Granny's Cajun Jambalaya Lynsey Pippen, Little Bus Books 1/4 cup canola oil 5 large onions, chopped fine 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 5-6 chicken breast tenderloins, cut into small pieces Hillshire Farm sausage link, chopped into small cubes 3 1/2 cups uncooked white rice 4 1/2 cups water Cajun seasoning such as onion powder, garlic powder, Tony’s Chachere, paprika or herbs (optional) 1. Brown onions in oil until very dark, in your black iron pot. (Stir frequently to prevent burning.) Add a little water and simmer a few minutes until consistency thickens. 2. Add garlic and cook on low to medium heat for about 15 minutes, covered. 3. Add uncooked chicken, sausage and a little water (look for the sizzle) and cook until browned. 4. Add rice and 4 1/2 cups water, stir. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer until rice is cooked. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning as desired while rice is cooking. If you are unsure of the amount of seasoning, you can add more before serving from the pot. Serves 8-10 people. “The difficulty with sharing written recipes in Cajun country is that most family recipes are never written, but passed down from the experience of watching “ya mom an dem” in the kitchen for many years. Personally, measuring ingredients is optional, but using a black cast-iron pot and wooden spoon is not. I’ve added Cajun to the title because it’s important to understand the difference between Cajun and Creole cooking. While both are flavorful parts of the Louisiana culinary experience, there are similarities and differences in ingredients. Where jambalaya is concerned the spices are the same, but Creole is red (tomatoes) and Cajun is brown (browned onions.) Creole is heavier on seafood, where Cajun leans towards pork and chicken. For my Falgout family, we like to mix and match our “meats” depending on if seafood is in season, but never. ever. add a tomato to Granny’s black iron jambalaya pot! And if you don’t like spicy, you should probably grab an extra glass of water (or sweet tea) before you get seated at the table.” Chicken and Rice Casserole Chief Vance Monroe, Winter Haven Police Department 2 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces, patted dry salt and freshly ground pepper 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine 1 1/3 cups chicken stock 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 cup uncooked white rice, medium or long grain 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1/2 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium high or high heat (hot enough to brown but not burn). Season the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the chicken pieces on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per batch. Add a little more olive oil if needed with every batch. 3. Remove chicken pieces and set aside in a bowl. The chicken does not have to be cooked through, only browned. 4. In the same sauté pan add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Lower the heat to medium, add the onions, and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic; cook 30 seconds more. Remove onions and garlic to a shallow 9x13-inch casserole dish. 5. Raise heat to medium high and add the sliced mushrooms. Dry sauté the mushrooms (don’t add butter or oil), allowing them to brown lightly and release some of their moisture. Add the mushrooms to the casserole dish. 6. Add 1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine to the pan to deglaze it, scraping off the browned bits from the bottom. Let the sherry reduce to about 1 tablespoon, then add the chicken stock, and remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the cream, and the sour cream. 7. Add the uncooked rice to the casserole dish. Then pour the stock, sherry, cream, and sour cream mixture over the rice. Add the Italian and poultry seasonings (or fresh herbs) and paprika to the dish. Stir the chicken pieces, rice, onion, mushroom, and herb mixture so that they are evenly distributed in the casserole dish. 8. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes and then remove foil. (If the casserole still has too much liquid, let it cook a few minutes more, uncovered, until the excess liquid has evaporated away.) “One day I was searching for a healthy, balanced meal that was both flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and the wholesome grains from the rice makes it a perfect choice for a nutritious, satisfying dish without being too heavy. This recipe has become a family favorite of ours and I hope you will love it also.” Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork Sandwiches Rebecca Macpherson, Lakeland 1 pork shoulder 1 two-liter bottle of Dr. Pepper brown sugar 1 small can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce 1/2 stick butter 1 package of sandwich buns Dressing: 1 bag of cole slaw mix salad 1 bottle of poppyseed dressing 1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 2. In a roasting pan, layer the bottom with chunks of butter. You can also use one of those grill trays that keep the pork off the bottom of your pan. 3. Put the pork in and rub it all over with the adobo peppers. Depending on your preference for spicy meat, use a little or as much as you like. 4. Rub brown sugar all over the pork as well. 5. Pour the Dr. Pepper all over, I pour about an inch of Dr. Pepper on the bottom of the pan, so that the pork can really absorb all the ingredients. 6. Put pork in oven and cook it overnight. I usually get up twice to baste the pork with the juices, but you can leave it alone with aluminum foil over the top to prevent dryness. The next morning, pull the pork apart and let the pieces soak in the juices. Mix the Cole Slaw mix with the Poppyseed dressing and put that in a serving bowl. Get your buns, put some slaw on them` and pork, and enjoy the meal! Aunt Wanda's Cajun Shrimp Bisque Bree Hemp, Winter Haven 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup butter 1 quart heavy cream 1 quart milk 1 cup chicken stock 1 pound chopped cooked shrimp 24 ounces whole corn cajun seasoning to taste Melt butter in a skillet and add flour, stirring constantly until the color of peanut butter. Put all ingredients, including flour mixture, in a crock pot. Cook until hot but don’t boil. “Dedicated to Aunt Wanda who passed away suddenly last December.” Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya Daryl Ward, PHD, Executive Director of Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance (YIELDS 8-10 SERVINGS) 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 pounds of white-meat chicken, cut into bite sized pieces 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 medium bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup onion, diced 1/2 cup scallions, finely diced (green and white part) 1/2 cup celery, diced 2 medium tomatoes, diced 1 tablespoon garlic, minced 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked 3 cups boiling water or chicken stock 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced 1/4 teaspoon fresh basil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 bay leaf 1. Season chicken and sausage (salt/pepper to taste). Melt butter in saucepan and add chicken and sausage – cook until chicken and sausage are browned. Remove meat and set aside. 