okeechobee the magazine spring 2013

THE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2013

Ryan’s Journey How the Okeechobee community pulled together to help a young man

Dr. Randall Mims Local veterinarian’s role as Shrine Club president Darleen Bradford Volunteer extraordinaire

Okeechobee At Home Tour Lori Mixon’s beautiful new office

Plus

1796 Highway 441N • Okeechobee, FL 34972• 863-763-2151 • RaulersonHospital.com

Happy New Year Okeechobee,

This February Raulerson Hospital celebrates its 34th anniversary of service to our community. Our Administration and Staff are extremely proud of the healthcare services we’ve provided for adults & children throughout this time, including:• 24-hour Emergency Care

• Surgical Service (In & Outpatient)

• American College of Radiology Accredited Diagnostic Imaging

• Physical, Occupational and Language Therapy

Raulerson Hospital’s commitment to excellent patient care and customer service does not end with the healthcare services provided at our facility. We are dedicated to providing support for our patients beyond their discharge from our hospital. That is why our Care Assure program was created. Care Assure is to designed to ensure that patients with cardiovascular disease receive appropriate follow-up care after a hospital visit. Our experienced Registered Nurse Navigator assists patients with cardiovascular disease with their transition from hospitalization back to the community, applying evidence-based care standards. Our Nurse Navigator can answer questions and even facilitate follow-up appointments. A patients’ continuum of care is well-served when patients interact with a Nurse Navigator to better understand their discharge plan of care and complete any follow-up appointments.

I always enjoy this opportunity to share the latest news regarding your community hospital – like the implementation our Care Assure Program. If you enjoy staying connected to Raulerson Hospital, look for us on facebook and twitter to receive the latest news and tips to stay healthy. For additional information about our services, contact us at 763-2151 or visit our webpage at RaulersonHospital.com. Remember my door is always open. If you would like to share comments, compliments or ask a question about your care at Raulerson Hospital, I’m always interested in hearing this valuable feedback.

For a free physician referral or to speak with a Registered Nurse about a healthcare question, call Consult-A-Nurse at: 763-9228.

Sincerely,

Robert Lee Chief Executive Officer

Clinical CornerDon’t Sit On It Too Long. Doctors recommend colorectal screenings beginning at age 50. A colonoscopy can detect cancer early, when treatment works best.

• A colonoscopy can prevent cancer from developing; During a colonoscopy, we remove precancerous polyps, so they can’t develop into cancer.

• Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Schedule your colonoscopy with Raulerson Hospital’s Outpatient Services today.

(l –r) Critical Care Director Deborah Benitez, and Chief Executive Officer Robert Lee introduce Care Assure Nurse Navigator Carol Silverstein. For more than a decade Carol has been an RN in the Intensive Care Unit at Raulerson Hospital, even serving as a Charge Nurse. She brings much experience and has a passion for patients.

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Ron Bukley Raye Deusinger

Renée MimsTonya Young

contributorsMaureen Burroughs

Charles MurphyMichael Shellen

distribution

Jackie Martin

ryan Martin

Vicky Shanklin

Okeechobee The Magazine, is published quarterly in Okeechobee, Florida. Copyright 2013, all rights reserved by Okeechobee The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

volume 7, number 1 | Spring 2013

Now that the winter season has ended we will miss our northern friends. I believe that we may have had a record number of visitors this season, and I can’t blame them for wanting to be in our little bit of paradise for a few months. We live here in paradise for the weather but also for the community and people. Okeechobee is an incredibly giving and loving community, and you’ll read about how it came together to help a local young man, Ryan Arnold, who was recently diagnosed with moyamoya disease. Community fundraising is no stranger to the Arnold family, and this time they saw it come back to them.

Speaking of fundraising, read about Dr. Randall Mims, a longtime local veterinarian who is now serving as president of the Okeechobee Shrine Club. I have personally seen what the Shriners do for children in need as they helped a family member many years ago. Dr. Mims is another example of giving back to the community. As our theme in this issue is volunteerism, read about Darlene Bradford, a former nurse who now volunteers at Raulerson Hospital. She is a shining example of what retirement should be.

We have a little different spin on our Okeechobee At Home feature as we take a peek at local Realtor Lori Mixon’s new office. Completely remodeled with her personal touch, read about the transformation of the building and get to know her.

Here at Okeechobee The Magazine, we pride ourselves on great coverage of local events and this issue is no different. Okeechobee Main Street’s Top of the Lake Art Fest and Chalk Walk was the best ever. Not only did they add street painting and the puppy pageant, they kicked it off with a dedication of the fifth mural on State Road 70, Old Okeechobee Hardware Store.

In our Behind the Business columns, read about two local businesses with great people on board: Keith Hickman and the guys at Highland Pest Control, and Lisa Marie Turner of Okeechobee Claws & Paws.

I hear from many of you that you not only love your local publication, but that you archive them. We try to keep them in storage just for you. If you are looking for a back issue, let us know and if we have one, we’ll get it for you.

Enjoy reading your favorite local glossy publication, Okeechobee The Magazine, your magazine.

Sincerely,

Publisher

Publisher’s Note

Okeechobee The Magazine111 NE 2nd Street

Okeechobee, FL 34972Phone: (863) 467-0054

www.OkeechobeeTheMagazine.com

Maureen Budjinskipresident

Joshua I. Manningvice president

Barry S. Manning chairman & ceo

8 | Spring 2013 OKEECHOBEE THE MAGAZINE


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features

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1213141618363842485060

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Around Okeechobee Advertiser Index

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52

columnsFishing on Lake OkeechobeeBy Capt. Michael Shellen

Samantha RiveroBy Charles Murphy

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Spring 2013

Ryan’s JourneyHow the Okeechobee community pulled together to help a young manBy Jason Budjinski

Dr. Randall Mims Local veterinarian’s role as Shrine Club presidentBy Raye Deusinger

Darleen BradfordVolunteer extraordinaireBy Raye Deusinger

Okeechobee at HomeBy Ron Bukley

Behind the Business Okeechobee Claws & Paws Highland Pest Control

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Upcoming ShootsMarch 10 -

March 17 -March 23 -March 30 -

March 31 -April 6 -

April 20 -

April 20 -

Young Guns of Quail Creek Fun ShootNSCA ShootFICAP Fun ShootSt. Lucie Co. Farm BureauFun ShootCLOSEDNSCA ShootHighlands Co. Farm BureauFun ShootConcealed Weapons Class

THE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2013

Ryan’s Journey How the Okeechobee community pulled together to help a young man

Dr. Randall Mims Local veterinarian’s role as Shrine Club president Darlene Bradford Volunteer extraordinaire

Okeechobee At Home Tour Lori Mixon’s beautiful new office

Plus

ON THE COVERRyan’s Journey

Story on page 20Photo by Sharon Cannon

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62

Contents

2013 Top of the Lake Art FestOkeechobee Main Street Fifth Mural DedicationOkeechobee Family Health & Safety ExpoBattle of OkeechobeePeace Lutheran’s “Jeans, Jewels & Jazz” Gala Laugh, Love, Live Comedy EventWaldau’s Junior Golf TournamentDenim and Diamonds Gala and CoronationYounified Youth RallyDolphin Day at Gilbert ChevroletOkeechobee Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

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Upcoming ShootsMarch 10 -

March 17 -March 23 -March 30 -

March 31 -April 6 -

April 20 -

April 20 -

Young Guns of Quail Creek Fun ShootNSCA ShootFICAP Fun ShootSt. Lucie Co. Farm BureauFun ShootCLOSEDNSCA ShootHighlands Co. Farm BureauFun ShootConcealed Weapons Class

Community Event

The seventh annual Top of the Lake Art Fest, sponsored by Okeechobee Main Street, was held Feb. 9 and 10 at Flagler Park in downtown Okeechobee. The two-day event featured fine art and artesian crafts by local and national artists, as well as local student artists and a group of Florida Highwaymen artists. New to the festival this year was the chalk walk. Street painting artists wowed the crowd as they created chalk masterpieces on Fourth Street. Also new this year was the inaugural puppy pageant, which brought out many furry friends and their owners. Art fest visitors also enjoyed musical entertainment, food and art demonstrations.

2013 Top of the Lake Art Fest

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Old Okeechobee HardwareStore Mural Presentation

Joyce Parnell inquires about HighwaymenJimmy Stovall’s paintings.

Best of Show adult artist in galleryCoralis Lopez of Okeechobee.

Best of Show student artist Kylie Daniel, 15, whose painting was chosen for the 2014 Top of the Lake Art Fest poster.(Left) Best of Show artist Leland Williams of Crescent City.

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Judges’ Choice artist Reneé King of Melbourne.First-place commercial photographer artist Sharon Cannon of Okeechobee.Best of Show chalk artist David Lepore of Wel-lington.Chalk artist Frank Cirillo of Sarasota works on his masterpiece.Chalk artist Roberta LaRosa of Sarasota creates a “postcard” from Okeechobee.

(Above left) Puppy Pageant Best of Show Rosco with owner Pamela Arnold.(Above) Madison Han-cock and Sadie, her Jack Russell terrier.(Left) Belinda Forlifer of Humane Society Pet Rescue presents dogs looking for a fam-ily with Okeechobee County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper.



Artist Kathy Papasso and Zef, Joseph, Sandro and Haja Steiert enjoy the artists reception at the Brown Cow.OKMS Arts & Culture Director Bridgette Waldau with Jim Waldau.Okeechobee City Councilman Dowling Watford looks at the historical images at the artists reception.Brown Cow Sweetery owner Paulette Bragel with Nancy Steiert and Sandro Steiert.

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Okeechobee Main Street’s fifth mural presentation kicked off with an artists reception Friday, Feb. 8 at the Brown Cow Sweetery. Mural spon-sors and invited guests attended the event to meet mural artist Joseph Steiert.

The Top of the Lake Art Fest was the backdrop for the mural presenta-tion held Feb. 9 in Flagler Park. The mural “Old Okeechobee Hardware Store” is located on the CarQuest building on State Road 70, across from Flagler Park 3. Guest speaker William LeMartin discussed the history of owner Ellis Meserve, his family, the opening of the hardware store and its importance to the community.

Photos By Sharon Cannon

Old Okeechobee HardwareStore Mural Presentation

(Above) Okeechobee Main Street’s fifth mural project, Old Okeechobee Hardware Store.

Okeechobee Main Street President Maureen Bur-roughs and OKMS Arts & Culture Director Bridgette Waldau thank and present a replica of the bronze mural marker plaque during the mural presentation to mural sponsors Mary Beth and George Cooper, San-dra Wherrell, Monrad and Gwen Chandler, and artist Joseph Steiert (with his son Sandro).

(Above) Mural sponsors George and Mary Beth Cooper, Sandra Wherrell, and Gwen and Monrad Chandler with artist Joseph Steiert at the artists recep-tion.(Right) Mural artist Joseph Steiert with preview drawings of the mural.

(Right) William LeMartin discusses the history of Okeechobee Hardware Store during the mural presentation.

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Community Event

The sixth annual Okeechobee Family Health and Safety Expo was held Sat-urday, Jan. 26 at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center. This fun-filled, family-oriented event had a record large crowd of more than 2,600. Local business, health and safety professionals, and law enforcement personnel gathered together to provide a fun and informative event. There were more than 120 vendor booths offering giveaways, door prizes and raffles. Entertainment and lunch was provided. The event is free to the public each year.

Reyli Mejia takes a spin for a prize.Jose Chavez III tries hammering a nail as Deaze Betancurt guides him. Ronald McDonald gives the “thumbs up” to the crowd.An overall view of the medivacs and aerial ladder.Ron Kelly of the Tampa General Hospital Flight Crew with Mason Branam.The Doorkeepers from West Palm Beach perform for the crowd.There was a huge turnout this year.The Storm cheerleaders perform.A long line for the refreshments.

Photos By Sharon Cannon

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Okeechobee Family Health & Safety Expo

Tyisha Williams, Judy CraCraft, Laura Gra-ham and “Odie” the service dog from the Interim Healthcare booth.

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Photos By Sharon CannonCommunity Event

The re-enactment of Florida’s fiercest Seminole War Battle of Okeechobee was held Feb. 2 and 3 at the Okeechobee Battlefield State Park. The event, which was fought on Christmas Day 1837, commemorates the largest and fiercest battle in the Seminole wars.

THE BATTLE OKEECHOBEE

Battle of Okeechobee re-enactors.The cannon demonstration.The Missouri Volunteers move in.Red Boys dance troupe: Cody Boettner, David Weathers, Otter Standing Ready, James Big Moun-tain, Dakota Shaw and dancer Tina Horse. Miranda Whaley, Kaylee Alvarado, Mariah Whaley, Katrina Scruggs and Kiara Alvarado.Will Kerner, Logan Kerner, Dave Kinzler and Bill Kerner of Jensen Beach talk with David Pierce.Daughters of the American Revo-lution members Betsy Cheney, Sharon Buck, Su George and Kenna Noonan. Melanie Leiba looks through the telescope at her daughter Macey.

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(Right) Fancy Shaw dancer Tina Horse of Oklahoma.



WILLIAMSON CATTLECOMPANY PRESENTS

Photos of the Past

In 1911 the Florida East Coast Railroad began laying the rails from New Symrna Beach to Okeechobee and �nished in 1914.

The �rst passenger train arrived in 1915. It is interesting to note that a man who later became a prominent business man, Ellis Meserve, was on that train. He married the pioneer family’s youngest daughter, Faith.

Her parents were Peter and Louisiana Chandler Raulerson, who had arrived in what is now Okeechobee, in 1896.

This picture used with permission fromOkeechobee Historical Society’s President,

Betty Chandler Williamson.

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Peace Lutheran HostsJeans, Jewels &

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Karen Smith introduces Gay Carlton, auctioneer Jimbo Watford, Emily Berggren and Miss Okeechobee County Teen USA Taylor Fulford.

Jeremy and Tabatha LaRue.Event Steering Committee: (front) Cheri Nelson and Gay Carlton; (back) Cindy Brandel, Karen Smith, Magi Cable and Heather Rucks.The Okeechobee High School jazz band performs before dinner.Sonny and Betty Williamson enjoy the evening.(Front) Dot Bulger, Diane Hagan, Debbie Jenkins and Kelly Conrad; (back) Hazel Parnis, Anita Parker and Denise Bennett. Mariah and Ray Anuez dressed fes-tive for the event.Kay Duke and Magi Cable. Ken Kenworthy, Johanna Kenworthy, Laurie Stephen and Noel Stephen.

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Ryan ’s Journey

How the Okeechobeecommunity pulled together to

help a young man

By Jason Budjinski O Photos By Sharon Cannon

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a parent’s worst nightmare — to learn that your child has a potentially life-threatening disease. And it’s even more difficult with a rare disease, for which finding a nearby specialist is not an option.

That’s the situation Okeechobee resi-dents Donny and Madonna Arnold found themselves in last summer, when their son Ryan was diagnosed with moyamoya disease, a vascular disorder that causes restricted blood flow to the brain. But when the Arnolds learned that

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the closest doctor with experience treat-ing moyamoya is in Massachusetts — and that insurance would cover only part of the enormous bill — they were determined to not let money be an ob-stacle. As it turns out, neither would their local community, and the Arnolds would soon learn what it means to live in Okeechobee.

Though the surgery was a success, the road leading to it was long and filled with uncertainty. It all started the morn-ing of Sunday, Aug. 12, when Ryan awoke complaining of a headache. That was the first symptom. From there, it progressed to seeing spots and different colors, and having problems communi-cating. Donny, an Okeechobee County Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic, knew how to ask questions without making Ryan nervous. But the answers Donny got were enough to make him nervous.

“The day before was my birthday,” Donny said. “I’ll never forget. It was the worst birthday ever.”

After realizing Ryan’s condition could be something serious, Donny took him to Palms West Hospital in western Palm Beach County, which has a children’s hospital. Ryan was admitted, and un-derwent testing the following morning, which revealed he had suffered a stroke on the left side of his brain. At that point, the hospital transported Ryan to its affiliate, Miami Children’s Hospital, where he underwent more testing. Fi-nally, an angiogram made the diagnosis. The neurosurgeon in Miami was ready to perform surgery when Donny asked the doctor how much experience he had with the disease. “He told me that he only does maybe one or two of these [moyamoya] surgeries a year,” Donny said. “I knew that it was a very rare and progressive brain disorder, but I knew that there had to be somebody with more experience than that. I called the insurance company, and they told us we


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had to stay with the surgeon we had, that he does have experience and would be fine to do the surgery. I refused. I told them, no; that is not acceptable.”

Donny immediately went online to search for specialists and found Dr. Michael Scott, a moyamoya special-ist based at Boston Children’s Hospital with decades of experience treating the disease. But because Scott is out of state and out of network, the Arnolds’ insur-ance company wouldn’t go for it.

“I told them, you need to find me an-other surgeon here in Florida who has moyamoya experience,” Donny said. “This is not a gallbladder that we’re op-erating on; it’s my son’s brain.”

Donny pleaded with the company’s representatives, making numerous calls, until finally coming to an agreement that he would cover 60 percent.

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munity stepped up. While at the Adam Bryant Minimal Regatta on Oct. 6, Donny was talking with Bobbi Poole, discussing plans for Ryan’s birthday on Nov. 12. “I said I want to have a big birthday party for him, with water-slides, bounce houses, face painting and basically do it all up — a big, fun party for friends and family,” Donny recalled. “Then we’ll go deal with what we have to deal with as far as surgery, because we didn’t know how he would turn out [af-ter surgery].”

