Okeechobee The Magazine July/August 2015 by Okeechobee The Magazine

Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee JULY/AUGUST 2015

Super Crime-Fighting Duos Plus:

Take Stock in Children | Okeechobee Youth Investing in Less-Privileged Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Future

Omar Alvarado

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Publisher’s Note

ugust is here and so are we. If you haven’t heard the great news, you might be wondering why we are coming out a month early. Well, this issue marks the start of our new publishing schedule. Now you will be able to officially enjoy Okeechobee The Magazine 6 times a year. That’s right, due to popular demand we have expanded. We hope you are just as excited as we are.

To kick off our new publishing schedule we have nothing short of great and inspiring stories in this issue, starting with our cover story about the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the amazing synergy of these crime-fighting duos. Inside you will learn about the Take Stock in Children program and how it makes dreams come true for children from low-income families. And speaking of youth who overcome obstacles, Omar Alvarado who was born blind, has never put limits on himself and encourages others to do the same. Read his inspiring story in our Okeechobee Youth feature. In our Behind the Business features meet Malissa Morgan and Sharon Poirier of A Child’s World and Carolyn and David Douglas of Crossroads Restaurant. And after you read the articles, go online to www.okeechobee themagazine.com and take a tour of their businesses and meet their extended families in their Behind the Business videos. As always, we have lots of great local events to share with you, including the second annual Color Craze 5k, Okeechobee Christian Academy’s Fun Shoot, Scholarship Night, the City of Okeechobee’s Centennial Birthday Bash and more. Don’t forget to go online to www.okeechobeethemagazine. com to see all the great videos and extra photos. All of us here at Okeechobee The Magazine appreciate the continued support of you, our loyal readers and advertisers, who have made it possible for us to expand and grow and bring you more of everything Okeechobee, in print and online. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine!

Susan Giddings

Summertime will soon come to an end. What a warm one it has been. With thunderstorms and lightning, lighting up our nights, it is truly an awesome sight. The lightshows over the lake, a true beauty of nature, it does make. Our weather will be cooler in the coming days. It won’t be long now with fall on the way. Who says we don’t have seasons here where we live? Just recognize what Mother Nature is willing to give. – By Patti Berglund

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Volume 9, Number 3│July/August 2015

Publisher Susan Giddings Creative Director Lorraine Vogel Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener Editor Chris Felker Writers Rachel Buxton Raye Deusinger Jann Seal Cover/Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Photographers Gary Burks Jane Kaufman Contributors Maureen Burroughs Philip Buxton Dr. Randall Mims Betty Chandler Williamson 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 2015, 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.

nside this issue

July/August 2015

14 22 63

Features:

Super Crime-Fighting Duos............22 By Raye Deusinger

Take Stock in Children....................50 By Rachel Buxton

Departments:

Looking Back..................................34 By Betty Chandler Williamson

Okeechobee Youth: Omar Alvarado................................68 By Raye Deusinger

Behind the Business:

A Child's World................................78 Crossroads Restaurant...................82

In The Kitchen With:

Jill Zabel..........................................86 By Rachel Buxton

Like Us on Facebook. Look for the video and camera icons, then visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com to view videos and additional photos!

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Community Events:

Color Craze 5K................................10 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run........................................14 Leadership Class.............................18 Fun Shoot........................................30 Women In The Outdoors.................40 Economic Council's 25 Year Celebration......................................45 Veterans Appreciation Day..............46 OHS Class of 2015 Scholarship Night............................58 Memorial Day..................................63 Rally for Rebekah............................66 City Centennial Birthday Bash........74

Cover photo by Sandra Pearce.

66 Columns:

The Vet Is In.....................................88 There's An App For That.................90 Around Okeechobee......................92 Advertiser Index.............................94

Community Event

Colors Light Up

Pregnancy Center’s 5k Fundraiser

From left, Lillian Medrano, Jennifer Hickman, Sage Allen, Keith Hickman, Kalyn Hickman, Hayden Hickman and Cindy Maynard.

A kaleidoscope of colors filled the air Saturday, April 4, as runners took their marks at the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee’s second annual Color Craze 5k, staged at the Agri-Civic Center. The event showcased a twisting race through clouds of colorful powder, coating the hundreds in attendance in a vivid rainbow of temporary hues. For more information on the Pregnancy Center, call (863) 467-8748 or visit www.okeepregcenter.com. For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

From left, Hayley Quisenberry, Miranda Whaley and Erin Starling.

Karson Reno.

Frank and Autumn DeCarlo.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The race is on!

Committee members – back row, from left: Lauri Hester, Karen Matthews, Robyn Garner, Nicole Juarez, Lisa Lumpkin, Renee Juarez, Jordan Maynard, Cindy Maynard, Donna Summerall, Daniel Shelley Jami Cooper and Rachel Lookabill. Front row: J.D. Mixon, took first place. Keith Hickman, Frank DeCarlo and Kyle Reno.

Photos by Jane Kaufman

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Alexis Muller.

From left, Christian Garner, Zack Garner, Adalaide Enfinger and Robyn Garner.

Ollie Wood. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 11

Community Event

Photos by Gary Burks and Susan Giddings

TORCH RUN, RIB DINNERS

Help Out Special Olympics

The Okeechobee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office hosted its 2015 law enforcement torch run for Special Olympics on Friday, April 10. The run began at the OSCO headquarters and ended at the Publix parking lot. Barbecued rib dinners were sold afterward in the parking lot to raise money for the Special Olympics. More than $7,000 was raised this year for the charity.

The runners approach the finish line at Publix.

From left: Robert Staton, Richard Ermeri and Gary Johnson.

K.J. Ammons cooking the BBQ ribs.

The participants pose with Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May right before the start of the run.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The Special Olympics Athletes join the runners for a lap around the parking lot.

Kellie Mullens and Krystal Sims.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 15

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE INVESTED IN YOU. At Seacoast Bank, we know our customers lead busy lives and have diverse needs. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we actually get to know our customers. Like Buddy Mills, a local teacher, volunteer and loyal Seacoast Bank customer. Buddy banks with us because we pay attention to his particular needs and make his banking convenient. Stop in today to learn about our banking solutions that allow you to bank anywhere, anytime. SeacoastBank.com | 800 706 9991

Buddy Mills

Community Event

Erin Hess speaks to the class about the Okeechobee County Health Department.

Mike Gaylord explained the manufacturing process of industrial products made at Charles Composites.

Photos by Author Name

Public Affairs Manager Teresa Bishop and Senior District Manager Tony Bishop explained the operation of Waste Management and then took the class on a tour.

Fledgling Leaders Focus on Health, Education, Business The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee's Leadership Class met for its seventh and eighth sessions. The seventh class, on March 18, focused on health and human services. The eighth and final class of this course, given on April 15, featured education and business. The eight-month program is designed to cultivate leadership through education, exposure to the community and interaction among the class members.

Omar Cedeno took the class on a guided tour of the computer-controlled operation at Entegra Roof Tile.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Photos by Sharon Cannon and Raye Deusinger

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SUPER CRIME-FIGHTING

ymbiosis is defined as the intimate living together of two kinds of organisms where such association is of mutual advantage. Okeechobee does not have to look any further than the county Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit to see symbiosis in action. The current unit of eight officers and five dogs is under the supervision of Detective Sgt. Jimmy Mills and Lt. Shannon Peterson. Leland Schoonmaker works with Samba; Kristin Gray with Remi; Matt Crawford with Mick; Brian Cross’s partner is Magnum; and Bart Potter works with Kiki. Mills and Rick Voss also work as

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trainers. There were five former canine officers, Barko, Nero and Ruby, who are now retired, and Rex and Widgen, who are deceased. Corporal Don Ellis formerly handled K-9 Ruby. An assortment of breeds, this unit currently comprises three Malinois, also known as a Belgian shepherd, a springer spaniel and a chocolate lab. Today, these dedicated officers, human and canine, have been responsible for taking hundreds of pounds of narcotics off the streets and hundreds of thousands of dollars out of criminals' pockets. Working through the Sheriff’s Department, the K-9 unit officially began in 1992 with Voss and a dog

named Sparky. Voss had been a canine officer in the military. On joining the sheriff’s office, he encountered several officers who liked working narcotics. He and Mills formed the unit, and it has grown and served to this day. “Narcotics work has not gotten easier,” Mills said, “and today the best way to find drugs is with a dog.” Much of what a K-9 does is sheer determination. Mills and Widgen once stopped a man in a pickup and did a search. He ordered the dog to “find dope.” There was a phone book on the bench seat, and she started using her nose to turn pages in the phone book. Suddenly she backed up and sat down. Lying right there, on the open page,

Human officers, K-9 counterparts undergo long, intense training, then become partners for life, helping to ‘protect and serve’ the

Deputy

Leland Schoonmaker & Samba

Detective

Bart Potter & Kiki

public.

– No Capes Required DUOS was a quarter-ounce bag of marijuana. This unit is just one part of the Sheriff’s Department, as are the hostage negotiation unit, SWAT, the school resource, search and rescue, dive team and other units. Sheriff Paul May said: “I consider our canine unit an absolute necessity to do our job. Especially in the area of drug enforcement, these dogs are invaluable. We use them to track criminals [and] lost individuals, retrieve evidence at crime scenes, apprehend violent persons, and the list goes on and on. They are one of our most valuable resources. Several of the vehicles we are driving at this time were paid for with money confiscated from drug dealers who were apprehended by one of our

canines. One of the highlights of my office is to take money away from drug dealers and use it to enforce the law, thereby saving taxpayers money.”

