HAVEN December 2018 by HAVEN & LKLD Magazines

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Locations Locations

Physicians & Provider Listing Physicians & Provider Listing Bond we Clinic, we are committed to providing Polk County the surrounding region with medical qualify medical professionals. At BondAtClinic, are committed to providing Polk County and theand surrounding region with qualify professionals.

Main Main Campus Campus 500 500 E. E. Central Central Ave. Ave. Winter Winter Haven, Haven, FL FL 33880 33880

First First Street Street Campus Campus 325 325 First First Street Street N. N. Winter Winter Haven, Haven, FL FL 33881 33881

Downtown Downtown Campus Campus 199 199 Ave Ave B, B, N.W. N.W. Winter Winter Haven, Haven, FL FL 33881 33881

East Campus

Off Cypress Cardens Blvd.

3000 Woodmont Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33884

Ophthalmology

Adjacent to the Main Campus

506 Ave A, S.E. Winter Haven, FL 33880

NEW NEW LOCATION LOCATION

Davenport Campus

Davenport Campus In Cypress Physicians Building 2320 North Blvd W, Suite C 2320 North Blvd W, Suite C, at Heart of Florida Davenport, FL 33837 Davenport, FL 33837. 40124 US Hwy 27, Suite 102 Davenport, FL 33837

Marc Feldman, DPM / Podiatry & Foot Surgery Winter Haven Office

401 E. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-299-9100 Sebring Office Office Sebring

Lake Wales Office

4900 Sun N Lake Blvd. #1 Sebring, FL 33872 863-299-9100 863-299-9100

1342 S.R. 60 East Lake Wales, FL 33853 863-679-1552

Lakeland Office Office Lakeland 4730 Explorations Explorations Ave. Ave. 4730 Lakeland, FL FL 33812 33812 Lakeland,

Located in the Orange Grove Plaza

By Appointment Only

Cardiology Cardiology Bhatia, Karan K., MD Bhatia, Karan K., MD Mustafa, Muhammad, Mustafa, Muhammad, MDMD Vigoreaux, Jose R., Vigoreaux, Jose R., MDMD Willard, Willard, E.H.,E.H., MDMD Ritter, Cynthia, ARNP Ritter, Cynthia, ARNP Cardiology (Interventional) Cardiology (Interventional) Cosme, Octavio, Cosme, Octavio, MDMD Mrudula, AGNP Patel,Patel, Mrudula, AGNP Endocrinology & Diabetes Endocrinology & Diabetes Miller, Christopher, Miller, Christopher, MDMD Skukowski, Bobbie, ARNP Skukowski, Bobbie, ARNP Family Medicine Family Medicine Arana, Flavio R., MD Arana, Flavio R., MD Arango, Cecilia, Arango, Cecilia, MDMD Koilpillai, Robinson, Koilpillai, Robinson, MDMD Magno, Alexander S., MD Magno, Alexander S., MD O’Meara, Mary, O’Meara, Mary, MDMD NEW Torres, Eduardo, Torres, Eduardo, MDMD Greisy, ARNP Ash,Ash, Greisy, ARNP Carbone, Carrie, ARNP Carbone, Carrie, ARNP Cassady, Stephanie, ARNP Cassady, Stephanie, ARNP Jennifer, ARNP Cox,Cox, Jennifer, ARNP Hughes, Jessica, ARNP Hughes, Jessica, ARNP Widner, Linda G., ARNP Widner, Linda G., ARNP General Surgery General Surgery & Surgical Oncology & Surgical Oncology Gambaro, Esteban, MDMD Gambaro, Esteban, Thomas, Robert S., MD Thomas, Robert S., MD Hospitalist Hospitalist Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Carlucci, Joseph A., MD Muniz, Elvin, MDMD Muniz, Elvin, Paul,Paul, Nisha, MDMD Nisha, Shamim, Talha, MD MD Redlien, Parker, Miller, Emily, Talha, ARNPMD Shamim, Reedy, Clayton, ARNP Miller, Emily, ARNP Rivera, Ruby A., ARNP Reedy, Clayton, ARNP Rivera, Ruby A., ARNP

Internal Medicine Internal Medicine Armando, Doval,Doval, Armando, MD MD Farrell, Cathy, Farrell, Cathy, MD MD Lakhani, Lakhani, Sonali,Sonali, MD MD Lopez, Christopher, Lopez, Christopher, MD MD Jose, DO Prieto,Prieto, Jose, DO Reyes, Pamela, Reyes, Pamela, MD MD Juan R., MD Rivera,Rivera, Juan R., MD Torres, Jorge, Torres, Jorge, MD MD Charla, Bailey,Bailey, Charla, ARNPARNP Bridges, Stephanie, Bridges, Stephanie, ARNPARNP Kristina, Garcia,Garcia, Kristina, ARNPARNP Huffstickler, Huffstickler, Carrie,Carrie, ARNPARNP Ray, Brandi, Ray, Brandi, ARNPARNP Saucedo, Gerardo, Saucedo, Gerardo, FNP FNP

Orthopedic Orthopedic SurgerySurgery & Medicine Sports Medicine & Sports Lerner, K., Robert Lerner, Robert MDK., MD Morin, Morin, Paul M.,Paul MDM., MD Lewis,ARNP Jami, ARNP Lewis, Jami, Vicki C., ARNP Moore, Moore, Vicki C., ARNP

Pain MedicinePain Medicine(Interventional) (Interventional) Mohammad Eldeeb, Eldeeb, Mohammad A., MDA., MD Lewis, Amanda, Patterson, Lauren, ARNPARNP Patterson, Lauren, ARNP Pediatrics Pediatrics Nguyen,Pediatrics Kenny, MD Nguyen, Kenny, MD Nguyen, Kenny, MD Harte, Brian, Harte,ARNP Brian, ARNP Harte, Brian, ARNP Jones, Courtney, CPNP Jones, Courtney, CPNP Nephrology Jones, ARNP CPNP Nephrology Jones, Lorrie, Jones, Courtney, Lorrie, ARNP Hou, Jeffrey Jones, Lorrie, ARNP Hou, Jeffrey Peng, Peng, MD MD Torres, Heather, CPNP Torres, Heather, CPNP NEW Rodriguez, Ibrahim, Torres, Heather, CPNP Ibrahim, Sherif Sherif I, MDI, MD Payton, CPNP Rodriguez, Payon, CPNP Rodriguez, Payton, CPNP McClendon, Michele McClendon, Michele L., DOL., DO Lawrence, Lawrence, Laurel,Laurel, ARNPARNP PhysicalPhysical TherapyTherapy Physical Therapy Samantha, Jeremy DPT White,White, Samantha, ARNPARNP Balogh, Balogh, Jeremy DPTS., Balogh, S., Jeremy S., DPT Cole, Lenny, DPT DPT Cole, Lenny, Cole, DPT Lenny, Neurology Physician Assistant Neurology Rajguru, Shailesh, *Listed by specialty Rajguru, Shailesh, DO DO Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Hall, Jeffrey, Hall, Jeffrey, ARNPARNP *Listed by specialty *Listed by specialty Podiatry & Foot Surgery Practitioner DPM NurseNurse Practitioner PodiatryEnglert, & FootChristopher, Surgery Podiatry & Foot Surgery by specialty Marc, DPMDPM *Listed*Listed by specialty Englert,Feldman, Christopher, DPM Englert, Christopher, Feldman, Marc, DPM Feldman, Marc, DPM Obstetrics & Gynecology Obstetrics & Gynecology Pulmonology Gabriel, CarlosCarlos I., MDI., MD Pulmonology Gabriel, Romeu-Velez, PulmonologyJesse, MD Gatto,Gatto, Vincent W., MD Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Vincent W., MD Conner, Mike, ARNP Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Kenaan, Jana, MD Conner,Conner, Mike, ARNP Kenaan, Jana, MD Mike, ARNP Salamon, Eva J.,Eva MDJ., MD Salamon, Rheumatology Rheumatology Valadez, Jenifer,Jenifer, NP-CNP-C Rheumatology Valadez, Pancorbo, Roberto, MD Pancorbo, MD Pancorbo, Roberto,Roberto, MD ARNP Robertson, Sally, Robertson, Sally, ARNP Oncology & Hematology Robertson, Sally, ARNP Oncology & Hematology Hlalah, O. Abu, Hlalah, O.MD Abu, MD Sleep Medicine Sleep Medicine Rampersad, Michelle, ARNPARNP Sleep Medicine Rampersad, Michelle, Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Romeu-Velez, Jesse, MD Conner, Mike, ARNP Mike, ARNP Ophthalmology Conner,Conner, Mike, ARNP Ophthalmology Ort, Michael G., MD Ort, Michael G., MD

Thoracic Thoracic Surgery Surgery Jr.,MD C. Jake, MD Lambert, Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Cayson, Barry, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Rodriguez, Christopher, PA

Urgent Care Urgent Care Ton, Liem, MD Ton, Liem, MD Calderon, Amelia, ARNP Calderon, Amelia, ARNP KC, ARNP Davidson,Davidson, KC, ARNP Reed,ARNP Deloris, ARNP Reed, Deloris, Urology & Urology & Urologic Urologic Surgery Surgery Lee, Kevin, MD Lee, Kevin, MD Romero, MD Claudio, MD Romero, Claudio, Pickard,ARNP Martha, ARNP Pickard, Martha, Vascular Surgery Vascular Surgery Panagiotis, MD Iakovidis,Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Jr.,MD C. Jake, MD Lambert, Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, Cayson, Barry, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Wound Care Wound Care Panagiotis, MD Iakovidis,Iakovidis, Panagiotis, MD Jr.,MD C. Jake, MD Lambert, Lambert, Jr., C. Jake, Cayson, Barry, ARNP Cayson, Barry, ARNP Rodriguez, Christopher, PA Rodriguez, Christopher, PA

By Appointment Appointment Only Only By

One Stop MEDICAL CARE September is for your Little One

PROSTATE CANCER

863-293-1191 ext 3633 325 First Street N, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Awareness Month

Kenny Nguyen, MD, MBA

• • • •

Brian Harte, ARNP Claudio Romero, MD Kevin Lee, MD FACS Mon-Fri Courtney Jones, CPNPUrology & Urologic Surgery Urology &Sat-Sun Urologic Surgery 8am-8pm Lorrie Jones, ARNP 8am-2pm Heather Torres, CPNP

863-293-1191

863-293-1191 863-293-1191

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HOURS:

Call our office today to find out if you are a candidate for a prostate exam.

www.BondClinic.com www.BondClinic.com www.BondClinic.com

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November is National Diabetes Month Know the Symptoms: The Physicians and Staff

Increased Thirst Frequent Urination Wish • You and Yours Fatigue • Blurred Vision Season. A Very Healthy Holiday

Gessler is proud to welcome Walk-In ClinicClinic Now Available 7 Days A Week Zahily Fals, M.D., Endocrinologist

Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday/Sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Now Welcoming New Patients

(For New and Established Patients 18 years and older)

FAMILY FAMILY MEDICINE MEDICINE

RonaldA. A. Ford, Ronald Ford,M.D. M.D. RichardK.K.LaCalamito, LaCalamito, D.O.D.O. Richard DavidLipschitz, Lipschitz, D.O. David D.O. Sarah Oven, M.D.M.D. Mary R. J.De Sena, Mary R. Sena,M.D.M.D. Garrison F. De Christian, Garrison Christian, M.D. Tristan M.F.Harrison, M.D. Tristan M. Harrison, M.D. Willie K. Jones, M.D. Willie K. Jones, M.D. INTERNAL MEDICINE

INTERNAL MEDICINE Alan G. Gasner, M.D. Alan G. Gasner, M.D. Elizabeth H. Griffin, M.D. Elizabeth H. Griffin, M.D. Kyle M. Pochcial, M.D. Kyle M. Pochcial, M.D. Michael L. Keown, M.D.

Michael L. Keown, M.D.

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ADULT & PEDIATRIC Laura Linton, MS, NP-C Maria J.L.Pochcial, M.D. Michele Murphy, ARNP-C Crystal E. Ingle, ARNP CARDIOLOGY Deanna Larr, ARNP-C

Randall B. Kramer, M.D. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS Laura Ann Woznicki, P.A.-C CARDIOLOGY-INTERVENTIONAL Rakesh Choubey, M.D. ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY ADULT & PEDIATRIC

Maria J. Pochcial, M.D.

COLONCARDIOLOGY & RECTAL SURGERY Randall Kramer, M.D. Richard J.B.Honer, M.D. CARDIOLOGY DERMATOLOGY

INTERVENTIONAL Roya Ghorsriz, D.O.

Rakesh Choubey, M.D.

GASTROENTEROLOGY COLON & RECTAL Mark W. Shabla, M.D. SURGERY

Richard J. Honer, M.D. GENERAL & BILIARY SURGERY DERMATOLOGY Vriti Advani, M.D.

Roya Ghorsriz, D.O.

GENERAL, BREAST & ENDOCRINOLOGY VASCULAR SURGERY Zahily Fals, M.D. W. P. Aronski, M.D.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

GENERAL & VASCULAR Mark W. Shabla, M.D. SURGERY

David K. Speyerer, M.D. GENERAL & BILIARY SURGERY

GYNECOLOGY Vriti Advani, M.D.

GENERAL & VASCULAR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY ENDOCRINOLOGY PLASTIC & SURGERY Patrick D. Sullivan, M.D. Zahily Fals, M.D. RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY David K. Speyerer, M.D. William A. Cooper, M.D. D.O. Richard F. Radocha,

HOSPITALIST

GYNECOLOGY Aleixo M. Viegas, M.D.

Jean-Paul Muller, M.D. NEPHROLOGY J. Anthony Mancini, M.D.

Haldane W. Porteous, M.D., MSC, SCH, FACP HOSPITALIST

Aleixo M. Viegas, M.D. OBSTETRICS -GYNECOLOGY LisaNEPHROLOGY M. Jardine, M.D. Zaira J. Moreno, M.D. Haldane W. Porteous, M.D. Maria Martino, M.D.

OBSTETRICS -

OPHTHALMOLOGY GYNECOLOGY OPHTHALMIC PLASTIC Lisa M. Jardine, M.D. & RECONSTRUCTIVE Edna Pierre-Louis, M.D. SURGERY Zaira J. Moreno, M.D. John J. McGetrick, M.D. Maria Martino, M.D. Lorraine S. Simonds, M.D. OPHTHALMOLOGY ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Jean-Paul Muller, M.D. J. GENERAL, Anthony Mancini, M.D. BREAST &

VASCULAR SURGERY

OPHTHALMIC PLASTIC Patrick D. Sullivan, M.D. & RECONSTRUCTIVE William A. Cooper, D.O. SURGERY

W. P. Aronski, M.D.

John J. McGetrick, M.D.

PHYSICAL MEDICINE PODIATRY & REHABILITATION Jorge L. Dopico, D.P.M.& INTERVENTIONAL PAIN James E. Koon, D.P.M. MANAGEMENT

PULMONOLOGY & CRITICAL Robert Kent, D.O. CARE

PLASTIC & M.D. Jose I. Martinez-Salas, RECONSTRUCTIVE RHEUMATOLOGY SURGERY Maurice F. McCarthy,Jr., M.D. Richard F. Radocha, M.D. Ada Lopez-Mendez, M.D. PODIATRY

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Jorge L. Dopico, D.P.M. Laura Ann Woznicki, P.A.-C James E. Koon, D.P.M.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS PULMONOLOGY & Michele L. Murphy, APRN-C CRITICAL CARE Crystal E. Ingle, APRN-C Jose I.Murphy, Martinez-Salas, M.D. Nichole APRN-C Julie Earp, APRN-C RHEUMATOLOGY Ashley Penaloza, APRN-C MauriceMartin, F. McCarthy, Jr., M.D. Tiffney APRN-C Roxanna Ford, APRN-C Ada Lopez-Mendez, M.D. Carey Coco, APRN-C

(863) 294-0670 • 635 First Street, North, Winter Haven • gesslerclinic.com

“A Must-see!”

— Broadway World

St. Petersburg FEB 20-24 Mahaffey Theater Lakeland FEB 26 RP Funding Center Orlando MAR 13-17 Dr. Phillips Center

Tickets on Sale! Order Your Tickets Today! Online: ShenYun.com/FL Phone: 888.974.3698 Presented by Florida Falun Dafa Association

HEAVENLY BEAUTY, here on Earth. Let Shen Yun take you on extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Ancient dynasties and modern-day stories spring to life through classical Chinese dance, as dazzling backdrops and glorious melodies whisk you away to another world. Experience the wonder of authentic Chinese culture. Experience Shen Yun. All new 2019 production with live orchestra. “Everything was perfection. I expected a lot, but it was even greater than that. I’ve been in China a couple times in the last two or three years, but I never saw anything like this. This was wonderful—just in every way. It was so artistic. Everything was exactly as it should have been. It was perfection. It made me cry... I would urge everyone who hasn’t ever seen this to come as soon as possible because they’ve never seen anything like it before.” — Dale Rieth, Former City of Venice administrator

“We’ve been thinking about it for the last two years. We’ve seen the advertising and we thought we should check it out, but we haven’t, and now we have, and now we wonder why we waited so long. … We’re really quite dazzled by it. Everything is beyond expectation. The performances, the dancing, are superb. The costumes are wonderful. The lighting, the use of the digital screen in a very unusual way—very inventive. It’s really, really remarkable. I would absolutely recommend the show.” — George Anthony, CBC Television creative consultant, journalist

Happy Holidays! This month is all about giving back. We talk to many local charities and learn all the ways they are helping to make our community better. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to help out in any way you can. In this season of giving, we reflect on ways we can give back. We talk with Sheriff Grady Judd, but not about being the Sheriff since 2004. Did you know he’s an amateur nature photographer? Take a look at his large portfolio of work and why he started this hobby. We also take a peek at Pinewood Estate, and find out their inspiration for Christmas 2018. As usual, there are a million things going on around Polk County. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites, just in case you need help deciding! If you have something coming up that you’d like to see in our calendar, email the details to calendar@scmginc.com As we end 2018, I like to thank all of you for supporting the magazine. We have very big plans for 2019 & can’t wait to share them with you. We want to further our goal of highlighting all of the good in our city and inspiring others as well. Read even more of our stories on our website at www.havenmagazines.com. Thank you to the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team for sharing a vintage photo for our cover. We love this photo of Santa surfing back in 1967! He stopped by for a little fun in the Florida sun before his big delivery day! A big thank you to Lynn Novakofski and Dave Dershimer for working with us! Happy Holidays to all of you! Amy Sexson Editor asexson@scmginc.com

Our joy is in serving such a wonderful community and we extend to you our warmest Holiday wishes!

Thinking of you at Christmas Time Wishing you peace, joy, and good fortune always 3691 Lake Alfred Rd. Winter Haven, FL 3381

PawHavenVet.com (863) 293-1428

(863) 676-6021 701 State Rd. 60 East • Lake Wales ForniDental.com

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AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DESIGNED FOR WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS. Winter Haven Hospital’s expanded Emergency Department is larger and more technologically advanced, and was designed to be more efficient than ever before. Patient and physician interaction is easier so our highly trained staff can continue to provide the quality, compassionate care you deserve. We hope you never need our Emergency Department. But if you do, you can trust us for personalized care when you need it most. For more information: WHHEmergency.org

OUR NETWORK:

BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS:

Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital Morton Plant Hospital • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG 18-528866-0918

D E C E M B E R

CONTENTS

FEATURES PROFILES.........................................................................46 COVER STORY...............................................................19 RESTAURANT............................................................... 40 TRAVEL............................................................................. 74

6.......................................................FROM THE EDITOR 10.................................................................LOCAL NEWS 12............................................................... TOP 10 TO DO 32..................................................................................ARTS 43 ..................................................................... COCKTAIL 51......................................................................CALENDAR 69..........................................SOLD HOMES LISTINGS 77........................................................ IN THE MOMENT

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DECEMBER VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3 Publisher Kim Edwards Editor Amy Sexson Contributing Writers Tara Crutchfield Amy Sexson Jenna Cherry Bailey Hill Contributing Photographers Bill Siegel Tara Crutchfield Amy Sexson Graphic Designer Steven Maynard Sr. Sales Consultant Barbara Rakoczy Gary Peach Digital Specialist Kathy Woodruff Account Executives Chris Campbell President Sun Central Media Group Chris Sexson HAVEN is published twelve times a year by the Sun Central Media Group. Haven distributes 16,104 copies a month with 8,604 mailed to homes and 7,500 copies available at select locations throughout east Polk County. For advertising information please contact: kedwards@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

2017 Digital Excellence for Best Social Media 2018 Best Design: Cover Best Redesign 9

LOCAL NEWS State champs return home

Celebrating 100th Birthday

Nucor may start hiring in 6-8 months

Negotiations ongoing

Phenomenal growth

Six Winter Haven area athletes returned home as state champions after winning their weight classes at the 2018 Florida Police Athletic League Boxing Championships in Palatka. Zee Zamora Jr., 12 of Winter Haven won his fourth state championship in a row and Auburndale resident Devine Erazo, 13, won his second straight championship. Rufino Cabrera, 10 of Davenport, Abdin Lopez, 11 of Kissimmee, Brandon Moore, 24 of Winter Haven, and Juan Diego, 14 of Polk County all won their first state championships.

Essie Nelson Helper-Morgan was joined by family and friends at the Hilton Gardens Inn in Lakeland to celebrate her 100th birthday. Two hundred people were in attendance including 3 of her children, 31 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren and 24 great, great grandchildren. Mrs. Helper-Morgan began her teaching career at a one-room school house in Nichols, FL. She later taught at Union Academy in Bartow and J.R. Lee Junior High in Mulberry.

