From mystery thrillers to steamy romance novels, everyone loves a good book--especially in the City of Bartow! Like many other cities nationwide, Bartow has experienced a rise in book clubs, from traditional discussion groups at the public library to silent book clubs at the local coffee shop.
Whether you’re interested in joining the city’s hottest new book club scene, or you’re an avid reader looking to hook up with fellow bookworms, we have the lowdown on Bartow’s book club boom.
Book Club Boom
Book clubs have experienced a recent resurgence nationwide. Many websites have noticed a rise in book club listings and attendance. In 2023, Eventbrite saw an increase of book club listings by 24 percent, while Meetup experienced an increase of 10 percent, according to a CNN article.
Niche-themed book clubs have also become popular. As CNN reported: “Themed book club events, such as queer book clubs, saw an 82% increase in attendance in 2023, according to Eventbrite, while attendance at silent book clubs increased 23%.”
Why have book clubs become so popular? Blame COVID-19! After the pandemic forced everyone indoors and online, many people, especially young people, are yearning for in-person social connection and commu-
nity. And books have proven to be a common shared interest, especially with popular hashtags like #BookTok and #Bookstagram trending on social media.
Many new book club members are younger people, especially Gen Z and Millennials. These young people wish to move away from the generational stereotype of being glued to their phones and screens by being less terminally online and connecting with real people in the real world.
“What we’re seeing reveals a pivotal moment in how young people build community,” said Julia Hartz, Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Chair of Eventbrite, in a Yahoo! Finance article. “This generation has unlocked something pow-
erful – they’re transforming online interests into dynamic, in-person spaces where both community and identity take shape. What started as digital passions are becoming catalysts for meaningful real-world connections and personal discoveries, happening on their own terms.”
Novels at Noon and Night
Book clubs at the Bartow Public Library (2150 S Broadway Ave.) have proven to be so popular that the library now offers two groups: one in the morning, and one in the evening— and the contrast between them is as different as night and day.
The daytime group, Novels at Noon, is host-
ed on the first Wednesday of every month. That group is a traditional book club with a list of books for its members to read and discuss.
The nighttime group, Novels at Night, is hosted on the third Thursday of every month. Unlike the daytime group, this group is more open-ended. Each month has a theme, and members are invited to choose their own book with that theme to read.
“We’ve always had a steady attendance,” said Christina Hielscher, City Librarian. “Our afternoon club has always had the same number of people, with the same people coming every night. The night book club is newer, but attendance has grown steadily for that as well.”
Though Hielscher has never personally participated in any of the book clubs, her overall impression of them has remained positive. Members tend to come for the casual atmosphere, where everyone can have a fun time and connect with other people over good reads.
“We have a casual atmosphere,” she said. “I think it makes people comfortable for them to talk about their books and voice their opinions on different books...it is a fun way to spend an afternoon or an evening. It allows you to meet new people and to hear people’s opinions that may be different from yours and give you new ideas of books to read.”
More Than Just Books
Sarah Foley started attending the Novels at Night group a year and a half ago. Now she works as an assistant at the library where she oversees that group.
The Novels at Noon group has a steady and loyal following of 8 to 12 members. Many of them are senior citizens, especially “snow birds” who continue attending the group via Zoom once they return home.
“They like the group and they keep up with the books and read them and they keep up with the whole group, even when they are not in state,” Foley said.
Novels at Night, in contrast, has a much smaller group consisting of four regular members. It started a few years ago to provide an opportunity for patrons who work day jobs to participate.
The nighttime group also offers more freedom, as members choose which books to read based on a monthly theme. Furthermore, members also participate in other activities keeping with that month’s theme. For example, during one month’s theme about Ireland, they tried preparing and eating Irish recipes.
“If you have never been, our groups are a really good place to start,” Foley said. “It is not a specific set of questions or criteria [where] you need to [feel] nervous about what you need to analyze or what if you don’t remember everything that happens. We are just happy to see people. It’s not just about reading...[With] book clubs and libraries in general, just get out and see what’s there because it’s cool.”
Silent Book Clubs and Speed Dating
The public library is not the only place that hosts book clubs. Many book stores, coffee shops, and other local businesses also host
events where bookworms can congregate and connect over their shared love of reading.
Silent Book Club Bartow is hosted on the Last Saturday of the month at Unfiltered Bartow (160 Broadway Ave.). As the name suggests, the group allows readers to gather and read their books in silence. It’s a perfect opportunity for introverts to meet fellow readers without needing to talk to them.
The Inkling Book Shoppe (160 S Broadway Ave.) hosts several events, including traditional book clubs, fiction and poetry writing workshops, book-themed parties, and author book signings.
They even host book speed dating! Each participant receives a BINGO style question card with unconventional bookish questions like, “If aliens came to Earth, which book would you give them and why?” Attendees spend three minutes asking each other these questions as a way to break the ice and meet new people.
“If you’re dying to meet your bookish soulmate (romantically or platonically) you just HAVE to sign up for our Book Club: Speed Dating Edition,” their Facebook page explains. “On each three-minute date, you’ll be prompted to share about everything from the best book you’ve ever read to the book you love to hate.”
Sarina Michel, who owns the Bartow store with her husband, Heber, mentions how their speed dating event has drawn in more than 20 people. Such unique events help attendees meet new people and find new books to read.
“We owe our success to our community, especially our regulars,” she said. “We are in our first year of business, and every visit, share, comment, and review makes a huge impact. People love an opportunity to meet new friends face to face and discuss a shared passion.”