2. Add pepper, onion, scallions, celery, tomatoes, and garlic to pan – cook until softened. Stir rice into vegetable mixture. 3. Add water (or stock) and rest of seasonings, bring to a simmer. 4. Return meat to saucepan. 5. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until water is absorbed and chicken is cooked through. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. Serve w/ bread of choice. “I wasn’t (and I’m still not) much of a cook, but I saw this recipe in a newspaper column some 20 years ago or so. I thought it sounded good, so I made it. For many years, it was the only thing I could (or would) cook for my family. And though my recipe repertoire has improved over the years, this is still one of my favorite dishes to prepare.” Santa Fe (Chili) Soup Kellie Phillips, Director of Development Bonnet Springs Park 2 pounds ground beef or turkey 1 chopped white onion 1 (.5 oz) pkg ranch-style dressing mix 2 (1/4 oz.) pkg taco seasoning mix 1 (16 oz.) can black beans (undrained) 1 (16 oz.) can white corn (undrained) 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans (undrained) 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans (undrained) 1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes with chile 1 (16 oz.) can tomato wedges (undrained) 1-2 cups water Toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onions, cilantro, avocado In Dutch oven or stock pot, cook meat and onion together until meat is browned. Stir ranch-style dressing mix and taco seasoning mix into the pot. Add remaining ingredients with the juice from all of the cans. Stir occasionally for 30 minutes on medium heat. Simmer for up to 2 hours. Add desired toppings and enjoy! “This recipe was passed around the neighborhood families when I was a kid, so my mom used to always make it for our family! Anytime the temps dropped below 70, or the threat of a hurricane/power outage, or anytime we needed a cozy and filling meal, Santa Fe Soup was on the menu. Now, my brother and sister and I make it for those same reasons and have shared it with our friends and family as well.” Butternut Curry Soup Aaron Venrick, Winter Haven 1 large butternut squash - peeled and cubed 1 medium white onion - chopped 2 large carrots - chopped 4 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup heavy cream salt & pepper - to taste 1. Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven over med-high heat. 2. Add squash, carrots and a large pinch of salt. Cook on med-high heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 3. Add onion, curry powder and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to med-low and simmer until squash and carrots are very soft. About 20 min. 5. Remove from heat. Add butter and stir to melt and combine. 6. With an immersion blender, blend until smooth. (You can use a normal blender for this, just make sure to remove the soup from the heat for at least 5 min and add to blender one cup at a time) 7. Add salt and pepper to taste. 8. Serve with a tablespoon of heavy cream drizzled on top and naan bread. (Or any bread for that matter.) “Now, I know this is in no way a “curry.” Although, the smell in your kitchen will say otherwise. And it does give you the warmth and spicy flavors that you would get from a curry. Enjoy!” Fish Chowder Brad Dantzler, Winter Haven City Commissioner 5 pounds fish 5 pounds potatoes (Russet) 5 pounds onions 1-2 pound celery 1/2 gallon cream 1-2 sticks butter 1 bag oyster crackers flour 1. In a large pot, put potatoes, onions and small amount of water, bring to boil. When onions start to blanch, add fish. 2. When fish is half cooked, add the cream, butter and chopped celery, bring to a boil. 3. Cut the heat, add flour to the pot to thicken the soup. It’s critical to stir during the entire process so it won’t burn. 4. Leave on stove with no heat after it boils. Serve with salt, pepper, or hot sauce and oyster crackers. Ritz Shrimp Dan Chesnicka, Producing Director Theatre Winter Haven For context, I’m a New England boy. In my family, clambakes last 3 days, we each have our own recipe for chowder, and preparing seafood is both an act of love and a bloodsport. Holidays are not about turkey and ham, but about lobsters, clams, oysters, and other crustaceans. Most of our efforts are incredibly complex, our secrets highly treasured and everything is cooked outside over a wood-burning fire. I spent years in my father’s shadow learning the tricks and he would haunt me if I were to share any generational secrets. BUT… there is one thing the Chesnickas often make that is deceptively easy to accomplish and uses only a few simple store-bought ingredients. I’m sure my ancestors would not consider sharing this particular recipe a violation worthy of dishonor to the family name. Truthfully, this is something we make when we don’t have 3 days to prepare but are itching for a quality seafood fix. You will need 1. The biggest shrimp you can find. Try for U4 or U6 if you can get them. 2. A box of Ritz Crackers (Please don’t get “Reduced Fat” or anything with any flavor beyond “Original” - I ask this so my father doesn’t turn in his grave) 3. A lot of butter. (I should mention that measuring devices are strongly discouraged in the Chesnicka household) 4. A few fresh lemons Here is what you need to do - 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. 2. Clean, shell, de-vein, and butterfly your HUMONGOUS SHRIMP. (To do this properly, you cut the shrimp in the opposite way you may imagine. Don’t go along the back, but from the underside, cutting deep until you reach the vein. Pull out that gross vein and clean the shrimp up. This takes a little care and skill so you don’t cut the shrimp in half. Take your time. If you do this right, it should lay relatively flat and look a little like a heart.) 3. Melt a stick or two of butter. 4. Crush up your Ritz Crackers to resemble crunchy breadcrumbs, place in a separate bowl. 5. Drag your cleaned HUMONGOUS SHRIMP through the melted butter and then drag that through the crushed-up Ritz Crackers to thoroughly coat the shrimp. *(Note: it is impossible to use too much butter or too much cracker. You can try, but if you do, please invite me over) 6. Place on a cookie sheet, cut side up - they should lie fairly flat. 7. Cut up your fresh lemon and squeeze EXACTLY 3 drops of lemon juice on each shrimp. 8. Put in oven and watch it like a hawk - don’t go too far, this happens pretty fast. When the tails start to turn up and they start to get golden brown, quickly flip your oven to “broil.” Keep watching it like a hawk. DO NOT GET DISTRACTED AT THIS POINT. 9. When you see the Ritz crumbs are lightly toasted - pull it out of the oven…. It’s done. Serve with a draft of butter for dipping (like you would a lobster) and a cold beer. It is so delicious, no one will care what sides you pair it with. Get on your knees and thank the heavens for the day you read this article in Haven Magazine. Pour out a tall-boy for my dad. Let’s call this dish, RITZ Shrimp, which reminds me... get your tickets to all shows at the Historic Ritz Theatre!!!!!

There is a capacity within the best-told stories on screen to become timeless in a way that connects people across generations, despite the differences in years between those watching them. During the holiday season, we are reminded to extend uncommon kindness and promote inclusion to those outside our social spheres. We’ve long been encouraged by a multitude of traditions to see ourselves as more similar than different, to foster a moment of peace and light during the darkest months of the year. Sixty years ago this December, a beloved tale was transformed into a television special brimming with heart, unforgettable voice talent, and a distinctive stop-motion technique known as “Animagic.” When copywriter Robert May wrote the story of a reindeer born different, he did so during the darkest days he’d ever known. His wife was in the late stages of cancer, and he was deep in medical debt when he was given the assignment to create a “cheery” children’s book to distribute to shoppers at Montgomery Ward stores. After selecting a reindeer as the hero of his story, he drew from his own painful childhood experiences to craft the narrative, working in his spare time at home. He spent about 50 hours writing it and then read it to his young daughter. After his wife passed away, his boss asked if he wanted to pass the project to someone else, but he declined. Once finished, he gathered his young daughter, Barbara, and her grandparents in the living room to read it to them. “In their eyes, I could see that the story accomplished what I had hoped,” he later reflected. May had difficulty finding a publisher for what was now his “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” poem book. “Nobody wanted him, not with six million copies already distributed. Finally, I found a publisher—a little guy with a big nose—who said he knew what it was like for Rudolph and was willing to take a chance on a printing.” In 1948, May persuaded his brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, to write the words and music for a musical adaptation of “Rudolph” (Marks would later be responsible for the music featured in the Rankin/ Bass TV special). The song became immensely popular and was recorded by Dean Martin and Perry Como, among others. In the following years, the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” became cherished, celebrated, and loved by people all over the world. On December 6, 1964, audiences watching the General Electric Hour on NBC enjoyed the story of Rudolph in a stop-motion style called “Animagic,” created by Rankin/Bass Productions. Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass founded the company Videocraft International, Ltd. in New York City on September 14, 1960. Prior to “Rudolph,” the duo created a television show called “The New Adventures of Pinocchio” and various television commercials, including some for future “Rudolph” sponsor General Electric. The unique stop-motion animation style used by Rankin/Bass in most of their holiday specials created a textured world that felt closer and more tangible than those created by traditional cel animation. Notably utilized by “Gumby” creator Art Clokey, director George Pal, and special effects animator Ray Harryhausen, stop-motion animation is a filmmaking technique where physical objects are manipulated and photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Rankin/Bass’s Animagic is characterized by doll-like characters with rounded body parts and textures like fabric, felt, and wood. These stylized puppets are filmed one frame at a time, giving the animation a choppy and playful look. Although it was an American company, most of Rankin/Bass’s well-known “Animagic” stopmotion productions were actually created in Tokyo, Japan. During the 1960s, these projects were led by Japanese stop-motion animator Tadahito Mochinaga. Elements of Japanese animation appear throughout Rankin/Bass holiday specials, contributing to the unique aesthetic that continues to enchant viewers across years and generations. At the time of its first airing, NBC was one of only three channels available in most households. Holiday television specials were not as common as they would soon become, so the program was heavily promoted using the star power of its voice actors. The voice actors were chosen to appeal to multiple generations and were animated to resemble the actors themselves—something that created a timeless quality for later audiences, for whom Sam the Snowman became synonymous with Burl Ives. For the first time in over 50 years, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer is returning to NBC. The special will air on December 6 at 8 pm., with an encore on December 12 at 8 pm.

THE DECEMBER MARKET By: RaeAnne Thayne When their grandparents begin dating, Amanda and Rafe are dubious of the match. When their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for. LOVE YOU A LATKE By: Amanda Elliot Seth’s parents have been badgering him to bring a Nice Jewish Girlfriend home for Hanukkah. Abby needs his contacts to make her town’s first Hanukkah festival a success. What’s a little fake dating among friends? Love comes home for the challah-days in this sparkling romance. WINTER COUNTS By: David Heska Wanbli Weiden A vigilante enforcer on South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation enlists the help of his ex to investigate the activities of an expanding drug cartel, while a new tribal council initiative raises controversial questions. WINTERING By: Katherine May An intimate, revelatory book exploring the ways we can care for and repair ourselves when life knocks us down. A moving personal narrative shot through with lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, May’s story offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat. ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY By: Susan Mallery Julie Parker is happy that her children do not plan to visit for Christmas, because she has been hiding her younger beau from them. When they instead want to spend the holiday at the family cabin, she discovers that more really is merrier. DASH & LILY’S BOOK OF DARES By: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan In a story told in the alternating voices of Dash and Lily, two sixteenyear-olds carry on a wintry scavenger hunt at Christmastime in New York, neither knowing quite what--or who--they will find. A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS By: Matt Haig Having received a single beloved toy in his life, an 11-year-old boy nicknamed “Christmas” travels to the North Pole when his father goes missing, where he befriends a surly reindeer and discovers an enchanted frozen world along the way. A MIDWINTER’S TAIL By: Sofie Kelly When a guest drops dead at a gala to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program, Kathleen Paulson and her detective boyfriend must shovel through a wealth of suspects before the case gets buried. WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY By: Kelsey E. Gross Owl, Mouse, and Deer all watch as the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share. THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE By: Katherine Arden A novel inspired by Russian fairy tales follows the experiences of a wild young girl who taps the mysterious powers of a precious necklace given to her father years earlier to save her village from dark and dangerous forces.

KRAMPUS FEST Dec. 8, 2 pm – 9 pm at The Plaza Live. Feel the alpine spirit! Free to attend, with live music, food, drinks, Christmas vendors, costume contests and plenty of punishment. While kids are welcome in the earlier hours, after dark, they recommend attending with a parent or chaperone. FB @TheMilkDistrict CHRISTKINDLMARKT Dec. 14 & 15, 11 am – 10 pm at Luminary Green Park in Orlando. A traditional German Christmas market with authentic food & drinks, shopping, live music, performances, a visit from St. Nikolaus, a Krampus Walk and more! FB @schmankerlstubnorl THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 6 – 22 at the Dr. Phillips Center, presented by the Orlando Ballet. Experience the tale of Clara, a young girl, whose extraordinary journey intertwines with that of a life-sized Nutcracker, magically brought to life. drphillipscenter.org REINDEER RUN Dec. 14, 7:15 am at SeaWorld Orlando. The Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run Presented by AdventHealth for Children is a run or walk through the pathways of SeaWorld. Celebrate your finish in a Winter Wonderland, complete with holiday treats for everyone. trackshack.com/event/236 EPCOT INT’L FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS December 1 – 30 at EPCOT. Eat seasonal food from around the world, meet Santa, experience the Candlelight Processionals led by celebrities, and hear holiday storytellers throughout the park. disneyworld.disney.go.com WINTER MARKET Dec. 14, 10 am – 2 pm at Leu Gardens. Stroll through the festive Gardens, take photos with Santa, and shop from the market offering plants, home goods, and gifts. Stop by the Historic Leu House for festive carolers, and Foxtail Coffee for a seasonal treat. leugardens.org HOLIDAY POPS Dec. 8, 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra on the Central Park Main Stage in Winter Park. Bring your blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season. orlandophil.org MARK TREMONTI SINGS SINATRA Dec. 14, 8 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Accompanied by surviving members of Sinatra’s band as well as other top-notch players, Tremonti is a Grammy Award-winning multiplatinum musician that will make you think “ol’ blue eyes” is back. drphillipscenter.org NOSFERATU WITH RADIOHEAD Dec. 9, 9:30 pm at the Enzian. The inaugural film in this series couples F.W. Murnau’s century old masterpiece “Nosferatu” (1922) with genre-undefinable alt rock band Radiohead’s mind-blowing “Kid A” (2000) and “Amnesiac” (2001). enzian.org POP-TARTS BOWL Dec. 28, 3:30 pm at Camping World Stadium. In the new College Football Playoff era, the bowl will match the top selection from the ACC (inclusive of Notre Dame) outside of the CFP series against the second selection from the Big 12 outside of the CFP series. floridacitrussports.com

TREE LIGHTING Dec. 2, 5 pm – 9 pm at Armature Works. This special event will be full of fun surprises featuring friends from the North Pole, live performances, a holiday market, and more! The Tree Lighting is at 7pm on the Armature Works Front Lawn. Seasonal drinks will be available for purchase for 21+ attendees. armatureworks.com SANTA’S SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP Dec. 14, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm at MOSI. Sleigh the day and dive into a magical blend of holiday cheer and scientific wonders, where every moment has hands-on fun for the whole family. Hang out with Santa Claus or write him a letter at the center. mosi.org CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD Select nights in December at ZooTampa. Featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is bigger, better, and brighter than ever, with entertainment for whole family. zootampa.org WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL Dec. 13 – 22 at the St. Petersburg City Theatre. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs. It’s 1954 and Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful songand-dance act after World War II. spcitytheatre.org CHRISTMAS TOWN Every day at Busch Gardens. Indulge in new holiday-inspired food & drink, meet fun characters like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends, all under the nearly 70 miles of twinkling lights throughout the entire park. buschgardens.com SOME LIKE IT HOT Dec. 10 – 15 at the Straz Center. The story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a crosscountry train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. strazcenter.org ART ON THE HOUSE Every Thursday from 4 pm – 8 pm at the Tampa Museum of Art. Bring the family and celebrate 100 years of art in Tampa. Visit the Welcome Desk and tell the Visitor Experience and Engagement Representatives what price you’d like to pay for admission. tampamuseum.org TAMPA HOT CHOCOLATE RUN Dec. 15, 7 am at the Tampa Convention Center. America’s sweetest run is back! Choose the 5K, 10K, or 15K distances with a post-run party that’ll make you go “cocoa” crazy. You and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration. hotchocolate15k.com ELF IN CONCERT Dec. 7, 2 pm & 7 pm at the Straz Center. Watch as Buddy the elf travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season, watch your favorite holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s score is played live. strazcenter.org RELIAQUEST BOWL Dec. 31, noon at the Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Bowl Association hosts a college football game featuring teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. The game is a culmination of a weeklong schedule of events throughout Tampa Bay. reliaquestbowl.com

FREDERICK INMAN, M.D. AND FLORENCE VILLA In 1887 Dr. Frederick William Inman and his wife Florence Jewett Inman came to the area from Akron, Ohio. He was born in Parkman, Ohio in 1840 and would go on to serve as a surgeon during the Civil War. Later Dr. Inman became an investor in the American Cereal Company that later became the Quaker Oats Company. His father-in-law Mendall Jewett had purchased a large tract of land north of the Winter Haven village. In 1882 Inman came to the area with Jewett and became enamored with its beauty and potential for growing crops. It was the winter of 1886 and Mrs. Inman’s health prompted her physician to recommend a warmer climate. The Inmans returned to the Lake Spring area and camped there on their first visit. The visit proved good for Mrs. Inman’s health, and the couple elected to return to this area to make their home. Dr. Inman ultimately purchased the Jewett land (which extended from Lake Spring east to the vicinity of Lake Buckeye). In 1887 they constructed a 10-room home on the lake’s north shore. He eventually named the area we know as “Florence Villa” in honor of his wife. Their first house was located on or about the present site of the Spring Lake Shopping Center and attracted frequent visitors from the north ... so much so that Dr. Inman kept expanding the house until it was later converted to the “Florence Villa Hotel.” In its day this hotel was considered one of inland Florida’s finest resorts. It featured a beautiful golf course on the site of what is now the Stately Oaks subdivision and Spring Haven Retirement Center. It also offered a small boat tour of lakes Spring and Mirror. The lakes were connected naturally by a “run” of high water near the present canal. The hotel would eventually grow to 120-rooms leading the Inmans to build a new home on property just north of present day St. Joseph Catholic Church. Dr. Inman was very interested in the potential for various crops in this area, and he continually experimented with the growing of citrus, tomatoes and even pineapples. Among his many successes he founded the Florence Villa Packing House. Decades after his death he would be recognized for his pioneering work in the fledgling citrus industry. Due to the commerce associated with the Inman’s citrus and hospitality enterprises, the Florence Villa area thrived. The hotel proved so popular that the railroad built the Florence Villa Station. The community incorporated years later in 1917 but eventually merged with Winter Haven in 1923. Dr. Inman, wife Florence and her sister Dr. Mary Jewett (subject of a later installment) were generous pioneers who loved this area. As a testament, the family donated the “Inman Park” property, which serves as the northern gateway to our community. The park, beautifully restored by the City of Winter Haven, contains their final resting place. There are no direct descendants of Frederick and Florence Inman, but many relatives have continued to call Winter Haven home. WINTER HAVEN APPROACHES 1900 … ONE CHURCH, ONE SCHOOL AND TWO DEVASTATING FREEZES As Winter Haven approached the turn of the 20th Century, the 1890s would prove challenging. Newly named and eager to grow, the town was quite small. In March of 1891 the Bartow “Advance Courier” ran this short note about Winter Haven. “The town has one church, a monument to the Baptists of the community, who share its use with the Presbyterians. They have one school of thirty pupils taught this past season by Miss Annie Gibbons. Mrs. H. B. Clayton keeps the only hotel.” Records are incomplete but it is thought this may have been the “Central Hotel.” Fresh from naming the city, P.D. and Anna Eycleshimer moved across Lake Howard and purchased land from the base of Avenue D to the railroad property (behind our current City Hall) and north to Lake Silver. He grew tomatoes. He built a large home on the northeast block of the intersection of Avenue D and Sixth Street (Highway 17). This block is currently home to a CVS Pharmacy. Agriculture and the climate were the big lure. Dr. Inman was encouraging guests at the Florence Villa Hotel to consider relocating. Many bought land and planted citrus intending to relocate later. By 1893 the city had a small canning plant that put up guavas, tomatoes and other products. Mr. J. B. Briggs is reported to have grown a 300-acre field of tomatoes. By some estimates, 125,000 crates of tomatoes were shipped from Winter Haven during the winter of 1893-94. The city was called “the greatest shipping point for tomatoes anywhere” leading some to claim title as “The Tomato Capital of the World.” However, Mother Nature would prove fickle when on December 27, 1894 a disastrous freeze “froze citrus nearly to the ground” and wiped out all fruit and vegetable crops as well. Six weeks later, arctic cold again descended on the area on February 7, 1895 and the mercury hovered in the low twenties for two days. Trees that were budding and a second crop of vegetables were destroyed. Winter Haven was not looking like a winter haven. The story was told of one family that lived near Lake Hartridge that was so disheartened the morning of the second freeze that they “left for the north not taking anything but their clothes.” The breakfast coffee pot and dishes were still on the table. As the 20th Century approached, growth was slow. Mrs. F.A.K. Harris wrote, “Many left but only the most resolute stayed. They began to raise vegetables. They pruned their groves and many trees took on growth. Some went into the cattle business. Work was scarce and times were very hard.” Progress at the time included the opening of a broom factory operated by a Mr. Stanley. Dr. Inman had a large crop of peaches, which he sold in carloads. For one year (1896-97) Winter Haven had its first newspaper called the “Lake Region Gazette.” It was owned and edited by Miss Marguerite L. Verdier. After a year’s trial she decided to discontinue the publication noting “… she had had some useful experiences; had made some friends, some enemies but no debts…” No copies of the Gazette are known to exist. Information sources included discussions with family members, The History of Winter Haven by Josephine Burr, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and The News Chief. Next month: The Early African American Development/ Henry Tandy Bob Gernert is a student of Winter Haven history and founded the Museum of Winter Haven History at the historic Women’s Civic League building on Lake Howard. If you have questions or information to share, please email bobgernert@gmail.com or telephone 863-206-6855. HOLIDAY SIDEBAR: JINGLE BELLS FACTS INCLUDE WINTER HAVEN Here are a few interesting notes about the familiar holiday standard, Jingle Bells. • Its original name was “One Horse Open Sleigh” • It wasn’t written as a Christmas song. Indeed some verses may have been too risqué for the era. • Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from space. Nine days before Christmas in 1965, Gemini 7 crew members performed the song with “Wally” Schirra playing a tiny harmonica accompanied by Tom Stafford shaking a handful of small sleigh bells they had brought along for the space voyage. • The song’s composer, James Lord Pierpont spent his final years in Winter Haven, Florida dying there in 1893. He is buried in Savannah, Ga.

LAKELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 5, 7 pm. Begins with fireworks over Lake Mirror at 7 pm. The parade leaves the RP Funding Center, going down Lemon St towards downtown where it turns at Main St to Cedar St and winds around Lake Mirror, travels Orange St and ends at the RP Funding Center. lakelandgov.net TUCK EVERLASTING Dec. 13 – 15 at Lakeland Community Theatre. A musical about eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearning for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence and meeting the magical Tuck family. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com DUTCH IMPRESSIONISM Throughout December at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. Immerse yourself in the beautiful 19th century world of the Netherlands but also broaden your understanding of Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School1860 – 1930. polkmuseumofart.org THE GIFT OF THE MAGI Dec. 13 – 15 at the Gem Theater in Mulberry. A one act play about a young couple unable to afford presents for each other on their first Christmas together. Each sacrifices a treasure to provide a gift for the other. centralfloridatix.com MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY Dec. 1, 1 – 5 pm at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. “Be A Patron” at the shop and find quality gifts, handcrafted items, and local finds. Best of all, your purchase will directly support your favorite museum. polkmuseumofart.org POLAR EXPRESS: AIRMAIL Dec. 13 & 14, 5 – 9 pm at the Florida Air Museum. Begin the evening with a reading of the classic children’s story “Polar Express” then board a Boeing 727 for a “flight” to deliver your personal letter to Santa at the North Pole. Register in advance. aceedu.org HOLIDAYS ON CENTRAL Dec. 7, 10 am – 4 pm at Central Park in Downtown Winter Haven. Thousands of guests will descend upon downtown Winter Haven to enjoy specialty foods, interactive experiences and shopping from hundreds of vendors at two holiday markets - a traditional Mistletoe Market and local favorite, Bandit Market. FB @ destroyermediaandmarketing. MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS Dec. 14 & 15, 10 am – 3 pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Family fun with aerial acrobatics of fairies and elves, Freddie Gnome-sted at El Retiro, and a lively gnome hunt. Visit the Outdoor Kitchen for photos with the Christmas Cookie Baker and enjoy a sweet treat. boktowergardens.org SNOWFEST Dec. 7, 5 – 9 pm along Lake Mirror. Stroll along the Francis Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror and take a photo with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in a snow globe, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and more. lakelandgov.net TOAST TO THE HOLIDAYS Dec. 14, 7 pm at Branscomb Auditorium. Enjoy favorites like “White Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride,” along with lively overtures and a sing-along. Featuring vocalists Elizabeth Lyons, Holly Parrish, John Partain, and Tyler Campbell. This concert promises a merry celebration for all! flsouthern.edu/ffa

1 ½ cups 100% cranberry juice ¾ cup fresh lime juice ¾ cup tequila ½ cup Cointreau or triple sec Ice In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients and shake until blended. Serve over ice in sugar- or salt-rimmed glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries and lime wedges if desired. Please drink responsibly, 21+ only. Have one for me!

COMO AQUA PARA CHOCOLATE By: Laura Esquivel Tita longs for Pedro, but can never have him because of her mother’s upholding of the family tradition: the youngest daughter cannot marry but instead must take care of her mother until she dies. Tita is only able to express herself when she cooks. Each chapter begins with a Mexican recipe that correlates to an event in Tita’s life. A FINE DESSERT By: Emily Jenkins This picture book follows four families who all make the same blackberry fool dessert, spanning across four centuries. As you read, the technology, careers, and living conditions change for the characters, but the dessert stays the same. Then you are invited to make the simple recipe with your family! CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE MURDER By: Joanne Fluke The first book in the beloved Hannah Swenson series, which follows a bakery owner turned amateur detective, delivers a solid mystery and an even more solid cookie recipe. Each title in this series comes with its own recipe as well. OKRA STEW By: Natalie Daise This rhythmic, joyous picture book from Natalie Daise, the co-star of the hit Nickelodeon show “Gullah Gullah Island,” celebrates a special day of father-son cooking, and serves up a love letter to food, family, Gullah Geechee culture, and tradition—and includes the author’s own recipe! THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP By: Nina George Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can’t seem to heal through literature is himself; he’s still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. The author tempts the reader with delicious mentions & recipes of famous French cooking. FRY BREAD: A NATIVE AMERICAN FAMILY STORY By: Kevin Noble Maillard Telling the story of both fry bread’s importance in Native American culture and the story of the vibrant and thriving culture itself, this picture book is a great introduction to Native culture for kids. The author has also included a recipe for fry bread you can make at home with your family! PICKLE WORDS By: April Pulley Sayre Open this book to savor a riotous rainbow of pickles. Not just green cucumbers, but yellow peppers, pink cabbages, and purple plums! Pickles come in all shapes and sizes—and so do the words that describe them. Also included is an easy recipe for refrigerator pickles to try at home! NATALIE TAN’S BOOK OF LUCK & FORTUNE By: Roselle Lim At the news of her mother’s death, Natalie Tan returns home. The two women hadn’t spoken since Natalie left in anger seven years ago. She is shocked to discover San Francisco’s Chinatown is fading, with businesses failing and families moving out. She’s even more surprised to learn she has inherited her grandmother’s restaurant. The book abounds with mouth-watering recipes. EMPANADAS FOR EVERYONE By: Jackie Azúa Kramer Every Saturday, Carina visits Tía Mimi in her barrio, which is always humming with life. Every Saturday, she loves to make empanadas with her aunt, singing: “I like empanadas! I like you! ¡Me gustan las empanadas! ¡Me gustas tú!” At the end of the book make your own Puerto Rican empanadas to share, with the author’s recipe! POMEGRANATE SOUP By: Marsha Mehran To the exotic Aminpour sisters, Ireland looks like a much-needed safe haven. It has been seven years since Marjan Aminpour fled Iran with her younger sisters, Bahar and Layla. Each chapter boasts a recipe for a different Persian dish from chicken with walnuts and pomegranates to deep-fried elephant ears.

You can debate the luxuries of 4-D, surround sound, IMAX experiences, and electronic reclining chairs till the credits appear, but born-and-raised Polk County residents will tell you the best place to see a movie in town has none of those. They’ll wax poetic about the Silver Moon Drive-In, and its Americana theater experience: the smell of popcorn, a freshly baked pizza on your dash, the sound quality that can only be achieved by speakers in an enclosed space, the prices that simply cannot be beat, and of course, the double feature. If you ask Chip Sawyer, the president of Sun South Theaters, about what he thinks makes the experience so unique he’ll say, “being at the drive-in allows you to be creative on how you watch the movies. Many people back into their spots and open their trunk to lay in the back of their vehicle… or bring their favorite outdoor chair and sit in front! People can bring their well-behaved dogs, or small children that might not be able to stay awake through a full movie.” All of this and more is what makes the drive-in such a unique and cherished format of entertainment, and we as Central Floridians are privileged to have one such treasure still available to us. A Bit of History The Silver Moon Drive-In and Swap Shop has been a Lakeland staple for 76 years, opening in April of 1948 as the first of its kind in Lakeland. Originally run by I. Q. Mize and M. G. Waring, and sporting only one screen, theater goers could expect to pay only 35 cents per admission to see the Blist movies of the era, be bathed in sound from the 357 state-ofthe-art (at the time) RCA speakers, enjoy the newsreels of the day, and a short cartoon with each flick. Snacks were located at the snack bar, which was situated toward the front of the lot, and if you didn’t wish to get out of your car to order your treats, have no fear, for vendors would circulate throughout the show hawking candy, popcorn, soda pop, and other such tasty tidbits. However, just two years after the drive-in opened, tragedy struck in the form of a tornado, which demolished the original screen and nearly took the office and one of the owners with it! Recuperating relatively quickly, an article written by the Ledger later in that year states that the Silver Moon was still one of the most well attended attractions in Lakeland at the time. With four different feature films throughout the week, I don’t find it hard to imagine that Lakelander’s of the 1950’s might be tempted out of their homes time and time again. The Silver Moon did not acquire its trademark marquee and neon signage until 1952, when the theater’s new owner, Carl Floyd of Floyd Enterprises, took over and updated the facility with a concession stand and, all important, onsite restrooms. Two years later, another important name in the history of the Silver Moon would appear, Harold Spears. He joined the Floyd Enterprises family at the age of 25 as the manager-in-training for a Clearwater branch of the company. Spears would come to be a bigger part of the Silver Moon story in 1969, when he was named by Carl Floyd as the President of Floyd Enterprises. After Spear’s promotion, the next two decades would bring a lot of change in ownership to the theaters, being absorbed by one larger corporation and then another. This culminated in 1996 when Mastec (who owned them at the time), began closing and selling all the drive-in theaters they had acquired. At 60 years old, Spears wasn’t yet ready to retire and still loved the theater business he and his father worked in so much that he bought the Silver Moon and Joy Lan Drive-Ins to start his own small business: Sun South Theatres. It is thanks to Mr. Spears and his family that we still have this historic