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United Way National Day of Action
June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Gainesville
United Way of North Central Florida will participate in the National Day of Action by hosting an “Assemble and Decorate” event to expand and enhance it’s Book Nook Initative. The public is invited to help assemble and paint book shelves as well as donate books. The event will be in the United Way parking lot at 6031 NW 1st Place. More information at www.unitedwayncfl.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid Florida Benefit Concert with The Drifters
June 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall
A benefit concert featuring a performance by the legendary group The Drifters will be on June 22. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. More information on tickets available a www.sfcollege.edu/finearts/ or at bbbsmidflorida.org

Altrusa House Second Chance Clothing Sale
June 29 from 8 a.m. to noon
Gainesville

Altrusa House of Gainesville will sell new and gently used clothing on June 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at 2002 NW 36th Avenue in Gainesville. For more information call 352-377-7708.

Gainesville Cohousing Informational Presentation
June 29 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Millhopper Library, Gainesville

Find out about the efforts to build an international community within walking distance of Thornebrook Village shopping, the library and community theater. Gainesville Cohousing will be on hand to share their vision of 24 energy-efficient homes on five acres of land. The presentation will be made at the Millhopper Library, 3145 NW 43rd St. More information available at www.gainesvillecohousing.org

Summer Splash and Learning Laps Event
June 29 from 9 a.m. to noon
North Central Florida YMCA, Gainesville

This inaugural event, presented by the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County in partnership with the Department of Children and Families and the Alachua County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force, will be at 5201 NW 34th Street. The event will focus on summer safety and fun ways to keep learning while school is out. Games, activities and raffles for summer pool passes at the YMCA will be featured. There will also be a bounce house, playground, food and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. More information available 352-375-4110, ext. 131.

Crossroads 4th of July Celebration
July 4 at 8 p.m.
Ocala

The Crossroads Church at 8070 SW 60th Avenue in Ocala will present a children’s bicycle parade followed by fireworks. More information available www.crossroadscog.netp>

IFAS Extension First Time Home Buyer’s Course
July 8, 10, 15, 17
5:30 to 8 p.m.
Ocala

The Marion County Extension Service will offer courses focusing on the home buying process at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road in Ocala. A certificate of completion will be awarded for perfect attendance. The course satisfies the requirements set forth by HUD, S.H.I.P., Habitat for Humanity and other funders. More information available at 352-671-8400.

“To Have and Have Another”
Santa Fe College Foundation Benefit
July 12 at 7 p.m.
Cellar 12 in Downtown Gainesville

Just in time for his birthday, the spirit and “spirits” of the Nobel Prize-winning American writer Ernest Hemmingawy are coming to Gainesville to raise money for student scholarships at Santa Fe College. “To Have and Have Another: Hemmingway’s Cocktails with Philip Greene and Raul Villarreal” allows guests to mingle with the authors and enjoy cocktails described in Hemmingway’s books and stories. Cellar 12 is located at 12 SE 1st Avenue in Gainesville. More information on tickets is available at 352-395-4491.

Red, White & More Red! Benefit Tasting Event
July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Gainesville Woman’s Club

The Gainesville Woman’s Club is hosting the third annual wine tasting “Red, White & More Red” on July 18 at 2809 W. University Avenue. All proceeds benefit Girls Place and Peaceful Paths. More information available at 352-376-3901.

Yesplus Life-Skills Workshop
July 19-22
Reitz Union, UF Campus
Gainesville

Yesplus is a unique life-skills workshop that has been specifically designed for college-aged young adults. Through yoga, breathing techniques including the Sudarshan Kriya, games and fun, the workshop helps your look beyond limiting beliefs into what you are and what you want from life.The 20-hour workshop is conducted over four days in the Matthews Suite in the Reitz Union, The workshop will be from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 19 and 22 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 20 and 21. More information available at http://yesplusgators.wix.com/home#!the-yesplus-workshop/csf1

Free Summer Food Service Program
June, July and August 2013
Alachua County Public Schools

Alachua County Public Schools will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program. All children 18 years old and younger are eligible for meals at no charge and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service. Nutritionally balanced meals will be provided to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin. Summer feeding sites are located at 30 schools in Alachua County.

