Family Magazine_Winter 2014-2015

The

Season of

Making

“SWEET” Memories

25

items for any shopping budget

family Craft ColleCtion

Joy

Yes, it’s a buick!

L season of jo y

Q Buick & Ronsonet. a trusted name for generations.

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L s e a so n o f j o y

Prevention.

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Taking care of your family is our number one priority.

We will work with you to prevent, diagnose or devise a treatment plan to get you back to what matters most in your life. Our team of dedicated and caring professionals make your health a primary concern.

We accept new patients, so call to schedule an appointment and find a primary care provider you can depend on.

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L season of jo y

G

reetings and Happy Holidays from all of us at Family Magazine! This inaugural edition is the first of what will be a quarterly publication for folks in Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties. Our mission is to showcase the heritage and pride that runs through our little piece of the world, proudly referred to by us as "The Natural Florida."

I've also included my recipe for Pecan Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie, my husband's favorite and one I've baked and shared for years on page 57.

On a more practical side, you'll find tips for helping you not overeat; the latest in techno-gifts; ways to keep your sanity while trying to be all things to all people; and the benefits of staying fit, "Fountains of Youth" right around the corner.

‘Tis the season of giving, and we've profiled two Schedules and locations organizations (out of the of Santa's appearances many) that extend a and holiday festivities, Publisher helping hand to those along with Christmas Mantha Young in need 365 days a year. carol music and words Featuring recipes from are scattered throughout professional chefs to the experienced home the pages.

cooks that will have your family huddled by the kitchen door. Think From our family to your family, Decadent Chocolate Kahlua Cake (insanely Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! good and simple to make) or Old-Fashioned Pound Cake (with the rise on top).

We hope you enjoy.

How about a new twist on French Toast for Christmas morning?

Publisher Mantha Young Editorial & Creative Direction Josh Blackmon Graphic Design Sarah Wortham Advertising Sales James Carter Dana Hall Jim Kennedy Cindy Ricketson Noah Walker Justin Young Contributors Susan Barrow Esta Evans Eberhardt Grayson Hines Imperial Productions Joy Lizotte S.G. McClung Kay Poltorak Robbie Thomas Shane Ward Justin Simmons

358 NW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32055 (386) 752-8280 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photography, or illustration only with written consent of the publisher. Family Magazine, its officers, staff members or contributors do not warrant the accuracy of or assume a responsibility for any of the material contained herein. All submissions, text, and photography received by Family Magazine has been considered authorized for publication.

Let's face it, it wouldn't be a Family Magazine without a family photo. Complete with cheesy grins, seasonal sweaters and at least one musical hat, the staff here at Family Magazine would like to wish you and your family a Great Season of Giving and a Happy New Year. Thanks readers, for becoming a new part of our family.

Do you have a fun idea for what our gang should be up to in our family photo for the spring issue of the magazine? Let us know on our Facebook!

Jim Kennedy, Debra Bolduc, Noah Walker, Sarah Wortham, Dana Hall, James Carter, Sandy Mooney, Karen Leslie, Cindy Ricketson, Justin Young and Josh Blackmon

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s y a d i l o H

Home for the

L s e a so n o f j o y

y s

SW Deputy J. Davis Lane, Lake City 386-752-3910 or 800-597-3526 5 www.morrells.com

Table of Contents Easy Entertaining..........................9 Lash-tastic..........................10 Family Matters...................11 Cooking with Shane..........................12 Gingerbread History..........................14 Film Favorites..........................18 Tech Savvy 2015...........................20 Giving is Better.............................22 Holiday Finance.........................25 Santa Pics............................26 Holiday Calm Down.......................28

12 Chef Shane shares unique holiday appetizers for your next party

The Season of

Making

“SWEET�

Memories

25

ITEMS FOR ANY SHOPPING BUDGET

FAMILY CRAFT COLLECTION

Joy

"Ho Ho Homemade desserts!

"The best recipes from our friends and family.

36

Lyrically challenged?

Problem solved...

43

Christmas Carols

Imperial Christmas...........................31 Taste of the Season..........................36 Holiday Events Schedule....................39 First Bite...........................41 Christmas Carols..........................43 Holiday Crafts.........................47 Gifts Under $50.........................50 Honoring Our Helpers.........................53 Christmas Stories.........................55 Christmas Countdown....................56 Pumpkin Pie Recipe.........................57 Fitness in 2015.......................58

On the Cover

Brandy Womble is building a gingerbread house with her 6 year old daughter Ellie.

Brandy is married to Brad Womble and they have two other daughters Lilly Swan (14) & Avery Womble (1). They reside in Lake City and own Sleep Solutions of North Florida.

"Christmas is our favorite time of the year because, we enjoy spending time with family and celebrating Jesus's birth," says Brandy.

Cover Photo by: Esta Evans Eberhardt

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!

7

L season of jo y Professional Proven Outdoor Power Equipment

Lake City’s

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L s e a so n o f j o y

be delighted.

Mint Mug Cocoa Brownies INGREDIENTS

4 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 8 ounces melted butter 1 cup cocoa, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon peppermint flavoring 6 soft peppermint puffs, crushed 1/2 cup flour, sifted 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a mixer with whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed until fluffy and light yellow.

Add both sugars. Add remaining ingredients and mix to combine.

Pour into mugs, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 45 minutes. Check for doneness with a wooden pick. When brownies are done, the pick should come out clean.

Add mint chocolate chip ice cream and a peppermint stick and enjoy!

Chocolate Cherry "Christmice" INGREDIENTS

1 jar cherries with stems 1 bag melting chocolates chocolate chips sliced almonds silver candy balls for decorating cookies

INSTRUCTIONS

Drain cherries and dry with a paper towel.

Melt chocolates in microwave, according to package directions.

Dip cherries into melted chocolate. While chocolate is still soft, press a chocolate chip onto the end for the nose. Tuck a couple of sliced almonds between the cherry and the chip for the ears.

Set the silver balls in place for eyes. Let set. (Resist the urge to place them in the refrigerator. They will "sweat" in the refrigerator.) Just let them set at room temperature.

Kay Poltorak, a generational Lake City native was, according to her husband, "Born to cook." Although her family has travelled the world with the U.S. military, she has never strayed far from her

southern cooking passion. More accustomed to cooking for 40 rather than four, Kay shares with Family Magazine two of her favorite “Easy Entertaining� holiday treats.

"Easy Entertaining" Easy-to-Make Recipes from Kay Poltorak

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L season of jo y

Holiday Luscious Lashes

be vivid.

Looking for that simple pop of glamor?

Nothing changes your look from 'drab to fab' like luscious lashes. This is a look that can easily be achieved at home during your morning routine or during a quick change from day to evening. It is as simple as three do-it-yourself steps.

StepOne: The Curl.

Place the curler near the base of your eyelash and with a gentle touch give a light squeeze to the middle of the eyelash.

Repeat two or three times on each lash.

StepTwo: Up The Volume.

With the help of a volumizing mascara, take the brush and rock left to right and from base of the lash sweep straight up from the root to tip. Apply an additional coat from mid-lash to the outer corner.

StepThree: The Drama .

For a little extra pop, apply fake lashes, finish with a coat of mascara. Follow manufacturer directions and you'll look fabulous!

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f

be unique.

L s e a so n o f j o y

For the past few years family holiday photo cards have been all the rage. This season think about taking the personalization to festive new heights.

Encourage your children to write a personal note to a family member, teacher, coach or friend who has had an impact on their lives.

Teaching your child thoughtfulness is a gift with no price tag attached!

Exercises such as this and crafts beginning on page 47 are great for improving your child's dexterity and to encourage creativity.

family matters

11

L season of jo y

be delicious.

Shrimp & Avocado Spoons INGREDIENTS Shrimp Avocado Sundried tomato paste Red cabbage for garnish

Instructions

Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tails on. Butterfly each shrimp along the outside curve. Open shrimp flat and place butterflied-side down. For extra flare cut a small hole in the middle of the shrimp and pull the tail through. Steam the shrimp until done. Peel and slice avocado in even uniform slices. Dress avocado with a little lemon juice or fruit saver to prevent it from turning brown. Lay the shrimp on top of the avocado (leaving the tip of the avocado out in front for color), dab a small teaspoon of sundried tomato paste on avocado and garnish with small wedges of red cabbage. Display on individual serving ware or arrange on a serving platter.

This should be done the day of the event but is okay to do well before and leave refrigerated until needed.

Rose mary Catering

Shane Ward

Shane Ward, owner and chef at Rose Mary Catering Company has been managing facilities in the restaurant industry for more than a decade. He takes pride and dedicates himself to quality service and delicious food.

