05.29.2024

Today’s Forecast

98º | 7% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. | Sunset 8:18 p.m.

🎨 Arts: Just what the doctor ordered

Arts in Medicine: A different kind of prescription

A group of individuals poses with painted portraits in front of their faces.

Watson Clinic’s Arts in Medicine program is more than just a way to engage patients — it’s bringing healing + creating connection. | Photo courtesy of Watson Clinic

When you initially think of healthcare and the arts, the two fields seem highly disparate. However, studies show that when the arts are integrated into healthcare, both patients and communities experience positive outcomes. Enter: Arts in Medicine (AIM), a nationwide movement adopted by Watson Clinic to improve the health and wellbeing of Lakelanders.

Where it all began

While there are accounts of the arts being integrated into medicinal practices dating back thousands of years, the formal movement began in the 1990s with UF Health Shands and quickly spread nationwide. In 2008, the Watson Clinic Foundation brought the program to Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center in Lakeland, which treats around 200 patients per month.

Today, more than 50% of clinics and hospitals across the US offer some form of AIM program, though Watson Clinic’s is the only one in all of Polk County.

Pieces of artwork are displayed on a table underneath a sign that says "Arts in Medicine Studio." — Nearly all of the artwork displayed in the Arts in Medicine studio is created by patients, caregivers + community members.
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Photo courtesy of Watson Clinic

The mission

Beyond creating positive patient and community outcomes, Watson Clinic’s AIM program is equally focused on cultivating connection through different art forms.

Whether providing interactive arts activities for patients during treatment or partnering with community organizations to host workshops for breast cancer survivors, the AIM program serves to create a safe and inclusive space. Here, individuals can unlock their creativity, share their stories, and forge community.

In a 2019 survey, those who participated in Watson Clinic’s AIM program shared that after interacting with creative arts, they overall experienced less pain, stress, and had improved moods.

A pianist sits at a piano. She is wearing a face mask. On top of the piano is a plaque with a wreath of flowers. — One of the ways volunteers can get involved with Arts in Medicine is by offering to play music for patients on one of the clinic’s instruments.
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Photo courtesy of Watson Clinic

How to get involved

On Monday, June 10 and Monday, June 17, the AIM program will take part in two Stand Up to Cancer events for women who are affected by breast, endometrial, cervical, and uterine cancers.

Have a talent to share? AIM is regularly seeking volunteers and donations to facilitate its programs, with opportunities available for all ages.

Asked

How many people interact with Arts in Medicine’s open studio space each month?

A. 100
B. 125
C. 150
D. 175

Get creative with your guess

Events

Wednesday, May 29

Follow the Leaders 2024: Public Service Leadership | Wednesday, May 29 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Grasslands Golf & Country Club, 1600 Grasslands Blvd., Lakeland | $65-$75 | EMERGE members and non-members can learn from a panel of civic leaders.

Thursday, May 30

Winds & Whiskers Pet Hurricane Prep Expo | Thursday, May 30 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Studio 37, 400 N. Church Ave., Mulberry | Free | Drop in with your leashed pet and learn how to get storm ready before hurricane season begins.
Salute & Serve: Honoring Our Heroes | Thursday, May 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Join in ax-throwing and enjoy food + drink specials — proceeds will benefit Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

Friday, May 31

Summer Reading Kickoff Party | Friday, May 31 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Grab your summer reading log and take part in kids’ aviation activities provided by ACE.
Turn Up (Hip Hop) Dance Fitness | Friday, May 31 | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland, 310 E. Lemon St., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This high-energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery.

Saturday, June 1

SunSmartSummer with Lakeland Regional Health | Saturday, June 1 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Get sun + water safety tips through interactive stations around the park at this family-friendly event.
LKLD Indie Bash Three | Saturday, June 1 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10 | See live performances from 20+ local bands ranging from indie rock to alternative.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Direct flights to New England coming your way

LAL-Visit Central Florida Avelo-5.29.24.jpg

While you’re in the area, explore cities like New York and Boston or head north for some fresh lobstah + butter. | Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

Pop quiz: Which airline started in 2020 to cater to budget-conscious travelers who still want a quality flying experience?

The answer: Avelo Airlines, an airline that focuses on connecting underserved markets and providing direct flights to smaller airports — oh, and their no change or cancellation fees policy is pretty sweet, too.

