Essential Character Featured at MOFAC’s Third Thursday

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2018 – SFSC’s Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) will hold its Third Thursday program, “Essential Character,” Thursday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m., at MOFAC, on the SFSC Highlands Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“This exhibit celebrates the time-worn tradition of fashioning beautiful and useful pieces from the richness of natural resources, available to us as raw materials,” said Megan Stepe, MOFAC curator. “I am fascinated with art that evokes the particular resourcefulness, creativity, and dexterity inherent in working with organic materials. The artists participating in this exhibit have created works which exemplify this type of inventive spirit, producing works of character and craftsmanship I’m sure viewers will very much enjoy.”

“Essential Character” includes gourd-art by Jacqueline Andrews, pine baskets by Emily Angell, shell art by Cheryl Canada, wood carvings and paintings by Sharon Hardy, wood sculptures by Jeff Hoffman, clay sculptures by Richard Munster, fiber works by Hye Shin, and clay pieces by Jay Spalding.

A reception will follow the program in MOFAC. Some of the featured artists will be present at the reception to meet and greet visitors.

The “Essential Character” exhibit is on display Feb. 14 through March 29 at MOFAC and is sponsored by Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius.

Third Thursdays at MOFAC is a series that will enhance and inspire the public’s perspective on Florida art and culture. Each program focuses on a different MOFAC exhibition. The program is held every third Thursday of the month, is open to the public, and is free.

MOFAC is located in the east wing of the Alan J. Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC, 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park. The museum is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., or by appointment for group tours. Patrons of the Wildstein Center may visit the museum one hour prior to matinee and evening performances.

For more information about MOFAC and its programs or to request a museum tour, contact Stepe at 863-784-7240, or email stepem@southflorida.edu. Visit the MOFAC website at mofac.org.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 26, 2018 – CareerSource Heartland, Wells Fargo and South Florida State College (SFSC) are collaborating to offer local businesses employee development training. These two-hour workshops are free to attend and cover Conflict Management, Professionalism in the Workplace and Harassment in the Workplace.

All workshops will be offered at South Florida State College, 2251 NE Turner Ave., Arcadia, in Room 118 and are as follows:   

• Harassment in the Workplace will be offered Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. Learn how to protect your business by learning what constitutes harassment on the job, how to stop it from occurring, and how to handle it if it does happen. 
• Conflict Management in the Workplace will be offered Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. Conflict happens in all corners of the workplace. Attend this workshop to learn the key to effective communication and negotiation skills so employees can learn to manage their own conflicts. Managers will learn when it is necessary to get involved to mitigate the situation and tips to deal with difficult employees. 
• Professionalism in the Workplace will be offered March 2 at 10 a.m. This workshop will teach the importance of professionalism in business and give actual examples to help demonstrate the point more clearly. Employees will learn that there is a line that should not be crossed between work and personal life. Managers will learn how to encourage employees to improve their level of professionalism. When these strategies are implemented, it will lead to a better work environment and positive financial impact to the bottom line of the business.  

Space is limited. To reserve your spot, email corporatetraining@southflorida.edu or call 863-784-7033.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2018 – The South Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture (SFSC MOFAC) recently received a gift of artwork from Charles Reynolds, honoring his late wife Anne Reynolds. The donation included three paintings and three sculptures valued at approximately $9,000.

“Anne Reynolds had not only been a major supporter of archaeological efforts in Highlands County, she played a significant role in the development of MOFAC,” said Megan Stepe, MOFAC curator.

Stepe went on to commend Reynolds for inspiring the curators, SFSC students, volunteers, and patrons at MOFAC. “Her time, energy, and wisdom helped shape the artistic and archaeological character of the museum. These works are esteemed additions to MOFAC’s permanent collection and will be a cherished reminder of her influence.”

Plans are to display the paintings and sculptures in the historical/archaeological section of MOFAC in the near future. The six pieces of art Charles Reynolds gifted to MOFAC are:

High Counselor, oil painting, by Theodore Morris

Sacred Owl, oil painting, by Theodore Morris

Timucuan War Leader, oil painting, by Theodore Morris

The Archer, bronze sculpture, by Bradley Cooley

Fragment Series, wood sculpture, by Rick Crawford

10,000 BC, bronze sculpture, by Bradley Cooley

“Anne’s art collection reflected her love of Florida, Florida history, and Florida artists,” said Mollie Doctrow, former MOFAC curator, who had worked closely with Reynolds over the years. “Anne felt a special connection and affinity for Native Americans and Native Americans in Florida. Her collection includes art depicting early Florida by top Florida artists. As an artist herself, Anne had a discerning eye. She bought beautiful pieces with which she also enjoyed living.”

According to Doctrow, Anne Reynolds respected and appreciated artists. “Through her collection, she supported artists and believed in the importance of their contribution to the community,” she said. “The recent donations to MOFAC from the Reynolds art collection add depth to the museum collection in the area of early Florida. The Morris paintings and Cooley sculptures will offer the public a richer interpretative and visual experience of early Florida.”

MOFAC is located in the east wing of the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC, 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park. The museum is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., or by appointment for group tours. Patrons of the Wildstein Center may visit the museum one hour prior to matinee and evening performances.

For more information about MOFAC and its programs or to request a museum tour, contact Stepe at 863-784-7240, email stepem@southflorida.edu or visit mofac.org.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2018 – The Sebring Elks Lodge has made it easier for Highlands County residents to attend South Florida State College (SFSC).

George Quel, president of the Sebring Elks Lodge, recently presented a check to Jamie Bateman, executive director, SFSC Institutional Advancement, in the amount of $1,000 toward the currently established Sebring Elks Club Scholarship.

“The Sebring Elks Club has been supporting SFSC since 2007,” Bateman said. “The club’s dedication to the community they serve is admirable. We are blessed to receive continued support from the Elks for the Sebring Elks Club Scholarship that is with the SFSC Foundation. Our students are on the receiving end of the Elks support, and because of that our students will be able to focus on their education and not the cost.”

Criteria for a Sebring Elks Club Scholarship are that the applicant must be under the age of 26, have graduated from a high school in Highlands County, must be U.S. citizens, and must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at SFSC on a minimum of a one-half time basis. They must demonstrate financial need and show evidence of academic promise by having a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on all past high school or college work. Preference will be given to children of Elks Club members, Elks Club members, or U.S. veterans who are members of the Elks Club.

According to its website, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America was founded in 1868 and has more than 850,000 members and 2,000 lodges nationwide. The organization donates more than $80 million each year for benevolent, educational, and patriotic community-minded programs.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 23, 2018 – Four winners emerged from a pack of 12 qualifiers during South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation’s inaugural Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout on Saturday, Jan. 20.  

Although no one snagged the $1 million prize, four top golfers hit balls closest to the hole. They were Scott Hitt in first place, who came within 15′ 4-1/2″ of the hole; Jose Jimenez in second place, 23′ 9″; John Vicker Jr. in third place, 27′ 6″; and Michael Kelly in fourth place, 34′ 6-1/2″.

The three-day golf shootout began on Thursday, Jan. 18 and was held at Sun ‘N Lake Golf & Country Club in Sebring. In spite of the frosty weather on Thursday and Friday, over 70 golfers turned out to vie for $1 million. Each of the final 12 qualifiers had one chance to win the $1 million on Saturday by shooting a hole-in-one at the par 3 18th hole. 

The golfers who rounded out the group of 12 qualifiers were: Michael Bloss, Peter Davidson, Jim Doty, Ken Dunbar, John Jarrabeck, Ted McCahill, Jeff Taylor, and Richard Sinclair. 

“We are pleased with the results of the Million Dollar Hold-in-One Golf Shootout,” said Jamie Bateman, executive director, SFSC Institutional Advancement, who oversees the SFSC Foundation. “With the support of our event sponsor, MidFlorida Credit Union, award sponsor Heacock Insurance, and many other sponsors and those who braved the cold by participating in the event, we were able to raise more than $10,000. Plans are in place for next year in hopes that someone will win the $1 million prize.” 

