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ALL THINGS AGRICULTURE THIS FEBRUARY!

FEATURE: THREE RECIPES FROM HOLIDAYS PAST

By Cierra Craft

There’s something special about making family recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next. In this issue, we share three family recipes from the Owens and Chambers families.

SPOTLIGHT: BREWINGTON’S TOWING & RECOVERY

By Cierra Craft

FOCUS sat down with David Brewington and his family to learn more about their towing business and the family reflected on their days as a gas station to one of the leading towing companies in the state.

HOW WILL YOU GROW?

This time of year, you often hear people talking about their goals and resolutions as we head into a new year. There are a few goals from 2022 I was fortunate enough to achieve and I’ve got a few ideas for 2023.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful. That means over half of the people who set a goal for the new year will fail! Once the glow of a new year wears off, many don’t follow through.

I think we tend to be tough on ourselves when we dwell on what should have, could have, or would have happened had we made different decisions. We all fall victim to calling ourselves “lazy” or “unsuccessful,” but I know that I have another opportunity to try and achieve those failed goals again in 2023.

I hope if you find yourself reflecting on 2022, you keep pushing forward and working hard. Whether it’s health-related goals, a promotion at work, or tackling a big home project.

We asked a few of our advertisers to share their 2023 goals:

“Our goal for 2023 is to focus on client needs and help them navigate this new market. In the coming year, owners will be holding onto properties they have. Traditional buyers buy on how much down and how much per month, not price. Investors buy on returns and may keep prices from plummeting. Rents are going to remain steady or grow as first-time buyers have to find innovative loan products to get into a home…As a team lead, I plan to continue to grow my team, adding qualified agents to join us in offering our clients the absolute best knowledge in real estate and will continue to thrive offering great customer service..” -Nichole Moody, The Nichole Moody Team

“Continue to grow and serve the Plant City community to our fullest potential,”Chuck Jamieson, 1916 Irish Pub

“Our continued goal at Fancy Farms Market is to educate people, especially kids, about where food comes from. It’s not just from Publix… there are hardworking farmers behind every piece of food that goes in your mouth. At Fancy Farms, we continue to be good stewards of God’s land!” -Kristi Grooms, Fancy Farms Market

“Our Crossing Church Plant City Campus 2023 goals are to add an additional service to Sunday mornings, help more people find their purpose in serving God, and build life groups which support families and our local community. All of this is needed to accommodate all the growth that God has sent us this year.”Michael Pippin, The Crossing Church Plant City

Warmest Regards,

Mike Floyd

The Plant City Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) is pleased to announce that Steve Morey, a seasoned veteran in economic development and financial services, has been named its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). In late December, Steve will replace Jake Austin, the PCEDC’s inaugural CEO who announced his resignation earlier this month.

“We are grateful for the significant contributions that Jake Austin has made over the last seven years – from multiple economic development projects and new jobs to more than doubling the original number of EDC investors and supporting millions in capital investment,” said Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton. “We are looking forward to building on that momentum with a new chapter of sustainable, long-term economic growth under Steve’s expert leadership.”

Since 2013, Steve has served in a variety of roles at the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (TBEDC), with his most recent being the position of senior vice president, economic development. During his time with the TBEDC, they announced over 250 projects, over 33,000 jobs, and over $3 billion in new capital investment within Hillsborough County.

Since its inception in 2015, the PCEDC has been a steadfast advocate for the community with a focus on promoting and enhancing the workforce, attracting and retaining businesses, and creating jobs to fuel economic growth. Over just seven years, the PCEDC has helped create 4,000 jobs, attracted over $750,000,000 in capital investment, supported over 70 businesses expanding or relocating to Plant City, and has over 80 current investors.

“Steve is a proven, trusted and respected leader in economic development throughout the country, and we are thrilled to have him join our team,” said Karen Kerr, chair of the PCEDC and president of South Florida Baptist Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center. “He is uniquely positioned to hit the ground running, and also continue to sell Plant City as one of the best places in the country to do business. We are proud of the great progress our organization has accomplished for our community under the leadership of Jake Austin alongside our board and investors, and we look forward to our exciting next era under the veteran stewardship of Steve Morey.”

12th Annual

Empty Bowls Project Warmed Hearts & Stomachs

By Jennifer Jordan

On Saturday, November 12, the United Food Bank of Plant City hosted its 12th annual Empty Bowls Project at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. This year’s Empty Bowls saw 10 bowls up for auction that were created by professional artists, Little Miss Plant City and Court, and the Strawberry Queen and Court. The bowls could be bet on by anyone attending the event. Proceeds from the auction and Empty Bowls all went directly to the United Food Bank of Plant City. With 29 different soups from 21 various civic organizations, clubs, and churches from Plant City, attendees were able to try a myriad of delicious soups while helping bring awareness to hunger. Additionally, Empty Bowls partnered with 22 different schools from Hillsborough County and local homeschool groups to have students create bowls that were displayed during the event. With the purchase of an Empty Bowls ticket, attendees could either take one 16 oz soup of choice, two 8 oz soups of choice, or a flight with four 4 oz soups of choice. Tickets also allowed attendees to take crackers, fruit, water, and their choice of student-made clay bowls to take home as a reminder that some bowls in our community are empty.

The event began with emcee Bruce Rodwell welcoming everyone to Empty Bowls, and Plant City Community Chorale followed with a performance. United Food Bank Board Secretary and Sr. Pastor Dean Pfeffer said the invocation, followed by United Food Bank Executive Director Mary Heysek stating before the live auction began, “Empty Bowls is a global event and was started to symbolize various cultures and to live generously. They say, ‘Think globally, but donate locally.’ We appreciate you all coming out today to help us help the community.” The live auction then went underway, with auctioneer John Haney leading the event. With the crowd yelling out numbers and trying to secure one of 10 unique and handmade bowls, the auction was exciting, with many “back and forth” moments between potential buyers. Here is a list of the bowls that were at this year’s auction, in addition to the artist’s name and how much the bowl was sold for at the auction.

• Queen and Court Members’ “Berry Lovely Bowl”- $325

• Jossie Azorin’s “Orchids Bowl”- $200

• Gerri Baldridge’s “Blue Flower Bowl”- $100

• Mar Harrer’s “Sunflower Bowl”- $200

• Melissa Hart’s “Lavender Bowl”- $325

• Little Miss Plant City and Court Members’ “Under the Sea Bowl”- $325

• Colleen Justin’s “Amaryllis Bowl”- $275

• Angie Klein’s “Blueberries and Bees Bowl”$375

• Lesli Platt’s “Flowers on a Trellis Bowl”- $400

• Community Bowl (Made by Empty Bowls Attendees Last Year) “Filling Hearts Bowl”$275

In between the first and second parts of the auction, saxophonist Larry Clark kept the audience entertained with his slow and smooth jazz tunes. Attendees were able to take in the colorful and creative chalk art made by 22 different students, enjoy homemade soups, stews, and strawberry gazpacho, and roll some clay to assist Empty Bowls’ team member and artist Lesli Platt with putting together the community bowl for next year’s Empty Bowls. The GFWC’s Junior Woman’s Club also had treats for sale to give those with a sweet tooth the chance to satisfy their craving. Once the auction was completed, Empty Bowls’ team member Becky Hartmann recognized the students who participated in the chalk art, which also brings awareness to hunger and gives attendees the chance to soak in some art. This year’s event saw the largest number of students participating in the chalk art. The chalk artwork was led by chalk artist Leigh Alfredson and 3D chalk artist Janet Tombros.

The event concluded with Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings Band performing for the crowd. In total, the United Food Bank was able to raise $28K to help their cause of ensuring no one goes hungry. Sponsors for the event included but weren’t limited to, Driscoll’s, the City of Plant City, Sweet Living, Winn-Dixie, Plant City Arts Council, and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Empty Bowls, which will occur on November 11, 2023, so you too can help fight hunger. If you

have any questions about the Empty Bowls Project or would like to donate food or volunteer at the United Food Bank of Plant City, they can be reached at 813-764-0625 ext. 5. You can also visit their website at www.ufbpc.org.

FOCUS

PLANT CITY

Garden Club:

Plants Needed for FSF Horticulture Show

By Cierra Craft

Start planning now to be ready to exhibit your plants at the Florida Strawberry Festival!

Plants will be accepted Tuesday, February 28th between the hours of 9:00 am - 5:00 pm., for the Horticulture Show.

Drop off location is in the Neighborhood Village Building, on the south side of the Administration Building right next to Gate 4, off Berryfest Place.

Eligible plant specimens to be entered into the competition must be grown by Hillsborough County residents. To enter your plants for prizes, they must be in your possession for three months prior to the opening day of the Strawberry Festival. There is an exception for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Fairy Gardens, Terrariums) which must have been in exhibitors’ possession for at least six weeks.

For the complete list of rules, regulations, and awards for the contest, please visit flstrawberryfestival.com, click Info, then Contests. Under Miscellaneous Contests, select the 2023 Garden Club Horticulture Show.

Walden Lake Review

BY NATALIE SWEET

Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 6:30 at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The will not be a meeting in December. The next meeting will be held on January 16th. Please keep an eye on the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times of special meetings and events. Meetings are now being held in person although you can still log in to www.WaldenLake. org and view the meeting virtually on zoom.

Breakfast with Santa, the Community Party and Christmas Movie Night on December 3rd were all well attended and everyone enjoyed themselves.

The Sweet Team has scheduled another electronic recycling event for Tuesday, January 31st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It will be held at the HOA office on Griffin Boulevard.

The food trucks at the HOA Building/Sports Complex are on the second Fridays and last Sundays of each month. This month, the last Sunday falls on Christmas Day so the food truck will come on December 18th. If you have not taken advantage of the delicious offerings, give them a try! Watch for more information from emails coming from the HOA, the entrance boards, and Nextdoor for updated information.

During the month of November, there were 8 sales in Walden Lake and no sales in Walden Lake East. The average sale price was $441,475 with an average of 2443 square feet, average of $186 per square foot and was on the market for an average of 26 days.

The November Sales are as follows:

Address / Sales Price / Living Area / Pool / Garage 102 Seville Court North / $210,900 / 1401 / 2 Car / Community 4209 Barret Avenue / $320,000 / 1127 / 2 Car / Private 1907 Carriage Court / $345,000 / 2155 / 2 Car / None 2501 Lakeview Way / $450,000 / 2617 / 2 Car / Private 1905 Country Club Drive / $540,000 / 3461 / 2 Car / Private 2814 Pine Club Drive / $556,000 / 2675 / 2 Car / Private 2709 Forest Club Drive / $559,000 / 3122 / 2 Car / Private 2822 Hammock Drive / $560,000 / 2985 / 2 Car / Private

There are currently 20 active listings for sale in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East. The average list price of $435,585 and an average of 72 days on the market. There are 13 properties Pending Contract in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East with an average list price of $418,747 and an average of 54 days on the market. For more information on these properties, feel free to give me a call at 813-7589586.

The City of Plant City Planning Board has scheduled hearing dates for the Walden Lake, LLC redevelopment for Tuesday, January 31, 2023 and Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College Campus from 5:30 PM and doors open at 5:00 PM. For more information, please contact the City of Plant City.

This is still a great time to sell your home. Before you sell your home to an “I’ll buy your home for cash company, move when you are ready”, you should consult with an honest and experienced real estate agent that will be able to give you a value of what your home will sell on the open market. Feel free to contact me with any questions about this article or about your real estate needs. NSweet@KW.com or 813758-9586.

On Pioneer Day, Plant City’s History is Honored

By Cierra Craft

On Saturday, November 12, the East Hillsborough Historical Society welcomed the community to the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center for its annual Pioneer Day. The event takes attendees through the history books of Plant City, celebrate its origins and history, train culture, farming and crops, and more.

Pioneer Day began on the lawn of the old high school, featuring crafters and makers of all kinds, including woodburning, clothing, and more. Step inside the historical building and several classrooms were open to the public, housing an exhibit of days gone by. The Classroom Gallery featured dolls, patchwork skirts, and baskets weaved by the Seminoles and Miccosukee People of Florida. Author Jerry Humphrey was also there to promote his book, Heritage & Hope, a memoir of his life living in Eastern Hillsborough County.

Room by room, attendees got a peek into the past, with exhibits dedicated to the former Turkey Creek High School, Jackie’s Dance Theatre & Gym, and the history of the boy and girl scouts in Plant City.

Guests could chat with a Henry B. Plant look-a-like, portrayed by Michael Norton, and Tampa’s Henry B. Plant Museum partnered with 1914 to bring two actresses who portrayed historic characters from the hotel. Maggie Stroud, the Laundress, and Pauline Smith, the Telegraph Operator, told fascinating stories of the happenings of the hotel in a live-theatre style portrayal. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to chat with Plant City artist John Briggs, as he demonstrated lithography, an art form that rose in popularity in the 1800s, to which printmaking process in which a design is drawn onto a flat stone and affixed by means of a chemical reaction. The prints Briggs produced that day in the demonstration will be sold or auctioned by the EHHS for fundraising.

The next Pioneer Day is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023. For more information on the EHHS or its collection, contact Shelby Bender at (813) 757-9226.

Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse & Keel Farms Hold First “Stuff the Smoker Trailer” Pet Drive;

Donates Supplies to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

By Jennifer Jordan

After Hurricane Ian ravaged the Southwest coast of Florida, many people were left without shelter, water, and food. As donations poured in around the country to help the people impacted by Ian, there wasn’t much help left for the animals that were impacted as well. Many dogs and cats went missing during the storm, or the owners were unable to care for their pets after losing everything themselves. Regardless of the circumstances, the shelters in the surrounding areas of Ian’s direct impact saw an influx of animals needing food, shelter, and care, and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay was one of them. After seeing a news story on television about pet shelters needing pet supplies due to hurricane Ian, Trish Jordan, the matriarch of Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse in Plant City, wanted to do something about it. That’s when Trish, her husband Robert, and Clay Keel of Keel Farms worked together to start the first “Stuff the Smoker Trailer” pet drive. For two weeks, beginning on October 30 and ending on November 13, Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse and Keel Farms collected pet food and supplies at their respective business locations to donate to the Humane Society of Tampa.

Trish Jordan stated about the first ‘Stuff the Smoker Trailer’ pet drive, “I just saw all these animals in need of help and wanted to start something to make sure they were taken care of as well. Pets hold a special place in my heart and I can’t stand to see any animal go without the basics.”

During the “Stuff the Smoker Trailer” pet drive, Smokin’ Aces and Keel Farms were able to collect over 950 pounds of dog and cat food, pet toys, cat litter, food bowls, pet beds, and a $100 check to donate to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Robert Jordan, the owner of Smokin’ Aces Steakhouse, also noted about the pet drive, “We are hoping to turn this into an annual thing. We were pretty happy with how much were able to collect along with Keel Farms to donate to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.”

Lon Savini, Director of Facilities and Logistics at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, came to collect the food, and noted, “These donations are going to allow us to help more animals and we’ll even be able to donate the food to families who have pets but cannot afford the pet food to feed them.”

If you would like to help the fur babies and donate pet supplies to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, they can be reached at 813-8767138. You can also check out their wish list of pet supplies at www. humanesocietytampa.org.

Plant City Pediatrics believes that “children are a gift from the Lord”. We view patient care as an investment in the future of each child and take our mission very seriously. Our providers provide gentle, compassionate care to each patient, offering quality healthcare.

www.plantcitypediatrics.com

Be a Cheerful Giver:

Cherrished Blessings Inc. Hosts 4th Annual Toy Giveaway

By Cierra Craft

2Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us to put our trust in Jesus Christ and serve Him wholeheartedly. Give what you can of yourself, your time, talents, and resources, and do so cheerfully for God loves a cheerful giver. One Plant City family has done just that this holiday season and hopes to continue to bless those in need throughout our city.

On Saturday, December 17, Cherished Blessings Inc. and Kainos International Church hosted a Toy Giveaway at 410 Renfro Street in Plant City. The event featured lots of toys, food, face painting, and fun for the entire family.