Longing for a New England change of scenery? Beginning June 13, Avelo will provide direct flights to New Haven, CT out of Lakeland International Airport (LAL).

Book your flight

News Notes

Active

Anyone up for a stroll? The FDOT is planning a 210-mile trail that will span from Polk to Collier County. Learn more about the project’s proposed benefits + timeline on Tuesday, June 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the agency’s District 1 office (801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow). (The Ledger)

Outdoors

Two declining laurel oak trees next to the Lake Hollingsworth multi-use trail will be removed + replaced with trees that can better withstand hurricane season beginning Monday, June 10. Crews will be on-site during the removal to redirect those using the trail.

Traffic

Kathleen Road is now closed from north of Block Prine to Raulerson roads while the county makes improvements for a new subdivision. During the five-month closure, local residents and businesses will continue to have roadway access, but through traffic will be diverted. (The Ledger)

Award

Last week, 11 Lakeland business, home, and property owners received recognition for protecting the past at the annual Historic Preservation Awards. See the full list of winners, including COhatch + The Terrace Hotel. (LkldNow)

Pets

Did you know that one of Lakeland’s most accomplished athletes has four paws? Labrador retriever Huckleberry has competed in Dock Dogs swimming events for six years and is headed to the World Championships this October for the fifth time. Now that’s a good boy. (The Ledger)

Try This

Snap a selfie in front of nine Lakeland wall murals and receive a free Freedom Draft and dessert from Swan Brewing during The Cultivated Pig’s summer Wall Crawl. Looking for more of a challenge? Complete the bonus locations for even more freebies.

Number

$13 million. That’s how much HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence program offered public housing agencies this year. Lakeland’s Swan Lake Village is using its share of the funds to help former foster youth in their transition after aging out. (Bay News 9)

Stat

More than 580,000 Florida residents live with Alzheimer’s — the second-highest in the nation. Help raise funds + awareness for the cause by attending “Laugh All Day” on Friday, June 21 featuring three local comedians. Get your tickets. (The Ledger)

Drink

Celebrate Sabu Ramen’s new look with a pop-up from Mucho Boba this Friday, May 31 from 5 to 11 p.m. at The Joinery. Two exclusive flavors will be available: horchata and dragonfruit kiwi blue lotus lemonade. Try saying that five times fast.

Feel Good

Take a Kid Fishing, Inc., a Lakeland-based nonprofit founded by Will Dunn, provides mentorship for kids through fishing. To date, Dunn has taken around 5,000 children on experiential fishing trips, helping them to get outside and learn about the environment. (The Ledger)

Home

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Edu

Not sure if you should go to trades school or college? You can do both. Get to know SEU’s Trades Program, providing both Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees and the technical training needed to get into high-demand trades careers.*

Arts

Have you ever seen a Rodin sculpture in person? Three works from the iconic artist are currently on display at the Polk Museum of Art, and the craftsmanship up close is truly mesmerizing. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer morning.*

Shop

Summer’s fast approaching — which means we’re hitting the Tory Burch sandal shop.*

Eat

🍽️ Bust your belt, not your bank

Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland

Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side

All this for $10? Eat your heart out. | Photo by @eatalldafoodz

Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Lakeland. Check out this list of places where lunch for one costs $10 or less.

Mr. Pollo Mexican Grill, 4981 US Hwy. 98 N.
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to enjoy these tacos. Protein options include steak, chicken, chorizo, and more.

Polk City BBQ, 221 Commonwealth Ave. SW., Polk City
This award-winning barbecue spot is located just a few minutes from north Lakeland and now offers eight meals for under $10.

Ole’ Tampa Cubans, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 31
Grab a small Traditional, American, Honey, or Spicy cuban sandwich for $5, or take a trip to the ocean with a medium Devil Crab sandwich for $4.75.

Scream’n Tuna Sushi, 270 E. Bay St.
Try a pair of rolls with the Two Roll Special, which includes soup or salad.

21 more drool-worthy deals

The Buy

Handcrafted candles. Transport yourself to the breathtaking landscapes and scents of your favorite National Parks with scents from The Roosevelts Candle Co.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Amelia

From the editor

While all the spots on our $10 lunch guide are delicious, I can personally vouch for the food at Polk City BBQ — so much so, that it’s even catering my wedding. I personally recommend the smoked chicken quarters, and don’t forget the mac + cheese.

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