Heartland Living Magazine Winter 2012 Issue

Living Magazine

Winter 2012

That (ugh!) heavy feeling in your (gasp!) chest could be a

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Do you know the other red flags?

Don’t wait to experience all the symptoms of a heart attack before calling for help—even one can signal trouble. We’re ready in any emergency, but before we can give you Extra fast, Extra easy, Extra great care for a heart attack, know the symptoms, and know when to call 911.

Highlands Regional Medical Center has earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval™. Our award-winning program meets the highest national standards for safety and quality of care.

2 | Winter 2012 Heartland

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Heartland Living Magazine | 3

Letter From

THE PUBLISHER H

PUBLISHER

olidays are always a time I look forward to each year, spending it with my family and friends. As we all get together this holiday season to share quality time with family traditions, charity events and holiday celebrations, let’s all count our blessings.

Children are excited about the Christmas parades, all the sparkling lights, a little time off from school for family activities and to enjoy all the joyful festivities. I’m sure all of us have special holiday memories we look back on as children and look forward to sharing with our children this season. Please take the time this holiday season and give our children, whether yours or someone else’s, the sweet holiday memories they deserve and will cherish.

As we reach the close of 2012, I want to reflect on the blessings and experiences we have shared. I’ve met so many great individuals in our community who have served our country and/or community in many ways.

This is what inspired my previous issues, focusing on strength, courage and hope. I hope that your life has been touched by one of these inspiring individuals or stories, as I know mine has.

In this winter issue I’ve chosen to focus on giving for the holidays. As many do during this time of the year, it is a time to give back to the ones less fortunate. You will find throughout the community, various organizations that allow us to do so. Please choose what charity is close to your heart and I hope you enjoy our story on Giving from the Heart in this issue. Maybe you can brighten the heart of a child with a donation to Heartland for Children Rudolph Round-Up that covers our communities in Hardee, Highlands & Polk County. I would like to thank the Storey Family for gracing our cover and sharing their family with us.

The opportunity to celebrate the Sebring Centennial this year with the community and my family was priceless. I’m very blessed that I could enjoy such a milestone and see my great-grandfather’s legacy live on in the wonderful town of Sebring. I hope you enjoy the event photos.

A very special thanks to my advertisers as you have proved that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Also, thank you to the community for your support, encouragement and compliments have made this year enjoyable and rewarding.

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From my family to yours Happy Holidays and God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams

Living Magazine

Dentistry from Infancy to Adolescence

Your child’s health is important and finding a positive relationship between kids and their dentist is a good way to build lifelong healthy habits.

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 5

Heartland CONTENT

FEATURES Storey Family 14 The

By Christy Swift

Living Magazine

Winter 2012 George & Nancy Hensley 30 Mayor

By Pamela Glinski

22 Giving From the Heart 36 Army National Guard

By Pamela Glinski

By Christy Swift

22

Columns

14

12 18 28 44 46 50 54

Seminole Tribe of Florida Cheyenne Blake Nuñez Showcasing The Arts SFSC Theatre for Performing Arts Woman2Woman Linda Williams and Pam Ames Healthy Heartland Healthy Holidays The Wine Cellar Champagne, champagne or Sparkling Southern Chef Recipes by Layne Prescott Fishing in the Heartland Speckled Perch Season

Heartland Events 10 City of Sebring

Centennial Celebration

42 Avon Park Chamber of 48

Commerce Oktoberfest Highlands Art League’s “Art Uncorked”

53 Arcadia Antique Fair

36

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58 Advertisers Index

Living Magazine

48 Cover

Living Magazine

Photo by Rafael Pacheco Harley Pryor and Olivia Schonauer feeding “Nammer.”

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine

Winter 2012 Publisher / Executive Editor Cindy Sebring Adams

GB’s Ladies and Men’s formal wear, provides a great selection of semi-formal and formal gowns, tuxedos, suits as well as all of your bridal needs.

Art Director Bridgette Waldau Assistant Editor Constance Bartlett Feature Writers Pamela Glinski Christy Swift Contributing Writers Amanda Armentrout Dan Echols Nicole La Placa David Padgitt Layne Prescott Cover & Feature Photographer Rafael Pacheco Feature Photographers Traci Newlin Pam Glinski Contributing Photographers Jessica Adams Travis Brandon Advertising Department Cindy Sebring Adams Jessica Adams Circulation C & C Distribution

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Visit us at www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com Heartland Living Magazine is published quarterly by Heartland Publications & Marketing. Copyright 2012, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability. Letters from our readers are not only welcome but encouraged.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 7

8 | Winter 2012 Heartland

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Heartland Living Magazine | 9

City of Sebring Photos By Jessica Adams

Sebring Centennial Bed Race

Sebring Firemen, Inc. and Flippin Out Salon are cheered on by the large crowd.

South Florida State College team.

Mayor

George Hensley

Bed Race winner Sebring Firemen, Inc. (L-R) Jarrod Gavagni, Clint Culverhouse, Ashley Moore and Austin Maddox.

Jack’s Lawn Service race team.

Event Sponsor Sick Sideways Racing

Centennial Time Capsule Event

Plaque for time capsule, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sebring and the Sebring Centennial Celebration committee.

The time capsule will be opened on Sebring’s 200th Anniversary.

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Dan Echols and grandson Louie Echols.

(Above) Jen Brown & Allen Altvater

Living Magazine

(Right) Allen Altvater speaks.

Heartland Living Magazine publisher Cindy Sebring Adams was proud and honored by having the Fall Issue 2012 for placement into the time capsule.

Centennial Celebration!

100 Year Centennial Parade

Sebring Family getting ready for the parade on float provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

Sebring High School Band

Grand Marshalls, siblings Jacquie Sebring Trevelyan and Billy Sebring.

Mayor George Hensley

Sebring Historical Society

Festival on the Circle after the parade.

California Toe Jam Band performs at the festival.

Toby the Clowns with Casey Wohl.

(L-R) Jr. Miss Highlands County Phoebe Kay Phypers, Little Miss Highlands County Aubrey Lynn Lanier and Miss Highlands County Chabeli Ravelo Perez.

Winter 2012

Billy Sebring enjoys the festival with his granddaughter Jessica Adams.

Heartland Living Magazine | 11

Cheyenne Blake Nuñez 2012-2013 Brighton Seminole Princess Photo by Rafael Pacheco

Brighton Seminole Princess Cheyenne Blake Nuñez’s In-

dian name is eyvtecet, which means, “shy.” She is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the 14-year-old daughter of Daniel and Peggy Nuñez. Cheyenne has three sisters, Courtney, Joleyne, Daliyah and a brother, Daniel Jr. She resides on the Brighton Indian Reservation and her father is a member of the Panther clan. Cheyenne is a freshman at Okeechobee High School and is very involved in activities in her community, school and sports.