“A child shouldn’t be without on Christmas Day,” said Valencia Jackson of Cherrished Blessings. Jackson, along with her husband Billy and children Brandy, Brittany, and Billy Jr, founded Cherrished Blessings in 2018.

“The mission is to see that all children are afforded the fundamentals to living a carefree, child-like life with emphasis on clothing, shoes, school supplies, food, and toys at Christmas time,” said Valencia.

Bill and Valencia are educators in Hillsborough County Public Schools. They instilled a love for children in their home which was shared with nine foster kids. The couple says their foster children were the love of their lives. Their children went on to follow in their parent’s footsteps and now they are educators as well: Brandy, the oldest, works at Carver Exceptional Center (Tampa), Brittany is the School Community Coordinator at Burney Elementary (Plant City), and Billy Jr. is a Certified Behavioral Therapist (Tampa). The family attends Kainos International Church, where the toy giveaway was held, led by Pastor Lorraine Burnett.

“The Pastor instills in her congregation that each person should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,” said Valencia.

Many of the families blessed by the toy giveaway are still feeling the impacts of COVID on the workforce, those who have relocated to a new city to escape hard times, or families impacted

by cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

Cherrished Blessings also adopted two children from Africa, a boy, and a girl. The nonprofit sends money, clothes, and toys three times yearly to each family.

If you know of a family without a Christmas or want to make a donation to Cherrished Blessings, the family encourages you to call right away.

Cherrished Blessings can be reached at Brandy at 813-210-2137 or Brittany at 813-728-0290.

“If your family is without or if you know of a child who will not have a Christmas, please call us and we will make it happen,” urged Valencia. “We give throughout the year, so if you need help after Christmas, we are here to help.”

Pig Butts & Big Bucks: 2022 Pig Jam Crowns Top Teams

By Cierra Craft | Photo by Plant City Pig Jam

On November 18 and November 19, barbecue competitors from around the state gathered for the 2022 Plant City Pig Jam presented by Citizens Bank & Trust at the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex. In the categories of ribs, chicken, pork, and brisket, the top teams from around the U.S. competed for bragging rights and cash prizes.

Brevard County’s Fantasy Q took the top prize as Overall Grand Champion, followed by Keepin’ It Smokin’ for Reserve Grand Champion.

“Finally, after 7 long years and about 40 contests, we finally got the elusive grand championship at the Plant City Pig Jam this weekend, said Fantasy Q founder Adam Rathbun in a Facebook post. “2nd chicken, 5th ribs, 4th ribs and 9th brisket. It felt like an out-of-body experience getting my name called for [Grand Champion].”

The top 10 professional teams of the 2022 competition were: Fantasy Q; Keepin It Smokin; Backyard Bros; Bad Azz Mule BBQ; Hot Wachulas; Rooters, Bulls & Boars; Double Barrel Smokers; BackMan BBQ; Cooters & Smoke; and Swamp Boys.

The top 10 backyard teams of the competition were: Matty B’s BBQ; K-Dubs BBQ; One Bite BBQ; Drunkin Brothers BBQ; Chubby’s BBQ; BBQmyway; Evans Family Ranch; JP BBQ and Catering; Belly Bustin Bistro; and Keiser University Culinary.

In the Ancillary Competition, Plant City’s Smokin’ Aces was named 1st Place Best Margarita; Evans Family Ranch won 1st Place Best Dessert; and 1st Place Best Sauce was awarded to Dirt Road Smokers.

Plant City Christmas Parade Awards Winners

By Cierra Craft

Despite a new route—from Collins to Evers due to planned construction— thousands gathered along Evers and Reynolds streets on December 2 to witness the celebration of the season: 2022 Plant City Christmas Parade. The weather was perfect and the energy was high as schools, businesses, and churches marched through town passing out candy, beads, and other goodies. There were appearances from the city leadership, Sheriff Chad Chronister, a few Grinches, and the man in red: Santa Claus. Santa and Ms. Claus closed out the parade on the back of a Plant City Fire Rescue fire engine.

The crowd went wild for Chick-Fil-A, as the business passed out mini stuffed cows, free cookies, and cards for a free dessert.

This year’s judges included the Honorable

and the trio looked for enthusiasm, creativity, and most importantly, fun. The panel of judges selected the following parade participants as the best of the best for 2022:

Best Marching Unit: Strawberry Crest High School Marching Band

Best School Entry: Tomlin Middle School FFA

Best Church/Religious Entry: Life Journey Baptist

Best Business: Judy’s Dance Academy

Best Overall: Chick-Fil-A Plant City

On Thursday, December 8, the parade committee presented these winners with their prizes at the Willaford Railroad Museum. Parade

chair, Marsha Passmore, recognized the hard work of the committee members and said the group begins planning the parade as early as June of each year. The winning businesses shared what it meant to each to be a part of the hometown parade:

“We opened one year ago on parade night and we skipped being a part of the parade for our opening, so I told the owners, ‘next year, we are going to be in the Christmas parade,’” said Joe Pradero, Chick-Fil-A Plant City Marketing Manager.

“The girls will be so excited,” said Judy Comiskey, owner of Judy’s Dance Academy. “This is our second year in the Plant City Christmas Parade and we’re definitely going to be in it again next year.”

Michael Scionti of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit , Danny Burgess’ legislative aide Kimberly Simon, and Trina Darby

Charleene Closshey Wins HMMA Award

By Cheryl Johnston

Congratulations to Plant City native, Charleene Closshey, for another wonderful addition to her already impressive resume of artistic accomplishments.

A single entitled “Jupiter” on her newest 2-disc album, Aligned: A Planetary Mantra & Gong Shower (released on September 30), was announced the 2022 winner on November 16 in the New Age/Ambient genre for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards™.

For those unfamiliar, the HHMA is the first award organization to honor original music (Song and Score) in all visual media from around the globe, including film, TV, video games, trailers, commercial advertisements, documentaries, and special programs. The HMMA main event features live music performances, celebrity presenters, tributes to music industry icons, awards for composers, songwriters and artists. The organization also celebrates emerging, independent artists and music influencers from around the globe for creative and innovative contributions.

Charleene and her husband, Jeremy Culver, were unable to attend the HMMA event because they were participants in a weeklong Orlando conference that focused on the study of brainwaves and meditation.

Since all nominees had been asked to send in a recorded acceptance speech, in the event they couldn’t attend, this was an easy assignment because Jeremy is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker. Charleene laughingly described herself dressed in an evening gown as he filmed her appreciative remarks while standing beneath the backyard bamboo grove at their Walden Lake home.

A poignant moment in the video clip is when she dedicated this win to her beloved father, Charles Closshey.

Describing her reaction to the announcement, she said, “Even though my mind was totally involved in the information presented during that

Orlando conference, this win was a very delightful surprise. To be recognized among the great composers whose work I admire, such as Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, and Matthias Weber (who scored one of Jeremy’s films, Radical Kindness, in 2015) is a privilege. The crystal HMMA trophy is one I’ll always treasure.

The classically trained multi-instrumentalist and intuitive composer (vocalist and actress, too) explained how “Aligned” came to be. These days her favorite quote is one by theoretical physicist Albert Einstein: “Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies.”

As a certified Sanskrit Mantra Chikitsa therapist, Primordial Sound meditation instructor, and RYT® (Registered Yoga Teacher) 200 Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, she studies vibration and “pursues healing for all beings.”

Through much research, Closshey has learned “everything in the universe, including you, is a set of frequencies” and that “the cosmic music of planets provides frequencies which can realign us physically and mentally –relieving anxiety, cultivating calmness, and aligning us to greater balance.”

“Our world is vast,” Closshey wrote, “and still, we sometimes feel alone…like we don’t belong or have a meaningful purpose in this world... Technology demands we ‘plug in,’ disconnecting us from the natural links to the universe surrounding us. “So,” she continued, “it’s been fascinating to combine the advances and benefits of modern science with the ancient peace the mystics and sages lived daily. As my music’s focus has shifted toward this healing space, the ‘Aligned’ album has been a personal journey for our family. And it appears others have seen it as a healing modality and meditation experience.”

Closshey is excited that science is now bridging the gap between the unseen and spirituality. A descriptive of her newest release reads: Modern Science Meets Ancient Peace – “Aligned” Carries Frequencies Scientifically Shown to Heal the Mind & Body.

She invites her audience to “Listen to Your Medicine and ReTune your cells for healing. Since our bodies are comprised of over 30 trillion cells vibrating and constantly moving towards homeostasis, when a cell goes out of tune, disease becomes possible. Vibrational medicine is the frontier of integrative healing.”

She explained, “Re-tuning the body is much like tuning an orchestra – it starts at the level of vibration. Science now shows specific extremely low frequencies (ELFs) stimulate the body’s longest cranial nerve – the vagus nerve – calming anxiety by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, thereby improving overall mental health.”

And the ALIGNED tracks are specifically crafted to hold these healing frequencies, and more.

Have a listen, purchase Aligned, and learn more at Charleene.com/Aligned or view videos on YouTube.com.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Caboose Junction RV Park

By Jennifer Jordan

On November 16, Robert W. Willaford, along with his wife Felice, held a groundbreaking ceremony on their soon-to-be RV campground, Caboose Junction RV Park. With help from the Plant City Economic Development Corporation, Wetherington Tractor Services, Solution Source Construction and Development, and Matt Norman of Boggs Engineering, the RV park that has been six years in the making, will finally begin construction at 103 Joe McIntosh Road.

With plans to open in the fall of 2023, Caboose Junction RV Park will feature a Class-A RV experience for RV owners around the country. The park will include 108 large-sized lots, a 2,400-square-foot clubhouse, and a 1,920-square-foot storm shelter. The clubhouse will also serve as a storm shelter. With a required four-month minimum stay, future guests of the park will add additional foot traffic to local retail establishments, which will boost the local economy. Guests who stay at the railroad and train-themed RV park can also enjoy the Florida State Fair, the Florida Strawberry Festival, downtown Plant City, Disney World, and many other local attractions that are within an hour of Plant City.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Nate Kilton said of Willaford and this new project for Plant City, “We know you’ve supported Plant City for so many years. This is going to be a great project consistent with the values of our community, and we are excited for this RV park to open.”

With a love of trains, Robert Willaford worked for more than 40 years as a locomotive engineer for CSA Transportation. He even married his wife Felice on an Amtrak Silver Star and is the man for whom the Robert W. Willaford Museum in downtown Plant City is named after. With a goal of creating an RV park all train enthusiasts will enjoy, Willaford stated, “If you like trains, you’ll like ‘Boose Junction.” For further information on the Caboose Junction RV Park, call the Plant City Economic Development Corporation at 813-796-5360.

It’s Official

Marshall Middle Magnet Becomes an IB World School

By Jennifer Jordan

On November 15, the Plant City community was invited to attend Marshall Middle Magnet’s celebration showcase, which commemorated the school officially becoming a newly authorized International Baccalaureate World School for the Middle Years Programme. This means that the IBO verification team has verified that Marshall Middle Magnet has fully implemented the Middle Years Programme for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Starting off as a candidate school in October 2019, Marshall submitted their candidacy application to the International Baccalaureate to become an IB Middle Years Programme school. Launching with sixth grade in the fall of 2020, students are currently being guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy.

Marshall added a lot of programs and classes to qualify to become an IB World School,

such as a jazz band, culinary program, foreign language classes, and a robotics club. Due to this new opportunity for current and future middle school IB students to attend Marshall for their IB program, it won’t be necessary for local IB students to head to Tampa to attend a middle school with an IB program.

Kathy Webb, the Middle Years Programme Magnet Coordinator at Marshall, stated about the school’s achievement, “We have worked so hard to become approved as an IB World School so that we can fill the IB middle school gap in Plant City. Originally, Plant City IB students had Lincoln Elementary and Strawberry Crest High School to attend, but no local middle school. Now, we can fill that void and we are so grateful to finally say we’re an IB World School.”

With teachers having to take extra classes and get certifications to teach IB students, and the school needing to receive several

authorizations and have certain programs present to qualify as an IB school, the process was far from easy. However, Principal Dennis Mayo, former Principal Daphne Blanton, Kathy Webb, teachers and staff at Marshall Middle Magnet, and Plant City Officials such as City Commissioner Mary Mathis and Taylor Clark of the Plant City EDC put in lots of work and effort to make it possible for IB students to attend middle school here in Plant City.

If you were unable to attend the celebration showcase and see what Marshall Middle Magnet has to offer for IB students but would like to learn more about the IB program, or enroll your student in the IB program at Marshall, contact Marshall Middle Magnet at 813-757-9360. You can also visit their website at www.hillsboroughschools. org/Marshall.

People of Plant City

Lisa Nickel

Family Services Counselor for Dignity Memorial / Wells

By Cheryl Johnston

Prior to moving to Florida from Oklahoma with her son Jared in 2013, Lisa Nickel lived in her native New York until age ten. The former pre-K and Head Start teacher now works with Wells Memorial Funeral Home as a licensed Family Services Counselor. She serves the community through involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and the Lion’s Club.

Lisa loves the small-town feel of Plant City, her great church family at First United Methodist, and her dear friends. Her pastimes include concerts, movies, dining out, shopping, volunteering for community causes, and chilling at home. And of course, she loves strawberries.

Describe a special Plant City memory.

My first Strawberry Festival. We moved here in May, and I’d heard everyone talk about this Festival. I was excited and am still amazed that people come from all over to attend. I love concerts and seeing the whole town get excited for those eleven days.

Share something others may not know about you.

My 19-year-old son Jacob died in a car accident ten years ago – the absolute worst day of my life. And then, almost four years ago, I became an RBKA (right below the knee amputee) due to a foot infection. While scary at first, it needed to be done. The 50 Legs Organization that helps fellow amputees recommended the Prosthetic and Orthotics Associates (POA) in Orlando and they’ve been great to me.

I still walk, drive, work, etc. The only thing I don’t do is run, but I wasn’t running before and don’t plan on it now. This explains why when people complain about their situations, my response is always, “But did you lose a leg?”

Tell us about your work.

I used to teach young children, but after my son passed away, I kept feeling the need to do something to help families suffering from the pain of loss. So, three-and-ahalf years ago I became a Family Service Counselor for Dignity Memorial here in Plant City at Wells Memorial & Event Center. When I sit with families in their time of loss, I know from the bottom of my heart what they’re going through. I’m licensed and able to help Florida families pre-arrange their funerals or celebrations of life. Nobody likes to talk about dying, but unfortunately, we don’t live forever. We pay for many things that “might” happen in life (i.e. car, home, and health insurances), so doesn’t it make sense to arrange for things we know will happen? Pre-arrangements mean everything is planned as you wish and paid for in advance to lock in pricing at the date of the agreement. Pre-planning relieves loved ones of the emotional and financial burdens, plus they won’t have to guess what you preferred. Even if you don’t pre-plan, I suggest sharing your wishes with family members, so they won’t be burdened with tough decisions when your time comes. I can also work in any of the nine different Dignity locations in Tampa. I don’t consider this work my “job;” it’s my passion.

I’m involved with the Angel Foundation and Better Living for Seniors organizations. I’ve also recently organized a social support group with our company – Dignity Memorial Jacob’s P.A.T.H. – for parents and grandparents who have lost a child/children or grandchild. Sometimes it just helps to be around others who know exactly what you’re going through. We meet every third Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Wells Memorial. Another similar program, Dignity Memorial LIFT, is for widows/ widowers for the same reasons. Both groups are open to all who can benefit and there’s no charge to attend.

What advice would you offer to our readers?

No matter what you’re going through in life, as bad as things are they can always be worse. Try to focus on the positive and be thankful and blessed every day.

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Did You Know?

Christmas Card Greetings

Dr. Scotty & Hsiu Huang History Center Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

During the holiday season, we are accustomed to receiving greeting cards from our extended family and friends. It is an opportunity to send well wishes and keep one another up to date on how our year has fared. However, this has not always been a convenient form of communication.

As printing and postage were quite expensive during the early 1800s (originally based on distance), the sending of parcels and Christmas cards did not become popular until after the Civil War. The advent of picture postcards after 1870 and the popularity of photography soon bore a merging of the two forms. The period between the 1890s and mid-1910s became known as a golden age of postcards, in large part due to better technology, printing production, and a wider postal service.

Similar to most of our modern Christmas

traditions, the mailing of family portraits as Christmas cards began in the late-19th century with our great-grandparents. Though, these postcards were not normally holiday themed. At first, professional photographers were used but eventually amateur photographers could produce the photographs themselves, since easy-to-use cameras were becoming more widely available. Once received, family and friends would then place the postcards in a photo album for posterity.

The Plant City Photo Archives holds a number of postcards in its collection. The 1910 postcards shown were sent to Cora Newell Wright in Oswego, New York from her friend Lilly Hahn in Mallard, Iowa. The first postcard shows Lilly with her husband, Karl Lorenz, and the second is of their three daughters: Gertie, Marcia, and Katie. In the message, Lilly says she would like to see Cora and

is thinking of returning the following year to visit her grandmother. Lilly also states that she would like to hear from Cora about whether she receives the photos since she did not have the address. It was a few years later that Cora and her husband, Nathaniel, moved their family to Zephyrhills, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

It is through traditions such as these that we find ourselves connecting with one another, crossing time and generations through the images and words we leave behind.

More holiday practices and photos, like the Hahn’s, can be found in the collection of the Plant City Photo Archives, located at 106 S. Evers St. For additional information or if you would like to share your photos or history with the Archives, please email info@plantcityphotoarchives.org or call the office at 813.754.1578.

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At South Florida Baptist Hospital, the team members who wear this badge give you high-quality care in a comfortable atmosphere. Our wide range of specialty services includes comprehensive orthopedic care, sports medicine services and total joint replacement procedures. We have a comprehensive gynecology program that offers a variety of women’s services, and our weight loss surgery program meets nationally recognized standards. And if surgery is required, we have surgeons who are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures, which means shorter hospital stays and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. All of this means you get outstanding, compassionate care right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptist.org

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It’s a badge of honor.

THREE Holidays Past

By Cierra Craft

Cherished family recipes, passed down like prized heirlooms, seem extra special on the holiday table. One bite is like time travel.

Every family has a cherished holiday recipe and it must be made the same way, year after year. Some even have sentimental platters or bowls to serve those dishes in and they’re a sure sign that the holidays are in high gear.

Today’s cookbooks feature pretty pictures and complicated steps. We asked three Plant City families to pull out the recipe cards and memories of loved ones in the kitchen, to share three recipes that may become a part of your family traditions for years to come.

Grandma Owens’ Potato Candy

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Place cooled mashed potatoes into a large bowl. Add butter and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Add vanilla and stir in until combined.

Add in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, fully mixing in the first cup before adding the next. How much you use depends on how watery your mashed potato is as well as humidity, etc.

The consistency should be like cookie dough. Put a little bit in your fingers you should be able to press and mold it together.

Candy says her paternal grandmother, Sally Parrish Owens, was famous for Potato Candy. She taught Candy’s mother, Ann Bates Owens, in the 1950s. Ann passed the recipe down to Candy and her sister Karen Owens Romero. While both Sally and Ann have passed away, the Potato Candy recipe is still a reminder of Christmases past.

Work pretty quickly; it can dry out. Layout a large piece of wax paper, dust it generously with powdered sugar. Place potato mixture on the paper, add a generous amount of powdered sugar on top.

Roll it out to ¼ inch thick. Try to get this into a rectangle shape. Smear peanut butter all over the top leaving a half-inch border.

Tightly roll into a long log. Place on a piece of plastic wrap and roll the log up and tuck the ends under. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Unwrap on a cutting board and cut into ¼-½ inch slices to serve.

Submitted by Candy Owens

Mother’s Cheese Muffins

Sherrie Chambers Mueller and her sister, Pec Chambers McGinnes, are known for swapping recipes with friends and getting in the kitchen to create something new. When asked to submit one or two recipes, the sisters shared several recipes for readers. To honor recipes that remind us of a taste of home, here are two recipes from their mother, the late Betty Chambers.

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks margarine (not low-fat); melted

1 -8 oz sour cream

2 cups self-rising flour

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese; shredded

Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix everything together. Bake in miniature muffin pans, sprayed with Pam, for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Submitted by Sherrie Chambers Mueller

Mom B’s Dressing

by Pec Chambers McGinnes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups cornbread, cooked & crumbled

3 eggs

2 cups French bread; grated, crumbled

4-5 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup melted butter

1 onion; chopped

1/2 cup celery; chopped

2 boiled eggs; chopped

1 lb ground sausage; cooked & crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté onion & celery.

Mix everything together. Should be soupy or like cake batter. Bake at 425 for 40 minutes.

Yield: 10-12 servings

Submitted

DJ, David, and Chris Brewington lead the 25-employee team at the local towing company. Together, Brewington’s Towing & Recovery has grown into a state-of-the-art towing company, providing emergency response to tractor trailer accidents on major freeways to helping individual motorists who are broken down.

SPOTLIGHT

THREE GENERATIONS OF SERVICE

BREWINGTON’S TOWING & RECOVERY

By Cierra Craft | Photos courtesy of Brewington’s Towing & Recovery

To sit and chat with David Brewington, one would assume he’d love to chat about towing, tell stories of bizarre tow experiences, or talk about the nitty-gritty details of his equipment. But, David Brewington spoke about his family first. That family has made Brewington’s Towing & Recovery what it is today: A three-generation family-owned and operated towing and recovery company, and a trusted partner of local, county and state first responders.

David Brewington gives FOCUS readers a look beyond the towing hook, and sons DJ and Chris, chat about the ways the industry has changed and how state laws are impacting the towing industry.

First, please share with us how your family got into the industry?

David: It started with my Daddy, he opened his service station in 1936. I worked with him as a kid and through high school. After I graduated from Plant City High School, I worked at the service station full force and through the years, I brought my Daddy’s business to several other levels. We started the towing service at the service station in the mid-1980s and it grew from there. Then, after my two sons, DJ and Chris graduated high school, they joined the business and have taken it to a whole other level. Brewington’s Towing & Recovery has the latest and greatest technology on the roads today.

DJ: I started working at the gas station at 15 years old, then at 18, I got my CDL license and started driving for Dad. At the time, we had one heavy-duty and one light-duty. Since then, we have added a lot of vehicles to the fleet including a Rotator, which is like a recovery work crane, we’ve got 24 trucks altogether and 15 to 20 other pieces of equipment that we use on jobs, not for picking up a car, but to transport backhoes and loaders.

Chris: Growing up, I would tag along with Dad or when DJ got old enough with his own truck, I would tag along with him; there’s a five

year age difference. I have a vivid memory of riding in the sleeper going to Miami with Dad to get a tractor trailer.

David: We work closely with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to assist on the scene of an accident. So, we’ve got equipment like a truck with buckets, and forks, a skid steer, and a broom to clean the highway.

How did the tow service complement your work at the service station? How did you acquire your first tow truck?

David: We had customers who would call us and were broken down and jumping them off didn’t get the vehicle started, or we saw customers who had a flat tire but didn’t have a spare. We towed them in and worked on their vehicles, it was a win-win.

We had a pickup truck we used to tow vehicles and a guy came to the shop to sell me an electric boom, it would have to be mounted in the back of the truck. Bill McClellan, who was a friend and customer of ours, wrote the man a check to purchase the boom and we paid Bill back. Then another one was purchased, that was already mounted, and then we bought our first rollback later on.

You shared with DJ & Chris on board, the business has evolved. Can you share with us how the business has changed throughout the years?

David: I was glad to see the changes they made to the business because if they weren’t there, I wouldn’t be here today. The boys changed the business with the times and technology, and we invested in new equipment, more safety courses, etc.

SPOTLIGHT: BREWINGTON’S TOWING & RECOVERY

David Brewington at the family’s service station, located at the southeast corner of Baker and Collins Street.

Brewington’s Towing & Recovery are proud sponsors of the annual July 4th Celebration at the Plant City Stadium and presented by City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department.

