Okeechobee The Magazine Winter 2014

Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee WINTER 2014

Louise Gopher

Seminole Trailblazer and Hero to her People

Plus Guardian ad Litem

Okeechobee Youth

Gives Voices to Children Carissa Licata

Looking Back First Ladies of Okeechobee

ss st if fne

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Publisher’s Note

A

s 2014 comes to a close, Okeechobee The Magazine concludes its eighth year of publication. We are so very thankful to have the support of all the businesses that have allowed us to grow and continue to serve this wonderful community of ours.

It’s also the time of the year to recognize the people and organizations that work hard every day to better our community, and this issue’s cover story is no exception. It introduces you to Louise Gopher, a Seminole trailblazer and one of this year’s Florida Women’s Hall of Fame recipients.

You will also learn about Okeechobee’s Guardian ad Litem Program through the story of three Okeechobee children who received a new chance at a normal happy life because of the extraordinary volunteer organization.

Our Okeechobee Youth story features OHS graduate Carissa Licata, who received a full Division I Athletic scholarship. And in our Looking Back feature we bring you the first in a series by Betty Chandler Williamson that introduces you to some of Okeechobee’s First Ladies who played pivotal roles in the community.

Volume 8, Number 4│Winter 2014

Publisher Susan Giddings Creative Director Lorraine Vogel Design Consultant Bridgette Waldau Editor Chris Felker Writers Rachel Buxton Audra Clemons Raye Deusinger Photographers Sharon Cannon Jane Kaufman Sandra Pearce

Our Behind the Business feature invites you to meet Captain Bob Stafford of Okeechobee Charters and Peggy Carpenter Brady of Carpenter Insurance, and our newest feature, now in its second issue, In The Kitchen With… features Mark Bragel who shares a recipe and an even sweeter memory with us.

Contributors Maureen Burroughs Charles Murphy Michael Shellen Betty Chandler Williamson

Of course, there are lots of community events to show off, including the Labor Day Festival and Parade, the Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta, Boots & Pearls, OHS Homecoming and so much more.

Account Executives Trish Grygo Debi Large

So, as we approach the start of another new year, may peace, joy, hope and happiness be yours during this holiday season and throughout the new year.

And may the magazine capture all those wonderful moments. Because after all, it is Okeechobee The Magazine — your magazine.

Susan Giddings

It’s so hard to believe it’s December already with Christmas around the bend.

Hoping this past year was a memorable one as it comes to an end.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a great New Year too.

Please remember to have fun and enjoy yourself in whatever you choose to do.

– By Patti Berglund

8 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Office Manager Patti Berglund

OTM Publications, Inc. DBA Okeechobee The Magazine 316 N.W. Fifth Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Phone: (863) 467-0054 www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com President Susan Giddings Founder Maureen Budjinski Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2014, all rights reserved by OTM Publications, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

we bring, to you of good cheer.

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Contents

Winter 2014

Features:

28

♦ Louise Gopher Seminole Trailblazer and Hero to her People........................... 28

By Rachel Buxton

By Rachel Buxton

♦

♦

Looking Back

By Betty Chandler Williamson..................................................... 44 Okeechobee Youth Carissa Licata .................................................................... 74

♦ Guardian ad Litem Gives Voices to Children ..................................................... 52

Departments:

52

By Audra Clemons

By Rachel Buxton

♦ Behind the Business Carpenter Insurance ...................................................... 92 Okeechobee Charters .................................................... 96 ♦ In the Kitchen With…

Mark Bragel ..................................................................... 114

Columns: ♦

♦

74

70 Look for the video and camera icons, then visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com to view videos and additional photos!

OHS Sports: Aubrie Reister

By Charles M. Murphy............................................................ 104

Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

By Captain Michael Shellen...................................................... 118

Community Events:

Labor Day Festival and Parade................................ 18 Cowtown Labor Day Rodeo...................................... 20 Boots & Pearls Gala................................................. 24 NRA Banquet............................................................ 40 Achieving Excellence Luncheon............................... 48 Chamber of Commerce Leadership......................... 62 Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant.................................... 66 Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta.................................. 70 Chamber of Commerce Year in Review Luncheon... 84 Okeechobee High School Homecoming................... 88 OK Corral Gun Club Fall Harvest Festival.............. 100 NOPE Candlelight Vigil........................................... 106 Hope & A Future Gala............................................. 108 Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake.......... 112

On the Cover

Louise Gopher Story on Page 28 Bringing You the Best of Okeechobee WINTER 2014

♦ Around Okeechobee.................................. 120 ♦ Advertiser Index........................................... 122 Louise Gopher

Seminole Trailblazer and Hero to her People

Plus

Like Us on Facebook.

14 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Looking Back

First Ladies of Okeechobee

Guardian ad Litem

Gives Voices to Children

Okeechobee Youth

Cover By Sandra Pearce

Carissa Licata

New year.

New Energy!

Natural Gas is Now In The City of Okeechobee!

Florida Public Utilities (FPU) is delighted to announce that we are now officially serving commercial customers in the City of Okeechobee!

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Call FPU at 888.220.9356 or visit FPUC.com/CommercialRebates

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Community Event

Labor Day Festival & Parade

Main Street, B.R.A.T. Club Team Up to Produce Lively Holiday

Martha’s House Float.

The 2014 Labor Day Festival & Parade took place Aug. 20 through Sept. 1 in Flagler Park. The festival was organized by Okeechobee Main Street and the parade was organized by the B.R.A.T. Club. Family members and friends lined the streets to watch the parade, and there was something for everyone as the park was filled with vendors, great food and live entertainment.

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

The crowd always enjoys the horses.

18 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Mekhi Neal – Baby Mr. Firecracker 2014.

Photos by Sharon Cannon

Avianna Gonzales creates art as Kristie Gonzales and Isabella Miller watch.

The B.R.A.T. Club.

Joe Melluso, owner of Tin Fish.

Ronald McDonald waves to the crowd.

Sage Allen and Joseph Tilsworth.

Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta Float. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 19

Community Event

Photos by Shannon Cannon and Sandra Pearce

Cowtown L abor Day Rodeo Entertains Big, Raucous Crowds Florida’s Cowtown Labor Day Rodeo entertained a lively crowd of rodeo spectators over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena. Produced by the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association, this year’s rodeo pleased all who came out. The two-day Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event featured bareback riding, calf roping, saddlebronc, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, mutton bustin’ and hilarious NFR Specialty Act winner, Rockin’ Robby the Clown.

The Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena is already gearing up for their next PRCA rodeo event, which will take place on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2015.

For more information, please visit: www.okeechobeecattlemensassociation.com.

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

20 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Located on the Rim Canal of Lake Okeechobee, Water's Edge is just minutes from shopping and restaurants in the nearby community of Okeechobee. The Resort is only a short distance from the Seminole Casino, I-95 and the East Coast of Florida, with major malls and some of the most beautiful beaches of Florida.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Close to Restaurants and Shopping.

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Winter 2014 | 23

Community Event

9th

&

Boots Pearls Gala Raises Perry and Carolyn Smith.

$80,000 for Hospice of Okeechobee

Hospice of Okeechobee hosted its ninth annual Boots & Pearls Gala at the KOA Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 24. Over 500 people attended this signature event, which featured silent and live auctions along with great music and dancing. The event netted more than $80,000 for Hospice.

For more information, visit www.hospiceofokeechobee.org.

In back, from left: Leslie Burdette, Lee Watford, Randa Kellogg, Shannon Watford and Joanna Sherman; seated, Anne Marie Nail and Fletcher Nail.

David and Betty Hazeilief family: Back row, from left: Erick Rucks, Clint Rucks and Justin Hazellief; front, Michael Hazellief, Jeanne Hazellief, Amanda Rucks, Heather Rucks, Betty Hazellief, David Hazellief and Angela Hazellief.

24 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Sandra Pearce Rebecca "Becky" Barber Broker 863-697-9786

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www. preferredpropertiesofokeechobee.org Robbi and Jeff Sumner.

Eighth Annual Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo Promoting Health & Safety

Saturday, January 31, 2015 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Back row, from left: Rachel Buxton, Morgan Buxton and Matt Buxton; front, Paul Buxton and Marilyn Buxton.

Agri-Civic Center

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It’s a Family Fun-filled Educational Day!

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Premier Sponsor:

Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee County

Platinum Sponsors:

Kristy and Neil Crawford.

Florida Community Health Center Molina Healthcare of Florida Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation Raulerson Hospital www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 25

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

Melissa Kindell, DMD, makes every child who visits feel welcome and comfortable and is dedicated to educating and providing quality treatment to maintain your child's oral health.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Find Us On FaceBook

“Education is important.

Education is your gold mine.

If you learn something, it is going to stay with you.”

Seminole Trailblazer, and Hero to her people

Pemayetv Emahakv founder Louise Gopher deserving Florida Women’s Hall-of-Famer

W

By Rachel Buxton

hen most people hear the name Seminole Tribe, they instantly think of casinos and Hard Rock Cafes.

There is much more to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, however, than just gambling and Hard Rock Cafes. And one local individual has made it her mission to spread that news, not just to the general public but also within her very own tribe.

At 69 years old, Louise Gopher, a member of the Panther clan of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is nowhere close to slowing down. Not even after receiving one of the most prestigious awards for the state of Florida. Earlier this year, Gopher was selected by Gov. Rick Scott as one of the most distinguished women in the state for her dedication and contributions toward education for her tribe, and was inducted on March 12 into the Women’s Hall of Fame.

“I was like, ‘Wow, what am I doing with these people?’”

Gopher said. “It was a big honor. I didn’t feel like I fit in.”

Gopher’s nomination came from former Brighton Charter School teacher Crystal Drake, whom Gopher claims she didn’t even know that well.

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Drake had Gopher come speak to her class, and from there she made the nomination process a class project.

Gopher, who has received many outstanding awards in her lifetime, admits she didn’t really think anything of the Hall of Fame nomination.

“I didn’t know what it was about or how prestigious the award is,” Gopher said. “When I started getting calls from the governor’s office, I knew something was happening.”

Then in December 2013, Gopher received a call notifying that she’d been selected, making her the second Seminole woman in the Hall of Fame. Former Chairwoman Betty Mae Jumper was inducted in 1994.

“I was on the news all day,” Gopher said. “This one was the topper.”

The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame was created in 1982 to honor women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for citizens of the state. That’s one task Gopher has never taken lightly.  www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 29

Photo courtesy of Florida Women’s Hall of Fame

From left: Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Sandy MacKinnon (accepting for his late wife, inductee Dottie Berger MacKinnon), Attorney General Pam Bondi, Louise Gopher, Gov. Rick Scott, inductee Sheriff Susan Benton, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Rep. Cary Pigman.