Cheesy Stuffed Mini potatoes INGREDIENTS 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter) 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled applewood smoked bacon, divided 2 teaspoons roasted mashed garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish 1/4 cup finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons chopped green onion, plus more for garnish

instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large Dutch oven, place the potatoes and enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Boil until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and let cool. Cut the potatoes in half crosswise. Cut a thin slice off the round end of each potato half to stand upright. Using a melon baller, scoop out the centers of the potatoes, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the potato pulp. In a medium bowl, combine the potato pulp, sour cream, 1/4 cup bacon, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until well combined. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, and green onions. Sprinkle the insides of the potato shells with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/4 cup bacon. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

Garnish with green onions and freshly ground pepper, if desired.

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If you liked Shane’s recipe for Cheesy Stuffed Mini Potatoes and Shrimp and Avacodo Spoons visit our facebook for the Raspberry Wonton Cups recipe!

L s e a so n o f j o y

We offer a wide variety of ingredients to make your holidays extra special!

SAVORY Green INGREDIENTS • 1 Large Can of Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup • 1/2 Cup Milk • 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce • 1 Dash Black Pepper • 4 Cups Cooked Green Beans • 1 1/2 Cups French Fried Onions • 3/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese • 6-8 Large Pieces of Crisply Cooked Bacon, Crumbled.

LAKE CITY 2016 East Duval St. Open 7 Days A Week 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Bean Casserole YOU WILL NEED: 1 1/2 Quart Oven Safe Casserole Dish.

Recipe Exclusive

PREPARATION Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans, 2/3 cup onions, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and half of the bacon crumbles - pour into dish.

Bake at 350°F. for 25 min. or until hot.

Stir gently and sprinkle with remaining onions, cheese & bacon crumbles. Bake 5 min.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Substitute 4 cups cooked broccoli flowerets for the green beans.

A FESTIVE TOUCH: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped red pepper with soup mixture.

TIP: Use 1 bag (16 to 20 oz.) frozen green beans, 2 pkg. (9 oz. each) frozen green beans, 2 cans (about 16 oz. each) green beans or about 1 1/2 lb. fresh green beans for this recipe.

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L season of jo y

Occupational Health Services

GET PHYSICAL

be sweet.

F

rom candy canes to brightly colored lights, decorated trees, and round men made of snow – can you see it? There is a pattern forming. Each of these is a symbol that is so immediately identifiable with Christmas that we so rarely take the time to ask why, or wonder how it became so representative of this time of year. Symbols, such as the manger and the nativity scenes are readily associated with the Biblical story of Christmas.

Rudolph, the reindeer with the bright red nose, has a rich history in film and literature. But what about something like the gingerbread house? The sweet, spiced cookie used to construct simple four wall, candy homes and even elaborate edible villages is also synonymous with Christmas, but how did that happen?

Believe it or not, the shaping of gingerbread into figurines is a tradition that can be traced all the way back to the 15th century.

At that time, baking artisans would shape the cookie to look like dignified guests of royalty as gifts. That’s right. Gingerbread was often given out as a part of the royal “swag bag.“

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14

As time progressed, gingerbread gained popularity and was eventually such a highly regarded baked treat that only bakers who were a part of the professional baker guild were permitted to manufacture it. The exception of course being Christmas, when anyone was allowed to bake the dessert. For years, it was used to decorate shops and windows and even worn for good luck on necklaces as a charm. Eventually, the laws were relaxed and gingerbread became readily available and easily made at home.

In the 1800s the tradition of constructing houses with gingerbread began in Germany, even giving way to a reference in the popular folklore tale of Hansel and Gretel. Immigrants, such as these brought the tradition to the Americas where the honored pastime has continued and flourished. To this day, holiday gingerbread house competitions occur annually, some even televised on food centric cable networks.

L s e a so n o f j o y So whether or not you care about the history of the treat or it is just something pretty to eat, the gingerbread house has been a symbol of Christmas for longer than most. This year why not try it out for yourself, Family magazine will even get you started. Check out this great recipe for the actual gingerbread and the sugar icing that is used as the glue to hold the entire structure together. Need a little extra help? You can find printable patterns for the house on our facebook.

Gingerbread Ingredients 2 cups light corn syrup (or dark corn syrup for a darker house) 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar for a darker house) 1/4 cups margarine 9 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Instructions In a microwave-safe bowl, heat corn syrup, brown sugar and margarine until margarine has melted and sugar has dissolved completely. Stir the mixture until it is smooth.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add syrup-sugar-margarine mixture.

Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick onto a sheet of parchment cut to fit your baking pan. (If the dough is too hard or unmanageable, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds) Lightly flour the patterns and place them on the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch space between pieces. Try to fit as many as you can without crowding. (For nice edges, cut with a pizza wheel) Remove and save the extra dough.

Take opposite edges of the parchment paper and transfer to the baking sheet.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until pieces are firm and lightly browned around the edges. Cool completely before removing from pans. Reroll dough scraps for the remainder of the pieces.

Royal icing (sugar glue) Ingredients 1 pound of confectionery sugar 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3 egg whites Instructions Combine and beat slowly until stiff peaks form. Put icing in a pastry bag or plastic bag with a hole cut in the bottom corner to act as a pastry bag.

Bake, make, decorate and enjoy!

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L season of jo y Cedar River Seafood is a restaurant in Lake City, FL that is famous for serving its customers with delicious and fresh seafood, daily. We have been in the business for 30 years, and we also have a banquet facility that is perfect for your wedding dinners. We serve seafood in a southern tradition – baked, broiled, blackened, or fried.

Dine with us today.

5141 NW 43rd St, Suite 101 Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 371-4848

2938 W. US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL 32055 (386) 752-8399

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE We Accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, & Discover

Genuine KICKER Components included in this kit : - 12� KICKER Comp subwoofer - 125-Watt KICKER DX subwoofer amplifier - Complete KICKER 8-gauge wiring kit insures maximum system performance - 3-year extended amplifier warranty when installed by an Authorized KICKER Dealer

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386-755-2800 263 SW Sisters Welcome Rd.

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L s e a so n o f j o y

Rhett Bullard Personal Injury, Family Law, and General Law

362-2040

100 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, Florida 32064

From our Family...to Yours!

Bullard Family recipe

INGREDIENTS PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL 3 Eggs 1 Cup Sugar 2/3 Cup Pumpkin 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice 3/4 Cup Flour (All Purpose) 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder 2 Teaspoon Cinnamon 1 Teaspoon Ginger 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1 Cup Pecans (chopped)

FILLING 1 Cup Powdered Sugar 8oz Cream Cheese 4 Tablespoons Butter 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Cream sugar and butter cream cheese and vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS Beat eggs well, beat in sugar, stir in pumpkin and lemon juice.

In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and spices.

Fold in pumpkin mixture and spread in greased and floured 15x10x1 pan.

Top with chopped nuts and bake @ 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Loosen with spatula and turn onto kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Start at narrow end and roll towel and cake together, let cool.

After completely cooled, unroll, remove towel and spread with filling, then roll up like a jelly roll. Lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

pum pkin cake r oll17

L season of jo y

Don’t Tuch

That Dial

For many families, watching holiday-themed movies together is as much of a tradition as getting ornaments out of the boxes in which they were stored at the end of the last season.

Whether the classic tearjerker “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the ultimate 'n' silly “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” or something in between, the activity becomes a ritual that turns the television set into a device that stores memories as well as entertainment.

My favorite Christmas movie is 'The Christmas Story.' Full of quotes to always be remembered and repeated; as well as ridiculous moments and heart-warming ones.

-Jimmy Kite

be together.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas' brings back so many wonderful memories! Our entire family, including the grands, would all gather together and watch on a special December evening.

'Home Alone.' It is relatable to many of us who feel that the holidays are crazy busy and how easy it is to forget the true meaning.

-Gigi Register

- Thelma Jean

'The Polar Express'! It's a tradition we started with our three girls. We watch it every Christmas Eve and enjoy Hot Chocolate and holiday treats.

- Kaylie Hingson

Bring out the popcorn and cozy up to a ritual that no one will want to miss.

'It's A Wonderful Life' because if we really look at what we have and not what we want, we do have a wonderful life!

-Duane Archer

'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' I always enjoyed it with my kids and now with my granddaughter Elora. Christmas is in our hearts not the gifts!

ay movie My favorite holid year on the er '. Ev y d is 'Love Actually anksgiving, I spen Saturday after Th ting for Christmas ra the morning deco w atch 'Love n oo rn te and that af ds and it's the en fri ith w ' Actually e year! It's becom best day of the n. a holiday traditio Herndon

-Nancey Rogers

- Katie

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Excludes online gift card purchases. Valid 11/4-1/12. © 2014 Moe’s Franchisor, LLC.

