What's Happening: April 18

The speaker will be from Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop in Dunnellon. They’re going to bring a variety of plants to show and tell us about, and all of the plants are for sale after the presentation. This is always a very popular segment of our programs.

There will be picnic tables to sit on or you’re welcome to bring your own lawn chair that would probably be more comfortable.

– Helen Powers

Indoor flea market, bake sale April 26 in Dunnellon

A large indoor flea market is coming to Stegman Hall of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Saturday, April 26, in Dunnellon. Items will be displayed in separate sections: small kitchen appliances and equipment, art items, knick knacks, toys, fabric, records and books, puzzles, jewelry, men’s clothes, women’s clothes, glassware, linens, and even small pieces of furniture.

In addition, there will be a bake sale of homemade treats.

Doors open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. John is on the north side of Dunnellon, on the southeast corner of Highways 41 and 40. The address is 7525 S. U.S. Highway 41.

All are welcome! Come find treasures and meet old and new friends.

Community Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival at River Life

Get ready, Dunnellon!

River Life Church is hosting a free Community Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 19, and you’re invited! Join us for an unforgettable evening packed with egg hunts for all age groups, exciting carnival games, family photo booths, face painting, prizes, and delicious treats like popcorn and cotton candy! Plus, stick around for our Easter evening service at 5:30 p.m. – everyone is welcome!

St. John hosts final fish fry of season May 2

The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Men’s Club is holding its final fish fry until September from 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 2.

The menu includes fish or shrimp (shrimp fried or boiled), french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, cookies, and tea or coffee. The price is $15.

No fish frys will be held in June, July and August.

St. John is north of town near the intersection of highways 40 and 41: 7525 U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

St. John hosting Easter egg hunt

Join the fun at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon as it hosts an Easter egg hunt at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, April 20, in the back field of the church. For more information, contact MaryAlice Hogan: 352-489-3166. Please come and join us!

St. John is at 7525 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

RRC welcomes ‘Withlacoochee guru’ April 21

The monthly meeting on April 21 of Rainbow River Conservation (RRC) will have a special presentation given by Dr. Mark Fulkerson, chief professional engineer of Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Fulkerson is Florida’s guru of the Withlacoochee River, Florida’s longest river at 150 miles and having a drainage area of 690 square miles.

During high rainfall events, Dr. Fulkerson is the man who makes priority decisions that control the hydrology of the Withlacoochee by ordering the opening and closing of locks or “water gates.” The hurricanes of 2024 brought forth many challenges for Dr. Fulkerson in the name of flood control.

Dr. Fulkerson will explain the unique history and situations that arise along the River during high rainfall events.

The public is invited to attend RRC meetings. The Monday April 21 meeting begins at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Rainbow Springs Clubhouse, located at 19330 SW 83rd Place Road, Dunnellon. Annual dues for membership to RRC are only $15 per year.

Lake Tropicana presents Easter Bunny Fun Day

The Lake Tropicana Civic Association is hosting a children’s Easter Bunny Fun Day, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Clubhouse at 3380 SW 181st Place.

Children up to 10 years old from Lake Tropicana and Rainbow Lakes Estates are welcome to participate at this event. The “hunts” will begin with ages 3 and under, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-10 in a selected area of the yard. Children bring their own basket or bag!

The Easter Bunny will be there at 10:30 a.m., and pictures with him and the children can be taken at that time.

Free cancer screenings for Marion County veterans

The Vet Resource Center in Ocala is offering free multi-cancer detection tests on site at their location at the Veterans Helping Veterans facility on East Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala.

Based on available funding, Marion County veterans who served in Vietnam and the Gulf Wars with “boots on the ground” are eligible for the screenings. Testing is quick and easy. These tests can help detect more than 50 types of cancer.

Veterans who might be affected are urged to call 352-433-2320 to make a free screening appointment.

Art gallery offers scholarships

If you’re a graduating high school senior or you know one, and you paint, tap dance, play the flugelhorn, or write sonnets, the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery may be able to help you pursue your creative passion in college.

The gallery is the only area art gallery sponsoring scholarships for area students who want to study the creative arts in college – visual art, music, dance, writing, theater, or even such things as culinary arts. Two, $1,500 scholarships are available.