For over 40 years, Gopher has worked to better the lives of Seminole youth and to instill in them the importance of a quality education.

Before Gopher even realized it, education played a prominent role in her life. When most tribal students were hiding from the bus to skip school, Gopher embraced schooling and education.

“My father wanted us to go to school, so I went,” Gopher said. “He had to go to the school board to get us in.”

At the time Gopher started school at Fairlawn Elementary in Fort Pierce, she was in the first grade, living in a chickee outdoors, and spoke no English.

30 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Daughters Carla Gopher, left, Rita McCabe, right, and granddaughter Ila Trueblood celebrate Louise Gopher's special day with her.

With Creek being her native language, Gopher had to learn English very quickly in the classroom.

“I don’t remember being scared,” she said. “I remember learning English. I picked it up my first year.”

That first year of school was followed by many more years of academic studies.

In 1963, Gopher graduated from Dan McCarty High School and, a week later, enrolled in Indian River Junior College, now known as Indian River State College.

“It seemed natural,” Gopher said about attending college. “It was just like a continuation of high school.”

After receiving her associate’s degree there, Gopher attended two semesters at the University of Florida. But then she decided that UF was way too big of a school for her and definitely too far away from home, so Gopher transferred to Florida Atlantic University, where she made history. Gopher became the first female and only the second member of the Seminole Tribe to graduate from college in 1970, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I was a trailblazer,” Gopher said jokingly.

But a trailblazer is exactly what she turned out to be, visiting Tallahassee to represent her tribe not once but multiple times.

Before completely getting immersed in the academic quest for her tribe, however, Gopher worked for various state agencies in and around Okeechobee and Fort Pierce, including vocational rehabilitation, the employment office and the Florida School for Boys. 

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Winter 2014 | 31

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“In 1982, the Boys School was going to turn private,” she said. “It seemed like the old people were slowly being booted out. I got the writing on the wall.”

For some, this may have left them discouraged and scrambling for employment, but for Gopher, this was just the beginning. She took this as an opportunity to expand on what she had already been doing.

While working for the Florida School for Boys, Gopher was also working part-time at night for her tribe helping teach youths and young adults their native Creek language.

“It struck the Seminole Tribal Council that we were raising kids that didn’t know how to speak their language, didn’t know their history or their culture,” Gopher said. “We had stepped back to catch up with the modern world.”

Louise Gopher speaks at her alma mater, Florida Atlantic University.

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Even though the tribe was able to reach some youth, Gopher was not satisfied with the results of their efforts to teach the younger generation with their nightly program. She knew more had to be done.

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“It was not a successful effort because it was not mandatory,” she said. “I realized we were losing it, our last generation of Creek speakers. The students understood their Creek language but answered in English.”

And that’s when Gopher decided to make a career change. With the position at the Boys School coming to an end, Gopher applied for a job on the Brighton Reservation and got it, 

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Inset: Louise Gopher's high school graduation picture.

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Winter 2014 | 33

Pemayetv Emahakv ribbon-cutting.

becoming the new cultural education coordinator.

From there, Gopher gradually moved her way up the ladder, working to better her tribe’s education efforts.

Gopher finally got her chance to truly make an impact when she became the education advisor for the Brighton Reservation.

In that Brighton position, Gopher continued her visits to Tallahassee. One of her first goals in her new position was to expand on the voluntary night classes she had helped out with so many years prior. Gopher’s daughter, Rita, suggested that the tribe develop a program similar to one the Okeechobee School System had at the time, referred to as gifted education.

Under that program, selected students from across the county were pulled out of class one day a week to attend a specialized class at another location.

Gopher took this idea to Phoebe Raulerson, the superintendent of schools in Okeechobee County at the time.

“She had just got done having a conversation with one of the high school students about them losing their language, 34 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photo courtesy of Seminole Tribune.

and then a couple days later, here I come,” Gopher said.

“Right away she said, ‘Sure, do it.’”

From Okeechobee, Gopher and the tribe headed to Tallahassee to the Department of Education to get the program approved.

In September 2002, the Pull-Out Program on the Brighton Reservation became a reality. One school day a week, tribal students stayed on the reservation to learn their language, culture and history. The Pull-Out Program was soon embraced by everyone.

“The students took ownership of it; it was their Indian school,” Gopher said. “It did something to their self-esteem.

Their identity came out, and they couldn’t wait to come back.”

For five years, students continued to attend school on the reservation one day a week.

During those years, Gopher was often called upon to step in as the tribal-wide acting education director or acting assistant education director until finally, in August 2003, she was appointed by the Tribal Council to be the director of education for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

Even with the Pull-Out Program succeeding, the tribe began to outgrow it. Simply put, the parents wanted more.

Along with several other elders, Gopher worked to establish the Seminole curriculum of the school.

So more is what Gopher gave them. She began spearheading the development of the charter school on the reservation.

Again, she headed to Raulerson, who had already retired as superintendent, for advice and then to Tallahassee to get help writing the school’s charter.

“We developed our own teaching materials and notebooks of curriculum,” Gopher said. “I’m very proud of that.”

The school received its charter with a focus on Seminole culture and language.

The doors to Pemayetv Emahakv (translated as “Our Way School”) opened in 2007, with 123 students attending kindergarten through fifth-grade classes, and it became the first Native American charter school east of the Mississippi River.

Still, however, it follows all the same educational standards required of any Florida public school.

The school has been such a success that it only continues to expand, with almost 250 students now enrolled. The

Louise Gopher with tribal students from Pemayetv Emahakv.

36 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

charter school also serves middle-school grades now and is building a new gymnasium and media center to keep up with the growing demand.

Pemayetv Emahakv became so much more than Gopher originally thought.

“At the time I didn’t see the tribe running the school,” she said. “I just thought we would be a satellite campus.”

Shortly after the school opened, Gopher retired as director of education. But that didn’t mean she was done working.

chemotherapy, Gopher never slowed down. She has continued to be instrumental within her tribe. She has helped create several documentaries on Seminole topics to help educate the youth coming up.

She says she hopes that receiving the Hall of Fame award, along with her actions that got her there, sets a good example for young Seminoles and that they see she is just like them and they, too, can achieve such accomplishments if they push themselves and become educated.

“Education is important,” she said. “Education is your gold mine. If you learn something, it is going to stay with you.”

Even after being diagnosed with colon cancer and battling

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Winter 2014 | 37

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38 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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The other two members of the band are unknown to me.

Okeechobee Team (L to R): Sara Sparks, Teller; Heather Hancock, Executive Assistant; Tabitha Trent, Market Manager/VP; Jamie Brammeier, CSR; Jennifer Lafferty, Residential Lender; John Williams, Community President/SVP; Patricia McWhorter, Teller/CSR; Shannon Conrad, Assistant Branch Manager; Sherri Enfinger, Consumer Lender; Elisabeth Garduno, Teller; Faveola Carrillo, Teller Supervisor; and not pictured Kristy Crawford, Portfolio Loan Manager/VP.

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The ‘Legion Hall’ was the place for square-dancing on Saturday nights.

Shown above are couples doing intricate steps to the music played by the local band.

These photographs were taken in 1948 when Fuller Warren was campaigning to be the 30th governor of Florida (note the sign in the background, partially covered, which has his name on it.). He was sworn into office on January 4, 1949. The dances began early in the evening to the sound of ‘The Orange Blossom Special’ played by the band. Frolicking around the room with your partner was fun. The building was not airconditioned so a fan was a necessity. This oldfashioned dance is now taught in physical education classes at some schools. There are many ‘Square Dance’ groups who are in competition around the nation.

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Submitted by Betty Chandler Williamson www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 39

Community Event

$14K Raised for

NRA Educational Grants

Back row, from left: David James, Jenny Hoover, George Pawliski and Roger Rice. Front row: Holly Mixon, J.D. Mixon, Christa Luna and Mark Luna.

From left, committee members Jennifer Williamson, Carie Muldoon, Joanna Hoover and Jeff Sumner.

The Okeechobee Friends of the NRA Banquet fundraiser took place on Sept.

11 at the KOA Convention Center.

Proceeds from the event help to finance grants related to the future of shooting sports, such as firearm safety programs, law enforcement training programs and other educational events related to shooting. Over $14,000 was raised at the event. For more information, go to www.friendsofnra.org.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

40 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Sharon Cannon

Tony Stockstill and Erica Stockstill enjoy bidding on the silent auction.

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Winter 2014 | 43

Looking Back First in a series

By Betty Chandler Williamson

A great variety of women blazed trails into leadership positions in Okeechobee County, paths that contemporary women are following to this day.

First Ladies

O of

keechobee

Louisiana Chandler Raulerson

< (1861-1948) =

was the first Caucasian female to live in what is now Okeechobee; she arrived with her husband, Peter Raulerson, and family in 1896.

She was my “Great-Aunt Anna.” A hospital was named in her honor in 1948 and opened in January 1949; she was also the mother of the first white child born in this area. Many of their descendants are still residing in Okeechobee. Her parents were Shadrach and Adeline Tucker Chandler.

Mattie R.Walker < (1878-1918) =

daughter of the first pioneers, Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, served as the first female postmistress of what was then “Tantie” and is now Okeechobee. She married Hamp Walker and had a family. Her father, Peter, carried the mail by horseback, free, for 18 months, and the Star Route was established.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Ella Wakefield Hulsey < (1870-1944) =

was employed as a school nurse for the Red Cross after World War I. She was the third child of Henry and Martha Given Wakefield, born in 1870. She married William A. Hulsey in 1886, and the couple moved to Okeechobee around 1911. They became parents to nine children. Nurse Ella assisted in delivering babies and at times traveled with local physicians to make house calls. This photograph was taken of her in front of the Tantie Schoolhouse.

Annie McKinnon Raulerson < (1905-1997) =

met and married Hiram Raulerson, grandson of pioneers Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, in 1926. Annie became involved with the Red Cross after the devastating hurricane of 1928. She was active with this organization through World War II and for many years afterward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miz Annieâ&#x20AC;? (as she was called) was an Episcopalian, but there was no church here of that denomination, so she and her family attended the local Methodist church. This Southern lady was instrumental in establishing an Episcopal house of worship, The Church of Our Saviour, in the early 1950s. She was involved in many community activities such as serving as president of the Woman's Club and of the Okeechobee Garden Club, and was also the first president of the Okeechobee Historical Society, which was organized in 1976. She and husband Hiram had three sons, Al, Raulie and Pete. Raulie (Hiram H. Raulerson Jr.) became a physician and came home to set up a practice. He died early at the age of 44, one year after his wife, Joy, passed away. In appreciation for all the lives he had touched, Raulerson Hospital was named in his honor. A large picture of him hangs in the lobby of the local hospital. Annie and Hiram took care of the children of Joy and Raulie, giving them much love and support.

Bessie< Walker Alderman (1891-1967) =

was the first female Okeechobee County tax collector.

She was appointed to the office after the death of her husband, R.H. Alderman, and served from 1932 until 1956. Their daughter, Athleon Alderman, was later elected to that same office and served from 1957 to 1988. Juanette Prescott Shirey served as tax collector from 1989 to 2000. Celeste Woodham Watford is the present official in this capacity, elected in 2001.

All tax collectors in our county have been females since 1932.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 45

Nora Bachand < (1888-1962) =

was the first female supervisor of registration in Okeechobee; the post is now called supervisor of elections. Ms. Bachand was elected in 1948. She and her first husband, Mr. Haskill, were charter members of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, which was organized in 1915.

I knew her personally when I was a young girl. She would create beautiful corsages for those of us who were in piano recitals. I also worked in the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office in the early 1950s. The clerk’s office was situated across the hallway from the voter's registration office.

This was located in the Historic Courthouse, and we mingled during our breaks. All supervisors of elections since Ms. Bachand have been females. They were Rowena Thomas Parkerson, Gwen Wherrell Chandler and, presently serving, Dianne Hagan.

Betty Jane Whidden Davis < (1891-1967) =

is one of the first known female graduates of Okeechobee High School to become a registered nurse. “B.J.” (as she was called) graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing in West Palm Beach. She was employed as a nurse at the Louisiana Chandler Raulerson Hospital in the 1940s. B.J. became director of nursing at the Okeechobee General Hospital, which opened in the 1950s. She and husband Johnny Davis had three children, Marty, Jeff and Melissa. Melissa is a registered nurse and has been employed by Raulerson Hospital for 25 years. Her daughter Tricia is also an R.N.; another daughter, Alisha, is attending nursing school.

There are three generations of nurses in this family.

Eugenia Hollingsworth Simmons < (1895-1990) =

became Florida's first woman sheriff in January 1938.

Gov. Fred Cone appointed her to fill the vacancy when her husband, Claude Simmons, died in office. She served in this capacity from his death until the next general election, when her brother-in-law, Cossie Simmons, was elected sheriff, in May 1938. She stated, “I never made an arrest or carried a gun but depended on my deputy, Cossie Simmons, to do that service.” She later married Bryant Bowden. I personally knew this well-mannered, lovely lady. I had the privilege of being a member of the Fine Arts Club of Okeechobee with her in the 1980s.

Sarah McCrary Price < (1928-2009) =

was the first female county commissioner in Okeechobee County.

She was appointed by Gov. Bob Graham to serve in the interim position when County Commissioner Hiram Raulerson died in office, but Sarah was elected in her own right in October 1980.

Kent Price, her husband of over 60 years, was extension director for Okeechobee for 10 years. The couple had two children, Harold and Kenna, and one grandson, Ben Noonan.

Rhea Frentress Hunt < (1911-1988) =

was the first female superintendent of Okeechobee County schools and served from Nov. 5, 1962, until July 1963. Her husband, Omar Hunt, was the superintendent of schools from 1956 until 1962. The couple had four children, Ronnie, Merle, Danny and Marcia. She taught school for many years.

}A Note from the Author }

I studied genealogy for several years, and I often found that histories of women were hard to find because their pasts always seemed to stop as soon as I reached their maiden name. It was almost as if they didn’t truly become anyone until they got married. Prior to marriage they had no identity and were often overlooked. I found this to be very interesting as I have always been proud of strong women who stand out as individuals. When I chose to continue using my maiden name after I got married, people thought it was so strange. But I was proud of it and wanted my own identity.

We as a society and community have evolved so much over the years, and I feel there are females who deserve recognition for their hard work in doing what some might say was a “man’s job.” Some are the first females to be elected, while others have shown their contributions in other ways. And this is why I felt a need to document these strong female individuals.

I have been planning the publication of this information for quite some time. Okeechobee The Magazine has offered to print it in installments. I do not mean to exclude any female due for praise, and I apologize in advance for any errors or omissions; neither would be my intention. Some women stand out in our local history and my memory more than others.

My husband, Sonny, has been my best supporter and is truly the “wind beneath my wings.” He has always been supportive of my desire to keep my own identity like many of the women you will soon read about, and I thank him for that.

So I encourage you to look for more information in following issues on these women who set such a great example for our past, present and future.

About the Author Betty Chandler Williamson is a fifthgeneration Floridian; her roots go back to the mid-1800s. Her husband of more than 60 years, Frank “Sonny” Williamson, is also a fifth-generation Floridian.

Her hobbies are genealogy and local history. She has been president of the Okeechobee Historical Society for over two decades. Williamson is the coauthor (with Twila Valentine, now deceased) of Strolling Down Country Roads. She was responsible for compiling the first 75 years of the membership of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, where she taught Sunday school for 39 years and served as director of the Girls Auxiliary Mission Club for many years. She was also the church historian for a period of time.

Williamson wishes to thank the following people for assisting her with the articles she submits: ~ Sonny, who encourages his wife to write. ~ Heather Williamson Rucks, a granddaughter, who assists with emailing the material to Okeechobee The Magazine. ~ A writing club she belongs to, The Okeechobee Writers League (OWL), led by published author Jan Fehrman. ~ Sonny Elliott for producing the photographs.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 47

Community Event

Photos by Sharon Cannon

Assists Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giving

The Okeechobee Educational Foundation hosted its Achieving Excellence luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The foundation manages the majority of the scholarships given by the community to the graduating seniors of Okeechobee High School, along with all of the mini-grants. Since the inception of the foundation, the total of all scholarships received is approaching $3 million.

OHS graduate and scholarship recipient Taylor Davis.

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Linda Syfrett, Okeechobee Educational Foundation president.

Mini-grant recipient Rae Ann Whiteside,

Central Elementary.

From left: board members Ben Sims, Sharon Vinson, Denise Whitehead, Tabitha Trent, Kelly Owens, Linda Syfrett, Gretchen Robertson, Debbie Clements, Celeste Watford and Mary Hurley.

48 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

December 6 & 7 Living Christmas Tree

December 18 American Big Band’s Home for the Holidays January 6 Stormy Weather: The Music of Lena Horne January 15 How to Succeed on Broadway January 29 David Phelps February 6 The Mayhem Poets February 9 The Doo Wop Project February 19 Rock Legends: People’s Choice February 28 FREE! The Valerie Tyson Band March 3 Jekyll & Hyde March 23 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers March 28 FREE! Galo’s Tribute to Santana April 14 Nashville Chicks with Hits April 23-24 Extreme Vegas: A Magical Cirque Spectacular!

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The Hinojosa Family: Parents Juan & Alba with Isabella, Sophia and Rafael.

– Kathleen McGowan

Guardians Give Them Voices

As Children Seek Forever Families

By Rachel Buxton

As children , we take the smiles, laughter and unconditional love for granted. They are usually a given.

Also as children, we are told the sky is the limit. Alas, that isn’t always the case.

It was not until April 15, 2014, that the sky truly became the limit for siblings Rafael, 8, Isabella, 7, and Sophia, 5.

That is the day they were given the chance to live a normal, prosperous life and finally received the smiles, laughter and unconditional love that they so deserve.

With the help of the Okeechobee Guardian ad Litem Program, after two very long and stressful years, the Okeechobee siblings were kept together and received a permanent, stable home.

But more than anything, they gained two loving parents.

“Adoption is the happiest day; even

Photos by Sandra Pearce

the judges are happy,” said Kathleen McGowan, volunteer supervisor for Guardian ad Litem of Okeechobee.

The Guardian ad Litem Program consists of appointed volunteers who make independent recommendations to the court by focusing on the needs of the children.

For two years, McGowan was the Guardian caseworker being the voice in and outside of the courts for Rafael, Isabella and Sophia.

The hope was to reunite the children with their biological parents. But early on, McGowan saw that that might not be the end result, especially when issues were not remedied after case plans were given out to the parents.

After the biological mother surrendered her rights, the children were placed in

the care of their paternal grandmother.

“The grandmother was very caring,” McGowan said. “We thought she was going to adopt.”

But the grandmother had her hands full with a demanding job, children of her own, other grandchildren living with her and a very ill husband. All of which left very little time for anything else, much less raising three additional young children.

After the trio was placed with the grandmother, McGowan made frequent house visits to see how the children were doing and made sure they were not doing without.

“It’s important for the Guardian ad Litem volunteer to get to know the family,” she said – “to see if there are any special needs.”  www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 53

McGowan noticed that young Rafael was struggling in school, so she met with his teacher to discuss how he could improve. From there, McGowan worked with the grandmother and the dependency caseworker to help get tutoring for the boy.

“We are not the same agency,” McGowan said about the dependency caseworker, “but we all work together to achieve the same goal.”

‘They went from having no children to three,' McGowan said. 'They hand led it so well.

It was a natural fit.'

54 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Unfortunately, even with the same goal in mind, there can be setbacks. And this case was no exception.

Just when McGowan thought progress

was being made and the children were going to have a permanent living situation, a new caseworker would be appointed. In just a two-year span, the children had several different appointed caseworkers.

“It was like a couple of steps back,” McGowan said, “because a new dependency caseworker comes in and has to relearn the case.”

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But it wasn’t just the case that the new caseworker would have to learn. The person also had to get to know the children.

With so many inconsistencies in their lives and people coming and going, McGowan made sure that she had a relationship with the children and that they were always comfortable with her.

She wanted to be the one consistent part of their life.

“Guardian volunteers are there from the beginning to the end,” she said. “We have a very important role and need to be one of the stable faces advocating for the children. Whenever I pulled up in their driveway, they knew exactly whose car it was.”

McGowan and Guardian ad Litem were with the children throughout their entire journey. Eventually, their grandmother made the decision that she was in no condition to give them the proper care they deserved. The children were then officially put up for adoption in the database.

Instantly, Juan and Alba Hinojosa were matched as potential adoptive parents for the three children. Their Spanish and Catholic roots caught the attention of the grandmother.

“It was very important to her that whoever adopted the children had the same values,” said Juan. 

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Okeechobee Guardian Volunteers: Front row from left, Pat Gelatka, Barbie Campbell, Sharon Buck, Kathleen McGowan, Marlene Burns, Linda Spector, Laura Nilson; back row, Maureen Burroughs, Gail Griffith, Debbie Egan, J’Mana Jarvis, Bette Hughes, Kizzy Boswell.

Juan and Alba received a call from the adoption agency and were told they were one of three couples the grandmother was interested in.

“It all happened right before my birthday,” Juan said. “I said if it all worked out, it would be the best birthday present of my life.”

Juan received that birthday present, and it didn’t take much convincing to do so.

The children were immediately drawn to the Hinojosas after meeting them for the first time.

Sophia, who was 4 at the time, walked right up to Juan, climbed up on the park bench, got eye to eye with him and said, “Are you going to be my new daddy?”

“It scared the crap out of me,” Juan said. “I’ve never experienced anything

56 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

like that.”

Park visits soon turned into house visits that eventually turned into overnight visits. The Hinojosas and the three young children were slowly becoming a family. Throughout the entire process, McGowan continued to make her own visits to ensure that the children were on the right path.

“I could not believe they went from having no children to three,” McGowan said of the Hinojosas. “They handled it so well. It was a natural fit.”

While the children were growing more and more attached to the Hinojosas, the grandmother was having a harder and harder time letting go. McGowan helped calm the grandmother down and reassured her that the children were going to be in good hands and that they were truly happy.

After eight months of visits, sleepovers and plenty of positive recommendations from McGowan during judicial reviews, the adoption was finalized. The children were finally able to begin their new lives as Rafael, Isabella and Sophia Hinojosa.

“I was happy,” said Rafael. “I have my own room.”

A room may not seem like much, but to three children who never had such a thing of their own, it was like winning the lottery. Along with their own rooms, the children received more clothes and toys than they knew what to do with.

With the adoption over, it was time for a new start.

“We had to play catch-up in every aspect,” said Alba. “There was a lot of restructuring and training.”

The restructuring has proven effective, as the children have gone from being D and F students to now A and B pupils.

Their personalities are developing more, and they are becoming more comfortable with who they are.

“It’s amazing what stability can do, and a family of your own,” McGowan said.

“If the kids can’t be with their parents, this is what needs to happen. They need to be in a happy, loving place.”

are appointed to 94 children at the moment. With only 20 volunteers, there is always a need for more help.

couraged about volunteering because of not having enough time, but she said that shouldn’t stop anyone.

“I have five cases,” said Okeechobee Guardian volunteer Maureen Burroughs. “Most [Guardians] have multiple cases because there’s not enough [of us] to go around.”

“The time is your own making,” she said. “Your schedule is what you want.

If you work during the day, you can go by and visit after supper. You can put in as much or as little time as you want.”

Burroughs said many people are dis-

Along with taking care of their cases, 

Prior to adoption, the children hadn’t experienced much. But since then, they have definitely made up for lost time.

They have been on numerous family trips, including to Gatorland, Chuck E. Cheese, Chicago and, of course, the most magical place on Earth, Disney World.

In addition, the girls have started dance classes, and Rafael soon will be starting to get involved in sports. It is truly a fresh start for these three children, who now can be told with some certainty that the sky is indeed the limit.

McGowan continues to stay in contact with the Hinojosas, with the children referring to her as Auntie Kathleen.

“They send me text messages with pictures,” she said. “Cases have a flow of their own and change as they progress. This one couldn’t have had a more perfect outcome, and Guardian ad Litem helped achieve that.”

Currently in Okeechobee, there are 75 kids out of their homes or placed with a relative and between 130 and 150 children in homes under court supervision. Guardian ad Litem volunteers

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 57

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Guardian ad Litem volunteers hold a Christmas gift drive each year in which they collect items for their current children or any past children who may need assistance. They collect lists from the children on what they need, specific clothes sizes, favorite colors and any other relevant personal details.

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“It’s very personalized, which is very important to them,” Burroughs said.

“They want to feel special.”

Along with the Christmas drive, Guardians are always looking for ways to help and make the children feel normal, whether it be by simply taking them school shopping for clothes or out to eat at a restaurant.

“Their world is upside down, so they’ve never had a normal childhood,” said Burroughs.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

She admits that some cases can be difficult but said the rewards that Guardian volunteers get from helping these children and being their voices in court is so worth it.

“It’s rewarding for the relationship that you build with the children,” she said.

“You are not a threat to them, so they develop a firm relationship with you.

That’s rewarding.”

For more information about the Guardian ad Litem program visit www.guardianadlitem.org or contact Vern Melvin, Circuit Director at 772-785-5804.

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Community Event The Chamber of Commerce kicked off its second Leadership Okeechobee class at Indian River State Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Williamson Conference Center on Sept. 17 with motivational exercises and orientation.

The second class was given in the same location on Oct. 15 and featured presentations on the history of Okeechobee, cultural arts and service organizations.

The eight-month program is designed to cultivate leadership through education, exposure to the community and interaction between class members.

Okeechobee Main Street Arts and Cultural Director Bridgette Waldau gives a presentation about arts in our community.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

CHAMBER KICK-STARTS SECOND

LEADERSHIP OKEECHOBEE CLASS

Front row, from left, Cecilia Elliott, Teresa Lara, Allison Chandler, Angie Griffin, Paula Smith, Tammi Kelly; back row, Gary Bell, Robert Keefe, John Creasman, Patrick Malone, Jonathan Bean, presenter Bridgette Waldau, presenter Maureen Burroughs.

62 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Photos by Sharon Cannon

Ron Hays speaks about the Okeechobee Community Theatre.

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Winter 2014 | 63

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Fri., Dec. 26

Home for the Holidays

State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s

Sponsored in part by Animal Emergency & Referral Center

The Don Williams Beach Boys An Evening with

Thurs., Jan. 8

Fri., Jan. 9

An Unforgettable Evening

An Evening with

Michael Bolton Engelbert Humperdinck Wed., Jan. 28 Sun., Jan. 25

Olivia Newton - John Fri., Feb. 6

Sponsored in part by Hampton Inn & Suites

Dennis DeYoung Dancing Pros Masters of Illusion Scotty Live!

Believe the Impossible!

McCreery The Music of STYX Hosted by Alan Thicke & Dancing With The Stars Pros

Thurs., Feb. 19

Fri., Feb. 20

See You Tonight Tour

Sat., Feb. 21

Sat., Feb. 28

Russian National Ballet Theatre’s

Sleeping Beauty Sun., Mar. 1

Sponsored in part by Inlet Grill & Beachfront Inn

ABBA MANIA

Get The Led Out

The Pink Floyd Experience

ABBA Tribute

The American Led Zeppelin

Wed., Mar. 4

Fri., Mar. 20

Thurs., Mar. 26

PFX

Jay Leno Sat., Mar. 28

Presenting Sponsors

Call 772.461.4775 or Visit SunriseTheatre.com 117 South 2nd Street in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce

Become a Member Today!

Get the Best Seats in The House

(These are the shows confirmed to date. Additional Shows and Attractions will be added throughout the season. Programs are subject to change)

64 | Winter 2014

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PENROD

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Toll Free: 877.588.2279 ext.134 AsYouWishVacations.com Associate of Independent Franchise Mixon, Ardila & Associates • Coral Springs, FL www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 65

Community Event

Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant Crowns New Queen

The KOA Convention Center served as the stage Sept. 25-27 for the Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant this year in Okeechobee.

The contestants had several events to attend and were judged on their knowledge of horsemanship, speech and public speaking, poise, modeling, appearance, personal interviews, personality and the ability to answer impromptu questions. A dinner and fashion show took place on Friday evening, Sept.

26, and crowning of the new queen took place at a luncheon the next day. The 2015 queen and her court will represent the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association throughout Florida.

Winners, from left: Miss Teen Rodeo Florida Jenna Herstich from St. Cloud, Miss Rodeo Florida Princess Addison Roberts of Fort Pierce, Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart Heaven Crosby from Fort McCoy, and Miss Rodeo Florida Sheila Shirah of St. Cloud.

From left, Judges Raylah Holm of Ellensburg, Wash., Judy Mason of River Ranch, Fla., and C.J. Brown of Lake Alfred, Fla.

Alexandra Ortiz of Jupiter presents her showmanship.

All the contestants for the Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant.

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For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Photos by Sharon Cannon

Miss Rodeo Florida 2014 Devon Firestone takes her final and farewell walk.

Little Miss Silver Spurs, Brighton Mick, models for Western Spirit. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 67

Doctors Clinic

Primary Care For The Entire Family

Family Health Center, LLC

Walk-Ins Always Welcome Most Insurances Accepted

Soon! ming o C Look New

Wishing You a Merry Christmas & a Happy, Healthy New Year Stanley H. Sweda, MD 863-763-1107 Armando A. Santelices, MD Theresa Biemer, PA-C

204 SE Park Street • Okeechobee

Multi-Lingual (English, Spanish and German) 68 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Proud Supporters of “Heroes 4 Hope”

Community Event

Adam Bryant Regatta Entertains Thousands,

T

DeAnne Martin and Christina Stone race in the Gilbert Ford and Gilbert Chevrolet boats.

The racers jostle for position.

Dylan White in the Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art boat.

The race is on.

Taylor Davis with the Team Peace Lutheran School boat and Frank DeCarlo.

Jeff Reno won the Holy Ship Award for his Aircraft Carrier entry.

outed as ‘a homemade boat race with a twist,’ the fourth annual Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta took place Saturday, Oct. 4, at C. Scott Driver Park on the Kissimmee River.

The regatta brings together people of all ages for a series of engaging races in minimally constructed plywood boats.

Open to the public, this year’s event was hosted by For Okeechobee Inc., with community residents and local businesses sponsoring the watercrafts and an estimated 4,000 people in attendance. The wonderful Kids’ Zone brimming with games, crafts and bounce houses was provided by The Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee. In tribute to Adam, the proceeds raised from the regatta will help send a local individual to Fire/EMT school and help finance the construction of a special-needs playground.

Bert Culbreth holding Madelyn, Joe Melluso and Krissy Culbreth.

From left: Thomas Barber, Angie Griffin, Pam Peppers and Mike Hopkins. Dr. Benjamin Epstein captains the Orthopaedic Specialists at Raulerson boat.

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For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Photos by Sharon Cannon & Jane Kaufman

Helps Finance Scholarship and Playground Project

Team Mixon Real Estate Group, winners of the Overboard Award, back, from left, Mike Sadlon, Patrick Malone and Joe Stas; front, J.D. Mixon, Jamie Hans, Holly Mixon holding Magnolia, Lori Mixon, Ron Mixon, Elbert Batton and Natalie Hubbard.

The Pregnancy Center team, winners of the Motley Crew Award, from left: Jamie Hans, J.D. Mixon, Lisa Lumpkin, Rene Juarez, Cindy Maynard, Nicole Juarez and Donna Summerall; back, Natalie Hubbard.

Meghan Woohouse, Brooke Brazil and Tammi White.

The racers jostle for position.

Tin Fish Restaurant Team: Courtney Hicks, Saraya Vanderhoff and Donavan White.

Racing neck and neck, Mike Leppert and J.D. Mixon.

Ethan Doyle races as the Mad Hatter. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 71

The 8th wonder of the world!

A never-ending cascade of rich chocolate is yours for the dipping!

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863-763-0444 Steaks, Buffet & Bakery

700 S Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL

okeechobeeYouth carissa Licata Initiative, drive earn her a full scholarship

By Audra Clemons

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Carissa Licata graduated from Okeechobee High School on June 7, 2014. As if being a member of the Key Club, the High School National Honors Society and the Beta Club weren’t enough, Licata graduated with Advanced Placement classes from Indian River State College behind her as well. These accomplishments were all the more enticing for the softball coach of the lady Eagles from Florida Gulf Coast University, of whom Licata joined the ranks in fall of 2014.

“We seek exceptional and well-rounded young women for our team,” said David Deiros, head coach for Florida Gulf Coast University.

Licata is one of the few and far between, outstanding OHS graduates to receive a full scholarship to a Division I collegiate athletics program. Anyone who has achieved this goal can tell you that this type of merit doesn’t come easily and isn’t achieved overnight.

Reaching this kind of goal takes time, love, practice, dedication and patience.

When Licata was 6, she began playing ball and fell in love with it from that point forward.

A few years later, a 10-year-old Licata found herself playing on a coastal travel ball team, where she learned advanced softball techniques that helped her hone her skills in the game.

“She is easily the fastest player I have ever coached,” Deiros said.

Once Licata entered high school, she continued to play softball and coupled that love with a focus on academics, setting her sights on receiving a Bright Futures Scholarship. 

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to give back to the community that gave to me.â&#x20AC;?

In order to be a contender for this scholarship, the student has to score at least a 1290 on the SAT and a 29 on the ACT, plus put in over 100 hours of service learning.

Throughout high school, Licata was carrying a 3.93 GPA while oscillating between three sports: cross country, soccer and softball. Beyond high school-based activities, Licata was again on a travel ball team for the extra practice and exposure that weekend showcase tournaments provided. These games would give her a reputation outside of Okeechobee, which she says was very pivotal in the scholarship process.

“If you’re serious about playing a sport in college and receiving a scholarship, you have to put yourself out there. You have to go to places and participate in tournaments where you can be seen outside of your community,” said Licata.

Licata detailed the collegiate recruiting process. Above and beyond what she was doing in school, Licata was also keeping tabs on recruiting coaches.

'Carissa bleeds green and blue' ~ Coach Deiros

“My dad would help me email coaches and let them know if I was in a tournament near them. He would let them know where I was playing and where I would be,” Licata said. “If you are serious about getting a college scholarship, you have to be involved and proactive in the recruiting process.”

This is the type of initiative that got Carissa Licata noticed by head coach Deiros.

“During my junior year of high school, Coach Deiros saw me at an annual showcase tournament and we stayed in touch after that. My dad would email him and let him know where I was playing and how I was doing,” Licata said.

“We typically look for players who stand out in at least one aspect of the game,” Deiros said. “In Carissa's case, it is unquestionably her speed.”

Then it happened. In her junior year of high school, Licata was offered a full ride, aka a full scholarship, to a Division I collegiate athletic program.

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“I made a verbal commitment in April, and then in November I signed my scholarship contract with Florida Gulf Coast University,” said Licata.

“Carissa bleeds green and blue,” Deiros said. “She made it very clear in the recruiting process that she loved everything about FGCU and wanted to make a difference on our team and campus. That devotion made a huge impact on me because it is always fulfilling to bring someone who wants to be on your team as much as you want them there.”

nutmeg’s cafe 863-763-2233 515 SW Park Street

Mon. – Fri. 10:30 am to 7 pm Sat. and Sun. 11 am to 3 pm

Lunch - Dinner Sandwiches - Salad Paninis - Soups Quiches - Baked Goods 12 Flavors of Ice Cream Find us on Facebook for more Information and Daily Specials.

It may seem hard for a 17- or 18-year-old to leave home; to find herself in an environment surrounded by people she doesn’t know and places she's never seen, in a place much different than small-town Okeechobee. But for Licata, it was an easy transition. Once the girls from the FGCU softball team knew who had committed, they found each other on Facebook and began creating friendships their senior year of high school. As college freshmen, the girls had already established a bond and knew a little bit about each other — all thanks to social media.

On top of playing softball games, there is travel time, weight training and footwork training. But those aren’t the only things that define Licata. There is much more to her than softball. There is also her academics. For her undergraduate major, Licata chose nursing.

The medical field requires a lot of study time and is certainly not a cakewalk for a degree.

Although no one in Licata's family is in the medical field, she always had an interest in nursing. During her senior year in high school, she sought out conversations with people in the health-care industry and also with her guidance counselor, who suggested that 

Vicki Anderson (863) 634-4106

(863) 634-4107 Eric Anderson

Shelly Doyle

Personal Assistant

863-801-8463

shellydoyle@ymail.com

Vic_Anderson@earthlink.net

21442 E. SR 78 -Buckhead Ridge Okeechobee, FL 34974 For All Of Our Listings, Please Visit Our Website: www.AndersonRealtyCo.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 77

she major in nursing so that she would always have it as a background. With a nursing undergraduate degree, she could always go back to school and specialize later.

During Licata’s senior year, Raulerson Hospital gave out 10 scholarships to graduating seniors. Licata received one of the scholarships to help her pursue her nursing degree — a degree she is tackling and excelling at.

“Off the field, Carissa is again exceptional because she is already a year ahead of schedule to graduate with her degree in nursing,” Deiros said. “That is almost unheard of, considering the average student takes at least five years to graduate from college.”

After college, Licata’s goal is to return to Okeechobee, where she aspires to work at Raulerson Hospital as a registered nurse or as a cardiovascular sonographer. 

78 | Winter 2014

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Board Certified, Orthopaedic Surgeon

We are proud to provide complete orthopedic care for adults and children, right here in Okeechobee.

• Total hip and knee replacements • Arthroscopic surgery • And more Benjamin Epstein, DO

Mother Alin Perez, Carissa, father Frank Licata and stepmother Trina Licata

We Treat Kids Too!

1924 Hwy 441 North (co-located with Orthopaedic Specialists at Raulerson) Okeechobee, FL 34972

357-0540

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 79

“I want to give back to the community that gave to me,” said Licata. “I moved from West Palm Beach to Okeechobee when I was 10, and I really like the town.

It's smaller and a calm environment, a place where everyone knows each other and supports each other.”

Even with her grueling schedule that includes academics and sports, Licata still enjoys her involvement in community service activities. Coach Deiros has orchestrated two community service projects for the softball team to participate in: Habitat for Humanity and the Harvey Chapman Food Bank.

These projects will help the girls understand the importance of giving back and volunteering for communities and charity work.

Her time spent on the field as a team player has only helped round Licata out as an individual.

Carissa (center) with dad Frank and stepmother Trina on signing day.

Under New Ownership

“Okeechobee’s Resort on the Water”

Newly Re-Decorated Rooms!

PIER II

Resort and Lounge

Pet Friendly!

Smoke Free

2200 SE Hwy 441 • Okeechobee, FL 34974 • 863.623.4704 Look For Our Bar to Re-Open in the Fall of 2014!

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“Playing team sports means that you can't play for yourself and for the team at the same time; it just doesn't work like that,” Licata said. “And in life, it's the same way; you can't just focus on yourself when you have a family and friends and so on.”

The drive that brought Licata to play Division I softball will be the same drive that helps her to achieve her goals in academics and athletics, as well as her career path. Initiative and discipline will help her navigate through life and through the prosperous or difficult times that will unravel throughout. A college athlete does much more than just play a sport. A college athlete learns invaluable lessons about management and goal-setting, which in turn helps to develop the proverbial “toolkit” for a successful life.

Welcome new physician Erick Calmet, M.D. Our providers offer a full range of family practice services.

• We provide Medicare Physicals • Management of chronic & acute health issues • Annual wellness visit

Walks-ins Welcome!

Hablamos Español

Linda’s

Style

Trends

Let us help you find the right gift.

Fashion Purses  Fashion Jewelry Bible Covers  Collegiate Items College Inflatable

202 N.E. 2nd Avenue (Suites 3 & 4) Okeechobee, FL 34972 RaulersonPrimaryCare.com

467-2159

We accept most major insurance plans.

Located Inside Badcock Furniture

863-763-3823

512 W. North Park Street Okeechobee, Florida www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 81

JUST CALL ME

“J E R RY ” RRY

Your Hometown Injury Attorney

~ Phones Answered 24/7 Se Habla Espanol

763-33 33 accidentattorneyoffice.com Law Office Of Gerald Lefebvre 1910 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL

Our Services:

Keratin Smoothing Treatments, Shine Treatments, Colors, Cuts...and More!

nurturing our community, together.

ALL AGES WELCOME!

providing meals, together.

1 in 6 people face hunger on the Treasure Coast, even though billions of pounds of food go unused in the U.S. every year. Together we can close the gap.

together we can solve hunger.

Donate today at stophunger.org or call 772-489-3034.

82 | Winter 2014

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Men, Women and Children

We pride ourselves in customer service for an enjoyable experience!

(863)824.3338

909 South Parrot Ave., Suite G Okeechobee, FL 34974

Walk-ins Welcome ♦ Appointments Preferred ♦ Hours: Mon―Fri: 9 to 5 and Sat: 9 to3

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 83

Community Event

Photos by Sharon Cannon

The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County held its inaugural Business of the Year awards and year in review luncheon at the Williamson Center at Indian River State College on Thursday, Oct. 16. The chamber recapped its accomplishments for the past year and presented the inaugural Business of the Year Awards to Brown Cow Sweetery, American Drilling Services and Waste Management/Okeechobee Landfill. For more information about the Chamber of Commerce, call (863) 467-6246 or email Antoinette@ okeechobeebusiness.com.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Gross Income $1 Million or More Winner – American Drilling Services From left: Mayor James Kirk, American Drilling Services owner Frank DeCarlo, Chamber Executive Director Antoinette Rodriguez and Chamber President Terry Burroughs.

Awards Given at Chamber’s First

Year in Review Luncheon

National Corporate Winner – Waste Management/Okeechobee Landfill, Inc. From left: Chamber President Terry Burroughs, Chamber Executive Director Antoinette Rodriguez, with Waste Management representatives Jeff Sabin, Teresa Chandler and Tony Bishop.

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The event was well-attended.

Gross Income of $1 Milliion or Less Winner – Brown Cow Sweetery From left: Mayor James Kirk, Brown Cow Sweetery owners Mark Bragel and Paulette Bragel, Chamber Executive Director Antoinette Rodriguez and Chamber President Terry Burroughs.

Guy Harvey now has Military Charms & Double Marlin Pendants with Genuine Stones.

Diamonds - 14K Gold Jewelry

Guy Harvey & Hershey Kiss Jewelry We Buy Scrap Gold

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 85

COMMITTED TO HELPING YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR SUCCESS Our prudent approach to planning and managing risk has helped our clients attain positions of financial strength since 2002. We never follow a one-size-fits-all approach to managing something as complex and personal as your wealth. Call us today to formulate a plan centered on your unique objectives and let us help you secure your financial future.

ERIK MELVILLE, CFP® Financial Advisor

603 North Indian River Drive, Suite 300 // Ft. Pierce, FL 34950 T 772.460.2500 // F 855.540.3723 erik.melville@raymondjames.com // melvillewealthmanagement.com

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., owns the certification mark CFP®, in the U.S. ©2014 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 14-BR3DW-0021 AL 9/14

A State Certified General Contractor St. Lic. CGC1507657

Mack “Hoot” Worley President

863-467-2541

"Making Dreams Come True for 30 Years"....

Email: gmworleyinc@gmail.com 86 | Winter 2014

110 NW 5th Street - Okeechobee, FL 34972

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

www.facebook.com/G.M.WorleyInc

Community Event

From left: The Homecoming Court, Alyssia Boldin, Michael Daniel, Mirizzi Villalobos and Colt Root.

Senior class float.

Homecoming Queen and King Taylor Pearce and Marshall Hale.

Parade, Festivities Warm Hearts for

OHS Homecoming The Brahman spirit was in full force as homecoming festivities kicked off Thursday, Oct. 9, with the Homecoming Parade. On Friday night, the football game was played and the homecoming king and queen were crowned. The three-day event finished up Saturday night with the Homecoming Dance.

Football Queen Lia Keith and her escort Greg Hernandez.

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Superintendent Ken Kenworthy and OHS Principal Toni Wiersma.

Photos by Sandra Pearce

Friday night OHS Football.

Junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders at the pep rally.

The bonfire.

From left: Cheyenne Tankersly, Kylie Daniel, Kayla Nunez, Ro Wingfield, Colt Root, Samantha Wine and Taylor Pearce.

From left: senior football players Daniel Nunez, Matthew McClanahan, Greg Hernandez, Brandon Shockley, Markies McDonald, Juan Mata, Devon Wigfall, Cornelius Horton and Tyrone Peterson.

Junior class float.

Sophomore class float.

OHS Class of 1985. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 89

MMI Certified Harley Davidson Technician

SERVICING • Tire Purchase & Mounts • Full Service • Repairs - Minor to Major • Customizing of

All MAKES

Aftermarket Parts

Brandon Baughman Certified Technician, MMI Graduate

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Come By & Check Us Out!

• Modifications and Repairs • Poylmer Sales and Installation • Repower and Customization • Custom Bow Fishing Platforms

• Purchase New and USED Bows & Accessories • Serving includes but not limited to: • Installation of Peep Site, D-Loop, Main String & Bus Cable • Cut and Fleetch Arrows • Complete Bow Service and Paper Tune • Shooting Lessons Available

Just 1 mile South of the Hwy 70 & Hwy 441 Intersection on the East side of Hwy 441.

www.skullhillsteel.com

Employee Commitment, Dedication and Community Partner WM Lead Operator Mark Broadrick's daughter Katilyn Broadrick paddled the WM boat in the 4th Annual Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta, homemade boat race receiving 2nd place in the Age 8-12 division. Way to go Kaitlyn!

▲

#MOVEOVER Law

Okeechobee County Sheriff and City of Okeechobee Police support the new “Move Over” Law passed to include Sanitation and Utility Vehicles.

▲

Waste Management/ Okeechobee Landfill, Inc.

is awarded the 2014-2015 National Corporate “Business of the Year” from the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce. WM is a true community partner supporting local non-profits and Youth Organizations.

Pictured: Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop, Public Affairs Manager Teresa Chandler, Okeechobee Mayor James Kirk and Government Affairs Manager Jeff Sabin.

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Pictured: Sr. District Manager Ron Pruim, Capt. Gary Bell, Driver JC Causey, Undersheriff Noel Stephen, WM Public Affairs Teresa Chandler, Sgt. Shannon Pete, WM Route Manager Tim Egger and Sgt. Belen Reyna.

Quality - Commitment - Design

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

Blue Ribbon Winner Treasure Coast Parade of Homes

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

Behind the

By Raye Deusinger

Carpenter Insurance Entering the offices of Carpenter Insurance is like being welcomed into a gracious home. That is the atmosphere created by Peggy Carpenter Brady, thirdgeneration representative of a business founded almost 80 years ago.

Her grandfather, Dan Carpenter, had moved from Oklahoma to Pahokee to join other family members during the Great Depression to farm and live off the land. He started a real estate/ insurance business on the front porch of his home in 1935. Peggy said her Grandpa Dan was known as a man of integrity, concluding each transaction with a simple handshake.

Shortly after the 1928 hurricane, Dan’s wife, Ruth, gave birth to Milton who, in the 1950s, joined his father in what became Dan Carpenter & Son Insurance. Both Ruth and daughter Dorthia also worked in the office.

While helping grow his father’s insurance business, Milton and his wife, Nancy, eventually opened the Milton Carpenter Insurance Agency in Belle Glade in addition to pursuing his true passion, orchid culture. Today, he is known worldwide for his hybridizing expertise and judges across the globe for the American Orchid Society. He’s also written books on the subject. Upon entering Brady’s Okeechobee office, 92 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

The office 'family': from left, Mary Burris, Tonya Stamm, Peggy Carpenter Brady and Danny Heim.

you will find many beautiful examples of his award-winning orchids.

There, you will also find Peggy Brady carrying on the family tradition in insurance. Growing up in Belle Glade, she graduated from Glades Day School, went off to Florida Southern College for a year but began living in Okeechobee after marrying her high school sweetheart, Frankie Brady. After living here for the past 32 years, she has now become a true Okeechobeean.

For a while she worked in agriculture, helped her husband run Brady Ranch and build the family’s Okeechobee hunting preserve while raising their three children. After earning her insurance license in 1987, Brady gained experience working in her father’s insurance office in Belle Glade and

several other agencies. She tried several other career paths, including earning her real estate broker’s license.

In 2005, however, her husband had a fatal car accident. “It was the hardest thing I had ever encountered,” she said, “but God’s grace and wonderful family and friends brought me through.”

In 2009, Brady joined her father in his insurance business in Belle Glade.

While there, she became highly involved in that community as a member of the Belle Glade Historical Society, the Lions Club, Leadership Glades and LORE (Lake Okeechobee Regional Economic Alliance) — an organization that promotes citizen involvement in and appreciation for community.

In 2013, she opened the Okeechobee

office of Carpenter Insurance Agency, located in the Taylor Creek Plaza, which she says is “Home for all Your Insurance Needs.” It is an Independent Insurance Agency, offering both personal and commercial insurance around the lake and throughout South Florida, through a large selection of “A-rated” companies.

In commercial insurance, the agency specializes in municipalities, agriculture and all aspects of the construction industry, as well as small businesses.

Noting that she loves working with people, Brady said: “You are protecting their assets, and that is a very important job. Developing a relationship with my clients is fun. Our mission is to treat you like a member of our family.”

Her office family, and that of her father’s agency in Belle Glade, has a combined 150 years of insurance experience.

Working with her in the Okeechobee

office is Mary Burris, a longtime Okeechobee resident and licensed agent with more than 11 years experience, who also offers bookkeeping service at the office.

Licensed Agent Tonya Stamm, who works primarily in the Belle Glade office, introduces a fourth generation to the family insurance dynasty, as she is Brady’s cousin and serves as manager of customer service for all commercial accounts. Brady’s son Blake is studying to possibly also enter the insurance business.

It will become an even bigger family affair soon, as Brady is engaged to the fourth office member, Danny Heim.

Heim, with an information technology

background, today handles all their office Internet technology as well as serving as a licensed agent.

Already a member of the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce and Okeechobee Main Street, Brady is looking forward to becoming involved in other community-building efforts here. Some of her leisure time is spent relaxing with her three children and six grandchildren.

An accomplished photographer and a “sometimes” artist, she also loves fishing and everything outdoors.

Stop by her office, enjoy the orchids and meet Peggy Brady. Her office is located at 3960 S.E. 18th Terrace, or contact her at (863) 824-0885 or peggy@ miltoncarpenterins.com.

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on “Online Exclusives” to learn more about Carpenter Insurance.

Quality Repairs and High Customer Satisfaction.

Customer Testimonial We have worked with George & his team for more than two decades. Their state of the art equipment, expertise, professionalism, & integrity have stood the test of time producing both pleased customers & insurance carriers.

-Lowell Pritchard

Okeechobee Resident & President of Pritchards & Associates

We Service All Makes and Models Come See George & Christina

3550 Hwy 441 S • Okeechobee • (863) 763-3154

HOURS: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

GilbertCollision.com • GilbertHasIt.com

Visit us from your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 93

What People Are Saying...

“When we first came to Okeechobee from West Palm, we were a little bit worried how we were going to advertise our business. But as soon as I saw the stack of glossy magazines sitting on a table, I knew it was going to be just fine. Okeechobee The Magazine is definitely meant to be saved and not to be thrown away.

— Paulette Bragel, Brown Cow Sweetery “We advertise in Okeechobee The Magazine because we want to support a local publication that promotes our local businesses and community. We look forward to seeing each edition and appreciate the contribution OTM has made to enhance our quality of life here in Okeechobee.”

— Paula M. Younger, CPA Tax Solutions, PLLC

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Winter 2014 | 95

Behind the

By Raye Deusinger

Captain Bob Stafford

Okeechobee Charters Bob Stafford ran heavy equipment for 22 years, fished the ocean with his daddy, messed with ’gators as a kid and today happily guides people to Lake O’s best fishing spots as well as alligator and duck hunting sites through his business, Okeechobee Charters.

Always an outdoorsman, Stafford went out on the ocean with his dad, who was a charter fishing captain, and learned the love of fishing. Being around clientele all the time, he learned about the business. He preferred lake to ocean fishing, and became an avid bass fisherman, ultimately participating in a BASF (fishing tournament) national championship in Georgia.

To provide a living for his family, he 96 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

had a heavy-equipment company on Florida’s east coast, operating from Port St. Lucie to Boca Raton/Delray Beach, which ultimately became the largest Bobcat company in Florida with two crews, one to work the north and the other the south.

Enjoying his outdoor life, as a sportsman/hunter, he conducted guided trips for alligator and duck hunters. To get away from work tensions, he and his wife, Norma Jean, bought 40 acres in southeastern Okeechobee where they have cattle and raise chickens in a peaceful setting under huge stands of oak trees.

In 2007, the falling economy cut into Stafford’s business to the point where he had to find another income. “I had been a fierce tournament angler, going all over the country,” he said, “then a local tackle shop called me because they needed an extra guide. They had a lot of group trips booked, so I helped out and

have been guiding ever since. But, he said, “becoming a fishing guide became a test of faith.” He believes there is no trick to being a good guide — “just trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities.”

Today, most jobs Stafford books are from word-of-mouth advertising. He especially loves fishing for bass with shiners. “People often say that shiner fishing is boring — you just sit and stare at a bobber,” he said. “But when I take people out, I know where to find the spot, and we usually catch 20 to 50 fish on a trip. That is exciting. I like shiner fishing because it produces bigger fish and it’s a lot of fun to watch a shiner jump from the water with a bass leaping right behind it.”

Stafford says that while the busy season, October through May, is the preferred time, June and July are also plentiful months. “Even though it’s hot, the fish are still biting then, and, of course,

that’s the time of discounted rates.”

Stafford runs half-day trips from “safe-light” to 11 a.m. and full day trips from “safe-light” to 3 p.m. The past two years have brought changing weather patterns, which often forced fish to move to new locations, but “I stay alert and flexible so that my client has a good time, and that is what I strive for,” he said. “I want the customer to have the whole experience of Okeechobee.”

Both fishing and alligators are synonymous with Okeechobee, and Stafford has been “playing” with alligators since childhood. He began guiding alligator hunts in the mid-1980s and said most people hunt for a trophy alligator.

He recently guided a father and his 10-year-old son on a hunt, and they were thrilled when they each bagged one. He once took a customer who, in one season, got nine alligators, only one

of which was less than 10 feet in length.

He had two mounted as alligators locked in battle.

live in marshy and weedy areas. Diving ducks, like ring necks and blue bills, are hunted on open water.

Stafford hunts either from an airboat or a johnboat, depending on terrain. “This is the most exciting of our tours, but it is also the most dangerous,” Stafford said.

For puddle ducks, Stafford takes the hunters into the marsh area by airboat.

He drops them off with stools and a floating table so they are comfortable, then returns after parking the airboat some distance away; he believes in pampering his customers with comfort, even in the wild. He said: “Most duck hunters love to hunt because they love to shoot. Two things motivate them, getting a prize for mounting and the joy of shooting.”

Another favorite venture is guiding a duck hunt. Stafford said people come from all over the country to hunt here.

“Each year, as the season approaches, I go out and scout to stay on the birds and be ready for the hunters,” he said.

He described two types of prey — puddle ducks and diving ducks. Puddle ducks, including wood ducks, teal, mallards and wigeons, are prettier and

Bob Stafford’s Okeechobee Charters can be reached at (561) 719-9320 or at captbob@okeechobeecharters.com.

Log on to OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com and click on “Online Exclusives” to learn more about Okeechobee Charters.

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The bounce house was busy all afternoon. Marina Shoup plays corn hole while her friends watch.

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The OK Corral Gun Club staged its first Fall Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 19. Families enjoyed a great afternoon of fun that included many activities, including hay rides, youth shooting contests, a Halloween costume contest, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, face painting, food, music and more.

For additional photos and video visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Sharon Vinson with her grandchildren Aubrey Kate Cook (left) and Amber Kay Cook (right).

Briley Barton enjoys decorating her pumpkin.

Everyone was a winner at the Halloween Costume Contest.

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Photos by Susan Giddings

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Winter 2014 | 101

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

Junior Swimmer Reister Breaks Records, Aims for More

J

unior Aubrie Reister has already set school records and does not plan to rest on her laurels as she pushes herself to be a college swimmer at a Division I school.

The OHS swim team completed a dynamic and exciting season in 2014, with 16 swimmers qualifying to compete in the regional meet in Miami Nov. 1.

Reister was a key part of the Lady Brahman team as she set the school record in the 200 freestyle and was also a part of several relay teams – the medley relay, the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay.

She comes from a family of athletes. Her mother, Wendy, played softball and her dad, Randy, played football and ran cross country while they attended Long Island University.

Reister said she has always enjoyed the water and started at the early age of 3 with lessons and then the Shockwaves youth program.

“My mom started me with lessons, and I loved the water. She used to complain that I stayed too much in the water,” she noted.

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Reister has her eyes set on the University of Florida or Florida Gulf Coast University but knows she still has another year to hone her skills and get ready for college.

“I think we have the potential as a team to set a lot of records in the next year. The district and regional were really exciting for me because I really want to swim in college,” she added.

Reister broke the record in the 200 freestyle and the 400 freestyle. The time in the 200 free was expected, but the 400 time came as a bit of a surprise. “That was awesome and unexpected. I was very thankful to break that.”

13441 Hwy 441 SE

www.OkeechobeeCharters.com 104 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Reister said the future of the swim program is bright and that she’ll be glad to be a part of it next season.

“We have a lot of potential. I think I can beat my records, and maybe I can push the other girls, too. We’d like to see more girls join the swim team,” she noted.

Okeechobee’s ONLY Hometown Radio Stations The Staff

Front row (L-R): Viridiana Allen, Wayne Cunningham and Taylor Marie. Back row: Charles Murphy, Merrilee Berglund, Francisco “Paco” Sangabriel, Billy Dean and Ken Keller.

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Winter 2014 | 105

Community Event

Photos by Sharon Cannon

NOPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vigil

Commemorates Lives Lost to Drugs, Alcohol

From left: Undersheriff Noel Stephen, Angela Varson, Frank Whiting, County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper, Judge Jerry Bryant.

Frank Whiting and Angela Varson.

The Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education Task Force, known as NOPE, hosted a candlelight vigil sponsored by the Okeechobee County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office and Okeechobee Substance Abuse Coalition at the Okeechobee County Civic Center on Oct. 23 in memory of those lost to drug- and alcohol-related incidents.

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

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

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Community Event

Hope & A Future Gala Krista Waybright and Joshua Waybright with baby Eva spoke about adoption.

From left: Jay Trent, Tabitha Trent, Patti Wilson and Charlie Wilson.

Raises Thousands for Pregnancy Center

The Pregnancy Center of Okeechobee conducted its fifth annual fundraising gala on Oct. 17 at the Recreation Outreach Center. Over 300 people attended the event, which featured Pastor Jeffery Dean as keynote speaker, as well as some very moving testimonials. Betty Williamson was presented with the Esther Award. The award is given to a woman who makes a difference in their ministry and our community. Approximately $75,000 was raised for the Pregnancy Center.

For information about the Pregnancy Center, call (863) 467-8748 or visit www.okeepregcenter.com.

Kyle Reno, Catherine Jeffers, Karen Matthews, Heather Rucks, Lisa Lumpkin, Cheri Watford, Donna Helton and Ernie Tumoszwicz.

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OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Photos by Sharon Cannon

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Winter 2014 | 111

Community Event

All the event participants.

Volunteers Raise Cash to Help

Underprivileged Okeechobee Youth Volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters conducted the third annual Bowl for Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sake on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Chobee Play. Proceeds from the event will help support BBBS programs for the children of Okeechobee County.

Fo r m o re i n f o r m at i o n , c a l l (863) 824-2227 or visit www.bbbs.org.

Kacy Hackett, Kamryn Hackett, Marlene Gonzalez, Brande Cobb, Wendy Luaces-Moreno, Lynn Levins, Morgan Davis and Kari Steiert.

Kelly Chicvarva, Cristina Paniagua, Gay Carlton, Sharon Vinson, Nick Blount, Judi Miller and Rachel Heddings.

112 | Winter 2014

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Photos by Sharon Cannon

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Winter 2014 | 113

By Rachel Buxton

By Rachel Buxton

In the Kitchen With…

Mark Bragel C

arpenter by trade, restaurateur by choice, Mark Bragel is making a name for himself in small-town Okeechobee.

Known for his delicious chocolates and sweets, Bragel was destined to own a restaurant, one might say. After all, he had a great teacher — his father, George A. Bragel.

Bragel fondly remembers spending Sunday afternoons with his father making pastry turnovers in the basement of

The Cubby Hole, a quaint diner once located just outside of Boston.

“When I was a little kid I used to watch him make them,” Bragel said. “I used to be able to do the egg wash for him. It’s just a good childhood memory.”

Turnovers

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon of salt ¾ cup of well-chilled all-vegetable shortening 4-8 tablespoons ice cold water Any flavor prepared pie filling Preparation Directions For Crust Blend flour and salt in medium mixing bowl.

Cut chilled shortening into ½ inch cubes. Mix shortening cubes into flour mixture using a pastry blender in an up-and-down chopping motion until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small pea-sized pieces remaining.

Sprinkle half the maximum recommended amount of water over flour mixture.

Using a fork, stir and draw flour from bottom of bowl to the top, distributing moisture evenly into flour. Press chunks down to bottom of bowl with fork. Add more water by the tablespoon until dough is moist enough to hold together when pressed together.

Test dough for proper moistness by squeezing a marble-sized ball of dough in your hand. If it holds together firmly do not add any more water. If the dough crumbles add more water.

Pat dough into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Turnover Preparation Directions Sprinkle work surface with flour and roll chilled dough out to ¼ inch thick. Using a pie cutter, cut dough into circles.

Spoon pie filling evenly in center of circles and fold circles over to make a crescent shape. Press edges down using a fork to seal edges.

Whisk two eggs in small bowl. Brush turnovers with egg wash.

Place turnovers on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 20-25 minutes at 325 until shiny and golden brown on top.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Please visit www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com for a step-by-step video.

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Bragel’s father joined the military after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While in the Navy, his father went to Bakers School and compiled quite a recipe repertoire that he hand-wrote into a cookbook that he passed down to Bragel.

Bragel still has the 1940s cookbook today, where he recently found his father’s turnover recipe.

The recipe brings back many memories of that New England basement crowded with his father’s friends.

“Always had company,” he said.

“Everybody knew my dad. He fed everyone in town.”

Bragel and his father both favored his raspberry-filled turnovers. But Bragel specifically remembers his dad making apple turnovers and putting four fork holes in them before putting them into the oven so when they came out he would know exactly what flavor they were.

Even though his father was in the restaurant business the majority of his life, he constantly told Bragel to get out of it. However, his father would be proud to know that the Bragel restaurant business has come full circle.

“What’s funny is he ran a diner in a small town, right downtown,” Bragel said. “I now own a shop right downtown, in a small town.”

Do You Have a Favorite Recipe to Share?

email: info@OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 115

www.Oke

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Celebrating 84 Years Serving the Glades

Make it Your Home! www.RoyalsInc.com

Fishing on Lake Okeechobee

‘Fall Bonanza’ Calls Anglers to Know Sweet Spots, Follow Bass

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For More Information or to Request an Application, Call 863.462.5819 118 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

With the advent of state stocking and lake management programs, there are many great bass fisheries in the United States, but none compares with the incredible everyday fishing found on Florida's Lake Okeechobee.

The sheer size of the “Big O,” the nation’s second-largest natural lake, is prohibitive for all but the most seasoned anglers. It draws fishermen from all over the world, and many are shocked to learn also that it’s surrounded by a massive earthen dike to prevent flooding.

Each year, seasoned anglers here anticipate the arrival of a “fall bass bonanza.”

Around mid-October, the first wave of big bass make their presence known, showing up in daily catches of artificial bait anglers, even more so for those using live wild golden shiner. For success, you need an understanding of the movements of the “Okeechobee Largemouth.”

Bass of all sizes swim and grow large in Lake O’s fertile waters. Many never leave the weedy perimeter cover areas, but some migrate toward the open waters when done spawning.

This fall, the first wave of pre-spawn bass appeared along the weed lines right

Captain Michael Shellen

on schedule, feeding around points and trails that lead further into the marshes.

Cooler weather, the new moon phase and shorter daily light drive their movement. Catch rates soared.

Big bass were in this mix as well, with 6- to 8-pound fish falling prey to a live wild shiner. Shallow bass fishing gets better each moon phase. As the initial onslaught of fish spawn, another wave will take their place. This means you can catch them coming and going.

Each area of the lake has features known to attract and hold bass; the key is to find a spot they can't seem to leave. The north end has the Kissimmee River, the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary feeder. Its inflow is rich with nutrients that feed the food chain.

Native grasses prevalent on the north end are key. And non-native hydrilla is also a fish magnet.

Areas of the lake known to be productive include the Monkey Box along with Horse Island, Tin House Cove and Indian Prairie. Whatever area you settle on, persistence is key as you seek that one-in-a-thousand spot where the bass are not only plentiful but large, every fishermen's dream.

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Winter 2014 | 119

Around Okeechobee

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Your Inner Space Cowboys

Racing to Save Lives

2 Donors Win NASCAR Tickets in Pre-Drive

Create and Decorate

Inkwell Tattoos Gives OHS 2nd Check for Art Supplies

From left: Bert Culbreth, Charles Hornbach, Raye Deusinger, Ron Main, Christa Luna, J.D. Mixon and Russ Colwell.

Racing to Save Lives, the Okeechobee Blood Roundup pre-drive, was conducted Sept. 6 at Gilbert Ford, Gilbert Chevrolet and Okeechobee Dodge. Blood donors Ron Main and Charles Hornbach each won a ticket package for the final NASCAR race, Nov. 16 in Homestead. Each package contained two NASCAR tickets donated by Gilbert Ford, a dinner-for-two contributed by Okeechobee Dodge and a two-night reservation courtesy of Holiday Inn. The drive saw 100 people sign in to donate blood, and an actual 75 units were drawn.

120 | Winter 2014

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

From left: Sherry Wise, Toni Wiersma, Stephen Neafsey, Erik Clay and Dylan Tedders.

On Sept. 3, Inkwell Tattoos & Piercings donated a check for $1,233 to Okeechobee High School to help in the purchase of art supplies for students. This is the second year that Inkwell has created a donation wall of money in their shop at 909 S. Parrott Ave. for this purpose.

For additional photos visit www.okeechobeethemagazine.com.

Around Okeechobee

Photo courtesy of Sandra Pearce Photography

Economic Council of Okeechobee CARE Award

From left: Paula Younger, Christa Culbreth Luna, Corey Penrod, Desiree Penrod, Susan Giddings and Tara Minton Rowley.

Brought to You By:

Main Street Mixers

Applebees of Okeechobee Restaurant

The Economic Council of Okeechobee presents its Community Award Recognizing Enhancement, known as the CARE Award, to Penrod Construction Co., located at 210 N.E. Third Ave. in Okeechobee.

Keen Focus Earns Awards for One of OTM’s Own

Okeechobee The Magazine’s very own cover and feature photographer, Sandra Pearce, was honored with several Focus Imaging Awards at the 2014 Florida Professional Photographers State Convention recently in Orlando. Pearce was awarded Artist of the Year, ASP State Elite, Photo of the Year, Becker Award for Creative Photography and several other honors, making her a top recipient.

Brown Cow Sweetery

Rustic Now Furniture

Okeechobee Main Street members hosted mixers at their businesses.

2014 Womens Health Luncheon Presented by Raulerson Hospital

The 2014 Women’s Health Luncheon took place Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Williamson Conference Center at Indian River State College. Shown at left are the guest speakers and the Raulerson Hospital administrative team: back row, from left, Dr. James Bradfield, Dr. Carlos Alejo, CEO Robert Lee and CNO Brian Melear; front row, Dr. David Sigalow, Dr. Benjamin Epstein, Dr. Erick Calmet and CFO Terry Brown. www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Winter 2014 | 121

List of Advertisers 1 Stop Party Shop.............................. 67 14K Gold Store.................................. 85 211 Helpline...................................... 78 A & G Concrete Pools......................... 43 A Child’s World................................ 119 Abney Building & Consulting............ 59 Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta.......... 73 Allure Institute for Plastic Surgery..... 17 American Drilling Services............... 111 Anderson Realty................................ 77 Badcock Furniture........................... 115 Bass Electric...................................... 98 Berger Clinic.................................... 106 Berger Real Estate............................. 38 Big Lake Eye Care................................ 3 Brennan Eye Care.............................. 50 Bridgette Waldau Studio of Art....... 116 Brown Cow Sweetery........................ 58 Bruce Homer Insurance..................... 43 Buxton & Bass Funeral Home............ 10

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D4 Powersports................................. 82 Doctors Clinic Family Health Care...... 68 Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center......... 50 Domer’s.......................................... 101 Dr. Joe Water Treatment................... 98 Echols Plumbing & A/C........................ 6 Edward Jones Investments................ 81 Entegra Roof Tile............................... 13 Everglades Pediatric Dentistry.......... 26 Family Health and Wellness.............. 35 Fawn’s Studio.................................... 43 Florida Eye Institute........................ 102 Florida Outdoors RV.......................... 94 Florida Public Utilities....................... 16 Flower Petals.................................... 38 Gilbert Chevrolet............................. 123 Gilbert Collision Center...................... 93 Gilbert Ford......................................... 4

Phone: 122 | Winter 2014

Carpenter Insurance.......................... 55 CenterState Bank.............................. 39 Choice Automotive............................ 33 Christ Fellowship............................... 49 Clear Title & Legal Services.............. 111 Cowboys............................................ 68 Cowtown Café................................... 65 CPA Tax Solutions.............................. 12 Crossroads Restaurant....................... 98 CruiseOne.......................................... 65 Custom Sights and Sounds.............. 111 Custom Window Treatments............ 33

OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE

Glades AC.......................................... 40 Glen Sneider, Attorney.................... 109 Golden Corral.................................... 72 Heartland Discount Pharmacy............. 9 Highland Pest Control..................... 113 Holiday Inn/Best Western.................. 23 Home Front Electric......................... 101 ICS Computers.................................63 Indian River State College................. 31 Inkwell Tattoos................................. 94 Jeanette’s Interiors........................... 77 Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center.................................. 116 Lakeshore Medical Center................. 67 Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre........... 82 Linda's Style & Trends........................ 81 Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant........... 31 Main Street Salon.............................. 22 Marcum & Associates........................ 87 Mary Kay........................................... 63 Melville Wealth Management of Raymond James................................ 86 MidFlorida Credit Union.................. 110 Mims Veterinary............................... 85 Mixon Real Estate Group................... 78 Morgan Stanley................................. 69 Morgan’s Furniture............................ 58 Murray Insurance............................ 113 New Vision Eye Center...................... 59 Northlake Veterinary Hospital........... 23 Nutmeg’s Café.................................. 77 OK Corral & Gun Club......................... 27 Okeechobee Charters...................... 104 Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo............ 21 Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo.................................... 25 Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters... 109 Okeechobee Health Care................... 42 Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corp... 118 Okeechobee Realty........................... 81 Peace Lutheran School...................... 67 Peace Lutheran School Event............ 22 Penrod Construction......................... 65 Pier II Resort...................................... 80 Platinum Performance Builders...........91 Platt Chiropractic.............................. 41 Porcelain Esthetics............................ 39 Preferred Properties.......................... 25

Pritchards & Associates..................... 97 Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant................ 85 Quail Creek Plantation...................... 15 Quality Air Conditioning.....32, 107, 115 Raulerson Hospital.................. 2, 60-61, Raulerson Surgical Specialists........... 38 Raulerson Gyn................................... 55 Raulerson Orthopaedic Specialists.... 79 Raulerson Primary Care..................... 81 Raulerson Hospital............... Back Cover Regions Bank.................................... 48 Rite Tire by Izzy............................... 119 Royals Furniture.............................. 118 Rustic Now Furniture & Emporium.... 99 Salon Safari....................................... 82 Sandra Pearce Photography............ 105 Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser, Zoeller & Overbeck............................ 117 Silver Palms RV Resort...................... 51 Skull Hill Steel................................... 90 Sprint Communications....................... 7 Stafford’s Salon................................. 67 State Farm Insurance........................ 58 St. Lucie Battery & Tire...................... 95 Sunrise Theatre................................. 64 Syfrett Feed....................................... 50 Tammy Platt..................................... 32 Teez 2 Pleez...................................... 38 The Tucker Group............................... 72 Tin Fish Restaurant........................... 22 Tire Zone........................................... 98 Todd Everett Flooring...................... 107 Toni’s Chic Boutique.......................... 26 Travelodge Suites.............................. 32 Treasure Coast Food Bank.................. 82 Trinidad Garcia, M.D.......................... 95 UBS Financial.................................... 11 Visiting Nurse Association............... 103 Waste Management......................... 90 Water’s Edge RV Resort..................... 22 Wemmer Family Orthodontics.......... 79 Williamson Cattle Company.............. 39 WOKC 100.9 FM.............................. 105 Wolfgang Jewelers......................... 102 Women’s Health Specialists.............. 83 Worley Construction......................... 86 Yetti Outfitters.................................. 57

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Healthy Resolutions From New Year’s to the last day of the year.

We’re here 365/24/7.

Regardless of the reason or the season, the skilled medical professionals in the Emergency Department are here for you. Last year our ER had more than 26,000 visits. We offer the right care, right here. Our ER treats kids too.

To speak to a Registered Nurse 24/7 call: 763-9228 1796 Highway 441 N • Okeechobee, FL 34972 • RaulersonHospital.com