The Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association (DCBA) is hosting a candidate forum at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in Dunnellon.
The political forum will be at the American Legion Post 58, located north of Walmart at 10730 U.S. 41.
The DCBA has requested questions for candidates from its members. Ten questions will be chosen by the DCBA Executive Committee.
The forum will be streamed on YouTube courtesy of Al’s TV Antenna & Satellite.
Candidates at the forum will include some candidates for the Dunnellon City Council and Marion Board of County Commissioners.
The Whistle Stop Cafe returns to the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society Train Depot on Friday, Oct. 7.
Food is served from 5-8 p.m. Adam Martin takes the stage for musical entertainment from 7-9 p.m.
The Cafe will serve fried green tomatoes, cubans and gourmet grilled cheese, gluten-free veggie wraps and hobo stew.
There’s a $5 cover charge plus the cost of food.
Tickets for our next murder-mystery event will also be available Friday night. “Murder Most Green” will take place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12. Tickets are $40 and include a night of entertainment, full dinner and dessert. Cash or check only, please.
Tickets for the murder-mystery event will also be available 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, at the depot.
The St. John the Baptist Men’s Club is hosting a fish fry from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.
Attendees can choose from fish or shrimp with a $12 donation. The meals include fries, hush puppies, baked beans, cole slaw, desert, iced tea and coffee. Soda, beer and wine are available for additional costs.
The fish fry is at 7525 U.S. 41 at the pavilion in back of the church.
We hope to see you there.
The Tri-County R/C Club is hosting Relive Yesterday, a Vintage Fun Fly-In and Swap Meet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29. Bring any pre-1987 flying model or flying model memorabilia. Show it off, sell it or fly it.
The sanctioned fly-in will be held at Rainbow R/C Park, 12175 S. Bridges Road, Dunnellon. The field is east of Dunnellon on County Road 484 to Bridges Road, and then just follow the signs.
All are welcome. Landing fee is $5. Swap fee is $5.
The pilot meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.
The Rainbow Cafe will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks.
This is an outdoor event. However, due to COVID-19, adherence to current CDC guidelines is encouraged.
For information, contact Bruce Richardson, contest director, at 352-425-9976 or brucerpda@earthlink.net.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon is hosting a “trunk or treat” noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30.
Volunteers will be decorating their cars using child-friendly Halloween themes and passing out treats. Prizes will be awarded for the “funniest,” “most imaginative,” and “least looking like a car.”
The church is located at 7525 S US 41, Dunnellon, in the back field near the pavilion.
For information, call MaryAlice at 352-489-3166.
Five organizations stand to benefit from this year’s annual Dunnell Duck Race, which will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.
The Race, sponsored by the Dunnellon Chamber and Business Association, is seeking duck adopters, sponsors and donors. The proceeds of the race, which features customized wooden ducks floating down the Rainbow River at Swampy’s Bar & Grille, will go to Will Power Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Believe in Santa, Greater Dunnellon Historical Society and Family Hope Resource & Pregnancy Center.
Get your ducks in a row and help the cause!
To adopt, sponsor or donate, call 352-489-2320, or visit www.dunnellon chamber.com.
Sweeties’ Cafe and Tea House is hosting “Tea with Santa” Sunday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
Enjoy tea and pastries with Santa himself.
Admission is $20 per person and includes tea and pastries, time with Santa and a photo with Santa by Julie Mancini Photography.
Proceeds benefit the Believe in Santa Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to service all children in need.
Sweeties is at 20789 Walnut St. in Dunnellon.
Lake Tropicana Civic Association is hosting their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Lake Tropicana Clubhouse, 3380 SW 181st Court, Dunnellon, north of town, off State Road 40.
This event is open to the public.
The meal will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and will include salad, beverage, garlic bread, and dessert.
Advanced tickets are required and will not be available at the door.
Tickets are $7.00 for adult meals and $4 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased from LTCA members directly or at the Clubhouse from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, or 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. You may also call Karen at 352-208-5006, or email at kcarney5593@gmail.com.
The Citrus/Marion Retired Nurses October meeting will be at 11 a.m. at Inverness Golf and Country Club on Monday, Oct. 24. Our speaker will be Susan Silber talking to us about “Music in Medicine.”
Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m., followed by our speaker. The cost for lunch is $17.
The address is 3150 S. Country Club Drive, Inverness.
For information, call Judy Herron at 352-860-0232 or email her at jlherron2@aol.com.
Jan. 1 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Rosewood massacre, in which at least five Black residents of the small Levy County community died. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the College of Central Florida will host Lizzie Robinson Jenkins, founder of the Real Rosewood Foundation, who will recount her family’s stories of the massacre. The community is invited to this free presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala.