Polk County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve $2.25M in tax incentives earlier this year to convince Nucor Florida to build their facility in Polk County. Nucor Florida stated they had plans to hire 250 people at an average wage of $66K per year. The land where the mill is to be built is still an orange grove the permit process has yet to be completed. The $240M steel mill will be on US 27 at the Polk/Highlands county line.

The City of Lake Wales can buy the Burns Avenue YMCA for about $545,000, but negotiations are still ongoing about operations if that transaction is complete. The yearly operating budget for the facility is approximately $1.3M. The city is proposing an annual investment of around $136,000, $75,000 of which would be used to offer city residents a reduction in a Y membership of up to 50 percent of the full cost. The city has already put $836,000 in this year’s budget for a YMCA purchase.

Winter Haven is the fastest growing municipality in the county with a growth rate of 4.1 percent. Even if that rate slows to 3 percent, by 2030 Winter Haven will be a city of 60,000 residents. Every month, 141 people either move to or are born in Winter Haven according to City of Winter Haven Growth Management Director Merle Bishop. As of September, there have been $240M in new construction in residential and commercial construction combined.

Welcome Dr. Falconetti

Mansion tours could happen

New PCSO processing center

The Polk County Board of Commissioners named Nov. 15, 2018 as Angela Garcia Falconetti Inauguration Day. Dr. Falconetti was inaugurated as the fifth Polk State College president. She assumed the role in July of 2017. “I am thrilled to work together in moving our institution forward into a successful future for our students, faculty, staff and greater community,” Dr. Falconetti said.

If all goes as planned, the nearly century-old mansion on Mann Road, the Wonder House, will start offering tours to small groups. Drew Davis and Krislin Kreis bought the house in 2015 for $162,000 and have put more than $100,000 into fixing the house that has been abandoned twice. Davis told his neighbors that the house has suffered severe water damage the main part of it has to be completely restored. Davis and Kreis have interest in hosting wedding ceremonies at the Wonder House, however with no receptions.

County commissioners voted to approve the first $40K in costs to a proposed 33,180 square foot, $6.89M Polk County Sheriff Office processing center to be built at the North Central Landfill complex sometime over the next two years. The existing facility no longer meets the needs of the PCSO. The $40K is being spent on pre-construction management being done by Rodda Construction. Rodda staff are being paid to organize the bidding process instead of county staff doing the job.

Eagle Ridge Mall Thank you for bomber back in your service jail Patrick Joseph Collins, Auburndale, made national news in January for planting multiple fake bombs a the mall. Collins is back behind bars for trying to steal a shirt and cap. Collins came up with his share of $30K bond after his January arrest and was out walking free around the county until he didn’t show up for a court hearing in September and a bench warrant was out out for his arrest. Collins forfeited his share of bond after the Lakeland PD charged him with stealing $85 worth of merchandise from a Bealls store.

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Polk County Board of County Commissioners Chairman and Winter Haven resident Todd Dantzler led his last county commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 6 after eight years of service. Dantzler’s last full day was Nov. 19. He will be replaced by Martha Santiago who won her county commission seat on election night. Dantzler was joined by his brothers Rick and Brad who have also served Polk County in the FL Senate and as Winter Haven Mayor respectively. Clara Nell Dantzler, their mother, was also present.

POLK TOP 10 1 Chagall: Stories into Dreams

This extraordinary show of Marc Chagall’s work will be the only one of its kind in Florida and the only one in the country that pairs his Fables of La Fontaine etchings (1952) with his Story of Exodus lithographs (1966). Sept. 29 - Jan. 6. Polk Museum of Art (863) 688-7743. polkmuseumofart.org

30th Annual Carols in the Park

Dec. 1, 10am-9pm, South Central Park in Winter Haven. Artisans, specialty food vendors, local choral groups will gather to kick off the holiday season. With a special Candy Cane Corner for children of all ages! Kids will enjoy FREE pictures with Santa Claus, a take-home holiday craft, and a bounce house. www.mainstreetwh.com

1 Florida Tropics are back!

Dec. 1, 14, 22 and 29th at the RP Funding Center. Our hometown major arena soccer league team! Purchase tickets at www.fltropics.com

Glitter, Glisten & Snow

Dec. 1, 6-9pm, Lake Eva Park in Haines City. From the popular snow slide, to flakes falling from the sky there will be plenty of SNOW! Performances on stage include local school groups, and community groups. We also offer free activities and crafts for families to participate in. Santa will be there! Hainescity.com

4 The Harlem Globetrotters

Dec. 4, 7pm at the RP Funding Center. Celebrating 92 iconic years of basketball artistry, side-splitting comedy and oneof-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. The Globetrotters are amazing basketball entertainers and some of the greatest athletes on the planet. www.rpfundingcenter.com

TA • FLORIDA SNOW • CRAFTS

IVITIES AND SO MUCH MORE!

Make it Magical

Dec. 7, 5pm in downtown Lake Wales. Enjoy shopping local artisans, gift wrapping, visits with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, crafts for the children, festive holiday music, delicious food and drink, beautifully decorated trees, creative photo opportunities, and SNOW! Guests will have a map that will list all the vendors, activities and descriptions. Lwmainstreet.com

TO R I C D OW NTOW N

rday

Symphony Guild of Winter Haven Holiday Concert

Dec. 8, 3pm at Champions Church in Winter Haven. Maestro Mark Thielen will lead The Imperial Symphony Orchestra in its return for a fourth consecutive year. Come and enjoy the music of the season! Doors will open at 2:30pm. Order tickets online centralfloridatix.com

LAKE

Daniel Joiner Trio: A Tribute to Vince Guaraldi

Dec. 14, 7pm at the Lake Wales Arts Center. An evening of Vince Guaraldi classics and reimagined traditional Christmas hymns! Purchase tickets at lakewalesartscouncil.org

LES

cember 8

mer’s Market

havenmagazines.com : 9am-1pm

local

Meet Santa

Dec. 15, 10am-1pm at the Visitor Information Center, 101 Adventure Ct. in Davenport. Enjoy snacks, games and crafts -- plus meet that jolly elf himself, Santa! Bring your own camera! Pets donning festive garb are welcome! (863) 420-2586

Kids Pizza Making

Dec. 29, 10-11am at Bok Tower Gardens. Kids will learn how to make sauce and roll out the dough, top and bake the pizzas in the wood-fired oven. For children ages 8-14 with enough pizza for one adult included. Register online in advance at boktowergardens.org

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

POLK COUNTY AND HISTORIC CITY OF FORT MEADE PRESENTS

THE 2018/ 2019 SHOW SEASON

Come Join Us! Patio Dining & Bar! • Casual Patio Dining • Relaxed Outdoor Seating • Poolside Lunch & Dinner • Great Drinks • Full Bar with TVs • Sharable Appetizers • Fresh Salads • Delicious Sandwiches

32ND ANNUAL

ANTIQUE ENGINE & TRACTOR “SWAP MEET” January 16-17-18-19, 2019

Beautiful Scenic Views

14TH ANNUAL

TRACTOR DRIVE THROUGH The Groves February 16TH, 2019

Hours Menu Service:

27TH ANNUAL

Mon – Fri: 11am–10pm Sat & Sun: Breakfast 8am–11am Sat & Sun: 11am–10pm

ANTIQUE ENGINE & TRACTOR SHOW February 20-21-22-23, 2019

Featuring International Harvesters Case IH • Case • New Holland

Bar Service:

Everyday 10am–11pm

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE

Live Entertainment On The Patio 7pm – 9pm

VISIT THE FLYWHEELER PARK FOR 4 DAYS OF FAMILY FUN, SEEING THE PAST PRESERVED FOR THE FUTURE.

November 30th

December 7-8 & 14-15, 2018

Tractor Pulls, Flea Market, Barns & Garages to Explore, Antique Cars, Trucks & Construction Equipment, & Operating Saw Mill

David Brimer Duo

December 7th

Southern Legacy Duo

December 14th LuBeck

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Featuring the best electric karts in the industry, the SODI RTX. They are powerful, ergonomic, safe and environmentally friendly plus pack enough torque to take you all the way to victory lane. Also enjoy a restaurant, bowling alley, arcade & more. 9299 Universal Blvd. (407) 3740085 andrettikarting.com

Winter Park Christmas Parade

Dec. 8 from 9 - 10:30 am. 66th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. The parade travels down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending at Lyman Avenue. More than 80 organizations participate. winterpark.org

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Light Up UCF

Diagon Alley™, London and Hogsmeade™ are transformed with festive decorations, treats and special entertainment. And as the stars begin to shine, a stunning projection wraps Hogwarts™ castle in sparkling holiday spirit. Throughout December at Universal Orlando. www.universalorlando.com

Various dates throughout December at the CFE Arena. Orlando’s most affordable holiday tradition, offering a free holiday light show, free outdoor Holiday Film Festival, and Orlando’s largest outdoor skating rink! Other attractions include photos with Santa, rides such as the Ferris Wheel, the Light Up Express, the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, the Winter Whirl, and falling snow! lightupucf.com

Wild Art & Wine

Holiday Matsuri

Dec. 11 from 6:30-9pm at the Central Florida Zoo. Have wine & hors-d’oeuvres while the instructors guide you through your own animal painting. Food, wine, and art supplies are included in your ticket. Space is limited, register online, 21+. (407) 323-4450 www.centralfloridazoo.org

A festively themed Anime, Gaming, & Cosplay Convention at the World Center Marriott, Dec. 14-16. Karaoke, dance contests, cosplay runway and so much more. holidaymatsuri.com

14-16

6 Sweet & Savory

Dec. 6 from 6-10pm at The Veranda at Thornton Park. Enjoy samples from the city’s finest restaurants, bakeries, and specialty food shops along with inventive cocktails. Live entertainment in the open air courtyard, under the stars! Purchase tickets at orlandoweeklytickets.com

Winter Park Boat Parade & Ski Show

Dec. 15, 3:30-7:30pm at Rollins College Lake Virginia. A benefit for the Food Pantries at Winter Park High School and Killarney Elementary School. winterparkrotary.org to donate.

7-9 13-16 The Nutcracker

Dec. 7-9 & 13-16 at The Walt Disney Theater. Presented by the Orlando Ballet, this is a must see during the holidays. See showtimes & purchase tickets at drphillipscenter.org

NOUVEAU: A Glamorous New Year’s Eve

Dec. 31 beginning at 9:30pm at the Orlando Museum of Art. A luxurious evening with full museum access, special guest Jorge Estevez (WFTV),complimentary valet, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, live music, photo booth, a DJ in the galleries, and a champagne toast as you watch a spectacular firework display at midnight. Purchase tickets in advance at www.eventbrite.com/o/ orlando-museum-of-art

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May The Peace And Joy That Christmas Bringsâ&#x20AC;¦

Always Be With You And Your Family!

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TAMPA TOP 10 1 Jingle Bell Run Day by Day: 1968

Through Dec. 30 at The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. The exhibition presents 366 vintage black and white news photographs from a private collection, one made on each day of 1968. This exhibition gives a chronological account of each day in 1968. www.fmopa.org

Indie Flea

Dec. 16, 11am-3pm at Armature Works. Best of all things indie, located in the heart of the Tampa Bay Area. The hand selected vendors feature products ranging from handmade jewelry, letterpress cards, screen printed t-shirts to vintage treasures and more. http://theindieflea.com/ tampa-flea/

havenmagazines.com

7 Blow Your Own Glass Ornament at Gott Glass Gallery

7-23

14 & 15

Dec. 1, 7:30-11am at 1 Steinbrenner Dr. This fun, festive and family-friendly chiptimed 5k features a Centerfield Celebration with food & drinks (including beer & mimosas w/ proper ID), entertainment, an awesome kid’s zone, a holidaythemed costume contest, silent auction, and more. Benefits Arthritis Foundation. events.arthritis.org

Dec. 7, 5-10pm. Experience blown glass which puts you on the end of a blowpipe, paired up with a professional instructor; who will guide you through the process of making your very own holiday ornament. Register online at gottglass.com (813) 237-3473

Dec. 7-23 at Stageworks Theatre in downtown Tampa. This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party featuring 60s versions of your favorite holiday music. (813) 374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org

Dec. 14 & 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Kids will have a chance to play in REAL snow! PLUS they can also make their own (artificial) snow! Your entire family will enjoy a stroll through our forest during snowfall, a visit from Santa Claus, delicious holiday treats, Christmas lights & more.

Cirque du Soleil Presents “CRYSTAL”

TFO: Home Alone in Concert

White Christmas (1954)

NYE Wrap Party 2018: Austin Powers

Dec. 19-23 at Amalie Arena. This unique arena production showcases synchronized and freestyle ice skating alongside circus discipline. All ages welcome. amaliearena.com

Dec. 21, 7:30pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by The Florida Orchestra. www.rutheckerdhall.com

The Winter Wonderettes

Dec. 23, 3pm at the Tampa Theatre. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen are captivating as matched pairs of entertainers playing out a timeless story of cute misunderstandings as they travel the road to love, and the music and dancing will put you in the holiday spirit without fail. tampatheatre.org

Sno Fest

Dec. 31, 9pm at the Tampa Theatre. Join Dr. Evil and Mr. Bigglesworth for heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, live music and dancing, the ball drop LIVE on the big screen at midnight, and an open beer-and-wine bar all night long. Purchase tickets at tampatheatre.org

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

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ElderPoint Ministries A marketplace to end food insecurity You can’t judge a book by its cover, and you can’t judge someone’s level of food security by looking at them either. Food insecurity is a self-identified problem plaguing Polk County, that one organization set out years ago to end, in a rather creative way – by empowering the food-insecure to solve it themselves.

catalyst for her service to the elderly. “A friend of mine gave me a lawnmower, and if you’ve ever gotten the right thing at the right time, that little gesture of something, that solved a problem for you.” She wanted to take the lawn mower and turn it into something bigger, so she set out to find an organization that could help connect her to seniors in need of having their lawns mowed.

In a bright community space at Lakeview Tower in Winter Haven, seniors browsed an assortment of colorful, fresh fruits and veggies in wicker baskets placed invitingly around the room.

She soon came across Faith in Action of Central Lakeland. There, she volunteered using her ability in software to develop a program matching seniors’ needs to volunteer skills. At the time, the Executive Director decided to move on and the organization was at a crossroads.

ElderPoint Executive Director, Jane Hammond looked on while describing the little talked about issue of food insecurity within the county. A biochemist turned software developer for the biotech industry may seem like an unlikely candidate for running a nonprofit focused on assisting the elderly, but Jane has always had the cause in her heart. “I’ve always had a passion for seniors and trying to improve the quality of life for seniors whether that’s just one on one in my neighborhood or trying to turn it into something bigger,” she said.

With only enough money to continue for six months, Jane stepped up to the task. Using her systematic and process design and flow-driven skills, she built it into what it is today. “I’m really good at taking something and streamlining it and making it really efficient – it’s what I did through code, now I do it with bananas,” she laughed. Here they are, now as ElderPoint, twelve years later with 17 locations for their markets and kiosks.

When her husband’s work relocated the family to Polk County, Jane found herself without opportunities in her industry. She took some time to settle her family. Of all things, a lawn mower became the

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 -

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Jane explained, “The purpose of our food program is to deal with food insecurity.” According to the USDA, food insecurity is defined as when the food intake of household members is reduced and their normal eating patterns are disrupted because the household lacks money and other resources for food. Transportation being a large concern. “We’re overcoming access because we’re right here,” she said looking around the Lakeview Tower community room. Though food insecurity is a problem in much of the country, it is magnified in Polk County. According to Jane, “The Lakeland/ Winter Haven area is the second most food insecure in the nation.” Data on FeedingAmerica.org notes that there are 95,800 food insecure people in Polk County. Jane admits that statistic takes many people off guard considering, “it just seems counterintuitive that a metropolitan area that is rated so high in philanthropic endeavors and certainly a focus on food, why are we then the second most food insecure?” She explained that seniors have particular issues for why they can’t access appropriate food. Do they have

transportation to the grocery store? If so, can they carry the bags back for whatever quantity they want to purchase? Do they have to buy in too large of a quantity, risking their limited resources on something that may go bad? Are they limited to the number of bags they can bring?

The idea was to have markets around the county where seniors could buy fresh fruits and produce at an affordable price and make it accessible to them. “If you look at our prices, it’s all ridiculously affordable because our goal is: We buy it all at wholesale, but we price it to cover only the cost of the produce itself and a little bit of gas to get it around.”

“What food insecurity is really about, in our area, we don’t have a lack of food per se, we have a lack of infrastructure to adequately distribute the food and make it available,” she said. “There are little hidden pieces to basically how a senior can survive that subtly impact their ability to procure food and maintain healthy food.”

They buy the produce fresh from the Plant City Market and also have a partnership with Farmer Jack. “Doing that, we’re able to be much more culturally relevant in every single market that we go into because we like to take requests everywhere we go.”

For many years, ElderPoint did a free food bank concept, serving a staggering 103,383 people in 2014. But Jane saw that this wasn’t sustainable.

As the program took off, ElderPoint realized they could only do the markets so many times a week though the demand for them was through the roof. To solve this issue they created kiosk markets which are a smaller format of their markets and exist in places where the elderly are likely to congregate such as a senior center.

“By numbers, it served a lot of people, but we realized we weren’t transforming lives. We weren’t moving anyone out of the food line.” They set out to redesign it into something that would, “Empower people to not be dependent on others for their food, but rather find their own way out and find their own food independence.”

In addition to their 17 locations, ElderPoint is looking to bring on 12 new kiosks in the first part of next year. The next step for the nonprofit is procuring

refrigerated units with glass fronts to put in their kiosk locations. This will keep the produce fresher for longer, allowing them to offer it for more days. They’ve even been in talks with professors at Polytech about having the students design something for them. “We have a weird little dream,” she began, “but you always have to plant these seeds because you never know where it will go.” Their “weird little dream” is an old-school carousel style vending machine that could be put in a common area for everyone to use such as the library downtown. They would like to make the vending machine accessible by coin or token and available not only to seniors but moms looking for a quick healthy snack for their kids, the homeless, or anyone else. “We’re all coming to the table together to try to take out the stigma of food insecurity and empower people to eat healthier.” Learn more about what ElderPoint does for the community and how you can help at www.elderpoint.org

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

GiveWell Community Foundation Give help. Give hope. Give well. $161M – that’s how much money GiveWell Community Foundation (GWCF) has granted since its inception twenty years ago, and, over those twenty years, the nonprofit has made giving easier for its fundholders.

“The Foundation is made up of a broad base of donors – people who are passionate about animals, and people who are passionate about arts and culture, or passionate about education. What they all have in common is they want a better community,” said Communications Manager for GiveWell Community Foundation, Dave Walter. “We try to bring those people all to the table and work together to create a better now and a better future.”

If you aren’t familiar with Community Foundations, President and CEO Terry Simmers explained that they are a 501(c) (3) public charity dedicated to make a particular region better and stronger. Though they are a nonprofit, they are not a typical service provider. The services they provide are intended to promote impactful change in their community and to assist donors with their philanthropic goals. They are more of a “connector” between donors and nonprofits, according to Simmers. GiveWell Community Foundation does not compete with other nonprofits, Simmers explained. “We don’t fundraise… we house the assets for fundholders to give out (to nonprofits) into the future.”

From July 2017 to June 2018, the Foundation granted 948 grants totaling $21M to nonprofits. Ninety-three percent of those grants were awarded to Florida nonprofits, with 82 percent of them going into one of the three counties they serve. With various fund options, GWCF currently is home to more than 300 individual funds and growing. “Donor- CONTINUED ON PAGE 25 -

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advised funds” are the most popular, making up almost half of the charitable funds at the Foundation. More than 60 nonprofits have established what is called an “agency fund” to invest their savings and be part of their collective investment pool. The Foundation also houses “community funds” for public parks in Lakeland and Winter Haven to ensure their preservation for future generations. Other fund types include designated, legacy, memorial, field of interest, and unrestricted funds. Establishing a fund with the Community Foundation is simple, and the process can be personalized to meet your charitable giving goals. Once a fund is established, fundholders can take their time deciding

where and when their donations are distributed. The Foundation can take care of the rest. GWCF is able to handle the daunting administrative aspects of philanthropy, such as giving to multiple organizations and turning non-cash assets into cash donations for nonprofits.

He described Impact Polk as “an annual competitive grant program of the GiveWell Community Foundation with the goal of addressing community needs throughout Polk County.” Empower Polk was launched this year as a new grant cycle with a goal of empowering local nonprofits and “meeting needs that will help them fulfill their mission and support our community more effectively.”

What projects are GiveWell proudest of? “We love seeing the impact each year from our grants... (and) last year, we responded to Hurricane Irma by creating the Disaster Relief Fund... to provide longterm relief throughout Polk County,” said Simmers. The Community Foundation also offers two annual grant cycles called “Impact Polk” and “Empower Polk.”

It would be an understatement to say that GiveWell Community Foundation has touched every aspect of the community. Discussing the organization’s community impact, Simmers said, “The community leaders who established the Foundation wanted to establish a culture of philanthropy here in our community.

They wanted to invest in their community, and, today, there are more than 300 active charitable funds at GiveWell Community Foundation. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation provides insight to fundholders and nonprofits. Fundholders have the peace of mind of knowing that their donations are truly making an impact. We also meet with many nonprofits to provide insight and expertise and learn from them about pressing needs throughout our community.” GiveWell Community Foundation 1501 Florida Ave S, Lakeland 20 3rd St SW #307, Winter Haven https://www.givecf.org

havenmagazines.com

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Heart for Winter Haven A.J.’ s Story Collaboration and collective impact, that’s the goal that Heart for Winter Haven set out with, to equip the underemployed, bring a community to the marginalized, and heal the broken.

a network of care,” said Beatty. Along their way to figuring out how to do this, they found that a missing piece to the puzzle was communication with the business community.