DJ: We’ve also been a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s RISC program—or Recovery Incident Scene Clearance— for about 10 years. RISC supports Florida’s Open Roads Policy goal of safely clearing major highway incidents and truck crashes in 90 minutes or less. It requires specialized heavy-duty equipment and training to clear the highway. If there is a tractor-trailer accident and it’s carrying a liquid, we have a pump to be able to remove that liquid and clear the scene and get the road open again. We also have a great relationship with Plant City Fire Rescue. We provide probably 40 to 50 vehicles a year to the department for their training. They have a 180-lb dummy they will put in the car and we will use our equipment to flip the vehicle and they undergo training in proper extraction. We’re on their Emergency Response List to assist them in an emergency if they need our help.

To be able to use all of this specialized equipment, your team must undergo a lot of training and safety courses. Would

that be a fair assumption?

DJ: We try to take care of our employees and we’re blessed for them. We probably have 25 people on the payroll and several 20+ year Brewington’s employees. We know our job is dangerous and we never ask our employees to do something we wouldn’t be willing to do ourselves. We not only have training on the equipment but also on how our employees can try to keep themselves safe. Many drivers aren’t aware of the Florida “Move Over” Law, and it’s not just to change lanes or slow down for police, fire, and EMS, but tow truck drivers are part of that law, too. Tow truck drivers are putting their lives at risk every day they get into the truck.

Chris: Our employees go through training courses, WreckMaster, SSTA, and a couple of guys have taken Haz-Mat response courses. Safety is our number one priority and our whole team knows that. We know of a towing company that has lost two drivers recently. They said one tow truck driver dies every six to seven days on the side of the road. So, it’s important for our safety, the safety of

motorists, road rangers, etc. that when you see an emergency vehicle on the shoulder, for drivers to move over or slow down 20 mph under the posted speed limit.

What are the challenges of this industry?

Chris: No two accident scenes are the same. The way you approach an accident depends on the make and model of the vehicle, if you’re working under power lines, or around tree branches. Electric vehicles have a designated spot in our yard because there’ve been incidents of the battery catching on fire after it has been towed. As technology changes in the car industry, it’s changing the tow industry, as well.

Brewington’s is a trusted tow & recovery company for local, county, and state law enforcement. With their specialized equipment, there isn’t much Brewington’s can’t do, according to owner David Brewington.

As we head into a new year, many begin to think about the future. What is the future of Brewington’s Towing & Recovery?

David: We have a new warehouse, we are working to get that open in the new year. We plan to move our offices onto the north side and then have the rest of the warehouse to store equipment and work on trucks. We’ve been working to clear it out and we’ve got it painted. We will get our current office moved off of this property and that will give us a lot of space for towed vehicles.

DJ: I don’t think this will be next year, but we have talked about the possibility of opening more locations in Tampa & Lakeland, as many businesses have been affected over the past few years by employment challenges, higher insurance, and fuel costs, and so those have posed challenges in expansion over the more recent years.

Chris: In the future, I see growth and when we open that new warehouse on our property, it’s going to open avenues for us. We will stay up with the times and invest in new equipment if it’s something that benefits us, our employees and our work.

Brewington’s is very involved in the community. What are some of the projects you support?

David: We support the community because we want to and we’re capable of doing so. My wife is on the board of the Christmas Parade and South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, so we support both of those. We’ve been a part of the Florida Strawberry Festival for probably more than 30 years lining up and coordinating transportation from the airport to the Wish Farms Soundstage for the headline entertainment, their families, band, and entourage. We support the Strawberry Ball, Unity in the Community, United Food Bank, the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement

Pictured:

Appreciation Dinner, and I’ve been involved with the Plant City Elks for 50 years in April 2023. Both of our boys played football for the Plant City Dolphins and baseball for Plant City Little League, so we support both of those programs as much as we can. There are others we support, and again, we do it because we want to and we can. We’re not bragging about it at all; we just love Plant City and couldn’t have picked a better place to raise our sons. Plant City has been so good to us and our business, so it’s only right we give back.

SPOTLIGHT: BREWINGTON’S TOWING & RECOVERY

Brewington’s Towing & Recovery is also a proud sponsor of the annual Strawberry Ball, one of the many events and organizations that the family sponsors annually.

Chris, David, and DJ Brewington.

Kristopher

RISING STAR Howard

By Jennifer Jordan

At just nine years old, Kristopher Howard is already a three-time Superbowl champion. Playing sports since he was four years old, Kristopher has dipped his toes into a variety of sports that showcase his talents. Playing basketball with Simpson Park, soccer for Plant City Parks and Recreation, and baseball for Plant City Little League, but recently, Kristopher has found a recent love for football.

At six years old, he played for the Plant City Dolphins as a quarterback and won his first Superbowl in 2019. At seven years old, Kristopher played for the Bay Area Packers as a corner, where he also won the Superbowl. At eight and now nine years old, Kristopher has played for the Dover Patriots as a quarterback and corner. Kristopher and his 10u team became TCYFCC Superbowl champions this year after being down 18 points in the November 19 game.

Already owning three Superbowl rings in just four years of playing football, Kristopher has big talent, goals, and a high level of determination. Inspired to get into sports after watching his older brother DJ play, Kristopher hopes to go all the way in his athletic career, and stated, “I would love to get a scholarship to play at the University of Florida and hopefully go pro and play for the Tennessee Titans.”

Currently in the fourth grade at Cork Elementary, Kristopher is also a member of the National Honor Society at his school. Kristopher also has a goal to meet Youtuber Deestroying and hopes that he will see him play football one day.

With many years ahead of him to hone his abilities and build himself to be a superstar athlete, Kristopher Howard is one to watch out for on the football field.

Team of the Month

Plant City Dolphins Youth Football & Cheerleaders

By Victoria Shawgo

APlant City staple for over 45 years, the Plant City Dolphins Youth Football & Cheer program services over 270 children ages 6-16 in this area. Their motto, “Strong Alone. Unstoppable Together.”, highlights their commitment to strengthening each individual child, while also teaching them the important benefits of working and playing as a team. As they say, “A Dolphin’s greatest strength, is the warrior standing next to him.”

“It’s growing the kids not only on the field but off the field,” remarks Van Paulk, the Dolphins’ Organization President. “We actually represent our community in the FYD conference, and we also represent our organization.”

FYD stands for The Foundation for Youth Development, Inc., whose mission includes developing and coordinating programs that emphasize, “self-discipline, academic achievement, moral values, and social skills”. This is accomplished in part through being a Pop Warner league which requires each participant to meet certain academic standards before being allowed to play.

“This is our second year in Pop Warner,” shared Paulk. “It’s very structured [and includes] school grades. These kids work hard.”

This creates an atmosphere for the Dolphins that is just as concerned with character development as it is with athletic prowess, and it’s an organization that Paulk is proud to be a part of.

“I’ve been with the organization for 5 years and

it’s actually been really pleasing,” he commented. “Everything we do out there, we do for the kids. If it’s not being done for the kids, we don’t do it.”

This dedication has paid off. The football program, also known as Fins Football, competed well this year, with the 12U team making it to the local conference. The Dolphin’s cheerleaders were also met with success with six teams competing at locals. All six of these teams moved on to

regionals, and four of those qualified for the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championship hosted December 5th-8th, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Due to the growth of the organization, Fins Football will be moving to single-digit age groups for the upcoming Fall season. They will offer a flag football program for four-year-olds, tackle football for five and six-year-olds, and individual age groups for ages seven through fourteen. The football season starts in August and runs through December. An eight-on-eight program is also offered in the Spring from February to May.

The Plant City Dolphins Youth Football & Cheer program has much to offer to the children in this area. For further information about participating in this great organization, visit their website at www.plantcitydolphins.com.

Meet the Maker:

Jackie Arturi, Arturi’s Sweets and Treats LLC

By Jennifer Jordan

With the holidays in full swing, parties, events, and gatherings are happening now more than any other time of year. As a guest or host of any holiday party, it’s important to bring or have an amazing dish to share with everyone. We all know this time of year is full of sweets, treats, and delectable eats, and if you’re looking for some of the best, then you need to call Jackie Arturi of Arturi’s Sweets and Treats. Jackie Arturi is a custom baker that specializes in all fun sweet treats. Creating cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, cookies, dipped treats, and cakesicles, Jackie can decorate and create a sweet treat with any theme for any occasion. A full-time stay-at-home mom of three boys, Jackie began Arturi’s Sweets and Treats for a couple of reasons. One, she loves baking, crafting, and art. Two, her husband is a fire medic, and with his unique work schedule, Jackie couldn’t find work that would ensure either her or her husband were home with their sons. By starting Arturi’s Sweets and Treats, Jackie was able to use a loved hobby to make a living while also giving herself the freedom to work her own hours. Jackie stated about her treats, “Anyone who loves sweets and is wanting to get a special sweet treat that cannot be easily purchased from a grocery store should check out my designs on my website. We don’t follow a template, so we can create anything.” Prices for the treats vary based on items, design, and size, but Arturi’s Sweets and Treats offers options for all budgets. Prices range from $25-$42 per dozen and payments can be made online at www.arturissweetandtreats.com. There is also a one dozen minimum requirement on all available sweets except for dipped treats and cakesicles. Needing at least a two weeks’ notice for orders, Jackie noted, “Each and every order is made fresh for your order date.” If you would like to order some delicious and one-of a-kind cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, or more for a holiday party, birthday, anniversary, or graduation, then call Jackie Arturi at 813-446-5781 or email her at ArturiSweetsllc@gmail.com. You can also look up more designs on Arturi’s Sweets’ Facebook page, Arturi’s Sweets and Treats, or their Instagram, at Arturissweettreats. For her future, Jackie is hoping to open a storefront business where customers can come in and get a sweet treat whenever they would like. When thinking about what Arturi’s Sweets and Treats has done for her, Jackie said, “It has been the most amazing journey and I have meant the kindest clients along the way. I am so excited to see what the future holds for our little small-town bakery!”

Leaders in Faith

By Cheryl Johnston

Leaders in Faith are not necessarily those who hold positions in the church or a faith-based organization. Sometimes they lead in their communities through acts of kindness. Such is the case of Florida native James Horne, a Christian who enjoys donning his red Santa Claus suit simply to “make people smile.”

Raised in Lithia on a small farm, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1979 after completing his education at Plant City High School. Then in 1981, he began a career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, where he also met and married Patsy. Since retiring in September of this year, both have been enjoying time not ordered by a clock and extra time spent with their three children, who also live in Florida.

Jim’s portrayals of Santa during the Christmas holiday season began after assisting another Santa as an elf in a hospital children’s ward. He explained his first efforts were meant to entertain his fellow HCSO employees. “I thought I’d make a good Jolly Old St. Nick since I was older than most within my district and I was short and fat – the perfect Santa. I do enjoy making people happy.”

For relaxation, Jim enjoys music and playing guitar, as well as other instruments. Together he and Patsy love “drives through the country and visiting places of interest.”

How do people respond to you as Santa?

They smile a lot and love having their picture taken. I might be called a roving Santa because I like just showing up in my red suit and seeing folks smile. Sometimes the children are shy but they’re still curious enough to approach me.

Do you have any “Christmas advice” for our readers?

Life is too short to be grumpy. Instead, let’s be generous. We’ve all had trials and tribulations; at one time Patsy and I were living hand-to-mouth and collected glass bottles for the deposit refund money so we could pay rent or buy hamburger meat. We’ll always remember the kind police officer who helped us on two separate occasions a year apart when he saw us walking after our car broke down. After those experiences, one night he knocked on our door and gave us money because he knew we could use it. He wanted nothing in return except that we pay it forward through acts of kindness to others. My father taught me, too, saying “When you clench your hand around money too much, that’s all you’ll have. But when you open your hand and do for people, God will meet your needs. We should all do acts of kindness, not for rewards or recognition, but because it’s simply the right thing to do. Leave it in God’s hands and you’ll be amazed at the much He does with your little.

How did you come to faith in Christ?

As a child, I sometimes attended the Assembly of God Church in Lithia with my grandmother. Patsy and I currently attend the First Call church in Dover. We met the pastor, Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, while he served as the sheriff’s office chaplain. He has been a great inspiration to us and continues to be one. I especially enjoy his encouraging videos.

Describe your faith today?

God has been good to me and to my family and I trust Him to guide my life in all I do.

What do you enjoy most about life here in Plant City?

I love the small town feeling of Plant City. I remember the old stores and the feed store near downtown. I remember my first train ride on a third-grade field trip to Tampa’s Lowry Park. I love to sit in Plant City and simply watch the people go by.

James Horne

Jim “Santa” Horne is all smiles with his nephew Jaxon Josi.

Candy’s Corner

By Candy Owens

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow. Well .....maybe not snow. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

As a kid in the early 1970’s I had a very busy schedule during my two-week Christmas vacation. First of all, my sister Karen and I would accompany my father to the Optimist Christmas tree lot which was across the street from where the old Kash and Karry grocery store was. We would walk up and down every aisle looking for the perfect one. It couldn’t be too tall, too short, too sparse, or have a hole in it. It had to be just right. Once we found the winning tree, the salesman, along with my dad, would tie it to the top of the car for the slow trip home.

When we pulled in the driveway, my job was to run get my radio flyer wagon out of the garage. My dad would lay the tree across the wagon and proceed with getting, or should I say forcing, the tree stand on. This process would include the hammer, the saw, the screwdriver, and a great deal of mumbling under his breath. It sort of reminded me of Fred Flintstone.

When the tree stand was finally on, we would open the front door and yell to my mother, “We’re coming in!” Her reply would be, “Please don’t get that tree sap on my shag carpet”. We would carefully walk over plastic garbage bags that mom had placed on the carpet for protection. Once inside and the tree in place, she would fill the stand with water and two Bayer aspirin. Mom said that the aspirin helped keep the tree alive.

The next big thing on my agenda was to visit Santa Claus at the Plant City Plaza (what is now the home of Big Lots and Save-A-Lot). During my childhood, I witnessed Santa arriving at the mall by

helicopter, by police car, by personal car, by Christmas float, and my least favorite of them all, by fire truck. My nervous anticipation of speaking with Santa coupled with the scream of the siren made me just want to get back in the car and forget about it. My mother had to basically drag me inside the mall to get in line for my visit on Santa’s lap. As the line got closer and closer I would feel my mother poking me in the back reminding me not to talk too long, not to point out the difference in his appearance from year to year, and not to complain about what I did not get the year before, all with a big smile on my face. Once that task was complete, I would take my candy cane in a cold sweat and walk back to the car with rubber legs. The truth of the matter is that I was afraid of Santa. My mother constantly told me that Santa and/or his elves were looking in the window at our house and watching my behavior. I knew that I was in some kind of trouble.

The next thing on my agenda was the shopping. I had to find the perfect gift for my sister. I would have my mother drive me to McCrory’s and sit outside in the car while I went inside. By myself, that was. In those days you could do things like that. I looked and looked and looked. There it was ...the perfect gift: a giant Claxton fruit cake. She never got one of those before. And then it happened ... Just as I was paying the cashier I heard my mother’s voice saying, “No, no, and no! You are not buying your sister a fruitcake for Christmas. Pick something else!” By that time I just threw my hands up in the air and said, “Okay, I will just take that giant peppermint stick over there.” It was the size of my forearm. Oh! Well, she had never been given one of those before either.

When Christmas Eve finally arrived there was even more work to be done.

813-752-1111

Our rooms, along with our house, had to be spotless. Our kitchen counter was set up with the good crystal platters, goblets, napkins, plates, silverware, glass bottles of coca cola, seven-up, ginger ale, and even my mother’s prize punchbowl.

Our family would have an early supper and then be off to the Methodist church for the candlelight service. I can remember how the church was decorated with luminary bags around the whole city block and all the way up the staircase.

My sister and I would stand alongside our parents and sing the most beautiful Christmas hymns. Before you knew it the service was over. Time to rush home and greet our guests for cookies and eggnog.

Soon it was off to bed, but not without mother and daddy reading, “Twas the night before Christmas.” We actually followed that tradition until my sister got married and moved away.

