Okeechobee The Magazine March/April 2016

Finely Balanced, Award-Winning Care At

Raulerson Hospital

WE’RE HERE FOR WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED. We have more than 35 years of experience treating the emergency needs of the community. Our caring staff is available 24/7 and we always have an ER physician on-site!

OU R ER TREATS KID S T OO! Come to Raulerson Hospital’s ER if you need emergency care. more or see average wait times, visit: ComeTo to learn Raulerson Hospital’s ER if youER need emergency care. To learn more or see average ER wait times, visit: RaulersonHospital.com.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Raulerson Hospital, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute and St. Lucie Medical Center are part of the Treasure Coast Healthcare System.

Dr. Charles W. Bartels Board Certified Optometric Physician

(863) 763-3937 We Accept and Bill Most Major Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare & BlueCross Blue Shield Healthy Kids

606 North Parrott Ave Okeechobee 863-763-3937 Visit : www.biglakeeyecare.com

Publisher’s Note

S

pring is here and season is in full swing. So many events and wonderful things are going on in our community, including the very successful Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival that put Okeechobee in the national spotlight. Look for our coverage of that sensational event in our next issue.

Continuing on with our 10-year anniversary celebration, our 10th anniversary look back feature this issue is on our awardwinning Raulerson Hospital. Our readers first read about Raulerson Hospital in the Summer 2007 edition. If you have been fortunate enough to have had no cause to visit the hospital in the past decade you will be surprised to learn about all that has been going on here. The outside may not appear that different, but you’ll definitely want to find out what changes have been going on inside.

Meet Doctor Armando Santelices, known to all as “Doc.” A surgeon and physician for 41 years, witness and aid giver in two historic events, his life and his path to Okeechobee followed a most interesting route.

Our Okeechobee Youth story features Cheyenne Nunez, a multifaceted, beautiful and intelligent young woman who has a clear path laid out in front of her. She is proud to not only represent Okeechobee but also the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

And our Looking Back feature is Part One of a two-part fictional short story

by Betty Chandler Williamson about the life of Louisiana Chandler Raulerson.

In our Behind the Business features, meet Derek Tremain of D4 Powersports and the amazing team at Pueblo Viejo. Be sure to go online to www.Okeechobee TheMagazine.com and go behind the scenes and take a tour of their businesses.

And of course, as always, we were there to cover our community’s wonderful events for you. Ride for the Fight, Top of the Lake Art Festival, Brighton Field Day and so much more. Don’t forget to go online to www.OkeechobeeThe Magazine.com to see all the extra photos and video.

As we continue to celebrate our 10th anniversary year we thank you so very much. Without you none of this would be possible. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine!

Susan Giddings

Volume 10, Number 2│March/April 2016

Publisher Susan Giddings Creative Director Lorraine Vogel Graphic Designer Valerie Wegener Editor Chris Felker Writers Rachel Buxton Raye Deusinger Jann Seal Cover/Feature Photographer Sandra Pearce Feature Photographer Brandi Watford Photographers Gary Burks Jane Kaufman Bobbi Poole Contributors Maureen Burroughs Brenda Madrigal Dr. Mario Marini Charles Murphy Betty Chandler Williamson Account Executives Donna Gaiser Trish Grygo Office Manager Patti Berglund OTM Publications, Inc. DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 316 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com President Susan Giddings Founder Maureen Budjinski Okeechobee The Magazine, is published bi-monthly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2016, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

4 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Better Care...for a Better Community

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— Family of Heartland Discount Pharmacy of Okeechobee

PHARMACY THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSE TO BE

• Best cash price in town • FREE same day home delivery • FREE Rx mail delivery upon request • $3.99 generic program • Accept most insurance • We match or beat all competitors prices • FREE antibiotics, Metformin, Lisinopril • Flu Shots $20.00 • *Medicare B and other insurance plans. Patients without insurance, $20.00.

• Now providing Rx compounding non-sterile EXTENDED HOURS: Monday-Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

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SURGERY CENTER OF OKEECHOBEE

Caring for You and Your Family

Colon Screenings Save Lives!

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST SCREENING?

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nd

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

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1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening.

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For an average risk patient, beginning at age 50, a colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended.

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Preventive Colon Screenings are FREE under most insurance plans We also offer financial solutions that allow you to get the care you need when you need it. Contact our Patient Financial Advocate today to discuss approved payment options for patients who desire help with their out of pocket facility fees.

Request the Surgery Center of Okeechobee for you next procedure, our experienced and friendly staff is waiting to care for you.

AAAHC Accredited, Member of ASCA AND FSASC Operated by United Surgical Partners, a division of Tenet Healthcare.

1655 U.S. 441 North • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • (863) 357-6220 • Fax: (863) 357-6230 www.surgerycenterofokeechobee.com

I

nside this issue

March/April 2016

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28

16

Features:

Raulerson Hospital..........................28 Dr. Armando Santelices..................64

By Raye Deusinger

Departments:

Looking Back...................................48

By Betty Chandler Williamson

Okeechobee Youth: Cheyenne Nunez.............................80

By Jann Seal

Cover photo by Sandra Pearce.

Like Us on Facebook.

Look for the video and

camera icons, then visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com to view videos and additional photos!

8 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

102

Behind the Business:

D4 Powersports...............................98 Pueblo Viejo...................................102

Community Events: Ride for the Fight..........................12 Top of the Lake Art Fest..................16 Arnold's Wildlife Fundraiser.............20 Health & Safety Expo.......................24 Brighton Field Day...........................44 Miss Rodeo Okeechobee...............52 Valentine's Day Masquerade...........56 Battle at Big “O”..............................60 Peace Lutheran Gala.......................90 For Okeechobee Charity 5K............94

Columns: OHS Sports: Dylan Ferneau..........106 Health & Wellness..........................110 Around Okeechobee.....................112 Advertiser Index............................114

64

44

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee has an exciting announcement.

Tim Tebow will be joining us for a dinner and speaking event at Quail Creek Plantation this April and we want you to be a part of the night.

The Event will be held on April 8, 2016 at Quail Creek Plantation and will begin with the 5:30 VIP Meet & Greet, photo opportunity with Tim and Campfire Social at the Lodge. Dinner and an inspirational message from Tim will follow.

TICKETS go on sale on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016.

Check out our online auction of Tim Tebow autographed merchandise and tickets to sit at the table with Tim Tebow! http://sas-demo-6-com.si-sv2521.com/ The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee is seeking Underwriting Sponsors for this event. Event Underwriting allows us to offer the event and will also allow for Tim to bring our youth a message on abstinence and inspiration.

Gold, Silver, Bronze & Advertising sponsorship levels are available.

We would love for you to be a part of this amazing night. If you have questions, please contact us at the Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee at 863-467-8748, Heather Rucks at 863-634-7153 or Cheri Watford at 863-484-0998.

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee is a 501(c)(3) non-proďŹ t organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Live Life with a Smile Comprehensive Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Thomas Cogsil, DDS | Donald Cooper, DDS | Sri Ghanta, DMD | Miranda Durrance, RDH

SERVICES INCLUDE General Dentistry Same Day Emergency Care Sedation Dentistry Wisdom Teeth Extractions Invisalign Laser Dentistry Implant Placements & Restorations CBCT Technology TMJ Treatment Zoom Whitening

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Come Visit Us at AnchorDental.com and on Facebook!

Community Event

Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Tihler Browning.

Ride for the Fight Nets Nearly $25K in 3rd Year

Over $24,000 was raised at the third annual Ride for the Fight, staged at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3.

Saturday featured bronc and bull riding, along with a calf scramble for all the children, live music and an auction. Sunday’s events included a barrel racing exhibition and races.

Ride for the Fight is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to assist residents of Okeechobee with their fight against cancer or other medical conditions. To make a donation, please mail your check to 6830 S.W. 13th St., Okeechobee, FL 34974.

Nano Corona.

12 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Making Dreams Come True for 30 years Mack “Hoot” Worley

A State Certified General Contractor St. Lic. CGC1507657

110 NW 5th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972

863-467-2541

gmworleyinc@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/G.M.Worley, Inc.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 13

ARCHERY PRO SHOP

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NEW Indoor 50 Yard Archery Range Bow Shooting Lessons Thursday is Tournament Night Friday is Kids Night

MMI Certified

Bow Service of ALL Makes and Models!

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• Full Service Repairs Minor to Major

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES!

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• Modifications a • Poylmer Sales a • Repower and C • Custom Bow Fis

• Complete Site Preparation • Septic Tank Installations & Repairs • Land Clearing & Excavation • Demolition • Storm Drainage Installation

• Road Construction (Subbase, Base & Asphalt) • All types of Trucking & Hauling • Shell, Sand, Top Soil & Gravel

We work like bees to satisfy our customers!

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1505 C South Parrott Avenue www.SkullHillSteel.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 15

Community Event

Local artist Fawn McNeill Barr.

Mary Haaksma with her paintings.

Creative, Culinary Artworks Co-star for Day of Delights in the Park

A fabulous array of art, crafts and sculptures greeted visitors to the 10th annual Top of the Lake Art Fest hosted by Okeechobee Main Street on the weekend of Jan. 23 and 24 in Flagler Park. The Taste of Okeechobee took place Saturday night after the art fest and featured 15 local restaurants offering some of their finest foods.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Artist Jinsheng Song.

Local artists at the exhibit.

Wade Wheeler's sand sculpture.

16 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photographer Dave Amis designed this year’s commemorative poster.

Photos by Gary Burks and Susan Giddings

Dipped strawberries from Brown Cow Sweetery.

Seared ahi tuna from Parrott Island Grill.

Danny Enfinger, Cindy Enfinger and Dowling Watford.

From left: Dakota Marchiano, Joe Melluso and Courtney Hicks from Tin Fish.

The Schooley's provided musical entertainment.

Local artist Kathy Papasso’s art work and chalk art.

OHS art student Casandra Franco’s chalk drawing. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 17

onored to Serve O ur Commun ommunit ommu nity nit Honored

Family Dentistry’s compassionate staff share their dental expertise by first considering all aspects of your dental wellness experience; scheduling, comfort, and efficiency are the foundation of our practice.

Dr. Laskey, D.M.D. Dr. Davis, D.D.S. Dr. McClane, D.M.D.

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Our Services Include: Preventative and Deep Cleaning Invisalign Braces Botox Fillings Implant Restoration Crowns Root Canals Bridge Work TMJ Appliances Custom Fitted Dentures Cosmetic Bonding Veneers Wisdom Teeth Extractions Implant Crowns In-House Lab

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Who has your heart?

Keep your heart healthy for you and them.

A cardiovascular team you can trust.

Individualized care you can count on.

The Heart Institute at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is so much more than an Institute. We are a team of caring professionals who work with each patient to effectively prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease. We know that when we care for you, we are also caring for a lot of other people who love you.

