WHAT’S HAPPENING
lost spouses and loved ones through death. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15, First Baptist Church of Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, free, 407-514-4137.
Library
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Hosted by Tertulia Cuatro Gatos Book Club, the event will include writers, artists, Latin music, dance, customs, food and art. Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 14, Edgewater branch of the Orange County Library System, 5049 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323. Victorian Horror Troupe:
Phantasmagoria: Enjoy a performance from the critically acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe Phantasmagoria, as they present a variety of selections from their stories, poems, sideshow and dances. 2 p.m. Oct. 15, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Other
“Ave Maria” concert: The concert will mark the100th anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to three children in the small town of Fatima, Portugal and will feature the Basilica Choir and Orchestra under the direction of William Picher. Music of Dering, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Mozart, Rutter and others will be performed. 3 p.m. Oct. 22, Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando, $25, free for children 11 or younger, 407-239-6600. Tax program counselors: Volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are needed for the AARP Tax-Aide Program. Counselors help prepare tax returns and assist with filing requirements for older taxpayers and others. Volunteer client facilitators are needed to greet the taxpayers and assist them in organizing their tax documents. An aptitude for tax work, experience in filing personal returns and good communication and computer skills are needed. Volunteers are trained by AARP in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. An orientation will be held in December and training will begin Jan. 8 in the Orlando area. Details: Jackie Sward at 407-647-5233 or aarp.org/taxaide.
Outdoor
Walk: The Mid-Florida Milers Walking Club, a member of the American Volkssport Association, is sponsoring a walk through Langford Park and into surrounding residential areas. Two distances available: 10K (6 miles) or 5K (3 miles). Start between 8:30-10 a.m. Oct. 21, Langford Park, 1808 Central Ave., Orlando, $3 for club members who want credit; free for all others, 407-695-9181.
Recreation
Rainbow Run 5K: Run through a rainbow of colors at Orange County Parks and Recreation’s Rainbow Run 5K. Participants will get covered head-to-toe with colored powder at four race stations. 7:30 a.m. Oct. 22, Little Econ Greenway at Blanchard Park, 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando, $10-$20, 407-836-6257.
Line dance: Proceeds benefit the Elks/Does Charity Fund. 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $5, 407-247-9704. Ballroom dance class: Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6 p.m. intermediate/advanced, 7 p.m. beginner Tuesdays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $10, 407-227-4883.
Bingo: Early Bird begins at 5:45 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Elks Charity Fund. 6:45 p.m. Mondays, Elks Lodge #1079, 12 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, $15-$25, 407-894-1079. Beginning race walking: Orange County Parks and Recreation Division is offering a beginning race walking program for ages 12 or older. Advance registration required. 8:05-9 a.m. Sundays; 5-5:55 p.m. Mondays, Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka, free, 407-886-4231.
Bingo: Proceeds benefit church charities. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Early bird 6:15 p.m. Mondays, Incarnation Catholic Church, 1515 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, $8-$12, 407-425-1355. Square and line dancing: 7:15 p.m. workshop for mainstream figures, 8-10 p.m. mainstream square dance with line dances between tips, Wednesdays, Whirl and Twirl Dance Club, 6949 Venture Circle, Orlando, $5, 407-679-2882. Round and square dancing: 7:30 p.m. early rounds, 8-10 p.m. plus square dance with rounds between tips, Fridays, Whirl and Twirl Dance Club, 6949 Venture Circle, Orlando, $5, 407-679-2882.
Senior
Retired educators: The Orange County Retired Educators Association will have a program about healthy eating for vitality featuring nutrition specialist Rob Graham. 10 a.m. Nov. 2, College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St., Orlando, free, 407-677-0446. 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. Nov. 16, Fran Carlton Recreation Center, 11 N. Forest Ave., Apopka, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-703-1741.
Senior Expo: The 50Plus FYI Resource Expo is presented by Orange County Commission on Aging, 50Plus Resource Network, Seminole County Triad, and the Senior Resource Alliance. Meet area service providers, agencies, housing specialists, health care representatives, and other professionals who provide products and services to the community. Find out "what's hot and what's not" as it relates to healthy lifestyle options and available resources. Meet and hear performances by jazz legend Jacqueline Jones and be entertained by The Company Players. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, admission and parking are free, 407-265-0534.
Senior Stretch: A weekly, yoga-based stretch class for participants age 65 or older featuring a variety of physical movements to increase
flexibility, balance and strength. These exercises are designed to improve day to day function for seniors. 10 a.m. Thursdays, Florida Hospital Health Village Fitness Center, 2520 N. Orange Ave., Suite 101, Orlando, $5, 407-303-2552. Computer classes for
seniors: The Seniors Now Computer Learning Center offers computer courses designed for seniors and taught by seniors. The beginner class is nine hours during three weeks and covers basic email and the Internet using Windows 10. Advanced classes are available for email, the Internet, buying and selling on eBay, computer genealogy, word processing, digital photography, the iPad and spreadsheets. Times and fees vary depending on classes and week. Courses are taught at Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, 407-318-3256. Senior lifestyle guide: The Senior Resource Alliance (Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida) and the 50PlusFYI Resource Network have published an information booklet called the 50PlusFYI Lifestyle & Resource Guide. It is available for free at public libraries and senior centers in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. Information includes help lines, hotlines, special interest groups, legislative activity, consumer protection trends, and community events. Details: 407-265-0534 or 50plusFYI.org.