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L s e a so n o f j o y

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L season of jo y

be savvy.

MacBook Air 13" and Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus, $999 - $1,049 up MacBook Air set the standard for new slim, light, powerful laptops. Ativ Book 9 Plus is one of the top-rated of those following Apple's lead, offering many of the same features. Do your homework and comparison-shop.

New Year

NEW TECH

by Susan Barrow

Okey Dokey. If gift giving is part of your tradition, as this goes to press, there are 26 – 33 shopping days, depending on the celebration – Christmas/ Hanukkah/

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Kwanzaa. "Oh," you say, "I have plenty of time."

Please. Don't even go there. Think back to last year, when you were frantically running from store to store, praying to find a Furby Boom or Fitbit Flex Wireless Wristband that had somehow escaped

the eyes of other desperate last-minutenellies prowling the aisles.

Ah, now it's all coming back, isn't it?

Travel a timelier route in 2014. Shop early, wrap, hide in closet and put your feet up.

AETLE ULTTRIM AV

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Holiday Shopping

The Earlier, The Easier

EXPERIENCE

L s e a so n o f j o y

LeapPad Ultra, list price $129.99 Kids are every bit as interested in techno products as the older siblings and adults they see "playing" with them. For those unwilling to share these pricy gadgets, LeapPad may be just the ticket. Geared to 3 – 9 year olds, Wi-Fi, video recorder, camera and access to literally hundreds of apps will give your own device a respite from sticky fingers.

iPad Air 2, from $499 An Apple lover's dream. Thinner than before, with added iPhone features. Want to really impress? Rumors say it might be available in gold – or at least a "golden shade." What's next, diamond sparkles?

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 S-Pen, from $299.99 – $825.00 (Shop around!)

It might not cook supper, but talk/ write/draw is just the tip of the phone-berg of what this baby will do.

Fingerprint sensor, motion recognition, voice recorder, cool camera options, mood-matching music and more. Who needs to eat?

Faster

Energizer XP 1000 Power Pack, list price $19.99 What? Out of juice again? This affordable, portable, lightweight little charger boasts long-lasting, reliable power that might just save an expensive device from being thrown out the window in a fit of pique.

better

(Pick two) If you want faster and better in your emergency room visit, we’ve got it! that’s why we’ve been voted the best of the best er in Lake City. From minor injuries to major illnessess, we’re ready for you. and, in an effort to continue to provide the highest level emergency care in the area, an expansion is currently underway to double the size of our er.

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Text “ER” to 23000 for average ER wait* times www.LakeCityMedical.com

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11/3/14 10:39 AM

Joy & Hope L season of jo y

be benevolent.

Spreading

By: Susan Barrow

Local Giving...

As A Way of Life

Make a commitment. Make it your New Year’s resolution. Better yet, begin now. Write a check. Give your time. Share your knowledge.

The two organizations highlighted make a difference 365 days a year. There are countless more. Find your fit or do your own thing.

The Holidays

are a time of giving. And giving. And giving.

According to the National Retail

Foundation, last year Christmas/Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa spending in the United States totaled nearly 602 billion dollars.

That’s an average of $730 per person. Sound as though we’re thriving?

We’re not. According to the 2011 census, one in two of us have descended into poverty or are classified as “low income.”

There are ways to help, monetarily and

otherwise.

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“…the highest gift is recognizing people, giving consideration for who they are, and accepting to be linked to them.”

Coumba Touré, educator, storyteller, writer and publisher

Lake City Regional Office of Catholic Charities By 10:30 a.m. on a recent Tuesday, Lake City Regional Office of Catholic Charities has seen 61 families; 500 – 700 come through the door each month. Need for the basics of food, rent and utilities, as well as support for the homeless, is ongoing and escalating.

Executive Director Suzanne Edwards says, “Demand is up more than 46 percent from last year. Those that used to ‘give’ have to now ‘ask,’ which means less to offer while more is required. The surge in numbers has caused us to step back and rethink how to bring more resources to the table.”

The organization is not a solo act. Edwards states, “Though we have a staff of only eight, five of whom are part time, we are a wraparound service with a database of other organizations that can often step in. Those who

volunteer are our unsung heroes, indispensable to what we do.”

Edwards believes that having a place to go where you are not judged for making less than favorable choices can be instrumental in turning things around.

She says, “These are people who have survived against the odds. Helping them understand that the very skills they used in doing that may be converted into whatever they are trying to accomplish now.”

Love, Inc. ‘Tis the season and though Love, Inc. is busier than usual, serving as a clearinghouse between local churches and the community to provide relief for the disadvantaged is a yeararound endeavor. Executive Director Lisa Kriehn states,

“The job is never finished, but it’s a labor of love.”

Asked where she feels they have the greatest impact, Kriehn lights up when she answers, “Children.”

She explains, “Children have no way to help themselves and something small can mean the world to them. Our ‘Kickin’ for Kids’ provides new shoes and packs of underwear and socks to homeless children and those identified by the school system. Hand a third grader who has never had a pair of socks a whole pack and the reaction makes all the work we do worth it. We’ve made a difference, right on the spot.”

Learn of organizations that need your help: www.unitedwaysuwanneevalley.org/

L s e a so n o f j o y

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L season of jo y

baptist church

Hopeful Baptist Church is a family of people who genuinely care about each other and about making a difference in a mixed up world. We believe that God loves people and that He wants to give people significance and meaning in life. Together we are trying to discover God’s plan for us as we learn new and creative ways to show His love to those around us. We

believe that the only way people can really know God’s plan for their lives is through knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Everything we do at Hopeful is centered around the goal of helping people develop a faith relationship with Jesus, God’s Son. We’re excited because we’re seeing people find a relationship with Jesus they never thought possible. I invite you to be our guest.

GOD IS...

OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH

Dr. Herman Rios

MINISTRIES

We are a 24 hr emergency service for commercial and residential.

We do Kitchen and Bath remodels.

We jet and clean drain and seWer lines.

We do re-pipes. neW commercial and residential construction.

We have in stocK Bio-one, Bio-taBs, and rootx We do Water heater repairs and maintenance Well repair lift stations Warehouse full of stocK

mangrum plumBing (386) 752-6306 • Fax (386) 752-6369 mangrum construction inc. dBa plumBing service co.

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Worship/Services Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 am & 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Evening AWANA 6:15 pm Worship 6:30 pm

Wednesday Senior Adult Service 10:00 am Family Supper 5:30 pm G3 Student Worship 6:45 pm Prayer & Praise 6:45 Small Groups 6:45 Children's Drama Practice 6:45

Monday C.A.R.E 5 p.m.

Thursday Men's Bible Study 7:00 pm

Friday Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:30 am @ Cracker Barrel in Lake City

Children’s Ministry Youth Ministry College & Career Sunday School Music Ministry Recreation Ministry Nursery & Preschool Small Groups Home Reach Groups Seniors Ministry Womens Ministry Motorcycle Ministry Hopeful Library Volunteer Ministry

386-752-4135

289 SE Hopeful Drive Lake City, Florida 32025

L s e a so n o f j o y be mindful.

Financial Advice from a Trusted Source.

By Joy Lizotte

Finance

Easy Ways to Not Break the Bank During the Holidays With the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start planning for gift giving. It’s enjoyable to buy gifts for others but it doesn’t have to break the bank. You should set a budget for what you want to spend and stick to it.

And the below tips should help you stay within that budget:

money while still supporting local businesses…and a fun way to try new places!

Shop Local

• Discount Codes. Check out RetailMeNot.com or Nerdwallet.com to search discount codes by store.

These sites will give you codes for a percent off, dollar off, free shipping, or other savings.

• Cash Back. Websites such as Ebates.com and Freeshipping.com will give you cash back when shopping online through their site. Here’s how it works: when shopping you would first go to the cash back site, then find the retailer you want to buy from, and click the link provided. By using the link and making a purchase you are earning cash. The retailers pay sites

One way to save money this holiday season is to shop local and compare locally.

Simply getting similar items to those you would find in larger markets will save not only time but also gas and travel costs. Not to mention shopping local puts money back into our community.

Daily Deal Sites

Ever heard of daily deal sites? These are sites that offer services and products at a reduced price for a short amount of time. Sites like Groupon and Living Social offer deals on local dining and entertainment in your area.

This is a great way to save

Online Shopping

There are lots of ways to save

money if you’re an online shopper. It’s all about the discount codes, free shipping, and price comparisons. Here’s a few tips:

like Ebates for sending them web traffic and they then turn around and pay you.

• Price Comparisons. You can save lots of money by comparing prices, especially if you are buying big ticket items like electronics, but you don’t have to spend all day doing it. Camelcamelcamel.com will let you track products through Amazon by sending you alerts when a price has dropped on a product you’re interested in.

