LKLD HAVEN Apr 2018 by HAVEN & LKLD Magazines

Autism Awareness Month

SAME DAY SERVICE CALL BEFORE NOON AND WE’LL BE THERE SAME DAY! asthma & allergy friendly™

asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

3 ROOMS & A HALL

ONLY $109

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

BEYOND CLEANING asthma & CARPET allergy friendly™

harges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

CARPET SPECIAL CARPET| CLEANING SPECIAL CARPET | TILE CLEANING & GROUT | HARDWOOD UPHOLSTERY 4 3ROOMS HALL ROOMS & A HALL ROOMS & A HALL&4 A CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

CLEANED & PROTECTED $

ONLY ONLY $184

ONLY 109 CleaningCompleted CompletedBy: By:12/30/17 1/24/16 Cleaning

134

Cleaning Completed By: 1/24/16 Cleaning Completed By: 12/30/17

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

asthma & allergy friendly™ &HUWL¿FDWH DSSOLHV WR &DUSHW &OHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV RQO\

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

harges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details. CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

4 ROOMS & A HALL

5 ROOMS & A HALL HOME CARE PACKAGE ONLY $184 $ ONLY $159

ONLY 70 INCLUDES 2 DOORMATS &

CLEANED & PROTECTED CleaningCompleted CompletedBy: By:12/30/17 1/24/16 Cleaning

Cleaning Completed By: 1/24/16 Cleaning Completed By: 12/30/17

asthma & allergy friendly™ &HUWL¿FDWH DSSOLHV WR &DUSHW &OHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV RQO\

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SPECIAL HOME CARE PACKAGE A BOTTLE OF SPOT REMOVER HAVE 1 PIECE CLEANED, Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 $ GET THE SECOND asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only. DOORMATS hargesINCLUDES apply. Not valid in2combination with other & coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details. A BOTTLE OF SPOT REMOVER

ONLY 70

HALF OFF

25 OFF

CleaningCompleted CompletedBy: By:12/30/17 1/24/16 Cleaning

Cleaning Completed By: 1/24/16 Cleaning Completed By: 12/30/17

HARDWOOD CLEANING SPECIAL

$ 25 OFF

asthma & allergy friendly™ &HUWL¿FDWH DSSOLHV WR &DUSHW &OHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV RQO\

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

HARDWOOD CLEANING SPECIAL

TILE & GROUT CLEANING SPECIAL

HAVE 2 AREAS CLEANED,

GET THE THIRD FREE

Cleaning Completed By: 1/24/16 Completed By: 12/30/17 Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 Cleaning asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only. CleaningCompleted CompletedBy: By:12/30/17 1/24/16 Cleaning

asthma & allergy friendly™ &HUWL¿FDWH DSSOLHV WR &DUSHW &OHDQLQJ VHUYLFHV RQO\

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Valid at participating locations only. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

harges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

ONLY 134

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Cal

asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

5 ROOMS & A HAL

ONLY $159

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Ca

1-800-STEEMER ® UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SPECIAL

stanleysteemer.com HAVE 1 PIECE CLEANED,

GET THE SECOND

HALF OFF

Lakeland: 709-9400 Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 Lake Wales: 679-6300 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only. Minimum charges apply. NotHaven: valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Ca Winter 299-3529 Davenport: 422-5800 TILE & GROUT CLEANING SPECIAL

HAVE 2 AREAS CLEANED,

Residential only. Cannot be used for water emergency services. Combined living areas, L-shaped rooms and rooms over 300 sq. ft. are considered 2 areas. Baths, halls, large walk-in closets and area rugs are priced separately. Sectional sofas may not be separated. Sofas over 7 ft. and certain fabrics may incur additional charges. Offer not applicable to leather furniture. Offer does not include protector. Offer not applicable to certain types of flooring

GET THE THIRD FREE Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Ca asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

3 ROOMS & A HALL

4 ROOMS & A HALL $

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 4/30/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

mer_120617_DirectMail_BB.indd 1

ONLY $109

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

ONLY 134

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

asthma & allergy friendly™

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL

4 ROOMS & A HALL

5 ROOMS & A HALL

4/30/18 Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

CLEANED & PROTECTED

ONLY $184

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________

ONLY 70

LH326046 (100%)INCLUDES 2 DOORMATS &

ERTISER: STANLEY STEEMER

S PERSON: LLL354

A BOTTLEPROOF OF SPOT CREATEDREMOVER AT: 11/30/2017 5:56:22 PM

4/30/18 Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 RUN DATE: 12/06/17 asthma & allergy friendly™NEXT Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

PROOF DUE: 12/01/17 11:59:55

25 OFF

CATION: LL-POLK VOICE HARDWOOD

ONLY $159

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________ UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SPECIAL

HOME CARE PACKAGE SE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE $

6X9.75

4 ROOMS & A HAL $

CLEANING SPECIAL

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 4/30/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

HAVE 1 PIECE CLEANED,

GET THE SECOND

HALF OFF

Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 4/30/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

TILE & GROUT CLEANING SPECIAL

HAVE 2 AREAS CLEANED,

GET THE THIRD FREE 4/30/18 Cleaning Completed by 1/31/18 asthma & allergy friendly™ Certificate applies to Carpet Cleaning services only.

Minimum charges apply. Not valid in combination with other coupons or offers. Certain restrictions may apply. Call for details.

You enjoy a

home cooked meal With an on-site chef, we prepare you 3 meals a day included in your monthly rent.

You belong at Holiday. Learn Why - 866.912.6818 YouBelongAtHoliday.com

Azalea Park

Come Home to

Comfort, Security, Friendship • Comfortable & Elegant Atmosphere • Restaurant Style Dining • Activities • Transportation • Housekeeping • Emergency Response System • 24-hour Access To Trained & Friendly Staff

Savannah Court been a trusted choicechoice for seniors their and families for families for over a decade. Our Savannah Courthas has been a trusted for and seniors their over a decade. Our intimate assisted living communities focus on encouraging intimate assisted living communities focus on encouraging the independence of our residents with the independence of our residents with empathy and dignity. You have empathy and dignity. You have choices customize the services needed to maintain and enhance choices to customize the services needed toto maintain and enhance the the lifestyle of yourservices loved as one, increasing services as needs arise. lifestyle of your loved one, increasing needs arise. • Comfortable & Elegant Atmosphere • Restaurant Lake Wales Style Dining • Activities • Transportation 863.679.8246 • Housekeeping • Emergency Response System 12 E. Grove Avenue, • 24-hour Access To Trained & Friendly Staff

Lake Wales, Fl 33853 Lake Wales www.SavannahCourtLakeWales.com 863.679.8246 Assisted Living Facility License #9383

12 E. Grove Avenue • Lake Wales, Fl. 33853 www.SavannahCourtLakeWales.com Assisted Living Facility License #9383 Haines City Haines City 863.422.5204 863.422.5204 301 Peninsular Drive,

St. Cloud, Fl 34769 www.SavannahCourtStCloud.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9917

6550 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, Fl 33809 www.SavannahCourtLakeland.com Friendships Assisted Living Facility License # 10024

Assisted Living Facility License #9382

Bartow 863.519.3398 Bartow 290 Idlewood Avenue • Bartow, Fl. 33830 www.SavannahCourtBartow.com 863.519.3398

You’ll Treasure

Savannah Cottage of Lakeland A Memory Support Community

Moments You’ll Cherish863.815.9411

Assisted Living Facility License #9888

290 Idlewood Avenue, Bartow, FlSt. 33830 Cloud www.SavannahCourtBartow.com 407.892.8502 Assisted Facility License 3791Living Old Canoe Creek Road •#9888 St. Cloud, Fl. 34769

605 Carpenter’s Way, Lakeland, FL 33809 www.SavannahCottageLakeland.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9783

www.SavannahCourtStCloud.com Assisted Living Facility License # 9917

Savannah Court of Lakeland

Neighbors 3791 Old Canoe Creek Road, You’ll Love

Savannah Court of Lakeland 863.816.1155

301 Peninsular • Haines City, Fl. 33844 Haines City, Drive Fl 33844 www.SavannahCourtHainesCity.com www.SavannahCourtHainesCity.com

havenmagazines.com

St. Cloud 407.892.8502

DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN

A BUSINESS ACCELERATOR

Editor’s Letter Resident, John Straughn has been dropping by our office every month for about a year now. He has been advocating for an issue dedicated to autism awareness. Little did he know, that it wouldn’t take much convincing. I was more than happy to dedicate an issue on this topic. I’d like to thank the Freeland Family, Swingle Family, Rayburn Family and the Rucki-Stanley Family for sharing their lives with me. I’ve learned so much, and I’m sure these families will inspire you, too. They were very open and honest, I appreciate the courage to let their lives be public. We learn about SUN ‘n Fun’s Fly-In and all of the good they do for our community. We visit Red Door Lakeland and learn about their new menu coming up. And we’re in awe at Kim over at Lakeland Pad Parties who is helping Lakeland in a very needed area. Find out how you can get involved!

Every year the SixTen Accelerator Fund invests in companies and people that are accelerating the positive future of our home town of Winter Haven. We are particularly interested in businesses that make the Downtown District their home. We help startups as well as established DT WH based businesses in their growth and development. We bring capital, space, network and experience to the table.

Read about Sally & Nando’s adventures on a new pontoon boat! It will leave you with a smile on your face. And that’s not all! We have a full calendar, Top Ten lists to keep you busy and local news briefs to keep you informed.

Winter Haven has a great legacy as an incubator of companies that have gone on to become leaders in their industry.

Support your local businesses & I’ll see you around town! Amy Sexson asexson@scmginc.com

Publix started in DT WH. Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park. Sniveley Citrus was the largest citrus operation in the world.

This issue is dedicated to Josh, the love of my life.

If you have an idea, and existing business that needs Acceleration, interested in moving your business DT or just want to talk about Winter Haven, please give us a call. We would love to talk to you.

Drop us an email at ideas@sixtenllc.com havenmagazines.com

"The Estates Is Like a Cruise Ship on Land!"

“We chose The Estates because its great financial stability has allowed the community to thrive for over 30 years. We are especially pleased with the Life Plan Program. Since we enjoyed years of camping and traveling, we are very impressed with the variety and quality of the daily activities at The Estates!” -Residents Dean & Tacy

TIMELESS & TASTEFUL Our apartments feature spacious living areas, modern kitchens, updated finishes, storage space … and best of all, they’re affordable! Floor plans range from 475 to 2,500 square feet.

The Signature Magnolia • 1,115 Sq. Ft.

LIMITED-TIME RENOVATION SAVINGS

Up to

Den – A perfect home office or additional space to entertain in your new home.

$34,000

on Select Two-Bedroom Plans! Living Room – The perfect setting for entertaining your friends or just kicking back and relaxing!

Kitchen – Complete with the decorator finishes you select! Walk-In Closet – A spacious storage area to keep your holiday decorations, linens and more.

“I love the customized office space in our Signature Magnolia floor plan, and our walk-in closet is perfect for us!”

Mar ge

– Marge Kozak

Join Us to Make Your Retirement Dream a Reality! REALITIES OF RIGHTSIZING: IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK

PROACTIVE RETIREMENT PLANNING

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 | 11 A.M.

With Jason Penrod, Attorney, Family Elder Law

With Nicole Ramer, Owner of Organized by Nicole

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 | 11 A.M.

Reservations are a must. Kindly call Jeanie at 877-219-6928 to reserve your seat.

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 | EstatesAtCarpenters.com

LAKELAND A P R I L

CONTENTS

FEATURES PROFILES.........................................................................30 EXCEPTIONAL LIVES..................................................18 RED DOOR LAKELAND...........................................38 TRAVEL............................................................................50

6.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 10.................................................................LOCAL NEWS 12............................................................... TOP 10 TO DO 24..................................................................................ARTS 40.......................................................................LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EAT 42...................................................................... COCKTAIL 43.....................................................................CALENDAR 52..........................................SOLD HOMES LISTINGS 57........................................................ IN THE MOMENT

havenmagazines.com

APRIL VOLUME 1 ISSUE 7 Publisher Barbara Rakoczy Editor Amy Sexson Advertising Director Kim Edwards Contributing Writers Tara Crutchfield Amy Sexson Barry Friedman Cori Blythe Contributing Photographers Bill Batton Amy Sexson Graphic Designer Steven Maynard Sr. Sales Consultant Gary Peach Digital Specialist Kathy Woodruff Account Executives Chris Campbell Katherine Palmer President Sun Central Media Group Chris Sexson HAVEN is published twelve times a year by the Sun Central Media Group. Haven distributes 13,500 copies a month with 7,701 mailed to homes and 5,800 copies available at select locations throughout east Polk County. For advertising information please contact: brakoczy@scmginc.com For editorial information please contact: asexson@scmginc.com To submit to our calendar: calendar@scmginc.com Office: 99 Third Street N.W. Winter Haven, Florida 33881 863-533-4183 9

LOCAL NEWS WORDS Barry Friedman/LkldNow.com

GETTING CREATIVE WITH VENDORS AT FIRST FRIDAY

PUBLIX SAYS GREENWISE MARKET COMING

RED-LIGHT CAMERAS GET A GREEN LIGHT FROM THE CITY

Lakelanders will get a close peek at Publix’ newest experiment in connecting gastronome customers to specialty, natural and organic foods. The Lakeland-based grocery chain is developing a new generation of Greenwise Markets, and one of them will be placed in part of the vacant Kmart building across from Lake Miriam Plaza. The store will be less than half the size of a conventional supermarket and will offer amenities such as wine and cheese tastings and gourmet take-home meals. No word yet on when it will open.

Lakeland’s police chief says that most everybody who pays a $158 fine for red-light-camera violations changes their driving habits, making streets safer. City commissioners agree, so they voted 6-1 to extend the city’s contract with the Arizona company that has installed red-light cameras at 11 Lakeland intersections since 2009. Fourteen of the 18 cameras will be upgraded with radar technology that calculates violators’ speed. Commissioner Michael Dunn voted against the five-year contract extension.

It’s hard to miss the bright yellow sign for La Imperial Bakery greeting drivers entering downtown Lakeland from the east on Main Street. The family-owned cafe serves breakfast and lunch, and the bakery specializes in Latin American pastries. Other businesses coming downtown include the soon-to-open 5th and Hall clothiers moving from Dixieland and the Take Heart fair-trade nonprofit going brick-and-mortar after three years at the Saturday downtown curbside market.

City commissioners have already decided the Confederate monument should move from Munn Park to a place where it can be displayed in historic context. The next question: Where’s the best spot? City Manager Tony Delgado and his staff have given commissioners two options: among Confederate graves at Roselawn Cemetery on Ingraham or among memorials to veterans and first responders at Veterans Park near the RP Funding Center. No word yet on when commissioners will take comments and decide.

Thousands of people stroll the streets of downtown Lakeland during First Fridays, but merchants north of the railroad tracks were feeling little love. So event organizers hatched a win-win to get folks to cross the tracks: Local artisans and makers were given gratis booths to display their wares. That brought new traffic north of the tracks and new customers to local artisans as well as brick-andmortar merchants. The debut of the new setup in March was deemed a success. The next First Friday is April 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.

TEDDER’S TIPS: AVOIDING LINES FOR TAGS, LICENSES

STUDENT WALKOUTS WENT SMOOTHLY, MOSTLY

‘HOUSING FIRST’ WORKS, SOUTHEASTERN HOMELESSNESS PLANS TO ARM CONSULTANT MORE FACULTY SAYS

CH-CH CHANGES: CHAMBER CHARTS NEW COURSES

Tax Collector Joe Tedder meticulously tracks metrics to see if his customers are being kept satisfied. So it pained him to watch wait times grow for people getting auto tags or driver licenses at the art deco Publix that was converted into his Lakeland office. Tedder took to Facebook to offer some tips. The main one: Use online and mail options when possible. He’s also implementing an appointment-only system for driver licenses, and expanding parking so customers won’t have to drive circles waiting for a space.

High school students in Lakeland briefly walked out of classes at 10 a.m. March 17, as did others around the U.S., in solidarity with the students from Parkland whose classmates had been gunned down a month earlier. Things went smoothly at most local schools — except at McKeel Academy, where administrators ended up admitting they messed up. Students said school officials first threatened students against protesting and then held a fire drill at the exact hour other schools were holding peaceful protests.

After the Parkland shootings, Southeastern University said it is doubling the campus’s armed “sentinels” — faculty members trained and deputized by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Grady Judd has been a chief proponent of arming teachers, calling on local college presidents and School Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd to do so. Byrd declined via a YouTube video, appealing to legislators to grant other security tools. Legislators passed a bill the next day that included several school security measures, including authorizing schools to set up programs to arm teachers.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is changing its legal status to public nonprofit, making it eligible for federal grants to support workforce programs, its director says. The chamber is also close to announcing a deal to move into a different downtown location and form a centralized home for agencies serving small businesses. The organization says its current home of 51 years overlooking Lake Morton won’t accommodate a 21st Century entrepreneurial center. It has enjoyed a $1-a-year lease from the city of Lakeland for the 91-year-old Park Trammell Building.

havenmagazines.com

BAKERY OPENS DOWNTOWN; WHERE WILL RETAILERS MONUMENT COMING BE MOVED?

Lakeland would do a better job turning homeless people into productive citizens if it adopted a “housing first” approach, according to a consultant who is several months away from making a formal recommendation to the city of Lakeland. Susan Pourciau of the Tallahasseebased Florida Housing Coalition was hired by the city to make recommendations to alleviate homelessness. She told downtown business leaders recently that it is cheaper and more efficient to provide housing first and services second, the reverse of what’s happening now.

L E IVA TH ST S IS FE M N ’T TIO L 7 N A I O R T D N AP E M ER

happy COME FIND YOUR

PLACE.

Family Membership only $100! Become a Member & enjoy: Enjoy 365 days of unlimited Gardens admission Get discounts on food, gifts, and tickets Free or reduced admission to over 300 other gardens & museums Olmsted Gardens | Singing Tower Café & Shop | Historic Mansion Preserve Trails

HAMMOCK HOLLOW CHILDREN’S GARDEN

Bok Tower Gardens | 1151 Tower Boulevard | Lake Wales, Florida 33853 863.676.1408 |

www.boktowergardens.org 11

LAKELAND TOP 10

Masters of Spain: Goya & Picasso

Trivia Night at Cob & Pen

CityWorks (x)po Florida

All month long at Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern. See works by both artists side by side. Polkmuseumofart.org (863) 688-7743

Every Monday 7:30-9:30pm with nacho & drink specials. Win prizes!

April 4,5 & 6 More info online. CityWorks(X)po is a idea exchange and festival-style conference. Check website for more details. cityworksxpofl.com

havenmagazines.com

Rockin’ on the River

First Friday

April 6 & 7 at Camp Mack’s River Resort in Lake Wales. Promotes autism awareness & raises funds to be used locally. Live music, food and fun. autismrockinontheriver.com

April 6, 6-9pm in downtown Lakeland. New & improved with artist’s market, food trucks and music.

4-6 6&7 12

Children’s Fest 2018 April 7, 10am-3pm Explorations V will take over Munn Park and a section of Kentucky Ave. to curate a day that ignites the senses, celebrates curiosity, and brings together families across Central Florida. https://explorationsv.com (863) 687-3869

10-15 Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In Expo April 10-15 view schedule online at www.flysnf.org

Live Green Lakeland April 14, 8am-2pm in Munn Park. A family-friendly event highlighting the Lakeland community’s eco-friendly businesses, nonprofits and organizations. Hosted by GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Lakeland www.gfwclakelandjuniors.org

15 Charity Challenge April 15 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Break the world’s record for creating a human awareness ribbon on the field while raising money for the American Cancer Society. Includes ticket to the 1 pm Flying Tigers game. Register at worldrecordribbon.com

21 SPCA Walk For Animals April 21, 5pm at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. More info & register online at www.spcaflorida.org (863)646-7722

TAMPA TOP 10 7

St. Pete Walking Mural Tour

Movies in the Park

Every Saturday, 10-11:30am starting at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete. Learn about 30 murals in a 4 block tour. Reservations required. www.floridacraftart.org (727) 821-7391 $19/adults $11/kids

Every Saturday at Water Works Park, 1710 N Highlands Ave. Movie starts at 8, concessions available for purchase. tampagov.net/specialevents-coordination/moviesin-the-park (813) 274-8750

The Foreigner

Tour de Pink South

Weekends beginning April 13 at Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Comedy by American playwright Larry Shue. carrollwoodplayers.org

3-day charity ride from Tampa along Longboat Key to Siesta Key. Open to all level of riders, supports breast cancer survivors. Register or support a rider at south.ysctourdepink.org

9th Annual Cycling for Autism April 7, 8am-2pm, 4 rides, 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, benefits local programs supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. interbayrotary.org/events/ cycling-for-autism/

Pride and Passion 2018 April 14, 8pm-midnight at the Tampa Museum of Art. Includes heavy hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, open bar, passes to the Museum. Purchase tickets online tampamuseum.org

13 13-15 14 15

7&8 Festa Italiana

April 7 & 8, Centennial Park in Ybor City. Italian Food, Culture, Entertainment & Heritage. Purchase tickets at festaitalianatampa.com

Lorde

Record Store Day!

1984

April 21 go to a record store like...Microgroove, 4906 N Florida Ave., in Seminole Heights. It will be a party all day with special releases.

Adapted by Michael Gene Sullivan from the novel by George Orwell, April 27 May 20 by Jobsite Theater at the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center. www.jobsitetheater.org

www.microgroovetampa.com

April 11 at 7pm, Amalie Arena. Melodrama Tour, tickets at www.amaliearena.com

BIG IDEAS BETTER

SATURDAY 4/21 - THIS 4:30 PM EVENT IS FREE

PLACES

WI FL NT ER HAVEN,

APRIL 4, 5 & 6, 2018

What is Slow Roll?

A festival style gathering of people who want to make where they live better.

Grab your bike and meet at Bike Shop in Downtown Winter Haven the 3rd Saturday of every month at 4:30 pm. We will “Slow Roll” through the city of Winter Haven taking a path highlighting cities murals, parks, and new developments. We will then stop mid-roll at Lake Silver to take in the ski show. After the show we will Slow Roll back through town and end at Grove Roots Brewery (located across the street from the Bike Shop).

Engaging presentations from innovative leaders exploring capital & social entrepreneurship, health & social justice, music, food & drink, outdoors & recreation, art & design, leadership & good government. Be part of this interactive experience. Designed to connect people. Join us for some or all of this exciting event, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

CityWorks(X)pofl.com KS(X)PO

GOT A QUESTION? GIVE US A CALL :-) OR W

INC.

LO R

:www.facebook.com/slowrollskishow/ havenmagazines.com

INTERHAVEN,

2017

S TA TE

CIT

WINNER AWARD OF MERIT MAIN STREETW

OF IDA Y SECRETAR

863.295.9422

MAIN STREET WINTER HAVEN, INC. A PRESERVATION BASED NON PROFIT 501(C)(3) FOCUSED ON THE REVITALIZATION HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN

ORLANDO TOP 10 4,6 &11

7 Family Day Free Admission

Every Friday from 7-9 pm in downtown Winter Garden. Live music, see schedule at cwgdn.com/special_events/

Orlando Magic 3 home games left! April 4, 6 & 11. Amway Center www.amwaycenter.com

April 7, 11am-2pm, Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando. Hands-on art and gallery activities & more. 407.896.4231 ext. 262 omart.org

Eagles, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band

Florida Music Festival

The Art of the Vine

April 19-21, 3 days, 15 stages, 150 bands in downtown Orlando. floridamusicfestival.com

April 20, 6-10 pm Fields BMW, 963 Wymore Road, Winter Park. Art, wine & food from local restaurants to benefit New Hope for Kids. (407) 331-3059 Purchase tickets cityofwinterpark.org

Fridays on the Plaza

April 14, 7pm at Camping World Stadium. campingworldstadium.com

19-21 14

20 17

14 Beard in Baldwin

April 7, noon-5pm at the Audubon Park Garden District. Artists, native and Florida friendly plants, locally produced artisanal foods, handmade crafts, music, food trucks. audubonparkgardens.com

April 14, 7-10pm,The Osprey Tavern, 4899 New Broad St. Top-tier local restaurants and chefs participate, located outdoors along New Broad Street in Baldwin Park. Benefits the James Beard Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Scholars Program. Purchase tickets www.beardinbaldwin.com

Central Florida Earth Day

Wine Women & Shoes

April 21, 10am-6pm at Lake Eola Park. 250+eco-friendly vendors, artists, food, speakers, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area and more. www.cfearthday.org

April 28, 2-6pm at RitzCarlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Shop, drink wine with 100% of each ticket sold supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. feedhopenow.ejoinme.org/ wws2018tickets

Spring Market at Audubon

WORDS

PHOTOGRAPH

Title

Exceptional Lives Body Text WORDS Amy Sexson

I have to start off by thanking Janina Freeland, thank you! I reached out to her not knowing if she would be willing to share their family’s story with us. Not only did she agree, but she gathered more families to talk to. Thank you to the Swingle Family, Rayburn Family and the Rucki-Stanley Family. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this, but I can safely say I’ve learned so much along the way. Each child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is different. Each family is different. However there are similarities between them, most importantly, people with ASD are highly capable individuals. They hear everything, and are usually in tune with their environment. It’s the lack of communication skills and our perception that they are “in their own world” that can misguide our thoughts. They have the same feelings as other kids their age, they lack the ability to express it. Also, they all know to stay positive, have patience, don’t worry about the future just enjoy now, don’t take anything for granted and have faith. Which seems like very good advice for all of us. Janina reached out to me after our interview with more thoughts. Her daughter was diagnosed with ASD, but she is more than that. The family is more than that:

Ava loves Legoland. Her favorite ride is the spinning horse ride and she will go on about 10 times in a row until you stop her. Legoland is very accommodating to autism. They have “Hero Pass”, which allows children with autism to get on the rides without waiting and they offer “cool down” rooms for families if the child is getting over stimulated. Legoland is definitely one of our favorite family outings because it allows us to be comfortable and know that the staff is trained to assist when needed. I will usually drop whatever I am doing if Ava wants a hug, a tickle, a kiss, or for me to sing a song with her. If Ava wants interaction, the world around me will stop and I will enjoy every second of it because I don’t know when the next time she will feel that sense of closeness with me. Anyone who meets Ava, falls in love with her free spirit. She is who she is. She has taught me that life is too short to worry about things I can’t control. She has made me a stronger person, caring teacher, and someone who can find the good in a bad situation. I owe a lot of who I am to Ava. I don’t remember the kind of person I was before she came into my life. All I know is I am better than who I was.” -Janina Freeland

“Being an autism family can definitely feel lonesome at times. Sometimes I feel like we have a spotlight over us. When we go out to a restaurant, anything can happen. One day it could be perfect and the next time it could be a disaster. Usually preparing for a restaurant or family outing will take a lot of preparation. We have to know exit routes, if there is wifi available, noise level, if we could get a booth, and if they have quesadillas. It sometimes feels like we are going on a mission when it is simply just going to dinner. We have to be prepared if people stare at us because she is being too loud and how to calm her if something upsets her in a restaurant. We have to teach our younger daughter to ignore the stares and not feel upset when Ava is reacting to something. In the end, taking Ava out and exposing her to situations only makes her better. It may be difficult the first time for her but if she is not exposed to the world, she will not be able to function in it when she gets older.

“The disorder of Autism is on a spectrum for sure, but I’m not sure the parenting of an autistic child part is. The loving, caring and daily practices the parent of an autistic child undertakes...there’s no spectrum. Every bit of it is REALLY, REALLY hard!” -Katie Swingle “Challenges, there are so many. But I personally try to focus on the positives and gains, otherwise you can be overwhelmed with responsibility.” -Trish Rucki “We struggled with the diagnosis at first. We went through a grieving period for the loss of the child we were “supposed” to have...Then we had an epiphany: God has a plan! Why not us?” -Holly Rayburn

Ava enjoys singing happy birthday and eating birthday cake. It is her favorite event. She enjoys our family being together. When all her family members leave after celebrating a birthday party, she makes us all stand in a parking lot, restaurant, wherever and do a large group hug.

havenmagazines.com

administration supports me. Our family is our support. Ava comes first, they know that. I’m very fortunate to have that sort of work environment. We have a village of people that help get us through the day,” explained Janina. “Ava is extremely routine oriented. She does not deviate from routine very well. Miss Marie comes to the house everyday and does all of her morning activities with her, getting dressed, bathing, drives her to school, etc. At school, they incorporate her speech and behavioral therapies into her day. After school, she has someone pick her up. We have a lot of people help out especially if Kendall has an after school activity or something like that. If there is going to be a change, we have to prepare and show Ava what will be different for the day. She has to visually see on a calendar what is changing. Even if we’re introducing a new dinner to her, she needs to know about it ahead of time.” Brian talked about how the challenges are always changing. “Having a child with special needs really tests your multitasking skills, quick thinking skills, communication skills, deescalation skills, patience, character, and bottom line - your guts (the stuff inside you and what you are made of). Do you have the stuff that it takes because it is not going to be easy.”

A va

I sat down with Mom, Janina and little sister, Kendall. Full of smiles, Janina’s sense of humor and Kendall’s eagerness to tell me all about her sister were apparent. They were both very open and honest. I’m pretty sure if time permitted, we could’ve sat for hours and talked. This is a glimpse of their life, their “normal.” As a baby, Ava hit all of her milestones. At about 18-20 months, she stopped waving at people. One day she wouldn’t say goodbye anymore. When she started in a 2-year old class, she wasn’t interested in the other kids or what they were doing. They started noticing her repetitive speech, she could recite an an entire episode of Dora, however couldn’t express simple things that she wanted. Janina knew something was off after spending a vacation with family and seeing how Ava reacted to her cousins of the same age. This began the long process of finding a diagnosis. They started with USF Early Steps and everything started to fall into place. Ava is on the Autism spectrum and language impaired. Janina explained how Ava can say, “I want a cookie.” But if you ask her how her day was, she will say “How was your day,” because of her echolalia. Repeating is her form of learning. Janina and husband Brian both work. “My work is my biggest support. If I didn’t have my teacher friends, the principal and all of the people there, I would be extremely stressed out. My

Janina talked about Kendall’s role. “Kendall is very helpful. I’m very lucky to have her, because if something’s going on, she just steps in to help, she doesn’t even need to be asked.” Kendall continued, “When I’m crying, Ava will say, ‘hug!’ Or if Ava is crying, I help her. I say, ‘Calm down, you can do this.’ I offer to help her but if she does something on her own, I’ll say, ‘Good job, Ava!’ and give her a high-five.” When asked how having a child with autism has changed their life Brian explained, “Having a child with autism didn’t change my life as much as others probably. I am not a good person to ask. I am a realist and look at life as, it is what it is...you always have choices on how you live it, you decide that and not the environment or the people in it. You want to be happy, be happy - you want to feel sorry for yourself and be sad, then be sad. Ava is definitely in her own world and she lives it the way she wants 100% of the time without hesitation so I have learned from her on this aspect very much and try to do the same.” Janina said she doesn’t take things personally, she doesn’t take some things seriously. Have fun with life and don’t take anything for granted. The misconceptions people have are many. Janina went into detail, “If you see Ava having a bad moment, I don’t want people to think that’s what autism is. Autism isn’t just all about the meltdown at a store. It’s a very big deal that she’s in a store, it took a lot to get her there, she’s not comfortable. We try to work through the meltdown, if someone sees that, they might just judge my parenting skills. Just understand that we’re working through something. Ava is capable of so much more than we give her credit for. She may seem like she doesn’t know what is going on at times but she hears everything. Ava is just like a typical 12-year old with teenage feelings. She may not be able to express them verbally but she feels the same emotions. She understands everything going on around her. People think that she doesn’t know when we are talking about her, but she does. She is very in tune with her environment and sometimes her ‘in her own world’ mentality is mistaken for not understanding what is going on around her.” Janina finished by talking about going to Tiger’s World. She’s able to workout and process thoughts from her day. On the first day she walked in, she saw this, “Don’t pray for an easy life, pray to be a stronger person,” and now she lives by it.

Freeland Family

Dexter When Dexter was 2 years old, he stopped responding to his name and making eye contact with people. His speech and communication skills were not developing normally. After visits with his pediatrician and a neuropsychiatrist, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a moderate level. Dexter is currently 5 years old and attends Achievement Academy. He has plans to attend an Elementary school with nuero-typical kids his age next year where he will also receive one on one time to get help in any areas where he struggles at his new school. Dexter’s Mom talks about some of the challenges. “Because of his limited communication it is difficult to understand his needs at time, he tends to get very upset because he can’t express what is in his mind. This can be especially hard when he is sick and can’t tell us what is bothering him. I feel as though he doesn’t feel pain to the same intensity most people do. Or when I pick him up from school/daycare and ask how was his day. I don’t usually get an appropriate response, But I still ask everyday waiting for the day he responds back to me. Oh what a day that will be.” A typical day for Dexter is attending the Achievement Academy for PreK, Monday-Friday. One on one Speech Therapy (ST) and Occupational Therapy(OT) one time each per week. 8 hours of (ABA) Applied Behavioral Analysis each week at Holladay Child Development Services in Lakeland. One 30-minute Outpatient ST

and one 30-minute Outpatient OT each week at Pediatric Therapy Services in Lakeland. “He also attends a Wonderful Daycare in Eagle Lake, Safe and Sound for after school care, school breaks and summer. They have been wonderful to Dexter and our family. Special thanks to Mr. Zach, Mrs. Carol and her husband, Mrs. Janet and Mrs. Dianna,” his Mom, Trish explained. “Between myself, Derrick Stanley(Dexter’s Dad), Gomer (My Mom, Pat Grier), and Uncle James Rucki and additional support from Papaw (Derrick’s Dad, Dave Stanley) make all this, as we call “Crazy Normal” happen. It really does take a village. We also have amazing support from our employers in support of our special needs. Thanks to Steve and Kathy Daniels SRD Construction and Denise Overlock at Cora Health Services. Between school, therapies, both his dad and I work full time jobs. It can be hard to find family or one on one time with Dex. But every Tuesday between ABA and ST we go the the park for 30 min. That’s our special time every week.” When asked about the biggest misconception people may have, Trish responded, “I think that most really don’t understand what Autism really means, including me. Though I live day to day as a Autism Mom in an Autism Home, each day can be different. I’d say that the biggest misconception about Autism is that people think a person with Autism doesn’t crave acceptance/attention or doesn’t care to want friends. While I think this is true for some autistic persons, it is also true for some nuero-typical person’s too. This is especially NOT true for Dexter, he loves people and his friends. We have been lucky enough to encounter all positive experiences so far with his peers, teachers, therapists etc.” How has being a parent of a child with autism changed your life? “Lol, how many ways I could count that Dexter has changed our life. He is a blessing in so many ways, he is so sweet and such a happy boy. I appreciate all the small things in life about raising a child that I think some parents can take for granted or not celebrate in the way we do. Each milestone he reaches is extra special because we wait so long for it that when it happens, it’s like a little miracle. Good news is they keep coming for Dexter. And though this may sound like a complaint, it’s quite the opposite. I don’t really have any ‘me’ time or ‘Us’ (as in Dad and I) we spend our extra time dedicating ourselves to Dexter’s growth and development to give him the best independent and functional life as possible. The good side, I spent a lot of time with Dexter at all these therapies which has given us a very special and close bond.” Rucki-Stanley Family

T.J. At age 2 ½, T.J. was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “We noticed T.J. had delayed speech, wasn’t hitting certain developmental milestones, like pointing and making eye contact, and he wouldn’t answer to his name,” said his Mom, Holly. After talking to the pediatrician about it, they started an 8-month process of screenings and evaluations to finally get an answer. T.J. is now 4 years old and has a moderate to severe diagnosis. He is non verbal. Without being able to speak, he is presented with the challenge of trying to express himself. Holly talked about how he has learned to work around this. “He will take my hand and lead me to things he wants. He cups your face and smiles really big or kisses your face to show affection. He will bring me the remote when he wants to watch Disney or walk me to the back door if he wants to play in the backyard.” An average day for him consists of attending school at the Achievement Academy. There, he receives speech, occupational and physical therapy. He learns by being shown step-by-step with multiple repetitions. Holly says his teacher, Mrs. Robyn does a “fabulous” job of not only helping T.J. but helping all of the kids work to reach their potential. After school, T.J. visits with his Mimi, Cathy where he likes to help with her poodle and laundry. In return, Mimi (his paternal grandmother) reads Llama Llama, Red Pajama to him. When it’s time for Holly to pick him up, they like to stay active. “T.J. is very outgoing and loves to be outdoors playing with his sister. He also loves to paint

and watch The Lion KIng,” explained Holly. T.J.’s older sister is Milly and she’s 6 years old. “She loves her little brother to pieces.” I asked Holly what is the biggest misconception people have about children with autism. “The biggest misconception people have is that children with autism are unable to make connections with others. T.J. has a special way of showing his tenderness with lots of hugs and kisses. He enjoys parallel play, which is playing next to someone but not necessarily with them. To him, it means just as much. I wish people would ask more questions about T.J. and how autism has presented itself in our daily routine. They would see that it is not much different. T.J. enjoys the same activities as other kids his age like puzzles, books, cartoons, gymnastics, boat rides, and beach trips.” How has having a child with autism changed their life? Holly responded, “Having a child with autism has given our family a next level understanding of children with special needs. We view the world much differently now. My husband and I have learned that we are T.J.’s voice, his biggest advocate. We struggled with the diagnosis at first. We went through a grieving period for the loss of the child we were “supposed” to have. Why did this happen to our family? Then we had an epiphany: God has a plan! Why not us? We are a capable, loving, supportive, motivated family. We are working to continuously improve our understanding of autism and T.J.’s special needs. T.J. is perfectly placed in our loving home.”

Rayburn Family

The ability to organize thoughts, start and complete a task, prioritize and stay focused is known as executive functioning skills. “These skills are non-existent for my child without his medication. Executive Function is one of the biggest challenges for children at all ends of the Autism Spectrum. They need to be constantly reminded either verbally, using a written task list, or hand over hand what to do next. Once his medication begins to work, his mind and body settles and he’s much more capable and amenable to following my verbal instructions. Luckily in our situation, his medication regimen has been so successful he is able to follow directions and stay on task throughout most of the day without help,” explained Katie. Gregory is 10 years old and attends a mainstream 4th grade at a local private school with no need for modifications or accommodations. Years of speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and most importantly in terms of academics, specialized tutoring for his dyslexia have helped him excell. “He is on the honor roll and absolutely loves his school and teachers. He does have a few friends, peers who are friendly towards him, patient with him, and accept him. On the other hand, because of his rigidity, he sits alone at lunch because he prefers one chair in the entire lunchroom which seems to be the only place he is comfortable enough to eat. He does play alone at times at recess and such but does not seem to be bothered by this fact. I think it bothers me more and I am working on that.”

Gregory

His ability to attend private school both here and in their previous home in Tallahassee, where he went to a specialized school for his dyslexia, have been aided by the Florida Education Savings Account otherwise known as the Gardiner Scholarship.

Gregory is officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Apraxia of Speech, ADHD and Dyslexia. “My husband Matt and I knew Gregory had developmental delays early on. Certainly, by 18 months we knew he was different from other children his age. He was not talking at all and was babbling very little. He didn’t seem to be interested in playing with peers and when he did, it was often aggressive. He was officially diagnosed with Autism at age 3,” explained Katie.

I asked Katie what is the biggest misconception people have? “The biggest misconception is definitely that children on the spectrum are dumb, stupid, weird or even sometimes described as that terrible word still thrown around, ‘retarded.’ Therefore they may ostracize him or I fear ignore his skills and gifts that are present just under his different and sometimes difficult surface. I do know my son is far from dumb. In fact he is brilliant! He definitely has social deficits. My husband and I regularly worry and wonder what our child’s future holds. Will he be able to live alone? Be independent? How will he ever get through a job interview?”

Gregory is on the high functioning end of the Autism Spectrum which in the past has been known as Asperger’s Syndrome. “He is highly intelligent and intellectual. He loves to learn and has amazing memory skills. However, he lacks in many basic social skills.” Understanding social cues that other children his age already pick up on such as recognizing when someone isn’t interested in talking, how to politely end a conversation, what topics to discuss with “strangers” versus someone we know well, or monopolizing conversations with his peers or others about only his interests - back and forth conversation is difficult for him. Katie continued, “He gets fixated on one topic and it’s hard for him to let go or move on both in conversation and hobby. Another example is sarcasm. It’s very difficult for him to understand or recognize sarcasm and often asks sheepishly if he supposed to be laughing at something or not.”

How has having a child with autism changed your life? “I can’t think of one area of my life; personal, professional, marriage, parenting, and friendships, anything that having a child on the Autism Spectrum HAS NOT changed. It has been a complete and utter life altering experience I never asked for or believed I would be able to handle. I will never say Autism is a gift or that our family has found purpose in this struggle. That isn’t true. Who wants to see their child suffer and have to work so hard for abilities, skills and experiences that come so naturally to other children? It’s agonizing! BUT now, observing my son at 10 years old, with huge academic accomplishments under his belt, working successfully at making friends, even speaking (something we were told he would never do) I do allow myself to marvel at how far we’ve come despite all the negative to make life enjoyable and dare I say at times peaceful…”

Swingle Family

havenmagazines.com

From One Workstation to Total Project Management

ONE-ON-ONE DOUBLES SHOOTOUT N AT I O N A L LY T E L E V I S E D TO 6 8 M I L L I O N H O M E S !

LIVE ROCKIN' BLUES CONCERT

Systems Furniture Installations • Office Re-Configuration Office Relocations • Case Goods Installations

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Tennis Event 2:00-4:30pm l Concert 4:30-6:30pm

Tennis Event 2:00-4:30pm | Concert 4:30-6:30pm

The Country CountryClub ClubofofWinter WinterHaven Haven The 4200 Country CountryClub Club Rd. l Winter Haven, Rd. S. S. | Winter Haven, FL FL

E C I F F O S C E I T IST I L E G O L

F E AT U R I N G 4 Grand Slam Legends Serving & Volleying for The Winter Haven One-On-One Doubles Title!

TICKETS LUKE "Dual Hand" JENSEN

MIKAEL “The Bulldog” PERNFORS

1993 French Open Doubles Champion

1986 French Open Singles Finalist

General Admission $20 Advance | $30 Day of Event

VIP $90 (limited available!) Includes buffet, 3 beers, VIP seating & parking Tickets sold at Winter Haven & at various Polk County Tennis Clubs. Tickets can also be purchased on TICKETWEB, ticketweb.com.

MEL PURCELL

EMILIO SANCHEZ

Wimbledon Singles Quarterfinalist & French Open Doubles Quarterfinalist.

Winner of three Grand Slam doubles titles 1989 Doubles ranking of #1 in the world

LIVE MUSIC

RJ "The Bluesy Roots Rocker" Howson performs at many music festivals throughout the nation.

FOR EVENT SPONSORSHIPS & MORE INFO Ed Krass 813.478.3384 oneononedoubles.com

4779 Dranefield Rd., Lakeland, FL • 863-646-7291

John Haggar 727.647.3682 oneononedooubles@yahoo.com

www.eliteofficelogistics.com • eolgroup@aol.com

Bright & Beautiful Smiles ~ for the Whole Family ~ Join us on April 25th at 5:30 pm for our FREE Dental Implant Seminar.

www.drthurston.com (863)967-7548

$500 off!

of treatment when scheduled at the seminar

Space is limited, visit learnaboutdentalimplants.com or call to reserve space.

308 East Park Street, Auburndale Fl 33823 23

ARTS WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

The Wax and The Needle Do you know that sweet, woody smell of flipping the pages of an old book? How about perusing the rows of VHS tapes at the video store on a Friday night or the gruff soulfulness of a good vinyl record? Nostalgic, right? In a day and age where we have the ability to stream whatever we need; those palpable collectibles seem to mean more than ever. April 21st marks 2018’s National Record Store Day. This vinyl lover’s holiday was started in 2007 by a collective of indie record stores and has gained traction and notoriety in the vinyl scene since. In honor of National Record Store Day, we visited The Wax & The Needle, Lakeland’s hometown record shop. The Wax & The Needle is nestled on Florida Avenue, attached to Gaslight Tattoo Company. The owner of the record store, tattoo artist Justin Sims, explained where the idea came from. Justin and his buddy Chris decided they needed to find something to fill the front space of the tattoo parlor. A trip to Las Vegas to see a Social Distortion anniversary show, a discussion about their record collections, and few White Russians later, the two had a plan. “We decided we were going to open a little hometown record store,” said Sims. “At the time that we decided to do this, there were no record stores in Lakeland,” Sims explained, “Even from the time I was in my teens, into my twenties, and into my thirties, there was Woodpecker Records initially, and then there was Evolution Records. There was always a place to go and browse through records in Lakeland and then one day there just wasn’t anymore.”

havenmagazines.com

“I didn’t like that. I didn’t like not having a place to go. So, I assumed that there were other people feeling the way that I felt so I decided that profits weren’t really important. It was just cool to have a place to hang out,” continued Justin.

shop, the record store is old-school charming with records lining the mintcolored walls. The selection of vinyls sit in racks that they made in Chris’s garage. When you browse the store, you’ll likely meet Amaris tending the register. Her first job, this junior in High School says the best part about it–spending time with her dad, Justin.

Justin and Chris met a gentleman with a warehouse full of records. They went through the records and found some diamonds in the rough. The man made them a deal that he would give them a good price if they would buy a few thousand of them. They made the initial investment, decorated the shop and opened for business.

Most of their patrons, according to Justin, are between the ages of 16 and 30, maybe not who you’d expect to be collecting these musical relics. They do, however, have shoppers that are there for the same reason Justin collects records. He reminisced, “It’s nostalgic for me. I spent more time listening to records when I was a kid then I spent playing outside or doing anything else,” adding, “I can hear the scratchiness and the dirtiness of the record and it’s just appealing to me.”

The owner talked about where his love of vinyl stemmed from, remarking, “The first record that I ever got was Motley Crue’s Shout at the Devil in like 1988 I think, my big sister gave it me because I was obsessed with it and I wouldn’t stop listening to it in her room.” Revealing his contrasting musical taste, Sims smiled and said that his second record was none other than NWA.

He put into words what he thinks draws the younger crowd, expressing, “There’s not a whole lot of viable, tangible, physical things you can put your hands on [anymore]. I stream my music on Spotify, I watch TV on Netflix, I get my movies on Hulu, you know what I mean? What do you own, what do you have that you can put your hands on? Records are a way that you can kind of recover that.”

Lakeland seems to be a scrappy bunch of punk rock n’ rollers, or at least their music taste says so anyway. Punk Rock and Classic Rock are far and away the best sellers for The Wax & The Needle. Justin says, “Anything from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s 90’s that’s rock n’ roll, does really well here.”

Stop in The Wax & The Needle for National Record Store Day on April 21st, you can nab all your favorite classics for half price all day. Who knows, you may even leave with a tattoo over at Gaslight!

When thumbing through the shop’s selection, their homage to vintage stands out. The majority of their selection is used and Justin gets them wherever he can–yard sales, thrift shops, antique stores, and large record collections. If you’re new to the vinyl game, you can even buy a used record player in-store or they can drop ship a new player through Crosley. Directly adjoining the tattoo

The Wax & The Needle 509 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 940-3436 Facebook and Instagram @thewaxandtheneedle

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Platform ART’s Lineman Sculpture 2018 On March 1st, at their Canvas & Cocktails event, Platform ART revealed the winning model for their newest project. The submitted pieces were judged at their Platform Kids event in February. The theme for this year’s public art project was centered around recognizing linemen as first responders. The creators of the winning work are high school students, Angel, Gabby, and Maddie. They created a model that depicts a globe with people in hanging bulbs, and a lineman as the central figure in the piece. Platform has been beautifying the community and giving artists a platform of their own for many years through similar public art projects. One of their biggest was a program they did three years in a row for Veterans Memorial Park. “We proposed to the Veterans Association group, that Platform initiate a public art program to recognize and honor veterans, firefighter, and police,” explained Executive Director of Platform ART, Cynthia Haffey. With this idea in mind, they came up with a theme for each year regarding Veterans Memorial Park, the first of which was ‘Honor.’ The concept was to have high school students design a model, proposing a sculpture that fits the theme. They put together a committee of judges that would select the work that, “they

havenmagazines.com

felt best represented their industries collectively.”

“Tracy liked the idea and she liked our process,” said Haffey. Platform then wrote a grant to the State of Florida and was allotted money for the project. Platform ART also received a call from the National Endowment for the Arts about a federal grant. “They were looking for small organizations in our region who were doing impactful work. They researched us and found out about the Veteran projects and invited us to apply for the Linemen [project].” With funding from two grants, Platform approached local schools to find young artists to participate.

In the first year, they had around 60 entries and selected a winning model. From there, they commissioned a local artist, Tom Monaco to work with the students to modify their design. Monaco and the students consulted on the piece so that he could later fabricate it into a permanent sculpture for the park. The 2018 project theme came about after Hurricane Irma and was to recognize and show appreciation to Lakeland Electric’s hard-working linemen. Platform ART was introduced to a woman by the name of Tracy Moore, the wife of late lineman, Marc Moore who was killed in the line of duty in 2002.

The artist that will be assisting the winning students in creating the sculpture is Becky Ault. Her work can be seen throughout Lakeland from the bronze poured sculpture in front of the police station to the bronze sculpture at Joker Marchant Stadium depicting Joker Marchant and George Jenkins. Ault traveled to 6 schools within the Lakeland Electric service area, giving a total of 8 workshops. “At her workshops, she was speaking to the teachers and the students about how to think about the content of the sculpture and the materials, and the message you’re trying to convey to the public,” said the Executive Director.

After her husband’s death, “Tracy was inspired after that to talk about safety for linemen,” said Haffey. She now travels giving talks on the subject and created The Highline Hero Foundation to create public awareness and appreciation. Cynthia noted that Tracy wanted to do something recognizing the profession. “We proposed the same model to look at linemen as first responders, which they are,” said Haffey using the recent hurricane as an example, “Even the police and the emergency vehicles can’t go in, until the linemen come in first and remove or repair the electricity so that people aren’t hurt.”

The modification and fabrication process has now begun with Cynthia and the students conference calling Becky Ault at her studio in Pennsylvania. The whole sculpture will be about 8 feet in diameter with

the globe made of highly polished stainless steel. The bulbs will be suspended from solid cable and will be a highly polished flat stainless steel. The figures that are inside of the bulb in the model, will instead be standing off of them in a dark patina. The cables running through the sculpture will be stainless steel and will have facets that reflect light. The structure honoring linemen will be installed behind Lakeland Electric between the building and Lake Mirror. The installation and ribbon cutting is expected to take place in May or June of this year. Platform ART (863) 838-2262 platformart.org Highline Hero Foundation highlineheroes.com

SHOP

We Moved! Visit Us At Our New Address 1818 Harden Boulevard, Ste. 110 • Lakeland, FL 33803 • 863-248-6881

$149

LOCAL

SIGNUP SPECIAL

Join Our Weight Loss Program ($380 value)

www.GloryWellness.com Save 10% on a Package

You know you need Our unique treats!

305 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830 863.519.3333 cookiejarbakeshop.com

Your Medical Lifeline for Quick, Reliable High-Quality Healthcare

Home or Office 100% confidential and judgement -free!

Donna Kay Dinkins

Susan Curry Professional Organizer

National Sales Director

Free Consultation

O: 813-856-4204 C: 765.444.7744 Donna@MedicusOnDemand.com medicusinsured.com

havenmagazines.com

863-660-5708

OCDorganizingwithcurrydesigns.com

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Sally Del Castillo

ON THE PONTOON When there is a darn chain of lakes in your backyard, it is kind of crazy not to be able to go out on it. In the spirit of becoming more and more Winter Havenites, we have folded and gotten yet another toy. After searching Craigslist for a couple of months and looking at a dozen or more candidates, we finally found the perfect pontoon boat. Well… perfect for our needs. I mean - it kinda was made for us. It says “Lake Life” on the side in sparkly glitter letters (which is my favorite) and it looks pretty darn good. You know the old saying, “The two happiest days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it.” They also say, “The greatest friend to have, is a friend with a boat.” Well…let me tell you, the Friday that Nando and I bought the boat, we felt really rich, happy, and our friend Sebastien, “Well, proud to be our best friend.” He had been nagging us to get a pontoon since he arrived from France (3 months ago) and we got one the week before he had to go back to Paris. Anyway, we got the 24-foot behemoth on a Friday afternoon, took it directly to the boat ramp in Eagle Lake and cruised across the lake to the farm. I called Sebastien, his other French friend Thomas, and Mom and told them to look out the back door. There we were, majestically pulling up to our dock blasting Little Big Town’s “On The Pontoon.” Nando and I had all our Winner Haven Apparel on looking probably like some sort of an over styled ad or commercial…It reminded me of the scene at the end of Pretty Woman when Richard Gere is standing up in the limo that is driving down the road waving flowers to give them to Julia Roberts. Yeah, Nando and I were feeling pretty good. We boarded our mates and off we went for a sunset cruise all around Eagle Lake honking the horn and waving at our less fortunate landlubber friends that were stuck sitting poolside on their back porches sipping their Coronas. Now, this boat has 2 built in coolers and tons of stowage. The engine is a 90 horsepower and the boat capacity is 18 people, so… no matter what, when you pack that many people on the thing I don’t think you will be going anywhere fast. I think you probably just hope it stays afloat. We still have not opened the bimini top, but it looks brand new. Back to our maiden voyage…the test run was the Eagle Lake sunset cruise. Then, we pulled the boat out onto the new trailer and we parked it in the driveway at the farm right next to the Airstream. That night, we had a dinner party with a bunch of friends, and it ended with an after party on the Boat! We had a Champagne christening, music, dancing, drinks, lights and all while the boat was sitting on a trailer in our front yard. We thought, if we are having this much fun within 12 hours of getting this boat both in and out of the water…1, Now we know what we have been missing out on and…2, We totally have to take this out on the chain for the Gator Crawl the next day. Being self-employed, Nando and I have a couple of rules that we kinda live by. One rule being: We always have to justify what we are doing. We love to have fun and spend Saturday afternoons kicking it with our friends and having a good time, but we need to be doing some sort of “work” while doing it. Believe me, last year when we would say we had to go to “work” during happy hour at Old Man Franks, it definitely seemed like a stretch. We had to advertise for our new company. What better way to do it than to be out wearing your gear that you sell and throwing back a beer or two while doing it? Sebastien literally sold our T shirts right off of havenmagazines.com

his back for even more money than normal, because it was worn by a Frenchman.

can fix anything.” Nando said, “It will start again, but I am not going to drive it over to OMF and make fools out of our selves with this Ghetto Pop UP Pontoon Boat leaking gas and possibly breaking down again or worse in front of the bar. We are going directly back to the ramp and taking it out of the water.” He did a temporary fix on the gas leak, but the trim stopped working. We were all crushed.

Now that the work/justification thing is established, what I am about to say next will make great sense. We got up early Saturday morning and transformed the Pontoon into another one of our “Mobile Shops” We put decals all over it with winnerhaven.com and “Gator Done”, which is one of our biggest sellers especially at the Gator Crawl. We even put an industrial clothing rack on the boat. We loaded all of our apparel in bins onto the boat and gathered up the other necessities for what we planned to do which was go out on the chain of lakes and “sell” shirts while hanging out and having the best time ever. Perfect combo right!

Our super sale is off. The sunset is gone, the wind is picking up, and we’re puttering back to Lake Shipp. Deflated and creeping back towards the boat ramp, shirts were flying off the rack in the wind. They were not flying off in the way we had intended, and we were missing lots of customers and fun. Needless to say, we made it back to the farm safely and the boat is sitting high on its trailer next to the Airstream. Nando has been working on it and thinks it will be seaworthy again soon….

The rule was… you could come with us for the day but you have to have on Winner Haven Apparel and bring snacks. We did have a waiting list and the 18 limit capacity was definitely difficult so, we chose our most fun friends and... just kidding, I think we had like 5 people with us. That includes Sebastien and his French sidekick so they kinda don’t count because they do everything we do anyway. It was more of a VIP kind of day. We passed an impromptu Coastguard safety inspection thanks to Grady Judd and slipped her into Lake Shipp and off the Chain we went…

Until then, if our friends want us to be their “cool friend with a boat” they are more than welcome to come on over and hang out with us in it -in our driveway. They just need to have on Winner Haven Apparel and bring snacks because we will be “selling.” Xo Sally and Nando DC. We are Nando & Sally Del Castillo. Style Ambassadors, Trend Hunters and Model Citizens.

On the Chain we saw an amazing ski show in front of Old man Franks, (OMF), with water skiers mostly from Wisconsin. People really do come from all over to barefoot and ski on these famous lakes. Next we bar hopped and anchored at Tanners to listen to one of our favorite bands, Josh Blevins. Last year, we gave every one of his band members our T-Shirts. It is awesome when they are playing out and they actually wear them. More advertising right! So, we set up the clothing rack.

As a husband and wife team, we do anything and everything we can that deals with Design. Our work is strenuous and humbling but the payoff is huge. We get to have fun doing it together, while leaving behind a stylish mark for others to enjoy. Between the two

We are not necessarily going out of our way trying to sell the shirts, we just have them available for sale incase someone sees this devilishly handsome Frenchman or tall, dark and handsome Nando wearing a cool T that they want to buy. When they say, where did you get that awesome shirt, the boys can say, “Oh right over there on that Pontoon Boat Pop Up Boutique that says Gator Done on the front of it.” The people we bought the boat from had no idea what was about to happen to their crisply painted white walled pontoon boat. The afternoon was coming to a close and the plan was to float on over to OMF for the Gator Crawl After Party. We love after parties and had plenty of “Gator Done” shirts and camo-coats for sale. Last year, we must have sold 100 shirts at this event. The Florida girls like their shirts “cut up” so I literally have to keep scissors in my back pocket. After the purchase, they put the shirt directly on and say cut down here, up here and off here. Ok, so we go under the overpass and start to make our entrance, just in time for sunset, which is our fav. We are ready to kill it at this party. The newly zip tied American flag attached to our water chariot is blowing. We’re all looking super fly blasting TLC’s “Waterfalls.” The OMF Dock is in sight, everything is perfect. Then, the boat stops. This can’t be happening. I look at Captain Nando and he says, “First mate, it doesn’t look good, I think I’m going to have to dock over here.” “We can’t, it’s yards from OMF! We have to go there to OMF!” I said pointing. Sebastien said, “Come on Nando, fix the boat. You 28

of us we have 35 years racked up in just the fashion industry alone. Through his modeling career Nando has worked with the highest designers in Paris, Milan and New York. I went to Kent State University for Fashion Design and Merchandising. We’ve worked in front of and behind the camera. When it comes to Style, Fashion, Set Dressing & Function we get it and know how it works. We are also huge advocates of travel, experience and statement graphic T’s. They represent where you are from, where you’ve been and where you are going. In addition to apparel we decorate and design boutique hotels, mansions and tiny houses. We’re based out of Winter Haven, (where Nando grew up), and Upstate NY, which is where we do the majority of our film work, Winter Haven has a magnetic pull so NY sees us less and less. We are here to share with Y’all some of what we think are stylish insider design ideas and fun side stories/adventures that happen along the way. Thanks for following along! Xo Sally & Nando DC Buy online at winnerhaven.com

Grade

CHANGER

DEPENDABLE

AFFORDABLE

PROFESSIONAL

ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

Our personal learning approach will really connect with your child, combining engaging technology with amazing teachers, raising grades and confidence. Act now to take control of this school year.

GET A SPRING ACADEMIC CHECKUP FOR JUST $49

Retail price is $195. Expires 05/31/2018.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! Winter Haven

863-588-0467

863-398-3278

Sylvan Lakeland

863-588-0457

LICENSED HONEST INSURED david@flalawncare.com

SYLVANLEARNING.COM

New Modern Rugs Have Arrived! BRING THE BEAUTY OF RUGS TO YOUR FLOORS. GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE ཌ LIfetime Exchange Policy ཌ Pickup & deliver ཌ Hand Wash Cleaning ཌ Repair Any type of rug ཌ Moth Protection Available ཌ Rug Appraisal

Liquidation Sale 75%

SAVE UP TO

OFF

WORDS Cori Blythe

SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In & Expo We are more than familiar with the sounds of planes and jets zooming overhead accompanied by a huge influx of people to Lakeland each spring, signifying that it is time for the SUN ’n FUN Fly-In once again. The week-long event consists of numerous air shows, hot air balloon launches, museum tours and vendors. Activities include workshops, a kids’ play area, aircraft judging and a ladies pavilion. The best way to experience as much as possible would be to join the many others who camp on the SUN ’n FUN premises for the week and the many others who volunteer and are the backbone of the event. Although many of us are familiar with the event itself, not as many know that none of the proceeds are for profit. SUN ‘n FUN invests in numerous educational and unique community offerings which, in turn, increases interest and awareness in the aerospace industry and attracts more people to the campus. This cyclical process creates brighter futures for students, economic growth for the area, and opportunities for expansion for SUN’n FUN. I spoke with Carol Cali, Marketing Director for SUN ’n FUN, as well as Robb Williams, Executive Director of the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) about the Fly-In, the Aerospace Academy and ACE and how they manage to juggle so many programs and events each year. The largest event on the SUN ’n FUN campus, the Fly-In, is a major fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence. ACE is a complex on the SUN’n FUN campus dedicated to educating and inspiring the future while preserving the past. This unique complex is made up of fourteen buildings and a Boeing 727 classroom where numerous educational programs and clubs occur year round. Williams spoke about the importance and impact of ACE. His enthusiasm and love for the world of aerospace shone through as he spoke of the program and what it provides for the community. “ACE is an opportunity to change young men and

havenmagazines.com

women’s lives,” Williams noted, “120 students have received flight scholarships (valued at $12,000) and 40 students have received college scholarships (valued at $5,000 a year) as well as the numerous private pilots that have been licensed since July 2012.” Williams continued to speak about the facility itself and how it has been a model for other places around the United States. Cali echoed the same sentiments saying that, “We are often asked by numerous schools,how can we do this?” Beyond the unique facilities and many scholarships, ACE boasts the nation’s largest high school flying club, Lakeland Aero Flying Club. It’s the nation’s first sanctioned UAV club, a mechanical skills club which works in the hanger on planes, and a commercial grade flight simulator. All of these programs and opportunities for responsibility have strong impacts on young people. “If they go into aviation, great, but if not, it makes them better citizens,” stated Williams. Cali expanded this further, “With these programs they gain so much-decision making skills, responsibility, problem solving skills, and mechanical skills. When they are up there flying, especially while soloing, there is no one there to make decisions for them. They really gain a sense of responsibility and the ability to work things out for themselves.” ACE also houses summer camps for ages 7 to 18, a career expo during the Fly-In, the official Florida State Aerospace Museum, and an Aerospace Discovery Weekend. The sheer amount, not to mention the quality, of the programs offered by ACE are overwhelming and no doubt fulfill the hopes to provide opportunities that were not there before. As Williams stated, “Whether you are 7 or 77 you can walk away from the ACE facilities with some sort of impact and opportunity.” The Fly-In presents opportunities that go beyond the funds raised for ACE. The event has an enormous economic impact on the Lakeland area and provides massive opportunities for volunteering. With so

many flocking to Lakeland for this event and with so much happening on the SUN ‘n FUN campus year around, a veritable army of volunteers is needed to effectively execute the items on the busy calendar for the campus. Cali stated that the Fly-In is made possible “Through over 3,500 volunteers from air ops, security, merchandising to making sandwiches. We have a small staff at ACE, so volunteers are really what make it all possible. We need all types, so we never turn anyone down! We interview every person who applies and find something they can do that is fulfilling and enriching for them.” The ACE campus has a program called, “Transition to the Sky.” This program is to prepare people with special needs and family members to experience the full process of boarding and riding in a plane in a controlled environment. “They start at the check-in counter and go through every step of the process. Even as far as boarding the plane, going through the safety messages, and then the engines to this Boeing 727, which is bolted to the ground, are fired up,” Cali stated. “It’s a great opportunity for these families to work through the process and experience it in an environment where they can easily handle any issues. For young or old, aerospace enthusiast or casual Fly-In visitor alike, SUN ’n FUN presents a sky full of opportunity for all of us. SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo April 10-15 4175 Medulla Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 Phone: 863-644-2431 www.flysnf.org

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Tara Crutchfield

Aspire Hearing & Balance

Interesting fact: “Research shows that it takes on average, a person who starts to experience hearing concerns, seven years to go see a doctor about it,” according to Kayla G. Wilkins Au. D. owner and Audiologist at Aspire Hearing & Balance in Lakeland. It’s a statistic she knows all too well and would like to see change through education and awareness.

my residency and then staying on with those ENT surgeons in Tampa. That is something I did all day every day was hearing aids and cochlear implants and balance testing and treatment and it was something I had a passion for. It’s really enjoyable... giving them better hearing and quality of life to be able to communicate with family and friends and do things that they used to not be able to.”

Originally from “strawberry town,” this Plant City native took an interest in audiology during high school through her cheerleading coach who was also an American Sign Language teacher. She learned how to sign through that teacher and had a decision to make when it came to college. Would she go into Speech Pathology or Audiology?

Dr. Wilkins explained what a cochlear implant is saying, “A cochlear implant is an implantable device that is for people when hearing aids can no longer do the job.” When patients come to Aspire and a cochlear implant is appropriate for that patient, Dr. Wilkins will give them options and send them to a surgeon. After the surgery, the patient will come back to Dr. Wilkins where she does all the programming.

“Audiology is more diagnostics based. It has significantly more fast-paced results and figuring out what’s wrong, which was definitely more my personality,” said Dr. Wilkins. After obtaining her Doctorate in Audiology, she did a residency with Tampa Bay Hearing & Balance where she worked under three well-known NeuroOtologists (ear-based skull surgeons) along with seven other audiologists. She worked there for 5 years and expressed that the team-environment and challenging cases allowed her to learn extensively. “My goal has always been to open up my own practice,” said the doctor, noting, “Lakeland needed an opportunity for a private practice audiologist and one who offers services for cochlear implants.” Dr. Wilkins opened her practice, Aspire Hearing & Balance, in June of 2017 as the only board-certified cochlear implant audiologist in Lakeland. She explained why she chose to specialize in that field, “I’ve always wanted to do that even throughout

havenmagazines.com

“With an implant, you’re not hearing like you or I normally would through sound waves. You’re listening through electrical pulses and then over time with programming and rehab, your brain learns to make sense of those electrical pulses and that’s when you start to understand somebody talking,” she explained. Though she is board-certified in cochlear implants, Dr. Wilkins offers an expanse of audiology services to her patients from Tinnitus treatment, bone anchored hearing aids, balance testing, to cerumen management. The word ‘aspire’ is a fitting encapsulation of Dr. Wilkin’s mission for her practice. The doctor shared that her mom helped her come up with the moniker. “We really liked it because it really made it feel like the office was always aspiring to do great things, to be inventive, and educate. To be with those patients on a personal level and to inspire them to continue

to grow not only in their hearing but in their life and with their families,” said Dr. Wilkins. Passionate about the education of her patients and the public, Dr. Wilkins noted, “Hearing health is also attributed to many different comorbidities such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cognitive decline, heart health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking– all of it is related and it can affect your ears.” The doctor continued, “It’s more important than ever to be able to come, get your hearing evaluated, get a baseline, make sure you’re doing okay. If there is even something mild or moderate going on–treat it, because it’s important to keep your ears stimulated which keeps your brain stimulated.” Dr. Wilkins shared her goal for the practice adding that though they are already involved in health fairs, local events, the Chamber of Commerce and other things, they would like to get more involved with the community. On the practice’s bright future she says, “I see our practice growing. I would love to be able to open up a satellite office in different areas, I would love to be able to bring on more audiologists, I would love to be able to support multiple patients.” Most of all, Dr. Wilkins says she will continue to educate. Aspire Hearing & Balance 635 Mid-Florida Dr. Suite 2, Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 646-3277 www.aspirehearing.com Facebook and Instagram @aspirehearing

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

2018 Lakeland Pad Party The 2018 Lakeland Pad Party was a success! The scene that night at 801 E. Main was that of beer, beignets, and people coming together to donate products for an underserved need in our community. Pads, tampons, panty liners, oh my!

Kim worked with the agencies collecting pamphlets and flyers to have available the night of the event so that those donating could learn more about the organizations they’re helping.

Born and raised in Lakeland, Kim Deronda, who works full time at Polk State College runs the Lakeland Pad Party and has been involved since its inception last year. “A couple of friends and I started it last year just kind of on a whim, recognizing the need within the community for these types of products and that it’s often overlooked.”

Though the original focus was on anything period-related, according to Kim, product donations have broadened to include all feminine hygiene products– pads, tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, continence products, feminine wash, and more. “As a female, you could go a day, though it might not be ideal, without deodorant or you could go a day without shampoo, but when we’re talking about period related supplies, going a day without that, probably means not leaving the house,” expressed Kim, “The idea of a young woman missing school or somebody missing work when money is already tight if they can’t afford to buy these supplies–that shouldn’t be happening.”

They first thought they would invite some friends and ask everyone to bring feminine hygiene products, “Well, that quickly grew into a lot of friends and a bigger venue,” she said. The idea was born when she came across something on social media that brought up the fact that when collecting toiletries and supplies to donate, feminine hygiene products, though essential, are often overlooked. Toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant–all very important, but where are the pads and tampons? Further cementing the idea, Kim read another shared post that encouraged women on their next girls’ night out to have everyone bring one of those products to donate. She thought, what a great idea! Why don’t we do this?

Aside from the Lakeland Pad Party, Kim is involved in helping the community in other ways. At Polk State College, Kim and a few others created a pantry on campus to meet the food and personal hygiene needs of students in college. She is also the staff advisor for PSC’s student LGBT group on campus. She expressed that it is important to her to not just discuss the needs of the community, but to get up and do something about it.

“Rather than 4 or 5 of us getting together for dinner and drinks, it just kind of kept going until we ended up interacting with probably about 100 people who made donations last year. We collected over 18,000 units to donate,” said Kim.

Though the 2018 Lakeland Pad Party has come and gone, this need is continuous. If you would like to make a donation or connect with the Lakeland Pad Party, you can contact Kim at (863) 660-8671 or send them a message on the Facebook page Lakeland Pad Parties. Like the page, share it with your friends, and support the cause!

With the positive response from last year’s Pad Party, she decided to throw another. Because of the timing, the same person that helped her last year was unable to do so again. With her friends helping to spread the word, Kim has taken on the brunt of the event responsibilities from running the Facebook, getting flyers to local businesses, and reaching out to local agencies that have a need for these products. “It’s my baby basically,” she laughed. For the 2018 Pad Party, which was held on March 9th at 801 E. Main, Kim broadened the agencies who receive the donations go to, saying, “This year we’ve expanded that to include, I think we’re up to 8 or 9 agencies that we’re working with, focusing on those that help women in crisis situations and young girls involved in programs and social services.”

havenmagazines.com

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre Celebrating 70 Years Turning an impressive 70 years old this year, Silver Moon is celebrating this anniversary the best way they know how–with a movie of course! On Friday, April 13th and Saturday, April 14th, Silver Moon will have a showing of Grease, the original movie with sing-a-long words during the music scenes. Can you think of a more fitting film? In the words of Danny Zuko, “Sandy, you just can’t walk out of a drive-in!”

Sadly, Harold Spears passed away at age 87 in May of last year. Chip said that his grandfather was still operating the theatre up to the last three months of his life. After his grandfather’s passing, Chip Sawyer took on the full responsibilities as the President of Silver Moon Drive-In. Though his job now entails the day-today tasks of a company President from marketing to insurance and overseeing the operation of the theatre, Chip says he still enjoys serving up popcorn to movie-goers.

Before the movie showing on Friday and Saturday, the theatre has a performance by local band, 1 Day Weekend, food trucks including smoothies, fresh fruit, donuts, and kettle corn, and drawings for prizes including $70 cash, t-shirts, and other Silver Moon merch. Make it a family day out at their hamburger grill-out with outdoor games for the kids, and a classic car drive-in car show.

70 years going strong is quite an accomplishment for any business, let alone in an industry that only has about 350 drive-ins left in the country and only 7 in the state. Sawyer attributes the success of Silver Moon to several things. For one, the nostalgia of the long-time Lakeland theatre is something that continues to draw crowds. “Everyone knows about the Silver Moon,” said Sawyer, “It’s just a place that generations have shared experiences and gone there for entertainment so long.” A large part of the reason it has been a generational phenomenon, according to Sawyer, is the price. Not only of their admission which is only $2 for children ages 4-9 and $5 for ages 10+, but also their reasonably priced full line of concessions.

The first drive-in to open in Lakeland on April 14th, 1948, Silver Moon was built, owned, and operated by I.Q. Mize and M.G. Waring. At 35 cents per person, the first show was the 1946 film Up Goes Maisie starring Ann Sothern opposite George Murphy. A tornado on May 23rd, 1950 damaged the screen, causing them to close. The screen was rebuilt and open again on July 1st of the same year. By this time, admission prices had risen to 40 cents a pop.

Their willingness to keep up with modern technology has also been a factor in their longevity. According to the company’s president, less than a decade ago, film companies began limiting their production of the traditional 35mm film. This alone forced many drive-ins to call it quits. Silver Moon, prepared to change with the times, invested in the same digital projection equipment you would find in any indoor theatre.

In 1952, Mize and Waring who had to that point continued to operate the theatre, sold it to one Carl Floyd, owner of a successful chain of Florida drive-in theatres called Floyd Theatres. Floyd made several improvements, most notable of which is their signature flashing neon sign that still attracts people today. In 1969, the theatre was handed to the family that still owns it today, when Carl Floyd named one of his employees, Harold Spears, president of Silver Moon Drive-In.

The last element to their success is the community’s support by simply attending the outdoor theatre, according to Sawyer, appreciatively. Making use of the space during the day when they can’t show movies, Silver Moon has a Swap Shop every Saturday and Sunday. On the weekend, the theatre grounds are transformed for this purpose and teams with people buying and selling anything you can think of.

Current President of Silver Moon, and grandson of Harold Spears, Chip Sawyer, spoke about how his grandfather got into the drive-in theatre business. “His father was actually in the industry and he was good friends with Carl Floyd who owned a lot of different drive-ins and theaters throughout the state.”

Chip Sawyer put into words his feeling on Silver Moon’s 70th, remarking, “I feel lucky every day to continue operating my grandfather’s drive-in theatres. He preached treating customers with the utmost respect. People have a vast array of entertainment choices, especially in today’s world. That’s what makes customer service crucial in our business. We thank everyone in Lakeland and the surrounding communities for the first 70 years, and look forward to the many years to come!”

Sawyer continued, “Eventually a company bought most of the drive-ins for the land and that’s when my grandfather had the opportunity to buy several of them in the area and started his own company called Sun South Theatres.” Sawyer eluded that he had learned an interesting fact about his grandfather’s association with Silver Moon, remarking, “I actually learned quite recently that Carl Floyd let him buy a small portion of the Silver Moon personally in 1952, so he was involved in that theater for a good while.”

Silver Moon Drive-In 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33815 (863) 682-0849 www.silvermoondrivein.com

Chip began working for his grandfather in true family business fashion around age 15, picking up box office shifts on the weekend. A few years ago, his grandfather began teaching him the operation of the business more in-depth. havenmagazines.com

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Red Door Lakeland The feeling you get when walking into Red Door Lakeland is that of attending a good friend’s dinner party. A dim, cozy ambiance brought about by tables and booths situated comfortably on the wooden floors that look to be original, paned glass windows of another era, and plush pillows lining the intimate booths. Books on food and wine are casually stacked alongside a painting of a red door on the mantel above the fireplace.

from the Lakeland Public Library and Polk Museum of Art to a space that allowed them to become a full gastropub. When they arrived in the current space, a patio was put in at the front of the restaurant. About 6 months ago, a covered porch was put in its place. The spacious porch is ideal to have a signature cocktail or two and enjoy the breeze coming off the lake across the street. Satiate your appetite with some American cuisine with a Red Door twist, like a Kale Caesar Salad made with Romaine and kale over an ‘egg in a basket’ complemented by their housemade Caesar dressing and shaved parmesan or their Brisket Meatloaf with wild mushroom Ragu served with stone-milled grits and a fried egg.

Richard Deangelis, owner of Red Door used two words to describe his establishment–craft and integrity. From the servers, atmosphere, food, down to the beverages, these words ring true. This is Red Door’s 10th year in business, just a blip in Deangelis’s time in the restaurant industry. Working in the business one way or another since 14 or 15 years old, he worked his way through college and into restaurant management. This New Hampshire native owned his first restaurant in his mid-twenties in Melbourne, Florida. After 6 years there, he took a restaurant consultant job in upstate New York.

Everything at the Red Door with the exception of the bread, is made in-house, down to the ketchup and kimchi. Their beverage selection is a reflection of their commitment to that brand of integrity. “We think of ourselves as a craft restaurant where we meld all of our professional experiences and push them out. We didn’t invent the burger, we just think this is the way the burger ought to be,” says Deangelis.

Deangelis eventually moved to Connecticut where he started a wine company that he moved down to Florida. Once he got married and began having children, Richard decided he didn’t want to be on the road as much. This is when, in 2008-2009, he opened Red Door Wine Market at a different location in Lakeland.

Red Door Lakeland has a seasonallychanging menu, Deangelis notes that both he and Executive Chef Jason Boniface hail from the same area. “Growing up in the New England area, we were used to a 4 season, seasonal change,” said the owner.

It started with the thinking that retail would take center stage. Richard said, “We had a bar that we were going to use as a tasting bar, do classes, maybe host events. There was such a response to having a wine bar, we quickly kind of shuttled the retail aspect and became a full-on wine bar.” More and more food began to make its way onto the menu. They moved to a new location across havenmagazines.com

When they start thinking on the atmosphere, their beverages, and their ever-changing menu, Richard goes into it with intent. “When your friends leave, when you’re done, when you’re walking back to your car, what do you want running through your mind? What is the important aspect of this dinner? We try to work backwards from that.”

This personal connection to everything done at the restaurant is mirrored by the owner’s commitment to the community. Red Door Lakeland supports local artists by adorning their walls with pieces of local art and will connect interested guests to the artist if they would like to purchase one. When we met with Richard, they were in the process of hanging art for Women’s Awareness Month. Even that painting of a red door above the fireplace was done by local artist, Mary Witte. Deangelis is on the board for the Explorations V Children’s Museum and the sub-board for Art and Cultural Heritage at the Tourism Department. Because of the amount of work they do in the community, the restaurant has implemented a community program called “Red Door Cares,” which you can find out more about on their website. “I believe in community,” said the owner, “One of the ways to judge the quality of the community you live in is by the art that it supports and how well it gives to those that need to be helped. Lakeland is by far the most giving community I’ve ever been associated with.” Red Door Lakeland 733 E Palmetto St., Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 937-9314 reddoorlakeland.com

LET’ S EAT Taco Tuesdays, Tacos everyday! Where do you get your favorite? Here are a list of some of the local favorites:

Taco Bus 128 S Kentucky Ave. Lakeland (863) 333-4139 Taco-bus.com

La Michoacana 1725 W Memorial Blvd. Lakeland (863) 688-0616

Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano 734 E Memorial Blvd. 6645 S. Florida Ave Lakeland (863) 686-6958 www.tapatiostogo.com

Tacos My Friend 3899 Recker Hwy Winter Haven (863) 259-7613

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant 3700 Lakeside Village Blvd. Lakeland (863) 686-7500 www.abuelos.com

havenmagazines.com

lamichoacanameatmarket.com/en/

Fish City Grill 1485 Town Center Drive D112 Lakeland (863) 683-1243 www.fishcitygrill.com Ximena’s Tacos , Mexican Food 303 Main St. Auburndale (863) 662-3539

Taco Rey Mexican Grill 1818 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City (813) 754-2100 www.taco-rey.com/ Dona Julias Mexican Restaurant 5375 Florida Ave S Lakeland (863) 648-0858 www.donajulias.com Tacos Arcies 612 W Derby Ave. Auburndale (863) 965-0109 El Tizoncito Restaurant 1707 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City (813) 704-6992

Think Once Think Twice Think Italian TONIGHT

3615 S. Florida Ave., Suite 1310 Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 607-6030 Find us on Facebook : @ Ilfornoitalian

Cocktail Paloma

kosher salt for rim 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 cup tequila 1/2 cup club soda or tonic water (if you like it sweeter)

Rub rim of glass with a grapefruit wedge; dip rim in salt. Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in jar, shake until sugar is dissolved. Add tequila. Divide between 2 glasses, add ice and top off with club soda or tonic. Garnish with grapefruit wedge. Please drink responsibly.

havenmagazines.com

APRIL CALENDAR 2018 1 Easter When: Apr. 01, 2018 Kiss the Pig! Fundraiser When: Apr. 01, 2018 Where: Lakeland. http://readlakeland.com Each year, members of the community manage a six-week campaign for literacy and compete with other candidates for the honor of kissing a live pig at the campaign finale. During the campaign, candidates raise awareness for adult literacy as they collect “votes” from their family, friends, and colleagues. Each vote is $1 and the candidate with the most votes the night of the finale wins the honor of kissing the pig! Anyone making a $50 or greater contribution to a candidate’s campaign is invited to attend. Easter Sunrise Service When: Apr. 01, 2018 | 7 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Easter morning worshipers will be offered complimentary admission (from 6am-8am) to experience the Gardens’ own sunrise service with a full choir, live carillon performances, and an inspirational Easter message delivered by local clergy. Service begins at 7am. A buffet breakfast will be served in the Blue Palmetto Cafe following the service, for an additional fee. Masters of Spain: Goya & Picasso When: Apr. 01 - Jun. 17 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Masters of Spain: Goya and PicassoMarch 17-June 17. A rare showcase of work by two of the greatest Spanish painters of all time. This exhibition presents side-by- side the two artists who defined Spanish-made art for nearly 200 years. Painting a Nation: Hudson River School Landscapes When: Apr. 01 - May 20 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Painting A Nation: Hudson River School LandscapesMarch 10-May 20. A collection of superb examples of Hudson River School paintings, the first nativeschool of painting in the United States. These paintings are from the Higdon Collection and were organized by the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SouthCarolina.

2 World Autism Awareness Day When: Apr. 02, 2018 Music on Canvas Exhibit When: Apr. 02 - 13, 2018 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Michael Crews Gallery Lake Wales Arts Council 1099 Highway 60 E, Lake Wales.

http://lakewalesartscouncil.org An exhibition of paintings and photographs of classic rock icons by local artists Robert Morrissey & Calder Wilson.

Yea! Shark Tank Investor Panel Presentation When: Apr. 04, 2018 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Buena Vida West Auditorium Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland. Fourteen students in grades 6 through 12 from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Polk County (YEA! Polk), a chapter of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, will have five minutes to pitch their business plans to prominent local members of the business community, during the program’s annual YEA! Shark Tank Investor Panel Event. Based on the appeal and merit of the students’ plans and presentations, representatives from companies such as Allen & Company of Florida, Inc., Bank of Central Florida, Jannetides College of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership at Southeastern University, Publix Super Markets, and SunTrust will determine the amount of funds to allocate to each business. The investors will also select one business to advance to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, in Rochester, NY, where they will compete with students across the United States for college scholarships. 863688-8551 x 229 The students are all from Polk County.

Trivia Night at Cob & Pen When: Apr. 02, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. http://www.cobandpenlakeland.com/ Thinking & Drinking! Join Brent Laponsey (who has been stumping Lakelanders for over 2 years) and the staff at Cob & Pen for weekly Trivia. 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast When: Apr. 03, 2018 | 7-9 a.m. Where: Lake Mirror Theater 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. The 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast presented by Bank of Central Florida and Spectrum promises to deliver a unique perspective of the most recent Legislative Session and allows the opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the Polk County Delegation. Senators Denise Grimsley, Tom Lee, and Kelli Stargel, along with Representatives Ben Albritton, Colleen Burton, Sam H. Killebrew, and Mike LaRosa have been invited to attend. For questions or information, please contact Patty Smith at (863) 688-8551 ext 224, or by email at psmith@ lakelandchamber.com Order tickets in advance.

Firewise Landscaping When: Apr. 05, 2018 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. http://polkgardening.eventbrite.com Wildfire risk is year round in Florida, but especially during the dry season from the months of March through May. Those living in wooded or rural areas should consider firewise landscaping to help minimize the risk of a wildfire damaging their home. Join us for tips and ideas on how to design your landscape with firewise principles including plant selection, placement, and maintenance. Register online.

Arts4Vets Clay Workshop When: Apr. 03, 2018 | 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Eloise Resource and Arts Center 710 Snively Ave, Winter Haven. http://www.facebook.com/Arts-4-Vets This class is free to all veterans. Spouses may attend for a donation of $10, per class. FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS Instructor: Nancy Guevara and Polly LoeberLocation: Eloise Resource and Arts Center (863) 293-2700

Art Exhibit: Dress Code When: Apr. 05-22, 2018 Where: Ridge Art Association 210 Cypress Gardens Bvld, Winter Haven. http://www.ridgeart.org A juried art exhibitionat Ridge Art Association. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 1pm - 4pm. (863) 291-5661

Panel Discussion: Goya, Picasso & the Heritage of Spain When: Apr. 03, 2018 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Their collective responses formed the content of this 90-minute program that includes a 30-minute audience Q & A. Dr. Rich will introduce the panel, present the thesis, and set the context for subsequent presentations. 863-688-7743. Registration is not necessary but appreciated.

“Empty Bowls” Fundraiser When: Apr. 05, 2018 | 5-7 p.m. Where: Polk State/Winter Haven 999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven. http://www.polk.edu Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Lobby TheatreFundraiser to benefit My Brother’s Keeper General Admission. 863-297-1050 $20 Girl Scout Cookie & Craft Beer Pairing When: Apr. 05, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: The Brass Tap 1515 Town Center Dr, Lakeland. Girl Scout Cookies with craft beer, until supplies last.

Cityworks (x)po Florida When: Apr. 04-06, 2018 Where: Downtown Winter Haven. http://cityworksxpofl.com A gathering to share big ideas for better places. Hear speakers from all over the country talk about ideas for improving communities.

Jenny Dee, Connor Lockhart & Jesse Sliger Live at Hillcrest When: Apr. 05, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland. doors at 6:30pm // music at 7pm

2018 Legislative Session Wrap Up Breakfast When: Apr. 04, 2018 | 7:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Chain ‘O Lakes Complex 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. http://winterhavenchamber.com In the Poolside Room. Join us as members of our Polk County Delegation present an overview of the 2018 session, how they voted, what they accomplished and what they think wasn’t accomplished. During the wrap up you’ll have a chance to learn what passed, what didn’t and what we can expect next legislative session. This is also an election year where every seat will be up for election. It’s a great way to start getting more informed before heading to the polls for the primaries in August and the election in November. Tickets are $20 and breakfast is included. This is a collaborative event between the Haines City Chamber of Commerce, Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council

Surrounded By A Million Lights Tour with Michael W. Smith and Special Guest Nathan Tasker When: Apr. 05, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://rpfundingcenter.com During Michael’s storied career, he’s not only been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, but in 2014, he was honored as the “cornerstone of Christian music” for his significant influence on the genre. He also has recorded 31 No. 1 Hit songs, fourteen gold albums, and five platinum albums. He has also starred in 2 films and published 13 books, including This is Your Time.Purchase tickets online. 43

On Golden Pond When: Apr. 05-22, 2018 Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com Every summer, elderly couple Norman and Ethel Thayer visit their cottage on Golden Pond, a large, beautiful lake. This summer, however, will be different. Their estranged daughter Chelsea is coming to visit, dropping off her soon-to-be stepson, who begins to develop a bond with her father that she always wanted. 863-294-7469 Runs April 5-22 Julius Caesar When: Apr. 05-15 Where: Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland. http://www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-finearts.aspx#tickets Florida Southern College “edition,” Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a classic political tragedy that is reset in a women’s prison in the present day. This remarkably strapping work about power and honor will continue to explore the story of the amazing conspiracy against an overly ambitious Caesar — and the race to “rule the world.”Tickets are $18 for Adults and $9 for Students and Children (863) 680-3089 April 5-8 & 12-15 .Purchase tickets online. Just Between Friends Lakeland Childrens’ Consignment Event When: Apr. 06-08 Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://www.lakeland.jbfsale.com 24,000 square feet of bargains! We will have tens of thousands of clothes, shoes, baby equipment and gear, maternity items, feeding and bathing gear, bedding, room decor, outdoor and indoor toys, sports equipment, electronics, books, games, musical instruments and toys, baby and child furniture, strollers and so much more! Friday, April 6th: 9am-7pmSaturday, April 7th: 9am4pmSunday, April 8th: (half price sale): 9am-3pm www.lakeland.jbfsale.com. Chat & Chew When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Chat & Chew is a health study group, sharing talents and resources to achieve health. This meeting features Dr. Monica Aggarwal of the University of Florida Medical School via Skype. For more information contact 54321health@gmail.com Voices of the People present: Transfiguration Series “Emanation” When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 3 p.m. Where: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 210 W Lemon St., Lakeland. http://polk.edu Featuring Kyle Lombard and Jannina Norpoth, violins; Jason Amos and John Alexander Madison, violas; and Christine Lamprea and Derek Menchan, ‘celli. Apr. 6 | 3pm Free admission (863) 297-1050 Free Friday Family Yoga When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 4-5 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com/ A one-hour family yoga class! Bond with your little one through movement, music, and meditation as we flow through a fun-packed session of poses, games and more! Practice mindfulness and increase flexibility! Boost focus with mediation and mandala coloring! Suitable for toddlers and their caregivers. (863) 687 - 3869 info@explorationsv.com

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 -

Heroes in Heels-Relay for Life of Winter Haven When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 5-10:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Winter Haven. Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Watch local men race in high heels for charity. Donate to the Hero of your choice at www.relayforlife.org/ PowerInPurpleWinterHavenFL First Friday: Spring Carnival! When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. http://ldda.org/ Rockin’ On the River When: Apr. 06 & 07, 2018 | 6-10:30 p.m. Where: Camp Mack River Resort 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales. http://www.autismrockinontheriver.com/ The 2018 Rockin’ on the River event is hosted by Rockin’ on the River, Inc. and will benefit Victory Ridge Academy, Side street Art Beat, Circle of Friends and other local non-profit organizations. Join us along the Kissimmee Riverbank at Camp Mack for a two-day fundraising event of live music, great food, and entertainment for the kids! Dis(Course)||Dis(Cord) - Reading Showcase at Hillcrest When: Apr. 06, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland. Harrison Creative Writing seniors put on a showcase reading of their works for the public to enjoy.doors at 6pm, readings begin at 7pm. Find them on FB at Hillcrest Coffee Sporting Clays Shoot Off When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Catfish Creek Sporting Clays 5000 Firetower Rd., Haines City. http://polktrainingcenter.org Proceeds benefit the Polk Training Center, Inc. Serving Polk County’s developmentally disabled individuals since 1986. Register online. Downtown Farmers Curb Market When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. Basic Fermentation with the Ferment Lady When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10-11:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org A general overview and discussion of beginning methods of lacto fermentation (the traditional way food has been preserved for centuries, super probiotic rich and healing for digestive issues). Jillian Ross will go over the science and methods of how to properly ferment foods and beverages of all kinds. Everyone will get to sample different items! Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $20 Children’s Fest 2018 When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com/ Explorations V will take over Munn Park and a section of Kentucky Ave to curate a day that ignites the senses, celebrates curiosity, and brings together families across Central Florida. CHILD FEST is one of the only discount admission days at the Museum making it a mission-driven event that ensures all families have an opportunity to experience, grow, and play in the Museum’s learning environments. 1st Rockin to the River Poker Run When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: La’s Midway Saloon, 2050 Us Hwy 92, Winter Haven. $20. to include A Brunch Buffet and also includes parking havenmagazines.com

ticket for Camp Mack joining the Rockin on The River Event. Raising Funds to support Autism . (863) 875-7966

parts of Polk, Lake, and Hillsborough counties. Free to the public. 863-688-7743

Outboack Oasis Butterfly Saturdays When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Outback Oasis 4000 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven. https://outbackoasis.com/ Walk-through the interactive Butterfly Encounter and feed the butterflies. Visit with a mermaid by the spring and help her feed the fish. In addition to plants, butterfly, and our resident kangaroos Auzzie and Joey, there is fun and informative Kangaroos talk time every Saturday, arts & crafts, chalk draw and games. Butterfly kits are available for $5. Take home your very own butterfly and watch the whole hatching process.

Oak Hill Cemetery Tour When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk County History Center 100 E Main St, Bartow. http://www.polkhistorycenter.org Learn about the pioneer families and World War I veterans interred at this historic Bartow cemetery. The tour starts at the History Center with a short walk of approximately one mile to include historic landmarks along the route to the cemetery. Oak Hill Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 with the earliest recorded burial dating to 1860. Corner of Main and Broadway in the old courthouse, downtown Bartow 863-534-4604.

2nd Annual “Cars For Christ and Craft Show When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Shiloh Baptist Church 905 West Terrace Drive, Plant City. http://Shilohpc.org 2nd Annual Cars For Christ and Craft show. Free admission and great family fun. Free car registration at shilohpc.org or day of event by 9am to be judged. (2017 and 2018 popular vote only). Trophies,dash plaques,crafts,food and music. 813-752-8345

3rd Annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Epic Church Lakeland 1115 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland. Spencer’s Sensory Shop. Come out and enjoy a day of fun for the entire family. April is autism awareness month and what better way to kick off the month then the 3rd Annual Autism Awareness family fun day.This event is FREE to the public.Come enjoy the bounce house, face painting, music, food, shop from over 30 crafters and direct sales vendors. Lots of fun and games. (863) 686-3742 info@epiclakeland.com

FLPolyCon 2018 When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10 a.m. Where: Florida Polytechnic University 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. https://flpolycon.ticketspice.com/flpolycon FLPolyCon is a diverse, all-inclusive geek culture celebration hosted by the students at Florida Polytechnic University.

Wild Fermentation When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Join St. Pete Ferments for a fermentation workshop: intro to wild fermentation! In this introductory class, participants will learn basic concepts of fermentation, its history, and how to make raw fermented sauerkraut at home. St. Pete Ferments will provide a tasting of our fermented food and beverages, all made locally.Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $10

Coffee with Artist: Holly Scoggins When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Join us for coffee with local artist, Holly Scoggins as we explore her exhibition, “Fearful Symmetry.” Scoggins is currently a Full Professor and Visual Arts Program Coordinator at Polk State College. She teaches courses in Drawing, Painting, Design and Figurative studies. She has lead Fine Art study abroad trips to Andros Island and France and was recently awarded the George Jenkins Endowed Faculty Chair award for Printmaking. Registration is not necessary but appreciated. 863-688-7743

3rd Annual Big Bass Blast Fishing Tournament in Honor of Bailey Tilley When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 1-4 p.m. Where: Lake Shipp Park 1649 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven. A bass fishing tournament with live entertainment, raffles, food and a tournament weigh in. The entry fee for competing anglers is $80. This is open and free to the public and all in honor of Bailey Tilley. Please contact Cherly Brewer at fishinggal80@hotmail.com for more information.

Access Art: Special Needs When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. This program invites individuals with special needs and varying exceptionalities to meet once a month at Polk Museum of Art to engage in viewing and discussing artwork that is exhibited. The program is designed to create social engagement and encourage creativity and self expression. After the tour the group meets at Kelly Rec. Center to make art inspired by the museum visit. Registration preferred but not required. For registration or questions, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-224-8557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail.com.

The Art and Science of Home Brewing Kombucha When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org This 2-hour workshop will introduce you to basic philosophy and concepts behind fermentation, as well as provide you with all the basic information needed to understand and brew your own living Kombucha tea at home. This includes a Kombucha tasting exemplifying how to flavor your Kombucha. The class will be led by Joshua D. Rumschlag, master formulator and co-owner at Mother Kombucha. Kombucha kits and cultures will be available for purchase. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $10

Creative Youth: 15th Congressional Art Competition Reception When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. https://polkmuseumofart.org/ 2018 marks the thirty-seventh year that members of the U.S. House of Representatives have recognized the creative spirit of American high school students (grades 9-12) with a national art competition. The Polk Museum of Art conducts the competition and mounts the exhibition for the 15th Congressional District including

Bowl for Kids’ Sake When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Orange Bowl 4318 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland. http://www.bbbstampabay.org/bowl 44

Big Brothers Big Sisters largest national fundraiser. All of the event expenses are underwritten by our corporate sponsors so that means 100% of the money raised by bowlers goes directly towards supporting children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters in the community. For more info & to register go to www.bbbstampabay.org/bowl Crazy for Kimchi When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Join Sarah Arrazola, founder of St. Pete Ferments and learn the traditional method of making kimchi. We will learn some basic fermenting methods, how to make homemade kimchi paste, and you also will take home a jar of your freshly made kimchi plus instructions for your future fermentation endeavors. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 20 Cruisin’ in Winter Haven When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 4-9 p.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. Thunder Thumpin’ has joined the Cruisin’ in Winter Haven Car Show. Not only enjoy your favorite vintage model, but also bring the girls along to shop your favorite vendors. This is truly a family friendly event. All About Sherry: An Introduction and Tasting When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 5-6 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn the science behind how sherry is made with Martha Rodriguez from Hidalgo Imports etc. (includes a special gift bottle). Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $15 The Florida Opry When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: 1914 Plant City High School Community Cente 605 North Collins Street, Plant City. https://www.ehhsoc.org/the-florida-opry.html The Florida Opry show with Randy Scott, Master of Ceremonies and the Larry Mangum-Classic Country Music Journey from Hank Williams to Alan Jackson and Jerry Mincey’s Dirk Roads Scholar with Tony Macaluso. $15 adults $8 students Astronomy Night When: Apr. 07, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Colt Creek State Park 16000 Sr-471, Lakeland. http://www.floridastateparks.org All are welcome - bring your own scope or binoculars, or use ours. Come early, bring a picnic lunch and join the crowd for some mingling and chatting. Regular park fees apply. (863) 815-6761 Cookie Concert When: Apr. 08, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium, 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. http://imperialsymphony.org/family/ Join the musicians of the ISO for the annual Cookie Concert brought to you by Publix Super Markets Charities! At 2 p.m., wander through the instrument petting zoo full of touch and try instruments from Carlton Music Center. Then, at 3 p.m., the orchestra will perform kid-friendly favorites‚ with dancing in the aisles encouraged! Young pianist Jacob Velazquez will perform his symphony debut with the ISO. A few months after Jacob began playing piano, he was diagnosed with a form of high-functioning autism. He uses his talent to demonstrate music’s impact for people of all abilities and to further autism awareness. Join the ISO and Jacob as the Cookie Concert recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month.

Free Nature Tour When: Apr. 08, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. On Sunday, April 8th, at 2pm, we will have the free nature tour at Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve which is led by Steve Franklin, Interpretive Guide. Enjoy a walk through time as our guide discusses some of the cultural and natural history of Florida’s delicate eco-systems and problems it faces today. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature during this tour and even some thought provoking poetry. 863-291-5272 Creative Yoga: Karen Seggerman When: Apr. 08, 2018 | 3-4 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Join our Creative Yoga class second Sunday for a truly inspirational experience. Yoga practitioner Karen Seggerman will guide you through an hour long class that will end incorporate our current exhibition. Our classes are a community format so that all ages, sizes, and levels of experience will feel comfortable. Practice will vary to increase diversity in your practice. Modifications are always offered.Please arrive early as space is limited and bring your own mat, blanket, and support block. Cost: $10 Non-members / $5 Members. If you have any questions, please call Membership Manager, Diana Smith, at 863.688.7743 x 249.

9-15 EPCAR Golf Charity Tournament When: Apr. 09, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Country Club 4200 Country Club Road S, Winter Haven. http://epcar.com/ Benefiting the High School Senior Scholarship Fund & The Women’s Resource Center. 863-294-3163 Trivia Night at Cob & Pen When: Apr. 09, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. http://www.cobandpenlakeland.com/ Thinking & Drinking! Join Brent Laponsey (who has been stumping Lakelanders for over 2 years) and the staff at Cob & Pen for weekly Trivia. SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In Expo When: Apr. 10-15, 2018 Where: Sun ‘n Fun, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland. http://www.flysnf.org Activities all day, find schedule online. Lunch & Learn: Microirrigation for Edible Gardens and Landscapes When: Apr. 10, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Lakeland Electri 501 E Lemon St., Lakeland. http://polkextension.com Join us for a free lunchtime workshop at the Lakeland Electric Building. Have you heard of microirrigation? Join us to learn about this efficient method for watering your ornamental and edible plants in the landscape. Registration is limited and required. This is a free lunch and learn workshop and lunch is provided. Workshop is presented by the City of Lakeland Water Utilities and the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.Go to polkextension.com for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us at j.schelb@ufl.edu. Growing Perennials in the Home Landscape When: Apr. 10, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center 3020 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland. In this workshop you will learn how to choose perennials that are easy to grow in Central Florida yards. Most of these plants may be seen growing in the UF/IFAS

to learn more about how to better manage their hearing loss. We talk about our advocacy programs and services. Meeting are looped and captioned. Meeting days are the 2nd Thursday of each month, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. More information on our website: www.hla-lakeland.org

Extension demonstration garden in Bartow. This workshop is free. Registration is encouraged via eventbrite.com/e/growing-perennials-in-the-homelandscape-tickets-40043521250.Workshop provided by UF IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardeners. If you have any questions, please contact us at j.schelb@ufl. edu or 863.519.1068. See you there!For more information on other UF/IFAS Extension Polk County programs, visit polkextension.com

Florida’s Amazing History and Why You Should Care When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Depot Museum & Cultural Center 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales. Take a whirlwind tour of 500 years of Florida history and how it has changed the state, for better or worse,capped with a strong argument that Florida’s biggest challenge is encouraging its transplants to become Floridians and work to solve the state’s problems. This program is sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Free to the Public. Light refreshments provided. Please RSVP to the Lake Wales Museum at 863.676.1759.

Meditation with Singing Bowls When: Apr. 10, 2018 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Sound healing with Reiki Master Kristen Tenpenny leads you into an in-depth journey of relaxation and expansion. The vibrations of the ancient Tibetan and crystal singing bowls raise the vibration of your cells, allowing for your body to relaxing, reducing stress, pain, and tension while putting the listener into a meditative state. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $15

Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. Join us for the Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally on the second Thursday of the month in Munn Park Historic District from 6-9pm! This event is family and dog friendly (dogs must be leashed, and play well with others!)

Arts4Vets Clay Workshop When: Apr. 10, 2018 | 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Eloise Resource and Arts Center 710 Snively Ave, Winter Haven. http://www.facebook.com/Arts-4-Vets This class is free to all veterans. Spouses may attend for a donation of $10, per class. Instructor: Nancy Guevara and Polly Loeber Location: Eloise Resource and Arts Center (863) 293-2700

Lady Moonbeam & Patty Kenoly When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland. http://www.facebook.com/hillcrestcoffee/

2018 Child of the Sun Distinguished Speakers Series: Josh Earnest When: Apr. 10, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Annie Pfeiffer Chapel Florida Southern College 715 E Park St., Lakeland. http://www.flsouthern.edu The 2018 Child of the Sun Distinguished Speakers Series explores the murky waters of a post-truth environment. Dubbed the word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries in 2016, “post-truth” describes a situation “in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.”

The Carpenter’s Home: Where History was Built When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. http://lakelandgov.net/departments/library Speaker Series presentation by Richard A. Fifer. The establishment of a retirement home for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of American came true with the dedication of the residence hall in 1928. Built on former orange grove grounds near the west side of Lake Gibson, this home remained active until 1976. Approx. 2205 residents lived there in dignity & compassion, a noble experiment as America sought ways to provide proper care for its elderly workers. The structure remains part of Lakeland’s history.

Lunch & Learn: Rain Garden Landscape Design When: Apr. 11, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Rain gardens are a great way to help reduce storm water runoff and are easily incorporated in to the existing landscape. Plants can survive both dry and rainy seasons. Join us to learn how to add a rain garden to your yard. Included with general admission. 863-676-1408

Polk State Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” When: Apr. 12-19, 2018 Where: Polk State/Winter Haven, 999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven. http://www.polk.edu Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts TheatreCurtain time 7:30 pm. Sunday 2:30 pm $10 General Public. Free for students, faculty, staffBox Office Opens at 6:30 pm (863) 297-1050

Lecture by Dr. Roy Kerr: Francisco de Goya When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 5:30-6:15 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Referencing a broad spectrum of paintings, etchings and drawings across the long arc of Goya’s career, this lecture reveals him to be as much an artist of vision and light as one of shadow and darkness, while at the same time confirming his status as a protean and pivotal figure in the history of Western art.

Heart by Heart Featuring Original Heart Members Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://rpfundingcenter.com Point of View Gallery Talk: Masters of Spain When: Apr. 13, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org The focus of the Gallery talk will be on Goya’s

Hearing Loss Chapter Meeting When: Apr. 12, 2018 | 6-7:30 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. http://www.hla-lakeland.org Monthly chapter meeting of the Hearing Loss Association - Lakeland Chapter. We will often have presentations by hearing loss professionals, potlucks, holiday dinners, general chat, games, etc. The purpose of these meetings is to bring together folks who have hearing loss and want

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 -

FOR PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS

•Medical-Based Hearing Exams •Hearing Aids •Cochlear Implants •Tinnitus Treatment •Vertigo Treatment

Lunch & Learn APRIL 17TH 11:30-1:00

Hearing aid specials, raffles, refreshments, complimentary hearing screenings. Seating is limited! Reserve your seat today 863-646-3277. Aspire Hearing and Balance, dedicated to serving our patients. We specialize in identifying, diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders in our state-of-the-art facility. Our goal is to help you hear your best because your life is worth hearing!

ASPIRE

HEARING & BALANCE Where Physicians Refer Their Patients! Lakelands only Board Certified Cochlear Implan t Audiologist Dr. Kayla G. Wilkins, Au.D. Board-Certified Audiologist

863-646-3277

635 Midflorida Drive Suite 2 Lakeland, Fl 33813 www.aspirehearing.com

Tauromaquia series of etchings. Begun in 1815 and completed in 1816, the Tauromaquia is Goya’s effort to provide a visual history of the origin and development of bullfighting in Spain. In reality, however, two-thirds of the prints represent events that Goya himself witnessed in the bullring, and those that represent earlier periods are not necessarily historically accurate.Dr. Roy Kerr will discuss Goya’s life and career, the origin and evolution of etching, including the aquatint process, which is a hallmark of Goya’s etchings. With that background, Kerr will move into a discussion of the Tauromaquia prints on the Gallery walls.Space is limited. RSVP by emailing Reservations@ PolkMuseumofArt.org. 863-688-7743 The Gathering Goose When: Apr. 13, 2018 | 4-9 p.m. Where: 251 Avenue A SW, Winter Haven. Vendors and food trucks will be on site. For more information contact The Gathering Goose at 1stsaturdaysvintage@gmail.com Free Friday Family Yoga When: Apr. 13, 2018 | 4-5 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com/ A one-hour family yoga class! Bond with your little one through movement, music, and meditation as we flow through a fun-packed session of poses, games and more! Practice mindfulness and increase flexibility! Boost focus with mediation and mandala coloring! Suitable for toddlers and their caregivers. (863) 687 - 3869 info@explorationsv.com Concert Series: Music for the Masses with Marcus Brixa When: Apr. 13, 2018 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. April 13 at 5:30 p.m. Marcus Brixa. Registration is required. Walter Parks Swamp by Chandelier When: Apr. 13, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://www.gpderrydown.com Gram Parsons Derry Down welcomes back Walter Parks, also featuring Vivian Sessoms Guitarist and singer Walter Parks, the longtime sideman for Woodstock legend Richie Havens has created Swamp By Chandelier — a new solo tour that’s both a concert and a historical experience. Replete with storytelling, skillful guitar playing and soulfully operatic singing, Swamp By Chandelier is a presentation of Parks’ own compositions interwoven with a few Richie Havens classics and an exciting reinterpretation of music that Parks researched in the Library of Congress Folklife Collection. Purchase tickets online. Lake Shipp Tournament When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: W. G. Roe Park 2403 7th St. SW, Winter Haven. Gone Bassin Inc. will be hosting a catch and release bass tournament at W.G. Roe for youth and high school age. Fee to register. For more information email Leeann Smith at gonebassinorg@gmail.com Sun ‘n Run 5K Run When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 7 a.m. Where: Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 3900 Don Emerson Dr Ste 210, Lakeland. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/ LakelandAirportSunnRUN5KRun Road race on the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport airfield during the 44th annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Exposition. Runners will have the opportunity to start the race on the airport’s terminal ramp flanked by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jets and during the run will be able to witness the launching of over 20 hot air balloons. Proceeds from the race will benefit The Lakeland Aero Club and Women in Aviation International - Lakeland Chapter havenmagazines.com

Downtown Farmers Curb Market When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. Live Green Lakeland When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. http://www.gfwclakelandjuniors.org A family friendly event highlighting the Lakeland community’s eco-friendly businesses, non-profits and organizations. Hosted by GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Lakeland. Strummin’ & Drummin’ 5K Run/Walk-Banding Together for Foster Children When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8-10 a.m. Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex 2701 Berkley Road, Auburndale. http://www.ppcacademy.net/ Join Heartland for Children for a scenic 3-mile music-filled run/walk around beautiful Lake Myrtle Sports Complex as we “band together” to support the needs of children entering the local foster care system. A variety of musical genres will greet you as you make your way around manicured soccer and baseball fields overlooking tranquil Lake Myrtle. Proceeds will sponsor the PPCA Culinary Cares Project (CCP) which provides meals for families touched by life changing events. Register online.

4000 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven. https://outbackoasis.com/ Walk-through the interactive Butterfly Encounter and feed the butterflies. Visit with a mermaid by the spring and help her feed the fish. In addition to plants, butterfly, and our resident kangaroos Auzzie and Joey, there is fun and informative Kangaroos talk time every Saturday, arts & crafts, chalk draw and games. Butterfly kits are available for $5. Take home your very own butterfly and watch the whole hatching process. Purchase tickets online.

Paws to Read When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 12 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. Read to therapy dogs and improve your reading skills! Our furry friends from Paws for Friendship Inc. are safe, friendly, and nonjudgmental reading buddies.This event is free and registration is not required.For more info, contact Monica Fisher at (863) 834-4274 or monica.fisher@ lakelandgov.net.

Pruning & Propagation When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Join Linda Worle, state certified horticulturist and teacher for this workshop. You will be equipped to take on the challenges of maintaining your own yard. You will learn the when, whys, and wheres of pruning at this informative hands-on pruning workshop.Classroom workshop will be followed by a garden tour where propagation techniques will be explained. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $45

Saturday Afternoon Family Movie: Wonder (PG) When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. http://mywinterhaven.com Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. Airboaters for Autism Light it Up Blue When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 3-8:30 p.m. Where: Coleman Landings Campground 1450 Shady Oaks Dr., Lake Wales. Please come and celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month in April. This year’s event will include amazing BBQ provided by last year’s cooks https://www.facebook.com/CopRQueCatering1/ with many raffles followed by a Lighting up of the puzzle representing #AutismAwareness. How many lit up airboats can we get this year?

Art Lab: Holly Scoggins When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Labs are led by professional artists or art educators whom will engage participants in creating their own piece of artwork through a wide array of art mediums, techniques and connecting conversations relating to a specific exhibition on display in the Museum. 863-688-7743

Yogaroo When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8-10 a.m. Where: Outback Oasis 4000 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven. https://outbackoasis.com/ Come join us for a relaxing yoga class taught by Jhoanna Mukai at Outback Oasis Garden in front of beautiful kangaroos. You will also be able to try our yoga essential oils and learn more about its amazing benefits to help enhance your relaxation experience. Purchase tickets online.

Lake Alfred History: Multi-Generational Businesses When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Lake Alfred Historical Society Museum 210 N. Seminole Ave., Lake Alfred. Lake Alfred History: Multi-Generational Businesses Presented by the Lake Alfred Historical Society. April 14th, 11am at the Lake Alfred Historical Society Museum, 210 N. Seminole Ave. Topics include City Barber Shop, Krystal Roc Stucco Company, and Lang Sun Country Groves. This is a free event. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 863-224-2792.

Lake Wales Farmers Market When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. Every 2nd & 4th Saturday. The Florida Run at Colt Creek State Park When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. Where: Colt Creek State Park 16000 Sr-471, Lakeland. http://thefloridarun.com/colt-creek-state-park A trail run throughout Colt Creek State Park offering a Half Marathon, 10K and 5K distances. The course will take you through classic Florida terrain. You will start off on a flat packed trail along Mac Lake. Then you will enter into a narrower trail winding through lush greens, longleaf pines and hardwood hammocks. From there, courses will split as each distance will get to experience a slightly different scenery and terrain. Our courses are very well marked and runners will be on well-worn footpaths; the paths are mostly grass with some areas of dirt, pebbles, and paved roads.

Celebrating a Decade of Hope When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Hope Equine Rescue Inc. 1200 Dixie Dr, Auburndale. http://hopeequinerescue.com/ Come celebrate a decade of saving lives! Barn tours, meet Thelma and Louise, tack sale, raffles, Hoggy Style barbecue, educational seminars and more! (863) 287-7503

Lakeland Chamber Foundation Gala A Madhatter’s Ball When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 6:30-11 p.m. Where: Haus 820 820 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. http://business.lakelandchamber.com Lakeland Chamber Foundation will host its first gala entitled “A Mad Hatter’s Ball.” All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the new programming offered by the foundation with an emphasis on workforce development - “Skill’s Gap.” This black tie affair will include a live 10 piece band, top notch cuisine and over the top decor! Please Contact Darla Sechrest Pettaway (863) 688-8551 ext. 228 SEU: Night of the Opera Performance When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 7-8:30 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org The scenes presented in these programs are geared toward presenting opera excerpts that both opera lovers and opera novices can enjoy, scenes which are carefully selected for their accessibility to aspiring young voices. To view a complete list of their offerings or to purchase tickets to any of our events in advance, please visit www.seu.edu/arts/events Doubt When: Apr. 14-29, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Haines City Theatre 303 Ledwith Ave., Haines City. http://hainescitytheatre.com In this powerful drama, Haines City Community Theatre Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, suspects Father

Boutique • Rustic Decor • Gifts & More

Lakeland Gun Show When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://www.lakelandgunshow.com 863-665-0092 Vendors with over 500 display tables of modern, antique and military weapons, guns, blades and so much more.Convenient opportunities to buy, sell, or trade at the largest arms show in the Southeast. Concealed weapons classes available. More info at equip2conceal.com

10% Off All Apparel (with this ad)

Outboack Oasis Butterfly Saturdays When: Apr. 14, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Outback Oasis

Tues.- Fri 10-6 Sat 10-3

5319 S Florida Ave Lakeland • Sawdustandrustllc.com 46

categories will receive thousands of dollars in cash prizes. While SlingShot Polk is administered by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, it is a county-wide initiative.Ten semifinalists will be selected to receive mentoring and present their plans at a final event on Monday, April 16, 2018, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Gram Parsons Derry Down, 297 5th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

Flynn of improper relations with one of the male students. April 14,15, 21, 22, 28 & 29. Purchase tickets online or call 863-421-1893 Sunday Morning Yoga When: Apr. 15, 2018 | 8 a.m. Where: 801 E Main St. 801 E Main St., Lakeland. $15 gets you an hour of yoga and an order of amazingly delicious beignets afterwards!Bring your mat (if you have one) Winter Haven Charity Challenge When: Apr. 15, 2018 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. https://www.worldrecordribbon.com/ Be a part of history while helping the American Cancer Society! Guinness will be on site while we break the “Largest Human Awareness Ribbon!” It will take place before the 1:05 PM game. Non-profit vendors will be on site. Come see this beautiful stadium and enjoy the game! Let’s knock CANCER out of the park! WE CAN DO THIS!

Trivia Night at Cob & Pen When: Apr. 16, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. http://www.cobandpenlakeland.com/ Join Brent Laponsey (who has been stumping Lakelanders for over 2 years) and the staff at Cob & Pen for weekly Trivia.

Art + Dance: OFF THE WALL When: Apr. 19, 2018 | 6:30-9 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Please join us for an Off the Wall experience through the galleries of the Polk Museum of Art this April! Featuring unique, live dance pieces choreographed and created by Ferdinand DeJesus, the FrediDance Project will make the exhibitions come to life in new and exciting ways. As the art comes off the wall in the form of dance, you will be invited to spark your imagination as Polk Museum of Art Curator Dr. H. Alexander Rich gives a brief On the Wall introduction to each featured work. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Cash Bar.Members $10 Non-Members - $15 Featured exhibitions:Painting a Nation: Landscapes from the Hudson River School Masters of Spain: Goya and Picasso.863-688-7743 Purchase Tickets Online or At The Door

Tribute Tuesday: Brass Heart Band When: Apr. 17, 2018 | 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. http://www.theatrewinterhaven.com/ Celebrating the music of Chicago, Tower of Power, Donna Summers & The Supremes, Pat Benatar and more! With the hottest horns in the heart of Florida, BRASS HEART BAND! Purchase tickets online. 863-294-7469

16-22 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Country Club of Winter Haven When: Apr. 16, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. Where: Winter Haven Chamber 401 Ave B NW, Winter Haven. http://heart4wh.org Participants are also invited to a pre-tournament party at the Grove Roots’ Packing House on Friday, April 13 at 6pm. Dinner and drinks provided. We will also have a silent auction at this event. All participants can bring a guest. Heart for Winter Haven is committed to empower individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches to create a connected Winter Haven working together to renew people and places, one life-transforming deed at a time. For more information on the mission of Heart for Winter Haven, as well as ways to get involved, please visit heart4wh.org. Registration Deadline — April 6th

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience When: Apr. 18, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://rpfundingcenter.com “The Experience” brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans, as she lets spirit guide her through the audience. A video display ensures everyone in the venue has an up-close-hands-on experience regardless of seat location. “The experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about witnessing something life-changing” says Theresa Caputo. “It’s like Long Island Medium live, witnessing first-hand spirit communication.” Purchase tickets online.

Arts4Vets Clay Workshop When: Apr. 17, 2018 | 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Eloise Resource and Arts Center 710 Snively Ave, Winter Haven. http://www.facebook.com/Arts-4-Vets This class is free to all veterans. Spouses may attend for a donation of $10, per class. Instructor: Nancy Guevara and Polly Loeber Location: Eloise Resource and Arts Center (863) 293-2700

Connor Kirby, Emily Jones & Rachel & Hannah When: Apr. 19, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland. http://www.facebook.com/hillcrestcoffee/ connor kirby (lakeland, fl)connorkirby.bandcamp. comemily jones (lakeland, fl)emilyjonesfl.bandcamp. comrachel pollock & hannah dobson (lakeland, fl)doors at 6:30pm, music at 7pm

Half a Century of Art When: Apr. 18, 2018 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Michael Crews Gallery Lake Wales Arts Council 1099 Highway 60 E, Lake Wales. http://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org Selected art from sculptors George O’Neill Jr. and Peter France spanning over half a century. This exhibit includes works in bronze, marble, steel and wood. No admission charge. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Closed on weekends. (863) 676-8426

Chow Down in Lake Wales When: Apr. 16, 2018 | 5-9 p.m. Where: Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales. Every 3rd Monday of the month Chow Down Food Trucks is bringing Florida’s best Food Trucks to Lake Wailes Park from 5 pm - 9 pm

Creative Yoga with Michelle Pugh When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Join our Creative Yoga class every third Friday for a truly inspirational experience. Dedicated yoga practitioner Michelle Pugh will guide you through an hour long hatha-based class that will end with a meditation focused on our current exhibition.Our classes are a community format so that all ages, sizes, and levels of experience will feel comfortable. Practice will vary to increase diversity in your practice. Modifications are always offered. Please arrive early as space is limited and bring your own mat and blanket if possible. Cost: $10 Non-members / $5 Members. If you have any questions, please call Membership Manager, Diana Smith, at 863.688.7743 x 249.

Natural Products for Pest Control When: Apr. 18, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Haines City Public Library 111 N 6th St, Haines City. http://polkextension.com In this program you will learn about less hazardous alternatives to conventional pesticides, with pictures of many pests. A question and answer period will follow. This workshop is free. Registration is encouraged.

Sling Shot Polk When: Apr. 16, 2018 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Gram Parsons Derry Down 297 5th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://www.SlingShotPolk.com Middle, high school, and college students and innovators under the age of 30 are invited to enter plans outlining a solution to one of Polk’s biggest problems. First, second, and third place winners in two contest

TOM HANKS

Free Friday Family Yoga When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 4-5 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com/ A one-hour family yoga class! Bond with your little one through movement, music, and meditation as we flow through a fun-packed session of poses, games and more! Practice mindfulness and increase flexibility! Boost focus with mediation and mandala coloring! Suitable for toddlers and their caregivers. (863) 687 - 3869 info@explorationsv.com Dulcimers in the Park When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://mywinterhaven.com Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening with this unique Hammered Dulcimer band as well as demonstrations from the Wildwood Dulcimers, mountain dulcimer trio. You will be entertained with music styles of Waltzes, Patriotic tunes, Irish Reels & Jigs, Hymns, and American standards. Polk County Senior Exhibition Reception When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 6-7 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Polk County Senior Exhibition Reception. We invite the friends and family of the students whose artwork is presented in Polk County Senior Exhibition to join us for a reception.The museum hosts several exhibitions per year in the George Jenkins Gallery that feature artwork by Polk County School District students. From each of these exhibitions, one piece is purchased by the Museum to be added to our Student Collection. Excelerate When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 6-11 p.m. Where: Florida Polytechnic University 4700 Research Way, Lakeland. https://foundation.floridapoly.edu/excelerate/ Reception: 6 p.m.Dinner & Program: 7 p.m. Celebration: 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online. Location: Florida Polytechnic UniversityInnovation, Science & Technology BuildingSaddle Creek Logistics Commons Lidia Vigil 863.874.8732

home

essentials

70th Anniversary Celebration! Friday & Saturday • April 13-14

Since 1994

Music, food, games and giveaways! Come sing along to the movie GREASE!

Introducing the ‘Lake Morton Moonlit Swan’ Sandblasted on beautiful Rolf Glass, Screen printed on aprons & kitchen towels

Take Polk Parkway > Airport Rd. > east on US 92 W ... you’re there! Present this coupon for

Snacking & Eating Out with Diabetes When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. http://mywinterhaven.com If you have diabetes or know someone that does, this class is for you! Through games (let’s play Jeopardy!) and activities, learn from a registered dietitian the best snacks and restaurant choices. Register online.

Buy 1 Get 1

FREE

325 N. Kentucky Ave. Downtown Lakeland, FL • Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm (863) 687-3600

Limit 1 per car. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/31/18.

Tools for Kitchen, Dining, & Entertaining. Great Gifts!

4100 US 92 W • Lakeland • SilverMoonDriveIn.com

Facebook.com/HomeEssentialsLakeland

Relay for Life Mulberry When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Mulberry High School Track 1 Panther Place, Mulberry. http://www.relayforlife.org/mulberryfl An American Cancer Society community event to fight cancer. Food, fun, entertainment. If you are a cancer survivor we would like to honor you with a t-shirt and the first walk around the track. Register at www.relayforlife.org/mulberryfl Glitter and Grit Hoopla When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Vintage Warehouse Lakeland 4308 Wallace Rd, Lakeland. Come join the Vintage Warehouse and the Beatnik Exchange as they co-host the “Glitter and Grit Hoopla.” A soul shine gathering in celebration of the long anticipated 50,000 likes on FB AND the grand debut of “Indie Blu” a one of a kind trolley. We will be serving great BBQ and are so happy to have the band “The Tavern Kings” entertain us under the stars. We are also excited to visit with our guest of honor Lori Powell the founder of Fancy Flea and Fancy Flea cottage in Bartow. (863) 904-5683 Green Celebration When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Lake Mirror Frances Langford Promenade 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.lakelandgov.net/ On Friday, April 20th, there will be a Free Green Celebration in honor of Earth Day with a concert & showcase at the Francis Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror from 6 pm - 9 pm. There will be live music from reggae band Jah Movement along with a variety of exhibits promoting green living initiatives. The Polk County Public Schools School Board will also participate showcasing various school programs and earth friendly initiatives designed to promote a greener more sustainable future. Taste of Our Town Winter Haven When: Apr. 20, 2018 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Garden Ballroom 301 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven. http://www.tasteofourtownwh.com/reservation/ Taste of Our Town benefits local elite water skiers from Winter Haven who were selected for the USA Water Ski Show Team to compete at the IWWF Show Ski World Championships Sept 7th - 9th in Huntsville, Ontario Canada. With your attendance ($15), know that you are supporting these local athletes. Every single dollar helps give them the training, coaching, and other resources they need to achieve their dream of representing our country at the 2018 World Show Ski Tournament. Downtown Farmers Curb Market When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. Record Store Day at Jesse Carl Vinyl When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 8 a.m. Where: Jesse Carl Vinyl 304 N. Kentucky Ave., #1150, Lakeland. http://www.jessecarlvinyl.com/ Join us for Record Store Day 2018 and get your hands on exclusive, limited edition releases, reissues, and goodies! (863) 274-3880 Pushing Petals 5K Walk When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. Where: Lake Hollingsworth East of South Florida Ave. & West of Bartow Rd., Lakeland. https://www.pushingpetals.org/ Pushing Petals 5k symbolizes a commitment to healthy living and giving back to our community. We’re raising funds to give young girls backpacks to start their school year off right and to support a local young entrepreneur 12-year-old, McKenzie Cheatham founder and owner of She’s One Smart Cookie. Let’s walk it out for excellence! havenmagazines.com

of our best friends! Your participation and fundraising for the Walk for Animals helps SPCA Florida care for more than 4,000 homeless cats and dogs each year and provide affordable medical treatment to more than 68,500 animals annually. (863)646-7722 Register online.

Central Florida Farm Tour When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Participating farms in Polk County. http://centralfloridafarmtour.com/ Central Florida Farm Tour is a self-guided driving tour featuring some of the most extraordinary farms located throughout Polk County, FL. This is a unique opportunity for guests to experience working farm operations not normally open to the public. Pick your adventure. Visit a few farms or visit all farms at your own pace. Enjoy the day exploring farms and learning about the area’s rich agricultural tradition. $20 per vehicle.

Brian Sutherland, Abraham Partridge & Kyle Keller When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Coffee 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland. http:///www.facebook.com/hillcrestcoffee/ doors at 6:30pm // music at 7pm

Outboack Oasis Butterfly Saturdays When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Outback Oasis 4000 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven. https://outbackoasis.com/ Walk-through the interactive Butterfly Encounter and feed the butterflies. Visit with a mermaid by the spring and help her feed the fish. In addition to plants, butterfly, and our resident kangaroos Auzzie and Joey, there is fun and informative Kangaroos talk time every Saturday, arts & crafts, chalk draw and games. Purchase tickets online.

Earth Day When: Apr. 22, 2018 An Afternoon Melody When: Apr. 22, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://www.seu.edu/arts Faculty-selected music majors of Southeastern University perform individual and chamber works in the elegant entryway to the beloved Polk Museum of Art. (863) 667-5657 Email: DLEdwards@seu.edu Website and tickets: http://www.seu.edu/arts

Healthy Kids Day When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Plant City Family YMCA 1507 YMCA Pl, Plant City. The Tampa Bay YMCA has a yearly nationwide event each Spring called Healthy Kids Day, at which we have various activities and vendors promoting healthy activities and services. The event is open to the community and free of charge.

Forest Magic Walk When: Apr. 22, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. Join our guide, Steve Franklin, for a tranquil stroll along one of the trails in our Preserve. There, you will visit shaded coves where the group can pause to participate in stress reducing mental exercises and enjoy the calming effects of nature poems. The program allows participants an opportunity to consciously immerse themselves in the redemptive air, sights, and sounds that forests so generously provide. Reservations required for this walk, as group size is limited! Please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 863-291-5272 or aquinones@ mylakealfred.com to sign up.

Architectural Tour When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 11 a.m. Where: Polk County History Center 100 E Main St, Bartow. http://www.polkhistorycenter.org Join us for a family friendly architectural tour of the History Center and learn more about Neo-Classical architecture, the construction of the building and the stories behind the iconic Old Polk County Courthouse. The architectural tour is on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. 863-534-4380

23-29

Docent-Led Tours When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Docent-Led Tours (for all ages)Third Saturdays of the monthTour begins at 11:00am and ends at noon. Free for everyone. Pre-registration is suggested. Space is limited To register, please email reservations@polkmuseumofart.org 863.688.7743

Trivia Night at Cob & Pen When: Apr. 23, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. http://www.cobandpenlakeland.com/ Join Brent Laponsey (who has been stumping Lakelanders for over 2 years) and the staff at Cob & Pen for weekly Trivia. Arts4Vets Clay Workshop When: Apr. 24, 2018 | 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Eloise Resource and Arts Center 710 Snively Ave, Winter Haven. http://www.facebook.com/Arts-4-Vets This class is free to all veterans. Spouses may attend for a donation of $10, per class. All class fees collected cover supply costs. FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS Instructor: Nancy Guevara and Polly LoeberLocation: Eloise Resource and Arts Center(863) 293-2700

Slow Roll & Ski Show When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Winter Haven. Slow Roll will begin and meet at the Bike Shop of Winter Haven. Slow Roll through the city of Winter Haven taking a path that promotes the murals, parks & downtown. Stop mid-roll at Lake Silver to watch the Cypress Gardens Ski Team. Slow Roll back through town ending up at Grove Roots Brewery.

Moonlight Market When: Apr. 25, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven. The Moonlight Market is every 4th Wednesday from 6-9pm! Vendors from all over Central Florida will be setting up shop.

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 5-7 p.m. Where: MLK Jr. Park 199 E Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven. Concessions Available. Bring blanket or chair for seating. Walk for Animals When: Apr. 21, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: Lake Mirror 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. http://www.spcaflorida.org We invite walkers, friends, families, and corporate teams to sign up and bring their dogs to join us in celebration

The Fancy Flea When: Apr. 27, 2018 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds 2866 Reynolds St W, Plant City. http://www.fancyflea.net Vintage home & garden market 48

Access Art: Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia When: Apr. 27, 2018 | 2-3 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. http://polkmuseumofart.org Facilitator: Tinia ClarkParticipants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. This program is designed for people in the early stages of dementia and their care partners and is open to the public. If you are concerned about your privacy, please speak to the facilitator of the meeting. Space is limited to 12 participants and their caregivers each month. Registration is preferred but not required.For registration, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-224-8557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail.com. Access Art is based on the MOMA Alzheimer’s Project and is a collaboration between Polk Museum of Art, Alzheimer’s Association — Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc. Free Friday Family Yoga When: Apr. 27, 2018 | 4-5 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. https://explorationsv.com/ A one-hour family yoga class! Bond with your little one through movement, music, and meditation as we flow through a fun-packed session of poses, games and more! Practice mindfulness and increase flexibility! Boost focus with mediation and mandala coloring! Suitable for toddlers and their caregivers. (863) 687 - 3869 info@explorationsv.com The Lakeland Derby When: Apr. 27, 2018 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Lake Mirror 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland. http://www.lvim.net/lakeland-derby/ The Lakeland Derby is an annual “Derby Style” event staged on beautiful Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. The Lakeland Derby captures the thrill of a race and the purity of sports entertainment in a hometown setting. The true essence of the Derby is the reward of knowing the proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. The Derby features ten beautifully hand-crafted swan paddle boats in a thrilling race to the finish line. 863.688.LVIM (5846) Jug Brothers Band When: Apr. 27, 2018 | 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. Music in Central park. Grant Piche leads singing with a variety of his friends to the sound of kazoos, washboards, spoons, bongos, etc. Audience participation is encouraged. Guests bring their own chairs. Please contact Grant Piche at picgra@aol.com for more information. Bridges of Madison County When: Apr. 27-May 06 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com/ boxofficelct@gmail.com 863-603-7529. One of the most romantic stories ever written and a two-time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical It tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. This production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. Downtown Farmers Curb Market When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. The 11-month Market (closed in August) is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers.

7th Annual National PAL Mentoring Day When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. http://www.lakelandpal.com The purpose of this event is to promote & partner with Community and Youth Organizations and businesses throughout Polk County to provide information on resources, programs, educational programs, athletic programs, summer activities and camps that appeal to children and families. In 1993, The Lakeland Police Athletic / Activities League, Inc. (Lakeland PAL) was formed to prevent juvenile crime and violence by providing youth mentoring, education and athletic/ activities, aimed to get kids off the street. Our mission is “Filling Playgrounds not Prisons.” Kadian Parchment 863-877-7527

Why Do Heroes Have Big Feet? When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 3 p.m. Where: Ramon Theater 15 E Wall Street, Frostproof. http://www.ramontheater.com A play performed by Frostproof area students.

Outboack Oasis Butterfly Saturdays When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Outback Oasis 4000 Country Club Rd. S, Winter Haven. https://outbackoasis.com/ Walk-through the interactive Butterfly Encounter and feed the butterflies. Visit with a mermaid by the spring and help her feed the fish.In addition to plants, butterfly, and our resident kangaroos Auzzie and Joey, there is fun and informative Kangaroos talk time every Saturday, arts & crafts, chalk draw and games. Purchase tickets online.

Ring of Honor Wrestling When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. http://rpfundingcenter.com

Lake Wales Farmers Market When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. Every 2nd & 4th Saturday. Project E.A.G.L.E. When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 8 a.m. Where: Lake Shipp Park 1649 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1676246305766644/ This annual chain of lakes clean-up has become a long standing tradition over the years. Staging area is at Lake Shipp Park, Saturday, April 28, 2018 beginning at 8 am for registration, tee shirt and supplies. Choose a lake of your choice, clean-up and later join us for lunch starting at NOON. Family friendly activities will begin at 10 am such as environmental and educational showings, face painting, rock painting/hiding, bounce house, music and more.Project E.A.G.L.E. will provide gloves and bags if you need them. Volunteers can either walk the shore or bring a watercraft of choice from which to work. Water craft volunteers should bring gloves and a net or pike pole to collect trash. GardenFest: Plant Sale, Workshops, Demonstration Garden Tours When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: UF/IFAS Extension 1702 S Highway, Bartow. http://polkgardening.eventbrite.com GardenFest will feature a plant sale of a wide variety of plants. Most of the hundreds of plants are propagated by Master Gardener volunteers, who work throughout the year nurturing and caring for them. The sale will include native and Florida-Friendly plants, bromeliads, succulents, orchids, and edibles. Plants that are easy to grow and that attract butterflies and other wildlife will be available. Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to assist customers in plant selection.

Lake Wales Food Truck Rally When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 4-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Lake Wales. Vendors, DJ & food trucks! Classic Car Show When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 4-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales.

Flip Flop Ball When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Barnett Residence 3830 Gaines Ct., Winter Haven. http://talbothouse.org/events/ Live music, dancing, food, silent auction and fun, all benefiting the amazing Talbot House Ministries and the free services they provide throughout Polk County. Tickets are on sale now at $75 per person and available for purchase at http://talbothouse.org/events/.For more information on event sponsorship opportunities, call Claudia Jordan at Phone: 863-687-8475 Ext. 119

Saturday Afternoon Family Movies: Paddington 2 (PG) When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. 7th Annual Tea & Fashion Show When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church-Haines City 104 Scenic Hwy, Haines City. http://www.thewaycenter.org/ All proceeds benefit the Women and Youth Center. $25 per person. (863) 422-2309

The Fancy Flea When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds 2866 Reynolds St W, Plant City. http://www.fancyflea.net Vintage home & garden market Bonsai Basics When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Learn Japanese techniques to create miniature ‘trees’ with Garden Educator Stephen Kane. Workshop includes how to prune, wire, and care for these little trees. Make and take home a Bonsai tree, tree and supplies will be provided. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $40

MAY 1-6 Farm to Table Dinner with Chef Amy Freeze: Summer Salads When: May. 03, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Summer is almost here! Join us in the Outdoor Kitchen for our fourth Farm to Table Dinner prepared by World Food Championship’s Amy Freeze, featuring fresh produce and hearty proteins. Amy will incorporate ingredients straight from our garden, to prepare a variety of summer-themed salads, a decadent dessert, and cool summer drinks. Purchase drinks online. 863-676-1408 $45 Cinco de Mayo! When: May. 05, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Join Chef Matt in the Outdoor Kitchen to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and learn how to set up your own impressive taco bar. Chef Matt will demonstrate cooking techniques, homemade salsas and handmade tortillas. Purchase tickets online. 863-676-1408 $35

30 Hollingsworth Winds Spring Concert When: Apr. 30, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. Guest conductors will include:Larry Clark - composer and V.P. of Carl Fischer MusicJimmy Parker - the “Voice” of the Hollingsworth WindsIan Schwindt - Band Director of Titusville High SchoolFor further information contact Ivan Wansley 813-230-1379

One-on-One Doubles Shootout & Live Rockin’ Blues Concert When: Apr. 28, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Country Club 4200 Country Club Road S, Winter Haven. http://oneononedoubles.com Nationally televised to 68 million homes. 4 legends serving fighting for the title including: Luke “Dual Hand” Jensen, Mikael “The Bulldog” Pernfors, Mel Purcell & Emilio Sanchez. Tennis from 2-4:30 pm RJ “The Bluesy Roots Rocker” from 4:30-6:30pmVIP experience available. Go online for tickets. Ed Krass (813) 478-3384 or John Haggar (727) 647-3682 oneononedoubles@yahoo.com

Kentucky Derby Day When: May. 05, 2018 | 4 p.m. Where: Rocking H Ranch 2200 Ewell Rd, Lakeland. https://cflcc.org/ Enjoy a fancy hat contest, mint juleps, auction, racing games and more. Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities programs in Polk County. Register online. rbaker@cflcc.org (407) 451-5315

Trivia Night at Cob & Pen When: Apr. 30, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland. http://www.cobandpenlakeland.com/ Join Brent Laponsey (who has been stumping Lakelanders for over 2 years) and the staff at Cob & Pen for weekly Trivia.

Relax and

RelaxLiving and Enjoy Enjoy Living at at Fountain Place Fountain Place Relax and Enjoy Living RelaxApartments and Apartments at Fountain Place Apartments Enjoy Living at 1 & 2 Bedroom 1 & 2 Bedroom 1 & 2 Bedroom Homes Available Fountain Place Homes Available Homes Available Apartments

Specializing in: •Non Surgical Orthopedics •Sports Concussions and Physicals •Acute & Chronic Muscle & Joint Issues •Osteoarthritis

1 & 2 Bedroom Homes Available

Now Providing Polk County with Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

1410 North Wilson •*Bartow, FLFL 83830 • 863-534-3034 1350 North Wilson Avenue Bartow, FL 33830 *863-534-3034 1410 North Wilson Ave.Ave. • Bartow, 83830 • 863-534-3034 www.myfountainplaceapts.com www.myfountainplacehome.com www.myfountainplaceapts.com For more information, please please contact Tami atTami at For contact For more more information, information, please contact Tami at 863-534-3034 or rentnow@myfountainplaceapts.com 863-534-3034 or rentnow@myfountainplacehome.com 863-534-3034 or rentnow@myfountainplaceapts.com 1410 North Wilson Ave. • Bartow, FL 83830 • 863-534-3034 www.myfountainplaceapts.com

For more information, please contact Tami at

ReleveSportsMedicine.com 49

863.401.4401

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Armature Works Originally a TECO streetcar repair and storage facility dating from 1910, it was sold to Tampa Armature Works, a phosphate machinery manufacturer in 1960. Today it’s a 73,000 square foot mixed-use commercial space consisting of the Heights Public Market, multiple event spaces, a co-shared workspace as well as multiple restaurants and bars. Outside by the Hillsborough River and connected by the Tampa Riverwalk, you’ll find oversized games like chess and checkers along with adirondack chairs to lounge in while you enjoy your cocktail or food purchased inside. Once a month, the Indie Flea sets up, and it’s family-friendly and the only place to be. Armature Works has partnered with Brew Bus Tampa Bay to offer weekly tours every Friday night in Tampa’s Seminole Heights and nearby neighborhoods. “Friday Night Heights” is a shuttle service that takes off every Friday at 7:00 pm and runs a continuous loop between seven nearby stops. Jump on and off whenever you want, $15/ advance or $20/at the door. Inside AW, you’ll find Steelbach, a Southern-inspired restaurant and chophouse. The restaurant partners with Florida’s top producers to raise and deliver Steelbach’s grass fed beef. The beef is aged 4-7 weeks, trimmed and cut to order, then cooked over 1000-degree oak and mesquite open fire grille. Open seven days a week, Steelbach also serves brunch on weekends, has a whiskey bar and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Hillsborough River

havenmagazines.com

and Tampa’s skyline. Steelbach Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 11:00pm Friday 11:30am - 12:00am Saturday 9:30am - 12:00am Sunday 9:30am - 10:00pm You’ll also find the Heights Public Market, a 22,000 sq-ft market with an open floor plan and communal seating surrounded by restaurants showcasing the top chefs in the Bay Area. The space is separated by individual stalls selling just about anything you could want. Ramen, Cuban, Japanese, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, etc. There are several bars selling cocktails, wine and a very delicious bloody Mary. Some of the individual stalls rotate, so you’ll want to keep coming back to try new things. Come for lunch or dinner, and give yourself some time. AW is very comfortable, it’s easy to find yourself on a comfy couch, with a group of friends (or just one) while sipping on a drink or eating something delicious. Armature Works Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:00am-10:00pm Friday 7:00am-11:00pm Saturday 8:00am-11:00pm Sunday 9:00am-9:00pm If you’re going on a day with the Indie Flea, it gets crowded! (Support your local Polk County vendors!)

It’s a curated collection of the best indie makers in the area. You’ll find everything from clothing to furniture. Along with live music, it’s an excellent way to spend your Sunday afternoon. This only happens on the third Sunday of each month from 11am-3pm. It’s a relaxed and family-friendly. Meet your friends there and start your week on the right foot. Several event spaces are available for rentals, including Rooftop 220 with views of the skyline and water. Different sized spaces available for different needs. Armature Works has been transformed into one of the most hip places in Tampa. The building itself has original exposed bricks, wood and a super chill atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch throughout the week or a date on Saturday night, it’s worth the drive. For more information about rentals, current restaurants, events and more visit: armatureworks. com 1910 N Ola Avenue Tampa, Florida (813) 250-3725 FB & IG @ArmatureWorks

SOLD HOMES AUBURNDALE

3603 CALABRIA AVE, DAVENPORT ..................... 2/23/2018... $130,000 744 MYSTERY HOUSE RD, DAVENPORT ............. 2/23/2018....$134,000 215 PARADISE WOODS PL, DAVENPORT ..............2/19/2018....$138,800 50989 HIGHWAY 27 LOT 218, DAVENPORT ....... 2/23/2018....$145,000 50989 US HIGHWAY 27 LOT 247, DAVENPORT .. 2/20/2018.... $152,900

250 SUNRIDGE DR, AUBURNDALE ...................... 2/23/2018.... $110,000

711 OAKPARK LOOP, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/20/2018... $160,000

2979 PHIPPS RD, AUBURNDALE ........................... 2/15/2018.....$121,600

742 LOMA BONITA DR, DAVENPORT .................... 2/21/2018....$162,500

335 BOLENDER RD, AUBURNDALE ...................... 2/20/2018....$150,000

152 MOSCATO DR, DAVENPORT ...........................2/19/2018..... $174,100

904 LIBERTY LN, AUBURNDALE ...........................2/16/2018... $184,900

111 BENT OAK LOOP, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/21/2018.... $181,000

107 LAKEVIEW DR, AUBURNDALE ....................... 2/22/2018... $239,500

330 HIGHCREST RD, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/15/2018....$193,000

5702 DORNICH DR, AUBURNDALE ...................... 2/21/2018...$249,000

171 RIDGEMONT CT, DAVENPORT .........................2/16/2018... $198,000

751 WATERFERN TRAIL DR, AUBURNDALE ..........2/27/2018...$270,000

370 HIGHCREST RD, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/23/2018.. $200,000

747 WATERFERN TRAIL DR, AUBURNDALE ..........2/27/2018...$270,000

346 HIGHCREST RD, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/15/2018...$202,000

BARTOW

525 PALOMA DR, DAVENPORT .............................2/16/2018....$210,000

3855 E GANDY RD, BARTOW .................................3/16/2018.....$115,000

106 HAVERSHAM WAY, DAVENPORT ................... 2/20/2018....$215,000

6390 HARNEY ST, BARTOW ................................. 2/23/2018....$125,000

495 PETER PAN BLVD, DAVENPORT .....................2/16/2018....$216,000

805 WILLOW LN, BARTOW ................................... 2/15/2018.....$127,500

1258 LEXINGTON AVE, DAVENPORT .................... 2/26/2018... $225,000

815 E CHURCH ST, BARTOW .................................. 2/15/2018....$179,000

228 HAMLET RD, DAVENPORT ..............................2/16/2018...$226,000

1833 FOREST HILL DR, BARTOW ...........................2/16/2018.... $181,000

393 ABERDEEN DR, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/23/2018...$238,000

1641 TAYLOR BROOKE DR, BARTOW .................... 2/15/2018....$185,000

270 ALFORD DR, DAVENPORT ............................. 2/20/2018....$241,000

1641 TAYLOR LANDING DR, BARTOW ................... 2/15/2018....$189,900

401 ABERDEEN DR, DAVENPORT ......................... 2/23/2018...$246,000

1761 JAMES POINTE DR, BARTOW ........................ 2/23/2018... $194,000

300 DRAYTON AVE, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/26/2018... $255,000

1670 LAUREL OAKS DR, BARTOW ......................... 2/21/2018....$210,000

1055 CORVINA DR, DAVENPORT .......................... 2/21/2018...$258,800

830 PARQUE VISTA, BARTOW ..............................2/16/2018...$228,000

3733 CORTLAND DR, DAVENPORT ..................... 2/23/2018....$259,700

1982 CHARLESTON LN, BARTOW ......................... 2/21/2018...$230,800

393 TOLDEDO RD, DAVENPORT ........................... 2/15/2018....$261,400

2019 COUNTRY AIRE LOOP, BARTOW ................ 2/22/2018... $322,000

703 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD, DAVENPORT .........2/16/2018... $262,500

DAVENPORT

147 TROON CIR, DAVENPORT ............................... 2/15/2018...$265,000

726 TERRA LAGO ST, DAVENPORT ...................... 2/23/2018... $105,000

137 FLATWOODS LOOP, DAVENPORT ................. 2/20/2018...$268,500

2929 FAN PALM DR, DAVENPORT ......................... 2/15/2018....$122,000

397 TOLDEDO RD, DAVENPORT ........................... 2/15/2018...$268,500

184 WHIRLAWAY DR, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/21/2018.... $122,500

3673 CORTLAND DR, DAVENPORT ......................2/16/2018... $270,900

121 WHIRLAWAY DR, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/21/2018.... $122,500

311 DRAYTON AVE, DAVENPORT .......................... 2/23/2018....$272,900

3408 CALABRIA AVE, DAVENPORT ......................2/16/2018....$125,000

305 DRAYTON AVE, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/22/2018... $274,000

142 MANGO DR, DAVENPORT ...............................2/16/2018... $130,000

121 HAWTHORNE WAY, DAVENPORT ................... 2/23/2018....$287,000

647 CORVINA DR, DAVENPORT .......................... 2/20/2018....$210,000

436 SEATTLE SLEW DR, DAVENPORT ..................2/16/2018... $265,300

625 CANTABRIA DR, DAVENPORT ........................ 2/21/2018....$297,800

CATHY “K” KLUYTENAAR &

The K Team Real Estate Services

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME.

Polk County’s Favorite Real Estate Family

Cathy Kluytenaar Zac Kluytenaar havenmagazines.com

Visit our new website at yourkteam.com

Florrie Kluytenaar

863-604-6220 52

550 CANTABRIA DR, DAVENPORT .......................2/19/2018...$328,800

LAKE WALES

124 WHIRLAWAY DR, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/15/2018... $328,900

515 RIDGE MANOR DR, LAKE WALES ....................2/19/2018......$112,100

5243 WILDWOOD WAY, DAVENPORT ................. 2/26/2018...$384,500

3994 DINNER LAKE WAY, LAKE WALES ............... 2/22/2018... $148,000

5251 WILDWOOD WAY, DAVENPORT ................... 2/15/2018... $387,000

330 DINNER LAKE CT, LAKE WALES ..................... 2/22/2018... $148,000

625 PRESTWICK DR, DAVENPORT ....................... 2/22/2018...$389,000

339 DINNER LAKE CT, LAKE WALES ..................... 2/22/2018... $148,000

5259 WILDWOOD WAY, DAVENPORT ................. 2/22/2018.. $408,300

4033 DINNER LAKE WAY, LAKE WALES ............... 2/22/2018... $148,000

428 CHELSEA ST, DAVENPORT ............................. 2/15/2018...$535,000

2306 GRANT RD, LAKE WALES ..............................2/27/2018... $180,000

FORT MEADE

2066 CAROL PL, LAKE WALES ..............................2/16/2018...$205,000

803 7TH ST, FORT MEADE...................................... 2/15/2018...... $111,700

LAKELAND

416 SEATTLE SLEW DR, DAVENPORT .................. 2/22/2018....$315,600

4317 BERWICK DR, LAKE WALES ............................ 3/2/2018...$240,000

FROSTPROOF

6423 SHADOWBROOK DR, LAKELAND ...............2/27/2018.... $100,100 1812 S CIVITAN AVE, LAKELAND ........................... 2/28/2018... $104,000

224 FAIRWAY BLVD, FROSTPROOF........................2/16/2018.... $107,000

5414 QUARRY ROCK RD, LAKELAND .................. 2/20/2018... $105,000 938 PALMETTO ST, LAKELAND ............................ 2/26/2018... $105,000

HAINES CITY

5431 RIVER ROCK RD, LAKELAND ....................... 2/26/2018... $108,500 3509 LORI LN, LAKELAND .................................... 2/26/2018... $108,600

13 MAPLE RUN, HAINES CITY ................................ 2/15/2018... $140,000

3304 SKYVIEW DR, LAKELAND ............................ 2/15/2018......$111,500

2481 CREST DR, HAINES CITY .............................. 2/23/2018.... $157,000

6709 FORESTVIEW LN, LAKELAND ..................... 2/20/2018.....$114,300

14 MAPLE RUN RT 1, HAINES CITY ........................ 2/22/2018.... $157,000

6380 EGRET DR APT 29, LAKELAND .................... 2/20/2018.....$115,000

2474 ST AUGUSTINE BLVD, HAINES CITY ............ 2/23/2018....$158,000

5429 LIMESTONE LN, LAKELAND ......................... 2/15/2018.....$115,000

4010 US HIGHWAY 17/92, HAINES CITY ................ 2/15/2018.....$167,500

1237 W 8TH ST, LAKELAND .................................... 2/15/2018.....$115,000

20 COVENTRY DR, HAINES CITY .......................... 2/15/2018....$169,500

302 CORONA DEL MAR ST, LAKELAND ................2/16/2018.... $118,000

2041 NIGHTHAWK DR, HAINES CITY ....................2/16/2018..... $191,700

1718 CRYSTAL LAKE DR, LAKELAND ..................... 2/15/2018.....$119,900

2721 SANDERLING ST, HAINES CITY ..................... 2/20/2018....$207,300

6072 SANDPIPERS DR, LAKELAND .......................2/16/2018.... $120,550

1057 SUFFRAGETTE CIR, HAINES CITY ................ 2/22/2018....$218,800

712 W CARVER ST, LAKELAND ...............................2/16/2018....$120,800

340 CHEROKEE AVE, HAINES CITY ..................... 2/22/2018....$241,000

3814 WHITEDOVE DR, LAKELAND ....................... 2/15/2018....$123,000

2991 SANDERLING ST, HAINES CITY .....................2/16/2018...$246,200

1026 WILDWOOD, LAKELAND .............................. 2/15/2018....$124,900

11 LEFE CT, HAINES CITY .........................................2/27/2018...$288,900

5730 YARBOROUGH LN, LAKELAND ................... 2/21/2018.... $126,700

1107 PENINSULAR DR, HAINES CITY ..................... 2/15/2018.....$317,500

1227 BONNY GLEN ST, LAKELAND ........................2/16/2018.....$127,000

171 MITCHELL’S MNR, HAINES CITY ......................2/16/2018...$445,500

3944 LEHMAN CT, LAKELAND .............................. 2/15/2018... $130,000

192 KENNY BLVD, HAINES CITY ............................ 2/20/2018...$446,500 981 CHANLER DR, HAINES CITY ............................ 2/15/2018................... $1,687,500

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 -

AIS

SHOWER DOORS. INC. ‘Where Quality Comes First”

Professional Sales • Installation • Service We Specialize in Frameless Shower Doors/Enclosures RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

Member of the Polk County Builders Association Locally Owned & Operated Licensed & Insured

FREE

In-Home Consultation/ Quote

CALL TODAY: (863) 393-8209 • (863) 667-1200 • www.AISshowerdoors.com 53

1404 COLONNADES CIR, LAKELAND ...................2/27/2018... $130,000

6218 RES CIR, LAKELAND ......................................2/16/2018....$182,000

302 CORONA DEL MAR ST, LAKELAND ................2/16/2018... $130,000

1601 SAINT ANTHONY ST, LAKELAND ................. 2/23/2018... $184,900

423 GRIFFIN RD, LAKELAND ..................................2/16/2018... $130,000

6104 SWALLOW DR, LAKELAND .......................... 2/20/2018....$185,000

712 W CARVER ST, LAKELAND ...............................2/16/2018....$133,000

4404 IRIS ST, LAKELAND ....................................... 2/15/2018... $189,000

3202 CARLETON CIR, LAKELAND ......................... 2/15/2018....$135,000

3839 SANDHILL CRANE DR, LAKELAND ..............2/16/2018....$189,900

6225 GEORGIA AVE, LAKELAND ........................... 2/21/2018....$139,900

6111 YATES RD, LAKELAND .................................... 2/23/2018....$190,500

1100 LOWRY AVE UNIT 67, LAKELAND .................. 2/15/2018... $140,000

11350 KO DR, LAKELAND .......................................2/19/2018.....$193,100

5305 GRACE ST, LAKELAND ................................. 2/28/2018... $144,400

4325 PEBBLE POINTE DR, LAKELAND .................. 2/15/2018....$195,000

915 SUSAN DR, LAKELAND ....................................2/16/2018... $144,900

8387 GREYSTONE DR, LAKELAND .........................3/7/2018....$195,000

2073 WINTERSET DR, LAKELAND .........................2/16/2018....$145,000

4148 BERKSHIRE LOOP, LAKELAND .................... 2/22/2018....$195,500

3107 GALLOWAY OAKS DR, LAKELAND ...............2/16/2018....$145,000

3835 SANDHILL CRANE DR, LAKELAND .............. 2/15/2018.... $197,000

310 W PARK ST, LAKELAND ................................... 2/15/2018....$145,000

561 WORCHESTER CT, LAKELAND ....................... 2/22/2018.....$197,900

1734 FREDRICKSBURG AVE, LAKELAND ............. 2/23/2018....$145,000

5239 WHITE EGRET LN, LAKELAND ..................... 2/20/2018....$198,200

4414 S FLORIDA CT, LAKELAND ............................ 2/15/2018....$145,000

967 PRINCETON MANOR LN, LAKELAND ........... 2/20/2018....$199,800

4410 S FLORIDA CT, LAKELAND ............................ 2/15/2018....$145,000

3744 SHERERTZ RD, LAKELAND .......................... 2/20/2018.. $200,000

6188 MAGPIE DR, LAKELAND ................................2/16/2018....$150,000

3094 SIRE TRL, LAKELAND ................................... 2/15/2018...$202,000

405 LAKE PARKER AVE, LAKELAND .....................2/16/2018....$150,000

3863 SANDHILL CRANE DR, LAKELAND ..............2/16/2018...$204,500

5104 GREENBROOK LN, LAKELAND .................... 2/20/2018.....$151,000

6302 SILVER LEAF LN, LAKELAND .........................2/16/2018....$207,200

3140 PEARLY DR, LAKELAND ............................... 2/22/2018....$152,000

2326 MAPLE HILL DR, LAKELAND ........................ 2/23/2018.. $208,000

3093 PEARLY DR, LAKELAND ............................... 2/22/2018....$152,000

5216 KRENSON WOODS WAY, LAKELAND ........... 2/15/2018....$210,000

3099 PEARLY DR, LAKELAND .............................. 2/22/2018....$152,000

2015 DANES CT, LAKELAND .................................. 2/22/2018...$220,000

2079 WINDWARD PASS, LAKELAND ....................2/16/2018....$153,000

6225 QUAIL RIDGE DR, LAKELAND ......................2/16/2018... $222,000

3710 MOUNT TABOR RD, LAKELAND ................... 2/15/2018....$153,000

2179 ONTARIO WAY, LAKELAND ........................... 2/15/2018... $223,000

3804 EXETER LN, LAKELAND ............................... 2/23/2018....$154,000

150 OAK SQ, LAKELAND ....................................... 2/28/2018... $228,500

2236 GOLDEN HORSESHOE CIR, LAKELAND ......2/16/2018....$154,000

1841 SIR HENRYS TRL, LAKELAND ........................ 2/20/2018...$230,000

7922 N CAMPBELL RD, LAKELAND ........................ 2/21/2018....$159,900

6765 HUNTINGTON HILLS BLVD, LAKELAND ..... 2/22/2018... $232,000

5405 SUNSET WAY, LAKELAND ........................... 2/20/2018... $164,000

8259 LAKE JAMES DR, LAKELAND ........................2/19/2018... $235,000

2003 SYLVESTER CT, LAKELAND ..........................2/16/2018....$169,900

6103 SUNSET VISTA DR, LAKELAND .................... 2/20/2018... $236,900

815 ARIANA ST, LAKELAND ...................................2/16/2018....$170,000

6328 FERN LN, LAKELAND .....................................2/19/2018...$240,000

933 CLEARVIEW AVE, LAKELAND ........................ 2/22/2018..... $171,500

4315 LAKE HANCOCK RD, LAKELAND ................. 2/22/2018...$242,000

2825 JENNIFER DR, LAKELAND ............................ 2/23/2018.... $174,500

8911 PINE GROVE DR, LAKELAND ........................ 2/23/2018...$242,000

7344 E FLORAL CIR, LAKELAND ............................2/16/2018....$175,000

2176 BLUE HIGHLANDS DR, LAKELAND ............... 2/15/2018... $242,500

614 W PARK ST, LAKELAND ................................... 2/21/2018....$175,000

1431 HAMMOCK SHADE DR, LAKELAND .............. 2/15/2018...$244,900

6341 NEAMATHLA, LAKELAND ............................. 2/15/2018.... $179,500

1846 ALTAVISTA CIR, LAKELAND .......................... 2/21/2018...$258,000

6123 SILVER LAKES DR, LAKELAND ...................... 2/23/2018.... $179,500

713 PALMORE CT, LAKELAND ................................2/16/2018...$260,000

6002 CHRISTINA DR, LAKELAND .........................2/16/2018.....$181,500

1235 HEIDI LN, LAKELAND .................................... 2/20/2018...$265,000

Mark Piburn

Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID # 454138 863.604.4942

Cyndee Smith

Donna Slagel

Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID # 459635 863.944.3098

Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID # 552549 863.287.8289

Make your dream home a reality with your local lending team. 1525 South Florida Ave, Suite 4 Lakeland, FL 33803 ph: 863.393.9973 lakeland.embracehomeloans.com

Shawn Dunning

Loan Officer NMLS ID # 1056163 863.944.7889

havenmagazines.com

Matthew Buxton

Loan Officer NMLS ID # 1525196 863.430.8859

Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID # 2184 is licensed in 46 states plus DC. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

5516 DRIFTWOOD DR, LAKELAND ....................... 2/21/2018...$265,000

5316 HOGAN LN, WINTER HAVEN ......................... 2/15/2018.....$151,000

5516 ODOM RD, LAKELAND .................................. 2/15/2018.... $265,100

2916 WHISPERING TRAILS DR, WINTER HAVEN . 2/22/2018....$158,800

2852 VINTAGE VIEW LOOP, LAKELAND ...............2/16/2018... $275,000

1815 EMILY DR, WINTER HAVEN ............................ 2/15/2018... $166,000

4076 PRIMA LAGO CIR, LAKELAND ..................... 2/20/2018...$292,000

129 DUVAL RD, WINTER HAVEN ............................ 2/15/2018....$170,000

905 N VERMONT AVE, LAKELAND ...................... 2/22/2018....$300,100

112 TERRACE DR, WINTER HAVEN ......................... 2/15/2018....$170,000

836 N VERMONT AVE, LAKELAND ...................... 2/22/2018....$300,100

3104 HAVENDALE BLVD, WINTER HAVEN ........... 2/23/2018....$170,000

912 N VERMONT AVE, LAKELAND ........................ 2/22/2018....$300,100

1727 TORREY PINES ST, WINTER HAVEN ............. 2/22/2018....$172,000

920 N VERMONT AVE, LAKELAND ...................... 2/22/2018....$300,100

464 HAINES TRL, WINTER HAVEN ........................ 2/15/2018.... $176,500

6737 HILLIS DR, LAKELAND ................................... 2/15/2018... $307,000

4046 ISLAND LAKES DR, WINTER HAVEN .......... 2/20/2018... $184,900

6830 RED FOX RUN, LAKELAND .......................... 2/23/2018...$338,500

213 LAKE LUCERNE WAY, WINTER HAVEN ............ 2/21/2018.... $185,700

1929 VIA LAGO DR, LAKELAND ............................ 2/26/2018...$349,000

2919 WOODWARD LN, WINTER HAVEN ...............2/16/2018.... $201,200

219 EUNICE RD, LAKELAND .................................. 2/26/2018... $422,500

2745 ATTWATER LOOP, WINTER HAVEN ............. 2/20/2018...$204,500

5324 WOODHAVEN LN, LAKELAND .................... 2/22/2018...$475,000

466 MAJESTIC GARDENS BLVD, WINTER HAVEN .2/15/2018...$206,000

515 CRESCENT HILLS WAY, LAKELAND ................ 2/20/2018....$547,500

140 WATERSIDE CIR, WINTER HAVEN .................. 2/15/2018.. $208,000

5029 SHORE SIDE DR, LAKELAND ....................... 2/22/2018... $605,700

424 TERRANOVA ST, WINTER HAVEN ................. 2/23/2018....$215,000

6035 NORTON RD, LAKELAND .............................2/16/2018.. $960,000

2749 ATTWATER LOOP, WINTER HAVEN .............2/16/2018.... $215,200

6038 CRAFTON DR, LAKELAND ...........................2/16/2018.. $960,000

313 LANCEOLATE DR, WINTER HAVEN ................. 2/15/2018....$218,000 4071 ISLAND LAKES DR, WINTER HAVEN ............ 2/23/2018.... $219,500

WINTER HAVEN

229 SANTA ROSA DR, WINTER HAVEN ................ 2/23/2018... $225,000 183 WATERSIDE CIR, WINTER HAVEN ................... 2/15/2018... $229,000

603 EAGLE POND DR, WINTER HAVEN ............... 2/26/2018....$102,000

4208 THOMAS WOOD LN, WINTER HAVEN ........ 2/21/2018... $235,000

406 LAUREL COVE WAY, WINTER HAVEN ............2/16/2018... $105,000

253 S LAKE PANSY DR, WINTER HAVEN ............... 2/21/2018...$242,000

1604 HIGH POINT CT, WINTER HAVEN .................2/19/2018.... $110,000

104 SE WODEN WAY, WINTER HAVEN ................. 2/28/2018...$270,000

2326 ISLE ROYALE CT, WINTER HAVEN ............... 2/20/2018.....$112,000

10 W LAKE HAMILTON CIR, WINTER HAVEN ........2/27/2018...$280,000

1531 LAKE SHIPP DR, WINTER HAVEN ................... 2/15/2018.....$115,000

1965 CROSSROADS BLVD, WINTER HAVEN ........ 2/22/2018....$287,000

316 NW PALMETTO AVE, WINTER HAVEN ........... 2/20/2018....$125,000

133 LAKE ROY DR, WINTER HAVEN ...................... 2/23/2018...$294,000

2417 SW AVENUE C, WINTER HAVEN ....................2/16/2018....$125,000

124 ODIN DR, WINTER HAVEN ..............................2/16/2018...$305,000

900 NW 26TH ST, WINTER HAVEN ....................... 2/15/2018.... $132,500

400 GREENFIELD RD, WINTER HAVEN ................. 2/15/2018... $310,000

2089 WHISPERING TRAILS BLVD, WINTER HAVEN .2/21/2018.$139,000

1383 HAVENDALE BLVD, WINTER HAVEN ............2/16/2018...$426,000

429 GREENFIELD RD, WINTER HAVEN ................ 2/23/2018....$139,900

250 S 1ST, WINTER HAVEN .....................................2/16/2018.. $440,000

400 SAN JOSE DR, WINTER HAVEN ..................... 2/26/2018... $140,000

124 BATES AVE, WINTER HAVEN ...........................2/16/2018.. $440,000

3384 LIVINGSTON WAY, WINTER HAVEN ............. 2/15/2018... $144,000 587 SAINT ANDREWS RD, WINTER HAVEN ..........2/16/2018....$145,000 1604 17TH TER, WINTER HAVEN ........................... 2/21/2018....$145,000 241 RYDALMONT RD, WINTER HAVEN ................ 2/28/2018....$148,500 2251 W CENTRAL AVE, WINTER HAVEN ............... 2/22/2018....$149,900

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME?

LET THE EXPERTS HELP YOU! 863.802.5262 | CENTRALFLORIDAEXPERTS.COM 4110 South Florida Ave Suite 110 Lakeland, Florida 33813

CentralFloridaExperts

REMAXEXPERTS

Our Agents Average Over 19 Years of Experience

Exceptional Marketing Strategies

Certified Residential Specialists

Full Service Real Estate Office

Relocation Expertise

SEU Forum Gala

Are you , or someone you know, age 60 to 85 years? We are researching the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in people who might be at increased risk for developing memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The EARLY Trial is looking for people who have generally normal memory function in daily life, and who are not being treated for memory problems. Even if you have noticed subtle memory changes, you may still be able to take part. Please contact the EARLY Trial team today for additional information if you think you, or someone you know, can help us with this important research. By contacting us, you are under no obligation to take part in the trial.

1 2 3

Bill Rancic Jeff Foxworthy Tim Tebow

USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute For more information, contact Ijeoma Mba at (813) 974-6296. Quorum IRB Approved 31889/1

Janssen Research & Development, LLC

USF HEALTH BYRD ALZHEIMER’S INSTITUTE MEMORY RESEARCH SUITE

FREE, Confidential Memory Screenings

(by appointment only) and information on Alzheimer’s disease prevention trials.

Select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays every month, call for schedule! 9:30am -3:00pm Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Memory screening is recommended once each year for persons aged 60 years and older. To register, call (813) 396-0611.

health.usf.edu/byrd havenmagazines.com

Bustinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Clays With Sheriff Grady Judd 3

1 2

Grady Judd Keith Leahy Dana Dombroski

3 Russ Miles 4 Alec McDonald 5 Cami Burdette

Bailey Williamson

6 D.J Johnson

John Rogers

Ean Myers Cheyl Peter

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Batton

Amanda Watson Kady Thompson Kaley Odom

Kailin Conner Alfredo Silva

3 Cindy Joyce

Jennifer Ogg

4 Tara Spiro

Sam Pascasio

5 Lea Williams 6 Teresa Haas

Bill Haas

Micheal Solimine Randle Brannon Brianna Mooney

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Batton

havenmagazines.com

Central Florida Wine Fest

Spring Obsession

Scott Rodgers Tammy Rodgers

2 Debbie Almon 3 Allison Tietz

Carly Tan

4 Renee Zagorski

Danny Norris

5 Christina Parker

Kathy Astacio

6 Carlanne Marie 7 Betty Harrison 8 Elaine 9 Ginger Ramsbottom

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Batton

Strings In Need

Frank Van-Druten Jennifer Van-Druten

Jessica Floyd James Van-Druten

Sharon Bullock Gina Bullock

4 Tim Jones

Steve Jackson

Adrinna Smithson Austin Smithson Drew Laing

6 Kyla Lockhart

Gilbert Flores

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Battom

havenmagazines.com

•

STEAK

•

863.293.7070 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven

harborsidefl.com

Welcome Home To Florida’s Premier Retirement Manufactured Home Community

• 10,000 Square Foot Clubhouse • WiFi in Clubhouse • Exercise Room • Library • Card/Game Room • Huge Kitchen • Billiards Room

$399

• Laundry Mat • 64,000 Gallon Heated Pool • Hot Tube/Jacuzzi • Horseshoe Pits • Shuffleboard Courts • Dog Run

Lifetime Lease on select lots

• Picnic Area • Pond • RV Storage Area (minimal storage fee) • Lighted Streets • Underground Utilities • Onsite Management

NewHomes Starting in the

$70’s

2600 Harden Blvd Lakeland, Fl 33803 l 863-688-3028 l masverdeflorida.com

See What’s New In Downtown Lakeland! April 6th & 7th

225 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland Fl 33801

225 N Kentucky Kentucky Ave, LakelandFL Fl 33801 33801 223 Lakeland, M-F 10-6 / Sat 9-5 Ave, 863-409-7815 M-F Sat 9-5 863-409-7815 Simply10-6 Southern, Paisley Vine,•Tervis, / Sat 9-5 863-500-4264 Sweet Harvest Farms and more!

Simply SimplySouthern, Southern,Paisley PaisleyVine, Vine,Tervis, Tervis, SweetHarvest HarvestFarms Farmsand andmore! more! Sweet

Pop In For Something Sweet CAN YOUR TEAM ESCAPE IN 60 MINUTES?

Gourmet Popcorn Gourmet Fudge Gelato Dole Whip Retail Candy Bar

225 N Kentucky Ave. • Lakeland magnoliapopcorncompany.com

Asylum, Speakeasy, Cinema and Split.

863 * 450 * 3232

www.lakelandescaperoom.com

Se Habla Español 304 E Pine St. • Lakeland • 863.688.1174

Mortgages…

Quick Close Great Rates

… done right! We have the experience, knowledge, and programs to help you select the right mortgage

Conventional, Construction, Refinances, VA, FHA and USDA Loans

Home Solution Lenders, Inc

863-607-HOME (4663) • HSLenders.com 1445 E Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830 NMLS: 327291 • Lic Florida MLD954