Monday, September 20, 2010

Spinning With Trudy At the LW YMCA (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

I know I have touched on this before, but Trudy at the YMCA is awesome. On Friday, a couple of my co-workers attended her Spin class.

There's no better way to get your weekend started. She is upbeat, motivating, and caring. You look forward to seeing her and she genuinely looks forward to seeing you as well.

Thanks for being you Trudy. See you on the bikes!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Webber Football Making Strides (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Webber beat highly touted Georgetown yesterday 27-20. Looks like this year's team could be the real deal.

The Warriors actually had more control of the game than the final score indicated as they were up 27-6 towards the end of the 3rd quarter.

Next week, Webber will play Lamar University in Texas. Let's see if the Warriors can keep the momentum going on the road.

Go Webber!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Friday, September 3, 2010

Another Football Weekend In Lake Wales (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Both hometown football teams will be playing in Lake Wales this weekend. You can cheer on the Highlanders tonight and the Webber Warriors tomorrow at 1:30.

Come out and support both of our 1-0 teams & have a blessed Labor Day Weekend.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Trudy At The YMCA Is a Fred (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Have you ever read the motivational book the Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn?

Fred is a postman that does his job to the fullest and then some. He may very well be the best postman ever. You see, he doesn't just do a great job, he goes above and beyond. He packages up your mail if you are on vacation and doesn't place it an obvious spot for a potential burglar to spot. He'll wrap up your mail in baggies if it's raining. He'll even redirect other packages to the proper home when they are left at the wrong address by other people like FedEx. He is a Postman Extraordinaire.

So this motivational book uses Fred as an example on how to be great at what you do and has coined the phrase "He/She is a Fred" when you find that special someone that really stands out from the crowd.

Trudy, an instructor at the Lake Wales YMCA, is one of those extraordinary people that fit the criteria mentioned in the book. She gives maximum effort during the classes she teaches and tries to encourage and involve all participants. She does so with a great sense of humor and in a way that makes you almost forget how hard you are exercising...well not quite...but she is an excellent motivator. At the end of the class, she comes and talks to everybody individually and asks how their workout was.

What's maybe even more special about Trudy...is how much she genuinely cares about her students and the people that go to the YMCA. When Trudy asks how you are doing, she waits and listens to your response. That doesn't always happen in this day in age.

And she goes above and beyond. Tonight, she attended a Pump It Up class on her own time just because she had heard how difficult and how sore one of our friends had gotten from going last time. Trudy told her that she just needed to learn how to use some better form and that she would come and meet us at the class to help support her. She did just that and came merely to help us out.

Qute simply, Trudy is special. Trudy is a Fred. Trudy, thanks for being a Fred and even more so thanks for being you.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Fantasy Football Time (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

My Fantasy Football Draft is coming up next Tuesday. Any experts out there have some good tips? Any phenomenal draft kits that I need. I have the 5th pick.

I need to slow life down a bit and do some research. I haven't won in 4 years so it's time to ring the victory bell again.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Monday, August 30, 2010

Circle F. Dude Ranch Chamber BAH (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Attention Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Members: Come on out tomorrow night to the Circle F. Dude Rance and meet other fellow chamber members.

Jeans and boots are the name of the game. See you tomorrow!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Webber Warriors Win Opening Game (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Congrats to the Webber Warriors Football Team and Coach Kelly Scott as they won their debut yesterday against Virginia-Wise 30-10.

A balanced attack on offense and a stout defense led the way for the Warriors.

Webber is greatly improved this year. Look for them to knock off a couple of high ranking opponents.

Go Warriors!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Rally Sunday At Epsicopal Church (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Tomorrow is Rally Sunday 2010 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales. Rally Sunday is a time where the congregation gets together and listens to church leaders and members discuss the new programs and opportunities in the church.

Please come and get fired up about your faith and the good we all can do. 9:30 am tomorrow...see you then...and God Bless!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Steve Warner Going to Attend Rotary Today (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Our Lake Wales Rotary Club is excited today to have Steve Warner attending today. He is a leading administrator at Webber University and we're fortunate if he decides to join our Club. I've been able to get to know Steve a bit more from working with him on the Economic Development Partnership Committee that the Chamber and the City created at beginning of the year.

Steve has some very impressive ideas and a real heart for the community. If you see him, let him know how lucky we are to have him here helping us.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Monday, August 23, 2010

First Day of School (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Let's make a committment this year to help our teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, students, children, and anyone connected to our education system, during this new school year. If children are our future, then we need to give them our very best.

Good luck to all in 2010-2011 school year.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Webber Football Team Will Be Improved (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By Jason A. Penrod

I heard good things from Coach Kelly Scott about our upcoming Webber Warriors football team this past Saturday. He said that we have some big lineman, even a former Sumo Wrestler, and that we have some quickness as well.

