
Inkwell Tattoos..................................30
Royal's Furniture................................83
Center Event......................................15
“Okeechobee The Magazine is an asset to our community. I like that it features local happenings and keeps our community informed. The magazine is a true community partner. ” — Teresa Chandler-Bishop, Waste Management
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Lake O Real Estate.............................86
S. Cruz Lawn Service..........................90
Badcock Furniture.............................46
Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease......53
Sandra Pearce Photography...............94
Bass Electric.......................................27
Lakeside Grill.....................................95
Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser,
Berger Clinic......................................28
Lawnwood Regional Medical Ctr......100
Zoeller & Overbeck...............................57
Berger Real Estate..............................93
Lillies & Lace......................................95
Seacoast Bank....................................69
Big Lake Eye Care.................................3
Lillie’s In Bloom Daycare....................53
Seminole Brighton Casino..................61
Brown Cow Sweetery.........................93
Linda’s Style & Trends........................93
Shoe Box...........................................87
Buxton & Bass Funeral Home............55
Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant...........52
Shutters & Gutters, Inc.......................49 St. Lucie Battery & Tire.......................77
Carpenter Insurance...........................93
M&M Auto Brokers............................32
Staffords Salon...................................82
Clear Title & Legal Services.................94
Main Street Salon..............................95
State Farm.........................................86
Close Construction, LLC......................30
Mary Kay...........................................83
Superior Water Works.........................46
Cooling Refrigeration Services...........50
Mira Realty LLC..................................82
Syfrett Feed........................................78
Cowboy’s...........................................25
Mixon Real Estate Group...................18
Crossroads Restaurant........................30
Mohawk Construction, Inc.................87
Teez 2 Pleez.......................................79
Custom Sights and Sounds.................94
Morgan's Furniture.............................28
Tenniswood Dental Associates...........35
Custom Window Treatments.............91
Murray Insurance Services.................51
The Hope Chest..................................47
D4 Powersports..................................86
Off The Chart Nutrition & Fitness.......67
Todd Everett Flooring........................51
D&G Catering.....................................91
Okee-Tantie Title Company, Inc..........93
Toys For Tots Gala Thank You................7
Doctors Clinic Family Health Center.....53
Okeechobee Blood Roundup.............14
Treasure Coast Food Bank...................26
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center..........29
Okeechobee Community Theatre.......90
Treasure Coast Medical Specialists
Don's Appliances................................54
Okeechobee Dental Care....................66
....................................................50, 83
Okeechobee Health Care Facility..........2
Trinidad Garcia, M.D..........................48
Tin Fish..............................................79
Enclose a check for $18.00 (made payable to Okeechobee The Magazine) and mail along with this completed form to:
Echols Plumbing & A/C......................47
Okeechobee Historical Society...........11
Edwards Jones...................................78
Okeechobee Livestock Market
Okeechobee The Magazine
Everglades Pediatric Dentistry...........68
Restaurant........................................60
Visiting Nurse Association..................41
316 NW 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972
Family Dentistry of Okeechobee.........40
PCS/Sprint....................................24, 76
Water's Edge RV Resort......................87
Please Print Neatly
Fast Break Bait and Tackle.................94
Peace Lutheran School.......................79
Wemmer Family Orthodontics..........76
First Baptist Church of Okeechobee.....6
Penrod Construction..........................52
Williamson Cattle Company.............55
Florida Outdoors RV...........................79
Platinum Performance Builders...........75
WOKC 100.9 FM.................................89
Florida Public Utilities........................39
Plaza 300.............................................60
Worley Construction..........................33
Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone:
Waste Management..........................56
Porcelain Esthetics.............................79 Gilbert Chevrolet..............................99
Pritchards and Associates..................67
Gilbert Ford.......................................34
Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant.................87
Give To Live Event..............................67
98 | October 2017
OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE
Zippy’s...............................................49
"Whether buying a new vehicle or just getting service, I come back to Gilbert because of the personal care I receive. They treat me like a friend, not a customer. - Karen Rabon
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