by Orlando Sentinel

Adult flag football: The St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Department will have an adult flag football league at Hopkins Park beginning Jan. 10. Games will be played on Saturday mornings. The league will be called the Brent Fullwood Adult Flag Football League. Fullwood grew up in the Hopkins Park community and graduated from St. Cloud High School. He later went on to play professional football for the Green Bay Packers from 1987 to 1990. Registration runs through Dec. 15. Cost: $250 per team includes officials, awards, and team shirts. Details: 407-892-2533 or 407-957-7243.

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Identi-Kid registration program: Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty will team up with Santa Claus and the Osceola County Sheriff's Department to offer the free Identi-Kid registration program from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Coldwell Banker Ackley Realty in The Loop at 3264 Greenwald Way, Kissimmee. Children will have their pictures taken with Santa and later be photographed and fingerprinted by Sheriff's Department representatives on Identi-Kid cards. Genealogy Club: The Genealogy Club of Osceola County will meet at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at a member's home in Kissimmee. This will be a holiday social with a pot luck meal. Details: 407-957-4347 or 407-892-5726

Community meetings: In an effort to increase parent and community participation with Osceola County's public school system, Superintendent Michael Grego will host community meetings at the following times and locations:

*For Kissimmee area schools, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Osceola High School in the Performing Arts Center.

*For Poinciana-area schools, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Liberty High School.

Grego will discuss established goals and improvement efforts being made for the Osceola School District. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on such topics as safe and drug-free schools, growth and redistricting, health and fitness, and school grades. A variety of informational booths will also be set up to answer questions about school transportation, Exceptional Student Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, class scheduling and student health issues. Spanish translation and child care for school-age children will be provided. Details: Dana Schafer at 407-870-4007.

Extension Service programs: The Osceola County Extension Service is offering the following programs. Registration is required.

*Identity theft, 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2, Animal Control, 3910 Old Canoe Creek Road, St. Cloud. Learn how thieves get your information and the steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your chance of becoming a victim. Registration: 321-697-3000.

*Become Captain of Your Financial Ship, 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3, Council on Aging, Barney E. Veal Center, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee. Registration: 321-697-3000.

*High blood pressure, 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 8, Road & Bridge, 3850 Old Canoe Creek Road, St. Cloud. Learn about the risk factors that you can control and what foods to avoid to keep your blood pressure under control. Registration: 321-697-3000.

*Woods walk, 8:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 17, Lake Lizzie Preserve, Marsh Loop in St. Cloud. Learn about Osceola County's natural ecosystem during this guided walk. Registration: 321-697-3000.

*Become Captain of Your Financial Ship, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Council on Aging, Barney E. Veal Center, 700 Generation Point, Kissimmee. Registration: 321-697-3000.

Blood drive: Barker Specialty Orlando, 215 Celebration Place, Celebration, will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22. Florida's Blood Centers will be parking their Red Bus in front of the office building. Details and registration: Kathy Anctil at 407-566-4000.

Other events

Braille calendars: The Braille Association of Mid-Florida offers 2009 calendars embossed in Braille. The calendar highlights holidays and has embossed illustrations with a unique theme. For those sending one as a gift, their name and a short personal note written by them will be embossed in Braille and sent with the calendar. The calendars cost $5 and can be mailed to any address in the United States. Details: 407-349-5059.

Cribbage club: The Kissimmee Kribbage Klub meets at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Kissimmee Elks Lodge, 1655 Kings Highway. The club plays nine games every week through the end of May. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Nancy or Ray Wanke at 407-433-6791 or e mail nwanke@cfl.rr.com There is no charge for the first week and all cribbage players are welcome.

Tax program help: Volunteer tax-aide counselors are needed for the AARP Tax-Aide Program. Counselors help prepare tax returns and assist with filing requirements for older taxpayers and low-income residents. An aptitude for tax work, experience in filing personal returns and good communication skills are needed. Volunteers are trained by AARP in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. Training will begin in January in the Kissimmee area. Details: Fe' Taylor at Great621@aol.com or call 1-888-227-7669.

