Oakland Briefs 07.03.14

+ Oakland Nature Preserve’s July programs

The Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, offers a variety programs. For more information, visit OaklandNaturePreserve.org or call (407) 905-0054.

• Turtle and Tortoise Club lecture: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Join club members to hear guest speakers discuss various topics on these ancient and amazing creatures. Free lecture.

• EcoNight at the Movies LITE: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, Medicine Man (1992, PG-13). This movie blends conservation and cultural issues. The story line dramatizes the value of conserving natural areas, the need to preserve biodiversity and how native cultures often intuitively understand and live compatibly within ecosystems that sustain life. Discussion will follow about the relationship of the message in this movie to Lake Apopka and how the arts can help to build environmental literacy. This movie is rated PG-13. Free program.

• Science Saturday: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19. The Artistry in Science. Bring your camera and learn secrets for capturing memorable wildlife and habitat photos from professional photographer Mike George. After practical instruction, join him on the trails for some personal coaching. Free program.

+ Whole Foods makes ONP beneficiary of dime campaign

Whole Foods Market in Orlando has made the Oakland Nature Preserve the beneficiary of a fundraising campaign for the second year in a row. Last year, more than $3,000 was raised during the “5% Day” Campaign when 5 percent of one day’s net store sales were donated to ONP.

The donation was used to help fund educational programs and restoration efforts, as well as for general operating funds.

This year Whole Foods Market will be asking its customers to donate the dime they normally get credited to their bill for using reusable bags to ONP. The “Donate Your Dime” for ONP Campaign began July 1 and continues through Sept. 30.

The nearest Whole Foods Market is at 8003 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. It can be found online at wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/orlando.

For more information about “Donate Your Dime,” contact Barb Gugliotti at [email protected] or call (407) 509-0054.

+ Summer camps at Oakland church

Oakland Presbyterian Church is offering children’s summer camps. For more information, call (407) 656-4452.

• Vacation Bible School is July 7-11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for ages 5-12.

• Lego Camp is July 14-18 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $125 for students entering first through eighth grades.

• “Malice in the Palace” music camp is July 28 through Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $100 for children entering second through sixth grades.

+ Learn about flies at ONP

“Lord of the Flies: The Fascinating World of True Flies” will be presented at the next Insect Safari at noon this Saturday, July 5. It is being presented at the Oakland Nature Preserve by entomology expert Christy LeDuc.

A catch-and-release will be held after the insect lecture. Some nets will be available. The preserve is at 747 Machete Trail.

+ VBS planned

West Orange Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School next week, July 8-10, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The church is at 200 S. Tubb St., Oakland.

+ Mt. Zion offers computer access for state programs

Mount Zion AME Church in Oakland is serving as a computer access center for people seeking to qualify for the following state programs: temporary cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid and refugee assistance.

Applications can be submitted online or at the church Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mount Zion is at 420 W. Oakland Ave. For more information, call (407) 877-0700.

+ Rent Oakland meeting hall

Residents and organizations can rent the Oakland meeting hall on North Tubb Street. Rental includes use of the kitchen facilities and a seating capacity of 108.

To download a rental contract and price list, go to oaktownusa.com and click on “meeting hall facility.” For information, call Oakland Town Hall at (407) 656-1117.

+ File of Life  holds important medical history

The File of Life program is available in Oakland. The packets include an information card that gives emergency personnel an immediate medical history on the patient. Residents can pick up a packet at the Oakland Police Department, 540 E. Oakland Ave.

+ Scouts can volunteer at ONP

The Oakland Nature Preserve is on the lookout for volunteer Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The preserve welcomes boys working toward their Eagle Scout badge and girls working on their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Many opportunities exist for completing a project that would benefit the community and ONP visitors. Those interested can contact ONP at (407) 905-0054.

+ Concert band program

The Youth Christian Musicians (YCM) Concert Band Program is available to students in fifth through 12th grades (particularly homeschooled and those in private school). Beginning band and concert band classes are offered and meet at Oakland Presbyterian Church.

The program offers free lessons in a Christian atmosphere on Mondays and Thursdays. For more details or to register for classes, please contact Amy Duncan at [email protected].