Native Plant Society Meets 1st Week of Month
The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. Arrive early to enjoy refreshments and visit with other native plant enthusiasts. See fnps.org or call 407-246-2420 for directions.
Canoe Clean-ups — Have Fun, Help Critters!
ECO-Action invites one and all to come out any Sunday afternoon for one of their waterway clean-ups. To protect wildlife from treacherous debris, ECO-Action’s intrepid canoe-ers have hit the local waterways every Sunday afternoon for 12 years, de-littering and de-trashing as they go. Have fun, explore the real Florida, and help wildlife at the same time! For ECO-Action’s schedule, see www.eco-action.net, or call 407-695-5050 to reserve a canoe.
“2nd Saturdays on the Drive” in College Park
Enjoy the festive outdoor atmosphere at “2nd Saturdays On the Drive,” when downtown College Park comes alive with local artists, vendors and entertainers along Edgewater Drive and in Albert Park. Next event: January 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. To check out this month’s entertainment and vendor offerings, see onthedrive.org.
Vintage Tennis for People 55 and Up
Vintage Tennis takes place each Friday morning year round. Yearly fee:$35/person or $60/couple. Courts and balls provided, opponents chosen at random, matches are usually mixed doubles. All levels welcome. Vintage Tennis is a member of the USTA and Florida Tennis Association. Details: Marie Cheesman at 407-834-1230.
Widow and Widowers Society of Central FL
Widow and widowers meet on the first and third Friday of every month at the Goldenrod Civic Center, 4763 Palmetto Ave. For information, contact Lori Misley at 407-948-9433 or lorimisley@earthlink.net.
Loved One Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem?
Families Anonymous meets at 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2140 State Road 434, Longwood. Free. Info: 407-869-0491 (church office) or 407-721-5175 (group contact person) or 800-736-9805 (national hotline).
Do you Love Animals? Animal Welfare Alliance Meets Monthly
The all-volunteer Animal Welfare Alliance of Central Florida could use support in their efforts to build a high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Did you know that each month thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized each month just in Orange and Seminole counties? The non-CS$ AWACF is working for fewer births so there will be fewer deaths. Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Seminole library in Casselberry at 215 N. Oxford Rd. Donate money, time, or community connections! www.awacf1.org • 407-462-2320.
Lupus Foundation of America
The Lupus Foundation of America offers support for lupus patients and their families. A free support group meets the second Saturday of every month at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in the Library Building (off Mizell Avenue). Information is offered through talks from healthcare professionals as well as mutual support and understanding. Learn more at www.lupusflorida.org or 407-339-9648.
American Association of University Women
The AAUW invites educated women from all professions to meetings on the second Saturday of each month at First Congregational, 225 S. Interlochen (at New England), Winter Park). Cost: $15 for breakfast and program. Reservations required: gingersnap2@cfl.rr.com or 407-678-3013. www.AAUWOrlWp.org
Sunday Farmers Market in Maitland
Missed the Saturday morning markets? You can still catch Maitland’s farmers’ market every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll among the vendors at shady Lake Lily Park and purchase fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and specialty items like honey, baked goods, and gourmet coffees. Lake Lily Park is on the west side of 17-92, just south of the light at Packwood Avenue.
Help Protect Wildlife From Treacherous Debris!
Have fun, explore the real Florida, and help wildlife by being part of ECO-Action’s Sunday canoe clean-ups. The group’s intrepid canoe-ers have hit the local waterways every Sunday afternooon for 12 years, de-littering and de-trashing as they go. All are invited to give it a try! For ECO-Action’s schedule, see www.eco-action.net, or call 407-695-5050 to reserve a canoe.
Toastmasters Club Welcomes New Members in Oviedo
Free public speaking training is just one of the benefits to members of the Oviedo Toastmasters. The group meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the International House of Pancakes, Alafaya Commons, Oviedo. Call Larry at 407-247-3599 for information on visiting or joining.
The Rotary Club of College Park
Join us for a meeting! Come see what your College Park Rotarians are doing for your community. Meetings are every Thursday morning from 7:30 am – 8:30 am at Dubsdread Country Club, 549 W. Par Street, Orlando (breakfast included). Rotary is a volunteer organization of 1.2 million business and professional leaders uniting to provide humanitarian service and goodwill through community service projects. For more information visit www.CollegeParkRotary.org. The Rotary Club of College Park’s annual Taste of College Park Food and Wine Festival raised over $30,000 in 2009. The proceeds from this event are distributed to area organizations across the spectrum of needs, including Be an Angel Dog Therapy, Ronald MacDonald House, Adult Literacy League, and many more.
Ballroom Dancing
Dance to music in the beautiful ballroom at Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday night. Admission is $4 and includes refreshments. The last Saturday of every month, additional food is served and admission is $10. For more information, please call 407-246-2637.
The Tuscawilla Women’s Club…
…is a non-profit organization where members meet in the spirit of friendship to socialize, learn, and grow. Our programs and interest groups fulfill these goals. We meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday, 1:00 PM, Tremont @ 7015 Red Bug Lake Road. Contact Beulah at 407.359.8416.