Writer’s critique: Read from your own work and offer positive critiques to fellow writers in a friendly, supportive environment. Call prior to first attendance. 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Maitland Senior Center, 345 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, free, 407-539-6251. 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.-noon Nov. 8-9, Health Central Park, 411 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-656-9900.
How to Pay for Long-Term Care: Medicaid & VA Benefits seminar: Board Certified Elder Law Attorney Heather Kirson will discuss estate planning, advance directives, nursing home asset protection, Medicaid and veterans benefits. Reservations requested. 6 p.m. Nov. 14, 10 a.m. Dec. 12, , Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, free, 407-422-3017.
Retired nurses: The Florida Society of Registered Nurses Retired will meet for fellowship and speakers on current health related issues. 11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Denny’s, 440 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, purchase your own meal, 407-281-1527. Tennis for women ages 70 or older: The format is round robin. All levels of players are welcome. 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Winter Park Tennis Center, 1075 Azalea Lane, Winter Park, $7, 407-599-3445. Bridge lessons: Learn how
to play bridge/ Call in advance. Space is limited. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Maitland Senior Center, 345 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, $2.50 per class, 407-539-6251. Driver safety program in
Spanish: 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. Dec. 7, Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-254-9070. 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. Nov. 1, The Center, 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, 407-977-3825.
Singles
Ballroom dance: Belles and Beaus Dance Club will have a dance with ballroom, swing and golden oldies music by The Soft Touch. Singles and couples welcome. 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $5, 407-644-4200. Halloween Dance: Sponsored by Belles and Beaus Dance Club and featuring ballroom, swing and golden oldies music by The Soft Touch. Singles and couples welcome. 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $5, 407-644-4200.
Social dancing: Social dancing with live music for seniors and all dancers. Sponsored by Your Active City Seniors Inc. 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays, Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando, $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers, 407-339-5393.
Social/Hobby Clubs
Artists' League of Orange County: Chauncey Nelson, a signature member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society, will demonstrate unusual watercolor and related techniques. 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, free, 321-695-7896. Orange Audubon
Society: Nature photographer Reinier Munguia, whose work has appeared in books, magazines and scientific publications, will present tips to improve the quality of one’s photos. Topics may cover proper exposure, the dynamic range of modern digital cameras and use of filters, and how to solve problems in the field. 7 p.m. Oct. 19, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, 407-637-2525. The League of Women
Voters Orange County: Men and women of all ages are welcome to the semi-annual league showcase and new members orientation. 6:30-8: 30 p.m. Oct. 24, Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave. Winter Park, free, 407-608-2300. Newcomers of Central
Florida: Award-winning storyteller Madeline L. Pots will present a spooky seasonal tale plus other entertaining short stories for adults. Advance reservations and payment required by Oct. 12. 11:30 a.m. Nov. 16, Stoneybrook East Golf and Country Club, 2900 Northampton Ave., Orlando, $25 includes lunch, 407-366-7751.
Support Group
Cancer: Meetings include a time of sharing, spiritual and emotional support, as well as a different topic each month related to the key challenges associated with cancer. A guest speaker will present on “Yoga for Cancer Patients” including breathing and meditation exercises. Advance registration required. 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 19, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, free, 407-876-4991, Ext. 262.
Myasthenia gravis: A support group for people diagnosed with myasthenia gravis will meet. Myasthenia gravis is a disease of faulty nerve conduction characterized by weakness and quick fatigue of muscles, especially in the face and neck. 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Orlando Regional Medical Center, 52 W. Underwood St., Orlando, free, 407-273-9864. T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Delaney Street Baptist Church, 1919 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando, $32 annually, 407-898-6215.
GriefShare: Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. Child care is available. 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Calvary Orlando, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park, $15 for materials, call 407-644-1199 to register. HLAA Hearing Loss: Helping everyone impacted by hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, O’Charley’s Restaurant, 8081 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, free, 407-656-9283. Male Alzheimer’s caregivers forum: 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 and third Thursday of the month, Denny’s Restaurant, 2684 Lee Road, Winter Park, free, buy your own food, 407-843-1910.
Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Christ Church Unity, 771 Holden Ave., Orlando, free, 407-234-6023.
Bipolar Disorder: Central Florida Bipolar Support meets in room 206 of the Wesleyan Building. This is a peer facilitated meeting for individuals and family members of people with bipolar disorder and related illnesses. noon Thursdays,
First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, 125 N. Interlachen Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-375-5763.
Amputee: Amputees United of Central Florida is for all levels of amputation and those who care for them. 5:30-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday bi-monthly (March, May, July, September, November), ABC Prosthetics and Orthotics, 115 W. Columbia St., Suite B, Orlando, free, 407-960-7428. Parkinson support programs: Offered by The Florida Hospital Parkinson Outreach Center, the program includes educational presentations, music therapy, exercise classes and caregiver meetings. beginning at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month, Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 407-303-5295. Alzheimer’s caregivers: Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter. 10-11 a.m. the first Monday of the month, Greeneway Church, 3400 Hunter’s Creek Blvd., Orlando, free, 800-272-3900.
Across county lines Class
Master Gardener
Program: UF/IFAS Extension, Seminole County is accepting applications for a six-week course for those interested in becoming Master Gardeners starting in January. The application deadline is Oct. 30 and interviews for prospective Master Gardeners will take place the second week of November. Master Gardeners are volunteers who have received roughly 70 hours of training and in their first year give back to the community 75 hours of their time in the form of educational talks, community and school gardens, and a plant clinic and help desk at the Extension Office. They are also eligible to attend University of Florida led classes and conferences to increase their knowledge of horticulture, allowing them to provide the most up to date information on gardening to Seminole County residents. The class fee is $200 and covers materials and instruction. Details: 407-665-5558.
Conversational English classes for adult speakers of other languages and citizenship classes: Open to all levels. Enroll any week. Citizenship not required. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays through April, CrossLife Church, 45 W. Broadway St., Oviedo, free, 407-365-3484.
Community
Forever in Our Hearts Remembrance Ceremony: Join the nonprofit Angel of Hope of Central Florida in honoring all babies who were lost due to miscarriage, stillborn and infant loss. The ceremony is held as part of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Parking will be available across from the park at Lake Orienta Elementary School. 7 p.m. Oct. 15, Sunshine Park, Oakland Drive and Spring Lake Hills Drive, Altamonte Springs, free, 407-260-9222.
Culture
St. Luke’s Concert
Series: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will present the program “Enigma Variations” featuring Eric Jacobsen, Conductor/Cello. The program includes Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Major, Elgar’s Enigma Variations and also features Colleen Blagov, performing Greenstein’s Flute Concerto in D Minor. 7 p.m. Oct. 21, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2021 W. State Road 426, Oviedo, free, 407-365-3408. St. Luke's Concert Series: The UCF Symphony Orchestra will present “Reformation 500” featuring Felix Mendelssohn’s, Reformation Symphony and J.S.Bach’s, Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor. 6 p.m. Nov. 17 (open dress rehearsal); 7 p.m. Nov. 18 (concert), St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2021 W. State Road 426, Oviedo, free, 407-365-3408.
Festival/Show
Craft fair: Homemade crafts and gifts for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas plus jewelry, crocheted and knitted items, painted items and unique crafts. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct 14, Palm Valley Manufactured Home clubhouse, 500 E. Palm Valley Drive, Oviedo, admission is free, 321-696-6132. CommunityFest 2017: Live entertainment, 21 international food booths, beer garden, rides, games and a raffle for a $15,000 grand prize. Proceeds directly benefit more than 180 ministries in Central Florida through St. Mary Magdalen parish. 4-11 p.m. Oct. 20, noon-11 p.m. Oct. 21, noon-7 p.m. Oct. 22, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave., Altamonte Springs, admission is free, ticketed rides, games and food, 407-831-1212.
Harvest Jubilee: There will be a Fun Zone, food, chili cook-off, live music, vendors, gift basket raffles and pumpkin patch. Proceeds support children and youth activities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21, Grace United Methodist Church, 499 N. Country Club Road, Lake Mary, admission is free, 407-322-1472.
ARToberFEST: Featuring fine artists, live music, entertainment, kids’ area, and German-inspired food and beer. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 21-22, Winter Springs Town Center, 1160 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs, admission is free, 407-278-4871.
Oktoberfest: Festivities will include authentic German cuisine, beer, flag parade, folk dancing, a stein-holding contest, live music, a kids’ zone and vendors. Noon-10 p.m. Oct. 28, German-American Society of Central Florida, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry, $10 advance for adults, $15 at the gate for adults, free for ages 12 or younger, 407-834-0574.
Fall festival: Activities will include live entertainment, games, inflatable rides, a tea room, artisan's boutique, purse and shoe boutique, bake sale, $5,000 raffle, car show, turkey dinner on Oct. 28 plus a variety of international foods. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 27, noon-10 p.m. Oct. 28, 12:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Nativity Catholic Church, 3255 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, admission is free, 407-322-3961. Craft and Vendor Fair: Featuring holiday decorations, handmade jewelry, unique gifts, candles, needlework, plus many popular vendors.10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4, Winter Springs Senior Center, 400 N. Edgemon Ave., Winter Springs, admission is free, 407-802-9994.