Okeechobee The Magazine Winter 2009

Winter 2009

THE MAGAZINE

Mike Shellen Knows Where The Fish Are

Plus

The Schoenfelds Shoenfelds

Put a Face on the March of Dimes

Dr. Trinidad Garcia Boots Boots & n Pearls Shopping with Tara Minton

Welcome to

RAULERSON

OSPITAL

Raulerson Hospital is proud to be Okeechobee’s Community Hospital We are a 100-bed acute care facility, providing a full range of medical and surgical services performed by caring compassionate physicians and staff. Whether you need a simple health care question answered, an outpatient procedure, physical therapy or major surgery, Raulerson Hospital is here to provide you with exceptional care. Our goal is to exceed your expectations as we strive to be your first choice for all of your medical needs. Our dedicated staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to serve you.

If you are a business owner, I want you to know we listened to your needs. Raulerson Hospital has extended its Comprehensive Occupational Health Care Services program to you. The Raulerson Company Care Program is tailored to meet the unique needs of your business or industry. As a comprehensive health and wellness delivery system, Raulerson Company Care offers employers one-stop shopping for Injury Prevention, Emergency Care, Pre-Employment Testing, and Worker’s Compensation treatment in Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast Market. Our Company Care Program is also a provider for FDOT Certified Drug and Alcohol Testing services. For more information, please contact Raulerson Company Care at 863-763-2670.

On behalf of Raulerson Hospital, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our returning winter residents and visitors. For our visitors from outside of the USA, Raulerson Hospital is proud to introduce the HCA East Florida International Services Program. We can help get the medical attention you require and will help you coordinate a wide range of medical, financial, and personal services. For more information please call 1-888-298-2367.

We encourage and welcome your feedback. Please feel free to contact us or stop by anytime with your comments and suggestions – my door is always open.

Robert Lee Chief Executive Officer

is just around the corner.

The Raulerson Hospital Emergency Room is available 24/7/365

Phone: 863-763-2151

We Care

1796 Highway 441 North Okeechobee, Florida 34972

www.raulersonhospital.com 2 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

When Seconds Count ... Count On Us!

Most Ins. Accepted Vision Plans Welcome

Medicaid Medicare Healthy Kids

Dedicated To A Lifetime of Eye Care & Quality Eye Wear

763-EYES

Call Now For Appointment

(763-3937)

Walk-Ins Welcome

Board Certified Optometric Physician • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Contact Lens Fitting • State of the Art Optical Service • Glaucoma Exams & Treatments • Diabetic Eye Exams • Cataract Evaluations • Foreign Body Removal • Test For Dry Eye & Treatment

Dr. Charles Bartels and Family

Call Now For Appointment - Evening Hours Available - Walk-ins Welcome

www.BigLakeEyeCare.com 606 North Parrott Avenue - Okeechobee, Florida 34972

Okeechobee Medical Cosmetic Center Leland M. Heller, M.D. Okeechobee Family Practice, P.A.

1713 Highway 441 N. Suite E Okeechobee, Florida 34972

863-467-8771

FDA Approved Skin Laser Restylane & Botox - Botanical Skin Care Products Sun Damage

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Invest In Yourself...the Best Investment You'll Ever Make!

4 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Look Beaut iful & Healt hy Youthful, Clear Smooth Skin "Specializing in Facial Rejuvenation"

Look Great By Reversing Brown & Red Spots Facial & Leg Veins Rosacea - Birthmarks Chin & Lip Hair Wrinkle Reduction The “Frown of Aging” Reduce or Eliminate Facials Lumps & Bumps

Free Consultation!

Make Your Botox, Laser & Restylane Appointment Today with Leland M. Heller, M.D.

863-467-8771 F.A.A.F.P. DIPLOMATE AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY PRACTICE

“Proud to live and serve in Okeechobee for 13 years!”

Okeechobee Medical Cosmetic Center Leland M. Heller, M.D. OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

|5

6 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Top Secret Shopping!

Shop at Chloe's Closet For Your Eyes Only Deals & Steals!

Shhhhhh!

Secret Agents Cyndi & Susan have the best kept Fashion Secret in town!

123 SW Park Street - Okeechobee Located in the heart of Okeechobee at the corner of Park Street and Second Avenue!

Hot Prices, Hot Fashions at Amazing Prices.

That's a secret worth keeping!

863-357-4700

Consignment & Accessory Store for Ladies Store Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 am Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

AA

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Internet Consignments

Let us Help you Sell Your Items An Internet Store where you can consign your valuables and can find items you have been searching for!

COLLECTABLE - ART - CLOTHING-TOYS TOOLS - FURNITURE - AUTOS-BOATS ANTIQUES- GAMES-JEWELRY & MORE!

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863-697-8027 aaainternetconsignments.com Check Out Our Website & our Positive Feedback!

Deliver Items To Our Office Or We Can Pick Them Up.

207 NW 2nd Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

|7

Publisher’s Note volume

3, number 4 |Winter 2009

publisher/managing editor

Maureen Budjinski creative director

Bridgette Waldau copy editor

jason Budjinski office manager

Carol lieBerMan bookkeeping

Betty Buglio account executives

louise doWling nanCy gagliardi gail loCkWood senior photographer

rafael PaCheCo contributing photographer

sandra PearCe writers

jan fehrMan MiChael W. White contributors

MiChael CostoPoulos raye deusinger donna helton Charles MurPhy joyCe MurPhy Marilyn rinear kathy sCott distribution

jessiCa sMith 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 2009, 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 error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

8 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Welcome back to our friends from the north.

Now that the winter season is here, we are happy to have you back for another year. Finally, the always-anticipated cooler weather has arrived, and Okeechobee is ready for the season.

This winter issue of Okeechobee The Magazine is filled with wonderful stories and photos for you to enjoy. Meet our very own columnist Capt.

Mike Shellen. Mike has been giving us the tips and know-how of Lake Okeechobee fishing for three years. Now our readers can get to know him as we feature Mike in this issue. As he points out, Lake Okeechobee is getting healthy, and that is great news for us all. Much like Mike, my husband Gary and I came to Okeechobee because of our love of the lake.

Can you have it all? Meet Dr. Trinidad Garcia — wife, mother, doctor and community-minded woman who gives us some insight as to how she juggled her career and family. Also in this issue we have featured the ambassadors for “March for the Babies,” a March of Dimes event.

Follow Jennifer and Heath Schoenfeld as their lives come full circle and meet their beautiful twin boys Jacob and Casey.

We here at Okeechobee The Magazine have a special love for the work of the Shriners. Their motto reads, “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.” Meet the local Shriners who work hard for these children in need.

I’m pleased to bring back a column by Okeechobee Tourist Development Director Kathy Scott. Kathy helps promote Okeechobee, and she has given us a list of upcoming events. Please join me in attending these events. It’s an enjoyable way to help promote Okeechobee.

Speaking of promoting Okeechobee, meet our shopper, Tara Minton, executive director of the Okeechobee Economic Council. Follow her on her shopping spree at Quail Creek Décor at Quail Creek Plantation, East Coast Signs & Shirts and The Alarm Company, as well as her lunch at Cowboys Bar-B-Q & Steak Co. Okeechobee The Magazine is three years old now, and I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying the ride right along with you. I get many ideas from our readers, and we all strive to make each and every issue special to show off our special community of Okeechobee.

Have a safe, prosperous and wonderful 2010. Now relax, put your feet up and enjoy this winter issue of Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.

Sincerely, Publisher

Charting Your Financial Course

Costopoulos Helton your partners in

financial journey

Taxation Accounting Business Consulting Wealth Management You have have worked worked hard hard to to build build a a business business or or become become estabestabYou lished in a successful career.

When you reap the rewards for lished in a successful career. When you reap the rewards for your efforts, efforts, we we can can help help you you plan plan your your financial financial future. future. your We are are more more than than your your accountants, accountants, business business advisors advisors and and tax tax We planners.

As Registered Financial Advisors, Costopoulos and planners. As Registered Financial Advisors, Costopoulos and Helton, P.A., P.A., is is well well equipped equipped to to partner partner with with you you in in managing managing Helton, your wealth wealth in in your your life’s life’s journey journey toward toward your your personal personal and and busibusiyour ness financial financial goals. goals. ness Having a a firm firm you you can can trust trust to to help help you you go go forward forward may may Having help your your journey journey toward toward your your destination destination be be direct direct and and sure. sure. help

Certified Public Accountants Registered Investment Advisors

CostopoulosHelton (863) 763-1120

195 S.W. 28th Street Okeechobee, Florida

www.chcpa.com Investment and and insurance insurance products products distributed distributed by

by Genworth Genworth Financial Financial Securities Securities Corporation, Corporation, member member FINRA/SIPC FINRA/SIPC and and aa licensed licensed insurance insurance Investment agency (dba Genworth Financial Securities and Insurance Services in CA); investment advisory services are offered through Genworth Financial agency (dba Genworth Financial Securities and Insurance Services in CA); investment advisory services are offered through Genworth Financial Advisors Corporation, Corporation, an an SEC SEC Registered Registered Investment Investment Advisor.

Advisor. Home Home office office at at 200 200 N. N. Martingale Martingale Rd., Rd., Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL IL 60173; 60173; (847) (847) 330-7900.

330-7900.

Advisors Financial Planning Planning and and Portfolio Portfolio Management Management Services Services are are offered offered solely solely through through Costopoulos Costopoulos and and Helton, Helton, P.A. THE state of Winter Florida2009 Registered OKEECHOBEE MAGAZINE |9 Financial P.A. aa state of Florida Registered Investment Advisor Advisor which which is is not not affiliated affiliated with with Genworth Genworth Advisors Advisors Corp.

Corp. or or Genworth Genworth Financial Financial Securities Securities Corp.

Corp.

Investment

Contents Winter 2009

36

46

18

features

24

departments

12 OkeechObee ShOpper

Tara Minton takes us on a shopping spree to Quail Creek Decor, East Coast Signs & Shirts, The Alarm Company and Cowboys Bar-B-Q & Steak Company, where she enjoyed lunch.

26 captain Mike Shellen Knows Where The Fish Are

BY JAN FEHRMAN

36 the Schoenfelds

Put a Face on the March of Dimes

BY MICHAEL W. WHITE

46 Dr.trinidad Garcia

Motherhood, Medicine, Community

BY JAN FEHRMAN

BY JOYCE MURPHY

columns

56 Okeechobee Shrine club

BY RAYE DEUSINGER

COMMUNITY EVENTS

18 20 24 44 52 54 60 64 66 70 78 72 80 82

Labor Day Festival Cattlewomen’s Assoc. Dinner Dance Boots & Pearls Gala Halloween Fest Skip Byrant Memorial Golf Tournament Community Theatre Presents “Brigadoon” Waldau’s Junior Golf Tournament Lincoln Day Dinner Jefferson Jackson Dinner Okeechobee County Blood Roundup Lee McAllister Kid’s Fishing Day

buSineSS prOfileS ArOunD OkeechObee ADvertiSerS inDex

10 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

68

homebuyer’s tax credit

BY MICHAEL COSTOPOULOS, CPA AND DONNA HELTON, CPA

74 76

James Steiert, OhS bowler

BY CHARLES MURPHY

tDc: ‘tis the Season for fun

BY KATHY SCOTT, TOURISM COORDINATOR

Winter 2009

THE MAGAZINE

Mike Shellen Knows Where The Fish Are

ON THE COVER Captain Mike Shellen Read more about Mike on page 26.

Plus

The Shoenfields

Put a Face on the March of Dimes

Dr. Trinidad Garcia Boots ‘n Pearls n Pearls Shopping with Tara Minton

phOtO bY rAfAel pAchecO

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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Okeechobee Shopper Featuring Tara Minton STORY BY JOYCE MURPHY O PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAUREEN BUDJINSKI

Each issue, Okeechobee The Magazine sends a local resident out into the community to visit local retailers on a $10,000 shopping spree. To help narrow the choices, each retailer selects three items for our shopper to consider. The shopping spree is imaginary; we don’t really fork over the cash. However, we do get a great look at what’s available at area stores.

Economic Council of Okeechobee Executive Director Tara Minton loves to shop. She encourages everyone to shop locally, support local businesses and help the economy by keeping the dollars circulating in Okeechobee.

A fifth-generation Florida native, Tara grew up in Fort Pierce. She remembers childhood visits to Okeechobee for rodeos. Tara’s dad Rick Minton served Okeechobee for eight years in the Florida House of Representatives.

Tara attended the University of Florida where she earned a master of agribusiness degree.

She worked as a coordina-

tor of economic analysis for University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) at the Indian River Research and Education Center. Tara later worked as a senior operations analyst at Bank of America in Tampa before taking her current position with the Economic Council in 2008.

