focus winter haven 04-09

CITRUS Classic A benefit for the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation

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Join Buddy and his LEGOLAND® friends as you play your part in a 5K run/walk benefiting the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Women and Children. Weave your way throughout Central Florida’s newest family theme park from the entrance through

Fun Town, Miniland USA and LEGO® City!

Saturday, April 14th, 2012LEGOLAND® Florida

Winter Haven, FL5k run/walk start time: 7:00 am

For information on how to register, sponsorship opportunities, vendor information or to volunteer,

Contact: 863-292-4138 or [email protected] Registration at www.active.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE WINTER HAVEN FEBRUARY 2012 3

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TABLE OF CONTENTSVolume 4 Issue 9 • February 2012

focuswinterhaven.com

06-08 LOCALLocal stories include coverage of A Girls Night Out event that benefitted the Salvation Army and the Blueberry Art Project’s New Year’s Eve event - the Circ’ de Spray indoor Russian circus themed event and outdoor competition involving 30 graffiti artists to benefit the Eloise Visual Arts Center (EVAC) and Our Children’s Academy.

14 SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEWThe February Spotlight shines on Sereatha Tinsley, the Winter Haven woman known as “the one who shows up with her sleeves rolled up to help when she’s needed most.” At its recent 30th anniversary conference in Indianapolis, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. surprised her with the President’s for exemplary service.

10 FEATUREFocus celebrates its 10th Anniversary this month and we thought it would be fun to share some perspective and fun pics of our staff with you.

17 BUSINESS PROFILECNP * Clark/Nikdel/Powell is an award-winning full service advertising agency and design studio capable of fulfilling every imaginable marketing and promotional need. Read to learn why so many highly successful organizations and non-profits attribute their success to CNP.

20 DINING PROFILEThe Seasoned Stone is quickly becoming a Winter Haven downtown area favorite with its lively interiors, its enjoyable patio dining, and its spiced-just-right daily specials. Go hungry and leave satisfied. FOCUSWINTERHAVEN.COM

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

and business profiles with extra contentCommunity news updates

and honored that you trust us to do it right. We could not have done it without you.

And it seems like “thanks” is just not enough to show our appreciation. We’ve tried to help in practical ways, too.

As we’ve grown, we’ve worked to add tools to help our advertisers and our readers utilize the media we present to their best advantage. For example, bi-weekly e-blasts keep folks reminded of local events, great deals at restaurants, and business specials. We also post coupons on myfocuscoupons.com, just in case you’ve missed or deleted an e-blast.

We all enjoy reading your comments on our Facebook fanpage and we’ve been excited to see how many more of you are following regularly. You are the heartbeat of this magazine, so please keep those comments coming.

10Ten years ago this month, Focus Magazine published its first issue. It’s hard to believe how quickly that time has passed. As we look back over the stories we’ve covered, one emotion overwhelms us - gratefulness. We’re grateful for you - our readers, advertisers, vendors, and contributors.

From one edition in 2002 to the six we publish monthly now, it’s been a growing and learning experience. Just like any business, we’ve faced challenges and experienced some ups and downs. Thankfully, mostly ups. But here we are today, still thrilled to be doing what we love - sharing your joys and connecting our community.

Thank you, Plant City (and Brandon, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake County, and South Tampa) for your support and encouragement, for your cooperation and enthusiasm, for your suggestions and critique - your input has been critical to our company. We feel privileged to report our community good news

By Cheryl Johnston

FOCUS CelebratesTenth Anniversary

Celebration is set for February 16, 2012 at Keel & Curley

We’ve strived to make our websites user friendly and we’ve incorporated periodic Focus TV segments for your interest. This year our goal is to provide video tours of every advertiser so our readers can go inside and be inspired to buy local.

Like any small business, we’ve faced challenges through the years and we understand the difficulties of a tougher economic climate. Thank you for continuing to believe in our mission and for helping our community to stay connected as you’ve shared your events, stories, trials, challenges, and triumphs.

Speaking of challenges, we had a goal this year. To bond our staff together a little more, we planned to tackle “11 Big Adventures” in 2011. Sometimes plans from one year have to roll over into the next. Such is the case with our big adventures dream. We started strong by go-cart racing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, BOINGing (trampolining), and paintballing together (and we’ve heard that you liked the reports). But busy

schedules, publication deadlines, and family obligations meant we had to postpone some. So, in 2012 this plan continues.

Focus editorial content has always been built around our readers’ suggestions for great stories and their feedback. What touches us most is how you respond to specific issues throughout the year. We always have fun planning the cover shoots for the new Strawberry Festival Queen and Court and for our Makeover issue. We’re always touched with the appreciation shown by the four Makeover winners each year and we love celebrating their new looks at the evening’s dinner. This year was especially touching to us because of the death of winner Vicki Hannah, Her son Taylor still holds a special place in our hearts.

We love firsts, too, and had a great time showcasing the 1st Annual Cutest Kids contestants on Facebook and in the magazine. We’re expecting it to be an even bigger event this year.

Feature StoryFOCUS MAGAZINE

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TonyVisual Design Specialist

JulieAccount Manager

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Seretha Tinsley ON THECOVER

18 - CITY OF WINTER HAVEN 22 - EVENT CALENDAR


Seretha Tinsley

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Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

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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.

