by James Coulter

Students and their parents enjoyed a wunderbar time on Friday during the German Fall Fest hosted at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.

All day, students were able to learn about Germany and its culture and traditions with various activities on the school playground.

The festivities were kicked off at the start of the school day, where all students showcased their Halloween costumes during the storybook character parade.

Throughout the day, classes from kindergarten to fifth grade took turns during each school hour to visit the playground area where they could toss foam axes, race to fill cider glasses, skirt about in scooter races, and have their faces painted.

Pretzels and other snacks were served for refreshments, while the Kona Ice truck was parked to serve their signature snow cones.

Brittany Alexander, Assistant Principal, and the other staff members hosted the event not only to teach their students about German culture but also to promote their new status within the International Bachelorette Program—an international educational program that, according to its website, “empower[s] school-aged students to take ownership in their learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.”

“Our goal is to expose students to more than is happening in their homes and Lake Wales,” Alexander said. “We give them the global context where they can see other cultures and countries…So our teachers are…allowing their students to be engaged and be a part of creating a culture of learning and exploration…It is no longer students sitting and learning, they are taking part in the classroom and they create a culture with their conversation.”

Now that their students are part of the IB Program, she hopes that they will be able to expand their minds and learn to become global citizens that help make their communities, both local and global, a better place to live.

“[Our] overall goal is to provide an excellent education for our students that is not only top-notched and rigorous,” she explained. “We want our students to be challenged and pushed, but we also want to create an environment where they can think outside of the box and themselves. So the incorporation of the IB and that international mindfulness will let our students know there is a world outside of Lake Wales and how they can be active participants to make the world a better place because they lived in it.”

Kim Griffin, the Principal, appreciates how the event allowed parents and their children an opportunity to come together to not only learn about other cultures in other communities around the world but also learn to be better citizens in their local community.

“I am so appreciative of all the parents and teachers who come to support the event,” she said. “We want to be involved and show that our schools are involved in our community. And we want our parents to come out on our campus and support and see what their children do. What we are doing is expanding awareness of cultures outside of the United States. And what games the other children might play in other countries so there is more kindness and respect going on.”

Deanna Holtsclaw attended that day to volunteer her time for the event. As a member of the Parent Teacher Organization, she dedicates her time to help assist not only in her children’s education but the education of other children through her involvement.

“I think it is wonderful they are teaching about different diversities of the world and cultures because our children need to know what is going on outside their school and country,” she said. “[I love] just the smiles on kids’ faces as they learn new games and words and have fun exploring a different culture…I have seen so much growth and development, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Lake Wales Police Department Press Release

In late March 1990, Debbie Williams was reported missing by a family member. At the time of the original report, it was estimatedDebbie had been missing for approximately four weeks. Detectives have been left with a single partial page initial report to go on.

In 2019 Melvin Waldron, a retired Lake Wales Supervisor, came to Detectives with information regarding Williams’ case. The information included rumors Williams had been killed by her on again, off again boyfriend who has since passed away. The rumors were she was buried beneath the boyfriend’s residence or near the overpass of Highway 27 near Florida Natural. At that time, a Detective was assigned to accompany Waldron to conduct interviews with people Waldron believed had direct information on the case. A total of nine people were interviewed regarding the case and only one person had any direct information. This person observed Williams getting into a white and red pickup truck driven by a white male around the time she disappeared. The other eightpeople all stated they heard various “street talk” over the years saying she was buried under the house, or she was buried under the bridge, or she got into a white truck driven by a white male, never to be seen again. 

Detectives then went to the residence in question to investigate the possibility Williams was buried there. An officer dressed in protective equipment went under the residence using a metal rod to probe the area for remains. Bones were located in the area Williams was rumored to be. Those bones were examined by the medical examiner’s office and confirmed to be animal bones. No large scaledigging was done as there for safety of the officer and the structure itself. The current owners of the residence are not suspects in any way and have been nothing but cooperative in this case and great care must be taken with their property. 

The Lake Wales Police Department is networking with the Lake Wales Building Department, Planning and Zoning, and house moving companies to ensure the residence can be safely moved and any potential crime scene preserved.  The move of the residence will be done as soon as possible but due to logistics that date is yet to be determined.  Detectives have been in contact with USF for ground penetrating radar, so that once the residence had been moved a search can be conducted.  If the ground penetrating radar indicates the possibility of remains, a dig will be conducted at that point.

