The Lakelander | The Kids Issue 2015

THE KIDS ISSUE! 2015

LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG HEARTS / KIDS CREATE / ADVENTURES IN READING BOHO ON BELMAR / PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD / GET OUT AND PLAY

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THE LAKELANDER

A promise made is a promise kept.

For the last 100 years, we have honored traditions, planned for the future, and delivered healthcare you can count on.

We have stayed true to our promise to provide our community with the best care there is to offer.

Today, we are transforming healthcare and receiving national recognition. Our exceptional medical staff, nurses and team are inspired and ready to help make positive, lasting improvements in the health of those we serve.

To reflect that transformation, our name has changed to Lakeland Regional Health.

Together, our Promise is YOUR HEALTH. 863.687.1100 + myLRH.org

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THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

62 THE KIDS ISSUE! 2015

DEPARTMENTS 18 NOTE FROM THE EDITORS 20 EDITORIAL BIOS 24 PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS 106 EVENTS 110 OPENINGS 114 HISTORY

ON THE COVER The Lakelander invites you to swing into summer with the youthful expression of Lakeland’s kids. In this issue, we celebrate youth, play, and unabashed freedom of being a kid. This season, get messy with some watermelon, break out the sidewalk chalk, jump, swing, skip, and play!

We’ll see you outside this summer, Lakeland!

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THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHILANTHROPY 28 LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG HEARTS Lakeland’s kids give back

TASTE 40 PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

Creating memories in the kitchen

STYLE 52 BOHO ON BELMAR

Youthful artistic expression seamlessly merges with bohemian chic

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THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL FEATURES 62 GET OUT AND PLAY Two Lakelanders decide that outside beats inside every time

72 ADVENTURES IN READING The Lakelander’s summer list

SHELTER 82 KID’S SPACE

Inspiring rooms for growing minds

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CULTURE 94 KIDS CREATE The Lakelander’s art contest for kids

PEOPLE 100 THE WORLD COMES TO LAKELAND Lakelanders open their homes and hearts to students from around the globe

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CenterState Bank is a proud partner of Southeastern University. Go Fire!!

Angel Gonzalez, Vice President of Commercial Banking, and his wife Rosalie live in South Lakeland where they raise their daughter Aaliyah. Angel and his wife met for the first time as students at Southeastern University where they later got engaged. Angel and his family now attend Victory Church @ Lakeside Village. They are proud Lakelander’s and big advocates of all the great assets Lakeland has to offer.

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PUBLISHER Curt Patterson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Jason Jacobs, Brandon Patterson Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Curt Patterson; 863.409.2449 ADVERTISING SALES Jason Jacobs; 863.606.8785 ADVERTISING SALES Brandon Patterson; 863.409.2447

Editorial EDITOR, DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Alice V. Koehler EDITOR, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Tina Sargeant

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The Lakelander is published bimonthly by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 www.thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 Subscription Help: jason@pattersonpublishing.com “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

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EDITORIAL

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Alice V. Koehler

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THE LAKELANDER

Tina Sargeant

We were all kids once.

And we admit that we should remember it more often.

Kids are our better selves. They have big ideas and no fear of failure. They build and create with abandon, love without reservation, and give freely.

They make tomorrow brighter.

They remind us to be free, to play, to be good and to try our best.

They are curious and questioning, eager and funny!

They are love among us, bound with skin, but boundless in their generosity of that love.

So, this one’s for you, kiddos of Lakeland.

In this issue, we honor you and all you bring to our city and to this great big world.

Thank you for being awesome and for reminding us how important it is for grown-ups to climb trees, dance in the rain, ask questions, and love those around us no matter what.

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EDITORIAL BIOS ALICE V. KOEHLER Alice likes Legos, reading, playing in the sprinklers, and when her grandparents come to visit. She admires her big brother, Michael, and loves her baby sister, Sara. She is especially proud that at just six years old, her parents let her name her little sister after her best friend. She makes noise with the piano and the violin, tries her hand at dancing, and thinks she wants to be a ballerina/astronaut/maid when she grows up.

ABDIEL GONZALEZ Abdiel is a Hawaiian Island beach bum that loves the outdoors and wearing crazy prints, but not if it matches his younger brothers. He can often be found lying in the grass during recess, gazing up at the sky, daydreaming of one day going to Disneyland to meet his hero, Mickey Mouse. One of four boys, Abdiel is known as “Mom’s favorite” and always tells the “truth” especially if it leads to his brothers being put in time out. If Abdiel isn’t stashing Twinkies in his toy chest, he’s most likely outside playing and “not” getting dirty.

TARA CAMPBELL Tara likes drawing pictures of animals (horses are her favorite!) and reading books at nap time when she’s supposed to be sleeping. She spends most of her days riding her bike and catching lizards in the backyard with her brother Marc. When Tara grows up, she wants to be a teacher.

ADAM SPAFFORD My name is Adam. I like watching MacGyver. When I grow up, I’d like to write articles for a magazine.

CHRISTIAN LEE Christian loves the all-day summer visits to her grandmother’s cabin in Cave City, Arkansas. Catching fireflies, playing shuffleboard with her cousins in the backyard, and getting to stay up late playing Canasta is dreamy. Her favorite thing to do is explore Mississippi with her mom on Friday afternoons. She treasures an old washstand she bought from a general store in Natchez, Mississippi.

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JENN SMURR Hi, I’m Jennifer, but you can call me Jenni. Everyone else does! My parents say I have a speech impediment, or something.

When I grow up, I want to be a makeup girl and a doughnut girl, but for now I’ll just keep earning my Girl Scout badges. I love to dance, especially with Richard Simmons, and I love to eat! My favorite foods are broccoli and cheese, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and SUGAR (it’s a food group).

ABBY JARVIS Abby loves books and playing pretend, especially when it’s with her little sister, Dottie. Their favorite game to play is Knights, which involves a lot of battles fought with sticks from the backyard. Abby’s biggest fears are Daffy Duck and Ursula from The Little Mermaid, but her stuffed teddy bear keeps her safe. When she grows up, Abby wants to be either a ballerina or an archaeologist; she can’t decide which.

TAYLOR IRBY Hey, I’m Taylor! It doesn’t take too much to make me happy as long as I’m accessorized and got my red lipstick! I love playing softball and enjoying the beaches of my hometown, Charleston, South Carolina. You can find me at home playing my keyboard or making plans to improve my weekly lemonade stand. Want a cup? That’ll be 25 cents!

KRISTIN CROSBY Kristin is the oldest of three (soon to be four) kids. She most enjoys spending her time playing with Barbie dolls (Eric and Ariel are her favorites), singing, and watching movies. When she grows up, she wants to be the Little Mermaid so she can swim in the ocean and sing all day. Her favorite foods are stromboli, mozzarella sticks, “trees” (aka broccoli), and Reese’s pieces (like E.T. eats).

THE LAKELANDER

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KIDS ISSUE GUEST BIOS BRENNA STROSS Brenna Stross is a 13-year-old, lifelong Lakeland resident, who enjoys reading, writing, singing, and playing the guitar.

She loves to read works by Karen Kingsbury, J.K. Rowling, and Rick Riordan; her love of reading fuels her passion for writing. Brenna leads worship at Oasis Community Church’s youth group, and her music is inspired by her Christian upbringing. Brenna is a proud homeschooler and likes to live in the moment.

KALE ELMHORST Kale Elmhorst is a fourth-grader at South McKeel Elementary School. He enjoys many sports, but his favorites are tennis and basketball. Kale loves a good book and recently has been enjoying reading stories about World War I and II. He is also an avid gamer and loves to play Minecraft any chance he gets.

KELSEY ELMHORST Kelsey Elmhorst is a ninth-grader at McKeel Academy. She is a competitive swimmer (and has been since she was eight years old). Last year she was even on Lakeland Senior High School’s Varsity Swim Team. Her favorite stroke is the breaststroke. When not studying or swimming, she enjoys being active in her church’s youth group, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.

LANEY BLAIR Laney Blair is a freshman at Harrison School for the Arts, where she is studying and creating motion pictures. She is also a competitive synchronized swimmer for the Lakeland YMCA Flamingos, and volunteers with the Polk Senior Games and Lakeland Montessori Schools. Laney loves to write fan-fiction, play open-world RPG video games, listen to indie rock music, and drink Italian sodas at Mitchell’s Coffeehouse.

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THE LAKELANDER

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Company, Melanie McDaniel was looking for more than the conventional MBA. “Finding a program that blends creativity with traditional business acumen was paramount for me,” says McDaniel. “FSC takes that mix and adds an entrepreneurial lens—it’s the perfect program for my needs.” McDaniel was also drawn in by the program’s flexible 16-month schedule and AACSB accreditation; but, it was Florida Southern’s hands-on approach that has had the biggest impact. “The immediate applicability of the concepts in my day-to-day life has to be my most valuable take-away.”

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THE LAKELANDER

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PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS

TINA SARGEANT Tina Meitzler (Sargeant) is one of four kids and spends her days covering her tracks after playing in her older sister’s things.

All she wants in life is to have hair as long as Crystal Gayle and to play barefoot in the neighborhood, but her mom always makes her wear shoes. She loves to read, play Nintendo, and is pretty sure she sings exactly like Ariel.