By Raye Deusinger Photos by Sandra Pearce

Each K-9 handler is an officer first. Okeechobee is basically divided into zones, each patrolled by deputies. The K-9 unit, however, “floats” throughout the county, so the officers are available to assist whenever and wherever needed, as the dog is always with them. Should they be on a routine call and suddenly need their K-9, they can simply press a button on a pager, which opens the car door and releases the dog, who immediately responds.

quirements, the human and K-9 officers have a tight camaraderie that goes beyond police work. Mills explained: “We communicate daily with one another, talk about cases and keep an eye out for each other. We are police officers first, K-9 officers second, but as a K-9 officer you’re committed to that [canine] partner for 10 or 15 years. On days off, vacations or working, handler and dog are always together. Dedication to your dog is paramount; it’s like having a baby, his needs become your first priority.” All K-9s are “normal” pets when at home with the family but become officers when they see their handler putting on his uniform.

Because of continuous training re-

Handler and dog must attend 480 hours  www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 23

K-9 Samba locates the drugs that were hidden in the car tire.

of schooling before being certified by the State of Florida for patrol work. All Okeechobee County’s police dogs must pass three certifications, two national and one state. Drug dogs are trained twice monthly and recertified annually. Their close working relationship finds the dog taking on the temperament of the handler. K-9s are usually very friendly, although one should always ask the handler before touching them. Training is done in a group, with specialized agencies and schools. “It isn’t just the school that makes you a great K-9 cop,” said Voss. “We learn from each other, and that doesn’t happen overnight.” A reward system is used in training. The handler works with the dog to find what that dog really likes most—a tennis ball, a tug toy, a rolled-up towel. When he completes his task, the animal receives that reward, which is termed the “prey reward.” Some dogs just love to hunt and track. The satisfaction of the search is his “hunt reward,” and he will continue to look until he finds what he is trained to locate. Nero proved his value in tracking by saving a life. He and Crawford were tasked with finding, in a dangerous wooded area, a subject who had abducted his child. On being located, the 24 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

K-9 Samba’s reward for finding the drugs is to play with the ball.

subject began to fight the officer with his child at his side. Once Crawford managed to snatch the child, Nero was sent to apprehend the suspect, and he did. All agree, the dog’s drive is a basic one; he wants to please his trainer, and he will never pull back from an assignment but keep going even despite injury. Proving the diligence and determination of a K-9, Mills and Voss once set up a training exercise at the Okeechobee High School gym. Mills said, “Most

dogs are ‘ball-driven’; if you throw a ball, they go crazy.” Mills brought a cache of 80 to 100 tennis balls, into one of which he made a small slit and inserted narcotics. He dumped all the balls on the gym floor. Despite wanting to play and the temptation around them, each had to find the narcotics. Every dog found the dope and received his reward. Crawford’s Malinois, Mick, was purchased in May and joined the unit at the end of July after completing his 

Detective Jimmy Mills and Widgen (deceased) with 22 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $440,000.

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480 hours of training. In December, he will achieve his national certification. Mick replaced Crawford’s now-retired partner, Nero. At 9 years old, Nero had evidenced arthritis and aging signs. Crawford said: “Because of the unique job he did, we didn’t want him to be in pain. He was not retired because of inability, but for his own sake.” “Anytime you retire one is a sad day,” said Mills. “He still wants to work. We help them adjust by continuing to work them, but we know it is really play. We baby them, make it a good life.” Nero will continue living with Mick and Crawford’s family in a normal home life.

‘These dogs are … one of our most valuable resources.’

– Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May

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Conference Center and Boathouse 26 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

When retirement is necessary, how is a new K-9 chosen? Most are imported from Europe by vendors in this country. When a new dog is needed, Mills and Voss go to Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana to select the animal, who then trains with a compatible handler. Mills said, “In finding Mick, we found a dog with a very, very high hunt drive and extreme sociability; he was made to be a canine officer, and we saw his potential; when trained to bite, he will. Mick’s going to be a great dog.” Although most of Okeechobee County’s K-9s are single-purpose narcotics dogs, two are further trained in apprehension and search and rescue—dual-purpose dogs. Dually trained dogs usually serve for eight to nine years, but narcotics dogs often work to age 12 or 13. Another descriptive difference in K-9s is their classification as “aggressive-alert” or “passive-alert” dogs. An aggressive-alert drug dog will bite and

K-9 Magnum apprehends Deputy Crawford as handler Deputy Cross gives commands out of view.

scratch to get closest to the source of the drug odor. A passive-alert one will sniff out the drugs and then either sit or stand and stare. Regardless of their purpose or innate temperament, Mills said, “you can’t put a value on them to the community. They can track and apprehend a felon before they commit another crime; their sense of smell can uncover narcotics when a human cannot; and they inspire everyone.” The K-9s recently participated in the middle schools’ DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation, and they are brought to most community activities and perform canine demos when requested. When asked about unit awards or commendations, Mills said, “This unit is more low-key. We don’t rely on awards; our trophies are right next door, in the jail. We have learned in every instance to simply ‘trust your dog.’” Emphasizing his dedication, Mills's ring tone is the voice of a barking dog.

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Kyle and Kaden Reno.

Brandon Tucker, Josh Borgstrom, Saul Tijerina and Brett Bridges.

30 | July/August 2015

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Acade

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n o i c fi

Volunteers – front row from left: Melanie Congleton, Pam Hiler, Sarah Reno, Mary-Royce Lookabill, Michael DeSarro, Karen Griffith, Jackie Bass and Thomas Machado. Second row: Teresa Marlow, Lisa Woodham, Linda Rickards, Andrea Maynor and Angela Boney. Third row: Rich Boggs, Jennifer Harvey and Lydia Hall. Top row: Angie DeSarro, Liliana Alfaro, Sabina Guthrie and Stephanie Perera.

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n a i obee Christ

Over a hundred sharpshooters eagerly worked their way around the range Saturday, April 18, at OK Corral Gun Club for Okeechobee Christian Academy’s fifth annual “Fun Shoot.” Manned by volunteers from the school, each stop along the trail offered the 128 participants a different shot to master. After a relaxing lunch, prizes were awarded to the top shooters and teams, and raffles were also drawn. Proceeds from the event will benefit the academy’s programs. For more information, visit www.okeechobee christianacademy.net.

Savanna Sheltra and McKenna Wojcieszak.

LiAnn and Joy Whipple.

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Photos by Jane Kaufman

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July/August 2015 | 31

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July/August 2015 | 33

Looking Back Third in a series

By Betty Chandler Williamson

A great variety of women blazed trails into leadership positions in Okeechobee County, paths that contemporary women are following to this day.

First Ladies

O of

keechobee Merida Drawdy Raulerson < (1880-1979) =

Merida Drawdy Raulerson was a midwife who delivered over 500 babies. She was born to George and Emily Drawdy of Georgia. They moved to Fort Drum in the 1890s. “Aunt Meridy,” as she was called, once stated, “I never lost a baby, but one was unable to breathe when first delivered; I held a clean cloth over the babe's mouth and nose and gently breathed into the openings; the child began to cry and lived a long life.” My mother, Sadie King Chandler, once assisted her with the birthing of a neighboring woman. “Aunt Meridy” had several children of her own. Her daughter Zora Raulerson Coker was Jack and Marjorie Coker’s mother.

Alma Camp Burr < (b. circa 1914) =

Alma Camp Burr is the first Okeechobee High School graduate to teach in the local schools. Alma was also a member of the first class to graduate in 1921, with two members. She was married to F.F. Burr; they had one son, Hudson. I recall Mrs. Burr teaching the second-grade class; I was one of her pupils. She and her family were members of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee. The couple moved to Canal Point in 1954. (Photo not available.)

34 | July/August July/August2015 2015OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEETHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Rachel Crozier < (Circa 1907) =

Rachel Crozier was the first female principal of Okeechobee schools. Born in Tallahassee, she received her bachelor’s education at the University of Arkansas, and later earned her master’s degree at the University of Florida. Miss Crozier arrived in Okeechobee in 1929 and began teaching English and history in the local school system. The records at the school board office state that she was appointed to the assistant principal position in 1933. The school board minutes show she was approved to become the principal of the “Okeechobee City Schools” in 1934 and served until 1935. In 1938, she and her sister, Cornelia Crozier (also a teacher at Okeechobee High School) moved to Palm Beach County. Miss Crozier was employed at the then-Palm Beach Junior College (PBJC) and began teaching school in the English department. She also gave her inspiring guidance and effort in the publication of the Beachcomber and the Galleon. She later became the first dean of women at PBJC. She retired in 1963. Other female principals of OHS have been Phoebe Raulerson, Barbara James and Toni Jones Wiersma.

Katie Bell Cate Blackburn < (b. 1913) =

Katie Bell Cate Blackburn is perhaps the oldest living female in Okeechobee County as of today. Her parents were both Floridians, born in Zolfo Springs. She married Crockett Cate, who worked for Western Union. They had one daughter, Emma Louise Cate, who married Cecil Harden of Okeechobee. Ms. Katie has three grandchildren, Terry Harden, Kay Sheedy and Randy Harden. She is also a great-grandmother to Matthew, Michael, Cody, Colby and Katie. There are also five great-great-grandchildren. After being widowed, she remarried; his name was Glenn Blackburn, who also worked for Western Union. She moved back to Okeechobee after he died in 1997. She became a member of the local First Baptist Church in May 1964.

