The holidays are around the corner. Do you have a loved one who loves their car? Do they want to go all out and “pimp” their ride? Well, what better Christmas present to get them this season than a gift certificate for JC’s Customs in Winter Haven?
Whether you want your windows tinted, new wheels, tires, suspension, sound system or install safety systems in your or vehicle, JC’s Customs has been Central Florida’s premier personalized auto and truck service for over 45 years.
The team at JC’s Customs knows that your vehicle is not truly your vehicle without giving it your personal flare. Want your windows tinted to beat the Florida heat? Want your stereo system upgraded to play your best and sickest beat? JC’s Customs has you covered and much more.
JC’s Customs started as a window tinting service (for commercial, residential, and auto-
motive applications) and has since evolved into a total personalization service for cars, trucks, boats, side by sides. Adding suspension systems, complete auto accessories and total transformations for safety, luxury, or necessity.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Before it became JC’s Customs, this local business had its humble beginnings as JC’s Window Tinting in the 1970s. Kevin Cheeseman began working with the company at the ripe age of 14 in 1985.
Cheeseman worked his way through high school at the company until his graduation. After this, he worked throughout the industry, learning all he could through his employment opportunities. In 1996, he returned to JC’s in a management position. By then, the company had maximized its size with a two-car installation facility.
Cheeseman ended up buying the company on Jan 1, 1998, renaming it JC’s Customs, after which he relocated the business and - Continued on page 8
expanded the building size. He would once again relocate when he purchased the current building location in 2005 and moved into it in 2006.
Their building would undergo another major renovation in 2023 by remodeling its showroom with interactive displays and monitors, all designed to help customers visualize the renovations to their vehicles.
“Basically, [these are] technological advancements allowing us to create visual appearances to the [personalization] process before it is even done, along with hands-on products to feel, see and touch how these things operate,” Cheeseman said.
While Cheeseman has a long-storied history with the company, he owes its success solely to the employees. Without their hard work, his business would be nothing. It is their hard work and support that keeps the business running, and it is their contributions that make it what it is.
“I hold my staff in high regard,” he said. “The people behind the owner are as viable as the owner at this point, they are making this work.”
CUSTOMER SERVICE
As for what has allowed JC’s Customs to thrive for as long as it has, to transform from a simple window tinting service to a business that offers many services from stereo system upgrades to paint jobs and decals, Cheeseman owes it all to one simple fact: listen to what the customer wants and needs, and sometimes perform the impossible task to achieve their vision. “We don’t make your car or truck, we make it awesome!”
“Customer service is very important to us,” he said. “We strive to treat every guest with the utmost admiration and respect and strive to be the best at what we do within the industry.”
For more than four decades, the folks at JC’s Customs have learned what customers want and how to make that happen. Such commitment to customer service has allowed them to remain open and thriving for as long as they have.
“Customer service, it always comes back to that with today’s market,” Cheeseman said. “We want to provide old-fashioned customer loyalty by listening and respecting our customers’ wants and needs and providing solutions effectively and affordably. Our big goal is to try and make sure we are always doing the right thing at any cost for our customers.”
More important to them than getting a job done is getting it done right. Because JC’s Customs knows that when a job is done well, customers will come back time and again and recommend others to give their service a try.
“We have experience and understanding of what our clients, our customers are seeking, and their expectations of quality and workmanship at a fair price,” Cheeseman said. “It is more important for us to do the right thing and
get the job done than trying to create a profit from each transaction. So, my end goal for my staff is to just spend the time with your customers with their wants and needs.”
JC’s Customs is located at 515 5th Street SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. For more information, call 863-293-5555, or visit jcscustoms. com
Owner, Kevin Cheeseman
• The term “lawn mullet” means having a neatly manicured front yard and an unmowed mess in the back.
• Weird Al Yankovic wrote his parody song “The Saga Begins” before “Star Wars: Episode I” was released. Lucasfilm denied his request to see the film early, so he relied on internet spoilers for plot details.
