AdventHealth Daytona Beach is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals for colon cancer surgery.
Over 45? Schedule your screening at YourColonCheckUp.com. It’s time for a
Getting screened for colon cancer is a lot easier than it was back in the day. And, it could save your life. Colon cancer can grow without symptoms in the early stages, but when diagnosed early, it’s 90% curable. If you’re over 45, it’s time.
AdventHealth o ers convenient screening options and, if necessary, the most advanced, minimally invasive robotic treatments — right here in West Volusia.
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 25th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: jbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com
HOA SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to the residents. We create customized homeowners association sections at no cost to the HOA or the residents.
March is here, which means we’re o cially in that inbetween season where everything starts waking up again. One of my favorite spring quotes comes from Charles Dickens, who said: “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” And honestly, if you’ve lived in Florida for more than ve minutes, you know that feeling is very real.
Our family loves spring for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is spring break. Any excuse to slow down, get outside, and spend extra time together is a win in our book. Of course, there is one thing we do not love about this season: losing an hour of sleep when we “spring forward.” I don’t know who decided that was a good idea, but as a mom with a toddler I have questions.
The best part about March in DeLand is that the city is absolutely buzzing with fun. From pets to the arts and everything in between, there is always something happening, and we love being able to highlight it for you. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar to nd all the ways you and your family can make the most of this month.
And as always, we want to say a huge thank you to the incredible local businesses who sponsor DeLand Living. Your support is what makes this magazine possible, and we are truly grateful for the chance to connect our community with the people and places that make DeLand such a special place to live.
Here’s to sunny moments, cool breezes, and a March full of memory-making.
To learn more about becoming an Expert Contributor, contact Denille Brownlee at dbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com or 407-923-7824
■ HOME INSPECTOR Home Team Inspection Service of DeLand Je Schimming 386-267-7373 www.hometeam.com/deland
■ HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Jacob Heating and Air Conditioning
Robert Jacob 386-232-9282 www.jacobhac.com
■ PRIVATE SCHOOL
St. Barnabas Episcopal School Paul Garcia, Head of School 386-734-3005 www.sbesyes.org
■ RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING
MS Design & Construction Michael Self 386-785-9528
www.msdesignandconstruction.com
■ RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
Lively Real Estate
Tracy Snow 386-337-7981
www.tracysnow.com
■ SENIOR LIVING
Alliance Community
386-734-4381
www.alliancecommunity.org
I have lived at Alliance Community for over six years, and they have grown to meet my needs and expectations.
-Captain Wendell Phillips Scenic Tour Guide and Alliance Community Resident
■ YOGA STUDIO
Hot Yoga DeLand
Kirsty Boyer & Heather McIver
386-469-9987
www.hotyogadeland.com
At Alliance Community in DeLand, Florida, we’ve been building a future for seniors for over 71 years—where meaningful connections and comprehensive care go hand-in-hand. Our forward thinking, family-style approach, combined with full access to services and amenities—empowers every resident to create a lifestyle that reflects not only who they are today, but who they aspire to be tomorrow.
Scan the QR code or call to schedule a personal tour.
644 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720 | AllianceCommunity.org 1-800-334-4133 Sales & Marketing Direct Line: 1-386-736-1814
EARLY DETECTION MAKES COLON CANCER CARE EVEN MORE
Getting a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age either age 45, or earlier depending on your personal risk factors is one of the most effective ways to help prevent colon cancer. But what happens if a screening reveals that cancer is already present?
COLONOSCOPY: A Powerful Tool for Early Detection
A colon cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming as you face the unknown. It may help to know that today’s physicians have advanced tools and techniques that allow them to detect colon cancer earlier than ever before.
It’s never too late to take steps to protect your health. When colon cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, it is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of about 90%. That’s one reason AdventHealth physicians strongly encourage routine screening.
How Colonoscopy Screening Works
Colon cancer screening isn’t only for people who have symptoms or concerns. It’s just as important for people who feel healthy, since early-stage colon cancer often has no warning signs.
Doctors recommend adults receive their first colonoscopy around age 45. People at higher risk, including those with certain digestive conditions or a family history of colon cancer, may need to begin screening earlier.
