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.

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.-2 p.m. today, Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, $25, 407-841-0874, hamcation.com.

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 will include selecting the right container, preparing your potting soil, finding the right plant for the right pot and 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. 6:308:30 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 firstcome, 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.

Orange County Retired Educators Association:

Martie Salt, former WFTV news anchor and journalist will be the guest speaker. 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. March 2, Church on the Drive, 1914 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, ocreafl. org or 407-843-6909.

Touch-a-Truck: An interactive hands-on experience where children can learn about trucks and vehicles, honk their horns and interact with the drivers. Featured vehicles will include a fire truck, police vehicles, construction trucks and offroad vehicles. Noon-3 p.m. (No honking hour is from 2-3 p.m.) March 4, Knights Plaza at Addition Financial Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida, free, KnightsPlaza.com.

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, 407-419-8517.

Intermediate Bird Identification: Sponsored by

Orange Audubon Society. Led by Bob Sanders, participants will learn identification tips and natural history information. Advance registration required. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 18 and 25, Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, $50 for Audubon members and $65 for nonmembers, email mwilliams@cfl.rr.com, 407-718-1977.

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.

Central Florida 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. March 22, Central Florida Fair Expo Park, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, CFEC.org/job-fairs, 407-834-4022.

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. Lessons progress through 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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. 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, 407-293-1739, omegaltd158@juno.com.

Learn to Square Dance:

The Hoedowners Pairs & Spares Square Dance Club is starting a new beginner class. Free introductory classes will be offered from 3:30-4:30 p.m. today and Feb. 19. Class series begins Feb. 26 and is $5 per week. Casselberry Recreation Center, Secret Lake Park, 200 N. Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry, hoedowners.net, 407-339-2359.