The Lakelander I November - December 2012

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2012

A NEW CLASSIC / FALL INTO PLACE / NOCHEBUENA DAD’S GOOD DAY / PRESSING ON THE LAKELANDER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2012

DEPARTMENTS 14 16 68 106

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2012

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR EDITORIAL BIOS EVENTS SWAN LAKE

A brief history of Lakeland’s unofficial mascots

ON THE COVER

A NEW CLASSIC / FALL INTO PLACE / NOCHEBUENA DAD’S GOOD DAY / PRESSING ON THE LAKELANDER

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An impromptu picnic after a long but glorious day shooting for our style section. Everyone piled into cars and headed for the perfect spot with high grass and incredible light. We broke bread (a top-notch spread put together by Mr. Logan Crumpton), shared some laughs, and then packed it all back in to our friend’s well-loved Range Rover and called it a day. A very good day. Read more in “A New Classic” on page 54. Photo by Tina Sargeant

Dow n t ow n L a k e l a n d : Dale Dreyer, Community President of Central-West Polk 500 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 100, Lakeland, FL 33801 863.683.2300 L a k e Mi r i a m : Juli Surface, Branch Manager 4719 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33813 863.648.0900 Ba r t ow : Anita Stasiak, Branch Manager 1375 North Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830 863.533.0475

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

84 72

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FEATURES PEOPLE

CULTURE

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DAD’S GOOD DAY

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SPUTNIK

ALLEN & COMPANY

n its 80th anniversary, the financial services firm reflects O on its beginnings and the economy, and thanks the community it has served for so long

STYLE 54

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A NEW CLASSIC

ow cooler weather can inspire us to begin new traditions H and update our style

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

20 TASTE

HEALTH

20 NOCHEBUENA

A glimpse into the vibrant, Cuban food culture of

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RELAX

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REFRESH

Dan and Dámaris Medina

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RECIPES

Food with Cuban flair

SHELTER 34 FALL INTO PLACE

Transforming a backyard into a stylish, comfortable space for family and friends

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GET THE LOOK

DIY backyard transformation

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Untap the miracle of massage Natural remedies to calm your skin and your senses

SPORT 44

PRESSING ON

A life transformed by sports

52 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: FOOTBALL

A few words with some of Lakeland’s most notable high school athletes

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PUBLISHER Curt Patterson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Jason Jacobs, Brandon Patterson

Advertising

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson Jason Jacobs, Brandon Patterson, Adam Spafford

Editorial

EDITOR Jackie Houghton CULTURE EDITOR Adam Justice HEALTH EDITOR Brooklyn Lindsey MEN’S STYLE EDITOR Mark Nielsen PEOPLE EDITOR Adam Spafford SHELTER EDITOR Rachel Plating SPORT EDITOR Wes Lowry TASTE EDITOR Sarah Nederveld WOMEN’S STYLE EDITOR Courtney Philpot COPY EDITOR Laura Burke OFFICE MANAGER Deb Patterson

Design

ART DIRECTOR Philip Pietri

Photography

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Allen, Philip Pietri, Rachel Lyn Hart,

Tina Sargeant, Jason Stephens, Wes Lowry

Circulation

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Jason Jacobs

General Counsel

Ted W. Weeks IV

The Lakelander is published bimonthly by Patterson Publishing, P.O. Box 7517, Lakeland, FL 33807.

Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact

Patterson Publishing, P.O. Box 7517, Lakeland, FL 33807 863.701.2707 www.thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 Subscription Help: subscriptions@thelakelander.com “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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EDITORIAL

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

I

must admit that I have a spectacular job. It’s my great privilege to be able to take part in just about every aspect of putting together The Lakelander. I’m there for the first pitch of ideas, read every draft, and am present at each photo shoot. It is such a unique gift, as I’m allowed to see each article unfold and often get the chance to hear bits of the story first-hand. What a wonder it was to meet the abuela in her daughter’s kitchen, wander through the brush in search of great light, and shake the hand of a man whose life was changed by people who showed him a better way.

As each story began to congeal, I realized this issue was very much about togetherness. Spending time with one another, sharing meals with familiar faces around a fire, and the transference of heirloom-esque traditions to the next generation all exemplify the simple ways we come together as a community. It’s apparent there is great power and beauty in people connecting with one another.

We’ve been quite intentional in featuring these glimpses into people’s lives and revealing to you what is meaningful to them, with the hope that you would draw inspiration from our pages and take some time to slow down and enjoy those around you during this holiday season.

We want to thank everyone who allowed us into their homes and lives to share their stories.

Without their willingness this magazine would not be possible. Thank you also to so many of you who shared kind words after the release of our first issue.

We love hearing from you and are so encouraged by your delight in our publication. Our intention is to continue to serve this community with issue after issue of well-curated and thoughtful content.

We hope you find these pages full of the rich gifts that family, friends, and community have to offer.

With sincere thanks, Jackie Houghton Editor

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Healthy Feet are Happy Feet

EDITORIAL BIOS

ELYSE GERSTENECKER

ADAM JUSTICE

Elyse Gerstenecker loves old stuff. She studied historic preservation and art history at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, before receiving her master’s degree in the history of decorative arts from the Bard Graduate Center in New York City. She relocated to Lakeland in 2011 and works as Pinewood Estate coordinator at Bok Tower Gardens in nearby Lake Wales. She also teaches art history courses at Florida Southern College. Besides working amidst old stuff in an old house and teaching college kids about old stuff, she loves prowling through antique stores and visiting some of the best places Old Florida has to offer.

Adam Justice is a Virginia native who moved to Lakeland in 2010 to become the curator of art at Polk Museum of Art. He received his B.A. in art history/museum studies from Radford University and an M.A. in art history at Virginia Commonwealth University. Previously he was the chief curator at William King Museum in Abingdon, Virginia, and also served as the director of the Southwest/Blue Ridge Regions for the Virginia Association of Museums.

Additionally, he taught art history at Virginia Commonwealth University, Rappahannock Community College, and Virginia Highlands Community College. While being the curator of art at Polk Museum of Art, he is also an adjunct professor of art history at Florida Southern College. He currently serves on various boards, including the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Polk Vision and Polk Arts Alliance, and is involved with various service and civic organizations.

CULTURE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

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BROOKLYN LINDSEY HEALTH EDITOR

If you’re looking for Brooklyn Lindsey, it’d be safe to guess that she’s hiking through a rainforest with her family, or teaching and taming teenagers at Highland Park Church. She’s a wife, mom, pastor, advocate, author, speaker, and athlete. She knows the indelible value of strawberry crème brulee and a killer workout to match. A former model and college volleyball player, she feels at home on the runway and on the court. But her desire is to let life be her runway, and for fitness to be the path that leads to being well and being well together.

CULTURE EDITOR

EDITORIAL BIOS

SARAH NEDERVELD

RACHEL PLATING

Sarah Nederveld is married 27 years to Dean and mother of three young men: Josh, Joe, and Jp. Her love for food, friendships, and celebrations helped launch 6Degrees Catering with long-time friend Julie McBride. In the fall of 2011 they decided it was time to hang up their aprons after 10 years in the catering business. She loves seeing friendships grow over a shared meal.

Lakeland has been her home for over 20 years, and she enjoys helping others find the hidden treasures in their midst.

Rachel Plating is the mother of two sweet little girls and married to Mr. FixIt ( Jack). She was born and raised steeped in Southern Bluegrass and sweet tea. An accomplished musician and designer, Rachel and her family fell in love with Lakeland while attending Florida Southern, and they just couldn’t stay away!

When she’s not chasing a two-year-old or feeding a newborn, you can most likely find her creating idyllic spaces for her family and friends.

WES LOWRY

MARK NIELSEN

SPORT EDITOR

MEN’S STYLE EDITOR

Originally from Orlando, Wes Lowry came to Lakeland to play baseball for Florida Southern College and was part of the 2005 NCAA National Championship team. After graduation, he became an assistant coach of the Lakeland Christian School varsity baseball team. He also manages The Cage, an indoor sportstraining facility. Simultaneously, he founded Lowry Creative, a small creative agency which produces web, video, and print media. Through his work with the agency, Wes is frequently afforded the opportunity to work with professional athletes and coaches. He lives in Lakeland with his wife and two daughters.

Mark Nielsen has lived in Lakeland for much of his life. He attributes his interest in style to his career in design, translating the aesthetics and principles of design into fashion. Mark doesn’t sit still for long, and is currently building a café racer, has shaped a couple surfboards, maintains three blogs, and pursues a hobby shooting medium-format film. An accomplished designer, his work has been featured in such international publications as HOW, Communication Arts, and Print, as well as the New York Times Magazine, and others.

He has also added photography and filmmaking to his resume. Mark currently holds the role of creative director at Publix and lives in Lakeland with his wife, Jill; their daughters, Andie and Bridget; and a German shorthaired pointer, Charlie.

TASTE EDITOR

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SHELTER EDITOR

COURTNEY PHILPOT

WOMEN’S STYLE EDITOR For as long as she can remember, Courtney has been doodling girls in dresses on any available paper, pad, or napkin. Born and raised in Lakeland, she attended FSU, where she received a degree in sociology and then earned a degree in fashion design and marketing from the Academy of Design in Tampa. After many years helping friends and family prepare for big events, she decided to turn her knack for fashion into a business. She created Style

by Courtney, where she works as a stylist for personal clients, groups, photo shoots, and runway shows. Eventually, she wants to design her own prints to be used in her own apparel line. Until then, she plans on spending time with her husband, Bryce, and daughter, Sydney, while sharing her fashion philosophy that “You don’t need a million bucks to look like a million bucks” with her clients and readers.

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”

NOCHE-

BUENA

”

A glimpse into the vibrant Cuban food culture of Dan and DáAmaris Medina story by Sarah Nederveld | photography by Rachel Lyn Hart and Tina Sargeant

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Dan Medina (left) and his father-in-law, Orlando Peña

T Dámaris Medina

he Lakelander: Please share with us what brought your families to the United States and then eventually to Lakeland.

Dan Medina: My father came to the United States in 1956 seeking greater opportunities than he had known in Cuba.

He returned to Cuba in 1958 and met my mom. They married, and she came to the greater New York area in 1958. He was 22 years old and she was 17. Neither Marcial Medina nor Felicia Leon Medina spoke any English. They also had almost no formal education, no family in the United States, and very few financial resources. But they had the dream of greater opportunities.

They had no thought that they would forever be separated from their large families in Cuba. No other family members had ever immigrated to the United States, therefore my siblings and I never experienced what it

is like to be raised alongside grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We never met our grandparents, who died in Cuba, and only met other family members when I recently traveled to Cuba. In 1976, Marcial and Felicia became naturalized citizens, settled in New Jersey, and lived there until my father retired.

Dámaris and I moved to Lakeland in 1996 and persuaded my parents to move to Lakeland in 2000 after they retired.

