Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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Hello my name is Curtis Gibson, I am a Lake Wales city commissioner in district 19, seat 2. I never thought about getting into politics. In fact, I used to say I am not a politician. The fact of the matter is I am. When I jumped into this arena it was in 2015 when I ran for mayor of Lake Wales. I was terrified and didn't know what the outcome was going to be. I had so many people from both sides wanting to know who pushed me to run against the mayor and I simply told them I...
In Luke's Gospel (chapter 10) we read about 70 disciples, who had been sent out by Jesus, returning to the Lord sharing what they had experienced. Jesus told them that they should rejoice, not for what they had accomplished, but because their names were written in heaven. Hearing this, a certain lawyer (an interpreter and teacher of the Mosaic law) asked the Lord, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, you are a lawyer, you tell me. The lawyer stated, "Thou...
Are we reading words that genuinely challenge our current thinking? Do we read books, blogs, posts, and news feeds that only tend to be in line with our world experiences? Are we drawn to read organized printed thoughts (which are likely edited for maximum impact) that really only infuriate us to the point of more solidly reaffirming our preconceived world view? We are blessed to have the ability to actually read and comprehend meaning in printed symbols. There is so much...
As the events around of COVID-19 continue to unfold and test our human and societal frailties and brokenness, I have been pondering many verses from Proverbs 30. May these words from God, penned many years ago by someone named Agur, be Humbling, Encouraging, Lasting, or Priming for all of us (author included) in these days. 1The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. 2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. 3 I...
Forgive me Father, for the many times I have not done what You have placed on my heart to do. There were things that I perceived were right to pursue, but out of inconvenience, discomfort, tradition, distraction, fear, or procrastination I did not pursue them. There are many times, when we are confronted with a difficult situation that we run from it, preferring not to "rock the boat" or not face criticism from others. Let us act in accordance with God's will for where and...
In times of injustice, sickness, turmoil, and fear, where should we turn? Why should we turn there? Here are some instructions we should heed from Paul: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-22: Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. (ESV) 1 Timothy 2:1,8: First of all, then, I urge that...
Have you watched the news lately; or checked Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, or other "media" outlets recently? James 3:6-8: And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full...
The current health crisis has noticeably altered many of our ideas of what, and who, is most important. Some of the things we would have listed as essential in order for us to have a "successful" life on March 1, may not have made our list here at the end of May. The perspective, words, and interactions we have with others has likely been altered by COVID-19. Upon further reading and reflecting on John 15:13 in recent weeks, (Greater love has no one than this, that someone...
The Lake Wales Public Library, with the assistance of lakewalesnews.net, has revived a tradition that existed in our local weekly newspaper for many years, the publication of a sampling of new books available at our library. The list will be updated weekly. The Lake Wales Public Library continues to offer safe door-side pickup of materials during our current hours of operation. Call the library to request that holds are placed on items for pickup at the Lake Wales Public...
Sandy Dent is very worried about her 9-pound chihuahua that got frightened and ran off during to the July 4 fireworks. Valdez has kidney disease and without special food he could get sick and die. The fawn colored dog with a little white fur on his neck, chest and toes was lost from the Nature's Edge Community on Orchid Boulevard in Lake Wales. He was first seen standing by the entrance to Jennings Resort where Watkins Road curves into Canal Road near Cherry Pocket. Then Dent...
The Lake Wales Public Library, with the assistance of lakewalesnews.net, has revived a tradition that existed in our local weekly newspaper for many years, the publication of a sampling of new books available at our library. The list will be updated weekly. The Lake Wales Public Library continues to offer safe door-side pickup of materials during our current hours of operation. Call the library to request that holds are placed on items for pickup at the Lake Wales Public...
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, founded January 16, 1920, began as an idea conceived by five coeds at Howard University in Washington D.C.: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Viola Tyler Goings and Fannie Pettie Watts. These five women, also known as our Five Pearls, dared to depart from the traditional coalitions for black women and sought to establish a new organization predicated on the precepts of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and...
Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director Andrew Allen supports the philosophy "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Instead of canceling summer arts camp due to COVID-19 concerns, Allen and his staff found a way to move it 100 percent online and to make it free for all. Despite cutting enrollment in half, spending thousands of dollars and countless hours developing plans to keep the children and staff safe, Allen finally realized the increasing numbers testing...
The Lake Wales Public Library, with the assistance of lakewalesnews.net, is reviving a tradition that existed in our local weekly newspaper for many years, the publication of a sampling of new books available at our library. The list will be updated weekly. The Lake Wales Public Library continues to offer safe door-side pickup of materials during our current hours of operation. Call the library to request that holds are placed on items for pickup at the Lake Wales Public...