We'll see early how the Warriors measure up as they will play some ranked teams early on in the season.

Let's get out there and support Webber and a successful football season. Go Warriors!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Chamber's Young Professionals Group (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

We've been hearing lately in our community that there might be some interest in a young professionals group. Many people will complain that there is not much for young people to do in this area. I'm sure I've done my fair share of complaining before.

The way I look at it.... It's up to us young professionals living here to start engaging ourselves and each other. So let's get together and brainstorm. We're thinking of having a get together sometime in mid September. Stay tuned for more details or make a comment if you have any interest.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Waves Night Club (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Did you hear of the fun party that was in downtown Lake Wales last Saturday night.

Go to http://www.wavesgalleryandclub.com/ and see how the social scene is picking up downtown.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Group Spinning at the Lake Wales YMCA (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

It was a heck of a workout but I really enjoyed spinning tonight at the YMCA. Two of the women I work with and one of their husbands came tonight for the first time and they did a great job. It was inspiring to see them trying something new and of course the instructor, Trudy, is always fun and motivating.

I was really pumped that they all want to spin again.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Monday, August 16, 2010

Tim Tebow Looks Good In 1st Game (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penod

I have used this blog regularly to discuss community news. Since we have an overwhelming population of Florida fans here, I thought I'd say congratulations to Tim Tebow and all his supporters for his great showing last night in his 1st preseason game.

Tebow threw for over 100 yards and ran for a touchdown in his first showing. He also had a 30 yard pass dropped that was a beautifully thrown ball.

While it's only preseason, and it doesn't count yet, it was a great debut.

Again, keep it going Tim and congrats...we're rooting for you.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Tuesday Night Is Webber Football Prep Rally (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Let's go Webber Warriors football! Their football pep rally is this Tuesday night at Webber University. Come out and support our local football team.

Some cool Webber gear is usually handed out. Hope to see you out there...

By: Jason A. Penrod

Friday, August 13, 2010

Webber Golf Tourney (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Attention All Golfers! Come and support the Webber football team at their inaugural kickoff golf classic. The 4 person scramble is set for next Saturday, August 21st at the Lake Wales Country Club.

It's golf scramble season baby! See you at the Club.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Lake Wales YMCA Making It Happen (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Have you been to the Lake Wales YMCA lately? There's no other way to put it other than to say that it's simply AWESOME.

They have new weight machines and TV monitors on the stationary bikes and treadmills. The YMCA offers a number of energizing classes for those of us who need a little more incentive to do cardio. They even offer the new craze...Zumba!

I'm more in to the spinning classes myself. The YMCA is doing a great job at accomodating different schedules too. For instance, Tuesday night has spinning classes at 6am, 5:30pm and 6:45pm.

So whether you're an early bird or you like to relieve yourself of stress after work, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity right in our own community.

P.S. Give props to Nate Seidl, Director of the YMCA. In the short time he has been here, he has really engaged the community and seems to have the community's best interests at heart. Please let him know how much you appreciate the YMCA and his efforts.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Monday, August 9, 2010

Lake Wales Little Theater Try Outs Tomorrow Night (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

The Lake Wales Little Theater is now having auditions for its new play "Tom 'n Huck". Show off your talents and get involved in our quaint yet robust comunity theater. Here is a link for more details: http://www.lwlt.org/

By: Jason A. Penrod

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Golf Lessons By Sebo (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

I just was spraying golfs like I was in the army. You know "Left, right, left".

Rather than risk the chance of being injured, Don Sebastian, better known as Sebo, gave me some tips that really helped me start striking the ball better. Sebo is a golf instructor at the Lake Wales Country Club and really is down to earth in his instruction. Plus, he's got one great sense of humor.

Go see Sebo to get some swing help.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Friday, August 6, 2010

Waves Club Is Cool! (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Are any of you busy of the same old sorry routine? I like new and interesting things and I've hit the jackpot with being invited to join Waves. Waves is a new art gallery and private club right in the heart of downtown Lake Wales.

The Club has been transformed from what was once a vacant bank building in to an oasis and a secret get away. You won't believe your eyes upon entering the building. The sights, the colors, the music, the mystique...it all gells together to form an incredible ambience and a relaxing place to unwind unlike I've ever seen.

If you want to check out some of the vibrant colors and atmosphere check out the Club's website: http://www.wavesgalleryandclub.com/

Couple all of the elements described above along with the passion of owners, Jim and Kay Hahn, and you have the beginning of something truly amazing and perhaps...maybe just perhaps, the onset of a transformation and revitalization of downtown Lake Wales.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Art Clawson (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Art Clawson will be moving to Haiti soon to take a position down there which will help the people down there immensely. While I will miss Art, his incredible sense of humor, and the opportunity to tell short jokes, I am happy to share him with people that need him even more.