Dámaris Medina: In 1961, twenty of my mother’s relatives, along with my maternal grandfather, Pedro Rodriguez, boarded a ship bound for Venezuela, South America, to escape the communist regime. Eventually in 1964 my grandfather made it to the greater New York area and immediately started the process to get my grandmother, my parents, and myself out of Cuba. My father’s business had been confiscated by the communist THE LAKELANDER

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regime in 1963. When that happened, my parents realized that they could not tolerate the totalitarian government. There was a great sense of loss of freedom, including the freedom to even speak with neighbors as the regime encouraged people to spy on each other. My parents made the decision to begin the process to emigrate from Cuba even if it meant my father would leave his parents, siblings, and extended family. Once they started the process, my mother was no longer permitted to retain her job as an elementary school teacher.

In 1966, my parents, Orlando Peña and Lidia Rodriguez Peña, and I left Cuba with only the clothes on our backs. We arrived to our new country empty handed on a blizzardy, cold January day to begin our lives as refugees in New Jersey.

In 1973 we moved to Tampa, where my parents still reside. They became naturalized U.S. citizens in 1977. I, however, did not become a naturalized U.S. citizen until 1996.

It is in Union City, New Jersey, where my story and Dan’s story intersect. My family attended a small Spanish-speaking Evangelical church formed by the Cuban immigrant and refugee community. This house of worship became our home and the congregants our extended family as so many of us left our families behind. It was in those hallways that I 22

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met Daniel Medina, and when I was seven years old I told my mother, “One day I’m going to marry Danny Medina.”

Now, it would be a long story to explain to you all of the happenings that occurred along the way, but as God would have it, those words of a seven year old came to pass. He saw it fit to make our paths cross again in the early 1980s, and in July 1984, Dan and I married in Tampa.

In 1996, we moved to Lakeland with our daughter Karis, after Dan graduated from the University of Florida College of Law, in pursuit of a job. He now practices in the Lakeland law firm, the Medina Law Group, P.A. We are proud to call Lakeland our home and have a wonderful community of friends and family here.

to begin the preparations and spend lots of time with family. We encourage the children to speak in Spanish, but in reality the whole event is more Spanglish than anything else. The meal does not vary much from what we knew as children. There is always roast pig, moro, yuca, turron, flan, Cuban bread, and lots of wine and music. Dan believes that a pig cannot be properly prepared without wine and cigars.

Karis is a vegan, therefore we have adjusted many of the recipes, excluding the obvious, to include her thoroughly in the celebrations.

Another new tradition that we just started a few years ago is we serve our own wine. Dan and I started making wine a few years ago, along with my sister and her husband. Now we only serve the wine that we make at home.

TL: How does your family typically celebrate the holidays? What traditions have you retained from your Cuban heritage and which new ones did you adopt?

Dan: In our home we have maintained the Cuban or Spanish tradition of “Los Reyes Magos” (“The Three Kings”), on the day of Epiphany ( January 6) in addition to embracing the American tradition of Santa Claus. While we do exchange gifts on Christmas day, we hold one gift aside to be “delivered by the Three Kings on their camels” on the morning of January 6. Just as American children leave milk and cookies for Santa, so Hispanic children put straw in their shoes by their bedside to make sure the camels have something to eat. However,

Dámaris: Our celebrations always involve as many family members as are able to attend.

Thus, there are parents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and other extended family members as well as some honorary “family members” who join us from time to time. We gather as early as possible on Nochebuena (“Christmas Eve”)

“THE MOST MEMORABLE AND POIGNANT MOMENTS FOR ME ARE THE MANY HOURS SPENT SMOKING CIGARS, DRINKING WINE, AND TALKING WITH MY FATHER-IN-LAW AS WE ROASTED THE PIG.”

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our focus remains on celebrating the birth of our Savior. These old traditions are no longer celebrated in Cuba because of an ideology that has been hostile toward Christianity.

TL: What are some of your most vivid memories of Nochebuena celebrations through the years?

Dámaris: Most of these celebrations have happened in my parents’ backyard in Tampa.

They have about an acre filled with many fruit trees common to Cuba. Most vividly, I remember lots of people talking very loudly all at the same time. You might think they’re arguing, but that’s just how Cubans speak to each other.

Other vivid memories involve the many experiences shared over the years. Dan and my father, Orlando, make all of the preparations to roast the pig outside while they drink wine, smoke cigars, and discuss life. Dan has learned much in those moments.

Something very special for us is that part of our menu is created from the fruit grown in my parents’ yard. I will always have fond memories of my mother and my great aunt making the sweet orange and grapefruit rind dessert made with fruit picked from the trees in the backyard, or teaching my daughter to make avocado salad with the fruit from the trees she planted with her grandfather.

We have come to enjoy watching the children play with their cousins as the grandparents gossip and their children seek to carry on the traditions where their parents left off. It has been a great joy to watch the children who have grown into young adulthood and see them want to be involved with the men preparing the pig as a right of passage, of sorts.

This past year, Karis’ fiance, now husband, who is not Cuban, considered Nochebuena as a significant event in which to come to know her family in their natural “habitat.” We had dinner outside under the trees at my parents’ house, with lights twinkling in the trees, tables decorated with candles and tree clippings from the yard, and a fire blazing in the fire pit.

Dan: Until my parents retired and moved to Florida, most of our celebrations were shared primarily with Dámaris’ side of the family. It became apparent almost from our first year of marriage that the times spent with my fatherin-law during these celebrations would be highly significant to me. The most memorable and poignant moments for me are the many hours spent smoking cigars, drinking wine, and talking with my father-in-law as we roasted the pig. We have discussed Cuban politics, American politics, his life in Cuba, baseball, and what our roles as husbands and fathers should be, but mostly we discussed theology

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(left to right) Dámaris’ mother, Lidia Peña; sister, Odalis Peña; Dámaris; Dámaris’ niece, Hannah Peña, daughter of Odalis

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and the role of the Gospel in our lives. He and I look forward to this time more than we do to any of the rest of the preparations. I would not be the father, husband, or man that I currently am without those hours talking to him.

TL: What is traditionally on the menu for this meal?

Dámaris: The menu always includes roast pig, of course. Moro (which is white rice and black beans cooked together) is the equivalent to the Southern dish known as Hoppin’ John and is essential. Moro is our family preference, but sometimes we do have white rice and a big pot of black beans. Boiled yuca with mojo — yuca is a starchy root vegetable, and mojo applies to any sauce that is made with garlic, olive oil, and a citrus juice, traditionally sour orange juice.

Toasted buttery Cuban bread and a salad with avocado and tomatoes. For dessert, it’s flan and various types of turron. Turron is a confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg whites, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and shaped into either a rectangle or a round cake. It is a traditional Christmas dessert in Spain. We also have dulce de naranja, or toronja. These are oranges or grapefruit that have been cooked down with sugar and usually served with a slice of cheese. We have other items that show up on the menu, but those are our must haves.

Typically, in our tradition, the left-over boiled yuca is fried the next day. In our family, everyone fights over a piece of the fried yuca.

TL: Are there some important items that are a must for the day, and can we find them locally?

Dan: Whenever the group is large enough, we want to roast a whole pig. That used to be 28

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more difficult to find in Lakeland, however, we now order it from Publix. Black beans and yuca are readily available locally. Quality turron is sometimes difficult to find. In the past, we have ordered it from La Tienda at www.tienda.com.

Everyone agrees that Dámaris’ flan is a must and is always highly anticipated.

TL: Who are the keepers of this tradition for your family, and how are you preparing the next generation to pass it on to the generations to come?

Dámaris: Our parents proudly shared the traditions with us and instilled in us an appreciation for, and pride in, our culture, heritage, language, and traditions. As the firstborn children on both sides, Dan and I have largely become the keepers of these traditions.

We also have been raised without our extended family, especially Dan, which made these traditions even more significant to us. I at least had my maternal grandparents here in the United States, but Dan did not meet any of his large extended family until he was in his mid thirties on visits he made to Cuba. I think, as a refugee, there is a sense of loss — forced loss of family, home, community, business, freedom, language, and even identity.

The United States gave us, as it did to your readers’ ancestors, a place to start over and a place that allows us the freedom to continue our traditions and allow the next generation to assimilate as they may into the American fabric. As a son of an immigrant and a refugee, respectively, Dan and I are very aware that we do not have family heirlooms that have been passed down to us, nor do we have them to pass on to our daughter. What we do have is our language, culture, traditions, and heritage. We are creating for this next generation the piece

that was missing for us — family community informed and enriched by our faith in Christ.

That is the heirloom that we share with our daughter, our nieces and nephews, and the generations that follow.

Dan: We’ve exposed Karis and our nieces and nephews to our family traditions. All of our siblings have sought to instill in their children an appreciation and pride in their culture and our traditions. The nieces and nephews enjoy sharing the experiences and often invite their friends to our family’s celebration of Nochebuena. It is Karis and our nieces and nephews who we hope will continue the family traditions into the next generation. Our daughter has embraced the language and has even traveled to Cuba with her father, and on a separate occasion with her paternal grandparents. We often seek to encourage our nieces and nephews to embrace our language, music, and culture. Dámaris’ parents host a Cuban night once a week for their grandchildren. Their purpose is to further instill in them a love for our culture and give them an opportunity to practice their Spanish during dinner.

TL: Could you please share some of your tips on how to re-create a similar feast in our own backyards?

Dan: Roasting the pig is basically just a backyard cookout. In the early years, the backyard preparations were more complicated and required a lot of preparation. However, recently we purchased a plywood box made

by La Caja China to roast the pig. It cuts down the cooking time to only four hours and greatly reduces the mess. It can be found at www.lacajachina.com.

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TASTE TASTE

RECIPE

ROAST PIG Dan: Let me begin by apologizing. True to my Cuban heritage, I don’t use any measurements. I do it “al ojo,” which is translated “by eye” and means by instincts.

Start with a fully defrosted pig.

The night before, season the pig with salt (lots of it), garlic (lots of it), cumin, and oregano. We then use the juice of sour oranges to marinate the pig overnight. Avoid getting the skin wet because it will make it more difficult to achieve the desired crispiness of the skin.

For more information, go to www.lacajachina.com for recipes and instructions.

YUCA CON MOJO 1 1/2 lbs yuca root, halved and in chunks 1 teaspoon salt 1 lime 6 garlic cloves, mashed 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup olive oil 1 onion, chopped fine Place yuca in saucepan with sufficient water until yuca is just covered. Add salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender — about 30 minutes.

Drain and keep warm.

Mash garlic cloves into salt with mortar and pestle (or use food processor).

In a separate pan, add garlic, lime juice, and onions to olive oil. Heat until bubbling; then pour over yuca.

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DELICIOUSLY VEGAN CUBAN MORO 3 cups black beans (we prefer the Goya Brand) 4 cups parboiled long-grain rice 8 cups water (use to soften beans so you have sufficient liquid to cook rice) 1 whole white onion, minced 6 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1/2 red pepper, chopped 1/2 teaspoon oregano (we usually use fresh herbs) 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 bay leaf 6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup red wine salt and pepper (to taste) Rinse the beans.

For every cup of rice you will make, you add 2 cups of water to the beans for soaking (2 cups of rice / 4 cups of water; 4 cups of rice / 8 cups of water, etc.).

Soak beans in water overnight with bay leaf. DO NOT discard the water.

The next day, cook beans over medium heat until tender.

