This real life choose-your-own-adventure story opens with a sweet bag of nuts. No scary twists or sad plots, just a story where something small can make the difference. In the first chapter, you randomly attend a festival near your son’s home in your son’s new state. You find a treat for you and your spouse to try. You find nuts. Roasted nuts. Roasted, flavored nuts of a variety. Roasted, flavored nuts that would fit nicely as an addition to your concessions menu at your family-owned event space. You connect with the gentleman that sold you the nuts and he tells you how to make them. You then decide to share your delightful snacks with more than the people who would visit you. You decide to take your bags of nuts around the country. It works. It’s a good time. You’ve mixed recreation with glee and business, gone to a handful of cities, and met lots of new people. You have the idea of expanding the venture. Moving into the next chapter, you ask yourself if you want to remain with a traditional, though still delicious product, or open your spice cabinet and sprinkle a dash of seasoning to see what would happen. You do both. You are happy with tradition and you’re intrigued with possibilities. Now you’re tasked with keeping the new and true recipes in-home or sharing them. Turn the page and the chapter of Heartland Snacks, Co. begins. This is husband and wife, Anthony and Erica Scheipsmeier’s story. “The very first day we got the machine and tested it out, we actually made [nuts] with the regular Everglades seasoning. The next day I called (because their facility is not far from our house), asked if I could bring something I’ve made, and have them taste it,” Erica Scheipsmeier matter-of-factly tells about the experiment that would solidify their first partnership. She concludes with a smile, “And they loved it.” Anthony Scheipsmeier, who has been in business with his wife for 20 years, recalls the moment of confirmation when he knew Heartland Snacks was the right decision, “We bought in, but it’s always good to hear from someone outside of your general circle of people you trust, and have somebody say ‘I want to put my sticker on this and have it on my channels and website and that’s how much I believe in you’… having Everglades say this, said this was a legitimate product.” The couple initially chose to create Heartland Place, which is an umbrella for all of their businesses. Its core being 82 acres of land where public and private events are hosted and simply called Heartland Events. They also have a recently started Heartland Ministries. Then there’s Heartland Snacks, the newest escapade that consists of roasted nuts in 15 different flavors — five of which are collaborations with other companies. They have flavors such as Monkey Nuts (the almond, cashew, pecan, pistachio, and hazelnut mix), Cinnamon, Sugar & Spice, Hot Cajun (the perfect blend of a vanilla and creole seasoning), and Fire In The Hole (the varying spicy blends, together with sea salt, and cane sugar). Heartland Place along with the Scheipsmeiers’ are headquartered in Bowling Green, however, their kitchen and packaging happens to be in Lakeland at an entrepreneurial incubator hub duly donned, Catapult. “We found it by chance, we were here watching the fireworks for the 4th of July and they (Catapult) were having an open house.” Anthony quickly joins with a laugh, “So we walked in and we stayed.” Both Erica and Anthony are genuine and open when asked a question, obviously appreciative of a good conversation. Erica has “the memory for details,” as Anthony states, which presumably can be attributed to her career as a CPA. Anthony appears to revel in the connections, seemingly most eager when discussing the perks of their nut business. They defer to each other when needed and with ease, support the other as the moment calls. They exude a pride in getting to work together. “If we didn’t love doing this, if it were not fun, we wouldn’t be doing it,” Erica emphasizes. Anthony chimes in, in agreement, “It wouldn’t be worth it.” “I spent all my time in my career as a CPA … and I didn’t love it,” Erica adds the reason they are currently enthralled with their nut business — it has the potential to replace her long standing job title. Anthony, formerly in farming and construction, concurs. For the Scheipsmeiers, all they needed was an empty nest and some nuts; already living in the neighborhood of entrepreneurship on the avenue of new quests, the willingness to mix and mingle wherever their camper parked always existed. They enjoy the trips and camaraderie as much as the commerce of their product. As many festivals and shows Heartland Snacks have been to, they have an equal presence locally. Their latest collab is with Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply in Lakeland, they sell to local shops, and breweries. The joint efforts are the highlight of the snacks, given the multitude of flavor options as they dress the nuts in seasonings of various known brands. The couple excitedly plan the near and far chapters of their nut-filled pursuits, but take care to not become too strict while allowing Heartland Snacks to grow. They have another notable collaboration in the works; feeling the success from Catapult’s launch, they’re looking for their own warehouse; they’re talking to a distributor; they’re refining their “secret, special recipe,” to be replicable and scalable; and within a year they’re projecting to be on shelves in a major chain. If you ever have the chance to try Heartland Snacks, know that you’re getting the ambitions and the ideas, the nuts and the fun, the packaged ‘why not’ turned ‘oh wow’ of Anthony and Erica Scheipsmeier all from an adventure they chose. heartlandsnack.com IG & FB @heartlandsnackco Photos by Amy Sexson

