December Calendar

CORRECTION! Mr. Richard’s concert at Olivia & Co. Kids will be held Dec. 21 at 10:30am, NOT Dec. 11. See below:


Mr. Richard Concert (Dec. 21). Bring the kids to Olivia & Co. Kids downtown for a special, free concert at 10:30am by the popular children’s entertainer Mr. Richard and featuring Santa, too! Richard Peeples, who has been nominated for a 2009 Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Pick Award, plays more than 400 shows a year for kids and their families. Please bring an unwrapped toy or book. (352) 622-4576.


 


 


Holiday Happenings


 


Celebration of Christmas Past (Dec. 2–17). Take a magical step back in time, and enjoy a historical presentation of Christmas past at the Florida Carriage Museum in Weirsdale. Period-dressed guides lead guests through wonderfully decorated galleries that reflect past Christmas traditions during each 15-minute tour. Live entertainment will also be presented. $15 per adult and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations required. 5:30–7:15pm. fcmr.org or (352) 750-5500, ext. 248.


 


Christmas Candlelight Tour (Dec. 4). Step out and step into some of Ocala’s finest turn-of-the-century homes during this Historic Ocala Preservation Society candlelight tour. From 6pm to 9pm, three homes—506 SE Sanchez Avenue, 705 SE 5th Street, and 621 SE 5th Street—will be decorated to put guests in the holiday spirit and feature Christmas music, carolers, refreshments, and Santa. $10 per ticket in advance, and $12 on Dec. 4. Free for children under 10. historicocala.org or (352) 351-1861.


 


Ocala Christmas Parade (Dec. 5).A variety of marching bands and holiday floats will parade along more than two miles of Silver Springs Boulevard west toward 8th Avenue during this free annual event. The parade gets underway at 5:30pm. ocalachristmasparade.org or (352) 595-2446.


 


Christmas in Bloom (Dec. 5–6). Pioneer Garden Club of Ocala hosts this annual fundraiser at its East Silver Springs location, where guests will enjoy floral demonstrations, boutique, vendors, Christmas decoration raffles, and free refreshments. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children under 12 get in free. 1–5pm. (352) 236-4448.


 


St. Matthew’s Live Nativity (Dec. 11–12). Witness the beauty of a live nativity scene this month at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Silver Springs Boulevard. This annual nativity will be on display for all to see from 6pm to 8pm, and admission is free. Rain date is Dec. 18–19. stmattocala.org or (352) 629-5948.

Kringle Christmas (Dec. 12). St. Theresa Catholic Church on Hwy. 301 in Belleview hosts this Christmas extravaganza of arts and crafts, gift booths, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, sodas, and fun! Kids 7 years old and younger are invited to a special meet-and-greet with Santa. 9am–2pm. sttheresacatholicchurch.org or (352) 245-2458.

Urban Christmas House Tour (Dec. 12–13, 19–20). Take in a little holiday cheer during this annual Christmas tour through the Urbans’ festive home, featuring 10 decorated rooms, Christmas villages, figurines, and festooned trees. The Urban house is located at 2600 SW 42nd Street, and parking will be at Trinity Catholic School. 1–5pm. $5 per ticket. Proceeds benefit several local charities, and canned goods welcomed. (352) 867-6929.


 


A Tillis Family Christmas (Dec. 19). Get into the holiday spirit with Mel and Pam Tillis at Silver Springs this month. This concert features the tremendous vocal talents of Hall of Fame singer/songwriter Mel Tillis and his Grammy Award-winning daughter, Pam. 3pm. silversprings.com or (352) 236-2121.


 


Festival of Lights (Through Jan. 3). Silver Springs attraction will be awash in more than one million lights and neon displays again this season every Friday and Saturday night from dusk to 8:30pm. Other activities will include Miss Molly’s Storytelling at the Silver River Theatre, holiday music by local choirs, the lighted boat parade, and even a visit with Santa himself. silversprings.com or (352) 236-2121.


 


Marion Civic Chorale (Dec. 5–6). The Marion County Chorale will perform several holiday concerts with new director Dr. Wayne Earnest and Ricky Hendrix this season. The group will be at the Church on the Square in The Villages at 6pm on Dec. 5 and First Baptist Church in Dunnellon at 4pm on Dec. 6. (352) 261-1170.

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band (Dec. 5, 13). This month, Ocala’s own Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band will perform two Christmas concerts. Both will be held at the Marion Technical Institute with the Dec. 5 concert at 1pm and the Dec. 13 concert at 3pm. Admission is always free. kingdomofthesunband.org or (352) 624-9291.

The Nutcracker (Dec. 11–20). The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without a live performance of this classic ballet! See The Nutcracker performed live by the Marion Ballet Theatre at Ocala Civic Theatre. Showtimes are 2pm and 8pm. ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.

A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Dec. 12–13). The Ocala Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of new conductor Matthew Wardell, continues its season with this holiday concert featuring LeRoy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, Bavel’s Hanukkah Fantasy, a movement from Handel’s Messiah, and of course “A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.” 7:30pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Auditorium. cfsymphony.com or (352) 351-1606.

Central Florida Master Choir (Dec. 12, 13, 20). The Central Florida Master Choir performs its Christmas concerts at three different locations this year—First Presbyterian Church in Inverness on Dec. 12, Countryside Presbyterian in Ocala on Dec. 13, and Dunnellon Presbyterian on Dec. 20. 3pm for all three dates. (352) 873-0731.

Holiday Duet (Dec. 17–20). The Ocala Civic Theatre presents this holiday-themed musical program at the Appleton Museum. With an $18 ticket, guests also receive admission to the museum’s “Art of the Chopper” and “Red” exhibits. Times vary. ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.


 


 


LOCAL EVENTS


 


Miss Ocala/Marion County & Miss Silver Springs (Through Dec. 3). Calling all local young women seeking scholarship money! The Miss Ocala/Marion County and Miss Silver Springs organizations are accepting applications through Dec. 3 for their Jan. 30 pageants at the CFCC auditorium. Contestants must be 17–24 and meet residency requirements. For information, call (352) 732-3999, (352) 861-2770, or (352) 875-7153.


 


Ocala Lions Club Golf Tournament (Dec. 5). This 16th annual Memorial Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation golf tournament gets underway at 8am at the Ocala Municipal Golf Course. The cost is $80 per golfer, and a raffle for golf clubs, door prizes, and a big-screen TV will be held. Money raised will go to the Silent Santa Fund for underprivileged children and the club’s sight and hearing van. (352) 687-2603 or (352) 732-7218.

Toys for Kids Cruise-In (Dec. 5). Head to Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing on 16th Avenue for this ninth annual toy drive and cruise-in. Last year’s event featured over 350 cars and collected roughly $7,000 worth of toys. The price of admission is a new, unwrapped toy or $15. garlits.com or (352) 347-3696.

Toast to Hospice (Dec. 6). In celebration of its eighth anniversary, Felix’s Italian Casa hosts this elegant, black tie-optional evening of holiday dishes by award-winning chef Loring Felix and pastry chef Maggie Long, plus a wine and dessert bar and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Marion County’s Children’s Program. Donation is $95 per guest. 6–9pm. For reservations, call (352) 854-5218.

Lorrie Morgan (Dec. 12). Country music superstar Lorrie Morgan will be front and center at the Silver Springs attraction this month! Don’t miss this multi-award-winning singer performing such hits as “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No,” and “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” silversprings.com or (352) 236-2121.

Fraternal Order of Police Associates Gold Party (Dec. 12). Bring your old and unwanted jewelry to the Fraternal Order of Police Associates of Marion County’s gold party at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #145 on Hwy. 40, and a representative from goldparty.com will be on hand to pay you for your gold. Admission is free, but appointments are required. 10am–3pm. (352) 236-3069.

The Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting (Dec. 13). Communities around the world will join The Compassionate Friends in the 13th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting, and you can join them. The hour-long event honors children everywhere who have died at any age from any cause. Guests are welcome to attend a lighting at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church at 7pm, with a reception following. Please register if you would like to read your child’s name or have it read for you. (352) 369-6665 or (352) 522-0768.

Kenyon Lockry Concert (Dec. 13). St. Cloud native Kenyon Lockry performs a special Sunday afternoon concert at the Ocala Hilton to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Managed by the legendary Mel Tillis, Kenyon sings and plays traditional country music and performs regularly throughout Florida as well as at the Grand Ole Opry in April. Tickets are $20 each. 4pm. (352) 854-1400.

