Marion Louise McElwee passed away in Winter Haven, Florida on November 27, 2025. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on February 1, 1933. Marion was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) McElwee, her infant son Joseph Natcher, her brothers George and Leo Duman. She is the daughter of the late Gallitzin and Agnes (Phalen) Duman. She is survived by her son John (Cheryl) Natcher, Henry (Barb) Natcher, daughter Marlene (Randy) Lauer and Charlene Louise Natcher (Joyce McCadney). Her siblings Rose Springer, Sr. Bernadette Duman, Dorothy Gardner, Gallitzin H. Duman, Theresa Pennell and Rita Carlino.
Prior to her marriage, she worked as a switchboard operator. Afterward, she became a homemaker and gardener, raising her children on the family farm. Once her children were all in school, she began working outside the home as a Certified Nursing Assistant until she retired.
Marion was a lifelong and devoted Catholic. She was passionate about being in service and helping others. She enjoyed gardening, baking, sewing, crocheting and being a crafter throughout her life. She really enjoyed being part of the community and loved to laugh. She has been described by many as a very sweet lady.
During the last decade of her life, she was actively involved with her husband, Bob, in their residential and local community in Winter Haven. Her time in Florida was the happiest in her life. She participated in community events and volunteered in a charity craft club that donated to the veterans. In her community, she was known for her delicious homemade pies. She regularly enjoyed live stage performances and Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte.
At Marion’s request, there will be no funeral service. She will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida. It is suggested for those wishing to make a donation in Marion’s memory that it would be made to your own favorite charity.
David “Dave” Canaday, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 26, 2025, in Winter Haven, Florida. Born on July 4, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri, Dave embraced life with a spirit of kindness and curiosity that touched all who knew him.
Dave served his country with honor as an MM1 in the United States Navy for 17 years. Serving proudly on board the USS Elmer Montgomery FF-1082, USS Saratoga CV-60 (2 tours) and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. before transitioning into a successful career as an over the road truck driver, where he worked for another 17 years. He was also a security guard at the happiest place on earth, Disney World. His love for history and passion for learning was evident in his every conversation, and he often shared his enthusiasm for firearms and motorcycles with family and friends. A proud member of the VFW. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and country.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Mildred Canaday; brother, Bradley Canaday; sister, Theresa O’Neil. He is survived by his cherished wife of 38 years, Julane Canaday; sons; Scott Canaday, James (Christine) Canaday, David Canaday Jr.; daughter, Katrena Canaday; eight grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Sue) Canaday Jr. Dave will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him. His memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and strength to his loved ones.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dave’s name to The National Kidney Foundation in his honor.
Winter Haven’s live-music scene is packed with talent this week, with performances happening across several favorite local spots. Whether you love easygoing acoustic sets or high-energy bands, there’s something on the calendar for everyone. Here’s where to catch live music from Thursday through Tuesday—along with a reminder that Sage Cocktail Lounge brings smooth vibes to downtown every Tuesday night with their ongoing Sage Sessions series.
Thursday, December 4
Hunter Macneer — Cypresswood Pub | 6–9 PM
Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music at Cypresswood Pub, located at 1099 Clubhouse Rd, Winter Haven.
Tony Knight — Tanner’s Lakeside | 4:30 PM
Kick off your night early with Tony Knight performing waterside at Tanner’s, 1006 S Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven.
Friday, December 5
Gerry Williams Band — Cypresswood Pub | 6–9 PM
The Gerry Williams Band brings a soulful, high-energy show back to Cypresswood Pub.
Saturday, December 6
Dirty Licks — Tanner’s Lakeside | 6 PM
Rock fans can spend their Saturday evening with Dirty Licks as they take the stage at Tanner’s Lakeside.
Sunday, December 7
Jungle Jim — Tanner’s Lakeside | 2 PM
Relax by the water with an afternoon performance from Jungle Jim.
Sage Cocktail Lounge, located at 99 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, hosts singer-songwriter Mickenzie Peishery for next week’s edition of Sage Sessions, the lounge’s ongoing Tuesday night live-music series.
Whether you’re grabbing dinner by the lake, unwinding at your neighborhood pub, or enjoying a classy atmosphere downtown, Winter Haven has a full lineup of great music waiting for you.
HAINES CITY – Sharon Garrett has an entire room in her home dedicated to preserving the land she has lived on for all of her 73 years. Inside, organized stacks of maps, newspaper clippings, letters, binders, and documents tell the decades-long story of her fight against the road she believes threatens not just her property, but her way of life.