Lenora Chandler Cothern Walker < (b. 1914) =

Lenora Chandler Cothern Walker is probably the oldest “native” of Okeechobee still alive. John Le Baron and Katherine (Katie Raulerson) Chandler were her parents; her four siblings were Larue, Beulah, Roderick and Glen. She attended Okeechobee schools, met and married her husband, Van H. Cothern, in 1930. He was a U.S. engineer/ surveyor during the construction of the Hoover Dam. The couple lived in Clewiston and in the states of Maine, New York and Alaska during the 29 years she was absent from Okeechobee. The two had one son, John Leland, born in 1938. Years after her husband's death, she married Woodrow Walker. Lenora has a pleasant personality and is very alert. I am proud she is a cousin of mine.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com July/August July/August 2015 | 35

Edna Erma Hansel < (b. 1919) =

Edna Erma Hansel was the first female of Okeechobee to enlist in the WAVES in World War II (the Naval Reserve’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service program). She is the daughter of Henry and Lillian Driggers Hansel. She had five siblings, Leona, Edith, Earl, Betty Jean and Patricia Ann. Her brother Earl, joined the Navy during WWII; then, during the Korean War, in the early 1950s, he was drafted into the Army. He became a prisoner and died in a prisoner of war camp in Korea. Edna was raised in Bluefield, Fla., with her family and graduated from Okeechobee High School. She married Earl Crostic; they had one son, Earl Jr. She is of the Mormon faith and was involved with family research.

Delores Gardner Harvey < (b. 1926) =

Delores Gardner Harvey was the first female coach for the girls’ basketball team at OHS. There was a female basketball team here in the 1930s, with a male coach. For years, OHS had no basketball teams because we did not have a gym. The original gymnasium/auditorium, built in 1916, attached to the new brick school of that era, blew down in the 1933 hurricane. Another gym was constructed in the late 1940s, so basketball was added to the OHS athletic program. Mrs. Harvey agreed to train female students who were to make up the team. The first games since the 1930s began in the 1949-50 school year. Mrs. Harvey also taught in the elementary school and history at OHS. She was born in Chicago; her parents, Jack and Marjorie Gardner, moved to Boynton Beach where she graduated from the local high school. She received her teaching degree in 1948 at Florida State University. Carl T. Durrance, superintendent of public schools, employed her to teach that same year. She married Bazil Harvey, a local rancher, and they have two children, Blaine and Valerie, and three grandchildren. Mrs. Harvey taught for over 50 years in the Okeechobee school system. The then-Indian River Community College (IRCC) at the Dixon-Hendry Campus, later hired her part-time.

Charlotte Bass Delagall < (b. 1927) =

Charlotte Bass Delagall was the first black home economics teacher at Okeechobee High School. She was born in Kendrick, in Marion County. Her father was Joey Bass, who was employed to sort mail on the trains. Her mother was Maude L. Johnson, a teacher and domestic worker. Charlotte attended Kendrick Elementary School, Fessenden Academy and Howard Academy. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a minor in elementary education. She pursued further studies at the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. Charlotte married Daniel Delagall Jr., and the couple had two sons, Tony and Daniel. She has one sister, Joyce Bass. She is still active in her church. I count her as my friend, as she has assisted me many times with my search for local information.

36 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Mary Ann Raulerson Thomas Dana < (b. 1950) =

Mary Ann Raulerson Thomas Dana was the first full-time female probation and parole officer for Okeechobee. She was born in Clarkesville, Ga., to Maurice Jackson and Mary Frances Rush Raulerson. She was one of five children. The family moved to Okeechobee in the summer of 1955. She attended Okeechobee schools and graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1969. Mary Ann began substitute-teaching after graduation. She married Ronald Edgar Thomas, and they became the parents of two sons. Daniel Edgar is a teacher in the Okeechobee public schools, and Randall Jackson is a corporal with the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office. With the children in school, she again began substitute-teaching and also took classes at Indian River Community College. She transferred those credits to Florida Atlantic University and graduated from FAU in 1981. She was again employed in the local school system as a third-grade teacher at North Elementary. Mary Ann became very involved with the local Farm Bureau and was appointed chairwoman for the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Program. In 1982 she was offered a position with the Florida Department of Corrections as a probation and parole officer. She taught Drug Abuse Reduction Education, the well-known “DARE” drug education program, for 18 years while employed with the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office. She was instrumental, under the direction of Schools Superintendent Phoebe Raulerson, with four other teachers, in creating S.T.A.R.S., a special 12-week drug education program. Mary Ann was remarried to Detective Edwin W. Dana of the OCSO. They are both retired and enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Lydia Jean Ard Williams < (b. 1960) =

Lydia Jean Ard Williams is the first and only female to be elected to the Okeechobee City Council, serving from January 2005 to January 2009. Her parents were Brasher and Rosie Leitner Ard, who had seven children. Lydia Jean graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1978. She is married to Lovis Williams. Their four children are Casey, Chris, Jeannie and Jena, and they also have eight grandchildren. For several years, she was employed by the City of Okeechobee. She was the first female director of Main Street, and was also the first recipient of the Citizen of the Year Paragon Award. This photo of Lydia Jean was taken at her last Okeechobee City Council meeting as a council member.

About the Author

Betty Chandler Williamson is a fifth-generation Floridian; her roots go back to the mid-1800s. Her husband of more than 60 years, Frank “Sonny” Williamson Jr., is also a fifth-generation Floridian. Her hobbies are genealogy and local history. She has been president of the Okeechobee Historical Society for over two decades. Williamson is the coauthor (with Twila Valentine, now deceased) of Strolling Down Country Roads. She was responsible for compiling the first 75 years of the membership of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, where she taught Sunday school for 39 years and served as director of the Girls Auxiliary Mission Club for many years. She was also the church historian for a period of time. Williamson wishes to thank the following people for assisting her with the articles she submits: ~ Sonny, who encourages his wife to write. ~ Heather Williamson Rucks, a granddaughter, who assists with emailing the material to Okeechobee The Magazine. ~ A writing club she belongs to, The Okeechobee Writers League (OWL), led by published author Jan Fehrman. ~ Sonny Elliott for re-producing the photographs. Special acknowledgements to the Okeechobee County School District administration office, City of Okeechobee, IRSC (Indian River State College) at Dixon-Hendry Campus, Okeechobee, Palm Beach State College, Tony Ard, Alan Chandler, Dan Thomas, Jack and Mildred Coker, Edith Hansel Hester, Terry Harden, Magi Cable, Heather Williamson Rucks and my husband, Frank (Sonny) Williamson Jr. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com July/August July/August 2015 | 37

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Community Event

Ladies Flock to Quail Creek Plantation for

Outdoor Activity Classes Lure-making with Kelly Childers and Dawn Bradford.

Christina Requena.

40 | July/August 2015

Bringing together women and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the annual Women in the Outdoors event was once again a success at Quail Creek Plantation. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event, which took place Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, boasted the largest crowd yet, with 315 attendees. The ladies were offered classes in more than 10 activities, including fishing, lure-making, self-defense, sharpshooting, auto mechanics, painting and more.

Marsela Prengel and Pamela Piekkola. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Photos by Jane Kaufman

Dee Fairbanks-Simpson (birdwatching). Back row, from left: Jimbo Morris, Michelle Griffin, Ronda Jackson, Kelli Hilterbrand, Mark Besancon, Tiffany Besancon, Bill Hall, Bryan Beaty and Amber Blair. Front row: Alicia Renz, Rene Norman, Denise Helms, Michele Hall, Cassidy Blair, Tina Beany and Rich Beany.

Olivia Pratt.

Morgan Young and Michelle Griffin.

Photo above, from left, Kim Zastenik, Debbie Mahoney, Erica Weber, Michelle Hufford, Julie Marshall and Lauren Sorey.

From left, Gail Sheets, Cathy Hess, Diana Camacho, Brittany Poston, Lissa Riley and Patricia Ivey.

Megan Schroder.

Jewelry-making with Danielle Mohan and Vicky Yatsko. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 41

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Community Event

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Ryan Dinsdale, Stephanie Mitrione, Christa Luna and Nick Blount.

Brigitte Irby and Commissioner Frank Irby.

Todd Clemons, Tina Clemons, Pete Clemons, Susanne Clemons, Matt Pearce and Alisha Pearce.

Past Presidents Mark

The Economic Council of Okeechobee recently celebrated 25 years of service to the Okeechobee community. More than 100 people gathered at the beautiful Lodge of Quail Creek Plantation on May 8 for an evening of great food, music, friendship and networking. Many past presidents attended the event and were recognized for their valuable contributions to the nonprofit organization. A fire pit outside and music by Chad Carden and the Hard Country Band kept everyone entertained. Visit www.ecok.org for more information on the ECO.

Years 25 &

Economic Council’s

Sandy Perry, Rep. Cary Pigman and Cindi Domer.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

City Administrator Brian Whitehall, Councilman Mike O’Connor, Mayor James Kirk and Councilmen Gary Ritter and Dowling Watford.

Past presidents were honored: From left are Jon Geitner, Libby Maxwell, Jeff Sumner, Terry Burroughs, Wes Abney, Mack “Hoot” Worley, Rick Chartier, Wes Williamson (standing in for his father Sonny Williamson), Mary Jo O’Dell (standing in for her son Robbie Hoover), Jenny Hoover (standing in for her father Robbie Hoover), Keith Wapole (for himself and standing in for his dad Ed Wapole) and Joey Hoover (standing in for his brother Robbie Hoover). Not present for the photo: Current President John Williams, Brandon Tucker, Rick Amsden, Randy Jones (deceased), Frank Marsocci, Phil Berger and Tom Hebel.

