Spotlight event
Pine Castle Pioneer Days
Festival: The annual event promotes the living history of the Pine Castle area through demonstrations and fun events for children. There will also be a parade at 9 a.m. Saturday and an interfaith service 8 a.m. Sunday. Activities include traditional pioneer crafts and demonstrations such as historic encampments and reenactments, traditional music, quilting, basketry and storytelling. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Cypress Grove Park, 290 W. Holden Ave., Orlando, $5, 407-427-9692.
Listings are subject to change. Please call in advance.
Class Organic methods in the home vegetable garden: Learn about organic gardening including soil building techniques, disease and insect control, use of organic material to improve the sandy Florida soil, organic fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides and more. Advance registration required. 9 a.m. March 5, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $5 per household, 407-254-9200.
Fruit trees for Florida: Learn about the right plants and varieties to successfully harvest your first crop. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. March 9, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $8 for garden members, $14 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Hypertufa: Learn the technique and take home four completed planters of various sizes and styles. All supplies are included. Registration required. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 5, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, $60 for garden members, $70 for nonmembers, 407-246-3621.
Beginner bird watching: The Orange Audubon Society will offer a beginning bird watching class which includes one classroom session at Orlando Wetlands Park, with a mini-field trip, and two field sessions. The course will increase knowledge and awareness of North American bird species; teach bird ID techniques, basic birding principles, bird habitat and anatomy; provide binocular basics; tips on using field guides and checklists; and the ethics of birding. Registration required. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 5-19, Orlando Wetlands Park, 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas, $30 for Audubon members, $45 for nonmembers, $10 for children age 12 or younger with a registered adult, 407-6440796.
Making homemade soups and broths: Learn about the new trend of bone broths, making a variety of soups with and without meat, and enjoy samples of each. This class will demonstrate a variety of recipes with additional take home recipes to try at your convenience. Advance registration required. 9 a.m. March 5, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $15, 407-254-9200.
Canning soups and broths: Learn how to use a pressure canner. Advance registration required. 8:30 a.m. March 12, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $20, 407254-9200.
Shopping for groceries: The series will teach participants how to shop for a few groceries, add some pantry staples, and create tasty and healthy dinners for weeknights. Each session will demonstrate different recipes and ideas to use at home. Advance registration required. 6-8:30 p.m. March 8, April 12, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $20 per class, 407-254-9200.
Community
“Jazz in the Park” for service organizations: Hosted by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, bands will include Jazzway Express, The Dave Capp Project, Dimas Sanchez Quartet and Matt the Saxman. Community and service organizations that volunteer their time to make Orange County a better place to live, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Junior League, hospital groups and HOAs, are invited to be recognized by the Mayor; groups should call to participate. 4-7 p.m. March 12, Cypress Grove Park, 290 W. Holden Ave., Orlando, free, 407-836-6257.
Easter
Easter Egg Hunt: The event will include performing clowns with face painting, a photo booth with props to create and capture memories, outdoor games, indoor kids’ crafts and bounce houses. There will be an egg
hunt for ages 1-12 years. Registration is 10-10:45 a.m., the hunt begins at 11 a.m. Bring an Easter basket or bag to collect eggs. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 12, Reformation Lutheran Church, 800 E. Michigan St., Orlando, free, 407425-7771.
Festival/Show
Central Florida koi and goldfish show: The annual judged koi show will feature more than 250 entries from across the country, vendors of koi, goldfish, pond supplies, aquatic plants and garden art. There will also be a goldfish show with certified judging. Sponsored by Orlando Area Koi & Pond Club, ZNA Southern Koi Association and the koi clubs of Florida East Coast, Rainbow River and Gainesville. 1-5 p.m. March 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 13, International Palms Resort and Conference Center, 6515 International Drive, Orlando, admission is free, 407-4198517.
Mineral, gem, rock and fossil show: Sponsored by the Central Florida Mineral and Gem Society, a not-forprofit educational organization. Vendors will offer beads, minerals, gemstones, custom jewelry, fossils, artifacts, and metaphysical stones. 1-6 p.m. April 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24, Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, $5 for adults, $2 for students, 407-8161229.
