WHAT’S HAPPENING
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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.
Gardening for honey bees and native pollinators: Discover how to make or buy a native bee nest to keep your garden busy with bees. Find out which larval host plants will attract your favorite native butterflies and which nectar plants will keep them visiting your garden. Advance registration required. 1:30-3 p.m. Jan. 5, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $8 for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
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.
Camellia: Queen of the Winter Garden: Join the Leu Gardens’ Director, Robert Bowden, first in the classroom and then on a walking tour of the signature collection of Leu Gardens. Selection, planting, fertilization, pruning and general culture will be discussed. Advance registration required. 9:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 12, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $12 for garden members, $18 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
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.
The Basics of Succulents, Cacti and Xeriscaping: Discover which plants do well in Florida, as well as winter versus summer care. Advance registration required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 19, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10 for garden members, $16 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
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.
Camellia Show and Festival: The Camellia Society of Central Florida’s 73rd annual event will feature awardwinning blooms from Central Florida and throughout the southeastern United States. Public viewing of the winning camellia blooms will be from 1-4 p.m. There will also be assorted varieties of camellia plants for sale, tours of Mead Botanical Garden and expert gardeners available to answer gardening questions. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 19, Winter Park Garden Club, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, admission is free, 407-7023116.
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 80 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 Village Center, 4990 New Broad St., Orlando, free, 407-801-9562.
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
Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and
nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 16, Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.
Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advanced registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 24, Florida Hospital Winter Garden, 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, free, 877-252-6094.
Quit Smoking Now five-week program: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. The weekly program offers free carbon monoxide testing workbook and incentives and free nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 30, Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.
Tools To Quit Smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing materials and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 31,Orange County Medical Clinic, 101 S Westmoreland Ave., Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.
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 non-contact 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 Mid-Florida 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.
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.
Library
Learn a Language Using Library Resources: Become familiar with online language-learning resources and other resources at the library that can help you learn a new language or improve your English. 2:30 p.m. Jan. 7, Alafaya branch of the Orange County Library System, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
New Year Stretch and Meditate: Learn a series of daily stretches designed to release body tension and improve posture. 7 p.m. Jan. 15, Edgewater branch of the Orange County Library System, 5049 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free,
Learn a Language Using Library Resources: Become familiar with online language-learning resources and other resources at the library that can help you learn a new language or improve your English. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 22, West Oaks branch of the Orange County Library System, 1821 E. Silver Star Road., Ocoee, free, 407-835-7323.
Learn a Language Using Library Resources: Become familiar with online language-learning resources and other resources at the library that can help you learn a new language or improve your English. 4 p.m. Jan. 22, Winter Garden branch of the Orange County Library System, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, free, 407-835-7323.
Genealogy for Night Owls: Meet, mingle and share with fellow researchers. Genealogy lectures and technology classes will be offered. Library staff will also be available for research assistance. Advance registration required. 5-9 p.m. Jan. 25, West Oaks branch of the Orange County Library System, 1821 E. Silver Star Road., Ocoee, free, 407-835-7651.
Writers Conference: The OCLS Writers Conference will provide the tools and knowledge needed to reach your writing and publishing goals. Authors and publishing professionals will teach workshops on both craft and business topics. Advance registration is required for all attendees. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 26, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Learn a Language Using Library Resources: Become familiar with online language-learning resources and other resources at the library that can help you learn a new language or improve your English. 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
English Classes for Families: A 10-week series designed to develop English skills for the whole family. Bilingual teachers will help parents and children work on their language skills and provide strategies to address challenges they may face at work or school. Snacks will be provided. Sponsored in part by the Florida Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Be prepared to attend all class sessions. 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday, Jan. 8-March 12, Chickasaw branch of the Orange County Library System, 870 N. Chickasaw Trail, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
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.
Wekiva Story Walk: Led by popular storyteller Eddie Williford, learn little-known tales about the fascinating history of Wekiva Springs State Park during an easy hike around the park’s spring area. Bring a picnic lunch; shared grill available. Meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 5, kiosk near the concession building, Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, walk is free, but $6 per car park admission fee applies, 407-788-2619.
Camellia walking tour: Join Robert Bowden, director of Leu Gardens, for an in depth tour of the garden’s camellia collection, one of the largest in the United States. Wear walking shoes and bring a camera. Reservations required. 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 29, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10 for garden members, $15 for nonmembers, 407-246-2620.
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.
Square and line dancing: 7:15 p.m. workshop for plus figures, 8-10 p.m. mainstream square dance with line dances between tips, Wednesdays, Whirl and Twirl Dance Club, Lake Howell Square, 1241 Semoran Blvd., Unit #171, Casselberry, $7, 407-438-2266.
Round and square dancing: 7:30 p.m. early rounds, 8-10 p.m. plus square dance with rounds between tips, Fridays, Whirl and Twirl Dance Club, Lake Howell Square, 1241 Semoran Blvd., Unit #171, Casselberry, $7, 407-438-2266.