A not-for-profit organization founded in 1990, the Economic Council of Okeechobee is celebrating its 20th year.

The organization’s mission is to promote the sound and judicious economic growth of Okeechobee by acting as a catalyst between the public and private sectors to foster dialogue, planning and action.

In addition to her work for the Economic Council, Tara helps care for her great-grandmother Bessie Minton, who is 107. Tara also serves as secretary of Longino Ranch Inc. and holds a Florida real estate license. She is a member of

(Left) “Slim” the cowboy statue made of natural Florida wood.

(Bottom Left) Gwen Pilato shows Tara around the showroom.

(Top Right) The storefront of Quail Creek Décor has the look of an old western town.

(Below) One of the many unique lighting fixtures.

(Below Right) Gwen, along with her dog Bentley show Tara this beautiful sofa.

12 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

the First United Methodist Church and enjoys Gator football, camping, horseback riding, boating, gardening, cooking and reading.

Having grown up in a small town and moved to Tampa, Tara realized she missed the small-town atmosphere. She recently moved back to Okeechobee and needed furnishings for her new place.

Tara heard that Quail Creek Decor (863-824-3390) had recently opened at Quail Creek Plantation and went to check out the store that carries western, lodge and Native American styles. Owner Gwen Pilato and her assistant Penny Kenny met Tara at the store, located at 12399 NE 224th Street. Pilato also has a furniture store in Palm Beach Gardens. The Okeechobee store is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Quail Creek Decor offered Tara a wide selection to choose from in everything from leather and wood to hide and fabric. She fell in love with a bar ($2,699) that was covered with a glass top that does not stain. Carved by hand in North Carolina, the piece would be great for Tara’s entertainment needs. A cowboy statue ($2,000) made of natural Florida wood was another must-have for Tara.

Carved by a master carver with a chain saw the statue or “Slim,” as he’s called, stands six feet tall and can be painted if Tara decides to add color to the light wood.

Next, Tara chose a living room set (on sale for $2,450).

The chair, sofa and ottoman were made with print leather

that comes in 25 different colors. The sofa is a sleeper sofa and very comfortable, according to Tara.

After checking out some Martin Greeley prints, Tara looked around for place settings for her holiday dinners.

It didn’t take her long to decide on a western-theme pattern with horses, cows and saddles on the plates, cups and bowls ($450). Barbwire-trimmed silverware ($130), eight chili bowls ($136) and branded chargers ($120) completed the set, and Tara was ready to serve eight guests.

Gwen told Tara that her staff would deliver the furniture at no cost. Gwen said she and Penny are interior designers and can help Tara with any designing needs she may have. Gwen also mentioned that she works with the customer and offers discounts on multiple purchases. For more information about Quail Creek Décor, visit www. quailcreekdecor.com.

Driving back to town, Tara did some business-related shopping at East Coast Signs & Shirts, 2344 State Road 70 West, Okeechobee, which offers screen printing, embroidering and signs. Tara needed to order 24 polostyle shirts for her board of directors ($456) as well as a one-sided, digitally printed,



(Above) SkipJacks Seafood Shack’s logo.

(Top Left) Tara looks over a shirt design with Scott.

(Left) Scott assists Tara in a polo shirt choice for the embroidering of the ECO logo.

(Top Right) Tara with owners Michelle and Scott Dawson alongside one of their many signage designs.

(Right) Michelle and Scott supervise the digital printing of a banner.

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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| 13

full-color 2’ x 3’ sign for her office ($62).

Owners Scott and Michelle Dawson promised to have Tara’s order ready in ten business days or less. They have seven employees who work on orders from local clients as well as clients all over the southeastern United States.

With their business open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, they work with clients to design logos and sells hats and t-shirts in 30-plus color options.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. To contact East Coast Signs & Shirts, call them at (863) 763-0902 or visit their web site at www. eastcoastscreenprinting.net.

Tara’s last stop was The Alarm Company of Okeechobee, Inc., 919 NW Park Street. Owners Carl and Phyllis Shumate were eager to answer Tara’s questions about alarm systems.

As a single woman, Tara wanted a standard system with monitoring for peace of mind.

Carl explained to Tara that a system’s cost is based on the number of openings (windows and doors) monitored and includes a keypad, interior motion detector, installation and backup battery. Carl said a dog weighing up to 35 pounds can be in the house without setting off the alarm.

Carl assured Tara that he did installations on existing homes as well as newly constructed ones. Because the system Carl sells is monitored, Tara may qualify for a 10to 15-percent discount on her homeowners insurance.

Tara chose a 10-opening standard system ($800) with monthly monitoring ($18 month).

While The Alarm Company of Okeechobee has been in town for five years, Carl has worked in the security business for 28 years. The company recently donated a speaker system to the Okeechobee High School band and installed the system in the band room at the school.

Besides security systems, The Alarm Company of Okeechobee also offers closed circuit television (CCTV) with surveillance cameras that offer remote viewing, fire alarm systems, medical alert systems, telephone and network wiring and central vacuum systems. To contact The Alarm Company of Okeechobee, call the Shumates at (863) 357-2004. You can also visit their web site at www.thealarmco.org.

(Above Left) Closed circuit television (CCTV) with surveillance cameras.

(Above Right) Carl and Tara discuss her security system options.

(Far Left) Tara with owners Phyllis and Carl Shumate.

(Left) Tara is delighted in her choice of this monitoring closed circuit television.

14 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

After she finished shopping, Tara headed to have lunch at Cowboys Bar-B-Q & Steak Co. (102 SW 14th Street, Okeechobee). Cowboys is known around town for more than its great food.

Owner Jim McCoin is an award-winning barbecuer who has competed all over the United States. In the Florida Bar-B-Que Association southeast circuit he placed sixth in 2008, fourth in 2007 and 10th in 2006. Jim was also on the association board of directors in 2007. In 2008, he won the Whole Hog Best of the Best, competing with 50 top teams.

Jim believes in giving back to the community, donating to churches, schools and organizations on an on-going basis. As a member of the Okeechobee Kiwanis Club, he hosted the annual Easter pancake breakfast this year and the annual banquet, which was donated. Jim also owns SkipJacks Seafood Shack in Okeechobee.

country-fried turkey ($8) with collard greens and gravy was the daily special.

“It is as good as it looks,” Tara told Becky. While eating her lunch, Tara enjoyed looking at all the wonderful photos of local people and families that adorn the walls at the restaurant.

Cowboys caters parties, barbecues, weddings and luncheons. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. To place an order for take-out, call (863) 467-0321 or visit www.cowboysbarbqueandsteakco.com.

Tara finished her meal with a slice of pie from a great selection, and then it was back to work for this shopper. O

Tara’s server, Becky Whitehead informed her of the daily specials and took her drink order while Tara looked over the menu. Smoked meats, appetizers, soups, salads, chicken wings and hamburgers, sandwiches and a variety of homemade desserts round out the Cowboys menu.

Cowboys uses all certified Angus beef. Tara started her meal with an order of barbecue egg rolls ($7) that arrived in just a few minutes and were warm and appetizing. Her order of hand-battered (Above) As Tara’s meal arrived, she looks over her choices of desserts.

(Left) Cowboys is famous for their mouth-watering ribs.

(Bottom left) Owner Jim McCoin.

(Below) Tara tops off her meal with a delicious dessert.

(Above) General manager Joe Levi greets Tara at front desk, displaying a wide variety of sauces and the many award winning barbecue competition trophies.

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 15

Family owned and operated since 1951

As an organization and member of the community, we are dedicated to the safety of our driving professionals, as well as the motoring public.

We Proudly Support The Community We Live And Work In.

www.walpoleinc.com

Ricardo J. Quintero-Herencia, MD

863.763.5593 Fax 863.763.7874

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

“A Place for Hope”

Specializing in Evidence Based Medicine for Green Day Medical Oncology & Hematology the Treatment of Cancer and Blood Disorders of Fort Pierce & Okeechobee Combined Chemotherapy & Radiation Now Accepting New Patients Therapy Treatment Medicare/Medicaid Assignment Accepted Se Habla Español Consulting & Free Second Opinions Okeechobee Fort Pierce Regarding Cancer 863-357-4138 772-460-5501 All Insurance Plans Accepted & Filed 1231 N. Lawnwood Circle 1006 N. Parrott Avenue Courtesy Transportation Provided Okeechobee, FL 34972 Fort Pierce, FL 34950 16 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 17

Community Event Community Event

By Raye Deusinger

Labor Day Festival

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

1. Reese and Mason Taft played among the flamingos at the 4-H tent.

2. Coast Guard booth. (l-r) Commander Dan Moore, Theresa Brooks, Vice Commander Bill Franks and Dennis Davis.

3. Artist Hobby Campbell displayed his wildlife artwork.

4. Linda Malinofski in the Seminole Fry Bread tent.

5. Seminole jewelry was sold by (l-r)) Shule Jones and Judy Jones.

6. Jewelry by Danforth was too pretty to pass up for Orlinda Nieve, Avel and Alisnay Munoz with their children Edward and Amika, and Elizabeth Munoz.

7. The Southeast Milk float.

8. Rance Pendray, 6, with his horse Spud.

9. Shelby Kirton, Miss Jr. Miss and Jr. Miss Speckled Perch, with sister Landi Kirton, Baby Miss.

10. The Sheriff’s Posse of Okeechobee County was ready to roll.

6 8

18 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

9

10

Huge crowds turned out for the Labor Day Festival, held September 2-4, under the direction of the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce the Festival is more than 50 years old. It is held in conjunction with the annual Labor Day Rodeo.

Four parks in the center of town were filled with crafts, sheriff’s canine demonstrations, food booths, community information sites and even blood donation buses. One park was devoted to many activities for children. The annual Labor Day Parade began at 10 a.m. on Monday and included floats, marching units, horses, school units and many others.

2009 Miss Okeechobee County Fair Queen, Alexandrea Ming.

7

2009 Brighton Jr. Miss Princess, Aiyana Tommie

Ideas for a Greener Holiday Season Americans generate an average of 25% more waste in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years - that’s 5 million additional tons of garbage.

While all of these ideas may not fit your lifestyle.

They may inspire your own creative ideas.

Have a safe and green holiday season!

From Your Friends at Okeechobee Landfill Make gift tags from last year’s holiday cards.

Consider sending e-cards to family and friends.

Give reuseable batteries and a charger, when giving a gift requiring batteries.

Donate unwanted or outgrown clothes, toys and gifts to Goodwill or offer them on freecycle.com.

Consider giving homemade food items, gift certificates or a charitable gift in someone’s honor.

Waste Management Okeechobee Landfill, Inc.

863-357-0111(option 2)

Fax: 863-357-0722 Email: jpung@wm.com

10800 N.E. 128th Avenue Okeechobee FL, 34972

www.wm.com

www.thinkgreen.com

www.wmdisposal.com

Community Event Community Event

By Raye Deusinger

Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association Dinner Dance Strings of lights woven into soft netting draped the ceiling, above tables dressed in cow prints and centered with a cowboy hat and balloons at the Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association Dinner Dance, September 4 at the Shrine Club. The house was packed with supporters who helped in the goal of raising scholarship money. Sponsoring the affair was Eli’s Western Wear.

The Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Assoc. (seated) Cindi Hortman, Angela Boney, Courtney Davis and Darlene Stokes. Standing, l to r, Lynda Durrance, Kelly Corona, Dana Lepere, Sam Durrance, Jacqueline Claxton, Kim Underwood, Audrey Driggers, Denise Colgan, Cyndi Guillot, Nicki Smith, Phoebe Raulerson, Lynn Greeson, Angela Davis, 2009 Sweetheart Audra Colgan and Linda Syfrett.

2

1

3

1. (l-r) Michelle Acosta, Melissa McKay, Jamie Driggers and Autumn Decarlo.

2. Standing (l-r): John Williams, Jim Russakis, Allen Smith and Frank Irby.

Seated: Brigitte Irby, Lisa Gover, Cheryl Williams and Nicki Smith.

3. (l-r) Linda Syfrett, Brigitte Irby and Terry Burroughs.

4. Commissioner Noel Chandler and wife Louise, Jaunett Watford and Ray Carr.

5. Fritz Brewer presented Paul Bowers of the Seminole Tribe with an award for “Support in Helping Achieve our Goals.”

4

5

20 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Beat the holiday rush!

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M0006_GHA03C3RR_09 C0006_GHA03C3RR_09

TC 12/09

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Okeechobee Main Street thanks our community for your support!

Corporate Members Aarons’ Sales & Lease Audibel Hearing Care Center Big Lake Cancer Center Edward Jones Investments First Bank & Trust of Indiantown Florida’s Blood Centers Hampton Inn

Accident Law Office of Philip DeBerard AECOM Technology Corp.

AFLAC - Hilary McKeich Amedysis Home Health Services American Red Cross Ameriprise Financial Annie's Consignment Austin Sewer and Septic, Inc. Avon Products - Carolyn D. Thomas B & B Site Development Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory Bearshop Exchange Berger Real Estate, Inc. Bert's Tax Service Best Western Lake Okeechobee Big Lake Eye Care Big Lake Hospice Brahma Bull Restaurant Brennan Eye Care Bridgette Waldau - Graphic Design Bright Futures Pre-School Bruce Homer Insurance Agency Buckhead Ridge Insurance Buxton Funeral Home 4C Properties CEECO Charlie’s Lawn & Landscape Chloe’s Closet City Cuts, LLC Costopoulos & Helton, CPA, PA Countryside Florist Cowboys BBQ & Steaks Crackerboy Seafood Curren Electric Company, Inc. Custom Graphics & Signs Inc. Custom Window Treatments & Blinds

Hoskins and Turco P.L. Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center, (Dr. Albert F. Bravo, M.D.) Okeechobee The Magazine Seacoast National Bank Syfrett Feed Company Tires Plus Total Car Care

Business Members

Daniels' Plumbing Direct Hit Marketing & Design, LLC Diva’s Boutique & Consignment & Stork Rental East Coast Signs & Shirts Eli’s Western Wear Elite Title, Inc. Elliott's Pawn Shop 14 Karat Gold Store Flower Petals Fra-Mar Enterprises, Inc. Freshwater Development Company, LLC Garcia & Garcia, M.D.’s, PA Garrard Tackle Shop Gladys‘ Restaurant Gloria's Sweets & Blooms Golden Corral Restaurant Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee Cty, Inc. Historic Publications Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hometown Family Fitness Hospice of Okeechobee Hulett Environmental Services ICS Computers Jeff Fadley, P.A Jones Supplies Sales & Service K Builders, Inc. Landing Strip Café, LLC Law Office of Colin Cameron Lehman Auto Body Like New Appliances Luviano Roofing Mary Kay-Gayle Molyneaux Mavroides, Dr. Chris Maximum Tanning

111 NE 2nd Street - Okeechobee

Maxwell & Maxwell, P.A. MidFlorida Federal Credit Union Mike’s Okeechobee Guns Mims Veterinary Hospital National Airboat Racing Association, Inc. Newman Air Conditioning Nurse On Call Okeechobee Abstract and Title Insurance Okeechobee Coalition for the Hungry, Hurting & Homeless - Lyle Fried Okeechobee County Board of Realtors Okeechobee Geriatric Care Management Service, LLC Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. Okeechobee News Optical Gallery Physicians Weight Loss Centers Pier II Resort Pine Creek Sporting Club Platinum Performance Builders Platinum Performance Realtors PNC Bank Preferred Properties of Okeechobee Preya Persaud, PT Pristine Properties, Inc. Pueblo Viejo VI Quail Creek Plantation Quality Air - Neese Enterprises, Inc. Rafael - Creations In Fotografia Raulerson’s Absolutely Art Raulerson Hospital Reach FM 90.5 Real Life Children’s Ranch

863-357-MAIN

Regions Bank Riverside National Bank Shellen Guide Service Sherwin-Williams Company Silver Palms RV Village Silver Spurs Signs & Trading Co. Sims & Younger CPA, PA SkipJack’s Southern Seafood Solar Shade South Florida Water Management Southern Style Fashions St. Lucie Battery & Tire State Farm Insurance Stitchin’ Post & Advanced Engraving Subway Sandwiches & Salads Surfin’The Net, Inc Syble's Flowers & Gifts Tattoos with Style Taylor Rental The Alarm Company of Okeechobee The Chiropractic Group The Tucker Group, LLC The Sign Guy The UPS Store Todd Everett Flooring, Inc. Total Car Care & Pressure Washing Tradewinds Surveyors & Mappers Wicks, Brown, Williams & Co, CPAs Willson-Mixon and Associates, Inc. Winn Dixie WOKC 100.9 FM

Special Thanks To

Friends of Main Street Altman, Sandy Altobello, Frank Amiet, Rick Arnold, Mimi Barber, Rebecca Barr, Fawn McNeil Bickel, Penny Boni, Jonathan Bryant, Jerry Casian, William & Eileen

Cates, Steve Clemons, Pete & Susan Cracraft, Dennis Dangremone, Diane Davies, Jay & Debbie Deusinger, Raye Doone Hoyt, Sandy Doyle, Joe & Toni Doyle, Justin & Shelly Dwyer, Phyllis M. Fehrman, Jan

22 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

George, Fred & Susan Gurney, John Hadley, Marilyn Hall, Diane Harper, Michelle Heil, Diane Huffman, Faye Irby, Frank Ireland, Betty Irwin, Jane Jackson, Pamela

Jenkins, Stephanie Kirsch, Lonnie Lauter, Marnie Moldenhauer, Betty Padgett, Shanda Parker, Anita Pierce, Stephanie Pittman, Karla Renfranz, Lisa Reynolds, Mark & Billie Jean

Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners The City of Okeechobee

Ricker, Cynthia Rose, Patricia Sauls, Willie Shockley, June Schwartz, Dorothy Taylor, Bettye Thogersen, Greg & Sheryll Walther, Marilynn Watford, Dowling & Cheri

www.mainstreetokeechobee.com

Williams, Haynes & Susan Williams, Timothy & Elizabeth Williamson, Jack Wolff. Jack Woloski, John & Linda Worley, Ray Yeilding, Bennett

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119 So. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34974 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 23

Community Event Community Event Hospice of Okeechobee

Photography By Sandra Pearce

Boots & Pearls Hospice of Okeechobee presented the 4th Annual Boots & Pearls Gala on October 9 at the KOA Convention Center with the theme “Gone Wild.�

A special live auction was facilitated by Fred Fanizzi featuring prints by local artists.

Gala

2

1

3

6

5

8

7 9 10

24 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

1. Collen and Travis Larson.

2. Karen and Rabe Rabon.

3. Linda and Frank Pearce.

4. Clois Harvey with son, Jim Harvey.

5. Lee Watford, Terry Burroughs, Fred Fanizi and Rafe Durrance.

6. Beth and Ed Lehman.

7. Matt and Todd Clemons.

8. Seated (l-r): Levi and Lacy Durrance. Standing: Sam and Buck Durrance.

9. Seated (l-r) Tara Minton, Gary and Maureen Budjinski, Maureen and Terry Burroughs. Standing: Mike Rowley, Bridgette and Jim Waldau.

10. (l-r) H.E. and Sheri Enfinger, Gil and Marie Culbreth.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 25

Captain Mike Shellen Knows Where the Fish Are

BY JAN FEHRMAN O PHOTOS BY RAFAEL PACHECO

On a recent excursion, professional fishing guide Capt. Mike Shellen speeds across Lake Okeechobee heading for King’s Bar, the first of many fishing spots he’ll visit today. The early-morning sun shines on lush grasses as his bass boat skims into the marsh.

“This area of the lake is home to an abundance of fish, alligators and water birds,” Shellen said. “As a fishing guide, I take people to the most productive fishing spots and often teach them how to fish. Without the knowledge of a fishing guide, a novice could get lost on the lake or be unaware that the lake can suddenly get rough.”

Shellen’s business, Shellen Guide Services, specializes in bass, crappie, bluegill and fly-fishing. Shellen has fished Lake Okeechobee for more than 30 years. He knows the best fishing spots and is always looking for new ones.

Shellen fishes seven or eight spots a day, which he calls his “milk run.” He looks for locations that have good cover and oxygen supply. The bass are caught and released each time.

One of Shellen’s longtime friends is Phillip Smathers, a retired professional bass fisherman from Coldwater, Mich. “I’ve known Mike for 32 years and fished all over the country with him,” Smathers said. “He’s the finest instinctive fisherman I’ve ever worked with. He can find fish when no one else can.”

Shellen’s love of fishing is captured in the many articles he writes for outdoors publications as well as on his web site and blog. Carol Devine of Okeechobee said she found helpful information on Shellen’s web site and arranged a fishing trip for her and her 11-year-old grandson, Wilson. “We caught fish like crazy and had a great time with Mike,” Devine said.

Shellen grew up in Sweetser, Ind., in a large farming family. His father was an outdoorsman who took Mike fishing for crappies and bluegills as a boy and also taught him to play golf. “I’d always thought I’d be a farmer just like everyone else in the family,” Shellen said.

But fate and the draft intervened. After two years of college at Indiana Wesleyan University — which he attended on a track and soccer scholarship — Shellen was drafted and served in the Military Police in Vietnam in 1971.

When he came back to the States a year later Shellen was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he developed a real interest in golf. 

“Lake Okeechobee is as healthy as I’ve seen it in many years.

It has a diverse ecosystem full of native vegetation.”

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 27

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Back in Indiana, land values had skyrocketed, although crop prices stayed the same. Shellen’s grandfather advised him against farming.

In 1977, Shellen and his best friend Toby Williams came on a vacation to Vero Beach. Three weeks later, Shellen had a job and stayed on permanently in Florida.

Shellen and his wife Belinda have three children: Tiffany of Amboy, Ind.; Nathan of Vero Beach; and Jordan of Buckhead Ridge. In the 1980s, when the children were little, the family would come to Buckhead Ridge to fish. It was then that Shellen met Tom Frates, a local fishing guide who got Shellen interested in becoming one.

At the time, Shellen worked as a golf professional at the Panther Woods Country Club in Fort Pierce. When he returned from fishing trips to Lake Okeechobee, Shellen would show pictures of his fish around the pro shop. Soon customers started asking Shellen to take them fishing. Eventually he began charging and making more money than he did working at the golf course.

“I dreamed about becoming a fulltime fishing guide,” Shellen said.

“But I didn’t think it was possible because I couldn’t afford a bass boat.”

Shellen’s dream became a reality when a member of Panther Woods Country Club loaned him the money to purchase his first boat. In 2000, Shellen and his family moved to a home in Buckhead Ridge, and he began Shellen Guide Services. He now fishes for bass in a spiffy Ranger 521 VX bass boat equipped with a 225 hp Mercury Optimax.

Shellen credits Karen and Greg MacLean, owners of Okeechobee Fish-

ing Headquarters, for being very supportive when he first started his guide service.

“The most difficult part of my job is getting up at 4 a.m. in the winter when I can have up to 25 trips a month,” Shellen said.

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But he loves his job, especially being outdoors every day. He also likes being his own boss and meeting interesting people. Shellen has led fishing expeditions for people from all over the world as well as players from the PGA tour, several members of the Harlem Globe Trotters and members of the Ryan Newman NASCAR team.

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“The north end of [Lake Okeechobee] is very productive,” Shellen said, noting that he fishes from Lakeport to Taylor Creek and also likes Grassy Island, Kings Bar, Buckhead Ridge and Tin House Cove.

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“Lake Okeechobee is as healthy as I’ve seen it in many years. It has a diverse ecosystem full of native vegetation.” Shellen said, adding that the lake does best when it is allowed to go through its own natural cycles.

From routine eye exams to highly

Shellen is deeply committed to his profession and to Lake Okeechobee.

“We can’t talk about the importance of saving the Everglades if we don’t talk about the importance of saving Lake Okeechobee, which is the head waters for the Everglades,” he said.

Shellen noted that the lake was devastated after the 2005 hurricanes.

He credits the South Florida Water Management District for its muck removal program which helped restore the lake. This allowed vegetation to grow, providing cover for the smaller fish.

“For fish to thrive in Lake Okeechobee, they need native vegetation and 

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Winter 2009

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a hard sandy bottom to spawn,” Shellen said. “Lake Okeechobee is such a bountiful lake because it’s very fertile, the water is relatively warm, and the fish are growing all the time.

The fish in Lake Okeechobee grow big and fast. In the summer, fishing is phenomenal. It’s possible to catch 70 to 80 bass a day.”

Shellen has had customers catch 12-pound bass, although the average weight is two pounds. Catching a big bass is very exciting for him.

“I’ve had customers go nuts when they pull in a really big one,” Shellen said.

“He’s the finest instinctive fisherman I’ve ever worked with.

He can find fish when no one else can.”

-Phillip Smathers Ed Poskarbiewicz of Fort Pierce is happy with Shellen’s services. “Mike never fails to find fish,” he said. “He is the best fresh water guide I’ve ever found. He also shows you a good time.”

Shellen believes that Lake Okeechobee should be embraced and promoted whenever possible. “It’s second to none when considering the economy of Okeechobee,” he said. “And bass tournaments are an important component.”

Most major bass tournaments are held in January and February, so Lake Okeechobee is a very popular spot for them. In addition to the warm weather, the fish are possibly spawning at that time. “Lake Okeechobee is the premier bass fishing spot in the world,” Shellen said.