Chia Jam: The Superfood HackYou Didn’t Know You Needed
When I was a kid, summer wasn’t just about sunshine and sprinklers -- it meant jam. My mom would line up jewel-toned jars of homemade preserves, from apricot to zucchini, each jar a little pot of sunshine. Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of jams, but let’s be real -- jam-making can be a bit of a production. Sterilizing jars, bubbling fruit, pectin, sticky countertops -- it’s a labor of (a lot of) love.
Enter: Chia Jam. This little game-changer will transform the way you think about homemade preserves. No stove time. No pectin. No canning tongs required. Just fruit, chia seed, and a touch of sweetness.
Chia seeds are the secret to this jam. Yes, those little seeds that sprouted chia pets back in the ‘80s are a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with fiber, omega-3s, antioxidants and protein, these tiny wonders are a simple way to boost your nutrition. But their real magic? Chia seeds absorb over 10 times their weight in liquid, turning fruit puree into a thick, spreadable jam in under an hour.
The best part? This jam is totally customizable. Use whatever fruit you have on hand or what’s in season. Blackberries, peaches, plums, even thawed frozen fruit works. Get creative: Try blueberry with lemon, apricot with pineapple or even a little gourmet twist like strawberry-basil or blackberry-thyme (pictured).
~ Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam: 1 pound blueberries + 3 to 4 tablespoons chia + zest and juice of half a lemon + 2 tablespoons honey
Chia jam is so simple and quick, you’ll be hooked. But let’s take it up a notch with a fun way to enjoy it -- in a parfait!
Chia Jam Parfait: A Deliciously Healthy Snack
Layering chia jam into yogurt creates a healthy parfait that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. You can’t go wrong with a few layers of creamy yogurt, chia jam and maybe some granola or graham crackers for texture.
For a perfect parfait: Layer a couple of tablespoons of chia jam with Greek yogurt (or any yogurt you love). Add a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers for crunch and color. Repeat the layers until your jar or bowl is full. Finish with a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got yourself a snack that’s not only good for you but gorgeous, too.
Chia jam strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart, without the added sugar of traditional jams. Packed with nutritious chia seeds, it’s a guilt-free treat. Next time you crave something sweet, skip store-bought jams. Chia jam is a simple, healthy way to elevate your snacks and desserts. You’re going to love it.
The Recipe The Recipe
2 cups fruit (fresh or thawed frozen)
3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Wash and prep your fruit. If you’re using frozen fruit, thaw it first. Puree the fruit in a blender or food processor, then add chia seeds and blend again. Taste and add sweetener, if desired. A spoonful of honey or maple syrup does the trick.
Refrigerate for at least an hour, stirring halfway through. The chia seeds will work their magic and thicken it up. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Use on toast, stirred into oatmeal or -- let’s be real -spooned straight out of the jar.
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.
This easy blackberry chia jam is the perfect topping for everything from toasted bread to creamy parfaits.
Photo by www.JasonCoblentz.com
BASIC CHIA JAM
ORCHIDFEVER
Discover Orchid Fever and Havana Heat
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH
Special to T&T Magazine
Step into a tropical dream at Orchid Fever and Havana Heat on Saturday, August 16
Celebrate one of nature’s most exotic and captivating blooms while swaying to the vibrant sounds of Arriba El Son! and savoring the bold, delicious flavors of Cuba.
Orchid Fever and Havana Heat is free for members and included with general admission.
This lively festival invites visitors to discover dazzling orchid varieties from around the world, soak up Latin music, enjoy Cuban cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in the lush garden setting of Bok Tower Gardens.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Grand Orchid Arch by Bloom Box
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Capture a stunning selfie or family portrait beneath our spectacular orchid arch designed by Bloom Box.
Morning Orchid Lectures
Dendrobium Orchids 101 with Bret Ullery of Accent Orchids — learn about Dendrobiums, Schomburkias, Grammatophyllums, and browse his rare finds for sale. 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Orchids 101 with Keith Emig of Winter
Haven Orchid Nursery — get to know the basics of popular orchid genera and pick up a new treasure for your collection. 11 a.m. –11:45 a.m.
Additional Orchid Vendors
Vina Planters — Innovative, eco-friendly orchid baskets made from 100% recycled plastic. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Habitat — Sharon Garrett brings expertise in Vanda orchids and personalized growing advice.
Orchid and Tropical Plants by Tony Tirado — Discover a stunning variety of Phalaenopsis orchids in every color and size.
CHEF MATT’S OUTDOOR KITCHEN:
“CAJA CHINA” EDITION
Watch Chef Matt Fulwood of Blue Palmetto Café roast a whole hog Cuban-style in a tra-
ditional Caja China. Get expert BBQ tips and enjoy a sample of his savory, slow-roasted pork. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cuban Cocktails on the Terrace
Sip on refreshing tropical favorites like Sangria, Daiquiri, Blackberry Margarita, and Mojito.10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Live Music with Arriba El Son!
Let the rhythms of old-school Cuban and Puerto Rican salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, bolero, and parranda fill the garden air — a dance-worthy experience you won’t want to miss! 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cuban Specials at the Blue Palmetto Café
• Mojo Pork Plate with Black Beans & Rice
• Ropa Vieja with Black Beans & Rice
• Whole Hog Cuban Sandwich with Chips
• Crispy Tostones
Lotería on the Terrace
Join a lively game of Lotería for a chance to win a gorgeous Phalaenopsis orchid to take home. 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Live Music with Arriba El Son.
About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted one of America’s best gardens, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and The Shop at Bok are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 6-17. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org. Orchid Fever and Havana Heat is sponsored in part by Visit Central Florida.
Chef Matt's Outdoor Kitchen.
• A whale shark’s spot pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.
• While working as a weatherman in Indianapolis, late-night talk show host David Letterman once congratulated a tropical storm for being upgraded to a hurricane.
• The estimated temperature at the sun’s core is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.
