Today & Tonight Magazine December 2019

30

$

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This seasonal favorite features grilled, marinated Salmon, steamed asparagus, fresh blue Crab meat and a classic Hollandaise sauce.

Served with Nola Rice.

Tender grilled Filet medallions topped with delicately fried Lobster and Shrimp, accented with our New Orleans sherry cream sauce. Accompanied by our classic smashed potatoes and green beans.

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DECEMBER 2019

3

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S

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MUSEUM BOOK CLUB - 4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH JAN - SNOW LEOPARD BY PETER MATTHIESSEN FEB - OH FLORIDA! BY CRAIG PITTMAN 4 DECEMBER 2019

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When the holidays are over, the most

I love to talk about food. To me, prominent reminders of the holiday are food is the universal common denomthe abundant number of leftovers in inator, because everyone has to eat. in my refrigerator. Don’t waste Icontainers love talking with strangers about those delicious leftovers -- remix them! the foods they loved as a child, or With some creativity safe food hanrecipes they like toand prepare, because dling, you can enjoy turkey-based meals those stories are often some of their that makememories delicious use leftovers. happiest andofayour window into Anytime you prepare, cook and store their culture. food, must practice safe food-hanMy you special Roasted Vegetable dling methods to beis sure your leftovers Croustade recipe a crowd-pleaser. are safe to eat.

During mealtime, don’tfor let It’s a great appetizer or side dish the turkey side dishes sit out for more folks who or aren’t vegetarians, a lovely than two hoursfor after cooking. the main course those whoRemove are, and from the turkey.

Freeze turkey ameat delicious way to form a the bond with new old. bonesfriends to makeand homemade broth.

pepper flakes or ground cayenne pepper.

3. Remove stuffing balls from freezer; wrap ball with about 4 tablespoons of mashed potatoes. Make sure you’re working with cold mashed potatoes for easy handling. Gently roll ball in flour and then transfer it to egg bowl. Using your hands or a fork, roll the ball around to cover it in egg. Finally dip and cover the ball in panko crumbs. Place ball on parchment-lined baking sheet and continue forming the For safe storage, put away leftovers in ROASTED VEGETABLE remaining balls. shallow, air-tight containers in the refrigCROUSTADE 4. Fill a pan with enough oil to suberator immediately. Shallow containers merge the Holiday balls. Heat oil to 365 allow leftovers to cool faster, preventing To Roast the Vegetables: F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.

1 cup olive oil, divided growth of harmful bacteria.

Working in batches, drop 2 to 3 balls into 3 red potatoes, scrubbed and Unless you freeze the leftovers, be the oil and fry until golden brown, about quartered sure to use the turkey and stuffing within 3-4 minutes.

2 yellow squash, sliced be into 3-4 days.

Leftover gravy should used 1/2-inch-thick slices dishes can 5. Remove with a slotted spoon and within 1-2 days. Other cooked sprouts, halved transfer paper towel-lined be10 storedBrussels up to 4 days.

In a tolarge bowl, mixparchment togeth4 green onions, rootbeends baking sheet to drain.

Waitcheese, 2-3 minutes Frozen leftovers should labeled, er the whipped cream tofu, removed between batches to allow the oil to return dated and stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit Parmesan, mayonnaise, Italian sea1 large carrot, cut3-4 into 1/2-inch soning, to 365 F.salt Continue deep frying or below and used within months. and pepper untilremaining smooth. pieces balls. Adjust for heat30 as needed to keep oil at Turkey in gravy or broth, or other cooked Refrigerate minutes to blend 2 celery roots, peeled, trimmed a consistent flavors.

Mix365 theF.cooled, roasted vegeturkey dishes can be frozen for 4-6 and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 6. Serve withfilling gravy.until with immediately the tofu cream months. Stuffing and gravy can keep up to tables 1 large head of garlic, separat- well-blended.

Garnish balls with additional finely grated 1 month in the freezer. When you reheat ed into cloves, smashed and Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. the turkey, stuffing or gravy, make sure it To Make the Croustade: peeled Makes 12 to 16 three-inch balls. reaches a temperature of at least 165 F. 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, 1 teaspoon salt Here are two ways to enjoy your leftthawed 1 teaspoon black pepper GOBBLE WRAP over2turkey.

1 egg tablespoons Italian seasoning 4 flour tortillas (white or whole wheat) 1 tablespoon water 1/4 teaspoon sugar 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or mustard, STUFFED POTATO BALLS 1.both, Thaw pastry sheet at room tem1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Pour 1/2 or if preferred You can cut this recipe in half, if defor 40 minutes. The oven cup of the olive oil on a large sheet perature 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning sired, but these savory snacks are seldom already be heated to 400 F if pan or jelly-roll pan, 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 should 4 teaspoons cranberry sauce, optional leftover. by 1 inch, coating pan with the oil. the vegetables were roasted in it, or 4 slices (1-ounce each) of turkey Place pan in oven to heat for 5 min- preheat oven as needed. cooked bacon 4 cups stuffing, broken up if chunky 2.4 slices Unfold puff pastry on lightly utes, watching carefully to make sure 4 leaves Romaine lettuce 1 1/2 cups turkey, finely chopped floured surface. Roll pastry into it doesn’t overheat or smoke.

2 to 4 slices ofrectangle. tomato finelybowl, grated Parmesan Using but2.1 1/2 In cup a large mix together 16-by-12-inch 1/2 small purple onion, thinly sliced cheese, plus more for garnish 1/2 cup finely minced vegetables 1. Wrap tortillas in food-safe paper (leftover broccoli, carrots, mixed veggies, towels or parchment paper. Microwave Brussels sprouts, etc.) on high for 10 seconds.

8 cups cold mash potatoes 2. Spread each tortilla lightly with 2 cups flour mayo, mustard or both, and sprinkle each 2 large eggs, lightly beaten tortilla evenly with poultry seasoning.

4 cups panko crumbs, for coating Spread cranberry sauce evenly on each 2 tablespoons poultry- or Italian seatortilla. soning 3. Divide turkey and put half on the 1 teaspoon salt bottom third of each tortilla. Add a slice 1 teaspoon ground black pepper of bacon, some lettuce, tomato slices and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or onion on each tortilla. Wrap tightly and ground cayenne pepper serve. Serves 4.

3 cups of gravy, for dipping, or use

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King Features Weekly Service

Croustade Tempt HOLIDAYWill REMIXED Even Non-Vegetarians

ter- or olive oil-flavored cooking spray, lightly spray a shallow, round casserole dish or a round baking dish.

Place sheets of parchment paper or pieces of foil inside bowl with strips overlapping the edges to make the croustade easier to remove. Lightly spray the parchment or foil.

3. Place pastry in casserole dish or baking dish with pastry edges overA holiday classic from the writer balls.

Place balls on baking transfer lapping the sides. Mound vegetable To Make the Tofu Creamsheet, Filling: of the musical theatreinclassic, cream-cheese mixture centerThe of to the and let for 30 minutes.

1 freezer container (4set ounces) light Music Man!, andan based on the movie the pastry.

Leaving opening in the 2. Setwhipped up an assembly of four cream line cheese of the same 34th center, fold thename, pastryMiracle edges on around bowls lined in a row.

Fill the first 4 ounces soft, silken tofu,bowl the filling, crimping edges Street features a book andunder score to by with mashed potatoes, the second with drained form a bowl. none other than Meredith Willson. flour, third with the cheese lightly beaten egg 1/2 the cup Parmesan InSingle a small bowl,Doris mix Walker, togetherdoesn't egg mother, and fourth with panko crumbs. Season 1/2the cup light mayonnaise andwant waterher to make an egg Susan's wash. Brush six-year-old tablespoon seasoning the1flour, beaten eggItalian and panko breadpastry headwith filledegg withmixture. romanticBake the 1/2 teaspoon salt of the poultry or crumbs with a sprinkle croustade 20 to 30 minutesFred or until notions. Their neighbor, 1/2 seasoning, teaspoon salt, black pepper Italian pepper and red

October 3, 2016

bottled ranch dressing or ketchup, the remaining 1/2 cup of oil,if the preferred squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, green onions, carrot, celery roots, garlic, salt, pepper, seasoning 1. Line two baking Italian sheets with parchand thebowl, vegetables mentsugar paper. until In a large combine are coated. place vegetables stuffing,Carefully turkey, Parmesan cheese andon the heated pan andMix roast forwell-blend15 to 20 minced vegetables. until minutes, once after 10 mined. Using stirring your hands, form 1 1/2-inch utes. vegetables to cool before balls Allow and place on parchment-lined bakmixing with the tofu creamremaining filling. ing sheet.

Continue forming

COMMUNITY SNIPPETS Miracle on 34th Street

Gailey, tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy's, where Doris works.

Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out that Macy's Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. Filled with humor, spectacle and such beloved songs as "Pinecones

and Hollyberries," "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "My State, My Kansas," this joyous, heartwarming musical is pure family entertainment, wholesome without being cloying. Miracle on 34th Street The Musical is the perfect holiday treat for the entire family!

December 6 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Lakeland Community Theatre www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

COMMUNITY SNIPPETS Phil Curry

Attention all 'Deadheads'

the pastry is golden brown. To serve, allow to cool for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, gently loosen croustade from the baking dish or pan using the sheets of parchment or foil to help ‘Deadheads,’ come moveAttention it on to aallserving dish. Serve relive legendary 1977 Grateful warm or the at room temperature.

Dead concert at (then) Lakeland Civic *** Center as Uncle John’s Band will Angela ShelfthisMedearis an be recreating concert at is the RP award-winning children’s author, FUNDING CENTER on January 4, culinary 2020 at historian 7:30 PM. and the author of five cookbooks. latest cookFormed in 1989Her in Clearwater book, “The John's New African-American FL, Uncle Band has kept the Kitchen,” in bookstores She’s GratefulisDead fire aglownow. in the known as The Kitchen Diva and is Southeast for nearly three decades. the executive producer and host of With three generations of fans spread “The Kitchen Diva!” television cookU.S., provided ingacross show.the Visit herUJB Webhas site at www. thousands of deadheads with their divapro.com. weekly dose of authentic live Dead © 2016 King Features Synd., music.

UJB has shared theInc. stage with notable guests including Grateful Dead alums & related artists John Kadlecik, Tom Constanten, Vince Welnick, Merle Sanders, Melvin Seals, David Gans, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. Other noted guest sit-ins include Jeff Mosier and Jake Shimabukuro.

With this much history and community, it makes sense that Uncle John's Band was invited to play for a VIP party at Chicago's Field Museum each afternoon of the Grateful Dead's 3-day 'Fare Thee Well' run at Soldier

Field in 2015. In addition to regular appearances on the Florida festival circuit, UJB's reputation for excellence has allowed the band to maintain a consistent year-round schedule at many of Tampa Bay's favorite venues.

In a world overflowing with Grateful Dead inspired tribute bands, it is rare to find one that consistently captures the essence and groove of the Dead’s engine firing on all cylinders.

General Admission Ticket prices are $29.77 (other fees may apply) and are available by visiting the RP Funding Center Box Office, toll-free 888-397-0100, and online at www. rpfundingcenter.com. All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

DECEMBER 2019

5

S T N E T N O C F O E L B A T

=

On The Menu: Little New Orleans Kitchen & Oyster Bar

10 Lakeland Magic Returns 18 Holiday Home Tour at

Pinewood Estate 28 Jingle Bell Run 2019

COLUMNS: 9

What's Rustling Jimmy's Jimmies?

9

Now Here's a Tip

10

Lakeland Magic Returns

21 Flash Back Music Trivia 21 On-o-mato-poe-ia 31 Tracey's Tid-Bits

32 Crossword

LISTINGS: 12 Snap Shotz 22 Restaurant Spotlights 25 Local Live Music 26 Calendar of Events

On The Menu: Little New Orleans Kitchen & Oyster Bar

STAFF

18

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER:

CHRIS DOUGLAS TRACEY GREENE

COLUMNS TRACEY GREENE JAMES COULTER

Holiday Home Tour

THE FUN & AMUSING: 32 Brain Exercise

Awe... There is nothing better than a nice cold snap to snap you into the Holiday Spirit. When it comes to cold weather, I am no novice. Growing up near Buffalo New York, I have been through some of the worst winter weather you can image.

But there is still something about that first day that the temperature drops and you get that giddy feeling that the Holidays are right around the corner.

In this month’s issue we have a great article about the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens. Don't miss it.

Don't forget to shop local as much as possible this holiday season As always, Expect More... Get More... We Deliver...

Merry Christmas Chris Douglas Publisher/Editor

7

­­­­­TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 16 Issue 5 December 2019 7

EDITOR’S NOTE

ERICA SMITH

EDITORIAL

28

ERICA SMITH ELIZABETH MORRISEY

AMY SUMERLIN JAMES COULTER

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DOUGLAS

Jingle Bell Run 2019

MIKE POTTHAST

SALES TRACEY GREENE - VP of Advertising BOB CURTIS - Senior Executive Media Director MELANIE BROWN - Advertising Representative WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW SALES REPS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE SEND INFO TO TRACEY@TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

Tell Us What You Think

SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO: Today & Tonight Magazine, PO BOX 2612, Winter Haven, FL 33883 Email: chris@todayandtonight.com. Letters must be signed, please include your town and phone number.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND CHEERS TO A GREAT NEW YEAR!