Garrett at the gate of her family’s property. Behind her, the land that was formerly acres and acres of groves. – Photo Credit: Anita Todd
The story of the land begins in 1947, when her father, Carl Boozer, purchased the first 100 acres with his military pay after serving as a World War II fighter pilot. Over the decades, she and her brother, Stanley, along with two family businesses, added roughly 200 more acres to the farm. Although Boozer has long since passed, his wife, Mary Lee, still maintains the modest home they shared at the entrance to the property.
Garrett said her father would be heartbroken by the relentless construction that has replaced the native Florida landscape he cherished. And he would surely disapprove of the proposed route of the new Central Polk Parkway East—one that cuts directly through the heart of their family homeplace.
The Central Polk Parkway is a high-speed alternative route planned to ease congestion on U.S. 27 through Haines City and Davenport. The Florida Department of Transportation spent the past year studying various routes and has now settled on the one that will change Garrett and her family’s lives forever.
“Part of my parents’ house was built using the yellow pine milled off the land,”
The land originally came with hundreds of pine trees Boozer cleared upon returning from the war, putting many to good use. “Part of my parents’ house was built using the yellow pine milled off the land,” she said.
For generations, the property at the end of Carl Boozer Road was a sea of citrus trees stretching as far as a child’s eyes could see. As a young girl, Garrett spent her days riding her horse through rows of oranges and grapefruit, tending to flowers, and exploring the three creeks that wind across the property.
Over time, freezes and diseases devastated the groves, stripping the land of the sweet scent of blossoms and the steady rhythm of harvests. Ultimately, citrus greening—Huanglongbing (HLB), an incurable bacterial disease spread by the Asian citrus psyllid—forced the family to close their citrus operations for good.
Despite the loss of the groves, the land remains a sanctuary. A small herd of cows still graze peacefully on the acreage cherished by Sharon, her husband David, and her brother. Beside her home sits a beloved orchid business the couple founded so long ago the year has been forgotten. Inside the greenhouses, they grow thousands of exquisite blooms sold at select shows throughout the region.
Garrett in their greenhouse that houses thousands of orchids. – Photo Credit: Anita Todd
The orchid business is the culmination of Garrett’s lifelong love of flowers. Their 6,000-square-foot greenhouse is the final version of many they built and outgrew over the years.
“One of the things I will miss is my beautiful tree. We scooped it up off the creek bank with a frontend loader and planted after the house was built,”
Down the path stands the oak tree Garrett once climbed as a little girl, hoisted up by a grapevine. Nearby is another oak she and her husband planted after they were married.
“One of the things I will miss is my beautiful tree. We scooped it up off the creek bank with the frontend loader and planted after the house was built,” she remembered. “It is a spreading live oak. Over the years resurrection fern and Florida air plants have grown on the limbs. There is a plank propped on a limb for the cats to run up for safety. My horses and pets are buried out here. My dad’s ashes are spread all across our land.”
Garrett in front of the oak tree she and her husband planted when they were first married. – Photo Credit: Anita Todd
Garrett first learned about the possibility of a road when she read about a meeting for the then- Heartland Parkway, eventually renamed the now-Central Polk Parkway. It was 2006. Since then, she has made it her mission to learn everything there is to know about the project. She attends nearly every Haines City Commission meeting, many Polk County Commission meetings, some Davenport meetings, and any gathering where the road might even be mentioned.
She has saved everything—every scrap of paper that might relate to the fight. She has met with countless officials and has even requested a face-to-face meeting with Governor Ron DeSantis. So far, she hasn’t been able to get on his calendar.
Garrett looks over the years of information she has collected about the road that could possibly dissect her family’s property. – Photo Credit: Anita Todd
She knows the laws, the statutes, the environmental repercussions, the potential cost to wildlife and soil, who supports the project, who opposes it, and every fact in between. She has filed several public records requests and can recite details of the project without looking at a single note.
Yes, it may seem like a lot but, in her words, “It’s my life.”
When she and David married, they moved into a mobile home on the property and David went to work in the family citrus business. They have been married more than 50 years, and he is just as invested in the fight as his wife.
“When we built our house the directions for deliveries was to go to the end of Carl Boozer Road and ask (her parents),” she said. “I’ve lived all my life at the end of the road and my husband most of his life. So, I guess the toll road is the end of the road for us.”
Like many college campuses, Florida State University offers numerous groups where students can get involved and feel more connected. RUF is no different. Every Tuesday night, students gather at Ruge Hall at 7:00 PM to hang out and worship together. RUF has been part of Florida State University since 1988 and has grown into one of the most active and well-known Christian ministries on campus. Its mission is to reach students with the message of Christianity and help them grow in their understanding of biblical teachings within the Reformed tradition.
I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down at Ruge Hall with FSU’s RUF intern, Luke Wilkerson, as we discussed what RUF is and the impact it has on students. For those wondering, RUF stands for Reformed University Fellowship. It is associated with the Reformed heritage church, and its goal is to reach students on college campuses around the country and globe, teaching them about Christianity and its biblical teachings.
As an intern, Wilkerson’s job is both rewarding and demanding. He meets with about ten students each week, sometimes just to check in, and other times to offer mentorship and guidance. In addition to these meetings, he spends 10–15 hours each week handling administrative work, such as fundraising, to keep RUF’s ministry thriving on campus. Alongside his internship, he takes seminary classes online and reads theological books to stay engaged and knowledgeable about topics central to Christianity. Another important aspect of Wilkerson’s role is participating in RUF events, whether it’s leading the large group on Tuesday nights or assisting with other gatherings. He plays a key role in making RUF a meaningful experience for students.
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What makes RUF stand out, Wilkerson explained, is its strong sense of community. On a large campus like FSU, RUF helps make the university feel smaller and more personal for students seeking connection and faith-based support. When tragedy struck last April during the campus shooting, RUF provided a safe and compassionate space for students to process and heal. As Wilkerson described, “It’s a community that’s not going to crumble at something the world throws at it.”
The heart of RUF’s success lies in its dedicated leadership team. Pastor Kelly Jackson has served as campus minister for eight years, supported by Victoria Wallenstein, who has been involved with FSU’s RUF for nine years. Alongside them are interns Luke Wilkerson and Sarah Diemer, as well as a team of passionate student leaders, including 16 ministry team leaders and 10 outreach team leaders. One of RUF’s central goals is to empower students to take ownership of their faith and leadership so that, in time, they carry their ministry experience into the broader church and community.
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What makes RUF especially unique is the genuine care it has for the well-being of its interns and staff members. The organization recognizes that ministry can be both spiritually and emotionally demanding, so it prioritizes mental and spiritual health for everyone involved. Each intern and staff member is assigned to a prayer group that meets regularly over Zoom, allowing them to pray for one another and share life together, even across campuses. In addition, RUF requires its interns to attend monthly counseling sessions to ensure they are supported in their personal and spiritual growth.
This emphasis on care and accountability extends beyond staff, it’s reflected in the way RUF impacts students. One powerful example came after Wilkerson preached at a recent large group gathering. Following his message, a new member approached him and said, “I have never heard a message so true.” Moments like this, Wilkerson shared, remind him why RUF exists: to be a shining light for what Christianity is truly about and to reflect the beauty of the gospel.
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RUF also creates space for students to build friendships and have fun outside of formal worship settings. Events like Volleyball Fridays offer a welcoming introduction for newcomers to connect with others in a relaxed environment. Throughout the year, RUF hosts several retreats and conferences, including Fall Con, Chill Con, and Suco. Of these, Suco is one of the largest gatherings, bringing together RUF chapters from across the country in Panama City, Florida. Over the course of a week, college students attend seminars, worship sessions, and special events that deepen their understanding of Christianity and strengthen their faith.
In every aspect, whether through prayer, fellowship, counseling, or retreats, RUF provides a place where students can find community, growth, and lasting memories that extend far beyond their college years.
Welcome, World Travelers! Check Out Olaf and Other Next-Generation Robotic Characters Being Created by Disney
by James Coulter
Chances are, you’re familiar with Olaf from Disney’s Frozen. Perhaps you’ve seen him in the hit Disney animated movie. Or maybe you’ve even met him in person as a meet-and-greet character at Disney Parks. Soon, you might be able to meet the loveable snowman as a walking animatronic.
Recently, the beloved snowman from Disney’s Frozen was introduced as a next-generation robotic character at Disneyland Park, accompanied by Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, and Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.
Created using state-of-the-art technology developed by Disney Imagineering, the robot character has been described as “one of the most expressive and true-to-life characters built.” Not only does he walk and talk like an animated character brought to life, but his iridescent fibers make him look as if her were made from actual snow.
“This debut marks a new chapter in Disney character innovation, one where technology, storytelling, and collaboration come together to bring screen to reality,” Kyle Laughlin, SVP R&D Technology & Engineering, Walt Disney Imagineering. “From the way he moves to the way he looks, every gesture and detail is crafted to reflect the Olaf audiences have seen in the film — alive, curious, and unmistakably himself.”
