focus winter haven 04-07

December 2011 focuswinterhaven.com2

T H E M O S T A D V A N C E D H E A L T H C A R E I S R I G H T H E R E .

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Center for Urology Medical Director Sijo Parekattil, M.D. leads a team that has performed more robotic micro-surgeries than any other urological center in the world.

To make an appointment or for more information call (863) 292-4652.

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Table of ConTenTsVolume 4 Issue 7 • December 2011

focuswinterhaven.com

07-08 LocaLIn this season of giving, Focus features stories on the outreaches to help those in need, specifically Street Angels Help Hunger and Meals on Wheels.

14 SpotLight interviewRob Fritz is a highly respected teacher at Winter Haven High School and the president of Lake Wales Little Theatre. Enjoy his passion for all aspects of performance and live stage productions, especially when they involve comedy and the younger generations.

10 FeatureThe Lake Wales Little Theatre is an institution in Polk County and beyond. For more than 30 years, the all-volunteer community theatre group has provided high quality, live entertainment. And the programs for teens and children will ensure that the tradition continues.

17 buSineSS proFiLeDeli Delicacies Bakery and Bistro is a gem in the specialty food arena. For 26 years, the business has been proud to serve delicious food and provide custom catering and specialty cake creations for all occasions, especially at holiday time.

20 dining proFiLeIf steak, seafood, and live music are your thing, chances are that Norby’s Steak and Seafood and Al’s Place in Lake Wales is the place for you. Owner Wayne Finger has brought a new energy to these community mainstays. foCUswinTerhaven.Com

Full digital version of the current and past magazinesExtended features, interviews, dining profiles

and business profiles with extra contentCommunity news updates

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10

20

08

Rob Fritz, President of the Lake Wales Little Theatre

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Rob Fritz, President of the Lake Wales Little Theatre

on TheCover

18 - city oF winter haven 22 - event caLendar


Rob Fritz, President of the Lake Wales Little TheatreRob Fritz, President of the Lake Wales Little Theatre

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So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail [email protected]. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

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Staff Writers Brian West | Sophia HydeCheryl Turner | Diana Brink | Jason StoneHeather Davis | Taylor Flumerfelt | Cheryl Johnston Amanda Molinaro | Joe Bowles

Contributors Al Ruechel | Gil Gott Bruce Rodwell | Jo-An Lusk | Nate Davis

Hopefully, your family enjoyed some scrumptious food and created some new memories during the Thanksgiving break.

The Floyds sure did. DeDe and I took our sons Zane and Zy on a traditional family trip to the Tennessee mountains. We thoroughly enjoyed the fun that an 11-year-old and a 4-year-old can muster up. Their energy keeps us in shape.

We also used the time to look back and to plan ahead. In other words, we reflected and we projected - for our own family and for our Focus family.

Wonder if you knew that you are always on our minds.

Stepping away for a bit can be a good thing. What we learned, in addition to how much we have to be thankful for, is that time spent can’t be replaced. What we plan now is to make the very best of the time still ahead of us.

In this month’s Spotlight interview with Rob Fritz, a Winter Haven High School teacher and President of the Lake Wales Little Theatre, he shares how important those family connections can be when he speaks admiringly of his wife Audrey and daughter Holly.

Family time is always a good investment. Family time will build those character traits in our sons that will help them be solid citizens. Family time is irreplaceable and priceless.

This month, we hope you will have plenty of time to enjoy your family and your friends. We encourage you to carve out a little for quiet moments, too, because reflection is good for the soul. We also hope you’ll read and reflect on the local stories, on the good things happening in the eastern Polk County area, and on The Reason for the Season.

For it is, after all, a time when the greatest gift ever given helps us to appreciate and reflect God’s love.

From our family to yours, we wish you an incredible Christmas and a great start to 2012.

Mike Floyd - [email protected]

leTTer from The PUblisher

LicenSing opportunityLicensed territories are available. We are looking to expand the family and are looking for motivated individuals to join our award winning team. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.

Dear Family Member,

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We want to cordially invite you to our annual Candlelight Remembrance Service, Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 6:00pm to honor your loved one. We look forward to a beautiful service with a holiday message and songs. We will have complimentary candles available before and during the service for placement at your loved one’s resting place. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 863.967.8558 and a Family Service Counselor will be available to speak with you.

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Street AngelS Help Hunger and you can, too

LocaL » Focus

Written By: cheryL Johnston | Photo courtesy oF skyra norris

Christmas is the season when people especially open their hearts and wallets to give more generously, because long

ago, heaven touched earth with the greatest love gift ever.

The “Street Angels Help Hunger” organization desperately needs your help. The non-profit volunteer organization reaches out to meet the needs of an increasing number of people out of work and unable to feed their families.

Generous citizens can drop off canned goods at the Street Angels facility, 628 West Central Avenue in Winter Haven or at the Big Lots and Save-a-Lot collection points. According to founder, Skrya (Kim) Norris, the need is especially great for “peanut butter, juice, and soup, so the children can have healthier meals at home.”

Folks can also donate money. In addition to the food pantry, Street Angels assists with emergency needs involving bus passes, medical co-pays, and utilities. Groceries are

distributed on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursday evenings, a hot meal is served to approximately 150 people.

Street Angels could also use a larger building for the Thursday night outreach. Right now they have to set up tents outside to seat more people than the inside will hold.

Ten years ago, Norris founded Street Angels because she couldn’t bear the thought of so many people going without food in her community. Her father, Bud Laukhus, taught her some life-directing lessons about sharing before his sudden Thanksgiving-season death at 44 of a brain aneurysm.

