Editor’s note
To help pass the time while we stay at home, we are publishing extra puzzles and crosswords inside today. Due to coronavirus concerns, eventsmay be rescheduled or canceled. Please check before heading out.
Events
Central FloridaVeg Fest: Vegetarians of Central Florida is hosting two days of mini fests at three locations across town. There will be food, local vendors, along with safe activities and entertainment at each location. The event is free, kidfriendly, pet-friendly, and smoke-free. Masks are mandatory. Locations: DaJen Eats, 323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville; Infusion Tea, 1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando; MarketOnSouth, 2603 E. South St., Orlando. 11a.m.-6 p.m. today. Details: CFVegFest.org or 321-331-1859.
Braille calendars available: The Braille Association of Mid-Florida offers 2021 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 $15 and can be mailed to any address in the United States. To order, call 321-972-8592.
“This is Halloween” concert: Presented by the CFCArts SymphonyOrchestra, the event will be a spooky, fun evening full of the greatest hits of Halloween. 3 p.m. Oct. 31, Mead Garden, 1300S Denning Drive, Winter Park, $15 for adults, $10for children ages 4-12, free for ages 3 or younger, parking pass is $5, 407-937-1800, Ext. 710.
ClerksAgainstDomestic Violence ZoomVirtual Workshop: Join Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell for a free forum ondomestic violence. The forum will provide information and how to file a restraining order, guidance fromHarbor House of Central Florida, and a self-defense class provided by the Orlando PoliceDepartment. Advance registration recommendedat myorangeclerk.com. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 29, free, 407-836-2053.
Virtual Landscape and Gardening classes: Presented by UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. Upcoming classes include: Basics of Square FootGardening, 2-3 p.m. Nov. 10; Basic Irrigation 101, 3-4 p.m. Nov12; Berries– Blackberries, Blueberries and Strawberries, 6-7 p.m. Nov12; Cold Protection and Holiday Plant Care, 9-10a.m. Nov14; Creating a Florida-Friendly Landscape, 6-7 p.m. Nov17; Basics of Square Foot Gardening, 6-7 p.m. Nov19; Basics of Plant Identification, 10-11a.m. Nov 20. Advance registration required. Instructions on howto viewthe programswill be provided upon registration. Visit gardenflorida.eventbrite.com.
Plant sale: Presented by Windermere Garden Club. Specialized plants in all sizes and shapes plus unique garden accessories. Many plants grownbymembers. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7, Windermere Recreation Area on ParkAvenue near downtown Windermere.
CollegeParkSpark!: The free community event invites guests to stroll along Edgewater Drive to experience the local shops and restaurants, with local live musicians performing along the street in a safe and socially-distanced environment. Complimentary trolley service will run along the1.4 mile route on Edgewater Drive between Par Street and Sheridan Boulevard. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 7, collegeparkmainstreet.com.
Drive-thru Fall Festival: Experience fun and games, music and trick or treating, fromthe safety of your own vehicle. 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31, Delaney Street Baptist
Church, 1919DelaneyAve., Orlando, free, delaneychurch.com/fallfestival.
Grief Share - Surviving the Holidays: The program provides strategies for making it through the holiday season for adultswhohave lost spouses and loved ones through death. 9:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Nov. 18, First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. JohnYoung Parkway, Orlando, free, 407-514-4237.
Grief Share - Surviving the Holidays: The program provides strategies for making it through the holiday season for adultswhoare grieving the loss of a loved one no matter howlong ago the loss occurred. The programwill be offered virtually via Zoom. Presented by St. Luke’s UnitedMethodist Church, 4851S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando. 2-4 p.m. Nov. 15, free, 407-8764991, Ext. 262.