• The human stomach can dissolve razor blades.
• In 1987, Steve Rothstein paid $250,000 for a lifetime unlimited first class American Airlines ticket. He even hopped on planes to get a sandwich or to go to a baseball game in other cities. It cost American Airlines around $21 million, and they ended his contract in 2008.
• In Italy, it’s considered bad luck to lay bread upside down -either on a table or in a basket.
• Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking and pizza night of the year.
• When the Italian writer Umberto Eco visited Paris for the first time, he only walked down streets surviving from the Middle Ages. He was studying medieval history at the University of Turin at the time and was obsessed with the era.
• In an emergency, coconut water can be used for blood plasma, due to its high levels of sodium and low levels of potassium.
• There are beaches in the Maldives that glow in the dark.
• When pencils went into mass production in the 1890s, the finest available graphite to fill them came from China. Pencil manufacturers wanted everyone to know that they used only the best Chinese graphite, so they painted their pencils yellow, the traditional Chinese color of royalty.
.” -- Samuel
Ullman
The Election Wasn't Normal
I am writing this column before Election Day. By the time this column is published, the election will be over and we, as a country, will have chosen our next elected leader. Regardless of how it turned out and who won, this election was not normal. Nothing about it was normal.
In Oregon, two ballot boxes were set on fire. One was in Portland. The other in Vancouver. Hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed. Both incidents happened in the same month. This is not normal.
A rally for a presidential candidate in Madison Square Garden opened with a comedian making “jokes” about Puerto Rico being a “floating pile of garbage”, black people carving “watermelons”, and almost calling the candidate’s opponent the c-word. This is not normal.
has also spoken favorably of authoritarian leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. This is not normal.
Oh, and this same presidential candidate was recently found guilty on 34 felony charges of falsified business records. This makes them the first former or sitting president to have been convicted of criminal charges. Each felony count carries the possibility of four years in prison.
Evidently, being a convicted felon does not make you ineligible from running for public office, even though it does make you ineligible to vote. This is not normal.
None of this is normal. None of this should be treated as normal. And the fact that we have allowed such an election to be normalized says a lot about us as a country.
1. MOVIES: What was the name of the tournament in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What was the name of the train service that started in 1883 between Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul)?
3. LITERATURE: Who did the pigs represent in the allegorical novel “Animal Farm”?
4. ART: Which European city houses the Reina Sofia museum?
5. TELEVISION: What is the product that Don Draper makes an ad for in the final episode of “Mad Men”?
6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of unicorns called?
7. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which presidential retreat is officially
named the “Naval Support Facility Thurmont”?
8. MUSIC: Which composer is featured in the film “Immortal Beloved”?
9. HISTORY: The Great Wall of China was mostly built by which dynasty?
10. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of fruit is also known as the Chinese gooseberry?
That same presidential candidate spent their campaign demonizing immigrants, calling them “animals” and “not human”, accusing them of “poisoning the blood of our country”, and outright stating, “We have a lot of bad genes in our country right now.” This is not normal.
That candidate and their vice-presidential pick also spread rumors about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs. These rumors were made because of a Facebook post created by someone who admitted they were mistaken about a neighbor’s missing pet and regrets ever writing that post. These rumors led to more than 30 bomb threats. This is not normal.
That candidate claimed they would not be a dictator if elected “except for day one.” They were also allegedly heard saying they wanted generals who were loyal to them like “the kind of generals that Hitler had.” That candidate
There’s an old wives’ tale about frogs and boiling water. If you toss a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will jump right out because it knows the water is too hot.
However, if you place a frog inside a pot of cold water, then slowly turn the heat up to boiling, the frog will stay inside because its body becomes slowly acclimated to the water’s temperature. As such, it won’t even know it’s being cooked alive.
