Alachua County Library District Neighborhood Meeting for Public Input on the New Cone Park Branch Library
February 22nd 6:30 PM

As part of the Cone Park Branch Library process the Alachua County Library District will conduct a neighborhood meeting to gather input and feedback from Cone Park and East Gainesville residents. The meeting is February 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cone Park Recreation Center, 2841 E. University Avenue. The public is invited to attend and provide input on plans and services for the Cone Park Branch.

The Alachua County Library District hosts StoryCorps
February 23rd through February 25th

The Alachua County Library District is proud to host StoryCorps in Gainesville again, February 23 – 25. Come to Headquarters Library to record, share, and preserve local stories and create oral histories! This visit is a gift from the Institute of Museums and Libraries as part of being awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, 2011. Applications are being accepted and interview times will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for a time slot at http://www.aclib.us/storycorps. At the end of each session, participants will take home a broadcast-quality CD of the interviewee’s recorded story, and with permission, a copy will be archived at the Library of Congress and the Alachua County Library District.

Game Day Luncheon and Benefit
February 24th at Noon

Participate in the Gainesville Woman’s Club Game Day Luncheon and Benefit and help the Gainesville Fisher House provide a place for families whose loved ones are receiving medical attention at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center. The Game Day Luncheon and Benefit will be held on February 24th at 12 Noon. Come play bridge, hand and foot, Mah Jongg, bunko or other table games. There will be door prizes. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Gainesville Fisher House. Call the clubhouse at 376-3901 or gwcwomansclub@att.net for ticket information. Tickets are $15.00.

The Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association and the Alachua County Library District to present the “Law in the Library Series”
February 24th at Noon

The Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association is partnering with the Alachua County Library District to present the “Law in the Library Series.” This sessions will be at 12 Noon at the Library Headquarters, located downtown at 401 E. University Avenue. These informative presentations are free and open to the public.
On February 24, Mac McCarty, President of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association, will speak at the inaugural session on residential foreclosure issues.

Florida Museum of Natural History “A Night at the Museum”
February 24th from 7PM to 11PM

The Florida Museum of Natural History presents “A Night at the Museum,” an annual fundraiser to benefit the museum. It will take place on Friday, February 24th from &PM to 11PM at the Florida Museum on SW 34th Street and Hull Road. The theme of the event is “the Museum Collections will come alive under the Klieg Lights.” Dinner will be served by Celebrations and tickets are $100 for non-reserved seating and $200 per person at reserved seating tables. For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/passport or call 352-273-2086 for reservations or questions.

Expressions Learning Arts Academy 13th Annual Arts in Education Benefit Gala
February 24th from 7PM to 11PM

Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and entertainment while supporting Expressions Learning Arts Academy at the 13th Annual Arts in Education Benefit Gala. The silent auction has something for everyone; include original artwork, gift certificates for local restaurants and shops, vacations, and autographed items. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available—with all profits going to the benefit. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at Expression Learning Arts Academy, 5408 S.W. 13th Street, Gainesville, or call 352-373-5223.

The 2012 Winter Fine Art Fair at Tioga Town Center
February 24th through February 26th

Please join the Tioga Town Center for the 2012 Winter Fine Art Fair at the Tioga Town Center on SW 128 Street and West Newberry Road in Gainesville. The fair is spread out among three days beginning Friday, February 24th from 5 to 9 pm, Saturday, February 25th from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, February 26th from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be 100 plus fine artists, music, children’s activities.

Cinema Verde Environmental Arts and Film Festival
February 24th to March 2nd, Various Times

Cinema Verde is an internationally-recognized environmental arts and film festival focused on the promotion of sustainable and green living. The event schedule includes several film screenings, “Celebrate Nature” and “Sustainable Solutions” fairs, and more. The festival, now in its third year, will kick off on February 24th with an opening reception at 8 p.m., followed by an Eco-Art Walk at 10 p.m. For a full schedule, ticketing and donation information, please visit www.CinemaVerde.org.

2012 Azalea Plein Air Spring Fling
February 24th through March 4th

Create! The Artists’ Guild of North Florida and The Azalea Festival announce the 2012 Azalea Plein Air Spring Fling, a “Paint-Out” event for artists and photographers, which runs from February 24, through March 4, 2012. Over $1000 in will be awarded. For details, procedures and rules please go to our website creativeartistsguild.org or send an email requesting an artist information packet via email to creativeartists02gmail.com. Entry fees are $15 for Create for members, $25 non-members.

The Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Charity Golf Tournament
February 25th

The University of Florida Student Physical Therapy Association is hosting its first annual golf scramble to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (http://www.parentprojectmd.org). There will be a silent auction, food, and great prizes! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support the families of our community. The golf scramble will be held on February 25, 2012 at Ironwood Golf Course. For more information please email rhixon@ufl.edu.

Blessings in a Backpack 5K Run & 1M Walk with Kids Fun Run
February 25th at 7AM

The 2nd Annual Blessings in a Backpack 5K Run & 1 M Walk with Kids Fun Run is right around the corner on Saturday, February 25th at the Nature Coast Bank in Citrus Hills! There are discounted entry fees for adults and students by pre-registering by February 22nd! Pre-registration also includes a long sleeve race day t-shirt. Register online @ http://www.blessingsinabackpack5k.com/. The event gets started at 7 A.M.

Cruising for Kids
February 25th at 8 AM

Hosted at Williston Elementary School, Cruising For Kids will be on Saturday, February 25 and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands will start 17 10 a.m. Admission and riding is free, but donations are welcome for the event benefits the Williston Elementary Safety Patrollers and their upcoming trip to DC. There will be door prizes, free coffee and donuts for all participants and an $8 lunch after the ride.

Alachua Women Build Pancake Breakfast
February 25 from 8AM to 10AM

Come support Alachua Women Build and feast on a delicious pancake breakfast at the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar at 1005 NW 13th Street. Each breakfast is $6 and includes 2 pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a drink of your choice. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the following locations from 10am-2pm: Lowe’s on Archer Road (02/04, 02/12, 02/18), Haile Publix (02/05, 02/11), and the Plaza Publix in Williston (2/19). For more information, contact alachuawomenbuild@gmail.com

The Cops Against Cancer Trail Ride
February 25th at 8:30AM

The Alachua County Sherriff’s office presents “The Cops Against Cancer Trail Ride”, benefitting the climb for cancer foundation, on Saturday, February 25th at the San Felasco state park. Check in begins at 8:30 am at the main park office in Alachua. Your entry fee includes a BBQ lunch, entry for a prize drawing, and demonstrations. Log on to cfc/foundation.org for more information on the cops against cancer trail ride benefiting the climb for cancer foundation on Saturday, February 25th.

Six Artists-Six Prairies
February 25th from Noon until 9PM

Please join ACT and Six Artists-Six Prairies as we celebrate the magnificence of unspoiled Florida with a project-closing event on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Prairie Creek Lodge. The afternoon will include opportunities to meet the artists as they paint on the grounds from noon until dusk. In the evening, enjoy hors d’vours, cocktails and music as you take a look at the paintings from the year-long project. All the paintings will be available for purchase, and due to the artists’ love of native Florida and desire to support local conservation, a portion of each sale will benefit Alachua Conservation Trust.

Canadian Brass Performance
February 25th at 11:30AM

There will be a FREE performance and presentation by the world renowned Canadian Brass on Saturday February 25, 2012 at 11:30 am in the School of Music-Steinbrenner Band Hall on the UF campus. The University of Florida College of Fine Arts-School of Music and UF Bands would like to invite you to this FREE event. There will be a discussion and demonstration titled “Confident Performance and Connected Presentation”. All musicians will benefit from attending this event and will also be able to register to win one of several mouthpieces to be given away by Great Southern Music in the Oaks Mall Plaza. Contact Tom Llinas at: 352-505-5440 for more information.

“Prostate Cancer: Current Screening Policy Debates and Recommendations”
February 29th at 10AM

Join North Central Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (NCFCCC) at its kickoff event Wednesday, February 29. Guest speaker, Dr. Johannes Vieweg, will be presenting on “Prostate Cancer: Current Screening Policy Debates and Recommendations.” The presentation will be held at Haven Hospice on 4200 NW 90th Blvd. in Gainesville. Learn more about the event at www.ncfcancercontrol.org.

Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
February 29th at 2PM

On Wednesday, February 29, at 2:00 p.m., Pam Darty, US Fish & Wildlife Ranger, will present a program at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown. Pam will give an overview of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges. She will discuss the importance of pollinating bees to these areas. Come early and enjoy a walk on one of the WGP’s scenic trails or enjoy a picnic lunch. For more information visit www.withlacoocheegulfpreserve.com or email friendswgp@bellsouth.net.

Wings of Dreams Airfest
Featuring the Collings Foundation’s “Wings of Freedom Tour”
March 2nd through March 5th

Join us for the fifth annual Wings of Dreams Airfest, featuring the Wings of Freedom Tour and the historic gathering of WWII Combat Airmen, Fighter Aces and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Come meet and talk to true American heroes, hear epic tales of their wartime experiences and participate in tributes to commemorate their service. Adults $5.00, Children (under 12) $2.00, Children (under 5) Free, WWII Vets Free, Active Duty in uniform Free, Advance-Purchase One-Day Family Pass $10 – Admits 2 adults & 2 children (purchase by February 20, 2012). Visit www.wingsofdreams.org or call 352-256-8037 for more information.

“Hope Rocks, Dystonia Sucks” Concert
March 2nd at 8PM

Gainesville-based charity, Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure, invites the community to enjoy an outrageous rock and roll experience at 8-Seconds in downtown Gainesville on March 2nd. The “Hope Rocks, Dystonia Sucks” concert will feature headliner Bag of Donuts from New Orleans and local favorite, Toothless Judy. Come sing along to covers of artists ranging from Steppenwolf to Lady Gaga, each seasoned with their own unique styles and on-stage flamboyance. The concert, scheduled to start at 8:00pm and general admission tickets are available for pre-purchase at TylersHope.org for $50. VIP tickets, providing special access, food and beverages, are available for $100.
For more information, visit http://tylershope.org/EventsRegistration/tabid/150/vw/3/ItemID/45/d/20120302/Default.aspx.

Gainesville Chamber Orchestra Fundraiser
March 2nd at 7PM

The 2012 Gainesville Chamber Orchestra Fundraiser, co sponsored by the Gainesville Women’s Club, will be held Friday, March 2nd at 7PM. The event features Jason Graae performing his New York Show, Perfect Harmony, Honoring the music of Tony award-winning Broadway Composer Jerry Herman. The event includes food and a silent auction. More information is available at GCOMUSIC.ORG

Lazy River Dayze
March 3rd at 3PM

Summer Springs Sweet Adeline’s chorus invite all music lovers of 4-part harmony, “Barbershop” style to their annual show, “Lazy River Dayze”, Saturday, March 3rd at 3 p.m. in the First Christian Church Hall, 1908 SE Ft. King Street, Ocala. The Ocala Civic Theater Singers will make a guest performance to round out a musical afternoon.. $10 in advance, and group tickets for 10-20 at $8-$6. Call352-288-8841. $12 tickets at the door. Door prizes will be awarded.

Share the Cure 2012
March 3rd from 7PM to 11:30PM

Join the Keira Grace Foundation’s Share the Cure 2012: The Results Show on Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 7:00 – 11:30 p.m. at the Phillips Center on the University of Florida campus. Tickets are $89 for advance purchase and $99 starting February 6th and you can purchase tickets at the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-2787 or TicketMaster at 800-277-1700 and www.ticketmaster.com Be part of Keira Grace Foundation’s 7th annual fundraising event and bring hope, restoration and life to children with cancer in the Dominican Republic! Live Latin American entertainment and cocktails and dinner by Blue Water Bay. Innovative Entertainment’s DJ Matt will host an after party celebration. For more info visit:
www.keiragracefoundation.com.

