Heartland Living Holiday Issue 2014

December 2014 January 2015

Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

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Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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Letter From

THE PUBLISHER

elcome to the Holiday Issue of Heartland LIVING, where W we celebrate our year-end issue of an amazing year with a collection of wonderful articles, stunning artwork and recipes from our

PUBLISHER

Southern Chef Layne Prescott that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

We just enjoyed Thanksgiving, which seems to be the start of our holiday season. I loved spending the day with family and friends and I hope you enjoyed yours as well. My family gathered together and shared our favorite recipes so each side dish was unique. My sisters and I reminisced about the year we tried to change it up and everyone cooked something different and what a disaster it was so “Were keeping it Traditional”. I appreciate the blessings of having a large and loving family to share it with and I’m looking forward to doing it all over again with the most special time of year “Christmas”.

As we prepare for Christmas let’s take the time to stop, slow down and give thanks for the many blessings we all enjoy. We pray for families to be able to gather together; happiness means most when it is shared.

The holidays are a time where people of all faiths celebrate and the thoughtfulness of loved ones is a jewel of unmatched splendor. We pray for children all over the world to have the chance for joy and love to ring in their hearts.

Every child is born with a story and we hope you enjoy the story in our Special Section about three Christian ministry families from downtown Sebring who have chosen to open their hearts and homes to children who needed to be loved.

Thank you to the Bobe family for opening your beautiful home to us and sharing your family, traditions and beliefs. You will see where the family holds Christmas close to their hearts.

To keep with our tradition we hope you enjoy reading about leadership within our local Eagle Scouts and enjoy the photos taken at Highlands Hammock State Park by Reed Bowman.

South Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture held a special tribute to “Florida Highwayman” Robert Butler. Caroline Maxcy and Pam Glinski were there to capture the moment and share the gifted artist with you. Thank you to everyone that was a part of sharing his legacy.

Heartland LIVING has had a busy, productive and blessed year and I want to express my sincere thank you to everyone that has helped me create this magazine. I am eternally grateful to my Creative Director Bridgette Waldau for her years of creativity and support. To my advertisers I thank you for trusting me in sharing your businesses with the community. And of course it wouldn’t be possible without all our readers for your support. I’m very blessed to have each and every one of you being part of my family here at Heartland LIVING. It is my prayer that this Holiday Season will provide each of you and your families with blessings and happiness.

Everyone at Heartland LIVING would like to extend to all of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams

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CONTENTS 28

FEATURES

40

a Christmas Tradition 16 Sharing with the Bobe Family

By Audra Clemons

Scouts: A Tradition of 28 Eagle Leadership

By Christy Swift

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16

Legacy of Highwayman 40 The Robert Butler

By Pam Glinski

Heartland LIVING

50

60

Special Section Children of the Heart 50 Adoption:

By Katy Fassler 60 Judge Clifton M. Kelly

Champion for Children Gala

By Cindy Sebring Adams

Contents

December 2014 | January 2015

84

94

83 Heartland Scene

& Community Guide

84 DeSoto County

Arcadia Veteran’s Day Parade Arcadia Youth and All Florida Championship Rodeos

86 Hardee County

Hoofin’ It Off Main Hardee Lakes Park Wide Open

88 Highlands County

Columns

Bras For A Cause 48th Annual Fine Arts & Craft Fest Holiday for Hospice Florida Hospital Heartland Foundation

68 Showcasing The Arts

92 Okeechobee County

70 Healthy Living

94 Polk County

It’s Showtime! A Look Behind the Curtain at a Community Theatre Staying Healthy and Happy During the Holiday Season

Okeechobee County Outdoor Sports Expo Miss Okeechobee County Fair Taylor Pearce Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta Mr. Central Florida Joggin’ for the Noggin’ 5K

72 Agriculture in the Heartland The Cattle Buyer’s Club

74 Southern Chef Recipes by Layne Prescott

12 Behind the Scenes 76 Dining Guide

Cover Pool gazebo at the home of David and Maggie Bobe

December 2014 January 2015

Heartland LIVING

Photo by Caroline Maxcy Story on page 16 Your Lifestyle Community Magazine

December 2014 January 2015

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Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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Behind the Scenes Bridgette K. Waldau has been a graphic

Art Director

Photographer

and fine artist for over 30 years. She moved from Illinois to South Florida in 1972. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University. She moved to Okeechobee in 1994 where she opened her studio, Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art. Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications and Marketing as creative director since 2011. Bridgette is also very active in the community. She is arts and culture director of Okeechobee Main Street (9 years) and member of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County. Bridgette is married to James, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah.

Caroline Maxcy runs a full service fine art lifestyle photography business based in the heart of Florida. After achieving her Bachelors in Studio Art from Florida State University where she focused on Design and Photography, she practiced in the field of design for six years before pursuing her Masters in Graphic Design at North Carolina State University in 2010. It was through this journey that she honed her artistic craft and developed a “way of seeing” that fuels her photography today. Focusing on wedding, portrait and lifestyle photography Caroline’s images have been featured on wedding and lifestyle blogs worldwide. But the true heart of her work lies in her pursuits to glorify God and “give back” through educational and charitable endeavors. Caroline has donated her time and talents to capture images and tell stories all the way from rural communities in Peru to orphanages in Mexico to her own backyard.”

Photographer

Tiffany Johnson Tiffany is a full time, fine

Photographer

Writer

Photographer

Christy Swift is a freelance writer living in

Highlands County. Christy writes feature stories for Heartland LIVING and weekly pieces for a local newspaper, and web-based medical articles. She was recently named the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2014 Newsperson of the Year. Christy enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and three daughters. She recently ran her first 5K. Says Christy, “The best part of what I do is helping amazing people share their stories.”

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Writer

art wedding & lifestyle photographer, based in Central Florida. After 5 years of practice and work building her skill in photography, she became a successful full time photographer at the age of 23.

Supported by a sweet son and a loving fiancé’ she has worked hard to build a successful career from her passion. Published in print and online, and praised by her clients, she has immersed herself into the industry; climbing and working her way up, in hopes of one day becoming one of the country’s top wedding photographers.

Layne Prescott Layne was born into a military

Reed Bowman

is an ecologist and the Director of the Avian Ecology Program at Archbold Biological Station in Lake Placed, but photography has been a life-long passion. Primarily a landscape and nature photographer, he has won numerous awards and his work has appeared in national magazines such as Audubon and Natural History and in the Sierra Club Engagement Calendar.

He uses photography to instill an aesthetic appreciation of the natural world he works to conserve.

Rafael Pacheco I am a Pisces named Rafael Pacheco. I was born on the island of Puerto Rico, but ironically I can’t swim. My dog thinks I am crazy for locking the door so many times in 10 seconds, and my cats think I am made of catnip. Everything I wear is black, gray or blue. If I put on something colorful I must have been in a hurry. Keep me away from triple layer chocolate cakes, flan or Oreos.

They are my kryptonites. The 70’s were peaceful, the 80’s were rocking, the 90’s were military and the new millennium is inspiring. Photography is how I have let my artistic visions come to life since the early 90’s. Patience, kindness, sharing, sacrifice, love and not to judge I saw my mother practice these and they stayed within me. We are collective energy and all from the same Source.

I don’t see the world through my eyes. I see it through my soul.

Writer

family, has lived overseas but did most of her growing up in Arcadia. After meeting and marrying Mike Prescott, she moved to Wauchula in 1979 and now calls it her home. She and Mike raised their three children there and now are reaping the benefits of their labor with four sweet, beautiful grandchildren. As a child, Layne loved watching her mother and grandmother in the kitchen.

Her cooking style is eclectic and best described as “Southern comfort cuisine”. Of course her husband says that he made her the “Chef” that she is today. Layne has conducted cooking classes in Punta Gorda and currently teaches a class in Wauchula. She loves to invent and re-invent recipes. Her greatest joy comes from three things: her faith, loving on her family and getting in the kitchen and “whipping” up something good.

Michael White , born and raised in Okeechobee, Florida, currently resides there with the love of his life, wife Samantha. Together they have a teenage daughter, Cameron. He is a proud Veteran of the United States Army. Following his military service he went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida, majoring in Criminology. He currently works for the State of Florida Department of Corrections as a Senior Probation Officer Supervisor where he has been employed for the last 17 years. In his spare time, Michael is freelance writer and also enjoys his passion of drama as a member of the Okeechobee Community Theatre for the past 12 years.

December 2014 | January 2015

Heartland

LIVING

Jessica Pleger

is an Asset Transfer Specialist at Statler Financial. She is also the owner and operator of Pink Pineapple Catering that allows her to fulfill her passions for cooking and entertaining. She attended the University of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Jessica also enjoys taking photos, researching and writing stories, and participating in community events throughout the Heartland. A lifelong resident of Florida, Jessica was raised in Hardee County and now resides in Avon Park with her Husband, Jonathan.

In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family.

Editor

Audra Clemons

Writer

A Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri propelled Audra Clemons to begin her professional writing career in Los Angeles, California. At the age of 27 she wrote, produced and sold a national television show. After three top-rated seasons, Audra relocated to work in Miami, FL, where she enjoyed being closer to her family in Okeechobee. After a short stint in Miami, Audra was offered a position in New York City with the top International Travel PR agency. Currently, Audra travels between Florida and South America. She owns a boutique media service company that offers PR, Marketing, Brand Journalism and Social Media services. Audra also enjoys freelance writing for numerous media outlets.

Pamela Glinski is a freelance writer and photographer

Writer

from Sebring, Florida. A former website administrator for CI Interactive Website Design and Internet Marketing in Naples, Florida, Pam attended Miami Dade Community College. This Michigan native is an avid outdoor enthusiast who can often be found photographing wildlife at Highlands Hammock State Park or in her own yard on Lake Sebring. Friends and family describe Pam as a great home chef who knows how to throw a dinner party. Because of her passion for travel, adventure, and great last-minute deals, Pam has been on numerous cruises and has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.