Publisher Mike [email protected]

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Copy Editor Cheryl [email protected]

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Sales Sophia Hyde | Julie Hasting | Linda SimmonsBrent Simmons | Bernadette Casey | Aldo Trevino

Production Anthony SassanoTony Cartagena

FOCUS TV Shana Mitchell

Distribution Byron Spradlin | Belva DeVane

Photographers Billy Friend | Jennifer Darnell

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

February is the month friends and lovers show tender expressions of their appreciation for those special relationships in their lives. It’s also the month when fairs and festivals are ramping up to welcome crowds.

Such is the case especially in Central Florida where we, and visitors from around the country, will soon be enjoying the annual Florida State Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival, and numerous other springtime outdoor events. We celebrate these with food, great entertainment, pageants, artwork, crafts, horticulture, animal shows, vendors and more. And millions of people come to share a little fun in the sun with us. Are we a blessed or what?

Speaking of special blessings in the month of love, the Greater Winter Haven area is known for sharing the love through volunteerism. In honor of Black History Month, enjoy meeting Sereatha Tinsley in February’s Spotlight interview. She’s the woman known as the one who “shows up with her sleeves rolled up to help when she’s needed most.” At its 30th anniversary conference in Indianapolis, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. recently awarded her the President’s Award for exemplary service.

We also wanted to share with you our 10th Anniversary reflections, along with a few fun photos from past and present. We’re celebrating our relationships with employees, vendors, and you, our readers - the ones for whom we write, design, and promote. You’ll never know how your Facebook comments about what Focus has meant to you encouraged us to continue sharing your stories.

Happy Valentine’s Month! Get out there and share a little more love.

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.

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“THREE FREE” MAKE THE SWITCH INCENTIVE: Void outside FL and where prohibited. Open to legal U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older. Begins 12:00:00 AM ET on 1/2/12; ends 6:00:00 PM ET on 6/29/12. To receive “Make the Switch” incentives of free gift, free checking, and free debit card, visit a CenterState Bank or Valrico State Bank location and open a qualified account. Qualified account is a non-interest bearing account (annual percentage yield – 0%). $50 minimum balance required to obtain free gift, free checking, and free debit card. The “Three Free” incentive is not part of the “Life’s a Breeze Sweepstakes.”

Government-issued photo ID may be required and additional account approval requirements may be imposed; see full details at www.centerstatebank.com Copyright © 2012 CenterState Bank. All rights reserved. Mustang® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Corporation, which is not a sponsor of or affiliated with this sweepstakes. Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Corporation LLC. Used with permission, Ford Media Archives.

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LOCAL WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSESENJOY GIRLS NIGHT OUT TO BENEFIT THE SALVATION ARMY WOMEN’S SHELTER WRITTEN BY: LATISHA HORTON

Last month a wonderful group of local business women – businesses ranging from non-profit, event planning,

graphic design, skin care, to trendy jewelry/accessory boutique owners celebrated the holiday season with a networking event. The theme of the event was, “Girl’s Night Out – Holiday Style”. The focus of the event was to celebrate local women owned businesses, to be (and to feel) glamorous and to give back to an organization – The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter.

The event was held at Perkin’s Restaurant on Cypress Gardens on December 10, 2011 and hosted by Ms. London James a local resident here in Polk County, Florida. Ms. James is the Owner of “Sooo Chic Accessories” – a mobile and online boutique providing the latest in trendy jewelry and accessories. Admission was free to all female business owners who wanted to attend to promote their business, simply network, or give back.

The highlights of the event were the “Glam” Photo Booth, the Fashion Show, giveaways and the live music.

The Girl’s Night Out event also afforded the opportunity to local business owners to set up a table and display some of their products or services. Vendor’s who participated included:

Mary Kay by Cammie – who provided

attendees with mini makeovers and live demonstrations.American Laser Skincare – provided skincare solutions and rejuvenation techniques to attendees. GL Accessories – Displayed handmade crochet and beaded accessories. GL Accessories also contributed to the Girl’s Night Out event giveaway by giving away several custom crochet pieces.Keisha J. Inc. – An event planning company created and styled a mock celebration and provided attendees with a live demonstration on how to create their own celebration(s) on a budget.

The most rewarding part of the Girl’s Night Out event was listening to the Program Director of The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter describe several encouraging stories of how families have overcame trials and tribulations with the help of the community – restaurants such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Long Horn Steakhouse provide free food (under the Harvest Program). Also, attendees learned how contributing toiletries or financial donations, volunteering time, etc. all work together to bring peace and hope to the families in the Women’s Shelter.

Overall, the evening and response to it was amazing. Ms. James received so much positive feedback that the event will be held monthly in 2012 – the next Girl’s Night Out Event is scheduled for January 29th.

Sponsors and Business Owners:Sooo Chic Accessories – London James (Host)Keisha J. Inc. – Keisha Jones (Co-Host)Kim Moore (Co-Host)Eccentric Designs – Latisha Horton (Sponsor)Imagine That Events – Tronda Burton (Sponsor)

GL Accessories – Gwendolyn Lancaster (Sponsor and Vendor)American Laser Skincare (Vendor)Mary Kay – Cammie Fields (Vendor)Live Music – Raquel ArredondoModels – Cierra Smith and RoShenna Tramel

LOCAL » FOCUS


MLK CULTURAL FESTIVAL “DEFINING THE DREAM”WRITTEN BY: TERRIKA MITCHELL

The Improvement League of Plant City kept the spirit of celebration going throughout the 26th Annual Martin

Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival. The four-day event—themed Defining the Dream in an Era of Change—was held January 13-16, 2012 and united residents through education, music and more.

“The entertainment is just that; to keep patrons enjoying themselves while they interact with each other. To us, the festival is somewhat of a community family reunion,” said Improvement League President Liesta Sykes.

Entertainers included radio personality Buckwheat from WiLD 94.1, Tom G and several local talents. Even the Lincoln IB Elementary Choir was featured during the event’s opening ceremony. But these were not the only activities for young people to enjoy.

Youth groups performed in a two-day statewide stepping competition in which awards included $2,000 in cash prizes. The first round of the competition was held Friday evening while round two took place in Lakeland.

“I enjoy the step show. I love seeing the positive energy of young participants,” Sykes noted.

The cultural festival’s most anticipated events

took place on the Saturday, as families, friends and visitors flooded the streets to view the yearly MLK parade. The dry cold didn’t stifle attendance. Nearly 500 people took to the MLK Complex for the Midway Carnival which included food and souvenir vendors, music, and fair-style games and rides.

Educating others of the history behind the King’s dream resounded throughout the celebration. The League also encouraged participants to visit additional landmarks like the Plant City Area African American Heritage Trail, the Laura Street restoration district, Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, Historic Glover School

campus, Ruby’s Fruit Stand and the Bealsville and Pinecrest cemeteries where former slaves are buried.

Sunday’s annual treat, the Plant City MLK Leadership Breakfast, featured guest speaker Albert Dotson Jr., Esquire, and many community award recipients. Dotson is president and chairman of 100 Black Men of America Inc., an organization with a mission “to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans,” according to its website.

The breakfast wasn’t complete without the recognition of local leaders who work

to define the dream. Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries received the Sadye Martin Award for Community Service. Sarah Chapter #76 Order of the Eastern Stars received the E.L. Bing Award for Education. Mayor Dan Raulerson was recognized with the MLK Award for Leadership, while Daisy Gilmore, League Secretary earned the Improvement League President’s Award.

Monday’s Freedom Walk and Bing Rooming House tours were another element that fueled momentum, despite being the commencing event. Sykes believes it is imperative to understand one’s history.

“I was taught that a tree with roots cannot grow. So, even in this era of constant change, you have to know your history or you make the same mistakes of the past,” she said.

LOCAL » FOCUS

First placewinners of the cultural festival’s step team competition.

Teams pictured won cash prize awards


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CIRC’DE SPRAY BRINGING MORE COLOR TO A RED ZONE, ONE SPRAY CAN AT A TIME!

LOCAL » FOCUS

WRITTEN BY: LORA DONLEY

The Winter Haven area has never seen a New Year’s Eve celebration with so much character! Circ’de Spray was a

circus themed New Year’s Eve Bash that included elephant rides, Russian acrobats and live music by Signal Zero. From top hats and stilettos to high-tops and bandanas, the “Tux and Kicks” attire added to the originality of the event, held in the W.G. Roe and Sons’ Blueberry Packing House on Snively Avenue in Eloise. The Circ’ de Spray party ended Phase I of the Blueberry Art Project, a Community Restoration and Revitalization Program initiated in May, 2011. Its first event, “The Canvas Party,” was held in September. Prior to the December event, more than 100 volunteers showed up to pain the warehouse white in prep for the graffiti that would soon decorate the walls.

This Graffiti and Wall Mural Art Competition set the stage to transform a forgotten community into a work of art, utilizing the outside of the large warehouse as a canvas for 20 graffiti artists. Artists from across the state gathered to paint blueberry

themed murals on the walls of the building. The outside art endeavors came to a close with the Circ’ de Spray inside celebration. Throughout the evening acrobats performed contortion, gymnastics and fire routines while artists continued to paint. Signal Zero performed live, welcoming guests to the dance floor with their classic rock-style music. Signature drinks, high-end circus food, confetti cannons and a midnight champagne toast closed out the evening benefiting the Eloise Visual Arts Center (EVAC) and Our Children’s Academy (OCA). The Eloise Visual Arts Center is underway and will feature four buildings where teens and young adults can practice the art of painting, especially graffiti. Updates about construction and progress can be found at www.artsensemblehealingarts.com. Our Children’s Academy and Rehab is the only area school for children with special needs offering intensive therapies along with educational curriculums. OCA has a speech therapist in each classroom and offers hippotherapy, which includes an agricultural

center with live chickens, an amazing handicap accessible playground, a therapeutic labyrinth and a water play area. With the youth being the focus of both non-profit organizations, smiles could be seen as children from the neighborhood came out during the night. In their pajamas, they made their way across the street to the Central Florida Repack parking lot to ride Tiny the Elephant. While Tiny was originally cast to entertain the guests of Circ’ de Spray, it is the spirit of EVAC and OCA to welcome the young people for any involvement … even in their pajamas.

