Okeechobee The Magazine Fall 2012

FALL 2012

THE MAGAZINE

Jonathon Crawford

Big League Bound

Plus Daughters of the American Revolution with Julie Turner and Su George Dunklin Memorial Camp Founder Mickey Evans

Dr. Charles W. Bartels Board Certified Optometric Physician

Big Lake Eye Care would like to welcome Dr. Carlo D. Fodor, a Board Certified Optometric Physician to our practice here in Okeechobee.

Dr. Fodor graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Doctor of Optometry and is living in Sebastian with his family. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Vision Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a Minor in Biological Sciences.

(863) 763-3937

We Accept and Bill Most Major Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare & BlueCross Blue Shield Healthy Kids

These accomplishments have enabled Dr. Fodor to teach the natural sciences in the past as an associate professor at the Palm Beach Community College. He brings his teaching skills into the exam room because educating patients on their conditions is a crucial part of every exam.

Dr. Fodor has excellent communication skills in English, Spanish, and Italian. He has completed

Dr. Carlo D. Fodor Board Certified Optometric Physician

rotations in Primary Care, Ocular Disease, Glaucoma, Contact Lenses, Pediatrics Binocular Vision, and Low Vision.

He has also served two years working at the Visual Health & Surgical Center managing all types of post-operative patients. Dr. Fodor is well qualified and trained to identify subtle abnormalities in our eyes that may be able to be corrected.

Dr. Fodor has been working in the field since 1994 in numerous commercial and private offices. His knowledge and well-rounded background allows him to provide the best possible care of our patients. He enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

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

We LOVE To Care...

Family owned and operated, Okeechobee Health Care Facility began providing Long-term and Rehab care to the citizens of Okeechobee and the surrounding communities

in December of 1984. me spend ti erly Fixe under the v e B & John ther outsid the many toge ee in one of ts”. oak tr sit & visit spo “

Betty Mills modeling her Mardi Gras costume.

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Rehab Therapy, consisting of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Out-Patient Therapy, is available seven days a week in a loving, caring environment.

Long-term care is available for loved ones who can no longer be cared for safely at home, in addition to a secured Dementia/Alzheimer's Memory-Care Unit.

Shower room on A-Wing has been transformed into a relaxing spa, complete with towel warmers, background music and soft, soothing colors.

Dietitian-Developed Nutritious Meals & Snacks Stimulating & Fun Daily Activities - Pastoral Services Home-Like Atmosphere - Dedicated Nurses and CNAs Provide Personal Care 24 Hours Every Day.

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Hazel Herbert, Resident and Resident Advocate, spends time outside enjoying the flowers and foliage with CNA Billie Jo Freeman, left, and Kareen Morata, RN.

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Okeechobee Health Care Facility 1646 US Highway 441 North - Okeechobee, Florida 34972

863-763-2226

4 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

OKEECHOBEE How Your Safe is Rubb er?

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Fall 2012 | 5

Quality - Commitment - Design

Wind Mitigations & Home Inspections STATE LICENSED & INSURED - #CRC058109

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863-467-1933 221 NE Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972 We now have a 2nd location at 1120 NW Park Street

United Country MidFlorida Realty Okeechobee’s Hometown Realtor

3126 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974

863-763-3566

United Country MidFlorida Realty is conveniently at located at 3126 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974.

Julie Turner is an Okeechobee native who has raised her family here because she loves Okeechobee.

She is familiar with the community, its history, and uniqueness – qualities which enables her to help current or prospective residents find the perfect home and neighborhood for their needs. Julie has a B.S. from Florida State University and has been a Realtor since 2003. Julie is currently the President of the Okeechobee County Board of Realtors (OCBR).

United Country MidFlorida Realty’s goal is to get you the best possible price in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of inconvenience to you. By remaining focused on this goal, it is our desire to obtain exceptional, individual results utilizing skills, honesty and integrity to create a lasting relationship one client at a time.

UNITED COUNTRY is America’s rural real estate company. Your best source for locating real estate for sale throughout the small towns and cities of rural America – residential, farms, ranches, recreational and business! Through a network of over 600 offices – nationwide, United Country has been uniting buyers and sellers of country real estate for over eighty years. MidFlorida Realty’s years of local experience and reputation, provides sellers and buyers with a unique insight into the local marketplace. You can count on United Country - MidFlorida Realty to provide you with quality, professional service.

Broker Julie Turner

View all of our properties at

www.MidFloridaRealty.net Virtual Tours, Multiple Photos & Detailed Descriptions on All Our Properties and the Entire Okeechobee MLS available on our Website.

United Country MidFlorida Team Pictured (L-R): Garry Smith, 2010 President of Okeechobee County Board of Realtors (OCBR) Julie Turner, 1999-2002 OCBR Treasurer Lynne Price, 2010 OCBR New Comer Award Wendy Bostwick and 2010 OCBR Treasurer Betsy Sheffield.

863-763-3566 - 3126 Hwy 441 South - Okeechobee, FL 34974

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 7

Publisher’s Note volume

Okeechobee The Magazine is a magazine for all seasons, and as the fall season begins, Okeechobee students return to school and everyone can look forward to cooler weather.

publisher/managing editor

Maureen Budjinski creative director

Speaking of students, in this issue we feature a 2010 Okeechobee High School graduate and baseball player who is big league bound. Meet University of Florida standout pitcher Jonathon Crawford. Crawford was an early on starter for the team who gained national recognition for many games, including pitching a no-hitter and being selected to join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

Bridgette Waldau

A milestone will be met in November as Dunklin Memorial Camp celebrates 50 years. Meet founder Mickey Evans, a deeply spiritual and kind man who has touched thousands of lives and has become an Okeechobee legend. Read how it all began 50 years ago.

account executive

Patriotism and history are alive in Okeechobee. Did you know we have our own chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)?

Within these pages you’ll read interesting stories about our country’s past as we look behind the scenes with Julie Turner, local Realtor and 2012 regent of the local chapter, and Su George, who serves as history chair and was instrumental in getting the Battle of Okeechobee monument moved to the battlefield site on US 441 South.

In this issue’s Home feature we take a peak of the beautiful waterfront home of Val and Ron Douglas in Buckhead Ridge. The home was custom built for their retirement. Val, a professional decorator, put lots of love into the home décor, and it shows.

This summer, the Okeechobee Main Street Art and Cultural Committee held the dedication of the newest mural on State Road 70. We are proud to showcase this project on page 14. Also, one of my favorite events, National Day of the American Cowboy, was held in July.

Check out the fun in this issue, along with all our other community events.

There will be many events happening throughout the fall season, and we will be there. Don’t be shy, as you may be met by our photographers. So, get ready for a great season, and I hope you enjoy and share this issue of Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.

Sincerely,

Publisher

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6, number 3 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

copy editor

Jason Budjinski office assistant

Rose Brennan bookkeeping

Carol Lieberman Trish Grygo Gail Lockwood photographers

Sharon Cannon Felicia Maxwell Sandra Pearce writers

Ron Bukley Rachel Buxon Raye Deusinger Chris Felker contributors

Charles Murphy Michael Shellen distribution

Jackie Martin Ryan Martin

Okeechobee The Magazine

111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Maureen Budjinski president

Joshua I. Manning vice president

Barry S. Manning chairman & ceo Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2012, all rights reserved by Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 9

Contents

Fall 2012

features

22 Jonathon Crawford Big League Bound

By Chris Felker

50 A Proud Heritage

50

Patriotism and History Alive in Okeechobee’s DAR

By Raye Deusinger

64 Mickey Evans

Father Behind Dunklin Memorial Camp

By Rachel Buxton

departments

30 Okeechobee at Home

By Ron Bukley

64

Behind the Business 40

Brown Cow Sweetery 42

Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps

columns

78 Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

By Capt. Michael Shellen

82 Darby Jones

By Charles Murphy

COMMUNITY EVENTS

14

12 Waldau’s Junior Golf Clinic 14 Historical Bank of Okeechobee Mural Dedication 16 Okeechobee Strongman Competition 18 National Day of the American Cowboy 20 Okeechobee Christian Academy Fun Shoot 38 Florida Airboat Association Unity Rally 46 WOKC Host Texaco Country Showdown 62 Community Partners for Health Through 74

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

the Arts Reception Gov. Rick Scott Visits Okeechobee

84 Around Okeechobee 88 Advertiser Index

FALL 2012

THE MAGAZINE

Jonathon Crawford

Big League Bound

Plus Daughters of the American Revolution with Julie Turner and Su George Dunklin Memorial Camp Founder Mickey Evans

ON THE COVER Jonathon Crawford Story on page 22 Photo by Sandra Pearce

Upcoming Shoots Sept. 15 Sept. 29 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Nov. 2 Nov. 4 Nov. 30 Dec. 2 Dec. 8 -

NSCA Shoot NSCA Shoot African Safari Club Shoot South FLO Boy Scout Shoot Okeechobee FFA Alumni Shoot Central FL Boy ScoutsShoot NSCA Shoot Westminster Academy Shoot NSCA Shoot Highlands County Citrus Shoot

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 11

Community Event

By Bridgette Waldau

Waldau’s Junior Golf Holds Golf Clinic Waldau’s Junior Golf held its 10th annual Junior Golf Clinic June 11-15 at the Okeechobee Golf & Country Club. Golf instructors Danny Lanman and Bubba Mullins, along with many volunteers, including boys and girls from the Okeechobee High School golf team, worked with the kids during the weeklong clinic. The final day ended with a tournament, luncheon and awards banquet on the last day. Upcoming Waldau’s Junior Golf events include the Okeechobee Junior Golf Championship Sept. 29 and the 21st Waldau’s Junior Golf Tournament Nov. 10. More information can be found at www. floridajuniorgolf.org and on Facebook.

(Above) Waldau’s Junior Golf clinic participants, along with Okeechobee High School golf team volunteers and clinic instructors, are ready for the tournament.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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2 1. Participants take part in the putting contest.

2. Grand-prize winner Piper Hans is presented a new set of golf clubs by Bridgette and James Waldau.

3. The first-place team: Mark Lanning, Austin Shepherd, Zachary Stripling, Kenny Whaley and Preston Arnold with prize presenter Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen Taylor Fulford.

4. Junior golf volunteer Kodi Stephen watches as Kenny Whaley participates in the putting contest.

5. The second-place team: Maxwell Abreu, Piper Hans, Kyle Lowe and Preston Hall with prize presenter Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen Taylor Fulford.

Okeechobee

Claws & Paws Come and See us for

OKEECHOBEE

Blood Roundup

Pet Boarding & Daycare

Treating your pets like our family.

Call us at

863-357-6700 Find Us On FaceBook

NEW LOCATION Hammerheads Banquet Hall Hwy 70E & 7th Ave.

2949 Hwy 70 West - Okeechobee,FL

Saturday NOVEMBER 17, 2012 9 am - 6 pm

Sunday NOVEMBER 18, 2012 9 am - 6 pm

Waldau Bridgette studio of graphic design

Donors Must Have Photo ID

“Every Donation Saves 3 Lives” fine arts & graphic arts from concept to print Make an appointment online at www.fbcdonor.org and use Acct. #M4WK

111 NE 2nd Street Okeechobee Florida 34972

863 467 7300

www.bridgette-art.com

For Information Call 863-467-2557 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 13

Community Event

Photos By Sharon Cannon

Historic Bank of Okeechobee Mural Dedication “Looking Back Through the Windows of Time” A dedication of Okeechobee Main Street’s fourth mural project was held June 21 at Flagler Park. The historical Bank of Okeechobee is now the home of a majestic art project depicting life as it was back in time when the bank and adjacent businesses were open, from 1923 through the 1950s. Located at the corner of State Road 70 and Osceola Avenue, the building was the backdrop of the much-anticipated dedication and unveiling. Gil and Marie Culbreth, owners of the building, sponsored the art project, which was designed and painted by artist Joseph Steiert.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Okeechobee Main Street presented replications of the bronze dedication plaque that will be attached to the building. (L-R) OKMS Arts and Culture Chair Bridgette Waldau, artist Joseph Steiert, mural sponsors Marie and Gil Culbreth, and OKMS President Maureen Burroughs.

1. A close-up of the mural replicating the entrance to the old bank building.

2. A close-up of a mural section replicating D&D Grocery.

3. A large crowd gathered for the unveiling and dedication of the mural.

4. The south side of the mural project is exposed to the delight of the public after the unveiling ceremony.

Absolutely Art Studio Opening Soon!

(Above) Artist Joseph Steiert addresses the crowd during the ceremony. Originally from Okeechobee, Steiert now resides in West Palm Beach.

(Below) Judge Bill Hendry shares the history of the building during the dedication, as the murals were unveiled.

Art supplies! - Painting, Ceramics, Glass - After School Art Club!

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(Above) One of the many artifacts located inside the old bank building.

(Above) At the artist’s reception (L-R) Bridgette Waldau and Terry Burroughs talk with artist Joseph Steiert (holding his son, Sandro).

(Left) Visitors were given a rare look into the original W.J. Conner bank safe, located inside the old bank.

.

(Above): Phil and Lori Berger opened their office for the artists reception.

(Left) After the dedication, the Culbreths opened the building for a public tour of the inside of the bank. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 15

Community Event Second Annual Okeechobee Strongman Competition

Photos By Sarah Reno

The Strongman Competition was held July 21 at Fitness Factory (306 NE Third Street) with physical enduring events, including a tire flip, truck pull, bench press and dead lifts. Fitness Factory owner and event coordinator Jay Creamer wants to bring awareness to health and fitness, and to motivate the community to pursue a healthful lifestyle. For more information, call (863) 357-6900.

(Above) Roy Reno with son and strongman winner Kyle Reno.

1. Sandbag carry contestant Paul Belangia.

2. Koban Reno, the proud son of participant Kyle Reno.

3. Event coordinator Jay Creamer with daughter Madison.

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Employee Commitment, Dedication and Community Partner

Waste Management is proud to announce Trademark Metals opening fall of 2012.

Trademark Metals Recycling provides ferrous and nonferrous landfill services for many Florida communities.

By providing these services TMR helps maximize the volume of metals recovered and recycled which otherwise would end up in landfills.

Okeechobee Landfill, Inc.

Waste Management Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. 863-357-0824 Fax: 863-357-0772

10800 N.E. 128th Ave. Okeechobee FL, 34972 www.wm.com www.thinkgreen.com

16 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Okeechobee County Schools proudly presents Waste Management with the Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award for their steadfast support of academic instruction, sponsorship and recognition efforts.

Pictured: Teresa Chandler, Waste Management, Kelly Owens, Okeechobee County School Board and Ken Kenworthy, Okeechobee County Schools Superintendant

Waste Management supports efforts for the YOUNIFIED Youth Rally to be held in January 2013.

A golf tournament was organized to raise funds for the event on August 4, 2012.

Pictured: Allison Chandler, Vice President/B.R.A.T. Club, Charlie Orcutt, Waste Management, Teresa Chandler, Waste Management and Tony Bishop, Waste Management.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 17

Community Event

Photos By Sharon Cannon

National Day of the American Cowboy

The National Day of the American Cowboy was a two-day event held Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28 at the Agri-Civic Center, presented

by Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and Okeechobee Main Street. A ranch rodeo was held both evenings, followed by live entertainment and a dance. Saturday’s festivities began with the annual cattle drive through downtown Okeechobee and ended at the Agri-Civic Center. In addition, there was a barbecue competition, along with live music and vendors.

(Above and below) The cattle drive went through downtown Okeechobee.

1. Delany Jones participated in the cattle drive.

2. Lynn and Bob Yost of the Outback Snack Shack from Orlando sell funnel cakes.

3. Lenae Morgan and Katelynn Roberts like the baby kangaroo.

4. WOKC Radio’s Wayne Cunningham and Billy Dean.

5. The young riders are all smiles.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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BAr-B-Q steAK CO.

$5 Appetizers (Above) Ranch rodeo cowboys wait for their turn to compete in the exciting team rodeo competitions.

(Left) Burnt Biscuit wows the crowd with modern country and rock ’n’ roll.

after 9pm in the Saloon

AYsr W L OU sA it’ ppY HBOYsr HA COWottles Bee At cluding B in

25¢

DrAf

On W ts eD.

Photo by Sandra Pearce

Eli’s Western Wear presents buckles to the winning ranch rodeo team, Cow Creek Ranch: (L-R) Miss Firecracker Brittany Avant, Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Taylor Bolin, Lacie Anastasio, Beau Anastasio, Brody Anastasio, Latt Durrance, Justin Seagle, Case Durrance, Ladd Bass, Amery Bass, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Kellie and Miss Speckled Perch Ashlie Clemons. Not pictured: Ernesto Franco and Julia Milburn.

Ladies Night 6pm-10pm Thursday

863-467-1104 102 SW 14th St. -Okeechobee www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 19

Community Event

Photos By Stephanie Beard

Okeechobee Christian Academy Fun Shoot The 2012 Okeechobee Christian Academy Fun Shoot was held June 9 at the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee.

Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund to help make quality Christian education available to more children. A fun day of shooting ended with a lunch provided by Cowboys BBQ and Steak Co. For more information on OCA, visit www.okeechobeechristianacademy.net.

OCA fourth-grader Cody Wojciezsak takes aim.

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1 1. The first-place team sponsored by Okeechobee Cattle Women’s Association was (L-R) Travis Larson, Joel Bass, Kyle Reno and Steve Smith.

2. Daniel Rickards takes aim.

3. Frank DeCarlo and Thomas Barber.

4. Dunklin Memorial team members with OCA Principal Nick Reynolds (second from left), Andy Williams, Richard Guthrie, Kevin Beard and Josh Mercer.

5. The Bowline Construction team: Jeff Sheffield, Zachary Busbin, Steve Busbin and Chris Sheffield.

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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 21

Photo by Tim Casey/University Athletic Association

Jonathon Crawford Big League Bound

By Chris Felker O Photos By Sandra Pearce

T

o hear his coaches talk about his talent — or if you know baseball and just watch him pitch — Okeechobee native Jonathon Crawford seems poised to become a source of hometown pride, if he isn’t one already.

The 2010 Okeechobee High School graduate, recruited into the University of Florida Gators’ baseball hothouse in the fall of his senior year, has posted some stellar numbers and had several memorable outings for a hurler who’s only 20, especially after a disappointing freshman season.

Crawford had pitched only 3.2 innings in five 2011 appearances — and was left off the Gators’ roster for the National Collegiate Athletic Association World Series last summer — but then he posted a remarkable sophomore-year comeback that helped the Gators reach No. 1 in national rankings. UF is a perennial collegiate baseball powerhouse, sort of a greenhouse for growing young ballplayers, and the tall, lanky right-hander from the little town on the lip of Lake Okeechobee was out to prove that he belonged.

So Crawford stepped up his efforts in 2012, posting a 6-2 record with a stingy 3.13 earned run average and tying for second on the team with 73 strikeouts in 77.2 innings. He was a workhorse for the Gators, making 14 starts as they reached the NCAA World Series for the third straight year.

And then on June 1, Crawford did something no UF player had done for 21 years. Called on to start the Gators’ opener in the Gainesville Regional, Crawford barely missed pitching a perfect game, ending up with a complete-game no-hitter in a 4-0 shutout of Bethune-Cookman University at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville. He faced the minimum number of batters because the only Wildcat to www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com



Fall 2012 | 23

“It was remarkable,” O’Sullivan said. “For me as a coach to see him from where he was his freshman year, to come back his sophomore year and do the things he was able to do, and then, obviously, the nohitter — that was a great night, not just for him but for our program.

“He made a big comeback … to be one of our top starters, to pitch on the USA team, to beat Cuba in Havana — I think it was the first time since ’93 that that had been accomplished — and where he’s at, it just makes me feel good that we were able to be a part of it.”

And perhaps it’s somewhat of a lucky break for the Gators that they even have this country boy playing for them, let alone pitching. Crawford played several different sports while growing up, including basketball, soccer and golf. But he’s been playing baseball since he was a little boy.

“Baseball is the first sport I ever played, I think, and I just love playing that sport the most,” he said.

reach base (on a walk) was thrown out trying to steal second.

That made Crawford only the seventh player to throw a no-hitter in NCAA Championship history. UF head coach Kevin O’Sullivan called it “a night he will never forget and I will never forget.

He was one walk away from a perfect game,” he said with admiration belying the awe he must have felt.

“It was a disappointment, but I don’t want to take anything away from our team and the accomplishments that they’ve had,” O’Sullivan said. “We’ve had one of the most successful three-year runs in the country.”

“It was crazy but a lot of fun,” Crawford said. “I guess it’s a pretty big deal.”

