ORANGEEXTRA

What’s happening 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, through 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.

African American Read-In:

Celebrate African American literature in poetry, story, and song, performed by local luminaries in conjunction with the 33rd Annual National African American Read-In. 2 p.m. today. For more information, visit ocls.info/readin or call 407-835-7323.

Free HIV/AIDS testing event:

Hosted by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s Area 7 program in honor National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The event will raise awareness and educate the community on ways to prevent the transmission of the HIV virus. 11 a.m. Feb. 7, Vacation Lodge, 720 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, free, 407-858-1400.

GriefShare:

A 13-week nondenominational support group for anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. 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 407-8764991, Ext. 262.

Deeds and Homestead Live Webinar: Attorney Michael Gumula discusses Florida deeds, Homestead in Estate Planning documents, and Homestead when an owner passes. Viewing instructions will be provided upon RSVP. 2 p.m. Feb. 7, free, 407-4788700.

A Focus on Historic Preservation lecture series:

Sponsored by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum. Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Professor Emeritus, Architectural History, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., will present “Preserving the Ephemeral: Emergence of Historic Preservation in the United States.” Space is limited and filled on a firstcome, first-served basis. 2:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., Winter Park, free, morsemuseum.org.

League of Women Voters Orange County:

The “Hot Topics: Black Resistance” program will include panelists Professor Patricia A. Broussard of A&M University College of Law; Professor Carmen Diaz of Valencia African Heritage Association; and Professor Donald Harrell, CEO and President of African Diasporic Arts and Education Inc. Reservations required. 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8, Winter Park Events Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, $30 for members, $37 for nonmembers includes lunch, lwvoc.org, 407-599-3571.

Tools and Techniques for Everyday Caregiving:

Presented by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center.

Care partners of loved ones with a dementia-related illness will be shown tools to help avoid anxiety and distress. Reservations requested. 10 a.m. Feb. 8, Fairview Shores branch of the Orange County Library System, 902 Lee Road, Suite 26, Orlando, free, Robin@ADRCcares.org, 407-436-7750.

10th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes:

Harbor House of Central Florida will host the 10th annual domestic abuse awareness event with key community leaders and community advocates. 6 p.m. Feb. 9, Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, $25-$35, harborhousefl.com.

Classics Book Club:

Presented by The University Club of Winter Park. The book discussion will be “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez. 10 a.m. Feb. 9, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. To attend, email your full name to info@uclubwp. org, free.

Successfully Growing Berries in Florida:

Discover the many kinds of berries for Florida including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and more. Advance registration required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $17 for garden members, $22 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.

gARTening Series - February Floral Fest:

Join Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez and Master Gardener Volunteers to learn the introductory techniques of floral design and how to utilize material from your own garden. Attendees will design their own floral arrangement to take home. Advance registration required. 2-3:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $25 per person, 407-254-9200.

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, 407-8410874, 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.

Paws in the Park:

Sponsored by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the event will raise awareness and money to benefit homeless pets. There will be lure courses for big and small dogs, photo stations, costume contest, vendor marketplace, food trucks, Pet Alliance swag and pet adoption opportunities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 11, Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Drive, Orlando, admission is free, event costs vary, pledges and donations encouraged, pawsinthepark. org, 407-351-7722.

New to Gardening in Florida:

Robert Bowden, an Ohio transplant to Central Florida, will discuss garden plants, soil, sun and water and how they differ from other parts of the country. Advance registration required. 1-2:20 p.m. Feb. 11, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for garden members, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.

Beekeeping for Beginners:

Learn about the fascinating lives of honey bee colonies and their inhabitants. Find out about the equipment and site(s) needed to get started with your own adventure with these stinging insects that produce honey and useful beeswax. Advance registration required. 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 11, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for garden members, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens. org, 407-246-2620.

Central Florida Railway Historical Society:

Ken Murdock will present “The Piedmont and Northern Railway.” 7 p.m. Feb. 13, Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, free, cfrhs.org.

GriefShare: A 13-week grief support program for adults who have lost a loved one by death. 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 15, Cathedral of Church of St Luke, 130 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. To sign up, email pastoralcare@ stlukescathedral.org or call 407-670-4005.

The Truth About Dementia, Is It Reversible and Avoidable?:

Join Beth Logullo and the Great Transitions Senior Living Series team for a discussion about dementia. Reservations required. 9:30 a.m. Feb. 15, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-473-1153.

