ORANGEEXTRA
What’s happening
History Group: Presented by the University Club of Winter Park. Club member Gary Prager will present “The Origins of the Israeli/ Arab Conflict.” Prager will discuss the origins of the birth of Western Nationalism, the origins of Zionism, the resettlement of Palestine, the beginnings of Arab Nationalism, and the eventual breakdown of any rapprochement between Jews and Arabs. 10 a.m. Jan. 2, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend this event, email your full name to info@ uclubwp.org. Free.
Grief Forum - Loss of a Spouse:
An eight-week program for widows and widowers who have lost their loved one. Advance registration required. 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 3-Feb. 21, Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando, free, pcol.org/grief.
Philosophy Discussion Group:
The group meets to discuss various topics. Bring topics and questions. 10 a.m. Jan. 3, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend, email your full name to info@ uclubwp.org. Free.
Foreign Affairs Discussion Group:
Presented by the University Club of Winter Park. Steve Bertha will give a presentation on “The Central Asian Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.” The presentation is based on the book, “Sovietistan” by Erika Fatland. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 5, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend this event in person or via Zoom, email your full name to info@ uclubwp.org. Free.
Watercolor for Beginners - Winter Tree Scene:
Learn the fundamentals of watercolors, how to blend colors, control water, and create shadow and depth. Get step-by-step instructions for painting your own watercolor creation. No previous watercolor painting experience required. Advance registration required. 1-3 p.m. Jan. 6, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $30 garden members, $35 nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
100 Year Celebration Kickoff:
The Orange County Library System will kickoff its 100 Year Celebration with a rededication ceremony and ribbon cutting by local elected officials. The celebration continues all day with music, refreshments and a variety of family activities. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 7, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Beginner Bird Watching class:
The Orange Audubon Society will offer a beginner bird watching class, including sessions at Orlando Wetlands Park, Oakland Nature Preserve and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, respectively. The course will increase knowledge and awareness of North American bird species; bird habitat and anatomy; provide binocular basics; tips on using field guides and checklists; and ethics of birding. Advance registration required. 8-11:30 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 8-22, $50 for Audubon members, $65 for nonmembers, $10 for children age 12 or younger with a registered adult, email mwilliams@cfl.rr.com.
Ikebana:
Dried Flower Arrangement: Make a unique Ikebana/Japanese miniature dried floral arrangement in a miniature ceramic vase. A miniature ceramic vase, dried plant materials and a colored mat will be provided with a separate $12 materials fee paid in cash directly to the instructor in the class. Advance registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 8, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $25 garden members, $30 nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-2462620.
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. Jan. 10, 6 p.m. Jan. 25, free, 407-478-8700.
GriefShare:
Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. 9:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 11-April 5, First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, $20 for materials, 407-514-4237.
19th Annual MLK Leadership Forum:
Hosted by the Hankins Johnson Education Foundation Inc. of the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in partnership with the Mayor of Orlando’s MLK Commission. 7 p.m. Jan. 12, FAMU College of Law, 201 FAMU Law Lane, Orlando, free, 407-453-4279.
Butterfly Friendly Gardening:
Learn a few tips from Robert Bowden that a will help make your garden especially butterfly friendly. Advance registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 12, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $16 garden members, $21 nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
37th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon:
Hosted by the Hankins Johnson Education Foundation Inc. of the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in partnership with the Mayor of Orlando’s MLK Commission. Reservations required. 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13, First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, $100, 407-453-4279.
Past Meets Present - The French Revolution lecture:
Valencia College History Professor Carl Creasman investigates the early days of the Revolution and examine the crucial events and decisions that propelled the crisis forward. 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 14, Edyth Bush Theatre, 1052 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, free, 407-623-3300.
The Camellia - Queen of the Winter Garden:
Join recently retired 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. 9:30-11 a.m. Jan. 14, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for member, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
Huntington’s Disease Orlando Team Hope Walk:
Presented by the South Florida Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. 10 a.m. Jan. 14, UCF Memory Mall, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, pledges and donations, email bannyroost@aol.com, 407865-4033.
Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening:
Join recently retired Leu Gardens’ Executive Director, Robert Bowden, as he helps you discover the joys of growing vegetables and herbs in raised beds. Advance registration required. Advance registration required. 12:30 p.m. Jan. 14, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for member, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
Gardening for Native Pollinators and Honey Bee Nutrition:
Learn about plants that are larval food sources for some of our larger colorful native butterflies, and plants to keep them around drinking nectar when they are adults. Discover how to make your own native bee nests and how to garden for honey bees. Explore how you can landscape to attract hummingbirds to visit your garden as they migrate through Central Florida. Advance registration required. 1:30-3 p.m. Jan. 14, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for member, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
GriefShare - Loss of a Spouse:
This one-time free program is open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse/partner no matter how long ago the loss occurred. Learn how to process your grief and face the future with hope. Register online at st.lukes.org/GriefSharespouse. 2-4 p.m. Jan. 15, 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.
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. Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $20 for AARP members, $25 for nonmembers, 407-961-1473.
Orange Audubon Society:
Orange Audubon board member Lee Ann Posavad, an accomplished nature photographer and photo trips leader, will offer tips and tricks for improving your photography skills and discuss the ethics of photographing in natural settings. Orange Audubon’s 35th Annual Chertok Florida Native Nature Photo Contest has an April 20 deadline, and this program includes tips for the contest. 7 p.m. Jan. 19, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, 407-637-2525.
High Producing Vegetable Gardening:
Learn about highly productive vegetable gardens from Robert Bowden, author of the book “Florida Fruit and Vegetable Gardening.” Advance registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $16 for member, $21 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
Life Model Painting in the Gardens:
Come to Leu Gardens to paint, or draw, Vicky VanWinkle in a costumed figurative pose. Bring your own supplies, including a chair or easel if you plan on standing. Admission to the Gardens included with price of class. Advance registration required. 1-4 p.m. Jan. 21, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 garden members, $20 nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.
Gardening in Containers:
Join Robert Bowden as he presents a variety of styles, colors, and planting techniques to make even the smallest garden space a place of beauty. Advance registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $16 garden members, $21 nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-246-2620.
‘Out of the Darkness’ community walk:
Hosted by the Central Florida chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Proceeds will benefit research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives. The walk also will raise awareness about depression and suicide, and provide comfort and assistance to those who have lost someone to suicide. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk Feb. 4, Baldwin Park, 2420 Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, pledges and donations, 407-646-2227.
GriefShare:
Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. Groups meet weekly for 13 weeks. All faiths welcome. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Feb. 2 (online group) or 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays beginning Feb. 7 (in-person), 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.
Amateur Radio and Electronics Show:
The Orlando Amateur Radio Club’s 76th annual “HamCation” event will feature more than 30 educational forums, 100 commercial vendors, 200 swap tables and outdoor tailgate to demonstrate and sell amateur radios, parts, amateur radio related computer hardware and software. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 10-11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 12, Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, $25 covers admission for all three days, 407841-0874, hamcation.com.
Four Chaplains Memorial Ceremony, an inspiring interfaith service to remember four Army chaplains:
A Methodist Minister, a Reformed Minister, a Rabbi and a Roman Catholic priest; who gave their lives saving others. Sponsored by American Legion Post #63. 6 p.m. Feb. 10, First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St., free, 407-625-8604.
Orlando Wetlands Festival:
The annual event will include environmental themed, nonprofit exhibitors; demonstration trucks and equipment; air-conditioned guided bus tours of Orlando Wetlands Park; guided birding hikes led by Orange Audubon Society; guided photography, native plant ID, and aquatic critter crawl hikes; live animals, presentations, bird-banding, and mist-netting demonstrations; native plant give-away; kids’ games, activities, and hayrides; live music and door prizes. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18, Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, free, 407-568-1706.
Orlando Amateur Radio Club:
Guests are welcome. License testing at 5:30 p.m., meetings 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, 407-841-0874, oarc.org.
Liberty Karate Club:
Minimum age 15 years old. 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Friends Community Church, 53 S. Dean Road, Orlando, $40 per month, libertykarateclub.com, 407-484-5124.
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, 407-5806696 or email clchasema13@gmail. com.
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.
TOPS Club Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly):
Weigh-in 1-1:20 p.m. Meeting 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays, Zellwood Station, 2126 Spillman Drive, Zellwood, $5 monthly dues, 407-600-2321 or 407-630-3833, leave a message.
Men Only Alzheimer’s Caregiver Online Support Group:
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 10 a.m. the third Thursday 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 Tuesday 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, 407-234-0119.
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 specifically to the art and skill of garment sewing. All levels welcome. 10:30 a.m.-noon the fourth Thursday of the months 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, 407701-3357.
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 Wednesday of the month, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 701 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs, free, buy your own food, adrccares.org/adrcevents/ 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, 407660-8811, Ext. 306.
Young Adult Grief Group:
Presented by New Hope for Kids. This safe virtual setting is designed to provide young adults, ages 19-25, with an environment where they will be supported by peers and given the opportunity to participate in conversations to help them heal and adjust to their new normal. Group meets 7:30-9 p.m. every other Wednesday. Registration is required to attend. Call Dana Duffie, 407-331-3059, Ext. 10.
Terranaut Corps:
A meeting of the nonprofit Order of the Skywatcher Clan’s (Native American tribe and 501c3 charity) caving group, which takes monthly trips to the tribe’s cave near Belleview to explore, dig out and map. Training is provided, if needed. Also potluck lunch, socializing, fossil hunting and camping. Advance registration required. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month, a private residence, 3415 Silverwood Drive, Orlando, free, 407293-1739, omegaltd158@juno.com.
Joseph Rassel of the Sentinel staff compiled this report. To submit an item, email communityevents@orlandosentinel.com.