WHAT’S HAPPENING
Listings are subject to change. Please call in advance.
Class
Ballroom dance: American style waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha cha and swing. Open to beginner through silver level. Partner not needed. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, free for Winter Park residents; small annual facility fee for nonresidents, 407-599-3275.
Diggin’ It Gardening Series: Learn to grow camellias, roses, orchids, cacti and succulents, and plants that attract butterflies. Classes begin Jan. 9, Orlando Garden Club, 710 E. Rollins St., Orlando, $90 for six class series or $20 per class, 407-8942250.
Basics of vegetable gardening in Central Florida: Learn the basics of Florida vegetable gardening including soil preparation, adjusting soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation, pests and diseases. Advance registration required. 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 10, Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, free, 407254-9200.
Basics of vegetable gardening in Central Florida: Learn the basics of Florida vegetable gardening including soil preparation, adjusting soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation, pests and diseases. Advance registration required. 9-10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.
Selecting, Planting and Pruning Trees and Shrubs: Learn how to plant a tree or shrub and how to get it established in the landscape. Advance registration required. 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 17, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 per household, 407-2549200.
Growing Vegetable Transplants from Seeds: Learn how to start the “warm season” vegetable transplants, how to choose the most successful varieties and how to care for them as they grow. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 23, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 per person, 407-254-9200.
Beekeeping 101: Learn the basic considerations and “buzz words” for potential beekeepers: legal aspects, space needs, risks, equipment needed, startup costs and time requirements for hive maintenance. Advance registration required. 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $12 per person, 407-254-9200.
Florida Friendly Landscaping: The program will help you make better decisions in your landscaping practices with tips to guide you in plant choice, irrigation practices, fertilizer applications and pest control. Includes a Florida-Friendly Landscaping book and rain gauge. Advance registration required. 6-8 p.m. Jan. 24, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $10 per person, 407-254-9200.
Florida Friendly Landscaping: The program will help you make better decisions in your landscaping practices with tips to guide you in plant choice, irrigation practices, fertilizer applications and pest control. Includes a Florida-Friendly Landscaping book and rain gauge. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 26, Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, $10 per person, 407-254-9200.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office Civilian Police Academy: A 13-week course designed to educate residents about the many different divisions which make up the Orange County Sheriff ’s Office. Attendees will participate in demonstrations, instructor guided tours and question-and-answer sessions. Participants must be at least 18 years old. A background check will be performed on all applicants. There are no physical requirements. Registration deadline is Jan. 31. Visit ocso.com. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 19-May 21, Orange County Sheriff ’s Office Central Operations Complex, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, 407-254-7141.
Line dance: Enjoy music and get exercise while dancing on a new ballroom floor. 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, $2 per class, 407-246-4440.
Line dance: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays for experienced dancers, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, $5 per class, 407-592-7835.
Line dance: Enjoy music and get exercise at the same time. 3-4:30 p.m. Sundays for beginners, Azalea Lane Recreation Center, 1045 Azalea Lane, Winter Park, $5 per class, 407-592-7835.
Tai chi and chi kung: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, $8 per class, 407-234-0119.
Line dance: Learn to line dance while enjoying music and getting exercise at the same time. Beginners welcome. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, donation, 407-273-4114.
Tap dancing class for adults: Wear hard soled shoes. 1 p.m. (advanced), 2:30 p.m. (beginners) Wednesdays, Pine Castle Woman’s Club, 5901 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, $10 per class, 407-242-3840.
Okinawan Karate-Do: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Hope Lutheran Church, 2600 N. Dean Road, Orlando, $40 per month, 407-484-5124.
Computer Lessons for Adults: Orange County Parks and Recreation offers courses through the Computer Basics and More program on how to use your PC, laptop, tablet, iPad or Android. Topics include: email, spreadsheets, eBay buying/ selling, internet searching and Windows Explorer. Students are encouraged to bring their own device for direct hands-on learning. Times and dates vary depending on classes. Classes are taught weekdays at South Econ Recreation Center, 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, $10-$15 per class, 407-254-9075.
Community
Citizen Planner Academy Workshop on Planning Basics: Hosted by Orange County Government. Learn why apartment complexes are built in certain places; how locations for parks and schools are determined; and the Orange County land development process. Advance registration recommended. 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 19, Orange County’s Internal Operation Center 1, 450 E. South St., Orlando, free, 407-836-2934.
