A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF By Megha Majumdar One family secures climate-refugee visas to escape the devastation of a drought-ridden Kolkata. When their documents are stolen, the stories of the family and the thief heartrendingly unfold. This urgent story asks the impossible question: How much collateral damage is acceptable to protect someone you love? THE LONELINESS OF SONIA AND SUNNY By Kiran Desai A spellbinding story of two young people whose fates intersect and diverge across continents and years. An epic story of love and family, India and America, tradition and modernity, by the Booker Prize– winning author of “The Inheritance of Loss.” THE DREAM HOTEL By Laila Lalami A museum archivist is abducted by federal agents and taken to a detention center for observation after an algorithm predicts she will murder her husband in the near future. During her month long stay in the facility, her dreams are monitored for evidence of homicidal intent. It feels like Steven Spielberg’s “Minority Report,” written in Lalami’s silky prose. THE WAYFINDER By Adam Johnson An epic, sweeping novel set in the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific during the height of the Tu’i Tonga Empire. At its heart is Korero, a young girl chosen to save her people from the brink of starvation. Her quest takes her from her remote island home on a daring seafaring journey across a vast ocean empire built on power, consumption, and bloodshed. FLESH By David Szalay A collection of intimate moments over the course of decades. A man at odds with himself; estranged from and by the circumstances and demands of a life not entirely under his control and the roles that he is asked to play. The tension between Istvan and all that alienates him hurtles forward until sudden tragedy again throws life as he knows it in jeopardy. ANGEL DOWN By Daniel Kraus During World War I, an American soldier embarks on a deadly expedition through No Man’s Land, where he discovers a wounded angel, both beautiful and terrifying, who may possess otherworldly powers that could end the war. It’s an absolutely fascinating encounter with the unknown that feels like an instant classic. THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER By Stephen Graham Jones Horror master Stephen Graham Jones tackles the vampire mythos from a unique point of view: the lost 1912 diary of a Montana priest that records the life of a Blackfoot man named Good Stab. It’s a creepy thriller that’s destined for a prestige TV adaptation. HEARTWOOD By Amity Gaige In the heart of the Maine woods, an experienced Appalachian Trail hiker goes missing. She is forty-two-yearold Valerie Gillis, who has vanished 200 miles from her final destination. Alone in the wilderness, Valerie pours her thoughts into fractured, poetic letters to her mother as she battles the elements and struggles to keep hoping.

I have endeavoured, in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it! Their faithful friend and Servant, C.D. December 1843. To the Victorians, the forces of cruelty felt as insurmountable as they do today—living within and alongside institutions that sustained the few and blamed the many who depended on them. London’s workhouses and debtors’ prisons were not aberrations; they were policy made visible. A thirty-one-year-old Charles Dickens knew that argument rarely moves people, but recognition does. In 1843, Dickens needed both money after the flop of “Martin Chuzzlewit” and an outlet for his outrage at a parliamentary report on child labour in England. It revealed children barely out of infancy working in mines, seven-year-olds already veterans underground, eight-year-olds smoking to endure the conditions, and boys sent below “as soon as they can stand on their legs.” Dickens’ own childhood in a shoe-blacking factory after his father’s imprisonment gave the issue first-hand weight. He considered a protest pamphlet, “An Appeal to the People of England on behalf of the Poor Man’s Child,” but knew it wouldn’t deliver the “sledgehammer blow” he wanted. He resolved instead to create something with “twenty thousand times the force.” And he did. “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted more than 150 times: silent films shot in borrowed warehouses, animated experiments, art-house interpretations, Cold War morality plays, prestigious BBC miniseries, and versions meant for schoolrooms and afternoon specials. In the late 20th century, another creator driven by social responsibility—and a matching sense of humor—emerged: Jim Henson. Long before the Muppets entered Dickens’ world, he built a universe shaped by empathy, equity, and the belief that kindness could change culture. His characters challenged prejudice, taught children to question injustice on Sesame Street, and proved that humor and moral seriousness could coexist. After his passing, the company carried that mission forward. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992) became the meeting point of two storytellers a century and a half apart. Dickens delivering his “sledgehammer blow” to Victorian cruelty, and Henson’s legacy guiding the Muppets to continue that message with warmth, wit, and the conviction that compassion can still change us. In 1992, “The Muppet Christmas Carol”—my favorite film—was released. I’d argue that we are, to some degree, shaped by the movies within our reach during early childhood. I shudder to think who I’d be had my young eyes not met the felt faces of the glorious Muppets every holiday season. It was the first Muppet feature made after Jim Henson’s passing, and the company approached it as both an adaptation and an elegy. Brian Henson’s direction carries the unmistakable softness of someone preserving a legacy in real time. For fans, the shooting star has become one of the most meaningful visual signatures in the Muppet tradition. It was first used in “The Muppet Movie” to honor Jim Henson, appears again here above Kermit, and continues to surface in later productions. A living archive of Henson-era puppetry, the effects are Muppet worthy. The Ghost of Christmas Past was filmed underwater to achieve her floating, haloed shimmer, an effect rarely attempted before or since. My thought is because the screen can only hold one being so utterly terrifying. The Ghost of Christmas Present is built on the tradition of British pantomime giants. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, towering and silent, uses in-camera scale tricks that predate digital compositing. Paul Williams returned to the Muppet world after composing “The Rainbow Connection,” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol” became one of the first mainstream modern family musicals to borrow structure from Victorian song forms. Gonzo, cast as Charles Dickens, marks the first time the author steps inside his own narrative. Jerry Juhl wanted Dickens’ prose to survive intact. And so it does, spoken aloud with such earnestness that generations of children know Dickens by way of Gonzo the Great. In 2015, Brian Henson told The Guardian that when he approached Michael Caine for the role, the actor responded: “I’m going to play this movie like I’m working with the Royal Shakespeare Company. I will never wink, I will never do anything Muppety. I am going to play Scrooge as if it is an utterly dramatic role and there are no puppets around me.” Scrooge is defined by his lack of connection and feeling, but for the story to work, we must still connect to his plight, even as we condemn his cruelty. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” stands in a lineage of adaptations, but it also stands apart, a film that believes, more than any other version, that empathy is an art form. Reaching children who cannot yet read Dickens, viewers uninterested in the black-and-white masterpieces of yesteryear, and in the tradition of the best stories ever told, those who take in entertainment but depart with something far greater. Every year we return—page, screen, stage, streaming— to “A Christmas Carol.” A story that reminds us the future can still be edited. Within our small worlds, our choices become the sparks of better mornings, or those lengthening the darkest nights of our neighbors. Across every one of the more than one hundred and fifty adaptations, the ghosts offer up the same reminder: Do not look away. We can still make the Muppets proud.

Carol Burnett recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. She is currently among the stars of “Palm Royale” on Apple TV. She spent seven decades sharing her acting and comedic talents. Winter Haven played a role with Burnett in the early days of her career. It was January 1961 and Robert “Bobby” Hiers just returned to Winter Haven from working on an oil pipeline in the western U. S.. The twenty-nine-year-old Hiers moved here from Georgia with his family in 1938 and graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1950. Following graduation, like many other area youth, he went on to work and ski at Cypress Gardens. He even served as a stunt double (along with another Garden’s skier) for Van Johnson and Esther Williams in one scene from “Easy to Love” (1934). His height and rugged good looks had made him a favorite for photo shoots. His salary for a six-day week was a robust $37.46. When he returned in 1961, he approached Robert “Bob” Eastman, then executive director of the Florida Citrus Exposition, inquiring about work. Eastman suggested he work as a back stagehand for the Garry Moore Show to be produced at Nora Mayo Hall – so he did. Sitting atop Hiers shoulders, Carol Burnett. One evening Eastman told him he should attend a Moore Show cast party to be held at LaMond’s Restaurant on Cypress Gardens Road (now Boulevard). He did so reluctantly and soon found the group socializing, dancing, and having a great time. As the evening progressed, he noticed one young woman standing off alone, so he asked her to dance. Little did he know that he and Carol Burnett would quickly become good friends. In fact, they would become such good friends that when the show’s production ended, Burnett used her two-week vacation to stay and enjoy Winter Haven – and Bobby’s company. He offered to teach Burnett to ski and the photo presented below is the result. Bobby Hiers professed he really didn’t realize Burnett’s star was on the rise. She returned in late summer that year and spent another four weeks in Winter Haven with Hiers as her escort. One local paper would even publish a photo listing Hiers as Burnett’s “boyfriend.” Burnett’s photo for Nick Christy’s Celebrity Photo Wall At the suggestion of Cypress Garden’s founder Dick Pope, Hiers called the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa to make a reservation for he and Carol. Upon arrival, the entire Gonzmart family was on hand to make them feel welcome. Seated off to the side of the dining room, he and Carol enjoyed the evening in relative quiet. Upon asking for the check, the maître d’ informed Hiers that they would not be charging for the dinner as it was an honor to have them dine at the Columbia. On the way home, Bobby turned to Carol and said, “If I’d known dinner was going to be free, I’d have ordered a margarita!” Hiers relates that their dates were the result of an honest, straight forward friendship and simply enjoying each other’s company. By year’s end, Burnett and her career were off to new heights, and Hiers moved on. Bobby Hiers with Burnett photo. Circa 2015 In 1965 Bobby Hiers met his future wife Beth as they both worked at the New York World’s Fair. He would spend his career modeling for such companies as Piper Aircraft, Hilton Hotels, Maas Brothers, Bell Telephone, Sears, Ryobi, Sea World, Equitable Insurance, Busch Gardens, Crisco, Ford, Johnson Outboard Motors and many, many more. He also made appearances in movies such as “Barracuda”, “Goldfinger”, “Parenthood”, “Edward Sissorhands”, “China Beach”, “Splash II”, and of course, “Easy to Love.” He and his wife lived in Winter Haven where they raised two sons, Chris and Dana. Not bad for the man that taught Carol Burnett to waterski. This installment is based a personal interview with Bob Hiers conducted July 10, 2015. Mr. Hiers passed away on October 11, 2017 Garry Moore Show Sidebar: When Winter Haven “Had a Secret” ... In 1957, “I’ve Got a Secret” (later evolving into “The Garry Moore Show”) was enticed to Winter Haven and broadcast live from the Lake Silver Amphitheater. The event was a promotional alliance with “The Florida Citrus Exposition” as the now-defunct citrus festival was known at the time. The quasi-game show was among the most popular television shows of the late 50s and early 60s. Moore’s trademark flat top hair-cut and bow tie had made him the popular host of the show. Panel members included Bess Myerson, Betsy Palmer, Henry Morgan, and Marion Lorne. Cypress Gardens legend Dick Pope with “I’ve Got a Secret” host Garry Moore. Circa 1957 The show was broadcast live at 10:00 a.m. each day throughout the Citrus Festival. Photo documentation of the events record zany sketches and the prominent involvement of many local leaders including Cypress Gardens founder, Dick Pope, and Exposition Manager, Robert “Bob” Eastman. More than 30 million people across America watched the live broadcast. The Garry Moore Show returned in 1961 and brought their “new discovery,” a comedian named Carol Burnett. Local restaurant legend, the late Nick Christy named Burnett the most interesting celebrity he had met through the years. “The Garry Moore Show” was broadcast from the mid 50s until 1967. Just imagine ... live television from the Lake Silver Amphitheater.