Judge Jerry Bryant and Carol Bryant. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 45

Community Event

Photos by Gary Burks

Marine veteran Mike Foley, a bagpiper with VFW Honor Guard, Post 10132.

The Honor Guard of VFW Post 10132, Hobe Sound.

Fellowship Among Veterans Makes for Grateful Celebration

Music, fellowship and gratitude were part of the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Day event on May 16 at Freedom Ranch. A ceremony was held to honor soldiers from all branches of service. Following the ceremony, a delicious barbecue lunch was served by Alpha Ministries. Pastor John Glenn.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Honor Guard member Dorsey Scroggins and Diane Conway.

46 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Navy veteran and VFW Post 10132 Senior Vice Commander Thurman Imvoden and his wife, Nancy.

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July/August 2015 | 47

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~ Eduarda Anselmo

s e t ing v n I in

Take Stock inProgram Children . gives students a mentor, plus a chance at prepaid college.

By Rachel Buxton Photos by Sandra Pearce

igh school and college are supposed to be the time of our lives. Flexible schedules, little to no responsibility; what more could a youth ask for? But for the almost 60 percent of Florida’s youth living in poverty today, high school is a major challenge and college is yet a mere dream with a possible glimmer of hope. The Take Stock in Children program is working to make that dream a reality for thousands of children of low-income parents. Born in Mexico and brought to America illegally for a chance at a prosperous life, Okeechobee High School graduate Eduarda Anselmo knows the struggle all

too well. But thanks to Okeechobee’s generous community and the Florida Take Stock in Children program, Anselmo was given that second chance. Take Stock in Children Inc. is a 20-year-old nonprofit organization with $149 million in Florida Prepaid College Foundation scholarship assets. The Indian River State College Foundation is the lead agency for Okeechobee, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Over the past 17 years, IRSC has partnered with local school districts, the FPCF and countless businesses and individuals to give more than 800 students a Take Stock in Children scholarship.

Future ds’ Ki

v i r i l P e ged s s Le Okeechobeeans come together to support

The organization and local board members work together to transform one student in need at a time. Okeechobee County’s very own board members, Susanne Clemons, Frank Irby, Heather Rucks, John Williams and Linda Syfrett, work tirelessly in recruiting private sponsors and volunteer mentors to help Okeechobee students each year reach their maximum potential and to stay on track to graduate high school and transition into college. “We provide them with all that we can to be successful,” said Clemons. “It’s not just handing them a check, it’s providing them with the encour agement to want to succeed.” www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 51

to continue to do after receiving the scholarship. Even though it was a motivator and helped her excel in high school, including pushing her to earn her associate’s degree before graduating, she was once again afraid college was not in her cards, with or without the Take Stock in Children scholarship.

Okeechobee board members Susanne Clemons, Frank Irby, Heather Rucks, John Williams and Linda Syfrett.

Each year, IRSC awards local ninthgraders the Take Stock in Children scholarship — they’re given a mentor to meet with regularly and the opportunity to have their four-year college tuition paid in full, providing they graduate high school in good standing. “Because of [Take Stock in Children] I was able to make my dream come true,” said Anselmo. Growing up wasn’t easy for Anselmo. Coming to the States in the early 1990s, she did a lot of moving around. She remembers having to jump from house to house because her family couldn’t pay rent. Her father worked hard in the fields and her mother took care of the house but, unfortunately, they came up short more often than not. Anselmo used the conditions as motivation. “I always had that motivation,” she said. “I saw my dad coming home and I didn’t want that life.”

I‘ t’s 52 | July/August 2015

Her motivation was only fueled when someone came to speak to her middle school class about a program for low-income families that helped students go to college. At the time, Anselmo knew nothing about college requirements but was aware financial assistance would be required if she was to go on past high school. She anxiously filled out the application, translated the section her mother had to fill out and submitted it in hope that her future might have a different ending than the expected. When Anselmo received the letter congratulating her on becoming a recipient of the Take Stock in Children program, she finally saw light at the end of the tunnel. “It was a big relief,” she said, knowing she could go to college if she wanted to. “Life isn’t easy; you have to work at it and you have to take opportunities.” And that’s exactly what Anselmo had

to d g n i h t l l sma

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Upon graduation in 2005, Anselmo still was not eligible for college since she had not yet become a legal permanent resident. It had been nearly 10 years since her family applied for their immigration interview. So instead, she began working as soon as she received her work permit. Anselmo worked at the courthouse, followed by the law offices of Glen Sneider. Then, finally, in 2006 she became a legal permanent resident, allowing her to pursue her goal of furthering her education. “Education does bridge the gap of poverty,” Clemons said. “It’s like opening the door — they have to walk through it.” Each Take Stock in Children scholarship provides for up to 120 hours of college tuition credits to be used within five years at IRSC for an associate’s degree and then for a bachelor’s degree from any Florida public state college. Fortunately, that meant Anselmo still had time to continue her education using the grant. She began working at Riverside Bank and attempted to take classes in between working hours, which proved difficult. For one thing, she didn’t have

o t h a t g et s b i g

~ Susanne Clemons

resu

lts.

’



who was also a Take Stock in Children recipient, asked Anselmo if she would be her mentor. Without hesitation, she said yes, knowing firsthand what mentorship offers to students of the program.

Kelly Demedicis — first recipient of the Okeechobee Community Scholarship — with Superintendent Ken Kenworhy, Linda Syfrett and Pete and Susanne Clemons.

a vehicle, and relied on the graciousness of Juan Rodriguez, who became a strong mentor during her high school years. “He would drive me to college and wouldn’t charge me anything,” she said. Rodriguez saw Anselmo struggling, trying to juggle work and school, so when he heard about an opening at Williamson Cattle Co. that would pay better and give her more flexibility, he immediately presented the idea to Anselmo.

“I’m just returning the favor,” she said. “To some of them, this is all they have. They don’t have mentors at home.”

“I’m never going to forget that,” she said. “He might, but I won’t.”

Anselmo has continued to be a mentor for the program. Now she’s mentoring recent graduate Garrett Goulette.

Anselmo graduated in the fall of 2009. She immediately got offered a job at the high school teaching intensive reading. Three years later, she was asked to teach Spanish. But that wasn’t the only request. One of her students at the time,

“She has not only been my mentor; she has become one of my dearest friends,” he said. “Her having the scholarship and knowing what it meant to her made her push me harder so that my goals and dreams were obtainable.”

‘I’m just returning the favor. They don’t have mentors at home.’ ~ Eduarda Anselmo

The Williamsons, strong advocates for education and Take Stock in Children, told her as long as she put in 40 hours a week, they didn’t care when she came in, even if it meant on the weekends. This flexibility gave Anselmo the opportunity to attend classes at the Florida Atlantic University campus in Port St. Lucie, studying elementary education. The Williamson family embraced Anselmo and helped her out whenever they could. One day, Anselmo called the office upset. She was on her way out of town to turn in an essay, and her car had broken down. The next thing she knew, Wes Williamson was on the side of the road offering her his new truck and to take care of getting her vehicle fixed. 54 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Eduarda Anselmo returns the favor by mentoring Garrett Goulette.

Making Dreams Come True for 30 years Goulette said the entire process has been a wonderful experience and that he doesn’t know what he’d have done without Anselmo or Take Stock in Children during his high school years, but especially now. While Goulette is on his way to earn his registered nursing degree from Indian River State College, Anselmo recently received her master’s degree in education technology and will begin teaching at Pemayetv Emahakv on the Brighton Seminole reservation in the fall.

Mack “Hoot” Worley

A State Certified General Contractor St. Lic. CGC1507657

If you ask both recipients who and what makes Take Stock in Children possible, they will instantly tell you the donors and the community. “If it had not been for the generosity of donors and Okeechobee County and throughout the state, these scholarships for children like myself would not be available,” Goulette said. Money is raised through private donations and grants. Local donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the State of Florida’s Prepaid College Foundation, making the four-year tuition scholarships possible.

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“This program would not be successful if it wasn’t for the donors,” said Anselmo. “The community does so much.” Having been on the board for almost 20 years and being a private sponsor, Clemons got the idea to host an event to raise awareness of the program. “We have this great program,” said Clemons. “We wanted people to know that it existed.” With the help of Erik and Julia Melville of Fort Pierce, the support of the other board members and a menu provided



www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 55

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by D&G Catering, Clemons and her husband, Pete, hosted the first-ever “Okeechobee Community Take Stock in Children Scholarship Awareness Reception” on March 31 in the Williamson Center at IRSC. Prominent business leaders and community members were invited to attend and learn about the program. Anselmo shared her story on how it had changed her life, showing it really does work. Inspired by Anselmo’s touching story, along with a few others, Okeechobee County residents raised more than enough to sponsor an individual student, thus creating the first-ever Take Stock in Children Okeechobee Community Scholarship, which was awarded to Kelly Demedicis in May.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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“Following the initiative of Susanne and Pete Clemons, the Okeechobee community again demonstrated its unflagging support of education for its young people,” said Take Stock in Children Director Betty Saffioti. “Not only did the community meet its original goal of raising $9,000 to provide a college education for one student, generous residents raised a total of more than $12,000. The excess will be combined with future gifts to help additional students.” Clemons hopes that the evening also encouraged some people to consider becoming mentors, noting that aspect of the program sometimes fills a void for students. “It’s a small thing to do that gets big results,” Clemons said. “We can’t save the world but we might make a difference in one child’s life.”