Make

Break out all those craft and

art supplies and make something from the heart.

With great bookmarking sites like Pinterest you’re bound to find cool, inexpensive, DIY projects. After a quick search we got ideas for coasters, homemade body scrub, and lots of baked goodies. Another inexpensive gift would be to print and frame photos from

Joy Lizotte is the owner of Lizotte CPA, LLC, a strategic accounting firm that provides accounting and growth planning services to businesses that are looking to grow their companies.

a loved one’s Facebook or Instagram account. A thoughtful gift will be much more memorable than a store bought gift.

Gifts of Time

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the glitz and glamour of buying gifts for loved ones, but it’s a good time to think about what you can DO for them instead. Ideas include babysitting, yard work, or house cleaning. The cost of time is priceless and it's the gift people tend to cherish the most.

So as you go about your holiday shopping this year remember that it truly is the thought that counts. Give from your heart and less from your wallet!

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L season of jo y

Pictures with Santa Claus

be merry.

Reader S ubmitted Family Ap proved!

K a i To u c ey

19 8 5

rd & y, Wa Timm edding Ta r a R

J o e y D ig g s

Laura

Va n B eadle

s

o f La k e C i t y

HELPING YOU GET

back to life.

560 SW McFarlane Ave. Lake City, FL 32025 • 386-758-4777 www.LakeCityRehab.com

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• Physical Therapy • Joint Replacement Recovery • Stroke Recovery • Speech Therapy

• Advanced Wound Care • Occupational Therapy

L s e a so n o f j o y

Riley Wortham Johnny & T ri s ta n S m it h

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Jenna D elrio

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Lizotte CPA, LLC Strategic Accounting

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Joy Lizotte, CPA 1270 E. Duval St. Lake City, FL 32055

386.752.4005 lizottecpa.com

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L season of jo y

be calm.

Well Being

The season of joy can bring unwanted stress

by S.G. McClung

Are the holidays stressful for you?

No? Well, then we’re going to assume that you are five years old or younger.

The rest of us need to focus on stopping our “crazies” before they get us in a chokehold tighter than that re-gifted reindeer tie nobody wants.

Do not:

• Overspend. Money can’t buy you love.

• Overdo. Lights on every inch Ok. Seriously. All that family, of the property are unnecessary, preparation, decorating and as are cards to everyone on the travel takes its toll. If you can planet and food for an army. breeze through the period prior • Overanalyze. Don’t ask yourself, to Thanksgiving and into 2015 “What did THAT mean?” Take without whimpering, you can things at face value. stop reading now; however, • Overreach. Attempting too NO GLOATING. much = recipe for disaster.

REsIdEnTIAl CommERCIAl AuTomoTIVE mIRRoRs TABlE Tops shoWER dooRs

A BETTER VIEW. 28

(386) 961-9900

1770 West US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL 32055

• Overassert. You are not the boss of everyone.

• Overcommit. Learn to say “No.” Politely, of course.

Do:

• Eschew Expectations. The Norman Rockwell family is today seldom spotted anywhere other than hanging on a wall. Get over the mental image of people who may not have seen one another since last year peacefully coexisting around your artfully arranged table. There will be meltdowns. Accepting that will allow you to move through with a grace you didn’t know you possessed; if everything goes

smoothly, shout “HALLELUJAH” and eat another piece of pie.

• Eradicate Guilt. You can’t do it all. If someone expects that, well, “Learn ‘em a lesson.” The key?

Delegate. Delegate. Delegate.

• “Embellish” Your Guests.

Decorate everyone with an overabundance of love, forgiveness and sincere attention; the time you spend is less important than the authenticity of your gestures.

• Emulate Your Most Admired.

Be the person you’d like to be.

Remind yourself of the traits you wish you had and then step gently into them. Eventually, they will fit well enough to claim them as your own.

• Eschew Pettiness. Bar your mental door to the temptation to join in with others’ naysaying.

(Well, unless it’s your favorite Sis and then all bets are off.)

Keep negativity where it belongs – under lock and key.

• Enumerate Your Blessings.

Look around at family and friends. You might be surprised at how rich you are.

L s e a so n o f j o y

Right Way Automotive

A Truly Unique Car Buying Experience

At Right Way Automotive we always go the extra mile to make sure that you know you are more than just a customer to us. We know the hassle and anxiety that can come along with purchasing a vehicle or getting approved for financing.

We take the fear and frustration out of the equation and guarantee approval.

All you have to do is call, or for your convenience you can submit your information with our online credit application.

Male-dominated professions? Not anymore, founded in 2008, Right Way Automotive has thrived under the leadership of Jennifer Williamson.

With a majority, all female staff, Jennifer and her crew take pride in their customer service. As one of the highest selling used vehicle dealerships in north central Florida and a long time standing member of the Florida Independent Auto Dealers Association, Jennifer and her staff strive to set the bar high for not only independent businesses in our area but used car dealerships alike. These ladies and gentlemen (All though they are outnumbered a bit) work together as a well oiled machine to provide you with the best car buying experience possible.

“

Don’t just take our word for it, come visit Right Way Automotive today and see what a truly relaxed car buying experience really feels like.”

- Right Way Automotive Family

755-2005

(386) 2310 US 90 West, Lake City, Florida, 32055 approvedlakecity.com

29

LLOOKING FyOR A NEW HOME FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS? season of jo NORTH FLORID A PHARMA CY

family let our

TAKE CARE OF YOURS!

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

• We understand that there are times when you CAN’T wait for prescriptions. We are here for your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

NORTH FLORIDA PHARMACY 347 SW Main Blvd. Lake City, FL 32025

30

(386) 758-6770

EQUAL OR BETTER THAN PRICING

• Our pricing is guaranteed to be equal to or better than any national pharmacy chain.

SHORTER WAIT TIME

• Our typical prescription fill time is just 15 minutes. With two drive-through windows, delivery within a five-mile radius, and friendly customer service your wait will be shorter and more pleasant.

3718 W. US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL 32025

(386) 755-9300

L s e a so n o f j o y

an

In Lake CIty, the DeCker’s home Is transformeD Into a hoLIDay wonDerLanD for the 2014 ChrIstmas season.

christmas p h o t o g r a p h y

W

b y

j u s t i n

s i m m o n s

hen building their house in Lake City, AJ and Dennille Decker focused primarily on the kitchen and family room as the focal points of their new home. As regular hosts for their friends and family, they knew they needed a large space for entertaining. With construction now

complete, the Deckers are looking forward to spending their first Christmas as a family in their home right in the heart of Columbia County. However, despite their best efforts to find time for entertaining, both Dennille and AJ lead very busy lives. Both prominent members of our business community and with two beautiful daughters, the two are constantly balancing their jobs, family and social life. With that much going on during their day-to-day, you can imagine how easy it would be to forget how quickly the holiday season is approaching.

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L season of jo y

32

L s e a so n o f j o y The Decker’s busy lifestyle is far from uncommon these days. With the majority of families operating with two working parents, holiday plans are all-too-often left by the wayside. Fortunately, the Deckers enlisted the help of a Lake City business owner who has been making waves in the interior design and event planning industries. After planning their wedding, their relative’s weddings, their children’s birthday parties and many other family events, it was only natural that Amy Francis of Imperial Productions came to the rescue for the Decker’s first Christmas with a plan to transform their home into a Holiday spectacle!

“Christmastime is my favorite time of the year” laughs Dennille. “I love ever ything the season stands for and of course all things that sparkle and glitter!”

With that sentiment in mind, Francis set out to introduce a sense of exuberance and fun to the home, without neglecting its traditional bones.

“We created something ver y unexpected when the front doors open,” says Francis.

“The happy hues in the house lent themselves perfectly to the ornaments and decor of the holidays.”

33

the purple season of and jo yteals LWith

already in

the home’s decor, jewel tones fall right into place for the holiday season. On the living room and

mantel,

glittered

ornaments

sparkle

peacock and

feathers

complement

the intricately detailed tree. In addition, a matching centerpiece exquisitely garnishes the coffee table. Moving through the home, meandering poinsettia garlands pop against the detailed woodwork of the stair rails, leading you to the upstairs sanctuar y of the home.

The living room and kitchen were designed for ever yday family festivities, as well as informal

weeknight

meals

and

fireside

lounging. However, upstairs is the girls domain – no need for traditional red and green.

Bright, fun colors and fanciful details make for a celebrator y and magical atmosphere.

“The family’s energy is wholly reflected in the design choices,” Francis says. “It’s a ver y happy household and the design certainly reflects that.”

Although we all

strive for a warm and

wonderfully decorated home each year for the holidays, sometimes our busy lives prevent us reaching that full potential. That’s why AJ and Dennille Decker were pleased in reaching out to Amy Francis and her team at Imperial Designs to lend a helping hand.

