FOCUS Plant City 17-12 by Floyd Publications

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Tickets On Sale Now! • FLstrawberryfestival.com

Artists Appearing on the

Soundstage:

It’s A Hit!

Feb. 28 - Mar. 10, 2019 • Plant City, FL

Alabama

The Oak Ridge Boys

Home Free Sat. Mar. 2, 3:30 $20

Brothers Osborne Fri. Mar. 1, 7:30 $40

An Evening With Steven Tyler and The Loving Mary Band Sun. Mar. 3, 7:30 $55

STYX Wed. Mar. 6, 7:30 $35

Willie Nelson & Family

Thu. Feb. 28, 7:30 $45

Thu. Feb. 28, 3:30 $20

Pat Boone Mon. Mar. 4, 3:30 $20

Martina McBride Mon. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35

The Lettermen Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 $20

Fri. Mar. 1, 3:30

Kool & the Gang Sat. Mar. 2, 7:30 $30

Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters Tue. Mar. 5, 3:30 $20

for King & Country Thu. Mar. 7, 7:30 $30

$45

Chicks with Hits featuring Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss Sun. Mar. 3, 3:30 $25

NEEDTOBREATHE Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $35

Tanya Tucker Fri. Mar. 8, 3:30 $30

Chris Janson Fri. Mar. 8, 7:30 $30

#berryfest19

Gene Watson Wed. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20

Keith Sweat Sat. Mar. 9, 7:30 $30

Visit www.FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! Home of OUR

Bill Anderson & Bobby Bare Sun. Mar. 10, 3:30 $20

Old Dominion Make It Sweet Tour Sun. Mar. 10, 7:30 $45

Concert dates and times are subject to change

• Images Everywhere! • Local Ford Dealers • Verizon Wireless • Alessi Bakery • DIRECTV • AMSCOT • Stingray Chevrolet • Dakin Dairy Farms • Uncommon USA • Circle K • Astin Farms • Grove Equipment Service • Candyland Warehouse • Netterfield’s • Smithfield • Global Frequency Technologies • Master Spas • Good Health Saunas • MetroPCS • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Vision Auto Glass • Wyndham Vacation Resorts • Florida Dairy Farmers • General RV Center • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Kellogg’s • Florida Blue PAGE

Contents Table of

focusplantcity.com / Issue 17-12 / December 2018

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Plant City celebrated the holidays with Christmas Lane, Christmas Parade, and Nativities Around the World. The annual Santa Sled Festival and Hook-A-Hero plan to give back to those in need. We celebrate culinary excellence with the Plant City Pig Jam and the arrival of the J. Seward Johnson Sculptures bring excitement to town.

F E AT U R E

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This month, we feature three local FFA students as they prepare for the Florida Strawberry Festival. The livestock and plant shows provide students with the opportunity to enter the show ring and demonstrate showmanship, responsibility and hard work.

SPOTLIGHT

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BUSINESS

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DINING

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Meet Mary Heysek, Executive Director of the United Food Bank of Plant City. UFBPC serves over 1 million pounds of food per year and an operation that large, take strong leadership. Heysek has served as Executive Director for three years and gives readers a behind-the-scenes look into the daily operations of the food bank.

Featured Writer

Cheryl Johnston

Michigan-born, Tampa-raised Cheryl Johnston has loved living in Plant City since 1978. In addition to a manufactured housing industry career, she taught high school English and has written 13 years for Focus. With her husband RJ, she enjoys road trips, golf outings, and home innings. Faith in Christ gives her great peace and this encourager (RJ calls her Pollyanna) likes seeing others discover their unique talents. FUN FACT: Always a daredevil, she jumped off a second-story fire escape in sixth grade at Jackson Heights Elementary on a $10 bet she never collected. This might also explain why she’s so short.

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A state-of-the-art senior community, Grace Manor at Hunters Creek Assisted Living, is slated to open February 2019. Offering three apartment styles, Grace Manor at Hunters Creek is excited to welcome residents to its brand new property. The property is built, planned and modified with the resident needs in mind. Learn more about this living community and all of the amenities offered to Plant City seniors.

Maryland Fried Chicken has served Plant City since 1969! Nestled between Thonotosassa Road and Alexander Street, Maryland prides itself in crispy fried chicken and seafood baskets. Maryland Fried Chicken uses a pressure-cooking method resulting in “tasty, tender, and delicious” chicken. Paired with homemade sides and this Plant City staple serves up the “best chicken in Tampa Bay.”

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From The Publisher From the looks of posts on social media, Plant City locals thoroughly enjoyed all our area’s holiday and upcoming holy-day festivities. From Thanksgiving feasts to Lights of Love and our annual Christmas parade, the joy in the air is tangible. Publisher Mike Floyd - mikef@floydpublications.com Office Manager Candy Owens - cowens@floydpublications.com Account Manager Crystal Shipley - crystal@floydpublications.com Account Manager Chandler Workman - chandler@floydpublications.com Managing Editor Cierra Craft - cierra@floydpublications.com

The gatherings in these last two months of the year always reflect a deeply-rooted, close-knit, and caring community. Isn’t our town an amazing place to live and raise children? With two weeks off from school just around the corner and those special surprises waiting under our Christmas trees, it’s no wonder their excitement continues.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563 Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 www.focusplantcity.com

If you haven’t finished shopping in the local stores for gifts or toured the local sites to see the creative light displays, there’s still plenty of time for memory making in the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World. Needless to say, those business owners will definitely appreciate your patronage. As 2018 comes to a close, we hope you and yours can recall a great year in every aspect of life. And as we reflect on the ultimate Gift-Giver during this season of celebration for His birth, may we all enjoy great health and ample provisions so we can be more, do more and share more. In the end, what we have done for others is all that endures. Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year, Plant City! Enjoy every last minute of this year and may the Reason for the Season celebrations continue into the next.

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd PAGE

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Arts Council brings J. Seward Johnson Sculptures to Town BY CIERRA CRAFT

Library, the Johnson sculptures educate the community on public art. This year, residents can expect to see Johnson’s “Forever Marilyn,” a recreation of one of the most famous photographs of Marilyn Monroe, depicting her iconic skirt flying up, exposing her legs. The sculpture is located on Collins Street in McCall Park. Additionally, Johnson’s “Lunch Break” depicts a man in overalls enjoying a lunch break on a park bench at the Willaford Railroad Museum. White says each year, the Arts Council looks forward to the project and the excitement Plant City

residents have for public art: “We continue to bring the sculptures to Plant City because of the impact they bring to the downtown area. As soon as the truck arrives and unloads, we have people out taking pictures of (and selfies with) all of the sculptures. People LOVE them...as do we love them. It's amazing to see family and friends walking around the city together and having a great time viewing them. They're so life-like. When you travel to other cities, it's not uncommon to see sculptures.... and now we have them right here in our own lovely city.”

“Forever Marilyn” is located in front of McCall Park along Collins Street.

he Arts Council of Plant City, in partnership with the City of Plant City, Unity in the Community and the Plant City Photo Archives, has once again brought bronze sculptures by renowned artist J. Seward Johnson to Plant City. Johnson creates life-sized statues depicting them in day-today activities. Johnson’s sculptures are exhibited internationally in museums, public art collections and private collections. The artist has created more than 450 bronze statues exhibited around the globe, Plant City will host ten of Johnson’s unique works until March 2019. The Arts Council of Plant City has brought the statues to Plant City five times. Each year, the organization raises money through

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its various events to fund the public art exhibit. With additional funding from the community, the J. Seward Johnson sculptures are delivered and installed. Arts Council member, Dodie White, says the organization is thankful for the support of its partners and the community. “We are blessed to have the City of Plant City partner with us, so a large portion of the funding comes from the city, but the Arts Council includes a portion of our budget each year to cover the balance of the cost,” said White. “In addition, we have had several individuals and local businesses who have offered donations toward the project.” From the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum to the Plant City Photo Archives to Bruton Memorial

“Waiting,” depicts a man reading the newspaper on a park bench. This sculpture is located on Palmer Street.

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L-R: Logan Skjefte, Secretary/Director; TJ Romano, Founder/CEO; Brandon Snyder, Vice President

Breaking Clays for the Brave: Hook-A-Hero to host Annual Sporting Clay Shoot-Out

BY CIERRA CRAFT

lant City nonprofit, Hook-AHero, is dedicated to providing first responders with outdoor excursions as a thank you for their service. Fishing trips, hunting excursions, and other outdoor activities brings joy back into the lives of community heroes. To provide these excursions, HookA-Hero is seeking support from the community with their Annual

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Sporting Clay Shoot-Out on Jan. 19. All proceeds will benefit first responders. The shoot-out will take place on Fishhawk Sporting Clays in Lithia, with check-in beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the shoot out begins at 9:00 a.m. Following the shoot out, lunch will be provided by PDQ and Leaven Brewing will also be on site with samples of its finest brews.