Although he no longer competes in tournaments, Shellen praises them 

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210 NW Park Street - Suite 202 - Parkview Plaza - Okeechobee, FL 34972 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE Winter 2009 | 31

for the income they bring to the area. This year, Lake Okeechobee will host such national tournaments as the Southern Open and the Stren Tournament.

In addition to his business, Shellen is president of the Lake Okeechobee Guide Association and is licensed by the United States Coast Guard. He is a member of Okeechobee Main Street and often donates fishing trips for non-profit events.

Shellen never tires of fishing on Lake Okeechobee and helping others enjoy it. Of course, he has his own fish story about the one that got away. Shellen recalls the time he and a 550-pound alligator played tug of war for a large bass in his net. The alligator made off with both the fish and his net.

“My job is always exciting,” Shellen said. “I get to see old customers and meet new ones. As the sun rises and I head out, I wonder what new adventure the day will bring.”

For more information about Shellen Guide Services, call Shellen at (863) 357-0892, visit www.okeechobeebassfishing.com or okeechobeebassfishing.blogspot.com, or e-mail sjmike7@aol.com. O 32 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 33

“Working for you to help you achieve your real esate goals.”

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OAK LAKE ESTATES IS OKEECHOBEE’S PREMIER NEIGHBORHOOD. Located in the desirable SW section of town, this extensive sized home consisting of 3439 total Sq. Ft. Sits on one of the largest lots in Oak Lake. Home offers concrete pool with built in Jacuzzi, spacious screened back porch, 3-car garage, upstairs master suite. Call for pricing.

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THIS 3 + 2 POOL HOME was built by Okeechobee’s premiere home builder. Amenitiesa dn quality are unquestionable. Exterior features handy plank siding and real cedar trim. Foyer has a 20 Ft. ceiling introducing you into the beautiful traditional interior. Real wood cabinets and granite countertops. The floors are tile, wood and carpet. The power bill of this 3,290 sq.ft. energy efficient home only runs approximately $175 per month. Call for pricing.

HERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT LOCATION and if there is any home on the market with the best location this home is it. Located in SE section of town and walking distance to many restaurants and stores. Consisting of 2075 Sq. Ft. under roof, tile flooring throughout living, carpet in bedrooms, decorator tile showers in both baths, open split floor plan, screened-in back patio, custom style kitchen and stylish baseboards and crown molding. This home is a stunner. Call for pricing.

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“Let us help pre-qualify you for a home.” www.platinumperformancerealty.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 35

“Heath and Jennifer bring home a face to the mission.

Their involvement has been invaluable for us.”

- Pam Crowley of the Treasure Coast March of Dimes

36 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The Schoenfelds Put a Face on the March of Dimes

BY Michael W. White O PhOtOS BY RaFael PachecO

T

he great Etta James once sang, “At last my love has come along/my lonely days are over and life is like a song/at last the skies above are blue.”

Jennifer and Heath Schoenfeld live their life like a song, along with their twin boys Jacob and Casey. After a rough start, their boys are striving thanks to advanced medical treatment for premature birth. Although theirs is one of thousands of survival stories, it is a story worth sharing.

And their devotion to the March of Dimes is undeniable.

Although they make their home in Vero Beach now, many Okeechobee residents may be familiar with Jennifer and Heath, for they are local success stories. Jennifer is the first of three daughters of local orthodontist Dr. David Wemmer and his wife Pat, and a 1989 graduate of Okeechobee High School. She recalls wonderful memories of growing up in the smalltown atmosphere that many love about Okeechobee, having moved to the area during the seventh grade.

Jennifer fondly reflects on her days riding to Dairy Queen on her bicycle with friends and attending the Old Brahman Theatre when it was a single-screen theater. She remembers playing organized softball with Okeechobee Citizens Recreational Association (OCRA) and playing varsity tennis for Okeechobee High School.

While in high school, Jennifer began taking an interest in the dental field by assisting at her father’s office. “I learned to be a dental assistant at my father’s office, and really enjoyed the work,” she said.

Following high school, Jennifer attended the University of Florida for eight years before graduating from the College of Dentistry in 1998. Then, following in her father’s footsteps, Jennifer attended the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester where she specialized in Orthodontics. After graduating in 2000, she returned to Florida where she joined up with her father as a partner in his successful practice in both Okeechobee and Vero Beach.

Heath Schoenfeld is the only child of parents Bobby and Donna Schoenfeld. A 1993 graduate of Okeechobee High School (and senior class president), Heath was raised in Okeechobee after being born in West Palm Beach. Many Okeechobee residents know Heath from his days as a DJ at WOKC in Okeechobee. “I wanted to work in radio since I was seven or eight years old,” he said.

With the help of his journalism teacher in high school, Heath got started on air when he was 16 years old by doing a small one-hour show called The Brahman Hour in which he would talk about happenings at the high school. Soon after, he was hired by chance to work as a nighttime DJ at WOKC. Currently, Heath mans the microphone as Heath West

at WAVE 92.7 in Stuart, where he has been for several years.

Heath and Jennifer had known each other for years prior to becoming romantically involved. Their parents were friends, but Heath and Jennifer grew apart after Jennifer went to college. But as fate would have it, the couple would meet again. In January 2002, Heath had four tickets to see Toby Keith in concert and had asked a friend and his girlfriend to go. Ironically, his friend’s girlfriend worked for Dr. Jennifer Wemmer, and they asked her to go as a fourth. She agreed, and the couple remembered one another from the years past. It had been 17 years since the couple had talked, but they hit it off pretty quickly. “I thought, ‘Wow, what a big shot; he’s changed his name to Heath West,’” Jennifer said.

The night was a success and the couple began dating after that weekend. The couple became engaged in October of that year.

Married in November 2003 in Blowing Rock, N.C., the couple shares a unique bond for people from this area; they live in a house divided — that is, a house divided by Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs. “That is the downfall of our relationship,” Jennifer jokingly said of her husband’s lifelong love of the Bulldogs.

Heath continues to stand by the Bulldogs, even though the entire Wemmer clan are Gators fans. Ironically, a scheduling conflict with the church pushed their wedding to a  OKeechOBee the MaGaZiNe

Winter 2009

| 37

Heath with son Jacob.

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Gator-Bulldog football game weekend. They went forward with their plans, and even held their rehearsal dinner with a tailgate party theme.

Each year, their anniversary usually falls on game weekend.

In the winter of 2006, the couple’s life would change forever. That Christmas holiday, they had a daily ritual. They would give one another a small Christmas gift each day. On Dec. 19, Heath opened his gift from Jennifer — a Christmas tree ornament with a baby theme. It was official: Heath and Jennifer were about to be parents. They were thrilled, but there was more. In January 2007, Jennifer had her first appointment with the doctor. She soon learned they were having twins. In another ironic twist of fate, on the day they found out about the twins, the couple received a card from Jennifer’s mother Pat, congratulating them on twins. However, she had sent the card as a joke a few days prior.

Soon the jokes would cease. Jennifer began having issues with nonstress tests that would kick in labor and require short hospital stays. In July 2007, at 34 weeks into her pregnancy, Jennifer was rushed to the hospital, and her first son Jacob was born, followed two minutes later by their second son Casey. It was a chaotic night at the ER, Heath recalls.

“Casey was so quiet and the doctors worked feverishly on him,” Heath said.

Celebrating Our 5th Year Anniversary!

Jennifer with son Casey.

The babies had been born five weeks premature. Casey was rushed to another hospital specializing in neonatal intensive care in Melbourne. “It was so hard not to hold them right away,” Jennifer said.

The following morning, Heath rushed to Melbourne to be with Casey. “There were wire tubes coming out of his head and nose, and it was a shock to see your child look like that,” he said.

That weekend, Jennifer was released from the hospital. Wanting the boys to be together, they arranged for Jacob to be transported to Melbourne as well. It was the first time Jennifer was able to hold her twin boys at the same time. “Jenny had never had surgery before, but she jumped right up over concern for the boys,” Jennifer’s mother Pat said, adding that research and medical care have improved over the years. “The boys got the best care in the world.”

The couple finally was able to take their boys home on Aug. 8, ironically on Heath’s late father’s birthday.

Jennifer and her father David have always had a close relationship with the March of Dimes, for they supported the cause through their business, Wemmer Family Orthodontics.

But after the birth of the twins, the cause was brought to the forefront.

“It gave it new meaning to me,” Jennifer said when talking about 

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Winter 2009

| 39

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the March of Dimes. The boys have been ambassadors of the Treasure Coast March of Dimes for the past few years. The chapter picks a local family to be poster children for the cause. “We try to stay involved by participating in different events like the walks in Okeechobee and Vero Beach,” Heath said.

The March of Dimes has great people locally who work hard throughout the year to raise money. According to the organization, premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many lifelong disabilities.

Supporting the March of Dimes is a good way to help fight this problem. The organization’s mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. This is carried out through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives.

“Heath and Jennifer bring home a face to the mission,” Pam Crowley of the Treasure Coast March of Dimes said. “Their involvement has been invaluable for us.”

The annual March for Babies in Okeechobee is scheduled for March 6, 2010. Elvie & Rosemary Posey will be leading the way as the campaign’s co-chairs. For more information on the March of Dimes, visit www.marchofdimes.com or call the local chapter office at (772) 562-0115. O

40 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 41

Caring for women’s health is as dynamic and changing as women themselves.

At Raulerson Hospital, we have designed your care and treatment with you and your convenience in mind. If you suffer from Osteoporosis, Hypothyroidism, Depression or if you have a Breast or Gynecologic problem, you may need to see several specialists. We can coordinate that care for you.

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Women sometimes neglect their own health and focus instead on their partner or their children. Take care of yourself first: We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your health care needs.

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Community Event

By Toni Doyle

Okeechobee Halloween Fest 1

Judges for the Halloween costume contest. (l-r) Undersheriff Noel Stephen, Joyce Claypool, Barbara Davis, Ted Starr and Joe Doyle.

The Halloween Fest held at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center and sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street, Okeechobee County and the City of Okeechobee was a spooktacular event that provided a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The festivities included a costume contest, emceed

by WOKC’s Billy Dean. Prizes given out were donated by local businesses.

2

3

4 1. Halloween costume contest winners ages 0-2: Brighton Martin-1st Place, Alicia Aguirre-2nd Place and Sophia Cornette-3rd Place. 2009 Miss Okeechobee County Fair, Alexandrea Ming and WOKC’s Billy Dean gave out the prizes.

2. Contest winners ages 3-5: Wyatt Friend1st Place, Cameron Williams-2nd Place and Jace Willard-3rd Place.

3. Contest winners ages 6-10: Ciara Kackley-1st Place, Tracy Bronson-2nd Place and Lillian Arellano-3rd Place.

4. Contest winners ages 11-14: Cole Verano1st Place, Seth Yeates-2nd Place and Michael Uros-3rd Place.

5. Waste Management donates candy for the event. (l-r) Maureen Burroughs, OKMS president, Jenny Pung of Waste Management and Toni Doyle, OMKS executive director.

5

44 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 45

Motherhood, Medicine, Community Dr. Trinidad Garcia Story By Jan Fehrman O PhotoS By raFael Pacheco

With a family of six children, an obstetrics/gynecology practice and giving much of her time to the Okeechobee community, Dr. Trinidad Espiritu-Garcia has led a rich and rewarding life.

While some find the pressures of balancing work and family overwhelming, Dr. Garcia is an example of a woman who found a way to manage both. However, as a woman, getting started in the field of medicine was a challenge in itself.

“When I started out doing an internship in New York, it was very difficult to get into a surgical residency program,” she said. “They preferred men.”

Garcia is an ob/gyn doctor practicing in Okeechobee and Fort Pierce.

As a gynecologist she also performs surgery. Garcia said she chose gynecology because gynecologists also do surgery. She completed her medical degree in the Philippines at the Cebu Institute of Medicine and went to New York to do her residency and complete a fellowship at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center in Staten Island. This is where she met her husband, Dr. Manuel Garcia, now a surgeon at Raulerson Hospital.

After completing their medical training, the couple returned to the Philippines to practice, but the government at that time made life diffi-

that his wife visit to see if she wanted to move here. But she was already sold. “If you like it, it’s good enough for me,” Garcia told her husband.

In 1972, the couple moved to Okeechobee where Dr. Manuel Garcia became a surgeon for Okeechobee General Hospital, a 45-bed facility. The Garcias immediately were impressed by how friendly and helpful people were.

At home with the Garcia family.

cult. “Our country was under martial law during the regime of [Ferdinand] Marcos,” she said.

It was no longer the country they remembered, so they returned to New York. “We left everything in the Philippines and had to start over from scratch,” Garcia said.