Queen's Ball: The St. Cloud Senior Center, 3101 17th St., will have its annual Queen's Ball at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Clubs that meet in the center can submit a candidate to vie for the title "2009 St. Cloud Senior Center Queen." Ladies must be 55 or older, live in Osceola, Orange or Polk counties, and be an active member of the center for at least six months. Candidates will be judged on presence, poise and personality. It is free to enter or attend the event. Details: Irene Lamano at 407-847-0049 or Jeannette Dessert at 321-697-0191.

Golf tournament: Celebration Little League's fourth annual golf tournament fundraiser is planned for Dec. 6 at the Celebration Golf Club. The Four-Person Team Scramble is set for an 8 a.m. Shotgun Start. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., with the NIKE Golf Shootout Contest to be held from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Cost: $89 per person. Children ages 7 and older are welcome to play with a parent or adult. Golf registration form is available on the CLL web site at www.celebrationlittleleague.com. Hole Sponsorships are available for $100. Prize donations are also needed. Details: Jason Carpenter at 407-877-9948 or boajason@yahoo.com or Caroline Kane at 321-939-0271 or caroline.kane@celebration.fl.us

Sports officials needed: The Kissimmee Athletics Division is accepting applications for basketball and flag football officials, who can work during the 2008-2009 fall season. Officials will be paid $15 to $22.50 per game, based on skills and qualifications. Details: 407-518-2345 or 407-518-2504.

Basketball coaches: The Kissimmee Athletics Division is accepting applications for youth basketball coaches who can volunteer for the 2008-2009 season, which begins Jan. 3. The league is a co-ed league for ages seven to 17. Coaches must pass a background check and drug test to participate in the program. Details: Abdul Goldwire at 407-518-2345 or 407-518-2504.

Youth gymnastics: The Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department offers gymnastics classes for children ages three and older on Mondays at the Oak Street Park Community Center, 717 N. Palm Ave. The class will focus on the core development of strength, flexibility coordination and positive attitude. Lessons are 3:30 to 4 p.m. for ages 3 to 5-years-old; 4 to 4:30 p.m. for beginners ages 6 and older; and 4:30 to 5 p.m. for intermediate ages 6 and older. Cost: $40 per month. Details: 407-847-2388.

Dance classes: The Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department offers classes for two different dance styles on Tuesdays. Students must be 18 or older to register. Salsa classes will be from 7 to 8 p.m. and ballroom classes from 8-9 p.m. Cost: $25 per class/per month per person; $40 per month for couples. Discounts are available if students register for both classes. Classes will be at the Oak Street Park Community Center, 717 N. Palm Ave. Details: 407-847-2388.

Ballet classes: The Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Department offers ballet classes for children ages 5 to 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Oak Street Park Community Center, 717 N. Palm Ave. Instruction will cover flexibility, leaping, and movements across the floor. Cost: $25 per month. Details: 407-847-2388.

Parents' Night Out program: The Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department is offering Parents' Night Out program from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Oak Street Park Community Center, 717 N. Palm Ave. Activities include games, movies, dinner and snacks. The program is for children 3 to 12-years-old. Children must be potty-trained. Cost: $20 per child. Advance registration is required. Details: 407-847-2388.

Machine Embroidery Club: A machine embroidery club will have it first meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 17 at Queen Ann's Lace, 305 Broadway Ave., Kissimmee. Regular meetings will be held on the third Saturday of each month. The meeting format will be interactive and members will give demonstrations of a project. Details: 407-846-7998 or e-ail QAL@IAG.net or FLKittyhawk@cfl.rr.com

Reading mentors needed: Bookmark Buddies, a program of the Education Foundation-Osceola County, provides reading mentors to third grade students who are reading below grade level. There are 17 Osceola County elementary schools participating in the program, which runs through May. Mentors meet thirty minutes a week, one-on-one. No prior tutoring experience is necessary, and all tutoring materials are provided. Parents, local businesses, civic organizations, and other community members interested in participating should contact Jamie Domres at domresj@osceola.k12.fl.us or call one of the following participating schools:

*Bellalago Academy, Maryellen Troffer, 407-933-1690, Ext. 0249.

*Canoe Creek Charter, Katie Parker, 407-891-7320.

*Central Avenue Elementary, Sharyne Ortiz-Roman, 407-343-7330.

*Chestnut Elementary, Kathe Weisheyer, 407-870-4862.

*Cypress Elementary, Joyce Myers, 407-344-5000.

*Flora Ridge Elementary, Lorraine Rodriguez, 407-933-3999.

*Harmony Community School, Deanna Fertic, 407-892-1655.

*Hickory Tree Elementary, Kathy Pridemore, 407-891-3120.

*Kissimmee Charter Academy, Wendi Molina, 407-847-1400, Ext. 1161.

*Mill Creek Elementary, Maritza Torres, 407-935-3660.

*Narcoossee Community School, Kelly Slade, 407-891-6600.

*Partin Settlement Elementary, Nancy Loubier, 407-518-2000, Ext. 3038.

*Pleasant Hill Elementary, Gary Bressler, 407-935-3700.

*PM Wells Charter, Tara Thomas, 321-697-1020.

*Sunrise Elementary, Diane Turner, 407-870-4866.

*Thacker Elementary, Carlos Hernandez, 407-935-3540.

*Ventura Elementary, Vickie Woelk, 407-344-5040.

Meals on Wheels help: Meals on Wheels is seeking help with the rising costs of delivering meals in Osceola County. Businesses are asked to allow their staff to deliver meals or to support the program with a $100-per-month donation to cover a volunteer's fuel cost. Details: 407-846-8532.

Across county lines

Christmas luncheon: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2; Woman's Club of Casselberry, 251 Overbrook Drive, Casselberry. Entertainment will be provided by composer/songwriter, Randy Bishop and children's author, Jennie Bishop. Reservation deadline is Nov. 28. $7. 407-831-2994.

Christmas in the Park: 6:15 p.m. Dec. 4; Central Park, Park Avenue, Winter Park. The Morse Museum of American Art will light Central Park with century-old Tiffany windows from its renowned collection at the 30th annual Christmas in the Park. The leaded-glass windows set the stage for a performance of seasonal favorites by the 150-voice Bach Festival Choir. Free. 407-645-5311.

"A Christmas Carol": 8 p.m. Dec. 4-Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Dec. 7; Seminole Community College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. Seminole Community College's Fine Arts Department joins with Southern Winds Theatre to present "A Christmas Carol." Directed by Marylin McGinnis, this adaptation of Charles Dickens' holiday classic stars David A. McElroy playing 37 different characters, including Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all the ghosts. $5-$12. 407-708-2040.

Holiday concerts: 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Dec. 6; St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 2021 W. State Road 426, Oviedo. Featuring the Brass Band of Central Florida. Free. 407-365-3408.

Christmas concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine, 8300 Vineland Ave., Orlando. The Shrine Choir, the professional choir-in-residence at the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, will perform a concert titled "Christmas with the Shrine Choir." The eight singers in the choir are professional musicians in the Orlando area and are under the direction of William Picher, director of music and organist at the Shrine. Music will include sacred and secular music from both Advent and Christmas sources as well as a holiday sing-a-long. $9 for adults, free for children 11 or younger. 407-239-6600, Ext. 317.

Holiday parade and tree lighting: Dec. 6; Winter Springs Town Center, 158 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs. Winter Springs' annual holiday parade route will be along Tuskawilla Road and end at the Winter Springs Town Center. The parade will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Following the parade, the city holiday tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Free. 407-327-6593.

Holiday breakfast: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 6; Bread of Life Church Orlando, 1498 Palomino Way, Oviedo. The church will host a free holiday breakfast for the public. Free. 407-365-9008.

Santa's Celebration: 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 6; Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1515 Semoran Blvd., Orlando . Prince of Peace Lutheran Preschool's annual Santa's Celebration will have crafts and games for children, a bounce house, continental breakfast, photographs with Santa, and craft vendors. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. 407-275-6703.

Women's Christmas Tea: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6; Community United Methodist Church, 4921 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Casselberry. The theme is a "Celtic Christmas". There will be live music and food. Bring your favorite teacup and saucer for everyone to see. Free. 407-831-3777.

