The Lakelander | July - August 2015

JULY - AUGUST 2015

RESCUE, REWORK, REUSE, REIMAGINE / STYLE & GRACE / SEEDING JOY A COW NAMED MOO / ALL SUMMER LONG / AND THE LIGHTS COME ON

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THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

32 JULY - AUGUST 2015

DEPARTMENTS JULY - AUGUST 2015

20 NOTE FROM THE EDITORS 22 EDITORIAL BIOS 26 PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS 28 HEALTH 122 EVENTS 130 HISTORY

ON THE COVER RESCUE, REWORK, REUSE, REIMAGINE / STYLE & GRACE / SEEDING JOY A COW NAMED MOO / ALL SUMMER LONG / AND THE LIGHTS COME ON

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THE LAKELANDER

The nostalgia of years gone by brings happy memories of better days. This summer, The Lakelander reflects on just what made those years so good. It wasn’t in the fashion, dancing, and music, though they were wonderful. Instead, it was our collective belief in a better tomorrow. As we pay homage to the past, The Lakelander is committed to believing in — and building — a better tomorrow.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STYLE 32 ALL SUMMER LONG

The undeniable influence of vintage summer style on modern-day fashion

TASTE 44 A COW NAMED MOO

How family tradition has inspired a modern take on an old favorite

NATURE 56 COLT CREEK STATE PARK

Trade the sounds of the city for whispering wind in the pines

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CULTURE 68 SEEDING JOY

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PHILANTHROPY 80 STYLE AND GRACE

Top Buttons teaches girls self-worth through fashion

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SPECIAL FEATURE 88 SHOPPING DONE RIGHT Making a real difference for real people

SHELTER 96 RESCUE, REWORK, REUSE, REIMAGINE The art of finding and buying vintage furniture

PEOPLE 110 AND THE LIGHTS COME ON The Camp family’s story of hope

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THE LAKELANDER

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Published by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC 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.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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EDITORIAL

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Alice V. Koehler

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ife isn’t perfect. But we tend to be wooed by the nostalgia of days gone by — of a time when people dressed more modestly and treated each other with more kindness, times defined by their activism and by humanity’s desire to live a full life. We clearly want to get back to “the way we were,” but we don’t really mean that.

As we think through history, even the most picturesque times were laced with humanity’s worst. The 1930s were full of great music and fashion, but riddled with poverty and great depression. The 1940s were ripe with modesty and fabulous dancing, but also with human tragedy of unmatchable proportions. The 1950s and 1960s ushered in prosperous times, but carried with them injustice for and mistreatment of both our fellow Americans and our brothers abroad.

We tend to think that modesty, smiles, swing dancing, and “Make love, not war” meant perfection and better times.

But what if all of that was a manifestation of something much bigger?

What if all of that was actually a reflection of our collective belief in a better tomorrow?

And what if that collective belief is what it takes to get back to better times?

As we ponder and reflect on the overwhelming human tragedy that unfolded in Charleston in June, we are deeply affected by the loss of human life, but also by the forgiving response of those whose lives were forever altered. If we continue to be a divided people, their loss of life will have been for naught.

We can honor their lives in the way we live ours. Instead of wishing for a better tomorrow, let’s go build one. Let’s believe, together, in a better tomorrow.

In the months ahead, connect with your neighbor. Share an ice-cream sandwich. Revive a retro swimsuit and bask in the summer sun. Shop with a conscience. Look back at these manifestations of “the best of days,” and remember that these things didn’t make the time; they were an outpouring of our united belief that tomorrow can be better.

Warmly, Alice and Tina

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EDITORIAL BIOS ALICE V. KOEHLER

EDITOR, DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Alice Koehler is a longtime Lakeland resident, graduate of Florida Southern College, returned Peace Corps volunteer, mother, and lifelong learner. She holds a certificate in nonprofit management as well as a B.S. in sociology and education. In 2013, she graduated from Leadership Lakeland Class 30 and began her journey as an MBA student. In her free time, she enjoys adventure seeking, memory making, joy giving, bargain hunting, community building, mind bending, knowledge acquiring, and soul filling. Alice is currently the senior representative of Community Engagement for the American Cancer Society in Polk County where she gets to see more birthdays celebrated every year by supporting and implementing efforts that help our neighbors get well and stay well, find cures, and fight back.

CHRISTIAN LEE SHELTER EDITOR Christian Lee is a Mississippi native who moved to Lakeland in 1992. After spending several years raising her family, she re-entered the design and decorating industry in 2004. Today, she works with contractors and clients to remodel homes and commercial properties. Christian is passionate about spaces that have soul, and she loves to find ways to make that soul come to life. She is skilled at interior decorating, repurposing antique and vintage furniture, and has designed a line of clothing for the home as well. In her spare time, Christian runs marathons and volunteers on the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Leadership Council. She is also a 20-year member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

TARA CAMPBELL

PHILANTHROPY EDITOR Tara Campbell is a longtime Lakelander with a passion for serving others. A graduate of Florida Southern College, she is currently the team and outreach director for Access Church. In the past she has worked as the teen development director for the YMCA of Central Florida, the outreach teacher at the Polk Museum of Art, and a classroom leader at Parker Street Ministries. Believing firmly that only boring people get bored, Tara spends her free time mentoring middle-school girls in the Parker Street Neighborhood, teaching art lessons, and serving the community through several civic organizations, as well as enjoying all of the friends and culture that Lakeland has to offer.

ABDIEL GONZALEZ STYLE EDITOR

From a young age, Abdiel Gonzalez was inspired by design and art, and influenced by the colorful culture of his native Hawaii. After moving to Florida in his teens, Abdiel formed an award-winning dance company, No Confusion, for which he received national recognition. His love of fashion developed while earning a bachelor’s in business administration at Florida Southern College. He has managed multimillion-dollar retail establishments, designed stage costumes, and styled high-profile photo shoots. Currently, Abdiel runs Style Instinct by Abdiel, a styling and image consulting business. As a longtime Lakelander, Abdiel gives back by volunteering his talent to local production companies and teaches weekly dance classes at studios here in Lakeland.

ABBY JARVIS

CULTURE EDITOR Abby Jarvis is a writing buff with a deep appreciation for the history behind modern cultures and habits. She attended Florida Southern College and, while enrolled there, fell in love with Lakeland’s ability to blend its history with its contemporary identity. Today, Abby works in marketing and outreach at Qgiv, a Lakeland tech company, and spends her spare time writing fairy tales and poetry, which can be found strewn haphazardly through her apartment.

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THE LAKELANDER

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EDITORIAL BIOS LOGAN CRUMPTON GUEST EDITOR, TASTE Logan Crumpton has been employed with the United States Postal Service for the last 15 years. Although he has lived nearly his entire life in the Lakeland area, he seeks out a world of food culture with the mindset of sharing it on a local level. Like many who have developed a love of food, he honed his skills in his grandmother’s kitchen, learning traditional Cuban and Italian classics. Pursuing more of a life in food has afforded him the opportunity of co-creating the food blog Eataduck, guest writing for online publications, as well as trying his hand as a caterer and private chef.

JASON STEPHENS

GUEST EDITOR, NATURE Jason Stephens is a native Florida boy who lives in Lakeland with his beautiful wife, Jess, and daughter, Isla. Whether it’s from 500 feet up in a helicopter, on a boat cutting through the water, or locked down on a tripod, Jason loves to be behind the camera capturing the moments that pass in front of his lens. jasonstephensphotography.com

KARISSA BARBER

GUEST EDITOR, SPECIAL FEATURE Karissa Barber grew up traveling and fell in love with other cultures at a young age. After receiving her degree in international studies and theatre from Southeastern University, she began her professional acting career in opera at TBPAC. After marrying her college sweetheart, Craig, in 2004, the two spent summers traveling to other countries and volunteering with different nonprofits. They have since added four children to their South Lakeland home through birth and international adoption. While her days are spent homeschooling, Karissa’s evenings and weekends are dedicated to furthering her career in the local theatre scene, as well as TV, film, and commercial work through her agent at BMG.