Poole suggested having the party at a park and making it a “fun day” type of event. They met up later in the week to discuss the issue further, and they formed a committee, which included Poole, Wendy Crum, Lynn Manke, Krystal Avant and Debby Robertson.

“They came up with the idea for ‘Ryan Arnold’s Birthday Bash/Fundraiser,’ and that’s where they came up with the slo-gan ‘Rallying Around Ryan,’” Donny said.


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The first fundraiser was hosted by Frank DeCarlo of American Drilling. “When I heard about what was going on, I felt like I needed to help,” DeCarlo said. “I am always raising money for something or someone. Although in this economy it is hard to ask for cash. People just don’t have the means to give like they do when the economy is flourishing. I got an idea [that] instead of asking people to give money, I would ask for their scrap metal. If they couldn’t drop it off, I would go and get it. If they had a lot, I would drop off a trailer for them to fill and return to pick it up when it was full. We raised $18,750. That’s how Scrappin’ for Ryan began. I often said, ‘Don’t give me no crap; all we want is your scrap.’”

Other fundraisers included a Dec. 12 fundraiser/beauty pageant, a walkathon at Osceola Middle School, a web page at gofundme.com and an account opened


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at a local bank. In addition, “We Are Ryan’s Hope” T-shirts were made, along with “Rallying Around Ryan” rubber bracelets. In total, Donny said about $71,000 was raised.

The Arnolds arrived in Boston Saturday, Jan. 5; Ryan was admitted the follow-ing Monday and had surgery on Tues-day. Donny was especially proud of how Ryan handled everything, noting that Ryan was in more pain than he indi-cated to the nurse, keeping it to himself because he was worried about being a burden. “He was so strong; he was just amazing. He was truly like a soldier — that’s how much courage he had.”

Still, despite the success of the surgery, Ryan faces an ongoing battle. In addi-tion to yearly examinations, it’s possible another operation will be needed.

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tually affect other areas of his brain, so chances are good he’ll have surgery on the right side of his brain,” Donny said. “They fixed the left side this time, and we don’t know for sure yet whether it has taken or if it’s doing what it’s sup-posed to do. But in July we go back for an MRI and MRA to make sure [the surgery] is doing what it’s supposed to be doing.”

Fortunately, Ryan has shown the in-ner strength and determination to cope with his situation in “trooper-like” fash-ion. This is crucial for anyone battling a long-term condition.

“We were very open with Ryan from the get-go,” Donny said. “I showed him pictures of what his scar was going to look like; I showed him pictures of other kids who have had the surgery. He kind of knew what to expect. I don’t know if that’s why he was so strong and didn’t have any trouble, but even the [doctors and nurses] up there said it’s been a long, long time since they’ve seen a moyamoya patient do as well as he has done.”

Visit Ryan Arnold’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rallyingaroundry-an. O


On either side of the painting are throne-like chairs covered with alliga-tor upholstery to reflect the character of Okeechobee and to make clients feel special. “We are Okeechobee, and our desire is to remain Okeechobee, not just to have an elegant office, but we wanted

people to come in and feel like they were being treated like royalty,” Mixon said. “That was sort of our vision.”

Mixon credited one of her agents, Monique Trent, as the inspiration to create the beauty of the office. “I had the cabinets ordered and had decided to install crown and baseboards and chair rail, and that’s all I had in my mind,” Mixon said. “I was so busy sell-ing real estate that I didn’t have time to

OLori Mixon wanted to make her new office in Okeechobee as homelike and comfortable as possible for her staff and clients.

“It was a home, then it became a day-care, then it became a construction company, and then it became Mixon Real Estate,” said Mixon, who has been a Realtor since 2002, and received a Woman of Distinction award from the Okeechobee chapter of the Ameri-can Business Women’s Association this year. “We moved three times. We finally decided to buy a place because we kept growing and having to move to a bigger location, and I said we need to go to a location where we can just add on, so we made the decision to purchase here.”Mixon bought the building last Sep-tember and opened the finished office in December.

When she went out on her own in 2010, Mixon felt it was important to have a beautiful environment for people to work in. “Also, I wanted our clients to feel special,” she said.

A painting depicting a tropical scene that dominates the front office was the inspiration for the modeling project. “It was in a home that I had listed, and I admired it so much. The seller said to me, ‘If you sell my house in 30 days, it’s yours,” Mixon said. “It was such a beau-tiful piece I just had to use that as the inspiration.”

By Ron Bukley O Photos by Felicia Maxwell

OkeechobeeAT HOME

Mixon Real Estate Group

think about this. I just wanted it to be pretty. Monique and her husband, Jake, worked tirelessly into the wee hours of the morning many nights to create the beauty of what you see here.”

Monique coordinated everything from the cornice boards on the windows to the furniture upholstery and drapery material, Mixon said. Jake built the cornice boards, and Monique covered them with the same material she used on chairs, stools and lampshades. “She tied everything together throughout the office,” Mixon said. “She did a beauti-ful job.”

The chairs, cornice boards and other items throughout the office are mono-grammed with “MG” in needle-work designed by Trent, who created a computer template for her commer-cial sewing machine. “If you notice the ‘MG,’ most people think it stands for ‘Mixon Group,’ but my newest grand-daughter’s name is Magnolia Grey, so it’s actually her initials,” Mixon said.

Trent — who was in the embroidery business before she became a Real-tor — said she digitized and designed it from scratch on a computer, so that no one else would have one that looks like it. “Lori and I have been friends for so long,” Trent said. “She had asked me to come on board with them, and I couldn’t resist. Both my children are school age now, so I can sell real estate

(Above) Lori Mixon in the welcoming foyer. (Right) The conference room.

(OR FORMER HOME)


AT HOME

(Right) The lamp and hourglass adorns one of the office desks.

(Above) The Mixon Real Estate Group office.

(Left) Agent Monique Trent assisted in creat-ing the beauty of the office.

(Right) Elegant waiting area with throne-like chairs covered with al-ligator upholstery.

(Above) An antique worldly piece of furni-ture in the wait-ing area.

(Above and left) Beautifully decorated agent of-fices. (Below left) Throughout the office is mono-grammed “MG” needlework.

(Above and left) The ornate and lovely restroom area.



with Lori, and I’ve enjoyed it. She has given me full reign here and said, ‘I don’t have time to make this beautiful,’ and I said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’”

“She has the creativity, and I have the pocketbook,” Mixon said. “The two together made it work.”

Much of the hardware was bought at Habit for Humanity in West Palm Beach. “All of our brass doorknobs came from there,” Trent said. “They are really nice Schlage solid brass. We were really being very economical in many things that we did, so we were really able to splurge on some of the things like the wallpaper and some of the trim and fur-niture.”

Trent also credited Stefanie Dylan of

Smd Interiors in Stuart with giving advice on fabric and wallpaper. “We used Thibaut wallpaper, which is a really high-end wallpaper,” Trent said.

All the drapery fabric came from a home on Jupiter Island. “They were so tall that even if we hung them from the ceiling, they were still 6 feet too long,” Trent said. “We cut them and sewed them all. I sewed them, and Lori pinned. We were a great team. We stayed up many nights doing that, and writing contracts the next day.”

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The clock, rug and lamps in Mixon’s personal office are from an Okeechobee attorney’s office that recently closed. “As far as placing them, I credit Monique with that,” Mixon said. “She really has a talent for making everything just per-fect.”

Trent was there daily before the office opened, coordinating workers (marking the ceiling where recessed light fixtures were to go, for example).

The project has given them ample space for three staff and four Realtors,

but they still have room in the back to expand, which they anticipate doing in the future.

The landscaping plants were selected by Mixon’s daughter-in-law Holly, who is also a Realtor. Staff member Julia Parker

(Above) The Mixon Group team. (Seated) Realtor Monique Trent and broker Lori Mixon; (back) Kathy O’Cain (data), Realtor Niki Salman, Executive Assistant Julia Parker and Realtor Tonya Tyson. Not pictured: Realtor Holly Mixon and Office Man-ager/bookkeeper Kendra Corbin.


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and Mixon’s husband, Ron, installed them. “They worked really hard, and Julia works really hard every day to make sure all the things out there are watered because we don’t have irriga-tion,” Trent said.

Ron also hung an American flag outside. “He felt it very important that we have an American flag,” Mixon said, explain-ing that they have sons in the National Guard and Air Force.

Mixon said having a comfortable office evolved from her philosophy of selling real estate. “I do what I call ‘relational

real estate,’ that the relationship is more important than the sale,” she said. “If the relationship is there, the sale will ultimately, eventually come. It may not be this week, this month or this year, but they will always come back to you. If you care for the people more than you care for the sale, then you will be suc-cessful. Those are important principals I strive to teach the agents in my office.”

