Community Update
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.
Community Update and Public Service Announcements are available to non-profit organizations only. All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event. Please include only the basic facts: who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.
Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.
Sunday Assembly and Help Often Week
April 13-21
Sunday Assembly | 11 a.m.
Spring Hill Professional Center
3850 NW 83 Street, Suite 201
Gainesville
Sunday Assembly Gainesville will be participating in Help Often Week by collecting donations for the Street Outreach Program at Grace Marketplace. Suggested items include canned food, socks, shampoo, bug spray and other personal items. Donations can be dropped off at the next Sunday Assembly on April 21 at 11 a.m. The gathering will feature a presentation by Emily Westerholm, Released Reentry Program Executive Director. More information at sagainesville.weebly.com or SundayAssembly32691@gmail.com.
Banned Book Read Out
April 21 | 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Gainesville City Hall Open-Air Plaza
200 E University Avenue
Gainesville
Best-selling author, Lauren Groff, UF Professor and author Paul Ortiz, civil rights pioneer Dan Harmeling, and other local celebrities will read from banned books of their choosing. There will be musical interludes performed by Kali Blount and acapella women’s group Resonance between readings. Banned books will be given away by the event sponsors in the banned books tent on site. The venue is a outdoor plaza facing City Hall. Bring folding chairs, hats, water, and umbrellas. In case of light or intermittent rain, the event will move onto the covered porch. More information available at www.uufg.org/justice/or 352-377-1669.
Professional Development Opportunity in Energy Equity
12 hour, 3-part training: April 10, 17, and 20
Gainesville
Join the Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC) to help neighbors save money on their utility bills and make an impact on climate change. The CWC addresses this disparity through a volunteer-based program which puts money back into the pockets of local families, while conserving 2.7 gigawatt hours of energy and 10.3M gallons of water each year. Participants will learn the technical aspects of household conservation. Space is limited. Registration available at http://tinyurl.com/spring24cwcvol. More information available at belina@communityweatherization.org.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
April 20-24
430 N. Main Street
Gainesville
The Spring Book sale benefiting the Alachua County Public Library District will feature over 500,000 gently used books and items donated by the community. Items include books of all genres, works of art, games, puzzles, movies, CDs, vinyl records, music scores, and much more. The Collector's Corner, which is open Saturday-Tuesday only, offers many valuable rare, first edition, and signed volumes, as well as local and Florida memorabilia. All items are half price on Tuesday and 10 cents each on Wednesday.
Sun Country Dance Theatre 16th Annual Spring Youth Concert Featuring "Little Red Riding Hood"
April 20 | 2:30 p.m.
UF Phillips Center
3201 Hull Road
Gainesville
Sun Country Dance Theatre presents the return of their original story ballet, “Little Red Riding Hood." The production includes works by both resident and guest choreographers, as well as professional guest artists from The Florida Ballet in Jacksonville. Free tickets for children ages 11 and under (available through the box office only – not online), More information and adult tickets available at https://performingarts.ufl.edu/events/16th-annual-spring-youth-concert-featuring-little-red-riding-hood/
Sunday Assembly Gainesville
April 21 | 11 a.m.
Price Center located in the Springhill Professional Center
3850 NW 83rd Street, Suite 201
Gainesville
Emily Westerholm, Executive Director of Released Reentry Program, will speak at Sunday Assembly, a secular community, on “Invisible Consequences” Exploring the stigma and the trauma of Incarceration.” Westerholm works as a mental health therapist specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. She holds her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in Florida. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Society of Criminology & Social Justice Division. For more information sagainesville.weebly.comor SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com
Gainesville Roller Rebels Derby
April 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center
1028 NE 14th Street
Gainesville
The Gainesville Roller Rebels take on long-time rivals Tallahassee Roller Derby on April 27. Tickets available at the door and online at tinyurl.com/grrApril27. Kids 12 and under get in free. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a raffle to benefit the St. Francis House in Gainesville. St. Francis House seeks to end hunger and homelessness in our community. More information available at: https://gainesvillerollerrebels.com/2024/grr-vs-tallahassee-roller-derby/
Alachua County 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale
May 4 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alachua County Ag & Equestrian Center
23100 W. Newberry Road
Newberry
This fundraiser supports the community, public and school gardens in Alachua County. More information available at 352-955-2402.
Power Over Colorectal Cancer: A Gathering for Men and Women
Who Have or Want to Prevent This Cancer
May 18 | 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Springhill Church
120 SE Williston Road
Gainesville
The UF Health Cancer Center’s Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC) and the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement host a gathering focused on colorectal cancer. Learn about new colorectal cancer treatments, early detection and prevention from UF Health cancer experts. Get a free colorectal cancer screening kit. Talk with colorectal cancer survivors and their family members, oncologists, therapists, and a financial support navigator. Get your questions answered on colorectal cancer and how to support loved ones. Learn about UF research studies on various cancers and mental and physical health. Register today at http://go.ufl.edu/powerMore Information at 352-369-5184.
Gainesville Opportunity Center Bike Day
May 18 | 8:30 a.m.
First Magnitude Brewing Company
Gainesville
The event will promote awareness and support for people living with chronic mental illness. There are three riding options at Depot Park, from First Magnitude to LaChua Trail or from First Magnitude to Hawthorne, Florida. More information available at 352-872-3232 or from brett@goclubhouse.org.
Fair Oaks Foundation Summer Solstice Soirée Fundraiser
June 22 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7726 SE 179th Place
Micanopy
Fair Oaks Foundation, Inc. will host a Summer Soirée fundraiser. Enjoy original art by Karen LeMonnier, Leslie Peebles, and Linda Zidonic. There will be refreshments, golf cart tours, live music by the Hoe Down Band, and a guest speaker. More information available at www.fairoaksfoundation.org.
Spring Hill Timebank
Ongoing
Timebank brings people together to match needs with skills. People of all ages and all abilities can join. For every hour of work done for a member, the individual will receive one time credit to “buy” an hours worth of work from another member. For more information contact Andy at 727-517-1148 or springhilltimeback.org.
Donate Used Musical Instruments to the Hernando Youth Orchestra
Ongoing
The Orchestra is collecting used musical instruments for talented young musicians who can’t afford to buy or replace their own. Donations of unneeded instruments will be repaired if necessary before passing it on to a student. Call 352-600-9555 for more information or to make a donation. We’ll pick up your instrument and give you a tax deductible receipt. More information
Nature Coast Community Services Foundation Homeless Services
Ongoing
The Nature Coast Community Services Foundation is serving the homeless of Hernando with food, clothing, shoes, job, IDs, food stamps, spaying and neutering pets, transportation and more. Volunteers are needed. For more information call Ellen at 352-600-9555.
Elder Options Referral Helpline
1-800-262-2243
Ongoing
Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for sixteen counties in North Central Florida. The agency oversees the efficient administration of home and community care programs and long term care services for elder Floridians. In partnership with lead agencies and local service providers, the agency serves thousands of frail, low-income seniors each year, providing home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), personal care, transportation and other in-home services that help seniors to remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more expensive nursing home care. Call the Elder Helpline for referral to resources.
Hernando Youth Orchestra needs young musicians, ages 6 to 18
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Heather Community Center
9100 Nakoma Way
Weeki Watchee
Hernando Youth Orchestra has resumed rehearsals and is recruiting new members. We need young musicians aged ages 6-18, and adult mentors to support them. HYO plays classical music and gives several concerts throughout the year. You must be able to read music and play an instrument. Instruments are also available to loan to those in need. Sign up at www.HernandoYouthOrchestra.org or call 352-600-9555. If you have an instrument to donate, call and it will be picked for a tax deductible receipt.
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) Bicycle Collection
Hernando County
Ongoing
Nature Coast Community Foundation (NCCSF) and Grace Presbyterian Bicycle Ministry is collecting unwanted bicycles (or parts thereof) that will be reconditioned and given to the needy. Call 352-600-9555 to schedule a free pick up.
WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing
Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.
Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing
North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org.
Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing
The church is collecting books and toiletries for People Helping People.The PHP book drive will provide books offering information on marketable skills and possible work opportunities. ‘How to’ and text books on subjects such as cooking, culinary sciences, computer/office skills, sales, and gardening/landscaping are especially appreciated. Toiletry items needed include: tooth brushes, razors, combs, soap, lotions, shave creams etc. Call 352-600-9555 for information or to schedule your donation.
Gainesville Peer Respite
Ongoing
Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.
Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org
Savvy Caregiver Training
Elder Options, 100 NW 75th St., Suite 30, Gainesville
Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.
Operation PetSnip
Ongoing
Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at www.nmhp.net.
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.
“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
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.
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.
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.