• The cash register, invented in 1870 by James Ritty, was originally dubbed “Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier” and was designed to keep the employees of his saloon from stealing from him.
• Kids and adults with autism are immune to the effect of observing someone else yawn.
• Since a Krispy Kreme donut contains 350 calories, and a 150pound man can burn around 380 calories in 30 minutes, said fellow could burn off that quickie breakfast with a quarter-acre lawn mow -- unless he simply preferred going to the gym.
• Target will let customers breastfeed anywhere in the store.
• Besides being the final resting place for many Hollywood celebrities, Forest Lawn in Southern California features a museum with rotating exhibits and special art, music and educational events.
• It is possible to make actual cheese with bacteria from foot sweat.
• And speaking of cheese, it’s the most stolen food in the world.
• The previous record for the world’s longest train was broken by the BHP Iron Ore in 2001. Measuring 4.5 miles in length, it was made up of 682 wagons and required eight engines to run.
• Research has shown that throughout a sofa’s life, it will host roughly 782 visitors.
• Actress Megan Mullally was fired from her role in “Finding Nemo” for refusing to reprise her high-pitched Karen Walker voice from the TV series “Will and Grace.”
• Seventy percent of the dirt on your clothes is invisible.
Jubilee & The Folly of Arguing with Fools
“Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
-
MARK TWAIN
Have you ever driven past a bad car wreck? Where a semi-truck turned over, smashed a dozen smaller cars, and burst into flames? Where the carnage is so terrible you want to look away, and yet keep looking at the same time? An accident that makes you wonder, “What the heck happened?”
That’s how I felt watching the latest Jubilee video.
Jubilee is a YouTube channel known for its “Surrounded” videos, where one person will debate several topics with 20 opponents. Its goal is to “provoke understanding & create human connection” through civil debate. However, as their most recent video proves, that debate tends to be as “civil” as a dozen rabid poop-flinging gibbons.
Recently, Jubilee hosted a video with Mehdi Hasan, an acclaimed journalist and founder of the media company Zeteo. That video was titled “1 Progressive vs 20 Far-Right Conservatives.”
HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:
1. U.S. STATES: Which is the only state named after a president?
2. MYTHOLOGY: Which goddess is queen of the Roman gods?
3. LITERATURE: Who wrote the poem “Paradise Lost”?
4. HISTORY: Which monarch was known as the Sun King?
5. MOVIES: How many movies did Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make together?
6. GEOGRAPHY: The country of Malta is on which continent?
7. CHEMISTRY: What is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction?
8. FOOD & DRINK: What is tzatziki?
9. TELEVISION: What is the name of the family in the sitcom “Arrested Development”?
10. ANATOMY: What part of the brain converts short-term memory into long-term memory?
-cucum
• Hasan explains he’s an immigrant to a dude wearing a backwards baseball cap. That man points and tells Hasan, “Get the hell out!” Hasan asks, “Why?” That man answers, “I don’t want you here.”
• One man claims Hasan isn’t a “real” American. That man later boasts about how his family’s lineage stretches back to settlers from the 1500s. Hasan tells him he doesn’t look Native American. To which the man responds, “Whites are Native American.”
• Hasan debates another man who wants America to be an autocracy. Hasan asks him how an autocrat would come to power. That man explains that the autocrat would be voted in by the people. “Then there
would be no more votes?” Hasan asks.
• Hasan later tells that same man, “You’re a little more than a far-right Republican.” That man, quite smugly, replies, “Hey! What can I say?” Hasan responds: “I think you can say I’m a fascist!” That man laughs and replies, “Yeah, I am!”
And so, as with the hypothetical wreck, we ask ourselves, “What the heck happened?” How did it reach a point where a man can tell a naturalized Muslim American journalist to “get the Hell out” and another man can proudly call himself a fascist during a political debate?
Blame the marketplace of ideas! Jubilee, as with most other people online, believes all ideas, no matter how ridiculous, have a “right” to be expressed and debated, that “truth” is arrived by “both sides” of an issue debating until one side “wins” or both sides agree to compromise “somewhere in the middle.”
You can probably see the flaw here. Imagine a debate. One person argues that he should cut off the other person’s arms and legs. The other person argues he should keep his limbs. Is the solution for both people to meet “ in the middle” and agree to only cut off that person’s arms?
Of course not. One person is right. The other is wrong. There’s no middle ground.
Don’t get me wrong. Debate is a valuable tool. But only when the people using it act in good faith and base their opinions on facts. Does a man who claims “whites are Naive Americans” believe in facts? Is a man telling an immigrant to “get the hell out?” acting in good faith? Is it proper for a man to call himself a fascist?
If you answered, “no” to any of these questions, you know why Jubilee’s idea about debate and the free marketplace of ideas is not only wrong but dangerously stupid.
The views and opinions expressed in columns are not necessarily the views and opinions of Today & Tonight Magazine or Today & Tonight, Inc.
C A L E N D A R
Get Your Listing in the Calendar
Email Listings to: tracey@todayandtonight.com
Info must be received by the 23rd of the Month Prior to Publication. Events will be included as space allows.
Arts, Crafts, Festivals & Expos
AUG
14
Lakeland Food Truck Rally. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally brings food trucks to Munn Park on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Come on out to Downtown Lakeland and enjoy a variety of Florida food trucks and their delicious cuisine. 20 plus food trucks come together each month and park on the streets surrounding beautiful Munn Park. Thurs, 6-9pm. (next events: Sept 11, Oct 9)
AUG
16
Orchid Fest and Havana Heat at Bok. Celebrate one of nature’s most exotic and captivating blooms. This lively festival invites visitors to discover dazzling orchid varieties from around the world, soak up Latin music, enjoy Cuban cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in the lush garden setting of Bok Tower Gardens. Located Bok Tower Gardens,
Lk Wales. Sat, 9-4 pm. Admission is required; included with membership. www. BokTowerGardens.org
AUG 19
Tasty Tuesday + Tunes. Third Tuesday of every month in Munn Park. 10 tastes from downtown bars, restaurants, and sweet shops. New offerings every month. Tasty Tuesdays are a super fun way to experience multiple Downtown restaurants all in one night! You get hearty sample sizes with each ticket and move from place to place at your own pace! Tastings begin at 4:30pm and end at 9pm. Purchase your ticket package from LDDA. Tues, 4:30-9pm. Cost - $25 for 10 tastes. (next events: Sept 16, Oct 21) https://ldda.square.site/ product/tasty-tuesday-tickets/31?cs=true&cst=custom
AUG 23
& 24 – Central Florida Collectorfest. Vintage & Modern Toys, Hot Wheels, Retro Gaming, Comics, Artwork & More Pop Culture Goodness! We will have giveaways, raffles, and more. 100+ Tables of lots of cool stuff! 15,000 sq ft of Toys, Games, Comics, Die-Cast, & More! Toys from vintage to modern. Hot Wheels, GI-JOE, Funko, Star Wars, Godzilla, Transformers, Ghostbusters, and more. Plus, My Little Pony, Fisher
Price, Barbie, and Strawberry Shortcake are here too. Vintage and modern Atari, Nintendo, Sony Playstation, Sega Genesis and more. And, several comic vendors with graded and raw books to check out. Located RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat & Sun, 9-4 pm. Tickets Sat; $15 and Sun; $10. Kids under 12 Free. Free Hot Wheels for Kids under 12! Free parking. https://www. eventeny.com/company/fltoyshows/
AUG 28& 29
2025 Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok. Enjoy free admission on the last Thursday and Friday of the month from May through August. Pre-registration is required. Located Bok Tower Gardens, Lk Wales. Thurs & Fri, 8-5 pm. www.boktowergardens.org
SEPT 5
September First Friday. Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday; new theme each month. This month is Septober Fest. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St. First Friday is a family-friendly event held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland between Lemon Street and Oak Street
along Kentucky Ave. and Main St. Downtown Lakeland, Fri 6-9pm. DowntownLKLD. com (next date: Oct 3; Cookie Carnival)
SEPT 20& 21
Central Florida Gun Show. Presented by Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club. Best show in Florida. Buy, Sell, Trade. Hundreds of tables. Concealed weapons classes available. Located at Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland. Sat, 9-5 pm and Sun 9-3 pm. Free parking. www. LakelandGunClub.com
OCT 4
2nd Annual Taste of Lakeland. A flavor-filled celebration where the heart of our community comes alive through delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. This vibrant festival will bring together over 1,000 attendees to experience the best of Lakeland’s local food scene, showcasing a diverse selection of restaurants, food trucks, and culinary artisans. Located 1302 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 10-5 pm.
Markets, Antique Fairs & Car Shows
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market –Saturdays. An exceptional variety of local vendors who offer fresh produce, seafood, pastries, breads, desserts, local honey, artisans, and crafts, to name a few. Stop by the Market Information Booth for more details on the F.A.B. program! Located N. Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. Sat, 8am-2pm; Sept to May and 8am-1pm; Jun & Jul. (closed in August)
Winter Haven Farmers Market – Saturdays. Shop locally grown food, artisan food vendors, plants, food trucks and more while supporting a healthy & connected community. Located across from Grove Roots on the NE corner of 3rd St. & Ave C SW in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Winter Haven. Sat 9am-1pm.
AUG 8
Second Fridays Dixieland Night Market. Come out to Dixieland on the second Friday each month for the latest works from local artists, fashion designers, jewelry makers and more local entrepreneurs. Enjoy dinner under the stars from one of our many food vendors. Then go see the latest art show by Emporium Galleries at Union Hall from 6-8pm. Located at Union Hall, 1023 S FL Ave, Lakeland. Fri, 6-11pm. (next date: Sept 12, Oct 10)
AUG 10
Second Sunday Artisan Market. Every second Sunday of the month, enjoy a variety of Florida based businesses selling a variety of hand-made items. Located Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center, Lakeland, Sun, 12-5pm. www.shoplakesidevillage.net (next dates: Sept 14, Oct 12)
AUG 21
Lake Wales 3rd Thursday Market. The boutique market will feature a variety of produce, artisan food vendors, plants, crafts and a food truck. This market is within
walking distance of restaurants and shops. Located Stuart Ave in the parking lot near the new Gillian Fazio mural in downtown Lk Wales. Thurs, 4-7pm. (next dates: Sept 18, Oct 16)
AUG 15
Bartow Friday Fest. The Bartow Friday Fest is a fun open-air event in Downtown Bartow featuring live music, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This month it’s Magic on Main a holiday themed event. Friday Fest is held the third Friday of every month 6-9pm. (except December; Sept 19, Oct 17). For more info, visit www. mainstreetbartowfl.com
AUG 16
Cypress Gardens Ski Show. Members of the original Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team continue to wow central Florida audiences, and work to pass on their water-skiing skills to the next generation. Enjoy a free ski show the third Saturday of each month. Bring your blanket or chair. Concessions available. Located on Lake Silver at MLK Jr Park, Winter Haven. Sat, pre-show 4:30pm, ski show 5pm. www. cypressgardensskiteam.com
Concerts & Theatre
AUG 22
Classic Albums Live: Bob Marley. Performing Legend. Note for Note, Cut for Cut. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 7:30 pm. Doors at 6:30 pm. Tickets $39-$51. www.rpfundingcenter.com (Next CAL Date: Oct 10 Bon Jovi)
SEPT 13
Marshall Tucker Band. The legendary Southern rock pioneers. Fans can look forward to a night of timeless music and unforgettable memories as this iconic band brings decades of hits and musical mastery to the heart of Central Florida. Located at RP Funding Center, Lakeland. Sat, 8 pm. Doors at 7 pm. Tickets $23 plus parking. www.rpfundingcenter.com
NOV 1
Bartow Ford’s Concert On The Lot. It’s back and BIGGER than ever! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music, family fun, and delicious food. This year’s concert features an exciting lineup: Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, and special guests Austin Williams and Trevor Snider. Located at Bartow Ford, 2800 US 98 N, Bartow 33830. Sat, 6 pm. Tickets - $30 (5 and under free) Tickets on sale at https://www.bartowfordconcert.com
Charity Events & Golf Tournament
SEPT 18
Celebrate Winter Haven 2025. Hosted by the Winter Haven Chamber, a night to revel in all things Winter Haven! In keeping with tradition will award the 99th annual Citizens of the Year Banker’s Cup Awards, honor the Small and Large Business of the Year and the Entrepreneur of the Year. The evening will also include a reflection of the past year from the Chamber Board Chairman Nick Plott
with AdventHealth, who will pass the gavel to the incoming Board Chairwoman Ann Barnhart with AdventHealth. Located Nora Mayo Hall, 500 3rd St, Winter Haven. Thurs, 6-9 pm. Tickets - $150. https://web.winterhavenchamber.com/atlas/events-v4/register/24678
SEPT 27
10th Annual Fore the Love Golf Tournament. A benefit for the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from this event support the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients. The golf tournament is located at the Country Club of Winter Haven. Sat, 9 am. (Online Auction & Raffle Drawing runs from Sept 19 to 27) For more info: https:// whhfoundation.org/events/
OCT 9
2nd Annual Classy & Comfy Gala. A benefit for Central Florida Health Care. Located at the Adams Estate, Lake Alfred. Thurs, 6 pm. Contact DevCom@cfhconline.org for more info
NOV 6
The Gala. Winter Haven’s premier black-tie event. A benefit for the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from this event will be utilized locally to support the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Mental Health. Enjoy a 3-course gourmet dinner, entertainment, late night dancing, exquisite wines, open bar, and new auction experiences. (Online Auction runs from Oct 31 to Nov 6) For more info: https://whhfoundation.org/ events/
SHEN YUN RETURNS TO LAKELAND
Shen Yun takes you on an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Join us for a show filled with courage and wisdom, light and hope…Experience Shen Yun at RP Funding Center on February 3 and February 4, 2025.
Tickets go on sale August 06 at 9 a.m.
Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive stage and backdrop integration. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the earth to inspire humani-
ty. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away!
Purchase tickets at the RP Funding Center Box Office Monday and Thursday, 9 – 5 or by visiting us online at www.rpfundingcenter.com. Dates and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.
The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida, off I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 8348111 or visit our website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.
BARS • CLUBS • PUBS
*Please check Facebook pages to confirm business schedules, events, and promos.
AUBURNDALE
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
102 W Polk Street (863) 968-0010
Full Liquor Sports Bar
TVs for the Games
Brew Hounds Sports Lounge
318 Havendale Blvd (863) 967-2739
Wed, Trivia 6p
Thu, S.I.N. 20% off Fri, Poker 7p
Pool, Darts, Full Liquor
Sunday Ticket/SEC/ACC
Smoke-Free/Outside Patio
Aug 20, Customer Appr Prty
BABSON PARK
Crooked Bass Grill/Tavern
1010 N Scenic Hwy (863) 589-5887
Full Liquor
Seafood, Steaks & Burgers
Live Music Fri & Sat
Pool Table & Darts
BARTOW
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
120 E Van Fleet Dr (863) 534-3111
Full Liquor Sports Bar
Front Page Brewing Co
190 S FL Ave (863) 537-7249
Hrs: Open Wed-Fri 4p, Sat & Sun 12p
Taproom, Full Bar Self-pour Wines
Wed, Trivia Thu, Bingo Weekends, Live Music
Fun Bar
3379 US Hwy 17N (863) 800-3400
Karaoke
Pool Table & Darts
Mulligan’s Sports Bar
Bartow Golf Club
150 N Idlewood (863) 533-1668 Fri, Karaoke 7-10p
The Wine Library Bartow
165 S Central Ave (813) 796-0477
Wine, Sangria, Beer
Charcuterie
Wed & Thu, Hpy Hr 4-7p Sat, 25% off Wine Btls
The Wine Stable
150 S Broadway (863) 533-9463
Full Bar
Live Music
Karaoke
DAVENPORT
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 45653 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-3350 Full Liquor Great Wings, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wraps
Fireside Lounge & Billiards 43356 US Hwy 27 (863) 420-0100 Pool Hall; 7 Pro Tables Full Liquor/Hpy Hr 2-7p Live Music
The Wheelhouse Bar 42637 US Hwy 27 (863) 353-6880 TVs, Pool Table Darts, Jukebox Wed & Sat, Karaoke 9p
The Wheelhouse/19th Hole 102 Polo Park East (863) 424-4560
Tue & Fri, Karaoke 9p Thu, Trivia 8-10p
DUNDEE
Out-n-About Bar (1/4 m north of Dundee Rd) 28390 US Hwy 27 (863) 439-1537
Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun, Live Music Sun, Karaoke Thu, Ladies Night Mon & Wed, Closed
FROSTPROOF
P & J Recreation 33 S Scenic Hwy (863) 635-9825
Home of Famous Slaw Burger!
Full Liquor
FT. MEADE
Pit Stop Package & Lounge
800 N Charleston Ave (863) 285-8732 Food Avail.
HAINES CITY
Amos Tavern 200 US Hwy 17 92 N (863) 422-1459
Balmoral Bar & Grill
124 Kenny Blvd (863) 588-3097
Patio Dining & Full Bar Mon, Show Me The Money 6-8p Tue, Trivia 6-8p Wed, Karaoke 6-9p Thu, Bingo 6-8p Fri & Sat, Live Music 6-9p
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 902 Polk City Rd (863) 419-4848
Full Liquor Sports Bar Big Screen TVs
Ducky’s Dockside Bar & Grill 1090 Shady Cove Rd E (863) 353-5295 Thu, Acoustic Jam 6p Fri, Karaoke 6p Sat & Sun, Live Music
Happy Hr Wed-Sun, 4-6p Wed, 1/2 Price Wines Wed, Bingo Thu-Sun, Live Music Sun, Brunch 10:30a-12:30p Aug 8, Live Wrestling 8p (next date: Sept 12)
Union Taproom
245 W Central Ave, ST 102 (863) 268-4921
Open Daily 11:30a 40 Self Pour Taps Wed, Trivia 7p Fri & Sat, Live Music 7-10p 1st Thu, Night Market 6-9p Food Available
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
Wednesday, Aug 6
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
Thursday, Aug 7
KALEIGH BAKER
(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
RED HOT ROOSTER DUO (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
ADRIENNE RICHARDS
(Past Time Lounge, WH)
HUNTER MCNEER
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
Friday, Aug 8
LAURA THE SINGER
(The Social Lounge, WH)
JASON LINK 12p
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
TMIKE & DUKE
(Twisted Prop, WH)
ALEX BELLIVEAU TRIO
(Lakeland Loft, LKD)
KAIZEN
(Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD)
JACK TRIPPER BAND (Apple Lounge, WH)
FEVER
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
JIM N JUDY DUO
(Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux, LKD)
Saturday, Aug 9
BROOKE CRAMER
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
RED HOT ROOSTER
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT (Balmoral Bar & Grill, HC)
TWIZTED
(Kimber’s Bar & Grill, WH)
HUNTER MCNEER 12p/
JIM N JUDY DUO 2p/ THREE THIEVES 7p
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
DUKE BURR
(Happenings Sports Pub, WH)
FREETIME JAZZ
(Lakeland Loft, LKD)
KOREY KETCHUM (Apple Lounge, WH)
MAXWELL wsg
LUCKY DAYE
(Kia Center, ORL)
Sunday, Aug 10
CASEY HOWELL & SAX 1p/ ANDREW
MICHAEL DUO 5:30p
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
CONSPIRACY THEORY
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
SCOTT LYLES (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
B. HAVEN (Twisted Prop, WH)
TWIZTED (Caribbean Bay, WH) BLAKE FREE (Cherry Pocket, LW)
Monday, Aug 11
MIKE MONTS DE OCA (Swan Brewing, LKD)
Wednesday, Aug 13
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JADE & DUKE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) THE JOE PERRY PROJECT (Hard Rock Event Cntr, TMP)
Thursday, Aug 14
PABLITO SWAY
(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
CURT BEASLEY DUO (Cypresswood Pub, WH)
FRIDAY, AUG 15
JADED
(Tanners Lakeside, WH) LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
JASON LINK 12p (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
DUKE BURR
(Club at Eaglebrooke, LKD)
TREY CROSS JAZZ
(Lakeland Loft, LKD)
BLAKE FREE BAND
(Twisted Prop, D CTY) HWY 41
(Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD) RUNNING RECKLESS (Apple Lounge, WH)
MATTHEW LOWRY & THE FLAMINGO COUNTY PLAYERS wsg BAD SCI-FI (Union Hall, LKD)
SATURDAY, AUG 16
JIM N JUDY DUO
(Old Man Frank’s, WH) HWY 41
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
TWIZTED
(Caribbean Bay, WH)
ARRIBA BAND
(Bok Tower, LW)
HUNTER MCNEER 12p/ RED HOT ROOSTER 2p/ BILLY D TRIO 7p
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
CHARLIE REDD QUARTET (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
RYAN JOYCE
(Apple Lounge, WH)
BLIND AMBITION
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
SKIP FRYE
(Front Page Brewing, BTW)
SUNDAY, AUG 17
BROOKE CRAMER
(Old Man Frank’s, WH) GOT UR 6
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
SCOTT LYLES
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
BLAKE FREE (Out-n-About, DUN)
TUESDAY, AUG 19
MICKENZIE PEISHER 8p (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
WEDNESDAY, AUG 20
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME
(Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
SKIP FRYE (Club at Eaglebrooke, LKD)
FALLING IN REVERSE wsg WAGE WAR, TECH N9NE, SLEEP THEORY
(MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
THURSDAY, AUG 21
PABLITO SWAY
(Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
RYAN JOYCE
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
HUNTER MCNEER
(Cypresswood Pub, WH)
FRIDAY, AUG 22
CASEY HOWELL
(Old Man Frank’s, WH)
JOSH BLEVINS
(Tanners Lakeside, WH)
