If  you weren’t able to make it to GreenFest and the truckload sale on Saturday, you can still purchase a composter or rain barrel.  The composters are $47 and the rain barrels are $58.  Contact Mills 50 at: director@mills50.org.

Mills 50 Main Street, in conjunction with Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, OUC and My Green CFE, will host GreenFest this Saturday from 9am until 3pm at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Avenue.

GreenFest features a backyard compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale.  Earth Machine compost bins will be sold for $47 and Systerns for $58.  Checks and credit cards accepted.  No cash.

In addition, vendors specializing in sustainable and/or all natural products, such as Pink Elephant Lighting, Coconut Clean, Earthy Habitats, Purple Sunflower Productions and Long Family Chiropractic, will be on hand.  Be sure to bring your appetite and enjoy hummus, baklava and falafel from Fantastic Hummus; egg rolls, summer rolls, spring rolls and Pappardelle’s Pasta from LotsAPasta; empanadas and arepas from Helados y Postres and fresh produce from Aubrey & Sons.

The first 300 attendees to stop by the Mills 50 booth will receive an eco-friendly shopping tote.

Congratulations to Julio Lima and SAY IT LOUD, winner of 3 silver ADDY awards.

The annual ADDY awards are presented by the Orlando Chapter of the American Advertising Federation to recognize local advertising talent and excellence in advertising. More than 200 entries were received from more than 20 Central Florida companies.

Julio, a member of the Mills 50 Design Committee, created the new Mills 50 logo!

The Orlando Sentinel Culinary Hall of Fame, now in its fourth year, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to how Central Florida eats, drinks and dines. Tien Hung Market, 1110 E. Colonial, has been named as one of ten honorees.

David Phan’s family has owned and operated the full-service Vietnamese supermarket for almost three decades. Shoppers will find spring rolls, fresh fish, a variety of sauces, bahn mi sandwiches, spices, teas and much more.

David says, “People know so much more about food and culture and are willing to seek out new products. We serve everyone.” Along with his wife, Annmarie, and brother Tri, Phan has seen many changes in the Mills50 district, an eclectic mix of restaurants, stores and ethnic shops. “There has been a lot of growth in the local Asian community and we are proud to be part of it.”

If you haven’t purchased your Girl Scout cookies yet, you are in luck! The Girl Scouts will be at Publix at Shine & Colonial this Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20 from 9am until 9pm, selling thin mints, shout-outs, shortbread and all your favorites! Be sure to support the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, a Mills 50 member!

Every Valentine LOVES bling!  Get 20% OFF ALL JEWELRY thru February 15th at Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, 926/928 North Mills Avenue.  www.ritzyrags.com

No Valentine this year!  No problem! Stop by Raphsodic Bakery, 710 North Mills Avenue, on Thursday, February 10 between 7pm and 9pm for a very special evening where you can embrace your single lifestyle and learn about solo adventuring.   The decadent desserts will help you enjoy being single!

Delectable, creative desserts for two are sure to ignite the romance this Valentine’s Day evening from 6pm until 8pm at Raphsodic Bakery. Couples can share a memorable evening complete with candlelight, soft music, fun and thought provoking games, along with the bakery’s chocolate-scented air!  www.raphsodic.com

The 13th Annual Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards have been announced and Bananas is the winner in the Late Night category!  Bananas was voted #1 by readers of the Orlando Sentinel AND by Heather McPherson, Food Editor.  McPherson writes “Bananas takes counterculture to a whole new level for Orlando.  With an ambitious menu inspired by a grandmother’s home-style recipe box, Bananas is ground zero for comfort food in the Mills 50 District.”  Bananas is located at 924 N. Mills, between Marks and Weber.  Congratulations to Eddie, Nick and the entire staff of Bananas!

IT’S OFFICIAL! Eola Eyes, a Mills 50 member, is open in their new location at 519 N. Mills Avenue!   “We are a single-location, locally owned small business and plan to be a part of the Mills 50 District community for many years to come,” says Kerry Giedd, Optometrist and Co-Owner. Check out the new Eola Eyes at www.eolaeyes.com.

Have you noticed the palm trees at Mills & Marks and Mills & Lake Highland Streets?  These eight Chinese Fan palms, purchased and maintained by Mills 50 Main Street, are part of a District beautification project.  Stay tuned for a District GreenUp…coming in March!  Mills 50 is always looking for volunteers….just e-mail:  director@mills50.org!