Maitland City Talk

A local favorite, Evening in the Grove, returns to benefit Art & History Programming. This year’s annual tribute honors U.S. Congressman John Mica.

Lauded as one of the best Central Florida benefit auctions, Evening in the Grove: An Orange & White Gala is back. Evening in the Grove will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel in Maitland. Evening in the Grove is the Art & History Museums – Maitland’s 13th annual Gala Benefit Auction, featuring a cocktail reception, live entertainment, dinner and live and silent auctions. Each year, the Art & History Museums – Maitland honors an individual who has made a significant impact on Central Florida history. This year A&H is proud to honor U.S. Rep. John Mica for his many accomplishments in the Central Florida community. The evening’s entertainment features a live music and art experience, “Infinity,” by renowned painter AHLIN and musician Dan Jordan of Performing Arts of Maitland. The art piece created by AHLIN will be available for auction following the performance. Dick Batchelor will serve as master of ceremonies of this exciting evening benefiting art and history education programs for children and adults.

This theme of the gala honors the citrus history of our region. Guests are encouraged to wear orange and white cocktail attire and have their photo taken in “the Grove.” In addition to the live art performance “Infinity” and tribute dinner, an array of exciting auction items have been secured to create a fabulous auction experience for patrons. Highlights include a trip to Italy, more than 20 original artworks, an opportunity to conduct the Performing Arts of Maitland orchestra, and a Tampa Bay Lightning suite courtesy of Progress Energy. Additional items include receptions at private studios and homes of local artists such as Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, Josh Garrick, Que Throm, Cicero Greathouse; tickets to events and attractions throughout Central Florida; abundant cultural experiences; weekend getaways; golf outings, dining certificates; private wine tastings; horseback riding on the beach; oceanfront condo stays and more.

Evening in the Grove is presented by Florida Hospital Altamonte and sponsored by Progress Energy, Orlando Business Journal, Bright House Networks, University of Phoenix, Hubbard Construction, CSX, Sheraton Orlando North, Clayton Construction, New Traditions Bank, Independent Financial Partners, Foley & Lardner, Shepard, Smith & Cassady, Publix Supermarket Charities, Winter Park Blue, Trinchero Vineyards and Orlando Brewing Company.

All proceeds benefit art and history programming for children and adults including hands-on history programs, art classes, workshops, lectures, and informal learning opportunities such as Sketch Club. Tickets to Evening in the Grove are $70 for A&H members and $75 for non-members. To purchase your tickets so you too can join the fun and excitement, visit www.ArtandHistory.com/gala or phone 407-539-2181.

Maitland City Council Meeting of Oct. 10, 2011

The Maitland City Council met Monday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Below is a synopsis of that meeting. The next regular scheduled council meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 24. For updates, please check our website www.itsmymaitland.com.

Public hearings

After taking public comment, council set the second public hearing date as Monday, Oct. 24, to consider adoption of ordinances to: 1) amend Chapter 7.5 Land Development Procedures, and 2) amend the City of Maitland Land Development Regulations.

Consent agenda:

The council minutes of the Sept. 26 and the Special Council minutes of Sept. 23 were approved as presented.

Approved the required funding and submittal of a $66,227 Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant for firefighting related equipment & training.

Approve the purchase of 10 Tactical Armor Systems in the amount of $28,990 from the Police Department’s Forfeiture Funds.

Authorize the city manager to negotiate and contract with United Healthcare to provide health care, dental and vision coverage, and with Minnesota Life (Securian) to provide Term Life/ AD&D and Voluntary Life coverages.

Decision Items:

Reinstated the K-9 program and approved a new position for Police K-9 Officer and also approved a new Police Officer position for assignment to the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Task Force.

Authorized the repeal of Resolution #12-2011 and adopted a resolution calling for a referendum election authorizing City Council to grant Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions under § 3, Article VII of the State Constitution.

Introduced an ordinance modifying the qualification period of registering candidates in 2012 and each subsequent year that is a multiple of four to a period that is in harmony with the date of the Florida presidential preference primary and set the public hearing date as Monday, Oct. 24.

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