In school, Cheyenne had always tried to be a role model for her class. She maintains a 3.5-4.0 grade point average and was elected president of her class this year. She was also selected by her class to be the freshman class float attendant this year.

Cheyenne is very athletic. Sports are a huge part of her life.

She has been playing travel volleyball and softball since she was 8. While in 7th grade, she was the tournament MVP for the volleyball team and in 8th grade was chosen MVP of both the volleyball and basketball teams. She was also chosen to be on the All-American All-Star team for basketball. “It was exciting for me to have the opportunity to play with different people from all of the surrounding counties,” states Cheyenne. This year she made the high school varsity volleyball and basketball teams.

In addition to school and community sports, Cheyenne also plays NAYO (Native American Youth Organization) softball every summer.

Her heritage is important to her, so she tries to be as involved as possible in activities within the tribe. Cheyenne loves to learn about the history of her people and sing songs in her Creek language. She also enjoy going to her church, First Brighton Baptist, on Sundays with her grandmother, Alice Johns Sweat.

In 2010, Cheyenne was Junior Miss Brighton and 2011 she placed 3rd in the Junior Miss Florida Seminole pageant, which she will compete for the title again in 2013. Currently she is the reigning 2012-2013 Brighton Seminole Princess.

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After graduating high school, Cheyenne plan to attend Florida State University and pursue a degree in Business Administration.

Living Magazine

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Heartland Living Magazine | 13

“We’re 36 years married and like the life we live.

I like doing what we do.

I like having my family here being part of it.”

-Janet Storey

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Living Magazine

4th Generation Ranchers in Moore Haven

By Christy Swift Photos By Rafael Pacheco

anet Storey has a laugh in her voice. You can feel the joy behind her words.

Janet and her husband Byron are fourth-generation ranchers in Moore Haven. They live on their extensive Glades County family ranch, which now also hosts citrus and sugarcane.

It was Janet’s family that owned the land. On her father’s side, her grandfather Joseph Peeples, Sr. started the ranching tradition. On her mother’s side, grandparents Austin and Rosalie Pearce had a 13,000 acre ranch.

Her parents worked hard to ensure that she and her sister Jeannette could inherit their property.

“We didn’t have a lot of neighbors. It was a treat being able to hunt, fish, go where you wanted and just being able to enjoy that life,” Janet said.

The Storey’s are a family of girls. It was just Janet and her sister growing up. Janet married Byron and they had three daughters.

Byron was a cowboy from English, Texas. They met and married in 1976 when he was on a rodeo circuit. “My sister wanted us to meet,” Janet recalled. “He happened to be coming down to Homestead to a rodeo and my brother-in-law introduced us in January of 1976. We were married June 12, 1976.”

Maybe how they met was typical of old, rural Florida.

She took him armadillo hunting and cooked supper for him (not the armadillo they’d caught). “I cooked him a steak,” she clarified. “I also outshot him!” They were both 24-years-old.

That tomboy spirit has been passed down to their own daughters, Leslie, Erin and Whitney. Even the grandchildren are girls. Leslie and her husband Weston Pryor have four-year-old Harley; Erin and her husband Brad Schonauer have two-year-old Olivia and Whitney, the youngest, and her husband Dusty Savoie, just welcomed Avery, now four months old.

“If I could have had grandchildren, I wouldn’t have had children,” joked Janet, who is also the Glades County Cattleman’s Association President (not Cattlewomen’s).

She added that it never bothered her or her husband that no boys ever came out of the mix.

“Our girls were wonderful,” she said. “We did things with them. They liked to hunt, to fish, working cows and drive tractors. I hope that is what my granddaughters will want to do as well.”

Janet is happy she and Byron got to pass down their love of horses and rodeoing. All three of their daughters were Florida state champions and rodeoed in junior high and high school. The family travelled across the country as the girls competed.

Byron and Janet are still active with local youth even

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Heartland Living Magazine | 15

The Storeys are a family of girls (L-R): Whitney Savoie holding daughter Avery; Leslie Pryor standing with daughter Harley on her horse “Girlfriend” and Erin Schonauer holding daughter Olivia. now that their girls are grown. Byron has been the director and the president of the Glades County Youth Livestock Corporation. The organization supports children participating in 4-H and FFA, providing scholarships and financial aid to kids who want to show an animal, but may not have the funds to do it.

“We put on a ranch rodeo every year.

That’s helped moneywise. We’ve done this since my dad started this group,” said Janet. Now, pretty much the whole family is involved.

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Living Magazine

The organization doesn’t stop at agriculture, either. It supports any youth event, including Little League, football, tee-ball, softball and sports programs through the high school. They also reach out to families in the Glades area who need help, for example after a traumatic event.

As a teacher, Janet has made a career out of giving to kids. She taught school for 22 years and has been on the Glades County School Board for 12 years. “I think the biggest thing I like doing is making sure that the kids of our county

are taken care of education-wise,” she said. She also enjoys meeting with other like-minded school board members and superintendents across the state. “We’re very fortunate in our county. We’ve got good schools, good teachers and good kids,” said Janet.

Byron, who was a policeman back in Texas, runs the ranch full time with sons-in-law Weston and Dusty. Their oldest and youngest daughters and their families both live on the family ranch.

Their middle daughter, Erin, and her family live not too far away in Jupiter.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 17

Brett M. Sasseen, M.D., F.A.C.C Board Certified Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology Dr. Brett Sasseen specializes in Interventional Cardiology; he is well rounded in Hypertension, Coronary Artery Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, and Intravascular Ultrasound.

He received his doctor of medicine degree from Washington University in St. Louis. His internship and residency was at the University of Michigan.

He received an Undergraduate degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in neurobiology from the University of Pennsylvania where he also performed his fellowship in cardiology and interventional cardiology.

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18 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Janet loves having her family so close and living on the land they’ve worked so hard to hold onto. Over the years, as her father’s health declined, they diversified into citrus. When he passed away, the family made a decision to lease some property to U.S. Sugar to help ease the burden on her mother.

While Janet regrets some of the clearing of the land, they have improved areas of pastureland that cater to wildlife like deer and turkey, and she describes her property as “just beautiful.”

The Storey family (L-R): Janet & Byron Storey; Whitney, Avery & Dusty Savoie; Weston, Leslie & Harley Pryor and Erin, Olivia & Brad Schonauer. Also in the photo are family horses “Girlfriend” and “Fatty Party.”

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 19

Harley and “Nammer.”

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“We’re 36 years married and like the life we live. I like doing what we do. I like having my family here being part of it,” she said.

The laughter in her voice is still there when she adds, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” ¢

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Heartland Living Magazine | 21

Giving From

„ 22 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

the Heart

By Christy Swift Photos By Rafael Pacheco

T

he younger Ellis kids are boisterous, full of energy and red-faced on the hot playground. They play like any other sisters and brothers and it’s impossible to tell they all aren’t blood related.

One child comes up to his mother, Terry Ellis, numerous times to tattle-tale. Another needs a drink and a snack.

Terry and Woody Ellis respond with patience and gentleness. Their children’s needs come first. “I was adopted out of foster care,” explained Terry. “It’s kind of a life thing for me.”

The Ellis Family Story The Ellises have spent 10 years fostering children with Heartland for Children, a not-for-profit foster care and adoption agency serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. They have an adult biological daughter, five adopted children and one foster child at the moment.

Their first adopted child, Julian, joined their family five years ago. He came to them a meth-addicted, 19-day-old baby boy. “That was hard. It’s still hard,” said Woody. “He has a lot of complications from his heavy exposure.”

Two years later, they adopted teenage siblings Victor, now 19 and Jasmine, now 16. They had been previously adopted but their adoptive mother passed away, launching them back into the system.

The Ellises were contacted because they had requested to adopt older children and case workers were eager to keep the siblings together. “They were placed with us as foster children. Everything clicked and they became adopted children with us,” Terry recounted.

In April 2012, two more little tykes joined the Ellis clan, energetic brother and sister, Ezequiel, 6 and Briyana, 7. But this wasn’t their first time in the Ellis home.

“Zeke was two and Briyana was three when they lived with us for about eight months,” recalled Terry. “The children were then moved to another home which was supposed to be an adoptive home, however they were there one year and that failed.”

Terry said that when she and Woody discovered the duo were coming back into state care, the Ellises felt the children had been “shuffled around” long enough. “We talked about it, permanency was what they needed and we were the people to do it,” Terry said.

You might think that people like the Ellises, who have loved and cared for approximately 200 children over the years are saints. This makes the Ellises laugh. They say they’re certainly not saints.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 23

“I’ve learned a lot about myself,” said Terry. “I’ve learned patience. I’m more patient than I ever thought I could be. I’ve also learned that I’m a fixer and you can’t always be a fixer. Sometimes you have to just go with the flow.”

“We’ve learned that when these kids have really severe emotional problems, you can’t give up on them. You have to find the right people to help them, the professionals,” added Woody. “It takes perseverance.”

The Ellises said a lot of people also don’t realize the payback you get from opening your heart and home to children who have nowhere else to go.

“We’ve had so many wonderful, wonderful children,” said Terry. “They’ve experienced so much trauma. They are resilient and still have that love and outreach. Their spirit hasn’t been broken.”

“It takes a village . . .”

The Ellis are quick to point out that it takes real commitment to be a foster parent and that their success is in large part due to the training, support and help they receive through Heartland for Children.

According to CEO Terri Saunders, the Bartow-based agency currently manages about 350 kids in licensed foster homes, 125 children in group

(Right) Heartland for Children CEO Terri Saunders.

(Below): Saunders with Julian Ezequiel and Briyana.

24 | Winter 2012 Heartland

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 25

homes and 150 foster families. Last year they facilitated 154 adoptions.

Saunders said the organization, which started in 2003; goal is to support and better prepare foster parents as well as to normalize the experience. For kids, this means being able to spend the night at a trusted friend’s house, going on vacation with their foster family and reaching out to the community, providing kids with real-life experiences (like ballet lessons). The organization dubbs it “community-based” care, calling on the “village” to help raise these children, not just government.

It also means treating foster parents as partners and allowing contact between biological parents and foster parents, something Terry said has been especially beneficial. “Biological parents can feel like they are on the outside. When you try to get them involved, attitudes kind of smooth over and the parents realize you aren’t this person who thinks they

are awful parents.”

What Else Can I Do?

On the flip side, it also makes it easier to be a foster parent, according to Terry. “That’s our true job. We want every child to be able to go home. When you see the bonding and healing, it’s easier to let the children go.”

If you’re not in a position to provide a home to a needy child, there is still a lot you can do for these kids, according to Saunders.

But it’s not always easy for the kids or the foster parents, and Saunders acknowledges that. “What these kids needs are moms and dads. But we also know that being a parent to a child who has been a victim of abuse takes a level of understanding of the impact of that trauma,” she said.

The guardian ad-litem program needs volunteers to be the voice of the children in the court system. Heartland for Children also has a mentoring program similar to Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

“Some of these teens and kids just need somebody they can count on,” Saunders stated.

That’s why Heartland for Children put so much energy into their foster parenttraining program. They have also created an advisory board made up of teens that have aged out of the system.

A local Eagle Scout group recently built some picnic tables for foster families to enjoy in their back yards. Donations of services like ballet, gymnastics, sports or music lessons are appreciated. Diapers and pajamas are always in demand as well.

“If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time,” said Saunders.

This time of year, the annual Rudolph Round-up toy drive is another way to Baby Bump 3D/4D Imaging, LLC is owned and operated by Crystal Negron.

Crystal has been a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Florida Hospital Heartland for over 5 years and has just recently stepped down from ultrasound supervisor to follow her dreams.

Crystal’s passion and love for pregnancy and performing OB Ultrasounds has brought her to open her own business here in Highlands County, Florida.

Crystal wanted to offer mothers a once in a life time opportunity to visualize the miracle of their growing baby throughout their entire pregnancy as she experienced with her own daughter Jazmyn, who is currently 5 years old and is Crystal’s blessing from God.

Come bring your family and friends and experience a memorable bonding ultrasound with your unborn child like never before.

Go to www.babybumpimaging for more details.

26 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Baby Bump 3D/4D Imaging offers multiple elective 2D/3D/4D non-diagnostic ultrasound packages/sessions that you may choose from to fit your needs.

contribute. New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at participating locations in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

Last year over 1,500 kids were provided with gifts using a sophisticated tracking system that allows case managers to ensure the correct gifts get to the right child, no matter where they are or how often they have moved, said chief community relations officer, Kim Daugherty.

The Ellises have witnessed the joy this program brings to some of these children, who may have never experienced a traditional Christmas morning before. “You should see their eyes light up,” Terry said with a wide smile.

“We know how difficult it is for children to recover from traumatic events. We want to minimize the effect,” said Saunders.

Interested parties can donate toys, donate money or host a toy drive for the 8th Annual Rudolph Round-up Toy Drive.

For more information see ad on page 51 or call 863-5198900.

For more information on becoming a foster parent, call 863 519-8900 x 289. ¢

We have been providing our community quality healthcare with a personal touch for more than 30 years.

We are proud to introduce the newest member of our medical staff.

Welcome Dr. Benjamin Epstein, Orthopedic Surgeon.

Dr. Epstein is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. He brings 20 years of orthopedic experience to Raulerson Hospital.

Dr. Benjamin Epstein

For a FREE physician referral, call 863-763-9228.

Raulerson Hospital’s Orthopedic Department offers a full range of orthopedic services including: • Total Hip and Knee Replacements • Arthroscopic Surgery & Sports Medicine

We Treat Kids Too!

• Pediatric Orthopedics

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• Work Related injuries

Heartland Living Magazine | 27

The Smithsonian is Coming!

December 8, 2012 thru January 19, 2013

Come see the Journey Stories exhibit at the Highlands Museum of the Arts (MOTA) located in Downtown Sebring (351 W. Center Ave).

Journey Stories is a compelling Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow.

The accounts of travelers themselves express the hopes and promises of fresh starts, the grim realities of forced migrations and difficult journeys, and the thrills of personal travel.

Enjoy FREE admission to see this Smithsonian Institution exhibit that is co-sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council.

Museum Open: Monday-Saturdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For more information, call (863) 385-6682 or visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org

351 West Center Avenue Sebring, FL 33870 28 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Highlands Art League

ď‚Ź

Living Magazine

ue r Aven Cente

U.S. Sport Aviation Expo The 4-day U.S. Sport Aviation Expo kicks off January 17 at Sebring Regional Airport with an enhanced experience for all. A spectacular Twilight Air Show combines exciting performances with formation flying and aerobatics featuring Team RV, Breezer Aircraft USA and aerial LSA acrobatic performances by International Aerobatic Champion, Patty Wagstaff (pictured).

Patty’s breathtaking, low-level precision aerobatic performances will wow spectators with her complex unlimited aerobatics. Patty is the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and one of the few people to win it three times.

Team RV will also perform an amazing 12-ship formation show with light and smoke.

For more info. or buy tickets online visit www. sport-avia¬tion-expo.com.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 29

Mayor George and Nancy Hensley Dedicated to the City

By Pamela Glinski

Nancy and George Hensley with their dog Katie on the porch at their Dinner Lake home.

D

uring Sebring’s Centennial celebrations, Mayor George Hensley and his wife Nancy were involved in many of the activities and events that marked the city’s 100 year anniversary.

vacationing with her family at the NuWray Inn in North Carolina.

“We have loved it!” said Nancy. The Mayor added, “All of the activities of this last week were fun. My favorite happened to be the mayor’s street dance because I was in charge of that.”

Nancy’s parents Ford Heacock, Sr. and Martee Saunders Heacock were friends with the Hensley family and stayed regularly at the historic hotel.

From their home on Dinner Lake, the Hensley’s shared memories of their families, 53 years of marriage and over 30 years of public service to the community they love.

Sebring became a part of George Hensley’s destiny from the moment he met a young lady named Nancy Heacock, 30 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Hensley’s maternal grandparents (Wray) owned the well-known landmark that opened in 1833.

“I was 15 that summer, George was 16 and the son of the innkeeper,” said Nancy, of the meeting that blossomed into young love the following summer during a return visit.

The Nu-Wray became a family favorite for holiday gatherings while the couple’s three daughters, Beth, Martee, and Leslie, were growing up.

Both of Nancy’s parents were from pioneer families that helped shape Sebring’s history.

Nancy’s grandfather, Cornelius “C.F.” Saunders, was the first Clerk of the Court of Highlands County, serving three terms. After retiring from politics, he became director of the Chamber of Commerce. Her father established the Heacock Insurance Agency in 1922, a thriving family-run business.

Born in 1936 in North Carolina, George was introduced to the insurance industry early in life. His father was not only the Burnsville Postmaster, he delivered fresh milk, grew tobacco and owned a small independent insurance agency.

After George graduated from Duke University with a degree in Business

Above (L-R): Sunny, Sandy, Maud, Cornelius, Minnie Bess and Martee Saunders.

Pictured right: Austin C. and Zua Heacock Administration the couple married June 20, 1959. At the urging of her father, they moved to Sebring in 1963, and George started what has become a 49 year career with Heacock Insurance Group.

In 1972, the couple built their dream home on Dinner Lake. A spacious ranch style house that sits amid a dozen old-growth oak trees, the home has a welcoming ambiance. Filled with family heirlooms and photos of their 10 grandchildren, their residence is a reflection of southern charm and elegance.

A mantle hand-carved by his great-grandfather in 1850 graces the family-room fireplace. It was rescued by George’s father when his ancestor’s home was torn down in 1954.

In 1980, the same year George retired as a Captain in the Naval Reserves, he ran for his first public office, winning a council seat. After five terms, it was his wife and numerous other people’s encouragement that prompted him to run for mayor in 1998.

Entire Sebring High School Class,1922 (L-R): Mary ‘Boo’ Estes Altaver, Helen Moyer, M. Young Moelter, Ellen Heacock, Martee Saunders and (sitting) Guy Andrews.

“I wanted to get involved and give back to the community,” said this friendly, outgoing man of his decision to seek political office. He won with 76 percent of the vote and has been unopposed ever since.

From his eight years with the Sebring Airport Authority to 30 years in public office, Hensley feels he has been successful because he is a “good listener” who “likes to resolve conflicts with a healthy outcome for all.”

The Mayor’s admiration for the city staff, city administrator, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Public Works and Utility Department is evident in his praise of their visionary proposals and worthwhile efforts. “They have done an outstanding job of making the city what it is today,” Hensley stated. “There are good people in leadership positions in this city.”

This has been a busy year for the Hensley’s. After cancer sur- Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 31

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gery last October and radiation treatments, the Mayor said he is now doing very well. “I’m cancer free according to my doctor, and I’m very glad about that.”

A middle-school teacher who retired after 22 years with the Highlands County school system, Nancy has been the Chairwoman of the Champion for Children Foundation (www.ccfhighlands.org) for over 14 years. She said that the non-profit organization is in the process of completing renovations on the historic Circle Theatre.

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The Mayor is also active with the Rotary Club of Sebring, is on the Board of Directors for the city’s firemen and police pension boards, and is a trustee with the First United Methodist Church.

Nancy is chairperson for First United Methodist’s Centennial. The historic church on South Pine Street has held monthly events including a reenactment of the one-day church raising, the making of a memorial quilt, and producing the winning float in Sebring’s Centennial Parade. Celebrations will culminate with an old fashioned ice cream social on Dec. 8 and the Centennial worship service and luncheon on Dec. 9. ¢ (Below) Mayor George and Nancy Hensley Oct. 13 at HLT’s Zenon Awards.