Bullying
A Youth Rally and One-Day Conference
March 9th and March 10th

Today, one in four kids is bullied in school and one in two kids, out of school. Come support the Joy Counseling Center and Faithfully Guided, Inc. and stand up to bullying! There is a free youth rally on March 9 at Church @ The Springs from 7-9 p.m., and a one-day conference on March 10 at the Hilton Ocala from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The conference will feature nationally known keynote speaker Tony Bartoli. Register for BOTH events at www.faithfullyguided.com or www.joycounsel.com and call 352.484.7433 for more information.

Antique Tractor and Car Day
March 10th from 9AM to 2PM

Antique Tractor & Car Day – Appreciate the past! See farmers on their vintage machines plow a field where sugar cane and corn will soon be planted. This event honors the innovations in methods and equipment, showing the historical significance and importance of the tractor to agriculture. As an accompaniment to the ‘old time’ tractors, the local Antique Automobile Club of America will also display their cars. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Mar 10. Dudley Farm Historic State Park, 18730 W. Newberry Road, (352) 472-1142, admission $5/per vehicle up to 8 people. www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org

Junior League of Gainesville and the “Tour of Kitchens”
March 10th

The Junior of League of Gainesville is proud to announce the return of our signature event, the Tour of Kitchens. Back by popular demand the Tour of Kitchens is a self-guided tour of Gainesville’s finest and coolest residential kitchens and outdoor spaces. Each magnificent home will feature a local restaurant and a sampling of their signature offerings. We will also feature several demonstrations on the newest trends in home living and other surprises throughout the day. Tickets are only $30.00 per person and will go on sale in January 2012. Please mark your calendars for March 10, 2012 and join us for our best Tour yet! For tickets and more information, log on to www.gainesvillejrleague.com

Spring Festival 2012
March 10th and March 11th at Various Times

Featuring more than 80 vendors selling a large array of plants, garden décor and plant-related accessories, attendees can find almost everything they need for gardening and landscaping all in one place. The event will also provide many learning opportunities, including educational booths, in-garden talks and seminars on everything from trees to container gardens and tropical fruit to composting. Admission is only $1 and children 12 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.marioncountyfl.org/springfestival.htm.

Women’s Health Panel
March 12th from 4:30PM to 6PM

The Association for Academic Women is hosting a Women’s Health Panel on March 12th. The event will be held at the McKnight Brain Institute. For information on all Association for Academic Women, go to http://grove.ufl.edu/~aaw/.

Conservation Steward Awards Dinner
March 16th at 5:30PM

Come join the Alachua Conservation Trust as they celebrate and honor those who have made cultural and environmental protection a priority in their lives!
The event will be held March 16th at the Prairie Creek Lodge, and the festivities commence at 5:30pm with a social hour, silent auction and live music, followed by a chili cook-off and brief awards ceremony. Music and fun continue until 9:30pm. The 2012 Conservation Stewards are Dale Crider, Sally Morrison and Jack Hauptman. To learn more about them or for more information, please visit http://alachuaconservationtrust.org/CSA.html. Tickets are $60.

Florida Nurses Association Conference
March 17th

The Florida Nurses Association, North Central Region will present a conference with focus on the Institute of Medicine Report: The Future of Nursing.
All Registered Nurses, including Nurse Practitioners, are invited to attend!
The conference will be held at the Phillips Center at Advent Christian Village at Dowling Park, FL. Registration is $25 for FNA members and $40 for non-members (Registration includes two meals and four continuing education hours.) Registration deadline is March 5th! More information, including registration, can be found at www.floridanurse.org on the North Central Region page.

Carnival Day with UPTA
March 17th from 2PM to 5PM

University of Florida’s Undergraduate Physical Therapy Association is having a charity event called Carnival Day with UPTA on Saturday, March 17th from 2-5pm to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Annual Walk-a-thon. This event is for all families in the Gainesville community with special needs and will include many fun games and activities such as face painting, ring tosses, and a wheelchair-friendly obstacle course. We would love for your radio station to come out to our event as we know many of these children love music.

3rd Annual Tioga Town Center Run for Haven
March 17th at 2PM

Join us for the 3rd annual Tioga Town Center – Run for Haven featuring a twilight 5K and 10K run on Saturday, March 17, 2012. St. Patrick’s Day! Check-in and registration begins at 2 pm and the run starts at 4:30 pm. For other details about the activities before, during and after the run, head over to http://run4haven.com/.