It’s our honor and responsibility to provide the highest level of care for people of all ages.

Put your heart in the right hands.

Call 1.800.382.3522 for a physician referral or to speak with a registered nurse.

For more information, visit LawnwoodMed.com.

1700 South 23rd St. • Fort Pierce, FL 34950 • LawnwoodMed.com Lawnwood Regional Medical Center is part of the Treasure Coast Healthcare System, which consists of three hospitals, an offsite ER, surgery and inpatient physical rehabilitation center, and physician practices. Visit TreasureCoastHospitals.com to learn more.

Community Event

Emcee Matt Buxton with Michael Hazellief.

‘Hound Dog’ of a Good Time at Arnold’s Wildlife Fundraiser

“Elvis” brought down the house as he performed at the KOA Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 30, to help raise money for Arnold’s Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center. Arnold’s Wildlife is a nonprofit, educationally-based wildlife care facility that operates solely through donations and volunteers. The community came out in full force to support Sue Arnold and enjoy a wonderful dinner, auction and Elvis impersonator show. For more information, or to make a donation or volunteer, visit www.arnoldswildlife. org or call (863) 634-6804.

Sue Arnold and Elvis with B.R.A.T. Club volunteers.

Clint and Heather Rucks.

For additional photos

and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Elvis and Tyler Smith.

Joe Dan Osceola, Luis Suarez, Yemely Suarez and Dayamy Rodriguez.

Photos by Susan Giddings

Gayle and Jay Molyneaux.

World Class Performances April 12 Barrage 8

Sue Arnold and Debi Large.

April 22 Black Violin

Sue Arnold, Elvis and Bari Fisher.

June 10 Sleeping Beauty performed by Missoula Children’s Theatre

Box Office 561-993-1160 Buy tickets @ www.dollyhand.org All dates, artists and programs subject to change.

1977 College Drive Belle Glade, FL 33430 To register for academic classes: 561-996-7222 or www.palmbeachstate.edu

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts

Holly and Poppy Mixon.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 21

• Most insurances accepted • DOT/CDL Family Health Center, LLC Physicals • Family Practice and Occupational Medicine Se habla español • Wir sprechen deutsch • Nous parlons français • Accepting New Patients 204 SE Park Street • Okeechobee • Walk-ins & appointments

Doctors Clinic 863.763.1107

Armando A. Santelices, MD

Stanley H. Sweda, MD

Victoriano C. Gutierrez, MD

We Specialize in You!

Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center 863.357.8222 Se habla español

204 SE Park Street • Okeechobee www.DrAlbertBravo.com

Albert F. Bravo, MD Gastroenterology/Hepatology

Announcing the OK Corral Gun Club’s Latest Edition

The Cabins at OK Corral 12 duplex cabins offer 24 charming rustic rooms with 2 queen beds, Microwave, Refrigerator, HDTV, Free Wi-Fi Complimentary Continental Breakfast 7am-9:30am General Store with provisions, games & 2 fireplaces

NIGHTLY CABIN RATES OCT-APR: Sun-Thurs $195/night; Fri & Sat $225/night MAY-SEPT: Sun-Thurs $165/night; Fri & Sat $195/night Group rates available upon request, call today for more information (863)357-2226

FRIDAY SUNDOWN SUPPERS AT THE OK CORRAL t Don’t forge e th to visit High Noon Cafe ed Lunch serv a ys 7 da week!

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Friday Night Suppers return beginning March 18th year-round ¸*O\JR >HNVU )\ɈL[¹ L]LY` -YPKH` 5PNO[ WT ¶ WT Cowboy Ribeye & Fried Chicken with all the Country Fixins’ MVY (K\S[Z à ® MVY *OPSKYLU `YZ à ® \UKLY -YLL 9LSH_ >PUK +V^U ,UQV` H *VJR[HPS ^P[O 3P]L 4\ZPJ WT ¶ WT :[LHR *SH`Z! *SH`Z *HY[ )\ɈL[ WW ¶ ZOVV[PUN WT WT (No Alcohol Consumption Before Shooting)

Bring the family for Sunday Brunch in our Crysta l Ballroom weekly 10am-2pm

EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH - MARCH 27TH ,UQV` H TLTVYHISL LSLNHU[ IY\UJO PU V\Y *Y`Z[HS )HSSYVVT *OLM»Z ZPNUH[\YL ZWLJPHSZ PUJS\KL ZLHMVVK ILLM JOPJRLU [\YRL` OHT WHZ[H ]LNL[HISLZ ZHSHKZ MY\P[ NV\YTL[ KLZZLY[Z JVɈLL [LH SLTVUHKL" ZVTL[OPUN ZWLJPHS MVY L]LY`VUL *HSS ;VKH` )` 9LZLY]H[PVU 6US` :LH[PUN ;PTLZ! HT HT HUK WT MVY (K\S[Z à ® MVY *OPSKYLU `YZ à ® \UKLY -YLL Easter Bunny Hops by from 12pm-2pm & Egg Hunts at 12pm & 2pm 9449 NE 48th Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972 | 863-357-2226 | okcorralgunclub.com

Community Event

Wyatt and Waylon Clere.

Crowds at

Health/Safety Expo Get Educated, Entertained

Crowded booths once again filled the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 30, for the ninth annual Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo. Outside, rescue crews demonstrated their abilities with the Jaws of Life, and helicopter and fire teams offered tours of their emergency vehicles. Inside, free information, health screenings and demonstrations were available from the many vendors to the more than 1,650 attendees. Face painting, balloons and games were great highlights for the many families in attendance.

City Manager Marcos Montes De Oca with the old No.1 city fire truck.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Magi Cable and Laura McCall at the March of Dimes booth.

Ronald McDonald.

Raye Deusinger, Mary Lou Raab, Marie Kirchoff and Helen Jordan.

Photos by Jane Kaufman and Susan Giddings

Expo Co-Chairs Donny Arnold and Sharon Vinson.

Sharon Wallace at the For Okeechobee booth.

Tenniswood Dental’s Tooth (Aracely Blesy) and Tooth Fairy (Kendyl Smith) with Jaliyah and Aaliyah Brifil.

Heartland Pharmacy – Judy Windlan, Harry Patel, Jessica Torres and Cameron Orem.

Jeff Sabin and Teresa Chandler Bishop at the Waste Management booth.

Rescue crews demonstrate the Jaws of Life.

Justin Morgan, Malissa Morgan, Jocelyn Martinez and Alexis Muller. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 25

is proud to announce that

KATIE A. EDWARDS has joined our Fort Lauderdale office as Of Counsel.

Arnstein & Lehr LLP is a Florida and Illinois based law firm serving clients nationally and internationally since its founding in 1893 in the main areas of Real Estate, Business, Local Government, Litigation and Tax and Estate Planning. Contact Katie for your land use, eminent domain, environmental and water use permitting needs.

Katie A. Edwards Of Counsel

Providing Counsel and Advocacy to Florida’s Farmers and Ranchers Okeechobee and Fort Lauderdale Offices 954.713.7650 KAEdwards@Arnstein.com

FLORIDA Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach ILLINOIS Chicago, Springfield www.arnstein.com

th

Anniversary LOOK BACK

CNO Brian Melear and CEO Robert Lee.

Dr. Manuel Garcia and Maxine Collins.

28 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Finely Balanced, Award-Winning Care At

Okeechobee’s Own Hospital Looking to the next 10 years and beyond, Raulerson’s focus is on recruiting more doctors and clinicians to help care for the community of Okeechobee.

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Board of Trustees, left to right: Gary Ritter, Muhammad Chaudhary, M.D., Sam Smith, Chairman Terry Burroughs, CEO Robert Lee, Christopher Mavroides, M.D. and Mohammad Riaz, M.D. (Also pictured: CNO Brian Melear, third from right.)

A

successful hospital represents a fine balance of providing medical treatment that is safe, caring and effective. In the 10 years since Okeechobee The Magazine originally featured Raulerson Hospital in the Summer 2007 edition, Raulerson Hospital has continued to improve this delicate balance that encompasses all aspects of the hospital, from physicians and staff to the services offered and the technical equipment and programs that make it all possible. If you’ve been fortunate and had no cause to visit Raulerson Hospital in the past decade, you may be surprised to learn about all that has been going on in our community’s small hospital, beginning with the fact that it  is an award-winning hospital.

30 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Dorcas Hirst, Chief Nursing Officer Brian Melear and Chief Executive Officer Robert Lee.

‘Patient satisfaction is very high on our list.’

– Chief Nursing Officer Brian Melear

Pictured: Criselda Soriano and Lindsey Sarros.

‘Our staff have a focus of empathy and support for not only patients, but their family and loved ones.’ ~ Critical Care Director Deborah Benitez

2007: 4,450 2007: 2007:4,450 4,450

TOTAL HOSPITAL TOTAL TOTALHOSPITAL ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS

2015: 5,306 5,306 2015:

2007: 46,615 2007:46,615 46,615 2007: TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL PATIENTS PATIENTS PATIENTS TREATED TREATED TREATED

2007: 37 37 2007:

TOTAL TOTAL PHYSICIANS PHYSICIANS

2015: 44 44 2015:

HOSPITAL HOSPITAL STATS STATS

2015:59,343 59,343 2015: 59,343 2015:

2007: 379 379 2007:

2007:19,529 19,529 2007: 19,529 2007:

TOTALANNUAL ANNUAL TOTAL ANNUAL TOTAL EMERGENCY EMERGENCY EMERGENCY VISITS VISITS VISITS

2015: 27,545 27,545 2015:

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES

2015: 469 2015: 469 469 2015:

The Joint Commission, the accrediting body for hospitals, began recognizing those that were top performers at utilizing evidence-based care. Raulerson Hospital has received this award each of the five years since its inception. There are only 117 hospitals in the nation that have achieved this designation for five consecutive years.

“This achievement highlights the consistent high-quality healthcare available right here in our community,” said CEO Robert Lee, who has been leading Raulerson Hospital for the past 12 years.

The saying, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care” is applicable to how patients receiving healthcare feel about their caretakers. “Patient satisfaction is very high on our list,” said Chief Nursing Officer Brian Melear. “We are always trying to improve. We are advocates for the patients.” In fact, every day, Lee and 

Raulerson’s ER treated 5,000 children last year.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 33

Outpatient Surgery.

Melear personally visit as many newly admitted patients as possible to make sure they are happy with the care they are receiving.

Lee explains: “I don’t want patients to receive good care; I want them to receive great care!”

Family Owned and Operated Since 1975!

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

“Little things can make a big difference.

We can learn what to improve when patients tell us what’s working and what’s not,” he said of visiting with patients.

“They appreciate very much how we care for them as a person and not a number.”

The staff who are caring for patients at Raulerson Hospital play a critical role in the hospital’s success. “Raulerson Hospital is not the building, the technology or the equipment; it is the people who make the difference,” Lee said.

