The Lakelander | July 2016

JULY 2016

STYLE KINETICS / DIVING IN / YOUR VOTE MATTERS / ON A ROLL YOU ARE AN IRONMAN / SWAN CITY / BEDROOM MAKEOVER

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THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

34 JULY 2016

DEPARTMENTS 20 NOTE FROM THE EDITORS 22 EDITORIAL BIOS 26 PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS 28 EDUCATION 116 OPENINGS 120 EVENTS 122 HISTORY

ON THE COVER Good athletic wear is multi-functional and well thought out. In “Style Kinetics,” discover ways to transition from work to workout and back again.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STYLE 34 STYLE KINETICS The art of a multifunctional athletic wardrobe

SPECIAL FEATURE 48 DIVING IN Lakeland Aqua Tots

SHELTER 60 MASTER BEDROOM MAKEOVER From singin’ the blues to satisfaction

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PHILANTHROPY 72 VOLUNTEERISM

Catching on to the spirit of serving

TASTE 78 ON A ROLL Today’s tastes served in a customary Japanese form

CULTURE 92 SWAN CITY An untold tale of Lakeland’s iconic birds

PEOPLE 102 YOU ARE AN IRONMAN An interview with Jamie Moore

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

Kristin Crosby PEOPLE EDITOR Adam Spafford SHELTER EDITOR Christian Lee STYLE EDITOR Abdiel Gonzalez TASTE EDITOR Jenn Smurr COPY EDITOR Laura Burke OFFICE MANAGER Deb Patterson ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kristin Crosby Design CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Barceló DESIGNER Emily Vila Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dan Austin, Margaret Janicki, Kimberly McCole, Tina Sargeant, Jordan Weiland INTERN Alexandra Restrepo Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

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General Counsel

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Published by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC

Presented by

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

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NOTE FROM THE EDITORS Thorpe AC Testimonial: Lauriane Ciccarelli A while back we purchased a home and when we purchased the home we obtained a home warranty. Recently we had a problem with our air-conditioning system.

We called the warranty company to get the air system repaired. The warranty company sent a repair person to our home who told us that we needed a whole new unit. He also told us that we had mold in the unit and the ducts. He proceeded to try to use strong-arm tactics on us to get us to purchase the new unit immediately.

Of course for a big discount, but only if we bought the unit that day. I did not have $10,000 for a new unit. I explained that I did not have the funds and he accused me of not wanting to protect my son from the damages related to mold. I was shocked. I immediately called Thorpe. I knew Chuck Thorpe and Chris Chambers from my BNI (Business Network International) group and I knew I could trust them. Thorpe sent a service technician to my home. He proceeded to tell me that I did not have mold anywhere and did not need a new unit. He also told us that the repairs that the other company performed were not done correctly. He fixed their errors and I was not charged for that repair. Peace of mind. That is what it is all about. Thorpe gives me peace of mind. Thank you Thorpe for being there for me and being a company I can trust.

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Alice Koehler

Four years ago, I was approached by a talented team of people with a big idea and a great love for Lakeland. When I agreed to come on board as a photographer for the premiere issue of The Lakelander, I was nervously excited and completely naive to the journey that was unfolding before me.

Two years later, I was humbled, and mildly terrified, when I was invited to step into an editorial role for the magazine, a role which I have been fortunate enough to share with my esteemed co-editor, Alice Koehler, for the last two years.

The publication of this issue marks my last in the role of co-editor. As this chapter comes to a close for me, I again find myself humbled and incredibly grateful. I believe wholeheartedly that The Lakelander sprinkles a little bit of magic into our community, infusing our people with

Tina Sargeant

encouragement, creativity, and a drive to continually make this a better place to live.

It has undoubtedly done this for me. I have been significantly changed by the beauty of this magazine, the passion of the people involved in it, and the challenges we face with each and every issue.

What an adventure this has been!

There are no better people in our lovely town than those who pour their talents into this publication. While I bid adieu to my current role, I am so grateful to remain a part of The Lakelander team as a contributing photographer. I will be reintroducing myself to a slightly slower pace, snuggling my babies a little more, and going wherever my camera takes me. Thanks for the ride, Lakelanders. I’ll be seeing you around!

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. In 2013, she graduated from Leadership Lakeland Class 30. In 2014, she added MBA to the end of her name. Today, Alice is currently a senior market manager for the American Cancer Society 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. In her free time, she enjoys adventure seeking, memory making, joy giving, bargain hunting, community building, mind bending, knowledge acquiring, and soul filling.

KRISTIN CROSBY STAFF EDITOR Originally from the North, Kristin Crosby first made her way to Lakeland to study at Southeastern University where she graduated with a music degree.

Through an array of career experiences, including the role of commuter coordinator at SEU and a short-lived stint as a yoga instructor, a passion for writing emerged. Kristin’s publication and editorial work includes grant writing for the nonprofit organization LifeNet and various positions held at Relevant Media Group. To see more of Kristin’s work, go to kristincrosby.com and vitalmagazine.com where she is a frequent contributor.

ADAM SPAFFORD PEOPLE EDITOR

Adam Spafford came to Lakeland in 1999 to attend Florida Southern College and, except for a 20-month graduate school stint in Massachusetts, has been here since. When he’s not writing page-turners for The Lakelander, he trades stock and index options.

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EDITORIAL BIOS 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.

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. For more of Christian’s works and services, go to christianleedesign.com. Follow her on Instagram at Christianleedesigns.

JENN SMURR TASTE EDITOR

Jenn is a Florida native and a proud Lakelander. She is a lover of people and all things food (especially dark chocolate), an excursionist, and the owner of Born & Bread Bakehouse. For the last four years, Jenn has traveled the world working full time as a fashion model. Taking advantage of the gift of travel, she spent her free time exploring the local cuisine. Her affinity for bread came to a tipping point when she visited a standing-room-only cafe in Paris. It was there that she first tried “life-changing fresh bread and local butter.” She has since traded a life in fashion for one in food.

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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

JORDAN WEILAND A longtime Lakeland resident, Jordan Weiland graduated from Florida State University with a degree in studio art and has worked in the field of photography since 2008, with the majority of her work in the field of weddings. She has a passion for the community of Lakeland, its development, and the people within it. Her husband and daughter reside with her in the historic district and enjoy walks around the FSC campus, local restaurants, First Friday events, and swinging on their front porch. jordanweiland.com

DAN AUSTIN Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of his subject with a detailed attention to lighting. Through this, Austin achieves a unique and well thought out aesthetic that can be seen in his images. danaustinphotography.com

KIMBERLY McCOLE Kimberly McCole is a local freelance photographer who has been published in American, Italian, and Israeli shelter magazines, including Cottage Style, Romantic Homes, Casa Romantica, Country Sampler, Artful Blogging, Where Women Create, Romantic Country, and Romantic Prairie Style. deardaisycottage.typepad.com

MARGARET JANICKI Margaret Janicki, born in Poland, raised in Lakeland, and thrilled to move back in 2014 after freezing in Akron, Ohio, for 15 years. Since moving back, she has used her eye for design and knack for home improvement to renovate her 1950s’ Lakeland home. As a wedding and portrait photographer, Margaret thoroughly enjoys capturing the emotional connection between her clients, be it couples in love, four-legged friends, high school seniors, or loving families. Every day is an adventure . . . every adventure a photographic moment . . . and every moment a gift. margaretjanicki.com

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YOUR VOTE MATTERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR POLK COUNTY KIDS ON AUGUST 30TH WRITTEN BY REBECCA KNOWLES

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THE LAKELANDER

It’s 2016, and it’s election year! This year, though, our votes don’t count for president alone. You can also make a difference with your vote in your local elections, particularly the school board election.

his election cycle, the ballot includes three Polk County School Board seats: District 1, District 3, and District 4. Candidates must reside in their representative area but are elected countywide and serve all of the students, families, and stakeholders in the Polk County School District. For this reason, we at The Lakelander thought it would be important to include all the candidates, not only those residing in District 1, which covers Lakeland.

The following candidates have qualified for the August 30th primary election. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November 8th general election.

We reached out to all the candidates, seeking their responses to some of the more pressing voter concerns. Kevin Kitto and Ed Smith did not reply before the deadline.

The Lakelander: What is the biggest challenge facing the Polk County School District? What ideas do you have to face this challenge head on?

