What's Happening: March 28

Learn more about the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society and events at the Depot at www.Dunnellon Depot.com.

St. John hosts weekly fish fry during lent

The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Men’s Club is holding a fish fry from 4-6 p.m. on upcoming Fridays.

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.

A fish fry is scheduled for March 28, April 4, April 11, and May 2.

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

Mark your calendar and come and support our community.

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

Central Florida Master Choir spring concert encore April 6

The Central Florida Master Choir will present its 2025 spring concert, “They Say It’s Spring!” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Countryside Presbyterian Church on State Road 200.

It will be under the direction of Dr. Harold W. McSwain and accompanied by GayLyn Capitano and the New Moon String Ensemble.

The major work will be “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré. The second half will include secular music celebrating spring.

As so many people do year after year, make this concert a part of your spring tradition. Come, enjoy, and give generously via a “free-will offering” in order to help maintain excellence in the musical arts in Central Florida.

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.

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.

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, April 5.

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

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.

Citrus County Genealogical Society meets April 8

The Citrus County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. on April 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 3474 Southern St., Lecanto.

The speaker will be Sara Cochran, talking about “What’s in a Name?” This presentation takes a deeper look at how relying too much on spelling has the potential to trip up our research.

Guests are welcome to attend. For questions, call Mary Ann Machonkin: 352-382-5515.

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.

Thrift Shop needs Tuesday, Thursday volunteers

The Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop, located at 20359 E. Pennsylvania Ave. is in need of reliable, year-round volunteers, able to work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and get in touch with people from our local community, while providing a worthwhile service.

The Shop has an all-volunteer staff of around 30 people who work in teams of 4-5 people per day for a four-hour shift in a congenial atmosphere, pricing and bringing to the Shop floor clothing and small household items donated by community members.

All profits are donated to institutions, clubs and individuals in need in the greater Dunnellon area. Stop by the shop during working hours to pick up an application.

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.

Please RSVP to reserve space by Saturday, April 12, to Kimberly Kelly at 352-422-3966.

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.

Citrus Community Concert Choir announces spring show

The Citrus Community Concert Choir announces the dates and a new venue for their fabulous spring concert “Let Freedom Sing.”

The first of the two concerts will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Hope Lutheran Church, 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs. Then on Sunday April 6, the second concert is at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.

Admission is $12 at the door; students are admitted free. Proceeds help fund our scholarship program to help local students going on to college to study music.

Please see our website www.citruschoir.com for more details.

SCP community yard sale March 29

Spruce Creek Preserve (SCP) is hosting a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon March 29 in the community center’s parking lot, 11376 SW 136th Place. Over 40 resident vendors selling tools, clothing, jewelry and much more!

Spruce Creek Preserve is located on Southwest State Road 200, three miles south of County Road 484, near Ross Prairie State Park. Look for the yard sale signs at the gatehouse.

Please, no early birds, it’s a gated community.

Rainbow BMAP meeting online April 11

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced upcoming meetings for the Outstanding Florida Springs Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) process. The public meetings are held virtually via GoToWebinar are held to discuss BMAP updates.

The meeting on the Silver Springs and Upper Silver River and Rainbow Spring Group and Rainbow River BMAP is at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/bddz5dmxRegistration.

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. A follow-up email will be sent with the agendas.

Email Moira Homann or call 850-245-8460 with any questions.

Bingo weekly 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!

Dunnellon Boomtown Days & Art Show seeks vendors

The 2025 Boomtown Days and Art Show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12. Come out and enjoy food, music, an art show, and crafts vendors, a beauty pageant, a cowboy shootout, and a Kidz Zone. If you’d like to be a vendor, visit the Chamber website at dunnellonchamber.com or go directly to https://is.gd/cyfbOp for the application and payment link. The Chamber does not use third-party event planners. Only make payments to the Chamber directly.

Brick City Brewers meet April 13

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! Members of Brick City Brewers 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 Juniper General Store, 6998 U.S. 27, Unit 112, Ocala, at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

Yoga and Qigong classes

Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is offering two ongoing and open to the public classes on Wednesdays at NCUU, 7633 N. Florida Ave., Citrus Springs.

Qigong-Mindful Movement is at 3 p.m. and Gentle Yoga-Meditation in Motion begins at 3:45 p.m.

Our teacher, Alicia Martinez, is a Qigong associate instructor as well as Certified Yoga Instructor for adults and children.

All are welcome to this ongoing weekly practice. No experience is required, and Alicia will provide modifications if needed.

There’s a suggested donation of $5 for each class.

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.

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 luncheon

The Connection’s April luncheon is titled, “Live, Love & Memories,” and takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 22 at the County Club of Ocala. It features Becky Burque – Journey Through Photos. Please bring your photo memories. Becky will speak on the topic, “Pictures from the past-possibilities for the future.” The $28 payment must be received by April 14.

The Country Club of Ocala is at 6823 SE 12th Circle.

Call Barb at 612-810-0022 or Bonnie at 407-314-8313 for payments and information.

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.

Clearance sale at Ocala Public Library

Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding its next clearance book sale beginning on Friday, April 4 (for Friends members only, but memberships are available at the door), from 1:30-3:30 p.m., and then opens to the general public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5. The sale is held in the Ocala Public Library headquarters meeting rooms, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.

Proceeds of the sale benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at the Ocala main, Reddick, Fort McCoy, and Sankofa branches of the Marion County Public Library system.

All children’s books and all paperback books are 25 cents each, and all hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash and checks only.

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.