Crystal Lester, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Architect, Furr & Wegman Architects, PA

Q: How did you come to live/work in Lakeland?

A: I came to live here because my husband took a job here with Lockheed Martin just after we both graduated from the University of Florida. My husband’s family is here as well. I work here because Furr & Wegman Architects, PA has been essential to my growth in my career aspirations.

Q: If you could have any talent in the world, what would it be and why?

A: Writing. I have never been very good at articulating my thoughts on paper in a professional manner. Basically, I write like I speak and that is not always appropriate.

Q: What would you change/add regarding EMERGE to enhance your experience?

A: I would like to make a difference. I think that EMERGE has begun to reach out, but I would like to think bigger. I think we can learn from some of the events that Kiwanis and Rotary do for the community. United Way is a great avenue as a starting place. What can EMERGE do as a group event or fundraiser to help United Way (for example)? It can be fun and exciting but at the same time we, as a group, can make an impact.

Q: Name one pet peeve.

A: Delays. I am a “get it done” kind of person. I don’t like to wait around and I hate feeling like I am not making progress.

Q: How has your EMERGE Lakeland membership been beneficial to you?

A: I am not originally from here and it has been nice to meet other young professionals in the area.

Q: If you could serve on any organization's board in Lakeland, which would it be and why?

A: Hmmm… this is a tough one. My interests and passions relate back to the future of Lakeland’s development as a green environment. I have been a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) since mid 2006 and I have watched awareness grow in Lakeland over the past few years, but it is a long road and I am interested in being a part of Lakeland development into a “greener, more environmentally conscious” city. If there is an organization in Lakeland that is looking for board participation related to these goals, I would be very interested in offering my services, expertise and time.

Q: If you could ask one question of an EMERGE Spotlight member, what would it be?

A: What achievement have you accomplished that you are most proud of? For me, it would be achieving my life-long dream; getting my professional license as an architect.

Q: What is the worst job you've ever had?

A: Baby-sitting.

Q: What upcoming Lakeland event are you looking forward to attending?

A: “Turn Up the Volume” on April 16th! I am excited about inspiring awareness regarding the various green opportunities and services that are out there while having a great time at a free concert on Lake Mirror!

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

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EMERGE Lakeland
Volunteers Needed

HELP!!!! Volunteers are needed to participate in the Green Celebration Concert and Showcase. This eco-friendly event will take place on April 16th at Lakeland’s Lake Mirror Promenade to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
All EMERGE volunteers will receive a FREE event t-shirt! We’re proud to announce that the EMERGE logo will appear on all marketing materials and we will be recognized during the event in exchange for our volunteer efforts, so your participation is crucial. Various volunteer duties and shifts

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Emerge Members - We need your help in supporting Camp Fire USA at it's annual golf tournament held on March 12th at Cleveland Heights Golf Course. We have lots of spots for singles or teams of all abilities, so please consider joining us for a fun day of golf.

Call 863-688-5491 or email hollyl@campfireusa-sunshine.org for registration.

Golf Information: $95 golfer or $375 foursome; *Register by Feb. 28 and save $10!

http://www.campfireusa-sunshine.org/

If you can't attend please consider sponsoring for as little as $100.

Sponsor information:
Centennial $5,000 Igniting confidence, independence, & an environmental conscience in 1,100 youth; Includes golf for four.

Care $2,500 Caring for 550 at-risk kids during weekly meetings in low-income neighborhoods; Includes golf for four.

Camp $1,000 Guiding 275 kids, teens, & families through camping, environmental awareness, & outdoor experiences; Includes golf for four.

Contribute $500 Helping teens contribute 7,000 hours in volunteer service throughout the community; Includes golf for two.

Connects $250 Connecting 75 adults mentors with kids & teens in small group settings; Includes golf for one.

Hole Sponsorships $100

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Director of Business Development

Individual will identify, explore and develop vocational training and employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Applicants must have outstanding written and oral communication skills. This individual will develop product and service opportunities (traditional and non-traditional) with private and government entities. Ability to review capacity, determine fair market pricing, develop new business relationships and identify competencies required for each project. Applicants must have strong supervisory/managerial experience, working knowledge of Wage and Hour guidelines, quality control and familiarity with vocational training/employment grant sources. Applicants should also have sound knowledge in basic revenue models, p/l, forecasting, budgeting and tracking needed in conjunction withstrong Microsoft Office skills.

Director of Program Operations

Organized, dependable, energetic & creative individual needed to manage current & develop new programs for adults with Developmental Disabilities in concert with State & Federal regulatory & funding agencies. Duties also include all aspects of program oversight including staff training & grants management. Bachelors Degree in Human Services field, 5 years of progressive management experience & familiarity with corresponding regulatory bodies. Must have proven written & oral communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs & familiar with local resources/program standards & financial statements. This is a full time position with benefits.

When applying for Director of Program Operation & Director of Business Development, please submit resume, salary range requirement and references to:

Shirley A. Balogh, President/CEO
Alliance for Independence
1038 Sunshine Dr. E.
Lakeland, FL 33801

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Julie Townsend
Executive director, Downtown Lakeland Partnership

Q: How did you come to live/work in Lakeland?

A: We moved to Lakeland because of a job opportunity for my husband Billy at The Ledger. He was a reporter for a sister paper in Palatka, FL and applied for a position at The Ledger in 1999.

Q: If you could have any talent in the world, what would it be and why?

A: That's a hard one. I would probably want to be able to play a musical instrument. I attended the Harrison School for the Arts Orchestra concert a while back and it was fantastic. I am just amazed by anyone who can play. The music was so powerful it brought me to tears. I would love to be able to experience it from the creative side.

Q: What would you change/add regarding EMERGE to enhance your experience?