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PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS TINA SARGEANT, EDITOR, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Tina Sargeant has been professionally capturing the moments, events, and people of our region for the last seven years and photographing for The Lakelander since issue one. Tina’s photography is driven by the ability to suspend time and create emotion, and her work embodies a passion for anthropology – people, culture, and stories. sargeantstudios.com

PHILIP AND JESSICA PIETRI

Pietri Photography is run by husband and wife duo Philip and Jessica Pietri. Both photographers are established creative professionals from the Tampa Bay area who inject a clean, modernist aesthetic into their work. pietriphotography.com

JORDAN WEILAND

Jordan Weiland is a longtime Lakeland resident. She spends her time photographing weddings and dancing around the house (poorly) with her four-year-old daughter and husband. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in studio art and has photographed weddings for several years. She loves the visual art of storytelling, which is why she loves taking on The Lakelander photography assignments in between photographing couples in love. jordanweiland.com

TIFFANI JONES

Growing up, Tiffani Jones could never get lost in the wonder of a storybook. Then one day she realized she could let her mind imagine a wondrous story through imagery. Photography gives Tiffani a tangible voice with her audience. After a wonderful 15-year nursing career, she left the art of nursing for the art of creating. She’s a life-long Lakelander where she raises three energetic children with her husband. iamtiffanijones.com

PENNY & FINN

Penny & Finn photograph people and their lives. Our work is sharing what individuals are inspired by, how they inspire, what and who they love, what they strive for, and overall where their passions lie. We strive to share lovely people in the most beautiful way we can. pennyandfinn.com

LEE ANNE ROQUEMORE

Lee Anne Roquemore is a traveler at heart who has called Lakeland home since moving here in 2010. One of her early childhood memories is of running her fingers over the pages of her grandparents’ photo albums and wanting to know more about those times gone by. For as long as she can remember, she has loved people and the stories behind the life in their eyes. She began capturing birth stories for friends several years ago, which sparked her career as a motherhood photographer. When she’s not behind a camera, she can often be found curled up on the couch watching movies with her husband and two children. petalandvinephotography.com

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HEALTH

SUMMER SKIN

LOOKING GREAT AND STAYING HEALTHY written by Faeza Kazmier, MD, Watson Clinic Women’s Center For many of us, summertime in Florida often means weekend trips to the beach and fun in the sun with friends and loved ones. While outdoor recreation is one of the essential perks to living here, prolonged sun exposure also carries with it an increased risk of skin damage.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 3.5 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed on a yearly basis. An additional 73,000 cases are expected to be diagnosed this year as melanoma, which is the most severe and life-threatening form of skin cancer. The most common culprit behind all of these cases of skin cancer is exposure to the sun.

The good news is that you can protect yourself against these dangers and still enjoy the best of what our Sunshine State has to offer.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind: • Know the difference between sunscreen and sunblock. Sunscreen works by filtering harmful ultraviolet rays before they can be absorbed into the skin, while sunblock provides a barrier through which no UV rays can penetrate. Sunblock (containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as an active ingredient) is the most effective of these two options, though its consistency and obvious appearance on the skin are often regarded as a drawback. Regardless of which you choose, you should only apply lotions that contain a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.

• Apply sun lotion generously to every portion of your exposed skin, including the hands, feet, neck, and ears. Don’t overlook the particularly vulnerable areas between your toes, either. Women should note that the sunscreen contained within their makeup is not usually adequate for a day in the sun.

• Reapply lotion every two hours, more frequently if you’ve spent time in the water. While no sunscreen is completely waterproof, there are some brands that do offer over an hour of sun protection even in an underwater environment.

Usually sunblocks, as opposed to sunscreen, fare better in the water.

• Sport a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat for maximum sun protection, especially when not using sunscreen or sunblock.

• Consult your dermatologist if you discover any new or odd growths on your skin. In fact, you should schedule an annual skin evaluation with your dermatologist regardless of whether or not you detect any unfamiliar blemishes. Only your doctor can properly diagnose these growths and offer effective follow-up treatment.

• Do not resort to tanning to camouflage skin imperfections, like spider veins and sun spots. This is a potentially dangerous solution to a common issue as it only enhances the risk for developing skin cancer. Instead, seek the appropriate laser therapies to reverse the appearance of spider veins. The latest laser technologies can remove the tell-tale signs of sun damage more comfortably and effectively than ever before. Lasers can be employed to target and reduce the pigmentation of one particular problem area while leaving the surrounding region untouched. That means that brown spots, red spots, age spots, and areas of discoloration can virtually disappear following a minimal number of treatments. Laser treatments can also be used to lessen the fine lines and wrinkles that result from too much time in the sun. Sunless tanner is another good option for reducing the signs of sun-worn skin.

• Work together with your doctor, dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon to identify the services you need to stay safe — and fabulous — in the summer sun.

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THE LAKELANDER

Faeza Kazmier, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Watson Clinic Women’s Center, offering minimally invasive cosmetic options, as well as plastic surgery from “head to toe.” During her career, she has authored and contributed to various medical publications.

THE LAKELANDER

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STYLE

THE UNDENIABLE INFLUENCE OF VINTAGE SUMMER STYLE ON MODERN-DAY FASHION STORY AND STYLING BY

ABDIEL GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JORDAN WEILAND HAIR BY

AMY TOLSON AT MOXIE SALON MAKEUP BY

MARY GALLETTA SET STYLING AND PROPS BY

LISA MALOTT OF WISH VINTAGE RENTALS

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W

ith the top down on your bright-red ’64 Mustang convertible, you block the sunlight with your favorite pair of cat-eye sunglasses. The wind blows through your outstretched arms while you try to out-sing The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” on your way to the summer beach house. This is the nostalgia of the American summer: fast cars, rock and roll music, poolside hangouts, and a freeing summer style influenced by each decade before it.

There’s something about the style of this season that brings out our inner T-Birds and Pink Ladies. Maybe it’s our desire to wear more slim-fitting clothes or to play with shapes, patterns, and colors. We seem to be drawn to the conservative but still want to show off the midriffs and biceps we’ve been working to tone all year. This is summer.

Every year the fashion world tells us what the next summer trend will be: the season’s “it” color, the must-have shoes, or the latest designer silhouette. We stare into our closets and sadly realize we have none of that. Perhaps, though, we really do.

Summer style is rooted in the risk-taking of the Rock and Roll Revolution. Those styles from the ’50s and ’60s forever changed the way we see beach-party attire and subsequently shaped summer fashion for decades to come.

So this year we say “Bye Bye Love” to the stress of buying a new summer wardrobe and take a journey back (or forward, depending on how you look at it), as we open that trunk of vintage garments hiding in the attic and put them in their rightful place — poolside, in the summer, paired with modernday counterparts and accessorized to perfection.

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TASTE

How family tradition has inspired a modern take on an old favorite written by Logan Crumpton photography by Philip Pietri

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H

ow many of us have family recipes or cooking techniques that inspire our best culinary creations? Perhaps it’s a perfect neckbone tomato gravy, pie crust, a unique salad, or something peculiar and intense like homemade charcuterie. For me, I think of my grandmother every time I shave fresh garlic with my paring knife; she taught me how to do it perfectly so as not to cut off my fingers. Even the racket coming from her kitchen inspired me — for example, the unique, constant chopping sound her strange glass cutting board made as she processed cucumbers, onions, and avocados for the simple salad she prepared for nearly every sit-down meal. When it was time for dessert, the hiss of hot oil softly called me back into the kitchen, as the first zeppole was flung into the fryer. My grandmother’s kitchen has been, and continues to be, the inspiration for my culinary journey.

And I am not alone. There are culinary artisans honing their craft by using recipes and techniques passed down from their cherished relatives. Case in point, not everyone wakes up with a wild idea to all of a sudden instigate the process of preserving and canning fruits or vegetables. No, those folks have learned such skills through multigenerational knowledge banks.

Lakeland, too, is home to food enthusiasts of the like. They usually aren’t quick to blurt out their life story of how they came to be, but there’s likely a Granny out there you should thank for imparting the joy of cookery into these kids. This is especially true of a particular Gran, a gingersnap recipe, and A Cow Named MOO — a delightful local business that handcrafts ice-cream sandwiches and pedals them from their custom ice-cream tricycle around town.

Patrick and Sarah Mulcahy, A Cow Named MOO’s proprietors, share a parallel background. As food lovers, they both crave a side of good story to accompany their entrée. The thought process behind every detail is just as important as the finished product. When it comes to A Cow Named MOO’s menu, every flavor combination has a story, a detailed anecdote of how it came to be. Sarah, too, has fond memories of spending quality time with her grandmother in an old Northeast kitchen.

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You see, the gingersnap cookie has become one of several signature recipes for the walls that hold together A Cow named MOO’s incredibly edible ice-cream sandwiches. It’s Sarah’s grandmother’s recipe, which she constantly had baking in the oven when Sarah was a child. Every time Sarah bakes a batch, the smell brings her right back to the time-worn kitchen of her youth.

Although not every cookie is based on Grandma’s recipes, the concept of scratch-made food was handed down to both Patrick and Sarah from generations past. Patrick’s family tree is rooted in Germany. His mother and grandmother made everything by hand for the humble motive of not knowing any other way. Patrick is undeniably better off for it, as this way of looking at nourishment has stuck with him, to our great benefit. Sarah’s father is a farmer at heart. At the supper table, they dined on organic, home-grown food. Even the name of their new business is a nod to a rich family heritage. Sarah actually had a cow named MOO when she was a young child.

