If you’re looking to support local older adults, you’re right on target. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock into our retirement guide, and find opportunities in Lakeland that work for you.
Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization. Whether you’re interested in supporting the arts or want to put in work outdoors, check out our full list of opportunities.
Candle Pour Workshop | Times vary | Tienda Studio | $45 | Unleash your inner candle artisan and personalize the fragrance you want to put in a jar.
Neon Skate Party | 5:30 p.m. | Skate World | $6+ | Get your glow on and light up the rink.
Friday, Aug. 8
Family Paint Night | 5-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | Price of purchase | Get creative together and decorate a piece for your home — you’ll receive 15% off.
Pop-Up Market | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | It’s girls night out — enjoy vendors selling permanent jewelry, hand-poured candles, sweets + more.
Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Free+ | The only words you have to say at this book club are your coffee order before settling in with your latest read.
Here are other highlights we’re looking forward to:
September
Girls in Aviation Day | Saturday, Sept. 20 | STEM-based fun and career exploration for future scientists
October
Lifting Literacy | Saturday, Oct. 4 | Have breakfast + learn about the New World Reading Program
November
Wings ‘n Things | Saturday, Nov. 1 | Build a wing rib, fly drones, and hands-on activities for all ages
December
Flight Before Christmas | Thursday, Dec. 4 | Walk through a maze of twinkling lights + visit Santa
Polar Express: Airmail Edition | Friday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 13 | Enjoy a magical story, flight to the North Pole, and hot chocolate as Santa delivers gifts worldwide
The Singing Tower was built on one of the highest points of peninsular Florida + stands 205 ft tall — making it easy for lightening to strike it. | Photo via @boktowergardens
Fun Fact
Bok Tower Gardens, in nearby Lake Wales, preserves the heron sculptures atop its Singing Tower with lightning rods. While viewing the tower is currently limited due to moat maintenance, you can have a whole day of fun during the Orchid Fever x Havana Heat festival on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Biz
In a new acquisition, Aero Centers, a fixed-base operator (FBO), will expand into the Sheltair FBO Lakeland facility at KLAL — making its total footprint at the airport over 30 acres. The business also plans to invest in facility improvements + enhance customer amenities.
Cause
The YMCA of Central Florida is celebrating 20 years of its Reads program + is looking for new volunteer mentors. Those interested in helping K-3rd graders with their academic growth can inquire via email. All training and materials are provided.
Mailbag
We’ve got a new local read on our lists, thanks to Brett V.: “One of my novels, ‘The Silent Witness,’ is written in the setting of Lakeland! I thought you might be interested.” This thriller just got more mysterious — see if you recognize any Swan City details when reading.
Kids
The first day of school for ~117,000 students in Polk County Public Schools is Monday, Aug. 11. If your kiddos have the back-to-school blues (understandable, really), plan to do something fun with them this weekend around our city — here are some ideas.
History
Citrus Connection is transporting folks to the past at Winter Haven Transit Terminal. When visiting, you can now see four original seats from the historic Chain of Lakes Stadium — built in 1966 + Spring Training home to the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians.
Pets
Make some room at home for a new furry family member. SPCA Florida is participating in NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide Clear the Shelters event, offering discounts of up to 100% off adoption fees for all of August. Check out the adoptable pets — Lupita the dog looks like an angel.
A great maxi wrap dress that can see you through the transition from summer into fall. Choose your favorite print or floral and enjoy the airy, comfortable feel and flattering ruffle hem.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I might not be from Florida, but I will always appreciate the natural beauty found in the area. Find your zen this morning + check out this “live stream” I found.
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