LAURA THE SINGER
(The Social Lounge, WH)
CAL BOB MARLEY; LEGEND
(RP Funding Center, LKD)
SCOTT LYLES
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
MIKE MONTS DE OCA (Swan Brewing, LKD) THE WEEKND wsg PLAYBOI CARTI AND MIKE DEAN (Camping World Stad, ORL)
MONDAY, AUG 25
BLAKE FREE (Cherry Pocket, LW)
JASON LINK 12p
(Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
B. HAVEN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH)
SCHAFF WALL TRIO (Lakeland Loft, LKD)
BLAKE FREE BAND (Out-n-About, DUN) NVR2L8 (Lucky’s Oyster Bar, LKD) GOT UR 6 (Apple Lounge, WH)
SOUTHERN ROCK’S FINEST AND SOUL2EARTH (Music Ranch, LKD)
JIM N JUDY DUO (Bowen Yard, WH)
JOSH CURCHY (Cypresswood Pub, WH)
PROPER WEDNESDAY & IN BETWEEN SETS (Union Hall, LKD)
LITTLE BIG TOWN wsg
ASHLEY MCBRYDE AND CARTER FAITH (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP) KATY PERRY wsg
REBECCA BLACK (Amalie Arena, TMP)
SATURDAY, AUG 23
SANDRA HESS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) TWIZTED (Tanners Lakeside, WH) ANDY SHREEVE (The Pink Piano, LKD) SOUND THEORY BAND (Leo’s Live, LKD) TWIZTED (Tanner’s Lakeside, WH) MICKENZIE PEISHER 12p/ JAY WHEALTON 2p/ BILLY D TRIO 7p (Camp Margaritaville, ADL)
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) JADE & DUKE (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) SLEEP TOKEN (Kia Center, ORL)
THURSDAY, SEPT 18
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
FRIDAY, SEPT 19
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) B. HAVEN (Somewhere Sports Bar, WH) HARDY w/KOE WETZEL, STEPHEN WILSON JR AND SIKARUS (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SATURDAY, SEPT 20
ANUEL AA (Kia Center, ORL)
SUNDAY, SEPT 21
RYAN JOYCE 1p/
WILLIAM WILLIAMS 5:30p (Old Man Frank’s, WH)
TWIZTED (Caribbean Bay, WH) ANUEL AA (Amalie Arena, TMP)
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 24
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
THURSDAY, SEPT 25
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH) ADAM MICHAEL ALLISON (Union Hall, LKD)
FRIDAY, SEPT 26
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH)
SATURDAY, SEPT 27
KOREY KETCHUM 1p/ HUNTER MCNEER 6p (Old Man Frank’s, WH) B. HAVEN (Cypresswood Pub, WH) A DAY TO REMEBER wsg YELLOWCARD, STATE CHAMPS AND BOUNDARIES (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SUNDAY, SEPT 28
JADE & DUKE (Tanners Lakeside, WH)
LKLD PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET (Swan Brewing, LKD)
TUESDAY, SEPT 30
MICKENZIE PEISHER (Jessie’s Lounge, WH)
JADE & DUKE
CHRIS BROWN wsg
JHENÉ AIKO AND BRYSON TILLER (Camping World Stad, ORL)
WEDNESDAY, OCT 1
FRANKIE’S JAM WITH NO NAME (Jessie’s Lounge, WH) LIL WAYNE wsg TYGA, NPCAP, BELLY GANG KUSHINGTON (Kia Center, ORL)
THURSDAY, OCT 2
PABLITO SWAY (Jensen’s Corner Bar, WH)
FRIDAY, OCT 3
LAURA THE SINGER (The Social Lounge, WH) BRANDON LAKE wsg
FRANNI CASH AND PAT BARRETT (Kia Center, ORL)
JASON ALDEAN wsg
NATE SMITH, RAELYNN, AND DEE JAY SILVER (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP)
SATURDAY, OCT 4
WILLIAM WILLIAMS (Old Man Frank’s, WH) PAPA ROACH wsg RISE AGAINST AND UNDEROATH (MidFlorida CU Amph, TMP) MARCO ANTONIO SOLÍS (Amalie Arena, TMP)
ATTENTION BANDS & VENUES Keep
POLK COUNTY’S
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
BEEF ‘O’
BRADY’S SOUTH LAKELAND
HAINES CITY
BALMORAL BAR & GRILL
AT BALMORAL RESORT
Offering a casual dining environment complete with poolside outdoor seating, the Balmoral Bar & Grill serves up poolside lunches, afternoon drinks and evening meals. Popular among resort guests and locals alike, our poolside bar in Haines City offers a full bar with TVs and features a menu of shareable appetizers, fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and more. Live music also offered on the patio most Saturday nights. Check our Facebook for schedule. Bar & Grill is open to the public and is located within Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City, minutes from Winter Haven and Davenport.
Must Try: Flatbreads and Club Sandwich.
124 Kenny Blvd, Haines City (off Hwy 27) (863) 588-3097
BalmoralBarandGrill.com
LAKELAND
BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S NORTH LAKELAND
Lakeland’s Best Family Sports Pub. 40+ HD TV’s, NFL Ticket Sundays, NCAA Gameplan Saturdays. Happy Hour 2-4-1 All Day, Everyday. Bingo Mondays from 5-6 pm. Kids Eat Free Wednesday from 4-8 pm. Trivia Night on Thursdays from 8-10 pm.
Must Try: Hot & Fresh Fajitas - Everyday! Chicken wings!
1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd (863) 853-9464
www.beefobradys.com
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
CHAMPS SPORTS BAR
Serving Polk County for over 20 years!