As a young girl, Skyra’s dad actions emphasized, “To give is always better than to receive.” Regularly, the two would place bags of groceries at the door of homes where they knew families had need. Then they waited in their truck to catch a glimpse of the people who discovered the surprise. She explained, “I will always remember the light in my father’s eyes when he saw their joy.”

Norris picked up the mantle and took her daughter Shannon on delivery trips like her father had modeled. Skrya recalled, “In the beginning it was jus we two, delivering food out of my silver Camaro. I always kept extra food in my car to give away like my dad had done.” But now other “Street Angels” have come alongside to “Help Hunger.”

In its early years, 27 volunteers donated their own money to meet the needs. Today, with support from four local churches (Stillwater, New Hope, Christ Community, and Solid Rock) and area businesses like Big Lots, Save-A-Lot, Olive Garden and Red Lobster, 18 regulars manage an incredible operation to feed hungry people in the community several times a week.

Street Angels were thankful also for the recent fundraiser, “Restaurants Against Hunger,” a tasting event hosted at the Seasoned Stone that included specialties from area restaurants.

But, as a result of joblessness, more people are showing up for help, straining the

resources of an organization that is always in need of food and emergency funds.

One of the volunteers, Margaret Nava, serves with her daughter Elizabeth, 13, almost every Thursday night. Three years ago in her own time of need, she discovered the incredible work of Street Angels. Her work with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association had already exposed her to the tremendous need of so many people who would much rather have a job than a handout. Nava is watching Elizabeth’s generous heart grow and together they understand more about life’s purpose. Margaret cannot praise Skyra enough. She said, “My relationships with people have changed because of Skyra. She is an excellent leader who loves unfailingly. She shows us how to give without expectation or judgment, to listen, and to touch lives by sharing food, smiles, and hugs.”

Skrya explained her mission: “We want people to know that there is hope beyond whatever troubles life brings them, and that God has answers.”

Visit www.streetangelhouse.com or phone Skyra at 863-956-0457 to get involved. Any and all help would be appreciated.

Street Angels volunteers and clients could use your help and donations to feed many in need this Christmas: Back row L-R are Joey McCutcheon, Betty Oswalt, Glenda Hanley, Charles Tucker, Bill Crisp, and founder Skyra (Kim) Norris. Kneeling in front are Sarah Hughs, Judy Cardazza and Alli Humphries.


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MeAlS on WHeelS Winter haven voLunteers reach out For christmas

LocaL » Focus

Written By: cheryL Johnston

Like many other non-profit outreach organizations, Meals on Wheels has felt the pinch of tight economic

conditions this year. But thanks to continued community support, their annual Christmas gift-giving effort will continue.

For those unfamiliar with the Meals on Wheels program, here’s a little background. The program originated in Great Britain during the Blitz in WWII when Nazi Germany administered sustained strategic bombing between September 7, 1940 and May 10, 1941. More than one million London houses were destroyed or damaged and more than 40,000 civilians died when the Luftwaffe bombed for 76 consecutive nights. People could no longer cook meals, so the Women’s Volunteer Service for Civil Defense (WVS, later WRVS) provided and delivered food.

In 1954, the first home-delivered meal program in the United States began in Philadelphia to assist homebound seniors and other area shut-ins with a helping hand so they could maintain independence. Initially, many volunteers were high school students who were dubbed “Platter Angels” because they prepared, packaged, and

delivered food to the elderly and disabled in their community. Today, many able-bodied elderly citizens invest themselves into this effort.

The corporation’s mission now is to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals and daily contact to the homebound.

Locally, Reverend James W. Kendell, a pastor of the First Christian Church, organized the Winter Haven chapter of the national organization in 1972 with the help of civic organizations, local church members, and individual residents.

Since Meals on Wheels receives no government funding, it relies on year-round community support. And the charitable people of the Greater Winter Haven area continue to prove their generosity, to the delight of Executive Director Susan Fitzgibbons.

On the local level, the organization’s annual operating costs are about $450,000. Clients pay $4.50 for each meal they receive, which supplies approximately one third of the necessary funding. The thrift store behind the office generates another third. It’s been a little more difficult these last five years

because funding has been reduced annually by roughly $10,000.

More than 200 residents in Winter Haven, Haines City, Auburndale, Davenport and Lakeland receive a fresh lunch Monday through Friday. But perhaps the best part is the personal connection with the folks who deliver the meals.

Of the 250 or so folks who volunteer, some deliver, some help in the kitchen, and others staff the thrift store. Most participate in fundraising events or special efforts. And all seem to enjoy the work and the smiles shared with meal recipients.

Traditionally, the Winter Haven group also works to personally deliver each of its clients a Christmas gift in December as another tangible way of expressing compassion and care. Clients who seldom leave their homes have shared that this act of kindness encourages them and boosts their self-esteem. The gift-givers will tell you that they are also encouraged.

For the Christmas effort, folks can volunteer, donate money, or contribute gifts. Here’s how you can help specifically this year:

* Select a name from the Christmas tree at the Meals on Wheels office and shop for a

stocking stuffer or gift.* Or, simply buy a gift for any person who receives meal delivery.* Wrap the gift or not, but wrapped gifts should be labeled as to gender or for the specific person. * There is no suggested limit for gift pricing.* Popular gift items include things such as toiletry items (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, lotion, shampoo, shaving supplies), games, cards, puzzles, books, stationary, postage stamps, and snacks. Also helpful are light sweaters or warm shirts, PJs, slippers, photo frames, audio CDs, and wholesome movies on DVD.* Feel free to organize a gift basket, but this is not required.

