Looking for something to do with the whole family?  You'll find it here in our community calendar!

If your group or organization has an event coming up, send it in care of 93.7 K COUNTRY Community Calendar via e-mail, fax or snail mail. 
 Please give us at least two weeks advance notice.  

Click on our Business Page to contact us or email: kathy@937kcountry.com.

If you wish to donate funds to the Schee Family who lost their daughter, Frances Margay, in a Marion County school bus crash on September 23rd, 2008 please contact the Public Education Foundation of Marion County at 352-671-4167.

July 3rd
City of Williston Independence Day Celebration featuring K COUNTRY's Lewis Stokes.  Begins at 5PM with a parade.  Continues with entertainment from local band "Thicker Than Water," rides, & vendor booths at Williston Horseman's Park.  Gates open at 6PM.  Ends with fireworks at dark [[around 9:30PM]].  Admission is free.  Parking donation of $2.  For more info, call 352-528-3060.

July 4th
Citrus County Tea Party from 12N-3PM at the Old Historical Courthouse, One Courthouse Square in Inverness.  Special ceremony to honor veterans.  Food drive for the poor.  Bring non-perishables.  For more information, call Edna at 352-527-4951.

July 11th & 12th
Horses, Horses, Horses Gala at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala from 9AM-6PM Saturday and Sunday from 9AM-4PM.  World's top trainers and horses of all breeds.  Exhibitions and training sessions with the pro's.  Colt starting event, kid zone with dunk tank and all kinds of activities for the kids.  Pony rides, vendors, ugliest dog contest, watermelon eating contest, great food of all kinds.  $12 admission.  One child under 7 FREE with every adult admission.  For more info, call Mindy at 561-441-6275.

July 18th & 19th
In celebration of July - Recreation & Parks month - the Marion County Board of County Commissioners is offering free admission into Carney Island, Horseshoe Lake, KP Hole, and Ray Wayside [[Ocala Boat Basin]] with a coupon from its website.  For more info, contact the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department at 352-671-8560 or stop by their office at 111 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala.  To get your coupon CLICK HERE.

...through July 22nd
Alachua County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services Department is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program to provide nutritionally balanced meals to needy children during summer vacation when school breakfasts and lunches are not available.  All children 18 years and younger both enrolled and non-enrolled are eligible for meals at no charge at any open site.  The program is only approved for geographical areas of need where 50% or more of the children qualify for free and reduced priced meals during the school years.  Summer feeding sites that are located at schools proved meals to all children in the immediate vicinity in addition to those enrolled in summer school.  Meals will be served at AQ Jones, Alachua Elementary, Archer Community, Bishop Middle, Duval Elementary, Finley Elementary, Foster Elementary, Horizon, Idylwild Elementary, Irby Elementary, Lake Forest Elementary, Lanier Center, Lincoln Middle, Metcalfe Elementary, Newberry Elementary, Newberry High School, Rawlings Elementary, Shell Elementary, Terwilliger Elementary, Waldo Community, Williams Elementary and Caring & Sharing Charter.  For more information call Carole Hambrick at 352-955-7539.

...through July 30th
Healthy habits make for healthy minds... The Summer Food Service Program is provided by Marion County Public Schools and provides nutritionally-balanced meals without charge to any student who wants to eat.  There are 10 central kitchens: Belleview Elementary, Dunnellon Elementary, East Marion Elementary, Hillcrest School, Madison Street Academy, Maplewood Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, Reddick-Collier Elementary, Saddlewood Elementary and Sunrise Elementary; plus 26 satellite locations throughout Marion County.  Children ages 18 years or younger are eligible for breakfast and lunch without charge including sandwiches, cereal, juice, fresh fruits & veggies, milk, and cookies.  Serving times vary by location.  For more information, call 352-671-4190.  Parents may also call the Information Hotline at 1-800-622-5985.

September 12th
Phoenix Rising Annual Shoot Out and Jump Off Fest is calling all basketball players and Double-Dutch rope jumpers to get your team signed up today!  Vendors are welcome.  Fest will be held at War Memorial Auditorium, 255 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Ocala.  For more information call 352-368-1900.

September 12th
The 4th annual motorcycle fundraiser. Rode to Provide, supporting Levy Association of Retarded Citizens begins at 10AM.  The ride is 60 miles long through scenic Levy County.  To pre-register online CLICK HERE  For more info or to become a sponsor call 352-316-3260 or 352-528-2222.