The Detectives in charge of this investigation have met with experts and investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, State Attorney’s Office, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office who have all pledged their assistance in this case. We have also been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding advancements in DNA collection and cataloging built to assist in matching missing persons with unidentified bodies found around the country. 

Going forward, Detectives are working to rebuild the case file regarding Williams.  This includes conducting interviews with those who knew Williams and the boyfriend.  This proper documentation of the investigation will provide a thorough case file if Williams isnot locate during these endeavors.

The Lake Wales Police Department is working diligently on this case and will exhaust all leads.  Should Williams not be found during these searches, the department will follow up on any future leads which may develop hoping to find closure for the Williams family.

This investigation is ongoing. 

If you have any information regarding this case please contactDetective Ricky Hartwell or Sergeant Shawn Smith at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

by James Coulter

Old spinsters spin yarn from flax. A blacksmith pulls a burning red iron from the fire and strikes it on the anvil. And a cook serves chicken stew served from a cauldron over an open fire.

These scenes were not from the olden days of yore. In fact, they all happened last weekend along the shores of Lake Wailes Park during the 46th Annual Pioneer Days Festival in Lake Wales.

On Saturday and Sunday, several dozen historic demonstrators gathered to demonstrate crafts and other activities as they were practiced several hundred years ago. From fur clothes to yarn and wicker baskets, attendees could see how people made the items they required back in the old days.

Mike Linkswiler, President of the Lake Wales Woodturners, attended with his club members to sell their woodturning crafts including bowls, vases, and other pottery.

Mike has been with his organization for three years, while many of his fellow members have been around for ten to twenty years. This is the second year Mike has attended Pioneer Days, while the other members have been attending for five to six years.

“We are having a good time, and we appreciate the time being here,” he said. “I like the fact that they are looking at how crafts were once done by the pioneers.”

Aside from historic demonstrators, the event was attended by many other local vendors and food trucks, all selling their ware to attendees. For example, the local chapter of the NRA provided gun safety material including free gun locks.

Robert Dummett has been a lifelong resident of Lake Wales. He has been attending the event for many years, and he wanted to participate as early as last year. This was his first year participating, and he loved every moment of it.

“It is a great heritage festival, and it is a good time had by all,” he said. “As you can see by the crowd here, there are people of all groups here and everyone is having a good time.”

For nearly 50 years, Pioneer Days have been hosted by the Lake Wales History Museum to showcase the city’s local history and heritage. This was the first year the event was organized by Executive Director Melissa Stroller.

The only major change this year was the introduction of a water ski show hosted by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team. Otherwise, the event had all of the festivities locals and visitors have come to expect.

“It has been a good turnout so far,” Stroller said. “This event has a long history. This is the 46th. It is practically an institution locally…I enjoy seeing it go off smoothly. That is for sure. Just seeing a variety of activities that will appeal to all people.”

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department has confirmed they are working a fatal crash on Hwy 27 near Lowes home improvement. The crash occurred around 3:30am and involved vehicle vs bicycle. The roadway ( Northbound Hwy 27) was shutdown for several hours

Lake Wales Police Department hasn’t released any additional information. We will update when more information available.

by James Coulter

With more than 18 years of experience as a superintendent under his belt, Dr. Wayne Rodolfich hopes to tackle the challenges of heading Lake Wales Charter Schools as its new superintendent. He holds five college degrees and two master degrees. He has served three years as a principal, six years as a teacher and coach, and is a fellow of the National Career Coalition.

Dr. Rodolfich is also a family man with a wife and five children, one adult child in college and four children under age 11. As such, he knows what a school system needs to succeed both as an educator and as a parent. He hopes to raise the bar for LWCS, having already established its new literacy program, Read 20, and he plans to establish and exceed other important educational goals.

We recently sat down with Dr. Rodolfich and asked him about his qualifications and plans for LWCS. Here is what he had to say:

Q: What qualifies you to take on the challenge of supervising Lake Wales Charter Schools?

A: I have experience in moving districts forward. In my former district, we just received an A rating, all 16 of the schools there were As and Bs, and we improved our graduation rate to 90 percent. And with [many] career pathways available to students, the system was named a district of innovation for the state of Mississippi. Everything we did there was built off a plan, and our LWCS team is working on a strategic plan now.

