What's Happening: April 25

The Greater Dunnellon Historical Society is creating a cookbook filled with recipes submitted by our community. Come, be a passenger on that train and share your cherished recipe with us.

We’re looking for current and former residents, city council members and mayors, past and present, educators, business owners, employees, volunteers, residents of surrounding communities and anyone who loves our small town and Train Depot.

Drop off your recipe at 12061 S. Williams St. Dunnellon; mail your recipe to GDHS, P.O. Box 1836, Dunnellon, FL 34430; or email the recipe to DunnellonDepot@gmail.com.

The deadline for submission is May 31.

To be added to the mailing list to purchase a cookbook, send an email to Dunnellondepot@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society, visit Dunnellon depot.com.

Dunnellon Methodist Women announce fashion show luncheon

The Dunnellon Methodist Women are having a luncheon and fashion show, Celebrate Women, May 10 at the First Methodist Church of Dunnellon, located at 21501 W. Highway 40. All women are invited, but you must call to sign up, either the Church at 352-489-4026 or Maria at 352-214-4349. The luncheon is free, but we ask that everyone bring a side dish or dessert to share. We will provide ham as our meat course.

We’re celebrating all women as well as the 10th anniversary of the Second Life Thrift Store. The fashions will be from Second Life.

Seating is limited, so don’t wait too long and be disappointed!

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.

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.

Citrus County Genealogical Society meets May 13

The Citrus County Genealogical Society meets at 10 a.m. May 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 W. Southern St., Lecanto. The speaker is Tina LaFreniere of RelatedFaces.com.

She will step you through how to identify unknown people in old photographs by utilizing the features of Related Faces. This presentation discusses the basics of how facial recognition works, the importance of properly digitizing your photos and how to do it with just a cell phone.

Guests are welcome. To attend, contact Mary Ann Machonkin: 352-382-5515.

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.

Brick City Brewers meet May 4

Are you looking for a new hobby? Have you ever wanted to brew your own beer, cider, or mead? Join Ocala’s “original” homebrewing club, Brick City Brewers! Members meet monthly to share homebrews, knowledge, and recipes. We also participate in beer festivals throughout the year, partnering with local charities to raise money for worthy causes. And we have a lot of fun doing it!

Why not join us for our next meeting? We’ll be at the Midtown Station location of Infinite Ale Works – 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala – at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4.

Keep Brick City Brewers’ news and events at your fingertips by bookmarking our new website: brickcitybrewers.great-site.net

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

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!

Experience One Night of Queen at OTOW

For over 20 years, Gary Mullen & The Works have been performing their world-renowned One Night of Queen live concert. They’ll have you dancing in the aisles during their show while the band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Queen.

They’re at Circle Square Cultural Center in On Top of the World, Ocala, 7 p.m. May 4. Tickets are $47.

Gary Mullen & The Works have performed to sold-out audiences around the world, playing more than 2,500 live shows to audiences in over 20 countries – performing in many of the same venues that Queen played.

If you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll, don’t miss your chance to celebrate One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen & The Works.

Visit www.garymullenandtheworks.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

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.

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 meets from 12:30-2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month 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.

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 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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.