South Marion County residents have an opportunity to learn more about diabetes at a location near them.

The Department of Health in Marion County, in partnership with the Marion County Hospital District, is holding free weekly classes on diabetes education and prevention at the Marion Oaks Fitness and Recreation Center, 280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala.

Classes will be held 9:30–11:30 a.m. beginning on June 30. Sessions end on Aug. 4.

The Diabetes Empowerment and Education Program, or DEEP, is a series of classes that helps participants who have diabetes or are considered pre-diabetic better understand their condition and self-care.

Classes will cover topics such as understanding how diabetes affects the human body and how to monitor it. DEEP also includes advice on the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, meal planning, and physical activity.

Additionally, the classes will teach participants how to identify and prevent diabetic complications.

AdventHealth Ocala will provide free clinical screenings. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited.

To register or to learn more, call 352-644-2624.

Lizaida Adorno, 49, of Ocala, claimed a $1 million prize from the 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game at the Lottery’s Gainesville District Office. She chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.

Adorno purchased her winning ticket from Quick King Food Store, located at 168 Marion Oaks Boulevard in Ocala. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $50 game, 500X THE CASH, features a top prize of $25 million – the largest ever offered on a Florida Scratch-Off game – and the best odds to become an instant millionaire. The game’s overall odds of winning are 1-in-4.50.

The Marion Civic Chorale community chorus, established in 1986, is gearing up for the upcoming fall concert season and looking for new members to participate. Choristers of all ages and vocal ranges are welcome to join the Marion Civic Chorale. If you love to sing and want to be a part of a talented and enthusiastic group of like-minded music lovers directed by a top-notch conductor, please join us!

Rehearsals for the upcoming Fall Concert Series are expected to commence on the second Monday in August, 2022, 6:30 PM, at St. George Anglican Cathedral, 5646 SE 28th St., Ocala, FL. Anyone interested in joining the Chorale is welcome to attend.

The Marion Civic Chorale fosters appreciation of fine choral music and encourages the advancement of musically gifted students through scholarships and participation in the chorale.

For more information, visit our website, www.marionchorale.org, or email president@marionchorale.org. We’re also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/marioncivicchorale

Prior to the pandemic in 2020, there was once a monthly meeting of residents at the Freedom Library to play that interesting and very challenging game of chess. We played on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Once the pandemic hit, it closed down like everything else.

Well now, with activities opening up again, we are happy to announce so is chess. But, this time, we are meeting on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the same Freedom Library, 5870 SW 95th St.

We currently have a few members, including from Oak Run, On Top Of The World and from the general population. But, we are seeking more residents to join us and add to the fun. The next scheduled date is Friday, June 24.

The only phone number I have available now for any new information is my own. My name is Walt Lamp, 352-854-9378. I will be getting some of the other members’ phone numbers, especially those in Oak Run.

So, if some previous members were looking to start again or if anyone else looking to play the game, call me and make a date for Friday mornings. We’re looking forward to making our club a little larger and the game more fun. Chess sets are suggested, since we want to make sure we always have enough.

The Humane Society is happy to announce we are partnering with the Ocala Downtown Hilton Garden Inn to bring Ocala the first seasonal Barkin’ Brunch. On June 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pet parents and animal advocates will gather at the Downtown Hilton to raise funds for the homeless pets at the Humane Society of Marion County, with a gourmet brunch!

The Barkin’ Brunch will feature music entertainment, items for raffle, animals for adoption, and the most extravagant brunch menu you have ever seen! (Did I mention it is all you can eat and we’re serving mimosas?)

Tickets are available for pre-purchase at the Humane Society of Marion County (701 NW 14th RD, Ocala), or on Friday, June 10, you can purchase tickets at the Terrace on the Square from 6-8 p.m. Can’t make it to purchase tickets in person? Email aburnett@humanesocietyofmarioncounty.com to purchase tickets virtually.

Tickets will be sold at the event as well prior to entry, however seats are filling fast! So pre-purchase is recommended.

An Olde-Fashioned Day Picnic, Cruise-in & Car Show event will be held at the intersection of SW S.R. 200 and SW 83rd Place in Ocala, Saturday, July 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by churches Iglesia De Dios, Joy Lutheran, and The Way.

There will be free food, games and entertainment.

Come for free fun for all ages!

The Reilly Arts Center welcomes back Dueling Pianos on July 22 with two 90-minute sets at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the NOMA Black Box. Guests can sit at a café table and enjoy the music, cocktails and an evening of fun with friends. Tickets are $27 and available at reillyartscenter.com.

Tables seat 4 guests, multiple parties can request to be seated together by emailing info@reillyartscenter.com.

For additional information please visit https://www.reillyartscenter.com/events/dueling-pianos/

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala, FL 34470. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours. Tickets will also be available at the events.

WIND-FM is hosting a series of tribute concerts at Reilly Arts Center, located at 500 NE 9th St, Ocala. All showtimes are 7:30 to 11:45 p.m. Tickets are from $20. Visit www.reillyartscenter.com for more.

Carnival of Crue: Tribute to Motley Crue – July 16

The Eagles’ Greatest Hits, July 29

Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms, Aug. 10

The Wildflowers: Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Aug. 20

REO Survivor: Tribute to REO Speedwagon and Survivor, Sept. 24

Best of the British: Def Leppard and AC/DC tribute, Oct. 1

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

The SW 200 Corridor Quilt Guild meets the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SW District Sheriff’s Office (9048 SW SR 200). Our Mission is to enhance the growth and knowledge of the “art of quilting” through the inspiration, creativity, and friendship of its members by sharing quilting techniques and patterns through active participation in teaching/learning with one another. All level quilters are welcome.

For more information, email us atsw200corridorquilters@gmail.com.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Citizens Academy and Partnership (CAP) program, a free 7-week educational course about the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in September 2022.

Classes will be held at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Purpose Room, 3300 NW 10th St. Ocala, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. beginning Tuesday, Sept. 20.

During the program, MCSO staff will highlight all units within the Sheriff’s Office, giving citizens an in-depth understanding of what the agency is doing for the community. Each week will focus on a different aspect of the agency, personnel, equipment, policies, procedures and overall function. Students will have an opportunity to view specialty unit equipment, hear from experts in the fields of law enforcement, investigations, detention and administration.

To apply for this program, please visit the Marion County Sheriff’s Office website at www.marionso.com/citizens-academy to fill out the application and release forms.

For questions or more information, please contact Wendy Holland, MCSO Volunteer Coordinator, at wholland@marionso.com or you can call her at (352) 369-6761.

SunTran is updating its Transit Development Plan (TDP) to reflect its 10-year vision for the future of transit in Ocala/Marion County. Updates include gathering feedback from the riding public and general stakeholders through electronic and paper surveys.

SunTran is requesting Marion County residents provide their feedback on the transit system by visiting www.SunTran.org and taking a brief online survey.

The TDP evaluates the existing transit system, identifies current and future service improvements, and develops a financial plan based on available funding. SunTran will be soliciting input throughout each phase of plan updates, and the final plan is due September 2022.

For more information regarding Transit Development Plan updates, please contact Steven Neal, Transportation Manager at 352-629-8286.

Summertime is Nia time. Join us on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

A movement practice created in 1983, based on the science of the body, Nia is a class that encourages moving in healthy and safe ways with inspiring music. No jumping or jarring of the joints. No judgment in every class!

H2U (Health to You), is located at 8375 SW Highway 200, 2nd floor of Bank of OZK, Ocala.

Come try your first class without becoming a member! Call the Senior Wellness Community Center today at 352-401-1338. Nia classes are $5/class.

This class is taught by certified 1st Degree Nia Black Belt Instructor Gail Mongiello.

Nia moves are designed for all fitness levels and can be done in chairs.

We look forward to seeing you soon… “Through Movement We Find Health.”

Intermediate level line dance classes are offered every Wednesday 3-4 p.m. at H2U above Bank OZK of Ocala on S.R. 200 (8375 SW Highway 200).

Christ’s Church of Marion County invites you to join us Sunday, June 26. The morning begins with Sunday School classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. We offer three adult classes on a variety of topics. A synopsis of each class is available on our website.

Our Worship Service begins at 10:30 a.m. with our praise team leading a blend of familiar hymns of the church as well as contemporary praise songs with a full praise band. Lead Pastor On June 26, Lead Pastor Ray Burhart will bring the third message from the series “Courageous Conversations” on the topic of identity. Classes are available for children aged 6 weeks through grade 5.

Christ’s Church of Marion County is located at 6768 SW 80th Street – just off State Road 200. For more information on all our events or for directions visit our website at www.ccomc.org or contact the church office at (352) 861-6182.

The General Francis Marion Stamp Club will not be having their regular Wednesday meetings for the months of June and July. We will be meeting next on Friday, July 15, at 1 p.m. at the Marion County Library, 2720 East Silver Springs Blvd., Meeting Room B. We will resume our regular 1st and 3rd Wednesday meetings in August.

For information, contact Elliot at elliotn27@aol.com.

Greetings from our “little church with the big heart!” On July 24, we have a real treat for our special music: Ben Simmons, a well-known local vocalist, will be singing for us during our worship service at 9:30 a.m.

You are very welcome to join us that Sunday, or any other Sunday as you are able! After the worship service, we gather for Bible Study and refreshments in the church hall behind the sanctuary around 10:40 a.m.

Marion Oaks Community Congregational United Church of Christ is a Protestant church based on the teachings of the Bible, a joining of members of the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Congregational churches; our church was formed over 20 years ago and is located just south of Walgreens, right off of Marion Oaks Boulevard.

If you would like more information, please visit our website: www.marionoakslittlechurchbigheart.org or email us at marionoaksuccchurch@gmail.com.

We would enjoy having you visit us!

A Juneteenth celebration sponsored by 360 Walking and Concerned Citizens of Chatmire will take place June 25, 6 p.m., at the First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The Church is located at 11849 North Williams St. in Dunnellon.

Rev. Allen Brooks, Pastor, will lead the ceremony, which is an opportunity to celebrate a new federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans and key roles they contributed in our country’s history.

For more Information or to participate, contact Julia or Cathy at (352) 489-2677.

The First Friday Art Walk Steering Committee is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 First Friday Art Walk season. Applications are open for participating artists, arts and cultural organizations, participating downtown businesses, and business sponsorships. The deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. Aug. 1. Applications will be reviewed by the First Friday Art Walk Steering Committee and are available on the City’s website at www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.

First Friday Art Walk is scheduled to begin Sept. 2, and concludes May 5. Each year, more than 30 artists and 15 arts and cultural organizations participate. The monthly event is filled with original artwork, live art demonstrations, family-friendly free arts activities, and performances by local performing artists.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 orartwalk@ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.

The exhibit, Squares without Stitches is currently on display at the Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. The art exhibit will be on display now through Thursday, Jan. 12, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Each year, the Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosts the annual Festival at Fort King at the Fort King National Historic Landmark over two days. This family-friendly event features historic-themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, historians in period dress, and vendors.

In 2021, the City of Ocala’s Cultural Arts and Sciences Division hosted a booth featuring floral printmaking and calligraphy lessons by the Ocala Calligraphy Guild. While waiting for their hand-lettering pieces to dry before adding flower embellishments, attendees were encouraged to help create a community quilt by drawing on a 6-ft. by 9-ft. canvas using fabric markers. Using nature-inspired stencils and the creativity of a few free-hand artists, participants took a modern approach to quilting by filling the fabric with a grid of colors. From detail-oriented application to an “outside the lines” approach, explore all the marks embedded within this community quilt, inspired by 1800s period quilting.

The City of Ocala, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County and Feed the Need Garden, Inc., will host replant days at the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden located at 2200 W Highway 40, between SW 21st and SW 23rd Avenue. Replant days will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27 – warm season vegetables

Saturday, Oct. 22 – cool season vegetables

Community members are encouraged to attend and replant their crops for the upcoming season or start a new garden plot. Plots are available for $10 per year. The goal of the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden is to educate and provide an opportunity for citizens to plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables for their families.

For more information, or to reserve a plot, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5540 or visit www.ocalafl.org/garden.

The Marion County Museum of History & Archaeology hosts programs on the third Sunday of odd months at 2 p.m. in the Green Clover Hall at 319 SE 26th Ter., Ocala. A reception follows the programs in the museum itself. Admission is free to members and $5 to nonmembers. Individual and family memberships are available for sale at events.

July 17: Dr. Joe Knetsch, Cousin Bob. Historian, author, professor, his latest book is about a Jewish-American World War II Hero, Robert Warren, ultimately attached to Patton’s Third Army coming across France after the Normandy breakout. It is based upon Warren’s personal letters, some reports from the Fort Benning collections, etc. and the usual secondary accounts now available.

Sept. 18: 11th anniversary of the museum

Nov. 20: Annabelle Leitner, local historian – The 19th Century Marion County Voting Precincts/Public Information.

TBD: Cynthia Graham-Wilson – Marion County author/historian on topic of early Marion County Black Residents and Businesses

We hope to see you there!

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