WH - May 2017

MAY/JUN 2017

Winter Haven’s City Magazine

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE / SOW & GROW / FLORIDA SUMMER STYLE COOKING UP A REVOLUTION / TASTES OF THE SHORE

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WE CAN HELP....BEFORE IT’S GONE.

MAY/JUN 2017

40 ON THE COVER World-renowned flying trapeze performer Tony Steele joined the circus at age 15. With a well of rich performing experiences, this artist continues to teach others to fly in his own back yard. cover photo by Dan Austin

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Locations Locations

Physicians and Providers

At Bond Clinic, we are committed to providing Polk County and the surrounding region with quality medical professionals.

Main Campus 500 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191

Cardiology Bhatia, Karan K., MD Cosme, Octavio, MD Mustafa, Muhammad, MD

Downtown Campus Downtown Winter Haven 199 Ave B. N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-293-1191

Endocrinology & Diabetes Miller, Christopher, MD Family Medicine Arana, Flavio R., MD Arango, Cecilia, MD

East Campus Off of Cypress Gardens Blvd. across from Legoland 3000 Woodmont Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33884 863-293-1191

Hospitalists Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Redlien, Parker, MD Paul, Nisha, MD

Ophthalmology Adjacent to the Main Campus 506 Ave A S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191 ext. 3459

Internal Medicine Farrell, Cathy, MD Lakhani, Sonali, MD Lopez, Christopher, MD Prieto, Jose, DO

Pediatrics Adjacent to the Main Campus 45 Lake Elbert Drive S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-293-1191 ext. 3633

Shamim, Talha, MD Tan, Joseph, MD

Rentas, Evelyn, MD Reyes, Pamela, MD Rivera, Juan R., MD Torres, Jorge, MD

Nurse Practitioners

Bridges,Charla, Stephanie, ARNP Bailey, ARNP Calderon,Stephanie, Amelia, ARNP Bridges, ARNP Carbone, Carrie, Calderon, Amelia,ARNP ARNP Cassady, Stephanie, ARNP Carbone, Carrie, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Cassady, Stephanie, ARNP Davidson, KC, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Jones, Courtney, CPNP Davidson, KC,ARNP ARNP Jones, Lorrie, Jones, Courtney, CPNP Krieger, Kelly, ARNP Jones, ARNP Lewis, Lorrie, Jami, ARNP Linn-Gettel, ARNP Krieger, Kelly,Jean, ARNP Miller, Christina, ARNP Miller, Jami, Emily, ARNP Lewis, ARNP Miller, ARNP Moore, Emily, Vicki Jean, C., ARNP Linn-Gettel, ARNP

401 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-299-9100 4900 Sun N Lake Blvd.#1 Sebring, FL 33872 863-385-5506 Located in the Orange Grove Plaza 1342 S.R. 60 East Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-679-1552

By Appointment Only

Obstetrics & Gynecology Gabriel, Carlos I., MD Gatto, Vincent W., MD

Oncology & Hematology Hlalah, O. Abu, MD Ophthalmology Ort, Michael G., MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Lerner, Robert K., MD Morin, Paul M., MD Pain Medicine - Interventional Eldeeb, Mohammad A., MD Pediatrics Nguyen, Kenny, MD Physical Therapy Balogh, Jeremy S., DPT Physicians Assistant Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Podiatry & Foot Surgery Englert, Christopher, DPM Feldman, Marc, DPM Pulmonology Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Rheumatology Pancorbo,G. Roberto MD Clement, Bruce, E. MD

Neurology Rajguru, Shailesh, DO

Marc Feldman, DPM / Podiatry & Foot Surgery

Now Accepting New Patients

Koilpillai, Robinson, MD Magno, Alexander S., MD

Nephrology Hou, Jeffrey Peng, MD McClendon, Michele L., DO Sallman, Alan L., MD

Davenport Campus In Cypress Physicians Building at Heart of Florida 40124 US Hwy 27, Suite 102 Davenport, FL 33837 863-293-1191 ext. 4020

4730 Exploration Ave. Lakeland, FL 33812

By Appointment Only

Vigoreaux, Jose R., MD Willard, E.H., MD

General Surgery & Surgical Oncology Gambaro, Esteban, MD Thomas, Robert S., MD

Miller, Emily, ARNP Moore, Vicki C., ARNP Moore, Vicki C.,ARNP ARNP Pickard, Martha, Pickard, Martha, ARNP Rampersad, Michelle, ARNP Rampersad, Ray, Brandi, Michelle, ARNP ARNP Ray, Brandi, ARNP Reed, Deloris, ARNP Reed, Deloris, Ritter, Cynthia,ARNP ARNP Ritter, Cynthia, ARNP Rivera, Ruby A., ARNP Rivera, Ruby, ARNP Skukowski, Bobbie, ARNP Skukowski, Bobbie, ARNP Torres, Heather, CPNP Torres, Heather, CPNP Valadez, Jenifer, NP-C Valadez, Jenifer, NP-C White, Samantha, ARNP White, Samantha, ARNP Widner, Linda G., G.,ARNP ARNP Widner, Linda Wilkerson, Deborah, ARNP Kenaan, Jana, MD Salamon, Eva J., MD

Sleep Medicine Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Thoracic Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Urology & Urologic Surgery Lee, Kevin, MD Romero, Claudio, MD Vascular Surgery Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD Wound Care Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, MD

2017 LAKELAND TROPICS SCHEDULE

Bond Clinic Welcomes 7:35PM KICK-OFF @ BRYANT STADIUM

JUNE 3rd: VS TAMPA BAY ROWDIES U23 JUNE 10th: VS WESTON FC

Christopher Englert, DPM, DABFS JUNE 24th: VS FC MIAMI CITY Board Certified - Podiatrist

JULY 1st: VS SIMA

Call today to scheduleJULY your 9th:appointment!

VS IMG ACADEMY

863-293-1191

www.BondClinic.com

TIX: 863-240-0101 or LAKELANDTROPICS.COM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

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40

TASTE

PHILANTHROPY

PEOPLE

Serving a heaping helping of innovation in education

They’ve flown their way through the air across the nation, across the globe, and now in their very own back yard

TASTES OF THE SHORE Breezy summer meals

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COOKING UP A REVOLUTION

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

Inspire others.

Eighty-seven years of experience, but unlike any bank you’ve seen.

As a business owner, you may need help clarifying your vision for reaching new heights with your business. We’re here to guide you, stay engaged, and partner with you on the next level of your journey. Wauchula State Bank’s new Business Lounge stands at the forefront as a model in creating a contemporary, innovative banking experience.

Wauchula State Bank has served the Florida Heartland since 1929 as a family-owned, locally-managed, community bank offering cutting-edge services and technology assisted by a qualified banker, your true local partner.

Follow your inspiration. We can help.

347 W Central Ave 863-733-7010 www.wauchulastatebank.com Winter Haven - Central Park Downtown

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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STYLE

CULTURE

We're quite intent about that laid-back look

Sow Exotic brings the tropics and all its holistic benefits right to you

THIS IS FLORIDA AND WE'RE SERIOUS ABOUT SUMMER

SOW & GROW

DEPARTMENTS 12

EDITOR’S NOTE

14 CONTRIBUTOR BIOS 16 PHOTOGRAPHER BIOS 20

78 EVENTS

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80 OPENINGS

SHELTER

COMING HOME AGAIN The home of interior designer Meg Thornton

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82 HISTORY

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in Anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street , S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 5 Ryant Blvd.

Sebring, FL 33870 863.471.9700

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs • Brandon Patterson

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Brandon Patterson

Kristin Crosby

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson Brandon Patterson, Jason Jacobs, Nathan Patterson

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

COPY EDITOR

Daniel Barceló, Austyn Harben, Cassie Jacoby, Christian Lee, Katie Worthington Laura Burke

Creative DESIGNER

EVERY FEATURE. EVERY PHOTO. EVERYWHERE.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

VP, FINANCE INTERNS

Anushka van Huyssteen Dan Austin, Tina Sargeant, Monica Winters Deb Patterson Nicole Curtis, Christine Tran

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Ted W. Weeks IV

Published by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, LLC WH is published bimonthly by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. WH is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • www.thewhmag.com

Read WH online and on your tablet at issuu.com/whmag

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Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “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

We do more than sell printers and copiers.

We provide clients with a customized business approach, supply them with the best products to fit their needs and offer support throughout the way.

Boring Business Systems (863) 686-3167 | boring.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

SUMMER IS FOR KIDS...

At least that’s what it can feel like for some of us when we get beyond the joys of a school schedule, step into a day job, or are coordinating the vacations of kids for the months to come.

Gone are the days of ripping up your last assignments and textbooks to shreds, to fill up the school hallways on the last day, throw on your swimsuit and lounge from the pool, to the TV (maybe to the kitchen when Mom’s cooking) and back to the pool again. But, really, who gets lazy summers anymore? Hello, bills, deadlines, and the ominous expectations of others — when supposed summer vacations and family visits inevitably, at times, feel like a hosted hostage.

Summers feel slimmer with each new year.

Granted, even full-time working students are rapidly learning to hold onto summer as lightly as the rest of us. Recently at a coffee shop, I overheard a conversation of two seeminglycollege students catching up after the recent end of a school year. (Often the most fascinating of conversations to accidentally overhear happen in coffee shops.) The one bronzed girl, with her long boho braid and overall chill vibe enthusiastically asked the rather stark, fairly

Kristin Crosby, Editor

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pale (considering her lifeguard apparel) redunintended-bed-headed girl, “So how’s your summer been?!” Working against her frown, the redhead begrudgingly spit out, “What summer??” Answering again, with almost more of a realization, “There is no summer. I have work, summer school …” and proceeded to list her non-summer agenda. It seemed obvious this wouldn’t be the last technical summer for either girl, enjoyed baking in the sun or not. And it made me want to reach out to the abrasive redhead and reassure her, “Oh yes, it, in fact, is summer. And, I think you could use a little sun.” It’s funny how our often narrow view of what free time we actually can manage is often skewed by some need to be busy, burdened, and ever-overwhelmed.

Yes, summers may not be what they used to be. Yes, you may have a full-time job, kids to run after, a mortgage to pay, maybe even traffic fines threatening to steal you of any upcoming joy of a vacation, staycation, what-have-you bliss. Though compared to how many countries approach relaxing and vacating life, Americans may not always be aware of this: but summer is for adults too.

HERE COMES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Grove Roots Brewing Company

LLC

LIVE. WORK. PLAY.

863-299-1195 56 FOURTH STREET, NW 2ND FLOOR WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881

WWW.SIXTENLLC.COM North Arcade

Tree Swallow Gallery

CONTRIBUTORS

KRISTIN CROSBY TASTE

DANIEL BARCELÓ STYLE

AUSTYN HARBEN CULTURE

Originally from the North, Kristin Crosby first came to Lakeland to study at Southeastern University. Prior to Patterson Publishing, she worked at Relevant Magazine and as a grant writer for the nonprofit organization LifeNet International, and previous contributor at LifeZette.com, an American news and opinion site based in Washington D.C. As editor, Kristin endeavors to uncover and give voice to the untold stories of this city. kristincrosby.com.

Daniel Barceló is a multidisciplinary creative professional leading the design and photography teams as creative director. He endeavors to grow the magazine’s brand and influence as it continues to empower and inspire creatives and the community at large.

Austyn Harben is a Winter Haven native who moved away thinking she’d never return but found her way back home again after realizing there’s no better comfort than being surrounded by family and friends. When she isn’t searching for sharks’ teeth on the coast or hiking the Florida Trail with her son and husband, you can find her in the marketing department at the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens. She can’t imagine herself anywhere else. She lives by the musing if you do what you love and believe in, success will come naturally.

CASSIE JACOBY PEOPLE PHILANTHROPY

A born storyteller, Cassie Jacoby grew up in Winter Haven.

She was a reporter for Winter Haven High School's newspaper and later majored in journalism at the University of Florida.

A TV documentary producer, radio air personality, news reporter, and talk show host across the nation, Cassie later served as Bok Tower Gardens communications director for six years. She returned to news reporting, along with her blog and children’s book, The Adventures of Maggie Mae, and spends her spare time with her four-year-old fur baby .

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KATIE WORTHINGTON METRO

Katie Worthington is president/ CEO of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.

She is an arts and theatre nerd, dog-loving, cycling, running, outdoor fanatic who gets quite the thrill from civic engagement and placemaking. Her favorite quote: “To love one’s city and have a part in its advancement and improvement is the highest honor and duty of a citizen.”

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

DAN AUSTIN

MONICA WINTERS

TINA SARGEANT

Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of his subject with a detailed attention to lighting.

Through this, Dan achieves a unique and well-thought-out aesthetic that can be seen in his images. danaustinphotography.com

Monica Winters is a restless and roaming photographer from the suburbs of Chicago currently studying graphic design at Southeastern University. In the past three years she has been the official photographer of Southeastern’s student magazine and head digital marketer for its exciting and well-populated chapels. Driven by the spirit of adventure, she aims to capture life around her through balance, light, and movement. moniwinters.com

Tina Sargeant has been professionally capturing the moments, events, and people of our region for many years.

Her photography is driven by the ability to suspend time and create emotion, and her work embodies a passion for anthropology — people, culture, and stories. sargeantstudios.com

I am for the child Every day children are reported abused and neglected. Many of these children are eventually placed into the foster care system, which can be a confusing and emotionally troubling experience for a child who feels he or she has no one to turn to - no one to trust.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is helping to make a positive impact in the lives of these children by training volunteers to become a voice, mentor and friend. There is an urgent need for volunteers to make sure abused and neglected children in our community have a strong advocate at their side.

No experience is needed as special training and mentoring is provided.

There are still hundreds of children waiting for a caring adult to show compassion and be an encourager while representing their best interest.

TOGETHER, WE CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE.

CONTACT DIANE SCHMELZ 863-534-2547 www.BecomeAGuardian.com

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EMBRACE THE

UPSIDE OF RISK

With the help of local advisors and comprehensive insurance programs, you can explore the upside of your risk and turn problems into possibilities.

lanierupshaw.com • (863) 686-2113

Welcome to the family, Platinum Bank customers.

DALE DREYER Regional President/Central Florida MIKE COMPTON Senior Vice President/Winter Haven Area Executive 18

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Platinum Bank is now CenterState and we’re excited to be able to serve you better than ever. Welcome, Platinum Bank customers and to those considering a local-decisions, community-focused bank, we invite you to come see what we’re all about.

CORE VALUES: Local Market Driven Long Term Horizon World Class Service Relationship Banking Faith & Family 1

1

Winter Haven Branch: 1101 First St. South | Winter Haven, FL 33880 | 863-291-3900

1

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CenterStateBank.com

METRO

"Let's face it, world peace starts at home.”

THE POWER OF ONE Written by Katie Worthington, president/CEO of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce You hear it said, “One person can only do so much.” I would counter that argument. One person CAN do so much.

The pages of WH highlight individuals that are making a difference in the Winter Haven community. Some of it is through business, some of it through philanthropy. It may not be world peace, but let’s face it, world peace starts at home. One neighbor helping neighbor, one random act of kindness, one pay-it-forward moment at a time.

In this issue you’ll read about the Winter Haven Public Education Partnership (or PEP).

This nonprofit literally came about six years ago from the initiative of one individual standing up to say we must, as a community, be accountable for the education of all our children. By bringing together people who agreed and had the power to make changes, they examined the state of Winter Haven schools and worked closely with principals,

large corporations, but many times, they are one person, starting something new, working very hard, and pushing their way through the noise to be a disrupter (in a positive way) that makes us think about ourselves, our way of life, or our community’s possibilities in a different way.

The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has identified five brand pillars for our community that we believe are unique identifiers that make up the fabric of our brand, our essence, and our identity: lakeside lifestyle, world-class attractions for families, a truly collaborative pro-business environment, vibrant downtown revitalization, and the most important pillar of all — our people. One could argue that there are cities around the country that have all these things, but I would counter not in the same way we do.

Because when one person stands up to make a difference, we rally, out of a purely genuine desire to see others, and in turn us all, succeed.

GRAM PARSONS DERRY DOWN

TOAST OF THE TOWN

Young Musician Series

15th Annual Guest Bartender Bash

A city-wide favorite, join the Young Musician series this June for a month full of local, up-and-coming bands and artists. Featuring the band DangerMuffin June 10, a collective performance June 17 with The Blue Angles Band, Caroline Jarrett, Liam Moraczewski, Aurora Walker, The Young Kings Band, Jonathan Harper, and Hannah Corlew, and finishing off the month with Dead 27s, and the Trongone Band June 27.

Raise a glass to the annual Bartender Bash this year on June 8. This Detroit Tigerssponsored event is presented to benefit The Citrus Center Boys and Girls Clubs.

Join to support this great cause for what is sure to be a grand ol' night.

Purchase tickets at gpderrydown.com

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teachers, and the business community to align resources and start effecting change. From an after-school tutoring center in northeast Winter Haven, to the Career Connections program, to the Cambridge Academy at WHHS, and many other efforts, Winter Haven’s educational scene has been impacted. One person. Standing up.

Speaking up. Making a difference by bringing people together.

The same can be said for one person, deciding to take on the risk, go out on a limb, and start a business. The Winter Haven economy is, by an overwhelming percentage, built on the backs of small business, individuals who see a gap and take it upon themselves to fill it with a product or service. Over the years there have been businesses that have opened what we call catalyst businesses.

Its opening changes the future face of business in Winter Haven, causing a domino effect for other business opportunity. Sometimes these are

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5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. , Thursday, June 22, Tanner's Lakeside Tickets are $75

The Arts Visual Arts Strings, Theater, Dance

Lower School STEAM Discovery Zone Outdoor Classroom

Middle School Tech & Design Daily Advisory Program

Upper School Center for Innovation College Advising

Saints Athletics 31 Teams Grades 6-12 State & District Champs

Your Child’s Future Begins Here...

• • • • • • • •

Individualized, project-based learning College preparatory curriculum PreSchool 2 - Grade 12 Growing leaders through innovation and collaboration Weekly Chapel services with student involvement Daily recess & outdoor exploration Proud to be a Leader in Me school World Languages beginning in PreSchool 2 Conveniently located off the Polk Parkway with bus transportation in Lakeland and Winter Haven

allsaintsacademy.com Se ofrece el tour de la escuela en español.

863-293-5980 Legacy of 100% College Acceptance

Enrollment for 2017-2018 Opens March 1

All Saints Academy inspires independent thinkers, principled leaders, and humble learners.

CULTURE COLUMN CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI SHOW Come experience this iconic Winter Haven tradition. Concessions available, free for the community. Bring your lawn chairs.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m., June 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Park 100 Lake Silver Drive

BEATLES TRIBUTE NIGHT Hosted by Vintage Accents and House of Quite A Lot, downtown Winter Haven across from the Central Avenue post office. Drawings for a Beatles giveaway, vendor sales, free refreshments.

5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, June 2 Downtown Winter Haven

MAIN STREET BOURBON & BLUES Join Main Street Winter Haven as it celebrates 22 years of downtown revitalization through historic preservation with a night of live blues, a bourbon tasting, craft beer, wine, and great food at the Gram Parsons Derry Down. Live musicians include Mickenzie Peisher, Kat & Dawgs, The Blue Roosters, and the Rusty Wright Band. Tickets are $60 each, with a signature mocktail included.

6 p.m., Thursday, June 1 Downtown Winter Haven

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE Fathers and their daughters are invited to come spend some quality time at this Beauty and the Beast themed event 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 10 Chain O’ Lakes Complex - Poolside Room

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PHOTO PROVIDED Winter Haven native Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, with wife and design firm partner Angela Brooks, rub elbows with former first lady Michelle Obama at the American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture April 27 in Orlando.

LARRY SCARPA WINS NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARDS Congratulations to Winter Haven native Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, for winning two national architecture awards at the American Institute of Architects Conference April 27 in Orlando. Along with Angela Brooks, his wife and partner in their design firm, Brooks+Scarpa, Larry hosted a celebration with his mentor, Gene Leedy, and family members including his brother Glenn and sister-in- law Ashley Scarpa, owners of the popular Lakeland restaurant, Scarpa’s Italian.

Larry, co-founder of the Affordable Design

Leadership Institute, won the Collaborative Achievement Award that recognizes and encourages distinguished achievements of allied professionals, clients, organizations, architect teams, knowledge communities, and others who have had a beneficial influence on or advanced the architectural profession.

With offices in Los Angeles, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, Larry’s firm also won the Honor Award for Architecture for their work on The Six, a 52-unit Leed Platinum affordable housing and support services building for disabled veterans in Los Angeles.

OUT OF THIS WORLD ART Funky, fun, and far out describes Outer Space Art Gallery and Studio next to Grove Roots in Winter Haven. Deland artist Stacia Hollmann’s new exhibit, “Home: A Pastoral Perspective,” runs through June 22.

“I first met Stacia at the Winter Park art festival this past March and instantly fell in love with her work,” says Trent Manning, Outer Space artist-in-residence, curator, and gallery manager. “She uses photography and encaustic with oil accents to create quiet images that transcend time and context, often using vintage details to tell a timeless tale.”

In addition to avant garde exhibits, free healing art classes are given to veterans and

their families from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Monday.

A joint project of Arts Ensemble Education Foundation, Polk State College, Polk Museum of Art, and Six/Ten Corporation, Outer Space offers a place for artists, art students, and professionals to use the space as a working studio. Check out Hollmann’s artwork at staciahollmann.com.

Outer Space is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment only, at 230 Ave. C SW in downtown Winter Haven.

Visit facebook.com/OuterSpaceFL for more information.

At The Twisted Teapot, we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable afternoon tea experience with quality food and exceptional service. Here, the customer comes first; whether it's catering to a special need or delivering a truly unforgettable experience for a special occasion. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us or stop by!

OPEN TUES-SAT 11AM- 3PM Reservations are highly recommended

863.299.5000 200 1ST ST. SOUTH, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880

twistedteapot.com

www.facebook.com/ TwistedTeapotWH

TASTE

{ TASTES } of the

Shore

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As the heated summer months approach, few things are quite as necessary as moments by the water. Breezy, seafearing meals to relish by the water, that is. Get a taste of Harborside, where your dining experience will entail just that.

BY KRISTIN CROSBY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA SARGEANT STYLING BY DANIEL BARCELÓ

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FRESH OYSTERS

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{

}

Served raw with cocktail sauces and horseradish or lightly steamed with drawn butter

long this quiet waterfront, soft rifts of water send out an easy, cool breeze. The kind that make you pause, inhale a nice, deep breath, and prepare to enjoy a few moments away from it all. Couples walk alongside the still-wooden harbor. Kids sit, lined up on the dock of the bay as the tide rolls in, dipping their toes in the cool water. Several boats drift along the ripples of orange-infused sunlit bay along the lake. Full of guests feasting on crab legs sits a lakeside restaurant and fish fare as a gathering crowd patiently waits outside to make their way into this casual, inviting seafood grill and bar.

With a coastal scenic view, at a glance briefly reminiscent of a New England oceanside, the restaurant serves up its fresh fare of seafood, steak, and oysters with a bit of everything in between.

Though it hones in on flavors from the sea, which most its faithful following

An American bar and grill, this waterside restaurant serves up an array of classic and current spins on traditional seafood tastes.

A

flock to it for, it no doubt carries a bit of enough tastes for any picky eater who may arrive.

From raw oysters to fried pickles, Harborside’s classic seafood menu offers a variety of oceanside-worthy mainstays and plenty of hearty American bar staples, serving light to hearty entrees centered on the classic fresh fish and seafood staples one seeks out a fishhouse for.

Harborside’s starters include an array of sea-central concoctions as well as classic appetizers. Serving Sea Skins, a shrimp and crab spin on loaded potato skins, to Banging Fried Shrimp and Fried Pickles, the usual Atlantic Ocean suspects will also be found. Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell, Peel & Eat Shrimp and Pan-Roasted Clams are just a few of the anchor tastes that keep a long line waiting. Entrees highlight fresh fish of day and their trusty Hand Held items, such as the Southern Fried Shrimp Wrap and the always-dependable Grouper Sandwich with Florida Key-Lime and Dill Tartar Sauce.

While packed like a can of sardines, this large lakeside restaurant draws much of its local and out-of-town crowd no doubt for such fresh and simple seafood selections. Butchered in house, each of this bar and grill’s entree fish plates serve a hearty eight- to nine-ounce portion for each offering, so you will be sure to leave this Harborside with a satiated appetite.

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LOBSTER ROLL

{

}

Hearty pieces of lobster mixed in with a creamy in-house mayonnaise, celery, and chopped dill, served in a New England-style split-top hot dog bun

Harborside's back patio seating, highly recomended at dusk for a sunset view, reflecting off the water

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BONE-IN RIBEYE

{

Simply seasoned with a little salt, pepper, best served with a classic baked potato

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}

W I T H A C O A S TA L S C E N I C V I E W, A T A G L A N C E B R I E F LY REMINISCENT OF A NEW ENGLAND OCEANSIDE, THIS R E S TA U R A N T H O N E S I N O N T H E F L AV O R S OF THE SEA. FRIED SAMPLER

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Juicy shrimp, scallops, and whitefish fillet are served with homemade chips, cocktail sauce, and classic tartar sauce

The new waiting room.

Online check-in for urgent care is now available – so you can choose where you wait.

Being sick is hard enough. So we’re making it a little easier to get well, with online check-in for Urgent Care. The next time you experience an illness or injury, visit our website, answer a few quick questions, and pick a time that’s convenient for you. We’ll save your spot in line, before you arrive. It’s that easy. Check in at CypressWalkin.com

7375 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33884 Because our Urgent Care staff must treat patients based on the severity of illness or injury, your time is not guaranteed. We will see you as close to your designated time as possible. If your symptoms worsen or you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible. • Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

LOBSTER & SALMON

}

Fried, tossed in a creamy spicy sauce

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{

BANGING FRIED SHRIMP

{

}

For the indecisive eater or seafood newbie, you really can’t go wrong with a delicate piece of pink salmon and the tender tail of a lobster. This dish just may most fully hold the true tastes of a Harborside experience.

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PHILANTHROPY

S

Start with a bed of leafy greens. Add black beans and garbanzos.

Toss with tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and dressing. Top with cashews and walnuts, and, voila! The harvest grown by students is more than a delicious, healthy salad. It’s a recipe for success in education. And this is PEP Up Education’s recipe.

Audrey Nettlow is serving a heaping helping of innovation in education.

Kids hungry for knowledge who find it difficult to learn when their stomachs are growling get a helping hand from the volunteer executive director of the Winter Haven Public Education Partnership at the After School Tutoring and Enrichment Center in Florence Villa.

“Even though the kids aren’t used to eating a salad made with arugula, kale, collards, and other dark greens, they love it and own it because they grew it themselves,” says Nettlow, who credits volunteer Phoebe O’Neill for creating

the Healthy Eating Program a year ago.

“It’s a sneaky learning tool that increases their vocabulary. They learn the names of different nuts and why fat in nuts is good for them. It’s very rewarding.”

Reading the label on a carton of chocolate milk sparked the light bulb moment when O’Neill, an All Saints Academy senior who grew up being taught that you are what you eat, suggested replacing prepackaged snacks with healthy foods.

“The snacks weren’t balanced to give kids the nutrients they need to help their brains develop so they can be successful as students. One carton of chocolate milk

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has 22 grams of sugar, and a prepackaged slice of banana bread has 30 grams. A kid should not have that much sugar in one snack. I saw that as something we could change. I’m really grateful that I grew up in a home where we ate lots of fruits and vegetables and I gained an appreciation for healthy foods. Not all kids are that lucky,” says O’Neill.

As O’Neill tears up lettuce in the center’s newly renovated kitchen, Nettlow sings her praises. “Not only did she raise nearly $9,000 in a letter-writing campaign last summer, but this 18-year-old orchestrated a fundraiser with food, music, games, and a silent auction that took place on April 6th at Outback Oasis. I turned it all over to her and she ran with it.”

“We served our most popular ‘kid tried and approved’ snacks,” says O'Neill, who is writing a cookbook with recipes for smoothies, black bean salad, quinoa chips, and other snacks. “I fell in love with volunteering and the kids.

They’re easy to love. Plus, I learned how to cook, and the recipes helped me eat healthier and be more conscious of a plant-based diet.”

The event was designed to share the experience of what it’s like to be a student at the center, with games including: Do You Know Your Nuts? and Can You Do Fifth-Grade Math?

“People may have come to see the two pet kangaroos, Joey and Auzzie, but we hope they left with a better appreciation of what PEP is all about,” says O’Neill, whose goal was to raise enough money to ensure the future of the program when she attends New York University this fall.

Many of Nettlow’s friends, including Peterson & Myers attorney Doug Lockwood, Polk State President Dr. Eileen Holden, and Nat West, former Winter Haven Hospital vice president, were members of the Educational Outcomes Steering Committee that founded the nonprofit organization to ensure that Winter Haven’s schools are unequaled in quality, relevance, and student performance.

“I was looking and praying for what I was supposed to

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“Having qualified teachers in the classroom who want to be there is probably our number-one challenge.”

— Audrey Nettlow

Nettlow is concerned about the county’s teacher shortage of 600 positions unfilled this year and estimated to be 1,000 this fall.

do when I sent my last daughter off to college,” says Nettlow when encouraged to join the PEP team in 2010. “I feel really strongly about education. That’s my heart. My kids had every opportunity.

Now I get to work with kids that are shooting for Harvard and kids that don’t have many opportunities. I knew I loved working with little kids, but didn’t realize how much I would love working with teenagers.”

The first center opened at 203 Ave. R, NE in March 2014. From 30 to 50 students who attend Title-1 schools and live below the poverty line come to the center from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday. Tutors and mentors offer help with homework; celebrity guests and authors attend quarterly parties; students receive free books and improve reading skills through Reading Pals and Relax and Read; they enjoy playing popular games like Pie Face; win a raffle for a ham or turkey; learn how to grow a green thumb

in the garden run by Beverly Butler; and eat healthy snacks they grew themselves.

PEP also offers Career Connection that matches hundreds of high school students with people working in a career that interests them.

“Some days it feels like a drop in the bucket that’s leaking and some days you have big wins,” confesses Nettlow, who earned a B.S. degree in food science and nutrition from the University of Florida.

“Our goal is to open a center in every neighborhood that has this need.” She plans to serve healthy snacks in schools and PEP centers in Wahneta and Inwood. “We are building a successful prototype that can be duplicated through collaborative efforts.”

O’Neill started volunteering with her school art club’s sidewalk chalk art project when she was 16. “It’s the little things that really make a difference when you see kids improve and become more open to eating a salad,” she says. “The more you engage them in the process,

the more excited they are to participate and try new things. The first time, they’re like, ‘Ew, gross!’ Now they’re excited about eating a green salad because they took one bite and realized it’s not poisonous.”

A catalyst behind the Cambridge International School at Winter Haven High School, Nettlow is excited about the success of the program internationally recognized by colleges and universities around the globe. “We’re giving 900 tests the next month and a half, and there’s a waiting list for enrollment. Students also have the option of choosing AP and dual enrollment courses at Polk State College with this flexible advanced curriculum program.”

If Nettlow could wave a magic wand, her wish would be to attract more teachers by increasing salaries, especially Cambridge coordinator Nikki Jordan, paid as a WHHS math teacher. “Others working at her level receive the salary of an assistant principal,” she says.

“Having qualified teachers in the classroom who want to be there is probably our number-one challenge,” she adds, concerned about the county’s teacher shortage of 600 positions unfilled this year and estimated to be 1,000 this fall.

Another of her goals is to shine a light on the “30 million word gap.”

Called “The Early Catastrophe,” the 1960s War on Poverty study revealed how children from professional families hear 30 million more words by age three than children born in poverty. “It’s almost impossible for them to catch up.”

“My fondest wish is to encourage people to do just one small thing for teachers. Buy a gift card for a teacher

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incentive; volunteer for a lunch for teachers; spend an hour reading to a class once a week. It doesn’t have to be big. If you help a teacher, you help a student.”

Named Winter Haven High School’s Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and the Banker’s Cup Woman of the Year in 2015, Nettlow is a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer, serves as a director on the boards of Heart 4 Winter Haven and Winter Haven Montessori, and provides paddleboards for Special Olympics in partnership with her former company, Paddleboard Winter Haven.

“I’ve learned so much from her,” O’Neill states. “She leads by example and is just a giving person who is so positive and never utters a bad word about anything. She’s so humble and never seeks nor accepts praise or applause.”

Taking a cue from Nettlow, O’Neill applauds her fellow volunteers: sisters Chantel, Chelsey, and Dionne Ross, and their brother, Keyshawn. “I get a lot of attention for the healthy snacks, but they do much more. The dedication they show is phenomenal. They’re here every day and deserve to have a light shine on them,” says O’Neill. “[Nettlow] believes that everything she does on this earth should be in service to others and to God," says Katie Worthington, Great Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. Nat West, who donated 23 dulcimers to Inwood Elementary School students when PEP noted a lack of music education in schools, says that Nettlow “is fulfilling our vision to make Winter Haven’s public school system the ‘hallmark’ of education in the nation.”

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whpep.org & facebook.com/winterhavenpep

call

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PEOPLE

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W R IT T E N B Y C AS S I E JAC O B Y P H OT O GR AP H Y B Y DAN AU S T I N

They’ve flown their way through the air across the nation, across the globe, and now their backyard trapeze. Visit with these three traveling trapeze artists, who have in recent years created The Circus Arts Place. The Greatest Show on Earth may be retiring this year, but this act has plenty more circus days ahead.

I

t’s uncanny how the timeline for these living legends intertwines.

In 1987 at just 16, Paula Blackwelder learned the art of trapeze from her first coach, John Zimmerman.

Earlier, in 1959, acrobat performer Tony Steele was drafted by the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany, just two doors down from Paula’s parents. In 1996, Tony’s beloved wife of 38 years, Lily, lost her battle with cancer.

Fast-forward to 2005: Still distraught over Lily’s death, Tony came to visit John for a few days and never left.

In 2011, Paula rekindled her friendship with John through a newspaper article she wrote featuring her first coach. It was at that time Paula finally met her parents’ friend Tony and quickly discovered how much they had in common. Though 20 years apart, both flew with many of the same people in performances past.

In 2014, Paula and Tony co-authored Tony’s memoir, From Gazoonie to Greatness. That same year, Paula and John, both now single and in love, were wed by Tony, their ceremony set within the netting of their very own backyard trapeze.

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Just as their paths crossed through time, Paula, John, and Tony believe in taking giant leaps of faith on and off the trapeze to ensure their bucket lists of dreams will come true.

JOHN’S DEATH-DEFYING ACTS Flying helicopters, flying trapeze, and performing death-defying stunts in film and national television are big dreams that became reality for John.

Drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in Viet Nam, John trained in helicopter maintenance and served as a door gunner firing M60 machine guns on Bell Huey helicopters. His childhood dream to become a helicopter pilot came true after graduating with honors from officer flight training.

When his tour in Viet Nam was over, he transitioned from a Huey to Jet Ranger and Cobra Attack helicopters while serving three years at Fort Hood, Texas, home of the 1st Cavalry Division, one of the Army’s most decorated combat divisions.

In 1976, John began his second career as a trapeze flyer at the Ringling Circus World theme park north of Haines City, which closed in 1986. After Circus World, John worked for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey traveling shows, living

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Pictures from performances past fill the home, from Barnum & Bailey, The Ringling Bros., and Epcot's Daredevil Circus Spectacular show.

A remnant in the home of the performers show that their heart of circus life still lives on .

on the circus train and traveling the United States. He performed with some of the greatest flying trapeze artists in history, as a trapeze catcher. John played both catcher and flyer in various trapeze acts, which is very rare.

John was entered in the 1982 Guinness Book of World Records as the catcher on the first triple-twisting double layout. Last September in Las Vegas, he was inducted into the World Acrobatic Society Hall of Fame as a “Legend.”

Act three for John is a career to die for, literally. As a stuntman for the past 20 years, John has performed about 75 death acts in film roles. “The movie business is the most dangerous of all my careers because audiences keep expecting bigger and better stunts,” he says. His 132 movie and television credits include a role as a Revolutionary soldier fighting side-byside with Mel Gibson and 500 reenactors in The Patriot.

In between movie gigs, John enjoys teaching stunts and flying trapeze. “I like to give back to the young people who are really interested in learning the business.”

Even though John has been trying to retire for two years, stuntmen he helped who are now award-winning movie directors keep offering him lucrative

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stunt and rigging jobs. “I turn down more jobs than I take, but one friend gave me three weeks of work on Ghostbusters II as a retirement gift. They trust me, and I’m known for telling hilarious stories about the old guys who were famous Hollywood stuntmen.

“God blessed me with a very adventurous life,” says John about the three careers, which he calls “unbelievable.”

“Most people wouldn’t believe me if I told them about one of my careers.”

In addition to trapeze and making movies, John has long had a passion for growing tomatoes, onions, potatoes, radishes, bell peppers, and herbs. “We eat a lot of salads and home-cooked meals of fish and veggies.”

John’s key to his success is to make a plan and never give up. “Dreams come true if you persist. Success does not happen overnight. It takes years of practice, and once you get the opportunity, you better do the job 110 percent.”

