Communty Calendar for the week of March 15

Today

Give blood, save lives at
Bronson blood drive
LifeSouth and the community of Bronson invite you to be a part of saving lives when they host a blood drive between noon and 4 p.m.  Look for the bloodmobile near the County Courthouse in Bronson. 
All who donate will receive a LifeSouth cooler and a complimentary cholesterol screening.  Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and have photo I.D.  Sixteen-year-old donors must have signed parental consent.  For more information about becoming a donor or about blood drives in your area, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.

Open house at Old Town Legion
It's the anniversary of the American Legion's founding and the Old Town American Legion Post No. 383 is celebrating with an open house from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The post is located at 1297 N.E. 82nd Ave, Old Town. Veterans and the public are invited to attend. For directions, call 352-542-2021.

CK Woman's Club fashion show
The Cedar Key Woman's Club annual fashion show begins with shopping among the vendors at 10:30 a.m. the lunch at noon and the show following at the Cedar Key Community Center. The event features Cedar Key models with Fashions coordinated by Nancy Stephens from Déjà Vu on Second Street,
Ticket proceeds go to the Cedar Key School and the Club's scholarship fund.
Show tickets are available from Pelican Realty, Curmudgeonalia, and Déjà Vu, or from any Cedar Key Woman’s Club member.
A special event at the fashion show this year will be the draw for $500, a raffle to support the building of Fisher House at the VA Hospital in Gainesville.

Planning commission meets tonight
The Withlacoochee Regional Planning Commission Board of Directors meeting is at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council office, at 1241 S.W. 10th Street, Ocala.  The meeting package is available at wrpc.cc/documents/March%20Agenda.pdf.

Camera club meets in Branford
The Branford Camera Club will meet at 7 p.m. at Cuzin’s Restaurant on U.S. Highway 129 across from Scaff’s Market in Branford.  Come about 6 p.m. to join some members for dinner before the meeting.
Our program this month will be “Tales from Payne’s Prairie,” along with the pictures taken during the field trip to Payne’s Prairie March 2-4.  Skip Weigel will review the guidelines for our Spring Photo Critique to help prepare entries.  The Spring Photo Critique is scheduled for our April 19 meeting and will be moderated by a professional judge.
A photo-share and discussion will follow the program.   Bring your cameras, camera manuals, photos to share either digitally or in print, and enjoy an evening with other photo enthusiasts.
The Branford Camera Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month, with an occasional exception, for the purpose of sharing, learning, and enjoying all things photographic.  For more information, please contact: Carolyn Hogue, program chair, 386-935-2044; Dick Madden, technical consultant, 386-935-0296; Skip Weigel, technical consultant, 386-9382.

Elder program meeting at Haven
The local council of Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program meets at Haven Hospice of North Central Florida, 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd.,  Gainesville, to discuss the program’s activities and give the public a chance to provide comments about long-term care facility issues.  The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.  Concerned citizens and those interested in volunteering are welcome to attend.

Levy ESE parent panel
There will be a meeting of the Levy County ESE Parent Advisory Committee at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the PAC Room at the Levy County ESE/SS Building (former Bronson High School) located at 350 School St., Bronson.  The Parent Advisory Committee is for parents and guardians of students served by the ESE/SS office.
Discussion at the meeting will include FCAT preparation and computer-based testing.  Dinner will be served for those attending the meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact Joshua Slemp, SEDNET Project Manager/ESE Parent Liaison at 352-486-5240.

Friday

Gardening in Florida, grow your own
You are invited to hear Barbara Edmonds speak at 6 p.m.  at the Bronson United Methodist Church fellowship hall.  A spaghetti supper will precede the program. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge for the event or supper. 
Please call 352-486-2281 by March 12 to reserve a seat. Leave your name and the number of people attending on the answering machine. The church is located in Bronson at 235 Court St. If you have questions, please call Marcia Baughn at 486-2649 or Sue Bazin at 486-4094.

Saturday

Veterans benefit from DAV ride
The Disabled American Veterans Tri-County Chapter 63 holds a motorcycle poker run with proceeds to benefit veterans in the Tri-County Area. The run will start at the Chiefland Flea Market with the last bike out by noon. There will be five stops in Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties with the final stop at Dave's Old Town Tavern on County Road 349 north of Old Town. Prizes will be awarded for the best two hands. First prize is a three-day cruise for two to the Bahamas and second prize is $100. Last bike is due in at 3 p.m. For more information, call Fred Heinrich at 352-493-9377 or Jerry Gardner at 352-339-0635.

