Most of us take for granted the privilege of being able to read. Did you know that an estimated 24% of adults living in Lakeland are functionally illiterate? That means nearly a quarter of the adults living in Polk County’s largest municipality can’t read above a 4th-grade English reading level. Roughly one in every four adults that you pass in the Swan City might not be able to read “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis in English. On an even more basic level, with that restricted level of reading, these folks might struggle to follow medical instructions, fill out an employment application, or even read to their children or grandchildren before bed. One local nonprofit has been doing its part to reduce that level of illiteracy for the last 30 years by partnering volunteers with residents wanting to improve their reading skills. READ Lakeland, Inc. uses a network of volunteers and a partnership with the Polk County Public School system to coach one-on-one lessons for adults struggling with basic reading and writing, as well as working with them in small groups to give them agency over their lives and decisions, sometimes even offering people a second chance at a good quality of life. The people that READ Lakeland serves are from every gender, anywhere between 18 and 80 years old, and from many different ethnic and cultural groups. READ Lakeland, Inc. is the only adult literacy program in Polk County and serves all of the county’s residents through its volunteer-led programs. Students of the nonprofit can expect to increase their reading, writing, basic math, and even life skills, like how to prepare for an interview or put together a resume. Beth Hesseltine, the director of READ Lakeland Inc., gave me the inside scoop on who they help and how. She shared that many of these adult learners originally struggled through the U.S. school system, potentially with an undiagnosed learning disability, a childhood illness, frequent moves between schools, or had to drop out of school before graduation to support themselves or family members. Still others are refugees and immigrants who are looking for a better quality of life for themselves and their families, and are only proficient in their first language. Any of those situations could have applied to anyone growing up if not for some privilege and good luck. More than 65 tutors help Polk County residents through the initiative, logging well over 5000 hours in the community over the course of a year! Through online tutoring, in-person sessions at local libraries, and group sessions to practice skills, these tutors help prepare their students for new and ever-growing successes in their lives. Students like Mayuri, who had to flee from Cuba because she and her husband couldn’t support their family in Cuba’s economy, or Naila, a woman who immigrated from Pakistan with her family. Hesseltine shared with me Naila’s story, as it’s one of her favorites. “When she came to READ Lakeland, Naila could read English, but her sheltered life and quiet personality left her with low-level skills in speaking or understanding spoken English. For almost two years a tutor worked with her on pronunciation and conversational English in everyday situations such as making purchases at a store or calling for a medical appointment. With her new-found confidence in speaking English, Naila submitted an application and interviewed for a paid position. She was successful in her goal of finding a job.” One of the most inspiring elements of READ Lakeland is its commitment to making the services free for the students and the families that they help. Because of that, as many people as possible can benefit without having to worry about how tutoring could impact what might already be a tight budget. Hesseltine shared that it costs the nonprofit “$500 to fund a single student for an entire year of learning. This includes all assessment testing, tutor training, books, electronic devices, subscriptions, and software/apps.” READ Lakeland has come up with an (evil?) genius way to raise funds to support their literacy program. Some might even say they’ve gone… hog wild! Kiss the Pig is their annual fundraiser, in which people raise money by selling tickets to the Kiss the Pig “Grand Smooch Finale,” or just by collecting donations from willing sponsors. During the event, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine or beer, live music and dancing, raffles with fun prizes, and of course, the main, or should I say hooved, event. The lucky (although depending on who you are, that term may be relative) person who raised the most money in the last month will get to smooch a real pig! I guess you could say that whoever it is needs to be a real ham. Whether you are donating because one of the fundraisers is your cousin who tattled on you for sneaking candy when you were both five and you’ve been waiting decades to get them back, or because you care deeply about the mission of READ Lakeland, every dollar helps another person live a better life, so in my book, that’s money well spent. Tickets for the event are $50 each, so bring your date for a night out on the town and support a cause that brings home the bacon! In a literacy study reported by the Literacy Project in July of 2024, the researchers found that the average American adult reads at a 7th to 8th grade level. However, over half (54%) of U.S. adults read below a 6th-grade level. This statistic truly shocked me, but not nearly as much as the majority of American adults who read no more than four books a year. FOUR. As someone who lets books whisk them off into a land of dragons and political intrigue any time I possibly can, I cannot fathom a life with only four books a year in it. Let’s all do our part to reduce illiteracy in Polk County, flex our reading muscles, and grant people the joy and freedom that being able to read easily permits. In addition, contributing money or time towards adult literacy initiatives has been shown to give back to the community far more than it takes. According to READ Lakeland’s promotional materials for Kiss the Pig “for every $1 donated to adult literacy $33 is returned to the community in lower healthcare costs, fewer public assistance expenditures, higher job productivity, lower crime rates, and higher academic achievement for children in families with adults who can read.” So, pick up a book and practice your reading and come out to support Kiss the Pig on May 8. As READ Lakeland’s Mission says, “when adults can read, families and communities thrive.” READ LAKELAND’S GRAND SMOOCH FINALE May 8, 5:30 p.m. Lakeland Country Club READ LAKELAND 1628 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland 863-802-1512 readlakeland.com

DEPOT 303 303 NW 1st Ave, Mulberry It’s an exciting time in Downtown Mulberry! The City of Mulberry has teamed up with Jonathan Bucklew of The Joinery fame to launch Depot 303, right across from the iconic Gem Theater. Think: bright, airy vibes and a seriously cool space with plenty of indoor seating—perfect for chilling out on those toasty Florida afternoons & evenings. We tried Tilaw (Filipino food), Pizza Odyssey (inventive & decadent), Fat Maggies, and Lings Dumplings (dumpling dough & fillings made inhouse). Everything was amazing, and we’re looking forward to coming back again and again. JERUSALEM MEDITERRANEAN MARKET 2068 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland Tucked away in Polk County is a hidden gem that has been serving the community with authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors for the past six years. Jerusalem Mediterranean Market is more than just a grocery store—it’s a complete sensory experience for anyone who loves bold spices, creamy dips, artisan breads, and Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether you’re preparing a mezze platter, searching for authentic Turkish coffee, or craving delicious hummus, this market offers everything—and more. We brought back hummus, baba ganoush, pita, cheese, olives, and dessert to create our bespoke mezze plate. You can find more pictures and information about these spots and more at goodfoodpolk.com or visit us on our socials.