Holiday Designer:

Imperial Productions by Amy Francis www.theimperialproductions.com Arrangements By:

CC’s Flower Villa Photography By:

Justin Simmons The Wonderful Decker Family:

Andrew, Dennille, Lyla, and Eva

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Music, Laughter & Prayers -

L s e a so n o f j o y

these are just some of the sounds that color our lives and make our experiences distinct.

A full life is made of small but precious moments.

Developing a clear understanding of the moments that are most important to you helps us create tailored recommendations to give you a more complete hearing experience.

What are some of the moments that enrich your life? There is a story contained in most everything we do. We’re passionate about using hearing to help you tell those tales.

Let us help you to hear the Christmas Cantata’s, the children’s school plays and not miss a moment of the holiday conversation!

Merry Christmas from our family to your family!

183 NW Veterans St. • Lake City 205 Houston Ave. NW • Live Oak 10820 Marvin Jones Blvd. • Dowling Park

The Ear Experts

Dr. Debra K. Griffin, Au.D. Cindy Thomas, HIS Schedule your hearing checkup as part of your total health assessment today!

386269.1778 35

L season of jo y

be satisfied.

Blueberry Gingerbread Cupcakes INGREDIENTS 1/2 Cup Cooking Oil 1 Cup Granulated Sugar 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Compliments to the chef....

Curious as to who had your favorite recipe?

3 Tablespoons Molasses 1 Egg/Lightly Beaten 1 Teaspoon Vanilla 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour 1/2 Teaspoon Ginger 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda 1 Cup Blueberries 1 Cup Buttermilk Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together the Cooking Oil, Sugar, Salt and Molasses; then add the Egg and Vanilla. Set aside. Sift

Kahlua Cake

Shellie Young

INGREDIENTS

36

1 Box of Devils Food Cake mix 16 oz sour cream 1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix 4 large eggs

Family Magazine is pleased to publish recipes from all over our neighborhood! We know that you will find these recipes both interesting and delicious. Bon Apetit! the Flour, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Baking Soda together. Alternately add and mix the Flour mixture and Buttermilk to the Sugar mixture. Start and end with the Flour mixture. Dredge the Blueberries in a 1/4 cup of flour (so they don't sink to the bottom). Stir in the Blueberries. Makes about 16 cupcakes. Bake about 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle come out clean. Top with a Cream Cheese Frosting that has ½ Cup Vegetable oil 1/3 Cup Kahlua 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips Instructions

Compliments to the chef....

Curious as to who had your favorite recipe?

Hannah Perez

Taste of the Season

been flavored with 2 Teaspoons of Blueberry extract.

Add more extract if you so desire. combined.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake for 45-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips until

Cool cake completely and dust with powdered sugar.

LT th

L s e a so n o f j o y

Compliments to the chef....

Jeannette Storey

Curious as to who had your favorite recipe?

Cream Cheese Icing INGREDIENTS 1 box powdered sugar 1/2 stick melted butter or margarine 1 (8oz) package of cream cheese

1 cup chopped nuts 1 tsp. vanilla INSTRUCTIONS Mix powdered sugar with butter and cream cheese. Beat until creamy. Fold in nuts and vanilla.

L Allergic to nuts? The cream cheese icing recipe can be made with or with out nuts and still tastes great!

Red Velvet Cake INGREDIENTS 2 Cups of sugar 2 Eggs 2 1/8 Cups All Purpose Flour or 2 1/2 Cups Cake Flour (sifted) 1 tsp Baking Soda 1 tsp Cocoa 1 Cup Buttermilk 1 1/4 Cup Crisco Oil 1 Tsp Vanilla 1 Tsp Vinegar 1oz Bottle Red Food Coloring INSTRUCTIONS

Compliments to the chef....

Cream Cheese pound Cake INGREDIENTS 3 cups sugar 3 cups flour 3 sticks butter 6 eggs 1 (8oz) cream cheese 1 tbsp vanilla L This old fashioned recipe has the "Rise" on the top, it is absolutely yummy!

Roxanne Burnam

Curious as to who had your favorite recipe?

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 300ยบ F.

Preheat over to 325ยบ In a large bowl mix cream the eggs and sugar together.

Separately add the baking soda and the cocoa to the flour and sift.

Alternate the flour and buttermilk into the sugar and egg mixture.

Combine oil, vanilla, vinegar and food coloring. Slowly add to mix.

Spray tube pan with cooking oil.

Grease and flour two 9in round pans.

In a large bowl mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Add the eggs, one egg at a time then add in flour then add the vanilla.

Bake for 30 minutes until cake pulls away from the side of the pans.

(Times vary depending on oven)

Pour the mixture into the sprayed pan.

Bake for 90 minutes.

Let cool, then use cream cheese icing, recipe provided.

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L season of jo y

Cream filled puffs Ingredient Filling: 1 pkg (3 1/2 oz) instant vanilla pudding 1 cup milk.

Mixed together the top two ingredients.

Then mix with 1 - 8 oz carton Cool Whip.

Puff: 1 Cup of Flour 1/4 Teaspoon Salt 1/2 Cup of Shortening (of which half is butter) 1 Cup of Boiling Water 4 Eggs

all at one time and stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Add unbeaten eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, continue beating until a thick dough is formed. Drop by Tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 425 degrees about 30 minutes or until beads of moisture no longer appear on surface. Do not open oven door during early part of baking. When cool cut a slit in the side of each and fill with the cream filing. Drizzle with fudge sauce if desired.

Fudge Sauce: 1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk 3/4 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup Butter 2 Squares Unsweetened Chocolate 5 Large Marshmallows Instructions In saucepan combine milk, sugar, butter and chocolate. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Boil about 2 minutes. Stir in marshmallows; remove from heat and stir until marshmallows are melted. Spoon fudge sauce over filled puffs.

Curious as to who had your favorite recipe?

L

D t a t c p s f a

Elizabeth Deas

Instructions Sift Dry Ingredients together and sift again. Combine Shortening and boiling water in saucepan, keep over low heat until butter is melted. Add flour

‘Tis the season

to

Compliments to the chef....

C

finally be

MERRY!

THANK YOU

In this time of Giving Thanks KC’s would like to say THANK YOU and how BLESSED we are to have YOU as customers!!

We specialize in: • Primary Care • Urgent Care

Walk-Ins Welcome

• Weight Loss

P

• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Most Insurance Accepted

386 Origins Family Medical & Weight Loss Clinic, Inc

38

719.9227

Primary care facility New Patients Welcome

KC’s PRODUCE

O 1149 SE Baya Ave., Lake City Open: Mon.-Sat. 7 am-6 pm Closed on Sunday LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

386-752-1449

L s e a so n o f j o y

Searching for...

Santa, Lights and More?

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

downtown, Live Oak

Sweets ‘N the Streets December 13, 2014 10:00am • 8:00pm

Live Stock Market Lake Cit y

Intergenerational Musical December 13 & 14, 2014 6:00pm

downtown, jasper

Altrusa Tour of Homes December 13, 2014 Noon - 5:00pm

N. Hamilton Elementary Jennings

Festival of Lights December 5-31, 2014 6:00pm

Westwood Baptist live oak

Begins at Heritage House.

Live Oak

The "Community Nutcracker" December 14, 2014 3:00pm • 7:00pm

Snow Day December 13, 2014 9:00am • 4:00pm

Stephen Foster Cultural Center White Springs

NFCC: Van H. Priest Auditorium Madison

Olustee Park downtown, lake cit y

Choir Worship Musical December 14, 2014 10:30am

Breakfast with Mrs. Claus December 13, 2014 8:00am

Spirit of the suwannee music park Live oak

VISIT

santa

Jasper Cit y park, jasper

First Baptist Church Live Oak

Drive Through Live Nativity December 5-14, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Carols & Candlelight December 21, 2014 5:00pm

7th Day advent Church lake Cit y

Olustee Park Downtown December 8-13, 15-20, 22-23 2014 6:00pm • 8:00pm

Olustee park downtown, lake cit y

Holiday Inn & Suites, Lake Cit y

Circle Cross Candle Light Service December 21, 2014 3:00pm

downtown, Live Oak

Christmas Tree Lighting December 5, 2014 6:00pm

Breakfast with Santa December 13, 2014 8:00pm

Florida Gateway College Lake Cit y

Christmas on the Square December 6, 2014 8:00am • 4:00pm

LIGHTS

downtown, jasper

Florida Gateway College Choir Concert December 1, 2014 7:00pm

Jingle Bell Run December 5, 2014 5:30pm

Christmas

Sweets ‘N the Streets December 13, 2014 6:00pm

music

fun

Don’t miss out on the sights and sounds of this special time of year, from shopping the locally crafted art, food and gifts at Live Oak’s Annual 'Christmas on the Square' to the many light displays throughout the area. Lake City creates a magical wonderland where you can actually play in real snow. Complete with snowball fights and sled rides. Jasper's 'Sweets 'N the Streets' is always a fun family excursion! We hope you take the time to enjoy all the Christmas Cheer.