theater. Historic in more ways than one, as it has been passed on to the next generation. His grandson began working at the theater on the weekends in 2007, and over the next 10 years Chip Sawyer worked his way from concessions to manager. In 2017 after the passing of his grandfather, Sawyer was named the new President of the company, and so the legacy continues. Today‘s Drive-In As one of only four drive-in theaters (you read that right, FOUR!) still in operation in the Sunshine State, today’s Silver Moon boasts the traditional: two low powered radio stations which play the movies of the evening through your car speaker set up (with portable radios for rent for those who have none), as well as two screens which show a rotating selection of four flicks, seven nights a week! There’s more thought that goes into the movie selection process than one would think, as nearly 500 movies are released each year in the United States, which actually blows my mind. With only two screens to show that surplus of films on, the staff has to be pretty selective and find the best of the best. Having asked Sawyer how walk-in theaters impact the work he does at the drive-in, he answered me by highlighting the symbiosis of walk-in versus drivein theaters. “The success of walkins is actually critical! With the vast majority of sales from movies coming from walk-ins because of the amount of locations and their higher ticket prices, without walk-in theaters, the film industry simply wouldn’t survive. And without the film industry, drive-ins wouldn’t have the first-run movies they need to survive either.” When it comes down to it, I’d pick a double feature at the drive-in over a traditional theater any day, especially after talking with their gracious staff. Ticket prices are still incredibly low ($8 for ages 10+, $3 for ages 4-9, and kids three and under are free) as the administration is just as committed now to making movie nights affordable for everyone, as they were back in 1948. At the time of this writing, inspired by fond memories of high school dates and family movies, my partner and I went out to Silver Moon to see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Transformers One. Between our two tickets, the pizza we split, and two fountain drinks the grand total? Drumroll please… a whopping $35! Compare that to the exact same selections at the Cinemark or Lakeside 18 and you’d be looking at at least a $50 bill for the tickets alone. The staff has done an incredible job of merging the roots of the drive-in with this more modern era, as we were enchanted by the vintage commercials that played at intermission between films. Watching a fudgsicle twirl a baton as a row of ice cream cups high step behind it, I was immediately reminded of John Travolta with greased back hair, a leather jacket, and a broken heart over Oliva Newton-John that he just had to belt out… to the chagrin of all the other couples interrupted in their canoodling. From Mountain Dew commercials from the 1960’s and the ear worm that is “Let’s All Go to the Lobby” you will be charmed and transported to a different time. As it turns out we were lucky to get a spot that night, as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been one of their top billed movies. Chip told me that predicting which movies will be hits with the community can sometimes be tricky, as “family-friendly blockbuster movies do best. But sometimes (as is the case with Beetlejuice), remakes of older movies or sequels can do really well, and especially around Halloween you have a lot more people who want to come out to the drive-in to watch a horror movie or two.” He confided in me that Halloween is his favorite season for the drive-in, as the staff decorates a broken down car donated by ARC Towing, and lets the screams commence in a horror marathon. This year’s line-up was Monsters OR Doom and Blum. Other Events There are more unique offerings that the staff present as well, with community fundraisers over the years for cancer patients, Mother’s Day double features, the Rocky Horror Picture show and many other events just as wonderful. During the initial years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Silver Moon partnered with Harrison School for the Arts to give the Motion Picture and Musical Theater departments opportunities to showcase their work on the big screen to family and friends, while also maintaining safety restrictions. This is truly a group of people who care about making their community’s life better and being a space for fun, the love poured into each parking spot is palpable. In more creative efforts to utilize the space for the community, the staff allows patrons (who ask in advance) to project personalized messages up onto the screen before the credits roll. With things as timeless as birthday celebrations and as sentimental as a proposal, the staff has seen it all. So, pay attention to the screen even before the commercials and credits and you might just be part of someone else’s magical moment. Starting in the 1980’s, in an effort to utilize the space when the sun is out, the theater hosts a swap shop every weekend. The vendors change from week to week, sometimes even day to day, so you never know what you might find. Hit up the downtown Winter Haven or Lakeland farmers markets on a Saturday, then swing by the Silver Moon on Sunday for your market fix and you just might head home with a treasure, or two! So, if you’re someone who wants to support this local gem, do so with gusto! The best way is through their concessions, which are delicious, with everything from hot dogs to ice cream, soft drinks, or a chilly dill pickle if you’re hankering for a salty, crunchy bite. With a little something for everyone, the drive-in adds that perfect level of whimsy to elevate any date, family movie night, or solo outing to something you’ll remember forever. Silver Moon Drive-In 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland (863) 682-0849 silvermoondrivein.com FB @silvermoondrivein IG @silver_moon_drive_in

Jon Corneal, a former member of the Flying Burrito Brothers and the International Submarine Band, brought his rich musical legacy to the Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHF) stage on August 4th in Nashville. Corneal’s career spans decades, having performed with icons like Dillard & Clark, the Glaser Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, Kitty Wells, the Wilburn Brothers, and even Warren Zevon. For this special event, he was joined by Jim Lauderdale, a Nashville mainstay in country, bluegrass, and Americana, who has released over thirty studio albums and written songs for the likes of Vince Gill, George Jones, Ralph Stanley, and George Strait. Rounding out the lineup were bassist Garry Tallant and guitarist Tim “Buster Cousins” Kelliher. The performance celebrated the “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles CountryRock” exhibition, where Corneal’s iconic Nudie suit and a jacket once belonging to Gram Parsons are on display. “It’s an honor to have something of mine in the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Corneal said, reflecting on the exhibition, which will feature the suits on loan for a total of three and a half years. He described Gram’s Nudie jacket as red with submarines and torpedoes on it. He laughed, “He left the britches somewhere else!” Corneal shared that it was a full-circle moment, recalling when he lived in Nashville in the 60s. For this trip, he stayed at a Holiday Inn near “Record Row,” where all the labels and studios were and around the corner from where he used to live. Jim Lauderdale not only performed but also interviewed Corneal on stage between songs. “Jim’s sort of been my buddy,” Corneal noted, emphasizing Lauderdale’s efforts to bring his story to a wider audience. Corneal proudly claims his place in music history: “I was the first country-rock drummer, the first country-rock musician, singer, and producer— when I was just 19.” The August 4th show featured six songs, with Lauderdale on rhythm guitar and Corneal handling the drums and vocals. The audience packed the house, hanging on every note and story shared. When asked what it means to him to have had this experience, Corneal replied, “Well, it’s the recognition. It’s a revered institution. I remember visiting the original Hall of Fame and seeing Elvis’s white Cadillac with gold everything. Finally, somebody’s paying attention. Since social media, my career has come back to life.” Corneal still performs regularly, though he admits he’s not as strong or as breathy as in his younger days. He hopes to release a box set chronicling his life’s work and is working on a gospel album. His passion for music remains as vivid as ever, and his supporters have been there every step of the way. You can hear Jon play along with a group of musicians every Friday at Hillcrest Coffee in Lakeland. There are two shows, the first at noon, the second at 1:30 pm. They draw a crowd, so get there early and grab a seat to hear and watch the legendary Jon Corneal perform.

Olivia Sanchez is transforming the local beauty scene using an eco-conscious approach with her company, Sudz Cauldron. Passionate about crafting products that are as kind to the environment as they are to the skin, this maker shares the story behind its sustainable practices, natural ingredients, and the mission to make beauty routines more earth-friendly. Olivia was born in Illinois and moved to Haines City in the sixth grade. She went to Polk State College for her AA, the University of Southern Florida for her undergraduate studies, and then Saint Leo University for her master’s in human resources. She began her career working for the City of Winter Haven with a passion for helping people and the hope of making a positive impact on the community. She loved beginning her career with the City, but there was another side of her that was also passionate about creating a sustainable lifestyle. “I made a change in my life to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, and this is what really led to Sudz Cauldron for me. I was becoming more intentional about the products I was using every day, and the companies I was supporting,” Olivia said. She realized she was being very wasteful. “I would pick up shampoo and if it smelled nice, I used it. This journey really led me to becoming more in tune when it comes to my health, and my hair health.” It started with her own hair. She could never find something effective to work on her hair. “When it came to my hair, I felt like I’ve always hated it. I didn’t like how dark it was, how oily it was. And really, embarking on this journey has what really made me become more fascinated with ingredients and formulating my own solutions eventually.” This led to the creation of her shampoo and conditioner bars. Imagine a little bar of soap, but for your hair. The only packaging is a little paper box made from recycled materials. One of Sudz Cauldron’s shampoo bars is equivalent to about four bottles of store-bought shampoo, depending on how often you’re washing, the length of hair, etc. Olivia would sit in her car on lunch breaks and research. She learned about different ingredients and how just one ingredient could drastically change how something works. She started experimenting and making her own shampoo. After going to work and having people comment on her hair, she was so happy to tell them that she was making her own products. “I found that there were so many other people like me, and at the time there wasn’t anything around here that was a sustainable eco shop where I could have that easy access to products that could help me through this journey. At the time I was making a lot of my own products. It was primarily the hair care products but I was also making my own toilet cleaners, my own kitchen cleaners and other things. But the hair care aspect is something that I just fell in love with.” Sudz Cauldron is a lifestyle. They offer seven products: four shampoo bars and three conditioner bars. All of them are formulated completely differently. “It took me forever to formulate all of these different product lines, but, it’s necessary. There is a need for people to find something for their dryer scalp, or oilier hair or curls, I want them to have access to that.” Her goal is to have her shampoo and conditioner bars be so good that you ditch plastic entirely. But it doesn’t end there. This is not just an eco-conscious company but an impact-driven company. “My grandparents in Mexico were farmers.” They grew up in a rural area growing livestock, and all of the food that they ate. “I’ve always had this passion of supporting farmers through my business. A lot of the ingredients, like our shea butter, our cocoa butter, and Jamaican black castor oil are all sourced through fair-trade suppliers. The ingredients are literally handmade, and they give back to the farmers by supporting them with fair wages and better working conditions.” Alongside Sudz Cauldron, Olivia is also working with two other women in Polk County to launch a business called Latinas Profesionales in Action (LPA). “It’s an opportunity not just for Latinas but for women who are like me,” she said. “Starting a business from the ground up is challenging when you don’t have access to the right resources or connections. At LPA, we want to offer that support to women who are ambitious about their own businesses.” Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Don’t be afraid to try.” “I had no clue before this, I didn’t know what was in shampoo, how do you make it, how does it lather?” She continued, “I started off doing farmers markets. I’m finally in this space where I’m trying to expand and reach more customers who are wanting these kind of products throughout Florida and expanding into other states, just being able to make our products more accessible.” She smiled and added that she didn’t want to say anything right now, but there is more to come. “With Sudz Cauldron products, you’re getting something that’s truly made with intention, with better quality ingredients, again the environmental impact as well. There’s so many bonuses to that.” Shop & find out where you can buy her products locally at sudzcauldron.com . IG @sudzcauldron FB @Sudz Cauldron Find Latina’s Profesionales in Action IG@latinasprofesionalesinaction