Q: What is your overall goal for LWCS?

A: Our goal is to provide the best possible educational opportunity for the children in our region, and for students and teachers to “Choose Lake Wales” because they know we provide a high-quality education for our students with a wide array of offerings that allow students to find their passion.

Q: What is the biggest challenge facing LWCS?

A: Our biggest challenge is having enough bus drivers to handle our transportation needs. It is an ongoing issue not limited to LWCS but other systems are dealing with that challenge, too. Our second challenge is completing Bok North Academy here in Lake Wales, getting that process finished is very important. It should be ready by January/February, and it will help place children in permanent classrooms. Finally, we are working on building a team concept. There are good things that are going on in the System, and I think there are some things we can enhance through teamwork, which I am looking forward to.

Q: What are your short-term goals for LWCS?

A: We have already focused on literacy. We have a Read 20 concept, where we ask parents to read to their children for 20 minutes a day. We have over 30 business partners who have placed books in their places of business for children to read while they are there. We have additional literacy tutors who will be working at our schools. Those are our short-term goals. From a long-term standpoint, we have to make sure we have adequate space for all of our students to have the best educational experience while they are on our campuses, while also creating the most diverse menu of courses for students.

Q: What are your long-term goals?

A: We would like to upgrade a lot of our facilities so we can provide the best learning environment possible for our students. We also want to diversify learning opportunities within the system so we can meet the needs of every student and their individual interests, and we want to work on teachers’ continuing education, making sure all teachers have the correct endorsements and providing them with quality professional development opportunities.

Q: What potential does Lake Wales have to excel in education?

A: We have limitless potential because we have great teachers and great children here. I think they are very focused, and they are committed to this community. We will be one of the communities in Polk County that really start to see some population growth. The challenge of that will be to have adequate space for people who want to attend schools here in LWCS.

Q: What is the key to the school system’s success?

A: I just think it is very important that parents are engaged in their children’s schools, and that parents help to support us by reading an additional 20 minutes for their children every day and always communicate with the schools about what they can do better. As I stated, we are in a strategic planning process, and we want plenty of parent feedback and community feedback on what people would like to see in their schools. This is a plan being written for the future of their schools.

2022 Fall Lake Wales Little Theatre

The Outsider by Paul Slade Smith, Directed by Chevon Baccus & Mike Baccus

Show dates: November 4-20

Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for … the worst candidate to ever run for office. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy, join the Lake Wales Little Theater for The Outsider.

The Outsider is produced by Special Arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

DETAILS 

Date & Times: Nov 4th -20th on select days

Tickets and time information here: TICKETS & TIMES

VENUE 

Lake Wales Little Theater

411 N. 3rd St. * Lake Wales, FL 33853

863-676-1266

[email protected]

WEBSITE

by James Coulter

They may not have won their last game of the season against Lakeland on Thursday evening, but the Highlanders Junior Varsity Football Team won big in spirit and life last Thursday evening.

Despite experiencing an undefeated season, the Highlanders lost their last game of the season at 20-22 to the Lakeland High School team, which had also been running at an undefeated season, explained Deanna Holtsclaw, a mother of one of the LW football players.

“We had one more touchdown but they flagged it so the boys feel like they gave everything they could and it was a great season all around,” Holtsclaw said.

Prior to their game that evening, the LW football team was treated to dinner at the end of their school day at their school’s cafeteria. The meal was catered by Carter’s Barbecue and bought and paid for by the city mayor and the city hall managers.

“We are very grateful because the boys came to school early, they spent all day working hard on their education, and then after school, they do not have time to go home and eat dinner,” Holtsclaw explained. “They stay at school getting ready for the game…[and] there’s a long drive, and all the time, they’re playing. So, the nutrition of their body is very important and we’re very grateful for the churches in the organizations that have donated food to help our boys play.”

Daniel Williams, Lake Wales City Commissioner, arrived that afternoon during their meal to offer the players words of wisdom and encouragement before their big game that evening.

He told them there were three things they should do as student-athletes: first, demonstrate their success with their academics; second, decide to have a good attitude; and, third, dominate the field as an athlete.

