🏓 Pain-free playing tips

1. Wear proper footwear with good arch support and cushioning.
2. Warm up before you play by walking around the court to loosen your muscles.
3. Use a knee brace for extra support.
4. Use a light paddle with a large sweet spot to reduce stress on the knees.
5. Avoid running and jumping. Instead, focus on your footwork and make smooth, controlled movements.
6. If your knees start to hurt, take a break.

🩻 When surgery (or orthopedic care) is needed

• 3-D customized model of your knee
• Individualized surgical plan
• No CT scan (think: save money, time, and exposure to radiation)
• Faster, more efficient surgery time than traditional knee replacements
• Smaller incisions + reduced scarring
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery time + less post-operative pain

• Low-Impact Exercise Class | Monday, June 10 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | Increase circulation + improve heart health in this low-intensity workout class.
• High School Game Night | Monday, June 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Pressed, 213 E. Bay St., Lakeland | Free | High schoolers are invited to bring + borrow games while sipping on brews from the coffee bar.

• Summer Kids Class: Squishy Tabby Cat | Tuesday, June 11 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $27-$29 | Artists ages 7+ will learn how to paint their own feline artwork to take home.
• Alzheimer’s Association’s In-Person Caregiver Support Group | Tuesday, June 11 | 12-1 p.m. | Hawthorne Inn, 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland | Free | Connect with other caregivers at this group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

• Polk Pride 2024: Pride for Youth | Wednesday, June 12 | 6:30-9 p.m. | United Women’s Club of Lakeland, 1515 Williamsburg Sq., Lakeland | Free | This chaperoned celebration is for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-17.

• Classic Albums Live: Prince, “Purple Rain” | Thursday, June 13 | 7:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $34-$44 | Hear this album’s hits and deep cuts performed note for note, just as Prince recorded it.

• Dixieland Night Market | Friday, June 14 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Browse art, fashion, food, and jewelry from local makers at this monthly night market.
• “Mean Girls Jr.” | Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 23 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Young actors will perform this “grool” musical that was recently made into a feature film.

• Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jackson Park, 1130 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | Free | The whole family can celebrate with live music, community dance showcases, and arts + culture exhibitions.
• “Bridgerton” Luncheon | Saturday, June 15 | 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Cob & Pen, 1221 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $29 | Join fellow “Bridgerton” enthusiasts in a cookbook discussion while enjoying Regency-inspired fare — ticket includes admission to a follow-up event in July.

• Polk County’s Rohr Home facility closed on Friday — four months ahead of schedule — following the move-out of its last two residents. A new purpose for the county-owned building is TBD. (The Ledger)

• According to newly released documents, Red Lobster’s Lakeland restaurant is one of 24 more Florida locations that could close. All hope is not lost, however. If the location’s lease can be renegotiated, it may stay open after all. (The Ledger)

• Florida Southern College has named its next president. Dr. Jeremy P. Martin, who most recently served as an executive for William & Mary, will assume the role Aug. 1. upon outgoing president Dr. Anne Kerr’s retirement.

• Looking for new ways to keep your pup active in the heat of summer? Mobile dog gyms may be the answer. Our pets guide has the full list of where to find them in Lakeland, along with other pet-approved vendors. (Fox 13 News)

• Here’s something to noodle on — Sabu Ramen in The Joinery just got a new look. In addition to the clean lines + warm color palette inspired by Japanese minimalist design, the restaurant also added its own bar stool seating and treats from Meraki Bakehouse to its menu.

• Ever wanted to put your own creative spin on Lakeland’s popular landmarks? Now you can. Local artist Bump Galleta just released “Color Lakeland,” a Swan City-themed coloring book fit for all ages. Get yours online before they sell out.

• Create a one-of-a-kind planter in a guided potting class with The Blooming Container on Thursday, June 20. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., participants will enjoy lunch and tea at Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Bistro while planting succulents, cacti, and foliage. Call to reserve your spot.

• ICYMI, starting this Thursday, Avelo Airlines is providing direct flights to New Haven, CT out of Lakeland International Airport (LAL). Book a flight — and get to know the airline that focuses on providing direct flights to smaller airports.*

• Woman-owned business Royal Highnies uses airy, 400-thread count Pima cotton to create luxury loungewear for the whole family. It all began with boxer shorts, and now, trademarked Highnies are sold in over 500 retailers — but you can snag free hats for Father’s Day exclusively online with code ROYALDADDY24.*

• What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade: the Horizon hearing aid. (This is not your grandpa’s hearing device.) See if you qualify for a free trial.*