Plant City Times & Observer Holiday Gift Guide 2014

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Plant City Times &

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Choose from a variety of jewelry to find that perfect statement piece for the mother, daughter, sister, wife or friend in your life. There are gorgeous pre-made sets or have owner Karen Gillespie custom design one for you.

ADDRESS: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 300 PHONE: (813) 7045982 HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday RED JEWELRY SET: $45

Capital of the World. With plenty of family-owned stores within Plant City’s limits, it’s not hard to find that one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones. Here’s some of our picks.

THE HAY EXCHANGE The Hay Exchange offers anything a country guy or gal would need for the holidays. Besides horse staples like tack and hay, the store also carries a selection of fashion collars for your pooch, seasonings to spice up your outdoor cooking and t-shirts for everyone. For the rugged outdoorsman, a knife may be just the thing you’re looking for.

ADDRESS: 4950 U.S. Highway 92 W. PHONE: (813) 754-5405 HOURS: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday; KNIVES: starting at $20

FRINGE BOUTIQUE Fringe loves specializing in local gifts. The owners buy from local vendors all over the Tampa Bay area, including the popular Bourbon and Boweties jewelry line. But Fringe doesn’t just have the right gifts for women. Its “Man Can” candles come in playfully masculine scents like Gunpowder, New Mitt and Grandpa’s Pipe.

A portion of sales goes to help feed the homeless.

ADDRESS: 601 E. Alexander St. PHONE: (813) 754-4438 HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday MAN CAN CANDLE, NEW MITT: $14.95

ANTIQUE JUNCTION One of Plant City’s many antique shops are a great place to find a unique treasure for someone who can appreciate a quirky knickknack, handcrafted furniture or vintage jewelry. Nestled among the Historic Downtown stores is Antique Junction, a store with over 20 vendors, that carries popular mid-century items, repurposed furniture, ceramic figurines and even Southwestern pottery.

ADDRESS: 113 W. Reynolds St. PHONE: (813) 752-1401 HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday; closed Monday CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS: $16

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A new shop on the block, Courtyard Bazaar in Historic Downtown offers artistic gifts for the home. From vintage collectables to repurposed furniture, the store has something to interest any personality. There are 15 different vendors in the store with their own flair.

ADDRESS: 106 E. Reynolds St. PHONE: (813) 6591730 HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday CIGAR BOX DRAWERS: $50 to $75

Season’s Greetings The holiday spirit is alive and well in Plant City, and the community will offer a plethora of events for you and your family to enjoy.

SATURDAY, NOV. 22 BEYOND THE ASHES — concert takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Nashville-based Christian group. SpringheadUMC@gmail.com.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY HOLIDAY BOOK SALE — takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 757-9215.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23 BEYOND THE ASHES — concert place beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene, 2402 Mud Lake Road. Enjoy a musical concert and a Thanksgiving meal after. (813) 752-7862.

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING EARLY — takes place from 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Plant City Community Bingo, 105 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. There will be a free turkey dinner, as well as special jackpots, 50/50 charity special and free daubers. (813) 719-6568.

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION AND CONCERT — takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 County Road 39. The concert will be performed by Royal Heirs. Bring a dish to participate. (813) 737-3035.

MONDAY, NOV. 24 OPTIMIST CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LOT — takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 1 Raider Place.

THURSDAY, NOV. 27 YMCA 5K AND ONE MILE GOBBLE WALK — takes place beginning at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Cost is $30 per person or $75 for four. Register at active.com or in person at the YMCA. (813) 757-6677.

FRIDAY, NOV. 28 CHRISTMAS LANE — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28, at 2091 Wooten Road, Dover. ChristmasLane.org

THURSDAY, DEC. 4 PLANT CITY CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plant City Elks Lodge, 1501 N. Alexander St. The speaker is Maria Goodsell. Reservations required by calling (813) 752-5537.

THURSDAY, DEC. 4 EHAG’S CHRISTMAS FINE ARTS SHOW — takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas Street.

