FOCUS Polk County 08-08

Gala The

Featuring

Party on the Moon NOVEMBER 15 TH , 2012

Join Central Florida’s brightest philanthropic stars at Polk County’s signature black tie event.

THIS YEAR’S GALA FEATURES Four-Course Gourmet Dinner Sponsored by Talk of the Town Restaurant Group

Top Flight Wines Sponsored by Tapping the Vine

Jazz & Champagne Social Hour

PLATINUM: $10,000 (includes 8 tickets)

Party on the Moon

Party on the Moon is a thirteen piece,

high energy, non-stop show complete with choreographed dancers, horn section, and world-class vocalists performing the greatest hits throughout the decades!

SPONSORSHIPS GOLD: $5,000 SILVER: $2,500 (includes 4 tickets)

(includes 2 tickets)

Open Bar Sponsored by ABC Fine Wine & Spirits

Nationally Recognized Artists Creating stunning paintings live

Exciting Live and Silent Auction

BRONZE: $1,500 (includes 2 tickets)

The Gala has sold out every year for the past six years. Please make reservations early.

For more information, (863) 292-4138 or foundation@winterhavenhospital.org This year’s Gala proceeds will be utilized to support Winter Haven Hospital Emergency Room patients.

CHRISTINE TRAKAS

THORNHILL FOR CIRCUIT JUDGE, 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

ENDORSED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT* AND POLK COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6, 2012 *WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION **PAID ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY CHRISTINE TRAKAS THORNHILL FOR CIRCUIT JUDGE, CIRCUIT 10, GROUP 7 FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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CONTENTS | October 2012 | Volume 8 Issue 8

ELECT

06-09 Local 12 Feature:

STEGO BLUE

Pink around Polk County

16 Spotlight:

FL- SENATE 15

Teri Saunders

18 Business Profile 22 Dining Profile

24 Entertainment

26 Event Calendar

ONTHECOVER

Photography by Nate Mundell Photography

Teri Saunders CEO of Heartland for Children

RETURNING THE VOICE BACK TO THE PEOPLE!  Will work for women’s rights, not just lip service  Preserving affordable healthcare for the people  He promises not to be a rubber stamper for Gov. Scott  With a child in the Florida School System, he knows the challenges parents and educators face in these tough times  A strong advocate for voters rights  29 Years Combined Leadership Experience  17 Years US Naval Service  5 Tours to the Middle East  Strong Business Knowledge  Will be a voice for the people

863-606-8533

www.electstegoblue.com | electstegoblue@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/stegoblue15 Political Advertisement Paid for and approved by Stego Blue, Democrat for Florida

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

You don’t have to go all-In!

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER I took the family to see a wonderful movie this month - “The Last Ounce of Courage” - and it’s one we highly recommend to every American.

It was refreshing to see a film with a strong message about the freedoms we enjoy, the people who defend them, and what each of us can do to help preserve those. Too great a price many have paid, and yet, the young soldier in the film reminds us that most would defend America with their last breath and ounce of courage.

And the children in the play literally stole the show when they changed up their middle-school’s annual Christmas play. We left the theater thinking we should go home to decorate with a huge tree in the yard, lights on the house and an outdoor Nativity scene.

The film helped me to connect even more to several articles this month.

One details the businesses and organizations involved in the fight against cancer. Save this one so you can help someone who might be facing this monster one day. It might prove to be a great resource.

The other is our Spotlight on Teri Saunders, CEO of Heartland for Children. The way the community came together in the film also reminded me of what Teri and many volunteers have enjoyed when others step up to help the organization’s mission. A community united in purpose can accomplish great things - and the communities of Polk County do it all the time.

We are proud to serve Polk County residents - to share your heartwarming stories and to help you grow the businesses you’ve built. Thank you once again for the opportunity to showcase you.

let us shoRt sell YouR house todaY

FoR InFo Call: BoB MIlleR

ReMax PaRaMount PRoPeRtIes

863-815-8000

Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus?

Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.

Plant City, FL 33563

Office Manager Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Copy Editor Cheryl Johnston cjohnston@floydpublications.com

www.thefocusmagazine.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error.

To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@ floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects.

Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Credit Manager Angel Carter acarter@floydpublications.com Sales Kelleigh Klein | Aldo Trevino | Susan Nieves Joseph Roberts | Cindy Cutting | A.J. Johnson Ernest Hargett Art Director Anthony Sassano Production Tony Cartagena FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren Distribution Byron Spradlin Belva DeVane Photographers Nate Mundell Photography Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston Brian West | Joe Bowles Derek Maul | Kelleigh Klein Heather Davis | Valerie McCutcheon Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis

floyd publications, inc.

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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LOCAL » FOCUS Chu and O’Nan co-wrote the “Chu and Blossom” script and appeared together also in “Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best” (9-2112 release). Mercedes Ruehl and Caitlin Stasey also star with Melanie Lynskey, Alan Cummin and Annie Potts as supporting cast.

Jason Michael Berman, Caroline Connor, Thomas B. Fore, and O’Nan are project producers with Ruth Mutch, George Loucas and Jeff Rice serving as executive producers.

PJ Leonard and Restaino co-produce.

According to Restaino, the film received a Florida tax incentive, which is a win-win for the filmmakers and the state. A Louisiana Film Commission economic impact study indicates that for every $1 of tax credits issued, film production generates a $5.71 return.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Blish

LAKELAND OPENS FILM SITES TO

Additional familiar Central Florida sites included Tampa’s Hillsborough High School and Union Station, Largo’s Eagle Lake Park (for the symbolic dead tree), and downtown Plant City’s 1914 High School and Collins Street.

“CHU AND BLOSSOM” F WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

ilming in the Tampa Bay area wrapped up early this month for “Chu and Blossom,” described by Variety as an independent coming-of-age comedy. Three days of the 19-day shoot were spent in Lakeland.

And Gasparilla International Film Festival President Joe Restaino, one of the film’s coproducers, couldn’t be more thrilled.

Actor/writer/director Charles Chu plays a 6’8” Korean foreign exchange student, Joon Chu, who becomes friends with Butch Blossom, a performance artist played by Ryan O’Nan, winner of the 2012 Gasparilla International Film Festival’s “rising star” award. The two meet in a small town and face cultural adjustments.

Earlier this summer, Restaino toured numerous Florida cities with O’Nan, Chu and co-director Gavin Kelly to scout sites.

They settled on historic areas in Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland, Largo and Ocala.

While Shellee Wells of We Scout Locations arranged the local permissions, she fell in love with Lakeland, and is actually

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

considering a move from Pinellas County.

“I liked the feel of a smaller town that has retained its charm,” she said. “We needed to capture a certain look from a certain era, not a modernized one. Munn Park in the historic district, Heritage Plaza and Cleveland Heights Golf Course were perfect for the story.”