Community Event

Photos by Author Name

Scholarship Tally: $1.9 Million-Plus to 182 Happy Scholars

Kiwanis/Key Club – Presenters Jim Vensel and Frank Irby with recipients Otto Ramirez and Lexi Ward.

Seminole Tribe of Florida – Presenters Vicky Stuart, Lewis Gopher and Sarah Keith with recipients Albion Crowell and Lucas Penido.

Buxton Bass Funeral Home – Presenters Marilyn Buxton and Matthew Buxton with recipients Emma Hunter and Jaqueline Raya.

58 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Okeechobee High School observed its Class of 2015 Scholarship Night on May 21. A total of 319 scholarships were awarded to 182 OHS students. Scholarships given out totaled more than $1.9 million, with almost $619,000 donated by Okeechobee local businesses.

Raulerson Hospital – Presenter Jenny Pung with recipients, back row from left: Elio Campos, Ashley Byrd, Hailey Greeson, Abygayl Sanchez; front: Graciela Martinez, Bernice Licea, Crystal Castaneda, Rut Kariana Bucio and Elizabeth Solorzano.

Rotary Club – Presenters Denise Whitehead and Gayle Molyneaux with recipients Jacqueline Raya and Leticia Soriano-Rios.

Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s – Presenter Samantha Durrance with recipients Taylor Pearce, Rabon Carrier and Matthew Evans.

Photos by Jane Kaufman

Betty Chandler Williamson Creative Writing – Presenter Betty Chandler Williamson with recipients Edwin Median and Brittany Sain.

Okeechobee County Fair Association – Presenter Linda Syfrett with recipient Kelsie Chartier.

Guest Artist Series NOVEMBER 9 The National Dance Company of Siberia DECEMBER 17 A Christmas Carol JANUARY 12 Live From Nashville JANUARY 22 Jarrod Spector: A Little Help From My Friends FEBRUARY 4 Abba Mania FEBRUARY 13 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: The Inspiration of Broadway with J. Mark McVey FEBRUARY 23 Saturday Night Fever MARCH 1 Women of Ireland MARCH 18 The Doo Wop Project MARCH 31 The Terry Barber Trio: Around the World in 80 Minutes APRIL 12 Barrage 8

Family Fun Series

DECEMBER 12 Fancy Nancy: A Splendiferous Christmas DECEMBER 17 A Christmas Carol FEBRUARY 19 Adam Trent: Magician Reinvented JUNE 10 Missoula Children’s Theatre

Additional Performances DECEMBER 5 & 6 The Living Christmas Tree FEBRUARY 16 The Improvised Shakespeare Company FEBRUARY 27 FREE CONCERT! - Across the Universe APRIL 22 Black Violin

All programs, dates and artists are subject to change.

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Celebrating Gilbert Family of Companies Auto Tech – Presenters Jim Kenbeek and Christa Luna with recipient Miguel Valdez.

of Okeechobee

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 59

WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY PRESENTS Photos of the Past

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In honor of the Bicentennial of the “Birth of our Nation”, A pier at Lake Okeechobee was constructed in 1976.

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Looking back at the parking area (Sadly, the pier suffered major damage in a later storm and has been replaced.) BELOW IS THE WORDING OF THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE WHICH IS NOW LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF THE OKEECHOBEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON HIGHWAY 98 NORTH.

Lake Okeechobee Bicentennial Fishing Pier 1976 Dedicated by Margaret S. Ager Project Chairperson and Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners L.E. Herbert, Chairman Clyde R. Durrance - Hiram M. Raulerson Charles W. Harvey - Oscar Thomas Mosley Collins, County Engineer

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Students Visit WM for an Educational Tour Students from Everglades and Central Elementary Schools visit Okeechobee Landfill for an educational tour. The students helped plant 100 pine seedlings, learned about recycling, wildlife habitat and landfill operations.

WM Team in the Annual Sgt. Tarner Memorial Golf Tournament Wins 1st Place! PICTURED: Okeechobee City Police Officers Jeremy LaRue, Timothy Keeler and Bill Casian with WM Site Engineer Charlie Orcutt, Operations Manager Jason Johns, Leachate Tech. James Beville and Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Community Event

Photos by Jane Kaufman

Daniel Walker and Isom J.L. Davis.

MEMORIAL H H DAY H H

Also a Dedication Day

Councilman Dowling Watford, Paul Hiott and Dallas Creech.

In observation of Memorial Day, residents of Okeechobee gathered at Veterans Park and paid tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remembrance also served as a dedication ceremony for the Submarine Memorial. For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Jerry and Judy Padrta.

Keynote speaker Paul Hiott speaks while daughter Addison Hiott holds the American flag.

John Lilley.

Keynote Speaker Paul Hiott. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 63

Wells Fargo Advisors 807 US Highway 27 South Sebring, FL 33870 Office: 863-402-5020 Fax: 863-402-5025 Toll free: 866-261-0294

Peggy.thorlton@wellsfargoadvisors.com Also see clients in Okeechobee and surrounding areas on a regular basis. Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. Transactions requiring tax consideration should be reviewed carefully with your accountant or tax advisor. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate planning and is licensed to practice law in your state. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate on bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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64 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Hunting Season is Here!

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July/August 2015 | 65

Community Event

More Than 500

Rally for Rebekah in Her Cancer Fight

Rebekah and Jared Prescott.

The Rallying for Rebekah Cancer Benefit took place at the Recreation Outreach Center of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee on Saturday, June 13. The event, which was attended by over 500 people, was held to raise money for Rebekah Prescott, who is battling a very rare form of cancer for the third time. Lunch was served outdoors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then at 4 p.m. the doors opened to the R.O.C. for dinner, along with silent and live auctions. Donations can be made in Rebekahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and mailed to Ride for the Fight, 6830 S.W. 13th St., Okeechobee. Many volunteers were on hand to serve lunch.

Buddy Mills helps Brian Trimble auction off the handmade buckskin whip he made.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Back row, from left: Julia Mercer, Sue Bishop and Keith Murrish; far right: Brian Trimble. Center row: Dean Prescott, Jared Prescott, Pam Goggins, Roxanne Barnes, James Mullis and Suzanne Trimble. Front row: Teresa Prescott, Kris Rucks, Rebekah Prescott and Nikki Faircloth.

Photos by Susan Giddings

Rebekah and Jared put their family brand on a table to be auctioned.

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July/August 2015 | 67

okeechobeeYouth

Omar alvarado Blind 2012 OHS grad envisions dreams, then makes them real By Raye Deusinger

ale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People 75 years ago. You still hear one of his most famous quotes today: “When fate hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” Omar Alvarado has been making lemonade almost since he was born. Omar was born blind, but today, he is a musician, an adventurer, a hobbyist, a high school graduate and a young man who never limits himself. The youngest of Anita Nunez’s three sons, Omar was born blind because of medical issues that persisted until he was 18. Anita and Omar's brothers Rudy and Misael (“Butch”) were determined from the beginning that he would never be treated differently and would be encouraged to do everything he could. He began public school at North Elementary with a class assistant. When Omar entered third grade, the school suggested he might be better off in a special school for the blind, but his mother wanted him to stay with children he already knew. She sent him to a facility in St. Augustine to be evaluated for his potential, where she learned he tested “too advanced” for third grade. He stayed in public school. Since he learned to play the harmonica at age 4 and later picked up skill with the accordion and drums, by fifth grade, when he took an aptitude test, he scored high in musical ability and was given a recorder. This flute-like instrument

68 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Photos by Sandra Pearce

opened the joy of music to such an extent that he continued playing it even after earning a spot in the Yearling Middle School band. Omar followed a musical progression as he next learned to play trumpet while getting together with friends for jam sessions where he found that he loved to improvise. When asked how he learns different instruments and how he can pick up songs so readily, he said, “I experiment with every new instrument and I learn by ear and then memorize.” His recorder experience led him to trumpet, with which he continued throughout high school. While in eighth grade, he was invited by his former elementary school to give a talk to the students on “living with blindness,” and since has encouraged many young people to explore their talents and overcome their misfortunes. But it isn’t only young people he has helped. Recently, he heard from a friend about a blind man who had worked at blindness.org, where he pursued his skills as a software developer. Omar contacted him and urged him to submit an application to a particular company, which, three months later, hired him. Today, that man has a salary that has given his family a very comfortable lifestyle. In ninth grade Omar joined the marching band. Marching band? Yes, marching band because, he said, “it was challenging and more demanding. Everyone in marching 

“Don’t ever give up on your dreams.” ~ Omar Alvarado

band has to memorize their music, but I knew positioning on the field could be a problem.” This also concerned band director Clint LaFlam. Omar’s brother Butch enjoyed track, so he became Omar’s marching assistant in field maneuvers, guiding him with a hand on his shoulder. “But I was responsible for the music,” said Omar. In his sophomore year, he even began to compose with a leaning toward classical and jazz. Director LaFlam said: “Omar is amazing and talented. From the day I met him, I knew he was going to be a great musician. Throughout his high school years in band, Omar took every challenge that came his way head-on. It was an awesome experience to see Omar march on the football field. By the end of the year, he had the entire drill memorized so well he didn't really need a guide with him! Omar was an inspiration to all the members of the band. He motivated others to work hard. In turn, the band members took great care and loved Omar.” Despite his progressive steps, Omar was almost never without physical pain and medical problems during his first 18 years. In his senior year at Okeechobee High School, he spent three months at Gainesville’s Shands Hospital. The doctors told his mother there was nothing more they could do for him, to take him home and just enjoy him. He had been in bed, in pain, for a week when a friend, Karly Enfinger, came to visit. She asked Anita to bring Omar to hear an evangelist who was coming to her church. “We placed it ‘in God’s will’ and went,” said Anita. “It took four friends to get him into the car and take him to church. The evangelist prayed over him, and though he had never cried since the day he was born, Omar