JASON STEPHENS Jason likes to spend his day outside shooting his Red Ryder BB gun, riding his bike to the lake to swim and fish, and exploring the other 40 acres of undeveloped land in his neighborhood. He also likes water sports, baseball, and skateboarding.

When he grows up, he wants to be an MLB pitcher.

TIFFANI JONES I like to draw. Drawing is my favorite. The only class I enjoy at school is art. I dance to Debbie Gibson’s “Electric Youth” daily in front of my bedroom mirror. My mom calls me “Taz,” short for Tasmanian Devil, because I can mess up my room so quickly. Squirrel! (Yes, I was an ADD kid.)

JORDAN WEILAND My name is Jordan, and my favorite subject is art. I’m embarrassingly shy and pretty much don’t talk in public. I like to help take care of my little brother, and I have to be home every day at 3:30 p.m. to watch Scooby Doo. I also love my Cabbage Patch dolls and my E.T. sweatshirt. My favorite food is mac ’n’ cheese, and when I grow up, I want to be an Olympic gymnast.

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THE LAKELANDER

To our Believing in Girls sponsors and guests, for supporting PACE Center for Girls!

thank you

Your support changes lives.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

SIGNATURE SPONSOR

FRIENDS OF PACE SunTrust Foundation Action Home Care Regal Automotive Group Valenti Campbell Trohn Tamayo & Aranda, PA MidFlorida Credit Union PACE Center for Girls is a Florida based non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.

101 West Main Street Lakeland, FL 33805 863.688.5596 • www.pacecenter.org/Polk THE LAKELANDER

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Here in the Patterson family, we love our kids and we love Lakeland! Not only has it been a great place to raise our own kids, but it has been a place our kids have fallen in love with and returned to, to raise their own families. As we near The Lakelander’s third anniversary, and as our Patterson family continues to grow, we felt it timely to dedicate a special issue for kids. Since our family has made more memories here with our kids and grandchildren than can be listed, we want to make sure your families also discover and treasure all this city has to offer. With this special issue we wish to celebrate the joy of kids and raising families in Lakeland!

Curt and Debra Patterson Jason and Sasha Jacobs kids: Lillian (9) Copeland (7) London (4) Nathan and Lauren Patterson kids: Lucas (7) Riley (5) Â Embry (3) Annie (1) Brandon and Meleia Patterson kids: Alania (2) Maclaren (1) Â

THE LAKELANDER

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PHILANTHROPY

LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG HEARTS Lakeland’s kids give back intro by Tara Campbell photography by Jason Stephens

C

hildren are so special. In my work with children over the years, I have been continuously blown away by their creativity and how they care for each other.

As adults, we often try to teach kids that helping others is an imperative; it’s the right thing to do. But, in the end, it’s really the kids who teach us.

Kids see the world and its problems with pure hearts. They aren’t weighed down by the details, logistics, and problems that adults get lost in. They see a need, and they work to meet it. To kids, the world is that simple. Kids — you teach us and inspire us to be more like you.

Here, we meet three Lakleanders, all under the age of 10, who have been inspired to help the world. Their creative and selfless approaches to humanity and hearts for the world are to be admired by people of all ages.

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THE LAKELANDER

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MEET ELEANOR AND AURORA MUNDELL The Lakelander: Hi, girls! It’s nice to meet you. Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

Eleanor: Hi, my name is Eleanor and I like playing. It’s so much fun playing with my mom. I like to play dinosaurs. I also like to play dress-up, do crafts, and feed the ducks at Lake Morton.

When I grow up I want to be a dinosaur and a doughnut baker. I’m six years old and I just finished kindergarten.

Aurora: Hello, I’m Aurora. I’m eight years old and I just finished second grade. My most favorite things to do are ballet and art. My other most favorite thing is to travel. The best place I’ve ever been to is Haiti. I’ve been twice. The next place I want to travel is Africa and then New York City.

My favorite part of Lakeland is Mitchell’s. I’m sitting here right now! (laughs) TL: I hear you have some stories about giving back. I’d love to hear more about that.

Eleanor: For my birthday parties, I collect food for hungry kids in our area. I don’t need more presents, but kids do need more food. My mommy taught me that some kids don’t have things to eat and they might only have a little, and it makes me feel sad. She also said that when we feel sad we can change something. When I learned that kids don’t all have food, I decided that I wanted to help more than just at my birthday. Since I want to be a baker when I’m a grown-up, I decided to start now. I have my own doughnut cart called Do Good Doughnut Cart. My dad built my cart, and my godmother, Mrs. Kim, painted it for me. I make doughnuts and sell them to raise money for hungry kids. Every time I sell a doughnut I give that money to local organizations that are helping feed hungry kids, like Kids Pack and Carver Village of Hope in Bartow. I hope lots of people buy my doughnuts so I have lots of money to feed hungry kids. Kids shouldn’t be hungry.

When I go help at Carver I feel good, and it makes me want to help more and more and more and more! When I got to see the Kids Pack office it was the most specialist birthday gift ever because I knew my birthday was helping kids eat.

Aurora: My favorite way I’ve given to others is through my small business Shop Aurorable. I got the name Aurorable from camp one year. It’s like adorable but it’s Aurorable. (laughs) My dad and mom built me a stand out of pallets and I learned how to finger-crochet jewelry. I also made bookmarks and other small things. I sold my items online and at the Farmer’s Market, and with the money I raised I bought Bibles for people at a school in Haiti that did have not their own Bibles yet. I also bought and collected socks and shoes because most of the kids in Haiti don’t have socks and shoes like me, and they have to walk really far to collect water and go to school. Instead of collecting gifts at my birthdays, we do parties with a purpose, and us kids get to pick who we are giving our gifts to. I picked shoes and socks for Haiti. My dad went to Haiti with CPI Haiti

t AURORA MUNDELL

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t ELEANOR MUNDELL

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when I was four, and ever since then I wanted to go with him. So then after I collected everything I got to go to Haiti with my dad and pass out all of the things I brought.

It felt really good to help other kids. I was not afraid to go to Haiti because people and places are the same. We just look a little different and talk a little different. I got to walk to the water source. I couldn’t believe kids my age have to walk like two hours for water and school. The walk to the water source made me feel sad for my friends in Haiti. I’m glad I got to bring them shoes and socks. They were so excited and joyful.

When I went back to Haiti one year later, I saw a lot of the same shoes and socks. I want to keep helping bring people joy. I wish they did not have to walk so far.

TL: What (or who) inspires you to give back?

Eleanor: My mom taught me how to give back to others. I love her so much, and she is my favorite mom. When you start giving to others it makes you feel good and you want to keep doing it, and you keep feeling good and helping other people to feel good.

Aurora: My mom inspires me to give back because she is kind. She has shown me how to be kind and that other people are important. She tells me that I can change the world, and I believe her. Reading about missionaries like Amy Carmichael also inspires me. And Katie Davis in Uganda. She’s one of my heroes.

TL: Why is giving back important to you?

Eleanor: Giving back is important to me because it’s good to help other people. Jesus gives to other people, so I should, too.

Aurora: Giving back is important to me because when I help others it makes me feel happy, and it makes others feel happy and it tells people that I love them with using more than my words. It’s like loving people and showing them you really mean it, and I think we should love people.

TL: Does your family volunteer together? If so, how does volunteering with your family make you feel?

Aurora and Eleanor: Yes we love to volunteer together. We have the most fun when we are loving on other people.

Aurora: When we volunteer it’s like we are changing the world together.

Kids see a need, and they work to meet it. To kids, the world is that simple.

TL: What do you look forward to in your future?

Eleanor: I look forward to selling lots of doughnuts and learning new recipes and going to Dinosaur World.

TL: If you could make one rule for everyone in the world to follow, what would it be?

Eleanor: To be nice, because when people are bullies it makes people feel really, really bad.

Aurora: I look forward to starting the Kind Kids Club where kids come together to learn about being kind and then go out and do it. I also look forward to traveling the world to help other kids.

Aurora: My one rule would be that everyone should help someone because then we would all be taken care of.

TL: What cause is important to you?

Eleanor: Hunger is important to me. I want to grow up and make sure every kid has food.

Aurora: Helping kids know about the love of Jesus and showing it to them with my actions. I want to help kids who are in poverty and be their friend.

TL: If you could give one gift to every kid in the whole world, what would you choose to give?

Eleanor: Food, because no one should be hungry.

Everyone should just have food.

Aurora: A good family and good friends, because then everyone would have a helper, and my family and friends make me feel good when I’m down.

TL: If you were a teacher in a classroom and your students wouldn’t pay attention, how would you get them to?

Eleanor: If I was a teacher, I would tell all of my kids in the classroom to pay attention so we can have cake after class. If they still didn’t pay attention I would have a lot of cake.

probably be learning new things and then when you get older you know the things you learned.

TL: What’s the best thing about being a grown-up?

Eleanor: The best thing about being a grown-up is picking whatever place you want to go to, and going on dates like my mom and dad.

Aurora: The best thing about being a grown-up is once you’re all grown up you know a lot of things and you can teach other people. Like, for example, I could teach more art after I learn more art. Also drinking coffee all day. All of the grown-ups I know drink coffee all day. (laughs)

Aurora: If kids in my class weren’t paying attention, I would say we need to do more art, because when I do art at school it helps me pay attention.

TL: Thank you for spending time with us. You are certainly special kids! Is there anything else you want to share?

Eleanor: Even if you’re six like me you can still change the world. Kids are not too small to do things for other people!