Well, right now, our country is the pot, and we are the frogs. And over the past year, the temperature has been risen to the point where it’s now boiling over with overt bigotry, hatred, and corruption.
Question is, will we do something about it before it’s too late?
The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.
The Ridge Art Association is happy to announce the 2024 Festival of Trees will be hosted November 22nd to 24th at the Packing House at the Grove Roots Brewing Company. This year's festival will have twenty live, beautifully decorated trees on display. Each tree will be sponsored by local businesses and decorated by local designers and artists.
On Friday, November 22nd, a Preview Night Cocktail Party will be hosted by the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven. A ticketed event, be one of the first to enjoy an enchanting evening filled with festive cheer, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and a sneak
peek at the stunning holiday tree displays. A surprise guest will be joining the party to add some holiday cheer during the VIP hour. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction. Festive holiday attire is suggested. Tickets are available online with a VIP admission at 6 pm, and a General Admission at 7 pm. For cocktail party tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/jlogwh/ event/fot2024/
On Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th enjoy the festival of trees event each day from 12 to 6 pm. Entry to the festival is only $5 which includes $3 of "Santa Bucks" to spend at the event as well as a cookie ready to be decorated at
the cookie decorating station. In addition to the wonderfully decorated trees, the event includes a secret shop, face painting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, crafts, and an artisan shop. Fun for the whole family!
The Festival of Trees is a charity event benefiting Ridge Art Association, PEO, Junior League of Greater Winter Haven and Meals on Wheels. The event is located at The Packing House at Grove Roots Brewing Company, 302 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven from November 22 to 24. For more information, contact Rick Hemenway rickhemenway@gmail.com or Christy Hemenway christyhemenway@gmail.com .
Special to T&T Magazine • Tree photos from 2023
C
A L E N D A R
Get Your Listing in the Calendar
Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com
Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication.
Events will be included as space allows.
Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos
NOV
8
Wine, Chocolate & Cheese. Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. Tasting tickets include a specially designed map with the participating businesses and the official tasting glass. With over 40 local businesses taking part, you’ll have the opportunity to experience carefully curated wine and chocolate, or wine and cheese pairings. Tasting tickets available online for $35. ($45 day of, if available). Located downtown Winter Haven. Fri, 5:30-8:30 pm. www. MainStreetWH.com
NOV
8to DEC 14
Festival of Wreaths. Herald the arrival of the holiday season at the History Center with the 14th Annual Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction. All Silent Auction proceeds benefit the History Center. The wreaths will be on display from Nov. 8 until Dec. 13, when high bidders begin picking up the wreaths to decorate their homes across the county. Located Polk County History Center, 100 E Main St, Bartow. Tues – Sat, 9-5 pm.
NOV 9
33rd Annual Honeybee Craft Fair. Hosted by Main Street Bartow. Unique crafts, antique market, car show, butterfly tent, bee education areas, kids face painting. Located 180 S Central Ave, Bartow. Sat, 9-4 pm.
NOV 9&
10
Bartow Chalk Walk Festival. Hosted alongside the market and the honeybee festival. Enjoy chalk artists, kids’ activities, food trucks, live music and more. Located at Ft Blount Park, dntn Bartow. Sat & Sun, 9-4pm. More details: https://www.facebook.com/ BartowChalkWalk
NOV 14
Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9 pm. (next events: Dec 12, Jan 9)
NOV 16
Flightoberfest. A fall celebration at the Sun ‘n Fun Expo campus with Aircraft displays, Music, Food, Craft Beer, Kids Activities and more. This event starts after the annual Pumpkin Dash 5K. Local Vendors, Food Trucks, Kid Zone from Lakeland Moonwalk, Static Aircraft Displays, Beer and Wine. Admission – $5, kids 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Sat, 11-9 pm; 3-9 pm Seasonal Craft Beer from local Breweries and Local Bands. Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus, Lakeland. https://aceedu.org/ events/flightoberfest/
NOV 19
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes. Third Tuesday of every month in Munn Park. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants, and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase
your ticket package from LDDA. Tues, 4:30-9 pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. (next events: Dec 17, Jan 21)
Holidays at Legoland. Celebrate your holidays the LEGOLAND Florida way! This jolly time of year features a combination of seasonal shows, special treats, twinkling lights and more. These events are included in general admission –no extra ticket required! You can enjoy an extra hour of festive fun with an 8pm closing on Dec 26-31, when nightly Kids’ New Year’s Eve fireworks return on each night! Located Legoland Florida, Winter Haven. Select days.
