The Mission Provides a Helping Hand to Those in Need Around Polk County

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February 15, 2018

The Mission Provides a Helping Hand to Those in Need Around Polk County

By Allison Williams

The Mission is a safe place located in Winter Haven that welcomes people from all paths of life. Staff and volunteers at The Mission offer a variety of services, including a food panty, hygienic items, showers, laundry, hot meals, bible studies and barber services.

Pastor David Berry, Executive Pastor of The Mission, has seen the lives of many people change over the years and welcomes anyone and everyone to stop by and see what it is all about. “We are very relationship-driven in this community,” David said. “It’s not what you know and who you know, but how you know them.”

David’s wife, Arlene is also very involved with The Mission. She is an office administrator and works with individuals to lead them in the right direction.

The Mission has been around for over 40 years. Its founder Thomas Beauregard, more commonly known as Papa Tom, did this ministry for over 40 years. When David met him, he immediately knew this was where he was supposed to be.

The Mission has a soup kitchen that provides hot meals daily. There is also a continental-style breakfast served in the mornings. The food pantry is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for individuals and families in need.

A hygiene closet and fresh showers are offered during operational hours, and those who need assistance getting laundry done can bring theirs by.

David and Arlene sit down with families, discuss needs and work out a plan. If a person or family is looking for help outside of what The Mission offers, then its mission will be to outsource and find help right away.

Other features of The Mission include classrooms, an organic garden and mail for the homeless. Those who wish to have mail services are invited to use The Mission address to receive mail.

Arlene personally helps people with job resumes and applications. She sits down with individuals and helps them toward their career goals.

Independence is one of the many goals of The Mission. The Mission provides so much for the community, but one thing they steer clear of is helping with government assistance. “Our goal is to try to help motivate them to stop being dependent on government and become more independent,” Arlene said.

David’s motivation behind all of this is God. “God has to be our main motivating source,” David said. “It has to be something beyond us that drives us to serve others. Nothing is set in stone here but the Gospel.”

“Since we’ve been here, each year we try to add a new project,” Arlene said. In March of this year, a Reformers Unanimous program will be offered to those who struggle with addictions.

Seeing lives change is also a motivating factor in being a part of The Mission. “We had a guy who came in this past year, about six or seven months ago,” David said. “We don’t see him much anymore because he has his own place now, but he still has the pants that we gave him. He keeps the pants in his closet as motivation to remember where he was and where he is now.”

David and Arlene have seen changes in culture over the years. There used to be a lot of homeless men who would come into The Mission seeking help. Now, they are seeing entire families with children come in for help, so they are adjusting accordingly. There are higher demands for more bathrooms and baby changing stations, for example, so they are in the works of having bathroom renovations done.

The Mission has been expanding, so it is able to offer more services and feed those in need more effectively by having a serving line. There is now more classroom space, which allows programs such as Reformers Unanimous to get underway.

“We couldn’t do this without the community,” Arlene said. “The Mission would not be here without the community. They are the heart and they are the support. They motivate me.” She appreciates all the support and prayers that come her way.

“If you’ve never been or haven’t come by in a long time, come by and see,” David said. “Jesus told us disciples to come and see, now go and do. Stop in and say hello and then let it go from there.”

The Mission is located at 180 E Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880.

Phone number: (863) 299-2348

http://themissionwh.org

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on SR 60 in Mulberry Yesterday Afternoon

Staff Reporter

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February 15, 2018

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Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on SR 60 in Mulberry Yesterday Afternoon

A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at about 4:45 p.m., in a two-vehicle crash on SR 60 West in Mulberry, and the Polk County Sheriff’s diverted traffic for four hours during the investigation.

According to the preliminary investigation, 43-year old Terrence Slater from Plant City, was driving a green 1996 Kawasaki motorcycle westbound on Hwy 60 West, at a high-rate of speed. An eastbound 2016 Ford F350 flatbed truck, being driven by 31-year old Matthew Devera of Plant City, was attempting to make a left-turn onto Nichols Road, and Slater’s motorcycle struck passenger-side door of Devera’s Ford, ejecting him from the bike. Slater was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his next of kin was notified.

At the time of the crash, Slater was wearing a helmet and Devera was wearing his seatbelt.

The investigation is ongoing.

SILVER ALERT – Missing from Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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February 15, 2018

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UPDATE: Jackie Hammock has been located in Georgia and is safe. His family are making arrangements for his return.