Ocoee Spring Fling: Ocoee’s 11th annual event will include food, door prizes and activities for families. Dozens of vendors will showcase information on the services they provide. There will be a bike rodeo, balloon artist, face painting and an educational road obstacle track. Several safety-related presentations and demonstrations will be presented throughout the day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12, Bill Breeze Park at Starke Lake, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, admission is free, 407-905-3100.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The 37th annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at the Country Club and proceed south down Park Avenue to Lyman Avenue. More than 75 units will participate. The celebration will also feature Irish music and step-dancing at the main stage in Central Park. 2 p.m. March 6, Winter Park Country Club, 761 Old England Ave., Winter Park, free, 407-222-0648.
Calligrafaire: Presented by the Scribes of Central Florida Calligraphy Guild. Members will be writing names on free bookmarks, demonstrating many different styles of calligraphy, as well as related arts. There will also be several classes offered throughout the day. There is a $5 fee for most classes, to cover materials and handout cost. Reservations are strongly recommended. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Venue on the Lake: The Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, admission is free, 407-339-7383.
Fundraiser
Ice cream social: There will be ice cream floats, create a sundae, celebrity servers, face painting, cake walk, games, a silent auction, door prizes and special guests. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida and the two Ronald McDonald Houses in Central Florida. 1-5 p.m. April 17, Winter Park Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, $6 in advance, $8 at the door, free for children 3 or younger, 407-677-1552.
Women’s Leadership luncheon: The ninth annual event benefiting Heart of Florida United Way will feature keynote speaker Diana Nyad, the first long-distance swimmer to successfully complete the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida without the protection of a shark tank. Reservations required. noon March 17, Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, $85, 407429-2111.
Golf tournament: Proceeds will be used to replenish The Food Pantry at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Apopka. 1 p.m. March 13, Apopka Golf and
Tennis Club at Errol Estate, 1355 Errol Parkway, Apopka, $95 includes practice range, snacks, auctions, attendance gifts and dinner, 407-637-6461.
Literary luncheon: The Orlando/Winter Park Branch of American Association of University Women will host its annual Spring Literary Luncheon featuring Linda L. Dunlap, author of “Rail Walking and Other Stories.” Reservations required. Proceeds benefit AAUW’s Educational Foundation which offers scholarships for women. 11:30 a.m. March 12, University Club, 841 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, $35, 407-637-6857.
Doggie Derby: The ninth annual Doggie Derby will benefit Brightside Events’ Stock the Pantry program, which provides nonperishable food during school breaks to needy students at Audubon Park Elementary and Glenridge Middle School. The derby features races between dogs of similar size. Trophies will be awarded to the champion of each weight class and there will be an overall winner. Registration is $15 per dog in advance or $25 day of race. There will also be vendor booths and a children’s play area. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5, Corrine Commons, Baldwin Park, 1913 Meeting Place, Orlando, admission is free for spectators, 321-439-3933.
Southeastern Guide Dogs Walk-a-thon: A family oriented, dog-friendly 3K walk along the shore of Lake Baldwin. Proceeds benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs programs and services. 8:30 a.m. March 12, Baldwin Park, New Broad Street, Orlando, pledges and donations, 941-729-5665.
Gala dinner and auction and poker tournament: UCP of Central Florida’s 23rd annual “An Evening at the Palace” will have actress Cheryl Hines as host and fellow film and television actress Rachael Harris as co-host. Festivities include a four-course gourmet meal, silent and live auctions, entertainment, as well as honoring community and business leaders for their unending support of UCP of Central Florida. All proceeds benefit support, education and therapy programs provided by UCP of Central Florida for children with and without special needs. Poker tournament is 6-10 p.m. March 11 ($75), gala is 5:30-10 p.m. March 12 ($275), Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa Resort, 1900 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-852-3369.
High Tea and Fashion
Show: Presented by Femmes de Coeur. Featuring fashions by Bebe’s and Liz’s of Park Avenue. Reservation deadline is March 18. Proceeds will benefit Easter Seals of Central Florida and Femmes de Coeur charities. 3-5 p.m. March 20, Winter Park Racquet Club, 2111 Via Tuscany, Winter Park, $40 for adults, $25 for ages 12 or younger, 407-644-0358.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: Harbor House of Central Florida will host the fourth annual domestic abuse awareness event. The event will take place in the streets of downtown Orlando where men and women will strap on their high heels in the west courtyard steps of the Orange County Courthouse and walk nearly one mile to the Orange County Regional History Center. 6 p.m. March 3, Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, $25 donation per participant,
407-886-2244.