PAULA’S CHILDHOOD DREAMS

Paula Blackwelder, 47, echoes her husband’s advice. “Never give up on your dreams. We’re all proof that they can come true.”

A colorful storage room holds the equipment necessary for the many students attending The Circus Art Place, and for their own artistic practice.

Her fascination with the circus began as a child dreaming of life in the big tent.

“I always wanted to be one of, what I called, ‘those pretty girls up there.’ John was the first one to teach me to fly in 1987. Thanks to him, my dreams came true.”

As a senior in high school, Paula was hired as a dancer for Boardwalk and Baseball, the theme park that replaced Circus World. Her next gig was Epcot’s Daredevil Circus Spectacular show.

Paula credits John for her successful five-year career in live entertainment.

She performed in five amusement parks, two casinos, and traveling shows all over the United States and Circo Atayde in Mexico City.

“The circus is a very tight community,” says Paula, calling the circus her family. “I can count on any one of them for anything.

If they had very little they would still share it with me.”

Her second childhood dream, to be “Dear Abby,” came true when she spent 10 years as a social columnist with five columns a week for three Central Florida newspapers.

Paula’s third career began after publishing a book on how Tony beat the odds that should have beaten him. She

says, “When I blew my knee out and couldn’t walk without assistance, I was angry because it was very inconvenient and not in my plans.” Everyone told her she should write a book about the living legend living next door. “I know God arranged my accident so I would sit long enough to write Tony’s book,” says Paula.

The two sat side-by-side for eight months as Tony recounted the extraordinary things he did to continue his passion. “Tony shares the lessons he learned about how to live life fearlessly and without regrets using your mind, matter, and motivation," says Paula. Designed to be a self-help guide with the subtitle For the Development of Outrageous Goal Graspers, each chapter of From Gazoonie to Greatness ends with questions for personal reflection.

“The book helps you create blueprints to your own dreams and inspires you to spread your own wings,” says Paula, who makes available DVDs of Tony’s world tour and greeting cards of his artwork and photography.

Paula’s new chapter in life is teaching trapeze in her back yard. “The Circus Arts Place is not a school with classes, but a place where people can receive private training to perfect aerial skills.”

Memorabilia from the rich circus-life experiences of these trapeze artists still fill the home today.

“The Circus Arts Place is not a school with classes, but a place where people can receive private training to perfect aerial skills.”

PAULA BLACKWELDER

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(left to right) Trapeze performer and author Paula Blackwelder; renowned flying trapeze artist Tony Steele, previously performing with Barnum & Bailey and The Ringling Bros.; and John Zimmerman

“Success does not happen overnight. It takes years of practice, and once you get the opportunity, you better do the job 110 percent.�

JOHN ZIMMERMAN

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She teaches single trapeze, lyra (round) trapeze; low wire; silks; and web, the oldtime ropes.

“All the girls did web, even girls in concessions,” says Paula. “We were called aerial ballerinas. It was truly the time of my life. Because of John’s training and belief in me, I have had the blessings of experiencing outrageous thrills and travels, and thank God, they continue today.”

TONY STEELE STILL FLIES

Tony was 15 when, with his lunch wrapped up in a road map, he ran away from home to join the circus. He learned to speak five languages during his 50-year career that took him around the world.

In 2002, Tony was inducted as a “Legend” in the World Acrobatic Society Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was inducted in Sarasota’s “Ring of Fame” that honors world-famous circus performers. He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for performing the first threeand-a-half to a catcher. At age 80, he continues to soar to great heights.

"I was told I would never be a flyer, but

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only a decade later I shocked them all with my success," says Tony, who started his career as a “gazoonie,” an old-time slang term for a working man in the circus.

Years after Tony’s wife’s death, John and Paula continue to be a true support.

“John and Paula treat me like a prince,” says Tony, who has no plans to ever leave.

“This is my forever home, whether they want me to stay or not.”

The most sought-after trapeze coach in the nation, Tony was in demand as a guest instructor at circus schools and trapeze camps until he suffered a stroke two years ago and had open-brain surgery. Now students come to his back yard. “I can’t walk very far, but I can fly,” he says.

“I really don’t want to expose my insane life too much, but if this book will help someone — that’s why I did it,” says Tony, whose advice combines his deep faith with his wacky sense of humor.

“Never give up hope. Believe that at any moment outrageous, incredible, and miraculous things can happen to change your life for good. Take the chance and be courageous. And, may all your days be circus days.”

Teaching flying trapeze in their back yard, this team of performers may have retired from the circus scene, but they continue to equip many aspiring trapeze artists.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

visit The Circus Arts Place on Facebook.

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IT'S

more than safe to say summer is here. Ninety degrees by noon and humid evenings will be our reality from now until October. But, as Floridians, we welcome it all with sandals on foot and an icy beverage in hand.

Summer style is by far the best opporunity to infuse some fun, bold pieces into your wardrobe. Refresh your staycation staples with some eyecatching new looks that are still cool and comfortable. Lights and brights are always welcome for poolside relaxation or a much needed beach day. And combining colorful statement pieces with sophisticated nauticalinspired garments creates an ensemble that will take you from a day of lakeside lounging to a casual dinner on a breezy patio.

Don't forget that the right accessories can make all the difference for your summer outfit.

Without the layering that we enjoy in other seasons, summer clothes can feel more simple.

But having the right statement necklace or timeless pair of shades can give your look just enough of the edge it needs.

The time has come to do what we do best — enjoy the best season of the year in the state that made summer iconic. Have some serious fun, but don't take yourself too seriously.

A beach day with friends is great, but this nearly indestructible YETI cooler will be your vaction companion for many summers to come.

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WITH ENDLESS DAYS IN THE SUN, SKIN CARE IS KEY. KEEP IT HYDRATED WITH THIS FRAGRANT AND LUXURIOUS HAND CREAM FROM CAPRI BLUE. $12 • M.Marie Boutique

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bodysuit M.Marie skirt M.Marie sandals Andy Thornal

SMELLING FRESH IS ALWAYS AS IMPORTANT AS LOOKING THE PART. FULTON & ROARK IS MAKING THAT EVEN EASIER WITH THEIR NEW SOLID COLOGNES. ITS HANDSOME METAL PACKAGING IS BOTH CONVENIENT AND TRAVEL-FRIENDLY. $52 • Andy Thornal

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Having this ultaportable Cuisinart grill means you're always ready to play grillmaster.

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FEEL YOUR BEST. LOOK YOUR BEST. INSPIRING SUMMER CONFIDENCE IN YOU.

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CULTURE

[brittany bandi] [jared craig]

Sow & Grow WRITTEN BY AUSTYN HARBEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA WINTERS

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Exotic plants are no longer to merely adorn a living space with potted blossoms. These tropical greens at Sow Exotic offer endless holistic benef its.

The fact that they also happen to be pretty is purely a plus.

E

dible landscaping is a mixture of beauty and utility. Using edibles in landscape design can enhance a garden by providing a unique ornamental component with additional health, aesthetic, and economic benefits. That is exactly what Brittany Bandi and Jared Craig were working towards, a yard that is flavorful, practical, and native. Their goal is to offer the highest quality and most diverse selection of awesome edible plants, with all plants grown right here in Winter Haven.

Owned and operated on their twoacre food forest and homestead, Craig and Bandi run a tropical plant nursery growing rare and exotic fruiting and medicinal plants. Their nursery is also adorned with succulent gardens.

As someone who has been trying to propagate succulents for the past year and continues to fail time and time again, it is refreshing to know I can make an appointment with Sow Exotic and learn how to take care of my plants with one-on-one help.