Festival/Show
Radio Control Air Show: See world class scale model aircraft, propeller and turbojet models flown by top gun pilots. Sponsored by the Remote Control Association of Central Florida. 10 a.m. Jan. 5, Tangerine Field, 203 W. Keene Road, Apopka, admission is free, parking is $5 donation per carload, RCACF.com.
Antique phonograph show and sale: Featuring approximately 40 booths representing dealers from across the country, the show will offer a wide range of victrolas, gramophones, cylinder machines, 78 RPM and cylinder records, and memorabilia. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 26, Clarion Hotel Orlando International Airport, 3835 McCoy Road, Orlando, admission is $25 Jan. 25 and $12 Jan. 26 with free parking, 407-2476271.
Craft fair: Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, free, 407-277-1821.
Friday Festival: Featuring more than 70 local artisans of all genres, numerous Central Florida-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with products and offerings ranging from health and fitness, to beauty and fashion, as well as community service opportunities. 5:30-9:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month, Baldwin Park, New Broad Street, Orlando, free, 407-755-6430.
Fundraiser
Pancake Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, coffee, orange juice and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Proceeds benefit the Bahia Shrine Center, Apopka. 9-11 a.m. Jan. 13, Bahia Shrine Center, 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, $7, 407-660-8811.
Health
Movement as Medicine Dance for Parkinson: Presented by The Florida Hospital Parkinson Outreach Center, the dance program incorporate various forms of movement to address balance, flexibility, range of motion and spatial awareness, with live musical accompaniment. Advance registration required. 2-3:15 p.m. the first and third Thursday of the month, Florida Hospital Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, $5 donation per couple is appreciated, 407-303-5295.
Exercise for those with Parkinson’s disease: Rock Steady Boxing is a noncontact form of exercise that helps those battling Parkinson’s disease. Noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Wadeview Community Center, 2177 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando, $10 per class, 917-853-9102.
Holiday
Braille calendars: The Braille Association of MidFlorida offers 2019 calendars embossed in Braille. The calendar highlights holidays and includes embossed illustrations with a unique theme. For those sending one as a gift, their name and a short personal note written by them will be embossed in Braille and sent with the calendar. The calendars cost $10 and can be mailed to any address in the United States. To order, call 407-831-1364.
Holiday Open House: The public is invited for free tours of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s century-old leaded glass windows and his celebrated 1893 chapel. The Raintree Chamber Players will be playing from 1-4 p.m. today, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-645-5311.
Kids & Family
Ribbit the Exhibit II: Featuring 26 whimsical copper frog sculptures located in 18 displays throughout the 50-acre gardens. Each sculpture is made from flat sheets of copper that are cut, hammered and folded in three dimensional images.
J.A. Cobb uses a process which strengthens and seals each sculpture to last for generations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 31, Harry P. Leu Gardens. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-17, free for ages 3 or younger, 407-246-2620.
Lecture/Seminar
Troubled marriages: The Retrouvaille of Orlando program is for couples who are struggling, separated or divorced but would like to give their marriages another chance. It is presented by volunteers. The program includes the Jan. 25-27 weekend session and seven follow-up sessions. Follow-up sessions are free. Revenue is used to continue and expand programs. Reservations required. Jan. 25-27, San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park, couples are asked to make an anonymous donation to cover the cost of their rooms and meals for the weekend session, 352-274-4614.
MLK Jr. Day
Unity Heritage Festival: The annual community festival honoring Martin Luther King Jr. will promote family heritage and raise funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund to benefit local economically disadvantaged youth. There will be kids’ games, career booths, food, entertainment, vendors and speakers. 1-5 p.m. Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 21, Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-599-3506.
Outdoor
Black Bear Polar Plunge: Join Orange County Parks and Recreation for the inaugural Black Bear Polar Plunge into the 68-degree waters of Kelly Park’s Rock Springs. Participants will receive a special certificate. Tubes will be available to rent from vendor outside of park and concession stand will be open. Registration is at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, with plunge from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; regular park admission fees apply - $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people; $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people; and $1 per additional person, walk-in, motorcycle or bike; 407-254-1902.
Recreation
Line dance: Proceeds benefit the Elks/Does Charity Fund. 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $5, 407-247-9704.
Bingo: Proceeds benefit the Bahia Shrine Center Apopka. Doors open at 5 p.m. Early bird games start at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Bahia Shrine Center 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, 407-660-8811.
Ballroom dance class: Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6 p.m. intermediate/advanced, 7 p.m. beginner Tuesdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $10, 407-227-4883.
Bingo: Early Bird begins at 5:45 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $15-$25, 407-894-1079.
Beginning race walking: Orange County Parks and Recreation Division is offering a beginning race walking program for ages 12 or older. Advance registration required. 8:05-9 a.m. Sundays; 5-5:55 p.m. Mondays, Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, free, 407-886-4231.
Senior
Smarter Senior Seminar Series: Learn about aging and health. Topics will include eating healthy, yoga, volunteering and a discussion about dementia/Alzheimers’s. Reservations required. Light refreshments will be served. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Southwest branch of the Orange County Library System, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando, free, 407-340-5291.
Senior Survival seminar: Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Kathleen Flammia will discuss Medicaid and veteran benefits, asset protection and estate planning. Reservations requested. 6 p.m. Jan. 14, Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-478-8700.
Card games: Play a variety of games. 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Goldenrod Civic Club, 4763 Palmetto Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-657-6862.
Senior Stretch: A weekly, yoga-based stretch class for participants age 65 or older featuring a variety of physical movements to increase flexibility, balance and strength. These exercises are designed to improve day to day function for seniors. 10 a.m. Thursdays, Florida Hospital Health Village Fitness Center, 2520 N. Orange Ave., Suite 101, Orlando, $5, 407-303-2552.
Computer classes for seniors: The Seniors Now Computer Learning Center offers computer courses designed for seniors and taught by seniors but any age is welcome. Apple workshops are available for help on any Apple product such as iPads, iPhones or Apple computers (even the Apple watch). Windows workshops are available for help on any Windows product. No prior computer experience is necessary for the Introduction to Computers course which is nine hours over three weeks and covers basic email and the Internet using Windows 10. Advanced classes are available for email, the Internet, buying and selling on eBay, computer genealogy, word processing, digital photography and spreadsheets. Times and fees vary depending on classes and week. Courses are taught at Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, 407-318-3256.
Senior lifestyle guide: The Senior Resource Alliance (Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida) and the 50PlusFYI Resource Network have published an information booklet called the 50PlusFYI Lifestyle & Resource Guide. It is available for free at public libraries and senior centers in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Information includes help lines, hotlines, special interest groups, legislative activity, consumer protection trends and community events. Details: 407-265-0534 or 50plusFYI.org.
Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 10, March 14, Fran Carlton Recreation Center, 11 N. Forest Ave., Apopka, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-703-1642.
Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, Calvary Assembly Church, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-977-3825.
AARP Smart Driver Vehicle Technology Workshop: Learn how to use the technology to keep you safe and driving enjoyable. Understand your car’s new gadgets, such as back up cameras, drowsy driver alert, blind spot and forward collision warnings, automatic parking and emergency response systems, lane departure warning and smart headlights. Receive a vehicle Technology Checklist to use when shopping for a new car or for features that may already be in your car. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. March 25, Calvary Assembly Church, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park, free, 877-805-4115.
Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 13, Maitland Senior Center, 345 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-539-6251.
Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-254-9070.
Driver safety program: The AARP Driver Safety Program’s Smart Driver Course helps participants refine driving skills and develop safe driving habits. Upon completion of the course, Florida drivers 50 or older may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Advance registration required. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 8, Westminster Winter Park, 1111 S. Lakemount Ave., Winter Park, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-647-4083.
AARP Smart Driver Vehicle Technology Workshop: Learn how to use the technology to keep you safe and driving enjoyable. Understand your car’s new gadgets, such as back up cameras, drowsy driver alert, blind spot and forward collision warnings, automatic parking and emergency response systems, lane departure warning and smart headlights. Receive a vehicle Technology Checklist to use when shopping for a new car or for features that may already be in your car. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. March 29, Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, free, 877-805-4115.
AARP Smart Driver Vehicle Technology Workshop: Learn how to use the technology to keep you safe and driving enjoyable. Understand your car’s new gadgets, such as back up cameras, drowsy driver alert, blind spot and forward collision warnings, automatic parking and emergency response systems, lane departure warning and smart headlights. Receive a vehicle Technology Checklist to use when shopping for a new car or for features that may already be in your car. Advance registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Westminster Winter Park, 1111 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, free, 877-805-4115.
Writer’s critique: Read from your own work and offer positive critiques to fellow writers in a friendly, supportive environment. Call prior to first attendance. 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Maitland Senior Center, 345 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, free, 407-539-6251.
Retired nurses: The Florida Society of Registered Nurses Retired will meet for fellowship and speakers on current health related issues. 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Denny’s, 440 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, purchase your own meal, 407-281-1527.