LIGHTS OF LOVE — takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at McCall Park in Historic Downtown. Enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas carolers and concerts, and pictures with Santa. The tree lighting ceremony will start at 6:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5 CHRISTMAS PARADE — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in Historic Downtown. (813) 754-3707.

CHURCH ON THE ROCK CHRISTMAS PARADE CELEBRATION — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Church on the Rock, 301 E. Alsobrook St. The church will be offering free parking on the night of the Christmas Parade, as well as hot chocolate, cookies and activities. (813) 752-3740.

THE GATES OF HEAVEN — play takes place beginning at 7 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 7, at Thonotosassa Church of God, 11702 N. Taylor Road. (813) 986-1916.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7 DENVER AND THE MILE HIGH ORCHESTRA — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St. (813) 752-4104.

THE CHRISTMAS CROSS — children’s program begins at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (813) 754-3519.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 CORK HOLIDAY CONCERT — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Cork Elementary School, 3501 Cork Road. (813) 757-9353.

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place begining at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Independence Academy, 905 West Terrace Drive. (813) 707-1060.

TRAPNELL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Trapnell Elementary School, 1605 W. Trapnell Road. (813) 757-9313.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12 CHRISTMAS CANTATA — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3505 Lone Oak Road. (813) 754-5278.

WILSON HOLIDAY SHOW — takes place beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. (813) 757-9307.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 CLOTHES CLOSET — takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Trapnell Elementary School, 1605 W. Trapnell Road.

Families can come and get clothes for free.

(813) 757-9313.

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SANTA BREAKFAST — takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. For $5, guests can get a meal, take their picture with Santa and decorate a Christmas cookie. (813) 754-3519.

SANTA VISITS THE CABOOSE — takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum in Historic Downtown. For $10 take your picture with Santa, or donate an unwrapped toy. Cash proceeds will benefit the museum.

THE MYSTERY OF THE MANGER: IT’S THE GOSPEL TRUTH — play takes place at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, and 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. (813) 752-4591.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14 GOD’S RADICAL, PASSIONATE, INTENTIONAL, RISK-TAKING, EXTRAVAGANT CHRISTMAS PROMISE — play takes place beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (813) 754-3519.

WHAT A GLORIOUS NIGHT — play takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St. (813) 752-8345.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16 INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY THIRD TO FIFTH GRADE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place begining at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Independence Academy, 905 West Terrace Drive. (813) 707-1060.

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School, 1207 E. Renfro St. (813) 757-9329.

ROBINSON CHORUS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Robinson Elementary School, 4801 Turkey Creek Road. (813) 757-9424.

SANTA READING WORKSHOP — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Trapnell Elementary School, 1605 W. Trapnell Road. Come read with teachers and Santa and enjoy refreshments. (813) 757-9313.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY KINDERGARTEN TO SECOND GRADE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place begining at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Independence Academy, 905 West Terrace Drive. (813) 707-1060.

KNIGHTS WINTER FAMILY NIGHT — takes place beginning at 5:45 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 18, at Knights Elementary, 4815 Keene Road. (813) 757-9333.

KNIGHTS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS — take place beginning at 6 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 18, at Knights Elementary, 4815 Keene Road.

(813) 757-9333.

KNIGHTS SECOND GRADE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 18, at Knights Elementary, 4815 Keene Road. (813) 757-9333.

KNIGHTS THIRD THROUGH FIFTH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Knights Elementary, 4815 Keene Road. (813) 757-9333.

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 CORK KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 9 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 19, at Cork Elementary School, 3501 Cork Road. (813) 757-9353.

SANTA VISITS THE CABOOSE — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the

Robert W. Willaford Train Museum in Historic Downtown. For $10 take your picture with Santa, or donate an unwrapped toy. Cash proceeds will benefit the museum.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 CAR SHOW — takes place from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, in Historic Downtown.

(813) 754-3707.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK — takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the MLK Rec Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. You must pre-register from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 6 p.m. weekdays at the rec center through Dec. 12. to be on the toy giveaway list.

SANTA SLED FESTIVAL — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Sam Cooper Park on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Hosted by the Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social clubs, over 200 families will be served with toy giveaways and will be able to take their pictures with Santa. For more information call Dorothy at (813) 754-3141 or Sharon at (813) 453-7134.

VERY PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 County Road 39. (813) 737-3053.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. (813) 752-4622.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM — takes place beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St. (813) 752-8345.

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS SERVICE — takes place beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (813) 754-3519.

TRADITION CHRISTMAS SERVICE — takes place beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (813) 754-3519.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St. (813) 752-4104.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 County Road 39. (813) 737-3053.

CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. (813) 759-9383.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP — takes place at 7 and 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road.

(813) 752-4622.

COMMUNION CANDLELIGHT SERVICE — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, at First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (813) 754-3519.

THURSDAY, DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE — takes place beginning at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road.

(813) 752-4622.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31 SONGS FOR A NEW DAY — PCCC concert takes place beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Location TBD. Visit PCCommunityChorale.com.

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Plant City Chamber “Christmas Tree Contestâ€? • Nov. 28th - Dec. 22nd, 2014 *Must have 65% of the card filled for your vote to count. * Must have 100% of the card filled to be eligible for the $200 or $25 gift card. *Ages 19 and up eligible for $200 gift card. *Ages 18 and down eligible for $25 gift card.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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Address: 713 E. Alsobrook Street;Website: plantcitycdc. org; Email: Stephany Tran: stran@plantcitycdc.org, or Rose Anderson: rose@ plantcitycdc.org

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IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE OF PLANT CITY

The Improvement League of Plant City is dedicated to identifying and meeting the community’s needs, especially in areas where there are gaps in available services. One of the organization’s biggest contributions to Plant City is the annual Martin Luther King Festival. Its members also volunteer with the Lincoln Elementary Head Start program, as mentors for HCC students and at many other locations and events around town.

Financial donations during the holiday season can go toward the Improvement League’s annual Christmas dinner for elderly residents of Plant City.

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INFO Address: 205 S. Allen Street; Phone: (813) 704-5800;Website: improvementleague. com

LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRIES THRIFT SHOPPE INFO

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The Plant City Community Development Corporation works in Plant City and throughout eastern Hillsborough County to provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. It partners with the City of Plant City and the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department.

The CDC can always use funding for new building materials, but it also recently renovated its own office. Financial donations could offset either of these costs.

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During the holidays, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about the organizations that give back when creating your Christmas gift list.

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After you have visited all the trees, vote for your favorite and turn the card into the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

106 North Evers St., Plant City 813-754-3707 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

Lighthouse Ministries seeks to meet the physical needs of low-income and at-risk people in Central Florida. Though Lighthouse Ministries is based in Lakeland, its Plant City Thrift Shoppe is local, and sales benefit the organization at large. To support the ministry in town, purchase holiday items at the thrift store, or donate items between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Lakeland office accepts toys, crafts, clothing, household items, hygiene products, and over-the-counter medical items, which are all donated to the people served by Lighthouse Ministries.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Plant Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay For Life will celebrate its 30th birthday April 10, 2015. Each year, the all-night event honors survivors and victims and benefits the American Cancer Society Even if you are not signed up to participate, you can donate to the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general funds. You can also sponsor one of Plant Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many Relay teams, which are already raising funds in preparation for the April event.

INFO Address: 1507 YMCA Place; Phone: (813) 757-6677;Website: tampaymca.org

INFO Phone: Allison Martinez, (813) 685-0607; Email: allison.martinzez@ cancer.org;

YMCA

In addition to its health and fitness programs for Plant City residents of all ages and walks of life, the YMCA focuses on many initiatives for youth development. The Plant City chapter offers programs such as tutoring, mentorship and after-school care. Financial donations allow the it to offer financial assistance for families who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford the programs.

Plant City Times &

Observer

Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Manager / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com, Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@tampabay.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850, www.PlantCityObserver.com

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HOME FOR THE Get your Top 10 tips for this season’s hottest trends in decorating.

Every home could use a little sprucing up for the holiday season.

Interior designer Patricia Rogers, of PAR Interiors, has given us her secrets to decorating for the season. Her ideas call for materials that you might already have or could purchase inexpensively, to help even the households on a tight budget this Christmas.

THEME

It’s fun to select a theme for the season. One example is the snowman. A snowman at your entryway is welcoming and sets the theme. Incorporate a snowman figurine, ornament or handmade craft here and there throughout your home — fireplace mantel, end tables, table centerpiece, napkin rings, bathrooms and bedrooms. Themes are fun, but can look cluttered if you add too much, so keep a nice balance and don’t go overboard.

Dress up your entryway with a festive wreath or garland around your door. Add your special touch by incorporating ribbon, lights, pinecones, ornaments and more.

Temporarily replace a favorite piece of hanging art work with a seasonal piece.

Decorate your mantel with garland, a few candles and one or two other festive decorations. Again, add your own touch by adding ribbon or lights.

On a tight budget, if there is a pine tree in or near your yard, fill a bag with pine cones. Then, pick up a few twigs or small branches that are clean of debris. Once you clean and dry the pine cones, add them to a clear glass vase, along with the small branches, and top it off with ribbon or lights for a festive decoration.

Hurricane votives can dress up a table in a snap.

Surround your favorite candle with artificial snow, pieces of peppermint candy or a garland. You can also take the candle out of the hurricane votive and replace it with colorful ball ornaments, bows, pine cones, garland, lights and more.

If you live in a two-story home, decorating your banister will give you a big bang for your buck.

Hanging garlands, lights, ribbon, small wreaths or ball ornaments will go a long way in setting the festive scene in your home.

A few ball ornaments and ribbon is a quick and simple way to add a festive touch without breaking the bank. String several ball ornaments on strips of ribbon in your choice of color, and then hang high in walkways between rooms, in the window from your curtain rod or from your banister. Vary the lengths of ribbon to add to the look.

Replace your everyday throw blankets, pillows or rugs with festive colors or a festive scene.

Holiday decorating just doesn’t feel complete until you add that special something made just for you by your children or grandchildren. Whether paper snowflakes, decorated candy canes or a reindeer made out of popsicle sticks, find a special place to display this gift from the heart. Even if your kids are grown, they will love seeing a memory from holidays past.

EXTERIOR ART ON FIRE NATURE

CANDLES UPLIFT

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DIY SNOWMAN

FAVOR BOX WITH PATTY COONE In the age of the internet, DIY reigns king. So when it comes to decorating your home for the holidays, sending custommade Christmas cards or nailing down that lavish gift box wrapping, there are more than enough online tutorials to get you started.

But before she could just find an idea a click away, Patty Coone was coming up with her own crafting creations. The paralegal at Keith Smith has grown her passion for her hobby into a business on the side with Stampin’ Up, a company that takes pride in its colorful scrapbooking materials and machines.

Coone has been working as a

demonstrator with Stampin’ Up since 2010.

“I went to a class and just fell in love with it,” Coone says.

Now, she runs her own classes and makes everything from party favors to wreaths for client weddings, home decor and birthdays.

For the holidays, Coone has put together a DIY tutorial for an adorable snowman giftbox. This ornate package is perfect to slip in some candy or other small gifts for a teacher or co-workers.

The project requires Stampin’ Up materials. But if you don’t have any, Coone would be happy to throw a class just for you and your friends.

Materials from Stampin’ Up can be found at Parry Coone’s website, stampinup.net/esuite/ home/onecreativecoone/. To inquire about classes or get a gift certificate for the holidays, email Patty at cooneps@hotmail.com.

SNOWMAN FAVOR BOX MATERIALS (FROM STAMPIN’ UP): Circles Collection Framelits Die Ovals Collection Framelits Die Big Shot Big Shot Magnetic Platform 1/2-inch Circle Punch 1-3/4 Circle Punch Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack Builder Bird Punch Fry Box Bigz Die 1/4 Sweater Trim

Candy Dot Stickers Cardstock: White, Basic Black, Tangelo Twist, Cherry Cobbler, and Garden Green Tuxedo Black Memento Pad Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Pad Sponge Daubers Sticky Strip Adhesive Tomboy Adhesive Holiday Stamp Set

BOX: 1. Run the white card stock and die through the Big Shot to cut the box shape.

2. Use glue or sticky strip tape to adhere the edges to form the box.

SNOWMAN: Cut two 3-inch circles out of the white cardstock. Cut one circle in half.

Adhere the two circles together to form the snowman body.

Adhere the hat to the snowman and tie the sweater around the neck of the snowman.

Stamp “Merry Christmas” or any other holiday stamp onto the white card stock using memento ink.

Carefully cut out the words and adhere near the knot of the sweater trim around the snowman’s neck.

Using the Tangelo Twist cardstock, cut out an elongated triangle for the snowman nose.

Sponge the edges with the memento black ink, and add the hash marks to look like a carrot.

Adhere to snowman face.

Use the 1/2-inch punch to cut two eyes from the black cardstock.

Use the 1 3/4-inch circle punch to cut a circle from the black cardstock. Then use the punch to cut a small sliver from the circle cut out to create the smile.

Adhere to the snowman face.

Attach the Snowman to the box using glue or sticky strip adhesive.

SNOWMAN HAT: Cut one 3-inch circle and the 3-inch oval out of black cardstock.

Adhere the circles behind the oval.

Sponge the edges of the hat with white craft ink.

FLOWER ON HAT: Use the flower-shaped punch from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack and punch two flowers from the Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

Use the Bird Builder Punch and punch the leaf/stem from the Garden Green cardstock.

Layer the two flower shapes on top of the leaf and adhere together.

Add a yellow dot from the candy dots to the center of the flower.

Carefully bend the petals of the flower upward to give a 3-D effect.

Attach to hat.

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An EVERGREEN Christmas

Students in the FFA drove tractors down the streets of Plant City in the 1968 Christmas parade.

A new holiday movie released internationally stars one of Plant City’s own.

In addition to her roles For the lover of feelas an actress, Closshey is good, coming-of-age passionate about music. stories, “An Evergreen She is an acclaimed Christmas” will be the vocalist, violinist and perfect gift this year. composer. In fact, she The film stars Charleene composed the score Closshey, who, before that was featured in “An performing with bigEvergreen Christmas.” The name holiday musical music video for one of groups such as the Transthese songs, “My Tennessee Siberian Orchestra and Home,” was filmed right in Mannheim Steamroller, Plant City. started her arts career “The whole point of locally. the song is about going The Plant City native home,” Closshey said. “We sums up the film in three love Tennessee — I could words: heart-warming, accessible and inspiring. Crowds lined up for a meet-and-greet with Charleene Closshey totally see myself living in In “An Evergreen at the Plant City Walmart Friday, Nov. 7, where she signed copies Nashville. But, the intent of the song — family, Christmas,” Closshey of “An Evergreen Christmas.” connectivity and what it leads as Evie Lee, the meaning of home. means to be home.” who must leave her glamorous Closshey said her favorite part Up next for Closshey is a starring Hollywood lifestyle and return to her of making the film was having role in a movie that she says is small Tennessee hometown after the opportunity to co-create with “produced by Hollywood legend,” but her father’s unexpected death. To other talented artists on set. She that producer is yet to be revealed. complicate matters further, she finds also enjoyed the post-production “An Evergreen Christmas” is herself in ownership of the family’s process. available on DVD at Walmart stores, Christmas tree farm, which comes Closshey’s no stranger to the but be sure to get there quick — it with not only a large tax, but also performance scene. Most recently sold out at certain stores throughout some tension between Evie and her she snagged a role on tour with the the South within a week of its Nov. 4 brother. She must choose between musical theater production of “Once.” release. It is also available for viewing pursuing her dreams as a musician, She also performed in the show on on iTunes, Amazon, InDemand and or preserving her family’s legacy, in Broadway in New York.

