ORANGEEXTRA

What’s happening

Tax program counselors needed: Volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are needed for the AARP Tax-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 tax work, experience in filing personal returns and good communication and computer skills are needed. An orientation will be held in December and training will begin in January in the Orlando area. Details: aarpfoundation.org/ taxaidevolunteer.

Barktoberfest: A rescue appreciation event to celebrate the partnership between Orange County Animal Services and the rescue community. Animal Services works with more than 100 rescue partners that aid in the recovery and adoption of many homeless animals. There will be rescued pets available for adoption. Noon-4 p.m. today, Lake Eola Park, Robinson Street and Eola Drive, Orlando, free, 407-254-9141.

Armenian Food Festival:

A celebration of Armenian culture with food, arts and live entertainment. Noon-4 p.m. today, Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church, 9274 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Orlando, admission is free, 407-876-7732.

Artists’ League of Orange County:

The guest speaker will be Judy Pickett, who uses cyanotype and encaustic wax to create her unique art. 1:30 p.m. today, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, free, 321-695-7896.

Friendship Force of Greater Orlando: The group’s 2023 president will be introduced along with a presentation on the Legacy program. There will also be an informative review of the FFI recent cruise by the group’s current president. 3-5 p.m. today, Maitland Public Library, 501 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, free, 407-920-6147.

TOPS Club Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays, Zellwood Station, 2126 Spillman Drive, Zellwood, $5 monthly dues, 407-600-2321.

Thanksgiving weekend open house: The event will include live music in the galleries from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 25. Open house is from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 25, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 26, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 27, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-645-5311.

Railroad History Walking Tour of Winter Garden: Sponsored by Central Florida Railway Historical Society and the Central Florida Railroad Museum. 8-10:30 a.m. Nov. 26, Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, free, cfrhs.org.

Growing Plants from Seeds: Join Robert Bowden in a hands on presentation about growing new plants from seed. Advance registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $17 garden members, $22 nonmembers.

Vegetable Gardening Through the Season:

Learn and discuss ways to keep your garden healthy and green throughout the fall for a great harvest. Presented by Orange County Extension

Agent Calvin Gardner, this class will give time for local gardeners to talk about their own gardens and get some answers to the challenges they face. Advance registration required. 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 29, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $10, 407-254-9200.

Orange County Retired Educators Association:

The program will be musical presentations by Timber Creek High School’s chorus and Edgewater High School’s ensemble. Anyone who has worked in education is invited. Masks are optional and refreshments will be provided. Social time will begin at 10 a.m. Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 1, Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, ocreafl. org or 407-843-6909.

The North Shore Birding Festival:

Sponsored by Orange Audubon Society, the five-day event (Dec. 1-5) will allow participants to learn from well-known birding guides. The festival includes 70 field trips on the 20,000-acre Lake Apopka North Shore and other Central Florida birding sites. Locations and times vary but many trips start at the McDonald Canal Pavilion, 24600 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. Trips include those for birders, people interested in learning more about birding and photographers. A twopart (classroom/field) photo workshop and a “drawing from nature” workshop are offered. Friday and Saturday night keynotes are at Wekiwa Springs State Park with catered dinners, followed by owl walks. Advanced registration is required. College students pay half price for most trips. Costs are from $10 for a young birder trip to $80 for all day trips with lunch. All proceeds benefit Orange Audubon Society’s nature and environmental education center fund or related educational programs. To sign up, visit northshorebirdingfestival.com or call 407-637-2525.

Beekeeping 101 - Is Beekeeping for Me? (Online):

In this very beginner class presented via Zoom by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough, learn about the agricultural role honey bees play, how much it costs to get started, and the legality of keeping bees in your area. After this class, participate in the Beekeeping 201 class. Advance registration required. 6-7:30 p.m. Dec, 1, free, 407-254-9200.

Christmas in the Park: The Morse Museum of American Art will light Central Park with century-old Tiffany windows from its collection at the 44th annual Christmas in the Park. The windows set the stage for a performance of seasonal favorites by the Bach Festival Society Choir. 6:15-8:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-645-5311.

Beekeeping 201 - Beekeeping Basics (In Person):

In this class presented by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough, learn about a Langstroth hive, the colonies caste system, how to acquire bees and more. True first-time beekeepers are encouraged, but not required, to attend Beekeeping 101 before this class. Advance registration required.

6-8 p.m. Dec. 2, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Road Sanford, $10, 407-254-9200.

Jingle, Mingle, Tree Festival:

A silent auction with 60 beautifully decorated trees, and 20 wreaths, raffles, holiday fare, sounds of the season, carolers, s’mores by the campfire and a visit from Santa. All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida to fund an epilepsy camp event at Camp Wewa. 4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Camp Wewa, 221 S. Binion Road, Apopka, admission is free, 407-422-1416, Ext. 109, ceil@epilepsyassociation. com.

Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade: Winter Park’s 70th annual parade will showcase holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures. The parade will travel down Park Avenue, turn west on to New England Avenue, and end at the Winter Park Community Center. 9 a.m. Dec. 3, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-644-8281.

Beekeeping 201L - Hitting the Hives (In-person):

Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough will present a hands-on, follow up to Beekeeping 201 (Completion of Beekeeping 201 is required prior to taking this class). Learn how to light a smoker, choose the proper PPE, go through a routine hive inspection, do a varroa shake and more. Advance registration required. 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 3, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Road Sanford, $15, 407-254-9200.

Holiday Pops concert:

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will play holiday favorites. Bring a blanket and a picnic. 5 p.m. Dec. 4, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, 407-599-3342.

A Christmas Carol: Watch Broadway and film actor Duffy Hudson, without the aid of props and costumes while playing all 30 characters, bring this magical tale to life. 2 p.m. Dec. 4, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-8357323.

Estate Planning Live Webinar: Attorney Kathleen Flammia and Attorney Stacey Schwartz discuss asset protection, planning for long term care and essential estate planning documents. Viewing instructions will be provided upon RSVP. 2 p.m. Dec. 6, free, 407-478-8700.

Making a Kokedama: Learn how to create one of these unique spherical planters out of moist moss. Join Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez and Master Gardener Volunteers to create your own kokedama that you will take home. Advance registration required. 2-3:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $20, 407254-9200.

Nehrling Gardens Holiday Amaryllis Festival: There will be nature-themed vendors, food, music and crafts for the children. A great holiday photo opportunity on the front porch of the historic home and amaryllis bulbs and other plants for sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10, Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha, free, donations accepted, 407-445-9977.

Violectric Holiday Show: Attendees are encouraged to bring their pets and a pet supply to donate to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for meet-andgreets and family and pet photos, plus more surprises. 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 99 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-2121.

Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade: Attendees can gather at Dinky Dock Park to see the impressive boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors. Sponsored by the Winter Park Rotary Club. 6 p.m. Dec. 10, Rollins College at Lake Virginia, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-256-6369.

Music in the Library - Dickens Holiday Celebration: Enjoy festive holiday songs performed by the Orlando Dickens Carolers. 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407835-7323.

Adopt-A-Tree: Open to all Orange County residents with proof of residency such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or photo I.D. Each household is eligible to receive two trees, and the trees may be planted on resident’s private property only. Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and varieties will vary based on availability. 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 10, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.

Music in the Library - Dickens Holiday Celebration: Festive holiday songs performed by the Orlando Dickens Carolers. 2 p.m. Dec. 11, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.

MetroWest WinterFest: The event will begin with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a Clydesdale-drawn carriage, which will then be available for rides for event attendees. WinterFest will include free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus; 16-ton snow slide and play area; holiday-themed performances by MetroWest Elementary School and Westpointe Elementary School; merry-go-round, bungee bouncer, and a ballistic swing carnival ride; face painters; horse and carriage rides; food truck zone; vendors. 3-7 p.m. Dec. 11, MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, admission is free, 407-601-5995, metrowestcommunity.com.

Pine Castle Woman’s Club:

Wear festive holiday attire while networking and enjoying a covered dish luncheon. Donations will be collected for The Russell Home for Atypical Children, a longtime support organization of the Club. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 14, Pine Castle Woman’s Club, 5901 S. Orange

Ave., Orlando, free, 321-663-5612 or email sandy.chandler@hotmail. com.

Things To Know About Probate Live Webinar: Attorney Stacey Schwartz will discuss the top five probate myths. Viewing instructions will be provided upon RSVP. 6 p.m. Dec. 14, free, 407-478-8700.

LIFE Information for Elder’s End of Year Celebration: Join Orange County Office on Aging and Orange County Library System as they celebrate 2022 Life Information for Elders Series presenters. Learn more about each presenters’ resources and ask questions. Advance registration required. 12:10 p.m. Dec. 15, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free. To register, email OfficeonAging@ocfl. net or call 407-836-7446.

Merry TubaChristmas: Tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages are invited to participate. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with rehearsal from 10-11:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10. 1 p.m. Dec. 17, Central Park Stage, 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, spectator admission is free, 407-599-3463.

Chanukah on the Park: Presented by Chabad of Greater Orlando, the evening will include entertainment, kids’ activities, food and a grand menorah lighting. 5-7 p.m. Dec. 18, Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park, free, chabadorlando.org.

OCLS Gaming Expo: Meet local game developers, network with industry exhibitors, participate in workshops and play the latest in games. 1-5 p.m. Dec. 18, Orlando Public Library, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.

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. Registration required. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $20 for AARP members, $25 for nonmembers, 407-961-1473.

Backyard Chicken Class (Online): Learn how to get started and be successful in this program presented via Zoom by Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough. Advance registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 21, free, 407-2549200.

Learn to Line Dance: Learn the basic steps of line dancing to fun, easy dances and upbeat music. 2 p.m. Sundays, Lake Island Hall, 450 Harper St., Winter Park, $5, 407-592-7835.

Plant Clinic: Orange County residents can bring their samples and plant-related questions to be answered by UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener volunteers. 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research Education Center, 2725 Binion Road, Apopka; or 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. weekdays, UF/ IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200 or email OrangeCoMGV@ifas.ufl.edu.

Fannie’s Friends support group: Fannie’s Friends is a virtual support group for adult daughters and granddaughters caring for those living with dementia. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and 1 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. Email infor@adrccares.org for link to join. 407-436-7750.

Greater Orlando Cribbage Club: Nine games are played. Part of the American Cribbage Congress. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through May, Elks Club, 4755 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, $13 per night, 407580-6696 or email clchasema13@ gmail.com.

Men Only Alzheimer’s Caregiver Online Support Group: Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 10 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month on Zoom. Email info@adrccares.org to join. 407-436-7750.

Greater Orlando Orchid Society: 6:30-9:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, guests welcome, greaterorlandoorchidsociety.com.

Tai chi and qigong classes: Learn how to improve wellness, range of motion, breathing capacity and many other benefits. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, $10 per class, info@mindandbodyexercises. com, 407-234-0119.

Tai chi and qigong classes:

Learn how to improve wellness, range of motion, breathing capacity and many other benefits. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays, The University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, $10 per class, info@ mindandbodyexercises.com, 407234-0119.

Central Florida African Violet Society: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, September through May, with informal meetings June through August, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, free, 407-246-4440.

TOPS Club Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly):

9-10 a.m. Saturdays, Eastland Baptist Church, 9000 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, first visit free, then $5 monthly dues, 985-513-2866.

Knitting/Crochet Classes: Free instruction. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Yarn is provided. 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, free, email care@st.lukes.org or call 407-876-4991, Ext. 262.

Duplicate Bridge: Intermediate bridge classes are being offered followed by an ACBL sanctioned game. 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. Sundays, Orlando Metropolitan Bridge Center, 756 Bennett Road, Orlando, $15 includes pizza, lesson, and game, 407-895-1943 or email davidjloeb@gmail.com.

Central Florida Fruit Society:

Learn about growing and enjoying fruit in Central Florida. Discover new species and varieties of ambrosial fruits from around the world and grown locally. 6:30-8:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month, Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, JenC@CentralFloridaFruitSociety.org.

Central Florida Stamp Club:

Meetings include auctions and informative lectures. 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, free, 407-889-0528.

‘FashionAbility’ American Sewing Guild, Orlando Chapter:

A group dedicated to the art and skill of garment sewing. All levels welcome. 10:30 a.m.-noon the fourth Thursday of October, January, April, and July, The Sewing Studio, 9605 U.S. Highway 17-92, Maitland, first two visits are free, then ASG membership is required, 407-697-0882.

TOPS Club Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly):

7 p.m. Thursdays, Delaney Street Baptist Church, 1919 Delaney Ave., Orlando, first visit is free, 407-898-6215.

Tai Chi for Health: Featuring simple Tai Chi forms and qi gong (energy work). 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando, 1901 E. Robinson St., Orlando, $5 facility fee donation requested but not required, 407-701-3357.

Male Alzheimer’s caregivers group: The Men’s Breakfast Club is an informal and unstructured gathering of male caregivers. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 10 a.m. the first Thursday of the month, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 701 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs, free, buy your own food, adrccares. org/adrc-events/ or 407-436-7750.

United States Submarine Veterans, Central Florida Chapter:

Open to all Navy personnel and veterans who are qualified in submarines. Guests are welcome at meetings. Meetings are held both in person or Zoom. 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month, Casselberry Veterans Club, 200 Concord Drive, Casselberry, 407-920-9347 or email jmack349@gmail.com.

PASOS (Parents and Spouses of Suicide) Grief Support Group:

A program of the nonprofit First Nature Foundation, offers a virtual Zoom meeting twice monthly (for safety during the pandemic), the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The group is facilitated and supported by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with grief counseling experience. If you are interested in participating as a parent or spouse of suicide, email kerul@firstnaturefoundation. org. There is no charge to join. Donations are not required but are welcome.

Italian American Social Club of Central Florida:

All nationalities are welcome. Dinner dances, with live bands, 6-10 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday ($40 for members, $45 for guests, includes open bar); Italian American Social Club of Central Florida, 5900 Hibiscus Road, Orlando, 407-273-2830.

Bingo: Proceeds benefit the Bahia Shrine Center Apopka. Doors open at 4 p.m. Early bird games start at 6 p.m., regular games at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Bahia Shrine Center 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, 407-660-8811, Ext. 306.