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‘We were all amazed that, being blind, he was able to master the pilot skills necessary for flight.’ ~ Joe Papasso, president, Okeechobee Model Airplane Club

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Omar with Jeffery Kipfert guiding him in the OHS marching band in 2012.

began to cry and said he ‘felt different.’ From that moment, he began to get better and has not been sick since that time.” His health progressed rapidly, but he had those three months of his senior year to make up, which he did, graduating in June 2012 with a 3.5 grade point average. Not one to fear, at 18 he asked his mother if he would ever be able to drive a car. Always the encourager, his mom said, ‘‘Let’s go.” In the driver’s seat, with her beside him, he drove on a deserted roadway as she directed him. He stayed on the road with no problem. Around their home’s big yard, he also drives a four-wheeler. Anita encourages experimentation. Knowing that skydiving was on Omar’s bucket list, they went to Sky Coasting Adventure in Orlando. Although she never wanted to fly, following a lifelong pattern, she suited up with him. Harnessed side by side, they were pulled to the top of a 300-foot tower. To begin the “fall,” you are instructed to pull the rip cord situated near your right hand; being in the right harness,

it fell to Omar to do so. With the pair suspended 300 feet up, it was time, but Omar couldn’t find the rip cord while Mom, who could see how far up they were, was petrified just hanging there. He found the cord, pulled it and recorded another successful adventure.

It was his uncle, Bryan Garrard, who got him into flying radio-controlled airplanes. Omar flies quadcopters, a type of drone, at the Agri-Civic Center where airplane enthusiasts meet and fly their creations. Omar, saying “every object in time and space generates sound,” uses it to maneuver his planes. He flies them in figure eights, and can pinpoint land within a 6-foot target. Though it took him six months to develop confidence and skill in flying, today he can even do acrobatics with his six quadcopters and two minicopters. Some of his work is posted on YouTube at exoticflightrc. Joe Papasso, president of the Okeechobee Model Airplane Club, said: “I first met Omar when he came out to demonstrate to club members his ability to fly. We were all amazed that, being blind, he was able to master the pilot skills necessary for flight. Soon, 

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while flying with Omar, as his spotter, I became aware of both his acute sense of hearing, which is how he maintains spatial orientation with the aircraft, and his in-depth knowledge of the aircraft and systems which control it. I can honestly say in my 40-plus years as an RC aircraft instructor, I have never experienced a person so tuned into his aircraft and surroundings and his level of safety and understanding the risk in flying ‘blind.’ I am proud to have the opportunity to fly with Omar.” His mom, Anita, tells of the day one of his planes landed in a tree. Always responsible for his own mistakes, and sure of finding a way to do what he wanted, Omar insisted on getting it down by himself. It took a whole day, but he did it.

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Expanding his talents, today he does basic computer repair. He learned to type using a Braille keyboard and today is a skilled touch typist. He developed computer skills by bringing up articles on the computer and listening through a program that “reads” for him. When shopping for parts for his hobby interests, he memorizes serial numbers, part or model numbers and knows just what to ask for. Ultimately, Omar wants to attend Indian River State College to pursue a degree in information technology, but for right now he is enjoying working within the radio-control industry. If he had a bucket list, what would be on it? Omar listed three things: fly an F-16 (he realistically knows it can’t happen), go “real” skydiving and meet a famous country singer. With his determination, he probably will accomplish all three before he is 30. At 21, he has a long time ahead of him to prove to the world that blindness doesn’t need to hold one back. Omar’s philosophy is “Don’t ever give up on your dreams.”

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Community Event This beautiful cake made by Joy Jarriel won the cake decorating contest.

Centennial timeline banners lined the inside of the education building.

Hundreds Join in

The City of Okeechobee celebrated its 100th birthday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church facilities and field on June 13. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the great music, food and activities including the very entertaining Mz. Centennial pageant that was won by Mr. Jim Clark. For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centennial Birthday Bash Volunteers, from left: Jeanne Enfinger, Patty Burnette, Jackie Dunham, City Clerk Lane Gamiotea, Gracie Gamiotea and Magi Cable.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the water rollers.

Winners of the Centennial Scavenger Hunt the O.C.S.O. Bandits, from left, Mariah Anuez, Noel Stephens and Connie Curry.

Jasmine Jackson enjoys the slide.

74 | July/August 2015

Eviana Anthony enjoyed having her face painted.

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Gary Burks and Susan Giddings

J.D. Mixon manned the dunk tank.

Mz. Centennial contest winner Jim Clark during his routine.

Mz. Centennial contestants, from left, Noel Chandler, Jim Clark and Ray Anuez. Kids of all ages enjoyed the petting zoo.

From left: City Auxiliary Officers Sgt. R. Rowland, R. Marrero, S. Crawford, V. Bray, B. Casian, along with Regular Officer M. Jordan and the photo-bombers, City Fire Lt. P. Conroy and Brett Bridges.

The rock climbing wall was a big hit with the kids. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 75

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Behind the

By Jann Seal

A Child's World Malissa Morgan and Sharon Poirier’s world is filled with kids of all ages, their own and the hundreds of others they’ve taught or cared for. Malissa and her sister-in-law, Sharon, live and breathe the world of children to the point where they’ve helmed A Child’s World North and South campuses into Gold Seal of Excellence-accredited facilities. A young girl’s dream to teach and eventually own her own school slowly evolved into reality, starting when Malissa became certified in early childhood education in 1996. Successive degrees followed, including a master’s in educational leadership and then a specialist’s degree in curriculum — one step away from her Ph.D. All that while tending to the needs of her two boys, Justin and Jarred, being a wife to childhood sweetheart Gordie Morgan, and working as a full-time teacher. The plan to start from scratch and build their own pre-school was fully in place in 2003, with all the business angles covered, when Malissa and Sharon were faced with an offer they couldn’t refuse — the possibility of buying an existing school. Several phone calls later, and the blessing of local banker Bill Bartlett, started the wheels turning. But there was a catch — Malissa and Sharon had 78 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Gordie and Malissa Morgan and Sharon and Claude ( C.J.) Poirier (center) with their work family.

three weeks to turn an existing school into the school of their dreams. Harnessing husbands, family, kids and friends, A Child’s World emerged from the dust and, right on schedule, opened with 17 children enrolled, one staff member who has been with Malissa and Sharon since day one, Jessica Tranum, and five additional staff. Word of mouth spread, and in just two weeks, enrollment was up to 55, with a threemonth waiting list. More wheels started spinning and, by 2005, an additional building was added to the original, increasing the school’s capacity to 134 children. In 2007, Malissa and Sharon opened their second campus, A Child’s World South. Malissa’s husband, Gordie, comes from a large Okeechobee family and the love his parents passed down to their children is evident in the love the Morgans and Poiriers instill in

the children attending their schools. “Sharon shares that nurturing and unconditional caring gene that the large Morgan family gave her, which makes her a natural in the world of early childhood education. And it’s that love of family that serves as a propeller for our schools,” said Malissa. Cheryl McKeithan directs operations at the South Campus, and Angela Osterman oversees the North Campus — harnessing their combined 42 years of experience. They, and additional staff numbering close to 40 people, give both Malissa and Sharon the breathing space they need to helm a busy ship while molding Okeechobee’s most valuable asset — its children. “We’re a second parent to a lot of the children at our schools, and we’re mindful of that. We know our kids’ families and where they come from, which helps us as we teach,” Malissa

said. They recognize that many cultures are represented in their student body, and they encourage each child to express his views and experiences as a part of sharing a culture and building an understanding of others. Independent thinking is encouraged as each of the children develops a strong understanding and respect for their own world and culture, while opening the doors to the changing world around them. Malissa’s energies go beyond the gates of her schools. She serves on the Okeechobee County School Board and is an adjunct instructor at Indian River State College, where her knowledge of early childhood education is shared with future teachers. She and Sharon give back to the community through local charities, organizations, events, local school activities and the four Okeechobee High School scholarship

recipients they select every year. “We focus on students who want to pursue early childhood education. Our hope is that they’ll either stay in Okeechobee or come back after college and start to give back themselves,” Malissa stated. They have plans drawn up and the mind-set to open another campus, but the realization that the need isn’t there right now keeps both Malissa and Sharon focused on the business at hand. “Finding solid, qualified staff is paramount,” Malissa said, “which is the hope behind our scholarship program. We must grow the field of early childhood education in order for our children to thrive.” She gets misty thinking about the kids

who have passed through A Child’s World, knowing that after 13 years in business, those first children who sat at her pre-K school tables with their low, kid-friendly chairs are now graduating from high school. With all the busyness that surrounds Malissa and Sharon, they said, sometimes they feel like “wobbly squares.” But they know they couldn’t survive their journey without the strength of family. “They’re with us through the good, the bad and the ugly!” Malissa said, laughing. A Child’s World North Campus is located at 703 S.W. Sixth St. in Okeechobee. Phone: (863)763-5453. The South Campus is found at 4664 Highway 441 S.E., Okeechobee. Phone: (863) 467-1400.

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on “Behind the Business Videos” to learn more about A Child's World.

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee proudly presents the

2015 Annual Fundraising Gala

Silent No More Friday, October 16, 2015

Featuring Guest Speaker

Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa TerKeurst is a wife, mother of five, and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Best Yes, Unglued and Made to Crave. Lysa was recently awarded the Champions of Faith Author Award and has been published in multiple publications such as Focus on the Family, and CNN online. Additionally, she has appeared on the Today Show as one of the leading voices in the Christian community. Join Lysa and discover the everyday adventure that God has waiting for you!

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in rememberence, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. -Isaiah 62:6-7 6

For more information, call 863-467-8748 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 79

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July/August 2015 | 81

Behind the

By Jann Seal

Crossroads Restaurant It’s 4:15 in the morning, and the lights in the kitchen of the Crossroads Restaurant are just flickering on. The stove is warming, and Carolyn Douglas and her husband, David, are methodically attending to the morning ritual that has been their lives for many years. While Carolyn prepares the biscuits, grits, gravy and desserts, David crisps the bacon, all in anticipation of their first customers walking through the door at 5:30 in the morning. Crossroads Restaurant has been an institution in Okeechobee for many years, long before Carolyn and David bought the business in 1991. Now they, plus their huge, extended family, are front and center. They’re either running the kitchen or the cash register, serving tables or rushing steaming food from the kitchen to the heavy-laden lunch buffet. That’s what Douglases do, one way or another. Carolyn sits at the head of the family table, adjacent to the buffet, and is ever alert to all the customers streaming through the door. She doesn’t sit for long — greetings, hugs, kisses and affectionate pats on the back from children, grandchildren and locals she’s known forever occupy her throughout the morning, until she leaves in the early afternoon. The business of cooking for a crowd 82 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The Crossroads family from left: Debra Cleveland, Sandy Douglas, Elizabeth Wanless, David and Carolyn Douglas, Amanda Davis, Janie Watkins, Michelle Anderson and Tonya Bell.

has been in Carolyn’s blood since she was a child. “I’m the oldest of six and the mother of four — I’ve been a mama forever!” she said, laughingly describing her life behind the stove. “Most country women learn to cook at a young age, and I’ve been here in Okeechobee since 1950, so that really makes me a country woman!” Carolyn’s restaurant life began when she and her husband bought Barlow’s Restaurant, another Okeechobee institution. “And then one day David came in and announced that we were buying Crossroads. I guess he thought I needed something more to do.” Carolyn’s strengths are laying out the menu for their specials — shepherd’s pie, fried turkey breast — the popular Friday attraction, ribs, and, of course, her homemade desserts. “It’s plain country cooking. We don’t lay twigs on a plate and do squiggly stuff. We do home cooking. Preparing meals all my life for my siblings and children, and everyone else lining up

at the door with a plate in their hands, taught me to get things done all at the same time.” But Crossroads isn’t just about Carolyn and David. Family, biological and adopted, are present in every corner of the restaurant. Go behind the wall and into the spotless kitchen, and you find daughter-in-law Sandy Douglas cooking and keeping her eye front and center as the restaurant manager. Buzzing around both sides of the counter is granddaughter Michelle Anderson, who cooks, waits tables and does whatever is needed at the moment. “Not everyone works all at the same time, but whoever is working makes sure the food tastes good and that the kitchen is clean,” the diminutive mother-figure said, smiling. The food prepared at Crossroads is sourced locally whenever possible. Local produce bought or handpicked from nearby fields is preferred, which is what makes Carolyn’s made-fromscratch soups so popular.

The staff and all-female kitchen work in a spotless atmosphere and harmony abounds. The staff give back what the Douglases give to them. Debra Cleveland, their spiritual daughter who was adopted into the family with love, spends a lot of her time behind the stove when she’s not waiting on tables, as do Tanya Bell and Stephanie Stone, Amanda Davis, Elizabeth Wanless and Janie Watkins — all working to keep everyone on the floor happy. “They do the hard work,” stated Carolyn. And if running the business and cooking at Crossroads weren’t enough, Carolyn handles the bookkeeping and some of the treasury details at the family’s heavy-equipment business. “My mind is always in gear — and I delegate well!” she said with a mischievous smile on her face.

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Carolyn adores her customers saying they're outstanding with winter birds flocking to the restaurant from Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan and all points north for their vacations. Carolyn’s vacation is the time she spends with family in the Florida Keys. “I’m the baiter. Everyone else fishes.” Carolyn isn’t political. “I’m not interested in running for any office.” She doesn’t belong to clubs, either. “No time. I used to love to bake, but with the exception of our desserts, I just don’t have the energy. I read, watch old movies, watch RFD TV and Rural TV, listen to the farm and market reports and listen to bluegrass music.” She also admits to liking classical music. “I’m too blessed to complain about anything,” she said as another grandson stopped by to give her a kiss and a hug. But it’s family that

Carolyn keeps returning to. “Everyone who knows our family — all sides of us — knows we listen to God and are obedient. We give a lot of hugs. That’s what keeps my mind and body active. It’s what makes me happy.” Does Carolyn ever get tired? Sure she does. That’s why she’s asleep before the chickens retire. “But as long as God wants us here at Crossroads, that’s where we’ll be. All the food, all our help, all our customers get prayed for. Every day. It’s my life and I love it!” Crossroads Restaurant is open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is located at 5050 N.E. 128th Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34974. Telephone: (863) 763-8333. Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on “Behind the Business Videos” to learn more about Crossroads Restaurant.

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July/August 2015 | 83

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Alexis’ Studio 13 Dance Academy 2827 SW 3rd Terrace Okeechobee, Fl. 34974

Tap • Jazz • Ballet Contemporary • Hip Hop Gymnastics Contact Alexis Ariail

904-386-9828

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July/August 2015 | 85

In The Kitchen With…

Jill Zabel Everyone can think of one food that, when you take a bite,

it brings you back to your childhood. For some it might be Grandma’s apple pie, for others, Mom’s lasagna, but for Jill Zabel it’s a Sicilian fig cookie, known as cuccidati, that takes her back into the kitchen as a child.

“I think it’s mostly nostalgic because the recipe is an old family tradition,” Zabel said. Zabel has fond memories of watching her father make her family’s fig cookie recipe that was carried down from her great-great-grandparents. She even remembers when they had

Cuccidati

(Italian Fig and Date Bar Cookies)

Crust: ¾ cup margarine ½ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs Rind of 1 orange

4 teaspoons orange juice 3 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling: 1 string of figs 8 ounces raisins 8 ounces brown sugar 1 pound walnuts 1 pound dates

1 orange 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 ounces whiskey ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1½ cups water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Crust: In a large bowl, cream together first 3 ingredients. Add orange juice and orange rind. In separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add to creamed mixture along with vanilla. Filling: Prepare several days ahead of time. In a food grinder, grind figs and raisins. In large saucepan, simmer raisins and figs with brown sugar and water for 15 minutes. Grind walnuts, dates and orange. Stir into hot mixture along with cinnamon, black pepper and whiskey. Remove from stove, mix well, cover and let mellow for 3 days. Roll dough into 3-inch-wide strips on pastry cloth. Lay filling down the center and wrap dough to form a long, sausage-like cookie. Roll back and forth until crust seems very thin. Cut on diagonal about every 1½ inches. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes. Cookies should be barely brown. Cool and then frost if desired. Note: This recipe makes enough filling for 2 batches of crust and can be divided and frozen for up to six months. Please visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com for a step-by-step video. 86 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Why advertise with us? Because if you're reading this ... there's a good chance your customers are too.

316 N.W. Fifth Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972 • Phone: 863.467.0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Professional document preparation without the high cost of an attorney. to use a hand grinder that they bolted to the table. “It was always the men in our family that made them,” she said. But Zabel took the reins when she was old enough and began making the tasty cookie herself. Over the years she has made slight adjustments to the old family recipe, putting her own special spin on it. She has even upgraded to an electric grinder, making the recipe a little less taxing.

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The fig cookies are a staple during the holidays in Zabel’s household, and they go fast, making it a must to triple the recipe. Zabel said that her son Chad has yet to carry on the tradition of making the cookies but hopes he will soon, especially now that he has two sons of his own: Logan, who’s 3, and Christopher, just born in the beginning of May. Until then, Zabel will continue making her favorite cookie so her grandchildren can enjoy a family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.

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July/August 2015 | 87

Peggy Carpenter-Brady

VP & Commercial Account Specialist

3960 SE 18th Terrace - Okeechobee, FL 34974

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A name you can trust. Abney Building & Consulting is Okeechobee’s hometown design, construction and consulting company. Known for delivering peace of mind and quality structures, we emphasize the need to consistently exceed our client’s expectations. This is our mission and our commitment to you.

Contact Wes Abney, President 863.532.9074 or abneybuild@gmail.com 210 NE 3rd Ave., Okeechobee

Commercial & Residential | Design | Construction | Consulting | CBC058152

A Plan is Essential to Protect Pets in Storm Season By Dr. Randall Mims, D.V.M.

With hurricane season upon us once again, it’s time to test our generators, ready the hurricane shutters and prepare for whatever nature might bring. We take precautions to make sure our loved ones are safe — but that should include our four-legged family. The key is having a plan before it may be too late to avoid losing your pets, so here are some tips to help you keep them safe in an emergency.

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COMPUTERS 88 | July/August 2015

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• Phone Systems • Cabling • Accessories

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Compile an evacuation kit for each pet that includes: a complete description, including species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing characteristics and photos; plus a copy of all veterinary records, including all vaccinations and the rabies certificate. If your pet is on any medications, be sure to have ample supply on hand. If an evacuation is ordered, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it's not safe for you to stay, it's not safe to leave pets behind. So, contact hotels and motels outside your area to check their rules on pets and any restrictions on size, number and species. Ask the

hotel if their “No Pets Allowed” policy can be waived in emergencies. Keep a list of phone numbers in your evacuation kit.