OnDemand. order to find her true purpose and

Photos courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives

+0:1;<5); 8);< Local pageant queens waved to adoring crowds in the 1967 Christmas parade, just as they do today.

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RED VELVET CAKE

WINTER KALE SALAD

CINNAMON PEAR BEER BREAD

From Debbie and Jon Butts, owners of ECOFARM

From Kitchen Manager Lisa Campagna, The Corner Store

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD You can use various ratios of ingredients, depending on what you have available, and which flavors you want to enhance.

Tender kale Other leafy greens, such as lettuce, arugula or mustard greens Red radishes, shredded or sliced

Green onion, chopped Cucumber, sliced Water buffalo cheese crumbles DRESSING 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 2 tablespoons dried dill

METHOD: 1. Devein the kale, and other greens if necessary, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Put in a large bowl.

2. Add radishes, green onion, cucumber and water buffalo cheese crumbles over the salad.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients.

4. Pour dressing over salad to taste and serve immediately, or refrigerate.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached, if available) 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 3 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided

Mix up your holiday meal this year by trying out one — or all — of the recipes below from your favorite Plant City restaurants.

For some real dessert, try a traditional Southern favorite from Linda’s Crab Shack, red velvet cake.

INGREDIENTS:

12 ounce beer of your choice 1/4 cup melted butter (or oil of your choice) 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2 medium-sized pears, diced 2 tablespoons oats

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour a standard loaf pan.

2. Whisk the flours, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in a bowl; set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, toss together the pears, another 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Stir the beer and butter/oil into the dry mixture until just combined, then gently fold in pears. Pour into loaf pan, and sprinkle with oats and remaining brown sugar.

5. Bake approximately one hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan before removing.

CAKE MIX 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal Wondra flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 bottle red food coloring 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups oil 1 teaspoon cocoa ICING 1 teaspoon vanilla 8 ounces cream cheese 1 box of powdered sugar 1 stick of butter 1 cup of pecans

METHOD: CAKE 1. Set oven to 350 degrees.

2. Blend flour, sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, baking soda and cocoa in mixing bowl. Mix in food coloring.

3. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cake cool, then add icing.

ICING 1. Mix cream cheese and butter, and then blend in powdered sugar, vanilla and pecans.

SMOKED TURKEY If anyone knows good bird, it’s Robert Jordan and Smokin’ Aces BBQ. There’s no time for eating turkey quite like wintertime, and the traveling barbecue experts have a recipe that will make anyone with a smoker and a drip pan a big hit over the holidays.

INGREDIENTS: FOR THE TURKEY: Injector set Olive oil 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon pepper FOR THE DRIP PAN: 1 cup dry white wine

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 large onion, quartered 1 green pepper, cored and quartered 2 tablespoons Worcestershire shire 6 tablespoons chopped parsley Wood chips, soaked in either water or some of the wine 20 pounds of natural wood charcoal

METHOD: 1. Mix dry ingredients for the turkey in a small bowl. Rinse the turkey thoroughly, pat it dry and rub it down, inside and out and where the breast is, underneath the skin, with olive oil.

2. Season well, inside and out, with the dry ingredient mixture. Be sure to work it under the skin.

3. Inject marinade into several spots of the turkey, focusing on the wings, legs, thighs and several spots underneath the skin.

4. Prep smoker with 10 pounds of natural wood charcoal, and add more as needed to maintain temperature. Optimal cooking temperature is 235 degrees.

5. Mix together all drip pan ingredients, then slowly lower the filled pan into place. Fill with water to about a half inch from the top.

6. Place the turkey on the rack, directly above the drip pan.

7. The process should take eight to nine hours at 235 degrees, and be sure to throw on a handful of soaked wood chips twice in the first two hours.

For more holiday recipes sure to impress — including a treat for man’s best friend — visit PlantCityObserver.com.

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