Five years ago, a member of Heart for Winter Haven Executive Director Brad Beatty’s church wanted to invest in the community in a similar way to the Lake Wales Care Center. This person gave some money to start Heart for Winter Haven, an organization that was to make a remarkable impact on the lives of many, but certainly the life of one special young man. The organization started as a means to unite the faith community with nonprofits to work towards bringing a strategy to their common goals of helping people.

“We call that our three-legged stool. That’s our approach, the nonprofits, the faith community, and the business community. How can we bring each of these stakeholders together to think about the good of the community?” said the Executive Director. “We believe that by creating those relationships and these ways of being able to communicate, we can begin to collaborate and then move towards having that collective impact together.”

“We felt like we really needed to focus on

their flagship program, Jobs for Life. This program focuses on the importance of employment. “There is this sector of our society that was underemployed or unemployed chronically and no one was really reaching them,” she said. “Jobs for Life is trying to reconnect people with success through work,” explained Beatty. “Preparing them for the workplace, a lot of the employability skills, and overcoming some of the deficits in their life to enter into the marketplace and really understand what an employer wants in an employee. How do they grow their salary, what is this achievement ladder, and how do you climb it?”

Then board member, now Director of Operations and Equipping, Margaret Jones was particularly excited about

These three pieces of the church, nonprofit, and businesses offered

everything someone would need to be successful – building relationships, food and resources, and job preparedness and opportunities. Beatty said, “This program is really about developing lives that are going to develop the community.” He explained that someone who has jumped from one low paying part-time job to another and can get help turning that around to get on a career trajectory will have their lives and the lives of their family forever positively changed. Jobs for Life prepares the underemployed and unemployed to enter the workforce by refining their job skills. Through twiceweekly classes over 8 weeks, a total of 16 classes, the program focusses on a - CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 -

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deliberate 16 topics to improve the soft skills that may be missing or need to be refined to enter into the workforce. Heart for Winter Haven offers what Margaret calls a “web of care,” a hub of connections and resources to address issues that may keep people from procuring and sustaining employment. Obstacles to employment can include things like a lack of skills, running water, food, electric, or transportation. Beatty, speaking about Jobs for Life said, “Some of the deliverables that the students get are that they will develop a vocational plan.” This vocational plan will have a time correlation, assessment of resources available, and what action steps need to be taken to get to their goal. Students have to do research on what skills employers are seeking and plan step by step to work on those things. Students are taught to develop a 30-second commercial sales pitch of themselves and base it around a character quality. According to Brad, there are four basics that every employer wants: to have employees that show up on time, work the entire time, get along with others, and be teachable. The program connects each student with a “Champion” to walk alongside them, supporting and encouraging them to develop these skills. “It’s more blessed to give than to receive, so if we’re looking for those opportunities to add value, we’re going to be the kind of person that’s going to be valuable to an employer,” said Beatty.

Margaret, Brad and the Heart for Winter Haven team have not only been helping A.J. with employment, but with resources, food, furniture, and most importantly by believing in him. When asked what he needed from them and from God in a moment of despair, A.J. told them, “What I really want is for people to see the greatness inside of me.” Though you wouldn’t guess it by talking to him, A.J. has had a tough life. He’s been robbed, held at gunpoint and gone through valleys of adversity in his life. “There was sadness and lack of hope in my situation and there was no one to turn to but myself and that’s how I ended up diving into my art even further because I felt like that was my way out,” he said. The thoughtful and well-spoken 20-yearold talked about how he got into art, “I manifested it through a lot of years of being an introvert as a kid. I never really talked to a lot of other kids my age and I ended up diving into reading books and loving the art on the cover. I would draw the cover and then read the book afterward.”

e a part of a community B where you can feel at home.

He incrementally grew his skills, finetuning his craft to be able to, “render the face of a woman and draw the glare in her eyes and the details in her pupils.”

Ask us today how you can qualify for our Move-in Specials!

Currently, A.J. is expanding his artistic abilities to include hyperrealism and pointillism and has been tampering with paint and sculpting.

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Beatty estimates there are over 50 graduates of the program and hopes to have classes in every quadrant of the city.

The artist with a fresh air of hope in his voice, discussed the impact Heart for Winter Haven has had on his life, “It’s like a family, it’s truly like a family. They’re really good people and they have pure intentions. That’s a benefit to be able to feel like you belong somewhere, to be able to feel like these people have your back and that they’ll do what they have to do to see you grow as a person.”

While it is their intention to teach people to add value to the community, it is Heart for Winter Haven impacting people’s lives as well.

He said they have helped him gain exposure as an artist, to blossom, and ultimately allowed others to see the greatness inside of him.

One such case is the story of a young artist named A.J.

If hearing A.J.’s story makes you want to be a part of this special community, there are ways you can help. “Our greatest need right now is people who say I’m going to give up my time two days a week to walk alongside someone who is underemployed,” explained Margaret. To volunteer your time, reach out to Heart for Winter Haven to see how you can become a champion for someone in need of one.

Along with their vocational plan, students get help working on their resumes, perform mock interviews and attend business panels.

To enter into the Jobs for Life program, each student must go through an interview. A.J. didn’t go through this process, he showed up one day and took everyone by surprise. He learned about Heart for Winter Haven through his girlfriend. After months of hearing about the program, he went one day with his sisters and fell in love with the program, saying it was something he needed. “This young man is brilliant. He is an artist, he is intelligent, he has shone in every single class,” beamed Margaret Jones. In one of their business panels he had the chance to ask questions to business leaders and impressed them with his insightful, intelligent inquiries.

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ARTS WORDS & ARTWORK Jenna Cherry

The goodness going on now was certainly not always the case, so if you are in the midst of turmoil and maybe even struggling with mental health issues, do not lose hope. I wanted to include some invaluable practices that changed my life. Of course, at the top of this list is finding a good counselor, a good doctor, and actively seeking the help you need. Here are some practical things to do to help you feel better:

In the fall of 2016, I found myself digging through online forums about mental health issues. It was all very new to me, yet so many feelings shared online were so familiar to me. I had been diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) right before moving out and starting college. For almost a year, the illness was encompassing and heavy. Everyday was a struggle with this cyclical depression and anxiety that I couldn’t seem to combat.

1. Sleep - we cannot expect to function fully or healthily without a good sleep routine. Strive for rest and health over productivity

I’d search online for answers, solutions, or recommendations, and always came up with nothing. A lot of people were feeling awful, but not a lot of people were finding answers. There was an astonishing lack of hope. After months of counseling, finding a medication that worked, and holding on to hope, I started to feel better. It seemed like the PMDD was less in charge, and I was gaining some footing in being myself again. I wanted to offer anything that helped me as a solution for others who were feeling as stuck as I was. So I started drawing and making wall hangings and using any spare minute as a creative outlet, mostly, because I had to. Some days the only thing that helped was tying knots in yarn.

2. Community - it is so good for you to have a group of friends you can text if you are having a rough day. Have some friends you can get a meal with, and have a special person you can be completely honest with. 3. Distractions - it is so okay to have happy little things to keep you grounded (i.e. watch a favorite show, play with a pet, listen to music, etc.) I think we would all go a little crazy if we only focused on our feelings, it is really good to have things that take your mind off of things. 4. Creativity - make something every day. Make your bed. Make a clean kitchen. Make a journal entry. I think creativity fills our days with magic that would not have otherwise existed.

Jumping to now, I am a radically different person. I am healed, and I’m mostly free from the nasty symptoms of PMDD. Starting my own creative business was one of the things that helped me most. I had something to look forward to everyday, and having things I wanted to accomplish kept depression in check as I was motivated to get out of bed and work.

5. Doing hard work - focus on the work in your hands and strive to put yourself aside for a bit. Hard work heals lots of things. Some other quick ideas: call someone you haven’t talked to in a while, go thrifting with a friend, start a good movie, deep clean your space, go for a drive with good music or a podcast, go to bed early, divert your attention from yourself by taking care of something or someone else, call your dearest friend and let them know you need to let feelings out, and try going to some places you’ve never been before in your own town.

Twenty Seven has evolved and changed so much in this first year of business. I am so amazed and thankful for the support of community. I sell prints of my art and do custom branding work for small businesses. In addition to the online shop and wonderful Instagram community Twenty Seven has fostered, I was able to set up a physical storefront in “The Shop Across The Street” in the Dixieland area of Lakeland. The shop houses my prints, and retro antiques I have curated. And then, there is the occasional pop up market I am able to join. It has been such a beautiful journey, and it seems with every bit of business growth, there has been some healing done in my heart and another beautiful lesson learned.

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Polk State inaugurates Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti as College’ s 5th President

Polk State College inaugurated Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti as the institution’s fifth president on Nov. 15th, culminating a week-long celebration, Falconetti’s first year of service, and raising $155,830 for student scholarships. More than 400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and representatives from colleges and universities across Florida and the U.S. convened for the investiture ceremony in the Polk State Winter Haven Campus Health Center, where Falconetti was formally sworn into office. “It is with incredible gratitude and honor that I stand before you today as the fifth president of Polk State College, where student success is our success, and everyone plays an integral role in the transformative power Polk State has on students and the greater community,” Falconetti said. Falconetti’s investiture address highlighted Polk State’s rich history, commitment to the community, and focus on pervasive excellence. She emphasized the importance of serving students from all walks of life and continuing to enhance services to ensure they persevere on the path to their degrees. At the core of her message was the College’s mission to provide access to affordable, quality higher education and dedication to filling local workforce needs. “With 70 percent of Polk State students staying right here in our community after graduation, their success is truly ours, Polk County,” she said. “We will continue to work diligently to ensure a successful future for our students, our institution, and our community.” The Polk County Board of County Commissioners and many municipalities declared Nov. 15, 2018, as Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti Inauguration Day leading up to the

investiture ceremony. Falconetti was named President in May 2017, bringing nearly two decades of service in higher education administration at the state and national levels to Polk County’s state college. She had most recently served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Virginia Western Community College and as Executive Director of the Foundation.

Florida Development Council, Club Hispano de Lakeland, the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s High-Skill High-Wage Initiative, Polk Vision, The Vanguard School Foundation, the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, and Winter Haven Hospital. She is also an active leader in national and statewide organizations, serving on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation as well as the Steering Committee for the Florida College System Council of Presidents. Also, at the national level, she served as Special Assistant to the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges in Washington, D.C. She ultimately decided, however, that she wanted to serve on a college campus closest to students, faculty, staff, and the community.

In her first year at Polk State, Falconetti focused on building relationships both internally and externally, communicating with community members and hosting forums with students, faculty, and staff to learn what they most value about the College. From this collective input, she developed a vision to strengthen student success and has worked to expand partnerships that provide opportunities and support services for students. Additionally, she advocated successfully at the state level to secure recurring operational funds for the College.

Kieran Sequin, an Associate in Arts student and President of the Student Government Association on the Winter Haven Campus, illustrated Falconetti’s caring and personable approach to serving Polk State’s students. “Dr. Falconetti takes a personal interest in students,” he said. “She values every student and wants all of us to succeed.” Whether Falconetti is shooting hoops with the basketball team, engaging student leaders in important College discussions, or connecting a student in need to a scholarship opportunity, she is always putting students first, Sequin explained. Through the Polk State College Foundation’s Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti Scholarship, she can further support students she encounters on the College’s campuses and centers. Donations to the scholarship can be made online at foundation.polk.edu/ inauguration.

Several distinguished speakers Thursday reaffirmed the selection of Falconetti as Polk State’s fifth president. “The search for a new college president is no easy task. Not only does the individual have to possess significant academic credentials and an impressive track record of experience, the individual must also be the right fit for both the institution and the community. I believe Dr. Falconetti has all of that and more,” said Polk State District Board of Trustees Chair Dan Dorrell before bestowing upon Falconetti the College’s medallion. “She must also have a doctorate in energy because since her tenure as President began, Dr. Falconetti has worked tirelessly to establish her place within the community and the College.” She serves on several boards including CareerSource Polk, the Central 37

Falconetti, whose parents are Cuban exiles, has a personal commitment to affording students the opportunities that were granted to her and her family through higher education. “The collective synergy here continues to motivate and inspire as we work together toward our goals of success for Polk State’s students and the positive growth of Polk County,” Falconetti said. “We will take Polk State College to the next level, together, because student success is our success.” About Polk State College Located in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 16,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, as well as a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The College also operates three charter high schools. Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.

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WORDS Tara Crutchfield

Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest 2019 In its 6th year, Bernie Little Distributors’ Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest is bringing a beer experience to the community that benefits our furry friends on January 18.

Fan favorites like the Budweiser Speakeasy will be returning along with the Breckenridge Ice Room. Breckenridge is bringing a new-to-market nitro Irish stout which Stephanie says is a must-try.

Pet parent to one dog and three cats, Event Coordinator and On Premise Sales Manager for Bernie Little Distributors Stephanie Eck had the idea for a beer fest years ago. Stephanie says, “I wanted to do something that included the Humane Society because myself and all of the ownership including our president (at Bernie Little) are huge animal lovers.”

Also joining the party this year is Spiked Seltzer. With a mermaid on their logo, it only makes sense to have an 18,000-lbs tank with mermaids swimming in it.

Held annually at the RP Funding Center for the first few years, Pints for Paws moved locations to the Lake Mirror Promenade for their January 2018 event and it will be held there again in 2019. Proceeds of the event go to benefit the Humane Society of Polk County raising over $31K for the nonprofit earlier this year. The goal is to not only raise as much money as possible for Polk County’s pets but also to give beer fest-goers a “bigger and better experience” every time. “We want them to see something new, see something different making them want to come back year after year,” said Stephanie. Stephanie admits that it takes a lot of funds to bring cool new and unique things to the event, but says it is made possible by donations from Bernie Little Distributors, Anheuser-Busch and their event sponsors. This year promises quite the party with over 100 different beers to try and two stages with live music. At one end of the event, Ken Apperson will be playing the acoustic guitar, and at the other, Bud Light is throwing a 90s themed party with 90s cover songs performed by Actual Bank Robbers.

Tickets for this 21 and over event are $45 for general admission and $25 for Designated Drivers. General admission tickets come with a free souvenir pilsner sample glass, interactive beer stations, food trucks with food for purchase, and live music and entertainment. Production company Bay Stage Live will also be on site to put on a huge light display. “It’s definitely a unique event like no other in Polk County,” says Stephanie. Mermaids, beer, puppies, beer, light display, beer, food trucks, oh and beer – what more could you ask for? Leashed pets are welcome, and if you’d like to add to your family, The Humane Society will be there with animals available for adoption. Check out their Facebook page, Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest 2019, for a chance to win one of their many giveaways leading up to the event! Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest 2019 pintsforpawslakelandbeerfest.com FB: Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest 2019 Tickets: centralfloridatix.com

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Let’ s Roll!

Sushi was originally invented as a means of preservation, when fermented and salted rice was used to store fish for up to a year. This was known as narezushi. The rice was thrown away and only the fish consumed. A later variant called namanarezushi invented in the 16th century, introduced the idea of eating the vinegared rice, instead of being thrown away, and this is still enjoyed today.

At 2 a.m. when most of us are sleeping, sushi grade fish is leaving the

docks in Miami and being transported to Winter Haven. Sushi grade is fish labeled by the seller, as fresh enough to be eaten raw. It comes in different qualities as well and Tsunami Sushi makes sure to have the best, only purchased in small quantities, for its restaurants. Tsunami Sushi on Central Ave. in Winter Haven opened in 2005 and Tsunami Sushi on Cypress Gardens Blvd. opened in 2011. Vinh Nguyen has been the owner until 2016 when Jennifer Rednock bought into the location on Central Ave. Together Vinh and Jennifer decided to open a new location in Lakeland. The

location in Lakeland offers hibachi and ramen in addition to the regular menu. Vinh has been surrounded with the culture most of his life and has worked in restaurants with a passion for sushi and the Japanese cuisine. When some people hear the word sushi, they immediately think it’s raw fish. But that’s not true! Owner Jennifer Rednock explains. “We have lots of cooked sushi. If you like shrimp, crab, salmon, etc. we can tempt you with a delicious roll you’ll love. We have lots of raw and authentic items as well for the true sushi connoisseur.” If you’ve never been to Tsunami before, Jennifer has some advice. “If you have 40

never had any Japanese food before, I can assure you we will have something just right for you. Talk to your server and they will guide you through your order whether you want to try sushi for the first time (cooked or raw), or if you’re in the mood for some fried tempura.” The most popular dishes they serve are the Teriyaki dishes made with the house made teriyaki sauce. The most popular roll is the Krunch Roll made with tuna, salmon, crab, cream cheese, spicy mayo (tempura outside) and eel sauce. A couple of our favorite rolls are the Yummy Crumbly Roll which is spicy tuna, cucumber, topped with

krab, spicy tuna and a tempura crumb mixture. Also the Hot Mama Roll made of shredded krab mixed with spicy mayo topped with tuna and sriracha. (I like spicy food, can you tell?) I also like to start with the garlic lime edamame which are simple steamed and sautéed soybeans with minced garlic and lime juice. Delicious! The chef has a very extensive background in this cuisine and takes no shortcuts, anything you order will be excellent. Tsunami Sushi’s menu is very expansive. There really is something for everyone. “The menu has a wide variety that will suit anyone’s

taste buds. If you have a group and someone in your group wants to bring in something from another restaurant, we are ok with that too. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy their time with us. We also offer live music on most Friday evenings. We hope to have music on Saturdays as well soon,” Jennifer added.

batches to maintain that freshness people know us for. Quality is vital to us. Just about everything we offer is made in house from scratch. We can easily accommodate to most dietary needs and are willing to make anything special for anyone. If we have the ingredients, we can make it. We strive to give everyone the best experience possible. Customer service is also very important to us. We just absolutely love the community around us and the people who live here with us. Our customers are become friends and family to Tsunami.”

Jennifer ended with what sets Tsunami Sushi apart from other restaurants. “Tsunami Sushi is different because we pay attention to what the customers want. We offer something for everyone. We are very particular with quality. We order fresh fish in small 41

Tsunami Sushi 317 W Central Ave., Winter Haven (863) 324-6777 -or5937 Cypress Gardens Blvd. #300, Winter Haven (863) 293-2395 Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi 114 N Tennessee Ave., Lakeland (863) 940-2112

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1. Heat oven to 350°F. 2. Combine butter, brown sugar and sugar in bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Add Leighton’s honey and egg; continue beating until well mixed, scraping bowl if necessary. Add all remaining cookie ingredients; beat at low speed until well mixed. 3. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely. 4. Combine powdered sugar and enough orange juice for desired spreading consistency in bowl; mix until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled cookies.

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2. In a medium saucepan combine milk, cream, and nutmeg and bring to just a boil, stirring often. Remove from the heat and slowly temper the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Return everything back to the saucepan and cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. 3. Stir in the Baileys, Schnapps, Cointreau and Kahlua. Pour mixture into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill. 4. In a new bowl using a hand mixer, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. With the mixer running gradually add the 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. 5. Whisk the egg whites into the chilled mixture and enjoy! Eggnog: (Alton Brown Food Network) Cocktail:(Drizly)

WORDS Tara Crutchfield

VISTE

(Volunteers in Service to the Elderly) Celebrating 35 years this year, Lakelandbased nonprofit VISTE makes a priority of one of the most valuable parts of the community – the elderly. VISTE was founded by a group of volunteers who saw a need in the community for people who were no longer able to drive themselves to doctor appointments or other errands. In 1983, they started with around 40 clients and had volunteers drive them around to where they needed to go. Word spread quickly, and they made the effort to formalize, becoming a United Way Agency and obtaining 5(0)1c3 status. “Transportation remains the cornerstone of our program, but as time has gone on, we’ve added more and more programs to meet the need,” explained VISTE’s Community Engagement Director, Ashley Miller. “Our mission is to keep people safe and independent in their own home,” she said. All of VISTE’s clients are 70 or older and live in Lakeland, Bartow, Ft. Meade, and Mulberry, with the average client being a female in her early 80’s living alone. Much of what they do has a volunteer interaction aspect to it. “That’s something that we always want to focus on – not only the services we’re delivering but that socialization that’s so important to people who are alone,” Miller said.

clients have is to go into a nursing home. Most of them cannot afford to live in an assisted living facility,” she relayed. If someone can no longer drive or cook for themselves and find it necessary to go to a nursing home, it’s often Medicare picking up some of that expense. But, by investing in an organization like VISTE, they can effectively keep people out of the nursing home. “There are some times when it’s not safe for someone to stay in their home, but there are instances where they just might be teetering on the edge and these support services can keep them aging in place longer,” she said. “I think by volunteers and donors supporting VISTE, they’re investing in part of what makes our community really great and that’s our elders.”

Volunteers do everything from baking the cakes, decorating them, putting together goodie bags, and donating flowers. This is a fantastic opportunity for students as they can earn community service hours for baking cakes.

Of the many challenges that Polk County seniors face, Ashley mentioned two of the most problematic and apparent issues.

Also special. is the delivery of turkey dinners for Thanksgiving. VISTE has been delivering turkey dinners to clients the day before the holiday for 22 years now. They started the program delivering just 100 meals out of a restaurant that was where Harry’s is now, downtown. They used the space to prepare the meals, volunteers would deliver them, and every year the program grew.

With mental health being just as important as physical health, the social isolation some seniors face can be devastating. Many of their clients live alone without family or friends nearby. Miller explained, “That interaction that volunteers have with them whether it’s a phone call or a delivery of something, sometimes they are stepping in as a surrogate family or becoming a friend or someone that they can count on.”

She sees the impact as two-pronged. The first of that is, assisting clients to age in their homes not only keeps them an integral part of the community, but it also saves taxpayer dollars.

Through VISTE’s supplemental grocery program, in which 1500 households are enrolled, seniors are given a box of food each month, allowing them to stretch their dollar and hopefully make them more food secure.

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Also, someone who is over 90 has likely outlived many family and friends, so for VISTE volunteers to step in to celebrate them on their birthday is a special sentiment.

The second part of their impact is that of volunteers, allowing them to engage in philanthropy. Volunteers from ages 3 to 95, Miller said, “I think a lot of times they are getting as much out of it as the client is.”

With a milestone birthday of 35 years, Miller reflected on the impact VISTE has had on the community and those they seek to help. “In America, the fastest growing population today is the elderly. What is happening more and more, we’ve seen an increase in demand for services grow and grow over the years. We’ve gone from those original 40 or so clients to now over 4000 clients and then we’ve gone from those original 12 volunteers to over 1000 volunteers.”

“The other option that a lot of these

While assisting with all the heavy-hitting issues seniors face, VISTE also makes individualizing them and making them feel special a priority. All of their clients receive a birthday card during the month of their birthday, and their clients who are 90 and older are offered a birthday cake, goody bag, and bouquet of flowers. “We chose that demographic (90 and older) because these are people that grew up in the Great Depression when sugar and flour were being rationed and unless their families were in the position to have that kind of celebration, some of them didn’t have those birthday parties and celebrations that we remember having as children.”

Now operating out of the RP Funding Center, VISTE will deliver 1800 meals. Volunteers will decorate and color placemats and bags for the meals, chef and kitchen staff volunteer their time for the three days leading up to delivery, 150 volunteers will come together to snap 100 pounds of fresh pole beans, and flowers are donated by Sunshine Growers.

The other major problem is food insecurity. There are elderly members of the community who have to choose between paying their electric bill or prescription copay over buying groceries.

“It’s amazing to watch members of the community show up on that day and get in a line that wraps around the building to deliver just one or two meals,” said Miller. Everything VISTE does for the community, of course, takes funding. Born from their annual fundraising

campaign, over the last three years, they’ve had an online fundraising platform called “Serve a Senior.” The initiative of Bill Mutz who was their campaign chair, Mutz thought VISTE was missing a large demographic of donors by not participating in online campaigns. For a long time, donors were able to go online to donate, but they didn’t have a focused effort until the Serve a Senior program. This peer to peer fundraising event has community members become “team captains” over a thirty-day period. During this time, they share it with their friends, who share with their friends, and so on, leading to a snowball effect of donations. Miller expressed, “We’ve had success in the last three years in raising between $20K - $30K just online over that period of thirty days to add to our annual fundraising campaign which ultimately has a goal of $350K.” If you would like to become a Volunteer in Service to the Elderly, VISTE has flexibly volunteering options for you. They’re able to tailor the volunteer opportunities to your availability, so you could help an hour a week or on a recurring basis to improve the lives of Polk County seniors. Because of the explosion in growth of the program, VISTE’s largest need currently are for volunteers to deliver hot meals every Tuesday and Thursday. Ten years ago, they were delivering 100 meals twice a week, that number has now gone up to over 350. Holiday volunteering opportunities are also available. The week before Christmas, volunteers can spread a little extra cheer by delivering gifts to clients. For more information on volunteering, email Ashley Miller at ashley@viste.org or fill out a volunteer application online at http://viste.org/become-a-vistevolunteer VISTE www.viste.org 1232 E Magnolia St, Lakeland (863) 284-0828

WORDS Amy Sexson

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson & Sheriff Grady Judd

Shooting with the Sheriff “One day when I get old and pass away, I want my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, if they take a moment to wonder what Granddad was really like, they can see what Granddad really loved through my photography. They might say Granddad was a sheriff at work and he was proud of it, but this is who Granddad was when he wasn’t a sheriff.” Sheriff Grady Judd is a prolific amateur nature photographer. He’s had a love of photography for a very long time and even had a few exhibitions in the past. What started as a hobby as a kid has grown into “an addiction” that brings him closer to nature and God. Sheriff Judd talked with me about beginning this hobby, “When I was very young, I enjoyed photography. It was back in the film days. I had a Nikon camera and lenses and I was struggling to self-teach myself how to photograph. I really enjoyed it, but along came college, marriage, children so I set it aside.” Fast forward to about 8 years ago, Sheriff Judd went for his annual physical exam. When his doctor asked him how he felt, he told him he felt just fine. “He asked me what my hobbies were. I said work. He asked me if I liked my job. I said yes. He asked if I wanted to do it a long time. I said yes, is something wrong with me?” The doctor told him there wasn’t now, but there would be if he didn’t get a hobby to distract him from his very stressful job. Photography was a perfect match for him. “Cameras are different now, they’re totally awesome.” Judd explained he switched to using a Canon and currently uses 3 different models. A Canon 7D, Canon 7D Mark II and most recently a Canon 5D Mark IV. “I don’t feel any more stressed or less stressed than I did 6 or 8 years ago but I loved my doctor’s advice because now I am doing what I absolutely love as a hobby.” “I’m a nature photographer and I do landscapes. I feel closest to God when I’m in the woods. When I’m on a lake, at the beach, you feel the power and the majesty and the majesticness of God’s wonderful world,” Sheriff Judd said while relaxing back in his chair. “Fishing bores me after a while. Hunting, I can take it or leave it. But hunting with a camera mesmerizes me. It does de-stress me, I feel myself calm down because you can’t focus on

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that perfect picture if you’re thinking about the office or work at the same time.” Sheriff Judd gets out as often as possible, and that’s one of the things he loves about it. You can stop and take a picture whenever you’re inspired. He says it’s a lesson in patience because you have to slow down and really look around. Sheriff Judd talked about what it’s like to spend an afternoon taking some shots after work. “Say I could have a whole session at the end of the day. It’s wintertime and the winter birds are here and I brought my camera. I would change out of my uniform into some jeans and tennis shoes and stop at Circle B to get me a couple hours of photography in before dark. I can feel me rushing everything when I first get there. And then as nature takes control, and the beauty takes control, I find myself calming down and getting in the moment. You have to be in the moment. You have to refocus and let the speed and pace of work go. And then you get in sync with nature, and maybe that’s even more fun that taking the photograph.” Judd fact: He loves taking photos in the winter because of all of the winter birds that come down. Sheriff Judd also likes to take photographs of the mountains, the coast, lighthouses and old broken down barns. “I like photographing old stuff that’s deteriorating and dilapidated and capturing yesteryear. I like photographing old court houses. The old architecture is interesting. I like to capture things that are disappearing.” he explained. “I also love to capture old churches. The steeples and the bells, the things you don’t see anymore on the new churches.” What does he do with all the photos? “We give them away, auction them off for charity and some of them I just keep. For the most part, I donate them to charity or I give them away. I do it to relax, to capture nature and to be closer to god. It works for me.” Sheriff Judd humbly said that he’s just “a good ol’ boy from Polk County that was blessed enough to go to college, have a great career, a great family and a great camera.” I asked the Sheriff where is his favorite place in Central Florida to take photos and he responded quickly. “Circle B is totally awesome. They have the most variety of things in close proximity in the wild, it’s Circle B hands down.” His dream places to shoot photos are Alaska and Iceland. He also said he never gets tired of the Rocky Mountains. After the holidays, he’s planning to

photograph where there’s snow. He’s never done that before so he’s reading up on it. Another Judd Fact: He doesn’t like cold weather. Final Judd Fact: He takes his camera whenever he goes hunting. He ends up shooting more with a camera than with a gun. The last time he went hunting, he had over 1500 shots of turkey, deer and wildlife on his camera and he only shot his gun 3 times. Sheriff Judd ended with this. “For those that don’t enjoy art of some kind, it not only gives you entertainment and enjoyment, but it gives you, really, a three dimensional perspective on life. You see life for what it is at work, and your normal routine, but then when you get into your art world, you see life as you want it to be. It gives you depth and perception and the ability to cleanse your mind of the everyday fast paced rhetoric and get into a zone of peace and tranquility. At least it does for me. We live an abnormal life, this is a supernatural life.”

WORDS Bailey Hill

Dyeing for you Emma and Aspen Dobratz are the young entrepreneurs behind Emma’s Yarn who got their start in Winter Haven, Florida. What originally started as a lesson about ratios for school, turned into a full-time job for both sisters.

The girls’ mother is knitting-obsessed, so yarn has been a part of their everyday life for years. They learned to knit basically at the same time as when other children learn to tie their shoes. Before moving to the sunshine state, the family lived in Michigan, where their aunt owned a yarn shop. Their mother worked there throughout high school and brought the idea to town when they moved.

“It was a hands-on project for learning proportions,” said Emma. Emma, 17, is homeschooled, so her crafty mom used art to teach her about math and science. She learned about how bits of different colors came together to make something new and beautiful. She enjoyed it so much that she kept doing it and loved the results.

Laura Dobratz opened Four Purls at a small location for fun. She had friends here that had a knitting group and she wanted to open something different for our city. The Dobratz family was shocked at the positive response they got after opening. Now, years later, they have moved to their third location which is much larger, making them the largest yarn shop in central Florida.

“Before I joined, Emma dyed small portions. Then we started dyeing together and wholesales,” said Aspen.

Emma and Aspen sell their biggest selection of yarn at their mother’s store. You can also find them in New York City, Colorado, Georgia, Cocoa Beach, and beyond.

Aspen recently graduated from college with a degree in Anthropology and after seeing what her sister was doing with the creative process of the yarn, she knew she had to hop on-board. Aspen is the organized, businessminded half of the pair. She manages their social media, schedules their trunk shows, and communicates with the seventeen (and counting) stores they sell their products to. Don’t think that doesn’t stop her from getting her hands dirty, though. She dyes yarn with her sister and they love working together.

Four Purls Yarn Shop 334 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 662-8288 www.fourpurls.com

For anyone that hasn’t experienced the yarn dyeing process, it’s not quite as simple as you might imagine. They first begin with white yarn, dip it into a pot of water and heat it up to their desired temperature, using acid dyes to make the perfect color. Next they rinse the yarn, hang it to dry overnight before packaging it up for buyers. Quality and ratios make a huge difference here. The sisters have a giant book of their “recipes” for perfection. Each color takes time to refine. Part of what makes Emma’s Yarn unique is their knack for color. They love seeing what works well together, creating new vibrant hues, and producing multi-color yarns as well. They experiment often and are constantly growing the amount of options they offer to the public. One of their favorite parts of the process is naming the color. They choose catch phrases like “Hot Tamale” and “Wish You Were Beer” instead of generic names to make them stand out.

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DECEMBER CALENDAR 2018 1–9 SUNSET & SYMPHONY HOLIDAY MUSIC CONCERTS When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Enjoy a full day of music and holiday festivities culminating in the evening finale performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon. 10am-12pm Polkweed Muzique performs at the Terrace, 11am Carillon Concert, 12pm2pm AcousticDose performs at Pinewood Estate Frog Fountain Courtyard, 1pm & 3pm Carillon Concert, 4pm-5:45pm Greye and 6pm Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Ticket includes Garden admission for the day and concert ticket (Pinewood admission not included). (863) 734-1222 BIRD CLUB HIKE When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 8 a.m. Where: Circle B Bar Reserve 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland. Meet at parking lot. Come and join Lake Region Audubon Bird Club for a guided hike to learn about the birds of Circle B Bar Reserve. Please bring binoculars, water, sunscreen, and a snack.Contact: blsnow11@ tampabay.rr.com or 863-712-3878 for more details. DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS When: Dec. 01, 18 - Jan. 06, 19| 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Come “Home for the Holidays” and experience Pinewood Estate completely transformed into a holiday showplace and reflecting the grandeur of the 1940s. Combo admission to the Gardens and Pinewood Estate Holiday Home Tour $24 adult, $12 (child ages 5-12). (863) 734-1222.

TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded in the serenity of the Gardens. Individuals of all ages and physical conditions can use the fluid movements to help release tension, increase balance and relax. $10 members/$17 non-member. (863) 734-1222

MAKE & TAKE WORKSHOP: POLLINATOR HOUSE & HOLIDAY CRAFT When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: UF/IFAS Extension 1702 S Highway, Bartow. Participants will make their own pollinator house and holiday craft to take home. Pre-registration is required. Come dressed for crafting. Cost is $25.00 payable online by credit card only. Meet at the potting shed at the rear of the extension building property. Drive onto the property from Clower St E (side street on north side of building) and enter through the gates behind the open barn. Workshop provided by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardeners.If you have any questions, please contact us at j.schelb@ufl.edu or 863-519-1041. See you there!For more information on our programs visit http://polkgardening.com.

WINTER WONDERLAND When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Bartow Ford, 2800 US-98, Bartow. Bartow Ford is proud to host and be the title sponsor for the 4th annual Winter Wonderland event - a free, family-oriented festival for our community. In partnership with 97 Country WPCV, this event features our annual F150 Holiday Extravaganza truck giveaway. 60 Tons of real snow with supervised snow slides & snow play areas, snow flurries, free breakfast with Santa. Vendors on site selling food. Polar Express Trains, bounce houses, face painting, free photos with Santa And more!

SUCCULENT HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Create your own succulent wreath for the holidays. All supplies included. $50 members/$60 non-members. Register in advance. (863) 734-1222

POLK COUNTY OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland www.afsp.org/Lakeland Taking place in hundreds of cities each fall, these walks raise awareness for an important cause as they raise the resources we need to carry out our mission. Be sure to register online at www.afsp.org/LakelandHosted by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Central Florida Chapter.

HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW “HOLIDAY BIRDING TRADITIONS” When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Birds are a part of many international holiday traditions; discover how to include feathered friends in your celebrations. Make a suet & seed bird feeder ornament at Doodlebug Art Place. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

THE FANCY FLEA HOLIDAY HOEDOWN When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow. This show will feature Fancy Flea’s best vendors selling vintage furniture, decor, decorations, jewelry, gifts and more.

THE ART OF ROMAINE BROOKS When: Dec. 01 - 09, 2018 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland polkmuseumofart.org/brooks A collection of works from this American expatriate artist known for her androgynous appearance and unique artistic voice that challenged conventions of how women should look and behave. This exhibition is on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. https://polkmuseumofart.org/brooks (863) 688-7743

CRAFT FAIR When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Providence Clubhouse 1512 Clubhouse Blvd., Davenport. Craft Fair is open to everyone and is going to be filled with local craftsmen and direct sales vendors. People wanting to come and view all of the wonderful and varied crafts only have to let the gate attendant know that they are coming to the Craft Fair and will be let in. 30TH ANNUAL CAROLS IN THE PARK When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Where: S. Central Park, downtown Winter Haven. www.mainstreetwh.com/event/30th-annual-carolsin-the-park/ Main Street Winter Haven is thrilled to announce our 30th Annual Carols in the Park presented by Citizens Bank and Trust! For thirty years, artisans, specialty food vendors, and local choral groups have gathered in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park to kick off the holiday season. This event has become a tradition for multiple generations, with a special Candy Cane Corner for children of all ages! Kids will enjoy FREE pictures with Santa Claus, a take-home holiday craft, and a bounce house..among other fun activities! If you have any questions, please give us a call at 863.295.9422, or email us at carolsintheparkwh@ gmail.com.

CHAGALL: STORIES INTO DREAMS When: Dec. 01, 2018 - Jan. 06, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org This extraordinary show of Marc Chagall’s work will be the only one of its kind in Florida and the only one in the country that pairs his Fables of La Fontaine etchings (1952) with his Story of Exodus lithographs (1966). (863) 688-7743. Closed December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1. CONVERSING WITH REALITY When: Dec. 01, 2018 - Jan. 13, 2019 Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Conversing with Reality celebrates the most recent 51

paintings of contemporary visual artist John Jacopelle. Devoid of preconceived ideas and direction, Jacopelle’s work takes a stream-of-consciousness approach, where the “act of doing” or process is equally important to the finished piece. Rendered in ambiguity yet painted with clear definitiveness, organic shapes, rhythmic lines, and glyphic marks develop as the artist works upon his paintings, leaving each piece open to the viewers’ own interpretation. (863) 688-7743 Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays including December 24, 25, and 31 and January 1. OAK HILL CEMETERY TOUR When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 11 a.m. Where: Polk County History Center 100 E Main St, Bartow. www.polk-county.net/events 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. The cemetery ground is uneven and visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear. The cemetery tour is offered at 11 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, November through April. (863) 534-6000 ACCESS ART: SPECIAL NEEDS When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. Participants will create and discuss art with specially trained educator, Tinia Clark. Clark is the Executive Director of Sidestreet Art Beat, Inc., an organization whose mission is to provide awareness for the healing power of the arts through engagement.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. Registration preferred but not required.For registration or questions, please contact Tinia Clark at 863-224-8557 or email at sidestreetartbeat@gmail. com. CRYSTAL BOWL SOUND BATH When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Where: Inside Out Yoga 52 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. www.ioyogastudio.com/ Join Cosmic Sound Healer, Buffy La Roux as she facilitates a high vibratory journey of Sound through time and space. During this deeply meditative and transformative experience, Buffy guides us inward through a sound bath of deeply shifting vocal toning, singing, frequencies and quartz crystal singing bowls. Each Crystal Sound Bath is a unique symphony and a dance of the collective energies present for the Well Being of All and the Amplification of Love. $20 FESTIVAL DEL AGUINALDO When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 12:30-5 p.m. Where: Hunt Park 2020 Duff Rd., Lakeland. Music, children’s activities and more! Presented by PR Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Bandaid 4 Puerto Rico fundraiser. For more info call (863) 838-2084

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SUCCULENT HOLIDAY WREATH WORKSHOP When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Create your own succulent wreath for the holidays. All supplies included. $50 members/$60 non-members. Register online (863) 734-1222 CHRISTMAS AT THE RAMON When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Ramon Theater 15 E Wall Street, Frostproof. www.ramontheater.com Enjoy an old-fashioned community celebration to get you in the Christmas spirit. Donations for the Frostproof Care Center. Please bring Cash, New Toys and NonPerishable Food Items to donate. (863) 635-7222 TRI BRAIN YOGA WORKSHOP When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 2-5 p.m. Where: Inside Out Yoga 52 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. www.ioyogastudio.com Science Meets Yoga with a blending of neuroscience and ancient wisdom of yoga.This workshop of discovery offers an innovative blend of recent neuroscience discoveries and the ancient wisdom of yoga. Elizabeth Markie makes the science simple to understand and easy to integrate into your daily life. A ninety minute yoga flow, including live music/sound healing by Alexis Holland, to demonstrate the role of yoga as a tool to integrate and align the three brains.Individuals and yoga instructors alike will benefit from expanding their practice to include this powerful knowledge. GLITTER, GLISTEN & SNOW When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Haines City Parks & Rec 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City. Count down with us as we light up thousands of lights and our 31ft Christmas tree at Lake Eva Park. There will be snow slides, arts & crafts vendors, local children’s entertainment, food vendors & more! Guests of honor include: Mr. & Mrs. Claus! HOLIDAY ANTIQUE MARKET When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow. Find unique gifts among the antiques, collectibles and vintage items for sale during Main Street Bartow’s evening Holiday Antique Market on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m. Shoppers can also enjoy food, entertainment and carolers. CHRISTMAS LANE When: Dec. 01 - 24, 2018 Where: Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds 2508 W. Oak Ave, Plant City. www.ChristmasLane.com Christmas Lane is a Christmas wonderland housed in the Charlie Grimes Ag Building at Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival. We are celebrating our 34th year! We will be open each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-10p. The event is wheelchair accessible (no chairs are available for rental). Parking is free! Ticket pricing:$5 plus tax for ages 13 and up $3 plus tax for ages 4-12 Free for ages 3 and under.

TONI BROWN & ED MUNSON When: Dec. 02, 2018 | 2-5 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Acoustic Cosmic American Roots Music.Blues, Classic Rock, Country, and more! Toni Brown’s Lunar Mountaineers is an evolving musical project. This show will feature, as always, Ed Munson on guitar. Blues, Folk, Classic Rock & More! www.tonibrownmusic.com

UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. emergelakeland.wildapricot.org Come be festive downtown and kick off the month of December with us! We will be starting at Federal Bar Lakeland where you will check in, receive your t-shirt, get your (4) tokens and then the fun will begin! Revival is the first stop, followed by Frescos and then Mojo’s. You will end with appetizers and fun on the New Outdoor Patio at Federal Bar! This event is open to the public and is presented by EMERGE Lakeland.

THE ULTIMATE NATIVITY STORY When: Dec. 02, 2018 | 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Where: Polk Theatre 139 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland. www.udclakeland.com Celebrate the spirit of the season with a modern musical theater & dance adaptation of the greatest story ever told. (863) 644-5275

FLORIDA TROPICS VS ST. LOUIS AMBUSH *HOME OPENER When: Dec. 01, 2018 | 7:05 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.fltropics.com Member of the Major Arena Soccer League

SEU: AN AFTERNOON MELODY CONCERT When: Dec. 02, 2018 | 2-3 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Surrounded by the beautiful ambiance of the Polk Museum of Art, faculty-selected music majors from Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media perform solo and chamber works.Free Admission

NUNCRACKERS: THE MUSICAL When: Dec. 01 - 16, 2018 Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. www.theatrewinterhaven.com Featuring all new songs including Twelve Days Prior to Christmas, Santa Ain’t Comin’ to Our House, We Three Kings of Orient Are Us and It’s Better to Give than to Receive, this show is filled with typical NUNSENSE humor, some of your favorite carols, and a “Secret Santa” audience participation. It’s the perfect way to insure that your holiday season is merry and bright! (863) 294-SHOW (7469)

COUCH TO 5K TRAINING When: Dec. 03, 2018 | 8 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8am. Running training designed to motivate someone “out of shape” to prepare for a 5K race. By the last meeting, you will be ready to run at the Carillon Classic 5K on February 23, 2019. Training sessions free with general admission or membership; separate charge applies for Carillon Classic 5K. (863) 734-1222

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS When: Dec. 02, 2018 - Jan. 06, 2019 Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Come “Home for the Holidays” and experience Pinewood Estate completely transformed into a holiday showplace and reflecting the grandeur of the 1940s. Combo admission to the Gardens and Pinewood Estate Holiday Home Tour $24 adult, $12 (child ages 5-12). (863) 734-1222.