CMC Presents: “Essential Afrikan History” Workshop #7
March 18th at 3PM

Mainstream Western history education is stripped of many histories that do not comport with the Greco­Roman model for the origin of civilization. One of the earliest is that of the Afrikan origins of civilization. The Civic Media Center will host the seventh in a series of monthly workshops entitled “Essential Afrikan History” on Sunday, March 18th, beginning at 3pm. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, please contact coordinators@civicmediacenter.org.

Spring Dinner Theater
March 23rd and March 24th at 6PM

Wesley United Methodist Church our annual Spring Dinner Theater. The event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, 2012. This year’s event features a dinner theater. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM followed by the one-act comedy, “The Unvacation II,” written by Kay Frazier and directed by Sharren Gibbs. The doors will open at 6:00 PM. There will also be a Preview with refreshments on Thursday, March 22, at 7:00 PM for a donation of $8 per person. Tickets are $16. Tables of nine are available at a discount. All seating is reserved. The church is located at 826 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL. For more information, contact the church office at 352-372-2845.

March of Dimes March for Babies
March 24th

The #1 March for Babies in the nation is scheduled in Gainesville, Saturday, March 24, 2012 and in Ocala April 28, 2012. Your support is needed again as the March of Dimes prepares for its 42st March for Babies. Help us urge North Central Florida’s volunteers to join the March of Dimes effort to give all babies a healthy, full-term birth. For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.com

Gainesville Walk-a-Thon for Epilepsy Foundation of Florida
March 24th at 8AM

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida’s (EFOF) Gainesville office is hosting its annual Walk-a-thon on Saturday, March 24th. The Walk-a-thon will begin with registration at 8:00 am at Kanapaha Park, 7400 SW 41st Street, in Gainesville on Saturday, March 24. For more information on the event and/or EFOF services, call Tina at one of the number’s above or visit www.EpilepsyFLA.org.

5k to HEAL
March 25th at 8:30am

Join students from UF’s dental, medical, and veterinary programs for 5k to HEAL. All proceeds help fund their annual trip to Ecuador to provide medical care for the communities. The 5k will take place on UF’s campus, originating from parking lot across from SW Rec Center on Hull Road (next to Phillips Center of Performing Arts/Harn Museum) – route will wrap around Lake Alice. Registration begins at 7:45AM. Registration cost is $15 pre-registration (sign up on www.active.com) or $20 day of race.

Official Opening of the Cofrin Asian Art Wing
March 30th and March 31st

Become a Harn Member to enjoy Asian cuisine, entertainment and be the first to see the new Cofrin Asian Art Wing at our Member Party on March 30 at 6 p.m. On March 31st at 10:30 a.m,. come see the official ribbon cutting, revealing the five new exhibitions and one of the Asian-inspired gardens. Activities planned throughout the day include tours, a gallery talk by Cofrin Curator of Asian Art Jason Steuber at 3 p.m., bonsai display and more. This event is free and open to the public and takes place during Primavera, Gainesville’s month-long celebration of culture and creativity at the height of spring in North Florida.

Reddick BBQ Festival
March 31st

Come to “downtown” Reddick, Florida on Saturday, March 31, 2012 for the 1st annual Reddick BBQ Festival. Bring your appetite, as there will be a big BBQ battle between local churches, a huge community yard sale, arts & crafts vendors, clowns and fun for kids, and live music all day! If you love BBQ, good deals, and live music, come on over to Reddick on Saturday, March 31 at Friendship Baptist Church! Go to www.reddickbbqfestival.com!

Cavallo Equestrian Arts presents Ma’Ceo in Ocala
March 31st through April 6th

Cavallo Equestrian Arts offers performances under the Big Top that bring together inspired art and pulse-pounding excitement. Our shows are a truly unique experience that feature Cossack riding, Roman riding, aerial and acrobatic stunts, horses at liberty, vaulting and classic dressage in the Italian style. A long forgotten art-form has been brought back to the modern day and awaits you with open arms. Tickets are available online at http://maceo2012ocala.eventbrite.com/. Event is held at various dates and times, visit link above for more details.