Kids today are busy—school, sports, and afterschool activities--and are spending less time outdoors than ever before. According to research from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), this disconnection from nature can impact both physical and mental well-being. One way to reintroduce youth to the natural world is through gardening and nature-based activities, and your local UF/IFAS Extension Service has a variety of resources to assist parents, caregivers, and teachers that would like to foster those connections.     Nature plays a vital role in the healthy development of children. Time spent outdoors can improve cognitive function, support emotional regulation, and promote physical activity. Activities that immerse children in natural settings—such as gardening—provide opportunities for discovery, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the environment.    Dr. Taylor Clem with UF/IFAS Extension notes that connecting youth to nature through gardening “fosters stewardship, teaches responsibility, and helps children form lasting relationships with the environment around them.” If you are a gardener, and feel that typical springtime lure to get outdoors, consider introducing your kids, grandkids, or neighbors to gardening and nature alongside you.     What are some ways that kids (and families!) can take advantage of nature and gardening in their own yards... and beyond? Here are a few ideas if you are just getting started.  ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AFTER SCHOOL: After a busy day in the classroom, kids can take advantage of just being outdoors. Find a seat (a chair, a hammock, or even a blanket in a shady spot) and read, listen to music, journal, or chat with a friend. Just being outdoors is good for you and a great way to reset after your day indoors. I’m pretty sure that homework done outside under a shady oak tree is a little more fun as well!  PLANT A GARDEN (OR EVEN JUST A SEED!): If gardening is your thing, or you just want to see if you can grow something, start with a seed! Head to your closest seed library, garden center, or find a friend with seeds and get growing. Flower seeds such as zinnias are an easy start. If you want to grow a vegetable, consider an herb such as rosemary that will thrive with little care. Simple acts of watering, mulching, and weeding are great for mental and physical time outdoors.  OBSERVE WILDLIFE: Take a walk around the yard, a local park, or a nature preserve and see what wildlife you can spot. Take some time to get close and look at butterflies, bees, small lizards, and birds. Can you identify them?   TAKE A HIKE (OR A WALK): Walking outdoors is great physical exercise, but can also help you relax and unwind, observe nature, and connect to others. Walk alone and appreciate the silence and listen for sounds of nature, walk with others and appreciate the time to connect. Walk your neighborhood and observe trees, plants, and the sounds of nature. Walk in a natural area and observe a different environment.   CREATE A GARDEN JOURNAL: Incorporating art and creativity into nature and gardening is obvious! Gardening and design are great ways to get creative juices flowing, and starting a garden journal can help kids learn to keep records, inspire creativity, plan garden spaces of their own, or simply use it as a personal journal to record thoughts and ideas. Utilize leaves, press flowers, or find other inspiration from nature to create a personalized garden journal.    Research shows that children who participate in gardening are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, engage in physical activity, and experience reduced stress levels. Gardening also enhances fine motor skills and provides a therapeutic outlet for self-expression.    Engaging youth in gardening not only benefits them in the moment but also instills lifelong habits. When children understand where their food comes from, how ecosystems function, and the impact of their actions on the planet, they’re more likely to become environmentally conscious adults. Introducing a child to gardening can pave the way for a lifelong love of plants and inspire them to create and appreciate garden spaces.    Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to growth, discovery, and environmental stewardship. By planting the seeds of curiosity, we can help the next generation develop strong, lasting connections with the natural world.    If you are interested in getting your children active in a nature program this summer, consider signing up for Nature Explorers Summer Camp.  This weeklong camp is offered by UF/IFAS Extension at Circle B Bar Reserve and combines nature, gardening, art, and exploration. Register here:   hnatureexplorerspolk.4honline.com . Additionally, we have family-focused gardening and nature classes year-round. Find out more here: polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com .     For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk . The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. If you are interested in purchasing a garden journal, contact the Plant Clinic. If you are not in Polk County, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.

CLUE: A WALKING MYSTERY   Through May 11, this interactive game takes place across multiple locations on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa by the Straz. You will be greeted by the butler and then sent on your way to solve a mystery, gathering clues from popular Tampa sites and shops. strazcenter.org   BLUEFIN TUNA CUTTING DINNER   May 1, 7 p.m. Jackson's Bistro will fly in a 350 lb. Bluefin tuna overnight from Spain, where Executive Chef & sushi master Myro Yang will expertly carve Otoro, Chūtoro, and Akami to create a five-course dinner in front of you, for you. Reservations required.  jacksonsbistro.com     TAMPA RIVERFEST   May 2 from 5 – 10 p.m. and May 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. A free event along the Riverwalk. Includes Taste of Riverwalk, Taco Fest, a full concert series of regional and local bands, balloon glow at sunset, a wiener dog derby, a lantern parade, yoga, a water ski show, and a paddle invasion. thetampariverwalk.com   CYNTHIA ERIVO   May 2, 8 p.m. at the Mahaffey Theater. Cynthia Erivo starred in “Wicked “as Elphaba and has taken the world by storm. She is joined by The Florida Orchestra for an evening to give voice to music made famous by the greatest female singers of all time. themahaffey.com     BALCONY TO BACKSTAGE TOUR   May 3, 11:30 a.m. at the Tampa Theatre. Learn the Theatre’s secrets, stories, art, and architecture, and see the historic restoration efforts of this majestic movie palace. The 90-minute tour will kick off in the lobby and include a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Purchase tickets in advance. tampatheatre.org     THE BUTTERFLY’S EVIL SPELL   May 7 – June 1 at the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz. This play fuses live music, visual art, puppetry, and aerial and circus arts performed by Jobsite Theater. The mystically poetic world of beetles, fireflies, and other magical creatures is disrupted when a hypnotic, wounded butterfly enters their dewdrop paradise. strazcenter.org     GRAPHICSTUDIO OPEN HOUSE & SALE   May 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hundreds of original, artist-signed, fine art prints and sculpture multiples will be on display and available for sale at discounted prices. All sales benefit Graphicstudio's continuing research and educational programming. Ira.usf.edu   FULL MOON PADDLE   May 10, 8 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. The Hillsborough River paddling trail provides an up-close look at amazing waterways and the urban downtown scene, starting from Armature Works and paddling out towards Tampa Bay. This is not for beginners. armatureworks.com     SURREAL NIGHT AT THE DALI   May 15, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at The Dali in St. Pete. Enjoy a live DJ performance, surreal cocktails for purchase from Café Gala, entertainment, and activities on the ground floor. Admission to the permanent collection is available at a reduced price, half-off after 5 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance. thedali.org     TAMPA ROLLER DERBY    May 25, 7:30 p.m. at Skateworld Tampa. Celebrate 20 years of jams, hits, and derby domination! Concessions available, no outdoor food or beverages allowed, after party after the game at The Hub. Celebrate their Anniversary! Tamparollerderby.net

CYRANO DE BURGER SHACK   May 2 – 4 at Orlando Family Stage. This musical takes popular songs from the 80s to 2000s and mashes them up to tell the story of Cyrano, the king of the local Burger Shack who can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. orlandofamilystage.com     MILK RUN 5K   May 3, 7:30 a.m. Participants will run through the historic streets of downtown Orlando while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Milk District. The first 100 registered runners will receive a coupon for a free gallon of milk. Race proceeds will go to the Central Florida Chapter Second Harvest Food Bank. t hemilkdistrict.org     KENTUCKY DERBY DAY   May 3, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Baldwin Park. Come dressed in your finest Kentucky Derby fashion and enjoy shopping with local vendors, fun kids' Derby horse races, and watch the Derby at participating Baldwin Park hotspots. Plus, grab a pic at the photo station! More info on Facebook at First Fridays and More.     ROUTE 66   May 9 – June 8 at the Winter Park Playhouse. This musical celebration begins with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and travels along the "Main Street of America" to the California coast with surf music of the 1960s.  This revue features four men singing 34 of the greatest hits of the 20th century. winterparkplayhouse.org     KIDS NIGHT OUT   May 10, 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Central Florida Zoo. It’s kids only (ages 5-12) on this special Kids Night Out. Everyone will get to meet cool animals up close and take a flashlight tour of the Zoo. They’ll play games, make a craft, and enjoy a snack, before you come back. Reserve in advance. centralfloridazoo.org     MOTHER’S DAY   May 11, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Moms enjoy free admission. Explore 50 acres of gardens and take a step back in time with a tour of the Historic Leu House Museum. Pack a picnic with your mom’s favorite treats and relax in the garden. leugardens.org     THE ORLANDO FRINGE FESTIVAL   May 13 – 26 at various locations in Orlando. A multi-day, unjuried, uncensored performing arts festival featuring theatre, music, dance, comedy, and visual arts. Visual Fringe showcases local and national artists through gallery exhibits, live demos, and an art market. 100% of ticket sales & art purchases go directly to the artists. orlandofringe.org     EPIC UNIVERSE OPENS   May 22 at Universal Orlando. Step through amazing portals transporting you to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park. Capacity is limited, purchase tickets in advance. universalorlando.com     ORLANDO CARNIVAL DOWNTOWN   May 23 – 25 at Camping World Stadium & Tinker Field. This colorful celebration of Caribbean culture features a parade of costumed performers, the rhythms of soca, reggae, and calypso music, and a diverse range of Caribbean food and crafts. Purchase tickets in advance. campingworldstadium.com     SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE   May 31, 8 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. Everything you love about the Science Center – without the kids, with special programming designed just for adults. Featuring a new theme each time, no two Science Night Live events are the same!   Must be 21 years or older to attend. osc.org

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS   Our Single-A Affiliate Minor League Baseball team! They play the Palm Beach Cardinals May 2 – 4, the Fort Myers Mussels May 20 – 25, and the Tampa Tarpons May 27 – 29. Home games are played at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. milb.com/lakeland     BRIMER & BRIXA   May 2, 7 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Local guitarists David Brimer and Marcus Brixa have been writing, recording, and performing together for 3 years. They will be releasing their second studio album, “Sandcastle Sazerac” at an album release concert. Doors open at 6 p.m. gpderrydown.com     LEGO FESTIVAL   Saturdays & Sundays from May 3 – June 8 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Dive into five never-before-seen play zones for epic brick-building, brand-new shows, massive builds, exclusive LEGO Minifigures, music, dancing, and unique LEGO experiences you won’t find anywhere else. legoland.com/florida     WATERMELON FESTIVAL    May 3, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Florida Children’s Museum. Celebrate the rich tradition of watermelon farming in Central Florida, play for free at dozens of hands-on activities at Bonnet Springs Park’s Great Lawn, and cool off inside Florida Children’s Museum until 5 p.m. This event is a pay-what-you-can day. Explorefcm.org     BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS   May 3, 6 p.m. at Bowen Yard in Winter Haven. Watch the 2025 Battle of the Bands: High School Edition winners play! You'll hear the winners of the Best Original Act, Best Cover Band, and Best in Show categories. facebook.com/bowenyardwh     KISS THE PIG   May 8, 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Country Club. The winner of “The Grand Smooch” will be announced. 100% of votes and donations go to READ Lakeland to cover the costs associated with teaching our students to read. readlakeland.com/kissthepig     GIRLS NIGHT OUT   May 9, 5 – 9 p.m. in Downtown Lakeland. A fun night of shopping, music, and cocktails. Downtown retail shops will be open late with specials just for the evening. A VIP experience is available for an additional charge. downtownlkld.com     MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE   May 10 & 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. One of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. It is held on Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, with over 150 artist booths. Mayfairebythelake.org     MOTHER’S DAY AT BTG   May 11, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Free admission to all moms! Celebrate Mom with a beautiful day in the Gardens. The Shop at Bok has gifts to make her day extra special. You can also treat Mom to lunch or ice cream at The Blue Palmetto Cafe. boktowergardens.org     PROOF   May 14 & 15 at Lakeland Community Theatre. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS   Our Single-A Affiliate Minor League Baseball team! They play the Palm Beach Cardinals May 2 – 4, the Fort Myers Mussels May 20 – 25, and the Tampa Tarpons May 27 – 29. Home games are played at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. milb.com/lakeland     BRIMER & BRIXA   May 2, 7 p.m. at Gram Parsons Derry Down. Local guitarists David Brimer and Marcus Brixa have been writing, recording, and performing together for 3 years. They will be releasing their second studio album, “Sandcastle Sazerac” at an album release concert. Doors open at 6 p.m. gpderrydown.com     LEGO FESTIVAL   Saturdays & Sundays from May 3 – June 8 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Dive into five never-before-seen play zones for epic brick-building, brand-new shows, massive builds, exclusive LEGO Minifigures, music, dancing, and unique LEGO experiences you won’t find anywhere else. legoland.com/florida     BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS   May 3, 6 p.m. at Bowen Yard. Watch the 2025 Battle of the Bands: High School Edition winners play! You'll hear the winners of the Best Original Act, Best Cover Band, and Best in Show categories. facebook.com/bowenyardwh     BARK IN THE PARK   May 9, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Central Park in Winter Haven. Explore a variety of dog vendors offering everything from tasty treats to stylish accessories. Always exciting MSWH's Annual Wiener Dog Race, where these pint-sized pups dash to the finish line in a race for the title of "Fastest Wiener in Town." Mainstreeetwh.com     MAYFAIRE BY-THE-LAKE   May 10 & 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. One of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. It is held on Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida, with over 150 artist booths. Mayfairebythelake.org     MOTHER’S DAY AT BTG   May 11, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Free admission to all moms! Celebrate Mom with a beautiful day in the Gardens. The Shop at Bok has gifts to make her day extra special. You can also treat Mom to lunch or ice cream at The Blue Palmetto Cafe. boktowergardens.org     THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE   May 16 – 25 at Theatre Winter Haven. When the four Pevensie children are sent to the country to live with an eccentric professor to escape the bombings in England, little do they know what incredible adventures await. Theatrewinterhaven.com     “SHE KNOWS WHERE SHE’S GOING”   May 22, noon at Polk State College in Winter Haven. This a wards luncheon will honor multiple local women who embody Girls Inc.'s mission of empowering others and fostering self-esteem in others. More info on Facebook: Girls Inc of Winter Haven.     BEER, BUBBLES, AND BITES   May 22, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Downtown Winter Haven. This Main Street Winter Haven event lets you explore over 25 businesses that will be serving a sample of craft beer or sparkling wine/champagne, along with a small bite pairing. centralfloridatix.com

ARTCURIOUS By: Jennifer Dasal We’re all familiar with the works of Claude Monet, thanks in no small part to the ubiquitous reproductions of his water lilies on umbrellas, handbags, and scarves. But did you also know that Monet and his cohort were trailblazing rebels whose works were originally deemed unbelievably ugly and vulgar? “ArtCurious” is a color- ful look at art history, revealing some of the strangest, funniest, and most fascinating stories behind the world’s great artists and masterpieces. YOUR BRAIN ON ART By: Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross What is art? Many of us think of the arts as entertain- ment—a luxury of some kind. In “Your Brain on Art,” we see how activities from painting and dancing to expres- sive writing, architecture, and more are essential to our lives. This book is a portal into this new understanding of how the arts and aesthetics can help us transform traditional medicine, build healthier communities, and mend an aching planet. SNIPPETS By: Diane Alber In “Snippets,” discover a very powerful message while learning shapes at the same time. Snippet finds himself in a world full of perfect shapes and soon realizes his odd shape doesn’t fit in. Despite being put down by his abnormally long top, Snippet’s confidence in his unique shape gives him the ability to show how everyone is stronger together than when they are apart. RADIANT CHILD By: Javaka Steptoe Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe’s vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat’s own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines-- to be beautiful. ART HISTORY FOR EVERYONE By: Kristine T. G. Hardeberg Does the thought of going to an art museum make your eyes glaze over? What if someone could make art come alive? In “Art History for Everyone,” you’ll meet some of history’s most important works of art. You’ll be surprised and excited by beautiful and strange paintings and intriguing sculptures—and get to know the people behind these works of art and their exciting stories. NEW KID By: Jerry Craft Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY By: Oscar Wilde How can one even describe a classic like this? This is one of my favorite classic novels from the suspense and the slow unraveling of Dorian’s sanity over time. Wilde has a way with drama (which makes sense since this is his only novel rather than plays) and you’ll be sucked in from the very first page. 10/10 would recommend reading (or reading again). CHASING VERMEER By: Blue Balliett When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to hap- pen. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. LUST FOR LIFE By: Irving Stone “Lust for Life” is a semi-fictional re-telling of Vincent Van Gogh‘s life story, battling poverty and mental turmoil. Using more than 700 letters from Van Gogh to his brother Theo as his foundation, Stone poetically narrates the tormented life of the celebrated artist with a raw quality, fictionalizing some minor parts which seamlessly blend with the real ones into a fantastic biographical volume. MINI ARTISTS By: Joséphine Seblon The twenty projects in “Mini Artists” engage children with art through making. “Mini artists” will discover drip painting with Jackson Pollock, carve soap sculp- tures with Barbara Hepworth, and create their own obliteration room with Yayoi Kusama. They’ll travel through time and explore art from different periods, from cave painting to Medieval stained glass, Chinese ink painting to washable graffiti inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Grounded in art history, “Mini Artists” also features a range of interesting art techniques that are ideal for teaching new motor skills.

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES By Shelby Van Pelt After her husband’s death, widow Tova Sullivan begins working at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, where she connects with a giant Pacific octopus that holds the key to her son Erik’s mysterious disappearance thirty years ago in Puget Sound. CAT’S PEOPLE By Tanya Guerrero Núria, a Brooklyn barista and proud cat caretaker, discovers secret admirer notes near her favorite stray, sparking unexpected connections with four quirky neighbors as they unite to care for him and find meaning in their unlikely friendships. DOG ON IT By Spencer Quinn Intrepid canine detective Chet accompanies his human police officer partner, Bernie, on a first assignment involving the disappearance of a teenage girl who ran with the wrong crowd, a case that is complicated by Bernie’s dysfunctional personal life. STARTER VILLAIN By John Scalzi When his long-lost uncle dies and leaves him a supervillain business, Charlie faces predatory corporations and venture capitalists. With unionized dolphins, hyperintelligent talking spy cats, and a terrifying henchperson by his side, he finds the allure of being bad quite appealing. THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE By Beverly Cleary Ralph the mouse is excited to use his magic words, “Pb-pb-b-b-b,” to start his dream motorcycle. Living in a hotel room, he has watched many families come and go. When Keith and his parents arrive, Ralph gets a chance to explore beyond his usual surroundings. YOU LUCKY DOG By Julia London When an accidental dog swap brings Carly and Max together, they discover their dogs, depressed Baxter and friendly Hazel, have formed a bond. For Baxter’s sake, Carly starts to spend more time with Hazel and Max, until she begins to understand the appeal of falling for your polar opposite. AN IMMENSE WORLD By Ed Yong The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times bestselling author of “I Contain Multitudes” examines how the world of animal senses can help us understand and transform the way we perceive our world. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN By Katherine Applegate Ivan is a gorilla at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. He doesn’t think much about his past life in the jungle; instead, he enjoys TV, art, and time with friends. When he meets Ruby, a baby elephant, he sees their home in a new way and wants to help her adjust to change for the better. THE BAD GUYS: BOOK 1 By Aaron Blabey Mr. Wolf and his friends, the Bad Guys, plan to rescue two hundred dogs from the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will they succeed? And can Mr. Snake stop swallowing Mr. Piranha? LOST TREASURE OF THE EMERALD EYE By Geronimo Stilton The quiet editor for the “Rodent’s Gazette” thinks life is all about headlines and deadlines. When his sister, Thea, bursts in with a map leading to the legendary Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, he’s torn from his cozy routine and plunged into a quest that will test his courage, wit, and sense of family.

Andrew Logans Artisan Chocolates & Confections began as a dream rooted in a lifelong passion for baking and a newfound love for chocolate-making. “I’ve had a passion for cooking and baking since middle school, and that passion has only grown over the years,” Mark Sutton, the founder of Andrew Logans explains. “I always knew I wanted to start a business but wasn’t sure what direction to take. About six years ago, I began experimenting with chocolate-making and quickly discovered a deep passion for both its challenges and its beauty.” The journey from passion to business required careful planning and perseverance. “After months of planning and many prayers, I looked into Catapult as a way to launch my small business. From there, it grew into the amazing business I own today!” Naming the company was a deeply personal decision. “Many chocolate shops are named after their owners, but that always felt a bit self-indulgent to me,” Sutton shares. “Instead, I chose to honor two people who constantly inspire me: my father, Andrew, and my son, Logan.” Despite a background in cooking and baking, working with chocolate was an entirely new endeavor. “I never worked with chocolate until about six years ago. Everything I know now comes from books, YouTube videos, and a lot of trial and error,” Sutton explained. Starting the company came with its challenges. “To minimize risk, I started by selling at the Lakeland Farmers Market. This presented many challenges, the biggest being the unpredictable outdoor conditions. We had to continuously adapt—figuring out how to properly store, display, and keep chocolates cool for customers. Each challenge required careful planning, but we never gave up, always finding creative solutions.” The rewards have made the effort worthwhile. Sutton continues, “There’s nothing more fulfilling than crafting something that complete strangers not only want to buy but keep coming back for. That alone makes all the hard work worthwhile.” What sets Andrew Logans apart from massproduced brands is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each product. Sutton explains, “We don’t use assembly lines or large machinery— everything is done by hand, including painting the bonbons. We use fresh ingredients and make all of our bonbon fillings completely from scratch. We take immense pride in our work and in offering something truly unique to our customers.” Sourcing ingredients with sustainability in mind is also a key priority. “We source our chocolate from a leading Belgian manufacturer known for its commitment to sustainability and end-to-end traceability.” The process of creating the chocolates is precise and time-intensive. We get a glimpse from Sutton, “Making our signature bonbons is a multi-day process. It begins with preparing the chocolate molds, which involves thorough cleaning and polishing. Next, we apply colored cocoa butter to create vibrant designs. Then, we temper the chocolate—a precise process of heating and cooling to ensure the cocoa butter crystals form correctly. Once the chocolate is tempered, we pour it into the molds and then pour out the excess, forming a delicate shell. Afterward, we fill the shells with ganache, caramel, or another scratch-made filling. Finally, we seal the bonbons with another layer of tempered chocolate, called the ‘cap.’ Once set, the bonbons are chilled to help them contract from the mold. When ready, we flip the mold, releasing the finished chocolates.” One of the company’s proudest moments came with a new retail opportunity, Sutton explained, “One of our biggest milestones came last year when Market on Kentucky invited us to sell our products in their new store. On January 9, 2025, the store officially opened, marking a significant turning point for our business. Now, with increased visibility and access to more customers, we’re taking steps toward one day having a store of our own.” Experimentation has led to unique flavors. “One of our most unique bonbons is our Salt & Pepper flavor, which features salted caramel paired with a dark chocolate and white pepper ganache. It’s become a favorite among adventurous chocolate lovers! Other unusual flavors we’ve experimented with include Lemon Basil and Blackberry Thyme—my seasonal favorite.” As for personal favorites, one stands out. Sutton continues, “One of my favorites is a bonbon flavor we’ve had since we first opened in June 2023—PB&J! It features a peanut butter ganache and fresh raspberry jam, all encased in a thin milk chocolate shell.” Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans for expansion. “In five years, I hope to have a storefront in Downtown Lakeland, along with nationwide—and possibly international—shipping. We’re always working on new bonbon flavors and plan to expand our product offerings as well,” Sutton said. Additionally, there are exciting pairing possibilities for chocolate lovers. Sutton ended with, “Several of our customers have paired our chocolates with bourbon tastings and beer flights. In the future, we hope to offer wine-pairing classes and even hands-on chocolatemaking workshops—potentially in 2026.” With dedication, craftsmanship, and a growing community of loyal customers, Andrew Logans Chocolates continues to make its mark, offering handmade confections that combine artistry with passion. For those looking to try these creations, Andrew Logans chocolates can be found at the Market on Kentucky, located at 126 S. Kentucky Ave, in Lakeland. andrewlogans.com FB Andrew Logans IG @andrewlogansconfections Photos by Amy Sexson