This recipe uses a very easy-to-grow (and fun to look at!) squash. Luffa (Luffa sp.) is a squash that is used as a vegetable or as a sponge. It is easy to grow and is vining in habit. Grow luffa where the long fruits can hang, and harvest depending on their use. If using as an edible vegetable, harvest when green and about six inches long. If using as a sponge, allow to mature and harvest when the peel is brown and pulling away from the interior. Peel away the skin/husk and remove seeds to use as a sponge. For more information on growing and using luffa: gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/luffa Here is a recipe from Master Gardener Volunteer Jackie Hollister: 3 cups unbleached or whole wheat flour 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups, unprepared young luffa, grated 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped + 1 teaspoon flour (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 2 loaf pans. 2. Sift flour, cinnamon, soda, salt and baking powder together. 3. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs well, then gradually add sugar and oil. Mix well. 4. Add vanilla and dry ingredients, blend well. 5. Stir in Luffa. 6. Combine walnuts & flour and stir in, if using. Pour batter into 2 greased pans. Bake 1 hour. 7. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans. Wait 24 hours or refrigerate overnight before cutting.

Central Florida’s mild winters create the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather during the holiday season; so in this month’s article, we’ll be discussing six beautiful natural areas that you might consider visiting! These locations offer fun for the whole family, with many of them providing opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even camping. You’ll also have the chance to spot some of Central Florida’s unique wildlife, including several rare or endangered species. Whether you’re a Polk County resident or someone just visiting, a trip to one of these locations might be the bow on top of your holiday season. CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland One of Polk County’s most famous outdoor destinations, Circle B Bar Reserve offers prime birdwatching, especially for migratory species in winter. Keep an eye out for wading birds like roseate spoonbills and wood storks, or for bald eagles soaring overhead. You’re also almost guaranteed to see alligators, which will be out soaking up the sun on cold days. The variety of walking trails and kids’ activities at the Polk Nature Discovery Center also make this location great for families! CROOKED LAKE PRAIRIE 985 Ohlinger Rd., Babson Park This quiet preserve offers a rare glimpse of Florida’s ancient scrub ecosystem. These scrub habitats were once islands, and they now exist as elevated, sandy areas that are home for many rare and threatened Florida species. At Crooked Lake Prairie, you might be able to spot a Florida scrub jay, a rare bird found only in the Sunshine State, along with gopher tortoises and seasonal scrub wildflowers. Bring binoculars, a hat, and keen eyes – Crooked Lake Prairie rewards those who slow down and look closely. GATOR CREEK RESERVE 9120 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland Situated on the edge of the Green Swamp, Gator Creek Reserve offers wide multiuse trails winding through a variety of ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and oak hammocks. In winter, cooler weather makes longer rides or hikes especially pleasant! Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer or wild turkeys and bring binoculars to look out for warblers and migratory birds! MARSHALL HAMPTON RESERVE 3115 Thornhill Rd, Winter Haven With its scenic oak hammocks and views of Lake Hancock, Marshall Hampton Reserve is perfect for a peaceful winter stroll. If you want to get out in the sun to shake the chill, the open Osprey Overlook Loop Trail is your best bet, while the Acorn Hammock Loop Trail provides an arching oak canopy with a beautiful saw palmetto understory. With a special use permit, equestrians may even bring their horses to ride through the scenery. Whether you’re looking to get some steps or miles in, or to exercise your horse, Marshall Hampton Reserve truly has it all. SUMICA 14020 Hwy. 60 E., Lake Wales SUMICA is the largest of Polk County’s Environmental Lands and provides an excellent opportunity to feel as though you’re really in the backcountry. Habitats range from marshes to oak hammocks to pine flatwoods, some of which bear the remnants of the once-thriving historical logging community. “SUMICA” stands for Societe Universelle Mining Industrie, Commerce et Agriculture, a French logging company that once used the land, though the town of SUMICA practically vanished in the early 1900s once all of the trees had been harvested. The property has since returned to its natural Florida glory, and it is excellent for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. When winding through the trails, you might catch sight of the fluffy Sherman’s fox squirrel or hear the drumming of a red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally endangered species. LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK 14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales This expansive park offers nearly everything: camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even living history demonstrations of old Florida at the Cow Camp. You can even rent a canoe or kayak during the months of November through April to paddle the Buster Island Paddling Trail, where you’ll be immersed in creekside flora and fauna. Among the park’s 12 distinct natural communities, wildlife is abundant – look for birds such as sandhill cranes, crested caracaras, and wild turkeys, or large mammals such as white-tail deer or the occasional bobcat. Kid- and pet-friendly, it’s a great place for a full-day or overnight adventure. WHY GET OUTDOORS? Visiting these natural areas benefits more than just your weekend plans – it also helps support conservation efforts, raises awareness for rare species, and boosts the local economy through ecotourism. Any money put towards entry fees, camping or horseback riding permits, or even souvenirs from the gift shop feed back into supporting the conservation activities of these parks – so by visiting them and taking advantage of their services, you are actively giving back to Florida’s natural areas! MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT Contribute to Citizen Science – If you have your phone out on the trail, you can use apps like iNaturalist to document wildlife sightings. This contributes to valuable research about the presence and abundance of our wildlife species! Be Sun & Bug Smart – Even in winter, Florida’s sun is strong, and mosquitoes can still be active. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water, so you don’t have to leave the trail earlier than intended! Leave No Trace – It is our responsibility as outdoor recreationists to minimize the negative impacts we have on these lands. You can help protect habitats by packing out trash and staying on marked trails. Check out www.lnt.org for more guidelines on how to be a responsible outdoor enthusiast! Check Park Rules – Some locations limit pets, bikes, or horses to protect sensitive areas, so it’s best to know before you go! This holiday season, give yourself the gift of fresh air and new experiences. And, after visiting one of our beautiful natural areas, tell a friend about the experience you had to encourage them to join you next time. Whether you’re seeking rare birds, exploring Florida’s scrub habitats, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk, Central Florida’s natural areas offer something for everyone. Bundle up (lightly – even in the winter, it’s still Florida!), grab your camera or binoculars, and get outdoors to make some wild memories. To learn about more locations to enjoy Polk County’s Environmental Lands, visit www. polknature.com . For more insights into the conservation lands and places to experience wild Florida in Polk County, readers are encouraged to connect with the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow or email Shannon at scarnevale@ufl.edu .

ORNAMENT MAKING Dec. 4, 6 p.m. at The Dali. In this hands-on workshop, you will create your own surreal ornaments featuring imagery inspired by the latest special exhibition, “Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí.” Register in advance. thedali.org HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec. 20. The parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m. near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. From there, large boats will end, while smaller boats continue upriver ending near Armature Works. Free viewing along the Riverwalk. thetampariverwalk.com CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD Select nights throughout December at ZooTampa. Featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delicious holiday treats, amazing wildlife, seasonal entertainment, and new festive adventures. Included with a ZooTampa Membership or day ticket. No reservations needed. zootampa.org WHEEL OF FORTUNE Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Wheel of Fortune LIVE! brings America’s favorite game to the stage for a special Holiday edition! The game show has been adapted into a stage show where randomly selected guests get the chance to win over 500 prizes! rutheckerdhall.com WINTER VILLAGE Through Dec. 24 from noon – 10 p.m. daily. Winter Village has transformed Curtis Hixon Park and the surrounding Riverwalk into an immersive holiday experience that includes an open-air ice skating rink, unique food & drink options, nightly 360-degree light shows, and weekly events. wintervillagetampa.com LES MISERABLES Dec. 10 – 14 at the Straz Center. Set against the backdrop of 19thcentury France, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, who, for decades, has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, and agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. strazcenter.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 5 – 23 at the Straz Center. The show comes to life as a live 1940s radio play, complete with holiday music and clever sound effects. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge unfolds in a nostalgic evening of ghosts, redemption, and festive storytelling. strazcenter.org DOLLY ‘S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 22 & 23 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, this musical reinvents Dickens’ classic in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee of the 1930s, with Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town. rutheckerdhall.com CLASSIC MOVIES At Tampa Theatre. Sing-Along “White Christmas” (1954) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7; “Elf” (2003) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 14; “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) Dec. 19-23; and “Love Actually” (2003) at 3 p.m. on Dec. 28. Purchase tickets online. tampatheatre.org NEW YEARS EVE Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Ring in 2026 with a dazzling fireworks celebration over the Hillsborough River, featuring prime viewing spots along the Riverwalk and at Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi. Welcome in the new year with sparkle! VIP opportunities available for purchase. thetampariverwalk.com

ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL Select nights in December at the Central Florida Zoo. Wander the three-quarter-mile pathway filled with all-new, handcrafted lantern scenes, each glowing with thousands of LED lights. Ocean-inspired landscapes meet mythical creatures. Enjoy seasonal food available for purchase. Reserve tickets in advance. centralfloridazoo.org STORM LARGE Dec. 16 & 17 at Judson’s Live. Best known and beloved as the current lead vocalist for Pink Martini, Storm Large brings her wicked charm and soaring voice in two evenings of cheeky holiday merriment. Get in the spirit with music, gags and gifts, and your favorite songs. drphillipscenter.org HOLIDAYS AT UNIVERSAL Throughout December at Universal Studios. See all of the Christmas decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Seuss Landing will be all spruced up for Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s larger-than-life balloons will