Calendar

JAN. 19

Newcomers of Central Florida Inc. will celebrate the new year with a Jan. 19 luncheon featuring Rev. Shawn Garvey, a John Denver tribute artist who is also a senior minister at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park. A talented guitarist and vocalist, Rev. Garvey entertains audiences with his inspiring renditions of classic John Denver songs. Active in musical theater, choir and band for more than 30 years, Rev. Garvey has also recorded three albums and performed with such legendary entertainers as Livingston Taylor and Steve Weisberg, John Denver's lead guitarist. The Newcomers' luncheon program will be held at Heathrow Country Club, located at 1200 Bridgewater Drive in Heathrow. Tickets are priced at $25. Advance reservations are required. No walk-ins are allowed. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Members, prospective members and guests are welcome. For more information, contact Brenda Jones at 407-366-7751, email [email protected], or visit newcomerscfl.org

If you’re fascinated by jazz, flappers and the ever-captivating love triangle, you might want to check out Beatriz Williams’ newest novel “Wicked City.” The New York Times bestselling author will be promoting her book from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the First Congregational Church, located at 225 S. Interlachen Ave. in Winter Park. Hosted by the Writer’s Block Bookstore, the event is free to the public. For more information, email [email protected]

JAN. 20

The Winter Park Playhouse will treat audiences to a fun-loving musical comedy set in the 1960s with “Why Do Fools Fall In Love?” from Jan. 20 through Feb. 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and select Wednesday, Friday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Specially-priced performances include "Third Thursday" on Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. (matinee price for an evening performance) and previews on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. Step into an impromptu bachelorette party where best friends dive into the age-old questions about love, marriage, and the dating game. For tickets and more information call the box office 407-645- 0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

It’s not every day you have a chance to listen to a real blues band. Local band Smokin’ Torpedoes will be performing at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts located at 1905 Kentucky Ave. in Winter Park. Tickets cost $15. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com

JAN. 21

Listen to 40 young, classically training singers compete to get the opportunity to sing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions/Vocal Competition, Florida District. This free event welcomes donations, and will be held at Trinity Preparatory School’s Auditorium, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional details, call 407-922-4688 or email [email protected]

One of the country’s top birders is coming to town, and fans of the 2011 film “The Big Year” will not be disappointed. Greg Miller, who was one of the three birders in the movie and was played by Jack Black, will retell his experience about the film as part of the Birdapalooza Birding Festival. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. with a meet and greet followed by a dinner at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the University of Florida Mid-Florida Research and Education Center located at 2725 S. Binion Road. Tickets cost $25 and serve as a donation to Orange Audubon Society’s nature education fund. Those interested must register by Friday, Jan. 17, on the Birding Festival website found on orangeaudubonfl.org or by check. For more information, call 407-637-2525.

Free Burrow Press’ quarterly reading series, Functionally Literate, is bringing Kelly Luce, author of “Pull Me Under” and Dan Lopez, author of “The Show House,” to Orlando for a reading and book-signing event. It’ll take place on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts located at 1905 Kentucky Ave. The event is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The reading will start at 7:15 p.m. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com

Grab your family and head over to the Rollins College Cornell Fine Arts Museum on Saturday, Jan. 21, for an afternoon of family-friendly fun during the CFAMily Day. Tour the gallery, go on scavenger hunts and exercise your creativity with some art making. CFAM is located on 1000 Holt Ave. The event is free and materials for all activities will be provided. There is no need for reservations. For more information, call 407-646-2526 or email [email protected]

JAN. 26

Our world today is divided, bifurcated between the zero-sum binaries of win/lose, good and evil, either/or, profane and holy. Franciscan activist Richard Rohr invites us to see beyond these social entrapments toward the beauty of paradox, a hopeful horizon of unitive consciousness where everything belongs, at the Gladdening Light Symposium 2017. He will be joined by Haitian surrealist painter Frantz Zephirin. It will begin with an opening reception Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. and will run through Jan. 29. All events will occur within close proximity to downtown Winter Park and Rollins College. The cost is $330 for the entire weekend, although some lectures are priced separately. The Ó Súil-leabháin brothers will give a free performance Saturday at 8 p.m. in Tiedtke Concert Hall on the Rollins College campus. For a complete schedule of events and registration details, call 407-647-3963 or visit gladdeninglight.org

JAN. 27

Come out to “Side by Side: a celebration to pause and honor the gifts of our community” presented by First Congregational Church of Winter Park and Rollins College in partnership with city of Winter Park and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at Knowles Memorial Chapel, located at 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. Enjoy refreshments outside the chapel near the rose garden at 9:30 a.m.