On Christmas morning my sister and I would awaken to the smell of my father’s famous Christmas-morning pancakes. We would jump out of the bed and run into the living room to see what Santa had left under the tree. There would be Barbies and bicycles, dollhouses and hula hoops, books and games, clothes and shoes, stockings stuffed with fruit and candy, too much to name it all. A wonderful day filled with joy and laughter was enjoyed by all.

This Christmas Eve at age 60, when I stand with my church family, I will sing those beautiful hymns. I will think of all of those wonderful Christmases past and remember my sweet father and who now sleep in heavenly peace.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Plant City Happenings

Tuesdays in January

Modern Western Square-Dancing Lessons

6:30PM-8:00PM

Strawberry

Cost: First Lesson Free, $7 per Lesson Afterwards Info: 813-752-0491

December 17

Running on Wine and Christmas Cheer

11:00AM

Keel Farms @ 5202 Thonotosassa Rd Cost: $40 Plus $3.99 Sign Up Fee (register online at www.runsignup.com) Info: 813-752-9100

Strawberry Classic Cruise-In

3:00PM-6:30PM

Downtown Plant City @ 102 N. Palmer St

Cost: Free & Free Car Registration Info: 813-754-3707

Bikes

6:00PM

Duke’s Brewhouse @ 2212 James L Redman Pkwy Cost: Free Event Info: 813-752-2700

December 19-21

Treeline Enrichment’s Festivities in the Forest

9:00AM-1:00PM

Kids Ages 4-8 | Drop-Off Program | Games, Discussion, & Nature Exploration |Advance Registration Required Treeline Enrichment @ 701 Sparkman Rd Cost: $135 per Child Info: 863-271-4519

January 8

Plant City Laughs

6:00PM-8:00PM

Night of Fun and Laughs | Family-Friendly Comedians | Love Offering will be Received

GraceWay Church @ 3106 S. Wiggins Rd Cost: One Canned Food Item for the Homeless Info: 813-752-4879

January 9

Plant City Garden Club Meeting

9:30AM

First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall @ 303 N. Evers St Cost: Free Info: Christy Linke @ clinke3173@aol.com

January 14

Open Mic Night

7:00PM-8:33PM

Sing | Dance | Stand-Up | Performers 13+ Krazy Kup @ 101 E. J Arden Mays Blvd

Cost: Free Open Mic Night Info: 813-752-1220

6:00PM

GracePoint Church @ 1107 Charlie Griffin Rd Cost: Free Info: 813-759-9383

Gallery of Plant City

32ND ANNUAL SANTA SLED FESTIVAL

On Saturday, December 17, hundreds of families gathered at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center for the 32nd Annual Santa Sled Festival. The event is presented by the Plant City Black Heritage, Inc. and Des’Aimes Social Club. The festival provided toys, bicycles, groceries and clothing to families in need this holiday season. Kids had the opportunity to jump in bounce houses, go down an inflatable slide, and win a bicycle if their number was called in the raffle. The event provided a Christmas for many, so no family has to go without this holiday season.

ca. The Santa Sled Festival was held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. Organizer Sharon Moody said the event was held at the same site, when it was the former Martin Luther King Community Center. It only seemed right to bring the event back to where it all began 32 years ago.

b. Sharon Moody, right, is the organizer of the event. She speaks with a mom whose name was called to come forward for toys and diapers, wipes, and other baby items. Moody has organized this event for many years with the help of the board, volunteers, and sponsors.

c. Families were also given the opportunity to pick out clothes, donated by event sponsors, to cloth their families. These women are looking at black leggings and socks for girls.

d. High school Key Club members volunteered their time to pass out groceries, including these tomatoes provided by Feeding Tampa Bay. The Key Club members also distributed bread, chips, fruit, and salad kits, as well as meats.

e. The highlight of the event is the annual bike raffle. Each family is given a green ticket at check-in. If their ticket number is called, they come forward and pick up a bike. This festival little family won the last bike given out at the December 17th event.

f. The bikes were donated by event sponsors and ranged from toddler tri-cycles to bikes for teens. This boy chose a blue and a black bicycle.

g. A bounce house and inflatable slide was on site at the Santa Sled Festival to give the kids an opportunity to play while their parents picked up groceries provided for free for those who pre-registered.

hh. Attendees were in the holiday spirit, including this young boy, who wore a Rudolph shirt to the event. His family was called forward to accept toys for him and his younger brother to share.

i. At registration, each family was given a number. As their number was called, they came forward to collect a bag of toys and other items they indicated they needed. At the 2022 event, 85 bags were made for Plant City families.

Gallery of Plant City

2022 PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE

On Dec. 2nd, thousands lined the streets of downtown Plant City for its annual Christmas Parade. The processional featured city leaders, businesses, marching bands, and civic organizations, spreading some holiday cheer.

a. City Commissioner Jason Jones, his wife Casey, and son Noah, passed candy out along the parade route. This is Jones’ first year as a commissioner.

b. Strawberry Crest High School’s Marching Band and Colorguard put on a performance in the street before the judges panel. SCHS was named best Marching Band for the second consecutive year.

c. Judy’s Dance Academy, from Valrico, participated in the parade this year, with sequined costumes and light up batons. Their routine earned them the Best Business award.

d. Representatives of Plant City, including Florida Strawberry Festival Princess Ivy Belle Gardner and Duchess Rowen Ashford Morgan, were among those to lead the

parade. Other appearances included city officials, 2022 Festival Queen and Court, and 2022 Grand Marshal Paul Davis.

e. The Plant City Christmas Parade featured children from local schools, churches, and organizations. These little smiling faces waved to the crowd from a candy landthemed float.

Gallery of Plant City

LIGHTS OF LOVE 2022

On Dec. 1, South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation presented the annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting in McCall Park. The event featured entertainment by the First Baptist Church of Plant City’s Childrens Choir and Santa & Mrs. Claus were available for photos. Print could be purchased for a small donation to the SFBH Foundation. As the attendees counted down from ten, Santa flipped the switch to light the city Christmas lights.

a. Children from First Baptist Church of Plant City’s Childrens Choir performed Christmas carols for the crowd prior to the tree lighting.

b. The crowd counted down from ten and Santa flipped the switch lighting the city’s park with holiday lights. Mrs. Claus and Rudolph cheered with joy as the countdown came to a close and the tree was officially lit.

c. Jena Stevens and Mia Jones attended the annual tree lighting with their families. The two friends were dressed in Christmas colors and dawned festival headbands.

d. Families strolled through the park and took photos in front of the Christmas lights to kick off the holiday festivities.

Gallery of Plant

City

PLANT CITY PIG JAM

On Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted the Plant City Pig Jam sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust. The event featured dozens of professional and amateur barbecue teams competing for cash prizes & bragging rights.

a. The Citizens Bank and Trust Piglet Play area was free for all Pig Jam attendees. Lakeland Moonwalk was on site with games and fun for everyone.

b. This mac and cheese topped hot dog and fries was just one of the unique finds at the Pig Jam. Photo courtesy: Plant City Pig Jam.

c. Swamp Boys BBQ prepared their meats with dry rubs. Swamp Boys are renowned in the barebecue world for their line of rubs, previously sold at Publix.

d. Live entertainment rocked the Pig Jam stage. A crowd gathered in front of the stage to enjoy covered seating, their meals, and cold beers served.

e. Once competition turn-ins were complete, the BBQ competitiors opened their tents up to vending, serving their award winning barbecue.

f. The Plant City Pig Jam mascots made were on site to take photos with attendees and encourage the competitors in the competition portion.

24th Annual Lights of Love

Thank

to Our Sponsors

As the holiday season begins,

thank our sponsors for supporting Lights of Love! Donations support the many services and programs offered at South Florida Baptist Hospital. The tree, located in McCall Park in downtown Plant City, will be lit through the end of December.

LIGHTS OF LOVE MAJOR SPONSORS

TREE

SPONSOR Betty Jo Roetzheim

PHOTOS WITH SANTA SPONSOR Jack and Carolyn McMullen

MRS. CLAUS’ KITCHEN SPONSOR Susan L. Doan

TOP STAR SPONSORS

In memory of Gale Williams

PATRON SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS