 January 2023
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Happy New Year 2023!
The City of Winter Garden would like to wish every resident a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!.
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Holiday Office Closure& Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 16, 2023
- All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 16.
- There will be Regular Collection Services of Garbage/Recycling/Yard/Bulk Waste on Monday, January 16.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community CelebrationCommemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community celebration on Monday, January 16. The free event includes a parade, a lineup of live music performances, family friendly activities, displays, and food vendors.
This signature City event kicks off at 10:00 am with a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade in historic downtown. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite viewing spot along West Plant Street (from Woodland St. to Central Ave.).
Immediately following the parade at about 10:30 am, the celebration continues with a lineup of topnotch music performances at the Downtown Pavilion. The Gerry Williams Band, Craig Thompson Project, and Selwyn Birchwood will be taking the stage through 4:00 pm.
Preregistration to participate in the parade is required and applications must be received no later than January 10, 2023. For more information, click here or call Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department, 407.656.4155.
Monday, January 16 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Downtown Pavilion/Historic Downtown | Free
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Utility Bill Assistance Available for Low Income SeniorsThe City of Winter Garden offers a 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 $1,566.80 (Single) or $2,190.43 (Married)
Documents needed with application:- copies of current identification
- 2023 Social Security Benefit Statement OR 2022 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 by contacting the City Clerk’s office, 407.656.4111 ext. 6327.
APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2023.
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Your City Celebrates its 120th Anniversary this YearSave the Date: February 11The year 2023 marks the 120th anniversary that your hometown was established. The celebration kicks of next month with the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival on February 11. The daylong festival will bring together all the things that make Winter Garden the place we all love as we celebrate this momentous occasion!
More information to be announced in next month’s newsletter, and stay tuned to cwgdn.com and downtownwg.com for updates.
Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival Saturday, February 11 | 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Historic Downtown
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Tis the Season 2022 Wrap UpFor those seeking a festive atmosphere for out-of-town guests or if you are looking for a way to extend the holiday celebration a bit longer, Historic Downtown will remain adorned with Tis the Season decorations through Sunday, January 8. Christmas Parade Winners AnnouncementThank you to the 1,200 participants of the annual Christmas Parade that either were on one of the 29 floats or took part as one of the 41 entries. Twelve winners were selected across seven categories. Click here to view the 2022 winners.
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 Mayor’s Choice Award: Young Star Musical Theatre
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De-Light Ful Decorations Contest Winners Announcement
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 Best Overall, 1st Place
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Thank you to all the participants of the annual De-Light-Ful Decorations Contest. Click here to view the 2022 winners and congratulations! Eight winners were selected across four categories. It’s never too soon to start planning for next year!
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Fire Rescue Offers Free Citizen CPR Class Interested in learning how to take a hands-on approach toward 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 January 21, 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.
Saturday | January 21, March 18, and May 20 (select one session) 9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Free Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing Continues through FebruaryThe Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will be conducting fire hydrant flow testing through mid-February. 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 experience continued loss of water pressure or water discoloration, please contact the Public Services Department at 407.656.2256.
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Reflection of Time: Tribute to Local African American ArtistsThe latest Art in Public Places exhibition explores the journey of African American artists from the Winter Garden community and surrounding areas. This collective body of work preserves a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle that needs to be told so that the importance can be felt year-round.
The exhibition showcases artwork by local artists of different artistic disciplines, unified under one brushstroke that shares one common denominator—Black excellence. Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art Senior Curator of Exhibitions, curated the exhibit.
Reflection of Time Exhibit January 9 – February 28 Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Thursday, January 12 -- Opening Reception, 5:00 - 6:30 pm & Gallery Walk with Curator at 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
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Live Music Every FridayCatch 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 6- Porchdogs (Cajun, Zydeco)
- January 13- Grimes Alley (Country, Blues)
- January 20- Katy Flanders (Acoustic, Blues)
- January 27- Retro Ramblers (Oldies)
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WINTER FUN with PARKS & RECREATION!
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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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS CLASSESBoot Camp with BradLooking 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 well-being that comes with exercise. Mondays and Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm 16 years and older $16 City Resident / $18 Nonresident, per class $55 City Resident / $65 Nonresident, per month (8 classes)Cardio DrummingThis Cardio Drumming beginner’s class is a cardiovascular-based full-body workout that requires you to move and play drums along to music. Except it does not actually involve any drums! It will raise your heart rate and help you burn hundreds of calories, improve your coordination and ability to focus, and help strengthen many muscle groups, including your core. Must register, as space is limited.
Wednesdays | 6:00 – 7:00 pm Evening Class | Meets at Jessie Brock Community Center $4 Resident / $5 Nonresident, per single class $12 City Resident / $15 Nonresident, per 4-week session 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 cardiovascular health and muscular strength.
Thursdays | 6:30 – 7:20 pm Monthly | $30 Resident / $34 Nonresident Single Day | $12 Resident / $14 Nonresident ACTIVE 50+
Active 50+ Trip to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Ponce Inlet, FLThe Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station is a National Historic Landmark and home to one of the finest lighthouse museums in the world. As you step inside the historic white picket fence, you are literally stepping back in time. All the original structures are there for you to explore, and yes – you can climb the 203 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower! Dutch treat lunch.
Tuesday, January 17 | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm $19 City Resident / $23 Nonresident
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Lakeview and Drew High Schools: A History Exhibit at the Heritage MuseumThis current exhibit at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum features the history of two local schools (Lakeview and Drew High Schools), dating back from their inception, to the days of segregation, to the day when all students in Winter Garden could attend classes together.
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 Teaching staff at Drew High School, 1950s
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Lakeview and Drew High Schools: A History Now - February 28, 2023 Winter Garden Heritage Museum | 1 North Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244
Tuesday - Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission
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Winter Garden Art Association SOBO Art Gallery127 S. Boyd Street407.347.7996 wgart.org
Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Free Admission
EXHIBITIONArtisans AppealA vast selection of 2D and 3D works that depict both the FUN and FUNCTIONAL dimensions of art. It is a fun holiday show!
Now – January 28
Art in MotionA variety of 2D and 3D artwork that celebrates movement and motion. From sports and exercise to concepts like energy, fluidity, and mechanics. This theme has a broad range!
January 31 – March 25 Opening Reception, February 2 | 5:30 - 8:00 pm - Public Invited CALL TO ARTISTSJanuary 1 - 8 | Art in Motion Call to Artists: Submit 2D & 3D artwork that celebrates movement and motion. From sports and exercise to concepts like energy, fluidity, and mechanics.
Visit the “Call to 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 ADULTSClick here for more information or to register.
Artist Nicora Gangi – Two-Day Pastels WorkshopThis two-day workshop will focus on COLOR DRAWING with Pastels. Utilizing Soft Pastels, Oil Pastels, Color and Drawing Pencils, Nicora has developed skills as a leading artist in this medium that are sure to take your artistry to the next level.
Register at wgart.org/project/nicora-gangi.
January 13 and 14 | 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 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 – 3:00 pm Members Only | Free
ART FOR KIDSClick 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.
LIVE MUSIC PROGRAM FOR ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA ADULTS Musical Minds with Central Florida Community Arts
Free live music sing along program for adults with early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and their care partners. Thursdays | 10:30 am – 11:30 am For more information and to RSVP, visit cfcarts.com/musicalminds or call 407.937.1800 ext. 719. JOINIndividual 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 Commission 2023 ElectionThe 2023 City election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The qualifying period begins 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 and ends 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Election for seats include Commissioner District 1 and 5 (Mayor/ Commissioner – At Large); term of office is four (4) years and is nonpartisan. Those interested in running for a municipal office may contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 300 West Plant Street. For additional information, or to set an appointment, please contact City Clerk Angee Grimmage at (407) 656-4111 ext. 2297 or CityClerk@cwgdn.com.
(Run-off if necessary, April 11, 2023)
For information regarding voter registration, early voting or vote-by-mail (absentee) voting, please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections at 407.836.2070.
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City is Hiring: Urban Designer, Communications Manager, 911 Dispatchers, Parks Workers, Drivers, & Utilities Positions – TRAINEES & EXPERIENCED
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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:
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.
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 $2,000.00 sign-on bonus!!
- Communications Manager (Full-time): Manages a specialized team of Communications Supervisors and Public Safety Telecommunicators/911 Dispatchers to provide effective coordination between requests from the public for Police Services and dispatching services to appropriately respond based on the situation. Must be certified as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, hold an Associate’s degree and have a minimum of eight years of full-time experience as a Dispatcher/Telecommunicator with a minimum of five years as a supervisor or manager. Skill in the use of Computer Aided Dispatch software required. Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and various shifts.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:- Urban Designer (Full-time): Develops and implements the overall urban design strategy for the City, as well as conducting planning and zoning work in the Community Development Department. Requires Bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban planning, public administration or related field and a minimum of four years of experience in planning and design. The ideal candidate will be a team player, takes initiative, and excels at giving presentations and communicating with internal and external customers. Must be able to work evenings as needed for meetings.
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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 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.
JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULE All meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street. Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 pm
City Commission Meeting Thursday, January 12, 6:30 pm Thursday, January 26, 6:30 pm Code Enforcement Board Meeting Tuesday, January 3, 6:15 pm
Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board Tuesday, January 10, 5:30 pm
Development Review Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 4, 9:30 am Wednesday, January 18, 9:30 am Planning & Zoning Board Meeting Monday, January 9, 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.
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City Government Serving You
The district boundaries have been redrawn following the results of the 2020 U.S. Census. The new district boundaries became effective on December 14, 2022. Click on district links below to view new maps and to find your respective commissioner. MAYOR/COMMISSIONER
COMMISSIONERS
CITY MANAGER
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