TL: What’s the best thing about being a kid?

Eleanor: The best thing about being a kid is playing on the playground and getting messy!

Aurora: I would say to other kids who want to make a difference that it starts with being kind, and then we can change the world together!

Aurora: The best thing about being a kid would THE LAKELANDER

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MEET ELEA CORRIGAN TL: Hi, Elea! It’s nice to meet you. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Elea: My name is Elea. I am [seven years old] in first grade, and I love when my mom teaches science, especially the seed bomb.

I can’t wait until it germinates. (Oh, I forgot to throw it outside because it rained the other day.) I like dolphins and sunsets and baby swans; they are the most beautiful things. And I like when my mom cooks rice and adobo.

TL: I hear you have a story to tell us about giving back. I’d love to hear more about it.

Elea: For my birthday, February 14th, my mom asked me what I wanted to do. I wanted to do three things: spend time with my mom, see some animals, and use all of my birthday money to buy stuff to give to Lighthouse [Ministries]. The day before my birthday, my mom gave me $50 and some coupons and we went to Publix. I looked for the BOGO items and wrote down everything I picked so I could make sure not to spend more than my budget. I spent $45.96. Then, we drove to Lighthouse and gave the groceries away. A couple ladies, Ms. Billie and Ms. Sara, invited us upstairs to see where the children get to play after school. There was a beautiful painting up there. Then, they took a picture of me with my sister.

TL: Who or what inspires you to give back?

Elea: My mom. And, God, too. When I see people who need help, they also inspire me to give back. I want to help make them happy, too.

TL: Why is giving back important to you?

Elea: Because I love God and I want to do what is right.

TL: Does your family volunteer together?

Elea: Yes. We snap peas together for VISTE to make meals for older people. I remember going to deliver meals, too. Oh, and we help out at the Christmas Store [for Parker Street Ministries].

TL: What do you look forward to in the future?

Elea: Um, happy people! Looking at happy people. And I want to see lots of trees.

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TL: If you could give one gift to every kid in the whole world, what would it be?

Elea: I would like to give them life. I want to help them. I want people to be happy, to have food to eat and clothes to wear.

TL: If you could make one rule for everyone in the world to follow, what would it be?

Elea: We need to help every living thing.

TL: If you were a teacher in a classroom and your students wouldn’t pay attention, how would you get them to?

Elea: I would say, “How would you like to sit out of this lesson?”

And, then come back when everybody is having play time. If they are not really paying attention to something, then they wouldn’t really learn. Unless they would like to play outside, and that is a privilege — having to play. So, they need to make a choice. If they want to play outside, they need to pay attention to the lesson.

TL: What’s the best thing about being a kid?

Elea: When my mom lets me have candy! (laughs) Oh, no, cuddling with my mom is the best thing about being a kid.

TL: What’s the best thing about being a grown-up?

Elea: I’m not a grown-up. I don’t know anything about being a grown-up. But, if I have to guess, it would be cuddling with your child. That’s my favorite thing.

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TASTE

Creating memories in the kitchen

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THE LAKELANDER

written by Brenna Stross styled and directed by Jenn Smurr recipes submitted by Jenn Smurr photography by Penny & Finn

Many of us grew up being told not to play with our food. Playing with my food wasn’t very appealing to me, though. (I was a weird kid.) I did think that pouring milk into my oatmeal and making mountains out of it would be a fun thing to do, until I did just that. I haven’t played with my food since. But I have always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with my mom, “playing with my food” but more in an exploratory way.

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Kids enjoy experimenting with different tastes, textures, aromas, and colors. The early years spent in the kitchen with my mom encouraged me to be a food explorer. I love trying new foods. The Lakeland Food Truck Rally is something I really enjoy each month.

I’m able to experience foods from all over the place while staying right in my own backyard.

I was recently invited into the kitchen with Jenn Smurr — The Lakelander’s Taste editor and owner of Born & Bread Bakehouse — where she was assisting a group of kids in making pizza.

While observing the kids making their pizzas, I was surprised that a full-fledged food war didn’t break out! And, while I was disappointed that there were no gummy worms or flying dough in Jenn’s hair, I’m sure their parents were not. I was expecting something similar to the food war in the movie Hook. In that scene, it’s not just your typical food fight; it’s the Lost Boys’ faces that make it the best scene in the movie.

The looks on their faces when Peter throws food with, and at, them are pure bliss. Those were the faces the kids making the pizzas wore, and they wore them well.

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Jenn coached them through gently stretching their pizza dough, spreading their sauce evenly, and adding toppings as they desired.

Round one was “normal pizza” with typical toppings of pepperoni and cheese, which made me keenly aware of my hunger and my deep love of pizza. No, seriously, I am in love with pizza.

Round two was kind of a free-for-all with all candy toppings of their choosing: chocolate, gummy worms, apples, frosting, and

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marshmallows — every kid’s dream and every mom’s nightmare. No one lacked creativity in their taste combinations and color schemes.

The kitchen carried a fragrance of pizza crust, s’mores, and cotton candy. There was quite a bit of laughter as Jenn pulled the pizzas from the oven revealing the gooey and vibrant concoctions that would make Willy Wonka proud and make the Lost Boys scream “Bangarang!” in approval.

While I was disappointed that there wasn’t any flying dough or gummy worms in Jenn’s hair, I’m sure their parents were not. I was expecting something similar to the food war in the movie

We would like to thank the following kids for being in this special edition of The Lakelander!

Josh and Addie Eich Zachary, Eli, and Kate Lindsey

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THE LAKELANDER

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The kitchen carried a fragrance of pizza crust, s’mores, and cotton candy.

While there were lots of laughs from the Dukes and Duchesses of Awesomeness — which is what the group of young cooks dubbed themselves — and quite a mess to clean, a lot of memories were made and a fun time I don’t think any of us will soon forget.

Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, says “Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking.

It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.” So, get in the kitchen with your people and create food, but more importantly, create memories. Create memories that will make your heart say “Bangarang!”

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RECIPES

ALTON BROWN’S PIZZA DOUGH

This is Jenn’s favorite pizza dough. She says: A couple of years ago I became obsessed with pizza and its dough. Blame it on Pizzeria Delfina in San Fran. When you have something so tasty from the other side of the country you feel inspired to give it a go! So, I searched for the “perfect” home oven recipe, and this is one of my favorites.

In my opinion, the dough has the best flavor after it’s been in the fridge for two days. (I know, I know! TWO DAYS!? It’s a good practice in patience.) Have fun with unusual toppings or stay traditional. As you see from the photos, gummy worms, caramel sauce, and marshmallows are not recommended.

2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon pure olive oil 3/4 cup warm water 2 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon instant yeast 2 teaspoons olive oil olive oil, for the pizza crust flour, for dusting the pizza peel Place the sugar, salt, olive oil, water, one cup of flour, yeast, and remaining cup of flour into a standing mixer’s work bowl. Using the paddle attachment, start the mixer on low and mix until the dough just comes together, forming a ball. Lube the hook attachment with cooking spray. Attach the hook to the mixer and knead for 15 minutes on medium speed.

Tear off a small piece of dough and flatten into a disc. Stretch the dough until thin. Hold it up to the light and look to see if the baker’s windowpane, or taut membrane, has formed. If the dough tears before it forms, knead the dough for an additional five to 10 minutes.

Roll the pizza dough into a smooth ball on the countertop. Place into a stainless steel or glass bowl. Add two teaspoons of olive oil to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours.

Place the pizza stone or tile onto the bottom of a cold oven and turn the oven to its highest temperature, about 500 degrees F. If the oven has coils on the oven floor, place the tile onto the lowest rack of the oven. Split the pizza dough into two equal parts using a knife or a dough scraper.

Flatten into a disk onto the countertop, and then fold the dough into a ball.

Wet hands barely with water and rub them onto the countertop to dampen the surface. Roll the dough on the surface until it tightens. Cover one ball with a tea towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Repeat the steps with the other piece of dough. If not baking the remaining pizza immediately, spray the inside of a zip-top bag with cooking spray and place the dough ball into the bag. Refrigerate for up to six days.

Sprinkle the flour onto the peel and place the dough onto the peel. Using your hands, form a lip around the edges of the pizza. Stretch the dough into a round disc, rotating after each stretch. Toss the dough in the air if you dare. Shake the pizza on the peel to be sure that it will slide onto the pizza stone or tile. (Dress and bake the pizza immediately for a crisp crust, or rest the dough for 30 minutes if you want a chewy texture.)

Brush the rim of the pizza with olive oil. Spread the pizza sauce evenly onto the pizza. Sprinkle the herbs onto the pizza and top with the cheese.

Slide the pizza onto the tile and bake for seven minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for three minutes before slicing.

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©Disney

JUNE 19-21, 2015 LAKELAND COMMUNITY THEATRE 863 603 PLAY (7529) • lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

BROADWAY DANCE MINI-CAMP Our most popular camp! This 3-day camp offers dance training specifically for musical theatre. Learn routines to popular Broadway shows without any prior experience!

Ages 6 & up June • 22nd – 24th • 9 am to 4 pm $150 Tuition • Showcase Performance at 4pm June 24th

A SHOW IN

2 WEEKS! Ages 7 – 17 • July 27 – August 7th 9 am to 4 pm • $350 Tuition Public Performance August 8th

Always wanted to be cast in a Broadway show? From set design to curtain call, you’ll be involved in a production on our stage. Everyone is guaranteed a role! This year’s production is the Snow Queen. “A magical, wintry wonderland awaits in this charming children’s show, closely adapted from the same Hans Christian Andersen tale as Disney’s Frozen.”