Back in New York, Dr. Manuel Garcia worked in an ER and sent out applications to hospitals. Soon he received a letter of interest from Okeechobee General Hospital and took a trip to Florida to check it out.

He liked what he saw and suggested

“When we arrived in Okeechobee, we were met by the nicest people who helped us start a life,” Garcia said, noting that when she and her husband came to Okeechobee they planned to stay only a year.

“Thirty-some years later, we are still here.”

Sonny Williamson, a hospital board member at the time, recalled how pleased he was when the Garcias came to town. “When the two arrived, Okeechobee General was in desperate need of working doctors,” he said. “The Garcias were a Godsend.”

Garcia is originally from Cebu, the second-largest city in the Philippines.

“During World War II, I was born in 

“In RotaRy, ouR motto Is ‘seRvIce above self,’ a tRaIt that tRInI exhIbIts eveRy day.

WhetheR tRavelIng oveRseas to offeR medIcal seRvIces oR mannIng a booth at ouR annual lost (lake okeechobee scenIc tRaIl) bIke RIde, tRInI Is alWays Involved because, foR heR, It’s not just a motto, It’s paRt of heR chaRacteR.” - okeechobee RotaRy club pResIdent mIke costopoulos 46 | Winter 2009 oKeechoBee the maGaZIne

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 47

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a mountain cave where my family was hiding from enemies invading the country,” she said. “My first cradle was a shoebox.”

Both of her parents were teachers, who received their education in the U.S. and returned to the Philippines to teach. During the summers, Garcia said she would go with her mother to the small villages where she saw illness firsthand. It was the sight of people in need of medical help that inspired her to become a doctor.

Garcia has four brothers and two sisters. Both of her sisters are doctors, and her brother, Dr. Miguel Espiritu, practices ophthalmology in Okeechobee. He shares an office building with the Garcias at 306 NE 19th Drive in Okeechobee.

In 1974, Garcia began an ob/gyn practice in Okeechobee. “It was quite different in those days,” she said. “At Okeechobee General, we had one delivery room and no monitoring devices. Everything was done by physical exam.”

Garcia delivered approximately 700 babies at Okeechobee General. In 1979, the new Raulerson Hospital was opened, and the delivery room was well-equipped with monitoring devices.

Raulerson Hospital CEO Robert Lee said Garcia has been a dedicated member of the staff ever since it opened. “She delivered many of the babies in this town,” he said. “She continues to be a loyal, hardworking doctor, and we are very happy she is on the hospital staff and part of our community.”

The Garcias have six children: Christopher, who is a family practice doctor in Tampa; Pancho, who is a doctor of internal medicine in Lan-

sing, Mich.; Vincent, who works with Garcia in her office; John Paul, who is a restaurant chef in Delray Beach; Kristina, who is working on her PhD in health education at Texas A&M; and Patrick, who just finished medical school.

Raising six children while working as a doctor has required a lot of support. Garcia said once she met her housekeeper, Lucy Wendt, and saw how good she was with the Garcia children, she felt she could return to her practice. Wendt would come to the home during the day to help with the children and housework.

“She was like a second mother to my kids,” she said.

“Expect hard work, do the most important things first, say lots of prayers and put family first.”- Dr. Trinidad Espiritu-Garcia Garcia also offered a room in their home to Filipino nurses in exchange for occasional baby-sitting at night when the couple was called away on emergencies. Back then, Garcia often assisted her husband with his surgeries because there was no one else.

Her parents would visit for extended vacations and also help with the children.

In order to make it all work, Garcia said she had to do a bit of juggling to find a routine. “It helps to have a husband who never complains and helps with the kids,” she said. “I cooked dinner for the kids. I would come home at lunch to prepare it, and Lucy helped.”

Garcia’s office was right across from the hospital, and the house was only 

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Winter 2009

| 49

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five minutes away. Even the baseball fields where her sons played were close by. This made Garcia’s workfamily balancing act a little easier.

Still, there were times when Garcia asked herself if she should work or stay home. But she persevered with a lot of help. Finally in 1987, Garcia made the decision to give up obstetrics so she could be more involved with her children and their activities.

Although Garcia is a busy woman with her family and medical practice, she still finds time for community involvement. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Main Street, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s finance council, and sings in the community choir she founded with friend Sandy Perry.

“We owe the idea of the Okeechobee Community Choir to Dr. Garcia,” Perry said. “She asked me to prepare a Christmas musical in 1999, and this [year’s] will be our 11th cantata. Dr. Garcia still sings in the Christmas and Easter concerts.”

But Garcia’s community involvement doesn’t end there. She is also a founding member and first president of the Philippine-American Association of the Treasure Coast, which has grown to 250 members, and a new board member of the Philippine American Heritage Cultural Foundation of South Florida, which is building a large cultural center in Okeechobee. Garcia is also a member of the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association and the St. Lucie-Okeechobee County Medical Society, of which she is a past president. Garcia is also a past president of the medical staff of Raulerson Hospital and past vice president of Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. Currently, she is president of the Philippine American Medical Society of the Treasure Coast.

50 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Drs. Trinidad and Manuel Garcia working together for a better community.

Okeechobee Rotary Club President Mike Costopoulos recognizes Garcia’s commitment to her profession and her community. “In Rotary, our motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ a trait that Trini exhibits every day,” he said. “Whether traveling overseas to offer medical services or manning a booth at our annual LOST (Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail) Bike Ride, Trini is always involved because, for her, it’s not just a motto, it’s part of her character.”

“

t e! a D e h t la Sa ve a G ” e v o rL R ed i s fo e f it t h e t o be nn R ed C ro ss A m e rica 2010

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And her character should serve as an inspiration to women everywhere.

Between raising a large family, working in the medical field and volunteering for various community organizations, Garcia knows it’s not an easy task. “Expect hard work, do the most important things first, say lots of prayers,” Garcia said. “And put family first.”

The Lord received another angel when he called home Lila Baldwin, beloved wife and mother. But he left us with those wonderful angels from Big Lake Hospice. They tended to the needs of our loved one with their thoughtful care. Big La Lake Hospice shows kindness and compassion to the entire family in a time of their greatest need.

She advises young people just starting out to pursue what they really like but to keep their priorities straight. There are many reasons women decide to enter the workforce or stay at home, Garcia said. But what’s important is keeping your options open. “It’s not an easy choice,” Garcia said. “Both have a lot of challenges. It can be a difficult decision to make. But as women, we can always change our minds.” O

God Bless them for all that they do.

-Bob Baldwin Husband of Lila Baldwin

Lila Baldwin, beloved wife and mother

863-763-0707 3543 Hwy 441 S, Okeechobee, FL 34974 www.BigLakeHospice.org OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 51

Community Event

By Bridgette Waldau

“Skip Bryant”

Memorial Golf Tournament

Pictured Left: Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May and Delores May. Pictured Right (l-r): Glades County Sheriff Stuart Whiddon and Dusty Wilson.

The “Skip Bryant” Memorial Fund, in conjunction with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, held their 17th Annual fund raising golf tournament Oct. 17 at the Okeechobee Golf & Country Club. Skip Bryant was the first and only Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy who died in the line of duty in a plane crash in November of 1991 during a search & rescue mission on Lake Okeechobee. The Memorial Fund is set up to aid the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters in the Okeechobee area in their time of need, as well as providing college scholarships for the children of area law enforcement officers and firefighters.

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863-357-8693 1001 South Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, Florida OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 53

Community Event

By Michael W. White Okeechobee Community Theatre Presents

“Brigadoon”

(l-r) Kaylee Whidden, Cooper Ferrell and Cameron White perform a traditional Scottish sword dance.

Mike White and Genna Lute play the lead roles of Tommy Albright and Fiona MacLaren.

During the first two weekends of November, the Okeechobee Community Theatre presented another one of its fantastic shows as OCT actors performed the great Broadway musical “Brigadoon.” The original Broadway production by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe has been called “one of the most delightful fantasies the American musical stage has known.” OCT’s performance had an ensemble cast that featured Okeechobee’s finest actors and singers, many of whom are veterans to the stage.

In the wedding scene Charlie Dalrymple, (Kevin Shumate) pledges his love to Jean MacLaren (Heather Garner) as Mr. Lundie (John Garner) looks on.

The cast gather and sing in MacConnachy Square to open the show.

... where dreams do come true Ballet - Tap - Jazz - Hip-Hop - Adult Tap - Adult Jazz Productions - Dance Competition Annual Recitals & Much More!

Taking Dance to the Next Level!

Leslie G. Stokes, Director

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54 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

401 SW Park Street Okeechobee, Florida

Meg Brockie (Laurie Garner) thinks she has found “the love of her life” in Jeff Douglas (Kevin Lute).

Above (l-r): Tom Murray, Joey Marcinek, Kevin Lute, Mike White and Josh Vanwormer in “The Chase” scene.

Below: American hunters played by Mike White and Kevin Lute study their map of Scotland before finding the mystical town of Brigadoon.

Okeechobee Main Street’s Events!

8th Annual

Top of the Lake

BBQ Affair January 22-23 2010

Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center

BBQ Cooks from the Southeast competing for prize money!

Jack Daniels Qualifier

FBA SANCTIONED

Friday Night - Live Music Good Food Both Days!

Fun for the Whole Family!

2010

Top of the

Lake

Art Fest Flagler Park in the Heart of Okeechobee

February 27th & 28th A True Juried Fine Art Show featuring Okeechobee & National Artists, Children's Gallery of Art & Art Activities, Art Demonstrations

Entertainment on both days!

Featuring a Variety of Talented Professional Musicians!

Sunday Afternoon Concert In The Park with Performer "Billy Bones"

Call to Artists!

Applications are available online and at the Main Street Office!

For More Information on All Main Street Events go to our Website!

www.mainstreetokeechobee.com Telephone 863-357-6246 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 55

OKEECHOBEE SHRINE CLUB

J

By RAyE DEusINGER

ust ask. Everyone knows the old fraternity whose only purpose is Many Okeechobee children have benOkeechobee Shrine Club. They helping. Only those who belong to efited through their participation. have the big white building on the Masons may become Shriners.

Currently 112 local children are Highway 78 just west of 441. They offer a great place to get a fine spa- The Shrine supports 22 Shriners hos- receiving Shrine care. Should any Shriner learn of a ghetti dinner. child in need, he or They often take she can contact the part in Okeechogroup and have an bee parades. They air ambulance jet, also have a percomplete with docfect venue, with tors and nurses, at its huge meeting the airport within 45 room and great minutes to transport kitchen, to hold that child and parents a wedding recepto the Tampa Shrine tion, dance, fundHospital at no cost. raising event or even a convenThe local Shrine tion. But those are chapter began in May only the external Okeechobee Shrine Board (l-r) David Pittard, secretary/treasurer; Randall Mims, Board of Director; Mac Simpson, president; Jeffrey Yates, 2nd vice-president; and Bill 1977, and by the end aspects, not the Thornton, 1st vice-president. of the year had 86 reality of the club. members. Working T h e O k e e c h o b e e S h r i n e C l u b pitals for children across the U.S. hard, they had their charter by Febis a group of local men, part of an These pediatric and burn-care cen- ruary 1978 and have been dedicated international organization whose ters are available for children’s care to helping the children of Okeechomotto tells it all. Proudly displayed at no cost to the families. The only bee ever since. on the wall of the club building, the qualification for care is the child’s motto reads, “No man stands so tall need. Not only does the child receive For several years a community volas when he stoops to help a child.” care, but a provision is made to also unteer, Teresa Chandler, has held a “house” the family. The hospitals teen dance. To help young people Shriners International is a frater- are Shrine-supported and receive no realize the value of giving, the last two dances were held to raise money nity based on fun, fellowship and public money. for the Shrine Hospital. The Shrine the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. It is a centuries- The Okeechobee Shrine Club offi- Club arranged a motor coach to take cers are President a representative group of the teens to M a c S i m p s o n , the Crippled/Burned Children Unit First Vice Presi- in Tampa to present the donation in dent Bill Thorn- support of the project. ton, Second Vice P r e s i d e n t J e f - The Okeechobee Shrine Club is frey Yates, Secre- located at 1855 SW 53rd Street. For t a r y / T r e a s u r e r more information, call (863) 763D a v i d P i t t a r d 3378 or visit www.okeeshrine.com. O and Board Direc2009 teen dance held at the Okeechobee Shrine Club. tor Randall Mims.

56 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

De

. es

Roots & Friend y t i n ly B u m ran m o C ch p e

Pictured is the Seacoast staff from the North Parrott and South Parrott offices in Okeechobee

Since 1926, Seacoast National Bank has stood fast against the storms of financial change by developing deep community roots and friendly branches. Today, we continue to nurture the hopes and dreams of our communities.