Homeowners with small or large yards and in all climates can benefit from a trellis of Everglades tomatoes or Malabar spinach, a fragrant border of colorful medicinal basils or culinary lolot, or an exotic and flavorful cranberry hibiscus or two. We can become educated on what to grow, when to grow it successfully, and the steps we can take to building a more sustainable community. The pair have built a business on shipping plants all over the United States, with their largest markets being Florida, Texas, and California. Each plant is shipped

01

common name

[vietnamese pink pomegranate]

Punica granatum The fruit is typically in season in the Northern Hemisphere from September to February, and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May. As intact arils or juice, pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine.

BANDI'S GARDENING INTERESTS C A M E F R O M H E R T R AV E L S A N D T I M E S P E N T I N S O U T H KO R E A , S E E I N G H O W F O O D WA S S O E A S I LY A T T A I N A B L E R I G H T F R O M O N E ' S R O O F T O P.

in coconut fiber pots — a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and 100-percent biodegradable alternative to plastic or peat-based containers.

As native Floridians, Craig and Bandi know the importance of creating a nursery that stays true to its local roots, which is why the Florida cranberry hibiscus, also known as roselle, is a major part of their business.

This low-impact, sustainable plant requires no irrigation or fertilizer once it’s established. The cranberry-flavored foliage and calyxes help to grasp that

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fall feeling, and are a popular addition to any fall or winter holiday treat. (I always make fresh hibiscus and apple hand pies and Florida cranberry jam.)

The Florida Cranberry Alliance, started by Craig and Bandi in 2014, is more education based and encouragers other people, like themselves, who are also growing and selling this fruit to unite. One of the reasons they are drawn to this plant is because of its low-maintenance care and disease resistance. Among the expected greens of the ground-hugging herbs, the

pearl-white hibiscus flowers explode with its coppery-red calyxes. Roselle is also the source of hibiscus herbal tea, which includes relief from high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Sow Exotic sells an abundance of the Florida cranberry hibiscus plants and fruit — which at any one time they can have over a thousand growing — to restaurants, growers, and direct to consumers online. They also offer an option to purchase annual garden plants in addition to those plants. They have donated plants to schools across the

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country, especially throughout Florida. “Whenever someone reaches out about starting a new school garden, we are especially happy to donate the hibiscus,� says Bandi. Each fall, the organization holds a tasting for FCA members and hibiscus-curious gardeners and artisans to share their products and growing information.

Craig is a local Winter Haven resident, while Bandi found her way to Winter Haven in 2014. Neither of

02

them have a traditional agricultural background but have learned the art of it through experimentation.

Craig has been experimenting with growing hard-to-find exotic edible and medicinal plants for years, while Bandi’s gardening interests came from her travels and time spent in South Korea, seeing how food was so easily attainable right from your rooftop, sidewalk, or daily neighborhood markets. Both talked about a dream

common name

[desert rose]

Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, this desert rose was first described as a genus in 1819. Blooming in the spring and summer, this rose has no thorns. Easy to maintain as a household plant, it is best grown in high tempatures. With a size that can be restricted, this adenium is an opulent option for any seeking a tropical or succulent bonsai.

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Cereus repandus 03

common name

[peruvian apple cactus] The ideal season for this South American cacti ranges from spring to fall. Watered more in the summer and less in the fall, with plenty of sunlight these column stems can grow to 3 feet indoors and up to 30 feet outdoors. Cereus, Latin for "torch," alludes to the opulent white flowers that bloom at night from this mutant plant.

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common name

04

[kiwano]

Cucumis metuliferus An annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, the kiwano is often referred to as the African horned cucumber.

With its orange horn-like spines and lime-colored-jelly flesh, it is comparable to a cross of banana, cucumber, and lime in taste. Best used in salads, smoothies, and salsa, or as is, simply enhanced with a little salt or sugar.

of edible landscaping and edible cities and now are already on the path to making that dream a reality. It all started when Craig told Bandi, “One day I would really like to be able to sell plants online.� That night Bandi started building a website, and on the 2016 spring solstice, the company Sow Exotic was born.

Not only are Craig and Bandi successful business growers, but they

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have also succeeded in giving back with a program they developed, Giving Gardens. Being firm believers in the important role school and community gardens play, the co-founders understand that many life skills can be learned from sowing an edible garden, such as bringing youth closer to nature, the importance of community and stewardship, environmental sustainability, and more. It is important

to have a fundamental understanding of where our food comes from. In a society where the large majority of people are conditioned to eating mostly processed foods, Craig and Bandi are working to increase awareness and encourage our community to cook from scratch with fresh ingredients, some of which can be grown in our own back yards and neighborhoods. “Throughout the year we donate

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capsicum annuum

musa

common name

common name

[cayenne pepper]

[apple banana]

Native to southern North America and northern South America, this species comes in a wide range of sizes and heat temperatures, ranging from sweet, to hot, to ornamental..

One of three genera in the Musaceae, including bananas and plaintains, the musa is known for its apple-banana-cross sweetness. Best ripened fully before eating.

S O W E X O T I C I S C R E AT I N G N O T O N LY E D I B L E G A R D E N S , B U T THE KNOWLEDGE TO GROW F O R G E N E R AT I O N S T O C O M E .

SOW EXOTIC 4371 FUSSELL ROAD WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 863.272.9456 The nursery is open by appointment only.

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Florida cranberry hibiscus plants along with other exotic tropical plants to school gardens,� Bandi says. For each plant or product that is purchased through Sow Exotic or through local events, the Giving Gardens program donates a seasonal, edible plant that is needed to help school and community gardens flourish. Working directly with schools, individuals, community centers, and local partnerships, Sow Exotic is creating not only edible gardens, but the knowledge to grow for generations to come.

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SHELTER

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COMING HOME AGAIN Home may be where the heart is, but interior designer Meg Thornton has created a home, a haven both charming and nostalgic, that any heart could easily fall for.

WRIT TEN BY CHRISTIAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TINA SARGEANT

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homas Wolfe famously wrote, “I have to see a thing a thousand times before I see it once.” Our hometown is often just like that. We grow up there but often don’t see it until we’ve been away a while.

Meg Thornton was born and raised in Winter Haven. She attended Winter Haven High School her freshman and sophomore years. After graduating from All Saints Academy she moved to WinstonSalem, North Carolina, where she earned a degree in sociology. Later, Thornton received a BFA in Interior Design from Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta and somehow found the time to live in Connecticut and Washington, D.C., too. She has experienced life outside of the idyllic parks and sparkling waterways of The Chain of Lakes city but always knew where home would ultimately be.

“I knew I’d come back some day,” Thornton told me. “My whole family is here, but I also knew I wanted to try living in other areas. That experience really shaped both my aesthetic and who I am as an adult.

Moving to Winston-Salem was a great midway point between leaving Winter Haven and living alone in a city.” After living in Washington and Connecticut, she found Atlanta, with its rural feel, to be refreshingly Southern.

“People actually smiled at you in the grocery store,” she said. “Everyone was so invested in moving the city forward, which led to some incredible changes in the five years I was there. The range of designs and styles I was exposed to heavily influenced my personal style.”

Thornton compares what is currently going on in Winter Haven to what she experienced in Atlanta. “Winter Haven has changed so much in the last 10 years, it’s hard to grasp the progress it’s made.

The revival of downtown has created an incredible gathering place for people to shop and socialize. It also has opened the door for young entrepreneurs to bring their experiences and interests into the community. Winter Haven is thriving because of that same push to move forward that was happening in Atlanta.”