Katy Fassler has been telling stories since she was able

to scribble her name in crayon on the walls. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, she moved to Sebring in 2006 to attend the Great Commission Bible Institute. Katy, an avid reader and book collector, lives by Dr. Suess’ advice, “Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” Katy is currently the Director of Children’s Ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Sebring. Katy and her husband, Sean, live in Sebring with their two daughters, Adia and Emery.

Writer

December 2014 | January 2015 CEO | Publisher Cindy Sebring Adams Editor Jessica Pleger Creative Director Bridgette Waldau Feature Writers Audra Clemons Katy Fassler Pam Glinski Christy Swift Contributing Writers Jessica Van Eerde Layne Prescott Michael White Senior Photographer Rafael Pacheco Cover Photographer Caroline Maxcy Feature Photographers Reed Bowman Caroline Maxcy Photographers Amber Callaham Tiffany Johnson Jessica Pleger Jessica Prescott Heartland Publications & Marketing 412 Rest Haven Road Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 863-781-0344 E-mail Cindy@Heartland-Living.com Become a fan on facebook.

Visit us at www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

Florida Magazine Association

Winner of a 2014 FMA Charlie Award

Jessica Van Eerde is a freelance writer in her spare time and loves all things theatrical. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Flagler College and loves learning. You will often find her with her head in a book, as she firmly believes there is nothing better than a brilliant piece of literature and a fancy cup of coffee.

Writer

Heartland Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Heartland Publications & Marketing. Copyright 2014, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability. Letters from our readers are not only welcome but encouraged.

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December 2014 January 2015

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Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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Sharing a

hristmas Tradition

with the Bobe Family

By Audra Clemons Photography by Caroline Maxcy

Christmas

or “Christ’s Mass,” is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth and began in European and Middle Eastern Christendom in the 3rd Century. In the United States of America, Christmas was declared a federal holiday on June 26, 1870. By the last quarter of the nineteenth century, Americans decorated trees, caroled, baked meals and shopped for the Christmas season. As a society, this is the inception of our widespread Christmas tradition.

David and Maggie Bobe hold the Christmas tradition close to their hearts. They have an exceptional Christmas story that is centered on family traditions and the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

When David and Maggie were sixteen and seventeen years old, they met while living in Puerto Rico. Four years later the couple was married and they have been in union for just over forty-one years. For twenty of those years, Mr. and Mrs. Bobe have lived in Wauchula, Florida, with two children, and now, four grandchildren – daughter, Tania C. Urrelys is married to Carlos Urrelys with two children, Manny & Gabriella; and son, David Bobe Jr. is married to Yamaris Bobe Lamboy with two children, Guillermo and Sebastian. In December 2004, David and Maggie moved to their present home in Sebring, FL. Maggie Bobe and her husband are owners of a small business in Wauchula called The Therapy

Center, where they offer services of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physical Therapy.

Friends of The Bobe family know that Christmas is an extravaganza in the Bobe home, with floor-toceiling decorations of wreaths, poinsettias, nativity scenes, Christmas trees, lights and garland. Mrs. Bobe officially lights her tree after Thanksgiving, and the Christmas festivities ensue from that point forward.

“I start decorating just after my birthday in October.

The Christmas season is way too short, and it’s a

17

Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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lot of work to put up these decorations,� said Mrs. Bobe referencing how long Christmas is celebrated in her home.

Inside the Italian villa-styled house, Mrs. Bobe plays English and Spanish Christmas carols all day on the stereo to keep everyone in the Christmas spirit. Her foyer is decorated in garland with the room’s double doors featuring prominent Christmas wreaths. Two small Christmas trees are also present here, and along the walls, a Santa Clause portrait with a lamb and Jesus carrying a ball of the world with gifts.

This portrait reflects the meaning of Christmas for the Bobe family.

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“To our family, Christmas is about Christ and his birth; and my gift to baby Jesus is to celebrate his birth by decorating,” said Mrs. Bobe of her festive home.

The two-storey house displays garland, which runs up and down a 24-foot staircase to meet a living area with a twelve-foot tree and nativity scene. In its entirety, the house contains six Christmas trees with nativity scenes scattered throughout.

“Christmas in our house was larger than life,” recalls daughter Tania Urrelys. “When we moved to Wauchula in 1989, mom bought a 12-foot tree that was about six-feet wide – it was huge. She started decorating early and she was very meticulous with her decorations.”

As Christmas draws near, Mrs. Bobe displays more detailed decorations, like Christmas plates, salt and pepper shakers and table centerpieces for the family’s Christmas Eve dinner.

An important dinner that consists of pork roast, arroz con gandules - a combination of rice, pigeon peas and pork, cooked in the same pot with Puerto Rican-style sofrito – sweet potato casserole and a typical Puerto Rican potato salad. The family’s Christmas Eve dinner draws influence from their Puerto Rican heritage, while also incorporating the culinary staples from the traditional North American meal.

“It has been a Christmas tradition that we get together as a family and share this Christmas Eve meal,” said Mrs. Bobe of her tradition. “When the kids were younger no one was

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December 2014 January 2015

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allowed to go anywhere for this holiday.

I knew a time would come when the kids would be married, with their own families, so this was our time. Now that they are married they still love to come over and have this dinner with their children and our family.”

“All the memories my kids have bring back the reaction that we had when we were kids,” said Tania Urrelys. “The food, the family, the dancing and the laughing; with our children, that’s what

Christmas is becoming again. There is squealing from excitement when opening Christmas presents and it is once again, very fun and very loud.”

Tania Urrelys goes on to explain that she wants to instill in her children the real meaning of Christmas, “it’s not just about a letter to Santa Clause and getting new toys. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth, and should be centered around Christ’s birthday.”

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Akin to her mother, Maggie Bobe will tell anyone to keep in mind that the true meaning of Christmas is about Christ and the celebration of his birth.

She values this belief, that the meaning of Christmas should be celebrated every day, not just one or two nights a year. As a devout Catholic, Mrs. Bobe attends mass every morning because she believes the most important thing to do each day is to begin with prayer.

“I try to follow two very important commandments: love God above all and love thy neighbor as thyself,” said Mrs. Bobe, “it’s hard as humans to stay on the right track. Christmas time is a beautiful miracle and great reminder that if we keep our lives centered around Christ, everything else will fall into place.” ¢

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Eagle Scouts

A Tradition of Leadership

By Christy Swift Photography Reed Bowman

Baseball, apple pie and the Boy Scouts. What could be more American? This time of year we look towards those traditions that bring us comfort and a sense of who we are. But how much do we really know about these icons of our heritage?

Let’s take the Eagle Scouts. Boys can join scouts at the beginning of elementary school and work their way up to the highest rank and distinction in the organization, Eagle Scout; by the time they are 18. From 1912, when the honor was born, to 2013, 2.7 million young men have become Eagle Scouts. Last year, Scouts and leaders provided $384.3 million of service to communities across America.

“I hear a lot of the time the general public saying, ‘well, we don’t see the Scouts’,” remarks Alan Richards, an Eagle Scout with 30 years of scouting experience and over 15 years of experience in scout leadership in Highlands County. “In our group alone, I guarantee we have generated thousands of hours of community service.”

Adam Olivencia with his “Walking Stick”.

(Opposite page) Holding his Eagle Scout Metal, Ethan Hughes, (Back row) Adam Olivencia and Alan Richards.

December 2014 January 2015

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By the campfire (L-R): Scott Kaplan, Alan Richards, Adam Olivencia, Ethan Hughes and Dustin Twiggs (Back row): James Dean, Sean Guest and Travis Gibson.

They may not always be in uniform, and they may work quietly, but they are doing things that matter-- like constructing a wheelchair-accessible walkway at Highlands Hammock State Park, a playground at a local church, or shaded benches in a cemetery.

Most people think of scouting as lots of camping, building fires, and first aid (and there is that), but once the boys move up into the rank of Eagle Scout, Richards says they have mastered all of those practical skills and are focusing on leadership and service.

Scouting is based on six tenets--mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living and building character. Scouts take an oath to do their duty to God and country, to obey the Scout Law, to help others and to keep physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. The Scout Law states, “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” And, of course, the scout motto is “be prepared.”

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After passing through all six ranks of scouting and earning badges in skills such as first aid, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, camping, personal fitness, personal management, environmental science, and lifesaving, Eagle scout recipients must organize and carry out a service project and have it approved by a board.

Alan Richards

(Above) Ethan Hughes with bow and Adam Olivencia with his walking stick..

Heartland LIVING

December 2014 January 2015

(Below) Ethan Hughes and Scott Kaplan, two Generations putting up tent.

31

Richards, who is 50 and works as an insurance adjustor in Lake Placid, recalls his Eagle Scout service project for a local church where he grew up in Sarasota. He led the effort to clear a canal and build a bridge and playground.

Both of Richards’ sons were scouts, and his youngest son, Ryan, now 21, also achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Ryan’s project was an ambitious one, Alan recalls.

“He wanted to do a cleanup of Lake June. We accessed Lake June a lot and did a lot of waterskiing and fishing. He wanted to give back.”

But we aren’t talking about a boy with a net skimming litter off the water. Ryan approached many local organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Highlands Lakes Association and got them to donate to his cause. On clean up day, there were T-shirts and hamburgers for the approximately 50 volunteers who came out to help. People were on the shore, on the water on their boats, and even under the water in scuba gear clearing out debris, Alan recalls.