You’ll need to show you’ve been accepted by a college, have a letter of recommendation from your arts teacher or counselor, and meet some other requirements, listed on the gallery’s website, www.rainbowspringsart.com. The deadline is April 30.

The application is on the website and at the gallery, 20804 W. Pennsylvania Ave. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 352-445-8547.

Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop needs volunteers

Located at 20359 E. Pennsylvania Ave., the Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop is in need of several reliable, year-round volunteers. We serve the community 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday with an all-volunteer staff of 35-40 people, who each work one four-hour shift a week. It is a great opportunity to make new friends and to be made aware of the many organizations that help make Dunnellon such a pleasant place to live.

The volunteers work in teams of 4-5 people, sorting and pricing the clothing and small household items donated to us and arranging them within the shop. Prices are kept low and there is always something on sale at half price.

All the profits made in the shop are donated on a monthly basis to organizations, clubs and individuals in need of community support.

If you have four spare hours a week and are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community, stop by the shop and ask the cashier for an application form.

Tri-County R/C Club Spring Fly-In coming to Dunnellon

The Tri-County R/C Club is holding its Spring Fly-In April 26 at the Rainbow R/C Park in Dunnellon.

The outdoor event is sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics and features gas, glow and electric R/C model airplanes. There will be a poker run and Pilot’s Choice Award.

Spectators are welcome.

Landing fee is $10. A current AMA membership is required for pilots.

The Park is located at 12175 S. Bridges Road. Heading east of Dunnellon on County Road 484, turn on San Jose Boulevard and then just follow the signs.

Pilot registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a pilots meeting at 8:30 a.m. The Pilot’s Choice Award is at 11 a.m., with open flying afterwards.

The Rainbow Cafe will be open, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks.

Contact Contest Director Bruce Richardson at 352-425-9976 or brucerpda@earthlink.net

Retired RNs meet April 28

Retired RNs, join the Citrus/Marion Retired Nurses at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, for our meeting at Papa J’s Café. Note, this is a new venue. The address is 2056 Hwy 44 W. in Inverness. Lunch will be off the menu.

Speaking to us will be Stephanie Chambers of the UF/IFAS Extension Office. She will be speaking to us on cooking for one or two. There will be a short meeting afterward.

For more information, call Judy Herron by April 23 at 352-860-0232 or email her at jlherron2@aol.com

Ocala Youth Symphony final show of season at Appleton

The final concert of the 26th season is at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Appleton Museum in a free performance for the public.

Ocala Youth Symphony will be performing classics and contemporary pieces Come and bring a friend to listen to Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, the theme from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, and contemporary themes from “Downton Abbey” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” as well as other selections.

Come join the fun!

Ultimate trio class reunion Memorial Day weekend

Calling all alumni from the graduating classes of all three high schools: Hardrock, Booker T. Washington and Dunnellon High. It’s time to reminisce, reconnect, and revel in the nostalgia of our school days. Join us for the Ultimate Class Reunion Memorial Day Weekend in Dunnellon.

Event highlights include: a meet-and-greet, black tie/picnic/worship, live entertainment, and more.

Cost is $100 per person; no refunds.

For more information, email: trio3reunion@gmail.com.

Shop First Saturday Village Market

Stroll down Pennsylvania, Cedar and Walnut and enjoy our market on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find that perfect gift or treasure you can’t live without: handcrafts, tupperware, home decor, and more.

The Market returns Saturday, May 2.

For information, including for available spaces, call 352-465-8000.

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band performs ‘by request’ shows

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band presents its popular “by request” concerts at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Marion Technical Institute auditorium,1614 E. Fort King St. in Ocala.

Under the direction of J. Craig Lilly, the band will perform song requests from our patrons, collected at our February concert. Concert goers are encouraged to come one hour prior to each concert to enjoy the award-winning Howard Middle School Jazz Band, directed by Brittany Schofield, on Saturday and Jimmy Jamz and the Offbeats, a percussion ensemble led by Jimmy Sexton, on Sunday.

The concerts are free, with donations happily accepted. For more information, visit kingdomofthesunband.org or call 352-390-0491.

Breakfast with Easter Bunny at Moose Lodge

Come have breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 10-noon Saturday, April 19, at the Dunnellon Family Center Moose Lodge 2308.

Have a hopping good time with photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, and kids’ crafts.