Fitzgibbons is always recruiting new volunteers. Frequently, those who become involved mention the sense of satisfaction this work provides because two of the most important gifts any of us can give is time and energy.

For details about donating or volunteering, or to offer a little Christmas joy, call 863-299-1616 or visit Meals on Wheels at 620 Sixth Street N.W. in Winter Haven.


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The Lake Wales Little Theatre represents more than 30 years of tradition in high quality, live entertainment for folks in Central Florida.

Operated completely by volunteers, the non-profit LWLT manages a full slate of perfor-mances each year. Most also work full- or part-time jobs, but enjoy investing their time and talents to offer cultural and educational experiences for local families and visitors.

Typically, they produce three plays geared for adults, one for teens, and one for children. Of-ferings include recent hits, old favorites, and new plays never before produced. Nearly 1,100 people thoroughly enjoyed their most recent play, Nana’s Naughty Knickers, directed by Terry Loyd.

Rob Fritz, current president of LWLT, will direct the first play of 2012, now scheduled for January 13-29 in the group’s intimate 140-seat theater. “Drinking Habits” presents the story of two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open. Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail and the laugh-ter will be non-stop.

Fritz serves presently with Denny Wittman (VP), Vicki Iliff (Secretary) Ray Bower (Trea-surer) and the Board’s members-at-large, which include Linda Davis, Fran Alvarez, Summer Elcock, Glenda Thurmond, Sandy Cain, Mike Baccus, Lou Lasch, Felicia O’Neal, Leslie Grondin, and Karen Nelson.

Key sponsors are Citizens Bank and the Lake Wales Medical Center and many individuals help the theater financially. LWLT is also particularly indebted to Cliff Tonjes, who since the

‘50s has owned Cliff ’s True Value Hardware, the business that handles box office sales for the theater during the week.

Fritz provided some interesting insight regarding live entertainment in this area. He ex-plained, “…Polk County is a great place for the arts. It is home to four community theatres, each of which has been producing live theatre for over 30 years, vibrant collegiate, secondary, middle, and elementary theatre programs, as well as a number of improv comedy troupes. Each of these has strong support, including the Lake Wales Little Theatre.”

A Brief HisTory Since its formation in 1978, the Lake Wales Little Theatre has provided the only continuous source of live theatrical performances available in the Lake Wales community. During its first 14 seasons, productions were presented in various local facilities: Women’s Club of Lake Wales, area churches, McLaughlin Middle School, Polk Ave Elementary, and Lake Wales High School. In 1992, the group proudly opened its 15th season in the renovated band building of the 1947 public school complex at 411 North Third Street.

When the theater group expressed an interest in using the building in the mid-1980s, Polk County legally deeded it to the City of Lake Wales. In 1987 and again in 2007, the city leased the property to the Lake Wales Little Theatre, Inc., for a term of 20 years at a rate of $1.00 per year.

Generous individuals and businesses combined funds for resources with tremendous amounts of volunteer labor to accomplish extensive renovations. In addition to grants from the Polk

411 N. Third STreeT, Lake WaLeS, FL 33853 • 863.676.1266• hTTp://WWW.LWLT.org

FeaTure by CheryL JohNSToN • phoToS CourTeSy oF Mike baCCuS aNd LWLT

Lake WaLes LittLe theatre

County Tourist Development Commission and the City of Lake Wales, the theater group earned nearly half the necessary cost.

Today, the building includes a spacious carpeted lobby with box office and hospitality center. In the auditorium, six high-raked rows contain 140 upholstered seats with unobstructed views of the stage. Backstage areas feature dressing rooms, restrooms, and costume storage rooms.

PoLk DrAmA Teens AnD THe CHiLDren’s ProgrAmFritz guesstimates that perhaps “hundreds and hundreds of people have acted with the group since 1978.” He estimates “that most of our kids’ and teen productions introduce, on average, nearly 40 new actors per season to the stage.”

In fact, Fritz said, “Our children’s and teen programs are so important to the theatre that we begin and end each season with kids’ and teen productions.” He continued, “While several of our board members are teachers, everyone who volunteers at the theatre has a soft spot for kids. We help, as often as we can, any school theatre program - pub-lic or private - that asks.

Board member Glenda Thurmond, who has professional stage experience in California and New York, is one who enjoys coaching children. She directed the theater’s production of The Miracle Worker and supervises the Polk Drama Teens, sponsored by LWLT. Thurmond would like to take plays to area schools and also dreams of “raising enough funds for a teen field trip to New York City and a Broadway play.”

The club welcomes all Polk County middle school and high school teens who like to keep busy. They meet from 5-7 p.m. each Sunday and must be involved in at least one show annually.

Each fall LWLT produces a children’s play and stages a teen play during the summer. In 2011, more than 50 children performed in “The Tale of Snow White,” directed by Audrey Fritz. Up next for the teens in June 2012 is “Lagooned”, which will be co-directed by Denny Wittman and Felicia O’Neal.

Taylor Wolf, 15, a Lake Wales High School freshman, serves as President of Polk Drama Teens. She’s been involved with the theater 11 years, since she was four. After her parents took her to see a Broadway play, she joined LWLT and dreams now of an acting career. An immediate goal is to bring more teens into the club. The solid student invites others to get involved. She encouraged, “LWLT is a great opportunity to get on stage and try acting for the first time without anyone criticizing you.”