Orange Audubon Society:

Jason Peliwo, who with his wife Laura owns Wild Birds Unlimited in Winter Springs, will present “Making Your Backyard a Bird Haven.” 7 p.m. Feb. 16, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, 407-637-2525.

ADRC to the Rescue:

Learn how the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center assists, educates, and empowers the care partners of loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis. Workshops throughout the day, drop by anytime. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 16, The Edyth, 199 S. Knowles Ave., Winter Park, free, 407436-7750.

Preparing Your Garden for The Spring Season:

Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, this class is designed to help gardeners get a successful start to their Spring season gardens. Advance registration required. 2-3:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.

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.

Backyard Florist: In this workshop, the instructor will help you create your own made-at-home arrangement and take some of the confusion out of using various vases and floral gear. Advance registration required. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 for garden members, $20 for nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-246-2620.

Hike: Sponsored by the Florida Native Plant Society, Pine Lily Chapter. The hike will be 4-5 miles long and take about 2-2.5 hours. 9 a.m. Feb. 18, Hal Scott Regional Preserve, 4500 Dallas Blvd., Orlando, free, fnps-pinelily.eventbrite.com/.

Life Model Painting in the Gardens:

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. Feb. 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $15 garden members, $20 nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-246-2620.

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. Feb. 21, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $20 for AARP members, $25 for nonmembers, 407-961-1473.

How to Avoid Probate Live Webinar:

Attorney Stacey Schwartz will explain how to avoid Probate. Viewing instructions will be provided upon RSVP. 6 p.m. Feb. 22, free, 407-478-8700.

Gardening in Containers:

Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, topics covered will include selecting the right container, preparing your potting soil, finding the right plant for the right pot, and finally how to maintain your container garden. Advance registration required.10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 23, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5, 407-254-9200.

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. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb 23, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $17 for member, $22 for nonmembers, leugardens.org, 407-246-2620.

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 Feb. 25, South Econ Community Park, 3800 S Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.

Low-cost Gardening in Small Spaces:

Join Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez and Master Gardener Volunteers to explore ideas on how to cut gardening costs and how to garden in small spaces. Advance registration required. 10:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 28, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5, 407-254-9200.

Literary luncheon: Hosted by the Orlando/Winter Park Branch of American Association of University Women. Award-winning journalist Geri Throne will discuss her book, “Secret Battles, A Novel,” set in World War II America. Reservation deadline is Feb. 24. Proceeds benefit the AAUW Scholarship Fund awarded to local students. 11 a.m. March 4, University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, $55 includes lunch and silent auction, tomsuet@aol.com or 407-773-9230.

Coin Show:

Sponsored by Central Florida Coin Club. More than 30 coin dealers will have high quality coins for the beginner to advanced collectors. Children get a free coin. A grading company will be on the premises and accepting submissions. Children ages 12 or younger will receive a free coin. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 5, Venue on the Lake: The Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, admission is free, 407-657-6440 or cfccbourse@hotmail.com.

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 Hadassah annual Bunny Rosen Women’s Heart Health Luncheon and Fashion Show:

Featuring clothing by Alembika, Tel Aviv, Israel. Accessories by Through the Looking Glass, Winter Park. Proceeds benefit Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America Inc. Reservations required. 11:30 a.m. March 19, Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, $60 includes valet parking, email orlando@hadassah.org.

Apopkon: A pop-culture, Sci-fi, comic book, and toy collector festival, with a purpose, to bring awareness and mental health, wellness and suicide prevention resources to the area. The family-friendly event will include vendors, food trucks, meditation, wellness professionals, music and art practices, Cosplay competitions, arcade rooms and more. 5-8 p.m. May 5, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May 6, Camp Wewa, 221 S Binion Rd, Apopka, $20-$65, apopkon.com/.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Second Annual Ultimate Garden Party:

Presented by The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation. An afternoon filled with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Test your casino skills while enjoying fancy cocktails at the libations lounge and shop the newest collections from favorite vendors in the Trunk Show. All proceeds raised fund Second Harvest’s hunger relief efforts, which include distributing enough food for 300,000 meals a day across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Marion, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties. 1-5 p.m. May 20, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, $150-$250, UltimateGardenParty. org.

TOPS Club Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly):

7-8 p.m. Mondays, University Seventh-day Adventist Church 9191 University

Blvd., Orlando, first visit free, then $5 monthly dues, 407-277-7946.

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, 407-929-5102, OrlandoCloggers. com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joseph Rassel of the Sentinel staff compiled this report. To submit an item, email communityevents@orlandosentinel.com.