Green Thumb Plant Show, Sale
  Spring is officially here and plans for the 5th Annual Green Thumb Plant Show and Sale are underway for the event that's a local favorite which happens to fall on St. Patricks Day this year,  from 9am - 4 pm in Dunnellon.
Vendors selling orchids, trees, shrubs, native plants, soil enhancers, yard art, woody ornamentals, palms, roses and a variety of flowering plants will line the lawns of the historic village of Dunnellon, home of the shopping district known for it's festivals and events. 
For booth space or more information, please contact Nancy at (352) 208-6789.

Train show in Plant City
The H.B. Plant Historical Society will holds its 22nd annual train show and swap meet at the Hillsborough Community College's Plant City Campus in the John Trinkle Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building is located at 1206 N. Park, Plant City.
There will be model railroad items for sale or trade, operating layouts in HO, N, O-27 and Lego scale and railroad memorabilia.The Florida Chapter of Morse Code Operators will also be on hand doing demonstrations.
Admission is $6 for adults. Children 17 and under accompanying a parent are admitted free. For more information, visit www.hbplantrr.org.

Saturday-Sunday
Smokin' Out Cancer with BBQ
The Crystal River American Cancer Society holds its first ever Smokin' Out Cancer BBQ Cook-off and Music Festival at Nature's RV Resort. Cooks can enter for $50 each and turn in time is 2 p.m. Saturday. BBQ must be cooked and prepared on site.
Gate tickets are $3 each with children under age five admitted free. There will be entertainment, food vendors and a beauty pageant on Saturday. Sunday will bring a classic car show and 50/50 drawings. There will be arts and crafts vendors and live music both days.
All proceeds go to the Crystal River ACS Relay for Life.

Sunday
Cedar Key airport friends meet
The public is invited to attend the first anniversary meeting of the Friends of the Cedar Key Airport at 2 p.m. at the Cedar Key Library upstairs meeting room. Snacks will be  provided. There will be  presentation of the year-long pilot  survey results that gives an indication as to how many people fly into the Cedar Key Airport and the money they bring to the local commerce. The results will be posted on the Friends website following the meeting.
For more information, visit www.CedarKeyAirport.org.

Monday
Levy County Republicans’ monthly meeting
The Levy County Republican Executive Committee meets at Bronson Restaurant with food and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting at 7 p.m.  
Come hear the current Republican leaders and candidates tell their stories, issues, solutions and more.  Get to know them, pick up materials and shake their hands.

Bike ride ready to roll on trail
The annual Clean Air Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail to benefit the Key Training Center kicks off between 7 and 9 a.m.  Registration is $25 for adults; children 12 and under are $12, which includes a continental breakfast for all entrants, lunch will be served at the Inverness Trailhead from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an event T-shirt. Riders who complete the 100-mile route will receive a special commemorative Century Finisher Medallion.
There is no mass start allowing participants to commence their 14, 28, 48 or 100 mile treks from the Inverness Trailhead, 315 on N. Apopka Ave. There are also SAG stops at the trailheads at Ridge Manor, Istachatta and Citrus Springs.
Registrations may be made online or registration forms can be downloaded and checks mailed prior to the event, payable to Citrus County Roadrunners, P.O. Box 94, Inverness 34451-0094. Registrations are also accepted the day of the event with packet pick up from 7-9 a.m. and t-shirts only if available.
This is a rain-or-shine event hosted by Citrus Road Runners. For additional information, visit cleanairride.com.
 

Wednesday
Yankeetown education salad luncheon
The Yankeetown-Inglis Woman’s Club will hold their highly anticipated Education Salad Luncheon at noon at the Clubhouse, 56th Street, Yankeetown.  The mouthwatering salads are provided by members of the club.  In an effort to continue to support our communities, over 40 salads and a delicious homemade dessert will be offered for a donation of $7. Diners also have a chance to win one of the many door prizes donated by the club's community partners.
 The club's Thrift Shop will be open and diners are urged to check out all the bargains.  As always, proceeds from the Salad Luncheon will be donated to Yankeetown School for a special project.
Call the Club now to reserve a table, 352-447-2057.
 
March 23-24

HCE, Woodmen hold yard sale
The HCE Chiefland Club will hold a joint yard sale with the Woodmen Lodge of Trenton from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on State Road 26 in Trenton. The Woodmen Lodge will sell hot dogs and drinks.
Proceeds of the sale will be donated to charities in the Tri-County area at the end of the year.