Suwannee Lights December 6-24, 2014 6:00pm

Christmas

Christmas

Local Events are in abundance around the holidays.

First Baptist Church lake cit y

Christmas

Live Oak December 6, 2014 6:00pm • 8:00pm Live Oak

Parade

Lake City December 13, 2014 6:00pm • 8:00pm lake cit y

Jasper December 13, 2014 6:00pm jasper

White Springs December 5, 2014 6:00pm

White Springs 39

L season of jo y

FOR REASSURING WARMTH ON A COLD WINTER’S NIGHT.

FOR REFRESHING COOLNESS ON A HOT SUMMER’S DAY. WE TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR COMFORT. Give us a call. Our friendly staff will be happy to show you our wide variety of energy-efficient units sure to fit any budget.

Touchstone Heating and Air, Inc. 386-752-0720 Lake Butler 386-496-3467 Lake City

License # CACO58099

www.touchstoneheatingonline.com 40

L s e a so n o f j o y

be yummy.

First Bite Holiday mornings can be hectic. Whether you are cooking for the family or packing up and heading out to celebrate with relatives, Chef Robbie Thomas, from the Dixie Grill in Live Oak shares with us his favorite go-to breakfast.

Stuffed Challa French Toast INGREDIENTS

1 loaf Challah Bread 2 oz. Sugar 4 Eggs Yolks 8 oz. Cream 8 oz. Milk 1 tsp. Vanilla Dash Cinnamon, Ground Pinch Nutmeg, Fresh Grated Pinch Salt 1 lb Butter 12 oz Premium Baker’s Chocolate 12 oz Heavy cream 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract or Liqueur of your choice 8 oz. Cream 2 oz. Powdered Sugar 1 tsp. Vanilla 1 pt Mixed Berries 4 oz. Almonds

INSTRUCTIONS Prep a day ahead Cut bread, lay out to Stale until tomorrow. Buy this bread at your local bakery or preorder from your local grocer a week ahead. Buy early & let stale even more if you want.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together until smooth and yellow.

Add milk, cream, and spices, whisk to combine. Place in refrigerator until the next day.

Melt butter on stove on low heat and cook until clear. This is now clarified butter. (This will increase the smoke point. You can leave this out covered until the next day.)

Toast almonds in your oven at 350 for about 10 minutes.

Chop chocolate and place in a bowl, heat cream and vanilla just to a boil, take off heat and pour over chocolate.

Whisk until smooth. Congratulations you just made chocolate

What is Challa Bread?

Challah is a special Jewish braided bread eaten on Sabbath and holidays.

Ganache Whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla like CRAZY until it forms stiff peaks, cover and refrigerate until tomorrow.

Quarter your strawberries if you are using them.

1. Gather all your prepped ingredients from the day before. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cut a pocket in the Challah and place a scoop of the Chocolate Ganache inside.

3. Have available two sheet pans and tongs or spatula. Preheat your largest Sauté pan to medium high.

4. Place the bread in the egg mixture and allow it soak up the mix. Use a shallow baking dish. Don’t let it get too saturated or it will fall apart.

5. Pour enough CLARIFIED BUTTER into the pan to almost coat the bottom.

6. Start pan frying the bread by CAREFULLY laying the bread into the hot pan.

7. Cook until golden brown, turn & cook the other side until golden brown as well.

8. Remove to sheet pan and bake 5-7 minutes. They will Puff Up. 9. Plate the French toast using as many slices as you want on your plate 10. Top with fresh berries, a scoop of your Crème Chantilly, and sprinkle with the Almonds 11. Serve with Warm Syrup, or Ice Cream or Both.

Dixie Grill

Chef Robbie Thomas

Chef Robbie Thomas, with nearly two decades of hands on experience in the kitchen of the Dixie Grill is a local staple and culinary legend.

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L season of jo y

improve Services to

your life...

Discover New Freedom As much or as little service as you need.

By freeing up the time spent on everyday CHORES, you can find QUALITY time to spend with your family and friends. Treat yourself to a day at the mall, curl up on the couch with a book, or just relax with that special someone. Let EFS show you how...

• Laundry • General Cleaning • Home Management Services • Pet Support Services • Personal Assistance • Hospital Discharge Services • Family Relief Services • Nutrition Management Services • Service Coordination

628 SE Allison Ct, Lake City, FL 32025 • (386) 752-5655

• Room Rental • Catering (386) 438-9910

The Suwannee Valley Care Center

Ask for Haven Hospice.

Not all hospices are the same.

1.800.HOSPICE havenhospice.org

Serving North Florida since 1979. Licensed as a not-for-profit hospice since 1980.

42

L s e a so n o f j o y

Christmas Carols Selections of the

season Brought

350 SW Main Blvd Lake City, Florida 32025.

to you by:

3882 West US Highway 90 Lake City, Florida 32055

386.754.0002 877.235.7643 www.psb-ebank.com

43

L season of jo y

O Come All Ye Faithful

O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.

Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain: Gloria, Gloria!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Selefctthioens

n o s a e s : o

44

by to you t h g u o Br

Joy To The World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven and nature sing Joy to the world! the Savior reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods Rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy Repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat the sound joy No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found Far as the curse is found Far as, far as the curse is found He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love And wonders of His love And wonders and wonders of His love Refrain Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.

Refrain

L s e a so n o f j o y

Deck

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

the

Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Troll the ancient Yule tide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

While I tell of Yule tide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Silent Night

Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant, tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night Shepherds quake, at the sight Glories stream from heaven above Heavenly, hosts sing Hallelujah.

Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, Holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

45

L season of jo y

The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepards in fields as they lay: In fields where they lay a keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel Noel Noel Noel Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far: And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

Noel Noel Noel Noel Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from the country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the north-west; O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest, And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three, Fell reverently upon their knee, And offered there in his presence Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the kind of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heaven and earth of nought, And with his blood mankind has bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Sponsored Editorial Christmas Carols

Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bobtail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight! (chorus) Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way.

Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way;

Away

in a manger

46

Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago I thought I'd take a ride And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side, The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot He got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot. |: chorus:| A day or two ago, The story I must tell I went out on the snow, And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh,

He laughed as there I sprawling lie, But quickly drove away. |: chorus:| Now the ground is white Go it while you're young, Take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song; Just get a bobtailed bay Two forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you'll take the lead. |: chorus:|

Jingle Bells

Away in a manger, No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head

The cattle are lowing The poor Baby wakes But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray

The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay

I love Thee, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side, 'Til morning is nigh.

Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care And take us to heaven To live with Thee there

L s e a so n o f j o y be creative.

crafty let's get

holiday crafts, fun for the entire family

Custom Quick wreath Craft!

Button Cards Time: 10 Minutes Level: Beginner Cost: Under $20 Materials Needed

Blank Card Assortment of Green Buttons Red Ribbon Pen or Pencil Glue Gun

Instructions

Start of by gathering all of your supplies together, and turning your glue gun on so it can start warming up.

Now before you do anything you'll need to figure out where you want your wreath.

I wanted mine in the middle and slightly more towards the top. Then taking your pen or pencil, draw a circle. (I used a bottle with a round lid to make sure my circle was perfect) Now sort through your green buttons, and lay them down on the circle in the order you want. Grab your glue gun, and one by one stick them down.

Cut a piece of red ribbon, and make a small bow, then use your glue gun once more and stick your ribbon right where you want it.

Instructions and Photos Courtesy of Hopeful Honey www.hopefulhoney.com/2012/12/o-christmas-tree-diy-christmas-card.html

Book Tree Card Holder

Time: + 60 minutes Level: Intermediate Cost: Under $20 Materials Needed

hard cover book to be altered gold mica spray gold glitter gold cord gold brads red and gold ribbon hot glue gun patterned paper

Instructions

Instructions and Photos Courtesy of Morganized Chaos www.morganisedchaos.blogspot.com/2011/09/christmas-tree-altered-book.html

Remove the first and last page, especially with older books.

They are thicker and may cause issues with folding.

Then begin folding. To create the fold for the tree take the top right hand corner and fold it down to the spine. Take that folded edge and carry it in toward the spine once more.

Tuck up the bottom flap.

Repeat that for all the pages.