Mixon Real Estate Group is located at 1306 SW Second Ave. For more infor-mation, call (863) 763-6000 or visit www.mixongroup.com.

Mixon’s new granddaughter Magnolia Grey with her parents Holly and J.D. Mixon. Photo by Brandi Watford.


Photos By Felicia MaxwellCommunity Event

The inaugural “Laugh, Love, Live” comedy game show and dinner was held Feb. 9 at the KOA Convention Center. Mar-tha’s House and CenterState Bank sponsored the festivities, which included a “Price is Sort of Right” game show, a Carib-bean dinner and music. For information on this event or on volunteering for Martha’s House, call (863) 763-2893.

Jim Benton hosts the evening’s game show as comedian Drew Carey.Lawrence and Gwen Beckett, Margo and Chuck Driscoll, and Marcy and Mike Corwin.Martha’s House Director Jonathan Bean introduces honored guests and explains the night’s events.Jose Garcia, Lisa Molneaux, Jay and Gayle Molneaux, Mary Beth and George Cooper, and Randy and Laura McCall.The Chobee Steelers entertain.Lowell Pritchard acted as auction-eer for the evening.

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‘Laugh, Love, Live’ Comedy EventBenefits Martha’s House

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‘Laugh, Love, Live’ Comedy EventBenefits Martha’s House


By Bridgette WaldauCommunity Event

Waldau’s Junior Golf held its 21st annual golf tournament Jan. 19 at the Okeechobee Golf & Country Club. This annual tournament is the main fundraiser for its junior golf programs and scholarships. For more info., photos or to follow Waldau’s Junior Golf activities throughout the year, visit www.floridajuniorgolf.org or find its page on Facebook.

Waldau’s Junior GolfHolds 21st AnnualGolf Tournament

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First-place team: Pete Casas, Paul Abolufia, Julio Vinas and Mark Hopkins.Third-place and top prize team: Bruce Kopp, Jim Waldau, Greg Gow and Neal Anderson.Second-place team and top skins winners: Matt Koff, Howard Koff and Don Lefrancois. Not pic-tured: Norman Koff.

(Left) Jim Waldau presents championship plaques to the current girls and boys champions, Cameron White and Kodi Stephen.

Players gather after tournament for awards and prize presentations.

Ron White announces the skin game winning team.

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Darin Walker, age 17, has been riding dirt bikes since he was only five years old; and that’s just what he was doing on December 20, 2012 when he was injured in a crash.

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Darin recalls that he was practicing 75-foot jumps on the Supercross track at his house when the accident happened. Fortunately Darin’s father Derek Walker was also home at this time and he quickly called 911.

Darin was taken to the Emergency Department at Raulerson Hospital where the Radiology Department, which is accredited by the American College of Radiology, took x-rays of his injured arm and hand. The x-rays clearly showed that Darin’s upper right arm bone (humerus) and the bone in his left thumb were broken. Repairing the arm bone would require surgery. Darin’s parents learned about the experience and qualifications associated with the Orthopaedic Surgical Services at Raulerson Hospital and decided Darin’s surgery should be performed there.

Dr. Benjamin Epstein is the Board Certified orthopaedic surgeon who performed the open reduction fracture on Darin’s arm, inserting a titanium rod to permanently secure the bone.

Darin is no stranger to orthopaedic injuries having broken several bones before. In fact, just two years earlier he was injured while working cows and suffered a broken knee. But this time Darin, his family and friends remained in their community while Darin received quality healthcare with a personal touch. Darin said that having his family, friends and girlfriend all able to come by and see him as they learned of his accident really helped to keep his mind off of the pain. He says his doctors and nurses at Raulerson Hospital were great and remembers how they checked on him often.

Exactly eight weeks after his surgery at Raulerson Hospital, Darin Walker reunited with members of his care team. His ER nurse, Radiology technologist, Surgical Nurses & Technologists, Surgeon and

Inpatient Nurse were all very happy to follow-up with Darin and observe his excellent recovery, illustrating the level of personal care and attention patients at Raulerson Hospital receive.

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Surgical Patient Darin Walker reunites with the following members of his care team eight weeks after his emergency surgery: (left-right) Emergency Room RN Emily Lindsey, Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Benjamin Epstein, Recovery Room RN: Michelle Coleman, Surgical Scub Technicians Jaki Parshall & Jennifer Meara, Surgical Services RN Leighann Collier, Surgical Services Director Stephanie Quesinberry, Radiology Technologist Ashley Rowell and Inpatient RN Bridgette Bestoso

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The Denim and Diamonds Gala held Friday, Feb. 22 served as the coronation of Sierra Coward as Miss Teen Rodeo Florida 2013. While Sierra has been perform-ing her duties as Miss Teen Rodeo Florida since last November, she was officially crowned by Kelly Steinruck, Miss Teen Rodeo Florida 2012, during the gala.

Photos By Tonya YoungCommunity Event

(Below) Sierra Coward with Miss Rodeo Sweetheart 2013 Nicole Boulton and Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart 2011 Donnielle Harper.

Sierra Coward Crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Florida

Florida Cinderella Francesca Alfano, Miss Okeechobee County Teen USA Taylor Fulford, Miss American Legion Macy Gammatea, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Kelly Steinruck, first runner-up for Miss Okeechobee Rodeo Queen Haley Burkhalter, Miss Teen Rodeo Okeechobee Jessica Bur-khard, Miss Rodeo Okeechobee Princess Courtney McCreary, Miss Rodeo Palm Beach County Sierra Lynn Rush, Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart 2011 Donnielle Harper, Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart 2012 Kelly Harper, Miss Rodeo Florida Princess 2013 Carrie Ann Clements, Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart 2013 Nicole Boulton.

(Left) Miss Florida Teen Rodeo 2013 Sierra Coward.


Sierra Coward Crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Florida

Behind the Business

L isa Marie Turner opened the doors of the unique pet boarding facil-ity Okeechobee Claws & Paws on July 1, 2010. Turner previously worked for Dr. Jim Harvey at Okeechobee Veteri-nary Hospital. When Harvey decided to

relocate to his newly built offices, he of-fered Turner the opportunity to remain in the old building and open her own business, which he knew was a passion of hers.

“I’m the one for this; if I don’t do it, who will?” she said were her only

thoughts when making the decision to create such a unique experience for four legged, beaked and aquatic family members.

Okeechobee Claws & Paws boasts not only comfortable boarding options for your pet, it also offers individually themed “suites.” There are six suites:

the Disney Suite, the Tiki Suite, the Lodge, the Rainbow Room, the Sports Room and the Classy Suite. The names of which clearly de-fine the motif. Yet Turner and her staff go the extra mile by adding a nightlight, a toddler bed with cozy comforters and a television. Guests receive all the comforts of home and then some.

Okeechobee Claws & Paws also houses 20 “little kids” kennels, 20 “big kids” kennels, a feline/geri-atric area and a separate location for your winged loved one or your aquarium-dwelling pets.

The staff at Okeechobee Claws & Paws prefer to keep guests in their own specific location, by size or species, to offer a more comfortable, peaceful stay.

This resort-style option for pet boarding also offers a playground yard for freedom and exercise, bathing, and grooming by Ban-danas & Bows. Bandanas & Bows, however, is a separately owned business located within the Okeechobee Claws & Paws

By Tonya Young O Photo By Bridgette Waldau

Okeechobee Claws & PawsNot Your Average Pet Boarding Facility

Lisa Marie with friendsBon Jovi (sitting) and Mimi.



building. “Pets are like children to our clients, so we follow the parents’ rules,” Turner said. “We do lots of socialization work and don’t use leashes.”

The team at Okeechobee Claws & Paws prides itself on going the extra mile to not only make the stay for your pet enjoyable but to also of-fer a sense of ease with leav-ing your pet. Turner often tells new clients, “I know you don’t know me, and I know you’re apprehensive about leaving your ‘child,’ but it’s OK.”

The Claws & Paws team offers tours before leaving your loved one in their care and focuses O

on being open and honest with you about what to expect from them and for your loved one. Okeechobee Claws &

Paws also offers daycare during regular business hours, and early drop-off can be arranged. However, clients are asked

to pick up their pets on time.

Okeechobee Claws & Paws is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 2949 State Road 70 West and can be reached at (863) 357-6700.

For more information, stop by to meet the team or visit the compa-ny’s Facebook page at www.face-book.com/okeechobeeclawsand-paws for pictures, hours, suite information and comments from new and seasoned clients, who are eager to sharing their Claws & Paws experience.

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Okeechobee Land�ll is a registered Wildlife Habitat Council site. Waste Management provides 241 acres of managed foraging habitat for sandhill cranes, 47 acres of vegetative for gopher tortoises and 400 acres of uplands managed by cattle grazing and mowing for Florida sandhill crane foraging.

