Since 1970, January has been recognized as National Blood Donor Month after President Richard Nixon declared it as such on December 31, 1969. In his proclamation, the late President Nixon stated that “No manifestation of this generosity of spirit is more expressive, and no gift more priceless in time of personal crisis, than the donation of one’s blood. The voluntary blood donor truly gives life itself.”
Today, almost a year since COVID-19 reached American soil, the need to donate blood stands. According to the Red Cross, this year’s Blood Donor Month, “coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients and this year is no exception.” And, as we continue to see cases rise both in Florida and nationally, the need for convalescent plasma (plasma from eligible survivors of COVID-19), increases as well.
What to Expect If you’re a first-time blood donor, here’s what you can expect: • Registration – Sign in, share your ID, and review important information • Health History/Physical – An overview of your health history • Donation time – One pint is drawn and usually takes no longer than 10 minutes • Recovery –The team typically provides a snack and a drink to boost your blood sugar as you recover for around 15 minutes • Testing – Your blood is sent off to be tested and distributed to patients in need
Health ○ A new, post-COVID clinic opened in Lakeland to treat those recovering from COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms. Statistically speaking, out of 10 COVID-19 survivors, 1 is still suffering from long-term effects and are known as “Covid long-haulers.” The center, a part of Watson Clinic, has about three dozen patients so far suffering from fatigue, brain fog, chest pain, and shortness of breath. To make an appointment, call (863) 680-7190. (FOX 13 News)
Coronavirus ○Polk County is testing an online vaccine registration system. Currently, the system is being tested for crash resistance after last week’s phone system was overrun with calls. The online system is on track to run smoothly and should launch “soon”. (WFLA News Channel 8) ○ On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health announced 13,990 new cases of COVID-19 and174 additional deaths in Florida. That brings the total number of cases in FL of COVID-19 to 1,517,472 + the total deaths to 23,759.You can find more updates concerning COVID-19 case numbers on the Florida Department of Health dashboard. See Lakeland + Polk numbers here.
Civic ○ Two Polk County schools are in need of part-time school crossing guards. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is calling for part-time employees at both Davenport School of the Arts+ Pinewood Elementary School. Applicants should be available for one hour in the mornings and for 30 minutes in the afternoon. If interested in applying, call(863) 534-7300 ext. 109.
Regional ○ Mardi Gras is coming back to Universal Orlando this year. On Feb. 6, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval will kick off and run through Mar. 28. This year’s event will be modified from large parades to smaller floats and no concerts. Expect to find dishes from around the world, smaller live entertainment, and of course, beads. (Bay News 9)
Asked ○ There are so many restaurants that have opened up recently or are scheduled to open sometime this year. Have one you’re looking forward to the most? Email us the new spot that has you the most excited. 🍲
Outdoors ○ Arbor Day is tomorrow in Florida, and what better time to head to a nursery and plant a tree? And, The Nectary (1047 E Main St.), claims that “January really is an optimal time to plant, giving the tree roots plenty of time to establish themselves before the hotter months roll along.” To celebrate, the nursery will be offering a 30% discount on all trees tomorrow (Jan. 15) and Sat., Jan 16. 🌴
Digs ○In the market for a new home? Southern Homes’ Sun ‘N Lake community in Sebring is offering up to $5k in savingsnow through Jan. 24. Bonus: Thecommunity includes a 36-hole championship golf course, tennis courts + swimming pool. 🏡 Ⓟ
Dish ○ Samoas, Thin Mints, Tagalogs, oh my. The pandemic took a lot from us these past few months, but it’s not taking away our access to Girl Scout cookies. As of Feb. 1, the beloved cookies will be available to order online as Girl Scouts has partnered with GrubHub to ensure safe, contactless delivery. P.S. – a new flavor is out this year; the “Toast-Yay”. Be sure to support the Girl Scouts of West Central FL this cookie season. (Click Orlando)
Celebrate ○ Established in 1936, Payne Air Conditioning has beenserving Central Florida for the past 85 years. Need a repair or thinking about installing a new HVAC system? Consult a technician here.Ⓟ
Can you believe we’re only one month away from Valentine’s Day? February 14th is fast-approaching and whether you’re celebrating with a long time love, your bff, or you’re flying solo, nothing could make a day of love complete like these charcuterie boards – yum.
Sabrina’s is now accepting Valentine’s Day boards with deliveries taking place on Feb. 13 + 14 until 4 p.m. Orders are accepted now through Feb. 8 at 11:59 p.m.
If you’re not interested in a board full of love, other board orders are being accepted for January and February, too. Eat your heart out. 💕
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Learn ○ Bee Mine | Thurs., Jan. 14 | 6 p.m. | Publix Aprons Cooking School at Lake Miriam Square, 4730 Florida Ave. S. | $50 | Buzz by to cook things like honey-sriracha wings + apple crisp with honey syrup. 🐝
ForKids ○ HMSCH Monthly Pop-IN| Thurs., Jan. 14 | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Art Centric Studio, 1035 S. Florida Ave. | $15 | Homeschool art classes with a focus on Picasso + Rembrandt. 🎨
Active ○ Sunrise Yoga | Thurs., Jan. 14 | 6:15-7:15 a.m. | Lake Crago, Lake Crago Dr. | $5 | Classes will be held outdoors if weather permits. 🌅
TryThis ○ Plant City Virtual Game Night | Thurs., Jan 14 | 7-10 p.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Participate in trivia, charades, and more.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Have you heard about Athletic Greens? One scoop contains 75 vitamins, minerals, whole food-sourced ingredients, superfoods, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics – and has the antioxidant equivalent of 12 servings of fruit and vegetables.
Its diverse ingredients work together to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet, increase energy and focus, aid with digestion, and support a healthy immune system. The best part? No pills, one formula… oh, and it tastes great. Ⓟ
Answered: In Tuesday’s newsletter, we shared the updates to Walt Disney World in 2021 and then asked you to vote on if you’d be returning this year. Here’s what 95+ of you said: • 40%: “Absolutely not. I won’t return for the foreseeable future.” • 30%: “Yes, I’m ready to be back + have plans booked.” • 19%: “I feel better about the parks, but probably won’t be back this year.” • 11%: “Yes, I’ll be back this year but not until later, just in case.”
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