NOV 30
Friendsgiving 2024. Annual event with Live Music with Spankin’ Sadie @ 7pm, Cardboard Boat Races (build starts at 1pm) @ 4pm, Bounce House, Hula-Hoop, Contests, Raffles, 50/50. Located at Tanners Lakeside, Lk Howard Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 12-6pm.
DEC 5
City of Lakeland’s 43rd Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is Christmas at Swan Lake. Hosted by The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland. The parade will take place in Downtown Lakeland Thursday, December 5, 2024. A fireworks display over Lake Mirror will kick off the festivities at 7 pm. The parade will leave the RP Funding Center, making its way down Lemon Street, twisting and turning through Downtown Lakeland. Be sure to keep an eye out for our very special guests... Santa & Mrs. Claus!
DEC 6
Havendale Christmas Parade. Annual Havendale Christmas Parade begins at Spring Haven in Winter Haven and head west to the Publix in Auburndale. Annual tradition with the City of Auburndale and the City of Winter Haven team up to bring Christmas cheer to the streets of our cities. It’s a wonderful time to join along with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season! Located - Havendale Blvd. Fri, 7-9pm (roads close at 6pm).
DEC 6
Dec First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Holiday Spectacular. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9 pm. DowntownLKLD.com (next event: Jan 3, Feb 7)
DEC 6& 7
Orange Blossom Revue. A music and heritage festival. During the 2-day event, enjoy live music, great food from local vendors, and craft beer. Located at Lake Wailes Park, Lake Wales. Tickets and info: www. orangeblossomrevue.com
DEC 7
Holidays on Central. (formerly Carols in the Park by Main Street WH) Thousands of guests will descend upon downtown Winter Haven to enjoy live entertainment, specialty foods, interactive experiences and two holiday markets - a traditional Mistletoe Market and local favorite, Bandit Market. Located Central Park, dntn Winter Haven. Sat, 10-4pm.
DEC 7
Annual Christmas Boat Parade. Hosted by the City of Winter Haven. Located on the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven. Kicks off in Lake May. Registration is appreciated. City of Winter Haven will have applications online. Best watch parties are at Tanners Lakeside and Old Man Franks! Sat, 6-8 pm.
DEC 15
7th Annual Toy Drive. Photos with Santa 1-5pm, Live Music 2-6pm. Raffles, 50/50 and more. Toy drive for the Mission of Winter Haven. Bring a toy (min $5 value) now until the event and receive 1 ticket per toy to be entered into a drawing. Located Tanners Lakeside, 1006 S Lk Howard Dr, Winter Haven.
Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays. An exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details on the F.A.B. program! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-2 pm; Sept to May and 8 am-1 pm; Jun & Jul. (closed in August)
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Saturdays. Shop locally grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9 am-1 pm.
NOV 10
Second Sunday Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5 pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net
NOV 15
Bartow Friday Fest. The Bartow Friday Fest is a fun open-air event in Downtown Bartow featuring live music, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This month it’s Magic on Main a holiday themed event. Friday Fest is held the third Friday of every month (except December). Fri, 6-9 pm. For more info, visit www.mainstreetbartowfl.com
NOV 17
Paradise Market at Camp Margaritaville. Held on select Sundays, this indoor vendor market is a celebration of local entrepreneurship. From delec-
table baked goods to captivating artwork and charming home decor, the market offers an eclectic array of offerings that are sure to delight. As a family-friendly event, it’s the perfect outing for everyone to enjoy together. With delicious food options available, you can indulge your taste buds while supporting local businesses. Admission is free, making it a fantastic opportunity to explore, shop, and connect with the community. Come explore the amazing products at the Paradise Market. Located Camp Margaritaville, 361 Denton Ave, Adale. (select) Sundays 9-2 pm. (Next Dates: Dec 1 & 15) https:// www.margaritavilleresorts.com/ camp-margaritaville-rv-resort-auburndale/resort
NOV 21
Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, crafts and a food truck. This market is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Located Stuart Ave in the parking lot near the new Gillian Fazio mural in downtown Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7 pm.
Concerts & Theatre
NOV 9
A Tribute to Michael Bublé. Hosted by the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. Enjoy a big band concert by The TWH Big Band. An evening of Big Band music, led by Brent Booher, President of the Symphony Guild. Located at the Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven. Fri, 7-9 pm; doors at 6:30 pm. For more tickets/info, www. OnTheStage.com and www. SymphonyGuildOfWinterHaven.org
NOV 16
Four Elements Moonlight Music and Floating Lantern Festival. Featuring Dr. Fen-Fang Chen and friends. Celebrate the four elements with an evening of beautiful music, candlelight, and a bit of fall magic. As the sun sets, enjoy an incredible aerial ballet atop Iron Mountain and then be dazzled by a candlelit concert under the Singing Tower’s Sundial. The concert will feature the incredible talent of Dr. Fen-Fang Chen, Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, and students from Florida Southern College. Dr. Chen will perform music with the Pipa, a traditional Chinese
instrument; her students will share selections on the keyboard, and Geert D’hollander will perform on the Carillon. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Sat, 5-7:30pm. Admission required. www. BokTowerGardens.org
NOV 16
Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The nation’s premiere family holiday tradition will convey the magic of the season with a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7pm. www. rpfundingcenter.com www.cirquedreams.com
NOV 27to
DEC 22
A Christmas Story. This musical is based on the movie classic that runs on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Musical includes all the iconic scenes from the movie we all love! Located Theatre Winter Haven, Thurs-Sun, 2:30 & 7:30pm. Tickets - Adults $36, Students $33. Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. www. theatrewinterhaven.com
Charity Events & Golf Tournament
NOV 7
The Gala. Annual black-tie gala benefiting the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation. Online silent auction runs from Nov 1 to 7. Located at Nora Mayo Hall, Winter Haven. Thurs, 5:30-11 pm. www. whhfoundation.org
NOV 14
Angels Among US 2024. Girls Inc of Winter Haven annual holiday event. This festive event will include wonderful food, great auction items, and a cash bar. Located at Venue 650, 650 6th St SW, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9 pm. Tickets and sponsorships available online: https:// secure.qgiv.com/event/k72vko/
NOV 22to 24
Festival of Trees. Preview night cocktail party is an enchanting evening filled with festive cheer, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a sneak peek at our stunning holiday tree displays hosted by Junior League of Greater Winter Haven. Fri, Nov 22. 6pm VIP admission, 7pm General Admission; tickets available online. Saturday & Sunday enjoy the festival from 12-6 pm with beautiful Christmas Trees, Face Painting, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Cookie Decorating, Crafts/Vendors and more. Event benefits Ridge Art, PEO, Jr League, Meals on Wheels. Located at Packing House at Grove Roots Brewing Co, Winter Haven. Sat & Sun, 12-6 pm. $5 admission.
NOV 23
37th Annual Margarita Ball 2024. Outdoor event to raise money and gifts for several local charities. Hosted by the Lakeland Margarita Society. Enjoy live music, beer, margaritas, and appetizers. Guests must bring unwrapped children’s gift $15 value or more. Located Lk Mirror Promenade. Fri, 8-11pm. Tickets $45, plus gift. 21+ event https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lms/ event/margaritaball2024/
NOV 30
Saving Lives Matters. Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation event hosted at Tanners Lakeside with live music all day, raffles, 50/50 and live auction. Enjoy a kid’s zone, vendors and entertainment. Located Tanners lakeside Tiki, Lk Howard Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 11-7 pm.
DEC 3
Humane Society’s Santa Paws. Celebrating 10 years! Annual benefit for the Humane Society of Polk County. Live Music by Brass Heart Band, Appetizers by Arabella’s, Raffles, Silent Auctions & more. Hosted at Jensen’s Corner Bar, downtown Winter Haven. Tues, 6-9:30 pm. Contact Tracey Greene (863) 221-8505 or tgreene0422@ gmail.com for more information. Tickets and sponsorships: https:// www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty. org/events/spj/
Special to T&T Magazine
Bok Tower Gardens and master stone balancer Adam Conard, also known as the artist ZOTO, will present the first full campus exhibition of stone balances October 1 through November 30, 2024.
Stories in Stone features 25 mind-bending stone balances housed in beautiful areas of the gardens.
A Rich History of Stone as an Art Form
This show connects the rich heritage of Lee Lawrie's stone sculptures to the bold artistic expression of modern stone balances. Through this collaboration, the exhibit encourages visitors to discover the importance of finding balance in life and prioritizing physical and mental health.
Stories in Stone will be displayed throughout the Olmsted Gardens and around The Singing Tower, juxtaposing Lawrie's traditional stone carvings and sculptures with ZOTO's balances.
The Past Comes Alive in Stone
Stories in Stone will captivate the young and young-at-heart using natural stones and historic marble leftover from The Singing Tower's construction nearly 100 years ago. "It's quite possible a random stone you see has been around for many millennia, withstood unfathomable environmental changes, used to build magnificent towers and monuments, or used in countless other ways to enhance our lives," said ZOTO when asked about the show's materials.
ZOTO most recently produced an exhibit at McKee Gardens in Vero Beach captivating South Florida with his unique art form. The show at Bok Tower Gardens will be ZOTO's third garden exhibit in Florida.
"My art walks the razor's edge between what is possible and what is not; the closer I get to the impossible, the closer I get to my goal of being in lockstep with the Earth. As a viewer, you are invited to become more open to possibilities within yourself and ponder how, together, you can become more connected to our shared home,
Earth," said ZOTO when asked about his distictive art form.
Stories in Stone is sponsored in part by Visit Central Florida and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council of Arts and Culture.
About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted one of America’s best gardens, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and The Shop at Bok are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-17. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.
BARS&PUBS
*Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events, and promos.
AUBURNDALE
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
102 W Polk Street (863) 968-0010
Full Liquor Sports Bar
TVs for the Games
Brew Hounds Sports Lounge
318 Havendale Blvd (863) 967-2739
Wed, Trivia 6p
Fri, Poker 7p
Pool, Darts, Full Liquor
Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC
Smoke-Free/Outside Patio
Thanksgiving open 7 pm
BABSON PARK
Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern
1010 N Scenic Hwy (863) 589-5887
Full Liquor
Seafood, Steaks & Burgers
Live Music Fri & Sat
Pool Table & Darts
BARTOW
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
120 E Van Fleet Dr (863) 534-3111
Full Liquor Sports Bar
Front Page Brewing Co
190 S FL Ave (863) 537-7249
Hrs: Open Wed-Fri 4p, Sat & Sun 12p
Taproom, Full Bar Self-pour Wines
Wed, Trivia Thu, Bingo
Weekends, Live Music
Fun Bar
3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400
Karaoke
Pool Table & Darts
Mulligan’s Sports Bar
Bartow Golf Club
150 N Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Fri, Karaoke 7-10p
The Wine Library Bartow
165 S Central Ave (813) 796-0477
Wine, Sangria, Beer
Charcuterie
Wed & Thu, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sat, 25% off Wine Btls
The Wine Stable
150 S Broadway (863) 533-9463
Full Bar
Live Music
Karaoke
DAVENPORT
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350
Full Liquor
Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps
Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100 Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables
Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p
Live Music
The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880
TVs, Pool Table
Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p
The Wheelhouse/19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560
Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p Thu, Trivia 8-10p
DUNDEE
Out-n-About Bar (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537
Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun, Live Music Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night Mon & Wed, Closed
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) EL ZOLAZO (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
FRIDAY, NOV 22
JOSH BLEVINS (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
TMIKE & DUKE (Twisted Prop, WH)
HIGHWAY 41 (Apple Lounge, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Wheelhouse Pub, DVPT)
BLAKE FREE BAND (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
TREY CROSEE TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
SATURDAY, NOV 23
JIM N JUDY DUO (Old Man Frank’s, WH)
SUNDAY, NOV 24
MICKENZIE PEISHER 1p/ RYAN JOYCE 5:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JOEY FOLEY (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Kimber’s Bar & Grill, WH)
CHYNO & NACHO (Kia Center, ORL)
TUESDAY, NOV 26
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
ELTON JOHN TRIB 5 & 8p (Ritz Theatre, WH)
WEDNESDAY, NOV 27
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) PROPER WEDNESDAY (Swan Brewing, LKD)
B. HAVEN & RED HOT ROOSTER (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) B & B JAZZ TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD) NOT DEAD YET (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA)
THURSDAY, NOV 28
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
FRIDAY, NOV 29
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) SOUTHBOUND (Apple Lounge, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Camp Margaritaville, ADL) SCHAFF WALL TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD) APRIL RED (Lucky’s Sports Bar, LKD) SPANKIN’ SADIE (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) KACEY MUSGRAVES wsg LORD HURON & NICKEL CREEK (Amalie Arena, TMP)
SATURDAY, NOV 30
JIM N JUDY DUO, KOREY KETCHUM, MICKENZIE PEISHER, POWERHOUSE, BLAKE FREE BAND,
TWIZTED
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
SPANKIN’ SADIE 7p
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO 7p
(Union Taproom, WH)
STELLA BEAT
(Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
BILLY D
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
JEFF VITOLO & THE
QUARTER MILE REBELS
(LA’s Midway Saloon, LA)
TROPICAL CITY JAZZ
(Lakeland Loft, LKD)
APRIL RED
(Dade City Tap House, D CTY)
33 YEARS
(Swan Brewing, LKD)
KANY GARCIA (Kia Center, ORL)
SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS (Hard Rock Cafe, TMP)
SUNDAY, DEC 1
RYAN JOYCE 1p/ SHELDON 5:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)
Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Coldest Beer In Town.
HAINES CITY
BALMORAL BAR & GRILL
AT BALMORAL RESORT
Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.
Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich.
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097 • BalmoralBarandGrill. com
LAKELAND
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND
Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.
Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings!
1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464
www.beefobradys.com
Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Must Try: Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com
CHAMPS SPORTS BAR
Serving Polk County for over 20 years!
Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun
• Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook. FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com
MISTER FISH
Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays. Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280
LAKE WALES
CRAZY FISH
Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues.Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun.
Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper
802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 6766361
JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service and famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials. Weekend specials. Prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp and catfish.
Must Try: Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook
WINTER HAVEN
326 BISTRO PIZZERIA
Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order specialty pizzas. Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.
Must Try: Classic Pizza Napoli
326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro
APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL
#1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm.
$1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more! Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself.
Must Try: Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 863-291-0340
ARABELLA’S
We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients.
Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambiance makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.
Must Try: Bananas Foster prepared table side
346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S
Locally owned sports pub with 30 TVs and full bar. Lunch value combos MondaysFridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available. Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs. Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!
Must Try: Award Winning Wings and Burgers 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 293-9464 • www.beefobradys.com
HARRY’S OLD PLACE
Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.
Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie!
Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm
Must Try: Jumbo Wings & Pizza
5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524
1. Name the R&B group who had a hit with “Just to Be Close to You.”
2. Which artist released “I’m Sorry”?
3. Name the duo that released “Yesterday Once More.”
4. Which group released “Surf’s Up,” “Surf Jam” and “Surfin’ Safari”?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Stronger than any mountain cathedral, Truer than any tree ever grew, Deeper than any forest primeval, I am in love with you.”
ANSWERS
1. The Commodores, in 1976. Songwriter Lionel Richie was lead singer until he left the group in 1982. Over the years, Richie has won four
• “I have to wear my hair tied back for work. With all the ponytails, I get lots of little broken hairs that stick up all over my head when it’s very dry or very humid, especially when I go from a wet, yucky outside to a dry, heated inside. I have tried lots of styling products that don’t work very well. Then a co-worker suggested a fabric softener sheet. I can’t believe it, but it works.” -- P.G. in Michigan
• If you have an ink stain on fabric, try blotting it with hairspray. Saturate the ink spot with hairspray and blot using a clean white cloth or non-decorated paper towel. Repeat until all the ink is gone. Make sure you test on an inconspicuous area first.
Grammys.
2. Brenda Lee, in 1960, at age 15. A singer from the age of 3 when she was known as “Little Miss Dynamite,” Lee was often the sole financial support for her family while still a child.
3. The Carpenters, in 1973. It was co-written by Richard Carpenter.
4. The Beach Boys, a band formed in 1961. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
5. “Longer,” by Dan Fogelberg, in 1979. The song was Fogelberg’s highest charting song, reaching No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary and Cash Box charts, but only reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100.
• For every degree you lower your thermostat during the heating season, you generally reduce your energy costs by 3% daily. Also, turn down the temperature setting on your hot water heater.
• Here’s a no-fail strategy for raking up leaves: Rake leaves into a single long line, preferably onto a sidewalk. Then turn a large garbage can on its side and sweep the leaf pile into the can, breaking to empty leaves into bags as needed. The raking goes much quicker when done in “stripes.” And bagging is faster as well.
• “I have one of those big wall calendars for work. When the year is over, the kids like to cut out the months into bingo cards. They use stickers to create both the bingo cards and the puller’s cards (the individual days and the different kinds of stickers). It’s a fun craft that uses their brain cells, plus recycles the paper calendar.” -- Y.R. in Arizona
GUS
Gus is a black and white male Hound and Great Dane mix. He is approximately 1 year, 5 months old. He weighs about 80 lbs and has been neutered. Gus is a very sweet boy but tends to be more loving and friendly towards women. He loves to play with any other animals and adores the company of having them around! Gus is a super chewer and loves playing with balls, ropes.
PEACHES
Meet Peaches! She is a 3 year old Lab mix. She is as sweet as her name implies and enjoys meeting new people friends. She loves everybody including children and is always ready to play with you. She needs to be in a home with no other animals- she thinks she's a human. Peaches loves to play with toys and will even play hide and seek with you!
RUPAUL
Rupaul is a black and white male Domestic Shorthair mix. He is approximately 8 months old and has been neutered. Rupaul is a very outgoing, curious boy that loves to follow humans around. His favorite thing to do is playing chase with an automatic feather feeder! Rupaul loves tussling with the other cats. He absolutely loves a scratching post!
CHATTY
Chatty is a grey and white female Domestic Shorthair mix. She is approximately 4 years old. Chatty gets her name from her very talkative personality! She will sometimes growl, but that's just her way of showing love! Chatty can be shy with new people at first but warms up quickly. She has had some positive experience with a dog but does not seem to prefer being around cats