Breakfast is free for kids ages 0-11 and includes two pancakes, two sausage patties, milk or juice.

Additional breakfasts are $5 each.

Net proceeds from this year’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny benefit Give Kids the World.

Dunnellon Family Center Moose Lodge 2308 is located at 11890 N. U.S. 41 in Dunnellon.

Weekly bingo at St. John the Baptist

Bingo is every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Hall, at 7525 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Lots of fun and prizes. Lunch is available for a nominal fee. Everyone has fun until someone yells bingo!

General Francis Stamp Club meets twice monthly

We’re welcoming new members for the new year. If you have any questions about a collection you have acquired, we’ll be happy to assist you.

The General Francis Stamp Club is meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. We meet at the sheriff’s substation at 9048 SW State Road 200.

If you have any questions email elliotn27@aol.com

Hands-on Woodturners meets monthly

Serving West Central Florida, Hands-on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

Individuals interested in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend. Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations, and opportunities that increase the interest and skills of woodturners. Guests are always welcome.

Visit our website: Howturners.com.

Church hosts Easter blood drive

The Easter blood drive at Our Lady of Grace Parish this year is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Knights of Council hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, at the corner of West Pinecone Avenue and County Road 486 in Lecanto.

Easter is a symbol of spring and new life, so please give the gift of new life to your community by donating blood at this next drive. A more precious gift is hard to find.

There will be a complimentary continental breakfast, $25 e-gift cards, and tokens of appreciation for all donors. Please come and participate and enjoy the fellowship of your fellow donors. If there are any questions, call LifeSouth at 352-527-3061.

Ladies Golf League returns at local club

Golf Central Golf Club in Dunnellon, formerly known as Rainbow’s End Golf Club, has resumed its Ladies Golf League until the end of June 2025. We welcome new members.

This friendly golf league plays nine holes each Wednesday with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

Prize money is awarded weekly for low gross and net scores as well as birdies and chip-ins.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Karen at 603-748-5435.

Caregiver support group meets twice monthly at library

The Dunnellon Caregiver Support Group meets at noon on the first and third Thursdays of each month in the Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road.

If you’ve just become a caregiver or are already caregiving, get information and support that are critical to caregivers. If you’ve been a caregiver, please come and share your insights and support. All are welcome.

Call 352-322-0258.

Ocala 200 Lions Club flea market April 26

The Ocala 200 Lions Club is holding a flea market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 (rain date is May 3), at Bank OZK parking area, located at 8375 SW Highway 200, Ocala. Please note the change in location back to Bank OZK.

The Lions will be collecting nonperishable food items for Interfaith Emergency Services, eyeglasses for recycling and aluminum pop top rings from cans for Ronald McDonald House. Please consider bringing a couple of food items to donate.

There will be a variety of vendors on hand as well as food and drinks available for sale.

As always, all proceeds generated by the Ocala 200 Lions Club will be used for community projects throughout the year.

For more info: bartorobert@hotmail.com.

Ocala to host Earthfest in celebration of Arbor Day

The City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department will host Earthfest, the city’s annual Arbor Day celebration, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Ave.).

Earthfest will feature a variety of family-friendly activities promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation.

The event will include the Youth Fishing Derby, held from 9-noon, providing children ages 14 and younger with the opportunity to participate in a catch-and-release fishing competition at Lake Tuscawilla. Prizes will be awarded in three age divisions for the most fish caught and the largest catch. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait; however, a limited number of supplies will be available.

Additional event activities will include a recreational tree climbing, a rock-climbing wall, eco-friendly vendors, animal rescue organizations, food trucks, and the Ocala Clothing Swap. Free tree saplings and pollinator plants will be available while supplies last.

Live entertainment will also be provided by Peaches and Karim.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit ocalafl.gov/earthfest or contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

City in need of pension board volunteers

The City of Dunnellon needs civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Fire & Police Pension Board of Trustees. City residence and attendance at quarterly meetings is required.

If you’re interested in volunteering your time, notify the City Clerk at 352-465-8500 or obtain an application at www.dunnellon.org.

Weekly bingo at Dunnellon American Legion

Every Thursday night there is bingo at the American Legion Post 58, 10730 S. U.S. 41, Dunnellon, next to Walmart. Doors open at 2 p.m., food is available for purchase at 4 p.m., and bingo games start at 6 p.m. Bingo cards are sold starting at 4 p.m. Cash only.