“I come to challenge you on behalf of the city tonight that, when you take the field on Lakeland tonight, that you dominate,” Williams told them. “Show them what a Highlander is. I am a Highlander. I know what it takes. Take the field today, fire it up…and display what Lake Wales stands for, who you are as men, and beat the brink off of Lakeland tonight.”

Upon taking up the mantle as head coach, Coach Tabaris Johnson built the JV football program on four pillars: accountability, commitment, relationship, and competition. He has instilled these values into his players this season, so that, even if they do not win on the field, they eventually take these values with them and win life.

“But most of all, this group understands football,” Coach Johnson said. “They play with soul. They are doing a great job. They are selfless and own everything and large purpose. That makes us who we are, day in and day out. Working on the little things, because little things become big things. But you have to play with grit, you have to play with fire…they understand that, they have soul, that is what we believe in. That defines them every day.”

Coach Johnson owes their success not to one player or strategy. His team truly works and plays as one, and everyone does a great job lifting each other up: “We do not have MVPs. Everyone is important. So, the most valuable players make the other players valuable and that is what the team has done.”

Coach Jarmaine Ward owes their success this season to the players themselves. He and the head coach only showed up to train them. They did the rest on their own, along with the help and support of their families and the city.

“The kids are all intelligent and just smart,” he said. “They are great players, hard hitters, and dominate with everything they do…They owe it to themselves. All I did was show up and coach them. They are very disciplined kids.”

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department arrested an Auburndale man, Salvadore Travino (DOB: 03/08/1994) after an incident at the Gate Gas Station on Hwy 27. Trevino was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia – smoking device, possession of drug paraphernalia – container, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting with violence.

Here is an excerpt of the arrest affidavit. (It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. The Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to their own understanding and conclusions) :

On October 13, 2022 at approximately 0028 hours, I responded to 2950 Ridge Way (Gate Gas Station) in
reference to a suspicious person. While enroute, dispatch advised the subject was in the store for approximately 45 minutes and was attempting to use a credit card that was being declined. Dispatch also advised the reportee stated the subject was wearing a Michael Meyers mask.

Upon arrival, Officer Cockrell was already on scene and was speaking to the subject who was later identified as Salvador Trevino in the back of the store. After I approached, Officer Cockrell asked Trevino if he had any weapons on him. Trevino in a quick, swift motion pulled the left side of his shirt up revealing a black firearm holster. I instantly noticed the holster and noticed there was an object in the holster, which I at the time believed to be a firearm. I grabbed Trevino’s wrist in an attempt to gain physical control of him due to him reaching for the holster. Trevino began to show active resistance and began pulling away and yelling. Officer Ricks approacher and gained control of both Trevino’s arms while I placed my agency issued handcuffs on him.

Trevino continued to resist and pull away from myself, Officer Ricks and Officer Cockrell. While taking Trevino into custody, a curved flash light fell from the firearm holster. As I began to search Trevino, he continued to attempt to pull away. I located a small clear baggie in Trevino’s right pocket containing four other clear baggies,
which contained a clear and white crystal like substance. At this time, Officer Ricks and Officer Russell began to escort Trevino to the parking lot as he continued to scream and attempt to pull away. Once in the parking lot, Officer Russell located a clear glass pipe in Trevino’s left pocket. As Officer Russell was attempting to remove the pipe from Trevino’s pocket, he again began to pull away. In an attempt to gain full physical control over Trevino,
Officer Ricks and I began to push Trevino against my marked patrol car. Trevino continued to attempt to resist law enforcement efforts and began to kick Officer Ricks and I in the legs striking us with his foot intentionally several times.
Once Trevino was secured inside the rear of my patrol vehicle, I field analyzed the clear glass pipe with a#15 Sirchie field examiner. The clear glass pipe rendered positive preliminary results for methamphetamine. I also used a #15 Sirchie field examiner to analyze the clear/white crystal substance, which rendered a positive preliminary result for methamphetamine.

It should be noted, Officer Ricks, Officer Cockrell, Officer Russell, and I were all wearing our agency issued class B uniform with agency issued badge on the front of our uniform and agency patches on each sleeve. We were also all present in our agency issued marked patrol units clearly identified as law enforcement officers.