Polk County’s population increased by 93 percent between 1900 and 1910. Winter Haven’s population more than tripled from 429 to 1436 residents. Still, 1400 is a relatively small number for the adventures the village pursued between 1910 and 1920. Here are the bold initiatives that marked the decade … Florida Chief BOARD OF TRADE Along about 1910, in fact before Winter Haven formally incorporated, local businesses banded together to form a Board of Trade. Forerunner to the Chamber of Commerce, it existed until 1923 when it transitioned to the Chamber. The group published one of the earliest promotional pieces for the community. We estimate it was published in 1913. It begins, “Winter Haven is the center of the world’s richest citrus-fruit section, and likewise the center of the famous lake region of Polk County. Unlike many cities of southern Florida, Winter Haven is not a mere winter resort — it is a substantial town, with an energetic year-round population …” “Both in winter and summer Winter Haven has ideal climatic conditions. In winter the temperature is mild and free from extremes. In summer, Winter Haven feels none of the discomforts of the so-called semitropical sun … the rainy season checks undue warmth, and the nights are delightfully cool.” (Remember, this was before air-conditioning!) “The air is always pure, the water is bright, clear, and refreshing, and mosquitos seldom are known.” The brochure goes on to tout the local altitude (200 feet above sea level) as a great advantage, both climatic and natural. It noted that at that elevation, there were “no swamps, fevers, malaria or great humidity.” It also notes the lakes are all “the product of overflowing springs,” which we know today is not true. There can be some seepage from the aquifer, but none of the area lakes are “spring-fed.” And lest the lazy become interested the text states, “Winter Haven does not seek, invite, or tolerate the shiftless or the idle. It is not the place for the person who expects to make a fortune without individual effort …” The Board of Trade, while spirited and inclined toward hyperbole, had its ups and downs during the 1910-20 decade. It would transition to the Chamber of Commerce in 1923. WHHS THE VILLAGE INCORPORATES On June 22, 1911, the townspeople elected to officially incorporate the city. A town council was formed, and the town seal (a citrus tree) was adopted. While their numbers were modest, their plans were mighty! NEWS CHIEF BEGINS PUBLICATION M. M. “ Dad” Lee was the founder of Winter Haven’s first newspaper of the twentieth century, The Florida Chief. Volume 1 Page 1 debuted On September 28, 1911, and featured a Native American Chief with a feathered headdress as a part of its “flag” or page design. (History tells of an earlier newspaper published for about one year in the late 1890s, but there are no known copies of The Lake Region Gazette.) Lee had relocated to Winter Haven from Kansas where he had worked both as postmaster and newspaper publisher. His wife was hospitalized in Topeka when he arrived here in Winter Haven with his three daughters and two sons. They purchased a large home on Lake Silver adjacent to the home of J. Walker Pope (a real estate developer and father of the man who would eventually found Cypress Gardens, Richard “Dick” Pope). In that first issue, Lee wrote directly, “To the People of Winter Haven: In presenting this first issue of the Florida Chief we have no apologies to offer, no promises to make. Winter Haven needs a newspaper, the people say so ... Our policy will be to build up and not tear down ... Come in and get acquainted.” The newspaper grew with the community and then, during the height of the Florida real estate boom, Lee expanded the paper from a weekly to a daily on September 15, 1924. The paper was then published every afternoon but Sunday. The Florida Chief continued to serve Winter Haven as the sole provider of news until 1930 when George Burr and his wife Josephine (author of The History of Winter Haven) founded the weekly Winter Haven Herald. The Florida Chief would later merge with a competitor to become the News Chief. FIRST K - 12 SCHOOL In 1915, the community finished construction on its first school, serving kindergarten through grade 12. The building was located on the present site of the downtown Post Office. Prior to its opening, the eighth grade was the highest grade of education attainable in Winter Haven. Due to rapid growth, Winter Haven would build a new High School in 1922 on the present site of Denison Middle School. That 1915 building would become Central Grammar for generations of students and later, briefly as Central Junior High. THE “GRAND” CANAL As early as 1912, M. M. “Dad” Lee, publisher of Winter Haven’s fledgling Florida Chief newspaper was editorializing in favor of creating a “grand canal” to connect area lakes. By 1915, a small group of determined residents moved forward with a vision of connecting many of our lakes by canals. The group was organized as the Twenty Lakes Boat Club. The month the charter was signed, the club had a Savannah engineer plat a proposed course for boats to traverse the south, west, and northern perimeters of Winter Haven and beyond from Lake Winterset to Lake Hamilton. The fledgling citrus industry had made a healthy comeback from the freezes of the mid-1890s. Roads of the day were sand or clay and used to haul the crop. A team of mules would pull a wagon loaded with ten to fifteen field crates of fruit. The crates weighed from 900 to 1400 pounds and proved difficult to move. Some believe the canal concept may have been an idea the growers thought would provide a better means of transportation. Canal Dredge The lakes originally targeted included Winterset, Eloise, Lulu, Shipp, May, Howard, Cannon, Idylewild, Hartridge, Conine, Rochelle, Haines, Smart, Fannie, Buckeye and Hamilton. Of the original twenty lakes to be connected, all but Buckeye eventually became a part of what today is known as the upper and lower chains comprising a total of 25 lakes. These are separated by U.S. 17 between Hartridge and Conine where a lock now exists. The self-funded private group had great determination, but by early 1917 they were bankrupt. The Twenty Lakes Boat Club did not accomplish the entire task before its demise. The ultimate failure of the effort is thought to have involved the group having created responsibilities larger than their budget could maintain. No further progress was made on the canal system until May 20, 1919, when the Winter Haven Lake Region Boat Course District was established by an act of the Florida Legislature. Taxing power was granted by local referendum (78 for and 49 against) in a special election on July 7 of that same year. By September 1919, an engineering company was authorized by the “Canal Commission” to dredge and clean canals. At the time there were no seawalls used in the system. As the system matured, wood and later asbestos panels would be used to secure the canal walls. Today, aluminum sheeting is the canal wall of choice. Today’s system of canals and boat ramps on area lakes are maintained by the Lakes Region Lakes Management District created by citizen referendum more than 105 years ago. Our “Chain of Lakes” is viewed by many citizens as our defining asset, all the more reason to be known as the “Chain of Lakes City.” The decade from 1910 to 1920 is arguably the timeframe where the smallest number of our citizens created some of Winter Haven’s greatest destiny-defining moments. Next Month: “The Roaring Twenties and the Florida Boom!”

Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of the country. However, this year, the effects of winter weather are noticeably evident in our landscapes, and you may have frost/freeze damage on plants that have seen no damage in the past. Whether you are undertaking a major planting project or simply performing routine spring maintenance, there is always something to do in a central Florida yard! If you are doing a springtime spruce up of your yard, consider adding the following items to your to-do list. 1. MULCH REFRESH Replenish mulch to 2-3 inches in all mulched beds. Use recycled or by-product mulch such as oak leaves, pine straw, pine bark, melaleuca, or eucalyptus mulch. This will help keep down weeds and creates a neat and tidy appearance. Take advantage of the fallen oak leaves at this time of year, they make a great (free) option. Don’t forget to pull the mulch away from the base of all shrubs and trees! 2. SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK It’s the time of year to do an annual sprinkler system check-up. Turn on your system and check for broken heads, overspray, and other problems. Calibrate (or measure) the output of your system by measuring how much water you are applying to your yard and make sure your time clock is accurate. Follow the instructions on this helpful worksheet: fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/tools/irrigation_ presentation/fawn_app_rate.pdf. *While you are making repairs and checking your irrigation system, don’t forget to make sure your rain sensor is functioning—it’s the law! 3. PRUNE SHRUBS AND TREES Early spring is an excellent time to prune flowering shrubs and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. For shrubs that bloom in the spring, it’s best to wait until after they have flowered to prune. It is important to wait until all risk of frost and freeze has passed before spring pruning. Many plants that die back to the ground in the winter will return in the next couple of months so just be patient and don’t dig them out! As you prune your plants, consider adding the waste to a compost pile instead of piling it by the curb. This, combined with kitchen scraps, will break down to create a lovely garden amendment. 4. LAWN CARE When it comes to spring lawn maintenance, temperature and application timing are very important. If applying fertilizer, do not apply until the lawn is actively growing. That means April in central Florida. Select a product that contains slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorus. If you are applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, it must be applied before daytime temperatures reach 65-70 degrees for 4 to 5 consecutive days to be effective. If you have missed the window, you can use a postemergence herbicide. Do not apply weed-and-feed products as weed (herbicide) and feed (fertilizer) products are not applied during the same time of year and thus are not effective when applied together. Additionally, these types of products can damage the surrounding landscape plants. Lawncare can be confusing for the central Florida homeowner. Please reach out to our Plant Clinic with any questions so that we can help. 5. INSTALL NEW PLANTS After the winter months, gardeners in central Florida are ready to see color and interest in the landscape, and many are eagerly awaiting all the spring plant sales (FYI, the Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale is on April 26). Look for Florida-Friendly, native, and lowmaintenance plants to add to your landscape this spring. For plant suggestions and lists, contact the Plant Clinic. By focusing on these tasks, central Florida gardeners can set the stage for a productive and beautiful spring growing season. For more information, contact UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk . The Plant Clinic is open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm, to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu . The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

The audiences who once gathered to witness live feats of escape and illusion, whether in grand theaters or intimate parlor rooms, were the very same who later beheld cinema’s first flickering screens. For some, the experiences might have felt much the same—the same stirring of wonder, the same exhilaration for human possibility, and the same reverence for those fleeting moments when we allow ourselves to be deceived, if only to escape into a world where anything feels within reach. The craft of conjuration, stage illusion, and live performance are connected by more than necessary ingenuity, innovation, and the drive to put on a show. They grew up together and continue to stay in touch. Georges Méliès is often regarded as the “father of special effects” and the first to blend cinema with the art of illusion. His 1901 film, “Excelsior! The Prince of Magicians” demonstrated how cinematic techniques—such as jump cuts, multiple exposures, and stop motion—could create visually magical moments on screen. Méliès established the foundation for magician-centered films by portraying magic not merely as a trick but as a transformative experience, one that could transport audiences beyond reality and into a world of endless possibility. Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1878, arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin, and later moving to New York City. At the turn of the 20th century, when Houdini rose to fame, America was experiencing a massive wave of immigration, with millions arriving from Europe—many of whom would shape the future of performance both on and off screen. Houdini’s rise to becoming the world’s most famous escape artist mirrored the broader immigrant experience. His daring escapes from handcuffs, locked trunks, and sealed containers symbolized the struggles of immigrants breaking free from societal constraints. In an era when xenophobia and restrictive immigration laws were on the rise, Houdini’s success sent a powerful message: an immigrant could not only integrate but also dominate popular culture. In 1919, Houdini starred in “The Grim Game,” a film once feared lost to a fire until its recent rediscovery—which featured a dramatic airplane collision that became one of early cinema’s most talked-about stunts. Seeking greater creative and distribution control, Houdini founded his own film company, Houdini Picture Corporation, in 1921. In “The Man from Beyond” (1922), he blended his love for adventure and the supernatural, portraying a man revived after being frozen for 100 years. His films pushed the boundaries of physical realism in cinema and even science fiction. His filmed performances allow future audiences to witness feats that we might have only read about otherwise. The next age of cinema would