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.

Virtual Mediation Seminar
Oct. 20 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Nov. 12 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Department for Circuit 8 will provide the community with a Mediation Seminar to inform about the "Purpose of Mediation, The Role of the Mediator, and Generally How to Prepare for Mediation." When a person petitions the court regarding divorce, paternity, other family matters, or files a claim against an individual or business, the Court usually sends the parties to Mediation. However, many appear for Mediation (especially those that do not have an attorney) without knowing what to expect or the opportunity Mediation provides. The seminars will be held on Zoom. More information on Mediation and to register for the seminars at 352-374-3658.

26^th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day
Oct. 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Santa Fe River Ranch
29220 NW 122 Street
Alachua
The field day will provide equipment and livestock demonstrations and presentations from UF/IFAS Specialists and County Agents. Topics will include drone herbicide application, cattle pregnancy testing, mineral supplementation, world screwworm update, and invasive weeds.  The pre-registration fee is $20.00 (plus $3.18 Eventbrite fee) and includes lunch. The registration fee will be $40.00 if paying on the day of the event. Participants can register online. There will be no refunds for the registration fee.

Navigating Together: Cancer Education & Support Sessions
Bi-Monthly Virtual Sessions via Zoom
Through Oct. 21, 2026
The UF Health Oncology Nurse Navigation team is launching a new virtual program designed to expand educational and support services for all types of cancer. During these bimonthly sessions, patients, survivors, caregivers and friends will learn from UF Health's multidisciplinary cancer experts about different cancer-related topics and have opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar situations.
Sessions include:
Dec. 17, 2025: Molecular Pathology Results 101: What They Mean for You
Feb. 18, 2026: Understanding Gastric & Pancreatic Cancer: A Patient’s Guide
April 15, 2026: Nutrition & Cancer: What You Need to Know
June 17, 2026: Whole Self-Healing: Occupational Therapy for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Aug. 19. 2026: Understanding Cancer’s Impact: A Social Work Perspective
Oct. 21, 2026: Understanding Genetics and Cancer Risk
To register visit https://go.ufl.edu/cancer-support. For more information, call the Multidisciplinary Cancer Coordination Program at (352) 594-7900 or email MultiDCCP@shands.ufl.edu.

Community Weatherization Coalition: Fall 2025 Volunteer Energy Coach Training
Oct. 22 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Do you want to connect with your community and planet in a hands-on way? The CWC is looking for new members to join our Energy Coach family. When you take the three-part, 12-hour volunteer training, you'll learn from a training team of energy experts, how to:
* Perform home energy tune-ups for local residents; inspect homes and identify ways to improve energy and water efficiency and save money (with a focus on helping our low-income neighbors)
* Understand and analyze utility bills
* Install water-saving shower heads, faucet aerators, pipe insulation, LED bulbs, and more
Learn more and register here: https://communityweatherization.org/volunteer-with-the-cwc/

Spirits of the Past: An Evening of History and Hauntings
Oct. 24 | 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Matheson History Museum and Matheson House
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
Step into the shadows and let an expert paranormal investigator guide you through the historic spaces and grounds, sharing spine-tingling stories and using real ghost-hunting techniques and equipment. Your adventure includes light bites and drinks, a curator talk about the museum history, and music by Jordan A. Key. Mingle with fellow curious minds and explore our haunted exclusive spaces after dark. Tarot card readings will also be available. This event is for ages 13 and up. Exclusive tickets are limited to 13 guests. More information available at mathesonmuseum.org.

Cancer Chomp 2025
Oct. 25 | 8 to 11 a.m.
Cancer & Genetics Research Complex
2033 Mowry Road
Gainesville
The 4^th annual Cancer Chomp is a brain tumor event presented by the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida. The event will include a 5K run/walk, Kid Zone, charitable organizations, mini horses, a variety of UF Health services, the UF Gator Mascots, the UF Gator Band, and more. Any proceeds from this event will go to support our patients and their families receiving treatment at UF Health in Gainesville. Such support includes (but is not limited to) lodging assistance, gas cards, help with medication copays, and the purchase of medical equipment not covered by a patient’s insurance. The event is free to attend though there is a small fee to participate in the 5k run/walk. Visit (Giving.UFHealth.org/CancerChomp) to get more details or to view pictures from last year’s event.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale 2025
Oct. 25 | 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Oct. 26-29 | Noon to 6 p.m.
430 North Main
Gainesville
The Friends of the Library, an all volunteer and independent Gainesville organization, presents the biannual family-friendly event to benefits Alachua County Library District projects and other local literacy projects. The sale features over 500,000 gently used and locally donated books of all genres, works of art, games, puzzles, CDs, vocal and instrumental music scores, magazines, vinyl records, movies, comics, Manga, and much more offered at BARGAIN prices. The Collector's Corner, for true bibliophiles, is filled with many first edition, rare, and signed volumes, as well as works of historical value and local ephemera. More information available at www.FOLACLD.org and on the Friends of the Library Facebook and Instagram pages.

Fix Them All Chili Cookoff & Music Fest
Oct. 25 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One Love Cafe
4989 NW 40th Place
Gainesville
The event will benefit Fix Them All, a non-profit group that provides low-cost, high-quality vouchers to help people spay and neuter their pets. All proceeds go to the organization with serves Alachua County and the seven surrounding counties. Paid admission entitles entrants to taste the chili offerings and vote on their favorite. There will be music, vendors, pet adoptions, a Kids Zone and food and beverages. More information available at https://www.fixthemall.org/

United Nations Day 80th Anniversary - "'UN for a Better Future"
Oct. 25 | 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Oak Hammock
5100 SW 25th Blvd.
Gainesville
The event is hosted by the UNA Gainesville Chapter and feature keynote speaker Ellen R. Siegel a climate specialist from the CLEO Institute - A Power for Climate Action, will speak on "The Power of We: Creating a Livable Future on a Warming Planet. Isabella Villa Urrego, chair of the UF UNA Youth Council will also speak and Dr. Taraneh Darabi will receive the 2025 Service Award. For more information, contact Dr. Gordon at: jgordon07@gmail.com.

2nd annual Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District Landowner Expo Dinner
Oct. 30 | 5 to 8 p.m.
Charley Johns Conference Center
1610 N Temple Avenue
Starke
The free event will showcase programs and services from federal, state and local agencies and organizations that help landowners manage working lands better. Learn about technical help, cost-shares, conservation easements, and other assistance available. Space is limited - registration is free! Call (904) 966-6224 or go online to www.eventbrite.com/e/landowner-assistance-expo-tickets-1622867473299. For more info contact Amy Morie at (323) 274-8858. 

A Celebration of Indigenous People Family Event
Nov. 8 | Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Matheson History Museum
513 E. University Avenue
Gainesville
A cultural experience of drumming, dance, and storytelling, featuring the Whitehorse family, as well as a marionette show for children ages 3 to 10. More information available from Sylvia at morningmeadow9@gmail.com.

Cotton Club Museum Brunch & Brass and Jazz Festival
Nov. 8 |Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m
Nov. 8 |Jazz Festival 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center
837 S.E. 7th Avenue
Gainesville
The Cotton Club Museum is hosting brunch and jazz festival fundraiser for the Perryman Grocery Store. The brunch will feature Southern fare, mimosa bar, music and limited seating. The Jazz performance will be inside the historic Cotton Club Museum. More information available at https://www.cotonclubmuseum.com,

Gainesville Community Band Veterans Day Concert for a Cause
Nov. 9 | 4 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
300 SW 2nd Avenue
Gainesville
Celebrate Veterans Day with the Gainesville Community Band, directed by R. Gary Langford, The concert program includes the theme from "Gettysburg, Reflections from the Wall" and the "Armed Forces Salute" along with additional patriotic pieces. A free-will offering benefits Filter of Hope -  sharing clean water and the gospel with those in need.
There will be a spaghetti dinner in Gordon Memorial Hall immediately after the concert. $5 per person; there is no charge for veterans. More information at http://www.1stpcmusic.org or from Mitch Rorick, Director of Music, 352-378-1527.

Farm City Week Open House
Nov. 19 | 9 a.m. to Noon
2556 West Highway 318
Citra
University of Florida IFAS PSREU Citra will host the annual national event held the week before Thanksgiving to celebrate and promote the partnership between rural and urban communities, recognizing the contributions of farmers and ranchers to a safe, abundant food supply.  More information available at 352-591-2678 or IFAS-PSREU-INFO@ifas.ufl.edu

Gainesville Race for Inclusion
Dec. 6 |8:40 a.m.
Flavet Field
University of Florida Woodlawn Drive
Gainesville
The public is invited to participate in the Special Olympics Florida’s Race for Inclusion in Gainesville. This 5K run/walk helps raise money to support more than 75,000 Special Olympics Florida athletes across the state and the North Central Florida region. It’s a movement to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and given the opportunities they deserve. More information at RaceforInclusion.org

Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program
Ongoing
Are you a landlord looking for ways to improve your rental property? The Alachua County Energy Efficiency Program is offering no-cost upgrades for affordable rentals in Alachua County. Get up to $15k per unit in free upgrades includes weatherproofing, new major appliances such as HVAC systems and kitchen equipment, window replacement and more.
More information available at www.communityweatherization.org/rental-program-aceep/,
or call the Community Weatherization Coalition at 352-450-4965 or email to aceep@rebuildingtogetherncf.org.

Alachua County Crisis Center Volunteer Training
Training begins Sept. 20
Volunteers are being recruited to answer the local crisis hotline, as well as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). The Alachua County Crisis Center provides free and confidential crisis response services to Gainesville and the surrounding community, almost all of which are provided by highly trained volunteers. Volunteering with the Crisis Center is a great way to support our community and those in need, while also learning valuable communication skills you can use for the rest of your life. Training is over 80 hours over the course of eight weeks. Volunteers learn crisis intervention and suicide prevention skills, which prepares them to answer our crisis lines. The training is free and is conducted entirely online. For more information about training, click here. The first step to getting involved in training is to submit the online application found here.

Child Center for Early Learning Enrollment Now Open
820 SW 62nd Terrace
Gainesville
The Child Center operates as a non-profit child care center supporting families who receive School Readiness funding through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC). Head Start registration is no longer required to enroll. More information available at 352-519-1345 or o2bkids.com/locations/the-child-center-for-early-education/

Dementia Caregiver Monthly In-Person Support Group
Third Wednesday of each month | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Trinity UMC in Gainesville
The public is invited to be a part of a monthly support group to find group connections while becoming more knowledgeable and skilled in dementia care. A portion of each meeting is devoted to a specific topic chosen in advance by the group, and a portion is open (yet guided) discussion. . The group is led by a Positive Approach to Care certified independent consultant, trainer, and coach. All are welcome to attend. Please call 352-376-6615 or email hello@trinitygnv.org for more information.

Eligible taxpayers in Florida file for free with IRS Direct File
Through Oct. 2025
The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Florida they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File. The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers. IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct File support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct File. Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate. Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file.

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.