In addition to helping backstage, Wolf recently played Snow White’s Evil Queen. She offered a creative tip for those who love to sing but like her, haven’t had voice lessons: “I just go on YouTube and sing along with the songs I like.” As a result, her talent is growing.

LeArning THrougH exPerienCeMarc Paetzold, a LWLT past-president for five years and member since 1993, “All of our ac-tors, painters, set builders and staff are superstars.”

Terry Loyd, an AG Edwards & Sons assistant branch manager, has been with LWLT for 27 years. His start came when his wife Katherine tried out for a part and encouraged him to do the same. Laughingly, he said, “Little did she know she’s created a monster, because I love the whole experience.”

His favorites are comedies such as “Rumors” or “The Odd Couple” in which he was Oscar. When he played one of the corpses in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Loyd said, “That was it. I like comedies because audiences come to laugh and have a good time.”

The Loyds, along with other active theatre members at the time, took plays “on the road” to various retirement communities to raise money for the current theater facilities.

In explaining his love for the theater, Loyd said, “You take something two dimensional and a blank stage, and in six weeks you produce something that makes people laugh and cry.”

Recently, the group discovered “The Messenger,” a script written 20 years ago by Chicago playwright Joan Kufrin who wintered in Punta Gorda. It had never been produced, so the LWLT group was excited to present the premier. Mrs. Kufrin and her husband, a professional photographer, came to the performance and stayed afterwards to meet the troupe. Loyd

called that experience “inspirational.”

He also mentioned, among others, some who have added to his joy of the theater: USF theater graduate Danny Baynard, Tom Young, Kristin McAu-lifffe, Jean Hughes, and 13-year-old Emma Hill.

“Over the years, in addition to Emma,” Fitz added, “we’ve had many children, teen, and adult performers who, with proper training, could be profes-sional actors. Others who have come up through our children’s and teen program include Emilie Lamar, Billy Batton, Cody Hancock, Alyssa Porter, and many, many more.”

A talented group of retired gentlemen meet each Saturday (and more often when necessary) to build any sets the directors can imagine. This team in-cludes: Ray Bower, Carl Bungard, Lou Lasche, Terry Loyd, and Marc Paetzold.

Publicity is Ves Spindler’s specialty. During his seven year involvement,, including a term on the board, he created the group’s promotional brochure. These days, he enjoys directing most.

THe PuBLiC CAn HeLPLWLT members are focused on promoting, teaching, and encouraging an appreciation for theatrical arts. They want the theater to be a place where anyone can explore and express their creativity. To produce a stage play requires plenty of work and the more volunteers, the lighter the load.

Interested locals can help in so many ways - audition for shows, greet guests, serve refresh-ments, build sets, sew costumes, work behind the scenes, be a season’s ticket holder or spon-sor, clean, run errands, donate money or materials, help with fundraising, and recruit other volunteers or audience members.

Volunteers don’t have to perform on stage to be a part of one of Polk County’s premier live-entertainment venues. They can make a valuable contribution off stage with a paintbrush, a sewing machine or needle and thread, a hot-glue gun, or a hammer. They can hand out programs or serve refreshments during intermission. And if they do want to perform, LWLT is always looking for new faces to feature.

To get involved, send an email to [email protected] with name, contact informa-tion, and area of interest. (Hosting, Concessions, Costumes, Set Building or Decorating, Lights, Sound, Acting, Etc…)

Rob Fritz, President, said, “We’re all very proud of LWLT and will take advantage of any op-portunity to brag about one of Polk County’s crown jewels. Join us and see why!

The recent production of “The Tale of Snow White” featured more than 50 children.


This month Focus features the Lake Wales Little Theatre, one of the artistic jewels in Polk County’s crown. For more than 30 years, this non-profit organization staffed totally by volunteers has produced live performance events to entertain the fine families in eastern

Polk.

Rob Fritz, the LWLT current president, has a passion for the theater that started in el-ementary school. Born in Iowa, he also lived in Illinois before moving to Florida in 1973. In 1992 he accepted teaching position at Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland, where he taught Drama, Speech, Debate, Research Writing, and Literature and directed 20 shows there between 1992 and 1998. And then he met the Lake Wales Little Theater group.

Read on for some great information.

Focus: Will you share how you became involved with LWLT?Fritz: In early 2000, Marc Paetzold, president of LWLT at the time, had a son who was a student of mine at Winter Haven High School and a performer with me at Comedy Buf-fet. Marc and his wife Sue were big supporters of the Buffet and asked me if I’d consider directing that year’s children’s & teen production of “The Mad Adventures of Mr. Toad.” I did --- and had a great time working with some very talented children --- and was asked to join the Board of Directors the next season. I’ve directed most of the summer teen productions since then.

Focus: Tell us about your family.Fritz: My wife Audrey is the Senior Manager of Prevention, Health, and Wellness for the Polk County School Board. In addition to time she spends working with the Church of the Redeemer children’s ministry, she’s also involved in community theatre --- she teaches kids’ classes occasionally at Theatre Winter Haven. She appeared in last season’s “Dearly Departed” at Theatre Winter Haven, and directed last season’s “The Adventures of Tom and Huck” and this season’s “The Tale of Snow White” at Lake Wales Little Theatre.

Audrey is a very funny lady --- one of the funniest people I’ve ever met --- and is a founding member of Comedy Buffet. We met when I began working with the Buffet in 1999 and we dated three years before I proposed in front of an audience at the end of one of our shows.