O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off and Springs Celebration
March 31st at 9AM

Experience the beauty of our State Parks and treat your taste buds at the O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) and Springs Celebration (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) on Saturday, March 31st at O’Leno State Park. Admission to the park is free with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food bank. Highlights of the events will include a chili cook-off, live music, dance troupes, shadow puppets, and children’s activities. Learn more at www.SantaFeRiverSprings.com

Peace Training for Youth Workshop
March 30, 31 & April 1 at 9a.m.

Loga Springs Academy invites students from 11-16 years old to participate in the Alternatives to Violence for Youth Training Workshop to facilitate peaceful schools and promote the school’s mission of peace in the community. The three-day workshop will run from 9a.m. to 3p.m. on Friday, March 30th and Saturday, March 31, and from 9a.m. to 2p.m. on April 1. Registration is $50 and includes all materials, manual, awards, a certificate of completion and family lunch on Sunday.
The Alternatives to Violence for Youth Training is a participatory, experiential program developed by Dr. James Porter to address issues of interpersonal violence, prejudice and injustice with participants of all ages, with a focus on middle-and high-school age youth.
For more information: http://logasprings.com/index.html

Kids Kicking Cancer First Annual 5K Run
April 7 at 8a.m.

Kids Kicking Cancer is a non-profit organization that provides weekly classes for children, both inpatient and outpatient, in the mind-body techniques found in the martial arts. Their mission is “to ease the pain of very sick children while empowering them to heal physically, spiritually and emotionally.”
They will be hosting their first annual Kids Kicking Cancer 5K Run April 7th at 8a.m. Check out more information here: http://powerpeacepurpose.com/

Healthy Gators 6th Annual Midnight Fun Run
April 25th at Midnight

Join the Healthy Gators coalition and the Department of Recreation Sports, sign up to run in the 6th Annual Midnight Fun Run. Students, faculty, staff, and guests are all welcome to sign up for the event. All participants will receive a Midnight Fun Run t-shirt and breakfast after the run! For more information, visit the Department of Recreation Sports at www.recsports.ufl.edu

Gainesville Woman’s Club Annual Spring Antique Show and Sale
April 27th through April 29th

The Gainesville Woman’s Club will hold the Annual Spring Antiques Show and Sale, one of its biggest fundraisers, on Friday and Saturday, April 27th and 28th from 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Sunday, April 29th from 11:00AM to 4:00PM. There will be over twenty dealers from all over the country and a crystal repair service. The Show will include lunch prepared by members and served on the Patio for all three days. The Bake Shop will provide home-made desserts. Cost is $5.00 and you may return anytime during the show. Call (352) 376-3901, click on www.gfwcfl-gainesvillewomansclub.org. or email us at gwcwomansclub@att.net for further information.

Cedar Key’s 48th Annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
April 28th and 29th

Unlike many art festivals and most craft fairs, this one is juried to ensure original artistry and fine craftsmanship. One hundred and twenty five artists chosen to participate this year will compete for over $18,000 in prize money and purchase awards. Children will have sidewalk chalk art, face painting, a playground and beach. You can listen to live music in the park while lunching on seafood and desserts prepared and sold by local school, civic and church organizations.

Remembering With Honor: One Quilter Salutes Our Heores
May 19th from 9AM to 11:45AM

Remembering With Honor: One Quilter Salutes Our Heroes will be held Saturday , May 19, 2012. Don Beld author, historian, quilter and founder of Home of the Brave Quilt Project will be showing quilts and giving a presentation in honor of America’s fallen heroes. The event will take place at the Hilton University of Florida 1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville Florida 9-11:45am. For more information call 352-373-7791.

Ongoing Community Events

Camp Kesem Registration
Ongoing

Camp Kesem is a FREE camp for children ages 6-16 who have or have had a parent/guardian with cancer. The overnight, week-long camp is run by University of Florida students and it is not a therapy session, but rather a way for these children to meet others in the same situation, have fun, and just be kids! It is a secular camp that is open to all children regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, or financial status. The UF students involved in our organization work year round to fundraise money to make our camp completely free for every camper.This year, the camp will be at Camp Mah-kah-wee in Chuluota, FL (near Orlando) and the dates are August 5-10th, 2012. Visit the website at www.campkesem.org/uf for registration information and forms.

No More Homeless Pets, Operation PetSnip – Targeted Outreach Program
Ongoing

No More Homeless Pets is offering FREE SPAY AND NEUTER surgery for cats and dogs through a program named “TOP,” or Targeted Outreach Program. Alachua County residents on qualifying government assistance programs can get their cat or dog sterilized for free. The clinic is located at 4205 NW 6th Street Suite A-2 in Gainesville, FL. Please call (352) 376-6647 for your pet’s appointment. Vaccines and other services available at time of surgery for a fee. No More Homeless Pets, Operation PetSnip is a high-volume, high-quality, low-cost, spay/neuter clinic. Our everyday price of surgery to fix your pet is only $40 for cats and $60 for dogs. Operation PetSnip has sterilized over 8,800 pets in just over two years, thanks to our compassionate community. For more information please visit www.nmhp.net or call 352-376-6647 for your appointment.

Talking Gators Toastmasters Club
Ongoing

The Talking Gators Toastmasters Club meets Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. in Room 1031 in the Entomology Building, 970 Natural Area Dr., east of the Performing Arts Center on the UF campus. Students and community members are welcome to meet members and learn about Toastmasters, an international organization that provides a positive atmosphere to learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills in a group setting. Members receive certifications for each achievement of the different skill levels. For details, go to http://talkinggators.freetoasthost.biz or call 352-870-2267. Talking Gators Toastmasters Club also is on Facebook.

Redeemed by Art: Al Black’s Highwaymen Murals Photographs by Gary Monroe
Ongoing through February 25th

The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Thomas Center Galleries is proud to kick off the year with a critically acclaimed art show: “Redeemed by Art: Al Black’s Highwaymen Murals Photographs” by Gary Monroe showing at the Thomas Center, Main Gallery. Join us for a Reception and discussion on January 14th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Thomas Center: Gary Monroe will give a gallery talk at 4 p.m. The talk will be followed by a panel discussion focusing on the role of art as a means of rehabilitation and prevention. Please join us for this special program!

30th Annual Winter Bamboo Sale
Ongoing through February 29th

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is hosting its 30th Annual Winter Bamboo Sale throughout January and February. Both clumping and running bamboos are offered on a dug-to-order basis for use as landscape accents or visual barriers. Fifteen species are available including Chinese Goddess, Stripestem, Buddha Belly and the incomparably beautiful Black Bamboo. To receive a copy of this year’s offerings, call 352 372-4981 or visit kanapaha.org.

Gator Community Supported Agriculture program
Ongoing through June 2012

Support local agriculture and receive a regular supply of healthy produce. CSAs primarily run from mid-October to June. There are two campus pick-up locations to select: From 4:30 PM-6:30 PM, the farmers will be back on the west side of the all-decal lot, off Bledsoe Drive (near Maguire Village Housing and the SW Rec Center and Fields). At the same time there will also be a pick-up, run by student volunteers at the Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy building rear breezeway/picnic area, off Center Drive. Members of the Gator CSA choose one of four farms, and pick up fresh produce on campus throughout the calendar year. Typically an average of 4-6 items of produce per week is provided over the course of the season. To join the CSA or to get more information about the benefits of being a Community Supported Agriculture member visit: www.sustainable.ufl.edu/gatorcsa

AARP Tax-Aide Recruiting Volunteers
Ongoing through April 15th

The Alachua County AARP Tax-Aide program, a free volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service, is looking for volunteers for either tax counselor or client greeter positions. Beginning January 3rd, 2012, tax counselor volunteers will receive comprehensive training in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. Each year from February 1 through April 15, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal tax returns for low- and middle -income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are needed. Tax training and certification is encouraged but it is not required for client greeters. For more information about becoming a local AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, please email us at aarptaxhelp@gmail.com.

To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Ashley Johnson
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is ajohnson1@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
The Community Update fax number is 352-392-5731. All submissions must be made on organization letterhead at least two weeks prior to the event.