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Events Around Town

“Around the World in 80 Days” at Library Bash on March 13
The Winter Park Library will hold its annual Bash for Books on Saturday, March 13, with a festive “Around the World in 80 Days” theme. The international evening of food, drink, and music will kick off with a performance by swing musician Michael Andrew, and live music will continue as guests travel to internationally-themed gourmet food and wine stations. Auctions both silent and live will offer getaways, meals, and more. The evening includes an After-Bash Party at Hannibal’s. The library is a 501(c)(3) charity and must raise 40% of its budget, and this seems like a fun way to help! Tickets are $75. Pick up a free Bash for Books Passport at the library for discounts at local restaurants and a chance to win a wine tasting party for 12. Details or tickets: 407-623-3486 or www.wppl.org/bash.

Festive Fundraiser on March 13 for Fight Against Human Trafficking
Releasing Chains, a nonprofit group formed to fight human trafficking and help restore victims’ lives, will hold “A Night for Freedom” fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the EPIC Event Center in Oviedo. This carnival-style event will feature live music, climbing wall, arcade, carnival games, and food and drink. Tickets are $5. Want to get more involved in this worthy event? Volunteers are needed for carnival ticket sales, food service, parking, set-up/tear-down, carnival games, climbing wall and teen room facilitators, and topic-engaged educators for an Education Room. Co-sponsored by Break the Barcode. The EPIC Event Center is at University Carillon Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Ct., Oviedo. Information: 407-622-4400 or info@ReleasingChains.org, www.releasingchains.org.

”Celebrate the Spirit of Orlando” Flower Show on March 20
FlowerThe Orlando Garden Club will hold its ”Celebrate the Spirit of Orlando” Flower Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the clubhouse in Loch Haven Park. Admission and parking are free. There will be exhibits from competitors in three divsions, from amateurs through professional and educational. The Orlando Garden Club is at 710 E. Rollins St., Orlando. Info: 407-894-2250 (recorded message) or www.gardencentral.org/florida/orlandogardens.

Hannah’s Closet Children’s Consignment Sale on March 12-13
Find high-quality children’s clothing, toys & equipment at the Hannah’s Closet sale on Friday and Saturday, March 12 and 13 at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park. Friday: 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–noon. Location: 125 N. Interlachen Avenue, Winter Park, Matthias Family Life Center (Gymnasium). Proceeds benefit Hannah Circle Missions, focusing on women & children. Visit www.fumcwp.org/hannahscloset for more information.

View Ikebana Flower Arrangements at Free Annual Exhibition on March 13
The public is invited to a free exhibit of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, at the annual exhibition of the Orlando Chapter of Ikebana Internationa. Featuring arrangements from five schools of Ikebana, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Garden House in Leu Gardens. Details: Dr. Ricardo Carrasco, 407-672-1339.

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  • Publisher’s Column: Raindrops on Roses, Anyone?

    So, how are things at your house? At our house…well, I’ll be honest, it’s been a little different this past 18 months. Small businesses, pinched by the economy, buy smaller ads and run them in fewer of the Our Town areas. Since we plan to stay in business until we retire (and we’re only 52!), that has meant serious belt-tightening. No more writers’ retreats for me. No mountain vacations for the family. No dental cleanings under sedation for the dog. (Okay, that was just crazy. I don’t know how I fell for that).

    Like many of you, we've been having to adjust to “a new normal,” as I’ve heard it called. Not horrible, but not fun. And then there’s been such tragic stuff going on in the world. Plus, closer to home, some friends and family are facing big challenges. In response, I find myself looking for comfort in simple pleasures. And like Maria in The Sound of Music, I find that naming them makes me less disturbed by the rumbles and crashes of life’s storms. Call me Pollyanna, but any silly flower knows enough to turn toward the sun. So, raindrops on roses, anyone?

    Morning pleasures: A yawning dog, happy to see me. A freshly washed face. The pleasant scratch of my hairbrush massaging my scalp. Coffee! Continue reading...