Our eight-year-old daughter Holly is also very funny and has appeared in Tom and Huck and Snow White. She’s also my “directing assistant” and often attends rehearsals with “Out

of the Box,” an improv comedy troupe I direct and perform with, WHHS and Lake Wales Little Theatre. I’m admittedly a proud dad, but she really has a good eye for theatre. A few times when I’ve blocked out a scene for a show, she has come during rehearsal and told me how to move the performers to improve the look --- and she’s been right every time!

Focus: How about education or theater training? Were you involved in theater at a young age? Fritz: My first acting experience was in 3rd grade, when I played President Lincoln in my school’s Thanksgiving pageant. In high school, I acted quite a bit at Civic Theatre of Central Florida (now called Orlando Repertory Theatre). An Explorer post sponsored by WFTV – Channel 9/Orlando that I was involved with produced a monthly teen-oriented show. I took classes at both Valencia Community College and University of Central Florida, and was active in the theatre program at Valencia, where I earned an A.A. degree in 1989. I completed a degree in British Literature in 1990 from UCF.

Focus: Can you guesstimate how many folks might have appeared on the LWLT stage since its inception in 1978? Fritz: I don’t know that we’ve ever really looked into it, but my guess would be hundreds and hundreds. I’d estimate (and this may be a low number) that most of our kids’ and teen productions introduce, on average, nearly 40 new actors per season to the stage. With those productions alone, the numbers add up quickly!

Focus: How many people are currently involved in the company? Fritz: Quite a few --- on the Board of Directors are four officers and ten members-at-large. Additionally, 20 or so others volunteer on a regular basis (acting, working backstage or in the sound/light booth, hosting, serving coffee, etc). There’s always room for more!

Focus: How are the affairs of the LWLT organization managed?Fritz: Lake Wales Little Theatre is a non-profit organization that is run entirely by volun-teers.

We have a Board of Directors, appointed annually, and they all deserve credit for all that they do for LWLT. Officers are elected to one-year terms. There are not term limits.

Focus: Which organizations are big supporters or sponsors of LWLT?Fritz: Citizen’s Bank and the Lake Wales Medical Center are two. Many individuals help the theatre financially. Cliff ’s True Value Hardware handles our ticket sales during the week. Owner Cliff Tonjes has been a big supporter since the group’s inception.


Focus: Is the location you’re in now the original one? Fritz: Our current facilities are our first “permanent” facilities. For the first 14 years of our history, the theatre presented shows in various locations around Lake Wales. Our all-volun-teer staff maintains the building and grounds and replace or repair as necessary. Thanks to some very dedicated members of our “Buildings and Grounds” and “Housekeeping” commit-tees, the theatre is kept in great shape.

Focus: Your favorites are the comedies, right? Do you have some personal favorite plays?Fritz: There are too many favorites to list --- we love to laugh at LWLT! My favorite play is always the one I’m currently working on, so right now it’s “Drinking Habits,” which opens in January 2012. Some that I always enjoy watching, no matter what, include: “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “The Worst High School Play in the World,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

I’m proud of all of the shows we’ve done at LWLT, but some stand out more than others. For me, those plays include “Marrying Walt,” “Brotherly Love,” “Fools,” “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood,” “Lucky Dollar - Private Eye,” “Romance in D,” “Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain,” “Crimes of the Heart,” and “Soup Du Jour”.

Focus: Do you typically act, direct, etc. or do you prefer behind the scenes work? Fritz: Anymore, I consider myself more of a director than anything else. I usually direct once each season at the Little Theatre; I also direct two mainstage shows each season at WHHS while teaching and directing at “Out of the Box” and WHHS’s Blue Devil Comedy Brigade, both improv comedy troupes. During the LWLT season, I generally help with set construc-tion, set painting, and stage lighting. I’ve only acted in two shows at the Little Theatre: “Marrying Walt” and “Brotherly Love”, both “world premiere” productions making their theatrical debuts.

Focus: It looks like you do about 5 shows a season. Do any of the actors, directors, or producers have “professional” backgrounds or advanced educa-tion in theater? Fritz: Several of our past and current members have studied theatre in college and a few have had professional experiences. Sandy Cain, one of our board members, is a theatre arts educator and director at Davenport School of the Arts. I have been a theatre arts teacher for the past 19 years (currently in year 13 as Director of Theatre at WHHS) and have extensive experience in improvisational sketch comedy as a performer, host, and teacher (for many years, I was one of the owners and the artistic director of Comedy Buffet; now I’m one of two founders and direc-tors of a new improv comedy troupe, “Out of the Box”).

Focus: Tell us about the Polk Drama Teens? Fritz: This is the Little Theatre’s Drama Club for Polk County students. Any middle or high school student, whether public, private, or ho-meschooled is eligible for membership.

Focus: Do I understand that you also have a children’s arm of LWLT? Fritz: We do --- our children’s theatre pro-duces one show each fall (this season’s The Tale of Snow White featured a cast of more than 50 children), which is often the first theatre experience for many. Most of the kids in our program, the ones who’ve been bitten by “the bug”, return each year to take part in the kids’ play. Once they turn 13, many continue to participate in our teen program, which produces one play each summer. Our children’s and teen

programs are so important to the theatre that we begin and end each season with kids’ and teen productions.

Focus: Does the organization do any type of outreach or connecting to the Polk School System? Fritz: While several of our board members are teachers, everyone who volunteers at the the-atre has a soft spot for kids. We help, as often as we can, any public or private school theatre program that asks.

Focus: Any superstars among the group of performers? Fritz: As far as I’m concerned, every actor on our stage is a superstar and all of our directors, producers, stage managers, sound/light technicians, and stagehands are our behind-the-scenes superstars. Everyone who participates in a production brings a different set of skills and talents --- what we have in common is a love of the theatre in general and our Little Theatre in particular.

Focus: How can the public help you (in addition to purchasing tickets regularly or becoming season ticketholders)? Fritz: One of our goals at LWLT is to promote, teach, and encourage an appreciation for the theatrical arts. Another goal is to be a place where anyone can explore and express his/her creativity, whether onstage or behind the scenes. The public, through its support, helps the theatre achieve those goals. There are lots of ways the public can help --- swinging a hammer to build a set, painting the sets, greeting our audience, making coffee and serving refresh-ments, auditioning for shows, helping behind the scenes during a production, sponsoring a seat in honor or memory of someone special, sewing costumes, cleaning a toilet, encouraging friends and neighbors to see our latest production --- the list is endless.

Focus: Could the group use donations of cash, materials, costumes, props, etc? Fritz: I don’t know of a theatre that couldn’t. Monetary donations are, of course, always wel-come and helpful. So are donations from some-one’s garage or closet. We’re always looking for unusual or period prop and costume pieces.

Focus: Thank you, Rob, for helping us to learn more about Lake Wales Little Theater. You’ve inspired us to value this work more.Fritz: I appreciate it --- We’ll take any op-portunity we can to brag about the Little Theatre. There’s something remarkable about Polk County, something that I’m not sure too many people realize: This is a great place for the arts, especially the theatrical arts. Polk County is home to four community theatres, each of which has been producing live theatre for over 30 years, vibrant collegiate, secondary, middle, and elementary theatre programs, as well as a number of improv comedy troupes. Each of these has strong support --- the Little Theatre is a great example of how much support there is for theatre in Polk County.

Thanks to the people who support our theatre, and because of the hard work of our all-vol-unteer staff, the Lake Wales Little Theatre is a crown jewel not only to Lake Wales, but to all of Polk County.

So, readers, the logical next step is to purchase tickets for the upcoming play or for the season. And if you’re cleaning closets and discover items that could be props or period costumes, get thee down to the theater. Who knows, you might even discover a tal-ent for acting, set-building, or fundraising. As Rob mentioned, any and all help and donations will be greatly appreciated. This jewel deserves all the sup-port we can give.


Deli DelicAcieS BAkery AnD BiStro

Business » Business ProFiLe

Written By: CHeryL JoHnsTon

Deli Delicacies Bakery and Bistro is a Lakeland gem in the specialty food arena. Since 1985, Carlos and Gretchen

Anglero have been proud to serve delicious food and provide custom catering and specialty cake creations for all occasions.

A visit to the company’s website and Facebook page is a must. One look at the photos of cakes and breakfast or lunch selections, and you’ll be hooked. Deli Delicacies definitely earns space on your computer’s bookmark bar. Warning - a visit to the site might just tempt you to plan a big party, which is exactly what the Angleros hope you do.

The Angleros consider themselves “very blessed and thankful that clients’ appreciate the marketing, flavor, and style of the food we present.” The fine dining establishment offers breakfast, lunch, and early dinner fare six days a week. The bistro is on the list of favorite eateries for many locals who can’t wait to bring guests.

The couple enjoys their work. Gretchen grew up in the California restaurant owned by the grandmother who raised her. Her mother was part Chocktaw Indian and food preparation was always a special expression of family love and togetherness. At an early age, Gretchen learned to bake pies and cakes about which customers raved. When she moved to

Florida from California, she established Deli Delicacies to supply work for herself and her father, Wayne Knecht.

Carlos, who is originally from Puerto Rico, met Gretchen when she hired him as a pastry chef five years after she opened. He describes his wife as an “amazing woman who loves God with the biggest heart of anyone I know.” He added, “She’s self-driven, always going, and never stops because she wants to make sure everyone is taken care of. She’s dedicated very professional. This work is her passion.”

So is family. The couple’s three daughters, Pamela, Karla, and Samantha, are bright and creative, too. According to Carlos, the girls are “content young women” who’ve done well in school. Fun for the family includes vacation weeks at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and in the summer. When they want to get quiet, they might escape to rent a cabin in Georgia or spend a weekend in St. Augustine.

For 26 years, Deli Delicacies has grown and expanded services to accommodate the changing needs of its clientele. The Angleros, along with manager Mary Devine and staff, take great pleasure in “sharing in your special events” by preparing delightful buffets, sweets, and custom cakes for cherished celebrations with family and friends. Devine said, I’ve worked with the company for 13 years. It’s a great place to work, I love what I do, and I meet so many wonderful people.”

The company also gives back to help others. Deli Delicacies collaborates with schools and churches in their fundraisers, supports efforts of the March of Dimes and American Cancer Society, and according to Carlos, “When we help to feed the hungry, we bring joy to ourselves. We do this because, even in tough economic times, the community continues to support us.”

A visit to Deli Delicacies is a unique experience because customers discover multiple reasons to return again and again. Word of mouth is their best promotion. Stop in soon to enjoy or arrange for the following services:

Breakfast - (from 7-11AM Mon-Sat) (Eggs Benedict & Greek Wraps are specialties)Lunch and Bistro Fare until 6PM weekdays and 5PM SaturdaysCatering for all occasions, large or smallBaked goods, pastries, and the specialty cakes for which they’re famousCustom wedding cakes that (unbelievably beautiful with incredible taste)Holiday gift baskets with fresh made treats like carmel apples, cookies, etc.Gift certificates (always a favorite)

DeLi DeLiCACies BAkery AnD BisTro

www.DeLiDeLiCACies.Com4110 souTH fLoriDA Avenue

LAkeLAnD, fL 33813(863) 644-3363

Hours: sun CLoseD; mon-fri 7Am–6Pm; sAT 7Am–5Pm

In addition to many dessert specialties, if you can dream it, Deli Delicacies can create and beautifully present it.

Deli Delicacies is renowned in Polk County and surrounding areas for fantastically beautiful and especially creative cakes and baked goods.

Flan is one of the specialty desserts at Deli Delicacies. Definitely worth the trip.


extra » city oF Winter haven

winter Haven’s new Downtown Trailhead Park is all about kids and families. That’s why dedication of

the new park will be on a Saturday, when everyone is out of school and can plan to participate. Everyone is invited to join us at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the Downtown Trailhead Park, 611 Third St. NW, just west of the City Tennis courts and north of City Hall, in downtown Winter Haven.

The site for the City’s newest park is part of what was the original town of Winter Haven. “Celebrating our Past, Present and Future” is the event theme and will feature brief presentations by local dignitaries regarding the significance of the project. A 50-Year Centennial Time Capsule including items representing Winter Haven’s past, present and future will be buried. The Park will then be officially dedicated through an “unwrapping” of the playground, which will be led by Winter Haven City Commissioners. All children present, will be invited to help Commissioners in the playground “unwrapping.”

The rest of the day will be a Trailhead Holiday

Festival, featuring the new playground, bounce houses, face painting, ornament decorating, a candy cane hunt, refreshments and a special guest your children won’t want to miss.

In addition to a transportation-themed play area, the $1.5 million Downtown Trailhead Park includes shiny new picnic areas, sidewalks throughout, brand new restroom facilities. The play area has rubber safety surfaces shaped like the City’s Chain of Lakes and a knee level wall to mark the park boundaries from the rest of the park. There’s lots of grass and shade trees in the park, too.

Everyone in the Community is invited to attend this special family event celebrating the City’s newest park and the end of the City’s Centennial Year. You all won’t want to miss this exciting experience as it will be truly making history. Imagine your child being at the opening of the Centennial Time Capsule in 2061, remembering when they were at the grand opening of the park and burying of the capsule. For additional details, please contact Leisure Services at (863) 291-5656.

city of Winter HAvenWritten By: Joy TownsenD

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norBy’S SteAk AnD SeAfooD& Al’S plAceif steak, seafood, and live music are your

thing, then chances are that Wayne Finger’s Norby’s Steak and Seafood and

Al’s Place in Lake Wales is the place for you. Finger has brought new life to these community mainstays.

For many years, Norby’s had been a run-of-the-mill sports bar along Highway 60. But when Finger bought it in 1993, a gradual transformation began. Finger says over time more and more food was added to the menu, until the point where, about 14 years ago, the old drinking joint became a legitimate restaurant.

Norby’s interior is filled with greenery; hanging ferns and potted plants blend the lines between indoors and out. Casual furniture, photographs of friends and customers, and various mementos create a relaxed, homey atmosphere.

The restaurant is perhaps best known for its flame-grilled steaks ($13.99-26.99), including filet mignon, New York strip, and marinated sirloin. But Norby’s appetizers draw equal attention. Dishes such as garlic bites and horsey bites ($13.99)—a combination of grilled tenderloin atop cruncy toast rounds with garlic or

horseradish and butter sauce—are a crowd pleaser.

Other appetizers include steamed mussels, oysters on the half shell, baked brie with raspberry puree, sausage cheese bread, and a smoked fish dip. Norby’s fresh salads can be topped with steak, chicken, salmon or mahi-mahi.

Finger is serious about seafood, and has recently added Maine lobster tails to his ever-growing menu. Other items include snow crab legs, grilled shrimp, and fresh salmon. But the signature item is the Gulf Black Grouper. Finger says he won’t substitute that fish, which has certain seasonal constraints, with any other grouper variety.

“If we can’t buy black, we don’t buy it,” Finger says. “There’s nothing that matches up to the quality of Black Grouper.”

At Al’s Place on Scenic Highway 17, the fare is simple and delicious. The fish fry dinner ($7.49) is a top seller and comes with sides of homemade coleslaw and French fries. The fish fry is all-you-can-eat between 4 and 7 p.m.

But for value, the Norby’s Famous Chili Dog

at Al’s Place ($1.25), an all beef hot dog, topped with a meat-based chili, onions and relish, is hard to beat. Paired with a cold, 16 oz. draft beer (also just $1.25), it might just be the best deal in town.

Al and Norma Rattey established Al’s Place in the mid-70s. Rattey, a jazz drummer,

hosted live Dixieland jazz at the bar and performed with his own Al’s Place Band.

Finger bought the cozy bar, which seats about 50, along with Jim Biel in 2006. With the guidance of manager and music-coordinator Trish Meador, Al’s Place carries on the tradition of live jazz in Lake Wales, presenting concerts primarily in the winter months.

John Skillman is a clarinetist in the New Orleans Nighthawks Jazz Band, and has performed at Al’s Place for the past several years. His favorite meal there is the Fried Fish and Shrimp Combo ($8.49), served with coleslaw and fries.

Chairs and tables are set around a bandstand, lit by strings of lights, in a garden space behind Al’s Place for concerts.

The New Orleans Nighthawks Jazz Band performs at Al’s Place at least once a month between December and April. Their next concert is Friday, December 16th, from 6 to 8 p.m.

dining & entertainment » dining ProFiLe

Written By: AnDrew moore

norBy’s sTeAk AnD seAfooD2425 Hwy 60 eAsT, LAke wALes, fLoriDA 33853, (863) 604-1456.

AL’s PLACe, 1530 n. sCeniC Hwy (rouTe 17 n.), LAke wALes, fL 33853,(863) 679-3325.

CriTiCAL info

New Orleans Nighthawks Jazz Band performs at Al’s Place

Norby’s Steak and Seafood in Lake Wales


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Winter HAvencaLendaroF events

entertainment » event caLendar

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: [email protected]

friDAy, DeceMBer 2» Havendale Christmas Parade7 p.m. to 9 p.m10th annual Christmas parade filled with bands, holiday fun, and floats.Havendale Blvd.For more information call 863-967-3400

SAturDAy, DeceMBer 3» Light Up the Lakes6:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the Boat Parade on Lake May for a Holiday family get-togetherLake MayFor more information call 863-293-2138

» Carols in the Park10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Meander through the different craft vendors as local schools and groups perform Holiday music.Central ParkFor more information call 863-295-9422

tHurSDAy, DeceMBer 8» 12 Days of Christmas Pairing and Charity Project5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Join locals as they complete Part 3 of the 12 days of Christmas fundraiser7110 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven$20 per personFor more information call 863-268-8263

» Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Christmas Party6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Join the Winter Haven Young Professionals group at the Blue Room for some Holiday food and fun.5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd$10 for members; $22 for non-membersFor more information call 863-293-2138

friDAy, DeceMBer 9» 2011 Centennial Gala7:00 p.m.An evening filled with music from the past, highlights of past decades, food, and dance music by Brass Heart Band. Cash bar available. Dress is either “decade” or cocktail apparelNora Mayo Hall, 3rd Street NW, Winter Haven$30For more information call 863-291-5600

WeDneSDAy, DeceMBer 21» Brothers United Christmas ConcertThe Brothers United will perform their 10th

annual Christmas concert. Proceeds will help raise money for cancer research.210 Cypress Garden Blvd, Winter HavenFor more information call Alina Portz 863-289-3625

MonDAy, DeceMBer 26» Kwanzaa Celebration and Performance1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Come out and learn about the Kwanzaa African-American culture800 East Palmetto Street, LakelandFREEFor more information call 863-688-7743

tHurSDAy, DeceMBer 29» BlendFour young men perform classic pieces from the 50’s and 60’s. Hits like “My Girl” and “Blue Moon” will be sung. 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. SW, Winter HavenFor more information call 863-299-2672

on-going eventSChristmas at Bok Tower Gardens and Pinewood Estate Holiday Home Tour10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Photos with Santa, tree decorating, holiday concerts, and more!1151 Tower Blvd, Lake WalesFor more information call 863-676-1408

THURSDAYSSenior Adult Center Ballroom Social7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Singles and Couples are encouraged to learn to ballroom dance with classic dances like the Fox Trot, Waltz, and some swing/jive pieces.250 S. Lake Silver Dr., Winter Haven$3For more information contact Erica Guerra at 863-291-5870

2nd and 4th SATURDAYMovie Afternoon 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Family friendly movies and refreshments.Winter Haven Public Library in the Multi-purpose roomFREE


FIND A DOCTOR CLOSE TO HOME: Call the Winter Haven Hospital Physician Referral Line 800-416-6705.

G E T T O K N O W O U R D O C T O R S .

RobertBala, M.D.

Bartow

EduardoTorres, M.D.Lake Wales

Celestino Vega, M.D., FAAFPHaines City

KimberlyJackson, D.O.

Dundee

JenniferNegrin, M.D.Auburndale

JaimeAbuan, M.D.Winter Haven

DarienKavasmaneck, M.D.

S.E. Winter Haven

Auburndale Family Health CenterJennifer Negrin, M.D.Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 2028 Highway 92 West | (863) 965-9327

Bartow Family Health CenterRobert Bala, M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 1625 N. Carpenter Ave. | (863) 533-1448

Dundee Family Health CenterKimberly Jackson, D.O. Diplomate, American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice 5999 Dundee Rd., Suite 750 | (863) 292-4656

Haines City Family Health CenterCelestino Vega, M.D., FAAFP Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice

Angela Austin-Leyva, PA-C 36245 Highway 27 | (863) 421-9801

Lake Wales Family Health CenterEduardo Torres, M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 201 SR 60 West | (863) 679-9644

Southeast Winter Haven Family Health CenterDarien Kavasmaneck, M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd. | (863) 324-4725

Winter Haven Family Health CenterJaime Abuan, M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice 100 Avenue I, N.E. | (863) 292-4077

Under$50

500 Unique GiftsOur 65th year under the Water Tower

Downtown Winter Haven FloridaEnjoy a unique shopping experience

See our 11 month store resteration100’s of new gift ideas

orVisit us online at AndyThornal.com

Our 65th year under the Water TowerDowntown Winter Haven Florida

Enjoy a unique shopping experienceSee our 11 month store resteration

100’s of new gift ideasor

Visit us online at AndyThornal.com

focus winter haven 04-07

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