Winter Park City Talk

Thanksgiving wishes

As Thanksgiving Day approaches with the busy holiday season right on its heels, I hope that each of us will make time this season to reflect upon the many blessings that are bestowed upon us. It is easy to be consumed with life’s daily distractions, and that is why Thanksgiving is so important. Although we can give thanks every day, this holiday causes us to pause and appreciate all of the wonderful people and gifts that surround us. On behalf of the city staff, I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for your continued support as we work hard to make Winter Park the place you can enjoy visiting, shopping, dining, relaxing and calling home. Please take time this season to gather with family, friends and loved ones to enjoy some of the wonderful annual events we have planned for you. A complete listing of holiday events can be found at cityofwinterpark.org. Warmest wishes to each of you for a Thanksgiving filled with many blessings.

Nov. 26 city meetings

On Monday, Nov. 26, there will be a CRA Agency meeting at 3 p.m., followed by a City Commission meeting at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. Due to the early holiday deadline, the final agenda was not available at press time. It can be found on the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org > Government > City Commission > Agenda.

Ice rink is open!

We had a great opening weekend with a dramatic ice breaking event, WKMG Local 6 broadcasting live, a visit from Cat in the Hat, hundreds of snow angels gliding on the ice and even an ice skating peacock! The “Winter in the Park” holiday ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow is officially open, and is even open on Thanksgiving from 3 to 9 p.m. Special thanks to the rink sponsors: Winter Park Memorial Hospital, Ruth’s Chris & Mitchell’s Fish Market, Century Link, Rollins College, WKMG Local 6, MIX 105.1FM and Sunny 105.9FM.

Snowflakes of all ages and skill levels are invited to chill out as they glide, spin and turn at “Winter in the Park”:

• Monday thru Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.

• Friday, 3 to 10 p.m.

• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

The West Meadow is located at 150 N. New York Ave. on the corner of Morse Boulevard and New York Avenue in downtown Winter Park. For more information and school holiday hours, please call 407-599-3203 or visit cityofwinterpark.org/WITP

OPO Holiday Pops in Central Park

The city of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite you to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at their annual Holiday Pops concert Sunday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m. in charming Central Park. This free, public concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Bring a blanket and picnic for a concert program that has become a family tradition in Central Florida.

Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the Philharmonic in a beautiful program of holiday favorites for all ages. Highlights will include instrumentals such as “Chanukah Suite,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Deck the Halls,” and vocal selections including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” featuring Holiday Singer Connie Brink; “O Holy Night” featuring Tiffany Coburn; “The Twelve Days of Christmas” featuring the Holiday Singers; and “Christmas Memories,” featuring the children’s choir.

In the spirit of the season, audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable, canned or dry food items to help restock the pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Over the past 11 years, the orchestra has helped collect more than 4,000 pounds of food for families in Central Florida.

For more information regarding the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra or this special performance, please call 407-896-6700, extension 223, or visit orlandophil.org

Visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.