Correction
The photos on page A10 in the July 1 edition of the Marion Citizen as part of the article, “100 Days of Summer Dinners at Spruce Creek,” were taken by Greg Higgins. The photos were incorrectly attributed.
Meet the author event in Dunnellon
Local author and columnist Mary Ellen Saladino will be hosting a meet the author and book signing event at Sweetie’s Café & Tea House in Dunnellon on July 15.
Meet Saladino on the Sweetie’s side porch from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or later where she’ll sign books and talk about her paranormal romance novel, “The Love Letter GHOST.” Purchase a book at the event and receive a free fountain pen while supplies last. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch at Sweetie’s, visit Mary Ellen, then walk across the courtyard and shop at Grumbles House.
Sweetie’s Café (352-216-2510) is located at 20789 Walnut St., Dunnellon.
Musical night at the Dunnellon Depot
Need something to do on Friday, July 22?
On stage at the Dunnellon Historic Train Depot will be Patrick Foy beginning at 7 p.m. Foy will bring to the stage a repatriate of easy listening rock n’ roll songs from the 60s and 70s. He is on stage until 9 p.m.
But before his appearance, the doors open at 5 p.m. and volunteers will serve up a tasty array of foods. Always on the menu are: Cubans, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, hobo stew, gluten-free veggie wraps and desserts. Food is served from 5 to 8 p.m.
A $5 fee is collected at the door to help pay for the musical offering of the evening.
The Depot is located at 12061 S Williams St., Dunnellon.
Spy Science exhibit opens at Ocala’s Discovery Center
The Discovery Center’s newest exhibit, Spy Science, recently opened to the public and will be on display through Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. The exhibit will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover the history, science and even the Hollywood connections within the spy industry, when this new exhibit takes visitors inside the world of espionage.
Go undercover as an “Agent of Discovery” to find out the secret identity of the spy villain and solve puzzles and challenges to find him. Learn how disguises help spies to catch the bad guy and even rescue people. Crawl through the villain’s lair while looking for clues hidden in everyday objects.
Guests can create their own secret decoders and use them to solve encrypted messages. Play with spy gadgets like periscopes, voice changers and lasers. Solve our jewel heist labyrinth and more.
General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for individuals and families.
By reservation only, StarLab Planetarium shows are held on Saturdays and tickets are $30 per ten-person group. Guests are encouraged to call ahead to book a reservation time for the planetarium. An alternative Planetarium-like show, NASA Solar System Exploration, is also available for a $3 add-on to the price of general admission.
This exhibit is sponsored by Marion Rotary Duck Derby, Ocala Electric Utilities, Fun4Ocala Kids and Duke Energy.
For more information, please call 352-401-3900 or visit www.mydiscoverycenter.org.
‘A Floral Retrospective’ by Gregory Dirr opens
The exhibit, A Floral Retrospective by Gregory Dirr, opens Thursday, July 7, and will be on display through Friday, December 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Clerk’s Office in the Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. It is free and open to the public.
Gregory Dirr lives and works in Boca Raton. He is an interdisciplinary visual artist, creating work as a cathartic response to his surroundings with a focus on environmental conservation. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dirr has exhibited internationally and curated group and solo exhibitions. He is currently focusing on individual bodies of work and taking on large-scale commissions from cities and private organizations.
To learn more about the artist and to view his complete portfolio, visit www.gregorydirr.com.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 or [email protected]; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.
Marion Civic Chorale seeking new members
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. 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 [email protected]. We’re also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/marioncivicchorale
Chess Club returns to Freedom Library
With activities opening up again, we are happy to announce so is chess. 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.
For information, contact Walt Lamp at 352-854-9378.
If some previous members were looking to start again, or if anyone else is looking to play the game, call Walt 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.
Olde-Fashioned Day Picnic, Cruise-in & Car Show
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!
Christ’s Church services
Christ’s Church of Marion County invites you to join us Sunday, July 10. The morning begins with Sunday School classes for all ages at 9:30 am. 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. Seniors Ministry Coordinator Jeff O’Cull will begin a new series, “Summertime Stories,” focusing on the parables of Jesus with a message titled “1>99” (“One is Greater than 99”). Children aged 3 through grade 5 will be studying the same parable.
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.
Dueling pianos return to the NOMA Black Box at Reilly
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 [email protected].
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.
Tribute concert series
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
SW 200 Corridor Quilt GuildThe 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 [email protected].
MCSO Citizens Academy registration open
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 [email protected] or you can call her at (352) 369-6761.
Summer Nia (Non-Impact Aerobics) classes at H2U Senior CCSummertime 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.”
Line dance classes
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).
Stamp Club summer schedule
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 [email protected].
Special music at Marion Oaks Community Congregational UCC
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.marionoak slittlechurchbigheart.org or email us at marionoaksucc [email protected].
We would enjoy having you visit us!
CF Webber Gallery presents competitive printmaking exhibition
“The 2022 Extreme Pressure Biennial of American Prints,” an inaugural competitive national exhibition organized by the Webber Gallery of the College of Central Florida, will be on view Aug. 8-Sept. 22. Open to all forms of traditional printmaking, the exhibition will present a celebration and examination of contemporary printmaking by artists from across the United States.
Purchase awards totaling a minimum of $2,500 will be made through local organizations, with some works entering the college’s permanent collections.
Five cash prizes will be awarded based on the selections of juror Janet Ballweg. She is a professor of art and head of printmaking at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and is active in several national print alliances and councils. Ballweg’s work has been exhibited in more than 500 shows and has won dozens of awards. Her selection for first place will receive $500, second place will receive $300, third place will receive $100, and two honorable mentions will receive $50. CAMPUS USA is a proud partner of the College of Central Florida and has generously funded the prizes.
Awards and prizes will be presented at the opening reception on Friday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.
The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and admission is free. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664.
First Friday Art Walk accepting applications
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 [email protected]; or visit www.ocalafl.org/ artwalk.
‘Squares Without Stitches’ community quilt on display
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.
West Ocala Wellness Community Garden Replant Days
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.
Museum of History & Archaeology coming attractions
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!