Soon after the party, artists were leaving messages on the event’s Facebook wall. “I just HAVE to extend the love that is radiating from my heart to each of you!!!! What a beautiful experience I had this weekend! One human family - blessings be!” It is easy to recognize the Eloise community now has a jumpstart to dynamic change, education and prosperity!

More information about Our Children’s Academy and current capital campaign can be found at www.ourchildrens.org.

L to R) April Roe Porter, Megan Beissinger Smith, Nicole Erickson, Katie Campbell Barris, Christa Varnadoe Roe, Carol Roe

Peoples Choice Winner - Mishu

Advertising Circ’ de Spray in front of Se’an, artist and creator of Blu Berri








Thank you, Winter Haven (and Brandon, Lakeland, Plant City, Lake County, and South Tampa) for your support and encouragement, for your cooperation and enthusiasm, for your suggestions and critique - your input has been critical to our company. We feel privileged to report our community good news

By Cheryl Johnston











AnthonyArt Director




CreditManager

MikePublisherCheryl

CopyEditor

DeDeAccountManager



We have a responsibility to report on as much local news as we can fit into the magazine each month. To do this, we will strive to build our advertising base so we can add more editorial content, as this is what makes that possible. Here’s a shout out to those loyal advertisers who run ads with us each month. That loyalty makes Focus possible.

To celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary, we have a plan and we hope you will join us.

If there is one thing our readers, advertisers, and the subjects of our stories have taught us, it’s the power of giving back and of caring about our neighbors, especially when there’s a need.

Our plan this year involves an effort to benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City through an adjunct to their annual signature fundraiser, the Celebrity Chef Dinner.

Join us Thursday, February 16, 2012 for our Annual Reader’s Choice Awards when we will recognize the winners from the votes cast by locals for favorite restaurants in several different categories.

This evening also involves the monthly After Hours celebration with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, which makes it one of the largest Thursday night gatherings of the year. Several hundred usually attend to mix and mingle and have a little fun. We’d like you to be there.

To help the United Food Bank, we encourage everyone to make a donation as they enter the party at Keel and Curley Winery on the night of the 16th. The celebration will include live entertainment and great food from some of the local favorites. It’s a great chance to catch up with your friends in the community and it’s a great cause.

We also encourage you to purchase tickets for the Celebrity Chef Dinner, scheduled for Saturday, February 18 at the Trinkle Center, and also to consider becoming a sponsor.

Once again, Winter Haven, we’re proud to serve this wonderful community. Without you, there would be no Focus. Here’s to even greater years ahead. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Local Plant City artist Jesse Starr created our January 2008 cover celebrating Plant City’s 125th birthday

DeDe took home the 1stplace trophy at our 11 adventures Karting trip.

L-R Sophia Hyde, Angel Carter, Holly Farmer, DeDe Floyd & Julie Hasting at our 9th Anniversary Party.

Marti Lofstrom’s inspirational story touched many hearts.

Focus covers all of Plant City & the surrounding areas.

Our very first cover designed by Brian Taylor.

Focus attends many events a year to support the communities it serves.

Focus TV crew on location in Winter Haven


Seretha Tinsley expects great things of others – especially young people

Seretha Tinsley has experienced a lot of success in her life, and it wasn’t

handed to her. She and her husband worked hard and started their own

business. They’re Franchisees for KFC and TGI Friday’s, and they’ve been

successful enough to involve both of their children in the business. But Tinsley

is also known for her volunteer work in the community.

She is known as the one who shows up with her sleeves rolled up to help

when she’s needed most. At its 30th anniversary conference in Indianapolis,

the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Seretha was surprised to be

awarded the national President’s Award for exemplary service.

LOCAL BUSINESS WOMAN WORKS TO INFLUENCE YOUTH

“I think if we don’t go back to the basics and start giving young people what they need to survive and expect them to rise to the standards we’ve set, then we’re failing them.”

Interview by Brian West | Photos by Aldo Trevino


Focus: Tell me where you’re from originally.Tinsley: Louisville, Kentucky.

Focus: What brought you to Florida?Tinsley: It was a lot of moves. I was offered the position of General Manager of WPDQ Radio Station in Jacksonville, Florida. So I moved to Florida and my family moved here three months after that. We were in Jacksonville for three years.

Focus: Do you have any brothers and sisters?Tinsley: Yes. I have two brothers and a sister. One brother is in Miami and he owns a social media business. My other brother is in Louisville and he is the Assistant to the Mayor. And my sister owns a nail business in Louisville.

Focus: Tell me about your immediate family.Tinsley: We have two children, Penni and George. Penni is 35 and George is 33. Our first company, PenGeo is named after them. That’s the KFC side of our business. George II runs our Tinsley Family Concessions side of the business.

Focus: How did you meet your husband?Tinsley: He’ll tell you one story, and I’ll tell you the truth. We both went to Male High School in Louisville, Kentucky. I didn’t really know him in high school, but we both went to the same college. I didn’t really know him there, either. There were 11 African American men at the college I went to, which was Kentucky Wesleyan College in Louisville, and I was the only African American girl. You might imagine that everyone on campus was trying to pair me up with someone. On Sadie Hawkins Day I was paired up with George. All the girls chased him down for me because they thought we’d make a good couple. I got paired up with him and we dated and eventually got married.

