Heartland LIVING Dec 2023-Jan 2024 Issue

“I’ve had my eyes on a Ford F-150 for a bit and decided to go to Gilbert Ford and check out their inventory. They had a huge selection and when I saw this one, I couldn’t pass it up. The whole process was quick and easy. The salesman didn’t hover over me but was quick to answer any questions I had. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience purchasing my Ford F-150!”

3175 US Highway 441 South • Okeechobee, FL 34974 (863) 763-2121 • www.Gilbert-Ford.com

- Chris Hans Local Okeechobee Resident

December 2023 & January 2024

3

Happy Holidays!

F R O M O U R F A M I LY T O Y O U R S

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR Everglades Pediatric Denistry Team!

State of the Art Pediatric Dental care for infants to teens!

Everglades Pediatric Dentistry features offices located in both Okeechobee and Sebring, FL in order to provide the Heartland, Greater Lake Okeechobee area, and surrounding counties with the most convenient care. ¡ Preventative Care ¡ Emergency Dental Treatment ¡ Restorative Dentistry ¡ New Patient Exams ¡ In-Office Sedation ¡ Interceptive Orthodonic ¡ Dental Care for Special Treatment Needs & Medically Compromised Patients ¡ Extractions Melissa Kindell, DMD

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www.evergladespedodent.com December 2023 & January 2024 5

44

Protect Our Paradise

Safeguarding What We Love About Florida

By Christy Swift

6

December 2023 & January 2024 Volume 12  Issue 6

ONTENT

FEATURES 26

Divinely Inspired Art By Keith Goodson

By Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez

64

Love In Action

The Gospel Village

By Rebecca Maglischo

64 December 2023 & January 2024

7

CONTENTS

December 2023 & January 2024 Volume 12  Issue 6

96

NOTEWORTHY 96

New Year's Resolution Goals

By Kelsey Schauf

FOOD & HEALTH 86

Cranberry Beef Bourguignon Holiday Meal

By Cindy Adams

DEPARTMENTS

10 Letter from the Publisher 16 Behind the Scenes 22 From our Readers COVER Cover "Alyssa"

8

Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

86

Painting by Keith Goodson

It's time to get the

Smile

you always wanted.

Cosmetic & General Dental Services Dental Implants Laser Treatment and Digital Imaging Orthodontics Invisalign ® Full-mouth Rehabilitation Same-day Crowns, Root Canals, Bridges & More Zoom! ® Whitening Sedation

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December 2023 & January 2024

9

T

hank you for picking up our December & January Issue. We are ending an amazing 2023 for Heartland LIVING and I couldn’t say this without all your support. I’m not much of a believer in New Year’s resolutions but I’m looking forward to ringing in 2024 with keeping the most interesting editorial content we can find and bringing you new ideas throughout the year. If you have some thoughts, I would love for you to share them with us.

Heartland LIVING started out as a vision twelve years ago and has been a challenge at times but mostly my joy, not my job.

I know I have said it before but I’m going to say it over and over. I thank God every day for the blessings of publishing he has given me and that I get to do what I love and share it with you. With all your help, the magazine has become far beyond anything I could have imagined. All on a Prayer and Trust!

I was speaking with Keith Goodson about his story we are featuring in this issue, and he shared this with me: “God has given us all talent and it’s up to us to cultivate that talent.” This keeps coming back to me, and I thought I would share it with you. Thank you, Keith, for our conversation and for sharing your amazing story and talent with our readers.

We share so many different interests with our features and the love we have for Florida. Of course, we love to travel, too… With everything going on with our land in Florida, our writer Christy Swift is sharing with you the documentary series “Protect Our Paradise.” This feature was presented to me by Conservation Florida, and we thought it was something important to share with you. After reading, there are six episodes on the Discover Florida Channel that you can follow up with.

While flipping the pages you don’t want to miss our story “Love in Action” with Gospel, Inc. I have to give a huge thank you to our writer Rebecca Maglischo for all her time interviewing one on one for this heartfelt story. She said it totally touched her heart, and I could see why when I teared up while reading it. I have been wanting to get behind the scenes of the homeless and the WHY, but how do you do that? You wait until it is the right time and in your researching, it appears.

Ending 2023, I am so very grateful for my AMAZING Team at Heartland LIVING, my family and friends and the new ones I have met throughout the year. Mostly, I wouldn’t be going into our thirteenth year without all the support from my awesome advertisers. Thank you so much to all of you for trusting me to share your business with the Heartland Communities.

Wishing You All Blessings, Health, Happiness and Success in 2024.

God Bless,

Cindy Sebring Adams 10 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

December 2023 & January 2024 11

Heartland

Publications & Marketing, Inc. December 2023 & January 2024 Volume 12  Issue 6

Published by CEO | Publisher Cindy Sebring Adams

Creative Director Bridgette Waldau

Editor Christy Swift

Cover Painting Keith Goodson

Digital Media Coordinator Kelsey Schauf

Cover Digital Design Bridgette Waldau

Feature Writers Rebecca Maglischo Ladonna Rodriguez Kelsey Schauf Christy Swift

Feature Photographers Pete Gill Killian Gilroy Jodi Moore Frazier Nivens Distribution Lisa Griffin

Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc.

Proud Recipient of 18 Charlie Awards

2014 - 2021

In the Following Categories:

Contact: 412 Rest Haven Road, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 863-781-0344 E-mail

Cindy@Heartland-Living.com Become a fan on facebook

www.HeartlandLivingMagazine.com

Best Overall Design Best Department Design (2) Best Feature Design (4) Cover Photo Illustration Best Traditional Illustration Best Self-Promotional Ad Best Table of Contents Best Department Design Best Photography Image (3) Best Overall Writing Best Custom Publication (2)

Florida Magazine Association

Heartland Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Heartland Publications & Marketing, Inc. Copyright 2023, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher.

All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Heartland Living Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Heartland Living Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Heartland Living Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

12 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

M

ER

RYC

HRIS

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Dr. Moulds and her team strive to deliver the very best eye care experience for your entire family and look forward to serving you this new year!

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14 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

L Restocally aur ant Owned and B

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Steaks - Seafood - Pasta We serve Chairman’s Reserve Certified Premium Steaks!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Cowpoke’s!

We will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for our employees to spend time with their families.

We will be open normal hours for New Years!

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Remember Cowpokes Gift Cards make the perfect gift!

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6813 US 27 South - Sebring, FLorida December 2023 & January 2024 15

BEHIND THE SCENES Editor | Writer

CHRISTY SWIFT has been a freelance

writer for over 13 years, working as an award-winning newspaper correspondent, magazine article writer, and web and social media content provider. She is also a 2025 debut author; her novel "Hashtag, Celebrity Crush" published by Hachette Forever comes out on February 11th, 2025. You can follow her by signing up for her newsletter at www.christyswift.com.

Writer

REBECCA MAGLISCHO is a wife and

mother of two boys. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Human Movement with an emphasis on Corrective Modalities. She has completed a two year study in Full Body Systems through the Holistic Nutrition Lab and a certification in Functional Range Condition through the Functional Anatomy Systems.

Writer

LADONNA PAEDAE RODRIGUEZ

has written newspaper articles about Sebring, its people and its history, and finds joy in sharing with her community.