American Legion hosts monthly flea market in Dunnellon

American Legion Post 58 in Dunnellon sponsors a flea market the third Saturday of every month. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is held at the post at 10730 S. U.S. 41, next to Walmart in Dunnellon.

There are indoor AC booths and larger outside spaces. A wide range of new/old, vintage items and collectibles including coins are available.

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a plant or gardening question? The UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners are here to help during monthly appearances at Marion County libraries. A Master Gardener is at the Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month.

Try chair yoga

Chair yoga for all shapes and sizes is only $3 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at the Woman’s Club of Dunnellon at 11756 Cedar St. This is a fun class, come join Linda and the group.

Type 1 diabetes support group meets monthly

Do you have type 1 diabetes? Join our support group! We meet at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at River Life Church, 2872 W. Dunnellon Road. For all ages and caregivers!

Country Quilters meet weekly

The Dunnellon Country Quilters meet at 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, 21501 W. State Road 40, Dunnellon.

The group makes patriotic quilts for veterans, pillowcases for Shands Children’s Cancer Center, prayer quilts for the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon and quilts for the Romeo Elementary School.

They also have classes for different projects and go on road trips and attend quilt shows.

Every third Monday of each month, they hold their business meeting and show what they’ve made.

All levels of quilters and prospective quilters are welcome to visit. For information, email rrutkowski@bellsouth.net.

TOPS meets weekly

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has a wonderful local group that is friendly, supportive, conversational and continuously sharing healthy eating short cuts.

The TOPS group meets weekly on Thursday afternoons. Weigh-in is between 2:30-3 p.m., held in a private room. Only you and the weight recorders see your weight. Our meetings start at 3 p.m. and last an hour. Meetings are held at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, in their meeting hall, at 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in Citrus Springs. There is a sign as you enter the driveway to the church that points you to exactly where we meet.

You can actually visit two of our meetings for free and decide if it’s something you’d benefit from.

For more information, you could call our TOPS leader, Chris Weider, at 352-465-7861, or our co-leader, Paula Walker, at 239-222-9701.

Ocala Christian Women’s Connection lists luncheons

All luncheons are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle. Prepaid reservations of $28 are required. Call Barb at 612-810-0022 or Bonnie at 407-314-8313 for payments and info.

The Connection’s Run For the Roses Luncheon is on May 27. The feature is Horse Fever – Joe Senkovich. Elaine Wright of Plant City is speaking on the topic “Molded by Love. Reservations are due by May 19.

The Connection’s June meeting, How Sweet It Is, is on June 24. The feature is The Honey Couple LLC. Speaker Shirley Solid will talk on the topic, “Closeline Junkie Finds Peace In The Spin Cycle Of Life.” Prepaid reservations are due by June 16.

Check out a farm swap in Dunnellon

Dunnellon Sparr Building and Farm Supply holds a farm swap twice a month from 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturdays at 2915 W. Dunnellon Road.

Buy, sell or trade poultry, livestock, anything and everything farm-related.

They are also looking for a food vendor, so if you or somebody you know has a food truck, trailer or food cart and would like to sell at the swaps, contact them at 352-462-6670.

Water and restrooms conveniently located, as well as drinks and snacks. They suggest sellers bring either a canopy or umbrella as there is limited shade.

This is a fairly new farm swap; it was previously the Dunnellon Tractor Supply Co. farm swap.

Restaurant hosts classic car shows

The Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop in South Dunnellon hosts a “cruise in” classic car show from 4-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month.

Bring your classic car and get a free slice of pie!

The restaurant is at 12039 N. Florida Ave., Dunnellon.

Dunnellon Methodist offers relief services

The Forget Me Not Ministry, sponsored by Dunnellon Methodist, serves Dunnellon and surrounding communities. Caregivers for frail, elderly or Alzheimer’s and ill patients may find relief for a few hours a week.

Caregivers have the hardest job of all, since their care is needed 24 hours a day, leaving them little time for personal time or relief. This ministry will give them a few hours off to run personal errands, shop or just get away for a much-needed emotional break.

Our church volunteers are a very caring and compassionate group who treat everyone with love.

We meet from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday afternoons in the Friendship Hall at the church.

This is a free ministry and is offered to anyone who needs a little relief.