Today, all that remains of Rosewood are one home and a historical marker on State Road 24, just east of Cedar Key. Last year, the John Wright house was donated to the Real Rosewood Foundation, which works to preserve the history of this community.
Jenkins will share the stories of Rosewood that stayed secret for decades and explain why it is crucial to remember this event 100 years later.
One Rake at a Time, a local nonprofit which aims to restore the Rainbow River by removing invasive hydrilla and planting native eelgrass, was recently awarded a $150,000 state grant to conduct a technical study on the river.
The nonprofit organization, led by Art Jones, is now hosting meetings every Wednesday at The Church of the Holy Faith community room in Dunnellon. The meetings will feature guest speakers and will provide information about One Rake’s project and how volunteers can help.
The meetings are free and open to anyone.
For further information, you can call Art Jones at 727-642-7659, or visit the organization’s website at OneRakeataTime.org.
The Lake Tropicana Civic Association is hosting their fall flea market 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, at the Tropicana Clubhouse, 3380 SW 181 Court, Dunnellon, off State Road 40 north of Dunnellon.
Items for sale always include antiques, tools, jewelry, crafts, and household items along with lots of miscellaneous, of course, depending on the vendors. Baked goods will also be available for sale.
A pancake breakfast will also be served for $5 per adult and $3 per child younger than 6.
The Citrus County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 W. Southern St, Lecanto and by Zoom.
Tamara Hallo will present “Birth, Marriage and Death: The Vital Records Trifecta.” Learn about what information is found in vital records, when they were created and where they are located.
To get a link, email Mary Ann Machonkin at himary @tampabay.rr.com.
Marion County Master Gardeners is hosting its annual Fall Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22. Admission is free – bring your wagon. No pets, please.
The sale is at the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
Payments are by cash, check or credit card.
Master Gardeners are available for consultations.
The sale will include: mobile plant clinic on site; soil test kits; melaleuca mulch vouchers; native plants; herbs and perennials; pollinator plants; hummingbird and butterfly plants; shrubs; ornamental trees; shade trees; and fruit trees.
The sale was moved from its originally scheduled date due to Hurricane Ian.
For more information, call 352-671-8400.
The Friends of Dunnellon Public Library are in need of gently used books and paperbacks.
Donations are accepted inside the bookstore during regular business hours. There is also a bin outside the door in the library for after hour donations.
New members are always welcome. Specifically, we need bookstore workers and volunteers to maintain our gardens.
We are hoping to increase the hours that the bookstore is open, but we need your help . Currently the bookstore is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and the third Saturday of each month. Extended afternoon hours are 1-3 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday and the second and fourth Thursday, and from 1-4 p.m. the first and third Wednesday monthly.
The Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop is pleased to announce we are now opening on Tuesdays. Our hours remain 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., now Tuesday through Saturday, and we accept donations during that time.
If you have a few hours once in a while to volunteer, please come join us as a volunteer or a substitute filling in when other volunteers have surgeries, doctor’s appointments and vacations.
Our goal is to help our town in as many ways as possible. Join us.
Stop by our shop at 20359 E. Pennsylvania Ave. to fill out an application.
Experience Chair Yoga in Dunnellon with Linda on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Women’s Club building at 11756 Cedar St.
This is a fun class, for all shapes and sizes , all for only $1.
Dogs of Ocala: it’s finally here! Bring your mom and dad for the second annual Bark in the Park – A Doggy Expo, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Ocala Downtown Market (403 SE Osceola Ave.) and enjoy a fun-filled day.
Most of all, it is benefiting the local Meals On Wheels and Marion County Animal Services.
Put on your best costume because you will receive a great prize and so will your owner, too. And remember, other pups will be there looking for their new family.
We will have over 30 vendors, food trucks and, of course, a costume contest. This event is free to the public! And, of course, free dog biscuits for you!
Join the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County and read aloud 15 minutes for the sixth annual Fall in Love with Reading event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala.
Storybook characters will greet children throughout the Storybook Village and provide free children’s books and other giveaways. Families are welcome to dress as their favorite kid-friendly book characters. Activities include free face painting by Face Painting Tonya and story times with the Marion County Public Library. Food trucks will also be available, including Big Lee’s and Kona Ice.
The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County provides children and families with access to quality early learning programs that nurture their learning potential and prepare them for their educational success. The Coalition’s mission is to provide leadership and foster partnerships to optimize a quality early learning environment for our children through child care, voluntary pre-kindergarten and parent education.
For more information, call 352-369-2315 or visit elc-marion.org.
Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC), at 1201 W. Main St., Inverness, will host an open house event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31.
Interested persons are invited to visit the college, meet the instructors, visit classrooms and shops, ask questions, enroll in classes, and learn more about WTC and the programs it offers.
Most programs at WTC can be completed in one school year or less.
Among the 20-plus career and technical education programs offered are Medical Assisting, Nursing Assistant (Articulated), Cosmetology, Medical Coder/Biller, Industrial Machinery Controls Technician, Automotive Service Technology, Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Technology Support Services, and Massage Therapy.
Additional programs offered include adult education such as GED preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Additionally, law enforcement and corrections training are available through our Public Safety Academy.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation program. You’ve got just what it takes to help your neighbors in Citrus County. Membership in AARP.org is not required.
Volunteers assist anyone, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Many taxpayers miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation. With the help of neighbors like you, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. You can make a big difference in someone else’s life.
We’re looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to join our team of local volunteers for the upcoming tax season, Feb. 1 through April 17. Our volunteers receive training, mileage reimbursement, and continued support in a welcoming environment. And as our current volunteers tell us, you’ll not only learn new skills but also get that great feeling from helping someone else. Join our team today!
For more information on positions available and to submit your application, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide and fill out the form, or email paulabels@aol.com.
The College of Central Florida’s educational series focused on the American colonial period continues on Wednesday, Nov. 2, with “Literature in the Colonial Period” presented by Sandra Cooper.
Cooper, a professor of Communications at CF, will discuss the writing that shaped the American spirit, the American Enlightenment and our founding documents.
The Patriot Project lectures are free and open to the public. Light refreshments and event giveaways will be provided. Lectures will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the CF Webber Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, unless otherwise indicated.
Nov. 2 – “Literature in the Colonial Period” presented by Sandra Cooper
Jan. 11, 2023 – “Theatre in the Colonial Period” presented by Nonalee Davis
Feb. 6, 2023 – “Math in the Colonial Period” presented by Mark Taylor
March 1, 2023 – “History of the Colonial Period” presented by Jay Thompson
April 5, 2023 – “Religion in the Colonial Period” presented by Dr. Ron Cooper
For more details, visit CF.edu/PatriotProject.
The Hernando Area Senior Program Center is now offering line dance classes on Mondays at 12 p.m. The center is at 2415 N. Florida Ave., Hernando – inside the Historic Hernando School house.
The cost for the class is $5. Please call 352-566-2328 to make a reservation, as space is limited.
Hernando Area Senior Program Center, at 2415 N. Florida Ave., Hernando, (inside the Historic Hernando School house), is now offering a new Sewing and Arts & Craft Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Cost for supplies is only $2. Sewing machines are provided for use or you may bring your own.
Please join our members for some fun projects and activities.
For more information, call 352-566-2328.
The Inverness Elks, Lodge No. 2522, will be open to the public over the weekend of Nov. 4-5.
On Friday, we will have dinner available from 5 to 7 p.m. Food reservations must be received by 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 (352-726-2027). We will not have availability for non-reservation dining.
Food entrees offered are grilled salmon ($17), baked chicken ($16), or pork tenderloin ($16), with vegetable, baked potato, salad and desert.
Music will be provided by D.J. Trae from 6-9 p.m. for dancing and your listening pleasure. Lodge Social Quarters will be open 2-9 p.m. on Friday.
The public is welcome all weekend.
On Saturday while you are supporting the Citrus County Education Foundation at the Dragon Boat Festival, stop in for a break. The lodge will be open to the public with beverages (coffee, tea, beer, soft drinks, full bar) and food offerings. We will be providing outdoor music lakeside by songwriter entertainer Kris Pierce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, relax, tour the lodge and find out how you can support charities of Citrus County. Saturday Social Quarter hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Inverness Elks Lodge is next to the Lake Hernando boat ramp. Our address is 3575 E. Lake Place, Hernando. For further information, call the lodge at 352-726-2027.
First Friday Art Walk returns to Downtown Ocala from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. The First Friday Art Walk occurs the first Friday of each month, September through May.
The following activities will be included in October’s event:
· Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local non-profit arts and cultural organizations.
· Local artists selling their works throughout Downtown.
· Participating businesses with extended hours.
· Buskers stationed throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend and Sean T Music
· Live musical performance will return to the Downtown Square, featuring Fareeza
In the event of inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will be canceled.
For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.
The Dunnellon Country Quilters meet at 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the First United Methodist Church on West State Road 40 in Dunnellon.
The group makes patriotic quilts for veterans, pillowcases for Shands Children’s Cancer Center, prayer quilts for the First United Methodist Church and quilts for the Citrus County Resource Center. We also have classes for different projects and go on road trips and quilt shows. Every third Monday of the month, we hold our business meeting and share what we have made.
We welcome visitors and would love to have you as members in our organization. If you have questions, please email Dianne Takahashi at dmtget@gmail.com.
The First Methodist Church of Dunnellon is starting a free program called “Forget-Me-Not.” We offer three hours of respite care for caregivers of early dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. We also offer a chance for seniors to get out of the house and socialize with other seniors. This program is free.
We meet in the friendship hall at Dunnellon Methodist Church on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call Grace Burks at 352-361-1024.
We’re getting to the fall season. We’re seeing all the decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving. And in the boxes that are hiding in the storeroom it’s Christmas decorations! Great Scott! I wanted to lose some weight for the family and friends’ gatherings this year during the holiday season.
Do you find yourself with these words whirling around your head as you walk through the Five and Dime Store (remember those)? Well we have the ticket for you! It’s the TOPS weight loss program.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is just what it says – a simple, friendly, low-cost national weight loss program that meets every Thursday at the Women’s Club on Cedar Street in Dunnellon.
Our meetings start with a weigh in between 3 and 3:30 p.m. The meeting starts at 3:30 and is completed by 4:30.
You are welcome to visit the meetings for free for two weeks before joining. We laugh, we tell our weight loss goals and successes. And yes, we have weight loss weeks that aren’t so good.
Now is the time to start thinking about the holidays, and not in a “shopping” way. All those nice green and red shirts and blouses that were tight last year, they may be tighter this year. Now is the time with plenty of weeks to go until Dec. 25 rolls around.
Come and visit a meeting. You are always welcome. Bring a friend, they may be thinking the same thing as you!
The Ocala Christian Women’s Connection at Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala, is hosting its fall quarter auction luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25.
Please remember to bring quarters. Doors open at 11 a.m. (for a chance to preview auction items).
Prepaid reservations are required – the deadline is Oct. 17. Send payment to: P. O. Box 773102, Ocala, FL 34477. For credit card payment ($1 handling fee will be added), call Barb at 612-810-0022 or Bonnie at 407-314-8314.
WIND-FM is hosting a series of tribute concerts at Reilly Arts Center, at 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. All showtimes are 7:30 to 11:45 p.m. Tickets are from $20. Visit www.reillyartscenter.com for more.
Billy Joel’s The Stranger, Oct. 21
U2’s Joshua Tree, Nov. 18
Lithium Experience: Featuring music of Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and others, Dec. 15
Calling all craft lovers! Get ready for the annual Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Circle Square Cultural Center west of Ocala. This popular event is free, open to the public, and will feature over 100 crafters! All the arts and crafts are original creations made by local artists personally exhibiting at the show.
Held just before the holiday season, this craft fair is the perfect place to grab lots of unique gifts for you and your loved ones. From hangables and placeables to wearables and scentables, you are sure to find the perfect gifts!
There will be additional crafters and live entertainment by Fred Campbell at The Town Square just across the street. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious frozen treat from Mr. B’s Big Scoop Ice Cream Shop!
The Circle Square Cultural Center is just outside On Top of the World Communities in Circle Square Commons. Visitor parking is free and located just behind the Center, with overflow located behind The Town Square.
If you are a crafter and would like to participate, call the On Top of the World Recreation Center Office at 352-854-8707 ext. 7533 or 7530.
Circle Square Cultural Center is at 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala.
The next blood drive for K of C Council 6168 – Our Lady of Grace Parish, will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the council hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, at the corner of West Pinecone Avenue and County Road 486 in Lecanto.
Blood is still urgently needed, so please plan on supporting this important, life-giving community event. Donors receive a free mini physical, an e-gift card, a complimentary continental breakfast, and other items of appreciation from LifeSouth.
For information, call LifeSouth at 352-527-3061.
The Marion County Genealogical Society will hold its next general meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Marion County Public Library, Meeting Room D, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
The meeting will include a live webinar with guest speaker Carla S. Cegielski on the topic, “Avoiding Rabbit Holes: Using Research Questions, Plans and Logs.”
Our programs are free to one and all, however, please visit our website to register for this event. Pre-registration allows you to print the handouts to bring with you for note taking.
If you have any questions, contact us at president@mcgsocala.org or 352-897-0840.
The General Francis Marion Stamp Club will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 19 in meeting room B at the Marion County Public Library (2720 East Silver Springs Blvd.).
Exhibits by club members will be on display at the library through Oct. 31.
Come join us on the first and third Wednesday of every month (except Dec. 7) to share your interests in stamp collecting.
For more information, email Elliot Natale at elliotn27@aol.com.
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