Wells added, “Lakeland’s Commissioner Justin Troller, Director of Communications Kevin Cook, Randy Borden at LKLD TV and Jack Stroller of Heritage Plaza couldn’t have been more helpful.”

Troller reported, “The City of Lakeland was honored to host locations for “Chu and Blossom” and is committed to supporting all aspects of the arts, which are the cornerstone of tourism and good for our local merchants.

The arts build stronger communities.”

Cook noted, “Lakeland’s charm, unique downtown and the Cleveland Heights Golf Course provided just the right ambiance.

We were very happy to accommodate the crew’s requests and hope the exposure will lead to Lakeland being considered for future projects.”

Photo courtesy of Bobby Blish

Independent Casting by Kathie Laughlin, C.S.A. provided the talent. Local actors comprise about half the cast of 40.

Lakeland can also boast of a film industry up-and-comer. April Moore, a 2012 Harrison School of the Arts graduate received the Digital Domain Institute’s Grand Jury Award for Young Filmmakers at the 2012 Gasparilla International Film Festival. Moore directed and wrote/co-wrote two short films screened at the Tampa event, “According To Plan” and “The Parallax.”

Festival president Restaino hopes for another record number of submissions in the young filmmaker’s category in the 2013 venue. He encouraged, “The film industry can enhance the local economy and Central Florida has all the ingredients to attract quality productions.”

(Note: Character Brigade, Taggart Productions, Fore Entertainment, Soaring Flight Productions and Baked Industries also partnered to produce “Chu and Blossom.”)

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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THE LAKELAND CENTER 2012-2013 SEPTEMBER 27 7:30 PM

SEPTEMBER 15,

8 PM

LOCAL » FOCUS

OCTOBER 13 8 PM

NOV. 2 6:30 PM OCTOBER 16, 8 PM

THE VOICE OF FOREIGNER

LOU GRAMM

NOVEMBER 10 12 PM - 4 PM

NOVEMBER 17, 8 PM WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICK DERRINGER

DECEMBER 5, 7:30 PM

NOVEMBER 18, 2:30 PM

DECEMBER 12, 7:30 PM

DECEMBER 28, 8 PM

DEC. 27, 7:30 PM

JAN. 25, 8 PM

FEB. 5, 7:30 PM FEBRUARY 7 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 14, 8 PM

FEBRUARY 20, 7:30 PM

FEBRUARY 18, 7:30 PM

For a complete listing of our shows through April, visit our website at thelakelandcenter.com

24-HOUR TICKETING: Thelakelandcenter.com BOX OFFICE HOURS 888.397.0100 Monday- Friday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

863-834-8111

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

K JAN. 18-19, 8 PM

JANUARY 22 7:30 PM

DR. PAUL BEARER II LOCAL MAN BRINGS TV HOST BACK TO LIFE eep your eyes open this October in Polk County because Dr. Paul Bearer II will be “lurking for you.”

JANUARY 11, 8 PM

JANUARY 16, 7:30 PM

Photo by Pezzimenti Photography

Service Charges Will Apply

Richard Koon, a Winter Haven native, has been donning the disguise of Dr. Paul Bearer II for nearly three years now and has his wife to thank for the idea. “My wife and I have participated in Ghouls’ Night Out for years now, and I wanted to do something pretty special in 2009. That’s when my wife suggested it,” he explains.

The original Dr. Paul Bearer was the host of the horror movie television series “Creature Feature” that ran from 1971 to 1995 on WTOG in St. Petersburg. “I researched all the videos available online, recreated Tenement Castle in a 10x10 tent, and mimicked the costume and makeup to the best of my ability,” says Koon. “When it was all put together, we were taken aback by the uncanny resemblance. Some people even thought I was actually his son! (I’m not).”

For almost 19 years, Koon has owned RichLine Appliance Parts in Winter Haven.

“I deal with appliance parts by day, and body parts by night!” he laughs.

This Halloween season, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Dr. Paul Bearer II as he hosts the annual haunted house at Camp Fire USA in Lakeland. A not-for-profit youth development organization, Camp Fire

USA’s mission is to “build caring, confident youth and future leaders by helping boys and girls learn and play side-by-side in comfortable, informal settings.”

“I have patronized the haunted house for years, and this year I called them up and offered to host. They loved the idea, so I will be there exclusively from October 19th through the 31st.” All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Camp Fire USA. Just because Halloween is over, it doesn’t mean that Dr. Paul Bearer II takes a break.

He makes appearances at different events throughout the year, and continues to make his videos for YouTube.

He’s even been involved with the Winter Haven and Auburndale Christmas parades because, as he puts it, “Christmas Day comes for Dr. Paul Bearer II, too! People love to see me riding on top of the hearse at the parade.

When they love it, I love it, and that’s why I keep doing it.”

Camp Fire USA Haunted House 2600 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland Tickets: $7/adults, $4/kids 12 & under Halloween night tickets: $9/adults and $6/kids Weeknight hours: 7:30 – 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 – 11 pm Halloween night: 7:30 – 10 pm

The City of Davenport Presents the

HORSE CREEK FESTIVAL FEATURING THE

FLORIDA HERITAGE INVITATIONAL ART SHOW SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 9 AM – 4 PM

!

FRIDAY, OCT. 12• 6:30pm - 11:00pm the electric stylings of

Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King with Selwyn Birchwood

Tickets: $75 or $30 (concert only) Polkmuseumofart.org/rwb2012 or 863-688-7743 x 240

Blackmon Roberts Group • GrayRobinson, P.A. •

A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc. • Allen & Company, Inc. • Christopher Baird • Bank of Central Florida • CenterState Banks, Inc. • Comfort Keepers • Community Southern Bank • Clark and Daughtrey Medical Group, P. A. • DSM Technology Consultants • Folsom Construction • Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. • La Quinta Inns and Suites • Nora Leto, Kaylor & Kaylor, P. A. • Seth McKeel • OMS Group, Inc. • PenGeo, Inc. dba KFC • Progress Energy • Polk State College • Lindsay Raley & Michelle Chandler-Raley • Vecchio, Carrier & Feldman • Madden Brand Agency • Bernie Little Distributing • Red Door Wine Market

BOOTS

N

Located in the Historic District of downtown Davenport 1 South Allapaha Ave Free Admission!

Tickets $15 in Advance / $20 Day of Show

JOIN OUR GOLD STAR TEXT CLUB

Free Chances to Win FREE Drinks and Concert Tickets!

TEXT BOOTSNBUCKLES TO 57711

Visit www.HorseCreekFestival.org or call (863) 419-3300 for information

BUCKLES

www.bootsnbucklessaloon.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 13TH

!