head through the streets along with seasonal treats & entertainment. universalorlando.com JINGLE BELL RUN Dec. 13, 9 a.m. at Baldwin Park. This race for charity is hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and jingle all the way toward a cure! Run or walk toward victory over arthritis. Register in advance. events. arthritis.org/jbrorlando DINOS IN LIGHTS Throughout December between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center. Join Stan the T. Rex and his fossil friends in DinoDigs, a festive display of music and light. Each family-friendly show will begin every half hour and concludes with a wintry surprise. osc.org KRAMPUSFEST Dec. 7, 2 – 9 p.m. at The Plaza Live. Features live bands, delicious food, festive drinks, a holiday market with local makers, eccentric performance art, costumes, a Krampusnauf parade, and plenty of mischief. The earlier hours are family-friendly, but after dark, the horns come out. (18+ after 6 p.m.) themilkdistrict.org ORLANDO TREE LIGHTING Dec. 5, 5 – 9 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree! The event will include holiday performances at the amphitheater, food trucks, and the return of the Merry Market. Enjoy a snowfall and a visit with Santa! downtownorlando.com HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Dec. 21, 5 p.m. at Lake Nona Town Center. Bless and light the menorah in a special ceremony to commemorate the Festival of Lights. Plus, enjoy a DJ, stiltwalker, children’s performers, face painters, and more. Try traditional foods while the kids make dreidels and learn the story of the holiday. ohwhatfunlakenona.com CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Select days from Dec. 6 – 23 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the TV special that first aired in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage” brings the Peanuts gang to life in an adaptation filled with music and laughter as Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of the season. orlandofamilystage.com THE OUTSIDERS Dec. 16 – 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The Greasers dream about who they want to be in a world that may never accept them. drphillipscenter.org

HOLIDAYS ON CENTRAL Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m at Central Park in Winter Haven. This event includes a FREE 90-minute show by Dwight Icenhower as Elvis, over 100 vendors to shop, giveaways, food trucks, live entertainment, interactive activities, and photos with Santa Claus! More info on FB @HavenLKLD DISNEY’S DARE TO DREAM JR. Dec. 12 – 14 at Lakeland Community Theatre. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Coco,” “Encanto,” and “Frozen II.” lakelandcommunitytheatre.com LIVE & LOUD Dec. 5, 6 p.m. at the Ritz in Winter Haven. Polk County’s raw talent and underground energy. More than just a showcase, it’s a safe, inclusive space where rising artists and creatives from the local scene own the stage. Discover new bands every First Friday. $5. Find more info at centralfloridatix.com . BLINKY’S SNOWBALL Dec. 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Florida Children’s Museum transforms into a winter wonderland and guests can experience a family-friendly dinner, hot chocolate bar, holiday family photos, take-home crafts, dancing, winter-themed sensory table, twinkling lights, and more. Purchase tickets at explorefcm.org/snowball . LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Begins with a fireworks display over Lake Mirror at 7 p.m. The parade will leave the RP Funding Center and travel down Lemon Street toward Downtown. The parade turns at Main Street to Cedar Street and winds around Lake Mirror, travels Orange Street, and ends at the RP Funding Center. lakelandgov.net LKLD SANTACON Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Downtown Lakeland. 5-7 p.m. kickoff event at Molly McHugh’s; 6:30 p.m. Costume Contest; 7:15 Annual Group Photo at Munn Park. Visit all participating bars in any order you like and make sure to get them stamped for a chance to win. lkldsantacon.com HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND Select days in December from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Families will enjoy new seasonal shows, festive activities, huge bricktastic décor, seasonal food and drink, dance parties, snow, and a special kid-friendly NYE celebration on December 31. legoland.com/florida WINTER FAIRY FEST Dec. 13 & 14, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Family-friendly fun all day! Aerial Fairy Dancing, ballet performances, Fairy & Nutcracker Meet & Greets, Towering Stiltwalkers, music, and more! Find more details and see the full schedule at boktowergardens.org . FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec. 6, 4 – 7 p.m. at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. Airplanes are the star of the show as you walk through a maze of twinkling lights and enjoy warm apple cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. Make sure to get your selfie with Santa! aceedu.org AN ELVIS GOSPEL CHRISTMAS Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Gem Theater. An unforgettable evening with five-time world champion Elvis tribute artist Dwight Icenhower as he brings the King’s most soulful gospel hits and beloved Christmas classics to life. This performance captures the warmth, faith, and festive joy of the holidays, Elvis-style! mulberryculturalcenter.org

LIVE & LOUD Dec. 5, 6 p.m. at the Ritz. Polk County’s monthly pulse of raw talent and underground energy. More than just a showcase, it’s a safe, inclusive space where rising artists and creatives from the local scene own the stage. Discover new bands every First Friday. Find more info at centralfloridatix.com . WINTER FAIRY FEST Dec. 13 & 14, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens. Family-friendly fun all day! Aerial fairy dancing, ballet performances, fairy & Nutcracker meet & greets, towering stiltwalkers, music, and more! Find more details and see the full schedule at boktowergardens.org . PLAID TIDINGS Dec. 4 – 21 on the Second Stage at Theatre Winter Haven. At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge, and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. theatrewinterhaven.com DECK THE YARD Dec. 13, 2 p.m. - close at Bowen Yard. Family-friendly fun! Celebrate the holidays with music, so many lights, activities for the kids, seasonal food and drinks from each of the restaurants, and a visit from Santa from 4 - 6 p.m. More info on FB @bowenyardwh TREE LIGHTING Dec. 4, 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Park in Winter Haven. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m., tree lighting at 7 p.m. Enjoy festive live performances with family and friends. The first 100 children will receive free cookies and hot chocolate, a sweet start to the holidays! Hosted by the City of Winter Haven and Main Street Winter Haven. mywinterhaven.com WINTER HAVEN WONDERLAND Dec. 12, 6 – 9 p.m. at Central Park. Enjoy free pictures with Santa (6:30–8:30 p.m.), a special showing of “The Polar Express” under the stars, and a variety of kids’ activities including ornament decorating, letters to Santa, and inflatable fun zones. mywinterhaven.com HOLIDAYS ON CENTRAL Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m at Central Park in Winter Haven. This event includes a FREE 90-minute show by Dwight Icenhower as Elvis, over 100 vendors to shop, giveaways, food trucks, entertainment, interactive activities, and photos with Santa Claus! More info - FB @HavenLKLD SANTACON Dec. 20, 6 p.m. at select bars in Downtown Winter Haven. Unlock exclusive food and drink specials at more than a dozen locations as you sip, stroll, and be jolly all around town. Dress in your festive best and join the fun. centralfloridatix.com HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND Select days in December from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Families will enjoy new seasonal shows, festive activities, huge bricktastic décor, seasonal food and drink, dance parties, snow, and a special kid-friendly NYE celebration on December 31. legoland.com/florida GROWN UP GAME NIGHT Dec. 27, 8 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre. ADULTS ONLY (21+) Get ready for a night of playful fun and a little friendly competition. The drinks flow, the laughter’s loud, and the games get just a little bit spicy. Whether you come as a couple, a single, a group, or with friends, everyone’s welcome! theatrewinterhaven.org

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFÉ By Fannie Flagg The classic novel about two women: Evelyn and Mrs. Threadgoode, who is telling her life story. Her tale includes two more women, the irrepressibly daredevilish tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth who back in the thirties ran a little place in Whistle Stop, Alabama, where along with coffee, it had the occasional murder. DELICIOUS! By Ruth Reichl Working as a public relations hotline consultant for a once-prestigious culinary magazine, Billie Breslin unexpectedly enters a world of New York restaurateurs and artisanal purveyors while reading World War II letters exchanged between a plucky 12-year-old and James Beard. KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST By J. Ryan Stradal When Lars Thorvald is left to raise his daughter alone, he’s determined to pass on his love of food. As Eva grows, she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional feast that’s a testament to her spirit and resilience. THE BRIAR CLUB By Kate Quinn Everyone keeps to themselves at Briarwood House, but when the lovely, mysterious widow Grace March moves in, she draws her oddball collection of neighbors into an unlikely friendship. When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the Briar Club women must decide who is the true enemy. BLACK CAKE By Charmaine Wilkerson Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny; a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. The tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about themselves. FIRST FROST By Sarah Addison Allen Autumn has finally arrived in the small town of Bascom, North Carolina, heralded by a strange old man appearing with a beat-up suitcase. He has stories to tell, stories that could change the lives of the Waverley women forever, as if they didn’t have enough on their plates already. THE KITCHEN FRONT By Jennifer Ryan Two years into World War II, and U-boats have cut off the supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio program is holding a cooking contest, and the grand prize is a job as the program’s first-ever female cohost. For four very different women, winning the competition would present a crucial chance to change their lives. CHRISTMAS ON THE ISLAND By Jenny Colgan It’s a time for getting cozy in front of whisky barrel wood fires, and enjoying a dram and a treacle pudding with the people you love. Unless, of course, you’ve accidentally gotten pregnant by your ex-boss, and

If you had to choose, which would you pick: teaching an entire class of T. Rexes how to paint (reminder about the big heads and little arms) or participate in a figure drawing class of Lady Gaga in her meat suit, but you’re blindfolded, so you have to rely on touch and smell? For Sara Jones, Director of SPACE Art Collective, there is no choice. “T-Rex art class. Easy. Literally the same as teaching art to Kindergarteners, which I do on the regular.” Maybe one day T. Rex art classes will be a possibility, but for now at least we know the love of art and support of artists isn’t extinct in Polk County. Especially through Jones’ efforts to highlight and support marginalized art and artists through her collective. Sara says, “Art is important to this community because it’s one of our last hopes for civil communication between people. Art serves as a vessel for discourse when words aren’t able to do the job correctly.” As someone who has been deeply immersed in art and had my views of the world thoroughly expanded through exposure to the arts outside of what I practice, I know firsthand how impactful access to the arts can be. Sara said it best with, “We are teeming with artists who are itching to find each other, like magnets suspended on the opposite sides of a barrier. I have been uplifted and challenged by so many artists here.” We know that there is a deeply rooted love of art in