A colonoscopy offers two important benefits: it can detect cancer early, and it can help prevent cancer altogether. Colon cancer often begins as polyps that grow slowly over several years. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a narrow, flexible tube to closely examine the colon and remove polyps before they can become cancerous. By getting a colonoscopy as a preventive measure, potential concerns can often be identified and addressed right away, helping reduce the risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
The procedure is performed under sedation, and most patients are comfortable and unaware during the exam. While a colonoscopy alone cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis, it can provide critical information that guides next steps, including lab testing when needed.
COLON CANCER SURGERY: What to Expect
Treatment for colorectal cancer may involve radiation and chemotherapy, but surgery to remove the tumor is often a key part of care.
At AdventHealth, surgeons use minimally invasive and robot-
ic-assisted approaches when appropriate. These techniques can offer benefits such as enhanced precision, improved visualization and smaller incisions, which may support a smoother recovery after surgery. If lab results indicate that cancer cells may have spread beyond the colon, surgery may be followed by additional treatment such as chemotherapy. After treatment, patients are monitored closely for several years to support healing and help detect any recurrence early.
Care That Supports Body, Mind and Spirit
Caring for the whole person is central to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ. From screening through recovery, AdventHealth care teams are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care so you feel supported every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take an important step in protecting your health, learn more about colon cancer screening and care at YourColonCheckUp.com.
386-943-4522
www.adventhealth.com
Best Version Media
Five Generations, One Hometown
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE | PHOTOS BY DREAMSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY +
IN DELAND, history is not only found in old bricks and oak canopies. It is carried in families, in stories shared across generations, and in the women who keep a place feeling like home. For Women’s History Month, we are shining a light on the Buskirk family, five generations of DeLand women whose roots here stretch back more than 50 years.
It starts with Robbin Buskirk. In the early 1970s, Robbin and her husband, Charles, landed in DeLand because of a downtown opportunity, a small Hallmark store. Robbin jokes she earned a “PHT degree,” putting hubby through, and the couple poured their energy into that little shop. Over the next 20plus years, it grew into six or seven Hallmark stores across Central Florida, a homegrown story that began right here in downtown DeLand.
Robbin remembers a quieter DeLand, with one fast food restaurant and a single shopping center at Woodland and Plymouth. Their first home on Mercers Fernery Road sat among orange groves, where spring meant blossoms in the air and the sweet smell of processing drifting from Ardmore Farms. One family tradition was turning oranges into spending money. The girls climbed the
trees, filled garbage cans, and brought the fruit in to be weighed. The car would be weighed, then weighed again after the cans were emptied. The girls kept the money. It was simple, sunny, and full of little moments that became lifelong memories.
And because of those Hallmark years, another tradition quietly took root. Every Christmas, the Buskirk women chose a Hallmark ornament, one generation to the next. Robbin started it with Jennifer, Jennifer continued it with Amanda, Amanda carried it on with Jordyn, and now Jordyn is doing the same for Reagan, a simple, meaningful thread that keeps their family story hanging on the tree year after year.
Now widowed, Robbin has watched her family grow into a small village, four children, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. After decades in DeLand, she now lives at Blue Palms, grateful for community and the gift of staying connected with family near and far.
Generation two is Robbin’s daughter, Jennifer Herndon, whose DeLand story includes both deep roots and a return. Jennifer came to Florida from Ohio as a child, graduated from DeLand High, attended both Stetson
shorts,
VIDEO
and Daytona State, and built a long career in banking. She met her husband, Joe, in 1986 at the Crow’s Nest by the St. Johns River (now the St. Johns River Grille) after his softball game. She noticed him in his softball
which has become one of those family stories that gets better every time it is told.
Jennifer has also invested in the community, including MainStreet DeLand (serving as President), the DeLand Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, and the Lake Helen League for Better Living. She and Joe helped build Freedom Playground, a project powered by local hands and big hopes for local kids. Like many families, the Herndons spent time away for work, but the pull of home brought them back. Today they are building a new home in DeLand, close enough to enjoy the town that helped shape their story.
On pretty days, their family closeness looks wonderfully simple. The girls often try to get lunch together downtown and often bring something by for Robbin, a small act of care that keeps the generations connected.
Generation three is Amanda Hester, carrying the family’s legacy into the present
“Five generations deep, these women have kept choosing DeLand again and again.”
through work and community involvement. Amanda and her husband, Ben, own CFB Outdoors and serve as the beach maintenance contractor for Volusia County. Amanda is active in the Rotary Club of DeLand and loves a good escape room, often with Jordyn and friends.
In 2023, Amanda and Ben purchased and restored a 1910 home in downtown DeLand, a house tied to Ben’s family since 1932. They brought it back to life and settled into a rhythm that feels like classic DeLand, close enough for downtown parades, a night at the Athens Theatre, or an easy golf cart ride to dinner at favorite spots like BakeChop and Dobro’s.
Generation four is Jordyn, whose early
adulthood was shaped by a season none of her family could have predicted. She graduated from DeLand High in July 2020 and completed esthetician school in December 2020. Not long after, she welcomed her daughter, Reagan, in January 2022 and chose to stay home until Reagan was about 2.5. These days, Jordyn works with her family at CFB and her creativity shines through in painting, crafting, and keeping a “junk journal,” turning little scraps of life into something worth saving. Their home is lively, too, thanks to a Jack Russell puppy named Morgan and a small collection of pet fish that have become part of the daily routine.
Generation five is Reagan (4), bringing the whole legacy into the bright present tense. Reagan attends Atlantis Montessori and loves gymnastics, especially tumbling. She also gets to share it with her cousin Brynlee (10), and the two girls do cheer and gymnastics together at Top Cheer Training Hub in DeLand. Reagan’s favorite days include park time, painting, singing, and building forts with Brynlee, the kind of childhood moments that will one day become the stories everyone tells.
Five generations of women, one hometown, and more than 50 years of DeLand life in between. Roots don’t always look like grand moments. Sometimes they look like oranges in a bucket, a restored old home, little girls tumbling, and women who keep choosing this town again and again. That is the quiet beauty of DeLand Living.
DO YOU KNOW A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? //
Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at jbrownlee@bestversionmedia.com
Sun., March 1 – Sat., March 28
Find Molly the Monarch @ DOWNTOWN DELAND (PARTICIPATING SHOPS)
A fun “butterfly hunt” for the whole family. Pick up a passport, collect stamps as you spot Molly in downtown shops, then turn it in for a chance to win prizes (and even earn MainStreet Bucks if you complete the full passport).
Times: Ongoing during participating business hours, passport drop-off by 3pm on Sat., Mar. 28
Cost: FREE www.mainstreetdeland.org
Sun., March 8
Spring Craft & Vendor Market at Artisan Alley
@ ARTISAN ALLEY
Stroll Artisan Alley and shop a lively mix of makers, artists, and vendors with plenty of one-of-akind finds. It’s an easy, feel-good Sunday outing that pairs perfectly with grabbing lunch downtown after you browse.
In the Gallery with Gary Monroe: The Highwaymen Story
@ MUSEUM OF ART DELAND
Step into a powerful piece of Florida art history as you hear the story behind the Highwaymen and their legacy. This is a great “culture night” option that still feels approachable and local.
Times: 5:30pm – 7pm
Cost: Members FREE, Future Members $10 www.moartdeland.org
Sat., March 14
DeLand Spring Pet & Craft Event
@ ARTISAN ALLEY
Bring your furry friends and enjoy a fun outdoor market day with vendors, handmade goods, and plenty of people-watching. It’s the kind of event that feels like peak DeLand, casual, friendly, and community-forward.
Times: 11am – 4pm
Cost: FREE www.mainstreetdeland.org
Mon., March 16 – Fri., March 20
Volusia County Schools Spring Break
@ VOLUSIA COUNTY
A built-in week to plan a staycation, hit the parks, or explore nearby day trips. Expect lots of family fun happening around town all week long.
Sat., March 21
Downtown DeLand Cruise In @ ALABAMA & EAST INDIANA AVE (NEAR THE COURTHOUSE) Classic cars, music, door prizes, and that “small-town Saturday” energy that makes downtown DeLand feel extra alive. Come stroll the rows, grab a bite, and vote for your favorites.
Times: 2pm – 5pm
Cost: FREE www.mainstreetdeland.org
Sat., March 21 – Sun., March 22
Lake Helen Strawberry Festival (Lake Helen Fest)
@ LAKE HELEN EQUESTRIAN CENTER
A weekend festival packed with food, vendors, and family-friendly fun, with strawberries taking
center stage. It’s a sweet spring tradition that makes an easy day trip from DeLand.
Times: 10am – 5pm (both days)
Cost: Adults $7, Kids 2 & under FREE www.lakehelenfest.com
Sat., March 21 – Sun., Mar. 22
O the Beaten Path Studio Tour
@ WEST VOLUSIA (VARIOUS STUDIOS)
Meet local artists and explore studios across West Volusia during this self-guided weekend tour. It’s inspiring, relaxed, and a great way to discover new favorite creators close to home.
Times: 10am – 5pm (both days)
Cost: FREE
www.artstours.org
Thu., March 26 – Sun., March 29
Spring Daytona Turkey Run
@ DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
A can’t-miss weekend for car lovers, packed with show cars, swap meet finds, and high-energy Speedway vibes. Whether you’re hunting for parts or just soaking in the spectacle, it’s a classic
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spring outing.
Times: Thu–Sat 8am – 4pm, Sun 8am – 2pm
Cost: Thu $20, Fri–Sat $25, Sun $15, 4-day $60 www.turkeyreun.com
Sat., March 28
Veteran’s Build Poker Run
@ DOLLY’S TAVERN FOR REGISTRATION
Join West Volusia Habitat for Humanity on a ride to enjoy five exciting stops, giveaways and a chance to make a real impact in a veterans life. Your ride helps make home ownership possible.
Cost: $20 www.wvhabitat.org
Sat., March 28
Florida Wild ower & Garden Festival
@ DOWNTOWN DELAND
Celebrate spring with plants, garden inspiration, and a lively festival atmosphere right in the heart of DeLand. It’s a great morning-to-afternoon event for families, gardeners, and anyone who loves being outside.
A beautiful weekend to browse fine art, meet artists, and enjoy one of DeLand’s signature spring traditions. Come ready to wander, discover something special, and soak up the park setting.
Times: Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 4pm
Cost: FREE www.delandoutdoorartfest.com
Sun., March 29
DeLand’s Got Talent Live Auditions
(Top 25)
@ IVY HAWN CHARTER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
See West Volusia performers take the stage and cheer on local talent as the competition heats up. It’s a high-energy community showcase where your applause really matters.
Times: All day
Cost: $10 (ages 8+), $5 (ages 7 and under) www.delandsgottalent.org
Built For DeLand
How Mike Self shows up for families on the softball eld and for homeowners at the jobsite
SUBMITTED BY MIKE SELF, MS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
DELAND HAS A way of feeling like a small town and a big community at the same time. It is the kind of place where you see familiar faces at the ball fields, downtown, church, and school events, and where your name still means something.
That is why I love calling DeLand home. I am a husband, a dad of four, and I coach girls softball here in our community. Coaching has become one of the most meaningful ways I get to pour into local families. It is also one of the best reminders of what matters most, showing up, doing the fundamentals well, and helping people grow with confidence.
And honestly, those same values shape the way I run my construction business.
Coaching teaches you what “good leadership” really looks like
On the field, you cannot fake preparation. The girls can tell if you are present, if you have a plan, and if you care about the details. The goal is not just winning, it is building a team that trusts each other, works hard, and gets better over time.
That mindset carries into every project we take on. Building and remodeling can feel overwhelming for homeowners, especially when you are making big decisions about your home. My job is to make the process clear, steady, and well-executed.
From construction roots to DeLand projects
I grew up in a construction family and have always been fascinated with how things are built. That curiosity led me into project management in both residential and commercial construction, and later into the structural engineering field where I gained design experience.
Today, MS Design & Construction serves DeLand and West Volusia with a simple approach that guides everything we do: Listen Better. Plan Better. Build Better.
What we build for homeowners in DeLand
Every home is different, and I love helping families create spaces that fit the way they actually live. Our residential services include:
• Custom New Home Builds
• Custom home additions
• Renovations
• Outdoor Kitchens
• Wood Decks
We also handle commercial remodels and interior build-outs when local businesses need improvements done the right way.
The part most people skip, and why it matters
In softball, a little extra practice saves you
in the fourth inning. In construction, a little extra planning saves you in the fourth week.
The initial client meeting is where everything starts. We listen closely, take detailed notes, and create a plan that breaks the project into clear stages so there are no surprises and no unanswered questions.
That is how we protect budgets, timelines, and expectations.
Making a difference where it counts
Whether I am on the field coaching girls to believe in themselves, or working with a homeowner who wants to improve the space where their family gathers, the mission is the same: show up, do the work with excellence, and leave people better than you found them.
