Spotlight event
Spring Festival of the Arts : The Maitland Area Chamber of Commerce’s 27th annual event will include food, entertainment and children’s activities. Performing Arts of Maitland will provide music and dance performances. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Lake Lily Park, 840 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, free, 407-644-0741.
Listings are subject to change. Please call in advance.
Class
Butterflies, pollinators and beneficials in the garden: Learn how to attract and keep butterflies in your garden year round along with other pollinators and beneficial insects important to a healthy garden. Registration required. 9 a.m. May 5, Orange County Extension Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $10 includes butterfly booklet, 407-254-9200.
Understanding snakes in Florida gardens: Get up close with some common, native Florida non-venomous snakes and get advice on how to handle situations when outdoors to avoid unnecessary bites. Registration required. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $8 for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Alternatives to traditional vegetable gardening: Learn the basic information about alternative methods of vegetable gardening, including containers, raised beds, grow boxes, and hydroponic methods. Registration required. 6 p.m. April 16, Jessie Brock Community
Learn the basic information about growing miscellaneous (specialty, ethnic, Oriental) vegetables that may expand your vegetable gardening season. Registration required. 9 a.m. May 9, Orange County Extension Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 materials fee, 407-254-9200.
Sailing: Learn basic sailing skills and terminology from instructors of the Central Florida Community Sailing Program. The course consists of three Wednesday classroom sessions from 6:308:30 p.m. and three “on the water” Saturday sessions on Lake Baldwin from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Reservations required. 6:30-8:30 p.m. beginning May 6, Orlando Fashion Square, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, $145 includes book, 407-645-1892.
Clown school: Learn skills such as make-up and costuming, balloon twisting, face painting, magic, and skit performance work. Taught by Professor Kno-Y, a former advance clown for Cole Bros. Circus. Registration required. 6-9 p.m. Fridays beginning May 22, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $130 for adults for nine-week course; $65 for children ages 10-15 with paid adult, 407-5063558.
Container gardens: Learn the proper techniques and styles used to develop different creations; which plants are appropriate for your growing areas; and suggestions will be made on the best potting materials to use. Everyone will have a chance to put together a container to take home with supplies provided. Registration required. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 25, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Maitland’s 27th annual Spring Festival of the Arts will be Saturday and Sunday at Lake Lily Park.
1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $20 for garden members, $25 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Vertical gardening: Learn about the advantages, techniques, structures and plants for growing up. Registration required. 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $8 for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Roses for Central Florida: Learn what type of roses do best in our climate and tips on how to keep them looking healthy and in bloom. Registration required. 10 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. April 25, 6:30 p.m. April 30, Orange County Extension Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.
Outdoor portrait photography: Learn how to find the right light for great exposures, find pleasing and complimentary backgrounds and avoid harsh shadows. This will be a shooting class with a live “model.” Registration required. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $50 for garden members, $55 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Indoor portrait photography: Learn how to find the right light for great exposures, find pleasing and complimentary backgrounds and avoid harsh shadows. This will be a shooting class with a live “model.” Registration required. 9 a.m.-noon April 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, Learn what type of roses do best in our climate and tips on how to keep them looking healthy and in bloom. Registration required. 6 p.m. April 23, Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Orlando, free, 407-2549200.
Learn how to design with flowers that are grown right in your own garden. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $25 for garden members, $30 for nonmembers, 407246-3621.
Choose one of two sessions. Session A is Fix it Fresh. Master Food and Nutrition Volunteers will demonstrate preparing fresh produce in creative and healthy ways at home. Samples will be provided. Session B is Vegetable Production for Local Markets. Richard Tyson will present information
Community
Introduction to the Orange County Master Gardner Program: Learn how master gardeners deliver information to residents on designing, planting and caring for landscapes and gardens in a “Florida-Friendly” way. The program will include a guided tour of the Exploration Gardens, which highlight plant materials suitable for Central Florida. Advance registration required. 9-11:30 a.m. April 29, Orange County Extension Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.
Culture
Public sing-along of selections from Handel’s “Messiah” : The event will be led by The Messiah Choral Society’s Chorusmaster, Karen Lecky-Springer, and their accompanist Kristine Griffin. Loaner scores will be available. 7:30 p.m. Friday, First Congregational Church, 225 S. Interlachen Ave., Winter Park, free, 321-2856382.
Buddha’s Birthday Celebration: food, Buddhist stories, and live performances from the Taiko Drummers and more. 10 a.m. May 3, Guang Ming Temple, 6555 Hoffner Ave., Orlando, free, 407-281-8482.
Dance and music performances: Featuring performing groups from the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and The Talako Indian Dancers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. April 29,
Boone High School, 1000 E. Kaley St., Orlando, free, 407-352-1163.
Festival/Show
Central Florida Earth Day : The event will include healthy living and eco-friendly exhibitors, speakers, and presentations; nonprofit groups; games for kids; restaurant booths; environmental and humane education; artist and craft corners; and live music and entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 25, Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, free, 321-331-1859.