Two days later, it was announced that Crawford had been selected to join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, a huge honor. That meant another month of play with the 22-man Team USA squad, including trips to Cuba and the Netherlands.

UF was the team to beat, but the Gators finally fell, with elimination coming in a 5-4 loss to Kent State on June 18. Still, they finished 47-20.

For O’Sullivan, the June 1 game was the first no-hitter he’d ever been involved in from behind the bench, and it solidified his respect for Crawford.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

At OHS, after he had settled on his primary sport, Crawford was quite the slugger and fielder, starting on the OHS varsity baseball team, playing in right field all four years.

“He was that good of an athlete,” said Crawford’s coach in high school, Dylan Tedders, now assistant principal of OHS. “We worked him in as a pitcher, and even as a freshman, he got a lot of innings. He started Game 1 of the district tournament for us as a freshman. He had a very productive year.”

Crawford had had a great instructor before Tedders — his father, Neal. “My dad was my coach, too, growing up,” he said. “We played a lot of catch.”

Crawford admitted that “hitting was really a lot of fun, but my future is in pitching.” 

Get ready for the Second Annual Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta!

This is the wildest homemade boat race you will ever see!

There will be food, games, and boat races!

Admission to the event is FREE! Call J.D. Mixon at 863-634-1778 or visit our website to sign up.

Don’t miss out on all the family fun!

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 25

Florida Gator teammates celebrate Crawford’s no-hitter at the NCAA Championship on June 1.

Photo by Tim Casey/University Athletic Association

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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I believe he’ll be one of the top collegiate arms in the country.

He’s one of the top 10 players in the country, I think.”-Kevin O’Sullivan,

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UF head coach

That’s what UF recruited him for, and its scouts had good reason, as Tedders explained. “In his junior year, we were district champs in 2009, and he got the win in all three games of the district tournament,” Tedders said. “That was huge for his confidence.”

Not only that, but those performances drew a lot of attention, including from UF. “His senior year was crazy because every time he was going to pitch, there were scouts there,” Tedders said. “The summer before his senior year, the recruiter Craig Bell for the University of Florida saw him and liked him a lot as a pitcher.”

Then in 2010, Tedders said, “I would have to send e-mails or texts about when he was going to start each week because there was a following of scouts who were going to come and see him wherever we were at. It was crazy for him because they were coming and meeting with his parents, wanting to figure out what his plan was. He had a lot going on his senior year. Everywhere he went, there were radar guns in the stands.”

Before Crawford found a measure of hometown fame and admiration on the diamond, he had a mostly typical childhood for a small-town country boy.

Gifts & Accessories YANKEE CANDLE®

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707 S.W. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 Family Owned & Operated Since 1983 “He has always had pets,” said Jonathon’s mother, Kristy, a vice president of CenterState Bank in Okeechobee.

“He loves our family dog, Brody. He once had a pet squirrel that Grandpa Crawford found near his home. It was a baby that the mom squirrel accidentally left behind when being chased or something, and J.C. took care of it, feeding it with a dropper for some time.

said. “He couldn’t find the time to do his project, as he was traveling almost year-round playing baseball, trying to obtain a scholarship to go to college — which he did.”

Not only did Jonathon earn a UF baseball scholarship, but he also received 

“He loved motorcycles; he first got a four-wheeler ATV, then graduated to a motorcycle, and he loved being outdoors.”

That translated into involvement in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

“He began as a Tiger Scout and was involved for many years and made Life badge, which is right before being an Eagle Scout,” Kristy (Right) Jonathon with his younger brother, Kutter. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 27

grants from at least five local organizations to help with college expenses.

The family always spent a lot of time engaging in outdoor activities. “We have a lot of great memories and made friends with a lot of people who give their time to the scouting program,” she said. “We as a family went on camp-outs and, of course, Neal or myself always assisted with badges.”

Jonathon’s mom added that he always loved cowboy boots as a boy. “He’d wear them with everything, but I don’t think he has a pair now,” she said.

Indeed he doesn’t, Jonathon confirmed, but he said that one vestige of his countrified upbringing — his preference for country music — won’t change. His “walk-out song,” played when he takes the mound, is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver.

Congratulations!

Dr. Randall Mims

30 Years of Service on your

to Okeechobee and our surrounding communities

Mims

Veterinary Hospital www.MimsVeterinaryHospital.com 28 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Jonathon said he also still does as much freshwater fishing as he can; he grew up fishing creeks and ponds in the Okeechobee area, and luckily, his roommate at UF is also a fisherman. “We go around and we Google-map to try to find all kinds of ponds,” he said.

Jonathon’s younger brother, Kutter, 16, is following in his footsteps, playing ball at OHS, and the two still spend as much time together as possible — but that’s not much, anymore. “This summer, I’ve actually had time off, so we’ve been golfing and hitting and stuff together,” Jonathon said.

But he’s back at school now, and time off is a commodity he won’t be having much more of in the near future. Jonathon said he does plan to finish his degree but fully expects to be drafted by a major-league team again this year.

In 2010, he was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 42nd round.

“Once I get into the fall, and we start

playing fall ball, that’s when all the draft-eligible players at UF will start our scout meetings,” Jonathon said. “We’ll sit down with the scouts and fill out all their questionnaires. Then we focus on baseball from then on out.”

Both Tedders and O’Sullivan believe Jonathon can write his own ticket to the majors.

“He’s a terrific kid, he’s a tremendously hard worker, and I’m awfully proud of what he’s been able to accomplish,” O’Sullivan said. “I believe he’ll be one of the top collegiate arms in the country. He’s one of the top 10 players in the country, I think.”

Tedders was even more direct. “He’s got all the tools to be a Major League Baseball player,” he said. “I mean, physically he’s got what it takes to be there, no doubt about it. Once he gets the mental side, you know, the confidence to go with it — which I think he’s getting there — his ceiling is going to be very high.”

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“If the Braves draft me,” Jonathon said, “I will be ecstatic, but I’m not going to be too picky.” O

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Okeechobee

At Home

Val and Ron Douglas

By Ron Bukley O Photos by Felicia Maxwell

After living in a lake house in Cullman, Ala., for a couple of years, Val and Ron Douglas moved to the Okeechobee area seven years ago to build their retirement home — a 4,700-square-foot house at the end of a finger canal near the lake in Buckhead Ridge.

when people come for Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever, you know when you’re in the kitchen you don’t get to visit, and this way all of us are together.”

Counters run almost all the way around the kitchen area, and a window opens to the pool so food can be passed

“We had a lake house up on Smith Lake in Cullman,” Ron said. “We lived up there on the lake for a couple of years before we moved down here.”

“We didn’t want a straight ceiling in here because it’s such a big room it would look funny, so with the waffle ceiling it looks good.”

The French doors of the front entrance open to a living room in the center of the house large enough to accommodate several different furniture settings comfortably. On the opposite side of the living room are more French doors to the patio and pool area.

“We wanted to open the house,” Ron said. “We didn’t want a lot of walls and aisles and walkways.”

“We like the light and the outside,” Val said. “I wanted it all open because 30 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The bedrooms also have doors going outside to the pool. “It’s just wonderful when it’s fall and you open all the doors,” she said.

The openness of the home is enhanced by 12-foot waffle-style ceilings with recessed light fixtures in the living room, kitchen and master bedroom.

Wanting to remain near the water, the Douglases found two lots at the end of a finger canal with a turning basin. “We finished the house in ’05,” Ron said.

The kitchen occupies a quarter of the living area, separated with counters and a bar-style area allowing easy conversation.

Thanksgiving and Christmas we have people over and we put up tables, and we put desserts and food on the counters. It works really well.”

(Above) Homeowners Val and Ron Douglas.

(Right) The beautiful window decor lightens up the dining room.

through. “That way we don’t have to walk around,” she said. “We have pool parties. We have one for the Fourth of July, and we get together and everybody brings a dish. We have bonfires out there quite a bit in the winter. For

The entire living area is covered with 16-inch tile laid diagonally. “I really like it tiled,” she said. “I didn’t want carpet in here because of the pool. I love hardwood floors, but I wanted something coming off the pool you could walk in here, and it’s OK to get wet.”

A high ledge runs around the living room and kitchen where they keep family pictures and other knickknacks.

Four remote-control electric shades shield the living room from the afternoon sun. “It keeps the sun and glare out,” Val said. “It’s practical because the windows are 8-feet tall. You couldn’t pull them down, and I didn’t want



www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 31

(Above) The kitchen is a vital part of the home.

(Right) A beautiful table accents the entertainment area.

(Far right) A unique table adorns the kitchen.

(Below) A cozy conversation area off the living room.

(Below right) The decorative room divider.

32 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

chains on the windows.”

The master bathroom has an elevated bathtub as well as a double walkthrough shower with lighting from three panels of clear glass blocks. “Ron

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calls this the car wash because you can walk through,” Val said. “I didn’t want a shower curtain, and I wanted the openness.”

The other side of the house contains a powder room as well as a guest room with another bath and separate door that opens to the swimming pool.

“I like the idea that the guest room and their bath opens outside. They can have all the privacy they want.”

The Douglases built their house onto an existing 28- by 30-foot garage. “We incorporated that into the house,” Ron said. “We have two double garages, so

“Let us take you back to a simpler time.”

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Fall 2012 | 33

(Above) The Douglas’ home located in Buckhead Ridge.

(Left) The spacious master bedroom.

(Below) One of the unique dressers located in the master bedroom.

(Far left) The master bathroom’s elevated bathtub.

(Left) The double walk-through master shower.

34 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

we have a lot of garage space.”

“His” garage holds boating equipment, a 1956 Chevrolet Belaire and a bathhouse with a separate doorway for the swimming pool.

“Her” garage is Val’s sewing room where she made all the curtains and comforters for the house. “I’m a decorator,” she said. “I like a challenge, and this is what I do. We saved a lot of money doing that.”

The couple also has a double-bay boathouse on the canal containing an airboat and 20-foot pontoon boat. They have access to the lake through Buck-

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It took a year and a half to build the house due to hurricane delays. “We moved in, in March of 2005, and everything in it we did,” she said. “I was able to go to furniture markets and stuff and buy everything wholesale.

We loaded everything in trailers how they needed to come into the rooms.

One day we put in the blinds and

 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 35

window treatments, and the next day we moved our stuff in.

“It looked like we had lived here forever because we knew where everything was going to go, and we had a lot of help getting it in here.” O (Left) The large patio and pool area.

(Right) The whimsical flamingo invites you to the pool.

(Far right) The double bay boathouse is home for the airboat and pontoon boat.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The Okeechobee Democratic Executive Committee Encourages You To

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Fall 2012 | 37

Community Event

Photos By Sharon Cannon

Florida Airboat Association Unity Rally held in Okeechobee The skies were cloudy and rain loomed in the distance at the Florida Airboat Association’s Airboater Unity Ride and Rally held July 13-15 at the Pier II Resort.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

1. Airboaters catch the spray from the boat in front of them.

2. Airboating on the lake.

3. Spectators watch the races.

4. Airboaters watch the airboat races on the water of Lake Okeechobee at Lock 7.

5. Peyton Rowe and Sarah Rowe of Naples have fun playing in the mud.

5

I want to make a difference for YOU, the taxpayer!  Resident of Okeechobee County for 34 years.  Married to Michelle for 27 years.  Two sons and a daughter-in-law.  Served as National President of the Land Improvement Contractors of America.

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Fall 2012 | 39

Behind the Business T

Brown Cow Sweetery

Raye Deusinger O Photos by Felicia Maxwell

o step inside the Brown Cow Sweetery is not only an opportunity to find the best chocolates in Okeechobee, but it is to be invited into a friendly living room where one can relax, sit a spell, take a coffee break, meet with friends and leave refreshed.

Paulette and Mark Bragel opened their business Dec. 22, 2011, and it became a Christmas gift to Okeechobee. There are many adjectives to describe this store — unique, cool,

airy, homey, welcoming, friendly and delicious.

The Bragels are frequently asked if this is a franchise, and the answer is no. Though they have a combined 24 years in the chocolate business, this is their own creation. Mark, a skilled woodworker, built all the wood furnishings in the store, from beautiful shelving to display cases holding the “drool-worthy” chocolates, to the handsome swinging doors and even to the faux fireplace. He also laid the beautiful floor.

The Sweetery is truly a family affair. Paulette is the designer of the unique logo, and daughter Shannon Hert, skilled in computers, set up the easy-to-read menu, which appears on a huge TV screen. It changes from one display to another to list the varied items available.

Their other daughter, Jennifer Maggiore, helped set up the marketing end of the business. They joke that their eight grandchildren are their board of directors.

The Brown Cow Sweetery began with an offering of chocolate, coffee and ice cream. The chocolate is available in many styles and endless combinations, including wonderful chocolate-dipped strawberries. It also specializes in creating platters of treats for that special occasion.

Paulette and Mark Bragel

The ice cream comes from the Ice Cream Club in Boynton Beach, which gets most of its ingredients from local sources. While offering 12 flavors of premium ice cream, they even make sundaes, floats and banana splits, topping them with fresh whipped cream.

In response to their customers asking why they don’t serve lunch, Paulette and

Mark expanded their line to include specialty sandwiches. Besides whitemeat tuna salad, the Bragels make chicken salad with cranberries, walnuts and golden raisins, an egg salad with Wickles Pickles and spicy mustard, and turkey breast or ham with your choice of cheese. In the fall, they will be adding soup to the lunch menu.

Many individuals and groups have made the Brown Cow Sweetery a meeting place, as it hosts a men’s group, a mom’s group, Bible studies, book clubs and baby showers. The comfortable sofa and chairs seated around the

fireplace and free WiFi promote relaxation and a place to enjoy superb coffee from the Dominican Republic. “You can enjoy brewed coffee, hot or frozen lattes or, if you prefer, an espresso,” Mark said.

Though a little concerned with moving from Lake Worth, the Bragels had visited Okeechobee relatives almost every week and loved the atmosphere and friendliness they found.

“We now belong to Okeechobee and really feel a part of the wonderful people we’ve found here and hope the feeling is reciprocated,” Paulette said.

Located at 103 SW Park St., the Brown Cow Sweetery is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call (863) 357-3357 or visit www. browncowsweetery.com. O

The Economic Future of Okeechobee County is in Good Hands Culpepper & Terpening wishes to say Thank You to the Business Development Board of Okeechobee for their untiring work to bring responsible economic growth to Okeechobee.

The Business Development Board of Okeechobee is making a positive difference for the future of all of Okeechobee County.

The Business Development Board of Okeechobee is committed to diversifying the economy and increasing the number of high wage job opportunities for Okeechobee residents.

A special Thank You to the Board and its leaders!

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www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 41

Behind the Business H

Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps

By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Felicia Maxwell

urricane, tornado, derailment, multi-vehicle pileup, an influenza outbreak — any of these would strike fear into a community, especially one as insulated as Okeechobee. If or when it happens, what would you do?

If you were a member of the Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), not only would you know what to do, but you would be ready, trained and authorized to act. The MRC is a community-based group of medical and non-medical volunteers ready to supplement existing local emergency and

public health resources during time of community need.

Brian Sell, public health preparedness and planning coordinator for the Okeechobee County Department of Health, urges the public to join this group and do what this area does best — be Okeechobeeans taking care of Okeechobeeans.

The MRC effort began nationally in 2002; Florida joined the program in 2004. Each county is allowed to develop the corps to suit local needs. As MRC coordinator and also as chairman of the Community Health Advisory Team (CHAT), Sell is recruiting Okeechobee’s volunteer network now. Florida is divided into seven service areas with 32 local units and 17, 225 volunteers serving 60 counties in this FEMA program.

A trained community needs medical personnel, interpreters, chaplains, legal advisors, office workers, people to answer phones, distribute information and register victims. Necessary equipment is provided and training is offered at no cost to MRC members. Each must pass a background check, and become certified to assist firstline responders. “It’s not the day of the event we need them, it’s all the days after.,” Sell said. Volunteers meet the last Thursday of each month.

(l-r) Health Department Director Erin Hess, Dr. Armando Santelices and MRC Co-ordinator Brian Sell.

“As the volunteer program expands, Sell said, “opportunities for a youth program may be available where those who come right out of High School can get training and have a career in honorable programs. In fact, FEMA has so many offerings on line that you could build a resume by taking

FEMA courses.”

Sell has been with MRC for 10 months and, with the help of local partners, is building a network with St. Lucie and Indian River counties, creating tri-county complimentary departments to work together for the benefit of all when needed. Working with him are Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May, county Volunteer Coordinator Sgt. Keith Stripling, Okeechobee County Fire Chief David McCain, Emergency Medical Technician Director Karl Holkamp, Emergency Management Director Mitch Smeykal, local American Red Cross Director Charles Parker, David Hazelieff of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association, Russ Brown of Indian River State College, Dr. Armando Santelices of the Florida Community Health Center and many faith-based groups.

All communities face similar issues of needing sufficient per-

sonnel to cover emergencies. By training volunteers to assist in the mitigation of events, county response becomes stronger, and each department — as well as the whole community — benefits.

Okeechobee area is not just the city; it is outlying areas such as Fort Drum, the 714 Corridor, Buckhead Ridge, Basinger, Indian Hammock and River Acres. Each will benefit from trained volunteers assisting the county effort. “Fort Drum has an unmanned fire station,” Sell said. “We are currently working with them to establish a shelter area with a trained CERT [Civilian Emergency Response Team] and POD [Point of Distribution] volunteers.”

Currently five people are being trained, but 12 to 18 are needed. “We want to do this in all these outlying communities,” Sell said.

For more information, contact Sell at the Okeechobee County Department of Health at (863) 462-5865, visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov or sign up at www.servfl.com. O

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Fall 2012 | 43

O U R PAT I E N T S ’

OWN WORDS S P E A K V O LU M E S “My procedure didn’t hinder any of my physical activity at all. It is so great to know that I do not have to go through those painful periods again.”

Carol Goodman, June 12th - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy patient at Raulerson Hospital.

For the past ten years Carol Goodman has been a school bus driver for the Okeechobee County School District as well as a Food Service Assistant at Okeechobee High School.

She and her husband were both very nervous about her approaching surgery. “My husband was afraid for my health. I was afraid it would ruin my summer. I work the entire school season and I feared a surgery would mean I’d spend all summer recovering,” Carol admitted.

“The Nursing staff at Raulerson Hospital made us feel so comfortable, explaining things at each step. They definitely kept my husband informed of my progress. He was able to follow the ‘patient tracker’ monitor on the wall in the waiting lounge to keep updated on my status. The nursing staff and my doctor also personally spoke to my husband shortly after my procedure, to provide him with a complete review of how things went,” Carol explained.

“Honestly, If I knew four years ago a laparoscopic hysterectomy was this easy and painless, I would have done it then,” Carol explained. Prior to her laparoscopic hysterectomy at Raulerson Hospital Carol suffered from painful cramps and unpredictable, heavy menstrual cycles. Dr. James Bradfield performs laparoscopic hysterectomies at Raulerson Hospital. “I can’t say enough about Raulerson Hospital and my wonderful experience there,“ Carol stated.

1796 Hwy 441N • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • (863) 763-2151 • RaulersonHospital.com Emergency Services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY “Approximately twenty percent of women, at some time, experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, often as they approach menopause,” explains Dr. Bradfield. “In some cases physicians will recommend a hysterectomy as the best avenue for solving this or similar problems,” Dr. Bradfield said. There are all sorts of reasons women have hysterectomies.

The most common are bleeding abnormalities, tumors or enlargements of the uterus, problems with endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and pelvic infections.

A procedure, such as a hysterectomy, performed laparoscopically, is minimally invasive, replacing the traditional open abdominal incision. The procedure uses small instruments through very small incisions. This results in less pain and scarring and a quicker recovery time. Raulerson Hospital offers many minimally invasive procedures, including: • Appendectomy • Gall Bladder removal • InterStim Therapy (for incontinence) • And more Minimally invasive surgery was perfect for Carol who’s very proud of her perfect attendance record at work.

Also, Carol did not want to miss out on her summer. In Carol’s case, she only stayed overnight after her procedure. “The day after my surgery, I was grocery shopping,” Carol recalled. “It is so great to know that I do not have to go through those painful periods again,” stated Carol.

“Everything about the procedure and the stay was pleasantly surprising to me. I was expecting drastic scars and I was hoping I could still feel comfortable wearing a bikini in the summer. I think I only ended up requiring three stitches. I was sore, but it wasn’t painful. Now I feel like nothing even happened,” Carol said.

Carol’s motivation in sharing her story is two-fold. She wants other women to realize how simple and effective a minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy can be and she wants to publicly acknowledge how the care she and her

family received at Raulerson Hospital exceeded her expectations. “If I required another surgery, I wouldn’t be nervous at all. Everyone at Raulerson Hospital worked as a team and checked on me continuously. I ended up not being in any rush to leave there,” Carol recalls.

Carol explained that the information she received prior to her surgery was very accurate and there were no surprises. She expresses abundant compliments about every department she encountered from Registration to the excellent food & service Raulerson Hospital’s Dietary Department provided her.

Carol is a self-confessed ‘clean freak’. “I look at baseboards and everything when I go somewhere. I have visited other major hospitals and the cleanliness of Raulerson Hospital is awesome. Even the housekeeper emptying my waste basket was concerned to know if I needed anything.

Amazing,” said Carol.

Carol reconnects with members of her care team. left to right : RN Angela Villalpando, Carol Goodman, Dr. Bradfield and RN Erica Lipfert

For a Free Physician Referral & Healthcare Questions, call CONSULT-A-NURSE ® at 763-9228

Community Event

Photos By Sharon Cannon

WOKC Hosts Texaco Country Showdown The 11th annual Texaco Country Showdown was held July 14 at Good Spirits Lounge. WOKC 100.9 FM and 1570 AM Radio coordinated the event. The lounge was packed with people supporting their favorite artists while enjoying the entertainment.

This year, the talent was extraordinary, with duos, bands and solo artists.

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3

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1. Ashley Shannon performs “Girls Night Out.” 2. First-place winner Ashley Shannon with WOKC General Manager Wayne Cunningham.

3. The Blue Mason Barter Band performs “I Got What I Deserve.”

4. WOKC Program Director Billy Dean.

5. The Gingers perform their own song, “Single on Valentine’s Day.” 6. 2012 Texaco County Showdown contestants.

6

46 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Fall 2012 | 47

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

A Proud Heritage Patriotism and History Alive in Okeechobee’s DAR

By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Sandra Pearce

While we see Okeechobee change daily, we can still look back and remember the way it used to be. The library, the historical society, newspapers and Okeechobee The Magazine contain records of the area’s past. But America’s past, all the way back to the Revolution, is remembered daily by local members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Founded in 1890, the DAR is a volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to keeping America strong by promoting patriotism, preserving history and supporting education programs. Its motto is “God, home and country.” The local chapter was begun in 1975 by Marian Wagner, who died June 6 at the age of 90.

Say “DAR” and most people respond, “I didn’t know they were still around.”

“Others have pictured the DAR as little old ladies trying to hold on to the past,” DAR member Su George said.

But when you come to a meeting of DAR’s Okeechobee chapter, you will find a vital, energetic group of all ages.

“It’s a place to hear interesting stories and be around people who care about our country,” said Julie Turner, a local Realtor and 2012 Regent of the Okeechobee DAR. “It’s not just a club; its members promote citizenship, honor their ancestors, educate youth and preserve the past. We want the next generation to revere the Constitution.”

I “ t ’s a place to hear interesting stories and be around people who care about our country.”

- Julie Turner

Turner joined DAR in 2009. Her aunt, Debbie Clemons brought her in 

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Fall 2012 | 51

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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

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

because of her love of history, and Turner feels she is learning more all the time.

Turner’s daughters, Kathleen and Elizabeth, fourth-generation Okeechobeeans, will become members. Turner is even a witness to local history, having seen the first set of traffic lights installed in Okeechobee. Her father’s family lived in Florida before the state entered the Union in 1845.

Through the genealogy resources of the DAR, Turner has been able to trace her ancestry, learning that both her husband’s and her side of the family were in Jamestown.

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In fact, an ancestor of George Washington Turner IV, Turner’s husband, was the first George Washington Turner, a sail-maker on the USS Constitution, which was launched in 1797. Turner also learned she had two ancestors at the Alamo.

Currently 30 members are enrolled in the local DAR, some of whom are winter residents. From October through May, they meet at the Okeechobee Library the first Saturday of each month, to plan community projects such as the recognition of Constitution Week each September. At this time they feature

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a week-long display, which includes a copy of the Constitution, a picture of its signing, a summary of our rights and freedoms, a Betsy Ross Flag and free booklets on the Constitution.

DAR also features guest speakers each month, such as Okeechobee The Magazine Publisher Maureen Budjinski, who will speak on organ donation awareness in October.

In addition, the organization plans projects benefiting the community. In November 2011, its project was moving the Battle of Okeechobee Monument.

It was dedicated at the annual reenactment of the event on Feb. 4.

History Chair Su George enlisted the help of the two area DAR chapters, which originally placed the monument, to move it from the roadside on U.S. 441 to the Battle of Okeechobee State Park. Those chapters were the West Palm Beach Seminole Chapter and the Fort Pierce Cora Stickney Harper Chapter. George oversaw the procurement of permits from the State of Florida, the Department of Transportation and the DAR historian general, arranged transportation and personnel, enlisted the Seminole Tribe to preserve authenticity and planned the ceremony when all was completed.

George spent a lot of time on her computer during this period, and her sonin-law, Mark Hart, took notice. “It takes the faith of a mustard seed to move a mountain, but it takes a determined dame with a Dell [computer] to move a monument,” he said.

As history chairperson, George also is in charge of the essay contests held each fall for students from elementary to high school. Emphasizing U.S. history, the fall contest is open to students in ninth through 12th grades on the subject of Christopher Columbus. This year’s essay title is titled “How Did the Faith 54 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

and Courage of Christopher Columbus Give to Mankind a New World?”

The 2012 essay for fifth- through eighthgraders is titled “Forgotten Patriots Who Supported the American Struggle for MELISSA KINDELL, DMD

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Independence.” The emphasis will be on the diverse ethnic groups who provided military, patriotic and public service in support of the American Revolution.

DAR’s Okeechobee chapter also contributed to Hospice of Okeechobee’s annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, donates ROTC awards, sponsors two scholarships and participates in the annual Battle of Okeechobee Reenactment weekend. The group supports the national Paws for Patriots program through which dogs are trained as companion animals for wounded veterans.

Any woman 18 years or older may join the DAR by documenting her lineage to an ancestor, either male or female, who aided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service.

An interested woman can attend meetings for two years before her lineage is turned in. Once submitted, she becomes

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I“ t takes the faith of a mustard seed to move a mountain, but it takes a determined dame with Dell [computer] -Mark Hart to move a monument.” a “participating member” while her credentials await verification. Certification usually takes six months unless there are major problems. Then she becomes an official Daughter of the American Revolution.

There is a Sons of the Revolution (SAR) organization for men who join through either the maternal or paternal side, and there is also a Children of the Revolution (CAR) group for boys or girls 21 years and younger. Those in either group still have to prove lineage. These organi-

zations interact but are separate entities.

George traces her lineage to Capt.

Drury Pace from South Carolina. He joined the Revolution as a patriot, but the rest of his family were Tories (King George loyalists). As a result, Pace had to hide out from his family.

As a child visiting in Eatonton, Ga., George was read Uncle Remus stories.

As she grew, history truly became alive when she began to recognize the roads around town from the story’s descrip-

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tions. Because the connection to the Revolution was through her mother’s side, not her father’s, as a child George’s nickname was “Half Yankee.”

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She recounted a story that confirmed her sense of history. “During the early depression, we moved to Milford, Conn.,” she said. “My parents rented half a house that had been an inn during the Revolutionary War. It was well documented that Washington had stayed there. I was told the bed he had used had been stored in the attic until it was placed in the front bedroom. I was allowed to sleep on it a couple of nights.

Under the house there was a tunnel, which connected three homes. When King George’s men would come to a house in search of patriots, the rebels would go into the tunnel and into the adjoining houses, moving back when the king’s men would move to that house in their search.”

As of 2012, 850,000 women have been able to trace their lineage to become DAR members. The organization currently has 168,000 members in nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide, including 12 foreign countries.

Philosopher G.K. Chesterton said, “The disadvantage of men not knowing the past is that they do not know the present. History is a hill or high point of vantage, from which alone men see the town in which they live or the ages in which they are living.”

If you think or know there is a patriot in your family or you just want to learn more about the local chapter, contact Su George at (863) 763-0266 or fredorsu@ embarqmail.com.

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Community Event

By Bridgette Waldau

Arts

COMMUNITY PARTNERS for HEALTH through the

1

2

3

1. The Okeechobee Show Choir entertains the guests.

2. Jennifer Dodd began the program with a beautiful flute performance.

3. OHS Principal Toni Wiersma expresses the importance of this program.

4. Grand Oak Residents Joe Staedelin ends the program with his saxophone performance.

5. Guests watch Layton Watford perform.

6. OCPHA committee members and partners enjoy the entertainment (L-R) Kathleen Shatto, Jennifer Dodd, Carol Wood, Bridgette Waldau and Toni Wiersma.

5

Okeechobee Main Street held a reception at Grand Oaks Assisted Living Comminity on May 23 to present their new program, Community Partners for Health through the Arts. Okeechobee Main Street, along with other OCPHA partners, will utilize Okeechobee High School students as the heart of the program to provide arts, crafts, drama and musical entertainment to the residents of Okeechobee senior citizen facilities. Okeechobee Main Street was awarded seed money to begin this valuable program for Okeechobee by Shands Arts in Medicine, founded in 1990 at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, in partnership with Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs and the Kresge Foundation.

(Above) Guests enjoy the reception.

(Below left) Leslie’s Dance Studio dancer Shelby Kirton dances to “Hit Me Up.” (Below right) Leslie’s Dance Studio dancer Layton Watford dances to “Saturday Night Fish Fry.”

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62 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Mickey Evans:

Father Behind Dunklin Memorial Camp

By Rachel Buxton O Photos By Felicia Maxwell

What began as one man’s vision while reading a book has turned into a refuge that has helped more than 7,000 men reclaim their lives from drugs and alcohol.

That man, Mickey Evans — known to many as Brother Mickey — is the founder of Dunklin Memorial Camp and has become what some would call an Okeechobee legend.

Evans was born Jan. 8, 1932, with the given name Donald, only to receive the nickname Mickey from his uncle, who said when Evans was born he came out like a prize fighter with his fists balled up, looking like then-boxing champ Mickey Walker. “I never wanted to fight my whole life,” Evans said. “But the nickname stuck, and I’ve been Mickey ever since.”

Evans has touched thousands of lives with his Christian beliefs. Ironically though, he did not grow up in a Christian household knowing who God was. He said he didn’t think God loved people like him. Both his parents were alcoholics, and it wasn’t until high school when he was dating his wife, Laura Maye, that he stepped into a church.

“Not because I was seeking God but because I was courting this little blonde-headed girl that was playing the piano,” Evans said.

Evans ended up marrying that “little blonde-headed girl” in 1951. And he and Laura Maye went on to have four children together.

As for God, Evans may not have been seeking Him but Evans, at the young age of 19, received the calling to follow the Lord after attending a revival at the Grace Brethren Church in Okeechobee.

Evans followed that calling and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for a year.

He then attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he majored in Bible studies.  64 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

“To me the greatest thrill is watching the next generation.”

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Fall 2012 | 65

After school he and Laura Maye returned to Okeechobee, where he took on odd jobs, including teaching fourth grade, in an attempt to save up money to work toward his doctorate. His plans, however, didn’t turn out to be God’s plans.

Evans and Laura Maye started Dunklin Memorial Camp in 1962 and for the past 50 years they have made it their mission in life.

Dunklin Memorial Camp is a drug and alcohol regeneration center that is like no other. Founded on the foundation of Christ, Dunklin uses core Christian principles to heal troubled souls. Referred to as the biblical term, a “city of refuge,” the camp is a spiritual, emotional and physical shelter from danger.

(Top) The original Dunklin Memorial Camp.

(Bottom) Micky and Laura Maye Evans.

Archive photos provided by the Evans family.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Nestled back in the woods on Martin County Grade Road Evans built Dunklin from the ground up.

When he purchased the 210-acre property it was pure swampland, home to alligators and moccasins.

At the time, Evans and Laura Maye were residing in Indiantown, where Evans was the pastor for Dunklin Memorial Baptist Church. They had just moved into a new parsonage when Evans said he became restless and wanted more. That’s when he received his vision, one he describes came from God. “It was not my idea; I knew it was from God,” he said.

“I thought he was kind of crazy,” Laura Maye said. “It didn’t fit my plans. I was comfortable.”

And only adding to Laura Maye’s apprehension to pick up and move to the middle of nowhere, the first time Evans brought his wife out to see the land saying, “Honey, isn’t this the most beautiful piece of land,” a snake coiled itself

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around her leg. “That was almost the end of Dunklin,” Laura Maye said.

However, it was only the beginning.

Evans began working fervently, clearing the land and bringing in four cabins from the coast for housing and classrooms. And immediately with no advertising, by only word of mouth, men came seeking help.

Evans and Laura Maye said it was difficult in that they didn’t have any money, but anytime they needed financial support for the camp, they prayed and God provided. Most times with the exact amount they needed.

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“It still happens today,” Laura Maye said. “We’re still praying.”

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Dunklin is always at full capacity housing 68 men. The office receives numerous calls a day with people inquiring about admittance. There is currently a waiting list.

The men wanting to attend Dunklin do not have to be Christian. They do, however, have to be open to the idea of letting God into their life and being taught recovery through spiritual means, Evans said. There is also an interview process that is conducted to determine if the

individual seeking help is truly ready and serious about getting help and turning his life around. The decision is then made if Dunklin is the best fit for the individual and his road to recovery.

There is a monetary fee to attend, but Evans said no man has or ever will be turned away because of lack of funds.

“My father died on skid row in Miami.

These men won’t,” Evans said.

Men who are accepted into Dunklin must be completely sober. Dunklin does not allow cell phones or computers. Men communicate with the outside world through letter writing. Family members can visit on the weekends during specified visiting hours.

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Over the years, the program has evolved from a three-month to a 10-month commitment. In the beginning there was no set curriculum. The Bible was the only teaching tool Evans had. He began reading anything and everything he could on addiction to gain insight.

He studied secular rehabilitation programs for guidance and education.

“I was told I milked every cow that came by and took the cream,” he said.

The one aspect that Evans realized that the secular programs lacked was the spiritual foundation. The very aspect he said has made Dunklin so successful.

The 10-month program is broken down into five stages: induction, orientation, regeneration, inner healing and discipleship. The different stages include Biblical counseling, classroom teachings and small groups to address the issues involved with addiction.

The classroom lessons challenge the men’s faith and teach them about God and the acceptance and forgiveness that come with a relationship with Him. A special emphasis is put on quiet time with God. Men are taught the art of journaling, which Evans said is the

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Fall 2012 | 69

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

most important tool learned in Dunklin. Quiet time and journaling is when a man has direct communication with God.

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The program offers marriage classes to those who are married and attending the camp. There is a motel on the premises that allows wives and children to come and participate in the recovery process.

Classes are available for parents of the men in recovery as well. Evans said addiction is a healing process for the entire family.

To further help families, Dunklin also offers a program called Family Development, which helps families that have never experienced life drug free learn to live together. The camp provides families with a house to live in for a year.

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Men learn discipline and good work ethics through manual labor while at Dunklin. Based on physical ability and skills, every man in the program receives a work task. Men work from 1 to 5 p.m. every day. Their tasks usually include working with the cattle or at the lumberyard — the two entities that help fund Dunklin.

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Dunklin completely funds itself receiving no state or federal funding. The camp relies on its roughly 300 head of cattle and lumberyard. Wooden pallets is a major industry at Dunklin, with local and national corporations purchasing them. The only other funding is through donations. Evans is proud to say that Dunklin is debt free.

Since leaving the pulpit in Indiantown, Evans hasn’t looked back. He said he never had any doubts about starting Dunklin because it wasn’t his decision; it was God’s.

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operation and four cottages is now a ministry with several trainers, 40 buildings and Dunklin Memorial Church, referred to as the church that meets at Dunklin because, as Evans is quick to say, “the church is the people.”

All the trainers, with the exception of Evans and his son-in-law, Chris, have been through the program. After graduating from Dunklin, if a man feels the calling to be a servant in Christ through recovery ministry, he is able to go through a one-year servant leadershiptraining program.

Several men have completed the training program, some remaining at Dunklin to teach and others who have taken their recovery and knowledge to start their own rehabilitation centers using the Dunklin model in other cities, states and even other countries.

Evans said it is difficult when it is time to send a man home. He said he feels like he is the grandfather and that he was privileged to have been able to help them.

Nick Reynolds, an alumnus of Dunklin and now a trainer at the camp, said Evans is a physical example of Christ to the men in the program. He loves and forgives despite all the chaos, Reynolds said.

Laura Maye has had a change of heart since the beginning. She now calls Dunklin “a little piece of Heaven.” And as for Evans, he has been forced to slow down over the past few years. He now spends his days taking calls from past graduates, getting updates and driving around the camp speaking and praying with the men currently in the program, letting them know someone loves them.

“To me the greatest thrill is watching the next generation,” he said. “If I die today, Dunklin will keep going, and far beyond what I could do.” O

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WE PROMISE TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE AT LOWEST PRICES PHARMACY THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSE TO BE  Personal Attention  Prescriptions Ready in Minutes  FREE Same Day Home Delivery  Rx Mail Available HARRY PATEL, Rph  Free Antibiotics Consultant Pharmacist  $3.99 Generic Program OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE HEALTHCARE MORE AFFORDABLE  Best Cash Price in Town  Low Cost OTC Medications Here is how we are different...  Accept Most Insurance Including Does Your Pharmacy accommodate Does Your Pharmacy have time  Medicaid, Medicare Part B and your special needs? to find ways to save you money Medicare Part D Does Your Pharmacy keep your on your prescriptions?  Courteous, Professional & prescriptions up to date with Friendly Staff Does Your Pharmacy handle refills and stock status etc.?  Compounding Meds (Non-Sterile) SPECIALTY PRESCRIPTIONS and Does Your Pharmacy have spare On Demand COMPOUNDING?  Take Time to Explain Your time to discuss yo health?

Prescription Medications  Care with Dignity and Respect NOW... it’s time to think about changing pharmacy!  We Match Competitors Price

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863-763-7633 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 73

Community Event Governor Visits Okeechobee Florida Gov. Rick Scott arrived in Okeechobee on June 7 to visit with community and business leaders in a roundtable format to listen to comments and concerns. He spoke on subjects such as education, taxes, jobs and Medicaid. In attendance were representatives from the state, county and city, the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County, Economic Council of Okeechobee and Okeechobee Main Street as well as local business owners.

Clockwise from top left: Okeechobee County Administrator Robbie Chartier, Mack â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hootâ&#x20AC;? Worley and Gov. Rick Scott listen to a speaker; Upon arrival, Scott personally greeted all in attendance, including Wes Williamson of Williamson Cattle Company (shown here); the roundtable discussion lasted one hour in the conference room of the Okeechobee County Courthouse; and Scott takes notes of the meeting in preparation for his return to Tallahassee.

74 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos By Sharon Cannon

Pritchards AND ASSOCIATES

“ I nsu ra nce Assu ra nce”

DOES IT ALL! Auto

Home

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TWORTHY TRUS

Property

Health

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12/10 • 2012 The Lowe Family Christmas Spectacular 1/8 • 2013 The Great American Songbook 1/24 • 2013 Juan Siddi Flamenco 2/1 • 2013 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

RV

Golf Cart/ATV

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21+ Years Integrity Independent Agency

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863-763-7711 1802 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, FL 34974

12/1 & 12/2 • 2012 The Living Christmas Tree

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11/15 • 2012 Titanic: The Musical

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2/12 • 2013 Cirque Zuma Zuma 2/25 • 2013 Fiddler on the Roof 3/12 • 2013 Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience

2012/2013

3/25 • 2013 Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues

4/16 • 2013 TAP - The Show!

5/4 • 2013 The Wizard of Oz 5/10 • 2013 Street Beat, Inc.

BUY TICKETS Fall @ 2012 | 75 www.dollyhand.org

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“Helping You Is What We Do Best” Tim Craig, Agency Manager and Celeste Hawk, Agent

Fast & Friendly Service Drive-Up Window Pharmacist Accessibility for Medication Counseling Phone Answered by Our Staff not machines

We are a Compounding Pharmacy.

863-763-3222 863-763-8247 FAX

Accept Most Insurances Medicaid, Medicare Part D

105 NW 5th St. Okeechobee N ///

///

///

///

NAPA

NW 2nd Avenue

NW 5th Street

///

///

///

State Road 441

///

State Road 70

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Charlene Dewey

Federation Clerk Customer Service Representative

863-763-3101 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Lisa Marie Morgan Customer Service Representative

Brandie Axt

Customer Service Representative

401 NW 4th Street Okeechobee FL 34972 Okeechobee County Farm Bureau is now on Facebook. Become a fan.

Okeechobee County

Bienvenidos!

863.357.9641 MEXICAN RESTAURANT

The Honda “Spring Ahead”Celebration!

Honda Generators — The Power Of Choice

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

EU2000i Super quiet — 53 to 59 dB(A) 2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120 AC Power Lightweight — less than 47 lbs.

Eco-Throttle — Runs up to 15 Hours on 1 Gallon of Fuel Parallel with other EU2000i for additional power Power for microwave, refrigerators, hair dryer, and small AC units

999

$

Open For Lunch & Dinner

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Serving Wine, Beer, Early Birds

EU2000i Companion Super quiet — 53 to 59 dB(A) 2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120 AC Power Lightweight — less than 47 lbs.

Eco-Throttle — Runs up to 15 Hours on 1 Gallon of Fuel Parallel with other EU2000i for additional power 30A Receptacle allows easy hook up to RV with optional connector

7 Days a Week From 11:00 am To 10:00 pm

Full Liquor Bar!

Happy Hour 7 Days A Week 3 pm - 7 pm Well Drinks and Draft Beer 2 for 1

3415 Hwy 441 South - Okeechobee, Florida

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

1,099

$

**

DOUBLE YOUR POWER!

NO INTEREST if paid in full within

Two identical wattage EU generators can be linked in parallel to increase available wattage through the generator outlets.

MONTHS

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Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment.*

Not available for EU6500is.

Parallel link requires optional cable kit.

Honda Pumps- Tuff Rugged and Reliable

569.95

$

www.PuebloViejoRestaurants.com

*The Honda Power Equipment Visa(r) credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR may vary. The APR is given as of 01/01/2012. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 6/30/2012. **Minimum Advertised Price. Not all dealers carry all product. Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. ©2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Professional.Principled.Passionate

WMP20

Serving the legal needs of the Okeechobee Community

Glenn J. Sneider

Multi-purpose 2” pump Designed for pumping industrial and agricultural chemicals Easy starting Honda OHV commercial engine 220 gal./min capacity Thermoplastic pump housing for chemical capability

The Honda $669.96 “Spring Ahead”Celebration!

Honda Generators — The Power Of Choice EU2000i

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Our entire staff is dedicated to helping clients with their legal matters.

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Super quiet — 53 to 59 dB(A) 2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120 AC Power Lightweight — less than 47 lbs.

Eco-Throttle — Runs up to 15 Hours on 1 Gallon of Fuel Parallel with other EU2000i for additional power Power for microwave, refrigerators, hair dryer, and small AC units

999

$

**

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WB30

General purpose, centrifugal pump of Honda 3” Inverter 120 AC Power Easy starting Honda OHV commercial Lightweight — less thanengine 47 lbs.

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NO INTEREST if paid in full within MONTHS

generators can be linked in parallel to increase available wattage through the generator outlets.

M-F 7am to 5pm SatNot7am12n available for EU6500is. Since 1963

with regular payments!

Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment.*

Parallel link requires optional cable kit.

820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL. 34972

10 full service locations to serve you.

863-763-1921

www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com

*The Honda Power Equipment Visa(r) credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. For newly opened accounts, the regular APR is 27.99%. The APR may vary. The APR is given as of 01/01/2012. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 6/30/2012. **Minimum Advertised Price. Not all dealers carry all product. Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. ©2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com okeechobee mag.honda.indd 1

Fall 2012 | 77 8/30/2012 4:20:16 PM

SERVICING

Fishing on

By Capt. Michael Shellen

All MAKES Brandon Baughman Certified Technician, MMI Graduate

Our shop can handle all your Motorcycle needs with our

MMI Certified Harley Davidson Technician

Services Provided:

We are an Amsoil, Tucker Rocky and V-Twin Dealer

Tire Purchase & Mounts Full Service Repairs - Minor to Major Customizing of Aftermarket Parts Customizing of Custom Built Parts Paint and Body Work Chrome and Powder Coat

We also have a showroom full of parts, accessories, bike wear and other stuff

Come By & Check Us Out!

1505 C S. Parrott Avenue Just 1 mile South of the Hwy 70 & Hwy 441 Intersection on the East side of Hwy 441.

www.skullhillsteel.com

B L R U E F V I F R Fishing Resort

Located on Beautiful Kissimmee River

Nicely Furnished One & Two Bedroom Rentals Nitely - Weekly - Monthly Laundry Room - Game Room - Bath House Boat Ramp - Boat & Dock Rentals

14725 NW 1st Parkway

(863) 467-4371

www.OkeechobeeFishingResort.com

78 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

T

he great fishing continues on Lake Okeechobee. The big lake has been on an upward swing for several years now and just keeps getting better. Last year we caught record numbers of big bass and had a huge daily catch as well.

The lake level has not had highs above 14 feet for several years now, and each winter we have seen low levels around 11 feet or lower. The somewhat stable low-water periods have led to numerous great spawns that have exploded the fish populations of every species in the lake.

In the past we have experienced many great years of pan fishing. This year has provided some of the best summertime catches of shell cracker I can ever remember. Of course, the big blue gill are caught in the same areas as the shell cracker, but anyone who has eaten freshly caught and fried shell cracker filets knows exactly what I am alluding to. The tremendous run of shell cracker started on the full moon in April and has continued on each moon phase up through August. How long it can and will continue remains to be seen.

With the water level in the 11-to 12-foot range in early August, the pan fish stayed mostly to the outside edges of the vegetation, some even fanning spawning beds well out into the lake where the water was still only 2 to 3 feet. The primary baits have been grass shrimp, red worms and crickets. Many anglers target and catch large numbers of bluegill on a fly rod and popping bug when they are in such shallow water.

Bass fishing tournament anglers have found that it takes five bass that weigh 25 to 30 pounds to win a tournament on the lake. The numbers of quality sized bass in the 5- to 10-pound range in the lake right now are staggering, and these bass are growing each season, getting bigger and fatter.

Lake Okeechobee

Who Will Plan Your Funeral?  My family will plan my funeral and pay all the expenses even though it will be an emotional time.

I understand they will have to make many decisions in a very short period of time.

OR

Capt. Michael Shellen

During the summer months we try to get onto the water before sunup, if possible, in order to take advantage of schooling action that takes place along the outside grass lines. Bass can be seen and heard, blasting bait fish such as shad and shiners in the cover and sometimes well out into the lake as well. When they are schooling on bait, a spinner bait tossed well back into the grass and worked toward the outside edge can present heart-stopping action.

Some morning we may catch 8 to 12 bass, and the action ends quickly. Other days we catch 35 to 40 in the first couple of hours. The catching can end in a second, and the rhyme or reason alludes me, but the sun rising higher into the sky is certainly one reason. Once they quit eating the spinner bait we switch to soft plastics — flukes, speed worms and senkos being a key part of our arsenal.

Those anglers who want to target only large bass very often will opt to flip and pitch matted vegetation or thick clumps of bulrush with a creature-style bait.

There are many styles, configurations and colors of creature style baits; some use a jig with a trailer, while others use a punch skirt and creature baits. Personal preference and confidence in your choice makes a world of difference. But don’t be afraid to climb out of your comfort level and try something new.

There are new baits of all kinds hitting the market every day; some work well, some not so much. O Capt. Michael Shellen Shellen Guide Service

(863) 357- 0892

www.OkeechobeeBassFishing.com

 I will plan and prepay for my  funeral so my family can concen-

trate on themselves rather than worrying about making funeral arrangements and paying for them.

Pre-Planning Is Simple And Affordable. Call Us Today.

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1365 US Hwy 441 SE - Okeechobee, FL 34974 (Next to the bowling alley)

863-763-4080 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 79

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ConnieLake Award OkeechobeeWinning Hotel The Newest Hotel in Okeechobee.

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WILLIAMSON CATTLE COMPANY PRESENTS Photos of the Past

FIRST BRICK SCHOOL 1916

The first brick school was constructed in 1916. It was built when the downtown area was in St. Lucie County. Okeechobee County was created in 1917 from parts of Osceola, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties. It has been reported this was the first building to have indoor plumbing. This lovely school’s teachers taught grades 1st-12th.

OKEECHOBEE’S FIRST HIGH SCHOOL 1926

In 1926 another building was constructed on the same block, just north of the earlier brick school. This new high school served students in seventh grade through the twelfth grade. For the first time the grades 1st - 12th were separated. 1st - 6th in the original brick building and the 7th -12th was schooled in the new school, constructed in 1926.

PHOTO CREDITS: First Brick School picture used with permission from the Okeechobee Historical Society’s President, Betty Chandler Williamson.

Okeechobee First High School picture used with permission from Frank (Sonny) Williamson, Jr. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 81

Darby Jones

O

looks forward to the volleyball season

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

D

arby Jones has played volleyball since she was 7 years old, spurred on by her parents, Todd and Rachel, who have been involved with local volleyball and played the sport when they were young.

Jones is part of a group of several seniors on the Okeechobee High School volleyball squad that is expected to achieve great things. OHS girls volleyball is fueled by the Big Lake Juniors program, which plays volleyball around the state and keeps the girls in shape and around the game most of the year.

Jones said she is super excited about her senior year. “I’ve been with the varsity team for four years, and ever since I was little and this is our little dream team with all of us still together,” she said. “I look forward to the season.

Jones also has aspirations of a college volleyball scholarship. She recently attended a camp at South Florida Community College in Avon Park and has interest from a second university.

Several Okeechobee girls have gone on to play college volleyball in recent years and Jones is proud her team has been able to continue the program’s success. “Experience on the court is definitely a key for us,” she said. “We’ve played together for many years and should have a pretty strong team this year.”

Jones was encouraged by her parents

Mama Flegos Italian Restaurant Check out our all New Menu!

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82 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

to play volleyball as she watched videos of them playing the game. She said she fell in love with the sport and wanted to be like the Okeechobee kids who played college volleyball.

Jones said a key to her talent and success has been the club volleyball program. They travel to many tournaments across the state and play against the very best in the sport. “Big Lake Juniors has definitely helped,” Jones said.

“You start at an early age and you progress as you get older. When you get to high school you are ready to play in those tough games against top talent.”

The Lady Brahmans claimed a district championship during Jones’ sophomore year and had an opportunity to host Titusville. Unfortunately, Okeechobee fell in a five-game marathon match. Last year they were runners-up in a tougher district and lost to Venice in the first round.

Jones said the team has the talent to progress further into the post season this year. “I think we have it in us. We must stay focused and play hard,” she added.

Jones admits that being the daughter of a volleyball coach has its challenges but that she enjoys having her dad as her coach, and that he has taught her a lot about the game.

“People think that I have it easy because the coach is my dad, but that isn’t true,” Jones said. “My dad is big on stats, and he wants every player to be able to prove [so] that they belong on the team. It puts pressure on me and some stress, but I still love the sport.” O

10 years ago Billy Dean came to WOKC Radio and mornings have never been the same in Okeechobee. He keeps thousands of listeners entertained and informed each weekday from 7 - 11 am.

Billy not only represents WOKC and our 50 years of commitment to hometown radio, he has donated his time and energy to promote community events, help raise money for non-profit organizations and help people in need.

A Local Legend

Behind his unforgettable laugh is a guy with a big heart and a love for this community.

863-467-1570

Fax 888-875-1570

We Proudly Support The Community We Live And Work In. As an organization and member of the community, we are dedicated to the safety of our driving professionals, as well as the motoring public.

863.763.5593 Fax 863.763.7874

www.walpoleinc.com

Family owned and operated since 1951

Post Office Box 1177 - Okeechobee, FL 34973 Terminals also in Tampa - West Palm Beach - Birmingham www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 83

AROUND

Okeechobee

Dowling Watford Receives Rotary’s Prestigious Award

Okeechobee Main Street Mixers

Dowling Watford received the award in recognition of “Service Above Self ” in the community during the Rotary Club of Okeechobee’s annual installation banquet held June 22 at Pueblo Viejo Mexican restaurant.

Pictured above, Watford (left) accepts the award from outgoing Rotary President Lyle Fried.

Waste Management Employee Volunteerism Program

The following Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Brown Cow Sweetery; (middle) Seacoast National Bank and (bottom) Quality A/C.

Reader Designs Okeechobee The Magazine Hand-Bag

Waste Management recently recognized Teresa Chandler with a check for $250 that was donated to the BRAT Club on behalf of Chandler’s volunteer efforts to a local nonprofit organization. Pictured above, Waste Management Senior District Manager Tony Bishop (center) presents the check to employee Teresa Chandler (right) and BRAT Club Inc. Vice President Allison Chandler.

84 | Fall 2012

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Betty Clement, a proud reader of Okeechobee The Magazine, presented the publisher with this beautiful custom-made hand bag. Made from pages of past issues, it is completely lined inside with a snap closure and macramé handle. Thank you, Ms. Clement.

ECO CARE AWARD GOES TO CenterState Bank The Economic Council of Okeechobee’s quarterly Community Award Recognizing Enhancement (CARE) was presented to CenterState Bank for its new banking facility located at 2100 South Parrott Ave.

CenterState Bank’s new facility.

Waste Management Donates to Okeechobee Youth Football

Waste Management presented a check for $1,000 to benefit Okeechobee Youth Football on June 29. Pictured here are (L-R) Waste Management Community Relations Representative Teresa Chandler, coach and Commissioner James Shockley, coach and Commissioner Brad Gibson, President Marvin Roberts, Treasurer Charlie Hukriede, assistant coach and Vice President Larry Boswell, board member Luci Wright, cheer coach and Secretary Paige Cloud, head coach and board member Eric Williams, Waste Management Senior District Manager Tony Bishop. Not pictured: Commissioner Chaka Smith and Vice President Terrance Pryor.

Chamber of Commerce Holds Grand Opening

Local dignitaries joined members of the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County and Okeechobee Main Street for the chamber’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house June 7. The chamber’s office is located on the southeast corner of Parrott Avenue and State Road 70. For information on the chamber, visit www.okeechobeebusiness.com or call (863) 467-6246.

Okeechobee School Board Hosts New Teacher Luncheon A luncheon was held Aug. 15 at Okeechobee Presbyterian Church to welcome new teachers to Okeechobee.

Pictured above are (seated) Felicia Massie, Seminole Cove Elementary School Principal Tracy Downing and Assistant Principal Brian Barrett, and (back) Maribel Gonzalez and Rachel Williams. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Fall 2012 | 85

List of Advertisers 14K Gold Store ...................................... 36 5th Street Pharmacy .......................... 76 A & G Concrete Pools ........................... 69 Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta............. 25 Audibel Hearing Center ..................... 38 Badcock Furniture................................. 61 Bass Electric ........................................... 36 Bass Funeral Home ............................... 79 Bella Rose Day Spa ............................ 63 Berger Clinic.......................................... 52 Big Lake Eye Care ..................................... 3 Boots & Pearls Gala............................... 48 Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design ........ 13 Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee..... 68 Brown Cow Sweetery... .......................... 61 CenterState Bank ................................... 47 Charlie’s Landscaping ............................ 26 Cowboys Steak & BBQ Co. ............... 19, 47 Culpepper & Terpening ........................ 41 Custom Window Treatments & Blinds .... 33

Dermatology Center of Florida............... 74 Diane Hagan Campaign ........................ 47 Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center ............. 75 DR Willson Land Co. ............................... 35 Edward Jones Investments ................... 54 Everglades Farm Equipment .................. 77 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry ................ 55 Farm Bureau ....................................... 76 Florida’s Blood Centers ........................ 13 Florida Eye Institute ............................ 29 Flower Petals .......................................... 60 Gilbert Chevrolet .................................... 49 Golden Corral ..................................... 43 Hampton Inn ....................................... 81 Heartland Discount Pharmacy.............. 73 Highland Pest Control ........................... 60 Holiday Inn .......................................... 70 ICS Computers ..................................... 52 Jeanette’s Interiors ............................... 54 Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center..72 Lakeshore Marine ................................. 79 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ................ 61 Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider ............... 77 Law Office of Philip DeBerard ............... 87 Libby Maxwell Campaign .....................60 Lodge at the Lake Restaurant .................17 Los Cocos Restaurant .............................71

Nikki looks up to our advertisers.

Mama Flegos ......................................... 82

Mary Kay ............................................... 54 MidFlorida Credit Union ......................... 80 MidFlorida Hardware ............................. 86 Mims Veterinary Hospital ...................... 28 Morgan Furniture .................................. 27 Murray Insurance .................................. 28

Sandra Pearce Photography ................. 54 Seacoast National Bank ........................ 57 Skull Hill Steel ....................................... 78 Shooters Choice ..................................... 61 SonRise Cafe .......................................... 55 Southern Styles .................................... 70 St. Lucie Tires ....................................... 66 New Vision Eye Center ........................ 72 Stafford’s Salon .................................... 55 State Farm Insurance ............................ 55 Okeechobee Claws & Paws ...................... 13 Syble’s Flowers & Gifts ......................... 63 Okeechobee Democratic Party .............. 37 Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep ........ 21 TD Bank ............................................... 71 Okeechobee Health Care ......................... 4 Teez 2 Pleez .......................................... 60 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .... 63 Toni’s Chic Boutique .............................. 56 Total Roadside Services .......................... 5 Park Street Parcel ................................... 38 Treasure Coast Food Bank.................... 59 Pat’s Floral Design ................................. 37 Peace Lutheran School .......................... 69 Tree Locators ......................................... 35 Phil Baughman Campaign .................... 39 Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ............................. 9 Platinum Performance Builders ............ 6 Pritchards & Associates .......................... 75 United Mid-Country FL Real Estate .......... 7 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant .................... 77 UBS Financial ......................................... 25 Quail Creek Plantation ....................... 11 Quality Air Conditioning ................ 37, 76 VNA/Grand Oaks ................................. 67 Quality Lawn Care ................................ 37 Walpole, Inc. ......................................... 16 Raulerson’s Absolutely Art .................. 15 Waste Management ............................. 69 Raulerson Hospital ............................. 2 Wemmer Family Orthodontics .......... 73 Raulerson Hospital ............................ 44, 45 Williamson Cattle Company .................. 81 Raulerson Hospital ................ Back Cover WOKC 1570 AM ..................................... 83 Ray Domer Campaign .......................... 68 Women’s Health ................................... 58 Republican Party of Okeechobee ........... 52 Worley Construction .............................. 33 Risato Plastic Surgery Center ................ 53 River Bluff RV & Fishing Resort ............. 78 Xplosion All Stars ................................. 81 Rustic Style & Cabins ........................... 59

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Your Local Hardware Store For ALL Your Hardware Needs "We match local advertised prices."

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm Saturday 8 am - 4 pm

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pen! Mid-Florida Hardware Postal Center

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Postage for Domestic and International Mailings Insurance and Certified Mail with No Surcharges Operating hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

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Fall 2012 | 87

Raulerson Company Care, a department of Raulerson Hospital, is part of a comprehensive network solution to local companies’ occupational health needs. Through efficient and cost effective methods, Company Care is dedicated to helping you build a healthier business.

Whether you have 5 employees or 500, we can design a program to meet your company’s needs.

• Serving both the public & private sectors • Guiding you through the complexities involved with Workers’ Compensation Services including State and Federal workforce regulations • Meeting all Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for annual physicals, and Drug & Alcohol testing • Striving for the desired outcomes that allow for a timely return to work

GENERAL SURGERY General Surgery is a crucial function for any hospital. Many times the outcomes of diagnostic tools, such as tests and lab work, leave physicians with no General Surgeon General Surgeon choice but to recommend a surgical procedure to correct a patient’s condition.

Dr. Gregory Sainnoval Dr. Manuel Garcia General Surgeons at Raulerson Hospital include Dr. Manuel Garcia and Dr. Gregory Sainnoval. These physicians, along with the RNs in the Surgical Services Department, are professionals and their precision and experience are a comfort to patients requiring a surgical procedure. Raulerson Hospital offers a wide variety of Inpatient and Outpatient General Surgery procedures, including: • Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal • Laparoscopic Appendectomy

• Lumpectomy / Mastectomy • Hernia Repair

• Colon Resection • Many other minimally invasive surgeries

Emergency Services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (863) 763-2151 • 1796 Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972

RaulersonHospital.com ® CONSULT-A-NURSE • For Free Physician Referral & Health Care Questions 88 | Fall 2012 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

call 763-9228