pay homage to early innovators through the use of effects pioneered by stage and screen magicians, as well as through direct biographical depictions. “Houdini” (1953), directed by George Marshall and produced by George Pal, began a string of loosely based film adaptations of his life on screen. Houdini’s student, Orson Welles, used magic as a lens through which he understood storytelling, deception, and audience engagement. Welles often blended magic with theater, incorporating elements of illusion into his stage productions and later into his filmmaking, manipulating audience perception and bending expectations. In films like “Citizen Kane” (1941) and later “F for Fake” (1973), Welles played with truth and illusion, much like a magician does with an audience. Directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Prestige” (2006), adapted from Christopher Priest’s novel of the same name, became one of my all-time favorite films upon first viewing. The mere sight of a top hat now evokes a visceral sensation in the most imaginative corners of my mind. The story of two rival magicians, portrayed by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, explores the lengths they go to in pursuit of the perfect illusion. Set in an era brimming with the promise of scientific discovery, the film portrays historical truth through sheer curtains, both mysterious and fantastic. It invites the viewer to imagine the impact that real-life innovator Nikola Tesla, played by David Bowie, had on those who witnessed the future of electricity unfold before them. The film’s nonlinear narrative and intricate twists reflect the principles of misdirection and deception that define magic itself. At its core—and subsequently stamped upon my heart—is a breathtaking exploration of what drives one to create the illusion of the impossible. The stage, the illusion, and the trick may have evolved, but the magic never disappeared. It merely changed hands, transformed in form and name, passed down from one generation of artists to the next. We continue to benefit from the ingenuity of those crafters of illusion, from the boldness it took to share their craft, and from the inspiration they provided to those who bring magic to life today. If you watch closely and often, the threads between past and present are no longer invisible. As they materialize, the illusion before you will only become more fantastic, revealing that the art of magic— whether on stage or screen—continues to shape the way we see, believe, and dream.

SUNSET ON THE SERENGETI March 2 & 9 at Busch Gardens. Begin with a safari tour just before sunset, then take a guided walking tour of “Edge of Africa,” sip on a cocktail, and finally enjoy an elegant dinner at the Treetop Kitchen inspired by the rich flavors of Africa. Registration is required. buschgardens.com MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL March 27, 7 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Direct from Broadway, Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. One day only. rutheckerdhall.com FLORIDA CRAFT BREWERS FEST March 1, 1 – 5 pm at River Tower Park. Every year, the Florida Brewers Guild kicks off Tampa Bay Beer Week by organizing the biggest beer festival in Tampa Bay, bringing over 70 of your favorite Florida craft breweries together with over 200 different beer samples, food & entertainment. floridabrewers.org ST. PADDY’S DAY LUCKY RUN March 15, Al Lopez Park. Dress up in your favorite green gear with shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and everything in between. Participants can walk or run the 5K, 10K, or 13.1. All ages and experiences welcome. Register in advance. runsignup.com DINOS UNEARTHED Throughout March at Zoo Tampa. Take a step back in time during this limited-time event and get up close to colossal dinosaurs of the past. Special food & merch are available for purchase. This event is free to enter with paid admission to the park. zootampa.org INK THE BAY March 13 – 16 at the ESC of Tampa Bay. Four days of tattoos, arts, fashion, and welding. Shop the latest supplies and equipment, meet artists, hear seminars, watch live demonstrations and more. inkthebay.com WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TRIUMPH March 6 – 9 at the Straz Center. This drama brings to life the courageous stories of individuals who stood up against injustice and fought for equality through sit-ins that led to the desegregation of Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. strazcenter.org TASTE AT THE STRAZ March 29, in and around the Straz Center. For one all-inclusive price, you’ll enjoy bites from Tampa Bay’s top chefs, sip on cocktails and craft brews, and watch live entertainment while supporting the Straz. strazcenter.org WINEFEST WEEKEND March 7 & 8, this fundraiser for the Tampa Theatre is themed “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine.” WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Harry Potter-inspired costume. All proceeds support Tampa Theatre’s artistic, educational and community programming. tampatheatre.org VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS SHOWCASE March 30 at the Straz Center. The Art Gallery Social Hour begins at 2 pm; performances begin at 3 pm. Highlights the therapeutic use of the arts and the creative endeavors of Veterans. This is a free, nonticketed showcase, but registration is required for entry. strazcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE PARK March 8, 11:30 am - 6:30 pm at Cypress Grove Park. Orange County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 13th annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park. This is a free event emceed by jazz personality Yvonne LogginsColeman. Guests should bring lawn chairs and picnics or purchase from food trucks. ocfl.net WINTER PARK SIDEWALK ART FESTIVAL March 21-23 along Park Avenue in Winter Park. One of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor art festivals consistently ranked among the top juried fine art festivals in the country. wpsaf.org EPCOT INT’L FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL March 5 – June 2 at EPCOT. See living sculptures, exhibits, gardens, try new food created just for the festival, hear live music in the special concert series, shop special merchandise, plus enjoy everything you love about EPCOT. disneyworld.disney.go.com KRAFTWERK March 19, 8 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. Using innovative techniques, synthetic voices, and computerized rhythms, Kraftwerk has had a major international influence across an entire range of music genres: from electro to hip hop, from techno to synthpop since 1970. drphillipscenter.org BRUNCH IN THE PARK March 1 at noon at Gaston Edwards Park. Graze for hours on limitless delicious brunch bites, bloody marys, beer, mimosas, and cocktails. Hang out and hear live entertainment & eat for one all-inclusive price. This is Orlando’s ultimate brunch extravaganza! unitedwebrunch.com DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL March 15 – April 20 at Orlando Family Stage. Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Fox Films. Middle School is the worst and Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. orlandofamilystage.com GLADYS KNIGHT March 11, 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. This seventime GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, gospel, R&B, and adult contemporary and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance. drphillipscenter.org DOGTOBERFEST March 22, 10 am – 6 pm at Krush Brau Park. Bring your four-legged pals! The day will have vendors, live music, the Florida Wiener Dog Derby Races, a face painter, pups, K9 demonstrations & much more. Enjoy German food, refreshing German beer, and a host of other exciting activities. dogtoberfest.us MIGHTY ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL March 14 – 17 at Raglan Road in Disney Springs. Award-winning imported Irish Bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will perform throughout the festival along with five outside bars, and fun merch available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged for the restaurant. raglanroad.com INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR March 25, 7:30 pm at Dr. Phillips Center. This is a live horror experience combining state-of-theart lighting, and special FX. The audience can see, hear, and interact with the paranormal, enjoying a multi-sensory, interactive, and immersive experience just like the movie, reimagined for the theatre. drphillipscenter.org

COMMUNITYFEST March 1, 11 am – 4 pm in Central Park in Winter Haven. Guests can look forward to games, entertainment, character meet & greets, activities, and so much more. Family-friendly fun for the entire day. winterhavenchamber.com TOWERING WITH BROADWAY March 21, 7 pm at Bok Tower Gardens. Experience the magic of Broadway with a night of incredible music and entertainment featuring the talents of Steamin’ Jazz, Carillonneur Geert D’hollander, and special guests. boktowergardens.org LAKE WALES MARDI GRAS March 1 in downtown Lake Wales. Since 1984, this amazing parade and festival has brought excitement to Lake Wales with floats, beads, live music, food, and spirits. The parade is at 3 pm. lwmardigras.com FOREVER ELVIS ‘73 March 16, 7 pm at Polk Theatre in Lakeland. Dwight Icenhower is a five-time World Champion Elvis Presley Tribute Artist. He is considered to be one of the best in the world today. He has mastered the 50s, 60s, and 70s eras of Elvis’s career. polktheatre.org TIGERS SPRING TRAINING All games played at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. Mar 1: Phillies; Mar 3: Blue Jays; Mar 5: Phillies; Mar 7: Orioles; Mar 9: Pirates; Mar 12: Rays; Mar 13: Yankees; Mar 16: Orioles; Mar 17: Pirates; Mar 21: Yankees; Mar 22: Braves. mlb.com/tigers CYPRESS GARDENS SKI SHOW March 15, 3:30 pm at Lake Silver. Pre-show begins at 3:30pm, show begins at 4pm. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and cash for the 50/50 raffle. Concessions available for purchase. cypressgardensskiteam.com FIRST FRIDAY & CAR SHOW March 7, 5 – 8 pm. Centered around the downtown Winter Haven corridor, guests will enjoy specials from restaurants & shops, musicians at several locations, and a car show down Magnolia Ave. Check the socials for monthly specials @whfirstfriday. GREAT GATSBY BRUNCH March 29, 10 am at the Ritz Theatre. Guests will enjoy a brunch buffet and a live show featuring The Theatre Winter Haven Big Band with music taking you back to the Roaring 20s! theatrewinterhaven.com WAITRESS March 13 – 16 at Theatre Winter Haven. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop. theatrewinterhaven.com LAKELAND PUNK ROCK FLEA March 30, noon – 6 pm at Swan Brewing in downtown Lakeland. Over 70 eclectic market vendors, live music, and food trucks. Totally FREE event open to the public. Bring your kids, your friends, your pets, everyone! FB @lakelandpunkflea

WILD DARK SHORE By Charlotte McConaghy Dominic Salt and his children are the last remaining inhabitants of a tiny island near Antarctica that has been affected by climate change. When a woman washes ashore during a storm and finds a place in their family, their pasts— and secrets—may threaten their future together. THE CAMPING TRIP THAT CHANGED AMERICA By Barb Rosenstock In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Born during a powerful hurricane, Wanda, an unusual woman in a rapidly changing world, loses family, gains community and ultimately seeks adventure, love and purpose in a place abandoned by civilization and remade by nature. REVENGE OF THE RACCOONS By Vivek Shraya Raccoons are hitting the streets to finally tell their story. The bushy-tailed bandits take over the town, swinging from cranes, scampering through subway cars, and pestering the police. The raccoons insist they aren’t pests, but survivors of the real invaders: humans. LAND OF MILK AND HONEY By C Pam Zhang Accepting a job at a decadent, mountaintop colony, a young chef, with the help of her enigmatic employer and his visionary daughter, is awakened to the pleasures of taste, touch and her own body until she is pushed beyond her boundaries in a plot to reshape the world far beyond the plate. THE CRAYONS LOVE OUR PLANET By Drew Daywalt The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil... and more! Even Beige is proud of his Wheat! BLUE SKIES By T.C. Boyle A satirical yet ultimately moving take on contemporary American life in the glare of climate change, the novel follows a social media influencer who buys a Burmese python from her local pet shop, setting in motion a series of increasingly dire events that ensnares her entire family. GREEN-EYED MONSTER By Carolyn Keene Nancy and her friends are delighted when they win a vacation at an eco-resort in Costa Rica, but they find their fun and relaxation challenged by a determined saboteur. THE BIG FIX By Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis Sharing first-hand accounts of people already making needed changes, an energy policy advisor and longtime New York Times reporter offers everyday citizens a guide to the seven essential changes our communities must enact to bring our greenhouse gas emissions down to zero. THE TREE AND ME By Deborah Zemke There’s a special 150-year-old oak tree outside the window of Bea’s classroom. When Bea’s nemesis climbs the tree, he gets in a lot of trouble--and that leads to even more trouble for everyone. “Concerned” citizens proclaim the tree a hazard and call for cutting it down. But the class won’t let that happen!

THE OVERSTORY By Richard Powers Spring is a time when the interconnectedness of life becomes vividly apparent, and “The Overstory” masterfully captures this intricate web. Powers weaves together multiple storylines, each rooted in a unique relationship with trees, highlighting the profound impact of the natural world on our lives. As the plot unfolds, we are drawn into a complex web of life that trees sustain and the stark realities of deforestation and climate change. Powers’ prose brings the characters to life and evokes a deep appreciation for the natural world. THE SEED KEEPER By Diane Wilson In this novel, history melds together with fiction that spans generations and showcases the Indigenous ways of being. The story follows Rosalie and her family as she explores the connection to her Dakota heritage and the enduring power of seeds. From a young age, she learns about the sacred relationship between seeds, land, and her family’s history, symbolizing sustenance, the preservation of Indigenous traditions, and a profound link to the past. Much like the seeds that lie dormant in the winter and burst forth with new life in the spring, Rosalie’s journey reminds us of the importance of preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations. THE LIGHT PIRATE By Lily Brooks-Dalton Spring is a time of liminality - suspended between the dormancy of winter and the full bloom of summer, a threshold where the world is in a state of flux. Liminality is the theme of this novel set in a not-too-distant Florida – where climate change and extreme weather claim the land and survival requires decisions and adaptations at every moment. The story explores the way in which we individually react to change we cannot control. The magic comes in the form of light transmitted in a new and powerful way, but is it magic or a natural adaptation? Brooks–Dalton brilliantly captures the changing landscape, complex characters, and the way joy and heartbreak exist together even in dire times. THE LANGUAGE OF TREES By Katie Holten This anthology explores how trees enrich our world, from their vital role in the ecosystem to their profound impact on our culture and spirit. This book is very unusual because it blends essays, poems, and visual art. Through each chapter, contributions from a diverse group of writers, scientists, and artists led us to discover how trees have shaped our history, inspired our creativity, and nourished our souls. This book is a love letter to the natural world and a call to reconnect with the wisdom and beauty of trees. LATE MIGRATIONS By Margaret Renkl In this book, Renkl explores the cycles of life through an interconnecting series of essays on the passage of time that touch on both joy and grief. Paired beautifully with illustrations from her brother, Billy, Renkl’s deep connection to the natural world leaps off the page through her writing. This book is both lyrical and accessible, filled with vivid descriptions of flora and fauna that mirror the themes of growth and change within her own life in the Deep South. Enjoy these short essays on repeat - a springtime ritual you keep returning to savor. MOTHERING SUNDAY By Graham Swift Set in a single day - March 30, 1924, the story centers on Jane Fairchild, a young housemaid who spends this one significant day with her longtime lover, Paul Sheringham, the heir to a wealthy family. This encounter unfolds against the backdrop of societal changes and personal aspirations, creating a tapestry of emotion and reflection. The narrative explores Jane’s memories, the choices that shape her identity, and the impact of the war on the lives of those around her, delving into themes of forbidden love and the search for meaning. THE ENCHANTED APRIL By Elizabeth von Arnim Yes, this book is set in April and not March, but the charming tale, “The Enchanted April,” is the perfect spring read. Four women from very different backgrounds venture to an enchanting Italian castle for a month-long escape from their mundane lives in England. As the women experience the joys of sun-drenched days, they confront their struggles and insecurities, and in the process, each undergoes a transformative journey. This is a bright and sensory read - filled with beautiful descriptions of the natural beauty of the Italian Riviera.

Reading with Rescues is a fun and engaging community program for K-8th grade students to visit Hope Equine Rescue and read to a horse, donkey, or mule supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 30 minutes. Typically held on the second Friday of each month, the February date has been moved a week earlier due to `Valentine’s Day. Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow from the library of donated books. After reading, students will have a “petting experience” where they will pet an equine, view a grooming demonstration, and get to ask a horse handler questions. There is also time for a special craft activity and a snack for the students to enjoy, but please note: it is not permitted to give any treats or food to any horses. Some of them have very strict diets due to allergies or other health conditions. Sorry, carrots are actually considered treats! Why Read to Horses For the students: • Build literacy skills • Strengthen confidence speaking out loud in a non-judgmental atmosphere • Develop a stronger vocabulary • Increase attention span • Promote empathy For the horses: • Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment • Exposure to multiple people and situations • Builds trust in humans • Attention and love! The Details • All parents/guardians and students are required to sign a waiver, and an adult is required to stay on the property while the student is reading. • This is a working farm. Please wear closed-toed shoes. • A $5 donation per student is requested. • It is recommended to bring a chair for the student to sit in front of the horse stall. • Registration is available on the Facebook page @readingwithrescues. • If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program or have any questions, please email the coordinators, Lisa & Kristen Rice at readingwithrescues@hopeequinerescue.com . More Events The Rescue frequently hosts special educational workshops and fundraising events such as the very popular “Trot or Treat” (October), “Wine at the Barn” (November), and “Christmas at the Barn” (December). These events are organized and operated by an important and dedicated group of volunteers. In fact, the Rescue has no full-time employees! Volunteers (over the age of 14) can submit an application and attend an orientation and then sign up to work these events in addition to regular “barn chores” held throughout the weekdays. There is even a Teen Night for high school students to earn community service hours. Barn chores may include mucking stalls, cleaning water troughs, grooming and bathing horses, applying topical ointments and medications, sweeping, and practicing arena work like obstacle training and even riding. It is rigorous and sometimes physically demanding, and very satisfying! Taylor Clements, a part-time worker and recent graduate of the University of Florida in Equine Science says, “I enjoy working at Hope because of the second opportunities that these equines get. Watching them get their second chance at life is very special. I also enjoy learning from Dani. She puts a lot into this organization, she is superhuman and has taught me so many things that no degree can teach you.” Taylor began to have an interest in horses when she was eight years old and learned to ride from Dani Horton. “She was my foundation and introduction to equine and opened so many doors for my future.” All of this training led to her internship in the summer of 2023 and her current employment. “Horses are highly intelligent, emotional animals with unique personalities. They form strong bonds with humans and other animals, and they deserve respect, care, and kindness. Rescue work is hard. Supporting your local rescue even if you can’t adopt or are not a horse person, makes a difference,” she continued. How to Help While the Rescue was not intended to be a sanctuary, meaning animals live there but are not usually adopted, it is currently home to about 50 equines, some of which are permanent residents due to their health conditions. Think: Retirement Home for Horses! However, some of the equines are in training and available for adoption for a small fee. The Rescue works closely with the Polk County Sheriff’s office to provide a safe haven for abused/neglected and unclaimed equines. The Rescue relies heavily on individual contributions. Consider giving a tax-deductible donation today! Entrepreneurs and business owners are also encouraged to inquire about corporate sponsorship opportunities. Hope Equine Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2008, founded by Dani Horton and the Horton family when they took in their first rescue that they named Hope. If you would like to volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator, Megan Atkinson, at volunteer@hopeequinerescue.com . Hoofs & Hearts February 7, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm Register on FB @readingwithrescues Hope Equine Rescue 3805 High Street NE, Winter Haven 863-287-7503 hopeequinerescue.com Photos Provided

“Mooo-ve over grocery stores, a new concept for convenient, local ingredients has arrived, fresh from the farm!” What do you get when you mix a love of local, farm fresh produce with a need for convenience? The Harvest Collective, that’s what! I caught up with Mikaela Booth, the owner and operator of Evelyn & Co. (a sustainable refillery based out of Lakeland) to learn more about her new business: The Harvest Collective. The concept was originally pondered as a solution to Mikaela’s want for local, fresh produce and her inability to run every which way in order to obtain those ingredients. She brings up something I often struggle with in my own home shopping habits as well. Who has the time to be able to go out and buy local produce and products with jobs, kids, hobbies, friends, and partners without letting some other aspect of life maintenance slip, even if you really really want to? The Harvest Collective is here to help by delivering those products to you. Through the website, customers are invited to purchase local goods from farms in the area as well as the entire stock of Evelyn & Co products, then have those items delivered to their homes. When asked about her inspiration behind starting The Harvest Collective, Mikaela says, “I have always wanted to be in the agricultural realm. Growing up & even currently, I have a ton of family who raise and show cattle, are in FFA, etc. I have always had the pull in my heart for this but never knew how to be in this profession without feeling like an imposter.” After talking with local farmers and ranchers, she realized she did have plenty of knowledge about marketing and the community connections to facilitate getting their wares out to an adoring public. After all, growing the food is only half the battle, getting it into the hands of the people who will appreciate it is just as important. As a person with connections to the agricultural community in Florida myself, I know how underappreciated our farmer’s work can be, despite being arguably the most important part of our current food chain. Mikaela reminded me of this by stating. “[y]ou know the saying, “No Farmers, No Food”? … I know it’s easier to run to the grocery store and grab what you need, but our farmers get paid pennies on the dollar when selling to a grocery store. If we buy directly from them, it goes straight into their pocket.” If you are curious about how modern-day farmers function and how you can best support them, Mikaela recommended some hands-on ways to be involved and informed of what our farmers and ranchers need from their community. She mentioned that many farms need volunteers to help onsite, specifically naming Meacham Urban Farm, located right next to Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa. cough cough Volunteer hours? Working with their hands? Assisting with a community AND learning a valuable skill in the process? cough cough Parents with teens, I’m looking at you. One of the goals of the Harvest Collective is to help bridge the communication gap between the general public and our agricultural workers by getting people involved and invested in how and what is grown in their communities. They aren’t the only resource dedicated to connecting farmers to Floridians. Florida Farm Finder, an entirely volunteer-run program, connects those looking for fresh produce and products to the farms or ranches that sell them. They often throw special events such as the “Meet Florida Meat” event happening March 22 and 23 in Mount Dora, where anyone can come support Florida agriculture and become familiar with the people putting food on our tables. Building communities that support and listen to each other is more important than ever, especially when it comes to something as universal to the human experience as food, specifically fresh food. Mikaela shared with me some favorite experiences so far, and listening to them, I am just as enamored with our Florida farmers as she is. “Our local farmers and ranchers LOVE to talk about what they do. They LOVE to teach. I mean, they do this for a living. Growing food is their passion. Cows and collard greens only talk back so much, ya know? It’s just been so nice to be welcomed into this community and I can’t wait to see how big we grow!” She also talked about how much she has treasured working with beef and pork ranchers, and learning about their industry from hoof to snout. It really brings into perspective what you are eating when you know the ins and outs of how it was put onto your table. She even went so far as to say the beef and pork products that she offers through The Harvest Collective are her favorite products so far! Mikaela is an avid supporter of shopping locally and sustainably, so starting The Harvest Collective isn’t far out of her wheelhouse. Her other business, Evelyn & Co., began out of love for her daughter and a desire to model responsible decision making for her. “We always want to be a great example for our children, and to me, if she’s raised with these practices, then she’ll know no different!” Through Evelyn & Co., central Floridians are able to refill common household cleaning solutions, such as laundry detergent or cleaning vinegar, and are given options to reduce the trash they create in their homes through reusable paper towels or sustainable alternatives to plastic wrap. Both companies have an emphasis on helping local businesses and supporting local economies, which Mikaela states stems from her own father’s experiences with small business ownership after retiring from another large corporation. “I really got to see the highs and lows of owning your own business. It truly makes such a difference where my dollar goes. Our local businesses don’t have multi-million dollar companies backing them. They don’t have a safety net. You get to build relationships with your customers and these big corporations don’t get to do that.” The future of The Harvest Collective and Evelyn & Co are bright with exciting things in the works for them over the coming year. For now though, I hope you join me in supporting her in 2025 (that Harvest Collective membership is calling my name!) and know that for all your sustainable, fresh, and local favorites The Harvest Collective has everything you might want or need. The Harvest Collective theharvestcollectivefl.com FB @theharvestcolkld IG @_theharvestco Photos Provided

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Winter Haven, Tree Swallow Gallery is a pop-up art destination dedicated to celebrating the unique spirit and creativity of Central Florida’s local artists. Curated by Amanda McCallister, the gallery focuses on hyper-local talent, showcasing carefully selected fine art that reflects the beauty, history, and culture of the Winter Haven community and its surrounding areas. Tree Swallow Gallery embraces its pop-up nature, offering a dynamic experience with curated exhibitions, flexible hours tailored to downtown events and foot traffic, and unique opportunities to connect with both the art and the artists. From stunning landscapes and evocative photography to thought-provoking mixed media, the gallery provides a platform for authentic storytelling through art. With its focus on community engagement and accessible artistry, Tree Swallow Gallery is more than just a space for viewing art—it’s a celebration of the people, places, and stories that make Polk County unique. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious visitor, or an art enthusiast, Tree Swallow Gallery invites you to explore the heart of Florida through the lens of its most talented artists. Level Up: Art Boss Academy Level Up: Art Boss Academy is designed for student artists with ambitions and a drive to master the business side of art. This isn’t about creating art—it’s about building a future with art. Gain insider strategies and actionable insights, from growing your online empire to making a lasting impression in real-world spaces. This series is packed with hands-on guidance to help you stand out, connect with your audience, and start seeing real results. The series began in January and continues until March 1. Slide Into Sales: SM Essentials February 1 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm Bag the Merch: POD Basics February 22 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm IRL Vibes: Gallery Cheat Codes March 1 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm On Saturday We Make Art More than just a series of art classes—it’s a creative movement. Rooted in fun, self-expression, and empowerment, this series is all about tapping into your artistic side in a space where they listen, they don’t judge. These sessions are a fearless exploration of creativity for people who are ready to create, connect, and let their imaginations run wild. Whether you’re snapping pics on your phone or diving into hands-on projects, every class is designed to inspire, uplift, and help you embrace your inner artist. Saturdays are for more than just making art— they’re for building confidence, friendships, and a creative community that celebrates your unique vibe. Come as you are and make something unforgettable. Plein Air Sketching with Denise Settles--February 8 from 2 pm to 4 pm Neurogenic Drawing with Sherry Ross--February 15 from 2 pm to 4 pm Get Involved With Tree Swallow Gallery Tree Swallow Gallery offers several ways to engage with our creative community: •ATTEND EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS: Visit the gallery during our curated exhibitions and special events to experience the incredible work of local artists and connect with the community. • BECOME A FEATURED ARTIST: If you’re a local artist with work that reflects the spirit of Winter Haven and Central Florida, reach out to discuss opportunities to showcase your art in one of our upcoming pop-up exhibitions. Contact Amanda at amanda@mccallisterventuresllc.com • VOLUNTEER: We’re always looking for passionate art lovers to help with events, installations, or day-today operations. Your support helps us bring art to life for our community. Contact Amanda at amanda@ mccallisterventuresllc.com • FOLLOW US ONLINE: Stay updated on gallery events, operating hours, and artist features by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. • SPREAD THE WORD: Share the gallery with friends and family! Help us grow by inviting others to explore the art and stories that make Winter Haven unique. Tree Swallow Gallery 337 W Central Ave, Winter Haven treeswallowgallery.com FB & IG @treeswallowgallery Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am - 2 pm Thursdays & Fridays 5 pm - 8 pm Saturdays 11 am - 8 pm By special appointment, please call 863-225-0520 Photo by Amy Sexson