PUBLISHED BY: Today & Tonight, Inc. PO Box 2612 Winter Haven, FL 33883 Phone: 863.401.8001 email: chris@todayandtonight.com Reproduction in whole or in part of this magazine is prohibited without written ­­permission from Today & Tonight, Inc. Copyright, 2019 by Today & Tonight, Inc. Submissions: Today & Tonight Magazine welcomes unsolicited manuscripts.

6 DECEMBER 2019

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ON THE MENU

Cajun Steamer, 1 lb. snow crab legs and 12 jumbo shrimp served with a potato and corn.

LITTLE NEW ORLEANS Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Crawfish Etouffeé.

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By Amy Sumerlin Photos by Chris Douglas

I often joke that I promised to “Love, Honor, and Learn to Cook Jambalaya” when I married my husband.

Really.

After living in New Orleans for 13 years, he became a connoisseur of all things Creole and Cajun – and he remains so to this day.

Me? I’m from Ohio—and I don’t believe I had ever even tried Tabasco sauce until I started dating him. Now, however, I am able to successfully explain the subtle differences between Tabasco, Crystal, and Louisiana hot sauce – because I love the flavors of New Orleans now, too.

And so, as part of our dating ritual – which continues to this day – we are constantly on the hunt for authentic New Orleans style restaurants. Yep: Harry’s, Cajun on the Bayou, Tibby’s… we’ve tried them all, and would give them all a thumbs up, even when “authentic” is sometimes a looselyused adjective.

So, I have absolutely no explanation for why we just now tried Little New Orleans Kitchen & Oyster Bar. CLOSE TO HOME Just about three miles from our home, tucked in one of the many shopping centers that line Cypress Gardens Boulevard (in the same plaza DECEMBER 2019

7

1 lb. Cajun broiled crawfish

with the Just Move gym), sits this little gem, in the spot previously occupied by Island Bar & Grill.

In fact, it looks very much the same as it did when it was the Island Bar – it wasn’t broke, so they didn’t fix it – but rather, just gave it bright, cheerful touches of purple paint and a Mardi Gras theme.

AN UPBEAT ATMOSPHERE I recently spoke to Karsten Shank, the restaurant’s General Manager. He explained that the owner, Johnny Nguyen, is originally from Vietnam but found New Orleans once he came to the States.

“He loved the food and the upbeat atmosphere – and wanted to bring that to this area,” Shank began.

Before he opened in October 2018, Nguyen hired Shank, a Lake Wales native with a broad range of culinary experience, including traditional Southern cuisine and time at Disney’s Rainforest Café and Michael Cook, who is the Lead Cook. Russell, Shank explained, is originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi – a place that is very familiar with how to do Cajun food right.

of both the crawfish and the crab.

Our table, however, wanted to start with the basics, so Mom ordered the Crab Cakes ($7.99 from the Starters Menu) and added sides of Onion Rings and Red Potatoes (her entire bill, including a large soft drink, was $13 and change); I ordered the One dozen fresh oysters.

Louisiana Jambalaya with hush puppies ($10.99).

Hubby was excited to try the Red Beans and Rice shared. ($9.99) once he found out it included sausage and So yes, that’s correct – this dessert is so generous bacon as proteins.

Before all that, though, we tried the Boudin Balls that five adults shared it, and all of us had plenty. ($6.99 for four) appetizer – which is absolutely one MAKE IT A DATE NIGHT of my favorite appetizers ever.

I highly recommend that you copy this part of I was not disappointed. They were generous, deep fried to perfection and, well, I could make that our dating ritual and try this place out (and in case my entire meal, if I didn’t have to share. you’re wondering, it has a full liquor bar). Even We were equally pleased with the Jambalaya better, try it on a night when the local Blues/Jazz and Red Beans and Rice – even more so with the group, the New Orleans Night Hawks, will be Red Beans. there providing the musical ambiance (Next dates: Next time I go, I would like to try the Fried December 14, January 11).

Seafood Combo for $13.99, which includes oysters, FMI: Little New Orleans Kitchen & Oyster Bar, shrimp, and catfish.

5654 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. (863) We finished the meal with Beignets ($3.99) – a nice touch – but we didn’t buy them. Remember 324-0404. Hours: Sun-Thurs, Noon to 10PM; Fri-Sat, that couple in the next booth I mentioned? They Noon to 11PM.

THE MENU Shank is proud of the menu the trio developed, which includes Cajun and Creole basics, and a number of seafood options, well beyond just oysters, including crawfish and Dungeness crab.

“There aren’t a lot of places in the area that offer crawfish,” Shank continued. “My favorite, though, is the fried Dungeness Crab (which you can try for $24/lb).”

All items are house made.

EATING THERE On a recent Sunday, I tried the place, accompanied by my mom and hubby.

I was actually a little nervous about how mom would like it – spicy isn’t her thing – but Shank had assured me that they don’t go crazy with the heat.

I needn’t have worried. She loved the place.

I had a feeling very quickly that we would love the food when we struck up a conversation with the couple in the booth next to us—she was a native of New Orleans, and this was their second time dining there: the first was the day before… that’s right, she loved it so much she wanted to try more items from the menu. She spoke very highly 8 DECEMBER 2019

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King Features Weekly Service

September 7, 2015

• “Use a slotted spoon to separate eggs. The whites go through; the yolk does not.” -- Y.E. in Utah

• “When moving, use foam plates •asAccording to waste management separators for your dinner plates.

Use kitchen towels to wrap serving company Republic Services, approxiplatters. If you have a box that sepamately 30% drop of what Americans place rates glasses, a spice jar into each glass.

Use all the space, and you’ll in their curbside recycling bins does have fewer boxes to move.” — P.L. in not belong there, including greasy South Carolina • To remove stubborn hard-water pizza boxes, wet cardboard, plastic deposits from a shower head (withbags, food-tainted out removing it), usematerials, this trick: and Add a cup bowling of plain white to a zipeven ballsvinegar and garden hoses. per-top sandwich bag (or a larger bag Meanwhile, only one fourshowplastic with added vinegar to fitin larger erheads).

Submerge the shower head bottles is recycled. in the vinegar and draw the plastic bag up tightly around the stem. Use a band to secure bagexcellent around •rubber Paper lunch bags the make the shower head. Leave overnight. receptacle for cat waste.

They are Remove, scrub and litter shower to release the deposits. much more environmentally friendly • Borax canbags, be used keep than plastic andtocan be sidefolded walks free of weeds. Simply sprinkle a down and on placed directly into an little Borax the sidewalk and sweep into the cracks.

This is a very effective outside trash can. The bags are easily weed killer, but it also will kill your stored thetoo litter box, because grass if near you use much, so keep it in they the cracks only! lay flat.

• “Have a stripped screw? Place a wide rubber band over the head and insert your drill. The rubber band fills in the stripped spots and makes the drill catch the screw. It works most of the time.” — D.D. in Nebraska • “Make audio recordings or short videos of you reading your children’s favorite books, then play for them when you are busy doing housework, working or cooking.” — K.A. in Oregon • If you have a sticky zipper, try running a candle along the zipper face, then zipping it up and down a few times.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

• Do you need to go to a fancy liquor store for simple syrup? No way! Simply mix equal parts sugar and water, bring to a simmer and store in the fridge in a covered jar. Use in drink recipes and to sweeten iced tea.

• “Wrap lint from your dryer in 6 inches of wax paper. Roll it up 1 inch on both ends and you have the perfect fire starter.” -- M.K. in Michigan • Scoop up this trick when cooking scallops: Refrigerate uncovered for about 30 minutes before they will hit the pan or grill. This will help to dry out the surface, giving you a good sear instead of a steam. Make sure your pan is hot, and don’t leave the stove or grill, because scallops don’t take more than 1 1/2 minutes per side.

© 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Give The Homeless A Home For The Holidays “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

- Matt. 25:35 (NIV) There’s no place like home for the holidays; but for far too many people, they have no such place to call home. Homelessness is a problem year-round, but especially during the holidays, it’s a real problem with the homeless being exposed to below-freezing temperatures.

According to national statistics, about 3.5 million people, including 1.35 million children, are homeless nationwide. That’s nearly 1% of the population. Here in Florida, nearly 32,190 residents are homeless.

The good news is that homelessness in Central Florida has dropped nearly 11 percent over the past five years, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The bad news is there are still far too many people without a home. One person without a roof over their head is one person too many.

Even worse, while there are many people without homes, there are far too many homes without people.

According to Fox Business, 18.9 million homes remain vacant across the country. That’s 3.5 million people without homes, and 18.9 million homes without people. Can we really call our county “great” when peopleless homes outnumber homeless people?

What if this wasn’t the case? What if we took all the homes without people and gave them to people without homes? What if ending homelessness was a simple as giving the homeless homes? According to the state of Utah, it is that simple!

In 2005, Utah started Housing First. The program gave the homeless permanent housing and provided them with services to help them with other problems such as addiction and unemployment. Ten years after the program was implemented, Utah’s

chronic homeless population was reduced by 90 percent, from 1,932 homeless individuals to only 178, as reported by NBC News. Ending homelessness is as simple as giving the homeless homes? Who knew?!

“You want us to give homes to the homeless?” I hear you ask. “But wouldn’t that cost taxpayers money?

That’s socialism!”

Believe it or not, the real “socialism” is keeping the homeless, well, homeless. In Utah, the taxpayer money spent on giving the homeless homes cost far less than the money that would have been spent on providing them with law enforcement, emergency services, and hospital visits if they remained homeless.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, the average cost of a homeless person in Utah is approximately $19,000 a year. In contrast, the cost of giving someone a home and a counselor was $7,800 a year. That means Utah saved $11,408 a year for every homeless person they gave a home.

Here in Central Florida, the average cost of each homeless person is $31,000 a year, according to the Orlando Sentinel. In contrast, providing them with permanent housing and counseling only costs $10,000 per person per year, a savings of $21,000 annually. The math is clear: giving a homeless person a home costs less than keeping them homeless.

As Adam Conover said about the subject on his show, Adam Ruins Everything, “you can let a person sleep on the street and waste money, or give them a home and save money.

I know which I’d choose.”

And as a person who considers himself “fiscally responsible” politically, and as a Christian who takes the Lord’s commandment to “love thy neighbor” seriously, I know which I’d choose as well. So what do you choose? ­QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Info@todayandtonight.com DECEMBER 2019

9

Lakeland Magic Returns for a Third Season

by James Coulter Photos by Fernando Medina, Gary Bassing & NBAE via Getty Images Lakeland’s local basketball team has been going strong for nearly three years, and its third season is shaping up to be even better.

The Lakeland Magic is entering its third season. Since their opening night on Nov. 16, the team has maintained a good score of 4-1. Last year had an exceptionally good season, as well.

The team made the playoffs both years. They even reached the Eastern Finals, explained Lakeland Magic President, Shelly Wilkes.

They expect to continue their winning streak through the remainder of this season. Not only do they expect to reach the playoffs again, but to also reach the finals and inevitably the championships, Wilkes said. Not only that, but aside from improving their game, they also expect to see greater turnouts in the near future, she continued.

“We want to continue to grow the fan base and the opportunities to see our games, so we 10 DECEMBER 2019

really encourage the community to give their support to your hometown and be a part of what we are building here in Lakeland,” she said. “Lakeland is very well connected, and there are so many great supporters in the community that we are able to really lean on our supporters to really continue to grow.”

Started in 2017, the Lakeland Magic was announced in December 2016 as the NBA affiliate team of the Orlando Magic. The team is part of the NBA G-League, the minor league system of the NBA which offers players an opportunity to gain on-court experience.

By offering basketball players such a chance to perform in professional sports, it also offers them a potential pathway towards entering the NBA. One statistic shows that of all the players on NBA rosters at the end of last season, 52 percent of them had played in the G-League, Wilkes said.

“It is about an opportunity for players who were not drafted to make their way into the NBA. There is a multitude of ways that it FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

could happen, that it has happened, and it has been a very great success story for many of our players,” she said.

The success they have achieved on the court these past three seasons has been to the great leadership of their coaches and managers, as well as the great teamwork and sportsmanship of their players and staff. Such a great organization has allowed the team to maintain consistency both in and out of the game, Wilkes explained.

“That is where our success starts both on and off the court,” she said. “We have been able to build a very solid team, of people who work daily, and that has contributed to the success that we have been able to have, and also the longevity of the staff that we have.”

Another key to the team’s success has been its embrace of the local community through its overall family-friendly atmosphere. Each game offers something for the entire family, especially with its Florida Blue Family Zone offering inflatable games, coloring stations, and mascot appearances for young children. Whether young or old, there’s always something fun for everyone.

Also helping its community appeal has been its support for local businesses and organizations. Many times, their games will offer a platform for local non-profits by displaying banners promoting their organizations and even allowing representatives to share their organization’s mission.

Lakeland Magic plans on embracing the local art scene through its upcoming “A Night of the Arts” on March 14, 2020. Prior to the game that evening, several local artists will EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER!

showcase their work. The team has already helped support the arts by having a mural painted on the wall of the RP Funding Center and having their jersey designed by a local artist.

To help the local children and support education, the team hosts various youth basketball clinics, as well as select field trip days where the team visits local schools to host games, using the opportunity to educate students on topics such as science.