SILVER ALERT

On February 14, 2018, at approximately 10:09 am, 73-year-old Jackie Hammock left the assisted living facility he resides at in Lake Wales. At 8:42pm, staff at the facility notified law enforcement of his absence. Through our investigation, it was determined that Hammock rented a silver, 2017 Toyota Corolla (FL Tag BWEK84) on 02/13/2018. Hammock suffers from dementia and has spoken, recently, of traveling to West Virginia or Vero Beach. If you have any information on Hammock’s whereabouts please contact Detective Jonathan Fletcher at (863)678-4223 ext.264. (Note: The facility where Hammock lives is not a secured facility and residence have the freedom to leave throughout the day).

Hammock was last seen wearing a light blue T-shirt and navy blue shorts. He is 5’07” and weighs approx. 175lbs.

Cornerstone Hospice: Dead Loved Ones Remain “Forever in our Hearts”

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 14, 2018

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Cornerstone Hospice: Dead Loved Ones Remain “Forever in our Hearts”

by James Coulter

Bonnie Howell and her late husband Charlie were two inseparable peas in a pod and yet also polar opposites. But as the saying goes, opposites attract.

Charlie was a former Marine, native Floridian, and an avid Gators fan and outdoorsman whose rugged personality made him a staunch conservative, while Bonnie was a Yankee girl from New Jersey who “leaned a little left to his liking.”

Nevertheless, the two were a match for each other who did everything together from operating and selling a business, traveling across the country, and even arguing about politics.

As former divorcees, both found companionship with each other that they were unable to find in their former marriages. As such, their relationship was truly a blessing.

“We both felt lucky to find each other better late than never,” Bonnie said. “It was a blessing to feel real content and commitment.”

Sadly, this relationship made in heaven would end with one of them departing for heaven a year and a half ago with Charlie passing away.

His passing forced Bonnie to face her two greatest fears: losing love and being alone.

She would go on to join a grief support group at Cornerstone Hospice in Lakeland, where she learned that love is never truly lost and she will never truly be alone.

Interestingly enough, through her sessions with the group, aside from receiving support from and providing support to other group members, the one thing that helped her through her time of grief were the trite and cliché sayings that people often give to others during that time.

“These expressions are true, and that is why they bring people comfort,” she said. “That is why they are trite: because it helps to hear them. To say nothing is worse than saying something that is incorrect. Take the love no matter how it is offered. You deserved it, and so does the person who died. Take that love and spread it.”

Bonnie was one of the group members who shared their experiences through the services provided by Cornerstone Hospice during the Forever in our Hearts celebration last Thursday.

The event, which was hosted at Lakeland’s First United Methodist Church, providing the opportunity for other people within the community to learn about the grief counseling services provided by the hospice by hearing the testimonials of its clients.

Another group member, Paul Steadman, likewise shared his story about losing his wife of 45 years, Carol.

He had lost many loved ones in his life before, but the grief that he felt upon losing his wife more than a year ago was worse than he had ever experienced.

“It was all consuming, paralyzing, and confusing,” he said. “I did not care about food, I lost 20 pounds in five weeks, and it was not getting better.”

Through the counseling and support that he received in the Cornerstone support group, he was able to alleviate his grief by focusing on the good times he had spent with his wife during her lifetime.

“I am able to dwell about how lucky I was to have someone like here in my life,” he said. “I am finally able to enjoy my life.”

Providing meditation that evening was Rich Behers, Cornerstone Spiritual Care Program Manager, who spoke about the grief he felt upon losing his father 50 years ago.

To this day, he still carries around his father’s dog tags to honor and remember him, especially to remember the service that his father provided to him and his country.

For him, it is precisely because our loved ones made such an impact in our lives that their loss remains significant to us, and because they mattered to us, we should always honor them in our memory.

“Grief hurts,” he said. “It hurts because it matters. It mattered to you…Your loved ones made a difference in your life, in your family. Wherever they worked, they made a difference at their work, at their houses of worship, wherever they went, they made a difference.”

With Cornerstone Hospice moving to a new location within Lakeland at 2140 E. County Road 540A, the event allowed them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the community and share their services to potential clients who may require them.

Judy Thye, Cornerstone Grief Counselor, appreciated how members like Bonnie and Paul were able to share their experiences with others and how they were able to overcome their own grief through her services.

“They seem to be comforted, and they shared experiences about their loved ones, to remember them, and it was a big success,” she said. “I appreciate all the hard work, and those who shared their true story.”

For more information about Cornerstone Hospice, visit their website at: https://web.cshospice.org/

Cupid’s Craft and Vendor Fair

Staff Reporter

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February 14, 2018

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Cupid’s Craft and Vendor Fair

by James Coulter

For most people, Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the people that you love.