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 1

Berryman: I think the biggest challenge facing the district is a lack of leadership capacity, especially with the amount of retirements. We need to develop a plan to identify potential leadership throughout the district and deploy additional professional development for current leaders.

HUNT BERRYMAN ED SHOEMAKER BILLY TOWNSEND Hunt Berryman

DISTRICT 3 LORI CUNNINGHAM RONNIE CLARK TIM JAMES KEVIN KITTO

Ed Shoemaker

DISTRICT 4 SARA BETH REYNOLDS REBEKAH RICKS ED SMITH BECKY TROUTMAN

Billy Townsend

Shoemaker: I believe the number one issue is trust. There are a great number of teachers, former teachers, former principals, and administrators who have expressed that they are in fear of retaliation by their supervisors by speaking the truth about a concern or issue. In order to move forward and accomplish great educational goals in Polk County, we need to promote the importance of leadership from the top down, emphasizing the importance of relationships, and unifying the school district and the community. Before we begin building bridges, we need the foundation in place, which is the relationship. One example of the mistrust is [the school board’s] failure to follow up on the promise of involving community input for searching for a new superintendent. This promise was broken almost immediately and was a slap in the face to the community.

Townsend: The two most immediate challenges are the culture of unresponsiveness at the district office level and the shortage of teachers at traditional schools. I will address the first by bringing new energy and transparency to a school board that has been catastrophically passive in its oversight function of district administration. I will ask many, many public questions. And

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

— Nelson Mandela

I will set the expectation that the district office serves the schools and public, not the other way around. Where there are personnel obstacles to establishing a culture of service, I will work to remove them. The second is a long-term problem that will only be fixed by making teaching in general — and teaching in Polk County specifically — a more attractive career. That means we need to refocus on the classroom experience. Students, teachers, and parents need to experience education in Polk County in a way that respects their humanity and quality of life.

DISTRICT 3 Cunningham: One of the biggest challenges facing the school district is funding.

We must continuously review our budget and reduce expenses accordingly. We need to continue the sales-tax initiative and impact fees while searching for new revenue sources through marketing opportunities and business partnerships.

Lori Cunningham

Ronnie Clark

Tim James

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THE LAKELANDER

Clark: The biggest challenge facing the Polk County School District is recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers for each classroom. We must make the Polk County School District an attractive district in which to serve. This can be accomplished by the following steps: 1. Make educators and the classroom the first priority when budgeting, so resources allocated are competitive with the surrounding areas. The district currently allocates resources for educators out of what is left over after completing the other areas of the budget; this was alluded to by the board during the recent retreat. 2. Reduce the amount of county-mandated testing that is not required by the state. 3. Restore integrity and trust in the school board. The board lost the trust of its employees when it brought civil litigation against its employees because it refused to follow its own policy to pay extra for master’s-level degrees. The board lost the litigation and had to pay $3.5 million in back pay. 4. Give more flexibility to the curriculum mapping schedule so teachers can be more creative in teaching. 5. Do away with the grade-recovery program, which often causes teachers to give grades that are not earned.

James: Transparency/Trust. I plan to provide our clients with a high level of transparency and trust. We need advisor boards again composed of the community, different types of educational institutions, and retired educators. I would like to see advisor boards of procurement, diversity, investment, discipline, and advancement for educators.

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DISTRICT 4 Reynolds: Education is supposed to be about the students. Unfortunately, we are continuously moving away from that standard. Decisions are being made at the county level with very little consideration as to how they will play out in a classroom. Money is being spent on top-of-the-line resources but not to complete the necessary training to use those new resources. We, as a community, need to take back our classrooms. We must equip teachers with the resources they need to prepare our students for the future and simply let them teach.

Sara Beth Reynolds

Rebekah Ricks

Becky Troutman

FOR MORE ON THESE CANDIDATES’ VIEWS ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS, PLEASE VISIT THELAKELANDER.COM/ YOUR-VOTE-MATTERS

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.

Meeting the needs of lowperforming and high-performing students Opinions on the current testing structure

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Public-private partnerships

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Charter schools

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Candidate bios

Ricks: One of the biggest problems in our county is the blame game. Principals blame teachers and teachers blame principals. High schools blame middle schools and middle schools blame elementary schools, and the school board blames everyone. Everything rises and falls on leadership. Our county needs to take responsibility for the mistakes we have made and try to fix them without blaming and finger pointing. Parents are not happy with our school system, students are not happy, and teachers are not happy. Rules without relationships breed contempt. We need to work on building relationships with our parents and teachers, and start treating principals, teachers, and parents as valued professionals. We also need to eliminate high-stakes testing and focus on the declining state of our buildings and facilities.

Troutman: The most pressing issue facing Polk County Public Schools is our graduation rate. Fewer than 70 percent of our high schoolers are graduating from our public school system. This figure alone is simply unacceptable, but it is especially grim when compared with graduation rates from neighboring districts. Hillsborough, Osceola, and Orange counties consistently outperform us. Polk’s graduation rate is a vital indicative statistic for two reasons: First, it reflects the culmination of Polk County’s Public School educational experience. Students have to feel that their education is meaningful. Today, our children are not viewing their time in school as meaningful to their lives now or their life as they would envision in their future. They do not see a purpose for their time spent in the classrooms of Polk County. We must create experiences that challenge students’ strengths and support their weaknesses. We cannot continue to settle for “one size fits all” approaches. Second, Polk’s graduation rate is directly tied to economic development. Businesses will not place their roots in Polk County if they cannot guarantee satisfactory education for their children and the children of their employees. For these reasons, we must devote our best efforts to combatting this issue. We can significantly improve our graduation rates by revamping our current system. Most importantly, we must create safe campuses throughout the entire district. The campuses must not only be deemed “safe” by the required statistics each school must report, but we must have schools that are perceived safe by the families that send their children there daily. Once we have accomplished this goal, we need to begin creating experiences that correspond with a student’s abilities. Currently, we have a few outstanding schools in our district, but those are not appropriate for the greater percentage of our children. We have to develop schools and choices where high ability and high achievement are not the only “strengths” we strive to develop. We must focus on developing schools where children learn academics and build skills to equip them for careers within our community.

We must return purpose to the educational experience for our children.

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STYLE

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THE LAKELANDER

Kelly Chestnut

tank, leggings, and shoes Nike watch Kate Spade

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very four years, the world comes together to cheer on their favorite athlete at the Summer Olympics. These games, and the athletes that play them, inspire men and women alike to dust off their volleyballs or lace up their old running shoes and go out and get active.

I, however (which I’m sure will come as no surprise), am inspired by the team uniforms and colors. I have always appreciated the time that the athletes put into planning their looks for the Olympic Games. From retro logos and colors, to fashion designer collaborations, and even color-coordinated accessories, they understand the impact made by athletic clothes. Yes, your athletic wear is as equally as important as the rest of your wardrobe.

Good athletic wear is multifunctional and well thought out. As in the case of Team USA this year, their on-field uniforms were specifically designed to transition the athletes to the ceremonies by adding a few classic wardrobe staples. Following the lead of the allstars, we too should think about allowing some versatility into our gym attire. Let’s face it, we all head to the gym on the go and many times squeeze in that yoga session between a work appointment and lunch. So, being able to transition your athletic wear is necessary and much easier than you think with the popularity of the “athleisure” style trend.

Treat your workout gear like the other pieces in your wardrobe. They should flatter your shape and have longevity, and should consist primarily of basics and neutrals with accent pieces in special prints and colors. Avoid the common athletic-wear mistake of every piece being neon or printed. Approach your athletic look just like you approach your daily wardrobe. Create a foundation of neutrals and pick one pop of print or color; a great way to do that with is your sneakers. Planning your gym look like this allows you to transition it by throwing on a denim jacket and a necklace, or a polo and boat shoes to take you from Crossfit to brunch. Spending some extra time at the onset of your gym preparation will end up saving you time and stress afterward, while doing it all in an effortless, athleisure kind of way.

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As vice president of finance for global phosphate chemical manufacturer ArrMaz, Jason Lewis MBA ’15 travels the world for his job. With extensive experience in Asia, Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East, Jason knows firsthand just how vital FSC MBA’s built-in international travel component is.

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SPECIAL SPECIALFEATURE FEATURE

DIVING IN LAKELAND AQUA TOTS

WRITTEN BY KRISTIN CROSBY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA SARGEANT

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Regardless of where you live, children eagerly await summer’s arrival. For kids, summer translates to sunshine, freedom (from homework, at least), and the water. For parents, it begs the question, “How do I lure my children away from the TV, the iPad, the iPhone (the i-fill-in-the-blank), and draw them outside?” This season, there is no better activity than a day at the beach or by the pool.