Raulerson Hospital Department Directors: Jenny Pung, Edna Mack, Terry Brown, Stephanie Quesinberry, Cheryl Cardy, Christine Sanchez, CEO Robert Lee, Dorcas Hirst, Tecla Abner, Shawn Poland, Emily Sparkman, Brian Melear and Sandra Sheffield.

“Caring for our community at Raulerson Hospital for the past 30 years has been a great pleasure,” said Critical Care Director Deborah Benitez. “Pride and satisfaction comes from being part of an organization that puts environmental and patient safety first. Our staff have a focus of empathy and support for not only patients, but their family and loved ones. We treat our patients as if they were our family as well.”

“We often hear from patients who’ve frequented a variety of hospitals and healthcare institutions due to their medical conditions. These patients express how surprised they are that the most personalized care they’ve ever received was delivered to them at a 100-bed hospital in Okeechobee, Florida,” Melear noted.

The staff at Raulerson Hospital bring more than just the personal touch. There

Pet Friendly, Smoke Free

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Conference Center • Boathouse Lounge

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March/April 2016 | 35

Improving Your Property One Cut At A Time FREE ESTIMATES SE HABLA ESPANOL

LICENSED AND INSURED, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED Peace Lutheran School We accept VPK and Step Up for Students • Serving Children ages 2-K • Small Class Sizes NOW TAKING ENROLLMENT FOR 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER CAMP (Summer Camp ages 2 through 4th grade)

Office: 863-763-7566

750 NW 23rd Street • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • peaceschoolinokeechobee@yahoo.com • FMI visit www.peacelutheranschool-okeechobee.org

Serving Great Mexican Food in Florida and the Treasure Coast Since 1999

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Bienvenidos!

Stop by today & taste our Authentic Mexican Food that will keep you coming back for more!

Open for Lunch, Early Bird & dinner

7 Days a Week • 11:00am to 10:00pm Full Liquor Bar! Happy Hour 7 Days a Week All Day Long Draft Beer, Margarita and House Sangria:

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863.357.9641 • www.puebloviejofl.com

Now Offering Catering!

36 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

are many experienced and highly trained physicians and nurses on staff at Raulerson. The hospital has encouraged the nursing staff members to seek out board certifications in their respective fields.

The “Walls of Excellence” at Raulerson Hospital feature pictures of registered nurses who have done the extra work to become board certified in their area of specialty.

“We promote staff development, and it says to the community that we have some dedicated and knowledgeable staff who take pride in what they do here,” Director of Nursing Cheryl Cardy explained.

With patients feeling cared for and confident about their staff’s abilities, they can begin to take advantage of the technology and equipment available at Raulerson Hospital to help them heal.

Being part of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), the nation’s largest healthcare provider, facilitates Raulerson Hospital with the resources to offer the latest technology and equipment.

In the past decade, the Emergency Department at Raulerson Hospital has experienced many changes. Within that time frame, the Fast Track section of the ER was implemented for patients with less serious emergencies, allowing them to be evaluated much quicker and ensuring that there are open beds for more critical emergencies. The hospital has worked to improve ER wait times and has even incorporated technology into that goal.

Now, patients have the ability to check the average ER wait times by logging on to RaulersonHospital.com or by texting ER to 32222. ER wait times represent a four-hour, rolling average, updated every 30 minutes. Also available is InformER, a free text messaging service offered to ER patients that enables them to easily send automated status updates about their progress to up to five loved ones at once.

Another very recent technology available to both ER and admitted patients is the 

‘A lot of the nursing students choose to come to Raulerson to complete their practicum because they like the friendly atmosphere and our staff ’s willingness to teach.’

Pictured: Kathly Jean-Gilles, ARNP with the Hospitalist Program.

~ Director of Nursing Cheryl Cardy, about Raulerson’s partnership with Indian River State College’s nursing program

Telemedicine Portal for Neurology. When a neurologist is not available locally, the Telemedicine Portal helps bridge that gap.

It is similar to using an application like FaceTime or Skype.

From the comfort of their hospital bed, patients can be seen, heard and evaluated by a neurological specialist with help from a trained Raulerson Hospital staff member. This often prevents patients from being transferred out of town.

“With telemedicine, I can have a neurologist at the foot of the bed looking at a patient in 15 minutes,” ER Director Kathy Selby said.

All the physicians who utilize telemedicine have access to patient files and test results prior to assessing the patients.

The physicians are also credentialed and currently on staff at Raulerson Hospital.

“The difference is time,” Selby said. “It’s a second opinion for the ER doctor, and now the patient has two physicians on their case to recommend treatment.”

Technology has changed in the operating room, too. One of the most recent technological advances is the OR’s new high-definition, 3D surgical video system. The 3D videoscope is a laparoscope with a built-in mini-camera that gives surgeons

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.

the ability to look around anatomical structures with more ease and precision.

“The surgical precision I’m able to achieve with the new Olympus HD 3D system is exceptional, helping me to obtain the critical views I need with a depth perception that is not possible with traditional 2D systems,” said Dr. Carlos Alejo, general surgeon at Raulerson Hospital.

During procedures, surgeons and OR staff wear special 3D glasses and utilize dual high definition monitors. The new 3D system offers laparoscopic options for many surgeries, including gall bladder removal, appendectomy and hysterectomy, as well as other general and gynecological procedures.

A few years ago, Raulerson Hospital introduced patients to another technological innovation: the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), an endoscope with an ultrasound probe at the tip. The EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound to produce high-quality ultrasound images of the organs inside the body. The EUS acts as two procedures in one when needed. If something suspicious shows 

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Demonstration of the new high-definition, 3D surgical video system.

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up on the images, a specimen can quickly and safely be obtained, right then and there. This convenience allows for quick diagnosis and staging of cancers, as well as evaluation of masses and cysts.

Nurses utilize new technology called MEWS, which stands for Modified Early Warning System, to help monitor changes in their patients’ vital signs. An increase in the MEWS score alerts nurses that a patient may be experiencing a decline in his or her condition. This technology is an important second set of eyes for nurses to identify any sudden changes in their patients’ health.

There is new technology for the doctors’ benefit, too. In 2014 Raulerson Hospital began utilizing CPOE, Computerized Provider Order Entry, a safer and more efficient method for physicians and nurses to enter patients’ medical orders.

Using CPOE, physicians can actually enter orders for their patient’s care on a personal device, such as a tablet or phone, while at the patient’s bedside.

A technological advancement from 2014 that patients have enjoyed is Patient Portal. Patients can securely access their own medical records online. This is an extra convenience for patients who live in another state and have physicians in two different regions.

As Raulerson Hospital looks forward to the next 10 years and beyond, its focus is on recruiting additional physicians and clinicians to help care for the community of Okeechobee. In fact, in 2015 the hospital awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing careers in healthcare. The hospital continues to partner with Indian River State College to allow students to complete their clinical rotations at Raulerson Hospital and its sister facilities in the Treasure Coast Healthcare System: Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute and St. Lucie Medical Center.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

“We work very closely with them and have a great relationship with their instructors,” Nursing Director Cardy said.

“A lot of the nursing students choose to come to Raulerson to complete their practicum because they like the friendly atmosphere and our staff’s willingness to teach.”

“Recruiting physicians is a full-time job,” said Lee, “since Raulerson Hospital faces the same challenges that the broader community of Okeechobee faces when trying to recruit new businesses and investors to our area.”

To help bring new, highly skilled physicians to our community, Raulerson Hospital’s administration is overseeing the renovation of office spaces plus the building out of new locations and even has a long-term plan for the construction of a three-story medical office building.

“Offering new office space on the actual campus of Raulerson Hospital would be a great asset for physician recruitment, and we are excited about that possibility,” said Lee. In the meantime, the staff at Raulerson Hospital will continue to offer that personal touch because at Raulerson Hospital they’re not just treating a patient; they’re treating a neighbor and a friend.

Pictured: Volunteer Arlene Lester-Baker. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 41

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Community Event

Final horse race.

Brighton Field Day Fest/Rodeo

Draws Spectators from All Over

Jaycee Jumper, Jo Jumper and Kalgary Johns.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida hosted their annual Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo Feb. 12-14 on the Brighton reservation. People from all over the country spent the action-packed weekend experiencing aspects of Native American culture, including native dancing, alligator wrestling, snake show demonstrations, Indian arts and crafts and authentic Seminole cuisine. Country singers Neal McCoy and Jessie James Decker rocked the stage for spectators. The Seminole Tribe also hosted a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo where professional bull riders wowed the crowd during their eight-second rides.

Myra Gopher and KyLynn Louise Lawrence winning Seminole native hair contest.

Native dance demonstration.

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Photos by Sandra Pearce

Indian presenting of the flags.

Princess Committee Chairwoman Wanda Bowers.

Seminole Royalty: Skyla Osceola, Destiny Nunez, Leilani Burton and Krysta Burton.

Alligator demonstration.

Left and above: David "The Cobra Kid" Weathers.

Daliyah Nunez, Ila Trueblood, Waniya Fortner and Joleyne Nunez. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 45

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Looking Back

By Betty Chandler Williamson

? First of a two-part fictional short story ?

Life of ouisiana handler aulerson The

C

L

R

This is a tale about the life of Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, the first white woman to settle in what is now Okeechobee County. She was the wife of Peter Raulerson, the original founder of “The Bend,” renamed “Tantie” and in 1915 became Okeechobee City. In 1917 Okeechobee County formed. She was my great-aunt.

Perhaps she had some of these thoughts.

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‘‘

Pete, tell me again, why we left our home for this place? You say Basinger was getting too crowded and you wanted to get away from that riverfront community?” I ask in a small voice and continue while I have his attention.“Honey, what do you think of my loneliness with only the children and Seminole Indians to see when you are gone on those long cattle drives?” I whine and say, “I do have those old hound dogs, they at least have a personality and seem to understand what I say. I think the chickens and hogs just live to be fed, try petting them on the head and you'd have a problem.

The next time you go to Basinger, Pete, would you take the wagon and bring back some items for me? I need yardage, as I want to sew the girls some new dresses. Also, I'd like some apples if any came in on the steamboat.” I press on, “Could you take a couple of the children with you since you have to stay several days on business? Grandpa Shadrach and Granny Adeline cannot believe what I write about them growing so fast.” I speak rather quickly to capture Pete's attention or he is off again, tending the stock. He's a man of few words but does have a good memory and tries to help me when he can. I think to myself.

I know it usually takes the better part of two days to travel from here to Basinger but if I could be a bird for a short while, I would fly there and be back in time to fix supper.

I feel guilty using my time thinking of my old home place.

Another thought I have is, I wish I could have the freedom to travel to Basinger and stay a fortnight. What fun to be where you hear grown-ups talk. A quilting bee would be so welcome. I am glad Mama and my sisters helped me with the quilts I gave to my oldest daughters, Martha and Adeline. I have a while before I begin working on the ‘Wedding Ring’ design for our third daughter's quilt. Still, it would be such fun to sew several hours a week with other women. Let's see, this is 1897 and Ada is only 10 years old. 

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 49

I hope other families move into this wilderness so my children will marry someone other than their cousins in Basinger.

I remember the days when I played under Mama's quilting frame, pretending to be a mommy with my homemade doll. I sigh and recall, in those days the baby dolls hushed when you sang to them and slept through the night. How different it is to be a real mother and in charge of a small army. So many responsibilities and yet, so much more love. I pray in a small voice, “Lord, I do adore my huge family and know that you gave us each child for a special reason, but God, is it a sin to say there must be more to life than this?” I think to myself, some days I would gladly give 10 years of my life to be past these child-bearing times. I know every year or so there will be another babe at my breast. The last baby boy forced his sister to drink from a tin cup so early. None of them nursed as long as they would have liked. Would someday there be a way to control when these babies arrive?

I am always planning our meals. I prepare biscuits or cornbread with each meal, never enough left to skip baking in the hot wood stove. The greens and sweet potatoes are one of our staples and we do have swamp cabbage often. I never know when one of our sons gets a hankering for this native palm and is going to cut some for me to cook. We always have plenty of fish, turtle, curlew and of course, beef and pork, when we butcher.

Late Sunday evenings, preparations for ‘laundry day’ begin. I have the older boys get water from Taylor Creek and pour it into the wash pot. They place wood around the old vessel with enough 'lighter' wood to make the fire start immediately when a match is struck.

Before daylight on wash day I place dried beans, which have soaked over night, in a large cast iron pot. I put salt pork in it and bring the beans and water to a boil and set the beans on a back burner of the stove to cook slowly for our main meal.

I begin washing the clothes early Monday. First, the light colored clothes are soaked and scrubbed on a washboard with lye soap and then rinsed. The water is hard and has a scum on it. I wish we could use the rain water but that is used for cooking and bathing. Now, the thick pants and other dark clothes are washed in the tubs and then plunged into the boiling pot of water. A long pole is used to stir and remove the first batch of clothing from the steaming vessel. The pole is bleached white a third of the way up, as it has been used for years. I holler for two of the older children to help transport the wet clothes to a tub on the washstand. This is actually a bench with strong crisscross legs to hold the galvanized containers filled with water. When the clothes are ready to be hung out, I call all of the

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children to help take the garments to the split rail fence to dry. Even the youngest try to assist in this chore. I try to make them feel grown up by letting each help in whichever way they can. I find a way to compliment each helper. I learned early in life, praise will benefit a situation more than criticism. Mama taught me to use as many hands as are available to help with any chore.

From time to time I have to rest. Doing the wash is one of the hardest chores. Daddy said that my frame is slight and I should rest when I can. Every so often, I return to the kitchen to stir the beans and go to the back porch for a drink of water from the old wooden bucket. I try to keep the dipper clean but sometimes the boys forget to wipe the dirt from their hands. When I catch one doing this I remind them all, but no sense in fussing about what you cannot always control. Besides, all my family seems healthy enough. I suppose the hard work and good food is responsible for this condition.

I look forward to the moment the wash is on the fence. I feel satisfied in seeing the clothes clean again. My eyes check the sky for clouds and I say a silent prayer for a good day of sunshine. Now, I think, I'll take a minute to sit in my favorite rocking chair and relax.

I let down my long thin hair, rewind it and secure the bun with hairpins, as I count my blessings.

Peter and I have church each Sunday in our home, we want our children to learn the lessons that are in the Bible. Only the most necessary work is done on this special day in which we worship our Lord. The only allowance that would be made to bend this rule was if an animal needed assistance in birthing or was threatened in some way.

I remember the Sundays when we lived near others in Basinger. The singing was my favorite part of the worship service. I do not have such a good voice, but it blended well with others. I hope my older children can remember the sound of many voices mingling.

I wish my younger children could hear a group of harmonizing singers, nevertheless, I'll teach them what I can.

Betty Chandler Williamson is a fifth-generation Floridian; her roots go back to the mid-1800s.

Her husband of more than 60 years, Frank “Sonny� Williamson Jr., is also a fifth-generation Floridian. Her hobbies are genealogy and local history. She was the president of the Okeechobee Historical Society for over two decades.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 51

Community Event

Admiring the Many Faces of

Miss Rodeo Okeechobee The 2016 Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Pageant took place Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena and the American Legion Post 64. Contestants competed in horsemanship, personality and photogenic at the Cattlemen’s Arena, and speeches, modeling and the coronation were conducted at the American Legion. Caitlyn Albers was crowned Miss Rodeo Okeechobee.

Caitlyn Albers.

The judges: Emily Moore, Julie Boulton, Angelina Davis.

Kaley Biggs.

From left: Olivia Campbell, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Sweetheart; Cherylynn Bohannon, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Princess; Courtney Clair, Miss Teen Rodeo Okeechobee; Kaley Biggs, Miss Congeniality; and Caitlyn Albers, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos Courtesy of Brenda Madrigal

NEW CONVENIENT LOCATION Raulerson Surgical Specialists & Dr. Alejo have moved to a brand new office.

You will find the same great

customer service and expert surgical skills, but in a new location.

VISIT US TODAY AT

Courtney Clair.

1713 Hwy 441 North • Suite H • Okeechobee, FL 34972 (in the Okeechobee Medical Park building, located directly across from the hospital)

We have a new phone number too: Phone: 863-357-1510 • Fax: 863-357-1518

Cherylynn Bohannon.

Olivia Campbell. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 53

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Community Event

Russ and Christina Duncan.

Seated, from left: Jennifer and Ezri Rediker and Clark and Cecilia Elliott.

Standing: Bianca and Bobby Keefe and Amanda and Ben Greene.

Valentine’s Day

Alexis Muller and Jarred Morgan.

Zach Stripling and Brittani Mellette.

56 | March/April 2016

Rick and Robbie Chartier try their hand at the casino games.

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Jane Kaufman

Standing from left: Tammy Hartwell, Chad Stokes and Pam Pepper.

Seated: Chris and Rick Durfee, Cary McCullough, Angie Griffin and Karry Smith.

M

e d a r e u asq

Seated, from left: Apolonia, Alicia, Arianna, Anita and Amelia Nunez.

Standing: Chance Murphy, Cody Smith and Darien Albritton.

Touches Many Hearts

Partygoers adorned in masks and the finest attire attended the United Way Masquerade Valentine’s Gala, which would have made Cinderella proud. Dancing, fine dining and a myriad of casino-style games entertained guests of the event, which was held Saturday, Feb. 13, at the OK Corral Gun Club. Proceeds from the soiree will benefit many in the community.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

From left: Andrea Duenas, Linda Harper, Tony and Teresa Bishop, Ron and Deana Pruim, Terry and Maureen Burroughs.

Front, from left: Nicki Smith, Tammi Kelly, Jennifer Lafferty, Allison Chandler and Matt Buxton. Back: Steve Lafferty, Andrea Duenas, Cecilia Elliott, Dayton Buxton, Teresa Bishop and Morgan Buxton.

Seated, from left: Wayne, Gordie and Malissa Morgan, Kay and Dale Smith. Standing: Kristi Morgan, Tombo and Wendi Riley. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 57

Community Event

Hot Wachula’s Matt Barber won the Grand Champion Pro Division for the second year in a row.

Battle at Big ‘O’ Fighters, Food Provide Delights

The sixth annual Battle at the Big “O” festival and BBQ competition took place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20, at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. From boxing to mixed martial arts, a series of amateur fights entertained audiences Friday night. The event showcased male and female athletes and included locals and fighters from around the state.

On Saturday, the smell of smoked chicken, ribs, pork and brisket filled the air as 40 teams competed for the grand prize. Team Hot Walchula won Overall Grand Prize for the Pro Division, and the Grand Champion of the Backyard Division was BAMF BBQ. This yearly event benefits the O.L. Raulerson Jr. Scholarship Fund.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

The car show featured cars, trucks, bikes, airboats and buggies.

Grand Champion Backyard Division winners BAMF BBQ. 60 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Jane Kaufman and Gary Burks

Ring announcer Bob Alexander and Apolonia Nunez.

92.7 Wave Country’s Heath West and “Hoot” entertained the crowd.

Event Committee – Back row from left: Brant Harden, Bobby Schoonmaker, John Kemp, Tommie Carter, Michele Bell and Gary Bell.

Front from left: Jonathan Kemp, Cindy Kemp, Monica Carter, Noel Stephen, Joan Johnson, Rhonda Butler and Gary Johnson.

Payton Stokes.

Volunteers, from left: Joan Johnson, Gary Johnson, Michele Bell with Penske, Monica Carter and Tommy Carter. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 61

Waste Management provided recycling containers and educated visitors at the 2016 Health & Safety Fair. Visit www.recycleoftenrecycleright.com to learn tips on recycling.

Pictured: Government Affairs Manager Jeff Sabin, Public Affairs Manager Teresa Bishop and Driver JC Causey.

WM/Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. received a three year re-certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council for its efforts in the “Wildlife at Work� program. To learn more visit: www.wm.com/wm/community/whc/index.asp. Pictured: Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop, Public Relations Manager Teresa Bishop, Operations Manager Jason Johns and Scalehouse Attendant Teresa Almond.

62 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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March/April 2016 | 63

Doctor’s Path Seemed Preordained From his steady route to surgical expertise, through the revelation that led him to found a ranch for troubled boys and while being a witness to two historic calamities, even unto the medical crosses he’s recently borne,

Armando Santelices

felt he was being divinely guided.

By Raye Deusinger

Photos by Brandi Watford

M

any arrive on a career path after many starts and stops, experimentation and even rejection. But Armando Santelices discovered his life's purpose while still in high school.

During his junior and senior years working as an operating-room orderly at Palm Springs General Hospital in Hialeah, he developed a fascination with surgery. At the same time he was part of a “garage” band where he worked with equal dedication playing guitar and drums. “But the operating room,” he said, “sealed my future. I never thought of myself as a musician who could become a doctor, but knew that as a doctor, I could still play music.”

On graduation at only 17, he entered college and within six and a half years, instead of the normal eight, he became a medical doctor at only 23. By 29, he completed training as a surgeon and by 30 was certified in critical care at University Hospital/ Shands in Jacksonville. “It wasn't that I was smart,” he said.

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“I just worked hard.” That hard work led him to be not only a doctor but also a witness to history.

Before he was 21, Armando lived in three countries. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, he went to school in Florida and achieved a six-year combined pre-med and medical school program in Zaragoza, Spain. He practiced for several years before realizing he wanted to make breast cancer surgery his specialty. In 1987, he was founder and CEO of the Breast Institute of South Florida and for six years was chief of surgery at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, picking up the nickname “Doc.” Though he now lives and works in Okeechobee, the path from “there” to “here” followed a strange route.

An almost lifelong resident here played a huge part. For many years, Brian Trimble, the agriculture teacher at Osceola Middle School, rode bucking broncos on the rodeo circuit with a friend, Mike Fletcher. Fletcher and his wife, Darlene, along 

41 years I am still doing what I love, ‘After which is to care for people. ’ ~ “Doc” Santelices

with Norm and Phyllis Edwards, ran a ministry called Triple Cross Ranch in Fort Lauderdale. People from the area would come to their ranch just to ride.

For relaxation, Doc frequently found himself at Triple Cross. Becoming friends with the owners, he soon learned that the ranch was a place of Christian ministry primarily for ranch and rodeo cowboys in their work environment. But its Sunday and Wednesday services held no interest for Doc. He said, “I was going for fun but I soon came to experience a sense of peace that I didn't feel anyplace else.” It was during this time that he met Lidia, who would later become his wife.

While doing surgery at the hospital and enjoying being at Triple Cross, Doc also served as medical director of both the Hialeah Fire Rescue Service and Miami Dade Community College.

That routine was interrupted, however, in 1992, when Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida. He and a group of doctors set up a field hospital before government help was able to reach the area. Later, he worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search and Rescue, a unit of doctors, engineers, paramedics and dog teams that aided in search-and-rescue situations. He received

had ‘ God sent me to

Okeechobee to do the Boys Ranch. ~ “Doc” Santelices

’ Boys Ranch Okeechobee.

66 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

an award for this service.

In 1993, when Doc was just 42, Florida Gov. Bob Graham sought a member for the Florida Board of Medicine, the oversight board of Florida physicians and practitioners. A new law said a board member had to be a graduate from a foreign medical school. The governor chose Doc for a six-year appointment.

Two years later, still enjoying the ranch, he felt drawn to make a decision for Christ, which led to his baptism and full immersion in a program called Cowboys for Christ. As he tells it: “One night I woke up at 2 a.m. to a blinding white light. When the light went away, I felt compelled to begin writing something, which turned out to be a semblance of a life purpose; I would build a boys' ranch.

I would supply the financing and ask friends to help with the ministry.”

He asked the Fletchers whether they would be willing to be the ranch parents because young people always gravitated to them. Finding land became paramount. Darlene Fletcher's brother, Norm Edwards, knew of land for sale

and spoke to the owner, then had Doc and the Fletchers come to Okeechobee to see it. “The land had no electricity or water," said Doc. "I knew nothing about ranching but became a large landowner in just one week.”

The day the papers were signed, Doc and friends walked the four corners of the property, anointing each corner with oil and prayers. They had an old barn, some cross fences, and a cow pen. They dug a lake to get fill to make some roads.

is a ‘Armando doctor's doctor and an

extraordinary teacher of medicine.

’

~ Tim Gillis, Okeechobee High School coach and father of Santelices’s daughter-in-law

He said: “We broke ground in 1995 and within a year I not only had a barn and two houses, but I married Lidia and we moved into one of those houses and the Fletchers moved into the other. We had a ready-made family with Lidia's two boys, Alfred and Andrew Sanchez, and my son Jaime. By the end of the second year the Triple Cross Ranch had four houses and 60 head of cattle.”

Fletcher's friendship with Trimble led Brian and his family to move to the ranch where they served as house parents for the next seven years. From 1996 to 2003,  Top and center photo: Hurricane Andrew. Bottom photo: Rio Piedras Puerto Rico, FEMA. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 67

for County Commission

g n i n e t s I’m Li OU! to Y

Lidia and Armando.

the ranch grew and at any one time had up to a dozen boys on the site, but often had events that brought 50 or more to the ranch. Parents would bring their troubled boys where a Christian environment brought change. The Fletchers served as house parents in Okeechobee for about a year. Both the Fletchers and Norm and Phyllis Edwards went on to establish other ministries.

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Doc's home was Okeechobee, but he continued to work in Miami, driving back and forth daily. He said: “God had sent me to Okeechobee to do the Boys Ranch, but the money source was my Miami employment. At that time, 1996, I was still director of the Women's Center at Doctors Hospital.”

One morning in Okeechobee, while eating breakfast at Posey's Corner, Doc noticed a man eating alone and asked to join him. That man was rancher George Goodbread. While the two were talking about ranching, Doc's profession came up, and Goodbread, whose friend was on the board of Raulerson Hospital, mentioned they were looking for a surgeon.

He put Doc in touch with Frank Irby, Raulerson CEO.

Irby said: “Dr. Santelices was a family-oriented person, forward-thinking in his treatment of breast cancer. He had a good reputation and was dedicated to the profession.”

“Because I felt I was led by God to be in Okeechobee,” Doc said, “I accepted employment at Raulerson.” For the next seven years, he performed general surgery in both Miami and Okeechobee and helped bring the first stereotactic breast machine to Okeechobee.

“Driving back and forth however, became a problem," he said, "so I took flight lessons, bought a plane, made a landing strip on the ranch and commuted for the next two years.” During this time, Doc's stepson, Alfred, had met a young lady who he knew worked at the hospital. She was the daughter of Okeechobee High School coach Tim Gillis. The friendship developed well, with Alfred eventually marrying Kami Jo and giving Doc his first grandchild, Eva Mae. They now also have a son named Emory Joseph.

Gillis said, “Armando is a doctor's doctor and an extraordinary teacher of medicine.

He is very community-minded, as well as church-minded, and he has beautiful  grandchildren.”

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March/April 2016 | 69

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His exhausting two surgical positions and ranch work continued for years. In 2001, he was at a conference of surgeons across the river from the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers when the first plane hit. “We were watching from the roof when the second plane hit,” he said.

“We loaded onto two buses and went to the towers and established a staging area where we created a field hospital with decontamination, triage and food. I don't know why I experienced both the Twin Towers and Hurricane Andrew events, but I think the Lord had a path for me long before I had a knowledge of Him.” 

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70 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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know why ‘ II don't experienced both

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the Lord had a path for me long before I had a knowledge of Him.

’

~ “Doc” Santelices

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March/April 2016 | 71

Armando and daughter Elizabeth.

than his passion ‘ Bigger to help his community,

he is a humble, dedicated man.

’

~ Nicole Talley, founder of Open Hands Free Clinic, where Doc is medical director

God also intervened when Armando and Lidia were blessed with a daughter, Elizabeth. Deeply religious, Doc says: “Faith is personal. I can't force mine on you, but you cannot deny me mine.”

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

He needed that faith when, in 2003, he suffered a stroke, resulting in right-side paralysis. In an instant, his medical and flying career both were over. Unable to support the ranch, he had to sell it at a loss.

“Everything changed,” he said. “I was unemployed and disabled. I had poor balance and a lack of coordination. The three years it took me to recover was the hardest time of my life. There was even a time when I wanted to kill myself, but I knew that God had sent me here and I had to hold on.”

On the road back to health, he went to the hospital for a hernia repair and learned he had end-stage liver disease. It was hepatosis, a disease brought on by being overweight that causes the liver to cease functioning. Operating at only 10 percent, it kept him alive for the year and a half it took him to get on the transplant list and another year and a half to get  the liver.

Armando and daughter Elizabeth in the recording studio.

“After the first transplantation, I rejected the liver," he said. "The only way I would live was by getting another in two to three days. Amazingly, I got one in 18 hours. It was a stormy post-operative course, but today I use the experience to help others.”

Today he is medical director of Open Hands Free Clinic. Prior to his medical issues he had discussed the clinic with founder Nicole Talley, who today says: “Bigger than his passion to help his community, he is a humble, dedicated man.  74 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Standing, from left: Jaime Santelices, Alfred Sanchez, Armando Santelices, Andrew Sanchez.

Seated: Ana Santelices with Eva Mae Sanchez, Kami Jo Sanchez with Emory Sanchez, Lidia Santelices, Elizabeth Santelices and Lizbeth Sanchez.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

is very community‘ He minded, as well as

church-minded, and he has beautiful grandchildren.

’

~ Tim Gillis, Okeechobee High School coach and father of Santelices’s daughter-in-law

Despite his illnesses, when he recovered, he came back and offered to help us in any way he could.” Open Hands is free Christ-centered healthcare for those who have no health insurance where physician's assistant Stacey Pasquarella treats patients.

Some abilities may be gone, but music is still a passion for him and his family.

When planning to make a CD with members of his church, he learned how expensive the process is to rent space and technology. So he built a recording studio to create Christian music and allow Christian artists to record at minimal costs. “My daughter Elizabeth, who has

a beautiful voice," he said, "has used the studio but is planning to become a nurse anesthetist. She saves her singing for pleasure, for the Lord and His church.”

Today, Doc is thankful to be practicing general medicine at the Doctor's Clinic Family Health Center located at 204 S.E. Park St. He is quick to call it, ‘the best clinic in town.’

“Doctor's Clinic is happy and blessed to have Dr. Santelices and his impressive medical skills set available for patients,” said Rennae Sweda from the Doctor's Clinic Family Health Center. “Dr. Santelices is a Godsend for the medical office.”

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He said, “I couldn't be the man I am if I didn't have my wife. I wouldn't have gotten through my sicknesses without her patience, tolerance and support. Her two sons, Alfred now married to Kami Jo and Andrew, married to Lizbet, my son Jamie, married to Ana, and our daughter Elizabeth complete our life. After 41 years I am still doing what I love, which is to care for people, and I am completely open to do whatever the Lord has in store for me.”

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78 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

okeechobeeYouth

cheyenne nunez

By Jann Seal

Photos by Sandra Pearce

s

he’s a girl who knows where she’s going. Cheyenne Nunez is only 18 years old, but this Okeechobee High School senior has a clear path laid out in front of her — one built on basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs and softballs. But it’s softball that earned her a full scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, which she’ll attend in the fall.

Cheyenne’s confidence on and off the playing field is the backbone of her success. Not many young women wear letter-jackets with emblems for four sports activities. And she earned them all while carrying a 3.5 grade point average. “Sometimes I struggle to keep up my grades, but it paid off when I got the scholarship,” she explained after a particularly stressful day. “That’s my motivation. I’m the first one in my family to go to college and I want my family, and my town, to be proud. And I want all the young girls who think they can’t — to know they can!”

Tall, slender and with a massive mane of curly hair, Cheyenne’s Seminole heritage is written on her face. Her family lives on the Brighton Reservation, but Cheyenne stays with an aunt in Okeechobee during the school year to be close to school and her beloved sports teams. When she does go back to the reservation, she’s greeted with respect and pride, having earned the title of Junior Miss Florida Seminole for 2014-15.

Cheyenne is proud of her Indian heritage, inherited from her father, Daniel, a member of the Panther clan. Her Indian

80 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

name is Eyvtecet, given to her by her grandmother, Alice, and meaning “sky.” And the sky is certainly the limit for this versatile, young Seminole.

s is for softball Mary Huff, Okeechobee High School’s softball coach, knew Cheyenne was a gem right off the bat. Playing first on the junior varsity team as a freshman gave Cheyenne the basics that she needed to transition onto the varsity team. “The jump to varsity gave Cheyenne the confidence she needed to break out of her shell,” remarked Huff. “She became a game-changer with her loud command of the field and moved into the leadership position almost immediately.”

A good athlete plays not only for herself but all the members of her team, and Cheyenne is known for being a positive leader.

She cares about her teammates and wants all of them to succeed.

It’s not just about her.

“Cheyenne gives 110 percent every day on the field. She brings the team morale up. I’ll miss her next year. She’s hard to replace and leaves me with tough shoes to fill,” added Huff.

While softball is Cheyenne’s future, she’s played volleyball since she was six. Kicking around the ball with her older sister, family members and cousins was the start of her volleyball 

‘I want all the young girls who think they can’t — to know they can.’

– Cheyenne Nunez

connection. That connection quickly transferred to basketball at the beginning of middle school.

Coming into the house one afternoon, Cheyenne announced to her mother, Peggy, that she was trying out for basketball. She was only 11 and had never played with a basketball before, and Peggy didn’t want her daughter to go for something that might have been above her abilities. “But you’ve never even held a basketball,” Peggy lamented.

“You might not make the team!”

Cheyenne made the team!

B is for Basketball “I was really fast, and you need to be quick for basketball,” Cheyenne added.

“I’ve got great dribbling skills and have been a point guard since middle school.”

That’s the kind of confidence Cheyenne has in her “ball” abilities, and it’s echoed by her basketball coach, Joseph Smith.

“Cheyenne is one of the best players I’ve ever coached. She’s got that raw ability to do anything on the court — and can add 30 points to our score, whether it’s in assists, steals or baskets,” Smith enthused.

Being the heart of a team may swell a player’s head, but Cheyenne is a team player, pulling her girls together, spreading the ball around to give everyone a chance, and managing each game as if it were the championship. A recent injury prevented her from playing in a crucial game and it cast a fog over her team, but she, along with Coach Smith, rallied them, giving them the confidence they needed.

“Cheyenne takes losses hard. She hates to see the team struggling, but she also knows her role and what she needs to do. She’s the court general and I’d put her up against any girl on the Treasure

82 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Coast and watch her lead!” Smith added.

While softball is in Cheyenne’s college future, Coach Smith emphasizes that his young player is “one of those girls you come across so seldom in a basketball program. She just grabs her shoes and shorts and gives it her all — without having had real training. That’s talent.”

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Cheyenne with mother, Peggy and father, Daniel.

and she can sing, Too! Brains, ability and beauty are all on Cheyenne’s side, and entering the Junior Miss Seminole Pageant was Cheyenne’s grandmother’s idea. It runs in the family.

Three cousins currently or in the past have held titles, and one of her cousins is the current Miss Seminole.

Wanda Bowers, chairwoman of the Tribal Princess Committee, remembers Cheyenne as an excellent example of Junior Miss Seminole. “She is outspoken, has a big smile, is approachable and is willing to go where we need her. Winning her title gave her the experience she’ll need to compete for Miss Seminole, if that’s what she decides she wants to do.”

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Seminole culture, as she gets to travel with her girls. Taking part in the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow was a highlight of just one of their trips.

Cheyenne doesn’t just show up — she throws herself into her challenges and comes out a winner. “For the talent competition of the contest, I sang ‘Amazing Grace’ in Creek and in English. I won the talent and the essay competitions in addition to the title!”

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Although coaches, whether they’re involved in Okeechobee High School’s athletic programs or guiding her while representing her Seminole heritage, are behind Cheyenne, it’s the love of her family that propels the young woman to greater heights. “I have a great support team behind me. In addition to my three sisters and one brother, my mom pushes me. She’s the reason I’m graduating. My grades are important — just as important as playing sports. And my dad gives me the sports discipline. We train together, hit balls, travel and go to sports camps as a family,” Cheyenne remarked. And her reach extends to young girls in her community.

ELECT WESTON

HARVEY for County Commissioner District 5

Cheyenne with father Daniel, mother Peggy and sisters Daliyah (left) and Joleyne.

“A girl I was writing to said I changed her life. That’s heavy. It gets me emotional at times, that there are girls out there who depend on me to do the right thing. I try to be positive and think of them when I’m having a tough day, or a tough game.”

Cheyenne’s had her share of tough times, injuries that kept her from games and decisions to make that will affect her future. At this moment, her goal is to play

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March/April 2016 | 85

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Cheyenne with friend, Baylee Farless.

softball in college while studying psychology. But, whether she becomes a pediatric dentist, a psychologist or veers off in another field of medicine, she has pinpointed a career path.

Goals are important to Cheyenne Blake Nunez, and her makeup is such that she takes the tough with the sweet, and controls the ball of life, soaring and scoring to heights not achieved my many.

Cheyenne Nunez is a winner.

86 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Emily Streelman, Amanda Dobbs and Jenni Turbeville.

Committee, from left: Cindy Brandel, Gail Molyneaux, Kristen Nolte, Magi Cable, Gay Carlton, Linda Marsocci and Karen Smith; Amy Storey not pictured.

Seated: Ron and Lori Mixon and Kathy Le. Standing: Chris Close, Rachel, Matt and Marilyn Buxton.

90 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Paula Daniel, Leslie and Brad Lundy, Beth and Eddy Lehman.

Photos by Jane Kaufman

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Caribbean rhythms greeted guests as they made their way into this year’s Peace Lutheran Come Sail Away Gala, perfectly complementing the evening’s tropical theme. The annual dinner, dance and auction, which is staged each year at the KOA, raises money to provide scholarships and educational enhancements for the local private school.

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March/April 2016 | 91

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Wednesday & Saturday – Pizza & Wings Buffet Thursday & Sunday – Italian Dinner Buffet Open 7 days a week • Sunday - Tuesday 11am - 9pm Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 10pm

202 NE 2ND STREET • OKEECHOBEE

863.763.5000

863.357.0334

1460 HWY 78 WEST • OKEECHOBEE, FL 34974

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

SNEIDER LAW Glenn J. Sneider Attorney at Law

Helping good people facing tough problems.

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

904-386-9828

92 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Divorce ■ Custody ■ Family Law ■ DUI ■ Criminal Law

200 SW 9th Street•Okeechobee, FL 34974

863-467-6570 www.SneiderLaw.com

Christian Bookstore & Vintage Home Accessories

Bibles • Books Journals Children’s Books Gifts Jewelry • Antiques and Furniture!

WE NEED YOU!

Join The

Okeechobee Be A Local Hero!

Join the Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps Today!

We currently need medical and non-medical volunteers for Local Disaster Response, Emergency Preparedness, and Community Health Improvements.

Okeechobeans Taking Care of Okeechobee

For More Information or to Request an Application, Call 863.462.5819

217 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974

863.357.3010 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 93

Community Event

Runners Stretch Limits in

FOR OKEECHOBEE CHARITY 5K The For Okeechobee Ribbon Run — a simple 5k race reaps unique results. Held Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, the event was a race for each runner’s cause of choice. This is the second year for the Ribbon Run. First-place male and female runners each received a local donation to the charity of their choosing, while a third prize was randomly drawn and presented in the same fashion.

Male winners: 2nd place – A.J. Mayernik; 1st place – Hunter Sils; and 3rd place – Brendan Patterson.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Raelynn and Regina Mayernik.

Erin and Alyssa Willie.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Catherine and Charles Greenberg.

Evan, Ken and Karter Keller.

Female winners: 2nd place Lillian Henry and 1st place Tabitha Henry.

Group photo of all runners and organizers.

Photos by Jane Kaufman

Maya and Bryton Szentmartoni.

The Berger Clinic Jamie Butler.

Adult Health Care Diagnosis and Management of Medical Conditions Preventive Health

863-467-1117 Call For Appointment

Jay S. Berger, MD Okeechobee Medical Park 1713 Hwy 441 N. Suite D Okeechobee, FL 34972 (Located across the street from the hospital.)

Renee Juarez and Jessie Weigum.

Dr. Berger and Staff have proudly served the Okeechobee area since 1985. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 95

MV47426

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Oil Change $ & Filter

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FREE TIRE ROTATION

21 Point Inspection. Frequent, vital engine maintenance includes refill of up to 5 qts. of 5W-30 Oil

Plus $1 Disposal Fee. Most Cars.

Open Daily 8am-5:30pm Saturday 8am-2pm

(863) 763-3308

1815 S. Parrott Avenue (Next to Pogey’s Restaurant)

THINK CREMATION IS THE SAME WHEREVER YOU GO?

Think again.

Don’t fall for misleading claims!

Buxton Bass Funeral Home & Crematory is the only local funeral home with an onsite crematory.

Other funeral homes claim that they offer quality cremation services and return all the ashes. But how do they know?

Many use a third party crematory, which means they are sending your loved one out of town.

You’ll always have peace of mind with Buxton Bass.

We are the ONLY funeral home in Okeechobee that owns and operates their own crematory.

Your loved one never leaves our care. Put your trust in Buxton Bass Funeral Home & Crematory and know where your loved one is at all times.

N. Parrott Avenue |Family-Owned Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Okeechobee’s400 Only Full-Service, & Operated Funeral Home (863) 763-1994 | www.okeechobeefuneralhome.com

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 97

S T R O P D4POWERS Derek Tremain Was Born For This Biz

By Raye Deusinger

Derek graduated from high school in Okeechobee and spent four years in the Navy, where he worked as an air crew survival equipment man in a carrier squadron based out of Jacksonville. "When a pilot 'screwed up,' we were expected to save him," he said. When he got out of the Navy he attended Indian River Community College under the GI Bill.

Needing a job, he approached the owners of ARS PowerSports since he had also known them most of his life. They hired him, and he remained there for 11 years, working and learning.

One day he received a call from Yamaha, which was looking for a helper; one of the company’s racers needed a mechanic.

The racer was a young man from Lehigh Acres who advanced through the ranks to pro level. Derek said, "He and his dad bought parts from me at ARS and

People may search a long time for the

perfect job, but Derek Tremain, owner of D4 Powersports, seemed destined from childhood for this profession. Growing up, he always had something with wheels to play around with and ride on. "If it had a motor, I wanted to ride it and race it," he said.

Though somewhat older, his friend during childhood was Robbie Brantley, son of Marvin Brantley, who many years ago had the Okeechobee Cycle on U.S. 441 South. Since they were always around bikes, four-wheelers, dirt bikes and other such vehicles, learning came naturally to them both. Today, Robbie Brantley is an employee of Derek’s D4 Powersports.

Together they boast a combined 54 years of experience, greater than any such shop in Okeechobee.

98 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Emery Tremain, Robbie Brantley, Maurisa Tremain holding Jacob and Derek Tremain.

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

recommended me to Yamaha, saying I was their choice because they knew me and had confidence in me." Saying it was nice to get away from selling parts and see the other side of the industry, he remained with Yamaha for a year.

"Traveling was OK," he said, "but it's not all the glitz and glamour you see on TV. I was the team mechanic, responsible for maintaining Yahama's factory specs, where everything had to be 110 percent, with no cutting corners. We traveled with the Yamaha ATV GNCC Racing team on a circuit of 14 races all over the East Coast."

Once back home, he decided to open his own shop. He married Maurisa on New Year's Eve 2011, incorporated D4 Powersports on Jan. 2, 2012, and went into business for himself.

The hardest thing about establishing his new business was coming up with a name for it. "I wanted a name which gave the basic description of the company, but didn't want a mouthful of words,” Derek

said. “When the woman in the licensing office asked for the company name, out popped 'D4 Powersports.' ‘Power sports’ refers to anything to do with these kinds of vehicles; the 'D' was the first letter of my first name, the '4' is the remaining number of letters in the name." It fit all his desired criteria.

Today the store has two full-time employees, Brantley and Derek, and one part-time employee, Chuck Piper. They service and sell all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers and side-by-side vehicles. They also sell on consignment, and often purchase to sell.

Saying he loves the business, Derek recognizes that "I'm at the bottom of the barrel economically because people will pay all their other bills, like utilities, groceries, car bills, etc., before they will get their bike fixed. But I'm going to stay in it because there is nothing else I'd rather do."

D4 carries all the basic parts made by the highest-quality manufacturers. He recently has redone the showroom so customers can see the variety and extent of his stock and know that he can order anything they need to do their own repair. They can also see a large array of the many types of motorbikes he works on. His long years in the industry and experience as a mechanic mean he can either handle any job or know where to find the answer to any question.

Derek noted: "It is not only about price, it is also that the customer has to be satisfied. When they pick up something we've worked on, they will know it was done right and is 100 percent dependable."

D4 Powersports 1460 Highway 78 W, Okeechobee (863) 357-0334

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on the “Behind the Business” tab to learn more about D4 Powersports. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 99

Todd Everett

FLOORING Inc.

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100 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Licensed and Insured

Call Our Showroom at: (863)763.3368 222 South Parrott Avenue • Okeechobee FL 34974

WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY PRESENTS Photos of the Past The Reverend Richard E. Whipple and Mrs. Whipple are shown at the 75th Anniversary celebration of the First Baptist Church in 1995

REVISED Amani - December ROOF ATTACHED

AUTO ACCIDENTS / WORK COMP

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer

Pastor Richard Whipple, wife, Annette and four children, Rick, Robin, Randy and Rhonda moved from Lake View Baptist Church in Miami, Fl., where he was the minister, to become Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee in 1966. He served thirty years at this location and was later commissioned as ‘Pastor Emeritus.’

Our congregation appreciates his faithfulness.

863-357-5800

or visit www.HoskLaw.com Located across from the Courthouse Proven Experience in Okeechobee

Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 101

O J E I T V N A O R L U A B T E S E U PEXICAN R

M

in Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie West and Jensen Beach.

Mexican Dynasty Brings Prized Cuisine To Okeechobee Pueblo

Luz Maria Nevarez, who is known by her customers as Lucy, has managed the Okeechobee restaurant since it opened in 2007. She began with the company 15 years ago as a hostess then worked up to a bus girl, server, then assistant manager. She said, "When I came here as manager when this restaurant opened, I checked out Okeechobee, met the wonderful people here and two months later, moved here permanently."

The decor of Pueblo Viejo reminds you of Mexico wherever you choose to sit. A large restaurant, it covers as much as six store fronts in the Publix shopping center.

Seating is uncrowded, with comfortable, colorful booths, but there are also areas of open tables where parties of any size can be seated together. The music, with a Latin flavor, is never loud enough to override conversation.

She proudly says that the food served at Pueblo Viejo is all made from recipes brought by the brothers, from Mexico.

Their chef, Manue de la Cruz, has been with the restaurant since it opened.

Nothing is prepackaged. The meats for the enchiladas, burritos and chimichan-

By Raye Deusinger

In a community with a large population of Hispanics, it is easy to find the best Mexican restaurant: Just go where they go — Pueblo Viejo.

The Okeechobee Pueblo is one of six such named, all owned by one family.

Luiz Rodriguez and his friend, Javier Martinez, now deceased, came to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1997. Two years later, they opened the first Pueblo Viejo in Port St. Lucie. Soon the rest of the family came to the U.S., and today they own and operate the two Pueblos in Port St. Lucie, and one each 102 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Back row from left: Gregorio Perez, Luis Orozco, Manuel de la Cruz, Manuel Lopez, Jose F. Gomez, Luz “Lucy” Nevarez, Elizabeth Bustos, Anabel Gomez, Juan Jimenes.

Front: Leocadio Perez, Adriana Arellano, Brenda Medrano and Hector Rodriguez.

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

gas are made fresh every morning. All other meats are prepared at the time of the order.

Boasting a total employment of 13, their wait staff is proud of their quick service. Most meals are served within five minutes, with the longest preparation rarely longer than 15 minutes. While waiting, customers are always served complimentary tortilla chips with their choice of mild, medium or hot salsa.

Lucy said that about 70 percent of their clientele is American. They do a huge lunch business, she said, because people know they can get in and out within the time allotted for their lunch break. The remaining 30 percent of their clientele is Hispanic, with most coming on weekends, which is their traditional time to go out and socialize.

Their catering service, which will be in operation this month, is an outgrowth of their large business in preparing take-out orders. Take-out for 15 to 40 or more is common for birthday parties, special occasions or unexpected guests, with such orders increasing during holiday times.

The bar area is separated from the dining area by a decorative wall. Here you can sit in booths or at the bar to enjoy your drink away from the busyness of the restaurant. Two experienced bartenders, and one in training, are able to make almost any drink you care to order from the menu. They are proud to say they can also make whatever exotic drink you may want.

Happy Hour is all day long from 11 a.m. until ... ?, Monday-Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Draft beer, house margaritas and house sangrias are twofor-one all day. The variety of offerings is colorfully arrayed behind the bar with "top-shelf" margaritas, such as Golden Margaritas, Bartenders Margaritas and Skyy Margaritas available.

Discount coupons, available on the back of some grocery receipts, are also handed out during the frequent blood drives, which take place in the shopping center

where Pueblo Viejo is located. They are also included in their Okeechobee The Magazine and Okeechobee News advertising.

Hector Rodriguez, owner/manager of Okeechobee's Pueblo Viejo and also Okeechobee's Mi Pueblo, invites you to stop by and enjoy true Mexican cuisine in an authentic environment.

Pueblo Viejo is located in the Publix Shopping Center at 3415 Hwy 441 S. (863) 357-9641

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on the “Behind the Business� tab to learn more about Pueblo Viejo. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 103

Meet Dr. Thomas Baudo

Guardian of the REAL Retina Display Complex eye conditions make it difficult to focus and can interfere with reading, driving, even recognizing faces. If you have Macular Degeneration or Diabetes, trust your sight to a Fellowship Trained Retina Physician.

Exclusively treating retina patients for 15 years, Dr. Baudo brings a practiced eye to the latest advances so you can keep doing the things you love.

See all life has to offer, call for your appointment today.

Thomas A. Baudo, MD, FACS

Board Certified Ophthalmologist - Retina Fellowship Trained Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Eye Disease Medical & Surgical Treatment of the Retina & Vitreous

FLORIDA EYE INSTITUTE 772.569.9500 • fleye.com • 2750 Indian River Blvd, Vero Beach

Office Space Available Call 863-763-4740 300 NW 5th Street

104 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

A name you can trust.

Abney Building & Consulting is Okeechobee’s hometown design, construction and consulting company.

Known for delivering peace of mind and quality structures, we emphasize the need to consistently exceed our client’s expectations. This is our mission and our commitment to you.

Contact Wes Abney, Owner 863-623-4459 or wes@abneybuild.com 210 NE 3rd Ave., Okeechobee

Commercial & Residential | Design | Construction | Consulting | CBC058152

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 105

By Charles M. Murphy, WOKC’s Voice of the Brahmans

Two-Sport Standout Dylan Ferneau Gets Head Start on College

O

keechobee High School senior Dylan Ferneau not only has seen success in athletics, he is one of the best students in the Class of 2017. In fact, Ferneau will have a two-year college degree by the time he receives his high school diploma in June.

Ferneau has also been a key part of the boys tennis team. He will receive a four-year letter award at the end of the season.

This year, he is the team’s No. 1 singles player. He was in the rotation for the past two Brahman teams that qualified for regional.

He also was a major reason why the boys cross country team made it to Tallahassee and the state finals this year. Ferneau has won two Brahman Awards for cross country during his OHS career.

He said he was excited to take more of a leadership role on the tennis team this year.

“It’s a lot on my plate, but it was definitely fun for me. I’m excited to play No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles,” Ferneau said.

He saw three teammates who were higher in the lineup graduate last year. Dylan wants to try to be like them and mentor the younger players to encourage them to pursue tennis.

“My advice is just try hard. Come out and enjoy yourself because sports are supposed to be fun.”

Ferneau said he is happy to see several freshmen join the team this year. He said that bodes well for the future of the program.

“If they stick around and work hard for four years, they will be really good players by the time they are seniors.”

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Dylan Ferneau

Ferneau also knows he will be the underdog in most of the matches against Treasure Coast teams. Usually, the top player at those schools play Amateur Athletic Union matches, thus playing tennis all year long.

“They are really good players … too good right now for me,” he jokes.

Ferneau said he thinks he can hold his own against Heartland area teams and has done well against schools such as Avon Park, Sebring, Lake Placid and Clewiston so far this year.

“I’m just trying to get a couple of points here against the Treasure Coast teams and make those players mad a little bit; maybe they’ll get frustrated.”

Ferneau wants to attend the University of Florida in the fall and pursue a career somewhere in the medical field.

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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 107

WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY, BE SURE TO BUY THE RITE TIRE!

Why advertise with us?

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316 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972

Phone: 863.467.0054

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com 108 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Rick Chartier (863) 467.9090 • Sales • Service • Audio Visual • Networking

COMPUTERS

• Phone Systems • Cabling • Accessories

403 South Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL email: sales@icsflorida.com www.icsflorida.com

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 109

Jacky White Concrete, Inc. CONCRETE & MASONRY

Retaining Walls & Stucco Custom Tractor Work

Health Wellness

&

Acupuncture Needles Improve Health Head to Toe

4050 S.E. 50th Avenue | Okeechobee, FL 34974

863.634.1721 License # OCSL0184-01 Marine License # MA-05 Glades County

By Dr. Mario Marini, Licensed Acupuncturist Physician, Reiki Master and Hypnotherapist

A

cupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, known as TCM, which was developed more than 2,500 years ago. It is based on the theory that vital energy, called chi, flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians.

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PRINCIPLED + QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED Paid by Sharon Wallace, NPA for Property Appraiser

110 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

It is believed that acupuncture modifies this chi throughout the body. Research has found that the effects of acupuncture needling include influencing the activity of adenosine, an amino acid that becomes active in the skin after an injury to ease pain. This is why pain relief is often experienced as one of the benefits of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is more than just poking needles into the skin, however. An acupuncturist is trained to find “points” on a patient’s body to access the chi that is blocked or not flowing correctly. These “points” relate to certain health problems or body functions. After finding the points, the acupuncturist quickly taps very thin needles into the skin — sometimes with the application of heat or electrical stimulation to the needles.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, and are made from stainless steel.

The point is smooth, not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle.

OKEE-TANTIE TITLE COMPANY, INC.

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105 NW 6th Street | Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-2829 | Fax 863-763-0541 Stephen E. Burk, VP okeepackage@earthlink.net | www.okee-tantie.com

Suzie Burk, CEO

This makes them painless and less likely to bruise skin.

Acupuncture has no side effects. Acupuncture produces a feeling of peace and relaxation in patients. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, neurological and muscular disorders, and urinary/menstrual/reproductive problems.

It is also particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions. Physical problems are related to emotional conditions because every organ in the body is related to an emotion (i.e., liver to anger) and all the organs are interrelated (i.e., kidney is the mother of liver).

Excess emotional activity causes severe imbalances in blood flow, chi (vital energy) blockages in the meridians and impairment of vital organ functions.

Acupuncture restores the flow of chi, alleviating any impairment of the vital organ functions, thus improving the corresponding emotional conditions.

Regular monthly sessions may be suggested as preventive measures to decrease stress, improve energy or boost immunity.

The Lounge at Sacred Sanctuary 207 SW 2nd Avenue (863) 447-0380

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www.floridaoutdoorsrv.com

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 111

Around Okeechobee

When only the best will do.

Brought to You By:

Chamber Ribbon-Cuttings

The Hope Chest

Pictured: Gretchen Deaton with her daughter Phyllis Folkens.

100th Birthday

Time To Escape

Photo: Swinging Bridge

On Monday, Feb. 29, Grand Oaks Assisted Living resident Gretchen Deaton celebrated her 100th birthday — or her 25th, depending on how you count the years. Gretchen, a leap year baby, is originally from Kentucky. One of 10 children, nine girls and one boy, she became the first resident of Grand Oaks when it opened here in 2011 to be near her daughter Phyllis Folkens, who lives in Buckhead Ridge.

Bluegrass Music Festival

The 2016 inaugural Bluegrass Festival, sponsored by Florida Outdoors RV, took place at the Agri-Civic Center Jan. 21-23. The festival was originally staged in Yeehaw Juction and this year moved to Okeechobee. The program was jam-packed with concerts and music workshops. Next year’s festival will be Jan. 12-14, 2017.

Buckhead Ridge Catfish Festival

From left: John Wilkinson, Edward Hammond, Jack Bayless Jr. and Don Salo.

112 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The 24th annual Buckhead Ridge Catfish Festival was staged Saturday, Jan. 30, at the BHR Park behind the fire station. Each year, volunteers cook up a great catfish dinner and the ladies auxiliary conducts a bake sale with lots of delicious home-baked goodies.

Around Okeechobee

Brought to You By:

When only the best will do.

Main Street Mixers

Pier II Resort

From left: Board member Frank Jencik, David Cook, Tanya Brown, Karen Cook and Suncoast’s CEO, Art Ciasca.

Suncoast Mental Health

Lake Okeechobee Elks

On Thursday, Jan. 21, the Suncoast Mental Health Center threw a cocktail reception fundraising event at the home of David and Karen Cook. Board member David Cook is Okeechobee’s advocate and hopes to raise awareness of mental health services and educate the community. Over 80 people attended the reception, which featured speaker Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson and author of Finding Peace Amid the Chaos: My Escape from Depressions and Suicide.

Suncoast serves the needs of residents in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties and is seeking new board members. To learn more or to make a donation, please visit www.suncoastmentalhealth.org or call (772) 489-4726.

From left: Countywide Teacher of the Year Clint LaFlam, Employee of the Year Linda Holmes and Okeechobee County Schools Superintendent Ken Kenworthy.

Teacher of the Year

Teachers and staff from across the county were recognized Friday, Feb. 12, for their dedication to the profession and students in this community. Emceed by OHS drama teacher Debbie Raulerson, and conducted in the banquet hall of the KOA, the ceremony honored the teachers and employees of the year from every school. This year’s countywide winners were OHS band director Clint LaFlam and Linda Holmes, OCSB Payroll/Benefits Secretary.

From left: Tammi Kelly, Mikayla James, Kelly Owens, Hakeem Kidd, Jerry Bryant, Evelyn Mireles, Andrea Duenas, Olivia Campbell, Matt Buxton, Destiny Lewis and Bob Mc Partan.

Treasue Coast Has Talent

The B.R.A.T. Club hosted the Treasure Coast Has Talent Okeechobee competition on Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Freshman Campus. Destiny Lewis won the competition, and all the contestants in the photo above won a trip to the finals on Jan. 23 at Fort Pierce Central High School. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

March/April 2016 | 113

List of Advertisers 2nd Street Pizza.................................92

Heartland Discount Pharmacy............. 5

Quail Creek Plantation.........................9

14K Gold Store ................................107

Highland Pest Control....................... 74

Quality Air Conditioning.............93, 109

Hoskins, Turco Lloyd & Lloyd............ 101

What People Are Saying...

“Okeechobee The Magazine is an asset to our community.

I like that it features local happenings and keeps our community informed. The magazine is a true community partner. ”

— Teresa Chandler-Bishop, Waste Management

Receive 6 Issues of

A & G Pools.........................................83

Rabon's Country Feed.........................91

A Child’s World...................................68

ICS Computers..................................109

Raulerson Hospital................... 2, 58-59

Abney Building & Consulting, Inc.....105

Inkwell Tattoos............................... 109

Raulerson Hospital................Back Cover

Alexis' Studio 13 Dance Academy.......92

Raulerson Surgery Specialist............. 53

American Drilling Services.................92

Jacky White Concrete, Inc.................110

Rite Tire by Izzy................................108

Anchor Dental....................................11

Jeanette’s Interiors. ........................110

Royal Consulting............................... 88

Anderson Realty.................................78

Royal's Furniture..............................107 Katie A. Edwards, P.A..........................26

B & B Site Development.................... 15

Kelly Owens.......................................68

Badcock Furniture..............................95

Sandra Pearce Photography.............105

Beautiful Mess Boutique....................83

Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease.....22

Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser,

Bella Rose Day Spa & Salon..............101

Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre............70

Zoeller & Overbeck...............................96

Berger Clinic......................................95

Longwood Heart Institute................. 19

Sharon Wallace.................................110

Berger Real Estate..............................40

Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant..........111

Simply Saigon

Big Lake Eye Care.................................3

Vietnamese Cuisine..........................100

Bobby Keefe.......................................71

M & M Auto Brokers...........................72

Skull Hill Steel....................................15

Brown Cow Sweetery.........................71

Martha's House Event........................72

Sneider Law.......................................92

Buxton & Bass Funeral Home.............97

Mary Kay...........................................69

Sprint Communications........................6

Michael Hazellief...............................69

St. Lucie Battery & Tire.......................27

Carpenter Insurance...........................71

Mickey Bandi......................................77

Staffords Salon...................................77

CenterState Bank..............................14

Mims Veterinary................................62

Surgery Center of Okeechobee.............7

Clear Title & Legal Services.................70

Mixon Real Estate Group...................43

Syfrett Feed........................................42

Crossroads Restaurant......................109

Mohawk Construction, Inc.. ...............63

Custom Sights and Sounds...............111

Morgan's Furniture............................40

Teez 2 Pleez.....................................109

Custom Window Treatments.............91

Murray Insurance Services...............100

Tenniswood Dental Associates...........79

D4 Powersports..................................92

New Vision Eye Center.......................63

The Pregnancy Center / Tim Tebow.... 10

Doctors Clinic Family Health Center...22

Niki Salmon Real Estate.....................70

Tin Fish...............................................77

Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center..........21

Noel Stephen.....................................86

Tire Zone............................................97

mailed directly to your home or office.

Only $18.00 a Year!

S. Cruz Lawn Service...........................36

The Hope Chest..................................93

Continental U.S.A. Only!

Domer’s ............................................39

Keep up with “Your Community!”

OK Corral Gun Club............................23

Treasure Coast Food Bank...................38

Echols Plumbing & A/C......................34

Okee-Tantie Title Company, Inc........111

Treasure Coast Medical Specialist...... 86

Edward Jones Investments..............100

Okeechobee Dental Care....................47

Trinidad Garcia, M.D.........................108

Entegra Roof Tile................................73

Okeechobee Health Care Facility........54

Enviro – Tech Systems, Inc. ...............88

Okeechobee KOA................................85

Everglades Pediatric Dentistry.......... 33

Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corp......93

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Todd Everett Flooring.......................100

UBS Financial.....................................55 Visiting Nurse Association..................87

316 NW 5th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972

Family Dentistry of Okeechobee.........18

Peace Lutheran School.......................36

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Family Health and Wellness...............89

Penrod Construction..........................84

Waste Management...........................62

Florida Equipment and Restoration... 88

Phil Baughman..................................53

Wemmer Family Orthodontics.........108

Florida Eye Institute.........................104

Pier II Resort.......................................35

Weston Harvey...................................85

Florida Outdoors RV.........................111

Platinum Performance Builders...........46

Williamson Cattle Company.............101

Florida Public Utilities........................75

Plaza 300............................................104

WOKC 100.9 FM...............................107

Porcelain Esthetics.............................76

Women's Health Specialists................78

Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant.................36

Worley Construction..........................13

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Gilbert Chevrolet, Gilbert Ford.........115 Glades AC...........................................97

114 | March/April 2016

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Serving the Okeechobee Area for over 90 Years!

Raulerson Hospital’s ER is Okeechobee’s only 24/7 ER.

When emergencies interrupt your life, we’re here. times and and expert expert With fast ER wait times Raulerson Hospital Hospital emergency care, Raulerson can handle those unexpected injuries help you handle those unexpected and accidents whenever they occur. injuries and accidents whenever they Our ER is here for you any time you occur. Our ER is here for you any time need us and you need us. we always have an ER physician on site.

Call Consult-A-Nurse® at 763.9228 to: • Speak to a registered nurse • Find a physician • Register for a hospital class or event • Learn more about our services

RaulersonHospital.com

OU R ER TREATS KIDS T OO! In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911.