Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
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My name is Michael Wilder. After having pastored in Kentucky for 16+ years, my wife, Tina, and I moved to Florida about 18 months ago for the purpose of planting a church in Central Florida. Upon moving here we lived in Lake Alfred as we sought the Lord's specific will. In May of 2019, we were able to purchase the property at 428 Linden Lane here in Lake Wales. It is the former home and office of Dr. Haines DDS. In time, we hope to convert the veranda into an auditorium....
Dear Editor, As a medical professional, I can vouch that the priority for all of us in the field is the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the care available to our patients. In Florida, all that is being threatened by a wave of meritless and expensive medical malpractice lawsuits. Right now, there are ill-intentioned lawyers across the state that file vague and unclear claims in an attempt use our state’s loose malpractice standards to win overblown legal fees in court or through settlements. All these lawsuits m...
We as elected officials need to mind our Ps and Qs in order to deliberate action. We need to be knowledgeable on issues that we face and day-to-day challenges in our respective cities. I make it my business to advocate for the things we need to better ourselves and to seek fairness across the board. Meeting with officials from other cities helps me learn and grow as a commissioner. The City of Lake Wales is a member of the Florida League of Cities (FLC), and National League...
Since I became a Lake Wales City Commissioner in May of 2017 I have always fought for the little people. This summer of 2019 I came up with a concept that would give lower paid city employees a higher percentage increase in their pay. What the city manager was introducing was a 3 percent raise across the board that amounted to just $609 for the city's lowest paid full-time employee, but it would give the highest paid employee, not counting the city manager, an increase of...
The works of local artist Blair Updike will be featured at the Lake Wales Arts Center, starting with an opening reception from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. The reception, which will include food and an open bar, is free to the public. Updike's paintings will be available for sale throughout the duration of the exhibit and may be picked up after it concludes around the end of March According to the Arts Council website, "Blair Updike embodies contrasts. Her portraits portray...
Publix Pharmacy recently filled its 100 millionth free prescription as part of its free medication program. "We are proud to provide a service that helps our customers afford their medications," said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk. "As the cost of health care continues to rise, this program has become even more important to our customers and our communities. Too often, high prescription costs prevent people from taking medication as prescribed. When medications...
How quickly things change. Just a few short years ago, restaurants were booming and cooking at home was something one watched on TV, but rarely attempted in real life. Then something shifted. In a big way. For whatever reason, people wanted to rediscover the joy of cooking. Recognizing that need, Chef Warren Caterson wrote the award-winning cookbooks Table for Two – The Cookbook for Couples and Table for Two - Back for Seconds (Winfield & Scott Press) each featuring over 235 r...
With 2020 beginning we have come to the end of a decade where nearly half a million people have lost their lives to overdose. The opioid epidemic started in 2010 with pain killer dependence rising and doctor shopping being the newest thing to do. Now heroin is on the rise with the newest deadly killer fentanyl. The solution the government has come up with is to put people on the MAT program. MAT stands for medication assisted therapy. This puts people on a medication that the...
In 1912, the early settlers of what is now Lake Wales, were hearty, adventuresome people, real Pioneers, descendants of their ancestors who traveled via oxen-driven covered wagons and were true to their code of "Ten Tandra Via Est" meaning "The way remains to be tried." They came to Lake Wales by way of long, difficult and sometimes dangerous trips through swamps, overcoming their fears of possible snakes and alligators, travelling through Winter Haven, then Haines City,...
It's time to request an entry book to enter the 28th Annual Polk Senior Games scheduled for Feb. 29 to March 16. The Games offer a two-week series of 100 athletic and recreational Olympic-style events. They attract over 2,500 men and women, 50 years and over, with a variety of skills - the serious competitor, the fun at heart, the seasoned athlete, the late bloomer, and the physically challenged. The purpose of the Games is to promote friendly competition, fellowship, health...
As the holidays approach, keep in mind you will be spending time around family and friends that you might not typically see all year round. Some families will have an amazing time and make tons of new memories. Yet some families will become newly aware that a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, while other families are preparing for yet another holiday that might be ruined by one already in the family. You should be familiar with the signs that your loved could be...
It was fun, exciting and filled with anticipation! Everyone loves the sound of children laughing while they run around, eyes wide open as their Christmas dreams come true. Well, it happened and we were there. On Dec. 10, 44 children went Christmas shopping during the Lake Wales Police Officers Association's annual Shop with a Cop event at the Lake Wales Wal-Mart. The gathering began at 6 p.m. where parents signed their children in, snacks were served and families were assigned...
