Modern chic

Here’s the theme

• Amazing Airbnb and Vrbo rentals
• Unique camping destinations
• Nearby day trips
• Beach getaways

• Snapology Thanksgiving Workshops | Tuesday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | XP League Lakeland, 3201 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $65 | Attend one of these workshops to hone different skills — themes include “Archaeology” and “Thanksgiving.”
• Exploration Station | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 2-4 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Visit the Nature Center Classroom to explore with microscopes.

• A Proper Thanksgiving Eve | Wednesday, Nov. 22 | 7 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Kick off the Thanksgiving festivities with live music from Proper Wednesday and eats from Chubby Wubby’s Gourmet Hot Dogs.

• Thanksgiving Grand Buffet at the Terrace Grille | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Terrace Grille Lakeland, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland | $139 | Make a reservation for this buffet meal including Thanksgiving classics, carving stations, and a raw bar.

• Complimentary Gift Wrapping | Friday, Nov. 24-Saturday, Nov. 25 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Price of donation | Have your gifts wrapped in the breezeway near BD’s Mongolian Grill — optional donations will support clubs at George Jenkins High School.

• 30% off items included in our gift guides for her + him

• 30% off Treat Yourself Gift Guide

• The Lakeland CRA presented the Downtown West Action Plan’s three key objectives — community connection, nurturing neighborhoods, and growth development — to commissioners last week. Next, the CRA and GAI Consultants will use the commission’s input to draft and present a final plan in January. (The Ledger)

• The RP Funding Center has found its next director. City Manager Shawn Sherrouse announced that Cindy Collins, formerly the General Manager of the Mountain Health Arena in West Virginia, would fill the role yesterday morning.

• Businesses of The Year. That’s one of the awards annually presented by The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Polk County Chapter. The award goes to businesses that show a commitment to philanthropy. This year, The Ruthvens were one of the association’s selections for the award.

• A new high school could be coming to northeastern Polk County. While an exact site is still being determined by the school board, the school will alleviate strain from Polk’s growing student population. Potential sites include two properties along Lake Hatchineha Road in Haines City. (The Ledger)

• The Office of the Tax Collector for Polk County’s offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 27.

• Once upon a midnight dreary, a unique event took over the Polk Theater...y. Tickets are on sale now for an Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy event on Friday, Dec. 8. Register to sip on craft cocktails inspired by four pieces of Poe’s work.

• Southwest Middle School art teacher Paul Peterson was featured by Bay News 9 for his unique take on art education. Students in Peterson’s class design and build their own skateboards. As part of the class, students must also learn to independently earn $25 to cover their supplies. (Bay News 9)

• 3.9%. That was Polk’s unemployment rate in October. While the rate has inched higher over the last year, it’s not due to the loss of jobs. Rather, it may be due to a higher rate of growth for Polk’s labor force than the availability of new jobs. (The Ledger)

• Keep the flu away this season. A flu vaccine is your best defense from catching the flu — and Watson Clinic makes protecting yourself convenient by offering multiple Flu Clinic locations across our community. Find the location closest to you.*

• Have you heard of the “Target Phenomenon” — why people can’t leave Target without a cartful of goodies? Brad’s Deals explains 11 reasons to love Target.*

The Columbus Deen House, 417 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Way