Community Bulletin

Living the art

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) proudly announces the implementation of a new Artist-In-Residence program, to begin in April. The program honors the legacy of founder J. André Smith, and the 75th anniversary of the Research Studio’s (now the Art & History Museums – Maitland) first Bok Fellow. This is the first formal, nationally competitive residency program at the A&H since Smith’s fellowship program, which was funded by Mary Curtis Bok from 1938 through 1957. The first artist chosen for the Artist-In-Residence program is Josette Urso. She begins her residency on April 28, and continues through June 2.

Meeting music stars

On Jan. 26 the Orlando Philharmonic will host some young guests at its morning rehearsal at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Through a partnership with A Gift for Music (AGFM) and the Orlando Philharmonic, middle- and high-school students from the AGFM orchestra sat in on the Philharmonic’s dress rehearsal, and met guest conductor Alasdair Neale and violin superstar Sarah Chang.

Boosting tax refunds

At a time when thousands of Central Floridians are struggling to pay for rent, food, utilities and other basic needs, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) is helping qualified residents claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Recognized for lifting more children out of poverty than any other federal program, EITC refunds helped provide a significant boost to the Central Florida economy in 2011 – with more than $551 million in funds distributed throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

Predators guarantee season

For the first time in professional sports history, the Orlando Predators are making a guarantee to season ticket holders that they will produce a winning season, called the

Predators Performance Guarantee, or “PPG.” If the Predators fail to win at least 10 games in each season, they will give season ticket holders a purchase credit, which could possibly award a full 100-percent reimbursement toward future season tickets.

Bikers raise big bucks

More than 1,800 riders took part in a charitable police escorted ride and after-party on Jan. 20 hosted by Orlando Harley Davidson, and they raised more than $11,500 for Bikers Against Child Abuse.