Efforts to beautify and green Lake Wales streets got another boost Saturday as community volunteers led by the Lake Wales Woman's Club prepared three street "triangles" along Lakeshore Boulevard for new floral plantings. "I'm totally stoked!" said Bonnie Poller, who is chair of the Environment Committee of the Woman's Club, which is spearheading the project. "Neighbors came out to help." More than a dozen volunteers participated. "This was only Phase one," Poller added....
Zachary Kirkland was in middle school when he started his own non-profit called Silly Sock Saturdays. Now a rising senior at Lake Wales High School, Zachary continues his mission of making hospital stays more pleasant for children by providing them a gift bag with silly socks, toys, games and other items. "Being able to help those in a hard and stressful situation is the reason for creating the nonprofit and getting to hear the feedback and know that what I do invokes a smile...
A group of Lake Wales police officers were treated to a free tasty lunch and desserts on Friday by a group of homeowners from Lake Ashton, who wanted to show their appreciation for the peace-keeping efforts of the department. "The Loop" is a five-block neighborhood of the sprawling development on the north side of Lake Wales, and home of a casual organization that organizes community events three times a month. Calling itself the Looplanders, the neighborhood group has been...
Getting outside provides more than a fun break for adults, children and teens. It is also good for your physical and mental health and development. While staying at home and adhering to guidelines and recommendations during the current coronavirus crisis, spending time gardening is a way to nurture health and wellness for yourself and your children. Gardening is a great form of exercise and regular gardening can bring the joys of woodland animals, beautiful butterflies and...
With regard to the health environment in Polk County, the Lake Wales History Museum has cancelled the Pioneer Days Festival, originally scheduled to take place on October 24 & 25, 2020. The health and safety of our community is first and foremost, and due to the national and local concern regarding coronavirus, hosting a large scale event of this proportion is not possible this year. The Pioneer Days Festival encourages engagement with vendors, historical demonstrators, food...
First Baptist Church of Lake Wales will be holding its annual Vacation Bible School online July 20-24, encouraging children to focus on God. Parents of children ages 4 through 5th grade may register online at www.fbclw.com/vbs-2020. The church will provide a VBS resource box at a parent meeting at the church Sunday, July19. "VBS 2020 may look different, but we're still excited to help kids dive deeper into their faith by putting the FOCUS on God and his amazing plan for us,"...
Rotary on the Ridge held its first "hybrid" meeting Monday, June 22 to install new President Trey Heath and offer thanks to outgoing President Herb Gillis. About 15 members gathered in person, while another 10 used the ZOOM platform to participate online. District 6890 Governor Kip Kipnis was installing officer for Heath, who officially becomes club president July 1. The club postponed its annual celebration and further recognition of Gillis and other members to July 22, in...
Lake Wales has long been known as "The Crown Jewel of the Ridge," but that didn't happen by accident. It took the efforts of Edward Bok and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. While many are familiar with Bok, the name of Olmsted, arguably the more significant historic figure, is an enigma. It was Olmsted who designed Bok's famous gardens, as well as Mountain Lake, and scores of private landscapes there. It was Olmsted who designed the Colony House, and our familiar Town Clock. And it...
A portion of Alligator Alley and all of Marsh Rabbit Run at Circle B Bar Reserve has been closed until further notice due to alligator nesting season. Alligators often become territorial and protective of their nests and young during this time of year. The trail closure is to protect wildlife and keep people safe during nesting season. Visitors can still access the dock on Lake Hancock by hiking the Shady Oak trail to Alligator Alley. Signs are posted at the beginning of the...
Shock, stunned disbelief blanketed Bartow last Sunday, June 7, as the community learned Ken Riley, 72, died suddenly from a massive heart attack. Heartbroken tributes posted on Facebook paying tribute to the NFL all-star demonstrated how beloved and well-respected he was, and showing the fragility of life. "He was at the Solemn Assembly yesterday and seemed fine," wrote Richard Dreyer on his Facebook page, as Riley was among the more than 100 people gathered. "Yes, a great per...
After a week of monitoring visitor safety concerns, Bok Tower Gardens reopened Monday, June 1, without timed ticket entry. For limited contact service, visitors may purchase tickets online. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gate upon arrival. The member preview week provided enough data and onsite evaluation that Bok Tower Gardens leadership felt comfortable suspending the advance ticket/timed entry requirement making the admission process more accessible and...