At Seacoast, you’ll find friendly service, professional expertise, and local decisionmaking. When you call, you’ll talk to someone right here, not at a distant phone bank.

And you can feel good about banking with people who have been dedicated to the wellbeing of our communities for over 83 years. So

whether you’re a young family, a business owner, or planning for retirement, we have services for all your needs. In addition to traditional deposit and loan services, we offer investment management, trust and estate planning, and remote access through remote deposit capture, internet banking and our call center.

Our associates are active in business and charitable organizations in the markets we serve, to improve the quality of life for everyone.

Come to Seacoast and feel good about your bank.

Feel good about your bank www.seacoastnational.com Jon Geitner, 1409 S. Parrott Avenue • 863-467-4663 Melody Hodges, 500 N. Parrott Avenue • 863-467-4553 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 57

Diva’s Boutique &

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year From all of us at Stafford’s Salon!

Consignment

Best Little Boutique in Town!

Specializing Ladies - Teens Tots & Babies Clothing

www.paulmitchell.com Monday- Friday 9-5 Tanning 9-7 Saturday 9-3 3258 Hwy 441 South Okeechobee, FL 34974

HairTanningNails Permanent Make-Up

Pool Makeovers From Simple to Sensational

Diva’s Stork Rental

Personalized Lawn Sign Rentals

Everything needs a makeover after time — Why not your pool?

Let A & G Concrete Pools give your pool the attention it needs. With a little care your pool can be the paradise you always wanted.

Your choice of pink or blue stork, with Keepsake Plaque!

1505 S. Parrott Avenue Okeechobee, Florida

863-357-0214 www.DivasStorkRental.com 58 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

• New Construction

A reputation as solid and long lasting as our name.

• Remodeling • In-House Designers for Beautiful Customized Pools • Free Estimates • Lic. #CPC057200

Member

Building the world's finest pools

www.angpools.com • 1-866-95-POOLS

Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center Primary Care /Occupational Medicine # 1 Med Team

Walk-In Medical Care Work Related Injuries

863-763-1107 204 S.E. Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972

Stanley Sweda, M.D.

Amanda Williams, ARNP

Proven Results

Call today for a happier, healthier

Physician Supervised Weight Loss & Wellness Program

New Year - New You!

863-532-9744 Donny Arnold - Program Director dietdonny@yahoo.com

Ryan Hathaway - Asst. Program Director lifestyle_ryan@yahoo.com

Shannon Gagliardi-Program Assistant

Kenneth F. Haas, M.D., Gabriel E. Breuer, M.D. P. Dudley Giles, M.D. F.A.C.G.

Breast & Body Plastic Surgery

Dr. Haas is Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine.

11 Years of Patient Care In Okeechobee

Gastroenterology Over 25 Years Experience, Specializing in Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Capsule Endoscopy, The Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders & Liver Disease

863-357-7447

Cardiology Electrophysiology Cardiovascular Diseases Electrophysiology Studies Cardiac Catherization Implantation of Cardiac Devices

863-467-1660

Now Accepting New Patients

Fellowship Trained & Board Certified American Board of Surgery American Board of Plastic Surgery American Society of Plastic Surgeons In-Of�ice Dermatology

Appointments Available In The Okeechobee Of�ice

877-220-1170

Community Event

By Bridgette Waldau

18th Annual Waldau’s Junior Golf Tournament To Benefit Junior Golf

1

Waldau’s Junior Golf, a benefit for junior golf held it’s 18th annual golf tournament on Nov. 21 at the Okeechobee Golf and Country Club.

Their annual programs include junior golf clinics, the Okeechobee County Junior Golf championship and Junior/Adult tournament. Proceeds from this tournament not only help fund these programs but also go toward support of the Okeechobee High School golf team and scholarships. For more information about all their programs go to www.floridajuniorgolf.org.

2

3

Golden Oldies Dinner-Dance Party!

Live Music All Night

Above: Jr. Golfer Kodi Stephen putts as Dan Lanman looks on.

4

1. Teamed together for 18 years at this tournament, (l-r) Bruce Kopp, Jim Waldau, Greg Gow and Neal Anderson, fellow firefighters retired from the City of Hialeah.

2. 2009 MVP of OHS Golf team Richard Donegan with his dad Rick Donegan.

3. Jr. golfers teamed up with their dads (l-r) Tyler and Tom Finney, Neal and Jonathan Crawford.

4. Daryl and Ann Bearden, Jr. Golfer Mike Watson (famed for his hole-in-one on a par 4 at OGCC) and Alan Brewer.

Make A Difference In Your Community

EECHOBEE K O

Provided by the ”Nightlife” Band March 6, 2010 ~ 7:00 - 11:00 pm Okeechobee KOA Convention Center

Tickets Available $25.00 per person $200.00 per table (seats 8) Cash Bar (KOA)

Presented by Women of Tomorrow Chapter

Join the Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps Today!

American Business Women’s Association

We Currently Need Medical and Non-Medical Volunteers For Disaster Response Operations

Let’s Rock & Roll

For more information and tickets please contact: Marilyn Rinear

863-697-1807

Kathleen Shatto

863-467-4663

60 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

For More Information or to Request an Application, call 863.462.5865

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR!

RCC Manufacturing Facility 3800 NW 16th Blvd.

Okeechobe FL, 34972

Who We Are...

•RCC manufactures concrete modular and precast components for commercial, residential and educational buildings.

•RCC manufactures approximately 1,465,000 SF of buildings every year.

•RCC conducts business thought the southeast United States and Caribbean, •All of our structures are designed and built to be Category 5 hurricane resistant.

•RCC has Over 200 employees. All of them have health insurance.

•We award and encourage our employees for new and innovative ideas.

•We are a green company..we recycle building materials, drive fuel efficient vehicles and do what’s right for the environment.

Wally Sanger President &CEO

•We’ve won the Ci Ci Award for community impact.

•We love what we do and it shows!

Think of the Possibilities..

For More Information Call 1-800-515-4204 www.royalconcreteconcepts.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 61

Rau erson's A SHOPPING ADDICTION

© 2009 Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.

new for winter 2009 Imperial Toile

Vera Bradley - Pandora - Crabtree & Evelyn Brighton Handbags Bridal & Baby Registry Available

Absolutely Art Custom Framing and Matting Layaway Available!

863-357-1199

401 SW Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972

www.raulersonsart.com

Up Scale Resale & Consignment

Log Home Packages Rustic Furniture Accessories Vacation Packages Guaranteed to have the most Rustic styles

Nita 863-634-4697 Pat 863-634-3747

505 NE Park Street Okeechobee, FL

www.RusticStyleAndCabins.com

A Store Just For Mommy, Baby & Toddlers Name Brand Clothing Cribs - Children’s Furniture - Toys New and Gently Used Need CASH? We can Help.

Bring in any item your child has outgrown and put them on consignment with us.

Our consignment fee is 50% In CASH or as Store Credit.

Stop by soon & bring a friend!

863-467-2629

7491 SW 21 Parkway - Okeechobee 62 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Serving The Entire Lake Area For Nearly 25 Years

Sales • Service • Installation Our focus is to make you comfortable!

Call Us Today For A Free Estimate

Mobile Home Specialist Financing Available

We Accept All Major Credit Cards

$25.00 per Tuxedo will be donated to the American Red Cross!

The place to get your Tux for the “Red is for Love” Gala! on February 13, 2010 To Benefit the American Red Cross

Office: 467-1545 LICENSE #CAC029420 “We deliver smiles.”

5351 SW 16th Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974

863-763-5051

www.qualityacokee.com S

E

E SH

LA

TF O H

NO

V RI

XD

SE

800-260-2592

202 NE 2nd Street - Suite 5 Okeechobee, FL 34972

www.flowerpetalsokeechobee.com

DOES MENOPAUSE HAVE YOUR LIFE IN PUZZLE ?

Then it’s time to find out about

BioIdentical Hormone Pellet Therapy TS A E

T GH

Trinidad E. Garcia, MD

SW

Fellow American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology Certified SottoPelle Physician

NI

GY R E

W LO

EN

306 NE 19th Dr Okeechobee, FL 34972

8980 South Hwy US-1 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

863-763-6427

772-337-5595

www.trinidadegarciamd.com OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 63

Community Event

Lincoln Day Dinner The Lincoln Day Dinner event was held on Oct. 24. The guest speaker was Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Pictured left (l-r) Paul Large, Debi Large, Okeechobee Chairman of the Republican Party, and Marco Rubio, 2010 Candidate for US Senate.

(l-r) Okeechobee County Undersheriff Noel and Laurie Stephen, Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul and Delores May.

Marco Rubio’s son, Anthony.

(l-r) Leslie Maynor, Kenny and Sharon Resmondo and Carlene Huckabee.

self storage quick n’ easy

Serving Okeechobee Since 1982 Family Owned & Operated

Fenced, Well Lit Best P Safe, Secure Boat & RV Storage In To rices wn!

Exterminated Resident Management Climate Controlled Units Large Units Available $$$ Referral Program Police, Fire & Military Discounts Taped Video Surveillance

We Sell Boxes Packing & Moving Supplies

863-763-2232

4619 Hwy. 441 SE Okeechobee, FL Taylor Creek

70

$10.00 OFF

71

0

Any Size New Move In! 15

A

Hwy 441

64 | Fall 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Licensed, Insured & Worker’ Comp.

Landscaping Sod Fertilizing - Tree Service Sprinkler System Developments - Condominiums Residential- Commercial City & State Contracts

www.NunezLawns.com

Free Estimates

Mike’s Okeechobee Guns Dedicated to Shooters & Their Guns

“Oldest Gun Shop In Okeechobee”

We Buy Sell Trade Firearms Master Gunsmith On-site

863-763-0122 FAX 863-763-1717

105 S.W. Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972

Another Successful Vision Story . . .

From Big Lake Eye Care

“Archery hunting requires precise vision and accuracy....

Thanks to Dr. Bartels and his professional staff at Big Lake Eye my son sonWyatt Wyattwas wasable ableto totake takehis hisfirst firstdeer archery deerdeer this Care, my archery season; andand helphelp create a memory thatthat willwill lastlast a lifetime.” this season; create a memory a lifetime.”

— Gene Craig

Big Lake 763-EYES

Dr. Charles Charles W. W. Bartels Bartels -- 606 606 North North Parrott Parrott Avenue Avenue -- Okeechobee, Okeechobee, Florida Florida 34972 34972 Dr.

www.biglakeeyecare.com www.biglakeeyecare.com

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 65

Community Event

Photos By Rafael Pacheco

Jefferson Jackson Dinner This Nov. 13 event held at the KOA Convention Center in Okeechobee, was presented by the Okeechobee, Highlands, Hendry and Glades Counties Democratic Executive Committees. Guest speaker was Rhett Bullard, Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, who introduced the candidates.

(l-r) Maureen Burroughs and Alex Sink, candidate for Florida Governor

Committee member Adean Miller with Okeechobee County D.E.C. Chair Steve Cates.

Season’s Greetings Whatever wishes are on your list this season, I’m here to help you plan to make them come true.

Never stop pursuing your dreams.

All the best from your local Ameriprise financial advisor.

Left (l-r) Florida Senator Dave Aronberg, candidate for Attorney General, Glades County D.E.C. Chair Ellen Geake and Dr. John Geake.

(l-r) Katrina Scruggs, Don Patel, Marnie Lauter and Rick Amiet.

Mayor James Kirk and wife Zella.

Custom Window

Treatments

&

Blinds

Let's get the job done together!

David Fritts, CFP®, CLU®, CRPC® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM practitioner 8300 Dunwoody Pl Ste 240 Atlanta, GA 30350 770-641-0980 Cell Phone: 404-358-6828 george.d.fritts@ampf.com

Fabric & Trim ~ Decorative Rods Draperies ~ Valances ~ Bedding Cornices ~ Blinds ~ Shutters ~Verticals All Window Coverings ~ Custom Sewing

Financial planning services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2008-2009 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

66 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Over 20 years Experience!

“Customer Service One on One Call Val Douglas

863-357-6555

by Appointment.”

www.cwtblinds.com

BATTERY

TIRE

Tires & Batteries For “Everything”

Home of Honest, Reliable Service Tires for Loaders - Tractors - Trucks - Cars -Trailers Lawnmowers - ATV - Hand Trucks Batteries for Autos - Trucks - Motocycles - Boats Crane Loaders and More!

Phone

Brahma Bull Restaurant & Lounge

Our Staff is Trained to Help You Find What You Need & Keep Your Vehicle in Great Shape!

863-357-2431

Proud Supporter of Our Community!

1991- 2009

Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials Banquet Room - Entertainment

800-432-1064

We Now Have Wii & Pool Tables

Toll Free

Come Have Fun!