Other community initiatives include their upcoming Lakeland Swan night, where the team will change their name to help raise awareness and support for Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine; its Women Leadership Breakfast, where they will honor local women leaders in their community; and Themed Jersey Nights, where they will auction off team jerseys and donate the proceeds to select local non-profits.

Through these various initiatives and their family-friendly atmosphere, the Lakeland Magic has garnered a reputation within the Lakeland community, which in turn has bolstered their reputation and overall turnout for their games. The team hopes to continue this trend into the future to become a real home team.

“It is a great benefit to come and experience it for the first time and hopefully come back,” Wilkes said. “We need community support, we need people to attend games, and we need people to come and experience what the Lakeland Magic is all about.”

To learn more about the Lakeland Magic, visit their website at: www.LakelandMagic. com DECEMBER 2019

11

SNAPSHOTZ Call your favorite bar For more information!

AUBURNDALE Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 102 W. Polk Street (863) 968-0010 Full Liquor Sports Bar TVs for the Games Bottoms Up Sports Bar 419 E. Bridgers Ave (863) 845-2913 Karaoke, Pool Tables Beer & Wine Find Us On Facebook Brew Hounds Sports Lounge 318 Havendale Blvd.

(863) 967-2739 Mon-Fri, $3 Craft Beers 5-7p Wed, Trivia 6p Pool, Darts, Full Liquor Sunday Ticket Closed Christmas Day

BABSON PARK Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern 1010 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 589-5887 Full Liquor Seafood, Steaks & Burgers Live Music Fri & Sat Pool Table & Darts

BARTOW Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 120 East Van Fleet Drive (863) 534-3111 Full Liquor Sports Bar Fun Bar 3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400 Karaoke Pool Table & Darts Mulligan’s Sports Bar Bartow Golf Club 150 N. Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Fri, Karaoke 7-10p The Wine Stable 150 S. Broadway (863) 533-9463 Full Bar Live Music

DAVENPORT Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350 Full Liquor Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps

12 DECEMBER 2019

Presented By Brew Hounds Sports Lounge Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100 Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p Live Music

Rudy’s Liquorup Lounge 600 Ingraham Ave (863) 422-8585 Karaoke, Darts, Billiards Live Bands Happy Hour 12-7p

The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 TVs, Pool Table Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p

Shady Cove Bar & Grill 7140 State Road 544 E. (863) 421-6800 Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 4-7p Open Daily 12p Daily AUCE Food Specials Daily Drink Specials Live Music

The Wheelhouse/19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560 Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p Thu, Trivia 8-10p DUNDEE Out n About Bar (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537 Tue, Tacos .50 w/purchase Wed, Wings 1/2 price w/ purch.

Wed, Thu & Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night Fri & Sat, Live Music

FROSTPROOF P & J Recreation 33 South Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825 Home of Famous Slaw Burger!

Full Liquor

FT. MEADE Pit Stop Package & Lounge 800 Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732

HAINES CITY Amos Tavern 200 US Highway 17 92 N (863) 422-1459 Balmoral Bar & Grill 124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097 Open to the Public!

Patio Dining & Full Bar Daily Food & Drink Specials Locals Food Discount!

Sat, Live Music on Patio Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs

Sunset Tavern & Package 1030 Marion Lk Rd W (863) 695-8650 College Football Specials Mon & Fri, Karaoke 6p Tue, Hpy Hr All Day! Wed, Ladies $3 Wine Sun, Live Music 3-7p

LAKE ALFRED LA’s Midway Saloon (Across from WH Airport) 3900 Lynchburg Rd (863) 875-7966 Hpy Hr 11-3p; Specials M-F

LAKELAND Beef ‘O’ Brady’s North 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 Full Liquor Sports Bar 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Beef ‘O’ Brady’s South 4810 S FL Ave (863) 646-7757 Full Liquor Sports Bar 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday 40+ HD TVs w/sports pkgs Brewlands Bar & Billiards N. 5161 US Hwy 98 N (863) 940-2038 Smoke-Free Billiards/Sports Bar 20 Pool Tables, Dart Boards Game Room, Full Kitchen Open Daily, Full Liquor Brewlands Bar & Billiards S. 5733 S FL Ave (863) 646-2600 Pool & Billiard Sports Hall Full Liquor Bar Open Daily Sun & Wed, S.I.N. Night Thu, Ladies Night

— Continued Page 15 FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

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DECEMBER 2019

13

H A I N E S C I T Y PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N P R E S E N T S

COUNT DOWN WITH US AS WE LIGHT UP THOUSANDS OF LIGHTS AND OUR 31 FT CHRISTMAS TREE IN LAKE EVA PARK! THERE WILL BE AN ICE SKATING RINK, ARTS & CRAFT VENDORS, LOCAL CHILDREN ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD VENDORS & MORE!

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST AND MEET SANTA CLAUS! ADMISSION IS INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF A MEAL.

14 DECEMBER 2019

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SNAPSHOTZ Champs Sports Bar & Grill 6645 S Florida Ave (863) 647-5900 Daily Specials 2-10p; Mon, Tacos/Tue, Buff.

Shrmp Tue/Thu, BOGO Bud/ Bud Light Btls Wed, Boneless Wings Fri, Grouper Sand./Sat, Wings Cob & Pen 1221 S. Florida Ave (863) 937-8126 Craft Beer & Wine Full Liquor Bar Food/Light Food

Just Larry’s Bar & Grill 3415 E County Rd 542 (863) 666-6898 Open Daily Sports Bar Lunch & Dinner

EMAIL US YOUR

SNAPSHOTZ TO: SNAPSHOTZ@ TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR PHOTO IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Decisions Grill & Bar 1621 E. Edgewood Dr Suite G (863) 686-6441 Duke’s Brewhouse 4960 S Florida Ave (863) 647-9464 Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music Even Par Sports Bar Oak Plaza North 5100 US Hwy 98 N (863) 816-7995 Happy Hr 4-6p Daily NFL Sunday Ticket MLB Package $12 Buckets Fresco’s Bistro 132 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 683-5267 Happy Hr 5-7 Monthly Pairings Great Bistro Fare Late Menu/Full bar Live Music Gator’s Dockside Highland City 5135 S.R. 98 (863) 619-7627 Food, Full Bar Open late night Hookah Palace 122 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 688-1818 Hrs: Thu-Sat, 4p-2a Thu, Latin Nite w/DJ Fri & Sat, DJ Isle of Capri 541 S Combee Rd (863) 665-6246 Food, Beer/Wine Hpy Hr 3-6p; $1.50 Drft Wed, Ladies Night 7p Pool Tourn, Karaoke

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Lakeland Loft 108 South Tennessee Ave (863) 210-5327 Full Liquor Jazz & Cigar Lounge Business Casual Sun –Thu Dress to Impress Fri & Sat Lucky’s Sports, Oyster & Tiki Bar (Orange Bowl) 4318 US Hwy 98 N (863) 858-3878 Mon, Poker 7p Wed, Poker 11a 1st Thu, Karaoke Contest 1st/3rd Sat, Live Bands Masons Live 5501 S. Florida Ave (863) 333-0096 Tue, Trivia 7p Wed, S.I.N./Karaoke/DJ Thu, Ladies Night w/$1 Drinks Sat, Bands/DJ,/Dance Huge Outside Patio Mojo’s Wings, Burgers, Beer 1853 E. Memorial Blvd (863) 583-9119 Hpy Hr 2-7p Tue, Karaoke Wed, $5 Burgers Fri, Ladies/Latin Night Sun, 50 cent Wings Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub 111 S. Kentucky Ave (863) 686-6231 Darts, Pool Tables Live Music, Fri The Pink Piano 1015 S. Florida Ave (863) 937-8885 Tue-Sat, Live Music Wine, Beer, Tapas Revival Bar 119 S Kentucky Ave (863) 606-6090 Open 12p Daily/Smoke-Free Craft Cocktail Bar Vintage Cocktails, Beers Relaxed Seating Areas Southside Package & Lounge 1122 S. Florida Ave (863) 683-4703 Happy Hr 10-7p & 12-2a; Full Liquor

T A Slammers 1011 S. Florida Ave (863) 682-4178 Full Liquor Nightly Specials T-Bows 33 Lounge 4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd (863) 683-1201 Happy Hr 4-6p; $2.75 Wells, $2.25 20oz Drafts Wed-Sat, Karaoke 9p Wally’s Pool Hall 1136 E. Main St (863) 688-4460 Hpy Hr, Mon-Sat 11-7p Mon, 9-Ball Tourn Tue & Thu, APA 8 & 9-Ball Thu, Ladies Nite w/free pool Winner’s Circle 4215 South Florida Ave. (863) 644-9464 Sun, Corn Hole Tues, Poker Wed, Ladies Night 1st Thu, Open Mic, 7-10p Ybor Cigars & Spirits 5263 S. Florida Ave (863) 619-6799 Happy Hr 4-7p Darts/Pool Table/TVs Tue-Sat, Live Music

LAKE WALES Al’s Place 1530 N Scenic Hwy (863) 241-3070 Sat, $1 Drafts All Star Grill 2019 Hwy. 60 E (863) 679-9689 Sports Bar Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 19598 US Hwy 27 (863) 679-1975 Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak 3100 Canal Rd (863) 439-2031 Seafood, Full Liquor Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 11-4p Thu, Fri & Sat, Music 6-10p The Good Spot 3825 N. Scenic Hwy (863) 949-4243 Sat, Ladies Night 7p-cl Sun, Karaoke 3p Darts, Pool Table JayBees Rest. & Lounge 8625 Hwy 60 E (863) 696-1901 Full Liquor Lunch & Dinner Open Mon-Sat

— Continued Page 16 DECEMBER 2019

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SNAPSHOTZ Liar’s Lair Saloon Camp Mack River Resort 14143 Camp Mack Rd (863) 696-3863 Fri, Karaoke 8p Live Music Y’all Come Back Saloon 3230 State Rd 60 E (863) 676-5759 Taco Tues, $1 Live Music/Pool

RIVER RANCH Westgate River Ranch Saloon 3200 River Ranch Blvd.

Restaurant/Saloon General/Western Store (863) 692-1321 ext 40013 Fri, DJ 6p-12a Sat, Live Band 6p-1a

WINTER HAVEN AJ Slammers 508 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 875 5623 Pub, Pool Hall, Karaoke Darts, Full Liquor Apple Lounge 2803 Recker Hwy (863) 291-0340 Happy Hr, Mon-Fri 11-7p Food Avail./Daily Specials Mon, Pool Tourn Poker, Karaoke, Bands Ave. Bar by Arabellas 328 West Central Ave (863) 229-8142 Open Mon-Sat, 4p Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 4:306:30p Sat, Hpy Hr 5-6:30p Smoke-Free Full Menu/Full Bar Barrel239 239 3rd St SW (863) 229-7740 Whiskey Bar Open Daily Drink Specials 1-4p Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 293-9464 Full Liquor Sports Pub 30 Big HD TVs Mon Burger Special Central Tavern 273 W Central Ave (863) 229-5027 Open Daily 12p Full Bar Smoke-Free Outside Patio

16 DECEMBER 2019

Duke’s Brewhouse 1708 6th Street SE (863) 576-9464 Wings, Sports, Spirits Live Music Fire Restaurant 325 W. Central Ave (863) 875-5544 Wed, Fire Jazz Trio Sun, Brunch Gary’s Grove 2995 Cypress Gardens Rd (863) 325-0001 Mon, Live Music Fri, Karaoke Grape Expectations 535 Cypress Gardens Blvd (863) 318-8800 Wine Bar Smoke-Free Grove Roots Brewing Co. 302 3rd Street SW (863) 291-0700 Craft Beer & Wine Smoke-Free Food Truck & Live Music Wed-Fri 4p, Sat-Sun 12p 2nd Wed, Moonlight Mrkt Harborside Restaurant 2435 7th Street SW (863) 293-7070 Daily, Hpy Hr 3-6p Mon-Thu, Early Bird 3-5:30p Waterfront Dining High Seas Lounge 7000 State Rd 544 (863) 299-2233 Great Food/Drink Specials Live Music Jensen’s Corner Bar 100 3rd Street SW (863) 298-6755 Smoke-Free Outdoor Patio Thu, Live Music Tue, Dec 3rd Santa Paws Jessie’s Lounge 118 3rd Street SW (863) 298-9815 Hpy Hr Mon-Fri, 4-7p Mon, Free Pool Wed, Big Ass Jam Night Live Music Weekly Office Pub & Lounge 1243 1st Street S (863) 293-4767 Happy Hr 12-7 Mon & Thu, Karaoke Tue, Fri, Sat - Poker Pool Tables, Darts & Golden Tee

Old Man Frank’s 1005 S. Lake Howard Dr (863) 294-9179 Happy Hour M-F, 11-7p Daily Specials, Oyster Bar Sun, Live Music Open Christmas 2p NYE Party Past Time Lounge 1605 1st St S (863) 293-0027 Tue, Ladies Night Darts/Pool Table Slate 8 Family Billiards 20 4th Street NW (863) 247-8899 Smoke Free Pool Hall Open Daily, Outdoor Patio Full Bar, Food Available Wed - Dart Tourn 7p FB@Slate8Pool Somewhere Sports Bar 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 324-7524 Mon-Sat, Hpy Hr 3-6p w/Daily Beer Specials/Sports Packages Lunch Specials Mon-Fri Tanner’s Lakeside 1006 S Lake Howard Dr (863) 662-5948 Happy Hr Wed-Sun, 4-6p Wed, 1/2 Price Wines Sun, Fam Jam 12-6p/Music 2p 2nd Sun. Brunch 11:30-2p Dec 15, Toy Drive 12-7p Closed Christmas Eve/Day/ NYE Union Taproom 245 W Central Ave, ST 102 (863) 268-4921 Open Tue-Thu 3-10p, Fri & Sat 12-11p, Sun 12-7p 40 Self Pour Taps; Craft Brews, Ciders, Wine, Cold Brew Coffee, And Kombucha Winter Haven’s Bar Off The Chain 1560 Havendale Blvd NW (863) 299-5515 Mon-Fri, Hpy Hr 4-7p Mon, Free Pool 6-8p Wed, Karaoke 6p Fri, Bike Night 6-8p Fri & Sat, Bands 8p

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DECEMBER 2019

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Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate Bok Tower Gardens hosts its 25th annual holiday tradition of permitting guests to tour the historic Mediterranean style Pinewood Estate

by James Coulter Photos By Chris Douglas Twas a few days from Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a...squirrel!

