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 14, March 21, 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 located north of town near the intersection of Highways 40 and 41: 7525 U.S. 41, Dunnellon.
Garden Club field trip meeting is March 27
The speaker for the Rainbow Springs Garden Club meeting on March 27 is going to be the Clouds, the owners of Candide’s Coffee Garden, and it is a field trip to their nursery. We will be meeting at 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Springs Community Center at 19330 SW 83rd Place Road and will carpool from there to the nursery at 17765 SW 31 St.
Central Florida Master Choir announces spring concert
The Central Florida Master Choir will present its 2025 spring concert, “They Say It’s Spring!” on two dates: Sunday, March 23, at the Dunnellon Presbyterian Church, and on Sunday, April 6, at the Countryside Presbyterian Church on State Road 200. Both concerts are at 3 p.m.
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.
RRC meets March 17
Rainbow River Conservation will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, March 17. The guest speaker will be Maxine Hunter, UF/IFAS Senior Agent, Wildlife & Aquatic Plants Expert.
The meeting is located at Rainbow Springs Country Club, Orange Room, first floor, 19330 SW 83rd Place, Dunnellon.
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 the 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 in Dunnellon.
Peace Lutheran community meal March 17
Peace Lutheran Church of Dunnellon’s next community meal is from 4:30-6 p.m. March 17.
The menu includes corned beef and hash dinner, beverage and desserts.
It’s free to all.
The “church on the hill” is located at the intersection of Highways 40 and 41.
For details, call 352-489-5881.
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.
Inverness Rotary hosting brew festival
The Rotary Club of Inverness is holding its 8th Annual Highland Brew Festival from 3-9 p.m. March 22 at The Depot in Inverness, 218a North Apopka Ave.
The festival features a People’s Choice competition where you can help determine the best home brew! Sip on free samples from local homebrewers, and for those craving more, you’ll be able to purchase beer by the glass.
Rock lovers, relive the magic of The Doobie Brothers and Steve Miller Band through a couple of tribute bands.
General admission is $10. Advance tickets, which include access to the open bar, are $65. Visit https://is.gd/X2mLFg
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 more info, including for available spaces, call 352-465-8000.
Purse-A-Palooza – Bling Fling returns
Temple B’nai Darom, 7465 SW 38th St. (1/3-mile east of West Port High School) will hold our annual Purse A Palooza – Bling Fling from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 20.
Shop for gently used purses and costume jewelry. Boutique brands (including Michael Kors, Coach and Very Bradley) at a fraction of the original price.
Sip champagne punch and munch on sweet treats while bargain hunting.
Purses from $1-$25. Jewelry from $1-$5.
Tickets are $5, and admission includes refreshments and a chance to get great bargains.
To reserve your tickets, call Shelly at 352-875-8220.
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, located 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.
Home Improvement Expo March 15
The Home Improvement Expo is coming to the Circle Square Cultural Center in On Top of the World from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15. This free event is open to the public and offers homeowners a unique opportunity to gather ideas, seek expert advice, and explore services that can help transform their homes.
Hosted by On Top of the World Communities, the Home Improvement Expo is a chance to connect with trusted professionals specializing in solar energy solutions, lighting, roofing, windows, room additions, handyman services, and more. Whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a major renovation, this expo is the place to get inspired and take the next step toward improving your home.
Join us and discover how you can enhance the comfort, functionality, and value of your living space!
The address is 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala.
Blue Star Mothers fundraiser at Cody’s
Blue Star Mothers of America are mothers who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. These mothers support each other and their children while promoting patriotism. Our organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes. We are a congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) organization.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse, 8169 State Road 200, Ocala, is pleased to host a buffet lunch fundraiser in support of Ocala Blue Star Mothers from noon-2 p.m. March 24.
Tickets are $15 each; 100 percent of ticket price will fund our military and veteran initiatives.
Our recent projects include shipping deployment packages to active service members, purchasing supplies for the Gainesville VA hospital, providing lunch to our Ocala National Guard when they returned from deployment, celebrating the USMC’s 249th birthday at our Veterans Day car show and providing funding and food for Soldiers Freedom Outdoor retreats, just to name a few.
Tickets may be purchased online at fl10.501site.com/fundraising/sales or by contacting our President, Anne Parker, at 843-504-0032.
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
Ladies Golf League returns at local Club
Golf Central Golf Club, formerly known as Rainbow’s End Golf Club, located in Dunnellon, 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.
Seek-Find-Connect Genealogy Conference March 22
If you’ve ever wondered who’s sitting on the branches of your family tree, or maybe you’ve wanted to research your family but just didn’t know how to get started, help is on the way.
A free Genealogical Conference (Seek-Find-Connect) will be presented by the Ocala Family Search Center and the Marion County Genealogical Society on Saturday, March 22, at the Ocala Family Search Center located at 1811 SE 18th Ave., Ocala.
Attendees will be able to preregister for four of 13 classes, including “Do You Know Who You Are?” writing your family history, instructions on using FamilySearch, understanding DNA in genealogy, organizational skills, tips and tricks, and more.
A day of education plus lunch is offered free of charge, but you must pre-register so we can help you and others share the joy of finding family. Simply visit mcgsocala.org, click on “Event Calendar,” scroll down and click “22 March – Complete your Registration.”
The doors open at 8 a.m. so you can pick up your packet and be ready for the opening session, which will begin at 9 a.m. The conference is scheduled to end at 3 p.m.
For further information, contact president@mcgsocala.org.
Citrus/Marion Retired Nurses to meet
Join us for the Citrus/Marion Registered Nurses, Retired meeting Monday, March 24. We will meet at 11 at Mimi’s Café, 4414 SW College Road, Route 100, Ocala. Lunch will be off the menu.
Our speaker will be Dr. Yousef Elyaman. Dr. Elyaman is a board certified Internist and founder of Absolute Health in Ocala. His focus is getting to the root of his patient’s problems using functional medicine, bringing his unique approach to healthcare to the families of Ocala and its surrounding communities. A short meeting will follow.
For more information, call Judy Herron before March 19 at 352-860-0232 or email her atjlherron2@aol.com
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 Spring Quarter Auction Luncheon takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 25 at the Country Club of Ocala. Jo Ayers of Tavares is speaking on the topic “Imperfect Life? The Secret To True Happiness and Joy.” The $28 payment must be received by Monday, March 17.
The group’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.
‘Twist & Shout’ at The Town Square
The Town Square at Circle Square Commons in On Top of the World is hosting Twist & Shout, A 50s Sock Hop Party, from 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 14. The event is free and open to the public.
Catch live music and dancing, Fat Tiki food truck, a cruise-in car show and a beverage kiosk. DJ WJBJ starts playing at 5 p.m. The Holy Rock Rollaz perform from 6-9 p.m.
Dress to impress in your ’50s best.
The address is 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala.
Spring Band Jam is March 22
The Town Square at Circle Square Commons in On Top of the World is hosting a Spring Band Jam with live music and dancing from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Admission is free, and the public is invited. It will include a car display, 50/50 raffle benefiting SPCA of Marion County, photo kiosk, food trucks and a beverage kiosk. Ultimate Santana Tribute Band performs from 5-6 p.m., followed by Earth Beat until 7:30 p.m. and then Relic Band.
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, located 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.
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.
Get Out and Dance! at OTOW
The Town Square at Circle Square Commons hosts Get Out and Dance! from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The events are free and open to the public.
Dance to live bands every Friday and Saturday and enjoy Food Truck Friday every Friday.
Dance to pre-recorded music Tuesday through Thursday.
The Town Square is in On Top of the World at 8405 SW 80th St.
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