Calendar

SEPT. 22

A Grow and Sing Studios Kindermusik Playdate runs from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Winter Park Community Center, located at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Kindermusik Playdates are a fun family time experience mixed with take-home materials. These classes are a great opportunity to experience what Kindermusik is like if you are considering subscribing to weekly classes. The playdates typically follow a similar format month-to-month, which include monthly repeated favorites along with unique activities and music set to a monthly theme. Kindermusik playdates are recommended for babies up to 7 year olds. The classes are for multiple ages, and are parent interactive! The cost is $15. For more information, visit growandsing.com/classes/kindermusik-playdates

Marc Monteson Promotions presents the 16th annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival that will take place Sept. 22-25 at various beachside and mainland locations including Flagler Avenue, Canal Street Historic District, Third and Atlantic avenues and the North Causeway – all within The LOOP. This year, a Thursday concert at the library has been added. The only ticketed event is the kick-off party at The OM Bar & Chill Lounge on Friday evening. The remaining 25 shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are free. For more information, call 386-423-9760, email [email protected] or visit nsbjazzfest.com

SEPT. 24

The annual Black & White Gala is an evening of elegance, fine dining and world-class entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Hyatt Regency Orlando, located at 9801 International Drive in Orlando. A black tie event, the Gala is held each year to benefit Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that exists only to make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Guests enjoy spectacular themed entertainment and sumptuous food, as well as a tempting array of auction items on which to bid, including shopping excursions, travel packages, something for sports fanatics and for food enthusiasts and everything in between. Ticket and auction sales go directly toward helping to create the happiness that inspires hope for families. Tables also are available. For more information, contact Beth Ann Carr, director of special events, at [email protected], or call 407-396-1114, ext. 4245.

For the 12th year in a row, the Winter Park Public Library will hold its annual Bash for Books. This year’s event will celebrate the amazing contributions of British authors as they celebrate Brit lit from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, located at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. The evening will include great music, delicious food and beverage, and an incredible silent auction. The event is $150 per person. All proceeds directly support the materials, services and programs of the library. Bash for Books has been voted Winter Park’s Best Charity Gala two years in a row by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 407-623-3486.

SEPT. 25

Attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest number of cities participating in the same race on the same day at the Global Energy Race. On Sept. 25, 37 cities around the world, will run as one. Starting at 6 a.m. at Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St., Orlando, runners can participate in a 10K run option as well as a 3K run/walk. Bimbo Bakeries USA will donate two slices of bread to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for each kilometer completed by each runner in Orlando, which equates to one loaf of bread per completed 10K. First place male and female winners in each city where the 10K is held will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to run in any 2017 Global Energy Race participant city. Registration is $40 or $20 through Sept. 23 or $45 on-site for the 10K only. More information can be found at globalenergyrace.com/en/usa/orlando

Tracy DeCarlo has been studying food for four decades and will be presenting “Eat Real Food: A Slide Show” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Federation of Gardens Clubs, located at 1400 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Come out for this fun, interactive look at understanding, appreciating, and locating real food to care for our bodies. Cost is a $6 donation. For more information, call 321-200-0730, email [email protected] or visit cslorlando.org

SEPT. 26

OneBlood needs your help to continue saving lives. All eligible people (age 16 and up, weighing 110 pounds or more and be in good health) are encouraged to donate blood at Winter Park City Hall, 401 S. Park Ave., on Monday, Sept. 26 from 8 to 11 a.m. Donors are required to bring a photo ID. For more information, call 407-599-3506.

SEPT. 27

The Caregiver College: Free Dementia Education Series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 27, with a class titled “Understanding Behaviors and Creating the Best Day Possible” by Rosemary Laird from the Geriatrician Centre for Senior Health from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Memorial Hospital Library, located at 1925 Mizell Ave. in Winter Park. To RSVP, call 321-439-6783 or email [email protected]

Enrich your knowledge of local history with a Winter Park History Museum speaker series event at the Winter Park Community Center, 721 W. New England Ave., on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. After the conclusion of the “Segregated Settlements & Model Towns: The Politics of Race and Class in the Founding of Maitland, Eatonville, and Winter Park 1875-1893,” guests are invited to continue the night with a reception at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center across the street, which features the exhibit “Spinning Yarn: Storytelling Through Southern Art.” The event is free and open to the public. Visit wphistory.org or call 407-647-2330 for more information.