For the 25th consecutive year, Bok Tower Gardens is hosting its annual holiday tradition of permitting guests to tour the historic Pinewood Estate to view its 20 rooms decorated for the holiday season and to hunt for the resident squirrels.

Built in 1932, the Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate (then called "El Retiro") served as the retirement winter retreat for Charles Austin Buck, a vice president of Bethlehem Steel. He spent several winter seasons with his family, including his nine children and 21 grandchildren, where they enjoyed the holidays amongst the natural Florida landscape and underneath the looming view of Bok Tower.

Acquired by Bok Tower Gardens in 1970, the 12,900 square foot Mediterranean-style home has been restored 18 DECEMBER 2019

to its former glory and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Since then, countless guests have been granted the privilege to tour the manor the late steel magnate once called home.

For the past 25 years, Bok Tower Gardens have allowed guests to celebrate the holidays by touring the 20 rooms decorated for the holiday season. Each year has its own theme, and this year's theme commemorates the annual tradition's silver anniversary by highlighting the surrounding Florida landscape.

"The Beauty of the Season Surrounds Us" brings in the natural beauty of the outside world for the holiday season, with many rooms decorated with natural garlands, stuffed animals, flowers and plants. The main loggia area showcases stuffed peacocks, a bird that once graced the gardens around the estate. The Landing staircase is adorned with countless mini pine trees teaming with stuffed animals like deer, squirrels, and foxes.

Aside from being able to view the various Christmas trees and decorations, guests, especially young children, will have the opportunity to participate within the annual squirrel hunt. Every year, the resident squirrels, Tucker and Tillie, hide within the various rooms. Find them in every room, mark their location on a special guide map, and participants may earn something special.

The past 25 years has allowed guests the privilege of touring the historic manor that graces the natural landscape near Bok Tower Gardens.

As such, the Gardens decided to celebrate its Silver Anniversary by bringing the nature of the gardens into the estate for the holidays.

"Every room has a touch of nature with natural materials or animals or birds or plants, so everything in the house truly reflects the beauty of nature that surrounds us," explains Erica Smith, Bok Tower Marketing Director. "I think this year more than ever, we really captured the essence

of the house blended into the history of the family and then took a cue from Mother Nature when you think about inspiration, there is nothing more inspirational than Mother Nature."

What has allowed the Holiday Home Tour to remain as popular as it has been this past quarter century has been the house itself. Though the manor is open to the public throughout the year, the tour allows guests to view it in all its holiday splendor, allowing them to see it in a new light.

"I think the house is the testament," Smith said. "This house has been around for decades and decades and was beautifully restored by the gardens...For me, I love to see how the rooms come alive. And we get to see this house 365 days a year. Visitors don't get to see that. So we are very excited that they get to see the house during the holidays. And as we move into spring, the holiday changes. That is what makes Bok Tower Gardens exciting. You get to see something different every time you visit."

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Patti Bostick and Ginny Dunson, two of the area's top designers, have volunteered their time and effort in helping plan the overall decorations and themes for the past five years.

Together, they combine their talent and expertise to help bring the manor alive through holiday spirit.

This year, they have been privileged to include the artwork of local artist Blair Updike, as well as a portrait of a cardinal on loan from the honorable Sheriff Grady Judd. Being able to showcase such fine pieces within their overall design more than accentuates the experience for both interior designers.

"It is absolutely my favorite house that I have ever been in," Bostick said.

"It has been an honor and a privilege working here. It is gorgeous. It is phenomenal history. It is a great, hidden asset for the state of Florida."

For Ginny, even when they have finished setting up the very last piece, her mind always keeps racing to think of new ideas to add final touches

or even decorating ideas for future themes.

Of course, their favorite part is seeing the expressions of everyone who passes through the tour and hearing the feedback from them. Knowing that everyone else loves the house as much as they loved decorating it remains their best reward for a job well done.

"Everybody loves the history," Dunson said. "That is what we always try to dig into the thing that they give us for history and what the history of this house was. It is rewarding to see people walking through and once we finished it is enjoyed, we love coming out here."

Every year the tour draws in thousands of guests. This year, for its 25th year anniversary, expectations are high to see more than 25,000 people come through the house to celebrate its Silver Anniversary. Regular visitors can expect a celebration of the manor's natural history, while new visitors can be introduced to a holiday experience unlike any they have

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seen before. Hopefully, they will be inspired to take something home with them from that experience.

"I think if you are looking for holiday spirit and to be inspired, this is the place to come," Smith said.

"You are able to take the ideas they have created and take it home to your home, and that has been a goal of Bok Tower Gardens, which has been to make the world a bit better and more beautiful. That is what we have done in Pinewood, and we hope you will take all the beautiful things you have seen and bring them back into your home."

The Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate is hosted at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. The event will be hosted from Nov. 29, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020 during normal park hours from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission for the tour is $25 for adults, $12 for child (5-12), and free for kids age 5 and under. For more information, call 863-676-1408, or www.boktowergardens.org.

DECEMBER 2019

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20 DECEMBER 2019

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on·o·mato·poe·ia: The naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss).

By Erica Smith

Merry Christmas From The Coop

1. Ike & Tina Turner had their biggest hit with a cover of which Creedence Clearwater Revival song?

2. Where was the last public performance of the Beatles?

3. What on earth is “hair metal”?

4. Only one Beatle had an American wife. Who was she?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “How can I just let you walk away?

Just let you leave without a trace?”

1969, atop the Apple Records headquarters while shooting film footage. The police told them to turn down the volume.

3. Hair metal, aka glam metal, is a subcategory of heavy metal, this time using hair spray, makeup, tight clothes and the color pink. Think: Kiss or the New York Dolls.

4. Linda Eastman, wife of Paul McCartney.

5. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” by Phil Collins in 1984. The song was used as the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The singer knows that his chance of reconciling is against all odds.

1. What do The Average White Band, Bay City Rollers and Simple Minds have in common?

2. Name the 1927 song that Elvis Presley released in 1960 that went to No. 1 for six weeks.

3. How long was the single “Yesterday Once More”?

4. What instrument did Marv Tarplin play, and in which group?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “So long boy, you can take my place, got my papers, I’ve got my pay, So pack my bags and I’ll be on my way ...”

Answers 1. They all originated in Scotland.

The country has produced a long list of excellent bands that often are mistaken as being from England. it to our Tonight,” 2. “Are Add You Lonesome released afterwebsite his military service was completed.

The recording compawww.todayandtonight.com ny didn’t really like it and thought it or Post On Our Facebook Page would go nowhere.

3. Very long. The 1973 “song” by EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER! Richard Carpenter and John Bettis ANSWERS 1. “Proud Mary,” in 1971. It netted them a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

2. On a rooftop in London in January

Did we miss your event

“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild.

So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”

― Stephen King, The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.”

― J.M. Barrie I’d rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.

— e. e. cummings I typed the phrase “I will not write about chickens” fifty times before giving up and going with this train of thought. My apologies to you, dear readers, for subjecting you another bird-brained missive.

It could be that my bright red nose and sniffles have led to this massive case of writer’s block; however, my chickens remain a daily source of inspiration.

Our girls are getting older, and their habits are changing. Instead of rushing out of the coop, they wait for me to greet them with scratch and worms. Our smallest hen, Savannah, is usually the first to exit the coop each morning, and she calls to her other two sisters with an extremely impatient crow when they linger too long from

their breakfast. This morning, her sounds were almost a whine, as she called out lonely in the cool morning breeze.

Chickens make extremely different noises based on behaviors and environmental circumstances.

Scientists estimate chickens have up to 30 different vocalizations and communicate with each other with varying levels of sophistication.

Interestingly, different chicken breeds have unique voices and dialects. A flock uses these different sounds to differentiate between types of predators announcing if the threat is from the air or ground.

Chickens are incredibly vocal, and over time, you become accustomed to their noises. I now know the alarm cackle from each of our hens for when the neighborhood tomcat is stalking nearby.

While the chickens may not understand our holiday customs, they do understand the meaning of sticking together and watching out for one another. We can learn a great deal from chickens. Always keep watch, stay close for warmth, and let each other know when a predator is near. That is the true wisdom of flock mentality.

From my coop to yours, I wish you the merriest of holiday blessings and a warm and cozy New Year.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS info@todayandtonight.com

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January 22, 2018

ONOMATOPOEIA

POLK COUNTY’S

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT To Have Your Restaurant Listed Please Email Info@todayandtonight.com

HAINES CITY BALMORAL BAR & GRILL AT BALMORAL RESORT

Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.

Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich.

124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097 • BalmoralBarandGrill.com

LAKELAND

CHAMPS SPORTS BAR

Serving Polk County for over 20 years! Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun • Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook.

FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com

CHEF T’S GARDEN GRILL

Central Florida’s most beautiful dining experience. Enjoy exquisite continental and American cuisine in a historic turn-of-the-century atmosphere in the historic Chiles house. Or linger over wine and appetizers on our intimate garden patio. “I Love Food And The Art Of Dining”- Chef T Must Try: Veal lovers are in for a treat 1525 E Gary Rd., Lakeland 863-687-4386

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND

MISTER FISH

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND

LAKE WALES

Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.

Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday!

Chicken wings!

1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464 www.beefobradys.com Great Food! Great Sports! Great Family Fun! 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Game Plan Saturdays. 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday.

Coldest Beer In Town. Kids Eat Free Tuesdays & Sundays 4-8 pm. Now Featuring A Full Liquor Bar. Must Try: Our Delicious Fajitas and Awesome Burgers 4810 South Florida Ave (863) 646-7757 www.beefobradys.com

CHAMPINO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Authentic homemade Italian cooking. Fresh, made to order meals for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour is 7 days per week from 3pm-7pm. Catering and big parties available and welcomed. New York style pizza, calzones, desserts!

Try our Eggplant Parm 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863-937-8866 www.champinos.com

22 DECEMBER 2019

Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays.

Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280

CRAZY FISH

Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere.

Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials.

Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues. - Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun. Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper 802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 676-6361

JAY BEES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

We take pride in our welcoming environment, friendly service and famous burgers. Come in and check our daily lunch and dinner specials.

Weekend specials. Prime rib, frog legs, fried shrimp and catfish.

Must Try: Homemade Pies 8675 Hwy 60 East, Lake Wales 863-696-1901, Find us on Facebook

WINTER HAVEN 326 BISTRO PIZZERIA

Bistro Pizzeria shares the art of perfectly rendered simplicity. Wood burning oven, pizza by the slice, made to order specialty pizzas.

Lunch & dinner menu. Warm & casual dining atmosphere.

Must Try: Classic Pizza Napoli 326 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven 863-875-4894 www.arabellas.us/bistro

APPLE LOUNGE & GRILL

#1 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 11am-7pm. $1 Taco Tuesdays! Wings, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Fried Pickles, Chicken Fingers, Nachos and much more! Open Mic Night every Tuesday. Winner of the people’s choice Wing Fling 2011 Wing Champs! Come try em’ yourself.

Must Try: Famous Wings 2803 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven 863-291-0340

ARABELLA’S

We offer the best Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, created from the freshest ingredients.

Enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner in our chic Ave Bar. At Arabellas, our dedicated service and inviting ambiance makes us the premier choice for your lunch or dinner destination.

Must Try: Bananas Foster prepared table side 346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven 863-293-1797 • www.arabellas.us

BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S

Locally owned sports pub with 30 TVs and full bar. Lunch value combos Mondays-Fridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available. Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs.

Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!

Must Try: Award Winning Wings and Burgers 300 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

(863) 293-9464 • www.beefobradys.com

patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.

Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie! 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven 863-324-0301 www.harrysoldplace.com

RICK'S BAR-B-Q

Featuring delicious barbecue the entire family can enjoy! Serving up great food in downtown since 2011. Our barbecue is hand rubbed with dry seasonings, smoked over hickory wood and cooked all night. Our pulled pork and savory “fall off the bone” style ribs have proven to be favorites for our customers. Eat in, take out or have us cater your next event. On-site banquet room available for private parties; seats up to 60. Tues & Wed 11-3 pm, Thurs to Sat 11-8 pm.

Must Try: Brisket! But only on Fridays...while it lasts! And ribs, of course!

204 6th St SW • 863-299-0354 FB@lickthebone • www.ricksbarbq.com

SOMEWHERE SPORTS BAR

Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm.

Must Try: Jumbo Wings & Pizza 5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524

THE TWISTED PROP BAR & GRILLE

Winter Haven's newest casual bar & grill nestled on Lake May. Enjoy burgers, wings, wraps, sandwiches and cold beer in a picturesque setting on the Chain of Lakes. Happy hour on beer & wine is Monday to Friday from 2-7 pm.

Indoor dining, Patio dining, Outdoor dining and Pet Friendly. Boat dock with multiple slips available. Stop in by car or by boat to enjoy!

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11-9 pm. Fri & Sat, 11-10 pm. Sun 12-8 pm. Facebook for more info.

Must Try: Chicken Wings & Burgers 615 7th ST SW (863) 293-1937

HARRY’S OLD PLACE

Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor

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DECEMBER 2019

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24 DECEMBER 2019

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FIRE JASS TRIO (Fire Restaurant, WH) JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) DUELING PIANOS (Ritz Theatre, WH) CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WISHES (Amalie Arena, TMP)

DECEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR TUESDAY, DEC 3 POLKWEED MUZIQUE (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) LUBECK (Out n About Bar, DUN)

Wednesday, Dec 4 JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) FIRE JASS TRIO (Fire Restaurant, WH) THE ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) ANISETTE MAYER (Pink Piano, LKD) POWER SURGE (Leo’s Live, LKD) JAMES CAROTHERS (Polk Theatre, LKD)

THURSDAY, DEC 5 TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) JANE “UNPLUGGED” (Sunset Tavern, HC) BRIDGET KELLY BAND (LKLD Live, LKD) JIM THOMAS (Swan Brewing, LKD) HARRIS/BARONE JAZZ (Auburndale Park, ADL) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL OAKLEE (Leo’s Live, LKD)

FRIDAY, DEC 6

MICHA (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) ACOUSTIC DOSE (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BIG TIME JUKEBOX (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) THE BROKE (Grove Roots Brew, WH) SHANE MEADE & THE SOUND (Brew Hub, LKD) ERICA DICEGLIE (Lk Ashton, LW) THE DETECTIVES (Federal Bar, LKD) 22N (Union Hall, LKD) OLDEN KNEW (Out n About Bar, DUN) SPF 60/ SMOKEPOINT (Leo’s Live, LKD) JOSH BLEVINS (Apple Lounge, WH) KAT & THE DAWGS (Pink Piano, LKD) KTO (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) BRETT FOSTER (Yard on Mass, LKD) KEITH ROBINETTE (The Twisted Prop, WH) THE NEW REPECTS, SETH WALKER, BEARS & LIONS, LK WALES YOUNG MUSICIANS (Orange Blossom Revue, LW)

SATURDAY, DEC 7

SUNSET & SYMPHONY (Bok Tower Gardens, LW) KAT & THE DAWGS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) BLIND SIGHTED (Old Man Frank’s, WH) WONDERLAND (Out n About Bar, DUN) BLUE ROOSTER (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) JOE REID & THE HEARTLAND BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (Main Street Tap Room, AV PK) SPF 60 (Grove Roots Brew, WH) HARLEQUIN (Leo’s Live, LKD) MICAH SHANE TRIO (Federal Bar, LKD) CRISTI & JOHN (Brew Hub, LKD) NICK RIVERA (The Poor Porker, LKD) JOE’S GARAGE (Pink Piano, LKD) AGGIE ROAD w/ JOEY FOLEY (LA’s Midway Saloon, LA) POWER SURGE (Fireside Lounge, DVPT) DEAN JOHANESEN (Fresco’s, LKD) RUSTY WRIGHT BAND (Music Ranch, LKD) DREW LEBLANC/ SHANE MEADE (Florida Brewery, ADL) JILL’S CASHBOX, THE TRONGONE BAND, WEST KING STRING BAND, HUBO BENTLEY & DIM CROOKED FOOLS, DIXIE JEWELS, SANDY’S MUSIC GIRLS (Orange Blossom Revue, LW) JIMMY BUFFETT & THE CORAL REEFER BAND (Amway Center, ORL)

SUNDAY, DEC 8

LUBECK 12P/ SOUTHERNDIPITY 4P (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) RUSTED (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JOE REID & THE HEARTLAND BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) POLKWEED MUZIQUE (Grove Roots Brew, WH) ROB HAZEN (Federal Bar, LKD) TONI BROWN TRIO (Swan Brewing, LKD) 32TREES (Yard on Mass, LKD) THE BROKE (The Twisted Prop, WH) RUNNING RECKLESS/ KAI7EN/KAT & THE DAWGS/POWER SURGE/TEEZHER/ PLAN B/OAKLEE (Leo’s Live, LKD) BAD BUNNY (Amalie Arena, TMP)

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MONDAY, DEC 9 LUBECK (Gary’s Grove, WH)

TUESDAY, DEC 10 LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH) SKIP FYRE (Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, LKD) ED WRIGHT (Ybor Lounge, LKD) ISO: HOLIDAY POPS w/BONNIE KRAMER (Twisted Prop, WH)

WEDNESDAY, DEC 11 TWO SMOOTH (American Legion #8, WH) SPF 60 (Ybor Lounge, LKD) FIRE JASS TRIO (Fire Restaurant, WH) JIM & JUDY’S BIG ASS JAM (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)

Thursday, Dec 12 LAURIE & RUSTY WRIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL OAKLEE (Leo’s Live, LKD) TRINITY RIVER BAND (Traditions Club House, WH) ROCKET TO ANYWHERE (Fresco’s, LKD)

FRIDAY, DEC 13

THE WILEY COLLECTIVE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) ALMOST THERE (Winter Fest/Balmoral Resort, HC) B HAVEN (Sky Powersports, LKD) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (WH Bar Off Chain, WH) TWO SMOOTH (American Legion #8, WH) GEORGE MORRIS AND THE LARIATS (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL LUBECK (Shady Cove, HC) PRAISE IN THE PARK (Central Park, WH) SOUTHBOUND (Apple Lounge, WH) A & V PROJECT (Pink Piano, LKD) ANI & THE FLY BOYS/ WIKKID (Leo’s Live, LKD) 1039 REVOLUTIONS (LKLD Live, LKD) THE MASONS (The Twisted Prop, WH) GENE EANETT (Yard on Mass, LKD)

SATURDAY, DEC 14 SOMEDAY HONEY (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) LUBECK 2P/ JOSH BLEVINS 8P (Old Man Frank’s, WH) BLIND AMBITION (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) 10,000 PAPERCUTS (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) T MIKE & DUKE (Grove Roots Brew Co, WH) WONDERLAND (Fireside Lounge, DVPT) ICONIC OPERA (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) STEEL RIDGE (Federal Bar, LKD) TATIANA KALLMANN (Pink Piano, LKD) SIXX L SIXX (Swan Brewing, LKD) STRAITJACKET SMILE (Leo’s Live, LKD) BILLY DICKERSON (Yard on Mass, LKD) RJ HOWSON wsg/ MICHAEL ALLMAN (Music Ranch, LKD) TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA 3p & 8p (Amway Center, ORL)

SUNDAY, DEC 15

SOUL 2 EARTH (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) RUMOR HAZIT (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SOUTHBOUND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) LUBECK (Tempo 1930, WH) SOUTHERNDIPITY (Grove Roots Brew, WH) LUIS REXACH (Brew Hub, LKD) BING FUTCH (Swan Brewing, LKD) DAVID BRIMER (Yard on Mass, LKD) TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA 3p & 7:30p (Amalie Arena, TMP)

MONDAY, DEC 16 BRIMER (Gary’s Grove, WH)

TUESDAY, DEC 17 SKIP FRYE (Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, LKD) ED WRIGHT (Ybor Lounge, LKD) CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WISHES (Amway Center, ORL)

WEDNESDAY, DEC 18 THE ACOUSTIC STAGE (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL) POWERSURGE (Leo’s Live, LKD)

THURSDAY, DEC 19 RENDITION (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL OAKLEE (Leo’s Live, LKD) COLLEEN ORENDER (1916 Irish Pub, LKD) ANUEL AA (Amway Center, ORL)

FRIDAY, DEC 20

CHASE DIXON DUO (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) CROSS TOWN (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) DULCIMER (Central Park, WH) WE THREE STRINGS (Grove Roots Brew, WH) RUNNING RECKLESS (Apple Lounge, WH) BIG TIME JUKEBOX (Federal Bar, LKD) LESA SILVERMORE (Pink Piano, LKD) GRUMPY/ ENGINE ZERO (Leo’s Live, LKD) THE BROKE (LKLD Live, LKD)

SATURDAY, DEC 21 JOSH BLEVINS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) ACOUSTIC DOSE 2P/ THE BROKE 8P (Old Man Frank’s, WH) SOUTHERNDIPITY (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) B HAVEN (Florida Brewery, ADL) WONDERLAND (WH Bar Off Chain, WH) HARRIS/BARONE JAZZ (Tempo 1930, WH) BURNIN’ BROTHERS (LA’s Midway Sal, LA) HUNTER SMITH & FAMILY (Grove Roots Brew, WH) SCOTT RYAN (Brew Hub, LKD) AGGIE ROAD (Federal Bar, LKD) DOUG SHEEN (Swan Brewing, LKD) POWER SURGE (Fireside Lounge, DVPT) BULLY FOR YOU (Leo’s Live, LKD)

SUNDAY, DEC 22 TRAVIS WILLIAMS (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH)

— Continued Page 33 ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES Keep us up to date.

Send live music info to tracey@todayandtonight.com Deadline is the 23rd of each month prior to publication.

DECEMBER 2019

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DEC 13

– Holiday Tree Lighting Party. Light up the holiday season at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Holiday Tree Lighting Party. This free family event will feature DJ, dance contests, sweet treats, arts & crafts and photos with Santa. Fri, 6-8 pm. Located Eloise Resource Center, 710 Snively Ave, Eloise. Call (863) 298-4485 for more info.

DEC 13 Get Your Listing in the Calendar Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication.

Events will be included as space allows.

Christmas Parades & Holiday Events

DEC 1

to 24 – 2019 Christmas Lane. Dazzling displays with trees ranging from 4 to 40 feet, thousands of lights and more! KidZone with holiday characters, activities, music and more. Located Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Charlie Grimes Ag Building, 2508 W Oak Ave, Plant City. Thurs-Sun, 6-10 pm; including Mon, Dec 23rd & Tues, Dec 24th. $5 ages 13 & up, $3 ages 4-12, free for 3 & under. Free parking.

ChristmasLane.com

DEC 1

to 12 – 9th Annual Festival of Wreaths. Annual event hosted by the Polk County History Center.

Enjoy wreaths on display until Dec 12. Wreaths sold by online silent auction to raise money for the History Center. Open Tues-Sat, 9 am-5 pm; silent auction ends Dec 12 at 5 pm. Located E Main Street, Bartow. https://www.polk-county. net/history-center/silent-auction

DEC 1

to JAN 5 – Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience Pinewood Estate completely transformed into a holiday showplace, festive carillon concerts at 1 pm & 3 pm and seasonal holiday foliage. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Combo admission to the Gardens and Pinewood Estate Holiday Home Tour $25 adult, $12 (child ages 5-12). BokTowerGardens.org

DEC 2

– Davenport Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy the tree lighting in Market Square, as well as hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. 110 West Bay Street, Davenport. Mon, 6:30-8:30 pm.

DEC 3

– Lake Wales Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Mayor will light the tree in front of the City Administration Building, 201 W Central Ave, Lk Wales. Tues, 5-6 pm.

DEC 3

– Holiday Walkabout Lakeland. Celebrate the holidays in downtown Lakeland with Santa’s Workshop, Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Market and the Elves’ Playground. Stores and shops open late. Enjoy the holiday lights in Munn Park.

Live music, free carriage rides, free photos with Santa. Located downtown Lakeland/Central Park. Tues, 6-9 pm.

26 DECEMBER 2019

DEC 5

– Town of Dundee Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Presented by Town of Dundee. Enjoy music, refreshments and visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus! Located at the Dundee Community Center, 603 Lk Marie Blvd. Thurs, 6:30-8:30 pm.

DEC 5

– Winter Haven Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6 pm Hot Chocolate at Richard’s Coffee and Cookies from Gourmet Goodies; first 200 kids.

Christmas crafts; first 200 kids. 6:30 pm Sing carols in park. 7 pm countdown begins for tree lighting; special guest to follow. Enjoy the tree lighting and festivities in Downtown, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-7:30 pm.

DEC 5

– The 39th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade.

Presented by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland. This year’s theme is “The Joy of Giving”. Located in Downtown Lakeland in the historic. Thurs, 7-9:30 pm. Questions: christmasparade@jlgl. org

DEC 5

– Lights in the Park Auburndale. Come together Auburndale and light up the night! Welcome Santa and holiday spirit to our town! Lights in the Park will feature a Glice skating rink, Christmas tree lighting, festive music, food trucks, and snowfall! Located Historic Depot Building, 120 W Park St, Auburndale. Thurs, 5-8 pm.

DEC 6

– First Friday: Hometown Holiday. Sponsored by Burnetti, PA. Photos with Santa, free activities, games and live music in Munn Park. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Also enjoy a Classy Car Show and Makers Market.

Located downtown Lakeland; Kentucky Ave, Tenn Ave, Munn Park. Fri, 6-9 pm.

DEC 6

– Havendale Christmas Parade. It’s the annual Havendale Christmas Parade! The time of year when the City of Winter Haven and the City of Auburndale come together to bring you joy, festivities, and floats! This parade will officially start from the Spring Haven Retirement Center in Winter Haven and follow Havendale Boulevard to Walgreens in Auburndale. Fri, Parade Starts at 7pm. Havendale Blvd closes at 6pm.

DEC 7

- Breakfast with Santa Auburndale. Hosted by Auburndale Parks & Rec Dept. There will be craft activities, the best meal of the day, and a chance to meet Santa! Located at the Ariana Beach Clubhouse. Sat, 9-11 am. Registration is required! For ticket info call (863) 965-5545.

DEC 7

– 31st Annual Carols in the Park. Hosted by Main Street Winter Haven. Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust. For over thirty years, artisans, specialty food vendors, and local choral groups have gathered in Downtown Winter Haven’s Central Park to kick off the holiday season. Located Downtown Winter Haven in Central Park. Sat, 10 am to 7 pm. MainStreetWH.com for more info.

DEC 7

– Meet Santa at Visitor Center. Enjoy snacks, games and crafts plus Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your camera to capture a photo with the bearded one during this free, pet-friendly event.

Located CFVIC, 101 Adventure Ct, Davenport.

Sat, 10 am-1 pm.

DEC 7

– 2019 Lake Alfred Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting. The Christmas Parade is right around the corner! Join us for the parade, and then at Frank C. Gardner Park for our annual tree lighting, a chance to take a picture with Santa at the Gardner House and other fun festivities.

Call Parks and Recreation office at (863) 2915272 for more info.

DEC 7

– Glitter Glisten & Snow.

Hosted by City of Haines City and Parks & Rec. Count down with us as we light up thousands of lights and our 31ft Christmas tree at Lake Eva Park. There will be slides, arts & crafts vendors, local children’s entertainment, food vendors & more! Guests of honor include: Mr. & Mrs. Claus! This event is free and open to the public. Located Lake Eva Park, Haines City. Sat, 6-9 pm. Call Haines City Parks & Rec (863) 421-3700 for more info.

DEC 7

– 39th Annual Snowfest.

Annual holiday event for the entire family. Join Lakeland Parks & Recreation Department for its Snowfest featuring snow in downtown Lakeland! There will be an artisan craft fair, inflatables, Snow Mountains, and Santa. Located Munn Park, Kentucky & Tenn Aves, Lakeland. Sat, 10-2 pm. LakelandGov. net

DEC 7

– Town of Dundee Annual Christmas Parade. Magic on Main Street. Free family fun, music, floats and more. Presented by the Town of Dundee.

Route is between Winn Dixie Plaza and the Dundee Community Center. After the parade, at the community center, children can take photos with Santa and receive a special gift from the mayor! Sat, 10 am-12:30 pm.

DEC 7

– 10th Annual Jolly Holidays. City of Bartow Leisure Services presents “Grinchmas Night”.

Activities include: Arts & Crafts, Grinch Candy Cane Hunt, Concessions, Karaoke DJ Service, Gingerbread Houses, Pictures with Santa, Music, Free Popcorn. Families will be entered into a raffle for a giant six foot stocking filled with toys! One raffle per registration. Must be present to win. Located at the Bartow Civic Center. Fri, 6-8 pm. Cost - $8 per family; $2 each additional person.

DEC 7

– Chain Life Annual Christmas Boat Parade.

Hosted by Chain Life Winter Haven. Boats gather in Lake May at 5:30 pm to line up.

Located Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Sat, 6-8:30 pm.

DEC 13

– Snow Central. Hosted by the City of Winter Haven. There will be photo opportunities with Santa, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and best of all 70 tons of real snow to play in. Food trucks available. Located Chain of Lakes Park, 500 Cletus Allen Dr, Winter Haven. Fri, 6-9 pm.

Cost - $2 Adults, $1 Kids (2 & up)

DEC 13

– Winter Fest Street Festival at Feltrim Sports Village. Free community event featuring local vendors, free face painting, bounce houses/ obstacle courses for the kids. Special performance by Studio C. Live music by Almost There. Food vendors. And a visit from Santa!

Located at Balmoral Resort, in the Feltrim Sports Village, Haines City. Fri, 6-9:30 pm.

– Bartow’s Magical Illumination Christmas Parade. Get in the spirit with one of Polk County’s best holiday parades as it winds down Broadway Avenue and Main Street. Get there early and claim your seat! You won’t want to miss a single float! Located Main Street/ Broadway, Bartow. Fri, 6-8 pm. (parade line up at Mosaic Park) mainstreetbartowfl.com for more info.

DEC 13

– 9th Annual Make It Magical. Downtown Lake Wales will become a winter wonderland! Main Street Lake Wales invites you to ring in the season with a holiday celebration in historic downtown Lake Wales at the 9th annual Make It Magical holiday event. Enjoy shopping in our sweet downtown and strolling through local shops, art and craft vendors with plenty of holiday decor and live music. Free admission treats guests to crafts, activities, a visit with Santa and snow! Fri, 5-8 pm. Email Stephanie: Stephdeckstein@gmail.com

DEC 13

& 14, 20 & 21 – Florida Flywheelers Christmas in the Village. Ride around the park on a tram pulled by an antique tractor; enjoy a couple of stops. Enjoy Christmas Lights, Winter Wonderland, Photo with Santa, Refreshments Served. Admission is: new unwrapped toys, canned food and cash donations collected for the community. Located 7000 Avon Park Cut Off Rd, Ft Meade. Fri & Sat, 6-9 pm. floridaflywheelers.org

DEC 14

– 2019 Jingle Bell Classic Race. Come out and Jingle all the way at the Jingle Bell Classic, through beautiful Winter Haven. There is a race for everyone, even the dogs! Sponsored by the Friends of the Winter Haven Library.

Money raised benefits the Library’s Youth Services. Located downtown Winter Haven Public Library. Sat, 7 am for the 10k, 8:30 am for the 5k, 9:30 am for the 1 mile dog jog/walk.

For more info, www.facebook.com/FOWHLRun/

DEC 14

– Davenport’s Christmas Parade and Winterfest.

Hosted by City of Davenport. 11th annual night time Christmas Parade and Winterfest. Parade begins at 6 pm at Lewis Matthews Sports Complex. Winterfest includes: food and craft vendors, visit with Santa Claus, snow slide, and fireworks. Located at Wilson Park, 5 State Street, Davenport. Sat, 4-9 pm. Call (863) 4193388 ext 138 for more info.

DEC 14

– Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5k & Reindeer Dash.

A fun festive 5k! Holly jolly attire encouraged!

Located Cleveland Heights Golf Course, Lakeland. Sat, Registration is at 6:30 am. Race begins 7:30 am. (Reindeer Dash Kids’ Fun Run for ages 9 and under begins at 8:15 am) www. jbjog.com for more info.

DEC 14

– Breakfast with Santa Haines City. Hosted by City of Haines City. Located at the Beef O Bradys, 902 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City. Sat, 9 am -12 pm. Admission is included with the purchase of a meal.

DEC 14

– Lake Wales Annual Christmas Parade.

Presented by Lake Wales Kiwanis. Route is Central Ave from Lake Shore Blvd to Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Located Lake Wailes Park/ Gazebo, Lk Wales. Sat, 6-8 pm.

DEC 14

– Mulberry’s Christmas Parade. This year’s theme: Winter Wonderland. Sat, 6-7 pm.

DEC 14

– Christmas Notes. Kick off the Holiday season at Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Christmas

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Notes event. This free holiday family event will feature live holiday music, photos with Santa, light refreshments, Santa’s Workshop, polar express train ride and more! Located Homeland Heritage Park, 249 Church Ave, Homeland.

Sat, 5-8 pm. Call (863) 534-6911 for more info.

DEC 14

– Lakeland SantaCon 2019. The Gathering of the Santas to make merry in the downtown Lakeland area. Suit up in your finest Santa digs and help support local downtown businesses with this year’s annual SantaCon Pub Crawl!

Bring your friends! Costumes are strongly encouraged – plus it’s just fun! This year’s lineup: Swan Brewing (official starting point) 5-7pm, from there a chain gang of Christmas lights as the group crosses South Florida Ave to head to Federal Bar 7-8pm, next it’s on to Revival 8-9pm, followed by Molly’s 9-10pm and finish up the crawl at Linksters 10-11pm.

Sat, 5pm-2am. For more info; FB/Lakeland SantaCon2019

DEC 15

– 3rd Annual Grinchmas.

Hosted by Gourmet Goodies. Meet the Grinch, take photos, get a special treat, enjoy games, prizes and more!

Located 68 4th St NW, Winter Haven. Sun, 12-5 pm.

DEC 18

– Mistletoe Market. Join us for some mid-week fun at this Christmas-themed Market! The Market is comprised of vendors from all over Central Florida, transforming our tasting rooms into one BIG community event complete with food trucks and live music. Check our website to see which food truck we’ll have out! Swing on by, shop, sip & eat local! Located Grove Roots Brewing Company, 302 3rd St SW, Winter Haven. Wed, 6-9 pm. GroveRoots.com

DEC 20

– December Friday Fest.

Hosted by Main Street Bartow. “Sounds of the Season” music by local churches, school choirs and musical groups.

Vendors, food, car show. Visits with Santa and it will be snowing! Sponsored by Cookie Jar Bakeshop & Eatery and the Twisted Pineapple Boutique. Located 180 S Central Ave, Bartow.

Fri, 6-9 pm.

DEC 20

– Haines City’s Christmas Parade.

Hosted by Haines City and Parks & Rec. Back by popular demand! The Christmas Parade returns. Join us for an exciting, family-friendly, holiday themed parade through Haines City.

Santa Claus will be there too! Fri, 7-9 pm. (parade route starts Live Oak Ave at C Street – Peninsular Dr – Peninsular St/1st St – Ledwith Ave – 6th St – Ends 6th St and Wood Ave.)

DEC 21

– Santa at the Station.

Hosted by Haines City and Fire Department. Santa will be visiting Fire Department so please bring your cameras for pictures! Hot chocolate & cookies will be served and our station will be open for tours.

Located Haines City Fire Dept, 138 N 11th St. Sat, 5-8 pm.

DEC 21

- Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show Christmas Edition. Free Water Ski Show from the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team.

Concessions with snacks and drinks available.

Bring your blanket or lawn chair for seating.

Located Martin Luther King Jr Park, 100 Lk Silver Dr, Winter Haven. Sat, 3:30 pm. cypressgardenswaterskiteam.com

Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos

DEC 5

– After Hours at the Museum. The first Thursday of each month Polk Museum of Art is open until 8 pm. Enjoy the Curator Tour at 6 pm.

Thurs, 5-8 pm. Located Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, 800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland. PolkMuseumofArt.org

DEC 6

& 7 – Orange Blossom Revue. The event is open to the public and will have barbecue, live enter-

tainment from local and nationally recognized musicians, local artists, kids entertainment and activities, plus special events. Located Lake Wailes Park, Shores of Lake Wailes, Lk Wales. Fri, 5-9 pm. Sat, 10 am to 10 pm.

OrangeBlossomRevue.com

DEC 12

- Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Presented by Downtown Lakeland. 20+ food trucks line up around Munn Park to sell their unique cuisine every second Thursday, 6-9 pm. Located downtown Lakeland, 201 E. Main Street.

DEC 13

– Wright After Dark Tour.

Florida Southern College will host Wright After Dark Tour on the 2nd Friday of each month. Experience the treasured buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright like never before. Discover the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world when you visit Florida Southern College. The campus is home to 13 remarkable Wright structures, including the Usonian Faculty House and iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. Located L.N. Pipkin Bandshell at Florida Southern College, 111 Lk Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland. Fri, 7-8:30 pm.

Reservations are required. Please call (863) 680-4597.

DEC 16

– Chow Down in Lake Wales. Enjoy some of the best food trucks in Central Florida. Very meal freshly prepared and cooked to order.

Bring your appetite, lawn chair and sit back and relax. The Chow Down Food Trucks are at Lake Wailes Park, 205 N 5th Street, Lake Wales on the 3rd Monday of the month from 5-9 pm.

DEC 20

- Main Street Bartow Friday Fest. A downtown street party, third Friday each month, featuring a live band, food & beverages, open car cruisein, and activities for children. Different theme each month. Located E. Main Street, Bartow.

Fri, 6-9 pm.

DEC 21

– Cypress Gardens Ski Show. Free ski show 3rd Saturday of each month. Concessions available. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.

Located MLK Jr Park, Lk Silver, Winter Haven, Sat at 5 pm. (holiday themed)

DEC 21

– History Center Architectural Tour. Tour offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Explore the Polk County History Center during a family friendly architectural tour and learn more about Neo-Classical architecture, the construction of the building and the stories behind the iconic Old Polk County Courthouse.

Sat, 11-12 pm. Call (863) 534-4386 for more info.

Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows Main Street Bartow Farmers’ Market – Wednesdays. The Farmers Market vendors offer a wide variety of products. Located Fort Blount Park at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Ave, Bartow. Wed, 10-2 pm.