"Celebrate the Season" event: 4 p.m. Dec. 6; Historic downtown Longwood, 130 W. Warren Ave., Longwood. There will be musical performances, food, crafts for children to create, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the tree. Canned goods will be accepted for the Longwood families in need program. Free. 407-260-3484.

Holiday parade and tree lighting: 4:45 p.m. Dec. 6; Oviedo Gymnasium & Aquatic Facility, 148 Oviedo Blvd., Oviedo. Oviedo's annual event will feature floats, bands, carolers and the arrival of Santa. Oviedo chamber members will display their wares in a holiday expo. The parade will end at Lawton House for a tree lighting ceremony. Free. 407-278-4871.

"The Star of Bethlehem" show: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Dec. 12; Seminole Community College Planetarium, 100 Weldon Blvd. Adult and Continuing Education Building, Sanford. The show looks at how the calendar system has changed over the millennia and examines clues from the Bible to try to pin down the birth year of Jesus under our current calendar. $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students in K-12, free for preschoolers or younger. 407-708-2360.

Christmas in Old Longwood: Dec. 9; Christ Episcopal Church, 151 W. Church Ave., Longwood. The Central Florida Society for Historical Preservation will sponsor "Christmas in Old Longwood," an evening of entertainment and refreshments. The event begins at 7 p.m. with Rev. Knox reading the Church of England's Nine Lessons with a group of madrigal singers singing carols in between each lesson. After the reading, refreshments will be served at the Bradlee-McIntyre House Museum which is decorated for the holiday season. Guided tours will be conducted. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. 407-834-7220.

Holiday Pops concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; Seminole Community College, 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford. Featuring vocal performances by the SCC Concert Chorale, Community Chorus and SeminoleSound, SCC Gospel Choir and Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble. There will be a reception after the program. Free. 407-708-2040.

Christmas musical: 7 p.m. Dec. 12-Dec. 13; Community United Methodist Church, 4921 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Casselberry. The choir and band will present "A Christmas to Remember." Free. 407-831-3777.

Afternoon with Santa: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 13; Magnolia Park, 2929 Binion Road, Apopka. Activities include holiday crafts, games, visits with Santa and a moonwalk. Suitable for children 10 or younger. Admission is two canned goods for local charities. 407-886-4231.

Snow mountain: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13; Oviedo Gymnasium & Aquatic Facility, 148 Oviedo Blvd., Oviedo. Frolic in 55 tons of snow. Ticket price includes unlimited rides down the snow slope, giant slide, bounce house, winter snacks, face painting and entertainment. $5 through Dec. 10; $10 thereafter. 407-971-5568.

Holiday High Tea: 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 14; The Peabody Orlando, 9801 International Drive, Orlando. Lunch on finger sandwiches, cheeses, fruit, freshly baked scones and clotted creme. There will also be holiday music and an auction. Proceeds benefit VNACF/Community Care for the Elderly, which provides programs and services that allow frail, low-income seniors to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible. $50. 407-628-2884, Ext. 205.

Celebration of the Season: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 14; Orlando Cultural Park, 560 E. Princeton St., Orlando. There will be "snow" for children, games, food and prizes. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. The live tree is a donation by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida in honor of the children and families who stay at Orlando's two Ronald McDonald Houses. Free. 407-206-0957, Ext. 104.

Christmas open house: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 24; Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park. The public is invited for free tours of Louis Comfort Tiffany's century-old leaded glass windows and his celebrated 1893 chapel. During the holidays, the museum features the 1902 Tiffany window "Christmas Eve," in which a figure resembling Father Christmas holds the Christ Child. The window was designed by Thomas Nast Jr., the son of the famous Harper's Weekly political cartoonist, for his sister's home. Free. 407-645-5311.

Toy Drive: The 2008 "Santa Run" by motorcycle officers from each of the eight law enforcement agencies in Seminole County benefits infant to teen girls and boys served by Boys Town Central Florida, especially the displaced youngsters living in residential homes at the Boys Town Demetree Campus in Oviedo. New unwrapped gifts of all kinds are needed for teenagers, pre-teens, children, toddlers and infants. Collection boxes are located at the Oviedo Police Department, 300 Alexandria Blvd., as well as the city police stations in Winter Springs, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood and Sanford and all Seminole County Sheriff's Office substations, the Sheriff's main headquarters at 100 Bush Blvd., Sanford, the Altamonte Springs Police COPS Center in the Altamonte Mall and the Oviedo Police C.O.P.S. & Volunteer Center at Oviedo Marketplace. Donations must be received by Dec. 12. On Dec. 18, a contingent of law enforcement motorcycles from agencies across Seminole County will escort a motorcycle-riding Santa Claus, starting from the Winter Springs Police Department and ending at the Oviedo Campus of Boys Town Central Florida. Details: 407-971-5705.

Public Workshop: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3; Casselberry Senior Center, 200 N. Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. The city of Casselberry is hosting the workshop to present the Casselberry Bike Trail Master Plan and the plans for the Wirz Park Phase II Trail. The public may provide input, share information and ask questions about developing a comprehensive network of on-road and off-road biking facilities that will connect neighborhoods and provide safe, convenient access to schools, parks, businesses and other destinations. 407-262-7720, Ext. 1303.

Native plants: 7 p.m. Dec. 2; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will have a Christmas Bazaar featuring plants, honey, and other natural products. Free. 407-647-5233.

Trail maintenance: 9 a.m. Dec. 3; Wekiva Springs State Park Museum and Visitors Center, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka. The Florida Trail Association will do routine trail maintenance to get trails ready for the winter hiking season. Equipment and tools will be provided. Bring lunch, water and personal tools. Long pants, long sleeves and gloves are recommended. Free. 352-669-2898.

Birdhouse Bonanza: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6; Audubon of Florida's Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland. Help build up to 25 nest boxes for local raptor species. Volunteers will build nest boxes for the eastern screech owl or the American kestrel and take them home to help enhance their own backyard habitat. Free. 407-644-0190.

Florida Trail Association: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. This is the group's annual winter pot-luck dinner. Bring a covered dish and beverage to share. Paper goods will be provided. Free. 407-332-7790.

"Moments of Light, Water & Air" exhibit by William E. Orr: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Maitland Art Center, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland. Orr is the son of William A. Orr, who was one of the resident artists or Bok Fellows involved in the Research Studio, now the Maitland Art Center, during the time of founder Andre Smith. The exhibit features 47 oil paintings that reveal and romance the viewer with emphasis on light and movement. free for center members, $2 for seniors ages 65 and older, $3 for nonmembers. 407-539-2181.

"Quiet Contentment: The Art of Henrietta Milan" exhibit: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park. The exhibit is devoted to the colorful, evocative paintings of Henrietta Milan, a self-taught, Texas-based artist who works in the style of the impressionists. Viewing dates are Nov. 25-Jan. 18. $5 for adults, $4 seniors 60 and older, $3 students, free for members and children 12 and younger. 407-647-6294.

Film screening: 2 p.m. Dec. 7; Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida, 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland. The film The Counterfeiters will be screened. The film tells the true story of "Operation Bernhard," a secret plan by the Germans during World War II to destabilize the United Kingdom by flooding its economy with forged Bank of England currency. Free. 407-628-0555.

Jazz concert: 2:30-5 p.m. Dec. 7; Moose Lodge, 5001 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. The Central Florida Jazz Society will perform. Featured musicians will be pianist, Michael Kramer, and bass, Ben Kramer. Other musicians who will stop by and sit in, Michael Andrew, Jacqueline Jones, Bob Bruce, Leroy Cooper, Pete Portee, Ricky Sylvia, Kenny Watson and Laura Yager. $8 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $3 for college students with I.D., free for children through high school. 407-331-7034.

Men's health seminar: 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 3; Florida Hospital Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. Learn about pelvic and groin pain and how it is treated. Free. 407-303-1700.

Kidney screenings: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6; Engelwood Neighborhood Center, 6123 La Costa Drive, Orlando. The screening is designed to identify and educate people at risk for chronic kidney disease or those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Free. 1-800-927-9659.

Gastric Banding Weight Loss Surgery Information Session: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 18; Orlando Regional Medical Center, 1414 Kuhl Ave., Orlando. Learn about weight loss surgery, including adjustable gastric banding, and ask professionals questions. Registration required. Free. 321-841-7070.

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