The Banyan Odyssey

Festival of Trees Decorations Party – with PIZZA!
2025-10-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Ready to be creative for a purpose? We’ll be making ornaments for a “Banyan Christmas Tree” to support the Arc of Tampa Bay’s Festival of Trees from November 22-24, 2025. Some of the ornaments will feature our very own Banyan Artists!
WHO: Open to our neurodiverse friends (Note: Space is limited to the first 15 who register)
WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2025, from 6pm until 9pm
WHERE: Location is off of Indian Rocks Rd in Largo, FL. (The complete address will be provided following registration)
ATTIRE: Wear clothes that can get paint, glue or other artistic messy stuff on them
COST: Free – but you must register so we will have enough pizza!
TO REGISTER: We’re sorry but the event’s capacity has been reached. This event is no longer available; please watch the Banyan Odyssey’s Event Calendar for future events. ( Link to Events Calendar )
If you have questions, please email Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com

Join us and enjoy pizza, seeing friends and creating ornaments!
If you want to donate to the Banyan Odyssey (a Florida Not for Profit 501(c)3) visit the “Give” page at OurBanyan.com ( Give Link )
For more information on the Arc/Festival of Trees, click this link to their website: Arc of Tampa Bay Festival of Trees

Art Class at the Stirling Art Gallery in Dunedin!! A Banyan Event!
2025-11-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Stirling Art Gallery, 730 Broadway, Dunedin, FL, 34698, United States
LEARN A NEW ART MEDIUM IN NOVEMBER
The Banyan Odyssey is hosting a free Art Class for our neurodiverse friends at the wonderful Stirling Art Gallery!
Master Artist Joy Swanson, from Dunedin’s Stirling Art Gallery, will lead Banyan artists to create their own “Scratch Art” masterpiece to take home. Scratch Art uses a sharpened dowel to scratch off black ink to reveal a color or metallic surface underneath (see Joy’s owl below). Participants will create a sea turtle, owl, butterfly or their own design. There is no cost for student artists. Class is 4:00 – 6:00pm
6:00pm: Optional group dinner at Casa Tina, a Mexican restaurant located up the block from the gallery. Both class participants and their Caregivers are invited to dinner; the cost of dinner is the responsibility of the participants/Caregivers.
The Art Class is limited to 20 participants so register early!
Where: Stirling Art Gallery, 730 Broadway 2nd Fl, Dunedin, FL 34698
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2025. 4pm-6pm with optional dinner afterwards
Cost: The art class is FREE; individuals are responsible for their own dinner cost.
Who: Our neurodiverse friends; Caregivers invited to join us for the optional group dinner.
To register, complete the form below.

Art Class at the Stirling Gallery

Person Completing this Form(Required)

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Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)Name of Person(s) Attending the Art Class(Required)Last NameFirst NameAny Special Note: Add RemoveAdd additional names by clicking the "+" sign on the far rightAttending the Optional Dinner at Casa Tina's?(Required)

Yes

No
If Yes, How Many will be Joining the Group for Dinner?Participants and Caregivers may join the group for dinner. Note: this is a 'self-pay' expense.CAPTCHA

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Night Owl by Joy Swanson using the Scratch Art Method.

Banyan at the Movies: A “WICKED: FOR GOOD” Private Showing with Friends!
2025-12-04 15:45 - 18:30 | Studio Movie Grill Theater – Seminole, 7718 113th St, Seminole, 33772, United States
The Banyan Odyssey Hosts a Private Screening of the Musical “WICKED: For Good” at the Seminole Studio Movie Grill for our friends in the neurodiverse/handicapable community. This is the exciting second part to the movie “Wicked” we enjoyed so much last December!
There is no cost for the ticket, but you must *RESERVE A TICKET in advance. Refreshments are at your own expense.
Reserve quickly because our 40 seats will fill up fast!
Who: Neurodiverse / Handicapable Friends (age 22 and up)
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025. Arrive at 3:45pm (Look for Registration Table in Lobby)
Where: Studio Movie Grill – Seminole, 7718 113th St N, Seminole, FL 33772
Cost: Ticket is free – you must sign up below. Participant must bring their own money for any drinks or snacks.
What Else: Costumes in the Oz Theme are welcome. There will be a Photo Op Spot. We also are fine with singalongs to your favorite songs!
*Fill out the form below to reserve your ticket; you will receive a confirmation response email. Note: Caregivers who plan to attend must reserve a ticket, too. Hit the + button next to “Requesting Ticket” to add a name
Lights will be on dim in the theater. Bring earphones if you are sound-sensitive.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com
Watch or subscribe to the Banyan Odyssey Calendar on the Events Page. The Banyan Odyssey is a 501(c)(3) Florida Non-Profit. If you wish to donate visit the “Gift” page or CLICK HERE.