Sarah and Patrick love food with uniqueness and character. As they do not live stationary lives, their flavor concepts are inspired

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When it comes to A Cow Named MOO’s menu, every flavor combination has a story, a detailed anecdote of how it came to be. by their travels. During their early twenties, for several years they lived on Nantucket island, where the unique approach to locally grown, hand-crafted food was decades ahead of the trend. A few years ago, they stayed at Nebo Lodge, the only inn and restaurant on a little island off of Penobscot Bay in Maine. This is where they first savored basil and pine-nut ice cream. To this day, for both of them, it was the best ice cream they ever had. It was made by hand, of course, the way most life-changing tastes are created. The dairy was from the island (with only 300 year-round residents), while the herbs were grown at the restaurant. This experience inspired them to bring that idea to Lakeland in what we now can enjoy sandwiched between two shortbread cookies. However, before we fast forward to the present, you still must understand that at that point they had no clue how to churn whole milk, sugar, cream, and such into the majesty we now have.

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Some things, out of necessity or out of pure desire, they had to find out for themselves. They had to exasperate all possibilities in order to seek excellence in the product they wished to create.

In order to become masterful, they started a comprehensive study program on the art of ice-cream making. Like many, they turned to the knowledge of those who already honed their own skills to get more insight on the subject. They went to the library and checked out as many books as they could find on the topic and read them all cover to cover in an effort to gain an understanding of the science behind making this simple dessert. When it finally came time to invest in their first ice-cream maker, they were encouraged but not overly excited about their product. They kept trying and experimenting, honing their craft to perfection. Ultimately, they surprised themselves when it finally clicked. After exhaustive attempts of experimenting, eventually they figured it out.

Once they fully realized a solid technique, the next step was achieving a flawless execution in a public setting. Whether you recognize it or not, each time you visit A Cow Named MOO at one of its touring locations, you are a test subject. Each event or outing is a chance for continuous improvement, tweaking the process little by little with each delectable bite.

Their extensive research and analysis has shown that only certified organic, grass-fed milk would accomplish their vision to emphasize the quality of each sandwich’s component. It’s unique for ice-cream makers to use this kind of milk; not only is it expensive, but it’s also hard to find. Judging by taste alone, it does make a clear and present difference in the end result.

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Patrick’s unique ability to pair flavors and taste details is imperative in creating the exciting and surprising flavors offered

by A Cow Named MOO. As a child, he played a game with his mom during which he would guess the spices she used in preparing dishes. Today, he guesses flavors with pinpoint accuracy, a skill that is very helpful when recreating a delicious flavor experience or translating it into ice-cream sandwich form, such as the Concord Stout, a coffee-and-dark-beer-infused ice cream nestled between two rich, chocolaty cookies. The Concord Stout is an homage to the uniqueness of both Concord Coffee and A Cow Named MOO, two of Lakeland’s gems.

As they meet and network with more Lakeland growers, crafters, and farmers, A Cow Named MOO plans to add even more local goodness to the product. They recently purchased a vintage Cushman Truckster to help save Patrick’s legs on those longer journeys outside of downtown Lakeland. What started out being a hobby is blossoming to become something much more substantial and, indeed, a sweet career.

While you’re melting away in the Florida heat this summer, savor the flavor of a unique ice-cream sandwich from A Cow Named MOO, which can be found at Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday, and Dixieland Village’s Twilight Market and Last Friday events. Look for Patrick pedaling a vintage red trike with a large custom ice-cream box attached to the back (assembled in town by a local metal fabricator, of course) and Sarah pedaling the product.

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RECIPES

MEXICAN STREET CORN ICE-CREAM SANDWICHES The thought of extracting flavor from freshly shucked summer corn might sound like an odd taste profile for ice cream. It was positively how I felt the first time I saw it on the dessert menu at Indigenous in Sarasota.

However, it turned out that the mild, grassy notes alongside the pure sweetness of corn complemented all that rich cream to absolute perfection and inspired me to create this variation. Since not everyone has an icecream maker lying around, this recipe has been adapted to incorporate the store-bought variety. Feel free to make your own with a basic vanilla-bean base; then follow these steps for the mix-ins.

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Corn Ice Cream with Blackberry Marmalade 1/2 gallon organic vanilla ice cream (slightly softened) 2 cups corn puree* 1 cup Mexican crema a few shakes of ground cayenne pepper pinch of salt 1 cup blackberry preserves (1 pint blackberries, 1/3 cup sugar, zest and juice from 1/2 lemon. Cook on medium-high for about 15 minutes or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Let set for 30 minutes before mixing in.)

1 block queso fresco (finely crumbled; then set aside for garnish) Mix ice cream, cream, corn puree, and cayenne thoroughly. Place half of the mixture in a loaf pan; and then carefully place half of the blackberry marmalade on top. Alternate with the rest of the ice cream, and finish with the marmalade. Place a butter knife or narrow spatula into the ice cream until you reach the bottom of the pan. Make a gentle, swirling pattern to incorporate the two components. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in freezer to fully set. *Corn Puree (makes 2 cups) 3 ears of corn (shucked, with kernels cut from the cob and the cobs cut into 1-inch cubes) 1 pint heavy whipping cream 2 Tbsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. salt Place all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan on medium heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally. After 20 minutes, remove pan from heat and cover in order to steep for about 1 hour. Discard the cobs, pour mixture into a blender, and pulse on high for 3 minutes. Strain out the pulp with a sieve. Place back in saucepan on medium heat for an additional 10 minutes to reduce liquid. Remove from heat and let cool.

Cornmeal Cookies 1 3/4 cup flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 cup butter softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 2-3 Tbsp. buttermilk (or plain yogurt) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Stir dry ingredients together.

In a large bowl, with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in dry ingredients.

Add enough buttermilk to dough to moisten and make soft — not wet.

Roll rounded teaspoon of dough into balls. Place on cookie sheet and slightly flatten. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges turn slightly golden. Let cool completely before assembling the sandwiches.

Makes approximately 30 cookies.

To assemble: Scoop desired amount of ice cream onto the flat side of a cookie.

Place the second cookie down onto the ice Cream, applying a slight amount of pressure to adhere. Just before serving, take a small handful of the queso fresco and sprinkle it around the edge of the ice cream. Makes 15 sandwiches. Enjoy!

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NATURE

COLT CREEK STATE PARK

TRADE THE SOUNDS OF THE CITY FOR WHISPERING WIND IN THE PINES story and photography by Jason Stephens

A

ll too often we think adventure requires traveling a great distance to some remote location miles from our homes. But, really, adventure is much closer than you think. There are numerous natural resources that await adventurers within an hour’s drive of our beautiful city. A great place to start is Colt Creek State Park.

Twenty miles north of downtown Lakeland, Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is a 110,000-acre preserve that is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The preserve stretches across Polk, Lake, Pasco, and Sumter Counties. It’s divided into five tracts: Colt Creek State Park (5,067 acres), East Tract (51,149 acres), Hampton Tract (11,052 acres), Little Withlacoochee Tract (4,446 acres), and West Tract (37,350 acres). The landscape consists mainly of pine flatwoods, cypress domes, open pastureland, and sandy ridgelines. And it is breathtakingly beautiful.

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HISTORY The 5,067-acre parcel known as Colt Creek State Park was a joint purchase between the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Polk County Natural Resources division from the Overstreet family on May 31, 2006. The land was purchased primarily because of the huge role that it plays in the Green Swamp floodplain; the water that flows off of this land eventually feeds into four of Florida’s major rivers: the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Peace, and Ocklawaha. This land purchase became the 160th state park in Florida.

Prior to the purchase, the Overstreets used the land to raise beef cattle, to grow and harvest pine trees, and for hunting. In the 1990s, the family dug several large pits to mine for limestone.

There are places in these pits that plunge to over 50 feet in depth, which is deep enough to reach the aquifer. This allowed water to flow up through the soil, creating natural-looking lakes that provide habitat for various species of birds, plants, and other animals.

Thanks to the efforts of the three purchasers along with the managing agency, the Florida Park Service, this land has been preserved for our enjoyment. If you’re wanting to break away from the ordinary city life and experience Florida in one of its most natural states, chances are Colt Creek State Park has just what you’re looking for. With over 12 miles of trails, three lakes, and three primitive campsites (one suitable for groups), this park has something for everyone.

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The picturesque, multi-use trails that stretch across pine flatwoods, past cypress domes, and open pastures are accessible by horseback, foot, or bicycle. Most of the trails are hard-packed and covered with grass, but there are also soft-sandy and muddy areas, so a mountain bike is ideal if you go that route. Each trail is marked with a color swatch, known as a blaze, painted on the trees along the path and appearing every hundred yards or so. There are also numbered trail markers that correspond to the numbers on the trail map you will receive when you enter the park. Colt Creek is a popular wildlife viewing area, so there’s always a possibility of catching a glimpse of a white-tail deer, bobcat, Osceola turkey, fox squirrel, raccoon, or alligator. It’s also a great location to do some bird watching. In a year-long study conducted by the Lake Region Audubon Society, there were over 150 species of birds identified within the park.

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If hiking, biking, or horseback riding aren’t for you, check out one of the three lakes on the property. These lakes offer numerous activities and contain several species of freshwater fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, bream, shell cracker, and catfish. For the fisherman, there is a dock that extends 75 feet out over Mac Lake, which is the largest of the three lakes. Fishing is not limited to the dock, however, so feel free to bank fish at any of the three lakes, or hand launch a boat, canoe, or kayak in Middle or Mac Lake. Electric trolling motors are permitted, but gas motors are not and must be removed from your boat before entering the park. Fishermen are expected to follow all State of Florida fishing regulations, so make sure you’re familiar with those.

They can be found at myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations.

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If you’re wanting to break away from the ordinary city life and experience Florida in one of its most natural states, chances are Colt Creek State Park has just what you’re looking for.

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For those who like to get out and sleep under the stars, Colt Creek offers two primitive campsites that are located along the Flatwoods Trail. The closest is two miles from where you will leave your vehicle. These campsites have no water or bathroom facilities and are accessible by foot, bike, or horseback only. There is a primitive campsite that is accessible by vehicle for organized youth groups only.

Camping here allows you the opportunity to do some serious stargazing. Since there is little light pollution here, you will likely be able to see many more stars than you can in the city. For optimal conditions, try to plan your adventure during a new moon, and look for clear weather conditions. Another advantage campers have at Colt Creek is early morning access to the trails which will greatly increase your wildlife viewing opportunities as most species of wildlife are much more active around the first and last light of the day.

Looking for a place to picnic, have a party or gettogether with friends and family? Colt Creek has four pavilions that can be reserved in advance or used on a first-come, first-served basis if they are not already reserved. The largest pavilion is screened in and has attached restroom facilities. It’s located right by the Mac Lake dock and nature trail.

If you’re looking to trade the everyday sounds of the city for the whisper of the wind through the pines, add Colt Creek State Park to your summer road-trip list.

You’ll be glad you did!

PARK INFORMATION 16000 SR 471, Lakeland, FL 33809 office: 863.815.6761 cell: 863.661.8196 floridastateparks.org/park/colt-creek Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year Entrance fee is $4.00 per vehicle – maximum of eight people per vehicle

GO PREPARED Ensure that you have plenty of water for the amount of time that you plan to spend in the park, as well as sunscreen, insect repellant, proper footwear, camera/binoculars, fishing gear, and a field guide. It’s also never a bad idea to carry a protein bar or some trail mix, as they’re a good source of energy should you need it. For a more detailed list of items that could be beneficial to your time in the park, check out this site: rei.com/ learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html, where you will find a printer friendly version of the checklist on that page as well.

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CULTURE

SEEDING JOY

How an artist named Bump and his whimsical creations are creating moments of joy in surprising places written by Abby Jarvis • photography by Penny & Finn

O

n a quiet street in an art-filled house lives Josh “Bump” Galletta, one of Lakeland’s up-and-coming illustrators. I stopped by the Galletta house, where Bump lives with his wife, Mary, and children Emmersyn, six, and Fynn, four, and got to catch up with the artist.

He’s an animated storyteller which, given the way he’s developed and used his talents, makes his stories even more interesting.

“I’ve always drawn, since I was a little kid,” Bump says. He was inspired after he asked his dad to draw a picture for him and then realized he could do the same thing. After a while, he stopped copying other pictures and started making up his own scenes, and his love for drawing started to grow. “The only classes I enjoyed at school were art, so I just entered every art contest,” he says. “But I would never win, because I would never follow the proper technique and rules. I had kind of that punk-rock spirit where you just want to do your own thing. So I’ve since had to learn proper techniques, and then I could do my own thing.”

For a long time, drawing took a backseat to his career. Bump has worked in the ministry at various churches, and he moved to Lakeland seven years ago to work as the family pastor at Oasis Church. Two years later, he was in a terrible accident; he was hit by a motorist while bicycling in Jacksonville. “She struck me and I was thrown from my bike, and she ran over me and dragged me about 25 feet,” Bump told me matter-of-factly. “She thought I was still under her car, so she ended up backing over me. She ended up breaking all my ribs, both my collarbones, my hands, and I had a bunch of internal injuries.” The weeks after the accident were a blur of surgeries spaced between long days in his hospital room. Bump marveled over his healing, saying, “That I’m able to walk again and everything else is just phenomenal.”

During his long stay in the hospital, Bump passed the hours in his room by drawing. He drew throughout his healing process, but it was during a session with a counselor that his sketches become something more than a simple way to pass the time. “I realized I was having some issues — some internal things — so 70

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I saw a counselor. And she told me I had posttraumatic stress disorder,” he says. “I didn’t expect that. I just knew I had bad anxiety.

I didn’t sleep; I’d just stay up late at night drawing. And she said a proper way to heal was to do my artwork, so I just started leaving pieces around.”

Bump began leaving his sketches hidden in different places he visited. He took handfuls of small prints wherever he went — to coffee shops, to bookstores, to IKEA, even to Disney World — and hid them in unlikely places. He included notes with each print that asked people to tag him on Instagram and Twitter when they found his work, and the notifications started rolling in. People began asking him about his drawings, and he loved hearing others’ impressions of his work. “Someone asked me, ‘Hey, what’s the story behind this?’ and I asked, ‘Well, what do you think?’ And they had this whole elaborate story. I think it’s funny that people are making up their own stories for them,” he says. “It’s fun seeing everyone else’s imaginations run with it.”

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Bump’s sketches include a wide variety of subjects, like teepees, hikers, Airstream trailers, and robots. Although many people find elaborate meanings in much of Bump’s work, he draws inspiration from his everyday life. Road trips with his family to the beach or mountains, days at the pool, and his children are all constant sources of inspiration. “I daydream a lot.

I have a crazy imagination,” he says. “And Emmersyn and Fynn will come up with some crazy stories.” He laughingly says that his wife and in-laws tease him about his vivid daydreams, and that he can sometimes be caught typing ideas into his phone while in the middle of everyday activities or trips with the family.

His work has gained visibility online, and his influence in Lakeland is growing. He’s still hiding art around the country, but he’s also started to sell his prints and paintings at A Kind Place, an independent gift shop in Lakeland’s thriving Dixieland area. Near A Kind Place is one of Bump’s most ambitious projects to date — a metal sculpture that’s installed in the same neighborhood that’s home to the gift shop and establishments like Fat Maggie’s, Concord Coffee, and Indie Atlantic.

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Although many people find elaborate meanings in much of Bump’s work, he draws inspiration from his everyday life. Road trips with his family to the beach or mountains, days at the pool, and his children are all constant sources of inspiration.

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The sculpture, which depicts a man working at an anvil, recalls the history of Bump’s own family whose members came over to the United States from Italy, bringing few of their belongings with them. “The only thing they really brought with them was this anvil,” Bump says. “They’d always build their own stuff, and [my great-grandfather] was an inventor.” That sense of creativity and independence was the inspiration for the sculpture. “The whole theme for the sculpture was supposed to be creative entrepreneurship,” he says. His ancestors’ creativity and determination is evident in the sculpture itself, which required that Bump learn how to weld in order to put it together.

Bump’s enthusiasm for his art is contagious, and he hopes that the momentum he’s gained in the community through projects like his sculpture will continue. Right now, he balances his ministerial work with his art, but he admits to dreaming about a day when he can make a living drawing and painting. “It’d be fun, one day, to just get up every morning and have it be all I do. But I love helping people, too,” he says.

“I just want to draw. I want to see what happens.

I want to see what the next level is.”

Josh “Bump” Galletta draws original art, commissioned pieces, family and pet portraits, and more. To contact him, please visit bumpgalletta.com, or contact him on Twitter (@BumpGalletta) or on Instagram (BumpGalletta).

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Bump is fiercely loyal to the community that gathered around him and his family after his accident so many years ago. Until the day that he can support himself and his family with his art, he dreams of using his talent as a way to give back to the people who gave so much to him.

“I just want to bring a happiness and a hope here,” Bump says. “You know, we went through a really rough time, and everyone helped us out and just bent over backwards. And I’m hoping my artwork can generate that feeling — that if you’re having a bad day or a bad moment, you can just look at a piece and it takes you away from there.”

Bump is achieving that goal. Whether you find a sketch of a robot hidden away in the back of a bookstore or buy an original painting or commissioned portrait, you’ll feel the whimsy, simple joy, and vivid imagination that dominate all of his work. And, even on your worst day, you can take comfort in the knowledge that somewhere, in a little house on a quiet street, a man who has overcome terrible injuries and astonishing odds is drawing, and painting, and seeding joy in the community that he calls home.

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PHILANTHROPY

style + grace

TOP BUTTONS TEACHES GIRLS SELF-WORTH THROUGH FASHION WRITTEN BY TARA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFFANI JONES

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Sarah Powers

“The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain

For Sarah Powers, founder and CEO of Top Buttons, the revelation of her passion came to life while standing in a checkout line at Sam’s Club. The mother of four small children, Powers has always had a passion for the well-being of young girls and had been wondering how she could harness that passion to help the world without taking time away from her family.