Central Florida’s

Big

RECIPES

JENN’S FAVORITE PIZZA SAUCE

28-ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes (these tomatoes are naturally sweeter and less acidic than others) 1/2 teaspoon salt *a pinch of garlic powder *a pinch of crushed red pepper *optional

Add all ingredients to a bowl, stir, and then crush tomatoes with a potato masher or large fork. That simple. So tasty.

JENN’S FAVORITE TOPPINGS

Cheese pizza: Good mozzarella. I even like Polly-O! Whatever brand you choose, buy a block and grate it yourself.

Freshly grated cheese is always worth your time.

BBQ chicken pizza: Prepared BBQ’d chicken, mozzarella cheese, sliced red onions, cilantro, chopped tomatoes Carbonara pizza: Pancetta, green onions, fresh romano cheese, a little heavy cream, and an egg (put on a few minutes before the pizza is finished).

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STYLE

ON BELMAR

Youthful artistic expression seamlessly merges with bohemian chic

written by Taylor Irby photography by Tiffani Jones wardrobe styled by Taylor Irby set design and styling by Lisa Malott props and furniture from Wish Vintage Rentals hair and makeup by Alyssa Yoder of Moxie Salon and Dayspa potted plants from The Green House Garden Store

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W

elcome to a world of uninhibited impulse, bold and colorful patterns of behavior, and a strong sense of self-expression and whimsy. Let’s explore a world where bohemian influence and youthful inhibition collide. Surrounded by a climate of varying hues, textures, and patterns, the essence of true bohemian style has never been more effectively embraced than by that of a child. Unconventional in all its ways, the bohemian style in its definition lends itself to open hands fueled by the imagination and creative energy of children.

This summer, allow your little ones the liberation of choosing their favorite separates and accessories while undergirding their choices with solid essentials such as a classic pair of denim shorts, an Oxford shirt, or a linen dress. Let’s slip on some sandals (or ditch the shoes altogether!), and take a walk down Belmar Street as we discover the depths of youthful artistic expression in Lakelander fashion.

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KEIRA

(BMG Models)

striped blouse Nordstrom jean shorts Ross head scarf “Flamingo Tracks” East of These bangles Simple Vintage/ Scout &Tag

SOVANNI denim dress DKNY script Oxford Old Navy bangles Simple Vintage/Scout &Tag infinity scarf “Birds of a Feather” East of These

INSLEE harem pants model’s own embellished tank T.J.Maxx blazer H&M

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Sho wn)

ANDERSON Oxford Janie and Jack

SIMON wave print top Gap Kids

jean shorts Levi’s

denim shorts Gap Kids

shoes Naturino

tennis shoes Old Navy

bow tie “Munn” East of These

SORIYA suspender dress TOTM kids button-down tank top Crazy 8 sandals Baby Gap bow tie “Mr. Morton” East of These

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ISIAH button-down shirt Old Navy faded jeans Ross infinity scarf “Ruby Ridge” East of These

Handmade accessories with a heart for the “least of these” A portion of all our sales goes directly to orphan care ministry across the globe.

headband

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SOVANNI

INSLEE

KEIRA

dress H&M

dress Marshall’s

dress Gap Kids

sandals Ross

boots Skechers

copper headband East of These

leather bow headband East of These

scarf “Chato” East of These

bangles Simple Vintage/Scout & Tag

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sandals Ross

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SPECIAL FEATURE

intro by Alice V. Koehler • stories by Kale and Kelsey Elmhorst • photography by Jordan Weiland

Lakeland’s fresh air and sunshine provide endless opportunities for happy days — for both parents and kids. Sweaty and smelly, out of breath, and filled with laughter, playing outside is an automatic elixir for a bad mood, a worn-out brain, and a tired spirit. Dirty feet and happy souls make for some of the best creative moments and childhood memories. So, this summer, abandon your video games and get outside! Climb a tree, grab a hula hoop and a friend, build a fort, draw on the sidewalk, blow some bubbles, and play!

Here, two Lakeland kids, Kale and Kelsey Elmhorst, recount fond memories of playing outside.

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KALE ELMHORST One day I was playing Minecraft, and my mom said, “Go out and get some exercise.” Lucky for me, at that same time the doorbell rang. “What a coincidence,” I grumbled. It was my friend Grandon.

“Can you come to Will’s house?” he mumbled, because he was so tired from running around the neighborhood gathering all the boys. “Yes,” I said. When I arrived at Will’s house, I asked Nate, “Are we playing Matrix Whiffleball?” “Yeah,” he said. The rules are very similar to baseball, but in Matrix Whiffleball if the ball hits a bush, tree, anything except the ground, and you catch it, the person who hit the ball is out.

Grandon was the pitcher on this day. First up to bat was Nate. He hit a double to the left. Next went Will, and it was a single to the middle. Next, it was my turn. Personally, I’m not a heavy hitter, but I am pretty fast. I ended up hitting a single to the right and avoided a peg from David. Nate ran to home base, and the score was 1-0. Nate was up at bat again. He struck out. Now, there are two outs remaining. Will hits a single and narrowly misses a peg from Cole. Now it is my turn again and it is a homerun, and the score is 3-0. How did I do that? I thought. Nate is up again, and it is another homerun, 4-0. Will is at bat, and it is a Matrix out. The ball hit the bushes and didn’t hit the ground, and Cole retrieved it. Nate and I both hit a double, and the first-inning score was 5-0.

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THIS SUMMER, ABANDON YOUR VIDEO GAMES AND GET OUTSIDE! CLIMB A TREE, GRAB A HULA HOOP AND A FRIEND, BUILD A FORT, DRAW ON THE SIDEWALK, BLOW SOME BUBBLES, AND PLAY!

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Building a legacy that promises her what she deserves requires foresight to anticipate and seize opportunities, all while managing risks and avoiding obstacles. It means having an experienced advisor on your side that knows how to help you create and follow a plan that leads to fruition. There are many routes to the future, but she’s counting on you to take the right one.

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KELSEY ELMHORST As a kid, I have very fond memories of playing in the woods behind my house. Many of my friends and I would go exploring to find new things. From discovering the unknown to adventuring into the orange groves, we had so many amazing memories I will never forget.

One of the greatest memories of my childhood was when some of the neighborhood kids and I built a fort. While the neighborhood boys collected wood planks and tools, the girls scoped out the perfect spot, behind a friend’s house. Once we found it, we had to start building our fort. It was a flat area in the woods with lots of shade. There was a crooked tree with a branch hanging horizontally at around five feet. The boys started to lean the wood up against the hanging branch. In the meantime, the girls made mud to replace the glue we didn’t have. This would keep the wood stuck together and the water out; at least that’s what we thought.

Eventually we had one “wall” up, and we planned on keeping the other side open. Some of the boys decided we needed seating, so they made a couple of benches. My friends and I searched farther into the forest to find the other supplies we needed. We found glass cups and jars, and even parts of our old neighborhood sign. We leaned the sign up against our fort. We were so proud! Altogether there were around nine kids from the ages of seven to 12, who spent weekend after weekend creating, making, and cleaning this masterpiece we called our fort. It was a great experience that I will never forget and always cherish.

We would like to thank the following kids for being in this special edition of The Lakelander!

Madeline Kiley Abby and Jack Koehler Jonah and Jeremiah McGuire Caedmon, Rakiyah, and Stephan O’Brien Bella and Sophia Rippy Everett and Orion Smith Vienne and Anthem Sargeant Autumn Weiland

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LAKELANDER SCAVENGER HUNT created by Laney Blair Take pictures of yourself doing these 10 things across Lakeland. Feel free to include your family and friends as well. Then, have your parents share the pictures individually or as a collage on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #lakelanderscavengerhunt.

Each photo is worth five points. Be the first to earn 50 points, and you’ll win a very special summer-fun prize from The Lakelander.

Answers will be posted online at thelakelander.com and on our Facebook page on June 27th. Good luck, and have fun!

1. L akeland has 38 named lakes. This is the largest of them all. It’s also a popular place for catching largemouth bass. Get your picture acting like a fish in front of it.

2. T his park was the first “inclusive” park in Polk County. That means children with disabilities can easily play along with children without. Get a picture posing upside-down.

3. T his entertainment venue includes arcade games, a ball pit, and a mini golf area, as well as laser tag and a laser maze. Take a picture with the kids painted on the wall outside.

4. T his theatre was built in 1928. Most of the Italian renaissance-style architecture looks the same as it did when it was first built thanks to restorations in the 1980s. Since Elvis once performed here, take a picture by the ticket booth posing like this megastar.

5. I f Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol came to Lakeland, they’d probably like to visit this place first. If you work on your art skills, you could even be featured here someday. Take a picture giving a high-five to the painted hands in the middle of this place’s parking lot.

6. T his reserve has the most impressive bird population in Lakeland. Alligators are often seen blocking the walking paths. While it used to be a cattle ranch, in 2005 it was restored to its natural state as a freshwater marsh. Be brave, go for a walk, and take a picture with the coolest bird you see.

7. At this museum you can see one-of-a-kind and antique aircraft, some of which are over a hundred years old! Get a picture with the red, white, and blue statue by the gate.

8. I f you want a celebratory treat fit for a giant, don’t worry about climbing a bean stalk. Just look at the top of this tower! When you take this picture, smile like it’s your birthday, and this treat is all for you.

9. N o, it’s not a magic trick! At this field, tigers really do play together and are even said to fly. At one time, 8,500 people can pay to watch these special tigers do their thing. Get a picture pretending to play ball out front.

10. If you want to go out to watch your favorite heroes battle or an adventurer look for lost treasure, relax outside in front of this location’s big screens. Stand in front of its 63-year-old neon sign, and take a picture like you’re walking down the red carpet.

BONUS ROUND Lakeland has a rich history displaying art sculptures around the city. As you’re looking for the answers to the clues above, earn two extra points for each of these sculptures that you take a photo with: • one butterfly sculpture • one swan sculpture • one statue of a child • one sculpture of another animal • The Spirit of Volunteerism sculpture ANSWERS WILL BE POSTED ONLINE AT THELAKELANDER.COM AND ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ON JUNE 27TH.

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2015 HOME SCHEDULE Sep 5

Faulkner University

7:00 PM

Sep 19

Concordia (Ala.)

7:00 PM

Oct 10

Virginia University-Lynchburg

7:00 PM

Oct 17

Ave Maria University

7:00 PM

Oct 31

Webber International University

7:00 PM

Nov 14

Central International University

7:00 PM

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The Lakelander’s summer list 72

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written by Alice V. Koehler photography by Tina Sargeant set styling by Christy Sallee Books have long been a window to places unknown, worlds unseen, and dreams yet to be realized. They offer an escape from reality and a respite from the hot summer days. Turning the pages of a good story allows the mind to wander and makes room for new ideas.

It’s fun to notice how a story can become more colorful when you read it in an unlikely place. Instead of on your couch, try sitting under a tree, book clutched in hand. Laying in the grass, white fluffy clouds above, watch the scenes vividly unfold in your mind’s eye. In a fort made of blankets, a cozy reading nook, or a good old-fashioned tee-pee, the characters will easily become your friends.

Childhood is full of nooks and crannies perfect for reading an old favorite or a new discovery. This summer, open a book, find a fun spot, and get lost in a story.

Here, The Lakelander’s editors share their childhood favorites. Make this your summer reading list, and enjoy a new adventure!

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ABDIEL GONZALEZ Style Editor Elementary: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak Middle: Chain Letter by Christopher Pike High: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

TINA SARGEANT Editor - Director of Photography Elementary: The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey Middle: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery High: The Chosen by Chaim Potok

ABBY JARVIS Culture Editor Elementary: The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket Middle: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein High: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

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AT THE Y...WE HAVE A CAMP FOR THAT! 2015 CAMP OPTIONS: Day Camp (South Lakeland) with Adventure Add-ons including archery, fishing, music classes, and more!

Aquatics Camps Day Camp (North Lakeland) with Adventure Add-ons & Morning Specialty Classes Day Golf Camps (YMCA Par 3 Location) Sports Camp Gymnastics Camp

CAMP LOCATIONS: Lakeland Family YMCA (South Lakeland) 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd.

863-644-3528 Fontaine Gills Family YMCA (North Lakeland) 2125 Sleepy Hill Road 863-859-7769 YMCA Par 3, Home of The First Tee of Lakeland 1740 George Jenkins Blvd.

863-577-0236 www.ymcawcf.org

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willowcreek.com/summit SUMMER CAMP!

June 8 - August 14 Ages 4-6 & 6-12 Call today for pricing & details!

EARLY REGISTR ATION ENDS MAY 19

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Downtown Lakeland • 863.687.3869 • explorationsv.com

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ALICE KOEHLER Editor - Director of Content Elementary: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll Middle: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupĂŠry High: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

TARA CAMPBELL Philanthropy Editor Elementary: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Middle: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott High: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

BRANDON PATTERSON Associate Publisher Elementary: One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss Middle: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl High: Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

KRISTIN CROSBY Administrative Assistant Elementary: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Middle: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi High: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

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We would like to thank the following kids for being in this special edition of The Lakelander!

Alex and Andrew Cruz Maggie, Charlotte, and Rorie Plating Emma Sallee

ADAM SPAFFORD People Editor Elementary: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot Middle: The Call of the Wild by Jack London High: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

CHRISTIAN LEE Shelter Editor Elementary: Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish Middle: Say Goodnight, Gracie! by George Burns High: As You Like It by William Shakespeare

JENN SMURR Taste Editor Elementary: I Wish That I Had Duck Feet by Dr. Seuss Middle: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee High: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 80

THE LAKELANDER

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Disney World Magic Kingdom National TV Commercial.

Lowes National TV Commercial Principal Role $1,000.00 a Day.

Appearing in the National TV Series The Middle on ABC.

Drone 23rd Company Lakeland Air Show Promotional Event Principal Role.

National TV Show Graceland SWAT Team Member, LA Voz TV Show

Shell Oil Lakeland Air Show Promotional Event Principal Role.

Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort National TV Commercial.

Universal Studios National TV Commercial.

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SHELTER

KID’S SPACE INSPIRING ROOMS FOR GROWING MINDS story by Christian Lee photography by Michael Nielsen

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Living spaces, especially bedrooms, provide endless opportunity for vibrant expression. Children’s rooms are no different, and with the beat of children’s unfiltered opinions, creating a living space can be an exciting adventure. Kids make bold, independent choices that parents, when left to their own devices, might be reluctant to make. If grown-ups listen closely, however, kids will surprise and delight with refined and open-minded perspectives. A child’s bedroom is an important expression of self.

Parents often vacillate between conflicting needs. On one hand, we want you, our kids, to stay young and innocent, oblivious to the world outside of the one we create for you. On the other hand, we want to provide you with the tools and skills necessary to become productive, healthy, contributing grown-ups capable of fielding whatever life throws your way. This tension seems to find its way into every aspect of your lives: friends, fashion choices, social life, and, of course, your living spaces.

When young folks (or the young-at-heart) are building a living space, it’s important to keep several things in mind: • Just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean you have to choose cheap.

• Look for flexible, functional, and fun pieces and accents.

• Superheroes and princesses can have a place in the design of your space, but you’ll be happier (and so will your parents) if you add those touches with superhero sheets or princess pajamas instead of themed drapes and bedding.

• Don’t shy away from using family heirlooms. Great design is timeless. A grandparent’s old bed frame or dresser, for example, can beautifully tie your past to your future. Your living space can also be an opportunity to house family history and create family traditions.

• Parents, this one’s for you: Be careful not to be too stingy on the furniture.

Investing in a great piece of furniture can be a practical way to carry childhood into adulthood.

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Think of us as a summer camp for your budding marine biologist!

We’re stocked to the gills with all sort of interesting and curious aquatic creatures: crabs, koi, reef shrimp, anemone, corals, aquatic plants, as well as fresh and saltwater fish. Our 1,200 gallon reef tank is a lot closer than a drive to the Florida Aquarium! Bring in your budding marine biologist and let us get him or her started in a hobby that will create hours of summertime enjoyment. Who knows, you could have the next Jacques Cousteau living at your house!

goFish2O.com

Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm Sunday, Noon - 5 pm

2195 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland, FL 863-683-7333

Saltwater & Freshwater • Koi & Ponds • Outdoor Living • Gifts

foster a child today

it’s worth it

At Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, we know the challenge of being a foster parent is worth it because children are worth it! It’s worth it when one more child has a family and place to call home. It’s worth it to see a child find stability and love. It’s worth it for the thousands of children waiting for a family in Florida. It’s worth it, because they’re worth it. To learn more about how you can change the life of a child, contact us today!

Ministry supported by and advertisement provided by:

1015 Sikes Blvd , Lakeland, FL 33815 863.687.8811 • FBCHomes.org Children@FBCHomes.org

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You choose your doctor.

You choose your hospital.

Now choose VITAS as your hospice specialist.

You and your family have made so many tough decisions. When it comes to hospice care in Lakeland, the choice is easy—VITAS. Serving Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties.

Proud Sponsor of:

SINCE 1980

For more information, please call 800.723.3233 or visit VITAS.com 86

THE LAKELANDER

This month, The Lakelander visited Samuel, age eight, and his sister, Charlotte, age 12. Both kids were ready to update their bedrooms to reflect their growing tastes. In my line of work, I tend to notice that, in general, boys like to see their treasures, particularly the things that are meaningful to them, displayed. Teenage girls tend to look for a more grown-up feel to their rooms as they transition to young adulthood. It was also important to remember that from a practical standpoint, we didn’t want Samuel and Charlotte to outgrow their family’s investment after only a few years, so we looked for pieces that could follow them into their grown-up years.

Samuel is a Gator fan. Instead of going all out with orange and blue, his mother and I suggested that we use some of his father’s awards and memorabilia from his time at University of Florida. Samuel loved the idea. Together with a National Championship poster, we displayed his father’s Florida Blue Key Award* and framed University of Florida diploma as focal points. A coat of paint on an existing bedside chest tied the color scheme to the Florida Blue Key Award. Installing one of my originally designed headboards added a grown-up and original flavor to the space. We used an existing rug to tie all the colors together and complete the look. Samuel’s room needed some amped-up storage and shelving for his prized possessions; a vintage metal bakery rack, painted ivory, fit the bill perfectly.

Twelve years old can be a confusing time and often challenging for both grown-ups and kids. The tween years are typically the first opportunity to truly engage in self-expression, and, sometimes, loudly vocalized opinions. Charlotte has a natural design aesthetic that is sophisticated beyond her years. She knew the color palette she wanted for her room, and her mother and I decided this should be a high/

WHERE LAKELANDERS GO TO PLAY! Games • Mini Golf Laser Tag • Indoor Play Parties • Groups

4825 South Florida Ave. 863.644.1728 Book parties or purchase gift cards online

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Great design is timeless. A grandparent’s old bed frame or dresser, for example, can beautifully tie your past to your future.

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low project: high class with a low price tag. In designing Charlotte’s space, our principal investments rested in custom-designed drapery and headboard. These items can grow with Charlotte and will be nice touches in her first apartment (many years down the road) or could also easily be incorporated into a guest room. In keeping with the budget, we purchased bookcases and a coverlet from IKEA. We also fitted her great grandmother’s desk with newly purchased knobs from Anthropologie and incorporated this piece of family history into Charlotte’s new space.

We then added a newly lacquered and reupholstered vintage cane barrel chair; the edgy, metallic, berry fabric added an additional contemporary feel. Overhead, we hung a freshly painted vintage estate-sale chandelier.

The finished room reflects both who Charlotte is today and who she is becoming as well.

By incorporating the three “Fs,” we were able to create flexible, functional, and fun living spaces for Samuel and Charlotte. By listening to the children and sorting through our design choices, we worked as a team to satisfy the entire family. We invested in and incorporated key pieces they can take with them into their futures. By using furniture with family heritage, affordable pieces from IKEA, and repurposed vintage furniture in a way that pulled both rooms together, the spaces not only reflect the kids’ personalities now, but also leave room to express who they are becoming.

SPACE TO BLOOM AND GROW Playrooms for the little ones

written by Kristin Crosby photography by Tina Sargeant and Nate Mundell As much as parents need some space from their kids, at times the kiddos need a little distance from Mom and Dad, too. To truly blossom and grow, kids need to feel the freedom to be creatively unpredictable, to be in their own space and explore their personalities. What better place than in the safe haven of a playroom? Playrooms and play spaces are best when they scream, “Play! Create! Have fun!” to all who enter, including grown-ups. A playroom is where dreams are born and nurtured, where storybooks come alive — a confined space where no one can break the vivid stream of imagination.

While decorating a playroom (which is a room set aside to be safely deconstructed and destroyed on a daily basis) may seem a tad overwhelming for the THE LAKELANDER

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parents who would prefer a Pottery Barn-picture-perfect home, creating a space both visually appealing and kidinspiring is closer in reach than you may think.

Kid-friendly decor allows little ones to flourish and feel free while also allowing the freedom of allowing messierthan-usual scenarios to unfold — like M&Ms (that weren’t supposed to be there in the first place) stuffed in the couch cushions. To achieve a space that engages creativity, critical thinking skills, and artistic expression, consider large pieces that are both statuesque and kid-friendly. Perhaps a worn-in piano with a pop of color (like a light mint, as pictured), a beautiful cello, or daddy’s old guitar that he hasn’t picked up since college, which add character to a room while creating an outlet for personal expression. You will never know if the next Mozart is residing in your home unless all are fully equipped.

For small touches with a grand impact, try a large vintage map to cover a wall and rustic globes to develop geography knowledge, with a whimsical but less traditionally kid-like look. Or, if you’re a fan of the Neverland-inspired playroom, look for whimsical additions that can provide endless entertainment, like a slide, tents, or a boarded wall to let their literary imagination run wild with chalk.

Lastly, a reading nook: the perfect place for a touch of nostalgia. In the photos featured, the benches are made of wood renovated from a historic home’s old breakfast nook. Touches such as the rustic wood bring dimension to a room, distinction to activities for a child, and an overall personality that will form memories for years to come.

Create a space that will amuse and enliven, and it may give back more than the satisfaction that your home looks “Pottery Barn perfect” ever could.

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Practicing in the Care of Infants, Children and Adolescents

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

KA

REN

B . S CHICK,

M

.D

your children Our team, dedicated to

S P E D I A T R I C

601 S. Florida Ave., Suite #6 Lakeland, FL 33801 863-688-0841 Karen B. Schick, M.D. Pediatrics

Children stand in front of the Polk Theatre on Florida Avenue in Lakeland , Florida waiting to see Burt Lancaster in “Jim Thorpe, All American.” 1951 Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library Photo by Robin Phillips

LAW OFFICES OF

TED W. WEEKS IV, P.A. LAWSUITS & DISPUTES | CORPORATE & BUSINESS LAW

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This luxurious home was a PCBA Parade of Homes model built by Duane McQuillen Construction. Lots of upgrades and features a very flexible living space. Enter into a breathtaking foyer and view the beautiful salt pool with waterfall and firepit. Currently the office with closet at the front of the house could be the 4th bedroom, the Game room in back is plumbed for a wet bar or can be a huge closet and be made into a 5th bedroom/in-law suite.

MARY ANN TOUCHTON • 863-640-6650 • FloridaHomesByMaryAnnTouchton.com

KWPOLK.com 92

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218 East Pine Street (863) 577-1234

Christina Boulevard : The WOW !!! starts as soon as you enter through the private gated entrance of this 5 Bedrooms; 4 & 1/2 bathrooms; 5087 square feet of living area custom built pool Hulbert masterpiece. JAY REARDON • buyorsellhomeslakeland.com • 863.602.4781

Wonderful Villa situated near so many amenities like drug stores, Furnishings, clothing, eateries, physicians, groceries, movies, Polk Parkway. Two bedrooms, two baths, all appliances included. New roof fall 2014.

MARY ANN TOUCHTON 863-640-6650

Beautiful two story home on 2.5 acres in S. Lakeland. Bring your horses and enjoy country living in this 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home” Becky Lane, Home Connection Group 863-602-8605 • homeconnectiongroup.com

Well Kept 3 Bed/2 bath with Bonus Room, Southeast Lakeland, remodeled Kitchen, Fireplace, situated on almost 1/2 acre, detached 2 garage with workshop area, Formal Living, Dining & Family Rooms. BRIAN STEPHENS 863-647-8600 • Rhoadsstephens.com

Keller Williams Realty of Lakeland Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

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CULTURE

The Lakelander’s art contest for kids written by Kristin Crosby

It seems our city has entered a renaissance per se, a new season of creating and cultivating dreams. When a city’s creative space is awardwinning, it’s only fair to say these artistic individuals aren’t only creative, but they’re pretty darn good at it.

Now budding with bakers, musicians, sculptors, and the like, it’s apparent that Lakeland is built on a unique set of artistic adults. And when a growing city is full of creative adults, artistic kids are bound to be found. As it holds true to its artistic investments, like the Polk Museum of Art’s education department (featured in our March/April issue of this year), Lakeland enriches the creative development experience for our young artists. There’s nothing quite as reviving than a community that continues to grow and encourage the pursuit of the creative endeavor.

Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As opposed to adults’ matured and preconceived notions of art, there is an advantage a child has when faced with a blank canvas. Their artistry is uninhibited. Their vision is untainted.

Their broad senses are crystal clear. A child has no fear of perfection, which can produce a work of art in its purest form.

Art has a way of keeping us all alive, alive and childlike. It only makes sense, then, that a celebration of Lakeland’s kids had to include their masterpieces.

For The Lakelander’s first-ever Kids Create Art Contest, we asked for your kids to send in artwork that in some way highlighted the city of Lakeland. After receiving beautiful compositions of painting, photography, and writing from kids all over our city, the decisions were certainly tough ones.

Here are our Editors’ Choices:

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Fine Art

Artist:

autumn weiland

Teachers:

Angela Slomowitz and Terry Virts

Grade:

VPK

School:

Joyful Hearts Preschool

Fine Art

Artist:

Teacher:

Mrs. Kari Clever

Grade:

3

School:

Lakeland Christian School

Artist:

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emerson valenti

olivia gelsinger

Teacher:

Mrs. Giles

Grade:

5

School:

R. Bruce Wagner Elementary

Photography

Photographer:

haley jones

Teacher:

Mrs. Kari Clever

Grade:

12

School:

Lakeland Christian School

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Photography

Photographer:

Teacher:

Mrs. Christie

Grade:

7

School:

McKeel Academy of Technology

Photographer:

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logan nichols

nicholas stross

Teacher:

Teresa Stross

Grade:

5

School:

Homeschool

Writing

The Bent Tree at Lake Hollingsworth There once stood a tree all twisted and bent.

Whenever I spotted it up I went.

I would climb right up and say easy as pie.

Then I would jump off and say I can fly.

But over time that tree grew old and the leaves touched the ground.

For the safety of the runners, it had to come down.

But there still stands a sign in the place that it stood.

At Lake Hollingsworth so go take a look.

For that tree reminds me of the past.

In that very tree my mom once sat.

Then it was me sitting in that tree, And also the rest of my family.

Author:

karis gibson

Teacher:

Donna Lynam

Grade:

5

School:

Geneva Classical Academy

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PEOPLE

THE WORLD COMES TO LAKELAND Lakelanders open their homes and hearts to students from around the globe story by Diana Smith photography by Daniel Barcelo and Philip Pietri

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dventure, new cultures and languages, educational opportunities, lasting friendships — there are many reasons students choose to travel abroad each year.

But traveling to exotic new lands doesn’t always mean leaving the United States.

For over a million international students each year, it means leaving their homes in China, India, South Korea, South America, and Europe to travel to the U.S. through student exchange programs.

One such program is EF Education First’s Educational Homestay Program, a nonprofit program that has arranged travel for over 140,000 students since 1979. Through this program, both international students and host families benefit from experiencing a culture very different from their own.

Since 2011, Lakelanders have been opening their hearts and homes to students from Spain and China through Education First’s program, and during the past five years, more than 388 international students have called Lakeland their home for a short period of time.

Every year, program director Kelli Chestnut and program leader Terri Cullins find host families for Chinese and Spanish students who leave the comfort and familiarity of their homes to study English and experience American culture first-hand. And, while many of the program’s students will make memories that will last a lifetime, Cullins is quick to point out that the experience is memorable for students and host families alike.

“These are special moments in their lives. And it’s very rewarding for the host parents,” says Cullins. “Hosting gives parents the opportunity to expose their own children to another culture in a fun, unexpected way. And just like we’re excited to share our culture, the students are eager to share theirs.”

Some families, she explains, get a kick out of sharing their favorite holidays with their exchange student and might host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or July 4th backyard barbeque. Still, other families are happy to just spend time doing the things they normally do. Either way, the exchange students love it all. America’s particular flavor of familyoriented culture is somewhat different than other countries. As a result, what may seem like a routine, everyday experience is often new and interesting to them.

Hosting a foreign exchange student can leave a lasting impact on the children of the host family as well. Quite often they develop close bonds and lasting friendships with the host student, and later on may even plan a trip to visit that exchange student in his or her home country.

In their own words, here’s what some children and teenagers of host families had to say about the experience:

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Carli Spivey, age 11 “My Chinese exchange students had a great impact on my life. They have taught me a little bit of their culture, as I shared a little bit of mine.

When they arrived, there was an excited mood in the air, as each family awaits the arrival of their new family members they have learned so much about. Once they arrive, everyone’s excited as they welcome their students with a small meal.

After we spend a few weeks together, the kids sadly have to leave.

It’s not quite as exciting as the arrival, but at least the kids can have a rest after their adventure in America. They probably have participated in many tiring activities such as the park or shopping. You never know, your kid may come back to America, so make sure they always feel welcome back in your family, because the memories of your kid will forever lie within you.”

CJ Burek, age 16 “Hosting Andy and Frank (my Chinese exchange students) was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. They came over and stayed here for two weeks, and we had a blast. We did a numerous amount of fun activities such as taking them to Disney, Putt-Putt golfing, and also taking them to a Chinese restaurant to see if they would like our impression of their culture’s food. The best part of the entire experience was definitely the bond that we created over the course of the visit. They came over to the U.S. looking to learn about our culture, but we learned a lot about theirs. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.

It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever been a part of.”

Deanna Dumond, age 16 “Patri, Julia, and Marina, are much more than girls we hosted from Spain; they have become my best friends. Hosting teens from around the world has opened my eyes to many different traditions and customs, as well as the lives these kids have. My family is fortunate enough to show these students the wonders of our great country. I have a very active family, and going to sporting events, the beach, and even the fair is something we do all the time. The girls we have had just want to do everything we do; it’s a part of the reason they come.

Immersion means they are inserted into your family and go along with your normal schedule. Through this process I have been able to hang out with and get to know some amazing girls, especially since we share a room! I still keep in touch and have even planned a trip to go and see each one of them. It is always a great experience to meet new people, and by hosting a student you can make a difference in your life as well as others.”

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Sarah White, age 14

“Hosting a student from another country is life-changing and eyeopening in ways I did not expect. I never thought that I would be given the opportunity to have someone from another country be a part of my family and learn what I do throughout a normal day in America.

While they are here, they go to school in the morning and then you pick them up in the evening time. We spent quite a lot of time getting to know each other, and it was a very neat experience to be able to hear how different yet similar our lives really were. We liked to do a lot of the same things like read, watch movies, horseback ride, and many others.

I have to say one of my favorite things to do was that I was given the opportunity to be able to help with field trips and many other activities that took place with the group. They went to places like the beach, the mall, and during this time I got to meet other students who were here as well.

When students arrive, it seems like you’re all one family. I met a lot of people and learned a lot about the culture of China that I had no idea was even a part of their culture. Myself and Paula, who was my exchange student, still talk to this day, and I can honestly say any time I see an email from her, it feels like we’re just best friends who have known each other forever and just don’t live near each other.

It’s very hard to say goodbye, but the time we spent together and the relationship that was made is truly something that can’t ever be taken away! It was an experience I loved, and I will continue to host because it is one thing that makes every summer the best summer.”

Josiah Chestnut, age 13 “My family has hosted 11 junior Chinese students over the past five years. I was eight when we had our first host student, Mark. We had so much fun together. Mark still calls our family at least two times a year but always at Thanksgiving. We share our Thanksgiving traditions, including a Thanksgiving meal with Mark while he was here in July.

One of my favorite students was Henry. He was so very funny and he loved playing Wii with myself and my brother. We taught him how to ride the Ripstik. I email several of the boys we have hosted and share pictures. I am always excited to meet the next group of kids from China.”

Stella Samaan, age 10 “What I love best about hosting Chinese students is that we do exciting activities and have fun together. I enjoy camping, kayaking, and swimming with our Chinese students. It is pretty funny to watch a person who doesn’t know what s’mores are construct and eat one for the first time! Learning about the Chinese culture through sharing of games and food is quite interesting. Through Google translate and animated charades we are able to communicate quite well. We have hosted twice and want to continue to host.”

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INTERESTED IN HOSTING? • This EF Program is ideal for working families. During the Program, EF students are under the supervision of EF staff from 8:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m. (M-F) attending English language classes in the mornings and participating in a variety of organized educational activities and field trips during the afternoons.

• Host families are asked to provide a bed, meals, and to drop off/pick up their EF student(s) in mornings and late afternoons.

• High school students will earn 30 community service hours by hosting a student in their home.

• For more information, please contact EF Educational Homestay program leader Terri Cullins at terr4him@yahoo.com.

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JUNE EVERY SATURDAY IN JUNE DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET u 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. ldda.org EVERY SATURDAY IN JUNE MITCHELL’S PUB RUN 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. fitniche.com EVERY SATURDAY IN JUNE BLACK & BREW FUN RUN 7:45 a.m – 8:45 a.m. blackandbrew.com EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE DIXIELAND TWILIGHT FARMER’S MARKET 4 p.m. – dusk facebook.com/dixielandbusinessdistrict JUNE 6 FLORIDA MARINE RAIDER VS. ORLANDO RAGE The Lakeland Center thelakelandcenter.com JUNE 8 – JULY 31 SUMMER ART CAMP Polk Museum of Art polkmuseumofart.org JUNE 8 – AUGUST 14 SUMMER CAMP Explorations V explorationsv.com JUNE 11 FOOD TRUCK RALLY u 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. tampabayfoodtruckrally.com JUNE 13 PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Polk Museum of Art polkmuseumofart.org

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Treehouse Preschool Academy is a DCF licensed center located in the heart of Lakeland at Epic Church. We offer care for children 6 weeks of age through VPK. Our curriculum facilitates learning through play and hands-on activities.

We have an open door policy for our ENROLLED parents to come anytime! Come see the difference in our lower than average ratios and attention to a clean, developmentally appropriate environment.

Now enrolling VPK for 2015!

Call 863.687.8733 to set up your tour.

PRESCHOOL ACADEMY

treehouselearning.org

LIC #C10PO0764

Epic Church is proud to partner with EpiCenter Arts this summer to offer a completely FREE arts program geared towards kids in 6th-12th grade. Anime, Dance, and Vocal Performance are just some of the options. Class schedules will be available online at epicenterarts.com.

Service Times:

Sunday Morning 9:00am and 10:55am Wednesday Nights 7:00pm

EpiCenter Arts

Open House Registration July 5th, Sunday 4:30-6:00pm Classes Begin: Monday, July 6th-Saturday, August 1st.

epicenterarts.com • epiclakeland.com 863.686.3742

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JUNE 19 ART + SUMMER Polk Museum of Art polkmuseumofart.org/artfashion JUNE 20 JAWS Dinner & A Movie polktheatre.org JUNE 22 MONDAY ART CLASSES u Picassoz Art Café picassoz.com JUNE 28 MONDAY ART CLASSES Picassoz Art Café picassoz.com

Chill Out at Polk County’s Only Ice Skating Rink

h t 6 2 h t 8 y l Ju2-4 PM • 6-8 PM • 9-11 PnMder): $8

u HILDREN (12 & ADULTS: $9 • C • GROUPS (10+): $1 Discount TES: $7 WITH OWN SKA on ICE! e r o M d n a s ome! rthday CelebrataeckBagies Available and Groups Always WEelcNOW! P 5 TO RESERV Awesome Party L 863.834.811

CAL

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24/7 TICKETS

888.397.0100 thelakelandcenter.com

BOX OFFICE

863.834.8111

Mon.-Fri. • 9:30am-5:30pm

Thelakelandcenter.com

Learn the difference.

The Roberts Academy is dedicated to helping students overcome reading challenges commonly associated with dyslexia. Learn how to help your child find the success they deserve at the only transitional school for dyslexia in the state of Florida.

