Calendar

FEB. 10

Explore the reasons behind Florida’s fast-growing population during Rollins College’s colloquy on “Florida’s Golden Age: 1880-1930.” The colloquy will touch on Henry Flagler and Henry Plant’s railroads and hotels and how new cities like Winter Park and Ybor City emerged. The free event will take place on Friday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Bush Science Center Auditorium located at 1000 Holt Ave. For more information, visit FloridaGoldenAge.com

Good Morning Winter Park will feature a City Commission Candidate Forum from 8 to 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, at the Winter Park Welcome Center, located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. This popular breakfast gathering features speakers who provide perspectives on issues, initiatives and happenings in our vibrant community. Please join us as the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a City Commission Candidate Forum with Wes Naylor and City Commissioner Greg Seidel. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

FEB. 11

Single? Married? It’s complicated? The Run 4 Love 4 Mile is for everyone that has the love of running and walking or may just be discovering it. Bring your loves and experience the euphoria of a healthy lifestyle at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Showalter Field, located at 2525 Cady Way. The event will include a best outfit contest, SoleMate Challenge and more. Cost is $33 to $40. Discounts available for youth and seniors. Kids run free. This event will benefit the Track Shack Foundation. For more information, call 407-599-3397.

The Mennello Museum of American Art and Mennello Museum City-Appointed Board of Trustees are thrilled to announce their third annual Indie-Folkfest on Saturday, Feb. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. This free family-friendly and pet-friendly event will showcase local, national and regional art, music and culinary talent in the beautiful lakeside Sculpture Garden of The Mennello Museum. For more information, visit indiefolkfest.wordpress.com. For free tickets, visit indiefolkfest.eventbrite.com

For all the women in your life, both young and old, “Girls Day Out with a Purpose” offers a day full of pampering sessions, health screenings and family-friendly activities. From mini-massages and dress-up dance parties to cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, “Girls Day Out with a Purpose” aims to promote wellness and charity. While the event is free, attendees are asked to donate items like soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products for ESTHER Single Mothers Outreach. “Girls Day Out with a Purpose” runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Winter Park Kids Urgent Care located at 2325 W. Fairbanks Ave. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by visiting Facebook.com/KidsUrgentCare or by calling 407-833-9202.

Come watch as members of the Orlando Gay Chorus celebrate love. The night will be filled with cabaret performances set to Broadway show tunes and love songs – all complete with a fairytale spin. The performance is on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. at the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts located at 1905 Kentucky Ave. Tickets cost $20. For more information, visit bluebambooartcenter.com

FEB. 12

The Roth Family JCC’s Science Spectacular is a hands-on day of interactive discovery for families of toddlers up to kids age 5 (older siblings are welcome too) in partnership with Orlando Science Center and Maker Faire. It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. Cost is $25 for the first child and $15 for siblings. Contact Karen Duncan at 407-645-0923 or [email protected] or visit orlandojcc.org/science

The Challenge of Diversity – Leadership Life Skills Series will take place at the Federation of Garden Clubs, located at 1400 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. Join them for this exploration of how we show up to the differences we perceive in all aspects of our culture. Class 1 will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, while classes 2-4 run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 21, 28 and March 7. Class 1 is free, but classes 2-4 are $10 each. Or get all three for $25 if paid by Feb. 12. Required reading is “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander. For more information, call 321-200-0730, email [email protected] or visit cslorlando.org

FEB. 13

Join an African-American author and professor as she addresses the topic “Black Lives Matter in the Age of Trump.” Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, professor at Princeton University and author of “From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation,” will speak on Monday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the SunTrust Auditorium in the Crummer Building of Rollins College, located at 1000 Holt. Ave. This event is free to the public. For more information, contact Matthew Nichter at 407-646-2286 or at [email protected]

FEB. 14

The inaugural “Mennello Museum Invitational,” a group exhibition at The Mennello Museum of American Art, will highlight new work by contemporary regional artists whose work enriches our community and our lives in Central Florida. This exhibition shares the work of local artists who call Orlando home with the goal of introducing their work to a broader audience and encouraging collecting art on a local level. Opening on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, this exhibition will be on view in the museum’s Marilyn Gallery, and will serve as a heart-filled embrace of our creative community. The public opening will be celebrated on Feb. 14 with an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is a great opportunity to see work right out of the studios of Orlando talent, and on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, hug an artist! All work in the exhibition will also be featured and available for purchase at the 14th annual An Evening with Fabulous Friends Gala on Saturday, March 4, at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. All artists have generously donated 50 percent of all proceeds to benefit The Mennello Museum. For more information, visit mennellomuseum.com

If you’re interested in how bike networks and walkable neighborhoods can improve a community, come listen to Mark Fenton, former TV host of the PBS television health series “America’s Walking” as he talks about the benefits businesses gain through the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods. Fenton will speak on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at noon at the University Club of Winter Park located at 841 N. Park Ave. To register for this event, visit winterpark.org

FEB. 15

Now in its sixth year, the Rotary Club of Winter Park has established its Chili for Charity event as the premier chili cook-off event in Central Florida featuring creative chili dishes by popular restaurants and other contenders. All entries are served with a “Winter Park attitude.” Participants compete for the coveted Peoples’ Choice award and have their dishes evaluated by a select panel of judges. Guests also enjoy live entertainment. Drinks and a silent auction round out the evening at the Winter Park Farmers Market, located at 200 W. New England Ave. The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Net event proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Winter Park Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to more than 30 local charities each year. Over the last 20 years the club has donated more than $800,000 to charities serving the Winter Park community. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, call 407-599-3341.