Nature and photography merge for Winter Park native Leslie Ramey’s exhibit, “Beauty Beneath My Boots.” Ramey’s debut exhibit will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, and will feature a collection of photographs all taken within 30 miles of Ramey’s home. The exhibit is free and will take place at the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, located at 1400 S. Denning Drive. For more information, contact Dawn Murphy at [email protected], or call 407-647-7016.

After 71 years, the camellia flower continues to be celebrated by one of Central Florida’s oldest flower clubs. This year is no different. The Camellia Society of Central Florida is hosting one of Florida’s largest and oldest flower shows on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Winter Park Garden Club Clubhouse at Mead Botanical Garden located at 1500 S. Denning Drive. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but camellia blooms will not be viewable until 1 p.m. People will have a chance to buy camellia plants, take tours of the garden and attend classes. To RSVP for a class, email [email protected]

The Mennello Museum of American Art is pleased to announce the solo exhibition “Bo Bartlett: American Artist.” The exhibition, which runs from Jan. 27 through May 5, presents large-scale oil paintings that are figurative, psychologically imbued, beautifully rendered, and wonderfully sublime by one of the most significant American Realist painters of his generation. Bo Bartlett is widely renowned for his multi-layered complex image making rooted in narrative, story telling, art history, literature, poetry, and every day life. For more information, call 407-246-4278.

JAN. 28

Come out to the Edgewater High School alumni soccer game at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Edgewater High School stadium. Alumni players need to be there by 9:30 a.m. to check in. It is free to watch and $20 to play (proceeds go to EHS soccer program). Players must be Edgewater High alumni (didn't have to play soccer for the school team, open to all alumni and all years). Contact Vance Guthrie at 407-921-6234 or email [email protected]. There will be EHS shirts, hats and more for sale, and an after party at Ollie’s Public House Restaurant.

Repticon, a recognized leader in hosting reptile and exotic animal expos throughout the United States, is coming back to Orlando with an outstanding mixture of vendors, breeders, and educators on Jan. 28 and 29. This family-oriented, fun-filled event offers guests the opportunity to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores. Breeder-vendors are always willing to teach; and, throughout the event, there will be seminars on animal-related topics by experts in the field of herpetology. This event, held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, offers a unique family outing suitable for all ages and for a very diverse range of enthusiasts. The doors open to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, closing at 5 p.m. On Sunday, the show hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. At the door, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and children under 5 are admitted free. VIP and advance tickets may be purchased at repticon.com/florida/orlando

New York City indie band For Trees and Birds is bringing their eclectic alternative rock and jazz sound to Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Blue Bamboo Art Center located on 1905 Kentucky Ave. Influenced by groups like Radiohead and the second Miles Davis quintet, For Trees and Birds have a large repertoire of original music bound to grab your attention. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com

Thinking about adopting a pet into your family? Pookie’s ninth annual RescueFest is almost here to help you find your new family member from among many homeless pets. Presented by the Rescue Relief Fund, people will also have a chance to see merchandise from vendors and see what veterinary services and other pet services are available in the area. The RescueFest will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lake Lily Park located at 900 S. Orlando Ave. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, call 321-287-0390 or visit pookiesrescuefest.org

Ladies, get fit, feel pretty and help local, uninsured women get free mammograms! Step out with your girls to run or walk the Florida Hospital Lady Track Shack 5K at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Loch Haven Park, located at 777 E. Princeton Street in Orlando. By participating in this 3.1-mile run/walk, you’ll be helping provide free mammograms to women in our community. Registration required at LadyTrackShack5k.com

JAN. 29

Olga Kern is recognized as one of her generation’s great pianists, and she’ll be performing at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Tiedtke Concert Hall in Rollins College. With her vivid stage presence, passionately confident musicianship, and extraordinary technique, the striking pianist continues to captivate fans and critics alike. She jump-started her U.S. career with her historic Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the first woman to earn this distinction in more than 30 years. Tickets are between $35 and $55. For more information, call 407-646-2559.

The 13th annual Maj Madness Tournament runs from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando, located at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. Join this annual tournament featuring four rounds of play following National Mah Jongg League rules of play, for great prizes! Light breakfast, morning coffee and lunch is included in the tournament entry fee of $36 ($30 for JCC members). Participants are encouraged to bring a Mah Jongg set and/or table cover. Registration starts at 9:15 a.m. and games start at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Julie Levitt at 407-492-9890 or visit orlandojcc.org

FEB. 2

Calling all former educators! The Orange County Retired Educators Association is inviting anyone who has worked in education to come watch a musical presentation by the Winter Park High School Men’s Chorus and enjoy a pot luck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the College Park United Methodist Church located at 644 W. Princeton St. For more information, call 407-677-0446.

FEB. 3

The Centre for Aging and Wellness presents Dr. Kenneth Krumins, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic knee surgery. On Friday, Feb. 3, Dr. Krumins will be speaking about the important role of bone health for total knee replacement and robotics. The event starts at noon inside the conference room at the Centre for Aging and Wellness at Florida Hospital, located at 133 Benmore Drive. To RSVP, call 407-303-1700.

FEB. 4

Arts for All Day is a new, must-see event for all Central Floridians, with a focus of introducing new communities to local arts and cultural organizations throughout Central Florida. The event was created by United Arts of Central Florida and will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Loch Haven Cultural Park in Orlando. Arts for All Day is a free, family-friendly, taste-of-the-arts style event, taking place in Loch Haven’s multiple theaters and indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, throughout the Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Science Center and Orlando Shakespeare Theater venues.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Dommerich Elementary PTA will host their ninth annual Chiefs on the Run 5K and Dommerich Dash. The family-friendly race will begin and end at Dommerich Elementary School, and a safe race route will extend through the Dommerich neighborhood in Maitland. Endurance Sports Timing will be the official timekeepers for the race. All registrants affiliated with an organization or school are encouraged to list the group’s name when registering online. The organization or school with most participants will be awarded $100. For more information about the race and to register online, visit dommerichpta.com/programs/chiefs-on-the-run/

FEB. 8

If you’re passionate about orchids, or maybe just curious, “Orchids 101 — Their Mystery and Majesty” starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Winter Park Garden Club, located at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Doug Watson, general manager of Worldwide Orchids, has grown orchids personally and professionally for 30-plus years. He will speak about the beauty of orchids and the many aspects of getting the plant from seed to a gorgeous and exotic flower. Orchid plants will be available for sale. Call 407-644-5770. 

FEB. 9

Popcorn Flicks in the Park continues with a free screening of “Harold and Maude” in Winter Park’s Central Park from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 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.

FEB. 11

Single? Married? It’s Complicated? The Run 4 Love 4 Mile is for everyone that has the love of running and walking or may just be discovering it. Bring your loves and experience the euphoria of a healthy lifestyle at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Showalter Field, located at 2525 Cady Way. The event will include a best outfit contest, SoleMate Challenge and more. Cost is $33 to $40. Discounts available for youth and seniors. Kids run free. This event will be benefiting the Track Shack Foundation. For more information, call 407-599-3397.

ONGOING

“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 Jan. 16 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.

NAMI Greater Orlando is offering a free 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one, while maintaining their own well-being. Taught by trained teachers with a loved one living with mental illness, this class includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. Learn the biology of the brain, information about medication and treatment options, communication and problem solving skills and self-care. Educational classes begin in January and are currently offered in southwest Orlando, downtown Orlando, Lake Mary and St. Cloud. Call the NAMI Greater Orlando office at 407-253-1900 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

The Florida Blue Center at 434 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park has several ongoing classes. Tai Chi classes are every Monday at 3:30 p.m. Zumba classes are every Wednesday at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-441-2020.

Come join a six-week horticulture program with lectures, demonstrations, and participation starting in January 2017 at the Orlando Garden Club, located at 710 E. Rollins Street in Orlando. Attend one program or all six! Units two, three, four and six are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $90 for six classes or $20 for individual classes. To sign up or to receive a list of the classes offered, email [email protected]