Register to attend our next Open House to learn more about our programs.

1140 Frank Lloyd Wright Way | Lakeland, FL 33801 | 863.680.3741

flsouthern.edu/RAopenhouse

Check Our Homeowner Rates

Compare (863) 687-4095

tylerinsuranceagency.com

THE LAKELANDER 109

PEOPLE

OPENINGS

OPEN NOW BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE

Location: Downtown Farmers Curb Market every Saturday 8 a.m. – until sold out bornandbreadbakehouse.com Jenn Smurr, owner of Born & Bread Bakehouse, creates a decadent pastry that is reason enough to head out early to the Saturday Downtown Farmers Curb Market. Known for her freshly made cruffins (the perfect marriage of a croissant and muffin), the rotation of flavors inside the delicacy will keep you coming back for more: original, coffee cream, “that’s my jam” (filled with seasonal, fresh-made jams), dark chocolate Maldon sea salt, and morning buns. Look for new flavors weekly, along with a variety of rustic breads. As Jenn says, “Real bread is meant to be experienced.”

LAKELAND BREWING CO. Date: Open Location: 640 East Main Street

THE BALANCE CULTURE

Location: 1037 South Florida Avenue, Suite 200 Dixieland Village thebalanceculture.com The Balance Culture is a studio that exists to create just that in the healthy scene of Lakeland: balance. Founder Kirstin Czernek is a health coach and Pilates-certified instructor. Her holistic approach considers the whole being (body, mind, and spirit) to help you achieve your personal health goals. Services currently include private nutrition counseling and private Pilates sessions. In September the studio will expand its services with a variety of fitness classes.

OPENING SOON A KIND PLACE

Date: Opening Soon Location: 1037 South Florida Avenue, Suite 120 Dixieland Village akind.place

Lakeland’s very own Microbrewery, open this month, is located on the north shore of Lake Mirror. This brewery and garden also serves as a restaurant with outdoor seating.

A welcome addition to the already exciting buzz in Dixieland Village, A Kind Place is a home decor and gift shop offering handmade goods from local artists, as well as fair trade items and unique vintage finds. This homey gift shop is a cozy, curated stop to find one-of-a-kind goods, made both locally and from around the world.

PATRIOT COFFEE ROASTERS

THE JUICE BOX

Location: Downtown Farmers Curb Market every Saturday 8 a.m. – until sold out A small-batch coffee roaster, Patriot is the first of its kind in Lakeland. Owner and co-founder of Black & Brew, Chris McArthur has already begun sharing the tastes of Patriot craft coffees to Lakelanders at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market.

These locally roasted craft coffees will soon be available through subscriptions (coffees automatically delivered on a weekly, bimonthly or monthly basis), and also at local retailers and restaurants.

THE DESSERTERIE

115 South Kentucky Avenue thedesserterielakeland.com Formerly known as Got Candy!, The Desserterie is a bakery, candy, chocolate, ice cream, and soda shoppe in one. The bakery continues to offer the same custom-ordered cakes, creating everything from bearded-men and Marvel characters to Frozenthemed cakes. You’re sure to find the perfect cake for any and every occasion.

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Date: Opening Soon Location: 4295 South Florida Avenue Palm Center Plaza (next to Staples and Planet Fitness) Get ready, Lakelanders, because this town is about to get its first juice bar and café. The Juice Box is your new fast-food spot, only fresh and healthy. This grab-and-go cafe will offer an array of juices and smoothies at its juice bar, as well as a rotating vegan food menu.

ORANGETHEORY FITNESS Date: Opening Soon Location: 1429 Town Center Drive Lakeside Village orangetheoryfitness.com/lakeland

If you’ve been noticing a few orange bikes around town, that’s because there’s a new fitness studio coming to Lakeland. Orangetheory’s fitness philosophy is based on a simple scientific theory: “a 60-minute workout designed to push you into the Orange Zone.” Named one of the “Top 20 Workouts in America,” their unique formula includes a heart-rate–monitored program of treadmills, indoor rowing, and weight training with the goal to get you in and keep you in “the zone.” Check out their website for pre-opening rates.

Lead Challenging StudentS to

Schedule your tour to experience the beauty of a classical, Christian education

AS ChRiST Led

863.644.1408

genevaclassicalacademy.com

WILLIE AUTOMOTIVE

engineering

summer camps

WHERE SERVICE IS BETTER

are here!

• Open to the community • Half Day or Full Day • Learn about science with fun activities MAINTAIN WELL,

FIRST-TIME OIL & OIL-FILTER CHANGE CUSTOMERS ONLY

2 WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Fun themes like: Engineer Investigator Electronic Game Design Robotics & More!

10.95

$

$29.95

Most cars and light trucks. Up to 4 qts. Excludes diesels and synthetic. $2 disposal fee. Some restrictions may apply. Not valid with other offers.

Some restrictions may apply. Not valid with other offers.

A/C CHECK ONLY

Our first camp begins June 15!

For More Information or To Register Go to our website at:

EngineeringForKids.com/CentralWestFL

9.99

DRIVE CONFIDENTLY.

ALL MAKES & MODELS WELCOME

$

Tune-ups • Tires • A/C • Brakes • Engine

Most cars and light trucks. Some restrictions may apply. Not valid with other offers.

1605 S. Combee Rd. • 863.665.0101 Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

willieautomotive@yahoo.com

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OPENINGS NEW LOCATIONS BEBE FLOW

New Location: 228 East Pine Street bebeflow.com Bebe Flow is a specialty natural parenting boutique. Full of cloth diapers, baby slings, toys, and natural supplements, this is your shop for bringing up your baby the green way. Though the store focuses on natural baby-care products, Bebe Flow also features a variety of natural products for Mom as well.

CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS New Location: 205 East Orange Street cpalliance.com

CPS Investment Advisors is a full-service independent financial advisory firm. Offering traditional tax and accounting services, as well as retirement, insurance, and investment management, the company focuses on educating clients about wealth-building and financial independence. By building trust and long-lasting relationships, their clients are the key to crafting comprehensive financial plans that deliver long-term security and success.

HEACOCK INSURANCE GROUP

New Location: 2019 East County Road 540A heacock.com Heacock Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency providing a broad range of property and casualty insurance products for personal or business needs. The firm’s specialty division, Heacock Classic, provides collector car insurance for automobile enthusiasts country-wide. Heacock Payroll is a subsidiary providing payroll outsourcing solutions to employers.

MADDEN BRAND AGENCY New Location: 212 East Pine Street brandmadden.com

Madden Brand Agency is a small but smart advertising firm producing big-agency work. The award-winning team of strategists and creatives focuses on brand marketing. Through cultivating strong relationships, Madden is passionate in its craft and devoted to clients’ success.

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

• We come to you!

• Available 24/7 • Medications, equipment and supplies provided • A dedicated team of Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides and Volunteers assigned to your care

Information 866.742.6655 www.cornerstonehospice.org

Cornerstone is committed to caring for all hospice patients regardless of payer source or ability to pay. 100% covered by Medicare & Medicaid

112 THE LAKELANDER

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

DETERMINATION

SKILL

POWER

CONFIDENCE

COURAGE

FOCUS

SIGN UP FOR

SUMMER CAMP

(863) 665-0488 MasterChoe.com After School Pick-up and Evening classes available

Digital Die OR

Please support the historic POLK !T HEAT RE’S Kickstarter campaign to ! raise money to purchase and install a

digital projection system to become DCI compliant. This system will allow us to continue to show films, mainly our first run independent films. You can access our campaign by visiting the following:

!

www.polktheatre.org www.digitalordie.org

!

863.682.7553

Thank you so very much!!!

POLK THEATRE

Where historic meets cutting edge!

HISTORY

For decades, Lakeland’s Public Library has held Story Hour readings for children of all ages and continues to do so today. Story Hours are available to the community throughout the summer. For more information, call 863.834.4268.

Date: Unknown Photo courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

114 THE LAKELANDER

Get an A+ in saving with Open a Youth Savings account and get: • A prize with every deposit1 • No account charges • Monthly dividends

(863) 688-3733 Toll Free (866) 913-3733

• Free use of coin counting • And more! machines2

•••

www.midflorida.com

Federally insured by NCUA. A $5 minimum deposit is required for membership with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. A parent or guardian must be joint on the account, with the child listed as the primary member. Youth Savings accounts are available for children from birth to 22 years. The benefits of the Youth Savings account extend from birth to 9 years. 1. Prizes are given for deposits of $20 or more into any Youth Savings account. 2. Available at most branches.

Extended 7am to 7pm Drive Thru and Saturday Hours

Healthcare

Centered Around You When it comes to your health, only the best will do. Our doctors understand your wellness goals and design a healthcare plan that caters to your individual needs. We have over 200 board-certified specialists, plus the convenience of multiple locations with on-site

radiology and lab work, walk-in care options and there’s even a patient portal for online communication with your doctor’s office.

Quite simply, it’s a healthcare experience unlike any other. That’s because at Watson Clinic, patients are at the center of all we do.

SPA

OPHTHALMOLOGY

UROLOGY

CARDIOLOGY

RHEUMATOLOGY

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

VASCULAR MEDICINE/ SURGERY

ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY | 863.680.7190 | www.WatsonClinic.com | Follow us on 116 THE LAKELANDER