Facebook@BartowFarmersMarket Flea & Farmers Market at Visitor Information Center – Thursdays. Featuring a variety of vendors offering local produce, handmade crafts and more. Located at Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center, 101 Adventure Court, Davenport (by US Hwy 27). Thurs, 9-3 pm.

Lakeland Cruiser’s Car Club – Fridays.

Weekly open car show. Come on down to show off your vehicle! Guests will enjoy New, Old, Experimental, Antique, Ancient, TwoWheelers and Rat Rods. Free registration, trophy’s, door prizes, “share-the-wealth” drawing and 50s/60s music. Money raised benefits the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. NEW location Big Lots parking lot 4233 South Florida Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 5-9 pm.

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market – Saturdays. We have an exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local

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honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few.

We are part of the FAB (Fresh Access Bucks) program that assists those in the SNAP/EBT program by encouraging healthy behaviors by making fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to SNAP customers. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details!

Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8 am-1 pm.

DEC 14

- Downtown Bartow Antique Fair & Collectibles Market. Held the 2nd Saturday of each month, antique vendors set up along the sidewalks in downtown Bartow. No charge for public; $20 for vendors. Located E Main Street, Bartow. Sat, 8-2 pm.

NOV 14

& 28 - Lake Wales Farmers’ Market. The Lake Wales Farmers’ Market features locally grown produce and more on the 2nd/4th Saturday of each month. Located Park Ave & Stuart Ave, Lk Wales. Sat, 9-1 pm.

NOV 14

& 28 – 2nd & 4th Saturday Markets In Downtown Winter Haven. FREE community events, family and pet friendly. Located downtown Winter Haven, 41 5th ST NW, Winter Haven. Sat, 9-3 pm.

DEC 21

- Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market. Bartow’s monthly Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Sat, 8-1 pm.

DEC 28

- Lake Wales Car Show.

Display of custom, classic, street rods, & antique cars and trucks in Historic Downtown Lake Wales on the 4th Saturday every month. Stroll and admire the cool antique, custom and classic cars of yesteryear while enjoying music, enchanting shops, and the unique restaurants of charming downtown Lake Wales. Located East Stuart Ave, Lk Wales. Sat, 4-8 pm.

Concerts & Theatre

DEC 3

& 10 – Christmas with the Phil. The Philharmonia orchestra is kicking off our holiday Season with favorites from our Christmas classics Selections. Located College Heights United Methodist Church, 942 South Blvd, Lakeland.

Tues, 7:30 pm. www.floridaphilharmonia.org

DEC 5

to 22 – Coming Back Like a Song. It’s 1956 and three of America’s great songwriters; Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Jimmy Van Heusen; are at a crossroads in their lives, seeing that their careers could be over. At the time, rock ‘n’ roll had become the king of tunes, and the King himself, Elvis, was an overnight sensation Located Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven.

Cost – Adults $28, Students $25. Thurs, Fri & Sat 7:30 pm. Sat & Sun, 2:30 & 7:30 pm.

TheatreWinterHaven.com

DEC 6

to 15 - Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th St. The Musical. A holiday classic based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street features a book and score by none other than incomparable Meredith Willson (The Music Man). This joyous heartwarming holiday musical is pure family entertainment, wholesome and the perfect holiday treat! Fri & Sat, 7:30 pm and Sun, 2 pm. Located Lake Mirror Theatre, 121 S Lk Ave, Lakeland. Adults $24, Seniors (55 & up) $22, Students (17 & under) $17.

Rated G. Lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

DEC 7

– A Very Diva Christmas.

A Very Diva Christmas is a musical Christmas tribute featuring some of the best Christmas and holiday music through the decades. Their stage show includes not only great music, but lots of fun audience interaction, comedy, great costume changes. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 8 pm. Cost $15, $20, $25. www.

RitzWinterHaven.com

DEC 20

– Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular.

Quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever, featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey. Located in the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7:30 pm. Cost - $73, $53, $45, $40 plus parking. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 23

– Beautiful The Carole King Musical. The inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Located in the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Mon, 7:30 pm. Cost - $77, $64, $59 plus parking.

RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 13

& 14 – Home for the Holidays: Assisted Living Musical. Are You Dreaming Of A White Haired Christmas? From early retirement right up to the pulling of the plug, 21st Century seniors are partying like it’s 1969. Imagine: no work, no pregnancy and a full array of Medicare-subsidized pharmaceuticals all while Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. The holidays can be crazy but it is even more greatly celebrated when you don’t know if you will be here for the next one. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Fri, 5 pm & 8 pm. Sat, 2 pm. Cost $25, $30, $50. www.

RitzWinterHaven.com

DEC 14

& 15 – Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

Experience the enchantment of the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker in a special Festival of Fine Arts performance by the Florida Dance Theatre, FSC’s company-in-residence. The timeless classic will be performed with charm and grace by dynamic dancers, with colorful scenery, dazzling costumes, and entrancing choreography that are sure to create long-lasting memories for all ages. Located Branscomb Auditorium, 111 Lk Hollingsworth De, Lakeland.

Sat, 7:30 pm & Sun, 2:30 pm. Cost - $25 Adults, $12 Students (under 12 years). Call (863) 680-4743 for more info.

DEC 17

– Tribute Tuesday Live: A Winter Haven Christmas. Music for the holidays. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Tues, 5 pm & 8 pm. Cost $15, $20, $25. www.RitzWinterHaven.com

DEC 18

– Dueling Pianos. Dueling Pianos is back for the 3rd time at the Historic Ritz Theatre! This is the “Good Time” interactive, entertainment explosion of the New Millennium that’s never the same. Two accomplished pianists, and veteran singers/comedians sailing full-steam ahead through a non-stop show featuring a variety of music, special dedications, comedy and audience participation. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Wed, 8 pm.

Cost $15, $25. www.RitzWinterHaven.com

DEC 21

– Comedy Night with Devin Siebold & Friends.

Devin Siebold is a comedy force to be reckoned with. Devin has been named 2015 iHeartMedia Monster’s in the Morning Comedian of the Year, won the Boston World Series of Comedy, appeared on Laughs on FOX, won Side Splitters Comedian of the Year 2014, been selected for Comedy Central Up Next, Florida Top 10 College Picks, and a semi-finalist in Florida’s Funniest Comedian. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Sat, 8 pm. Cost $10, $15, $20. Rated MA. www.RitzWinterHaven.com

— Continued Page 29 DECEMBER 2019

27

By Elizabeth Morrisey Get in the Christmas spirit with the 27th Annual Jingle Bell Run in downtown Winter Haven December 14. This is the Winter Haven Library’s primary funding event of the year and consists of a 10K, 5K and a one-mile dog walk beginning at 7 a.m.

The run is hosted by Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization established many years ago to lend support to the activities of the library, says Don Daniels, vice chair for the event. The run begins and ends at the library at 325 Avenue A NW. Proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Department of the library. The Children’s Department serves hundreds of youngsters ages five to teenagers from all over the city. The department provides computers, classes, study areas, promotes early childhood reading, provides a place for parents and children to work together and presents a comprehensive summer program to keep kids busy while school is out.

County funding for the library has been reduced so Friends of the Library helps with sup28 DECEMBER 2019

plementing funds still needed, Daniels explains.

The money raised from the Jingle Bell Run will be used specifically for computer upgrades, buying used books, teaching aids and over the course of a few years, money raised was used for a recent remodel of the children’s area.

“The event draws sponsors from across the Polk County business community, as well as individual sponsors,” says Daniels. “This year more than 100 individuals and businesses have joined as sponsors to make the event a success.”

Richard’s Fine Coffee, which is part of the library, has been a staple of downtown Winter Haven for 25 years and is always sure to get involved in community events, such as the run.

“I feel like being a good citizen and helping others in important,” says owner Dave Tuttle. “I always get involved in community activities.”

Ruth Dunham and her family have been longtime members of the community and want to be a part of the library’s endeavors. Dunham’s husband, George, owns Dunham Well Drilling. “We fully support any fundraising activities of the Friends of the Library.” She is a volunteer for the library’s bookstore and is on the board.

“The programs they offer are fantastic and we believe in supporting it,” she says. There are three levels of sponsorship- platinum, gold and silver. Mahalak Auto Group is a lead sponsor of the run. Mike Mahalak, president of group who runs Dodge of Winter Haven and Alfa Romeo FIAT of Winter Haven, has supported the Winter Haven Library and their youth department for a long time. “We feel the Jingle Bell Run is a great way for families and people of all ages to participate in a holiday event together,” he says. “You can even bring your dog and participate in a special run.”

Up to 300 runners and a couple of dozen dogs are expected to race on the 14th. Participants receive t-shirts, a goodie bag and even dogs will receive a bandana. Medals and prizes will be awarded to race winners in each category – males, females, seniors and students.

To register visit www.fitniche.com. The 10K is $30, 5K is $20 and dogs are free. Daniels said t-shirts can be picked up ahead of time. The 10K begins at 7 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m. and the onemile walk is at 9:30 a.m.

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CALENDAR From page 27

JAN 4

– Uncle John’s Band; Grateful Dead Experience. Re-creating that 1977 concert at the (then) Lakeland Civic Center… Uncle John’s Band, formed in 1989 in Clearwater, Florida, has kept the Grateful Dead fire aglow in the Southeast for nearly three decades. Located in the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7:30 pm. Cost – GA $29.77 plus parking. RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 6

– A Bronx Tale. Three years ago, Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri teamed up with Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro, Tony® Award winner Jerry Zaks and Tony® Award nominee Sergio Trujillo to create this streetwise musical - based on Palminteri’s true life story. A Bronx Tale, Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser, takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Located in the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center, Lakeland.

Mon, 7:30 pm. Cost - $77, $64, $59 plus parking.

RPFundingCenter.com

Indoor soccer located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 5 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 15

– Lakeland Magic vs Long Island Nets. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 21

– Florida Tropics vs Baltimore Blast. Indoor soccer located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland.

Sat, 5 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 2

8 – Florida Tropics vs Milwaukee Wave. Indoor soccer located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 5 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 2

– Lakeland Magic vs Canton Charge. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Thurs, 7 pm.

RPFundingCenter.com

JAN 8

- Blackbird. Written by Scottish playwright David Harrower. It was inspired in part by the crimes of sex offender Toby Studebaker, and depicts a young woman meeting a middle-aged man fifteen years after being sexually abused by him when she was twelve. Winner of the Olivier Awar d for Best Play, Blackbird is a deeply complex portrayal of two people whose ruined lives… Wed, 7:30 pm. Located Lake Mirror Theatre, 121 S Lk Ave, Lakeland. Adults $10.

Rated MA. Lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

Charity Events & Golf Tournaments

DEC 3

– 5th Annual Santa Paws. Join the Humane Society of Polk County as they host their annual Santa Paws holiday cocktail party at Jensen’s Corner Bar. Enjoy music by Polkweed Muzique, appetizers, complimentary holiday cocktail Tito’s Handmade Vodka, more along with holiday decor & silent auction and raffles! Located at Jensen’s Corner Bar, 100 3rd Street, Winter Haven. Tues, 5:30-9:30 pm. Tickets - $20 at door; sponsorships available! Purchase online: https://www.PolkNoKill.org/events/

DEC 6

– Winter Wonderland: Parade of Trees. Leadership Winter Haven Class of 39 Alumni have joined forces with the HUB to bring Winter Wonderland to The Ritz. Proceeds from this event will go toward Junior Achievement Programs in Polk County.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Located Ritz Theatre, 263 W Central Ave, Winter Haven. Fri, 6-9 pm. Cost $30. www.RitzWinterHaven.com

Sports in Polk

DEC 1

– Lakeland Magic vs Delaware Blue Coats. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sun, 3 pm.

RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 6

– Lakeland Magic vs Greensboro Swarm. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 7

– Lakeland Magic vs Greensboro Swarm. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 10

– Lakeland Magic vs Fort Wayne Ants. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland.

Tues, 7 pm. RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 13

– Lakeland Magic vs Capital City Go-Go. Basketball located at the RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Fri, 7 pm.

RPFundingCenter.com

DEC 14

– Florida Tropics vs Orlando Seawolves.

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DECEMBER 2019

29

SUPPORTING SPONSORS AND TEAMS

the

Accounting & Tax Edge, LLC Alex & Krista Mahalak Ally Financial BayCare Health System Bill Costello Agency-State Farm Insurance Carrerou Enterprises CertiPay Chris & Katie Collany Citizen’s Bank & Trust Eric Morris Personal Trainer Ewing, Blackwelder & Duce Insurance floridacentral FINANCIAL Gator Pressure Cleaning & Custom Painting Hill Nissan, Inc. Horne Construction, Inc. Ironwood Venture Group Jahna Foundation Kevin & Jan Hyman Kevin & Megan McGee McDonald’s of Winter Haven Newberry Clinic Oakley Transport Phoenix Industries/ATG Transportation Polk State College Polston Insurance Agency PropRevs, LLC Ron & Karen Brooker Rotary Club of Winter Haven Saddle Creek Logistics Service Sam & Eileen Killebrew SportsClips Haircuts of Winter Haven Straughn & Turner, P.A. Tampa Electric

Supporting the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Winter Haven Hospital Patients

A Golf and Tennis Event at Country Club of Winter Haven

youAND TEAMS THANK YOUThank SPONSORS Sponsors and Teams PRESENTING SPONSOR:

THE CASSIDY FAMILY Legacy Sponsor:

Fore the Love Sponsors:

Special Supporters

The Scheck Family

For more information about future events, visit www.forethelove.org or call 863-297-1781

The Mahalak Family

MVP Sponsors BERGLUND CONSTRUCTION

MAX 98.3

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDIA GROUP

TODAY & TONIGHT MAGAZINE

JM & A GROUP

VENUE 650

30 DECEMBER 2019

Bernie Little Distributors, Inc. B.Haven Carrabba’s Italian Grill Cheney Bros.