Wicked: For Good Ticket Registration Form

Name of Person Completing this Form(Required)

First

Last

Email of Person Completing this Form(Required)

Phone of Person Completing this Form(Required)I am Requesting Ticket(s) to be Reserved for...Participant's First NameParticipant's Last NameAge (Not Needed for Caregiver)List Any Special Considerations Add Remove(To add additional lines click on the + sign to the right)Consent: Photo Release(Required)

I agree to the photo release policy
Photo Release. I give my consent for the Participant(s) mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program, or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).CAPTCHA

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Holiday Bash!! The Banyan Odyssey and LiFT University Invite You to Join the Fun!!
2025-12-18 05:30 - 20:30 | LiFT, 1005 S Highland Avenue, Clearwater, 33756, United States
Exciting HOLIDAY BASH for our Neurodiverse / Handicapable Friends and their Caregivers and Parents!!!
This Free Event is brought to you by the Banyan Odyssey and LiFT University!!
To Register for the HOLIDAY BASH you must SCAN THE LARGE QR CODE below or CLICK THE “BASH!” link at the bottom of this information. You must register to attend.

Use the large QR Code below to Register:

If you are unable to use the QR Code, you may click on the “BASH!” link to access the Registration process form:
“BASH!” Link to Registration
Questions? Please reach out to Jane Williams at Hello@OurBanyan.com

Create Your Inner Comic Book Hero with Artist Josh Rodriguez (for Our Neurodiverse Friends)
2026-01-22 17:30 - 20:00 | Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Rd S, Largo, 33770, United States
New Art Medium! Create Your Own SuperHero with Comic Book Artist Josh Rodriguez!
Comic Book Artist Joshua T Rogriguez (“JRod”) guides participants through the process of creating their inner SuperHero in ink and watercolor! You pick a template, then add permanent details in ink. Next, you’ll add watercolors with which to make your creation come alive!

This evening of creativity and learning includes PIZZA for dinner!
Josh Rodriguez or “JRod” is an artist, illustrator, writer, photographer, videographer and the list goes on and on…. JRod was born in Tampa and grew up reading, watching and pretending to be a superhero. He has a degree in animation and comic art and has been influenced by some of the most legendary illustrators and comic book artists. Many of you met him at last month’s Holiday Bash.
Come spend 2.5 hours with JRod as he guides you to illustrate the SuperHero inside you! You won’t want to miss this experience! And you won’t want to miss the pizza!
Who: For our Neurodiverse Individuals age 22 years and up.
When: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Pizza will be served while artwork dries. (Gluten-free artists will need to bring their own dinner)
Where: Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 901 Ridge Rd SW Largo, FL 33770
Cost: $10.00 per participant. Pay with card on the link below or make your check payable to “The Banyan Odyssey.” The cost covers your art supplies. The pizza is on us! At the end of the session, you will take home your SuperHero creation and your watercolor kit.
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 25. Registration is required (no walk-ins)
If you have questions, please contact us via email at Hello@OurBanyan.com

SuperHero Art Class Registration

Name of Person Completing this Form(Required)

First

Last

Phone of Person Completing this Form(Required)Email of Person Completing this Form(Required)

List Participant(s)First Name of ParticipantLast Name of ParticipantList Food Restrictions Add RemoveIf there is more than one participant, click on the "+" sign to the right to allow additional rows.If Needed, Add Special Notes Regarding Participant(s) AboveEmergency Contact Full NameEnter information if it's different than person listed completing formEmergency Contact PhoneCost of the Class is $10.00. Select the Appropriate Choice:(Required)

I will bring a check to cover the $10.00 cost

I will send a check made out to The Banyan Odyssey, PO Box 1064, Largo, FL 33779-1064

I will use the link below or go to the "GIVE" page to make a credit card payment
Consent: Photo Release(Required) I agree to the Photo Release PolicyPhoto Release. I give my consent for the Participant(s) mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program, or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication).CAPTCHA

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Link to “Give” page for credit card payment ($10.00/participant): Click Here

April 11th Spotlight: The 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance for Neurodiverse Adults!!
2026-04-11 18:30 - 21:00 | City of Belleair Bluffs Town Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs, FL, 33770, United States
THE DANCE FLOOR IS NOW FULL (March 31st); NO MORE PARTICIPANT RSVP’s ARE BEING ACCEPTED. THANKS! (WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS – SEE BELOW)

Time to deck out in your Hollywood best, board the stretch limousine and be transported to the Red-Carpet entrance of the Belleair Bluffs City Hall! Our Friends of the Banyan celebrities will be treated to an evening of music and dance with friends. Prepare for your glamor photos. We have awesome volunteers for Dance Partners if you do not have a date in mind. Hors d’oeuvres, healthy snacks and drinks will be available (no sit-down dinner).
NEWS FLASH: We’ve added some special guests to our line-up for the Dance. Artist Lars Robinson is coming to do some caricature drawings, too! AND the Coffee Uniting People (CUP) gang from Tampa will be serve up some specialty drinks when you need a refresher. One more surprise…
Making his debut Banyan appearance, ZACK GOTTSAGEN (“Peanut Butter Falcon”) will be presented with the Keys to the City of Belleair Bluffs by City Commissioner Suzy Sofer. Come meet Zack–he’s ready to pose for pictures and hit the dance floor!

Registration in advance is required. Space is limited to the first 75 respondents. Register now to make sure you are a part of this exciting evening!!
What & Where: The 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance “Hollywood Style,” at the Belleair Bluffs Town Hall (2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770)
When: Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:00pm
Check-in: Opens at 6:15 and closes at 6:45pm, at the Registration Tent across the street (location below)
Parking and Sign-in: The Registration Tent is at 125 Indian Rocks Rd N. (the Bank parking lot on the East side; look for signs)
Cost: NONE! It is free to participate, but you must register in advance
Attire: Glamor and Glitz – It’s Hollywood Red Carpet Time, Baby!
For Whom: Neurodiverse and Handicapable Friends, over the age of 22
Refreshments: Appetizers and soft drinks will be available (please eat a full meal before the event)
Reserve Your Place: To RSVP, complete the form below and click “submit.” Note: if you have more than one participant attending, complete a form and submit it for the first person, then refresh the page and complete/submit a new form for each additional participant. No walk-ins will be admitted.
Note: There is limited space, and we will need to recruit Dance Partners, so please register before March 15th
Event Pick-Up: Caregivers can collect their Hollywood Stars at 9:00pm at the Belleair Bluffs Town Hall main entrance
Volunteers: Yes, we can use you! Please click this link and fill out the Volunteer Registration Form Dance Volunteer Registration Click Here
Sponsors: If you would like to be a recognized as a Sponsor on our social media and at this event, please inquire about sponsorship opportunities at hello@ourbanyan.com

Banyan Spring Dance: You Must Preregister!
Registration form for the 4th Annual Banyan Spring Dance

Person Completing this Form(Required)Relationship to Participant(Required)Phone(Required)Email(Required)

Participant's Name(Required)

First

Last

Participant's Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Participant's Age(Required)Gender(Required)MaleFemaleList Food Allergies and/or Dietary Restrictions(Required)If Information is Provided Above, is the Participant Aware of Any Food Allergies/Restrictions? Click One:(Required)

Yes

No

N/A
Special Assistance Needed? If Yes, Please Explain:Participant Wants to "Dance Partner" with the Person Named Below. Note: The Dance Partner Named Below MUST Register Separately.First and Last Name of Dance Partner to be Matched With.Emergency Contact (First & Last Name)Relationship(Required)Emergency Contact Phone(Required)How Did You Hear About This Event?(Required)

Our Banyan Website

FaceBook

Camp Banyan

Dance Depot

Email Distribution

LIFT

Special Olympics

Other
Photo Release Consent(Required) I Am Acknowledging I Am Authorized and Give My Permission to The Photo Release Statement Below.Photo Release [You Must Read and check the above box for the Participant to Be Able to Attend] I give my consent for the Participant mentioned above to be video recorded and/or interviewed by representatives from the media or The Banyan Odyssey. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Banyan Program or anyone authorized by them of any and all photographs/video recordings taken of participants, without compensation to myself. All of these photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of The Banyan Odyssey. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/video recordings and the soundtrack, script or printed information that may be used in conjunction with them (unless I expressly specify my desire to do so in advance of publication). This consent is expressly intended to forever release from liability all personnel, agents, designees and persons associated with The Banyan Odyssey, the photographers and all personnel of the publication or television media, and as continuing in nature without limitation or restriction, specifically including but not limited to time.CAPTCHA

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Would you like to donate to the Banyan Odyssey? Visit the “Give” page or click here. “Give”
