Lectures, Seminars
Author to speak: 7 p.m. Nov. 2; Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park. Michael Grunwald, author of The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise will speak as part of the Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholar lecture series. Free. 407-646-2526.
Lecture series: 10:30 a.m. Mondays through November; Winter Park Public Library, 460 E. New England Ave. A series of one-hour programs titled “Notables in Our Time” featuring historians and scholars. Free. 407-623-3486.
The Minorcans in Florida: 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8; Woman’s Club of Winter Park, 419 S. Interlachen Ave. Veteran broadcast journalist Ben Aycrigg will discuss the Minorcans and Greeks who were brought to Florida in 1768, almost as slaves, to work on indigo plantations in New Smyrna Beach. Free. 407-647-2330.
Anthropological lecture: 7 p.m. Nov. 9; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. Central Florida Anthropological Society will show the award-winning video Shadows and Reflections: Florida’s Lost People, which was produced by the Florida Anthropological Society. Free. 407-628-3938.
Alzheimer caregiver conference: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 11; Metro Life Church, 910 S. Winter Park Drive, Casselberry. The Alzheimer Resource Center’s 13th annual Caregiver Educational Conference. The conference theme is “A Century of Discovery.” The conference goal is to equip caregivers with the necessary tools that will enable them to better care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Several professionals are scheduled to lead panel discussions and workshops throughout the day. Respite care available upon request. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 407-843-1910.
Forgiveness seminar: 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 18; Florida Hospital Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Dick Tibbits, Florida Hospital chief people officer, and the author of the recently released book, Forgive to Live: How Forgiveness Can Save Your Life, will discuss how practicing the three levels of forgiveness in his book can help repair hearts, restore health and save lives. Free. 407-303-8217.
Outdoors, Environment
Water conference: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2; Winter Park Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd. A conference about the preservation of valuable water ecosystems in Central Florida. Tom MacCubbin, Think Two spokesman for the St. Johns River Water Management District, will be the moderator. $20 in advance includes all programs, refreshments, lunch and door prizes, $25 at the door. 407-644-5770.
Native plants: 7 p.m. Nov. 7; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will have a presentation by Gil Nelson, writer, naturalist and educator. He will discuss landscaping with native plants and wildflowers. A book signing reception will begin at 6 p.m. Free. 407-647-5233.
Culture
Czech art glass exhibit: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday (second Wednesdays until 8 p.m.); Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. “The Art of Bohemia: Czech Glass” features works by glass artisans of the Czech Republic. Artists of the Czech Republic still create most of their exquisite crystal and glass by hand. Organized by Legend Glass of Princeton, N.J., this exhibit explores the imaginative wonder, technical virtuosity and visual opulence of contemporary art glass. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students with ID, free for members and those 12 or younger. 407-647-6294.
No Boundaries: Contemporary Basketry: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Museum of Seminole County History, 300 Bush Blvd., Sanford. The traveling exhibit organized by the Society of Arts and Crafts features the work of 12 artists who investigate a wide range of techniques, styles and inspirations. Free. 407-665-2489.
Chamber music series: Nov. 5; Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. “Ayako Yonetani at the Polasek” features three programs of classical masterworks presented in the elegant Salon of the Polasek Residence. A varied selection of music has been chosen for each concert featuring internationally acclaimed soloist Ayako Yonetani. Concerts are followed by a private reception in the gallery. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. $150 for three-concert series. 407-647-6294.
Symposium: Nov. 16-17; Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. Scholars from around the country will participate in the symposium “Icons of an Era: Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.” They will present papers on topics related to American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and his celebrated wife, Zelda. Presentations will be at the Polasek Museum and Rollins College. $100 includes two days of presentations and lunch on Nov. 16. 407-647-6294.
Health
Understanding and preventing lung cancer: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Learn about risk factors, silent symptoms and what you can do to protect yourself as well as the latest about clinical trials. Reservations required. Free. 407-648-7899.
Pain seminar: 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 1; Calvary Assembly of God, 1199 Clay St., Winter Park. Dr. Scott Brady of Florida Hospital will discuss and sign his recently released book, Pain Free for Life: The 6-Week Cure for Chronic Pain Without Surgery or Drugs. Free. 407-303-8217.
Health fair: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 4; Community United Methodist Church, 4921 U.S. Highway 17-92, Casselberry. More than 30 agencies will be represented including Hispanic Health Initiatives and the Seminole County Health Department. There will be vision screenings, HIV and hepatitis tests, blood-pressure checks, cholesterol and diabetes testing. There will also be mini educational workshops. Free. 407-831-3777.
Classes
Yoga: 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays; M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Classes will be on the fourth-floor terrace and led by Daniella Ellis, a certified master yoga instructor. $10 per class. 321-841-8639.
Country line dance: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 6-Dec. 11; Seminole Community College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. No partner or previous dance experience is required. $49.45. 407-708-2121.
Libraries
Genealogy: 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 4; Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. The Central Florida Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society will have presentations on unique sources found and used in genealogical research. The objective is to introduce new sources and research techniques. Free. 407-306-7303.
Festivals, Shows
Country fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 3, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 4; Zellwood United Methodist Church, 5538 Jones Ave. There will be crafts, baked goods and food. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Admission is free. 407-889-4426.