Focus: What’s the story he would tell everyone?Tinsley: He would say that I chased him in high school and followed him to college.

Focus: How did you get started in your businesses?Tinsley: My husband, George, had worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken as a Trainer, in

Louisville. When I was transferred to Florida with my job, he became a franchise representative with Kentucky Fried Chicken. His job at the time was setting up Franchisees in the state of Florida. As he was traveling, he saw a location in Auburndale, and said we needed to look at it. So we came to Auburndale and sat on the corner and counted cars. He said that was the place for us to start our business. In 1982,

we made an offer with them. So I quit my career in the radio business. You needed to have knowledge to run a successful restaurant, so I went to chicken school to learn about chicken. I knew nothing about the chicken business. I went to work for a Franchisee in one of their restaurants for a couple of weeks so that I could get hands-on experience.

George Sr. and I started with the KFC side of the business and that’s PenGeo. Auburndale was our first location, then Haines City and then Baseball City. The story about Baseball City is very interesting. I often share this story with people, because today you may be in business, but tomorrow you may be out of business. We purchased the land at Baseball City when everything was alive and going strong. A month later they closed their doors with no notice. We kept the business, but closed it after about three years. One thing about business is that you have to know when to close.

Focus: Tell me about your involvement in the community.Tinsley: It started when I was very, very, young. I wanted to do missionary work because at that time, it wasn’t the norm for a woman to be a minister. When I graduated from college, I went to Africa because I wanted to learn more about what people needed in the world. I realized after I went there that other countries were more versatile than we were. I realized that we needed more help here in America.

So I have three philosophies that I live by – to whom much is given much is required, do unto others, as you would have others do unto you, and to thy own self be true. Those are the things that my mother and father instilled in me, and it’s how I live my life. All of my life I’ve given back.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15


I was the Youth Advisor for the NAACP and I work with the YMCA Achievers. My philosophy when I was working with the youth was that if you expect a lot from a young person, they’d give you that and more. My expectation of everyone around me is that I’m going to give them everything I have, so I expect them to give me everything they have. I get to touch the lives of young people that others may not expect to do anything. That’s the payback. These are the ones that when I expect them to do something, they exceed all my expectations. I’ve worked as a judge in the Vocational category for the Silver Garland Awards for several years now, and that’s probably one of the greatest things I get to do. I get to see all these young people in our community who are doing wonderful, wonderful things.

I was a teacher for three years. I taught 5th grade elementary. Although I left the education system years ago, it was still my passion, even in our businesses. Most people may not understand that our livelihood depends on teenagers on the KFC side of the business. So we’re still educating everyday. We’re usually their first job. So we want to use the opportunity to prepare them for the world. So community service is just something that’s in me.

I’m also the Director of Leadership Training for COLA – Chain of Lakes Achievers. COLA is an organization that Faye Bellamy and I started. We do an outreach to all the youth in the community. They come to us and I work with them on leadership skills and Faye works with them on tutoring, and we do it all for free. So it gives us a way to give back. I’ve found that people will give what you expect of them. If you expect bad, they’ll give you bad. If you expect good, they’ll give you good.

Just in the past few years we started something called Clothe the Child. My mother had an organization called Clothe the Child Food for the Elderly. All of my life as a child, on Christmas day, we couldn’t have Christmas in our home until we did something for someone else. We had to get up on Christmas morning and go pick up other kids and take them to shop and then back home. A local store opened just for us to provide Christmas for over 200 kids. We started the same organization in Polk County. Our COLA kids pick up other kids on the week before Christmas and take them shopping. We give the COLA kids calculators. We give them a budget, and they’re only allowed to buy clothes and one gift for someone in their family, and then we take them to breakfast. We find that it is probably the most phenomenal thing we do, teaching young people to give back. And we’re teaching those that don’t have anything, that they have to give back too. When a kid comes to COLA, the only thing they have to do is sign a contract that they will do what has to be done. That’s it.

Focus: Where do you think community involvement is headed for future generations?Tinsley: I think the system is trying to keep community involvement in the forefront of the minds of our young people. My philosophy is a little bit different. I think young people today will duplicate what they see. They will repeat what they hear if that’s all you want them to do. I think we have to be careful that we don’t create a system that just encourages a young person to simply regurgitate what we teach them. That concerns me. We have to teach and challenge them to think.

Take community service hours as an example. That’s why I love the Silver Garland Awards. We’re not just awarding the number of hours they have, we’re looking at what they’ve done with their talents and skills and how they’re giving back. I think if we don’t go back to the basics and start giving young people what they need to survive and expect them to rise to the standards we’ve set, then we’re failing them. If the standard is that you need 200 hours of community service, many young people will simply work to get those hours. But if the standard is to do community service work to give back and make a difference, then the end result is that that the reward will mean more. Someone said it best, ‘If we don’t invest in the knowledge, faith and expectations in young people, then we will be rolled around in wheel chairs that won’t work.

Focus: What were your challenges as minority in business?Tinsley: We would not have been successful getting into business if it had not been for the Jesse Jacksons that were pushing for capitalization for minorities. But no matter what gift or opportunity you’re given, it’s not the gift or the opportunity; it’s what you do with it that matters. We went into business together, which was very challenging at best – going into business with your spouse, not to mention being minorities. We were very assertive individuals, and he was an athlete so he was about winning. But what kept us in business was working at it. We were there 24/7, 365. We’re still there every day. We may not be at the restaurant, but we’re still working the business. You have to give your best. The average business, regardless of what it is, will go out of business within the first 5 years. As an African American, sometimes when you start to have money come in you feel an obligation to give it away; that other minorities may think that because you’ve made it you need to give them some. That was the hardest part to manage. You have to budget and know what to give and what to keep. That’s why I try to support other African Americans who’ve gone into business.

Focus: Can you share a lighthearted moment for you, in business?Tinsley: When George and I started working together, we quickly realized that we were going to have to learn how to tell each other off without saying anything to each other. We didn’t want the employees pitting one of us against the other. One day he said, “Do this!” And I said, “I’m not going to do that. I quit!” He said, “You can’t quit.” I said, “Why not?” And he said, “Because you own the business.”

Tinsley is one of those people that you just can’t help but want to be around. She’s just easy to like. Her efforts in the community have paid great dividends in the lives of those she’s worked with, both directly and indirectly. Thanks so much for all your efforts. We wish you continued success in all you do.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15


CNP • CLARK/NIKDEL/POWELL

BUSINESS » BUSINESS PROFILE

An impressive list of clients credits the “2011 Small Business of the Year” award-winning marketing firm of Clark/

Nikdel/Powell (CNP) for their organizations’ successes. And that’s exactly what CNP strives for - success for its customers.

One sure sign that a firm accomplishes its mission is increased business through word-of-mouth referrals and networking recommendations. These have proven invaluable in CNP’s 20 years of solid growth. According to partner and Web Development Director Alex Nikdel, the firm is proud of its “long history of long-term client relationships.”

Clark/Nikdel/Powell, established by Christine Nikdel and Jerry Clark in 1991, evolved from a graphic design studio into today’s integrated marketing agency. CNP’s 16-member team provides expertise in advertising, design, public relations, brand development, Web and social media services. From research and concept development to communication and measurement, the team works to ensure clients effectively reach their target audiences.

In every step of the process, CNP strives to “deliver more than is expected” and to “respond immediately to its clients needs

with creativity and flexibility.” The firm designs and coordinates numerous services for creative branding, public relations, and web development. Be sure to visit www.clarknikdelpowell.com for an exhaustive list of the full service advertising agency’s capabilities.

CNP also “gives back” in big ways to its Polk County home base. Over the last several years, the team has donated hundreds of hours through pro-bono services, active volunteerism, marketing help and board memberships for numerous non-profits. According to the youngest partner Alex Nikdel, “We love sharing our skills with organizations and causes we feel passionately about.”

The music-loving outdoor enthusiast and company president Chris Nikdel describes herself as “passionate about great design and the value of art in our culture.” With art degrees from the University of Massachusetts and University of Florida and more than 30 years of experience in advertising/design studios in Los Angeles, Hartford, Gainesville and Melbourne, Australia, she is an expert in creative planning, campaign concepts and execution/supervision of all print materials, package/signage and trade show exhibit design.

The Lakeland native vice-president, Anne Powell, is also a proud Florida Gator (B.A. in Graphic Design). With more than 30 years of agency experience in print media for tourism, business and industry, clients benefit from her fresh and original work that has garnered numerous local and state advertising awards, including two best-of-show designations.

Powell serves CNP as vice-president.

Winter Haven native, “rabid Gator Fan” and web development director Alex Nikdel, 26, is active in the Winter Haven Young Professionals (YP) Group and Leadership Winter Haven Class 32. Alex earned a Bachelor’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering (2007) and joined CNP in 2009 after Walt Disney World work as a practicing industrial engineer.

CNP adds “substance + style” to their clients’ marketing efforts. The firm’s website says it best: “We strive to go beyond expectations for our clients every day … every time. We are always fair and act at the highest level of integrity in our business practices. We focus on strategic and tactical solutions we believe are right for the client. We create a work culture for our team that encourages collaboration, support, teamwork and positive spirit.”

Alex Nikdel offers wise advice to clients: “In advertising and marketing, we must understand our clients’ businesses to provide them with solid recommendations. Advertising shouldn’t be viewed by a business as COSTING it money, but rather as MAKING it money. We’re essentially consultants, and my favorite part about this job is learning those little nuances in our clients’ businesses.” Whatever your company’s needs might be, Clark/Nikdel/Powell will produce results to increase your market presence or fundraising efforts and establish unique branding for your products and name. Money invested wisely, for sure.

INFORMATION

62 4TH STREET N.W. WINTER HAVEN, FL 33881

863.299.9980 HTTP://CLARKNIKDELPOWELL.COM

The CNP team has grown over the last several years now totaling 16 employees.