(For best results choose a book between 100-150 pages) Once the pages are folded lined the inside of both covers with

crafty let's get

ho lid ay

craf ts , fu n fo r th e en tire fa m ily

the B patterned paper and then mist the entire surface with a gold mica spray.

Once dry, squeeze the pages of the book together and run a glue stick along the folded edges, not too hard, you don't want to force glue between the folds so that the pages stick together, give a dusting of gold glitter.

For additional visual interest add little ornaments. These are made using the Tiny Tags. Cut out four tags, and four images of your choosing. Glue the images to the tags and trim any overhang.

Ink around the tag using the Versa metallic gold ink.

The tags are attached with a gold brad, remove the prongs from the brad and hot glue it into position, this way nothing is sticking through the other side.

The final touch, a red bow atop the tree.

47

crafty holiday crafts, fun for the entire family

L season of jo y

let's get crafty. shimmering pine cone wreath Time: An evening Level: Intermediate Cost: Under $15-40 Materials Needed

Wire wreath form Floral wire Wire cutters Needle nose pliers Supply of pine cones Miscellaneous decorating supplies

Instructions

Push the cone on to the wreath form, attach the wire to the wreath form and then around the cone near the bottom of the cone. (Begin with the inside layer for best results) Wind the wire around the wreath form again and grab another cone. Push the second cone tightly against the first cone so they kind of "grab" each other.

Instructions and Photos Courtesy of Feleicia Kramer Wind the wire around the second cone www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/2011/10/pine-cone-wreaths-tutorial.html

48

crafty let's get

ho lid ay

craf ts , fu n fo r th e en tire fa m ily

just as you did with the first cone. Use the pliers to pull the wires very tight against the cones and the wreath form.

There's nothing more frustrating then to finish your wreath and find that the cones are loose and slipping out.

Repeat these steps until your wreath form is full. Add a loop of wire to the back for hanging.

NOTE: If you plan to add a bow to the wreath, leave out two cones on the outside ring where you want to place the bow.

If you're leaving the wreath as is, you can spray the cones with an acrylic sealer, add the bow, and you're done.

But if you want to glam it up a bit. Use anything you like - garlands, bows, ornaments, glitter, and spray paint.

L s e a so n o f j o y

Yarn Trees Time: 15 Minutes Level: Easy Cost: $10

c

Instructions and Photos Courtesy of Tidy Mom

Materials Needed

Yarn (two or more colors) Styrofoam cone Glue uick Mini Ornament Q t!

Buttons Craf

Instructions

Put a dab of glue on the bottom of the cone and started

wrapping. Add a few drops of glue along the way and one at the top of the cone to anchor the yarn in place.

Once you have wrapped the cone with the base color, add a teeny bit of the contrasting color for interest and texture.

Topped each tree with a mini ornament and a few randomly placed buttons.

Instructions and Photos Courtesy of Exquisitely Unremarkable www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2013/12/christmas-craftingyarn-trees.html

Oak Hill Dental Group

h

wwwtidymom.net/2011/waterless-snow-globes-tutorial/

Waterless snow globes Time: 20 Minutes Level: Easy Cost: $10 Materials Needed

Glass jars (varying sizes look best for a collection) Artificial Snow (I used Snow Flakes and Twinkle Flakes)

Hot glue gun and glue Assorted mini Christmas Trees and snowmen Spray Adhesive (optional) glitter (optional) Glitter Paint (or white spray paint)

Instructions

Remove lids and spray paint in silver or white.

Sprayed tress and snowmen with spray adhesive then sprinkled with glitter (optional) Hot glue trees and snowmen to the lids.

Fill jars with a little snow.

Screw lids back on.

D r. Te r r i A n d r e w s

Dentistry for ADults & ChilDren

New PatieNts accePted D r. L o r r i e W h e e l e r

• • • •

Crowns Whitening Restoring Implants Dentures

• • • •

Extractions Dental Cleanings Periodontal Treatment Veneers to Crowns

Financing available through Care Credit

386. 752.3043 | 272 SW Bentley Place, Lake City, FL We accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American express, Discover and Care Credit

49

L season of jo y under

$20.00

under

$30.00 Mudpie Baby socks warm feet, cute feet.

N.Gil Owl Duffel & Backpack These bags are a "hoot".

What goes around 386-935-4223

Nana's nook 386-752-0370

under

$10.00

Team Cleatus Robot

LLttle Buddy Pacy Clip

No mere action figure, this is your official in-home mascot

under

Brians Sports 386-755-0570 Assorted graphic Tees Can't party like a rockstar? Dress like one.

$40.00 Costa shirts & Caps The look every outdoorsman craves Smitty's Western store 386-755-2668

under

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15under $ 50 1st street music 386-755-2060

starting at

$14.99

businesses with gifts

r o f

"

Tackle Box Organize your next fishing trip.

Spinners and Yard 386-935-0336 under

$25.00

Starting at

$11.99

under

$35.00 Fashion scarves Complete any outfit this season with assorted colors and patterns.

50

your hearts desire 386-754-6888

yeti Tumbler Look cool, keep your drink cool (or hot) Wilson's Outfitters 386-755-7060

Case Knives Best selection of knives around.

J.W. Weaponry & Outdoors Inc. 386-243-8587

L s e a so n o f j o y Ginger Snap knitwear Customize as you accessorize What goes around 386-935-4223

under

$30.00

Assorted Cell Phone Cases Keep your lifeline safe and stylish.

Mobile Mania 386-965-0695 under

$30.00

World of wonders Horse and fence desk lamp with shade.

Fort White Farm & Feed 386-497-1366 under

$35.00 Jane Iredale Sugar&Butter Lip Exfoliator/Plumper

Broaches Complete your look with a cute broach.

under

$35.00

under

Treasures 386-754-5772

$25.00

Family Magazine consulted Santa on where to shop "Locally" for spectacular Christmas Gifts this season. We followed his advice and look what we discovered!

Gegee's Studio 386-758-2088

assorted lawn ornaments Liven' up your lawn Central States 386-755-7445 under

under

$40.00

$40.00 under

$30.00

under

$30.00

lottie dottie Rings, necklaces, and all kinds of bling Merle Norman 386-752-3411

lottie dottie Bracelet Merle Norman 386-752-3411 under

$30.00 51

L season of jo y CoLumbia CouNty’S Feed HeadquarterS LaWN & GardeN SuppLy CeNter

WILLIAM SANDERS, MS, PA-C

Specializing in Allergy, Sinus and Asthma URGENT CARE SERVICES: • DOT Physicals • Colds • Flu • Bronchitis • School & Work Physicals

Full Line of Pet Supplies, Animal Health, Water Softener Salt, Lawn, Garden and Fertilizer.

386-755-7445 668 NW Waldo St, Lake City, FL 32055

Urgent Care The

liquor

For tHE HoLidAYS!

cabinet

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of Live Oak

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for a $200 Christmas Shopping Spree!

Monday - Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-2 Sunday Closed BUY - SELL - PAWN

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52

386.961.9809

ALLERGY&

Need Some Extra Cash

Q Come in to register

213 SW Main Blvd.

Lake City, FL 32025

END ALLERGY SUFFERING NOW!

White Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Always remember to drink responsibly.

Ingredients:

• Crushed ice • 4 parts Godiva white chocolate liquor (4 ounces) • 2 ½ parts vanilla vodka (2 ½ ounces) • 1 ½ parts peppermint schnapps (1 ½ ounces) • Red sugar sprinkles for garnishing the glass rim (optional) • Chocolate syrup for garnishing the inside of the glass (optional) • Small peppermint stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker half-way full with crushed ice.

• Pour in all of the liquor ingredients and shake until well mixed.

• Spread red sugar sprinkles evenly onto a large plate.

• Wet the rim of a martini glass with water, then tip the martini glass rim into the sprinkles and spin the glass to coat the rim.

• Drizzle a small amount of chocolate syrup in a spiral design inside the glass.

• Pour contents of shaker into the martini glass.

• Place a small peppermint candy cane along the edge of the glass.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

10178 Hwy. 90 East, Live Oak 32060

386-364-1714

“Make Every Occasion a Celebration”

L s e a so n o f j o y

Honoring Our Special Helpers

just like home

boarding accommodations

Don’t lose your pets if you’re traveling, FREE microchip with other veterinary services through December 31st!

Day Care & Boarding Microchip Services Full Service Medical Facility Trainer On-Site (Saturdays 10am-12pm) Puppy and Kitten packages

For more information call and schedule your visit!

If you’re thinking of getting a pet this holiday season, please remember

ADOPT, DON’T SHOP! 16800 County Road 137, Wellborn, FL 32094 ph: 386.963.1354 www.northfloridaanimalrescue.org

The holidays are a great time of year to show your appreciation of friends and family. Those closest to us that help us along the way. Our inner circle is an undoubtedly important part of our day to day success. It is also a huge support of well being this time of year. Show your appreciation for the people who make our lives a little easier every day. Those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes and often get overlooked.

Postal Carriers

Bus Drivers

Babysitters

Hair Dressers

Cafeteria Workers

Landscapers

Crossing Guards

Pharmacists

Housekeepers Teachers

Garbage Collectors

Nail Techs Barbers

Pool Care

It doesn't take a lot to show how much you value your support crew. It can be as simple as a thoughtful, handwritten note, a Christmas card or if baking is your thing, a tasty homemade treat. Perhaps you would like to show your gratitude with a gift card or financial gift. Just remember to make it thoughtful and never like an afterthought. You will be surprised at the impact that showing appreciation for your unsung helpers will have in your life and theirs.

53

L season of jo y

NOISES IN THE ATTIC? IT’S NOT SANTA! WE CAN HELP 752-1703 536 SE Baya Drive, Lake City, FL 32025 www.flapest.com

THE ONLY BUGS WE CAN’T CONTROL ARE LITTERBUGS!

54

top five

Christmas Stories

1

L s e a so n o f j o y be cultural.

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens

First released in December of 1843 this novella tells the story of the now iconic Ebenezer Scrooge and the moralistic and emotional transformation he undergoes while being visited by supernatural apparitions, including the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future along with the spirit of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Dickens wrote the classic with the intent of showcasing how even the most self-serving members of society can become charitable and caring. A great message, especially around the holidays.

We all have our favorite Christmas traditions - movies and shows to watch, songs to sing, and of course recipes - but what about books?

When the family is all gathered together and you’re in the mood to turn off the TV, why not share your favorite Christmas book?

People of all ages love to hear stories read aloud, and anytime is great time to model reading to young children. My favorite book is called 'A Creature Was Stirring' by Carter Goodrich. It combines the old poem, 'The Night Before Christmas', with new text to tell the story of a young boy also awake in the house that night. Long after new toys have been forgotten, these books will make memories your family will treasure.

Stephanie Tyson Children's Librarian at Columbia County Public Library

2 The Gift of the Magi

O. Henry (William Sydney Porter)

This classic story is well known for humorous tone and realistic detail and has an enduring appeal for its affirmation of selfless love.

3

The Elves and the Shoemaker Brother's Grimm

A classic German fairytale that centers around the titular elves and shoemaker. The story speaks to the rewards of being generous and charitable.

4

The Adventures of the Blue Carbunkle Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This short story featuring Sherlock Holmes and Watson, missing jewel, and a goose. A winner for every reader who loves mysteries and Christmas

5

Christmas Day in the Morning

Pearl S. Buck

This story from the award winning American writer captures the spirit of Christmas in the story of a young boy's gift of love.

BONUS!

We couldn't leave out this classic!

Rudolph the red nose reindeer

Robert L. May

The classic outsider story with a heartwarming twist orientally started out as a marketing piece for Montgomery Ward department store.

55

L season of jo y

1

Go Out and get a Christmas Tree

2

Write a letter to Santa (gift list)

3 Make a Christmas playlist

4

5

6

Take holiday family photos

Read a holiday book (Page 24)

Go see a Christmas Parade

7

8

9

Go Christmas shopping

Take a sweet treat to work

Decorate a gingerbread house

10 Drink hot chocolate & Relax

13

Movie night with a holiday classic

16 Make a Christmas craft (pg 47)

19

11 Mail your out of town gifts

14

Serve a red and green theme meal

17 Take a drive to see light displays

20

Eat a candy cane

Take the kids to see Santa Claus

22

23

Last minute shopping trip

Bake cookies to leave for Santa

Countdown to

12 Raid your pantry for a food drive

15 Sing a Christmas carol or two (pg 43)

18 Visit a live nativity

21 Wrap your presents.

24 Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

CHRISTMAS

56

L s e a so n o f j o y

exclusive

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DRAIN CLEANING TRENCHING BACK HOE SERVICE SEWER REPAIR

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Pecan Cheesecake

Pumpkin Pie

Crust – Ready to bake Pie Crust (Do not prebake, but be sure and pierce with fork so that it doesn’t bubble up when you bake the pie) Cheesecake Filling Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten 1 Teaspoon Vanilla ½ Cup Chopped Pecans instructions Place Cream Cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and beat, it doesn’t have to be completely smooth. Add the egg, pecans and vanilla. Pour into the pie crust and put back in the refrigerator to stay cool and set the mixture.

Pumpkin Pie Filling Ingredients 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar 1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar 1/4 Teaspoon Salt 1 ½ Teaspoon Ground Ginger 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

½ Teaspoon Allspice 1- 15-Ounce Can of Pumpkin 1/3 Cup of Half and Half 1 Large Egg and 1 Large Egg Yolk (Let them come to room temperature and then lightly beat) 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla 8 ounces Cream Cheese, room temperature

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL SALES WATER CONDITIONING HI-VELOCITY WATER JETTING

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instructions Combine the first seven dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl add the Pumpkin and Cream Cheese and blend together. When mixed, add the Half and Half, Eggs and Vanilla and mix until blended.

Then mix in dry ingredients.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven to 350 degrees and continue to bake for 40 to 55 minutes. (The pie will rise somewhat, but the center will be a bit wiggly!)

Be sure and cover the edges of the pie crust with foil, so they won’t burn. Top with a few whole pecans for decoration on the top.

(386) 758-1077 www.taxcollector.com Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

57

L season of jo y Leading to a better community ®

International Lake City, FL

be healthy.

Get Fit inFifteen

By Susan Barrow

Want more energy? A more positive attitude? Need to drop a few pounds?

What about improving sleep, preventing, improving or minimizing health issues?

Could the "fun" factor use an overhaul? Want to be more socially engaged? Put the spark back in the relationship with your significant other? Unglue your kids from their devices?

There's an "app" for all that: Get Fit Lake City, right in our backyard.

Proof Positive Ongoing physical activity is a proven magic bullet, a Fountain of Youth waiting to be sipped.

The Get Fit Lake City Initiative began in October 2013. Teresa Byrd Morgan, co-chair of 2013-2014 and upcoming co-chair for 2014-2015, states, "The program was the brainchild of Altrusa International of Lake City*, a group

of energetic and creative thinkers who want to make a real difference in our community."

There were three categories, with participants ranging in age from ten to 80: • INDIVIDUALS Two free months of gym membership, gym bag and a Get Fit Lake City T-shirt were included with the entry fee of the 225 competitors in the 16-week Biggest Loser competition. One male and one female, chosen based upon the greatest percentage of weight lost, divided 25 percent of registration fees, along with one-year gym memberships and prize package.

• BUSINESS Thirty-six businesses competed in the Fittest Business competition.

Points were earned each time an employee exercised for 30 consecutive minutes and/or when several exercised together. Additional credit was given according to percentage

of employees taking part in Biggest Loser competition.

• SCHOOLS Students from nine elementary schools participated in Mileage Club, walking or running a combined 8,598.5 miles. The highest scoring classroom achieved a total of 581 miles and the county’s top walker/runner logged 44.

Good Begets Good Dennille Decker, 2013-2014 co-chair, says, “The program spilled over into altruistic activities; $5,000 funded the ‘backpack project,' which provides healthy meals for children who have little to eat while not in school. In addition, ten public elementary schools received $500 each for new physical education equipment and supplies.”

Start your new year off right by signing up for 15 weeks in 2015 with Get Fit Lake City!

Being healthy starts at any age. Kids and parents enjoying the Fun Run at the 2013 Trunk or Treat.

* Altrusa, founded in 1917, last year contributed in excess of a million volunteer hours around the world. The Lake City branch, chartered in 1982, is now the largest Altrusa Club in the world.

58

Ready to Step up

to the

Challenge?

Sign Up !

You can register early at the Lake City Chamber of Commerce 162 S Marion Ave Lake City or on January 8th or 9th at Community Care located at 2970 W US Hwy 90 ste 120 Lake City

And don't Miss

the Community Kickoff

“Streets Alive”

Saturday, January 10th 9am-Noon Downtown at Wilson Park Lake City

L s e a so n o f j o y

Not really a gym person?

Join the Club.

Check with your insurance provider for possible discounts on your new membership!

1191 SW Bascom Norris Dr Suite 103 Lake City, FL 32025

(386) 754-1724 59

L season of jo y

Your Neighbors, Your Friends,

Your Family...

173 NW Hillsboro St. Lake City, FL 32055 386.752.1010

60

1720 West US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL 32055 386.752.3322

514 SW State Rd. 47 Lake City, FL 32025 386.755.2755

www.columbiabankflorida.com

4785 West US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL 32055 386.719.8810