Search this site

Meet the people and discover the passion behind a world renowned bowling center right here in Polk County. Kegler may or may not, be a term you’re familiar with. I have to admit, it is one I just became aware of. Kegler is borrowed from the German verb kegeln, which means “to bowl,” and its first known use, according to Merriam-Webster, was in 1932. So, we can certainly say it has been around for some time, and so have its derivatives Kegel (bowling pin) and Kegling (bowling). If you are a Polk County native, maybe the name Kegel is something you’ve seen driving US-27 through Lake Wales. As it is the home of the Kegel Training Center and has been since 2004– that’s over two decades. If you’re anything like me though, you still couldn’t tell me what the place is … or what goes on there. Nevertheless, that’s about to change! John Janawicz John is a Winter Haven local and pro bowler who works for the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales. John has been with the company for 28 years, and while interviewing him, his passion and respect for the company and the game of bowling, flowed out of the very core of who he is. Kegel and Kegeling are very much a part of his identity. “I was two years old when I knew I wanted to bowl.” John continued, “I saw a PBA telecast on a Saturday afternoon and told my mom– in my best two-year-old vocabulary– that I wanted to bowl. Of course, she was concerned about my two-year-old body being able to throw a six-pound ball, so she started me on candlepin bowling.” Being from New Hampshire, they had both candlepin bowling and ten-pin, so his mother was able to support young John’s desire to play. If you’re not familiar with candlepin, the ball weighs between 2 and 3 pounds and has a diameter of 4.5 inches, which can easily fit in the palm of your hand. This was a much more viable option for such a young kegler–and little John got pretty good at the game. Eventually, he would give up candlepin and move on to bigger or better things. Just five years later, John’s family made the move to Merritt Island, Florida. In 1980, 7-year-old John was a little broken-hearted because candlepin didn’t exist here. He chuckled as he recounted his father telling him, “They only have one kind of bowling here, so you’ve got to bowl with the big balls if you’re going to keep bowling.” Just like any great father would do, he taught his son to adapt to the game and not give up on something he loved. John took his advice, and fell more in love with the game of bowling that we Floridians know. He started junior leagues the next year, and by the time he was eighteen he was getting sponsors and traveling for tournaments and events throughout the U.S. John had always dreamed of becoming a pro bowler and going on tour, so how did that dream finally become a reality for him? According to John, Kegel led him there. He told me about a time when Kegel threw these ten-game bowling tournaments every month for over a decade. John had success in these events and had really gotten to know the founder of the company, John Davis. Since The Kegel Company manufactured much of the world’s bowling machines and lane conditioners, they were also in charge of many of the major bowling events and had contracts with the major bowling tournament organizations around the world. From 1997-2003, Kegel oversaw the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour. “I had success bowling up to that point and was looking to get better, so I asked John Davis if he had any work for me. He suggested that I go to Reno and get more experience working for the ABC Nationals. Six months later, when I got home, he needed some help at the company and hired me to work; I’ve been with them ever since.” Kegel became his place of employment in 1998, and working with them continued to strengthen his game. John shares, “Davis was the kind of guy that just wanted to help bowlers get better, and he made this the premier place to do that.” John Janawicz definitely hasn’t stopped improving. In fact, you can only see that it has become even more deeply ingrained in who he is. He quotes Kobe Bryant’s orange metaphor, “I like to squeeze an orange, and see all the juice come out,” as he shares his goal to be the best bowler and employee he can be and know he left it all on the lane. On weekdays, you will find him giving technical support for bowling centers all over the world as they depend on Kegel to provide their centers with lane cleaners, lane oils, and lane conditioners to keep their facilities serving keglers all over the world. As he puts it, “We are like the greenskeepers of golf.” On weeknights you’ll find him hitting the ten private lanes in the Kegler Training Center to get in practice hours, study oil patterns, and strengthen his own game. Then on weekends (and any extra time) you can follow his pro bowling career. Because John held on to a dream for 48 years, made bowling a part of his life, and then his life’s work, at fifty he is finally living that dream. He now holds eleven PBA50 Tour titles and has held PBA50 Player of the Year awards for two consecutive years. If you ask him if he has any plans to retire, he will tell you, “As long as the company still wants me, I think I’ll try to stay as long as I possibly can.” Verity Crawley Verity Crawley is another Polk County local and pro bowler who knows the name Kegel very well. Verity was born in Bournemouth, England, and moved to Polk County in 2012 to attend Webber International University in Babson Park and train at the Training Center. Growing up in the UK, Verity had taken up the sport at age 5. Bowling professionally was never really on her radar, but bowling for her country was something she always wanted to do. Every year there were trials held for the country’s junior and adult teams, and that really drove her to give bowling her best. Bowling for the UK was always a hope and aspiration for Verity, and fortunately she was able to reach that goal and bowl beyond it. She first competed for England’s junior team at age 12 and won silver. Then in 2012, her bowling skyrocketed when she won singles in the Youth Championship Games in Denmark with a perfect game! That’s 12 consecutive strikes, for a score of 300. In her words, “From there everything changed; doors were opened.” One of those doors would be an opportunity to bowl for Webber. She recalls, “I was 18 when I came here to study. It was bowling that brought me here. That was the biggest thing drawing me. I was coming here to do collegiate bowling because we didn’t have anything like that in England, so this was my best opportunity to learn and grow.” While bowling for Webber, she won three national championship titles and many individual titles. Her experience confirms that the name Kegel is in fact very familiar after all, and even prestigiously known in bowling circles. Verity is very matter of fact when asked what brought her here, “The Kegler Training Center is known worldwide as being the best bowling training center in the world–that’s what brought me here, and it is pretty hard to leave here once you’re here.” It wasn’t until being in the U.S. that she even realized professional bowling was an option she could take. In fact, the Professional Women’s Bowling Association that started in 1960 had stopped operating in 2003. However, in 2015, her senior year at Webber, the U.S. relaunched the tour, and the Women’s Professional Tour was back. Verity decided to take a shot as an amateur to test the waters and see if that was a route she might want to take. A year after graduating, and still working as a paralegal in Winter Haven, she joined the professional tour even though it didn’t seem like it could be a full-time reality. However, not being able to get her visa to continue working may have been the push she needed. She joined the tour and began traveling as a pro. As the first British woman to become a professional bowler, she is inspiring others to make their mark in the bowling world too. Verity shares, “Bowling is for everybody, and it has such a vast opportunity of what you can do with it. Whether you are taking it to a professional level or just having fun with family and friends; you can do it when you’re 16 or 96, and that’s what makes bowling so special.” Verity has coached at the collegiate level and continues to do a lot of online coaching and mentoring to leave her legacy and pass her knowledge on to future bowlers all over the world. She even received the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) Dick Weber Ambassador Award in 2024, an award presented to global ambassadors who give their time and energy to promote the sport in positive ways on and off the lanes. If you follow Webber International University now, you will find that it has one of the best collegiate bowling programs in the nation. Both their women’s and men’s teams train weekly at the Kegel Training Center and get to use all the advanced technology to strengthen their performances. John shared that some of the head coaches at the school started training in that very building when they were in their teens and are now pouring into the next generation of bowlers. In the years Verity attended (2012-2016), the program became one of three schools in the Intercollegiate Team Championships to win both the men’s and women’s titles in the same year. Verity has had firsthand experience with the high-quality work of the Training Center and Webber’s successful bowling program. Both have played a huge part in turning her collegiate bowling career into a professional one. Both John and Verity share a passion for the game and the education behind it, and that’s where Kegel connects them. Verity points out that the company’s tagline is “Built for Bowling,” and that’s exactly what the training center is doing, building bowlers! John shares, “There’s a lot of great educators under this one roof–right here in the middle of Polk County, and we’ve been that leader in bowling for decades now!” The Kegel Training Center was the first of its kind. The original facility opened in Sebring in 1997. Janawicz started with the company in 1998. He has loved being one of the trailblazers helping to spur on the aspirations of John Davis, who founded The Kegel Company in 1981 when he invented a lane cleaning tool, The Key ™, to help with lane maintenance. Mr. Davis, who passed away in 2013, had also lived his company’s tagline; he quite literally “Built for Bowling!” That first invention still hangs on the wall in the foyer of the training center. For thirty-two years, he continued to build and engineer to make the game of bowling as consistent and precise as possible. His last invention was the Kegel Lanemapper ™. This machine reads the topography of the lanes and gives centers a real look at whether the lanes are really flat, giving players a fair playing field. According to the company’s website, he wanted to make lanes play the same. If he could take out the inconsistencies of the game, then bowlers could be better and faster. Verity and John share that for them, bowling is not just a game– it is learning and growing, and bowling has built them for the better. “This sport has grown me as a person and given me confidence to do things I wouldn’t otherwise do,” said Verity. She believes knowledge gives power and that education brings confidence to any area of life, and that’s what bowling has given to her. That is why she says she is still here soaking up the knowledge and resources in the building. Both pro bowlers agree that the knowledge and education are unmatched, and after researching this company and its founder, I would have to agree. As a novice bowler who may or may not ask for lane bumpers, I never knew there was so much education and engineering that went into the sport. I have a newfound respect for the level of genius and calculation that elite bowlers, trainers, and coaches carry to the deck. Now when you drive by this building in Lake Wales, or you hear the name Kegel, you can confidently say you know that name. You now have the knowledge, education, and hopefully confidence to share ALL that goes on there. Verity explained how much is actually built, right there by hand, for bowling centers around the world. John remarked, “We manufacture close to 90-95% of the worldwide market.” If you want to go from novice to rookie of the year, or dream of a pro bowling career, the Training Center can take you there. Their website says, “We can make the sport more fun, more competitive, and more satisfying for bowlers of all ages and skill levels.” Go to kegeltrainingcenter.com to find out more information about coaching, lessons, pricing, and more. If you’d like to take a closer look, you can even take a tour of the facility. They are free to the public, and there are also field trip opportunities available for schools, homeschoolers, and microschools. Walking into the facility on any given day, you will find mechanics building lane cleaners, electricians wiring them, coaches training on deck, bowlers practicing on oil patterns, mixers pouring lane conditioners, machines bottling, testers running tests, and workers packing and preparing products for shipping all over the world. This place may be built for one game, but there is definitely more than one thing going on here! Photos: Kamryn Tutiven & Provided

On Sunday, Nov 8, Swan Brewing and the streets surrounding Lake Wire will once again become a gathering place for artists, performers, makers, and art lovers during this year’s Art Crawl. This year’s event will add something new to the experience: Street Stories, a community mural project created in partnership with Art Crawl. The partnership feels like a natural fit for two events with a shared goal: both are interested in what is happening here in Central Florida and in giving local artists opportunities to build an audience, make connections, and have their work seen outside traditional gallery spaces. Art Crawl began in 2013 with support from the Polk Museum of Art (now The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art). From the start, Art Crawl has created space for emerging artists, performers, art organizations, and grassroots movements that might not fit the traditional art festival model. In 2017, Art Crawl became its own nonprofit organization and is now run by a volunteer board of professional art educators, artists, and arts advocates. That mission remains at the heart of the event. “Art Crawl is really a home for local artists who are in between,” says Ellen Chastain, founder and director of Art Crawl. The event gives artists a place to show work beyond school or internship level that doesn’t quite fit in a traditional gallery space or fine arts event. The event has grown immensely since its first year, when Art Crawl was held in the Polk Museum of Art parking lot. Today, it takes over the area around Swan Brewing and Lake Wire, creating a much larger environment where artists and visitors can interact directly. This year, Chastain says Art Crawl received approximately 70 to 100 applications, including artists who have participated in previous years and are returning to the event. Contemporary art remains a major focus, with an emphasis on artists bringing new ideas and fresh voices to the local scene. Visitors can expect live painting, interactive art, art battles, performance art, dance, poetry, food and beer, along with plenty of opportunities to talk with the people creating the work. Guests have the chance to meet artists, learn about their work, and become part of the creative process. A heart for HERO’s Inc. will bring a “horse artist.” Watch a very special horse create art. The event will also feature an art battle hosted by local Lakeland gallery Notta Gallery called “Notta Swan.” Ten artists will compete while the public votes for their favorites, with awards and cash prizes going to the winners. Local students and performers will also be part of the event. Harrison School for the