Art...you are a class act, a great community leader, and a valued friend. May God bless you in all that you do and let you feel your Lake Wales community by your side every step of the way.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Lake Wales Young Professionals Group (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Anyone interested in joining a young professionals group in Lake Wales. The Chamber of Commerce is exploring the idea and will have a brainstorming sometime in September. Details on when and where will follow.

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By: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Lake Wales Chamber Function Next Tuesday (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Come meet the new President of the Lake Wales Medical Center at the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours next Tuesday night. The Hospital always puts on a great event...and I'm not just talking about the amazing spread and everyone's favorite...the Chocolate Fountain.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Living Strong (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

I had a spirited and tough workout yesterday with Chase Woolman from Positive Body Fitness Training. Left a lot of sweat on the mat...but that's why I enjoy training with Chase--he pushes you to a good training point.

I'm looking forward to playing some tennis today and getting some cardio in. Still need to learn how to serve.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Monday, August 2, 2010

Monday Workout (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

It's Monday and time to get back on the horse and have a good workout today with my personal fitness trainer, Chase Woolman, owner of Positive Body, Inc. Need to have a productive week so wish me luck for an energized workout to get me jumpstarted.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Curt Thompson's New Book (by: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Dr. Curt Thompson, brother of Lake Wales resident Rich Thompson from Polk State Corporate College, has authored a most fascinating book titled Anatomy of the Soul. It's cover's description is: "Surprising connections between neuroscience and spiritual practices that can transform your life and relationships."

I'm a huge fan of self-improvement books that come from a faith perspective. Let's support Dr. Thompson and visit his website at www.beingknown.com

The book is published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Fitness Quest Aftermath (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

So I've had a week of exercise, good nutrition, chiropractic and massage treatments, and then today I woke up and felt like I had been hit by a truck. I just share this to let people know that they are not alone when days like this in training hit them as well. Some days your body just needs a rest and that's what I've decided to do for my body today...just let it rest and heal.

Have a great weekend and let's heal up and be ready to go again tomorrow.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fitness Quest (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

I'm not a big cardio person. I need to be playing a sport of some sort. So I enjoy a good game of tennis. Played marathon tennis tonight after work with friends and hoping I'm not going to be hurting tomorrow.

By: Jason A. Penrod

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Positive Body Boot Camp (by: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

Positive Body will be having one hour boot camps at 1/2 the price of a private personal fitness session ($22) on Saturday, July 31st. I've been working with Chase Woolman, owner of Positive Body, since January and he has really helped me take my fitness to a whole new level Call Positive Body today and set up an appointment on Saturday for yourself and/or your group of friends. http://www.lakewaleschamber.com/Member_News_Docs/2010/07-19-10/PositiveBodyTrainingBootCamp0731.pdf

By: Jason A. Penrod

Lake Wales Chamber Golf Tourney (Jason A. Penrod)

by: Jason A. Penrod

As president of the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, I am getting excited about the Lake Wales Chamber Golf Tournament. This will be held on Friday, October 8th, at noon at the Lake Wales Country Club. We have corporate sponsors but are always looking for more. We still need golfers, door prizes, etc.

This is the Chamber's main fund raiser each year and it is looking to be a great success this year. Come out, have a great day, and let's help each other turn this economy around. Fore!

by: Jason A. Penrod

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fitness Comeback (By: Jason A. Penrod)

By: Jason A. Penrod

I'm happy to say that I endured my first spinning class at the Lake Wales YMCA since I injured myself four months ago. It was a fun class with Trudy the instructor leading the class with her playful demeanor and constant encouragement.

Thanks for being you Trudy. Visit: http://www.lakewalesymca.net

By: Jason A. Penrod

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sunday Morning (By: Jason A. Penrod)

Good morning everyone! I am making a committment to blogging more often as well as sharing some daily thoughts and tips with the hope that the messages may help some of you and your families. These tips won't always be anything magically legal but may just be practical or a sharing of my personal experiences at times.

Today's message is pretty simple. After church, I'm going to call both of my grandmothers and see how they are doing. I'm also going to visit one of my friends in an assisted living facility today. All 3 of these ladies could probably use some human contact and that's the least I can do. Is there anyone out there today that you can reach out to? Remember...just because we may not see them everyday, doesn't mean they may not need us.

Have a blessed day and may Gob bless our elders!

By: Jason A. Penrod

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Jason A. Penrod's New Blog

Submitted By: Jason A. Penrod

Since I like to write, I thought I would use this blog as a forum to discuss different topics. I'm not sure who will be reading this blog, but I hope I can write some interesting entries and start stimulating dialogue.

If you have any ideas on what you would like to hear about please let me know.