When beans are tender, pour into a bowl 2 cups of liquid for every cup of rice you will cook. Set the beans aside.

temperature to ensure the rice doesn’t burn.

Add the separated bean liquid to the rice and stir.

Add 3 cups of cooked beans to the rice and continue stirring.

Add cumin and stir.

Add pepper and salt to taste (Be careful not to oversalt. We usually add 1 tablespoon of salt and have taste tests.)

Stir and raise the temperature to medium high.

Continue stirring and bring rice-and-bean mixture to a boil.

Cover and remove from heat.

Place covered pot in preheated oven and cook for 45 minutes.

After time is up, taste moro to make sure rice is tender; then remove from oven.

While the moro is in the oven: Place a small sautĂŠ pan over medium heat.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil to a large, heavy-bottom pot (Dutch oven).

Stir in the 2 remaining chopped garlic cloves and cook about 2 minutes.

DO NOT BROWN.

On the stove, turn the heat to medium high.

Into the Dutch oven add the onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until onions are translucent.

Reduce heat to medium low and add four of the chopped garlic cloves and oregano. Stir continuously for 2 to 4 minutes.

Pour uncooked rice into onion, pepper, and garlic mixture, and continue stirring to coat rice with the mixture. Make sure to keep the heat on low 32

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Stir in red wine to deglaze the pan. Turn off heat and set pan aside. When moro is ready, pour this mixture over rice and beans. Wait 15 minutes before stirring.

You can dress up the moro with cilantro sprigs and/or roasted red peppers.

The traditional moro recipe usually has salt pork or bacon cooked with the sofrito (onion, pepper, and garlic mixture). Our recipe is a vegan version, and our family has come to prefer it.

DAMåARIS’ FLAN 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup sugar pinch of salt 5 eggs 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1 can coconut milk 1/4 cup rum Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Flan is a custard that is cooked with the method known as “bain marie,” in Spanish “baño maria,” which is a large pan that is filled with hot water. Smaller pans containing food can be set in the larger pan to keep food warm or to cook food slowly.

You will need two dishes for the cooking process.

Fill a rectangular Pyrex baking dish with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of a heavy-bottomed 9-inch round baking pan that will sit inside the Pyrex dish.

Place 3/4 cup sugar in a heavy-bottomed, medium skillet. Place over medium-high heat,

and cook until sugar begins to melt, swirling the pan. Cook until melted and medium-dark brown, about five minutes.

Remove from heat. QUICKLY pour caramelized sugar into 9-inch round baking pan. Swirl the dish until sugar evenly coats the bottom and sides. Let cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and five whole eggs until combined.

Add one can of sweetened condensed milk, one can of evaporated milk, one can of coconut milk, and 1/4 cup of rum. Whisk thoroughly. Pour mixture into caramelized pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and transfer to hot-water bath in oven.

Bake 50 minutes until inserted knife comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool.

Refrigerate at least four to six hours.

When ready to serve, run a knife between flan and pie dish. Place a serving dish on top of flan and invert carefully. Note: Please be aware that the caramelized sugar will now be a syrup that will run over the top of the flan.

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Transforming a backyard into a stylish, comfortable space for family and friends story by Rachel Plating photography by Tina Sargeant

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BEFORE

A

s Lakelanders come out of late-summer hibernation, we start spending more time outside.

Our town takes on a much livelier aspect, with folks hanging out on porches, and oodles of people taking advantage of the nice weather around the lakes and in parks.

Throughout the years, my husband and I have strolled past homes in our neighborhood, each backyard an oasis of charm and relaxation, and yearn for a space of our own in which to kick back and enjoy the beauty that is fall in Florida. Our yard, however, was the opposite of an oasis.

I suppose you could call it a concrete paradise (minus the paradise part).

In the 1970s, the bachelor who lived here paved over the yard in order to make a giant driveway where he spent time tinkering with his hot rods. It worked for him, but it certainly wasn’t in keeping with our needs as a family with dogs and kids running around. We had a small side yard which quickly became a dirt pit, courtesy of our two large dogs. After six years of living here, we finally decided it was time to tackle the notso-great outdoors. Enter John King, landscape artist and horticulturalist at large.

We heard of John’s work through a friend, and, after trying (and failing) to figure out what to do on our own, we finally decided to face the facts — our problem was larger than we could handle. We needed professional help.

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37

AFTER

Back Patio

For the longest time, we struggled with how to use this space. The new basketweave wall treatment, built by my husband, Jack, makes it feel more like an outdoor room and less like a carport. We continued the basketweave idea with the fence separating the dog run from the rest of the yard, and did two trellises in the same design, on a slightly different scale in the side yard. Furnishings are a mashup of finds from flea markets combined with large pieces from Target and sideboard/side tables made by Jack. The antler installation above the sofa is a combination of shed elk antlers we found at a junk shop in Georgia and pieces of old apple crates left over from another project.

Side Yard

The only real grass we have, and it’s just enough for us. The plants were carefully selected for their hardiness, and many of them attract butterflies. It’s the perfect spot to lug the fire pit and circle up some chairs for serious marshmallow-roasting fun in the evenings.

Courtyard With Shade Sail

Turning the driveway into a courtyard was all John King’s idea, and we love it! The original design included a pergola, but we became so accustomed to the uninterrupted flow of space that we decided to look for other options. We feel we nailed it with this shade sail, made by Tenshon. It’s a breathable fabric, so it ventilates (i.e., doesn’t hold heat when it’s super hot outside), and when it pours rain, the water won’t pool up in the sail and cause sagging.

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John came up with a plan that wildly exceeded our expectations and gave purpose to every square inch of space. We now have two raised garden beds, which we use for seasonal vegetables and cut flowers, a dog run, a small yard with play area, and an enormous patio. His original plan included a pergola for shade over the patio, but we got so used to having so much floor space that we chose instead to do a shade sail, and it works beautifully.

Where we had previously faltered at plant selection, John used his expert knowledge to fill our corner lot with plants of all shapes, sizes, and purposes. Pentas and lantanas bring in hoards of butterflies. Gardenias perfume the air and provide grace and beauty. Irises, crepe myrtle, blueberries — all of these coexist in perfect harmony in our little Edenic paradise.

It’s amazing how the very same space, which was totally dead before, has become a hub of activity around our house. We never spent time outside when our yard was a sad combination of concrete driveway and mud pit (courtesy of our two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers).

Now, instead of trying to ignore the ugliness bleeding in from every window in the house, or cutting through the courtyard quickly en route to our cars, we find ourselves lounging, gardening, and generally playing the day away. Our 2-year-old daughter, Maggie, uses the patio as a tricycle 40

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racing track and loves to help Mommy in the garden.

The best part about having an outdoor living space is that it makes entertaining so easy. One of our favorite things to do on a fall evening is to pull out the fire pit and have folks over for an evening of good food and conversation. It’s rarely planned ahead and almost always catch-as-catch-can, but these last minute get-togethers are some of our most cherished moments with our friends.

It goes something like this: We send out a text to see who’s around, and then make a mad dash to the grocery store for some simple libations. The menu often consists of nothing more than beer and cider (or wine, if we’re feeling fancy), supplies for s’mores, and some form of meat on a stick. Very straightforward stuff, here. The guys get the fire started, while the kids run rampant in the yard. Each of the gals brings one of the necessary items. We plop it all down on the table, and as soon as the fire gets going, snacking can commence. As the sun goes down, everyone settles in and we just sit, talk, and enjoy each other’s company.

Fall in Lakeland is a glorious time of year. So open those windows, invite your friends over, and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside.

Let’s celebrate the beautiful place in which we live, together.

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Find a color palette and a design theme, and run with it. We loved the play of the rusty tones in the pavers with the colors of both buildings, and that inspired the sort of rustic boho vibe. There’s also the repeated geometry of the basketweave design, providing continuity between the spaces. We added a jolt of color by spray painting our chairs in saturated colors and adding bargain throw pillows from Home Depot and Target. Pops of white add lightness and fun to the mix.

Score rustic items like lanterns, antlers, and found objects at Webster Westside Flea Market (www.websterwestsidefleamarket.com).

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SPORT

ON

PRESSING

A life transformed by sports

story by Wes Lowry | photography by Tina Sargeant

T

he threat of another loss mounting, 12-year-old Roger Hardy bore down and battled his way through his defender. Losing this game was not an option. Nearing the goal, he caught sight of an open teammate with a clear shot. After a quick move on another defender, Roger kicked the ball to the open man for the chance to tie the game. The ball sailed, untouched, out of bounds.

“Where did he go?” Roger asked furiously. Stunned at the sight of his teammate casually chatting with people in the stands, Roger’s blood began to boil. Seconds later, the formerly open teammate was writhing on the ground, attempting to comprehend what had just happened.

What happened was the result of Roger’s adolescent tunnel vision, a summary of his youthful competitive mindset, his singular goal to win no matter what. Sports were his vehicle to achieve that vision. To win was to succeed, and to succeed was to overcome. His teammate was simply an impediment to his success.

Today, Roger stands 6’ 3”. His massive shoulders establish a presence of their own. But when he speaks, his wide grin, gentle tone, and well-mannered “Yes sir’s” make you reconsider his formidable stature.

Recalling this anecdote from his youth, Roger just laughs, especially when he reveals that the childhood teammate he once shoved to the

ground is now a police officer. He remembers his godfather declaring after that game, “Roger, as soon as that ball went by that boy, I knew it was over for him.”

Undoubtedly, Roger could have practiced better restraint at the time, but even back then sports provided an outlet that, over time, would transform his instinctive drive to win into a remarkable work ethic, one that would lead him out of a turbulent past and into a focused future.

When Roger was a young child, his parents didn’t particularly care for athletics. They preferred he got good grades and stayed out of trouble.

Growing up in the projects of Kathleen, sports were popular among the neighborhood kids, but Roger wasn’t allowed to participate in any sport until he was 12. The iron fist of his father provided a good enough reason to maintain the status quo at the Hardy house.

Roger’s father was plagued by alcoholism. In spite of the array of hardships this created for the family, a look at the past evokes in Roger a defining memory from his childhood that he now attributes to the birth of his drive. He calls to mind a particular day when he came home to find his father in tears on the front porch. Immediately and instinctively, Roger understood that his father was a prisoner to his disease, that he felt powerless to free himself, or his family, from the wreckage it caused.

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45

In that instant, Roger made a decision — the switch was flipped. He vowed to never let the same vice entangle, ruin, or prevent him from achieving greater things.

Enter Ray Gunder.

Ray was the steady, strong, and patient influence that Roger so needed. He was an inspirational coach who recognized Roger’s potential and did all he could to help him succeed — assisting with registration fees, and rides to and from practices and games. He taught Roger how to control his competitive drive, honing and tempering it.

Roger clung to basketball as his sport of choice throughout high school. He played the two-slot for Evangel, a small private school, and later played for, and graduated from, Lake Gibson High School.

When asked what he remembers most about 46

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Roger, another high school basketball coach quickly acknowledges the youngster’s hard work and constant thirst for learning. “Roger was always a student of the game,” he said. “He was constantly trying to find a way to make himself better.” He vividly recalled a moment that would be special to any coach’s career, when you recognize that the lessons you’ve been pouring into your players at every practice, in every conversation, have finally begun to sink in.

For weeks prior to the start of the season, Roger’s coach tried to impress on him that playing at a larger school meant tougher competition and more physical opponents; he couldn’t just bulldoze through like he did at his previous school. It was necessary that he learn patience and discipline, working hard but also working smart, concepts that contradicted everything Roger knew and every way he had

functioned up to that point.

In the first game of his senior year of high school, Roger immediately picked up two fouls.

After some time on the bench, he was called back in, followed by an about-face to the pine.

His lack of patience and discipline cost him two more fouls with plenty of game left. With a close game running, Roger picked up his last foul and was forced to take the walk of shame.

His coach recalls somberly asking, “Did you have fun tonight?”

“No sir,” Roger replied.

This was the coach’s opportunity to drive his point home. “That is exactly why you must have patience on the court,” he said.

Apparently, the message got through to the soon-to-be graduate. From that game on, Roger dedicated himself to developing discipline on and off the court.

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When asked about how good he really was, Roger downplays his abilities and shifts attention onto his best friend, Claude. According to Roger, Claude was stellar and could “make it rain.” The pair grew up playing everything together and planned to go out that way. With college approaching, Roger was just shy of meeting the requirements for Division I basketball. The two friends planned to take a detour to community college, landing themselves at South Florida Community College.

As fate would have it, a severe wrist injury cut short Roger’s first season of his freshman year, ending his chances to move forward on the hardwood. For an athlete, closing this chapter of your life can be bittersweet. But for those willing to press forward with the lessons they’ve learned, life is still brimming with opportunity.

With the court behind him, Roger hired on with a local cleaning service where he worked tirelessly, earning only minimum wage for two years. Discipline and patience now instilled in him, he took advantage of every opportunity he could to learn from the owner, including working overtime for free in an effort to understand how businesses were run.

In time, Roger found himself at a nine-to-five job with the city, while maintaining a cleaning business of his own on nights and weekends. Pushing himself as his coaches had done before, he worked hard and smart, and when the time came he stepped out on faith to go fulltime with his cleaning service.

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photo by Wes Lowry

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Fast-forward 15 years and you find Roger seated in his office, ecstatic to meet clients and assist them with the purchase of a new vehicle, an automotive repair, or an immaculate detail job. His company, Affordable Man’s Auto & Detailing, has become a landmark on U.S. 98S and is particularly renowned for its exceptional auto detailing. It’s not uncommon to drive by and see a line of cars waiting their turn to be washed, buffed, and polished by the best. Roger’s reputation and loyal following of customers is a testament to the success one can achieve when diligently applying the virtues to which he was repeatedly exposed through the sports of his youth.

These days, Roger’s back on the playing fields, but this time he’s on the sidelines, supporting his four kids, all athletes. He spends time paying it forward, instilling in

them the same principles he was fortunate enough to have learned years ago.

Both he and his wife, Felecia, are successful entrepreneurs and active in their church and community. Felecia, an Eastern Kentucky University track star, owns Creative Minds Learning Academy, located in the adjacent building to Roger’s business, with a second location a little farther south on U.S. 98.

In spite of his admittedly distant relationship with his father, Roger’s own attempts at self-discipline have retrospectively given him a strong respect for the discipline his dad enforced. Every coach along the way earned that same respect because they each had one thing in common — they pushed Roger to not settle for anything less than all he had. Without it, Roger acknowledges, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

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SPORT

IN THE

SPOTLIGHT:

FOOTBALL

A FEW WORDS WITH SOME OF LAKELAND’S MOST NOTABLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES story and photography by Wes Lowry

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Trent Rains - 17 - George Jenkins High Schoo| Senior Running Back (RB)

COLLEGE PLANS Play football or join Marine Corps FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER Emmitt Smith FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL The camaraderie of being with a team. It’s like a big family.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE A GAME? Listen to music, review plays, and relax

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL THE NIGHT BEFORE A GAME? Steak and buttered noodles WHO IS YOUR TOUGHEST OPPONENT THIS SEASON? Lakeland High School FAVORITE MOMENT OR PLAY I’ll always remember my first touchdown.

There was nothing special about it other than it was my first.

Jalen Stevenson - 18 - Lakeland High Schoo| Senior Defensive End (DE)

COLLEGE PLANS Indiana University, USF, or Purdue FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER Peyton Manning FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Friday Night Lights and being able to play in front of a crowd WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE A GAME? Pray and listen to music

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL THE NIGHT BEFORE A GAME? Spaghetti WHO IS YOUR TOUGHEST OPPONENT THIS SEASON? Flanagan High School FAVORITE MOMENT OR PLAY Last year against Kathleen High School when I broke the Lakeland High School all-time sacks record

Christian Alexander - 16 - Lakeland Christian Schoo| Sophomore Quarterback (QB)

COLLEGE PLANS Would like to play for University of Florida, or Auburn

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL THE NIGHT BEFORE A GAME? Fruit

FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER Cam Newton

WHO IS YOUR TOUGHEST OPPONENT THIS SEASON? Clearwater Catholic and Ft. Meade

FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL The adrenaline rush I get before stepping onto the field WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE A GAME? Pray and listen to music

FAVORITE MOMENT OR PLAY A 50-yard touchdown pass last year where my receiver leaped and made an incredible catch

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STYLE

Classic A New

How cooler weather can inspire us to begin new traditions and update our style story by Mark Nielsen and Courtney Philpot photography by Tina Sargeant

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O

ur annual migrations to the outdoors in autumn are easy to understand. In the sweltering heat of summer, many of us start longing for days when the mosquitoes are dormant and the air not as thick.

We look forward to wearing clothes that have been locked away in our closets for most of the year, items like sweaters, coats, boots, and scarves. It’s a rare time in the South when we can layer clothes and wear such fabrics as wool and tweed. And yet these days don’t last forever, so we take all possible opportunities to be outside and enjoy every moment.

For some, this means days spent in the woods or field pursuing quarry with firearm or bow and arrow, and at times with a loyal canine companion. For others, the fall weather creates a perfect atmosphere for a late-afternoon picnic or outdoor dinner party.

These days are some of the most memorable in our lives — a time to put away phones and social networks, reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and spend time with friends and family.

Without having to worry about sweat or insect repellent, the cool days are an ideal time to change the scenery and bring the meal outside. And when that meal is a fresh catch of fish or game, caught by one in the family and prepared by another, we have

even more reason to enjoy the grandeur of nature in the South.

When we view this venerable tradition in a light such as this, it seems only appropriate to carry that respect into our wardrobe. With a bit of effort and foresight, we can forego the camouflage and modern fabric technology for clothing with a more traditional and dignified air, clothing that accords the honor due to this welcome weather and time of year.

When we take every opportunity to look our best, our lives follow suit and raise the level of enjoyment for all involved.

While we know there are a great number of Lakelanders who look forward to chilly, quiet mornings in the deer stand or time with friends on the dove field, we realize there are those who prefer enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort of their home or cabin. Keeping that in mind, we’ve taken inspiration from our grandparents, as well as some legendary outdoorsmen and authors, and put together a collection of modern looks that work in the field as well as at the table.

Perhaps this can inspire new traditions among those of us so inclined. Traditions of distinguished days spent outdoors followed by grand meals with family and close friends.

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Just as history repeats itself, so do fashion trends. This fall, designers have once again channeled the great outdoors and given a nod to traditional American sportswear. We’ve previously shared our philosophy to spend on classic pieces and save on the trends — this case is no different. When deciding to invest in such items, be sure to choose pieces that will stand the test of time and brands that have a history of producing quality, durable items. Some classic sporting pieces to invest in include field jackets, tweed blazers, leather boots, parkas, and vintage messenger bags.

Look for brands such as Red Wing, Barbour, Orvis, Filson, and L.L.Bean.

Trucker Jacket from Filson x Levi’s Chambray Shirt from L.L.Bean Signature Maine Hunting Shoe from L.L.Bean Wool Hat from Filson

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The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee THE LAKELANDER 57or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. Copyright 2012, True MD. All rights reserved.

Red/Black/Cream Plaid Cape from Tinley RoadPiperlime Black Riding Pants from Zara Brown Suede Riding Boots (stylist’s)

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Women’s Clothing Tips

Classic is always in style and will forever add great balance to a modern wardrobe. With that said, we wanted to provide tips on incorporating some of these more traditional sporting pieces and outerwear into your everyday fall and winter wardrobe.

• Pair sporting pieces with other modern choices. For instance, a plaid shirt topped with a down or wool vest cinched with a skinny belt, straight or skinnycut jeans, and riding boots. The belted vest not only gives it style but also brings a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine look.

• Punctuate your typical fall neutrals with bold, bright hues. Pair olive greens with bold reds, mustard yellows, or bright oranges and pinks.

• If you’re looking for stylish, versatile outerwear pieces to add to your fall/winter wardrobe, go with a colorful down puffer vest and/or a lightweight parka. They’re great layering pieces, and they also come in a variety of colors. Go for a bright orange or bright pink — both work well with neutrals.

• Fall is the perfect season to experiment with layering.

Just make sure the underneath portion of your look is peeking out for added style. For instance, pair a short-sleeve, elbow-length tee or sweater over a long-sleeve top. Go for the unexpected — contrasting pieces and textures, such as pairing a feminine lace or floral short-sleeve top over a longsleeve chambray. Wear masculine outerwear with more feminine, tailored pieces. Pair a down puffer vest or tweed school-boy blazer with a sequin skirt or bright-colored pencil skirt. Play with print mixing by wearing a striped short-sleeve sweater over a floralprint button-down.

• An easy way to add style to any ensemble, no matter the season, is with accessories. Fall and winter are perfect times for Floridians to bust out a winter wardrobe’s most versatile accessory — the scarf.

While we love the softness and warmth of cashmere, you don’t need to invest in many of these unless you travel to cooler climates a great deal. Good rule of thumb: Go with a versatile solid color when it comes to cashmere scarves, and bright colors and prints for your lighter, more Florida-friendly scarves. Add instant style by pairing a colorful print scarf with an otherwise basic outfit such as a white long-sleeve tee and jeans. Use scarves for print mixing. For instance, wear a floral-printed scarf with a striped top or sweater.

• Invest in a pair of wellies (rainboots) and you won’t be disappointed. You may think it a bit impractical — this isn’t London or Seattle, after all. But you don’t need to be in a field or stomping through puddles to utilize these boots. They’re fashionably acceptable in any circumstance or climate. Pair them with leggings, skinnies, or even a flirty skirt for an unexpected twist.

Moss Green Pleated Midi Skirt from Full Circle / Purple Oval (www.purple-oval.co.uk/) Mustard Turtleneck from L.L.Bean Signature Equestrian-Style Belt from Target Lace-Up Field Boots (model’s) THE LAKELANDER

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(on right) Hooligan Cap from Brixton Shirt from Southern Tide from Andy Thornal Company Tie from Andy Thornal Company Belt from Patagonia Chinos from Levi’s 9011 Beckman Boots from Red Wing Shoes Waxed Hunting Vest from L.L.Bean

Men’s Clothing Tips

• Buy items that will last your lifetime rather than just for the current season. Choose sturdy buckles or buttons over Velcro, genuine leather over imitation or vinyl, etc. Think in terms of heirloom items that you can pass along to your children. We live in a throwaway society, and as sportsmen (and women) it’s our responsibility to be conservationists, to preserve our resources for future generations. This usually means buying better so that the products will last longer, and also repairing items instead of discarding them.

• Vintage hunting jackets are timeless. Look for items that still retain some structure (rather than a sad, beat-up jacket) and feature details like large buttons, corduroy collars, and waxed cotton.

• When it comes to outdoor gear, it’s all about the fabric.

Durable fabrics like waxed cotton and canvas duck will stand the test of time and provide good protection against the elements. In these days of synthetic fabric, wool is often overlooked. But not only does a wool sweater add classic style to any look, it’s also one of the most functional fabrics on the market. It keeps you warm even when wet, is naturally water repellent and fire resistant, wears longer (or keeps its original appearance longer) than other fabrics, and actually insulates against noise.

• Layering is important with our cold mornings and warm afternoons, and it also looks great. Try a T-shirt or henley topped by a long-sleeve button-up shirt, a wool sweater, and then finished off with a jacket.

Castor Hat from Brixton Button-Up Shirt from J. Crew Commando Sweater from L.L.Bean Signature Canvas Work Jacket from L.L.Bean Signature 8146 Boots from Red Wing Shoes THE LAKELANDER

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Chambray Denim Top (model’s) Striped Tan/Burgundy Elbow-Length Top from Marshalls Orange Down Puffer vest from J.Crew Dark Grey Denim Straight-Cut Jeans (model’s) Brown Leather Snake Boots, Chippewa from Andy Thornal Company

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Army Green Military-Style Jacket from Jones New York-Belk Black Riding Pants from Zara Multi-Colored Southwest, Aztec-Style Scarf from Ross Brown Suede Riding Boots (model’s)

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Mustard Pencil Skirt with Peplum, Red Plaid Shirt (model’s) Olive Skinny Belt from Target Olive Wedge Booties from Old Navy

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EVENTS CALENDAR

NOW - DECEMBER 1 DAVID MAXIM

Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org

NOW - JANUARY 12 IN VIBRANT COLOR: VINTAGE CELEBRITY PORTRAITS FROM THE HARRY WARNECKE STUDIO Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org

NOW - JANUARY 12 PMOA COLLECTS

Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org

NOW - JANUARY 12 ABOUT FACE

Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org

PICS ON THE PROMENADE

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NOVEMBER 3 FANCY FLEA VINTAGE HOME AND GARDEN MARKET

NOVEMBER 9 HANGAR DOOR CANTEEN

NOVEMBER 5 IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: MASTERWORKS 2 “EUROPEAN STARS”

NOVEMBER 10 ALL ABOUT BEER MAGAZINE’S WORLD BEER FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 5 FIRST FRIDAY

NOVEMBER 10 IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POPS CONCERT

Downtown www.downtownlakelandfl.com

The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.imperialsympnony.org

Downtown www.downtownlakelandfl.com

NOVEMBER 9 PICS ON THE PROMENADE PRESENTED BY LRMC: WHITE CHRISTMAS Lake Mirror Promenade www.picsonthepromenade.com

Sun ‘n’ Fun Campus www.sun-n-fun.org

The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

Sun ‘n’ Fun Campus www.sun-n-fun.org

NOVEMBER 12 BEGINNING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR POINT & SHOOT CAMERAS Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743 www.polkmuseumofart.org

EVENTS CALENDAR NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2ND ANNUAL HOME-SWEET-HOME GINGERBREAD-HOUSE CONTEST In an effort to raise funds and bring the community together this holiday season, the Women’s Resource Center of Florida Inc. will hold its 2nd Annual Home Sweet Home Gingerbread House Contest. Monetary awards will be given to the pros and ribbons will be awarded to the rest of us, but entering a house is only half the fun as the WRC will host several events that will be set to the stage of a gingerbread town. All of the house entries will be on display at the Woman’s Club in Winter Haven where children can have breakfast with Santa and decorate a gingerbread house one weekend and enjoy a Teddy Bear Tea the next.

There’s also an adults-only event, the Jazzy Gingerbread Gala, which will feature music and dancing, food and drinks, and a silent auction — including donated gingerbread houses, of course.

All proceeds and sponsorships from these events will benefit the WRC, which offers immediate emergency financial assistance and counseling referrals for women seeking refuge from abusive situations. Oftentimes the women are struggling single mothers as well. Some are referred by counselors or law-enforcement officers, while others hear about the WRC by word-of-mouth. While approaching the WRC is usually a last resort for these women, it’s the first step in getting them back on track.

The WRC also helps women achieve short- and long-term personal goals. Every October, 44 women (22 from Lakeland and 22 from Winter Haven) graduate from a nine-month program built around topics like self-esteem, financial planning, and employability skills.

All Building Permits (entry forms) must be entered by November 14, but the houses need not be delivered until the last week of November. To schedule a home pick-up (after the event), please call (863) 965-6805.

For further information, rules, and entry forms, visit the Women’s Resource Center website at www.wrcfl.org.

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EVENTS CALENDAR NOVEMBER 17 LOU GRAMM IN CONCERT The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

NOVEMBER 17 LAKE TO LAKE 10K

Downtown www.lakelandrunnersclub.org

NOVEMBER 18 THE RALEIGH RINGERS The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

NOVEMBER 27 HOLIDAY WALKABOUT

Downtown www.downtownlakelandfl.com

DECEMBER 1 WHEN PIGS FLY SOUTH

DECEMBER 7 SAWYER BROWN IN CONCERT

Sun ‘n’ Fun Campus www.sun-n-fun.org

The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

DECEMBER 3 FIRST FRIDAY

DECEMBER 7-9 AND DECEMBER 14-16 LIGHTS OF LAKELAND

Downtown www.downtownlakelandfl.com

Highland Park Church of the Nazarene www.hpnaz.org

DECEMBER 4 IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL #3 TEA AND SYMPHONY The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.imperialsymphony.org

DECEMBER 11 IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: MASTERWORKS 3 “SWINGIN HOLIDAY POPS” The Lakeland Center www.imperialsymphony.org

DECEMBER 6 CITY OF LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown www.jlgl.org

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LANDSCAPE

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EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 12 CIRQUE DU NOEL

The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

DECEMBER 15 GALLAGHER’S LAST SMASH FAREWELL TOUR The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

DECEMBER 27 MOSCOW BALLET PRESENTS: THE GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

DECEMBER 28 THREE DOG NIGHT IN CONCERT The Lakeland Center (863) 834-8100 www.thelakelandcenter.com

DECEMBER 15 ANDREW PETERSON PRESENTS: BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD Polk Theatre (863) 603-7777 www.polktheatre.org

BELKIS MUSALEN JONES, D.M.D. 5406 Strickland Avenue Lakeland, FL 33812 Phone: (863) 648-1030 Fax: (863) 644-9185 dr.musalen-jones@musalen-jones.com

LAKELAND’S PREMIER Veterinary Hospital

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CULTURE

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DAD’S

GOOD DAY A local author’s answer to the industry story by Adam Justice photography by Philip Pietri

F

red Koehler wants to tell you a story. And there are some people in high places who are betting you want to hear it. Earlier this year, Koehler, a Sebring native and graduate from Florida Southern College, signed an agreement with Dial Books for Young Readers, an arm of the international publishing company Penguin Books. It’s an initial twobook deal, hiring him to write and illustrate two children’s books.

Several months later, he landed a contract with the North Carolinabased agency Adams Literary, who will represent him on future projects.

Koehler’s first book, titled Dad’s Bad Day, is scheduled to be released in 2014, with the second closely following in 2015. “Wow!” you might say.

Wow, indeed.

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In an age when the Pixar machine relentlessly cranks out family blockbusters, classic children’s literature is experiencing a sort of renaissance among the 30-somethings with kids of their own. Authors such as J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer are becoming rock stars in the young-adult stratosphere, so setting out to be an author/illustrator may not sound surprising — or safe. Is Koehler deterred? Not a bit. In fact, it only energizes him more to create and fill the gaps he believes these myopic giants are overlooking.

“It all just seems too commercial these days,” Koehler says. This may sound a bit ironic knowing that his day job is in advertising. But he masterfully equates his opposing roles as ad designer and author by explaining that any good advertisement at least implies a good story, as is evidenced by Pixar. But when you remove that story from the context of advertising, it becomes lost in translation. Koehler no longer wanted his stories to be dictated by marketing logic. So, his answer to the industry: heart.

If you ask, Koehler will quickly answer that he is foremost a writer, an illustrator second.

He emphasizes the importance of the story and how it defines the illustration, not vice versa. He finds inspiration in authors who he believes “told stories that made people’s lives better.” Writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Jack London are especially notable.

Books he enjoyed as a child, many of which were produced by Penguin, seemed to be defined by a certain splendid simplicity and originality free from the influence of pop culture. They were more similar to works of art created by an imaginative person who could somehow capture and mesmerize a young mind. Their stories had substance without complexity and could be memorized and recited over and over again. To Koehler, those stories possessed a sense of timelessness that is often missing today. He wants to follow a similar direction by having his work reflect a more traditional literary form while keeping the message and the appearance fresh.

Koehler’s route to becoming a writer and illustrator was anything but mapped. He studied graphic design at Florida Southern College and admits to not having been completely enamored with college life. He realized the importance of a college education but didn’t feel it was essential to his formula.

Upon graduation, Koehler enrolled in the Peace Corps and served two years in the small nation of Togo in West Africa. His experiences there played out before him like a broad human-interest story and sparked his curiosity as an aspiring author. He has since 74

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FRED’S TOP TEN FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS Abel’s Island

by William Steig

The Monster at the End of this Book

by Sesame Street

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

by C.S. Lewis

Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen

Olivia

by Ian Falconer

The Wrinkle in Time series

by Madeleine L’Engle

The Sword in the Tree

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears

by Verna Aardema

My Side of the Mountain

by Jean Craighead George

Tikki Tikki Tembo

by Arlene Mosel

Read more about Fred and his musings at www.FreddieK.com.

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spent much of the last decade working as a designer at a local advertising agency, subconsciously writing stories with every ad he designs.

All the while, he leads a second life.

Fred Koehler the writer emerges after the commercial designs are submitted.

His time is spent sketching, writing, networking with other like-minded writers, and promoting his work at national literary conferences and on his blog. His laptop in hand, he can often be found in the local coffee shop, spending countless hours sketching and jotting notes for potential story concepts. These creative sessions are also occasionally spent with his two young children, who were immediately two of his most important inspirations and sources for an endless stream of ideas.

For an author of children’s books, parenthood would seem to be an obvious source of material. Koehler is especially influenced by his experiences as a father.

He first dedicated himself to pursuing a career as an author of children’s books after becoming a father. In fact, his first idea for a book, the idea that caught the attention of Penguin executives, came directly from his relationship with

Mark Piburn

his son. This is the type of personal experience he feels is absent from the new publishing industry for children and young adults.

Perusing his portfolio of sketches, you’ll find that so many of his illustrations resemble his own kids or are related to his relationship with them.

It makes sense that the best ideas for children’s books would originate in the mind of a child. An element of Koehler’s genius is how receptive he is to his two kids and how he encourages their imaginations. It’s a win-win situation: His kids expand their imaginations with the help of a father who nurtures their young creative minds, while Koehler gleans inspiration and ideas for future projects while engaging with his kids.

The year 2014 will begin a new chapter for Koehler. After nearly a decade of carving his niche in the literary world, he will see his first book on the shelves of national retailers. But for Koehler it’s about much more than reaching professional goals. It’s about keeping the contemporary literary world genuine by reviving a renewed sense of imagination based on “stories that made people’s lives better.”

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CULTURE

A beacon of retro Lakeland story by Adam Justice photography by Greg Allen

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raveling north on Bartow Highway, you may have noticed an odd object peering from around the Jenkins Lincoln-Mercury building. Meet Sputnik, a 52-year-old neon sign that has become one of Lakeland’s most unique landmarks.

Sputnik is one of approximately 234 such signs designed and produced by Warren Milks throughout the 1960s. The official name of these types of neon signs is Roto-Spheres. They are named for the way in which their spherical cores rotate in three directions, swinging 16 spikes into a beautifully choreographed routine. Each spike is eight feet long and lined by a different-colored neon filament. The overall form of the sign is reminiscent of Sputnik satellites that were launched into space by the Soviet Union during the latter half of the 1950s. Hence, the signs came to be known as Sputniks.

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“Proudly Serving Central Florida For 80 Years”

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The concept for the design, however, came to Milks after watching a television commercial that included a similarly shaped Christmas ornament.

Lakeland’s Sputnik was originally purchased and installed by Jenkins Lincoln-Mercury in 1960 and quickly became a popular roadside attraction for passers-by.

In 2007, Sputnik underwent a massive overhaul, which included having its original motor repaired, its neon filaments replaced, and its signature chrome sphere refinished. It is one of only a dozen of the original Roto-Spheres still functioning.

Like its hometown, it’s a nice little slice of unique Americana.

Greg Allen A native Floridian, I’ve been a part of the Lakeland community for the past 14 years. I graduated from Florida Southern College in 2002, earning my B.S. in elementary education. My love for photography began in high school and carried over into college, where I ran the dark room for four years. Through my work, the goal is always to challenge my audience to come away with a new perspective. The Roto-Sphere sign located at Jenkins Lincoln-Mercury is a classic piece of Americana and has become such a natural fixture that it’s often overlooked by us Lakelanders.

Editor’s Note: Most recently, Greg Allen’s work was featured on the cover of the limited-edition The Whole Love album by the band Wilco.

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discover|engage|serve|become

Like us at Facebook.com/seuniversity Follow us on Twitter @seuniversity Watch us on YouTube.com/watchSEU

SEU.edu

live

Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd.

Lakeland, Florida 33801-6034 863.667.5018 toll free 800.500.8760

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PEOPLE

ALLEN & COMPANY On its 80th anniversary, the financial services firm reflects on its beginnings and the economy, and thanks the community it has served for so long story by Adam Spafford photography by Tina Sargeant The Lakelander: Please tell us the history of Allen & Company.

Keith Albritton: We were co-founded in 1932 by J. Everett Allen, the father of Ralph Allen who is our chairman today. At the time, Everett had a couple of businesses, including one in the citrus industry, and he wanted to have a securities business. A great time to start a securities business — the depths of the Great Depression! Initially he had a partner, George Craig, and they were downtown in the Marble Arcade for a number of years. Everett took over the whole business, and Allen & Company is now the oldest investment firm in Florida. We eventually moved to Lemon Street, and then in 1987 we moved to our current location on South Florida Avenue.

TL: Describe the family connections within the company.

KA: Ralph is the chairman of the board and has been with the firm 49 years. His daughter, Ginny Allen Houghton (CWF), has been with the firm for close to 10 years.

I have the privilege of working closely with both of them daily.

TL: What are some of the services you offer?

KA: We do comprehensive wealth management, including financial planning and investments, the bread and butter upon which the firm was founded. But as the years have progressed, we’ve shifted more toward the planning mindset, so roughly 75 percent of our business is dealing with families and the transfer of wealth.

Our mission statement is: “We seek to help our clients grow, protect, and plan for the prudent transfer of wealth.” A person might be in some or all of those life cycles at once, and we provide the skill set to advise what needs to be done in each cycle. Within those cycles we look at thirteen wealth-management issues — research has shown there are thirteen issues families face, and all experience at least some of these issues, from taxes to insurance to debt management to investments, IRAs, qualified plan issues, wealth-transfer issues, business succession, stock options, and more.

We have no attorneys on staff, but we will partner with clients’ attorneys or help them find an attorney. So we don’t do any legal work for the estate-planning side of management, which in itself has about

six sub-issues; for instance, what kind of charitable donations are to be made, should those donations be made now or upon death, who is the executor, the personal representative, are documents in order, etc.

About 25 percent of our business is what I would call institutional consulting — perhaps not the best phrase to describe it — but it is advice for an organization or some type of corporate entity regarding 401Ks, profit share, pension, SIMPLEs, SEPs, really all types of qualified retirement plans.

TL: How is the company connected to Lakeland?

KA: Our company’s culture, one of our core values, is that we would make a profound difference in the communities we serve. That stems directly from our founder who had a simple philosophy. He wanted to leave the world better than he found it. He was the chairman of the Chamber, a Rotarian, a member at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, all of these community-minded things, and he set the tone for our company.

Ralph and the rest of our current leadership ensure that we seek to be a blessing to our

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community. We’ve got past Rotary and Kiwanis presidents, Chamber board members, volunteers at VISTE, United Way board members, people involved in their local churches. There’s a list on our website (www.alleninvestments.com) that includes our community involvement.

Being a blessing to the community we serve has been a blessing to us.

Kurt Elmhorst, Keith Albritton, Ginny Allen Houghton, Ralph Allen (seated)

TL: How did you get involved?

KA: I earned a finance degree from UF and always appreciated and enjoyed finances. When I left Florida, I had a brief career as a professional golfer. I had some time off after golf and was looking for what I wanted to do — this was in 19951996 — and I decided after returning to Florida that I wanted to work at Allen & Company. I knew of its history and heritage because I’d lived here my whole life, and I had a feel for the culture and character of the firm and what it stood for.

I knew I wanted to work here, so I asked Ralph for a job.

TL: Had you known him before?

KA: No, I didn’t. I knew his family, though. But more importantly, I was intrigued and impressed and knew I wanted to work here even though I had looked at five or six other options.

Ultimately, they hired me in 1996 as a financial advisor.

TL: So from there you received a CFP

(Certified Financial Planner) designation?

KA: That’s right. I got my Certified Financial Planner in 2000, along with another designation called the CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) in conjunction with the Wharton Business School. In 2002 I began to be part of the management team. Then in 2007 I was named president and in 2010 was also named CEO. TL: As this is Allen & Company’s 80th year, what is being done to celebrate?

KA: We did a big event for our 75th year, but coming into the 80th we thought a theme of “Thank You!” was appropriate.

Thank you to our clients for allowing us to serve them for the last 80 years. We are partnering with the United Way, and our associates will be volunteering at various nonprofits in the area.

Laura Hawley, Ralph Allen, Keith Albritton 86

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TL: What affiliations does Allen & Company have? Do you do proprietary research? How is your financial planning done?

KA: We are affiliated with First Clearing Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo. We like to say we are locally owned and operated — decisions are made right here — but that we are globally connected through that affiliation. We’re able to access the research, the technology, and the platforms that we need to operate in the most competitive way through First Clearing Corporation.

TL: What is your 30,000-foot view of the economy and financial markets today?

KA: We don’t do a lot of trading, but in 2008 we formed a committee to navigate the challenging investment environment that we believed was in front of us. We needed more thought, more time, more brainpower on navigating what should be done in light of the conditions to help our clients meet their goals in this difficult environment, which we are arguably still in. But we’ve seen one of the best market recoveries since the 1930s, and it’s been a real nice time to be an investor, although you had to go through the downturn.

So the big picture is that I’m convinced we’re in a recovery — a sluggish one, not to historic standards. The conditions in Europe, the political environment, the housing overhang, the real-estate market, those things that might have pulled us along in traditional recoveries are not really doing that, and that’s why the recovery remains sluggish.

The historic valuations of the American stock market as measured by price-toearnings (P/E ratio), if you look at the big picture, are attractive. The global growth rates look attractive, with literally billions of people in emerging economies set to come into the middle class in the next twenty years.

Investors need to consider the global marketplace if they’re going to have a diversified portfolio. If they’re looking at the longer term and not a tradingoriented portfolio, we think the global growth story is compelling, although it comes with volatility. It will be sluggish for some time ahead, but I think it continues to gain a little head of steam. I don’t anticipate it’s going to hit levels soon that we’ve seen in the past.

Unemployment probably remains high and only stubbornly comes down. With ten to twelve years of underperformance of the equity markets, it wouldn’t surprise us to have ten to twelve years of reasonable performance. But investors have a lack of confidence; they’re still scared of the market.

A FEW THOUGHTS FROM RALPH ALLEN What is it like to carry on a business tradition started by your father?

Our business was founded 80 years ago upon integrity and personal service.

We’ve been blessed to have many relationships with people who have trusted our firm with their assets over several generations. There have been many ups and downs during my almost 50 years in the business. We’ve been fortunate to be locally owned, yet globally connected. Our senior management team is committed to continuing the core values of our firm, which has led to our success.

Why do investors choose Allen & Company to steward their capital?

I believe our clients want an advisor they can trust and who can guide them through various market cycles. There is no substitute for experience, and the average tenure for our advisors with Allen & Company is 15.5 years. We are extremely proud of that.

Please give us a quote about the “Thank You” theme of your 80th Anniversary.

We are so very thankful for our history of 80 years. We strive to put our clients’ interests first and are committed to never deviate from that value. To celebrate this milestone of our 80th year in business, all of Allen & Company’s associates will devote over 100 hours of volunteer work to various United Way agencies.

We felt the need to give back to our community as a “Thank You” for our 80 years in business. This community of ours in which we live, work, play, and worship has been so good to us. I can think of no better way to demonstrate our sincere thanks to our clients and community than to generously give of our time, talents, and resources.

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For the last three years there have been net outflows in equity funds, which mean retail investors are still fleeing stocks whereas the institutional investors are the ones who have been buying stocks. Institutions are the ones that have participated in the rally. So it tells me investors are still nervous. They’ve seen several difficult downturns — from 2000 to 2002, the real-estate collapse, the second market collapse of 2007-2008 — and they’re tired of it and gun-shy, so you’ve seen this money flow to conservative investments such as bonds. So investors as a whole have very low confidence.

KA: The Fed has a couple of roles: to of companies, in the advisors, where investors maintain price stability and employment. don’t see this constant barrage of Ponzi schemes Arguably they’ve done both, but then again, and distrust. The things that create distrust seem arguably they haven’t. They’ve performed that to have been maximized during the last four or function in the face of the crisis, although there five years. is evidence that it made some policy mistakes.

As Warren Buffett said, “When the tide goes But I am of the opinion that Ben Bernanke out, we see who has been swimming naked.” It was the right man for the job and we were was also said, although I don’t know by whom, fortunate to have him, even though some of that the financial community was a nudist the things worked and some didn’t. I think the colony [laughs]. So we need the leadership of proof is in the pudding, although the recovery is financial organizations to treat their clients and th not what it should be. We were on the edge of the public with integrity, and it’s going to take some really bad economic situations with credit time to restore that confidence. freezing and other bizarre events, and I think It’s one of the things we think about as a firm.

TL: What challenges do investors face in the action the Fed took to increase liquidity was, We want to speak to that lack of confidence. this high frequency trading (HFT), post-flash overall, successful.

One of our core values is to place the clients’ & HOME IMPROVEMENT INC. crash environment? interests first. We were founded on that, and it 22 Years KA: The academic research of the HFT TL: What should or could be Celebrating done to remains to this day. Sure, we sometimes make of Excellent Service impacts on retail investors says it doesn’t have support investor confidence? investment mistakes, but in terms of what we a lot of impact, although it’s hard to tell. If you KA: It’s a real shame, a black eye on the do for our clients, we have the constant goal Whether your home is 10,000 sq. ft. or 1,000 sq. ft. Mike’s Painting is the look at history, compared to the last three years,right choice. Mike’s Painting has not only been serving our community industry, the amount of fraud that’s gone on. to place their interests first. If the financial the markets now are not more volatile, althoughfor over 22 years but has been the right choice for thousands of satisfied Although fraud has happened since the dawn community as a whole would do that, I think customers. Mike’s Painting brings the best of the best. Our employees they might feel like it. The evidence doesn’t of humanity, to a degree, there have always been investors’ confidence would improve. are drug tested and background checked and have a min. of 5 years show that markets are much more volatile now experience. Our reputation says it all! With our fully equipped trucks to people who want to steal from others, and there Investors will be cynical for a while still, our product knowledge Mike’s Painting will always ensure a professional than they were before HFT. always will be. But it seems with the Madoffs, and they should be, because of some of the job each and every time. At Mike’s we use no "salesmen." Mike himself and even rightjob here in our community, shenanigans that have happened in the financial evaluates each some and every to make sure that you, the customer, is always #1 and receives the quality and professionalism you deserve.

TL: What are your thoughts about the that fraud is prevalent, and that saddens me. world. activity of central banks and the liquidity Our company has built our reputation on Now Interest for 1 Year they’ve provided the market over the last few integrity and trust, the characterwith of our people.Credit and TL:Signed WhatContract. current economic policies are Offering Approved years?

But investors need confidence in the leadership helping investors?

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V E CTORBUTTONS.COM

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KA: I think the most significant policy that has impacted the investors in the last three years or so was the loosening of mark-tomarket accounting rules. It went under the radar — it wasn’t a popular topic and didn’t hit the mainstream press — but in March 2009 when those rules were relaxed, that was one piece of policy that really helped save us from going over the edge and improved the markets.

Call it luck or coincidence, but it has been 100 percent correlated with the market recovery. It was announced in early March 2009 and the market bottomed on March 9, 2009, and we’re somewhere around 100 percent above where we were then.

History tends to show that mark-to-market accounting doesn’t work in a crisis. This helped alleviate some of the pressure on the banks and supported the financial markets that are very important to the overall economy.

TL: What current economic policies are hurting?

KA: Well, the federal deficit and debt. As it escalates, it can’t do anything but hurt the economy. We’re not past the point of no return, but we can look to some of our European counterparts and see what happens when spending gets so far out there that free markets don’t work as well. This is my biggest concern.

TL: Any final thoughts?

KA: Our 80th anniversary is marked by a real sense of gratitude from our leadership and our associates — a real sense of humility. We recently opened a third office in Viera, Florida, and are seeking to grow our office and brand, so we are a young 80-year-old company. We have an eye on the future and are always thinking about what it will take for us to thrive and grow and be financially strong for our clients’ sakes so we can continue to be around another 80 years.

That’s what our leadership team thinks about on a regular basis.

So we’re hoping some folks 80 years from now are giving an interview on the 160th anniversary, and they will look back and say that the philosophy and culture of our firm was passed down through this generation of always placing our clients’ interests first and making a difference in the communities that we serve.

Those values have served us well.

Allen & Company 1401 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 Phone: (863) 688-9000 Fax: (863) 688-4885 www.alleninvestments.com

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HEALTH

RELAX

Untap the miracle of massage story by Brooklyn Lindsey photography by Jason Stephens

It’s the most wonderful stressful time of the year.

The holiday season truly is wonderful, right?

There are moments when time stands still and you’re filled with joy, wonder, and childlike faith that settles quietly into your core.

And then there are the other moments, the ones that hang on to your last nerve, like having three more aisles to go in Publix before you get to the free cookies and your kids turn from being monsters into somewhat well-behaved children again.

I’ve come to believe that one of best ways to stress a little less during the family gatherings, parties, socializing, celebrating, organizing, and merry-making that come with the last two months of the year is to get a great massage.

Many people think a massage is one of those luxuries reserved for vacations and “Congratulations, you did it” moments. But we’d like to debunk that myth and tell you that 90

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getting a massage — on a more-than-justonce-in-a-blue-moon basis — can benefit your health and reduce stress. Massage is something that can be as simple as asking your spouse or a parent for a 10-minute shoulder rub. Human touch works wonders, so don’t forget your most valuable resource, each other. Just ask.

To find out the additional benefits of a professional massage, we spoke with Dr. Faeza Kazmier, M.D., and medical advisor to Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Spa. Dr. Kazmier has practiced at the clinic since 2006. She offers some insights on why a massage is a great way to unwind and a true benefit to our health.

• Improve sleep. “Since massage calms the nervous system (by relaxing tense muscles), it causes everything else in your body to slow down, too. There are various forms of massage.

Swedish massage is a gentler form that’s helpful for most individuals trying to achieve better sleep.”

• Lessen long-term pain. Endorphins released by massage send messages to the brain to reduce pain without medication. “We know that massage therapy is helpful not only for relaxing purposes, but it also has medicinal benefits.

There is an improvement in the lymphatic drainage with properly performed massage. This process can facilitate movement of toxins, which are byproducts from the body’s metabolism out of the system. It’s important to maintain adequate hydration with water post-massage to help with this excretion process. This can be of particular advantage for post-surgical patients to promote a faster healing process and to aid in a more rapid loss of swelling.”

• Lose the buildup. “Even when not used to improve post-surgical recovery, massage can provide the benefit of ridding the muscles of unwanted lactic-acid buildup. Lactic acid is a normal byproduct in our muscles as a result of our daily routines and especially exercise, and

can make muscles feel sore and tender. Proper massage can speed up the process of movement of this out of our muscles to excrete it.

It’s important to make sure that these treatments are performed by certified and licensed massage therapists, as they’ve been adequately trained in the proper techniques for massage and take care to treat the body based on specific physiologic principles to reduce the risk of injury.”

• Repair and recover from medical procedures. “As a surgeon, I recommend tailored massage for patients undergoing particular surgeries and procedures. We can see an improvement in the progress of recovery with implementation of massage in the postoperative period.”

After hearing from Dr. Kazmier and receiving a professional massage on my high-tension areas (shoulders, neck, and back), I personally experienced some of the benefits that have been mentioned.

I slept better, and the headache I walked in with disappeared as I was walking out. During the massage, I asked the therapist, DJ, why the top of my head is always so tender. He explained that one of the reasons is the heaviness of my hair. It made perfect sense. Now I’m motivated to get a haircut.

DJ also explained that I’d probably have some soreness for a day or two after my massage.

His prediction and caution helped when I felt that soreness the next day. The toxins and lactic acid that had been building up since my last massage (on a family vacation more than a year ago) suggested that I get in the game and take better care of my muscles and their surrounding tissues.

I also learned that massage is a great way to loosen up pre-workout.

I mentioned to DJ that my husband is a surfer and that he appreciates

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a massage after a day of surfing. I found out that DJ surfs the same breaks as my husband. He also said that the more serious athletes and surfers choose to get a massage before events as well as after. The pre-massage helps loosen tightness and improves flexibility.

An added and unexpected benefit of my massage was clear thinking. When I relaxed, feeling the soreness being worked out, I became aware of my breathing.

I. Am. Still. I. Am. Breathing. There’s something very pure about being still. And in that stillness, in that “I’m not going to worry about much right now,” I am grateful. Prayer is often born in gratefulness and in a place where things are quieter, giving us space to listen. Breathing in peace. Breathing out hope. It was a gift that I didn’t expect and was blessed to receive.

I had scheduled my trip to Bella Vista during a busy week at work and right before I’d have to board a plane and travel thousands of miles to Africa. I discovered that, after just an hour of destressing, I resembled the person I’d like to be more often — calmer, relaxed, and ready for whatever comes next.

At the end of a long week spent in the fields of Malawi, Africa, seeing the work of sustenance farmers and the fruits of their labors with World Vision, we landed in a Swedish-owned hotel where our team was offered massages if we so desired. We were tired. Our bodies were taxed. When the owner told us, “We offer a one-hour massage for twenty dollars,” I immediately asked, “Where do I sign up?” I can’t even describe how wonderfully I slept that night on the eve of traveling thirty-five hours home to Lakeland. Both massages, while experienced in different places and sought after for different reasons, yielded the same gift: relaxation.

So I’m wondering what you may be waiting for. Perhaps you need to gift a massage to someone special in your life, someone who could use a little less stress and a little more relaxation and rejuvenation this holiday season. Of course, there’s always the other option: bartering with your spouse or friends like I used to do with my younger sisters. “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours!” Just make sure to go first when dealing with family. The first person always gets the best one.

Merry Christmas, and merry massage. Enjoy the moments and reasons for your celebrations with a sense of wholeness and gratitude, and a feeling of “Ah” that’s hiding just under the surface.

To find out the type of massage that’s best for you, contact: Bella Vista Spa | Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building | 1755 North Florida Avenue | Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 904-6250 | www.watsonclinic.com/services/bella-vista-spa.html 92

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REFRESH

Natural remedies to calm your skin and your senses story by Brooklyn Lindsey photography by Jason Stephens

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Rafa Natural is a locally crafted, natural, and organic skin-care line that has garnered quite a following, including many of us here at The Lakelander. We decided to investigate further to find out what makes the products so great and how they came to be in the first place. Rafa Natural’s owner, Kim Williams, tells us how going natural transformed her life and her business.

Kim Williams: It’s funny how things happen. One day I’m perusing Martha Stewart’s site for a gift idea, and a year later, I have the beginnings of a business.

I love making gifts for people and found an idea for making bath bombs with secret messages hidden inside printed on waterproof paper. I made a few with some witty notes inside. They ended up being a huge hit, and I had a blast making them. I began to wonder what else I could make at home.

Online searches revealed recipe after wonderful recipe for lotions, soaps, face care, soy candles, and more.

Most recipes called for things like green tea extract, exotic oils like argan, and healing essential oils. Upon researching the benefits of these ingredients, I was totally excited to make my own organic skin-care products. Friends who love natural skin care began to ask me to make products for them as well.

e es! v Sa Dat the

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Saturday, December 1 1 - 4 p.m. $10 ticket

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For information visit: www.wrcfl.org and click on Home Sweet Home or call: 863-965-6805 Events benefit the Women’s Resource Center in Lakeland & Winter Haven

TEA Saturday, December 8 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. $5 ticket

• Events location - Woman’s Club, 660 Pope Ave., NW, Winter Haven

A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization providing a variety of services to enrich the lives of women and their families.

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One day, my practical and entrepreneurial husband mentioned that I should open a retail space and sell my products. I’m sure it was mostly because I was spending a small fortune on ingredients and he was hoping to recoup some of the cost. But, it was also because he saw how excited I got when I discovered that French green clay could help reduce cellulite, or that black willow bark provided a natural form of salicylic acid that helped fight acne. He knew I’d found something I was truly passionate about.

As it turned out, I was able to rent a humble but adorable 100-square-foot space a block from my house. And people started to buy my products. I almost couldn’t believe it. And then they brought their friends in, sometimes literally by the hand. It was humbling for me. Within six months, we moved to a bigger location in downtown Lakeland where we share space with the Black Swan Bazaar. I never imagined that this small idea would turn out to be such an adventure, one my husband and I share.

While I didn’t have a business plan right away, I did have some goals in mind for Rafa (which, by the way, is Hebrew and means to relax, with the idea of healing as the result). One goal was to offer products using the best-quality organic and natural ingredients available. We never use sulfates, parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oil, or other inferior ingredients, because they’ve

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Stress shows itself on your face and body in many ways, including puffy eyes, sallow skin, breakouts, and weight gain. But by taking a few moments for yourself, you can at least look fresh and healthy, and as if everything is under control even if it may not feel like it.

During the summer at Rafa Natural, we hold Summer Spa Nights where locals can treat themselves to a mini-spa experience with our natural, organic, face-care products. While the next Summer Spa Night isn’t until June 2013, there’s no reason why you can’t do a mini-spa session for yourself at home right now. Just a few stolen moments can make you feel fantastic, and your skin will glow as a result.

Here are a few favorite products to help you unwind and de-stress this holiday season.

Green Tea Cleanser ($13)

Gently removes dirt, while the green tea calms redness.

Charcoal Crème Masque ($13)

A cooling effect with essential oils of peppermint, lavender, and tea tree. The charcoal removes impurities from the skin, the Rooibos Tea Extract reduces redness, and the Organic EVOO and Jojoba Oil add hydration.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid Scrub ($13)

Removes dead skin cells, instantly making the skin appear smoother and fresher. The tingle calms your skin while you enjoy the fresh smells of citrus essential oils.

Vitamin C Crème ($18; best-seller)

Protects skin from aging and adds brightness to the skin.

Of course, you can always just throw some Detox Bath Salts Relaxation candle ($13), and chill out for 20 minutes.

($12) into the tub, light a

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been shown to cause health issues ranging from skin irritations to cancer. Sometimes people come to Rafa Natural because they’ve struggled with their health, and sometimes it’s just because they’re reading more and educating themselves.

My second goal for Rafa was to keep the prices accessible to the average person. Too often in my life, I’d like a product line but only be able to afford one of their items and not the entire line. The average person can’t afford to spend $80 on a face moisturizer. And truthfully, price is not always an indication of quality.

I wanted my customers to be able to get great natural products at a reasonable price. So we work diligently to keep costs down while still offering the best quality we can.

We have something for everyone, from college students who struggle with acne to the more mature clientele who find themselves fighting dry skin and wrinkles. Plus, we have an entire line of bath and body products, soy candles, and gift baskets.

While I didn’t realize it at the time, Lakeland has been an exceptional place to launch Rafa Natural. The response has been overwhelming from the community.

I’m privileged to be a part of the movement to more natural skin care and am excited to see how it will continue to grow and touch even more lives as it has touched mine.

Rafa Natural is located inside the Black Swan Bazaar, next to Mitchell’s Coffee House in historic downtown Lakeland.

Rafa Natural | 229 N. Kentucky Avenue | Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 604-2315 | www.rafanatural.com 98

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WISH LIST Our editors share a few of their favorite things photos by Philip Pietri

Courtney Philpot STYLE

Adam Justice CULTURE

Claus Porto soaps, from one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in Portugal, founded in 1887. Each comes wrapped in lovely art deco packaging. $5-$18 (in a variety of scents and sizes) Peacock Antiques and Gifts • (863) 686-7947

Brooklyn Lindsey HEALTH

Vinyl records for the turntable enthusiast, from our favorite indie record haunt. (Adam chose an array of records ranging from Bowie to the Misfits to the Beatles.) Assorted Prices Evolution Records | www.evorecords.us

Adam Spafford PEOPLE Quick-Fix Kit by Giant. Everything a cyclist needs for the road — seat bag, patch kit, tire levers, mini pump, and multi-tool. $50 Bent’s Cycling and Fitness www.bentscycling.com

Birds of Hope. With the purchase of each bird you help this locally founded nonprofit supply Africans with filtered drinking water. $5 Birds of Hope www.birdsofhope.org 100 THE LAKELANDER

Wes Lowry SPORT Day of kayaking on the Rainbow River (Dunnellon). Be sure to pack a lunch with nondisposable packaging. $40 (4 people, 2 hours) www.rainbowspringspark.com

Mark Nielsen STYLE Farm Ruck Sack in Natural Canvas, handcrafted in Winter Park by Makr Carry Goods. A favorite among the folks on location for our style shoot. $150 Makr Carry Goods www.makr.com

THE LAKELANDER 101

ST

E TH

H

IS

W

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Sarah Nederveld TASTE

All-Clad Grill Pan, perfect for an indoor grilling alternative (or for a fabulous grilled cheese). $92

Rachel Plating SHELTER Hand-crafted raku pottery by Nolan Windholtz. The design is achieved by placing horse hairs on the pottery while it is removed from the kiln. The heat then chars the hair and creates the unique marks left on each piece. $100 Brooke Pottery www.brookepottery.com

Jackie Houghton EDITOR Original art from the Art-o-Mat at the Polk Museum of Art (PMoA).

Deposit your token in the retro vending machine in the lobby, choose your artist, and receive a one-of-a-kind (and often signed) original. Get a few for a nice little collection. $5 per piece Polk Museum of Art www.polkmuseumofart.org

102 THE LAKELANDER

Home Essentials www.homeessentialslakeland.com

Your Hometown Country Station

Breakfast Club 5am - 10am Monday - Friday

Jeni Taylor 10am - 3pm

Sara Michaels 3pm - 7pm

Chris Kelly 7pm - 12am

Dave Day 12am - 5am

WPCV 97.5 FM

Your Hometown Country Station!

THE LAKELANDER 103

PREMIERE ISSUE

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2012

• Lakeland’s city magazine • Beautiful, perfect-bound coffee-table quality • Independently produced in Lakeland • Rediscovering the Lakeland you love • 100 pages | Bimonthly

The Gow Fields inTerview / A CAll to Arms / All AbouT FrAnk tHE BEEKEEPEr / we will be well / sErEnity FoUnD September - October | THE LAKELANDER

1

$20 FOR 6 ISSUES (1 YEAR) | $35 FOR 12 ISSUES (2 YEARS) SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE EACH ISSUE FIRST MAILED TO YOUR DOOR IN A PROTECTIVE POLYBAG SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT: WWW.THELAKELANDER.COM

➧ Michael Broyles

Regional Sales Manager/Partner

When it comes to your insurance needs, the Gow Fields Team has helped many to make the right call

FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

Broken Windshield?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE LAKELANDER?

FIELDS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL GROUP Auto | Home | Business | Life

CALL 863.701.2707

We can help!!

863-513-6661 michael@cashbackglass.com

229 North Florida Avenue | Lakeland, FL 33801 P 863 683 2816 | F 863 682 0580 www.gowfields.com WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST A Division of Fields & Company, Inc. Florida Insurance License #A083694

Terrace Hotel Southside Northside 4810 South 1070 Wedgewood Florida Ave Estates Blvd (863) 646-7757 (863) 853-9464 Don Bosko, Owner 329 East Main Street Lakeland, Florida 33801 863-688-0800 sales@terracehotel.com

South Florida Gun & Pawn

William A. Sweat Attorney at Law

844 S. Florida Ave.

863-688-0498

Mon-Sat, 10 am–6 pm

Norm Harritt, Owner

2018 S. Florida Ave.

863-680-2222 wsweat@sweatpa.com

Vintage goods & French imports for creative, resourceful Lakelanders.

Delivered to your door!

863.430.7958 | Lakeland, Florida www.shopthisoldthing.com THE LAKELANDER 105

Her Majesty’s swans as they arrived by plane to Lakeland

SWAN LAKE A brief history of Lakeland’s unofficial mascots

“Swans were reported to be on the city’s lakes as early as 1923.

Most likely, those early swans had been purchased as pets by lakefront residents, who later released them on the lakes. By 1954 the last of these swans and their descendants had died, having fallen prey to people, pet dogs, and/or alligators.

Mrs. Robert Pickardt, a Lakeland resident who had enjoyed the swans and mourned their passing, wrote to Queen Elizabeth of England and inquired about purchasing a pair of swans from the royal flock on the Thames River. A representative of the royal family replied that the Queen would donate a pair of swans to Lakeland if the city would pay the cost of capturing and shipping the swans to the U.S. The money was raised, and two white mute swans were released on Lake Morton on February 9, 1957.

Their descendants continue to grace Lake Morton and other lakes throughout the city.”

Source: The Lakeland Public Library Special Collections

106 THE LAKELANDER

Then Mayor of Lakeland, E.W. Bowen

SOMETHING

WONDERFUL

IS HAPPENING

1324 LAKELAND HILLS BOULEVARD | LAKELAND, FL 33805 LRMC.COM

|

facebook.com/LakelandRegional

THE LAKELANDER 107

NOW WE’RE

cooking!

YO U R P U B L I X A P R O N S CO O K I N G S C H O O L I S N O W O P E N AT T H E P U B L I X AT L A K E M I R I A M S Q U A R E I N L A K E L A N D.

We have cooking classes for every age group and every skill level. You’ll love cooking with us—our demo-style classes let you follow along with recipes, taste all the dishes, and ask questions of the chef/instructor. Hands-on classes let you learn new skills and taste the results under a chef/instructor’s supervision.

There’s a whole world of cuisines to try, plenty of techniques to learn, and lots of delicious foods to enjoy. Plus, you can meet and learn from your favorite celebrity chefs from television and cookbooks.

Whatever classes you choose, for parties, kids, or just for an afternoon or evening of fun, you’ll love cooking up something special with us at your new Publix Aprons Cooking School in Lakeland. So hurry and check us out online at publix.com/cookingschools where you can get all the details, sign up for your favorite classes, and pay—all in one place! Don’t miss a bite of fun!

P U B L I X AT L A K E M I R I A M S Q U A R E

4730 S Florida Ave, Lakeland • 863-647-4127