Arts will participate with spoken word, while FrediDANCE Project will bring a performance to the festivities. That mix of disciplines has always been part of Art Crawl’s identity. The event’s original motto was “Art, music, and food,” and its history includes helping provide a home for other local creative projects. The Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market, for example, was born at Swan Brewing through Art Crawl. Swan Brewing has continued to serve as an important partner and home for the event. This year, Art Crawl is expanding that spirit with Street Stories. Created by Sabrina Sanchez and Jon Sierra, Street Stories is a community mural and cultural experience that highlights the people, stories, and creativity already present in Lakeland. Sierra has been connected to Art Crawl since 2016 and says the project grew out of his desire to give back to the community in his own way. Around 30 artists applied to participate in Street Stories, with six ultimately selected. The artists have been working on their murals at the Depot Arts District, run by the Lakeland Art Association. The pieces will arrive at Swan Brewing approximately 90 percent complete, allowing visitors to watch the artists finish their work live during Art Crawl. At the end of the event, the murals will be auctioned. The six muralists represent a mix of established and newer voices from around Florida. Lakeland artists Fonz, David Cedeno, Travis Doodles, Sharard X, and Mae Carroll will be joined by St. Pete Beach artist Merritt Horan Capurro. Their backgrounds and approaches are varied, which is part of what makes Street Stories especially connected to the larger mission of Art Crawl. Fonz has worked as a creative professional for 20 years. In contrast, Capurro, a native Floridian and UCF graduate, spent eight years in New York City as a textile artist before returning to Florida. She has since created approximately 26 murals around the St. Petersburg area, developing a style rooted in contemporary realism and still life. Several of the participating artists have deep ties to Lakeland and use their work to reflect the community around them. Sharard X creates large-scale public artwork focused on community, history, education, and culture. Mae Carroll grew up in Lakeland, studied visual art and graphic design locally, and now works as a creative director, graphic designer, and muralist while supporting local businesses and organizations through her work. Travis Doodles uses art and storytelling in his work with Worth and Purpose, a nonprofit focused on serving people experiencing homelessness. For Street Stories, he is sharing his mural with Reggie, another artist whose story reflects resilience and creativity. David Cedeno, born and raised in Miami, uses art to process his experiences and connect with viewers through personal expression. Together, the artists show what both Art Crawl and Street Stories aim to accomplish. The events are not simply bringing outside talent into Lakeland for a weekend. They are creating opportunities for artists already part of Florida’s creative community to connect with audiences, build relationships, and find new paths forward. This local focus matters in a place like Lakeland, where the arts community continues to grow through independent artists, small businesses, galleries, schools, nonprofits, and grassroots projects. On November 8, those communities will come together around Swan Brewing. For visitors, Art Crawl and Street Stories offer an afternoon and evening of art, music, performance, food, and drinks. For the artists, the event is more personal: a chance to be seen, meet other creatives, connect with potential supporters, and share their work with the community around them. At its core, that is what Art Crawl has been doing since 2013. This year, with Street Stories joining the celebration, that mission gets a little bigger while remaining firmly rooted in the same place: Lakeland and the artists who call Florida home. ART CRAWL & STREET STORIES November 8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Swan Brewing 115 Pine St, Lakeland artcrawlfl.com IG @artcrawlfl IG @streetstories.art

As the first 10 seconds tick away, Blake Conner, a semi-pro paintball competitor based in Polk County, knows it’s go time. Before the paint starts flying, Blake’s voice cuts through the anticipated chaos, calling out codes and directing his teammates with the strategy they need to execute their defensive and offensive plays. “Paintball is an adrenaline-heavy game, and when I’m playing, it’s with four of my best friends, who I’m not going to let get shot,” said Blake. “So at the start of each game, I get really hyped up with confidence to win it and defend my guys against the other team.” It was a December night when seven-year-old Blake was first introduced to paintball. His parents had gathered their staff for a thrilling Christmas party at the paintball field across the street from their auto shop, B&K Auto Repair Inc. in Winter Haven. After that night, paintball quickly became more than a new experience for Blake; it became his dream to compete professionally. Before entering tournaments, paintball grew into a family activity. “Yeah, my whole family used to play, everyone except my mom,” said Blake. “So from the ages of 9 and 10, my dad, my brother, my sister, and my cousin would go across the street and play with each other.” Eventually, Blake was old enough to enter into his first tournament and put his skills to the test. “My first actual Speedball tournament was when I turned 10, and ever since, I’ve been in love.” Once Blake moved into competitive speedball, his dad, brother, and a family friend formed their own team: the Mini Skulls, a name inspired by how small they were at the time. Blake played with the Mini Skulls until 2021, then continued to compete with other teams like Damage Control. The transition marked the beginning of his journey from a young player discovering the sport to a competitor determined to make a name for himself in paintball. In 2024, his paintball career took another step forward when he competed in the Maximum Velocity Paintball Series (MVPS). Through the series, his team earned a spot in the MVPS AllStar Tournament, where Blake was selected to represent them. At that tournament, he met Ryan Corothers, another young player who would become one of Blake’s closest friends and teammates. When Blake first met Ryan, he didn’t know the connection would eventually lead him to joining Legacy Factor, a semi-pro team coached by Ryan’s dad, Matthew Corothers. Legacy Factor practices at Legacy Sports Park in North Lakeland, a fitting place for Blake to continue pursuing his professional paintball dreams. “People can rent equipment there and play, but it’s mainly known for its historic field,” Blake said. “It’s been there since before I was born, and it’s the spot to get better at paintball.” Originally known as Central Florida Paintball, the park has been a staple in Central Florida’s paintball community since the early 2000s. It has served as a training ground for players and teams, including professionals from across the state. With guidance from coach Matthew Corothers, his cousin Max Rooney, a pro player for Chicago After Shock, and the support of Jason “FK” Edwards, a professional player with Tampa Bay Damage and coowner of Legacy Sports Park, Blake and his teammates have earned first-place and runner-up finishes while working toward the professional ranks. Through Legacy Factor, Blake has competed in tournaments in Aruba, Ohio, and Europe, gaining experience against players from different teams and backgrounds. For Blake, competing overseas fulfilled a longtime dream. “It’s always been a dream of mine in paintball, just to go play Europe. And if you are in any type of way into paintball, you should,” Blake said. “I’m also grateful for the local pros who help a lot, especially Jason Edwards, who dropped down from pro to play semi-pro with us in all