FREE IQuit Program

Heart-to-Heart Cardiovascular Symposium (February 5–7)

This year’s three-day educational symposium will include the latest information on critical care, as well as cardiovascular health. Relax and socialize at the “Heart-to-Heart after Dark” party on Thursday, Feb. 6. Tickets are just $10, which includes great food, drink tickets, entertainment, and more. The cost of the symposium for Central Florida Health Alliance (CFHA) employees is $75 for one day, $100 for two days, or $150 for three days. The cost for nonCFHA employees is $100 for one day, $150 for two days, or $200 for three days. All prices include breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. Information: Becky Craine at bcraine@chfalliance.org or 352.323.5400

Spice It Up For Hospice (February 8)

In downtown Bushnell Plaza Park, the chili tasting is from 11a.m. to 1p.m. and the prizes will be announced at 1:30p.m. Wristbands are $5 and all proceeds benefit Sumter County Hospice and Lane Purcell Hospice Care. Information: Susan Bennett at 352.742.6807

Spring Bling Fashion Show & Brunch (February 8)

Tickets are $25 each. Shopping will be available starting at 10a.m at Trilogy Orlando, 107 Falling Acorn Ave., in Groveland. All proceeds benefit New Beginnings, a nonprofit that helps Lake County homeless children and their families. Information: 352.617.8788

Heart to Heart Health & Wellness Expo (February 13)

This health and wellness expo will include over 50 health, wellness, and fitness booths featuring clinical and educational resources all geared toward providing you with the most up-todate information for living a full and active life. There will also be free glucose, total lipid panel, blood pressure, spine, and hearing screenings. From 8 to 11a.m. at Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. Information: 352.253.3635

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Screaming Eagle 5K (February 15)

Starting at 9a.m. at South Lake High School, this 5K will include music, fun, and food, as well as a fun Beatles theme. Come dressed as your favorite Beatle, Beatle’s song, or era. The event will raise funds for the Screaming Eagle Band Program. To register for the Band on the Run 5K walk/run, log on to www.screamingeagle5k. com or active.com. Registration costs $30 per person or $20 per person with a team of 10 or more members. Information: www. screamingeagle5k.com

Pet Rescue Fundraiser and Adoption Expo (February 15)

Join the pet-friendly folks at Bill Bryan Subaru from 10a.m.–4p.m. The event will host several pet rescue agencies with cats, dogs, and even rabbits up for adoption. Various area vendors will attend, including therapy dog agencies, dog groomers, a professional pet photographer, and a licensed dog trainer. Food trucks, live music, pet supplies, children’s games, and prizes will all be at this charitable event. All proceeds made through donations and raffle drawings will go toward the nonprofit rescue organizations. Information: 352.787.2223

25/50 Anniversary Celebration (February 15)

Trout Lake Nature Center will hold a festival-sized party to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of its founding group, the Ocklawaha Valley Audubon Society. From 9a.m. to 4p.m. at Trout Lake Nature Center, 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. The event is free. Information: 352.357.7536

Sixth Annual Waterman 5K (February 16)

Proceeds from this project will go to the 2014 Florida Hospital Waterman mission project in the Dominican Republic. The team will be adding two classrooms to a school they helped build in Barahona in 2003. From 7:30 to 9:45a.m. at Wooton Park in Tavares. Entry fees are $30 the day of the race; and free for the 100-yard Kids Fun Run (for children 7 and under). Sign up on race day at Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St., Tavares, between 6:30a.m. to 7:15a.m. Cash or check only.

Ask the Experts: Arthritis (February 20)

You don’t have to live with the pain and discomfort that comes with chronic and degenerative arthritis. Learn how this disease affects your joints, which conservative treatment options are available, and when you should consider surgery as Dr. Carl Ollivierre answers your questions and discusses chronic and degenerative arthritis. From 3 to 4p.m. at Comfort Suites in The Villages. Information: 352.323.3232

Orange Blossom Half Marathon & 5K Run (March 2)

The 5K course includes an out-and-back course on Lake Dora Drive. The half marathon course starts with a 5K loop followed by a five mile out and back course along Lakeshore Drive from Tavares to Mount Dora. While most people will jog or run the course, this is your race so walking either distance is okay. Entry fees for the 5K are $25 by Feb. 23; $30 the week of the race; and $35 the day of the race. Entry fees for the half marathon are $60 by Feb. 23; $70 the week of the race; and $80 the day of the race. Information: www. sommersports.com