BAKING CONTEST ! CANDY HISTORY & TASTINGS !

FLORIDA CITRUS LABELS ! HISTORICAL DISPLAYS & DEMOS ! KIDS ACTIVITIES ! NATIVE GARDENS & MASTER GARDENER’S WORKSHOP ! MUSIC !

HORSE CREEK CORRAL ! FLORIDA FOODS

POOL HALL TUES. 2-4-1 Everything, 6pm to 2am.

Beer Pong, Karaoke, Darts, Pool

NICKEL BEER

Wednesday NICKEL BEER night at 9pm to 12am.

No Cover All Night 21 & Up

ALL YOU CAN DRINK Friday, Domestic Bottle Beer, 8pm to 11pm $10

LADIES NIGHT

Thursday Ladies Drink Free, 9pm to 12am.

No Cover For Ladies 21 & Up All Night.

Ladies 18 - 20 Only $5.00 (Subject to Change During Special Event Night)

FRIDAY, NOV. 9TH Tickets Only $10

Concert Tickets Available at Saloon or By Phone. Also Available at Lay’s Western Wear & Russell’s Western Wear

4951 Hwy 98 North • Lakeland 863-815-2668 FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

9

LOCAL » FOCUS

Central Florida Folk Music Society members playing dulcimers Photo by Valerie McCutcheon

DAVENPORT CELEBRATES FLORIDA AT THE HORSE CREEK FESTIVAL HERITAGE AND INVITATIONAL ART SHOW A WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

fter a successful inaugural event last fall, the Horse Creek Festival and Florida Heritage Invitational Art Show is back and expected to be bigger and better than ever. A part of the City of Davenport’s Florida Heritage Series, the second annual Horse Creek Festival will be held Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday, November 4th in historic Downtown Davenport.

“We had about 2,000 people attend last year,” said City Manager Amy Arrington.

“We thought it was a great turnout being our first year, but we’re really excited for an even larger turnout this year. We have a lot of artists and vendors returning, and some new ones as well, so we think it’s going to be another great event for the city.”

The city of Davenport was originally known as Horse Creek, so this festival was created as a way to celebrate its rich history and educate visitors on the old Florida way of life.

For instance, this baking contest is no traditional one, but one that highlights citrus concoctions like last year’s winning orange cake and Key Lime Fudge. Visitors will also be able to fill up on delicious Florida foods and sample some candies while learning a little about Davenport’s citrus candy industry history.

Folks of all ages can enjoy the wide variety of entertainment. See (and hear!) whip

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

demonstrations and you’ll know how the Cracker Cowboys got their name. View the relics in the Davenport History museum, interact with Florida wildlife, stroll through native gardens, and listen to tales spun by Cracker Cowboy Poet Hank Mattson for the ultimate old Florida experience.

The Florida Heritage Invitational Art Show also features the works of many of Florida’s best artists in a variety of mediums, including some of the original Highwaymen. These legendary African-American landscape artists, who were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004, are becoming familiar faces in the Davenport art scene, as they also come to town every year for the Original Highwaymen Weekend Extravaganza, to be held next on March 1st and 2nd, 2013.

Historic Downtown Davenport will also play host to the 2012 Biennial Quilts & Tea Festival the following weekend, on November 9th and 10th, from 9 am to 3 pm.

Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1 South Allapaha Avenue, Davenport, FL 33837 Visit www.MyDavenport.org or call 863219-3300 for more information.

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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PINK AROUND POLK COUNTY

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Polk County promotes

By: Valerie McCutcheon

October may be a month of ghosts, ghouls and goblins, but there are a few things out there scarier than the vampires and zombies walking around on October 31st.

survivors and honor those who have passed. Sign up a team, walk as an individual, or show support through monetary donations at main.acsevents.org.

According to numbers from the American Cancer Society, nearly 227,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women were diagnosed in 2012, with nearly 40,000 deaths.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer at some time during her life is a little less than 1 in 8, with about a 1 in 36 chance of dying. In addition, 1 in 20 women with breast cancer were diagnosed prior to the age of 40.

Lake Wales Medical Center is also holding a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 13th at Kiwanis Park on Lakeshore Boulevard in Lake Wales. This is the fifth year the Healthy Woman program has hosted this event, which begins at 8:30 a.m. (check-in at 8). Following the walk, survivors will be recognized and door prizes will be awarded, as well as awards for best-decorated bras (worn on the outside of participants’ shirts). Register by October 7th for a free shirt, and there is also no charge to walk. For more information, call 863-678-2288.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer, and after lung cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer death. Amidst these sobering numbers is also hope, as the breast cancer death rates have been declining, most likely as a result of early detection and advancing treatment options. This hope, shared by the more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today, is also symbolized during the month of October by the color pink, as a means of raising awareness and funds for the fight against this deadly disease.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services. Polk County is proud to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a variety of ways this October.

AREA AWARENESS EVENTS In conjunction with their campaign for more birthdays, the American Cancer Society invites you to “Put on Your Pink Bra” and step out against this disease at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Mosaic Park in Bartow at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20th.

Since 1993, over $460 million has been raised by 8 million walkers across the country through Making Strides events.

More than $60 million was raised in 2011 alone to benefit the American Cancer Society. In addition to raising money for research and services like potentially lifesaving mammograms, Making Strides is also a way to recognize

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

The Florida Hospital Heartland Division is gearing up to battle breast cancer by enlisting supporters to join the Pink Army. Florida Hospital branches throughout the state are participating in this new, unique campaign by wearing their Pink Army dog tags, recruiting new members and spreading the word. This special pink dog tag not only shows solidarity, but also can be used to receive discounts at different local businesses (the growing list can be found on the Pink Army website). This distinctive concept rewards the “privates” as they complete missions, such as recruiting new members, which moves them up in the ranks. The army reaches all throughout Central Florida, with participants from Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties. The discounts run through November 15th. To enlist, visit jointhepinkarmy. com. All funds raised benefit the Florida Hospital Heartland Division’s Mammography Fund, which provides free exams to women in need.

Physical activity is a great way to help reduce your risk of contracting breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity each week is recommended by experts. A fun way to meet this quota in October is to participate in the Florida Independent Softball Association Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament, an adult slow pitch softball qualifying tournament held October 27th and 28th at the Auburndale Softball Complex. Teams can register at isasoftball.com or by calling 863-519-7127 or emailing flaisa@aol.com.

Don’t be surprised if you see first responders throughout the

county showing up to scenes decked out in pink, as Polk County Fire Rescue and the Davenport Fire Department will don special shirts in October to show their support for breast cancer. They will also be selling the shirts, available in all sizes, and donating profits to benefit breast cancer research. Visit the online store at iaff3531.com to buy Polk County T-shirts for $12.50, and Facebook.com/ DavenportFire to order Davenport shirts for $20.