“I was in Sam’s with my family,” she says, “and my kids were all staring at a magazine in the checkout line. There was a lady on the cover; she was surrounded by inappropriate headlines. I ended up buying [the magazine] to remind myself of what the media and fashion industry are willing to do for profit. My kids couldn’t believe I bought it, but I didn’t want to forget [what I felt]. I still have it.”

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Powers is especially aware of how girls represent themselves on social media as well as the societal pressure for girls to be provocative.

She has also personally experienced the struggle for modesty while shopping with her own 11-year-old daughter; there aren’t a lot of appropriately modest clothing choices available for girls and young women. Messages from the media tell girls their worth is in what they look like. This was the concern that inspired Powers to add a new voice — a positive, encouraging voice — to the mix. And Top Buttons was born.

Leaning on the science of enclothed cognition, the “systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes” (sciencedirect.com, 2012), Top Buttons teaches girls how to dress the way they feel.

Top Buttons’ Vice President Katie DeLoach is a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in working with young girls and talking about how their clothes make them 82

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feel. DeLoach says, “You’re a walking billboard.

Before you say a word verbally, you’ve sent a message by what you’re wearing.”

Top Buttons began as an online magazine devoted to teaching girls about fashion, contextual modesty, and that there’s an appropriate time and place for most types of clothing. Top Buttons educates young girls on how to make the most of their clothing choices, using fashion as a vehicle of expression without compromising morals.

Visiting the Top Buttons online magazine is like visiting any major clothing store’s blog. It’s full of stylish girls and women, and hosts articles about what popular young starlets are modestly wearing on red carpets and in their personal lives. On the website you can learn all about this season’s fashions, how to pair things together, beauty tips, and what the latest stars are wearing.

It’s a hub for fashion and style and is a beautiful, positive, social-media resource for young women.

Powers has assembled a team of staff and interns who share her passion for girls and their well-being to help maintain the Top Buttons vision. Many of the Top Buttons photos are of their interns, young women from Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, and Polk State College who are helping in an area they’re passionate about and receiving valuable experience in working with a nonprofit.

The Top Buttons team doesn’t just run a high quality blog, though. They’re also active in the community and work with multiple local nonprofits to help teach girls about contextual modesty. They’ve hosted clothing “pop-up shops” at places like Girls Inc., Parker Street Ministries, PACE Center for Girls, The Dream Center, and church youth groups. At these pop-up shops they talk to girls about what’s popular and what’s appropriate for them.

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how to get involved If fashion or empowering young women is a passion for you, then Top Buttons would love for you to be a part of their organization. There are several different levels of involvement available:

DONATIONS

Top Buttons accepts donations of gentlyused female clothing for preteens, teens, women, and plus sizes. They also accept gently-worn shoes and accessories of all kinds.

These donations can be dropped off at the Top Buttons Boutique at 1074 South Florida Avenue, Suite #101.

VOLUNTEERS

Young women and ladies who would like to help with clothes sorting and organizing can contact the Top Buttons Team through their email: info@topbuttons.org.

INTERNS

Top Buttons loves having interns to help with social media, photography, and more. For more information about internships, email the Top Buttons team at info@topbuttons.org.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

Businesses are encouraged to collaborate and support Top Buttons through corporate sponsorship. Through sponsorship, businesses can receive styling services and fashion education for their employees. For more info, email the Top Buttons team at info@topbuttons.org.

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MODELS (left to right) Shelby, PACE Center for Girls Kamea, Parker Street Ministries Melanie, Parker Street Ministries Keyana, PACE Center for Girls

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Messages from the media tell girls their worth is in what they look like. This was the concern that inspired Powers to add a new voice — a positive, encouraging voice — to the mix.

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Together, Top Buttons and the nonprofits with whom they partner are working on the whole person with local girls. Not only are these girls receiving counseling, help at school, and emotional support and encouragement, but they’re also learning about self-confidence and body positivity through the help of Powers and her team. They want every girl to have a chance at success no matter their background.

TOP BUTTONS BOUTIQUE The ladies at Top Buttons have big plans for the future. Their vision is to help girls prepare for big life events, like job interviews and prom.

In June, Top Buttons opened a boutique in Dixieland where girls can shop the gently-used items with the help of a Top Buttons stylist.

They are currently working on a referral system and hope to see 30 girls a month.

When girls visit the boutique, they’re given a unique and memorable shopping experience. Each girl receives a personal stylist and a voucher for $100 worth of clothing and accessories. Together with their stylist they peruse the aisles of fashionable, donated, clothing, make-up, handbags, and accessories for girls of all shapes, sizes, and styles. Power’s own 11-year-old daughter is a stylist in training and helps girls select their new outfits.

While the girls try on and model their selections, the stylists discuss with them how clothes should feel and fit. Next, Top Buttons’ makeup artist and hair stylist, Yolanda and Christi, give the girls tips and tricks on what colors and styles work best on them. Each girl receives a small box of beauty products tailored to their taste, age, and personality.

The positive attitude in the boutique is infectious! Girls and stylists leave the Top Buttons boutique beaming with pride over a day well spent, with the girls receiving a new outfit but also plenty of encouragement and fashion education from the fabulous Top Buttons team.

TOP BUTTONS 1074 South Florida Avenue, Suite #101 Lakeland, FL 33803 863.688.0129 topbuttons.org info@topbuttons.org

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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shopping done right

Making a real difference for real people written by Karissa Barber photography by Lee Anne Roquemore of Petal & Vine Photography

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cloud of red dirt settled behind the Range Rover as we walked into the Sseko Designs workshop in equatorial Africa. Through a strange series of events during our adoption process, my husband and I were delivering 50 pounds of white canvas from Portland, Oregon, to Kampala, Uganda, for the continued manufacturing of fair trade footwear. Once we delivered the massive duffle bag, we were given a tour of the workshop. With two toddlers strapped into baby-carrying devices, we went from room to room observing first-hand the production process and employees behind the leather sandals I had on my feet. We were continually greeted with curious smiles and the phrase, “What is your name, please?”

These women sought to understand why Americans from a world away would come to Uganda, adopt two orphans, and visit their small workshop.

What they didn’t know is that before we embarked upon our journey, I had read about these incredible women

Photo courtesy of Ragga’ Kenya

who were working at Sseko Designs.

The company’s founder went beyond paying employees a livable wage, going as far as to set up savings accounts with automatic deposits, enabling young women to attend university the following year. Sseko’s goal is to help end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society in Eastern Africa. Not only were they creating adorable, cutting-edge fashion, but also they were changing the business culture of overseas export.

Every new hand we shook and smile we received slowly began to change my heart. Before this venture, I looked at clothes as simply a way to express my inner style. After meeting these Ugandan women, I started looking at the things with which I adorned my body as tools that could have a more far-reaching impact than simply looking good. I was realizing that my purchasing power could affect global change. Buying a pair of strappy sandals from Sseko Designs, a fair trade company, allowed me to change the trajectory of someone’s life.

As we left the workshop that afternoon, I carried several pairs of Sseko sandals and straps as gifts for friends and family back home. Little pieces of Uganda were in my suitcase, and their impact would reach far beyond my wardrobe.

Ethical fashion can be an ambiguous term. Many people think the words “ethical” and “fair trade” are synonymous.

Fair trade certification focuses singularly on wages of workers, while ethical fashion is the purposeful consideration of a product, from concept to consumption, and how it impacts the world. It is an all-encompassing approach to how clothes are made, including the working conditions and wages of the workers, the environmental impact (such as chemical and water usage), and animal and human rights concerns. There are many simple, budget-friendly ways to purchase ethical fashion. We all don’t have opportunities to fly to Uganda, India, or Guatemala every time we want a new pair of ethically sourced shoes, so I’m glad there are easier options.

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We don’t have to look outside of the United States, the state of Florida, or even our own city to find companies that are producing ethical fashion.

Fair trade labeling is common on coffee and chocolate; but, today, many companies are choosing to seek this certification for their clothing and other goods. Obtaining fair trade labeling can be a long and expensive process that many companies can’t afford. But some conscientious companies often provide information about working conditions, company objectives, and manufacturing processes on their websites, empowering the consumer to make informed choices.

We don’t have to look outside of the United States, the state of Florida, or even our own city to find companies that are producing ethical fashion. Look no further than the Downtown Farmers Curb Market or the Dixie Twilight Farmer’s Market and you’ll find local artisans and designers selling hand-crafted fashion accessories.

Companies like American Dance Party, Boondock Studios, and Jenntage represent the many artisans that call Lakeland home. A Kind Place is a new Dixieland shop that sources locally made and fair trade goods from around the world. Right here in Lakeland, you can find and fall in love with products from Mata Traders, Joyn, The Root Collective, and many others.

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get connected.

log on.

tune in.

W W W . L A K E L A N D G O V. N E T

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“The Root Collective partners with small-scale artisan businesses in marginalized communities to promote change through dignified jobs.”

Photo by Em Grey courtesy of The Root Collective “Ragga’ Kenya is purposed to empower women worldwide. Together we have built relationships with Kenyan artisans to give them sustaining income through fair wages.”

Photo by Megan Bielfeltv courtesy of Ragga’ Kenya “JOYN takes artisans living in poverty and joins them with the thriving fashion world. Each step of our process is done by hand — creating more jobs, bringing more joy, and connecting more artisans with consumers.”

Photo by Jane Ray courtesy of JOYN India

For more information about the ethical fashion movement, check out the new documentary The True Cost, available on iTunes, Amazon, VHX, DVD, and Blu-Ray.

Lakeland is also filled with second-hand, thrift, and consignment shops that give quality items a second life while keeping them out of the landfill. Ethical shopping isn’t just about manufacturing, but also the environmental impact of our choices as consumers.

Instead of supporting fast fashion, people can give a piece of clothing a new life and support the local economy. Places like Peace River Center Thrift Shoppe help support rehabilitation services for women who have been abused. Every purchase helps to give a better future to women who have had a troubled past.

Most of the items that hang in my closet have a story attached to them. My blue dress with little birds in the pattern was custom-tailored in India; the colorful necklace made from tagua seeds was dyed and handstrung in Ecuador; the handcrafted leather shoes I picked up at the Sseko workshop in Uganda are all reminders of my place in both the global and local economy. By making a simple, thoughtful purchase, this mother of four in Lakeland, Florida, can make a real difference in the lives of real people.

Special thanks to Drew Arnold, Ida Mundell, Jennifer Sabin, and Yolanda Delacerda for their help on this story.

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SHELTER

written by Christian Lee photography by Tina Sargeant

RESCUE, REWORK, REUSE, REIMAGINE The art of finding and buying vintage furniture

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ome is where we are surrounded by the people and things we love. It’s where we share a small part of ourselves with our family and friends. It can be a part of that very personal expression of who we are because it’s where our souls live. Our homes’ interiors reflect our style, our histories, our lives, our goals, and our connection to the world. The places we live must make us happy, inspired, and joyful, with the personal and intimate pleasure we feel in a space that is undeniably our own.

Vintage furniture can provide the opportunity to articulate personal style and create a space that is unique to you while spending a bit less money. It’s also a way to participate in and contribute to a more ecologically responsible world. Many great vintage pieces have ended up lost or destroyed, the victims of under-appreciation and changing taste, sent to the local landfill to make space in the attic or the garage.

Typically, home furnishings fall out of fashion after 10 years or so and begin to look either tired or dated. Many are discarded, sold, or given away. Interestingly, after 30 or 40 years, we begin to again appreciate these same “tired” pieces. When distinguishing between “antique,” “vintage,” and “used,” a good rule of thumb is to consider the piece’s age. Generally, used furniture is 30 years old or younger. Vintage is 30 to 100 years old. Antiques are more than 100 years old. However, there’s more to vintage than just age. Vintage furniture should be representative of the style that was popular during a particular era or time period.

Mid-Century Modern, a widely recognized and significant design movement, is one of my favorite design periods. It describes the design style that took place between 1933 and 1965. George Nakashima’s work provides an excellent example of wonderful vintage MidCentury Modern. His work is highly sought after and very collectible (code for expensive) and is a definitive example of what was popular during that period. In fact, some Mid-Century furniture such as the iconic Eames lounge chair have never gone out of production. While there are certainly very expensive vintage options, there are more affordable options if you have a bit of patience and can spend a bit of time scouting.

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VINTAGE FURNITURE CAN PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ARTICULATE PERSONAL STYLE AND CREATE A SPACE THAT IS UNIQUE TO YOU, WHILE SPENDING A BIT LESS MONEY. Interior decorator Dorothy Draper embodies the glamour and glitz of the 1930s, known now as Hollywood Regency. The hallmarks of Hollywood Regency — large prints; black-and-white tiles; bright colors; elegant lines; and lacquered, glossy finishes were popular among movie stars and was appreciated

by Nancy Reagan, former First Lady. A more modern version of this exaggerated style is making a comeback today in the details of design: decorative, intricate lampshades with hem fringe; brightly colored fabrics; damask cotton slipcovers; and Chinese hardware. The clean minimalist lines of Mid-Century Modern and the over-the-top glamour of Hollywood Regency are at opposite ends of the design spectrum — the former an example of less is more; the latter an example of more is better. The timelessness of these two fashion eras underscores their importance and should encourage us to use them, or other vintage styles, in our homes.

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When shopping for vintage furniture, don’t get hung up on provenance or recognizable name brands. So long as a piece of furniture is representative of an era that you love and suits your personal design style, it should be considered. Here are some key shopping tips when looking for vintage pieces: • Quality and condition are important. Find things that are gently loved but aren’t beaten up, and have solid frames.

• Upholstery can be replaced relatively inexpensively.

Reupholstering a piece can freshen and update it while also maintaining its vintage integrity.

• Old English Scratch Cover Furniture Polish (widely available at grocery and big-box stores) nicely touches up lightly scratched or scarred exposed wood and legs.

• Spray paint can help a cool vintage piece emerge from its previously discarded life, and only requires a little imagination and individual taste.

• Before shopping, identify how you want a room to function, establish your priorities, and set a realistic and manageable budget.

• Look for things you like and then build around them.

You will love and appreciate a piece of furniture longer if you buy what fits your personality and individual style.

• Don’t look for things that match. Buying vintage allows you the freedom to create your own style. An Asian garden seat, a small bench, or a large stool can easily be repurposed as interesting and pleasing end tables. A turn-of-the-century Turkish trunk can become your coffee table. Install an Art Nouveau mirror over a powder-room vanity for an interesting twist.

• Measure, measure, and measure again! I have unfortunately “enjoyed” the awkward experience of finding an ideal, flawless treasure, the justly earned spoils of an extensive search, only to get home and discover that it doesn’t fit anywhere. Thankfully, this happens rarely.

But when it does, there’s some “freaking out” that occurs. I often use painter’s tape to outline something I am considering on the floor to give a better visual understanding of its size and shape, and I keep notes of measurements of wall lengths and ceiling heights.

Vintage furniture can also present you with opportunities to expand your artistic instincts.

You can reimagine something you buy without too much financial risk. For example, I found a solid, traditional sofa; cut the arms off of it; put an edgy, up-to-date fabric on it; and transformed it to suit a modern space. You can express yourself and create something people will love. Imagine how to transform something you find, creating a work of art that is both within your budget and unique to itself.

There are a number of interesting local sources for vintage furniture and other such things.

Auctions, estate sales, flea markets, and yard sales are among the most common. My favorite sources, though, are vintage stores where the owners almost always have a unique, and very individual, curating rhythm. I recently discovered and purchased a rockin’ Art Deco mirror at Junkprince. Rickey and Denise Robson have owned and operated this store on South Florida Avenue for the past three years and have an eclectic, constantly evolving, blend of furniture and other curiosities. Rickey’s father was in the furniture business, and as a child Rickey would comb his neighborhood for discarded furniture that could be reworked or reused. This has led to a lifelong love for all things vintage and a passion that is both wide and deep. You never know what you might run across in Junkprince!

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The Hotel Loyal was built by Lakeland businessman D.H. Sloan at the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Cedar Street across from the railroad depot north of Munn Park. it was one of more than a dozen transient hotels and rooming houses built in the area of the train depot to attract travelers. - 1910

Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library Photo by Robin Phillips

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Dixieland Relics, another local treasure, is located in a former Dixielandarea service station and is owned and operated by native Lakelanders Karen Dasher and Luke Dickerson. Over breakfast at Reececliff two years ago, Dasher and Dickerson decided to open Dixieland Relics on South Florida Avenue. They love the vibe they have established and maintained by owning a place to display and sell their vintage, salvage, and industrial furniture.

Amy Howard’s one-step chalk paint can transform a piece of furniture to give it a new, sensational life of its own. Simple Vintage with Scout & Tag on North Kentucky Avenue carry this miraculous paint along with an array of hand-painted home-decor items, vintage furniture, antiques, and industrial design pieces. Owners Kim Hancock and Nikki Hunt specialize in resourcing and restoring furniture, and even offer instructional painting workshops.

Visit the vintage stores that you love regularly. Inventory changes, and the great things often don’t stick around for long. Ask questions and discuss your taste and preferences with the owner or salesperson so they get to know you and your style. They will likely be happy to give you a call if something they think you will like comes in. Check fit as well as finish. Structural integrity counts. Open and close drawers and doors. Look for splits and breaks.

Check the hinges, hardware, tracks, and rails for alignment and operational efficiency. You probably don’t want to buy something that isn’t suitable for your purposes or that needs to be rebuilt.

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Vintage stores, and the simple but always sublime treasures they contain, are a natural gravitational force, drawing me to them with an energy of their own. I can’t resist them. They somehow distill everything I love about style and design, and then combine this primal brew with the excitement and energy of the hunt. Splendid vintage furniture can cunningly cause either great pleasure or sudden suffering (see “freaking out” as mentioned previously).

But vintage stores seldom betray my need for their heavenly soothing of my design instincts. They are simultaneously spiritual and temporal for the true design addict. Shopping for vintage furniture, whether in stores, estate sales, auctions, flea markets, or yard sales, is a great way to bond and share moments with a spouse, sibling, parent, friend, or even your kids.

Everything you find has an experience and story with it; discovering these stories can create lasting memories. A great vintage find can become part of your personal, unique story; your family history; and will help make your home a reflection of you.

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JUNKPRINCE 1214 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863.450.8497 junkprince.com DIXIELAND RELICS 949 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 863.559.8356 or 863.581.6466 facebook.com/DixielandRelics SIMPLE VINTAGE WITH SCOUT & TAG 244 North Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 863.860.6876 (Simple Vintage) 863.661.3855 (Scout & Tag) scoutingvintage.com

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Starting with the curb appeal and inviting entryway, you know right away this home is going to be perfect! The open plan living/dining combo flows to the spacious kitchen, with a closet pantry, new granite countertops and ceramic tile floor, new appliances, and large eat-in area.

The master bath includes a double vanity with granite countertops, new shower glass, and garden tub. The master bedroom has a large walk in closet, linen closet and opens to the lanai.

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KWPOLK.com 108 THE LAKELANDER

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Beautiful home! No detail was overlooked in updating this 3/2 home with a split floor plan.

Wood laminate flooring added in 2011.

Becky Lane, Home Connection Group 863-602-8605 • homeconnectiongroup.com

Custom built home in se gated neighborhood of summerland hills. 4 bed/2 bath split plan with warm, inviting wood burning fireplace in the great room. loaded with features BRIAN STEPHENS • 863-647-8600 Rhoadsstephens.com

Keller Williams Realty of Lakeland Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

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PEOPLE

Lights

AND THE

come on

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THE CAMP FAMILY’S STORY OF HOPE written by Alice V. Koehler, with special thanks to Diana Smith photography by Lee Anne Roquemore of Petal & Vine Photography

All parents face some of life’s deepest and heart-rending questions. Nothing compares to the internal debating we do when it comes to decisions that affect our children. During their infancy, we wonder when to start doing x and begin doing y.

We ponder with intensity what laundry detergent to use and who our child’s first teacher will be. We

want to protect our children from every harm. We turn on lights when there are monsters under the bed. We make believe and read fairy tales in hopes that we can impart messages of love and hope, teach them right from wrong, and give them the security of safety. We want to ensure their happy and healthy futures. We worry about the decisions

we make today and what they might mean for their lives ahead. All parents share these concerns.

But, for some, the concern and questioning runs deeper still.

Some parents are faced with uninvited and lifealtering circumstances.

Meet the Camp family.

Jeremy and Amanda Camp met in 1997 while at summer camp.

They fell in love with each other, and with Lakeland, and married in 2003. After several years in church ministry and a life-changing decision to move into the Parker Street neighborhood, their family of two turned to three in 2008 when their daughter, Leyna, was born. Their family of three then grew to include Olivia, who is three, and Asher who is two.

The Camps live life from a place of hope. They exude a resilient and contagious hope-giving optimism. You feel it in Amanda’s cheerful, “Good morning!” when she’s out on an early-morning run. It’s apparent when you talk with her about what it means to be a mother who also has a career, and when you listen to why she and her husband were compelled to move to Parker Street in their twenties. You know it when they tell you about Asher, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and when they impart the story of their journey dealing with his diagnosis and disease.

Hope bubbles up when you see Jeremy toting their three children around town during the workday, when you listen to him parent intentionally and see him interact with their children. Hope spills out when Jeremy tells you about the progress Asher has made through the science of medicine and the generosity of community.

Hope shines in six-year-old Leyna, who will walk right up to you, give you a hug, and start a meaningful conversation about her life; and in little Olivia who smiles into your eyes, a perfect stranger, and asks you to play with her. And you will know hope when twoyear-old Asher rolls over to you in his wheelchair and reaches out to you with a joyful smile.

The Camps are a family that has faced (and continues to face) monstrous questions and found answers in unlikely places, though much mystery still remains.

When Asher was born in 2013, he was a happy, healthy kid.

Over time, though, he was slower than the average baby to reach developmental milestones, but so was Olivia, the middle Camp child. Amanda says, “Olivia didn’t crawl until 10 months old and didn’t walk until 16 months old. We affectionately referred to her as our “lazy baby.” So, when Asher struggled to bear weight on his legs or roll over, we weren’t alarmed at first.” As the weeks progressed, however, Amanda and Jeremy’s concern grew when Asher’s hand tremors and poor head control became more pronounced. “His hands were constantly clenched like a fist and they shook, too. When I nursed him I thought that maybe he had nervous energy and needed something to hold onto to calm down, so I would give him a blanket to grasp. Also, Asher’s head would constantly flop forward in the car seat, and as he got older it would bobble on his shoulders. We never connected the poor head control with his hand tremors.”

Thankfully, the Camps’ cautious pediatrician sent them to see a neurologist when he couldn’t find an infant reflex. The neurologist was to look for a hypotonia, weak muscle tone. “In many cases hypotonia is not associated with any disease or disorder but is merely a result of delayed development. Unfortunately, for us that was not the case,” Amanda recalls. Asher’s physical development continued to decline. At five months old, he could no longer push himself up from his belly. By one year old, he couldn’t move his legs, crawl, roll over, or even sit. “His arms moved and he could hold lightweight toys, but that was it,” Amanda says.

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At seven months old, doctors diagnosed Asher with spinal muscular atrophy, and the devastation set in. Through the tears, Amanda and Jeremy learned everything they could about the disease and began to figure out how they would turn on the proverbial lights and chase away this monster from their child’s life.

“SMA is a disease that robs people of physical strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. It is the number-one genetic cause of death for infants. SMA is caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1). In a healthy person, this gene produces a protein that is critical to the function of the nerves that control our muscles.

Without it, those nerve cells cannot properly function and eventually die, leading to debilitating and often fatal muscle weakness. SMA affects approximately 1 in 10,000 babies” (curesma.org). According to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, about 1 in 40 Americans is a genetic carrier (gsf.org). SMA can affect any race and any gender.

A recent entry on the Camps’ awareness-raising Facebook site, Arms for Asher, gives us a glimpse into the terrors that come when SMA lives in one’s family: “It is that time of year in Florida when the evening thunder showers come out with a fury. Last night was the first storm in a long time. It was well past the hour since our children were tucked into bed when thunder and lightning hit so loud and bright that it shook and lit up the whole house. Not even a second later my three-year-old came running out of her room screaming and crying. She was so frightened she literally ran down the hall and jumped into my arms. Asher also woke up out of a dead sleep crying. My poor babies were terrified.

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“SMA CHANGES EVERYTHING. IT CHANGES THE WAY YOU PARENT. IT CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE YOUR CHILD. IT CHANGES THE WAY YOU SEE OTHER CHILDREN. YOU CAN’T HELP BUT LOOK AT LIFE THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS.”

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The confidence to pursue all of life’s goals starts with a plan.

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As experienced UBS Financial Advisors, we can deliver advice that goes beyond investing to help you save more intelligently, access your assets more efficiently and borrow funds more strategically—and it all starts with the financial plan we create together.

Connect with us today to understand why we believe a holistic approach to wealth management is essential to helping you realize everything that’s important to you.

Advice you can trust starts with a conversation.

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REMAX

BE SMA AWARE 1 in EVERY 40 people is:

1

1 person in every Starbucks

40

People are carriers of the SMA gene.

10 people on every jumbo jet 20 million people on Facebook and one of them could be

YOU.

116 THE LAKELANDER

“After things settled and both children were comforted back to sleep, it didn’t take long for my heart to feel the aftermath of this thunderstorm. My heart was torn to bits but not by gusty winds and fallen tree branches; it was torn to bits by SMA. “My little boy couldn’t run to his mommy when he was scared. He was just as terrified as my little girl but in a helpless body, too weak to pull himself out of bed and run to me; he couldn’t run down the hallway and jump into my arms. Instead, he had to scream alone in terror until I could run to him.”

Amanda recounts, “SMA changes everything.

It changes the way you parent. It changes the way you see your child. It changes the way you see other children. You can’t help but look at life through a different lens. Sometimes that lens seems so crystal clear. You have a better appreciation for life. You can see what’s most important. Then, other times, the lens is dark and grey. You’re not sure how you even see things. Your hope can be murky. Your fears lurk around every corner. You look out and you see a very scary world.”

And all you can do is look for ways to turn on the lights.

Shortly after Asher’s diagnosis, the Camps found a lightswitch — and another hard question.

Through the help of their doctor, they became aware of a progressive clinical trial being offered in only four cities worldwide, one of which happened to be at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Time was limited, as the enrollment and qualification window was closing quickly.