Based on the above statements and facts, I believe probable cause exists to charge possession of
methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia – smoking device, possession of drug paraphernalia – container, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting with violence.

by James Coulter

For more than two decades, Roy L. Wilkinson has served his Lake Wales community by reaching out and saving lives as a firefighter. Now, having turned his life over to the Lord, he will be serving his new community in Lakeland by reaching out and touching lives as a pastor.

A fourth-generation Lake Wales resident, Wilkinson always wanted to serve in fire and rescue. His father worked as a volunteer firefighter, so Wilkinson often spent his time at the fire department playing and dreaming of becoming a firefighter.

In 2000, he started his career at the Lake Wales fire department. In 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant, and later, as deputy fire chief. He had hopes of becoming fire chief, but after much thought and prayers, he decided to rededicate his life to a much higher calling.

As of Sept. 30, Wilkinson has retired from the fire department. He will now be serving as a pastor at Highlands Church of God in Lakeland. He served others in his old career, and he expects to continue doing the same with his new one.

“I am really looking forward to what God is going to do through me in the church,” he said. “There is a great group of people here who are excited about moving forward with the church body, and God has great plans for the congregation for the church and this community.”

Fire Chief Joe Jenkins worked with Roy ever since he first joined the station. Jenkins considers Wilkinson to be a high-quality employee who always did his job well. He will miss the conversations they had both on and off the job, and he wished him well in his new endeavors.

“He was a real asset to the department,” Jenkins said. “I wish him well and I am sure he will do a great job.”

Wilkinson has worked at Lake Wales Fire Department for 22 years. He was the first staff member to attend paramedic school in 2005. His department won a Humane Society Award for helping save animals trapped in a burning building. Other notable accomplishments include helping start a fire truck committee in 2004, being named firefighter of the year in 2006, and being promoted to fire chief in 2014.

In 2011, he started contemplating a different life path by working towards his calling in the Church of God. There he served in a program called Calling Ministries Studies, where he started to further explore his calling to the ministry. In 2012, he went through the ordination process and became an ordained minister.

Following his ordination, he served as a part-time youth pastor. In 2017, he became an associate pastor of Ridge Community Church in Dundee, where he had served since 2013. During that time, he would perform double duty as both a firefighter and a minister. He initially had plans to retire a few years later and become a minister full-time; however, after much prayer, he discovered God had other plans.

“I have been living a lifestyle where I worked in the fire department and served the citizens of Lake Wales and now we will work at the church and serve the community there, and that has been our story for a long time,” he said.

Three months ago, Wilkinson received a phone call from a longtime mentor, to whom he had not spoken to in ten years. The mentor had been praying, and he felt the call to ask Wilkinson to consider the opportunity of pastoring his church. Wilkinson and his wife prayed about the decision, and they decided to answer the call.

“We told God to sacrifice anything and everything he asks us to, to stay on the path of putting him first and each other next and serving others,” he explained. “It was a hard thing to think about…but I was trusting God, and as we walked along the path, we decided to apply for the position.”

Initially, Wilkinson did not qualify for the position, as he did not hold the highest-ranking ordination in their denomination. However, as the requirement had since been relaxed, and as he was the best qualified for the position, he was inevitably considered.

“Two weeks later, I got a phone call from the state that said the church took a vote and they want us to come and be their next pastor,” he said. “He agreed, and we signed off on it.”

Wilkinson was elated, but he still had his concerns. He still had to consider his retirement, his insurance, and other benefits to ensure that he could survive on his income. Nevertheless, he made all the proper arrangements and is now set to minister at his new church.

“We know the possibilities are endless,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing what God will do here to change lives and help this community. So I am really excited about what the future holds here.”

Wilkinson will miss many of the firefighters whom he has fostered close relationships with. Matt Hulen started at the fire department in 2007, having previously ridden for the department in high school. He considers Wilkinson to be a great leader, a Christian man, and an amiable boss. He could talk with him about anything on or off work. Getting used to him not being around the station will certainly take time, Hulen said.

“God changed plans on him, and when God opened up doors to him and moved his life into another direction…he thought it was the right thing to do and a time in his life to move forward in,” he said. “We understand what he is doing and we are proud of him for that.”

As for his old community of Lake Wales, he knows it is growing and thriving. He wishes everyone there the best, and that his old staff members will be able to meet any new challenges in his absence.