ThePower of Ghost Stories (Virtual Event): Author and ghost tour guide Leanna Renee Hieber will lead a spirited discussion on the elements of a good ghost story, plus aQ&Aabout writing and haunted houses. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 4 p.m. today, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
AHistory of theOcoee Riot of 1920(Virtual Event): Author and Professor Dr. Marvin Dunn will discuss unknownfacts about theOcoee Riot. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 7 p.m. Oct. 26, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
Native American Ghost Stories (Virtual Event): Christopher Balzano explores tales fromdifferent Native American tribes and compares them to the ghost stories the settlers told years later. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 9 p.m. Oct. 28, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
Día de los Muertos (Virtual Event): UCF Professor Dr. Beatriz Reyes Foster celebrates theMexican day of remembrance Día de los
Muertos! Learn about the history, art, and cultural importance of this often misunderstood holiday. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
The Birth of American Horror (Virtual Event): Beginning in colonial Salem and progressing through literature, plays and art to showthe roots of the horror film genre in America. Dr. Gary Rhodes leads a discussion on the often overlooked genre. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
The BOO! Bash (Virtual Event): Wear your favorite Halloween costumefor a ghoulish online good time with creepy crafts, spooky stories, and more. Recommended for preschoolers. Presented by the Orange County Library System. 2 p.m. Oct. 30, free, ocls.info, 407-835-7323.
RaisedBedVegetable and Herb Gardening: Leu Gardens’ Director Robert Bowden willwalk you through each step of creating your own food oasis. Garden location, building materials, suitable growing media and even varietal selections for small spaces will be discussed. Advance registration required. 2-4 p.m. Oct. 27, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. ForestAve., Orlando, $10for member, $16 for nonmembers, 407-2462620.
Native Florida Snakes: Get familiar with Florida’s six venomous species snakes including the four that call Central Florida home. Learn about snake safety and gain confidence in gardening and outdoor activities in the presence of these reptiles. Advance registration required. 1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 31, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. ForestAve., Orlando, $10 garden members, $16 nonmembers, 407-246-2620.
Weird Plants and Flowers: Join a discussion presented by the Leu Gardens’ Director Robert Bowden as he explores theworld of weird and unusual plants, many of which live among us in Central Florida. Advance registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 4, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10for garden members, $16 for nonmembers, 407-246-2620, leugardens.org.
Best Vines and Ground Covers forCentral Florida – ZoomVirtual Class: Leu Gardens’ Director Robert Bowden will discuss what ground covers will perform well in our Central Florida climate. 10a.m.-noonNov. 10, $8 for gardenmembers, $14 for nonmembers, 407-2462620, leugardens.org.
Fruit Trees for Central Florida: Join Leu Gardens’ Executive Director, Robert Bowden, for a presentation about the right plants and varieties for a successful harvest. Advance registration required. 11a.m.-noon Nov. 12, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. ForestAve., Orlando, $10for members, $16 for nonmembers, 407-246-2620.
The Incredible Winter Food Garden: Learn more about which varieties grow best here, proper garden spacing, and when to harvest. Advance registration required. 10a.m.-noon Nov. 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. ForestAve., Orlando, $10 for gardenmembers, $16 for nonmembers, 407-2462620, leugardens.org.
RaisedBedVegetable and Herb Gardening– ZoomVirtual Class: Enjoy a fun-filled Zoompresentation by Leu Gardens’ Executive Director, Robert Bowden, as he helps you discover the joys of growing vegetables and herbs in raised beds. 10a.m.noon Nov. 19, $10for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-246-2620, leugardens.org.
Holiday Backyard Florist: Learn to create beautiful holiday flower arrangements athomeusing techniques and design principles the professionals use. Several large and small arrangements will be demonstrated appropriate for Christmas. Advance registration required. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. ForestAve., Orlando, $10for gardenmembers, $16 for nonmembers, 407-2462620, leugardens.org.
Beekeeping for beginners: Learn about the lives of honey bee colonies and their inhabitants. Find out about the equipment and sites needed to get started with your own adventure. Advance registration required. 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 28, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $10for garden members, $16 for nonmembers, 407-246-2620, leugardens.org.
FridayBrownBag Matinee: Presented by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. “Inside Christie’s: TheWorld’s Biggest Auction House - Episode 2” (51minutes). Discover the world of auctions and auction houses. Virtual presentation. Space limited. Reservations are required. Noon Oct. 30, free, 407-644-1429, or visit morsemuseum.org.
Tax programcounselors needed: Volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are needed for theAARPTax-Aide Program. Counselors help prepare tax returns and assist with filing requirements for older taxpayers and others. Volunteer client facilitators are needed to assist taxpayers in organizing their tax documents. An aptitude for taxwork, experience in filing personal returns and good communication and computer skills are needed. An orientation will be held inDecember and training will begin in January in the Orlando area. Details: JackieSward at 407-6475233 or aarp.org/taxaide.