Ryan is now in the U.S. Air Force, enjoying the rank bump he receives as an Eagle Scout. It’s one of the perks to achieving this very high level of distinction. The military knows these recruits already have survival skills, leadership skills, and more, and it rewards them an entire pay grade for it.

(Left) Ross MacBeth sharing memories with Alan Richards and Travis Gibson

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Four Generations of Eagle Scouts from Highlands County.

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However, the benefits of doing what it takes to earn the distinction of Eagle Scout are more than just monetary.

Sebring resident James Dean, who will turn 70 in January, earned his Eagle Scout award in 1960. “I got my Eagle Scout when I was 15,” says Dean.

“Being in scouting helped me to change from a shy, skinny kid with asthma into a strong, outdoorsy-type, and to become a person with self-esteem and a team player, and to believe in myself and Four Generations of Scouts.

(L-R) Adam Olivencia, Dustin Twiggs, Ross MacBeth and James Dean.

go for my dreams,” Dean emphasizes.

Florida has been home to seven generations of our family.

The Heartland Region has helped us sustain our business for the last 88 years.

Growing up in northwestern New York State, Dean recalls 10-day canoe camping trips up in the Canadian wilderness. This is not car camping, by any means. It’s hard-core. Dean developed leadership skills, acting as a patrol leader and president of his Explorers post.

Now an entrepreneur running a highend car parts business, Dean says that scouting taught him how to keep a level head, even in the most stressful of situations, like when he was a passenger on a plane that was hijacked to Cuba.

“They didn’t tell us what was happening, but the stewardesses asked people to move to the back of the plane and began putting pillows and blankets on the seats in front of me. I don’t like being in a situation where I don’t have control, so I chose to stay in the front where I could control my own situation and help others.”

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Once all the passengers were safely off the plane, Dean took on responsibilities to keep people calm and help where needed. “In a crisis situation, people’s true personalities come out,” he said.

That was a few decades ago, but just last month, another Eagle Scout earned his wings, so to speak. Sixteen-yearold Ethan Hughes, a trumpet player at Sebring High and a member of Troop 846, became an Eagle Scout after completing his service project-- erecting

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a bat house on the Avon Park campus of South Florida State College.

Giving the creatures a home would help them to provide natural insect control around the water. After numerous hours of planning and fundraising, Hughes constructed the enormous bat house, which consisted of a pole about the size of a telephone pole with two pieces of PVC pipe attached in a “T” that would house about 1600 bats altogether.

“It felt amazing,” says Hughes, remembering receiving his award in a local church. He was also relieved to have completed it because once a boy turns 18; he’s no longer eligible to become an Eagle Scout. In fact, only six per cent of scouts achieve the rank, and many boys may start the endeavor, but never actually finish it.

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Right now in Lake Placid, the local Boy Scout troop has disbanded due to lack of adult volunteers, but Alan Richards continues to work with troops across the county and is also helping a “lone scout” in his small town achieve his Eagle Scout honor without the benefit of a troop.

Richards says it often isn’t until the teen who earns his Eagle Scout becomes a man that he realizes the significance of what he has achieved. “As a Scout I didn’t see it, even when I earned my Eagle. I almost didn’t make it. I let time fly. I didn’t have the wherewithal to understand the depth of what a big deal it was.”

“Now that I am a leader, I have seen it and it is amazing,” he goes on. Some of the Eagle Scouts he’s helped he has known since they were Tiger Cubs of six or seven years old. Even with the frustrations and sacrifice involved with mentoring boys, it pays off when he sees his charges grow in maturity, confidence, and skills.

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Beautiful campus with views of Lake Jackson located in historic downtown Sebring.

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“I thank the Lord for the opportunity to have had some positive input in these young men’s lives.” says Richards, adding, “These young men that have earned their Eagle, they are just a different caliber.” ¢

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Waldau

Private studio teaching you how to paint step-by-step in a relaxed and fun setting.

It's the perfect place to get together and enjoy time painting with friends while sipping your favorite beverage.

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Small class size promises personalized instruction and a lot of fun!

You are invited to Paint, Unwind & Unplug!

Treat yourself to time away from the stress of the outside world and take a painting home with you!

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By Pamela Glinski Photos by Caroline Maxcy

ew artists have captured the timeless essence of Florida’s landscapes and wildlife as well as Robert Butler, one of the famed African American groups known as the “Highwaymen.”

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This gifted artist, author, devoted husband and father of nine had a career that spanned 51 years - from 1963 when he sold his first landscapes, cattle and wildlife painting to people he knew in his hometown of Okeechobee, to his death on March 19, 2014 when his artwork became highly-sought-after pieces for collectors.

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Butler’s wife, Dorothy Butler and daughter, Doreen Butler Bennett.

Above: One of the many followers of Butler’s work attended the opening reception on Nov. 6.

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(Far Left) South Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture (Left) A beautiful vase that Butler painted.

“It is sad when someone passes away and you lose that voice. There will be no more contribution,” said South Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) curator Mollie Doctrow.

“There were only 26 Highwaymen,” emphasized art historian and former MOFAC curator Jim Fitch. A close friend and business associate of Butler’s since the early 1960s; it was Fitch who coined the term “Florida Highwaymen” in a 1994 article he wrote for Antiques and Art Around Florida.

An acquisition agent for Florida Masters Collection, LTD., Fitch recognized the significance of the contemporary regional art. In his article, he described the “Highwaymen” as a significant movement in the Florida art scene that was started in the 1950s by white landscape artist A.E. “Bean” Backus, school teacher Zanobia Jefferson and a quick-learning black art student named Alfred Hair. Hair went on to teach about 20 young men how to produce the inexpensive paintings that were sold along Florida’s highways.

In a follow-up to Fitch’s story, Jeff Klinkenberg described a time when Robert Butler got a tip that a local physician liked to hunt turkeys, so he loaded “a fine turkey painting in the back of his 1960 Oldsmobile Catalina” and to the doctor’s delight sold it to him for $35.

Fitch credits his article, a New York Times followup and subsequent books on the “Highwaymen” by other authors with the growing popularity of the genre. Over the past 20 years, values on the paintings have risen into the thousands and avid collectors can be found searching through attics, thrift stores and garage sales in hopes of discovering a precious find.

Butler’s legacy and contribution to the art world were honored on November 6 at a reception for the MOFAC exhibition “Tribute to an American Painter: Robert Butler.”

“This is not an extensive retrospective of Robert Butler’s life work, this is a tribute exhibition,” Doctrow said of the paintings on display, four owned by the museum and dozens of others contributed by private collectors and the family for the show that ran from Sept. 24 to Dec. 4.

“There are a very small number of state colleges that actually have a museum. Our focus is Florida artists, art history and the environment,” Doctrow explained.

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“We would not have done this exhibit without the family’s support; they have backed this 100 percent.

They would like to see Robert’s work remembered and recognized as a legacy to the state and his contribution to the arts in a wider sense,” Doctrow said of the artist she personally ranks as “one of the best” of the “Highwaymen.”

Butler was inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame in 2004 as part of the original 26 “Florida Highwaymen, but he also built a strong, prolific career outside of that Highwayman style. Though he was included with the group that started selling alongside Florida’s highways around the Fort Pierce area in the 1950s, “he came a little later,” Doctrow noted.

A self-taught representational wildlife artist and landscape painter, Butler’s work has been described as a “documentary in nature.” He believed deeply in the importance of the preservation of the environment and used his popularity and his art to gain awareness for that cause.

Over the years Butler’s color palette evolved from the muted earth-tones of his original Florida outdoor scenes to the use of vibrant hues adopted into his work after his 1994 trip to Tanzania, Africa.

“At first I thought he had lost his mooring and gone astray, but now I love them,” said Jim Fitch of Butler’s transition in style. “It is inevitable that art history will respond. As always happens, the cream will rise to the top, and those prices will increase.”

Mollie Doctrow, MOFAC Curator.

With refreshments set up in the MOFAC entrance hall for the reception, long-time friends, family members and art enthusiasts listened to the jazz of Manny Patino, Bill Anderson and Doug Andrews playing in the background as guest speakers shared tales from Butler’s well-lived life, his contributions to charity, and his recently released autobiography, Timeless Echoes.

Born in Georgia in 1943, Robert Butler moved to Okeechobee with his mother at the age of four, growing up a self-described observer among the cattle ranches and farmlands of Florida’s heartland. He loved the outdoors and became an avid hunter. In 1955, his mom opened her first boarding house and restaurant.

She instilled in her son the belief that “you could accomplish anything if you worked hard enough,” a lesson he took to heart.

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After graduating from an all-black high school, he worked at dairies and mowed lawns until a customer saw some of his art and bought him a set of oil paints.

That person also helped get him a job as a hospital orderly. Others in the community contributed to this likeable young man’s dream: a librarian provided

(Above) Anne Reynold.

(Right) Jim Fitch, MOFAC Curator.

money for a correspondence courses in art and others swapped frames and supplies for some of his paintings.

Persistence was another of Butlers attributes, as was evident by his relentless efforts to gain the attention of the woman who became his wife, his best friend and his art collaborator.

Though Robert had met Dorothy briefly when she was 14 and visiting Florida from Alabama, it wasn’t until she moved to Okeechobee a few years later that he started having family members and friends try to introduce them.

Dorothy explained, “I would deliberately wait until he was in school to go to his mom’s store because I sensed he liked me, and I wasn’t interested in any boys at that time.” It took several months, encouragement from relatives, and apples from a corner market to final get her to agree to see a movie.

“He was such a sweet guy. We were very close,” Dorothy said of her husband

Heartland LIVING

December Holiday 2014 Issue January 2014 2015

Jazz trio featuring Manny Patino, Bill Anderson, and Doug Andrews.

45

2015 Top of the Lake Art Fest & Chalk Walk 9th Annual

February 7th & 8th ~ 10 am - 4 pm

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Juried Art Show in beautiful Flagler Park, the heart of Okeechobee and featuring Chalk Walk Street Painting!

ew! of Okeechobee!

NA Taste Feb. 7th - Saturday Evening

In Downtown Okeechobee

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If you are interested in showing or participating in the Chalk Walk contact Okeechobee Main Street.

Fine Art - Artisan Crafts Art Gallery Tent featuring Local and Student Artists Children’s Art Activities - Entertainment, Food and More!

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of more than 50 years. “I loved him dearly. I miss him so much. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have my kids.”

On a WEDU interview posted on www. robertbutler.com, Robert Butler shared the pride he had in the fact that all of his family members have become talented artists in there own right. He commented that while he sold his first commission for $25, his daughter’s first was over $1000 and his wife’s artwork sold for $3000. “My children got it by osmosis.... I can’t find any other family that has nine children that paint.”

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“Two of my boys have passed away,” Dorothy added solemnly.

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“Dad’s autobiography, Timeless Echoes, was released in March and is available through Amazon.com or on our website,” noted Doreen Butler Bennett, the couple’s oldest daughter who now manages the family business from Orlando. “We also have information on his other books, The Cracker Cowman, Highwaymen, Artists – Truth Untold and available art work.”

Muralist Tom Freeman knew Robert for 52 years, collaborating for over four years on the Green Swamp project. He said Butler was a magnificent man, low key, shy and humble about describing his artwork. “He did magnificent work with his brushes!”

Jane “Sam” Heede may be new to collecting Robert Butler’s work, purchasing her first 2’ by 3’ about three years ago, but she echoes the sentiment of many of his fans. She commented, “I’m sure taken with his style. The first time I saw a Butler, I felt like I could walk into that painting and keep on going forever. There was such peace in it.” ¢

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ADOPTION:

Children of the Heart

By Katy Fassler Photos by Caroline Maxcy

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“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.

It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do…everything changes.”

- David Platt

Every child

is born with a story.

Some are born into happy families where they are treasured and loved while others are unwanted and discarded or unable to be cared for. These families, all in Christian ministry and all in downtown Sebring, have chosen to open their hearts and their homes to children who needed to be loved, forever changing the story of three little girls and one boy.

T he Crawford Family: P

astor Matt of First Baptist Church and his wife Christie were also called to adopt but out of many different reasons. Struggling with fertility for a number of years, Pastor Matt and Christie decided to pursue growing their family via domestic adoption. “We started this process and about nine months in we got pregnant. We felt the Lord wanted us to keep both going.” Micah was born and welcomed into the Crawford home through adoption a mere 8 weeks before Owen arrived.

“Adoption has really helped us understand more about God’s adoption of us through Christ. We are not step children but children of God,” says Pastor Matt. “We as Christians are called to care for the orphan, the widow, and the needy. We as a family are staunchly pro-life and we are putting our money where our mouth is.”

“Adoption is a beautiful solution to many of the problems in our culture. It is a beautiful way to grow your family if your heart is open to it,” says Christie.

“There is a lot of good that comes from people opening their homes because we love people!”

The boys, now four, are big brothers to Emma who recently turned one.

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T he Juliano Family:

Pastor David, of First United Methodist Church of Sebring, and his wife Alison have adopted two little girls from China, Lily and Lucy. Alison, growing up in Europe and hearing the stories of displaced children behind the Iron Curtain, has had international adoption on her heart for years. After their three boys, Ben, Theo and Henry, were born, the opportunity came and they jumped at the chance...twice.

Pastor David was not initially convinced adoption was right for their family but after prayer and studying God’s word he quickly realized this was where God was moving them.

“We are called to take care of the widows and orphans according to James 1:27,” says Pastor David. “We did what God called us to do,” adds Alison. “There is no doubt they are my children.”

Pastor David and Alison traveled to China in July of 2009 where they visited many of the historic sites but most importantly met their daughter Lily for the first time.

“Gotcha Day” is the day you get to hold your child and take them home.

Alison Juliano traveled again to China in January of this year to meet and bring home Lucy.

Lily, now in first grade, is six and was born with a cleft lip and palate. She was adopted when she was 19-months-old.

Lucy, two, was also adopted at 19-months-old. Both girls are happy, healthy and loving having three older brothers.

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T he Altman Family: Pastor Dave of Southside Baptist Church and his wife Teresa never thought they would adopt. They were inspired to begin the process after their daughter, Katie, returned from a mission trip to China, bringing home photos and experiences with the orphaned and abandoned children. Katie’s heart was moved to visit China by Steven Curtis Chapman, a Dove Award winning Christian music artist who has adopted two daughters from China and built Maria’s House of Hope, a facility for Chinese children. Katie met Jaelynn during her stay and shared her story with her family and church “I thought about Jaelynn all summer,” says Teresa “We prayed that there would be a family to adopt her.”

Unknown to them, God was preparing them to be Jaelynn’s forever family. After a long process of paper work, blood tests, and waiting the Altman’s traveled to China and adopted Jaelynn in November 2012.

Jaelynn is seven, full of spunk and wit, and a first grade student at Fred Wild Elementary. Like many of the children in Chinese orphanages, she was born with spina bifida and severe scoliosis but it does not hinder her sense of humor and contagious smile. Jaelynn waited a long time for her mom and dad to come get her and jokingly asks, “What took you so long?”

Jaelynn now has two sisters, Katie and Abby, and a big brother, Matt.

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There are thousands of children in the United States and the world that are in need of families. Adoption is the best solution. The process is long, expensive, and stressful. There can be months of waiting, home studies, and piles and piles of paperwork. While it may be hard, these children are worth it.

A dear friend of Christie Crawford said in comparing biological children to those in which you adopt, “your heart doesn’t know the difference.”

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The Altman’s, Juliano’s and Crawford’s, having taken this journey, dream to establish a foundation in which financial and emotional support would be available to those wishing to adopt. While the foundation is still in the building stages, Champion for Children has agreed to facilitate.

If you are interested in the adoption process or wish to contribute financially to the foundation to help those hoping to adopt, please contact Champion for Children. ¢

356 W. Center Ave - Sebring, FL 33870

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Bareback Bronc Riding Saddle Bronc Riding Bull Riding Steer Wrestling Tie Down Roping Team Roping WomEns Barrel Racing

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Produced by: Mason ProRodeo Productions www.MasonProRodeo.com

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For tickets by phone call the Box Office: 863-834-8111 or 24 Hour ticketing line: 888-397-0100 Group Discounts: 863-834-8137 Online Ticket purchase: www.lakelandprorodeo.com

Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic January 23-24, 2015

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Featuring New and Used Wheelchair Vans and Conversion Trucks.

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2014 Champion for Children Award Mike Lee with his wife, Jodi.

Fifteenth AnnuaL

Judge Clifton M. Kelly

Champion for Children Gala

By Cindy Sebring Adams Photos by Caroline Maxcy

Certain individuals cast a shadow larger than the shadows of average people.

Clifton Kelly was one of those individuals. „

Heartland LIVING

(Above) Gala guests view a presentation about Judge Clifton M. Kelly.

(Top Left) 2014 Champion for Children Award trophy. (Top right) Kevin Roberts, with Mr. and Mrs. Lee, presents the award.

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(Above) L-R: Eric and Amy Swayer with children Molly Jane and Grant Mason, Ozella Tubbs, Debbie and Allison Roberts , Kati Pippin and Kevin Roberts.

(Top right): Maci Leaphart, 2014 Little Miss Highlands County.

(Right) Jeff Roth speaks to the guests.

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Joy and PT Salinder.

Julie and Andrew Fells.

Nancy Hensley, Chairman of Champion for Children and her husband George.

During his many years of service in the judicial system and later, as a tireless volunteer in projects for the public good, Judge Kelly crystallized the concepts that must prevail if a community is to become a safe, healthy, and productive place in which all children grow up to become contributing members of society. He understood that it is not enough simply to dream of a positive climate for inspiring the young. Adult citizens must act and cause others to act to “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Through many avenues he paved the way for countless other citizens to follow his lead. Although he passed away in 2005, his influence remains clearly evident in the work of the Champion for Children Foundation, and the Children’s Services Council. The annual Champion for Children Awards program was held at Grace Bible on Sept. 25 and identified outstanding recipients who agree with the Judge that investing in children and in youth is well worth the effort involved.

Congratulations to 2014 Champion for Children Award Mike Lee. ¢

(Top right) Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Right) Michael Mosier was given an award for Hometown Hero 2014. Shown here with his family: Asley, Mallory, Jean, [Michael] and Robert.

Heartland LIVING

The gala guests were entertained by the children’s play.

“When You Wish Upon A Star”

Stacy Smehyl & Kyle Tolar sang “The Prayer.”

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We can make your Wedding memorable!

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Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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Visit our Website!

You can shop online!

Our website features many fixtures and fans we carry.

Put your favorite items on a wish list or use the shopping cart to purchaseyour products online.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from America First Air-Conditioning.

Give yourself the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year!

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

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By Michael W. White

It’s Showtime!

Showcasing T he Arts

A Look Behind the Curtain at a Community Theatre As an actor, there is nothing more exciting than the countdown to show time. The adrenaline that flows through the body as the time approaches is exhilarating.

The months of memorizing lines and the hours of practice have come to an end. It is an amazing feeling and truly makes you feel as if the world revolves around you for the next few hours.

I belong to the theatre group at the Okeechobee Community Theatre and they put on three shows per season. Usually the line up consists of a fall musical production, a holiday live action radio play and concludes with a spring comedy or drama. For the passionate actors, the summer break creates a craving to dive back into the fire by the early fall season.