28TH ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE PRESENTED BY SPHERION When: Dec. 03, 2018 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd., Lakeland. business.lakelandchamber.com The Lakeland Chamber Scramble will offer Chamber members time to re-connect, network and entertain clients during that time of year when celebrations are important and the weather is spectacular! (863) 688-8551 Ext. 223 or 224

RESTORATIVE YOGA When: Dec. 02, 2018 | 9-11 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Restorative Yoga provides students the opportunity to “fully rest” while opening the body through a variety of supported poses, meditation and breathwork that encourage deep relaxation. $30 members/$37 nonmembers.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING When: Dec. 03, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Market Square 110 West Bay St., Davenport.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH WITH DAN SIGNOR When: Dec. 02, 2018 | 10 a.m. Where: Federal Bar Lakeland 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland. Be our guest and enjoy our Bottomless Mimosas brunch beginning at 10am with Dan Signor starting at 11:30am! Come early to get a good seat and enjoy our new brunch and shareables menu! Football games start at 1pm on the big screens too! Bottomless mimosas will run 10am-noon and 3-5pm, $15 per person

THE KING AND I When: Dec. 03, 2018 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.”Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and 53

tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British school teacher. (863) 834-8111 Center Stage Buffet available for additional charge. MOBILE OFFICE HOURS — THE OFFICE OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 12-4 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce 340 W Central Ave, Lake Wales. Meet your local staff and learn about the services Senator Rubio’s Office can offer his constituents.For more information, call the Gulf Coast Regional Office at(813) 853 -1099 or email jonathan_torres@rubio. senate.gov CAMEOS MEMOIRS WRITING CLASS When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 2-4 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com Write your own stories! Class meets the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Beverly Lerner at (863) 294-6042 or bevlerner@aol.com YOGA DANCE When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Experience a unique approach to movement, combining the time-honored traditions of yoga, userfriendly dance, meditation in motion, breath and the energy centers of the body. Class is appropriate for all levels of fitness and physical ability. $15 members/$22 non-member. Participants should bring a yoga mat and bottled water. Participants should wear comfortable aerobic shoes or non-slip socks. (863) 734-1222 LECTURE SERIES, FLORIDA: A CRASH COURSE When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com Join us for our 5th annual lecture series! This year’s theme, Florida: A Crash Course, features scholars from across the state and beyond speaking on relevant topics that define Florida.Join us for the kickoff event, featuring award-winning author and journalist, Craig Pittman presenting, Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country. In his presentation based on his award-winning book of the same name. Register online. (863) 291-5880 THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com The Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 92 iconic years of basketball artistry, side-splitting comedy and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. The Globetrotters are amazing basketball entertainers and some of the greatest athletes on the planet, and the live show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. (863) 834-8111

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LakeWalesVisitorAreaResGuideAd.qxp_Layout 1 6/14/18 12:12 PM Page 1

17th Annual Concert Series

2018

Best of

The Celebration Foundation Concert Series was founded in 2001, with the belief that great communities deserve great music. While the series still honors Central Florida music organizations and classic music performances, it has opened its doors to nationally and internationally acclaimed artists in the last several years.

WINNER

Individual concert ticket prices vary $25-$40. Series Tickets are available beginning Aug. 30, for $130. Returning Series Passholders receive $10 off. Series Tickets include tickets to all six performances, plus access to a preferred seating section in the center of the venue. Only 300 Series Tickets are available, to ensure preferred seating is available.

300 West Central Avenue Lake Wales, FL 33853 CenterStateBank.com

Meet Your Local Team

CONCERT SCHEDULE Friday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. Brass Band Holiday Concert,Traditional Brass Holiday Concert ($25/each) Sunday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. Bumper Jacksons, Contemporary Western Swing Band ($25/each) Saturday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra ($25/each)

Saturday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m. Vienna Boys Choir ($40/each) Saturday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. Gary Lovini, “An Irish Evening” ($25/each)

Paul Gerrard

Kristie Reed

Community President NMLS#769936

Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Mendelsohn’s “Italian Symphony” ($25/each)

Staci Coffman

Branch Manager NMLS#770019

Assistant Branch Manager NMLS#646829

Cell 863.604.3843

Cell 863.287.3834

Cell 863.678.6630

pgerrard@centerstatebank.com

kreed@centerstatebank.com

scoffman@centerstatebank.com

Our Specialties Include: Personal & Business Checking Personal & Business Savings Commercial Lending Residential Lending Consumer Lending Treasury Management Wealth Management

All performances are live, and take place at the Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration. (511 Celebration Avenue)

For more information, please call the Celebration Foundation at 407-566-1234.

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THE FLORIDA PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA: CHRISTMAS PRESENCE When: Dec. 04, 2018 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. Where: College Heights Methodist Church 942 South Blvd., Lakeland. floridaphilharmonia.org/ The concert is FREE and open to the public; parking is also free. Musical selections will include favorites like Sleigh Ride, A Mad Russian’s Christmas (a TransSiberian piece), Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, and that well-known familiar Leroy Anderson favorite, A Christmas Festival, along with “The Phil’s” oh-sopopular sing along. Back by popular demand is the very special Florida Southern College “Mocappello” group — and Santa! (863) 944-0473 GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE: NOD TO NONPROFITS TOUR SERIES When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 8-9 a.m. Where: Lakeland Hospice House 3450 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland. http://business.lakelandchamber.com (863) 688-8551, Ext. 230 Join us to learn more about Good Shepherd Hospice Lakeland Hospice House. Please RSVP MAIN STREET BARTOW’S FARMERS AND COMMUNITY MARKET When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Fort Blount Park W Davidson St., Bartow. More than fruit and vegetables! You may find handcrafted items, popcorn, jewelry, fresh baked goods, homemade jams, and food trucks. Check the Facebook page to see what’s new each week. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Blount Park, corner of Main and Broadway. GOPHER TORTOISES AND PLANT CONSERVATION When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn more about a current project by the Rare Plant Conservation Program at Bok Tower Gardens investigating whether the digestion of gopher tortoises affects seed germination of the endangered plant Ziziphus celata. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY VIRTUAL INFO SESSION When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. Where: Saint Leo University Lakeland Education Center 315 Granada St., Lakeland. Those interested in finding out more about Saint Leo, what degrees are offered, courses, and more are invited. Beginning in the Spring 1 Semester, more than 50 undergraduate programs and a variety of graduate programs will be offered by Saint Leo UniversityLakeland.The Lakeland Education Center is at 315 Granada St., Lakeland, FL 33805. The center serves students in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, and other parts of Polk County as well as Plant City in Hillsborough County. Registration is underway for Spring 1 Semester, which begins Jan. 7, 2019. Spring 2 Semester begins March 4, 2019.Prospective students and those interesting in more information can RSVP at lakeland@saintleo.edu call or (863) 337-4900.

educator, and author. He founded the Center for Loss & Life Transition more than 25 years ago to offer education and support to grieving people, as well as caregivers and bereavement counselors. The program is free and open to all. Registration is requested online at gentry-morrison.com or by calling (863) 688-7679.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOON WITH RON BETTS When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. http://boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Free with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

SKULLYS BARBER SALON AT SWAN BREWING When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 6:40-9:40 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Mobile hair salon will be open at Swan Brewing every Wednesday.

WRITERS @ LPL When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Lakeland Public Library 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland. Hosted by Lakeland Public Library. Writers @ LPL meets the first Wednesday each month in the Meeting Room. Writers will now have two sessions in one evening. First Steps for New Writers (6 — 7pm) This first session will be geared towards new writers and will address topics for beginning writers.The Next Level is for Intermediate Writers (7 — 8:50pm).The second session will focus on topics and interests for intermediate writers. (863) 834-4276

MERRY & BRIGHT-EVENING PAINTING CLASS When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Art Centric Studio 1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. www.artcentricstudio.com Your instructor will walk you through the instructions step by step on a 16’’x20’’ canvas! Please arrive 15-20 mins prior to class to find your seat and prepare your paint colors. $35 for one seat, $50 for Date Night (Two Seats) For just $50, you receive two seats at the studio’s $35 adult evening classes (a $70 value!) You can split the design onto two different canvas and each paint a side! Then hang the paintings next to each other when you get home! Come try out a fun date night! Register online.

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER TRAINING AND ORIENTATION When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Women’s Resource Center 165 Ave A NW, Winter Haven. bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids.

GARDENING WORKSHOP: ATTRACTING WILDLIFE When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 10 a.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. Free First Thursday Gardening Workshop at 10:00am. It is titled “Attracting Wildlife”, by Master Gardener Sue Grinath. (863) 291-5272

AN EVENING OF HOPE AND HEALING When: Dec. 05, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Victory Church 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland. Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a respected grief counselor,

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ALZHEIMER’S LUNCH & SUPPORT GROUP When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 1 p.m. Where: Hawthorne Inn of Lakeland 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland. hawthorneinnoflakeland.com/ Support group & lite lunch. If you are a caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, day care will be provided while you attend the group event. (863) 644-6414 SHOP AT BOK HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 4-7 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Enjoy holiday shopping, refreshments and a special trunk show. Free admission after 4pm. (863) 734-1222 AFTER HOURS AT THE MUSEUM When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 5-8 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org The Polk Museum of Art will be open until 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month and will host a Curator Tour at 6 p.m. Join Dr. Alex RIch, Curator & Director of Galleries and Exhibitions, for an in-depth tour of the Museum galleries, providing art-historical and curatorial insight about one of our current exhibitions. eCompI.io MONTHLY HACKER CONTEST When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: Catapult Lakeland 331 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. This event is FREE to attend and/or participate. This contest will officially start at 5:30 but please get here at least a half an hour early. Even if you are not a developer, you can still participate or come and watch. All participants will be given the same a publicly available, open API. You will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to build an application. This can be any type of application (mobile, website, web app, ect.), written in any language, utilizing any platform and integrating any additional API’s you wish. The winner will be decided by a blind vote of all participants and attendees. Please RSVP. We will only be allowing 15 contestants to compete. http://meetu.ps/e/G2PTr/ tZwWs/d LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE When: Dec. 06, 2018 | 7-9:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 57 -

TRIBUTE TO

CHRISTMAS STUDENT SHOWCASE

VINCE GUARALDI 12/14/2018

12/4/2018

Concert: 7:00 PM

7:00 PM

$25 Non Member/$20 Members

Free to the Public

$10 Student

Reception: 12/13/2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Free to the Public / Open Bar

SAVE THE DATE! Artists should apply at: Zapplication.org

FEB 23 FEB 24 T H R U

Deadline: Jan. 13, 2019

2019

• Clay & Porcelain • Digital • Drawing & Pastels • Fiber • Fine Crafts • Glass • Graphics & Print Making

For more information: 863.676.8426 havenmagazines.com

• Jewelry • Mixed Media • Painting (oil and acrylic) • Painting (watercolors) • Photography • Sculpture • Wood

LakeWalesArtsCouncil.org

The 38th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland FL will be held on Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at 7:00 pm and we hope that you’ll join us for A Storybook Christmas! More info at lakelandgov.net/ christmasparade. FRIDAY FORUM: NOD TO NONPROFITS, FEATURING JOHN RIVERS When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 7-9 a.m. Where: Hollis Cancer Center Campisi Family Auditorium 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland. business.lakelandchamber.com We are excited to announce the guest speaker is John Rivers, Founder & CEO of 4R Restaurant Group. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations now! Hear John’s inspirational journey in his own words that led to the establishment of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which began with the launch of the “Barbecue Ministry” in 2004 when John hosted a cookout fundraiser to support a local family whose young daughter was battling cancer. At the conclusion of the program, the 12 selected nonprofits for the 2019 Nod to Nonprofits Tour Series will be announced.Special thanks to our event sponsor, United Way of Central Florida! $15 Members | $30 Non-Members Coffee and pastries included.Contact Information: Sarah Breed (863) 688-8551, Ext. 230 FREE FRIDAY FAMILY YOGA When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 4 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. explorationsv.com/ Join us the First Friday of each month for 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! FRAMILY ORNAMENT PAINT NIGHT When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 4 p.m. Where: Art Centric Studio 1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. www.artcentricstudio.com Come create with your entire family! This year we’re offering a FRamily Maker’s Night where everyone can come and create their own ornament! The studio will provide all the needed supplies to create your ornament this year including galvanized metal ornaments (w/ jute cord), paint, markers, and even pom-poms! You will need to pre-register AND pick your time! We want to be sure everyone has a space at our tables. MAKE IT MAGICAL When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: Downtown Lake Wales, Stuart Ave. lwmainstreet.com/make-it-magical/ Lake Wales Main Street is hosting the 7th Annual Make It Magical event. This year’s theme will be Centennial Christmas at the Market Place focusing on our community heritage and time spent together with friends, family and neighbors celebrating the most wonderful time of the year! Expect a crowd! Main Street is excited to offer our guests unparalleled shopping with local artisans, gift wrapping, longawaited visits with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: PROPHECY AND PROMISE When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Bush Chapel Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland. cam.seu.edu/event/seuchristmas/2018-12-07/ Join the Southeastern University instrumental ensembles and choirs for our annual musical celebration of Christ’s birth. This concert focuses on a theme of prophecy and promise, featuring music from diverse styles and interesting perspectives, as the music presented by our talented young artists and spirit-filled conductors draws you toward the manger during this joyful Christmas season! General Admission $5 / Students $3

Clause, artistic crafts for the children, festive holiday music, delicious food and drink, beautifully decorated trees, creative photo opportunities, and SNOW! Guests will have a map that will list all the vendors, activities and descriptions. FIRST FRIDAY: HOMETOWN HOLIDAY, SPONSORED BY BURNETTI, P.A. When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland. downtownlkld.com/2018/09/december-7th-firstfriday-hometown-holiday-sponsored-by-burnetti-p-a/ The theme is Hometown Holiday, sponsored by Burnetti, P.A.! Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy free activities, games, and live music in Munn Park. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Don’t miss the Makers Market on North Kentucky Avenue and the Classy Car Show on Tennessee Avenue.First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky and Tennessee Avenues. The event features a Classy Car Show on Tennessee Ave and a Makers Market on North Kentucky Ave. Streets are closed to vehicles, so come prepared to walk about! Check out the Third Rail Second Line Band on North Kentucky Avenue near Oak Street! The band encourages spectator participation, so bring the kiddos with you.

FOREVER PLAID, PLAID TIDINGS When: Dec. 07 - 16, 2018 Where: Lakeland Community Theatre 121 S Lake Avenue, Lakeland. www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com/ The boys are back in this hilarious Christmas musical featuring everyone’s favorite holiday music and loveable quartet. This truly “heaven-sent” holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony. Various showtimes. (863) 603-PLAY (7529) SWAN CITY IMPROV When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 7:30-10 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. www.lkldlive.com Deck the halls with fun and laughter. Swan City Improv are back with their First Friday Double Bill of hilarity. 2 shows, one night.

MEMBERS ONLY MERRY MINGLE MEMBER NIGHT When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Members will experience an enchanted holiday evening in the Gardens with live music, a holiday carillon concert and dinner and shopping specials. Pinewood Estate will be open that evening allowing members the VIP opportunity to visit the Holiday Home Tour at night (separate fee applies). Members are welcome to bring as many guests as permitted by their membership level. This opportunity is limited to 200 members per hour and tickets must be purchased in advance. Members may begin their visit at any time during their designated time slot. (863) 734-1222

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL When: Dec. 07 - 16, 2018 Where: TheatreWorks Florida 8 W Palmetto Street, Davenport. theatreworksfl.org For anyone that experienced last season’s outrageous sell-out of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, you already know that this holiday sequel is about to “wreck-the-halls” with some “ho-ho-hos” and Keg Nog!

HAVENDALE CHRISTMAS PARADE When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. The City of Winter Haven in conjunction with the City of Auburndale is pleased to bring you the Havendale Christmas Parade! This annual parade will officially start at 7:00 pm from Spring Lake Square and work its way up Havendale Blvd. to Wells Fargo in Auburndale. The streets will still close at 6:00 PM, parking will be limited.In the event of rain the event will not be rescheduled however there may be a time delay.

DEEP HOUSE FIRST FRIDAY DJ JENKS BIRTHDAY SET When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 9 p.m. Where: Federal Bar Lakeland 124 S Tennessee Ave, Lakeland. Come out and support local artists at Lakeland’s only House Night!! JINGLE BELL CLASSIC When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 7 a.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. http://fitniche.com 10K starts at 7am, 5K starts at 8:30am and the 1-mile Dog Job begins at 9:30am. All entrants will receive a T shirt. Bandanas will be given to dog participants. Benefits the children’s department of the WH Public Library, dedicated to teaching children the life-long benefits of reading. (863) 292-0540

LAKELAND MAGIC VS GRAND RAPIDS DRIVE When: Dec. 07, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. lakeland.gleague.nba.com/ NBA G League

LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Fresh baked goods, produce, crafts & more. DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded in the serenity of the Gardens. Individuals of all ages and physical conditions can use the fluid movements to help release tension, increase balance and relax. $10 members/$17 non-member. (863) 734-1222 FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR FAMILIES When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Explorations V Children’s Museum 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. explorationsv.com/financial-fitness/ Build “money smarts” with the whole family! Learn strategies, set goals and find new ways to spend less but live better. Free family memberships, gift cards, quarterly drawings, and matching savings! We also have financial activities for children ages 3-12. Must register in advance (863) 687-3869 TIME FOR A CHANGE MEDITATION RETREAT When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Join Reiki Master and Sound Healer Kristen Tenpenny for a retreat dedicated to better understanding of energy medicine postures, breathing exercises, guided visualization meditation, walking meditation and sound healing. $40 members/$47 non-members. (863) 734-1222 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 9-11 a.m. Where: Auburndale Community Center 405 Bennett St., Auburndale. www.auburndalefl.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/ What could be better than meeting Santa with a plate of eggs and bacon? There will be craft activities, our holly jolly Santa, and breakfast! Tickets are $10 863965-5545 or visit 119 W Park Street, Auburndale, FL

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Where Your Smile is Our Priority

1/31/19

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MERRY MARDI GRAS STREET MARKET When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: The Beatnik Exchange and Indie Blu 4304 Wallace Road, Lakeland. Shopping, entertainment and food for the holidays to include vintage, antiques, art and many other unusual and unique finds. Family friendly with many other activities throughout the day. Admission and parking is free so come out and enjoy this beautiful holiday time with us. HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW “HOLIDAY BIRDING TRADITIONS” When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Birds are a part of many international holiday traditions; discover how to include feathered friends in your celebrations. Make a suet & seed bird feeder ornament at Doodlebug Art Place. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 SNOWFEST When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. www.lakelandgov.net/events/snowfest-2018/ A holiday event for the entire family! Join Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department for its Annual Snowfest featuring the traditional Snow Mountain! Arts and crafts vendors, rock climbing wall, live entertainment and more! You may even catch a glimpse of Santa! TOWN & COUNTRY HISTORY BUS TOUR When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Take a tour through old Florida history, driving through the heart of downtown Lake Wales and stopping at historic building of the Lake Wales Arts Center. Along the way, participants will learn about the historic district, buildings and lakes of Lake Wales. Enjoy an airconditioned ride on the new History Bus! $15/person. Seating limited. Advanced registration and payment required. (863) 678-4182 ART LAB (for all ages) When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Free for Members, $5 per Non-Member. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. Registration will open two weeks prior to each monthly session. Each month participants will be introduced to one of the Museum’s exhibitions in a fun, entertaining and accessible manner through hands-on learning for all ages and skills. Labs are led by professional artists or art educators whom will engage participants in creating their own piece of artwork or experience their own interaction through a wide array of art mediums, techniques and connecting conversations relating to a specific exhibition on display in the Museum. Questions: Contact Ellen Chastain at EChastain@ PolkMuseumofArt.org or 863-688-7743 ext. 227

LAKELAND SANTACON 2018 When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 5 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. https://www.facebook.com/ events/2117230248308952/ Suit up in your finest Santa digs and help us support local downtown businesses with this year’s annual Santacon Pub Crawl! FB@Lkldsantacon

BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER ORIENTATION & TRAINING When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: BBBS Office 1231 Orange St., Lakeland. https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/ Join us as a defender of potential by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister and together, we can change the world. All it takes is 4-8 hours a month, depending on the program, with a focus on being consistent and spending one-to-one quality time with your Little. Let’s clear a path to a child’s biggest possible future. The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session where you’ll learn about our programs, commitments, expectations and our kids. Get more details about volunteering https://bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big/

CHRISTMAS PARADE AND WINTERFEST When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Wilson Park - 5 State Street, Davenport. City of Davenport presents the Christmas Parade at 6, Winterfest from 6-9! Get into the Christmas spirit in Davenport! THE CHAIN LIFE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE! When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Lake May, Winter Haven. www.chainlifewinterhaven.com Boats meet in Lake May near Marine Supply around 6 PM. Around 6:30pm, WHPD will lead the boats. Simply file in line behind Winter Haven PD. The parade will last approximately an hour and a half and pass all of the restaurants and a few city boat ramps. Judges will be located throughout the parade route. No registration necessary.

3 AUTHORS AND A HOLIDAY BRUNCH WITH A FLORIDA VIBE When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 12-2 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Join cookbook authors Pam Brandon, Katie Farmand and Heather McPherson for a delectable holiday brunch celebrating local, seasonal products, stories and recipes for super-easy holiday entertaining. Each guest will enjoy four delicious courses, craft beer and wine and receive their choice of a signed copy of one of the presenters’ cookbooks. $55 members/$65 nonmembers. Part of the Florida Food Series presented by Visit Central Florida. (863) 734-1222 Register online.

COME TO THE STABLE AND BETHLEHEM SQUARE - A LIVING NATIVITY When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 6:30-9 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church Winter Haven 637 Sixth St. NW, Winter Haven. www.facebook.com/events/188443655366320/ A live-performance living nativity under the stars with beautifully costumed actors, animals and music. Following each performance the audience is invited to visit Bethlehem Square for refreshments.Performances are at 6:30 p.m. (Children) & 7:30 p.m. (Mixed). Children are invited to pet the sheep and donkey after each performance. The nativity performances are our gift to the community. There is no charge or offering taken. The nativity site provides seating and is handicapped friendly. Parking is behind the church adjacent to the performance setting. Access the parking area from north of the church education building on the corner of NW. 6th St and Avenue H. For more information: Call: (863) 294-3121 Visit: www. firstpreswh.org

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH GERRI BLOUNT When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 ‘TIS THE SEASON: THE CHRISTMAS GALA When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. Florida Southern College Music Department Adults: $8; Students: $4 Call 863-680-4296 for tickets. FSC’s Department of Music presents ‘Tis the Season: The Christmas Gala with a riveting group of musical holiday favorites, beautifully performed by choral, instrumental, and string groups — and selected special music by other musical combinations. Concluding with a Christmas Carol Sing-Along for the FSC Symphony Band and audience. Come join us for a traditionally spectacular evening — filled with surprises!

CHRISTMAS PARADE When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Lake Alfred. mylakealfred.com Join us for the parade, then join us at Frank C. Gardener Park for our annual tree lighting, snow and cookies! Then give your wish list and get your picture taken with Santa at the Gardner House!If you would like to be in the parade please contact our Parks and Recreation office at 863-291-5272

SYMPHONY GUILD OF WINTER HAVEN HOLIDAY CONCERT When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 3 p.m. Where: Champions Church 1801 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven. centralfloridatix.com Maestro Mark Thielen will lead The Imperial Symphony Orchestra in its return for a fourth consecutive year. Come and enjoy the music of the season! Doors will open at 2:30pm. Order tickets online.

CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this brand new, original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiment. A powerful story of redemption, it has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of holiday joy. 59

LAKENIGHT CINEMA MOVIE IN THE PARK: ELF When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 8-10 p.m. Where: Lake Wailes Park/Gazebo 499 E Park Avenue, Lake Wales. http://www.cityoflakewales.com Join us down at the lake after the Annual Christmas Parade for LakeNight Cinema Movie in the Park. We will be watching Elf. There will also be Food Trucks available. LENNON REIMAGINED When: Dec. 08, 2018 | 8-11 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. www.lkldlive.com Local musicians pay tribute to John Lennon. HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW: MEET MRS. CLAUS When: Dec. 09, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Meet Mrs. Claus for pictures and enjoy story time on the Sabal Stage. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 NATURE TOUR When: Dec. 09, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 945 Mackay Blvd, Lake Alfred. Join our seasoned interpretive guide, Steve Franklin, for a moderately easy walk along a trail at Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve. Steve will share information on the natural and cultural history of the area and discuss some of the environmental issues we face as we attempt to conserve and protect our natural resources. (863) 291-5272 LAKELAND CONCERT BAND When: Dec. 09, 2018 | 2:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.lakelandconcertband.org Our concerts begin at 2:30 p.m. Before each concert, we showcase local talent with a pre-show at 1:45 p.m. Concerts are free and no tickets are needed.We are an all-volunteer band with musicians of all ages, from teens to 90s. For more information about our performances or for information about joining the band, please call our conductor Vic Larsen at 813-716-2577 LIGHT UP LAKELAND FOR LITERACY When: Dec. 09, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Lakeland. www.jlgl.org The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the Lunz Group are thrilled to introduce a new event, the community’s first-ever luminary night, Light Up Lakeland. We invite you to line the curb in front and around your home with beautiful luminaries. This year’s theme is Light Up Lakeland for Literacy. All proceeds benefit women and children’s wellness, and specifically, literacy development for birth through school-aged children as facilitated by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.This year’s display will be Sunday, December 9 at 6 PM.The Junior League is selling luminary kits as - CONTINUED ON PAGE 61 -

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follows:1 Kit for $20 Total (15 bags, candles, sand, and assembly instructions)2 Kits for $30 Total (30 bags, candles, sand, and assembly instructions) Kits will be dropped at your residence the week prior to December 9. Instructions on how and when to put your luminaries out will be included with your kits upon delivery.ORDER ONLINE BY NOVEMBER 16, 2018.Questions? Please contact LightUpLkld@JLGL.org. LAKELAND MAGIC VS LONG ISLAND NETS When: Dec. 09, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. lakeland.gleague.nba.com/ NBA G League

10–16 COOKING CLASS When: Dec. 11, 2018 | 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Publix Cooking School 4730 Florida Ave S, Lakeland. Tablescape your holiday table as you prepare & EAT table creations of plant based food dishes. Pre-register with Publix (863) 646-5769 $45 LUNCH & LEARN: HERB GARDENING When: Dec. 11, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Lakeland Electric 501 E Lemon St., Lakeland. www.lakelandgov.net/events/lunch-and-learn-herbgardening/ Learn how to grow healthy and nutritious herbs in your yard. Herbs have great versatility in the kitchen and can be used around the home. Learn seasonality, preferred growing conditions and harvesting tips. Registration is limited. 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. MEDITATION WITH CRYSTAL & TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS When: Dec. 11, 2018 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Experience a sound healing with Reiki Master Kristen Tenpenny through the vibrations of the ancient Tibetan and crystal singing bowls that reduce stress, pain and tension while producing a deep, meditative state. $15 members/$22 non-member. Participants should bring mat, blanket and any other materials that will make your meditation experience more comfortable. (863) 734-1222 Register online. IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: HANDEL’S MESSIAH When: Dec. 11, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com Lakeland Choral Society joins the ISO for a stunning performance of Handel’s Messiah to kick off the holiday season. (863) 834-8111 LAKELAND MAGIC VS WESTCHESTER KNICKS When: Dec. 11, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. lakeland.gleague.nba.com/ NBA G League

MAIN STREET BARTOW’S FARMERS AND COMMUNITY MARKET When: Dec. 12, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Fort Blount Park W Davidson St., Bartow. More than fruit and vegetables! You may find handcrafted items, popcorn, jewelry, fresh baked goods, homemade jams, and food trucks. Check the Facebook page to see what’s new each week. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Blount Park, corner of Main and Broadway.. CARING FOR FRUIT TREES IN THE HOME LANDSCAPE When: Dec. 12, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn how to select the right fruit tree for your yard along with tips for long-term care and maintenance from UF IFAS experts. Included with general admission or membership. Registration to event required. (863) 734-1222

HEARING LOSS CHAPTER MEETING When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 6-7:30 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. 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 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, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pmMore information on our website: www.hla-lakeland.org

CHRISTMAS SOCK HOP WITH JOHNNY WILD & THE DELIGHTS When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Lake Ashton Clubhouse 4140 Ashton Club Dr., Lake Wales. www.theatrewinterhaven.com This event takes place at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse and not at Theatre Winter Haven. Florida’s number one 50’s band is back just in time for the Holiday season! Johnny Wild brings his acclaimed Christmas spectacular to Lake Ashton this year for one wild night of wintertime fun! Johnny and his full nine piece Christmas band bring your ultimate retro Christmas playlist to life onstage with his trademark style and energy! Featuring classic Christmas songs and all your favorite 50’s classics. 863-294-SHOW (7469)

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FOOD TRUCK RALLY When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Munn Park, Lakeland. FREE ADMISSION! PET AND KID FRIENDLY!Join us for the Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally on the second Thursday of the month in Munn Park Historic District from 6-9pm!

ARTIST CONNIE COMBS: BODY TALK When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Outer Space Gallery 230 Ave C SW, Winter Haven Artist reception and opening of new exhibition.

OPEN STUDIO When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Art Centric Studio 1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. www.artcentricstudio.com Art Centric Studio is opening up the studio once a month just for you! A place where you can come, create, and get to know other artists! Grab your pens, pencils, paints, markers, canvas, or whatever else you might need to be creative! Whether you’ve got a million ideas, one, or even none, enjoy coming over to Dixieland and get creating with our Lakeland community.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH MARCUS BRIXA When: Dec. 12, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate Historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Free with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 SKULLYS BARBER SALON AT SWAN BREWING When: Dec. 12, 2018 | 6:40-9:40 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Mobile hair salon will be open at Swan Brewing every Wednesday.

WINTER HAVEN STAMP CLUB When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 7:15 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church 6th St. NW, Winter Haven. The Winter Haven Stamp Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:15. They meet in the Geneva room at the church. Everyone with an interest in stamp collecting is welcome.

CREATIVE WRITING CRITIQUE GROUP When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. https://www.mywinterhaven.com/event/creativewriting-critique-group-2/2018-12-13/ This group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30 — 2:30 p.m. Attendees share and critique their writings. All aspiring writers are welcome. (863) 291-5880 Questions? Send email to wekeig@ gmail.com.

VISTE: BIRTHDAY CAKE DELIVERY When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. Where: VISTE: Volunteers in Service to the Elderly 1232 E. Magnolia St, Lakeland. http://viste.org Help celebrate our clients turning 90 and older each month by baking, decorating, and/or delivering a birthday cake to them. E-mail Audrey or Ashley for details: audrey@viste.orgashley@viste.org (863) 284-0828

HOLIDAY HISTORY PARTY When: Dec. 13, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center 325 S Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Celebrate the season at the museum’s holiday party! Enjoy festive food, live holiday music, photos with Santa, history talks, holiday history trivia, old-fashioned ornament making, and donation bar with fine wines and craft beer. Free to the public. Please RSVP. (863) 678-4182

POINT OF VIEW GALLERY TALK When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org This month, Brian Hamilton will be discussing Chagall: Stories into Dreams. Brian Hamilton is an assistant professor of religion at Florida Southern College. (863) 688-7743

HOLIDAY WALKABOUT When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. downtownlkld.com Stores and shops will be open late serving up yummy goodies (like cider and cookies) and special deals, and there will be live music on the street corners — but the streets will not be closed. There will be the traditional holiday lights decorating Munn Park and costumed characters patrolling around for spontaneous selfies. HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING PARTY When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Eloise Resource Center 710 Snively Ave, Eloise. Light up the holiday season at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Holiday Tree Lighting Party. This FREE family event will feature DJ, Dance contests, sweet treats, arts & crafts and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information, please call the Eloise Resource Center (863) 298-4425. BARTOW’S MAGICAL ILLUMINATION CHRISTMAS PARADE When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow. What is a holiday in Bartow without a parade! The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Mosaic Park. Lineup is at 5 p.m. on South Floral Avenue, north of the Civic Center. Lighted and decorated floats, cars and marching units will head north on Broadway, then east on Main Street to First Avenue. SNOW CENTRAL When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Chain ‘O Lakes Complex 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. www.facebook.com/events/508085056358717/ Photo opportunities with Santa, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and 70 TONS of real SNOW to play in. Adults: $2Children $1 (2 + years) Be sure to check out Santa’s House at the event and get your FREE photo taken with him before he has to deliver gifts to all the good girls and boys. Follow the beautifully lit arches towards the winter wonderland. There will be slides and a play area for kids young & old alike. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 -

LAKE WALES MUSEUM EXHIBITS

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S

MOUNTAIN L AKE: A LOOK INSIDE BUILDING A LEGACY

DECEMBER 4, 2018 - FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Stop for History

EXHIBIT RECEPTION: JANUARY 22, 2019

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT - FREEDOM RIDERS

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20, 2019

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

SPEAKER SERIES FEATURING LU VICKERS “CYPRESS GARDENS: AMERICA’S TROPICAL WONDERLAND” JANUARY 17, 2019

SINCE 1976

HISTORY TALKS: MOUNTAIN LAKE ESTATES JANUARY 31, 2019 LAKE WALES HISTORY BUS TOUR FEBRUARY 2, 2019 BLACK HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION FEATURING DR. TAMEKA HOBBS “STRANGE FRUIT IN FLORIDA” FEBRUARY 21, 2018 MUSEUM BOOK CLUB 4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

JANUARY - THREE CUPS OF TEA BY GREG MORTENSON FEBRUARY - NOTES OF A NATIVE SON BY JAMES BALDWIN

LAKE WALES MUSEUM ALWAYS FREE 325 S Scenic Highway ● Lake Wales, Florida Open 9 AM - 5 PM ● Tuesday - Saturday www.cityoflakewales.com

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PRAISE IN THE PARK When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. Bring a lawn chair & listen to local church praise bands. DANIEL JOINER TRIO: A TRIBUTE TO VINCE GUARALDI When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Arts Center 1099 SR 60 E, Lake Wales. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org Daniel Joiner and his trio will take center stage at the Lake Wales Arts Center for an evening of Vince Guaraldi classics and reimagined traditional Christmas hymns! Mr. Joiner is currently the professor of piano at Southeastern University and St. Petersburg College. He’s also the Sunday morning pianist at Idlewild Baptist Church and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical and jazz piano.The festivities begin at 4:00 PM with a free masterclass (open to the general public). There will be a meet-and-greet with the Daniel at 6:00 PM (for Lake Wales Arts Council members and season ticket holders). The concert begins at 7:00 PM. FLORIDA TROPICS VS HARRISBURG HEAT When: Dec. 14, 2018 | 7:35 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.fltropics.com Major Arena Soccer League HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE BELL JOG 5K & REINDEER DASH When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 7:30 a.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. www.jbjog.com A fun festive 5k! Proceeds from the event go to the perpetual care fund for the 3 Parks Trail. The Jingle Bell Jog is a fun festive event including a chipped 5k. Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. (Strollers are asked to start towards the back.) For more information and registration link visit: www.JBJog.com DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. http://www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). TERRAIN RACE When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Sun ‘n Fun 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland. http://terrainrace.com/locations/tampadecember-15-2018/ Bring your friends and family to conquer obstacles and play in the mud at this amazing obstacle race! We have a 5k and unlimited lap option with 20+ obstacles and mud. Kids as young as 7 can race the full 5k course too! All athletes will run a sweet course, take on some of the best obstacles imaginable, and trudge

through some sick mud.REGISTRATION INCLUDES:Commemorative TERRAIN CONQUERED shirtFinisher Medal- Race bib- Showers to rinse away the mud.

www.polk-county.net 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) 534-6000

TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded in the serenity of the Gardens. Individuals of all ages and physical conditions can use the fluid movements to help release tension, increase balance and relax. $10 members/$17 non-member. (863) 734-1222

FAMILY FUN DAY DECEMBER- “UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER CONTEST” When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: YMCA Par 3 Home of The First Tee of Lakeland 1740 George Jenkins Boulevard, Lakeland. This is a FUN Family day, where a team of 2 family members play 9 HOLES in a Scramble or Alternate Shot Format, with each player carrying 3 clubs & a putter. Golf experience is suggested.Team make-up: 1 adult and a youth, under 17. Or 2 youths may play together as long as they have golf experience and 1 adult may play with 2 youth, the adult will play 2 balls.Cost: YMCA of West Central Florida $5 ea/ non-members $10 eaCost includes refreshments and awards. Start Time: 11:30am shotgun (players must be checked in by 11:15am)*Advance registration is required by Thursday before.Questions? Call 863-577-0236

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow. mainstreetbartowfl.com HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW: HOLLYDAY PLANTS When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Families will learn about plants used around the world to make the holidays more festive. Learn how to draw a poinsettia at Doodlebug Art Place. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH LEE HUNTER & JOEY KERR When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

BOOK STORE 1/2 PRICE SALE When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Friends of the Winter Haven Library Book Store 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. The Friends of the Library Bookstore repeats their 1/2 price sale on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

JAPANESE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org With expert instruction from Bloom Box Floral Owner Laurel LeMaistre, AIFD, learn how to create your own stunning floral arrangement and take it home. $40 members/$47 non-members. (863) 734-1222

MEET SANTA When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center 101 Adventure Ct., Davenport. Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy snacks, games and crafts -- plus meet that jolly ol’ elf himself, Santa! Bring your own camera! Pets donning festive garb are welcome! While at the Visitor Information Center, kickstart your holiday shopping by picking up local goodies from the Purely Polk Marketplace or discounted tickets to Central Florida’s hottest attractions. (863) 420-2586

FREE SKI SHOW: CHRISTMAS EDITION When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 3:30 p.m. Where: Lake Silver Drive South, Winter Haven Watch the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team perform their Christmas show. Bring your own chairs, concessions available.

DOCENT-LED TOUR When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Free for everyone.Join us each month to get a fresh look into the Museum’s main exhibition through connecting conversations with one of our passionate docents. Learn the stories behind the work and talk “art” with ease as we bring people and art together. All ages welcome. Registration is not necessary but appreciated. Space is limited. (863) 688-7743.

SLOW ROLL & SKI SHOW When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 4 p.m. Where: The Bike Shop of Winter Haven 249 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven This event is free! Bring your bike and meet at the Bike Shop. We will slow roll through town to watch the Christmas edition of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. Afterwards, we will roll back through town and meet at Grove Roots. No advanced registration necessary.

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Polk County History Center 100 E Main St, Bartow.

KNO - OH SNAP! When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 5:30-8 p.m. Where: Art Centric Studio 1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. www.artcentricstudio.com 63

Art Centric Studio is excited to offer our monthly KiDz NiGhT OuT!!! We know you parents enjoy an evening away, and so we thought it was high time the kids got a special night too!! Each month we will be offering Pizza and Painting for children ages 7 & up! The classes will include a pizza dinner, games, and a painting! Now we’re offering sibling discounts! This is a beginner level class and we will walk your child through the process step-by-step. THE ART OF FILM: RUSSIAN ARK When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org The Art of Film presents a forum for appreciating movies as an art form. With audience Q&A and talkback sessions with film directors and faculty from Florida Southern College following each screening, this unique Polk Museum series will entertain, engage, and educate audiences of all ages. Russian Ark Director: Alexander Sokurov. While most known for his feature films, Sokurov has directed over 20 interesting documentaries. His 2002 sensational “Russian Ark” is a historic achievement that will be watched and talked about by many generations. Doors open at 6:00 pm, Introduction and Screening at 6:30 pm. The Art of Film is free to attend. Cash bar available. Registration is appreciated. LOTELA GOLD When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Ramon Theater 15 E Wall Street, Frostproof. www.ramontheater.com Enjoy the sounds of the 60s, 70s and beyond. Purchase tickets online. (863) 635-7222 20 LAKELAND MAGIC VS RIO GRANDE VALLEY VIPERS When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. lakeland.gleague.nba.com/ NBA G League. FLORIDA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS: TCHAIKOVSKY’S “THE NUTCRACKER” When: Dec. 15 & 16, 2018 Where: Branscomb Auditorium 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland. www.flsouthern.edu/visitors/festival-of-fine-arts/ffaevents.aspx In celebration of their 25th anniversary, the members of Florida Dance Theatre (FSC’s company-in-residence under the direction of Carol Erkes), bring their classic holiday tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the Festival of Fine Arts. Come see this timeless holiday masterpiece, performed with charm and perfection by the dynamic dancers of this impressive ensemble in a breathtaking production featuring colorful scenery, dazzling costumes, and entrancing choreography. Part of the 2018-2019 Festival of Fine Arts Series, presented by Florida Southern College. Adults: $25 Students (under 12): $15

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 65 -

Symphony Guild of Winter Haven’s

Holiday Concert Maestro Mark Thielen will lead The Imperial Symphony Orchestra in its return for a fourth consecutive year. Come and enjoy the music of the season!

DEC. 8th

3PM - 5PM

For more information and tickets visit 1801 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven 863-294-7213 • 863-206-7167

SATURDAY 12/15 - 3:30 PM THIS EVENT IS FREE

What is Slow Roll?

GROUP FITNESS

46 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven 863.875.3394 seekstrength@honorgym.com www.honorgym.com

havenmagazines.com

Grab your bike and meet at the Bike Shop in Downtown Winter Haven the 3rd Saturday of every month at 3:30 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).