“The department is growing, and…as long as the city is growing, it is awesome to see the changes taking place,” he said. “The growth is coming whether we like it or not, but we want to make it the best it can be.”

by James Coulter

We here at Welcome, World Travelers love to discuss Walt Disney World. However, we also want to take the opportunity to promote the local attractions here in Polk County. So please enjoy this week’s column on Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.

Fall is in the air. Time to grab a pumpkin spice latte, put on a sweater, and take a stroll through the great outdoors. And what better place to experience natural Florida than at Bok Tower Gardens? Here are seven things you can fall into there for some fall weather fun.

#1: Take a Stoll with a Sip of Wine

What could be more leisurely than taking a stroll through Bok Tower Gardens on an autumn day? How about doing so with a glass of wine in your hand? You can do just that during the annual Wine Walk. With a glass in hand, sample up to 12 different wines from around the world, with wines from here in the states to as far away as South Africa or Argentina. And what goes better with wine than smooth jazz? Listen to the music play from a live band at the Terrace of The Blue Palmetto Café.

Sat., Oct. 15, 2022

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

$40 for members / $55 non-members

#2: Learn to Mix a Herbal Mocktail

Not a fan of alcohol but still want something nice and tasty to sip? No problem. Learn to mix a mocktail from natural ingredients in the Outdoor Garden. From Blackberry Thyme Oxymel and Prickly Pear Ginger Beer Mockarita, not only do these drinks have the same bold flavors of a cocktail, but they’re packed with antioxidants and other minerals and vitamins to boost your immune system and leave you feeling healthy rather than tipsy.

Sat., Oct. 8, 2022

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

$30 members / $35 non-members

#3: Assemble Your Own Air Plant Terrarium

Terrariums look great as a table centerpiece or any other decoration. They not only make your home look greener, but feel greener as well by supplying fresh air. Learn to make your own

using unique air plants at an upcoming workshop. All the materials will be provided for you. All you need to bring along—aside from the fee, of course–is your own creativity.

Sat., Oct. 22, 2022

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

$30 for members / $40 for non-members

#4: Drum Your Way to a Better you with Training

Drum circles are not just for hipsters. Drumming has been linked to better mental health by helping those connect with others through a sense of community. After all, what brings people together better than a good beat? Come and learn how you can become a better person by literally playing to the beat of your own drum.

Fri., Nov. 05, 2022 / Sat., Nov. 06, 2022

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$350 for members/ $365 for non-members

#5: Find Peace and Tranquility with Yoga and Sound Baths

Find your center and become one with nature as you perform yoga and listen to crystal singing bowls in the gardens. Whether you’re performing chair yoga indoors or striking a sun pose outdoors, their yoga classes are the best way to find peace and tranquility in such a peaceful, tranquil environment. Or take a breath and listen to the tranquil sounds of Himalayan crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and other such instruments.

Thurs., Oct. 20, 2022

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Thurs., Nov. 3, 2022

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

$25 members / $35 non-members

#6: Learn to Garden from a Florida Gardener

Fall may be upon us, and winter is almost around the corner–but, then again, here in Florida, it’s always spring and summer weather. There’s always time to spruce up your backyard garden. And you can learn some valuable gardening tips to gain a better green thumb even during the white of winter from an expert Florida gardener.

Wed., Oct. 5, 2022

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 2, 2022

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Free for members / $10 non-members

#7: Build a Tiny House for Tiny Fairies

Ever wanted to see fairies in your flower garden? You could always invite them there by building a home for them. The Fairyhouse Ladies, Vikki and Rhonda, can show you how through their two-day workshop. Build your own small home to attract small tenants to your backyard. Many of these fairy houses are currently on display in Hammock Hollow. Feel free to drop by and see if your little eye can spy a little person dwelling inside.

Fri., Dec. 2, 2022 / Sat., Dec. 3, 2022

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day.

$85 members / $95 non-members

#8: Take a Virtual Field Trip…to Space!

Ever wanted to visit space? Well, technically, you can’t. Not unless you’re a trained astronaut. However, you can take a virtual trip into space. Learn all about the daily lives of astronauts and even take a look at some of the food they eat on the space station. Learn all about it during the NASA Goddard Visitor Center presents “Living and Working in Space.”

Wed., Nov. 23, 2022

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Free with Admission