Calendar of events

NOV. 10

The Central Florida Chapter of the First Marine Division Association invites you to a celebration of our Corps’ 235th Birthday at a special SOS breakfast at the Best Western Mt. Vernon Inn, 110 S. Orlando Ave., on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 8:30 a.m. The guest speaker for this event is Major William Weis, Officer in Charge, Recruiting Station Orlando. The cost is $25, which benefits your local chapter allowing them to continue their support of various community events. Seating is limited and we encourage you to make your reservations early. Please make checks out to the Central Florida Chapter, 1st Marine Division Association and mail them to Mike Galyean, 746 McIntyre Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789.

NOV. 11

To mark Veterans Day, the Winter Park Memorial Post 112 will host an "Open House", from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 11 at 4490 N. Goldenrod Road. All veterans, and the public are invited to join. Free coffee and pastry will be served. Call 407-671-6404 or visit WPFLPOST112.org

On Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., the city of Winter Park, in partnership with the Winter Park Ministerial Alliance and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, will be presenting its inaugural Veterans Day Celebration. This event will be held in honor of all of the veterans of Winter Park, outside at the new state-of-the-art Winter Park Community Center Ruby Ball Amphitheatre located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Forest City Elementary’s Veteran's Day Celebration will be at 1010 Sand Lake Road from 8:45-9:45 a.m. The keynote speaker is Mr. Dennis Joyner, Past National Commander of the Disabled Veterans of America.

NOV. 12

Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in honoring our local veterans during the city of Orlando’s 2011 Veteran’s Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. in downtown Orlando. Bring the family to salute the men and women from more than 150 Central Florida veterans’ organizations and enjoy marching bands, floats and more.

THURSDAY

Join Whole Foods Winter Park for a celebration of sampling as each of the departments showcases Thanksgiving products and recipes on Nov. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Make sure to stop by the holiday table to place your Thanksgiving order.

On Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Harry P. Leu Gardens, James "Zach" Zacharias, senior curator of education and curator of history with the Museum of Arts and Science in Daytona Beach, will discuss the Spanish-American War as it relates to the historical events in the major cities and towns in Florida. For more information contact Kevin Gidusko at [email protected] or 321-948-3994.

Maitland Public Library’s Learning Cultural Center’s Financial Series presents “Fraud 101” on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. Please register by calling 407-647-7700.

Broadway veterans Brian & Melissa Minyard with pianist Chris Leavy will perform Broadway hits and well-loved standards in the popular Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series Thursday, Nov.10, and Friday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a drink from the bar. Students 25 and younger and industry professionals are $15. For tickets, call 407-645-0145 or visit WinterParkPlayhouse.org

The Signature Chefs Auction benefiting March of Dimes will be Thursday, Nov. 10, at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort at 6 p.m. The event will have 15 of the finest chefs, caterers and/or local celebrity chefs who will present their signature dishes in a tasting size during a reception, as well as donate a unique package to be sold during the live auction. After enjoying an entertaining reception, guests are invited to bid on a variety of packages during a live auction. Auction packages may include fine dining, hotel/resort stays, weekend getaways, spa vacations and much more. Contact Heidi Richmond [email protected] or 407-599-5077 ext. 33 or visit MarchOfDimes.com/39weeks

CoffeeTalk featuring Commissioner Tom McMacken is Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center.

FRIDAY

Maitland Public Library’s PC Academy Series presents “Social Networking for Seniors — SKYPE” on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Register by calling 407-647-7700.

Renowned medieval scholar and author Clair W. McPherson, professor at NYU, Fordham University and Chair of Ascetical Theology at General Theological Seminary in New York City will deliver two lectures Nov.11 and 13 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park, 338 E. Lyman Ave. The first showing is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and the second on Sunday morning, Nov. 13, at 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Dr. McPherson will also preach at Sunday’s 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services.

Art & History Museums – Maitland’s Culture and Cocktails takes place the second Friday of every month until April, with the first event on Friday, Nov. 11, from 6-9 p.m., 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. The Germaine Marvel Building will be filled with the artwork of esteemed artist Yatin Patel, from his series “SUTRA.” For more information, phone 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

The fifth annual Jack in the Park, benefiting Special Olympics Florida, will be held on Friday, Nov. 11, from 7-11 p.m. at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center in Winter Park. Enjoy it all at Jack in the Park: live music, full open bar, silent auction, and exceptional food from Winter Park's finest dining establishments, including 4Rivers Smokehouse, Brio, Houston's, LUMA on Park, Mi Tomatina, Park Plaza Gardens, Ravenous Pig, Rusty Spoon, and Sweet by Holly. All proceeds from the $75 required donation benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. For more information or to register, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org/jack

SATURDAY

The new Publix in the Hollieana Shopping Center at 741 S. Orlando Ave. will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The new 45,600-square-foot store, which replaces the previous one that closed in January, features pharmacy, bakery deli, floral and fresh seafood departments. Visit Publix.com

Get a jump on holiday shopping during Winter Park Presbyterian Church’s annual Alternative Global Christmas Market on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The market will take place at the church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave. A Winter Park tradition for nearly 20 years, the global market event offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique gifts that support local and global organizations like SERRV, Heifer International, and Coalition for the Homeless. More than 18 vendors will be featured at this year’s sale. Monies made from donations and item sales go directly to these organizations, without any administrative fee deductions from the church. Cash or checks will be accepted. No credit cards, please.

Welcoming members and non-members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 12, the Winter Park Florida Blue Health Fair is offering attendees free health screenings including cholesterol and glucose tests, blood pressure measurements and more; free expert one-on-one consultations; free relaxing massages; and opportunities to win prizes from Florida Blue. For details about available screenings visit FloridaBlue.com

The Orlando Music Club will hold a Fiddle Fest at the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland on Nov. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Their young string players will do their best to provide some toe-tapping tunes. They’re asking for a donation of $5 per family. Visit OrlandoMusicClub.org or contact Lisa Moore, OMC president, at [email protected]

AAUW’s monthly meeting "Health Care Reform: What does it mean for you and me?" featuring Dr. Nancy Rudner Lugo will be Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. at the First Congregational Church Friendship Hall, 225 S. Interlachen Ave. RSVP to [email protected]

SUNDAY

The Baldwin Park Half Marathon & 5K will be 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, beginning at Audubon Park Elementary School and will benefit the school. Visit tinyurl.com/BP5K2011

Sundew Gardens presents "Intro to Sundew Gardening" organic gardening workshop on Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to noon for $20. It is their way to show you the garden, how they grow the crops, improve the soil, control the pests and harvest the bounty. After the organized activities, they can spend until 1 p.m. covering your specific questions and ideas. Organic fertilizers and transplants will be available for purchase. For daily updates on gardening activities and photos, please visit the Sundew Gardens Facebook page. Additional family members may attend for $10. Please RSVP to [email protected]

The 9th Annual JCC Family Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs on Sunday, Nov. 13. The event is going to be a blast with food trucks, hamster balls, robots, bungee jumps, a clown college, health & safety zone, pony rides, video game stations, live entertainment, bounce houses, and more! Admission is free, with food and activity tickets for sale. Proceeds benefit the JCC's programs, services and Marvin Friedman Scholarship Fund.

The Center for Contemporary Dance will celebrate its 10th year of dance by hosting “A Decade of Dance", taking place noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov.13, at Harry P. Leu Gardens. This season preview and contributor's brunch supports the organization's Tenth Annual Season of Dance and includes sneak-peek performances of upcoming works in the 2011-2012 event season. Tickets are $50 and include a brunch reception with access to silent auction activities. Call 407-695-8366 or visit TheCenterForDance.org

You are invited to a reception honoring the work of artist Byron Marshall on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the University Club of Winter Park. Call 407-644-6149 or visit UniversityClubWinterPark.org

The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman to perform an American program with members of the Bach Festival Orchestra on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $40. Visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

MONDAY

The qualifying period for the Maitland mayoral election opens at noon on Monday, Nov.14, and closes at noon on Friday, Nov.18. For additional information, please call 407-539-6219.

Maitland Public Library’s Learning Cultural Center’s Cooks Series presents “Venezuelan” on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. Register by calling 407-647-7700.

Learn how to actively combat diabetes by using the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living at Thrive on Monday, Nov. 14, at 1814 Jake Street, Baldwin Park from 7-8 p.m. Call 407-641-0743 or visit ThriveFamilyHealth.com

TUESDAY

AARP Winter Park Chapter 1047 will have a meeting on Nov.15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, 1015 Morse Blvd. Our speaker will be John DeBoer, a member of our chapter. Call 407-629-2585.

The Florida Department of Transportation is holding a public hearing regarding plans to provide safety improvements along Goldenrod Road in Orange County. The hearing will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the FDOT Urban Office located at 133 S. Semoran Blvd. It begins with an open house at 5 p.m. where participants may review project documents and discuss the project with staff. There will be brief presentations at 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present. Contact 386-943-5551 or [email protected]

Guest lecture series continues with “Freedom of Religion – Not Freedom from Religion” on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the University Club of Winter Park. Attorney and Constitutional scholar Russell Troutman will address the right to pray, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Donations will be accepted. Call 407-644-6149 or visit UniversityClubWinterPark.org

WEDNESDAY

Downtown Winter Park's biggest shopping event of the year, Red Bag Days, returns Nov. 17-20 with discounts at participating stores along Park Avenue and Hannibal Square. Kick-start your holiday shopping season with savings such as 20 percent off one item to storewide savings at 35 participating stores. See individual stores for details on their specific offer.

Bags will be available at the Orlando Museum of Art's Festival of Trees event, in addition to the participating stores. Visit WinterPark.org

A Floral Design Class will be at 10 a.m. Nov.16 at the Winter Park Garden Club, 1300 S. Denning Drive. Floral design instructor Betty Moore will teach tubular and underwater designs. Bring your own flowers and containers. Cost is $10. Reservations required by Nov. 14. Call 407-644-5770.

American Association of Individual Investors, Central Florida Chapter, will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the University Club of Winter Park, 841 N. Park Ave. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. and the speaker begins at 7. Pre-registered price is $5 for AAII members and$7 for non-members, or $10 at the door for everyone. For more information, visit our AAII.com or call 407-644-1607.

NOV. 18

The fifth annual Peacock Ball featuring a celebration of Winter Park's remarkable people and institutions is Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Winter Park Community Center in Hannibal Square. Cost is $150 and proceeds provide critical support for the operating budget for the Winter Park Historical Association, a non-profit organization devoted to collecting, preserving and interpreting the rich historical legacy of Winter Park. Call 406-647-2330 or visit WinterParkHistorical.com

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.

“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.

The Florida Artist Group Exhibition runs through Nov. 6 in the Maitland Art Center Gallery, 231 W. Packwood Ave. and in the Germaine Marvel Building at 210 W. Packwood Ave. (across the street from the Center). Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors (55 & older) and children (4-18 years). A&H members and children (3 & under) are free.

Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department is offering seasonal flu shots at “Flu Shot Fridays” through November, from 8 a.m. to noon at Station 62, 300 S. Lakemont Ave., and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, 200 W. New England Ave. Call 407-599-3613.

FAMILY CALENDAR

The historic Annie Russell Theatre, which is celebrating its 79th season, presents “Little Shop of Horrors” from Friday, Nov. 11, to Saturday, Nov. 19, with both evening and matinee performance times. Cost is $20, $10 for students with ID. Call 407-646-2145 or visit Rollins.edu/annierussell.

Orlando Fashion Square welcomes back Santa Claus for visits and pictures with children this holiday season starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. 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.

Maitland Public Library proudly presents Children’s READing Fest 2011 on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests include Kevin King the Magician and Alligator Annie, authors Loreen Leedy, Danette Haworth, Phil Card, and musician John Holley. There will be poetry and writing sideshows. Call 407-647-7700.

Winter Park Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Winter Park Community Center. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, catered by Johnny Rouse JR's BBQ and the induction ceremony. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Movie in the Park featuring “Tangled” is 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Quinn Strong Park in Maitland. Bring your blankets and chairs and the city will bring you the stars. Visit ItsmyMaitland.com for more information.

The fifth annual Roar n’ Soar, a signature two-day racing extravaganza showcasing the finest classic racing machines ever built for land, sea or air, revs into Fantasy of Flight on Sat., Nov. 12, and Sun., Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the attraction’s lakefront grounds and airfield in Polk City, midway between Orlando and Tampa. Call 863-984-3500 or visit FantasyOfFlight.com.

The Young Composers Challenge Composium will take place Sunday, Nov. 13, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in downtown Orlando. Winning contestants, ages 13 to 18, representing states from coast to coast, will have their compositions performed for the first time on stage by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit YoungComposersChallenge.org.

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.

“Winter in the Park” ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow is open Friday, Nov.18, through Sunday, Jan. 8. The rink will be open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit CityOfWinterPark.org.

Trinity Preparatory School will hold open house on Wednesday, Nov. 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane. RSVP at TrinityPrep.org/Join-us or call 321-282-2515.

Kids, ages 6 – 12, are invited to join us as we create green decorations for the holiday season at Whole Foods Winter Park on Dec. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. We will be using recycled and reusable materials. Online registration required.

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 youth basketball preseason practice starts in early November with games beginning in December. Boys and girls of all levels are welcome. Coaches are needed. Limited scholarships are available. Call 407-539-2830.

Visit wpmobserver.com/events for more details. Send submissions to [email protected]