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AUGUST 2014 News Splash Summer Edition Monthly Distribution

Weekly distribution will resume in the fall

LEISURE SERVICES IS NOW PARKS AND RECREATION! Pass it on…… SNAPSHOT OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE WINTER HAVEN AREA:

Cruisin’ Winter Haven, August 2, 4- 9 p.m., downtown Winter Haven. 1st Annual Otis' Back 2 School Bash party for school-age kids presented by Owl Now Urgent Care

and Pediatric Partners! Featuring FREE system-approved school supplies, food, a Bounce House, and a Live DJ. The first 50 attendees receive a FREE t-shirt. Pope Medical Plaza, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., August 2. Contact Ashley Moats with Nice Branding Agency at 863-216-5683 or A.Moats@Brandnicely.com. Register for the event on the Pediatric Partners of Winter Haven or Owl Now Urgent Care Facebook Pages by clicking "events". www.OtisBack2SchoolBash.com

Ridge Art Association presents – “My Winter Haven; Sticks & Bricks” Show in City Hall. Artist’s Receiving is August 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and August 9 from 8:30 – 11 a.m. Judge’s Critique in the John Fuller Auditorium August 9 at 2:30 p.m. and the Show is open to the public August 12 – June 15, 2015. The public reception for the artists is Saturday, August 16 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

World’s Largest Golf Outing, Willowbrook Golf Course, August 11, flyer below. Banjo Night in Central Park with Jim Stafford and Friends, August 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. All skill

levels welcome. Flyer below. The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show, on Lake Silver, August 16, 6 p.m. Free. Pre-show starts 45

minutes prior to event time. Lake Silver at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. 4th Saturday Market in Downtown Winter Haven, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., August 23. 258-3561 for info. City Celebration of PSC 50th Anniversary, downtown area, September 4, 5 – 8:30 p.m. Includes a

walking processional, presentations, live entertainment and artisans. Event is in combination with the Main Street Winter Haven First Thursday activities.

Flotilla Finale, Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lake Eloise, 863-677-5881 for info. Flyer below. Food Truck Wars 2014, September 20, 2 – 8 p.m., downtown Central Park. More than 40 trucks, live

band, children’s play area and great selection of food. Bring your picnic blanket and make a day of it! Second Annual Vintage Market, September 27, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Winter Haven Garden Center at the

intersection of Third Street NW and Lake Silver Drive NW. Free admission. 4th Saturday Market in Downtown Winter Haven, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., September 27. 258-3561 for info. Polk Training Center Fundraiser at Paul Schulz’s Outback Oasis, October 16, 7-10 p.m. CURE (Cancer Unity Ribbon Event) world record attempt, October 25, Chain O’ Lakes Stadium. 4th Saturday Market in Downtown Winter Haven, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., October 25. 258-3561 for info. Golf on the Water, November 8, call Chain Life Winter Haven at 863-677-5881 for info. Flyer below. WH Farmers Market is in Downtown Trailhead Park, 611 3rd St. every Thurs. from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Joules Wellness Concepts, 4th Thursday of the month; 6:30 p.m. The HUB, 220 W. Central Ave.

News Splash!

City of Winter Haven Communications/Marketing Division dsheehan@mywinterhaven.com Visit www.mywinterhaven.com “Like” us on Facebook Follow mywinterhaven on Twitter

The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show, on Lake Silver, 3rd Saturday of every month 6 p.m. (March - October) and 4:30 p.m. (November - February). Bring a lawn chair. Admission is free. Pre-show starts 45 minutes prior to event time. GPS address is 250 South Lake Silver Drive. For more information contact Mark Voisard, 863-521-2808.

City of Winter Haven Commission Contact information:

Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong 863-289-9813 nbirdsong@mywinterhaven.com Mayor Pro Tem Steven Hunnicutt 863-289-9971 smhunnicutt@mywinterhaven.com Commissioner Pete Chichetto 863-289-2794 pmchichetto@mywinterhaven.com Commissioner Brad Dantzler 863-289-9947 bdantzler@mywinterhaven.com Commissioner J.P. Powell 863-307-1602 jppowell@mywinterhaven.com

Take a look below to see what’s occurring in City Departments throughout the following week and beyond! CITY MANAGER Deric C. Feacher, 291-5600 Congratulations are extended to Commissioner J.P. Powell on his recent appointment as Vice President of the Ridge League of Cities.

CITY CLERK Vanessa Castillo – 291-5600

The City Commission regular meetings are Monday, August 11 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. The September 8 Commission Meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Sept. 10th to avoid

conflict with the BoCC’s and School Board’s first Public Hearing dates. This Commission meeting will also be the FY 14/15 Budget First Public Hearing.

COMMUNICATIONS/MARKETING DIVISION Donna Sheehan – 291-5600

The picture at the top of the News Splash was taken in the early morning with a cell phone. The only special affects used to get the amazing color are the natural ones found in the skies of Winter Haven! Send your pictures of beautiful Winter Haven to dsheehan@mywinterhaven.com, and they may show up on the City’s Facebook page, twitter account or even in publications such as the News Splash.

GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Erin Tilghman - 291-5600

There is a public hearing August 4 in City Hall at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed projects for the City’s 2014-2015 Action Plan. Additional meetings will be held to discuss the infrastructure projects. Contact Erin Tilghman at 863.298.5353 or etilghman@mywinterhaven.com for more information.

o The MLK Park Project Improvements will be discussed August 5 at the Winter Haven Senior Center from 4-6 p.m.

o The PEP Building Improvements will be discussed August 6 at the PEP Building at 203 Avenue R NE from 4-6 p.m.

o The Heritage Park Boardwalk Project will be discussed August 7 in the Winter Haven Library Historical Conference Room from 4-6 pm.

The August 11 CRA Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting is at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. Contact Jeanne Sobierajski, CRA/Project Manager, at 863.291.5850 or jsoberiajski@mywinterhaven.com for more information.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting is August 18 at 3 p.m. in City Hall. Please contact Erin Tilghman at 863.298.5353 for more information.

The Enterprise Zone Development Agency meeting will be held Monday, August 18, starting at 5 pm in the John Fuller Auditorium. Please contact Sean Byers, Senior Planner, at 863.291.5600 x249 or sbyers@mywitnerhaven.com for more information. Planning staff is interested in your thoughts on the draft sign ordinance. Go to www.mywinterhavne.com and click on the Planning page to view the draft, or contact Planning staff at 863.291.5600 for more information.

The Business Tax Receipt (BTR) office is located in the Building Division at 491 3rd St. NW across from City Hall. Contact Alicia Hurley at 863.291.5695 or ahurley@mywinterhaven.com. Go to: http://www.mywinterhaven.com/building_tax_receipt.htm.

Jeanne Sobierajski – 291-5850 The proposed projects page: http://www.mywinterhaven.com/proposedprojects.htm Go to the Construction Projects link at http://www.mywinterhaven.com/constructionprojects.htm for

pictures, project details and contacts. COMMUNITY SERVICES Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack declared August 3 through 9, 2014, "National Farmers Market Week." Throughout the week, USDA will celebrate our nation's thousands of farmers markets, farmers who make them possible and the communities that host them. Winter Haven Farmers Market is every Thursday at the Chain O’ Lakes Trailhead Park on 3rd Street NW. Stop by and pick up some fresh produce! Chain O’ Lakes Complex – Jennifer Young, 291-5656

Looking to learn something new? Give Leisure Services a call for more information on Guitar lessons for all ages, Tae Kwon Do, American Kenpo, Brazlian Jiu Jitsu, and Yoga.

Trail and Projects – Andy Palmer, 291-5600 Sportsman’s Park Dedication – In partnership with the Sportsman’s Club, join us Saturday, August 23

from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a dedication ceremony, food, bike giveaways for kids and family fun. Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool – 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. – Jennifer Burke, 291-5656

Swim Lesson Registration: Session V - July 30 from 6 – 7 p.m. and July 31 & Aug 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is the last session for the summer and includes morning and evening lessons. Cost is $35 for residents and $44 for non-residents.

Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool: Lap Swim, Mon. – Fri., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Monday – Thursday 5 – 7 p.m.; Recreation Swim, Mon. – Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. Cost: Residents - $2; Non-Residents $3.

Willowbrook Golf Course – 863-291-5899 If you are a golfer, or wish you golfed more, take a look at the flyers below regarding Willowbrook

Summer Players Card and the World’s Largest Golf Outing! Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center – Terrell Griffin, 863-291-5675

The swimming pool is open Sunday – Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Fun on the Run mobile recreation unit visits parks and neighborhoods with a treasure chest of

activities and trained staff for children ages 6-13 (children younger than 6 are welcome when

accompanied by a parent). Fun on the Run is through August 8. For a listing of parks and neighborhoods, please call 291-5675. During inclement weather, the program is cancelled for the day.

The Youth Recreation Board is looking for innovative teens to help develop programs, while gaining valuable leadership skills. The YRB meets the last Tuesday of each month from 6 - 7 p.m. at WHRCC. Need a place to burn some calories and get fit at no cost? Exercise machines, weight benches, squat racks and free-weights are available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Pool, foosball, and air hockey tables are available throughout the day/evening depending on scheduled activities. Please call for availability.

Looking for an opportunity to relax, hang out with friends and enjoy a day of planned activities as the summer comes to a close? Then the Back-to-School Pool Bash is the place to be Saturday, August 30, from 1-4 p.m. The event features a bounce house, water slide, music, refreshments and more.

Registration is underway for the After School Program, which offers homework assistance and recreational activities. Transportation is available from Garner and Elbert Elementary, and Brigham Academy. Cost for the program is $20/City residents and $30/non-City residents. Program dates are Monday – Friday, August 18, 2014-June 4, 2015, except holidays and teacher’s days off. Program hours are 3-5:30 p.m.

Winter Haven Senior Center – Erica Guerra; 291-5870 Enjoy free entertainment by Dancin’ Country Line Dancers, Tuesday, August 5 at 10:45 a.m. Enjoy the free dance social with entertainment by Ann DeFeo, Monday, August 11 at 10:30 a.m. Independent Living Connection, a resource group for individuals with disabilities, meets the second

Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Learn more about skills training, peer support, information and referral services, and advocacy.

Come learn the current rules of the road and how to operate a vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment with the AARP Defensive Driving Course. Participants may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon course completion. Call 668-7241 for available dates and registration.

Friends who Feast, a social group that dines at various restaurants in the Winter Haven area, will be having lunch at Salem’s Gyros and Subs, August 22 at 11 a.m. Transportation will be provided from the Senior Center. Bus seating is limited; call 291-5870 to reserve your spot. Or…meet us there!

Are you looking to better understand your Medicare benefits? The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program will answer questions and provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The program can determine which Medicare Prescription Drug Plan best fits your needs, assist with Medicare claims and appeals, provide benefit details and much more! Make an appointment to meet with a SHINE counselor at the Senior Adult Center - 291-5870.

Po-Ke-No is a great mix between cards and bingo! Join us at 10:45 a.m. on Fridays. The Winter Haven Shuffleboard Club meets on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Meet new people by attending the daily lunch program through Polk Elderly Services. Hot meals are

served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. to those 60 years or older. You must pre-register between 9 – 11 a.m. Monday – Friday, and commit to eating at least two meals per week. The charge for a meal is a donation. Some transportation is provided within the area. Call 291-5870 for more information.

Try the Mixed Media Painting Class on alternating Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. Participants bring their own materials. The cost is $10 for City residents and $11 for non-City residents.

Wellness with Wilma 60 minute low-impact total workout with aerobics, strengthening, balance and flexibility. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.; $1 for City residents and $2 for non-City residents.

BINGO is every Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. Cards are .25 each, and participants play for grocery items. The Senior Chess Club meets every Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 p.m., and is open to players of all

levels and those interested in learning the game. There is no charge! Beginner’s Tai-Chi class Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.; $4 for City residents and $5 for non-residents.

Beginner’s Line Dance classes; Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., $4 for City residents & $5 for non-residents. The Quilting Social is every Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Bring your own materials and work on

your own projects. An instructor provides assistance if necessary. Free. Stop by the Senior Center on Third Street NW and pick up a monthly calendar of activities.

Winter Haven Public Library – Cori Greear; 291-5880

Career Source Bus, August 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Receive help from trained Career Source professionals about job searching, resume building, interview skills and more! All from their full-equipped, high-tech bus with computer stations. The Career Source Bus will be in the north Library parking lot. Reservations are not required.

Cameos Writing Group, August 5 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Beverly Lerner at bevlerner@aol.com.

Saturday Afternoon Family Movies, Second and fourth Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. August 9 features Lego Star Wars – the Yoda Chronicles (NR); August 23 features Muppets Most Wanted (PG)

Poetry Group, August 12 at 6 p.m. Write and share poetry among friends! This group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Open to all ages.