The property is home to several threatened, endangered and species of concern, including Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Bald Eagles, Wood Storks, Eastern Indigo Snakes, Crested Caracas, Gopher Tortoises, Sherman Fox Squirrels and Florida Pine Snakes.

Waste Management provides 28,000 acres companywide to the Wildlife Habitat project.

(Above): Arnold’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Freddy Holecek, assisted WM Sr. District Manager Tony Bishop in the release of a bald eagle at the Okeechobee Land�ll. (Right): Recently after the eagle release, a nest was spotted, which con�rmed that the habitat is a compatible area for the wildlife to reproduce and raise their o�spring.

Max enjoys a dip in the pool in the outdoor playground yard.

Behind the Business

T he Highland Pest Control mission is to provide the best possible pest management service to its customers, serv-ing the community and the environment responsibly while providing quality, 100 percent customer satisfaction along the way.

General Manager Keith Hickman started working for High-land Pest Control in 2001. At that time the company pro-vided services only in the West Palm Beach area. He became a partner in the company and brought Highland Pest Control to Okeechobee.

Highland Pest Control is family owned and operated. Keith’s father Bobby joined him in the business seven years ago, and his brother Chris joined them two years ago. Through the years Keith has added five trucks to service the Okeechobee

Highland Pest ControlBy Renée Mims

area and two additional technicians, Dave Mach and Gary Crosswhite. Keith and his service technicians are all local res-idents dedicated to serving the community of Okeechobee.

Highland Pest Control provides services to both residential and commercial property owners, including pest control for structures, and lawn pest control, including insecticide ap-plication, weed control, fungus control and fertilization. An-other available service is rodent trapping and removal, home proofing from rodents and follow-up sanitation services after rodent removal.

Most of the questions from clients concern seasonal issues. “In Florida, early spring brings out those dreaded fleas,” Keith said. “My team partners closely with local veterinarians to create a plan to combat fleas. A flea infestation can seem

to happen overnight and requires immediate and thorough action to be taken with the family pet, throughout the entire home, including around the yard and landscaping. A regular mainte-nance program is very helpful.”

During the spring and summer season, a recurring call is relat-ed to termite swarms. “Calls to report termite swarms are very common during warmer weath-er,” Keith said. “The termites swarm when they leave their colony to go start a new colony.”

Ants are also a huge year-round problem for Florida residents. Keith said the best way to con-trol ants is through a regular maintenance program for the prevention of ant infestation.

Keith provided some very use-ful information about bed bugs. Listen to the news and there are many stories about hotels

(L-R) Chris Hickman, Dave Mach, Bobby Hickman,Keith Hickman and Gary Crosswhite.



that have been reported with bed bug infestations. Keith ex-plained how to determine if there are bed bugs in your home or any place that you might spend the night. Any indication of tiny black dots along the edge of the mattress stitching is a good indication of a bed bug infestation. The black spots are dried blood droplets from the bed bugs. The bed bugs are known for riding home with their visitors and will soon be found in the home.

Highland Pest Control is licensed by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomol-ogy and Pest Control. The license includes pest and rodent control, lawn and ornamental protection, termite elimina-tion and building fumigation. The technicians are continu-ally trained on the latest available chemicals, procedures and safety practices.

Over the years the Environmental Protection Agency has eliminated the availability of many of the most environmen-tally harmful chemicals that were previously used to protect

homes and lawns from pests. The team at Highland Pest Control uses the most recently developed products that are safer for the environment, safer for people and safer for pets. However, Keith cautions that the lack of a residual effect means that continuing maintenance is the key to preventing an infestation.

Keith and all the employees of Highland Pest Control ap-preciate the close relationship that they have built with their customers and would like to thank the community for their business. Mach recently lost his wife to cancer, and the out-pouring of support from clients and the entire community was genuinely amazing. They would like to thank everyone for their concern and support.

If you are having a problem with pests, contact Highland Pest Control at (863) 467-6707 to obtain a free evaluation of your property and visit their web site at www.highlandpest.com for more detailed information. O

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The community turned out for the first Younified Youth Rally Jan. 11 at Osceola Middle School. Okeechobee’s largest youth event of the year, geared for middle and high school students, the evening was jam-packed with fun, food prizes and motivational speakers. For in-formation on the Younified Youth Rally, call (863) 634-6523.

Younified Youth Rally atOsceola Middle School

Certi�ed National Bene�ts Counselor Team MemberKeith J. JordanoLUTCF, LPRT

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Shamarah Shanks gets an autograph from Guy Julen as Woody Eugene watches.Makayla Underwood, Noah La-Grange, Alexis Muller, Alex Muller, Amber Hood and Madyson Causier at the Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes booth.Sarah Keith.

Event committee members (front, L-R) Michael Hollyfield, Jennie and Curtis Tyson, anti-bullying speaker Chris Hollyfield, Pastor Will Diaz, Pastor Luke Enfinger and Tabitha Trent. (back) Pastor Mark Smith, Pastor Aaron Hill, Pastor Mark McCarter, motivational speaker Mark Cahill, Bobby Steiert, Debi Large, Darlene Mayers and Dowling Watford. Not pictured: Major Noel Stephen, Sergeant Mark Roberts, Pas-tor Tim Welbourne and Church of God of Prophecy set-sp team.

The group Authentik wows the crowd.

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Younified Youth Rally atOsceola Middle School


Dolphin Dayat Gilbert Chevrolet


Dolphin Day was held Saturday, Jan. 19 at Gilbert Chevrolet. Attendees met two Miami Dolphins cheerleaders as well as Dolphin alumni Tony Nathan. There were door prizes and drawings all day, giving away Mi-ami Dolphins memorabilia. Entertainment was provided by the Chobee Storm cheerleaders as well as the Chobee Steelers. Food and drinks were available courtesy of Jersey Mike’s Subs.

Alison, Eddie Cruz and Kylee.Clinton Williams excitedly waitsfor Tony Nathan’s autograph.Kylee, Bert Culbreth, Krissy Dail, Christa Luna, Tony Nathan, Marie Culbreth, Gil Culbreth and Alison.Miami Dolphins cheerleaderAlison with Taryn Vest.

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Chobee Storm cheerleaders with Miami Dolphinscheerleaders and Dolphin alumni Tony Nathan.

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By Raye Deusinger O Photos by Sandra Pearce

o see a child in desperate need of medical care can soften any heart. To be able to help that child become whole again can make a heart sing. Over many years, Dr. Randall Mims has experienced those lows and highs, and now, as president of the Okeechobee Shrine Club — a group whose sole purpose is helping a child to full health — he is working to ensure there are more highs than lows. Mims has been familiar with the injured in his 31 years as a veterinarian. For that same period, he has been a Shriner. Both of these associations are in-volved in caring, in service and in having to react to critical situations, and Mims has always been ready.

After graduating from Okeechobee High School in 1968, Mims earned an associate’s degree at then-In-dian River Community College in Fort Pierce and

a Bachelor of Science in biology at Florida State University in 1974. On returning to Okeechobee, Mims worked with local veterinarian Dr. Frank Platt while awaiting application to veterinary school.

At that time, there was no veterinary school in Florida. Alabama’s Auburn University was the only regional school with a College of Veterinary Medi-cine, but in 1972 there were 600 applicants for the 20 open slots for Florida students. Following a very competitive interview process, Mims earned enroll-ment in Auburn in 1974. Out of the 20 openings, two were filled by Okeechobee students, Mims and Jim Harvey. “I believe that says a lot for the Okeechobee education system,” Mims said.

Most college students take up to 18 hours every quarter, but veterinary school can average 23 to 26 hours every quarter, with daily classes. During the last quarter at Auburn, Mims worked a “preceptor-ship” in Seminole, Okla., which is a time of practi-cal experience and training supervised by an expert in the field. He graduated Auburn in 1978 as a doc-tor of veterinary medicine and is proud to be an Auburn graduate.

After working as a veterinarian in Pond Creek, Okla., and Lake Wales, Mims returned to Okeechobee to set up his practice in 1982. “Having worked in large multi-vet hospitals early in my career, I take great pride in remaining a quaint, small-town practice,” Mims said. “Although large animals only comprise 25 percent of the current practice, I especially enjoy spending time in the cow pens working beside my

Local Vet Takes on Role as President of Okeechobee Shrine Club

Meet Dr. Randall Mims

T



large-animal clients to help make their ranches more profitable and also help-ing my small-animal clients keep their pets healthy to live a long, happy life.”

Mims said that anything you can do medically to a human, you can do to an animal. “You practice internal medicine, do orthopedic surgeries and even CT scans are available,” he said. “In veteri-nary medicine, though, the patient can’t tell you what is wrong. The hardest part of my practice is when there is nothing more you can do, and you have to help the owner let go. A pet is truly a valu-able and loved member of the family.”

Despite the time his practice requires, Mims is very involved in the civic life of Okeechobee. He is a member of the Okeechobee Chamber of Com-merce, Okeechobee Main Street, the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge, has been on the board of directors of the Cattle-man’s Association, held office in the Okeechobee FFA Alumni Association and is involved in helping many youth organizations. He works with the Okeechobee County Fair Association to present horse shows and helps pres-ent college scholarships at the annual Scholarship Night at Okeechobee High School.

“Randall and I graduated Okeechobee

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Dr. Randall Mims in his office with one of his furry clients.

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High School in 1968. Randall is a true, sincere friend to those who know him best,” said Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce President Terry Burroughs, a friend of the doctor. “His service in the FFA, Shrine and other programs re-flects his dedication to the young people and the community as a whole. He is a successful veterinarian, and a proud fa-ther and husband.”

Mims supports youth who are working to gain entry to the Florida Veterinary School at the University of Florida. He and his wife, Renee, are proud of their son Wesley, a junior at the University of Central Florida, where he studies com-puter programming.

Mims joined the Shrine Club in 1982. After many years on the board of direc-tors, he became vice president in 2012 and was elected president in 2013.

Mims gave a brief background on the Shrine, explaining that the Shrine’s of-ficial name is the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The Shrine is a branch of the Masons, a very serious, dedicated organization. “The Shrine is sort of the fun side,” Mims said. “In 1872 an actor traveling in the Middle East came up with the idea of expanding on the Masons. He used the fez [hat] and a scimitar [sword] and var-ious symbols he saw during his trip to devise emblems for the Shrine.”

Shriners today enjoy having fun, per-forming entertaining antics in parades and wearing a fez at special occasions. But they always remember their main goal is the health and treatment of crip-pled children.

A Mason can join the Shrine, but one cannot become a Shriner without first being a Mason. “A significant number of Masons were signers of the Declara-tion of Independence, including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and Benja-min Franklin,” Mims said. “In fact, 16

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percent of the Declaration signers and 33 percent of the Constitution signers were Masons.”

Located on Highway 78, Okeechobee’s Shrine Club does its part to support 17 orthopedic hospitals and three burn centers in the United States and one in Canada. The first hospital was built in Shreveport, La., in 1922. Today there are hospitals in Hawaii, throughout the States and, closest to home, Tampa, where they also make prostheses to re-place lost limbs.

“We have had several Okeechobee chil-dren taken there for care,” Mims said. “Responding to a call, I watched a plane come in to Okeechobee’s airport; three people got out and got into a car, which took them to Raulerson Hospital. They picked up the child and mother in need, went back to the plane and flew to the Shrine burn center in Cincinnati.”

Local resident Paula Pearce discussed her family’s experience being helped by the Shriners. “When our son, Jared, was born with two club feet, we had no in-surance,” she said. “At just five weeks, the Shrine Hospital in Tampa put him in his first cast. He had his first surgery at eight months, a second one at nine months and by a year and a half, he was walking. Today, at 13, he is a normal, healthy teenager.”

Shrine care is done at no cost to the fam-ily. Any child up to 18 may be eligible for Shrine care, if there is any possibil-ity they can be helped. These hospitals also assist with cleft palate and spinal cord injuries. Besides Cincinnati, there are burn hospitals in Boston, Mass., and Galveston, Texas.

During season, as many as 500 meals are served each week. The club is avail-able for lease for organizational events, weddings, receptions and birthdays, and it even offers catering. Reservations and information are available by calling


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Mims explained that each local club op-erates under its own bylaws, approved by the national organization, the Impe-rial Shrine. Divided into regions, local clubs have individual names and oper-ate under a local temple. Okeechobee is part of the Amara Shrine located in Palm Beach Gardens.

“Dr. Mims is a real leader; he has done a wonderful job for the Shrine,” said Dan Dyle, temple potentate. “Though a shy person, he just blossoms in Shrine ser-vice and is a great person to be around.”The saying is true: “If you need some-thing done, give it to a busy person.”

Okeechobee says, “give it to Randall Mims.”

Mims Veterinary Clinic is located at 275 SW 32 St., Okeechobee. For more information, call (863) 763-9200 or visit www.mimsveterinaryhospital.com.

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Photos By Sandra PearceCommunity Event

(Above) Vice President Donna Gaiser updates the members on Leadership Okeechobee.(Below) Ron Buckholz, general manag-er of Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, speaks to chamber members.

Chamber of Commerce Holds Quarterly Luncheon

The Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County held its quarterly investors luncheon Feb. 28 at the Williamson Con-ference Center on the campus of Indian River State College. The event was sponsored by TD Bank, and Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram was featured for the business spotlight. Chamber President Terry Burroughs gave an update on all chamber activities, and Vice President Donna Gaiser gave an update on Leadership Okeechobee. For more info., call (863) 467-6246 or visit www.okeechobeebusiness.com.

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“When you volunteer, you get a lot more than you give.”

Meet Darleen Bradford


By Raye Deusinger O Photos By Sandra Pearce

Maybe you would consider Darleen Bradford a scholar; she’s been going to college for 40 years. Maybe you would admire her tenacity; she pursued her career in nursing for 45 years and still retains her license 10 years after retiring. Maybe you would applaud her for her courage; she refuses to let a broken back stop her from doing what she wants to do. But however you get to know Darleen Bradford, you will be glad you did.

Today Bradford is a volunteer. Whether helping the American Red Cross, various civic groups, the Okeechobee Blood Roundup or Raulerson Hospital, “When you volunteer, you get a lot more than you give,” she said. “Jesus said, ‘What you have done for one of the least of my brethren, you have done for me.’”

Bradford volunteers at Raulerson Hospital eight hours a week in medical records. “My experience makes it a good fit,” she said. “Volunteering is something anyone can do. All you have to do is ‘know yourself ’ to know where you can best serve.”

Bradford was born in Kansas, during an era, she said, when a woman could aspire to only one of four jobs — teacher, secretary, phone operator or nurse. She said the other three didn’t excite her, so she became a nurse by default. First working as a nurse’s aide, Bradford enrolled in the Asbury School of Nursing in Salina, Kan., at the age of 18, achieving her diploma in 1959, a time when a nurse’s salary was $100 a month and a patient’s room cost $6 per day. Bradford said, in fact, any major surgery had a flat fee of $100.

Bradford worked as a nurse while continuing to take college courses one at a time while also getting married and having her children, Stephanie and Bret. She also has four grandchildren Bret, J.Q., Libby and Megan. She got her first bachelor’s degree, in psychology, in the 1980s and then continued on to receive a bachelor’s in nursing, eventually receiving a Master of Science in nursing at age 60. During her career in Kansas, Indiana and North Dakota she worked in many areas of the hospital including the operating room, intensive care, the “psych” units, in risk management and home healthcare.

At Raulerson Hospital, Bradford was thrilled when management asked her to assist on the Patient Advisory Council, not knowing that one of the positions she held in a North Dakota hospital was guest relations coor-dinator. One of her duties was to interview patients concerning their satisfaction with hospital service. It was a job for which Bradford felt well suited because she could understand patient concerns. “Raulerson values their volunteers and solicits their input,” she said. “The staff is friendly, warm and helpful.”

Raulerson Hospital CEO Robert Lee had much praise for Bradford. “Darleen is extremely reliable, very friendly and very energetic,” Lee said. “She loves the work and is a delight to be around. She goes out of her way to help the patients. We are so happy to have her here as part of our team. Volunteers are an integral part of our staff; they help us help our patients. They are an essential part of the Raulerson family.”

Volunteer ExtraordinaireMeet Darleen Bradford


She loves learning and though she achieved her nursing goals, Bradford said she continues to take courses that interest her because she never wants to stop learning. She has taken courses in Spanish, bridge, white water rafting and kayaking and became a certified inter-national scuba diver, noting that, “It’s a beautiful, colorful world down there.”

Bradford has taken classes in orchid cul-ture through the Okeechobee County Extension Office in addition to the AARP senior driver safety course, and is enrolled in an ecology study at Indian River State College. All this decades af-ter learning to pilot an airplane in 1967. “No one should ever stop learning,” she said.

“Darleen’s thirst for knowledge is only exceeded by her loving heart,” Darleen’s sister Sheila Connick said. “She is my friend, sister and shopping buddy.”

During Bradford’s nursing years, a love of adventure took her on trips all over the world. She has been to Asia, Eu-rope, England and the Middle East. Her favorite place was Greece, though the most touching and memorable was Israel. “To walk where Jesus walked and see the places I’d only read about in the Bible was simply unbelievable,” she said.When Bradford finally gave up nurs-ing in 2003, she was confronted with the question of what she to do with the rest of her life. Loving adventure and learning, she sold her house, bought a 40-foot, fifth-wheel RV (though she had never even driven a pickup truck), learned to drive a 1.75 ton Silverado and began a six-year road adventure. From her study of economics, Bradford real-ized she needed a way to support such travels and began arranging jobs in RV parks in states through which she would travel. This has taken her to every state in the Union except Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Though Bradford loved the adventure,

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that all came to an end in 2009 when, while RVing in Michigan’s Upper Penin-sula, she had an accident. Bradford was on top of the RV, washing it, when she slipped off the roof and broke her back. She called her sister in Okeechobee and said she was on her way. She didn’t visit a doctor until she arrived in Okeechobee. Knowing it would be a long recovery while on the road, Bradford asked her sister to find her a place to live and, on arriving, loved what had been found for her. The park-model home, a block from her sister in KOA, is where she has lived ever since.

Activities are now more sedentary. Brad-ford began volunteering in the spring of 2010 after she made a bucket list of what she could do following back sur-gery. “I found there were all kinds of things a volunteer could do,” she said. “There is church work, civic groups, the Red Cross, library work, reading to children in elementary schools, helping at pet shelters or political events, or any of the many Main Street events. But I settled on the hospital, where my expe-rience might benefit. I always felt com-fortable in a hospital environment; it’s like home.”

Tecla Abner, supervisor of information management at Raulerson, said Brad-ford serves as an inspiration for hospital

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staff. “Darleen inspires us every day,” Abner said. “She shows us how to give of ourselves and never ask for anything in return. She is a special lady to all of us, and we greatly appreciate her service to our department and the hospital.”

Since her initial back surgery, Brad-ford has undergone three more surger-ies to control and alleviate pain. More surgeries will be required as the spine continues to break down. But this tiny, 75-year-old dynamo with an indestruc-tible spirit continues to believe her fa-vorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to them that love God.”

“I want to continue volunteering be-cause you truly get paid on the inside, it is your social life,” Bradford said.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive and strong in Darleen Bradford. O

Volunteers make a difference. Pictured above are Raulerson Hospital volunteers (L-R) Sue Huddle, Arlene Lester-Baker, Bob Groth, Darleen Bradford and Gary McLouth.


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know which method they prefer by the number of strikes you receive. A white-skirted spinner bait with chrome wil-lowleaf blade is another viable choice. Be sure to have heavy, abrasion-resistant line to land big bass in the grass.

Spring brings Okeechobee’s legend-ary pan fish, such as blue gill and shell cracker, into play. There are staggering numbers of these tasty fish caught each spring by anglers hungry for a fish fry. Anglers catch pan fish on a variety of baits, red worms, crickets and small jigs. A tiny little grass shrimp fished on very light 6- to 8-pound test line dan-gled under a small bobber will fill your cooler full of great eating filets as quickly as any bait available. A fly rod works for anglers willing to make a lot of cast as they probe the shorelines or grass edges with a popping bug or a rubber-legged spider.

We have a lot to be proud of in Okeechobee. Through many hours of hard work and persistence from many different entities, Okeechobee has become a destination for travelers. Whether you are going fishing or just sightseeing, stop in and take a look at what our town has to offer. We think you will like it as much as we do. Maybe we will become neighbors — you never know.

Capt. Michael Shellen

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Attorney at LawGlenn J. Sneider

863-467-6570200 SW 9th StreetOkeechobee, FL 34974www.SneiderLaw.Com

Our entire staffis dedicated to helping clients

with their legal matters.

•Family Law•Criminal Law•Civil Litigation

Serving the legal needs ofthe Okeechobee Community

863-467-9090NetworkingCablingAccessoriesAudio VisualWirelessManaged Services

““Featuring ICS Elite Seriesdesktops powered by the

new Intel i-Series Processors”

Computer Sales & ServiceServing Lake Area Since 1990

Authorized BusinessTelephone Systems

403 S. PARROTT AVE.OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA www.icsflorida.com

Email: [email protected]

COMPUTERS


New Fashionsand Accessories

863-357-8664Toni Doyle - Owner

123 SW Park StreetOkeechobee, FL

[email protected]

Toni's Chic Boutique“Where Fun & Fashion Meet”

& Consignment

We also carry a limitedamount of Pristine

Consignment

Notary Public Services Available

Boutique Hours:Monday - Thursday

10am – 6pmFriday 10am – 7pm

Saturday 9am - 3pm

Designer FashionsEvening Wear

Shoes - Purses & Accessories.

A large variety ofbeautiful new and vintage

JEWELRY.

Unique gifts includingmade in the USA

Tervis Tumblers,

Redneck Wine Glasses from Buck Wear

We are also your localScentsy distributor.

Please Call for Appointments

863.467.2762863.634.1058863.634.3964


Fast & Friendly ServiceDrive-Up Window

Pharmacist Accessibility forMedication Counseling

Phone Answered by Our Staffnot machines

105 NW 5th St.Okeechobee

We are a CompoundingPharmacy.

863-763-3222863-763-8247 FAX

Accept Most Insurances Medicaid, Medicare Part D

////////////////////////

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Stat

e Roa

d 44

1

State Road 70

NW 5th Street

NAPA

NW 2n

d Ave

nue

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE AND APPRAISAL SERVICES

[email protected]

O�ce: 863-763-0999Fax: 863-763-1945

D. Robert Willson, MAI,CCIMCert. Gen. RZ 1521

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Your Local Commercial Real Estate Expert

View Our Listings at www.MyOkeechobee.com

Mailing Address:1414 S. Parrott Avenue #333Okeechobee, FL 34974


Obeen a fantastic experience over the past three years, and I want to finish off my career with a nice cherry on top.”

Rivero assisted former Brahman tennis coach Dave Ellis with some lessons and camps this year but didn’t play compet-itively. She has been accepted to attend the University of Central Florida in the fall. Rivero’s plan is to study account-ing and eventually seek a master’s degree to become a certified public accountant. She also plans to try out for the tennis team and the cheerleading squad at UCF.Rivero’s immediate goal is a district title. If unsuccessful in her quest, she wants to carry away a lot of great memories of her teammates and her time on the tennis court representing OHS.

“I will push to the very end until I can’t go anymore,” Rivero said. “The inten-sity this year will be high, as I play a lot of Academy and USTA players. I won’t give up, and I will strive to the very end.”

Okeechobee High School tennis star Samantha Rivero has begun her final high school tennis season. Rivero has been the high school’s top player for the past four years.

She is using a different strategy for her final high school year. Rather than keep-ing busy all summer long playing United States Tennis Association matches, Rivero took some time off to relax. She also took up cheerleading in the fall. She said the break from tennis might be what she needs to improve her game.

“Cheerleading took me off the court, but it has been fun and enjoyable; I don’t regret it,” she explained.

Rivero said she has worked overtime to get ready for the long tennis season.

Rivero reached the district final in No. 1 singles as a freshman but has been unable to duplicate that success for the past two years. Part of the reason is the level of competition. The district is very tough this year, with teams like Olym-pic Heights, Martin County and Jensen Beach.

The OHS team does have five seniors on the girls squad but is predicted to finish in the middle of the pack.

“It’s my last year, and I really want to make the best of it,” Rivero said. “It’s

O

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

samantha rivero tennis star

Samantha Rivero on the court.

4276 US Hwy 441 So. - Okeechobee863-763-0231

come join the funat okeechobee KOA!

Pool and Golf MembershipsDaily and Senior Golf Rates

April 1 – Nov. 1, 2013

Shanty Lounge Open DailyLive Weekend Entertainment


O

tennis star

WOKC Radio has been on theair for every Okeechobee Sunrisesince 1962.

A Local Legend

Sunrise at Nubbin Slough 2011 863-467-1570 Fax 888-875-1570

brahman athletic association, inc. (Formerly OHS BOOSTER CLUB)

Advertise in the2013-2014 All Sports Program

Keep “Brahman Spirit” Alive

�e OHS Booster club has a new name. We are now a not for pro�t corporation with the sole purpose of raising money to support all athletic programs at our Okeechobee High School.

Beginning this year your ad will not only be in print, but we are in the process of developing our new website and your program advertisement will be digitally linked.

Ads can be accepted by e-mail to [email protected] contact any member or one of the following for help.

Larry Davis 863-634-4691 | Kristy Crawford 863-697-1039Randy McCall 863-634-3581 | Cheryl Hollin 863-261-4135

Melisa Jahner 863-763-3372 ext. 215

Thank you for supporting OHS!

www.brahmanathleticassociation.org


AROUND OkeechobeeOkeechobee Main Street Mixers

Businesses from top to bottom: Fawn’s Art Studio, Mixon Real Estate Group, Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Posh Salon and Absolutely Art Studio.

Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County and Okeechobee Main Street

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies

Recipients of the American Business Women’s Association Woman of Distinction awards were Laurie Pharr for Com-munity Service, Lori Mixon for Business Leadership and Tra-cy Downing for Education. Each year one woman is chosen to represent each area of service to Okeechobee.

Woman of Distinction Awards

2013 Miss SpeckledPerch Pageant

Okeechobee Main Street held its 2013 Speckled Perch Pageant on Feb. 16 at Okeechobee High School. Pictured above is the Miss Speckle Perch court (l-r) second alter-nate Hannah White, Miss Speckled Perch Taylor Pearce and first alternate Hannah Whiting. Other winners are Junior Miss Fransesca Alfano, Speckled Perch Princess Anaya Gomez, Little Miss Jayda Burkett, Tiny Miss Andie-Reese Elliot, Little Mister A.J. D’Ariano and Tiny Mister Logan Kemp. (Photography by Bobbie Poole)


Okeechobee Main Street Mixers

The following Okeechobee Main Street members held mixers at their businesses: (top) Raulerson Hospital, (middle) Okeechobee Claws & Paws and (bottom) Florida Outdoors.

The Economic Council of Okeechobee awards the Culbreth family with the Community Award Recognizing Enhancement, or CARE Award, for the murals added to the Historic Bank of Okeechobee Building located at the corner of State Road 70 and Osceola Avenue. In addition to beautifying the area, the murals add historical value to the community by depicting businesses that were housed in the building from 1924 to 1960, including a bank, grocery store, dress shop, jewelry store and drug store.

Pictured (above) are Jon Geitner, Christa Culbreth Luna, Bert Culbreth, Sandy Perry, Marie Culbreth, Gil Culbreth, Fred Fanizzi, Bob Riedel and Teresa Chandler.

ECO CARE AWARD GOES TOTHE CULBRETH FAMILY

Phoebe Raulerson has served on the Indian River State College Board of Trustees since April 2012. A lifelong educator, she served as the su-perintendent of Okeechobee Schools and on the Florida State Board of Education. She is an advisory board member for Center State Bank of Okeechobee and chair of the advisory committee for Employ Florida Banner Center for Agriscience.

Christa Luna, a fifth generation resident of Okeechobee, was appointed to the Indian River State College Board of Trustees by Gov. Rick Scott on Nov. 30. Luna is the owner and general manager of Gilbert Chevro-let Company, a director of the Economic Council of Okeechobee and a member of the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce.

Two Okeechobee Women Appointed to IRSC Board of Trustees

Phoebe RaulersonChrista Luna


Nikki hopes you enjoyed the Puppy Pageant pictures from the Top of the Lake Art Fest on page 12.

Okeechobee The Magazine111 NE 2nd Street

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Please Print Neatly

Buyer Brokerage Co. of Okeechobee..... 59

Center for Laser Hair Removal ............... 66CenterState Bank ................................... 59Charlie’s Landscaping ............................ 69Colonial Life ........................................... 48Cowboys Steak & BBQ Co. ..................... 43Custom Window Treatments & Blinds .... 35

Dental Surgery Specialists ..................... 19Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center ............. 39Domer’s ........................................ 60DR Willson Land Co. ............................... 73

Echols Plumbing ................................... 57Edward Jones Investments ................... 69Everglades Pediatric Dentistry ................ 19

Farm Bureau ........................................ 61Fawn’s Studio ....................................... 55Florida Eye Institute ............................ 64Flower Petals .......................................... 58

Gilbert Chevrolet .................................... 79Golden Corral ..................................... 24

Hampton Inn ....................................... 69Harbor Community Bank ....................... 26Heartland Discount Pharmacy.............. 56Highland Pest Control ........................... 33

ICS Computers ..................................... 71

KOA ................................................ 74

Jeanette’s Interiors ............................... 57

Lake Okeechobee Digestive Disease Center 47Lakeshore Marine ................................. 70Law Office of Gerald Lefebvre ................ 23Law Office of Glenn J. Sneider ............... 71

Mary Kay ............................................... 36MidFlorida Credit Union ......................... 49Mixon Real Estate Group ......................... 28Morgan Furniture .................................. 28Murray Insurance .................................. 72

New Vision Eye Center ........................ 42

Okeechobee Claws & Paws ...................... 27Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep ........ 5Okeechobee Health Care ......................... 7Okeechobee Medical Reserve Corps .... 17Okeechobee Shooting Sport ................ 17

Pat’s Floral Design ................................. 67Peace Lutheran School .......................... 26Platinum Performance Builders ............ 6Pritchards & Associates .......................... 39Pueblo Viejo VI Restaurant .................... 68

Quail Creek Plantation ....................... 11Quality Air Conditioning ....................... 35Quality Lawn Care ................................ 51

Raulerson’s Absolutely Art .................. 27Raulerson Hospital ................................. 2Raulerson Hospital ............................ 40, 41

14K Gold Store ...................................... 685th Street Pharmacy .............................. 73A & G Concrete Pools ........................... 73Alarm Company ..................................... 38Applebee’s ............................................ 22

Badcock Furniture................................... 51Bass Electric ........................................... 70Bass and Buxton Funeral Homes .......... 66Bella Rose Day Spa .............................. 58Berger Clinic .......................................... 67Big Lake Eye Care .................................... 3Brahman’s All Sports Program ........... 75Bridgette Waldau Graphic Design ........ 22Brown Cow Sweetery... .......................... 51

List of AdvertisersRaulerson Hospital ................ Back CoverRazer’s Edge ........................................... 72Rosato Plastic Surgery Center ................ 25Rustic Style & Cabins ........................... 33

Sanders Dermatology .......................... 29Sandra Pearce Photography ................. 54Seacoast National Bank ........................ 4Skull Hill Steel ....................................... 61Shooter’s Choice ..................................... 51SonRise Cafe .......................................... 54St. Lucie Tires ....................................... 58Stafford’s Salon .................................... 50State Farm Insurance ............................ 57Syble’s Flowers & Gifts ......................... 59

TD Bank ............................................... 55Teez 2 Pleez .......................................... 58The Heritage ......................................... 78Toni’s Chic Boutique .............................. 72Total Roadside Services .......................... 37Treasure Coast Food Bank.................... 67Trinidad Garcia, M.D. ............................. 65

UBS Financial ......................................... 61USA Mobile Drug Testing ...................... 9

Waste Management ............................. 45Wemmer Family Orthodontics .......... 57Williamson Cattle Company .................. 17WOKC 1570 AM ..................................... 75Women’s Health ................................... 15Worley Construction .............................. 34

The HeritageAssisted Living Facility

Our experienced and caring sta�’s goal is to ensure the safety of all residents,assist with activities of daily living and medications,

while maintaining our residents’ rights, dignity and choices.

Residents will keep their own primaryphysician to maintain their

optimal level of functioning.

Physical Therapy, Activities,Outings into the Community, Church Services,

and Respite Care are available.

Financial Assistance is availableto those who are eligible

“ Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.”As Robert Browning wrote:

Your loves ones will feel that this is their home away from home.Every room is equipped

with call monitoring systems.

608 NE 2nd AveOkeechobee, FL 34972

863-763-1700

Lic. #AL11896

5 STAR Service at A�ordable Rate


(877) Go-Gilbert or (863) 763-3154 3550 Highway 441 South · Okeechobee

www.GilbertChevrolet.com View on your computer, mobile phone, or tablet!SALES: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-7:00 PM • Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM • SERVICE & PARTS Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5:30 PM • Sat. 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

BODY SHOP Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5:30 PM • Closed Sundays

20131933

Celebrating

YEARSYour Hometown Dealer Since 1933.

“Guided by our founding principles, it is our mission to provide industry excellence through customer service. Our boundless commitment to long term customer satisfaction guarantees our ability to lead the market and provide quality products and services in a practical and economical manner.”

Gilbert Culbreth, Sr.


Emergency Services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • (863) 763-2151 • 1796 Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972

CONSULT-A-NURSE ® • For Free Physician Referral & Health Care Questions call 763-9228

RaulersonHospital.com

Loss of control caused by overactive bladder or chronic fecal incontinence can seriously impact your quality of life.

Do you suffer from urinary or fecal incontinence? Have other treatements been unsuccessful?

Raulerson Hospital offers a minimally invasive treatment option that may be right for you. It is similar to a ‘pacemaker’ for the bladder or bowels. Patients have a stopwatch-sized neurostimulator

implanted under the skin– in the lower back– near the sacral nerves.

This therapy works by targeting communication problems between the brain and nerves to help control bladder and bowel

function. Regain control of your life, like more than 100,000 people worldwide have.

To learn more, call Consult-a-Nurse at 763-9228.

OK Mag Back Cover Ad-spring 2013.indd 1 2/20/13 4:57 PM

okeechobee the magazine spring 2013

Documents

patients continuum of

appropriate followup

discharge plan of care

community hospital

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