Art and foliage festival : The 54th annual Apopka Woman’s Club Art and Foliage Festival features arts and crafts, an indoor and outdoor foliage sale, plant doctors, live entertainment, children’s art area, bus tours of local plant nurseries, and food. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26, Kit Land Nelson Park, 105 E. First St., Apopka, admission is free parking is $5, 407-880-2111.
Bluegrass Festival: The 16th annual Magnolia Park Bluegrass Festival will feature the Ramblin’ Rose Band, Porchdogs, Freightliners and New River Bluegrass Band. There will also be children’s activities, craft vendors and wildlife exhibits. Bring a lawn chair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 2, Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, free, 407-886-4231.
All British car show: The 31st annual event will feature Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Austin Healey and other cars, a valve-cover race, live music, silent auction and vendors. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, free, 407-322-5060.
Orlando Kiddies Carnival: Presented by the Trinbago Association of Central Florida in conjunction with the Orlando Cultural Carnival Association. There will be costumes, steel bands, guest DJs, and food. noon-8 p.m. May 3, Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, $5, free for ages 7 or younger, 407-234-5047.
Stamp show: Hosted by Central Florida Stamp Club. Dealers will be present to buy/sell/trade. Free stamps will be given to all children. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, admission is free, 407-312-3788.
Mineral, gem, rock and fossil show: Sponsored by the Central Florida Mineral and Gem Society, a not-for-profit educational organization. Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones. 1-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, $5 for adults, $2 for students, 407-761-0622.
Orchid show and sale: Sponsored by the Central Florida Orchid Society. There will be vendors, many varieties of flowering orchid plants, re-potting services (bring your plants) and an American Orchid Society judged show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Bahia Shrine Center, 2300 Pembrook Drive, Orlando, $5, 407-415-2950.
Hopefest 2015: there will be kids games, bounce houses, and entertainment. Food will be available for purchase. 3-8 p.m. April 18, Hope Lutheran Church, 2600 N. Dean Road, Orlando, free, 407-657-4556.
Fundraiser
Ice cream social: There will be ice cream floats, create a sundae, celebrity servers, face painting, cake walk, games, a silent auction, door prizes and special guests. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida and the two Ronald McDonald Houses in Central Florida. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Winter Park Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, $6 in advance, $8 at the door, free for children 3 or younger, 407-677-1552.
Paws for Peace Walk: The event is a leisurely stroll for families, friends and their pets. Participants walk to raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse on
: The gala features New York Times best-selling author Tim Dorsey discussing his novels and Florida tour guides, food and wine samplings and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Adult Literacy League. Dorsey will sign his books during the evening. 6-9:30 p.m. April 22, Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, $100-$150, 407-422-1540.
Bacchus Bash : Participants can sample foods, specialty drinks, and live entertainment from premier hotels and restaurants. Proceeds benefit the CFHLA Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to local hospitality students and schools. 5-10 p.m. Friday, Orlando Premium Outlets, 8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, admission is free, samples range from $2-$5,
Orlando 5K VisionWalk: Proceeds benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 8:30 a.m. April 18, Baldwin Park, New Broad Street, Orlando,
Karen Dyer, wife of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyers, will be the “celebrity tea pourer” (guest of honor). Proceeds will benefit the services and training programs provided by Eti-Keys Training Group free of charge to children age 7-18 through schools, community groups and faith-based organizations. Reservations required. 2 p.m. April 25, Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, $100, 407-521-8992.
Health
Lupus awareness seminar: Presented by The Lupus Foundation of Florida. Topics and speakers include: Lupus Updates in Etiology and Diagnosis by Dr. Shazia Beg, rheumatologist, UCF Health; and Lupus Medications - Old and New by Shannon Miller, assistant director UF College of Pharmacy, Orlando Campus. Registration required. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 18, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, 727-447-7075.
Tools to quit smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing, materials, and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10 a.m. April 21, 6:30 p.m. April 23, Peggy & Philip B. Crosby YMCA Wellness Center, 2005 Mizell Ave., Winter Park, free, 1-877-252-6094.
Tools to quit smoking class:
Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. The weekly program offers free carbon monoxide testing workbook and incentives and free nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays, April 22-May 27, Blanchard Park YMCA Family Center, 10501 J. Blanchard Trail, Orlando, free, 1-877-252-6094.
Tools to quit smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Florida Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing, materials, and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 10 a.m. April 28, WellMed at Lake Copeland, 3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Orlando, free, 1-877-252-6094.
Kids & Family
Ivanhoe Village Main Street Pedalpalooza: Pedalpalooza will begin with a bicycle safety check at 9 a.m., followed by a family-friendly bike ride through the Ivanhoe Village. There will also be a pancake breakfast at The Hammered Lamb, 1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, with proceeds benefiting the Ivanhoe Village Main Street. Saturday, Retro City Cycles, 1806 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 407-374-0251.
Lecture/Seminar
Troubled marriages: The Retrouvaille program is for couples who are struggling, separated or divorced but would like to give their marriages another chance. It is presented by volunteers. The program includes the April 17-19 weekend session and seven follow-up sessions. Follow-up sessions are free. Revenue is used to continue and expand programs. Reservations required. April 17-19, San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park, couples are asked to make an anonymous donation to cover the cost of their rooms and meals for the weekend session, 352-274-4614.
Pottery workshop: Presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network. During this hands-on
workshop participants will learn about 4,000 years of prehistoric ceramics in Florida; discover how archaeologists learn about the past from pottery shards; and create their own vessel with Emily Jane from FPAN. Afterward, explore the archaeological artifacts that were found at the preserve and are kept in the museum. Reservations required. 10 a.m. April 18, Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, free, 407-905-0054.
Journalist Jane Pauley to speak: Presented by the Rollins Winter Park Institute. Award-winning broadcast journalist Jane Pauley will discuss her latest book, “Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life.”. 7:30 p.m. today, Alfond Sports Center at Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-691-1995.
Library
Hearing screening: Presented by Connect Hearing. 2 p.m. Tuesday, Edgewater branch of the Orange County Library System, 5049 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Peace Corps information session: Hear stories from a former Peace Corps volunteer that served in Africa. There will be a short application workshop after the program. 2 p.m. Friday, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Identity theft prevention: Learn how to protect yourself against identity theft, lottery scams, social security scams, tax fraud and sweepstakes scams. Other topics include the resources available if you’ve been victimized and how to report identity theft. 11 a.m. April 21, Southeast branch of the Orange County Library System, 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Family Nutrition
Meet for a series of easy lessons that are both fun and interactive. Prepare and taste new recipes at each lesson while you learn about eating healthy and being active. This program is intended for adults with children and who are eligible for assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC or Head Start. Call to register. 2 p.m. Tuesdays, April 14-June 2, Southeast branch of the Orange County Library System, 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-254-9225.
CareerSource job search assistance: Spend time with the experts from CareerSource Central Florida to explore the services they provide and connect with employment opportunities using career counseling and skill development workshops. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Home safety for seniors: Tim Hetz, certified personal trainer with Healthy Agers,
will provide tips on home safety for seniors and caregivers. Learn about hazards in the home, preventing falls, and building balance and muscles to keep up physical health. 11 a.m. Tuesday, North Orange branch of the Orange County Library System, 1211 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, free, 407-835-7323.
Best landscape practices for Central Florida: Learn the principles of Florida friendly landscaping to save water and money by putting the right plant in the right place, grouping plants together based on watering needs, fertilizing appropriately and mulching to retain moisture. Call to register. 6 p.m. April 28, Southeast branch of the Orange County Library System, 5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-254-9850.
Exchange your shower heads: During Water Conservation Month Orange County Utilities water customers are eligible to exchange old high-flow shower heads for a new low-flow device. Fixed shower heads will be exchanged for fixed shower heads only and handheld shower heads will be exchanged for handheld shower heads only. Bring your most recent Orange County Utilities water bill and your old shower heads. Maximum of three shower heads per household will be exchanged while supplies last. 3-6 p.m. Monday, Alafaya branch of the Orange County Library System, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Other
Income-tax counseling : Tax-Aide volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, will provide free income tax assistance at 16 sites throughout Orange and Seminole counties through April 15. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as: proof of health insurance; 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 407-647-5233 or 1-888-227-7669.
Pet Microchipping Day: Any Orange County pets are welcome to visit the shelter’s clinic to receive a free microchip. Free rabies vaccinations will also be available. 1-5 p.m. April 19, Orange County Animal Services, 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9141.
Outdoor
Adopt-A-Tree program: Orange County residents who want to receive two free trees to plant in their landscapes should register upon arrival and provide proof of Orange County residency, such as driver’s license, photo I.D., or utility bill. Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and supply is limited to two trees per household. Orange County/University of Florida IFAS Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer landscape questions. 8 a.m. Saturday, Fort Christmas Historical Park, 1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, free, 407-254-9200.
Annual “Welcome to the Woods” event : Participants will learn to fish in Bear Pond, hike along the National Florida Scenic Trail, take a covered trailer ride to Blackwater Creek, learn safe boating techniques and take a short canoe trip along the creek. There will be wildlife educational exhibits and a live snakes, program on prescribed fire featuring a state helicopter, and a station to shoot a bow and arrow. Wear clothing for hiking and bring bug spray, sun block, snacks and water. Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Forest Service. Advance registration is required. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 25, Seminole Forest Wildlife Management Area, State Road 46, Sorrento, free, 352-732-1225.
Bird walks: Presented by the Orange Audubon Society, the walks will be led by an experienced birder. The walks are being conducted to encourage more people to get into birding and to make the public aware of the birding prospects in the park. Walks will be 2-3 hours. The pace will be very casual. 8 a.m. Saturdays in April, Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, free, 407-647-5834.
Rose garden walking tour: The walking tour will focus on Leu Gardens’ rose collection, the largest formal rose garden in Florida. The collection contains both old garden roses, those existing