To make his movements appear life-like, Disney Imagineers worked closely with Disney animators “to ensure every gesture felt true to the character.” The robotic character was programmed using cutting-edge artificial intelligence called “reinforcement learning”, which allows it to learn how to walk and move.
“Deep reinforcement learning helps him acquire these skills in a fraction of the time,” wrote Laughlin. “He [Olaf] can fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and removable carrot nose and arms. Most importantly, Olaf can speak and engage in conversations, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
Olaf was not the only Disney character to demonstrate this new technology. Several other robotic characters were showcased during a recent episode of “We Call It Imagineering” on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.
The episode featured two other “free-roaming animatronic” figures: one being a female-coded mouse-eared character dancing a pirouette, and another being a raccoon-designed character jumping on a table. These characters, while only exhibited with their skeletal frameworks, were speculated by Attractions Magazine as potentially being Minnie Mouse and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Rocket Raccoon, respectively.
The Olaf character is expected to make his debut at the Frozen-themed area at Disney Adventure World (formerly Disney Parks Studios) at Disneyland Paris, scheduled to open on March 29, 2026.
Get into the holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Cocoa Party — a festive event designed for families with young children! Enjoy a cozy celebration filled with holiday-themed activities, warm cocoa, cheerful music and joyful memories. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season with laughter, love and a little holiday magic.
Free Event, pre-registration required Limited to 50 participants
Miles Henry Derreberry, 87, of Eagle Lake, Florida, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Lake Mariam Health and Rehab. He was born March 24, 1938, the son of Lee Roy and Ulah (Garret) Derreberry.
Henry worked as a roofer for Conley’s Reroofing and retired from the City of Eagle Lake as a maintenance worker. Henry enjoyed spending time with family and playing the banjo, guitar, and singing. Henry enjoyed going to church and missed his church and the fellowship as he declined in health. He loved talking about Jesus, he loved knowing he was going to heaven to see his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his sister, Vesta Conley, of Haines City, Florida, his sister Linda (Garland) Maney, of Marble, North Carolina, his brother Charles (Maxine) Derreberry, of Zirconia, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, Lee Roy and Ulah Derreberry, and his siblings Louise, Lowell, Lloyd, Margaret, Diane and Ronnie.
A visitation was held, Saturday, November 29, 2025, followed by a funeral service at First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake. Final resting place is the Church of Christ cemetery in Eagle Lake, Florida.
Winter Haven is kicking off the holiday season with a festive lineup of celebrations, parades, and family-friendly activities. From dazzling lights on the lakes to downtown holiday markets, here’s your guide to everything happening December 4–6, 2025.
City of Winter Haven Tree Lighting — December 4
Winter Haven officially welcomes the holiday season on Thursday with its annual Tree Lighting at Central Park in downtown. From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, guests can enjoy live holiday music, participate in a community countdown, and watch as the city’s official Christmas tree comes to life. The first 100 children will receive free cookies and hot chocolate, creating the perfect cozy start to the festive weekend.
Havendale Christmas Parade — December 5
The holiday magic continues Friday evening with the beloved Havendale Christmas Parade. Running from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the parade travels along Havendale Boulevard, starting in Winter Haven and heading toward Auburndale. Expect sparkling floats, cheerful music, and plenty of community spirit as families line the roadway to enjoy this cherished tradition.
Holidays on Central — December 6
Downtown Winter Haven transforms into a holiday village on Saturday for the all-day Holidays on Central celebration. Centered around Central Park, this event features more than 100 local vendors, live entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, food trucks, and photo opportunities with Santa. It’s an ideal place to find unique gifts, enjoy festive activities, and soak in the spirit of the season.
Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade — December 6
Saturday night brings one of Winter Haven’s most iconic holiday traditions: the Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade. Beginning at 6:30 PM, boats decked out in dazzling lights cruise from Lake May through Lake Howard before ending at Lake Shipp. Spectators gather along the shorelines to watch the colorful procession reflect off the water — a breathtaking sight that captures the beauty of the holidays in Winter Haven.
Russell L. Perry, 79, of Winter Haven, FL passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the Astoria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Winter Haven.
Born December 5, 1945 in Wichita, Kansas to Russell E. and F. Marguerite Wilson Perry, he moved to Winter Haven over 50 years ago. He was retired from a career in Sales, was of the Christian Faith and a member of American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven.
Russ was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Connie; a son, Russell S. Perry of Winter Haven; four step daughters, Christy Lee, Carolyn Marzullo, Dawn Barger and Dana Barger; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.
In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation in his name to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.