March 24-25
2012 Kanapaha Spring Garden Festival
The Spring Garden Festival at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The festival will feature around 200 booths offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, educational exhibits and arts and crafts. There will also be a walk-through butterfly conservatory, live entertainment, and food and drink.
Visitors will be able to can learn about the environment, including local flora and fauna, and local green initiatives from several organizations and societies located in Gainesvill.e.
The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are located on 4700 SW. 58th Drive, just west of I-75 off Archer Road. Parking is free and two off-site parking areas are serviced by shuttle buses. Admission is $8. For more information call 352-372-4981.

March 31

Go native at Morningside Nature Center
It's time to plant with Florida native plants that are adapted to the drought and the heat of summer. And you can find the largest offering of native plants in North Florida during the 2012 Spring Native Plant sale, at Morningside Nature Center, between 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring cash and checks only.
The sale is hosted cooperatively by the City of Gainesville's Nature Operations Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the Friends of Nature Parks and Paynes Prairie chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
The Native Plant Sale features thousands of beautiful native shrubs, trees, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and vines grown at area nurseries. Vendors are members of the Florida Native Plant Society and certify that plants are nursery propagated and grown.
For event information or to join Friends of Nature Parks or the Florida Native Plant Society, call 352-334-3326 or visit www.natureoperations.org. Proceeds from the sale benefit environmental and cultural history programs offered by the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Morningside Nature Center is located at 3540 East University Avenue, three miles east of downtown Gainesville.

April 7

Yard sale benefits Relay for Life
A yard sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Williston to benefit Relay for Life.
The sale will be in the church yard at 213 W. Noble Ave. Rent for a space with a table is $15;
To reserve a spot of for more information, call Sharon Holder at 817-3876 or email almostheaven@yahoo.com to reserve.
 
April 21

Author DuLong to speak at Dunnellon
The Friends of the Dunnellon Public Library will host a free program featuring Terri DuLong, uuthor of the acclaimed women’s fiction Cedar Key series. The event is at the Dunnellon Public Library Meeting Room at 10:30 a.m.. The library is located at 20351 Robinson Road,  Dunnellon.  
DuLong has written "Spinning Forward, " "Casting About," "A Cedar Key Christmas," "Holiday Magic" and her latest, "Sunrise on Cedar Key", published by Kensington Books.
DuLong, from Salem, Boston, has three children, went to college to become a legal secretary, then pursued a career as a Registered Nurse.  Her strong urge to write became stronger after working as a Critical Care Nurse.
For more information, call 352-438-2520

April 28

AMVETS gets ready
for Wild Hog race
AMVETS Post 88 is getting ready for another great running of the 35th Annual Wild Hog Canoe & Kayak Race on April 28. This is our 7th year hosting this wild and exciting canoe and kayak race. Two kayak classes have been added this year: women and seniors.
Please check out the website www.wildhog.wetpaint.com.
The annual race benefits the Levy ARC in Otter Creek.
The community's help is needed to make this happen. If you would like to sponsor the race, regardless if you are a business or individual, we welcome you. We need racers. AMVETS members are out and about in the Levy county area selling sponsorships and raffle tickets and asking businesses to be sponsors.  If you would like a sponsor form or a brochure to register for the race or if you have any questions, call Margie or Clyde McGarva at 352-486-2535.

May 12
Zucchini celebrates prolific squash
The 28th Annual Zuckefest — a celebration of zucchini cooked and baked every way imaginable — will be at the Windsor Volunteer Fire Station, 1401 S.E. County Road 234, Gainesville. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be rides, a magic show, beauty pageant and family activities, as well as arts and crafts booths.
All proceeds go to the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.

ONGOING
Rotary Clubs
Chiefland Rotary, noon Wednesday, Capital City Bank, Community Meeting Room, North Young Boulevard, Chiefland.
Suwannee Valley Rotary Club, noon Thursday, Haven Hospice, Community Room, State Road 500, Chiefland
Williston Rotary, 11:45 a.m. Tuesday,  First Presbyterian Church, 247 N.E. 1st St.

Classic Cars at Taco Bell
The Tri-County Cruisin' For Grins Club meets to show off their classic vehicles from 6:30-8 p.m. on Fridays at Taco Bell on North Young Boulevard, Chiefland. Just show up to show your car and have a good time.
 
CK Keyhole Gallery
The Cedar Key Keyhole, 457 2nd Street (across from the Library) in Cedar Key, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and maintains a display of many works by more than 20 contributors to its artists’ cooperative. These works include paintings (oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors), metal works, stained glass, jewelry, fiber arts, leatherwork, pottery and woodworking, among others. For more information, call The Keyhole at 352-543-5801.