Cold Beer • Great Food • Family Fun
• Best Wings in Town Independently delicious! Daily specials from 2-10 pm: Monday 60¢Tacos, Tuesday $5 Buffalo
Shrimp, Wednesday 45¢ Boneless Wings, Tuesday & Thursday BOGO Bud & Bud Light Bottles, Friday, $9 Grouper Sandwich (All Day), Saturday 75¢ Wings (All Day).Hours: Mon.-Thurs, Sat. & Sun. 11 am to 10 pm. Fri. 11 am to midnight. Follow us on Facebook. FB@ChampsGrill 6645 S. Florida Ave. 863-647-5900 www.champstogo.com
MISTER FISH
Family owned and operated since 1968 offering the best fish sandwich around! Seafood, chicken and much more using only the best quality food and excellent service! Easily the best homemade food you’ll try! Hours Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm and closed Sundays. Must Try: Famous Fish Sandwich 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland (863) 688-4280
LAKE WALES
CRAZY FISH
Land mark eatery in Lake Wales. Fresh fish never frozen. Fun and casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner menu with daily specials. Mon. 4pm to 9pm. Tues.Saturday 11:30am to 9pm. Closed Sun.
Must Try: Shrimp or Fresh Grouper
802 Henry St., Lake Wales (863) 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 MondaysFridays until 3pm. Award winning jumbo wings with famous sauces and dry rubs. Fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, tacos and dinner entrees available. Weekday Values: Mon. Burgers, Tues. Tacos, Wed. Wings, Thurs. Fajitas, Fri. Surf & Turf. See ya at Beefs!
Serving up a large selection of fresh fish for over 27 years! Where the fish is always de-lish! Open for lunch and dinner. Great seafood menu also includes shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, crab legs, "fish of the day" board, steaks, chicken, pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups/chowders. Restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ned in beautiful Winter Haven with a quaint pet friendly outdoor patio. Full bar available. Less than a mile from LEGOLAND. Kid's menu also available.
Must Try: Grouper in a Bag, the Broiled Seafood Combo and award winning Key Lime Pie!
Enjoy great food, great games and great times in a family-friendly atmosphere. As your sports headquarters, ESPN, NFL & MLB ticket available on 14 flat screen TV’s. Daily lunch specials Mon-Fri from 11-2 pm only $5.99. Open 7 days a week. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Pizza & Wings. Full liquor with Happy Hour Mon-Sat from 3-6 pm
Must Try: Jumbo Wings & Pizza
5688 Cypress Gardens Blvd. (863) 324-7524
1. Which group released “Red Rubber Ball”?
2. Who had a hit with “A Rose and a Baby Ruth”?
3. Name the original group that released “Please Mr. Postman.”
4. Which group did David Coverdale start in 1978?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “You tell me your best friend’s world seems beautiful, but don’t be fooled.”
ANSWERS
1. The Cyrkle, in 1966. It had been written by Paul Simon, of Simon & Garfunkel, surprising many because he was at the same time writing more serious songs with Art Garfunkel. Years later
• Stuck zippers can be loosened with graphite powder or simply by tracing a pencil lead over the zipper.
• Got memorabilia? Use a reasonably sized plastic storage bin for each child. Include folders noting each school grade for art and important academic papers. It can be a very special collection that you can give to your child when he is an adult.
• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%.” Talk to your children about making smart choices both in the lunch line and at the vending machines.
Simon said he’d written “Red Rubber Ball” for the cash advance he would get.
2. George Hamilton IV, in 1956. The song spent 20 weeks on the charts. (And yes, that’s the Baby Ruth candy bar in the song.)
3. The Marvelettes, in 1961. It was not only the debut single for the group, but was the first Motown song to top the Hot 100 chart.
4. Whitesnake. Their big hit was “Here I Go Again.”
5. “Everything Your Heart Desires” by Hall & Oates, in 1988. The song became the duo’s last Top 10 hit. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.
• Got a child going off to college? Before you leave campus, go together to the health center, and make sure your kid knows who to call/where to go for emergency or urgent care, both on campus and off. Not knowing can sometimes cause a delay in getting care, turning a bad situation worse.
• Returning to school can mean returning to sports after a summer hiatus. Be smart, and follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Give yourself at least one recovery day off each week; be sure you are wearing the proper gear and that it’s properly fitted; don’t forget to cross-train (general exercises to strengthen your muscles and keep you flexible); take breaks and hydrate to avoid overheating; and have your coach reinforce the proper technique and safety rules.
• Keep cut veggies crunchy by lining a plastic or glass storage dish with coffee filters and then adding your cut vegetables, like carrot sticks and celery.
RUBY
Ruby is a beautiful 3-year-old orange female cat with a big personality. She’s very energetic, talkative, and loves to climb and explore. Her favorite toys are anything with feathers—especially fishing pole toys— and she goes crazy for catnip!She does great with adults and has had positive experiences with other cats. She hasn’t been around children and doesn’t show much interest in dogs.
BISCUIT
Biscuit is our adorable 6-monthold kitten with a big personality and a playful spirit. He’s a bit on the “spicy” side when it comes to other cats, so he might do best as the only feline in the home or with slow, careful introductions. This curious boy absolutely loves to play whether it’s bell balls, plastic balls, soft fabric toys, mouse toys, or a good sprinkle of catnip,
KITA
Kita is a stunning 4-month-old Husky with a sharp mind, a playful spirit, and a heart full of love. She’s already showing off her intelligence by doing great with potty training—she even goes to the door to let you know when she needs to go out! Kita has had positive experiences with kids aged 8 and up, and while she’s done well with some cats and dogs, it really depends on the individual animal.
BOBO
Bailey is a sweet and spunky Miniature Pinscher and Chiweenie mix with a big personality wrapped up in a small, adorable package. She’s fantastic with kids, loves being around other dogs, and brings a warm, playful energy wherever she goes. Bailey is crate-trained and does well being left alone for 2–6 hours, just twice a week. She’s independent, but absolutely lights up when it’s time to play
The Humane Society of Polk County 3195 Dundee Road • Winter Haven, FL 33884 www.PolkNoKill.org • (863) 324-5227 Tues-Sat 10:30-6pm. Closed 1-2 pm for lunch.