Proceeds from the golf shootout will be used to benefit the SFSC Athletic Department. SFSC fields four athletic teams: women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. SFSC’s student athletes will assist golfers at the shootout. 

“What an enjoyable event,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director. “Our participants were outstanding in posting competitive qualifying scores, and we had a great shootout for our 12 qualifiers. Even though we didn’t have a hole-in-one winner this year, our consolation prizes were well represented with quality shots into the challenging 18th green on Deer Run at Sun ‘n Lake. Thank you to all of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers, and we look forward to putting on another outstanding event next year.” 

The first place winner was awarded a $500 gift card, second place a $250 gift card, third place a $100 gift card, and fourth place a $50 gift card.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 19, 2018 – Grammy Award winner Chubby Checker and the legendary Mary Wilson of The Supremes will appear at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the 1460-seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. The performance is sponsored by William J. Krenlich and funded in part by the state of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Tickets are $45-$65.

Checker, who was born Ernest Evans in 1941 in Spring Gulley, S.C., grew up in Philadelphia. As a young boy, he worked various jobs shining shoes, selling ice and assisting in a butcher’s shop. Because of his heavy build, he got his nickname, Chubby, while working as a teen in a grocery store. At 11 years old, he formed a street corner harmony group and began performing in churches and on the streets. He soon attracted the attention of music executives in Philadelphia.

He signed with Cameo-Parkway Records in 1959 and recorded his first two singles, “The Class” and “The Dinosaur.” In June 1959, he recorded “The Twist” and 14 months later, it was a huge hit.

“The Twist” was not only a No. 1 song, but it introduced the concept of “dancing apart to the beat.” Over the next few years, endless songs incorporating “The Twist” into their name sprang up, such as “Peppermint Twist,” “Twist and Shout” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” The hit was also responsible for getting adults onto the dance floor for teen pop music.           

In fall 1961, record industry history was made when Checker’s original hit record, “The Twist,” re-entered the charts and by January 1962, it was back in the No. 1 position. No other record before or since has accomplished that feat. In 2008, Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” was named the biggest chart hit of all time by Billboard magazine.

Mary Wilson is a founding member of The Supremes who began their singing career in 1959 Detroit as The Primettes, a spin-off group from the male group The Primes. The four original Supremes were Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown and Diana Ross. The Primettes sang at sock hops, social clubs and talent shows and, eventually, convinced Barry Gordy at Motown to sign them to his record label under one condition, they change their name: Ballard suggested The Supremes.

The Supremes recorded several singles beginning in 1961 and didn’t score a hit until 1963 with “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through his Eyes.” Their first No. 1 hit, “Where Did Our Love Go?” was recorded in 1964.

Throughout the years, various members joined and left the group, but Mary Wilson continued until their last performance in June 1977. Although The Supremes were nominated for Grammy Awards, the group never won. Three of their songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame: “Where Did Our Love Go” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (both 1999), and “Stop! In the Name of Love” (2001).

In June 1977, Wilson embarked on her own solo career and toured Europe and Asia while raising three new babies. Wilson has recorded two solo albums, including her self-titled debut in 1979 with the single “Red Hot,” and her 1990 release “Walk the Line.” She has been honored as a Vocal Group Hall of Famer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. 

The SFSC Box Office is located on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park at 600 West College Drive. It is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tickets and videos of upcoming productions are online at sfscarts.org. Telephone orders are available at 863-784-7178.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 17, 2018 – So that residents of South Florida State College’s district can take advantage of the high demand for qualified truck drivers, the college is now offering a 16-week evening and Saturday Commercial Vehicle Driving course in addition to its current eight-week daytime course.

The next 16-week course runs Feb. 26 through June 18, and meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the SFSC Crews Center in Avon Park. The next eight-week course runs March 5-April 26, and meets Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The 16-week and eight-week courses are 256 contact hours. Students must be at least 18 years of age to register for the class.

The Commercial Vehicle Driving course prepares students to pass the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) examination and become a truck driver. The CDL examination is administered by SFSC as part of the program.

The course covers:

• Department of Transportation rules and regulations, safety, logs, and other legal issues that apply to trucking and transportation.
• Vehicle systems, safe vehicle operations, and hazardous materials.
• Personal finances, business math, and public and employer relations.
• Extensive hands-on experience with emergency equipment, safety operations, and preventive maintenance.

“What makes our program stand out is that we limit our class size to eight students, allowing more seat time – actual driving time,” said Tina Gottus, director, Corporate and Community Education. 

Students will also have contact with trucking and logistics company representatives who will speak with them about expectations in their industries as well as possible job openings.

For more information about SFSC’s Commercial Vehicle Driving course, call 863-784-7033 or email corporatetraining@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 16, 2018 – In 1959, Dick Clark had an idea to package rock and roll concert tours. He proceeded to load up buses full of the brightest stars and a generation’s greatest songs and take the show on the road. The Original Stars of American Bandstand, who defined a generation with their music, are back on the bus slated to perform one show on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC. Tickets are $35 – $50. The Original Stars of American Bandstand is sponsored by Heartland National Bank.

“This is not a tribute show,” said Tommy Vee, who produces the show. “Audiences across the country are thrilled to see Shirley Alston Reeves, The Chiffons, Brian Hyland, Chris Montez, and Merrilee Rush perform their chart-topping hits.”

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Shirley Altson Reeves was born Shirley Owens in Henderson, N.C. and moved to Passaic, N.J., at an early age. While attending Passaic High School, she co-founded The Shirelles and sang lead vocals for the group. The Shirelles were discovered by Florence Greenberg, owner of Tiara Records, after performing in a talent show at Passaic High School. The Shirelles soon became known throughout the world when they placed six singles in the Top 10, and their songs. “Tonight’s the Night,” “Soldier Boy,” “Dedicated to the One I Love,” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” have become classics and have since been covered by many artists.

Born in Queens, N.Y., Brian Hyland sky rocketed to the top of the charts in 1960 reaching No. 1 with the classic novelty song, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”  At the age of 17, his prolific career was launched, and his next hit was “Sealed With A Kiss,” one of the most memorable summertime ballads of all time. His collaboration with Del Shannon gave him his biggest success with “Gypsy Woman.”

The Chiffons were an all-girl group from the Bronx whose first single, “He’s So Fine,” shot to No. 1 in the United States, and they were awarded a certified gold record for selling over one million copies. Other hits, “One Fine Day,” “Sweet Talking Guy,” and “I Have a Boyfriend” soon followed and, in 1964, The Chiffons opened for both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Merrilee Rush, who was nominated for a Female Pop Vocalist of the Year Grammy Award for her recording “Angel of the Morning,” hails from Seattle, Wash. She appeared on numerous television programs in the 1960s and 1970s, including “American Bandstand,” “The Joey Bishop Show,” “Happening,” “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” and “The Everly Brothers Show.” Rush’s recording of “Angel of the Morning” was featured prominently in the film, “Girl, Interrupted,” for which Angelina Jolie won an Academy Award. “Angel of the Morning” has also been featured in the major motion pictures “Jerry Maguire” and “Fingers.”

The SFSC Box Office, located on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park at 600 West College Drive, is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tickets and videos of upcoming productions are online at sfscarts.org. Telephone orders are available by calling 863-784-7178.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 4, 2018 – SFSC has presented the popular Goodtime Tuesdays Matinee Series since 1985. Matinee performances begin in January and run through March, every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Comedy, theatricals, big bands, Broadway revues, country music, and popular entertainers perform in the 1,460-seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus, 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Parking is free.

“People love the variety of this series,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Plus, they can get home before dark. It’s a delightful way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.”

Ticket prices for the Matinee Series range from $12 to $28. Discounts are offered for a 10-show series subscription or 5-for-15 percent discount (buy any five Matinee Series shows and save 15 percent). Groups of 12 or more can save as much as 50 percent on admission, and the group organizer receives a free ticket. Friends, family, coworkers, social club members, or any organization can bring a group to a performance. Call the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178 for group pricing.

Phil Dirt and the Dozers takes audiences on a nostalgic musical journey back to the ’50s and ’60s on Jan. 9. “This show is lots of fun and our audiences have a great time dancing and singing in the aisles,” said Garren.

On Jan. 16, Dunlap & Pennington, who have been featured on PBS, perform Brahms to Broadway, Gershwin to Gaga on a grand piano and a 21st century instrument called a Wersi. A Wersi combines a computer, organ, and electronic keyboard to create the sound of a symphony orchestra.

The hilarious Edwards Twins return on Jan. 23 to portray beloved celebrities in an energetic musical revue. You might see Bette Midler, Madonna, Neil Diamond, Sonny and Cher, or Elton John. “This is a return engagement that is reminiscent of a Las Vegas revue,” Garren said.

Jason Farnham, who has been called the “21st century Victor Borge,” performs his classical remixes on Jan. 30. Farnham’s performance has been called a cross between Schroeder from the Peanuts cartoons, George Winston, and Victor Borge. Expect a fun audience sing-along.

Upcoming February and March performances include: Branson on the Road, Feb. 6; former lead singer for The Lettermen, Mark Preston, Feb. 13; bluegrass virtuosos The Kruger Brothers, Feb. 20; The Diamonds in Jukebox Broadway, Feb. 27; Legends of Broadway, March 6; and folk legends The Brothers Four, March 20.

The Matinee Series is sponsored by Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center, Coldwell Banker Highlands Properties, The Palms of Sebring, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Agero, and Ables & Craig, P.A.

Matinee Series subscriptions are $140, $165, and $190. Subscribers to the Matinee Series also receive a 15 percent discount on admission to any Artist, Trending Now, or Jazz Series performances. Subscribers also receive free tickets to the Peace of Woodstock concert, invitations to exclusive events, a 10 percent dining discount at the Hotel Jacaranda, and reduced processing fees.

The SFSC Box Office is located at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts and is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tickets and videos of upcoming productions are online at sfscarts.org. Telephone orders can be made at 863-784-7178. 

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 3, 2018 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation will sponsor its inaugural Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout to benefit the SFSC Athletic Department. The three-day golf shootout begins Thursday, Jan. 18 and will be held at Sun ‘N Lake Golf & Country Club in Sebring. All amateur golfers, age 18 and older, are welcome to participate.

“The SFSC Foundation’s Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout is the first of its kind in Highlands County,” said Jamie Bateman, executive director, SFSC Institutional Advancement. “With the possibility of a million dollar win, it is our hope that avid golfers, as well as occasional golfers, will come out to Sun ‘N Lake and participate in this event. Not only will it be great fun, but it will support the SFSC Athletic Department in nurturing young student athletes now and in years to come.”

On Jan. 18 and19, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., golfers may register for the shootout at the Sun ‘N Lake driving range. They are welcome to purchase as many bags of golf balls as they wish to hit and may participate as often as they wish throughout the two days. A bag of 10 golf balls will be $10 per bag. Golfers who get closest to the pin or get a hole-in-one on the driving range, will advance as top qualifiers.

The top 12 qualifiers will advance to the golf shootout on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 8:30 a.m. Each golfer gets once chance to win the $1 million prize by shooting a hole-in-one at the par 3 18th hole.

If a player gets a hole-in-one, they win $1 million, which will be paid out over 40 years. If multiple players get a hole-in-one, they split the $1 million dollars equally. If a player wins $1 million, the second place winner get $250, the third place winner gets $100, and the fourth place winner receives a $50 gift card from Sun ‘N Lake Golf & Country Club. If no one makes a hole in one, the player with a ball closest to the hole wins $500, the second place winner gets $250, the third place winner gets $100, and the fourth place winner receives the $50 gift card.

SFSC fields four athletic teams: women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. SFSC’s student athletes will assist golfers at the shootout.

Sponsors for the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout are Duke Energy for the first place winner, Heacock Insurance as Award Sponsor, and MidFlorida Credit Union as Event Sponsor.