CHILD CARE

24 HR ACCESS :www.facebook.com/slowrollskishow/ 64

NAUGHT NOT NICE SHOW! JOHNNY B CHRISTMAS COMEDY SPECIAL When: Dec. 15, 2018 | 8-11 p.m. Where: LkldTV Studio B 202 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland. www.lkldlive.com/ 102.5FM The Bone’s Hilarious Late Night Host JOHNNY B is back at Lkld Live for another comedy special. CONSCIOUS COMMUNICATION When: Dec. 16, 2018 | 1-4 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Explore a course that provides the tools and experiences to create a more authentic and powerful projection of yourself. Participants will learn more about their inner intuitive capacity and improve communication skills. $35 members/$42 nonmembers. Register online (863) 734-1222 LAKELAND CHORAL SOCIETY WINTER CONCERT When: Dec. 16, 2018 | 3-4:30 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian of Lakeland 175 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland. www.lakelandchoralsociety.org/ Come join the Lakeland Choral Society for their annual Holiday Concert at First Presbyterian of Lakeland. 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Adults $15, 17 and under free, Students $5 at the door. CARILLON & CHORALE HOLIDAY When: Dec. 16, 2018 | 4 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Enjoy a holiday concert that combines the talents of chorale members from Harrison School for the Arts with the Singing Tower. Free with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

17–23 A HOLIDAY SPECIAL: WITHOUT THE SNOW When: Dec. 18, 2018 | 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Theatre Winter Haven 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven. www.theatrewinterhaven.com/ Part of the Tribute Tuesday Series. (863) 294-SHOW (7469) SENIOR DANCE SOCIAL When: Dec. 18, 2018 | 7:30-9 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Senior Center 250 S Lake Silver Dr, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com/parks-and-recreation/ programs/senior-classes/ Singles and couples welcome. Live entertainment and refreshments. More info call (863) 291-5870 Resident $3 and non-resident $4 CHAT & CHEW WITH THE MAYOR When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Eagle Ridge Mall 451 Eagle Ridge Dr, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Lake Wales Mayor Fultz will host an informal session

All materials are provided and class is free but seats are limited, participants must register at the Library or by calling 863-678-4004 ext. 221.

to chat with citizens on December 19, 2018 at 10am in the Eagle Ridge Mall at Kingdom City Outreach. The Mayor will listen to any concerns citizens have and will share about legislative issues. There will be coffee and donuts.

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER When: Dec. 20, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls — Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! www. nutcracker.com

MAIN STREET BARTOW’S FARMERS AND COMMUNITY MARKET When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Fort Blount Park W Davidson St., Bartow. More than fruit and vegetables! You may find handcrafted items, popcorn, jewelry, fresh baked goods, homemade jams, and food trucks. Check the Facebook page to see what’s new each week. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Blount Park, corner of Main and Broadway. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH BEN TORRES AND MARILYN FRIEDLAND When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 12-2 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate Historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

CREATIVE YOGA WITH MICHELLE PUGH When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 12-1 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org 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.

FOOD AS MEDICINE When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 1-2 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Many common herbs and spices in your own pantry have added health benefits. Learn how to add herbs for health in your daily cooking. Make and take an herbal infused superfood salad. $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Register online. (863) 734-1222

DULCIMER NIGHT When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. The Musical Hammers will perform on hammered and mountain dulcimers. Bring a chair and enjoy the music in the park.

MOONLIGHT MARKET When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven. Finish your holiday shopping! Support small businesses! Shop vendors from all over central Florida, food trucks, live music and beer!

HOLIDAY WALKABOUT When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland. downtownlkld.com Stores and shops will be open late serving up yummy goodies (like cider and cookies) and special deals, and there will be live music on the street corners — but the streets will not be closed. There will be the traditional holiday lights decorating Munn Park and costumed characters patrolling around for spontaneous selfies. On December 21, visitors can take pictures with Santa at Focus Realty on 218 E. Pine Street. They can also participate in a “Whoville Hair” and “Ugly Sweater Selfie” contest.

RED TENT WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 6:30 p.m. Where: Catapult Lakeland 331 S Florida Ave, Lakeland. Join us the third Wednesday of each month for a wellness meet up, Free and open to all. Christmas Party sing-a-long: Patty Kenoly. Donations to Red Tent and/ or tips to the featured guest/s will be accepted. SKULLYS BARBER SALON AT SWAN BREWING When: Dec. 19, 2018 | 6:40-9:40 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Mobile hair salon will be open at Swan Brewing every Wednesday.

DEGAS: THE PRIVATE IMPRESSIONIST MEMBERS RECEPTION When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Polk Museum of Art 800 E Palmetto St., Lakeland. polkmuseumofart.org Lecture followed by a reception and cash bar. This reception is a complimentary membership benefit.

CREATE! PHOTO ORNAMENT ADULT CRAFT When: Dec. 20, 2018 | 6-7 p.m. Where: Lake Wales Public Library 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Join us and make your own photo Christmas ornament. 65

Students with valid ID are welcomed free of charge. Please present your membership card upon arrival. RSVP by Monday, December 17. Want to bring a friend? Non- members are welcome for $10. Not a Member? Visit PolkMuseumofArt.org/Join for levels and benefits. FRIDAY FEST When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 6-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Bartow. mainstreetbartowfl.com Presented by Main Street Bartow HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 6-8 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center 801 Ave T NE, Winter Haven. Kick off your holidays with a evening full of holiday games, food & fun! This is a kid friendly and free event for the whole family. If you would like more information please call the Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center at (863) 291-5675 DAVID BRIMER When: Dec. 21, 2018 | 7 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. swanbrewing.com SANTA’S RUN FOR OUR KIDS When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 6 a.m. Where: Central Park 4th St. NW, Winter Haven. whoptimist5k10k.com This event is a 5k,10k,1/2 mile kids run, 0-5 and 6-9 kids fun run. The 10 K starts at 7 AM, the 5K begins at 8AM,and and the kids runs begin at 9ish. Race-day registration begins at 6 am. There will be music, food, and kids’ activities. Santa will be there. LAKE WALES FARMERS MARKET When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com Fresh baked goods, produce, crafts & more.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 67 -

Winter Haven’s Premier Womens Clothing and Accessories ReSale destination! We accept new and gently worn clothing for resale.

ReChic. ReStyle and ReSell with us!

863.326.0393

You’re one of a kind to us. For DaVita Medical Group, better care is more than a philosophy. It means real, tangible benefits for patients like you.

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

As our patient, you will receive the full attention of primary care doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, along with responsive, comprehensive care.

DaVita Medical Group Lake Wales 1143 State Road 60 East Lake Wales, FL 33853

Kulmeet Kundlas, MD

(863) 679-8815 (TTY:711) DaVita Medical Group Cypress Gardens 6800 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33884

Medicare Annual Election Period is October 15 – December 7 Questions? We can help. 1-866-473-1754 (TTY: 711)

(863) 268-7380 (TTY:711)

To learn more, please visit

Sukumar Mathan, MD

DaVitaMedicalGroup.com/FL

DaVita Medical Group Haines City 35600 U.S. Highway 27 North Haines City, FL 33844 (863) 866-9820 (TTY:711)

The DaVita Difference The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. For a listing of our contracted health plans, please contact DaVita Medical Group at the phone number listed above. For more information, visit Medicare.gov 24432 ©2018 DaVita Medical Management, LLC

havenmagazines.com

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW: HOLLYDAY PLANTS When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. /boktowergardens.org Families will learn about plants used around the world to make the holidays more festive. Learn how to draw a poinsettia at Doodlebug Art Place. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH OMARI DILLARD When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 FLORIDA FOOD SERIES FERMENTED BEVERAGES When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org This fun hands-on demonstration workshop focuses on the general exploration of various fermented beverages including Kombucha and Water Kefir. Sample several fun drinks throughout the class and attendees can take home a ginger drink. Part of the Florida Food Series presented by Visit Central Florida. $30 members/$37 non-members. Register online. (863) 734-1222 SATURDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY MOVIES When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 2 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com Enjoy a family friendly movie on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month! Admission is FREE and food and drink are welcome. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (PG) CLASSIC CAR SHOW When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 4-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Market Place 20 N Market Place, Lake Wales. www.cityoflakewales.com

SANTA AT THE STATION When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 5-8 p.m. Where: Haines City Fire Department 138 N 11th St., Haines City. Please bring your cameras for pictures! Hot chocolate & cookies will be served and our station will be open for tours.

MAIN STREET BARTOW’S FARMERS AND COMMUNITY MARKET When: Dec. 26, 2018 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Fort Blount Park W Davidson St., Bartow. More than fruit and vegetables! You may find handcrafted items, popcorn, jewelry, fresh baked goods, homemade jams, and food trucks. Check the Facebook page to see what’s new each week. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Blount Park, corner of Main and Broadway.

FLORIDA TROPICS VS MILWAUKEE WAVE When: Dec. 22, 2018 | 7:05 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.fltropics.com Major Arena Soccer League

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH DEAN JOHANESEN When: Dec. 26, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW: MEET MRS. CLAUS When: Dec. 23, 2018 | 1-3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Meet Mrs. Claus for pictures and enjoy story time on the Sabal Stage. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

SKULLYS BARBER SALON AT SWAN BREWING When: Dec. 26, 2018 | 6:40-9:40 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Mobile hair salon will be open at Swan Brewing every Wednesday..

THE RALEIGH RINGERS When: Dec. 23, 2018 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.rpfundingcenter.com Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, The Raleigh Ringers performs on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world. Each individual handbell set has its own unique sound. By mixing the sounds of these instruments, members of The Raleigh Ringers create contrasting moods and highlight melodic lines, bringing richness and depth to the music they perform.

CREATIVE WRITING CRITIQUE GROUP When: Dec. 27, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. www.mywinterhaven.com/event/creative-writingcritique-group-2/2018-12-13/ This group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month from 12:30 — 2:30 p.m. Attendees share and critique their writings. All aspiring writers are welcome. (863) 291-5880 Questions? Send email to wekeig@ gmail.com.

24–31

WINTER HAVEN STAMP CLUB When: Dec. 27, 2018 | 7:15 p.m. Where: First Presbyterian Church 6th St. NW, Winter Haven. The Winter Haven Stamp Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:15. They meet in the Geneva room at the First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th street NW Winter Haven. Everyone with an interest in stamp collecting is welcome.

CHRISTMAS DAY CARILLON CONCERT When: Dec. 25, 2018 | 1 p.m. 3 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Holiday concert featuring Christmas Carols from around the world. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222

LAURIE & RUSTY WRIGHT DUO When: Dec. 28, 2018 | 7-10 p.m. Where: Swan Brewing 115 W Pine St., Lakeland. Laurie & Rusty Wright (of the Rusty Wright Band) perform as a guitar driven duo with soaring vocals. Dynamic music, refreshing song list.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF EAST POLK/ RIDGE When: Dec. 25, 2018 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: The r-place eatery restaurant 35523 Hwy 27, Haines City. (Between Wendy’s and Badcock) Meets Every 4th Tuesday In Haines City. All Democratic women are welcome to join the club, where we discuss shared political views and volunteer for activities that help elect fellow Democrats. Contact: Anne Huffman, Club President (863-242-3230) and annehuffman01@ gmail.com

DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Downtown Lakeland 117 N Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland. www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org Stretching more than three blocks down North Kentucky Ave, the Downtown Farmers Curb Market brings 70-plus vendors to the heart of Downtown Lakeland every Saturday. Our vendors offer fresh produce, a wide variety of plants, locally handcrafted items, and delicious ready-to-eat food. The Downtown 67

Farmers Curb Market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). TAI CHI IN THE GARDENS When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded in the serenity of the Gardens. Individuals of all ages and physical conditions can use the fluid movements to help release tension, increase balance and relax. $10 members/$17 non-member. (863) 734-1222 KIDS PIZZA MAKING When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 10-11 a.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Kids will learn how to make sauce and roll out the dough, top and bake the pizzas in the wood-fired oven. For children ages 8-14 with enough pizza for one adult included. Additional member adults $30. Additional non-member adults $40. Member child $25/Nonmember child $35. (863) 734-1222 HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW: NEW YEAR TRADITIONS FROM THE NETHERLANDS When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Take the “Plunge” with a wintery run through the River Walk and discover Dutch traditions with cookies and crafts at Doodle Bug Art Place. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS MUSICAL AFTERNOONS WITH BRYAN RIVERS When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. Where: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. boktowergardens.org Live music performed at the Pinewood Estate historic Frog Fountain Courtyard. Included with general admission or membership. (863) 734-1222 FLORIDA TROPICS VS ORLANDO SEA WOLVES When: Dec. 29, 2018 | 7:05 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center 701 Lime Street, Lakeland. www.fltropics.com Major Arena Soccer League DEATH IS A CABERNET ‘OL CHUM A MURDER MYSTERY DINNER When: Dec. 31, 2018 | 6 p.m. Where: Ramon Theater 15 E Wall Street, Frostproof. www.ramontheater.com Use your sleuthing skills to investigate the death of Cabernet vintner Malcolm Melee. Ticket price includes dinner & favors. Purchase tickets online. 863-635-7222 $50

Home Solution Lenders, Inc. Quick Close • Great Rates Conventional | Construction | Refinances VA | FHA & USDA Loans 863-607-HOME (4663) • HSLenders.com 1445 E Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830 NMLS: 327291 • Lic Florida MLD954 havenmagazines.com

SOLD HOMES

142 VINE DR......................................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $215,000 326 PALOMA DR...............................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018........... $217,500 312 CHESHIRE WAY...........................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018......... $220,000

AUBURNDALE

246 ROBIN RD..................................DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018..........$228,000 434 DIAMOND ACRES RD................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018..........$229,900

411 OAK ST..................................... AUBURNDALE........ 10/10/2018........... $85,000

103 OAK POINT.................................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018......... $230,800

128 DIXIE HWY............................... AUBURNDALE........ 10/10/2018.......... $105,000

515 PAMPLONA PL............................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018..........$234,900

130 DIXIE HWY.............................. AUBURNDALE........ 10/10/2018.......... $105,000

107 BELLA DR....................................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018......... $238,000

304 RICO WAY............................... AUBURNDALE..........10/8/2018.......... $125,000

2243 BARRINGTON LOOP................DAVENPORT......... 10/11/2018......... $244,000

106 MAIN ST.................................. AUBURNDALE..........10/3/2018.......... $145,000

116 CITRUS ISLE ST............................DAVENPORT..........10/9/2018..........$246,500

1949 FOXHOLLOW DR................... AUBURNDALE..........10/2/2018........... $165,100

307 RIGGS CIR..................................DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018......... $250,000

706 AUBURN PRESERVE BLVD...... AUBURNDALE..........10/2/2018.......... $173,000

315 ORANGE COSMOS BLVD............DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018......... $250,000

123 PATTERSON DR....................... AUBURNDALE.......... 10/1/2018.......... $175,000

204 CITRUS ISLE LOOP....................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018......... $264,400

517 MAIN ST................................... AUBURNDALE..........10/5/2018.......... $179,000

232 BRUNSWICK DR.........................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $301,600

213 LAKE MARIANA PL................... AUBURNDALE..........10/5/2018...........$179,300

516 GRANDE DR................................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $315,000

201 ALEXANDER ESTATES DR........ AUBURNDALE.......... 10/1/2018..........$233,000

395 BRUNSWICK DR.........................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018......... $350,000

1510 SHOREWOOD DR.................. AUBURNDALE..........10/9/2018..........$272,000

133 WHIRLAWAY DR.........................DAVENPORT..........10/9/2018.......... $351,800

310 LAKE MARIANA PL.................. AUBURNDALE..........10/9/2018...........$357,200

371 BRUNSWICK DR..........................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018..........$353,600

1010 LAKESHORE DR..................... AUBURNDALE.......... 10/1/2018.......... $431,000

532 WILMONT TER...........................DAVENPORT........ 10/10/2018......... $360,000

273 SUMMERSHORE DR................ AUBURNDALE..........10/3/2018.......$2,867,000

5552 MISTY OAK CIR........................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $363,700

BARTOW

5315 OAKBOURNE AVE.....................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018........... $427,100 3209 SERENDIPITY WAY...................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018....... $1,540,900

1130 SHADY CT...................................... BARTOW..........10/3/2018............ $77,000

140 BENTLEY OAKS BLVD.................DAVENPORT..........10/9/2018...........$159,700

1110 BENNETT CT................................... BARTOW..........10/2/2018.......... $104,500

117 HARPERSFIELD ST.......................DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018........... $191,000

1921 GRIFFINS GREEN DR....................... BARTOW..........10/9/2018...........$150,700

384 ARBOR LAKES DR......................DAVENPORT..........10/9/2018......... $206,000

1816 FOREST HILL DR............................. BARTOW..........10/4/2018............ $161,100

1800 SERENO DR..............................DAVENPORT..........10/9/2018......... $220,000

105 VALENCIA DR.................................. BARTOW..........10/5/2018..........$180,000

116 PARADISE WOODS PL.................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018...........$231,500

1300 CARMEN AVE................................ BARTOW..........10/3/2018.......... $183,000

120 PINEWOOD CT...........................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018..........$235,000

542 HEATHER CT................................... BARTOW........ 10/10/2018.......... $185,500

185 ALFORD DR................................DAVENPORT..........10/2/2018..........$253,900

4670 BARUSH RD.................................. BARTOW........ 10/10/2018.......... $215,000

205 ALFORD DR...............................DAVENPORT........ 10/10/2018..........$276,000

4835 IRONWOOD TRL.......................... BARTOW..........10/9/2018..........$324,900

1126 CYPRESS POINTE BLVD.............DAVENPORT........ 10/19/2018......... $290,000

DAVENPORT

1120 CYPRESS POINTE BLVD.............DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018......... $300,000 173 NORFOLK DR..............................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018......... $340,000

701 TERRACE RIDGE CIR...................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $135,000

114 DOUGLAS PARK AVE..................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018........... $116,500

103 MAGNOLIA ST............................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018..........$140,000

109 ROGUES RETREAT 22203..........DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018........... $119,000

336 MYSTERY HOUSE RD.................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $145,000

416 LUCAYA LOOP 4304...................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018.......... $130,000

713 WINDSOR ESTATES DR...............DAVENPORT..........10/2/2018........... $165,100

2234 FAN PALM DR...........................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018.......... $135,000

258 CARRERA AVE...........................DAVENPORT..........10/2/2018........... $170,100

334 LA MIRAGE ST............................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018.......... $135,000

3621 CHATWICK LN..........................DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018........... $171,000

50989 HIGHWAY 27 LOT 330...........DAVENPORT.........10/12/2018.......... $189,000

152 PINEWOOD DR...........................DAVENPORT..........10/2/2018.......... $175,000

212 ELGIN BLVD.................................DAVENPORT..........10/8/2018........... $197,500

208 CITRUS ISLE LOOP....................DAVENPORT........ 10/10/2018......... $204,400

540 RIGGS CIR..................................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018.......... $202,700

309 ROBIN RD..................................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018......... $205,000

225 BUCKINGHAM CIR.....................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018......... $220,000

219 RIDGEMONT CT.........................DAVENPORT..........10/2/2018......... $208,000

CATHY “K” KLUYTENAAR &

The K Team Real Estate Services

RELAX. YOU’RE HOME.

Polk County’s Favorite Real Estate Family

Cathy Kluytenaar Zac Kluytenaar

Visit our new website at yourkteam.com

Florrie Kluytenaar

863-604-6220 69

345 ALDRIDGE LN............................DAVENPORT.......... 10/1/2018..........$222,000

520 MONTICELLI DR....................... HAINES CITY..........10/3/2018.......... $216,500

346 GREELEY LOOP.........................DAVENPORT..........10/3/2018......... $242,000

214 CITRUS POINTE DR................... HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018...........$227,700

51401 US HIGHWAY 27......................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018......... $250,000

479 MONTICELLI DR........................ HAINES CITY..........10/4/2018...........$227,900

0 US HIGHWAY 192...........................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018......... $250,000

556 MONTICELLI DR........................ HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018......... $230,800

0 US HIGHWAY 192...........................DAVENPORT..........10/5/2018......... $250,000

925 FALLON HILLS DR..................... HAINES CITY..........10/3/2018..........$246,300

362 HIGHER COMBE DR...................DAVENPORT..........10/4/2018.......... $310,000

435 MONTICELLI DR....................... HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018.......... $254,700 37 BASS ST....................................... HAINES CITY........ 10/10/2018..........$255,000

FORT MEADE

9950 LAKE MARION RD.................. HAINES CITY.........10/12/2018.......... $309,100

3825 US HIGHWAY 98.....................FORT MEADE.......... 10/1/2018..........$140,000

1671 E HINSON AVE.......................... HAINES CITY.......... 10/1/2018.......... $327,000 210 BROOKES PL............................. HAINES CITY..........10/2/2018......... $446,500

FROSTPROOF 208 FAIRWAY BLVD........................FROSTPROOF..........10/4/2018.......... $159,000

LAKE ALFRED

1921 N LAKE REEDY BLVD................FROSTPROOF..........10/9/2018..........$190,000

204 CALADIUM AVE....................... LAKE ALFRED.........10/12/2018........... $119,900 862 LAKE CUMMINGS BLVD........... LAKE ALFRED..........10/4/2018.......... $194,900

HAINES CITY

536 INTERLOCK ST......................... LAKE ALFRED..........10/8/2018..........$250,300

420 PARADISE ISLAND DR.............. HAINES CITY..........10/2/2018........... $110,300

617 TOTTY WAY.............................. LAKE ALFRED..........10/3/2018..........$258,600

2407 ST AUGUSTINE BLVD.............. HAINES CITY.........10/12/2018.......... $136,000 300 3RD ST...................................... HAINES CITY..........10/9/2018..........$140,000

LAKE WALES

9410 LAKE MARION CREEK RD....... HAINES CITY..........10/9/2018.......... $150,000

204 BULLARD...................................LAKE WALES..........10/2/2018............$85,900

1909 9TH ST..................................... HAINES CITY.........10/12/2018........... $177,000

837 WILDABON AVE.........................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018..........$100,000

2676 HEMINGWAY AVE.................... HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018..........$180,000

811 OSCEOLA AVE.............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018.......... $125,000

617 KERMARAH AVE........................ HAINES CITY........ 10/10/2018.......... $185,900

1010 HIGHVIEW DR...........................LAKE WALES..........10/6/2018.......... $130,000

4438 BONNET LAKE DR.................. HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018..........$190,000

1152 VIEW POINTE CIR......................LAKE WALES......... 10/11/2018.......... $169,000

268 W MAIN ST................................ HAINES CITY..........10/4/2018.......... $190,900

2201 WALK IN WATER RD..................LAKE WALES........ 10/10/2018......... $250,000

1503 GULF VUE DR.......................... HAINES CITY..........10/3/2018...........$197,000

58 MOUNTAIN LAKE........................LAKE WALES..........10/3/2018......... $425,000

2332 PAULETTE DR.......................... HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018......... $200,000

20709 HWY 27..................................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......$1,300,000

326 HIDDEN LAKE LOOP................. HAINES CITY........ 10/10/2018......... $200,000

20769 US HIGHWAY 27.....................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......$1,300,000

2830 SANDERLING ST..................... HAINES CITY..........10/5/2018......... $205,000

441 2ND ST........................................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......$1,300,000

Let It Snow. Let It Sparkle!

