Though its origins are murky, April Fools’ Day has been celebrated for centuries in many cultures. American humorist Mark Twain made its meaning clear with this observation: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other 364.”    

April is also National Canine Fitness Month. Allow your dog to release all its pent-up energy at a local dog park. Lake County provides space for dogs to romp at North Lake Community Park in Umatilla, Lake Idamere Park in Tavares, PEAR Park in Tavares, Lake Hiawatha Park in Clermont, and Gnann-Thompson Memorial Dog Park in Eustis. 

Jeffrey Wands, an internationally-acclaimed psychic medium/radio host/author, will speak at the Community Building in Mount Dora on April 14. He will deliver healing messages directly to audience members and remind them that our deceased loved ones are still with us. Call 352.455.3171 for more information. 

Camp Boggy Creek, in Eustis, was founded in 1996 by actor Paul Newman and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf. The camp provides fun-filled camp experiences for children age 7-16 with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. During week-long summer sessions, children camp with other kids enduring similar medical conditions. The family retreat weekends are therapeutic for children and their families since they’re able to spend quality time together outside of a medical setting.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce, Give A Day Foundation, numerous community leaders and residents, were in Groveland Feb. 24 for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of local attorney Bridgette Bennett’s Reggae Café. The new addition overlooks Lake David and delivers coffee from the island of Jamaica (Bridgette’s homeland), plus other goodies. The coffee shop inside the new All Nations Building was designed by Bridgette to house her dream café and practice—the Bennett Law Center, LLC—at 302 W. Orange St., Groveland. For more information, follow Reggae Café on Facebook. 

The Community Foundation of South Lake recently introduced its new director Laura Michalski, who is excited to establish her roots in Clermont. Laura brings extensive leadership experience gained during more than 15 years as executive director at various non-profits. Her background includes expertise in growing non-profit organizations and increasing community impact. Laura has won many awards for her accomplishments.

The Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Winter Garden has announced that it will build a new 40,000-square-foot brewery in Minneola. The facility will include a taproom, beer garden, flex lawn space for concerts and other outdoor events, headquarter space, and a food hall similar to the Plant Street Market anchored by its sister brewery in downtown Winter Garden. The Crooked Can Brewery will be located on three acres in the quickly emerging Hills of Minneola development near the Florida Turnpike exit off Hancock Road. The future venue is expected to bring upwards of 100 jobs to the area. 

The Leesburg Public Library will host a celebration of Anime and Manga at its second annual Anime Day on April 22, noon to 4pm. There will be a cosplay contest, anime streaming, gaming, artists, vendors, giveaways, and a question-and-answer session with a voice actor. Call 352.728.9790 for more information or contact Lake Hiawatha Preserve at 352.708.7085 ext. 975.

The City of Mount Dora will celebrate Earth Day on April 15, starting at 9:00 a.m., at Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora. The free family-friendly event will include live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, yoga, educational workshops and much more. Event proceeds go toward purchasing and planting trees locally. For more information, call Janet Gamache at 352.217.2178X390 or email janet.gamache@gmail.com.