When you live in the peninsula known as the Sunshine State, the luxury of water play is accessible year round, which makes swimming skills absolutely essential, especially for kids. Swimming, though, doesn’t come easily to all, and learning to teach your kids to become swimmers doesn’t necessarily come in the parenting handbook either. Lakeland’s Aqua Tots Swim School knows a thing or two about teaching kids to become confident swimmers at a rapid pace.

When Diane and Duncan Sherrard, an All-American swimming couple, moved to Lakeland, their passion for swimming and

water safety followed them. Full of knowledge and noteworthy accomplishments in athletic swimming, the couple began to train and equip efficient swimmers in Lakeland and throughout Central Florida. In 2008, while Duncan worked as the head coach for the men’s and women’s swim teams at Florida Southern College, Diane began offering swim lessons at their home. By the second year, Diane’s private swim-lessons clientele grew to more than 60 kids and continued to grow until business outgrew their backyard pool.

As the business flourished through word-of-mouth (Aqua Tots’ only source of advertising), Diane began recruiting more certified trainers. Shortly thereafter, the Sherrards opened Aqua Tots Swim School. It now serves more than 600 students per season.

Today, Aqua Tots is owned and managed by Sarah Swartz, who was one of the swim school’s first instructors when the Sherrards’ business grew beyond their backyard.

As a mother, Swartz saw firsthand how effective Aqua Tots is for

The majority of students at Aqua Tots have never stepped foot in the water when they arrive on day one. But by day five, these same kids are swimming.

the most water phobic of kids. A longtime swimmer herself, Swartz didn’t expect teaching her daughters to swim would be a difficult task.

Like most Floridians, swimming had always been a part of her life, and she assumed it would easily translate to her children. “I’ve always loved the water. I pretty much thought I would train Shamu when I grew up.” She had no problem teaching her first daughter to swim.

As is commonly described of first-borns, the first was an overachiever and had no trouble getting afloat. Yet, her second daughter was often content out of the water, playing with the buckets alongside the pool.

Swartz knew that eventually her daughter would need to get in. “I have a pool. Nanna has a pool. Everyone has a pool.” In Florida, not teaching your children to swim is somewhat unavoidable unless you want to be on lifeguard duty 24/7. While teaching her first daughter seemed simple, her second just wouldn’t give. “I just couldn’t do it. It was miserable,” Swartz says. That’s when she brought her daughter to Aqua Tots. “I sat there and watched her teach my daughter how to swim, after I had tried and tried. And, of course, she fought it. She cried, and she got herself sick in the pool twice. But by the end of the week my daughter was swimming. On her own. After that I thought, ‘Ok. This is legit.’”

As the owner of Aqua Tots Swim School, Swartz ensures that Aqua Tots holds true to the technique upon which the school was

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YMCA OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA SUCCESS AFTER SCHOOL 2016-2017

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Opportunities through hands-on, active exploration include: STEM Character Development Homework Mentoring Arts & Crafts Board Games Dramatic Play Science Exploration Math Enrichment Literacy Music & Movement Sports & Physical Fitness Enrichment Classes Afternoon Snack Holiday Camps AND MORE! Before and after school care available (sites vary) For more information visit ymcawcf.org Register at one of our Lakeland YMCA branches today!

YMCA of West Central Florida Locations: Lakeland Family YMCA (South Lakeland) 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd.

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

863-577-0236

built. She continues to develop programs to meet the local needs of all ages in creative and effective ways, including expanding family-oriented programs and lessons for all ages.

Since it first opened its doors, Aqua Tots has equipped thousands of families to swim safely and enjoy some of the greatest joys of Florida: sunshine and water. Each summer, following the SwimAmerica framework of progression and the Sherrards’ effective approach, Aqua Tots equips children through its one-on-one swim program. Aqua Tots is not like other swim classes that instruct large groups of children, focusing on gently easing them into a comfortable relationship with the water over the course of several weeks. Rather, Aqua Tots’ skilled approach requires a little more resolve on the trainer’s part, which may be why it is a program that doesn’t require parents. It is a parent’s caring love and attention that at times can hold back a child from breaking free, or, in this case, from finally taking a leap into the water. For a child to learn to swim and

survive, should any accident ever occur in the water, having someone else teach your children may be the most effective.

The majority of students at Aqua Tots have never stepped foot in the water when they arrive on day one. But by day five, these same kids are swimming. What exactly does Aqua Tots do differently from most learnto-swim programs? A few things. First, they employ a private training approach.

“We’re one-on-one,” says Swartz, “which makes a huge difference. I don’t know a kid who doesn’t like one-on-one attention, to feel special and rewarded. Even if they’re scared, they’re much more workable, and it’s much easier to see them quickly progress. Often in group settings children would rather not try, than fail in a group setting. This is why Aqua Tots finds the one-on-one approach so successful.”

How exactly is a stranger able to take a three year old, petrified of the water, and train him to swim within a matter of days? Sounds like, with

SWIMMING TIPS FROM AQUA TOTS

THE SOONER YOU GET YOUR KIDS IN THE WATER, THE BETTER. As young as you can, get your kids used to being in the water, the feel of the water at a very young age. Even before they are able to float on their own, infants will greatly benefit from the repetition of being in the water.

BE AWARE OF YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT. Regardless of where your child learns to swim, think about your pool. We teach a child, “If you fall in, this is what you do.” But what if they fall in a four-foot elevated Jacuzzi? You have to teach them your pool. Also think of return valves, with the jets. If they fall in there, they’re not going to be able to fight that current at their size.

So they’re going to have to figure how to get out of that current and find the wall, or float on their back.

YOU DON’T ALWAYS NEED ACCESSORIES. We all know kids can easily become reliant on floaties, but they can also become dependent on goggles. The Aqua Tots approach believes that children need to learn how to swim with and without them.

such an accelerated program, there must be a catch, no? Well, there is no catch. The secret is that the children aren’t the only ones being trained. Rather than a quick fix solution, the five-day program lays a foundation of swim skills that can be developed over time.

“We challenge every kid to meet their fullest potential in the first four days,” Swartz explains. “On the fifth day, we bring in the parent and give them the verbiage and technique to continue to work with their children. So the goal is not to have you come every Tuesday and Thursday for the entire summer, because kids want to have fun. Our goal is to get you to a place where the parent is comfortable working with their child and say, ok, here’s what you can do to progress that.”

For 30 minutes a day, five days a week, Aqua Tots not only teaches students to show their moms and dads that they can swim to the end of the pool on their own, but takes the student to their developmental max while also equipping parents to continue to develop the child’s swimming skills at home.

Aqua Tots is accredited by SwimAmerica, a national learn-to-swim program operated by the American Swim Coach Association (ASCA).

Aqua Tots brings a wealth of water-safety skills and swimming education for people of all ages — 18 months to adults. Each Aqua Tots instructor is trained and accredited through the ASCA. And through its SwimAmerica affiliation, Lakeland’s Aqua Tots remains the only swimming program of its kind within 150 miles of its location in Central Florida, making it somewhat of a gem in our Lakeland area.

Aqua Tots doesn’t stop with the tots, but seeks to meet the needs of the community. In the past year, they have expanded their programs and now offer swim courses for teens and adults who have never been in the water or who may face barriers that keep them from learning how to swim.

Swartz says, “Most adults are physically capable of swimming. You can talk about the physiology of the body to help them understand how the body can swim, but most of the time it’s the mental barriers that can get in the way. We start our adult class with three days to work towards goals, and then at the end of those three days we reassess and reestablish our goals.”

In 2015, Aqua Tots also began to offer fall classes. Mommy and Me is a class for moms and their babies, a great play date for months when the summer heat has waned. Story, Sing, and Swim is a 60-minute creative class that showcases storytelling and musical entertainment for preschoolers (ages two to five) and parents.

As Aqua Tots grows and continues to produces skilled swimmers, young and old, Swartz believes she benefits from this as greatly as the countless families they teach each year. “There are times it brings me to tears. When I see a kid terrified on Monday and swimming on Friday, it is so rewarding. And with adults, whose fears learned and stories I’ve heard, they can now swim laps! They’re just elated. It’s really a rewarding job.”