Start Smart Workshop (Dec. 14). Thinking of starting a business? This workshop, held at Ocala’s Small Business Development Center on College Road, gives an overview of seven basic requirements for business start-up. A start-up kit is included with the workshop fee. $40 in advance or $50 the day of the workshop. 9am–12pm for both dates. sbdc.unf.edu or (352) 622-8763.

Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame Nominations (Through Dec. 18). Agriculture is an important industry in Marion County, and now you can nominate an individual who has contributed to local agriculture to the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame. The UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service is accepting nominations through Dec. 18, and selected individuals will be notified by February. Inductees are commemorated with a plaque at the Extension Auditorium. marioncountyfl.org/IFASextention.htm or (352) 671-8400.

Children’s Home Society of Florida Holiday Drive (Through Dec. 18). The Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Mid-Florida Division, serving children and families in 18 counties, needs your help to make the holidays bright for over 1,600 Central Floridians. The organization’s Marion County branch, located at 2091 NE 35th Street, is accepting donations of books, games, toys, sporting goods, music, and gift cards. Items must be new, unwrapped, and appropriate for children ages 0–17. Cash donations are also welcomed. chsfl.org or (352) 732-1355.

Explore Marion County Interpretive Outing (Dec. 22). Explore the wild trail section of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway with the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department! Participants will meet at the Marshall Swamp Trailhead, and then discuss and discover the history of the areas, seek rare plants, and observe aspects of natural Florida, all in the course of a leisurely hike. 9am–12pm. Free but reservations are required. (352) 671-8560.

Artful Giving (Through Dec. 23). Cross some folks off your holiday gift list and support local artists and the Marion Cultural Alliance Brick City Center for the Arts at the same time! At the downtown art center, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts that come from the heart. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–6pm. mcaocala.com or (352) 369-1500.

New Year’s Eve 2009 (Dec. 31). Celebrate 2010 with friends at the Belleview General K. Pulaski Club on SE 113th Street. New Year’s Eve dinner will be served as the Gen. K. Pulasku Band performs ballroom, polkas, waltzes, and American dance music. Tickets are $25, and reservations are required. Dinner at 7pm and dancing from 8:30pm–12:30am. (352) 343-9296.

CFCC Summer Study Program (Through Dec. 31). Central Florida Community College is going to Spain next summer, and adults as well as high school and college students are welcome to join the college overseas. All participants must enroll as CFCC credit or audit students, and several programs are scheduled for travelers to choose from. All involve sightseeing, museum visits, and seminars. cf.edu or (352) 854-2322, ext. 1235.

Crystal Gayle (Jan. 2). The beloved singer of “Brown Eyes” and a Grammy, CMA, ACM, and AMA award-winner, Crystal Gayle performs live for Ocala at Silver Springs just after New Year’s. Don’t miss this country concert! 3pm. silversprings.com or (352) 236-2121.

FESTIVALS/FAIRS


 


Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend (Dec. 4–6). Head to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs for in-depth instruction in old-time music techniques on the banjo, guitar, and fiddle as well as voice instruction for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. Concerts featuring Mac Traynham, Shay Garriock, and Jenny Traynham will be held at the park auditorium at 7pm. Concert admission is $10 per person, and three-day passes are available. (386) 397-7005.


 


Art & Craft Fair (Dec. 5). Head to Spruce Creek Preserve for a day of arts and crafts, including free craft drawings every 30 minutes, a bake sale, lunch for purchase, and a special quilt drawing. 9am–2pm. (352) 854-9798.


 


MUSEUMS/EXHIBITS


 


Family Nature (Through Dec. 13). This Florida Museum of Natural History photography exhibit by Jeff Smith captures everyday family life in the wilds of North Central Florida. His collection includes courting rituals between barred owls, leisure time among alligators, and mother eagles nurturing their recently hatched eaglets. flmnh.ufl.edu/exhibits or (352) 846-2000.


 


The Art of the Chopper (Through Jan. 10). If you love bikes, you’re going to love the Appleton’s newest and most-unlikely exhibit featuring 30 choppers from such famed builders as Indian Larry, Rick Fairless, Jerry Graves, Ron Finch, and Mike Brown. See for yourself how a motorcycle can truly be a work of art. appletonmuseum.org or (352) 291-4455.