Amanda and Jeremy had to make a life-altering decision in a matter of days: put Asher in the trial and risk the unknown effects of experimental drugs while gaining the possibility of a prolonged life, or keep him out and risk a life expectancy of less than two years. A clinical trial is at once “scary, emotional, and exciting,” Amanda says. “SMA is considered a pediatric terminal disease. There is currently no treatment and no cure; however, the National Institute of Health has targeted SMA as the neurological disease closest to treatment.

Thanks to the pipeline of major drug programs in development, a cure is on the horizon, but the search for a cure comes at a price. [A clinical trial] is truly an experiment. Handing our son over to science in the hope that some unknown drug can save his life and the lives of thousands of other children is one of the scariest things we have had to do as parents. Knowing the fate of the disease is just as scary. It has been hard to balance the emotional roller coaster that is our life.”

She continues, “We reach such highs in the moments of joy and excitement when we see Asher do things that we never thought he would do, but we can quickly spiral down into the valleys when we are plagued by the reality of this disease. We constantly brace ourselves against the worst while we hold tight to the best times. SMA children are fragile. Common colds turn into pneumonia that threatens to collapse lungs, which leads to more severe things. Most weak SMA children have feeding tubes by Asher’s age and there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t wonder if he will eventually need one. We monitor his oral eating closely and work hard to make sure he gets all of the nutrients and supplements he needs to stay strong. Despite our efforts, he may still need more nutrition support because that’s just how this disease works. It doesn’t play fair. So, it’s hard to balance the emotions sometimes.

“I recently heard someone say something like, ‘You’ve got to make your good times so good that when the bad times hit, they don’t feel so bad.’

Bad times can hit at any moment with SMA, so here’s to making some really freaking awesome good times!

“The results of the medication have been truly amazing [thus far]. It’s hard to compare Asher’s

Information courtesy of thegsf.org

25% SMA

SMA is a pan-ethnic disease and does not discriminate based on race or gender.

If BOTH parents are SMA carriers the chances of their child having SMA are

25%

1 of 3 outcomes

50% SMA carrier

25% unaffected

THE LAKELANDER 117

progress to children who do not have access to the drug, because every child is so different, but we know without a shadow of doubt that he is stronger than most children diagnosed with his symptoms at his age. The statistics speak for themselves: 50 percent of infants diagnosed with Type 1 SMA die before the age of one, and a majority of infants do not live to their second birthday. Most become dependent on respiratory support, if they live. In comparison, Asher is considered to be thriving at two years old.”

Yes, Amanda and Jeremy, and Leyna and Olivia turn on the lights for Asher every day. They live and laugh, celebrate small successes, and enjoy each other in every moment, staving off the monsters one day at a time. But, it’s also Lakeland that bolsters the Camps and turns on the lights for them. It’s in the mysterious envelopes of cash

that appear from time to time to help with medical expenses. The lights come on when groceries arrive at their doorstep or a gas card in the mailbox. It’s in the kind words of encouragement and the smiles from their community in Lakeland that they find their strength.

It’s in the fact that Asher can receive all of his therapy locally: aqua therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Through services available at Lakeland Regional Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Clinic, Pediatric Therapy Services, and Early Steps, the Camps have found an extended family in the army of therapists that support Asher’s developmental progression. “When we dress Asher for aqua therapy, he gets excited and says, ‘See Karen?’ When we tell him he is going to

therapy he says, ‘See Nikki?’ And, when we tell him Eileen is coming for therapy, he sits by the door waiting for her.”

Asher’s pediatric team, headed by Dr. Eanett at Watson Clinic, has also been instrumental in Asher’s care. Although SMA is not commonly familiar here, the team works closely with the specialists at Nemours Children’s Hospital to provide the best pediatric care for Asher.

Amanda stresses how fortunate her family is to live in Lakeland. “Many families in the SMA community do not have access to a care team like we do, or in many cases families need to travel long distances to receive the proper care for their child. Some families have had to go as far as to petition for the proper care for their child. To think if Jeremy and I had left Lakeland to pursue other

THE CAMPS ARE A FAMILY THAT HAS FACED MONSTROUS QUESTIONS AND FOUND ANSWERS IN UNLIKELY PLACES, THOUGH MUCH MYSTERY STILL REMAINS.

118 THE LAKELANDER

THE LAKELANDER 119

ventures, Asher’s life could look substantially different, quite scary actually. It really makes us appreciate where we live more than ever.”

Lakeland has been the Camp family’s home for nearly 20 years. They have been embraced by the arms of Lakeland in every way possible — emotionally, spiritually, and financially. In fact, prior to Asher’s diagnosis, they were an extremely quiet and private family. And, while they remain humble and quiet, they have become loud about two things: finding a cure for SMA and showing their gratitude for their community. In 2013, inspired by Lakeland’s loving embrace, they launched a Facebook page, Arms for Asher, as an outlet for and a point of connection with other families living with SMA. Amanda says, “[The Facebook page] has helped us to raise awareness.

We’re up to more than 1,000 likes. That’s 1,000 people reached who may never have heard of SMA. SMA is one of the most common rare diseases, yet so many people have never heard of it. One in 40 people are carriers. That may seem like a big number, but it’s a very small number when your family is the one affected. Facebook allows us to give a voice to our story. Our voice helps us reach other families who are struggling with the same disease, reach supporters who can help us raise money for ongoing medical expenses, and raise money to help support research.”

As Asher grows and develops, the Camps are constantly amazed at his milestones. He is improving by leaps and bounds as compared to other children with SMA. Amanda and Jeremy often record Asher’s daily movements, soaking in the progress and gazing in reverie at the miracle that he is. “At first it was a bit of a heartache when Asher asked to walk. He started asking a couple of months ago. You can’t blame him; he’s constantly watching his energetic sisters walk, run, and bounce all over the place. So why can’t he? Well, we’ve started to help him ‘walk.’ The fact that he is actually mimicking the walk motion, lifting his feet and pivoting his hips is remarkable. The best part is when I tell him, ‘All done!’ and he responds with, ‘No!’” That’s right Asher, you’re not done. You’re just getting started. Thank you for teaching us to never give up. Thank you for turning on the lights for us.

FOLLOW ASHER’S JOURNEY AND HELP FIGHT SMA facebook.com/armsforasher curesma.org

120 THE LAKELANDER

Share the Vision

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The Meadows Seifert Fettig Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Paul A. Seifert Vice President – Investments

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THE LAKELANDER 121

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY EVERY TUESDAY IN JULY PUB RUN @ RED DOOR WINE MARKET 6:15 p.m. fitniche.com EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JULY DIXIELAND TWILIGHT FARMER’S MARKET 4 p.m. – dusk facebook.com/dixielandbusinessdistrict EVERY THURSDAY IN JULY PUB RUN @ THE CHOP SHOP 6:30 p.m. fitniche.com EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY PUB RUN @ MITCHELL’S COFFEE HOUSE 6 a.m. fitniche.com EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Idda.org

Downtown Farmers Curb Market

EVERY SATURDAY IN JULY BLACK & BREW FUN RUN 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. blackandbrew.com JULY 8 – 26 PUBLIC ICE SKATING The Lakeland Center thelakelandcenter.com JULY 17 – 26 CABARAET Lakeland Community Theatre lakelandcommunitytheatre.com JULY 21 RAFA NATURAL SUMMER SPA NIGHT Scout & Tag/Simple Vintage downtownlakelandfl.com JULY 23 GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT Tony’s Studio B tonystudiob.com Patriot Coffee at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market

122 THE LAKELANDER

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THE LAKELANDER 123

EVENTS CALENDAR

Black & Brew Fun Run

JULY 25 LA PETIT FANCY FLEA VINTAGE HOME & MARKET The Lakeland Center thelakelandcenter.com JULY 31 – AUGUST 2 The Lakeland Boat Show thelakelandcenter.com AUGUST EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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124 THE LAKELANDER

• 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

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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!

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

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THE LAKELANDER 125

EVENTS CALENDAR

Dixieland Twilight Farmer’s Market

EVERY WEDNESDAY IN AUGUST DIXIELAND TWILIGHT FARMER’S MARKET 4 p.m. – dusk facebook.com/dixielandbusinessdistrict AUGUST 10 “CHAMBER NIGHT” AT LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS Lakeland Flying Tigers lakeland.flyingtigers.milb.com AUGUST 13 FOOD TRUCK RALLY 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. tampabayfoodtruckrally.com AUGUST 14 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PLAYS TRIBUTE TO LED ZEPPLIN thelakelandcenter.com

Food Truck Rally

126 THE LAKELANDER

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THELAKELANDER.COM 128 THE LAKELANDER

Polk Theatre

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floridatechgroup.com THE LAKELANDER 129

HISTORY

DIXIELAND SHOPPING CENTER Date: 1940s Here’s a peek into the past at one of Lakeland’s oldest residential and commercial neighborhoods.

One of the first subdivisions to be developed south of the downtown business districts, it’s fair to say this “old neighborhood” is making its comeback.

Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

130 THE LAKELANDER

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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.

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ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS | 863.680.7190 | www.WatsonClinic.com | Follow us on 132 THE LAKELANDER