Additionally, awards will be given in the categories of Overall Team Performance, Overall Individual Performance and Overall First Responder Performance. HookA-Hero Vice President, Brandon Snyder, says there will also be a raffle giveaway for pistols, rifles, gift cards and tickets for glass seats to a Tampa Bay Lightning game at Amalie Arena. Four-shooter teams can enter the shootout for $400. This includes ammo and cart, lunch, and gift bags for each shooter. Station sponsorships are available for $750, with company logo displayed on a shooting station. Sponsorship includes entry for a team of four, ammo and cart provided, lunch, and gift bags for each shooter. Snyder says as the first event of 2019, Hook-A-Hero has set a goal to

raise $20,000 through this event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping to provide 50 trips and raise $100,000 in 2019,â&#x20AC;? said Snyder. Entry is limited to 150 shooters; to register visit HookAHero.com/ events or for more information about the shoot-out, contact Hook-AHero Founder/CEO, TJ Romano at capt_tj@hookahero.com or by phone at (813) 758-2627. If You Go: Hook-A-Hero Annual Sporting Clays Shoot-Out Jan. 19 at Fishhawk Sporting Clays 13505 Hobson Simmons Road Lithia, FL 33547 Register online at HookAHero.com/events

#SUPPORTFIRSTRESPONDERS

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Every Child Deserves a Birthday Party Time at the Annual Pregnancy Care Center Fundraiser BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

discipleship studies for those interested, the PCCPC also offers abstinence education to individuals or groups including churches, civic clubs, families and homeschool cooperatives. For additional info or to schedule sessions, simply call 813-759-0886. Kirk Walden, the Founder and President of LifeTrents (part of the Heartbeat International family of services), and author of The Wall, spoke to the work being done at the national level to promote a pro-life message. Passionate about the pro-life movement, his address at the fundraiser was filled with humor, challenge, vision and hope. Most importantly, Walden’s vision of the pivotal role pregnancy care ministries play in creating a culture of life in America stirred the audience to action. To date,

he has assisted in raising more than $25 million in funds to benefit pregnancy care center ministries throughout America. In closing, Sandi Nelson praised guests for their role in the Center’s success: “We are grateful for the Plant City community and the local businesses, churches, and individuals that donate, serve, and share our message of hope to those who enter our doors each week…and I am thankful for our dedicated staff and volunteers. Thanks to each of you for the difference you’ve made in the families where those 103 new babies will have a great start in life. God has blessed us through your support.”

Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City staffers pictured L-R include: Inez Cooke, Rosie Gomez, Beth Odom, Juanita Decker, Sandi Nelson, Yeniffer Hidalgo, Silvia Garnelo, Eunice Gresham, Darlene Davis, and Jessica Dygert.

olorful balloons and huge wrapped gift boxes decorated the Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds on Nov. 13 for the Plant City Pregnancy Care Center’s annual fundraiser. More than 350 supporters came to enjoy dinner and keynote speaker Kirk Walden at the “Every Child Deserves a Birthday” themed event. Executive Director Sandi Nelson welcomed all and shared information as to how the PCCPC has served our community in the past year. The following statistics since the 2017 banquet are encouraging and reflect the Center’s careful management of resources: • Men & women served: 600 • Client visits: 4,500 includes consults, Bible study, and 3,000 prenatal/parenting class

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attendance • Pregnancy tests administered: 338 • Ultrasounds administered: 186 • Sexual Transmitted Infections Tests: 32 • New births 2018: 103 • # of mothers either undecided or considering abortion at initial visit: 36 • Adoption plan established: 1 baby • Gospel presentations: 427 • Bibles distributed: 350 • Accepted Christ or rededicated their life to Him: 51 • Volunteer hours served: 1,600 The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City offers a variety of services to help expectant mothers and fathers experience success even before their baby arrives. In addition to classes for parenting, prenatal care, and Bible-based

Kirk Walden, the Founder and President of LifeTrents and author of The Wall, spoke to the work done at the national level to promote the pro-life message. Walden’s vision of the pivotal role pregnancy care ministries play in creating a culture of life in America stirred the audience to action. To date, he has assisted in raising more than $25 million in funds to benefit pregnancy care center ministries throughout America.

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Blessings for a Very Merry Christmas: 16th Annual Santa Sled Festival BY CIERRA CRAFT | PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON MOODY

Bicycles are donated by local businesses and individuals. Then each bicycle is raffled off to a child in need.

n Dec. 22, The Plant City Black Heritage organization, in collaboration with Des’Aimes Social Club, will host the 16th Annual Santa Sled Festival at Marie B. Ellis Park. The event will provide toys, bicycles, groceries and clothing to families in need this holiday season. According to The Plant City Black Heritage chair Sharon Moody, the organizations will serve over 300 families in the community. “The annual event is expanding to serve more families this year that participate in Christmas In the Park, which will not be hosted this year,” said Moody. Christmas In the Park is typically held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, but due to its recent demolition, The Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social Club are prepared to served those families so no one has to go without. The deadline to pre-register for the event was Nov. 30 Upon arrival at 8:30 a.m., parents will register again, with I.D. Children must be present. The festival kicks off at 10:00 a.m., where children will have the

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opportunity to jump in bounce houses and take photos with Santa Claus. Additionally, hot dogs, drinks and snacks will be provided. At registration, each family is assigned a number and once their number is called during the event, the family will receive toys and clothes. Each family is then entered into the bicycle raffle. Once families are ready to go home, they will be given a holiday meal with either a turkey or a ham. Moody says Star Distribution has agreed to donate the hams and C&S Wholesale Grocers will donate the turkeys. Both businesses have also “adopted” five families each to help out as well. All toys, bikes and groceries are donated from local businesses and individuals to The Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social Club. Event sponors include the Kiwanis Club of Plant City and La Red Ministries, among others. For sixteen years, the Santa Sled Festival has blessed families within the Plant City community with the joy of Christmas. The event will alleviate the burden of financial hardships by providing those in need with everything to enjoy a very Merry Christmas.

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16th Annual Plant City Pig Jam: Local pitmasters find success at BBQ competition BY CIERRA CRAFT

Pig Jam newcomers, Bust Em in Da Grill, was named Best of Plant City in the amateur category. The team also won first in the Ribs category and third in Chicken.

ver 70 teams from across the nation competed at the 16th Annual Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Randy L. Larson Softball FourPlex. The teams entered their best pork, chicken, ribs and brisket into the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition to claim bragging rights and over $18,000 in prizes. As the sun set on a successful weekend of brew and barbecue, the winners of each category were presented with checks, ribbons and engraved cleaver knives. Texas team, Boomerang BBQ, was named Grand Champion and North Carolina team, Midnight Burn, was named Reserve Grand Champion. Plant City teams found success in the annual event as well: Newcomers to the BBQ competition scene, Bust Em in Da Grill, founded by Mike Goodwine and Mike Floyd, was named 2018 Best Plant City Amateur Team and ranked 3rd overall in the amateur division. The freshman team was also named the first place winner in

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Ribs, third place in Chicken, ninth place in Brisket and fifteenth place in Pork in the amateur division. Bust Em in Da Grill raised money for Lt. Chris Reed, a brave Navy Seal who lost his battle with cancer on Oct. 30. All proceeds the team made from the Pig Jam went directly to Lt. Reed’s wife and two children. In the professional division, Plant City teams Backman BBQ, Hardwood BBQ, Plant City’s Second Hand Smoke, Poppell Insurance BBQ Team, and the Plant City Lions Club BBQ Team were ranked among the top 45 teams in the division. Backman BBQ was named Best Plant City Pro Team for the 2018 event. Led by Pitmaster Jack Peacock, Backman BBQ and Hardwood BBQ, led by Dustin and Layla Drawdy, were ranked among the top 5 in the ribs category. Additionally, the Drawdy’s, as well as Plant City’s Second Hand Smoke, led by Brian Griffin, ranked amongst the top teams in two new challenges: Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila-infused dish and the Cabo Wabo Margarita. In the Cabo

Margarita competition, Second Hand Smoke won first place, with Hardwood BBQ in second. For the Cabo-infused dish, Second Hand Smoke and Hardwood BBQ ranked 6th and 7th places, respectively. Hardwood BBQ raised money for the Florida United Methodist Church’s Children’s Home through the sales of their famous pulled pork jalapeño poppers. Layla Drawdy says the Hardwood BBQ team raised approximately $2,000 for the charity. “We always look to choose a children’s home or children’s charity for Christmas because we know how much kids love Christmas and how expensive it can be… otherwise, we just donate where God shows us a need,” said Drawdy. Attendees of the Pig Jam

purchased BBQ dishes, such as pulled pork sandwiches to ribs to unique offerings such as BBQ Mac and Cheese, Bacon Wrapped Meatballs or Alligator Ribs. Additionally, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce sold official Pig Jam t-shirts, piggy hats and provided a Piggy’s Playpen with a rock climbing wall and bounce houses. Live entertainment was on the Poppell Insurance, Inc. and Auto-Owners Insurance Main Stage, guests enjoyed live entertainment by “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings and Daniel Sprouse Band, among other acts. 14,000 attendees came out to the 2018 Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam over the two-day event, according to The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings entertained the crowd on the Poppell Insurance stage. The live band covered popular hits across decades to create a toe-tapping show.

The Backman BBQ Team was named Best of Plant City in the professional category. The team was named 4th in Ribs, 19th in Brisket, 25th in Pork and 33rd in Chicken.

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Nativities Around the World – A Must See! BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

This Nativity is made from shaved curled tree bark.

The Rev. Father Henry Riffle is pleased to share his international collection of nativity scenes for the third consecutive year at St. Clement Catholic Church.

or the third consecutive year, the Knights of Columbus Council 8095 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City welcomes the public to “Nativities Around the World,” a free exhibit of more than 500 manger scenes in Cronin Hall on the church campus. The display of divine creativity is open after each Mass on Saturday and Sunday, as well as from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons through Epiphany Sunday on Jan. 6. Group tours can be arranged as well. Visit online at stclementpc.org for details. Although Rev. Father Henry Riffle, 76, developed a passion for The Babe in the Manger artwork in childhood, the serious collecting didn’t begin until 1980 when Fr. Henry gave up a 25-year smoking habit. To reward his healthy decision, he purchased a Precious Moments scene. During travels over the years, while studying, serving nine years

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as a military chaplain, touring and saying Mass in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, the now-retired priest scoured thrift venues for more nativities, while others continue to offer their unique discoveries. In seeking additional nativities, Fr. Henry looks for outstanding artistry incorporating native materials to illustrate the wonder of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Among the many interesting interpretations are two with the Virgin Mary breast feeding her baby and a bronze statue imagining the Holy Family and donkey exhausted after their 320mile trek into Egypt to escape King Herod's Massacre of the Innocents. “The international tradition of celebrating Christ’s birthday brings joy and offers the hope of His coming again,” shared Fr. Henry. “It’s so evident when you watch people’s expressions as they view the miracle that reminds them of their faith.” In the simple but universal

message of that Holy Night, he imagines the newborn King in the manger was saying, “I am Jesus. I love you so much that I'm coming into this world to die for you.” Most spend approximately one hour viewing the cultural interpretations of the Christ child’s birth from approximately 40 countries. Craftsmen have used various natural and manmade materials ranging from bark, nuts, wood and shells to cookie dough, eggshells, glass and pages from National Geographic magazines. One standout created by Nancy

Wernicki from wine bottle corks commemorates the life and cancer battle of her husband, Mike. Admission to this third annual exhibit is free, but contributions to help the KOC support programs for pregnancy care, the disabled, the hungry, Catholic education and St. Clement’s new water project mission are appreciated. Celebrate the wonder-filled, lifechanging miracle of Christmas this year with a visit to 1104 N. Alexander Street in Plant City. Remember also to share your photos/comments on social media.