Her passion for writing connects to her love of the arts. She is also a visual artist, using colored pencil as her medium. Her roots are deep in Highlands County; her mother was born in a house in DeSoto City in 1928, and her relatives were among the firefighters who went to rescue those in Moore Haven during the hurricane of 1926, giving her a unique perspective into our culture.

"Every GREAT design begins with an even BETTER story."

- Lorinda Mamo, designer

16

December 2023 & January 2024 Creative Art Director

BRIDGETTE WALDAU has been

a graphic and fine artist for over 40 years. She received her A.A. from the Ft. Lauderdale Institute of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Stetson University.

Bridgette has been creative director for several publications, working with Heartland Publications & Marketing as art director since 2011, winning eleven Florida Magazine Charlie Awards (2015- 2021). She was Arts & Culture Alliance Director (20 years) for Okeechobee Main Street. Bridgette is married to James Waldau, a retired firefighter from the City of Hialeah and they recently moved to Venice , FL.

Photographer JODI MOORE is a Florida

photographer for any occasion, proudly located in Highlands County. Seven years ago, she took the bold leap into the realm of professional photography by opening PBJ Photography by Jodi.

She graduated from Shaw Academy, with a degree in Photography, Photoshop, and Lightroom, and thrives on the artistry of photography. She finds great joy and pride in creating enduring memories that linger in the hearts of those who will cherish them for a lifetime.

Digital Media Coordinator | Writer KELSEY SCHAUF was born and

raised in Sebring and currently resides in Mooresville, NC. For the past eight years, she has worked as a Public Relations Representative. Kelsey left the industry in 2022 to spend more time with her husband, Jacob, and son, Kolbey. One of her passions is project management and being able to see a project through from start to finish. She is currently working at Carolina CAT in Charlotte, N.C. with the Vice President of the Rental Store.

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Christmas is full of shiny things that sparkle, gleam and glow.

These holiday pleasures dazzle us, and yet, deep down, we know...

That Christmas has its special gifts, but our year-round joy depends on the cherished people in our lives, our family and friends.

May the Blessings of Christmas be with You and Your Family and continue into the New Year!

Heartland LIVING

From all of us at

December 2023 & January 2024 19

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Heartland LIVING

Heartland LIVING October & November 2023

October & November 2023

Dear Heartland LIVING Team: We are so grateful & appreciative of the beautiful feature story about our glamping location in your October & November Issue. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you all & we so enjoyed reading the story & viewing the beautiful pictures.

-Timberline Glamping Tampa Team

Get Your Glamp On! A Luxury Florida Great Outdoors Experience

I posted a pic on my Facebook page of your magazine and definitely want to book!

Your MAID IN America L.L.C

We are honored to be featured in this awesome publication and grateful for a chance to share with the community and surrounding areas what we do and why we do it. -Our Village Okeechobee

Community Compassion Commitment THE STORY BEHIND

Our Village Okeechobee

By Bridgette Waldau Photography by Sharon Jones

When someone walks through the door at Our Village, the goal is to find out what they need to live the best life that they can and how Our Village can help them do just that.

Our Village Okeechobee, a non-profit organization, started with a vision of one person 23 years ago. This vision came to founder Leah Suarez, after a near death experience. The vision came to her in the form of a dream, a dream so clear she could not ignore it. But I’ll let her tell it...

It was great working with Leah Suarez and her staff at Our Village. They put their heart and soul into this organization and it shows. I’m glad to be a part of Heartland Living Magazine’s Team -Sharon Jones

“So in that state of whatever it was, I was having dreams, and literally visions of Jesus,” Leah said. “Stuff like that doesn't happen to people like me. Funny thing, though, was one dream stuck with me about Our Village. I was seeing this orb, and my husband, the quintessential guy who must have a million children around, literally pops out of a clown car in this city with kids.” Soon after getting out of the hospital, Leah wrote her vision for Our Village.

Her vision became a reality soon after college. She gathered a group of friends, sharing her idea. Leah told them, “Listen, you guys know that I'm the craziest person ever, probably your craziest friend but hear me out.” She pitched her vision, adding, “I have no money, I have no means to start this other than you guys throwing money in the pot and deciding to be a board member or volunteer.” She needed a village to make Our Village a reality.

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I got a hold of a copy yesterday and I love the article about our sister town in Sebring, Ohio.

-Jenifer Eden Mahanna

DEEP ROOTS IN FLORIDA SOIL:

By Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez Photography by Lisa Taylor Hall Tracing the lineage of one’s family to the 1900s can be challenging. Discovering and verifying those roots to the 1700s is remarkable. Pioneer Lorida family, the Waldrons, know their history well. They are settlers, great story-tellers, history buffs, and perhaps, legend-creators.

This is the multi-generational historical “map” of the Waldron family and their far-reaching family tree, the canopy of which covers generations. It traces back to when Florida was composed of territories split into east and west, and before that to their Georgia home, to being early settlers and township developers in Arcadia, Florida, finally landing today in Lorida, Florida.

Very beautiful.

-Barbara Landers Kesselring

Our Sister City

Sebring OHIO

October & November 2023 75

74

Written and Photographed by Matthew Christian

Great feature -The Who I Am Foundation Recognizing the previous generations in our family tree is priceless. Providing just a sliver of insight into the Florida Cracker heritage and those family members and many others living in Florida during the 1800's and later, must be remembered. Thanks Cindy, Ladonna and Lisa for preserving a small portion of Florida heritage through Heartland LIVING Magazine. We are forever grateful. - Michael M E Waldron

Growing up in Sebring, Florida gave me an immense amount of pride in my hometown. So when I stumbled across a YouTube video of the Sebring Mansion in Sebring, Ohio I looked at my wife, Christa, and told her, “We have to go there!” So began the planning and gathering of as much info as I could about Sebring, Ohio.

I knew that the founding father of our city, George Sebring, was from Sebring, Ohio, but that was the extent of my knowledge. As I dug into the past, I discovered a rich history contained within the 2.5 square miles of the Village of Sebring, located smack dab between Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Sebring family established the village in 1899, and it soon became known as the pottery capital of the world with over 3,300 pottery workers and 8 potteries. In 1912, Sebring began producing and selling the “Sebring Six” car. They produced around 100 cars before the Model T put them out of business.

Around that time, George decided to head south and find some land to develop in Florida. He purchased 10,000 acres on the east side of Lake Jackson and settled and established what we now know as Sebring, Florida. By doing this, the Sebring family became the only family in the US to have two towns named after them. George Sebring carried on the same tradition that he had established in Ohio—that of giving churches free land to establish their places of worship, as he himself was a devout Christian. Also, as he did in Ohio, he wrote all property deeds to contain a clause prohibiting owners from possessing or selling alcohol. Meanwhile back in Ohio, his five brothers carried on in the pottery business. As time carried on, mergers, The Great Depression, WWII and foreign competition eventually decimated the pottery industry in Sebring, and the factories closed their doors. Now the quaint Village of Sebring is left with just over 4,000 residents.

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If you would like to share your thoughts, please leave a post on our Facebook page or email us at Cindy@Heartland-Living.com 22

43

We wish you a

Blessed Christmas A N D A J OY F U L

New Year!

Dr. Gayle Obermayr, DDS, MS Dr. Miguel Saravia & Dr. Michael G. Kirsch, DDS, MS Periodontics

863-382-8878

Endodontics

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4660 Lakeview Drive | Sebring, FLDecember 338702023 & January 2024 23

24 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

AG EAT PLACE PL CE TO GREAT

Live & Play

FLORIDA'S CENTERPIECE COMMUNITY Sun ‘N Lake offers an array of housing options that cater to your every desire. Whether you are into the charm of single-family homes, the convenience of townhomes, or the lowmaintenance condo lifestyle. You can choose from brand-new constructions, meticulously maintained resale properties, or even vacant lots for creating your custom dream home.

Wake up to the serene beauty of the golf course, the shimmering lake views, or the natural forest scenery right outside your window.

Sun ‘N Lake is more than just a place to live; it’s a vibrant community bursting with excitement. You will have access to two world-class golf courses that will challenge your skills. When you are ready to unwind, the Island View Restaurant beckons with its delectable cuisine and picturesque setting.

There is always something happening here!

So, if you’re looking for the perfect blend of upscale living, recreation, and a sense of community Sun ‘N Lake is where your heart truly belongs!

Amenities: • Two world-class golf courses • Resort-style recreation complex with zero-entry lagoon pool and modern fitness center • Racquet club facility featuring pickleball, tennis and shuffleboard courts • State-of-the-art shaded playground • Members-only dog park • Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails

Sebring, Florida • SNLDistrict.org • 863.382.2196 December 2023 & January 2024 25

26

By Ladonna Paedae Rodriguez Photography by Jodi Moore and Photos Courtesy Keith Goodson

In the “art world,” many are familiar with the name Keith Goodson. He has created awardwinning art, is well-known for the mural he painted in Lake Placid of the Cracker Trail Cattle Drive, has been featured in galleries, and has sold innumerable creations made with brush in hand. At the tender age of four, Keith proudly painted a mural on the wall inside of his childhood home. While that gesture may not have been appreciated at the moment by his mother, she now realizes the talent that was growing within her young son. That talent was accompanied by his growing faith in God and Jesus Christ.

27

"Sweet Time"

"Bagel Daze"

28 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

"Reflections"

Goodson creating "Tea Time"

Goodson grew up in a Christian home, and the church was a regular part of his daily life. As he matured in both his age and within his Southern Baptist church, Keith struggled to integrate his love for painting with his dedication to the church. He was in an environment in which he searched for a balance: being a Christian, but also providing inspiration for people to see art in a different way than they may have previously.

Goodson began learning about the art of the 15th century and noticed that much of the art during that period was used to “put the fear of God” into the viewer. It was focused on Heaven and Hell. Said Keith, “For me, the struggle was the religious aspect, the balance between living a Christian life, while also being socially well-rounded, bringing the gifts I’ve been given to everyone to enjoy, and creating art that is not necessarily Christian-based. We attach ourselves to things that we are gifted at or things that we feel are important to us, and hopefully along the way, we don’t get sidetracked.”

Goodson has reached a point in his life where he doesn’t want to be famous. “I don’t care. I have come into a place where I have a great wife and family. I am searching for how I can be more like Christ.” His goal is to serve others through his art, and in doing so give them hope, especially during desperate times. This is his motto, inspiring others through his life and his art.

29

"Paddling Our Wildlife Paradise" -Titusville, FL

"Cracker Trail Cattle Drive"- Lake Placid, FL

30 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Fortunate to have traveled to Rome three times as an adult, Keith visited the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, viewing the works of Michelangelo. Goodson remarked that “Michelangelo spent two years on his back painting the ceiling. Nothing puts that into perspective until you see it in person. It is overwhelming. Michelangelo began painting murals in his 20s, as did I. Neither of us knew how to do a mural—it was a gift given to us both by God. Murals have become the holistic approach to the culture in that area. When someone goes up to a wall that has been hand painted by an artist and it brings an awareness, whether the art depicts the city, the people, agriculture, or art for art’s sake, there is a connection.” At the end of Michelangelo’s life, he wrote in his memoirs that “everything I've done with my hands is in vain, but for the glory of God.” Continued Goodson, “If I contribute one-tenth of that, I am honored to be encouraging the next generation. After I’m gone, hopefully some of these things will inspire them.”

"Reflections of Our Past" - Titusville, FL

December 2023 & January 2024 31

Goodson's paintings at Champions Church in Winter Haven

"Stay the Course"

32

Goodson painting live during a service

Several years ago, Keith painted a 13’x 36’ continuous canvas oil painting of the Nativity Scene, painted in 15th century style. It was painted at Champions Church in Winter Haven and then donated to The Holy Land Experience in Orlando. He painted every day, 12 hours per day, for 6 months, creating that masterful piece of art. After the closing of the Holy Land Experience, the artwork was returned to Keith, and he has since donated it to a local church.

Keith is now focused on his greatest artistic passion, which is painting for his church. To the side of the altar, he has an easel upon which is a 5’x7’ blank canvas, and Keith paints during the service and the singing. At times he has forethought about what he will paint; other times he lets the sermon direct him. He donates his time, his talent and his art to the church. Recently during the one-hour service, he painted an image of a young man holding a ship’s wheel while in a storm. In the middle of the ship’s wheel, Goodson painted a cross. The young man had fear in his eyes, and as he looked behind, he saw Jesus walking on the waves towards him.

At the end of the service, many people approached Goodson and said that they saw themselves in that painting, trying to keep their lives on course during rough waters. It gave them hope. Keith said, “That is my absolute love.” Astonishingly, he has painted over 600 such paintings for the church!

December 2023 & January 2024 33

34 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Recently, his church went out into the community to help bring awareness for suicide prevention in Lakeland. There were hundreds of motorcyclists and Jeeps that participated in a corresponding rally.

Keith set up a canvas and created a painting of Jesus on a Harley. The church sold the painting, another donation by Keith, for that mission.

“I never know where my art will lead me. If it doesn’t lead anywhere, I’m fine with it. My mission is to bring hope and healing to people.”

Relating how his art blends so well with his mission, Goodson recalled traveling to Italy, where he spoke and painted a canvas at a small church. “I spoke, I painted, and then showed them a picture of my ‘The Lion and the Lamb’ painting. I asked if anyone had seen that painting and to my surprise, several held up their smartphones, showing me their screen saver, which was that painting. I later found out that a boys’ choir had been using an image of the painting as their background while they toured. I’ve been told that some of my paintings are in huts in Africa with sticks used to attach the prints to the hut walls.”

"The Lion and the Lamb"

December 2023 & January 2024 35

Goodson working at his studio at Lakes Church for the Bethlehem at Lake Mirror, Lakeland, FL

36 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Currently, Keith is in the process of painting 13 sets for a large church in Lakeland, which has 2,000 members, for their Bethlehem production. One scene depicts the “House of Bread.” It is 16 feet long and eight feet high, a sort of three-sided diorama, representing Christ as the Bread of Life.

Goodson’s wife, Jennifer, is a psychotherapist, and her gift is to help others by listening.

Said Keith, “With that comes a lot of hope.

Her clients realize that they have a spiritual gift within to get past their place of pain.”

Interestingly, Jennifer studied to become a counselor initially to help Keith, who had struggled with depression. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health, and it has helped in all areas of their marriage and family-life. Keith is very grateful for Jennifer’s support and for their kids, who he says are “great kids, super-good kids. I couldn’t ask for better kids. We are so blessed with Michael, Ashlynn and Alyssa.”

Keith added, “You truly do not know where you will have an impact, what reach you will have. One day, when I’m in Heaven, I’ll look around and see that, hopefully I have affected people. Right now, I’m where my calling is, and if I died today, I would be totally content with what I’ve done.”

Amen, Keith Goodson. Amen.

Dhanielle Smith, Michael, Jennifer, Keith, Alyssa and Ashlynn Goodson

December 2023 & January 2024 37

38 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

“I never know where my art will lead me. If it doesn’t lead anywhere, I’m fine with it. My mission is to bring hope and healing to people.”

-Keith Goodson

December 2023 & January 2024 39

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Safeguarding What We Love About Florida

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By Christy Swift Photography By Pete Gill, Killian Gilroy and Frazier Nivens

hat do you love best about Florida? Is it the clear water and pristine beaches? The bird and wildlife sightings in your neighborhood?

The fresh, salt-tinged breeze whispering through the palms? There are so many things to love, it’s hard to choose. But rampant growth and development are putting all of them at risk.

“Florida is, in my very biased opinion as a sixth generation Floridian, the best place to live and work and raise a family,” says Traci Deen, environmental attorney and President and CEO of Conservation Florida.

“I understand that people want to live here because I want to live here, too. But what we save and what we pave over the next decade is going to determine the future of our state.”

45

rotecting the Florida we all love is her organization’s mission. That’s why when Chad Crawford approached Traci with an idea for a TV show called “Protect Our Paradise,” she was all in.

With help from the Bellini family, who underwrote a generous grant, Conservation Florida was able to partner with Crawford Entertainment to create a stunning six-part series that explores the wild beauty of Florida and the efforts being taken to protect it.

Chad Crawford

46

Vice President of Conservation Florida, Adam Bass and Scott Crippen, Rancher

OUR focuses on the hidden wonders and current challenges of the 18 million acre Florida Wildlife Corridor and the fight for its conservation.

OUR shines a light on the beauty of Florida’s bodies of water and the efforts to protect water quality in our state.

OUR journeys through all the ways land is used in Florida, from timberlands to military installations and even takes viewers along on a prescribed burn.

OUR takes a deep dive into the Sunshine State’s population growth and how its impact is changing wild Florida.

OUR opens viewers’ eyes to what’s happening on our coastlines, including efforts to restore plant life, water quality, and coral reefs.

OUR focuses on iconic Florida species that are being threatened by habitat loss and what we can do to coexist in harmony with these extraordinary creatures.

47

Carlton Ward and Chad Crawford

There's a reason the word ‘our’ is in the title. I want people to feel ownership of where they live. This is our Florida. It’s not the government’s.

It’s not anybody else’s. I want people to feel the weight of that.

- Chad Crawford

48

ll six episodes are currently available for free via the Discover Florida Channel app on Roku, AppleTV, AmazonFire, Xbox, Samsung, or LG or at www. discoverfloridachannel.com.

The host of the show is Chad Crawford, a third generation Floridian who has made a life and career out of teaching others how to live to the max in this state. He produced and hosted 13 seasons of “How to Do Florida” (also available on the Discover Florida Channel) where viewers can tag along with him on Florida-based adventures like shrimping, surfing, and scuba diving. He also created and hosted “The Outsiders Club,” a show about teaching kids how to enjoy the Florida outdoors, and “My Florida Yard,” where his team “flips” a yard to Florida-friendly in eight hours, educating homeowners along the way.

“Protect Our Paradise” is the natural culmination of that trajectory, Chad explains: “A way to wrap all this together into a much sharper spear and point it at much bigger environmental issues, talking to people on the front lines and trying to address and educate people in our state about what we’re up against.”

There was no shortage of adventure in the two years it took to create the series, but Chad has had some stand-out moments. “Carlton Ward had us meet him in the middle of nowhere. Getting to him was insane,” Chad says, referring to the National Geographic Society photographer and co-founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor project. (You can see Chad drive his truck across an honest-togoodness creek in the “Our Corridor” episode). Then there’s the episode “Our Wildlife,” where he and FWC biologist Mike Orlando trap a black bear. “The thing lunges at you with this bluff charge—it freaked me out,” Chad recalls with a chuckle.

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reating the show was fun but also emotionally draining at times, such as in the “Our Coast” episode when Mike Goldberg, founder of I.Care (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education), explained that over 95% of the coral in the Keys is gone. Literally. Five-hundred-year old coral formations Goldberg dove in his youth are now dead.

But the show doesn’t just focus on the bad stuff. It highlights the good work being done by individuals and organizations across the state, including I.Care’s program that trains recreational scuba divers to graft pieces of lab-grown coral onto underwater structures. In another segment of the episode, twin brothers Kyle and Keith Rossin are restoring mangroves in the concrete jungles of West Palm Beach.

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“It gives me hope that we can undo what we’ve done,” Chad says. “We can damage an ecosystem, but this same mentality and ingenuity and drive can restore that ecosystem. We can mess something up, but we can also go back in and fix it.”

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he show was Crawford Entertainment senior producer Katie Schroeder’s directorial debut.

Being a transplant to Florida gave her a unique perspective. “I definitely view Florida in a different way having directed/produced the show, and as I’m raising my own family here now, I feel myself trying to imprint my new love of Florida into them. All in all, I’m just so proud of what we accomplished with the small team we had to make this series,” she says.

Traci said she’s extremely proud of the show as well.

She hopes the show will reach people who normally wouldn’t be aware of these topics, and that it might inspire hope and action. “We put our hearts and souls and blood and sweat and tears into every single episode. All six of them are really powerful because they are all telling a different aspect of the same story, which is that Florida is unique and special and paradise, and we’re losing her.”

Why are we losing her? A common denominator is unchecked growth and development. “The environmental problems are connected to not only how much we’re growing, but how we’re growing,” Chad says. “It’s going to be the great reconciliation over the next 20 years: Our growth—how do we do it to where it doesn’t destroy the Florida that we love?”

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Can it even be done? The boots on the ground say yes, if we take action now. Part of that involves Conservation Florida’s work as a land trust. For landowners who are thinking about selling their property, Traci wants them to know that they have options other than taking a check from a developer.

Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida

December 2023 & January 2024 53

onservation is one option, and it’s competitive,” she explains. (Part of Conservation Florida’s mission is to secure funds to compensate landowners, especially those in the Corridor). “There are many paths to protection, including conservation easements.

Those protect the conservation values of the property but allow working lands to continue working and to continue to be passed on to the next generation or sold, but protected.” Learn more about land conservancy and the Florida Wildlife Corridor at www.conservationfla.org.

Those without acres of property can play a role, too. “I am a big believer in finding what calls to your heart and soul,” Traci says. “If it’s water, if it’s wildlife, if it’s outdoor recreation, find a nonprofit group that you can volunteer with, that you can support with a monthly donation, that you can be an ambassador for.