Retired Military Officer Wives Club (active duty wives welcome!)…
…meets for lunch and mutual interests from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday monthly through May, at the Elks Club, 12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando. More information: Ellen Paul at 407-696-4809.
Women Of All Ages – Join GFWC Lake Mary Woman’s Club
Members work together on fun projects to fund scholarships for Seminole State College students, Cancer Survivors, Take Stock in Children, Seminole Sharing Center, Safe House of Seminole, Food Pantries, and other state and local projects. Meet the 3rd Wednesday monthly at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with interesting speakers, programs and lunch. Call 407-322-7882.
Free and Fun Exercises Classes at Marks St. Center
The Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex is now offering 2 new FREE classes. “Let’s Move with Waleska” is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30a – 10:15a and “Priscilla’s Fit For Life” is offered Monday and Wednesday from 5:30p – 6:15p. Both are upbeat and fun classes that include aerobic, strength and flexibility training. 99 E. Marks St. Orlando, FL 32803. For more info, please call 407-254-1066.
Free Groups for Those Who Are Grieving
All the following agencies have groups starting regularly in various locations for people facing loss of a loved one.
• Hospice of the Comforter: 407-682-0808
• Vitas Hospice Grief Support Groups: 407-691-4549
• Samaritan Care Hospice (Orange County): 407-514-1300
• Compassionate Friends—grieving the death of a child of any age: 407-321-3126 ”
Loved One Has a Drug or Alcohol Problem?
Families Anonymous meets at 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 2140 State Road 434, Longwood. Free. Info: 407-869-0491 (church office) or 407-721-5175 (group contact person) or 800-736-9805 (national hotline).
Want to submit an item for our Community Notes? Go to Submit Your Community Note page for Guidelines and Super Easy Contact Form.
Lost or Found a Pet?
Check out www.WinterParkLostPets.com, a new community service site where you can register a free alert.
Newcomers of Central Florida
Newcomers of Central Florida welcomes those who are new to the area or just want to make new friends. The group offers monthly luncheons at Maison et Jardin and many interest groups. Contacct Betty at 407-736-0797 or bettyhuff@aol.com, or visit www.newcomerscfl.org.
MOMS Club of Winter Springs
The MOMS Club of Winter Springs welcomes new members. They are an international, non-profit organization founded to support stay-at-home moms. They offer monthly meetings with speakers, a variety of activities, playgroups, and Mom’s Night Out every month. Please send an e-mail to winterspringsmomsclub@gmail.com for more information.
Toastmasters Welcome Visitors
Public speaking is just one of the benefits to members of the Electric Toasters Toastmasters. The group meets every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Siemens (main entrance across from UCF), 4400 Alafaya Trail, in conference room 1M29. For more information, contact Stephen Coffin, VP Membership, at 407-736-7009. You can also visit the website electrictm.freetoasthost.com, or Toastmasters International, www.toastmasters.org. Free to guests.
So What If I Don’t Drink
Do you like to go out with people but you feel left out because you don’t drink? Then join s.w.i.i.d.d. which stands for “so what if I don’t drink.” We’re a group of people who like to go out and have fun without drinking. To find out more, call 1-352-504-9557 or go to www.Meetup.com/swiidd.
Belles and Beaus Dance Club…
…offers ballroom dancing for singles and couples every Wednesday with live music and refreshments from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Marks Street Recreation Complex, 99 E. Marks St., Orlando. Cost: $5. Details: 407-277-7008.
Support Groups
• Lupus Foundation: 2nd Saturdays, 407-339-9648
• Widow/Widowers: 1st/3rd Fridays, 407-948-9433
• Families Anonymous (people with loved one with alcohol or drug problem): Mondays, 407-869-0491
• NAMI of Greater Orlando (Mental illness, self or family member): NAMIGO.org, 407-253-1900
• Hospice of the Comforter: 407-682-0808
• Vitas Hospice Grief Support Groups: 407-691-4549
• Samaritan Care Hospice (Orange County): 407-514-1300
• Compassionate Friends (Grieving any age child): 407-321-3126
Support for Families Coping with Mental Illness
NAMI, “the nation’s voice on mental illness,” has an active local chapter that offers support and social and educational programs for people recovering from mental illness and for their families. Information on the many free programs is available at the NAMI of Greater Orlando website (www.namigo.org) or by calling the friendly volunteers at 407-253-1900.
Free Groups for Those Who Are Grieving
All the following agencies have groups starting regularly in various locations for people facing loss of a loved one.
• Hospice of the Comforter: 407-682-0808
• Vitas Hospice Grief Support Groups: 407-691-4549
• Samaritan Care Hospice (Orange County): 407-514-1300
• Compassionate Friends—grieving the death of a child of any age: 407-321-3126
Free Employment Assistance for Single Parents
Are you a single parent who is unemployed or under employed and needs help in today’s job application process? Are you a recipient of either state or federal assistance? If yes, you may be eligible for free help with your employment search. Options! Inc. is a non-profit organization serving local men and women. Call Options! at 407-622-6835 for an eligibility screening and appointment.
Does your group’s announcement belong here? Please get in touch!
Go to Submit Your Community Note page for Guidelines and Form.