the Europe tournaments.” During NXL Europe UK, Blake competed with Manchester Firm, giving him the opportunity to experience paintball on an international level. Another major opportunity came when Blake pursued a place on Team USA for the Nations Cup of Paintball, which he describes as “the world cup of paintball.” The path began with a paintball combine, where players demonstrated their abilities in hopes of advancing to the next stage. Blake placed first, earning the opportunity to travel to Texas for tryouts. “The tryouts were rough. It’s a lot of paintball with fast drills and only two pods on your back,” Blake said. Following tryouts, selected players traveled to Boston to practice together before heading to Paris for the United Paintball Federation World Championships. Blake won the gold in the U19 2026 division. In the speedball format Blake plays, teams navigate a field of inflatable bunkers, working to create an opening to reach and hit the opposing team’s buzzer before time expires or their team is eliminated. The style evolved from the traditional game of capture the flag, replacing the flag with a buzzer that makes scoring easier for spectators to follow. “It’s all about reading the game,” Blake said. “I’m reading the other team, seeing what they’re doing around their start box and in the field. Then I am passing that information along to my teammates to do their job, which will in result impact the game.” For players just starting out, Blake encourages them not to let the fear of getting hit keep them from enjoying the sport. “The worst thing in this game is when you first start and you’re scared and you get shot. Just try and get over that quickly,” he said. “I promise you it makes the game way more fun too.” Beyond competition, paintball has given Blake a community of friends who have grown alongside him. “In 2018 and 2019, we all started coming up at around the same time,” Blake said. “We were all on different teams, but our parents would force us to introduce ourselves to each other, and then we became friends.” Despite the friendships that bring players together, once the match begins, Blake approaches the opposing team with a different mindset: H.A.T.E., a slogan from Jason Edwards that stands for Heart, Attitude, Teamwork, Execution. “Hate each other for 60 minutes,” Blake said. “And then you’re best friends after it. So that’s what I think of when I go to play a match against anyone.” Through competing, traveling and building relationships through the sport, Blake is still working toward his next milestone: reaching the professional level. Rather than waiting to be recruited, Blake hopes to earn his place by winning the series and proving himself through semi-pro competition. For now, he continues to compete and coach through paintball organizations, including the Maximum Velocity Paintball Series and USXBL, while working toward his bachelor’s degree. When asked about how long he sees himself playing paintball, Blake’s answer was simple: to keep playing for as long as he can. “I just love this game,” Blake said. Catch a National X-League Paintball game yourself, by attending the 2026 NXL World Cup in Kissimmee, Florida, from Nov. 11 to 15.

Gram Parsons will be formally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 14, 2026. His recognition falls in the Early Influence category. The Hall honored him as the visionary architect of country-rock, praising him for pioneering a cross-genre sound he called “Cosmic American Music,” which fused country, rock, soul, gospel, and folk. The official induction materials and remarks highlighted several key elements of his legacy: • Cosmic American Music: He was celebrated for breaking down rigid genre boundaries and expanding what audiences thought country music could be. • Emotional Depth: The Hall noted his “plaintive, warm, and vulnerable” voice, and his ability to bring striking honesty to both original compositions (like “Hickory Wind”) and classic covers. • Iconic Style: He was recognized as the first rock musician of his era bold enough to wear a “Nudie suit” on stage, seamlessly blending a traditional cowboy aesthetic with countercultural rock sensibilities. • Enduring Influence: His brief but profound work with the International Submarine Band, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and his solo albums laid the undisputed foundation for both country rock and modern Americana Gram Parsons’ brief tenure with The Byrds lasted only about five months in 1968, yet it completely shifted the trajectory of rock history. He joined the band in February 1968 as a backing piano player following the departure of David Crosby. However, his magnetic personality and deep passion for traditional country quickly overrode frontman Roger McGuinn’s original concept of a “history of American music” LP, steering the band toward a full-immersion country album instead. LOCAL EXHIBIT IS A TRIBUTE TO PARSONS’ CAREER From now through December, the Museum of Winter Haven History is presenting “Gram Parsons: His Musical Journey” as a special exhibit. It features five visual displays of his music and history. A variety of photographs detail his musical evolution. The exhibit also includes a slide show of information and a variety of Parsons’ music from The Byrds, International Submarine Band, Flying Burrito Brothers, and Emmylou Harris. THE DERRY DOWN: PRESERVING OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE In 1964, Bob Parsons bought a small, nondescript warehouse on Fifth Street NW, Winter Haven. His adopted son Gram was a young musician who needed a place to play, and Parsons wanted to give him — and others like him — somewhere to develop their craft. On the night of December 20, 1964, the Derry Down held its grand opening. What happened inside that warehouse over the years that followed would eventually connect Winter Haven, however indirectly, to the Rolling Stones, Emmylou Harris, and the roots of what became country rock, or, as Parsons preferred to call it, Cosmic American Music. Jack McLintock, writing in the Tampa Tribune, captured the Derry Down’s particular character with affectionate precision: “Have you ever had a derryburger? Or a downdog? Or drunk a Wales Sunset or a Midsummer Night’s Dream? Winter Haven has a new club for young adults that offers these and other bits of exotic on its menu. It’s called the Derry Down after a portion of the chorus of an English folk song. Its operators bill the Derry Down as a place ‘In the Spirit of Olde England.’ A long building with high beamed ceiling and partly paneled walls, the Derry Down is the newest example of a current fad: ‘night clubs’ for the non-drinking set — mostly teenagers. It is supposed to look like an Eighteenth Century English Inn. What it does look like is a refurbished warehouse — which it is.” It was exactly that. And it was exactly enough. Gram Parsons and his band the Shilos were the house act. Other aspiring young musicians found a welcome stage there — Jim Carlton, Jerry Mincey, and others whose names those who were there still remember. Rolling Stone magazine would eventually rank Parsons among the top 100 rock and roll influences of the last century. The journey that led to that recognition began, in meaningful part, on a stage in a refurbished warehouse on Fifth Street NW in Winter Haven. When Winter Haven’s Six/Ten Corporation learned of the building’s significance, they donated it to Main Street Winter Haven with a stipulation: it was to be restored as a venue for young musicians and entertainers — a listening place, as the vision was expressed, for young and old alike. The restoration honored both the building and the legacy it carried. The Derry Down stage, where a teenager named Gram Parsons first found his audience, now introduces new generations of performers to theirs. Through the care and dedication of Main Street and its manager, Anita Strang, the Derry Down and Parsons’ legacy are secure. Some buildings earn their preservation. This one did.

In a pattern often attributed to the young, though not necessarily confined to the first quarter of life, the direction we take in pursuit of all things falling under the category of “destiny”—whether manifested in our interests, our chosen places, or some other sort of fate—tends to ensure that our compass points directly away from our own backyards, toward skies and scenery unfamiliar but better and different. They must be. So we go, and if we get the chance to return, we do so with greater vision, seeing the subtle shapes of the leaves on our backyard trees and the landscapes of our home counties, almost invisible until we have explored other places. While I have generally been more than content with all the views my Florida had to offer, when it came to the topics of my interests, namely ufology, I got out of the Sunshine State and did not turn back. I focused first on one of the earliest and farthest-west cases. It was Roswell, the events of the summer of 1947, in a desert far away from my humid hometown, that captured the enthusiasm of my burgeoning interest. Time waited while I explored all the roads in between, with a knowing smile on her face. When I began looking more deeply at the saucers supposedly circling the skies in my own backyard, I found the big gift: Gulf Breeze, wrapped in confusion-colored wrapping, with puzzles for bows and a tag that read, “From Florida, with love.” The Gulf Breeze UFO wave began on November 11, 1987, when Ed Walters, a building contractor in Gulf Breeze, Florida, reported an encounter with an unidentified flying object that would bring international attention to the small Panhandle community. Walters claimed that a blue beam briefly immobilized him before he photographed a craft hovering approximately 200 feet above the ground outside his home. He took five Polaroid photographs, describing the object as being “right out of a Spielberg movie.” Walters initially submitted the photographs anonymously to the Gulf Breeze Sentinel, using aliases that included “Mr. X,” “Mr. Ed,” and “Jim.” He reportedly did so to protect his family from ridicule. The photographs resemble film fantasy and a kind of “ufo photo” wish fulfillment. In this age of scrollable clickbait and the Pentagon’s discordant stacks of data, video files, and interoffice memos, one misses a time—even one before her own— when hoaxed work could be appreciated for its creativity and craft, regardless of whether anyone considered it genuine. The story expanded as Walters reported numerous subsequent encounters, producing dozens of photographs and video footage. His accounts often resembled arguments between two curious parties. He claimed that the beings communicated with him telepathically and that a blue beam sometimes immobilized him. During one encounter, after a tense back-and-forth about running tests on him, the entities reportedly presented him with a mental picture book of dogs. I can only imagine that this was an attempt to calm him—and what an attempt it was. This telepathic dog book immediately gained a top spot on the running list of “favorite things aliens have done” and an even higher spot on the list of “things I’d like aliens to show me.” Walters’s experiences were later detailed in The Gulf Breeze Sightings, which he wrote with his wife, Frances. As his accounts grew increasingly extraordinary, other Gulf Breeze residents began watching the skies and reporting similar craft. Many joined the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), and some became investigators. Reports also emerged from elsewhere in the region and state, extending the story beyond Gulf Breeze. By January 1989, the most frequently cited figure was more than 135 Gulf Breeze residents reporting UFO sightings. During those years, Gulf Breeze became known as the “UFO capital.” The community’s reports helped transform Walters’s personal account into a regional UFO wave. The photographs also drew scrutiny from investigators. Optical physicist and UFO investigator Bruce Maccabee examined Walters’s photographs and argued that they depicted a genuine object. Other investigators reached different conclusions. Robert Nathan of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory reportedly examined the photographs but did not authenticate them as genuine. Gulf Breeze mayor Ed Gray also concluded that the photographs were fabricated. Fabricated they may be, but not without artistic merit, reminding one of those taken by Billy Meier, who photographed what he claimed were metallic, disc-shaped spacecraft over the Swiss countryside in 1975 and 1976, identifying them as “beamships” from the Pleiades, or Erra. His snapshots of a craft nicknamed “the wedding cake,” while believed genuine by few, remain a high point of ufo photography. One of Meier’s saucer photographs even became the iconic “I Want to Believe” poster hanging in Fox Mulder’s office on “The X-Files” during its first three seasons. The Gulf Breeze controversy intensified after the Walters family moved out of their home in 1988. By 1989, Walters had publicly acknowledged taking the photographs. He continued to defend the encounters and the images, while skeptics increasingly questioned whether the craft had been constructed as a model. On June 10, 1990, Pensacola News Journal reporter Craig Myers reported that a model resembling the photographed UFO had been discovered beneath insulation in the attic of Walters’s former home. According to the newspaper, the model measured approximately nine inches across the top and five inches deep and was assembled from foam plates, drafting paper, plastic components, and colored material. Walters denied any knowledge of the model and suggested that UFO skeptics or the U.S. government might have planted it. He also relayed an account of a stranger entering the garage and accessing the attic, although Gulf Breeze police reportedly had no record of a break-in. News Journal photographers experimented with the model and reported that they could nearly reproduce some of the UFO photographs published in Walters’s book. Recordings preserved in internet archives serve as time capsules of the media phenomenon created by the Gulf Breeze wave. News coverage and television programs, including Unsolved Mysteries and the wonderfully silly two-hour television special UFO Cover-Up? Live! in 1988, carried the story to audiences far beyond Florida. Nearly four decades after Walters’s first reported encounter, Gulf Breeze remains one of Florida’s most recognizable entries in UFO history. Whether debunked, defended, or revisited, the events of those years remain a fascinating Floridian mixed bag, hardly able to contain its contents. It is a story that seems at once like an obvious hoax and like something that refuses to settle neatly into one category—a case shaded in grey, with a few grey areas of its own. Closer to home, and already creating a file rivaling my notes on my first study in the Nevada desert, the Gulf breeze UFO sightings are a sunset story in our strange history and a reminder to keep watching the skies, camera close by.

This month’s article is going to take a different path than many of my previous articles. I hope you’ll come along with me this month. Maybe you’ve felt it already. The cool air that signals Florida’s autumn has started to arrive. Though I’m writing this in October, the mornings and evenings are already beginning to crisp up. Will it still reach the high 80s some days? Probably. But after months of heat and humidity, even a breezy afternoon in the upper 70s to lower 80s can feel downright refreshing. In short, it’s time to get outside. WHY YOU SHOULD GET OUTSIDE People have sought the outdoors as a place of refuge for as long as we’ve lived indoors. Parks, green spaces, trees, and nature in general bring people peace, relaxation, and a refreshed perspective. This benefit of nature is backed by science, too. Research continues to show that spending time outdoors can improve both physical and mental health. Studies have found that exposure to natural settings can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even help people focus better. Time spent in green spaces has been associated with reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being. One of the more interesting findings is that it doesn’t necessarily take an all-day hike through a national forest to see benefits. Researchers have documented reductions in cortisol, one of the body’s primary stress hormones, after just 20 to 30 minutes spent in a natural setting. Whether that’s a walk through a local park, sitting under a tree during lunch, or wandering a favorite trail, the benefits can begin surprisingly quickly. PLACES TO EXPLORE THIS NOVEMBER As we move toward Thanksgiving, many of us will spend time reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that enrich our lives. One thing I find easy to take for granted is the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Polk County. TIGER CREEK PRESERVE: Near Lake Wales, Tiger Creek Preserve protects one of the last remaining examples of ancient sandhill, scrub, and hardwood hammock habitats in Central Florida. This trail winds through longleaf pine and Lake Wales Ridge habitats where visitors can walk at their own pace and experience some of the native landscapes that once covered much of Central Florida. BOK TOWER GARDENS, SPECIFICALLY: THE PINE RIDGE TRAIL: Located in Lake Wales, the Pine Ridge Trail showcases a quieter, more natural side of Bok Tower Gardens. This trail winds through Florida scrub and sandhill ecosystems where visitors can walk at their own pace and experience some of the native landscapes that once covered much of the Lake Wales Ridge. COLT CREEK STATE PARK: Situated north of Lakeland near Kathleen, Colt Creek State Park encompasses more than 5,000 acres of pine flatwoods, lakes, wetlands, and cypress domes. The park offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding on an extensive trail network. CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Hancock in Lakeland, Circle B Bar Reserve is one of Polk County’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing. Visitors can walk miles of trails through wetlands, oak hammocks, and lake-edge habitats while spotting birds, alligators, turtles, and other native wildlife. LAKELAND HIGHLANDS SCRUB: Tucked into south Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a small preserve that protects one of Florida’s rarest ecosystems: scrub habitat. Its short walking trails provide an opportunity to see scrub oaks and other drought-adapted plants while enjoying a quick nature break close to town. Whether you spend twenty minutes outdoors or a whole afternoon exploring a new trail, the important thing is simply making the time to get outside. November comes with plenty of opportunities for food, family, and fellowship, but it also comes with busy schedules, travel, shopping, and the stress that often accompanies the holiday season. Stepping outdoors for a walk, a quiet moment of reflection, or simply a change of scenery can be a great way to recharge before the rush of December begins. #OPTOUTSIDE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON You may have seen the hashtag #OptOutside in previous years, and I’d like to encourage you to do just that. Originally created by outdoor retailer REI to promote spending the day outdoors instead of shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the idea has grown beyond a marketing campaign. For many people, it has become a reminder to step away from the holiday rush and spend some time reconnecting with nature. As you find time to experience nature in a park or preserve near you, think about ways to make time outside an everyday habit. Try disc golf at the new course in Winter Haven, bird watching at Circle B, boating on one of our 500+ lakes, or even just reading a book in your local park. Looking for more inspiration? We’re excited to offer a new Nature Sketching Course (3 Sessions) this November and December featuring local artist Danielle Ivey. This small class is the perfect opportunity to try something new, spend time outdoors, and flex your creative muscles. Learn more and register here: NatureSketchingCourse.eventbrite.com. For more information about the activities or locations mentioned in this article, email me at scarnevale@ufl.ed or visit my webpage at go.ufl.edu/HAVENLKLD

Ornamental grasses are an attractive addition to any landscape. They can be used in mass plantings or highlighted as a specimen plant. Often underutilized in the landscape, ornamental grasses add texture and visual interest. Native ornamental grasses can be drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for the Florida-Friendly landscape. The following native grasses are versatile and can grow in full sun and sandy soil conditions. Look for them at your local nursery and consider adding native ornamental grasses to your landscape. MUHLY GRASS (Muhlenbergia capillaris) Muhly grass is a native, drought-tolerant, attractive ornamental grass. It grows two feet tall and wide. In the fall, the flowers are very showy purple plumes that rise above the foliage. This grass is low maintenance, pest-free, and can be used in mass plantings or as a specimen plant. A showstopper in our fall landscapes! GAMA GRASS (Tripsacum dactyloides) Gama grass, or Fakahatchee grass, is a large grass, growing six feet tall and wide. It is drought-tolerant and attractive in mass plantings or as a specimen. Gama grass is low maintenance and can withstand being cut back in the spring and fall if needed. It can be used like a large shrub, making it ideal for a mixed-species hedge, a screening plant, or specimen. It has thick leaf blades and a light green color. DWARF FAKAHATCHEE GRASS (Tripsacum floridana) Dwarf Fakahatchee is the small version of gama grass as it only grows to about three feet tall and wide. It has thin leaf blades, unlike gama grass, giving it a softer texture. Make sure that you know which Tripsacum you are purchasing at the nursery because of the size difference! SAND CORDGRASS (Spartina bakeri) Sand cordgrass can be grown in both wet or dry conditions, making it ideal for swales, in rain gardens, along waterfronts, as well as in the landscape. It will grow four to five feet tall and three feet wide and has a vase shaped growth habit. LOVE GRASS (Eragrostis spp.) Love grass is a small ornamental grass that grows to about one to two feet tall and wide. Elliot’s love grass and purple love grass are common species that are grown easily in the landscape. Both species have attractive flower plumes in the fall, making them very showy in our Central Florida yards. MAINTENANCE Native ornamental grasses require minimal maintenance. If needed, they can be pruned in the early spring or late fall (after they have bloomed). If the grass gets too large for its space, or you just want a few more, they can easily be divided. Cut them back and then slice the root ball with a sharp spade. Finally, as we transition from fall into the winter months, consider leaving spent blooms and browning foliage. Native ornamental grasses can make an attractive winter plant and remind us that seasonal change happens in Central Florida. If you have any questions about growing ornamental grasses in your central Florida yard, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863- 519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. To learn more about gardening and landscaping in central Florida, listen to the Your Central Florida Yard podcast. You can find the podcast wherever you listen or find out more on our Substack: substack.com/ @yourcentralfloridayard. Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.

ART ON THE HOUSE Every Thursday in November from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. Admission price is up to you! Visit the Welcome Desk and let them know the admission price you choose to pay for your visit. Any donation amount is welcome. Bring the family and celebrate 100 years of the Tampa Museum of Art. tampamuseum.org RUSH “FIFTY SOMETHING” TOUR Nov. 9 and 11 at Benchmark Int’l Arena. Watch co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson celebrate fifty-plus years of Rush music and honor their late bandmate, Neil Peart. Anika Nilles is the touring drummer for the current world tour. benchmarkintlarena.com CINDERELLA Nov. 6 – 15 at Eight O’Clock Theatre. Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein. A young woman, left in the care of her wicked stepmother and bumbling spinster stepsisters, dreams of a better life. Will she find her happily ever after? eightoclocktheatre.com CHRISTMAS TOWN On select nights beginning Nov. 13 at Busch Gardens. Every corner of the park comes alive with sparkling lights, festive entertainment, holiday shopping, and seasonal flavors. From the moment you enter the park until the end of your visit, you’ll be immersed in the spirit of the season. buschgardens.com/tampa FLORIDA FIN FEST Nov. 13 – 15 on the St. Pete Pier. Hear music from 15 bands over two days. This family-friendly festival is a purpose-driven event dedicated to ocean conservation and education. Enjoy a hands-on learning experience and a detailed Speaker Series. More info at stpetepier.org. LABYRINTH IN CONCERT Nov. 13, 7 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jim Henson’s film. Watch the cult classic while a live band performs the full soundtrack in perfect sync with David Bowie’s legendary vocals. Dress in costume, sing along, and cheer for your favorite characters. rutheckerdhall.com STAND-UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Nov. 20, 8 p.m. at Stageworks Theatre. See a handpicked lineup of comedians who have performed on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Dry Bar Comedy, all on one stage. This showcase features some of the funniest comedians from across the country. stageworkstheatre.org ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE Nov. 18-29 at the Straz Center. Featuring the incredible acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil performed by a cast of 26 artists from all over the world. This holiday show features lovable characters and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites completely reinvented by Cirque du Soleil. strazcenter.org TURKEY GOBBLE 5K & 1 MILE Nov. 26, 7 a.m. at Benchmark Int’l Arena. Proceeds from the Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble help fund community programs, including covering 100% of the cost of Kids Thrivers Club, a free 12-week program supporting children affected by cancer and their families. More info at tampaymca.org. MODERN CALLIGRAPHY Nov. 29, 3 p.m. at Keel Farms. Your ticket includes a beginner calligraphy kit, expert-led instruction, and an ornament to take home. This is beginner-friendly; no experience needed. Food and drink available for purchase. Limited seating, save your seat at keelfarms.com.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Nov. 3 – 5 at Dr. Phillips Center. From the classic film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” this show has flying cows, killer rabbits, British royalty, French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. drphillipscenter.org MAKER FAIRE Nov. 7 & 8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. This is a familyfriendly celebration of local do-it-yourself science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, music, hands-on activities, and so much more! Explore 250+ handson exhibits, competitions, and education. makerfaireorlando.com CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Nov. 6 – Jan. 4 at SeaWorld. Celebrate the season with thousands of twinkling holiday lights and immersive holiday zones, seasonal entertainment and live shows, meet-and-greets with Santa, and seasonal food, drinks, and shopping. seaworld.com/orlando FALL FIESTA IN THE PARK Nov. 7 & 8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Spend the day in the park and browse hundreds of unique artists, crafters, and food booths. Plus, enjoy seasonal family-friendly fun and live entertainment all weekend long. fiestainthepark.com TODDLER TECHNO FEST Nov. 10, 6 p.m. at Hard Rock Orlando. Lenny Pierce and friends bring all-new lights, sounds, smoke, and sparks for the biggest toddler techno festival. “Big beats. Little feet. Home before bedtime.” cafe.hardrock.com/orlando ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL Nov. 13 – Jan. 17 at the Central Florida Zoo. Wander a path filled with larger-thanlife lanterns inspired by North American wildlife, space, the Polar experience, and Chinese folklore in this Asian lantern festival called, “Into the Wild.” centralfloridazoo.org BLADE RUNNER LIVE Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center. Experience Ridley Scott’s cult classic, “Blade Runner” (2007 Final Cut), on a vast HD screen while Vangelis’ synthesiser-led score is performed by The Avex Ensemble in sync with the 1982 motion picture. Ages 16+ preferred. drphillipscenter.org FESTIVAL OF TREES Nov. 14 – 22 at the Orlando Museum of Art. See more than 50 designer-decorated trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations, holiday vignettes, and tabletop displays. Shop in the Holiday Boutique, stroll Santa Claus Lane, and enjoy live entertainment. On weekends, Santa Claus will be on hand for photos and meet-andgreets. omart.org SENIORS FIRST TURKEY TROT 5K Nov. 26, 8 a.m. at Lake Eola Park. Runners, joggers, and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving-themed hats, will hit the course to “Race to End Senior Hunger.” Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors. seniorsfirstinc.org SIDEWALK SALE Nov. 28, all day in downtown Winter Garden. Kick off the holiday shopping season at the Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale! Stroll and shop the outdoor racks in the festive-decorated historic district. Top it off at one of the many restaurants for lunch or dinner. cwgdn.com

VOTE Nov. 3, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at your polling location, thanks! MISERY Nov. 6 – 15 at Lakeland Community Theatre. This psychological thriller based on Stephen King’s novel, follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash and wakes up captive by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. Rated M. lakelandcommunitytheatre.com COLOR WAVE WALLS Nov. 6 – 14 at various locations throughout Downtown Lakeland. This will be Lakeland’s first-ever mural festival. Expect new public art, artist collaborations, and accessible education programs that foster creativity, connection, and cultural growth. colorwavewalls.com LAKE TO LAKE 10K Nov. 7, 7:30 a.m. at Lake Mirror. The Lakeland Runners Club will celebrate the 50th running of this race, and it’s designated as the RRCA National 10k Championship. This race runs through Lakeland’s chain of lakes and historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course. lakelandrunnersclub.org CENTRAL FLORIDA FOOD FEST Nov. 7, 5 – 9 p.m. at Bonnet Springs Park. This event features exclusive dishes and drink pairings available for purchase from Central Florida restaurants, plus live entertainment, and special offers. Proceeds support BSP’s mission to enrich the community. Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridafoodfest.com. ART CRAWL Nov. 8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Swan Brewing. This is a free, family- and pet-friendly festival with over 60 local artists selling artwork and competing for prizes alongside live performances, art demonstrations, live art making, and more. artcrawlfl.com CONCERT ON THE LOT Nov. 14 at Bartow Ford. Featuring Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum superstar Cole Swindell and the opener, Lakeland native, McCoy Moore. The parking lot opens at 3 p.m. and the gates open at 5 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs. Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com. SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL The Polk State Theatre Department will put on its rendition of “Seussical the Musical” from November 13 through 15 and November 19 through 22 on the Winter Haven campus. $10 for the General public, and free for all students, Polk State faculty, and staff. polk.edu/the-arts/box-office MARGARITA BALL Nov. 21, 8 p.m. at Lake Mirror Promenade. Brighten the Christmas season for underprivileged children throughout the greater Lakeland area. As part of admission, guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy with a minimum value of fifteen dollars. More info at lakelandmargaritaball.org. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 28 at your favorite local independent shop. Find handcrafted, small-batch, and locally curated items, along with genuine human interactions. Roughly $0.67 of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community

VOTE Nov. 3, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. at your polling location, thanks! polkelections.gov MERGE Nov. 7, 5 – 8 p.m. at the Packing House at Grove Roots. “Merge: Reflections” is an evolving solo exhibition by Gleeva Straughn that bridges Polk County’s history, present, and future through intricate, hand-cut paper collages. Every artwork is built from 100% recycled print materials. More info on Facebook at Merge by Gleeva Straughn. COLOR WAVE WALLS Nov. 6 – 14 at various locations throughout Downtown Lakeland. This will be Lakeland’s first-ever mural festival. Expect new public art, artist collaborations, and accessible education programs that foster creativity, connection, and cultural growth. colorwavewalls.com ART CRAWL Nov. 8, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Swan Brewing. This is a free, family- and pet-friendly festival with over 60 local artists selling artwork and competing for prizes alongside live performances, art demonstrations, live art making, and more. artcrawlfl.com WINE, CHOCOLATE & CHEESE Nov. 13 Attendees will sample carefully curated pairings of wine and chocolate or wine and cheese, with their tasting ticket at 40-plus Downtown businesses. This is a map-based event that encourages attendees to explore and shop Downtown Winter Haven’s local small businesses. Tickets at mainstreetwinterhaven.com. SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL The Polk State Theatre Department will put on its rendition of “Seussical the Musical” from November 13 through 15 and November 19 through 22. $10 for the General public, and free for all students, Polk State faculty, and staff. polk.edu/the-arts/box-office ANGELS AMONG US Nov. 18, 6 p.m. at The Ritz. A special evening of inspiration, celebration & impact benefiting Girls Inc. of Winter Haven. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live & silent auctions, and an evening of raising money for the center. Help inspire local girls to become strong women. More info on Facebook: Girls Inc of Winter Haven. CONCERT ON THE LOT Nov. 14 at Bartow Ford. Featuring Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum superstar Cole Swindell and the opener is Lakeland native, McCoy Moore. The gates open at 5 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs. Purchase tickets in advance at centralfloridatix.com. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL Nov. 25 - Dec. 20 at Theatre Winter Haven. Experience the glamour, romance, and irresistible charm of “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” based on the beloved film that captured hearts around the world. theatrewinterhaven.com SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Nov. 28 at your favorite local independent shop. Find handcrafted, small-batch, and locally curated items, along with genuine human interactions. Roughly $0.67 of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community.

KEEPUNUMUK: WEEÂCHUMUN’S THANKSGIVING STORY By Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten A Wampanoag grandmother shares the story of the first Thanksgiving with two children, introducing them to the history of their ancestors and the role they played in helping the Pilgrims survive. The illustrations and storytelling present a side of Thanksgiving history that has too often been left out of children’s books. Importantly, the book contains additional information on Wampanoag vocabulary, traditions, and maps. SHARING THE BREAD By Pat Zietlow Miller & Jill McElmurry Everyone has a job to do as a family prepares Thanksgiving dinner. This picture book is super fun, written in a lively and rhythmic verse. The story captures the familiar bustle of a kitchen before a holiday meal. This makes an especially entertaining read-aloud with younger children on Thanksgiving Day. WE GATHER TOGETHER By Denise Kiernan It is easy to forget - or maybe to never know - that Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday. Much of the credit for why we celebrate belongs to Sarah Josepha Hale, who spent decades campaigning for a national day of thanks. In this non-fiction book, Kiernan tells the story of Hale’s efforts against the backdrop of a divided America, revealing how a holiday we take for granted came to be. There is also a young readers’ edition of the book, making it a great choice for multigenerations to read together. THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR By Truman Capote This short story, based on Capote’s childhood memory, is for readers of all ages. Written in Capote’s very Southern (and slightly eccentric) voice, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” manages to say a lot more about human nature than its modest length might suggest. In the story, young Buddy is horrified when his beloved elderly cousin invites the school bully to Thanksgiving dinner. What follows is a bittersweet story about kindness and forgiveness - a holiday classic. BEAR SAYS THANKS By Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman Bear would like to host a feast for his friends, but there’s nothing in his cupboards. Fortunately, his friends arrive with plenty of yummy food to share. The only problem is that Bear has no food to offer in return. Bear starts to feel bad before his friends help him realize that everyone has something to share. A sweet story that centers around the concept of “thanks.” HAVEN STAFF PICK: LET’S HAVE A PARADE By Kim Keller If you’re like us, you’ll be watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving morning. This book is full of photos and takes you through 100 years of giant balloons, floats, costumes, performers, and Santa. THE LAGER QUEEN OF MINNESOTA By J. Ryan Stradal For a cozy Thanksgiving read with a side of family drama, J. Ryan Stradal’s novel is a good choice. Two estranged sisters, a successful brewing business, and some award-winning pies are at the center of this Midwest family saga. One sister has made a fortune while the other has spent years struggling to get by. The novel is heartwarming without shying away from complicated family relationships. TURKEY TROUBLE By Wendi Silvano Turkey has figured out that Thanksgiving is bad news for him. His plan? Disguise himself as another farm animal and hope the farmer doesn’t notice. Unfortunately, his disguises aren’t quite as convincing as he thinks. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching his increasingly desperate attempts to stay off the