Polk County… it’s time to ROCK OUT!! This year’s Battle of the Bands High School Edition is coming to Union Hall with a lineup of musicians from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Osceola, Orange, and, of course, good ol’ Polk County. I had the honor of talking with Holly Cordero, the founder and CEO of Cordero Music, a local music and performance-centered nonprofit, and the event coordinator for this month’s shred fest to get some details about the gig and the mission behind her nonprofit: “To provide music experiences to all young musicians, despite barriers to entry, through live performance opportunities, sponsored private music lessons, and sponsored quality music instruments.” Battle of the Bands started small, with the only two schools offering rock band programs to students in the area. Holly and the teacher for the other school wanted to provide an opportunity for their students to meet and to have the benefits of a community centered on music. “We wanted a chance to have our kids play for each other and network with each other, so they knew that they weren’t the only kids playing popular music in school.” The rock programs of the Davenport School of the Arts and Ridgeview Global Studies Academy combined forces to give their kids that chance! The event has drawn in more rock programs every year, growing the community of young musicians who love to rock out and rock on in Central Florida. Holly tries to reach out to as many schools and programs that she knows about, by contacting music program directors and extracurricular organizers personally to make them aware of these performance opportunities for their groups. Out of all of the auditionees, only five bands have been chosen to compete for the crowd under three distinct categories: Best in Show (a combination of covers and original songs), Best Original Act (all original songs), and Best Cover Band (all cover songs). Not only will the bands be competing for the bragging rights of being one of the best central Florida rock bands, some awesome prizes have been provided, including five hours of studio recording time in Orlando, D’Addario merch and items, instruments, a paying gig at Bowen Yard, and even an electric scooter donated by Winter Haven’s own Bike Shop! If only I could go back to being a teen again, I would have loved to rock out and participate in such an incredible event with a team behind it that clearly cares so much. I asked Holly what the most rewarding part of working with and for the local youth rock community is, and it’s all about picking up good vibrations! “I really enjoy seeing the students connect with each other, or the musicians, as they’re not all students, but the musicians connect with each other because they’ve actually created projects outside of our concerts on their own [as well as] collaborations and that’s really what the whole community is about. They are finding new musicians to work with and building connections among their peers.” Connections and support can mean the difference between a young musician making it through the rough parts of a career in the arts and thriving or falling away from their dreams. “It’s funny, relationships have formed after some of our festivals. [Everyone loves a good showmance!]. They end up also playing on shows together, so I know when there was a breakup for a band that performed in a prior year, they reached out to me and I got to recommend a whole bunch of different guitarists for them and bassists from people they’ve already met. So, it just helps build up a community and a network so that everyone feels supported in whatever part of their journey they’re on.” The amount of care and passion that Holly shows for these performers is incredible, and I for one am excited to see how far they will all go! Cafe T42 Cafe T42 Planet Phoenix Valguero Princess Cupcake and the Sprinkles Face the Fence For high school students who are interested in vying for glory with their band in the 2026 Battle, registration for auditions is already open on the Cordero Music Inc. website, with auditions occurring in February of 2026! On the other hand, those who are looking for a less competitive style of performance can register to perform in Cordero Music Inc.’s summer and winter music festivals, which gives youth bands and performers an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of music executives, theme park representatives, and the general public or just to get some good old fashioned stage time! For those of us lame adults who are forever shunned from participating in cool high school Battle of the Bands (no, I’m definitely not bitter, why do you ask?) the best way to support this awesome program and these spectacular artists is by showing up to the events. Cordero Music wants to make performance accessible, especially to those who have been underserved and missed out on opportunities to explore the arts because of finances, so all events are free to the public. The nonprofit relies on at-will donations to keep afloat and provide their kids with equipment, instruction, and performance spaces, so if you are a member of the public who has the ability to provide a donation to support their work, please consider it! But wait… there’s more! You’re not only supporting arts initiatives and young artists in Central Florida, a portion of the money raised from Cordero Music’s events is also donated to Project No Labels, a Central Florida mental health and community building organization which offers free and/or discounted mental health services to residents of Florida. This organization has been in action since 2015 changing the lives of marginalized communities and providing mental health resources to those who need it. Cordero Music partners with them throughout the year to fundraise for their mental health services and promote events happening between the two organizations! So, music lovers unite on April 13, 5 pm to 10 pm at Union Hall in Lakeland. Be there or be square Polk County! Battle of the Bands April 13, 5 pm Union Hall 1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland corderomusic.org FB Cordero Music IG @corderomusicf

Known as “The Man of a Thousand Faces,” Lon Chaney Sr.—silent film actor and pioneering makeup artist—is revered for his transformative performances and groundbreaking prosthetic work. He starred in more than 150 films and was an audience favorite, earning him the kind of immortality the screen seldom grants. Through both purpose and ability, he chose to embody characters existing outside the realm of conventional beauty and normalcy, giving depth to figures often relegated to monstrosity. This month, on April 1st, we celebrate his birthday. This year, we mark multiple film anniversaries in Chaney’s legacy: the 100th anniversary of “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925) and “The Unholy Three” (1925), as well as his final and only talking film, “The Unholy Three” (1930)—capturing Chaney’s voice on screen for the first and last time. Born Leonidas Frank Chaney on April 1, 1883, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chaney grew up in a household of silent communication—both of his parents were deaf. His fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and mastery of pantomime shaped his ability to tell stories visually. He developed an acute sensitivity to physical expression, a skill that would define his career and allow him to portray deeply human emotions without a single spoken word. Film was new. Watching a visual story unfold on screen was new. In a time before sound, audiences had to feel a performance, and Chaney was a master at making them do just that. Through dedicated research and pioneering use of makeup, he developed new techniques in an era before professional special effects, informing the art of movie makeup and inspiring its artists a century later. He used wire to pull back his nose, fish skin for texture, and painfully tight harnesses to contort his body. His self-applied prosthetics for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) required him to wear a 15-pound hump, while his makeup for “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925) created an unforgettable, skull-like visage that remains one of cinema’s most haunting images. His expertise was so profound that he wrote the 1929 Encyclopedia Britannica entry on makeup. Though Chaney was famous for the faces he wore on screen, the true power of his performances came from his deep empathy for the characters he played. He once said: “I wanted to remind people that the lowest types of humanity may have within them the capacity for supreme self-sacrifice. The dwarfed, misshapen beggar of the streets may have the noblest ideals. Most of my roles have carried the theme of self-sacrifice or renunciation. These are the stories I wish to do.” This belief shaped his greatest performances— characters like Quasimodo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1923) and Erik, the Phantom, who were defined by their suffering but also by their capacity for love and sacrifice. It was his depiction of the more commonplace outsider that endeared him to my heart in my first viewings of his films. Those outside the law, those who found and failed to find a return in love, but most of all his clown with a brave face. In 1925, Chaney and director Tod Browning—a creative partnership that would later produce the notorious lost film ”London After Midnight” (1927)— released “The Unholy Three,” a crime thriller that blended humor and suspense. Chaney played Professor Echo, a ventriloquist who, along with his criminal accomplices, used his skills to orchestrate elaborate heists. Five years later, as Hollywood transitioned to sound, Chaney reprised his role in a remake of “The Unholy Three” (1930)—his first and only talking film. His ability to alter his voice for different characters— something he had perfected on stage years before—astounded audiences. He seamlessly shifted between multiple voices, proving that his mastery of performance was not confined to silent film. Not long after completing “The Unholy Three,” Chaney was diagnosed with throat cancer. He died on August 26, 1930, at the age of 47, just as a new era of cinema was beginning. I have spent an adult lifetime in Chaney fandom avoiding the last scene of “The Unholy Three” a train station platform farewell that would unknowingly serve as Lon Chaney’s own goodbye to cinema. In this final moment, his character, Professor Echo, delivers a line that would become his last spoken words on film: “That’s all there is to life, friends, … a little laughter … a little tear.” In preparing to write this article, I decided that an opportunity such as this deserved an author willing to risk heart-sting to share the story. I felt, in every frame, a reminder that my apprehension was born out of the kind of reverence we only find in our heroes—and gratitude that I was able to find mine, despite the almost hundred years between us. Chaney played the grotesque, the outcast, the forgotten—and in doing so, he encouraged audiences to empathize with them. His performances gave those roles depth, dignity, and humanity in ways that had rarely been seen before and are still far too scarce. The beauty of empathy is that it does not require exact sameness to create a bond; its connection is born from the attempt to recognize experiences that, while different in circumstance, are universal in emotion. In its purest essence, the value of film will always be the ability it grants us to see ourselves where we are not. The further our connection reaches, the more we gain by moments we spend imagining. Famed portrayers of movie monsters have always held a special standing with me, but the one who taught me to feel with them … I call hero. Lon Chaney’s death did not mark the end of his influence. His films continued to captivate new audiences, particularly during the rise of “monster kid” culture in the 1960s. Forrest J Ackerman, creator of “Famous Monsters of Filmland,” ensured that Chaney’s image would never fade from memory. Many issues of “Famous Monsters” featured a full-page photograph of Chaney, accompanied by this declaration: “Born in 1886, Lon Chaney is now 75 years old—kept alive in the hearts of Robert Bloch, Jerome Bixby, Ray Bradbury, Forrest Ackerman, and all those who loved him. As long as there’s a FAMOUS MONSTERS , we have decided that there will always be one full-page foto devoted to the memory of Mr. Monster himself. Here he is in the climax of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA . END” “LON CHANEY SHALL NOT DIE.” And he hasn’t. As we mark the 100th anniversary of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Unholy Three” his work continues to inspire filmmakers, actors, and special effects artists. Chaney’s legacy proves that the language of cinema—of movement, expression, and transformation—needs no words to endure. Even so, here I offer around a thousand words to the Man of a Thousand Faces, so that I may join the efforts of countless others before me.