 January 2022
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Happy New Year!
The City of Winter Garden would like to wish each and every resident a safe and Happy New Year 2022!
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Holiday Office Closure& Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule:Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 17, 2022- All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 17.
- There will be Regular Collection Services of Garbage/Recycling/Yard Waste on Monday, January 17.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community CelebrationMonday, January 17 – Downtown Winter Garden
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King with a celebration featuring speeches from the community, including those by Dr. King, as well as displays, family-friendly activities, and food vendors. Live stage performances, including a concert throughout the day, will be a part of festivities.
To kick off the remembrance, there will be a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade at 10:00 am along Plant Street. Due to limited space, preregistration is required and must be submitted no later than Tuesday, January 11.
Celebration Schedule:
10:00 am: Parade
10:30 am: The Gerry Williams Band (Funk, Soul, Rhythm)
11:00 am: Welcome by City of Winter Garden Mayor John Rees
11:15 am: The Gerry Williams Band cont.
12:15 pm: Anthony Hodge presents Martin Luther King Jr. Speech
(minister and founder of Lost Sheep Ministry in East Winter Garden)
12:30 pm: Corrinne Thompson (Saxophonist Solo)
1:00 pm: Nick Melvin (R&B Acoustic Soul)
2:45 pm: Selwyn Birchwood (American Blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter)
Location: Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
This is a FREE community event.
In addition, to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, Garden Theatre will host a live production of The Mountaintop that depicts a stunning imagining of Dr. King’s last night on Earth.
The play will run from January 21 – February 6.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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City Launches New Website to make
Utility Bill Payments
The City of Winter Garden has launched a new Utility Billing website to make water/trash bill payments: https://UBPay.WGFL.gov! Please note that this is a new website address, so be sure to update any saved bookmarks on your computer to reflect the new website.
The new Utility Billing website can also be accessed from the City’s main website, cwgdn.com, clicking the “Pay Utility” water drop icon at the bottom.
* If you were enrolled in re-occurring payments from your credit card OR had scheduled payments set up on the City’s previous Utility Billing website, you will be required to re-enroll using the new website. You will need to create a user name and password to set up recurring/scheduled payments. Check out our tutorial linked at the bottom of the new Utility Billing website. For security, your login and wallet information did not migrate to the new website.
* If your utility bill automatically drafts from your bank account, no action is necessary. We encourage you to set up a username and password on the new website to check payment/consumption history and/or to download previous bills.
* Alternatively, paying by phone is available 24/7. Call 407.656.5437 and have your account number ready.
If you have questions or encounter any issues, please call the Utility Billing Department at 407.656.4100. |
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Utility Bill Assistance Available for Low Income SeniorsAccepting Applications through May 1, 2022
The City of Winter Garden is currently accepting applications for the Utility Bill Assistance Program for Low Income Seniors. Qualified candidates can receive a reduction of up to $35 on their monthly utility bill.
Program Qualifications:
*must be 65 years of age, or 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits
*a CITY resident continuously for past 5 years
*monthly household income not to exceed $1,441.40 (Single) or $2,015.12 (Married)
Documents needed with application:
*copies of current identification
*2022 Social Security Benefit Statement OR 2021 Federal Income Tax Return
*ALL other proof of income for entire household
Applications are available at Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk, 300 W. Plant Street, or contact City Clerk’s office 407.656.4111 ext. 2297.
APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2022.
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Community Moonlight Movie
Head to downtown for a Moonlight Movie to watch Sing, an animated comedy of humanoid animals’ attempt to save a struggling theater with a singing competition.
Hosted by the City and produced by the Florida Film Academy, Sing (PG, 108 minutes) will be shown on Saturday, January 15, at the Downtown Pavilion. There will also be family-friendly preshow entertainment.
Bring blankets and chairs and get cozy under the stars.
Saturday, January 15
Preshow activities at 5:30 pm
Movie at 7:10 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
Movie and preshow activities are free.
Refreshments will be available to purchase.
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WGPD Offers
Women’s Self Defense Class The Winter Garden Police Department will host free basic women’s self-defense classes throughout the year, and the first one is Wednesday, FEBRUARY 23. The class will be instructed by a police officer who is certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques. Class dates | February 23, April 14, May 18, October 13, 2022
Time | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Location | Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street
Eligible Participants | Women only, ages 13 and up
Cost | FREE
Register by contacting Officer Michaud at 407-656-3636 ext. 4405 or at gmichaud@wgpd.com. Reserve your spot early as classes fill quickly.