Quack Attack on Poverty
5K: The event will include a duck-themed, professionally timed 5K race and awards. Proceeds will benefit the Community Food & Outreach Center. 8 a.m. March 19, Harbor Park, 4990 New Broad St., Orlando, $15-$35 depending on age and date of registration, 407-361-4644.
Appetite for the Arches: Attendees will enjoy an assortment of culinary delights that have been created by some of Central Florida’s best chefs using McDonald’s ingredients. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. 7-10 p.m. March 5, Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, $150-$200, 407-206-0957.
Youth and special needs DanceSport competition: A ballroom dance competition featuring amateur and pro-am couples from preteen to college; single dances; formation teams; and heats for dancers with special needs. Sponsored by Orlando Chapter of USA Dance. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Bahia Shrine Center, 2300 Pembrook Drive, Orlando, spectator admission is $5, 407-614-3472.
5 Chefs, 5 Courses, 5
Charities: Featuring The Alfond Inn’s executive chef Marc Kusche, along with four other area chefs, each preparing one of the five courses. The farm-to-table gourmet dinner will be accompanied by live music and fine spirits. Proceeds go to each chef’s chosen charity. They include: The Second Harvest Culinary Training Program for Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon; The Kevin Fonzo Foundation for Kevin Fonzo of the K Restaurant; The National Blood Clot Alliance for Marc Kusche; PACE Center For Girls for Henry Salgado of the Spanish River Grill; and Nemours Hospital for Children for Fabrizio Schenardi of Four Seasons Resort. Reservations required. 5:30 p.m. March 13, The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, $150, 407-645-6604.
Fashion show and
luncheon: Sponsored by the Maitland Woman’s Club. Fashions are by White House, Black Market. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 19, Venue on the Lake: The Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, $35, 407-539-0038.
Golf tournament: Proceeds will benefit The Annette J. Sawicki Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to providing funds to local pet owners who find themselves in an emergency situation with their pets. 9 a.m. March 7, Isleworth Country Club, 6100 Payne Stewart Drive, Windermere, $600, 407-496-1057.
Buddy Paddle stand-up paddleboarding event: Partial proceeds benefit Best Buddies Florida, an organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Instructors will be available on-site to teach beginners. There will also be a silent auction and refreshments. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 5, Paddleboard Orlando, 115 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, $10 launch fee if you bring your own paddleboard or $25 to rent a paddleboard, 321-679-7700.
Health
Tools to quit smoking class: Sponsored by the Florida Area Health Education Center Network and the Department of Health. Free carbon monoxide testing, materials, and nicotine patches for participants (while supplies last). Advance registration required. 6:30 p.m. March 9, Florida Hospital East Orlando, 7727 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, free, 877-252-6094.
Parkinson’s - The Brain and Beyond Conference: Presented by the Florida Hospital Parkinson Outreach for patients, caregivers and family members. The conference will address the unmet needs in Parkinson’s and treatment perspectives by Dr. Ramon Rodriguez, chief of neurology services, VA Medical Center and professor of neurology at UCF Medical School. Call to register. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 15, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland, free, 407-303-1700.
Heart health: Dr. Suvarchala Dara, Cardiovascular Institute of Orlando, will present an interactive lecture on how to keep your heart healthy and how to improve your overall health through nutrition. Registration required. 12:15 p.m. Monday, Blanchard Park YMCA Family Center, 10501 J. Blanchard Trail, Orlando, free, 407-381-8000.
Take Charge of your
Diabetes program: The nine week program is designed to improve blood glucose control, help reduce long-term health complications, and improve your overall quality of life. Advance registration required. 3:30-5 p.m. beginning March 21, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, $20, 407-254-9200.
Wellness Fair: There will be free health and fitness screenings, a CPR demonstration, healthy cooking demonstration, gardening tips from Orange County Master Gardeners, and children’s activities. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Renaissance Community Senior Center, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, free, 407-836-7335.
Health and Business
Expo: There will be medical exams, games, raffles, bounce houses and food. 1-5 p.m. March 6, Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 1331 S. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, free, 407-509-8010.
Kids & Family
“Invasive Garden Plants” Science Saturday program: Jackie Rolly will discuss nuisance and invasive species that are common in Central Florida and that may be invading your garden. Advance registration required. 10 a.m. Saturday, Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, free for ONP members, $5 for nonmembers, 407-905-0054.
Outdoor concert in memory Della Phillips: Sponsored by Dr. Phillips Charities, the concert will feature the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Pre-concert activities begin at 12:30 p.m. and include food trucks, face painting and an instrument petting zoo that will provide children an opportunity to touch, play and ask questions about different instruments. 2 p.m. Saturday, Orlando Loch Haven Park, Mills Avenue at Princeton Street, Orlando, free, 407-770-0071.
Lecture/Seminar
Troubled marriages: The Retrouvaille program is for couples who are struggling, separated or divorced but would like to give their marriages another chance. It is presented by volunteers. The program includes the April 15-17 weekend session and seven follow-up sessions. Revenue is used to continue and expand programs. Reservations required. April 15-17, San Pedro Center, 2400 Dike Road, Winter Park, couples are asked to make an anonymous donation to cover the cost of their rooms and meals for the weekend session, 352-274-4614.
“Is History Repeating Itself?” interfaith forum: The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida is partnering with the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and The Atlantic Institute for a program titled “Is History Repeating Itself? Jewish and Muslim Immigrant Experiences in America.” Presenting will be Imam Abdullah Antepli, chief representative of Muslim affairs, Duke University and a board member of the Association for College and University Religious Affairs. Mitch Bloomer, resource teacher at the Center, and Pastor Jim Coffin, executive director of the Interfaith Council, will also be participating. 6 p.m. today, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, free, 407-628-0555.
“Anything Goes - Everyone Sews” sewing
retreat: Hosted by the Orlando Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. 10 a.m. March 29-11 a.m. March 31, Lake Yale Conference Center, 39034 County Road 452, Leesburg, $230-$280 includes pattern and instruction, accommodations for three days/two nights, and all meals, reservation deadline is March 14, 407-620-9545.
Library
CareerSource job search assistance: Spend time with the experts from CareerSource Central Florida to explore the services they provide and connect with employment opportunities using career counseling and skill development workshops. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 7, Alafaya branch of the Orange County Library System, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Home-cooked diets for
dogs: Learn how to prepare custom meals for dogs using breed-specific or therapeutic recipes that can be tailored to meet your dog’s individual needs or to support ailments such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. 6:30 p.m. today, Winter Garden branch of the Orange County Library System, 805 E. Plant St., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Stargazing at the night
sky: View the night sky through telescopes. Presented by the Seminole State Planetarium. 7 p.m. March 8, Winter Garden branch of the Orange County Library System, 805 E. Plant St., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Women in the Holocaust: Michael Bloomer from the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida will share the stories of women in the Holocaust, both as victims and as perpetrators. Presented in honor of Women’s History Month. 11 a.m. March 5, Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, free, 407-835-7323.
Other
Income-tax counseling: Tax-Aide volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, will provide free income tax assistance at numerous sites throughout the Orange and Seminole County area through April 18. Individuals seeking assistance should bring pertinent tax documents such as information showing health insurance coverage, a copy of last year’s income tax return; forms showing income earned, pensions and Social Security; 1099 Forms showing interest and dividends, photo ID, Social Security cards for all those listed on their return. Free electronic filing will be available at all sites. For details and locations, call 407-647-5233 or 1-888-227-7669.
Outdoor
Insect lecture and safari: Entomologist Christy LeDuc will present “Entomophagy: The Bugs We Eat.” Learn about the bugs we consume each and every day in the foods we eat. The lecture will be followed by a catch-and-release insect safari. Nets will be provided. 10 a.m. March 5, Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, free for ONP members, $5 for nonmembers, 407-905-0054.
Social/Hobby Clubs
Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable: Steve Stanley will share his expertise about 19th century maps used by military leaders in maneuvering soldiers during the Civil War battles. 7 p.m. today, Pine Castle Woman’s Club, 5901 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, free, 407-889-0528.
Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant
Society: Phyllis Grey, active Tarflower member, will present the program “Landscapes, Leaders and Light Moments: 20 Years of Florida Native Plant Society Conferences.” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, free, 407-647-5233.
Orange County Association for Home and Community Education: Laura Lang, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, will discuss how to avoid becoming a victim of scams. Refreshments provided. 10 a.m. Tuesday, Orange County University of Florida IFAS Extension, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, free, 407-254-9200.