Michael Rose of Michael Rose Hair Designs is going a step further than just wearing pink shirts by offering pink hair extensions at his Lakeland hair salon. These $15 pink hair extensions will be available through the month of October, with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society.

Michael Rose Hair Designs will also host the third Hair for Hope Cut-A-Thon on Saturday, October 13th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. when donors will receive a free haircut and $5 off their next visit in exchange for donating at least 8 inches of their hair. These locks will be used to make wigs that are provided free of charge to women undergoing cancer treatment, courtesy of American Cancer Society wig banks.

Call 863-648-1326 to schedule an appointment for pink hair extensions. For information about Hair for Hope or to donate your hair, call 863-614-0555 or email Lorrie@ lorriewalker.com. Michael Rose Hair Designs is located at 3139 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland.

J.C. Penney Salons will also be offering free haircuts to breast cancer survivors throughout the month of October.

The Lakeland Regional Cancer Center and Lakeland Regional Medical Center are sponsoring a Victorian Tea on Friday, October 5, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive in Lakeland. This free event is open to the public and will begin with registration and a Healthy Women Expo at 1 pm. Speakers will include Dr. Stephanie Benedict, who was diagnosed in her thirties. She will share her survival story and physician experts will offer information on women’s health and nutrition. Attendees will also benefit from the physician Q&A panel. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Please call (863) 687-1400.

If tea isn’t your thing but line dancing and country music is, head on over to Boots N’ Buckles Saloon in Lakeland on Friday, October 12 at 6 p.m. to “Give Breast Cancer the BOOT!” This pre-party for the Corey Smith concert on October 13th will feature drink specials and a raffle

Hair stylist Christina Rogers looks on as Logan Wyant cuts the ponytail of his father, Bryan Wyant, during a past Hair for Hope event. Photo Courtesy Lorrie Walker Communications, Inc. Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

for concert tickets and other prizes, with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. Boots N’ Buckles is located at 4951 U.S. 98 in Lakeland.

Champion Self Storage will hold its Customer Appreciation/Breast Cancer Awareness Day at their Mulberry location Saturday, October 27th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Featuring free food, drinks and fun that day, they are also accepting donations throughout the month for the cause. Every $100 donated will fund a mammogram for a woman who would not otherwise be able to afford one. Don’t forget to show your support by wearing pink!

Champion Self Storage is located at 3000 Mulford Road in Mulberry.

DIAGNOSIS and TREATMENT CENTERS As with most health issues, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram and breast exam yearly, and women of all ages should be doing regular monthly breast self-exams, with any changes reported to your doctor right away.

Medical centers throughout Polk County are proud to be on the cutting edge of breast cancer treatment.

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Davenport provides state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic digital mammography using MammoPads® for greater comfort.

Computer-aided detection marks areas of concern before determining if there is a need for follow-up. Digital stereotactic breast biopsies are outpatient procedures performed at the hospital, and if testing reveals that surgery is needed, it may be performed at the Center for Women’s Health, located at 40100 Highway 27 in Davenport. For more information, visit womenshealthathof.com/breasthealth.

The Lakeland Regional Cancer Center is committed to providing early detection and diagnosis, breast-conserving surgery when possible, and advanced radiation treatment

including Mammosite, an exciting new targeted radiation therapy. LRCC has also recently partnered with Radiology & Imaging to form the Women’s Imaging Center, LLC, located at 2120 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, combining experience and resources for expanded access and the making available the latest technology.

LRCC also offers MammaPrint, a DNA micro-based diagnostic test in an attempt to predict the likelihood of tumor recurrence and metastases of the disease. Cancer patients can also browse The Boutique, featuring a complete line of post mastectomy, lumpectomy and reconstructive products from A Place for Her, as well as scarves, turbans, skin protection products, gift items and accessories. For more information, visit lrmc.com/cancer-center/lrcc-services/ breast-program. LRCC is located at 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

The Cassidy Cancer Center at Winter Haven Hospital brings comprehensive, high-quality cancer care to Polk County in partnership with the University of Florida College of Medicine, Division of Hematoloty/Oncology.

The Cassidy Cancer Center offers radiation, surgical oncology, chemotherapy, blood and other cancer treatments.

The Cassidy Cancer Center is located at 200 Avenue F Northeast in Winter Haven. Visit winterhavenhospital.org/ facilities/ccc for more information.

Lake Wales Medical Center became the first facility in Polk County to offer digital mammography in 2008. Committed to providing top-notch health care for women, they provide a wide array of diagnostic and clinical services. They also promote a free community resource known as the Healthy Woman program designed to inform and empower women for the purpose of making educated decisions on their health and well-being. The Women’s Health Center is located at 410 South 11th Street in Lake Wales. Visit lakewalesmedicalcenter.com for more information.

The Watson Clinic in Lakeland boasts that they treat more breast cancer patients than any other medical establishment in the Polk County area.

Their comprehensive Breast Health Service includes an accredited Women’s Center for digital and 3D mammography and breast screening, as well as consultation for breast, plastic and reconstructive surgery services. Breast-specific nurse navigators guide patients from diagnosis to intervention and through survivorship.

Oncologists at the Moffitt-affiliated Center for Care and Research provide the most advanced chemotherapy and radiation technologies. Watson Clinic Breast Health Service is located at 1730 Lakeland Hills Boulevard. For more information, visit watsonclinic.com/services/breast-healthservices.html.

Unfortunately, even with all these resources available, many women simply cannot even afford a screening, much less treatment, but there are a few programs in place aimed at helping these

women. If it’s been more than five years since your last screening, the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is a national program that emphasizes providing services for this at-need population. These potentially life-saving screenings are free or low cost if you meet eligibility requirements. The services include breast and cervical cancer screening exams, care coordination for abnormal results, and referrals to the Florida Medicaid Program for eligibility determination if diagnosed. Women who are screened through this program can be eligible for paid breast and cervical cancer treatment through Medicaid.

Uninsured women ages 50-64 that meet income guidelines (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) can qualify.

Contact the Polk County Health department at 863-5197900, ext. 1002, or a local Florida Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program office (813-307-8015, ext. 3502) to see if you qualify.

The American Breast Cancer Foundation Key to Life Program provides financial assistance for mammograms and diagnostic testing, medication, wigs, and other resources.

The foundation also provides families and loved ones with education and support, including critical information and referral services. Established in 1997, the American Breast Cancer Foundation is the only national breast cancer organization to provide direct financial assistance to the needy and uninsured for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This not-for-profit organization can assist with services such as clinical breast exams, mammograms, breast ultrasounds, surgical consultations, emergency biopsies and emergency treatment assistance.

For more information or to apply for a grant, please call 1-877-539-2543, or to make a donation, visit abcf.org.

We at Focus Magazine hope you will get involved and wear your pink proudly this month to show your support.

We also hope that the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month will jump-start the drive to educate yourself and your loved ones about breast cancer awareness and prevention throughout October and beyond.

Davenport Fire Department shows their support for breast cancer by wearing pink. Photo Courtesy Davenport Fire Department Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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Mammography is Here Schedule your annual mammogram at Polk County’s only imaging facility with 3D digital technology.

863-680-7755, option 3

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1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Lakeland www.WatsonClinic.com

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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Interview by: Valerie McCutcheon Photos by: Nate Mundell Photography

Heartland for Children, a local not-for-profit agency, promotes the prevention of child abuse and provides services for abused and/ or neglected children in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. These services include inhome family strengthening, adoption, case management, foster care and independent living. Focus Magazine recently had the privilege of sitting down with CEO Teri Saunders in her Bartow office, where she described to us all the good this organization is doing for children. She spoke also of the pressing need for quality foster homes in order to keep providing this type of care.

Focus: Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Are you a Polk County native?

Teri Saunders: I grew up in Oklahoma, but have lived in Polk County for over 20 years. I studied psychology at the University of Oklahoma and moved to Orlando after I graduated to attend grad school at the University of Central Florida, studying industrial organizational psychology. I met my husband J.P., who grew up in Winter Haven, so that’s what brought me here. We just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. He runs Hurricane Harbor Marine in Dundee, a boat and fiberglass repair shop. We enjoy spending time with our 13 nieces and nephews and our baby, a Westie named Skippy.

Teri Saunders

CEO 16

OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

Focus: Tell us a little about Heartland for Children.

TS: Heartland for Children was founded in 2003 specifically for the purpose of redesigning the foster care system for Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. In the late 1990s, the state legislators realized the child welfare system wasn’t working and developed a new model and approach in recognizing that kids could be better served outside of just the government systems. The model really recognizes that child welfare is bigger than government, and the solutions are in the community. It takes businesses, churches, and individuals stepping up to the plate to make sure kids are safe here. I really believe in the model of community-based care; it is a much better way for us to improve the safety and well being of kids in the community.

Focus: How did you get started here?

TS: Prior to coming on as CEO in 2008, I served on the Board of Directors here as a volunteer. I previously worked with Children’s Home Society of Florida, and before that as faculty at the University of Florida where I did research and evaluation of state-funded programs, exposing me to all of the child welfare services. Whenever they came up with a community based model and put it out to the local not-forprofits, I thought, I want to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of making a difference, so I went to the Children’s Home Society, which led into Heartland for Children.

Focus: What would you say your biggest advantage is over government or state-run programs?

TS: We don’t have to deal with a large bureaucracy, so that’s a huge advantage. We’re able to be more creative and innovative, and if something’s not working, we’re able to try something different. I report to a local Board of Directors made up of people from the community, not politicians in Tallahassee. They’re very in touch with what’s going on here, so we’re able to make the decisions locally. When I first started, our system didn’t have a lot of well-developed services for teens, so we’ve really put a lot of emphasis on that. My thinking is that we really have to help the teens in the foster care system if we want to prevent the next generation from coming back around into the child welfare system.

Focus: What are your biggest needs right now?

TS: We really need more great foster parents. We know that for children to heal from their emotional trauma and pain, they need to have someone they can get into a good, nurturing relationship with. There are 1,800 kids in the system of care right now, newborns up to age 23. There are about 350 in three counties living in foster homes, 120 in group homes, and a large chunk of kids are with relatives. If we are able to keep kids at home and safe with their parents,

we want that to happen, because just being removed can be traumatic and we want to minimize that if at all possible.

We provide counseling, in-home support services, parenting classes, or help with basic needs like just making sure the home is clean enough for a baby. We try to support the parents so their kids don’t need to be removed, but if they are removed, the next step is to find a relative caregiver.

We also have children still with their parents but under protective supervision, and then another 75-100 between the ages of 18-23.

Focus: What is the process of becoming a foster parent?

TS: The process includes a phone interview and an orientation meeting, hours of preparation training, a personal interview, medical exam, in-home visits, background screenings and character reference checks. Over the last few years we’ve put a lot of effort into improving our licensing process and have revamped our training curriculum to make everything as streamlined as possible. Our Passport to Parenting training program really works with preparing foster parents for taking in children who have been victims of abuse and neglect, and we work with them to have an understanding of the impact childhood trauma has on brain, social and emotional development. You really do have to have a lot of patience, be very understanding and really capable of giving a lot of love and nurturing. We want foster parents who are going to get in there and be active in the kids’ lives, helping them to be successful in school, getting them involved in extracurricular activities and just making sure the kids in their home are getting a normal experience.

Focus: Where would you like to see this organization in five years?

TS: We’ve made a lot of progress with regard to the quality of care since 2003, and I would love to continue to push that to the next level and make sure all of our relative caregivers are getting the training and support they need, and that we’re successfully reunifying families. There will probably always be a need for a child welfare system, but my vision is that we will have one operating very efficiently and getting good outcomes for kids and families. You have to take a long-term view to know whether we’re breaking the cycle of abuse in families where it’s passed along from one generation to the next. If children who have been in the system can grow up and become emotionally healthy and productive individuals with functional family relationships, that’s how we’ll know we’re successful.

Focus: What would you say to someone contemplating becoming a foster parent?

TS: If you’ve ever thought about foster parenting, now is the time to do it! We’ve done so much work to redesign and change how we approach foster parents and really embrace them as true partners in our system of care, which wasn’t always the case years ago with government-run programs. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that, I want to take children into my home, and I can parent them and love them,” now is a good time. You will not be in this alone. There is a whole team of us here to help and support you, and with our training programs we can better prepare you to understand the children coming into your home and really provide what they need, so that you don’t see behavioral problems as you might have in the past. We know that good foster parents are an essential part of helping these children heal.

Focus: I imagine you’ve seen some really hard situations but also some very rewarding ones. What would you say is the best part of your job?

TS: Some of the stories we hear are very heartbreaking and tragic, and you really have to have a good work/life balance in order to be able to not let that get you down.

But, we see so many successes as well, so we try to focus on that to keep us in balance. My role is more administrative and I don’t have a lot of direct contact with the children, so I really love when I get the opportunity to meet some of these kids. I especially love getting to know some of our teens. We recently had a graduation ceremony for our 13 high school graduates. We had a dinner, gave them gifts and helped them celebrate, because many of them don’t have families who will throw them a party. I enjoyed talking with them about their future goals and was so impressed because I think about their challenges and what they’ve had to overcome, but they just want to be like any other teenager and have friends and family that they can count on, and they want to accomplish things with their lives. To me, that’s just really inspirational.

Teri, the work you’re doing to improve the lives of these kids is inspirational. Thank you for sharing.

For more information on foster parenting or any other services, visit www.heartlandforchildren.org or call 863-519-8900.

Improving safety, permanency, and well being for all children in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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BUSINESS PROFILE » FOCUS

INFORMATION Scarface, Parenthood, My Girl, Ace Ventura, The Punisher and Bad Boys. This past year a number of agency clients worked on Burn Notice, the popular TV series filming in Miami.

Major corporations rely on the Jess Anderson Agency, too. Among the thousands of companies they’ve worked with are Disney World, Sea World, Carnival Cruise Lines, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, Tony Roma’s, Long John Silver’s, BlueCross/BlueShield, Adidas and Nike.

The couple doesn’t look for one particular type of person to market. Sue explained, “We represent ordinary people and we focus on the extraordinarily unique qualities of each.”

Take Jeff Owings of Winter Haven, for example, a single parent who retired early from firefighting to care for his middleschool-aged son. Owings, who described himself as “pleased with my progress,” registered with the Andersons last November and was selected for a speaking part in a major film to be released in 2013.

“To begin I did some research and discovered that Jess and Sue have an established industry background. Reputation was the big thing to me,” he said. “Within the first six weeks of attending auditions and shoots, I knew this could be a fun source of income.”

JESS ANDERSON TALENT AND MODEL AGENCY F WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

or almost 32 years, Jess and Sue Anderson have worked to help clients earn extra income through their Jess Anderson Talent and Model Agency.

The Andersons are convinced every person has something special to offer. In their lifetime of promoting thousands of real people who would like to act or model, the couple recognizes that “true beauty comes from within.”

“And,” Jess added, “I have always believed in giving someone the opportunity to pursue

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

their interests in this industry.” Sue agrees, “We want those we represent to experience an image of confidence, professionalism and inner beauty. If they are willing to learn, we can help.”

Since 1979, the agency that had its start in Miami has helped men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life to be recruited for commercial and film work. Of the more than 100 major motion pictures for which the agency has supplied talent, a sampling includes the hit TV series Miami Vice (1984-1989) and blockbuster movies such as Bodyguard, Birdcage, Cape Fear,

Each day the business grows as an increasingly influential and highly regarded force in the modeling and acting industries. The only licensed modeling agency in Polk County also holds membership in the Better Business Bureau. As professionals the Andersons take great pride in guiding, directing and serving those they represent to develop a positive self-image and explore their specific work interests because confidence is a cornerstone to a successful career.

Four-year-old Jasmyn Offermann is naturally blessed with plenty of that.

When Jazmyn’s mother Kelly realized her “precocious and very, very social” daughter who loves to sing and dance also had a gift for memorization, she consulted with the Andersons.

Jess Anderson Talent and Model agency 1037 South Florida Avenue, Suite 115 Lakeland, FL 33801 863-688-9939 jessandersontalentandmodelagency.com

Kelly explained, “We’ve had a wonderful experience in working with Jess and Sue and are very pleased. They are so good about updating us on the latest opportunities.

When Disney staffers recognized Jazmyn’s ability to charm a crowd, she earned a spot as one of the principal actresses in their commercial. Kelly added, “Jazmyn had a blast and asked me, ‘Can we do this again tomorrow?’”

For an extensive list of projects for which the agency has supplied talent, be sure to visit www.jessandersontalentandmodelgency.com Jess encourages. “We are always searching for new, enthusiastic, and unique talent to join us for work in TV, commercials, print, fashion shows and major motion pictures. Your dreams and desires to become an actor or a model can be accomplished. Come and see.”

Call 863-688-9939 to schedule your free consultation with the Jess Anderson Talent and Model Agency at 1037 South Florida Avenue, Suite 115 in Lakeland, 33801.

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PLANT CITY 10TH Annual

PIG JAM 1500 South Park Road For More Information Contact the

Plant City Chamber of Commerce 800-760-2315 or 813-754-3707 www.plantcity.org info@plantcity.org

WIN A: LARGE BIG GREEN EGG OR YETI COOLER SPONSORED BY: Both items to be Awarded 11/17/12

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OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

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Deli Meats Kids meals All Deli Sandwiches and Hoagies are cut Senior menu fresh to order Breakfast served all day!!

7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7 days a week 842 6th Street NW Winter Haven, FL

863-291-DELI (3354) www.6thstreetdeliandsubs.com 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7 days a week 842 6th Street NW Winter Haven, FL

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Philly hoagie roll ♦Reuben and Pastrami ♦Nathans Hot sandwiches on Dogs grilled NY Rye ♦Hamburgers are fresh never frozen ♦French Dip and Cheesesteaks on a soft Philly hoagie roll ♦Nathans Hot Dogs ♦Hamburgers are fresh never frozen

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Loans for land, homes, & agriculture.

FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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INFORMATION

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

King’s Burgers and BBQ Eagle Ridge Mall 950 Eagle Ridge Dr. Lake Wales, FL 33859 Phone: (863) 949-4830 Fax: (863) 949-4832 theimperialbowl.com Sun - Thurs 11 am – 10 pm Fri - Sat 11 am – 12 am Kid’s Menu Credit Cards Accepted $3.95 - $9.95

Half pound bacon burger Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

KING’S BURGERS & BBQ G uy Revelle and Mark Gibson have done it again. The owners of Splitsville, a Luxury Lanes and Dinner Lounge establishment with locations in Miami, Tampa, Fairview, Texas and Fredricksburg, Virginia (and soon Downtown Disney), have turned the former Recreation Station at the Eagle Ridge Mall into a dining destination.

The business partners opened King’s Burgers & BBQ and Imperial Lanes bowling alley in September 2011, combining fun for all ages with some seriously good (and inexpensive) food and a full bar.

Revelle and Gibson completely revamped the former bowling alley and adjacent restaurant, turning it into an expansive operation with a clean and cool retro look.

There are 32 lanes in the bowling alley, a lunch counter, a to-go window at the bar, and plenty of seats in the restaurant that’s decorated with vintage memorabilia and knick knacks, giving the place a laid-back and familiar, but not kitschy, feel.

Orders are placed at the counter, and then guests can visit the condiment bar and find a seat to wait for their food. Kids can run across the hall to play a few games in the arcade – Revelle and Gibson partnered with PrimeTime to bring in about 200 new games and implemented a card system, eliminating the need for loose change or tokens and a pocketful of tickets.

