Calendar for the week of 12-14-17

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

FESTIVAL OF TREES

10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at The Sheridan at Windermere, 13798 Speer Island Drive, Windermere. Stroll through the collection of Christmas trees donated by individuals and businesses and bid in the all-day silent auction. Ongoing entertainment throughout the day. Santa Claus will make a visit, and children can enjoy cookies and milk with him. Funds raised are donated to Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry. (407) 605-5061.

AMERICAN LEGION

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the American Legion Post 4305, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Shane Johnson will share his Hike Across America adventures of stopping in 20 cities in 65 days visiting homeless shelters that specialize in serving veterans to raise awareness for veteran homelessness. (407) 656-6361.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 14, in the Attic (second floor) of Building C at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. This support group is for cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers, spouses and partners. Meetings include a time of sharing, spiritual and emotional support and a different topic each month related to challenges associated with cancer. This meeting is a holiday potluck and to discuss programming for 2018. Email [email protected] or call (407) 876-4991, Ext. 262, to register.

WEST ORANGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN

11:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Besides the buffet, guests will be treated to the annual Christmas auction, caroling by Edgewood Children's Ranch students and recognition of the new members and scholarship recipients. Lunch is $20. Rebecca Mellen, (407) 230-5968 or [email protected].

WINTER MOVIELAND

4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Enjoy a kid-friendly film fest that celebrates families of all shapes and sizes. All ages. (407) 835-7323.

COOKIE DECORATING

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Frosting, sprinkles, candy and cookies … what more could you want?! Stop in and express your creativity by decorating a sugary treat. Enjoy the best part of all, eating it. Ages 6 to 18. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

MUSIC ON THE PLAZA

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Plant Street gazebo in downtown Winter Garden. This week's performer is the a capella group Key Harmony. (407) 656-4111.

CREATE A HOLIDAY SLIDESHOW

3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Create a digital photo album for the holidays. Learn how to insert images, movie files and music clips. Add slide transitions and custom timings. Recommended audience: Adult. Seating is limited. Registration recommended at (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES

4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in and around downtown Winter Garden. (407) 656-4111.

HOLIDAY MOVIE

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the downtown Winter Garden pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. Join friends for the holiday movie “The Polar Express.” Film starts at 6:30, with pre-movie entertainment starting at 6. (407) 656-4111.

IN HIS NAME! WE DANCE

4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Sandra O. Stephens Fine Arts Center, Montverde Academy, 17235 Seventh St., Montverde. Celebrate the story of Christmas in this contemporary journey with beautiful expression of dance. Presented by the Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts, this Winter Garden tradition is in its 24th year. Tickets are are $12 to $15 and are available at (407) 877-3388 or CDPA, 301 S. Tubb St., Suite C., Oakland, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

SAX PERFORMANCE

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Pilars Martini Bar, 146 W. Plant St. No. 120, Winter Garden. Special guest Adrian Cunningham, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and world traveler, will perform his jazz tunes. He has played with top performers, including Wynton Marsalis and Wycliffe Gordon. (407) 369-8900. Adriancunningham.com.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. What’s Christmas without a little Trans-Siberian Orchestra music? Enjoy “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” in this holiday musical tradition. Amwaycenter.com.

“THE NUTCRACKER”

2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive, Orlando. The Central Florida Ballet will present its annual “Nutcracker” performance with pyrotechnics and aerial acrobatics. Centralfloridaballet.com.

SAVVY SAVERS

1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Save money this holiday season, Become a savvy saver by sharing coupons and savings tips at this monthly meeting. (407) 835-7323.

SUNDAY, DEC. 17

ADAM'S ROAD CHRISTMAS PARTY

5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Adam's Road headquarters, 160 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Join the local Christian band for an evening of food, fellowship and fun. All are welcome. RSVP to (407) 656-0885.

WINTER GARDEN CHRISTMAS GOLF CART PARADE

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, along the historic streets of Winter Garden. Lineup starts at Bradford Park, 220 W. Division St. Neighbors can enjoy the parade from their front porch. The golf carts will travel along cart-approved streets and end at Walker Field baseball fields at Smith Street and Park Avenue. Participants should bring a minimum $50 donation (per cart), cash or check, for Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Go to the group’s Facebook page, Christmas Golf Cart Parade, for final details on this sixth annual event.

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

SOUTHWEST BOOK CLUB

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Meet author Selina Siak Chin Yoke and discuss her Malayan Series: “The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds” and “When the Future Comes Too Soon.” It follows an ordinary Malayan family through the Second World War. Ages 18 and older are welcome. The book club meets monthly at the Southwest Branch Library. No registration needed. siakchinyoke.com/.

BOOK BINGO

6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Celebrate back-to-school by playing bingo and possibly win a book to take home. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

8TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OUTREACH

4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Mildred Dixon Activity Center, 303 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden. This dinner and toy giveaway for children ages 3 through 16 is hosted by Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry. Special guests are worship artist Yvette Capetillo and Josh Gilbert. (407) 614-5942, findingthelostsheep.com.

CONNECTING WITH COUSINS THROUGH DNA

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. If you have received your autosomal DNA test results and are wondering what to do next, this program is for you. Explore the best way to begin analyzing and working with DNA matches. Learn pitfalls you need to watch out for and discover how to make your DNA work for you. (407) 835-7323.

HEALING ARTS SERIES: PAINTING

10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. This art project allows you to create the perfect gift for yourself. Part of the Healing Arts Series at Southwest Library. All supplies provided. No painting or art experience needed. For ages 18 and up. Limited supplies. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.

PAINTING WITH SCISSORS

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn about famous artist Henri Matisse and create your own bold and colorful work of art inspired by his cut-paper technique. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

BOOK BINGO

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Celebrate back-to-school by playing bingo and possibly win a book to take home. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.