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General Public Service Information

Levy County Farmers Market & Williston Lions Club... every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8AM-3PM at 401 SE 6th Avenue in Williston.  Fresh produce, honey, plants, veggies, crafts and more.  The Lions Club has an indoor flea market and concessions and is there to answer your questions about membership.  For information or to reserve a space, call 352-486-6229 and leave a message.

West Marion Community Hospital hosts a Leukemia/Lymphoma/Myeloma support group the first Wednesday of each month at 6PM in its medical building community room on the 2nd floor.  Family support groups help to serve the needs of patients, family members, friends who are learning to live with these diseases.  The group offers a warm and caring atmosphere in which patients and their families come together to identify and share concerns, problems, and positive experiences with the group.  For more information, call 800-868-0072 or CLICK HERE

The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund is now available for children of military personnel killed or permanently disabled while defending our nation.  To apply, call 1-800-475-6620 or CLICK HERE.

If you, or a family member, have been told that you need a psychiatric medication, call to get a free copy of the booklet called "A Safe Approach to Mental Health Care."  Find out what you may not have been told about these medications.  The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida is a non-profit watchdog organization that helps to investigate and expose psychiatric abuse.  For more information, call 800-782-2878.

If you were involved in an accident and were unconscious, would law enforcement be able to locate your emergency contact person information? The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains a database (D.A.V.I.D) with information on licensed Florida drivers and those who have a Florida ID card. This data includes a photo of the person, vehicles registered to them, their driving record, etc.  A few years ago, it became possible for drivers to add their emergency contact information to the database.  In the event of an emergency, law enforcement officers can access this information and contact family members or other loved ones quickly.  Over 1 million people have already entered their emergency contact information into D.A.V.I.D.  For more information or to add your emergency contact information into the database, go to http://www.flhsmv.gov/.  You will need your driver’s license or ID card number to register.

Operation Catnip is a nonprofit organization dedicated to humanely reducing the stray and feral cat population in Alachua County.  Stray and Feral cats occupy our porches, backyards, alleys, barns, and neighborhoods.  They are the neighborhood cats, the ones without a human address to call home but who seek our kindness anyway.  There is a humane solution.  Trap-Neuter-Return involves spaying and neutering stray cats and then returning them to their colonies where they are fed and looked after by caretakers.  This allows the cats to live out their lives in harmony with their community.  The success of Operation Catnip depends on our corps of volunteer veterinarians, students, and cat lovers who work endlessly to improve lives of our community's forgotten felines.  To help, call 352-380-0940 or email operationcatnip@vetmed.ufl.edu

Shores Baptist Church at 414 Silver Road in Ocala offers Adult Daycare Monday through Friday from 7:30AM-5:30PM.  All day or respite care.  Medical monitoring, various activities [[games, arts & crafts]], social activities, musical entertainment, meals & snacks provided.  For more information, call 352-680-3676.

Do you live alone and cannot get out due to age or physical disability?  Do the days sometime drag along and you wish you had someone to talk to?  Catholic Charities Telephone Reassurance Program has volunteers who can check on how you are doing and provide friendship and support.  The non-denominational program is free and volunteers are screened.  You do not have to be alone. Respite volunteers are also available to spell caregivers a few hours once a week. Call Linda Gardner at 352-372-0294 for details of each program.

Horsesavers Inc. is a volunteer-based humane organization that promotes the proper care and proper nutrition needed to maintain a healthy and happy horse.  Their shelter is located in the Florahome area of Putnam County, but they cover the who state of Florida doing cruelty investigations and assisting other animal organizations.  They receive no funds from any city, state, or county agencies.  Their only support comes from donations.  At this time, they are trying to send one of their cruelty investigators to Washington DC to attend a one-day educational class hosted by the USDA about unwanted horses in the US and what can be done for them.  If you'd like to help, send your donation to PO Box 380261, Granidin, FL 32138.  You can reach them by phone at 386-661-2121 or online at horsesavers@windstream.net

Archer Family Health Care has expanded to a new location and provides affordable, quality health care for children, adults, and families.  They help cover the cost of care for families with little or no income and no health insurance.  Selected insurance is accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare.  Call 352-495-2550 to find out more.

The Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders support group of Ocala will be meeting the first Monday of every month from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Medical Office Building at West Marion Community Hospital, 4600 SW 46^th Court, 2^nd floor Community Room. For information please call (352) 401-1453.

Knights of Columbus Breakfast is the first Sunday of each month.  $5 donation per person.  Lots of good food and coffee.  From 8-11AM at their 12228 SE 301 location in Belleview.

SAFE Sanctuary is looking for personnel over the age of 21 to volunteer. Help with feeding the animals, cage cleaning, prepare food, mowing, landscaping, watering gardens, and other small projects. Volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated.  Safe Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary located in Anthony, Florida, just 15 miles north of Ocala. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe haven for animals. They have a Class 3 License issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which enables them to take in many types of animals: domestic, farm, and exotic, including small primates. The Sanctuary provides a place for animals to live that are in need of a home. Many animals come to them because of unfortunate circumstances - some have been lost or abandoned, or just no longer wanted. They work with a number of state and local organizations, including animal welfare agencies, to make sure that animals they are unable to shelter or place are given a home.  They are also contacted by owners when they are unable to maintain the level of care the animals needs, due to relocation, financial, or health reasons. In rare cases, the animal may require special handling by a professional. In most cases, the owners want to make sure that good care is provided to the animal.  If the Sanctuary is unable to take in the animal, they will work with the owner to find another facility that is able to help.  For more information, or to volunteer, call 352-671-6797. 

The Marion Theatre presents Second Thought Improv, a hilarious short-form improv comedy show in the tradition of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"  Shows are Thursdays at 8PM and Fridays at 8PM and 10PM.  Tickets are $10, students and seniors are $7.  For more information, call 352-622-1247.

Are you an honorably discharged veteran?  Are you in need of long-term hospital help, but don't think there are any options for you?  If you answered yes to both of those questions, you are probably entitled to more benefits than you realize.  49 states and Puerto Rico currently have state-run and funded facilities that provide various types of care at virtually no cost to you.  If you or someone you know is in search of assistance, but not sure if you qualify, call toll-free at 1-866-331-1944.  This message is brought to you as a public service by the Disabled Veterans Associations.

Have a Heart for Companion Animals will again this year offer their free "Hurricane Protection Guide for Pets."  This is an 8-page document full of tips and ways to protect your pets from an impending hurricane.  The free guide can be downloaded from the internet by going to http://www.haveaheart.us, or call them for a free copy by mail at 352-687-4070.

If you've ever considered fostering a rescue, adopting a rescue, or know someone who might be interested... now is the time to help.  With the recent tornadoes in Lake County, and the everyday influx of rescue pups, Shih Tzu and Furbabies Rescue (a toy breed rescue) is pleading for new foster families here in Florida.  The rescue pays all the expenses for the pup you foster, as well as transportation and monthly meds for the pup.  All you need to do is feed, water, walk and love!  There are several Pomeranian and Poodle pups needing both permanent and foster homes.  For more info, go to http://www.shihtzuandfurbabyrescue.com

Even with evidence that animal testing is ineffective and unnecessary, millions of animals still suffer needlessly as part of experiments that often sidetrack or delay research - research better served by more advanced, effective alternatives.  The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and working with leaders in the field to eliminate the use of animals in product testing, education, and biomedical research.  To find out how you can help, contact NAVS at 1-800-888-6287 or at http://www.NAVS.org

Are you able to spare two hours a week to help Gainesville's elderly? Volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels to frail elderly in Gainesville.  Lunchtime meals are delivered Monday-Friday, own transportation needed.  Work individually or in pairs.  For more information or to volunteer, contact ElderCare of Alachua County at 352-265-9040.  Ask for Jeff Lee.

The Guardian Ad Litem Program is in desperate need of volunteers to speak on behalf of 100 children in Marion County that currently do not have a volunteer appointed to their case.  Without an extra set of eyes on these children and someone to look out for their best interest, they don't have a chance.  With just between two and four hours a month, you can assure that these children have a voice and are being taken care of while they are involved in our Dependency system.  Please make a difference in the life of an abused child!  It takes very little time and makes a huge difference!  For more information, call Gina Johns at 352-369-2525.

This year, 213 million women will learn they have breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women.  Screening and new treatments are allowing more women to beat this disease.  For more information on screening and treatment, visit http://www.rtanswers.org.

Studies prove it... volunteering is good for your body and mind.  Volunteers are also important members of the Hospice Team and work in many different areas including administration, comfort and support for patients and their families, and in their Thrift Stores. Hospice of Marion County needs you!  If you would like to become a volunteer, or if you have any questions, call 352-873-7441.

If you are looking to add a pet to your family, consider adopting a homeless animal from your local animal shelter or during an adoption event in your community.  One famous dog is making it his personal goal to increase awareness about these pets and hopes to inspire others with his adoption story.  Duke, the Bush's Baked Beans spokes-dog, has written a children's book (with the help of a human friend) called Duke's Tails: Duke Finds a Home.  Proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit the American Humane Association.  For more information on how to get your copy, visit the Duke's Tails section of http://www.bushbeans.com

The Division of Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides a wide range of services to those who are blind or visually impaired with the goal of assisting them to gain, maintain, or advance in employment.  Services include career counseling, on-the-job-training,  job placement assistance, and more.  For more information, call 1-800-443-0908.

Life South Community Blood Centers needs your help to avoid a blood shortage in our community.  Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and show photo identification.  For more information, call 888-795-2707.

Florida Blood Centers are in critical need for all blood types.  They are also in need of platelet donations.  For information call 352-732-0175 or stop by Florida's Blood Center, 1051 SW 1st Ave. in Ocala.

People Assisting Children (P.A.C) are working with local organizations to provide assistance and address the needs of children.  They will collect baby wipes, diapers, children's underwear and pajamas for the Domestic Violence Shelter at Mad Dads - The Family Connection office, 210 NW 12th Ave. in Ocala; at Emerald Shores Elementary, 404 Emerald Rd. in Ocala and at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 1601 E. Gulf Atlantic Hwy, Wildwood. 

Gainesville Pet Rescue  is open for adoption on Thursdays 10am-8pm; Friday and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.  Stop by their Adoption Center to meet your new pet.  It's located at 600 NW 75th St. Ste. C in Gainesville.  For information call 352-331-1087.

Parents or guardians in Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Sumter Counties of a child from birth to 5 years of age--the Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast is enrolling eligible children into low-cost, quality early care and education programs.  It's a 501-C (3) not for profit corporation.  Call 1-877-336-5437 for information.

The Volunteer Center of North Central Florida is encouraging you to give back to the community.  Whether it's working with kids or lending a hand outdoors, the Volunteer Center has an opportunity that you will enjoy.  For information on how to get involved, e-mail the Volunteer Center at volunteer@gator.net or call 352-378-2552.

American Legion Post 16, 4701 NW 6th St. in Gainesville, has Bingo every Thursday at 7pm. It's located south of the closed Rancher Western Store. Jackpots range from $25 to $250. Parking is free.  Smoking and non-smoking seating is provided.  For information call 352-372-8802.

The United Way's Marion Volunteer Network invites you to search for available opportunities and sign-up at 1-800-Volunteer.org. It's free for volunteers to find ways they can help their community.  For information call Heather at 352-732-9696 ext. 203.

Every Thursday from 7-8:30pm and the first Saturday of every month from 11am-12:30pm there is an informal gathering of adoptive and prospective adoptive parents at the Women's Pregnancy Center, 1701 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala.  For information call Tracy at 351-1294.

The Alachua County Humane Society needs your help.  Help save an animal's life by being a foster guardian and giving it a temporary home while it awaits adoption.  All you need is room in your heart and home, they'll take care of the rest.  Foster guardian orientations are held monthly.  Call 373-5855 for information.  

Marion County Blood Bank is urging you to give the "gift of life." The Blood Bank is located one block north of Munroe Regional Medical Center on 1st Avenue.  Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-5pm, Tuesday 9am-7pm and Saturday 7am-3pm.  You can also donate in Lake County in Lady Lake: C5 La Plaza Grande Blvd. Monday through Thursday from 9am-5pm. For information call 352-750-4088.
 
Would you like to visit Asia, Europe or South America this year - without leaving home?  The ASSE Exchange Student Programs is looking for you!  Host a 15-18 year old student in your home for the academic school year!  For more information, call 1-800-473-0693.

Visit Gallery Under the Oaks, an artist cooperative under the direction of the Micanopy Community Council for the Arts, Inc.  The gallery features the work of Micanopy area artists year round.  The Gallery Under the Oaks is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm in downtown history Micanopy's Log Cabin.  Plan to come and spend the day exploring Florida's oldest inland town.  For more information, call 352-466-9229 or visit http://www.micanopyarts.org.

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