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 33

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34 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

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Heartland Living Magazine | 35

Army National Guard Serving Florida and our Country

By Pamela Glinski Photos By Traci Newlin

36 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

S

ince 1970 the Florida Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery has operated out of the Avon Park Armory located at 2500 U.S. 27 South.

The 62,500 pound WWII Howitzer that sits in front of the red brick building may be decommissioned, but it remains a symbol of U.S. artillery strength and capability.

“I’ve been here for 23 year. I can’t tell you how many people we’ve had stop in just to talk because they see our ‘tank’,” said sergeant first class James J.W. Metz, the readiness non-commissioned officer who handles local National Guard operations during the month.

Metz explained, the armament that people describe as a tank is actually an eight inch self-propelled Howitzer M110. In battlefield operations the Howitzer was replaced by a highly mobile, lighter weight Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) in 1997.

Since 1970 the Florida Army National Guard 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery has operated out of the Avon Park Armory located at 2500 U.S. 27 South.

“We did a three week transition course from the track system to the new wheeled version at Camp Blanding in March,” Metz said of the training provided in Stark, Florida on the new high mobility artillery rocket system.

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 37

Metz described the first 15 years of his military service as that of a traditional Guardsman who serves one weekend each month and two weeks annual training (AT) a year. Eight years ago, he applied for the position of training NCO and then was promoted to readiness NCO. He is responsible for payroll issues, accounting, and deployment readiness for approximately 50 men currently in his unit.

Above: SGT Carlton P. Queen

For 375 years, the Army National Guard has been at the beckon call of the state and federal government, providing a first line in emergency responses. They mobilize to defend Americans within our country or overseas.

During Hurricane Sandy, 61,000 Guardsmen and Guardswomen stood ready to respond to an executive order from their state’s governor or the president to rush disaster relief to the storm battered Northeast.

Twenty years ago, when Hurricane Andrew left a path of destruction across Southern Florida, the Avon Park unit answered the call for help. When the 1998 drought brought wildfires that destroyed over 100,000 acres across the state, the 116th was there to help fire fighters. In 2004, when four hurricanes crossed Central Florida, they ran a distribution point for water, ice and food out of Wauchula.

“We work with local law enforcement and fire units based on the needs of the area,” said Metz.

Above: CPT Yarbrough and 1SG Gaskins with member of the unit Below(L-R): CPT Yarbrough (Commander), 1SG Gaskin (First Sergeant), SFC Metz (Readiness NCO) and SGT Queen (Recruiter).

Whether it is search and rescue, battling wildfires, guarding the borders or fighting in combat missions in foreign lands, when called, the National Guard (www.NationalGuard.com) stated its members do: “What is needed, wherever it is needed.”

In 2005, the 116th deployed to Iraq as military police security forces. They are currently readying for another overseas deployment.

“I love serving my country. Getting up and putting this uniform on every day means something to me,” said Florida National Guard recruiting and retention NCO, sergeant Carlton P. Queen. He added, “I recruit for two of the batteries in their battalion. It is a privilege for me to work in the community and try to help these kids better their lives.”

Queen’s eight year military career includes time as an infantry soldier, a combat medic, a paratrooper and service with multi-national forces on a peace keeping

38 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 39

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mission. For the past four years, he has been a full-time recruiter with an office at the Avon Park Armory.

“We recently had a remodel,” said SFC Metz of the major structural renovation that stated February 15, 2012, “The contractors did a fantastic job and were ahead of schedule.”

Renovations were funded by the State of Florida’s Florida Armory Revitalization Program (FARP), a multi-year project with a $15 million projected annual budget, to modernize and expand facilities used by the Florida National Guard.

Since FARP’s inception in 2003, 31 of Florida’s 61 armories have been updated; another 19 are slated for remodels by 2016.

Walking through the facility with its modern, well-equipped kitchen, new walls and flooring, air conditioning and a 5104 sq. ft. auditorium that seats up to 299, it is easy to see why Metz describes it and other improvements made to the

40 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

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“We do rent this facility out,” said Metz.

The Armory is available for weddings, birthday parties, meetings, seminars and events. For information, contact Metz at 863-452-3850.

“We also participate in a lot of events per requests,” said Queen of the parades, festivals and annual events where volunteers act as ambassadors for the Guard. Metz noted that whether it is a golf tournament fundraiser, a women’s group catering a luncheon, or a veteran stopping into the Avon Park facility to reminisce, the local area has been exceptionally supportive of the National Guard.

“No matter where you go, in this uniform you will always get a thank you in this community,” said SFC Metz. ¢ Top photo: 1SG Gaskins being given control of the battery from CPT Yarbrough in formation.

Below: Unit members in front of Armory.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 41

Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest The Avon Park Chamber of Commerce held their Oktoberfest event on Oct. 13 at Museum and Main in downtown Avon Park. This free event offered German food, beer, music and family activities, including The Arc’s 4th annual Wiener Dog Race. For more upcoming e ve n t s go t o t h e cha mber’s webstie a t www.avonparkchamberofcommerce.com.

Kids enjoy the pony rides.

Competition by local firemen.

Wiener dog race competitors ready for the race.

(L-R) Junior Miss Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Taylor Massey and Miss Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Breauna Washington.

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42 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Thank You to the voters of District 21 for the opportunity to represent

you in the Florida Senate for the next four years. Your support is appreciated!

This holiday season, I hope you would consider supporting - and even participating in - the Florida Baptist Children's Homes "Caring Families" program - an effort to offer parents in crisis with a temporary support system before things get out of hand and government must become involved.

We know that government doesn't raise kids, families do. And we want to keep families together. That's why I'm supporting efforts like these, and hope you will, too!

Denise Grimsley Visit www.fbchomes.org for more information and ways you can help!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Denise Grimsley, Republican for State Senate District 21.

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 43

Art Uncorked

Imagine a room with a beautiful sunset view of Lake Jackson, a cheerful setting of easels with canvases, brushes, aprons and paints all set out with snacks, beverages, and inspiring quotes with happy music playing. Welcome to “Art Uncorked” at Highlands Art League’s Visual Arts Center in Sebring. This new offering has caused quite a stir in Sebring, with the first five events sold out to capacity.

Local artist Linda Kegley and the Art League’s manager, Susan James, have created a format that allows people to register for the events online, and to arrive only with an adventurous spirit “to unleash their inner artist.” No previous art experience is required, and during the course of the two- to three-hour session, a 16”x20” acrylic painting is created which the participant can take home that night! Kegley starts with a blank canvas as well and leads the participants through each step. Contact Susan James at 863-385-6682 for more information.

Group painting.

Group proudly show their finished paintings.

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Jeri Wohl and Debbie Kendrick

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Living Magazine

(Above) Kelli Harris and Casey Wohl (Below) Marie Boley

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 45

S

ShowcasingT he Arts

outh Florida State College Theatre for the Performing Arts is one of the hidden gems of the Heartland. Located on the beautiful SFSC Highlands campus in Avon Park, it’s a quick drive not only in Highlands, but also from Hardee, Desoto, and Polk counties.

The gorgeous, recently-renovated facility, which seats 1,460 people, is truly a state-of-the-art complex. If you haven’t visited the Theatre since the renovation, then you owe it to yourself to come see this amazing building. Balcony and box seats provide everyone with a bird’s eye view of the stage. Many performers have commented on how they would expect to find a venue of this magnitude in a much larger city.

The Artist Series is the headline series for the SFSC Theatre, bringing in the biggest musicians, plays, cirque shows and more. Over the years artists such as Johnny Mathis, Travis Tritt, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers and Jose Feliciano have graced the stage at SFSC. This season’s lineup is one of the best ever. You won’t want to miss the tribute to our military service people and first responders set to the inspirational and patriotic music of Mac Frampton’s Fanfare for the American Hero, the amazing musical ability of the 90-piece China National Symphony Orchestra, or the hilarious antics of Gregory Popovich and his 20+ adopted animal friends in the Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre.

The biggest stars this season are definitely America’s favorite comedian Bill Cosby, and the beloved Lennon Sisters.

The curtain goes up on the Matinee Series at 1:30 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesdays from January to March, with acts that are hand-picked for our local retired community to enjoy. This season has famous groups like The Diamonds and The Brothers Four, the energetic Earl Turner, the popular gospel duo The Burchfield Brothers and the classic rock tribute band Phil Dirt and the Dozers.

The Jazz series is set in our smaller, more intimate 245 seat SFSC University Center Auditorium. It features great jazz acts like the Eddie Metz Jr. Trio and the famous Miami-based saxophonist Ed Calle.

The Kaleidoscope series brings in many interesting and diverse acts that don’t always fit in as well on our other series. Don’t miss the hilarious comedian-ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger or the sensational bluegrass and folk band The Kruger Brothers.

With the great and diverse lineup, across four series, there’s bound to be something for anyone.

(Pictured right-top to bottom) Travis Tritt; Dr. Dini Rada, Kenny Rogers and Melanie Bassett; Johnny Mathis; South Florida State College Theatre for the Performing Arts.

46 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Coming this season to the SFSC Theatre for the Performing Arts...

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Nunset Boulevard New York Tenors “Christmas” Darren Williams Fanfare for the American Hero

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Learn about our Jazz and Kaleidoscope series:

www.performances.southflorida.edu Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 47

2

Woman Woman

By Amanda Armentrout Photos By Traci Newlin

Linda Williams & Pam Ames Mother/Daughter Duo

“We were both born and raised in DeSoto County, so naturally we have always been active and very concerned about our community and anxious to see it be all it can be.” This was what the dynamic Mother/Daughter duo of Linda Williams and Pam Ames shared. The word “active”, however, may be an understatement. Both have served as Presidents and are now on the Board of Advisors for the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Linda serves on the DeSoto County Tourism Committee and Pam serves on the City of Arcadia’s Historic Preservation Committee.

While involved with the Chamber, they helped with the renovation of the Chamber building located in the center of town. They also proudly host the Chamber Early Bird Christmas, assist with the Foster Care systems’ Christmas, Christmas Card Lane and the Christmas Parade.

They are also active with the Arcadia Main Street Program, a program that is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown area. Improving economic management, strengthening the community involvement and making the downtown a focal point is top on the priority list. This program sits close to their hearts as they are business owners in beautiful historic downtown Arcadia.

Board of Advisors for the Desoto Chamber of Commerce, (R-L) Linda Williams and Pam Ames.

Although they have been in business since 2001, their new store “The Peddler’s Boutique” is the result of growth and success. After much success with their gift baskets business, the business-savvy ladies decided to expand. After a setback named Hurricane Charley and a move, they reopened in May 2012. Their attitude of giving extended to others that were affected by the storm. Through grants and the Main Street Program, they were able to assist 8 businesses that were damaged.

“Our favorite part of being in business is the people we serve.” Pam comments. “Our customers are our friends.”

They are also very quick to thank the community for their support. “We would not have survived the past 11 years if it were not for them.”

48 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

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Heartland Living Magazine | 49

Blinds ASAP! of Sebring Blinds ASAP! of Sebring, located at the Village Fountain Plaza, is very excited to say we are now a family business with our daughter and son-inlaw joining our staff along with our long time friend, who is our sales and service manager. We are very blessed to have a staff that loves to serve and be a help to all our customers. Our goal is to give the best service, the best selection and the most satisfaction possible.

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Living Magazine

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Heartland Living Magazine | 51

Healthy Heartland

By Nicole La Placa

Healthy Holidays The holiday season is here and for most of us that means food, family and more food! The holiday season is typically very busy, which can create a tremendous amount of stress.

Stress during this time of year can come from a variety of factors such as family and finances.

During this time of year it is important to be thankful for what you have. One of the biggest blessings is your good health. Being healthy physically and emotionally is not something that can be bought. It is up to each of us to pay attention to our lifestyle choices and the food that we are eating.

When attending holiday parties, there is an abundance of food and many times alcohol. Please remember that now is just as important as any other time in the year to be proactive with your healthy lifestyle habits. Just because the table is full of food does not mean you need to eat all of it.

This is also a time of year when a lot of people suffer from depression and anxiety, then turn to food or alcohol for comfort. Creative outlets such as journaling, exercising or listening to music are excellent ways to deal with any negative emotions associated with the holiday.

“Healthier” Chocolate Chip Muffins

Here are some other healthy living tips to help you get through this holiday season:

1 Don’t wait until the holidays are over to start an exercise

routine. Exercise increases your endorphins which will elevate your mood. Exercise also promotes better sleep and will help you maintain a healthy weight while consuming the extra calories.

2 Eat slowly and mindfully. It takes time for the stomach to

send the brain signals that says ‘Stop eating, I’m full’. Eating dinner is not a race, take your time and enjoy your meal.

3 Eat in moderation. portions.

Choose a smaller plate and eat smaller

4

Stay Hydrated. Adequate water consumption will help flush your system of added sodium and sugars. This will also help to give you a sense of fullness and reduce food cravings.

5 Be grateful. Remember those who are less fortunate and

donate your time, toys, clothes or food items to a local charity.

2 cups multi-grain flour 1/3 cup light-brown sugar, packed 1/6 cup molasses 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt ¼ cup ground flax seeds

2/3 cup almond milk 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 c. walnuts or 1/2 c. pecans, chopped

Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease twelve muffin cups.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, molasses, baking powder, flax seed, and salt. In another bowl, stir together milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla until blended.

Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add milk mixture and stir just to combine. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean.

Remove muffin tin to wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove from tins to finish cooling. Serve warm or completely cool. These muffins freeze well.

52 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 53

Arcadia Antique Fair Photos By Traci Newlin

The 4th Saturday of the month from 8 am – 3 pm, the Antique Association of Arcadia sponsors one of the largest antique fairs in the state. On Oak Street in downtown Arcadia, this event hosts quality dealers from around the area. While you are there, check out the local cafes, tea room and specialty shops.

Photos: Local vendors set-up shop under the large oak while patrons enjoy the sidewalk shopping. Even pets enjoy the day.

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TravisBrandonPhotography.com 54 | Winter 2012 Heartland Living Magazine

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 55

Champagne, champagne or Sparkling?

By David Padgitt, Branch Manager for PRP Wine

With

the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to discuss wine with bubbles. After all, we toast to bring in the New Year so it is a good time to learn what you are putting in your mouth.

Let us start off with some definitions. Champagne is a sparkling wine (carbonated) that is produced in the bottle by inducing secondary fermentation to produce the carbonation. A true Champagne (capital “C”) is only produced in Champagne, France using specific grapes from a specific plot, grown a specific way under very tight regulations and only produced certain ways under law, all completed in the individual bottles. More details on this process will follow.

A champagne (note the small “c”) is a sparkling wine not produced in Champagne, France that is trying to capitalize on the name Champagne. It is now against European Union laws and most U.S. laws to use the name Champagne in sparkling wines unless you were using the word champagne before the laws were changed. Due to the fact that some laws in some countries are very weak when it comes to the use of the word Champagne you may find some “sparkling wines” call Champagne, champagne, or a misspelling of Champagne such as Champagn (without the “e”) or Champaigne (with the added “i”).

A sparkling wine is a wine of any country, any grape and any method of production that contains carbon dioxide bubbles. Carbon Dioxide is a natural by-product of fermentation (yeast plus sugar, added or naturally in the grape juice, produces alcohol and carbon dioxide).

That being said; I would like to tell you how true Champagne is made. To start out, Champagne “laws” are set 56 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne.

This is the governing body of Champagne makers that sets the rules. These rules include the codification of the best growing places, the types of grapes that are allowed, and very specific ways of growing the grapes. This includes the pruning of vines, the vineyard yield, the amount of pressing (squeezing of grapes to get the juice) and the time it must remain on its lees (deposits of dead yeast and other particulates) used in the second fermentation to produce the bubbles (carbon dioxide).

Although most true Champagnes are made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier there are a total of 7 grapes allowed in making Champagne. The other four are rarely used in today’s Champagnes. After primary fermentation (the making of the wine under very specific guidelines) it is ready to begin the 2nd fermentation which traps the bubbles (carbon dioxide) in the bottle and makes it a sparkling. In Champagne, France, the second fermentation occurs in the individual bottles (not in giant vats like some sparkling wines are made). At this point a small amount of yeast (several grams) and a small amount of rock sugar (several grams also) is added to the bottled wine. The bottles are capped and placed in racks with the neck pointed downward. The bottles are turned a very small fraction, by hand, each day for at least 1.5 years to develop the full flavor. In exceptional years, the Champagne MUST age for 3 years.

At this point in the process (called remuage), the bottles are placed neck down, chilled and then the neck of the bottle is frozen. The bottles are then opened and the ice, along with the lees (dead yeast and particulates) are forced out from the pressure of the carbon dioxide. Syrup (le dosage) is added to top off the bottles. The bottles are quickly capped and sealed to prevent loss of the carbon dioxide.

And now you know! There are many more details in the making of true Champagnes but this gives you a good overview of this amazing process. You now understand why true Champagnes are more expensive.

Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 57

Southern Recipes by Layne Prescott

t s a o R k a e t Delmonico S

k Roast elmonico Stea 5-6 Pound D shire sauce ster ¼ cup Worce er pp Pe & Salt r Garlic Powde n

6 strips baco

or and t of refrigerat Take roast ou rature. pe to room tem s. to 500 degree Preheat oven

e

allow to com

t. er entire roas shire sauce ov pper, and garlic pow er st ce or W Pour lt, pe rously with sa season gene hot oven pan. Place in e bacon ng ti as ro ed foil lin s.. Plac Place roast in minutes at 500 degree p to 325 and 30 m r te fo t en as ov ro er er and Low t thermomet p of roast. slices over to onal 30-45 minutes. Mea e from oven ov ti cook for addi 130-140 degrees. Rem er should regist st for 30 minutes. re to w lo al d an e from ok, so remov ntinue to co co ill w t ea Caution – m t overcook. no heat and do

Delmonico Stea k

Carrot Souffle

t Carro

French Fried

e Souffl

Roast

1 1/4 cups butt er 2 pounds carrot , plus more for baking dishes s, peeled and sl Bring a large salt iced pot of salted water he at. Add the ca 1 cups sugar rrots and cook to a boil over medium as until tender. D id e.

5 large eggs rain and set 1/3 cup all-pu rpos In food proces 3/4 T. baking po e flour sor, wder co mbine. Add add the sugar and eggs an 1 t. ground cinn th amon butter; pulse un e flour, baking powder, ci d pulse to nnam til smooth. Ad combine. Spoo d the carrots an on and Preheat the ov n d pulse to th e mixture in en to 350 degr bake until set, ees F. about 1 hour. to the prepared dish and Lightly butter serve immedia Remove from baking dish. the oven and tely.

Apple Pie with orange

2 Pillsbury Rea for 2 crust p dy made pie crusts (o ie r homemad e recipe Stir 4 large (or ) until sugar 6 medium) cored and sl Granny Sm cup corn star s are dissolved. Mixtu ith apples iced) re ch and stir u (peeled, 4 large (or ntil incorpor will be soupy. Add ¼ 6m ated and mix -1 or Braeburn edium) Red Deliciou ture thicken /2 O nce m s, Gala, Hon ap s. ey Crisp allo ixture is smooth (no lu ½ - 1 stick b ples w to cool sl mps) and th u ¼ cup lemo tter (I’ve used bot ightly. While mixture ickened, turn off heat n juice an is h –depends on disposable aluminum cooling, prepare pie cr d pie plates an ust. whether I’m As peeled, d g ta lass pie plate king to som co eone). s lemon juice. red apples are sliced, Place slightl place in bo Toss to coat y co ol w ed apple/rai frying pan (o apples. In d l with mainin sin mixtu ee r g crust On medium Dutch oven), melt bu p pastry. Fold . Pinch bottom crust an re in pie crust. Top with tter and ad high heat, red top cr u n d d er fr ap soften. Add the followin y apples until just star ples. cookie cutter to cu and crimp. Cut slits in ust to create sealed t out decorat ting to I cut g: pie crust (or leaves and ap iv u ple shapes an e shapes). If any leftover se small Pinch salt d bake with p 1 cup brown pie for decor ie crust, Bake pie at 35 ation. ½ teaspoon su 0 degrees un 1 cup white gar nutmeg til crust if bro su ¼ teaspoon wned.

3 Tablespoo gar al Remove from n cinnamon 1 cup Sun-M lspice oven, while ½ teaspoon aid raisins pie is still war p (or more if m top with G ½ teaspoon umpkin pie spice LAZE. ground ging ¼-1/2 cup co desired) Glaze – 1/4 stick melted butt er rn starch 1-2 te er, 1-2 cups aspoons oran confectioner ge juice, ½ teaspoon ’s sugar and vanilla to m ak fl e av g or la ze in g. .

Ca 58 | Winter 2012 Heartland Living Magazine Po n u ad r ov d 58 | Summer 2012 Heartland Living Magazine er top of pie cinnamon or other

cinnamon glaze

ed French Fri

Apple Pie

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Heartland Living Magazine | 59

Fishing in theHeartland

By Dan Echols

W

ith the days here in the Heartland getting shorter and a little cooler, it means one thing. Well, it means a lot of things, but to Louie and me it means speck season is cranking up. Specks or speckled perch (or crappie as they are called in other parts of the world) are schooling up and getting ready for the yearly spawn.

This is one of our favorite times of the year in the Highlands because it means it’s time for some great fishing trips, family get-togethers and a southern tradition of our fish fries out in the back yard. Along with some grits, coleslaw, baked beans and hush puppies, as far as we’re concerned it just doesn’t get much better. Specks aren’t really hard to catch and one of our most fun and favorite ways to catch these tasty morsels is the rig shown in the picture below. It’s an eighth ounce jig sitting under a fixed cylindrical shaped bobber.

The distance between the jig and the bobber is determined by a little experimenting until you find what depth the specks are holding. Your jig should be fished just above your quarry once you find them. Specks will seldom go down for bait as they are always looking up. They’re just built that way.

Echols grandson Louie ready to fish, showing the jig and bobber on his fishing pole.

The jig type and color are usually a matter of preference. The one shown is a tube body and the color is called “Firecracker”. It’s clear with tiny red, white and blue glitter molded in.

We’ve consistently had very good luck with this color but it may not work as well for you.

We use ultra-light tackle and have found that eight pound test monofilament is about as small as you want to go. If you get hung up in the structure, be it tree limbs, lily pads or whatever, eight pound test will usually allow you to bend the hook on these small jigs and get free. Anything smaller will usually break. Once you’ve determined the right depth and have your bobber set, you can cast the rig out and in slow methodical pulls, retrieve it. The fixed bobber will keep the jig in the strike zone and there’s no mistaking when “Mr. Speck” takes the bait.

Half the fun is watching that bobber go under. I guess anyone that started out fishing with a bobber when they were little kids knows what I’m talking about.

There’s just nothing like seeing that bobber disappear. I don’t know about ya’ll, but we’re ready to get this party started.

60 | Winter 2012 Heartland

Living Magazine

Louie proudly shows his catch of Specks

Visit Louie’s facebook page “Fishing the Highlands with Louie” to see some more specks he’s caught.

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Heartland Living Magazine | 61

BBQ’ing, Tailgating and Holiday Cooking with Everglades Seasonings!

T

his is the time of year when family gatherings and cookouts go hand in hand. Summer BBQ’s are great, but there is nothing like the approaching winter holidays, hunting season, football tailgates and spending time with family and friends around the dinner table, that make us so excited here at Everglades Foods, Inc.

place Ribs and 3rd overall. We are extremely proud of this team’s efforts and hard work they put in to deliver such outstanding results. Everglades BBQ team has won the Florida Governor’s Cup 3 years in a row as “Best Team in Florida”, and won Grand Champ 2 of the last 3 years. They will be looking to defend their reign at this year’s event taking place Jan. 25-26, 2013.

BBQ’ing and cooking in general is always important to us. Helping customers find new ways of spicing up their meals with our unique and flavorful seasonings is at the top of our list. We also welcome fresh new ideas and tips from our faithful Everglades users and newcomers as well. We love it when a new recipe is submitted to us so we can try it out for ourselves or share it with the general public on our website.

Preparing for the approaching Holiday season, we hope you will all stock up on your favorite seasonings to compliment all your meals. We would love to hear some delicious ideas from y’all, and better yet, send us some mouth-watering, drool worthy pictures!

Everglades also wants to express our deepest gratitude to all those members, past and present, serving in the military. You are truly heroes to us. So, as we are enjoying the holidays with our friends and loved ones, we are ever mindful of these brave men and women and their family members who will miss them greatly during the holidays. We appreciate the sacrifices that you selflessly make to afford us the freedoms we have here in the USA.

We also have a talented BBQ Team that travels all over the state of Florida and the Southeast participating in BBQ competitions, helping to spread the good word (and flavor) of Everglades seasonings. The Everglades BBQ Team, headed by the talented pit master, Jimmy Brod, recently competed in the Sam’s Club BBQ Nationals in Hendersonville, Tennessee in September and took 1st Happy Holidays to you all ... from the Everglades Crew.

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62 | Winter 2012 Heartland

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Heartland Living Magazine | 63

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64 | Winter 2012 Heartland

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Heartland Living Magazine | 65

Advertisers Index

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7 GB’s Formal Wear 21 Gerald & Associates Baby Bump 33 Heartland Health & Wellnesss Expo Blinds ASAP 64 Heartland Insurance Agency Blueberry Patch 51 Heartland Real Estate Boner Outfitters 64 Highlands Little Theatre Boom Boom’s Guns 67 Highlands Medical Group Bowling Green Small Engine 28 Highlands MOTA Brewster Coffee House 2,68 Highlands Regional Medical Budget Bi-Rite Insurance 34-35 Highlands Regional Medical

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Winter 2012

Heartland Living Magazine | 67

Highlands Regional Medical Center

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