The casting calls and season lineup is announced. There are usually a few nights of auditions scheduled for each of the shows and actors can show their skills by hitting the stage solo and performing a short song, skit or both depending on the show. Casting is announced shortly after and rehearsals begin. They last a few months and for this writer/actor, it’s where the fun begins.

Being a part of a local theatre troupe is an honor that is taken very seriously. You join a great group of people that you become very close to. It’s truly an art form to act. And being a part of this process one can really feel the love of life. The very beginnings of the process are very rough but quickly it starts to mold into a wonderful and beautiful thing. As the weeks go on, the rehearsals add the costumes, make-up and technical equipment.

It comes to a climax and the curtain opens and the finished product is revealed.

When it comes down to performance, day and night, amazing emotions are felt. The anticipation and adrenaline that an actor goes through breathes new life into the soul. As the hours and minutes count down, it’s truly hard to contain. All actors have a pre-show habit and some noticeable habits I’ve seen include: hanging out with other actors and telling stories on the prepped stage, meditating in the green room and some, like this

Heartland LIVING December 2014 January 2015

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writer, like to sit in the empty seats of the quite auditorium while looking at the empty stage and imagining the magic about to take place. Minutes before curtain, actors can be seen behind the closed curtain jumping up and down, trying to control their emotions and the raging adrenaline.

And then the show begins!

The entire process is amazing but most importantly the theatre troupe is very close. The actors as well as the stage hands become great friends and it becomes a family type relationship.

Actors can feel the love, friendship and support. That’s what makes theatre an art form. It’s easy to become addicted to the sense of belonging on the stage, whether it is during informal rehearsals or during an actual performance.

Escaping from the crazy everyday world we are in and jumping headfirst into whatever that next story to be told is thrilling. Doing it with your fellow actors is very inspiring and if one is looking for a boost, give it a try. You won’t regret it. ¢ Heartland LIVING encourages you to support your local community theatre and your local actors. Listed below are your community theatres in the Heartland area.

863-453-0003 Antiques - Pottery - Glass Music and Sports Memorabilia We have Bronner's Bottle Cap Art - Florida Art - Candles Jewelry and Accessories Christmas Wonderland Ornaments Antique Clocks and Watches from Frankenmuth Michigan.

Jams - Syrups - BBQ Sauce You don't have to drive 1400 miles to Texas Olive Oil Frankenmuth to buy one of their Amish Handmade Baskets Gene Albritton-Earth Art Fabulous Ornaments !

Vintage Golf Memorabilia Open Mon., Weds. & Thur. 11am-7pm

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Saturday 11am - 2pm and Friday 11am-7pm

A Shop For All Reasons &All Seasons

22 East Main Street - Avon Park

Miss Cindy’s Gardens Beautiful Garden & Lake Setting for Your Special Events

We want to share our piece of paradise with you.

863-991-5903

Haines City Community Theatre (863) 421-1893 www.hainescitytheater.com Highlands Little Theatre 863-382-2525 Sebring www.highlandslittletheatre.org Lakeland Community Theatre (863) 603-7529 www.lakelandcommunitytheater.com

Weddings - Events Photo Shoots

Lake Wales Little Theatre (863) 676-1266 www.lwlt.org Okeechobee Community Theatre (863) 763-1307 www.okeechobeecommunitytheatre.com Polk Theatre - Lakeland (863) 682-7553 www.polktheatre.org Theatre Winter Haven (863) 229-2672 www.theatrewinterhaven.com

Located in Central Florida on beautiful Lake Sebring

4450 Nassau Drive | Sebring, Florida

www.misscindysgardens.com

Heartland LIVING

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By Jessica Van Eerde

Staying Healthy and Happy

During the Holiday Season

It’s the holidays! Excitement fills the air and we are all feeling overjoyed at all the time we get to spend with family and friends; or are we?

It seems like as the holidays get closer we all become more and more stressed out and overwhelmed with all the things we have to check off of our to-do lists and all the presents we have to buy. We begin to feel run down and worn out.

Somehow, the joys of the holidays get lost in the shuffle and we start waiting anxiously for January 1 to arrive. I want to challenge each of you to not let this be your fate this year!

There are a few simple tips that can help you stay healthy, positive and upbeat during this time.

First, remember to get enough sleep and eat right. The healthier you are the better you are going to feel during this time of year. I know it’s easy to binge on all your favorite foods, especially when we don’t get to have them all the time, but you’ll feel better if you just try a little sample of your favorites and look forward to tasting them again next year. Additionally, as we have discussed before, sleep is a critical part of good health. When you’re feeling stressed during the holidays, the worst thing you can do is not get enough sleep.

Second, don’t over commit yourself. It is so important to learn the art of saying “no.” Sometimes we just need down

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time, especially around this time of year when we are trying to manage our regular routines and add in holiday parties, vacations and visitors. Learning to say “no” can be the difference between you wishing January 1 would just hurry up and get here already and actually enjoying the holidays.

Finally, try to remember what the holidays are meant to be about. This time of year is about togetherness and making memories with family and friends. It’s not about the number of presents you buy or the number of gifts you get. We have become such a materialistic culture and often, especially around this time of year, we focus more on what we want, rather than on the gifts we already have such as our good health, our loving family and good friends. Sometimes it really helps to donate your time and/or money to a local cause. We have so many wonderful organizations and charities that need our help, especially around this time of year.

Make it a point to lend a hand in order to remember what the holidays are all about!

May each of you have a beautiful holiday season, filled with love and joy, and may you savor each day between now and the New Year! ¢

Hearing Services Designed f� Your Individual Care Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center is the oldest established hearing aid office in Highlands County.

Established 1968 and Voted #1 Hearing Aid Office.

Computerized Hearing Aids Hearing Accessories Repairs on all Makes & Models FREE Cleaning Services Rehabilitation Services - Earwax Removal Counseling - Seminars Specializing in hard to fit hearing loss

“Not Just a Brand ... A Way of Life” ALL THE COMFORTS OF A MODERN HOME

863-385-3497

130 S. Commerce Avenue - Sebring www.lampekieferhearing.com

Barbara Landers Kesselring Roseann Kiefer Bonnie Kesselring Patient Coordinator, LPN

B.A.-BC-HIS

Office Manager

Give a Boner for Christmas!

Custom Screen Printing and Embroidery 239 N. Ridgewood Dr. - Sebring, FL 33870

Extended Stay

Newly Remodeled Room ALL Suites with Lake Views Complimentary Buffet Breakfast High Speed Wireless Internet Golf & Romance Packages Centrally Located to All Major Arteries Pet Friendly

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Boner® Custsom Fishing Rods Both Freshwater and Inshore Saltwater

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3221 Tubbs Rd. & US 27 South Sebring, Florida 33870

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Customized Medical ID Bracelets & Necklaces

Happy Holidays from • Septic Tanks Cleaned • Grease Traps Cleaned • Sewer & Drain Line Cleaned • System Inspections • Drain Field Installations & Repairs • Lift Station Repairs - Maintenance • Event Toilets • Free Estimates • Emergency Service

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Heartland LIVING

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AGRICULTURE

In The Heartland By: Audra Clemons

The Cattle Buyer’s Club Being a cattle buyer means more than traveling the circuit to regional auction markets, like Arcadia Stockyard and Okeechobee Livestock Market, on sale days to buy cattle.

A cattle buyer begins their day early, usually on the road at sunrise, and ends it late – sometimes a few hours past midnight. Each buyer has different reasons to buy and orders to fill. There are buyers’ who are looking for cattle to send to a feedlot; there are buyers’ looking for cattle to replace other cattle on ranches and buyers’ looking specifically to buy for slaughterhouses. Each of these buyers has specifics they are looking for in each animal they buy. Get to know a few of your regional Florida cattle buyers.

Paco Anuez started his career with hauling cattle in his

fleet of semi trucks. Making a transition into cattle buying easy. He’s an Order Buyer and fills the orders his clients are looking for.

Kelly Baker was working as a field man at a livestock

where he met Marshall Churnen, who brought him on board at the packing plant. Within two years he was buying cows all over, six-days a week for Central Packing. Kelly is a company buyer that specifically buys cows for slaughter.

Will Bellamy started buying cattle with his cousin when

he was on work release in High School. He’s is an order buyer who has been doing this job his whole life, and buys for Cracker Cattle, Bellamy Cattle, Barry Lewis, Scott Livestock and Lee Livestock.

(L-R) Ronnie Lewis and Paco Anuez.

Jim Byrd grew up working ranches and then pursued an

Animal Science degree from Colorado State. A few years after college, he applied for employment for Swift, a packer at the time, where he was hired on as a land buyer for a year; and then was transferred by the company to Iowa, Alabama, Missouri and Florida to take over country buying in 1969. He loves his work.

Kelly Durrance followed the footsteps of his father,

Willard Durrance. He worked for Gerald Derrough for several years and when Mr. Derrough passed away it became D&S Cattle Co – Roland Skipper is the “S” in the name. His tip on preparing an animal for the ring is to start with a purebred with good genetics that will perform well.

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(Left) Steve Marchant, (Center) John Stanley, (Right) Kelly Durrance and Jim Byrd.

Ronnie Lewis was born and raised in the business

Tommy Hooten

and followed in the footsteps of his father. He buys for himself and a few customers he’s had for over 40 years.

When he buys, he looks for different characteristics depending on whom he’s buying for but mainly “an animal with good health and without afflictions. You have a few seconds to see this during the auction and then decide where you need to be.”

Steve Marchant became a cattle buyer out of a

love for animals, which became a way of life. He is an Order Buyer that makes a living out of the sale barns.

He fills his orders, groups the animals after they are bought and then ships them out west.

John Stanley began his career at age sixteen following

the footsteps of his father. Even through his college days he sold cattle as a job on the side. He buys for Foy Reynolds and Mike Gaines – two large operations.