A: It is difficult to say, since I am so new to the organization. We are all so busy, I think it is hard to take advantage of the great activities already offered.

Q: Name one pet peeve.

A: Mediocrity. I always try to beat expectations and not just do the minimum required. I get peeved by others who do not give 110 percent.

Q: How has your EMERGE Lakeland membership been beneficial to you?

A: Already I have met some great people. It keeps me connected with the community in a way that is different from my job.

Q: If you could serve on any organization's board in Lakeland, which would it be and why?

A: Another hard one! I work for an organization with a board so I understand board dynamics well. With that said, the one I chose would have to be an organization I had a passion for and one that I had time to give 110 percent. All my passion for now is tied up in Downtown, so perhaps the Historic Lakeland board.

Q: If you could ask one question of an EMERGE Spotlight member, what would it be?

A: I would selfishly ask, "How much time and money do you think you spend in Downtown Lakeland?"

Q: What is the worst job you've ever had?

A: I have worked since I was 15, so you can imagine I've had lots of random retail jobs. But really all of them were great. Why a job is bad depends on your perspective. I am the kind of person who needs flexibility in schedule, constant changes and new stimuli. I thought I wanted to be a teacher early on, but soon learned that I was not cut out for the rigidity of the schedule and confinement of the workplace. I lasted only 2 years. I have a huge amount of respect for teachers after walking in their shoes. It takes a very special person.

Q: What upcoming Lakeland event are you looking forward to attending?

A: I am really excited about the upcoming Brewz Crewz Craft Beer Festival. Of course I am a bit biased, since I am organizing the event for the DLP, but I think it will be a fabulous event. We do not have a craft beer event in Lakeland that is to the caliber that we are planning, so I am excited to see how the public reacts to it.

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

AMIkids Polk: Business Manager

Position Code: BUSMGR
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Program Adm
Reports to: Executive Director

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AMIkids is a non-profit dedicated to helping troubled youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. AMIkids’ mission is to protect the public safety and positively impact as many youth as possible through the efforts of a diverse and innovative staff. AMIkids works in partnership with youth agencies, local communities and families.

General Description of Duties
The Business Manager assists the Executive Director in the administration with various program functions, e.g., personnel management, financial management, board relations, fund raising. Employee maintains confidentiality of sensitive information, facilitates efficient program operations, and assists in creating an effective work environment. Position may supervise entry level support staff.

Primary objective is to support the AMIkids’ mission and Personal Growth Model, providing a safe and successful learning environment for troubled youth, while encouraging social and emotional development through the achievement of academic and personal goals.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education or related field; supplemented by one (1) to two (2) years management experience; or any combination of education, training and experience equal to or greater than defined regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of sitting, standing, walking, repetitive motions and finger dexterity, and which involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Tasks may involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, involving restraining procedures and physical intervention using a nationally recognized or state required nonviolent technique (weight exceeding 150 pounds).

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Must satisfy criminal background check and drug screening as defined by state requirements.
Must satisfy physical abilities and medical testing as defined by federal regulations.
Must obtain and maintain appropriate crisis intervention and physical restraint training and certification as defined by state requirements, e.g., Protective Action Response (PAR), Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Safe Crisis Management (SCM).
Must obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification by nationally recognized organization.
Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license in the state of employment; may be required to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsement.
Must successfully complete online Business Manager testing, e.g., Microsoft Excel and Outlook, Business Writing, and Accounting terminology.

For more information please contact Monti Sommer, Executive Director, at Polk-ED@amikids.org

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Give A Day. Get a Disney Day. Information
To sign up, go to disneyparks.disney.go.com

Explorations V
109 N Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
863-687-3869
www.explorationsv.com
Contact: Sue Schluender, Education Director: sschluender@explorationsv.com

• Adults over 21 ONLY for this opportunity. NO CHILDREN.
• Complete volunteer application for each person (attached); bring to Museum day of event.
• Dress Code: safe, comfortable work clothes, closed toe shoes must have heel straps.
• PARKING is available in the parking garage directly behind the Museum, entrances on Main St. and Cedar St. There is no charge for parking on weekends.

Museum exhibit and office files/furniture removal
Saturday, February 6, 2010, Sunday, February 7, 2010
Volunteers needed 9 am – 3 pm (orientation 9-10 am, work 10 am – 3 pm)

Volunteers able to lift 25+ pounds. Not required, but if available bring work gloves, cordless drill, Phillips screwdriver, socket set, pliers. Tools must be labeled with your name-Explorations V is not responsible for replacement of lost tools.
Snacks, beverages, and lunch provided for volunteers.

Museum exhibit and office files/furniture replacement
Saturday, February 13, Sunday, February 14, 2010
Volunteers needed 9 am – 3 pm (orientation 9-10 am, work 10 am – 3 pm)

Volunteers able to lift 25+ pounds. Not required, but if available bring work gloves, cordless drill, Phillips screwdriver, socket set, pliers. Tools must be labeled with your name-Explorations V is not responsible for replacement of lost tools.
Snacks, beverages, and lunch provided for volunteers.

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

VISTEBall 2010

Time/Date: 02-06-2010 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Description: VISTEBall is an indoor golf blowout where you can chip, putt, and play your way to great prizes. Event tickets include a buffet dinner, beer, wine, and dessert. It's a fun time for the pro, the hacker, or the person who has never held a club a day in their life! You'll have a blast and all proceeds help VISTE continue to serve the elderly.

Location:

The Hangar at Tiger Town
2220 N. Lake Ave.
Lakeland FL 33805

Single Ticket Cost: $60.00

To purchase tickets visit https://secure.qgiv.com/cps_donors/?key=viste&event=1557&static=y

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland