Calendar of events

THURSDAY

The Orange County Retired Educators Association will meet Thursday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. at College Park United Methodist Church, 644 W. Princeton St. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to join. Visit Ocrea-fl.org or call 407-677-0446.

Join St. Andrew Catholic Church in hosting Bill Cowles, Orange County Supervisor of Elections, on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish Center, 801 N. Hastings St. for an important informational event regarding the new voter laws. Mr. Cowles and his staff will provide information regarding changes and an opportunity to register or to update voter registration so citizens will be able to vote in the upcoming primary election, Jan. 31.

Neil Simon’s classic comedy “Broadway Bound” presented by The JCC Company will be held at Roth Jewish Community Center, Harriet & Hymen Lake Cultural Auditorium, 851 N. Maitland Ave. Show times are Dec. 1, 3, 5, 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Cost is $25 for patron seating; $15 for general admission; $12 for JCC members and $10 for seniors and students.

FRIDAY

Maitland Public Library’s Learning Cultural Center’s Social Networking Series for seniors is Friday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. Register by calling 407-647-7700.

Winter Springs High School presents Encore Night, a one-act performance of “Godspell” by a variety of individual and group numbers who were recently taken to district competition. The event will be held Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the WSHS auditorium. Cost is $5 or $8 for reserved seating. Contact [email protected] for information.

CaddyShanks Virtual Golf and Sports Pub in conjunction with One Brick volunteer group is collecting toys for Toys for Tots at Baldwin Park’s first Friday event at CaddyShanks on Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Toys for Tots program asks that no used toys, weapon-like toys, toys with candy, or toys with chemicals (like chemistry sets) be included. For more information, visit Orlando-FL.ToysForTots.org or call 407-923-3849.

SATURDAY

Maitland Public Library presents author Robyn Walensky, who will be signing her new book, “Beautiful Life? The CSI behind Casey Anthony trial and my observations”, on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.

The Great Maitland Muscle Car and Antique Auto Show will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Shoppes at Maitland Plaza on Highway 17-92. Firehouse Subs, Athena Chicken and Einstein’s Bagels will provide refreshments for the plaza’s 25th anniversary event.

Samaritan Care Hospice of Florida will host “Comfort for the Healing Heart: Coping with Grief During the Holidays,” on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peggy and Philip B. Crosby YMCA Wellness Center, 2005 Mizell Ave. in Winter Park. The workshop is free. Call 407-514-1327 for more information or to reserve your seat.

Join the A&H for a special book-signing event Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Patda Jim will be signing copies of her book, “Courage and Compassion: A Civil War Soldier Speaks, a portrait of William Waterhouse and Civil War experiences.” As a special treat for guests, Bob Peterson, a relative of the Waterhouse family and former Waterhouse resident, will be at the museum from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to guide guests on special tours of the residence, as he provides insight on what life was like in the Waterhouse home.

Florida Opera Theatre presents “The Medium”, Menotti opera, on Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at The Black Box Theatre in the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Tickets are $25. Visit RedChairProject.tix.com or call 407-718-4365.

Rotary Club of Orange County East-Winter Park’s Tip-Off Classic Invitational high school basketball tournament will be held at the Winter Park High School Gymnasium, 2100 Summerfield Road on Saturday, Dec. 3, with the final being played at 8:30 p.m. Admission into the tournament is $5 or two cans of food. Last year, 3,000 cans of food were distributed to local food banks including the Salvation Army.

SUNDAY

Wrap up your holiday shopping with a selection of fine art and jewelry created by six local artists at “Art on Tap” on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Taps Wine Beer and Eatery in Winter Park Village. Visit Facebook.com/ArtOnTap

Follow the red carpet to an exciting auction and fundraising event hosted at Rick’s Classic Cars, 116 Solana Ave., in honor of Cara Moro, who was paralyzed from the waist down after doing a cheerleading stunt. The event will be held Dec. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and includes drinks and food. Dress code is business casual and the event is limited to 300 guests. Call 321-356-8844.

Join the Russian Ballet of Orlando for the traditional Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker”, which has been fascinating audiences of all ages for more than 100 years. The ballet will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. A short version for public, private and home schools will be Monday Dec. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Plaza Live Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Ave. Cost is $30-$35 for the full show, and $7 for the short version. For tickets, call 407-896-0309 or visit RussianBalletofOrlando.org

Join the choirs of Winter Park and Sweetwater First Baptist churches for “The Gift of Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1021 N. New York Ave. Call 407-644-3061.

MONDAY

Join Maitland Public Library's PC Academy on Monday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. Call 407-647-7700.

Meet Nancy Miles and hear her ideas for bringing balance to the Winter Park Commission at the Nancy for Winter Park Kickoff held at the Winter Park Community Center on Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

TUESDAY

The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Ave. Dr. Jack Stout, Biology Professor at the UCF, will discuss "The Mystery of Vanishing Natives, Why Plants Become Rare." This meeting is free and open to the public. Come early and enjoy refreshments and visiting with other native plant enthusiasts.

Playhouse favorites Heather Alexander and Laura Hodos, with pianist Christopher Leavy, will bring holiday cheer to Central Florida in the Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series Tuesday, Dec. 6, and Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a drink from the bar. Visit WinterParkPlayhouse.org

WEDNESDAY

“The New American Home” for 2012 created for display as part of the 2012 National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in Orlando is currently under construction in Winter Park. The home officially opens for tours with builders attending the NAHB show Feb. 8-11. A special preview evening is scheduled for Dec. 7 as a fundraiser to support the local UpStanders: Stand up to Bullying initiative. Early visits for patron level donors of $100 and up will begin at 6 p.m. Others will be welcomed from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The suggested minimum donation is $50. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and valet parking is available. Advance reservations for the event are required. Call the Holocaust Center at 407-628-0555.

Join us for the next Goldenrod Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Winter Park Costco Wholesale at 3333 University Blvd. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests who are not Costco Wholesale members may shop during the event. Appetizers, desserts, prizes and more will be given out. John & Shirley’s Catering will provide food. RSVP by Friday, Dec. 2, to [email protected]

Maitland Public Library's Learning & Cultural Center's Nutrition series presents "For the Vegetarian Curious" on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Register by calling 407-647-7700.

ONGOING

The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old train depot, 200 W. New England Ave. Visit CityofWinterPark.org

The Maitland Farmers’ Market is every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Lily Park. Visit ItsMyMatiland.com or call 407-539-6268.

Food Truck Café is every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Lily Park in Maitland.

“Music at the Casa” is a free weekly Sunday open house featuring live performances and tours of the historic Casa Feliz, 656 N. Park Ave. Visit CasaFeliz.us or call 407-628-8200 ext. 3.

Friday Nights at the Morse features free admission to the Morse Museum on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through April 27. Occasional programs include live music, art demonstrations, curator tours and family tours. Visit MorseMuseum.org for details.

Art & History Museums – Maitland’s Culture and Cocktails takes place the second Friday of every month until April both inside and outside of the Maitland Art Center’s Germaine Marvel Building, 210 W. Packwood Ave. Guests are sure to enjoy this evening of art, music, poetry, food and fun. For more information, phone 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

“Mid-Century: A Photographic View of Three African-American Communities in Florida” is at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center through Dec. 30. Visit HannibalSquareHeritageCenter.org

Ballroom Dancing Lessons are every Monday night except the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave. Line Dance Instruction is held on the first Monday. It’s $5 per lesson. Call 407-644-6149.

FAMILY CALENDAR

Astronomy Week at the Maitland Library is Nov. 27-Dec. 3. Events include “Our Moon: It’s Just Going Through Phases” on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. and “Viewing the Night Sky w/ Telescopes” on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Call 407-647-7700.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art presents the 33rd annual Christmas in the Park Celebration from 6:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Call 407-645-5311.

Friends of Casa Feliz will present Christmas at the Casa on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Casa Feliz located at 656 N. Park Ave. Call 407-628-8200.

On Friday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m., the festivities continue in Central Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll. Call 407-644-8281.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, the Winter Park and Enzian Theater will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “A Christmas Story.” Call 407-629-0054.

The 2011 Play! Pokémon City Championships are coming to Winter Park at Cool Stuff Games on Dec. 3. Visit Pokemon.com/Organized-Play/

Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park’s annual holiday photo shoot with Santa is Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. All community residents are welcome to meet and take complimentary pictures.

Light up Lake Lily Park at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Season of Light Celebration. As part of the celebration, the A&H’s Waterhouse Residence Museum, located at 820 Lake Lily Drive, is open for extended hours, from noon until 8:30 p.m.

Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast at the Central Park main stage is 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Call 407-644-8281.

Maitland Public Library's 2nd annual Holiday Tea is on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m. Register by calling 407-647-7700.

Join the choirs of Winter Park and Sweetwater First Baptist churches for “The Gift of Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1021 N. New York Ave. Call 407-644-3061.

Dr. Lach is having a free Family Fun Night Skating Party benefiting the Smiles for Hope Foundation and the Families in Transitions Program at the Universal Skating Center on Goldenrod Road on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Visit EventBrite.com

Maitland Public Library proudly presents the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2 – 4 p.m. Call 407-647-7700 or visit MaitlandPublicLibrary.com

Block Party: Holiday Favorites at Whole Foods Winter Park is Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Join us for a celebration of sampling as each of our departments features their holiday favorites. No pre-registration required. Help us choose the winning department, vote for your favorite sample and enter to win a Whole Foods Market gift card.

Maitland residents should be on the look out for Santa Claus. The Maitland police will be escorting Santa though our city’s streets on Dec. 11. For more details and times in your neighborhood, visit ItsMyMaitland.com

ONGOING

The Maitland Public Library has bedtime stories for all ages at 6 p.m. every Monday. Preschool story time is 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday. Infant and toddler story time is at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday. Reading buddies is Thursdays at 4 p.m. Call 407-647-7700 for more information.

Orlando Fashion Square welcomes back Santa Claus for visits and pictures with children this holiday season. Santa photos will be taken daily through Saturday, Dec. 24. Also, Fido and Fluffy can sit with St. Nick on Pet Nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays from Nov. 14 through Dec. 19.

“Winter in the Park” ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow is open through Sunday, Jan. 8. For more information, visit CityOfWinterPark.org