The ninth annual Oakland Heritage Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Speer Park.
The festival, put on by the Oakland Nature Preserve in cooperation with the town, will include Model A car rides, hayrides, history tours, music by Dominic Gaudious and KZ Zuckerman, dessert and chili cook-offs, children’s games, craft and plant vendors and displays by community organizations and businesses.
A highlight will be narrated boat eco-tours of Lake Apopka that will leave the Oakland dock every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $10.
Also planned are a silent auction featuring stays at area resorts, gift baskets, golf passes, gift certificates to businesses and a raffle for a pair of bikes valued at $900. Raffle tickets are $1 for one for $5 or six.
All proceeds will benefit the Oakland Nature Preserve.
For details, go to oakland naturepreserve.org or call 407-905-0054.
U.N. group seeks to raise cash to aid care for moms
The United Nations Association of the United States of America of Greater Orlando will sponsor “Nurture the Nations: A United Nations Day Celebration” at 5 p.m. today to raise awareness about world maternal-health issues.
The fundraiser at Trinity Prep High School auditorium, 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, Winter Park, will feature a cultural dance performance, live jazz, a silent art auction and a panel discussion.
Speakers Linda Sutherland, director of the Orange County Healthy Start coalition, and Lea Dean, formerly with the U.N. Human Rights Committee in Geneva, will focus on improving maternal health locally, nationally and globally.
Proceeds will go to the local BETA Center for teenage mothers and to Women for Women to help open an office for women in Sudan.
Tickets are $20 and $15 for students. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Nominees sought for inspirational award
The Kathy Stilwell Foundation is accepting nominations for its Survivors, Mentors and Champions Award to be presented at the 10th annual Celebration of Life Gala in February.
The award reflects the spirit of Kathy Stilwell, who inspired people to accomplish their goals despite adversity. Stilwell was diagnosed with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis in 1982. She went from being an accomplished prep and collegiate athlete who played softball with the Orlando Rebels and professionally with the Connecticut Falcons to being unable to walk. She died in 1996 at age 41.
Nominations are open until Dec. 1 to anyone in the community who exhibits one or more of the following: has overcome a particular challenge; demonstrates courage and leadership within the community; is now or once was an outstanding athlete; acts as a role model for the community.
Send the nominee’s name and address, with an essay of no more than 500 words on his or her story, to Kathy Stilwell Foundation, 2265 Lee Road, Suite 201, Winter Park, FL 32789, or fax to 407-599-9337.
Free defensive-driving course offered to seniors
For the sixth year in a row, Boeing Corp. and the Florida Safety Council will offer a free defensive-driving course for seniors in Orlando.
The Coaching the Mature Driver course is funded by a grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Florida. The course addresses the effects of aging and how senior drivers can compensate for the physical and mental changes that accompany aging. Those who attend are also eligible for auto insurance discounts.
Anyone 50 or older interested in attending can call the council’s Orlando office at 407-896-1894 for times and locations.
Winter Garden to start downtown music festival
The inaugural Winter Garden Music Fest will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
The free festival will feature a variety of music including contemporary, jazz, swing, classic rock, blues, brass band, gospel and choir. Performances start every half-hour at the stage, the gazebo, Edgewater Hotel, Moon Cricket Grille or Attic Door.
Spectators can bring blankets or lawn chairs.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, operates three museums: the Heritage Museum, the History Center and the Railroad Museum. Its purpose is to preserve the city’s heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences.
The foundation is also restoring the historic Garden Theatre, which it will operate as a cultural center for live entertainment and film.
For details, go to wghf.org or call 407-656-3244.
MetroPlan class to teach safe urban-cycling skills
MetroPlan Orlando, in partnership with the Florida Bicycle Association, will offer a Better Urban Cycling Skills class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Recreation Center at 1045 Azalea Lane, Winter Park.
The program is designed for riders of all skill levels. Certified instructors will teach in class and on the road. A bicycle and a helmet are required. The class is $25 and is open to anyone 12 or older.
Those 17 or younger need a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate.
For details and registration, go to bikeorlando.org or call 407-481-5672, Ext. 319.