FEB. 16

Fascinated by spiders? Deland-based entomologist John Serrao will be hosting “Our Amazing Arachnids – Florida’s Spiders and their Kin,” a presentation for the Orange Audubon Society that will show off many of Florida’s arachnid treasures. From the tiny “dewdrop spiders” to fishing spiders that can eat tree frogs, the presentation will talk about spiders of all shapes and sizes. The program is free and will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Camellia Room of Leu Gardens, located at 1920 N. Forest Ave. For more information, call 407-637-2525 or visit orangeaudubonfl.org

This month, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park will continue its annual tradition of presenting a recital by one of the world’s best organists. This year its award-winning organist Todd Wilson. On Feb. 16, the public is invited to a pipe organ demonstration with Todd Wilson beginning at 3 p.m. at Knowles Memorial Chapel, located at 1000 Holt Ave. Todd Wilson’s recital is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Part of the 82nd annual Winter Park Bach Festival, both events are free and open to the public. Visit BachFestivalFlorida.org for more information.

FEB. 17

Love antiques? The Orlando Museum of Art’s Council 101 presents the 35th annual Antiques Vintage & Garden Show, a three-day showcase featuring more than two-dozen antiques and vintage dealers from all over the nation. Eddie Ross, author of “Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds,” is this year’s guest speaker. The show is located at the Orlando Museum of Art at 2416 N. Mills Ave. and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18. On Sunday, Feb. 19, the show starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be bought at omart.org or by calling 407-896-4231 ext. 254.

This month, the Orlando Garden Club’s general meeting will be all about a popular morning beverage. The program, titled “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee,” features Kenny Youmans, a speaker and storyteller. The event is free at will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the Orlando Garden Club located at 710 E. Rollins St. For more information, call 407-894-2250.

For those of you who weave and love bold splashes of color, but are too afraid to weave with them, the Weavers of Orlando will have a three-day workshop to help you get over that. Starting Friday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 19, former art book editor Betty Vera will present “Weaving with Colors that Move,” at the Westminster Winter Park Towers meeting room located at 1111 S. Lakemont Ave. For times and further details on the workshop, contact Nancy Reach at [email protected] or visit weaversoforlando.org

FEB. 18

“Pablo Picasso: The Diary of a Master” will benefit the Florida Hospital for Children and will be the largest exhibition display of Picasso's the state of Florida has ever seen. This charitable event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Baterbys Art Gallery, located at 6848 Stapoint Court in Winter Park. In celebration of the life and art of Picasso, fun and informational talks on various topics about the artist will be presented as attendees view and experience the artist's masterful renditions on display. There will be live musical performances as guests partake of Spanish-style hors d'eourves and beverages will complement Baterbys' first major event for 2017. A special silent art auction featuring items such as a Royal Caribbean Cruise for two, artwork and more awaits those who attend this unique opportunity to be the first to view this impressive display; but more importantly, lend generous support to the beneficiaries of the Florida Hospital for Children. General viewing is from Feb. 20 through May 5 with a suggested $5 per person as an entrance fee. All exhibition ticket sales from the opening reception and general admission will be given directly to the Florida Hospital for Children. A generous portion of all proceeds from Picasso artworks sold for the duration of the exhibition, including the reception, will also be donated to the foundation.

The 2016 Orlando Chili Cook-Off runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Festival Park, located at 2911 Robinson St. in Orlando. Enjoy tasty chili samples, live bands all day, the World Chili Eating Challenge, a massive kids zone and thirst-quenching beer and wine. It’s all for a good cause, with proceeds benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Visit orlandochilicookoff.com for more information.

This month, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park continues its annual presentation of live music and Bach-inspired beers at its “Bach & Beer” event in Winter Park. One of the first events in the 82nd Annual Winter Park Bach Festival, “Bach & Beer” will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Ravenous Pig restaurant, located at 565 W. Fairbanks Ave. This free event is the first social event of the 82nd annual Winter Park Bach Festival’s many concerts, master classes, lectures, and events running through March 6. More information at BachFestivalFlorida.org

FEB. 19

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey will host “Wind Beneath Our Wings – Celebrating Audubon Eagle Watch and 25 years of Eagle Conservation in Florida” from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Venue on the Lake/Maitland Civic Center located at 641 S. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. The event will include beer/wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $75 per person. RSVP by Feb. 13. To purchase tickets online, go to windbeneathourwings.org. For more information, call Vicky Johnston at 305-371-6396.

Get your lawn chairs and blankets out and join the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra as they call for warmer weather with their presentation of “Spring in the Garden,” which will feature prelude, philharmonia orchestras and overture strings. The concert will take place on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. at the Mead Botanical Garden’s The Grove, located at 1300 S. Denning Drive. Tickets cost $10 to $20 and can be bought online or at the door. For tickets and more information, visit fsyo.org

Regarded across America and around the world as one of today’s finest concert organists, Todd Wilson serves as head of the Organ Department at Cleveland Institute of Music and has been heard in recital at many major venues throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. He will perform at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Knowles Memorial Chapel, located at 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. Cost is $25. For more information, call 407-646-2115.

FEB. 21

The best planned homes adapt to the ebb and flow of life, according to nationally renowned interior designer and author Leah Richardson, A.S.I.D. Join the Episcopal Church Women of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon for brunch, inspiration and shopping. Cost is $25. For tickets or information, call the Church, 407-644-5350.

FEB. 23

"The Fantasticks" presented by Theater at the J runs from Feb. 23 to March 5 the Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando's Harriett & Hymen Lake Cultural Center Auditorium, located at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. Join them for the world's longest-running musicals about two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud. Book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by Harvey Schmidt, and directed by Kerry A. Giese. Cost is $10 to $20. Contact Kerry Giese at 407-645-5933 or [email protected]

MARCH 1

Albin Polasek, founder of the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden, believed that artists have a duty to preserve culturally significant events through their art. The museum is proud to exhibit the work of contemporary artists in the Polasek Gallery and bring these new voices and talents to the community. In this spirit, the museum will remember a local tragedy, which devastated and shocked the country: the Pulse nightclub shooting. In this hate crime 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded in what was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Albin Polasek said, "It is the function of art to uplift the individual and to beautify their life;" and the museum staff believes this implicitly. Approaching the one-year anniversary of this horrific event, the museum has chosen to honor the victims by marking this date with a celebration of life, beauty, art and love through an exhibit titled “Summer of Love: Reflections on Pulse.” The museum says a resounding “yes” to diversity and invites the entire Central Florida community to keep love in your hearts and keep dancing! Now accepting submissions through March 1. All artists and mediums welcome. The exhibit will run from Tuesday, May 9, through Sunday, Sept. 3. For more information, call 407-647-6294 or visit polasek.org

MARCH 16

ONYX Magazine presents the second annual Women on the Move which honors a diverse array of women who are power brokers in their own right. Herzing University is the title sponsor for the event. Attendees will be inspired as the honorees are awarded on Thursday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Alfond Inn, located at 300 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Join ONYX Magazine, Florida’s premier African-American publication, for what has become one of the most prestigious celebrations for women of color, Women on the Move. This highly anticipated event will recognize the accomplishments and contributions of some of Florida’s most influential and impactful women. Women on the Move tickets are on sale now through onyxwomenonthemove.eventbrite.com. Tickets start at $125 and tables of 10 at $1,000. Contact Marianne Eggleston at 855-986-6699, ext. 5, or email [email protected]

ONGOING

The Winter Park Playhouse, Central Florida's only professional musical theatre, announces their 2017-2018 Mainstage Series of musical productions! Current annual subscription renewals are going on now, new annual six-show series subscription sales begin Feb. 14 and "You Pick Three" mini-subscriptions, as well as single tickets, go on sale March 10. In honor of the 15th anniversary of The Winter Park Playhouse, all six-show series subscribers will receive 15 percent off of the established price with a six-show annual subscription priced at only $214 for Adult Evening and $199 for Senior Evening (62 years and older). Matinee series subscriptions are all priced at $163 for all six shows. In an ongoing effort to serve the community, accommodate demand and make their popular musicals accessible, The Playhouse will offer two preview shows – one evening and one matinee prior to opening night – at a reduced $20 per ticket price. Visit winterparkplayhouse.org

“Anne Frank – A History for Today” tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and World War II. It shows photographs of Anne Frank’s childhood in Frankfurt and in Amsterdam, and portrays the rise of the Nazis, the persecution of the Jews and the way the people responded to this. In a consequent way the exhibition shows the impact of the Nazi policy on one particular family. Throughout the exhibit, Anne’s own candid writing provides a central voice to the exhibit narrative, bringing a poignant and truly beautiful perspective to the story. The exhibit will be on display from through March 18 at the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center, located at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. For more information, call 407-628-0555.

The Florida Blue Center at 434 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park has several ongoing classes. Tai Chi classes are every Monday at 3:30 p.m. Zumba classes are every Wednesday at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-441-2020.

MicheLee Puppets and Venue on the Lake are partnering up once again for a year’s worth of Sunday Family Fun Days in 2017. Sunday Family Fun Days will take place on the last Sunday of selected months at Venue on the Lake in Maitland, and will feature special guests, themed events, and puppet performances. MicheLee Puppets is Florida’s leader in educational puppetry and focuses on early childhood education, health and wellness, STEAM, and several other important issues. Each Sunday Family Fun Day will have a different theme that reflects these topics. Some of the upcoming themes include “World Day of Puppetry Celebration,” “Film Festival,” and “Back to School.” It’s open to the public and a donation of $5 per family is suggested. Visit brownpapertickets.com/event/2736502