To get a head start on the many beach days and pool parties to be had this summer, a week of classes at Aqua Tots may just be the best investment you make for your child this whole season.

Aqua Tots is located on 5825 Brannen Road South, across from the SPCA in South Lakeland. To sign up for classes this summer, please visit lakelandaquatots.com. You can also reach them at 863.808.0189 or swimming@lakelandaquatots.com.

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SHELTER

MASTER B EDROOM MAKEOVE R From Singin’ the Blues to Satisfaction written by Christian Lee photography by Tina Sargeant

t’s that time of year again. The Central Florida summer heat and humidity are relentlessly harassing us all, and the rains are ticking off the magnolia leaves in a steady afternoon rhythm. It’s the time when we gather up our family and friends and head for the beach or mountains to relax and recharge. We occasionally need to take a break from our hectic everyday lives and say “bye-bye” to stress, pressure, tension, and anxiety (and soccer games, swim meets, baseball practice, and dance lessons . . .) for a few days of “me” time.

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Of course, there are other ways to relieve some of that life strain. One of the best and most fulfilling ways to do just that is to redecorate something. What would be more fun and satisfying than pulling a redo on that most forgotten and oft neglected of all rooms: your bedroom? The bedroom tends to be the catch-all, the “no one ever sees it anyway” room, and is often also the home’s most forlorn design casualty.

Your bedroom represents more than just a place to read, catch the evening news, open the laptop and finish some work, and sleep. It is your private place of refuge and respite. It is the one place to which you can go to escape a daily life filled with never-ending to-do lists: work, car pools, groceries, dinner, dogs, and all the other things that keep you from relaxing and rejuvenating.

Let’s face it. You need a place to go AWOL from time to time, and when you get there (sometimes “if ” you get there) you don’t want it to be dismal and depressing. You want it to be comforting, tranquil, and, most importantly, fabulous.

The beauty of a bedroom makeover is that you don’t need to spend the vacation money to make it a new and enchanting space. All you need is a bit of imagination and the desire to take off that faded ’90s bedspread and replace it with something fresh and fun.

First things first: look around your house and identify lamps you can switch with the existing bedroom lamps. They don’t necessarily need to match, and you can also trade lampshades around. Just changing out lamps can make a difference to the feel of the room, and it’s easy to do. (You can swap lamps with a friend or family member if they are also in the mood to make a change.) I love interesting lamps infused with a sense of style: glass, ceramic, colorful, neutral, or sculptural lamps all make captivating partners for your rejuvenated space. You could consider switching side tables with a pair from another room to freshen up both the bedroom and the “donor” room. Try to look through your home with a fresh, new eye for furnishings and objects that you’ve taken for granted or overlooked. Just placing them in a different environment can give a new luster to pieces that have lived in the same old place for years.

A tired bedspread can also cast a cloud over an otherwise inspired headboard. Do you have a favorite color or pattern? Find a bedspread or coverlet with that special color or pattern that you love and retire the old one.

I assure you it will lift your spirits every time you walk in the room.

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Another simple way to change the look of your room is to either change your existing pillows or add new pillows for color and contrast. You might be able to use pillows discovered in another part of your house. Or you can go to a big box store and find reasonably priced, palette-friendly pillows in all shapes, patterns, and sizes. Shams are also a great way to jazz up the look of the bed by either using your existing pillows or adding pillows from your closets and guest rooms for a distinctly sophisticated and inspired new look.

Switching or adding beautiful blankets and throws will augment the refreshed bedspread and add a neat, creative feel to your room. You can add layers of color and composition with fabric treatments arranged in folds and tiers with overlapping tones and textures. Or you can add a simple comforter at the foot of the bed as a counterpart to your pillows for a clean, cosmopolitan appeal. Nothing says luxury and cozy to me like a thick, marvelously simple down comforter with a wonderful duvet cover.

You may have to spend a little bit of money on the next suggestion, but believe me, it’s worth it. Get a set of ridiculously comfortable, fabulously high-thread-count sheets in a soft, neutral, soothing color. You will look forward to them every night and forever enjoy the cool feel and wonderful texture of these great sheets.

Here’s another suggestion to inspire you and add a new dimension to an already very groovy bedroom. Create seasonal looks. Change it up for summer, fall, winter, and spring with fresh looks reflecting some of your favorite things about each season. Your mood changes with the time of year, so why not change your bedroom’s attitude? Innovation can develop into momentum. By composing a different, seasonally inspired design scheme for your bedroom, you will enjoy the benefits of both the creative outlet and the design diversification. So why not just go for it and have some seasonal fun?

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The bedroom tends to be the catch-all, the “no one ever sees it anyway” room, and is often also the home’s most forlorn design casualty.

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The beauty of a bedroom makeover is that you don’t need to spend the vacation money to make it a new and enchanting space.

I’m a designer for a reason. I love the rock ‘n’ roll feel of creating a distinctive, animated, livable space for my clients to enjoy. It’s a great feeling and I highly recommend it. So why not be a rock ‘n’ roller yourself and get started on your bedroom redo? Remove the clutter and stuff that doesn’t belong there, make a few dreamy cadence changes, and rescue your sanctuary from singin’ the “forsaken bedroom” blues. Be a rock star. You will be glad you did. You actually can find satisfaction.

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PHILANTHROPY

VOLUNTEERISM Catching on to the spirit of serving

WRITTEN BY KRISTIN CROSBY • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA SARGEANT Our lives get very busy. So much so, sometimes it seems we like it that way.

When someone stops to ask us, “How are things going?” often the first thing out of our mouth is a sigh, “Busy!” Maybe we like to always have our agendas filled to the brim.

Or maybe we just like the word: busy.

We always seem to have something to do: a garage to clean out, a car to wash, a research paper to finish (oh, the joys of summer school), kids’ school supplies to buy (oh, the joys of the school year, just around the corner). Just when life seems to slow down, there’s always something to kick it back into gear. With all the things we choose to fill our days, it’s likely that, for most of us, volunteering isn’t one of them.

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Of course, over the years our culture has grasped a new appreciation for humanitarian work, for the entrepreneurial spirit of charity many have paved to make the world a better place. We see the beauty in sacrifices that improve the lives of others, that brings justice to the world, and acknowledges the significance in each life. We like the idea of volunteering. We like to buy stuff that gives stuff to those in need (shoes, maybe?), but actually carving out space in our busy lives to serve others is difficult for some of us.

It’s easy to invest in causes that somehow give back to us. To give without expecting anything in return goes against much of our human nature.

For some, volunteering is an innate desire. They are the ones always ready to help, eager to pick up everyone’s plate after dinner, elated to babysit for free, ready to pay it forward without expecting to ever be paid back. This is at the heart of a volunteer. But this means that volunteering isn’t always picturesque, Instagram-worthy, or convenient.

Maybe the most difficult part, for those of us not naturally inclined with a heart of volunteerism (myself included), is that serving others means stepping out of our own controlled comfort zones.

But not every opportunity to serve needs to be a week-long trip. Maybe it’s just an hour or two a week. Not every opportunity to volunteer has to be overseas. Sometimes it’s just across the street. (Baby steps.) Often times, the most life-changing acts of service are the ones that ask the least of us, but on a consistent basis.

Lakeland is full of organizations with opportunities to volunteer.

Lakeland Regional Health is one of many places to get involved.

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LAKELAND’S NEW WEDDING VENUE

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In Lakeland, opportunities to meet the needs of others in our community are endless. If you are eager to serve, yet unsure of where to start, organizations like United Way have created ways to meet local needs with a vision to empower the people within the community. United Way, and many organizations like it, have weekly calendars offering countless events and ways to get in and serve the city. (See the list below for other volunteer organizations in Lakeland.)

Perhaps you know just how you would like to serve but feel it’s too trivial to make a difference. We often underestimate the smallest ways our passions and talents can be healing to others.

When I was growing up, our family was friends with a sweet older couple, George and Ginny. One day, Ginny was diagnosed with a severe form of Alzheimer’s that quickly sent her to intensive care. And George was by her side every step of the way. Within a short while, Ginny’s illness

FOR MORE WAYS TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY, VISIT: DREAM CENTER OF LAKELAND dreamcenterlakeland.org VISTE viste.org LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH mylrh.org SPCA FLORIDA spcaflorida.org PARKER STREET MINISTRIES parkerstreetministries.org UNITED WAY uwcf.org

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aggressively grew, changing her from a refined and poised woman to one with a childlike, irritable state of mind. But George was there every day, along with a chocolate milk and a glazed donut from Dunkin Donuts — Ginny’s favorite. Even when Ginny started to lose interest in glazed donuts and eventually slipped into a vegetative state, George still showed up every day. But soon he felt he wanted to do something for the patients who were around during his daily visits.