I am grateful to build in the same community I get to live in, coach in, and raise my family in. That is the kind of work I am proud to put my name on, right here in DeLand.
MS DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Michael Self
386-86-785-9528 www.msdesignandconstruction
Meet Some of Your DeLand Pets!
SHOW US YOUR PETS!
Do you have a favorite photo of your favorite pet? Send it to rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com and they could be the star of a future edition!
Mikayla Grace and Brielle Grace
SUBMITTED
Romeo
SUBMITTED BY PAULA O.
BY SANDY K.
Essie
SUBMITTED BY LEAH M.
Twyla
SUBMITTED BY TERESA T.
Georgie
SUBMITTED BY MIRIAM N.
Hope
SUBMITTED BY BRENT K.
DeLand’s Got Talent Is Back for Season 2
SUBMITTED BY HOLLY BRUNELLE
DELAND’S GOT TALENT returns for Season 2, and excitement is already building across West Volusia!
Presented by the Rotary Clubs of West Volusia, this community-driven showcase highlights outstanding local performers of all ages, from singers and dancers to musicians and specialty acts, all competing for a $5,000 grand prize and the title of DeLand’s Got Talent.
Performers began by submitting a video audition, from which 25 standout acts were selected to advance to the Live Auditions. These Top 25 performers will take the stage on March 29 at Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts, performing live in front of an audience and professional judges. Finalists will then advance to the Grand Finale on May 24 at the historic Athens Theatre, one of DeLand’s most iconic venues.
This season’s judges include Charlie Stevens, Music Director for Epic Universe, and Jackie Hazen-Levine, owner of Central Florida Talent. In addition to judging, Hazen-Levine will be actively recruiting talent, making this an incredible opportunity for performers.
Community sponsorships play a vital role in making this event possible, and the money raised goes right back into our local communities by supporting area arts, education, and youth programs. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring are encouraged to get involved.
The Fruit of the Spirit in Everyday School Life
BY PAUL GARCIA, HEAD OF SCHOOL
PARENTS OFTEN ASK the same question when touring a school: “Will my child be challenged academically?” It’s an important question. Many families today are also searching for something deeper. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and complex, character matters more than ever, and the best schools do not treat it as an addon. They incorporate it into the daily rhythm of campus life.
At St. Barnabas Episcopal School in DeLand, character development is intentionally woven into the student experience alongside robust and rigorous academics. The school’s approach includes a monthly focus on the Fruit of the Spirit - virtues and essential life skills, beginning with love and adding a new trait each month. This structure gives students daily opportunities to learn, practice, and live out these values in meaningful ways.
What does that look like in real life? It means children aren’t just learning reading, writing, and math. They are also being coached in qualities like kindness, patience, self-control, and faithfulness. Through consistent language, clear expectations, and positive encouragement, students learn that who they are becoming matters.
At St. Barnabas, the Fruit of the Spirit is reinforced across campus through chapel, Christian Education classes, and a classroom culture grounded in respect and responsibility. One practical way this focus comes to life is through positive recognition. The school’s “Gotcha” Program encourages teachers and staff to intentionally notice
and celebrate actions that demonstrate servant leadership and strong character.
This kind of reinforcement matters, teaching students that character is built through practice. At St. Barnabas Episcopal School, our STREAM (Science, Technology, Relationships, Arts, and Math) philosophy integrates learning across subjects for deeper understanding, while our Middle School Crew Program strengthens relationships through weekly challenges, team-building, and service learning. An incentive-based points system has led to fewer conduct infractions and increased recognition for service, kindness, and academic achievement.
Families experience and support this kind
of growth at home as well. A few simple ways to reinforce character formation beyond the classroom include:
• Name it when you see it. When your child shows patience, honesty, courage, or kindness, say it out loud.
• Make it practical. Ask questions like, “What did it look like to show love today?” or “When was self-control hard?”
• Model it. Children learn character by observation, especially in how adults respond under pressure.
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Growth in virtue happens over time through guidance, practice, and repetition. Experiencing failure is often the best learning tool.
The goal is not simply good behavior and good grades. The goal is to raise and empower children with a solid moral and academic foundation in a faith-based environment centered on God’s Word. Students who grow in faith, develop strong life skills, and become the kind of friends and classmates who strengthen their school community.
To learn more about St. Barnabas Episcopal School (PK4–8th grade) or to schedule a tour, families may contact David Dugo, Director of Admissions, at (386) 734-3005 or ddugo@sbesyes.org.
ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Paul Garcia, Head of School 386-734-3005 | www.sbesyes.org
The Luck We Make in DeLand
BY DENILLE BROWNLEE
MARCH BRINGS SHAMROCKS, a little extra sunshine, and that familiar feeling that DeLand is waking up for festival season. St. Patrick’s Day is a fun excuse to wear green, but the best kind of luck around here is not something you find. It’s something you build, one small moment at a time.
In DeLand, “lucky” looks like parking once downtown and bumping into three people you know before you reach the next corner. It looks like a Friday evening stroll through Artisan Alley while the Farmers Market hums in the background. It looks like saying yes to a community night out, whether that’s the Downtown DeLand Cruise-In with all the classics lined up near the courthouse, or a show at the Athens Theatre that leaves you laughing on the walk back to the car.
March is also when DeLand does what it does best, turning a regular weekend into a reason to linger. This month brings some of the city’s signature spring favorites, including the DeLand Spring Pet & Craft Event in Artisan Alley, the Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival downtown, and the DeLand Outdoor
Art Festival at Earl Brown Park, a tradition that draws makers, artists, and families from all over. And if you want a dose of culture with your fresh-air season, the Museum of Art DeLand’s Florida Highwaymen exhibition carries into late March.
Here’s a simple March challenge, part St. Patrick’s Day, part DeLand. Notice three “lucky” moments this month, then pass one along. Invite someone to lunch downtown. Text a thank you. Support a local artist. Bring a treat to a neighbor. In a town like ours, luck is not a four-leaf clover. It’s community, and the more you give it away, the more it grows.
For dates, times, and details, check the DeLand Living calendar and make a plan to get out and enjoy the month.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Colcannon
BY RENEE GARRISON
HAVE YOU EVER tried colcannon? A St. Patrick’s Day favorite, colcannon is an Irish potato recipe that combines creamy mashed potatoes and usually kale or cabbage. (My grandmother even added bacon bits to hers!) If there’s ever a recipe to get you to eat your greens, this is it!
Ingredients:
4 russet potatoes (2 to 2 ½ pounds), peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
Salt, to taste
5 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for serving
3 lightly packed cups chopped kale, cabbage, chard, or other leafy green
3 green onions, minced (about ½ cup)
1 cup milk or cream
Cooking Instructions:
Boil the potatoes: Put the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil. Boil until the potatoes
are fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Cook the greens and the green onions with butter: Return the pot to the stove over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the pot, and once it’s hot, add the greens, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are wilted and have given off some of their water. Add the green onions and cook 1 minute more.
Mash the potatoes with milk or cream and greens: Pour in the milk or cream, mix well, and add the potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium. Use a fork or potato masher and mash the potatoes, mixing them up with the greens. Add salt to taste and serve hot, with a square of butter in the center.
A LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
CITY OF DELAND
Dear Citizens of DeLand,
One of the greatest strengths of our city is an engaged and informed community, and I’m excited to share an opportunity that allows residents to learn more about how your local government works while becoming even more connected to the place we call home.
The City of DeLand Citizens Academy is designed to give participants a behind-the-scenes look at city operations, services, and leadership. Through hands-on sessions and direct interaction with city staff, residents gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how our city serves the community every day. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to DeLand, the Citizens Academy is a meaningful way to get involved and strengthen your connection to our city.
In addition to this exciting opportunity, DeLand continues to shine as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community events. Coming up soon is the DeLand Outdoor Art Festival, held in conjunction with the Florida Wildflower and Garden Festival. This annual favorite celebrates creativity, nature, and the unique charm of our downtown. Events like these highlight the spirit of DeLand and the collaborative efforts that make our city such a special place to live, work, and visit.
As always, I encourage you to stay connected and informed about what’s happening in our community. The most up-to-date information on events, activities, and opportunities can be found on the MainStreet DeLand and The Visit West Volusia websites, both are excellent resources for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your continued involvement, pride, and support of our city. I hope you’ll consider participating in the Citizens Academy and joining us at the many wonderful events ahead. Together, we continue to build a strong, vibrant future for DeLand.