As flurries of snow, twinkling lights and yuletide greetings fill the air, our hearts and spirits are lifted by the pure joy of Christmas time. May the spirit of the season fill you with the same sense of wonder and contentment into the New Year and beyond. Thank you for helping to make 2018 an outstanding year for us. We owe our success to the loyal support of friends and customers like you, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the kindness you have shown us.

Many Thanks & Merry Christmas

2600 Harden Blvd., Lakeland 863•688•3028 | www.MasVerdeFlorida.com havenmagazines.com

105 N LAKESHORE DR......................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018........... $116,500

1943 DANES CT................................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018......... $230,000

4456 TURNBERRY LN.......................LAKE WALES..........10/3/2018........... $137,500

122 YOUNG PL..................................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018......... $230,000

1202 ASHTON PALMS DR..................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......... $155,000

119 PARK ST......................................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $250,000

4248 DINNER LAKE ST.....................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......... $170,000

1005 SOUTH BLVD.............................. LAKELAND.........10/12/2018..........$256,000

114 DINNER LAKE AVE.......................LAKE WALES........ 10/10/2018.......... $195,000

623 EASTON DR.................................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018......... $345,000

4150 DINNER LAKE WAY...................LAKE WALES..........10/5/2018.......... $199,500

114 EASTWAY DR................................. LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $420,000

2164 HODGE TRL..............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

120 EASTWAY DR................................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $420,000

2707 MCGREGORS COVE CT............LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

2805 SHOAL CREEK VILLAGE DR....... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $450,000

2148 HODGE TRL..............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

1917 VIA LAGO DR............................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $485,000

2144 HODGE TRL..............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

400 PALMOLA ST............................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $589,000

2136 HODGE TRL..............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

2904 SANCTUARY CIR...................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $842,900

2316 SIENNA RUN.............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

3008 SANCTUARY CIR...................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018........$1,029,500

2315 SIENNA RUN.............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

317 W VALENCIA ST............................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018........... $83,900

2116 HODGE TRL...............................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

1038 W 10TH ST.................................. LAKELAND..........10/4/2018........... $90,000

24186 US HIGHWAY 27.....................LAKE WALES.........10/12/2018.........$1,754,100

2836 ORCHID LN................................ LAKELAND..........10/2/2018.......... $162,000

978 OLD CUTLER RD........................LAKE WALES........ 10/10/2018..........$160,000

2415 N COMBEE RD............................ LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $165,000

2131 HWY 60.....................................LAKE WALES.......... 10/1/2018......... $605,000

5722 LACAR WAY................................ LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018.......... $175,000 5733 LACAR WAY................................ LAKELAND..........10/4/2018...........$181,000

LAKELAND

5725 CUSTER DR................................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $215,000

925 REYNOLDS RD............................. LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018........... $90,000

2327 SEBAGO DR................................ LAKELAND..........10/9/2018......... $305,000

1248 MORGAN DR.............................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018........... $114,900

7060 HAVERTYS WAY........................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018...... $3,250,000

1111 CINNAMON WAY W...................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $120,000

6416 SHIFLETT AVE............................ LAKELAND..........10/8/2018........... $80,000

523 HAMPTON AVE............................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $122,000

5412 LIMESTONE LN........................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018........... $127,000

519 HAMPTON AVE............................. LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $130,000

5437 LIMESTONE LN........................... LAKELAND..........10/8/2018.......... $129,000

2219 OLNEY RD................................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $152,000

925 FENTON LN 3................................ LAKELAND........10/24/2018.......... $135,000

1024 LEXINGTON ST........................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $164,200

6208 CRANE DR................................. LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $162,000

727 COLLEGE AVE............................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $280,000

302 CORONA DEL MAR ST................. LAKELAND.........10/12/2018.......... $165,000

3252 SUMMERLAND HILLS CRK......... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018..........$292,500

8534 SUNNYDALE LN......................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $175,000

6207 FORESTWOOD DR..................... LAKELAND..........10/8/2018.......... $397,500

7225 RANCH RD.................................. LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018......... $205,000

1377 E LAKE PARKER DR..................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $500,000

5858 SWALLOW DR............................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $208,000

1224 E MEMORIAL BLVD..................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $761,000

810 CEDAR KNOLL DR........................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $218,500

1715 MONTEE LN................................. LAKELAND..........10/9/2018............$82,900

3540 KATHLEEN PNES........................ LAKELAND..........10/4/2018..........$265,000

438 CAMEO DR.................................. LAKELAND..........10/5/2018..........$103,000

11511 OLD DADE CITY RD.................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018............$92,500

3457 WHITMAN CT............................ LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018.......... $145,000

3512 DOREEN DR................................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018..........$100,000

3549 RAINTREE TER........................... LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018.......... $153,000

720 SWISS DR..................................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $135,000

1135 AFTON ST.................................... LAKELAND.........10/12/2018.......... $156,000

3922 AQUILLA DR............................... LAKELAND..........10/3/2018...........$135,700

2725 NEVADA ST................................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018..........$164,000

3952 AQUILLA DR.............................. LAKELAND..........10/3/2018...........$135,700

1940 GRASSLANDS BLVD................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $165,000

1600 OAK DR...................................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018........... $137,500

3033 WOODSTOCK AVE.................... LAKELAND..........10/2/2018............$171,500

2210 HARBORTOWN LN..................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018.......... $143,000

130 E PARK ST..................................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $189,900

4310 LEWELLYN RD............................ LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018.......... $159,900

1352 PIPKIN RD................................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018..........$190,000

3218 SWIFT FOX TRL........................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018.......... $165,000

311 E PALM DR..................................... LAKELAND..........10/2/2018.......... $213,000

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 72 -

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

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)

3688 MADBURY CIR........................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $175,000

4922 WHITEOAK DR........................... LAKELAND..........10/2/2018......... $230,000

7302 BRIARBAY LOOP........................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018..........$180,000

4502 HALLAM HILL LN....................... LAKELAND..........10/3/2018......... $243,000

2741 STONEWOOD DR........................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018..........$188,000

6868 HARTSWORTH DR.................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018......... $285,000

1754 GREY FOX DR............................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018.......... $195,000

1328 EVERGREEN PARK CIR................ LAKELAND..........10/2/2018...........$293,100

3564 REMINGTON OAKS PATH.......... LAKELAND..........10/8/2018......... $200,000

6907 EAGLE RIDGE BLVD................... LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018..........$295,000

3119 ORANGE GROVE CT.................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018.......... $201,000

2876 SEYMORE ST.............................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018.......... $312,000

1991 DANES CT.................................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018..........$205,500

1334 BRIGHTON WAY......................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $349,900

8762 FORT SOCRUM VILLAGE WAY... LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018........... $211,000

905 CAMELOT LN............................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018......... $628,000

2032 DANES CT.................................. LAKELAND.........10/12/2018.......... $218,800

3975 NEW TAMPA HWY...................... LAKELAND..........10/3/2018.......... $415,000

8162 WOODVINE CIR.......................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018......... $230,000 7874 CANTERBURY CIR...................... LAKELAND..........10/8/2018..........$239,900

WINTER HAVEN

2907 CREEKS CROSSING BLVD.......... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $243,400

115 PALM DR.................................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018............$75,000

2909 BLACKWATER CREEK DR........... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018..........$278,000

704 HATFIELD RD........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018............$79,000

4945 GOLDENVIEW LN...................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018.......... $105,000

309 VANIMAN AVE......................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018........... $83,000

1085 OLD SOUTH DR......................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018.......... $105,000

627 KINGS LN...............................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018........... $85,000

3121 FILLY LN....................................... LAKELAND..........10/2/2018............. $111,100

743 AVENUE Q.............................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018............$87,000

1931 BIRCHWOOD LOOP.................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018..........$146,000

704 HATFIELD RD........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018............ $87,500

6337 TORRINGTON CIR...................... LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $158,000

3008 THORNHILL RD..................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018........... $89,900

6483 SEDGEFORD DR........................ LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $166,400

638 SE PIEDMONT DR.................WINTER HAVEN........10/24/2018........... $90,000

3365 SANOMA DR.............................. LAKELAND..........10/2/2018.......... $170,900

689 LAKE HOWARD DR APT 1E....WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018........... $95,000

6339 TORRINGTON CIR..................... LAKELAND..........10/8/2018........... $175,700

2024 KINGS XING........................WINTER HAVEN......... 10/11/2018........... $95,000

5721 ANTLER TRL................................ LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018.......... $185,000

602 34TH ST................................WINTER HAVEN......... 10/11/2018.......... $105,000

6557 SHEPHERD OAKS RD................. LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $185,000

2324 ISLE ROYAL CT SE...............WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018........... $115,900

3656 SANDHILL CRANE DR................ LAKELAND.........10/12/2018......... $209,000

207 9TH ST..................................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018.......... $125,000

6725 FORESTWOOD DR..................... LAKELAND..........10/3/2018..........$239,900

6001 LIVE OAK DR.......................WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018.......... $143,900

5923 LAUREL OAK DR........................ LAKELAND..........10/9/2018......... $250,000

1109 SUNSHINE WAY....................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018.......... $149,000

5732 BUCK RUN DR............................ LAKELAND.........10/12/2018......... $286,000

701 SE AVENUE L..........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018..........$160,000

4138 WINDING VINE DR..................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018.......... $139,800

1633 WALLACE MANOR BLVD.....WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018.......... $172,000

5760 WOODRUFF WAY...................... LAKELAND..........10/9/2018.......... $199,000

624 EAGLE LAKE LOOP RD..........WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018.......... $184,900

3314 PEARLY DR.................................. LAKELAND..........10/5/2018......... $260,400

4642 MAGNOLIA PRESERVE LOOP.WINTER HAVEN......10/8/2018..........$186,000

2625 HIGHLANDS VUE CT.................. LAKELAND..........10/8/2018..........$292,400

851 KILLEARN BLVD.....................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018.......... $186,500

761 SCHOOLHOUSE RD...................... LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018............ $77,400

5148 MAGNOLIA PRESERVE BLVD.WINTER HAVEN........10/3/2018......... $204,900

6428 TIMUCUANS DR........................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $108,300

4329 THOMAS WOOD LN...........WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018......... $205,000

1150 SHADOW RUN DR....................... LAKELAND..........10/2/2018............ $115,100

1210 LAKE CT...............................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018.......... $210,000

4104 ORANGE AVE............................. LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018.......... $142,000

1620 BETH LN..............................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018......... $250,000

5211 MESSINA...................................... LAKELAND..........10/4/2018..........$160,000

5500 COMMERCIAL BLVD...........WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018......... $425,000

2040 CHARNES DR............................ LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018........... $177,000

113 FALL GLO RD..........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

3476 HILSON DR................................. LAKELAND......... 10/11/2018.......... $199,900

107 FALL GLO RD.........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

679 LAKE CLARK PL............................ LAKELAND..........10/5/2018.......... $210,000

101 FALL GLO RD.........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

2237 EASTMEADOWS RD................... LAKELAND.......... 10/1/2018............ $217,100

106 FALL GLO RD.........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

687 JESSANDA CIR.............................. LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018.......... $219,000

444 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

3410 CLUBHOUSE RD......................... LAKELAND........ 10/10/2018......... $220,000

438 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000

Specializing in Conventional, Construction, Refinances, VA, FHA and USDA Loans.

Best customer satisfaction. As seen in “Top Agent Magazine” #1 USDA Loan Originator in the Nation for 2014 and 2015!

HOME SOLUTION LENDERS, INC. To learn more about Ricky Peacock visit: www.hslenders.com email: Ricky@HSLenders.com or call: 863-607-HOME (4663)

havenmagazines.com

NMLS: 327291

432 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 426 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 420 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 414 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 408 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN..........10/6/2018.........$480,000 402 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 396 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 390 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 384 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 Vicky Holloway • 863-557-9003

366 HONEY BELL RD...................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/16/2018.........$480,000 922 MLK. BLVD............................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018............$75,000

CONVENIENT LOCATION IN GATED NEIGHBORHOOD!

6330 BAYBERRY BLVD.................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018............$79,900 702 COUNTRY LN........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018........... $86,500

3 BD/2 BA • Spacious 2,086 SF • Formal Living & Dining Rooms • 10 ft. Ceilings • Eat-In Kitchen • Lg. Family Room • Near Shopping, Medical, Restaurants and More–

2 LYCHEE DR................................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018............$89,500 3823 AVENUE R...........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018........... $92,000 337 8TH ST..................................WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018.......... $102,000 1907 16TH ST................................WINTER HAVEN..........10/3/2018.......... $105,000

$198,900

1209 CRESTWOOD DR................WINTER HAVEN..........10/3/2018........... $121,000 1630 NE AVENUE E.......................WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018..........$160,000

Dedicated to You, Dedicated to Results!

1706 MUIRFIELD VILLAGE ST.......WINTER HAVEN.........10/12/2018.......... $189,500 1180 HAINES DR...........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018...........$195,700 296 LAKE LUCERNE WAY.............WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018......... $206,900

,0 0

476 HAINES TRL..........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018......... $209,800

283 LAKE LUCERNE WAY.............WINTER HAVEN..........10/3/2018........... $219,100

603 14TH ST.................................WINTER HAVEN.........10/12/2018......... $220,000 316 LAKE LUCERNE WAY.............WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018...........$225,100 267 LOMA DR..............................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018......... $244,800 3350 CRUMP RD..........................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018.........$448,000

Pam Estes • 863-242-6166

237 SANTA ROSA DR...................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018........... $88,300

AFFORDABLE AND DELIGHTFUL FAMILY HOME! 3BD/2BA • 1,576 Sq. Ft. • Corner Lot • Newer Roof • Bonus Room • Living/Dining Room Combo • Workshop in Garage

237 SANTA ROSA DR...................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018........... $88,300 237 SANTA ROSA DR...................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018........... $88,400 3106 POST OAK CT......................WINTER HAVEN......... 10/11/2018........... $90,000 5861 RED FOX DR........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018........... $92,000

609 SWEET BAY CIR....................WINTER HAVEN.........10/12/2018.......... $105,000

$1 49 ,

1002 MEDINAH DR......................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018.......... $120,000 5736 LAKE FOX DR......................WINTER HAVEN..........10/9/2018.......... $128,000 145 TREMONT DR........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018.......... $135,000 6528 WINTERSET GARDENS RD.. WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018...........$137,000 2948 WHISPERING TRAILS DR....WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018...........$147,800

Lisa Nichols • 863-232-6370

106 LAKE DAISY TER....................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018...........$157,000

BEAUTIFUL & CHARMING HOME! 4BD/2BA • 1,784 SF • Vaulted Ceilings • Lanai with Spa • Ofﬁce/Study • 2 Sheds

3153 WHISPERING TRAILS AVE....WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018.......... $165,900 2956 WHISPERING TRAILS DR....WINTER HAVEN..........10/3/2018...........$176,900 149 LOWELL RD...........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018...........$179,900

,9 00

125 LINCOLN RD..........................WINTER HAVEN......... 10/11/2018.......... $182,000

2132 BRETTON RIDGE BLVD........WINTER HAVEN..........10/6/2018..........$194,800

106 TERRACE DR.........................WINTER HAVEN.........10/12/2018.......... $199,900 2238 LAKE DAISY RD...................WINTER HAVEN..........10/5/2018......... $205,000 2957 DAYTON DR........................WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018...........$233,100

Clay Vogel • 239-288-1398

4900 WILLOWBROOK CIR..........WINTER HAVEN........ 10/10/2018..........$239,000 340 OKALOOSA DR....................WINTER HAVEN.......... 10/1/2018.......... $247,000

INCREDIBLE LAKEFRONT ESTATE! 4 BD/ 3 BA • 2,257 SF • .71 Acres • Great Room • Formal Dining Rm. • Bonus Rm. • Den/Ofﬁce • NEW ROOF • Newer A/C • Seawall & Dock • On Parks Lake

610 LAKE SUMMIT DR.................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018......... $260,000 0 HILLCREST DR..........................WINTER HAVEN..........10/4/2018......... $260,000 281 HERNANDO RD.....................WINTER HAVEN..........10/2/2018..........$295,000

WWW.LEGACYREALESTATECENTER.COM

863-676-0200 212 E S L W AST

TUART IN

AKE

ALES

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Home for the Holidays at Pinewood Estate This year come, “Home for the Holidays” and experience Pinewood Estate transformed. Inspired by the grandeur of the 1940s, you will find beautifully decorated trees, lots of lights and tinsel. Step back in time and take a glimpse at how the Buck family might’ve celebrated the holidays. You cannot help but to smile as you walk through the beautifully decorated rooms. From the kitchen to the bathrooms, the Christmas spirit is everywhere. Pinewood Estate is a 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion on the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens. Originally named “El Retiro,” meaning “retreat” in Spanish, the Estate was built in the early 1930s for Charles Austin Buck. Buck was a great admirer of the Latin lifestyle and architecture, and he wanted “El Retiro” to be reminiscent of it. Architect Charles Wait was hired to

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design the house that has become one of the finest examples of Mediterraneanstyle architecture in the state of Florida. Wait designed the 12,900 square foot Mediterranean-style home with many characteristics of an antique villa, complete with a barrel-tile roof, thick walls, substantial carved doors and woodwork, and intricately detailed wrought iron. Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens November 23 - January 6 $25/Adults $12/Child (ages 5-12) Open everyday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Last admission at 5 p.m. (863) 734-1222 Boktowergardens.org 1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853

North Arcade

Construction is underway, with completion late spring 2019. 9,000 sf of Premium retail / office space right on Central Avenue next to the soon to be energized Ritz. Building will feature a beautiful central arcade, and will also be accessible from a new exit in the parking garage! Contact - Call Chad Lennox for details (863) 287-8102

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Joy Halili Lene Halili

Holly Worrell Kayla Kapp Melinda Polston

Mark Polston Andrew Worrell Kaelynn Mahalak Ralph Mahalak

4 Loren Sinonds

Lauren Schwenk Anna Bostick Perry House

Becky Coscia Steve Coscia

6 Susan Dreyer

Dale Dreyer Mark Thompson Ruthelise Thompson

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Siegel

The Gala

We’re searching for POLK COUNTY’S

SEXIEST MAN What makes a man sexy? Is it the way he carries himself? His attitude? What they do for others? Is it his style, smarts or sophistication? Maybe it’s because he’s a total babe or perhaps it’s something intangible. Nominations for Polk County’s Sexiest Man will be accepted December 1-31, 2018. Please send a photo, a short description of the person you’re nominating and why you’re nominating them along with his contact info. He MUST currently live in Polk County. Please email your nomination to contest@scmginc.com havenmagazines.com

Wine, Chocolate & Cheese havenmagazines.com

Casey Weeder Lee Sheehan Kirsten Sheehan Emma Haynes

Ashley Bennett Parker Rowe

Dr. Steve Wang, DMD Kimberly Wang

4 Kathy Dehaven

Lynette Lassiter Connie Knowles Leslie Nieves

Angel Tissue Bethany Barnett Lauren Sine Marcie Caraccia

6 George Koturo

Catie Koturo Brooke Beattie Ryan McCarthy

PHOTOGRAPH Amy Sexson

Angels Among Us

Jean Baker Jane McGinnis

Doug Barnes Jill Rogers

3 Carissa Hughes

Susan Stansberry

4 Ron Hartwig

Sharon Hartwig

5 Martha Santiago

Sam Killebrew

6 Maryann Cassell

Liz Bender

Linda Stavres Andy Stavres

8 Maria Swann

Richard Swann III

9 Rex Harris

Mike Stimac

PHOTOGRAPH Bill Siegel

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Fall in love with an WALK-IN URGENT CARE

FOR YOUR

LITTLE SUPER HERO

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OWLNOWURGENTCARE.COM We accept most major medical insurances as well as HMOs & Medicaid. havenmagazines.com

You shouldn’t be afraid to laugh or sneeze.

Millions of women suffer from incontinence. If you’re one of them, you know how it can affect your enjoyment of life. But did you know your condition may be easily treated with medication, surgery, or a simple, in-office procedure? Schedule your GYN appointment online today at LakeWalesMedicalGroup.com,

ONLINE SCHEDULING IS NOW AVAILABLE.

or call us at 863-455-1620. Medicaid, Medicare and most insurance plans are accepted.

No need to wait! Online scheduling is now available at LakeWalesMedicalGroup.com.

Lake Wales Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

Getting sick is never convenient. Good thing we are.

Did you know you are contagious one day before flu symptoms appear and up to seven days after becoming sick? Whether you’re suffering from flu symptoms or have a cold you just can’t shake, Urgent Care Poinciana makes it easy to get the care you need. Visit our website, answer a few questions, pick a time and we’ll save your spot in line before you arrive. Check in at HeartofFloridaFluCare.com. We’re open Monday through Saturday, including holidays. Se habla español. 7375 Cypress Gardens Blvd. • Winter Haven, FL 33884 3759 Pleasant Hill Road • Kissimmee, FL 34746

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians. Because our Urgent Care staff must treat patients based on the severity of illness or injury, your time is not guaranteed. We will see you as close to your designated time as possible. If your symptoms worsen or you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible.

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