George always loved music and often played the keyboard at church. One day, on his visit to see Ginny, he brought his keyboard and a songbook of classic tunes. He started to play, even if it was just cathartic for himself. He came back the next day and played, and played. It wasn’t long before George was drawing patients, many with Alzheimer's or dementia, who would recognize a Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald tune, and begin to hum along. Soon, patients would recall lyrics, and, excited to hear the song, would shout out the name of the tune. Before long, George was coming in every week with his music set (aptly titled Name That Tune on a printed poster at the front end of his keyboard), playing music for the patients and lighting up the room.

Sometimes we forget the act of volunteering is as healing for us as it is for others.

As Anne Frank once said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” In hindsight, considering all we are blessed with these days, I’m not sure which of us can afford not to give.

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TODAY’S TASTES SERVED IN A CUSTOMARY JAPANESE FORM written by Jenn Smurr photography by Jordan Weiland

Bruce Yoo and Hana You, owners of the New Moon Sushi Japanese Restaurant, grew up in South Korea.

Although Bruce was born into a family of professors who dreamed he’d follow the same path, he had a different set of aspirations: to one day become a chef. Both Bruce and Hana have chemical engineering degrees, and, for a time, Bruce worked as an engineer at the largest gas company in Korea. “But I didn’t like my job,” he says, “so I quit!” And the pursuit of his dream began. Bruce enrolled in a culinary arts school in Seoul where he studied Japanese cuisine, while Hana happily supported her husband in pursuing his passion.

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When you experience New Moon, it is clear that Hana is a giving and nurturing woman. She instantly makes you feel welcomed and part of the family. Meanwhile, Bruce is behind the sushi bar intently slicing whole fish and preparing each roll with care.

Lakeland is lucky to have two entrepreneurs like Hana and Bruce. In fact, I can personally relate to exactly what brought them here: failure. It is the underestimated, but completely necessary, ingredient to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Bruce’s first attempt at opening his dream sushi restaurant, before settling here in Lakeland, was in Atlanta, Georgia. Some may have called that a failure and encouraged him to stop there, but Bruce took advantage of the lessons. So when a “good business opportunity opened,” Lakeland gained a beautiful couple and a fantastic new sushi restaurant, while Bruce and Hana found a new place to feel at home. They’ve been married for 13 years (picture Bruce counting with every finger). When asked about children, there was a quick, “Not yet!”

New Moon has been in Lakeland for three years, and we’re not sure who is more excited about their success, them or us! If you haven’t had the chance to experience their food for yourself, here we show you some of the restaurant’s most popular items, including some of their (and my) favorites.

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JALAPENO PEPPER HAMACHI (TOP) Thin-sliced fresh yellowtail with slices of jalapeno pepper and scallions on top. Dressed with carpaccio sauce

SANDWICH ROLL (LEFT) Choice of tuna or salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, shichimi, sesame oil, soy paper

CHICKEN KATSU BOX (RIGHT) Breadcrumb-battered chicken served with katsu sauce, spring rolls, gyoza, greens and rice

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NEW MOON BEEF SautĂŠed marinated thin-sliced beef with onions. Served with rice

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quality Only the finest meats, cheeses and vegetables are used to make our delicious classic italian dishes.

Come enjoy.

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Two adult swans and their cygnets swim on Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida. Swans are plentiful throughout Lakeland, so much so that they have become the city’s official symbol. 1938.

Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

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WHY DO WE NEED TRADITION IN A MODERN WORLD?

In Japanese culture, sushi is considered an art, because how it looks is just as important as how it tastes. From different regions of Japan, chefs roll and arrange sushi on a plate according to their own style. In respect to these traditions, our modern world enables us to create our own interpretation of this art form.

I have experienced authentic sushi in an underground New York restaurant. And modern sushi, filled with steak, blue cheese, red onion, and spinach. And I feel privileged to have had them both. When I was eating the modern roll, I wondered, would “authentic” sushi chefs scoff at the idea of sushi being filled with such nontraditional ingredients? Is it OK to take something original, twist it up, and innovate something of our own? Yes! In our modern world, that is what we do.

We remix, recreate, and build on things that we love. We are not originals, and that is OK. We are the combined influence of those who came before.

Knowing this, even the pickiest eater can create a sushi roll they’d enjoy! Time in the kitchen should always be fun. So, further on in our story, I have included one of my favorite sushi recipes. I urge you to try it, and try some of your very own. I personally find that remixing is easiest when you simply think of some of your favorite dishes. For instance, if you’re a lover of Latin food, a rice roll filled with roasted pork and plantains, topped with a chimichurri and chipotle aioli could be the roll for you! Be free. Make mistakes. It’s just food. You’ll live.

All the love, from a fellow Lakelander’s kitchen, Jenn

“Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take; and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different.” — T.S. Elliot

This was specially made by Bruce for our story. It is fresh tuna, salmon, and hamachi flower. Like many chefs, Bruce takes pleasure in creating edible art.

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BRUCE’S FAVORITE Hosomaki with Shiromi a traditional slender roll with white fish

HANA’S FAVORITE The Hana Roll named by Bruce, because it contains all her favorite ingredients

MY FAVORITES The Sandwich Roll tuna or salmon, avocado, spicy mayo, Shichimi, sesame oil, and soy paper The Tunacado tempura avocado stuffed with spicy tuna and Krab delight

NEW MOON SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4231 SOUTH FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 863.647.1212 NEWMOONSUSHI.COM

SPICY GARLIC EDAMAME (TOP) Steamed soy beans with red pepper, garlic, and salt

HOUSEMADE SEAWEED SALAD (BOTTOM) Marinated seaweed with sesame oil dressing

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RECIPE

SIMPLE SUSHI 2 cups sushi rice 2 cups water 4 Tbsp rice vinegar

3 Tbsp sugar 2 tsp salt 2 Tbsp mirin

Ignore the directions provided on the rice bag, and rinse the rice only three to five times. The water does NOT have to run clear.

Place rice to drain in a strainer. Drain for 30 minutes.

While rice is draining, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and mirin together in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.

Put the rice and the two cups of water in

a pan. Quickly bring the rice and water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and DO NOT touch it until the end. NO PEEKING! Cook for 15 minutes before removing the pot from the heat, but keep the lid CLOSED. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes and then remove the lid.

Place the rice in a glass dish to cool and lightly fan the rice while adding the vinegar mixture. Mix the rice gently.

Sushi rice is best used when just warm.

Filling Ingredients: sushi-grade tuna salmon snapper crab avocado cucumber carrots cream cheese

Place a nori sheet lengthwise on a bamboo rolling mat, shiny-side down.

Position the sheet about 1 inch from the edge of the mat closest to you, leaving some of the bamboo mat exposed on either side of the nori sheet.

Wet your hands in cool water and take a handful of sushi rice. Place the rice in the center of the nori and use your fingers to spread the rice evenly over the nori. Be sure to leave a 3/4-inch strip of nori uncovered on the far side.

Place fish or meat and some julienne vegetable, cucumber, or avocado along the center of the rice. Be careful not to overfill the nori.

Place your fingertips over the fillings

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

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to hold them in place. Then, use your thumbs to lift up the edge of the bamboo rolling mat closest to you.

Begin rolling the mat away from you, while applying pressure to the fillings to keep the roll firm. Roll the mat over slowly until it covers the rice and the near and far sides of rice join, still leaving the 3/4-inch strip of nori, ricefree, exposed.

While holding the bamboo mat in position, apply pressure to the roll with your fingers to make the roll firm.

Slice the roll in half, then cut both rolls twice to make eight equal-sized pieces.

Repeat this process with various fillings, nori, and rice.

Celebrating Lakeland’s finest crafted goods and the entrepreneurs who create them.

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CULTURE

SWANCITY An untold tale of Lakeland’s iconic birds written by Kristin Crosby photography by Kimberly McCole

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M

aintaining a subdued yet iconic presence, Lakeland’s swans have graced our city’s waterscapes for nearly a century. But the swans are more than a mere accessory to our city.

They are more than majestic birds that add to our lakes’ natural beauty. And they are more than a quaint logo.

These stately creatures hold much more significance than simply being the symbol of our Lakeland. They have become part of our city’s identity, and their arrival here was no small feat.

The earliest records of swans in Lakeland date back to 1923 when mature swans and their young lived along the city’s lakes.

They were referred to as the “people’s pets,” maintained and looked after by local residents. Even then, the marriage of the swans and this land o’ lakes appeared a fitting arrangement. In fact, it was often the lakes and their swans that drew many a visitor to the city. Yet within a few decades, due to illness and predators (primarily the less-than-friendly alligators), one by one the swans began to disappear. By 1953, the final pair of Lakeland’s swans had quietly vanished. Though the swans weren’t technically city property, still all of Lakeland felt the loss.

At the time, former Lakeland residents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pickhardt were living on an Air Force Base in the United Kingdom where Mr. Pickhardt was stationed. When Mrs. Pickhardt heard that the last pair of swans had passed, she was heartbroken. To the Pickhardts, and many Lakeland residents, the swans had been a big part of the city’s identity. Since they were living in the U.K., Mrs. Pickhardt sent a letter to Buckingham Palace asking Queen Elizabeth II to donate a pair of her royal swans to Lakeland. Within a short time, the Queen wrote back.

She would be happy to grant Mrs. Pickhardt’s request and contribute a pair of her royal swans to the City of Lakeland — on one condition. The city would need to pay for the crating and shipping required to transport the swans overseas. The total cost would be $300.

With nothing but a moderate shipping fee and an importation license standing between Lakeland and the opportunity to gain, not just any swans, but a pair of Her Majesty’s royal swans, Mrs. Pickhardt proceeded to pursue the permit, and the City of Lakeland worked to raise the minimum shipping costs. In its first effort to raise the funds, the city hosted a drive. However, when a mere seven dollars came in, the drive was considered a failure and hopes to transport the regal pair seemed slim. Word of the Queen’s offer and Lakeland’s failed attempt to raise the required funds spread quickly. Then, The London Daily Mirror reported on Lakeland’s plight, and Florida’s ears perked up.

St. Petersburg claimed they could easily raise $1,000 for the Queen’s swans, while Orlando quickly placed a bid for the pair.

However, also in response to the news, the City of Lakeland received a charitable donation from Mrs. Randle Pomeroy. Mrs. Pomeroy had spent a mere three days in Lakeland the year prior and had adored the scenic lakes and peaceful wildlife of the city.

When Mrs. Pomeroy heard of the loss of Lakeland’s swans and the failed attempt to gain the Queen’s swans, she sent a $300 check to the city to cover the costs and restore swans to Lakeland.

With Mrs. Pomeroy’s gracious donation, the swans could finally prepare for their trip across the ocean. But, just as the final arrangements were being made, a barge sank in London’s Thames River, home to the royal pair. The birds were left covered in oil and would have to be thoroughly washed before any travels, and their departure was delayed until the following year. By the time the birds were ready in December of 1956, Mrs. Pickhardt’s importation license had expired and another would have to be issued, creating yet another delay.

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By February 7, 1957, Mrs. Pickhardt’s importation license was reissued, the birds were (mostly) clean and healthy, and that Thursday morning edition of The Ledger reported the pair was expected to arrive in Lakeland the following Saturday morning. On February 9, 1957, Riddle Airlines arrived at Drane Field Airport. Landing at exactly 8:55 a.m., all of Lakeland’s dignitaries were there to welcome the crated pair of mute white swans. As the pilot stepped out to present the birds to Lakeland’s representatives, he stated, “We had orders to keep them warm, and it almost suffocated us in the cockpit.” After the five-and-ahalf-month-long effort to bring the Queen’s swans to Lakeland, the large feathery birds with “long yellow beaks and fancy black patterns around their eyes,” as The Ledger first described them, were escorted to their home on Lake Morton and encased in a wired cage.

The next morning, The Ledger’s Sunday headline reported “The City’s Royal Swans Are Settled in New Home on Lake Morton.”

Though, come Sunday morning, much to readers’ surprise, this appeared inaccurate. By Sunday morning, the swans were nowhere to be found. Before the dawn broke through the foggy air, the swans had broken free from their caged pen and flew off to explore the other nearby lakes. Once word got out, the city pitched in to locate the pair. Just one day after reporting “...The Swans Are Settled in,” The Ledger stated, “Copters and Crew Combing Lakes for Swans.” While the female swan swam contently on Lake Morton, her fellow swan, as The Ledger reported, continued his venture out to “Lake Horney, Bonny, and Parker and then took off into the wild blue yonder.”

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No longer the people’s pets, they are now, in essence, the city’s pets.

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Within hours, Lakeland’s police patrol were alerted and on the hunt for the pair. Marcus “Joker” Marchant, the head of the city’s recreation department, was notified and eventually kneedeep in Lake Morton, after the swans. Firefighters paddled out on rescue boats on every lake. A helicopter was recruited for aerial sight. By the end of Monday, the female swan was carefully caught from Lake Morton, where she had remained floating along with the ducks the whole time. Mr. Swan, as The Ledger referred to him, was finally located after a four-day hunt.

Both swans were returned to Lake Morton, followed by a minor procedure to ensure such a hunt would not happen again anytime soon. On Thursday, February 14, 1957, The Ledger reported that the male swan was finally caught by luring him with the caged female, and was returned to Lake Morton: “His bachelorhood over, Mr. Swan has settled down to be a married bird.” And so began Lakeland’s iconic flock of swans.

Today, some 70 swans, no longer confined to wired cages, occupy the lakes throughout the city. Lakeland’s Park and Recreation Department is staffed to care specifically after these birds on a daily basis. No longer the people’s pets, they are now, in essence, the city’s pets. Lakeland’s swans include four different

breeds: mute white swans, black swans, black neck swans, and coscoroba swans (the smallest of the birds; goose-like with short necks).

With daily care and yearly checkups, the city’s pets really are, as most pets, like family. At the Annual Swan Roundup, each bird is examined and its health recorded. Each swan has its own file, tracking their weight and any ailments, and identifying each family of swans. In addition, every swan is microchipped and tracked. (If only technology had been so advanced with its fathering royal pair!)

In many ways, all of Lakeland acts as chaperones for these families of swans. Steve Platt, operation support supervisor for Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation Department says, “It’s not out of the norm for someone to call in at 2 a.m. if they are concerned a swan may be in danger.” Even for those who may not have known about the swans’ royal lineage, these lovely creatures quickly capture our attention, and we tend to care for them nonetheless.

The next time you see a swan on the water or a royal family of the birds scurrying along the lake, you can thank Her Majesty for endowing us with such an irreplaceable icon for the city.

PEOPLE

YOU ARE AN

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An interview with Jamie Moore written by Adam Spafford photography by Margaret Janicki

Every four years, we marvel and cheer as athletes from around the world compete in the Olympic Games. Although the majority of us won’t compete at such athletically elite levels, it doesn’t stop us from challenging each other — and ourselves — to go faster, lift heavier, and push further today than we did yesterday. Local marathoner and triathlete Jamie Moore tells us what keeps her moving.

The Lakelander: Please tell us about yourself and your athletic history.

Jamie Moore: I grew up in rural southwest Virginia on a tobacco farm. I was the fat kid with glasses. If a ball came toward me, my thought was to tuck and save the glasses at all costs. I still think that way. When Mom would send me out to play, I would sneak a book out so I could read instead of get all sweaty. No one would have ever thought then that I would compete in endurance sports now.

On a serious note, I was seeing the effects of lifestyle on peoples’ health during my childhood and teenage years. I never saw my paternal grandmother healthy. She was bedridden and died when I was five. I just assumed everyone had a hospital bed in their living rooms. Not long after that, my maternal grandmother starting having heart attacks and strokes. My dad also had many health issues related to unhealthy lifestyle choices and died at 54. Not only was I watching my family members get sick and eventually die, I was seeing the impact this was having on everyone who had to care for them. When

I was a teenager, the light bulb clicked — lifestyle impacts your health.

to swim “on top” of the water. So, at 35, I got in the pool to learn. Trust me, my stroke is not a thing of beauty!

When I was 14, it was time to get ready for bathing-suit season. I tried running to lose weight. It was slow going, but the love for running was born. I did my first 10-miler for my 18th birthday and first 20-miler for my 22nd birthday. In college, I ran track two years and cross country four years. I have run 10 marathons. I have been running for 37 years. In 2000, the bug to start doing triathlons bit after I realized a very pregnant lady had been ahead of me for 22 miles of the Marine Corp Marathon! The only problem with this plan was that I did not really know how

As with any endurance athlete, you start at the short distances and the next longest distance calls. I did my first Ironman distance race in 2010. I have completed four IM distance races and tons of shorter distance triathlons. My husband is a great support and wonderful “pit crew.” He has spent an awful lot of time driving me to races, loading and unloading my stuff, and hanging out in nasty weather just to cheer me on. Not everyone would be OK with: “I’m going to bike 100 miles. Be back in seven hours and then we can go out to eat!” His support is greatly appreciated.

TL: Why do you think you were drawn to marathoning and triathloning as competitive sports?

JM: I have limited depth perception, so anything involving a ball is totally out. By nature, I am not fast, but I am blessed with endurance. I call myself a plow mule — slow and steady gets the job done, plus I am too stubborn to quit. I like the challenge of the longerdistance races. I am OK with being in the middle or back of the pack. I love running and training for triathlons. It is just a part of my life no different than brushing my teeth. What a wonderful way to relieve stress and be fit. And another plus — I have met the nicest, kindest people.

A full Ironman requires a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.

TL: Professionally, you are a dietitian, a clinical nutrition manager with a master’s in public health. How has that helped your athletics?

JM: It has made training much easier given that I have a good understanding of nutrition and food composition. With the longer distances, it is so important to get your carbs, calories, fluid, and electrolytes in balance. Calculating those values is second nature for me. Since I like to bake, I will often make my own training bars. My husband calls them Sprocket Rockets.

I’m not sure if that’s because they make you go faster or that they are just really heavy!

TL: The public is inundated with warnings about obesity, heart disease, sedentary lifestyles, and what to eat or not eat, and at least some of this information must be inaccurate because it’s contradictory. What would you say is the most significant change someone can make, and what are some things you see as big misconceptions regarding nutrition?

JM: There are so many misconceptions floating around, it makes my head spin. And everyone has an opinion. “Carbohydrates are bad for you and make you fat” really gets my blood pressure up. The current gluten-free craze will fade out just as the oat bran fad of the 1980s did. People seem to think that it’s safe and realistic to lose 20 or 30 pounds in a couple of months just because they saw it on a TV show like the The Biggest Loser. It just isn’t realistic or safe and often leads to yo-yo dieting. I do understand why people get confused; they are

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bombarded with information. Here is a truth that will not change: eating too many calories coupled with inactivity will eventually lead to unwanted weight gain. Weighing too much and not moving will put anyone at risk for developing a disease or unwanted health condition.

If you want to eat better, you really need to make it important in your life. Plan meals, snacks, and grocery trips. Focus on eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meat (if you want to eat meat), low-fat dairy products, dried beans, and healthier fats. Pay attention to portion sizes: nuts are good for you, but do you really need a whole can? Moderation and common sense are points to focus on. I could ramble on for days!

TL: You had surgery in December 2015 that sidelined you for a while. Those of us who are active and have faced recovery from surgery or injury know it’s often difficult mentally, too. How did you prepare to recover? Did you change anything nutritionally during recovery?

JM: It was a hard, scary time that involved a few fits of crying. I went from training for an ultramarathon to trying to figure out how to get out of bed. You just don’t realize how amazing your body is until it is in need of recovery — very humbling. I had to approach the thought of recovering like a training plan for a race. Many weeks of rest with phasing back in activity, exercise, and training again. Those first “jogs,” I thought I had developed asthma, 110 THE LAKELANDER

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but it was just things healing. The same thing happened when I started swimming again. Realistically, it will be six months to be back to “normal,” and I have a couple of months to go. I can’t imagine what recovery would have been like if I had not been “in shape.”

From a nutrition standpoint, I did focus on getting more protein to help with healing. I could not eat much at a time, so I was eating small amounts throughout the day.

Given the decrease in my activity level, I made an effort not to go crazy with comfort foods like ice cream or holiday cookies. When laying on the couch for hours, it is certainly easy to pack on some pounds.

TL: What’s your proudest athletic achievement? And what’s your ultimate athletic goal?

JM: Crossing the finish line at Ironman Florida and hearing “Jamie Moore — you are an Ironman!”

My ultimate goal is to still be running and doing tri’s when I am in my 80s. If you don’t dream it, you will never achieve it.

TL: Any final thoughts?

JM: I am signed up for Olympic distance triathlons in August and October and an ultramarathon in January 2017.

Running and triathlons have been a wonderful passion and addition to have in my life. It has been a blessing to be healthy enough all these years to able to participate and to have wonderful family and friends to support me. I hope everyone has something so fulfilling in their lives.

112 THE LAKELANDER

Little hearts do better when we work together.

As one of the nation’s leading children’s health systems, Nemours has made a promise to bring you the care you need — where and when you need it. That’s why Lakeland Regional Health and the experts from Nemours Children’s Specialty Care have teamed up to provide pediatric services right here in your community.

For children with heart conditions, we offer advanced cardiology care — even fetal cardiac evaluations for expectant moms. From diagnosis and imaging to treatment and rehabilitation, our specialists are here for you every step of the way.

See all that we offer at Nemours.org/lakeland, including: • • • • •

cardiology orthopedics ophthalmology gastroenterology endocrinology

© 2016. The Nemours Foundation. ® Nemours is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation.

Nemours Children’s Specialty Care Lakeland Regional Health Grasslands Campus 3030 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL 32114 (407) 650-7715 Nemours.org/lakeland

COMING SOON

VISIT CENTURYBOATANDRV.COM FOR FULL AMENITIES OFFERED OR CALL 863-858-2650

CENTURY

STORAGE The Space You Need....The Service You Deserve

114 THE LAKELANDER

RV AND BOAT STORAGE WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE WITH COVERED AND FULLY ENCLOSED UNITS

CENTURY-STORAGE.COM 4 CONVENIENT LAKELAND LOCATIONS

PERSONAL You deserve more than a 1-800 number when planning your family’s future. Whether it’s a simple retirement account or a complex business acquisition, we believe personal attention to your unique situation delivers success. Furthermore, we believe there’s an advantage to partnering with someone who works in your neighborhood – someone who is committed, dedicated and knows your name.

What other firm promises accessibility like that?

CALL TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS.

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OPENINGS & COMING SOON

OPEN CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Location: 3411 South Florida Avenue Classic American dishes, from chicken fried steak to Monte Cristos to chicken pot pies. Known for their made-from-scratch recipes, Cheddar’s features fresh dishes made-to-order.

COPPER PENNY HAIR STUDIO

Location: 1003 South Florida Avenue Specializing in a wide variety of hair design and coloring services, Copper Penny Hair Studio is owned by Redken color specialist and stylist, Tina Watson. Copper Penny is set in a unique space surrounded by rustic brick walls, with furnishings entirely locally sourced.

GLORY DAYS GRILL

Location: Lakeside Village, 3790 Lakeside Village Court Glory Days Grill serves up the “official food of hometown sports.”

This family-friendly sports bar is best known for its affordable menu and positive, sports-driven ambience.

THE WAX & THE NEEDLE

Location: 509 South Florida Avenue Finally, a local record shop committed to bringing you the best new and used records. This vintage shop and online store also sells instruments, record players, band merchandise, and more.

WONDERHERE Location: 111 South Florida Avenue This “learn and play studio” is the latest edition of creative education environments for kids in Lakeland. A “play-based learning program,” WonderHere specializes in learning enrichment, homeschool support, and after-school and summer-learning opportunities. WonderHere encourages children to use imagination and exploration as a path to learning. This exciting new center is equipped with learning labs, reading rooms, and open play space to expand your child’s mind.

5TH AND HALL

Location: 1221 South Florida Avenue Inspired by classic 1960s’ Ivy League menswear, this clothing store has been a Lakeland fashion staple thanks to the pop-up shop phenomenon. Their permanent retail space opened in Dixieland in June.

MASONS LIVE (OPENING JULY 23)

Location: 5501 South Florida Avenue Welcome to Lakeland’s newest live-music venue! Masons Live features a “massive” patio bar along with crafted bar food, cornhole, and super-fun entertainment options, including karaoke, trivia nights, and live music. Open daily at 11 a.m.