Nativity from Oberammergau, Germany, carved into a tree branch.

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FOCUS Magazine at the Great American Teach-In BY CIERRA CRAFT

DeAsia in Miss Barfield’s class drew the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen for her FOCUS Cover art.

Jasmin in Mrs. Knox’s class depicted a Plant City Christmas with a train crossing, hotel and Christmas Tree.

Candy Owens (center) with Mrs. Knox’s sixth grade class at Tomlin.

n Nov. 15, FOCUS Magazine employees participated in the Great American Teach-In at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School and Tomlin Middle School. The Teach-In introduces students to a variety of job opportunities. FOCUS Magazine is able to expose students to the publication industry. FOCUS Magazine Account Manager Crystal Shipley was invited to Miss Fitzpatrick’s first grade class at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School. The students learned about the FOCUS’ involvement in the community and the opportunities the magazine has to publish articles on the town’s

biggest events. Office Manager Candy Owens visited Mrs. Knox’s sixth grade class at Tomlin Middle School. Students in the middle school class were given treats for participating in Candy’s presentation. Many of the students recognized Sir Henry of Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail on the cover of the October issue and expressed excitement about seeing familiar faces in the magazine. Students at both schools were encouraged to draw their own FOCUS Magazine cover. Check out their artwork to see the creations of these young minds.

Crystal Shipley (center) with Miss Fitzpatrick’s first grade class at Lincoln. PAGE

Audrey and Luna, from Miss Fitzpatrick and Miss Barfield's class, drew the crowning jewel of Plant City: A giant strawberry!

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Santa Claus came to town at Plant City Christmas Parade BY CIERRA CRAFT

Faith Christian Academy was among many schools to enter the parade. Students waved to the crowd cheering “Merry Christmas!”

n Dec. 7, thousands gathered to celebrate the official start of the holiday season with the annual Plant City Christmas Parade. From marching bands to beauty queens to local businesses, attendees enjoyed an evening of holiday cheer with Santa Claus making his way through town. Grand Marshal, Frank LaBarbera, led the parade, passing out beaded necklaces. LaBarbera was chosen by the Christmas Parade committee for his decades of dedication to the holiday event. LaBarbera served on the original committee that organized the first Plant City Christmas Parade in the mid-1960s. City commissioners, local politicians and first responders from the city, county, and state, brought lights and sirens to the parade while passing out beaded necklaces. Many in the crowd clapped for the first responders as a thank you for their service to our community. Some parade entries, such as Dark Horse Music Store and The Crossing Church entertained the crowd with live singing performances and the Tooth Caboose brought the Grinch and Max to Plant City. Titanium Gymnastics, Clogging Connection as well as baton twirlers wowed parade-goers

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with dance moves, flips and turns. Marching bands from various high schools put attendees in the holiday spirit with classic Christmas music. In addition to Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Ally Burt, royalty big and small appeared in the lineup, including the festival’s 2018 Baby Parade winners, Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen and Princess, high school calendar girls, and Tomlin’s Tigers and Tiara winners. The Plant City Christmas Parade awards parade entries in five categories. The 2018 winners include: • Best Overall Unit- Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation • Best Church Unit - GracePoint Church • Best Business Unit - Backbone Roofing • Best School Unit - Tomlin Middle Gentlemen's Quest • Best Marching Unit - Strawberry Crest High School Band For over fifty years, the Plant City Christmas Parade has been an integral part of the Christmas season. Along Collins and Reynolds streets, the community came together in the holiday spirit to capture beads and candy and created memories of a small town Christmas.

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Merry & Bright: Christmas Lane brings Holiday Cheer to Plant City BY CIERRA CRAFT

In the KidZone, children can decorate ornaments, write letters to Santa and new for the 2018 season, play in the LEGO® Station presented by Plant City’s Brick City Bricks.

lant City’s time-honored holiday tradition, Christmas Lane, ushers in another year of cheer with over 1.5 million Christmas lights donning the Florida Strawberry Festival. The annual winter wonderland consists of light displays, Living Nativities and performances from local entertainers. Christmas Lane dates back to 1984 when Lane Wetherington founded the event. For several years, Wetherington decorated his childhood home. The display grew- as did the crowds- and in 2015, Christmas Lane moved to the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. “Christmas Lane is not just a destination, it’s an experience!” said Rick Lott, Mayor of Plant City. “You can feel how much heart the family of Christmas Lane has poured into this event and it gets better each year.” Larger-than-life displays such as a Christmas castle, two 10-foot toy soldiers and a 14-foot reindeer are on display, as well as over 200 Christmas trees ranging in height from four-foot to 40-foot. Attendees have opportunities to ride a Christmas carousel, take pictures with Santa Claus and are entertained by Fritzy the One Man

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Circus. In the KidZone, children get their face painted, decorate an ornament or enjoy the LEGO® Station presented by Plant City’s Brick City Bricks. Just outside of the main event hall, area churches celebrate the joy of Christmas with Living Nativities, recreations of the birth of Jesus Christ as told by the Christian Bible. Greater New Hope, First United Methodist Church and All-Pro Pastor, Dr. Dan Middlebrooks are a few of the ministries involved in the exhibition for the 2018 season. With live entertainment, Nativity scenes and lots of holiday cheer, Christmas Lane rings in the holiday season with fun for the entire family. Visit Before It's Gone: Don’t miss the final weekend of Christmas Lane 2018! Thursday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., create memories as a family and visit this holiday experience. Admission is $5 plus tax for adults. Children 4 to 12 are $3 plus tax. Children 3 and under receive free entry. Special pricing available for teachers, first responders and military personnel. Visit christmaslane.com for more details.

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STA AN TH ON Y BO LE IN TE RV IE W BY

Daniel Armstrong, Jr.

aniel Armstrong, Jr. has spent most of his life in the Plant City area, having only left Plant City long term twice in his life: When he lived in Alabama for 6 years and when he was enlisted in the Army for four years upon graduating from Armwood High School. Daniel has a wide-ranging set of skills that touch all genres of life. Be it handyman work such as painting and construction, emergency medicine knowledge from Hillsborough Community College’s EMT program, as well as more artistic characteristics such as writing songs, poems, and short stories, on top of playing the drums, singing, and performing with his band, Captain Buzzkill. Recently, Daniel decided that his love for Plant City’s history and American history as a whole, is something he would like to pursue as a new goal in life. Having nearly enough courses under his belt for an associate degree, Daniel is looking to get his bachelor and master’s degrees in History. As he pursues the next great chapter of his life, Daniel will continue to promote his family’s business, become more educated in his favorite subjects, and always take the time to visit his favorite town.

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Your band, Captain Buzzkill, is a passionate part of your life; do you mind sharing a bit about that? We are actually looking for a bassist right now. But it’s more than a band to me. We are a family that is looking to make great music as well as have a great time doing it. What are some hobbies that you take part in when you aren’t performing with your band? I love paintball, and I actually just got back from doing a support role to a team at the World Cup for paintball, which was one of the best times in my life. What are a few Plant City businesses you visit often? Hands down, my newest favorite spot is Krazy Kup. But I love all the local shops as well as the library and the railroad museum. How do you plan to use your degree in History? I would love to, one day, work towards working as a professor and teaching at a local college or university. I love seeing people learn and I think that’s where my heart is.

Find more People of Plant City on Facebook. Connecting the community one story at a time. facebook.com/peopleofplantcity Find more People of Plant City on Facebook. Connecting the community one story at a time. facebook.com/peopleofplantcity

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LOCAL

Did You Know?

WUSF Public Media and USF Joint Project “Telling Tampa Bay Stories – Plant City” BY PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES

Mark Schreiner, WUSF; Gil Gott; Stephanie Colombini, WUSF; and Jeanette Abrahamsen, USF.

n late 2007, the Photo Archives worked with Mark Schreiner and Andy Nichols, of WUSF Public Media, to produce the award-winning video “Plant City Goes to War.” It ran adjacent to the Ken Burns documentary “The War” in 2008 and a premier showing of the film was held at the Photo Archives on July 31, 2008. Harrison Covington, David E. Bailey, Jr., Philip Patrinostro, Lonnie Davidson, Ted Covington, and John Germany were featured in the film. In July 2018, Mark Schreiner, Assistant News Director for WUSF Public Media, contacted the Photo Archives about a joint project between WUSF and USF called “Telling Tampa Bay Stories” and they wanted to feature Plant City. This is the way Schreiner described the project: “This fall, WUSF Public Media is working with an Advanced Reporting class at the USF Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications on a project called “Telling Tampa Bay Stories.” A neighborhood or region is identified before the semester, and then the students set up and conduct audio interviews (with a possibility of video interviews for some subjects) a

number of residents about what it’s like growing up and living in the area. WUSF provides assistance to the students and then airs the interviews on our Florida Matters radio show. This year, we’d like to profile Plant City because it is such a vibrant, growing community that a lot of the rest of the Tampa Bay area doesn’t know a lot about. We’re coming to the Archives because, one, you may be able to help us identify potential interview targets, and two, you can help provide us with a wonderful historical overview of Plant City. Class teacher Jeanette Abrahamsen, Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini and I would like to talk further about this project with someone at the Archives. Next Thursday, the 2nd, would be a good day for us to come out there to sit down and meet with Gil or someone else who might be able to help us.” We met at the Photo Archives the afternoon of Aug. 2 and discussed the project, the potential interviewees, the venue, etc. Schreiner, Colombini, and Abrahamsen decided they liked the Photo Archives setting and later gave us a list of persons they wanted

to interview and the students who would conduct the interviews. They set the date for Saturday, Sept. 29. When the day arrived, Mark Schreiner and Stephanie Colombini began setting up shortly after 9:00 a.m. Jeanette Abrahamsen brought additional materials for audio and video recording. The Archives staff set up coffee and pastries. By 10:00 a.m. two sections of the Archives were set off as recording studios and the library became the gathering room for all other activities. By 5:00 p.m. the interviews were finished, and the WUSF/USF personnel were packing up, students were on their way, well fed on Publix Cubanitos, and the next phase was ready to begin. Those interviewed included Hannah Benton, Judi Whitson, Lori Matta, Hannah Rice, Gil Gott, Janell Johnson, Ed Verner, Owen Johnson, William Thomas and Bill Thomas, Nate Kilton, Jodi Stevens, Jack Holland, Alvin Futch,

