Calendar of events

FEBRUARY

COCINA 214 wants to raise a glass to National Margarita Day on Wednesday, Feb. 22. For the entire month of February, COCINA 214 will be offering customers who spend $25 or more in a participating Winter Park business a free frozen or rocks margarita, redeemable with a purchase of an entrée. Visit winterpark.org

FEB. 16

Five writers from across the U.S. will take part in this year’s Winter With the Writers - A Festival of the Literary Arts. The event is free and will take place in the Bush Auditorium of Rollins College starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays. Poet and best-selling novelist Paula McLain will speak on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Auditorium. Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie will speak on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Auditorium. Visit rollins.edu/winterwiththewriters

Balancing Hormones Naturally will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb.16, at the Maitland Public Library at 501 S. Maitland Avenue in Maitland. This is an informative and practical workshop that will arm you with ways to improve your health at home without potentially dangerous Hormone Replacement Therapy. This workshop is also an excellent source of information about MS, Peri-Menopause, Menopause and Post-Menopause. Call 407-644-7700. It will be at the Seminole County Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, and again at the Maitland Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.

FEB. 17

Join Maitland Public Library Friday, Feb.17 at 10 a.m. – the Library, in partnership with the Maitland Fire & Rescue, is offering free blood pressure checks.

Art's Sake Studios will be hosting “Play at the Moment” at 680 Clay St. in Winter Park. It will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18 Listen in to a staged reading of "The Road to Mecca" by Athol Fugard, staring Marty Stonerock. Call 407-339-3771.

In a talk at Rollins College at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, Dr. Mustafa Tuna – visiting scholar from Duke University – will examine Turkey’s recent transformation and the challenges that it continues to face. The event is free. It will be held at the Faculty Club of Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. Call Dr. Eren Tatatri at [email protected] or call 407-646-2183.

FEB. 18

On Saturday, Feb. 18, there will be a Maitland Little League Parade and 50th Season Opening Day Celebration at Keller Fields. Anyone who played, coached or watched- we want you back for the fun. We have a parade that will begin at Maitland Middle School at 9 a.m. It will travel through Dommerich Estates and come out onto Horatio. It will move toward Maitland Avenue and take a left on Sandspur. It will end up on Maitland Boulevard and head to Keller Field. The Opening Day ceremonies will begin around 9:30 a.m. www.maitlandlittleleague.us

On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 a.m., the House of Hope Run Around the Pines 5k will be presented by Florida Hospital. There will be a Healthy 100 Kids’ Run at 8:45 a.m. and a 5k Award Ceremony at 9 a.m. It is the 6th race of the Track Shack Running Series. It will be held at Showalter Field, 2535 Cady Way in Winter Park. This event benefits the House of Hope which is a non-denominational, not-for-profit organization established to serve as a Christian residential program for troubled boys and girls ages 14-17, across the country.

The Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida is hosting the 10th Annual “Evening on Broadway” fundraising event, Feb. 18, featuring the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando. Tickets are $135 a person and corporate sponsorships are available.

FEB. 19

Join Maitland Public Library Sunday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. Cultural Cook Ha Roda is back to demonstrate a Vietnamese dessert called “Honey Comb Cake” Please join us and sample her wonderful; creating. All programs are free. Call 407-647-7700.

CCH Weddings & Events and Michele Butler Events invites brides-to-be, their families, and friends to the Winter Park Bridal Stroll, a most-unique wedding planning opportunity. On Sunday, Feb. 19 , Winter Park’s historic Park Avenue will be lined with nearly 100 of Central Florida’s best known wedding professionals, all there to feature their products and services in this low-stress, “one-stop shop” gathering. Preorder your tickets online at www.facebook.com/winterparkbridalstroll

Winter Park Institute presents Animated Magazine on at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb.19, at Rollins College, Mary Jean Mitchell Plaza. Founded in 1927 by former Rollins College President Hamilton Holt, Animated Magazine contributors will present their ideas to a live audience. This year, Animated Magazine will include former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins, former congressman and director of the CIA Porter Goss and other guests. All events are free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. Parking is available in the SunTrust parking garage on Lyman Avenue. For more information, visit www.rollins.edu/wpi

FEB. 20

Winter Park Institute presents Timely Intelligence Matters with Porter Goss: Taking on National Security Challenges of the Global Century at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, at the Bush Auditorium of Rollins College. Porter Goss, former congressman and director of the CIA, will present his thoughts on current global affairs through the unique lens of his experience. During his career, Goss has served as an overseas agent handler, a legislator with primary oversight responsibility for Intelligence in the U.S. House of Representatives and the President's daily briefer as CIA director. All events are free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. Parking is available in the SunTrust parking garage on Lyman Avenue. For more information, visit www.rollins.edu/wpi

FEB. 21

Join Maitland Public Library Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. LCC Social Networking for seniors is offering a workshop on searching the internet for job site. Program is free but you must register. Call 407-647-7700.

Please join us at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Rachel D. Murrah Center, 1015 Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. Our program will be "Ballroom Dancing" by the Central Florida Chapter of USA Dance, John David, President. It will be a fun time for all and is free. Any questions, call 407-629-2585.

At 7 p.m. on Feb. 21, the University Club of Winter Park will host “Atheists Are Among Us,” which is part of a Great Lecture Series. Join us as Jack Maurice, Founder of Orlando Freethinkers and Humanists, discusses the principles that govern the belief system of his organization. He will explain Non-Theists and why they don’t “believe” like most of America, how they can have good morals and ethics without religious faith, and what we can derive from Freethinkers and Humanists. The event is free but donations are accepted. Call (407)644-6149 or visit universityclubwinterpark.org.

FEB. 22

Join Maitland Public Library at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Contemporary Authors Book Discussion group will meet to discuss the book by Doris Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals. Book club is open to new members.

Martin Eidelberg, author and professor emeritus of Art History at Rutgers University, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2:30 p.m. The lecture is titled “Laurelton Hall: A museum of Tiffany’s Own. It will be held at the Hugh F. and Jeannette G. McKean Pavilion at 161 West Canton Ave. The event is free.

Crispin Hellion Glover performs a one hour dramatic narration of eight different profusely illustrated books at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Enzian in Maitland. The images from the books are projected behind Mr. Glover during his performance. Then there will be a presentation of his film “It is fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE!” followed by a live Q&A and book signing. For more information on the events and tickets, please visit http://www.enzian.org/film/crispin_hellion_glovers_big_slide_show_part_2/. For more information on the experience go to http://crispinglover.com/

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, the Winter Park Garden Club will host a Demonstration by Betty Moore, FFGC Flower Show Judge. It is located at 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Cost is $10. Please pay by Jan. 18. Call 407-644-5770.

The Friends of Casa Feliz are happy to announce a new installment in our ongoing "Parlor Series." On Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. and on Feb. 23 at 11:30 a.m., author Betsy Covington Smith will speak at Casa Feliz in Winter Park. Co-sponsored by the Winter Park Historical Association, Smith will talk about her book "Family Business," which focuses on the life of her great-grandfather, Winter Park city father Charles Hosmer Morse. Reservations are required for both seatings and can be made by contacting the Historical Association at [email protected] or at 407-647-2330.

FEB. 23

Fibromyalgia – A Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain and Fatigue. This Workshop has emphasis on chronic muscular pain, fatigue, and depression and its effect on the body. We will educate the audience about safe, effective and natural alternative methods for addressing Fibromyalgia and chronic pain symptoms. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23.

From 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, Fannie Hillman + Associates and The Mayflower Retirement Community will present “Chili for Charity.” It will be held at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, located at 200 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Join the Rotary Club of Winter Park for an evening of creative chili presentations "with a Winter Park attitude", plus live entertainment by Papa Jack Express, drinks, dessert and a live auction. The cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

From 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, the Home Builders Association will host its Eighth Annual Bruce Gould Poker Invitational. There will be Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and casino games with great prizes up for grabs. Proceeds will benefit the JCC’s Marvin Friedman Chidren’s Scholarship Fund. The cost is $125 for the Poker Invitational and $50 for the casino games. Contact Eli Bercovici at (407)645-5933 x259 or at [email protected], or visit www.orlandojcc.org.

Winn-Dixie will have an Open House Celebration event from 5:30- 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. It is located at 7800 S. Highway 17-92, Unit 160, in Winter Park. Discover a new fresh shopping experience at our Open House Celebration. Come and tour your completely transformed Winn-Dixie in Fern Park. Enjoy the store’s new features and sample delicious cuisine with your family, friends and neighbors.

ONGOING

The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. It is located at the old train depot, at 200 W. New England Ave. For more information, visit CityofWinterPark.org

The Maitland Farmers’ Market is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. It is located at Lake Lily Park. For more information, visit ItsMyMaitland.com or call 407-539-6268.

Food Truck Café is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at Lake Lily Park in Maitland.

The Winter Park Food Truck Stop is located at 1127 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, and is open for food trucks 24/7. Follow the site on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/FoodTruckStop

Music at the Casa is a free weekly open house from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays, featuring live performances and tours of the historic Casa Feliz, at 656 N. Park Ave., in Winter Park. For more information, visit CasaFeliz.us or call 407-628-8200 ext. 3. Upcoming performances include: Peter Thatcher on Feb. 19, and Shannon Caine of Beautiful Music on Feb. 26.

Maitland’s Culture and Cocktails takes place the second Friday of every month until April, both inside and outside of the Maitland Art Center’s Germaine Marvel Building, located at 210 W. Packwood Ave. Guests are sure to enjoy this evening of art, music, poetry, food and fun. The schedule includes artist Andrew Spear, performing 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 13. For more information, call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

The second Friday of every month, local residents will have the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy live music and performances, while experiencing art and culture at the Maitland Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact [email protected]

Maitland invites you to come and explore as it presents “Borders of Paradise: The New World in the Eyes of Explorers” through Feb. 26 at the Maitland Historical Museum, located at 221 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Friday Nights at the Morse features free admission to the Morse Museum from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays through April 27. Occasional programs include live music, art demonstrations, curator tours and family tours. Visit morsemuseum.org

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida has launched a new project to provide adults with an opportunity to share ideas in an informal environment. Beginning in January, community members are invited to participate in a bimonthly book club focused on literature related to the Center’s mission. All book club meetings will be held in the library of the Holocaust Center, located at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. There is no cost to participate in the book club, but RSVPs to the Holocaust Center are appreciated. Contact us at 407-628-0555 or [email protected]

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens presents “Artful Strings: Four Centuries of Harp Making” through April 15. It provides visitors with behind-the-scene access into the International Harp Museum’s collection of rare and visually striking harps from antique to contemporary pieces. The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, located at 633 Osceola Ave. in Winter Park, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org

Self-taught and nationally recognized African-American artist Missionary Mary Proctor will speak at the opening reception for an exhibit of her highly distinctive work. The exhibit will be open through Saturday, April 21, and will be hosted at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. The exhibit will showcase work from Proctor’s personal collection in Tallahassee, as well as the permanent collection from the Mennello Museum of American Art. The exhibit will culminate with the third Annual Hannibal Square Heritage Center Folk Art and Traditional Craft Festival on Saturday, April 21.

Three of today’s most noted American scholars in the fields of architecture and decorative arts will provide their insights into the splendor and mystery of Laurelton Hall, the most personal project of Tiffany’s career. The speakers include Art Historian Martin Eidelberg on Feb. 22, and Architectural Historian Richard Guy Wilson on March 28. Admission is free. The lectures are being held at 2:30 p.m. on select Wednesdays in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, 161 W. Canton Ave., just behind the museum.

Laughter Yoga, a gentle aerobic exercise that blends laughter with yoga-style breathing, is held at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Enjoy an improved mood and a positive attitude, decreased stress, improved interpersonal relationships and being healthy. It is located at 3377 Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. It is open to participants ages 12 and older, and is funded through the Winter Park Health Foundation. Call 407-671-4300 for more information.

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center’s exhibit “BESA: A Code of Honor” will be at the Center until the end of March. It offers a glimpse into the lives of a people whose commitment to their faith requires them to act unselfishly even under the most dire circumstances.

The Art & History Museums — Maitland (A&H) proudly features the work of artist Molly Chism in the upcoming Exhibition EMERGE! Molly Chism through April 15. The exhibition is held in the Maitland Art Center Galleries, 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland.

The Winter Park Public Library is partnering with AARP to provide free tax help to people of all ages this tax season every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. through April 17 in the Library’s second floor literacy training room. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/taxhelpwp

Visit wpmobserver.com/events for more details. Send submissions to [email protected]