For others, like Anna Peacock of the non-profit organization Oscar’s Cause, it’s also about the animals that you love.

Peacock was one of more than a dozen vendors spreading such love by selling their wares during the Cupid’s Craft and Vendor Fair at Eagle Ridge Mall on Saturday.

Oscar’s Cause is a non-profit organization that helps provide aid to pet owners who are experiencing financial stress meeting the immediate healthcare needs of their pets.

The organization was named after a young dachshund of the same name, Oscar, who belonged to a local family and lost its life three years ago after falling ill.

To ensure that no other pet owner ever has to experience the same pain of losing a pet due to health issues, Oscar’s Cause was started to ensure that pets receive the healthcare they need.

“We are one of a kind, there is none else like us out there to help with their pets,” Peacock said.

The mall’s craft fair helped provide a venue through which their organization was able to raise funds by selling pet products such as bandanas and bows, as well as spreading awareness about their program.

“It has been pretty good,” she said. “This has met expectations, we have been able to talk to people and let them know things are improving.”

Osacr’s Cause was but one of many other vendors at the fair that day, as many others were local artisans and craftsmen using the event to help spread their own special kind of love.

For Karlee Halbert of Karlee’s Custom Creations, that love was her own passion of making personalized items, which she has been selling through her small startup for the past five months.

She learned about the event several months ago through Facebook, and considered it a viable opportunity to share her crafts and her love of making them with others.

Through the event, she was able to sell several of her custom items ranging from chapstick and pot holders to a serving tray.

“I like to make stuff,” she said. “I can make my creativity into anything I make…[and] I have been pretty successful.”

For other vendors, like Tammy Green of Tie Me Knot, the event allowed her to share a passion that she shares with her loved ones, especially her sister and daughter.

All three attended the event to sell their handmade crafts, including candles, hand lotions and scrubs, keychains, and towel angels.

Originally from California, Green has been selling most of her items on-line and at other events, with this being her first one at the mall.

While the overall traffic was slow with a low turnout, the event nevertheless allowed her the opportunity to reach a wider audience.

“Overall, I think it is a nice day,” she said. “There is some traffic, just not much that we anticipated.”

This was the attitude of many other vendors like Lorraine Cruz, who specializes in custom jewelry, and was able to sell several items during that day’s event.

“It is good,” she said. “I hope more people will come by. Would like to expect more people to come by, and everything else is good.”

Major County Sheriffs of America Installs New Executive Officers Sheriff Judd Sworn in as President

Staff Reporter

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February 14, 2018

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Major County Sheriffs of America Installs New Executive Officers

Sheriff Judd Sworn in as President

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) installed a new group of executive officers who will serve in 2018-2019. The installation of new MCSA Executive Officers occurred at the MCSA Winter Meeting held in Washington DC. The Sheriffs are:

President: Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County, Florida, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, (863) 298-6647

Vice President: Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County, California, 211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 229-3005

Vice President – Government Affairs: Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, Oakland County, Michigan, 1200 North Telegraph Road, 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341-1044, (248) 858-5001

Vice President – Homeland Security: Sheriff Rich Stanek, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 350 S 5th St, Room 6, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1316, (612) 348-2347

Secretary: Sheriff David J. Mahoney, Dane County, Wisconsin, 115 W. Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 284-6170

Treasurer: Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County, Florida, 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778, (727) 582-6206

Immediate Past President: Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens, Orange County, California, 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, (714) 647-7080

“It is an honor to have been chosen by my colleagues, the Sheriffs of the largest agencies in the nation, to lead the Major County Sheriffs of America. As leaders in the MCSA, Sheriffs must demonstrate strength, courage, confidence, and leadership while protecting the best interest of the citizens we serve to lead the way for a safer America. We will work hard to ensure best practices are determined pursuant to professional research and time tested protocols; as well as guaranteeing the delivery of services with a sense of urgency to the American people based upon what is right and not what is politically expedient.” Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County, Florida

“The demands placed on law enforcement in 21st Century policing require new strategies, greater resources and legislative support. Law enforcement are the first responders to society’s ills whether it be mental illness, addiction or emerging crime trends. We must work together and learn from one another, and advocate for the necessary investment in fighting crime in all of our communities. This is why I am honored to represent the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and serve as Vice President of the Major County Sheriffs of America.” Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles, California

The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) is a professional law enforcement association of elected Sheriffs representing counties or parishes with 500,000 population or more. MCSA is dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law enforcement, corrections, and the elected Office of the Sheriff. MCSA’s membership represents over 100 million Americans, and works to promote a greater understanding of strategies to address future problems and identify law enforcement challenges facing members of the organization. Click,here for more information.