Jim McDaniel, Jayden Felix, and a few we may have missed because the schedule had to be adjusted. A few USF students returned on later dates to meet with their interviewees and work on separate videos of the Bing House, Apache Way Farm Rescue, Krazy Kup, the Futch Farm Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, Castillo Farm, Keel & Curley, the Photo Archives, and the Strawberry Tap Restaurant. The edited oral interviews became part of the WUSF program Florida Matters, and the “Telling Tampa Bay Stories – Plant City” segment became a two-part series which aired Tuesday, Nov. 27 and Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. on 89.7 FM. These were wonderful stories about the many and diverse people of Plant City. For further information on the oral interviews or the videos contact the Photo Archives.

Gathering in the library were Photo Archives staff and some USF student interviewers.

Owen Johnson sits with Mark Schreiner and USF student interviewer Yara Zayas PAGE

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FFA STUDENTS PREPARE FOR STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BY CIERRA CRAFT

From show animals to plants, FFA students across Plant City are preparing for the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival. The Festival boasts over 15 various agricultural contests including steer, swine, horticulture, and more. These young agriculturalists are not only preparing for a state competition, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re learning the value of hard work, responsibility, and building a relationship with nature. Those participating in these exhibition events must groom, feed, and train their livestock to prepare it for the market. Additionally, those participating in the annual plant show develop an in-depth understanding of food product development. Meet three local students who have committed months of hard work in preparation for the Florida Strawberry Festival: Raelyn Hudson, Audrey Kroeger, and Reagan Brown. These young women in agriculture are stepping into the show ring to represent their respective FFA chapters. Additionally, Tomlin Middle School FFA gave a behind-the-scenes look into how the group is preparing for the Agribusiness Exhibit Booth through the school garden.

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RAELYN HUDSON Strawberry Crest High School senior, Raelyn Hudson, has been a member of the FFA for four years and a member of 4-H for seven years. Hudson says she began showing chickens ten years ago, then moved on to showing beef cattle. She expressed an interest in the livestock exhibition by watching “older kids” in 4-H. Hudson says she wanted to “show a big Brahman bull like my cousin.” For the 2019 festival, Hudson will show a steer. She said she is preparing her steer by walking it, practice setting his feet, and spending time with him so he knows she is friendly. Hudson says each steer has a unique

personality and building a relationship with the animal is important. “I’ve had steers that are the sweetest, to steers that are stubborn and hard to handle,” said Hudson. “Animals are just like people; we are all unique.” Due to her experience, Hudson knows what to expect in the show ring. She says judges will look for the fat content, muscle structure, the way the steer walks, as well as bone structure. “You want to keep the steer’s head up and make sure it is presented to the best of its ability,” said Hudson.

AUDREY KROEGER Audrey Kroeger and her swine are preparing for their first livestock exhibition at the 2019 festival. The Tomlin Middle School 8th grader has been a member of FFA for just over a year and says she finally decided to take the plunge into the show ring after a friend suggested the swine show to her. Kroeger purchased her pig on Nov. 3 and the swine has gained 30 pounds in one month. Kroeger says to prepare her swine for the festival, she has not only been tending to his grooming and cleanliness, but she is beginning to work with him with the show stick. Kroeger says it's important to know how and where to use the show stick, not only does it communicate with the swine how they should behave, but it demonstrates showmanship by the exhibitor. “Working with a pig is a little stressful,” said Kroeger. “My friend Sammy has shown before, so he showed me how to work with the stick. I don’t want to hit the pig too hard, but I want him to listen to me.” Kroeger says building a bond with her swine has been rewarding, as his personality is one of friendliness and curiosity. Kroeger tends to her pig twice PAGE

each day and says he often rubs against her when she enters his pin. “When I come into the pin, he rubs against me and when I rub his side, he flops down or when I am shoveling the mud, he wants to be involved and looks at me like ‘hey, what are you doing?’’ Kroeger says although she is nervous about her first time in the show ring, her experience in FFA has been rewarding. “I am getting involved in my community and I am meeting people I wouldn’t have met without being in FFA,” said Kroeger.

REAGAN BROWN A member of FFA for 7 years, Plant City High School senior Reagan Brown will show steers, heifers and plants at the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival. Brown says prior to joining the FFA in the 6th grade, she showed plants through her local 4-H chapter. “When I was 11, I showed plants for the first time at the Florida Strawberry Festival and I have shown them ever since,” said Brown. “I decided to show a pig my 8th grade year and absolutely loved it, so the next year, I showed a steer.” Brown’s family has owned cattle for as long as she can remember, so she has always had a passion for animals. She has three cows that she breeds to produce her show steers and heifers. Brown says as an exhibitor, it’s beneficial to get her hands on

the calves as early as possible because the animals are calm and put trust in her. In preparation for the show ring, she has taken her steer to prospect shows. “Prospect shows give him exposure to being in the ring so he will do well at the festival,” said Brown. Additionally, she has worked with both her steer and heifer to make sure they’re ready for show time. This is her first year showing a heifer at the festival and unlike the steer, Brown will bring her heifer home for future shows. Furthermore, Brown will also show plants at the 2019 festival. She says its important for her to inspect her plants carefully for insects and disease to prevent these issues from spreading to other plants.

When asked that she wishes people knew about the process of showing animals and plants at the Florida Strawberry Festival, Brown had this to say: “I wish that people could see the hard work that all of these exhibitors put into their projects. It takes so much work to get everything prepared for the show It is not just grabbing a lead rope and walking in the ring, you have to work at home. You win your shows at home by practicing with your livestock.”

TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL FFA Tomlin Middle School FFA is also preparing for the Florida Strawberry Festival agribusiness exhibit contest. Each booth must contain fresh Florida grown produce including strawberries, citrus and ornamental plants. Currently, the Tigers are growing a class garden but agribusiness teacher, Mr. Wilder, says some of the plants will also be included in the festival exhibition.

they’re learning these skills first hand and it's rewarding to see the plants thrive.

Currently, students are growing strawberries, cabbage, radishes, broccoli, collard greens, and onions. The state requires agricultural students grow a crop, but Wilder says its rewarding for the students, as they learn about plant parts, germination, management, etc. As they tend to the crops each day, PAGE

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MARY HEYSEK

BY CIERRA CRAFT

GETTING A HANDLE ON HUNGER

The United Food Bank of Plant City serves over 40,000 individuals per year in Eastern Hillsborough County, distributing more than one million pounds of food annually. This holiday season, the food bank is prepared to provide meals to hundreds of families. But, distributing food across six communities isn’t a simple task. UFBPC operations are led by Executive Director, Mary Heysek. Heysek, a mom to four sons, has served in the position for three years and previously served on the food bank’s Board of Directors for six years and sat on the Executive Board three of those six years. Heysek shares a behind-the-scenes look into the daily operations of the United Food Bank and discusses how the services provided equip the food insecure to reach selfsufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance. What are the responsibilities of the Executive Director of the United Food Bank of Plant City? Heysek: My job as Executive Director is that one day does not equal another; no two days are alike. I am responsible for directing the organization toward its primary mission by supervising all business affairs and activities including operations and food acquisition, finance, administration and management, fund development, community education and outreach program management and special projects. How many people are employed by the food bank? Heysek: We operate with only four paid employees and on any given day, you may see 10 to 20 volunteers in-house. They’re here because they want to be here. They’re here because they are passionate about what they do. If they’re not going to be here, they call in just like an employee would call in. They give their free time, they work without pay and it’s not always easy. Sometimes it’s hard, intense work because sometimes you’re lifting a lot and sometimes it’s just emotional- you get a client that pulls at your heart strings sometimes. PAGE

What communities does the United Food Bank of Plant City serve and who typically is in need of the food bank’s serves? Heysek: We serve Plant City, Dover, Thonotosassa, Seffner, Valrico, Riverview and Lithia. United Food Bank is in the heart of industrial, factory territory with hardworking men, women, and families and some work 2 to 3 jobs just to make ends meet. We are in a farmworker territory with immigrants - some are citizens and others who are here temporarily because of the work. East Hillsborough and the areas that we serve is unique from the rest of the county as it has a higher poverty rate and 27.7 % of the residents fall below the poverty rate.

Volunteers in the food bank must check each donated item for expiration dates and mark out any barcodes before the items are stored on shelves. This process can be tedious but is necessary to ensure the shelf-stable foods can be distributed.

BY THE NUMBERS • Florida is 4th in the nation for family hunger • UFBPC serves over 40,000 individuals in Eastern Hillsborough County, 50% of which are children. • Over one million pounds of food are served each year through UFBPC. • UFBPC provides meals to over 7,000 school children each year during spring, summer and winter breaks and 55 meals are provided to HCC students per month. • UFBPC provides over 1,200 holiday meals each Thanksgiving and Christmas. • UFBPC provides food to approximately 3,500 people per month. • UFBPC offers 11 outreach services including seasonal flu shots, job search and placement resources, and a GED prep program. • UFBPC saw a near doubling in the pounds of food being distributed between 2016 and 2018.

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How often do clients to the food bank receive food? Do you provide any other services? Heysek: They are allowed to come once a month and they’re generally given about 50 pounds of food in that once per month visit. In that food, there is basic, shelf-stable food: boxes, dry goods, cans. They need to be able to open their cabinet and have food. They also get meat, dairy, produce and bread, pastries, etc. We get day-old bread and baked goods from various grocery stores. We are the first stop for food insecure people but offer much more. We offer courses to strengthen individuals and families to work toward breaking the cycle of poverty. We also offer Financial Literacy/ Money Smart classes presented by Regions Bank, health literacy, diabetes prevention, cooking classes, computer lab for job search, and insurance counseling. We have various children’s programs, we have the Weekend Backpack Program, we started this at Plant City High School when I started at the food bank. A lot of families don’t have adequate food over the weekend, because the schools serve breakfast and lunch. Around 50 to 60 students at PCHS are truly needy of the 2,000 students there. So those kids get a bag of food with two breakfasts, two lunches, and a few snacks. We do this for Area Six schools. They also get meals during winter, spring and summer breaks. What’s the difference between hunger and food insecurity? Heysek: Most of our clients are food insecure; they’re not hungry. Hunger is a physiological state of pain from being hungry and not having any food. Food insecurity means not having enough adequate food or not having the finances to have adequate food.

The United Food Bank of Plant City has 10 to 20 volunteers in-house each day. One responsibility of volunteers is to sort and organize donated items onto shelves.

What does the United Food Bank’s slogan “Providing a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out” mean to you? Heysek: It means that we are not discriminating and we are not judging people. We try to make everyone feel comfortable to come in and get the help they need. We give them a hand up so they can better serve their family and their needs. The food bank partners with various corporations and organizations. How do those collaborations help the food bank achieve its goals? The company partnerships are tremendous. We have partnered with Gordon Food Services, Publix, Mosaic, and Star Distribution. What does the future of the United Food Bank of Plant City look like? Heysek: It's endless with the boundaries of our mission. We saw a near doubling of our food from 2016 to 2018: 748,164 pounds of food going out in 2016 to 1,336,000 million in 2018 so we know there is high need and it is growing. Even with unemployment down, our clients are struggling in low wage jobs and often with 2-3 jobs and yet they are not pulled out of poverty.

UFBPC receives meat and other refrigerated items from grocery stores such as Publix and Winn Dixie. Volunteers prepare individual shopping bags of meats before they’re stored. Each bag is given to a client when they pick up monthly meal boxes.

Our future includes more space and we are always working on logistics. PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

Grace Manor at Hunters Creek BY CIERRA CRAFT

or over a decade, Mainstay Senior Living has provided secure and comfortable apartments, suites and villas for senior residents throughout Central Florida. Grace Manor, a member of Mainstay Senior Living, currently offers retirement villas at their Hunters Creek retirement location. In February 2019, Grace Manor will open its doors to a state-ofthe-art independent and assisted living community at Hunters Creek, located at 765 W. Grant Street, Plant City, FL 33563. “Our company serves seniors in independent, assisted, and skilled nursing settings,” said Digital Media Strategist, Elizabeth Garrard. Grace Manor at Hunters Creek’s newest addition is currently under construction but, the community is being built, modified and planned for the unique needs of the senior population. At the present, Grace Manor at Hunters Creek is accepting reservations and room selection. The assisted and independent living center will feature three floors with stairs and elevators. The first floor comprises a common area,

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dining room, and a welcome center. The second and third floors will be suites and gathering areas. Additionally, Grace Manor not only offers single units, but couples are accommodated as well with a companion rate. On Nov. 8, Grace Manor hosted a Hard Hat Tour, a mid-construction event where potential residents were given the opportunity to review floor plans, named after popular Plant City streets including The Park studio, The Collins apartment, and The Alexander suite. Lunch was catered by Johnson Barbeque and the event was sponsored in part by I-4 Power Equipment and Culligan Water. When asked how Grace Manor differs from other senior communities, Dana Mercaldi, Director of Marketing, said: “Grace Manor is part of a boutique company, that is privately owned, locally managed, and vertically integrated. We pride ourselves on our relationships with our residents and their family members and make decisions based on their feedback and preferences, always listening to the important opinions of our

customers and then working hard to delight them at every turn.” Grace Manor at Hunters Creek will offer activities and amenities tailored to the active senior: With delicious dining experiences, transportation, salon services, and planned excursions, Grace Manor believes that group living provides for social enhancement and helps to maintain good health, both physically and mentally. With easy access to Brewer Park, residents can enjoy walking trails, picnic tables, and a duck pond. A professional and trained staff will be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Resident safety and comfort is at the forefront, with a 24-hour secured access and video surveillance, fire sprinkler system, as well as a personal resident response system. Grace Manor at Hunters Creek is also a gated community. Residents of the Hunter Creek’s retirement community and their families speak highly of the staff at the Plant City location. Donna

Scarella said, “My Mom loves Hunters Creek. Office staff is excellent and residents are friendly. The grounds are kept in excellent condition.” Heather Jacobi said, “Beautiful villas and lovely residents situated in Plant City. Great community for active seniors!” Anna Whitman and Tiffany Sutton also gave the community five stars. Plant City’s seniors have lived at Lakeland’s Grace Manor at Lake Morton, The Manor at Lake Morton, Grace Manor Suites, and Plant City’s Grace Manor at Hunters Creek’s retirement villas. Soon, a new cohort of residents will call the Grace Manor at Hunters Creek independent and assistant living location home.

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765 W Grant Street, Plant City, FL 33563 863-873-6222 www.gracemanorhunterscreek.com

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REAL ESTATE

What happens when you assume? BY NATE DAVIS, FLORIDA MORTAGE FIRM

hate to sound cliché, but this ageold question holds true for getting a mortgage: What happens when you assume? Consumers often make poor assumptions when considering a mortgage to purchase or refinance a home. A common assumption is that their current bank, credit union or any other financial institution will most easily approve them or give the best deal since they are already clients. Folks, I’m here to expose this groundless assumption. The open market is the best way to see what

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programs and rates are available. We’re not saying your current provider will never offer the best deal, but I am saying it is prudent to see what else is out there. Savvy borrowers know to always check with a wholesale lender since the savings can vary widely from retail. Why? Because when shopping through a wholesale mortgage outlet, overhead costs such as advertising, buildings, etc. are typically eliminated. The savings are passed onto you, the customer. In fact, I recently saved a client roughly $4,000 in closing costs with the exact same interest rate he was

offered by his current bank. This stemmed from “credits” that covered the expense. These credits are often associated with a wholesale lender and are not always offered in the retail world. So let the free market do its

work and look at your options when considering a major purchase with a mortgage loan. Feel free to call my team at 813-707-6200 if you have any questions. The more you know about what is available, the better decision you will be able to make.

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REAL ESTATE

The November sales are as follows:

Walden Lake Review BY NATALIE SWEET

he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meetings are scheduled for Jan. 21 and Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m.. There will not be a meeting in December. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. Watch the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times for special meetings and events. Walden Lake is looking simply marvelous with the entrances all beautifully decorated. The Neighborhood Entrance decorating contest has been judged. The winners are: • • • •

Grand Prize: Paddocks Traditional: Clubhouse Woods Whimsical: Fairway Estates Illumination: Charleston Woods

2nd and 3rd places go to: Silverbrooke and Polo Place for Traditional, Westwood and Wedgewood for Whimsical, Aston Woods and Sutton Woods for Illumination. During the month of November, there were 10 sales in Walden Lake with an average sale price of $295,610. The average days on the market were 37 days. The average price per square foot of these 10 sales is $127. There are currently 32 active listings for sale in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East with an average list price of $317,689 and an average of 85 days on the market. Four of the active listings are over $450,000, and when those listings are dropped, the average list price is $276,184. There are 13 properties Pending Contract with an average list price of $275,192 and average of 39 days on the market. The market continues to remain

Address

Sales Price

Living Area

Pool

Garage

1806 South Golfview Drive

$192,500

1559

2 Car

2905 Laurel Meadow Court

$239,900

2103

2 Car

3222 Concord Way

$245,000

2062

2 Car

4101 Kipling Avenue

$245,000

2060

Yes

2 Car

3214 Stevenson Street

$269,900

2412

2 Car

3308 Kilmer Drive

$295,800

2158

2 Car

2604 Lakeview Way

$322,500

2321

Yes

2 Car

2008 Country Club Court

$333,000

2355

Yes

2 Car

3051 Sutton Woods Drive

$355,000

2434

Yes

2 Car

2808 Wedgewood Drive

$457,500

3790

Yes

3 Car

strong for homes that are priced well and in very good condition even with the inventory ticking up. Interest rates have been rising although still considered to be low and we expect this trend upward to continue. If you have any question about these MLS statistics, please feel free to contact me at 813-758-9586 or nsweet@kw.com. You should have received your 2019 Dues (annual assessment) notice along with two new auto decals in December. Additional decals are available at the HOA office for a small fee. Please be sure to submit your payment by January

!!!!!��!!��!��!�!!!!�!!!!!!�!!!!!!!!�!!!!! Support our Plant City community. “Shop Small” this holiday season! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We Live, Love, Sell Plant City! PAGE

1st. Late payments are costly to you with additional fees added to your bill. Our HOA office on Griffin Boulevard is a drop off center for non-perishable items to be donated to The United Food Bank. During the Holiday Season, the Food Bank is looking for turkeys (which need to be dropped off at the Food Bank) as well as non-perishables. The Food Bank also provides additional food to families with children when they are off of school. Feel free to contact me about this article via email me at NSweet@KW.com or 813-758-9586.

Natalie Sweet, REALTOR Angel Miller, REALTOR

(813) 966-4304 Search for your home at:

www.AnotherSweetSale.com

1607 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563

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RISING STAR STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER brent

may By Taryn Storter Brent May, a junior at Strawberry Crest High School, is the pitcher for their outstanding baseball team. Growing up, May played football, baseball, and basketball, but he decided that baseball was truly his passion. At age five, his career in baseball began. May explained that baseball is his favorite sport, “because of the opportunities that it gives you with meeting new teammates who can seem like brothers to you with an unbreakable bond, the excitement that it holds, and the challenges it poses.” Throughout his baseball career, May was named Pitcher of the Year during the 2016-2017 season and has been awarded a scholarship to a local university. In ninth grade, he joined Positive Coaching Alliance, an organization teaching leaders from various sports, how to be leaders on their team. He is also very involved with community service at Strawberry Crest, as well as throughout the Plant City community. May’s main goal, in the realm of high school baseball, is to achieve the most strikeouts and the lowest earned run average as a pitcher for his school and district. He also hopes that Strawberry Crest will excel in the state championships once again this year. In the future, May wants to lead his team to another district and regional championship this year. In addition, he set the goal to make all-conference this year. May and the Strawberry Crest High School Baseball team have set the bar high. May says that he finds his inspiration, “in giving everything I have, and if I fail, I get back up and try again harder until I succeed.” He believes that if you never give up and push yourself, you will excel. PAGE

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SPORTS

Sports Team of the Month Seffner Christian Academy Cross Country Team BY TARYN STORTER

effner Christian Academy Cross Country has had an incredible season, to say the least. The team won the regional meet, for first time in the school’s history. Following regionals, the Crusaders went on to place fourth at the Florida High School Cross Country State Championship. Andy Holmes has coached the sport at SCA for eleven years and enjoys working with the kids. He said that his absolute favorite memory from this year was, “winning the regional meet, which the team has never done before. Also, we finished fourth at the state meet, which was tied for the highest finish ever for our school, fourth in 2012.” Throughout the season, the team won three meets- Wiregrass Ranch High School meet, the district and the regional meet. This was an

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outstanding record, three wins out of the nine total meets that they competed in. Although the team consists of a small number of students, Coach Holmes explained, “we are able to be successful on a yearly basis.” This is evident with their amazing record this season. Team members include Liam Perkins, Paul McKenzie, Blake Devisfruto, Beau Frazier, John McKenzie, Adam Nipper, Brant Wenger, Nate Biehl, and Kaleb Ramirez. Nate Biehl is the captain. John McKenzie was named Most Valuable Player. McKenzie was the highest finisher in eight of nine meets this season. Adam Nipper, a sophomore on the team, loved being a part of the cross country family. “My favorite part about this year

was going to the state meet and just getting to hang out and have fun with my friends and coaches,” said Nipper. The runners are looking forward to next season, with high hopes of

continuing their success on the track. Coach Holmes explained, “We are looking forward to competing in the state championships again this next year. We have five out of our top seven runners returning.”

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Ruth Bolles BY HEATHER DAVIS

uth Bolles is a new artist in this area who is quickly making her presence known in the short year she has been here. Although Ruth is a new face here in Plant City, her artistic talent and ability have spanned back over several decades in her home state of Michigan. For over thirty years, Ruth worked as a graphic designer for private label magazines. She found her true calling of working with stained glass by taking a weekend workshop and was immediately drawn to it by the way it spoke to her both intuitively and creatively. The type of stained glass art that Ruth specializes in is the copper foil method which is also known as the Tiffany style. Much of her work reflects inspiration that she finds in nature such as trees, plant life, and water. After moving to Plant City one year ago, Ruth established herself within the artistic community by becoming an active board member of the East Hillsborough Art Guild, the Lakeland Art Guild, and the Tampa Regional Art Guild. She also teaches stained glass workshops at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, as well as at Visual Concepts in Lakeland and Art on Central in Bartow. As a stained glass artist, Ruth is often times in a class by herself creating within her own specific niche. The type of stained glass that Ruth creates is an art form that is extremely specialized and not often replicated. Oftentimes in art shows and exhibits, she is the only one who is exhibiting within her art medium. Her pieces are organic and take on a life of their own as she creates and works with the glass. Her stained glass pieces are not always restricted to two dimensional but will also flow into three-dimensional forms as well. In fact, one of Ruth’s three-dimensional stained glass artworks took first place at the Strawberry Festival’s Art Show this past year in the sculpture division. Ruth also enjoys making custom commissioned work, creating one-of-a-kind works of art for her clients. Currently, she has work on display at the Arts on Central in Bartow. To view or commission the artwork of Ruth Bolle’s or to learn more about her classes you can visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fragmentsofmyimagination.

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Wanda’s

Words of Wisdom BY WANDA “LEWIS” ANDERSON

erry Christmas to all… At this time of year, my house is fragrant with apple, cinnamon and pine. I love these combinations but let’s look at a few tips using cinnamon: Did you know that cinnamon can stimulate hair growth? Simply mix equal parts of cinnamon and honey, then apply to problem areas on your scalp. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wash as normal with your shampoo. The cinnamon treatment will help wake up your scalp and improve the overall hair growth. Cinnamon can also repel moths from your clothes. Just fill a small cloth sachet or you can even use an old thin sock, with a cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves. Place the sachet in your drawers or in the closet. Not only will it repel the moths but it smells good, too. The kids can help with this tip: Use cinnamon sticks to make place cards for your guests. Place the name card in the crack of the cinnamon stick. Add a small ribbon and your guests can take the place settings home with them. Use cinnamon sticks as an air freshener in your car. The scent of

the cinnamon is known to improve alertness and reduce anxiety. This will make your commute less stressful. You can also soothe an upset stomach with cinnamon. Boil 1 cinnamon stick in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm. The antioxidants in the cinnamon will help soothe your upset stomach. If you have some fruit that you need to ripen fast, just place an apple in a bag with the fruit. Apples give off ethylene, which is a gas that accelerates the ripening of fruit. You know the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, recent studies show that an apple per day significantly helps the heart. I wanted to give a shout out to Bette Vetter at Body-Mind-Spirit Therapeutic Massage, Inc. She did a wonderful job in helping me with my neck issues. Check her out at BodyMind-SpiritTM@msn.com Please check with your physician before trying anything new. Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas, remembering the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful… PAGE

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All Aboard! Ride the Exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum BY BARBARA ROUTEN | PHOTOS TAKEN BY DEBRA O’REILLY

annually, and which usually sells out by the end of September. Mark your calendar to get tickets early in September next year! During the North Pole Express event, the museum grounds are covered with holiday lights, garland, and a big Christmas tree. Train cars are festively decorated, and costumed carolers lead sing-alongs as the train makes its way to the North Pole. There, guests visit Santa, make reindeer food, roast marshmallows over open fire pits and enjoy rides, games and getting their faces painted. Boy Scouts and other local organizations help with

parking and food concessions. Railroads played a vital role in the development of Plant City and the rest of the state. The Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 E. 83rd Street, Parrish, was created to educate and preserve railroad history and provides a rare experience of riding a train through the Florida countryside, reminiscent of an occurrence that was routine before jets and crowded highways became the norm. Check the website www.frrm. org, or call (941) 776-0906 for upto-date schedules and ticketing.

A locomotive being renovated at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish can be seen from an elevated wooden boardwalk.

hoo-choose a rolling excursion on train equipment that helped build Florida. Less than an hour away from Plant City, the Florida Railroad Museum Inc. offers weekend train rides. The 13-mile, hour-and-a-half roundtrip (on tracks laid in 1904) starts in Parrish and includes a stop at the turnaround point, Willow, to view rolling equipment there. About 50,000 paying passengers ride the trains every year, and about 60 volunteers assist the Florida Railroad Museum’s five paid staff members, three of whom maintain the locomotives and cars. This tourist-train organization’s operations and official positions, such as engineer and conductor, are regulated by the Federal Railway Administration. No two of the eight working cars and three cabooses are the same,

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spanning the decades from the 1920s to 1990s. They range from air-conditioned passenger cars to a retrofitted, former elephant-carrying car that belonged to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A volunteer host explains the history and significance of the car to their passengers. Regular train rides take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (except from Dec. 18 through Jan. 1 this year). Occasionally the ordinary schedule is superseded by special events, such as a World War II reenactment, a Hole-in-the-Head Gang wild west train robbery, the North Pole Express, visit from Thomas the Tank Engine, hobo campfire, and murder mystery dinner train. The most popular specialty ride is the North Pole Express, in which about 13,000 people participate

Passengers (left to right) Janet Rockey, Judith Johnson, Roxanne Tobaison and Meletha Everett onboard a train at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish await the start of Von Kessinger's Express, a World War II re-enactment.

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Candy’s Corner BY CANDY OWENS

ity sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow. Well .....maybe not snow. It's the most wonderful time of the year. As a kid in the early 1970's I had a very busy schedule during my two-week Christmas vacation. First of all, my sister Karen and I would accompany my father to the Optimist Christmas tree lot which was across the street from where the old Kash and Karry grocery store was. We would walk up and down every aisle looking for the perfect one. It couldn't be too tall, too short, too sparse, or have a hole in it. It had to be just right. Once we found the winning tree, the salesman, along with my dad, would tie it to the top of the car for the slow trip home. When we pulled in the driveway, my job was to run get my radio flyer wagon out of the garage. My dad would lay the tree across the wagon and proceed with getting, or should I say forcing, the tree stand on. This process would include the hammer, the saw, the screwdriver, and a great deal of mumbling under his breath. It sort of reminded me of Fred Flintstone. When the tree stand was finally on, we would open the front door and yell to my mother, "We’re coming in!" Her reply would be, "Please don't get that tree sap on my shag carpet". We would carefully walk over plastic garbage bags that mom had placed on the carpet for protection. Once inside and the tree in place, she would fill the stand with water and two Bayer aspirin. Mom said that the aspirin helped keep the tree alive.

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www.HopewellFuneral.com The next big thing on my agenda was to visit Santa Claus at the Plant City Plaza (what is now the home of Big Lots and USave). During my childhood, I witnessed Santa arriving at the mall by helicopter, by police car, by personal car, by Christmas float, and my least favorite of them all, by fire truck. My nervous anticipation of speaking with Santa coupled with the scream of the siren made me just want to get back in the car and forget about it. My mother had to basically drag me inside the mall to get in line for my visit on Santa's lap. As the line got closer and closer I would feel my mother poking me in the back reminding me not to talk too long, not to point out the difference in his appearance from year to year, and not to complain about what I did not get the year before, all with a big smile on my face. Once that task was complete, I would take my candy cane in a cold sweat and walk back to the car with rubber legs. The truth of the matter is that I was afraid of Santa. My mother constantly told me that Santa and/ or his elves were looking in the window at our house and watching my behavior. I knew that I was in some kind of trouble. The next thing on my agenda was the shopping. I had to find the perfect gift for my sister. I would have my mother drive me to McCrory's and sit outside in the car while I went inside. By myself, that was. In those days you could do things like that. I looked and looked and looked. There it was ...the perfect gift: a giant Claxton fruit cake. She never got one of those before. And then it happened ... Just as I was paying the cashier I heard my

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

mother's voice saying, "No, no, and no! You are not buying your sister a fruitcake for Christmas. Pick something else!" By that time I just threw my hands up in the air and said, "Okay, I will just take that giant peppermint stick over there." It was the size of my forearm. Oh! Well, she had never been given one of those before either. When Christmas Eve finally arrived there was even more work to be done. Our rooms, along with our house, had to be spotless. Our kitchen counter was set up with the good crystal platters, goblets, napkins, plates, silverware, glass bottles of coca cola, seven-up, ginger ale, and even my mother's prize punchbowl. Our family would have an early supper and then be off to the Methodist church for the candlelight service. I can remember how the church was decorated with luminary bags around the whole city block and all the way up the staircase. My sister and I would stand alongside our parents and sing the most beautiful Christmas hymns. Before you knew it the service was

over. Time to rush home and greet our guests for cookies and eggnog. Soon it was off to bed, but not without mother and daddy reading, "Twas the night before Christmas." We actually followed that tradition until my sister got married and moved away. On Christmas morning my sister and I would awaken to the smell of my father's famous Christmasmorning pancakes. We would jump out of the bed and run into the living room to see what Santa had left under the tree. There would be Barbies and bicycles, dollhouses and hula hoops, books and games, clothes and shoes, stockings stuffed with fruit and candy, too much to name it all. A wonderful day filled with joy and laughter was enjoyed by all. This Christmas Eve at age 56, when I stand with my mother, sister and family in church, I will sing those beautiful hymns. I will think of all of those wonderful Christmases past and remember my sweet father, who now sleeps in heavenly peace. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

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Candy’s Gettin’ Serious! BY CANDY OWENS

n Saturday, Dec. 8, I sat on the leather sofa at the gym (after my workout) talking to who we refer to as "G" or "Gartz" about how all of the sudden my knee is hurting. My knee hurts, it is sore, it feels like the knee cap is going to fall off. It never hurt before! Now that he changed my workout, it is bothering me 24/7. What should I do? Or what should I not do? "G" looked at me and said, "Candy...you are an athlete! ...and an athlete hurts all the time!" I remember I turned to him and said, "Athlete?..What do you mean that I am an athlete?" I had no idea what he was talking about? He said: "You are now working out

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six days a week and we are always moving different parts of your body that have been without movement or very little movement for the past few decades. You will always hurt! I always hurt! He hurts, she hurts, everybody that works out hurts!, People are here to move their bodies and get into shape, and that is an athlete!" WOW!!!! I am an Athlete!!! for the first time in my life I can fall into the ranks as an Athlete. This year, along with Mike Gartz, and all that are praying for me and cheering me on are changing my life! I am looking forward to see what this next year will bring to my health and physical fitness. My outlook and

health have changed drastically since I started this journey. I am being blessed beyond measure. I even love broccoli now!!! HEHEHEHEHE! I want to leave you with a NEW and CLEAR outlook that I have for people that are physically fit: WHY DO I RESPECT PEOPLE THAT ARE PHYSICALLY FIT • A physique is much more than how you look. • A well-built physique is a status symbol. • It reflects that you worked HARD for it. • No money can buy it. • You cannot inherit it. • You cannot HOLD ON TO IT without CONSTANT work. • It shows DEDICATION.

• It shows DISCIPLINE. • It shows SELF-RESPECT. • It shows DIGNITY. • It shows PATIENCE, WORK, ETHIC, and PASSION. • It shows that: I CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE FOR THIS. • It shows WHAT I EAT FOR THIS. • It shows that I CRIED FOR THIS. • It shows that I SWEAT FOR THIS. • It shows that I LIFT HEAVY FOR THIS. • It shows that I DID NOT WAKE UP LIKE THIS AND I AM MAKING THIS HAPPEN AND THAT THIS IS WORTH IT! Thank you all for your constant kindness towards me. I AM BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

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Leaders in Faith

Rev. Norman and Sherril Blanton BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

lant City natives Norman and Sherril Blanton celebrated 50 years of marriage in May of 2018, but they’ve known each other since infancy. Interestingly, both were born in 1948 in the second story doctor’s offices housed above two separate downtown pharmacies, before Plant City had its own South Florida Baptist Hospital. In addition to serving in numerous ministry roles together over the years, the Blantons cherish their two adult children— Jason (Lynn) and Rachael (Kevin)— and five grandchildren. Known especially for his tireless efforts to unite local leaders and church congregations in serving community causes, the resourceful Pastor Norm uses his faith and energy to share God’s love in practical ways. The Lee College (now Lee University) graduate earned degrees in Christian Education and Bible before his ordination through the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). In addition to pastoring churches in several denominations, the Reverend Blanton also filled such roles as Christian Education Director, Sunday School teacher, Ambassador for Promisekeepers and Integrity Business Referrals, and point person for the National Day of Prayer in Plant City. For his 20-year involvement with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, Blanton was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award 2018. In addition to organizing two Henry Blackaby conferences in partnership with other Christian leaders, the Plant City Chamber’s “Good Egg Award” recipient for years has directed the Somebody Cares Plant City organization’s efforts for CareFest and monthly marketplace/ pastors gatherings. Sherril has always been Norm’s biggest supporter and encourager in their service to area churches. Now

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retired from her work as Finance Coordinator for the City of Plant City, her volunteer ministry positions have included soloist, worship leader, bookkeeper and women’s ministries director. “In addition to being a wonderful mother to our children,” Norm explained, “she has been a covenant partner with me throughout our marriage. Sherril is always there when needed.” Blanton received Christ as his personal Savior at age 10 during a revival gathering. He described that experience as “so powerful and meaningful that it has been my Christian journey’s foundation ever since.” He credits the formation of his “passion and love for ministry” to “watching my mother and her mother’s faithfulness in their commitment to serve Christ and the church.” “I love to see Christians from all backgrounds gather for worship, fellowship, and prayer,” he added. “I get excited to think about the possibilities if we could all become one in Christ. God’s army cannot be defeated!” Of his remaining years, Blanton said: “I want to finish well in my journey with The Lord, as the Scripture reads, ‘that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.’ God is still working on me and through me. My hope is that my efforts to unify and impact our community for Christ would not be forgotten. John 17:21 is a prayer by Jesus, ‘…That they will all be one, as You, Father are in Me and I in You; that they also may one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.’ One dream would be to see prayer altars established throughout our city; places where individuals, business peers, and families know they can go to pray for others. My desire is that Plant City will be ready

for a spiritual awakening.” He wants everyone to know, “God loves you and He desires all men to be saved.” So he advises, “Look to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) promises: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.’ My prayer is that unbelievers will make a wise

decision about their own eternity.” He also encourages believers: “Don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. Spend more time reading the Word of God and talking to Him in prayer. Our relationship with The Lord is more important than all the busyness of church activities. Psalm 85:6 poses a great question: ‘Will You not revive us again that your people may rejoice in You? Show us your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.’”

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Elbys Mendoza Senior of the Month BY CELESTE MOTT

ith a GPA of 5.75, Elbys Mendoza, is in the top ten percent of her senior class. She is a member of Durant’s Student Government Alliance (SGA), she is the secretary for Students All Connected (SAC), and she is a National Honors Society member. Mendoza takes a multitude of demanding courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Physics, AP Art History, AP Spanish, and college-level Algebra. “My course set is very rigorous, so most of my classes always have homework. I’m always either doing homework or working. If I’m not doing either of those things, I am usually working a service event for my church or for Durant,” Mendoza said. Mendoza plans on attending the University of Florida to major in Civil Engineering. However, Mendoza did not limit herself to just applying to UF, she also applied to many top-tier schools but ultimately chose to stay in Florida. Despite her incredible academic and extracurricular success at Durant, Mendoza has had to overcome some serious challenges along the way. For a few months during her freshman year at Durant, Mendoza was homeless. “If anything, the experience of being homeless helped me grow more and motivated me to become the student and individual I am today,” Mendoza said. Mendoza looks up to her mom and says she is thankful for her mom’s strength. Mendoza and her mother came to the United States, from Mexico, leaving their family behind. Mendoza’s father disappeared before she was born, leaving her mother to become a single parent to raise Mendoza and her younger sister. “That part of my life motivates me to push myself even harder,” Mendoza said. Indeed, Mendoza has tackled these challenges more successfully than most people could as she is now one of the top performing students at Durant High School. “I am so happy and proud of myself for pushing through these obstacles to achieve a spot in the top ten percent of my class,” Mendoza said. PAGE

Trevor Welling

Senior of the Month BY HALEY GARRETT

revor Welling, one of Strawberry Crest High School’s most outstanding seniors, excels in everything he does. He is not only leading his class in academics, but he is also highly involved in band, yearbook, and TV production. Trevor is the student many high students aspire to be. Throughout his 4 years at Crest, Trevor has held many leadership roles and responsibilities. He has been apart of Band since he was in 7th grade. After many years of hard work and dedication, Trevor received the title of Drum Major. As Drum Major, Trevor conducts the band on a podium and is expected to lead by example. The position of Drum Major has taught Trevor many leadership responsibilities. He is also Business Manager in the Strawberry Crest Yearbook Staff. His role is to keep track of all sales in the program. He records books sales and ad sales. In TV production, Trevor is the producer of the morning show. He makes sure everything runs smoothly and helps the underclassman. His involvement at Strawberry Crest had shaped him to a leader and a respectful young man. Trevor is proud of all of his accomplishments and his fellow classmates are also proud. Trevor is admired by many and will leave a positive impact on many programs at Strawberry Crest when he graduates.

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DINING

Christmas Green Beans Recipe RECIPE BY VICTORIA WATKINS SGRO

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

Ingredients 1 lb fresh green beans 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 tbsp olive oil 3 slices bacon 1 ounces goat cheese 1/4 cup almonds, chopped sea salt & black pepper, to taste

As the green beans cook, crisp up your bacon. Drain on a paper towel and chop up once cooled. (Reserve that bacon fat in a jar for future use!) Chop the raw almonds and set aside.

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Heat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry the green beans and cranberries. Break off any pieces of stem left on the beans. Spread out the green beans and cranberries in an even layer on a lined baking sheet. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes.

When the green beans have finished cooking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon, goat cheese, and almonds over the top. Toss together until everything is evenly distributed. Taste test your beans and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve up in a beautiful dish and top with additional bacon, goat cheese, and almonds, if desired! Merry Christmas!

Notes

For a large family gathering, I triple this recipe! Try using 3 (16 oz) bags of green beans, a 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries, a package of bacon, and a small 4 oz log of goat cheese. Easy peasy!

If you try this recipe, be a gem and tag @ahintofgarlic on Instagram and Facebook. Victoria loves hearing from readers and seeing your beautiful photos.

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DINING

Maryland Fried Chicken Serving Plant City since 1969 BY CIERRA CRAFT

315 S Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 752-9200 Monday- Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed Cash Only

aryland Fried Chicken’s signature pressure-cooked fried chicken and seafood has an audible crunch. Hand breaded and cooked in pure peanutoil, the establishment has offered the best in chicken and seafood to generations of Plant City residents. Maryland Fried Chicken was once a chain restaurant, owned by a group of locals in the late 1960s. Bill Naset bought his partners out in 1969 and since, the restaurant has remained in the Naset family. Today, Mark Naset and Kim McElveen, children of Bill and Beverly, run the establishment. The family-owned and operated business treats patrons like family. With speedy service and a friendly smile, customers are met with a warm welcome to the restaurant. The pressure-cooking method seals in the juices and flavors, giving

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the most delectable chicken. With Maryland’s famous recipe of spices and seasonings, everything on the menu is cooked “tasty, tender and delicious.” The menu includes chicken, chicken gizzards, shrimp, catfish, as well as other options. Sides include cole slaw, breaded okra, french fries, onion rings, and more. The hearty portions and affordable prices make Maryland Fried Chicken a Plant City lunch and dinner favorite. Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Dinner: Three pieces of Maryland’s signature golden fried chicken, with your choice of two sides (many patrons recommend the mashed potatoes and gravy and homemade coleslaw), and a roll. Shrimp Special Dinner: 16 medium crispy shrimps, with your choice of two sides, and a roll.

In addition to being named Best Fried Chicken in FOCUS Magazine’s Readers' Choice Awards for several consecutive years, Maryland Fried Chicken proudly boasts that Fox 13 named their restaurant the Best Fried Chicken, as well. Customers rave about the quality of service, the cleanliness of the restaurant and most importantly, are proud to talk about their favorite menu items. When asked for his opinion on Maryland Fried Chicken, Curtis Browning of Green Life Environmental said “Mmmm finger licking good!” Angie Inzerillo at Blue Sun Realty agreed, mentioning the establishment is a “Plant City staple.” Jon Poppell of Poppell Insurance said he is ready for a meal at Maryland’s “always at anytime.” Take it from fellow Plant City

residents who describe the chicken at Maryland Fried Chicken as “divine” and the “best chicken in Tampa Bay.” Patrons have the option to order take-out at the old fashioned walkup window or dine-in in the quant restaurant. Maryland Fried Chicken oozes a late 1960s style with a yellow, orange and turquoise color scheme and the iconic neon chicken sign out front. To this day, Maryland Fried Chicken remains a cash-only business. Maryland Fried Chicken has become a cornerstone of Plant City’s culinary heritage. From humble beginnings, the Naset family prides themselves in offering the same fresh, never frozen chicken that has fed hungry Plant City residents for almost 50 years.

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events can't miss PAGE

Friday, Dec. 21

Thur. Dec. 20

Christmas Carols with Katie, Benji & Kristen

6:33PM Join Katie Boggs, Benji Padgett, and Kristen Hamrick in the Krazy Kup Loft for Christmas classics! This talented trio spread Christmas cheer with covers of your favorite holiday jingles. Krazy Kup 101 E. J Arden Mays Blvd Cost: Free Info: Krazy Kup, (813) 752-1220

Tuesday, Jan. 01

Christmas Customer Appreciation Concert

8PM Soul Circus Cowboys will be live at 1916 Irish Pub for this third annual event! Limited seating, call to reserve seating. No cover! Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 1916 Irish Pub @ 2309 W. Thonotosassa Rd Cost: Free Info: (813) 756-6504

Mon. Dec. 24

Christmas Eve

Tue. Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Mon. Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

Tue. Jan. 01

Happy New Year!

Lights of Winter 2018

6PM Shine bright with Lights of Winter! Just because the holidays will have come and past, doesn’t mean the light displays have to as well. This computerized light show features over 40,000 lights dancing to music. 3212 Bella Garden Lane Cost: Free Info: (813) 857-5304, www.lightsofwinterpc.com

Sat. Jan. 05

Sun. Jan. 06

The Florida Opry

6PM A music variety show of bluegrass, country, Americana, folk, gospel, and contemporary music. The Opry features cloggers, singers and is sure to be a good time! 1914 PCHS Community Center 605 N. Collins St. Cost: Adults, $15; Students, $8 Info: East Hillsborough Historical Society, 813-757-9226

FishHawk Ranch Market Day

9AM-2PM Over 44 vendors selling unique handcrafted and homemade items! ParkSquare 16144 Churchview Dr Cost: Price per item Info: 813-657-6629

Chili Cook-Off

10AM-1PM Following Sunday Worship, Liberty Southern Baptist Church is hosting a Chili Cook Off! Who will be crowned chili champion? Liberty Southern Baptist Church 2505 W. Granfield Ave. Cost: Free Info: (813) 756-5040

Mon. Jan. 07

Mon. Jan. 14

Face Painting & Balloon Twisting

6-8PM Join the team at Duke’s for Kids Night! Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Wagner Events will be on site to provide face painting and balloon animals! Duke’s Brewhouse @ 2212 James L. Redman Pkwy Cost: Free Info: Duke’s Brewhouse, (813) 752-2700

PC Garden Club Meeting

9:30AM Join the PC Garden Club for coffee at 9:30AM, followed by a general body meeting at 10AM. Jan Griffin will present a press flowered card workshop! 1914 PCHS Community Center 605 N. Collins St. Cost: Free Info: Lisa Firm, 813-404-4922

Ongoing Mondays Weekly

4th Tuesdays Monthly

7 AM @ South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Rm. Info: George Banning, 813-759-1638

6 PM @2207 W. Baker St. Info: 813-752-8608

Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club

1st & 3rd Mondays Monthly

Improvement League of Plant City 7 PM @ Historic Glover School Conference Room 5104 Horton Rd. Info: William Thomas, 813-757-6760

2nd & 4th Mondays Monthly

Plant City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM @ City Hall 302 W. Reynolds St. City Clerk: 813-659-4237 (December: 2nd Monday only)

3rd Monday Monthly

Family Community Advisory Council

5 - 6:30 PM @ 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City Info: Ladislao Sanchez 813.752.8700 Info: 813-752-1220

1st Tuesdays Monthly

Economic Development Corp. Meeting

2 PM @ PC Chamber of Commerce unless announced 106 N. Evers St. Info: Jake Austin, 863-712-0655

1st Tuesdays Monthly (Sept-May)

Arts Council of Plant City

7 PM @ PC Chamber of Commerce 106 N. Evers St. Info: Dodie White, 813-752-5156

2nd Tuesdays Monthly

GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City 10:30 AM @1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Nancy Miller, 813-754-2544

MAKE Plant City

7PM Location varies each month. Info: makeplantcity@gmail.com

2nd & 4th Tuesdays Monthly American Legion– Norman McLeod Post #26 6 PM @2207 W. Baker St. Info: 813-752-8608

American Legion Auxiliary Post #26

Hot Coffee Topics

7:45 – 9 AM @ 101 E J Arden Mays Blvd Info: http://www.plantcitymainstreet.org; 813-210-9926 Fees: $5 Non-member suggested contribution

Tuesdays Weekly

Plant City Lions Club

12 Noon @ 1101 Goldfinch Drive Info: Tony Lee, 813-752-7202

Wednesdays Weekly

Plant City Kiwanis Club

12 Noon @ BuddyFreddy’s Restaurant 1101 Goldfinch Drive Info: David Wolf 813-717-9300

2nd Thursdays Monthly

GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Plant City 7PM @1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Lisa Rhodes, 813-376-8294 Fridays & Saturdays Weekly

Live Music @ O’Brien’s Irish Pub 8 PM @ 1701 S. Alexander Street Info: 813-764-8818 www.obrienspubsplantcity.com

4th Thursdays Monthly Retro Movie Night

6:33-8:33 PM @ 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd Info: 813-752-1220

Last Fridays Monthly Java & Jeans

8 – 9:30 AM Informal networking w-donuts/coffee provided. Location varies each month. Info: Norm Nelson 813-754-3707

2nd Saturdays Monthly

Open Mic Night @ Krazy Kup

8:33 PM @ 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd Info: 813-752-1220

3rd Saturdays Monthly

Strawberry Classic Car Show 4-8 PM @ 102 N. Palmer St. Info: 814-754-3707, www.plantcity.org

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