Chick-fil-A Coca-Cola Country Club of Winter Haven Farmer Jack MYX Beverage, LCC NuVista Subway The Wild Hare Flowers and Events Tito’s Handmade Vodka Winter Haven City Tennis Center Winter Haven Hospital Foundation

For more information: whhfoundation@baycare.org (863) 297-1781 FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND WWW.TODAYANDTONIGHT.COM

TID BITS TRACEY’S

By Tracey Greene

POLLY

Welcome to the 20s Another year is coming to a close, and also an end of a decade. We are now embarking on the 2020s.

Sounds Star Trek(ish)...new generations will have their fond memories of the 20s...not the roaring 20s as in our (current) minds that, after World War 1, had large economic growth and prosperity. Was vastly known for its jazz influence, fashion, flappers, cars and the expansion of electricity for North America and Western Europe.

Fast forward one hundred years, and it's all about the age of the electronics: a "Smart" this and an "i" that...Alexa and Siri are more than just female names, now along with "Hey Google", known as the best personal assistants for the working class that can't afford the human versions. Recently, it was announced that Spectrum is talking gigabits and Smart Homes coming soon...wonder what her name will be? Will she be able to cook dinner and take out the trash?

Advancements are great, a must-have to get through our dayto-day as I sit here typing on my mac, while monitoring my iPhone and telling Alexa to change the TV channel for me...ugh! It is the necessary evil. I who fought to keep my blackberry phone AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. But, admittedly, all of

these wonder gadgets help me work easier, smarter, faster and...longer.

It's really easy to get lost into technology.

This is why we must UNPLUG at times. Take your eyes off of that screen, lift your head above that monitor and as the cliche says, "stop and smell the roses"...

December is the perfect time for a little "unplugging". I know it can be hard with the GREAT cyber sales announced in your emails every hour. But, get in touch with friends.

Visit with family. Get out and enjoy the community. Many organizations around the county work tireless hours to present markets, holiday events & festivals, Christmas themed shows as well as parks and community spaces lined with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and scenes to depict the season. These are where the true memories are made...with other human beings.

My wish for you is to make MORE memories with REAL people, not cyber ones...get out and enjoy this season. Be a part of the magic. Let it flow and keep you all year long. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Cheers to a great New Year!! ­QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Info@todayandtonight.com

L KING FOR MORE!

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Polly is a grey female Domestic Short hair mix. She is approximately 3 months old. She is good with older children, cats and dogs. She loves affection and would make any home a happy home.

JACK JACK

Jack Jack is a grey and white male Domestic Short hair mix. He is approximately 6 months old. He is good with other cats and kittens. Is a little shy but very sweet and likes to be held. Loves to play with jingle balls and likes to sleep with the children and on pillows. Jack Jack likes to be pet and loves when you talk to him.

SPYRO

Spyro is a blonde male Chihuahua mix and he is approximately 10 months old. He is very playful and friendly. He likes meeting new people and likes to play with children though he may jump on them. Spyro is good with both dogs and cats as he used to live with a cat. He has a bit of separation anxiety and likes to dig when he's out in the yard.

GIZMO

Gizmo is a white and red male Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler) mix. He was born on Wednesday, February 08, 2017 and is 2 years, 9 months old. He weighs about 25 lbs.. He has been neutered. He is allowed outside. He would do better in a home with no other aimals. Gizmo does better with children 13 and older. A large fenced in yard would be great for Gizmo as he is a herding dog.

The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tuesday-Friday 11:30-6pm and Sat 10-4 pm.

Veterinarian of the Month Dr. Vargas received her DVM from Tuskegee University in 1994. In 1996, she established her AAHA accredited Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven, FL. In 2009, she began her studies at Chi Institute, eventually garnering certifications in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food therapy and Tui Na. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupunture. Dr. Vargas is pursuing her Master’s Degree in TCVM at Chi Institute, where she works as a Teacher Assistant and as a Lecturer for the Chi Latin America. She has also worked as a consultant for Disney Animal Kingdom.

Dr. Vargas is also a Certified Veterinary Journalist and a prolific author of both scientific and motivational articles. Dr. Vargas has lectured at the World TCVM Congress (2015, 2016, 2017), AAVA Conference (2017), AVMA (2011), and the CbVMA (2017). She is a guest blogger for www.allthingshealing.com and a writer for Woman to Woman magazine and the Lakeland Ledger newspaper. Last year she contributed a chapter for Jack Canfield’s Amazon Best seller book “The Soul of Success”.

She served as an AVMA Spokesperson for Hispanic market and has recorded many PSA’s and radio

interviews promoting responsible pet ownership.

Her love for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine manifested in her book: Alt-Vet: The Revolutionary Pet Care and Longevity Solution.

Her passion for helping animals and her voluntarism has awarded her state and national recognition including the Purina National Pet Care Award, Bay News 9 Medical Hero Award, and The FVMA Gold Award. She was honored by the American Veterinary Foundation as “America’s Favorite Veterinarian” in 2015.

She lives in sunny Winter Haven, Florida, with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Dr. Vargas loves the community of Winter Haven and she is involved in a number of local organizations, including: Ridge Veterinary Medical Society where she was the 2008-2009 president Junior League of Greater Winter Haven Board Humane Society of Polk County Board Women’s Resource Center and Girls, Inc.

Dr. Vargas

DECEMBER 2019

31

BRAINEXCERCISE Sudoku Puzzle STRANGE BUT TRUE

BY SAMANTHA WEAVER • It was Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran who made the following sage observation: “I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers.”

• Those who study such things have determined that one out of every four alcoholic drinks consumed in the world has vodka in it.

• Famed actor Clark Gable, dubbed the King of Hollywood, was once a hobo.

• At some point you’ve almost certainly heard a coward described as “lily-livered,” but did you ever wonder where that expression came from? It was once believed that the seat of courage in the human body was the liver; therefore, someone who was timid presumably lacked blood in the liver, causing that organ to become white.

• Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than for the U.S. Treasury.

• There once was a law in Marshalltown, Iowa, stating that it was illegal for a horse to eat a fire hydrant. And in Oregon, it was at one time illegal for a dead person to serve on a jury.

• Would the history of medicine be different if Sigmund Freud had gone into law instead of psychoanalysis? That was his original aspiration in life -- to be a lawyer.

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. ANATOMY: What is a common name for the “digitus annularis”?

2. MOVIES: Which 1980s movie featured the song “Up Where We Belong”?

3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In which year did Harper’s print its first magazine?

4. U.S. PRESIDENT: Which president invented the swivel chair?

5. GAMES: What is the name of the male mascot in the “Monopoly” board game?

6. HISTORY: Which Revolutionary War figure led the Boston Tea Party?

7. TELEVISION: What was the name of Lily and Herman’s son in “The Munsters”?

8. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Idaho?

9. BIBLE: What was Abel’s occupation, compared with Cain’s?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of frogs called?

Answers 1. Ring finger 2. “An Officer and a Gentleman” 3. 1850 4. Thomas Jefferson 5. Rich Uncle Pennybags 6. Samuel Adams 7. Eddie 8. Boise 9. Abel was a shepherd, and Cain was a farmer.

10. An army

• Karaoke and karate: Other than the fact that they are both from Japan, you wouldn’t think they have much in common. However, they both have the same root word, “kara,” which means empty.

“Oke” means “voice” and “te” means “hand;” hence, “karaoke” is “empty voice,” and “karate” is “empty hand.”

ANSWERS

• Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.

32 DECEMBER 2019

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LIVE MUSIC From page 25

SOUTHERN BLEND (Old Man Frank’s, WH) JOHN FRINZI (Grove Roots Brew, WH)

TUESDAY, DEC 24 LUBECK (Apple Lounge, WH) SKIP FRYE (Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, LKD) ED WRIGHT (Ybor Lounge, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, DEC 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DEC 26 BLAKE FREE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) SIMPLY COUNTRY BAND (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL OAKLEE (Leo’s Live, LKD)

FRIDAY, DEC 27

MICKENZIE (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) KAI7EN (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) GEORGE GROSSMAN & THE SWING BOUTIQUE (Grove Roots Brew, WH) SPITFIRE/KOLT 45 (Apple Lounge, WH) NEAL AND PREY (Federal Bar, LKD) REBEL SOUL (Swan Brewing, LKD) CROSS TRAXX w/

BILLY LONG (P & J’s Recreation, FRSTPF) JOSH BLEVINS/ SPIN LOK (Leo’s Live, LKD) SCILTER/GREYSTONE/ MOX LEAD (LKLD Live, LKD) BEN PRESTAGE (Union Hall, LKD)

SATURDAY, DEC 28 B HAVEN (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) ADRIENNE & FRIENDS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) ICONIC OPERA (Balmoral Bar & Gr, HC) BIG HAIR BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) WONDERLAND (LA’s Midway Sal, LA) JUSTIN GRIMES (Grove Roots Brew, WH) THE FREAKIN’ HOOLIGANS (Brew Hub, LKD) GREENHOUSE AFFECT (Federal Bar, LKD) ROGER BARTLETT/ JOHN FRINZI/JOHN PATTI (Swan Brewing, LKD) RUSTED (Fireside Lounge, DVPT) BLIND SIGHTED (Leo’s Live, LKD) ANDY SHREEVE (Fresco’s, LKD)

SUNDAY, DEC 29 BRIMER (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) CROSS TRAXX (Old Man Frank’s, WH) GROSMAN/HARRIS JAZZ (Fire Restaurant, WH)

EXPECT MORE... GET MORE... WE DELIVER!

MELISSA CRISPO (Grove Roots Brew, WH)

MONDAY, DEC 30 TWO SMOOTH (Lakeside Ranch, WH)

TUESDAY, DEC 31

WONDERLAND (Out n About Bar, DUN) PLAN B (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) TWO SMOOTH (Foxwood Estates, LKD) GEORGE MORRIS AND THE LARIATS (Lundyville Music Hall, ADL THE BROKE (Pink Piano, LKD) SKIP FRYE (Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, LKD) ED WRIGHT (Ybor Lounge, LKD)

WEDNESDAY, JAN 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THURSDAY, JAN 2 TONY KNIGHT (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) DOUG SHEEN (Swan Brewing, LKD)

FRIDAY, JAN 3

MICHA (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) OFF THE CHAIN BAND (WH Bar Off The Chain, WH) FAT FRANK & THE PLANK SPANKERS (Central Park, WH) LAURIE & RUSTY WRIGHT (Federal Bar, LKD)

DECEMBER 2019

33

Presented by: Anonymous

January 31 | 11am Florida FFA Leadership Training Center 5000 Firetower Road | Haines City, FL 33844

Sponsorship Levels Giveaway Sponsor $7,500

Award Sponsor $2,000

Lunch Sponsor $5,000

Equipment/Vehicle Sponsor $2,000

Auction and Raffle Sponsor $3,500

Team Sponsor $1,200

Reception Sponsor $2,750

Station Sponsor $250

To reserve a team or for sponsorship information: (863) 292-4138 | whhfoundation@baycare.org | WHHFoundation.org 34 DECEMBER 2019

19-936824-1019

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EXPERIENCE CENTRAL FLORIDA’S GRANDEST HOLIDAY DISPLAY

SPONSORED IN PART BY: PRESENTED BY:

NOVEMBER 29 – JANUARY 5

HOLIDAYS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS FEATURING THE HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

CARILLON & CHORALE HOLIDAY CONCERT

Celebrate 25 years of Holiday Home Tour magic and experience Pinewood Estate completely transformed into a holiday showplace.

Enjoy festive carillon concerts at 1 P.M. & 3 P.M., seasonal holiday foliage, and a full schedule of events and holiday programming.

Enjoy a holiday concert that combines the talents of chorale members from Harrison School for the Arts with the Singing Tower Carillon. Included with general admission or membership.

NOVEMBER 29– JANUARY 5

DECEMBER 15 | 4 P.M.

Enjoy these great events included in general admission and free for members:

HOLIDAYS AT HAMMOCK HOLLOW

SATURDAYS NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 28 | 10 A.M.–12 P.M.

HOLIDAY WALKING TOURS

NOVEMBER 29-JANUARY 5 MONDAY-SATURDAY 12 P.M. & 2 P.M. AND SUNDAY 2 P.M.

THE SHOP AT BOK OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 1 & 5 | 4-7 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY CARILLON CONCERT DECEMBER 25 | 1 P.M. & 3 P.M.

NEW YEAR’S DAY CARILLON CONCERT JANUARY 1 | 1 P.M. & 3 P.M.

For a full list of events, visit

BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG/HOLIDAYS 1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FLORIDA 33853 | 863-676-1408 | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG