ORANGEEXTRA
What’s happening 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 and speakers. 1-5 p.m. today, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 16, Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-599-3357.
Unity Parade and Celebration:
The City of Ocoee’s 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration will start at 10 a.m. at Citrus Elementary and end at the West Oaks Mall parking lot. A post-parade celebration will be in the West Oaks Mall in the food court area at 11 a.m. Daralene Jones, WFTV-Channel 9, will be the keynote speaker. Jan. 16, Citrus Elementary School, 87 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee, free, 407-905-3100.
Annual MLK Vigil:
This annual vigil celebrates the life and impact of Dr. King Jr. The vigil highlights the theme “Power of Endurance.” Yohuru Williams, Distinguished University Chair, Professor of History, and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, will speak. There will also be a special Rollins Theater and Dance Department performance. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College, Winter Park, free.
Clog Dancing for All Ages:
The Orlando Cloggers will offer new beginner clogging classes. The lessons progress throughout the rest of the year. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, $4 per person per night, 407929-5102, OrlandoCloggers. com.
Income-tax assistance:
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, will provide free income tax assistance at numerous sites throughout the Orange and Seminole County area, Feb. 1-April 18. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as information showing health insurance coverage, a copy of last year’s income tax return; forms showing income earned, pensions and Social Security; 1099 Forms showing interest and dividends, photo ID, Social Security cards for all those listed on their return. Free electronic filing will be available at all sites. For details and locations, call 1-888-2277669 or visit aarpfoundation. org/taxaide.
History Group:
Presented by the University Club of Winter Park. History Group. Presented by the University Club of Winter Park. Club President Mark Cooper will present “Eugenics in America, Chapter II.” In this presentation, Cooper will summarize the earlier one, and then address the question of whether eugenics is still practiced in America. 10 a.m. Jan. 16, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend this event, email your full name to info@ uclubwp.org. Free.
AARP Winter Park Chapter 1047:
There will be refreshments after the meeting. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 5431 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, free, 407671-8393.
Men Only Dementia Caregiver Online Support Group:
Sponsored by Alzheimer’s
& Dementia Resource Center. 10 a.m. every third Thursday of the month on Zoom. Email info@adrccares. org or call 407-436-7750.
Reducing Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease:
A two-part educational series on how you can maintain and improve your brain health. Reservations required. Presented by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, Senior Helpers, 520 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 140, Winter Park, free, 407-436-7750 or email robin@ADRCcares.org.
Philosophy Discussion Group:
The group meets to discuss various topics. Bring topics and questions. 2 p.m. Jan. 17, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend, email your full name to info@ uclubwp.org. Free.
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.
Bromeliad Society of Central Florida:
Valerie Anderson will present “Native Bromeliads of Split Oak Forest.” All attendees participate in a drawing for bromeliads donated by members for door prizes. Raffles also. Guests welcome. 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 Forest Ave., Orlando, first two visits free, then membership required ($15 annually), 407-419-8517.
Learn How to Pay for Retirement:
Gain insight into how much is actually enough and how to ensure that your finances allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Reservations required. 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-473-1153.
Beekeeping Basics:
Experienced beekeepers from the Orange Blossom Beekeeper’s Association will discuss basic beekeeping and answer questions. 7 p.m. Jan. 19, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, orangeblossombeekeepers.org.
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.
Classics Book Club:
Presented by The University Club of Winter Park. The book discussion will be “Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. 10 a.m. Jan. 19, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend, email your full name to info@uclubwp. org, free.
Baseball Card and Memorabilia Show:
More than 50 tables of dealers buying and selling cards and memorabilia. Proceeds benefit homeless children. 3-8 p.m.
Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 21, Bahia Shrine Center, 3101 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, $2, free for ages 11 or younger, 407-476-7290.
Antique telephone and insulator show:
Telephone and insulator collectors will exhibit rare and historic telephones and insulators of all sizes and colors. Memorabilia also will be on display. The public is asked to bring antique telephones to sell and trade. Restored working telephones will be for sale. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 21, Casselberry Recreation Center, 200 N. Lake Triplet Drive, Casselberry, admission and parking are free, 407-314-6575.
Artists’ League of Orange County:
The guest artist will be Marla E, well-known in Central Florida for her Urban Art, acrylics, sculptures. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, free, 321-695-7896.
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.
Shingle Creek North Hike:
Learn about native plants and animals in the Hunter’s Creek area. Hosted by the Pine Lily Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 21, Hunters Creek Middle School, 13400 Town Loop Blvd., Orlando, free. For information and to register, fnps-pinelily. eventbrite.com/.
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.
Mayor’s Job Fair:
Featuring more than 100 employers offering thousands of career openings in various industries and resources on hand to assist your job search. Bring resumes and dress professionally. No children. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 25, Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, CFEC.org/job-fairs, 407-834-4022.
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. 6 p.m. Jan. 25, free, 407-478-8700.
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. 6:308:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $16 garden members, $21 nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-2462620.
Craft sale:
The Maitland Woman’s Club event will feature crafts, jewelry, vintage, gifts, art and more. Proceeds
benefit charitable projects. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 28, Venue on the Lake: The Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, admission is free.
Difficult Choices: A workshop on understanding the choices that must be made within the context of the various forms of dementia. Sponsored by Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. Reservations required. 10 a.m. Jan. 29, AdventHealth Hospice, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, free, 407-436-7750 or email robin@ADRCcares.org.
GriefShare: A 13-week nondenominational support group for anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. Online group begins 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and in-person group begins 10 a.m. Feb. 7, 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.
Orange County Retired Educators Association: This is the group’s annual potluck birthday lunch celebrating those retirees turning 90 this year. Bring your favorite potluck food to share. Anyone who has worked in education is invited. Masks are optional. 11:30 a.m. Feb. 2, Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, ocreafl.org or 407-843-6909.
Family Day at the OMA:
Featuring hands-on art and gallery activities, storytelling, dancing, music, and keepsake photos. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 4, Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, free, omart.org, 407-896-4231.
‘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.
Central Florida Winter 2023 Stamp Show:
Hosted by the Central Florida Stamp Club, there will be 15 dealers buying, selling or trading stamps. Free stamps will be provided to children. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 4, Venue on the Lake-Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, free admission and parking. 407-493-0956.
2023 RHL Anti-Gala:
The casual-style event will include a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit Page 15 literacy program, XL.ENT special needs soccer program at XL Soccer World and Hope for More Foundation’s yearlong grant initiative to assist families in transition throughout the community. 7-11 p.m. Feb. 4, Fields BMW, 963 Wymore Road, Winter Park. Tickets start at $200 per guest, which includes complimentary drinks and meals from a variety of favorite local food trucks. OrlandoAntiGala.com.
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, 407-841-0874, 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 giveaway; 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.
Central Florida Koi and Goldfish Show:
The annual judged koi show will feature entries from across the country, vendors of koi, goldfish, pond supplies, aquatic plants and garden art. There will also be a goldfish show with certified judging. Seminar presentations on koi, goldfish and ponds will be conducted all day March 11 ($10 for the day). Sponsored by Orlando Area Koi & Pond Club, ZNA Southern Koi Association and the koi clubs of Florida East Coast, Rainbow River and Gainesville. 1-5 p.m. March 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 12, Avanti Palms Resort, 6515 International Drive, Orlando, admission is free, cfks.org, 407-4198517.
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 info@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.
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, 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 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, 407-701-3357.
Joseph Rassel of the Sentinel staff compiled this report. To submit an item, email communityevents@orlandosentinel.com.