The innovative menu is not your typical bowling alley fare. Their signature burger, the Mad King ($9.95), is a triple-decker topped

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with bacon, double cheese, fried tomato and onion rings, along with the traditional veggie toppings. It’s so tall, we’re not sure how one is supposed to eat it. We went for the slightly smaller Bacon Burger ($8.95), still more than filling. How do you make two juicy ¼ pound patties with bacon and cheddar cheese even more delicious? Slather the Kaiser roll with a sinful mixture of mayonnaise and bacon bits (baconaise). The more adventurous can try the White Spot, topped with a fried egg and served with a side of White BBQ sauce, the deep-fried and gravy covered Southern burger, or the South of the Border burger with guacamole, pico, jack cheese and chipotle mayo. You can also build your own: start with a ¼ pound single decker, ½ pound double decker, or ¼ chicken breast and pick your own toppings (first 3 free).

We also tried the pulled pork sandwich ($6.95), served with fries. This melt in your mouth tender pork is smoked on site every night, and was nicely accented by some deliciously flavorful BBQ sauces, available in sweet, spicy, or “Pig Paint.”

Try their takes on BLTs – the BL2T adds a fried tomato to the traditional sandwich, while the Carolina BLT features BBQ chicken and a fried tomato. Their wings, available naked, medium, red hot, BBQ or Thai, are all smoked before frying for a distinctive taste. Their King Cobb salad is traditional in name only: pulled pork, pulled chicken, coleslaw, cheese, lettuce and fried okra make it a true Southern delight.

Don’t miss the Redneck Garlic Bread on the appetizer menu – a hoagie roll smothered

…AND BOWLING, TOO! WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

with garlic, butter, mayo, two types of cheese, sausage, onions, and mushrooms and then baked makes a creamy, delectable and different treat that will disappear fast.

Order good food here!

Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

Imperial Lanes Bowling Alley Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

Friday nights finds a crowd waiting for the rib special - $9.95 for a ½ slab and two sides starting at 5 pm. Arrive early, because it’s first come, first served, and they usually run out around 7:30. Their Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 – 7 and features $2 wells and domestic drafts. They have poker nights on Mondays in their Card Room, as well as a shuffleboard table, three pool tables and bowling leagues throughout the week. The bowling alley features Rockin’ Bowl on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 – midnight, where $10 buys you two hours of bowling and a shoe rental.

The sign above the bar at King’s reads “Eat Well, Laugh Often, Live Long.” King’s Burgers and BBQ and Imperial Lanes are a great place to do the first two. Long may they live!

HALL for County Commission DistriCt 5 (r) experienced, knowledgeable, ReSPONSIBle A true conservative Republican for over 25 years Worked for Polk County Government for 34 Years, 24 years in management Certified Public Manager, Government Operations Bachelors Degree, Business Administration specializing in Management Associates Degree, engineering and Technology Former Director for three different County Divisions Understands the County’s budgeting process

Chosen by the people you trust

eNDORSeD BY : US Congressman Dennis Ross Sheriff Grady Judd State Attorney Jerry Hill Business Voice of Greater lakeland (lakeland Chamber of Commerce)

Endorsed by State Attorney Jerry Hill

Endorsed by Polk County Builders

Endorsed by Congressman Dennis Ross

Endorsed by Sheriff Grady Judd

Polk County Builders Association Polk County Professional Fire Fighters local 3531, Inc. Tea Party of Florida Bartow Democrat Fort Meade Leader Frostproof News

Central Florida Chapter of the Haines City Reporter Florida Manufactured Home Association lake Wales News lakeland Association of Realtors SUPPORTeD BY: Polk Agriculture for Better Government (Farm Bureau)

east Polk County Association of Realtors

“These tough economic times require an experienced leader, which is why I have chosen to endorse John Hall for the position of Polk County Commissioner, District 5 (R)” - Grady Judd

JohnhallCampaign2012@ymail.Com 863-595-7181 • Cell: 863-594-0585 Political advertisement paid for and approved by John Hall, Republican for County Commission, District 5

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » NOTABLE NEWS

NOTABLE NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2012

WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

Cupcakes by Cakes by Maggi from Auburndale for the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Mays Photo by: The Lakeland Center

Matthew and Amy Mays Photo by: TaylorMade Photography

“SURPRISE! HERE’S YOUR WEDDING!” I

magine showing up to your wedding having no idea what was in store. That was the reality for Amy Sharp and Matthew Mays when they showed up to their wedding at the Lakeland Center on September 15th. Winners of a contest launched by the Lakeland Center, the couple campaigned on YouTube and won a wedding valued at $10,000, made possible by various local vendors. The only catch? Absolutely every detail, from the dress provided by Jannabelle’s Bridal, to invites by Stationery Loft and rings by Gaines Jewelers would be decided by the event coordinators at the Lakeland Center. The catering was provided by OVATIONS, decor by Party People Celebration Company, linens by Marilyn’s Linen and Weddings, floral arrangements by the Flower Cart and wedding cupcakes and groom’s cake by It’s A Piece of Cake by Maggi, and the bride and groom also enjoyed pampering from Montalvo’s Hair Salon, DayDreams Day Spa and Mary Kay Cosmetics. A rehearsal dinner was provided by La Porta Rossa and the happy couple spent their wedding night in a suite at the Hyatt Place Hotel. Congratulations to the newlyweds; we hope it was everything you could have dreamed of and more!

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:

Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

Photo by: Valerie McCutcheon

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KATHLEEN VS. WINTER HAVEN I

t was a perfect night for a battle between blue and red as the Winter Haven Blue Devils hosted the Kathleen Red Devils in their first district game of the season on Thursday, September 20th. Plenty of excitement surrounded the game, as Winter Haven had just been ranked No. 4 in Class 6A in The Associated Press’ state football poll, and the game was being televised live as Bright House Network’s Game of the Week. What looked to be a blowout turned into a nail biter, as Winter Haven held a 20-0 lead at the half, only to see them down by one heading into the fourth quarter, as Royonta Johnson, Ja’Von Harrison and Greg Abrams all scored touchdowns for Kathleen, making it 21-20. Winter Haven senior running back Adam Lane had two touchdowns and 228 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. With less than a minute to go, Winter Haven linebacker Bruce Douglas broke up a pass that could have given the game to Kathleen, but instead gave back the ball and the win to Winter Haven.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE POLK COUNTY OCTOBER 2012

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ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

POLK COUNTY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

» Lake Mirror Classic 6 – 9 pm Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm Sunday Free Auto Festival 121 South Lake Ave., Lakeland 863-683-2228

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: editorial@floydpublications.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3

» Downtown Lakeland Partnership’s 15th Annual “State of Downtown” Luncheon 11 am 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

» Auburndale High School Bloodhound Bash 7 pm 109 E. Park St., Auburndale 863- 965-5545

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

» Pickin’ In the Park 5:30 - 8 pm Free Community Sing-Along Downtown Central Park, Winter Haven » First Friday 6 – 9 pm Free family entertainment “Celebrating National Heart of the Arts Month” Downtown Lakeland

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

» Family Fun & Fitness at the Fountain 9 – 11 am Free fitness event Downtown Winter Haven » The 3rd Polk Authors and Illustrators Festival 9 am – 3 pm Downtown Lakeland 863-688-5900 » Lake Alfred’s Oktoberfest 10 am – 5 pm Grillin n’ Chillin Annual BBQ Competition 175 N. Nekoma Ave., Lake Alfred 863-291-5275 Cruisin’ Winter Haven 4 – 9 pm Car show, music, cruising display Downtown Winter Haven 863-291-5656

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

» Buckler’s Arts and Crafts Festival 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Sunday $6/person for both days. One child free per adult admission.