The Florida Blue Center, located at 434 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, will host a health-centered class for the community on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at noon. Join local nurses for a free lunch and to learn more about the health benefits of incorporating fruit and vegetables into your diet.

SEPT. 29

Fashion on the Avenue presents a sneak peek at the five-day celebration of fashion and design at Harriett’s Happy Hour on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Capen-Showalter House. The event features fashion icon Harriett Lake’s famous hats and accessories as well as food and drinks. Admission is $25. Complimentary valet parking available. Register at winterpark.org

A Smoking Cessation Class from Area Health Education Center will be held at Florida Blue Center, 434 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Those interested in learning the tools to quit smoking are encouraged to register for the free class by calling 877-252-6904.

Florida Hospital Waterman, located at 1000 Waterman Way in Tavares, will kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a community celebration on Sept. 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will feature health education and resources and community partners that will be pinked-out in support. Participants are encouraged to bring a new bra to Haven of Lake County women’s shelter. Guests will have a chance to win one of the grand prizes for each bra donated. For more information, visit pinkout.com

“Bye Bye Birdie” will be presented by Theater at the J on select nights from Sept. 29 to Oct. 9 at the Harriett and Hymen Lake Cultural Center at The Roth Family JCC, 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland. Guests can purchase tickets to the rock-n-roll-themed musical, written by Michael Stewart, for $10-$20. For more information and a schedule of performances, visit orlandojcc.org or contact Kerry Giese at 407-645-5933 or [email protected]

SEPT. 30

Florida Hospital for Women Mobile Wellness and FRi – Diagnostic Imaging are slated to offer a day of screening mammograms at Fowler’s Grove Shopping Center in Winter Garden on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A prescription is not required, and the majority of insurance plans are accepted. To schedule your screening mammogram online, go to FHMobileWellness.com or call 407-303-1615.

OCT. 1

After making history as the first non-Greek artist in history to exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, Orlando fine art photographer Josh Garrick will open an exhibit of new works at the Henao Contemporary Center, the art gallery that opened with Garrick’s work one year ago. The new exhibit, “Classicism from Two Continents,” will include new works along with a tribute to Iris Kritikou, the distinguished European curator who has championed Garrick’s work for three years – beginning with the history-making exhibit at Greece’s world-famous National Archaeological Museum. It’s on Oct. 1. Visit Henaocenter.com for more details.

Writer’s Block Bookstore and the Winter Park Public Library will host the inaugural Authors in the Park Book Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is a day devoted to readers and writers and will feature 10 nationally bestselling authors including Geoff Rodkey, Martha Hall Kelly, Boris Fishman, Andrew Nagorski and many more. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/WPauthors

The Maitland Woman’s Club is slated to hold its fall Antiques and Collectible sale on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Maitland Civic Center on Lake Lily. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can peruse items for sale from vendors. Admission and parking is free, and food will be available for purchase. The proceeds from the event will be given to the community through grants. Contact 407-830-6373 or 407-699-5731 for more information.

Children of all ages are invited to participate in the annual Test the Waters Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Park & Recreation Department of the city of Winter Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Participants will be provided bait, fishing poles and snack at the free event, located at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1050 W. Morse Blvd. on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. For more information, call 407-599-3334.

VITAS Healthcare will host the Blessing of the Pets on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Altamonte Chapel, located at 825 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs. Paw Pals is hosting the service, and Rev. Robert Melhorn will be bestowing the blessings. Participants are invited to bring their pets or pet’s photo to get blessed in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi. For more information, contact Arielle Karoub at 407-848-7362.

The Winter Park Golf Course Grand Reopening celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, with a ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. followed by a VIP Invitational Tournament and other activities. Public play starts on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 7 a.m. where players can revel in the new course features and challenges including sand traps, contours, undulations and varying elevations. Call 407-599-3339 for more information.

OCT. 2

Join the community in the Town of Celebration for the fourth annual Pink on Parade Breast Cancer 5K on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 a.m. at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, located at 400 Celebration Place. Participants can rally for women battling breast cancer while running or walking the three-mile course in pink attire. Interested guests should register at PinkOnParade.com

OCT. 8

The sounds of the big band will come alive at the Bob Carr Theater, taking you back in time to an era with a sound and style all of its own as the Orlando Big Band performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. Don't miss the chance to experience this full big band orchestra performing music from the ’30s, ’50s and beyond. For tickets, call 844-513-2014 or purchase online at drphillipscenter.org

The second annual Lake Concord Park Sculpture Competition will be on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The Herzing University – Orlando campus is one of the keynote sponsors for this event, which will be held at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry. For more information please contact the city of Casselberry at 407-262-7700, ext. 1122.

Get your art fix at the 43rd annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in Winter Park’s Central Park on Oct. 8 and 9. Guests can enjoy the free weekend event filled with 180 Floridian artists from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival will include ceramics, paintings, mixed media, photography, jewelry and more. Enjoy live music, seasonal craft beers in the New Belgium Brewing beer garden and children’s art workshops led by instructors from the Crealdé School of Art. Call 407-644-8281 for more information.

OCT. 9

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 19 will host its 10th annual Golfing for Charity event at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Zellwood Station Golf Club, located at 2126 Spillman Drive in Zellwood. Deadline to register is Sunday, Oct. 2. Cost is $45 per player. All proceeds will benefit the Fisher House Foundation Lake Nona Project. For more information, call SAL Memorial Post 19 at 407-622-1807.

OCT. 10

Pet Rescue by Judy will blend its passion for saving animals with a day of golf at the organization’s fifth annual Fore the Animals Golf Tournament starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, located at 1700 Alaqua Lakes Blvd. in Longwood. All funds raised will benefit Pet Rescue by Judy. The tournament is still in need of raffle and door prizes, as well as items for player goodie bags. For more information and register, visit sadiegolf.com/foretheanimals

OCT. 13

Embrace your spooky spirit while helping end childhood hunger at the Halloween Hustle 5K on Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Baldwin Park at 4990 New Broad St. Runners and walkers can register for this Halloween-themed fundraiser with the Junior League Greater Orlando now until Oct. 12 for $35 or on race day for $40. An option for those 12 and under is the VALIC Financial Advisor’s Kids’ Fun Run. Registration is $12 until Oct. 12 or $15 on the day of the race. For additional information, contact [email protected] or visit halloweenhustlewithus.com

OCT. 27

The sixth annual Crystal Ball Corporate Cocktail benefiting the Central & Northeastern Florida Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Winter Park Civic Center, located at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. The event will include live entertainment, amazing appetizers by Flemings, open bar, silent auction, raffle and networking opportunities while helping save lives. Purchase tickets or make a donation at ccfacrystalball16centralflorida.auction-bid.org. For more information and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Layne Kauffman at 646-477-5608 or [email protected]

ONGOING

Merchants along Park Avenue are selling topiary displays of pets and wildlife through the month of September, with all funds supporting the Lost Pets Foundation, WinterParkLostPets.com and Canine Companions for Independence. Last year the same effort raised roughly $3,700.

To kick off Hunger Action Month, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is urging the community to “Skip a Meal.” Participants who accept this challenge get the opportunity to see what it’s like to be like the one in six Central Floridians who struggle with hunger. In addition to skipping a meal, participants are encouraged to donate what one would typically spend on lunch, around $10, to SkipAMeal.org. That price provides 40 meals. For more information, visit FeedHopeNow.org

Healthy Central Florida, Florida Hospital and the Winter Park Health Foundation are sponsoring a way to help Central Floridians stay fit. The Walk90 Challenge starts Oct. 1 and encourages locals to walk at least 7,000 steps a day for 90 days and monitor their progress through a free online tool that can sync with most fitness tracking devices. Prizes will be given to individuals and groups from businesses, schools and faith groups. To sign up, visit www.healthycentralflorida.org

Who is Pierre Matisse? Pierre Henri Matisse is the grandson of French painter Henri Matisse, one of the most important artists of the early 20th century. Born in Paris in 1928, Matisse grew up among some of the most famous artists of the times including Pablo Picasso, Georges Barque, Jean Effel, Salvador Dali, and Marcel Duchamp. Today, Matisse uses his talent and boundless energy to refine an art form known as "cut-outs" that translates different mediums into avant-garde mixed media. Visit an exhibition of his work at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens through Nov. 27 and dive into bold, crisp lines, elegant shapes with boundless movement, and colors mixed with a pleasurable strangeness only a Matisse could produce. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; and closed Mondays. Enjoy free admission through Smithsonian Magazine's National Museum Day Live! on Saturday, Sept. 24, featuring an informal gallery walk-through with Matisse at noon, complimentary art activities, and sculpture demos with the Florida Sculptors Guild. Download free tickets at smithsonianmag.com/museumday. Cost of onsite parking is $5.