Free meal location information available at: http://district.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/alachuacps/files/summer_School_Flyer_2013.pdf

UF Young Entrepreneurs Gainesville Summer Service Project
Summer 2013

The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Florida presents the UF Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership & Sustainability: Gainesville Summer Project. This is an opportunity for high school students from Gainesville area schools to get involved with our local community while learning about issues related to innovation, sustainability and leadership. Each student will earn 100 community service hours. Fore more information or to apply, go to www.ufyoungentrepreneurs.org/gssp

Aspect Foundation Seeking Vounteer Host Families for International Students
through August 2013
Volunteer host families are needed for students from over 30 different countries who want to experience the American way of life. For more information contact Sarah Hernandez at 352-414-5774, or the national Aspect Foundation Office at 1-800-US-YOUTH. You can also visit their website at www.aspectfoundation.org

“Titanoboa Monster Snake”
Through August 11
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville

The Florida Museum of Natural History inspires people to value the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world and make a positive difference in its future. The museum is located at 3215 Hull Road just east of Southwest 34th Street in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum’s current temporary exhibit, “Titanoboa Monster Snake,” details Florida Museum scientist’s recent discovery in Colombia of the world’s largest snake 48 feet long and 2,500 pounds- and features a full-size model of the massive reptile. For more information, including directions, parking and ticket prices, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

Gone 4 Ever Shredding
Ongoing
The Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve- Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing

Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.

The Family Mealtime Project
Ongoing

This spring research at the University of Florida will conduct a research study to learn about families and their interactions during mealtimes. The Family Mealtime Project is available to two-parent families who live within 20 miles of Gainesville and have a child between the ages of 2 and 6. The study consists of three, 45 minute sessions in families’ home in which families will complete questionnaires and two video recordings of their mealtimes. Families will be compensated at the completion of the study. Families interested in participating or who have questions should call the Family Mealtime Project office toll free at 1-866-673-9623.

“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing

The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org

Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. Hosts Meal Site
Open every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ongoing

The Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. hosts a meal site at the Bronson Community Church located on Hathaway Ave. in Bronson, FL. The meal site serves seniors age 60 or older. Meals are served at noon. There is no cost, but donations are welcomed. For more information, call 352-490-7055 x1.

Ronald McDonald House Charities NCF Seeks Long-Term Volunteers
Ongoing

Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.

Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing

Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.

The Kindness Cookie Company
Ongoing

In partnership with The Arc of Alachua County, the Kindness Cookie Company bakes homemade cookies with our messages of kindness, gratitude and inspiration inside. In the spirit of these messages, Kindness for Cookies also seeks to raise awareness of the unique gifts of individuals with developmental disabilities and how they can teach us to live with greater compassion, acceptance and presence. The Kindness Cookie Company can bake for any event, or custom orders and gifts. For more information, contact Susan Thiele, founder, at 352-256-8084 or email at Yummy@TheKindnessCookieCompany.com, you can also visit the website at www.TheKindnessCookieCompany.com.

MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing

In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.

Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing

The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.

Red Carpet Customer Service Training Program
Ongoing

This program, launched by FloridaWorks in partnership with Santa Fe College, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Gainesville, has a goal of training 3,000 people in customer service. Each participant earns a certificate from Santa Fe College after completing the 3-hour course. To register, contact Santa Fe CIED at 352-395-5053. To become a community sponsor, contact the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-334-7100.

Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing

There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing

The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.

Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.

To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words “Community Update” in the subject line.
The Community Update fax number is 352-392-5741. All submissions must be made on organization letterhead at least two weeks prior to the event.