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Location: 3555 Lakeland Highlands Road A self-professed “funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones, and creative stone-baked pizzas,” the Mellow Mushroom opened its doors in Lakeland this March. Since then, Lakelanders have devoured countless pizza pies of all varieties, including Mellow Mushroom’s extensive vegan and gluten-free options.

THAI OISHI

Location: Lakeside Village, 1535 Town Center Drive ​Serving authentic Thai cuisine, and Japanese sushi and seafood

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EMBROIDERY MILL AND BOUTIQUE

Location: 225 North Kentucky Avenue Brooke Pottery has consolidated its shop to make room for this new boutique. An offshoot of the Shirt Shack, Embroidery Mill and Boutique sells custom embroidery items, such as purses and duffle bags, as well as women’s accessories, clothing, repurposed furniture, and gift items.

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

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

All Creatures Animal Clinic NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS!

Now Delivering

Little Squares of Heaven. (and pretty much everything else on the menu, too!)

Welcome to your “other” family doctor!

All Creatures Animal Clinic has worked hard to not only gain the reputation of being an exceptional medical facility, but also to become an integral part of the families we serve. We are committed to always making time for our clients and providing compassionate care in a cutting-edge medical environment. In addition, we also offer alternative medicine options which include chiropractic care, laser, and a hydrotherapy pool. Our clinic recently earned AAHA accreditation, a distinction awarded to the top 12-15% of animal hospitals in the United States and Canada. We are also a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our #1 priority.

2306 E. Edgewood Dr. | 863-450-2986

HOURS: Mon & Thurs - 7am - 7pm / Tues, Wed, Fri - 7am - 5:30pm / Sat - 8am - Noon

(863) 646 - 5683

1019 W PIPKIN RD LAKELAND, FL 33811

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OPENINGS & COMING SOON

COMING SOON 2INFINITY

Location: 6220 US Highway 98 North Date: TBA Get ready to take flight at the latest indoor activity space in Lakeland!

2infinity is Lakeland’s first trampoline park and will feature Olympicsize foam pits, a grid of over 60 trampolines, launching decks, and a few “surprises up in the ceiling,” so you can easily spend hours defying gravity. With over 12,000 square feet of connected, worldclass trampolines, you can explore the many features 2infinity offers, including a Ninja Obstacle Course, Extreme Dodgeball, and Aerial Silks. Check out their calendar at 2infinity.us for weekly theme nights.

2infinity is also available for parties.

H&M

Location: Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Highway 98 North Date: Fall 2016 This Sweden-based fashion dynamo is slated to open 20,000 square feet of retail space in the Lakeland Square Mall sometime this fall.

H&M is most known for its ability to bring runway looks to the masses at lightning speed and at prices that won’t break the bank.

POLLO TROPICAL

Location: 3914 South Florida Avenue Date: TBA This Florida-based restaurant chain recently announced it will open its first location in Polk County and will be serving up Caribbeaninspired eats in our neck of the woods quite soon.

WAWA

Location: Corner of Edgewood Drive and Bartow Highway Date: TBA This popular one-stop for coffee, fresh food, and fuel services will soon open its second location in Lakeland. An added WaWa bonus: feefree ATMs!

118 THE LAKELANDER

5th and Hall

gain

Call Our Team To Learn How To With Your New Mortgage!

863.701.2000 WWW.GAINEQUITYMORTGAGE.COM 4175 SOUTH PIPKIN RD | SUITE 201-202 LAKELAND, FL 33811

Marshall Jewelers

Everything You Expect From Your Auto Dealership For Almost Half the Cost.

2535 S. Florida Ave. | Southgate Shopping Center

863.682.4725

We Service All Vehicles! American & Imports Brakes • Tune-Ups • Power Windows Computer Diagnostics • Full Transmission Services

FREE A/C by appointment only 10% off Brake Job

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EVENTS CALENDAR

RECURRING EVENTS EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT PUB RUN @ RED DOOR LAKELAND 6:15 p.m. - 7 p.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DIXIELAND TWILIGHT MARKET 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING MITCHELL’S PUB RUN 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING BLACK & BREW FUN RUN 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET (excluding the month of August) facebook.com/farmerscurbmarket 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Michael McArthur owns the stage at the Polk Theatre

AUGUST 12 DEAN JOHANESEN MUSIC - LIVE frescoslakeland.com 9 p.m.

AUGUST 13 LAKELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION facebook.com/lakelandfd 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

AUGUST 19 PMOA CREATIVE YOGA polkmuseumofart.org 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

AUGUST AUGUST 5 FIRST FRIDAY: BACK TO SCHOOL downtownlaeklandfl.com 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

AUGUST 19 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BORN TO RUN thelakelandcenter.com 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

AUGUST 8 - 10 “STARVING ARTIST” MINI ART CAMP artcentricstudio.com 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

AUGUST 20 ROCK THE BLOCK thelakelandcenter.com 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

AUGUST 11 FOOD TRUCK RALLY facebook.com/lakelandfoodtruckrally 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

AUGUST 22 WINE MARKET MONDAYS reddoorlakeland.com 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2 FIRST FRIDAY: DOG DAY DOWNTOWN downtownlaeklandfl.com 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8 FOOD TRUCK RALLY facebook.com/ lakelandfoodtruckrally/ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 10 SINGER SONGWRITER SESSION WITH MICHAEL McARTHUR polktheatre.org 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 26 WINE MARKET MONDAYS reddoorlakeland.com 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Opening Soon!

2004 CR 540-A • Lakeland, FL

DON’T FORGET THE MOST ESSENTIAL HOME UPGRADE. Avoid costly repairs by upgrading your home piping and septic systems.

Our Services & Expertise Include: Stuart Harrell, O.D.

Tincy Thomas, O.D.

Accepting New Patients Call for an appointment today!

• Leak Detection • Pipe Repair • Complete Plumbing Repipes • Toilet Repair • Garbage Disposal Installation • Septic Tank Replacement

• Water Heater Repair & Replacement • Complete New House Installation • Commercial and Industrial Plumbing

800.282.EYES (3937)

www.EyesFL.com • FB.com/EyesFL optical • cataracts • eyelid lifts • lasik • glaucoma • retina

I insist on being involved in the decisions.

• Septic Tank Pumping • Bathroom Remodeling • Pump Replacement • Drainfield Installation (New) • Drainfield Repair 6/28 • Main sewer line cleaning

KEISER – Lakeland 231-1627-LakeL-Devo Lakelander 3.875 x 4.75 2860 Mine and Mill Road Lakeland, Florida 33801 PK 863.668.9817 6/17 libertyplumbingandseptic.com

Devoted Scholars.

Committed to Community.

Though Cornerstone care is available in many assisted living facilities or in one of our Hospice Houses all over Central Florida, most patients like Marjorie still prefer in-home care. But no matter where she needs us, our professionals will be in her corner, ready to provide her with all the comforts of home.

888.225.3129

KeiserUniversity.edu

866.742.6655 // cornerstonehospice.org Cornerstone is committed to caring for all hospice patients regardless of payer source or ability to pay. 100% covered by Medicare & Medicaid

Associate I Bachelor’s I Master’s I Doctoral THE LAKELANDER 121

HISTORY

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO

POLK MUSEUM OF ART

Polk Museum of Art is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County. PMOA has been a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum since 2010 and features a permanent collection of over 2,500 pieces of art (including works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Andy Warhol, Faith Ringgold, Pablo Picasso, and many more). Each year, approximately 130,000 visitors walk through the Polk Museum of Art to view the extensive collection.

Thank you for enriching our lives and community, by creating a space of appreciation and preservation for the arts.

Photos courtesy of the Polk Museum of Art

years of

EXPERIENCED MINDS handling

COMPLEX MATTERS Since 1948, Peterson & Myers has provided experienced legal advice to help our client’s innovative ideas become a reality.

We believe each client deserves attorneys who create learned, practical, individualized solutions in a constantly changing and complex environment. Please call us or visit our website today for more information about our time-tested legal experience.

PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | LAKE WALES

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A tradition of

healthcare excellence continues.

In the summer of 1941, five physicians had an idea in a modest downtown office building: Enhance the wellness of our community by delivering the most advanced medical expertise and technologies available.

After 75 years, that dream has flourished to include hundreds of specialists, multiple locations and a nationally recognized caliber of healthcare.

www.WatsonClinic.com | 863-680-7000 | Follow us on: 124 THE LAKELANDER