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd will present its 77th annual Christmas pageant at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. The pageant tells the story of the nativity and features many of the parish family children. The Rev. Tim Nunez will narrate and the choir will sing at this special event. This event is open to the public and there is no charge. The church is located at 221 S. Fourth St.in Lake Wales....
CenterPoint Community Church will hold its annual Christmas Festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The church invites all families in the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at the festival on the church grounds at 6950 Eloise Loop Road in Winter Haven, just around the corner from Chain of Lakes Elementary School. The free event will include Christmas carols, crafts, games, activities, the Christmas Story, photo opportunities and a jump house. Hot...
Thirty-two colorful and unique wreaths remain on display at the Polk History Center in Bartow through Dec. 12. Local businesses, individuals and organizations donate them for the annual Festival of Wreaths, with auction proceeds going to support History Center programming. The History Center, located at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The interested in the wreaths can view them and place bids or purchase them online at...
Volunteers are needed Dec. 11 and 18 to help remove the invasive species Caesar's weed at Circle B Bar Reserve. Bring your favorite pair of gloves, and some water, and plan to spend a couple hours, or as long as you can last, removing the weeds. The work that has been done already is changing the landscape at the Reserve and we just need a couple of more hands to keep pushing forward. Invasive plant removal is from 8:15 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays Dec. 11 and 18. Another work day...
Circle B Bar Reserve volunteer guides on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 will be taking visitors on a personalized tram tour through the marsh to view and learn more about alligators. The American alligator is a keystone species of the reserve, located at 4399 Winter Lake Road in Lakeland. This will be a great time of year to observe alligators and learn some facts about them and their behavior. To register, stop by the reception desk or call (863) 668-4673 ext. 205. This tour is limited...
Lakeland Regional Health, with support from the City of Lakeland, is planning to construct a three-building, 96-bed center to better serve the behavioral health inpatient and outpatient needs of the Polk County community. The $46 million Center for Behavioral Health & Wellness will be built near Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and will treat adults and adolescents for mental health problems, substance abuse, memory disorders and more. Outgoing LRH President Elaine...
Whether your loved one passed away recently or years ago, the holidays can stir up a sense of loss that overshadow any celebrations. Reminiscing about holiday traditions, knowing your loved one will not be present, can cause sadness and anxiety. While everyone grieves differently, it's important to know that intensified feelings associated with loss is common this time of year. Some may feel the need to hide their feelings from friends and family. They may be embarrassed or...
City Commissioner Al Goldstein has been appointed by the Florida League of Cities to its Federal Action Strike Team, also known as FAST. The appointment announcement said Goldstein was selected because of his leadership within the League and his relationship with the local congressional delegation. Goldstein recently participated in the League's FAST Fly-in to Washington, DC, which the organization said was successful in bringing attention to a number of key federal issues....
Jolly old St. Nick and Mrs. Claus will take time out of their busy schedule to pay a visit to Central Florida's Visitor Information Center (CFVIC) in Davenport on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your camera to capture a photo with the bearded one during this free, pet-friendly event. In addition to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the event will include refreshments and holiday crafts for the kids, as well as a scavenger hunt throughout the center where kids can...
Dr. James Nelson, who has practiced Family Medicine in Lake Wales for more than three decades, will be honored at a retirement reception to celebrate his contributions to the community. The reception will be held at 2 pm. Sunday, Dec. 8, in the hospital cafeteria. The afternoon will include a special video presentation, comments from the hospital COO, remembrances from former patients and office staff, and a proclamation from the City of Lake Wales. The community, particularly patients and former patients, are invited to atte...
The Lake Wales Family YMCA will hold its annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot leaving from 160 E. Park Ave. downtown. Pre-registration ended Nov. 24. Race day entry fee is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the race start at 8 a.m. The race is bib chip timed, family and walker friendly. Participants receive a T-shirt and finisher medal....
United Way of Central Florida President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson has announced the upcoming retirement of Chief Operating Officer Penny Borgia in March 2020. "I cannot thank Penny enough for the countless hours of hard work and the passion she has poured into this organization," Criser Jackson said. "A United Way without Penny is hard to imagine but I'm confident she has set us up for success. Her transformational community impact initiatives will strengthen our...
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is offering six easy ways to prepare for your holiday meals and parties without running up your water bill. During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. Here's how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday preparations: • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. • Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan...