Nature Coast Conservancy
Florida's Nature Coast Conservancy board of directors meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Laboratory in Cedar Key at 3 p.m. Members and others interested in this land trust are welcome.

Yankeetown-Inglis Woman's Club
The Yankeetown-Inglis Woman's Club on 56th Street is hosting bingo on Thursdays. Doors open at 6 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m. There will be homemade pies and cakes, plus a $100 jackpot.
The Thrift Shop at the Yankeetown-Inglis Woman’s Club has been a staple in the community since 1966.  Stocked solely by donations from club members and the community, the Thrift Shop is one of the finest in Levy, Citrus and Marion Counties.
The shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and staffed by volunteers.
For the month of February, all men's, infant and children’s clothes will be BOGO (buy one get one free).  As a way to thank those who have served our country, a 10 percent discount is offered to all veterans (with ID) on their total purchase.   For questions or information call 352-447-2057. Proceeds go to scholarships for students who have attended Yankeetown School. Bring a school supply and receive an early bird special. There's an adequate supply of paper and pencils, so what's needed are one-inch binders and backpacks. For more information, call 352-447-2057 or email yiwamansclub@gmail.com.

Senior Citizen Center activities
Chiefland Senior Center, 305 S.W. 1st St., behind the Deer Camp Store on South Main Street.  Activities are free.
• Monday and Wednesday, exercise at 9 a.m.
• Monday, bridge at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday, bingo at 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday class, Crafts 10 a.m. to noon
• Friday, line dancing 10 a.m. to noon.
• SHINE volunteers stop by every third Wednesday to help with Medicare questions and information from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
• Hot meals are served each weekday at noon.
For more information, call 352-490-7055.

Walking club
Every Tuesday and Thursday there is a Walking Club at 7:30 a.m. behind the Chiefland Middle School at the Delma Locke Park. Everyone is welcome, especially beginners. For more information, contact Swain Strickland at the Levy County Health Department at 352-486-5300.

Lions Club meeting
The Chiefland Lions Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Deke’s Steak House in Chiefland. For more information, call 352-463-6440.

Operation PETSNIP
A non-profit, spay/neuter clinic is now available to Levy County cats ($40) and dogs ($60). For more information, call 352-376-6647.

Alanon meeting
Alanon meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Chiefland Methodist Church, North Main Street. For more information, call 1-800-851-1795.

Jackpot Bingo
Landrum Memorial American Legion Post 236 is having Jackpot Bingo at 7 p.m. on Friday. Post 236 is located at 9550 NE Alt. Hwy. 27, Bronson. For more information, call 352-486-5003.

Guardian ad Litem seeks volunteers
Be a powerful voice in a child’s life. Advocate in the court system for children who have been taken away for neglect and abuse. No special background is needed, staff and legal support provided. For more information, call 352-463-3135.

American Legion Post 383
American Legion Post 383 in Old Town has karaoke every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month.

TOPS meeting
The Chiefland TOPS group meets fr om 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at St. Albans Church, U.S. Highway 19, north of Chiefland. Both sexes are welcome. For information, call 352-463-9111.

Grand Slam Bridge
Playdate 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Chiefland.
For information, call Joan at 352-493-0279. Weekly and substitute players are needed.

Ombudsman program seeking volunteers
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special training and certification is provided. For information, call 888-831-0404 or go to ombudsman.myflorida.com.

AMVETS Post No. 88 meetings
AMVETS Post 88 meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. The Sons of AMVETS meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The Auxiliary meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are at the post home.

Busy Bees
Busy Bees meet at Old Town United Methodist Church on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will be crafting, quilting, crocheting, knitting and all kinds of needle and handwork. There are different materials to share if you would like to learn. Busy Bees donates hats, lap robes and other items made to organizations and those in need. Novices are welcome, as well as, experienced crafters. Bring your crafts, needles, yarn, patterns, ideas and questions. Open to all, no age or gender restrictions. For more information, contact Gaile at 352-542-7963, Nancy at 352-542-2201 or Frances at 352-542-0543.

Dixie Horseman Association
The Dixie Horseman Association wants to remind all members and potential members that the Club Roping and Game Days are always on the third Friday and Saturday of each month.  Sign-ups begin at 7 p.m. and the roping starts at 8 p.m. This is a Round Robin format with a ropers cap of No. 5. Cash payouts are awarded. The arena is on the Airport Road in Cross City. All ropers and riders must be club members. Memberships are available at all events. All scheduled events are subject to fair weather. For more information, call Lil’ John Driggers, Shirley Jean Davis, Cindy Chewning, Karen Wright, Jeff Watson, Terri Cason or Charles Allen.