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Holiday Office Closure &
Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule
for Thanksgiving Day and Friday after Thanksgiving

All City Government Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25.
There will be NO Collection Services for trash, recycling, yard waste, or bulk items on Thursday, November 24. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Friday, November 25.

Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.

If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

Free Shredding Event

for Winter Garden Residents

The City of Winter Garden will host a free document shredding event for its residents to commemorate America Recycles Day. Crown Information Management will provide safe and secure document shredding. Participants are welcome to watch the shredding of their documents. The shredded paper will then be recycled.

You must be a Winter Garden resident to participate. Please bring proof of residency. For more information, call 407.877.5193.

Saturday, November 12 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm | Free
848 E. Plant Street (across from the Winter Garden Library)

Annual Arts & Crafts Fair

The popular annual Craft Affair hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department is a great place to find unique gifts, seasonal décor, and more. The 50+ community handcrafts all of the items for sale.

Saturday, November 12 |10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Free Admission
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

Winter Garden Farmers Market Hosts

Two Events this Month

The fall harvest season is in and the Winter Garden Farmers Market is ripe with pumpkins, gourds, and all the trimmings for your Thanksgiving dinner. The market is located at the Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue.

You will not want to miss this month’s two free special events:

HEALTH & HARVEST FESTIVAL

Hosted by Healthy West Orange and the City of Winter Garden, all activities are free and include games; fitness activities; giveaways; fitness, cooking and gardening fun; free vision screenings; cholesterol checks; skin cancer screenings; posture analysis; bike safety checks; and more! For details, visit healthywestorange.org.

Saturday, November 12 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

THANKSGIVING AT THE MARKET

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the market with KidZone holiday crafts (in front of Parking Garage), live music, games on the lawn, and more!

Saturday, November 19 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at
Downtown Sidewalk Sale

The annual Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale on November 26 in historic downtown is a great way to kick-off holiday shopping while supporting the local businesses that make your hometown unique. Stores will feature outdoor and indoor special sales, promotions, and seasonal merchandise.

Remember to support the mom-and-pop businesses throughout Winter Garden because when you shop local, about 70 cents of every dollar you spend remains right in your community to make it stronger.

Saturday, November 26 | Daylong
Historic Downtown

City Hall Premieres
HOLIDAYS IN WINTER GARDEN
Art Exhibit

City Hall hosts this joyful exhibit of local artists’ works depicting November and December holidays in Winter Garden. Pop inside City Hall when visiting the winter wonderland of downtown to see this festive exhibit of various mediums of art provided by community artists.

November 1 – December 30
Monday – Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street

HOLIDAY GIFTS for Kids Program:
Registration is Open

Presented by Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL)

The Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL) annually conducts a Holiday Gifts for Kids program to provide presents to Winter Garden youth (newborn – 12 years old) in need.

Registration dates: October 24 – December 5

To register, pick up and return an application at one of the following locations or hand it to a police officer on patrol.

Winter Garden Police Department – 251 W. Plant Street
City Hall – 300 W. Plant Street
Maxey Center – 830 Klondike Street
Mildred Dixon Activity Center – 303 S.W. Crown Pointe Road
Jessie Brock Community Center – 310 N. Dillard Street

When registering, ALL of the following documents are required and must be verified:

Birth certificate or court/custody paperwork (only parent or legal guardian can register a child)
Current water or utility bill for the Winter Garden address they reside
Proof of government assistance (WIC, food stamps, etc.)
Some type of identification (driver’s license, ID card, passport, etc.)
Child must be age 12 or younger

Note: You are not registered for the program until you have been contacted by the Community Liaison Unit and given a HGFK ticket with a scheduled pick-up date and time.

How to Donate to Holiday Gifts for Kids Program

Please consider donating new toys, games, sporting equipment, gift cards, etc. to help children right in your own community. Donation drop off is November 1 – December 9 at the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street. Donations are tax deductible.

For questions about the Holiday Gifts for Kids program, please call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Click here for donation gift ideas.

Donut Dash 5K is
November 5

Run, Walk, and/or Eat Donuts through historic downtown for the 2022 Donut Dash 5K! Register online through November 4 or in-person at the race on November 5. Proceeds from this event support the Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WGPAL) Holiday Gifts for Kids program as well as other community programs for underprivileged and at-risk kids.

For more information and to register, click here. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Saturday
November 5 | 8:00 – 11:00 am
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive

Fire Rescue Offers Free
Citizen CPR Class

Interested in learning how to take a hands-on approach towards saving lives? The City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free, 90-minute Hands Only CPR Citizen Training Course to the community on November 19 as well as on select dates in 2023.

The program will cover:

• Hands only Adult and Child CPR • Proper AED use • Adult and Child Choking

Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate acknowledging their successful demonstration and learned concepts detailed in the program. Pre-registration is required. Click here and select “Recreation Classes." Select one session only. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Saturdays | November 19, January 21, March 18, and May 20
9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Free
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

Winter Garden Fire Rescue Offers Free Smoke Alarm Program

The end and start to Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to perform a necessary biannual test to your home’s smoke alarms. So when you reset your clocks on November 6, be sure to hit the test button on your smoke alarms to make sure the units are functioning.

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department “Smoke Alarm Program” is a community outreach initiative to improve fire safety. To receive a smoke alarm at no cost, while supplies last, we ask that you meet the following requirements:

Reside within the City limits of Winter Garden.
Do not currently have a working smoke alarm in your home.
Agree to let the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Dept. personnel install the smoke alarm.
Agree to test and maintain the smoke alarm once it is installed.
Agree to follow the smoke alarm instructions at all times found in the owner’s manual.

Smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. If you are in need of a smoke alarm, batteries, or would like your smoke alarm tested, please contact Fire Inspector Victoria Rutherford at 407.877.5175 ext. 2020.

Water Lawns Once a Week
During Eastern Standard Time

(First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March)

When you reset your clocks on November 6, also remember to reset your irrigation system to water once a week. For more information, call 407.877.5193.

Free Grease Monster Fighting Kit Helps Avoid Costly Repairs

Don’t let grease monsters be uninvited guests to your Thanksgiving dinner! As you prepare holiday meals this season, do not make the mistake of pouring cooking oils and grease down the kitchen sink or flushing down the toilet. When grease attacks the sewers, it can harden and build up and cause blockages in your public sewer system and even to your home plumbing, costing thousands of dollars.

Ready to protect your pipes and the City against grease monsters?
Put A Lid On It with Free Kit Available!

Cool. Allow your cooking grease to cool completely.
Put a lid on it. Pour cooled grease into a can, jug, or jar.
Store. Place container into a plastic bag and seal the bag.
Conquer the grease monster. Dispose of the bagged container in your trash bin.

FOG - What to do and not do with your Kitchen Grease

School Holiday Camp

The Holiday Camp is a fun way for school-aged children to spend their days off from school. Campers will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports, and more with friends and a qualified, well trained Winter Garden Parks and Recreation staff. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day.

Advance registration required. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

November 21 – 23
December 19 – 23, 27 – 30, January 3
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grades | Kindergarten – 8th grade
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
$22 City Resident / $27 Nonresident, per day

FALL into FUN with
PARKS & RECREATION!

Click here for a list of Parks & Recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, as well as additional details about offerings below. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

Programs are held at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise. Click here to register.

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

Registrations may close early due to limited availability.

Super Soccer Stars

Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 18 months – 3.5 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, and educational environment. Through our age-specific curriculum, we use soccer to nurture and build self-confidence and teamwork. Each session lasts eight weeks.

Session 2 | November 1 – December 13 or November 5 – December 17 (6-week session)*

Session 3 | January 3 – February 21 or January 7 – February 25

18 – 24 months | weekdays 5:15 – 5:45 pm, weekends 10:00 – 10:35 am
2 – 3 years | weekdays 5:50 – 6:35 pm, weekends 10:45 – 11:30 am

$170 City Residents / $180 Nonresidents, 8-Week Session $128 City Residents / $135 Nonresidents, 6-Week Session

Jerseys are optional and may be purchased for $25 at any time by emailing orlando@soccerstars.com.

*No programs during the week of November 21.

HEALTH & WELLNESS CLASSES

Boot Camp with Brad

Looking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body and the mental wellbeing that comes with exercise.

Mondays and Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
16 years and older
$16 City Residents / $18 Nonresidents, per class
$55 City Residents / $65 Nonresidents, per month (8 classes)

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

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 Residents / $36 Nonresident, per month

Power Yoga Flow

Utilizing flexibility as a means to focus on linking poses together with continuous movement, Power Yoga Flow will bring awareness to one's body and breath, all while increasing cardio vascular health and muscular strength.

Thursdays | 6:30 – 7:20 pm
Monthly | $30 Residents / $34 Nonresidents
Single Day | $12 Resident / $14 Nonresident

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:

November 4 - Sandy Back Porch (Bluegrass)
November 11 - Larry Poulton Band (Blues, Acoustic)
November 18 - Concrete & Country (Country)
November 25 - Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)

Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc.

Railroad Museum Hosts Fall Open House
& Downtown Walking Tour

In celebration of our 52nd year of operation, the Central Florida Railway Society will host an open house with museum tours and extended hours. In addition, a downtown walking tour will launch at 8:30 am from the museum that will highlight the history of Winter Garden railroads along the route. No registration required. Click here for event details.

Saturday, November 26 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (extended hours) | Free

Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559

Heritage Museum

African American History in
West Orange County
Exhibit Expands

An expanded permanent exhibit presents the people and businesses who helped east Winter Garden’s traditional African American community thrive in the days before integration.

Teaching Staff at Drew High School, 1950s

West Orange Women Exhibit

Visit the Winter Garden Heritage Museum to view its current exhibit that celebrates the women who helped establish Winter Garden and West Orange County – from the days when pioneer families cultivated the land to the politicians and community leaders of today. The exhibit’s images and artifacts tell the stories of the women who devoted their lives to family and community.

Now – November 30

Local businesswoman Mary Vea Tanner in the 1920s

Winter Garden Heritage Museum
1 N. Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission

Winter Garden Art Association
SOBO Art Gallery

127 S. Boyd Street

407.347.7996
wgart.org

Tuesdays – Saturdays | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Free Admission

EXHIBITION

Good, Bad & the Ugly

The exhibition features 2D & 3D artwork representative of “good,” “bad,” and “ugly.”

Now – November 19

CALL TO ARTISTS

November 1 – 8 | Artisans Appeal Exhibition Call to Artists: Submit 2D & 3D artwork that depict both the FUN and the FUNCTIONAL dimensions of ART. The exhibit will make a fun holiday show.

Visit the “Call or Artists” website page regularly for themes of upcoming exhibitions, and submit online the FIRST through the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

Click here for more information or to register.

Artist Nicora: The Fine Art of Mixed Media

The Art study is the attempt to perceive and create fine relations of line, mass, and color. This class technique session will begin training through appreciation and observation, and color harmonies will be worked out through the medium of pastel paints.

November 4 - 5 | Fee Required

Technique Tuesdays at 2PM

A weekly “CREATE” event and learning opportunity at SOBO Gallery that allows people of ALL SKILL LEVELS in our community to learn, grow, and be inspired through the talents of other artists.

Click here for theme schedule.

Tuesdays | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | Studio Room
Open to all | Free to members & first time visitors

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 member; $15 nonmember (collected at sign in)

Open Studio Saturdays/Front Patio Live for Members

Saturdays at SOBO is OPEN STUDIO day for MEMBERS ONLY. Bring your own supplies and enjoy creating in our studio room -- or on our outdoor front patio with the Farmers Market (open through 1:00 pm) just steps away. Must bring your own drop cloth (and shading if necessary) when painting outside.

Click here to reserve your space.

Saturdays | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Members Only | Free

HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENTS

Create a Gingerbread House
Work together to create a fantastic holiday gingerbread house. SOBO provides step-by-step guidance, one preassembled base, house, and EVERYTHING you could want to design your masterpiece. Always a sold out event so reserve quickly.

Saturday, December 3 | 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
$42 per house for 1 adult with 1 child $6 each for additional artists working on the same house

ART FOR KIDS

Click here for details and registration.

Wednesday Art Clubs
2nd grade - 5th grade | 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Middle and High School | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
$15 each session, includes all materials

VOLUNTEER

Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays. Sign-up at wgart.org/volunteer.

JOIN

Individual membership is $35 and a family membership is $50. Click here to become a member or donate to the arts.

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City is Hiring:
911 Dispatchers, Parks Workers, Solid Waste Drivers, & Utilities Positions – TRAINEES & EXPERIENCED

The City currently has great career opportunities available for those with EXPERIENCE and for TRAINEES. The City offers competitive wages and full-time employees are eligible for generous benefits, pension, & tuition reimbursement plan. Click here to review all available positions and for additional information on position responsibilities and minimum qualifications. Several examples of our career opportunities include:

PUBLIC SAFETY:

911 Dispatchers (Full-time): Experienced or Trainees to coordinate incoming calls for service with Police resources, assess/prioritize calls, dispatch Officers, maintain/monitor Officer responses, conduct/enter inquiries, relay information, and help with lifesaving instructions. Full-time new hires are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus!!

PARKS:

Parks Workers (Full-Time): Needed to perform grounds keeping and landscape maintenance of City parks, grounds, and facilities. Responsibilities include use of equipment to install, care for, and maintain turf, shrubs, trees, ground cover, plant containers, and seasonal plantings. Performs irrigation maintenance as needed. Assists with preparation, set-up and removal of decorations for special events, including holiday events. Performs custodial services at parks and other City owned facilities and buildings. Must have experience with the use of landscape equipment and performing manual labor.

PUBLIC SERVICES:

Solid Waste Drivers (Full-time): Requires Florida CDL Class B to pick up and haul garbage and refuse, experienced in using some/all of the following: Commercial Front End Loader, Rear End Loader, ASL, Boom Truck, Container Delivery Truck, & Roll off Truck. Scheduling flexibility is essential, as routes may require varying schedules including early morning, weekend, etc.
Utilities Collection Field Technicians & Distribution Field Technicians (Full-time): Experienced or Trainees to perform physically demanding work (have/obtain a Florida CDL Class B) while using light and/or heavy equipment. Locates water mains and valves and installs, relocates, replaces, repairs & maintains gravity sewer lines, force mains, manholes, service connections, water mains, fire hydrants, gate valves, etc. related to water and wastewater systems. Must be available and able to answer emergency or service calls after normal working hours.

Mobile Citizen App

Potholes, down street signs, damaged garbage bin, sewer back-ups, defected street lights, or damaged park equipment. Have you ever seen any of these concerns and were unsure where or whether to report it?

With the City’s Mobile Citizen App, you have a sure and convenient means to report and route a concern for a prompt response. Many residents especially found the App useful to report Hurricane Ian recovery issues.

The App allows you to ask a question if you’re planning to modify your property or submit a work request for service issues encountered at your home, in your neighborhood, or throughout our community. It really is an enhanced way to engage and be involved in City affairs helping to preserve the appealing qualities that make Winter Garden a desirable community.

Scan the QR code to download the free Mobile Citizen app from Apple Store or Google Play to your personal device.

Sampling of Tis the Season Upcoming Events

Light Up Winter Garden – December 2, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Winter Garden Christmas Parade – December 3, 10:00 am
A Merry Winter Garden Light Show – select December dates, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Holiday Boutique Stroll Downtown – December 8, 5:00 – 8:00 pm

For more information about Tis the Season events, visit the City of Winter website and/or the Downtown Winter website.

To download a Tis the Season event schedule flyer, click here.

City Budget Adopted for 2022/2023

The City of Winter Garden Fiscal Year 2023 Budget was adopted at the October 5, 2022, City Commission Meeting and Budget Hearing. The budget covers the tax year beginning October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023. There is no change to the millage rate and it remains at 4.50 mills (assessed valuation of property within City limits).

Click here to view the budget.

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 has 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 Street.

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.

NOVEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE
The City has resumed in-person meetings. All meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street.

Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 pm

City Commission Meeting
Thursday, November 10, 6:30 pm

Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 1, 6:15 pm

Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 9:30 am
Wednesday, November 23, 9:30 am

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, November 7, 6:30 pm

Visit the City of Winter Garden calendar for meeting updates, as well as to find out about additional meetings and events.

*City Commission Meeting recordings are available the next business day following the meeting, Click here to listen.

City Government Serving You

MAYOR/COMMISSIONER

John Rees, District 5 – City Wide
407.656.7372
jrees@cwgdn.com

COMMISSIONERS

Lisa Bennett, District 1
407.877.5131
lisa.bennett@cwgdn.com

Ron Mueller, District 2
407.877.5132
ron.mueller@cwgdn.com

Mark A. Maciel, District 3
407.877.5133
mmaciel@cwgdn.com

Colin Sharman, District 4 , Mayor Pro-Tem
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com

CITY MANAGER

Jon C. Williams
407.656.4111 ext. 2267
jwilliams@cwgdn.com

E-mail us:

socialmediainquiries@cwgdn.com

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com

Official Social Media Platforms:

www.facebook.com/officialdowntownwintergarden
www.instagram.com/officialdowntownwintergarden

November 2022

Holiday Office Closure &Solid Waste Collection Services Schedulefor Thanksgiving Day and Friday after Thanksgiving