Morning Book Club, August 13 at 10 a.m. will discuss Fragile Beasts by Tawni O’Dell. This Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. See the flyer below for details.

Amplified Telephone Distribution, August 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library Multi-Purpose Room. People with certified hearing loss will have the opportunity to receive a free amplified telephone for home use. Some restrictions apply and phones are available on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about requirements, call Central Florida Speech and Hearing at (863) 686-3189.

Technology Help Desk, Fridays 1-4 p.m. Having trouble setting up your e-reader? A Facebook account? Or your laptop? Stop by the Library between 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and receive technology assistance from the City of Winter Haven IT Department. This is free and registration is not required.

LEGO Club Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. We supply the Lego blocks, you provide the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week. Open to ages 7-12.

Solid Waste Unit – Susan Stewart, 291-5757 Labor Day is Monday, September 1.

Residential garbage routes: Monday – Thursday routes will run Thursday only (place extra household garbage in bags next to cart) Tuesday and Friday routes – no change

Residential Recycle Schedule: Tuesday, September 2 will be collected Wednesday, September 3; Thursday, September 4 will be collected Friday, September 5.

HUMAN RESOURCES Shannon Cooley - 291-5650

Click the link for job opportunity information! http://www.mywinterhaven.com/city_employment.htm UTILITY DEPARTMENT Even Wastewater can be interesting!! The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plants No. 2 and No. 3 were recently featured in the August 2014 TPO Magazine! The article is titled “Up With Efficiency.” Click the link and check out page 24. http://www.tpomag.com/ezine/2014/08

WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT Code Enforcement Division; Tonya Long – 287-9339

The DBPR is asking for assistance in identifying individuals engaged in unlicensed activity. If you come across unlicensed activity, please email ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us or call 1-866-532-1440.

Jamie Brown, Public Information/Crime Prevention - 863-295-5905 The Winter Haven Police Explorers are selling custom 24 oz. Tervis Tumblers for $20. Profits benefit

the Explorer Post! To purchase, contact Jamie Brown at jbrown@mywinterhaven.com or visit the Police Department during business hours and purchase one in the lobby. (Cash only please)

Additional Information: DOWNTOWN WI-FI: If you are a smartphone or tablet owner, finding a free wireless internet connection, especially in public places is not always easy. Now, thanks to Alternative Choice Wireless, a local wireless internet provider, Winter Haven visitors and residents can get access to free wireless internet in downtown Winter Haven. ACW has partnered with the city of Winter Haven to install high-powered wireless antennas on rooftops on both sides of Central Park. “This is a great service for both residents and visitors,” said Hiep Nguyen, the Chief Information Officer at the City of Winter Haven. Wi-Fi requires radio frequencies to provide internet connection instead of using cables. Areas to be covered by this free Wi-Fi are the Central Park corridor, Ave A SW north to Ave B NW, and 5th Street SW to 4th Street NW. “This service will provide a free, reliable internet connection for visitors, shoppers, and our local business community,” said Steve Sowards, owner of ACW. “We expect this to bring new life to the downtown area, and will be a great resource for people attending various events taking place in Central Park year-round.” He added, “Winter Haven is undergoing an economic development renaissance and free WiFi service adds to a long list of amenities that are attractive to businesses looking to open, expand or relocate to the downtown Winter Haven area.”

all skill levels welcome connect with other players

share tips/techniques

   

Banjo Night with Jim Stafford & friends…

…

Bill Neff Dick Prince Robert Rackelman Ron Rimmer Tony Rizzo Ron Smith David Warrick Nat West  

For more information call 863-297-9387 Inclement weather location The Ritz – 263 W. Central Avenue

August 16th 6:30 – 8:30 Central Park Winter Haven

So you have always wanted to learn how to play banjo? Now’s your chance! We’ll have extra banjos to try.

 

Morning Book Club Interested in joining a Book Club that meets

in the morning?

JOIN US! Second Wednesday of every month

10 to 11 a.m. Library Historical Conference Room

August 13: Fragile Beasts by Tawni O’Dell

September 10: Sycamore Row by John Grisham

October 8: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

November 12: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

December 10: The Mockingbird Next Door:

Life with Harper Lee by Marja Mills

Questions? Contact Cori Greear at 863 291-5880 ext.230

Winter Haven Public Library • 325 Avenue A NW • Winter Haven, Florida 33881

(863) 291-5880 • whpl.mywinterhaven.com

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