What he looks for when he’s buying is, “a good honest steer with no blemishes in it, and anything from 150 to 1,000 pounds.”

Not mentioned in this article are Bob Herrington and Tommy Hooten who currently buy regularly at the sale barns.

Bob Herrington

In memory of the late great buyers: Jack Knight, Norman Mansfield, Willard Durrance, Lunis Hendricks, Richard Stafford, and Hal Bevis. ¢

Heartland LIVING

Above (L-R): Steve Marchant and Will Bellamy (Left) Kelly Baker

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Southern Chef Southern Recipes by Layne Prescott

Southern Cornbread Dressing ½ Bag Pepperidge Farms Cornbread stuffing 8 x 8 pan cornbread (homemade) 1 sleeve Premium Saltines (Crushed) or 6 slices white bread toasted 2 sticks butter 2 large onions 8 cups GOOD Chicken Stock 1 t. salt (optional-only add if needed) 1 t. Pepper

ash Casserole

Squ

Stuffed Zucchini 4 medium zucchini (makes 8 servings) 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or Heartland grated LIVING 1 T. tomato pas 1 t. sun dried tomato (finely minced) December ½ t. dried oregano 2014 ½ cup crumbled feta cheese January 2015

74 74

1 t. Sage ½ t. Thyme ½ t. Marjoram 1 T. Poultry Seasoning 1 t. Baking soda Sauté diced onions in 1 stick butter.

Cook until translucent and tender.

Place 2nd stick butter into pan.

Set aside.

llow squash 6-8 Medium ye 1 large onion ivided) 1 stick butter (d taste to er pp Salt and Pe m ea cr ur 1 cup so eddar 1 cup yellow ch kers ac cr 2 sleeves Ritz )) ed (crumbl eese ½ cup grated ch red) (or more if desi 1 T. olive oil 1 T. butter

Clean zucchini very well and pat dry. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes.

Remove zucchini from the oven and scoop out the pulp, leaving the shells intact.

In large bowl, mix Pepperidge Farms Cornbread stuffing, homemade cornbread and crushed saltines. Add all seasonings (to taste). Pour butter and onions over breads.

Begin adding chicken stock and stirring until mixture is completely saturated and thick.

Add eggs. Mixture should be very moist.

Place in large 9 x 13 baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until browned and crispy around edge.

ades) taste (or Evergl to , er pp In large sauté’ pe & lt Sa el and slice onion. edium-high Pe s. be cu ch in uash into ¾ Cook over m Clean and cut sq and onions in ½ stick butter. sh ua nder. pan, sauté sq and onions are te heat until squash ur cream, cheese mixture with so ick (1/4 cup) n io on d an sh aining ½ st mbine squa In large bowl, co umbled Ritz crackers. Melt rem rs. Toss until crumbs cr pe ac lo cr ve umbled ke and one en 2nd sleeve of cr er ov e zl iz dr d butter an sserole.

Put over top of ca are well coated. n. bubbly and brow 20 minutes until r fo s ee gr de 0 Bake at 35

Chop the pulp and combine with the remaining ingredients except for cracker crumbs.

Stuff mixture into zucchini shells, sprinkle cracker crumbs over and return to the oven for about 10 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

Layne carves the turkey at her beautiful and delicious holiday table.

Sweet Potato Souffle’ 4-5 medium large sweet potatoes (baked, peeled and mashed) ½ t. salt ½ cup butter, melted 1/3 cup evaporated milk (or eggnog) 1 cup brown sugar ½ t. vanilla 2 eggs, beaten

Topping 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup AP flour 1/3 cup butter 1 cup chopped pecans

Mash baked, peeled sweet potatoes in large bowl. Add salt, butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and beaten eggs. Stir until well blended.

Butter 9 x 13 baking dish and place sweet potatoes into dish.

Cut butter into sugar and flour until crumbly. Add pecans.

Spread over sweet potatoes.

Bake at 350 degrees in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pumpkin Pi

e

Cut in half, seed . spray over skin Place on aluminum foil lined ba and place cut si de down on pa king sheet. Spray olive oil gree oven for n. Roast pumpk approximately on in scoop out flesh and place in bo e hour, until tender. Remov in 350-dewl and mash. e from oven, 1-cup sugar 1-2/3 cup carn ½ cup brown su ation evaporat gar ed milk ½ t. allspice ½ t. salt ½ t. cloves 1 T. cinnamon 2 eggs ½ t. nutmeg 9-inch pie crus ½ t. ginger t (homemade or Pillsbury) Mix all ingredient s until smooth.

Pour into crust an d bake 15 minut es at 400 degree s.

Reduce tempera ture to 325 degr ees and bake ad ditional 45 min Halfway throug utes. h second tem perature baking , check crust an d cover if becomin g too brown.

Bake until knife co Pie may appear mes out clean. a the middle, bu little jiggly in t will continue to cook after remov ed from oven.

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Cang Tong

Japanese Steak House + Sushi + Chinese 110 Sebring Square | Sebring | 863.386.1924 Enjoy dining in a casual comfortable atmosphere at our new location with a new menu. Personal Chefs prepare your meal the way you want it, right at your table. Try our unique variety of sushi rolls including everyone’s favorite roll the OMG, it consists of spicy salmon and avocado topped with avocado and sweet delicious mango. We also have a wide variety of Chinese specialties. Come visit us for a fun experience and a melt in your mouth taste.

Take-out or Delivery and Catering | Menu Highlights: Daily Sushi Roll specials, Hibachi Filet Mignon and Lobster, Sesame Chicken, Lo Mein, Fried Cheesecake.

Sunday - Thursday | 11 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday | 11 am –10 pm

www.CangTongSebring.com

See ad on page 47.

Eighteen East

Restaurant and Bar 18 East Main Street | Avon Park | 863.453.1818 Downtown Avon Park Eighteen East is a restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Avon Park, serving the area’s best steaks. We offer a large selection of American food with creative new menu items added regularly. The historic brick décor gives a pub-type atmosphere where local artists perform throughout the week. Eighteen East is a favorite with locals and a guaranteed enjoyable experience.

Appetizers: Pan Seared Ahi-Tuna; Hog Wings; Grilled Chicken Nachos Entrees: Eighteen East Signature Burger; Prime Rib Rueben; Filet; Giant Shrimp Ravioli.

Lunch Monday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm Dinner Monday - Saturday 4 pm - 10 pm Call for Live Entertainment Schedule.

www.beststeakaround.com

Eighteen East 76

... a restaurant and bar!

See ad on page 80.

Island View

Lakefront Restaurant & Pub 5223 Sun N Lake Blvd.| Sebring | 863-382-1191 Island View Lakefront Restaurant offers a unique dining experience like no other in Highlands County. We offer a variety of great American food from fried green tomatoes, ribs, and a variety of sandwiches to our Friday Night Prime Rib dinners. Our Sunset Dining menu includes dinner and house beer, wine or soda starting at $11.00.

Prime Rib Specials Every Friday Night.

Monday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm Sunday 11 am – 5:30 pm Bar Services and Light Sandwiches Served Sunset Dining: Monday – Thursday & Saturday 3:30 – 7:00 pm Reservations are always recommended 863-382-1191. www.IslandViewRestaurant.com

See ad on page 14

High Noon Café & Crystal Ballroom at The OK Corral Gun Club

9449 NE 48th Street | Okeechobee | 863-357-2226 Casual gourmet lunch served daily in an atmosphere of rustic southern elegance with a stylish western flare. Unique mouthwatering appetizers prepared by our Executive Chef include: The Corral Thai Chili Chicken Wings, Florida Gator Bites and Pulled Pork Quesadillas along with assorted creative Flatbread Pizzas. Local specialties inspire signature entrees like the American Bison Sloppy Joe and the hearty OK Corral Burger. The Champagne Sunday Brunch is an impressive buffet-style feast! Sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite cocktail inside or on the porch. Join us for lunch, brunch or host an event for up to 300 guests for an unforgettable celebration!

Lunch Served 7 Days a Week 11 am – 4 pm Champagne Brunch served Sundays 10 am – 2 pm

December 2014 January 2015

See ad on page 25.

77

Olympic Restaurant

Family Owned Business for 35 Years 504 US Hwy 27 N. | Avon Park | 863-452-2700 Olympic Restaurant has newly renovated the restaurant with a full bar. Enjoy your cocktail inside or on our newly built porch. We have added a 15-person private dining room for your convenience. We have also expanded our menu and you will enjoy our large fresh salad bar. Homemade dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients every day. We offer Dinner Specials, which change daily, but also include Jimmy’s Ribs & Wings, Olympic Fingers, Fried Shrimp, Stuffed Flounder, Porterhouse-Bone & Filet Mignon Steaks. Our ribs are cooked in a smoker.

Open 7 days a week Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am-10 pm Follow us on Facebook

See ad on page 22.

Papa John’s Pizza 935 Sebring Sq. | Sebring | 863-386-1177 At Papa John’s we strive to create great dining experiences through authentic, superior-quality products, legendary customer service and exceptional community service. We pride ourselves in providing a menu that’s prepared with only the finest ingredients from fresh vegetables to our never frozen, hand-tossed original dough and superior-quality tomato sauce. We are committed to exceeding your expectations.

Family Style Restaurant | Take -Out| Food Delivery Service Locally Owned, GeoDev Pizza, Inc. by George A. Hall and Devon P. Donaldson Open 7 Days 11 am - 11 pm Carry out 11 am - 9:40 pm www.papajohns.com

78

See ad on page 59.

December 2014 January 2015

Eighteen ...East a restaurant and bar!