Distraction Burglary Committed in Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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February 14, 2018

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Distraction Burglary Committed in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Police detectives are warning residents of distraction burglaries after a homeowner on Thompson Nursery Road was targeted last week. These burglaries are very similar to those that have occurred around Polk County recently.

On Feb. 9, 2018, a Hispanic male approached the victim’s home and knocked on the front door. The wife answered the door and the suspect asked to speak to her husband. She told the suspect that her husband was asleep, but the suspect was persistent and said he needed to speak to the husband immediately about the property line to home that was for sale next door. The husband came to the door and he walked to the back yard along with the suspect.

A second Hispanic male approached the residence and told the wife that she too needed to come to the back yard to talk about the property next door. They walked to the back yard and went to the opposite side of where the husband and the first suspect were standing. During this time, the two suspects were talking on walkie-talkies and the husband got suspicious.

The husband started walking towards the front yard and saw a third suspect approaching a white Dodge Ram pickup truck from the direction of the front door of the home. The other two suspects quickly got into the truck, a white Dodge Ram with a white topper, and they drove off. The homeowner tried to get a tag number, however the tailgate was down and carpet was draped down covering the tag.

When the homeowners checked inside, they discovered a jewelry box had been ransacked and an assortment of jewelry valued at approximately $10,000 had been taken. All three suspects are approximately 25 – 30 years of age. One is approximately 5’8” – 5’10” weighing 175 pounds. The second suspect is 5’4” – 5’6” at 175 pounds and the third suspect is 6’2” – 6’4” and approximately 270 pounds.

“I want to implore residents to be very aware of people coming to their homes and trying to convince them to step outside,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “If a visit is unsolicited, do not step outside with them and under no circumstance should they be allowed inside no matter how convincing the story is.”

Anyone with information on the identities of these suspects is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.

Two Local Art Students Win Awards From Polk Museum Of Art

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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February 13, 2018

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Two Local Art Students Win Awards From Polk Museum Of Art

by James Coulter

Against a multi-colored cubist landscape lies the remains of a baby robin. Its once lively body lies limp, lifeless, contorted, its mouth wide open, blood flowing from its beak, almost as if it had given one last cry with its dying breath.

When Elisa Ferrer, a senior from Harrison School for the Arts, sketched this very scene for a class assignment, she did so as a metaphor for sickness and disease, contrasting a symbol of life through her portrayal of death.

Her painting was one of 18 other pieces of artwork created by her fellow graduating seniors from the art school, and which will remain displayed at the Polk Museum of Art during their art exhibition.

She never expected her painting to receive much publicity. So she was surprised to learn that it would be one of two pieces awarded and selected by the museum to become permanent exhibits.

When she heard her name called during a presentation at the reception at the museum on Friday evening, she could barely hold back her tears as she made her way up front to the podium to receive her award.

Once she graduates this summer, she plans on attending art school to pursue a career in animation as a concept illustrator. She knows that such an opportunity could only arise because of her attendance at her school.

“It feels really grateful, and I am really surprised,” she said. “I did not imagine that this would happen.”

The other student to receive an award and have their art piece displayed at the museum was Oliver Stephenson, whose sketch focuses on a miniscule character exploring a tiny grassy landscape of bugs and flora.

“I have always been really fascinated by nature, so that has mostly been what has inspired it,” he said.

Like Elisa, Oliver was likewise surprised to have his artwork honored by the museum, and owes all his gratitude towards his art school, especially now that he will be graduating and moving onto attend Ringling Art and Design for Illustration in Sarasota.

“I am honestly amazed,” he said. “I am not doubtful of myself, but I am forever grateful for all the people who have brought me here and how it will be on the wall of the museum for years to come.”

These two students were of the 18 graduating seniors of the Harrison Visual Art Class of 2018 whose art is currently being displayed at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland from now until Mar. 11, 2018, with the reception having been hosted last Friday.

The title of their exhibit, “But, Naked: A Collection of Soul-Baring Work”, represents, according to their program, “how, as artists, we bare all through our work”, especially with the class being composed of students from a diverse spectrum of races, genders, and sexual orientations.

“Being an artist of any minority can be difficult when you are faced with a lot of discrimination, but showing yourself as an individual shapes artistic vision,” explained one of the students, Marshall Hayes.

As such, the exhibit helps showcase the power and diversity of perspectives presented through the individual life experiences of each and every one of the 18 students within the graduating class.

“The self-expression and discovery of our art classes have allowed me to meet the most incredible people I have ever met,” explained another student, Andrew Boynton. “Together we have come up with a show that has shown the most vulnerable nature of our work and our relationships as artists. The beauty in the art department does not come from our work as a collective, but how powerful our voices are as individuals.”

For the students whose artwork is being displayed within the walls of the museum, the exhibit represents the end of a four year journey that they have each taken together and which they now conclude, and for some, especially their teachers, the end of the journey remains a sad one.

“It is always bitter sweet,” said Beth Garcia, Visual Art Instructor. “I think that the student work is excellent, and it always feels like the end, which is why it is always a little sad.”

The students highlighted at the exhibit include Susan Alvarez, Braedon Bishop, Andrew Boynton, Darielle Brisbane, Elisa Ferrer, Marshall Hayes, Amanda Hollingsworth, Ahmrii Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Cici McMonigle, Hali Quinn Mervine, Sybella Norman, Antonio Opio, Gabriella Santana, Ryder Skipper, Oliver Stephenson, Ben Stribling, and Kimberly Wentworth.

“But, Naked” will be exhibited at the Polk Museum of Art until March 11. The museum is located at 800 E. Palmetto Street in Lakeland, and is open daily (except Monday) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit their website at https://polkmuseumofart.org/

The Lake Wales High School Was on Lock Down This Morning

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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February 13, 2018

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The Lake Wales High School Was on Lock Down This Morning

The Lake Wales High School was locked down this morning for a pre-planned narcotic search. During the search 4 narcotic detection K9s were used. Three of the K9s were from the Lake Wales Police Department and one was from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The search was done in several classrooms, various other spaces inside the school, and in the parking lot. No narcotics were located and no arrests were made.

Central Florida Health Expo Promotes Healthy Living

Staff Reporter

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February 13, 2018

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Central Florida Health Expo Promotes Healthy Living

by James Coulter

More than a month has passed since the New Year started, and yet it’s never too late to get started on your New Year’s resolution, especially if it’s for your health.

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, or become more active through exercise, now is always a good time to get started improving your overall health.

Polk County residents seeking to better their health were able to find information on such healthy living during the Central Florida Health Expo last Saturday in Auburndale.

Hosted by the Central Florida Media Group within the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market, this annual event allowed attendees to view more than a dozen vendors promoting local healthcare services.

Winter Haven Hospital was one such service, as their representatives promoted the hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health and its mental health services including group counseling and psychiatric medication.

More than 100 people visited the booth during the event to inquire about the services, with many attendees learning about the center for the very first time, explained Claire Rice, Licensed Program Coordinator.

“We want to let people know that our services are here, and see if they have any questions about what we do,” she said. “We would hope that if we could help somebody, we most certainly would.”

For many vendors such as Jeff Russell, CEO of DNK Brands, the event allowed them the opportunity to spread awareness of their services to potential clients.

Russell promoted many home-use medical devices offered by his organization, including a medical device for treating erectile dysfunction, which he claimed had a 70 percent effectiveness rate.

While the event had a larger turnout in the morning than in the evening, any exposure during the event, great or small, proved beneficial to vendors such as himself.

“The expo is not a matter of numbers, it is what you leave with as a business,” he said. “I do not measure it in number of money raised today, I measure it in exposure, and for that reason, we have done a good job.”

While the event has been previously hosted five other times, for many vendors this was their first time, as was the case with Spine Institute of Central Florida.

Laura Johnson, Marketing Coordinator for the Institute, considered the turnout decent, as it allowed her the opportunity to share the services for their orthopedic clinic and spa practice.

Another first-time vendor, Tara Fleeman, Outpatient Diabetes Educational Coordinator of BayCare, was likewise impressed with the turnout.

“I thought it was great, we had a lot of patients interested in what we had to offer for our diabetes program,” she said. “I did not know what to expect when I came here, so it exceeded my expectations.”

This year’s event was the fifth health expo event hosted by the Central Florida Media Group (CFMG), which previously hosted two similar events last year.

Each event draws in approximately 1,200 visitors to the marketplace, said David Kiessling, CFMG Advertising Account Executive.

Attendance for this year’s event peaked in the morning hours and eventually waned during the afternoon until the event concluded around 3 p.m., with many of the vendors having cleared out much earlier by noon, Kiessling said.

As with previous events, many attendees arrived from local senior citizen living facilities, with many of the residents seeking information and education about healthier living, he explained.

“It was really good this morning,” he said. “We had a really nice day. In February, we get more winter visitors, so attendance-wise it was one of our better events. We are always looking at ways to improve.”

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