In the last couple of weeks Prayer has been in the minds and news of Lakeland. The City Commission has been challenged on their policy of beginning city meetings with prayer. I always think it is funny that it often takes Atheists to be the catalyst for needed religious dialogue....
Those looking to help migrant families improve their language skills have the opportunity to attend a free training workshop. No foreign language or teaching experience is needed to attend the class March 27 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Madonia Center at 4440 Academy Drive in Mulberry. Participants will learn methods to help ESOL speakers improve their reading, writing and speaking skills. To register or for directions, call Sandi Thivierge at 863-604-3952. The workshop is sponsored by Florida's Literacy Resource Center, the Farmworker Ministry and the Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. Community Center.
I’m sorry I missed a few days. It’s been a busy week. My family joined me in Tallahassee as we began this year’s legislative session. It was so nice to have Kim and the kids up with me. It’s going to be a tough session, for sure, but as my buddy Adam Putnam always says, “they don’t pay us to come up here and pass mother’s day resolutions,” they pay us to solve problems.
Eligible residents of Bartow, Dundee, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton and Mulberry who want to vote in their April 6th City Elections or who desire to change party affiliation must do so by March 8th. “It is important to complete your registration by March 8th,” said Lori Edwards, Polk County’s Supervisor of Elections “any person submitting a form after that date will not be eligible to vote in the City Election.” You can download a voter registration form at www.polkelections.com. Your always-helpful public library has forms on hand. Each city hall and numerous local businesses have copies, but a visit to the library is fun for the whole family. If you're already registered, you can use the opportunity to update your information with the election office. For further information regarding the Book Closing deadline or any other election related questions please contact the elections office at 534-5888.
Normally I do not get political with my Religion in the City column. The articles are supposed to challenge and be an inspiring muse in people’s spiritual life. It has never been my intention to write to the left or right in either our community’s churches or government. I do not stand on the side of pro-lifers any more than I speak for pro-choicers. My articles are meant to be mindful expressions on the side of love, grace, hope and dignity for all of God’s children.
I leave next week for Florida’s annual 9-week legislative session. It’s a bummer every year that the kick off of the spring training season coincides with the session‘s start. The timing is ironic, at least in my opinion.
I talk a lot about regionalism in this space. And, make no mistake, I firmly believe in it. I know that if we do a better job working together we can achieve great things as the world’s super region. Unfortunately, the past two weeks have not offered a shining moment of regional cooperation as we witnessed an unfortunate fight surrounding the location of Polk’s High Speed Rail stop.
A bit of chatter lately surrounds Tampa International Airport’s international flare – or lack thereof, maybe. Mitch Perry provides a good post about the status of international flights at TIA and the relatively turbulent discussion that opened the dialogue again. There are certainly some unresolved questions after all the flap: Are there [...]
I was disappointed that committee meetings held me in Tallahassee last week for the announcement at Cypress Gardens. As we knew, the news coming from the sale to Merlin confirms: this is a big deal. Initial reports in The Ledger boast 1,000 new jobs, although reports from folks who attended the news conference indicate as [...]
As we move to a new year and stare down a new decade, it seems fitting to reflect upon the dynamics that shape our community’s future. And as I do, I’m filled with hope. But my optimism is tempered by awareness that while success looks us squarely in the eye, deep challenges still litter our [...]
I’ll be writing about this one for a while I think. That’s because LandSouth’s sale of Cypress Gardens to Merlin Entertainments Group is a biggie. Merlin is the British owner of Legoland and other attractions, my personal favorite being Madame Tusaaud’s Wax Museum. My Grandfather took me to Madame Tussaud’s in London when I was [...]
I was sorry I couldn’t attend the opening of the soccer complex at the new Lake Myrtle Park complex in Auburndale at the end of December. When I told my mom about the excitement over at Lake Myrtle Park, she replied: “What’s Lake Myrtle Park?”. I figured I’d better start typing. As you’ve probably seen [...]
Thursday was a rough afternoon/overnight, but one that I can say I was proud to be a part of. I was one of a number of individuals answering calls from people seeking to find neighbours and family members in Haiti days after the tragic earthquake, or with questions on how they can help. That came [...]
Bio: Chris Craig received his Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University and his Master’s in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Garrett Seminary. Chris guest preaches, leads spirituality classes, and works in social services in Lakeland. Chris is not ordained in any church, and his columns do not speak for any churches or organizations where he might be affiliated.