Villian Night

Good morning, Orlando! This is the Orlando Signal - the newsletter equivalent of that friend who always knows the best coffee spots in town.

Now onto today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

• $5K microgrants

• Villian Night

• Goblin Market

• + tons of weekend recs

🛑 Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Beyond the Fence Line: Redefining Growth in Orange County

In Orange County, commissioners recently unanimously approved a rural boundary amendment, granting veto power over voluntary annexations. This landmark decision, slated for a November referendum, represents a decade-long struggle to preserve rural life.

Jimmy Hester, a fourth-generation farmer, embodies this fight. For 27 years, he's cultivated not just crops, but a way of life east of the Econlockhatchee River.

Mayor Jerry Demings envisions a balanced future, where thoughtful growth respects all residents' wishes. However, city leaders voice concerns about shifting power dynamics.

As November approaches, rural communities rally to educate voters, their efforts rooted in the same neighborly spirit that defines their lifestyle.

Microgrants, Macro Impact: Dr. Phillips Charities' New Community Catalyst

Dr. Phillips Charities has unleashed a game-changing micro-grant program in Osceola and Orange Counties for the Doc’s 150th birthday!

These $5,000 micro-grants target nonprofits in arts, youth, education, healthcare, and social services. The charity's laser focus? Easing economic burdens on low-income families and battling illiteracy.

They're not just funding projects; they're stimulating community progress.

Collaboration is key, with priority given to initiatives that weave together diverse community threads. Private schools and foundations are sidelined as public initiatives take center stage.

The clock ticks towards the September 1 deadline, inviting local heroes to join this transformative journey. It's not a handout; it's a hand up.

From Cliff to Summit: Empowering Women's Financial Futures

Women on the Rise International, Inc (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) based in Orlando is spearheading change with their 10-week Career Development Cohort launching this September.

The program targets women facing the "benefits cliff"—where a slight income increase could lead to a devastating loss of public assistance. This initiative aims to break the cycle trapping many single mothers and minority groups.

It offers expert-led workshops on mindset, networking, and personal branding, while integrating crucial financial literacy. With 62% of survey respondents lacking a month's savings, the timing is critical.

Participants receive a year-long mentorship, joining a community of women lifting each other up. This innovative approach promises to vault over the wage gap. Know someone who could benefit? The application deadline is August 25th.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Villian Night Beckons

📍Cocktails & Screams. 39 W Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, August 23rd, 7 p.m.

Attention, forces of evil! Cocktails & Screams, Orlando's Halloween haven, dares to ask: Why should heroes hog the spotlight? Welcome to Villian Night – where wickedness reigns supreme.

Sip devilish concoctions as nefarious plots unfold. Don your most diabolical disguise for our costume contest – uniqueness and villainy rewarded! Will you embody a criminal mastermind, cosmic destroyer, or subtle antagonist?

Anti-heroes and ne'er-do-wells, your time has come. Step out of the shadows and into infamy. Every story needs a villain – Friday night, it's you.

TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Goblin Market's Summer of Swaps

📍The Neighbors Orlando. 3201 Corrine Dr Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, August 23rd, 12-4 p.m.

Artists and art lovers, heed the call!

Gather the art you've made and some you've bought, that craft kit you never used, and scrap fabric from your last cosplay, and head on down to Goblin Market's Summer of Swaps!

For four air-conditioned hours, swap treasures, doodle on the Goblin King's Great Scroll, and snag Kiuichii's enchanting art.

Bring your creations in bags (no wagons, please!). The Neighbors offer art deals and drink specials, while East End Market tempts with culinary delights.

Summer Concert Series: Your Heart's Desire

📍University Club of Winter Park. 841 N Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, August 25th, 2 p.m.

Opera Orlando's 2024-25 "Destiny + Desire" season ignited August with their sizzling Summer Concert Series at the University Club of Winter Park.

The grand finale on Sunday, August 25th at 2 p.m. promises a duet of destinies, featuring rising soprano Avery Boettcher and globe-trotting tenor Dominick Valdés Chenes. These vocal powerhouses will tantalize with opera hits, offering a taste of the upcoming season's delights.

Post-show, mingle with the stars over wine and appetizers. Don't miss this prelude to passion, where Boettcher and Valdés Chenes preview their April roles in "Beatrice + Benedict / Cavalleria Rusticana." Opera Orlando: where desire meets destiny in perfect harmony.

Reggae Festival @ Boxi Park

📍Boxi Park – Lake Nona. 6877 Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, August 24th, 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Immerse yourself in a sun-soaked reggae paradise!

Let the masterful DJ C-Lioness and DJ RED transport you with their infectious beats, spinning good vibes from dawn to dusk at Boxi Park in Lake Nona

For the first time this year, witness the stage-shaking debuts of three sensational acts: The Caribbean Crew's rhythmic wizardry, Empress Uneek's regal vocals, and Jah Movement's electrifying spiritual energy.

This is a celebration where music becomes the universal language of joy. Join for an unforgettable day where strangers become friends, all united by the pulsating heart of reggae.

Maggiano's Orlando Master Sommelier's Wine Dinner

📍Maggiano’s Orlando. 9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, August 23rd, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Embark on an amazing journey at Maggiano's Little Italy Orlando with their inaugural Master Sommelier's Wine Dinner.

Master Sommelier Jason Smith has handpicked three extraordinary wines, complemented by two gems from Salvatore Ferragamo's Il Borro winery.

Their Executive Chef Team has crafted a menu that dances in perfect harmony with each pour, promising a symphony of flavors.

This isn't just dinner; it's a sensory expedition through fine wines and Italian culinary mastery. Join for an unforgettable evening where every sip tells a story and every bite is an adventure.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Friday:

History Bluffs! Live Comedy Game Show | 7:30 p.m. | Casselberry (laugh out loud)

The Hamiltons, 430 Steps, Here Here, and Trashworld | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Soy Division, Smashing Pixies, Distant Stations, and DJ Jukebox Bully | 8 p.m. | Winter Park Area (more info)

Beres Hammond: Forever Giving Thanks Tour | 9 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal (tix)

Orlando Boat Show | Fri, Sat, & Sun 10 a.m. | I-Drive/Universal (info)

Saturday:

Storytelling Festival: Fairytale Fun | 9:30 a.m. | Winter Park Area (more info)

Roots of Herbalism Orlando | Sat & Sun 10 a.m. | Casselberry (more info)

2024 BLK JOY Festival | 11 a.m. | Downtown (enjoy)

Summer Fest | 12 p.m. | Downtown | No cost (more info)

CFCArts Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra present: Glorious | 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. | Casselberry (hear music)

A Night Of Punk Rock!! at Uncle Lous | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 (more)

Le Petite Fete Presents: Headliners - A Pop Dance Night | 8 p.m. | Winter Park Area (dance)

Psych! A Diagnostic Stand-Up Therapy Comedy Show | 9 p.m. | Milk District (laugh out loud)

Sunday:

Orlando Local Makers Pop-Up Market | 1 p.m. | College Park (more info)

Opera in Concert: Summer Concert Series | 2 p.m. | Winter Park Area (more info)

The Ukulaliens Summer Uke Jam | 3 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Milk District Summer Paint Night | 4 p.m. | Milk District (more info)

Mayhem on Mills Presents THE SCORE: A Live Pro Wrestling Who-Won-It | 5 p.m. | Thornton Park (more info)

UCF Knights Mens Soccer vs. Seattle University Redhawks Mens Soccer | 5 p.m. | UCF (goal!)

Channing Crowder | 5 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal (info)

Endoxa Booking Presents: The March Violets, Rosegarden Funeral Party, and More | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area (more)

Alan Singley, Ryland Bojack, Cloudsdrift | 7 p.m. | Audubon Park (more info)

Cults | 7 p.m. | Downtown (more info)

Jayo | 10 p.m. | Mills 50 (more info)

Collective Corner | 11 a.m. | Downtown (more info)

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal