Final Art Walk of season is May 6

The First Friday Art Walk will take place in Downtown Ocala Friday, May 6, 6 to 9 p.m. This will be the final art walk of the season until the event resumes in September.

The following activities will be included in May’s event:

Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local non-profit arts and cultural organizations.

Local artists selling their works throughout Downtown.

Participating businesses with extended hours.

Buskers stationed throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend and The Allens, playing ambient music.

Live musical entertainment on the Downtown Square, featuring violinist Chris Barbosa, with an intermission performance by Marion County Center for the Arts Dance.

In the event of inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will be canceled.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 orartinfo @ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk.

Free movie night at church

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is hosting a free movie night Friday, March 6, at 6 p.m. Mystery! Suspense! Murder plots! Escape! Love! All of these and more can be seen in Eric Till’s movie, “Luther,” starring Joseph Fiennes as Martin Luther and Claire Cox as his wife Katharina von Bora. Also starring are Peter Ustinov, Bruno Ganz, Alfred Molina, and Jonathan Firth.

Admission is free with free popcorn and drinks. There will also be a raffle for a gift card at Sonny’s. Raffle tickets are $1 each or buy 4 get 1 free.

Why not make it a night out with dinner and a movie – all on us?

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is located at 3453 E. Silver Springs Blvd, (352) 629-5948.

On Top of the World history topic of Master the Possibilities class

Join Kenneth Colen, President of On Top of the World Communities, LLC, to hear the history of On Top of the World at Master the Possibilities on May 9 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Learn how the company got its start, its growth, the corporate philosophy, and where OTOW is headed in the future.

The event is free for members and non-members. It’s located at Circle Square Cultural Center.

Visit masterthepossibilities.org for more information.

Palm Cay trip to Victory Cruise Casino open to all communities

An upcoming Palm Cay trip to Victory Cruise Casino is open to residents of neighborhoods and communities outside of Palm Cay. The package for the bus trip to Victory Cruise Casino is $55 per person. It includes round trip bus transportation, port boarding fee, food voucher a la carte, priority check-in, $20 qualified slot play, and free drinks while gaming.

The date is Wednesday May 18. The bus leaves Palm Cay clubhouse at 7 a.m.; board ship at 10 a.m.; sail at 11 a.m.; and back to port at 4:20 p.m.

Tell your family and friends.

For reservations and questions, contact George at 973-978-2958.

Stamp Club meetings

The General Francis Marion Stamp Club would like to invite potential new members and guests to our upcoming meetings on May 4 and May 18 at the Marion County Public Library (2720 Silver Springs Blvd.) in meeting room B. We meet at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Please join us for presentations, giveaways, stamp exchanges, and sharing of our experiences in stamp collecting. For further information, contact Elliot Natale at elliotn27@aol.com. You can visit our website at ocalagfmstamp club.com.

Church yard sale

St. John’s United Methodist Church is hosting a yard sale Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free hot dogs and drinks will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 12390 W. Hwy. 328, Ocala (352-812-0406).

Dementia Conference welcomes guest speakerCertified Dementia Practitioner, author and national speaker Diana Waugh will open Citrus County’s eighth annual Coping with Dementia Care Partner Conference on May 12.

For more than 30 years, Waugh has worked to eliminate physical, psychological and chemical restraint use for individuals living with dementia. As a national speaker, a consultant, a researcher and a writer she strives to share simple, practical techniques that can make both family members and professionals more successful care partners.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and include lunch.

While the conference is free, seating will be limited and reservations will be required. To reserve seats, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

Artrageous at Reilly is family-friendly extravaganza

The ultimate art and music experience will take place at the Reilly Arts Center on May 14 at 3 p.m. with Artrageous. This troupe of 12 artists, singers, dancers, and musicians bring a high-energy performance that combines fine art, live music, singing, dancing, humor, and interaction in a frenzy of movement and color.

This concert is part of the feel whole® concert series sponsored by AdventHealth Ocala and is supported by Ocala Municipal Arts Commission and Ocala Electric Utility. Tickets are $10-$35 and available at reillyartscenter.com.

Suitable for all ages, this show encourages audience members to participate throughout the show through dancing, singing and body rhythm. At the end of the performance, the entire audience is invited on stage to view the artworks that are created during the presentation and enjoy a unique view of the show, meet the troupe and walk through a gallery of live art!

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St. Ocala. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours. Tickets will also be available at the events.

Marion Genealogical Society meets May 19

The Marion County Genealogy Society General will hold a meeting at the Marion County Public Library (2720 East Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala) 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 19.

Guest speaker Deborah A. Carder Mayes will speak on the topic, Organizing Your Family History. This will be a live video presentation.

Please visit our website at www.mcgsocala.org to register for this event. Pre-registration allows you to print the handouts to bring with you for note taking.

If you have any questions, please contact president@mcgsocala.org or 352-897-0840.

Tom Petty album tribute closes season at Reilly

The Classic Albums Live 2021-2022 season at the Reilly takes place May 20 at 7:30 p.m. with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Damn The Torpedoes. This series is sponsored by HDG Hotel Development and Management Group.

Guests can experience the album note for note performed by the professional musicians of Classic Albums live. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. when guests can enjoy a drink from the new bar in the Frank DeLuca Grand Lobby before the show. Tickets are available from $20 to $55.

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St., Ocala. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by contacting the Reilly Arts Center box office at (352) 351-1606. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Reilly Arts Center during box office hours. Tickets are available at the events.

West Ocala Wellness Community Garden Replant Days

The City of Ocala, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County and Feed the Need Garden, Inc., will host replant days at the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden located at 2200 W Highway 40, between SW 21st and SW 23rd Avenue. Replant days will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 28 – warm season vegetables and solarizing garden beds

Saturday, Aug. 27 – warm season vegetables

Saturday, Oct. 22 – cool season vegetables

Community members are encouraged to attend and replant their crops for the upcoming season or start a new garden plot. Plots are available for $10 per year. The goal of the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden is to educate and provide an opportunity for citizens to plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables for their families.

For more information, or to reserve a plot, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5540 or visit www.ocalafl.org/garden.

Max Weinberg Jukebox in Ocala

Former drum chair behind Bruce Springsteen & The E Street band and anchor of the house band for Late Night with Conan O’Brien for 17 years, Max Weinberg, will take the Reilly Arts Center stage on May 26 at 7:30 p.m. for “Max Weinberg’s Jukebox.”

Performing songs from the glory days of rock and roll – guests will choose from a video menu of over 200 songs – everything from the Beatles to the Stones to Bruce and The E Street Band’s biggest hits for the band to play live on stage.

Tickets are available from $20 to $50. A VIP Private Meet and Greet is sold separately for $115 and will include: post-show VIP meet and greet includes autographs for up to two items of memorabilia and a photo op with Max.

Visit www.reillyartscenter `.com for tickets.

Nia class at H2U Senior Wellness Community Center

Nia (Non Impact Aerobics) classes will be held on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Created in 1983 and based on the science of the body, Nia is a fun and inspiring mind/body movement practice. NO jumping or jarring of the joints. Try something new and challenge your brain!!

H2U, Health To You, is located at 8375 SW Highway 200, 2nd floor of Bank of OZK, Ocala. Become a member and enjoy many benefits. Membership is $20/year and Nia class is $5/ class. Come try your first class without becoming a member!

Call the Senior Wellness Community Center today at 352-401-1338 or come in to sign up for membership or in person Nia class.

This class is taught by Certified 1st Degree Nia Black Belt Instructor, Gail Mongiello. Questions? Call Gail at 480-220-1430 or email energygail3@gmail.com.

Moving the body in safe and healthy ways helps weight loss, flexibility, balance and many more wonderful benefits!

“Through movement we find health.”

Marion Oaks church welcomes renown vocalists for service

Greetings from our “Little church with the big heart!” On May 22, we have a real treat for our music special: Ben Simmons, a well-known local vocalist, will be singing for us during our worship service at 9:30 a.m. You are very welcome to join us that Sunday, or any other Sunday as you are able!