701 W. Lime St., Lakeland 863-834-8100

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

» Greyhound Dog Meet & Greet 10:30 am - 1 pm 501 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven 813-971-4732 www.great-greyhound.org » Polk Museum of Art’s 11th Annual Red, White & The Blues 6:30-11 pm Wine tasting fundraiser and blues event 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland $75/VIP, $/30 concert only 863-688-7743, Ext. 240 » The Achievement Academy’s 13th Annual “Chip-In” For Children Golf Tournament Registration: 11:30 am, Shotgun Start: 1 pm 800 Lone Palm Dr., Lakeland Register at www.achievementacademy. com » Oktoberfest 6 – 9 pm Beer, Brats and Band Haven Downtown Winter Haven $25 863-295-9422

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

» Cracker Storytelling Festival 9 am – 3 pm 249 E. Church St., Bartow $6/adult, $4/child 863-534-3766

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

» Red Balloon Team Paddle for Kids Registration: 11 am, Races Begin: 12 pm Giant canoes compete on Lake Silver in Winter Haven to benefit Our Children’s Academy & Rehab.

863- 412-4121 Ourchildrens.org

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

» Concert Under the Stars - Two for One 7:30 pm Musical “stylizing” from FSC’s Symphony Band Pipkin Band Shell - S Ingrahm Ave, Lakeland 863- 680-4296

OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

» CornFusion Corn Maze 5K Ranch Run 7:30 – 10 am 13444 Moore Rd., Lakeland 863-859-6472 Register at active.com » Boktoberfest Plant Sale 8 am – 6 pm Free celebration with live entertainment, craft beers and German food.

1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales 863-676-1408 boktoberfest.com » Polk State College’s Annual FallFest 9 am – 3 pm Crafts, Activities and Fun 999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven 863-297-3603 » Polk County Medical Association Casino Night Fundraiser 6:30 – 10:30 pm Fundraiser for We Care of Polk County and the Polk County Medical Foundation 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland 863-644-4051

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

» Lake Wales USS Constitution Cannon Dedication 2 – 4 pm Free event with kids activities and patriotic speakers 325 S Scenic Highway, Lake Wales 863-676-5160

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

» The Center for Independent Living’s “Stroll ‘n’ Roll” 8 am ‘Take a roll’ along a 2.5 mile wheelchairaccessible path. Donations will support people with disabilities.

175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland www.cilorlando.org.kintera.org/ SNR2012Lakeland » The 28th Annual Munn Park Garden Extravaganza 9 am – 3 pm 100 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland 863-370-4065 » Sixth Annual Fall Festival - Polk Outpost 27 Visitor Center 10 am – 4 pm Price: Free Phone: (863) 424-2586 Activities, food, movie and pumpkin decorating contest. Entries accepted the 25th – 26th.

101 Adventure Ct., Davenport

THEATER:

All My Sons Thursday, October 4 – Saturday, October 6 7:30 pm Florida Southern College- Loca Lee Buckner Theatre Johnson Ave. and Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland (863) 680-3089

RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS OCT 2 – 25 Free Game Night All ages - parent/guardian must be present with kids under 9.

801 Ave T NE, Winter Haven 863-291-5675 TUESDAYS Free Clogging Lessons 8:30 pm Lessons by Mary Lou Bradley, former Grand Old Opera clogging champion with the Bluegrass Buddies Acropoli Italian Bistro, 28087 US Hwy 27, Dundee 863-421-0334 THURSDAYS Downtown Farmers’ Market 8 am – 5 pm Downtown Trailhead Park, Winter Haven

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Barefoot in the Park Wednesday, October 3 – Friday, October 5 Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12 7:30 pm Presented by Polk State College $5 999 Avenue H, NE, Winter Haven

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Annie Thursday, October 4 – Saturday, October 6: 7:30 pm Saturday, October 6 – Sunday, October 7: 2:30 pm Thursday, October 11 – Saturday, October 13: 7:30 pm Sunday, October 14: 2:30 pm Mainstage Production at Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd SW, Winter Haven Theatrewinterhaven.com

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Parkour and Freerunning Training .com 4:30 pm Barnett Park, Lakeland 863- 808-9516 2nd and 4th SATURDAY Saturday Afternoon Movie 2 p.m.

Winter Haven Public Library Multipurpose Room Free admission 863-291-5880

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

» World Cup of Paintball 9 am – 6 pm 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City 863-984-3500

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

» Lake Wales Pioneer Days 10 am Festival honoring the Pioneers of Lake Wales E Park Ave & N Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Wales

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T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A LT H C A R E I S B A S E D O N T R U S T.

Nationally recognized heart care is right here.

That’s the Bostick advantage.

Winter Haven Hospital’s Bostick Heart Center is recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons as being in the top 10 percent of heart programs in the United States, and ranked one of the nation’s top 50 heart centers by a leading consumer advocacy magazine.We give our heart patients every possible advantage by combining the best clinical experts with the latest technologies and the most effective rehab services available. And it’s all backed by the hospital you trust, Winter Haven Hospital.

Learn more at www.winterhavenhospital.org or call 863-292-4688.

AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

Compassion. Innovation. Trust. We’re your family’s choice.

FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line. 800-416-6705.

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ISLAND JEWELRY “INSPIRED BY NATURE”

Mars & Valentine Handmade • One-of-A-Kind

GOGO

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Echo of the Dreamer

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AS CLASSIC, COMFORTABLE AND FLATTERING AS YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF DENIM!

SORRELLI

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Chris Bales Design N NAUTICAL AUTICAL & &E EQUESTRAIN QUESTRAIN

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GOGO Handmade

Limited Edition

Handmade

Limited Edition

SORRELLI Limited Edition

LIBBY’S ARTISAN JEWELRY

Handmade • Limited Eddition

ANDY THORNAL WATER TOWER PLACE

28

336 Magnolia Ave. SW • Winter Haven, Florida 33880 863-299-9999 • AndyThornal.com • Mon-Sat • 10am-6pm OCTOBER 2012 focuspolkcounty.com