Fall festival: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4; Grace United Methodist Church of Lake Mary, 499 N. Country Club Drive. Featuring a variety of craft and home-based business booths, free children’s activities, musical entertainment and a silent auction. Lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. Admission is free. 407-322-1472.
Singles
Single moms: 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 3; Community United Methodist Church, 4921 US Hwy. 17-92, Casselberry. The Single Moms Ministry will sponsor a “Single Moms and Kids Hope Night Party.” There will be activities and pizza for the kids and moms. Free. 407-620-3389.
Dance: 8-11 p.m. Nov. 4; St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. St. Luke’s Singles will have a dance for singles in the gymnasium. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. $8 includes soft drinks and finger-food buffet. 407-876-4991, Ext. 236.
Singles dance: 8-11 p.m. Nov. 25; St. Andrew Catholic Church, 801 Hastings St., Orlando. Complimentary refreshments will be served. $8. 407-298-5981.
Fundraisers
Opera Guild show house tours: Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Nov. 12; Villa ConRoy, 1521 W. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando. The Orlando Opera Guild’s annual Designer’s Show House “Villa ConRoy” was built in 1949 on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe in College Park. The home has been extensively remodeled and enlarged from 3,200 square feet to 6,600 square feet. Highlights include a 1,200 square foot master bedroom suite with his-and-her bathrooms, guest bedrooms including a 1949-era bedroom and bath, art gallery and game room with a wet bar. Owners and art collectors, Connie and Roy Brand, have arranged for all the artwork displayed in the show house to be provided by Mary Ann Steltenkamp of Gallery M and Karen Carasik of Comma Gallery. $15. 407-426-1717.
Walk: 8-10 a.m. Nov. 4; Orlando Loch Haven Park, Mills Avenue at Princeton Street. America’s Walk for Diabetes is a three-mile walk to raise funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy. Registration begins at 7 a.m. 407-660-1926.
River cruise: 9 a.m. Nov. 4; Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City. The Seminole Audubon Society will sponsor a two-hour St. Johns River cruise. Reservations required. $20. 407-260-6935.
Poker run: Nov. 5; American Legion Post 53, 2874 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford. The inaugural “Ride for a Wounded Warrior” Poker Run to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization assisting men and women of the United States armed forces who have been severely injured during the war on terrorism. Registration for the poker run will be 9-10:30 a.m. There will be a breakfast buffet from 9-11:30 a.m. The cost is $6. The Poker Run is $10 for the driver and $5 for each participating passenger. An extra playing hand can be purchased for an additional $5. 407-322-1652.
Lobster and comedy: 6 p.m. Nov. 9; OUC Camp Down Park, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The Windermere Rotary Club’s fourth annual “Lobster, Laughter, Lend a Hand” will feature a fresh lobster dinner plus the entertainment of magician, comedian and inspirational speaker Eric Anderson. There will also be a silent auction and art show. Proceeds will benefit Health Central Park Nursing Home, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Princeton House and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Casual dress is recommended. $65. 407-876-0280.
Historic homes tour: 12:30-5 p.m. Nov. 12; College Park Community Center, 2393 Elizabeth Ave., Orlando. The 16th annual College Park Historic Homes Tour will include 10 homes, the majority of which will be open for interior visitation. The tour focuses on early Mediterranean Revival homes and will feature the historic bungalow in which Jack Kerouac lived and worked. Some driving is required because of the distance between the homes. Proceeds will benefit the Michael Welborn Education Grant given by the College Park Neighborhood Association to local schools. $15 per person, $10 per person for senior citizens. 407-872-7725.
Golf tournament: 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13; Timacuan Golf and Country Club, 550 Timacuan Blvd, Lake Mary. The Maitland Area Chamber of Commerce’s 10th annual tournament will benefit community- and activity-based events sponsored by the 50-year-old chamber. $125 for single golfers or $400 per foursome. 407-644-0741.
Great Gatsby Gala: 7 p.m. Nov. 17; Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. Featuring live and silent auctions, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a buffet and live entertainment by Broadway performer Chip Huddleston. Master of Ceremonies will be Thaddeus Seymour, Professor of English and President Emeritus of Rollins College. All proceeds will benefit the museum. Reservation deadline is Nov. 13. $100 per person. 407-647-6294.
Seniors
Computer classes: Times vary depending on classes and week; Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando. The SeniorNet Learning Center of Central Florida offers computer courses designed for seniors and taught by seniors. The beginner course is nine hours during three weeks. Advanced courses in protecting your computer, computer genealogy, Quicken, word processing, digital photography, using eBay, and graphics are also available. 407-318-3256.
Game day: 1 p.m. Mondays; Goldenrod Civic Club, 4763 Palmetto Ave., Winter Park. Games include Hand & Foot, pinochle, rummy, dominoes, aggravation rummy, bridge (beginners and advanced), or any other games that can be learned. Free. 407-657-6862.
Halloween tea dance: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31; Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave., Orlando. The annual Halloween Costume Tea Dance will include smooth dance music by the 10-piece band George Skeet and the Escorts, refreshments, and prizes for best costumes. Free. 407-246-2637.