AWARD WINNING AGENCY OFFERS SUBSTANCE AND STYLE WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

CNP * Clark/Nikdel/Powell was honored by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce with the Small Industry of the Year Award. One award is given annually to a small businesses with less than 50 employees who have invested in the community through both financial impact and community service. (From Left- Chris Roche, Mark Adkins, Katie Gernert, Seth Wilson, Taylor Gorman, Ryan Pogue, Sandy Pogue, Chris Nikdel, Alex Nikdel, Melea Gernert and Anne Powell)


EXTRA » CITY OF WINTER HAVEN

Did you know that Black History Month has been celebrated for almost 100 years? In 1915, 50 years after the 13th

Amendment abolished slavery in the United States, Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, and Rev. Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Beginning in 1926, the organization started sponsoring National Negro History Week, the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863, declaring all slaves the United States freed. Born into slavery in February 1818, Frederick Douglass served as an advisor to President Lincoln during the Civil War, fought to abolish slavery within the United States, and fought for adoption of constitutional amendments that guaranteed voting rights and other civil liberties for black Americans.

Beginning from that one-week celebration, the event grew to be a month long celebration and inspire many communities, churches, schools and other organizations to host special events dedicated to celebrating achievements made by black Americans. Since 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford first recognized Black History Month, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History month. Each year a theme is chosen for this special month. In 2012, the theme is Black Women in American History and Culture.

The City of Winter Haven has celebrated Black History month for several years. This

year’s events begin February 2 with the Library’s screening of Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun, a documentary produced and written by former Lakeland resident Kristy Andersen. The movie was featured on PBS in the American Masters Series. It will be a treat to listen as Anderson offers a summary of how she came to create the film and answer questions. It all happens at 5:30 p.m., February 2, at the Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW. Admission is free.

The Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center (WHRCC), 801 Ave. T NE, will host additional events during Black History Month. Movie Night will be at 6 p.m., February 10. This event is free.

Get ready for a spelling lesson at 6 p.m. February 23. The WHRCC will host the Black History Month Spelling Bee. All kids in grades 6-8 are invited to participate. Participation and admission is free to all.

The Jr. Miss Heritage Pageant will take place at 6 p.m., at the WHRCC. The cost is $2 for girls ages 12-14 to participate. Everyone’s invited to come out and watch, too.

The guys will have a Bench Press Competition February 25, beginning at 11 a.m., at the WHRCC. The cost is $15 to participate and competition is open to all men age 18 and older.

Finally, the Black History Month Fashion Show will be at 6 p.m., February 28 at the WHRCC. This event is free for participants and spectators.

CITY OF WINTER HAVENWRITTEN BY: JOY TOWNSEND

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THE SEASONED STONE

We visited The Seasoned Stone recently for their Signature Saturday Island Branch and knew

immediately this would not be a typical chain dining experience.

The cheery yellow house with fuchsia trim has a welcoming green door. Strains of island music drifted down from the covered patio dotted with paper lanterns and we discovered Chef Rex Harris cooking authentic Caribbean roti on the front porch.

The Seasoned Stone, opened in August 2011, expands on the success of R & R Chutney, a company Rex and his wife Kim started in 2009 to sell homemade island versions of traditional Indian chutneys such as the popular Pineapple-Mango Chutney.

Originally from Grenada, the “Isle of Spice,” Rex has lived throughout the Caribbean, including Trinidad and The Bahamas. He also served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, which allowed him to travel worldwide. He incorporates this varied culinary knowledge into every creation. Even the restaurant’s name came from his early childhood memories of cooking on three flat “seasoned stones” recessed in the ground.

The interior decorations make you feel like you’ve just been invited to stay awhile in a trendy yet intimate home. Bright yellow walls, “but not too bright, just the perfect shade to reflect our personality,” explains Kim, are set off by black and white furniture and turquoise accents. Comfy

armchairs, small tables and a functional bench accompany a funky black and white pub table and more traditional table for four. Further inside, the Mango Room beckons with pops of purple, green, and orange.

On this particular beautiful Florida afternoon, we sat at one of the outdoor tables in the front yard and were soon served glasses of a refreshing mint infused water. Flavors for the waters change daily, as do menu selections. Menus are released weekly that feature specials for each day. Always available are fresh options in the deli display such as chicken and pasta salads, antipasto, hummus and salsas.

The Seasoned Stone’s fresh ingredients are taste-apparent in every dish. Local ingredients are used whenever possible and seafood is never farm-raised.

The Saturday Island Brunch features made to order sweet and savory crepes and Rex’s specialty: homemade roti filled with vegetarian or chicken curry. Roti is a type of unleavened bread made from flour and ground split peas, similar to naan. Prepared fresh each Saturday, they have become so popular that some regulars drive over from Lakeland to pick up to-go orders.

Our dining experience began with a meatless antipasto. Not your traditional heavy Italian antipasto, this featured fresh greens, olives, artichokes, chickpeas, onion and fennel, mixed with the perfect amount of dressing.

Next came the main course - a savory crepe

stuffed with orzo, asparagus, feta, carrots and juicy fresh tomatoes wrapped in a light and fluffy batter. Also delicious was the strawberry/pineapple filled sweet crepe topped with a decadent berry glaze with a hint of rum. We also sampled a delicately-crusted, perfectly-spiced vegetarian curry roti with potatoes, sweet potatoes, onion, chickpeas and red peppers. The portions were generous, and our take-home box of roti tasted just as good reheated at home.

The Seasoned Stone prides itself on featuring hand-selected wines hard to find anywhere else in Polk County. Don’t bother asking for a Bud Light…here, it’s more appropriate to kick back with an ice cold Carib or Red Stripe! They also make their own red and white sangrias. We sampled the deliciously fruity white sangria with splashes of Noble Brand tangerine juice and lemonade, as well as the refreshingly sweet non-alcoholic guava lychee nectar.