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WGPD Citizens Police Academy
March 2 – April 27Ever wonder what goes on inside your police department? Find out by enrolling in the Citizens Police Academy hosted by the Winter Garden Police Department, March 2-April 27.
This free 9-week course will meet on Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 pm, at the Winter Garden Police Department training room. Winter Garden police officers and staff will discuss topics such as crime prevention, defensive tactics, and investigations. Class participants can also go on a ride-along with an officer and take a tour of the Orange County Jail.
Eligibility requirements:
-at least 18 years old
-live or work in a resident or work in the City of Winter Garden
-no criminal record
Deadline to register is February 18, but reservations fill quickly so do not delay. To enroll, click here to download an application or pick one up at the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street.
Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud at gmichaud@wgpd.com, 407-656-3636 ext. 4405.
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Register your Golf Cart with the WGPD on January 24The Winter Garden Police Department offers designated days throughout the year for residents to register their golf cart. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart is ever stolen.
Golf Cart Registration:
Monday, January 24 | 2:00-4:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department (back parking lot), 251 W. Plant Street
Bring golf cart and proper form of identification for verification.
For questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud at gmichaud@wgpd.com, 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.
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Be The First to Know About DowntownWinter Garden HappeningsThe City of Winter Garden has several communication tools to keep you aware of the latest happenings and developments in Downtown Winter Garden. Take a moment to subscribe to the tools below to be the first to know about 2022 events and announcements: - Follow @OffficialDowntownWinterGarden on Facebook and Instagram.
- Subscribe to the Official Downtown Winter Garden website at downtownwg.com to receive periodic e-blasts about events, special offers, and news to your inbox. The website is also a handy official guide to the Downtown shops, restaurants, cultural and recreational venues, community sites, and much more.
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Kick Start 2022 by Visiting the Winter Garden Farmers MarketThe Winter Garden Farmers Market can help you live well in 2022. Visit on Saturdays to find the freshest local produce. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are plentiful this time of year. Please take advantage of the health and wellness classes and food demonstrations offered this month starting on January 8. Weekly family-fun games on the lawn along with live music add to the market fun. Join us for the following events sponsored by Healthy West Orange: January 8: Cooking Demonstration by Market to Table Chef Ryan
Freelove using fresh items from the market
January 15: Healthy Eating Discussion by Orlando Health Nutritionist
and Cooking Demonstration by Claire Brown
January 22: Exercise Demonstration with Orlando Health Rehab Team on
the lawn Saturdays | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
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Live Music Every Friday Catch live music every Friday night from 7:00-9:00 pm in the center of Downtown at Centennial Plaza.
This month’s Fridays on the Plaza musical line-up:
- January 7 - Grimes Alley (Blues, Acoustic)
- January 14 - Porchdogs (Cajun, Zydeco)
- January 21 - Watkins Duo (Acoustic, 70's & 80's)
- January 28 - Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)
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Drop Savers Poster Contest Open to
Winter Garden Students K -12The City of Winter Garden cordially invites students to participate in our “Drop Savers” poster contest.
Students in grades K - 12 are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest allows students to promote water awareness and the importance of water conservation in their daily routines.
The contest is open to Public School, Private School, and Homeschool students.
Entry deadline is Friday, March 4, 2022.
Click here for complete details and entry form, or call 407-877-5193. |
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 2021 High School Winner - Peyton Brown - West Orange High School - Division 5 |
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Are You a Wish-Cycler?Have you ever gone to throw away an item, and then realized you weren’t sure if it should go in the recycling cart or in the garbage? It looked like it could possibly be recycled. You wanted to do the right thing, so you quickly opened the lid, tossed it in the recycling cart, and hoped for the best. In the curbside recycling world, that is called “wish-cycling.” Wishing that someone else will figure out how to get it recycled.
Unfortunately, wish-cycling can contaminate an entire batch of recycling material, causing all of it to go to the landfill. Wrong items in the recycling cart can also damage the equipment at the materials recovery facility (MRF), where the recyclables are sorted.
Don’t be a wish-cycler. When in doubt, throw it out!
For questions about what is accepted in your recycling cart, please call 407.877.5193.
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DOWNLOAD THE NEW MOBILE CITIZEN APPAnytime you have a question or discover an issue such as a leaky hydrant, a broken streetlight or sidewalk, a pothole, a damaged street sign or even a code enforcement concern, you can now use the Mobile Citizen app to submit a service request to the City of Winter Garden to have it resolved.
Download the “Mobile Citizen” app today via the Apple Store or Google Play. Please look for this icon. Click here for more information.
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Continues through February
The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will continue fire hydrant flow testing through mid-February.
This important preventative maintenance activity serves several purposes. This process ensures all the city’s fire hydrants are functioning properly and identifies any needed repairs. It also helps maintain the City’s water quality by flushing all of the lines and removing sediments from the system.
Residents may notice a brief reduction in water pressure and some discoloration of the drinking water. Discolored water poses no threat to the public’s health. If you notice discolored water coming from your fixtures, please allow the water to flow from your cold water side for several minutes.
If you experience continued loss of pressure or water discoloration, please contact the Public Services Department at 407-656-2256.
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Art in Public Places Exhibit at City HallVisit City Hall this month to see There’s a Map for That! Find Your Way Home: A Cartographic Survey of West Orange County. Curated by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, the exhibit presents a cartographic survey of Winter Garden, West Orange County, and Florida, with reproductions dating back to the 1850s. See how maps across the decades defined a growing city, documented the rapid expansion of orange groves through aerial photography, promoted tourism, and much more. Donated by businesses and residents, this comprehensive exhibit will give viewers a new perspective of our region.
Now – January 31, 2022
Monday-Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
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 Best Overall, 1st Place |
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De-Light-Ful Decorations Contest WinnersThank you to all the participants of the annual De-Light-Ful Decorations Contest. Click here to view the 2021 winners and congratulations! It’s never too soon to start planning for next year!
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Winter Fun withPARKS & RECREATION!Find dates, details and fees at: Parks and Recreation or call 407.656.4155.
Tai Chi, Yoga, Martial Arts, Tennis, Softball, 50+ Activities, Special Olympics Activities, Trips, Horticulture Lectures, Guitar Lessons, Art Classes, Kickball, Preschool Activities, Cooking Classes, Belly Dancing, and more! Advance reservations required.
Youth & Adult Tennis LessonsHighly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advanced registration required.
Six-week sessions beginning February 7 & April 11
5 years and older
Fee Varies – check here for details
Chapin Station Park, 501 West Crown Point Cross Road
Gentle Yoga
Great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxing meditation.
Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:15 pm
16 years and older
$9 City Resident; $10 Nonresident per class
$32 City Resident; $36 Nonresident per 4-week session
Systema
This Russian Martial Art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience and working with others. Winter Garden is the only place in Central Florida to practice this art used by Russian Special Forces!
Mondays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
18 years and older
$15 per class
$45 City Resident; $55 Nonresident per 4-week session
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Winter Garden Art AssociationSOBO Art Gallery127 S. Boyd Street407.347.7996 wgart.org
Open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
FREE Admission EXHIBITION
Fun and Functional
2D & 3D works that depict both the FUN and the FUNCTIONAL dimensions of art. It is a fun show, and an entertaining shopping experience since a one-of-kind creation by a local artist makes a great gift.
Now – January 29, 2022
Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Women’s Living Legacy
2D & 3D works that celebrate the legacy and history of women on others, society, and the future.
February 1 – March 26
Opening Reception | February 3
5:30 – 8:00 pm
CALL TO ARTISTS
Submissions from artists are accepted between the FIRST and the EIGHTH of the month prior to the exhibition.
Call to Artists: January 1 – 8, Details at Call to Artists
WORKSHOPS
Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing
A model is available to draw every Wednesday night.
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
18 years and older only | $10 members; $15 non-members
Click here to register.
Open Artist StudioCome in and create your art surrounded by other local artists. Every Tuesday | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Open to all | Free Technique Tuesdays @ TwoEvery Tuesday | starting at 2:00 (during Open Artist Studio) Open to all | Free to members & first time visitors A different instructor & technique will be featured every week. Pick up new tips & techniques while enjoying the Open Artist Studio space. January 4: “Colored Pencil” Meg Lung January 11: “Acrylic” Svetlana Hollinger January 18: “Cyanotype” Judy Pickett January 25: “Painted Glass” Kathy Bee ART FOR KIDSClick here for more information or to register.
Wednesday Art Club
2nd grade – 5th grade: 2:30- 3:30 PM
Middle and High School 3:45-4:45PM
$15 each session, (members $12) includes all materials
Home School Classes
SOBO is excited to offer Standards Based Art classes for small groups of Home School artists led by Lenore Eastham, Certified Art Educator.
$15 per child per 55-minute session
Initial classes will be available in time blocks between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Offsite Art Classes Yes, we can come to your location. Custom classes with Lenore Eastham, certified art educator, starting at $75 per hour are available. Call 407-347-7996 for more information.
Custom Party
Create wonderful memories for that incredibly special young artist in your life. Imagine celebrating that birthday or milestone in a beautiful gallery setting. While standard paint on canvas may be your choice of art activities, we will custom design a unique experience for your group. Your child can choose their theme and age-appropriate media options will be presented. SOBO provides all art related supplies, tables and chairs, inspiration, and a certified art educator. Food, decorations, and set up are the responsibility of the individual booking the event.
Basic Celebration Package: $175 for 2 ½ hour room rental including 30-minute set up and 30-minute cleanup. Package is for up to 10 artists. The Art Activity will generally last 50-55 minutes. Additional time and artists may be added for a fee.
VOLUNTEER
Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays!
Click here to sign up.
PROGRAMS FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA
*Due to current restrictions for those at risk, please check the website for more information.
Musical Minds
With Central Florida Community Arts
Visit Musical Minds or call 407.937.1800, Ext. 719 .
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Garden Theatre160 W. Plant Street 407.877.4736 gardentheatre.org
LIVE THEATRE
The Mountaintop
By Katori Hall | Directed by Felichia ChivaughnAt the most human level, we are all the same. Hours after delivering his iconic “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to his room at Memphis’ Lorraine Motel to plan for his next march. Soon after, a motel maid arrives at his door with a newspaper, a cup of coffee, and the news that he won’t live past tomorrow. Her revelation spurs an all-night conversation that illuminates the humanity behind the Civil Rights icon as Dr. King reflects on the man he is and the man he hoped to be. Written in honor of the individuals that Dr. King inspired but never met, Katori Hall’s Olivier Award winning play is a stunning imagining of King’s last night on Earth. “Through this play, we gain access to the man behind the movement. We’re gifted an intimate glance at what Dr. King constantly pushed aside in order to push society toward equality." - Felichia Chivaughn, Director January 21 - February 6 | Matinee and Evening Performances ASL-Interpreted Performance Tickets start at $20. Discounts available for youth, seniors, groups, and military members. Click here to purchase tickets.
REWIND MOVIES
Malcolm X (1992, PG-13)Follow the life journey of activist Malcolm X through Denzel Washington’s Academy Award-nominated performance. From Malcolm’s birth in rural Michigan to his role as spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, the minister’s life is dramatized on the silver screen.
Sunday, January 30 | 6:30 pm | Tickets $5
Click here to purchase tickets.
EDUCATION
Talent is blooming at the Garden! At every age level, our students are encouraged to try something new, develop their theatre skills, and become more confident in everything they do. Camps and classes are tailored to fit the needs of each grade or skill level and are taught by experienced local theatre professionals.
Click here to learn about health and safety protocols and educational programs.
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West Orange County at Work ExhibitIn West Orange County, work has taken many forms through the years: from picking oranges, running a railroad, working a cash register, or managing a business or hospital. All this labor has come together to create the town that we know and love today.
The West Orange County at Work exhibit tells the stories of the original pioneers; the citrus workers; and the people occupied in our modern, diversified economy; paying homage to all who worked in West Orange County.
Now – February 15, 2022
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main Street
Free Admission
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Participate in Your City
There are many different ways you can participate in your City government. Here are some options for you to consider:
VOLUNTEER
The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking volunteers for ALL Boards and Committees. There are open seats on a number of advisory boards and committees that welcome your participation. Most have monthly meetings and require only a few hours of volunteer time per month. For those interested in serving, please complete the Board Interest Form.
To find out more, contact the City Clerk’s office at 407-656-4111, ext. 2297, or stop by City Hall at 300 W. Plant St.
JOIN A CLASS OR LEAGUE
Sign up for one of the many classes or leagues offered by the City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department.
ATTEND A MEETING
Open to the public, attend a City meeting to find out firsthand what is happening in your community.
JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULE
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 18, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
City Commission Meeting*
Thursday, January 13, 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 27, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 4, 6:15 pm - CANCELLED
City Hall Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board Meeting
January 11, 5:00 pm
City Hall, Third Floor Conference Room
Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 5, 9:30 am
Wednesday, January 19, 9:30 am
City Hall Chambers
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, January 3, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
Visit the City of Winter Garden calendar for meeting updates, as well as to find out about additional meetings and events.
The City has resumed in-person meetings. In light of current pandemic conditions and trends in the State of Florida as well as due to low participation, the “Listen only” option for attending City meetings has been discontinued. Please join us in person for all City meetings beginning January 2022.
*City Commission Meeting recordings are available the next business day following the meeting, Click here to listen.
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Local Vaccination Sites
There are a number of local options to get a COVID-19 vaccine. All vaccines are free. For a detailed list of vaccination sites, click here.
COVID-19 information for both residents and businesses can be found on the COVID-19 Resources page of the City website.
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