American (Traditional) Sandwiches - Steaks - Seafood Cocktails - Entertainment

Best Steaks Around

We’re Just a BIG Time in a Small Town!

GREAT MUSIC! Check our Facebook page for our Live Bands Schedule Weekly

863.453.1818

Open Monday - Saturday 4 pm - 10 pm Serving Lunch Monday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm

18 East Main Street ~ Avon Park, Florida Like us on www.beststeakaround.com Facebook

Florida Fence Post Co., Inc.

Keep Your Holidays Warm!

We can make it happen.

5251 State Road 64 West/ P.O. Box 645 Ona, Florida 33865

1-863-735-1361

1-800-580-1019

Serving Central Florida since 1946.

“The Post Preferred by Florida Cattlemen” Fence Post |Barn Poles | Brace Posts | Cow Pen Post Rough Cut Lumber | Cattle Panels | Portable Corrals | Fence Stays Barbed Wire | Field Fence | Farm Gates Game Fencing | Hay Rings | Assorted Mulch and Soil The Best Prices and Longest Lasting Posts. “Our Posts Meet The Standards!” www.flfencepost.com Federal CCA .40 Ret.

CAC058675

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863-699-5455 863-382-8488 863-494-9955

Buy a Qualifying System and Save Up To $1,000 PLUS 0% Financing for 48 Months ** www.MillersCentralAir.com

**See your independent Trane dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 48 months apply to qualifying purchases with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR is 27.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 7/1/2014. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.0% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 11/15/2014

Cash Discounts F.O.B. Ona, Florida 25 Year Limited Guarantee “Branded for Your Protection”

Additional Store Location Lake Placid Feed & Western Wear 417 US Hwy 27 South Lake Placid, Florida 33852

JOIN US FOR OUR SECOND ANNUAL

dentistry from the heart FREE DE NTAL CA RE Friday, Dec ember 19, 2014 8 am to 5 p m Arrive early -

Registration st

arts at 7:30

am

This December, the Chen Dental Family will give the gift of a healthy smile to individuals in need throughout our community. We are looking forward to hosting our second annual Dentistry from the Heart event. During that time, we will provide a choice of a free cleaning, filling or extraction to those over age 18. If you or someone you know are in need of dental care, we hope you’ll join us for this special event. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan to arrive early!

Patien ts ourage d to ar early, d rive ress ap propria the we tely for ather a nd to b ring ch blanke airs, ts, wat er, sna cks, etc as they . may be o u t s i d waitin e g to be seen. are enc

Heartland

For more information please contact: 863.657.0395 | chendental.com |3140 US Hwy 27 South | Avon Park, FL 33870

LIVING

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Custom Wild Game Jewelry Custom made for your Treasured Memories!

We want to Thank our Customers for a Wonderful Year and Wish you All Blessings during the Holidays!

Wild Hog Alligator Deer Antler Natural Stones

863-441-1199 Jewelry Showcase

Blinds ASAP

Located at

Lake Placid Feed & Western Wear

237 US Highway 27 N, Sebring

417 US 27 S - Lake Placid

blindsasap@yahoo.com 863-314-9790

www.huntnjewels.com VITAMINS • HEALTH FOOD • BEAUTY

Food For Thought Highlands County’s Oldest & Largest Health Food Store

Wheat Free/Gluten Free • Probiotics • Natural & Organic Food Vitamins • Omega Oils Herbs • Essential Oils • Aroma Therapy Paleo Foods • Raw Foods • Ionized Alkaline Water

20% Everyday Discounts

On All Garden of Life & New Chapter Supplements

100%

Mon-Fri: 9a - 5p Sat by Appt

Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar!

O R G A N Grab & Go I Salads & C

Organic More!

100% O R G A N I C

Offering Natural Beauty Products!

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Over 70 Bulk Foods

863-385-8995 301 US 27 Sebring, FL 33870

Now Accepting EBT

Mon - Fri 9-6 Saturday 9-5

Heartland

SCENE

Heartland LIVING

Festive decoration can be seen at the Hotel Jacaranda, Avon Park, FL.

December 2014 January 2015

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DESOTO COUNTY SCENE

Arcadia Veteran’s Day Parade Photos by Dana Clausing

Main Street Arcadia hosted the Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11 in downtown Arcadia. Everyone enjoyed the celebration. Thanks can never be enough to thank ALL those that have served this country past and present.

DeSoto County Calendar of EVENTS December 7 Olde Town Market & Desoto County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade 6pm | Main Street Arcadia

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December 13 Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association 10 am | Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Arena January 3 Farmers Market 9am – 2pm | Main Street Arcadia

Arcadia Youth Rodeo

Photos by Dana Clausing

On Nov. 15 Desoto County held the AYRA/Arcadia Youth Rodeo at the Arcadia Rodeo Area.

The Arcadia Youth Rodeo is going strong and growing quickly!

We are excited to continue this opportunity for our youth to participate in America’s #1 sport. In our society today, we feel it is very crucial to guide our young people in a positive direction. The Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association is dedicated to helping its youth set goals and work to achieve them through a sport they truly enjoy‌RODEO! Want more information on the Youth Rodeo? Visit their website at arcadiayouthrodeo.com!

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Photos by Dana Clausing

The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is a non-profit organization that was established in 1952 by the Arcadia Rodeo Association, which evolved from a group of American Legion Members who held the first rodeo in 1929.

It is the oldest rodeo organization in the state of Florida, and benefits all of Arcadia and DeSoto County. Find out more at www.ArcadiaRodeo.com

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HARDEE COUNTY SCENE

Hoofin’ It Off Main Main Street Wauchula held the event Hoofin’ It Off Main on Nov. 15th at Hardee Lakes Park in Bowling Green, FL. 8 am sharp everyone meet with their horses for a great trail ride to experience the beauty of Florida nature on horseback for a half-day of a fun filled ride and Fundraiser.

All proceeds will benefit Main Street Wauchula. For more information call 863-767-0330 or visit their website www. mainstreetwauchula.com (Photos courtesy of Main Street Wauchula.)

Hardee County Calendar of EVENTS December 6 ‘A Florida Frozen’ Christmas Parade 6pm – 7pm Downtown Wauchula December 11 Lushes & Brushes Painting A Blessed Mess with Tina Nicholson 6pm – 8:30 Peace River Explorations 863-767-9999 December 12 Hometown Holidays 6pm – 9pm | Main Street Heritage Park Wauchula January 23 Historical Ghost Tour Haunts Wauchula 6pm – 8pm | Main Street Heritage Park | Wauchula January 23 & 24 Peace River Pro Rodeo Classic PRCA Rodeo Jan. 23 7pm | Jan. 24 5pm Hardee County Fairgrounds 863-767-9999

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Hardee Lakes Park Wide Open

Peace River Explorations

By Jessica Prescott

The

weather was cool and sunny, perfect for a day at the park. On Oct. 25, a crowd came out to Hardee Lakes Wide Open—an event hosted

by Peace River Explorations highlighting the parks wide-open spaces, lakes, camping areas and trails. The day kicked off with a youth fishing tournament hosted by the Castaways 4H Club.

Later, live music and the smell of food filled the air. A pumpkin patch and fossil fun zone were on site, along with Frisbee golf, paddleboard demos and live dutch oven cooking. The fun-filled day sponsored by Mosaic and Seminole Electric was intended to kick of the Park’s new hours of operation—now open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.

Guests had the opportunity to explore the park on trolley rides provided by Hardee Lakes Park staff & volunteers. The park is located at 5502 Ollie Roberts Rd. in Bowling Green.

(Photos courtesy of Hardee Lakes)

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HIGHLANDS Bras for the Cause COUNTY SCENE

By Allan Ayala

St. John United Methodist Church held the event for Highlands Regional Medical Center “Bras for a Cause” on Nov. 15 with great fun, food and fellowship that was a huge success all for a great cause. Suzanne Stevens and staff from Highlands Regional would like to thank all the businesses in the community that helped from start to finish to make this successful event happen.

All proceeds from the event go to the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. Visit relayforlife.org or call 800227-2345 for more information on Relay for Life.

Highlands County Calendar of EVENTS December 1 – 27 28th Annual Downtown Sebring Carousel of Lights 6pm – pm | Historic Downtown Sebring December 12 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Fun 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run 6pm | Union Church | Avon Park December 13 COOKIEFEST 9am – 1pm | HAL-Visual Arts Center Santa Claus is coming to Town 10am – 12pm | MIDFLORIDA Credit Union | Lake Placid Holidays in the Highlands Lake Placid Christmas 7pm – 9pm | Downtown Lake Placid December 20 Lunch with Santa in Circle Park 11am – 1pm | Downtown Sebring January 9 Winter Humanities Speaker Series: Pretty In Pink, The Story of Grayce McCoy 6pm | 355 W. Center Ave. | Sebring Civic Center January 14 – 17 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo Sebring Regional Airport | expo@sebring-airport.com January 17 Tanglewood Art League Exhibition & Sale Hwy 27, Sebring | 863-402-2048 January 31 10th Annual Big Winter Outdoor Community Festival Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sun Coast Event 10am – 4pm | Sebring International Raceway Music on the Mall with Cory Greenway & Roger Brutus 5pm – 8pm | Downtown Avon Park SFSC Artist Series - Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. 7:30 – 9:30 | SFSC | Avon Park Monthly Events Downtown Sebring 2nd Friday of the month “Shop, Wrap & Roll Stroll” 5pm – 8pm | Downtown Sebring Sebring Night Cruise 2nd Saturday 5pm – 8pm | Downtown Sebring Saturday Morning Market 2nd Saturday 8am – 1pm | Stuart Park | Lake Placid

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O

ne of Florida’s longest consecutive running art festivals was held on Nov. 1 in historic Downtown Sebring’s Circle Park. The event kicked off the holiday shopping season and brought thousands of artists, tourists, art lovers and shoppers to the county, as well as provides educational opportunities and art exhibitions for the local community.