198 Hwy 98 North Okeechobee, FL 5 Other Locations to Serve You.

www.slbt.com

Open 7 Days A Week

863-467-0050

2405 S.E. Highway 441 Okeechobee, FL 34974

Shirley’s

Personal Care Services, Inc.

“Exceptional Care In Your Home” Live In Companions C.N.A.

Your Local Hardware Store For ALL Your Building and Hardware Needs

Drive-Thru Lumber Yard!

7 Days a Week

Monday - Friday 7 am - 5 pm Saturday 8 am - 4 pm and Sunday 10 am - 3 pm

www.okeechobee.doitbest.com

863-467-1010 pen! Mid-Florida Hardware Postal Center

O U.S. Postal Service Contract Postal Unit NowPostage 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 - Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

863-467-6399

1 Hour Per Day up to 24 Hours a Day Bonded & Insured

NR30211249

316 N.W. 5th Street Okeechobee, Florida

3603 HWY 441 S. Okeechobee, Florida 34974 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 67

The ONLY Group Fitness Center in Okeechobee!

FREE T-Shirt to the First 100 Members Featured Classes

415 SW Park Street Okeechobee, FL 34972

Aerobic Dance Body Sculpting • Yoga Pilates • Kickboxing Spinning • Boot Camp Senior Fitness • Kids’ Fitness Personal Training Kids’ Zone Kids’ Birthday Party Jamboree

863.357.FITT hometownfamilyfitness.com

HOMEBUYER

Tax Credit

BY MICHAEL COSTOPOULOS, CPA AND DONNA HELTON, CPA

O

n Nov. 6, President Barack Obama signed to extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

In addition, a new tax credit is available to current homeowners who want to purchase their next home.

The $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers has been extended. If you have never owned a home or haven’t owned a home in the previous three years, then you are eligible for the tax credit. The credit is equal to ten percent of the purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. The former deadline of Nov. 30 has been extended. You now have until April 30, 2010 to enter into an agreement to purchase a home, and you have until June 30, 2010 to close on your home.

A new $6,500 tax credit is available for current homeowners who would like to purchase their next primary residence. To be eligible for this credit, you must have lived in your present home for five consecutive years of the past eight years. The new credit is equal to ten percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $6,500. As with the first-time homebuyer’s credit, you have until April 30, 2010 to enter into the purchase agreement and you must close by June 30, 2010.

Income limitations for both credits are the same. The credits phase out for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes of more than $125,000 a year and joint filers with modified adjusted gross incomes of more than $225,000. You must

68 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Perfect Kuts Full Service Salon Hair ∙ Nails ∙ Pedicures

Walk-ins Welcome Gift Certificates Available 8 Stylists Available for Your Convenience! purchase a personal residence, not a vacation or rental home, and the purchase price must be $800,000 or less.

You can claim this credit on your 2009 or 2010 tax return. Even though you may not purchase your residence until 2010, you can claim the credit on your 2009 tax return.

This will allow you to receive your cash much sooner than waiting until you file your 2010 tax return. The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless you sell or stop using your home as your principal residence within three years after the purchase.

In addition to the homebuyer tax credit, there are additional tax credits available to homeowners for energy efficient purchases. You may visit our web site at www.chcpa.com for additional information on this and other relevant topics. O

Michael L. Costopoulos, CPA/PFS and Donna L. Helton, CPA/PFS are registered representatives with Genworth Financial Securities Corp., member FINRA/SIPC, investment adviser representatives of Genworth Financial Advisers Corp., an SEC registered investment adviser and partners in Costopoulos & Helton, P.A., a certified public accounting and a State of Florida-registered investment adviser firm located in Okeechobee. For more information, call (863) 763-1120. Costopoulos & Helton, P.A. is not affiliated with Genworth Financial Securities Corp. or Genworth Financial Advisers Corp. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the two authors.

863-763-3141

3592 Hwy 441 S. Okeechobee, FL

In Memory of Dee DeeCates The ALARM COMPANY of Okeechobee, Inc.

Providing Expert Security Solutions!

Security Systems 24 Hour Monitoring Fire Alarm Systems Closed Circuit Television Central Vacuum Systems Intercom Systems Surround Sound Systems Medical Alert Systems

863-357-2004 License EF20000613

919 NW Park Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972

www.thealarmco.org OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

| 69

Community Event

By Raye Deusinger

Okeechobee County Blood Roundup Eighteen hours, 679 registered donors, children watching their parents prepare to donate, high schoolers giving blood in addition to celebrating homecoming and a system that ran smoothly led to a triumphant Blood Roundup Nov. 13 and 14 when an astonishing 571 units of blood were drawn, which will save 1797 lives.

Volunteers and donors in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, processing room for the Roundup.

1.Dolores Sherman signs in with volunteers (l-r) Jol Creech and Pam Jackson.

2. Therapist Melissa Harden treats a donor to a complimentary massage.

3. Mike Shellen and Raye Deusinger call out the winner of the fishing trip that Shellen donated.

1

2

3

Angel Food Ministry • AWANA • Youth Main Event and TNT

First and Goal Flag Football • Upward Basketball Impact Cheerleading Home of Rock Solid Christian Academy (Ages 1 through Grade 2)

Recreation Outreach Center

Church Address: 401 SW 4th Street (863) 763-2171

www.fbcokee.org

70 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Sunday 8:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am 5:30 pm

Worship Bible Study Worship Small Group Bible Study

Wednesday 6:30 pm W.O.W. Worship on Wednesday

ROC Address: 310 SW 5th Avenue (863) 467-ROCK (7625)

Mission House (distributes food and clothing) 309 SW 4th Avenue (863) 763-6573

Protect the Health of Your Skin with Regular Exams by a Board Certified Dermatologist www.tcdermatology.com BOARD CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF DERMATOLOGY FELLOWS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MOHS SURGERY

Tim Ioannides, M.D. Jonathan Sanders, M.D., J.D.

Fort Pierce

Okeechobee

Lawnwood Medical Park 2402 Frist Blvd - Suite 101

Okeechobee Medical Park 1713 US Hwy 441 North - Suite G

772-464-6464

863-467-9555

Vero Beach

772-778-7782

Vero Medical Suites 1155 35th Lane - Suite 202 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE Winter 2009 | 71

BUSINESS PROFILES

By Marilyn Rinear

Highland Pest Control

Perfect Kuts

Hometown Family Fitness

Insects bugging you?

Contact locally operated Highland Pest Control to solve all your pest control problems. General Manager Keith Hickman wants the community to know that Highland Pest Control has been in business for more than 30 years. He and his father Bobby have 20 years of experience serving Okeechobee County. All local technicians were born and raised and live in Okeechobee.

Perfect Kuts owner Charlotte Carr will be celebrating 20 years as a salon owner this January. She and her staff of seven pride themselves in being Okeechobee’s friendliest full-service salon, located at 3592 Highway 441 S.

Owned by Rick and Janine Brown, Hometown Family Fitness is set to open in December. Janine, an AFAAcertified instructor for 19 years, will operate the business and teach classes.

Client-stylist communication and use of the best products available are considered a must.

Matrix, Nioxin, botanical keratin smoothing treatments and OPI are a few of the products used and In addition to monthly sold in the salon. service, Highland Pest Control provides pre- Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. treatment, termite inspec- Monday through Saturday. tions and full termite Early and late appointments treatment with the Sentri- are available, and walkcom Colony Elimination ins are always welcome.

System. The company Gift certificates are always also treats lawns and pro- available for all your hair vides rodent elimination. care, waxing, manicure and pedicure needs.

No pest problem is too big for Highland Pest The staff at Perfect Kuts Control to handle. For a invites you for a visit of perfree estimate, call (863) sonal attention in a friendly atmosphere. Call (863) 467-6707.

763-3141 to schedule your salon experience.

Hometown Family Fitness will be the first center in Okeechobee to offer more than 20 group fitness classes per week in a 1,000-squarefoot aerobics room. For starters, aerobic dance, body sculpting, boot camp, kickboxing, kids fitness, senior fitness, spinning, Yogalates and one-on-one personal training will be offered.

The Browns are especially excited to provide a kid-friendly atmosphere. There will be a “Kids’ Zone” play area available so parents can bring their children while they work out.

A & G Concrete Pools, Inc Located at 410 Seager Avenue in Fort Pierce, A&G Concrete Pools has created some of the most unique and creative pools, spas and fountains in the Treasure Coast.

A family-oriented business since 1990, A&G’s “quality workmanship and excellent customer service” make it one of the top 50 pool companies in the U.S. Owner Arthur Allen studied and worked in the pool trade for thirteen years before starting his own company.

A&G is a member of the Master Pool Guild and is a Jandy-certified pool and spa professional.

Using the latest computer CAD technology, A&G staff can customize a pool or spa for any setting — commercial or residential, whether a new design or the repair/remodel of an existing pool. Just tell them what your idea is, and they will show you a design as it will appear in your yard.

Visit the company’s web site at www.angpools. com to learn more about the company’s history and to view a pool gallery of designs. For more information, call (866) 9 5 P O O L S ( 8 6 6 -9576657) or fax (772) 4671624.

72 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Classes will be offered throughout the mornings, la te a f te r n o o n s and evenings Monday through Saturday.

Hometown Family Fitness is located at 415 SW Park Street. Sign up the whole family and get in shape. For more information, call (863) 357-FITT (3488) or visit www.hometownfamilyfitness.com.

Stephens Chiropractic Stephens Chiropractic is a truly family-run business. Located at 375 SW 32nd Street, the business is owned by Dr. Peter W. Stephens and his wife Teresa.

Teresa works as the office manager, while son Michael recently joined his father’s practice after graduation from chiropractic college.

In addition to manipulation therapy, the office specializes in Gonstead and diversified adjustments, laser treatments and acupuncture. The doctors also use Thompson, SOT (Sacro-Occipital) and Activator techniques for spinal adjustments.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. The office is closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Wednesday hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

Need a n a d j u stment?

Let the Stephens family ease your pain. Though most treatments are given by appointment, walk-ins are welcome.

Call (863) 763-0880 to schedule an appointment.

'S OWN E E OKEECHOB

BAR-B-Q & STEAK CO. Famous Award Winning Barbecue and Steaks that a Cowboy would be proud of. Cowboys uses all certified Angus beef.

Late Night Menu Catering Available!

Full Liquor Bar Ladies Night - Thursday Entertainment Take Out Available - Call 863-467-0321

863-467-1104

Visit Our Website and Keep Up with everything we do!

Menu - Specials -Catering Events - Promotions - Photo Gallery

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105 SE 6TH STREET - OKEECHOBEE OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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Steiertcompetes in state bowling tourney

By Charles M. Murphy, WOKC’s Voice of the Brahmans An Okeechobee High School bowler although he said he could have done has a dream of one day being a pro- better in the last frame. “I’ve been watching all the scores, and I know fessional. mostly everyone,” he said. “I know James Steiert recently competed in their weakness. I just try to bowl.” the state tournament at Boardwalk Steiert has bowled for the past eight Bowl in Orlando and finished 14th years. He took up the sport when in the preliminaries as he knocked he was seven years old, and immedown 757 pins. It wasn’t enough to diately took a liking to it. Steiert has reach the high school finals, but it been bowling ever since and is now a was a great effort for a freshman in member of the United States Bowling Congress and goes to Lake Wales high school. to work at a bowling training center.

Steiert finished third overall at the To help improve his game, Steiert District 8 tournament in October. has bowled in Stuart leagues for the He knocked down 649 pins, lead- past three years. ing the Okeechobee boys team to a sixth-place finish. Steiert said he felt Steiert also went to national tourgood about his work at the district, naments in the past three years. He

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James Steiert, Okeechobee High School bowling sensation.

visited Niagara Falls, N.Y., in 2007, Detroit, Mich., in 2008 and Indianapolis, Ind. this year. Steiert said he was not intimidated by playing the best bowlers in the state, pointing out that he plays plenty of tournaments with talented bowlers. “I’ve bowled in a lot of tournaments,” Steiert said. “I treat it like another tournament and do the best I can.”

Steiert believes the Okeechobee bowling program is on the verge of becoming a good bowling program again. He said first-year Coach Tony Sherlock has given him a lot of tips and guidance about bowling.

Steiert’s goal is to get a college bowling scholarship. He would like to be a professional bowler some day.

Fortunately, his parents Jimmy and Laurie Steiert have supported him all the way in his bowling career. Steiert said they are proud he made it to the state tournament. Hopefully for Steiert, that is just the beginning. O

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863-763-6717 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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‘ Tis the Season

for Fun, Festivals and Fishing In Okeechobee County

By Kathy Scott, Tourism Coordinator, Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council

As we enter the winter season and the start of the holidays, it also brings the start of wonderful activities throughout Okeechobee County. A wide variety of events provide entertainment for local families and bring visitors from throughout Florida and around the entire United States to this community. These events bring out the best of Okeechobee County.

Barbecue contests, equestrian events, historical re-enactments, livestock shows, rodeos, festivals, sporting clays and fishing events capture the heritage, history and sporting activities that Okeechobee County is proud of. We wish everyone a great winter season of fun, festivals and fishing in Okeechobee County.

The following is a brief schedule of upcoming events. For more updates

of events, or if you are planning an event that you would like posted, visit the Okeechobee Tourist Development Council’s web site at www. okeechobee-tdc.com or call (863) 763-3959.

JANUARY 2010 • January 14 and 15 — Lippizaner Stallions, Okeechobee County AgriCivic Center, (863) 763-1666 • January 14-16 — Bass/ESPN Outdoor Open Series Fishing Tournament, C. Scott Driver Park, (863) 763-3959 • January 22-23 — Okeechobee Main Street Top-of-the-Lake BBQ, Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center, (863) 357-6246 • January 28-30 — FLW Eastern Division Series Fishing Tournament, C. Scott Driver Park, (863) 763-3959

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Call for a Free Estimate 863-467-6707 76 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

• January 28 through February 7 — American Legion Fair, (863) 7632950 • January 30 — Okeechobee Health and Safety Fair, Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center FEBRUARY 2010 • February 6-7 — Battle of Okeechobee Re-Enactment, www.okeechobeebattlefield.com • February 13-14 — Speckled Perch Festival and Parade, Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce (863) 7636464 • February 17-21 — Seminole Cup Sporting Clays Competition, Quail Creek Plantation, (863) 763-2529 • February 25-27 — Florida Bass Federation Qualifier, C. Scott Driver Park, (863) 763-3959 • February 27-28 — Okeechobee Main Street Top of the Lake Art Fest, Flagler Park (863) 357-6246 MARCH 2010 • March 12-21 — Okeechobee County Fair, Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, (863) 763-1666 • March 13 and 14 — Second Annual Spring Festival, Downtown Okeechobee, Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce, (863) 763-6464 • March 13 and 14 — Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Spring PRCA Rodeo, Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, (863) 763-1666 • March 15-20 — Livestock Show and Sale, Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center, (863) 763-1666 • March 27 — Sixth Annual Okeechobee Rotary Club Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, (LOST) Bike Ride, atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, (863) 763-3101 Note: Schedules are subject to change. Contact event coordinators for confirmation of the schedule.

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Winter 2009

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Community Event

By Teresa Chandler

Lee McAllister Kid’s Fishing Day The 24th Annual Lee McAllister Kid’s Fishing Day, sponsored by the Taylor Creek Bass Club, Inc., was held on Oct. 25. There were 244 children who participated in the event. Activities included a casting lesson, throw rod & reel and a pitch and flip lesson. The event was wellsupported by the community with 90 sponsors. Charles Eaton served as the 2009 event coordinator.

Kid’s Fishing Day Winners

1

2

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1. 1st place overall 4-6: Jayton Howard 2. 2nd place overall 7-10: Caleb Goggans 3. 1st place overall 11-14: William Gosa

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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AROUND

Okeechobee Grand Oaks VNA Assisted Living Facility Groundbreaking Sept. 9

Wielding shovels were City Administrator Brian Whitehall, Councilman Mike O’Connor, Councilman Lowry Markham, Mayor James Kirk, Councilman Clayton Williams, Councilman Dowling Watford, VNA Director Diane Wood and VNA CEO Donald R. Crow.

Okeechobee County Board of Realtors Installs 2010 Board

2009 ABWA Women of Distinction Awards

The Women of Tomorrow Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association awarded four local women for outstanding service to the community on Sept. 24.(l-r): Raye Deusinger (Community Service), Sharon Ming (Business Leadership), Kelly Owens (Education) and Teresa Chandler (Community Service).

Okeechobee Main Street Fall Mixers

2010 board of directors: (Front l-r): Amy Davis, Secretary Velva Cannon, Cristie Schmidt and Association Executive Shelly Doyle. Back: Jim Fowler, Linda Draughn-Woloski, Treasure Betsy Sheffield, Past President Kathy Godwin, 2010 Florida Realtors President Elect for the Florida Realtors Patti Fitzgerald, President Julie Turner, President Elect Vicki Anderson, Marianne Windridge and Steve Jara.

Raulerson Hospital Received Award

The following Okeechobee Main Street Members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Holiday Inn Express (middle) First Bank of Indiantown (bottom) State Farm Insurance.

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Be a Big Shot” Clay Shoot at Quail Creek Plantation- Oct. 24 First place team: Syble’s Flowers & Gifts Team (l-r) Tim Luke, Mike O’Connor, Justin Mann Jr., Parsons Mescow.

Tony Cortese of the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter presented Raulerson Hospital CEO Robert Lee with a plaque to honor the hospital for choosing American Red Cross training to certify their employees.

Hospice of Okeechobee Receives $500 Donation from Riverside National Bank

American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Committee Set For February 26 Event

Below (Front Row l-r) Joan Johnson, Megan McClellan (Back Row l-r): Michelle Bell, Gabe LaRose, Sharlene Avant, Penny Farmer, Lori Meenan, Cherie Surls.

L-R: Jamie Medrano, Teller; Esther Banuelos, Teller; Tina Clemons, Hospice Board Member; Frank Irby, Hospice Board Member; Lynda Durrance, Hospice Board Member; Tabitha Trent, Riverside Office Manager; Lisa Blackman, Hospice Director; Kristy Crawford , Commercial Lender

80 | Winter 2009 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Hampton Inn Grand Opening - Sept. 30 Cutting the ribbon for the official opening is (l-r): CEO Hotel Equities Fred Cerrone, Director of Operations Hotel Equities Tamara Markham, General Manager Mary Chesley, Owner Kite Properties Kelly Kite, Director of Sales Amy Behm Selby and Owner Kite Properties Keith Kite.

Okeechobee High School Baseball Player Jonathan Crawford Signs with the University of Florida Jonathan Crawford Signs with UF. (l-r) Kutter Crawford, Neal Crawford, David Crawford, Braydon Crawford held by his dad Matt Crawford, Kristy Crawford and Ashley Crawford.

Okeechobee Battlefield Friends

“Red is for Love” Gala Kickoff to Benefit American Red Cross - October 15 The gala will be held on Feb. 13, 2010 at the Shrine Club. “Red is for Love” committee members (front l-r): Teresa Chandler, Stephanie Hand, Event Chair Maureen Budjinski, Co-chair Toni Doyle. (Back) J.D. Mixon, Marnie Lauter, Maureen Burroughs, Marie Culbreth and Billy Dean. Not pictured: Honorary Chairs Sonny and Betty Williamson, Robert Lee, Candace Burke, Bridgette Waldau, Brandon Tucker, Danielle Shockley and Lisa Watts.

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Eva Mae Celebrates 101st Birthday Eva Mae Williams born September 19, 1908 celebrated her 101st birthday with family and friends. She is a long time resident Okeechobee.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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List of Advertisers

The Berger Clinic

14K Gold Store ........................................ 53 5th Street Pharmacy ................................ 33 A & G Concrete Pools ..............................

ABWA Golden Oldies Dance ...................

Alarm Company .......................................

Ameriprise Financial ................................

58 60 69 66

Badcock & More ................................... 38 Berger Clinic ............................................. 82 Big Lake Eye Care ................................. 3 & 65 Big Lake Hospise ..................................... 51 Big Mike’s Sports Grille .......................... 52 Brahma Bull Restaurant ....................... 67 Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design .......... 45 Buddy’s Home Furnishings ..................... 81 Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee ........ 82

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Okeechobee Medical Park 1713 Hwy 441 N. Suite D Okeechobee, FL 34972

(Located across the street from the hospital.)

Candy Bouquet .................................... 62 Carl Maxwell Electric .......................... 75 Charlie’s Landscaping .............................. 81 Chloe’s Closet and AAA Internet Consignment .................. 7 CoCo Sod Farm .......................................... 39 Costopoulos & Helton, P.A ................ 9 Cowboys Bar-B-Q Steak Co. and SkipJacks Seafood Shack ........................ 73 Custom Window Treatments & Blinds ... 66 Diva’s ...................................................... 58 Doctor’s Clinic Family Health Center ..... 59 Eastcoast Screen Printing ................... 38 Edward Jones Investments ....................... 75 Faith Neilson - The Tucker Group............... 78 First Bank & Trust of Indiantown ........... 50 First Baptist Church .............................. 70 Florida Eye Institute .............................. 29 Florida Foot Specialist .............................. 49 Flower Petals ......................................... 63 Gilbert Chevrolet ...................................... 25 Glades Gas ................................................ 32 Golden Corral ............................................. 40 Green Day Oncology ................................... 16 Hampton Inn ........................................... 77 Heller, Leland M. MD ................................ 4, 5

Highland Pest Control ......................... 76 Hometown Fitness .............................. 68 Humana ................................................... 21 ICS Computers ......................................... 28

Landing Strip Restaurant ................... 55, 77 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ............... 40 Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider .............. 75 Law Office of Hoskins & Turco ............ 32 Law Office of Philip DeBerard ............ 83 Lehman Auto Body .............................. 44 Leslie Dance Studio .............................. 54 Lipizzaner Stallions .............................. 20 Maximum Tanning ..............................

MidFlorida Hardware ...............................

Mike’s Okeechobee Guns .........................

Morgan’s Furniture .................................

30 67 64 53

Neurodiagnostics .................................... 48 Nunez Lawn Care & Landscape.................. 64 Okeechobee Discount Drugs .................... 48 Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo 49 Okeechobee Main Street .................... 22, 55 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .... 60 Open MRI of Okeechobee ........................ 68 Perfect Kuts ............................................ 69 Platinum Performance Realty ............. 34 & 35 Porter’s Dry Cleaning ............................... 69 Preya Persaud .......................................... 77 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant .................. 28 Quail Creek Decor ...................................

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

Quality Air Conditioning ........................

Quick & Easy Storage ............................

Rustic Style & Cabins ............................. 62

Sandra Pearce Photography ..................... 68 Seacoast National Bank ............................. 57 Shirley’s Personal Care .......................... 67 Southern Style ......................................... 53 Stafford’s Salon ....................................... 58 St. Lucie Tires ........................................... 67 Stephens’ Chiropractic Office .................. 39 Stitchin Post ............................................. 73 Superior Water Works ............................. 74 Syble’s Flowers & Gifts ............................ 23 Symmetry Laser Vein Center .................. 48 The Canvas Shop ....................................

The Tucker Group ......................................

Triple Sevens Arcades ..........................

Treasure Coast Dermatology ...................

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

United Mid-Country FL Real Estate ............ 31 UPS Store ................................................ 52 Upscale Resale & Consignment ............... 62 Walpole, Inc. ............................................. 16 Waste Management ............................... 19 Wemmer Family Orthodontics ................... 50 WOKC 1570 AM ...................................... 75 Women’s Health Services ................... 17

41 11 63 64

Rafael Pacheco-Creations in Fotografia 45 Rafter G AG Services .............................. 53 Raulerson’s Absolutely Art ....................... 62 Raulerson Hospital .................................. 2 Raulerson Hospital .............................. 42, 43 Raulerson Hospital ....................... Back Cover Red is for Love Gala ............................... 51 Riverside Bank .......................................... 23 Royal Concrete Concepts ............................ 61

Frank the cat welcomes you to the winter issue of Okeechobee The Magazine.

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BUYER BROKERAGE CO. OF OKEECHOBEE Bill F. Stegkemper, crs, gri Full Time Realtor Since 1974 Broker, Appraiser - BK129997 Longest Licensed Realtor In Okeechobee

Office: 863-763-2334 Cell: 863-801-9497 P.O. Box 1074 - Okeechobee, FL 34973 1039 S.E. Everglades Blvd - Okeechobee

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Winter 2009

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RAULERSON

OSPITAL

... your community health care facility

We Care

Inpatient/Outpatient Services  General Surgery  Gastroenterology  Laparoscopic Surgery Gynecology  Vascular Surgery  Urology  Wound Care  Pediatrics  Orthopedic Surgery Sleep Disorders Lab  Respiratory Therapy  General Medicine Physical, Occupational, Speech and Massage Therapy  Podiatry

State of the Art Radiology Services at Raulerson Hospital Digital Mammography/with ICSD  Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Osteoporosis Screening  X-Rays  Ultrasound  CT Scan Full Body MRI Services including Neuro, Vascular, Abdominal, Extremities and Breast MRI/with ICAD

To schedule a procedure or test please call (863) 824-2839.

Emergency Services – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week www.raulersonhospital.com (863) 763-2151 1796 Hwy 441 North  Okeechobee, Fl 34972

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