BERGER REAL ESTATE 425 SW Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 Philip Y. Berger

Or, ask friends and relatives outside the affected areas if they can shelter your animals. In a last resort, contact local veterinarians and kennels for availability. Remember, health/safety regulations do not let the Red Cross allow pets in disaster shelters, except for service animals. Be prepared for possible disruption of services for an extended time; lay in food and water for at least two weeks, and remember medications. Also, assemble a first-aid kit for your pets, with antibiotic ointment, bandages, liquid detergent to clean wounds and bandage tape.

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Our pets are important members of our family, and they give us 100 percent of their entire being 24/7/365. Give them the care and attention they deserve. Find more information online at www.floridapetfriendly.com/ pet-friendly-hurricane-shelters; www.floridadisaster.org/petplan; and http://www.okeechobeeeoc.com/ petspet_shelter.htm.

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July/August 2015 | 89

Cheryl Daniels

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Monday-Friday 9-5 | Saturday 9-3

Put down that hamburger, pick up your phone and run with it! Yes, you read that correctly. Personal fitness and technology are two of society’s leading interests in today’s world. If you put those two things together, you could have yourself a recipe for success. Lose It! is a free app offered for both Apple and Android products. The app allows users to enter their desired weight-loss goals, and through its easy-to-use interface, it tracks your daily calorie intake and exercise achievements. While data entry might sound about as exciting as running on a treadmill, the folks at FitNow have made it quite simple. They provide a database of common grocery-store items to choose from, along with popular restaurant meals’ nutritional facts, so you can stay on track whether you are eating in or dining out. If that doesn’t seem easy enough, the app also features a built-in barcode scanner to scan your grocery items that may not already be included in the database. This allows you to include that favorite honey dijon salad dressing you absolutely have to have.

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New Merchandise Every Week! 101 SW 3rd Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Okeechobee, FL 34974 Lose It! also allows you to enter your daily exercise routine. The app estimates the calories youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve burned for performing a specific exercise based on the information you have provided. The app balances your calories-to-exercise ratio, giving you more calories to work with to still meet your goals.

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Lose It! allows you to search recipes and share with other users. The app is compatible with other fitness technology such as Fitbit, Nike+ FuelBand and, now, the brand-new iWatch. When used on newer model iPhones, the app offers a daily step counter. With its simple interface, vast database of exercises and calorie content, this is the perfect app for anyone who has been struggling to meet his fitness goals.

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For All Of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website: www.AndersonRealtyCo.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 91

When only the best will do.

Brought to You By:

Local Whip-maker Wins State Folk Heritage Award

Photo courtesy of Florida Dept. of State

Around Okeechobee

Photo Courtesy of Sandra Pearce

On March 11, Okeechobee’s Buddy Mills was awarded the Florida Folk Heritage Award for his continuous contributions toward helping to preserve folk culture. Mills was recognized for being a talented Cracker whip-maker, a trade he learned from his father. Secretary of State Ken Detzner presented Mills with the prestigious award. “Florida Heritage Award winners are uniquely talented individuals who preserve and uphold our state’s traditions while making Florida a tremendous cultural destination," said Secretary Detzner.

CARE Award Goes to Plastic Surgery Center

From left: Economic Council Executive Director Tara Rowley and President John Williams with Dr. Aldo Lombardo and Wes Abney.

The Economic Council of Okeechobee 2015 CARE Award was presented to Dr. Aldo Lombardo, president of the Allure Institute for Plastic Surgery, and Wes Abney, general contractor, for their efforts to completely remodel the business located at 114 N. Parrott Ave. in Okeechobee. The CARE Award, or Community Award Recognizing Enhancement, honors businesses that improve the aesthetics and quality of life in Okeechobee.

Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings

Alexis Studio 13 Dance Academy

Simply Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant

TCMA Urgent Care

County Leaders Build Teams, Map Priorities

From left: Workshop facilitator Rodney Clouser with County Commissioners Bryant Culpepper, Frank Irby and Margaret Helton, County Administrator Robbie Chartier and Commissioner Terry Burroughs.

92 | July/August 2015

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The Okeechobee County Commission met for a midweek team-building and strategic-planning workshop at the Williamson Conference Center on May 6-7. Wednesday’s session began with a teamwork-building group activity for the commissioners, followed by a State of the County presentation by County Administrator Robbie Chartier and then presentations from key community stakeholders. The second day was spent recapping, categorizing and prioritizing the input received from the community the previous day.

Around Okeechobee

Brought to You By:

When only the best will do.

Main Street Mixers

Okeechobee Main Street members hosted mixers at their businesses.

Photo courtesy of One Blood

Pier II Boathouse

Scott Bush, FABB president, Raye Deusinger and Michael Rogers, One Blood vice president.

Blood Roundup Leader Honored as Champ

Silver Palms

Okeechobee The Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own Raye Deusinger was honored by the Florida Association of Blood Banks as the 2015 Blood Donor Chairperson of the Year. Deusinger started the Okeechobee Blood Roundup, one of the largest blood drives in Florida, in 2006 and has more than 60 volunteers who help organize the annual two-day event.

Photo courtesy of Tammi Kelly

Father-Daughter Dance

The B.R.A.T. Club Inc. threw its first Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, June 20, at the Okeechobee Freshman Campus. The night was filled with food, many games, crafts and lots of dancing. The dance was attended by 125 fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers who escorted daughters of all ages. Fathers played hungry hippo, musical chairs and even limbo along with the daughters. A great time was had by all, and lifetime memories were made. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

July/August 2015 | 93

List of Advertisers

What People Are Saying... Okeechobee The Magazine gives our community exactly what it needs — a metropolitan quality-type publication that still resonates Okeechobee's rich heritage and intimate community bond.

— Lori Mixon,

Mixon Real Estate Group

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Anderson Realty................................ 91

Highland Pest Control....................... 90

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Indian River State College................. 11

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Badcock Furniture............................. 67

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Silver Palms RV Resort...................... 12

Brown Cow Sweetery........................ 89 Buxton & Bass Funeral Home............ 89

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Simply Saigon Vietnamese Cuisine.... 71 Skull Hill Steel................................... 65

Carpenter Insurance.......................... 88

Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre........... 44

Sprint Communications....................... 7

Choice Automotive............................ 64

Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant........... 91

Staffords Salon.................................. 90 State Farm Insurance........................ 76

Clear Title & Legal Services................ 87

Receive 6 Issues of

Seacoast Bank................................... 17

Syfrett Feed....................................... 19

Country Feed..................................... 47

Main Street Salon.............................. 81

Cowboys............................................ 43

Mary Kay........................................... 85

CPA Tax Solutions.............................. 43

Melville Wealth Management of

Teez 2 Pleez...................................... 44

Crossroads Restaurant....................... 85

Raymond James................................ 42

The Pregnancy Center of

Custom Sights and Sounds................ 44

Mims Veterinary............................... 28

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Custom Window Treatments............ 26

Mixon Real Estate Group................... 77

The Okeechobee Community

Morgan's Furniture............................ 81

Theatre.............................................. 71 Tin Fish.............................................. 27

D4 Powersports................................. 76 Doctors Clinic Family Health Care...... 80

New Vision Eye Center...................... 83

Tire Zone........................................... 19

Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center......... 59

Northlake Veterinary Hospital........... 84

Toni’s Chic Boutique.......................... 47 Trinidad Garcia, M.D.......................... 76

Domer’s............................................ 72 OK Corral & Gun Club......................... 57

UBS Financial.................................... 25

Echols Plumbing & A/C...................... 72

Okeechobee Health Care................... 60

Edward Jones Investments................ 76

Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corp..... 47

Entegra Roof Tile................................. 6

Okeechobee Realty........................... 85

Visiting Nurse Association................. 20

Peace Lutheran School...................... 11

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Family Health and Wellness.............. 53

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Wemmer Family Orthodontics.......... 56

Florida Equipment and

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Women's Health Specialists.............. 62

Florida Outdoors RV.......................... 88

Pritchards & Associates..................... 61

Worley Construction......................... 55

Florida Public Utilities....................... 29

Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant................ 64

Enviro-Tech....................................... 15 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry.......... 39

Y0-Kee Frozen Yogurt........................ 87

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Join Us In Welcoming Okeechobee High School’s New Principal, Dylan Tedders

(863) 763-3154

3550 U.S. Highway 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974

www.GilbertChevrolet.com

The Tedders Family (L-R) Deven, Dana, Dylan and Jajuan.

"I want to thank Gilbert’s for supporting Brahman Academic and Athletic Programs. We are proud to be customers of the Gilbert Family of Companies!” - Dylan Tedders

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NEW and Pre-Owned Vehicles to Choose From!

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Serving the Okeechobee Area for over 90 Years!

Uh oh. WE’RE READY WHEN YOU NEED US. Being adventurous is part of being a kid. But that fearlessness can lead to the occasional injury. You can rest easy knowing that Raulerson Hospital is fully equipped to handle any emergency — big or small. Whether it’s a fall, fever or some other type of accident from just being a kid, they’ll be in good hands at Raulerson Hospital. Our expert ER staff and physicians are specially trained to treat adults and kids alike, offering:

• • • •

24/7 comprehensive emergency care Pediatric Advanced Life Support Pediatric specialty equipment Smiles and hugs!

To learn more or see average ER wait times visit RaulersonHospital.com. In an emergency dial 911.

OU R ER TREATS KI DS T OO!