After the worship service, we gather for Bible Study and refreshments in the church hall behind the sanctuary around 10:40 a.m. Marion Oaks Community Congregational United Church of Christ is a Protestant church based on the teachings of the Bible, a joining of members of the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Congregational churches; our church was formed over 20 years ago, and is located just south of Walgreens, right off of Marion Oaks Boulevard.

If you would like more information, please visit our website: www.marionoaks littlechurchbigheart.org, or email us at marionoaksucc church@gmail.com. We would enjoy having you visit us!

Christ’s Church services

Christ’s Church of Marion County invites you to join us Sunday, May 15. The morning begins with Sunday School classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. We offer three adult classes on a variety of topics. A synopsis of each class is available on our website.

Our Worship Service begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes special music from the CCOMC Worship Choir followed by a praise time with a blend of familiar hymns of the church as well as contemporary praise songs with a full praise band. Our new Lead Pastor Ray Burhart continues his series from 1 Timothy with a message that will challenge and inspire all.

Christ’s Church of Marion County is located at 6768 SW 80th Street – just off State Road 200. For more information on all our events or for directions, visit our website at www.ccomc.org or contact the church office at (352) 861-6182.

German American Club Dinner Dance

The German American Club of West Central Florida Inc. is holding its 51st Anniversary Dinner Dance at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club, 505 East Hartford St., Hernando, on Sunday, May 22, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $38 (donation) per person. Attire is semi-formal or traditional German.

Listen and dance to the KeyTunes

Menu choices include seafood and roast pork. There will be an open cash bar.

For tickets and info, call Sigi Strak at 352-854-9616 or email sigistrak@centurylink.net.

Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale

Marion County Master Gardeners are holding their Spring Plant Sale Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. to noon.

The event is located at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Nursery at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd.

Free admission; bring your wagon. No pets please!

Payment by cash or check.

Mobile plant clinic on site; soil test kits available; melaleuca mulch vouchers.

Master gardeners will be available for consultations.

Native plants; herbs & perennials; pollinator plants; hummingbird and butterfly plants; shrubs; ornamental trees; shade trees and fruit trees.

For more information, call 352-671-8400.

Museum of History & Archaeology coming attractions

The Marion County Museum of History & Archaeology hosts programs on the third Sunday of odd months at 2 p.m. in the Green Clover Hall at 319 SE 26th Ter., Ocala. A reception follows the programs in the museum itself. Admission is free to members and $5 to nonmembers. Individual and family memberships are available for sale at events.

May 15: MarthaLynne Allen – Ross Allen (her grandfather) and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’’ connections.

July 17: Dr. Joe Knetsch, Cousin Bob. Historian, author, professor, his latest book is about a Jewish-American World War II Hero, Robert Warren, ultimately attached to Patton’s Third Army coming across France after the Normandy breakout. It is based upon Warren’s personal letters, some reports from the Fort Benning collections, etc. and the usual secondary accounts now available.

Sept. 18: 11th anniversary of the museum

Nov. 20: Annabelle Leitner, local historian – The 19th Century Marion County Voting Precincts/Public Information.

TBD: Cynthia Graham-Wilson – Marion County author/historian on topic of early Marion County Black Residents and Businesses

We hope to see you there!

Free dementia workshop coming to Freedom Library

The Marion County Library System and Coping with Dementia LLC are offering a free ABC of Dementia workshop June 9 at the Freedom Branch Library, 5870 Southwest 95th St.. The presentation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Coping with Dementia president and workshop presenter Debbie Selsavage reports, “Our ABC of Dementia workshop explains Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in plain language, suggests techniques for becoming a better and less-stressed care partner, and provides useful resources to families living with dementia.” She adds, “While they are designed primarily for care partners and family members of a loved one living with dementia, anyone is welcome, including persons experiencing dementia.”

While the workshop is free, reservations are encouraged. For more information or to reserve seats, call 352-422-3663 or e-mail deb@coping.today.