Thornton moved back to Winter Haven several years ago and now works for Saddle Creek Logistics Services as a marketing coordinator with a primary focus on associate relations. Her grandfather started the business 51 years ago, so, like Winter Haven itself, it’s part of her life and heritage. Thornton grew up listening to her grandfather talk about how incredible the people at Saddle Creek are. “It’s been such a pleasure to discover how right he was,” she recently told me.

Part of moving back to Winter Haven was finding a house in the right neighborhood to make into a home. She wanted to be close to downtown, but the search was more about the house itself. It needed to have character. So did the neighborhood. She had grown up on Lake Howard and wanted a place near the lake. She found the right house near Lake Howard, and across the street from the house in which her mother grew up. Thornton’s mother even found an old photo of herself, Thornton's uncle, and some friends, with the house Thornton bought in the background. “It’s such an incredible treasure. The best part is seeing the newly planted oak tree in the front yard that now provides afternoon shade for the whole house,” Thornton said.

The house she found was in need of some tender loving care. Translation: the house simply needed some renovation to better fit her expectations and lifestyle. She knew whatever house she ended up buying would likely require some work, but since this would be her first project, she didn’t want

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a major restoration. Her house ended up being a good compromise.

I have found that sometimes home buying and decorating can be a sort of kismet experience. And that is exactly what Thornton found. Both the house and the neighborhood are part of her family’s history. The original owner had a bridal luncheon in the house for Thornton’s mother. The navy bookshelves from her grandparents’ nearby house were found as somehow the perfect fit for her living room. Fate definitely has played a role in her home.

Thornton’s inspired design aesthetic is influenced by things she finds, not necessarily by things she needs. “For the most part, I look for things that I love and then find a place for them.” She has a massive 1920s’ drafting table in her living room she found several years ago at an antique show. It may have been too big for previous living areas (“It felt like the world’s biggest piece of furniture”), but it’s the perfect piece for the space now. The sofa in her den was her grandparents’ and,

later, her uncle’s. It is both comfortable and perfect for the location. She hopes to pass it on some day.

The kitchen walls and cabinets received fresh paint, and Thornton installed new countertops, backsplash, and appliances.

She replaced the wallpaper in the downstairs bathroom and gave the space a roomier feel by constructing a glass shower wall. The upstairs master bathroom received a lot of heavy lifting. It was original to the house, and Thornton found it was an inefficient use of space. She rearranged the room and installed a lovely claw-foot bathtub under the window. Double windows in the dining room were replaced by French doors, providing convenient access to the back yard and additional light for the room.

The original front porch was replaced by a larger, more modern one. The interior paint palette consists of a blends of white and blues, creating a relaxed, welcoming feel.

Thornton likes to think of her house as a living thing, always growing and changing.

After moving in, it took a few days of arranging and rearranging, installing

The house has a tailored, chic, artistic look and feel, layered with charm, intrigue, and texture.

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and reinstalling furniture and things to transform the house into her home. One of her transforming possessions is a frame containing the beautiful needlepoint belts her mother made for her grandfather every few years. Each of the five belts represents a part of her grandfather’s life and legacy. Thornton’s grandmother gave the belts to Thornton’s mother who, in turn, framed them and gave them to Thornton for her home. “They are my most treasured possession,” she told me.

The house has a tailored, chic, artistic look and feel, layered with charm, intrigue, and texture. Her hard work, extensive planning, and care are obvious in the beauty of an inviting finished product.

I love her home and her interior design. Renovations are always taxing and require patience and time. When I asked Thornton, “Knowing what you know now about the process, would you do it all over again?” Her reply, “Absolutely.”

Who says you can’t go home again?

Thornton likes to think of her house as a living thing, always growing and changing.

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Bright & Timeless

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EVENTS

RECURRING 2ND FRIDAYS PRAISE IN THE PARK 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

FIRST SATURDAYS CRUISIN’ WINTER HAVEN 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

2ND & 4TH SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN MARKET 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

FOURTH SATURDAYS FAMILY FUN AND FITNESS AT THE FOUNTAIN 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

JUNE JUNE 13 CULTURAL ARTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. mywinterhaven.com/ city-calendars JUNE 12-16 SPCA FLORIDA CRITTER CAMP FOR RISING 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events JUNE 16 ENDEAVOR LUNCH & LEARN: DOWNTOWN HOTEL 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events

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JUNE 17 HEALTH FAIR & COMMUNITY SERVICES 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events JUNE 17 CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI SHOW 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events JUNE 19-23 SPCA FLORIDA CRITTER CAMP FOR RISING 6TH AND 7TH GRADERS 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events JUNE 22 NETWORKING SHOWCASE-WELLCARE 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events JUNE 24 KIWANIS 20TH ANNUAL “SERVING THE CHILDREN” CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. mywinterhaven.com/ city-calendars

JULY JULY 11 PLANNING COMMISSION 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. mywinterhaven.com/ city-calendars JULY 15 CYPRESS GARDENS WATER SKI SHOW 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. web.winterhavenchamber. com/events

AUGUST AUGUST 12 WINTER HAVEN PRAYERS FOR PEACE 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. mywinterhaven.com/ city-calendars

Actual K Team Listings

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Main Street Winter Haven, Inc.

Developing and preserving the economic, cultural and historic qualities that make Downtown Winter Haven the heart of the community since 1995.

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OPENINGS

ANCHORED A/C & HEATING 3191 RECKER HIGHWAY 863.618.5355

NUTWOOD 132 AVENUE B SW 863.229.7770

During the hot summer months in Winter Haven, having a strong air conditioning unit is a must. Check out Anchored A/C & Heating’s new location on Recker Highway for all your A/C needs.

Check out this cozy new restaurant inside an old remodeled house. They offer friendly customer service and delicious, locally sourced food.

AQUARIA BLUE 158 SECOND STREET SW 863.229.5055 If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, Aquaria Blue has a fish that’s perfect for you. They sell aquariums, fresh and saltwater fish, and all the supplies needed to care for your scaly creatures.

HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA 400 AVE K SE SUITE 9 863.424.3278 The Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida provides advanced treatment plans and care options for their heart patients.

LAKE SHIPP DINER 1518 7TH STREET SW 863.875.5029 For classic food options and big portions, check out Winter Haven’s newest diner.

M.MARIE 337 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE 863.318.9600 M.Marie’s has been a part of Winter Haven since 2009 but recently made the move downtown. The boutique offers fashionable women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts handpicked by owner Meghan Marie Mackie.

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RIDGE SECURITY TITLE 1150 1ST STREET S 863.419.8485 Ridge Security Title provides accurate, efficient, costeffective title and settlement solutions.

ROMERO MEDICAL PLAZA 111 AVENUE A SE 863.294.1999 From certified physicians, to health and beauty technicians, Romero Medical Plaza has all your medical needs covered.

Come see their new location.

COMING SOON DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN’S FIRST HOTEL NEAR CENTRAL AVENUE AND 3RD STREET SW DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED Plans have been submitted for a six-story 75 room hotel in the heart of downtown Winter Haven to accommodate tourists and provide a mini escape for locals.

GRASSLANDS IS LAKELAND’S FINEST PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB COMMUNITY. MODELS OPEN DAILY || MON TO FRI 9-5 || SAT 10-5 & SUN 12-5 || 863.647.1100 2945 SANCTUARY CIRCLE || LAKELAND, FL 33803 || GRASSLANDSHOMES.COM

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HISTORY

Date: 1978 Trapeze flyer and catcher, John Zimmerman, performing at the old Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Cicus World Theme Park in what was once Barnum City, now known as North Davenport.

Photo courtesy of John Zimmerman

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years of

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PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • LAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN LAKE WALES WH|MAGAZINE MAY /JUN 2017

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