The popular spot to grab a quick, healthy weekday lunch or spend a relaxing Saturday

afternoon is also a great venue for bridal or baby showers and birthday parties. The Mango Room, which comfortably seats eight, is often reserved for meetings and book clubs. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

At $9.50 for lunch and $11.50 for dinner, The Seasoned Stone is definitely affordable. This great addition to the downtown Winter Haven area eateries provides a unique dining experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing brunch with new friends, and we’re certain the ever-changing menu will keep us coming back for more!

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE

A FRESH DINING EXPERIENCE NEAR DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN WRITTEN BY: VALERIE MCCUTCHEON

132 AVENUE B SWWINTER HAVEN, FL [email protected]: THE SEASONED STONE863-875-5756FAX ORDERS: 863-232-5046HOURS OF OPERATION:MONDAY & SATURDAY: 11 A.M. - 3 P.M. TUESDAY -THURSDAY: 11 A.M. - 7 P.M. FRIDAY: 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.

CRITICAL INFO

Owner, Rex Harris, cooking roti, his signature dish.Photo by Calder Wilson

The meatless antipasto features fresh greens, olives, artichokes, chickpeas, onion and fennel tossed with the perfect amount of dressing.Photo by Valerie McKutcheon

Photo by Calder Wilson


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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]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2» Screening of Jump at the Sun5:30 p.m. A biography of Zora Neale HurstonWinter Haven Public Library Multi-purpose RoomFree admission

» Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven6:30 p.m.Two community members recognized for Winter Haven’s highest honor Black tie optional500 3rd St. NW, Winter HavenTickets: $100.00/personRSVP: [email protected] 863-293-2138

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3» Pickin’ in the Park 6:30-8 p.m.Sing-along with local musiciansDowntown Central ParkFree admission863-297-9387

FRIDAY, FEB. 3 – SATURDAY, FEB. 4» Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition2400 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven8 p.m. Friday: Fly-over and live music10 a.m. Saturday: Gates open Florida BBQ Association State Championship &Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club Annual FundraiserEnjoy BBQ, music, ski show, & kids play area Free admissionBoysandgirlsbbq.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10» Valentine’s Day Dance4:30-6:30 p.m.Fun for all ages135 Avenue Y NE, Winter HavenFree admission863-534-6911

» Black History Month Movie Night6 p.m.801 Ave. T NE Free admission863-291-5675

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11» Casino Night/Mardi Gras Street Party Annual Fundraiser for Junior League of Greater WHCocktail attire requested, including mask!Tanner’s at 325 W. Central Ave., Winter HavenTickets: $50Purchase at jlgwh.org/events

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18» Kiwanis Annual Pancake Festival7 a.m. – 12 p.m.Silent auction, free massages, and pancakes!Proceeds help fund area projectsAll you can eat: $5. Kids under 6: free863-293-2138

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23» Black History Month Spelling Bee6 p.m.Participants in grades 6-8 can compete for prizes801 Ave. T NE, Winter HavenRegistration deadline: February 17863-291-5675

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24» Black History Month Jr. Miss Heritage Pageant6 p.m.Ages 12-14, $2 per participant 801 Ave. T NE Registration deadline: February 19863-291-5675

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25» Bench Press Competition11 a.m.Ages 18 & Up, $15 per participant 801 Ave. T NE Registration deadline: February 15863-291-5675

FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 11» 20th Annual Polk Senior GamesTime and locations varyAthletic and recreational competitive events for ages 50 and upCall 863-533-0055 or visit polkseniorgames.org for more info

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28» Black History Month Fashion Show6 p.m.801 Ave. T NE Free for participants and spectators863-291-5675

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 » 2nd Annual Original Highwaymen Weekend ExtravaganzaTicketed dinner with the 9 original Florida Highwaymen Auction follows dinner to benefit Arts/

Culture of DavenportContact Davenport City Hall 863-419-3300 for tickets.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3» Davenport Art Extravaganza 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Free public event in downtown Davenport

» Chain of Lakes Cycling Classic (March 3 & 4)Road Race/TimeTrial, Sat. March 3Lake Buffum area, Alturas

SUNDAY, MARCH 4» Cycling Classic CriteriumIncludes race for local kids, ages 4-9Downtown, Winter HavenVisit www.cclingclassicsinc.com for details.

ONGOING EVENTSTHURSDAYSDowntown Farmers’ Market8 a.m.-5 p.m.Farm-fresh produce and other local vendorsDowntown Trailhead Park

2nd and 4th SATURDAYSaturday Afternoon Movie2 p.m.Family friendly movies and refreshmentsWinter Haven Public Library Multi-purpose RoomFree admission


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 B A S E D O N T R U S T .

AN AFFILIATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SHANDS HEALTHCARE

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

Winter Haven Hospital’s Bostick Heart Center is recognized by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons as being in the top 10 percent of Heart Programs in the United States, and ranked one of the nation’s Top 50 Heart Centers by a leading consumer advocacy magazine. We give our heart patients every possible advantage by combining the best clinical experts with the latest technologies and the most effective rehab services available. And it’s all backed by the hospital you trust, Winter Haven Hospital.

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