The band Emanon and Steve Jones played live music all day on the circle that was enjoyed by all. Inside the Circle Theatre included performances, dance and making floral art on cupcake demonstrations.

Pam Soler and Jeff Cowell with painting purchase.

John and Teresa Vicker

By Jessica Pleger

Casey Wohl, who handles publicity for the event, said over 60 artists and crafters from Florida, participated in the event. That was slightly up from last year, she said. The art festival will celebrate its 49th birthday on Nov. 7, 2015 next year.

Details from the event can be seen at www.HighlandsArtLeague.org.

Caroline Maxcy Photography

Barb Hall and Nancy Palmer

Heartland LIVING

(Above) Fred Leavitt and Bill Dailey, Jr. (Left) Artist Janet King (center) at her booth.

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Holidays FOR HOSPICE

Photos by Cindy Sebring Adams

Picture the Hotel Jacaranda bedecked with glittering lights, poinsettias and a reindeer pulling a loaded sleigh. Arranged by Good Shepherd Hospice volunteer Joanie Hartt, the decorations set a festive stage for the annual Holidays for Hospice event benefiting the Bud and Donna Somers Hospice House in Sebring. The event filled the Hotel Jacaranda with more than 160 guests enjoying some holiday spirit. Twelve local restaurants and the Jacaranda’s Chef served samples of unique and delicious menu options.

The Emanon Quartet provided a jazzy background to the festivities. Good Shepherd Hospice Chief Clinical Officer Becky McIntyre thanked event sponsors for their support “on behalf of staff, current patients and future patients. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Festive Christmas Tree at the Hotel Jacaranda.

Left (L-R) Tina Dupriest, Jean Hancock and Louise Heston.

(Left) Chef Mac from The Palms of Sebring.

(Above Center) Raymond Mcintyre and Fred Hartt.

(Above Right) Sandy Bone, Holly Taylor, Nancy Redding, Jan Shoop & Martie Brooker .

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(Above) The Emanon Quartet.

(Far left) Joanie Hartt, Jennifer Hartt and Melissa Hartt.

(Left) Sharon Jones and Becky McIntyre.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY SCENE

Florida Hospital Heartland Foundation Photos by Caroline Maxcy

Florida Hospital Heartland Foundation continues to extend the healing ministry of Christ through their Twentieth Annual Gala. Events kicked off Nov. 13 at South Florida State College with a black tie dinner and silent auction, followed by a concert from legendary guests, The Temptations.

The next event to raise funds was a golf tournament held on Nov. 14 at Sun ‘n Lake Golf & Country Club. Later, more than 500 people participated in the 5K/10K held on Nov. 16 at the Florida Hospital Sebring campus.

This year’s Gala and events made upwards of $240,000, which will benefit projects at all three hospital campuses in Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula.

Funds raised will continue to benefit the quality of care provided to patients and their families. The Foundation would like to express their deepest gratitude to their sponsors and the community for their participation.

(Above) Gala dinner and silent auction held at South Florida State College (Far left) Gala weekend sponsors, Drs. Vinod and Tarlika Thakkar and Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center President/CEO Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Darlene Stevens.

(Left) The last living original member of the legendary Temptations, Otis Williams.

Longtime runner and Foundation friend Harold Smith with Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center President/Chief

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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY SCENE

Okeechobee County Outdoor Sports Expo The Inaugural Okeechobee County Outdoor Sports event, held on Nov. 15 and 16, was a cooperative event presented by Parks & Recreation, Agri-Civic Center and Tourist Development Council. From back woods to beaches, freshwater and salt, this event had something for everyone. Visitors enjoyed and learned what is new in outdoor sporting activities, products and accommodation .

(Above left) One of the many vendors booth set up at the Agri-Civic Center.

(Above right) There was a vast variety of new RV’s and campers on display.

Taylor Pearce Okeechobee Royalty

Okeechobee High School senior Taylor Pearce, has had an exciting year. In March she was crowned Miss Okeechobee County Fair Teen USA, where she received an award to compete in the 2015 Miss Florida Teen USA pageant.

While preparing for the state pageant, her high school peers chose her as their 2014-2015 homecoming queen.

On Oct. 19, Pearce competed in the 2015 Miss Florida Teen USA pageant and placed an impressive third place out of 60 contestants from across the state of Florida.

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The Okeechobee County Fair board is proud of her success and how well she has represented Okeechobee.

Pearce is the daughter of Matt and Allisha Pearce.

Taylor Pearce competing at the Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant.

Photo courtesy of Tel-Air Interests, Inc.

Destiny Veber pets the baby alligator with the help of Kristina Ripley.

Okeechobee County Calendar of EVENTS December 12 Holiday Evening in the Park 6pm – 9pm | Flagler Park www.okeechobeemainstreet.org | 863-357-6246 December 13 Top of the Lake Christmas Festival 10am – 4pm | Flagler Park www.okeechobeemainstreet.org | 863-357-6246 December 20 31st Annual Christmas Boat Parade 6pm on Taylor Creek by Burger King and ends at the VFW. December 12, 13 & 14 Okeechobee Community Choir’s Christmas Cantata Okeechobee Presbyterian Church 7pm on Friday | 3pm Saturday | 3 PM on Sunday January 17 Okeechobee Main Street Top of the Lake Day of the Cowboy Cattle Drive ( State Road 70) 11am Events at Agri-Civic Center begin at 12pm www.okeechobeemainstreet.org | 863-357-6246 January 18 Okeechobee Bridal Expo 1pm – 5pm | OK Corral Gun Club www.okbridalexpo.com January 31 Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo 9am - 2pm | Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center 863-462-5000 ext. 257

2014 Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta Photos by Tiffany Johnson

The fourth annual Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta was held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at C. Scott Driver Park on the Kissimmee River. This wild homemade boat race was hosted by For Okeechobee Inc., with community residents and local businesses sponsoring the boats. An estimated 4,000 people attended the event which also included a great Kids’ Zone, games, entertainment and food. In tribute to Adam Bryant, the proceeds raised from the regatta will help send a local individual to Fire/ EMT school and will also help finance the construction of a special-needs playground in Okeechobee.

Cameron Avant races the Gilbert Ford boat.

(Above) A large crowd enjoys the event.

Heartland LIVING was a proud sponsor. (L-R) Jessica Adams, Donny Arnold and daugher Rylie.

Dylan White captains boat sponsored by Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art.

Traffic jam at the turn, all racing to win their match.

Boat racers at the starting gate.

(Right) Captain Jessica Pleger races the Heartland LIVING boat.

Mermaid Saraya Vanderhoff was a crowd favorite.

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POLK COUNTY SCENE

Mr. Central Florida Photos by Amber Callaham An outstanding field of contestants was trying for the title of Mr. Central Florida, formerly known as Mr. Lakeland. Contestants raised funds to support the speech, language and hearing care needs of Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center patients that otherwise could not afford them. They used charm, swagger and technology to obtain donations, online votes and sponsorships. The winner of Mr. Central Florida was Dr. Matallana.

Matt Schichtel and Dr. James Mammel (winner of Mr. Lakeland 2013).

Polk County Calendar of EVENTS December 14 History Day at Circle B Bar Reserve 1pm – 3pm | 4399 Winter Lake Road | Lakeland info@lakelandchamber.com December 20 & 21 Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcraker” Ballet 7:30 pm – 9:30pm | Florida Southern College 863-680-4296 December 24 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 1pm | The Lakeland Center January 1 – February 11th Polk Senior Games Sign-Up www.PolkSeniorGames.org | 863-533-0055

2014 Mr. Central Florida, Dianne Small, John Small (contestant), Jacque Bowen, Jackie Speake, Misty Edwards and Joel Edwards.

Dr. Herman Matallana.

January 10 KICKS TO BE A H.E.R.O. An Anti Bullying Kickball Tournament 8:30am – 5pm | Southwest Sports Complex January 16 & 17 Famous Tate Pro Rodeo Classic 8pm | Lakeland Civic Center www.lakelandprorodeo.com January 23 Light Up The Night 5K Food Truck & Party in Central Park 6:30 | Central Park | Winter Haven | 863-412-7007 January 24 Lake Wales Chorale Holiday Concert 7pm | Lake Wales Art Center | Updike Hall January 25 Pinewood Chamber Music Series 5pm | Bok Tower | Lake Wales January 30 & 31 19th Annual Lakeland Pig Fest 30th 3pm – 10pm & 31st 10am – 5pm Tiger Town Sports Complex

(Above) Gwen Johnson, Ruby Kimble, Delisia Pelt, Marcia Roberson and Marquitta Carter.

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(Right) Justin Callaham, Rachel Cashdollar, Katherina Schichtel, Matt Schichtel (contestant), Katherine Fitzwater, Kyle Jensen, Lauren Jensen and Gregor Ruthven.

“Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5k” Photos by Amber Callaham

The Third Annual Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5k, presented by Regal Automotive Group was held Oct. 24 at Polk State College. Proceeds benefited Polk State College Foundation, Lakeland campus health and wellness programs and student scholarships. It was a family fun 5k with a Halloween theme race where participants wore fun and scary costumes.

This was a 3.1-mile run, jog or walk race, which included road, grass and a trek on the Fort Fraser Trail. Award were given to all age groups and great food was served to the race participants.

(Left) Eric Labbe and Kristen Guy.

Yessi Fernandez with little “Minnie Mouse”, Melanie Pacheco, Julie Weech, Aubree Weech and Hezekiah Weech.

Ralph Schofield and Sarah Dreyer

Amneris Corbin, Ellie Corbin (mermaid) and Martin Corbin.

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The race begins!

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