 


MUSIC/THEATER

Freak (Dec. 3–4). In this one-act production presented by the West Port High School’s Omega Theatre Company, Monique struggles to fit in at her high school, that is until she gets her wish and actually disappears. Tickets are $6. 7pm. (352) 438-8368.


 


Dance Party with Norman Lee Schaffer (Dec. 4). Based in Central Florida, talented entertainer Norman Lee Schaffer performs live at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. In the past, Schaffer has opened for LeAnn Rimes, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, and Willie Nelson, among many others. Tickets are $11 for residents and $13 for non-residents. 7pm. csculturalcenter.com or (352) 854-3670.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Dec. 31–Jan. 17). The show that took the world by storm, not to mention took home a few Tonys, too, arrives at the Ocala Civic Theatre. This charmingly quirky tale follows a group of misfits who discover their place and their voice when competing in a spelling bee. Please note that this play contains profanity and is not recommended for young audiences. A special New Year’s Eve party featuring hors d’oeuvres, desserts, coffee, and champagne, will follow opening night on Dec. 31. Inquire about ticket prices. ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2274.

David Leighton (Jan. 9). David Leighton, conductor and artistic director of the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra since 2005, performs selected works of Beethoven, Scott Joplin, and George Gershwin during this fundraising concert for Temple Beth Shalom in Ocala. Performance held at CFCC Fine Arts Building 4 at 7:30pm. $15 for adults and $5 for students. (352) 351-8419 or (352) 873-6262.

Forbidden Broadway (Jan. 10–11). Central Florida Community College’s Performing Arts Series continues with New York’s longest-running musical comedy review, Forbidden Broadway. Performed at CFCC’s Lecanto campus on Sunday, Jan. 10 and at the Ocala campus on Monday, Jan. 11, this production pokes fun at both Hollywood and the Great White Way. cf.edu or (352) 854-2322, ext. 1416.

 


ONGOING EVENTS


 


Domestic Violence Educational Workshop (Various Dates). The Ocala Police Department’s Victim Advocates regularly host free educational workshops on domestic violence. To learn more about upcoming presentations at the OPD, visit ocalapd.com or call (352) 369-7139.


 


Rainbow Porcelain Artists (First Mondays). Come paint with the Rainbow Porcelain Artists at 9:30am on the first Monday of every month at the Rainbow Lakes Community Center in Dunnellon. No admission charge. (352) 622-7660.


 


Alzheimer’s Support Group (First Mondays). The Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders support group of Ocala will meet from 3–5pm at the Medical Office Building at West Marion Community Hospital. For information, call (352) 401-1453.


 


Greater Ocala Woman’s Club (Second Mondays). The Greater Ocala Woman’s Club meets at 6pm for dinner on the second Monday of every month, and all women of Marion County are welcome to attend. The GOWC is a non-profit organization that promotes educational, philanthropic, and charitable activities. (352) 369-9131.


 


Green Market Tuesday (Tuesdays). Buy local, buy fresh every Tuesdays from 2–6pm at the Historic Village Shops of Dunnellon. Locally grown produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, herbs, native plants, and even crafts will be on sale. (352) 208-6789.


 


Greater Ocala Dog Club (First Tuesdays). Dog lovers, take note! Every first Tuesday of the month, the Greater Ocala Dog Club will meet at the Gander Mountain store in Ocala at 7pm. The AKC All Breed dog club welcomes new members and visitors. ocaladogclub.com.


 


Gluten Free Support (Second Tuesdays). Ocala Regional Medical Center hosts this monthly support meeting for those who have celiac disease, dematitis herpetiformis, and/or any other gluten intolerance, or who would like to learn about these diseases. Meetings held in Education room 6 from 6:00–7:30pm. (352) 854-1100 or (352) 843-7116.


 


The Compassionate Friends: Bereavement Group (First Wednesdays). A monthly bereavement meeting for families that have experienced the death of a child. 7pm, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church Elder Care Building. (352) 369-6665.


 


Ocala Accordion Club (Last Wednesdays). The Ocala Accordion Club meets every last Wednesday of the month from 5:30–9:00pm at the Cherrywood Club hours at 6253 SW 100th Loop in Ocala. (352) 208-5245.


 


Sweet Adeline’s Chorus (Thursdays). Women 18 and older are invited to visit weekly rehearsals at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Summerfield to learn and sing four-part harmony, barbershop style. The Summer Springs Chorus, under the direction of Judi Styger, welcomes anyone who likes to sing or hum, or has sung in a church choir or glee club. (352) 821-2778.


 


Circle Square Commons Farmers Market (Thursdays and Fourth Saturdays). Now open on the fourth Saturday of every month as well as every Thursday, the Circle Square Commons Farmers Market is chock-full of fresh, seasonal produce like blueberries, corn, herbs, oranges, and tomatoes, as well as baked goods such as bread, pies, and pastries. Vendors added weekly. 8am–12pm at On Top of the World. Free parking. circlesquarecommonsfarmersmarket.com.


 


Canoe/Kayak and Coffee (First and Third Thursdays). A fun social outing for adults in the great outdoors! This paddling trip takes place twice a month at various locations. Designed for beginners, but experienced paddlers welcome. Coffee and conversation follow. $5 fee includes equipment and refreshments. Park admission, if applicable, not included in fee. Marion County Parks and Recreation. (352) 671-8560.

Open Mike Night (Second Thursdays). Participate in or just enjoy an evening of spoken word and song at the Brick City Center for the Arts every second Thursday of the month, from 8:00–9:30pm. $5 for Marion Cultural Alliance members or $7.50 for non-members. mcaocala.com or (352) 369-1500.


 


KOS/Military Officers Association of America (Fourth Thursdays). The Kingdom of the Sun Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. KOS membership is open to active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former commissioned and warrant officers of the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (352) 237-3139.


 


North Magnolia Merchants Farmer’s Market (Fridays). From 8am to 1:30pm every Friday, the North Magnolia Business Merchants’ farmer’s market offers fresh produce, eggs, jams, honey, barbecue sauces, and homemade crafts to the public for purchase. The market is located at 834 North Magnolia Avenue. (352) 207-4551.


 


Gospel Open Mike Night (First Fridays). If you can play gospel music, head to the Forest Assembly of God located at 17530 E. Hwy. 40 in Silver Springs for Open Mike Night every first Friday of the month at 6:30pm. (352) 230-1253.

Art Club of Belleview (First Fridays). The Art Club of Belleview was established to promote art in the Belleview area and bring creative people together. Membership in the club is $12 per year, and meetings are held at 4pm on the first Friday of every month at the Belleview Library. artclubbelleview.zoomshare.com or (352) 245-4728.

Florida Polo Club (Saturdays). The Florida Polo Club has returned for its second year of exciting mounted polo match play at Ocala’s Florida Horse Park every Saturday afternoon. Bring the whole family. Admission is only $5 for adults, and children 12 and under get in free. Gates open at 2:30pm and the polo match begins at 4pm. The season runs through Dec. 5. floridapoloclub.com or (352) 978-7656.

Super Science Saturdays (Saturdays). Live demonstrations, hands-on activity tables, special science workshops, guest lecturers, and more offered each Saturday at the Discovery Science & Outdoor in Ocala. Free with $2 paid admission. All ages are welcome. Call (352) 401-3900 for schedule of activities.


 


General K. Pulaski Club Dinner/Dance (Second Sundays). Grab those dancing shoes! The Belleview General K. Pulaski Club hosts a dinner/dance on the second Sunday of every month. Homemade dinner is served at noon, followed by ballroom, polka, waltz, and American dancing music from the Gen. K. Pulaski Band from 1:30–5:00pm. The club is located on 113th Street in Belleview. $13 for members; $15 for non-members. Reservations required. (352) 245-9378.


 


Ballroom Tea Party (Second Sundays).A variety of dance music from waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha cha, swing, polka, salsa, and merengue to practice your dancing. $5. 5–7pm. Dancin’ Around Studio on South Pine Avenue. (352) 690-6637.


 


Star-Gazing Party (Second Saturdays). See the night sky in all its glory. Join members of the Ocala Astronomy Club and learn about stars, planets, and more. Insect repellent, a lawn chair or blanket, and binoculars are recommended. Call the Silver River State Park in Ocala for exact times. (352) 236-7148.


 


Coffee with the Birds (Third Saturdays). Join an experienced birder for a mild hike through the woods in beautiful Central Florida. Bring binoculars, field guide, and bug spray. $3–$4. 9am. Silver River State Park, Ocala. floridastateparks.org or (352) 236-7148.


 


Silver Spring Shores Table Tennis Club (Fridays). Join members of the Silver Spring Shores Table Tennis Club at the Community Center on Silver Road in Ocala every Friday from 12pm to 3pm. Table tennis is a great way to get exercise and socialize with friends. (352) 687-0164.


 


Ocala Recreation & Parks Sports (Ongoing). From soccer and golf camps to tennis programs, T-ball, and flag football, Ocala’s parks are the place to be this fall for youth sports. Head to Jervey Gantt Park, Ocala Regional RecPlex, and the Ft. King Tennis Center are just some of the Ocala Recreation & Parks places where kids can get active. ocalafl.org/recreationandparks or (352) 368-5550.


 


Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides (Ongoing). Ocala’s only guided trail rides through the Florida Horse Park and Greenway trail system is now open! Guests can ride Cactus Jack horses or bring their own for a fun, safe, and affordable trail ride. Rides available every day. Teens and older. thefloridapoloclub.com or (352) 978-7656.

Marion County Mustangs (Ongoing). This new youth sports organization in town provides amateur sports training to kids ages 5–18. Currently, Marion County Mustangs offers cheer and dance conditioning, with football, basketball, soccer, and golf instruction in the works. Cheer and dance is taught by former Miami Dolphins cheerleader Janita Muhmammad along with other former cheerleaders and dancers. Practices are held Tuesday–Thursday, 5:30–7:30pm (subject to change), at the Lillian Bryant Recreation Park. Registration fee is $80. For an application, visit leaguelineup.com/marioncountymustangs. (352) 304-6930.


 


Dunnellon Library Series (Ongoing). The Dunnellon Public Library currently offers a wide range of programs at its facility for patrons to utilize, including a Master Gardeners’ series, family and consumer science programs, movie matinees, computer classes, a health series, and children’s story time. (352) 438-2520.


 


Florida Trail Association (Ongoing). The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association hosts local hikes, walks, meetings, paddle trips, bike rides, and other nature activities every month. Nearly every event is free and open to the public. floridatrail.org/Chapters/central-florida or (407) 332-7790.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers (Ongoing). The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Bloodmobile travels to different locations throughout Marion County to accommodate donors. To find out more about the Bloodmobile’s schedule, visit lifesouth.org.

Florida’s Blood Centers (Ongoing). Florida’s Blood Center has an urgent need for all blood types. Giving blood is a simple process and takes under an hour. Every donor receives a mini-physical and screening with each donation. Visit floridasbloodcenter.org or call (888)-9DONATE for center locations.


 


Home School Outdoor Recreation (Ongoing). Marion County Parks and Recreation offers an Outdoor Recreation Program for families that home school their children. Activities can include guided wildlife walks, canoe and kayak opportunities, nature crafts, and outdoor games. Fees are reasonable and based on age and number in group. E-mail cathy.norris@marioncountyfl.org or call (352) 671-8560.


 


Volunteer Drivers Needed (Ongoing). The American Cancer Society has an urgent need for volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to doctor appointments. (352) 376-6866, ext. 5063 or (888) 295-6787, ext. 5063.


 


Moms of Marion (Ongoing). Meet friendly local moms to talk about your kids and have fun! Membership dues are $15 per year. meetup.com/momsofmarion/


 


American Cancer Society Support Groups (Ongoing). The Marion County chapter of the American Cancer Society offers many support groups for those affected by the various forms of the disease, from breast cancer to prostate cancer. To find out about available resources, visit cancer.org or call (352) 629-4727, ext. 5820.


 


The Ocala Horse Show (Ongoing). A major hub of activity in the equestrian world, Ocala now has a TV show dedicated entirely to the area’s horse industry. Tune in Friday mornings at 10am on Cox Channel 21 and every Friday late night at 2am on FOX51. Learn about important equine people, upcoming events, and much more. ocalahorseshow.com or (352) 746-1848.

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