Talk about what they do and why it's important to you. Those are very real ways to get involved overnight.”

Chad Crawford and Matt Pearce

54 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

“There's a reason the word ‘our’ is in the title,” Chad says. “I want people to feel ownership of where they live. This is our Florida. It’s not the government’s. It’s not anybody else’s. I want people to feel the weight of that.”

December 2023 & January 2024 55

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It gives me hope that we can undo what we’ve done. We can damage an ecosystem, but this same mentality and ingenuity and drive can restore that ecosystem.

We can mess something up, but we can also go back in and fix it.

- Chad Crawford

57

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December 2023 & January 2024 63

64Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

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By Rebecca Maglischo Photos Courtesy Gospel Inc. Donna Leslie furrows her brow and shakes her head at my offer to document this moment with a photo. She's concerned it won't be a good picture. I point out that her shirt says “When God made me, he was showing off.” She grins sheepishly, puts out her cigarette, and stands. Donna poses in front of her battered mobile home with Brian Seeley, the man who brought me here. This picture is full of irony—her shirt, his story, this street, the interplay of their shared memories. I can't help but notice the beautiful oak tree shading these ramshackle homes and wonder what scenes it might have witnessed in this place. As a child, I spent many hours on this street, but we knew not to come down this far. Perhaps the greatest irony, though, is her unwillingness to show me inside. She doesn't want me to see the boxes or ask questions. Donna, a woman who spent decades living homeless on the streets; a woman who, with the help of Brian and others in the community, has managed to live under this roof for more than seven years; a woman who currently represents a success story in the eyes of many is packing up to hit the streets again.

December 2023 & January 2024 65

God. Community. Home. Purpose.

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Donna Leslie and Brian Seeley met for the first time in 2010. She was 40 yrs old and homeless. Donna spent her nights in the relative safety of the bus station. She spent her days moving through Lakeland following the everchanging current of church outreach programs, labor halls, and random jobs. Brian was barely in his twenties and finishing his last year of undergraduate studies at Southeastern University. He spent most of his free time in the areas where the homeless tended to congregate. Donna giggles and pulls out a battered print from a small photo album to show me young Brian. “He walked right up to me and asked me to tell him my story. I told him that I would tell, if he would tell.”

Likely, neither Donna nor Brian knew in that moment the rollercoaster they would ride together over the next decade, sometimes laughing and screeching with joy and sometimes holding on for dear life.

While most young people spend the early part of their twenties trying to figure out what they are passionate about, Brian was very clear that he had a heart for the homeless and disenfranchised. A series of poor choices had left him floundering at the age of 19 yrs old, working for his dad and wanting something different. The opportunity for adventure came with an organization called Youth With A Mission (YWAM), and Brian jumped at the chance. YWAM is a discipleship training school aimed at providing “a dynamic experience where you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your faith in God and your calling while changing the lives of people around you.” He traveled to New Zealand in a sort of Hail Mary, a hopeful last chance to find something that resonated with his soul and gave him purpose. Early in the program while attending worship, Brian had a salvation experience. “I invited Jesus into my heart and I was set on fire!” he remembers.

The next two years would be in service to the impoverished peoples of the South Pacific, selling handmade goods to create income, living in a tent, picking fruit alongside those fortunate enough to work. Walking side by side in life and standing eye to eye with others, Brian began to see that these were people, not projects. He realized that if you can learn to love people where they are, you are awarded the privilege to see the spark inside them, no matter how small. A love like this is a love to which we can all aspire, an enemy-loving love, a love that reflects the person of Jesus and embraces the inevitable suffering that comes with the sacrifice of oneself.

December 2023 & January 2024 67

God. Community. Home. Purpose.

Brian & Kari Seeley

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Donna was “clean” by the time she and Brian met in 2010. Her life had been deeply scarred by abusive relationships and little opportunity.

She was introduced to cocaine in the 90s and ultimately lost her daughter to the system, a final slight from life that pushed her over the edge. As she tells it, a police officer said, “I’m not arresting you; I’m saving your life,” and while in jail, she missed the opportunity to see her father before he passed. She made a vow that day. She was done with drugs and miraculously remained clean even while continuing to live on the streets.

Donna was shocked when Brian told her of his idea to go live in an area of Lakeland known as “the Chinese jungle.”

This would serve as his internship, a requirement to complete his bachelor’s degree at Southeastern. She made the decision to go, too. It was this period of time that solidified in Brian the need for something beyond a service-level love.

As he and Donna and a friend named Jordan, moved through the days and struggled in the chaos of homelessness, his vision for that idea began to take shape.

In 2011, Brian started a 501c3 called Gospel, Inc. While most of the college students moved on, Kari (who would later become Brian's wife) and a few others remained to build the non-profit.

The model looked to the person of Jesus and His character as a guide. It was a model of incarnation, a desire to step inside the world of those they served and ask “How can I serve you?” Traditional interventions have a tendency to stand on the outside and tell the individual what they need, what’s best for them. The homeless situation can feel hopeless if the end goal is the achievement of a standard. But if the end goal is simply to love them well, the burden of expectation is lifted. In this understanding of service, you can relate to the person as an individual with struggles and strengths, whims and weaknesses. You can meet them where they are and walk beside them as a friend.

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December 2023 & January 2024 69

God. Community. Home. Purpose.

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When they left “the jungle” in the fall of 2010, Donna Leslie moved in with some friends of Brian’s. Over the next few years, Brian, Kari, Gospel Inc, and others in the community supported Donna's housing until she was able to move into her current home and piece together rent with odd jobs. When she came up short, staff helped her find work to cover the difference. On the day I visited, Donna was lonely.

She tells me about her one friend that has moved away. She has no car, and she says she wants to work. Finding work has been hard in the labor halls since she has aged out of manual labor, and she doesn’t have the skill set for computer work.

She doesn’t like asking for money and she really doesn’t like for her cat to be hungry. Brian reassures her and gently tells her that moving back to the streets isn’t a solution. He offers suggestions, but her mind seems made up.

This type of life-giving service doesn’t exist without ups and downs, and Brian constantly dreamed of doing it better. Gospel, Inc began to garner community interest and to raise funds for something bigger, throwing their first real fundraiser in 2017.

He wanted to serve the chronically homeless of Lakeland by giving them what they needed most—God. Community. Home. Purpose. They say “it takes a village,” and Gospel, Inc intended to build it. By 2019, the pitch for Gospel Village was real.

The village would provide permanent supportive housing for individuals in a community setting with staff in place to provide care and guidance.

Donors embraced the idea and gave generously.

With additional funding from grants, the initial purchase of property was made and renovations began. In 2021, the first residents of Gospel Village came home.

Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote in The Brothers Karamazov, “There is only one way to salvation, and that is to make yourself responsible for all men's sins. As soon as you make yourself responsible in all sincerity for everything and for everyone, you will see at once that this is really so, and that you are in fact to blame for everyone and for all things.” Brian Seeley tells me this line is at the center of his passion for the homeless.

Perhaps we are all just a few bad decisions from the worst version of ourselves. Perhaps it is simple faith that can break through the corrosive acids of despair, selfish passion, and hopelessness. Perhaps, the light inside one person can indeed ignite the flame inside others. And maybe, just maybe with the support of a village, that fire can burn and the warmth of hope can begin to be restored.

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TAKES ON HOMELESSNESS IN LAKELAND Gospel Village sits on a zig-zagged four acres encompassing addresses on East Main Street and East Lemon Street in Lakeland, FL. Thirty one units house 44 residents in a mix of mobile homes and apartments.

The grounds, maintained by the residents, are landscaped with obvious care, and the buildings are undeniably inviting and quaint.

Gospel Village provides permanent housing and support of basic needs for the individuals that call this place home.

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December 2023 & January 2024 73

God. Community. Home. Purpose.

The Homeless Coalition of Polk County reports that about 600 people are currently counted as homeless. While the average citizen may only notice those sleeping on a park bench or standing at red lights with a sign, the issue of homelessness grows when you include those who have lost housing but are currently living with other family and friends; this includes a reported 3,583 students enrolled in Polk County Schools. Several shelters in the county support a variety of populations, but Gospel Village hangs their heart on those referred to as chronically homeless.

Nearly half of the individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from some sort of mental illness, and a third of those exhibit symptoms of more serious conditions. Often, these disabling struggles prevent regular employment and keep them tangled in a vicious rollercoaster of ups and downs. Drug use and noncompliance with medications further prevent success. Gospel Inc takes a unique approach that encompasses core values that draw the residents into community, providing a place of permanence and dignified work while inviting them into a relationship with God. It's a “come as you are and stay forever” invitation. In 2024, this invitation will be open to an additional 48 residents with the completion of two more 24 unit buildings on site!

Ray Steadman, a past Lakeland resident, returned in August 2023 to accept the role of Executive Director.

Gospel, Inc has 9 employees, 8 Board Members, countless contributors and volunteers, and integral relationships with the many programs throughout Polk County that can offer specific aid to residents. “We can’t do everything,” Ray points out. “Lakeland and the broader Polk County have rallied around us. Our ability to refer out allows us to focus on what we do best here.” And they do a lot!

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The village has a community fridge and pantry, a micro-farm, and a laundry area. When a resident moves in, the whole community throws a welcome home party, complete with a “reveal” of their new home.

The RePurpose Art Studio is staffed by community volunteers that teach sewing and art classes to residents and others struggling with homelessness. It’s a creative outlet and an opportunity for enterprise.

Every item is labeled with the creator’s name and displayed for sale at events and markets. These proceeds go back to the individual.

The staff here love the residents deeply, and it shows as they help them through struggles big and small.

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The Pavilion is quite possibly the physical heart of Gospel Village.

On the surface, it is an outdoor kitchen with picnic tables, beautiful lighting, and a welcoming vibe. But this is where magic happens. Every Thursday a community dinner is hosted in this common area. Music, games, delicious smells, smiles and laughter… it’s all here. It’s a weekly opportunity to restore faith and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this place is safe; this place is home. The viability of faith is confirmed in lived reality. It's how we respond to guilt or shame, and how we experience grace and mercy.

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High Pasture Farm offers hand-cut beef from traditional Brangus cattle as well as the highly sought-after American Wagyu.

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High Pasture Farm is proud to be only one of a handful of Florida ranches to have their own USDA inspected processing facility on the farm.

As third generation ranchers who are actively raising the next generation of Florida ranchers, High Pasture Farm is run by Mike and Kara Sanders and their ten-year-old daughter, Katie. The family is dedicated to continuation and improvement of the beef industry and has long held a great passion for providing a safe, high quality, and nutritious food product to their consumers.

Customers are invited get to know the family at High Pasture Farm and understand their passion for raising cattle.

80 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

The beef at High Pasture Farm is offered wholesale, by the cut, primal, and half/whole cow. As a USDA facility, they are also able to offer USDA resale labels so that you can sell High Pasture Farm beef in your store. The delicious burgers served at the Gator Shack are made and delivered by High Pasture Farm! Custom orders are always welcome.

“I’ve always been cautious of Wagyu Beef due to its price, so naturally, I was curious about American Wagyu. Not anymore. It was 1/6th of the price and the ribeyes were amazing!! We paired them with braised root vegetables and honey rosemary carrots. Check out what High Pasture Farm has to offer; you won’t be disappointed!!” — Chef Jamie Hough Whether buying beef for your family, your next event, or as a thoughtful gift, give the people at High Pasture Farm a call today to order American Wagyu or traditional beef and let the memories made around the grill with your family and friends last a lifetime!

Zolfo Springs, Florida

Mike: (863) 781-0986 Kara: (863) 257-5272

www.HighPastureFarm.com

Offering delivery and on the farm pickup by appointment only.

Just give them a call to schedule.

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December 2023 & January 2024 81

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FINE ART & GRAPHIC DESIGN Thank you Okeechobee and Okeechobee Main Street for supporting me & the arts for over 25 Years.

Developing fine art programs and public works of art, especially the Cattle Drive Sculpture project, has given me much joy and pride.

I also thank all of my graphic design clients who have trusted me with their image and design needs.

I will take all the wonderful memories with me as I start my new adventure in Venice, Florida.

Creative Director of Heartland LIVING Magazine

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December 2023 & January 2024 83

“Southern Fare with a Modern Flair”

Pink Pineapple Catering Company Jessica Pleger, Owner Personal Chef Baby & Bridal Showers | Weddings | Special Events Business Meeting | Holiday Parties

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84 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

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December 2023 & January 2024 85

By Cindy Adams Want to add an elegance experience to your holiday meal? I recommend a Cranberry Beef Bourguignon meal for the perfect December dinner. Serve with French Onion Soup, Honeycrisp Salad and Creamy Mashed Potatoes to delight your family and guests. For added cheer, be sure to serve Homemade Holiday Eggnog. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy a meal around the table with family and friends. Most of my favorite memories of the holiday season involve being gathered in the kitchen or around the dinner table. So, from my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

INGREDIENTS

12 3/4-inch-thick French baguette slices 1/4 cup unsalted butter 3 pounds sweet onions, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup dry white wine 6 cups beef stock 4 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 86

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to broil.

2. Place baguette slices onto a baking sheet.

Place into oven and broil until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side; set aside.

3. Melt butter in a large oven-proof braiser over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant.

4. Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the braiser.

This beautiful Holiday Honeycrisp Salad is full of flavor and texture, with fresh apple slices, crunchy toasted pecans, dried cranberries, blue cheese, and a tangy-sweet apple cider vinaigrette.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup light vegetable oil, such as sunflower or safflower OR extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup unsweetened apple juice OR apple cider 2 to 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 medium Honeycrisp apples (about 1 pound), thinly sliced Juice of ½ lemon 12 ounces salad greens, spring mix, baby spinach, arugula, baby romaine, OR a combo of your favorites 1 cup pecan halves, toasted or candied ¾ cup dried cranberries OR dried cherries 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To prepare Apple Cider Vinaigrette, measure oil, apple cider vinegar, apple juice/cider, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a mason jar. Tightly screw on lid and shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined.

Alternatively, you may briskly whisk the ingredients together in a medium bowl or blend them in a blender or mini food processor.

2. Place apple slices in a large plastic baggie and squeeze the fresh lemon juice (from the lemon half) over them. Close bag and shake to coat. In a large salad bowl, layer salad greens, apple slices, pecans, dried cranberries, and blue cheese. Just before serving, dress with desired amount of Apple Cider Vinaigrette and toss until salad ingredients are evenly coated.

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This cranberry beef bourguignon is the perfect December dinner with a side of buttery mashed potatoes.

Like classic beef bourguignon, this meal is hearty, warming, and makes the perfect stew. If you're thinking cranberries and beef are a weird combo, think again--it's the perfect pairing. The tart cranberries go well with the beefy flavors in this dish and are balanced by the sweet red wine. It adds a festive touch.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped 2 1/2 pounds chuck beef cut into cubes salt and pepper 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced 6 carrots cut into pieces 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 cup cognac or brandy 3 cups dry red wine such as Pinot Noir or substitute beef broth 2 1/2 cups beef broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon chopped thyme 2 bay leaves 2 cups fresh cranberries 4 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 88

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a large plate.

3. Dry the beef with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Now add the beef to the Dutch oven and sear in batches until the beef is browned all over, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the plate with the bacon. Set Aside.

4. Add the onions to the Dutch oven with the drippings and season with salt and pepper.

Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and garlic and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, then add the cognac and raise the heat to high. Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Next, add the meat and all the juice on the plate back to the Dutch oven. Add the wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of cranberries. Cover with a tight fighting lid and transfer the pot to the oven. Cook for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

5. Remove the pot from the oven and place over medium heat on the stove. Combine the 2 tablespoons butter and the flour until a smooth paste forms, stir into the stew. Add the remaining 1 cup cranberries and cook until the stew thickens just slightly.

6. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are just browned and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir the mushrooms into the stew and cook another 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. Serve over mashed potatoes

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INGREDIENTS

4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 4 cloves garlic 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup sour cream at room temperature 1 cup half and half at room temperature Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place potatoes and garlic in a Dutch oven and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until just tender, about 15 minutes; drain well and return to the Dutch oven over low heat.

2. Stir with a wooden spoon until potatoes are dried out, about 1 minute.

3. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash potatoes and garlic. Stir in butter, sour cream and half and half, being careful not to over-stir; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Serve immediately with your Cranberry Beef Bourguignon.

90

Add cheer to your holiday with our rich and classic homemade eggnog. While many traditional eggnogs use raw eggs, this version is cooked to kill bad bacteria, not to mention make a smoother texture that’s primed for the addition of bourbon, rum, or whiskey. Serves 6.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup whiskey, or bourbon or rum, if desired 6 large egg yolks 2 cups whole milk 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Salt 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy whipped cream.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk until fluffy.

Set aside.

2. Heat whipping cream, milk, nutmeg and salt in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Immediately remove from heat.

3. Gradually add the milk mixture to the egg yolks, one spoonful at a time, whipping vigorously after each addition, until the egg yolks have been tempered. Once most of the milk has been added to the egg mixture, pour the rest in and transfer the eggnog back to the saucepan.

4. Return saucepan to the stove and simmer over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken (1-2 minutes total).

5. Strain the eggnog through a fine mesh sieve into a serving pitcher or bowl. Add the vanilla extract, cover the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.

6. If desired, a 1/4 cup of bourbon, rum or whiskey can be added to the eggnog before serving. Add more to taste. Serve over ice, with a garnish of ground nutmeg, cinnamon and fresh, seasonal herbs, if desired.

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92 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

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December 2023 & January 2024 95

RESOLUTION GOALS

By Kelsey Schauf

A

s the year winds down, people are reflecting on the changes they want to make in the New Year—deciding, perhaps, after that 150th gym commercial, whether or not to sign up. New Year’s Resolutions look a lot different than they did many years ago, so let’s first look at where these resolutions came from.

The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first group of people to start New Year’s Resolutions almost 4,000 years ago. In addition, they are said to be the first people to have a celebration to honor the new year, which began in mid-March when the crops were planted. The Babylonians hosted a large 12-day religious festival during this time known as Akitu.

Here is where the “resolutions” came in. During this 12-day festival, the Babylonians made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. If people kept their word, the gods would grant them favors in the coming year. If people did not keep their word—well, let’s just say they didn’t get many favors.

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Babylonians New Year 97

2024

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F

ast forward almost 4,000 years and we are about to embark on the year 2024! Making a resolution, or goal as I like to call it, is not a sign that you are doing things wrong now and have to change. Looking at your list as a goal list and knowing that you shouldn’t put yourself down if you didn’t save that $20,000 or lose those 20 pounds, should make creating that list a little easier.

As we start to think about 2024 and the things we want to improve on or adjust, start with tasks that are sometimes frustrating or time consuming. Personally, this year one of my goals was to wash my face at night.

As a full-time working mom to a toddler, sometimes at night it was just easier to go straight to bed instead of doing a nightly routine that included washing my face.

This goal was something easy enough to accomplish but has ultimately changed up my nighttime routine for the better.

One of the main reasons why some folks don’t accomplish goals or resolutions is because their goals are vague. The more specific you get with your list, the more attainable your list will be. Instead of listing out that you want to lose weight, adjust it to read: Eat one vegetable with lunch and dinner.

Stress is something that everyone wants to better manage, whether it is at work, home, etc. Personally, as a full-time working mom with Multiple Sclerosis, stress is something that is not only bad for my health but also my mental health. If you want to lower your stress level, list out the ways you want to reduce your stress. These could include taking up a hobby like pickleball or reading more books, but having a more specific goal can make it more achievable. Some people say it can take between 21 and 66 days for a habit to form, so don’t feel defeated if, a week later, you realize you forgot to read your 10 pages in the book on your nightstand. Just keep in mind that you have to continuously do a task for it to become a habit.

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Here are 5 ideas to help you get a jumpstart on your 2024 New Year’s Goal List

There are so many avenues to find new, fun recipes in this day and age. Whether you get a new cookbook for Christmas, find a recipe while scrolling through social media or even find a recipe right here in Heartland Living Magazine, try something new! You may have some hits or misses, but that is all in the fun of cooking.

This goal is probably on a lot of people’s minds. To get even more specific, maybe grab that 40oz emotional support cup that we know you have and try to drink at least two of those each day. Add your favorite fruit to the water for a hint of flavor!

As we mentioned before, to make a goal more attainable you need to get more specific. Maybe you want to lose those last 10 pounds, or you just want to feel healthier. List that as your goal / resolution instead of vaguely resolving to “work out more.” Maybe you just want to take the stairs at work in lieu of the elevator.

If so, then list that! Your goal doesn’t have to be this giant goal that you have to put stress onto yourself to accomplish.

100

One of my favorite things in life, aside from my family, is organization! If you want to get more organized at home, make your goal more specific to what you want to organize. Maybe it’s all the family’s closets. My suggestion is to list that goal as “Organize Closets One by One.” This allows your mind to not feel defeated if by January 5th you don’t have all of the closets clean!

So many people are wanting to give back to their community, but don’t know how to start. There are great businesses across the Heartland where you can shop as a means of supporting your local community.

Have a birthday party for a girlfriend and don’t know what to get? Maybe head to a locally owned boutique to purchase your gift! Want to have a dinner date with your significant other? Head on down to one of your delicious local eateries and boom, you are supporting the community!

These are just five examples of things that people may put on their goal list. All of these goals are easily attainable and nothing out of the ordinary. Being realistic with your goals based on your workload or your personal obligations will set you up for success. No one should ever feel like a failure. Here’s to the next 365 days and getting on track with our goals/resolutions.

101

Highlands County Ag-Venture, Inc. would like to express

our heartfelt appreciation to all of the sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the 24th Highlands County Ag-Venture program an amazing success. With their unwavering support, we were once again able to expose each of our Highlands County 3rd graders to a day of hands-on agriculture on November 14, 15, & 16, 2023.

Over 150 community volunteers, each day of the program, helped approximately 1300 children plant mini gardens, caladiums, strawberry plants and ornamental plants, make butter, squeeze orange juice, make strawberry milkshakes, make water cycle terrariums, play Beef-o-Bingo, and so much more to help them understand the importance of agriculture to their daily lives.

It would make our hearts happy if you would join us in thanking these businesses and individuals for their support and contributions which enabled us to share the wonderful world of agriculture with the young and impressionable minds of our local youth.

102 Heartland LIVINGMagazine.com

Thank You Sponsors HORIZON $5,000 & Up: Cowpokes Watering Hole Highlands Soil & Water District Lykes Bros, Inc. PLATINUM $1,000 & Up: A Duda & Sons, Inc. Cheney Brothers Cowpokes Watering Hole Creative Designs* Crews Groves, Inc. Glisson’s Animal Supply* Hancock Citrus, Inc.* Happiness Farms, Inc. * Highlands County 4-H Foundation Highlands Cattlemen’s Association* Highlands County Citrus Growers Highlands County Fair Assn.* Highlands County Farm Bureau Highlands County Soil & Water Lake Placid Caretakers, Inc.* Publix Charities Renaissance Charitable Foundation Taylor Rental* The Schumacher Foundation Wells & Assoc. Inc. Wild Turkey Tavern

DIAMOND $500 - $999: Arcadia Stockyard C. Elton Crews, Inc. Citra Harvesting, Inc. Classic Caladiums, Inc. Costa Nursery * George Liedel, MD Heartland National Bank* Highlands County Cattlewomen John P. Barben* Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce Lake Placid Noon Rotary Lykes Agriculture Group Pinecrest Golf Club Robert J. Barben, Inc Roscoe & Laurie Bass Ruth Handley Rotary Club of Sebring S.Y. Hartt & Sons, Inc. Sherry Wolfe Somers Irrigation, Inc. South State Bank Southeast Ag Solutions LLC Windmill Farms*

GOLD $250 - $499: Bagwell Lumber C & S Citrus Service, Inc. Citrus Animal Clinic, P.A. Clarke Pest Control.

Heartland Animal Hospital Karlson’s Law Group, P.A. Mary Jane Lloyd Mid Florida Credit Union Ole South Auto Salvage Rotary Club of Avon Park’ SGIS, Inc United PC, Inc. SILVER $100 - $249: A.C. Pearce, Inc. Arbuckle Creek Ranch, Inc. Blue Lagoon* Brandt Consolidated, Inc. C. D. Boring D & S Drainage Daughters of the Confederacy Diamond R Fertilizer 

Highlands County Ag-Venture Board of Directors Co-Chairmen: Judy Bronson, Danielle Daum, Darlene Phypers Board Members: Susie Bishop, Barbara Bullard, Christy Crews, Donna Howerton, Sharon Keiber, Tammy Hancock, Jody Swaine, Bill Tillett, Laine Daum, Morgan Norris Program Manager: Casey Moesching

ADVERTORIAL

Dr. C. P. Cornelius Edgar Stokes Edgewood Landscape First Insurance of Lake Placid GeoAg Solutions, Inc. George & Nancy Hensley Gillie Russell Ranch Glades Electric Cooperative Griffin Carpet Mart, Inc. Hathaway’s Tree Farm and Landscape Heartland Metals, Inc. Home and Office Essentials James & Christie Waller Jerry Whidden JJW, Inc. Karlson’s Beefmasters Kay Wise Lake Placid Garden Club Lake Placid Lions Club, Inc. Layes Tire Service Lisa Sherman, CPA Little H Bar Ranch Marmer Construction, Inc. M.E. Stephens & Sons Fruit Co. 

Mark Palmer Electric, Inc. Mid-State Garage Doors & Service Montz Builders, Inc. Noah’s Ark Learning Center Pete McDevitt Rafter T Realty, Inc Regina Blackman Simmons Grove and Cattle Co. Inc. Southridge Citrus Nursery, Inc. Triangle Chemical Co. Trudy Perkins Turner Furniture Wheeler Farms BRONZE $1 - $99: Cool & Cobb Engineering Co. Edward Fabik Harold & Joyce McCelland Karen Forsyth Marianne Cecere Marsha Utley Sherry Bowie Shirley Richards Wally & Tricia Cox William Rymes, III

DONATIONS OF SUPPLIES & DOOR PRIZES: Alan Jay Automotive Network Highlands County Fair Assn.

Bagwell Lumber Highlands County Sheriff’s Dept.

Bates Sons & Daughters Highlands County YMCA Bella Gusto Olive Oil Co. Hilary Peat Co. Big Sky Growers Hood Citrus Big T Tire Service Howerton Farms Bronson Cattle, LLC Jahna Concrete, Inc. Coker Fuel Lake Placid Chamber Citra Harvesting Lake Placid Feed & Ranch Cowpokes Watering Hole Luis Ojeda & Family Crews Bank Mae Jeanne Pepper Crews Co. MidFlorida Credit Union Crews Groves Montsdeoca Ranch, Inc. Everglades Farm Equipment NAPA Auto Parts of Lake Placid Everglades Seasoning Parker Island Gator Farm Fields Equipment Co., Inc. Pinecrest Golf Club Florida Ag in the Classroom Reflections on Silver Lake Florida Beef Council Robbins Nursery Florida Cattlemen Assn.

Scott Kirouac Florida Dairy Farmers Sebring Florist, Inc. Florida Dept of Citrus Sebring International Raceway Florida Dept of Agriculture Seedway Florida Forest Service South State Bank Florida Strawberry Growers Tassel & Thread Gator Shack Taylor Oil Glades Electric Co-Op Terry Conley State Farm Insurance Glade & Grove Supply Co., Inc. The Blueberry Patch Glisson’s Animal Supply, Inc. Triangle Chemical Hancock Citrus, Inc. Triangle Hardware Heart of Florida Nursery Waste Solutions Heartland Exterminating Wild Turkey Tavern Heartland National Bank Windmill Farms Hicks Oil Wish Farms Highlands Co. County Commissioners WW Lumber Highlands County Cattlewomen Yarborough Tire Service Highlands County Citrus Growers *In-Kind Donations

December 2023 & January 2024 103

Locally Owned and Operated

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Drop-Offs Accepted

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Saturday & Sunday Starting at 7:00 am Added Parking for RV’s and Large Trailers

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December 2023 & January 2024 105

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