Those interested in applying for Caregiver Relief may either come on Tuesday to check out our ministry at 21501 W. State Road 40 or call the church office at 352-489-4026 and leave a message for Grace Burks.

Marion County Veterans Park launches cross program

Marion County Veterans Memorial Park is launching a cross program to honor service members who’ve passed away. Veterans’ families can now honor deceased loved ones and friends by purchasing a cross with a mounted flag and emblazoned with their name, branch of service and military conflict in which they served.

The crosses will be displayed at the Marion County Veterans Park for a full week before and after Memorial Day and Veterans Day every year in perpetuity.

Crosses can be purchased by calling 352-804-6953.

Visit: marionvetpark.com

Veterans Helping Veterans introduces mobile unit

Veterans Helping Veterans USA announces the addition of a mobile unit (RV) to expand the services offered to veterans in rural areas.

Veterans Helping Veterans USA, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, now offers a mobile unit (RV) to provide free social services for needy or homeless veterans in underserved rural areas. Services include basic medical care, financial aid, mental health counseling and other critical services plus delivery of items such as blankets, soap, food and other essentials of everyday living.

Veterans in rural areas of Marion, Levy, Alachua and surrounding counties can take advantage of the mobile unit’s services.

For a full list of our services and to donate, visit: www.vhvusa.org/what-we-do

Blue Star Mothers meet in Ocala

The Ocala Blue Star Mothers meet at 4 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month on the second floor of Arena 1 at the World Equestrian Center. For information, call Anne Parker: 843-504-0032. This is an organization for mothers of active duty military and veterans. See our website: https://ocalabluestarmothers.org.

Local chapter of Florida Sewing Sew-ciety

Looking for a friendly, general sewing group to sew clothes, accessories, home/gift items and charity projects? We’re the Ocala Chapter of the Florida Sewing Sew-ciety (FSS), a state-wide organization.

The annual membership is $20. All levels of sewing are welcome.

We meet at 8:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala (located at the back of the sheriff’s substation near the entrance to the Oak Run Community).

If you’d like more information, email us at chenry@atlantic.net.

MCSO dementia program

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office offers the Extra Special Person Memory Impaired Program, designed to help provide family and caregiver support and identify persons with Alzheimer’s or dementia in times of an emergency. This program is designed for persons who may be prone to wandering.

This program depends on referrals received from a citizen, family member or health care provider. Persons assigned to the program receive an ESP ID bracelet.

More information on how to enroll can be obtained from the MCSO Crisis Intervention/Victim Advocate Unit: 352-369-6745.

Trucks & Tunes at The Town Square

Never miss a chance to dance Tuesday through Saturday and grab a bite at a food truck!

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons at On Top of the World (OTOW) hosts “Trucks & Tunes” Tuesdays through Saturdays. The events are free and open to the public.

Live music is from 6-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, and enjoy Food Truck Friday starting at 5 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.

Dance to OTOW favorites from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Live music every Thursday.

It’s free and open to the public (weather permitting).

The Town Square is located in On Top of the World at 8405 SW 80th St.

Visit www.circlesquarecommons.com/entertainment (tinyurl.com/mr3p3k9p) for the schedule of bands and food trucks appearing at Circle Square Commons.

T.E.A.M. Dad boosts confidence, skills in fathering

A new and free program in North Central Florida helps fathers increase their awareness and knowledge about what it takes to be a good father. T.E.A.M. Dad, which stands for Teaching, Empowering, Advocating for and Mentoring men on their fatherhood journey, is inviting fathers, grandfathers or role models involved with a child under the age of 3 or men with a pregnant partner to enroll.

The program provides a dedicated T.E.A.M. Dad support specialist, who is an experienced father and/or who has received extensive training in the “24/7 Dad” curriculum to meet with fathers for a series of sessions.

Sessions are held at a time and place that is convenient for the participant.

Topics for the sessions include the father’s role, discipline, children’s growth, communication, working with mom and co-parenting, and more.

To enroll in the program call Connect at 877-678-WELL or text 352-415-0091, or learn more by visiting EveryBabyDeservesAHealthyStart.org.

T.E.A.M. Dad is overseen by Healthy Start of North Central Florida Coalition and Central Healthy Start Coalition, which are affiliate partners of WellFlorida Council.