Polk County, reflected in our amazing museums, schools, festivals, and showcases. However, as with many things, access to resources and opportunities for everyone is not always guaranteed. Enter SPACE (Sanctuary for Polk’s Arts, Culture, and Education) Art Collective! Jones came up with the idea behind SPACE after realizing, that what Polk County artists really need is advocacy. “We need people to hold space for nontraditional art, for art that’s normally denied from art shows for being too ‘risky,’ and for art that represents marginalized creatives.” SPACE also wants to take some of the dependence off the formalized gallery spaces for artists to showcase their work by leveraging community through partnerships with local businesses and venues. With the closure of ART/ ifact Studios last year, Jones was inspired to create SPACE in a more pop-up format, which allows for artists and creatives in the Polk County community to take up more space. Currently, SPACE has been organizing art swaps, showcases, and meetings to bring the art community together, while also blasting various other showcases and events through their social media presence. Jones has some exciting plans in store, including a large art festival in early 2026, called SPACE Invasion, that will serve to hold space for artists in Polk County, and maybe beyond. Live music, performance art, short films, and installations are a major part of the plan. “We’re hoping to partner with the Depot, a new gallery and artist residency in Lakeland, to make this dream come true.” Visual artists aren’t the only ones being represented and uplifted, either. Sara shared that she hopes to foster a space for ALL types of art and artists in a way that is respectful and courteous. “This can be a sticky thing to navigate, because opinions and feelings still matter when you promote certain types of art. But if SPACE can exist as a meeting point for artists and patrons of all backgrounds, we can begin to build better bridges in our communities. Bridges that encourage us to talk to each other through our art. You don’t have to like or agree with everyone’s work, ideologies, or experiences, but everyone deserves a chance to bring their discussions to the table” says Jones. She speaks from experience as someone who hasn’t always had a seat at the table, between her own personal history with being rejected from art school and being told she couldn’t do any art in past close relationships to becoming one of the preeminent Polk County visual artists, being published in magazines, and being voted Lakeland’s Best Visual artist for the last two years in LKLD’s “Best Of” issues. “I’ve never been good with words, and art gave me a way to express my feelings, opinions, and experiences without having to ‘say’ anything,” though post this interview, I may need to let Jones know she’s no slouch with words either. The future of SPACE is full of possibility and sparkle, and Jones has high aspirations for what the next 5-10 years could hold for the group. “The GRAND scheme of SPACE is to eventually open an arts center. How? I don’t know yet. I’m hoping that as SPACE grows and welcomes more members, I will meet people with the knowledge and skills to help and teach me how to do this properly.” She’s hoping to have multiple working artists in residence, classes for the professional side of artistic growth (i.e. how to market yourself, how to get into markets, art classes for all levels of artists, how to host your own shows, etc.), rental spaces for arts therapy or mental health resources in the form of artistic expression, a gallery/staging areas for art shows or performances, a cafe for people to relax, socialize, and feed their bodies when they remember to take a break and eat, and grants for artists to be able to grow professionally without backing it all themselves. Make sure to follow SPACE on social media platforms to keep up to date with all of the exciting events happening in the county. Maybe you’ll discover a new passion or a new artist you can’t live without. You’ll get to see more of the wonderful life our local artists bring to the community and help make Polk County such a wonderful place to live. Or, if you’d like to give more than a bump to their social media numbers, there are a few other things SPACE is currently looking for to help broaden their reach and expand what they can offer to our local artists. Jones told me they are always looking for volunteers to help with their events and give ideas for future pop-ups. You can find SPACE pop-ups at some of your favorite local businesses and venues such as, Florida Southern’s Melvin Gallery, Quinteassence Kava Bar or Hillcrest Coffee Shop, however they are always looking for other small businesses and spaces to host events, or exhibit artwork. If you have a space and are looking to make it even more amazing with local art, email SPACE Art Collective through their link on Instagram or Facebook. Jones says, “It’s expensive to rent out a venue, but a small business that wants to bring in more people is MUCH more ideal and mutually beneficial. We’d love to find more business owners who would be happy to let us throw an art show, host a concert, or support a figure study night.” Additionally, if you have the means to donate, SPACE is actively fundraising for a PA system to support musicians, poets, and other vocal artists, funds for continuous event insurance, and eventual nonprofit registration fees. Don’t SPACE out and forget to follow this amazing group. SPACE ART COLLECTIVE IG @space.artcollective FB: SPACE Art Collective

The Black and White Photography class at Polk State College is far more than its name suggests. This foundational film course is a gateway to mastering the art and science of photography, offering students hands-on experience with 35-mm cameras, film processing and darkroom techniques that are unique in Polk County. Under the guidance of Professor Sarah Brewington, students like Candace Knoebel, Michael Comings, and Ean Pennypacker are discovering the timeless craft of film photography, and its influence on their creative journeys and career pursuits. “I would recommend the film class because it is such a great learning opportunity as to how we got to our media today,” said Comings, a student and lab assistant in the Digital Media Technology Program. “There are a lot of parallels between the problem-solving that there was 20, 30, 50 years ago, and the tools that we use today.” A PROFOUND HISTORY Brewington shared the importance and relevancy of film photography in an increasingly digital world, citing a “darkroom renaissance” driven by a desire for the mindful process and unique aesthetic of analog photography. The course bridges the past and the present, drawing parallels between the problemsolving of early photography and modern practices. “Photography is one of those magical things we have all become incredibly good at,” she wrote. “All the continually changing technology is in place to help us take wonderful, if not incredible, photos. However, photography’s profound history includes a groundbreaking industry shift from film to digital that is rarely considered, remembered or was even experienced.” This historical perspective deepens students’ appreciation for the medium and enhances their work, both analog and digital. “The full integration of digital photography into today’s world means that many students here at Polk State have never experienced a world without instant image capture – some have never known photography without smartphones,” she explained. “While this photographic evolution has opened an entire world to us in the palms of our hands, it has also distanced those same hands from the tactile experience of making a photograph rather than simply taking one.” The course’s emphasis on foundational techniques empowers beginners and seasoned creatives alike to refine their craft and critical thinking skills. “[Film photography] is a really good challenge to stop and think about what I’m taking a picture of. You really have to think about the composition, and it has been a really inspiring challenge to my creativity to see what I can do,” Knoebel said. “The skill that I’m gaining from this course is confidence in myself. It’s building me up with trusting myself and my instincts.” PEERS ECHOED THIS BOOST IN CREATIVITY AND CONFIDENCE. “There are different ways of thinking about film and digital. What attracted me to the medium was getting in touch with the old process of taking pictures and expanding my knowledge. Nowhere else would teach me how to develop film, so I was really excited to see that here at Polk State,” Pennypacker said. “The beauty of film is that we are rolling with the imperfections and figuring out how to improve.” Comings elaborated that the meticulous process teaches students to be intentional with every shot – a skill that translates seamlessly into digital photography and other creative processes. “I can really spend a lot of time trying to figure out how the lights and the shadows of my environment will impact my final prints,” he said. “That’s hands-down making me a better photographer.” INVESTING IN THE ARTS AND STUDENTS The heart of the course lies in the College’s state-of-the-art darkroom, a space that Professor Brewington describes as “magic” and a “rare gem” in Central Florida. It was integral to preserve the facility during Polk State’s $16.2 million renovation of its Winter Haven Fine Arts (WFA) Building. “It feels like an investment in the students,” Knoebel expressed. “It elevates what we are able to do and gives us hands-on experience with equipment used in the industry. It better prepares us going forward into the workforce.” Reopened for the first time since 2019, the Black and White Photography course was the first of the photography offerings to reach capacity, proving a popular choice for students. “Film photography offers students across all disciplines, whether pursuing nursing, business, engineering, or the arts, a chance to slow down and engage with a truly foundational art form that translates beautifully to any field of study,” Brewington said. At the beginning of the course, students start with photograms by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive paper, exposing it to light and chemically developing and fixing the paper in the darkroom. “When the image starts to appear, the reaction that these students have will never leave me,” Brewington exclaimed. Knoebel described the moment she developed her first roll of film – photos of her daughter. “It was a rush,” Knoebel recalled. “Everybody started cheering. The entire class is filled with so much kindness and encouragement.” HONORING A PREDECESSOR The late Professor of Photography David Woods advocated for the preservation of film education and was integral in the design of the photo studio and darkroom during the WFA renovation. Brewington served as an adjunct faculty member teaching photography in 2012-2013 when Woods was at the helm of the program. “Despite film serving as the foundation of his photographic practice, [Woods] had fluctuating student enrollment in his courses whenever society declared film photography ‘obsolete,’” Brewington said. “By 2009, declining interest had left our darkroom exactly that – an empty and dark room, void of student life and creativity.” Woods told The Ledger in 2015, in response to whether he would teach film again, that the pendulum would swing back. “Today, I have the privilege of helping our students experience film photography’s resurgence rather than its decline – a vindication of his patience and foresight,” Brewington exclaimed. Now with a state-of-the-art facility retrofitted with top-tier tools and an expert instructor dedicated to continuing her predecessor’s legacy, there is an unparalleled opportunity for Polk State students to engage with photography. Those enrolled have called the film course, specifically, an experience that they could not find anywhere else. “The access that we have to great instruction and great equipment here at Polk State is amazing. You really don’t even get that at expensive colleges, and here at Polk State, it is very affordable, but you are still receiving a high-quality education,” Pennypacker said. “I searched for this opportunity and couldn’t really find it anywhere else. I was excited to find it right here at Polk State.” Photos by Millie Lopez