Calendar

MARCH 3

Connie Gilbert (Vintage Junkie), and a few friends have opened a new shop featuring antiques, vintage, primitives, shabby chic, home décor and much more. It’s located in Renninger's Antique Center "Street of Shops” at 20651 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora, with hours running every Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. A Vintage Junkie Grand Opening Party runs March 3-5. Call 407-319-2364 or look up Vintage Junkie on Facebook.

The AARP’s Driver Safety course, “SMART DRIVER”, will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, at One Senior Place, located at 715 Douglas Ave. in Altamonte Springs. This program helps participants refresh driving skills and develop safer driving habits. Upon completion of this course, Florida Drivers aged 50 or older, may be eligible for vehicle insurance discounts. Registration is required. Cost $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members, cash or check only. Please note, participants need to bring their own lunches. For registration, call 407-949-6733.

MARCH 4

Each year, the ArtEvents Council of The Friends of The Mennello Museum of American Art hosts an elegant gala to raise funds for The Mennello Museum. Funds raised from the gala directly supports exhibitions, education programs, publications and helps the museum achieve its mission to serve our community, support artists and advance American art and ideas across Central Florida and beyond. The 14th annual “An Evening with Fabulous Friends Gala” will take place on Saturday, March 4, at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. In addition, all work in the inaugural Mennello Museum Invitational exhibition, on view at The Mennello Museum from Feb. 14 through March 3, will also be featured and available for purchase at the Gala. Local artists include Victor Bokas, Shosh C, Mindy Colton, Nancy Jay, Richard Munster, Jackie Otto Miller, Victor Quino, Maria Ramos, Paul T. Scarborough and Katty Smith. All artists have generously donated 50 percent of their proceeds to benefit The Mennello Museum. Dance the night away with live music by Emoja, and take part in both live and silent auctions. Tickets start at $375. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 407-246-4278, ext. 4860. Room rates at The Four Seasons are $299 per night and can be booked at foursesasons.com/Orlando

Back for its ninth year, the Fiddler’s Green 5K combines running and booze for the kind of race that will really get you motivated. This year, it’s also dog-friendly. Hosted by Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub, the proceeds go toward Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland and the Conductive Education Center of Orlando. Once they’ve crossed the finish line, runners 21 and up are invited to a free beer at the pub. The race will take off at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, from Mead Botanical Garden located at 1300 S. Denning Drive. Registration starts at $25. To register or for more information, visit fiddsgives.org

MARCH 5

Don’t miss the only St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Central Florida, which is back for its 39th year. Put on some green clothes and enjoy Irish music and step-dancing as the parade comes down Park Avenue to Lyman Avenue. Presented by the city of Winter Park and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the parade begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5. For more information, call 407-599-3334 or visit cityofwinterpark.org

In “Strolling through the Bluegrass,” Vernon and Kitty McIntyre introduce bluegrass instruments and music through a display and discussion of unique collectible string instruments, by discussion of the bluegrass style and how it developed, with demonstration and performance on the instruments, and through hands on experience with real instruments that have been cut in half to reveal the internal structure. The program closes with a Trick Fiddling act, then a rousing version of “Orange Blossom Special.” The presentation takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, at the Winter Park Public Library, located at 460 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Admission is free. For details, contact Nicole Heintzelman at 407-623-3300, ext. 104, or [email protected]

MARCH 6

The Maitland Public Library is hosting a week of planetary activities, movies, games and stargazing from March 6-10. It’s out of this world family fun starting at 3 p.m. March 6. Come out Monday-Thursday to see the stars with a telescope viewing in Quinn Strong Park! There’s space crafting for kids on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the library, and a showing of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday. Visit maitlandpl.org for more information and schedule.

NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. This class is taught by understanding teachers who are parents or caregivers of children with similar issues. Taking NAMI Basics will give you the tools you will need to help you make the best decisions possible for the care of your child. You will learn communication tips, how to problem solve and the skills to help you cope with the emotional impact of caring for your child. You will find out about the IEP process, diagnoses, treatment and self-care. Classes start Monday evening on March 6 in Fern Park. For more information and to register for classes, call 407-253-1900 or email [email protected]

MARCH 8

In celebration of Florida Bicycle Month, Winter Park’s Transportation Advisory Board and Healthy Central Florida are having a “Bike to Work Day” group bike ride and gathering. Participants are welcome to ride their bike to work if possible, but just bringing it for the group ride is fine too! The group ride is open to anyone 18 and up and check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, on Garfield Avenue behind the main stage in Winter Park’s Central Park. After the ride, the after party starts at 5 p.m. at Park Social located at 358 N. Park Ave. To register and for more information, call 407-599-3411 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Join other women in the area as you all learn the basics of self-defense with a free S.A.F.E class, hosted by the city of Maitland Parks and Recreation and Police departments. The class is only for women 18 and up and is limited to the first 12 to sign up. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at the Maitland Community Park located at 1400 Mayo Ave. To register, call 407-539-0042.

Winter Park Events announces they have transitioned and rebranded the Orlando Chowder Festival to the Winter Park Wine & Dine Spring Event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, located at 200 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Come join them to experience 30+ quality Orlando-area merchants offering complimentary food samples, hors d’oeuvres, craft beer and wine. Another addition to the event is a VIP Wine and Dine Experience, tailored to the avid sommelier who enjoys the best of the best when it comes to grapes and oats. For more information, call 407-599-334.

MARCH 9

Central Florida Center For Spiritual Living has announced new class called “Foundations of The Science of Mind,” which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday from March 9 through May 4 at Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, located at 1400 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Cost is $195. The class reveals the ancient laws underlying “The Secret.” The possibilities for your life are endless, not limited! For more information, email [email protected] or call 321-200-0730.

Popcorn Flicks in the Park continues with a free screening of “A League of Their Own” in Winter Park’s Central Park from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 9. Presented by Winter Park CRA and produced by Enzian Theater, this film series features classic films for the whole family. Bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends. Free popcorn is available for everyone! For more information, call 407-629-0054.

MARCH 10

The Winter Park Public Library is set to host a candidate forum between Winter Park City Commission candidates Greg Seidel and Wes Naylor at noon on Friday, March 10, in the library’s community room. The library is located at 460 E. New England Ave. For more information, call 407-623-3300.

MARCH 13

The Winter Park Playhouse, Central Florida’s only professional musical theatre, will hold annual auditions for its 2017-2018 series of musicals on Monday, March 13, from noon to 9 p.m. For the list of productions and a detailed cast breakdown, visit winterparkplayhouse.org, click on “Get involved” and “Auditions.” All ethnicities are strongly encouraged to attend! Auditions are by appointment only and will take place at The Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave., Suite C, in Winter Park. Call 407-645-0145 to schedule an audition time.

MARCH 16

ONYX Magazine presents the second annual Women on the Move, which honors a diverse array of women who are power brokers in their own right. Herzing University is the title sponsor for the event. Attendees will be inspired as the honorees are awarded on Thursday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Alfond Inn, located at 300 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Join ONYX Magazine, Florida’s premier African-American publication, for what has become one of the most prestigious celebrations for women of color, Women on the Move. This highly anticipated event will recognize the accomplishments and contributions of some of Florida’s most influential and impactful women. Women on the Move tickets are on sale now through onyxwomenonthemove.eventbrite.com. Tickets start at $125 and tables of 10 at $1,000. Contact Marianne Eggleston at 855-986-6699, ext. 5, or email [email protected]

MARCH 17

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s most prestigious outdoor art festivals. Each year more than 350,000 visitors enjoy the show in Winter Park’s Central Park. Festival hours are as follows: Friday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect to see dazzling sculpture and glass for the big pocketbook, as well as smaller works to please just about anyone. Enjoy Friday night’s jazz concert, children’s workshop village and school art exhibits, and great food and sidewalk cafes. Please be sure to leave your dogs at home when you visit the festival as they are not allowed to enter the event. And those riding bikes can safely park it at the city’s free bike valet service offered on Morse Boulevard! For more information, call 407-644-7207.

APRIL 2

The Annual Golf Classic presented by The Roth Family JCC runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 2 at Dubsdread Golf Course, located at 549 W. Par Street in Orlando. Experience one of Orlando’s premier golf courses while supporting the The Roth Family JCC’s Marvin & Bonnie Friedman Children’s Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance for individuals and families in need to attend the J. The foursome registration fee is $750 and the individual registration fee is $200 (early bird discounts listed at orlandojcc.org/golfclassic). For more information, contact Keith Dvorchik at 407-645-5933, [email protected] or visit orlandojcc.org/golfclassic

APRIL 6

The Orange County Retired Educators Association will celebrate National Volunteer Month at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 6 at College Park United Methodist Church, located at 644 W. Princeton Street in Orlando. Anyone who has worked in education is invited to join. Call 407-677-0446.

APRIL 25

University of Central Florida alum Daniel Tosh will return to campus on Tuesday, April 25 at 8 p.m. when he brings tosh.show, an evening of standup comedy featuring writers and comedians from his Comedy Central show Tosh.0, to CFE Arena. Doors for this event will open at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the CFE Arena Box Office. Sign up for the CFE Arena Cyber Club to receive all the information you need about this event and others at CFEArena.com

ONGOING

The Winter Park Playhouse, Central Florida's only professional musical theatre, announces their 2017-2018 Mainstage Series of musical productions! Current annual subscription renewals are going on now, new annual six-show series subscription sales begin Feb. 14 and "You Pick Three" mini-subscriptions, as well as single tickets, go on sale March 10. In honor of the 15th anniversary of The Winter Park Playhouse, all six-show series subscribers will receive 15 percent off of the established price with a six-show annual subscription priced at only $214 for Adult Evening and $199 for Senior Evening (62 years and older). Matinee series subscriptions are all priced at $163 for all six shows. In an ongoing effort to serve the community, accommodate demand and make their popular musicals accessible, The Playhouse will offer two preview shows – one evening and one matinee prior to opening night – at a reduced $20 per ticket price. Visit winterparkplayhouse.org

“Anne Frank – A History for Today” tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and World War II. It shows photographs of Anne Frank’s childhood in Frankfurt and in Amsterdam, and portrays the rise of the Nazis, the persecution of the Jews and the way the people responded to this. In a consequent way the exhibition shows the impact of the Nazi policy on one particular family. Throughout the exhibit, Anne’s own candid writing provides a central voice to the exhibit narrative, bringing a poignant and truly beautiful perspective to the story. The exhibit will be on display from through March 18 at the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center, located at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. For more information, call 407-628-0555.

MicheLee Puppets and Venue on the Lake are partnering up once again for a year’s worth of Sunday Family Fun Days in 2017. Sunday Family Fun Days will take place on the last Sunday of selected months at Venue on the Lake in Maitland, and will feature special guests, themed events, and puppet performances. MicheLee Puppets is Florida’s leader in educational puppetry and focuses on early childhood education, health and wellness, STEAM, and several other important issues. Each Sunday Family Fun Day will have a different theme that reflects these topics. Some of the upcoming themes include “World Day of Puppetry Celebration,” “Film Festival,” and “Back to School.” It’s open to the public and a donation of $5 per family is suggested. Visit brownpapertickets.com/event/2736502

The Morse Museum invites the public to special events at which visitors can view the collection at no charge, walk among Tiffany leaded-glass windows ablaze with brightly colored flowers and linger in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s serenely beautiful chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Live music, tours and other programs throughout the season will add to the gallery experience. For six consecutive spring Friday evenings (March 24 through April 28), visitors can enjoy not only free admission from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. but also live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the music on those nights, the Morse will offer curator tours of the exhibition Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Laurelton Hall at 7 p.m. The April 7 programming also includes a family tour of selected galleries and a demonstration of portrait painting techniques with a free take-home art activity for participants. In addition to the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Open House March 17-19, the museum will offer free admission on Easter weekend April 14-16, with live music and a curator tour set for Good Friday. For more information, call 407-645-5311.